Act of Kindness # 8

Today's Act of Kindness is combined with another act of service that I had already done. . .

A few weeks ago at a church meeting I donated a one look photo shoot. It was won by Cheri Matthieu. (I won a neck massage ;-) Cheri and I didn't know each other all that well yet, but she is a very talented opera singer and also comes from the Pacific Northwest! (Everett actually, which is gorgeous!)

So, the shoot I did for her was supposed to include just one shot retouched, but as I sat down to do so today, I decided I would give her 8 retouches instead.
So, without any further adieu, here is Cheri Mathieu!
(ya see how I did that? Adieu . . . Matthieu. . . okay, I'm stopping, and here are the pics!)

These pics are all taken in my apartment on Riverside Drive. . . well not all in . . .






The rest of these were taken on my "balcony" (AKA the fire escape)




She's so comfortable in front of the lens!




My favorite shot of the day! How stunning are these eyes?!?

Act of Kindness # 7

Today, I was driving from Oak Harbor (here on Whidbey Island) back to where we are staying in Admirals' Cove (West of Coupeville) and saw a bunch of trash on the side of Highway 20. I stopped with the intention of picking up 7 pieces of trash, but one I started, I didn't want to stop until it was done. I picked up trash as the traffic rushed by, but I soon finished and headed on my way leaving nothing but green behind me.

Act of Kindness # 6

I made 6 eggs benedict for my family this morning, and taught my nephew Richard how to make them in the process.
I got to benefit from the process, since I devoured some too.
Eggs Benedict is probably one of my all time favorite meals, and I am so happy to share it!

Act of Kindness #5

Today, I left my parents' home in Milton to go on a vacation/adventure with my sister Erin and her family. We are staying in a vacation home on Whidbey Island (which is apparently one of the longest islands in the US!) It's beautiful so far, and lot's of photos are soon to come!

I thought I wasn't going to have internet access, but I flipped on the computer tonight to discover a weak, pulsating signal. . . just enough for me to explore the internet a bit. In my search, I found a website for The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation! (I didn't even know such a thing existed!) But it's a great site, designed with educators in mind, in order to inspire students to give back. They have free e-cards that you can send, and I decided to send 5 as today's act of kindness. I wrote to friends who I haven't heard from or seen in a long time, expressing my gratitude for their influence in my life.



BTW- I can't help but notice that doing these RAsK, I am finding myself gaining more than I think those I reach out to are receiving. It's like how teachers say they learn more about a topic by teaching you. I am doing some serious self education these days.

Act of Kindness #4

Today was the second day of the General Conference of my church. I felt so incredibly uplifted and inspired and overwhelmed today. I am so grateful to have been able to watch it at home with my family around me!

Okay, on to the kindness. I love music. So, today I decided to take four of my all time favorite songs and share them. I sent them as gifts from iTunes, and emailed them anonymously to people I know that I selected at random. Have a listen and a Lovely Day!

Incase you are wondering, these are the songs:
Can't Take It In by Imogen Heap
Across The Universe (written by the Beatles) by Rufus Wainwright
Hope for Me Yet by Marc Broussard
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

Act of Kindness #3

After watching General Conference (my church's bi-annual world-wide broadcast where we hear the Prophet speak and we are spiritually uplifted,) my Mom and I decided to take a walk in a lovely area right by her house in Milton. I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to plant a little bit of kindness along the path. I wrote three notes to the anonymous recipients, and tied them to a fence, a bench and a tree branch. Here are a few of the photos. (Taken by my oh-so-artistic Mother!)


The Woods

The Notes

Placing them



My Lovely Mom & I

Act of Kindness #2

I feel like this one almost shouldn't count. . . mostly because it was so much fun for me!
After having sushi for lunch with my brother (who generously picked up that tab! Thank you!) I thought we should surprise my poor big sister who was home slaving away at her taxes with a little sweet treat!
Our favorite treat is Boba smoothies from a little Vietnamese restaurant in Tacoma called Wendy's II (i don't know where the Wendy's I is. . . )
So, I got a Vanilla and a Strawberry with extra Boba (the little chewy tapioca balls in the drink. . . I say it's like have a smoothie with gummie bears in it! It's addicting!)
I drove over to her house to give her the refreshing treat.
I love my sister (aka, my twin ;) so this one was easy! Next time I promise to stretch my borders a bit more. But don't worry family. . . I'll keep being sweet to you!
kat

Summer McCusker

A year ago, I was in Japan. My fellow performer Charity said her friend Summer was coming out for a visit and mentioned that she was petite. She was not kidding! When Summer arrive, I like many others, giggled at how preciously tiny she is!
She usually shops in the children's section, but found herself in heaven with Japan's tiny sizes! She came out again for a second time in the end of my contract, and I have come to claim her as my own friend!

A few weeks ago, fresh off completing her most recent tour (she's perform children's theatre!) she came up to New York to get some new pics. Full of Georgian charm, she may be small, but her personality will wrap you up!
Here's Summer.

30 Days of Kindness : The Challenge

I have been feeling inspired.
People in this wonderful world can be so wonderful, right?
In my life, I have had countless moments where people have taken a moment and some generosity to do things for me. Some were small little deeds that put a smile in my heart. Others were so tremendous, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude.

There are countless times from my travels when I would be standing in the middle of the street with a map looking up and attempting to navigate the strange land. . . Without fail, someone has always stopped to help, give directions, and more often then not, walk with me til they were certain I could find my way.

There was the time in 2003 when I was flying out to New York for the first time on my own. . . I was broke and flying on a voucher on a flight connecting through Minneapolis. My flight was delayed, and I began to chat with the woman sitting next to me. Shortly thereafter, due to the weather in New York, my flight was canceled, leaving me stranded and penny-less in a cold city where I knew no one. As we began to deboard the plane, this woman asked what I would do. When I told her I would find a comfy corner and spend the night in the airport, she said, "NO WAY!" She proceeded to book me a room at a very nice hotel, bought me dinner and took me on a tour of her factory where she creates fiberglass sculptures (the kind used in public art projects across the country.) She had no alterior motive, no expectations, and when I offered to pay her back, she renewed her sentiment of "NO WAY!"

To all of these amazing people who have blessed my life in profound and distinct ways, I could think of no better way to thank them then by paying it forward.
Inspired in part by my favorite blog Operation Nice, part my friend Tamara's recent month long dating challenge 31 Dates in 31 Days, but mostly by RAK's RAK (Ryan And Kim's Random Acts of Kindness Birthday Extravaganza. . . which led to an engagement! Yay! Read all about it, and how I took part in it on Kim's blog here!)

So, what is it, you ask?
In the next 30 days, I will perform 30 acts of kindness, randomly. And then I'm gonna blog about it. I am not going to overthink it. Some may be as simple as picking up trash or holding open a door. Others may be more elaborate. I am not going to debate in my mind who deserves it more, but I intend to give indescriminately. And I am not expecting anything in return.

Without further audieu. . . .
#1: Tonight my Dad asked me to go to the grocery store. I went. (Note: This is not the Act of Kindness ;) I decided that I would buy a gift card for $10 for the Albertson, and on the way out give it to someone coming in. As I was headed for the door, I noticed a woman and her two small children just entering. I left my car just by the door, and ran over to the produce section where she was checking bananas for ripeness. She looked up and smiled. I reached out, handed her the card and said, "This is for you." Without waiting for any response, I waved goodbye, turned back and jogged with my cart out into the rain.

On the card was written-

To: You
From: Me
Just Because.
Random Act of Kindness #1

Create

I have always been the artistic type.

With out ever being told to do so, I have always felt the longing to mold and shape, cut and compile things, even at a very young age.

My mom didn't always approve of my creative ambition when it meant cutting up a perfectly good t-shirt to concoct my own designs. But she encouraged me and led the way with her own creativity.

I remember being in middle school and spending day after day writing poetry and songs instead of doing homework.

I never wanted to be limited to one form of art, so in my life I have constantly moved from field to field. . . sewing, painting, writing, gymnastics, diving, dance, music, musical theatre, photography. . . The desire never seems to lessen. And I know why.

Here is a video from my church which gives me the chills and celebrates one of the most fulfilling pursuits of my life. . .

To Create.

xo
kat




Those of you reading this by email can view the video by clicking here.
Thanks to Nie Nie and Natalie for passing this along!

Lululemon Featured Artist- Union Square

For the months of February and March, Lululemon Athletica in Union Square has featured my work in their gorgeous new store!  That work is coming down tomorrow, and to bid it farewell, here are some shots I took of them amongst the luon.  The works are printed on canvas and mounted for hanging, and are going to be available for purchase.  Here they are!

The first thing you see when you walk in the door!

Here are the same shots close up

The stunning Sarah Baskin

Erin Hall with the notorious "broken ankle."

Rebecca Lamb and her famous Tutu!

Jessica Roach in her Chapel Dance!!

Matthew Ferretti. . . The Boxer

Lady Liberty

The Men in the Men's Section

Raphael

Luke Ha aka the superhero

Breathe Now

About the Artist/ Self Portrait

Apartment Available!

I'm leaving New York for about 2 months, which means, my AMAZING pre-war apartment is available for sublet!!! 

It's decorated for spring and ready for you! 

Below is some pics I took of the apartment today, in all it's Easter Splendor! (thanks Jen!)

Let me know if you know anyone who'd like to call it home! 

The front door with a spring/summer wreath.

The view when you walk in the door

Doesn't the kitchen get the loveliest light? (Many a photoshoot have taken place in this kitchen!)

The full living room, looking toward my room

Tulips don't live very long 

The Easter bunny is welcome here! (Isn't Jen crafty?)

And my soothing grey bedroom.

Available from March 31st to May 31st
This historic building right on Riverside Drive has gorgeous river views, in a great up and coming neighborhood (Hamilton Heights).
Fully furnished with every bell & whistle!
$1100 per month (includes all utilities)
1 month security deposit required

About the Apartment:
1 room in 2 bedroom pre-war apartment
Located on Riverside Drive, at 136th.
Across the street from Riverside Park & Riverbank Park Sports Facility
1 block from the 1 train
20 minutes to midtown
3 blocks from the Fairway market (the best grocery store in all of Manhattan!)
Lots of great restaurants close by

Fully Furnished with:
Flatscreen TV with DVR, Surround Sound, etc in Living room.
Fireplace
Keyboard
Futon in the living room for guests.
Open floor plan
A/C
Designer decor & incredible artwork
WiFi
Flatscreen with DVR in bedroom
Full Size European pillow top bed (amazing sleep!!)
Black out curtains
Apartment complete with AMAZING Roommate!

Amelia and Jesse

Amelia is a friend from my church here in New York (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.)  She is a graphic designer who also teaches piano on the side.  She and Jesse have been doing the long distance thing for a while, and decided to have their engagement photos done here in New York.  They showed up at my door looking so stunning, I didn't know if they were real.  We took their photos right outside the front door of my apartment, and though it was a bit cold, the light was stunning!