Back to your Roots

"I kind of like the idea of going back to the Midwest, where there is less pressure to be impressive and more pressure to be generous." 

L.E.

Consistency

I will try my best to record five aspects of my life I am grateful for each day, regardless how small or large they may seem.

1. My relationship with P. He is so supportive and caring. Being with him lightens my mood. It is a relief to have a friend and a lover in one. Today he took me to the store to buy me snacks. 
2. A good terrific cook in the house. Seriously, I eat like a queen. 
3. Family to talk to at any given moment. I always have somebody to listen, any time of day. 
4. Netflix. I love films. "Tree of Life" was provoking this afternoon. 
5. Sugary sweets. They make my period suck a whole lot less. 

I have a negative spin on my life right now. I think it has to do with a lack of friendships. I would like to explore insightful musings without the dreary haze that seems to plague me day to day. 

A friend of mine from work is not doing very well. She's been in the hospital for several days. Who ever may come across this, please keep her in your thoughts and/or prayers. 

xo. 

Kind Deeds for the Week

Email grandparents. 

Call my brother. 

Hold the door open for some one.

Initiate physical contact.

I want to leave for outer space with you

in a rocket caravan

That way,

all the stars in our pockets

can make it up again.

We'll float, and float...

Aluminium suits and galaxy tricks

You can see in the dark here.

We can see in the dark here.

Art for People's Sake

"The need to communicate, connect and express ourselves is fundamental and biological. The bright line we are told divides art from entertainment, education, individual and community development is fairly new in human history, and it diminishes the complexity and the value of the arts for everyone. It is one of many reasons so many Americans consider the arts unnecessary."

"...it is teaching artists who have the skills and understanding to create artistic experiences that have the resonance, relevance, and meaning needed to reform the arts as well. One hundred thirty-two years after the founding of Hull-House, teaching artists are reminding us once again, that the arts are for everyone, and that making culture is everyone's -- not just professional artists' -- birthright."

What do I think of art for people's sake? Frankly, I don't enjoy that it is put at the forefront, however it is gratifying to approach what I do for a living a little differently. I grew up believing "real artists" didn't teach. Now, I reconsider. You might say this is a direct result of my current situation-graduating with a fine arts degree and ending up in education. The reality of it all, is that my teachers and mentors for the last 19 years of my life contributed so significantly to the kind of artist I am today. 

I teach to inspire, and to allow my students access to the same benefits of this art form that I receive, regardless of their end goal. 

"I had questions like, 'What am I here for?' and because I didn't have any answers, I struggled with my soul. I had a very hard time sharing things with people because I was very shy and didn't really understand how relationships worked. When I started to understand that what we share creates an energy to the world, I started to relax and spend time with people instead of avoiding them." -Marion Cotillard

Feathers float on by the conventions.
They dance 'round these animals,
and land at their feet-
to be swept up by people like me.

All the pussy handshakes aren't going to cut it.
Not with the science
and the starships
and the submarines
juxtaposed with the mythology of our day.

Lady, lady liberty,
They've got your spangled tits in a twist.

On capital hill,
there's a spot where you can sit after dusk with your privileged family
and remember the last time you even bothered to look up.

To the sons and the daughters,
these stars are new and precious.
They aren't even American.