LA Photo Diary/Week Recap

Leaving for LA selfie.

LA.

Got my thigh piece finished a couple weeks ago. Thanks Andrew Thaxter!

Instax shots while hanging out with Courtney.

Lacey and I in Venice.

Grapevine clouds.

Proofs from my shoot with Courtney. Stay tuned for these.

Lacey's dog, Char.

The Chain Gang of 1974

I spent a few days in LA last week, and I must say, it was probably the best trip down there ever. I got to spend a lot of time with one of my closest friends, Lacey. I went down Wednesday, during which we hung out at Venice beach and went out to dinner with another friend. Thursday, I spent part of the day with my girl Courtney, whom I ended up shooting with in Echo Park. Stay tuned for those photos soon. Went at ate at Two Boots Pizza, browsed Origami Vinyl, explored a bookstore, and talked about boys (how typical). It was a really fun afternoon. Afterward, I headed down to the Slidebar in Fullerton to see The Chain Gang of 1974 for the first time in nearly six years. Kam has come a long way since I last saw him play, and I must say, I was impressed. They just released their new album, Daydream Forever, about a month ago now, so if you haven't already, give it a listen and pick it up. Btw, thanks, Kam, for the records!

Friday I ran errands with Lacey the majority of the day, and helped her pack up her apartment for her move to Glendale. It actually rained a good majority of the day, which was sort of a pain in the ass running errands, but I always enjoy the rain nonetheless. Friday night we decided to head to The Echo to see Chain Gang play (again, for me). I thought they'd be something Lacey was into, and I sure am glad I was right.

I'm afraid I may have fallen in love with Los Angeles, and if any of you really know me, know how incredibly weird that is coming for me. I guess this trip gave me a new perspective on the city. I met so many rad people this time around, and it was nothing but good vibes the whole time. So, thanks to everyone I spent time with this time around. Until next time.

P.S. - Here is The Chain Gang of 1974's song of their new record that also appears on the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack.

xo

Maddie

InstaUpdate

Little Cat's face in this is ridiculous.

First selfie with my new iPhone 5s. lol

Hrvrd!

Little Cat sitting upright in my lap... What a weirdo.

Finally got my leopard shark leg piece colored in! Thanks to J Esparza

Finally got some rain, and then fog the next morning.

Sunset.

Megan and I!

I have so busy lately. Started a new job (which so far I am loving). It just tends to create a problem with trying to take outfit photos, especially what with daylight savings and it getting dark so early now (I've always despised this). So, I figured I'd throw together a little Instagram update with some shots from the past week.

The highlights? First, I got my leg piece finished, and I am so so happy with how it came out. It's at that terribly itchy stage in the healing process now. Pretty sure that's the worst part ever. Then on Saturday, my best friend, Megan, and I went up to Walnut Creek to see our friends in Hrvrd and Night Verses play a show. Such great bands and fun guys. I'd seriously recommend checking them out. How are all you guys doing?

Here's Hrvrd's latest music video, to make it easy on ya all.

P.S. - Karmaloop is running a contest for a chance to model for them. I would be forever grateful if you guys would vote for me HERE!

Love you all!

xo

Maddie

Seattle Photo Diary

I know, I know. I'm a couple weeks late on this post, but here it is!

The drive from California to Washington. Top; Northern California. Bottom; Coming into Seattle.

Bunch of CDs I picked up while hanging at the Tooth & Nail Records office.

Being as touristy as possible in front of the gum wall with Micah.

Exploring Seattle with Micah as our tour guide.

Creation Fest! FF5 dance party//Merchin'//The Overseer

Reunited with Sarah! Hanging out in Portland.

Eating at Le Bistro Montage//View of Portland from a mountain//Driving through Battleground.

Where do I even begin? The first couple of days were spent exploring Seattle, lots of good food, and meeting all of Micah's old friends/roommates. I've been to Seattle before while on tour, but never really got to experience the city. Micah, having lived there for a large portion of his life, played tour guide and showed us all the best spots and places to eat. It was really nice actually being able to explore the city. Second day we visited his old place of work at Tooth & Nail, and then got to tour Jones Soda headquarters after that. Last day spent in northern Washington was at Creation Fest NW. I finally got to see one of my current favorite bands, The Overseer, there, which was an absolute pleasure. Super rad guys, and they put on a great show. It was also really nice to get behind the merch booth again at Creation. I didn't realize just how much I missed it until getting back there again.

After Creation fest, I said my goodbyes to Micah and FF5 crew, and headed south to Olympia to crash with my friend Mariaya for the night. Was really nice getting to spend some time with her and catching up. Later the next afternoon I headed down to Vancouver to meet up with my friend Sarah! I asked her if she'd show me around Portland, and that is indeed what we did. She took me to the most awesome restaurant, Le Bistro Montage. Their drink menu killed me. So funny. Also, our waiter wrapped my leftovers into the shape of a rose. Would definitely recommend this place. Afterwards, she took me to a record store, and then we went up to this mountain with the most gorgeous view of Portland. 

I met so many awesome people on this trip. I'd forgotten how much goodbyes sucks. 

Until we meet again.

xo

Maddie

Modern Design//Hoot Nest

 First off, I would like to introduce you to my newest sponsor, Modern Design! They contacted me awhile back asking if I would like to choose one of their rings, and of course I said yes! They've got some gorgeous pieces. I decided to go with this mixed metal Tungsten ring. The best of both worlds, both gold and silver! It's awesome because you can pretty much pair it with any jewelry. It seriously hasn't left my finger since I got it. Their customer service is awesome as well. I was surprised at how quickly I got it in the post, and not only that, but it fits like a dream! In love. 

I also had the pleasure of shooting with Yezmene for The Hoot Nest's newest look book again today! They brought in a makeup artist and everything!

You also may have noticed a few changes... I have bangs again! My wonderful boss and mentor, Judith so kindly cut them for me, and I'm in love with them. Also, my ends are finally purple enough to really notice! I honestly haven't been this happy with my hair in a long time. I'm feeling good. 

So tomorrow evening I will be taking off for Seattle for the rest of the week. I couldn't be more excited. Apologies in advance for the hiatus while I'm away, but prepare for lots of photos as soon as I return!

Hope you all have a great week.

xo

Maddie

InstUpdate

Gorgeous Fresno sunset.

Ready to take off for LA.

My sleeping situation while staying at my friend Lacey's for the night. Sleeping bag from third grade, no joke.

Spent way too much money here.

Went to see my friends in Wolves play at Cobalt Cafe.

Retaliating because Mike likes to take bad photos of me.

Stealing hats//Sean is metal even in his sleep.//Phinehas' new EP dropped today!

Truffles is glad to have her mama back home.

Spent the weekend down in SoCal to visit a couple of people close to me. Spent Saturday night and half of Sunday in LA with my lovely friend Lacey. Spent way too much money and ate too much food. Then Sunday night headed out to Canoga Park to see some friends at their show. After that, headed out to La Mirada to spend time with Sean. Which, by the way, his band, Phinehas' new EP, The Bridge Between, dropped today! Pick it up on iTunes here. Such genuine guys and genuine music. They're also heading out to record their next full length next month. 

This weekend did not work out anywhere near how I wanted it to. It was honestly more stressful than anything. Panic attacks a good majority of Sunday, and just a lot of us were pretty stressed out about things. But regardless, I'm glad I got to spend some time with the people I did. It's a whole lot better than nothing, and for that, I am grateful.

There has been so much going on the past couple months. I feel like some things are falling apart, other I am completely clueless on, and I think a lot of us have forgotten what we stand for and why we're even here to begin with. I've noticed some huge changes within myself the past month or so. I've gotten a whole lot closer to God. I'm starting to grow up and mature a lot. I realized how prideful I am, and gave that up. I know what I want, what I need to be. I need to learn to be at peace with my current situation, and trust that things will work out the way they are supposed to in God's timing. I need to slow down my though process. I overthink and overanalyze, and I forget that I can't read minds. I always assume things, when really, I forget I have no idea what other people are thinking and feeling. I stress myself out more than need be. It's almost an obsessive thought process. I need to work on this. Worrying and stressing myself out isn't going to do me or anyone else any good. Perhaps I've done all I can for right now, and need to accept that. Maybe it's not my turn to make the next move. Maybe I need to wait things out, and let them happen on their own. All of this is very hard for me to do. I don't like not being able to be in control. Uncertainty scares me. But I can't really do anything about that, except trust that God knows what's He's doing. Things will work out one way or another. He's watching over me and taking care of me. I need to remember this more than ever, and quit breaking myself down like I have been. It's a problem. 

Prayers and positive thoughts are more than welcome.

xo

Maddie