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!!

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.