On My Own Blog

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  • SHARE + INSPIRE + EMPOWER

    inocente-movie-oscar

    Watching the Oscar Awards this past Sunday night with my girlfriends was such a treat, but the one thing that struck my curiosity was the documentary short movie called Inocente, and the beautiful girl in the white dress above.

    I didn’t know about this movie prior to the award show and I haven’t seen it fully yet, but its a movie that will truly inspire and empower you.

    Her circumstances do not define her.
    Her dreams do.
    The movie was shot mostly in San Diego and focuses on 12 year old, homeless teen, Inocente Izucar, when she started attending the San Diego Organization ARTS: A Reason to Survive. She is now 19 and shares her story of her unstoppable creativity in the midst of her dark and troubled homeless family-life.

    The film, along with all the other nominated shorts (live action, animated and documentary) can be seen at Landmark Theaters at least through this Thursday. Take advantage of the opportunity!

    Besides winning an Oscar, it’s the first Kickstarter-backed film to win an Academy Award, raising $52,527 from 294 backers last summer.

    “Not only are you raising funds for your film, but you’re building a community and an audience and people that care about the film,” Andrea Nix Fine said backstage after winning the Academy Award. “They’re watching tonight, and you know they flipped out when the film won. So that feels great.”

    inocente-movie-02

    inocente-movie-03inocente-movie-04

    Check out the film // View more of Inocente’s art // or Get involved and check out these links:

    MALDEF | the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization

    ARTS | A Reason to Survive

    Student Voices Campaign | The California Arts Alliance

    Shine Global | Non-profit dedicated to ending child abuse and exploitation through the production of documentary films and media products that raise awareness and inspire change.

     

    Image sources: Oscar photo // Film photos by Sean Fine // Artwork photos

     

     

  • HAPPY FUN LOVE: JIM GAFFIGAN

    jim-gaffigan

    One of my favorite comedians is Jim Gaffigan.

    He has such a great ability to make the most average things hilarious— I’ve laughed so hard, I’ve been in tears.

    You might have watched these popular routines Hot Pockets, Bacon, Cake, or Jesus.

    Below is a video from his newest DVD, Mr Universe, which is only $5 and $1 of that goes to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, helping veterans and their families.

    Photo above from here

  • HAPPY VALENTINE’S LOVELIES

    katy-daisy-youaresoloved

    For those that aren’t  matched up with someone today (and c’mon dogs, cats, and other animals are included but NOT the same!), please remember that YOU ARE SO LOVED.

    It took me awhile to really have that INNER love for myself. It’s easy to take care of your exterior self— you can put on a nice outfit, get a good haircut, etc. But to truly have and feel inner love and confidence, is much harder and takes work. Yep, I’m still a work in progress.

    And you can’t compare yourself with others. Just love what you’ve got! I’ve realized this, and once you let go of all your inner voices telling you other nasty things, it is quite awesome and amazing. In fact, you will be much calmer, stronger and happier. And doesn’t that look sexy?

    And what are my plans? I’m actually going to a “single” mingle event tonight. I know, it’s kinda silly and cheesy. But why the heck not? I’m feeling flirty and Mr. Soulmate isn’t knocking on my door. And I’m actually more excited about my weekend plans with my “soul” sister Dana – wine, mani/pedis, comedy show, talking about men, life and lots of laughing.

    Enjoy these creative bits from the book, You Are So Loved by Chronicle Books.

    you-are-so-loved-collage

     

    Happy Valentine’s and enjoy today! What do you have planned today or this weekend? xoxo

    Image sources: We Are Alive / We Are All Apart of the Same Thing / I Can’t Do This / Magic

  • VISION FOR 2013

     

    Visionboard 2013

    For me, 2013 really feels like a new beginning.

    So I realize most people talk about resolutions in January. Then February comes and it’s like… what resolutions. Ehhh.

    BUT, for me. I’m so amped up for 2013. I’m ready for this year. Ready to make things happen. That sense of sooo many things at once. Part joy. Part fear. So many things I want to do and accomplish.

    Last year was an intense and confusing year on my own. Trying to figure out myself and this new journey. Who I was. What I was meant to do. What path or paths I should take. I was depressed. I was overwhelmed. I was ready to slow down and have peace in my heart.

    That I was letting my past prevent me from healing and MOVING FORWARD. To take responsibility for doing the creative best in my own life. Here’s two ways I’ve kickstarted my year.

     

    Fun + inspiring exercises to supercharge things for 2013:

    1) Create a vision board

    > Grab magazines

    > Cut out photos and words that represent what you and things you want to happen for 2013

    > Resolutions, goals, etc of what you want to manifest this year

    > Collage all these things together

    > Display this vision board artwork so you will see it everyday.

    The above image is my vision board. In December, I sat down to create my vision for 2013. I was so ready for a new start. My goal for this year is this circle of happiness — to balance career, life and love. To find my second soul mate. To work on creative and fulfilling projects. Go to interesting places. Create a community that empowers. When I feel confused or doubt myself, this vision board serves as a good inspiration to stay focused. To not lose faith in myself and to have patience with timing.

     

    2) Next, choose a word

    – Something to ignite and represent your vision for this year

    – I got this idea via Susannah Conway. See her blog for more insight and ideas

     

    Vision word 2013

     

    My word is flirt. I chose this for its playful approach. I want to be brave and open-minded this year as I flirt (maybe dance) into different arenas of my life — leading my design business, transforming my home, meeting new people, learning new skills, taking care of my health, and having fun.

    So what’s your vision and/ or word for 2013? I’d love to hear from you.

     

  • FRIDAY FUN: DUSK + DAWN MUSIC

    Dusk Dawn

    Ever since I got an email from Dersu Rhodes over at Witness-This blog last year, I’ve been a fan. He randomly found this blog and complimented my efforts. I love hearing from readers, as I’m surprised when non-friends and family reach out.

    Dersu is a talented creative. And the Witness-This blog team always brings an interesting mix of cool/sexy/edgy/fresh photography, culture, fashion, and music for their viewers.

    I’d like to share these 2 mixes, Dusk and Dawn by the super talented FreshandSunny from this Golden Hour post. The Dusk mix has been on my repeat and thought you’d like this just as much as me. Enjoy this rainy (or cold) wintry weekend with some fun beats.

    Visit FreshandSunny’s Soundcloud to download both mixes for free.

     

    DUSK:
    [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/72907028″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

    DAWN:

    [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/72909258″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

     

    Artwork above by Dersu Rhodes