The Harmony Issue Issue #30 May 2016
THE UNICORN Kyla Kay Connelly
BLONDE BELLE
6 16
Katie Bellefeuille
HARMONY IN FASHION
20
STRUT FASHION
26
HARMONY IN MUSIC
28
WHERE’S THE FOOD?
34
COVER GIRL FINALISTS
46
HARMONY IN FITNESS
48
Arika Lewis
Alyssa Perez
Christy Lee, Emily Ridler, Jordan Collins
Chef Amanda Ann Hillmann
Mandy, Missy, Stacy Amy, Emily, Karen
Janelle Hoffmeister with John Austin
HARMONY IN NATURE Maxine Barber
56
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The F word Harmony in Conformity Harmony is the opposite of discord. In music, harmony is defined to be the blending of simultaneous sounds of different pitch or quality, making chords. Let that sink in for a moment. Discord and chords…
And finally harmony is found in nature. There is something about communing with nature that speaks to our soul directly. Open your windows right now and listen to the birds chirping and the ocean waves crashing on the shore.
Yes that’s a play on words. In fact if you look at a thesaurus you’ll find synonyms such as agreement, accord (there’s that cord word again!), unity, peace, amity, friendship, consonance, and conformity. It’s that one word that makes most people cringe – what?! -- Conformity?
There is something about the music in nature, whether you live in Maui or New York City that if you listen long enough, you will find harmony – a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangements of parts; congruity. No birds or ocean waves? How about the cacophony of sounds on the street?
The fact is, we’re wired to seek harmony. Be honest now, look at all those big words I just mentioned. Who doesn’t want any of those (save for conformity maybe, because well, we all like to think that we’re unique and carving our own path in life now don’t we?)? But stop and think for a minute while you’re reading this or while you’re browsing through the pages of this issue. If you didn’t understand English then you’d most probably be non-conformist but that wouldn’t help you would it because nothing in whatever it is you’re reading would benefit you or make sense to you.
Learn to listen. Learn to look for harmony.
There is however one aspect of life in this earth that is universal and that is music! In this issue we feature three musicians whose journeys are different from each other and whose music are different and yet the same because they bring harmony to our lives with their music. If you haven’t heard them sing, you should go check their music out now by going to the pages devoted to them to learn about their musical journey and what lies ahead for them. Harmony isn’t only found in music, it is found in fashion as well because harmony has to do with all parts of the visual image relating to and complementing each other to pull the pieces of that visual image together. Go look in your closets right now! I guarantee you that when you wake up in the morning the first thing you will think about is what you’ll wear to wherever it is you’re going to or whatever life event you will be participating in. You just won’t grab the first thing you can out of your closet and put it on without thinking twice about how your outfit represents your style.
Janelle Hoffmeister and John Austin show us how to seek harmony in our surroundings. For Janelle, yoga helps her focus and channel her energy to maintain that balance and harmony in her life. And for most of my photographer friends, we seek to find that balance, that harmony in the shots we take which we’ve composed in our minds even before we click the shutter. Take the time to observe how those photographs use rhythm to direct eye movement, using patterns or shapes in an interesting arrangement to make that overall visual image come together in harmony. We hope that you will enjoy this issue as much as we have in producing the imagery. “Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” ― Coco Chanel, Chanel
CREDITS
We appreciate the valuable contributions of the following. Please show them some love by visiting their pages... Photographers
Boutiques and Designers
John Austin www.austinspacepix.com
Erinn Jennings - Dearest Darling www.facebook.com/dearest0darling
Raymund Morales Photography www.rmoralesphoto.com
Graphic Design
Barry Coon - Commercial Photographers www.commphoto.com
LAF Designs www.facebook.com/laura.feasline/
Lake City Photography www.lakecityphotography.com
Myk Crawford www.facebook.com/mykcrawford
Hair and Make Up
Contributors
Lashez By Lyss (Alyssa Perez) www.facebook.com/LashezByLyss Glen Dow Academy www.glendow.com Model Management
Aubreyana Marie Anderson Amanda Ann Hillmann Alyssa Perez
Mitchell Artist Management www.wearemam.com Others 1899 Bed & Breakfast www.1899house.com
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Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Cobalt Mirielle Dress $478 by Ronny Kobo Photographer: Eric Barro Lighting: Barry Coon
Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Tulum Combo Dress $265 by Parker Photographer: Eric Barro Lighting: Barry Coon
Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Tulum Combo Dress $265 by Parker Photographer: Eric Barro Lighting: Barry Coon
Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Piano Key Shift $570 by Moschino Photographer: Eric Barro Lighting: Barry Coon
Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Grecian Sun Romper $265 by Saylor Hair and Make up: Brianna Frost Photographer: Eric Barro
Model: Kyla Kay Connelly wearing Grey Cecil Sheath $250 by Twenty Hair and Make up: Brianna Frost Photographer: Eric Barro
Model: Katie Bellefeuille Jacket: Blank NYC Jeans:Blank NYC Shoes: Aldo Marbled Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Tee: All Things Fabulous Photographer: Eric Barro
“Be the woman you want to be” - DVF Fashion has been my deepest passion for as long as I can remember. I can recall the first time I walked into Nordstrom as a young child, and having an instant feeling of almost being at home. For me, there is so much joy that comes along with finding the perfect outfit… one that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and most importantly, yourself. I truly think that a lot of women have a hard time with shopping. Either they don’t know how to style outfits, they are not willing to dish out tons of money, or they just simply do not know where to shop. I started my blog, Blondebelle25.blogspot.com, for this exact reason. It is my goal to help and inspire women to find clothing that makes them feel and look beautiful without breaking the bank. Xo, Katie Bellefeuille Creator and owner of Blondebelle25.blogspot.com
Model: Katie Bellefeuille Dress and shoes: Asos Necklace: Forever 21 Sunglasses: Karen Walker Photographer: Eric Barro
Model: Katie Bellefeuille Dress: Nordstrom ASTR Shoes: lulus.com Sunglasses- Karen Walker Photographer: Eric Barro
Model: Arika Lewis Photographer: Eric Barro
Harmony in Fashion : Street Style Model: Arika Lewis Photographer: Eric Barro
“Fashion isn’t necessarily about labels, it’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” ―Ralph Lauren
“People will stare. Make it worth their while.” ―Harry Winston
“Fashion can be bought. Style, one must possess.” ―Edna Woolman Chase
STRUT : from the ashes by Alyssa Perez
It was a hot summer day. Record heat for the time of year and there were fires throughout the area. So when I smelled the smoky air, I assumed it was rolling down the hill from the home of our unfortunate neighbors whose home was currently ablaze. As the smell got stronger and the house was getting to feel warmer, I began looking around and smelling outlets, electronics, heaters...only to discover that our garage was a full on flame fest. The other two people I was home with and myself called 911, we got hoses and, buckets but soon, it was clear it was time to get the pets and get away from the house. I’ll never forget that day. Every second of fear that filled my heart and mind. As I watched our beautiful home with all of our nice things burn, I began to grow angry with the fire department, with God, with whatever caused the fire. In truth, those were the wrong feelings to have but alas, I am only human. It took the fire department just 22 minutes to get to us. In that time, I watched our tv melt to nothing, our microfiber sectional catch fire and turn to ashes almost instantaneously, and glass shatter; because once there are no more walls on your home, you can see right through it watching possessions you worked so hard for disappear almost as if they had never been. It brings me great guilt to say that the propane tanks we kept for our bbqer were hands down one of the most amazing things to have seen burn. The flames from the explosion, which rose several stories into the sky were mesmerizing and yet devastating. I watched as family photos and heirlooms passed from generation to generation were lost. For hours the firefighters stayed to try and save the foundation of our home, the wood fence around it, the trees that surrounded our property, and while they did what they could, it was too late. All they could do was contain the fire in hopes it would not spread to any other neighbors. In a flash, my mother, sisters and I had lost EVERYTHING! All I had were the clothes on my back. I wasn’t even wearing any shoes. My tiny teenage mind could only think of all the things I had lost. It’s funny how we focus on the worst, forgetting to be thankful for life itself, health, or the hope of rebuilding. We were later informed by insurance investigators that the company that had worked on the wiring for our home just a couple days before, had somehow caused the fire with faulty wiring. You would think the insurance company would say, “Thank you for all the money you have paid us to do our job and cover your possesions. Here is what you need to replace all of your belongings.” But you would be wrong. It took months of writing lists, meeting with company representatives, proving what we had by tracking down our receipts. It was so painful after everything already being lost in the fire. We had to stay with friends and family or in hotels because all we had left was a dirt driveway and ashes that we once called our home.
But amidst the confusion and frustration, were dozens of volunteers from organizations throughout our community. They were there to guide us through the process. To help us replace our belongings. To raise money for necessities while we waited for the insurance company to come through. What they did more than anything though, was provide support emotionally. And when it was all said and done, I had been impacted in a positive way. The truth is, while I lost material things in the fire, from the journey that came after, I gained an understanding and appreciation for what it truly means to give back. I understood that sometimes the time others give is of more value than any thing, you can own. Those kind souls sparked an interest in charity work that for me will last a lifetime. Shortly after, I got to work with Megan Snow on the first ever, Fire On The Runway, which benefited the Red Cross. Since the Red Cross had helped my family in a time of need, it made sense to start by volunteering for their organization. From there, I worked volunteering for several other charity fashion shows until one day, it wasn’t enough. I felt like I should and could be doing more to help my community. To shape it by teaching others in my generation or anyone else that I could reach, that we have the responsibility to give back to our community and that by doing so, we could shape our city. And thus, STRUT Fashion Show was born. Each year I choose a different charitable cause or organization to benefit. The goal is to raise awareness and funds through a fun event in which myself and other local designers, create jewelry and clothing to showcase to our guests. We have a silent auction that businesses throughout our community donate to in hopes of helping even if they cannot attend the event. As someone who knows how much these organizations can really give back, I encourage everyone to participate, attend or even just spread the word in hopes of making a difference. For the third STRUT Fashion Show, I have chosen to benefit our local Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington. I hope to see you all there for food, drinks, raffles, fashion and fun! Join us and support a local charity by purchasing your tickets at http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loa dSelectionData&eventId=6585915&REFID=clientsite
Model: Christy Lee Comrie Jacket by: Blackwood Art Clothing & Accessories Photographer: Eric Barro
Harmony in Music : Christy Lee Model: Christy Lee Comrie Photographer: Eric Barro
“I sang the lyrics for what felt like the millionth time in front of an audience of almost a maximum capacities building. I felt like I was where I was supposed to be -- on stage!!!�
Model: Christy Lee Comrie Skirt by: Blackwood Art Clothing & Accessories Accessories by: Buffalo Girls Salvage Photographer: Eric Barro
My musical journey actually is not what you are probably expecting to hear. I didn’t grow up singing, I was never the lead in the church choir, I never had any musical qualities growing up what so ever. You know how they say if you believe in something so much it will eventually become true…..well that was my case in this crazy life. It was November 18, 2011 when I went to Big Al’s Country Club with my dad. I was still new to the whole bar scene and at 21 it was still a new feeling and experience. His friends had a band that just so happened to frequent the bar quite often, so he saw his opportunity. At the time I would have wondered what he was up to and what wheels were turning in his head…but just as quickly as he gave that look of mischievous activity, he scooped me up, threw me over his shoulder and threw me up on that stage. He said I was not allowed off until I sang a song with the band. I knew at that moment I was going to embers myself and my social life that barely seemed to exist would most definitely come to a screeching halt! But, contrary to what my brain was telling me, I let my heart, soul, and voice take over and a whole new world was then introduced to me. Up until now, my audience had always consisted of Dove soap and a body loofa which was at times accompanied by an am/fm shower radio. Miranda Lambert “Gunpowder and Lead” was being danced to and sang along with as I sang the lyrics for what felt like the millionth time in front of an audience of almost a maximum capacities building. I felt like I was where I was supposed to be! On stage!!! From that moment on I started to regularly receive invitations to come up on stage and join bands to sing a few songs here and there. My dad had made me realize that I was able to sing, and that this was what I wanted to do with my life! THIS WAS WHERE I BELONGED!!!! But a short 7 moths later, life had a different plan of how my life would continue to play out and how music would play a role in my life….In June 2012…my dad unexpectedly passed away. It felt as if my whole world had ceased to exist and music wasn’t even part of the equation. I realized this and knew he would want me to pursue this dream and live it out the best I possibly could, not just dismiss the very gift that was so suddenly placed in my lap.
The following November, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee and continued to live out this dream for my father and myself. With nothing but a guitar, my daddy’s dog, and a couple of clothes, I was venturing across the country leaving everything I knew and my family behind. There I was introduced to so much. It was like I had found my favorite teacher (Nashville) and I was nothing more than a student eager to learn at every moving turn and possibility. I had opened for Randy Hauser, Randy Rogers Band, just to name a few. I was living out a dream. August 2013 I had decided to move back to Spokane. Not because things weren’t going great for me in the South, but because I needed my family. This was a journey I could not continue to pursue without them by my side. Music in the Northwest was just going to be my playing field for a while as I finally took the time to grieve my father’s passing with the help of my mom and little brother. It is now what you can call a family affair as my mom pushes me as my momager, my little brother photographs every show I have, and my son plays the role of my biggest fan. Without them I would not be where I am today with my success. My musical role model isn’t your typical answer or what you’re thinking it probably is. It’s not Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert or any of the sort. Say Loretta Lynne and now we are talking. Her musical journey in itself inspires me every single time I hit the stage and her music is the epitome of TRUE COUNTRY. Although some may not be as current as you wish, we are going to be releasing my newest EPK “Shotgun Shell” in what we are hoping to be in the fall of this year! You can always follow me on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ChristyLeeMusic or on instagram @ChristyLeeMusic and on Snap Chat in the closest live setting you can get without coming out to a show at @ChristyLee136. June 7 holds an amazing upcoming show at the Bing with myself, Mo Pitney, Clare Dunn, and Love and Theft of which you will most definitely not want to miss!!!!
Where’s The FOOD? a culinary adventure with Chef Amanda Ann Hillmann
Models have to eat too! Join us as we explore the beauty of cuisine, as we bring you... culinary adventures with Chef Amanda Ann Hillmann. Welcome Spring with this exclusive recipe from --
SMOKED PRAWN WITH POTATO SOUP
The Painted Plates...
Things you will need: Marinated prawns peeled and de-headed 1/2 cup chopped mint 2 teaspoon terragon (dry) 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon white vinegar 2 chopped fine shallots 1 1/2 to 2 cups half & half garlic and garnish Potato Soup 2 chopped potatoes medium dice Boil potatoes in salt water until tender. Drain and then add shallots and let the excess water drain. Add shallots and then add half & half, terragon, white pepper and salt and then puree with blender. Marinate prawns for one hour and saute on high heat.
Harmony in Music : Emily Ridler Model: Emily Ridler Photographer: Eric Barro
Founded on hard work and small town roots, Emily Ridler was born with a love for music. Singing for countless hours as a little girl in cold bath water, her passion for music has never waned over the years. Receiving her first beautiful metallic blue guitar on her 2th birthday, her musical abilities blossomed. High school consisted of cutting class short to make music with her very best friend Deb. Their ability to write, sing and harmonize has been a combination that has moved others. Emily continued her passion and has been performing since she was 6 years old. Anything from weddings, fairs, to local venues. Catch her unique style every Friday and Saturday night at The Ridler Piano Bar in downtown Spokane. Her father Steve Ridler has inspired and taught her what rhythm is all about and to put her heart into every song. To “Sing it like you are gonna fall over dead after the song. Sing it how you want to be remembered.” Emily says “All I want to do in this life is make music and inspire others. Life can be tricky, but music heals the soul.” Emily’s goal moving forward is to continue what she loves and release her new album in 2016. Her songs are about experiences, joy, heartache and love -- all of the things that make us human. Emily wants to keep her simple country life and feels blessed to have support from her friends, family and fans. Follower her on Facebook for upcoming events!
“All I want to do in this life is make music and inspire others. Life can be tricky, but music heals the soul.�
309 West Riverside Spokane, WA 99201 509-624-3244
Harmony in Music : Jordan Collins Model: Jordan Collins Photographer: Eric Barro
I have always written lyrics, but I didn’t actually pick up guitar until I was 18! At first I hated playing, but I knew I needed something to accompany my vocals. After a couple of years of locking myself in my bedroom and writing songs, I was finally able to get out and start playing acoustic shows. From there, I recorded a couple of albums where I was still trying to find myself musically. I went through quite a few genres, and I think that as I progress in music my style will continue to change. I actually love the music scene here in Spokane because I think it’s really cool to know the people who are playing, and then putting that together with their lyrics and the songs they write. It provides a deeper understanding while listening to their music, and music to me is all about connecting with people. I spend most of my time listening to Paper Mache, Andrew Dempsen, The Bight, Boat Race Weekend and Griffey (to name a few). My other inspirations include Divides, Lights, Kate McGill, Adrianne Lenker, Ben Howard, Paige Chaplin, Nirvana, and Blue October. Winter In June is the main project I’ve been working on. We are a recently formed band as of this year, and we are recording this month in Portland! I’m excited to see how the band progresses because it is a new venture for me. The energy of the band is so different than when I was playing solo acoustic and I’ve fallen in love with playing live! Website: jordancollins.squarespace.com My solo albums can be found on iTunes, Bandcamp, Soundcloud
“I actually love the music scene here in Spokane because I think it’s really cool to know the people who are playing, and then putting that together with their lyrics and the songs they write. It provides a deeper understanding while listening to their music, and music to me is all about connecting with people.�
Harmony in Fitness : Yoga in public Model: Janelle Hoffmeister Photographer: John Austin
Model: Chelsea Johnson-Maloney Photographer: John Austin
“Don’t wait for a better world. Start now to create a world of harmony and peace. It is up to you, and it always has been. You may even find the solution at the end of your fork.” ― Sharon Gannon
Model: Amy Alex Collins Sherman Photographer: John Austin
Model: Amber Jade Ritchie Photographer: John Austin
Model: Carly Nicole Larsen Photographer: John Austin
Harmony in Nature Model: Maxine Barber Photographer: Eric Barro
“The Women of Our World are like Mother Earth. They don’t just give life to the next generation but also to Hope. The Women of Our World are to be loved, respected and protected.” ― Avijeet Das
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross