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Sunday, March 20, 2011

New Beginnings

Today I start on my quest to blog once again. Being this my third attempt. It is not for lack of desire, more of lack of direction. What makes this time different? This time it is purely for me. Focusing on my passion, writing. Promoting my blog, earning revenue, gaining followers or trying to put it into one category is no longer my ambition. Instead my goal is to move the ramblings, musings,that are conversing in my head onto this page. Thus making room for more random thoughts to enter.

After all, Being a mom of a teenage girl and a teenage boy, wife to my best friend of 20+ years, " sister" to many talented girlfriends, daughter to two aging parents, aunt to one long lost niece who has re-entered my life and has chosen to stay. Not to forget, one dog that we saved from going to the shelter. Who at this moment has decided not to leave my side if at all possible.

Add in my quest for meaningful employment, homeschooling my son, my various art and craft projects, all my many passions. While doing my best to budget and schedule it all in. With the attempt to stay some what sane amongst the chaos.

The above I believe, Could make for interesting topics and conversations. Without having to try so hard to be something/someone that I am not.
Thank you for jumping on the ride, Life's travels are always better shared with a friend.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Avatar

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With pushing from  friends who know me well. I finally purchased and watched the movie Avatar.  While my film library is full of independent films. There are a few blockbuster mega hits in the mix.  I chose not to see this in theatre since the buzz  kept saying to see it in 3-D. However since our town is lacking in a 3-D theatre and my time is limited.  Waiting for the DVD seemed like the best option. After all there was no better movie to get the full effect of our new large screen HD television.

While not giving away the entire plot to those who like me chose to wait. I will say that there is a forceful message. Thus why it was released on Earth Day. While some compare it to Dances with Wolves. I could see a dozen films that inspired this visually stimulating film. For me personally it reminded me of my ancestors, the Celts, the Pagans, Druids who were forced to change, conform, with many of their sacred traditions lost. Today the same thing is happening in the Amazon. Tribes who were once isolated from contact with others, with no realization of modern civilization. Now being forced to work for the very people who destroyed their lands for profit. Just to survive.

Surprisingly I loved this movie.  Surprisingly because I tend to prefer a movie with substance over special effects.  This had both. While I must admit the message that Avatar sends us was nothing new. It is the philosophy in which I base my life. That we as humans must coexist, accept those who are different, treasure our heritage and those of others. Mostly importantly the majority or those with the biggest weapons are not always right.

There is a  light, energy that flows through all of us. When one of those lights are snuffed out, whether it be a species of plant, animal life or a entire clan of people. The rest of the Universe is dimmed forever.

Click here to view trailer, watch immediately with VOD or order DVD through Amazon.

Toy Story 3

 

My family loves Pixar! We are so excited to see Toy Story 3 this summer. My son and I are in the process of turning our son's once little boys room into a teen room. Buzz and the gang are now replaced with Jack Skellington, other Tim Burton characters/ films/decor. In a box within his closet, sits a box where the Toy Story gang now resides. They are the sole remains of his boyhood. While he thought he could part with his beloved toys, in the end he could not. Just like Andy. This time real life has imitated art. While sitting in the theatre next to my son. I will remember the little boy that once was. The obsession that led him to be Buzz three successive Halloweens.The weeks it took us to find his first Buzz since they were out of production. Finally locating one in Japan. Luckily TS2 was released not soon after. That obsession was one of the pieces that linked him with being autistic. Buzz at one time was his only friend.For us this is not a mere movie yet a rite of passage. One I am not sure I will be ready for. 

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Here it is...

An example of why they call previews teasers. It make you wanting more. Mark your calendar for June 18, 2010!

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earth Day 2010

I have been meaning to re-launch this blog for sometime. The thoughts have been there along with the time. So why not? A dozen milestones have come and gone. Why start with Earth Day?
Because Mother Earth is crying out for help and it is up to us. We can talk about our carbon footprints or global warming. The need to recycle, protect our wildlife, use less fossil based fuels and even planting more trees.
Yet,I will save those issues so close to my heart for a later date. Today is about universal energy. The light that flows through everything and everyone. Our connection with one another.
Call me a modern day hippie. I believe in Peace. A major political issue that we mere citizens have no control over. Or do we? Peace does not start with power house nations it begins with us. It begins with acceptance.

Growing up my parents exposed me to all different kinds of people. Of every color, religion and economic status. Giving me the wonderful experiences of all heritages, backgrounds. Within my work as a makeup artist and the theatre, I found myself making friends with those of different sexual orientations. I learned early on that love sees no color. That money does not give you class. Nor does the lack of it give you none. That love is a wonderful, marvelous thing that should not be discouraged in what ever form it has been blessed upon us. That every one has a story that deserves to be heard.

Being a mom of a special needs child has taught me that one must not judge. Thirteen years ago I may have believed in accepting those you were different. Yet, my voice remained silent. I may myself have judged someone without knowing them. My son changed that, teaching me that it is okay to be different. That within judgement comes pain. Real emotional pain that was inflicted on my son by classmates, strangers, even some of our friends.

My sweet son who has nothing but love in his pure heart, who has done nothing wrong but to be autistic. His stimming, his social awkwardness, his world, leaves him vulnerable. Vulnerable to verbal and physical attacks, rude stares and comments from those who know nothing about him. To even be shunned from parties that our once so called friends had without an invite with his name on it. He learned early on that being different was not acceptable in today's society. I am out to prove that being different can be and should be celebrated. My mission is for him to celebrate his differences, see them as a blessing, not a curse.

While I cannot shield him from ignorant people. I can raise him in an environment that celebrates everyone and their unique qualities. To surround him with loving spirits that will lift him up.
Within our circle of friends that are more like family. He along with his older sister find comfort in those of all nationalities, economic status, religions/spiritualities and sexual orientation. Strong role models that provide them with the love, the foundation on which to base their own independence. So, they too that can learn that love knows no color, that money does not give you class, nor the lack of it gives you none, that love in no matter what form is a marvelous gift.

So my message, my request this Earth Day is to celebrate Universal energy. To look beyond the stereotypes and find it in your heart to accept those different than yourself.

Instead of shunning that neighbor of a different race than you. Smile and say hello, start a conversation, maybe you will become fortunate enough to make a new friend. Instead of judging those with less material goods than yourself, donate to a food pantry or homeless shelter. Feel blessed that you are in the position to help. When you see a gay couple holding hands, replace your hate and disgust with happiness and joy. Celebrate the fact that they are sharing their love with each other, with the world. Attend a church or spiritual celebration with those of different beliefs than yourself. Have an open mind, an open heart.

When your son or daughter's birthday approaches encourage them to invite that kid in class, neighborhood that is a bit different, the one who has a hard time making friends. You cannot imagine how much that would mean to that child and their parents. You cannot imagine the impact it can have on your own child.

Everyone has the ability to change the world, one moment, one act of kindness, one small wonder at a time. Uplifting words, actions tend to come back to us. Blessing the giver with even more positive energy than the receiver.

So you see, Peace is possible, if only in our own hearts.

Happy Earth Day 2010 everyone!
We are all children of the Universe. So be kind and love one another.

Peace, love and light,
Mitzi

Friday, May 8, 2009

A window into my world



This being my first post. I wanted to share an important place in my life. I am blessed to call the Columbia River Gorge in the beautiful state of Oregon my home. Below is a picture of Multnomah Falls. It has been the backdrop in several movies, while being one of the most visited places in the NW. I call many of the several waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway my soul searching, thinking spots. I hold this particular waterfall close to my heart for it holds the most memories. The trips there with my late grandparents. The drives on the weekends with my parents that always ended with an ice cream cone. The hikes with friends. Including the time we almost spent the night because we started the climb much to late in the day. Most importantly, my husband's marriage proposal.
This is where I go when life becomes too difficult. When I need to clear my mind, allowing the calmness of the water, the shear beauty of nature to inspire, rejuvenate my spirit.