Journey to a Lovely Sacred Destination

Last Saturday, I was able to reunite and gather with lovely friends who have entered my life through travel and music.

My travel companion and I were able to sit down and plot some of the points of our travel. We wrote it into our copy of Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book by Taro Gomi. Christina gave me this copy and I figured it would the best place to catalog our adventures and invite our friends and hosts to share their experience with us. We'll "draw, draw, PASS!" in this notebook. It will be quite a treasure at the end of this summer.

Barbarella, Queen of the Galaxy

I needed a distraction. Life feels like too much lately. I'm all kinds of unbalanced at the moment. I feel like I am standing on one foot with the wind rushing past me... strange. I put a request for a new project. Something to take me away from the long-standing obligations and would inspire me to create something new. 

My friend Osman Malik gave me an opportunity to create a flyer design for his show at the end of this month. It is my first commission in a VERY long time. I almost feel inexperienced but I am learning a lot through the process. I asked him for the details and a feel or message that he wanted conveyed. He said, "Barbarella."

I had never seen the film before... of course now I had to experience this strange science-fiction oddity of a cult film. I recognized the cover art but always confused it with those fantastic films of the same era. I still don't quite know how I feel about this film. It is totally ridiculous but I love so many of the small details.

I was inspired by the typography in both of the posters on the left. I feel like the most important feature of a flyer for a show are the words. The information. The letters.

I designed the flyer and drew it by hand. I used black fine felt-tipped pens to draw over the lines. No photoshop or any digital gadgetry. Using a ruler to set the letter spacing, I totally thought about how it could have been finished sooner or quickly adjusted if I had done the text via editing software. There does seem to be a magical quality about the instantaneous drawn quality. Those lines were drawn with ink and could not be erased. If anything, I could only modify it after and add other details to distract and beautify. The blue was an effect from sitting under my blue neon night light during photo documentation. It is actually drawn on 9 in. x 12 in. white paper.

I was proud that I committed to my set deadline. I had the drawing completed when promised. Of course I am now thinking about investing in a scanner to scan and send high-resolution images. I should also consider devoting more time practicing my drawing skills. I had a hard time feeling satisfied with the figure. I love letters. I love lines. Forms and dimension are difficult.

I need to figure the business angle as well as what realistic expectations I can set. I have little understanding of time and space. This opportunity will lead to more opportunities in the near future.

The Petticoat Tearoom

Buffalo 40

Osman Malik & The Truth

May 31st, 2014 

DC9 - Washington, DC

$10

I discovered the artwork of Brian Butler today. http://www.theupperhandart.com/

The Concert Drawings are pretty cool. I am looking forward to filling up my Travel Doodle Book with Christina.

 Oh yeah ... and this is one of the creepiest scenes with dolls that I have scene. Razor-teethed creepy dolls.

5.17-18.2014 Downtown Frederick and Middletown

Celebrating life by reconnecting with good friends. It was a birthday weekend up north in Maryland. 

It was too cold and after the flood rain from last week we decided not to go to the Monocacy River. We ended up going to Downtown Frederick for a few drinks. I had a limited time because I had to meet another friend for her celebration in her family home in Middletown. 

I had never had an opportunity to go to Downtown Frederick before. I would like to hang out more and explore the little streets and shop fronts. It was strange seeing people. I certainly felt like part of a type, a typical look of a generation. I felt young. I felt that I would be tattooed, pierced, and dressed in clever outfits. There were other types out and about too. Some stores were quirky. I bought a pair of Silver Sequin Shwings from Retro-Metro. I was a little confused by the store's packaging. They put my purchase in a Ziploc sandwich bag. I later realized that the sandwich bag had a sticker with their store logo on it. 

We went to two places while we were downtown. We went to Cafe Nola and tried some of their delicious concoctions. They create their own infused liquors. I tried the "Perodista" - an apricot infused rum, raw simple syrup, lime martini thing. It was yummy. I was amazed I managed to get back to my seat along the far wall from the bar counter with the drink in hand and not spilling a single drop. Skills. We were there pretty early on a Saturday afternoon and the kitchen wasn't open. Most of the workers fit into a type. I felt like it was a reflection and I was afraid that I could fall into that category. I really, REALLY appreciated the hand drawn signs and menus. There were encased tea cups and saucers along the seating area and local artwork on the walls. It was cute place. I wonder what it would look like during busy hours. Oh... and they grow and harvest their own organic produce. 

Afterwards, we walked over to Bushwaller's for a drink. I didn't get a chance to spend much time there. I am sure it would be a completely different atmosphere later in the day. We headed back for some pizza at home and then I was on to my next destination for the weekend. 

I went to my old room-mate's family home in Middletown. After knowing each other for nearly 5 years, living together and surviving grad school together, I finally had an opportunity to attend her family birthday celebration. It was my first time in that home. It was really nice to hang out with her and her family. I ate some delicious mac-and-cheese and birthday cake. I even was able to take a "take home" package of leftovers home. I enjoyed sitting around the bonfire in the back. Eventually we disappeared inside to sleep and awoke the next day and the fire was still going. I enjoyed sitting down wind and having the cool breeze send some of the warm air from the fire in my direction. I smelled entirely of smoke. I really hate being cold and completely embraced the warmth of the embers. We spent some time catching up and walked around the neighborhood. I wish I could have joined them on a birthday hike in the nearby Appalachian trails. Instead, I went back south with my smokey hair to Kizomba dance practice. My body needed to move. It had a been a long time since I danced. I need to straighten my posture and extend my steps. Relax. 

View from the back deck of the back yard. They had these super awesome wooden animal sculptures. 

I still don't quite understand geography but it will be amazing to put into context the idea of distance and space. I look forward to making my own discoveries and understanding concepts that so many before me have experienced and possibly mastered. I want to do things in the best, most healthy manner. Something resonates within me and my equilibrium. 

GyPSy I am thankful for the GPS. It helps though I hate having it on if I am staying on the route for a while. I think I am preparing for a long route soon. Life is taking me somewhere. I am doing everything in my power to cling to whatever is "safe" but this jump is coming. I am scared I am going to get pushed off but the funny thing is that I know that in its going to be me taking the jump from my own free will. 

Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. Just being me in the present moment. I signed up for 6 credits this summer. I will create a curriculum that connects to my travels this summer. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING connects. 

Jacques Greene - "Night Tracking" 

Retro-Metro - www.retro-metro.com

213 North Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301.698.8100

Big Dreams Need Funding

Bali was great. I was thankful I went. It was an experience that I learned a lot from. I also was able to learn how to take care of my needs after jet-lag. Upon returning home - everything was "go, Go, GO!"

It didn't help that I didn't sleep when I came home. I went out every night. I went to sleep at 4 in the morning. Woke up early to get to work. Everyone was in post-spring break mode. I was ready for summer vacation - BRING ON THE NEXT ADVENTURE!

Eventually I cracked... exhaustion got the best of me. I did too much and I did everything. I accomplished everything I needed to do at work. I successfully set-up a student art show with the amazing help of some of the greatest people I know. I have one more coming up this week. I don't know how I would do it if I were the lonely, only art teacher at a school. I am thankful for all my peers at each and every single school that I work at.

It was a Sunday morning that I lay in bed sobbing because the sun outside was so beautiful and I didn't have the energy to get myself out of bed. All I wanted was for someone to pick me up wrapped up in my blankets and just throw me in the front yard. I just wanted to sleep in the sunlight under some protective shade. Eventually, after cancelling all my plans and taking a sick day, I ended up exactly where I needed to be - surrounded by good friends lounging in thier back yard.

More and more days of work in between. Trying to stay on top of everything and still not resting. I finally grounded myself. I tried to stay still and center myself. Find a balance... Reality hit me hard when Sneaky cat got sick. The cat will be fine - I hope. It was the bills that knocked me out. Six days of hospitalization at the vet. I was fine spending the money on the cat until I put it into perspective. That money could have flown me across the world twice or paid three months of my rent while I was away. IT HURT. I was angry but such is life. I definitely learned a lot. I am currently learning how to be more appreciative and thankful to everyone who is offering help or sentiments. I don't know how to ask for help and it is difficult for me to accept it but I am learning.

I need to have a plan in place just in case the worst thing possible. I have no idea how this summer will end up. I won't have a job. I have some savings but I really want to pay off my loans and I want to pay off these vet bills. I don't like being in debt. I think I know exactly what I want for my birthday - I want to be free. Financially free. I am sure that some solution will arise during my journey this summer. I am preparing myself to experience life fully and welcome the vibrations of the universe - even the tremors that shake me off my feet.

No More Maybe

It may be 2pm at home but here in Doha it is 9pm. I still have 5 more hours to go before I can board my connecting flight to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.

So much magic already. So much learning. 8:18 has been my magical time. I keep finding it at the right moment by chance.

I left home with my mom. We saw a beautiful sunset on the way to the airport. I think I am getting her used to the idea of my disappearance with so many travels ahead. I am happy that my brother and his family are so supportive. It was the sunset that would bless my travels. The sunset of my homeland. 

I found my gate at 8:18pm. The first wave of understanding washed over me when the plane took off. Once it was off the ground, I knew something different was happening. It didn't hit me much until that moment. I held my necklace close as the plane was taking off, thinking of all I was leaving behind and everything I would gain. The flight was uneventful - I am used to turbulence and I am thankful I am a good sleeper. On the plane I ate, watched movies, and slept... 3 times. It was a strange cycle. I am definitely traveling through space and time - a time traveler!

Our flight arrived an hour early to Doha. Once again, I was greeted by the sunset - this time in a different country. Tommorow it will happen again in another country, in Bali. I am so thankful and I feel so blessed.

I have wandered and explored Doha International Airport. I know that I really want to buy Kinder Eggs for my nieces and nephews to celebrate Easter. I sat down and uploaded pictures to my art lesson collection (www.infinityreflected.tumblr.com). I reflected in my sketchbook. I ate junk food - a veggie burger combo with fries and a soda. Fries are universal it seems. The soda definitely got into my system and I am thankful. I plan on sleeping on the long flight. I had the cutest curly, long-haired baby boy join me during my dinner. The banana, brownie, and my stash of granola bars wouldn't have held me over until the flight.

During dinner - I received the message "No More Maybe" courtesy of Marlboro advertising. I think it was something I needed. It was 8:18 pm. For so long, I have always left things up to chance. No door was ever locked or sealed. I had no control of the future and didn't want to lose possible opportunities. I figure that I need to realize that I can be in control and I can decide what I want and what I need. If it is a maybe... then... maybe I don't need it. I don't want to be a bag lady. I do not want to be weighed down by too many possibilities. I want to be free. I am free.

There are so many things I want to do. So much I want to learn. Languages... I have been disconnected here. At home I can listen and pick up on the conversations around me. So far the closest I have been able to understand in this airport was a group of travelers speaking in French. I understood but I am so afraid to speak because I don't remember how to. I don't understand anything around me. Everyone is so beautiful. I am thankful I am American and that there is English everywhere. I am also thankful I have a Visa. I feel so unprepared. I hardly did any research before this trip. I have no way of communicating except for the universality of the English language. I remain silent because I do not know how to communicate. I smile. I look away. I keep to myself. I will learn. I will welcome and reach out. The lights of the city surrounding the airport twinkle. Lights on the shuttles flicker. Everything is moving but I am still.

Let it be blue 'til it is gold again.

It is the eve before my journey to Bali begins...

I am currently in the process of checking in early for my flight. In less than 24 hours I will be boarding my flight to Doha International airport. A 12h45m flight... followed by a 8h25m layover in the airport. My connecting flight to Denpasar is 11hr35m. That means that approximately 32h45m after I leave Dulles International Airport - I will have finally arrived to my dream destination.

I now have my boarding passes! My bags are packed. I am pretty sure, I packed far more than I will need but I have no idea what to expect. I am appreciating the containment of the organization. I have a bubble, the safety of Ananda Cottages in Ubud, Bali. I will be surrounded by like-minded individuals. I am hoping to attract positivity. I know how to disappear and retreat into myself. There are still a few more things I need to do. I have to figure out my whole teaching thing for tomorrow. I have everything I need. It is all there - all I need to do is prepare the parts and arrange the pieces.

I want to explain why I am going to Bali. It is crazy - it feels crazy - it is amazing!

I had a dream on July 1st, 2012 :: The Thousand Lotus Dream :: "Let it be blue 'til it is gold again."

Many things happened in this dream. The image that stayed with me was the view from the top of the mountain. The land below is broken up by streams to create what seems like an image of infinite petals. It is the thousand lotus that we were sitting upon. A storm comes and we find shelter within the temple. I woke up from the dream during the teachings - one of which was "Let it be blue 'til it is gold again."

The image on the retreat site was what I had seen in that dream. It didn't hurt that the retreat was half-priced with and additional $100 off for new members. I thought it was crazy to plan a trip a year in advance. It felt empowering. Here I am again and I have planned a trip to Kenya next summer. Who am I? Why do I make these decisions?

One thing is for sure - I need to get my materials ready for school tomorrow and I should complete my strange pre-flight tradition of watching Final Destination. Oh... and sleep too. I should get some sleep. I have no idea how my body will adapt to all the change.

Reconnecting in the Present Moment

... I played - I have been doing a lot of play lately. It is all good. I am still avoiding the work that must be done. I am avoiding it in the best way possible. I am reconnecting with the people who I really love and care about.

Today was amazing - I supported our school's Jump Rope for Heart event today. I played jump rope all day with hundreds of my best little friends. Being an art teacher is the best job ever especially when you have a fantastic specials team, amazing administration, and the greatest students.

The idea of the ever elusive Fallingwater trip has returned. I have dreamed of going to this site since the first time I ever saw the gorgeous building in one of my art history courses. I am hoping to commit and finally go to this destination. The date will be Saturday, March 15th if it fits within the schedule. Hikes and picnics will also be included.

In other news - I submitted my application and deposit for Electric Forest this year. That too will happen. I will go to Rothbury, Michigan and share an amazing experience with great people. Good music too... Honestly, I just really want to play in the forest. I want to see the forest lit up at night.

There is so much going on around me. I get so easily distracted. I need to take time and center myself. Bring everything back into focus. It is difficult with so much awesomeness around and ahead. I will look forward and I will keep my peripheral intact.

If I am here, I will commit. I will participate in the moment. I will live in the present. I cannot only float along in the dreams of the future though the keep my spirits uplifted. I am thankful and I am blessed.