coffee-shop, earphones in, and a little bit of iron and wine playing.
Definitely cathartic.
The art of creating and exploring possibilities all start with pen and paper.
Past times memories are often created and recreated with pen and paper.
I frequently think about how fulfilling it can be. The freedom and ability that two mere items can allow dreamers to dream big, create ambitions, become the next love letter, welcome a newborn baby or be the strength for the ultimate goodbye farewell to a loved one.
Deepest fears...vulnerability...and ironically celebration and jubilee becomes an undulating dance that choreographs into rapid formations of emotion.
It is 2013 for goodness sakes. And it deeply saddens me that we are battling our battle that seems to have been fought years ago. Have we really changed as a society?
President Obama signed five proclamations to honor and designate the Harriet Tubman monument to preserve the legacy of an American hero, for someone who rescued and led people out of slavery through the underground railroads.
We celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a few weeks ago to commemorate the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in his nonviolent approach, tactics and measures.
We recognize the great civil rights activist Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat for a white passenger; standing up for non-segretation.
This past year alone we have witnessed the incomprehensible large number of our youth killed due to gun violence, bullying and hate crimes.
Have we really not evolved as a society???
I know this has been THE today as the Supreme Court continues to hear arguments about the Defense of Marriage Act and the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage. And I can't help but think about the extreme broader picture that this issue surfaces. It isn't just about rights for gay marriage. It isn't just about equality.
If you think about our society as a whole, lets consider some of the most tragic events of the last few years. Most have been ignited by hate, whether it was hatred and bullying in a school setting, hate crimes based on the color of someone's skin, or hate and bullying because of traditional ways of thinking that our ancestors fought so bravely for.
If we limit and ban an issue like equality for gay marriage, what's next? Has anyone really considered the detrimental outcomes of what could be if we start banning ideals, and beliefs whats next for us? We live in 2013. It isn't a far fetched idea that we live among a diverse group of individuals.
Isn't that the beauty of an evolving community, culture and society? Norms change, trends change, but shouldn't they be changing for the better of humanity?
It is mind boggling that we allow dictatorship with it comes to who we choose to love, have a family with and who shares of benefits and who we can and cannot claim as dependents when filing taxes or purchasing a new home.
People are people, people need and want the same basic foundation of love in their partnership. Who's to say what is allowed and "approved" by state to recognize that basic human need??
Growing up you always hear about how great and what a melting pot of people come live in the United States. You read and learn and talk to people who have struggled most of their lives fighting for what they believe is true to them. I've always known that one of the greatest things about "living the dream" in America was the uniqueness and the amount of freedom we are given to really express who we are without judgement, because there's always ALWAYS someone else who will understand and believe and respect that part of you.
Now I can't be so sure. No one, NO ONE person should ever be told who they can and cannot love and who will and will not be recognized for it. It's a basic human need why, put boundaries and conditions on that for anyone?
So, after my long rant, I desperately ask that you research, read, understand and not sit quietly, let your voices be heard- we live in a socially media bound and run world. Do your part, and say what you need to say, speak out for what isn't right. Do something! Say Something! Figure out what you believe in!
I leave you with Emile Sande's song "Hope" lyrics..
I hope that the world stops rainingStops turning it's back on the youngSee nobody here is blamelessI hope that we can fix all that we've doneI really hope Martin can see thisI hope that we still have a dreamI'm hoping that change isn't hopelessI'm hoping to start it with meI just hope I'm not the only oneI just hope I'm not the only one
i should utilize this forum more frequently: so i now declare Mondays: Music Mondays because i can....
Alex Trugman- Marionette
I would describe my perfect day taking a contemplative drive
on a Sunday afternoon around Los Angeles, the sun, my backdrop of infinite
possibilities and dreams.
Trugman’s “Marionette” is the perfect soundtrack for such a
day.It is a great melting pot of
unassuming sounds of vulnerability and honesty- an excellent blend for
self-reflection.
This album exhibits similar innuendos that Radiohead, Elliot
Smith and Ray LaMontagne’s fans may be familiar with. However, his capabilities
to also counterbalance with instruments, vocals and storytelling that John
Mayer may incorporate, also shows his versatility as an artist and likability
to cross genres to appeal to a broader audience.
Lyrical content speaks volumes and is incredibly
relatable.A refreshing perception
and sound to the all too familiar feelings of those who have been in a
relationship and has experienced the insurmountable trials that comes with it.
I found myself having “Marionette” and “All I can Do” on repeat.
A must purchase for anyone who would consider themselves a
connoisseur of music!
Tegan And Sara- Heartthrob
What an amazingly fun album. Not only does Tegan and Sara paint whimsical tunes with a blend of vocals that resemble Gwen Stefani, but this album does a wonderful job of balancing the crazy and fun equally. Think La Roux's electronic taste dabbled in No Doubt's Stefani's passionate voice. It is truly an addicting album. As the story goes of goldilocks and the three bears, this feels just right.
Something about this album oozes feeling great taking you back to one's childhood..painting wonderful colors, every imaginable candy found in willy wonka's factory, rainbows, allowing the listener to transport into a world full of abundance, melodic happiness and wonder.
Whether it be in the car, at the gym, outdoors, or a night out dancing, Tegan and Sara provide the elements for a fun Friday night!
This time last year I was assigned to a school project and while trying to do some research and produce a great piece, I found that the end result was a greater lesson and jolt of awakening energy.
I find myself today revisiting those thoughts, emotions and environment to remember not to lose focus on why I chose this field.
Do we as professional journalists, or citizens, or even those who dream that one day we too could be the Barbara Walters or the Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein gain more personally by doing these stories for our public or does the public benefit from the exposure to issues that matter?
...we were two wild eyed young females walking along the streets of downtown Los Angeles on a Sunday simply "looking for our stories"...
Maybe it was naivete, or passion..I'd certainly like to think it was a little bit of both.
Skid Row has a stigma attached to it doesn't it? While many parents would warn their children to not go into the "bad" parts of town, or ignore the homeless people asking for money, or the irrational homeless people who scream obscenities because they are so unhappy, we often forget that they too were "fully functioning adults" that probably worked in the next cubicle next to us at one time or another. And we forget that they too have stories, heartbreaking and unbearable sometimes, but stories nonetheless that doesn't make them any less human than we are. These individuals probably are more "human" than you and I could ever be. They have felt emotions at their highest peak and success, and have also felt the emotions of gut-wrenching pain at their lowest moments in their lives.
Not everyone is born into homelessness nor do they deserve it. Most deserve a second chance.
There are two people we met on our journey of many that really touched me. And I often think about where they might be today.
Tawn:
We almost didn't even see her crouched down low sitting beside her cart full of her belongings wearing a plain dark grey sweater and sweatpants with a brightly colored yellow beanie in the hot day of LA. She was probably the first friendliest face we had come across while walking up and down skid row that day. We introduced ourselves as journalism students looking to talk to people and their story of how they arrived here. She was more than willing to share her hurt and fears of being in a long relationship with a man who abused her both physically and mentally for years. She lost her children to social services and has not seen them. She continues her search to find her children in hopes of reuniting with them someday.
Not only was her story familiar to the both of us who had spoken to many that day about losing their children because of domestic violence, her spirit was high and she was hopeful. She, like any woman who like to look her best starts to light up when she points out her necklaces she had found. Her amazing outlook on life, with such horrific moments was truly earth shattering to hear. Here she was talking about how that even in the depths of homelessness and not knowing where she would get her next meal, or if she would get in line for the shelter soon enough to be able to make it in the allowed capacity, her most prized possessions....her necklaces... Anyone can see that these items were plain simple and probably belonged to a young girl at some point..but for Tawn, it was her precious "pearls". And they mattered to her. We quickly realized that when a human being is stripped away from everything they have or own, you soon treasure the little you do have more than anything in the world. She didn't know if she would have enough change to go to the laundry mat to wash her clothes that evening, but for all our intent and purposes while taping Tawn with our handheld cameras, she wanted to makes sure she sparkled and looked her best for our audience. Because for one day, for just a few hours, she knew her story mattered to us and our class of 30. Could anyone really fault her for wanting to look her best? Terry Wilkinson is a special man...
we ran into him at Venice beach. He seemed like a lonesome man who sat next to the rowdy kids playing their music obnoxiously loud and who were throwing unfinished bottles of soda towards him. He sat mostly to himself and did everything humanly possible to revert back inside his invisible shell. After walking by 4 or 5 times and unsuccessfully finding anyone willing to talk to us on camera, we decided to walk up and say hello. Shy, timid, scared, and the years of worry and torture and unhappiness was apparent in his weathered and aged face. He was a man, successful at one time, and one of the first architects who helped build six flags magic mountain. He had a horrific childhood growing up being sexually abused by his father and quickly became an outcast from the rest of his family. Terry was a witness to a family murder, and was left jobless once the project was done and losing his money to a woman to robbed him of his dignity and his heart. While speaking with this man who has nothing to show for his life besides old photos of once a very handsome and charming man, Terry now sits in Venice beach hoping he will not get ticketed or harassed to leave. And when he does, he is prepared to start walking in an unknown direction where he can find temporary residence on the streets of some other town. Of the many things we learned about him that day, one thing stuck out to me and moved me to tears and broke my heart endlessly. He said he doesn't wish that he can be sober...he doesn't wish that he had a beautiful mansion he can call home, he doesn't wish that he can find his family and reunite with them all again and be happy. his one simple wish.... .....was that he be treated as a human being...he stays to himself most of the time, but is treated worse than a stray dog..his only wish is that people would acknowledge that he too is man and at one time had a great career...a man who's had some setbacks and who found himself homeless..nevertheless, a man. everyone has a story...every homeless person has a story they'd like to share if you gave them the time. Both Terry and Tawn have deeply impacted my life and have made impressionable moments in my heart...It's not that hard to find it in yourself to care for someone, even for a stranger. You'd be surprised how long their shared stories last with you.
Photographer: Leslie Alsheimer: courtesy of http://socialdocumentary.net/exhibit/Leslie_Alsheimer/1499
Socialdocumentary.net
Documentary photography, videos, collages, music even are all very fascinating revenues to reach out the the public about social issues and injustice.
Socialdocumentary.net has a simple message: The ability to utilize photography to promote awareness.
A simple concept, a powerful message and a lasting impression.
What I love most about this site is that it not only highlights some of the most crucial global issues that we, who are fortunate in the states choose not to believe or acknowledge, but also some of the problematic and recurring themes that are as critical here right in our own backyards. It definitely puts things in perspective.
They promote a basic idea that photographers worldwide come together to represent: A Universal Declaration of Human Rights..
Each photographer or rather sets of photographs can be categorized from homelessness, exploitation or the basic human condition. They all strive to communicate "their strong desires with the insights through their photographs."
It is a site worth visiting and revisiting. And if there is ever any doubt to what you can do for people, visit this site again. There are numerous issues and avenues to take to contribute.I ask that you merely go and take a look. You could be changed...for the better. I suppose that's what anyone would really hope for. However, if it makes a viewer re-evaluate an issue, or become more aware of an issue that may have seemed small or insignificant, I hope this allows many to stop and perhaps educate themselves for a cause that's most worthwhile for you.
Recently, I came across this picture. And before I knew that this man was behind the face of the internationally known company TOMS, I had to do some research. My inner journalist I suppose peaked my curiosity. In its purest form, this picture simply displays a man helping put on a shoe for this little boy. However, this one picture nearly says everything needed in what this man not only believes, and enjoys doing, anyone would question what his story is behind this picture....
His name is Blake Mycoskie. And while some may know him as the founder of TOMS, not many know his personal story and how the company started. It really is pretty amazing and definitely worth retelling for those who aren't familiar. And for those who may ask "where have you been hiding all these years to NOT know his story..." I guess I would say, some details seemed minute at the time.
One of my favorite stories although short, definitely sweet and unforgettable!
On a trip to Argentina with his friends, Blake noticed just how many children were barefoot. Not only did they grow up with nothing, but to not have the simplicities of shoes deeply affected Blake. The following year, the one for one movement that TOMS is internationally known for, came about.
He returned with 10,000 pair of shoes to distribute among the children of the village that he once traveled to dedicating that for each pair of shoes that were sold, he would in turn set aside a pair to take and give to a child in need. That motto and motivation and inspiration has driven TOMS to be the successful company it is today. With strong morals and attributes to bring awareness for the youth to take action, to give and to give more in every aspect of their lives, TOMS never forgets the intentional message it seeks to touch to the millions of us who own a pair. If at the very least, all of those who own a pair TOMS shoes or eyewear, has helped directly in providing for children in need whether it be through medical eye examinations, or the privileged luxuries of having shoes on dirty roads to avoid illnesses that can be caused.
So I ask those who think about purchasing shoes at TOMS next time, to take a moment to think about the thousands that you would be helping whether intentional or indirectly, you are putting a face to every purchase you make.
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes in this world and seemingly so, coincidently also Blake's, Be the change you wish to see in the world"- Ghandi
Debate over religion, chosen lifestyles, politics, and wealth are things that most people try to avoid. However when does it become too unbearable to not say anything about an issue that has unnecessarily become a rising issue for the last however many centuries? We faced it as a nation in fighting for women's rights for equality and voting. How is this any different?
Sexism, Ageism, Genderism and Racism....
will it ever really stop? can it be stopped? This is an ongoing conversation I continually revisit with so many people. More relevant now than ever.
Where did the simple acts of humanism and human interaction disappear to? It is such a deeply saddened pandemic that these issues that become larger everyday.
I dont know how often I hear people speak and debate about how great these changing times are paving way for generations to come. I worry that we aren't doing enough.
I had this conversation today about how appalling it is to see young adults who are still very narrow-minded about these topics. Is it the lack of education that creates intolerability to other people who are seemingly and rightfully different from us? Is the a cultural deficit that our society seems to lack to "growing" adults who can accept differences among communities? And I suppose no one will ever know. It's a question that will continue to draw heated debates, a controversy that may lead to an uproar of constitutional ratifications, organizations or leading of policies that should be placed.
I am hopeful that one day soon, we are able to take those differences and learn from our historical past, our wars, our genocides, and our sufferings. It starts small. Not only can you educate our youth, you there is an constant need for re-education in simple acts of human behavior....kindness...humility...acceptance and love.
It's true, people don't always remember the nuances of what's said and not said, who wore it best and looked the best. people remember the lasting impression and impact of how you made them feel. And that can always be taught...
