THEY CALL ME "BADASH"

2011-10-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

>>> NEW ART BLOG

life as an emerging artist.

check it out.

pass it on.

The Grampians

2011-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

When I came to Australia, I knew of two major climbing areas: The Blue Mountains and The Grampians. I had the opportunity to go to The Blue Mountains on my spring break, which you can read about here. However, I was looking for a travel partner to head to the Grampians with me, and nobody took me up on that offer.

I decided that I couldn't let other people ruin my dream of going to the Grampians, a world class climbing area in Victoria, Australia. I knew I would regret it if i went home without experiencing this place. I decided that I'd go alone if nobody could go with me. So. I did.

The infamous Taipan wall

...You may think that I'm this adventurous, fearless person, always traveling by myself, but trust me... it's not always like that. I'm just like any other person... full of anxiety and stress. I worry a lot, and over-think things most of the time. The past year has truly been a test to see how I can get through these fears and obstacles and achieve my goals, no matter what.

Right before I left for Melbourne, I had a panic attack. These hardly ever happen, but it was full-on. I knew I wanted to get to the Grampians, but I wasn't sure how... and I had nowhere to stay, nobody to climb with, no car to travel with, etc. I was freaking out about what food i'd eat, where i'd get water while camping for 10 days, and everything that goes along with traveling alone as a young female.

I decided to take a step back, take a deep breath, and trust my instincts. When I listen to myself, everything works out. I just have to go with the flow.

DAY ONE:

Everything worked out so far. My friend Holly (who is living in America) got in contact with someone from the Moon Climbing Team who lives in Australia. He ended up living really close to the Gramps, and agreed to pick me up from the train station and drive me to the rocks. After meeting up with Simon + friends, we headed to the Trackside boulders and had some good sessions on the lines there. I really enjoyed the movements in this place. That night, I found myself at a small campfire and be-friended some nice people from Melbourne.

my isolated tent on the first night.

DAY TWO:

After chillin in the mornin' for a bit, I headed to the campground boulders. I worked this fun problem for ages, getting to the last move every time... it was a long throw at full extension for me - the grades are so relative to height and style here!!! I nearly sent it so many times but it was a no-go. I had a blast trying though!

slappin' for it

so close!

After this, I joined a group from Sydney and headed back to camp for a bit where we had an epic / hilarious story-telling time - so funny. After a good break and quite a few laughs, we headed to Titanic area for a bit. I tried Collision Course, v9, and couldn't pull myself off the ground! Then I went around the corner to play on some slabs. We headed back to camp and then to the pub to take showers.

That night I decided to move my tent closer to my new friends. When I went to get it, it was pretty dark outside and there were these huge creatures jumping all around my tent. Needless to say, THEY WERE WILD KANGAROOS! They scared the shit out of me - they were as tall as me!!! In the morning I was able to see how cute they were. ;)

DAY THREE:

I woke up sore as hell. I haven't been climbing as much lately, so my fitness was lacking. It feels good to be sore though - it's a feeling of achievement. After eating grapes for brekkie, I headed out to the infamous Hollow Mountain Cave with Saxton, a new friend.

Saxton on his proj. Sleepy Hollow

line of holds:

The cave was 5 times bigger than it looks in the pics and vids that I have seen before. Absolutely incredible! I checked out all the problems, including the famous Wheel of Life, v16.

looks in the pics and vids that I have seen before. Absolutely incredible! After some sun gazing, I headed to Loopey's and got on some easier stuff.

That night I had a major star-gazing session with a new friend, Josh. We laid in the parking lot of the campground, and watched the stars for ages. They were the most incredible stars I have ever seen. The world is so small. The universe is so huge. I can't even imagine. It blows my mind and makes me feel truly ALIVE in this beautiful world!!! EPIC!

DAY FOUR:

A much needed rest day! I headed into the small town of Horsham and hung out at the local library. I spent most of the day drawing and watching the kangaroos. Their mannerisms and characteristics are quite humorous; They are fun to observe!

In one of my drawing sessions (which are like meditations to me) I wrote:

Trees are veins are rivers.

Tree rings are fingerprints.

The shapes in nature are mimicked in the human body.

Everything is made out of the same basic material: cells. Cells are made out of molecules, molecules are made out of atoms, and atoms are made out of energy.

We are all just energy. Everything is energy.

This is a re-occurring thought and inspiration for my art. Just something to think about...

DAY FIVE:

Today was a GREAT day! I headed out to the Kindergarten boulders with the Sydney crew.... what a beautiful area!!!

We warmed up on a really awkward/hard v2... Still fun though!

Another Josh / wicked strong:

After this we headed around the corner and played on 2 main lines: Nevin Rule, v7, and A Horse is a Horse, v4.

Nevin Rule:

A horse is a horse:

Josh with the beautiful Taipan wall behind him.

The beautiful features in this area. Nature is the best artist!

It was an awesome day and we ended it off with a night session at the campground boulders.

DAY SIX:

I caught a ride to the Hollow Mountain Carpark and headed to Anderson's boulders. Oh man, I regret not getting to this area sooner! It was so amazing. SO MANY FUN BOULDERS!!! I had a great time playing around on both easy and hard stuff, and meeting cool people along the way.

doing some moves on a small triangular v9.

One problem, called Mr. Fox, v7 was really calling my name. My body was thrashed but I got SO CLOSE to sending!!! Definitely the prize line in my time at the Gramps, and one I can't wait to get back to!!!

figuring out the roof section of Mr. Fox

coming out the roof on Mr. Fox

climbing up the headwall of Mr. Fox

That night, as I was enjoying the campfire, I wrote this in my journal (something to think about:

"The fire provokes thinking, along with the stars. These two amazing parts of nature have been two of the highlights of the trip. Fire is a life form, as it meets the three requirements: it reacts, it reproduces, and it respires. It makes me feel ALIVE. As I absorb these warm particles, I look up at the stars and am once again blown away. The stars never get old. I learned that most stars are larger than the Earth. Unbelievable. It puts things into perspective. Deep thoughts keep flaming up from the fire. Always changing."

DAY SEVEN:

As written in my trip journal, "I HAD SUCH A FREAKING AWESOME DAY OF ROCK CLIMBING TODAY!!!"

I decided to stop focusing on grades and just climb rocks. Instead of only trying hard stuff and getting shut down, i committed to doing every moderate-graded problem I could find. IT WAS SO FUN!!! It was so nice to stop thinking about the grades and just focus on the movements of the rock, no matter how easy or hard!

Asterix, v6

DAY EIGHT:

I headed back to Anderson's to give Mr. Fox another go. Again, I was so close to sending and had all the moves dialed - but my body needed a break. If only I had another day to rest and then I could send it, easily. I can't wait to go back to fully connect with this line!!!

I hiked up to Hollow Mountain Cave one last time and admired the view:

And then, like that, my trip was over.

I got a ride back to Melbourne with a fellow climber, who drove me all the way to the airport the next day (an hour away). People are so nice. I love traveling alone!

Despite my worries and panic attack, everything worked out the way it should have. It actually exceeded expectations. I had an amazing trip!!!

I can't wait to return to the Gramps. What a magical place!

New Drawing + Prints for sale!

2011-04-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all --

I recently did a huge new charcoal drawing (48 inches in width!) which was inspired by space and time and the connection between the clock and nature. You can read more on the process of this piece as well as the artist statement HERE.

I recently started selling prints on Fine Art America, and I just started selling prints of this new drawing! Check it out HERE and spread the word!!!

THANKS VERY MUCH!!! ;) What have YOU been up to lately!?

Personal Growth

2011-03-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

I have grown more in the last 8 months than I have in the past 5 years. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I am a completely different person.

It all started when I moved to Australia. Young, fearful, innocent, and not fully aware of how life really works. I went through some rough patches when I first arrived that dealt with banks and money and grown-up stuff, which I had to deal with on my own since I didn't have Mommy on my side.

I got lost. A lot. But it was all part of the experience and part of the growth. I used to make up excuses not to go to my friend's houses back in the States because I was too afraid of getting lost. Then I came to Australia where I didn't know how to get ANYWHERE. Now I get on my bike and ride a few miles in any direction and get “lost” on purpose for excitement and adventure.

I also made a huge personal step and faced my fear of traveling alone... which was such a liberating experience! Not only did I make small trips to beaches and different towns here and there, but I also did a spontaneous trip to New Zealand, which was also very eye opening and a growing experience within itself.

Meanwhile, I was studying art at Queensland College of Art. I was really immersing myself in my classes and experimenting as much as I could with new materials, processes, and concepts. I dove into the world of art and learned more than I can put into words... not only was I making art that was inspired by this new area, but I was also learning about how the art world works in real life.

In the midst of it all, I won an online art competition and was awarded with online coaching from Sian Lindemann, who helped me grow even more. We had weekly online meetings where Sian helped me develop a business plan related to my art and talents. Soon I went from simply selling art to writing an inspirational book!? Sian pinpointed some talents I had that I wasn't aware of, such as writing (especially blogging about my travels). She gave me the confidence to realize that I can do anything I want, and make a living doing what I love. We are still working together, and I learn more every time we have a consultation. (Thanks for everything, Sian!)

I also had the amazing opportunity to travel to Thailand for 6 weeks, which again was a growing experience within itself. New people, new culture, new scenery, new language, new food, new climbing... all so inspiring.

I never would have guessed that I would be where I am today... In Australia... traveling the world... making art... climbing... I have matured so much and I look forward to growing even more. I have 4 months left of studying abroad and a lifetime more to explore myself and the world. Cheers!

I'd also like to take to thank everyone who has made these experiences possible for me (especially my parents- words can't explain how thankful I am for you and the opportunities you gave me! I love you so much!), the study abroad office at UTC (Thanks Mr. Prevost!) and everyone who I met and supported me along the way... including YOU for reading my blog! Sending love to all of you!!!

NEW BLOGS, NEW TRAVELS, NEW INSPIRATIONS

2011-02-18T01:38:00.001-08:00

As you may have noticed, I have been traveling quite a bit lately.

I created a couple new blogs to better organize my thoughts and experiences.

I created EXPERIENCE THE CONNECTION initially for my travels in New Zealand but I will be posting in it here and there on the topic of "experiencing the connection." In fact, I just made a new post about traveling and my new inspirations and how they led me to write a book. Check it out here.

barefoot climbing in Queenstown, NZ.

I also just returned from a 6 week venture to Thailand. I made a blog for it here (MANY more posts coming!)

sunset at Tonsai beach, Thailand.

STAY TUNED!!!!

Is a vegan lifestyle natural for humans? #145

2010-12-05T01:22:00.000-08:00

This is a video of my friend Harley discussing if a vegan lifestyle is natural for humans.

Check out what i have to say about the subject here.

NEW ZEALAND HERE I COME

2010-12-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

I JUST SPONTANEOUSLY BOUGHT A TICKET TO NEW ZEALAND.

I am starting a blog about my travels. Check it out HERE.

I'll be updating daily on my NZ adventures.

STAY TUNED!

recent art

2010-11-23T00:44:00.000-08:00

In addition to my most recent painting, I have made some other art too, including a series of prints and dozens and dozens of life drawings from the nude model.

PRINTMAKING:

Last half of the semester, the topic was THE BODY and i focused on the connection between anatomy and botany on a cellular level. The topic in the 2nd half of the semester was THE SPIRIT so I explored auras / energy. It was a very experimental semester as I tried many new mediums including dry point etchings, collagraphs, and lino cut. I also started using color for my first time in printmaking, which is a journey within itself! Here is what I came up with:

collagraph:

3 collagraphs, 2 dry point etchings - best of 2nd half

dry point etching - bad energy is suffocating!

the series

And here is what I have to say about it:

“Only that in you which is me can hear what I am saying.”

-Ram Dass

Einstein proved that everything is made out of energy with his equation, E = mc2. This concept has been around since ancient times. The ancient Chinese call this flow “chi” while the ancient Hindus call it “prana.” Everything is energy and it is vibrating at different frequencies. It is no surprise that humans can feel this energy and use it to connect with other people.

Energy connects all individuals. It is everywhere, in everything, and never stops moving. Every person has their own unique energy yet we are all interconnected.

Have you ever been in a room with someone who is really depressed and negative? Personally, I feed off other people’s energy. In this case, I start to feel negative as well. Yet, when I am in the same area as people who are really positive and optimistic, I start to feel that way as well. It’s no coincidence – I am feeding off their energetic vibrations.

One of my favorite artists, Alex Grey, deals with this topic frequently in his work. He says, “The infinite vibratory levels, the dimensions of interconnectedness are without end. There is nothing independent. All beings and things are residents in your awareness”

LIFE DRAWING:

As you can probably tell from my typical art, I am very much an abstract artist. This semester, I enrolled in a life drawing class, that is, drawing from a nude model. For the first half of the semester I really struggled with this class, as I have never drawn from a life model before nor do i have very good skills when it comes to real life drawing. All it took was practice and a little confidence. Around the 2nd half of the semester, I started "preparing" my own paper (watercoloring/painting/spraying it before i drew on it) and my results were much better. My teacher said I get the award for the most improved!!!!Although i am still no life drawer, I am heaps better than I once was, and I know that if i keep doing it, the better I will get. It was so fun to play around with different mediums over the semester and get a feel for different styles. In the end, my favorite way of drawing was with a prepared background (watercolored or sprayed with ink) with a charcoal figure. I love charcoal. =) I also love doing blind contour drawings. Overall it was a great learning experience and I actually ended up really enjoying the class. Here are a few results:

sprayed ink background, charcoal figure

a purposefully out-of-proportion style figure in space. I like drawing f-ed up sometimes.

sprayed ink background, charcoal figure

graphite pencil

watercolor background (with swirl motif), charcoal figure

blind contour drawings (drawing without looking at the paper nor lifting your pen from the surface.) Color added after. sharpie & colored pencil

watercolor background, charcoal figure

HOPE YOU ENJOYED! I have some big plans in the works in my art life so stay tuned & become a fan on facebook!

DURIAN PARTY!

2010-11-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

Today Anne Osborne (well known fruitarian), Cappi and I had a durian party in the park. We shared a few durians in the beautiful warm weather. It was absolutely heavenly!

Here are some pictures:

cappi is a huge durian fan

after eating some durian we walked through this mini forest in south bank:

MMMMMMmmm i love durian parties!!!!

daytrips galore!

2010-11-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

Being in art school basically consumed all of my time. I've been in Australia for 5 months and have had the opportunity to travel a bit, but by mid-semester, i was focusing on uni 110% because i wanted to do well in my first semester as an art student and as a study abroad student. My hard work really did pay off and I'm glad i worked as hard as i did. However, now its time for a break!!!

Now my first semester is over and I have 4 months off! The last 2 weeks i've been doing quite a few day trips including The Glass House Mountains, The Sunshine Coast, The Gold Coast, and Stradbroke Island. I've been having a BLAST! Here are a few pics to sum up the last couple weeks:

taking in the beauty at Stradbroke Island

a solo trip to the gold coast:

also, i've been riding my bike around quite a lot lately... here is a recent trip to the market:

the end of uni & a heartwarming story

2010-11-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

The end of my first semester in australia was very stressful, as i was trying to finish all my major projects at once. In the last post you saw my huge painting which was seriously time consuming! I also had 3 other classes worth of big projects to finish, because in Australia your whole semester is basically dependent on one or two projects. Needless to say, it was stressful! (But well worth it in the end!)

the gift of pulling an all-nighter:

i've come to the conclusion that people are nice.

In the midst of the stress, this is what happened:

I sat next to a sweet older lady on the train from Sydney to the Blue Mountains last month. She was knitting and i asked her what she was making. She said "teddy bears" and showed me a picture of the teddies she makes. I said they were SO CUTE and at the end of the train ride, she asked for my address and fav colors. Assessment week was one of the most stressful weeks of my life, and in the midst of it all, i received a package in the mail. 2 little teddy bears. They are so special.

What a perfect pick-me-up!

The Rainforest painting

2010-11-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished my big painting. 5 feet tall and 18 feet long. Here is what I have to say about it:

First of all, this painting was truly a journey. There were good days, bad days, and just plain crazy days. Nothing was planned and the canvas truly lived a life of its own. Right when I almost lost all hope, big, bright, solid colored shapes appeared in the painting. In a way, they symbolize an essence of the process of my painting – which is accepting the unexpected.

When first given the topic of “The Politics of Place,” the rainforest was one of the first places that came to mind. I am deeply inspired by the twisted roots in the rainforest, which is what initially attracted me to this place.

I am interested in the idea that that the organic forms found in nature mimic the shapes found in the human body. I found myself drawing cellular shapes as I was interpreting the rainforest, which made me realize that there are many connections between anatomy and botany. Just as roots branch out to find nutrients, neurons branch out to find chemicals. All plants, animals, and humans are made up of the same basic material: cells. Cells are made of molecules; molecules are made of atoms; and atoms are made of energy. We are just energy. Simple.

I am deeply affected by the metaphysical energy of the rainforest. I feel as though everything is vibrating in a very powerful way. Everything feels so alive. Every little piece of the forest seems to be breathing. All the roots in the rainforest mingle into some sort of network...a community. Perhaps they all share some thoughts or feelings in some way – a sort of inner-connectedness. The rainforest is not only just alive but sentient. It’s truly a magical place.

I had to paint on a large canvas because it had to make an impact on the viewer. There is no denying that the rainforest is vast and overwhelming, completely consuming the average person. I feel lost in it. I wanted this piece to absorb the viewer in a similar way that the rainforest captivates me. I did not want to create an artwork that can easily be dismissed. I want the viewer to be compelled to look.

ABC party!

2010-10-17T04:47:00.001-07:00

Recently my roommates and I threw an ABC party - that is, an "ANYTHING BUT CLOTHES" party!!! The one rule is that you must come dressed in, well, anything but clothes!

We had a blast and it was so funny and entertaining to see everyone's outfits.

My friend Amanda (a fellow raw vegan) and I both made layered lettuce dresses by duct-taping lettuce to a trash bag. Here is the result:

Here is a picture of my roommates: Lauren, me, Amber, Anna, and Alejandra, all in our creative hand made outfits. =)

ring ring ring ring BANANA PHONE!

A close up of Lauren's straw attire (HOT!):

some of the party-goers

these guys made their clothes out of re-usable bags!

My neighbor truly followed the rules and literally just had a box as clothes:

me. sam. amanda. (Note that sam's costume is made from cosmo mags!)

end of night: stripped down to lettuce bikini

things got spicey towards the end of the night!

so, if you want an idea for a party, i recommend an ABC party. Google it for more ideas. =)

Spring Break - Sydney & The Blue Mountains!

2010-10-17T03:04:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago was SPRING BREAK here in Australia!!!

Me and Rob, my OZ climbing parter, headed to Sydney to do a little climbing. Let's just say that if you are a climber, you MUST come to Sydney... I could compare it to Chattanooga and say that there is just HEAPS of good quality sandstone climbing!!!! We went to so many areas and completely thrashed our bodies (good training though!). Here are a few pics from the week (more can be found on facebook):Day One: Nowra, an incredible hard climbinga area that has super-quality, humbling climbing!

Nowra

Nowra.

Days 2 & 3: after waking up SOOOO INCREDIBLE SORE from Nowra, we headed to The Balkans, a really cool standstone bouldering area near Sydney. We spent 2 days climbing there and had a blast each day!!! I climbed until 8 of my fingertips were bleeding and then kept climbing. =) Oh, and I nearly stepped on the most deadly snake in the world. Thankfully it was cold/wet outside so it slithered back into it's cave... but still scared the shit out of me!

the balkans

our hands hurt

v5. the balkans

bloody fingers (8 of them)

v5. the balkans

v6. the balkans

one of my many "ouchies" of the trip

v5. the balkans

v10. the balkans

dinner: DURIAN!

THANKS ROB! =)

day 4: Sutherland - we went to 2 different areas in the area, both in or near suburban neighborhoods near Sydney. Pretty cool stuff, for sure.

Sutherland

Day 5 - Rest day (THANK GOD): SYDNEY - the bridge

Checking out the Sydney Opera House on our rest day

duck crossing!

Days 6 & 7 - THE BLUE MOUNTAINS!!!!

Oh my god guys... i can't even tell you in words how amazing the blue mountains are. I am almost embarassed to upload pics because none of them do the place justice. This place is just simply AMAZING. To give you an idea, i CRIED from the pure beauty of the place. I felt like the double rainbows dude... seriously! We had a blast climbing there for a couple days but i am already dying to go back. We just saw one small area and there is so much more. I can't wait to go back!

admiring the view @ the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains. pics don't do it justice.

this area was FULL OF ENERGY

climbed at the upper section the first day:

Spring Break was AWESOME and it was so cool to climb in Sydney and the Blue Mountains... some of the best climbing i've ever done, for sure.

Art Update

2010-10-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

So I recently won an art competion, and i would like to thank everyone who voted for me!!! You guys are awesome. The prize includes coaching sessions to form a business plan to sell my art professionally along with a facebook fan page.

As far as current work goes, I have been focusing on my classes in school.

I recently made a series of prints in my printmaking class that makes the connection between anatomy and botany on a cellular level. Check it out:

Artist Statement

This is part of my newest rainforest-inspired series:

Oh, and I am working on a painting that is 5 feet high and 18 feet long for my painting class. More on that in the next few weeks! =)

the bat cave

2010-10-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

Rob (my OZ climbing partner) and I have found our new fav bouldering spot: The Bat Cave. There are few cool problems there and it makes for some good overhung training! Here are the pics:

these spiders are everywhere. Do you see the skull image on his head!?

coming up with new beta

deciding how to climb upside down, down and out of the cave =)

pinching hard

the start of the v9

im really late with so many posts / events / experiences. More to come.

a day in the life

2010-09-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

In a recent post I wrote about climbing in Australia and failed to post pics of the closest climbing area, Kangaroo Point. Here are some photos that I have been slow with posting!!! The pictures were taken from my roommate, Amber Yandle, who took them for a photojournalism class.

Welcome to a day in the life of Ashley Hamilton:

mini fruit stash in my room

Breakfast: MANGOS, mmmm

suuuper small hold

lunch: PAPAYA!

art school kid
my school, a 3 minute walk away!

BRISBANE RIVERFIRE

2010-09-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend was riverfire, a festival that celebrates the Brisbane River.

When my roommates first asked if I wanted to go see fireworks with them, I agreed, but I was just imagining a little average firework show. You know.

What I saw, however, completely blew me away. Jaw-dropping. Overwhelming. Just absolutely amazing.

Imagine a skyline of buildings all blowing off fireworks, especially from 3 different areas across a panoramic view. There were even fireworks being shot off in between buildings in the background. Everywhere.

It was quite overwhelming as I kept having to turn my head from side to side to see all of them at once. I was on the fake inner city beach which just added yet another interesting visual element to the show, as the lights reflected off the water.

Also, the F111 jet flew by a few times - and for those of you who do not know, this jet flies faster than the speed of sound. You can hear it coming, but when it is right over head (which is when you would think it would be the loudest) it is actually more quiet. Bizarre.

Overall, it was just AMAZING. Here are some pictures I took:

and just to blow my pics outta the water, here is a picture that my friend Alan took of the F111:

you can see the bigger version here (and check out his other work too! mind-blowing!)

TO MY ART FANS - PLEASE VOTE FOR ME

2010-09-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just entered an art contest online!

If you want, you can take 20 seconds and vote for me!!!!! you can vote every day!!!! ...or whenever you remember. It just takes one click! and the prize includes a business set up to sell my art professionally. =) Heres the link to vote: http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/55319/voteable_entries/7904875?order=votes

Vote early and often. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

these are the pieces i submitted. The title of the album is called "ABSTRACT WONDERS"

DURIAN PARTY!

2010-08-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we had a DURIAN PARTY!!! Durian, which is known for its distinct odor and is banned from public transportation and hotels around asia, is actually one of my favorite foods! It is very spikey on the outside and the insides are custard-like pods of creaminess. They look similar to alien fetuses...... but delicious ones! Here are some pictures from our get together durian celebration:

durian party in a pavilion in the rain on the city beach

alien fetuses

most (if not all) fruits form a star when cut a certain way. This is the way the durian naturally opens up!

DURIAN LOVERS UNITE

anne. cappi. me.

keep dirty thoughts to yourself

durian lover mates: Angus and Cappi

custardy piece of durian, so good

DURIAN, dun dun dunnn

we had a curious visitor!

already bitten-into piece of durian. I couldn't wait!

Angus enjoying his share!

Anne and Cappi SUPER PSYCHED for durian!

AND OF COURSE, SOME PICS OF MY OTHER FOOD FOR YOU FRUITY PEOPLE:

what's in your backpack!? Oh mine?! You know... mangos...

food for a few days (the bottle is fresh cane sugar juice)

A few pictures from where I live

2010-08-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

I have been learning how to play with the manual settings on my camera (thanks to my neighbor, Jeff) and I wanted to share a few pictures from where I live - Brisbane, Australia:

roots

crazy roots by the fake beach

this is my current inspiration for art: roots

inner city beach!

more awesome roots

brissy skyline (with ferris wheel on the left!)

long exposure + flashlight =

G'Day Mate!!!

playing around. Photo by Jeff.

me me me. photo by jeff

Me myself and I. Photo by jeff

being abstract and artsy w/ the manual settings on my camera

city lights

circles & squares

artsy fartsy

MORE TO COME!!!!! Enjoy. =)

FULL PAGE IN DEADPOINT MAGAZINE

2010-08-20T03:28:00.000-07:00

Guys, please forgive me, but I have to brag a little...

I have a full page picture in the new DeadPoint Climbing Magazine!!! Thanks to Dan Brayack who took the beautiful photo. You can check out his website here.

You can check out the full magazine online here:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum&refresh=gN16Z04mz2H0&EID=88d2483f-b3c0-45e9-b9d2-89cfee805f5f&skip=true

The picture of me is on pages 54 and 55.

And while I'm at it, I also found out that there is a picture of me in the new Red River Gorge guidebook. Thanks to Dan Brayack for taking the photo and Woodchuck for sending me the picture (since I have yet to see it in person.)

Thanks for bearing with my ego! I'm just SUUUUPER PSYCHED about it and just had to share!!! =) =) =) THANKS DAN!!!!!

CLIMBING IN AUSTRALIA

2010-08-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

I've been able to climb a little more as my routine settles in.

"climbing up the walls"

There are a few areas that aren't too far from me. I have only been to 3 different areas so far. Each place i've explored only a couple times.

1. Kangaroo point is a 15 minute WALK away from me, right along the Brisbane River. It is really convenient! There are big lights that shine on it in the evening, so it is available to climb at night as well. It is almost like a free outdoor climbing gym! The rock is comparable to Kings Bluff in Clarksville, TN - if any of you have been there. I will go to KP to traverse the walls in my free time or do a few pitches with a partner if theres nowhere else to go. It's a great place to just get some exercise in! Pictures coming soon... (check beck next week!)

2. Toohey's Forest is about a 10 minute bus ride away from me. It is in the bush out of the city of Brissy. There is a public park there and a paved walkway where people walk and run. It is comprised of beautiful black sandstone boulders, similar to those in the southeast of the U.S. The rock is pretty sticky and my fingertips get sore after only an hour or so of climbing. The type of movements really take a lot out of me so it is a great place to go if I want to get a hard workout in really quickly. I recently sent a really cool v8 there called "Butter Me Up." It required solid tension in my movements because the holds were really bad. I was psyched to send it!

"Butter Me Up" v8

Simon running up a warmup

huge bull ant, the size of my pinky

rob's proj, the v9

rob managing to hold onto super bad holds

Rob climbin'

happy after climbing (and sending) =)

3. The Glass House Mountains are by far the most amazing rock climbing I have seen here so far. It is about an hour away, which is nothing compared to trips I used to do in the U.S. to climb! They are basically these amazing black mountains near the Sunshine Coast. The quality of the rock is great and the view is extraordinary. I recently posted about my first climbing trip there, which you can read about here. The views are magical and cannot be described in pictures!!! Here are some pics from my last visit:

crazy hole in the rock

it was windy at the peak of the moutain!

magical mountains

Horsefly!

Lizard!

in awe of nature's beauty

Rob raging on his project, Acid, 5.12d

Rob, my OZ climbing partner

me on Acid...the climb!

Acid

pic from my first trip out... my neighbor edited 3 pics into one!

the sun was shining on the mountain, making it purple and beautiful

MORE TO COME SOON! =)

Byron Bay

2010-08-17T05:12:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Byron Bay - thanks to my new Brissy friends, Gerry and Gab, for giving Anna and I a ride. =) I stayed with a wonderful raw vegan named Jessica. I had a great weekend chillin at the beach, eating durian, and hanging out at the markets.

Here are some pics:

taking it all in

Gerry and Gab, my friends from brissy (who i met through 30bananasaday.com) They went to Byron for a conspiracy talk

anna and i with our raw hostess, Jessica (also met from 30bad) - all holding our fruits!

the face painter who we made friends with

DURIAN, my 2nd favorite fruit (thanks Jessica!)

i LOVE this stuff

da beach

sunset

Brisbane

2010-07-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I am in my new home. Brisbane, Australia. I love it here.

I have already experienced so many things.... I never know where to start when I am writing blogs.

First of all, I am living in a super modern apartment building, right in the heart of the city - Southbank. I am a 10-15 minute walk to the main shopping areas and a 15 minute walk to the hippie part of town, West End. I can see my school from my window - it's about a 3 minute walk. I am attending Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. It's great.

THESE ARE MY ROOMMATES

(we each have our own rooms and bathrooms - we share a kitchen and living space)

alejandra, lauren, anna, me, amber

The first week I was here, I just walked around a lot and became used to the city. I met so many new people and checked out all the farmers markets. I even went climbing (a few posts down i posted pics - this blog is somewhat out of order!)

Anyways, school started last week. I am taking four classes:

1. Painting

2. Printmaking

3. Life Drawing

4. Issues of Contemporary Studio Practice

the studios

They are all really good classes. I know I am going to learn so much in them. My style of art right now is all self taught and comes straight from the soul. I am excited to learn how to paint, do life drawings (my absolute weakness), and make prints. I think it will all make a huge impact on my art and my future career.

Anyways, here are some pictures from the past couple weeks.

my new friend Gerry and his wife Gab drove me here: (30 mins away?!)

in a dress. at a club. happy bloody 21st birthday, anna!

alan and me. Really cool guy who takes amazing pictures.

international students at the club

my roommate, amber, and i

me. matt. amber.

the city ferris wheel

my roommates, anna and amber, at the fake beach in the city

statue and beautiful tree in the city

skyline

walkway on campus

I usually go to 3 farmers markets a week - wednesdays, saturdays, and an organic one on sundays. I have been eating heaps of papaya, bananas, fresh OJ, and cane sugar juice. I've also had some really good avocados lately. For all you raw foodies, I also got to meet Anne Osborne - author of "Fruitarianism - the path to paradise." She has been fruitarian for 20 years!

anne, cappi, and i

With the good experiences there are also negative ones. I am constantly learning on this journey.

For instance, yesterday I went to the ATM to get money out. I chose to get $50 out from credit. Nothing came out. I tried again with Checking, and it worked. The problem is that my online banking says I received money from the first try, which i didn't.

Right after that I went to the bus station to put money on my bus card. I put $50 in the machine. It didn't put money on my card. It didn't give me a receipt. It didn't give me my money back. I cried in public. A kind lady (and witness) walked me to the train station but they couldn't help me. I called the number on the back of the card and I think it's all under control. They will see if there's an extra $50 in there and refund me in the next 10 days via my card. I just have to keep a positive mindset and i know everything will be okay.

Everything is a learning experience. I've been lost on buses many times so far here. The transportation system really takes some getting used to.

I feel independent and free.

New Dischord Video

2010-07-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

This is the video from my boyfriend's recent show where I did a live drawing on stage. Check it out!

The New Dischord Show Pictures

2010-07-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I did a live drawing at a show the day before I left. Here are some pictures from the New Dischord show that are just now available to the public (PHOTOS BY ZACH MCDONALD)

letting the music control my movements

details!

the atmosphere

The Glass House Mountains

2010-07-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

The other day I went climbing at the Glass House Mountains (locals would call them "The Glassys" which are about 45 minutes away from me. I went with a bloke named Rob, a local Brisbane climber, and Matt, who I met through the Australearn program that I am studying through.

It was a lot of fun! The rock here is sandstone but it is a different kind than we have back home. The movements are amazing and the holds are crimpy and perfect. I absolutely love the climbing here! We got on this 25 and it was a beautiful line with awesome movements. Overall i had a blast and was ridiculously sore the next day. Here are some photos:

matt climbing. photo by me

me climbing. photo by matt; edit by me

the crux! Photo by matt, edit by me

THE AMAZING VIEW

Rob crushing! Photo by me

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

2010-07-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

G’Day, Mate! I have now arrived in the land down unda!

Let’s start from the beginning:

Plane ride:

It was probably a good thing that I didn’t get much sleep the night before I left (around 3 hours – I was just really sad to leave Tim…) However, the lack of sleep helped me totally pass out on the airplane!!! It was great! The flight to Australia honestly felt shorter than the flight to LA from Nashville! I also somehow scored some awesome seats – I sat in the seats where there are baby carriages that fold out of the wall – which means lots of leg room! I could stretch my feet out flat out in front of me and still have a little room to the wall. On a raw food note, I packed lots of fruit to be secure about the long flight – I brought a container of strawberries and one of papaya and mango. I found that the cut up fruit gets mushy and bad very quickly so in the future I know to eat this stuff first. I also brought lots of dates and some dried fruit for backup. And Quantas has a fruit/vegan option for meals when I first bought my ticket, so I also signed up for that. The funny thing is that they served dinner and breakfast at the most random times! Both times they had to wake me up when it arrived, lol. It was basically just chopped fruit (dinner was pineapple/honeydew/cantelope, tiny salad and a banana and breakfast was honeydew, cantelope, grapefruit, strawberries and oranges. Both meals had some sort of bread and butter served with it, which I obviously did not eat. I only ate a few bites of each meal, as the fruit I had looked more appetizing, and they served it at the weirdest times (for instance, breakfast was at 2am!) Anyways, I had to throw away all my fruit when I arrived to the airport and before I went through customs. I was very sad to throw away such good food (especially my dates!) I then realized I probably could have gone through customs without them even knowing!!! Makes me sad! Oh well.

Culture and Adventure program:
I did a week-long adventure program in the tropical land of Cairns, Australia! Here’s the lowdown on the week:

-July 12 – arrived to Cairns & had dinner at a brewery – they provided me with a colorful bowl of veggies, which was nice. Honestly though, I was dying for some fruit! It was hard to get acclimated at first since I was stuck with a HUGE group (around 140 people) and most of their meals are provided, whereas I have to find my own. After a couple days I learned where the markets were so I shopped on my own. =)

the big group of americans, all studying through australearn

a beautiful rainbow in cairns

the backpackers hostile we stayed at

-July 13 – Volunteer day – helped plant trees in the tropical rainforest! This was a really cool experience – I had the opportunity to give back to the community and leave something that I planted in Australia. It’s cool to think that there will always be a tree in Australia that I helped place in the ground! I learned a lot about the rainforest this day, and it was a cool experience.

crazy looking flower

me opening a coconut with my bare hands & a flimsy pocket knife: SUCCESS

me & anna w/ the coconut we foraged & avocados we bought

-July 14 – Great Barrier Reef! There’s really only two words to explain this: mind blowing!!!!!! I snorkeled in the crystal clear blue water and it was absolutely amazing. The coral reef is so beautiful and it is home to some of the most bizarre fish I’ve ever seen! I highly recommend checking this out sometime; it’s a MUST-SEE. Swimming with the fish is just such an amazing experience. Like I said, mind blowing! That night I met up with another low fat raw vegan who is from New Zealand but recently moved to Cairns. He is 20 and we share a passion in fruit eating! It’s really cool to meet other raw vegans!

my lunch on the boat

beautiful waters

me and anna getting ready to snorkel

snorkeling!

crystal clear waters

me on the boat

amazing scenery

Daryl, a young raw vegan from NZ

-July 15 – Rainforestation day! I toured the rainforest, hung out with kangaroos and wallabies, saw a crocodile, held a snake, threw a boomerang, watched aboriginals perform songs and dances, took an army duck through the rainforest, and held a koala – I got a lot of the stereotypical Australian touristy stuff done! It was SOOOO much fun!!!! I had a blast.

baby wallaby - so cute!

me and a kanga

aaawwww

these guys are so chill

A big croc named "Big Ripper" i think

a native aboriginal showing me how to throw a boomerang

facing my fear of snakes

not sure what to think, haha!

australian spider

a beautiful cassowary

lunch in the rainforest

-July 16 – Free Day! My new friend Anna and I went to Rusties, which is apparently the biggest farmers market in Queensland! And let me tell you, its HUGE! It is absolutely overwhelming. Take a typical farmers market (like the one Chattanooga or Nashville, for instance) and times it by 3… insane! So much to choose from! I am now convinced that being a raw vegan in Cairns is extremely easy. I had to walk around the whole thing at least 3 times to even know what I should buy! I ended up getting a young green coconut, a few paw paws, a couple avocados, and a couple huge black sapotes. I also got fresh squeezed sugar cane juice and it was incredible!

rows and rows and rows of this stuff!

Overall I have had the best time of my life! But honestly I can’t wait to be in Brisbane, where I am living and attending school for the next year.

I’d also like to note that although I’m not homesick in any way shape or form. I will say that every time I experience something absolutely awesome (like snorkeling at the great barrier reef) I can’t help to wish that Tim was there right beside me, sharing the amazing experience with me. I love you, Tim! And I really miss you and I want to share all these amazing experiences with you! =)

last few days in the States

2010-07-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Wow… so much has happened in the last couple weeks that I do not even know when to start!!!

I’ll try to just hit the highlights.

-July 4 - I saw the infamous Nashville fireworks from a boat! It was beautiful. Here are some pictures:

banana icecream w/ strawberries and blueberries

- New Dischord show – As you may or may not know, my boyfriend Tim started a new music group in Chattanooga called New Dischord. They are basically a group of very talented musicians that are revolutionizing so-called “Classical” music into something more interesting and bizarre. You really have to hear it to understand it! But anyways, they had their first show on July 9 at the Lindsay Street Hall in Chattanooga. Aaron Roche (Indie Singer who Tim recently created an album with) also made a guest appearance to play a few songs from the new album. I did a live charcoal drawing on the stage behind them!!! I had a BLAST! The music was absolutely amazing and was completely guiding my drawing. Thanks to everyone who made it out! It was a great turnout and it was sooo fun! Here is the poster (with my art on it)

this is the piece that the music inspired:

-My last day in the states – Sooo most of you know I’m studying abroad in Australia. My last night was so exciting with the new dischord show yet so hard knowing that I would be leaving for a year… It was especially hard to leave my boyfriend, Tim… Let’s just say it was a hard night! The next day we got up early and we drove to Nashville, said a few goodbyes, and hopped on the plane…… MORE TO COME about my Australia journeys in a new post……. Hope everyone is doing well!

finished this the last day before i left - its a baby shower gift to tim's sister

my two lovers, tim and marcus <3

June 2010

2010-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a life update for June 2010:

Going Away Party!

Since my departure date is drawing near, we had a combination going away party / birthday party for me in Nashville. Here are just a few pictures of the party that I thought you may enjoy:

me and timmy <3

me and becky, one of my favorite people!

me and tim in da pool

AND OF COURSE, THE FOOD:

fruit platters!

summer salad featuring corn, red pepper, & avocado w/ cilantro

wilted kale salad!

fruit platter!

mango pie #1

Mango pie #2

And for the record, the mango pies were scarfed down within minutes. People go crazy over this pie.... and it is SO SIMPLE! I recently posted a mango pie recipe here, but i simplified it a bit.

MANGO PIE:

ingredients:

dates, mangos, and any fruit to decorate the top

directions:

1. puree dates and a tad of water in a food processor until smooth. Thickly coat the bottom of a pie pan & put in freezer to set.

2. cut & freeze mangos. Puree in food processor until smooth (creating mango icecream) - spread into pie pan, above date crust.

3. decorate with fruit (such as bananas and berries)

4. DEVOUR and ENJOY!

BIKE RIDING

Tim and I have been going on bike rides lately as a cross training cardio workout.

tim and i riding in the park, taken with a fish eye lens

stretching @ the top of the hill

doing a little yoga and core workout

Chattanooga Going Away Party

The Chattanooga going away party was significantly shorter but still full of good people and great fun.

ART

Tim and I have been doing a little art lately.

tim working on his masterpiece

oil pastels

art mess!

drawing on cardboard

psychedelic!

making hand-made flyers for tim's show

splattering paint! (making hand made flyers)

The result of the hand made flyers:

tim, me, and jonathan chillin in our messy, artsy apartment

New Puppy!

I'm currently back in Nashville, where my dad just got a new puppy! His name is Charlie and he is a little cute fluffy mutt! I love him already!

what a cutie!d'awwww!!!!

What have YOU been up to!?

Raw Fruits and Vegetables: The Diet for Humans?

2010-06-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Raw Fruits and Vegetables:

The Diet for Humans?

As children, we have all learned about many species-specific diets. We learn that lions and tigers are carnivores and they eat animals. We learn that cows are herbivores and they eat grass. We learn that birds are granivores and they eat seeds and grains. These are foods that they are biologically designed to eat! Their whole bodies are made for these types of food. They are attracted to their food in its raw, uncooked, unprocessed state, as nature intended.

Have you ever thought about what humans are biologically designed to eat? Well, we all know that you won't find processed hamburgers and french fries in nature! Not to mention, you won't find soda and chips growing out of the ground or Cheetos falling from trees! So how do we figure out the species specific diet for humans? We can take a look at our senses, compare humans to other animals, and use simple logic to figure it out.

Animals in nature are completely attracted to their biological diet in its raw, uncooked, unprocessed state. Carnivores salivate when they see their prey walking in a field. Do you salivate when you see a cow grazing in a field? Do you fantasize running up to it and ripping open its flesh with your bare hands? Do you crave to gobble up the warm, bloody guts? Or do you find ripe, colorful fruit appealing on an empty stomach? Do you crave a juicy, luscious piece of fruit picked straight from a tree? I'll let you decide.

The truth is, there are many differences between humans and carnivores. Many people think that a carnivore is simply an animal that eats mainly meat. However, there are many other characteristics that define a true carnivore. Below is a chart of characteristics that compare humans and carnivores. They are derived mainly from Dr. Graham's book, The 80/10/10 Diet:

	Humans	Carnivores
Walking	Two hands and two feet; walk erect	Four feet; perform locomotion using all fours
Tails	No tails	All carnivores have tails
Tongues	Smooth tongues	Rasping (rough) tongues
Claws	No claws	Claws
Opposing thumbs	Opposing thumbs	No opposing thumbs
Births	Give birth to one or two at a time	Give birth to litters
Colon formation	Convoluted colon	Smooth colon
Intestinal length	12 times the length of the torso	3 times the length of the torso
Mammary glands	One pair mammary glands on chest	Multiple teats on abdomen
Sleep	Two thirds of every 24 hour cycle are spent actively awake	Rest and sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day
Microbial tolerance	Little tolerance; deadly	Can digest large amounts of microbes
Perspiration	Sweat from pores on entire body	Sweat from tongues only
Vision	Full spectrum of color	Do not see in full color
Meal size	Fruit fits in hands, a few pieces will suffice for a meal, there is no waste	Eat entire animal when they kill it
Drinking	Suck water with lips	Tongues protrude outward so they can lap water
Placenta	Discoid-style placenta	Zonary placenta
Vitamin C	Essential nutrient found in food	Produce their own vitamin C
Jaw movement	Grind food; unique to plant eaters	Have no lateral movement in their jaws
Dental formula	2 incisors, 1 canine, 5 molars	3 incisors, 1 canine, 5 to 8 molars
Teeth	“Canines” are primarily flat, for mashing food	Canines are long, pointed, and sharp, for biting into flesh
Tolerance for fat	Do not handle large amounts of fat well	Thrive on a high-fat diet
Saliva and urine pH	When healthy, Alkaline saliva and urine	Acidic saliva and urine
Diet pH	Preferred foods are alkaline-forming; high amounts of acid-forming foods are deadly	Thrive on a diet of acid-forming foods
Stomach acid pH	pH level of the hydrochloric acid that humans produce in their stomach generally ranges about 3 to 4 or higher	Stomach acid runs in the 2s and is at least 10 times stronger than that of a human. (It can be 100 or even 1,000 times stronger)
Uricase	Secrete none; must neutralize this strong acid with alkaline minerals such as calcium.	Secrete an enzymes called uricase to metabolize the uric acid in flesh
Digestive enzymes	Produce ptyalin -aka amylase- to initiate the digestion of fruit	Do not produce ptyalin and have different digestive enzyme ratios
Sugar metabolism	The glucose and fructose in fruits fuel cells without straining the pancreas	Cannot handle sugars well
Intestinal flora	Different bacterial colonies living in intestines; the ones that are similar (such as lactobacillus and e. coli) are found in different amounts	Different bacterial colonies living in intestines; the ones that are similar (such as lactobacillus and e. coli) are found in different amounts
Liver size	Smaller livers	Proportionately larger livers
Cleanliness	Particular about the cleanliness of food	Least picky; will eat bugs, dirt, organic debris, and other items

Table1: Humans vs. Carnivores (Graham).

If humans aren't carnivores, what are they? Well, humans are classified as anthropoid apes. Since primates are cousins to humans, the primate diet may reveal clues to the biological human diet. The closest relative to humans are bonobos. They have up to a 99.4% DNA match to humans. They are frugivores and eat mostly fruits, greens, young shoots and buds. Less than 1% of their diet comes from animal products such as insects, fish, and small animals. Even when they do eat animals on occasion, they gobble up the raw bloody flesh with their bare hands. My guess is that most humans would not find this appealing! Bonobos thrive from a diet that mainly consists of uncooked, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. They never consider cooking, seasoning, or altering their food in any way. Since humans are so closely related to them, it would only make sense that humans should also eat this way.

So, is it really possible for humans to survive on a diet mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables? Yes. Not only can humans survive but they can also thrive! Many people around the world are eating this way.

Here, I answer a few frequently asked questions:

So what exactly does your diet consist of? I eat uncooked, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Why don't you eat cooked food? When food is cooked, the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals are destroyed. Just think about what fire does to something. You can only imagine what it is doing to your food. It changes the molecular structure, denatures the proteins, oxidizes the fats, and kills the nutrients. No other animal cooks its food and no other animal has as much disease as humans, which is mainly diet-related. Coincidence? I think not.

Why did you start this diet? What inspired it? Well, I was trying all sorts of different ways of eating throughout my life and I never really felt exceptionally good on any of them. I am an athlete and I wanted a diet that would allow me to perform at my peak all the time. I used to live off of ice cream and pasta so anything would have made a change! I heard about this diet when I went vegan. My friend told me about it and then I looked it up online. I remember that as I was reading about the raw vegan diet online, I became addicted to the information. I sat at my computer for hours researching and everything made perfect sense to me. It was the most logical diet i've ever heard about and I starting eating this way the very next day! I got very inspired by other people doing it online and all the information I read about really sparked something inside me that has kept me doing it for over two years now!
What are some benefits you have received while eating this way? I have received endless benefits. I have experienced improved digestion, insanely increased energy, healthy weight loss, smooth skin, and increased happiness. I have friends who have cured diseases such as cancer and diabetes from this diet. I have also let go of many negative attributes that went along with my old standard American diet. I no longer get sick, have headaches, or get bloated. I have also cured depression and I've never felt better in my life!
Do you get all your nutrients on a raw food diet? Yes! am eating the most nutritional foods on the planet. The reality is that we shouldn't worry so much about this if we are eating a diet that is naturally appealing. Animals don't worry about if they are getting enough calcium or iron so neither should we. They just eat their biological diet and go on with their life! Nature has it all worked out for us!
But where do you get your protein? Ah, the protein question. This is the most commonly asked question! First of all, humans do not need as much protein as some people think. When we are infants, we grow at the most rapid state we will ever grow. We are meant to live on our mother's breast milk, which is 1-4% protein. Consequently, fruit happens to be 1-6% protein. As a parting thought, gorillas are one of the strongest mammals on the planet. Where do they get their protein? (fruits and greens!)

You mentioned you were an athlete. How has this diet effected your performance? Yes, I am a sponsored competitive rock climber and I only want the best diet for my performance. I have tried many diets over the years to try and achieve optimal performance. It was not until I found this natural diet when I achieved this goal. I have never felt this strong in years and I feel like the way I eat now has greatly effected my performance on the rock. I have been a regional champion for a few years now and have competed at nationals. I am stronger than ever.

What would you tell someone who wanted to start eating this way?

First, I would tell them to buy the book The 80/10/10 Diet by Dr. Douglas Graham because it is so informative when it comes to this natural diet. Getting inspired and motivated was the most important part for my transition! Research, research, research! Next, I would tell them to start their day with a fresh fruit smoothie or piece of fruit. There are many ways to transition to this diet but I found that slowly adding fruits and greens to the existing diet is an easy way to ease in, starting with breakfast. Slowly start making the raw portion sizes bigger and the cooked food portions smaller. Soon enough, you'll be eating raw fruits and vegetables for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you need any help transitioning, feel free to email me for more personal help: badashclimber@gmail.com

I, among many others, am living proof that eating our biological diet is not only do-able, but beneficial. By comparing ourselves to other animals, looking at our senses, and using simple logic, we have found that humans are frugivores by nature. One could only imagine what the world would be like if everyone started eating our natural diet again. Would all disease fade away and be cured? Would depression be solved? Would people be happier and healthier? There is only one way to find out.

****if you found this post interesting, and would like to read more info on the subject, let me know. I wrote a more in depth paper that I am glad to share. Leave your email and I will send it to you.

spontaneous trip to the red

2010-06-18T22:21:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday Tim and I spontaneously decided to go to the Red River Gorge to do a day and a half of climbing in one of the best climbing areas in the nation.

We arrived at 7pm and climbed a couple routes at Roadside crag. It was the most humid i have EVER felt it, EVER. We were sweating bullets!

Thursday was my 19th birthday. We woke up early and headed out to The Dark Side. We did a couple cool warm ups and headed to the beautiful, overhanging, pocketed wall. Ana Hayes climbed with us and then later on the TBA crew including Lu, Kasia, AJ, Holly, and Sam. I put 2 good burns into a 5.12 called Mama Benson. The crux is at the top and it involves a long move after a couple crimpy moves. I was in a try hard mode that made me feel accomplished even with no send. It's a really cool route and area, and I can't wait to go back!

Oh, and did I mention the weather!? I really couldn't have asked for better weather on my birthday. I was really thankful for this, as it was the best day of weather that the area had in quite a while! Everyone was pretty psyched about it, especially the locals. =)

We headed out in the afternoon to eat lunch and chill at ana's place. I plugged in my vita-mix blender and made some dateorade (just soaked dates and water blended) - which is a great sports drink if you want some good sugary energy punch. Next we headed to the tent and took a nap before some evening climbing.

Later on we hiked to military wall and did one more route to finish off our one and a half day, spontaneous adventure to the red.

Overall, the red IS worth it for one day! And I had an amazing birthday!!!!

spontaneous adventure to Bonnaroo

2010-06-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tim and I met up with his friend and a few others for lunch. They had just been kicked out of bonnaroo, a 4 day music festival in manchester, TN. I have been for the past 4 years, and you can read about one of my experiences here.

Needless to say, one of them slipped off their wristbands and gave it to me so that I could catch the last few hours of bonnaroo.

With a smile on my face, i headed home and then begged my roommate Jonathan to go with me. He did not have a wristband but I knew I could find him one. =)

me and J at the roo

Tim had to drive my bro to Nashville and Manchester was on the way. We all packed in the car and headed that way. Tim dropped Jonathan and I off at a gas station, where I asked around for a wristband. I finally bought one off a girl for 5 bucks, as scalpers were STILL selling tickets outside the gas station for $100, no joke. The original price is around $250.

Anyways, then we hitched a ride to the main campgrounds from a couple in a jeep. We were in!!!! We met up with my good friend Paulina, chilled out a little, and then headed to centeroo, where the stages are.

chillin inside a hut made out of recycled cans

sunset at the roo

beautiful pink clouds!

me and paulina

We saw a couple bands and then saw Dave Matthews band, the main reason why I wanted to go. I grew up with DMB playing around our house and in every family roadtrip! (DMB, New Radicals, Pink Floyd and the Beatles were the main bands of my youth!) Anyways, it was really cool to see them live and it brought back many childhood memories. They really know how to jam!

me and jonathan listening to DMB

dave matthews band!

Near the end of the show, we headed out to try and hitch a ride home. Earlier in the evening, I found a cardboard box that i wrote "Chattanooga?" on, hoping that someone would be heading that way. We walked along the exit road with our sign. Not long later, we had a taker!!!! A nice father and daughter were headed to Chattanooga as well! We hopped in and were really thankful for the ride. (Thanks again if you are reading this!) We were SOOOO not looking forward to waking up in a scorching hot tent!!!!

this is me with the sign we made to find a ride home. SUCCESS!

Overall, it was a very fun spontaneous adventure!

*sorry for the picture quality; these pics were all with my phone!

Tim Hinck & Aaron Roche = Plainspeak

2010-06-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend, Tim Hinck, is a very talented, professional musician. He teamed up with his friend Aaron Roche and recently put together an amazing new album, entitled "Plainspeak."

As Tim explain's it, "'Plainspeak' is the new album by Indie-folk singer/songwriter Aaron Roche, and composer Tim Hinck. This interesting fusion of Classical/Electronica/SouthernFolk/IndieRock will be released in October 2010 on SoundsAreActive Records (L.A., California)" Also, be sure to check out their facebook fan page!

Tim and Aaron are currently trying to raise the funds to try and complete the album. They are doing this through Kickstarter, an organization that helps young artists raise money for their projects.

Check out their cool kick starter video! (click the picture below)

If you have 5 minutes, you should pass this on to some music lovers, kind souls, rich folk, or whoever would be interested in it.

THANK YOU! =)

Celebration of Life for Lonnie Bonds

2010-06-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Chicago for a celebration of life for my great uncle, Lonnie Bonds. He was an amazing guy and brought some incredible people together on this beautiful summer day. We'll always remember you, Lonnie!

My great aunt Eileen (married to Lonnie) kindly allowed me to stay in her home during my visit. I always love staying with her, not only because she is an amazing person and beautiful kind soul, but also because her house and yard are both so incredible. She is conveniently located in a short walking distance from downtown Chicago, just minutes from public transportation and famous shops. However, she maintains beautiful gardens along with her old character-filled home. I love everything about it.

She hosted a very cool party and I had a lot of fun. There was lots of laughs, smiles, probably tears, and new friendships made. Here are some pictures (there are more on my facebook):

my great uncle Lonnie Bonds. What a badass!

signature book & prayer cards

me & my beautiful cousin sheila

lonnie's daughter, Rhenetta & I
my amazing cousin lonnie, me, & beautiful aunt eileen
there was a heartwarming slideshow of pics

eileen's yard, in the middle of downtown chicago. Urban gardens, anyone!?
a couple photographers. ;)
my dad & eileen
uncle jimbo & my dad
a beautiful rose in eileen's garden

raindrops!
raindrops on roses!
crazy magical tree!
another cool tree in eileen's yard.
two cuties by the bird bath...

AND for the raw vegan viewers:

FRESH STRAWBERRY PICKING in eileen's back yard. Yes please!
premium organic strawberries from a local farmer

Stanley's Market, just a few minute walk from Eileen's:
yeah.... cheap stuff!

thanks for reading!

2 year raw anniversary!

2010-05-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

TWO YEARS - 100% RAW VEGAN

As of today, I have eaten 100% raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds for TWO years!

This lifestyle has CHANGED MY LIFE.

I never thought that I would be where I am today... eating the food that i do. Hell, ask anyone who has known me for a while - i'd probably be THE LAST person on their guessing lists of people who would go raw vegan. I used to literally LIVE off of icecream. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No joke. When I wasn't eating icecream, I was eating white pasta, white rice, chocolate, cookies, brownies, and other junk food. I struggled on and off with eating disorders, sleeping problems, depression, learning disabilities, focusing issues, and so on. I was always tired and depressed. I needed a change in my life, and my diet is what needed to be changed the most. One day i just got really inspired and started researching.

First, I randomly went vegan (after being the person who would say "Vegan!? What do vegans even eat?! Berries and tree bark?! I could never go vegan!") I was only going to do it for a month just to say i tried, but after that month, I learned so much about the meat and dairy industry that I could not go back to eating dairy products.

While researching veganism, a soon-to-be friend Steve told me about raw foodists. He and his wife, Nicole, were raw. The day he messaged me about it, I could not be pulled away from the computer. I was addicted to the information. The more I read about raw foods, the more everything made sense to me. Why had I not heard of this before?!

Not long after, I started my raw journey and I haven't looked back. I have never felt this good in my life. Each day gets better and better. I feel like I'm on a constant high.... I love my life more than I ever imagined possible. I manifest positive people and situations in my life and I always have an abundance of fruit (thanks mom and dad!)

Granted, I went through some struggles, especially at first when nobody understood what the hell i was doing! Soon enough most people caught on and accepted my life changes. Now, those same people are coming to me constantly asking for recipes and tips to change their diets. Funny how things work!

I just wanted to share this snippit of my raw journey because i know that if I can do it, you can do it. It's so easy that it's almost ridiculous. If you want a life change and you want to eat the most nutritious foods on the planet and feel AMAZING, give it a try. Even if you just want to add more raw foods to your cooked diet. Or make more smoothies. Or eat some greens once in a while. Anything. I'll be here for you. I'm here to inspire and to help everyone in their journey to health. I don't judge.

I'm so glad I found this lifestyle. I love fruits. I love greens. I love my life.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me and inspired me along the way. You know who you are. (And that means you too, the viewer!)

I didn't have a huge party like I did for my one year anniversary party, but I did celebrate a little!

I made a low fat raw vegan mango pie... and I will share the process below (it's easier than i make it look and sooo delicious!)

ASHLEY'S MANGO "PAH"

-mangos

-bananas

-dates

-raw vanilla bean powder (optional)

chop up bananas and mangos in separate containers and freeze overnight.
press dates in the bottom of a pie pan, forming a crust.
puree frozen bananas in a food processor until smooth, creating "banana icecream" & spread a layer into the pan. put into freezer for a few minutes to let it set.
repeat the same process for the mangos. (puree into icecream, layer on top)
decorate the top with banana slices. For this pie, I even made "date dip" (dates blended with a TINY bit of water & a pinch of raw vanilla bean powder) and formed the word "RAW" using a cake decorator. In the future I want to make designs with this cool tool!
Freeze to let set, cut, and enjoy! Simple and delicious!

----------------------------------------

CONTINUING THE SALAD CRAZE!

Today for dinner, Tim helped me make this raw kale salad with a side of fresh corn. It was sooo good:

i love tim hinck

THANKS FOR READING!

Speakez vid

2010-05-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Check out my boyfriend Tim's new video blog! Right now it features a video made for the art show the other day. He just bought a pocket HD video cam which is really cool! I'm sure i'll be posting many more vids to come:

check it out: http://www.timhinck.com/outdoors.html

Speakez Art Show

2010-05-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

New Reason New Renaissance Art Show

The art show was great. It was combined with a spoken word performance, which basically a mixture between poetry, rap, and preaching. I highly recommend going to an event like this - the spoken word crew (the speakez) performs at Mudpie on Monday nights in Chattanooga! Check them out!

There was also a dj and a saxophone player along with lots of art. The art was pretty interesting and there were a few pieces I really enjoyed, especially some graffiti pieces. There was also some cool photography. The vibe was good and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for everyone who came out! Here are some pictures:

me in front of my piece, Hidden Layers

me in front of 2 of my latest pieces

2 of my pieces

saxaphone playa

performing spoken word

the atmosphere

some arrrt.

another atmosphere pic

spoken word on top of a chair

awww.

Tim and I

spoken word freestylin' up close

chillin out

my brother & his friend Claire (and baby kelsey)

me and nathan (Tim's good friend)

worrrrd!

art show tonight!

2010-05-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday these guys installed 5 of my pieces for the new reason new renaissance art show here in Chattanooga, TN.

Interested?

TONIGHT, MAY 28, 7-10pm

The Loose Cannon Gallery - 1800 Rossville Ave.

COME ONE COME ALL!!!!!!

salad craze

2010-05-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I follow a high fruit, low fat diet.... and I base my calories from heaps and heaps of fruit. I typically don't eat A TON of greens, as I am simply not attracted to them on a constant basis. I just listen to my body and eat what my body craves...(notice i said BODY and not MIND!) However, there are definitely times when i crave greens, and when I do, i usually go crazy with them! I've been really enjoying a daily salad for dinner and I dream about it all day. Here is one I had tonight:

spinach-avocado salad with spring corn and zesty cilantro:

-lettuce

-spinach

-tomatoes

-avocado

-cilantro

-white & yellow corn

-alfalfa sprouts

YUMMMM.

Lower Leeda

2010-05-26T13:33:00.001-07:00

Today I went out to Leeda to do a little climbing to start my day.

Tim and I hopped on a really cool 5.12b called Hypomania. We both did one pitch on it to warm up. I did the warm-up pitch with only one hang, which really boosted up my confidence to send it! Tim did another burn on it and sent it, and I got really psyched! I ended up flowing through it with ease, and as soon as i climbed past the crux, it started raining. I had to finish climbing the route as it was pouring rain on me, through easy-but-chossy rock scrambling. I felt like I was adventure climbing in the rain! ha! Needless to say, I was psyched to send it!

im happy!

After I got back in town I headed over to TBA to do a little training. I have been trying to work on my lock-off strength. I didn't stay long but i managed to climb a few warm-ups, do a few sets of off-set pull-ups, and climb a few problems with a 20lb weight vest while locking off each move. I'm slowly but surely getting stronger! PSYCHED!

new shoes came in: my favorites, the Evolv Talon!

SO EXCITED TO KEEP TRAINING!

House Warming Party

2010-05-26T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last night we had a house warming party. It was a lot of fun! About 20 people showed up and we introduced them to our new place. Here are some updated pics of our apartment - which is currently an ashley hamilton art gallery! ha!

crazy elephant tapestry, crash pad couch, and art

front wall: ashley hamilton art, chair, and bike

a view from the door

Jonathan chilllin & my art on the wall

on a raw food note, check out this yummy simple salad i made. One head of lettuce, a few tomatoes, and an avocado. Simple and delicious!

new reason new renaissance art show

2010-05-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself in the Chattanooga area on Friday, you should head over to the Loose Cannon gallery and check out this art show featuring local artists! Five of my pieces will be in it!!!!! It is from 7-10pm on Friday, May 28 @ 1800 Rossville Ave. SEE YA THERE!

RED RIVER GORGE

2010-05-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

THE RED

I had a blast this weekend!!! I've never had so much fun getting my ass kicked at the Red River Gorge with Kasia!

It was hard to get climbing pics since there was only the two of us, but we managed to get a few:

me and oreo on our way

On Friday we left Chattanooga and hit up Roadside. We climbed a few hard tens and hopped on a twelve. It was a harsh welcome to the red river gorge! Endurance check!

Saturday we headed out to the motherlode. It was definitely a fitness WAKEUP call for me!!!! Kasia did 8 pitches and I did 5 or 6. Let's just say that I am super psyched to train now!!!!

kasia crushin moves on her proj, cut throat

proof i was at the motherload, haha!

Kasia's pup, Oreo. Isn't he BEAUTIFUL?!

Today we went out to solar collector but we were really tired! I ended up doing one pitch and kasia did two pitches. Then we sunbathed for a while, chilled at miguels, and headed home.

foolin around, getting a climbin pic in:

It was an awesome weekend and I am super motivated to train and get stronger now!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!

I AM ACCEPTED!

2010-05-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'M ACCEPTED!!!!

I was just accepted to the fine arts program at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia!

I will be heading out to Australia on July 10, 2010 and staying a year.

I will be sure to keep everyone updated and post plenty of pics of my travels. SO PSYCHED!

done with freshman year - lots of things going on!!

2010-05-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Long time no talk!

First of all, I apologize for not posting sooner. Lots of things happened in my life! I will try not to overwhelm you - here is a basic update with different sections of my life (barefooting, school, climbing, raw veganism, art, and a new apartment... scroll down to what you like and leave the rest.) Hope everyone is doing well!!!

barefooting

As a continuation from the last post, I would like to add that I have become in love with the barefoot lifestyle. I did the "one day without shoes" sponsored by Toms Shoe company and the obsession with barefooting grew from there. I try to be barefoot as much as possible now.... and a couple family friends bought me some awesome shoes called vibram five fingers! They feel like I am walking barefoot with a slight layer in between the ground and my foot. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to be barefoot all the time but can't due to poor conditions and hazards. Barefoot is the way to go!

school

A few weeks ago I ended my freshman year of college. I am so glad I made it through! I ended my year on the Dean's list, as I made all As and Bs. I switched my major to art so from now on, i will be studying one of my passions. =)

climbing

Since school ended, i have been climbing frequently. I have spending most of my time at Little River Canyon in Alabama. I am definitely getting back in the game! A month or so ago, I sent a really awesome unnamed 12b at the canyon, which was the hardest thing i've done since i got back into climbing after my injury. I was psyched! I'm definitely getting into routes now and my obsession for climbing has returned 100% !!! I am going to the red next weekend with Kasia and I'm psyched!!!!!!!

raw veganism

I know the majority of my readers are fellow raw vegans, so as an update to you guys, i've been really enjoying the mangos lately!!! I'm sure everyone can agree. Also, Gretta and I have had some delicious durian feasts. MMMMmmmm!!!! Oh, and it's finally beginning to be watermelon season! ahhhh yes! Summer is upon us and the juicy fruits are emerging!

eating fruit with my second family, the Helms, on Gretta's 40th b-day!!!!

Hanging out with the only other low fat raw vegan in Chattanooga - Gretta! This is her 40th b-day and she has never felt better in her life!!!

Art

I have made a few new pieces lately and i'm working on some commissions right now. I'm getting inspired lately!

my "grafitti" on a bench at Climb Nashville

The logo I made for my friend Becky's photography: Sparrow Rose Photography
working on a new piece!

my newest piece: a combination of texture, drips, splatters, and swirls. email me if you are interested: badashclimber@gmail.com

New Apartment!

Tim, Jonathan, and I are now living in a new apartment. These are pics from the 2nd day we lived here, so they are pretty bare... more to come when we start decorating!!!

my room

view from front door

my bathroom

jonathan's bathroom

That's all, folks!

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES - JOIN ME!

2010-04-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

A few amazing events have happened in my life but I have been too lazy to blog about them! I went and saw The Dirty Projectors play in Knoxville with Tim on our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY. =) I also got to see Tim's world premiere of his current piece, Old Man With Turnip. More on all of that later.

I wanted to let everyone know that I am

GOING BAREFOOT TOMORROW.

why? To raise awareness about all the kids who don't have shoes.

The impact of a pair of shoes has on a child can be life-changing. Raise awareness this April 8. Go barefoot!

The Facts:

* Fact #1: In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to food, clean water and to seek medical help.
* Fact #2: Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
* Fact #3: Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
* Fact #4: In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
* Fact #5: Podoconiosis is 100% preventable by wearing shoes.

YOU SHOULD GO BAREFOOT TOO.

check out this video.

www.onedaywithoutshoes.com

back to competing!

2010-03-25T08:58:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I competed at a college regionals competition in Nashville @ The Crag at Cool Springs.

I competed on a personal level and also with my school, UTC.

It was the first competition I have competed in since my injury. Needless to say, it went pretty well. I have to admit there were a few times when I got high on the wall, i freaked out a little bit in my mind as i would have flashbacks of the fall... but by the end of the day, I was falling on both feet without much worry.

It was a pretty fun comp and I got a really good work out in! I was sore for the next few days! I ended up placing first in advanced women! And our school as a whole got first place overall! (good job, everyone!)

On a raw vegan note, I was completely fueled on ataulfo mangos the whole day! They are my favorite food.

Now i'm just waiting for someone to post pictures or videos! I will update this blog post as soon as those are available.

St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patricks day, everyone!

Here are some of my favorite foods that are green:

green smoothie!green juice!
lettuce, eaten straight!
more lettuce eaten alone!
black sapotes! i took this picture in sort of a ripening progression!

And here are a few pics that i got off the internet of a few more green foods i enjoy:

grapes!avocado!
cucumber!
kiwi!

What green foods do YOU like!?

Urban Climber Mag: HP40 guidebook

2010-03-11T10:25:00.001-08:00

Someone informed me that there were pics of me on the UrbanClimber Magazine website... So i went and checked them out!

These pics are mainly from my good friend Dan Brayack and were submitted to make the new HP40 guidebook. Check out the new guidebook here. I am psyched that one of the pics that Dan submitted of me made it to the guidebook.... However, I don't have a picture of it right here. I'll have to get back to you guys on this one!

Check out some of the pics that were submitted here.

For now, here are few of the pics of me that were submitted:

check out the sick Friksn shirts!