I'm Melissa. This is where I write things down and share new things. Sometimes I even post cute pictures of cats...
if you're looking for my portfolio,
it can be found here, or by clicking any of the links across the top of this page.
I just moved back to Ohio after living in the central valley of California for almost three years. People still mention that I'm all grown up and keep asking how being an adult is going, but I really don't know what they're referring to.
I'm officially a (self-proclaimed) curator -- OF GIFS. GIF CONNOISSEUR. Check it out. My GIF blog even made it to buzzfeed once.
ONE MORE CHECK OFF MY LIFELONG INTERNET TO-DO LIST.
Albums of note UPCOMING/2011/2010/2009
A list of albums from the year that had staying power. Not a top album list, because I haven't heard every album, so that just seems a bit silly to me -- the whole "of the year" thing... although I suppose in my own mind that's what they are...
THE ARCHIVES
Nostalgia
a place where I keep things that are already memories and store things that are currently in my life that will inevitably become memories. Vague enough?
Vestiges of a Life Soon Forgotten
A photographic series devoted to images taken in and around my apartment where I lived for 3 years in college. I moved out for good in December 2009.
Photobooth Sketches
photobooth documentation of sketches i have done and/or found.
Monthly Self Portrait Series
This was a short-lived project that sometimes shows up without warning again on my feed, but definately cannot be considered an "on-going" thing.
My New California Life
What started as an essay series about my experiences living on the left coast turned into a general account of my life here -- through words, photos and other ephemera.
jef etters tips of the day
Jef Etters was a colleague of mine who gave me life tips on a daily basis via a telephone call from a rotary phone. I would then transcribe the tips and post them here for the benefit of all mankind. He didn't know what tumblr was (nor does he now), but he did want to share all his wisdom with the world. enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: Jef did finally get free long-distance after 7pm EST and will occasionally call to give me tips to transcribe. Be on the look out, it'll change your life.
ScreenCaptureSeries
Funny and or poignant things I feel the need to share with the world via screen capture. This project carries on with the luck that the internet will continue to bring the lulz. I think the odds are in our favor.
Eagle’s Point on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
This was the last time I went to my favourite place. The message I found on this log seemed to be telling me that my future feelings would be reciprocated. I cannot wait to be back in this place with my toes in the sand, slowly losing feeling in my feet as the icy waves roll over them.
Land’s End on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
all day, every day: look out; you oughta.
there’s just so much i want; my heart is screaming so so loud.
Did you miss your chance to own one of these shirts when I was selling them at my going away party (and later on at Twee Boutique in Downtown Fresno)? Well, you’re in luck. These are now for sale on my Society6 page (in new colors, ladies cut & printed on pillows, iphone cases and canvas). More shirts/prints to come soon!
I couldn’t be where I am today without all the support of my Fresno Family.
Eagle’s Point on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
I miss this place so very much.
Harvard House on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
This is where I used to live. I lived here a little over 3 months ago. This photo was taken before I ever had keys to that door or that gate, before I ever planted flowers in that flower box, before I ever got locked out, before I ever rid the porch of black widow spiders and before I ever cried in that doorway…
I miss you, Fresno.
John on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
John asked me the other day about the photos I took of him when he was helping me test light for a shoot we did to promote the release of Achievement House’s EP Heart Archers. I had to dig to find them, but here is my favourite one. John is always fun to have around, especially on photoshoots, at bowling allies and on long, long roadtrips.
I miss this guy every day. We spent a huge portion of last year together, and he helped me move back to Ohio in October/November of 2012. It’s both weird and amazing to have friends on the opposite coast, and I feel so lucky to live in a time when it’s easier than ever to maintain those close ties.
Skype Date with BFF Brazie aka “Web Beers with Brazie”
Geeze I miss this guy so much. This is my Sunday night. Don’t be too jealous.
The Giant Grove on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
My friend Ryan F. took this photo of me when we went hiking at the Giant Grove in Sequoia National Park last autumn. This is one of my all-time favorite places. It smells so fresh and everything is so beautiful. This spot was just east of a huge grove that had suffered a forrest fire a few years before. Things were starting to spring back to life beneath all the charred branches and underbrush. That was the first day in 2012 that I really believed that I needed a year of devastation to become who I had been before; to remember why I have a high baseline for happiness; to be myself again without having to rely on anything else to define me.
I love that I’m out of focus in this photo and that I was literally just dancing around the forrest and loving every single second of it.
AON 2012 Day 28: #1
From Indian Lakes: Able Bodies
Yosemite Valley, California
Label: Self Released
Released: November 13, 2012
This five-piece from the mountains have followed up their debut release with a brilliant sophomore album featuring poingniant lyrics, dramatic instrumentation and overarching percussion. This type of musicianship and songwriting is hard to come by, especially across an entire album. The passion seen in Able Bodies is astonishing and it’s not hard to recognize. I’m sure we can expect a lot more from these boys in the future, given their track record.
AON 2012 Day 12: #17
Natural Thrills: s/t
Fresno, California
Label: Self Released
Central Valley musicians Kevin Figueroa, Justin Rodriguez, and Kaleb Saldate make up Natural Thrills, an experimental math rock trio. This project brings the strengths of all three individuals to the forefront and showcases the type of diversity the Fresno music scene has to offer. Taking cues from jazz, post rock, and blues, Natural Thrills ranks with the likes Karate, Colossal and Sharks Keep Moving.
Listen to Natural Thrills on Bandcamp"Dammit I miss Ohio" said the boy from California.
Me: Chris said he would make you breakfast any day of the week.
John: I'd let him! Dammit why is he so far! ... So rad. I wish I was hanging out with you guys
Me: Awe we miss youuuuu!
John: Where did breakfast come from? Haha
Me: We were talking about a breakfast party for winter break.
John: I love that chris thought about me haha
Me: He's not the only one. People who didn't even meet you can't wait for you to come back.
John: Dammit I miss Ohio.
Double Jump on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
Josh & Julia are Double Jump.
Forthcoming Split with Jordan & Luke on Parent Trap Records.
Click through to see more photos of Double Jump on my website.
