Tears of a Clown (Steve Gray)

An old shoot with Steve I never got to posting. We got to shoot in his newly and temporarily obtained photo studio. This was a hard shoot for me because 1.) It was me in a plain backdrop, so it was all me, I didn't have anything or anyone to interact with...and 2.) I was trying to be super expressive...and at times happy? which is hard for me.

I was actually very happy with this shoot. Hoping to get more pictures of the outfit considering I made it, and my fashion design page needs an update of some kind. Oh well, picture time!



*I really need to dye my roots -.-




*my favorite

Lol silly Steve is obsessed with tulle now. He used it in another girl's shoot, and he came into Hancock while I was working today and bought some more.

I'm home!

So it's Turkey Massacre break. I've got the week off so I came home. It's nice to be here more than a weekend. However, because of the amount of time off I have I decided to pick up some hours at my old job, seeing as they can use all the help that can get. So most my break will be spent at Hancock Fabrics. It's a little busy, but not so bad. Plus I could use the spare cash.

Not much is going one in my personal life. I got my first speeding ticket recently, which totally sucks. And it's the last month of school, so things are getting crazy. Lots of final projects and exams. But at least my Christmas break will be off to a good start...

To my surprise I've got another concert planned. The Birthday Massacre is coming to Omaha the first week of winter break. So I'm super excited to see them with my friends Angie and Eric. I have a few more friends going, but those are only two I know are going for sure. It's gonna be great. I've seen them three times before, but they always put on a good show.

They Might Be Giants (Omaha, NE)

So yesterday I got to see They Might Be Giants at the Slowdown in Omaha, NE. By the way, Slowdown, you've been super awesome to me lately. KMFDM, the Smashing Pumpkins, and They Might Be Giants...all since August. You guys are too awesome.

I ended up going to show alone. Which was kinda sad at first. But I meet a girl named Katie who was pretty cool. We both had coffin purses, so that's how we started talking. It was nice not to be alone.

The opening act was Gold Motel. They were actually alright. Gonna have to look them up. And not to fangirl...but the guitarist was beautiful.

TMBG was awesome, no surprises there. They're a really fun group to see live. (Apparently Katie's seen them 6 times. Damn!) There was a lot of conversations between Little John and Big John (that's what I've been calling them all these years, I'm sorry XD). They did a puppet show, which was cute. And I flipped when Little John pulled out the accordion. And we got loot! Katie got a set list and a record the Big John handed her, and a set list. I got Marty's drumstick, which was exciting. I also got Gold Motel's set list.

Picture time!

Blah...

Kinda just an update to say that...well...there's nothing to update. Still rotting in Ames, IA. School is getting a little harder. A few projects and exams are coming up. Feeling super unmotivated, so it's going to be painful. And I've just been depressed lately.

It's not all bad I guess. I officially have 2 friends now. Met a cool guy named Steve in Des Monies. He's got good taste in music, thus he's worth talking to, right? XD And for anyone who's like "ooooOoooooOoooo Monnie's hanging out with a boooooy!" You couldn't be more wrong.

Today was typical Monday. Angie and I got together, went to the cemetery and had sushi for supper. Here, enjoy a awkward picture taken with the random tripod I found in my room. Gotten love the thumbs up, the skewed frame, and dumb faces we're making.


I'll probably be going home this weekend. It's been a few weeks so it'll be nice. I'm going to Omaha's annual Goth Ball. I'm a little nervous due to drama but I'll try to have fun anyway.

Next week is also the They Might Be Giants concert! Yay!!!

Guess that's it. Sorry for the waste of an entry.

The Smashing Pumpkins (Omaha, Nebraska)

So...I don't know how I missed this memo, but I didn't find out that the Smashing Pumpkins were coming to Omaha until the day before the show. Naturally, I was ready to throw in the towel considering it was a sold out show. But my friend Angie is awesome and was determined to get us tickets. We were gonna skip school and go scalp them, but luckily her boyfriend came through for us in flying colors to get the tickets.

After our classes that day we drove down to Omaha. We missed the first opening act, but didn't really care. The second opening act was...interesting...to say the least. "I think we're too sober to enjoy this" Angie said.

It took a while for me to get to the front where I wanted to be. There was a 7 foot doughebag in my way in one spot. I usually try to play it 'cute' to get closer to the stage...but for the first time it didn't work. *GASP* I must be loosing my looks with age. Sadness...I eventually got a good spot, but I felt bad because Angie told me to go up there without her because I wanted it more. I LOVE YOU ANGIE! I ended up standing next to a stage hand that smelled like dog poop and looked like Jack Black, but I didn't care.

The actual concert had it's ups and downs. The microphone didn't work half the time, but they made up for it in long guitar solos and face-offs.

After the show, we went behind the venue to try and meet Billy. He actually came out and did a group greeting. That was nice of him, considering he didn't have to come at all. I was standing a yard away from him. I was in awe...so I didn't take any pictures. XD (He's not Robert Smith, but he's been one of my long time heroes.) During this, a stage hand walked up and randomly handed me a pic signed by the bassist Nicole. So that was exciting. I had never gotten anything like that at a concert, but I always really wanted one. But I'm not the type to fight the crowd for it. Too scary.

After that we went to Village Inn, then crashed at my house for the night. My kitty Frankie was surprised. He loved me up hardcore for a long time.

So all in all, it was a good night. An awesome impromptu adventure if I do say so myself. Angie, you are awesome!!!!

*Picture Time!*



Billy during one of his many guitar face-offs with Jeff.



Billy and Nicole



Jeff..."So they replaced one Asian with another?" Best quote ever from Angie.



Currently hanging on my dorm wall. <3

Actually got other exciting concerts planned in the next few months. They Might Be Giants will be in Omaha November 1st. I'll be going to that one for sure with Steve and Angie. Then at the end of November I found out that Peter Murphy and She Wants Revenge will be playing Kansas City. Trying to put a group together for that.

Military Shoot (Steve Gray)

This was an interesting shoot to do. I enjoyed it, but it was weird shooting with someone new. Eric's a cool guy so it was fun...even though he kept making me laugh during the shoot. Dork. Still gotta love him.

But yeah, I really like how some of these turned out. But then some...not so much. Steve thinks it's funny save really ugly pictures of me apparently. Then there were just some shots that just looked awkward, which I contribute to it being my first time with someone else. (excuses excuses)

Anywho, it's picture time...



This is my favorite honestly. <3



Another fav, I love Eric's expression in this. XD





Oh and we got to use real guns too. O_o





So this boy has the audacity to say he's ugly?! I think he needs to have some sense smacked into him. Just playin'. Don't have the heart to smack that face...



...But I've got the heart to shoot a laser beam through it! (sorry, I love this blooper)

So yeah, lots of fun. Kinda sad though because I have the feeling Eric isn't gonna want to do another shoot. Sad day. :(

Lets Do The Time Warp Again!

So, life's been crazy fun lately. I went home for the weekend, and I brought my friend Angie with me. She was originally coming with because of Fashion on Fire...but do to stress and anxiety...I dropped out of the show. I've never dropped a show before, so I felt weird about it. I kinda want to take a hiatus and actually focus on school. But I've been offered a spot in the annual Goth Ball fashion show, so I feel like I should take it. However, I had better get working if I do. Still trying to decide... Anyway...crazy fun!!!...

We went to the old market with my friend Eric, and Angie's friend Gonzalo (who looks just like Brad Pitt XD). I got a new Cure vhs tape and a Clan of Xymox cd. And she got a portrait of Jesus...which is now hanging in her bathroom. Her boyfriend wouldn't let her hang it in the bedroom or the living room...so she had no other choice.

That night we went to a live Rocky Horror Picture Show showing at a local theater. My friend Nicholas was playing Dr. Frankfurter in the reenactment group. He took my virginity too. I had never been to a live showing before, though I've seen the movie a billion times. It was amazing. The funniest part was the fact that I went to the show after having two liquid cocaines at the bar next to the theater. So I spent the first half of the movie drunk and laughing loudly. Oh well, turns out my friend Shawntelle went to the show drunk too.



This week has just been spent going to class and cemeteries...the usual. Angie and I ventured to the next town over hoping to find an abandoned, haunted nursing home. But it was torn down, as I suspected considering my research. But we found a pretty cemetery...and it was huge! I'd post pictures, but blogger suddenly hates me. -.-

Oh well, pictures are on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/monniepuff

I'm going home again this weekend. Going to do another shoot with Steve. I'm doing the shoot with my friend Eric as well. I'm a little nervous because I've only ever shot with Chessna. So it's gonna be weird working with someone else. We're doing a military goth theme, which'll be interesting. Steve even said he could get us real weapons. Sweeeeet!

Pink Shoot-Steve Gray

Some pictures from a shoot Chessna and I did a few weeks ago. It was funny because Steve told us 'gothy'. But we always do that! So Chess and I showed up in pink. XD I felt like the shoot went really well...which is rare. Kinda depressed though...this is the last shoot we'll be doing together because she's moving. T^T Gonna miss her a bunch, but she'll be happier in Louisiana. Oh well, picture time!


Me and Rupert. This is a rare picture of myself that I like.


Chessna. I love her dress. <3

Issues-Fashion Show (Delayed Post)

Okay, these aren't the best pictures, but I've yet to receive any good close ups. My photographers been pretty busy.

This was a very stressful show for me for many reasons. A zipper on one of the dresses broke so I had to safety pin it closed...which surprisingly added to the dress' look. One dress just didn't fit the model, or any of the others, so I had to call my mom and have her bring the punk kimono that I've already shown. Clothing-wise my troubles ended there.

Then there was emotional issues (lol the show was called Issues after all) I was having. I was super nervous because I felt like I was doing something different than what I normally do. But no one seemed to notice. My mom said it still looked like my aesthetics. So that's good. Hate to think I was conforming.

Was also depressed because a friend I'm fond of was modeling for my friend Chessna. So I spent most of the day watching him look at all the pretty models. Felt like the ugliest girl in the world. Which was ironic considering my fashion line was mocking the concept of beauty.

Oh well...time for the pictures!



You can't tell, but these two models have the niptuck lines of their face. My theme was plastic surgery and anti-beauty. The girl in the kimono is a life saver. She was my stylist, and she also covered for a model of mine who had to leave suddenly.
*that's my dad on the right of the runway filming with his phone*



These two are post-surgery. I love the way they looked beautifully ill.
*lols the guy with gray hair is my awesome photographer Steve Gray.*



Group shot! Me looking totally plain and my beautiful models.

Too Many Adventures

First off, the Issues fashion show was crazy! But I'll post a full story when I get the runway pictures from my photographer.

This was the week of my birthday, and it was pretty busy and cake filled. I seriously received 3 cakes. Don't ask how I'm going to eat it all because I really don't know. Thursday was the actual day of my birthday, I turned 21 finally. Not that I'm obsessed with drinking, it's just that I've had to miss a lot of fun events because I was too young.
I spent the day doing random things for my own pleasure. I went and bought two pretzels and pigged out. I took them to my creepy playground and ate them on the swing set. Then I went and chilled at the cemetery with 'Greeley'. After that, I went to my friend Angie's apartment where she threw a small party for me. It was nice.

(^^^the cake Angie made me)

Friday, I drove home for the weekend. Had adventures on the car ride home too. I stopped in a small town to go potty, and I ended up finding an awesome abandoned house...where I nearly fell through the floor to my death and no one would've known. I found some goodies though. I took two random tea cups that were sitting on the kitchen counter (I gave one to my friend Chessna), and a burnt Bible.

And after that I went to a really creepy cemetery. I was seriously the only living soul for miles...

I finally made it home, and I'm greeted by a giant bat cake my mom made me. It was amazing. Then I went out to hang out with my friends Chessna and Tracie. And they had for me, you guessed it...another cake. XD



We then went out on the town. We had Chinese food, then we went to a bar where I spent an hour and a half drinking the drink Chessna got me...I'm a slow drinker. Then we drove around randomly. We eventually picked up our friend Eric and hit another bar. Was so tired, didn't get home til 3AM.

Saturday, Chessna and I did another shoot with Steve. We did it at some fancy archway outside a Catholic girls school. Then we moved the shoot to Elmwood Park. I feel like the shoot went well, but it's hard to say.

Then I went and bugged Shawntelle and her son.

(^him being adorable at the Goodwill)

Ended the night with dinner with my mom, harassing Eric at work, and the return of Creature Feature. It's a local monthly event in Omaha held at the movie theater. They show bad horror movies and have little skits during intermissions. This month's movie was the Wasp Woman...wow was all I could say. It was another late night, didn't get home till 2AM.

Today's Sunday, so that means I have to got back to stupid Ames later. Currently just laying around the house, tired...

Weeks Of Hell Coming...

So, I'm going to be very busy over the next few weeks...I have a fashion show next week, Issues. I have a lot of work still. I always do this to myself! I love torturing myself by waiting til the last minute. At least I only have 4 outfits to make, one of my models had to cancel. The inspiration for this line is Jeffree Star, Jem (the cartoon), bright colors, and plastic surgery. It's a little weird using so many bright colors, not gonna lie.

But I'm going back into the dark with the show I'll be doing in October, Fashion on Fire. Due to time constraints I will be reusing pieces from the "Stuff Animal Funeral" line, and I'll be making new pieces as well. I will be making my first piece for a child. My friend Shawntelle is letting my borrow her son. I'm so excited and nervous.

After those, I won't have a show til February...however it's a bridal show O.O. I plan to spend a lot of time on this line. NO PROCRASTINATING THIS TIME!

Links:

September 17:
http://www.tellmeyourissues.com/

October 1:
http://www.tellmeyourissues.com/

My Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monika-Spook/158318940890697?ref=ts

My Chemical Romance (Des Monies, IA)

So, after being a fan for 6-7 years, I FINALLY got to see My Chemical Romance live yesterday. They were opening for Blink 182. My mum also went because she's a fan. It was so exciting. I wish they were on stage longer, but oh well.

Off the top of my head I remember they played...NaNaNaNa, I'm Not Okay (I Promise), Planetary (GO!), Give 'em Hell Kid, Helena, S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W, Welcome to the Black Parade, Kids From Yesterday, Teenagers, and they finished with...Cancer...WTF?! I'm sorry, what kind of a closing song is that? And they didn't play either of my favorite songs from Danger Days (Save Yourself...and Bulletproof Heart). They didn't even touch the I Brought You My Bullets... album. I promise I enjoyed it though (Insert Frank: Trust me).

Hopefully I can see them when they headline. Gerard's hair was sooo pretty in the light. *fangaism* My camera sucks at concerts, so I didn't take any pictures. But I got something just as good...I got Ray, Frank, and Mikey's autograph. I had them sign my purse. <3 After they left the stage, I talked my mum into ditching the rest of the show and going to wait by MCR's tour bus. There were already some girls waiting. They were all high school girls...showing how damn old I am. I can't believe I've listened to them so long and these girls probably just discovered them in this album or two ago. Not judging, or being an elitist. Just confused about my age. XD

Oh well, less talk more pictures!...

I got Ray's first. I didn't have a good pen yet. So he used my red pen. He was very quick, and aloof. I don't think he made eye contact with anyone. I don't believe it was because he's stuck up or anything. I have always had the feeling he was kinda shy.


Frank! I swear I'm still freaking out about him. I shook his hand twice (and he had a good grip). He said my name and I could've flipped right then and there. I had to keep my cool. Didn't want him to think I was like the other dumb high school girls. And he was super polite and talkative. It was funny when he was talking to my mum and she was saying how she got into them because she was screening my cds to make sure my music was appropriate (this was when I was 14), and he was like "And you still let her listen to us?!" It was so cute. It took a while to figure out what it said, but he wrote "Monnie, Keep the Faith. xo Frank".

Mikey was another quick one. The only difference is he had a body guard? I don't know. But yeah, it's funny looking at him now. To me he just looks like a kid trying to be a grown up. He'll always be little Mikey to me. XD

After Mikey, they all left. It sounded like Gerard left from another door. I'm super sad I didn't get to meet him. But I understand, he's the lead singer after all. He'd get jumped. Not gonna lie though, I would've hugged him if I could. Some of the other girls were super bitchy about it though. Whatever, I'm sorry but Gerard, and the rest of the band for that matter don't owe YOU anything. Bitch.

I did make one new friend at least. I don't normally like teenagers, but she was pretty cool for being 15. She wasn't an idiot like the rest, and she kinda reminded me of myself at that age.

Ughh I'm so tired. I was gonna post another entry about everything else in my life...but I don't know. I'm pretty beat from last night. Might take an nap...

Homecoming

So since I had a three day weekend I decided to come home for Labor Day. I got to see some of my friends that I've missed terribly. On Friday, after my morning classes, I took the three hour drive home. I stopped at my house briefly, but no one was home. So I met with Chessna and my our talented photographer Steve and did a photo shoot in the cemetery...because that's never been done before right?


Sadly this is the only picture I've seen from the shoot. I'll post more when I get them.

After the shoot, Chessna and I cruised around Omaha...bored. We decided to stop off at Shawntelle's house and chatted with her for an hour.

Yesterday I had lunch and did some shopping with my mom. <3 Then I went out to see The Blacktop Ramblers (a local rockabilly band) with Chessna and Steve. There were supposed to be other bands, like a Misfits tribute band, but apparently they canceled...lame. After the show we had a picnic in the parking lot while watching the show tear down. It got to be 11, and Steve sent us young ladies home. :P

Today I hung out with Shawntelle. We hit up the Spirit Halloween store, some Indian food market, and then ate lunch at a random Chinese food place. Considering the restaurant was completely dead, the food was actually not bad.


*Goofy cell phone picture of Shawntelle and me at the costume shop.

Going to hang out with my mom some more tomorrow, then I'll have to go back to Ames in the afternoon. Sadness. :(

Everyday is Halloween

So today went better than I thought it would. I was sad because it was really cold and rainy earlier, ruining my plans to eat lunch in the cemetery with "Martin" and "Wilheim". So I went back to the dorms after class and took a nap until about 5PM.

Then I had to run some errands, and then drove around randomly to see what I could find...I found another, bigger cemetery. So I found the only mausoleum and ate McDonalds on the step while listening to the Cure's album Pornography on my car radio. Took pictures of course.


My car by my...okay Greeley's mausoleum. It was funny. There was a jogger that keep running by and staring...it was like "Don't stare! You're here too!" XD


This one kinda made me sad. I mean this part of cemetery (the children) always depresses me anyway. But the Hello Kitty made me think of my mom. We both love Hello Kitty. When she dies, which better not be for a long time! I'm gonna leave her HK's.

I just loved the placement of these two crosses. So pretty.

After the cemetery I found a closed school right down the street. It wasn't in such bad shape, it looks like it's being used for storage. The playground was pretty old and worn though.


After my wanderings, I went to JoAnns Fabrics. I got two cute skull knits, some new skeleton-hand gloves for a buck, and a pack of mini coffins. They're for treats, but I'm going to put small dolls and stuffed animals in mine. It was funny. When I was checking out, the cashier was like "Getting ready for Halloween?". I just agreed, though what I really wanted to say was "Everyday is Halloween."