As we enter into the new year, I have a vision on how to expand The Genie Projects. First, I need to set up an Indiegogo account so that I can make enough money to make this program a non profit. From there, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a building space solely for The Genie Projects, where volunteer high school and college students teach art for School credit? This is only insight to part of my vision…but what if?! What if….I make this possible within 6-8 months? The Genie Projects has been blessed with having two successful empowering art shows…and although we’ve made a difference in the lives of two young individuals, there are so many more individuals we can empower. I believe this can be done…do you?
Tag Archives: Art
Bella, and the Struggles She is Overcoming: A Poetic Insight About Her Past
Bella, a 15 year old who suffers from stage 4 dyslexia has also faced abuse, as I learned yesterday when I met her for our mentoring/art session. When I first started working with Bella, I had a false perception that Bella might not need a whole lot of help from The Genie Projects because she seemed to be conscious and aware. But yesterday, as she told her story, I knew that it would be an opportunity for The Genie Projects to help heal that part of her past that has affected her thus far, even if she is cognizant of her choices. By allowing her to express herself through art and through music (Thanks to the help of The ContempArt Collective), I believe we can make an impact that will help aid in the continued positive journey. Bella chose her current journey, and despite her dark past of abuse, bullying, and much more, she is moving in a positive direction. This is Bella’s Story:
At a very young age Bella witnessed her addict father abusing her mother, so when she experienced abuse from a boyfriend, she knew it wasn’t right, but thought it was normal. Bella started wearing dark colors because it was a physical display of how she was feeling, and wore her hair in front of her face because she felt she could hide from others. When the sadness became too overwhelming to bare, Bella started cutting herself. She explained to me that by inflicting physical pain, it reminded her that she could still feel. She writes:
Did you ever need to cut?
Did you ever need to see your blood to know it was real?
I have.
Did you ever run the blade against your skin over and over?
Did you ever cut anything and everything?
I have.
Did you ever not bleed?
Did you ever not get the satisfaction ?
I have.
Did you ever think it was because you were dead to the one person who cared?
Did you ever think it was because they didn’t care anymore?
I have.
Did you ever think you don’t need to cut?
Did you ever want to stop?
Yeah, me either…
Bella, at only 15 years old, has decided to take a different journey. She stopped cutting, stopped doing drugs, and now uses art and music as a way to express her current, and past emotions. I am excited to share more of her journey as we walk together in a realm of creativity. Stay “tuned”….
Moving Forward in a Dyslexic World
At only 15 years old, Bella has emerged from living in a transitional home and suffering from Stage 4 Dyslexia by constantly pushing forward. Meeting with Bella has been inspiring, and I am excited for you to learn more about her journey. This past session, Bella taught me about how it feels to have stage 4 dyslexia, how she interprets things she see’s and how she hears certain words. I look forward to letting you into her world at our next art show. Not only does she write lyrics, but her artistic vision is amazing.
As I learn more about Bella, I become more aware of her brilliance in utilizing her adversity of having dyslexia as a way to overcome challenges and push forward in every aspect of her life. With The ContempArt Collective, The Genie Projects plans on introducing her life of dyslexia into your world as she views it.
If you suffer from dyslexia, or know of someone who does, I would love to know more about how you view things. Please feel free to comment below!
After obtaining my MA in Organizationa Behavior, I wouldn’t have believed that planning for an art show could be this extensive, but definitely fun. To come up with a vision and plan how to make it possible is a sure vibrational raiser. For the past week, I have been collaborating ideas with The ContempArt Collective and I believe we finally have things in order. Now for the kick off. Sometimes it’s a slow start, but ultimately, it’s going to be a great art show for the child we mentor, and for those that attend. Yay to the “Golden” month of August (Hint to the theme of the show).
After a week of calling different school organizations and attempting to get them involved in spreading more info about our program (College students are always so enthusiastic about getting involved and helping the community), I am devising strategies to reach even more people. Any thoughts out there?
As we grow as a program, I am finding myself growing as an individual. I am learning what it takes to manage a program…and it’s a lot of work to get things started. But I am learning something even more important. I am learning to just BE in the moment, to love life, and to be authentic about who I am, and what I do. I am become a better person because of the inner work I’ve been doing, and because of the people that surround me. Thank you Universe!
Below is a quote that is perfect for The Genie Projects:
“Heroes didn’t leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn’t wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else’s. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.” ― Jodi Picoult
Moving UP and Onward
When I received an email from Judy, the Founding Director of the Alexandria House (a transitional home for single women and women with children) asking if I could help them prep for their upcoming art show, I was ecstatic. To be welcomed back into the home was an amazing feeling because I knew that in one way or other, I (my program) & those involved positively impacted them. This thought allowed me to reflect about what I’ve been doing in order to head in the direction I want; as I try to live each day leaving a positive mark wherever I go. Whether this means sharing a hug, a smile, or a positive word….I want to be an instrument of love.
Now, I know that there are days when I am not living in my highest vibrations, where I might say things or do things that aren’t in my grace, or times when I might wallow in my low vibrations for a good minute and then need to listen to Abraham’s youtube video about raising vibrations in order to pull me out. But what I’ve come to realize, is that we all have days where we might be feeling a little off, but we also have the CHOICE to pull ourselves out…even when it seems that nothing can pull us out, or perhaps we just don’t want to. Often, we WANT to wallow in our victim mode and wait for someone to save us. Often times, this is me. What I’ve come to learn is that playing victim doesn’t make any situation better, that we have the choice to approach a stituation with a positive light, and when or if, we approach situations in ways that aren’t aligned with who we are, or what we believe, then we need to reflect on why we reacted the way we did (or feel this way), and what we can do to approach it differently the next time something similar arises. Every day is a learning and growing process, as Michael Beckwith said today in his sermon; ”You have a dynamic destiny, the universe only knows your unlimited potentiality.” To move up and onward, because all of us are innately good. We have the power to manifest wonderful things for ourselves and in doing so, be that instrument of love that reaches those around us and far beyond. But first, we must make sure that we are aligned with our highest self. Be happy! Get Happy! Or, as Abraham says, find something that makes you just a “little bit happier.”
When I first witnessed The Genie Projects coming together (with the push and help of Cynthia Harvey Smith), I was beyond words happy. To see my vision unfold right before my eyes and to know that it impacted someones life and those involved, is an experience I want to feel for the rest of my life. To know that WE touched many lives by our program, and that THEY also touched our lives, sets the stage for a positive vibrational community, no matter what social or economical class an individual may come from or be in. I’ve noticed that as I become more and more in my grace, I set the standards for what I want in life and somehow, I draw those with the same vision near. I’ve also realized that we cannot empower others unless we ourselves feel empowered.
I love this journey I am on, and I love that I can share it with those around me. I have to quote Cynthia Harvey Smith regarding staying commited to the journey:
“staying committed to the journey of conscious creating isn’t just a choice it’s how “i am” ….super excited to step into deeper connection with the highest vision of my life this week through study/meditation and activating my artistry from a place of purpose. Let’s do this tribe! 
.”
I too am excited to step into deeper connection in all areas of my life at a human level, spiritual level, creative level, etc. Up and Onward 
Countdown…1 more day!
After work last night I took an hour and a half bus ride to the Alexandria House where I met up with the 12 yr old artist for our last session before the art show. I can tell you that the bus ride is not as fun when you are excited to get somewhere. The overcrowded bus, the traffic, and the stop & go of the bus itself only highlighted my excitement to get off and arrive at my destination. When I finally arrived at the Alexandria House, I was instantly comforted by seeing the kids run around and play. The Alexandria House, although I have only been there twice before, felt like a home. I made my way to the basketball court, called out for the young artist, and walked into the house and rested in the kitchen with a familiarity that puts my body at ease.
I gave the young artist a blank canvas, a few choices of paint, and some clay for a mixed media feel. He ended up opting out of using the clay, and instead asked for newspaper. Ah, this creative boy!! After talking about our day and the buzz of the art show, we painted in silence as we let our paintbrushes do all the talking.
The thing that sticks out for me about the young artist is that he is not scared to visualize something and then change it if it doesn’t end up the way he envisioned. He is bold and daring, and doesn’t settle for mediocre accomplishments. This is a good quality to have in life, especially coming from a home where most of your memories are at a transitional house and living in a neighborhood where one’s life can take many directions. Through his art, I hope he feels empowered at the end of the day with an ambitious drive that will push him forward with community outreach.
I am thrilled to share the young artists paintings tomorrow at Paradiso Arts in Santa Monica. To work with him when he thought he didn’t like painting until today when we will be hanging his paintings in preparation for Castles in the Air. How Joyful!
Art & Memories
I just got off the phone with my aunt and my cousin. To hear them excitedly talk to me and catch up was so much fun. I realized then just how much I miss FAMILY. I came to California over 8 years ago, alone…the only brave one out of my entire family to venture out. Yes, I am one out of two to ever leave Albuquerque. But I am so grateful. For my experiences, for the love they continue to send my way, and for the memories. My cousin was telling me about how my mom wanted me to learn about colors when I was only a few months old, so she asked all my cousins to color pictures to hang above my crib. My cousin described how she was soo excited to color a picture, and how she made sure to hang it in a place where I would be able to see HERS. Visualizing how I must have viewed those pictures at an early age makes me understand how those early years influenced my paintings now. I paint with vibrant colors, hardly ever with an image…but to me, so beautiful! She went on to tell me about how they kept my mother awake at night so that she could finished the dress she was sewing for me to wear the next day. Yes, I remember those beautiful dresses well, sprouting white lace with pink silk.
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard about my childhood or caught up with family. To know that I am loved..and to realize just how much my mom loved me. I am without words right now, but bursting with emotions.
I look forward to my mom attending my art show and for her to see how much she has shaped my life. Castles in the Air…I await you.
Studio Time
I can say that yesterday evening was a wonderful studio session with our 12 year old artist. As he painted, he had a rhythm that was similiar to mine, moving to the stroke of his brush and to the rythm in his head. At that point, I asked him if he liked music only to find out that he loves all music and that he writes his own rap songs. Oh, the life of the artistically inclined! So now, I am looking forward to reading some of his work, and somehow incorporating it into his art.
Besides learning about his artistic side, I’m learning more and more about his life and his journey. Opening up to someone and allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a slow process, so I know just how difficult it could be for the 12 yr old artist to do so. With this in mind it is my goal to allow him to feel comfortable enough to express his emotions through his art, without having to feel like he has to utter a word.
I have been waking up each morning excited to not only continue to create with him in preparation for the upcoming art show, but to set him up on a path where he feels empowered to continue creating and wanting to focus on the positive path ahead.
Finally…We meet.
Yesterday I took a journey to the Alexandria House (http://www.alexandriahouse.org/newsandevents.html), a transitional home for single women and women with children, where I finally met the 12 yr old boy I will be co-creating with. Finally face to face, we talked about art, about our passions, future dreams, and finally, about the art show. He was thrilled to be able to draw and paint, and I couldn’t help but laugh when he asked me when we could get started, and that he was willing to “start right now.” I left the Alexandria House feeling overjoyed and excited to actually start working alongside him.
