Going with the Flow

We've moved to Los Angeles!

2012-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, we moved from Nashville to L.A. on New Years Eve!

Many of you are aware that Josiah and I had lived apart a lot over the last couple of years. In 2011 we spent 240 days--eight months-- living in different cities for weeks and sometimes months at a time.

During one of our late night walks around Belmont University last year, we talked as we often do about what the future might hold. Out of the blue came Josiah’s question that led to our current reality: "What if your job allowed you to travel with me by this time next year?"

For the rest of that year apart, we worked hard, pursuing the goal of spending more time together.  After much prayer and careful planning, we felt guided to make the move.  Though leaving Nashville meant leaving my position at the University of Phoenix, I will graduate in March with my MBA (wa hooo!!).  My ideal job here will enable me to travel with Josiah when his work takes him to New York City, Miami, London, and Milan.

Now we’re here in L.A., and we are loving it!   Like Nashville, L.A. is a hub for talented musicians and performers; however, L.A. offers more opportunities for Josiah to pursue fashion and acting. Our hope is that Josiah will continue as a full-time model in L.A., begin his acting career, and most importantly, form a band. I believe that when he achieves this, there will be no stopping the musical force that is JOSIAH!

I know Josiah has loved our adventure so far.  As for me, I love being with my husband every day. I cherish having days that are my own, I am excited about the opportunity to seek work that fulfills me, I am thankful for the new friends we have already made, and I am enjoying the time I now have to write to you all!

Expect to hear from us more often. Check in two or three times per week, and keep “going with the Flow!”

Pre-Week 1 NYC

2011-07-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Josiah hopped on a plane his afternoon to model for a few weeks in NYC.

It's so quiet around here! As many times as we go through this ritual, I never get used to how still the apartment is when I return home from the airport.

It was a lot easier to face the empty apartment when Jane was with me. It's hard to believe that she's been in doggy heaven for two months now. I still think about her everyday. I finally stored-away one of her toy bins last week. It was an attempt I had made last month but found I couldn't go through with on my own. Some of Jane's things have gone to a friend who recently adopted a puppy; and that's comforting, but somehow it's hard to give all of my puppy's things away at once.

Josiah and I were impressed with our trip prep efficiency this time around! We made business cards, recorded a sampler CD, hand-made 20 album covers, purchased trip supplies, and even managed a little spring cleaning. The pictures to the right and left are the disc cases for the samplers we made.

Josiah arrived in Manhattan at about 7pm EST. He's staying at an old friend of his parents' this week and then couch hopping to another friend's apartment this weekend. Beggars can't be choosers of course, but he is super excited to have his own room for a few days this week. Having his own room means he can practice his vocals and play guitar a little more freely without worrying about infringing on someone else's right to quiet. The other luxury is that this room has an AC window unit. I realize this may not sound like a luxury to you, but most modest apartments in New York are not centrally cooled. A cool room means good sleep!

I'll check-in with you as Josiah and I have more to report!

Go with the Flow this week!

NYC Trip Prep

2011-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm currently at our friend Scott's house, listening to Josiah record a CD sampler for the clients Josiah is going to meet in NYC this month.

I love hearing Josiah's stadium-suited vocals soaring up from Scott's basement studio. It's always exciting to hear him sing (well, maybe not the vocal warm-ups...mo, mo, mo, mo, mo, mo, moeoeoeoeoeoe). He's currently recording a sample of six new songs he's written over the last few months. The project is a little last minute. Josiah found-out over the fourth of July weekend that he's wanted back in NY this weekend so we've been rushing around like crazy people to get him ready.

We have already finished making business cards and will be making album covers for the sampler tomorrow. He met with one of his marketing buddies today to get a Facebook Fanpage and HootSuite running to make social networking easier. You'd think that someone with thousands of friends on Facebook and over 600 contacts in his phone would love to network, but unless it's the face-to-face kind, he would rather pass.

Once he's finished recording the songs, we're off to Wal-Mart to pick-up the supplies he'll need for his stay in NYC. We're pros at packing after all of this time and nerd that I am, I have a checklist saved onto my laptop; re-pleat with what he needs to buy or pack for his domestic trips as well as what he needs when he's working out of the country (I'm sort of obsessed with checking things off).

I've discovered that it saves money to buy certain trip items in advance. It also saves Josiah time once he's in the city, which makes me feel as though I'm still helping him while he's there, and I'm at home. Our philosophy on business trips is to pack pretty much everything he might need on the first day, so that he can simply hit the ground running once he arrives in the destination market.

Having this mentality has saved us on several occasions because he never knows how quickly he has to meet with clients once he arrives. Case in point, Josiah's agent Matt already has four castings lined-up for Monday. Josiah will have just enough time to drop his bags at the agency or his friend's (whichever is closer) and head to the first casting immediately afterwards.

For my model husband, there are some trip item essentials that wouldn't make it onto most traveler lists: box of protein bars, resistance band, jump rope, protein powder, Flip camera, tripod, and a small container of laundry detergent. I've also made him a little "day pack" that he carries in his man bag with him to castings. His male model friends always give him a hard time about it but guess who always wants to borrow the floss or reach for the disposable face wipes when they start feeling the grime of the city? I know, I'm kind of an amazing wife ;)

Josiah was in New York for two months before this one, and has been home for almost

a month now. When we first started this traveling as a lifestyle thing, it was tough to get back into our groove when he got home, and tough to adjust again when we weren't together but I want to say that things feel a bit more balanced now.

We understand what the other person needs to feel close when there are hours between us. We're getting the hang of it. As Josiah sings in one of his new songs, "Sometimes it might be tough, at times I've gotta be away, but it doesn't mean that my heart has changed, in fact I love you more each day..." (LOVE it).

Keep going with the Flow! And I'll keep writing as much as I can. I may need a little encouragement now and then! Remember that we love it when you leave comments for us on our blog!

Nashville-bound!

2011-03-01T12:13:00.001-08:00

I know, I have been a terrible blogger! I have thought so many times these last few weeks that, 'I should write about that' or 'I really need to post this pic of Josiah!' But then I see untouched homework that needs attention, or get whimpered at by my puppy Jane, or fall asleep over my laptop after just signing-in that my attempts have been foiled!

So my trip to Miami has come and gone and I have lived three more weeks without Josiah at home! Tomorrow, he is Nashville-bound! We don't know how long he'll be back before foraying out into the next market, but we're both excited about spending some quality time together in the next few weeks!

For the record, I LOVED my time in South Beach! Yes, there were some very beautiful women...LOTS. And models and parties and scantily clad bodies all over the beach-I even met some of them. But I didn't find myself comparing obsessively as I thought I would. Maybe it was the laid back feel of the city or the fact that I have such a wonderful man at my side, but I just relaxed and enjoyed everything and everyone I met!

Josiah and I have had some painful but growth pushing conversations over the last two months and I realize now that we're exactly where and what we need to be right now. This would be a topic for an entirely separate blog!

After I left Miami, Josiah started playing more gigs around town! When it comes to making friends and connections, I feel like Josiah possess some sort of Jedi power! We counted the times he's played-out in the last 4 weeks and discovered he's played 8 gigs! Even more exciting is that the venues have been packed and people have been singing his original songs at the top of their lungs! I wish I could have been there! When he plays at home I never miss an appearance and I take pride in that.

Once he gets back into town I will post some of the show video he took in Miami. I can't vouch for the sound quality of our little flip camera but I will say that looking at three male models performing on stage is not a bad way to spend a few minutes of the day ( ;

Josiah in a fashion video project!

2011-02-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

MIAMI Day 12

2011-01-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

The pictures I've posted are a test shoot from last week. Josiah's agents wanted him to have some photos that were more commercial and more Miami, so here are just a couple!

(Josiah is mentally making a fist bc he had to wear this purple shirt, but I LOVE this pic!)

Josiah has had a really busy week! I won't even try to list all the potential clients he met, but I will say he had a call-back for an Old Navy commercial which would shoot in L.A. ( ;

He's also excited about a potential opportunity to shoot a commercial for Heineken in Spain! I have everything crossed that he will book everything! He should have news about both jobs within the next two weeks.

Guess what?! I am going to Miami in February! I'm so excited. I'm a little wary of leaving Jane (who was abandoned by her previous owner) but I have two wonderful friends who will be taking care of her while I'm with Josiah for a few days so I know I have nothing to fret about.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about the trip.

I want to see Josiah badly, but I also have this overwhelming sense that I'm not ready for Miami. Through my limited lens all I see are gorgeous, skinny, tanned bods adorned with designer clothes and handbags giving me disapproving once-overs as they walk by. It also doesn't help that they all look like gorgeous Kim Kardashian in my imagination. Of course, it does help that my most designer adornment is my handsome husband.

Despite this, I have an urgent desire to shop and buy what I can't afford to prepare for my trip. It also doesn't help that my enthusiastic husband has been telling everyone that I'm coming and has promised to introduce me to twenty of his closest new friends!

I do realize that once I'm actually in Miami with Josiah that these little insecurities will disperse- Josiah has that affect on me. But in the meantime, I'm thinking gym, carrots, and skimming the sales racks at Posh and UAL! ( :

I hope you all have a wonderful week! And keep going with the Flow!

MIAMI Day 6

2011-01-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's a snow day, which for me means a day off from everything since I attend classes at the same school where I work. I've been singing "snow...Snow....SNOW" in the escalating manner of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in White Christmas whether in my head or accompanied by little jumps into the air for the benefit of my puppy Jane. Retailers may want me to think Valentines Day is almost upon us, but it's Christmas today in spirit!

I was able to check-in with Josiah this morning for more than a few minutes. This is a luxury since I'm typically rushing to get to work on time and am inevitably late no matter how thoroughly I lay out my clothes and make lunch for myself the night before. He is currently at a casting for an Old Navy commercial. Last night he was practicing his "lines" which consist of rapping about the great clothes and deals they have at Old Navy! He was so cute doing it I just had to laugh. He's a rocker, not a rapper...but I doubt that's what the brand is looking for anyway.

He called me from a bus stop this morning as he does when he's not walking. Since he doesn't have a car in South Beach, he either walks or takes the bus everywhere he goes; never a cab, unless he doesn't have enough time to take the bus to a job. Today, he had to take three buses to get to the casting location. He sounded tired when he checked-in with me. The bus was running late, which made his getting up early and rushing to the first bus seem like a waste of time.

Josiah has already worked his first job this trip! He had a two day shoot for Jacob Cohen earlier this week. Jacob Cohen is an Italian jean designer. I love hearing him describe the details of the day but I have to work for it. Nothing seems to really phase Josiah so I always have to ask him specific questions if I want to picture what his day is like.

You probably won't be surprised to learn that he likes to eat while he's waiting. The perception that models don't eat, does not pertain to him! If you've seen him eat, you know what I mean! The food Josiah describes typically makes my mouth water. It's usually catered stuff that's always pretty healthy and consistently delicious. I believe he ordered a plate of bacon wrapped scallops as a "snack" one time. He doesn't always get spoiled...but he does get spoiled quite a lot!

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, here are some photos from the shoot he did last week for Jacob Cohen. Josiah's work day was from 7:30-3:30. Top right, Josiah and Ashley, the model he worked with on the shoot. Left and right, the moving studio and the trailer the crew used as an office for two days.

MIAMI Jan 2011 Day 1

2011-01-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

It's gray and generally disagreeable outside which happens to fit my mood perfectly. I had mentioned to Josiah in the middle of our crisp, sunny, yesterday that I hoped the weather would cooperate with me today and it has not disappointed!

Jane (our puppy) and I took him to the airport bright and early this morning. As is usually the case, he ended-up being a little over on the weight limit for checked bags, but Southwest (also as typically) was gracious enough to let his two large suitcases through without fuss. When Josiah and I see travelers with only a carry-on bag breeze through the ticket counter, we marvel at their efficiency! Our products ALONE wouldn't make it into those slim, wheeled cases!

Josiah had a direct flight to Ft Lauderdale so arrived around 10:00a.m. EST and was met by sunny skies and 78 degree weather! Already on the agenda; castings and hunting for lodgings.

Lodgings? Who plans to be out of town for two months and doesn't have a place to stay?

Maybe....Josiah? In his defense, the rental market in Miami is tough; especially when he only needs a place to sublet for a short time. To his credit, he does have two back-up plans. He's currently exercising plan A. Stay in model housing for a few days.

The last time he stayed in Miami, Josiah stayed at the model housing set-up by his agency. This time, he'll be there a few days before moving (hopefully) with his friend Mark to less expensive quarters. Model housing also happens to be full-up for the next couple of months so finding a place by the weekend is on the top of his priority list.

Ron, Josiah's Miami agent has already sent him on his first casting of the day. It's a commercial job for Babies 'R Us! Josiah had some practice playing with babies over our Christmas break so maybe he'll nail the part ( :

The pic of Josiah and the surf board was from his trip in November when he went surfing for the first time with his friend Frankie (you may or may not know of Frankie from the first season of Make Me a Supermodel on Bravo). The pic above, is model housing. Josiah promises to send new pics soon!

The absolute worst part of sending Josiah off on one of his trips is the going back to an em

pty apartment afterward. You'd think the suddenly being alone part is the hardest on me but I don't mind that very much. It's the fact that the space feels devoid of the all-encompassing, into every corner reaching, energy that Josiah gives-off when he's in a room that bugs me the most.

But as he reminded me before he left, he's gotta go, so he can bring home the bacon ( ; As sad as I am when he's away, as always, I'm anxious to see what happens while he's in a different city, working! I know all of our hard-work will payoff! (right- Jane at home)

Keep going with the Flow!

Flow is off to NYC!

2010-09-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging again, which means Josiah is once again living the life of an international male model (and yes, I am mentally making the Zoolander face as I write this)! We've had a great two months at home together in which we assimilated a new puppy into our "family" (pictures to follow), in which Josiah did some catalogue work for Dillard's and some other modeling gigs around town and wrote music to his hearts content!

He's currently en route to NYC and should arrive shortly! I'm dying to get back there, but will have to wait until Josiah's next trip. I know Josiah hates this style phase in retrospect but I love this picture of us standing in the middle of Times Square. Our talented photographer friend Chuck Willis shot this candid of us when we were in the city together one summer!

I will do my best to keep you all updated between school and my daily grind! Feel free to post questions in the comment section if there is something you want to know about Josiah or us that I haven't touched on in the daily blog.

Josiah promises to send more videos this time and continue to take some pics for me to share.

His plan tonight is to get settled-in on his friend's couch, get some groceries for the morning, then rest-up before he hits up his new NYC modeling agency tomorrow. I'll give you more of an update later tonight or tomorrow!

Until then, keep going with the Flow!

Just for Fun. Music Videos with Josiah & a couple Pics

2010-07-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

You only see him for a few seconds...but he's so memorable ( ; Thought I'd post these just for fun.

Angel Taylor video: Listen to the entire song because it's so good...but he is at the end of the video. Josiah's character is the boy she is singing about.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

Jessica Harp video: You see him in the beginning and at the end only for a few seconds.

Jessica Harp More CMT Music More CMT Music Videos

Here is an ad he did for LeSportsac Catalog this summer.

And just because I love this one....by Jose Villa

Trip Day 35, Milano

2010-07-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

It has been tough for Josiah to get other business complete with his schedule at the Paul Smith showroom (8:00a.m. to 7:00 pm all week) and lack of wi-fi but he has been able to accomplish a couple of his goals for this week.

He now has a test shoot set-up for Saturday, the day before he leaves Milano. His agent Pietro called and said this photographer shoots classic men (his brand) and has promised to have some looks together for Josiah as well! Without a solid book, an otherwise appealing model is much like someone who says one thing to your face, then doesn't follow-through in the end. That despite Josiah's unavailability this week, a photographer was willing to do a test shoot on Saturday, is a huge praise! We were really concerned that he wouldn't be able to come home with any new photos to show for how much he has grown professionally. I tend to fret about things I can't control (I need to work on that) so I was really excited to hear the news! (top: Matt, P. Jim, Josiah, Linda, and Luiz)

There is also something in the works involving possibly one of Josiah's songs and an independent movie?! We'll have to flesh this out if/as it develops.

Josiah worked a full day today, then rushed to his Tuesday night Bible study at the Milan Bible Church! He took Matt (who is now living in another apartment-apparently Matt's agency was charging him a fee on top of the rent he was already paying to the landlord) and Luiz with him tonight. Josiah hasn't been able to make it the last 2-3 weeks because of work, so he was looking forward to it all day.

Some of you know this, but most of you haven't heard about Pastor Jim! Josiah has a friend in Nashville who is very involved in revitalizing fashion in Nashville-when she heard Josiah was thinking about going to Milan (months and months ago) she gave Josiah a contact-a friend in a country full of strangers. He was pastor Jim Kutlow, an American, who, along with his wife, took over a small church in Milan several years ago. Josiah's friend knew about pastor Jim because the church used to host Bible studies which really reached out to the modeling community.

Now, it's not so much a gathering of models but of students and people from various backgrounds who have their faith and desire for a church family in common. When I visited them last spring, I think about 9 different nationalities were present, but Linda (Jim's wife) said that during the school year, that number is in the teens. If you ever feel in a rut and need a new perspective on life and the Lord...go travel to a county that is foreign to you and talk to as many people as you can!

We discovered what a small world it was too...Pastor Jim went to seminary with one of our pastors at home, Mr. Michael Easley!

There are just 5 more days now...4 for Josiah ( ; He called me tonight from Pastor Jim's phone-which meant I could actually hear the quality of his voice, as though he was calling from home and not through the distant haze that is Skype. It is a wonderful free resource, but the sound quality makes you feel about as far away geographically as you really are.

Until tomorrow, keep going with the Flow!

Trip Day 34, Milano

2010-07-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

(All the pics are from the Diesel event-thought I would just intersperse within this update to add some aesthetic value)

Josiah rested on Saturday and then started his job for the Paul Smith showroom at 8:00a.m. on Sunday. His days begin at 8:00, which means he has to be up by 6:30 to make sure he gets to work on time. Showroom wraps up at 7pm, so 8a.m.-7pm is his schedule all week.

(Felix and Josiah-I think this is one of my favorite pics from this trip)

He has discovered that he has time between modeling the clothes to play guitar, and read, so he brought Robinson Crusoe to work with him and finished it today. He said he loved the book and the way it demonstrated God's provision for Crusoe. Castaway can not begin to compare!

Since I recommended the book to Josiah, his appreciation of the story made me feel as though he was patting me on the back about a person I'd chosen to be-friend ( ; Josiah purchased The Portrait of Dorian Grey today in paperback so he'd have something else to read this week-another fantastic book to add to our growing collection!

(All the Diesel models-the only person I see when I look at this photo is the girl in the middle with the never-ending legs and those hot red heels!)

When he got off work last night (Sunday night) he watched the futbol match with a friend at the Duomo until it started to rain.

It turns out his entire apartment is now vacant except for three models. Josiah said it's actually nice now to get some peace and quiet when he gets home, especially since his days are so long.

Josiah was asked to work another job next week, but he's decided to pass because the cost of leasing another week did not exceed the paycheck to stay and work and he wouldn't get any photos out of it to use for his book. He said he's been ready to come home so unless something huge comes up, 7 more days til he is back in Nashville again!

(Josiah and Bertold, from Germany-I could wear his whole outfit[hee-hee]! But I'd pair the jeans with heels or boots so my short legs didn't look squat)

Until tomorrow, keep going with the Flow ( ;

Berlin Day 5-Trip day 32-Berlin Wrap

2010-07-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of the Berlin Bread and Butter Trade Show! After four days of being shuttled from the hotel to the old Berlin Airport, the models had a little time to take-in the city. On their way out of the trade show, a Diesel staff member gave them all complimentary tickets for a boat ride up and down the river Spree with food and drinks included. He and his friends hopped aboard and did a little sight-seeing.

The boat-ride ended around midnight. It sounded as thought they were glad to get off the boat-what was supposed to be a two hour boat ride had ended up lasting closer to four hours. Diesel had a party planned for all the models and staff and the boat ride caused them to be late.

Josiah said he had been told that Berlin had the best music, food, and clubs, but found everything tonight to be a bit mediocre. he sounded a little disappointed. Josiah said everyone was so exhausted from the week, the best part was getting on the shuttle to get back to the hotel! They were finally able to crawl back into bed around 4:00a.m. their time.

Josiah's flight back to Milan is early so he will have to get up at 6:3o a.m. to get to the airport in time. He'll have tomorrow to rest-up before he starts working for Paul Smith showroom. He booked his flight back home! He's scheduled to return this coming Sunday night! He reminded me today that it's now 8 days! I'm not sure I'll have anything to report to you guys tomorrow, so if I don't, keep going with the Flow until Monday ( ;

Berlin Day 4-Trip day 31- Flowin with More Photos

2010-07-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

We got to skype this morning (hooray)!!! Josiah has wi-fi everywhere at the trade show but it's very spotty! The service is strong enough to send emails but not strong enough to keep a phone connection for very long. We lucked-out today...I think it's been about 6 days since I've heard his voice. He's so diligent about sending emails and photos and making sure I know what is going on every single day...I can't complain. But emails can't replace a phone

conversation!

He was up at 6:30 this morning so that he could grab breakfast before his ride took him to the show site. It has been a little difficult to read between the lines of his emails the last few days(the reporter in me needed the who, what, when, where, why) he didn't have time to provide so our chat helped clear-up some questions I had.

Since Wednesday, he has had 3 shows each day at the Bread & Butter trade show. First, he walks the runway, second, he goes back on the stage for a kind of vignette...where he plays a rocker (not such a stretch) playing air guitar while cooing fans (other models) swarm him. Thirdly, he goes back on stage again for another photo op in action. He calls this third part Rocky top! I know...tough to visualize. Then they all break, and they do it all over again, two more times. He said he saw people taking video so he'll try and email us a clip. I've been trolling YouTube the last couple of days, but it's too early for the July video to appear just yet. The show sounds pretty fun though right? He said it's also exhausting.

Hence...the Diesel beach! A man made beach on a strip of old Berlin airport runway where the models tan, work-out, nap, and relax between shows.

My husband in Diesel swim trunks. He's such a hottie ( ;

So below, is another, "That's so Italia" moment. His beautiful boss, taking sun with the models oh so cooley and stylishly in jeans, and a hot little top.

Josiah decided to start the countdown to his coming home today! So it's now day 10 days!! Keep going with the Flow everyone!

Berlin Day 3-Trip day 30- A Flow Day in Photos & Video

2010-07-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Josiah being JOSIAH! The show is a multi-media event...here is our man...showing us his "dance" moves (; I know he won't like that I placed "dance" between quotation marks...but blogs are meant to be honest! I love you babe.

Josiah and model Francois. Apparently, Francois's mustache was a hit in Paris. Josiah likes to make allusions to attractive mustaches because he knows how much I generally detest those wavy tubes of hair (he likes to hint that he will be growing one someday). Not to say some such persons can't pull it off; but I think you'll agree, mustaches are very particular about who they do, and do not like!

Below:

Bread and Butter show video from January 2010. The July 2010 video should be up next week.

I thought this video would give you a good idea of the event Josiah is involved in this season.

The Diesel artistic director explains...in German (so much good this'll do you) but you may have fun looking at the pretty pictures! You can also go to this link to see more event photos and information as it is updated. : http://www.breadandbutter.com/summer2010-premier-league/en/home/

Berlin Day 2-Trip day 29 BERLIN FASHION WEEK!

2010-07-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

I finally have a newsy blog to post (hooray)! He has wi-fi at the event site so during dow

ntimes he has been emailing me updates and lots o pictures. Here is the skinny on days 1 and 2. Go the link below to see more BERLIN Fashion week information for July 2010.

http://www.breadandbutter.com/summer2010-premier-league/en/movies-pictures/pictures/

Day 1: Monday

-Was able to sleep-in after arriving in Berlin late Sunday night

-Had a "killer" breakfast

-Went back to bed for a power nap

-Went to the gym

-Buffet Lunch with other models

-Went back to his room to have some time with the Lord

-Four hours of fittings

-Went back to the hotel-the Diesel handlers invited him for drinks. There is a team of people on hand to organize the models' schedules and keep them "in line" during the week. The models teasingly call them the babysitters. He said it was nice of them to invite him-as he was the only modello invited to join-in. they told him he is the "coolest, and easiest model"to work with. Aww!

-BED!

Day 2-Tuesday

-Quick breakfast

-Bused to an old Berlin airport for show rehearsals all day long

-I believe there is a big pre-event party tonight-not sure if Josiah is going to this or not

Josiah said the shows this week are going to be fantastic, with actors and dancers involved in the Diesel show as well! Berlin's fashion week is called Bread and Butter! The event is spectacular! Here are photos from Josiah's point of view from the day.

Right: Diesel's show tent-Campaign: Be Stupid. Below: Josiah's French stylist and some major sunglasses! Who is wearing who here?

Berlin day 1-Day 28Trip

2010-07-05T21:23:00.001-07:00

BERLIN! He arrived safely last night late. 4pm call time for his first show today. I'll post video as I have it. Have a great start to your shortened work-week everyone!

Milano Day 27 Sunday

2010-07-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Happy fourth of July weekend everyone! Josiah has been busy this week getting ready for his trip to Berlin and saying good by to some friends he won't get to see for awhile as they go home or go to other markets. To the left, Josiah and Mitch, from Canada.

Matt went home this week, which was the biggest loss for Josiah. The two have become close and have been a good support system for each other as they've moved through this last month. Josiah said Matt's agency has done a lot of things that are not in his best interest so his friend needs to go home and reevaluate how he's going to move forward in his career.

To the right, Josiah went with a bunch of friends to a public pool a couple of times this week. Here, he is sporting a bright orange shower cap! Before entering the pool, all swimmers must don a cap and then shower prior to entering the water. I think this is brilliant. If this were the case in the states, I would actually consider going to a public pool to swim!

Here is Josiah and Ryan, looking fierce! For some of you, Ryan's is a familiar face! He was one of Josiah's roommates this spring and the two have continued to keep in touch. I got to meet Ryan last trip and he ended up being one of my favorites. He is one of those people you can immediately sense have a good soul...Ryan is a fashion photographer! He lives in Switzerland, but travels often for work. He was in Singapore last week, Milan this week, and will be in Berlin this coming week!

Post fashion week, shops have major sales to relieve their inventory in prep for the next season. To the right is a photo of Zara (i love you ZARA!) in the middle of the shopping madness. Josiah has spent the last couple of days trying to find some clothes for himself as well as helping his friends supplement their wardrobes. He was surprised to only find a few things-I don't know why this would come as a surprise, since he is one of the most particular people I know ( ;

However, if you've been to Milan, you know that everyone-wither they're toting a baby around or going to a casting are some of the best dressed people you will see anywhere (here, a woman with a baby in hot wedges). Sloppy, and ill-fitted is not in their vocabulary. Shopping in Italy for Josiah is a treat, as more items are made to fit someone his size and height. In the states, Josiah usually has to have clothes tailored to fit-unless they're t-shirts (and sometimes even those are too baggy). We really are a country of super-sized everything. I'll try and get Josiah to take a pic of my favorite "that's so Milan" moment if the opportunity presents itself. It's not uncommon to see men in three piece suits so well fitting you find yourself asking if in fact the pieces are too small; riding their bicycle from point A to point B.

Centrale station to the right-the largest train station in Milan, this is the central hub for all public transportation. Josiah will take the train here, to catch a bus to Malpensa tonight.

He is working Paul Smith showroom today (he will resume this job once he gets back from Berlin). He's been at the showroom since early this morning (he emailed me before 7:00a.m. his time). Josiah said the clothes are cool, but the job itself has been slow paced. Josiah emailed me that he will have to leave the showroom no later than 6:30 tonight to make it to Malpensa in time to catch is flight to Berlin. He said a driver is going to pick him up at a quarter to midnight from the airport to take him to the hotel where he will be staying for the next five days. Diesel's Bread and Butter campaign is a pretty big deal. He will have three runway shows each DAY! You can imagine just how excited he is! He's going to be slammed for the next ten days-5 in Berlin, 5 in Milan so please pray for his health and that despite the demanding schedule he'll get great rest when he's able to sleep.

The last four days have been tough on us communication wise. We have always have to be very intentional in our Skype times since we are seven hours apart but the last four days have been nearly impossible with his schedule and mine playing out as they have. We talked for a few minutes on Friday before I had to rush off, but other than that, we've had to rely on daily emails to stay in touch for most of this week. He says there should be wi-fi at his hotel, so depending on just how his schedule plays out, we may or may not get to talk much this week ) : He reminds me that in 14 more days we'll be together again, and the time will fly by...but as always, the final leg of his trip always seems to drag-out the most!

I'll be posting show video as I have it ( ; Thank you guys for loving us and being so supportive of us both!! You know who you are!

Milano Day 23-Wednesday

2010-06-30T21:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, so totally random thought...but I think Josiah would a shoo-in for the next Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn!! It wouldn't even be an effort to imagine him as one of the vampire friends the Cullens call on to help them fight the Volturi!! ( ;

Milan Day 22-Tuesday

2010-06-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Josiah had four castings today. While several of the models in his building have gone to other markets or gone home, he said there were big lines at all of his castings today. He had to stand in line for at least 45 minutes before he got to see the last client.

1. Ad for Marlboro

2. designer-not sure who

3. Montani Studio (for possibly several different jobs)

4. Actor Studios

He is now confirmed for the Paul Smith showroom. He's very happy they decided to keep him. The client was not too happy that they wouldn't get Josiah for the full two weeks promised, but they wanted to keep him for the second week. Of course this means that he will not be home until the 17th or 18th...but we are both happy for the work!

Josiah has begun the ritual of playing for very appreciative audiences in the subway to "sing for his supper" when he has time. He stopped on the way home tonight to play for about 20 minutes on the train...made 10 euros, which means he paid for groceries for today and tomorrow ( ; It's so cute how proud he is of his resourcefulness. A modern man's way of going on the hunt for his supper I guess!

(Paris, April, 2010-our view from our hotel)

Milano Days 19-21 (Sat-Mon)

2010-06-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone ( : Sorry I've been absent the last few days. I haven't been feeling my best so I've been sleeping during the times that I am typically filling you all in on the latest!

Josiah's weekend was spent getting some well deserved R & R after three weeks of pounding the pavement. He typically doesn't have to work during the weekends (and his agency is closed) so it's really the only dedicated down time that he has. He spent Saturday pool-side with some friends and then watching a movie at the apartment with the guys. He had church and the gym on Sunday, as well as some time spent playing his guitar and getting organized for the the few days he has in Milan before he leaves for Berlin. Oh yeah, and spending some quality Skype time with yours truly! It's great when we have some real time to talk...when he's not rushing off to a casting and I'm not rushing off to work. We needed it this week!

Today (Monday) he got up, went to the gym, went to the agency, went to a casting, then to an aperativo for dinner with a good friend from Bible study-Samuel, whom he met this spring. Below is a pic taken at an aperativo we went to together this spring with some of his friends. Josiah loves the aperativos because you pay minimally and get a lot of food. He pays something like 6euros for an aperativo buffet, and then gets one complimentary cocktail along with it. The place we went together in April was called the Buddha Lounge.

His goal in going to the agency today was to line-up some things for this week. He was a little frustrated to not get the answers to everything he wanted, but tis the nature of the business! He did make some headway:

1. His agent Pietro is going to get a test shoot lined-up for Josiah this week!! We are both very excited about this! Most clients seem to love Josiah's personality...now he just needs

a compelling book to cinch even more jobs! I am confident that with an improved book he will be unstoppable ( ;

2. Got an update from his mother agency in Nashville (see my notes below on mother agency) who has already begun to follow-up with the agents Josiah made contact with from other markets last week. He has already received one positive response...(more on this as it develops).

3. Found out runway photos would not be used for his book, so no attempt will be made to collect images from the Moncler show...not sure if this includes the work he does for Diesel or not? It's not clear to me wither his agents don't use show photos, or if they are looking for a different kind of show image.

4. Josiah is still waiting to hear wither he will do the Paul Smith (London based designer) showroom or not since he was booked for two weeks and he can only do one of the weeks due to the Diesel show in Berlin. Wither he does the showroom or not determines when he gets to potentially come home...it' a difference of a whole week, so you can imagine how much I'm trying not to think about this. I want him to keep the job because it's additional work...but I want him to come home already...so I'm just trusting that what's to be will be ( ; Either way, it's good news for us (pic from Paul Smith site to the right).

5. He found out he'll get paid from jobs completed the last two weeks by this Friday (hooray)!

I'm really proud of Josiah's efforts today. Those of you who know me, realize that I have a list or a plan for everything...and it's been tough for me to see Josiah try and make sense and boundaries out of such a chaotic industry....but he's doing it!

Good-night all! I hope to have some fresh pics for you tomorrow. Keep going with the Flow ( ;

***Mother Agency: Josiah has one agency that has contractual power over the other agencies Josiah signs with in other markets. Having a Mother Agent protects Josiah from being stuck with any agency who is not working in his best interest. He loves his mother agent, AMAX, Nashville***

Milano Day 18 Diesel-Rehearsal video and more pics

2010-06-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Just for fun! Here is some rehearsal video from the show in Vicenza, Italy. Get ready for Berlin, Germany! We should have lots of actual show video to share with you at that time. ( ; Josiah said they are supposed to walk a few shows a day while they're in Berlin!

Diesel Headquarters! For those who didn't know, Diesel is an Italian brand...guessing most of you gathered that ( ;

One of the Diesel handlers. The models called her the "babysitter'. Her name is Roberta!

The view from Josiah's hotel room in Vicenza!

Yet another great view!!

His friend Jordi!

Modellos + Pizza = gone in 10 seconds. Pizza is a threat to perfection...but when they get a chance to snag a piece, it's hard to resist!

Milan Day 17, Diesel Day 4

2010-06-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Diesel show crew, Vicenza, June 2010 "Be Stupid"

Josiah is back in Milano tonight after four days of working for Diesel in Vicenza, which is about a two hour train ride east of Milano. We haven't been able to skype in two days due to his work schedule and mine, but he has emailed several times a day to keep me up to date. I miss his voice, but love his emails.

Josiah was excited to have a room to himself last night in Vicenza- a luxury, since he's rarely had a moment to himself since he's arrived in Italy. He took an 8:30 train back to Milano tonight after a day of fittings. Tomorrow he has 2 castings lined-up in Milan and then some house keeping and some sleeping to do. He said he can not wait to catch-up on some sleep! He asked me to email him some reminders for the time he has "off" between castings. He expects castings to slow down quite a bit this week since Fashion Week is over. Here are some things that Josiah wants to accomplish before leaving Europe in July.

1. Follow-up with the agencies from the various markets he met with last week (Tokyo, Hamburg, London, Paris, LA etc since they will be back in their markets and back in their offices)

2. Sign with agencies in new markets prior to leaving Europe

3. Set-up some test shoots or paid shoots to beef-up his book even more

4. Collect images from the shows he did this season for his book

5. Finish a song he's started writing since he's arrived in Italy this trip

Josiah and I will get to skype tomorrow after his casting so I can't wait.

All in all it has been a very successful fashion week for Josiah. He walked for Moncler, Sunday, Diesel on Monday, and worked for Diesel Tuesday through Thursday. He has booked a full week of shows in Berlin in July for Diesel, Paul Smith in July (although his Diesel job may conflict-his agents will have to figure that one out) and made some valuable contacts! Even though being apart has been tough, we are so glad that God provided a way for him to get back to Italy. It seems as though we're on the cusp of something good for Josiah's career...I guess we shall see what happens as we work through these coming months ( ; I can't wait to see what and where God has in store!

Milano Days 15 and 16-Diesel days 2 and 3

2010-06-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

On the left, Josiah with his half Korean half German friend, Michael. On the right, Josiah's friend from Candada, Felix.

I'm sorry this is short and without much detail-I will come back and make this post a bit more detailed later today hopefully but I thought a little news would be better than no news ( ;

Days 2 and 3 of the Diesel show were full days of presentations (several showings of Diesel's collection throughout the day). Early mornings-7:30a.m. call times and late nights. Josiah is really exhausted, so please pray for his health and his back. He's been going to the chiropractor at home, and hasn't had any back trouble until the last two days. Presentations = hours of standing still. Here are some photos from the night of the Diesel "Be Stupid" fashion show!

Josiah was packed up and ready to leave yesterday, waiting on the driver with the rest of the Diesel crew when one of the handlers told him they wanted him to stay for another day! Josiah and a small group of models are to have fittings today. He wasn't sure what the fittings were for, but said he was looking forward to an earlier night Wednesday night and then a full day of work today for Diesel.

He is confirmed for Diesel's week of fashion shows in Berlin! We are so excited!! Yet another new country and city! He will leave July 4 from Milan and travel to Berlin!

I'll fill you all in more later. I'm off to work. Keep going with the flow everyone and have a great day!

Milano Day 14, Monday . Diesel day 1 of 3

2010-06-21T23:56:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I'm still awake- it's nearly 2a.m. Tuesday, but it's never a normal schedule for me when Josiah isn't home. I talked to him about 12:30a.m. on Skype our time, so 7:30a.m. his time, Tuesday! He's so exhausted but wanted to grab breakfast before Day 2 begins.

After he got on the train to Vincenza this morning at 7:30, he spent the day at Diesel headquarters. The big show started at 10:00pm his time. Josiah said it was a lot of fun! He had four changes tonight. The big runway show was tonight (Monday), and then Tuesday and Wednesday are presentation days. I thought I would post in his own words the experiences of his day. Following are some excerpts from the email he sent today.

I got up after getting 3 hours of sleep...showered, dressed, went to the kitchen, talked with Matt....started to go and realized i was going to be late...not good for a train that doesnt leave late...as i get to elevator, Matt who was having a quiet time, comes over to me and hands me 20£uros and says "i feel like im supposed to give this to you"...perfect timing! i ran outside only 10 mins before the train left, grabbed a taxi, ran inside Centrale to the trains, when i arrived i quickly asked someone where's my train..they said its there as the whistle blew and it took off without me....luckily trains leave every 30 mins...so i left with the 805 train...the taxi cost 7£uros, the different train cost 8£uros more, and my breakfast 3£ or so...so basically that 20£ was spent this morn...def God taking care of me! crazy huh?

We still have done basically nothing all day! Started a runthru but had technical difficulties, and didnt finish that...haven't had fittings...got bored so i grabbed my friend Michael(half German half Korean) to work out...we did some jump rope and resistance band and also a few abs..worked up a nice sweat!

Oh yeah..when i walked into the hotel everyone was just sitting around chilling and the boys were like "dude play some music"! So i did...soo tired and sounded a bit rough, but made it thru...def was fun...interesting how it worked because everyone was devoid of energy and i showed up with a guitar and suddenly energy is flowing...people immediately seemed to like me-and 3 of the boys grabbed their cameras and started filming me! Then due to boredom later we were all sitting around and the boys decide to get everyone to play truth or dare..of course everyone is new so everyone chose truth...the first question went to me...it was so what do you think of God?

crazy how due to a guitar and some excitement, God showed me favor by having most like me, so then i was asked a spiritual question and got to say, I believe in one God, and His name is Jesus....a little quiet, then, "i don't believe that," said several, but then quickly, "but that's just my opinion its ok if you do"..and im like "ya man no worries...." Crazy how little things are used to share the truth to those from around the world.

Moncler, June 20 Show Video, Milano

2010-06-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

This is the best representation of the show I could find. It's very fun to watch! About 40-50 models walked. You won't see Josiah walk in this video. If anyone finds more video with Josiah walking, please share! There is a YouTube video but it was shot too far away to really see the show. Enjoy!

Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring/Summer 2011 Runway from LAT Videos on Vimeo.

Milano Day 13 Moncler show-photo. Video is below.

2010-06-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

Can you tell Thom Browne designs for Moncler? ( ; I'll be sure to get actual show video up on the blog tomorrow!

Josiah said his day was full! He had a casting first thing this morning, then off for a 2pm call time to Moncler to get styled and dressed.

When he returned to the agency tonight, he had a text from Olivier asking him if he wanted to go with a bunch of people to the Elite party and dinner (of course he did).

He got home around midnight to Skype me and catch-up after almost 24 hours of not being able to Skype.

He is hopefully sleeping by now because he will only get a few hours of sleep tonight. Once he got off the phone with me, he had to go inside to pack for a three day trip to do a fashion show for Diesel! He can't remember the name of the city, but it's right outside of Venice. The client asked Josiah to bring his guitar because he is planning on having Josiah do something with it during the show! For those of you who don't know, Josiah did a presentation for Diesel at a beautiful castle this spring. He had brought his guitar along and the news spread quickly that Josiah could sing! I have a photo of him performing for the other models and staff somewhere. I'll try to post that later! Josiah has to wake-up at 5:30a.m. to make his 7:00 train, which means he will be up in roughly two hours time! He hopes to get some sleep on the train.

I can't wait to post more!!

Video: Josiah's short home video of the Pre Moncler show, Milano June 20. 2010

2010-06-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Milano Day 12 (Saturday Night)

2010-06-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

I know you're just dying to find out why I would start my blog with a photo of Chace Crawford...could it be that Chace and Josiah hung out at the Dolce and Gabbana party at GOLD (it's a club created by Dolce & Gabbana) last night? I think YES! ( ; Josiah of course didn't take this picture. I asked him why not, and his answer was something to the tune of, "that would have been lame Hana," with a tease in his voice, and I guess it would have...but I do have a soft spot for Chace's character on Gossip Girl! Josiah said Chace was feeling good by the time he met him at the club. Chace was super laid back and enjoying himself. He was having a good time mingling with people and listening to music. The boys discussed the fact that they're both southern boys (Chace is from Texas), among other trivial things.

Josiah also found himself dancing all of a sudden with Domenico Dolce who threw his arm around Josiah and starting jumping around while "Viva la Vita" blared through the club speakers (Dolce on the far right-I just googled pics of him from last night). Josiah said he could tell people were starting to look-trying to figure out who this model was that Domenico Dolce was dancing with! So how did all of this start? You will recall that Saturday night, one of Josiah's agents told him to go to the Nhow Hotel, where all of the agents from out of town had come to stay during fashion week. Josiah felt admittedly a little hesitant. He didn't have any formal meetings set up. His plan was to walk into the hotel and hang out with his modeling book. End of plan! It's not as though the agents were going to be wearing name tags so he didn't know exactly what to expect or who to approach.

As soon as he walked into the hotel, he noticed a couple models with books from I Love, so he went up to them and talked a bit. They ended up pointing out a couple of agents to him. The first agents he spoke with already knew who he was, which was a huge blessing. They were with NEXT and Josiah's Nashville agent had already been talking to that agency about Josiah signing in L.A. During his conversation with them, a distinguished looking gentleman tapped Josiah on the shoulder and introduced himself. His name was Olivier Bertrand, the founder and owner of Success Models in Paris, the Paris agency. He really took an interest in Josiah and encouraged him about his look and his personality. I think his exact words were something to the effect of, "I know a top money maker when I see one". He used to book models also, but now focuses only on running the agency. He took all of Josiah's information and advised him that as the backer of the agency he couldn't officially guarantee Josiah a a contract, but he could make sure his contact information got into the right hands! After that, Josiah had a whirlwind of meetings with other agents. At the end of the night, Olivier and the VP of Success (who also happens to be a film maker in France) took a bunch of people out for dinner and drinks, Josiah included. Here was his night in a nutshell:

1. Agency Meetings at the hotel

2. Dinner at an elegant Milan restaurant with people from Success

3. Dolce & Gabbana 20th anniversary party at GOLD.

4. Back to the hotel to hang out with the agents he'd met earlier that night for cocktails

Josiah and Olivier decided to crash the Dolce and Gabbana party that night. Olivier had decided at the last minute that he would be going to Milan this week, so he wasn't on the list of guests to get into the club. When they arrived, Josiah said they stood in line for a while, until Olivier spotted one of the Dolce and Gabbana models who is signed with Success in Paris. The model asked Olivier what he was doing standing in line. Olivier explained that he wasn't on the list. The model (Tyson...if you've seen the most recent Dolce and Gabbana cologne ad, you've seen Tyson) said, "hold on a sec" went into the party, came out with a woman in tow, who commenced to say, "what are you doing out here?" and ushered Josiah and Olivier into the party! Hence...he saw all of the Dolce and Gabbanna models, including David Gandy, chatted with Chace Crawford, was introduced to other people from the brand, and was in the middle of being introduced to Domenico Dolce when (the very inebriated Domenico) threw his arm around Josiah and started dancing and singing at the top of his lungs! In short, Josiah had a very fun, but also a very productive night!

Milano Days 10-12

2010-06-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Milan Men's Fashion week officially begins tomorrow and ends on Wednesday (L: casting call)!

The air at I Love Model Management is very thin right now and hectic to say the least. Models are often left in the dark about an upcoming casting or job they've booked until the day before.

It's been tough for Josiah to hang back and wait. Josiah is a pretty easygoing guy, but when he's made up his mind that he's going to accomplish something, he's everything but. He has been working so hard for every opportunity and would find it ideal if he could know how he's done for each casting. Instead, he has had to wait for results; not because his agents are inefficient or uncommunicative, but because they are just so busy with all of the models they have in town this week that they don't have time to divulge details. I Love Model Management has 180 men on their board-many of them busy, which means there are five agents organizing and confirming and guiding their models to where they need to be at what times and on which days, not to mention negotiating pay for each model. Josiah has had to learn to take a breath, and trust that his agents will not drop the ball when it's time for him to be somewhere.

This is what the scene is like at the agency right now: You walk in, and notice that there are white boards on the walls with a model's name, the show, days, times, options, etc. There are numbers next to the names and the shows and you can only guess as to what this means. Then you look at the over-sized conference in the center of the room and see five stylishly dressed, animated people speaking rapidly into their cells, emailing clients and models all at once, and periodically pausing their phone conversations to field questions from their models who continue to stream in and out of the agency throughout the day to check-in. Josiah said he is doing his best to make sure he is on top of his jobs, while staying out of their way at the same time.

As busy as Josiah has been, he has to fight every night to make sure he gets to bed on time. Thursday he had castings, then tried to turn-in early to catch-up on some sleep.

Friday he had fittings for Montcler and meetings with agents from London and Tokyo. He was also confirmed on Friday for the Diesel show! He couldn't be more excited!

The Diesel show will take place on Monday. Both shows are supposed to be quite an exhibit so he is looking forward to being a part of a couple major shows for the first time! While walking at Bryant Park for Sergio Davila was a mountain top experience at the time, it's exciting for him to be walking for such major names his first Milan fashion week!

The client booking for Montcler also booked for Thom Browne in New York, and recognized Josiah because he had booked Josiah for Thom Browne last year. Josiah feels strongly that this connection really helped him book the Montcler show!

He's on option for a couple of designers also, but he said he isn't going to count on them unless he gets booked.

Today (Saturday) Josiah went to I love to meet with a a few other agencies from various markets and countries. He had to miss a few agencies that he wanted to meet with on Friday due to fittings so he had the opportunity to see a few of them this afternoon.

Josiah asked one of his agents about a couple agencies in particular, and they advised him to go to the hotel where all of the agents from out of town are housed and hang-out in the lobby to see who he can meet. Since he didn't have the luxury of meeting with as many as he liked this week, he was advised that this might be a great way to get noticed. He should be there right about now!

He has a meeting with yet another agency Sunday morning that has been arranged at I Love.

The key to being a successful, working model is to know what market will be a good fit for your look. His agents have told him to seriously consider working in Berlin and in Tokyo. There are markets in cities Josiah and I have never even considered...I am filled with excitement at the mere thought of it! Where could we be, this time, next year for instance? ( :

While being involved in fashion weeks in all markets and countries is exciting and prestigious, Josiah is getting a lot of perspective on himself and this industry as he is in Milan experiencing everything this week.

For a working model, the bread and butter of his business are jobs: showrooms, presentations, editorials and campaigns. Every model's "success" is different and Josiah is learning that his success could look very different from the success of the guys he'd like to walk in the shoes of. There is no formula, no natural progression.

Josiah arrived in Milan with the perspective that fashion week was IT...this was IT. If he was going to be successful then he would book several shows at once. Instead of seeing that he has already booked two MAJOR shows, he saw that he didn't book 20. I appreciate Josiah's South African friend Matt who has experienced Milan during fashion week in the past and reminded Josiah how small fashion week itself is in the scheme of a model's success. I loved how Matt reminded Josiah of the verse that says, "seek me FIRST, and all these things will be added to you." It's such a blessing for Josiah to have a strong Christ following friend at a time where he is under daily pressure to perform.

Fashion shows officially kick-off tomorrow, even though a few designers have already had some shows. Josiah has to report to the Montcler by 1pm tomorrow and I believe the show starts at 7pm. Josiah is planning on bringing his guitar and a good book to help him pass the time as he waits his turn to be fitted and styled.

I can't wait to (hopefully) share some pictures with you of Josiah's day on Sunday.

Milano Day 9, Castings day 3

2010-06-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a bit of a crazy day for both of us so I'm afraid the promised pics will not be posted and I have very few details to share about Josiah's castings today. He was able to email a few quick hellos during the day, then tonight, penned a good-night and offered up a quick recap.

I should mention that all of his emails to me (outside of the times he can get to the Duomo area) are typed as he stands outside of his apartment. You can imagine that after a day of standing and walking, it takes a dedicated man to stand there and type out the details of it into his i-phone ( : In a nutshell: 5 castings, the largest of which was for Vivienne Westwood. Went to the gym and then to a friend of some friends for a home cooked supper (he said there were about 14 people-2 with whom some of you are familiar; Claudio and Francesco) and then home to bed! I need to work on some things before heading that way soon also...so here is another beautiful pic to entertain you until tomorrow. This was taken in Rome, right outside of Vatican City!

Milano Day 8-Castings Day 2

2010-06-15T20:01:00.001-07:00

The best time for Josiah and I to talk is usually 6:30a.m. my time, 1:30pm his time. However, with his crazy schedule this week, we've been emailing each other back and forth when we can throughout the day. I've been settling for sending him texts of encouragement, and he's been able to type his messages into his phone while in transit, then sending them off to me when he hits a wi-fi spot! I was able to hop onto skype during my lunch today when Josiah emailed me that he was finished with castings for the day and had a few minutes to Skype. He sounded excited! Here was his line-up today:

Versace

Gas Jeans

Diesel

Stone Island

Ferrari

John Varvatos

The castings were so hectic he told me that most of them really ran together. He had no clue on how he did for Versace and Gas Jeans because the clients just took the model's comp cards, looked at them, then sent them on their way. Total poker faces. Stone Island felt as though it went well and Ferrari was also a blur.

John Varvatos was a little slower. He said they had him on a list of models they wanted specifically to see. They took a little time to really look him over and study his physique.

He said Diesel was fun, and left him feeling good. He had done a presentation for them for a few days this spring, and the client remembered him. When Josiah arrived at the casting there were already several models there waiting. When the client came-out to the waiting area and saw Josiah, even though Josiah had only just arrived, he said, "Josiah! You don't need to wait out here! Come in!"

I realize that for Josiah, saying things like, "I'm going to the Versace casting, or the Armani house" is just a part of his world...but I sit here as I type this, thinking, wow!! Versace!! Diesel!! John Varvatos!! Just thinking about being surrounded by all of that art and beauty makes my skin tingle!

No new photos to share today. He emailed me good-night when he got home from Bible study and said he was going to crash.

Josiah said he took some photos of the casting calls so we could get a better idea of where he goes to work every so I hope to have some new photos to post by tomorrow! In the meantime, here are some gorgeous pics from our Italy trip together this April.

Keep going with the Flow!

PHOTOS:

-Josiah in Milano, Ticinese area (where he bought my pretty 5 year anniversary surprise!)

-An ally in Roma (to me this pic almost says it all; fashion and history! Now if i could just superimpose a photo of some pasta on it-perfecto!

-A tribute to Michael Angelo in Milano/Duomo area

-A gorgeous casa off of Lake Como where a part of Casino Royal was filmed. Note-my future home. You're all invited. Pets allowed if their names are Mauby or Dobby ( : You can come by sea! To the right: the boat we took to get to our destination. Josiah surprised me with a night on Bellagio, one of many charming towns off of Lake Como! I think our night and day in Bellagio was my favorite part of the trip.

Milano Day 7-Day 1 castings

2010-06-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

I tossed and turned all of last night and woke-up around 5a.m. to an email from Josiah. He had already gone to 2 castings by the time I was reading the email. He kicked off the day at Louis Vuitton and then headed to his second casting. I know he told me who it was when we talked on Sunday, but it's a bit foggy! He said the second casting went well, and he thinks the client really liked him. His comp card went on top. Here are some signals that a client may book you:

They have you walk several times for them.

They have you try on an item or several.

They put your comp card in a thin pile of comp cards instead of the tall, bulky mass.
They take your comp card.

They take photos of you.

Louis Vuitton he wasn't sure about. They had him walk five times but then didn't have him try on any of the clothes. As Josiah's Italian friend Francesco says, "In my opinion..." Josiah's look is a little edgier than I've seen Vuitton go.

When I heard from him again later today, he had been confirmed for the Paul Smith showroom in July for two weeks! His first paid job of the season. He had also gone to Etro, a designer he'd done a presentation for this spring. Josiah said he arrived ten minutes before the casting began, but there were a ton of guys there already. Instead of the semi-orderly line that is typically in place, Josiah described the scene as a crowd of people trying to get to the stage at a concert. Everyone was pushing and shoving in an effort to angle their way into see the client first. When it was his "turn" Josiah said the client looked at him and smiled then said, "I know you". Josiah wasn't sure how to take it. Did he remember him and had already decided to use him, or did he remember him and knew he didn't want to use him this time around. So hard to tell.

His last casting of the day was for Loro Piana, a designer with whom he is unfamiliar. However, the client took two comp cards and Josiah said he felt as though the casting went very well.

After a day of rushing from client to client, Josiah went to the Duomo area to get on-line and also to read. He's already finished The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, and has moved onto a "fun" book, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I love that he now loves to read! His love was born out of boredom a couple years ago during fashion week in New York and has continued to grow ever since. If there's a book you love to read, feel free to post. He's always looking for something new to take on his travels!

Feel free to text Josiah if you wish! It's a great way to send him an encouraging message! Since his phone displays the texts on his screen, he doesn't have to open the texts to see what you've written, which means we won't get charged the outrageous international AT&T usage fees.

Good night all! More tomorrow!

Milano day 4 June 11- A story in photos

2010-06-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today is our 5 year wedding anniversary!

He called a few of our friends to make sure they knew it was today. So typically Josiah, to make sure I was taken care of even while he's out of the country! I felt so loved as I heard people wish me a happy anniversary all day long! One of my favorite girl friends took me out to lunch, I heard from my Hawley family, I got a card from a dear friend...what a wonderful support system we have! It's hard to believe it's been 5 years! I'm sure most married couples can relate to how we feel; In some ways it feels as though we're newly wed, and in others, it feels as though we've been a unit forever (and not in the dull, worn-out sense)!

Since today was a "calm before the storm" kind of a day for Josiah and there wasn't very much to share, I've decided to blog via photos today! I've asked Josiah to take pics with his i-phone so that I can supplement our blog and he hasn't disappointed! All the photos are either from my 10 day trip to visit him this past April, or photos he is taking day to day as he experiences this season in Milano! Enjoy! p.s. keep posting your thoughts and comments! We love reading them! On the right: Adam from Hungary and Josiah.

On the right: The guys Josiah went to see the futbol match with tonight. From right to left: Adam, Milan from Hungary, Raul from Finland...and I didn't catch the last one...

To the LEFT. What Josiah describes as the, "Best investment he has made in years!" For the guy who has to have the room at a temperature better suited for frozen meat than warm blooded creatures the fan was an absolute MUST for comfy sleeping!

Two of Josiah's room mates! More have arrived today but no pics to share yet! I believe one of his new roomies is from South Africa!

Drew from Pennsylvania, to the left, and Max from Budapest on the right. Also featured...their tiny kitchen. Since Josiah buys groceries and tries to live as the locals do, having an apartment with the kitchen is a blessing!

To the right: the Duomo area!!

Milano Day 3 6/10

2010-06-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a great example of how Josiah's day can go from planned, to planned chaos with a single phone call. As he got ready to attack the day, he knew he had 3 castings lined-up. He would of course check-in with his agents every couple of hours in case other opportunities presented themselves, but as fashion week castings begin next Monday, Josiah wasn't expecting too much to happen today.

He went to see Atomo Management between 9 and 11 and then Bogi between 10 and 1pm. On his way to the Valentino casting which started at 2pm, Pietro (one of his agents) calls to tell him that he needs to go see Costume National, for a showroom casting. Josiah rushes to see Costume National but there is a huge line and he's afraid he may miss the Valentino casting so he decides to rush back to Valentino, and try and catch Costume National afterwards (picture r: I took this while I was waiting for Josiah at a casting this spring).

Picture this in your mind...a sea of guys, all pretty much the same height, similar builds (sample size), strategically mussed-up hair with either classic or distinctive features trying to stand-out. I would think as a client, the job would be tantamount to a florist, trying to pick the most vivid red rose in a vase of 100 red roses. There were over 100 guys standing in line to see the client. Josiah was a little frustrated that he hadn't continued onto Valentino because he would have initially been on time. With all of the cutting, "hey man! How are you? You have a smoke?" And Josiah arriving after the 2pm start, he didn't get a chance to see the client. He was 15 guys from the front when he saw the client making motion to wrap things up. They decided to go with one of the 70 guys they'd already seen. Josiah rushed back to Costume National, but that casting had closed by the time he arrived at their doors.

Getting from place to place in Milan is very similar to the way one would travel in New York. For those not wealthy enough to have their own cars or drivers, a lot of time is consumed jumping on and off all kinds of public transportation. Trains, buses, trams, and taxis mixed-in with hours of walking. Josiah's agency, I Love Model Management is very discerning about which castings he will attend and which clients he will see, and this helps Josiah save a lot of time. As the top performing agency in Milano, they don't send Josiah out to every client that requests, or to see every designer who needs models. If the brand isn't big enough, or the pay not high enough, Josiah won't be sent out to see them.

Josiah sent me a picture of his blistered feet to garner some well deserved sympathy, but the photo is just too graphic to post (not to mention, I don't especially want to log onto my blog and see that everyday) ( :

He's going to have to take it easy the next few days to heal his feet and get some rest so he can be at his best for the fashion week castings which begin next week. Josiah has heard that it will be grueling...but he's ready for it. He has always loved a challenge!

Milano Day 2

2010-06-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

The flow in the day of Josiah:

To the left: a self-portrait of a model who can not start the day unless he has had a cup of espresso! Here; he is getting ready to down a cup at the Duomo McDonald's in the center of the city.

Upon getting his first sip of regular coffee back in the states last month, Josiah decided that our beloved Dunkin Doughnuts was a poor substitute for the dark and fine Italian roast he's come to love! It was off to the World Market to get some "real" coffee! I love the "real" coffee too, just as long as I get a lot of real cream to drink with it!

Josiah got a great nights sleep last night and woke-up refreshed. Something I love about Josiah is his ability to stick religiously to a routine when he finds it important as well as the ease with which he can adapt and quickly abandon something when he decides that it's not. His morning routine

however, IS important to him, and therefore, a non-negotiable if he can at all help it!

Typical Morning flow:

-Wake-up (the man NEEDS at least 8 hours but 9 or 10 is preferable)

-Get the coffee going cowboy style (I can elaborate on the finer points later if you wish)

-Turn-on his laptop and play worship music while he makes and eats breakfast

-Breakfast consists of: 4-5 eggs (Italian eggs are smaller; minus a yolk), a bowl of some sort of healthy/tasteless cereal with skim milk (there is no oatmeal in Italy or he would alternate the cereal with this), fruit by itself or in his cereal and the before mentioned cup of coffee with a dash of skim milk

-Time with the Lord; reading and praying (his favorite prayer book right now is Kenneth Boa's Handbook to Prayer)

-If he knows he can't make it to the gym, he'll work-out in his room in the morning. He can do all sorts of tricks with his resistance band. Of course there are ab exercises and lots of rope jumping too. The man is a machine ( ;

Routine complete, he heads off to his first and only casting today for Paul Smith. The collection will be displayed via live models for two weeks after fashion week. The client has him try-on a jacket which Josiah thinks that they think is too snug in the shoulders on Josiah. But then they have him try on a whole suite. And then, the client leads him to an upstairs area to meet someone else for approval. All of this results in Josiah's photos being emailed off to their headquarters in London where he will have to get the final nod. Josiah feels as though the client really liked him, but he's learned that until he hears the words "you're booked" from one of his five agents, nothing IS.

Castings completed for the day, he heads off to the Duomo area (I'll be mentioning this place a lot because it's such a central location for Josiah-like Hillsboro/Belmont area at home) to email me and meet-up with two of his favorite Italians; Claudio, and Manfredi. Gee...can you tell they're both models? ( ; I haven't met Manfredi yet, but Claudio is a sweetie! Josiah has introduced Claudio to the American male bonding tradition of exchanging 'mom' jokes...which is hilarious to watch unfold! Especially when you're listening to a German-born, Italian making fun of 'your mom' in halting English!

As of today (new models will be arriving all month long), he has three roommates that he knows from last trip. Drew, from Pennsylvania, Max (?) from Poland, and Adam, from Budapest. One of the guys he especially liked left the apartment before Josiah even arrived. The other models told Josiah his friend hadn't done very well this month and as a result had to go back home. It's not an unfamiliar story. Most of these guys need to make it...and if they don't book enough jobs to make rent and pay for food, they either give-up, or go home long enough to make what they need monetarily to come back and try again.

When I get home from work, Josiah is skyping me. It is 3:00a.m. his time so I am surprised. We have been trying to connect all day but either I couldn't get away or he couldn't. It turns out that he was in and out of sleep (two words- no AC!), so he'd walked outside to stand at the end of his block where he can always pick-up free wi-fi. It's really sweet the effort Josiah makes to make sure we talk. During business hours he has to alternate standing in front of a women's boutique and loitering in front of a pizzeria to minimize the store managers' irritation with him for using their wi-fi. You'd think they'd be happy to be getting a model to stand in front of their storefronts for free advertising ( ;

As bothersome as the ambient noise can be to conversation (it's even noisy at 3a.m.), there is something comforting about hearing where he is. I can picture the concrete sidewalk he stands on, the graffiti on the wall of a building across the street from his apartment, and the orange lights glowing from a bus stop nearby (Josiah's block, pictured to the left). We talk for nearly an hour before he's ready to try and get back to sleep. He has a big day tomorrow, and he will need to get up by 8:30 his time to make it to all of his castings on time.

Casting calls for tomorrow:

9-11:00 Atomo Management

10-1:00 Boggi (big Italian brand)

2pm Valentino ('nuff said!)

Until tomorrow ( : Keep going with the Flow!

Milano Day 1

2010-06-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

1:35a.m. Nashville, 8:35a.m. Milano

In typical: OnlyForJosiahDoesItWorkThisWayAllofTheTime fashion, he arrived in style. First class all the way! Despite the lack of sleep due to turbulence on his flight, Josiah hit the ground running when he arrived at Malpensa Airport in Milan. The forecast is calling for rain all week, but Josiah was relieved to discover that he wouldn't be getting drenched today.

After retrieving his luggage, he took the train from Centrale Station to Maciachini, a stop just north of the heart of Milano-the Duomo area (my favorite while we were there). He was met by one familiar face. His friend Drew, an American from Pennsylvania whom he had met during his stay in Milano earlier this spring. The building you see pictured here is his apartment complex. Josiah is staying on the fourth floor.

After dropping off his luggage, Josiah took the train to his agency to pick up his Italian cell and check-in with his agents. After getting his book in order, his agents wasted no time getting him off to his first casting of the day! It always amazes me how very little agents tell their models about their go-sees. It seems for the most part that the client name is mentioned (Maxim, in this case) but the job itself is not elaborated upon.

This month, it's all about the MEN. Hundreds of male models will and have already descended on the city to book jobs pre-fashion week and start the grueling process of meeting clients and booking jobs to showcase the spring/summer 2011 collections at the end of this month. For Josiah, this is an opportunity for him to really shine. He's never had the wealth of opportunity he has before him this season to get noticed and get pushed by the best in the industry.

Josiah had one more casting today and then off to the Duomo area to email me an update (he's so good about that!) and catch his breath. After getting a 30 minutes nap on the plane ride over to Italy, Josiah squeezed-in an hour long nap today before heading to Bible study in a "suburb" of Milan. Even though he was worn-out from the last 24 hours, he couldn't wait to reconnect with the friends he'd made this spring and eat Pastor Jim's wife's tasty Italian dishes!

He called me to say good-night around 5pm my time, midnight his. We didn't have the time to Skype each other today, so I really loved that he called sans AT&T for a quick good morning, and good night. So here's to going with the Flow, until tomorrow! Good night!