12.16.2012

Keyshia Cole Day. Oakland. California. 9.30.2012.

Interscope hired me to document Keyshia Cole Day back in September. I have to say that it was an amazing event. It was an amazing event in the sense that Keyshia wanted to give back to her fans and her community for taking her to where she is at, and everyone I met at the event were all so genuinely grateful to be there that it was hard to miss the good vibes. So of course, I introduced myself to everyone (including all the security guards) and Wilbert, the president of the Oakland Black Cowboy Association, who owns a pony named Michael Jackson. Of course I had to meet Michael Jackson.




Santacon. San Francisco. California. 12.15.2012.

And so it begins the introduction of children to drunken Santas, bad elves, and slutty misses Clauses...

Chocolate Lab revisited. San Francisco. California. 12.15.2012.

So today I went back to Chocolate Lab to have brunch to see what the savories were like with a few friends. Needless to say, it was delicious.

Chocolate Lab
801 22nd St San Francisco CA 94107

Ham + Cheese Tartine Layers smoked country ham & triple cream cheese, house-made cranberry relish, spicy mustard, and pickled vegetables.

Veggie Tartine Lasagna like alternating striated layers of seasonal farm fresh market vegetables and herbs. Topped with cheddar cheese and accompanied by house-made pickled vegetables.

Ice-Cream Sundae Burnt Caramel ice cream topped with crushed Burnt Caramel Hazelnuts & Almonds, and Peanut Butter Pearls topped with toasted house made marshmallows served with a side of Extra Bitter Chocolate Sauce to pour.

Special Apple Tart Tartin


12.08.2012

Winter. Oakland. California. 12.5.2012.

Sometimes people touch you in your life in unimaginable ways. My uncle Winter was one of these people. It is with a heavy heart that I write this, as he is no longer with us. He has been one of the most influential figures in my life. This would be the same uncle that gave me a 15 minute crash course in using a SLR camera in front of his house before I shot my first concert. That simple gesture, amongst many others, changed my life forever. I have been dodging skateboards and bass guitars with my camera, art buying, and producing photo shoots ever since. With my eternal gratitude, may you rest in peace. Nighty.

Winter Yu
1.20.1958 - 11.27.2012
Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt.

Image below courtesy of unknown.

12.02.2012

Nighty. 12.2.2012.

The first playlist I ever did was Nighty back in the fall of 2010. I was insomniac for about a month due to 2 very unexpected losses close to me. I did the playlist for me at first as a way to make myself go to sleep. Music has always been a cathartic tool for me to channel my emotions. When the playlist was "done," I decided to share it with friends near and far. The response was very overwhelming. Some people were also experiencing loss of loved ones at the time, and they felt the playlist helped them in some way. Others were just touched by the music. All the songs on there mean something or another to me, or make me feel a certain way, and all very personal. I am actually listening to I Only Have Eyes for You by Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy as I write this. As I am yet again, experiencing another unexpected loss, I thought I'd revisit this playlist for you all. I just updated it on Spotify. Please feel free to check it out. From me to all of you. Again.


Haven. Oakland. California. 12.2.2012.

I had brunch at Haven today. I have to say it's definitely Amy approved. It's a fixed menu for $25 per person. I love that you don't even have to make any decisions except for what to drink.

Haven
44 Webster St Oakland CA 94607

MT LASSEN TROUT potato salad, chicories
DANIEL AND RENE'S cornmeal pancakes, poached egg
APPLE CAKE Chantily