This city really never sleeps, but I'd like to!

I have survived four days in the city!

Friday I had my first "test shoot" to build my portfolio. I get to see those pictures tomorrow! The shoot went great, I had an awesome photographer who was great to work with. http://www.josephparadiso.com/.  He said I took direction well, had great movement, and a great personality for this industry! (All things I needed to hear to be reassured..I was feeling a little nervous going into my first real New York shoot). Tomorrow I have my first casting/go-see..which is where I go to a designer and let them look at my book (portfolio) and try on clothes/walk for potential work. So pray that goes well!

I had this weekend off, so I've just been exploring the city! There is never a dull moment here. And by dull moment I mean at 3AM there is always a party going on outside my apartment. (Hence my title..this city really never sleeps, but I'd like to!)

I rode the subway to Brooklyn for the first time by myself Friday for my shoot! As I entered two cops were escorting a man out in handcuffs (not kidding). Gotta love this place!

My apartment is pretty great also. Right now there is only one other model living in the apartment with me, her name is Leona and she is from Sweden. So we both have our own rooms right now which has been nice! Wednesday another girl comes and Friday Leona leaves.

I'm also really enjoying the scenery. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie..everything is so cultured, and effortless. This morning I was walking to get lunch with my iPod on, and "Daughters" by John Mayer came on. Then, I passed a dad on the front steps of his apartment holding a hot pink little kid guitar teaching his two young daughters how to play. Little moments like that happen all the time!

I'm a little lonely, but having a great time thus far! Have a great week everyone :)

Blessings,
Lauren

My agency!

First solo subway trip for my shoot!

The Model Apartment living room

Kitchen Area

Bathroom (actually a pretty good size for NYC but I miss my counterspace!)

My bedrooom!

Little bit of home away from home!

Nothing comes this quickly and easily without a catch...

2 days until departure!

As totally stoked and excited as I should be, a wave of fear/anxiety/nervousness/worry has just attacked me. Which is actually rather out of character for me, my mom usually worries enough for the both of us (sorry Mom ;) ). I discovered a documentary that was just released in New York last weekend called, "Picture Me: A Model's Diary". It was directed/created by Sara Ziff (a model) and her ex-boyfriend Ole Schell.  The trailer was online along with an article about the documentary that was intended to publicize the "real dark side of modeling".  It didn't really alarm me at first because I have talked with ex-models before and I know that this is a very scary industry, but for some reason the more I watched/read about the documentary the more anxious I became.  I'm going to post the link of the trailer and an additional video if you'd like to watch it.

I think another thing that bothered me was reading the YouTube comments people posted in response to the video. "What these spoiled girls are complaining about?" "Millions of working women would sell their kidneys to have the job of these SPOILED, OVERPAID BRATS." But really, it's so much more than that. And the more I've learned about this industry the more I have realized it.  It's a tough job. Physically, mentally, emotionally -- draining.  These girls go weeks and weeks without proper sleep, they're pressured to go to extreme means to keep their physical image and to keep their attitudes/energy up.  You spend a lot of time alone, in foreign countries making it hard to communicate with your friends and family. I think all of that really hit me tonight, and I'm glad it happened now rather than when I am in New York or somewhere else.

God intended for me to see this video.  I know that he is trying to prepare my heart for the scary journey ahead.  This is one BIG mission field for me. The Modeling industry is one of the most Christ-less industries in the world, and I know I have a job to do for HIM.  God does not give us anything we can't handle, and he has brought me this far for a reason.  

Keep me in your prayers, especially Thursday as I transition to the big apple! I will post an update then.

Love to all!
Lauren

YouTube Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQpnw1lgWb0
Focus on abuse in the industry : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1xOirJEwpY
Focus on youth in the industry : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqBem5Mjiko

"God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

Plane Ticket Purchased!

Okay so I know I just wrote my first post a few days ago, but I have a new update!

My agency purchased my ticket to New York today for Thursday, September 23! Yay! The only thing is I will be returning to Nashville after 3 weeks on October 14.  During my three weeks in New York I will do what are called "test shoots" with photographers (which are shoots to obtain pictures for my portfolio), go on go-sees (which are visits to designers, stores, etc. to try on clothes for potential work), and visiting magazines like Teen Vogue and Seventeen.  After the three week period my agency will decide which market to send me to.  This could mean international... London, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Ahhh! So crazy! Keep me in your prayers!

Blessings,
Lauren

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7