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Floral Arranging?
Julie Pilat
As a child I remembering getting yelled at for not coloring within the lines. As I studied piano and viola; my lessons were focused on reading music and hitting the right notes. As I learned French and Spanish my instructors had me fill up notebooks with pages of written conjugations. As I learned to cook I only followed recipes. There was a right and wrong way to do everything and very little middle ground.
Today, I can't play music by ear. I'm paralyzed when I'm in a conversation with someone speaking a foreign language because I'm not listening, I'm critically thinking. I can hardly boil eggs with out instuctions.
This year I told a friend I wanted to sign up for a floral arranging class. Little did I know she use to work in a flower shop and offered to teach me. As she started her lesson I asked her "should I do this..." "are you suppose to...."
Her answer to everything was "do whatever you like." Never in my life have I artistically approached creating anything with zero rules. I could combine any colors, add any extras, and stack up the flowers however I liked to create something beautiful.
Now every week I hit The Farmers Market and challenge myself to create. It's the best meditation a girl could ask for and I enjoy my art all week long.
Shout out to Teruo, always creating!
Spring
Nathen "Renegade" Kirkman
A Change As If A Story Told
To Show The World Its Better Side
The Frost Is Gone, The Sun Will Rise
Life Returns Back To The Ground
The World Is Green Just Look Around
Love Is Fresh And In The Air
The Birds Come Back And We All Stare
At The Sun, Its Warm Embrace
A Gentle Breeze, A Kiss On The Face
The Leaves Re Grow, Its Life Anew
This Whole Life I Know Its True
That Seasons Come And Seasons Change
But My Heart Is Still The Same
Regardless Of What Is Outside
I Will Never Change
What Really Keeps Violence Down?
Mike De La Rocha
As the Federal Government and local governments around the country deal with a fiscal crisis the magnitude of that not seen since the Great Depression.
As my hometown of Los Angeles grapples with a $700 million deficit this year alone, elected officials and community members are discussing ways that are proven to keep our communities safe?
Through all the political sound bites and propaganda, I would like to state that I firmly believe that all of us play a fundamental role in keeping our neighborhoods safe and protected.
However, the current economic crisis and the unwillingness of certain elected bodies to adequately fund social service programs that are proven to work while saving taxpayers billions of dollars is unfortunately jeopardizing the safety of us all.
For me, the following programs not only keep us safe, but also help us to personally, spiritually, and economically prosper.
For many of us, libraries that provide a safe place where young people and families can use computers, read books, and expand their minds keeps us safe.
For many of us, the parks where young people and families can play sports, learn about teamwork, and have fun keeps us safe.
For many of us, the art centers where young people and families can explore their creativity and imaginations keeps us safe.
For many of us, the schools and non-profits working to provide unlimited opportunities for our youth and families keep us safe.
And for all of us, it's our homes where our children and families learn the values and behaviors that ultimately keep us all safe.
So if our own personal experiences tell us that this is so and that this will make our neighborhoods and communities safer,
And if the latest scientific research also says that this is so,
Why are these critical programs the first to be cut dramatically to balance budgets across America?
When are we as a community going to stand up for what we know works, saves money, and saves lives?
When are we as public officials going to realize that police departments alone cannot keep us safe or solve all of our problems?
When are we going to acknowledge that we must proportionately fund all aspects of violence reduction - police, schools, art centers, parks, libraries, and those programs that truly invest in and believe in the goodness of our children?
I write these words because we are coming to a point as a society, and as a people, where we can no longer hide behind empty words, but live through bold actions.
The stakes are too high and the future of our children is too important to not demand that we stop destroying the lifeline of many of our communities.
So I humbly ask you to become more informed, more aware, and more involved in ensuring that our youth and families are given a chance to succeed.
Not just a chance to end up in jail, prison, or out on the streets.
But a fighting chance to become productive, responsible, and caring members of our society.
Mike de la Rocha is a Los Angeles-based artist, consultant, and organizer. Truth…the Real Shortcut, his debut collection of poetry is scheduled for release in Spring 2010.
Follow Mike on twitter @mrmikedelarocha
Haiti
Prophet
Two hundred years of your Independence,
Yet I still wonder if this is your sentence.
Many believe that your strength is immense,
But I’ve yet to see them come to your defense.
You've been facing struggles since you began.
So, giving up on should never be a plan.
Instead, the world should lend a helping hand.
Maybe then you would become a prosperous land.
From many miles away I can feel the distress,
Of a country where freedom is being suppressed.
Since of your demise, I am not yet convinced.
When I pray at night I pray that you be blessed.
Though you are said to be one of the poorest.
Those who have seen you have seen a treasure chest.
I know that right now you are put to the test,
But the day will come when you will finally rest.
Too Broke to Spring For Something New?
Save Money with Time Banking!
Julie Pilat
In a world where community has evolved into a social networking term for how many “friends” have accepted your request on Facebook but few people know the names of their neighbors - time banking has instantly changed my life.
Last year I read an article on “time banking” and searched for more info. I was pleasantly surprised that there was already one in my zip code – The Echo Park Time Bank. Right on the front of their site is a quote I treasure from Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Time banking is built on reciprocity – its not charity you don’t donate. You “get something” for being involved. It’s a pay it forward system in which everyone has value and hours are traded. I personally have a theory – if you know how to do something it’s easy. If you don’t, it’s incredibly hard. You could be a boss in the game CEO but if you have to do some heavy lifting at your house finding someone to help could be “worth” millions. If you’re stuck with a flight at LAX during rush hour traffic and live on The East Side planning a ride might be more complicated then booking a flight. At the same time there could be a time banker that’s a stay at home Mom who loves driving people to the airport because her schedule is open. It happens every day in the time bank.
There are core values to time banking (as listed on www.echoparktimebank.com)
1. Assets – We are all assets
2. Redefining work – some work is beyond price.
3. Reciprocity – helping works better as a two way street.
4. Social Networks – we need each other.
5. Respect – every human being matters.
I’m a music person and best at marketing. I’ve given marketing consultations to a gourmet chef and also a woman who owns an acupuncture business. Both were so busy running their business and so close to it they couldn’t see little details that were making it tough for the consumer to understand their websites. It was really fun for me to help them and also learn more about their business.
I tried acupuncture and LOVED it. I blew out my ACL almost ten years ago and after one session my knee has never felt better thanks to Kristen Ebbert (www.ebbertacupuncture.com) After meeting Jennie Cook I plan on taking cooking classes (www.jenniecooks.com.) A lot of time bankers helped in planning my upcoming benefit for the non-profit I volunteer at or donated services for the auction. Its really sweet and a great feeling to both help someone and get support. It’s a REALLY great feeling saving money.
If there’s not a time bank in your neighborhood you can easily start your own. Get together 10 friends and exchange services. The time banking software is really easy and very affordable if you would like to try it for the first six months. I don’t have any friends who have “extra” time or “extra” money in the bank. What better way to improve your quality of life then to add some with a Time Bank. There’s always going to be things to do so it’s important to add things into your schedule you want to do!! More info at www.echoparktimebank.com
Spring Sounds – Ozomatli “Fire Away”
Interview by Julie Pilat
If ever there were a band that represented the L.A. it’s Ozomatli. Their sound is never easy to describe and they can’t be put in box. It’s easier for me to put a taste in your mouth for their music by describing neighborhoods and experiences then tossing darts at current pop music genres for comparisons.
On any given day you could run into the band at a Dodgers Game, swap meet, or headlining the Hollywood Bowl. They know every nook and cranny in the city and could find you the best mechanic, band in Boyle Heights Mariachi Plaza or organic bell peppers at a Mom & Pop produce store in Eagle Rock. I know because I’ve gone to them for all three. They are the heart and soul of the community. Once a student I knew from volunteering at A Place Called Home scored a job driving a Metro Bus. In his first week on his route he saw Will Dog walking down the street and pulled over a full bus load of people to chase him down “Hey Perro, it’s ME, Carlos!!” Only in L.A!!! Only with Ozo.
The bands love for music shines from the core and they kill live shows. In addition to their touring the band is known for philanthropy. From MusiCares to Homeboy Industries they’re constantly active and have never said no to an opportunity to share, mentor, or make a difference. That sort of pay it forward mentality has been racking up karma points for years and formulated fans that are family.
As they prepare to release their 10th studio album April 20th I couldn’t be excited about the potential and depth to the disc. The first single “It’s Only Paper” featuring Jack Johnson could be the strongest radio single of their career. I think L.A.’s finest are finally about to become favorites in cities much further then the 110 stretches. I hit up Asdru for some details on their new disc “Fire Away” recently.
Q: Ozomatli is known for being Cultural Ambassadors Worldwide. Are there any sounds or music styles you've heard in your travels that were incorporated in your new album?
A: When we went to South Africa, we went to an orphanage that housed children of deceased parents who died of AIDS and survivors from countries around the African region. Tsalanang Cultural Group gumboot dancers. They managed to incorporate using gum boots in their folkloric music and created a stomp-like dance with chanting and singing. We have that recording in our song "Are You Ready?"
A: My fav is "Love Comes Down".
It's about a crush my son had on this pretty little girl at school that always wore flowers in her hair. It was a very sad day for him when he and this little girl were getting pressured and teased about their crush. At one point, they were getting teased so much that the little girl went up to my son and told him she never wants to see him
again... In front of everyone on the playground.
Needless to say, my son was crushed and quiet tears just rolled down his face when we picked him from school. It made me and my wife remember our childhood crushes and reflect on how painful it seemed. We can only empathize with our baby boy. It was so sad. But we tried our best to tell him that eventually he would let our love would come down like a healing rain for him, and he can live through this.
Q: This is your 15th Anniversary of being in a band. In Spanish culture a Quince is celebrated at 15. In many cultures this age signifies a right of passage. Do you feel Ozo, as a band, is musically going through a right of passage at this time either within the band itself or as a band finding your way in the music industry?
A: Yeah. Our quincenera is coming!! It has been a tumultuous road in this industry. I'm just happy and grateful that were still around after all this time. We are blessed and look forward to continuing this dream life.
