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BLANKS THE INSPIRATION

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:38:06 -0500

Everyone gets their epiphanies in different ways. In the weirdest ways, something sparks that light bulb and we are illuminated with ideas, motivation, drive, and endless desire. I have folders on my desk entitled “Inspire ... Words, Architect, Love, Scrap, Photos, Design”. When I find a photo that sends a spark, I save it. I’ve got music that puts me in a zone; takes me to a distant location where I get lost in movement and my insides dance (which subsequently results in me singing I’m sorry and dancing I can’t help myself). I’m sure many music blogs will find my ISP in their traffic records. My iTunes Library can attest to the countless hours I’ve scrounged the internet for new, edgy, underground, unreleased music that’s not status quo. Taking me to a book store is a mistake. I get lost in the words of poetic genii, people who make a living thinking of cunning metaphors and similes and string them together to create these symphonic novels that just take you places. I loose hours at my computer scrolling through different websites, saturating myself in technological jargon. HTML, CSS, this-and-that new iPhone application, Hot News tips, Kevin Rose and Diggnation. TED never seems to fall short of amazing me. I get jealous just watching the brilliance of people and how they think.

I’m sure that my co-workers will agree. People amaze me. And I’m not talking about the wallflowers and the contemporary Pop-heads that mother their pair of myPhonies. I’m talking about the 92 year old woman that wants to learn how to edit her pictures and make books for her great-grand kids; the stay-at-home Mom that’s not just a dedicated computer student, but a Girl Scout leader, a major player in a Ballet company, a part of several community organizations, and still somehow makes time to be an active parent; the Grandfather that spends his days fishing and his nights making DVD slideshows of his LIFE so his grandkids know their legacy. Then there’s always those I’m closest to. Musicians, filmmakers, photographers, artists, designers, bloggers, activists, techies, the movers and shakers, the dreamers who are always coloring outside the lines.

I hope that I am that emotion. I want to invoke that spark.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Some, but not limited to...
Music
moteldemoka
BedTime Tunes
Ryan Leslie
Beatbox Flute
Movies/TV
Who Killed the Electric Car?
Six Feet Under
Viral Videos
Playing For Change
Post-It Animation
Sponsored by destiny
Links
imgfave
twistori
musicovery
People
Malcolm Gladwell
Michel Gondry

LISTS

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:20:30 -0500

In college, a professor of mine told us in class one day that if we wrote down our life goals and carried them along with us, there would be a higher likelihood of us achieving them because they would serve as a constant reminder of our passions. I wrote mine down a few years ago on my computer stickies. Looking at them a few days ago, I realized that I need to be realistic about a few.

I have a strong desire to do well for myself. I’m sure a good majority of people have the same hopes and aspirations. Since graduating college almost three years ago, I’ve had many different work experiences. It’s been a tough road with the market going through job freezes and the economy failing. I’ve been unemployed and had to work several jobs at once. I’m grateful to be passed that phase and working towards a career. From the turn of events, mostly the economic downturn, I’m being hopeful that I’ll be able to make that 5-6 figure job, but now I think it’s best to not put a time stamp on it. I’ll make it there sooner than later.

Now more than ever in my life, I want to feel the comfort of making a life for myself. To be able to live on my own, without roommates, in a place that I have made my home. To be able to walk into a store and not have to consider the budgeting I will need to make. It’s a priority of mine and rather than hope to buy a cadillac or have a closet full of labels, I’d rather focus those aspirations on doing well for myself, whether it be learning a new hobby, becoming more involved in my community, or opening a business. I want to make a mark.

So my list has changed; instead of short time, for the long run.

1. Job, FT w/benefits
2. Support myself (i.e. personal apt.)
3. Learn a 3rd Language
4. Run a marathon
5. own a business

MY AMERICAN HAT

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 21:16:58 -0500

I’m a part of that 18-24 range. The “future” generation. The notoriously lazy voting demographic that this next election may depend on.

I have no shame in speaking my mind when it comes to political opinion. I have the great Close Up program to thank for opening those flood gates. Ever since I was 16, I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to cast my vote. When I turned 18, I made sure to register and be an active citizen. I anxiously awaited for the next Presidential election. It was exciting to think that I’d be making a difference. And then, the darkness fell.

My father would always tell me that when he voted, he always looked at the issues, where the candidates stood, and then selected the best candidate for the position. Needless to say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In 2004, I became a part of the lazy statistic. I was upset. It was a decision of the lesser of the two evils.

I’ve vowed, since, to make a decision to be heard. And I’m not the only one.

In the coming election, I’ve noticed a highly mobilized lazy demographic. More and more young adults are participating in caucuses and in campaign support. Ratings for political shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show have skyrocketed. The greatest act of participation I witnessed was when I went to the Obama rally in Houston back in.

Sitting in the stadium was breath-taking. So many people piled in to support the candidate they so strongly supported. Silently, I sat, overcome with pride that my fellow citizens, Black, White, Asian, Latino, Old, Young, Rich, Poor, Conservative, Liberal, Progressive, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, Atheist, had come together to participate. A Melting Pot filled the seats of ideas and hope in a better tomorrow; that they’re combined voices would make a difference. This is what our founding fathers so strongly fought to keep. This is what we so need to protect.

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed ~ Declaration of Independence

I worry that with recent events, we’ll forget the focus: Our Country.

When considering who you vote for, consider this. Vote not by their hobbies, their age, their gender, the color of their skin, but by their loyalty to this Country and its people.

George Washington was a great President because he believed in the good of this Nation. They should too.

How are you putting America first?

mata.

NEIGHBORHOOD SCENTS

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:53:50 -0500

• Mr. Johnson’s BBQ Pit dependent on the day and the occasion
• Fresh cut grass
• Dairy Maid Burger Stand
• After Rain Showers when the Bayou is filled

mata.

MORNING HAIKU

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:50:44 -0500

Being away from the one you love isn’t easy. But I’m a firm believer that it builds strength and trust. At least, it’s what I hope.

mata.

SURPRISE ROAD TRIP

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:46:05 -0500

The same year I graduated college, I got a chance to work on a movie set in San Antonio. I lived there for a good 6 weeks, which seems like a very short period of time, but nevertheless it was an experience I cherish. Coincidentally, I met my amazing boyfriend on that set. He still lives there. After several weeks of him visiting and a few days after I found the 100 ideas, I thought it only appropriate to take the opportunity to Road Trip and surprise him. The hotel I got reminded me of a creepy version of the hotel from Lady in the Water. It’s been a good two years since I’ve been to San Antonio. The Smithsonian built a new museum dedicated to Latino Art. The exhibition they had up (the ONLY one) was of Political Posters. It was really cool to see them. Other than that, the highlight of the trip was watching my sas be awe-struck as he walked out of the elevator. CM Veggie Sammiches never tasted so good!

mata.

100 IDEAS

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:25:39 -0500

I stumbled upon Keri Smith’s website sometime last week and after reading through some of the ideas thought it’d be a nice thing to spend my summer doing. I’m a firm believer in the little things and their respective existence in peoples lives. So why not celebrate them in the biggest and best way possible.

You only live once.
mata.