I wanted to share a few stories with you. They are both true stories. And I want to make it known now,that self glorification, kudos or "look at me" is not the goal with these stories. The goal is to share a human experience and how important human connections are.
The first one will be The Story of Robert and his Dog. The second will be the story of Chad.
The story of Robert and his Dog. I met Robert along the underpass on Van Buren Street while waiting for the light to turn green. He had no sign, he had no sad look on his face. He had a scruffy face, dirty clothes and a scruffy pup. He had a smile. I handed him some change and a bottle of water. He said thank you with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. I waved as I pulled away. I would see Robert on the side of the road or by the corner 7eleven pulling his pup in the wagon behind his bicycle. Every chance I got I would give him some change or a bottle water. He is full of gratitude and a smile every time that we cross paths. I became worried for a bit when time passed and I had not seen him. One morning on my way to work I spotted him in the laundromat parking lot. I quickly pulled in and rolled my window down. I said "good morning Robert, I have been looking for you" and his reply was " uh oh, so is everyone" and he laughed the biggest belly laugh and made me laugh as well. I asked him how he had been and how his dog was. He told me that he had recently had a fall and had to go to the hospital for a week and luckily someone was able to look after his companion. He told me his story and how he has had the dog since he was a puppy. Not once did he ask me for anything. We just shared a great conversation. In parting, I gave him my lunch, a few bucks and some water. We exchanged names again and he thanked me multiple times. I pulled out of the parking lot feeling full of gratitude for this life that I live. I still come across Robert and his Dog frequently. One evening I saw him on my way to the grocery store. I asked him where he would be hanging out and he told me exactly where. He has his spots timed out so as to avoid trouble or harassment or cops. I went to the store and bought him a sandwich, fruit, crackers, a gallon of water and some dog food. When I pulled up alongside him and told him that I had some stuff for him, his eyes lit up. He smiled and thanked me a million times. He waved to my daughter and thanked her as well. Now every time that I see him, he waves and that makes me happy and feeling fortunate.
I recently met Chad on the Alma School Road off ramp. I was four lanes away from him and the light turned green. I felt compelled to give him something, anything. That morning I had packed myself a snack of watermelon and water. I drove 3 blocks to jump back onto the freeway and get off at the exit on his side of the street. When I stopped at the red light I noticed his sign. It said "Hello, I am Chad and I am homeless and a little hungry"
I called his name and said "hello Chad, my name is Tianne. I have some food and water for you if that would be alright?" He stood up and walked over to my van. He was unshaven and wrinkled from age and sun and he had a huge smile! I gave him my watermelon, a fork, some water and a few bucks. He talked to me for a minute and then my light turned green. I wished him safety and relief from the Arizona sun. He waved and yelled out "God bless you young lady". Tears flowed from my eyes as I turned the corner. Tears of gratitude.
I believe in the human connection. I believe in humanity. I believe that "whatever is hurtful to you, do not do that to any person"
I believe in being kind. I believe in treating people with respect and dignity until proven otherwise.
I choose to do what little that I can for those less fortunate because we could all find ourselves in a similar situation. I believe that a smile will brighten most peoples day.
I just wanted to share these stories with you. Again, I am not looking for praise. I wanted to share the stories since I did not feel that they were stories to be held in.
Please remember that not all people that you encounter on the side of the road are hustlers, or druggies. Please remember that we all are looking for love, acceptance, connections and life.
I leave you with peace, love and gratitude.
Showing posts with label community matters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community matters. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Time For Change, Time For Speaking Up, Time For Speaking Out!
I just feel the need at this point to share my feelings. I just need to write this out. I just need to share this with the World.
Realizing that life is precious has me feeling some sort of way. Realizing that we are not promised tomorrow but more than that we are not promised the next minute. I have seen too many of my friends, loved ones, neighbors and community members die due to violence, illness and accidents. Obviously we cannot prevent accidents or some illness but we can prevent violent endings. It lies in OUR hands. The sooner that we realize that we do not have to give in to the AGENDA, the better for humanity.
You NEVER know when life can end. You NEVER know if this is the last time that you can say I love you to someone, or to hold your child or to comfort your friend.
Our current state is in disarray, I mean let's face it though, it has been since the Europeans settled here and changed this land. Coming in and destroying land, oppressing the people, creating greed and terror.
No different than today right?
The current government has created a hailstorm of hatred by not denouncing it. They just go along with it. Our president (the actor) has played both sides of the fence. In one breath he denounces killing and racism and blah blah blah and then in his next public outing he cheers while people chant "send her back"
If our "leaders" act like masochistic, racist, hateful bullies then that in turn gives people the green light to act the same way. You see when a person who is in charge condones certain behaviors, then the people will act in accordance. Think about this for one moment. As a parent, my children viewed me as "in charge" I cuss, alot. So, my children saw that all through their lives. So, in turn they cuss. I ate junk food, they ate junk food. I stayed up late, they stayed up late. No boundaries were set. Do you see my point?
I am so very tired of reading about more killing, more desecration, more destruction and more tearing down of our families. I am tired of seeing my communities ripped apart by separation. I am tired of seeing our people being killed. I am tired of seeing my neighbors taken away from their families while they are working jobs that most Americans would NEVER do! I am tired of our communities being divided due to racism. I am tired of our family units being destroyed. I am just TIRED!!
It is time for all people to stand up and fight against the powers trying to divide us! It is time for all races to unite and stand against the powers trying to make us hate one another. It is time for us to unite as ONE people to defy the powers that want to destroy us! Before this gets worse than it is and believe me it CAN and WILL get worse! Denial brought forth by people in power and media outlets who deny that racism is not a problem, are feeding fuel to an already large fire. This is eerily similar to those that denied that the Holocaust was not real. This is eerily similar to those that downplayed how bad Slavery was. This is eerily similar to those that IGNORED what was happening during the height of the Civil Rights movement.
Genocide is upon us. Look at the 10 stages:
What are the 10 stages of genocide?
Stages 1, 2, 3: Classification, symbolization and discrimination
Stage 4: Dehumanization
Stage 5: Organization
Stage 6: Polarization
Stage 7: Preparation
Stage 8: Persecution
Stage 9: Extermination
Stage 10: Denial
We have people in power telling us through media that Racism is not a problem. That hatred is not being condoned. I call BULLSHIT. It is evident in how many mass shootings are being carried out by white men who just so happen to have hateful rhetoric in notebooks and computers in their homes. Who are able to purchase semi automatic weapons but then they are supposedly mentally ill. Mental illness is not an excuse to commit murder. And mental illness is not something to throw out there as an excuse to get away with committing murder. On the other hand we have people of color being shot for having a phone, for tying their shoes, for having a busted tail light, for raising their voices??!! Where are our voices for the voiceless?! Where are our power in numbers?! We need to speak up, speak out and stand up for our rights...the rights of humanity as a whole! We need to come together now more than ever and FIGHT BACK!
Believe me, I was educated on social issues at a young age. And I still take the time to educate myself because there are so many things that I do not know. I took the time to read about Slavery, The Holocaust, Civil Wars (both foreign and domestic), Civil Rights and Genocides through out the ages. I was a child at the age of 8 reading about Civil Rights while my friends laughed at me. My parents talked to us openly and without a filter on what really happened and how they had friends of all colors and had to hide it from their families. Can you imagine that? Can you put yourself in that position where someone would beat your ass if you brought home someone of color?! I cannot imagine that life and nor do I want to. My children are of mixed race and I never would want to experience hatred directed at them.
I am speaking out, I am speaking up and I am speaking loudly! I want to have a voice for the voiceless. I want to have an opinion for those who are too afraid to say theirs. I want to stand together with my community and stand alongside them in their fight. We NEED to stop what is happening in our country. We NEED to become accountable for OUR actions. We NEED to speak up! Period!!
Realizing that life is precious has me feeling some sort of way. Realizing that we are not promised tomorrow but more than that we are not promised the next minute. I have seen too many of my friends, loved ones, neighbors and community members die due to violence, illness and accidents. Obviously we cannot prevent accidents or some illness but we can prevent violent endings. It lies in OUR hands. The sooner that we realize that we do not have to give in to the AGENDA, the better for humanity.
You NEVER know when life can end. You NEVER know if this is the last time that you can say I love you to someone, or to hold your child or to comfort your friend.
Our current state is in disarray, I mean let's face it though, it has been since the Europeans settled here and changed this land. Coming in and destroying land, oppressing the people, creating greed and terror.
No different than today right?
The current government has created a hailstorm of hatred by not denouncing it. They just go along with it. Our president (the actor) has played both sides of the fence. In one breath he denounces killing and racism and blah blah blah and then in his next public outing he cheers while people chant "send her back"
If our "leaders" act like masochistic, racist, hateful bullies then that in turn gives people the green light to act the same way. You see when a person who is in charge condones certain behaviors, then the people will act in accordance. Think about this for one moment. As a parent, my children viewed me as "in charge" I cuss, alot. So, my children saw that all through their lives. So, in turn they cuss. I ate junk food, they ate junk food. I stayed up late, they stayed up late. No boundaries were set. Do you see my point?
I am so very tired of reading about more killing, more desecration, more destruction and more tearing down of our families. I am tired of seeing my communities ripped apart by separation. I am tired of seeing our people being killed. I am tired of seeing my neighbors taken away from their families while they are working jobs that most Americans would NEVER do! I am tired of our communities being divided due to racism. I am tired of our family units being destroyed. I am just TIRED!!
It is time for all people to stand up and fight against the powers trying to divide us! It is time for all races to unite and stand against the powers trying to make us hate one another. It is time for us to unite as ONE people to defy the powers that want to destroy us! Before this gets worse than it is and believe me it CAN and WILL get worse! Denial brought forth by people in power and media outlets who deny that racism is not a problem, are feeding fuel to an already large fire. This is eerily similar to those that denied that the Holocaust was not real. This is eerily similar to those that downplayed how bad Slavery was. This is eerily similar to those that IGNORED what was happening during the height of the Civil Rights movement.
Genocide is upon us. Look at the 10 stages:
What are the 10 stages of genocide?
Stages 1, 2, 3: Classification, symbolization and discrimination
Stage 4: Dehumanization
Stage 5: Organization
Stage 6: Polarization
Stage 7: Preparation
Stage 8: Persecution
Stage 9: Extermination
Stage 10: Denial
We have people in power telling us through media that Racism is not a problem. That hatred is not being condoned. I call BULLSHIT. It is evident in how many mass shootings are being carried out by white men who just so happen to have hateful rhetoric in notebooks and computers in their homes. Who are able to purchase semi automatic weapons but then they are supposedly mentally ill. Mental illness is not an excuse to commit murder. And mental illness is not something to throw out there as an excuse to get away with committing murder. On the other hand we have people of color being shot for having a phone, for tying their shoes, for having a busted tail light, for raising their voices??!! Where are our voices for the voiceless?! Where are our power in numbers?! We need to speak up, speak out and stand up for our rights...the rights of humanity as a whole! We need to come together now more than ever and FIGHT BACK!
Believe me, I was educated on social issues at a young age. And I still take the time to educate myself because there are so many things that I do not know. I took the time to read about Slavery, The Holocaust, Civil Wars (both foreign and domestic), Civil Rights and Genocides through out the ages. I was a child at the age of 8 reading about Civil Rights while my friends laughed at me. My parents talked to us openly and without a filter on what really happened and how they had friends of all colors and had to hide it from their families. Can you imagine that? Can you put yourself in that position where someone would beat your ass if you brought home someone of color?! I cannot imagine that life and nor do I want to. My children are of mixed race and I never would want to experience hatred directed at them.
I am speaking out, I am speaking up and I am speaking loudly! I want to have a voice for the voiceless. I want to have an opinion for those who are too afraid to say theirs. I want to stand together with my community and stand alongside them in their fight. We NEED to stop what is happening in our country. We NEED to become accountable for OUR actions. We NEED to speak up! Period!!
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Melancholy Musings Very Personal, Very Brief Year in Review
2018 was a helluva year! I don't do all of the "New Year Resolutions" but I will say that I will strive to grow, better myself, heal myself, love myself, love others, forgive, face fears and live life fully.
In one year I accomplished so much. In one years time I was able to face fears, write, forgive, make amends, move forward, love, practice patience a little more (this one is a challenge sometimes), make friends, walk away from toxic people and continue on a path to clear my spirit.
I produced 5 Zines, I participated (and sold a piece) in an art gallery show, I participated in First Friday events, I participated in Second Friday events, I participated in Art Festivals and a Zine Festival, I got stickers printed of my art and my photography, I produced Photo books and some included my poetry.
I supported my artist friends, I supported my DJ friends, I supported my foodie friends, I supported small business and local business, I supported my creatives out there by shouting their names from the rooftops, sharing their work with others or purchasing something from them.
I could never have accomplished as much as I did without those who have supported me and cheered me on. I am humbled by the people both near and far, close and distant strangers who always have a kind word or who are willing to help me along this journey. I appreciate you all.
I want to shout out to my daughter Briahna who is my biggest supporter, my rock, my side kick, my helper, my confidante, my counselor, my advisor, my daughter....without her I would be pretty lonely. She is a great help and a great spirit and silly as all hell, which makes me laugh even when I want to cry. Thank you Bri <3. I have made some amazing friends along the way and learned to appreciate them much more with each passing moment. I have strengthened bonds with those I hold dear and learned to appreciate what I have and who I have in my life more and more each day. I just want to say that anything is possible as long as you believe that you can do it. Anything is possible with hard work, determination and positive thought. This next year I will work towards what works for me, what feeds my soul. I will write more, no doubt about that. I will capture more beautiful moments. I will surround myself with nature and let that heal me. I will strengthen bonds and love fierce. The biggest goal that I have at this moment is to write a book. I do not know the subject, I do not know the size. That is what I see for this year thus far. Here is to living life, here is to loving life and here is to being true to you. Shout out to all of my friends and family for hanging around for another year and here is to many more! Peace, Love and Happiness....always!!
In one year I accomplished so much. In one years time I was able to face fears, write, forgive, make amends, move forward, love, practice patience a little more (this one is a challenge sometimes), make friends, walk away from toxic people and continue on a path to clear my spirit.
I produced 5 Zines, I participated (and sold a piece) in an art gallery show, I participated in First Friday events, I participated in Second Friday events, I participated in Art Festivals and a Zine Festival, I got stickers printed of my art and my photography, I produced Photo books and some included my poetry.
I supported my artist friends, I supported my DJ friends, I supported my foodie friends, I supported small business and local business, I supported my creatives out there by shouting their names from the rooftops, sharing their work with others or purchasing something from them.
I could never have accomplished as much as I did without those who have supported me and cheered me on. I am humbled by the people both near and far, close and distant strangers who always have a kind word or who are willing to help me along this journey. I appreciate you all.
I want to shout out to my daughter Briahna who is my biggest supporter, my rock, my side kick, my helper, my confidante, my counselor, my advisor, my daughter....without her I would be pretty lonely. She is a great help and a great spirit and silly as all hell, which makes me laugh even when I want to cry. Thank you Bri <3. I have made some amazing friends along the way and learned to appreciate them much more with each passing moment. I have strengthened bonds with those I hold dear and learned to appreciate what I have and who I have in my life more and more each day. I just want to say that anything is possible as long as you believe that you can do it. Anything is possible with hard work, determination and positive thought. This next year I will work towards what works for me, what feeds my soul. I will write more, no doubt about that. I will capture more beautiful moments. I will surround myself with nature and let that heal me. I will strengthen bonds and love fierce. The biggest goal that I have at this moment is to write a book. I do not know the subject, I do not know the size. That is what I see for this year thus far. Here is to living life, here is to loving life and here is to being true to you. Shout out to all of my friends and family for hanging around for another year and here is to many more! Peace, Love and Happiness....always!!
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
What Does Community Mean to You? I Can Tell You What It Means To Me
First let us begin with the definition of "Community"
The definition of community is: feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals
What does community mean to you?
To me, I am not sure how to define community. But, I can tell you what it means to me.
Community to me is a common ground between many different people from all walks of life to provide and thrive in the most positive way possible. Now, this can be through art, music, events, volunteering, cooking, dancing, farmers markets, family yard sales, church events, care packages and so much more. I am part of a great community of people. We come from all walks of life, all backgrounds. We bond over a multitude of things, and introduce one another to things that some of us have limited knowledge on. I believe that this is what builds a strong community. Everyone brings something to the table and we are willing to teach each other and work together towards the bigger picture.
I have been blessed with having friends in many different areas and therefore it has opened me up to a whole new world. It has also given me many chances to be involved in events that I otherwise would have never been involved with.
I have artist friends that are sketch artists, painters, muralists, graffiti artists, digital artists, fine art students and so much more. I will give you a few examples of the art "community". Most recently, I attended an event thrown by Furious Styles Crew for their 25th Anniversary and a local group called Urban Soul. They put on a week long party that ended on the ASU campus in Tempe. There were dancers, artists, DJ's, spoken word, Zines and so much more! I was so impressed with people from all walks of life coming together for a positive, uplifting experience. The music kept everyone moving and grooving. The art was amazing and let me tell you, watching spray can art unfold at the hands of a talented artist is truly an amazing experience. I love to watch the fluid movement as the aerosol hits the canvas, I love to see the spray in the air as they test the tips, I love to watch the colors blend right before my eyes like magic. I hold these artists in such a high regard as they have amazing skills and vision and bring it together in harmony to paint a picture with so much meaning.
I have many friends who are DJ's. I am always in awe of their ability to flawlessly blend music from all different genres together in a marriage of sounds. I find myself getting lost within the melody and I begin to forget about all my worries. I hold them in such a high regard and love all of them for the different styles that they bring to the table.
I have writer friends that blow my mind with their word play abilities. I can be transformed into another world in one sentence. Some of them do spoken word and others just put pen to surface. Words excite me, they always have. The power in words is unmatched in my opinion. People do not realize the strength in words. What is spoken can never be taken back that it why we have must watch what we say and with what emotion. I can get lost in words like nothing else.
I have friends who work magic with food and drinks. The way that they make flavors blend together in a juice to make your taste buds scream out in joy. The way they blend herbs and fresh vegetables together for a sauce to top a street taco blows my mind. The ability to make a cupcake that melts in my mouth and seems like there is nothing sinful about it.
All of this means "community" to me.
I am proud of each and every one of the people in my world for chasing their dreams, showing up and putting in effort.People who come together from all walks of life to bring a smile to someones face. To strengthen our community one moment at a time. Maybe changing a life or two. I love you all, it is impossible for me to name everyone but those that know, know. Much appreciation and love to all of you. I leave you with a million pictures to see just a glimpse of the greatness that I am surrounded by.
I leave you with peace, love and happiness.
The definition of community is: feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals
What does community mean to you?
To me, I am not sure how to define community. But, I can tell you what it means to me.
Community to me is a common ground between many different people from all walks of life to provide and thrive in the most positive way possible. Now, this can be through art, music, events, volunteering, cooking, dancing, farmers markets, family yard sales, church events, care packages and so much more. I am part of a great community of people. We come from all walks of life, all backgrounds. We bond over a multitude of things, and introduce one another to things that some of us have limited knowledge on. I believe that this is what builds a strong community. Everyone brings something to the table and we are willing to teach each other and work together towards the bigger picture.
I have been blessed with having friends in many different areas and therefore it has opened me up to a whole new world. It has also given me many chances to be involved in events that I otherwise would have never been involved with.
I have artist friends that are sketch artists, painters, muralists, graffiti artists, digital artists, fine art students and so much more. I will give you a few examples of the art "community". Most recently, I attended an event thrown by Furious Styles Crew for their 25th Anniversary and a local group called Urban Soul. They put on a week long party that ended on the ASU campus in Tempe. There were dancers, artists, DJ's, spoken word, Zines and so much more! I was so impressed with people from all walks of life coming together for a positive, uplifting experience. The music kept everyone moving and grooving. The art was amazing and let me tell you, watching spray can art unfold at the hands of a talented artist is truly an amazing experience. I love to watch the fluid movement as the aerosol hits the canvas, I love to see the spray in the air as they test the tips, I love to watch the colors blend right before my eyes like magic. I hold these artists in such a high regard as they have amazing skills and vision and bring it together in harmony to paint a picture with so much meaning.
I have many friends who are DJ's. I am always in awe of their ability to flawlessly blend music from all different genres together in a marriage of sounds. I find myself getting lost within the melody and I begin to forget about all my worries. I hold them in such a high regard and love all of them for the different styles that they bring to the table.
I have writer friends that blow my mind with their word play abilities. I can be transformed into another world in one sentence. Some of them do spoken word and others just put pen to surface. Words excite me, they always have. The power in words is unmatched in my opinion. People do not realize the strength in words. What is spoken can never be taken back that it why we have must watch what we say and with what emotion. I can get lost in words like nothing else.
I have friends who work magic with food and drinks. The way that they make flavors blend together in a juice to make your taste buds scream out in joy. The way they blend herbs and fresh vegetables together for a sauce to top a street taco blows my mind. The ability to make a cupcake that melts in my mouth and seems like there is nothing sinful about it.
All of this means "community" to me.
I am proud of each and every one of the people in my world for chasing their dreams, showing up and putting in effort.People who come together from all walks of life to bring a smile to someones face. To strengthen our community one moment at a time. Maybe changing a life or two. I love you all, it is impossible for me to name everyone but those that know, know. Much appreciation and love to all of you. I leave you with a million pictures to see just a glimpse of the greatness that I am surrounded by.
I leave you with peace, love and happiness.
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