Adventures with Mike and Kitty Cat

Well, I'm back from my Virgina/New York trip with my brother and Kitty. It was a trip much needed (and the only way that I can think to describe it) so full of emotion. I feel like I really got to make a connection with those two (my brother can be very mysterious) and I hadn't really had the opportunity to spend too much time with Cat before....she's a Virgo like Devon. As a matter of fact, I was reading about Virgo just the other day. One line in particular caught my eye "They are still waters that run deep" I've always been so happy about the fact that Devon turned out to be two weeks late and a Virgo :)

I spent the first night in Virgina, before we drove into Manhattan for Mike's show. It was the first time that I had the pleasure to hang out with Wuggy, since she was (the CUTEST) little pup. She's actually the daughter of my dog, Bik Wu. They couldn't be more different, however. Wuggy is delicate, does not bark (only grunting!) and is extremely soft and clean. Bik Wu is a total bruiser, with a course/thick coat of hair, barks ALOT, and (even when I do give him a bath) never stays clean.

Here's me and my brother in front of his piece which is on display for "Spectrum" at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. Featuring the best contemporary "fantastic" art from renowned fantasy, science fiction, horror, and surreal artists from around the world. You can read more about the show here. I can only imagine what it must be like for him to have his piece hanging alongside some of the very same artists that he was inspired by as a child! He'll probably think I'm the biggest cheese ball for writing this,

but I'm so proud of him :)

Of course when the free bar stopped flowin' I had to make my way upstairs to the actual bar, where I found this awesome little sketch book on display. It was full of moody little doodles, awash with the most beautiful watercolor back grounds. I loved the whole "street fashion" vibe, very seventies. It's sort of how I would envision my new portfolio to be (if I ever redid my again) Full of scribbley line drawings of tough/sexy street fashion and amazing, vivid color schemes.

I got to hook up with a dear old friend of mine, Taylor. Once upon a time, he was my intern in San Francisco. He's been living in NY for the past three years and LOVES it. He's the sweetest guy (another Leo) so intense about fashion, fighting, and Asian women.My brother was very hard to photograph throughout the entire trip. He just hates having his picture taken. This one was one of my favs, inside our room in Times Square....I ran around snapping a bunch of city shots for Isaac (he's never been to NYC) but it was really hard to get a pic that totally captured the true enormity that is Manhattan...

...a shot from our window on the 43rd floor...On Saturday, I spent the entire day running all over Brooklyn, trying to locate the shop that I sell to, Sweet William. It's actually in Williamsburg, but I got sent (by the hotel concierge) to Coney Island! Which I think is the farthest the F line can actually travel. YAY! I never made it there that day, but it all worked out in the end since Mike drove me there on Sunday (thanks , Mike!) I'm so glad he did too. It's always nice to be able to meet the person that your doing business with face to face. I got to see the boutique, how it's merchandised, how my things (in particular) were being merchandised, and how they "hang" with other brands. I got to check out the location, what else was around there, what the people looked like that were walking around the area. All very important, and I was so pleased with everything.

...back in Virgina, for Kitty Cat's birthday. I just had to snap a shot of the salad bar. OMG! It was food heaven! Sushi, prosciutto, every kind of cheese, and waiters that walked around with huge skewers of every kind of meat known to man. A perfect ending to the perfect trip. Thanks Mike and Kitty Cat! We miss you ...