Color shhmullerr

I have probably been told a trillion times by my good friends that I need to wear more color, to the point where one of them actually asked me whether it had to do with some deeper brewing emotional issue. I am not a goth. I did make it a new years resolution (9 months ago now) that I would wear more color, but that plan failed as soon as I thought it. Though, I think it is safe to say that people tend to gravitate toward the darker, dull, gloomy colors and shades come the long months of winter. But, dark, dull and gloomy is in no way anti-style, nor is it  an ostracized phenomena. Like all things fashion, the more unique, strange and second look worthy a garment is the more "in-style" it becomes. Therefore, I embrace it all! Proof that dark & dull can still be cool? 

      

Photos by Fur Insider
Top Left: Dior F/W 12, Rick Owens F/W 12 & Gareth Pugh F/W 12

Despite the fur overload and face wraps/masks...is it just me or are designers setting us up for careers in robbery? Joking, anyway. Head to toe in the dark & dull, but look at these girls don't their faces just scream "I don't need no color, because I can't actually see any color with this head mask on, this is great!" And with this I am able to justify why my closet looks like I pulled the entire thing out of an oil spill. 

NZ saw a winter of bright colored denim, from canary, burgundy, teal, deep blues to pink, blue and green pastels. As well as mammoth amounts of floral prints on every second pair of legs that walked past. It was a bright Winter to say the least. Knits were/are the necessity and will most definitely be again next season. They say Winter is going to be crazy colored and patterned again next season. I really need to get back to Fiji and out of winter before painting rainbows and flowers on your face becomes a fad. Though, if next seasons winter looked like this and I won the lottery I may tear up my passport...

From top to bottom: Jil Sander F/W 13, Prozenza Schouler F/W 13, Haider Ackerman F/W 13

Quick by Colin Kennedy

Skate boarding, A sport, a lifestyle I really know nothing about, though the appreciation I have for it is great. I really enjoyed this short film by Colin Kennedy. I loved the wide constant and consistent shots of the skating. No fancy zooms or grind close-ups. The ordinary backdrop of communal spaces and everyday coming and goings of regular passers bys, made for a spectacular canvas. And even more the music seemed to effortlessly attach itself to the speed of the skating and vice versa.

              

H U F F E R

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted anything about fashion or style, not that I have any. But still necessary nonetheless. Tis the season to speak fashion! Milan, London, New York all the major fashionista cities have just wrapped up their anticipated fashion weeks (pretty sure I just used fashion 3 times in this sentence). Even little ol' NZ just wrapped their fashion week last week. Guttered I couldn't attend this year because LIFE got in the way. Even more guttered that I missed the Huffer show. I have heard a million and one things about how amazing it was, mainly because it was a big party and the guys behind Huffer scrapped the traditional runway show, instead having their models interact and mingle with guests all in new season Huffer. Huffer designer Steve Dunstan said that they wanted to reflect what Huffer was really about, which is a lifestyle, fun and interaction and not a structured type of show. Awesome idea Dunstan, spot on.

Photo by Cobra Snake
Palm tree prints, orange!? Please Sir, can I have some more?

Photos by Cobra Snake

 



Speaking of, I just copped me some prettttaayyyy rad Huffer polka dot denim. This isn't my "thing" really, but the fit was BEYOND and I thought why not, I should probably wear more interesting things. Striped Tee also by Huffer.

 

                    


Item next on the list. Super simple, perfectly shaded dress by Huffer, duh.

Fiji Trip

Almost 4 weeks ago now I took a wee last minute trip to my island home Fiji to take care of a few bits and bobs. I stepped into warm, humid air painfully expectant. And I left knowing I would and was never the same person that I arrived.

On a beautifully moonlit Friday evening I found myself on a slice of paradise. Little did I know that from the moment I would step out of that airport God’s perfect plan had already been laid, before the beginning of time.  Saturday morning would be the start of my perfect adventure with Him and those who He handpicked for me to share it with. It all began to unfold on that Saturday evening, at my cousin’s 21^st, WHICH I just so happened to time.

I’ve never witnessed anything so beautiful my entire life. There was an unmistakeable feeling of perpetual relentlessness in the room. A space filled to the brim with broken hearts & spirits poured out in complete awe of a love that could shake a young man to his core. I sat there trying my hardest to take everything in. Never letting a single word slip from memory. My cousin, my friend, my brother, my superstar stopped for a few seconds to catch his breath before he honoured a list of people he held before him. I cannot help but see greatness and impossibility bow before his feet when I look into his eyes. His tears showed briefly as he honored the first person on his list. And like a sword swirling with fire, his words cut & burned into the hearts and minds of every person exposed to it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I don’t deserve to know such a person like him, but by grace…

He ended the night by washing the feet of 6 of his best friends. My heart sank. A birthday, a day we celebrate ourselves? Should we not instead celebrate those that made those very years possible? This night I would never forget. If ever I saw Jesus walk amongst us, it was this night.

I later found out that one of my best friends was in the country. Seeing her was like finding sunshine on a cold day, warm and never wanting it to leave. Sharing our stories, laughs, food and gyming like time had never past us by. And through her I reconnected with a long lost high school friend who’s smile ignites me with joy and who’s stories are like gems that I secretly packed away for safe keeping. I also managed to spend time with a great friend that I share a soon becoming unhealthy Brooke Fraser obsession with. And imagine all this stemmed from that warm Saturday evening. I am not perfect but His plans always are and for some strange reason I still fit in them perfectly.

These four pictures sums up all we did together, eat, gym, smile & laugh.

 

 

I cannot forget to mention one more thing that continued to prove just how perfect this trip was. Family. I stayed with my aunt and uncle who I look up to as perfect examples of a couple who yearn and seek God's love more than anything else. I was also able to see both my grandmothers and cousins. Each time I see them, with deepened marks of wisdom on their faces and fading color on their heads I am reminded that I cannot for a second forget that with them is where I started, where I am from.

visiting my grandmother from my father's side. They gave me a little special graduation honor :)

                          

Kimbra

4 hours of waiting. We dared not move from position as time grew closer. Darkness fell on thousands of anticipating faces. Chants of a single name began to brew from behind us and powerfully come alive when glimpses of a possible beginning was seen amongst moving shadows. "KIMBRA, KIMBRA, KIMBRA." Four figures appear in swift but careful fashion. They begin on their instruments, sending the crowd deep into roaring excitement. No sign yet of the one to whom the single name belongs. Then as if out of nowhere she runs out blazing with a rainbow colored flapping and moving dress with a black jewelled corset and black boots. Her infamous dark as night crop bounced as she flashed a bedazzling smile at the crowd. The spotlight hit her exposing mesmerizing beauty. As she kicked off her first song, everyone just stood there unmoved, paralyzed and transfixed trying to take in her energy. All I could hear around me was astonished gasps and exchanged comments of "she's so amazing, what the hek!?", "are you serious, shes so beautiful!" Waves of disbelief swept the arena. When she dropped the beat for "Warrior" we all seemed to snap out of our hypnotic state and straight into some serious fist pump and head bumping action. This has been one song that's been on replay on my Ipod and I tell you, hearing it live was just another level of excitment for me.

Kimbra's live voice is powerful, soaring and without blemish. She grips the crowd with the emotions and stories in her songs. When she sang "Call Me", I felt the giddy confidence that the song imbued, it was crazy to see her acting out it's very words. She danced, jumped and head pounded like no tomorrow, all with pink tambourine in hand. She also played a rendition of "Settle Down", using an iPad to create loops of her live voice. I've only seen her do that on Youtube (see below), but as I said it before seeing it live is when you really appreciate that kind of skill and talent. She is one of the best, if not the best live performances I've seen so far. Seriously, if you ever get the chance, you cannot miss her!

Metal Birds

I took a wee trip down under to celebrate a long 3yr degree that took about 6 months longer than expected. But finally that square piece of hat swag found it's way onto my head with a great black gown to match.

Being away from home means altered routines, subtle & not so subtle adjustments to an environment different from your own. It also means going without particular time slots that you've spent months crafting to suit your own needs and enviornment. Put simply, it's a time out of your comfort zone. Saying goodbye to that well indented body cave you've created on your couch or bed and saying hello to a barely touched or marked one. What happens when we encounter the unfamiliar? Do we maintain habits distinct to our usual environments? Or do our actions and thoughts become dictated by new surroundings. In Romans it teaches us not to be conformed to this world. There is always a good and a bad aspect to adaptation. This trip reminded me how important is to never let your environment, no matter how much it may change to dictate who you are in Christ. I found myself in situations where my usual practices needed to be deterred for the sake of adaptation. That is fine. Just never allow yourself to lose the heart of God in processes of change, small or big.

On the plane over, I sat there spiritually unmoved and unusually oblivious to how far I had come to be able to sit in this very seat. A momentary dry state perhaps. The only way to find water is to step out and FIND IT. So, I fumbled through my bag for writing material. Pen, yes. Paper, no. Napkin, YES. I know alot of people will agree with me when I say that, sometimes you just need to write things down to make more sense of them. So I penned a short poem that kept this trip in perspective for me.

"your grace is sufficient for me

it will carry me across the seas

into a land I once labored

it will grant me glory

under bright lights and tearful eyes.

It will strengthen bonds

and remind me of a love I cannot hide.

It will provide.

It will not cease.

I am grace-full."

Single Ladies! Let the man sleep already!

My beautiful and SINGLE Christian girls, young women and women! I came across this little thing and I wanted to share it. I hope it encourages you as much as it did for me. The poetry is fragmented as if written at different times, while discovering new knowledge. At some points I almost envision myself thinking and doing exactly what is written. It's quite vunerable, but it has a warrior spirit about it. Enjoy :)

A Sleeping Man

No lips, no touch
I'll search you with my spirit
and I'll call you with my heart
Patience, for you
waiting in the quiet
holding on to the Truth.

Slumber for the moment
let your eyes grow heavy
rest your broken bones
and your beaten body.
Pay no mind to time
or each passing season.
Remain in deep sleep
let your alarm be of godly reason

Make no haste to awaken
there is no rush
I will be here always
You will find me in His trust

I've fought many battles
and braved many storms
preparing for you my heart
knowing that the day I would see you
would not be long.

My emotions are hidden away in grace.
Unmoved by encounters of superficial embrace.
Locked away like treasure
that only your hands will gather.
Though my days grow older
I will not succumb to what this world may offer.
Predestined to be one
Though, if you never come
My first love compares to none.

And when twilight prepares for the dark
and starry blanket of a night sky
I imagine you piece by piece
broken and built with intricacy for great glory.
I wonder if you have dreamt of me.
I wonder what you see.
Though I am careful not to entertain a fantasy.

May my love wait till time is perfect and beautiful.
And may time never show on my beating heart.
I will not waste it with worry.
For like the way shadows flee
at light's command
you will be made plain to me & I to you.

So hush now curious mind and roaring heart.
Do not awaken love before its time.
Sleep soundly brave man.
His voice will wake you in due time.
"Until then", HE says, "his heart remains mine."

Old People got Killer swaaag.

I watched this one time and was in complete amazement. This video is an incredibly accurate version of how it went down when my brother and I went to watch P.O.D. I'm watching the video, getting excitied because of the nostalgic feelings that start to tingle in my bones. All up until THAT OLD GUY is crowd surfing, THEN pulled up on stage by Sonny to sing "Alive". Is this real!? Haha. Whaaat a dream come true! Next thing you know P.O.D has a new front man old enough to be all of their dads. And it's not like hes standing there contemplating whether it's worth possibily stretching a muscle, he goes ape! Even doing a mini circuit around the stage to cheer on the other band members. He gave me a good chuckle, as well as a good reminder that age really is nothing but a number.

 

NZ Music Month

May is NZ music month and since the start of this month I have been meaning to dedicate a post to NZ music. But such is life and since May is almost over I decided this cannot wait any longer. If there was ever one thing that I love and really appreciate about the land of Hobbits and Elves, its their local music and the pretty amazing support that it's shown on home turf. These videos are new NZ music that I feel need some props and a good shout out. 

The Black Seeds - Pippy Pip

This is a definite favourite of mine right now. It's so light and airy. I feel like I could almost float off and sleep among the clouds when I listen to it. I have to say I love when those horns kick in, makes you wanna jive.

Six60 - Forever

Okay, so this song isn't exactly "new" anymore, but it's never ending play on local radios is keeping that "new single" dream alive lol. PLUS, I had to include this. Dare I say this will be one of those classic timeless kiwi songs that will always bring you back to that uplifting, heart pumping, chest thumping feeling that you had the very first time you heard it. And the video will never let you forget it.

Ladyhawke - Black White & Blue

Shout out to Ladyhawke who has a new album out called Anxiety! This isn't her newest single, but it is the first single off her new album. Firstly the video, it's quite nice to see Ladyhawke looking very clean, cut and a little bit the fashionista lol. The song is no doubt reminiscent of her previous album with that very subtle electro feel and that's  what I really like that about this song. She also always seems to have killer bridges.

Shapeshifter - Monarch

New Album, New single. Howzz abbouutt thaatt aayyy!! I hear this and it brings me back to when I saw these guys live. It was probably the single most amazing live performance by a band that I have ever seen. You really can't appreciate drum & bass untill you've seen/heard it live. So when I heard this new single, I had to find out when they were going to be touring BECAUSE seriously, I can just imagine how nuts I'd be going to this at a live show.

Janine and The Mixtape - Bullets

I wanted to include this because I feel like you don't see a whole lot of R'n'B ballads come out of kiwi female artists. Janine has some serious pipes and I like the Pop/R'n'B feel of this song. What's kinda ticking at me a little bit, the kind of ticking where you see someone's shirt tag out and you feel the need to tuck it in, is what Janine is doing with her hands in this video. It reminds me of Will Ferrell on Taladaega Nights where he didn't know what to do with his hands. I wish they didn't do so many full body shots?

 

Treasures of the Week: 3rd Edition

This post has taken a million years and a day for me to post, just because I haven't come across any noteworthy internet finds! Annoying. But I am going ahead with it, to which you will find a fairly decent list of this and that.  Expect a few silly laughs, encouragement, strange but curious sounds and some "nooo waay" footage.

1. Kobe Mims
Everyone loves to hate on his notorious and highly debated "no pass, shoot" attitude and I think it's hilarious. I also think the Kobe vs. Lebron debate is just as hilarious because whether you like it or not, 5 rings trump any talent in this business.

2. P.O.D - In the Studio with Howard Benson

Just announced!! P.O.D's new album will be out June 19th!! They hooked with up renowned producer Howard Benson, who they worked with on their previous old school albums, WHICH MEANS this new album will have that old sound that fans have been yearning for.

3. Listener - Wooden Heart

My favorite band right now. This song has been on replay for weeks. They call it "talk music". It is so beautiful how they express words in a way I've never heard. This song reminds me of how imperfect and flawed I am. How my inadequacies is what connects me to God and His people. That even in my insecurities and grief as a complete wreck Christ remains my anchor and belief in victory over my failures.

4. Family - Short Film

I didn't expect what I saw in this video. It's almost identical to my own life. Isn't it always a nice surprise when you're not the only one who has crazies in their family.

5. Marriage

I came across this on another blog. This couple wanted to pray before the marriage ceremony, but they didn't want to see each other. Giving every moment to God right to the end, trusting each other and trusting Him.

6. PNC - Half Kast

The identity dillemas or rather, the hard explained identity structure of a Half Kast. PNC does an amazing job at making sense of it all. Great Hip Hop.

7. How to hug a baby

I LOVE dogs, and because of long childhood years of pet deprivation, my love for dogs has been mounting and mounting. So I decided that the only cure is to one day raise 10 dogs on a farm, one for every year of going without one as a child. So, when I came across this, I almost died, I wish I was that baby.

8. Love & Death - Chemicals

This is Brian "Head" Welch's new band and this is their second single, WHICH has been on repeat for the past few weeks. Dare I say this song is in my top 10 of 2012 music I will be killing till the year is over. The video will give you shivers, but try look past the crazy eyes for a second and find what is being portrayed. Little fun fact? The drummer is like this 17yr old musical prodigy.

9. Brian "Head" Welch and Korn

So in case you didn't know who in the WHAT I was talking about when I said "This is Brian Head Welch's new band..." He use to be the guitarist for Korn. His life took a whirlwind turn when he gave his life to Christ. In 2005 he left Korn. Now, he's this amazing speaker, father and frontman to Love and Death. A couple days ago at the Carolina Rebellion Festival, Head joined Korn on stage to sing "Blind", which was the first time in 7 years! Korn Frontman Jonathan Davis, introduced him by saying “I want to bring out one of my dearest, oldest and most beloved old friends to come out and have some fun with us,”. God is so faithful, so good and so beautiful. That is everything that is conveyed in this picture. It had me watery-eyed. I included Head's testimony below the picture, I remember watching it at a time when God was breaking and disciplining me.

10. Dubstep Violin

Let's end on an insane note shall we? This guy makes me wish I spent my entire childhood indoors practicing the violin. What. A. Freak.

Crucial Words that Begin Crucial Questions.

What. Where. How. When. Who. Why.

If you've never asked yourself a question beginning with these words then you're either Super human or not human at all. These words constantly bombard us from the moment we wake up. It's quite the norm to the say the least. We wonder "what will we have for breakfast?", "where are my keys?", "how am I always running out of sugar?", "when should I get groceries?", "who keeps parking in my spot?" or "why did it have to rain today?". The usual everyday questions that wrap our lives into a bearable chaos.

But, what about the specific, deep rooted versions of these questions that we fear to say out loud or even admit that we think them? "What's going to happen if I leave or if I stay?", "Where am I truly meant to be?", "How am I going to get through this heartbreak?", "When will I meet my Husband/Wife?", "Why did you take him/her away?".

There are a million specific and crucial questions we dare ask God. Let me challenge you, If God never told you the answer to some of your most painstaking questions, would you still trust Him?

Sonny on a cold night.

It's not everyday that God brings people who have a relentless fire and passion for Him across the seas and right to your doorstep. The day after the P.O.D concert, my brother and I had the wonderful opportunity to hear and meet these extraordinary human beings, who essentially were just like us, a bunch of nobodys who only by God's grace and perfect love know of a better way, a way to experience and know a merciful and loving God.

On April 12th 2012, I met Sonny Sondoval of P.O.D and co-founder of the Whosoevers. One of the greatest and life-changing moments of my life. I want to be clear here, it was not because I got to meet the singer of my all time favourite band. Far from it, it was life-changing because he expressed and put into words a heart that God had been creating in me for the past 3 months. And I was reminded of what God told me years ago, to serve Him fearlessly no matter the cost.

Praise God for allowing me to share with Sonny things that have been on my heart, things that have changed in me because of how God has used this movement in my own life. Sonny is such a chill, sweet and humble person. My heart burned with fire as he spoke to me about his own heart for this generation and young people. 

He's also the easiest person to talk to, straight off the bat we joking about the concert last night and how I had so many chances to take his hat but I didn't want to be rude haha! Really tash...rude? You know what was crazy though? As soon as he saw me he goes "oh you were in the pitt right?" I'm standing there like a deer caught in headlights like "What! You remember me!?". He then said "Yeah of course! You were right there going crazy and I saw your T-shirt." I was both embarassed and honored haha. We spoke about his family, the upcoming conference, P.O.D, prayer and a whole bunch of other things. My brother and I walked away feeling so refreshed and ready to take on the world. It was surreal and I still can't believe I had those conversations. Wherever you are now with God, don't be afraid to do more and be more. If you've walked away or never even known Him, let me tell you...He is waiting for you and ready to make you new. All you need to do is come exactly as you are. 

P.O.D Concert, how I survived.

Let me start off the story with this picture of the aftermath. This is my brother and I... a complete mess, drenched in sweat and water with our brother Ryan from the Whosoevers.

Sonny the Lead singer

Its a cold and raining Wednesday afternoon. We have 3hrs till the concert and I'm contemplating whether to go for a run or not. This is how my mind processes situations like this: "it's only rain, it's not like it's acid, plus I had pizza...though I should save some energy for tonight, but this could be like warm-up, I don't wanna be stretching anything in the middle of a mosh." Conclusion? I ran, not too far, but enough to get absolutely drenched.

Now, I'm staring into my wardrobe thinking, "what does one wear to a rock concert?...black tee, black pants...ALL BLACK EVERYTHING?" And indeed this was my attire of choice, wore my Whosoevers tee, which got me looking like I knew what I was doing.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I entered the floor. There were a surprisingly large assortment of individuals among the crowd - parents, grandparents, little kids, young adults, adults, teens, tweens. Anyone who was there to supervise were congregated towards the back safe from flying sweat, loud speakers and spontaneous limb explosions. My brother and I crucially strategized before we entered the building, this strategy was altered as we got closer and closer to the stage.

Phase 1: Find a clear and safe spot to scope out the crowd and find a possible path to the front.

Phase 2: Take that path to the outskirts of the mosh pit.

Phase 3: Cross through the mosh while in full motion, this avoids having to push through people who are just standing.

Phase 4: By this point, we would've been in the very front center of the stage. Mission complete. Or so I thought, ahhh I'm such an amateur.

After the opening acts had finished and the stage was finally set up for P.O.D. It was game time, literally. There was only one girl between me and the railing, I was comfortable and there was a decent amount of arm room. As soon as lead guitarist Marcus walks out, it was like ripples of waves slowly crashing toward me. By the time the entire band was on stage my face was flat on the back of this girl. My brother and I got separated by his intent to remain close to the mosh and mine to get the best view of the band. As soon as those sticks hit the drums, the crowd turned into an orchestrated pool of caged animals, it was insane and I became one of them. The crowd was so uncontrollably heavy and compact that lifting your arm turned into a 10kg bicep curl. I was squared by two skinny 6'3 guys on my right, a huge 6'0 guy on my left and hundreds of screaming, jumping, pushing people behind me. In that moment I could only pray that God keep me from being accidently elbowed in the face or that one of my shoes don't go missing. I quickly got use to the non-violent passionate violence, the harmonious screams, the prompt water sprays by security and the inescapable thumping, grabbing and jumping that every beat exerted out of every person. Once lead singer Sonny belted out that first note I remembered exactly why I love this band and that tonight was all about release.

I screamed every word I knew like a mad woman. I jumped and pushed as much as I could signifying my love for the song, for the band. But it was rough, the crazier the song, the crazier the crowd, the crazier the mosh. On the very first song Sonny jumped onto the crowd, right on top of the two guys on my right. We all pushed him up and around, I was soo ecstatic, I couldn't believe I was helping Sonny crowd surf haha! The crowd pushed him back on stage and he stood on a platform right next to the railing overlooking the crowd screaming and singing directly into our eyes and hearts. I couldn't believe how close he was. Waves of people pushed toward the front even more, as they tried to get a hand on Sonny. Hands reaching out towards him for a touch. One of the greatest moments in my life happened as I stared him square in the face screaming back to him the same words he screamed to me and seeing all that passion explode like a furnace in his eyes and on his face. He pointed directly at me as I furiously mouthed his song as if saying, "yeah you got it". Life was almost complete. UNTIL he passes me the mic, this happened 3 times, this is why being in front is amazing! Myself and whoever was next to me start screaming the chorus into it. Out of the corner of my eye I catch my brother. I pass it back to him avoiding the snatching hands. Him and whoever was next to him start going nuts, screaming the chorus into the mic. I turn to the stage and see Sonny jiving, smiling and laughing. After the mic makes it's way back to Sonny, I turn back to my brother and we exchange agreeing looks as if we were rock stars. Absolutely epic.

Sonny

Because I was so pressed to the front where the crowd resembled swirling, crashing waves it was important to stand my ground. If I didn't I would've easily have lost this amazing spot. So the best thing to do especially if you're not as physcially apt as the bigger, taller guys around you is to find a couple of anchors. These are guys preferably in front of you who are strong and have sturdy position despite how crazy the crowd gets. Thank you Lord for giving me the best anchors a girl could ask for haha. These two guys had moved in front of me to protect the girls getting squashed at the railings, it was perfect. There was never enough space to turn around to see how the mosh was getting on in the middle, but THE ONE TIME I do turn around, who's facilitating the mosh!!?? - clearing the area, forming the circle and getting everyone hyped...MY BROTHER. Hahahha I was cracking up thinking, "thiiiiiss guy".

Their set list was too good. Of course they dished out "ALIVE" ,but my favourites was when they ripped "Southtown" out of nowhere, Oh man I swear I turned into a crazy, territz pokemon hahha. "Satellite" was their encore, to which everyone went 5 times harder to. Another big favourite was "Boom", this was one of the song where he passed me the mic, I'm still trippin. Sonny got the meenest swag on stage, he goes N.U.T.S and then off stage he's sweet and gentle. I loved that he shared about God and that he was all about everyone having fun and just letting go for the one night. When it was all over, my brother and I were so drenched, deaf and voiceless. As if the night couldn't get any better, my bro spotted Ryan the co-founder of the Whosoevers and we went over and had an amazing conversation about the movement, God, Fiji, who we were. He was so stoked to see I was reppin The Whosoevers with my tee, he was so keen to introduce us to Sonny who is the other co-founder of The Whosoevers. I swear I was going to cry, but lame event staff was kicking us out. So, we told Ryan we'd meet him tomorrow and he could introduce us to Sonny then. I need to make sure I don't start balling in Sonny's face hahha. ANYWAY...that easily makes top 4 amazing moments of my life, up there with giving my life to Jesus. And yes...my entire body is a little sore.

Forgive me for my lack of high quality and quantity pictures. It was actually impossible to take any kind of photos in the position I was in. The photos I did take I risked the safety of my arms for lol.

Sonny... again

Pictures: My own

Treasures of the Week: 2nd Edition

If you don't know what this Treasures thing is learn here .

And just like that another week's whipped past and I've once again accumulated quite a varied and large amount of assorted treasures. I am quite pleased with what my browsing has both forced and laid before me. I really love coming across unexpected videos that normally the mere thought of would make me cringe and thus proceed to the beginning stages of an impressive vomit, but then I click the play button and I'm genuinely bewildered at both my resistance to closing the browser and the AWESOMENESS that this video in no way entailed from its title. YouTube has taught us never to let a title or tag dictate our actions, unless that title says "My wedding with Justin Beiber" or "Avatar 2" because you will be rick rolled and you will feel stupid. Here is the 2nd edition to 5 prettaayy interesting treasures of the week.

(1) Drew Ryniewicz - First Audition on X-factor 2011

Okay first of all shes 14. Second of all, I'm not a "belieber" (blasphemy!), but I do respect the kid, real talk he seems like a real chill/nice person. BUT YO, after this I think I actually like a J.Beiber song. If you want to skip to the singing it's at 2:33. I was pretty blown away from watching her, because I did not at all expect anything like this in the most remote way possible. I agree with Nicole and I also agree with L.A Reid's finger action sing-a-long. Can't beat the mum tripping out backstage and her son on the side trying to low key grab her arm like "mum calm down your excited arm swinging will actually knock out the guy in purple." Her mum reminds me way too much of my own, and I think she kind of encompasses what most mothers would do in that situation....an uncoordinated Krump. Good job Drew.

2) Interview with Pro-Skater Lance Mountain by Crail Couch

Its only 2mins watch this, remember what YouTube taught us, no judgy by title! Lance Mountain was a hugely popular skater in the 80s, and immensely contributed to the development of the skateboarding world alongside other big names like Tony Hawk, Mike McGill and Steve Caballero . He was also 1/5 of the legendary Bones Brigade, if you didn't know, now you know. AND he also helped invent those finger boards that kids use to do little tricks with everywhere. I would also like to mention he was sponsored by Stussy. In other words, hes an O.G. AND he is a brother down for Christ, servant to the living King. COOL. So as random as I am, of course I would come across something like this. This interview is so fresh man, it's so funny and how about that smile, he's just such a classic guy. The questions are just what you'd ask naturally in a conversation and Mountain seems to respond like he would if that guy was a friend, a cousin or a neighbor across the street. It was just one of those few interviews where I felt like I could join in, like when he makes that Laker reference, Lebron doesn't even play in the West coast, ohh Lance, you so silly. Crack up though when he's talking about that "slam-mam" kid, then the next question goes "What was his real name" hahaha ohh you skaters are too much.

3) Gwyneth Paltrow covers Haper's Bazaar March 2012 Issue

Absolutely some of the best editorial photos I have ever seen of a celebrity. She's 39, not an inch to pinch on that body, phenomenal. All credit to photographer Terry Richardson for these super slick, playfully firm and captivating images of the mother of 2. She wears a Anthony Vaccarello dress and Givenchy sandals...as you would right?

4) When we think we're smarter than God

We've all been on this train, and taken it all the way to Heartbreak Lake, Fail land, Guilt forest or Emptiness Beach. Hilarious Jesus lover Justin Cox tweeted this picture and at first glance I was like "wait what does that small print say?". I wasn't humored in the least as I kept looking at the picture. I felt a mix of relief, contentment and conviction that I wasn't in that position that boy is in anymore. THEN I laughed because Jesus' face is like "BOY YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN, I GOT YOU, JUST NOT THIS ONE!!" Way too many of us don't want to understand the plan or we do but for some reason we think we have a better one and if that's how you think then YOU OBVIOUSLY don't really understand the plan. Single-hood is an important and perfect place to be because it is here that you lay your foundations and develop spiritual, personal and financial maturity. It's also a place where God will use you in ways that would not be possible if you were in a relationship (I Corinthians 7:32-35), so let's all just calm down cos' pretty sure He knows what He's doing.

5) Rapper Propaganda on challenges and sacrifices that describe him

Speaking as a Pacific Islander, our youth is widely Americanized in what we eat, what we listen to, watch, wear etc. We have reappropriated and taken on American culture fusing it with our own creating a hybrid that many of us have grown to hate and love, it's ironic. What's even more ironic is the fact that Americans have no idea the extent to which their culture is affecting remote parts of the world in aspects of thought, speech and social interaction. And yet when they come across it, they're surprised? When I first saw this video, I'll be honest a trickle of anger fell on me when he described how "shook" he was that this man all the way in Cameroon would know a term like "nigga". Wake up America you are on a peda stool, you are swaying the habits of this world whether you like it or not, this has been a reality for hundreds of years. But when Propaganda started sharing about this whole new perspective and responsibility of correcting these misconceptions of the American experience, I just thought "wow I'm glad there are God fearing people out there who are socially, culturally and globally aware of the Americanized epidemic". Yes, there is a loss of the emphasis on conserving our Pacific heritage among our youth because of misconceptions of the American experience, but the blame cannot be laid upon that alone, like Propaganda we too have the obligation to correct our own perceptions of identity.

Pictures: Gwyneth Paltrow - http://www.harpersbazaar.com/magazine/cover/gwyneth-paltrow-interview-0312#slide-4

Today I...

Headed to uni to check out Student Life's "egg a Christian" event. Student Life is a Christian, university based student group. The whole idea was to get word out on the real meaning of Easter, so they have a couple Jesus lovers lined up and a couple volunteers about 7m away and they egg them. Afterwards, the egg throwers get a little lowdown on what actually happened on Easter and the importance of it. Genius stuff.

There were 2 reasons I was there, (1) I wanted to see a Christian get smashed in the face with an egg (2) I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get my own evangelizing on. So a few posts ago I had a heart attack because The Whosoevers are coming to speak in Auckland. This is a global movement that I believe in and am passionate about with all my heart. More than anything I want word out about what they do, who they are and what they stand for because I truly believe people especially youth will be able to connect with them on a level they never thought they could connect with anyone on.One of the co-founders Sonny Sandoval tweeted a couple weeks back to "spread the word fam" on their coming. Yesterday, those words were just ringing and ringing through my ears and getting lodged deep into my heart. So out of nowhere I just decided to make quick little flyers on Word with details of the event and try and give them out at uni with the intention of sharing about the movement and hopefully about my own faith. NO JOKES, I have never done this before on my own. I've done the tiniest bit of street evangelism, but I don't really think standing around in an empty alley way with traits counts, I mean it does, but that's the extent to which I've done outreach and that was with my youth group in Fiji. THIS TIME, it was just me, these flyers and the Holy Spirit. You know what though, I wasn't nervous at all, I was more excited than anything until...I got to uni. That's when ish got REAL haha. I watched a couple Christians get egged, then the Holy Spirit turned my attention to these boys sitting down, I scoped them out and stared at them for a good 10mins, nervously waiting for a good time to go over. All I said to myself was "In Jesus Name, confidence of the Lord, who cares" ....walked over GOT BOUNCED. HAHA, No it wasn't that bad, they just said "oh no thanks". It killed my excitement, I'll tell you that. But in that moment God reminded me of how people turned their faces and backs and refused Him when He approached them or the thousands of missionaries out there who get beat and sworn at for even mentioning His Name. In that moment God reminded me that the first step is always the hardest because it is the most real. So with His courage because HEAPS I had, I just carried on and starting scoping the spot like a NBA scout lol. Since there were Christians in the crowd I decided, "yes they should be cool", and ICE COLD they were. I asked these 2 girls if they were part of Student Life, they said "yeah", to which I responded, "Oh then you guys will be down for this" acting like I just saw them, BUT REALLY been stalking them for 15mins haha. It was perfect, I shared a little bit about what it was about & who was going to be there. One of them got excited because she loved Rapture Ruckus. We exchanged cards, a.k.a they gave me some student life traits and I gave them some leaflets to give to their friends and we went on our merry way.

As I walked away I felt tears swell up and my heart fill heavily with gratefulness. I realized how faithful God is in the smallest moments, how He was with me in every step I took toward someone. I felt something I had not felt in a long time, that burning desire to tell the world and not care if I'm deemed insane, boring or stupid. And only God knew today would be that day I step out of my comfort zone and confront a hurting world head on. Praise be to a God that changes lives no matter how deep the sin and uses them for beautiful beginnings. Now thinking back to everything that happened today, I know every detail was part of a perfect plan. I'm going to go again tomorrow, this time with my brother and I'm going to meet Jesus wherever He calls.

Picture: My own

Eat the Rainbow

If you look to your right ------------------->

you'll see that on my Bucket List is to make a Rainbow Cake. I'm still unsure if I want to do a color mash-up like Jay did with Linkin Park or if I want to do an epic 5 layer rainbow. I feel like doing 5 layers is an easy 6hrs of labor. However, these pictures do serve as very convincing motivation. *drool*. Its more the colors I want to eat then the cake itself. I have a secret dream to make a Laker colored cake, don't judge me. This will happen.

Pictures:(1) www.googleimages.com
 (2) http://www.colourlovers.com/craft/blog/2009/03/05/how-to-make-a-rainbow-cake
(3) http://www.flickr.com/photos/yummypieceofcake/3856737099/in/pool-cupcakestakethecake/

Street Culture.

What are some things that first come to mind when you hear "street culture"? The concept easily translates into so many diverse forms of expression, ideals and actions all depending on social, cultural and political contexts. What street is to me can be completely different to what it is to you, right? Our experiences of street culture are never static but are constantly and consistently influenced and even more so now because of our ever minimizing world. Our understanding of street culture extends to our current and past locations and the attachments and experiences acquired from these places. But then, there are things like the media, music and art that permeate through our global borders, creating an almost direct experience which we subconsciously and consciously apply to the experiences of our real life locations. We see it all the time in the way that Pacific Island kids emulate the street culture of the streets of Compton or Long Beach in the forms of gangs or attire or the graffiti art that kids might see onYouTube, which they try in their own neighborhoods, thus implementing and establishing a whole new street culture of graffiti. Then, there are those who identify street culture with danger, bombs, death and violence. It's amazing how radically the same things can separate one group, yet bring another together, for better and for worse.

Today I was thinking about what it meant to me. A whole range of things came to mind - Stussy, respect, graffiti, skaters, street kids, blockades, evangelism, curfews, sport and hang-outs. I laughed to myself abit when I realized Stussy was the first thing that came to mind. When I think street, I feel like Stussy encompasses the basic principles of street in terms of a brand any way - graffiti, skate, liberation, one love, style, global and rawness. I've been such a big fan for a while now and I really am a sucker for the stuff. I remember being in Tokyo and wanting to cry when I spotted the Stussy store tucked away in this small alley.

Stussy store I visited in Tokyo

In my attempt to look like a man this Winter, Stussy is a definite go-to for all the curve hiding, tent-like attire that a cold girl will need to brave the Winter chill. I actually just stocked up on a whole pile of the stuff today, so that could be the reason why it came to mind haha. But in all truth, it is something I automatically associate with street culture. Street culture is such an interesting concept to pick apart. In relation to our Pacific Island youth living in the islands, I wonder how this concept is influencing the way they relate to the world.

Pictures: (1) http://stussy.tumblr.com/archive (2) http://www.stussy.com/tokyo-trip (3-6) http://stussy.tumblr.com/archive