Looking for a roommate!

I really want to move to NYC. For months now, it's been one of the things heavily on my mind. A little while back, I had a chat with Jovian and George about what it means to take chances in life - not waiting to "be comfortable" when taking the next steps into our future. So, I feel the time is now. And what does the above photo have to do with that? Well, her name is Penny and she was an old roommate of mine when I lived in Montclair. This image was from the one and only photo session we ever had.

It's not a very popular one on flickr, but I've personally always loved this portrait...the mood, style, her expression, just everything. In future fashion/ beauty shoots, I really want to push the envelope by trying new ideas and concepts. I'm excited about shooting with a high school friend of mine who is starting to get into modeling now. We'll be playing and shooting with a lot of those ideas very soon.

I'll be keeping everyone updated. =)

Janelle Monáe walks in a Winter Wonderland!

Check out Janelle in this cool new Christmas Gap Ad!



More fun footage can be found HERE!

Enjoy!

JANELLE MONAE CONCERT CONTEST!

Sincerely, _______" Contest

Great news, Rolling Stone Magazine has asked Janelle Monáe to come and perform in New York City!!!

Due to high demand there are only a limited number of tickets available for this event. We all know how Janelle Monáe feels about having her supporters at any AND all of her performances. It's a must! She loves when her supporters are there, participating in the action and having fun with her while she performs.

In order to make sure we can have some of the most loyal Janelle Monáe supporters at this next show, we've decided to host a contest!! We are asking you to take Ms. Monáe's electrifying tunes, "Sincerely, Jane" or Violet Stars Happy Hunting! and record yourself singing & dancing to the first verse and chorus! Can't decide between the songs?! Do both!

Don't worry, there's no pressure. This contest is meant to be fun, and a great vehicle for you to use your Imagination. Don't worry about submitting something that is "professional" quality or professionally "edited," etc. We only ask that you adhere to this one requirement-- This video MUST be from your heart.

Go! Find a computer, a web cam, a digital camera, an HVX, a my first Sony Cam, or whatever you can get your hands on and start making your "Sincerely, (insert your name here)" video!


CONTEST DETAILS:

We will be selecting 5 true supporters who have uploaded their "Sincerely, _______" video.

Those 5 will receive free concert tickets to be with Janelle Monáe and The Wondaland Arts Society on November 19th at 7pm The Highline Ballroom.

First 5 people to submit their Sincerely,____ video win!!

How?

• Upload video to YouTube and email thechase@wondalandarts.com with the link.
• Email must have the subject line: Sincerely,__(insert your name)__Contest Submission

Deadline:
November 16th COB/5:00pm (close of business)

Contest Winner Notification:
November 17th

*All contest winners are responsible for all personal travel & lodging accommodations to New York City.

HAPPY NEW AMERICA!

Change - what a lovely thing.

Note: Not my illustration. Author unknown.

U.K Paper GUARDIAN prints "Rosa (Parks) The Riveter!"

Rosa (Parks) the Riveter! was printed in a leading U.K. newspaper, the Guardian today! I was pleasantly informed by a nice English lady on flickr who took the photo of the clipping and sent to me. Although, I didn't give this paper permission to publish my picture, I'm more excited that it was chosen out of hundreds that were submitted. =)



More political "selfies" in the making...

Real change comes to America! What it means to me.

If one asked me how I felt about this historical moment of Barack Obama being elected as our 44th President, I'd say that we, as Americans, are done with the divide and conquer techniques that have been used on the electorate for over the past 221 years. The William Lynch tactics of long ago have been exposed and the majority of Americans have rejected it's purpose. Electing Barack Obama is showing that we, as an American people, have decided to finally come together in unity and fight with common goals for a country that is truly the best place to grow up and live in.

It excites me knowing there is a new day, a new era dawning upon all of us that will light a better future for our children, and theirs. This also can mean a fair shot is given to those who truly deserve it. A larger pool has been created to pick the best of the best regardless of race, color, or creed.

The feeling is indescribable when I think of Obama as our President-Elect. Days after the election, I still wake up overjoyed just thinking about his victory with Michelle by his side and little Sasha and Malia having a new front lawn to play on. It only saddens me to know that my dear Mom-Mom and Nana Sampson couldn't be here to witness it on earth. I know they're watching and smiling down from above.

For my own personal reflection, I really feel Obama's win has also changed me for the better. It's pushing me harder to see one of my own dreams come to fruition - seeing my photos in a major magazine someday!

There's much to be done! And I'm ready to work.

Dreaming Big,
Nastassia

p.s. Below are photos from election day. I asked my sister to snap the ones of me getting ready to make a difference. I wanted to get photos of the expected "voting lines" as well, but there were none. Hey, it was 6.30am and I'm living in a rather small town - Atlantic City.





(Someone stole our Obama/Biden lawn sign on election night. Damn thieves.)

The rest of the photos are from the following morning at "The Civil Rights Garden." Went for a peaceful stroll and self reflection.









I am so excited about the next four years with Barack!