Hilary's Hideaway

Garden 2011 Update

2011-07-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

Yay! Our tomatoes are getting red!

So far I've picked:
- 2 cherry tomatoes
- 2 yellow squash
- 1 zucchini
- 3 cucumbers

Soon the garden will explode, I think!

4th of July, Hollywood Bowl Style

2011-07-04T12:50:00.001-04:00

For the 2nd year in a row, Rick & I spent our July 4th at the Hollywood Bowl!

Last year was fun, as my mom and her husband were visiting us & got to experience it for the first time.

This year it was just the two of us. Well...us AND over 17,000 other people. We did the Park & Ride option, which makes the experience less exhausting. We parked in Arcadia and took a bus back & forth to the Bowl.

When we got there, they checked our bags. I'd already checked to see what we could bring food-wise and all that. When I opened my bag, I was shocked that they weren't going to let me in with my camera because it had a detachable lens.

Well...there was no way I was going to trek to the spot where we were told we could leave it...around a corner and up a hill and who knows where. We went to the back of a different line, I tucked my camera under my jacket and over my arm, and we went on in. I wasn't the only one - there were cameras (with detachable lenses) everywhere.

I only had my macro lens, so couldn't zoom in and out. The photos below are what I could get with it!

The show started off with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by the charismatic Thomas Wilkins. One of my favorite things at the July 4 show is that they play the songs from each branch of the military and have people stand up when their branch is played. I'm not super patriotic in general, but it's a lovely thing and quite moving when you see people all around you who have served for our country.

Missed the first part a bit, as I was distracted by seat issues right in front of us. Five girls there on a bachelorette party had to fight for their seats. An obnoxious group of people clearly had more people sitting in the row than they had tickets for. They were very annoying. The girls finally got their seats and were able to enjoy the evening & their champagne.

After that, it was time for the evening's special guests to make their appearance - Hall & Oates! This was our second time in a year seeing them... The first was by chance. We happened to be at the LA County Fair and they happened to be giving away free tickets to their show there that night, so we went.

Both times, the crowds went wild. This time I saw a couple people dressed like them, which was pretty hilarious. The show started off a bit rocky - sounded like Hall had lost his voice - barely getting anything out....going low when we all knew he should be going high. ;)

It got better as time went on. Kids (and adults) were dancing in the aisles, people were singing along and enjoying themselves thoroughly.

One of the fun things about going to the Bowl is that you get to enjoy fireworks from your seats. It's a pretty neat experience & the excitement of the young couple next to us seeing it for the first time was contagious.

After the fireworks, Hall & Oates came back on briefly.

Earlier that night, the guy next to me asked how late it all went. I said I thought it would end around 10pm. Sure enough, the lights came on at 10 on the dot. People all around us were highly disappointed. "Are you kidding me?!" one guy yelled. I'm pretty sure it's a venue thing or a union thing or whatever. It's not that Hall & Oates don't want to play longer or anything like that. :)

Rick and I inched our way back down to the bus from our seats at the very top and headed home.

We'll be going back to the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday! They're showing Westside Story and LA Philharmonic will be playing the score live. Should be fun!

Cinefamily: Everything Is Festival: Day 3, Part 3 & Day 4

2011-07-03T18:45:00.000-04:00

In the previous posts, I neglected to mention the 4th and final Cinefamily show that we attended on Saturday night: Supercuts & Trash Compactors. Highly entertaining! I'll just quickly mention two of my favorite videos that were shown. One was an edited version of a Christmas episode of (the original) Beverly Hills 90210. Everything was edited out EXCEPT every occurrence of the word "Christmas". Man, they said it A LOT. Another was a two minute version of the film Doubt. I've never seen the film, but found this to be pretty freakin' awesome. It's basically the intro, a monologue by Meryl Streep about her...well...doubt, and the end credits. Genius.

Which brings me to Day 4 - the final day that we attended the festival.

The first screening of the day began at noon and the place was packed! It was Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation. Back in 1982, a group of teens began a shot by shot remake of the original film! It took 6 years to complete. The "star" and producer Chris Strompolos grew up before our very eyes! He was at the screening and his stories were amazing!

He talked about the great lengths the boys went through to get as close to the original film as possible without the use of the internet or even a VHS copy of the movie. They took a lot of risks, which resulted in such things as broken arms, burnt bodies, and a head stuck in plaster. The hand that went along with that head finally had to write on a piece of paper "Hospital" in order to get the assistance he needed.

Had there been no time limit, I'm sure that the audience could have continued asking Strompolos questions for hours. Amazing and fascinating!

Next up was Neil Hamburger's Tribute to Dora Hall. You don't know who Dora Hall is? That's weird! (Not really.)

Dora Hall was married to the founder of the Solo Cup Company. He used his resources to let Dora explore her dream of becoming an entertainer. He financed record releases and TV specials and would both package things with Solo Cups and allow consumers to redeem their proof of purchase for copies.

A small dose of her stuff went a long way for me and it was the first time during the festival that I considered leaving before the end! It was being stuck in someone's bizarre fantasy world - one that creeped me out a bit! Here is (one of) the number(s) that just about put me over the edge:

I was glad I stayed until the end, though, as the last video was my...um...favorite. It was a weird Twilight Zone wannabe that didn't actually have Dora in it.

Neil Hamburger is quite the character. It was disappointing that no one had any questions for him at the end. I think we were all speechless. And exhausted.

After this screening, Rick and I decided to take a little break and go get some food before the final event we planned to see. I had a minute when I was close to wanting to go home, but was SO happy that we stuck to our guns and went back to see the film Dangerous Men.

The festival program described it as being "THE holiest of all Holyfuckingshits" and I would say that's pretty accurate!

I sat there, mouth agape, for the duration!

It's one of those films made in earnest with high hopes/expectations. Hadrian of Cinefamily told us a story about how he had gone to see it in the theater (which was rented out by the filmmaker) and was the ONLY person who had shown up so far for the run. While watching the film with a room filled with people, I imagined him sitting there ALONE with no other witnesses around him...

Perhaps the audience reaction wasn't what was originally intended, but it's undeniable that we all had a pretty freakin' good time watching it.

One of my favorite moments was a flashback scene in which the main character (I guess...she wasn't actually in the end) presented her (now dead) boyfriend with a gift. It was a little scene of owls made of seashells that she had made herself. I can't imagine coming up with this randomly. I can only conclude that John S. Rad (creator/writer/director/producer/COMPOSER/etc.) was plucking this from a specific and real experience in his life.

Here is the very beginning of the film. You'll get the feel, even before any cast appears.

Dangerous Men (excerpt) from Cinefamily on Vimeo.

Amazingly, a cast member came to the screening. She played the maid, but told us all that later Mr. Rad told her that he should have cast her as the lead. The lead, by the way, once stole a pair of her shoes.

The biggest gem she let us in on, though was this. John S. Rad had told them all that this film was going to be "as big as E.T."

Priceless.

And an awesome way for us to conclude our experience of the Everything Is Festival!

Cinefamily: Everything Is Festival: Day 3, Part 2

2011-07-02T13:45:00.003-04:00

Note: A couple people have asked me if., after seeing Andrew W.K., I looked him up to see if past appearances have been similar to what I experienced at Cinefamily. I have not! As long as I don't know any better, this was a unique event. :) I'm sure that what follows is more a reflection of me than of Andrew W.K. or the audience...

---

Saturday evening at Cinefamily included what was billed as the Andrew W.K. Party Lecture.

I must admit that I had only vague ideas of Andrew W.K. Optimistic, right? Enthusiastic? Positive? Life's a party?

What happened on stage was completely different from what I had imagined. It was fascinating and ended up being one of the highlights of the whole festival for me.

At once, I felt like everything done and said was sincere and in-the-moment AND like it was planned and meant to mess with my head.

Andrew W.K. came onto the stage in his white pants and white t-shirt and sat down at his keyboard. He looked like this:

He told us that it was going to be an evening of discussion - a chance for us to interact with him and with each other. With each other? This stuck with me. He invited the audience to ask questions.

The first person to grab the microphone was this girl:

She made me very uncomfortable. She is likely someone who frequents Cinefamily - she seemed to know people there - it's possible she is a very lovely person. All I have to go on is what I experienced at this show.

From the outside, she seemed to want this show to be for her...like perhaps she felt that she had a deep connection with Andrew W.K. and this was her chance to make him see it. And to be in front of the audience herself.

Just from the photos - her body language and such...what would you think?

I don't even remember what her question was. I do know that later when she tried to ask another, Andrew W.K. respectfully told her that she had already asked one and that he was going to allow someone else a shot.

A lot of people asked questions that didn't seem to interest Andrew W.K. too much. Not a whole lot of thought in them or else pointing him towards an answer they wanted to hear.

He talked about how he has been thinking about death lately and how he has lived the last several years in a "glass half full" kind of way, but that it was only one perspective and that other perspectives are valid. He talked about giving people the benefit of the doubt. About how he thought he'd found his soul mate, but had he? What does that even mean?

It felt as if we were experiencing a shift that he was going through before our eyes. (But were we? I don't know! It was a performance, right?)

The questions continued. Often, Andrew W.K. would pause and look thoughtful and just as I was looking forward to hearing his answer, someone would shout a new question out, not giving him the chance to respond to the last one.

The audience seemed particularly afraid of silence, which made for an interesting opportunity. Andrew W.K. shut down. He sat, motionless, staring into space. He stopped responding to people. It ended up feeling like a social experiment. The audience started interacting with each other (which he told us in the beginning would happen, right?) and they started trying to figure out how to turn him back on. There must be some way that they could bring him back.

I sat watching him in silence and listening to the explosions of activity happening around me.

I don't know how much time went by, but it was enough to make a lot of people kind of freak out. Those of us watching him, saw tears come to his eyes.

One audience member did something unexpected. He brought his camera up on stage and took a photo of himself with Andrew W.K., who didn't seem to react.

I felt an odd combination of "that's funny" and a sarcastic "oh, yeah, take a picture with the 'freak' - nice."

The cat girl tried to get everyone to shhhhhhhhh. Even though she was the one who demanded quiet, she was the one who broke it, bringing attention to herself again. She began banging the arm of her sofa with her palm.

One of the Cinefamily folks walked to the sound area and she jumped at him and said "Hey! Can I..."

I like to believe that it wasn't a coincidence that Andrew W.K. took that moment to make a move. He struck a chord on the keyboard, which prompted her to jump back to her seat to watch.

He then did this (he wasn't making any sound - just the keyboard):

Until he finally was looking straight at the cat girl like this:

He held it there for a little extra time. Then he finished and it was "thank you and good night".

Some people were baffled. Some were delighted.

I became an immediate fan of Andrew W.K.

UPDATE: I just learned from a post on the LA Weekly site that the cookie I ate at the show had weed in it. It might be surprising, but I've never smoked it and had never eaten pot brownies or anything before. So, um...did that have anything to do with my reaction to the show and/or the people around me? The world may never know.

Cinefamily: Everything Is Festival: Day 3, Part 1

2011-07-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

Saturday at Cinefamily's Everything Is Festival was our longest day!

Luckily, one of the perks of having a membership is the ability to be let in before the other patrons. And the main reason that's important is that there are 8 couches up for grabs in the theater... There are a lot of members (and on certain rare occasions a couch may be reserved), so you still have to show up a bit early to make absolutely sure you can get cozy and comfortable. That's what we did.

Another cool thing is that with our festival passes, we could just leave stuff on our couch and claim it for the duration of our stay. On Saturday our stay was over 8 hours!

First up was David O'Reilley's Found Animation. This was far from my favorite part of the festival, but there was a lot of variety and I hadn't seen anything before. "If you love Pixar, you will hate this!" the program said.

David O'Reilly:

Next was Schrab and Harmon's Found Crap. They were there to present the videos and to comment on them throughout the screening. A lot of the time was taken up by Paul Knop videos, which all ended with the same "twist" - the presence of vampires where you (he hoped) would least expect them.

An entertaining first half of our day at Cinefamily, made better by the comfortable seats! ;)

Cinefamily: Everything Is Festival: Day 2

2011-07-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

On Friday night, Rick and I headed back to Cinefamily for more fun & entertainment!

First up was the festival's "Keynote Presentation" by Mark Hosler of Negativland. The festival program asks "Is Negativland a 'band'? Media hoaxers? Activists? Artists? Musicians? Filmmakers? Culture jammers? Comedians?" They seem to be a pretty good combination of all of those things...and have been since 1980!

The videos shown were interesting, but the real draw was listening to Mark Hosler, who had so many amazing and unbelievable stories to tell! For instance, pre-internet, they created a rumor that their music was being blamed for a shooting. They got all sorts of attention from the media, which didn't exactly fact-check the press release that was put out by Negativland themselves...

Here is the video he ended his presentation with:

After Hosler's presentation, we stayed for one of the things I was most looking forward to - The Pelican Brief Project.

You know that movie, right? The Pelican Brief? It's probably not the first film most people would choose to write a new score for. But that's what Candybox Violence did.

So we sat in the theater, watching The Pelican Brief, sound off, with Candybox Violence performing live. It was freakin' awesome. The film was much better this time around! (And yeah, I saw it back in 1993 when it came out.)

If you ever get the chance to experience this, I recommend it!

Cinefamily: Everything Is Festival: Day 1

2011-06-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

On Memorial Day weekend, Rick and I bought fancy 1 year memberships to one of our favorite LA spots - Cinefamily! They have all sorts of cool screenings and events, but it had been a while since we'd been there.

One thing we looked forward to taking advantage of was the Everything Is Festival! "If something pleases people, if something is entertaining, if something is good...it's just good."

The first round of entertainment was on Thursday, June 30. Rick & I went to two of the three events. First was a Conan O'Brien Writers Showcase. A row of 10-ish writers/past and present sat before us and talked about their process and presented various clips from the many versions of Conan's late night shows. It was fun and entertaining - especially hearing about various ideas that never made the cut...and some that DID unexpectedly. The only thing I wish was that the one woman (who was also the only person there who was a monologue writer) had been encouraged to speak! There was limited time and there were a lot of people who wanted to talk, but perhaps the moderator could have come up with a question or two to throw her direction.

Next up was a presentation of episodes of Thu Tran's IFC series Food Party. She is bonkers! And hilarious!

Here is a taste:

After watching a bunch of stuff, she had a...presentation. She made mayonnaise in her mouth. She made mashed potatoes in her mouth. And she made meatloaf...in her mouth. Then she passed them around! Goofball. I want to be her friend.

History with Hilary: July 20

2010-08-30T20:03:00.000-04:00

On July 20, 2001, the film Ghost World was released in NY and LA. It was written by Daniel Clowes (the creator of the comic book) and directed by Terry Zwigoff.

Here I am as the main character, Enid. In the film she was played by Thora Birch.

When I was searching for costume items, I found this t-shirt on indigofeet's Etsy store! Isn't it amazing?! Perfect recreation of the t-shirt in the film. You can get one too and check out the other great items she has!
www.etsy.com/shop/indigofeet

The skirt came from Target and the suitcase was $6 at St. Vincent's. I got a green one too, but decided I liked the red better for the photo.

Thank you to Rick, who drove all over town with me looking for a bus stop that would work! He even looked up the actual film location, but learned that a bus stop was placed there for the movie and then taken away again.

This one is in Altadena in a spot that in way too sunny and shadowy all day long. So we got up at 6am today to take it. (It also happens to be overcast today, which is great!)

I'm typing a lot. Just one more thing, though...

This was in part for my friend Jimmy, who loves this movie too and who named his cat Enid.

Yay!

History with Hilary: April 4

2010-08-29T20:04:00.000-04:00

In 1996, a new version of the Muppet Show called Muppets Tonight began airing! It didn't last nearly long enough, in my humble opinion.

My very favorite episode aired on April 4, 1996. It guest-starred Cindy Crawford. In one sketch, she plays a much younger version of herself, "Cinderella Crawfordopolis", the newest member of the Frogeteers! This has given me a chuckle every time I've remembered it for the past 14 years. :D

In it, Kermit asks her about her hobbies and she tells him that she likes to dress up in really pretty clothes and walk up and down her driveway. Teehee.

You can watch it if you go here and skip to 6:30...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GZdBpzZ-E

Oh, lordy. I loved that show.

Oh, and you can get this hat at Sears. Who knew?!

History with Hilary: February 14

2010-08-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

On February 14 (Valentine's Day!), 1991, The Silence of the Lambs was released in US theaters. The film was directed by Jonathan Demme and starred Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.

Which reminds me...I was at the NY premiere of Red Dragon in 2002. Sitting behind me the whole time? Ralph Fiennes. CREEPY! ;)

Thanks to Rick Baker for drawing the skull! And I found the moth at a paper store...

It's a 99 cent film!

2010-07-23T11:34:00.003-04:00

It's a 99 cent film! What's that?! I made it up last year, but haven't made any new ones in a long time! I go to a 99 cent store, pick something out, and use it in a video. :)

FUN!

A Hilary Update!

2010-07-20T11:14:00.005-04:00

(NOTE: I started this post by calling it "Public Transportation in LA" thinking I'd simply document my travel time for today using trains and the bus. But when I started writing, something else happened.)

So I am car-less!

My year of super sweet deals with Ford is over and I am now fending for myself. I lack money for a car, so I bought a folding bike and have been getting around using it and the metro!

Reminder: I'm in Los Angeles now.

It has actually been pretty cool so far - I've discovered streets I've never seen before and get a lot more people watching in! And I'm remembering all the things that inspired me to really start taking photos on a regular basis while walking around NYC. I see a lot more on train/bus/bike/foot than I do in a car. For good reason, of course...while driving in LA it's not smart to multi-task. In part because so many other people DO. Like the woman I saw "driving" on the freeway while using both hands to put curlers in her hair. People like her are fairly stress-free, I suppose - they let everyone else do the maneuvering. :)

I've come up with a few projects that I'd like to work on while commuting.

Also, I haven't given up on some old projects - like History with Hilary. I will end up with 365 photos in that series - it's just a matter of time.

The last several months have been so different for me. I started working part-time at a job I can't write/talk/tweet about. And although it has been part-time hours, it took full-time energy for a while there.

I feel like I'm gearing up for a big creative push again.

Meanwhile, I started my first garden. (My husband argues that my garden is very creative...so I suppose I'm using my creativity - just in some new ways.) I love my garden! I started it at the end of May and just ate my first squash out of it last week. The tomatoes are coming. Lots and lots of tomatoes. I may have overdone it! There will also be peppers (jalapeno, cayenne, poblano), cucumbers, and eggplant. And I have basil, cilantro, sage, and dill. And poppy and nasturtium and amaranth and sunflowers.

I don't have a lot of ground space, so much of it is in containers. LOTS of containers of various sizes - it's all a big experiment. A super-fun experiment!

I have big plans for making pickles, salsa, and gazpacho. The whole thing has been an unexpected lesson in patience. I've gotten used to instant gratification. It has been great to watch and help everything grow over the last couple months! Exciting to see little seedlings pop out from the soil and get bigger and grow flowers and fruit. And it has made me more interested in knowing where all of my food comes from.

I highly recommend planting something.

Gardening has also made me learn a lot about things like...mites and ladybugs and those blasted moths that keep laying eggs that hatch cute, but HUNGRY caterpillars...and spiders . There are A LOT of spiders around now. Most of them I let go about their business , but I killed this one last week:

It's a brown widow, I believe. I wear gloves more often while gardening now.

What else? WELL, my husband took a sculpture class at Pasadena City College in the spring. Now I'm thinking I want to take that class! And lots of classes. It's really inexpensive and...well...isn't learning grand?! I can enroll as of tomorrow morning. Plus there are other benefits of being a student - what a creative way to have a place to go if you've got the sniffles! Ah, Health Services! It's not the best health care (in undergrad, I was once given an unnecessary IV at NYU when they misdiagnosed me as having low blood sugar when I actually had an inner ear infection), but it's something! And I've been without "something" for too long. And I can get student discounts at museums and stuff! And maybe even for public transportation? I have to look that one up.

Hey! Last week Rick and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. Can you believe it? Here's a little reminder of how we spent our wedding road trip...

We went on an adventure on our anniversary - we walked in a heart in Malibu. Great day for the beach as it was HOT HOT HOT that day. 20 degrees cooler at the beach - perfect!

This was our route:

You can see all my pictures here, but I'm posting a few for your viewing pleasure...

You may remember that on our wedding day, we went hang gliding! Well, now we're going skydiving... It'll be sometime in August. Fun fun fun!

So... I'm still doin' stuff and makin' stuff and enjoying life. And hopefully you'll hear about it on a more regular basis. :)

History With Hilary - March 19

2010-03-18T23:30:00.001-04:00

On March 19, 1947, actress Glenn Close was born.

One of her most memorable roles was in Fatal Attraction, in which she played a *slightly* obsessive lover of Michael Douglas. He got more than he bargained for with this one night stand!

The term "bunny boiler" came from this film. It refers to a former lover, usually a woman, who stalks the man who spurned her.

Be careful out there!

History With Hilary - March 16

2010-03-18T23:29:00.002-04:00

On March 16, 1850, "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne was published.

Thanks to Rick (silav) for branding me with this scarlet letter...

History With Hilary - March 2

2010-03-18T23:26:00.000-04:00

On March 2, 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel was born. You probably know him as Dr. Suess! In honor of Dr. Suess, March 2 is also National Read Across America Day!

This grafitti is (was?) at 5 Pointz, Long Island City, Queens, NY. I went there on a photo walk with my friend Lee Semel.

History With Hilary - March 1

2010-03-18T23:23:00.000-04:00

March 1, 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of Silly Putty's debut!

It was an accident... In 1943, James Wright (a Scottish engineer for General Electric) combined boric acid and silicone in an attempt to make synthetic rubber. When marketing consultant Peter Hodgson saw it, he purchased the idea and packaged 1 ounce clumps of it in plastic eggs.

A writer for The New Yorker bought some in a bookstore and wrote a short article about it. Within three days Hodgson received 125,000 orders for Silly Putty!

In 2001, Silly Putty was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

I bought a couple newspapers today thinking I'd use the Silly Putty on one of the images from a March 1 news story. Unfortunately, most of the interesting photos seemed to be in color and the Silly Putty didn't pick it up very well.

SO! I drew my self-portrait today in pencil, picked it up with Silly Putty and asked Rick to hold it for a test shot. I took some photos of myself holding the putty, but decided I liked the test shot best. And...well, it's still a self-portrait, right?I drew myself AND took the photo! OH! AND you can see me in the reflection in Rick's ring. Sweet. :D

Go get some Silly Putty. It's fun! And cheap!

History with Hilary - February 28

2010-02-28T20:55:00.001-05:00

A Tree Grows in BrooklynHilary!

On February 28, 1945, the film A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (directed by Elia Kazan) opened in US theaters. The novel, by Betty Smith, was published two years earlier. It's a coming-of-age story about a girl living with her impoverished family Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the early 1900s.

I've never read it or seen it. Have you?

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - April 18

2010-02-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

Once in a while, I mess up on the dates of something and so have to make a decision about what to do with it.

I took this photo thinking that the movie Be Kind Rewind was released on February 28, but it was released on the 22nd!

So I looked at the other possible dates for the film and picked the release date in SWEDEN!

As you know, if you've seen Michel Gondry's film, Jack Black's character accidentally erases every single video in a rental shop. The easiest possible fix to this solution was to re-make all the films himself! Right? The process, they claim, is called "sweding".

The first film they re-make is Ghostbusters.

Here I am sorta sweding the sweded version of Ghostbusters - specifically the library scene. I ain't afraid of no ghosts.

Thassright.

Rick made my awesome costume with aluminum foil and duct tape. I made the Ghostbusters sign with construction paper. The book is hanging from a hook in the ceiling with fishing line and a fish hook.

This was FUN.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 26

2010-02-26T20:43:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday to John Harvey Kellogg (born February 26, 1852)! He was the American physician who developed dry cereal!

I asked Twitter & Facebook what cereal they think of first when they think of Kellogg's...here are the results!

Frosted Flakes - 8 (They're g-r-r-r-eat!)
Corn Flakes - 6
Special K - 4
Raisin Bran - 1 (Two scoops!)
Rice Krispies - 1 (Snap Crackle Pop!)
Froot Loops - 1 (Follow your nose!)
Honey Smacks - 1

I watched a bunch of old commercials on YouTube. Remember when Honey Smacks were called Sugar Smacks? And when Raisin Bran commercials instructed you to add sugar at home? Yep.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 25

2010-02-26T01:35:00.000-05:00

February 25, 1997 marked the first official re-release of "Black Monk Time" by The Monks.

This date was suggested to me by my friend Mike Fornatale, who was promoted by The Monks from "fan" to "singer" in 1999, when Gary lost his voice. Mike describes himself as their "Organist and Hitter of High Notes".

I know Mike Fornatale through Loser's Lounge. Don't miss out on a chance to hear that man sing!

Oh, I was going to try to be Larry in this Monks photo:
www.diskull.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/01monkspr...

I put on a fake mustache, but it looked decidedly wrong. :D

History with Hilary - February 24

2010-02-25T02:26:00.000-05:00

On February 24, 1979, swine breeder Russ Braize of Stamford sold a pig (named Glacier) for the highest price ever recorded at the time: $42,500. Glacier held the world record for the most expensive boar of all breeds for 18 years.

That's some pig!

Thanks to Rick (silav)for drawing my ear and snout! :D

History with Hilary - February 23

2010-02-23T23:28:00.000-05:00

On February 23, 1968, Cool Hand Luke opened in theaters in...Finland! (The US release date was November 1, 1967.)

Nobody can eat 50 eggs. Except, of course, Paul Newman! You can see the egg scene from the film here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNyl6gXLMLQ

I went to Costco today and purchased 60 eggs for $6.05. I hard boiled a couple dozen. Cracked another dozen raw because the shells from the uncooked eggs looked better for the photo.

I ate 2.5 of them. That was quite enough! Perhaps I'll post an outtake of a real reaction to having that egg in my mouth. Yuck! :)

History with Hilary - February 22

2010-02-22T23:29:00.000-05:00

On February 22, 1987, Andy Warhol died at the age of 58.

There are lots of ways to make these "pop art" images online! If you want to do one like this, check out FotoFlexer.com! You're just a click away... ;)

Here is the photo I started off with. I like it.

History with Hilary - February 20

2010-02-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

On February 20, 1965, Vic Dana performed "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" on "American Bandstand."

I just happened to have some blue face makeup and my Valentine's Day roses.... :D

If you want to hear the song, you can do so here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB_67zLhbEs

History with Hilary - February 16

2010-02-16T23:34:00.000-05:00

After many weeks of careful excavation, on February 16, 1923, British Egyptologist Howard Carter opened the inner chamber of KV62 - Tutankhamun's tomb. It was on that date that he first saw the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. (It was conveyed to the public by H. V. Morton, the only journalist on the scene.)

I, of course, got MY inspiration for the photo from Steve Martin. You can see his Saturday Night Live performance here:
www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/king-tut/976141/

"Born in Arizona...moved to Babylonia...King Tut!"

Contributing to COD Magazine

2010-02-15T22:23:00.002-05:00

My husband Rick and I have just become the first husband & wife team to contribute to COD Magazine!

It's a cool site - you oughtta check it out. And it is getting us to work together and come up with some creative ideas...

We decided to use some images from our trip to San Pedro for our first 2 posts.

Here are the images...click through to see the accompanying titles/text!

Thanks to COD for having us! We're very comfy here. :)

San Pedro is for Lovers.

2010-02-15T22:08:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, Rick and I spent a fun and creative day wandering around San Pedro!

As we do on occasion, we drew a shape on a map and walked the outline...not knowing what we would see along the way. Since it was Valentine's Day (AND the 7 month anniversary of our marriage) we drew a 5-mile heart! (You can check one of our previous bunny-shaped adventures in Walnut, CA here.)

On this particular outing, we brought some papier-mâché masks that we'd made together earlier in the week. (They were made for my February 10 "History with Hilary" photo!) The idea was that we'd take photos of the masks or us with the masks at various locations along the way.

I'd never been to San Pedro and thoroughly enjoyed our outing! Plus we had some good Mexican food at the end for dinner, followed by drinks at a local bar called Rebel's, where Charles Bukowski used to hang out. (Thanks for the tip, Davey!)

A few mask photos (the whole set can be viewed here):

And here are some of my non-mask photos (the whole set can be viewed here):

History with Hilary - February 15

2010-02-15T21:01:00.001-05:00

On February 15, 1905, American composer Harold Arlen was born.

In his life, Arlen wrote over 500 songs! He composed the score for The Wizard of Oz and the RIAA (Recording Industry of America) and the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) voted "Over the Rainbow" as the 20th century's #1 song.

One of my favorite Harold Arlen songs is "Paper Moon", so I chose that as inspiration for today's photo! It was a hit in 1933 - forty years before the movie of the same name.

If you search, you'll find that lots of photos have been made and posted with paper moons. I wanted to do one too! :)

Thanks to Rick for drawing THIS moon!

History with Hilary - February 13

2010-02-14T00:46:00.002-05:00

On February 13, 2000, Maude Flanders was sent to a better place after a freak t-shirt cannon incident.

This episode of The Simpsons was titled "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily". It was Season 11, Episode 14.

Incidentally, I've had the SONG "Alone Again (Naturally)" by Gilbert O'Sullivan stuck in my head for the last several days, since hearing it on the radio. You can listen to the song here:
www.emp3world.com/mp3/73683/Gilbert%20Osullivan/Alone%20A...

RIP Maude Flanders.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 12

2010-02-12T20:22:00.001-05:00

On February 12, 1980, actress Christina Ricci was born.

One of her many roles was as Wednesday Addams in the Addams Family movies.

I remember seeing her first in Mermaids. Thinking about that has put Cher's version of The Shoop Shoop Song in my head. And now perhaps into your head!

This hand was made by Chris Baker and lives in our house. It seemed like an appropriate prop... :)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 10

2010-02-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

February 10-16, 2010 is Carnival de Ponce in Puerto Rico. This celebration dates back to 1858 and happens annually the week before Ash Wednesday. (It coincides with Mardi Gras.)

The stars of the Carnival de Ponce are the Vejigantes. People dress as demons . The costumes include capes and papier-mâché masks. The masks usually include horns, a snout, and fangs. They then run around whacking spectators with inflated cow bladders (vejigas) to, um, beat away evil spirits. I've read, though, that given their tendency to target attractive women, their motives may be suspect. :)

Rick and I decided to make our own masks, which we are still working on. This photo was taken after three layers of papier-mâché. After taking the photo, we added a layer of white paper. Next we will paint and decorate the masks.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 9

2010-02-10T03:49:00.001-05:00

On February 9, 1960, Joanne Woodward became the first actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

When looking through her film titles, I found The Three Faces of Eve, for which Ms. Woodward won the 1957 Best Actress Oscar.

I had never seen the film, but watched it last night on Netflix (you can watch it instantly). It's a true story about a young woman who is diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. It's a beautiful film, during which I got chills several times and cried once. :) I highly recommend it.

Here are three of the many faces of Hilary.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary: February 7

2010-02-07T22:43:00.002-05:00

On February 7, 1964, the Beatles came to the US for the first time! Two days later, they performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. 73 million viewers tuned in for that show - a record for US television at the time. A large portion of the audience was made of hysterical teenage girls.

It was the start of the British Invasion!

You can't tell, but I have an awesome 60s dress on that I got for a dollar over the weekend. It'll probably show up again sometime. ;)

The sign is based on one I saw online. I thought it was funny that the girls initially forgot the L in Beatles. It can be seen here:
www.rgbfilter.com/images/2009-03-05-fans.jpg

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary: February 6

2010-02-07T03:03:00.001-05:00

On February 6, 1996, the 100 billionth Crayola Crayon was produced by Binney & Smith, Inc. in NY.

Do you know what Crayola means? Oily chalk!

The first box of crayons (an 8 pack) was introduced in 1903.

I thought I'd have plenty of ideas once I had 64 crayons at my disposal...but it was more difficult than expected to make a photo work with the ideas I had!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 5

2010-02-05T00:54:00.000-05:00

On February 5, 1948, Christopher Guest was born.

This is based on the outfit he wore for the song "Nothing Ever Happens on Mars" in Waiting for Guffman. One of my favorite movies of all time.

I added a stool and a penny. And thought about biting my pillow.

Here is a photo of the actual scene:
christybharath.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/waiting-for-gu...

If you like this movie, you should like another photo I'll be posting soon too... :)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 4

2010-02-04T21:28:00.001-05:00

On February 4, 1938, Thornton Wilder's three-act play "Our Town" premiered at Henry Miller's Theatre in New York City.

I was in this play in 10th grade (I think?) at my high school in New Hampshire. I played Mrs. Gibbs - the mother of George Gibbs. (In this photo I am George Gibbs and Emily Webb.)

I crammed this ladder into my kitchen next to my refrigerator and hung black fabric on the wall behind me.

If you're not familiar with the play and want to know more about it, check this out:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Town

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 3

2010-02-03T22:06:00.001-05:00

February 3, 1959, was a sad day in music history. A plane crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.

I decided to make a fun photo for Buddy Holly instead of a sad one!

And I've had Weezer in my head all day.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - February 1

2010-02-02T11:17:00.001-05:00

On February 1, 1992, the song "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred topped the charts and stayed there for 4 weeks.

You should probably watch the video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39YUXIKrOFk

Thank you to Rick (silav) for the shirt, cat, car, and hat!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 31

2010-01-31T20:03:00.000-05:00

On January 31, 1997, Waiting for Guffman was released in the US.

It is one of my all-time favorite movies. And if I have all the roles of any single actress, I'd pick Parker Posey. In this film she played Libby Mae Brown.

"I been workin' here at the D.Q. for about, um... eight months? Seven? I don't know, somethin' like that, it's fun. Just do the cones... make sundaes, make Blizzards, 'n... put stuff on 'em, 'n... see a lot of people come in, a lot of people come to the D.Q... burgers... ice cream... anything, you know? Cokes... just drive in and get a Coke, if you're thirsty. "

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 29

2010-01-30T00:41:00.001-05:00

On January 29, 1964, Children of the Damned (directed by Anton Leader) was released in the US. Here I am as Nina...from Russia...

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

History with Hilary - January 28

2010-01-29T14:35:00.000-05:00

On January 28, 1912, Jackson Pollock was born.

Rick and I started our own Jackson Pollock painting today. It's not so hard. ;)

I learned that, with the seats down, you can fit a 9' roll of paper into a Ford Focus.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

History with Hilary - January 27

2010-01-27T02:59:00.000-05:00

On January 27, 1832, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was born. You probably know him as Lewis Carroll!

This photo is mostly Mad Hatter, but several characters managed to sneak in...

I got the hat and the ascot at Ozzie Dots on Hollywood Blvd. I love that store. And the woman who helped me was super nice. I added the ribbon to make it less leprechaun-y and made the sign. The pocket watch belonged to Rick's grandfather. The mug and plate are from Pier 1 Imports.

This was a super-fun costume to put together!

I WON! Thank you to everyone who voted!!

2010-01-25T14:33:00.001-05:00

Okay, I've been bursting at the seams since Friday, when I got the phone call, but was asked to wait until an official announcement went out to tell the world!

Thank you to Rick and all of my friends and family and contacts on Flickr & Twitter & Facebook who voted for my portfolio (every single day!) in the current Artists Wanted competition! (The Power of SELF: an image competition. artistswanted.org)

Your votes helped me win the People's Choice Award, which I share with the beautiful Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir! We were told on Friday that the two of us were way out in front in terms of votes, but extremely close to each other.

That wouldn't have been possible for me without all of you... so THANK YOU!

My Artists Wanted portfolio can be viewed here:
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

Rebekka's can bee seen here:
www.artistswanted.org/rebekkagudleifsdottir

As one recipient of the People's Choice, I will receive a $1000 grant (very useful for my History with Hilary project!!), a publicity push, AND a show!! I will give you details on the show when I have them - it will be in NYC! I love excuses to go back there now that I'm living on the west coast!

Thank you again!!

About the competition, as stated on the Artists Wanted website:
"The Power of Self" is an international competition celebrating the vitality of self portraiture. A panel of judges including actor Steve Buscemi, director Chris Weitz, Guggenheim curator Helen Hsu and Flavorpill founder Sascha Lewis will award one artist a package of incredible prizes including six months of free living at The Edge in New York City or $7007 in cash. The most popular portfolio as voted by the public will also receive $1,000 cash. Your images have power. Now is your moment to reveal them to the world.

History with Hilary - January 24

2010-01-24T23:41:00.001-05:00

On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was founded at Brownsea Island, England by Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

As a young girl, I would have joined the boy scouts in a second. I had no interest whatsoever, however, in joining the Girl Scouts. That didn't stop me from eating the cookies, though.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

History with Hilary - January 23

2010-01-24T02:27:00.000-05:00

On January 23, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to receive a medical degree! She graduated from the Medical Institution of Geneva, N.Y.

I don't want to be a doctor, but I sure am glad lots of women do. :)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 22

2010-01-22T23:24:00.000-05:00

On January 22, 1953, the Arthur Miller drama "The Crucible" opened on Broadway.

And on this day in 2010, I learned to tie a noose.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 21

2010-01-22T11:41:00.001-05:00

On January 21, 1942, Count Basie recorded "One O'Clock Jump".

I took, edited, and uploaded this while on the phone with my friend Davey.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 20

2010-01-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Vote 5 stars! artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

Happy birthday to David Lynch, born on January 20, 1946!

I decided to do a tribute to Rabbits (2002), since...you know...we have a rabbit suit in the house. ;) You can see Episode 1 on YouTube!

ENJOY! I did. :D

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 19

2010-01-19T01:26:00.002-05:00

REMINDER: I have entered the Artists Wanted self-portrait competition! I would appreciate if you could check it out and rate my portfolio!

Please rate 5 stars here:
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary
----
On January 19, 1954, photographer Cindy Sherman was born.

From 2003-2004, Sherman did a series of clown self-portraits... I have been planning on doing a tribute to those for a long time! You can see one of my favorites here:
designblog.uniandes.edu.co/blogs/dise1314/files/2009/02/s...

Thank you to Rick for the make-up!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 15

2010-01-15T01:39:00.000-05:00

3rd day in a row involving food and tragedy.

The next time you use the phrase "slow as molasses", think about January 15, 1919 - the day of the Boston Molasses disaster!

On that day, a tank of molasses burst in Boston, sending molasses gushing through the streets at 35 mph! 21 people were killed, 150 injured.

I tried putting molasses on my face, but it just looked gross. I tried looking scared of the molasses, but...it just didn't work. But maybe you learned something! ;)

Thanks to my high school friend Karen for suggesting this day!

Now that I have a jar of molasses in my house...do you have any good recipes?

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 14

2010-01-14T01:40:00.000-05:00

Ray Kroc took over McDonald's in 1954 and built it into the most successful fast food operation in the world. He was included in Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century.

On January 14, 1984, Kroc died of a heart (Big Mac?) attack at the age of 81.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 13

2010-01-13T01:41:00.000-05:00

Some GOOD advice from President George W. Bush:

"My mother always said when you're eating pretzels, chew before you swallow."

On January 13, 2002, Bush ended up with bruises after choking on a pretzel, fainting, and falling off of a couch.

Dangerous things, those pretzels.

BBC story/photo here: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1758848.stm

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 12

2010-01-12T01:43:00.000-05:00

On January 12, 2004, the documentary Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea was released in the US. It is narrated by John Waters.

Rick and I visited the Salton Sea AND watched the documentary. It's a crazy place that made for some great photographs!

You can learn more about the Salton Sea here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Sea

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 11

2010-01-11T01:43:00.000-05:00

On January 11, 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded "Purple Haze" in London!

It's much easier to be purple than to be Jimi.

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 10

2010-01-10T20:48:00.001-05:00

On January 10, 1992, a ship in the North Pacific Ocean lost a whole bunch of cargo containers. Included in the items that went overboard were 7000+ plastic yellow duckies!

Scientists took advantage of the situation, by using the duckies to monitor ocean currents! The first place they showed up was on the Alaskan coast in November of the same year.

My original idea was to fill the mask up halfway with water and have the littlest ducky float in it. But aside from it being extremely uncomfortable to have water in my mask, that duck wasn't actually made to float. It turned up-side down.

Also...even in California it's not easy to find masks and such in January!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 9

2010-01-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

On January 9, 1943, Scott Walker (Noel Scott Engel) was born! This image is based on the cover of his album Scott 3. You can see the image here:
images.uulyrics.com/cover/s/scott-walker/album-scott-3.jpg

I associate Scott Walker with a NY-based singer I know, David Driver (http://daviddriver.com/), who performs the Scott Walker songbook. David was in the original cast of Rent. I met him through Loser's Lounge... When he sings, he makes everyone swoon.

I know this was supposed to be about Scott Walker, but that's where it went. :)

When I first decided to do this photo, I tried taking a photo of my own eye, made up. But I decided to use my husband's eye, with the reflection of me.

Hope you like it!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 8

2010-01-09T04:18:00.001-05:00

On January 8, 1947, David Bowie (David Robert Jones) was born! Happy 63rd birthday!

Thank you to Rick for making this photo possible. He had no idea a few months ago that he was a make-up artist! :D

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 7

2010-01-07T19:00:00.002-05:00

I learned from Bert the Turtle and now YOU can learn from me!

"Always remember: the flash of an atomic bomb can come at any time, no matter where you may be." If it does, simply...duck and cover!

Duck and Cover was a Civil Defense film that was released on January 7, 1952.

I remember seeing this years ago...the song gets stuck in your head.

You can watch the entire 9 minute film here:
www.archive.org/details/duck_and_cover_ipod

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 6

2010-01-06T23:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been waiting for an opportunity to pay tribute to the movie Airplane! So instead of waiting until July, I am using the January 6, 1981 release in NORWAY as an excuse.

When I saw this movie at a drive-in when I was 6 years old, I thought it was HILARIOUS that the nun was reading Boy's Life and the boy was reading Nun's Life. It's my #1 memory from that childhood viewing.

So here ya go.

I used one of my husband's drawings for the cover of this fake issue of Boy's Life. You can see his original drawing here:
www.flickr.com/photos/silav/3304504956

Hallelujah.

P.S. this is the second photo in my History with Hilary series that has used a Christmas tree skirt in a way that was not intended.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 5

2010-01-06T00:58:00.001-05:00

On January 5, 1855, King Camp Gillette was born. He improved the design of the safety razor and invented the disposable blade.

When I decided to do this photo, I asked my bearded husband what kind of razor he uses. He looked at me funny. I went out to buy a Gillette and since they're kinda pricey (for a prop), I decided to get one that *I* would use.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 4

2010-01-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

On January 4, 1785, Jacob Grimm was born. He and his brother (Wilhelm) authored Grimm's Fairy Tales.

This photo is a tribute to one of the many peculiar stories - Clever Gretel. Gretel is a cook who is rather fond of her red high heels and drinks a bit too much wine. She has a very difficult time staying away from the food she cooks. Her logic and imagination get her out of a lot of trouble....but those around her aren't so lucky.

I highly recommend reading the very short story. You can do so here!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 3

2010-01-04T02:05:00.001-05:00

On January 3, 1929, Sergio Leone was born! He is most known for his spaghetti westerns and wrote and directed such films as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

I was not feeling well during the making of this photo, so only that bite of spaghetti was eaten.

Rick helped with the props! We got the hat for $3.50 at a thrift store. The poncho was originally a table cloth, which we cut a hole through - $1.50 at the same thrift shop. He went off looking for water guns or something similar, but no one sells guns as toys around here. So he found real BB guns for $5 each at a swap meet.

Coming up with props is always an adventure!

History with Hilary - January 2

2010-01-02T19:17:00.000-05:00

I'm in a self-portrait competition! If you have a moment, check out a selection of photos from my History with Hilary project! Voting 5 stars could help me win some dough to help keep it going! Thank you!!
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

---

Kakizome is a Japanese term that literally means "first writing". It is tradition to write auspicious words and phrases in calligraphy on January 2.

This was my first shot at writing in this way... I used the wrong kind of brush and used paint instead of ink, but...you get the idea. :)

I wrote the Japanese kanji symbol for "laughter" (as far as I know!), which is what I hope to have and give much of throughout 2010.

Happy New Year!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History with Hilary - January 1

2010-01-01T00:30:00.001-05:00

On January 1, 1935, B. Klban (Bernard "Hap" Kliban) was born.

He was the cartoonist who was well known for his cartoon cats! You'd probably recognize them if you saw them. Check 'em out at www.eatmousies.com/!

Often his cats are drawn doing human things. And often with a splash of red.

Thank you to Rick for the make-up and all his help!!

Happy New Year!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 31

2010-01-01T00:29:00.000-05:00

I do a lot of gender-bending with History with Hilary, but I was First a Girl!

On December 31, 1935, a film called First a Girl, starring Jessie Matthews, was released in the US. It was a re-make of a German film called Victor und Victoria. I guess that story has been around for a long time!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 30

2009-12-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

On December 30, 1851, Asa Griggs Candler was born. He was a business tycoon who made most of his dough selling Coca-Cola!

According to Wikipedia:
"He started his business career as a drugstore owner and manufacturer of patent medicines. In 1887 he bought the formula for Coca-Cola from its inventor John Pemberton and several other share-holders for $2,300. The success of Coca-Cola was largely due to Candler's aggressive marketing of the product."

This particular photo pays tribute to the 70s Coca-Cola advertisement. "I'd like to buy the world a Coke..." Check it out on YouTube! It's the real thing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mOEU87SBTU

This was a collaboration! Thank you to Rick for his help with the photo and to Davey G. Johnson for his mad post-processing skills! And I got this crazy dress at Aaardvark in Pasadena. I love that place.

History With Hilary - December 29

2009-12-30T01:15:00.001-05:00

Of course when we think of YMCA, we think of the Village People!

But did you know that the first branch of the Young Men's Christian Organization was organized on December 29, 1951?

Thassright.

This Avon tool kit was in my stocking this year. Pretty awesome. :D

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 28

2009-12-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

Happy 87th Birthday to Stan Lee, who was born on December 28, 1922!

In his honor, I brought out my own personal superhero - TTF or...Teeny Tiny Feminist.

That's what I was as a child... :D

Also - don't you think this pink Christmas Tree skirt from Target works well as a cape?!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 27

2009-12-28T23:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to Louis Pasteur, born December 27, 1822. :)

Aside from the moustache, this photo is nothing like what I had planned.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 26

2009-12-27T02:49:00.001-05:00

On December 26, 1997, Ma Vie En Rose opened in US theaters. It's the story of a seven year-old boy who dreams of growing up to be a woman and marrying the boy next door. Beautiful and heart-wrenching.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 25

2009-12-24T21:49:00.001-05:00

December 25 is Sissy Spacek's birthday! I took the opportunity to do a tribute to Carrie.

Merry Christmas! ;)

I wasn't going to cover myself in corn syrup without taking lots of pictures. I'll put more up soon!

Note: My sister once tied me to a chair and made me watch this scene of Carrie. She must have been on a Stephen King kick because she also kept telling me IT was going to get me, never telling me what IT was...

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - May 15

2009-12-24T21:41:00.001-05:00

Oops! I had written down that the movie Roller Boogie came out on December 24, 1979. But it was December 19, 1979! I already have something for that day.

So it is now an ADVANCE History with Hilary for the release of Roller Boogie in...um....JAPAN on March 15, 1980.

It's my project. I make the rules.

;)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 23

2009-12-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

December 23 is the Feast of the Radishes in Oaxaca! Figurines of people and animals are carved out of radishes and sold during festivities!

History With Hilary - December 22

2009-12-22T00:36:00.002-05:00

On December 22, 1974, Heather Donahue was born. She's the chick from The Blair Witch Project.

Random!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 21

2009-12-21T00:35:00.001-05:00

I'm in a self-portrait competition! If you have a moment, check out a selection of photos from my History with Hilary project! Voting 5 stars could help me win some dough to help keep it going! Thank you!!
www.artistswanted.org/BrooklynHilary

---

On December 21, 1937, Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in Los Angeles!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 20

2009-12-20T04:00:00.001-05:00

On December 20, 1996, Scream opened nationwide in theaters!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 19

2009-12-18T22:22:00.001-05:00

On December 19, 1971, Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange premiered in the US.

I watched this for the first time during my senior year in high school with some of my classmates... I was fascinated and horrified.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 18

2009-12-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

On December 18, 1966, Blow-Up (directed by Michelangelo Antonioni) opened in US theaters.

I saw this film in the one film class I took at NYU.

Thank you to Rick for guest-starring! (He tends to either be in an animal mask or doing something fairly creepy in the roles I put him in, as you'll notice!)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 16

2009-12-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

The Boston Tea Party!

On December 16, 1773, Boston patriots boarded a British vessel at anchor at Boston Harbor. Contents of nearly 350 chests of tea were dumped into the harbor to protest the British monopoly on tea imports. This was one of several events leading to the American Revolution.
(The Teacher's Calendar)

Thank goodness that was settled. ;)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 15

2009-12-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

December 15 is Cupcake Day! So I made these chocolate cupcakes and Rick helped me decorate them.

They are yummy.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 14

2009-12-14T23:13:00.001-05:00

Today is Monkey Day!

According to Wikipedia:
"The holiday is primarily celebrated with costume parties intended to help draw attention to issues related to simians, including medical research, animal rights, and evolution.[1] The holiday also cuts across religious boundaries and provides opportunities to share monkey stories."

Read more here!

It is also my niece's birthday. Happy Birthday, Sara!! She used to be into Paul Frank and once got me a Curious George as a gift. :D

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 12 & 13

2009-12-13T23:50:00.001-05:00

I won't grow up!

On December 13, the musical revival of "Peter Pan" opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in NYC!

Incidentally, December 12 was Cathy Rigby's birthday. She was an Olympic gymnast who starred as Peter Pan in a touring production in 1974.

The more you know...

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 11

2009-12-12T16:51:00.001-05:00

On December 11, 1992, The Muppet Christmas Carol opened in theaters! Kermit the Frog starred as Bob Cratchit!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

Sven Curth: Jesus Loves Tractors

2009-12-12T01:26:00.002-05:00

My friend Seth Beck recently introduced me to a singer/songwriter named Sven Curth and I was instantly hooked.

Here is a video of his song Jesus Loves Tractors - it was filmed in VT and upstate NY, places that I know well. When I watched this video for the first time I loved it so much that I actually clapped in front of my computer screen. I really hope that I get to see him perform live one of these days!

Sven Curth - Jesus Loves Tractors from Fiestavus on Vimeo.

To help support Sven and his efforts to make his next CD, I bought this Jesus Loves Tractors t-shirt! It came in the mail today. Very cool. You can buy CDs and t-shirts at http://www.svencurth.com.

History With Hilary - December 10

2009-12-11T01:44:00.002-05:00

On November 10, 2004, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (directed by Wes Anderson and starred Bill Murray) opened in theaters in NYC and LA!

Thanks to Rick (silav) for standing out in the cold (on the other side of this window)!

Thanks to Davey G. Johnson for helping to take this from drab to fab!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 9

2009-12-10T00:13:00.001-05:00

On December 9, 1898, Emmett Leo Kelly was born. He created the character "Weary Willie".

Thank you to Rick (silav) for doing my makeup!!!

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 8

2009-12-09T02:46:00.001-05:00

On December 8, 1894, Elzie Crisler Segar was born.

According to the Teacher's Calendar...

"Creator of 'Thimble Theater,' the comic strip that came to be known as 'Popeye'. Centered on the Oyl family, especially daughter Olive, the strip introduced a new central character in 1929. A one-eyed sailor with bulging muscles, Popeye became the strip's star attraction almost immediately. Popeye made it to the silver screen in animated form and in 1980 became a movie with Robin Williams playing the lead. Segar was born at Chester, IL. He died Oct 13, 1938, at Santa Monica, CA."

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 7

2009-12-08T00:25:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday, Harry Chapin! (December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981)

Cat's...cradle? Silver spoon? No? ;)

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 6

2009-12-07T00:27:00.001-05:00

On December 6, 1998, Rushmore (directed by Wes Anderson and starring Jason Schwartzman & Bill Murray) was shown at the Telluride Film Festival.

I decided to do some sort of cross between student (Max Fischer) and teacher (Rosemary Cross).

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 5

2009-12-06T02:12:00.002-05:00

Austria: Krampuslauf

December 5 is Krampus Day!

In folklore, the Krampus is a devilish companion of St. Nicholas who punishes bad children just as St. Nicholas rewards good ones.

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - December 4

2009-12-06T02:10:00.001-05:00

This one I took for my friend Davey's birthday!

Ok, I was attempting to be Rhoda Morgenstern, but the pics were coming out a little too...porn. I think it's the wig.

So here's a goofy face.

On the day that Davey turned 2 years old (December 4, 1977), the 8th episode of the 4th season of "Rhoda" premiered on TV. The episode was titled "Home Movies".

Become a fan of History with Hilary on Facebook!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

Fiesta Movement Celebration on Current TV!

2009-12-03T12:35:00.001-05:00

Me & My Fiesta: April 20-Dec 1, 2009

2009-11-29T23:22:00.000-05:00

We sure had some fun together.

Words of Wisdom from Robert Redford

2009-11-19T20:19:00.002-05:00

My husband gives the best gifts.

At the best times.

One of the books he gave me for my birthday was Wisdom: Ideas by Andrew Zuckerman.

The book includes photographs of many influential and inspirational people, along with their own words of wisdom.

I brought the book with me to Detroit, as I knew I'd have some airplane time to look at it. I ended up reading it cover to cover.

The very last passage came from Robert Redford. Here it is, in full.

----

Independence allows you to remain true to yourself as an artist. Whatever your spiritual impulses are as an artist -who you are - it's easier to maintain that with independence. Once you start thinking about financial security, you're beginning to run the risk of eroding your true self as an artist. Once you start thinking about money, once you start thinking about security, I'm not sure you're going to be able to take the risks you need to take, You want to stay clear of that; let that part, hopefully, take care of itself.

I just can't stop working. Nothing excites me more than being inspired by a new creative idea. It's all part of being an artist. I get excited about ideas, and then I get excited about wanting to execute them, put it into action. I can't seem to control that, and that keeps me going. I don't spend a lot of time looking back, either. I do take into consideration failures and why the occurred, or painful moments; I don't believe in ignoring that stuff. But I also don't like spending a lot of time on successes of the past. I just don't. So I'm pretty much always looking forward: what's next, what new thing can I do?

-- Robert Redford

NYU to the Fiesta Movement in 18 years!

2009-11-19T17:16:00.008-05:00

As the Fiesta Movement comes to a close, I'm thinking about what might come next for me...and considering how I got here in the first place!

A common question I've been asked from friends, family, and even media, has been "Do you get to keep the car?!"

The answer is no. Would I like to keep the Fiesta? Of course! But keeping it was never part of the deal.

I've said repeatedly, even before the Fiesta was in my hands, that I have confidence that my part in the Fiesta Movement will lead to something. I've never pretended to know what that is - partly because I don't want to limit the possibilities.

Trust me, I've dreamed up many scenarios! In my MIND, I've gotten to keep this Fiesta, I've been given a brand new US Fiesta, I've been given other cars, I've gotten jobs, I've been given my own travel show, I've become famous for my photography projects, I've gotten to meet my idols and so on and so forth.

Do I really think any of these things could happen? Call me crazy, but yes.

Do I EXPECT them to happen? Not any one thing in particular. But it IS leading me to something.

Every time I've been passionate about something, it has paid off in unexpected ways.

How did I GET to the Fiesta Movement? Well...let's go back to college in 1991...

- I graduated from Oyster River High School in Durham, NH in June of 1991. I was 17 years old and didn't have a driver's license. I didn't need one, as a week later I moved to NYC.

- That fall I started my first year at NYU - my number 1 choice of schools.

- While at NYU I got a job at the NYU Bookstore to help pay for books and food and entertainment and such.

- Two years later my family couldn't pay for my expensive tuition anymore. Luckily, I'd made a good impression and the NYU Computer Store offered me a full-time position, which not only gave me a salary but also FREE tuition.

- While working at the computer store, I became familiar with...well...computers! And got email and AOL before most people I knew were there.

- I decided I wanted to learn HTML and needed a website to build. I was obsessed with a tv show on NBC called Boston Common. I wrote them a letter telling them that I wanted to build a site and they proceeded to send me episode lists, headshots, bios, scripts, etc. for my content!

- I flew out to LA for a taping of Boston Common, met the cast and crew - who all knew who I was - and had a great time!

- When I finally graduated from NYU (after many years of going to school part-time), my full-time work experience and my BA in English Literature landed me a job at the Disney Channel.

- The woman who hired me liked me so much that when she left to work for Bravo and IFC, she brought me with her.

- Less than a year after moving to Bravo, my story about Boston Common led to the offer of a promotion into the newly formed Digital Media department.

- By chance I scored tickets to the premiere of the film Keeping the Faith, where I met Edward Norton. A couple months later, I still had a song from the film ("Heart of Mine" by Peter Salett) in my head. I found out that Peter lived in NYC and was performing the following week.

- I got to know Peter by going to his shows. One night I brought 14 people with me to go see him at a small venue. He asked me if I wanted to work for him.

- One night I attended a concert at Town Hall with Peter and his childhood friend...Edward Norton!

- I was still working for Bravo and IFC, but my side work for Peter got me interested in Marketing. I started taking classes at NYU.

- My classes and my work for Peter led to another promotion into the Ad Sales Marketing department.

- Not long after that, NBC bought Bravo. I was the only employee in my department to survive that move.

- After 2 years at NBC, Universal came on board. There was a possibility that I would be laid off, so I applied to graduate school, just in case.

- When I wasn't laid off, I decided I still wanted to go back to school! I quit my job and started the MBA program at Fordham University Graduate School of Business.

- In graduate school, I worked as an graduate assistant for the head of the Deming program. As a result, I met a great friend. We inspired and motivated each other. She moved to California when she graduated.

- In casual conversation, I learned that my Law professor was also a photographer. He introduced me to Flickr.

- One day I woke up in severe pain and was rushed to the hospital where I had emergency surgery. The doctor told me that if I'd arrived half an hour later, I might not have made it.

- I re-evaluated my life. I started seeing things differently. I began taking photos every day and posting them to Flickr, where I built an online community.

- One of my Flickr friends encouraged me to start a blog and get on Twitter. He helped me raise money online for my first digital SLR.

- By the time I got my MBA (with a dual concentration in Marketing and Management), I was getting photography jobs and decided to delay the possibility of a corporate gig.

- An artist by the name of Rick Baker happened to see a photo of me in the "Everyone's Photos" section of his Flickr home page. He favorited it. Months later, we fell in love.

- I moved to Los Angeles to be with Rick, with no driver's license and no car.

- In LA, I was reunited with my close friend from graduate school. She had just learned she was going to have a baby and was going to be a single mother. I became her birth partner and was there when she delivered her son. Being part of the experience is one of my most treasured experiences.

- I submitted something to the NY Times for a story they were doing about "failed resolutions", telling them about my inability to get my license.

- After seeing it in print, I was motivated to take driving lessons. By the middle of January, 2009, I finally had my driver's license at the age of 35.

- I began planning a cross-country trip with no car and no resources.

- A friend of mine told me about the Fiesta Movement. I submitted a video. My story, along with my constant social media activity, landed me a Ford Fiesta.

- 6 months. Free car. Free gas. Free insurance.

I took full advantage of the situation, as most of you know! And now my time with the Fiesta is almost up.

I don't know what's next...but maybe after reading this you can understand why I'm so optimistic that it will lead to SOMETHING!

I'm looking forward to whatever that may be...

:)

History With Hilary - November 13

2009-11-13T20:39:00.002-05:00

On November 13, 1998, the musical revival "Cabaret" opened at Studio 54 in NYC.

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - November 12

2009-11-12T20:38:00.000-05:00

On November 12, 1982, actress Anne Hathaway was born. Um... The Princess Diaries? :)

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary - November 11

2009-11-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

On November 11, 1964, Pajama Party (starring Annette Funicello) opened in US theaters!

It's "the party picture that takes off where the others pooped out"!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Select prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! View them at Etsy!

I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary: November 10

2009-11-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

Today's History with Hilary is brought to you by the letter C!

On November 10, 1969, "Sesame Street" premiered on television!

COOKIE!!!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary@gmail.com.

History With Hilary: November 9

2009-11-09T09:42:00.001-05:00

On November 9, 1908, Kay Thompson was born in St. Louis, MO. Thompson was best known for her series of Eloise books.

Who is the little girl who lives at the Plaza in New York? That's me, Eloise, I'm six, I live on the top floor!

What is History With Hilary?
Every day, I take a self-portrait based on that day in history! The plan is to eventually make a book and/or calendar!

Prints from my History With Hilary are for sale. Proceeds help to support the project, which is getting a little pricey! I'm also accepting donations, including costumes, wigs, fabric, and props! Please email me at historywithhilary (at) gmail.com.