The Ole' Stink Eye.

Having a meltdown at work is a sure sign that it is time for me to have another women's empowerment meeting.  It drives me crazy that I can effortlessly inspire others to reach for their goals but when it comes to me, I have a meltdown.  This is the ironic scenario that has been playing over and over, reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day.  I mean, why is it that I can have the creativity to create mix media collages, a handbag, a woman's inspirational group or even a blog?  Yet, when it comes to creating a tangible version of my ideal life the task morphs into some obscure foreign language that I do not comprehend.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were born with a set of blueprints that detailed exactly what it is we are meant to do?  If one more person asks me "What is it you want to do with your life?" I may just break out into a comical song and dance that will land me a starring role in the looney bin.

Since, the age of 15,  I have worked every kind of job you can imagine from McDonald's drive thru, numerous administrative jobs, design assistant,  showroom assistant, to a Deli, just to name a few.   Now, at the tender age of 32, I work in a retail environment and if it weren't for some of my amazing co-workers, there may have been numerous times where I would have driven right past my job until I ran out of gas.  That's actually a timely metaphor.  Whoever, coined the term 30 is the new 20 just set me back ten years, considering I could not wait to get out of my 20's.  Thank you, whoever you are.  As, I was under the impression that once I entered my 30's I was sure I would know what it is I was meant to do with my life.  I know I'm not the only one going through this.  Although, I must admit, putting it all out there does feel good.  I know what some of you may be thinking: "With the current economic status I should be grateful to even have a job."  Please allow me to respond.  It's not that I am not grateful, I am.  However, I cannot ignore the fact that my spirit is stifled and all of my creative energies are being consumed by a huge corporate dragon, which I have aptly named StinkEye. 

                          "Oh, StinkEye why do you loathe me so?"

     

It's a New Day.

This morning I was awakened by 70 degree weather.  Spring is unofficially making its arrival!  It's been a long time coming and my weary spirit is already gaining strength from the sun.  I have to admit I've been struggling with the process of creating "A Woven Life".  Daily obligations and routines have a way of sneaking up on you and attempting to decide what your life should look like.  Times like these are when we must stand taller and stronger and refuse to let our lives be created for us.  Only we know what our truth is and it's our right and responsibility to ourselves and  the universe to go within, realize and actualize that truth.  As I get older, or shall I say wiser, I am understanding that life is never set in stone.  In order for us to become who we are meant to be, we can take notes from mother nature and begin shedding the parts of ourselves that no longer fit who we are.  By doing this,  we make room to grow into our best self.

A couple of months ago, I decided to put together a support group in honor of these ideals.  The group consists of roughly 13 amazing women.  To date we have had two successful meetings!  It is our sacred space where we create our ideal life goal by goal.  We discuss our fears, aspirations and come together to strengthen one another through tears, laughter and words of encouragement.

Little Syara creating visions.

Last  month we began creating our vision boards which represent all of the elements that make up our ideal life.  

Courtesy of Flickr.com

I encourage you to start creating your own.  To make your vision board, you will need old magazines, pictures, embellishments, glitter, stamps, glue, scissors etc.  It's like starting with a clean slate.  You can make your life be anything you'd like!  We would love to feature your vision board on A Woven Life.  Email us a jpg. of yours at elkie1005@yahoo.com.    

Alexander McQueen 1969-2010

The world has lost an amazing and genius designer.  Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Lee Alexander McQueen.  May he finally rest in peace.

Haiti's Hemorrhage

The recent devastation in Haiti has undoubtedly forced the world to take notice of its social and economic poverty. This is the opportune time, to not only rebuild the desolation caused by this week's earthquake, but to help rebuild the livelihood of the people themselves. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. With three-quarters of the population living on less than two dollars a day and the remaining on just one US dollar per day. I urge you to do what you can to help out with the relief efforts and stop the societal hemorrhaging that is taking place. Below, are some reputable organizations that can use our support. Thank you.

Unicef

To make a donation for the children of Haiti.

Yele Haiti

Wyclef Jean's Organization

Text "Yele" to 501501. $5 will be charged to your phone bill for Haiti relief.

Yéle’s community service programs include food distribution and mobilizing emergency relief.

Doctors without Borders

More than 2,000 patients have been treated so far at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) locations in Port-au-Prince.

Mercy Corps

Money will go toward immediate humanitarian needs in Haiti, which may include food, water and temporary shelter.

No Limits

It's been quite some time since my last post.  I hope everyone had a memorable holiday!  Now, we can get back to clearing our heads and focusing on the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us all.  I wish you all peaceful thoughts and clarity to envision your dreams, and the strength and tenacity to take action and make them a reality.  I invite you on a journey of creativity and growth here on our blog and in your endeavors.    We have so many amazing plans in the next coming months.  Let's do it together!

"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another."

-Luciano de Crescenzo

A.W.L. - 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, nowadays, we as consumers, are much more apt to make conscious purchases.  For that reason, I have put together a holiday gift guide, which allows you to support independent artists and charitable organizations with each gift you give.  There are a myriad of choices to help you make responsible purchases.  Below, are some of my favorites:

Elkie Soto

Check out my own Recycled Wristlets and Accessories

MonkeyPoo

The most amazing all natural handmade soaps! You will be addicted.

Dsenyo

Dsenyo is an ethical fashion company committed to offering sustainable accessories, featuring the art of African textile design for fashion and socially conscious women.

Artsy Chica

Novelty candles from the Dalai Lama to Frida Khalo.

Qassa

Amazing hand crocheted blankets.  A portion of all sales will go to support Project Linus and Central Asia Institute.

Ten Thousand Villages

This bed spread is so cheerful and giving as well.  One of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), the company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries.

 

Sari Bari

These recycled Sari quilts can be purchased at SariBari.com, a business initiative, that seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata’s red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade.

Bead for Life

Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beads, and people who care open their hearts,homes and communities to buy and sell the beads.

The Hunger Site

The Hunger Site was founded to focus the power of the Internet on a specific humanitarian need; the eradication of world hunger.  You can shop for unique and meaningful gifts.  Such as:
-Subsidize a Berkeley Darfur Stove for a family living in the Darfur refugee camps for only $20.
-Send Two Girls to School in Afghanistan From $20.00

Happy & conscious shopping!

And the winner is.....

Congratulations, Ms. Laura Bee,  you are the winner of A Woven Life's first contest!  Thank you for all those who entered.  Your entries were all amazingly insightful and  inspired many.  With that said, our contest was so successful, we will certainly be planning many more to come!  Be on the look out for our next one.  And as always, keep weaving.