Ode to Seattle.

So i've been in Seattle for 14 days now and i think i'm falling in love. I wake up in the morning, there are squirells frollicking in the backyard, i look out the window and i can see mountain ranges covered in snow stretching as far as the eye can see. Cute little brick buildings litter the streets of neighbourhoods like Ballard and Fremont, where one can stop and sit in a comfortable cafe for an hour or two with a delicious hot coffee in hand. Past the rolling hills decorated with pastel toned houses one can see the skyline of Seattle's central business district. Not even the grey winter sky can numb the soul for the early riser is rewarded by a few precious hours of sunlight in the morning every now and again. What other little suprises do you have for me?

She is sleepless in Seattle.

Finally, i have made it. I am here in Seattle ready to spread my wings and take flight. I have been here for three lovely days now and just starting to find my feet. After a long day of flying, and a couple of days catching up with sleep i think i am ready to see all this city has to offer. I am so lucky to have been shown around some cool places already by my lovely flatmate Kate, who took a chance on an unknown New Zealander and offered me a place to live without even meeting me. What a star. I must apoligise for not updating my blog in a bloody long time but i was pretty busy and holding out for Seattle. It was all i could think about! You forgive me right?
Ok so remarkable places i have visited so far.
Taco Bell - yes the all American takeout experience. While i admit i was slightly under the  influence of some cheap Australian wine (yes in America and still drinking cheap Australian wine, some things never change) the Taco Bell experience was highly memorable. Who can turn down a greasy burrito after a night out.
The BlackLodge - Is it a music venue, is it a flat? Who knows, what i do know is that the place is Awesomeeee! A sketchy warehouse type place where local bands jump on a shabby stage to blast out their tunes. Looking up you can see people's bedrooms and you can take your own alcohol in because it isn't legally a bar. Made more memorable by The Melvins, three boys wearing dresses playing Saxophone, Drums and Bass.
Cupcake Royale - One word for this place Looooooooove. And they do Stumptown Coffee! My first Stumptown experience and it was a great one. One delicious little espresso topped off by a mouth watering chocolate mini cupcake with strawberry frosting.
The Vintage Mall - A heavenly paradise. Two floors of vintage delight. A place where collectors would cream their pants, this is the creme de creme of all good vintage delights. Purchases made: One lovely little woollen cape with pockets and a beaded yellow necklace. All for the delightful price of $45.00.

Lowlights: Trying to find milk that doesn't taste like pure cream, i'm getting there!
Tax that isn't included in the price tag, noone likes the little extra suprise at checkout. I'm constantly being caught out.

But overall a small price to pay. I'm sure there are many, many treats in stall for the little New Zealander. On Tuesday night were heading out to the hipster part of town, Capitol Hill. Stories and pictures to follow, stay tuned.
Much Love, xx.

Lost Control.

I was at my friend Amy's house today and happened to pick up this amazing book, Lost Control. Amy is a hugely talented creative lady who has recently being trying to get her own graphic design company off the ground. I am constantly envious of her mad skills and know she will go far with her work. The company is called Scizzorface and is a collaboration between Amy Selby and my other friend Jess Moore (who is also amazingly gifted) their website Scizzorface is currently under construction but i suggest you keep an eye out for these ladies, they'll be rocking your socks off any day now.
So the book i picked up, Lost Control, shows what i would consider to be some of the best that graphic design installations have to offer. Each work is both spontaneous and calculated at the same time and their characteristics are influencing other graphic designers all over the world. Here are a few of the images that i particularly enjoyed.

Hope you all have your costumes on for Halloween, this year i was prepared and brought candy treats for the trick or treaters but sadly i haven't had any knocks on my door. I guess i look like the creepy cat lady waiting by the door with a bag of sweeties in my hand. Your loss children, i will consume all of the chocolate freddos myself.
xx

Peek-a-boo.

Meet Stalin.
He's black and white, furry and stands about one foot off the ground. His favourite past time would have to be playing games. He recently learned about hide and seek, looks like we found you Stalin.

New and improved blog layout.

Whilst trying to write my essay today my attention sparked else where, to my blog, where else! With time on my hands i thought why not flash up my blog. So here it is folks, new header, new backgroud, new title, same old Gabrielle. Hope your tuesdays ruled.

I smell summer.

Yoko Ono is following me!

On twitter, eeeeeeeeeeek! MissGJohnson Like for real.

Jealous? Of course you are!

Also vote for a friends band to open for Bon Jovi here in New Zealand. Click on the link and head to the last page to vote for the Nomadic Snails. To clear things up it started as a bit of a joke i believe, they don't live to listen to Bon Jovi, nor do they look anything like what a Bon Jovi opening band should look like, so if that isn't inspiration enough to vote what is wrong with you! Do it now i suggest.
http://www.therock.net.nz/Win/TheBonJoviSupportActSearch/tabid/954/Default.aspx

Don't let me down now folks.

Sunday evening.

Good evening all, i trust your weekends went swellingly. Mine was quiet and satsifying. I am currently working my way through the first stages of research for my final History essay. The first stages are always the most tedious for sure, i find it extremely difficult just motivating myself to sit down and read historians work. It is especially difficult because i have started reading 100 years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I can see the orange and white penquin classic from where i am sitting and would much rather be reading it! Last week i went to the Paramore concert. God i love Hayley Williams, she is so freaking cool! And the band were also exceptional, you can tell they have been at it for six years, the sound was perfect and everything seemed to blend so well together. I tried taking some shotty photos with my cheap as chips camera but i apoligise for the ant sized, blurry figures on stage, i swear that is Paramore!

Pre-Paramore:

  

Having my two little sisters up for a couple of days was great also. Not to sound too cheesy but i feel the better side of myself comes out when i am around my family. I guess the majority of us feel that way. I had my first trip to Cornwell Park, one of Auckland's best keep secrets. It was here that we got to see the adorable little lambies frolicking in all their cuteness. We picked a mob at the far end and preceeded in naming each one with some ridicilous name such as Spartacus or Rufus. It was fitting at the time.

Cornwall Park:

My sis is having her baby soon. It will be my first niece or nephew. I feel weird being an aunty even though i'm jetsetting off for a year and will miss the cute little infant years. I will have to talk baby over skype. You should pop on over to my sisters blog and say hi. Hanna Francesca. Shes one little crafty lady, i'm amazed at her creative skills and slightly envious also. Too shame i feel i am too lazy to be creative. It's a phase, i'll get over it!

Anyway my neck hurts, a clear sign i have been on the internet for too long. Until next time, LOVE!

 

Jackson Eaton.
This man is making me wish i was a photographer, if i had some money i would get my butt a camera and attempt to take some fancy shots.
Also i have been feeling the need to resort to third person.
I find everything sounds just a little bit more special this way.

Gimme, gimme, gimme.

 I am on the hunt for oversized everything. I want a cardigan, vintage band tee and jersey of some description. I have been sifting through some pictures on the internet, and i'm in love with this look. I know every girl is cranking it at the moment, but for once i really don't care. It's such a damn good look, i want in!

Question: What look are you totally getting off on lately?