My Prayer

God, 

Keep my heart soft 

And my mind strong 

My temper cool 

My smile warm

My tenacity steady 

My curiosity wild

My pride at bay

My dreams soaring

My judgment slow

My wits quick 

My spirits high

My doubts low

My courage weighty

My steps light 

The inevitable choice

Whenever we are faced with obstacles there is always a choice before us. No matter how much we feel as though we have hit a wall and cannot go any further, there is a choice. The choice is there whether we believe its there or not. It is unavoidable. And by ignoring that choice and acting as though we are utterly and completely stuck, we consequently made a choice. By not choosing, we choose not to act. Not acting is the act of doing nothing. Therefore still an action. And so still a choice.

This choice that is before us, this inevitable choice, is the crossroad to success and happiness and defeat and misery. The intersection, where depending on which choice you make, will determine your quality of life. 

So what is this choice?

Watch this video and find out:

And so there it is. The choice. It doesn't have a name. There isn't words that wholly describe what it is. Only you know what it really is. Only you know the true meaning.
So next time you've hit a wall, when you feel as if there is no where else to go, where every direction you look there seems to be no alternative, always remember.
The choice.

Annnd I'm Back! Again

     After the lovely holidays and the cold winter here in NY, it is now Spring! I know, I know, I've again slacked with the posts even when I said I wasn't going to. What can I say, the life of a striving model in the ever raging seas of New York City is certainly one without surprises, set-back, and yes, successes too. Fortunately, I can say the reason for my absence is not from struggling to acquire modelling work but quite the contrary. Both my agency and the test shoot I did back in August have created the change of tide I've been hoping for. I have been blessed with recurring work all during the holidays and the first months of this year. 

     While sailing on the waves of consistent work I realized that I was now making money as a model. Since the beginning of this voyage, back in the summer of 2010, I have been pursuing modelling and have been using my resources for travel, board, photo shoots, and other expenses. Up until now I can honestly say that I never saw a dime from modelling. The money I did make went straight from the client's hands to my agencies' to pay down my account. Which included: months of me staying in the model apartments in Miami, Milan, and New York, a plane ticket from Italy, multiple photo shoots, and agency expenses. 

     So after a couple years of persistence and hard work I saw for the first time the fruits of my labor. You can imagine how glorious the day I picked up my first check from the agency. I've had very supportive people in my life from the start and with their love and encouragement I've accomplished many goals and continue to reach new heights. If you're reading this, you know who you are, I wish to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart. No man is an island and though sometimes that's what it feels like it, there are always amazing people behind the scenes cheering you on. 

     I'll put the lid on it here but I want to say real quick Thank You to those of you who kept pushing me to continue posting, from friends and family, and emails from followers. You guys are Great!

Me and my ride. The Penny Board

        

A polaroid package my agency made          

You know what day this was

Royal

Reading my book in the cafe. Dim lighting illuminating my page. The sounds of dishes clattering in the back. The steam my tea emits whisking in my peripheral. The oldies music lowly playing, filling the air with subtle energy.
As I take a sip of my hot drink I smile to myself. This is Brooklyn living.

This is NY.

Kindness goes a long way

I was at my gym today talking with a gym representative. I was asking him for a guest pass for a friend of mine. He said they only offer 3 day passes now. I asked if there was anything longer and he said no. He went on to explain why they discontinued the 2 week pass. How their new registrations weren't increasing enough to justify giving a pass that allows more wear and tear on the gym equipment. I told him I understood and I am grateful for whatever he can offer. As he's filling out the pass I remembered the last time I saw him he had much less muscle mass. I pointed out the transformation. He thanked me and then started telling me how his sudden muscle gain had set off a muscle spasm in his upper back. He told me how uncomfortable it was and that he can't sleep at night because of the pain. I suggested a massage parlor that I've heard good things about from some friends. When all was said and done I thanked him for his time and told him that I hope he feels better soon. As I'm about to walk away he says "Hey man, I'll give you a 7 day pass"

Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness.
Sophocles

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.
Publilius Syrus

Read Bart Read!

I was at work today waiting until 2:00pm to leave for a casting that I could go anywhere between 1:30-3:30. It was for a Presentation for Porsche Design. I received the details of the casting via email last night from my agency.
So about 10 minutes before I was going to head out I get a call from my booker asking me where I was at, that I'm 20 minutes late to my job. 2 seconds past and then it hit me. It was a job! Not a casting... -_-
So I rushed out of work. Luckily the job was only a couple blocks away from work so I ended up being 30 minute late.
To make a long story short, everything worked out and the client was pleased with my Zoolander skills :P
Important lesson learned: Read my charts thoroughly.
Now I just have to make it up to my booker!
Here's a pic of me in action, or inaction

Indestructible

I was skating down 5th Avenue last week. I had just left my Porsche Presentation and was heading to J.Crew to replace my busted iPad case. I usually skate on the "Bus Only" lanes so that I don't have to be weaving around people on the sidewalk.
As I'm skating I here a bus behind me so I steer towards the sidewalk. As I stop, my board hits the sidewalk and bounces backwards. It bounced so fast that I couldn't stop it. It rolls toward the bus and as I watch in despair it rolls right under the the bus tire.
The bus runs over it.
But my board had too much life left to live. It bent under the tire and then shot out right back to me.
It rides perfectly fine!