I’ve noticed there’s been a lot more activity around here with lots of new people checking out ConversationsWithBianca.com thanks for finding me & welcome! If you’re not sure where to start maybe the below may be able to give you a little direction.
From Problogger (via: themerchgirl), my attempt at the following 7 links:
• Your most helpful post: I have a back log of questions I’ve received in email messages that I’ve started answering—I get asked a lot for interviewing tips and how to make a zine. New section coming soon: Miss B Q&A, so if you have any thing I might be able to help with write me. At the moment you could check out: Salin’ On and 30-Days To A Radder You
• A post with a title that you are proud of: Love. Love. Love. (is there really anything better?)
• A post that you wish more people had read: Camp Fail
It’s been a little quiter around here than I had planned. Sorry guys! My project Conversations With Punx: A Spiritual Dialogue has a home of it’s own now: http://conversationswithpunx.tumblr.com/ Please bookmark & share it. A date has also been set for the projects release, finally!
Over at http://conversationswithpunx.tumblr.com/ I have started a 60-day punk rock countdown ‘til the release/launch of the project in zine form (a limited edition 12 issue zine series) on September 2 at Bleeding Heart Gallery—Brisbane, Australia. Each day it’s updated with details of one of the conversations.
So far, find insight into conversations with Don Letts, Greg Graffin, Ben Weasel, Ray Cappo, Matt Caughthran and Lou Koller. As the countdown unfolds you’ll get a bigger picture of what this project is all about. The first zine of twelve in the series will have a hand-screenprinted cover and be hand-bound. You will be able to pre-order it shortly.
You will also find a Punk Rock Motivatonal Song post at the blog. The playlist for P.M.A. so far = Circle Jerks – Wonderful (live 1985), Suicidal Tendencies – I Want More (live Amsterdam 2009), the Bouncing Souls – Sing Along Forever, 7 Seconds – Kids Are United / Walk Together, Rock Together / 99 Red Balloons (5/09/10 Las Vegas) and more…
There’s also quotes posted on ‘spirituality’ collected from my 15-year writing career—Glenn Danzig, Marky Ramone, Jesse Michaels, John Joseph… etc
The September 2 launch is part of a triple zine launch and 3-day exhibition—September 1, 2 & 3. It is presented by the Paper Cuts Collective (a zine collective) that I introduced a couple of posts back.
Please bookmark us and join our Facebook group to get all the latest news/updates regarding the launch and other upcoming collaborative initiatives.
I feel so much better now that Conversations With Punx has a home of its own. I will be able to give ConversationsWithBianca.com more focus. I do so many things that it all gets blurred sometimes—hopefully things will become a little clearer around here over the coming weeks as to where this is headed. Thanks for bearing with me through the growth and staying interested. There’s lots of exciting things in the works.
One of my favourite people and my creative comrade in arms, Don Letts has recently been working on a documentary called STRUMMERVILLE. It focuses on the charity of the same name that came into existence after Clash front man Joe Strummer passed away. The film had its world premiere the week just passed at SXSW. The charity helps provide a platform for upcoming bands, helps with funding and to get them into studios, provide access to mentors and more! For more info on the charity that helps emerging bands check out: Strummerville and the interviews with Don about the film below.
Don has also been responsible for wonderful documentaries on Sun Ra, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, The Clash, Punk Attitude and more!
RANDOM MISS B STORY: I met Don a couple of years back, he was in my hometown of Brisbane presenting a screening of the Clash doco Westway To The World among others. He also read excerpts from his biography Culture Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers, had a Q & A with the audience and performed one of the most amazing reggae, dub, dancehall DJ sets I have ever seen in my life.
Earlier, in the weeks leading up to Don’s appearance at The Globe in Brisneyland I’d been trying to secure a conversation with Don for my book project, Conversations With Punx: A Spiritual Dialogue; trying without much luck. A couple of days out from the screening/show I noticed a missed called on my cell/mobile phone. I checked my voicemail and a very British accent came down the line saying, “Hi this is Don Letts. I heard you’re looking for me.” To say that I was excited is the understatement of the year! I have always had a lot of respect and admiration for Don’s work. I can identify with him in the way that he is a part of, has helped shape and documents some of the most vibrant, innovative, creative music communities in the world—something which I aspire to every day with my work.
I told Don about my project and he listened with great interest. He told me that despite being a part of the punk community since its inception he had not necessarily thought of punk and his work having a direct link to spirituality. He told me that he rather it just manifests itself in his work. He also commented: My church isn’t a building, my church is the planet and the way I give praise and thanks to the creator, whatever or whoever he or she might be to any individual. It’s in the actions and the way that I conduct myself on a day-to-day basis. I respect myself, I respect other people. To me, that made a lot of sense, commonsense in fact. What do you think?
Are there any good music related documentaries you’ve seen of late?
Love & light, [comment]
I am incredibly lucky to have some very strong, creative, forward thinking, beautiful, innovative, independent, inspiring women in my life. I decided that I wanted to help raise the Universal awareness of their awesomeness. They’re ruling their Universe one day at a time, they’re being them and they’re making a positive contribution to their communities, the world and others lives. Let me introduce the first rockin’ lady: Miss Heidi Minx!
You see so much bad stuff in the world, or so many stupid things in the press; banal things that don’t make a difference in the world except to fuel a gossip fire. I have had so many people reach out to me since starting this – offering their skills, wanting to come and work with me while I am there. People I have never met, but who have found out about the project because of people spreading the word virally. I like people stepping up, and saying, “I don’t have a lot of money, but I can build a website, or pitch a documentary movie.” It is a very amazing reminder that we are a global community, one that’s not always dictated by language or lines on a map. ~Heidi Minx, Built On Respect (book extract)
10 Reasons Why Heidi is Ruling It:
1) Built On Respect. As part of Built On Respect it’s Miss Minx goal to embrace the DIY mentality, to personally work to raise funds, and also to directly oversee their disbursement while documenting it, working side by side with different community organizations. The majority of her work has been done in India working with Tibetan communities in exile teaching them sustainable business practices, English and helping at a free art school which works to help keep Tibetan Traditional art alive. For more info check out BuiltOnRespect.com.
2) Punk Rock Domestics is Heidi getting her Martha Stewart on. On PRD she says: Feel more like a home wrecker than a home designer? Tired of 10,000 shows on the home and garden network that DON’T include decorating with spray paint, or vegan recipes? Only know the names of flowers from your tattoo artist? Then you’re in the right place. Never mind Martha Stewart, we’re here to share recipes, decorating tips, even how to make your clothing better!” Check it out for your dose of D.I.Y.
3) Franky & Minx. Heidi has ran and created her own fashion line Franky & Minx. Every lady’s dream! They have super cute handbags (as rocked by Davey Havok, he has a PVC clutch, Mei-Ling Koller has a pink one & Camilla ex-Horrorpops rocks tartan print)! And the clothes & accessories have been worn by members of Sick Of It All, Agnostic Front, H20, Madball and more!
4) Home Rockanomics is a book Heidi has recently released. I just got my copy from Amazon.com in the mail! It’s an extension of Punk rock Domestics. Filled with d.i.y projects and recipes from your favourite bands. For more info on the book click here.
5) Inked For a Cause. Heidi does a regular column for US tattoo/culture mag Inked. She chats with awesome people that do awesome things. Inked For a Cause specialises in promoting people that are inked and that help others.
6) Rumor has it that Miss Heidi is hard at work on a project about Tibetan tattoos/tattooing while on her latest visit to India. Another feather in the cap, another way to bring attention to the cause :)
7) I admire Heidi for using her success for good. She’s been interviewed countless times, wrote for various mags and appeared in magazine spreads. Despite her rising profile Heidi remains grounded and continues to go about her business as usual.
8) I think it’s wonderful that she’s a business woman. She does business without selling her soul. Heidi has a super work ethic—she’s always doing a million things at once and always ready for new opportunities that arise.
9) She sees the world while helping it. As well as working in Dharamsala, India Heidi has also contributed her time and effort working as a volunteer in Haiti. Recently I came across the book 500 Places Where You Can Make A Difference. It’s a travel while helping people, animals and the planet guide. You can serve communities while exploring them in a unique, connected way. Care for orphans in Delhi, India, teach English on the beaches of Salvador, Brazil, track dolphins in Oahu, Hawaii, help build a school in Madagascar, care for baby elephants in Sri Lanka, or teach swimming to kids in Fiji. There’s 500 ideas, surely one will resonate with you!
10) Last but not least, she has cultivated a great network and support group of friends to help her on her adventures. Heidi isn’t trying to sell something to people, she’s trying to connect with them and share information. Finally is you don’t believe me about Heidi’s awesomeness have a listen to what Heidi’s pals have to say:
My & Heidi’s pals The Bouncing Souls:
Heidi visiting Tamding in his studio to hear about his art (he’s a tattooist and musican), how he uses it to promote a Free Tibet, and how he came to live in exile:
Sick of It All Inked for a Casue:
If you know any awesome ladies doing awesome things let me know!
Do you know the time in which you work at your best? If you don’t know the answer to the question I suggest you have a think. Being in touch with yourself and knowing your body’s cycles and rhythms is essential to your productivity. And, don’t we all want to be more productive?! It’s helpful to try and slot in the important things when you know you’re at your best. Also, knowing when you tend to ‘flop out’ is the perfect time to plan something fun and light-hearted. Work with your body and mind not against it.
The last month has been very kind to me, I’ve been inspired 24/7 (yes even when I sleep) no joke! My dreams have been vivid and insightful. Usually I’m a morning person though and I get up super early to write. I tend to flake out by mid afternoon and then get a second-wind in the late afternoon/early evening. My Jhonny on the other hand is a total night owl. I’ve seen him sit an 8-hour+ stretch working on something and not even flinch. I wake up every morning to a new painting at the foot of the bed, drawing on my bedside table, new songs on my Ishuffle—that usually gets me fired up and inspired for my day.
I tend to spend my evenings writing to do lists and planning the next day ahead. I find that doing this it frees up my mind for sleep and I’m not stressing about anything and I can get a more solid, peaceful, restful sleep.
The Bhagavad-Gita describes that there’s three different modes of nature; day is divided up into different modes. The early morning hours are described as illuminating. It’s a great time to get inspiration. They’re very special. The morning up until lunchtime is the “mode of goodness” then you have the “mode of passion” in the afternoon. You see everyone running around in the day trying to make money and get things done. The evening is described as the “mode of ignorance” people tend to flop out. ~Lora Logic (book extract)*
Tap into your natural rhythms friends. It’s all part of uncovering your truth. So, tell me when you work best?
Every second is precious. Make it count!
*Lora played saxophone in one of my favourite female-fronted British punk acts X-Ray Spex. She’s also had her own solo career and played on release for The Stranglers, The Raincoats & Boy George. After leaving X-Ray Spex Lora joined the Hare Krishna faith and stayed on an estate donated to the Hare’s by George Harrison of the Beatles fame. She currently resides in India with her husband and children.
PS- The weekend post recap, just in case you missed it:
“If I had to boil it down to one word it would be “kindness.” It goes beyond that, though. Spirituality is a training of the mind and heart in wisdom and compassion practices and ways of living that increase understanding of the way that the world, ourselves or reality really are . Spirituality is also learning how to respond skilfully to the suffering and confusion in the world. The only rational response being to care about it, to feel compassion for all of the confusion and suffering that’s present both personally and in society or the world.” Noah Levine on spirituality (book extract).
In my travels I’ve explored and encountered many different cultures and their unique perspectives and philosophies on life. I’ve come across some things that have fit me well and those that didn’t at all. Something I found that has resonated strongly with me though is the Buddhist idea/concept of The Noble Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path is a collection of eight enduring principles which if taken onboard can help you be and do your best. I’ve found that by incorporating these virtues into my own life it has helped me create things that bring benefit to others and lasting value to people’s lives—inspiring them to take action and make a positive difference themself—as well as my own.
Working with the following tools, I feel you can’t really go wrong. It’s all common sense. I don’t define myself as Buddhist (I find stuff in Buddhism that I don’t necessarily agree with) but I do appreciate and practice the things that ring true to me. Have a read, see what you think & make your own mind up.
We’re all interconnected and interdependent—as are the values associated with the path’s principles: wisdom, ethics & mindful-awareness—maybe have a think about what you’re contributing to the world with what you do in your everyday and of your values and what you believe. I’ve found that when exercising the following steps my life is more successful in all areas.
The Eight Steps to living your best life:
Right View. Right View is understanding your reality. It’s realising that a conditioned existence if unacceptable. It’s visualising your highest potential while maintaining a realistic view of where you’re at and what you’re doing. Ask the questions: How do I see myself? What is my purpose? How does it impact the world? What are my gifts? How am I utilising them? What is my grand vision for my life?
It’s important to have a vision and to really see that vision and believe it. Having a clear idea of self and what you do is a great foundation for anything in life. Often our idea of self can be distorted by ego and delusions. Having Right View will help you see beyond that and influence your day-to-day decisions for the better. If you’re having trouble seeing yourself, why not ask a trusted friend for help. Friends can sometimes see what we can’t. They can give us a fresh perspective on ourselves. It’s time to awaken to the real you… wakey, wakey! Rise and shine.
Having Right View is looking at all the ‘good’ and all the ‘bad’ bits that make up you. Once you acknowledge your truth and accept where you’re at, you can work on changing those things that don’t fit. It can also be about keeping ourselves free from prejudice and superstition.
Right Intention. With your thoughts you create your world and with your intentions you set the tone and dedication of your mission. Your mission is what you do; it should drive and excite you.
Your intentions behind what you do, determines the quality of your interactions and life experience. Choosing your intentions chooses your experience. Ask yourself what is my mission? I’ve found the practice and cultivation of equanimity can be helpful here as it can nurture innovation and promote open-minded thinking. How we think influences how we feel and how we feel affects what we say and what we do.
Right Speech. Think before you speak. Lose the ego and bad attitude. Think about what are you saying? How are you saying it? Right Speech is saying things that matter and that are not hurtful or causes harm to others. That includes things like idle chatter, there’s a lot of people out there that just talk for the sake of talking, silence can definitely be golden sometimes.
I admit that in the past I’ve totally been guilty of saying hurtful things to others (I’m pretty sure that we’ve all been guilty of that at some point). The important thing though is that I woke up and saw what I was doing and have worked super hard every day since to be mindful of my words. I’ve also apologised (where I have been able to) to those I have hurt. As with all these ideas it takes practice, dedication and work.
A funny thing I’ve noticed since consciously practising Right Speech is that sometimes the people that are on the receiving end of what I am saying get a little taken aback by the truth. Maybe at times I haven’t phrased what I’m saying so great, right speech to me is also choosing your words wisely. Think about what it is you’re really trying to say, don’t just grab the first word available and think that’ll do.
Note: Also typing mindfully would fall under Right Speech to me. In our day and age our interactions on the internet, chats, forums etc (our online voice) is equally as powerful. Don’t hide behind your keyboard being a hero gossiping and slagging people off, contribute something of value to discussions—be helpful not hurtful.
Right Action is understanding that your actions have consequences. It’s about walking the walk and talking the talk and treating others how you want to be treated. It’s always a work in progress; we are always upgrading ourselves so obviously it can change moment to moment. It’s basically just not acting in ways that would be dishonest or bring harm to oneself or to others.
Right Livelihood. Seriously, the world needs you to do what you love! When you’re passionate, engaged, aware you’re at your best. It’s all about loving what you do and taking up a vocation that is non-detrimental to others. It’s also appreciating what you have, your talents, and your abilities and using them for the power of good.
Right Effort is combining your intelligence with your intuition. It’s performing at the top of your game. Exercising efficiency in your work, you don’t need to work a million hours a week. It’s about making the effort to work smarter not harder. Exercising Right Effort enhances you productivity. It’s about practice and perseverance, it can take a lot of effort and energy to go against the grain and change our habits and conditioning.
Practising Right Mindfulness is being aware. It’s staying fluid. It’s being a witness. It’s being in the moment. It’s being thoughtful in your actions (if you haven’t noticed yet, all of these principles overlap and work in unison with each other). It’s keeping in mind what motivates you? Please cherish your mind lovelies. To me the Eightfold Noble Path is all about being mindful of yourself and others.
Right Concentration is collecting your energy, focusing and once again staying in the moment. It’s cultivating a strong mind. Meditation has helped me with this. Having clarity of mind can help us do great things.
For more info on the above: Dharma Punx author Noah Levine talks about The Eightfold Path here. Also, the Dharma Punx NYC site has more information on the Eightfold Noble Path and some interesting, helpful talks and guided meditations on everything from dealing with stress & anxiety to working with depression.
I LOVE books! I adore reading. I have several on the go at one time! I can’t help myself. I’ve worked in libraries for the greater part of a decade. I’m addicted to the smell of the pages, the feel of the different textured page paper (I also care about GSM! ha!), the quirky cover designs and the thrill I get from opening a package from Amazon.com and my frequent visits to Borders books. I’m currently in the midst of the following books:
“I think the book Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is extremely important. That book helped shift my paradigm. It helped me understand what spirituality means. The young Brahman in the book falls into materialistic practices. In his old age he becomes not religious, but spiritualised by his connection to the river. He works as a ferry man and that becomes his spirituality. The river becomes his religion. It’s an incredible book. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone. Even if you take nothing away from it except a good story, it’s still incredible. It’s a work of genius…
… If you’re doing something long enough, religiously enough—pun intended—then it kind of becomes your spiritual practice. It becomes your religion. It becomes what you’re about. Your heart and soul is in it and it’s what you do. Even the simplest practices become active prayers. There is a definite connection there. If you do something for long enough it’s going to smack of spirituality.” (extract from my book project)
Are there any books that have made a big difference in your life? I’m always on the look out for a new read… I read lots of different types of books so let me know what’s awesome that you’ve found so I can check it out.
RANDOM MISS B STORY: At a show one night in my hometown a young punk kid came up to me and said, “I never read anything but I read your zine from cover to cover and it made me really happy. You so get it. Thank you.” That kid’s comment made my whole night. Recalling it still makes me smile… a lot!
“In fact, punk rock means exemplary manners towards your fellow human being”
~Joe Strummer
Punk rock and hip hop music have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have my older brother and sisters with their schizophrenic cassette tape and record collections to thank for getting me into it, and my life off to a running start. It’s helped inspire me along the path to fighting the good fight.
Both punk and hip hop culture has helped educate me about the world we live in (as well as other dimensions—just ask Gift of Gab :))—but that’s a discussion for another day… ha, ha!). They’ve helped craft my values; ideas shared in the music and lyrics have influenced my views on the world and helped shaped my beliefs. They’ve encouraged me to open my eyes to my own potentiality and helped unlock my heart. They’ve empowered me with tools to do anything I want to in life. The cultures provide a platform in which I can have a voice and the friends that I have made on my journey navigating the cultures make me feel like I matter. Being a part of the communities for over half my life has helped illuminate my awareness and nurture my self-awareness. In a way, it feels like they have been parents to me… mi familia.
Time and time again punk (I include hardcore too, it’s all punk to me) and hip hop, facilitate the experience of being wholly present in the moment. When I am present I feel truly alive, time seems to stop and nothing else matters beyond that moment. It is something profoundly sacred to me, pure and beyond words. I know that many of you reading this will totally know what I mean. Those who get it will and those who don’t won’t … and that’s totally fine too! I just speak from what I know to be true for me, from my heart and my experience.
Conversations with Punx: A Spiritual Dialogue is by far my most ambitious project to date (it is only the beginning :)). It is a celebration of mi familia and a discovery and journey of self. It’s an exercise in questioning, asking why and how? It’s all about conversations on the pursuit of happiness. It prompts you to reflect on your own life and dig deeper for your best. It’s about sharing information and (hopefully) opening up thoughtful discussion.
Conversations with Punx… is the foundation for this site and an extension of the community of like-minded individuals championing creativity across the globe that is always building slowly yet surely (sometimes in secret… I love the underground, bedroom jams and crafts from the kitchen table). It’s a coming together in celebration of individuality and commonalities. It’s about the human condition and life… one that I am thankful to have.
In short: 60+ conversations with creators from the punk and hardcore world sharing their thoughts & feelings on and experiences with creativity, music and spirituality! How exciting!
It’s been six years since I first started the project. I had the idea for it around a year or so before that. In a way I’ve felt that everything I have done and everything I’ve learnt along the way has propelled me to this point… so my friends, this has been a loooong time coming. Thank you to all who have supported and who continue to support both me and my projects. Thanks old friends and new friends, each of you means the world to me. I appreciate that you care, as I do too. We understand each other; we’re on that same frequency (no matter if we’re into punk, hip hop or something else entirely—we all ultimately want to be happy and are on a search for our truth—whatever that means for us). This project is for the True Hearts, True Believers & the Truth Seekers.
Now without further ado the news you’ve all been waiting (patiently) for…
Conversations with Punx: A Spiritual Dialogue release details:
The book will first be released as a series of limited-edition handmade zines over a twelve-month period. Each issue will feature around 5 conversations possibly more (there are still a few I’m finishing up now). They’ll be around 60-70 pages in total give or take a few.
A new issue will be released each month. Each issue will be available to order from the first day of the month until the last day of the month. Once the month is up though that’s it, you will have to wait for the limited edition (numbered) hardcover book release or the concise paperback edition (which will feature additional conversations never before seen).
To get a piece of my [he]art to your letter box (old school) post style—it’ll be super fun to receive more than only bills every month—you will be able to choose your own adventure and purchase as you go (month by month) or get it as a 12-month subscription. If you make the one-off subscription payment you will be really and truly helping me fund the project! As a thank you, you will receive the zines at a cut-rate price as well as having the option to receive a (currently) top secret bonus I’m working on. I’m trying my best to pull it all together as soon as I can, I want to make sure I give you guys my best though as you do to me.
More details to be released soon…
Kind words from kind people:
“I’m looking forward to reading the finished piece. I’m glad that you are getting so much out of the process.”
~Ian MacKaye
“Can’t wait to hold a copy of the book in my hands!”
~Vic DiCara
“Can’t wait to see the book, so happy to be a part of it. Go Bianca!”
~Jonah Matranga
“I’m psyched to see the finished product.”
~Rob Fusco
“I look forward to reading the book and thank you again for having me be a part of it… it’s such a worthwhile project”
~Robert Ehrenbrand
“I am really happy with our conversation and it is very gratifying to know that it will be out there in the world… you really have a fantastic journalistic style. I think you are on the right path with your book and with your interest in spirituality… keep up your excellent work… I think it’s an important book.”
~Jesse Michaels
I hope you guys are digging the way I’ve decided to release the project. It’s taken me a long while to reach the decision of how to release this work. I thought about it, a lot! I asked a lot of people for advice. Personally, I didn’t want to release it as a book and then that’s it—as what often happens—there’s so many books released every day. I wanted to do something more with it. I wanted to create something wonderful, something sincere, meaningful and long lasting—to create something special. The thoughts contained on the pages are too thoughtful, extraordinary and important.
Dannii, Anthony, Jhonny and Everett thank you for having conversations with me on the day I decided to release the project this way… your words, thoughts and opinions help guide my decision—without you even knowing it!
So many people I spoke to just wanted me to release it as a book (apparently releasing a book comes with prestige (ha!)) and while I can’t wait for the book (!!!) I knew I wanted to do something else too. Ian’s words, ‘I’m glad that you are getting so much out of the process’ made me stop and think about the process… I came to the conclusion that I’m still not done with the process. I’m still really enjoying myself, now more than ever. Now it’s getting really exciting because I’m sharing it with you guys and making so many new friends worldwide. I want to give it the release it deserves. I’ve always been reluctant to just hand the book and its contents over to someone else. I had thoughts of ‘Would they change it?’, ‘Not get it?’, and ‘Just try to cash in from it?’ The people I’m working with to bring you it, are remarkable, good people… you’ll find out more about them as the process unfolds.
Part of why I wanted to release it as a series of zines over 12-months is because to do something like that takes a commitment. I wanted to commit to myself and I wanted to create something beautiful—handmade zines (to start) just felt right. Making that commitment means that I have to be on my game at all times, I have to organise myself, look after myself, stay healthy, positive, rise to challenges, learn new things (my Jhonny is teaching me to screen-print the zine covers!), push myself past my limitations… in short, it’s a commitment to me living my best life.
Releasing it over 12-months also gives you guys a chance to really absorb the stories, lessons, love in each conversation and hopefully find something that rings true to you that you can take onboard and utilise to make changes—lasting, positive changes in your life. As a whole piece, the 60+ conversations can be really, really intense!! Even to me, who has looked at them every single day over the last 6 years, I find it overwhelming! I laugh, I cry, I shake my head in disbelief or nod in agreement or disagreement as I read. Some of the conversations just make me want to give the person I’m speaking to a big old hug—they’ve all given so much of themselves to their creativity, art and the world. They inspire me by being themselves and following their heart for better or worse.
From day one of this project I have told myself that the bottom line is to enjoy the process, keep my mind and heart open, make new friends and contribute something positive and rad to the world…. and it’s been so far so good. Thank you for joining me on my journey. Let’s commit to the next part together. Let’s encourage each other to live our best life.
As the exquisite, strong, inspiring lady Corey Parks told me:
We’re not victims of circumstance; we create our own reality. I love that we can draw anything to us through the laws of attraction and that through the power of our words we can access anything we want in life. I want to have a life beyond my wildest dreams. That’s my divine right. That’s your divine right. That’s Duane’s divine right and little Clash’s here [laughs].
One of my dearest friends in the whole wide world Dannii sent me the below ideas and thoughts a little while ago… it’s an anonymous poem. Now I know some of you may have an chronic aversion to anything called a ‘poem’ if that’s your caper, think of it as song lyrics or reading a passage from a book. Pretend I didn’t even use the ‘p’ word ha… ha! It’s about connections with others that you make in life. I think it’s a great companion to my Friendship Manifesto. Here goes:
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~Unknown
Thoughts?
I’m off to have breakfast sandwiches! Have a wonderful day lovelies!
PS- Tomorrow is a super important day to me… I’ll be announcing my book release details in a post! I’ve been squirming in my seat wanting to tell you all for sooooo long! Be sure to check back!
“There is a prayer that I say every morning, it’s actually a long sequence of prayers. The one part of it that really sums up my theology goes something like—actually I know exactly what it is but I’ll take it out of the scriptural language—“Whoever you are you made this energy in me. Whatever it is that keeps my heart beating, whatever in this world is or isn’t, whatever is an illusion or whatever isn’t, we’re alive, whatever that means. While this energy is here and in me for as long as it is in me, thanks.”
When Jonah told me the above, I thought it was one of the most beautiful and right on things I’ve heard anyone say. I believe that we are all energy and everything is energies and daily we come into contact with all types of energy that can affect our well being.
My pal Prue told me about ‘happy shields’ the other day. She was telling me how when you have your happy shield up you can deflect negative energy… ‘phew! phew! phew!’ that’s the sound of negative vibes deflecting off my happy shield! ha… ha.. ha! I definitely had mine up yesterday… in short it was one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong and all I heard was bad news. I put that happy shield up though and by the end of the evening I was back on track.
Waking up and giving thanks, giving gratitude, for our energy and being alive is the ultimate way to start the day.
Get those happy shields up!
PS – A great big Happy birthday must go to my dear, darling big sister Juanita de Valentino. I admire your strength, perseverance and positive outlook on life Juanita despite all the struggles you have endure. You inspire me incredibly by being you. I love you times a million and one and am thankful to have you in my Universe. Good luck with you film work this year Nita! xoxo
