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If you’re having some financial challenges (who isn’t?), then check this out. I opened up an ING account today because I trust this advice and it’s time to invest in my future. It’s true: you have to spend money to make it. Get going!

ghettogloss™ | fine art gallery | art rentals
I have a couple pieces in my first LA group show. Woo hoo! I can’t wait. This should be a good time and it’s FREE. What more could you ask for?
The show will be up through January 14, 2008

It has been a quite a year…or 2(?) The aftermath of a failed relationship, career move, and general feeling of aloneness lead me back to familiar territory -LA - to practice, what I like to call, “Self Preservation”.

Quick Update:

I was teaching yoga and pilates for a year and a half in New York and on a path of self-discovery through my practice. I found that in my experience teaching and doing the trainings I had a natural ability to teach. I learned a lot about how people (rarely) listen and how vital language is to teaching. There are many teaching styles and just as in deciding what kind of artist I want to be, it became clear to me what kind of teacher I want to be. I tried to take the things that I learned about myself through teaching and cultivate a practice off of the mat: Discipline, Non-Judgment, Self-love and Acceptance. In that, I awakened a dormant gift in myself from which I draw my confidence and creativity- my athleticism. For so long I have run from it and tried to put it to rest because being strong (physically), confident, and agile didn’t serve a purpose in the “real world” or with men…

I was in a relationship that conspired to all of the things that I did not want for myself; the part of me that was afraid of success and inevitability of being stuck in a cyclical mess. The teachings and practice that I tried to take off of the mat was negated by the messages I was receiving in my relationship at home: Apathy, Fear, Uncertainty, and Jugdement.

Now, a year and a half into teaching and an unsupportive realtionship , I became frustrated with the lack of time and money I had for my own practice despite the new opportunities and clients that lied on the horizon. My friend approached me about a job opp working for a “big shot” photographer and I was pressured into applying and then taking the job for money’s sake. According to the ex, I had my head in “cicelyland” and could not be taken seriously for a future (wife) if I did not quit teaching (my strength) for a $30k pay increase. Monetarily speaking, it made sense however, at what cost do you sacrifice one’s happiness? My friend (who referred me) was enraged by my reluctance to accept the offer she thought would alleviate me of my financial worries. Enveloped in my fear of being worthless without money and letting my friend down I quit and started on a new track. That experience is for another day- Let’s just say that there was a cosmic resistance to my success in the new position and I was set up to fail. It was for the better.

Fast forward 6 weeks into the job. It’s now July… When I was unexpectedly dumped, I was heart-broken and still being patronized by my ex because it made him feel better to share a space with me as long as he cold preach and look down upon me. I wanted to run away and hide what I felt was my rejected (and obviously ugly) soul. Instead I wiped my tears and got to work. Within 2 weeks I had my roommate (my angel) and a fantastic apartment.


She and discussed our paths as she is 10 years older and in ways I a reflection of her formal self. I couldn’t escape the destructive environment of rumors and constant run-ins with my ex and ex friends. I seemed to be on a new path, but I wanted to open a new chapter. I decided that it was time from a hitatus from BK and get some sunshine, snowboarding, and volleyball back in my life. My roommate gave me a “girl power” pep talk and I was on my way. I dug in with courage and leapt- just as I did 8 years ago when I escaped LA…

I will follow-up on the unfoldings of my great adventure. It’s good to be in the sun.

That’s Right: It’s up. Won’t you visit? CicelyCarew

I wanted togive a heads-up to those of you out there wishing you could have FREE yoga sessions and to those of you who already know that I am that go-to person for this wonderful gift to yourself. : )

I need to complete 50 hours worth of instruction (a few more to go). I have been practicing for years now and finally my dream is coming true! I am currently earning my certification to teach yoga. In this process I must get you all on a mat for a standard hour/hour and 1/2 session and spread the goodness. We can go deep with stretching, go hard and build strength with poses that will make you feel like Superwo/man, or a bit of both leaving you in a relaxed and worked state of bliss : )

As a blossoming yogini I can and would love to teach you basic yogic philosophies (sutras) and guide you in a beginning vinyasa/ashtanga (practice) (intermediate for the more experienced yogis).

Don’t quite know what these names are all about? Totally cool. Its a combination of Pranyama (fire/heat/life force), Vinyasa/Asana (the flow in practice), and Meditation. I’m open to sharing all of this with you free of cost (for now) ! Its help to me as well for experience teaching various levels and various body types. Anyone can do it: don’t let not being able to touch your toes (now) be a discouraging factor- REALLY. What is learned on the mat can be carried off the mat as a (practical) practice for a lifetime.

Yoga is a practice of dedication to yourself and the spirit that moves through us all. So, whatever your hearts and bodies desire, I want to help facilitate that action of letting light fill our hearts, giving praise and care to our bodies, and creating a space for peace (clarity/stillness) in our minds.

Change begins with ourselves first.

I wish you all health in the body, health in the mind, and peace in your spirits.

Be well. Namaste.

Cicely Carew

Have you ever had the dilemma of not being able to find that REAL “free hotspot”? I sat on a block last summer wondering what in the world I was going to do without the Internet in my apartment and not enough money to purchase one of those T-Mobile hotspot cards for Starbucks? I honestly felt ridiculous at the thought, however I did it and set out on a search to find free internet. I walked head down and deeply focused on the half dime size Internet symbol on the computer screen, and pausing at moments to see where I was headed. I found myself turning random corners in unknown LES territory via an eye-straining symbol.

Good News! The solution to all open connection hunting dilemmas is here. Check out the Hotspot list! Some genius Robin Hood of
wi-fi created a list of open Internet connections throughout the city and Brooklyn. Okay, so nothing is ever entirely free here accept for open bars on occasion, but most of these spots are legitimate. For some of these listings one may have to spend some money on ‘food’ to use the ‘free’ connection of some places. Nothing wrong with good food and some wi-fi. Happy Hot Spotting!

Hotspot List

Might I add that I am either praising the person who wrote this list or blowing the spot of someone aiding criminals who prey on on-line shoppers, (like myself) and stealing our credit card numbers.

I have a paranoia about important mail passing through the USPS and it ending up in the hands of the wrong people (crazy roommates)….

The other day I went to the post office to check on the status of a hold I had put on my mail the previous Saturday. It was intended to be held until my new address was processed. I believed because I spoke to the branch manager himself. He guarenteed the orange card that he chucked into a scattered pile of cards would surely reach the mail carrier. Did I mention that she was coming back from vacation that Monday? I took a deep breath looked at him, at the orange card (dissolving into the pile of others), back at him, and smiled. Whatever…I left doubtful and irritated. So, I was there to follow up and of course, the carrier never got the memo. My mail was out for delivery! I was annoyed at first, but USPS has grown less efficient over the years I have noticed. I accepted that so, I left feeling hopeless and hungry.

I went across the street to grab some cheap Mexican food. As I
looked out the window watching the cars pass by I began to feel
anxious thinking about the possibilities of what psycho roomie would do
with my mail. When I finished I walked back to the post office
and asked a teller what Wendy’s route was. All he could tell me was
the streets that she crosses over and that her name is Wendy.
He doesn’t know what they do out on the street he said. Okay?…

I thanked the man and I rushed out of the office to find “Wendy”. I was
waiting for the bus knowing that I had about an hour and a half until
the normal delivery time of the Spencer Street mail and it was hot
outside. I was debating whether I walk and look for her or park it on
my stoop and hang out. The bus came momentarily and I was on the
lookout for the streets and some woman mail carrier.

Every street we passed there was no sign of a mail person. I got off the bus about to walk home with no sign of ‘Wendy’. Before acquiescing to the Mail Gods, I looked across the street and
I caught a glimpse of a gray hat turning the corner. I
sprinted down the street and around the corner yelling, “Wendyyy!” When I caught up to her I was panting, asking if she was
who I hoped I had found. Her eyes bugled with slight fear and question as if she were on tv. She hesitantly said yes and I explained that my name was Cicely and she responded, “Cicely Carew?” Who knew mail carriers would recognize our first names to match it with our last. For a second I felt like a celebrity totally unaware of her existence to others. ego : ) Annnyyway…

I was glad that she knew I wasn’t some wacko. I told her what had happened at the post office and that I wanted to get the mail directly from her to ensure its safety from the timebomb at the old spot(harsh, I know). She understood and said that she will hold anything with my name on it until the address change processed.

Long story short, I got the mail. Our journeys in life are so funny sometimes…

I wish that I had something meaningful to write today. I have a lot to vent about, but it’s not going to solve anything. Some good lessons I am reminded of is to take things in stride and at face value. What it all comes down to is being able to accurately asses a situation: how many things that seem important will really matter in the end? Not much. The 20’s are hard I swear. I thought that it would be easier to make my own decsions and be responsible for myself and only myself. Then there were the bills, jobs, love, and more of MYSELF. This is a healthy challenge though. It’s tough hanging in limbo.

In the meantime:
Philip Glass last night, Prospect Park
Leela James, Prospect Park- Tonight
Lady Soverign, Central Park- Sunday

Lemme get back to this one.

I am back on the job and apartment hunt. A double wammy. In times like these I visit my astro.com and take solace in the future fortune my internet conection holds. For the time being I suppose that I will collect my unemployment (a first for me and unnerving) until I find another design/pr job, go to museums and catch up on all the little things that I neglected while I was doing the 9-5er. Carpe Diem.

http://commercial-archive.com/129885.php
From Protein Supplement:
Amnesty International in Switzerland broke a new outdoor campaign May 29th that was created by Walker Werbeagentur Zuerich. The campaign uses the tagline “It’s not happening here but it’s happening now”, in various languages, from French to German. Using the transparent billboards, the campaign aims to show people what is going on in the world, even if it’s not happening in front of them at the bus stop. The ads portray issues in countries like Iraq, China, and Sudan.
These images are protected so you must visit the site. You MUST.

This (below) is from the New York Times article posted today. Thank Humanity that there are people who still think consciously. Who gave whom the right to govern LOVE and how one will will love?
My favorite part of another article was quoted from a Republican rep. stating that Republicans care more about the external issues i.e. environment, war, healthcare, etc. when they should really be concerned about ‘real issues’. What is that exactly? Gay marriage? Another quote from the NY TIMES article ” House Narrowly Rejects Senate Vote”:
“We were hoping to get over 50 percent, but that didn’t happen today, ‘’ said Sen. David Vitter, R-La., one of the amendment’s supporters.
‘’Eventually, Congress is going to have to catch up to the wisdom of the American people or the American people will change Congress for the better.'’
‘’We’re not going to stop until marriage between a man and a woman is protected, ‘’ said Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

WOW!
I do hope that everyone recognize that this will be in the 2008 ballot? I know that some reports have shown that our generation does not vote and that is why this destructive, incompetent, and poor, poor excuse for a leader Bush was put back into office. Before we refuse to vote believing our voice doesn’t make a difference ( I know the feeling 2x over) I would suggest that we first consider the source of that information.
Studies have shown that the majority of educated registered voters are DEMOCRATS- thinkers. These people including a few republicans and conservatives banned the ban on gay marriage, arguing to press for different issues. Rightly so. I’m suprised that the courts didn’t try to ban inter-racial marriage back in the day.

I am so incredibly disappointed in our government that marriage could be amended to the constitution let alone gay marriage. Since when was loving another Illegal and a Threat my family? Read Bleow.
________________________________________
NY TIMES:

WASHINGTON, June 7 The Senate today soundly rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, dismissing arguments by social conservatives that federal intervention is needed to preserve the traditional tie between a man and woman.

After two days of sometimes emotional argument, the Senate voted 49-to-48 against shutting off debate on the issue, well short of the 60 votes needed to move ahead with formally considering the amendment, let alone the 67 votes required by the Constitution to approve it.

The decision effectively killed the issue for the year in the Senate, although the House of Representatives is expected it to consider its own version later this summer.

Democratic critics of the proposed amendment said its Republican authors advanced it to rally socially conservative voters even though lawmakers knew it would be defeated. Opponents of the amendment said that marriage should remain regulated by the states and that the same-sex ban should not be added to the Constitution.

“All over the country, married heterosexual couples are shaking their heads and wondering how exactly the prospect of gay marriage threatens the health of their marriages, ” said Senator Russell D. Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin.

Supporters of the ban gained one vote from the last time the Senate considered the issue prior to the 2004 election. But they still were unable to break the symbolic 50-vote threshold despite an increase in the Republican majority. Two Republicans who sided with them the last time, Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, voted against limiting debate.

“The courts have basically upheld the right of states to legislate and protect themselves and that was not the case last time, ” Mr. Gregg said. “I don’t think we have to put it in the Constitution until there is some sort of court decision that would put the states at risk.”

Senate champions of the marriage amendment said they were not deterred by the outcome and promised to continue to press the issue. They said they were gaining ground at the state level, where voters and state legislatures continue to approve initiatives banning same-sex marriage.

“We have 45 states that have defined marriage as a union of a man and a woman, ” said Senator Sam Brownback, Republican of Kansas. “Since the last time we voted in the Senate, we’ve seen a total of 14 states take this issue up on the ballot. And you’ve got another seven set for this fall. So we are making progress.”

Though some Republicans have suggested the Senate would be better served politically by focusing on issues that voters see as more pressing, the author of the amendment did not see it that way.

“If it’s up to me, we’ll have a vote on this issue every year, ” said Senator Wayne Allard, Republican of Colorado. “I think it’s important to the American people.”

It has been a month indeed. Im seriously considering copying and pasting my emails to sum up what has been going on. A month has felt like a week with several thoughts about blogging and art plaguing me hourly, 7 days a week; Every day felt like a week; Every minute felt like a full day. This is what I call losing it in Love.

I have had a wonderful time-out from being on a constant grind working to slow down and enjoy the little pleasures in life. Love. I know this sounds like some totally hippy bullshit, but Im not a hippie, one and two, I..- Fuck it. If you are reading this then Ill safely assume that you get it.

Its time to get back to work now. Balance is in order. How easy it is to bask in a cushy light forever? N0 one in their right mind would really want to stop snoozing the priority alarm ringing in your conscience. Its faint and desirable to keep sleeping through. This is all until that dream becomes a weekly episode. Im not ready, nor will I ever be to start tuning into trivial non-sense; Sunday 9 PM e/c time on what station is a gamble: HBO or Encore. Ill stop this now. Basically predictability can become depressing and repetition is creative suicide as Marcel Duchamp eloquently put it.

Everyone that I have spoken with recently thave expressed their need to get out of their jobs and are all really at a crossroads in some way. I feel that I was there too a few months ago. Its a healthy quarterly check-in to do with yourself. I fully support and believe that one must take risks in order to simply live. Trust, for example depending on how much faith one may place in it or someone else is and can be huge risk for anyone. To really believe that there are limits to ones life experience and fulfillment is destructive to productivity. For this reason, our generation is the” Nexter”. I think in this time one must seek opportunities to advance toward ones goals and dreams. Why not? Im not condoning quitting jobs and Im certainly not in the Trust Fund club either, but what else should you do if the job isnt cutting it? - Keep it moving. My first week at my job (now 2 months behind me) I was a stress -case and fumbled with composure, might I add. I had a good laugh at how anxious and nervous I was the first day. Ha-ha. I wanted to cry. This shit was real and what if I couldnt fake it that well? I never claimed to be a designer, but trying myself out was worth a shot. Again, why not?

Its incredible to learn. Thank the heavens for my friends help thought. Tudor your friends: support is the best quality of a friend. Thats love. This learning groove is steady and so cool. I think its pretty incredible how our generation has the inherent ability to tune-in to technology. I cant think of a gadget that I couldnt work growing up. Maybe this is some weird sixth sense I have (jokes) or are we really becoming tools of our own tools? Already?
My day job is with a computer, my thoughts, and my music. Its incredible that at my last job I was harassed daily by a tranny diva man and some of the best stories I will have for a lifetime; one arm crack heads with box cutters in hand (okay, there was only one woman and it occurred once). Point is that after a few months I knew it was time to keep in moving and be on my way.

Where to? Im not entirely sure if its to one particular place. I was reading on this reading kick, killed two books and then ordered this book, Girl Seeks Bliss, Zen with In Cold Blood (lagging on that review). Impeccable timing to pick that one up. It offered some very simple guidelines to remember in life. One challenge is to practice living wiht the idea that we are not our thoughts nor our actions; Change is inevitable. Therefore anything has to be possible. And back to out generation, time, risk taking, love, and friends. Anything is possible because we have is hope and our effort to do well.

It seems that with the worlds circumstance it is easy to get caught in the monotony of the world and CNN/BBC news. Change has to begin at the center of us first. We all effect one another, even if its a look from a stranger passing by that lingers in the back of your thoughts among so many other thoughts waiting to be processed, or not. I have been running around in my head this past month. My friend, Erica and have a been having many a conversations regarding this movement, our movement forward being limitless, unbound, forceful, and present in every one of us. This is movement is something that would like to call Nuevo-DA(/Nouveau-DA). Spelling is still in the works.

This is a movement of practical dreams and making it all happen. We want to change the world we live in and for us art and living is the way. I can explain this in depth later. This is an introduction to all that is possible because it is all-possible if one wills it.

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. I had my first experience as a pick pocketee 2 weeks ago when I was all Flu-ed and tripped out on NyQuil lasting from the night before. That was NOT my week, but I definitely have some funny stories because of it. A long time ago when I was a child I was sent to therapy because I developed a paralyzing fear of elevators. I got stuck in one with my mother. She was fine and thought I was too until I refused to get back on the next one and marched up 16 flights of stairs. Needless to say I was put into therapy because that was extreme. Yesterday the elevator dropped out on me riding up to work. Memories. That was a serious trigger. Good times. ?: )?More later This month will probably be more writing oriented Im predicting.
This weekend: ?BASQUIAT CLOSING SAT 5/27 at the Deitch Project?TIPPY in REDHOOK 5/27 somewhere in Redhook

Check out http://www.pen.org for the folowing events this month. They look great and have some of the world’s best writer coming to lecture. I would encourage everyone to view this site. You may find someone you never thought you’d be interested in to go see speak. *Free* is a plus.

Somethinf on my menu:
Wednesday, April 26th@ 6pm
A Tribute to Juan Rulfo
Rodrigo Fresán, Carlos Monsiváis, Antonio Muñoz Molina, Juan Pablo Perez Rulfo Aparicio, Alberto Vital

This celebration of the great Mexican author of Pedro Páramo and El Llano en llamas, 20 years after his death, will include screenings and a roundtable discussion.
Where: Instituto Cervantes: 211–215 East 49th St.
Tickets: Free; (212) 308-7720
Co-sponsors: Instituto Cervantes, The Consulate General of Spain, The Mexican Cultural Institute, Fundación Juan Rulfo, The Consulate General of Mexico in New York, Dasein Foundation, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Mexicana, and Mexico’s Ministry of Fo

On NY TUrf.com Wrote:
“Intro. No. 663-A amends existing law to mandate community service in a graffiti cleanup program as the minimum penalty for getting caught. Another bill announces a new possession ban, making it illegal for anyone under 21 to carry spray paint, inks, or other graffiti supplies on public property.

Those first two mostly extend current laws, but the third moves the city’s law in a new and disturbing direction. Intro No. 299-A requires owners of commercial and residential buildings to remove graffiti from their property within 60 days of its appearance, or face fines. We’ve seen this kind of thing elsewhere in the country, but to my knowledge this is the first mandated-buff law in NYC.

NY TIMES: Students, supported by designer Ecko, plan graffiti lawsuit
By ADAM GOLDMAN
Associated Press Writer

April 24, 2006, 3:32 PM EDT

NEW YORK — A group of students, supported by the fashion designer Marc Ecko, says it is preparing a lawsuit against Mayor Michael Bloomberg, claiming the city’s anti-graffiti legislation is unconstitutional.
In the suit, seven high school and college students will ask a federal judge to prevent the city and New York Police Department from enforcing anti-graffiti laws that went into effect Jan. 1.
The federal lawsuit also takes aim at City Council member Peter F. Vallone Jr. and New York City.
The students’ lawyer, Daniel Perez, said he’ll file the suit Tuesday in Manhattan federal court.
Ecko, the chief creative officer and founder of Marc Ecko Enterprises Inc., said the city’s laws were “overly broad” and were designed to pre-emptively censor artists. Ecko declined to say if he was footing the students’ legal bill.
Perez said Vallone amended the city’s anti-graffiti laws last year, making them unacceptable and illegal. Bloomberg signed them into law.
The previous legislation said a person under the age of 18 could not purchase graffiti tools but could possess them. The amended laws stipulate that anyone under age 21 cannot possess or buy graffiti instruments such as aerosol spray paint, broad-tipped indelible markers and etching acid.
The students Perez represents are ages 16 to 20.
Vallone said the suit was a publicity stunt meant to enrich Ecko.
“We have to look at the motive of this suit,” he said. “It’s about corporate profits.”
Vallone said he was confident that the courts will uphold his legislation. “Someone’s First Amendment right to express themselves ends where someone else’s property begins,” the Queens councilman asserted.
Perez denied anybody was interested in profiting from the lawsuit. He said the students contacted Ecko, whose company generated $1 billion in retail sales in 2004.
“This is not about money,” Perez said. “Nobody is asking for compensation.”
Ecko also said he was not trying to make money off the lawsuit and took issue with Vallone’s comments.
“The fact that I have a successful business and that’s thrown back in my face, I find that offensive,” Ecko said in a telephone interview.
Perez successfully represented Ecko in a 2005 federal lawsuit. In that case, the city tried to block an exhibition in which artists planned to spray paint graffiti on models of subway cars.
A federal judge ruled against the city, saying the city’s denial of a permit was a flagrant violation of the First Amendment’s free-speech protection.
Gabriel Taussig, chief of the city’s Administrative Law Division, defended the legislation.
“The law strikes a proper Constitutional balance between First Amendment rights and the need to control the long-standing plague of graffiti,” Taussig said in a statement.
The New York City Council has passed three new anti-graffiti bills which Bloomberg is no doubt itching to sign into law. Intro. No. 663-A amends existing law to mandate community service in a graffiti cleanup program as the minimum penalty for getting caught. Another bill announces a new “possesion ban,” making it illegal for anyone under 21 to carry spray paint, inks, or other graffiti supplies on public property.

Those first two mostly extend current laws, but the third moves the city’s law in a new and disturbing direction. Intro No. 299-A requires owners of commercial and residential buildings to remove graffiti from their property within 60 days of its appearance, or face fines. We’ve seen this kind of thing elsewhere in the country, but to my knowledge this is the first mandated-buff law in NYC. Just reading the text of the bill, you can tell that at least some councilmembers had serious objections on free speech and property rights grounds:

[I]t is important that graffiti in public view be cleaned as quickly as possible, while respecting property rights and First Amendment free speech rights.The goal of this legislation is to. . . addresses the need to rid our communities of graffiti as well as protect our important freedoms.

Right. It’ll be interesting to see how this new law is enforced. These kinds of regulations are regularly included in zoning rules in small cities or suburban towns — New York’s size and the prevalence of absentee landlords who barely provide heat for their tenants should probably make implementation much more difficult.

Photo at top: “Epitaph” by Lee Quinones, from Martha Cooper & Henry Chalfant’s book Subway Art.

By Visual Resistance http://www.visualresistance.org/wordpress/