In Memory of Dora

This is a little over due (as Jill has been in my life for over a month now) but it's still not too late to give recognition where needed. At the end of December, my beloved Dora the Explorer left car life to the eternal life (I guess that's the junkyard for cars). For over a month, my amazing boyfriend not only drove me to and from work everyday, let me borrow his car when I had make-up jobs, drove me to different car lots to shop for a new car, he also went with me when I purchased my new car. It was one of the most adult moments I've had so far (first one was when I was 19 and trapped in Salt Lake City on a buddy pass flight). Much recognition to Jon as well for enduring my time of "crisis" -- in LA it's a "crisis" if you don't have a car.

My new car is Jill (Jon's car is Jack). Jill is a fully loaded 2011 Jetta. I did the negotiating and I wrote the check! And I adore her!

Paying recognition to where it is deserved, here is the eulogy of Dora the Explorer.

In memory of Dora --

During her life on the east coast, she spent many college years driving up and down I-85 decked out in Auburn attire (flags, shakers, a tail and window paint -- my personal fav was "24-6 How bout them dawgs now?"). She got to drive on the sand in Daytona Beach when she was a child. Her biggest accomplishment was moving me in and out of 7 different locations over the past 8 years. She especially recalls the last move from Auburn with Brittany playing the maracas in the front seat at 8am. I remember seeing her in the car lot with my dad and then the day she arrived (March 15) when she pulled up in the cul-de-sac on Hunters Lodge Road. I saw her out my bedroom window, what a beauty she was.

She got to travel so far west to see the sunsets on the PCH. She got as far south as San Diego and as far north as Oxnard. We're not really sure what she saw during her cross country tow trip, but we can assume many cows and the hispanic driver sleeping in the back seat. She arrived in Hollywood at rush hour on a Thursday afternoon and was delivered under a bridge. Her fondest memories in LA involve opening up her back and serving as a make-up station -- her favorite set was just this past year in Topanga, where she got to demonstrate her 4W drive skills up to the mountain set, and after needed 3 car washes to shed the mud, sweat and tears.

Oh Dora, what fond memories you will always bring me. Every time I select a personal security question to log into an account, you bet it'll be "Make/Model of your first car." Rest In Peace Dora. If you reincarnate back to me, please come in as a BMW 3 Series. God Bless. Amen.

99 Wine

On Murisa's birthday this past week, Murisa, Bill and I headed up to Santa Barbara for a day trip. Little did we know what we had in store for us.

We arrived just in time for lunch in the town of Solvang, which happens to be the Danish capital of the U.S. We dined at a charming Danish Inn, of course ordered the cheese plate, then strolled the town with it's cute shops ... and delicious bakery. Seriously, this place was amazing. See the cookie near the bottom half dipped? Yeah, that one. Amazing.

After our cookie coma, we headed over to the town of Los Olivos. We did a few wine tastings, Bill was kind enough to buy Murisa and I two bottles of wine, which I believe we will be enjoying this weekend since our boys are out of town. Scratch that, we will definitely be enjoying them this weekend!

While at Consilience, a local by the name of Patrick walked in. Ironically, Murisa had met Patrick a few weeks ago and they remembered one another. Patrick invited us all to his restaurant where the town was having a celebratory dinner for a local wine maker, Joey Tensley. Tensley Wines had just been scored, that day at 3pm, a 99 by Robert Parker, which is apparently a big deal in the wine world.

So of course we took Patrick up on his offer and headed over to his place. When we got there, Patrick had out over 10 bottles of wine and simply said "grab a glass, pick a bottle, but pick this one, it's the best." Murisa and I followed his advice, without even looking at the bottle. We followed Patrick to the kitchen area of his restaurant (which was closed for the evening), he showed us the tomatoes he grows in his own yard. They were so beautiful, all bright vibrant heirlooms -- reds, purples, yellows. And the funny thing is, I used to despise tomatoes. It's only in the past year I've started eating them (I know my mom is laughing while reading this thinking "I knew you'd like them one day!"). Makes me look forward to the day I have a garden of my own.

A few moments later, Joey Tensley arrived. He had in his hands two bottles of his wine, both Syrah's and both just rated -- one a 99 and the other a 98 (but who's being picky here?).

Bill and I with Los Olivos wine makers

We headed over to the table, a little timid at first, but then Joey simply said "Here. Have some wine." Of course, he's drinking a Corona (the best wine makers NEVER drink wine). There we were, sitting, drinking, talking and hob-nobbing with these Santa Barbara townsfolk. Yep, that's right, I said townsfolk. I'm from the South, I know townsfolk when I see them. Everyone was so friendly -- every random local walking by was invited to join us out on the patio, and of course, grab a glass. No biggie, it's just 99 rated wine.

Patrick had disappeared for a while ... turns out, he was in the kitchen ... prepping a HUGE meal in honor of Murisa's birthday. He brought out on a silver plater a huge summer salad, with butter leaf lettuce, grilled chicken, corn, and of course, the heirloom tomatoes. But he wasn't done there. After the salad had been demolished, then next dish was a delicious duck paella. And of course there was dessert. Fresh berry cobbler, key word fresh. (It's needless to say that we were spoiled to the max, and I'm still feeling a little afraid to put on the brand new skinny jeans I bought last weekend...it's probably more of the Danish cookie than then fresh food from Patrick's!)

What an amazing night we had. Who could have even had planned for this? As the night began to die down and we said our thank you's and goodbye's, I did a little sneaking (this is so my mom coming out in me). The lights were off and the table hadn't been cleared. I decided to go for it. I stole the empty 99 bottle.

As soon as we were on the road and on our way back to Los Angeles, I reached my arm through the center console up to the front seats to proudly display my thievery. "SURPRISE!" Of course Murisa was cracking up, but Bill, well he was up to his own no-good. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the missing piece -- "What's the bottle without ... it's cork?!" Bill and I had stolen pieces of wine history, but more importantly, pieces of our little family's history.  

Murisa a little flustered over her birthday meal, and of course, the wine.

Happy Birthday Murisa, enjoy the memories from the wonderful day and empty bottle and cork - which I hope will serve as a "mantle" piece in our office one day. 

Game Day In "The Loveliest Village On The Plains"

This morning as I was prepping my kit and washing my brushes, my blackberry chimed. It was an email from my personal account (each account has a different chime). I took a moment to reach over my mess of products and grab it, and what a moment it was -- a very charming, heart warming email from my dear friend Brittany.

Brittany and I have been best friends since we were kids. Some of my fondest memories with her include high school homeroom, choir ... and Auburn football.

This weekend marks the beginning of "that time of year." My dad has been counting down the days since January 8. I admit, as much as I love L.A. and know that I'm in the right place, my heart yearns for the South during the fall. There's nothing like college football (SEC of course). I was truly blessed to be a part of the Auburn family. What an experience it all was, and the memories will stay close to my heart throughout my life.

For this post, I have a guest blogger. I'd like to share Brittany's email -- the subject line entitled "Memories." As I go about my day, prepping for a weekend on-set, I will take moments to remember "War Eagle!"

"I was driving into work this morning with the sunroof open and windows cracked half way listening to my new fav CD thinking what a nice morning it was out. The weather was cool and the sun was warm. As I drove down the highway I kept seeing cars with college flags attached to the windows. It was only a few years or so ago that we'd be waking up in Auburn, slightly hung over from the Friday night before. Oh how excited we would be to get dressed in our perfect orange and blue game day outfit with matching Auburn accessories. This was the day we lived for, FOOTBALL!! And of course, tailgating. I remember worrying about saving parking spots and moving cars around, where the boys were at, and bringing everything we might need for the day.

The best part of the morning was finding your parents; they had food. Magic cookie bars, pasta salad, and layered dips were among my favorites and always made for a great breakfast. The day would continue with friends, more food and beer. Toomers Lemonade, burgers, Jimmy Johns and Amsterdam Cafe were always a game day treat! Okay I wish I was there now for some food. I remember not having any inhibitions hardly. We were carefree and felt safe amongst thousands of strangers. Getting tispy was our mission throughout the day as well as finding the boys -- being in public underage was never a concern.

Tiger Walk was the start of the game festivities, the excitement in the air would increase. Soon we would file into the stadium for the BEST part of every game, watching the Eagle fly. It still gives me chills thinking about it seeing the bird. It was so surreal at the time. Singing the fight song, pumping our shakers to the beat so hard the tassels would be falling out, and cheering like crazy are some of my best memories.

I think about it now as I'm at work with no ESPN to even have the sounds of crowds cheering and bands playing familiar fight songs. I miss those days. However, I don't necessarily want to be there today. Young drunk kids being obnoxious, stupid college boys, and the feeling of being "old." It's not where I'm at anymore. I do wish I could be 19 again, just for game day and to relive those good times.

As you go about your day, remember WAR EAGLE! and the fun years we had :) Happy SEC Game Day!!"

Let The River Run

Another post on inspiration --

But very random, not as thorough as my last.

First thing.  I got to watch one of my favorite movies the other day, Working Girl.  Not only is it one of my favorites, it's one of my mom's as well.  The Carly Simon song, "Let The River Run" -- featured in Working Girl (it won the Oscar and Golden Globe in 1988 for Best Song) is also a favorite song of mine.  And one of my mom's as well.  It really is a song that always gets me going.  I always belt it out no matter what I'm doing when I hear it.  The best is in the car ... with my mom (on the beach, Daytona, driving, with my best friend Brittany and I sitting on the back of an opened SUV with our toes dragging through the sand ... "We're coming to the edge, running on the water...").

If you haven't seen Working Girl (or heard "Let The River Run"), it's a must.  It's a go-getter movie.  A true inspiration.  And of course has a little bit of love thrown in.  But to be quite frank, the absolute number one reason to see this movie isn't to get inspired, nor is it to laugh, or be swept off your feet with the love story.  The number one reason to see this movie is clearly Joan Cusack's performance (which landed her an Oscar nom).  Oh and her make-up.  Phenomenal-1988-New-York-City.  Could it get any better?  I think not.

Ok I'm joking.  Number one reason is inspiration, but Joan Cusack comes in in a very close second.  

Second thing.  I spent this past weekend, a little four day getaway, just mere blocks away from the beach.  It was completely refreshing.  The breezy air, bright sunshine, and of course my friend sweet pea Aggie.  What a ball of pug love she is.

I needed a break from my normal routine.  I needed a break from my own apartment, which I love and adore.  When I was driving home to West Hollywood on Sunday night around midnight, it felt different.  Not so much in a strange way -- but more in a "something new is happening" way.   When I finally graced my presence (my roommates missed me, but mostly Ag) to apartment 103, my inner jukebox was playing Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" -- specifically the first few lines -- "Welcome to your life ... there's no turning back ... "

I sat down at the kitchen table/production office/writers desk with two of my production family members, Murisa and Bill.  We began concepting (yep at 1am) on an already previously discussed concept.  I took it all in for a brief second, realizing that this is what I'm doing with my life.  My whole life.  Tears for Fears was now on the highest volume blasting in my head ... "It's my own design ... help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure ... "

This is the second time that I've had this powerful energy overcome me.  The first time it happened was back in April (Saturday night, the 10th, well actually the 11th because it was 3am, so that would make it Sunday morning) ... again while I was concepting ... only this particular time with my writing partner Em.  And I was so overcome with emotion I started storming around the kitchen (yes the same one as the production office/writers desk) screaming (in a happy way) "THIS IS WHAT I'M DOING WITH MY LIFE!"

Both of these moments were so intense.  Like my soul was resonating with my dharma.  Major soul growth happened in these small glimpses of time.  I truly hope everyone has had or will have moments like these.  I cannot imagine not having them now that they've happened.  I think to have these moments, one must be inspired -- by anything.  Love.  Creativity.  Passion.  Music.  Movies.  Concepting.  Writing.  Make-up.  These are just some of mine, you can choose your own inspirations, or better yet, choose what resonates with your soul.

"We the great and small stand on a star and blaze a trail of desire through the darkening dawn ... Let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation."

Anti-Bridezillas

In June, my best friend Brittany got married. So I got to travel back to my southern roots in Atlanta and play bridesmaid and make-up artist. I've decided that if you're one of my girlfriends, I'm giving you the best wedding day gift ever -- a personal make-up artist. I mean, how many bridesmaids, who are there to be your maids anyways, can be your make-up artist and fix and tweak you for pictures and right before you make the grand entrance down the aisle? It's perfect. And to all my friends, you're welcome in advance. I love what I do and I love why I do it.

I'm not even sure the photographer and I even exchanged names. He just called me "make-up artist" -- which is basically my second name anyway, actually -- more like "MAKE-UP!" It was way hot. It was Atlanta, in June, at 2pm. And as my mother keeps telling me, this years June was the hottest it's been in a zillion years. Thank goodness for my Hollywood make-up artist sweat tip ... Viva Kleenex paper towels. I called my dad a few days before coming home kindly requesting he pick up a roll. Between the bride and her three bridesmaids, we devoured the roll.

I've only done a few weddings as a make-up artist. But I've decided I really enjoy them -- I mean who doesn't like being around a day of love? I might have enjoyed them because the brides I've worked with have been the extreme opposite of Bridezillas. So calm, so chill. Which I can only hope I will be that way, but I want to have my wedding in Malibu with 300+ guest (What? I have BIG dreams. And as we've learned, I clearly don't dismiss my dreams, I turn them into reality) ... so we'll see how chill that day will be (apologies to my future husband ... really, I promise my mom and I will deal with all the details).

I've decided to update my website to market to weddings. I think it will be a perfect way to expand my creativity as a make-up artist, as well as participate in love energy. <3

BFF

A Little Doll

Typical B & H moment

What's Your Favorite Color?

Like I mentioned in the first blog, Murisa and I often have fancy dinner parties. For one our more recent dinners (which was lovely because I had been on-set all day and came home to an amazing dinner already prepared and on the table thanks to Tiny and Miney, aka Murisa and her mom :), our guest was Bill's college roommate, Keith (Bill is Murisa's boyfriend).

Before

This picture to the left is our Cookie Monster dresser. It's a solid wood piece that an old neighbor was throwing out that I rescued. My West Coast Mom (WCM) Em and I, along with two other friendly Sherman Oaks neighbors, moved this huge piece from the back of the parking lot into my apartment by literally flipping and laying it side by side. A very Ross Geller "pivot" moment, if you will. This is when the four of us decided that this is how the pyramids were built, and of course by women. Then a month later, the Cookie Monster got moved again from Sherman Oaks to West Hollywood, thanks to my dear friend Daniel's help and my WCM. The original plan was to have it in my bedroom as my dresser, but it didn't fit through the narrow hall leading into my room, so it ended up in our kitchen and one of our most visual pieces. Murisa and I decided to paint it this beautiful, bright teal color. Bill, our very own comedy screenwriter, nicknamed it the Cookie Monster. It also stores our wine fridge, which let's face it, makes it that much cooler.

The reason I'm writing about this piece is because it had an extra addition on it the night we dined with Keith (and I also might be proud of this piece and want to show it off ... especially to my mom and dad :). Murisa's mother was in town and on a grocery shopping trip, they found me the most perfect little treat -- a wine bag with a Star of David on it. If you know me, you know my love of the Jewish culture. I tend to have many Jewish friends, date Jewish men, and am continually fascinated by Judaism. But we'll get to the reason why in a minute. So naturally, this wine bag is a conversational piece just as much as the Cookie Monster is.

Keith asked "why the Jewish bag?" Bill, Murisa and her mom chuckled.

Murisa said "Keith...what's your favorite color?"

Keith looked at Murisa like 'what does this have to do with a Jewish bag?'

Murisa continued ...

After

"Heather's favorite color is Jew."

There could not be a truer statement.

I love Jews and the idea of being Jewish ... which brings me to past lives ... I believe in past lives ... I have dreams where I'm speaking Hebrew ... I clearly don't speak Hebrew in this current life, which brings me to believe many of my lives have been spent in a Jewish culture (except for the lifetime when Murisa and I were nuns together, but we were rabble-rousing against whatever we were nunning -- but that's a whole other blog entry and astrology reading).

So the point of this post is to clarify that I am proud of my love for the Jewish culture and I am proud of my piece of furniture. Not only do I paint faces, but also large pieces of solid wood furniture. Not surprising since my dad is such a craftsmen.

Vanity Village in 1943 Algeria

I met Lorena on the set of "No Time For Holiday" -- I came on as Key Make-up Artist (a big XoXo for Stacie Munoz, a frequent employer of mine, her productions are always a treat to be on :) and Lorena was the hair stylist. After spending many years in a salon environment, it was Lorena's first on-set experience, and we made quite the team together. We decided to apply for productions together, and appropriately named ourselves Vanity Village.

In November of 2009, Lorena and I joined the crew of "Fortress" (trailer)-- a WWII film with a cast of crew of ALL men, what a delight being the only two women on-set.  This was my first feature as Department Head, so naturally I was excited. We arrive on-set the first day in Aqua Dulce, about 45 miles NE of Los Angeles. Julian, our producer, was instantly our favorite, quite the comedic relief. We spent four days and one freezing night in the middle of nowhere. Week two and three were luckily in a warehouse in North Hollywood. The cast was very unique, all of them blossoming with talent. Any one of them could explode into Hollywood stardom at any moment, with some of them already well-known from childhood roles.

Vanity Village with Bug Hall, bringing him back to his Alfalfa days

Actor Tim Hade

I'm blogging about this particular project because it has been my favorite project I have worked on so far in my year and a half professional make-up career (and I just might be giving it some much deserved PR -- because who am I if I'm not a publicist?!). Some of these boys I'm sure I will remain life-long friends with and I hope to see them on the cover of US Weekly one day, hopefully not for something ridiculous -- unless it's Julian, then it's completely understood if it's total ridiculousness.

Probably shouldn't mess with us...

Actor Edward Finlay

Vanity Village found some wardrobe props!

Actor Edward Finlay

Actor Tony Elias

Producer, in wardrobe, Julian Moss