I reached the west coast. Two weeks ago i arrived on the shores of San Diego. I have to say, i was definitely nervous. I love driving on the open road, and being out in nature. I knew once i got to the west coast, that wasn't going to be the same. Of course, you have plenty of nature and parks, but I knew i would be in the city now. So, i arrived in San Diego and met up with my friend Landon. Let me backtrack a little though, back to Arizona.
After meeting up with Ian in Las Vegas, i went down to Tucson, AZ. I met up with a childhood friend, Jessica, and her mother, Cyndi. They were kind enough to allow me to stay with them for a few days so i could venture around. I am so blessed to meet, and to know the people i do. I visited tombstone (which of course i only took film photos, so i have nothing to show), and a few other places. From there i went back up to Chandler, AZ, where Gary (my dad's friend from my last post) was staying. They again allowed me to stay at their place and relax. I met a woman from Alaska too! Her name is Wanda, and she said to give her a call once i get up there. It's amazing to see how things come together. The next day i left and started my journey to the coast.
I arrived in San Diego and met with my friend Landon. I met Landon a couple years back in NYC. This past year, he moved from NYC to San Diego, and is now tattooing there. He is such an inspirational man, and i am so thankful for him. I stayed in San Diego for a few days, then decided to head to LA. I couldn't wait to meet up with my friend Mitch. I also had a lot of models i wanted to shoot with in the city. On my way to the city, i stopped by Julian, and picked some sage. As i was picking, this man walked up to me and asked if i needed help. So, i let him pick sage with me, only to find out he was offering to help with my car, because he thought i was having car troubles. He told me he was walking from California back to his home in Montreal. I took a photo of him (again on film) and gave him some sage for the road. I arrived in Los Angeles not long after and met up with a model, Deanna. She was super sweet and allowed me to sleep on her floor. The next day i met up with Mitch. Mitch is from New jersey, like me. I met him probably five years ago in the music scene. I would always photograph his band, until a few years ago, when i joined. He moved out to LA for music school a year ago, and is now graduated and living in hollywood. I've been in LA for about two weeks now, and i've done so much! I've done a few photoshoots, i gave mitch a haircut, i climbed some huge rocks, i went to Joshua Tree, and so much more. I've hung out with a lovely philly girl who now lives out here, Annie. I also met up with an awesome vintage gal, Taylor. My best friend, Joey also flew out here and we have been exploring LA.
The city isn't my favourite place, but it hasn't been bad. I did get an $80 ticket...for street sweeping...and i was in my car when it happened. It sucks, but all things happen for a reason. I am also sick for the first time on the road, which is pretty awful. It's just something you have to deal with and know it will pass. Also, i got my camera fixed in San Diego, so that's beautiful news! I am so happy to be hanging out with people and as busy i am on the coast. I will say, the west coast has a lot of rude people...but this is just what i have been experiencing. Also, i'm sorry it's taken so long to write this, i have just been extremely busy everyday! Plus, the three hour time difference. I will be leaving LA later this week, and am so excited to see what comes next! I am also sorry because i mostly take photos on my film camera, so there isn't too much to show. I'm trying to take photos for my blog as much as possible though! Thanks for all your support; Love you all.