Friday, February 11, 2011

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Ron FletChER and the 12 StePs...


 This image of Ron FLetcher is one of my faves. On a reformer with a dress shirt and aviators....How could you NOT want to know what this guy is all about???

At the age of 19, Ron Fletcher left his hometown of Dogtown on the Arkansas-Missouri border for NYC. He says he doesn't know if it was 'determination or stupidity' at the time, but he went directly to Martha Graham's Dance Company and asked to study under her. She worked with him for an hour and said 'I can make a dancer out of you'. He worked with her company for 12 years as well as the Ice Capades. At some point he got a part in a worthy show with Mary Martin. He asked to be listed in the program as being a part of the Martha Graham Company and that pissed her off...She told him that 'you're just going off whoring.' At some point he injured his knee and upon suggestion by another dancer, he went to J. Pilates studio. He said that he thought he might be in the wrong place when he arrived...the reformer with its big clubfeet looked like a torture device and the tower looked like a guillotine. At some point during his studies there, he was fired from the Ice Capades for being drunk and missing opening night. With Clara (Joseph's wife) help he became sober and worked in their studio. As a student who worked directly under Joseph Pilates, Ron Fletcher eventually developed his own off shoot of Pilates, called towel work. It became popular among the Hollywood elite in the 1970's. CLients included Marlene Dietrich and Barbara Streisand. Some of his teaching includes '12 step' exercise regimens akin to the idea of the 12 steps in AA. Ron is now in his 90's and is still teaching workshops. He is an OG.
I have done some towel work and it is challenging in a different way than classical pilates. It definitely develops a strong back and if you can remember all the cues, a strong everything else! If you are interested, there aren't a ton of certified instructors...As I said, my instructor is the only one that is certified in CT. I'm sure you could find classes in NYC if you were to look.


Melanie Johnson teaches out of Power Flow Pilates in New Haven:
www.powerflowpilates.com

Interview with Fletcher from 2008:
http://www.ronfletcherwork.com/inthenews/rfcpowerhouse.pdf

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Slacking, but With GooD ReasoN

Been slacking on posts as I have been mad busy. Trained all day Saturday and Sunday for my Pilates certification. Still have 30 hours of teaching to do before I am the real deal. My instructor is so qualified it is unbelievable. She has taught in so many fitness fields and has learned from the best! Her name is Melanie Johnson and I am lucky enough to have discovered her in New Haven.
Melanie is a third generation classically-trained Pilates teacher (training lineage by generation: Joseph and Clara Pilates > Kathy Grant and Romana Kryzanowska > Peter Roel, Phoebe Higgins, Susan Moran-Perich > Melanie Johnson). Her certifications include the PhysicalMind Institute, Power Pilates and The Pilates Method Alliance, all which demand complete training on all of the Pilates apparatus from beginner to super advanced levels, including over 600 apprenticeship hours. She has also completed advanced training with PEAK Pilates, BASI, Polestar, STOTT and Balanced Body University.

Melanie is a Level I certified Gyrotonic and Level I certified Gyrokinesis instructor, having completed her teacher trainings in New York and her final certification in Miami under the direction of Juliu Horvath. She is also the only instructor in CT who is certified to teach Fletcher towel classes. More on Ron Fletcher in future posts.....

In addition, Melanie has studied dance and yoga for over 30 years. She has completed trainings in The Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais and The Franklin Method. Combining 25 years as an ACE and AFAA certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, Reiki I and II, and NIA instructor, Melanie teaches with exceptional skill, insight, creativity and compassion.


One misconception about Pilates is that people think it is a chic exercise regimen. Joseph Pilates, however, originally was a boxer and taught it to men only. He was ripped in a 1940's kind of way, pre-steroid and HGH use. Pilates first came to the US in 1925.

Pilates was originally a gymnast, diver, and bodybuilder, but when he moved to England in 1912, he earned a living as a professional boxer, circus-performer, and self-defense trainer at police schools and Scotland Yard. Nevertheless, the British authorities interned him during World War I along with other German citizens in a concentration camp on the Isle of Man. During this involuntary break, he began to intensively develop his concept of an integrated, comprehensive system of physical exercise, which he himself called "Contrology." He studied yoga and the movements of animals and trained his fellow inmates in fitness and exercises. It is told that these inmates survived the great pandemic of 1918 due to their good physical shape.



Friday, February 4, 2011

MorE InK...Tim HarriS



So now that I have given props to Bryan Reynolds...I must give credit where credit is due. This is my tattoo guy, Tim Harris who works out of Hope Gallery in New HAven. He is best known for his flesh tone pin-ups, but also does many other styles with great skill and vision. Top is my back piece that he did  over a year ago. I love the center piece, too! A sloth and a chihuahua. Why didn't I think of that? Lastly is the style he is known for. He does sick work and is unassuming. I also like that he has very few tattoos. None that are even visible in everyday gear. There is something to be said for that in today's world of tattoo stars all over the place....Will be getting work done by him in March...Stay tuned....

Sunday, January 30, 2011

BrYan ReYnoLdS



This dude rocks my world...Didn't get some of his best work on here, but you can check out the link for more. The top piece is one of my faves. The colors he uses are so bright and unexpected. Everyone says that it doesn't really matter what type of ink is used, it is the contrast with the skin of the individual (ie pale skin makes colors brighter). I can't believe this in light of the fact that all his pieces are vibrant no matter who they are on. Does anyone have any info to enlighten me on the subject??? So, I will definitely get some work done one of these days. It doesn't seem like he has done much work lately, but if anyone hears of him at a convention, let me know. I don't know that I will be in Atlanta anytime soon. I think he still works out of Memorial Tattoo in Cabbagetown, ATL, GA.

Friday, January 28, 2011

I HeaRT WaGoNs......

 61 Pontiac Safari
 76 Pontiac Safari
 59 Rambler
 60 Pontiac Safari
 60 Pontiac Safari
 Le Mans Wagon
 Pontiac Safari




Soviet Limo??


So, I love everything from the sleazy faux wood grain 70s Pontiac Safari (released the year I was born) and the dirty Le Mans wagon to the more desirable pink 59 Rambler. I've seen the 60 Safari in person...What a fucking boat!!! You could fit 15 kids and 5 labs in that thing! If I had one of the sleazy 70s mobiles, I would definitely have the wood grain repainted in the same tones of grain, but in flake.... If I see anyone do this before I get mine I will slit your throat.... And if anyone sees that Soviet Limo for sale, give me a shout....

Actually, if any of you know of any cool vintage wagons up for sale, let me know!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Robert Rea Hair & Make Up

Love this guys work....He did the hair and make up for the shoot that will be featured in the next issue of Rebel Pink. My jewelry and leather is featured on slamming scantily clad babes...Will post when it comes out!!!!

 www.robertrea.zenfolio.com
 http://media.photobucket.com/image/robert%20rea%20hair/dpbenson1/C6%2520-%2520Joanie%2520Dodds/th_Joanie_62.jpg

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

BeaveR!



Okay, so I tricked you....It's not that hard to do. But I thought the beaver tail wallet would be a nice addition to the micros.....AND....If any of you are gonna buy me some knickers, I am a Small. Address: Heyltje Rose LLC, 165 Short Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.....

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Micro bikinis continued.....












Sooo, for the second installment. All of these images are taken from Wicked Weasel www.wickedweasel.com. Now there are many of these sites. I don't know who gets the cred for making the first micro suits, but I applaud them. So, I know of the negative connotation of the 'hipster', but when it comes to WW, you will most def enjoy them.... low slung side strings and tiny central triangle. THey also have what they call 'workwear'. Far from Carharts, these are undies of the same caliber we have been seeing, but the only difference is that they are in cotton. Lastly, my fave is the term 'knickers'. It must be an Australian thing. You probably picture mid thigh bloomers as I did, but let me tell you, that is not what these folks have in mind.....CHeck them out:


If anyone reading this (ladies or gents) wants to buy me some valentine 'knickers' (the golden rose are my fave), I will post me modeling them. Man Up!!!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Another Obsession......

Pretty sure this is the 'microminimus' 

The aptly named 'tear drop'




I own this one in pink...

My first contact with tiny suits began when I saw the video 'Beautiful' with Snoop and Pharrell. If you haven't seen it check out the link. When that chic launches herself onto that surf board...OMG. Brazilians have genetically superior heinys. They were clad in Rosa Cha (a Brazilian designer) suits that I craved. At about the same time (probably 7 years ago), my friend had come back from Brazil and gave me an itty bitty bikini that until that time in the US was very hard to come by. The nineties trend of hiking the sides of the rather large bottoms (comparatively speaking) was still prominent, as was medium bottoms that just weren't very flattering and not skanky enough for my taste. After many google searches, I  discovered the site Microkitten (www.microkitten.com). I was hooked! The options of micro (2" at widest point and string back thong), mini (a tad larger with same back), and brazilian mini (with a triangle thong instead of just strings) were what I was after. I purchased a black brazilian mini and was on my way to an obsession. Check out one of my fave models Flavia on microkitten...Mmmmm. Stay tuned for future related posts...Wagons will have to wait. The competition is on, Leo!!!

-Beautiful video with Snoop....


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Wagon ObsessioN!



I have a problem....I have a wagon addiction. I do not judge, I love them all. I just discovered this 2008 winner of the Ridler award. It was fabricated at the Divers Street Rods Shop (www.diversstreetrods.com) near Seattle. Also check out the Speed Hunters website for sick pics of the wagon in bare metal with custom fabbed panels Speed Hunters. This is a customized wagon with a Ferrari engine/transaxle which has been lifted straight out of a Ferrari 360 Modena. Fucking crazy mofos! I would love to take her for a ride!!! I said I don't judge, But I would prefer an older wagon....I still have a wide range which I would choose from (1950's to the late 70's). Stay tuned for more to come....I think it may go on for awhile.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Stainless Chain Maille Wallet chains and Bracelets



GTP painting

One of the paintings I am lucky enough to look at everyday...This was commissioned by George the Painter. He was given free reign to paint whatever his little heart desired. Thanks GTP!!!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011

ToP FueL DraGsteR...

ThiS bike is from a local dude....So glad he picked me to make the seat. SiCK, Sick, SiCK!

The MeAT Room II





More meat....You may also notice Charles the Nomad's boots that he stole from some museum and wore the fuck out of. I need to build a proper showcase for them, but haven't gotten to it yet.....

ThE MeaT RooM

The building that houses Lock and HRs shop was an old Wise potato chip distribution center. We have coined it 'the DeLI' as we deconstruct animals, bikes, pretty much anything we lay our hands on. This is our entry way. Contact me if you have any contributions.....

Light of the World

Image via Greasy Kulture. Fucking luv this. Reminds me of a Jap bike (in Dice, maybe?) that had used a clear red plastic ribbed cup as taillight.... i am determined to find it......to be continued.....

Saturday, January 1, 2011

QuotE of thE DaY

'Don't bend; don't water it down; don't try to make it logical; don't edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.' -Kafka

New Year, folks.

So am coming down from all the festivities in the last couple weeks....phew. Glad they are over as my body couldn't take another day! Had sooo much fun with the fam & all of my incredible friends. Feel so fortunate.

Also winding down from all my X-mas orders. Thanks to everyone who has supported my craft. Couldn't do it without y'all! I am stoked to get going on new personal projects. I have been storing all kinds of rad shit to incorporate in my pieces. Also have been hooked up with so much cool shit. Special thanks to Leo, Joey, Gretchen, Tone Loc, and my Daddy-O!!! Also a big thanks to my Papa for my sick Xmas presents....homemade venison jerky (which is all gone, Dad you were a little stingy with it), homemade saki, dried apples, and canned apricots in honey. The best things are those have been made with lots of love.

Soooo, let the new creative energy begin tomorrow. Today is a day of recovery. My mind and body could use it. Happy New Year everyone!!!!