Conversations about my favorite beads and lampwork bead makers, jewelry artists, indie and documentary films, gardening, food, Isaac Newton, Pinterest, and The Desire Map, all part of my continuing journey to become a better bead artist and super human being.
I just watched this documentary, In Organic We Trust; I'm all about making informed (from both sides of an issue) decisions. Based on the title and description, I expected the film to be the con side of the food issue; I know that "organic" does not mean "certified organic", just like "whole wheat" does not mean "100% whole wheat."
This film is inspiring! It was a well balanced documentary that touched on all my buttons, was incredibly informative and educational, and the whole point was about making informed decisions about food by being connected to how it grows, how it is industrialized, and how you can have the best food. Healthy should not be, and does not have to be, only for the wealthy!
This spring/summer is my third gardening year. Every year I learn something new. Gardening has all the emotional benefits of raising a child. My plants are my babies, and they will grow up to change the world. This movie inspires me to share, learn, and teach about my "children"; I think I'll start a new blog. Stay tuned for MonaRAEgrows (or something like that!)
This is what an exorcism really
looks like. Adults who try to teach children that they should think about
consequences and consider they might have regret, use their words as examples
of what it feels like. This documentary shows, really shows, what regret looks
like. The Act of Killing (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2014) is a documentary that
follows former Indonesian death squad leaders as they reenact their war crimes,
the murders they committed. They reenact precisely how they captured,
interrogated, and garroted their victims, the “communists”. This is THE most
disturbing film I think I have ever seen; this is the BEST teaching tool I’ve
ever seen for youth in terms of attitude and regret.
In this film we have the self-proclaimed “gangsters”, proud
of being such and sanctioned by a huge para-military faction established by the coup rulers and still in existence today, the Pancasila Youth. The gangsters identify themselves as heroes, characterized and
supported by the cinematic images of American films of their youth. They are
given an opportunity to tell their story through any medium they wish and they
choose to make a film. They expect to become famous; they already are famous
and revered in their home land. This film shows the thought processes of mass
murderers in reflection, from arrogance and self-aggrandizement to (for some
but not all) pensive and remorseful…almost.
The synopsis on the film's web site could not sum it up
better, however the potential for this film in middle and high school classes
is unspoken and evident to me. This film has purpose. At a developmental stage
where children appropriately depend on their peers, they do not have the
experience of regret to teach each other and are destined to have regrets, some
potentially deafening, unless they “get it”. This film can help students “get”
the impact of decision making to the “nth” degree, and demonstrates the process
of self-justification, and the consequences both globally and personally of harming
others in both minor and life-determining ways. Fortunately, for those who “get
it”, this film also demonstrates that one can exorcise their demons and
survive. Whether the students are children or adults, this last benefit is the
most crucial, and necessary lesson of this film.
Photo: Favim.com
Because we are “merely” human beings, we go through life
with menial and self-centered purpose. This film has the potential to elevate
our thinking, and our behavior, outside our selves. This film shows the
cultural values of people, the influences that create those values, and so
important to the "western" citizens, the consequences of those values and the
attainment of the materials that represent the values; the things we hold to
represent our status….the symbols that say “I made it!” This film is about the
consequences of greed; it is the justification for being inhuman and inhumane.
This is THE most disturbing film I can remember ever seeing
(other than The Exorcist.) This is the most important film I’ve seen. This film
is not as romantic as our idea of an exorcism might actually look like, but it
is the only real exorcism I’ve seen
portrayed. You must watch through to “get it”, but like any good film the cliff
hanger at the end leaves you wanting more, and in this case wondering “Did he really get it?”, and hoping he does, and
hoping I will get it too, when I exercise my own demons.
When I was a little girl I had a love hate relationship with
Sunday. All the best musicals were on T.V. all day long, but there was no one
to play with (they were all gone doing fun things with their family, which made
me feel I was lacking.) Now I love Sunday. It is the one day of the week where
I do not feel stress about things that I should
be doing; I get to do whatever I want to do. I still choose good films to
watch, usually ones that make me think or feel passionately and deeply.
Today I watched Of Two Minds, which is a visually beautifully
constructed documentary about bi-polar disease. Mental illness has found itself
a thread in my life in SO many different ways, each one significant and
impacting; it always finds me.
Photo: ChicagoNow.com
What I loved about this film is the relatability
of the characters, but mostly the relatability of the illness to anyone’s life.
I am not saying that the illness does not afflict in reality, or that it is
less significant because we all experience some of the symptoms as they are
described by those diagnosed with the illness; I know I cannot full identify
with living on a daily basis with the disease, however I feel we have all
experienced some of the highs and lows and the devastating consequences of
those feelings. I would like people to remember that and have more compassion
when it comes to thinking about, or being confronted with, mental illness. I
also liked how the move looks at both the perspective of the patient and the
support persons.
Photo: 24.media on Tumblr
I also finished a necklace yesterday that I wanted to share
with you. It was quite a challenge because it is very tightly woven, one bead at
a time with needle and thread; the thread kept breaking except for where I used
six pound fire line. I recommend only using six pound or heavier strength if
you are going to do any tight weaving. It is so much work, I want it to last.
This is a Cellini Spiral technique with a reverse spin at
the center. I used dyed coral, and seed beads in sizes 6, 8, and 11, in silver
lined crystal, pearled turquoise, coral red, and peridot lined apricot colors.
Outside the twist I stranded more dyed coral, natural coral, and brecciated
turquoise. You cannot see the extra-large, silver clasp. I will also be making
matching earrings.
Yes this is a title of a great documentary; it is also a
great discussion in my real life yesterday…and all days.
The documentary describes a film about several peoples’
experience of finding mates on the Internet. It is not, however, your typical story
of miraculous and strange love, nor catfish experiences. It is a great film
about real relationships. People who
find each other by design or accident, and connect on levels that we all have
the ability and fortune to connect on but somehow miss the opportunities as
they are presenting themselves.
TedX: Vienna is doing a series all about connection! "I share therefore I am"
I had a great day yesterday, volunteering as a bar tender at
the Moose. It happened to be the day of several different birthdays that were
celebrated at the lodge. I got to talk with my mom on Skype which I haven’t
been able to do in more than a year, and she got to reconnect with a friend she
met when she last visited me. What were the chances that that friend would be
in town, at the lodge, on that day? The chances were typical if you really,
really stay present to what the Universe brings to the table of “the reason we
are here.” There is no purpose in life more important than connecting with
others, in my opinion.
Lisa Hallow Designs Vintage Remix
One of the birthdays being celebrated came at the end of my
day when just before closing a trio came in. One amazing man who looks 30 years
younger than he is, his birthday girl friend, and their mutual friend Lisa.
Lisa was the connection the Universe presented to me in this moment. A stunning
woman who is “full”…of everything! Wearing a G O R G E O U S black blouse that
reflected her personality, Lisa is textured, smooth, luxurious, and
historically stylish in both look and experience. Lisa has an excellent sense
of business, and love of art and jewelry. She’s been designing jewelry almost
her whole life and we may get together on a local proposal.
Continuing with the theme of connection, have you ever met
someone that you instantly connect with? Last night I got to spend time with
one of my favorite girlfriends. She’s a bar tender but last night we got to sit
together on the customer side. We met 8 years ago when she complimented my
jewelry and it has been love ever since. A new friend I met about a month ago,
I call him “tickleman” because of his deep, vibrating voice, was also at the
club last night…it seems we only go when the other is going (without planning!)
I made some new friends there too, both from the Philippines, one a special ed
teacher of moderate to severe students; I introduced him to my favorite video
on autism by Amanda Baggs. The first part of the video is in her "native" language; then she translates it for us...she's absolutely brilliant....I am humbled.
Last night’s connections may turn out to be significant, and
with some don’t seem like “connections” because they are long standing
friendships. However, the Universe wants us to know that the “new” does not have
to wear off of everything; our perceptions and willingness are the fabric
softeners of life, making anything fresh if we chose. So go out with a renewed
perception and be willing to see the connections that exist in your life and
the new ones you will surely encounter on your intentional journey to connect.
Life cannot be lived without your presence…without your connection.
Let me start by saying, "I've really missed you!" I've been busy leaning forward in life, no longer allowing fear of falling to get in my way. The blog title is part of a "mantra" I've been using when I recognize fear getting in the way of my progress in life: "Lean forward; it's a roller coaster, not a cliff!" The Desire Map has made such a big difference in my life, and most days all I have to ask myself is "Mona, how do you want to feel?"
Next, I'd like to say "The medicine profiles the line." LOL, not my words but the words I need to include in a post in order to qualify for a "pay per post" blogging site. I love writing to you all, but I don't love being broke. So, I thought it was time to start earning some money for all the things I love to do.
Courtesy of EncourageYourSpouse.com
One of the things I love to do is advocate for those in need; and I'm actually really good at it! A friend told me the other day that "I've been doing what it is I've been looking for, all along!" My "advocate" journey began with helping my brother get out of trouble and have a good place to live. Then I advocated for my friend who had a massive stroke which left her disabled. Most recently another friend asked me to advocate for her based on what I'd done for others, and a friend of hers even called me last week asking for advice based on what I'd done. The next thing I knew, about 8 jobs in advocacy became available in my county! Got a call today for an interview!
I made a custom order of beads, and a couple new beads that I'll show you at another time. I watched a really great film last week called "Naqoyqatsi". It was so impressive that I want to watch it again and then do a separate blog post about it. Spring is definitely here, inspiring me to move, play, and create; but I know we will get at least one more snow (we sure need it here!).
I've been working on my website, MonaRAEbeads.com and learning more about social media monitoring and marketing. If you have not subscribed to my site, please do, and you will receive 15% off my beads. I also have started a Facebook page for MonaRAEbeads. Please stop by and visit.
I want to create a curriculum for youth and teens through Hungry For Change Mastery Program. I want to use crowd sourcing to fund the curriculum. I want to go to schools, I want to train teachers, I want to create a research study for the effectiveness, I want to see and address obstacles to changing habits and mindset for these age groups.
Awakened at 4:30 a.m., for the 3rd or 4th time tonight, I decided to stay up. I tuned into Netflix and among the choices recommended specifically for me was yet another "food" movie; "Oh well." I decided to numb myself with yet another documentary. So glad I did!
I could worry that all these documentaries I watch continue to inspire me, but in a precarious direction toward too many interests and not enough focus and even less action. Wow, did I just say that? I just defined, literally, what keeps me from feeling satisfied in life: the sense of too much, while craving abundance, and feeling overwhelmed to the point where NOTHING happens. But there is a difference these days; I'm focused on recognizing my feelings...I'm finally looking at myself with the same ease of sight that I have with other people.
With others I am empathic; it's almost funny how that thought comes up A LOT in the last few days. With the last paragraph, I now realize that I can be empathic with myself! And THAT is the point of the very end of Hungry for Change: You have to love yourself. So cliche, right? As a matter of fact, so much of this movie is seemingly cliche, but as with all truths in life, they are cliche until they are finally seen as truthful and real. My immediate thought after that realization is, "How much of this did I already know, for how long did I know it, and how different my life could have been if I'd accepted it back then!?!" Then of course, I think of my son and need him to see it now, to avoid the "not knowing" of it, and the lessons that lead us to acceptance of the cliche.
So, my blocks to taking the lessons of Hungry for Change into life's reality, revolve around abundance. I don't have enough money to buy whole foods and vegetables, I don't have a juicer, I don't have enough knowledge to make it work, I don't want to give up carbs like bread, pasta, and cookies, I don't have the discipline, I don't really have the mind set I need if I'm thinking that it takes discipline.
One of the biggest aha moments of the movie, with the deepest meaning, is that the body's response to life is inflammation and protection through the creation of mucus and fat. Another aha moment was the discussion that when we change our mindset of adding to our diet instead of taking away, things occur naturally. Another aha...visualization is the way we communicate with our brain, not with words of language. To sum it up, this movie tells you what you already know, in a way that helps you accept it and desire to implement it because it motivates you to stop doing the damage to yourself, your psyche and ego, that results in more self loathing and more symptoms of it. You ARE your worst critic and enemy, but it doesn't have to be difficult or painful to flip that switch to "forward".
So moving forward, I want to feel safe, I want to love myself, I want to feel like there is enough, I want to feel "Plentiful", I want to feel "Abundant", I want to feel "Activated". I think I'll talk to my friend from Real Raw and Rowdy, Amy Elias, about foods and how to keep the carbohydrate foods in a healthy way. I'm also going onto Free Cycle to request a juicer. I'm also going to start a wish list for this spring's garden. I'm also going to do a mind map for my curriculum idea. And, finally, I'm going to see if an idea I have for my website will work.
Today is Sunday, people! Love yourself, as you love your God...you ARE God! Oh, so you want proof? Here it is....
Yesterday I thought randomly of my friend Jo; I've never met Jo in person but there is a spiritual connection between us that has continued online for about 3 or 4 years. This morning I watched Hungry for Change to immense effect. As soon as I'm done writing about it in this blog, Jo PMs me (it's only 6:30 and the Sun still isn't up). Jo and I talk about her grand daughter, I talked about Hungry for Change as a suggestion for some relief for her grand daughter, and she introduces me to a friend of her's, Linda the HealthAngel weight coach, and would I be interested in checking out a free seminar/program online that her friend is starting today that is all around health and disease resistance/correction through nutrition. How GODLIKE is that?!
Here's a picture of my very first Cellini Spiral fashioned into a sparkly necklace for the New Year! I'm ready to make my next one, with more exotic components like seashells, coral, and gemstone chips!
So you know I've been reading The Desire Map, a program written by Danielle LaPorte, instructing the discovery of making Goals with Soul through focus on desires. There are a lot of self-discovery platforms out there right now; that's no surprise as we all seem to be searching for something to replace all the loss we have had in 2012. Yesterday Danielle interviewed Gabrielle Bernstein, author of May Cause Miracles, a step-by-step prescription for adopting a "Mindset of Miracles."
I connected with the "Miracle Response" to "overwhelm", and it inspired me
to think about being grateful for things that are inciting me to feel
stress.Maybe the reason I feel stress is because of fear for those
things, or what they may bring, if I actually desire them; could this
thing bring me fame, happiness,success or accomplishment? Am I afraid
that achievement forces me to accept that I am worthy and able? If I
accept that I am worthy or able, what will I lose, and why am I afraid
to lose it?
I'm such a thinker, ain't I?! This morning I watched a documentary called Zeitgeist: Moving Forward. Evidently there is a series of Zeitgeist movies. "Zeitgeist: Moving Forward, by
director Peter Joseph, is a feature length documentary work which
presents a case for a transition out of the current socioeconomic
monetary paradigm which governs the entire world society.
This subject matter transcends the issues of cultural
relativism and traditional ideology and moves to relate the core,
empirical "life ground" attributes of human and social survival,
extrapolating those immutable natural laws into a new sustainable social
paradigm called a "Resource-Based Economy"."
It was a difficult movie to watch, both intellectually and emotionally, but I LOVED the ending. Imagine a world without money?What would become "valuable"? This movies strengthened my desire for self sufficiency and a craving to bring change to my own community toward sustainable living.
And as I went about my day, I was reminded again when I went to the market. On the sidewalk outside, was a gentleman selling his craft out of the back of his truck. His craft was handmade wooden looms. His prices were very good, $50 for a small one and $80 for a large. In his basket he examples of weaving with different fibres, including jute, sisal, and wire. That would definitely be of value in a sustainable, resource-based culture. Resources aren't just what nature provides, but what we do with it, like weaving; our mind is our greatest resource.
On the way home I drove passed a gentleman who was kneeling in a driveway, just kneeling there. My instincts told me to turn around to see if he was okay, and I followed them. By the time I'd come back to where he was, he was walking up the hill, grocery bag in hand; he had just been resting. I rolled down my window and offered to give him a ride. He thanked me but declined, stating he was almost "there." It made me feel good to follow my intuition, to be fearless, to know with absolute certainty that I was safe. Thank you again, Desire Map; so simple to just check into my feelings!
Speaking of feelings and thinking, I have so many thoughts, and such a desire to share them, and so many ideas, and such a desire to bring them to reality. I am always stopped by the abundance of ideas I have, with old tapes cawing my lack of focus and direction. But ya' know what?! Screw that! I want to keep writing, I want to start a social media marketing/monitoring business, I want to learn more about technology and analysis, I want to be an advocate in the field of education and welfare of all people, I want to find a way for children to build confidence in themselves and see the results in their accomplishments. I want I want I want....I WILL change the world!
Then I started thinking about writing, and how I write about everything, and I need to categorize my subjects, and how I can do that with my website. Then I wonder out of the clear blue, if my mother reads my blog. I decide she doesn't because it probably makes her sad to see me go in so many directions but never get to a profitable destination. Or maybe she does read it but she sees nothing but "crazy". Then I imagine this conversation, "You're so crazy, but you don't see it." Me: "Well, at least my insanity doesn't hurt anyone." Coming back to reality, I laugh out loud and say, "Yeah! I'm benign....benignly insane. (Laughing some more) I WANT to be benignly insane! I want to FEEL benignly insane! I love all the ideas I have and I love my thought process. Yeah, I want to be who I am, benignly insane!"
I was meditating every day until I started working! I miss the meditating but I'm enjoying my substitute teaching in a special day class. I have to drive an hour to get there, but I only work half day and that is nice.
I like to work with background noise; today the background was the Arts program on public television (the local station.) Every once in a while they have a segment that is really, really interesting.
Today I saw this fabulous dance by the Russian Gymnastics Team; it's called "Dresses".
Another good one I saw was a silent film, called Magic Bricks.
Finally, I saw a scene from an opera called Electra. I don't know operas, but after seeing this scene where Electra is reunited with her brother, I definitely want to know more about this piece by Strauss. The set was haunting and amazing! It reminded me of a Dali painting.
So, if you are looking for a little background noise, and art, check out the Classic Arts Showcase for information on airing stations near you!
I'm still able to catch some good documentaries and Indie movies. Most recently I enjoyed Winter's Bone and Lbs. Both very, very well done films.
On the documentary side I watched Ayn Rand and the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged. Amazing documentary that I'll have to watch a couple times. It is very helpful to me in terms of deciding who to vote for in the presidential election. The best quote from the film, I think, is this:
"When you see that trading is done not be consent but by compulsion,
when you see that in order to produce you need to obtain permission from
men who produce nothing, when you see that money is flowing to those
who deal not in goods but in favors, when you see that men get richer by
graft and by pole than by work and your laws don't protect you against
them but protect them against you, you may know that your society is
doomed."
I have also been working on my new website, MonaRAEbeads.com There is a lot of work still to do, but please go check it out and subscribe there for 15% off your next order!
Today's documentary film, Dying to Have Known by Steve Kroschel; Mr. Kroshel sets out to determine the legitimacy of the Gerson Method for cancer treatment. As a
film it is really terrible (and as research it is highly unscientific) in that it is melodramatic and clearly manipulative
and biased; there is no intelligence expected of the audience to be able to
decide for itself. That lack of credit for the audience is enough to discredit
it’s own message because it lacks confidence in its own posits. On the other
hand, I already believe that “Big Pharma” controls the world of health and
medicine and that the “conspiracy” theories are closer to truth than not.
Image courtesy of EntertainmentWallpaper.com
If I
were to come down with cancer I would want to try alternative therapies before
chemotherapy; my concern is the cost and affordability. I also think about how
very brave it is for a person to chose
alternative therapies, such as the Gerson Therapy or that of Burzynski, in the
face of death, and the ever pressing winding down of the clock of life; you
only have enough time to try it once, unless you make the right choice. What
kind of place is that to be? I better start juicing now so I can never find
out!
I’ve already started growing my own vegetables. I felt the most important
aspect would be to chose non-GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds. I felt
that the soil didn’t have to be organic, just pesticide free. I’ve decided my
thinking is faulty and if I’m going to the trouble at all, I should use organic
soil as well. My seedlings have been a great success. Of all those I
transplanted, only one died. I am looking forward to the peas and tomatoes
climbing all over this bird cage; it will be beautiful. There’s spinach in the
center and I left the door free to reach inside. The cucumbers in the 5 gallon
bucket have secondary, true leaves now. My herbs are really small. I didn’t
plant all my seeds, and these are really too early. You can see I have blossoms
on the squash and that isn’t supposed to happen for another month. Next week I’ll
transplant into permanent pots and start more seeds. It seems to me I don’t
have enough!
I also created a new necklace this week; it’s a choker.
Silver findings, silver lined glass, lapis, sodalite and white jasper rounds,
and porcelain beads with Chinese symbols I got from Lea Avroch. The chain with
the dangles lies perfectly at the throat and the choker is not too heavy and
very comfortable and stable on the neck.
Along the path of new discoveries I found a “Fish Watch”list from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I saw something once from which I
remembered, choose sea food from the northernmost part of the Pacific, and
never eat Talapia. Now I know I could eat Talapia if it is farmed in the USA,
but I’d still rather have Salmon. It saddens me that I may never eat salmon
again because “they” are going to genetically modify salmon; if that happens, I’ll
consider it extinct. I think my dad would have been equally saddened; after
retiring from the Army he fished salmon for a living. Along the line of fish
food and Talapia, I found this awesome story about the urban farming movement.
My final discovery was this cute pair of earrings modeled after Chinese
knotting. These are a great inspiration.
Isaac went to the fair this weekend. Our area is famous for Mark Twain’s Famous
Jumping Frog of Calaveras County; yes, there is really a frog jumping contest.
He had a wooden plaque entered which received a blue ribbon, was totally on his
own for the first time (made me nervous, but all went well), took lots of
pictures and had an awesome time!
As fire season, and the deadline for defensible space
approaches, I have one more burn to take care of the two-year-old pile of pine
needles, and one more week to rake and burn what fell this winter. On top of
that duty I’ll be continuing my exercise regime on the Wii Fit (I started last
week!). See you soon!
