Bueno Locals - FPSF 2015 edition

Asli Omar of The Tontons

Grizfolk

Robert Ellis 

Benjamin Booker

 Well, FPSF, you chewed me up and spit me out. Third time was a charm for this year's festival, I was able to jump from stage to stage thanks to the last minute venue change. NRG Park was hell on concrete, but the musical treats that I discovered made up for it. After arriving fashionably late, I made it just in time for Portugal. The Man and Gary Clark Jr. - the best start for Day 1. These men proved to be a crowd pleaser with their uncontrollable sex appeal and their sheer talent. No one was disappointed. I was not able to capture any photos with my camera on the first day, which I am happy about. I was able to bask in the musical glory and focus on enjoying The Bright Light Social Hour, Band of Horses, St.Vincent, Charles Bradley (I did get a few pictures of him, but they all came out blurry because the man has some gyrating dance moves), and R.Kelly.

Day 2 had me listening to both familiar and new bands. Started off with Futurebirds (4th time seeing them), The Band of Heathens, and The Tontons. Both The Band of Heathens and The Tontons are TX native bands, so I am now on a mission to catch them again in the Houston area. I am a sucker for musicians and singers that have amazing hair and can put on a spectacular show. During the Future Islands set, I happened to stumble upon Brandi Carlile do a cover of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain. Those who know me well can pretty much guess my reaction- I dropped all of my possessions, except my camera, and jetted to the stage. I apologize for anyone that tried to get my attention during this time. I was being hypnotized by that bass line.

The highlight of FPSF for me was seeing Robert Ellis and Benjamin Booker. Ellis, a Houstonian, grabbed the audience by the hand and gave a true countryside journey through his lyrics. He was calm, cool, and collective- even when some asshole in the crowd yelled, "Are you Buxton?!". Snaps to you, Mr.Ellis. 

Benjamin Booker is based from my home state, Louisiana! This little youngin' combines blues, punk, and soul into his music. His ragged voice leaves chills down to your toes, and his guitar playing fills your body with motions that make you want to dance all the way from Houston to New Orleans. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and catch either one of these fellas whenever and wherever you can. You will not be disappointed.

As for FPSF, I always say that this year will be my last year. I don't see myself in Houston this time next year, but then again I don't like to plan that far ahead. One thing I did learn from this festival is that I am better off alone. There is nothing more satisfying then flying by the seat of my pants and not having any pressure of seeing the headliners. It's all about just sitting back and drowning in the sweet tunes of summer. So thanks again, Free Press Summer Fest, it was a pleasure.

Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky

Summer is officially here. Bring on the sun-kissed tans, the sweet humid breezes, and the glorious days of MUSIC FESTIVALS. The first on my list is Free Press Summer Fest. This will be my third round for the Houston festival, and I believe it will be my last. Texas in June has proven that my body is getting older, and it is just plain miserable to stand the 100+ degree heat. So, I want to finalize my last FPSF with , as the kids say nowadays, on fleek outfits. It's a two day festival, but I have shockingly over prepared and picked out seven outfits.  Quick! Which two should I wear?!

The Pictures of Morgan Gray

I met Morgan Gray (she has a cool name, so I will be using her full name at all times) about a year ago. I know it sounds cliche, but I knew instantly that she was going to be one of those people that bring light and laughter into my life. With a dry sense of humor, a can't-hold-me-down attitude, and a life story that truly touched my heart- I knew we were going to be two peas in a pod.

When I started this project, I really didn't know what to expect. I just knew that I wanted to document all the people I have met throughout my life. Morgan Gray was gracious enough to be my first guinea pig, and I was STOKED when she arrived on her motorcycle. If I didn't think that she was bad ass enough with her unique tats and fiery red hair, arriving on her bike (which she named Beryl Markham) set the bar way higher.

Morgan Gray is spreading her wings and moving to Portland, soon. We've already discussed our Portland adventures of locking ourselves in her room to listen to Local Natives, watch Barbara Stanwyck movies, find Portland's best coffee shops, and to talk about topics like feminism, Bukowski, and tattoos.

Morgan Gray, I see great things happening for you. Thank you for being a beautiful woman, for introducing me to the delicious creation of Fat Bao (I still crave them everyday), and for letting me ride on the back of your motorcycle! Love and light to you and to your new adventures.

Follow Morgan Gray on Instagram

Bad Self Portraits

1. Student life has killed my social life, but it has given me more time to take pictures (of myself) and fart around with my guitar.

2. I promised myself that in the year 2015 I would try to be more open when it comes to expressing my emotions to others...its a SLOW process with not much results. But, hey, its only April!

3.Leaving for the Dominican Republic in 81 days. Need to brush up on my history and trivia!

4. Since joining Weight Watchers, I have lost 12.3 pounds and I feel amazing. Seriously, I have always been a heavy kid since junior high and I love the fact that I can face myself in the mirror. Its boosted my self confidence, and thus boosted my dating life ;-)

5. The title of this post came from my new favorite band Lake Street Dive

6. Houston is beginning to grow on me, especially since I found this place

7. Having a serious debate with myself about whether I should dye my hair blonde, or stay natural and donate my hair once it is long enough. Thoughts?

8. My next dream trip is to take a long road trip to visit family in New Mexico and to stop in Marfa, TX along the way. This WILL be happening by the end of the year.

Can't wait to start doing photo shoots again so that this blog isn't just a life update portal. Until next time!

Madeline

Are You Leaving For The Country?

Here is a sneak peek of my latest photo shoot! I got to collab with some seriously talented and amazing people, and the results are pretty epic. These are just my simple iPhone snapshots, but Shawn and Michelle will be sending me the edited photos soon. Thanks again to Mother Nature for cooperating, Chiara for being a gorgeous gal both inside and out, and for the lovely Olivia for shining light and giving face <3

Check out the links below to see all of these amazing artist doing their thang:

Michelle

Shawn

Chiara

Olivia

Avy E

Love and light,

~Madeline~

Listen To The Wind Blow, Watch The Sun Rise

We texan gals get a little too excited when our weather drops a few degrees. (78 degrees literally turns 60% of girls into basic bitch status of Lulu Lemon yoga pants, Ugg boots, and pumpkin spice lattes galore) But I will say that our latest cool front makes for a pretty glorious photo shoot. I have met some amazing and beautiful people in the past 5 years, and I was thrilled to get them altogether to see what magic would happen in front of the camera. They make it all look so easy.

Thanks again to the babest of babes Chiara, Veronica, Gigi, and Thuy!

We're All In A Dance

Life is a dance we all have to do.  I reached a breaking point with the work tango I was doing for the past 9 days straight. So, I took my bestest gal pal, Hayley, and ventured to our favorite city of Austin, TX (this was our 3rd trek in the past 4 months. To say we are obsessed is an understatement.) Although this was a shorter trip, we made the most of it. We ate whatever we wanted, made no plans, and alughed until we cried. Today, we spent our Sunday Funday exploring art and music.The Graffiti Park was such an inspirational spot filled with art on top of art on top of art. It is a hidden spot that gives the artistic community freedom to express themselves. Then, we went to Friends of Sound and found a Stevie Nicks poster, and cheap Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and The Beatles records- which,if you know me well, was the perfect ending to our trip. 

Until next time, Austin.

~Cheers~

CrazySexyCool

Working 9 to 5...and then some. I have been living a 65 hour work week for the past 2 weeks- and I have been loving every moment. I've said my goodbyes to my sleeping hours and my social life, but hey you can do that in your twenties. Ever since I started shamelessly watching America's Next Top Model, I have always wanted to have Jay Manuel's job. Well ladies and gents, it happened. Working a full time retail manager job and stylist for photoshoots is exactly where I want to be. I feel so blessed to be meeting new people and working with some of the most fabulous people I have ever met. Not only are we all working with fashion, but also charity. Faith McGary and her husband have infused fashion with charity (Lone Star Bulldog Rescue), and it feels amazing to do something you love and make a difference for animals in need. I will keep posting all of the Behind the Scenes photos on the blog, and if and when they get published I will have a separate site for a portfolio.

Lovin life y'all