Random Thought Thursday: Do The Right Thing

There's been quite a bit on my mind lately, since I've shut the outside world out and off. There's nothing particularly pressing in my immediate vicinity, but in all of the absorption and observation of weeks' past, the one recurring theme has been integrity.

There seems to be a shortage of folks doing the right thing for sheer virtue of doing the right damn thing. I keep hearing and witnessing these personal tragedies of epic proportions that could have been averted with a bit of forethought and an intrinsic belief that forthright is indeed right.

Then yesterday, I serendipitously stumbled across the Stop Art Piracy Campaign and knew it was a call-however small, to action! So here's my contribution to stop art piracy,"Strut Your Own Stuff." No worries there are no plans for a crusade of vigilantism. Hell, I'm not even leaving the house-I do my best work by myself and on myself.

Today, I took advantage of one opportunity to do the right thing, how about you?

Peace and integrity

Losing My Way

In a People House: Pens, Pencils & Paint Brushes

The last couple of months have been action-packed. There have been trips, events, birthdays, new ventures, old friends, new acquaintances and more. All of this variety and spontaneity appeared at first inviting, but now as I stand in the middle of my mind's forest, I fear I've gotten in too deep.

All of the energy associated with this action packed period in my life has left me feeling overstimulated, exhausted and a bit wayward even. Humans, we're like drugs to one another; it certainly looks like fun from the outside-I even thought it through for a while, and then I indulged- just a little, but now I'm awake and feeling not very good.

Don't get me wrong, some of us bode quite well under the influence, in fact they're more fun when they're "people drunk"; I'm sure you know the type. But, not me. Alas I've picked up enough energy, junk, overall weird people shit for the next few months. I guess that means, I'm going to churn out some awesome art. I certainly hope so; creativity is the only way out of the forest.

Ever been to the forest?

Peace and solitude

On Becoming

I was recently given an awesome opportunity to flex my writing muscle on a NEW! project: Moms of Hue. Moms of Hue is a communal social media project which focuses on the unique perspective of mothers of color on an array of social, political and personally relevant topics. Today's post however- if I may be so immodest, is one of those cross-over, thought provoking pieces of writing that transcends the perspective of race and even parenting and hits right at the core of personhood.

Are you living a life of your own design? Have you become the you of your dreams? Stop in and weigh in.

Peace and self awareness

More Summer Fun

The Mercado Family is still burning the midnight oil! Our label, Next Dimension Music celebrated it's 4th year in existence last Saturday at a quaint roof-top venue in Phoenix. Below is a photo montage of some of the evening's highlights. There's chalk art graffiti, tribal dancing, a rare shot of my ink and the best part, an absolutely gorgeous medley of people from all over the globe under one sweltering night sky, entranced by my Favorite Guy, Joseph's talent. It's been over twenty years since we met on the dance floor and I'm still his biggest fan! Swoons and twirls.

Did I mention Joseph is now officially a member of the elite "Club Quadragenarian"? What a pity, I've yet to qualify. Snickers. He did however enjoy this caramel almond and vanilla bean ice cream topped brownie and a kiss as a proper send off.

I hope all of my blog friends are enjoying magical summers, as well!

-Peace and music

On Life in Ink

A "Not Mine and Noteworthy" from my latest Antiques District expedition

The only thing weightier than the scent of fat meat and humidity were the hearts of a family in despair. As I typed these words, I knew I had entered dangerous territory; I had broken a Black family cardinal rule: silence.

Growing up, the only thing I ever got in trouble for was talking. I even talked about getting in trouble for talking about not talking. "Cheryl asked me what you and I talked about and I told her I couldn't tell. But, don't tell her I told you she asked, okay?" This was a recurring discussion between myself and childhood therapists. It is also what I believe to be the catalyst to my obsession with speaking about life and the subsequent creation of outlets for such speech: imaginary friends, writing, and art. I discovered a loophole; a way to speak without talking.

This brings me to where I am today, ambivalent and perhaps even afraid; as I put the finishing touches on the intro to a series of tell all tales. My inner child, Fear, has me by the throat firmly yet tentatively as she asks, "Are you sure about this, are we going to get in trouble"? As a child, I couldn't wait to become an adult so that I could do whatever I wanted. As an adult, I can- in no uncertain terms, be stopped by the same child. So with resolve, I swallow and continue to type.

Think or discuss: What is your inner child keeping you from?

Peace and courage