It's been eons!

Cheers!

Hello all!

It has been a very long time since I last posted. I log in from time to time to see if there is still any interest; and to my humbled surprise, I still see many, many readers coming in to read my posts. I do thank you very, very much for your visits. Below is a quick rundown on the past 18 months.

So what has been happening? A lot! I've left my Academic Director position for a much lower paying teaching position across the bay in Berkeley. And I couldn't be happier. While I've gained a lot of knowledge as a director, it just wasn't worth the stress working for a tyrannical boss; and a tyrant she was. I'll just leave it at that.

I'm also embarking on a career change. I have returned to university to earn a graduate certificate in paralegal studies. That's right. I'm leaving education for law. It's quite a leap. I've already been hired as a part-time paralegal, I must say I really enjoy the sleuthing. Several lawyers whom I've networked with have told me that I have the skills to be a great lawyer and that I should pursue law school. I definitely have an interest, but I don't think I want the stress (and additional student loans).

HOUSE UPDATE

My house! My lovely vintage house! I have made quite a few upgrades to the home. The painting project is finally completed! Before, it was a drab white house with gray trim. I've since painted it red.









I've worked most in my backyard. After the hardscaping and new fencing, I began designing and building my vegetable and fruit garden boxes. I also have a very nice butterfly and hummingbird garden. Of course, being a gardener means having a potting bench. My parents came up during their Christmas vacation and, together, we built this amazing (and amazingly huge) potting bench for all my gardening needs.






ANTIQUE PURCHASES

Of course I made quite a few antique purchases in 2017-18. I had been looking for an antique patio set and finally found one at Alameda Pointe Antique Fair. It's from the 1950s and it just made the perfect addition to my patio. Next on my antique shopping list is antique patio dishes/plates. I've seen them out there at various antique flea markets. I'm also looking to get a small tiki bar.



I purchased a few items for my kitchen. A glass set and toaster from the 1950s. I got these at an estate sale in Berkeley for a grand total of $8. I love finding antiques on the cheap.

Now here is my most prized acquisition from 2017. It is an antique Moroccan chandelier. It matches the chandelier and sconce in my bedroom, only this one has three dragons. It is absolutely beautiful and I love the way it lights up my living room.

File this one under "odds and ends". I wanted to dress up my coffee table, so I bought this magazine featuring Rita Hayworth; one of my favorite actresses who is the inspiration for my having red hair. I'm also looking for two more LIFE covers of Lauren Bacall and Alfred Hitchcock.









TATTOOS

I actually had to ponder for awhile. My last tattoo post showcased my affinity for Alfred Hitchcock. I kept thinking, "did I have any tattoos between Hitchcock and my latest tattoo?" I had to look at old pictures in between to see if I had any additional work. I couldn't believe that there was a two and a half year gap between tattoos. My latest tattoo is a traditional sugar skull in memoriam of the late, great Prince. I've always loved his music since I was a wee lass of 6 years. I still continue to enjoy his music to this very day. I wanted to keep it subtle. My cousin, who is a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, has two MJ portrait tattoos. I didn't really want a portrait so much as I wanted more of a tribute. So I asked my artist to include his famous symbol and a reference to Purple Rain. Everything else I'd leave to his discretion as far as design and color. I'm happy with the result.  This one sits just below my left elbow.


So that is all for now. Yes, I've had my ups and downs the past 18 months, but as always, I remain resilient. No need to reflect on the difficulties because I've had so many more positives to be proud of. Until next time...I'll try to keep updating. Perhaps a new post on my upcoming weekender to Los Angeles. Ciao for now.

The Master of Suspense

A trip to the Southland means a trip to American Vintage Tattoo. I got a simpler piece but it's a masterpiece!

I am a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock; both his cinema and his television series. This was largely due to my mom's influence as she, too, loves Hitchcock. I saw many of his films when I was a little girl, but at such a young age, I overlooked his grand artistry. Now I watch his films not only for pure entertainment but as a study of the human psyche, the art of suspense, the literary devices and cinematic technique. I often watch his series on Netflix, and if there is a Hitchcock festival, you can count on my being in attendance. I even have his albums downloaded to my computer. Whenever I soak in a warm bath, I have the album, Music to Be Murdered By playing as a serenade. Yes, strange, but really, it's just classical music including the famous Funeral March of a Marionette. 

Rather than have a detailed portrait, I decided on his most famous caricature; the Alfred Hitchcock Presents outline and shadow. I asked my artist, Bud, to use shading with different blue hues. This was often a style many pioneering film makers used for films with a night time setting: the use of blue shading. Bud did an awesome job. The lines are very clean, and the birds are stunning. My new favorite piece.

While you're here, enjoy Funeral March of a Marionette.

Goodbye Little Star

It was about that time...

That's right. A trip to SoCal requires a visit to my favorite tattoo parlor in Orange. I was completely undecided on which design to tattoo; Robert DeNiro Portrait, a 1920s diver, Wonder Woman. For some reason, I just wasn't ready for either of those. So I decided on an old idea I once had; the gramophone. After all, I enjoy classic big band jazz. I own a 1912 gramophone and I DJ 1920s-40s music.

At first I was going to place it just below the ditch of the arm; I've always been afraid of that pain of tattooing on it. When I approached Bud (my artist), I told him, "ah hell with it, cover the stars." I knew that meant going into the ditch. He said, "I'm not going to lie; it's pretty harsh." I gave about 5 seconds thought, and just said, "let's do it." 

I got the stars many years ago for no good reason other than to see the ink-slinging process. My dad hated them because it reminded him of the Dallas Cowboys. And us being die-hard 49ers fans...eww! So I really started to hate them. I got them lasered twice; light enough to easily cover them. Now that was PAINFUL! I figured anything else would be more pleasant. And I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't really much pain in the ditch. Bud loves tattooing me because I give him the concept and complete control on design and color. I trust his judgment completely. As an added bonus, I never flinch as he tattoos.

He came out with a beautiful design and the cover up is just awesome. Now let the healing process begin.

The BEFORE and AFTER

Post Script: As I was getting tattooed, Kenny Baker's "Goodbye Little Star" kept playing in my head. Appropriate for this tattoo post. Enjoy!

They see me rollin'....

One can expect that whenever I take a trip to SoCal, I will come back with new ink. Why this design? Why not. I have an appreciation for all things vintage, which is pretty much reflective in the majority of my tattoos. Truthfully, though, I was supposed to get a Robert DeNiro portrait, but since I went overboard on the vintage dress spending a few weeks ago, I opted for something smaller. This image was among others that I plan to tattoo in the future.

In any event, I have now crossed a threshold. I've finally tattooed below the elbow, thus paving the way for full sleeves.

P.S. The script is just part of the picture. It is not part of the tattoo.

Bobby D.

Ahhhhhh Bobby Milk. 

"Who?" you ask? 

Why none other than Robert De Niro, perhaps the greatest actor of his generation. 

I've been a long, LONG time fan. I don't know what the appeal is, but for as long as I can remember, I've always been drawn most to him. I've seen many of his films; not all because he has done a few box office bombs. Perhaps it's my preference for noir of which many of his films fall under that category such as Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Angel Heart (a horrid movie, by the way), and Heat. Then of course there are the mafia/crime films like The Godfather II, Once Upon a Time in America, Untouchables, GoodFellas, A Bronx Tale, Casino. There are just too many to list. Or maybe it's his devilishly good looks that often morphs into a mean mugging face. 

When I decided to finally have a male figure tattooed on me, I asked my tattoo artist, Bud, to make an Edwardian era gentleman with a caricature of Robert De Niro. When it came to placement, he put the stencil on my right forearm. I shook my head no. "I'm not ready to go below the elbows." He was understanding and placed it on my bicep.

When I flew down to L.A. last month, I made my requisite stop at mi amiga's (Wendy) house in Long Beach. She showed me her latest tattoo that Bud did before he went on medical leave. I was in awe. It was a portrait of Johnny Depp; her all time favorite actor. That was when I realized that I am finally ready to go below the elbows. I messaged Bud and said when he's back at work, we're doing a De Niro portrait. He's definitely stoked to do it. I'm hoping we'll get it done this summer.

So in the meantime, I've been researching the right image for a black and grey portrait. Wendy keeps pushing me to get Travis Bickle. EVERYONE does that character that it's become a cliché. But I did come across some great examples.

This is my favorite one. 

Then there is the ever popular Jimmy Conway.

It's too bad this artist put the mole on the wrong cheek.
I hope it's a mirror image.

And this great color portrait from De Niro's role in Machete (which I've not yet seen).

Then there's this curiosity. Frankenstein's Monster. I guess the person who owns this tattoo really loves Mary Shelley's classic novel.

I even saw one Max Cady tattoo though I don't know why anyone would want to tattoo a homicidal, sociopathic rapist. I've only seen this movie once and that was enough. I really disliked that character immensely. I know De Niro's rolls aren't usually the nice guy types, but this character is just too extreme for me.

Of course there is the classic Vito Corleone which is the character I used as a model for my caricature.

I was surprised to find that the character I plan to use isn't among the most sought after design. Neil McCauley. I LOVED him in Heat. It is my favorite De Niro movie. I also think this was when De Niro (at age 50) was at his most handsome. Of course, I am a sucker for goatees. It makes any man more attractive. What I also liked about this character is that despite his tough exterior, he really had a soft spot with some vulnerabilities. It's what made him human.

So this will be my portrait. Hopefully Bud will be back in the shop when I go back this summer. The spot will be my left forearm and a gateway to full sleeves.

New Ink for the Bookworm

“But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground.”

-FSF

  

I've noticed an uptick in interests for my tattoo posts. It's been awhile since my last session and therefore fewer updates. I've finally made it back to the shop though I had a different artist work on me. Bud, my usual artist, has been on medical leave. I figured I can have someone else do smaller pieces and save the larger more complex pieces for Bud. 

One must have a love of literature to understand this new ink. I changed the colors to reflect my preference. One: yellow ink just wouldn't look right on olive skin.  Two: I wanted the eye color to look more like mine. 

New ink

It's been a while since my last tattoo session (about 6 months). I had several ideas in mind, but there was a point when I thought, "you know, I just want to walk into a shop and say, 'that one.'" One of my heavily tattooed friends said that there is something quite empowering about picking a random image especially when all the other work is more thought out.

So that's what I did. I called up my best friend, Wendy, and told her, "I'll be in town; lets call up Bud and get inked together." It was sort of a bonding moment since we've never hung out at a tattoo shop. We're usually just relaxing at her house and shooting the breeze.

When we met up she commented on how nervous she gets before getting inked. I'm pretty heavily tattooed but she has far more than me, and I was surprised by her admission. I told her not to worry about it. The guys at the shop provide loads of quality entertainment and it'll take our minds off the pain.

I was right; the topics these guys come up with in conversation: Boardwalk Empire, male cosmetic surgery such as botox for the balls, tattoos from hell stories (some of their clients are pretty sick), vasectomies, practical jokes, pet peeves with tattoo reality shows, etc. It is never a dull moment which most definitely takes your mind of the pain.

I have a pretty high tolerance of pain so having my inner arm tattooed was a breeze; though I hear for others, it's pretty painful. Yes, there is some amount of pain but nothing that I couldn't handle. There were moments when I nearly dozed off only to have Wendy crack jokes and making me laugh.

Me and Tattoo Boppin' Bud

Wendy's turn

American Vintage Tattoo

 

My finished product

Femme Fatale

I've always maintained an interest in detective novels. Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy are among my favorite authors in this genre. Its motion picture equivalent is Film Noir which was at its peak during the 1940s. There's just something visually appealing about this genre. So for my latest photoshoot, I chose to dress as the striking femme fatale. I'm amazed with the results. I never wear this much make-up such that I almost didn't recognize myself. Plus, I'm always smiling. Here are a select few.

Posin' (updated)

San Francisco 1996: I was aboard the 24 Divisadero line reading a short novel on my way to work when two flamboyant gay men boarded the bus, looked right at me, and beelined in my direction. They sat at a seat directly in front of mine making eye contact with me. 

"Bettie Page," he said. 

"Excuse me?" I was taken back by the matter of fact tone.

"You look just like Bettie Page," he repeated.

We continued on a short conversation until we arrived at my spot. Before departing he said, "You should go into modeling. You have a beautiful smile and great legs." I seriously thought he was pulling mine because I've always had a complex about my legs, but I smiled and said thank you.

I had worked at a corsetry shop just off Castro, and I told my colleagues of the encounter. It was as if it were a moment of clarity. "*GASP* You DO look like her!" We proceeded to do a quick photo shoot with me wearing waist cinchers and corsets. The internet was still in its infancy and the shoppe's website still needed work. My co-worker uploaded one of the photos. It was my first modeling gig.

Modeling was something of a hobby that I'd do off an on. It definitely wasn't something I'd taken seriously. After all, it wasn't a real career for me. I continued on with my studies focusing on my teaching career. Sometimes I'd model for some aspiring photographer friends just so they could build their portfolio. I never thought to ask for copies of the images. But again, it wasn't important to me.

As I became more focused on my career, the requests for doing gigs were slim; mainly because I declined. I was just too busy with work. Eventually, the stress of the job caught up with me when students (male and female alike) become to obsessed to a point where they begin stalking, harassing, and one eventually leading to an assault. 

When you're thrown into a difficult situation, you start to re-evalute your life. Yes it was a horrible experience, but sometimes bad things need to happen to good people as a wake-up call. My job was my life. I stopped doing things for myself.

A very good friend of mine asked if I wanted to do a photoshoot just to get me out of my slump. "You do so much for others. Do something nice for yourself for a change." I thought, why not? It was a nice afternoon when I got all gussied up and began posing (and hamming it up) for the camera. 

My friends loved the shots and they encouraged me to continue modeling. I simply rolled my eyes and laughed. "I'm sort of a late bloomer at this point. I'm in my 30s!" I always felt like I was too late. My age, my body; I just can't compete with all the young talent.

So I slowly got back into it. I've lost most of (and continue to slowly lose) the weight I gained with Demian.  I've definitely gained a lot more confidence, but I know my body is a continued work in progress. Though I've accepted my hourglass shape and my firm round posterior, I know where to improve. I've invested in a waist cincher to help train my waist to develop that wasp shape. My swing dancing is helping me tone my arms and legs. I underwent extensive laser treatment to remove hair from my legs, underarms, face, and yes even the Brazilian (my time in the shower has been cut in half). And after years of research and questions, I've decided to go ahead with a breast augmentation at the end of this year. No, they won't be porn star enormous. I just want to be in proportion because right now, I'm far from it.

As of late, I've been getting emails from photographers asking to work with me. One of them even paid me.  I don't expect to make a living off of modeling. (Heck, I'm still teaching, but this time at the college level which is far less stressful.) In fact, I'm doing it more for myself and entering contests. If I win, that's great. If not, no big deal. Though I did come in 3rd place for one contest. It was nice to receive some accolades. I know more photo shoots will come along the way considering that I'm an active member of a 1930s-era chorus line.

I will continue to update this post as more shoots come my way. So in the meantime, enjoy some of the shots below.

Cheers,

Rose Red

Ink Therapy

When I was little, I used to stare at my dad's tattooed arm, trace my finger along the lines and ask endless questions. Sometimes I tried to rub off the ink, but my dad said that the only way it would come off is if the ink was burned off. I didn't understand the concept of inked skin or even the rationale for it, but all I knew was that I loved gazing at these paintings on a human canvas. I have always been fascinated with tattoos since childhood, and it stems from the fact that had it not been for a tattoo, I wouldn't be alive today. 

My dad was 19 when he got his first tattoo. He went down to The Pike at Long Beach with his brother-in-law.  He chose a rose with a scroll and asked to have his last name inscribed in it. Fast forward 2 years later at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. My dad was at the mess hall retrieving his meal when he saw a tiny Woman Marine (WM) looking at his arm. She pointed at his tattoo and said, "that's my last name!" Long story short: they dated, they married, they live happily ever after; the WM is my mom. I once asked her if she would've noticed him had he not had that tattoo. She said, "No. All I saw was some guy with my last name tattooed on his arm." So naturally I would be drawn to tattoos; it was my destiny. At least that's how I rationalize my own tattoos to my mom.

I have quite a few tattoos myself. I was a bit of a late bloomer when I started getting tattooed; my first one at 24. My cousin and I walked in to a San Francisco tattoo shop on Divisadero. She was there for moral support since she already had hers a few years earlier, and her only regret was going alone and picking a crappy artist. I opted for some cherries with flames on my mid/lower back; nothing special and definitely without much creative thought, but at least the work was done well.

There is just something euphoric about the tattoo process. It all starts with an idea and continues into a collaborative effort between artist and canvas. When I walk into the studio, I just stand and take in the atmosphere. The flash covered walls, the smell of sterile air and cleaning products, the melodic buzzing of the tattoo instruments and, of course, the camaraderie. I get such a rush when I sit at the chair and watch my artist get ready to sling ink to skin. Since I have an incredibly high tolerance to pain, I'm rarely uncomfortable. Sure there are spots that make you go, "oooh!" but for the most part, I find it quite soothing. When it's over, I can't help but stare admirably at my work of art.

The most common questions I get about my artwork is "what does it mean?" or "why did you get that?" The truth is, there are various reasons for getting them. My first one was just because I wanted the experience of getting one, but as I've aged, my tattoos have become more personal; some with deep symbolic meaning and some a reflection of who I am or what I love. I like to think of tattoos as illustrated representations of a person's life. The tattoos below are the ones I cherish most.


The Knock Out

Ms. Knock Out was my 36th birthday gift to myself. She was also the first new tattoo I got in four years. Prior to that, I spent most tattoo sessions touching up or reworking older tattoos. When I found the artwork, I knew I had to have it. She is a likeness of one of my favorite actresses (Clara Bow) as well as a good representation of the constant battles I've fought in recent years. I've taken some hits, but I'm a tough gal, and I manage to overcome the myriad obstacles along my life's journey.


Robert DeNiro

My most recent work (as of February 2013) is that of my all-time favorite actor. Before I decided on this piece, I considered all the people images I currently have. They're all women: Bettie Page, Clara Bow, Ms. Knock Out, and 2 pin-up faces. After I finished Clara, I decided that my next piece would be a man. But not just any man. I wanted an Edwardian gentleman in the likeness of Robert DeNiro. My tattoo artist felt the Vito Corleone character best fit that era, so I went for it. What he represents for me is the perfect man. He's handsome, dark and mysterious. He's a gentleman yet tough when he needs to be.


La Llorona

When I was a little girl, my dad used to tell me the story of La Llorona; the weeping woman in search of her children she murdered. (Hispanic parents don't really believe in the fairy tale, happily ever after bed time stories.) However, It was less a horror story and more of a cautionary tale for women; be cautious of men who make false declarations of love. La Llorona is also a ballad; one that I enjoy singing. My favorite lyric: No dejaré de quererte aunque la vida me cueste. I've listened to and sung this song for years. I never realized how much it mirrors the feelings I have now; quite prophetic.


Casados Muertos

The famous Vegas tattoo. Over the past several years, my Easters were spent at Viva Las Vegas. In 2006, I received a random email from a tattoo artist. He liked my style, my skin and my tattoos. He asked to tattoo me at the next VLV show. Why not? My friend and I (because I wasn't about to go alone) met with him at this super seedy hotel on the old strip...at midnight. We met him at his hotel room where everything was completely legit. He had his traveling tattoo equipment, new needles and a saran wrapped chair. It was definitely a good time shooting the breeze and slinging the ink. One of my best Vegas memories. I always enjoy telling the story about the tattoo more than sharing its meaning. Besides it's pretty self explanatory. El Amor Eterno.

La Maestra

 

I am currently an English instructor at a local college, but I used to be a high school teacher. In 2005, I decided to have Ms. Page tattooed as a teacher to represent my profession and my admiration for her. People often commented that I must be pretty vain to have myself tattooed on my arm, and I feverishly explained that it was Bettie Page. I decided to grow out my bangs to lessen my likeness to her. I've since become a redhead and now I get more comparisons to Rita Hayworth.

The tattoos above are just a few of the many others I have on my body. I also have red roses, sugar skulls, pin-ups, swallows, cherries and hellcats but they're more for my affection of American Traditional art than any deep meaning. The next few sessions will focus more on smaller images and filler art to connect the larger pieces.

I do have another planned project: An American Traditional tattoo of Saint Catherine of Alexandria - the patron saint of women, scholars and educators. She will be depicted in prayer and framed within the breaking wheel. I just need to consider placement. Stay tuned; there is definitely a story and a parallel of our lives; coming some time in late 2013 or early 2014.