Empowering Ourselves And Others

This week , I am writing on a social issue that is coming to light from every direction at the moment.
I ask you, in what world is it okay for ANY type of sexual abuse? This includes sexual assault and sexual misconduct as well.
The reason that I pose this question is that I see different views on it and wanted to touch on this very personal issue.
In recent weeks we have been watching as sexual misconduct accusations are coming to light in all aspects of society. It is especially disturbing hearing so many cases being brought to the forefront. Suspicions and accusations have always been spoken about in regards to politics, Hollywood and high society. The reason why it is so hard to swallow is that it seems that lately, every day there is a new accusation. This to me is very disturbing and unsettling. What is more disturbing is the fact that I am hearing a lot of attitudes that are nonchalant or accusatory towards the victims.
Some people do not care. The reasons are their own of course, and it could be they are not directly affected by it that they have no say in the matter. I can both understand and respect that view.
Some people are critical of the victims. They are wondering why they have never stepped forward until now. In some cases it has been 30 years since the incidents have taken place. There are those that stand by the accused and have very ignorant remarks regarding the allegations. This is what has provoked me to write about this subject today.
Let us look at a different perspective. The perspective of the victims. So many factors are involved in remaining quiet that we cannot judge some one who does not come forward. Fear is usually the driving force. For others it is shame. There are cases of threats, physical abuse that keeps them quiet, blackmail (this is especially true in positions of power or affluence) and of course ruining someones life.
From a perspective of victim, terror is a huge factor. Being terrified and feeling stuck and full of shame, full of regret, full of self loathing. If this has never happened to you, you will never know what it feels like to be helpless and alone. And please do not judge someone for this either, they have enough to contend with.
Now, I am not saying that all accusations are truth. We are well aware of how deceitful people can be especially in regards to money and power. Some people have something to gain by destroying someone else's life. And this is just as disturbing as the cases that are legit.
One thing that we need to do is begin to empower ourselves. We need to help empower others so that they may find their strength. This is my reason for writing this.
Let us Stand Up! Let us Speak Up! Let us make it okay to tell someone when something bad happens to us so that we are not afraid or embarrassed. Let us make it okay For our normal reaction to tell someone and get help rather than hide in the shadows and harm ourselves by shaming ourselves. The people who harm others are the ones who should be shamed and the more that people come forward the better it will be in the long run, I truly believe this.
Let us stop shaming, stop hating.
Stand up for ourselves!
Stand up for each other!
Speak up for yourself!
Speak up for others!
Do not remain silent. Speak on the offenses right away, do not let time get away from you. Tell someone, there is always someone out there that will listen. There is someone out there who will care. Take it from me, there is help. There is hope.
Love wins!!!

Keeping Culture and the Arts Alive, Phoenix Style!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of accompanying my good friend Angelica aka RoseWax to the Heard Museum for the annual Artes Vivas Mercado de las Artes at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The featured artist was Martin Moreno who had some amazing pieces that were painted, sketched, mosaics and etched. He was so friendly and full of knowledge. He was so willing to tell the story of the pieces on display and what went into their creation. He is a true inspiration and stands for community development, education and culture. I had the pleasure of speaking with him in depth about his art and the processes that he uses to create his amazing work. I also had the pleasure of meeting Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. She is an amazing artist who recently had a gallery showing at the local Xico Gallery for her Growing Up Phoenix show. Her work is breathtaking and fills me with emotion and inspiration. Her work showcases the culture of Arizona as well and truly is a positive influence for our community. After speaking with the artists throughout the market, I meandered my way through the rest of the open air market. There was a fantastic performance by Samba dancers, they really had the crowd on their feet and shaking their tale feathers! We were treated to 2 different Mariachi performances by Mariachi Pasion and Mariachi Fuego de Phoenix. There was a wonderful Open Mic performance by Phonetic Spit which truly inspired the writer within myself. Rose Wax Vinyl Club and Siek held down the music with fantastic choices in between wonderful performances but the other entertainers at the event. The final set was done by local group Phoenix Afro Beat Orchestra. There were also activities for kids and adults, face painting and whistle making by artist Beto Perez (he even had to help me, my whistle making skills were amateur) and screen printing by Xico Gallery.
I am honored to be a part of this great city and all of the culture and diversity which is celebrated everyday. All you have to do is look around you and you will find numerous free events for the whole family that will celebrate diversity, the arts, music and community. Take a look on the web and see what you can find! You can look up the Heard Museum for other events coming soon. Thanks for reading!

Join Me In An Adventure To My Favorite Local Record Shop: Crates Records and Gear!

My most favorite record shop is in Sunnyslope, AZ. We now go to the North Mountain side. It is an amazing little shop packed with HUGE things. It is called Crates Records and Gear and it is owned by two of the coolest cats I know, big shout out to Serg and Todd!!!! I was blessed to meet these guys from my partner in crime. I walked into the shop my first time and immediately fell in LOVE. I was greeted not by just a mere hello, but by a hug by both of the guys! I knew that I would love it here. The walls are lined with wooden crates (yes, real Crates) full of records! The center of the store is filled with wheeled, portable crates. The back of the shop has a fantastic DJ set up! There is a studio as well! And a barbershop!! What more can you ask for, I mean really?? So in a brief synopsis.... a lovely record shop, art from local artists, a barbershop, a recording studio, a DJ set up, they have a radio station called Crates Radio run on Spreaker.com and so much more!! I mean, I really cannot put it into words but I will show you in pictures! It has been an honor to be a part of this family. They are informative, honest, fair priced and carry literally something for everyone in this store. Recently my partner held a Pop Up Art show before the Podcast that they put on called Slope Style Saturdays and it was a success. This is another great aspect of the shop. They believe in and support the arts, especially local talent. Local DJ's such as DJ Twist1, DJ Leidiom, DJ Rosewax, DJ Siek von Doom, DJ Darrell D, Durokski and much more! Not too many places have this much to offer. Stickers, Adult Vinyl Collectibles, Art, Model Trains featuring local writers, Clothing, Hats, Record Players, a barber (SNIPZ), a recording studio, a DJ set up (on which they let people play the records that they want to purchase if they ask nicely) and way cool events too. Their grand opening featured live music, live DJ's, live art and a cookout! I mean really this is the best place to hang out and add to your collection and have a great time! I always find hidden gems within the crates! I have found The Warriors sound track, Prince, Send Me an Angel (from the movie RAD) and original 2Pac. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun this place is. You really need to come and find out for yourself, you will not be disappointed. Stop in and see them, meet the guys, dig for hours and have fun! You can find them on Instagram - cratesrecordsandgear and on Facebook and of course give them a listen on Spreaker.com under Crates Radio. You will find the shop at:
Crates Records and Gear
8841 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hours:
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Tuesday through Friday 9:30am to 8:00pm
Saturdays 9:30am to 6:00pm

Toys are like a drug but they are my passion!

This week I am going to talk about a lovely subject....TOYS!!! Who does not love toys? No particular kind, I enjoy them all. Not just toys but also comics, collectibles, music, art and so much more!!
I presently run business with my partner in crime and we have been at it strong for roughly 4 and a half years. We started off in a modest setting of his apartment. It initially was a trio. We then began setting up a table at The Arizona Collectors Marketplace in Phoenix. The beginnings were mainly Hot Wheels and a few Star Wars toys. As time went on we began to see how everything worked in the toy game, the collector game and of course with the consumer. We then progressed onto a booth within the Collectors Marketplace which gave us more space and the ability to expand our inventory. Monster High and Littlest Pet Shop were HUGE additions to our shop. And we began to build a reputation as having a great product with prices that did not gauge people. We also had the respect of our fellow sellers within the shop. Our knowledge grew and we developed a loyal following who began to request things and this is where the real fun began. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to provide a service based on honesty, fairness, knowledge and fun! Our trio is still strong but our third member has branched out on his own and is doing fantastic as well! We participate in many events to showcase our products. What I love most is seeing the smiles of people who really, really wanted an item but previously did not get it at the store due to finances, timing or whatever. My favorite thing is to be able to give a child who only has 1 dollar to spend and they show up at our table,then to watch their face light up when we give them a much coveted toy that they could buy all by themselves. As a collector and a Mom (they are grown now thankfully and can buy their own toys) I appreciate a good deal and honesty. We have since built our reputation as a pop up toy shop showcasing great products, knowledge, honesty, availability, fair pricing and a strong business ethic. We currently sell in person, on line and we have 2 cases at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Phoenix, AZ 28th Drive and Cactus off of the I 17). Our cases are 265 and 272 and we showcase retro video games, toys, disney, music memorabilia and much more! Stop in and check it out if you are local. We also believe in giving back to our community and donate time and product to many events as well as participating in and around the valley in toy shows, conventions and parking lot sales. My partner is an artist extraordinaire and I myself am a writer so we are involved in many things not just the toy business. My partner also is beginning to have pop up art shows showcasing his artwork which includes stickers, comic book covers, music and much, much more. Be on the lookout for events coming to a parking lot or venue near you! Please feel free to follow myself on Instagram as tiannepitz or Lucky Ti. And my partner is on Instagram as siek_von_doom. I hope that you like what you see and if you do let us know! Feel free to give my blog a follow, I appreciate any and all love that I get. And I will keep new things coming frequently. Peace, Love and Toys!

Thinking Clearly Amidst Chaos

Just a thought for today in the wake of all of the insanity going on in this world at the moment. We need to get it together as a "human race" not just a nationality, a race, a creed, a gender. The "human race" is at stake. Now, some may look at that in a different way, like end of world prophecy, a global cleansing, a conspiracy. It could be one or all...none of us know for certain. What we can do at this time is band together and become strong. Practice love, not hatred. Practice empathy. Practice humility. Gain knowledge. Make yourself stronger both mentally and physically. Every day there is something horrific happening around the globe. No one takes responsibility for themselves, no one holds themselves accountable. We are in a world of "it was not me", "it was someone else's fault", society made me do it...and I could go on. Now, there are great people in this world. There are great people making a change everyday. For some reason we never see it because the numbers are too small. It is time for the numbers to grow. Let us practice human kindness. Smile, laugh, love, create. Live like there is no tomorrow and you want your soul clear.
What happened in Las Vegas was so horrific it brought tears to my eyes immediately. It was not a random act of violence, it was a planned act of terror. Call it what it is. Terror, he was a terrorist. We know this. Call it what it is, do not sugar coat it. Hold him accountable for what he did. Let us not forget what is happening all around us: Puerto Rico, Spain, Texas, Florida, Police Violence, Domestic Violence, Hatred, Evil, The Kurds, London....it is everywhere! All that we can do is change ourselves and then everything else can fall into place. Just a thought today with heavy heart...but wanted to share and vent a little. Thanks for listening. Peace, Love and Change!

Art Needs Our Love and Support to Thrive and Survive!

Art Day (which is every day) was Friday, September 15th in my lovely city. Well, you have heard of bar hopping I am sure, this was Art Hopping. I had the pleasure of attending 2 shows featuring local artists. The first stop was the opening of Growing Up Phoenix featuring the inspiring artwork of Veronica Verdugo Lomeli at the Xico Gallery 1008 E Buckeye Rd Suite 220 Phoenix 85034. Her artwork is inspiring, positive and rich with culture. Her pieces are bright, bold, warm and full of life. Shedding light on the vibrant life and culture of what it is Growing Up Phoenix. Check out the show, you will not be disappointed.
The next show moved me to downtown in the Roosevelt Art district. This was the Rise and Grind show opening at Grand ArtHaus 1501 NW Grand Ave Phoenix 85007. This showing is showcasing many talented artist which kicked off celebrating 1 year open for this lovely gallery. There were abstract pieces, pop culture pieces, street art and much more!
I have followed the arts and all of its many faces for years now, I always enjoy coming across new and exciting talent. The artists who put together and participate in these shows put 150 percent of themselves into it. It is inspiring to see so much passion being put into visuals for others to enjoy.
I love the arts, I love supporting artists and by having support the arts will stay alive for generations to come.
Do yourself a favor and check out these 2 fantastic shows. They are showing into October. Weather is great, take a breather and go show some local artists your love and respect for doing something with their passion and not letting fear drive them!

Fresh Friday- A Lesson In Inspiration

This week I want to share with you a wonderful event that ALMOST did not happen. For weeks, a group of South Phoenix residents (born and raised) and amazing artists and a wonderful support crew planned an event that was to promote PRIDE IN COMMUNITY and UNITY and FUN. On the 11th hour the whole event was almost axed due to bureaucratic red tape! But thanks to Franco with quick thinking, the power of persuasion and the ability to compromise, the event was able to go on! And thanks to a wonderful community organization ( Black Wall Street) who put up the insurance coverage for us! The event could go on after all, albeit on a smaller scale with time restrictions. But, it still happened and that my friends is the MOST important part. The community STILL came to the show and showed the support and love that we all needed. We had our friend Blockhead who hung all of the art on the walls to make the gallery look amazing. The artists came through and brought their stuff to show off. Central Car Club brought over some wicked low riders (thanks Tony for setting it up). We had great live music by The Color 8, The Drunken Indian and Angels/Aliens. Rattle Can Man and Complete The Streets brought out their framed photography which really shows us the impact of city life, graffiti and trains in the culture. Mr Gallo Arte was in the art room doing live sketches. And the gallery was a wonderful meeting place for artists to share tips and admire each others work. We had works by many talented artists including but not limited to Armondo Williams, Cierra Sol, Brian Garcia, SIEK, CAB, DUROK, Mr Mimek, Kancr, TAME, Cre8, Mr Gallo Arte, Cesar Ramirez, Rey Ramirez, Marco Acosta, Therosia Reynolds and Aline Hernandez...if I missed anyone of you my apologies. This event was a true inspiration. I pulled such a positive force out of it. I am honored to have been invited in and welcomed to join up with an amazing group of people to put common beliefs and visions into play for a wonderful event to come to fruition. I want to say how much I thank you and am truly amazed at the outpouring of support that came about during this event. Long live FRESH FRIDAY and the vision that it holds. It pays to band together and bring good things to our communities. Be on the lookout for more possibilities with this group and keep an eye and ear out there to the pavement because word on the streets is something else could come out of this! Thank you again to the community and thank you again to all who stood up for us in the time of need, thank you to the school district for giving the forum for the event. Again, if I missed anyone my apologies...information overload when I get all excited over positive things happening in a community! If you like what you read please feel free to leave a comment or a high five or feel free to give a follow to the blog. Thanks for reading!
Peace, Love and Happiness!