Rubber Duckie, You're the (40foot) One!

Rubber Ducky

I mean, like seriously? Who wouldn't want to see a 40 Foot Rubber Ducky just a floatin' in the Hague, near down town Norfolk. Just a hangin' out in Ghent! Something about this big piece of whimsy, just makes you a little warm and fuzzy inside! I think it takes us all back to that inner 3 year old, that still lingers, deep inside! Haha!

Actually, this Rubber Ducky is not a kids toy at all? Mr. Ducky is a world wide traveler having spanned all continents with visits in over 14 cities. The Norfolk stop being the only 2nd US appearance. He's been to Osaka, Hong Kong, Sydney and Amsterdam Well excuuuse me! Check out the stamps on his passport and learn about brilliant Dutch artist Florentijin Hofman here:
 http://www.florentijnhofman.nl/dev/project.php?id=154

I have to admit, it was all surreal. All anyone could do was just stare, and so did he. There were so many people out to see the Rubber Ducky who was parked or "Pond-ed" outside of the newly renovated Chrysler Museum of Art as part of opening week. Perfect marketing idea by the way! The whole seven cities came out! Taking flicks with the oversized fun seeker, while others like ourselves had a little picnics, there was even a magician entertaining the large crowd gathered around the Hague. Walking up to the Ducky was like nothing I have every experienced! Felt very Alice in Wonderland-like for sure, and instantly he made you happy. However I did have a quick flashback to that moment with the giant "Marshmallow Man" in Ghostbusters. (Yeah, I went there) True story people!  None the less... you know we took the opportunity to take our selfies!

Alice@Glam: Black & Yellow Project Photoshoot

 

Black and Yellow Project Photographer Walter Lewis Jr.

 

I have known Walter Lewis Jr. for awhile, via social media. Our common denominator? Being half Black and Half Asian! Walter has been traveling the world due to his career with the military, snapping photo's of all the Blasians, that come across his way!

 

He hopes to publish the pictures, as he shed light on our population! I asked him what made him start this project. "Initially it was just going to be half Korean and Half Black, but then I decided to open up, to all half black and Asian kids, as I was getting to know so many through social media!"

We belong to a few groups on Facebook that has really brought all of us "Half Breeds" together. I was honored to join the ranks of over 400 that has taken part in this historic project. We come in all shapes, sizes, fashion and flavor, but share that common bond. That to me, is pretty darn special! Not to mention he is an excellent cook, launching his Walter Eats Series via social media! Looking forward to the finished product!

To learn more about the start of the project visit Walter here:

http://www.halfkorean.com/WalterLewisBlackAndYello

 

Special THANK YOU to Alice@Large MUA http://www.tmbmakeupartistry.com/!

Throwback Thursday! Talk about GIRL POWER! Women in Business & Networking Breakfast

Listen, whenever I have the opportunity to meet great women and learn from them? I AM THERE! I was invited by Erica Still owner of Heavenly Eats & Sweets, FAB Line Dance Instructor & Still Standing Productions to a Christian Women's Networking & Business Breakfast. Erica & I have partnered up many time for a few Alice@Large Events, however THIS time I co-hosted her Gospel Explosion Event on April 5th!  So we decided to do some networking! However, I think I got more than I bargained for! We were greeted at the doors of the beautiful Cypress County Club, in Virginia Beach, by Ms. Robin Wise, the host and business name of the Women Empowering Breakfast. Immediately, I knew I was in for a treat. She was so enthusiastic, welcoming and warm!

While our breakfast warmed our tables,  the smell of sweet perfume and coffee filled the air, us ladies went to chatting! Everyone introduced themselves and gave a brief narrative about their business. My favorite part! Loved seeing all these women from different walks of life, here, sharing and networking!

We had everyone in business from Mary K representatives, Relators, Bakers, Jewelers, you name it! Robin gave a great testimony and boy did I hear the message! She talked about how sometimes "our" plan doesn't work, because it's just that "our" plan! She asked that everyone surrender and let the works of the almighty go through you! Now, from someone who grew up in a Buddhist/Christian home. I felt that particular message, deep in my soul. It's true! If you aren't doing something for the good of someone else, what are you doing?  You can catch Robin and her angels weekly at the Christian's Women's Networking & Business Breakfast/Brunch! 

                           See more pictures at https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/girlpower!

Still Standing Journey to Wonderland Shoot

 

 

It's been quite a "Journey" getting the JTW Project together! It has been fun, exciting, hard, trying, challenging, stressful,  but most of all rewarding, just knowing that there is something special brewing.  Along side the Silverback Grizzly;  super producer and photographer, we were able to knock out some pretty cool pictures and promotional footage! I wasn't sure of the location at first, but then a certain energy, started to take over. A certain understanding if you will.

 

I loved the contrast of the hard background. The chipped concrete, the worn down remnants of rich history, the stillness in the air. The acknowledgement of the fight for freedom.  I  loved the notion of these ruins "Still Standing" after surviving World War 1, World War 2 and other American conflicts.      

                                 

We "shot" at Battery Church, which was built between 1897 and 1900. It was part of the coastal artillery batteries put in place to protect the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on historic Fort Monroe. Guns once, locked and loaded.

                                                                                                                Adding to the history?  This place was where the first enslaved African from Angola arrived known back then as Point Comfort in 1619. (http://aliceatlarge.blogspot.com/2013/08/culture-club-african-landing-day.html)  May of 1862 President Abraham Lincoln came to Fort Monroe to direct the fall of Norfolk and later made history by signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

 

I too bear the scars from my own battles and wars.  Having gone through so many trials and tribulations, life has thrown my way. I  too, remained "Locked and Loaded" armed with ever lasting faith, an open mind, and a very strong heart. I AM a tough cookie. Taught to be that way. My father used to tell me, "Tough times, don't last, tough people do!"  I too am "Still Standing!"

 

This was the perfect place for the last piece of my production puzzle. I related to my surroundings, and I left the shoot feeling grateful, humbled with a sense of strength and a new found respect for life and those that have come before us. Bearing the notion of moving upward and forward at all times! Never giving up and always "Standing Strong!"

Soon I will share my project with the world, and I cannot wait! The "Journey to Wonderland" show is a celebration of life to include, history, traveling, cuisines, lifestyles, and all the things that make this journey exciting! I hope you join me as we explore, the beautiful things in life!