tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20563537295772158252024-02-18T21:28:44.165-08:00As it is...This is my life... right HERE... right NOW. What I feel, what I see, what I care for and what I try to understand. These are my conflicts, my joys, my illusions, my reality, my observations and open conclusions... These are my causes and effects, my pauses and consequences. Through my eyes, through my soul, I write this journal to share with those who want to read it and, if possible, inspire those who might identify some of my words as their own... With love, AgataAgata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-65749316856459654932011-04-11T16:34:00.000-07:002011-04-12T17:51:54.214-07:00The Universe's endless generosity...Amidst the chaos of all that's left for me to do before heading to the Yukon, I needed to make time to write about ALL the wonderful things that are happening to me on a daily basis. I share the following with hopes of inspiring those who may read this to quiet the mind, listen to the heart and trust that things DO happen for a reason. The sooner we open our eyes to the wonders this life has to offer, the sooner we will get to enjoy it and have fun...<br /><br />I cannot recall exactly when these series of events and synchronizations started unfolding into daily chain reactions, mainly cause time has become somewhat obscure and I can't seem to keep track of it. What I can do, however, is give you an example of what a day in my life is like. These are the events of the day 11/04/11...<br /><br />My day began at eight in the morning when my subconscious mind realized the alarm clock hadn't gone off at 6.30 as it should have; which meant I was late for class AGAIN. It was my last class as a Ryerson student. I am officially DONE -and late!<br /><br />After chatting for a bit with the substitute teacher for the day, my co-worker, friend and inspiration Melanie McBride, I realized I had to find the motivation to do my work for the course. Beads for Beds has taken over my life, or better said, I have made my life all about Beads for Beds and I'm driven to make things happen. The downside (if it is a downside) is that I cannot focus on anything else. I spent most of my day thinking on how to make the website better, get funding, promote, develop future projects, etc., etc., etc. And nothing else seems to matter...<br /><br />What we discussed was simply that I needed to find a way to relate my work in class with Beads for Beds, so that I'm motivated to do it. I decided to go to the library and grab some books on children and technology and seat down to do the work. But when I walked inside the library, I got a feeling I would run into Uma, cuteness of a guy I met last week while selling jewelry on campus. I went to the 10th floor, picked up my first book, down to the 8th, picked up the second and run into a guy both Uma and I knew. For some reason, this was a confirmation I was indeed going to run into him at some point in the next hour.<br /><br />I went downstairs to the library's lobby, checked out my books and decided to go have lunch. As I was leaving the building my instinct told me to go to the financial aid's office instead and take care of a pending credit. When this thought crossed my mind I knew I would run into Uma who would be buying coffee at the Starbucks near the office. Was this a prediction? I'm not sure. But as I finished my business at the office and walked down the corridor, there he was.<br /><br />It's not like he hangs out there all the time. Well, I can't really say cause I met him on campus only once; but I just knew. So we greeted each other and walked together back to the library entrance where I realized I had no idea why I was following him. We then made plans to have lunch together and parted ways until later.<br /><br />I went to my office and started writing my take home exam but soon enough I got distracted thinking I had to buy my ticket to the Yukon. After much browsing I concluded it was better to fly on my way there so I could start work sooner. I could take the train on the way back and save money this way. After comparing prices, I found a Western Jet seat sale from Toronto to Vancouver and another from North Air from Vancouver to Whitehorse. I spent a total of $554 one way. I though to myself: "it will come back, somehow..." and sent out my intention to the Universe.<br /><br />At 3pm I met Uma for lunch, who after a series of failed attempts to meet each other ended up having lunch on his own and keeping me company while I ate. We had a pleasant conversation and briefly discussed the power of the mind, amongst other things. I went back to my office and tried to do work but again my mind was drifting.<br /><br />At 5pm I got on the subway excited to go to my yoga class but was disappointed to find there was not too much space to actually take the class. I decided to leave half way through. As I walked home, I saw my friend Yoser on the corner of King and Dufferin but he was too far away to notice me coming his way. Standing on the corner waiting to cross the street I could feel the wind blowing as the storm was brewing. I was experiencing that unique sensation you get just before it starts pouring. There's a buildup on the air which creates a tension you can feel crawling under your skin. A beautiful calmness at the verge of breaking...<br /><br />Mesmerized by the grey sky about to fall down, I entered the building, checked my mail and found only one envelope in my box. It was screaming to get opened. The envelope was from Ryerson University and as I teared it apart, I could see the numbers five, five, three... a cheque for a total amount of $553.67 (you can go up a couple of paragraphs an double-check what the price of my plane ticket was)<br /><br />If you think this is were the day ends, you are WRONG. For the last week, I've been thinking I should put an event together to fundraise for my plane ticket to Kenya and keep promoting Beads for Beds. I don't have a venue or much time to promote it but I made a mental note that I could make it happen before leaving to the Yukon on May 10th. Well, guess what? As I read my e-mails, I find one from the owner of El Mocambo offering me the venue for Friday May 7th -exactly one year since I jumped on a plane to Kenya for the first time.<br /><br />How can all this be happening? Is it me? Am I thinking too hard? Is it the Universe and its infinite generosity? I feel I'm going to explode with happiness and gratefulness. Is overwhelming! What I can make out of all of these is that I AM ON THE PATH I SHOULD BE... otherwise, all this shit wouldn't be happening, right?<br /><br />Oh, the guy I saw on the street earlier, Yoser, just called me. It's been month since I last heard of him... another "coincidence"... and no, he didn't see me on the street.<br /><br />Cheers to a wonderful LIFE!Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-28842167275184655272011-03-31T15:03:00.000-07:002011-03-31T15:05:43.740-07:00Native American PrayerOh, Great Spirit<br />Whose voice I hear in the winds,<br />And whose breath gives life to all the world,<br />hear me, I am small and weak,<br />I need your strength and wisdom.<br /><br />Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold<br />the red and purple sunset.<br /><br />Make my hands respect the things you have<br />made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.<br /><br />Make me wise so that I may understand the things<br />you have taught my people.<br /><br />Let me learn the lessons you have<br />hidden in every leaf and rock.<br /><br />I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,<br />but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.<br /><br />Make me always ready to come to you<br />with clean hands and straight eyes.<br /><br />So when life fades, as the fading sunset,<br />my Spirit may come to you without shame.<br /><br />(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)<br /><br />Thanks Buck!Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-86856104219981710542011-03-07T06:58:00.000-08:002011-03-07T07:06:51.863-08:00A prayer to the Universe...Please grant us the <span style="font-weight: bold;">serenity</span> to accept the things we cannot change,<br />the <span style="font-weight: bold;">courage</span> to change the things we can,<br />and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">wisdom</span> to understand the difference.<br /><br />Give us the <span style="font-weight: bold;">patience</span> for the things that take time,<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">appreciation</span> for all that we have,<br />and <span style="font-weight: bold;">tolerance</span> for those with different struggles.<br /><br />Grant us the <span style="font-weight: bold;">freedom</span> to live beyond the limitations of our past ways,<br />the ability to feel your love for us and our <span style="font-weight: bold;">love for each other</span>,<br />and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">strength</span> to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-89988384823821239742011-03-04T09:09:00.000-08:002011-03-05T06:40:28.723-08:00Full MoonFull moon,<br />a breath of fresh air.<br /><br />To hate it,<br />to Love it,<br />to hate it even more.<br />The city, when dark<br />seems friendlier.<br /><br />One block, two people.<br />Five blocks, eight.<br />The city is becoming smaller,<br />or I'm expanding too fast.<br /><br />In that expansion,<br />I slowly suffocate;<br />in this insanity<br />of loud noises,<br />bright lights and<br />mental consumption.<br /><br />I'm consumed by the lack of humanity.<br />But Friday nights I am glowing<br />like a full moon...Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-38281361019734186792011-02-24T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-07T07:09:33.777-08:00Your food, your choice... right?<div style="text-align: justify;">It was Friday night and I was on my way home from a meeting with my friend Eugene, an extremely talented violin player better known as <a href="http://www.myspace.com/doctordraw">Dr. Draw</a>. Amongst the things we discussed, we talked about the possibility of him playing for a <a href="http://www.beadsforbeds.com/">Beads for Beds</a> event; the organization I'm directing.<br /><br />I left his studio in a state of bliss after he treated me to a bit of his violin. His music is an experience difficult to reproduce in words but all I can say is that it makes you look at the world from a different perspective, a hyper-realistic-down-to-earth one; where everything becomes more tangible and enticing.<br /><br />As I walked to the subway station, his music resonating in my head, the outside world seemed perfect. The streets were deserted and the snow on the ground had a magical orange glow, a reflection of the lamp posts' light above. One car passed me by and the sound of its tires against the slushy pavement made me feel alive. I was free and extremely aware of my surroundings...<br /><br />I entered Ossington station and was overwhelmed by a group of teenagers on the opposite platform that were yelling at each other, obviously intoxicated. A man on a long black coat shifted a Rubik's cube in his hands at a speed that fascinated me and it gave me the feeling that some invisible force was directing the whole scene. People's public behavior changes on Friday nights and me, I was the silent and oblivious participant of many stories.<br /><br />Amongst the over-excited voices of intoxicated youth, I sat and observed the string of ads above the passenger's heads. All of a sudden I became disenchanted, the feeling of oblivion was gone. One after the other, the signs seemed to be telling me what to do. "Build your own box" the ad for Taco Bell read. Right next to it, "Share the good" -Foodland Ontario. "Look no further" -French Education board. "Transfer some money at your next transfer" -RBC. "Protect yourself from the flu" -Government of Canada- Okey, at least they care about my health, right?. "Turn yous passion into a career" -Ontario Government. "Change your life" -some book of self-help. And finally, the BIG punch: "Do you need a psychiatrist?"<br /><br />So yes, you are crazy. You are also fat, ignorant, unhealthy and have no idea what to do with your life. So let us tell you what to eat, what to wear, what to smell like and what to do with your time. I looked at the ads with perplexity, realizing how many subliminal messages we are being force-fed daily. I wonder if I'm the only one noticing that all these ads have one thing in common: they all start with a verb. A verb! What does that mean? Advertisement today does not work as suggestions, they are commandments; at least so it seems...<br /><br />On the bus from Dufferin to King the same scenario. One thing was different though. Amongst all the ads telling me what to do, one stood out from the crowd; it was from Centennial College. "What did you want to be? Over 250 programs to help you become what and who you always wanted to be" It was a reminder that we still have a choice...<br /></div><br />Here is a video on The Command Economy. Humor is the key...<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" height="390" width="480"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JDWlRv44Gnc?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JDWlRv44Gnc?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="390" width="480"></embed></object>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-66101395518430263712011-02-20T19:52:00.000-08:002011-02-20T19:58:05.884-08:00ApocalipsisTo the Human Race; <p style="text-align: justify;">Every morning I wake up and look outside the window wondering what the day will bring about. I get out of bed, have a glass of water, feed the two cats that live with me, cook breakfast, eat breakfast, brush the teeth, wash the face,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWYgB9am2RBDx5ChazhJzJXajjpsZRUrNUX7rYJ4QAu7tD_mdHDAl75wX3TJsQo5pAyMxJ5jq6qaJh6qqsCL3xEA9mExkrJuuWbJMzprzN9o-NS3VzNKh1kqnAPh0YeUjffJAr8PWpl0f/s1600/apocalipsis.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWYgB9am2RBDx5ChazhJzJXajjpsZRUrNUX7rYJ4QAu7tD_mdHDAl75wX3TJsQo5pAyMxJ5jq6qaJh6qqsCL3xEA9mExkrJuuWbJMzprzN9o-NS3VzNKh1kqnAPh0YeUjffJAr8PWpl0f/s400/apocalipsis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575986423669119874" border="0" /></a> get dressed and walk out the door. As I leave the apartment I greet the concierge, the neighbours and the squirrels that come to the front door to be fed. I take a deep breath as I step outside and feel the sunshine on the face. I look at the colours in the sky and watch a flock of pigeons fly by. Everything is harmonious and life outside the body I inhabit is dancing graciously within the universe. I feel full and content and I want nothing but to share the love with your people. As easy and effortless as this might seem, interacting with the human race can sometimes be quite challenging.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">As I walk around the city the eyes and the heart are open. These eyes look for other eyes so that the heart can feel other hearts. However, sharing the heart seems to be discouraged on this planet. Your people appear to be terrified just by the thought of doing so. On Earth, the fear of the unknown seems to be a widespread virus and many do not find it comfortable when an alien smiles at them on the street, even when there is much warmth in this heart. Mostly every person I run into seems to be rather discontent with life. Most are in a constant hurry, embittered about not having enough money or time -I am still puzzled by your concept of these two 'values'- to stop their thoughts for a moment and accept a passing smile. You humans seem to live in a constant paradox, wanting someone or something to solve your problems but running away in fear and second guessing hidden intentions when someone comes to your rescue.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">Outside my carcass I sense there is a lack of faith for the future. I sense nothing but hopelessness in most people's eyes. Everyone seems to be defeated and the end of the world appears to be the faster and easiest way out. I have seen many billboards alerting us about the year 2012: "Will you survive?" "What will your government do for you?" and "Who will be left behind?" are some of the warnings. I have recently learnt this is in fact some advertisement for a Hollywood flick, those you like so much, but why are they inducing fear? Is the end near? Is this the apocalypse? Maybe. The world is not over and yet people walk around in a completely inward motion, unaware of what is going on around them, too concerned about their busy schedules and busy lives. You might as well be dead. Once in a while I run into someone whose eyes are open and his or her heart smiles back at this heart, but it doesn't happen too often. On my planet, eyes wide open are essential for survival. When your eyes are open you not only allow things in, you also give things out; the fundamental law of the universe. Give love and you shall receive it. Receive love and you shall be free to give it. To those whose eyes are opening, I encourage you to not be afraid by what you may see; it is only the truth and the truth shall set you free. Freedom is love, love is free and through our eyes we can give it and receive it. It is most necessary for us to co-exist peacefully as a collective, but on this planet eye contact is scarce. On this planet most of you walk while either looking down, immersing yourself in your 'cameramusic player-GPS-mail checking-web browsing phone,' looking right through people or even straight ahead into nothingness.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">And so you have been taught: be afraid, be indifferent, and be ignorant. This seems to be the campaign on Earth. No wonder why you live so unhappy, unfulfilled, and always wanting more. No wonder the planet itself seems to be getting angrier and more agitated with each passing year. Fear, indifference and ignorance are holding you back. Nobody looks outside themselves. Nobody looks deeply inside either. Most everyone seems to be holding back from getting in touch with the very root of whom they are but doing so will allow you to become aware of yourself and your surroundings. It will enable you to look inside to find the answers rather than listening to the few in 'power'; those who like power too much know nothing at all. You humans need to become aware to understand the world that you live in and those who live in this world with you. You need to grow out of your shells to be able to take responsibility for your own actions; for your own fate. First you need to understand what is on the surface and what is deep within.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">As it is, it seems we are indeed at the verge of civilization's collapse. Every notion that has been established as the true and fundamental grounds for human evolution is now being shaken from its core; only because some of you are beginning to remove your blind-folds. Maybe there are not too many of you yet, but my kind was taught to focus on the positive; focus on the good things and make them count as double. I have to admit that I have been living on this planet for a bit too long and sometimes I get caught up in the negativity. But I keep my eyes open.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">I force myself to see even when it gets hard and painful. I wish more humans opened their eyes. I wish more and more people began to question the laws and regulations that have been imposed throughout your history. Every social concept established needs to be re-thought, needs to be broken up, thorn apart and questioned a thousand times. It is time to re-write your future, from a brighter and more ethical perspective. Your money and power based system is falling apart. Your ego trip is crumbling into a pile of dust. The current system is like an aging tree that has now died and needs to be removed from its roots so that the malnourished soil in which it stands, can be cleaned up. Only after the soil has been replenished the planting of new seeds will be possible. Chopping the tree down in pieces, a very "humane" thing to do, is further poisoning every chance of re-birth; every possibility of a new Earth emerging from its ashes. You need to make changes before you are consumed by your own fire.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">I beg you, as your humble servant, to consider what has been said. Stop running for a moment. Stand still. Listen to the wind, the birds chirping and the many sounds of silence. Look at the colors of nature and the order within the chaos. Take time off your never-ending busy schedules to smell a flower or smile back at the world. Question everything and find your own answers. Do not follow those who pretend to know you better than what you know yourself. Those are liars. Be honest and speak only from your heart; that is your truth. Pay attention. Give a hand. You people need each other and the only way you will survive is by opening your eyes, to let it all in and give it all away. Love is the only way. It is what is going to save us... you...</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">My best wishes, as for deep inside you are all beautiful...</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">"Apocalipsis", by Agata Ivanna Pogorelsky. 4th Year New Media.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;">The work originally manifested itself through a charcoal sketch and was later brought into the digital media to become part of this book. The result, compared to the original drawing, is a rather chaotic collage of personal photographs and web-based images. The four elements in nature are represented emerging from the planet's core. Fire, air, water and earth exist within each other and are constantly transformed by human's hands. Burning factories are consumed by fire while their poisonous emissions pollute the air. Air transforms into wind to create ocean waves which fiercely wash away the land. From the land, the soil, trees emerge triumphantly half being, half digitalized. The binary code which make for their leaves go floating in space to turn into stars. The pillars of two ancient civilizations create balance opposing each other, while looking over the present time from a supreme and higher altitude. The two elements which represent God are in their original state of drawing, for as an alien wouldn't be able to photograph mythical bodies. The feathered serpent watches over the planet, the beacon of life. Her tail bursts out from the center of the Earth, through an atomic bomb that nukes the arctic pole. Her head reaches for the stars, unifying Heaven and Earth. The moon guards the Mayan temple while the sun heats Egyptian pyramids and the deserted sands of Africa. The hand of the creator caresses it all and the eye curiously contemplates, wondering if the time has come to start it all over again...</p>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-74515887321745216772011-02-13T09:37:00.000-08:002011-02-13T09:40:06.166-08:00Internationalize the Amazonia?<div style="text-align: justify;">Below is an insightful response from the Brazilian Minister of Education, Buarque, better known as a poet, composer and musician. In a visit to an US university, Chico Buarque was asked about the possibility of ‘internationalise’ the Amazonia. His response highlights the complexity of the issue, the powers in play, the threatened sovereignty of nations and the double standards applied when deciding on these issues. It also reveals a humanist approach, honesty and wisdom of a government minister such as Chico Buarque.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Internationalize the Amazonia?</span><br /><br /> Brazil’s Amazon basin, some 360 million hectares cleaved by the world’s largest river, the Amazon, whose 80,000 kilometers in length is equal to the distance between New York and Berlin, holds the planet’s greatest biodiversity reserve. This unique, complex, exceptional ecosystem is a colossal Patrimony of Humanity. Should it be internationalized?<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cristováo Buarque</span><br /><br /> During a debate in a US university over four years ago, a young US ecologist asked Cristóvão Buarque, then the Workers Party governor of the Federal District of Brasilia and currently Brazil’s minister of education, about his ideas on internationalizing the Amazonia, so often described as the “lung of humanity.” It was then and still is a theme strongly sustained in Washington’s power circles.<br /><br /> The young man said he hoped Buarque would answer with the vision of a humanist rather than of a Brazilian. What he got was a response that was both Brazilian and humanist, one as valid and timely today as it was four years ago. As increasingly happens with such important and surprising messages, it has been repeated on various Internet pages, accompanied by the implicit digital sign, “pass it on,” it’s for everyone. Hundreds of groups, organizations, institutions and publications that present alternative ideas to today’s “single thinking,” most of them outside the United States, have already reproduced his response. Better late than never, envío is also helping to disseminate his brilliant and clinching message, which we strongly applaud.<br /><br /> “From a humanist perspective...”<br /><br /> “As a Brazilian I would always argue against internationalizing the Amazon Rain Forest. Even though our government has not given this patrimony the care that it deserves, it is still ours. As a humanist who fears the risks posed by the environmental degradation the Amazon is suffering, I could imagine its internationalization, just as I could imagine the internationalization of everything else of importance to humanity.<br /><br /> If, from a humanist perspective, the Amazon must be internationalized, we should also internationalize the world’s petroleum reserves. Oil is as important for the well being of humanity as the Amazon is for our future. The owners of the reserves, however, feel that they have the right to increase or decrease the amount of oil production, as well as increase or lower the price per barrel. The wealthy of the world feel they have the right to burn up this immense patrimony of humanity.<br /><br /> In much the same way, the wealthy countries’ financial capital should be internationalized. Since the Amazon Rain Forest is a reserve for all human beings, no owner or country must be allowed to burn it up. The burning of the Amazon is as serious a problem as the unemployment caused by the arbitrary decisions made by global speculators. We cannot permit the use of financial reserves to burn entire countries in the frenzy of speculation.<br /><br /> “Let’s internationalize all the world’s children as patrimony of humanity”<br /> Before we internationalize the Amazon, I would like to see the internationalization of all the world’s great museums. The Louvre should not belong merely to France. The world’s museums are guardians of the most beautiful pieces of art produced by the human genius. We cannot let this cultural patrimony, like the natural patrimony of the Amazon, be manipulated and destroyed by the whims of an owner or a country. A short time ago, a Japanese millionaire decided to be buried with a painting by a great artist. That painting should have been internationalized before this could happen.<br /><br /> The United Nations is holding the Millennium Summit parallel to this meeting, but some Presidents ohad difficulties attending due to U.S. border-crossing constraints. Because of this, I think that New York, as the headquarters of the United Nations, should be internationalized. At least Manhattan should belong to all humanity, as should Paris, Venice, Rome, London, Río de Janeiro, Brasilia, Recife... Each city, with its unique beauty and its history, should belong to the entire world, to all of humanity.<br /><br /> If the United States wants to internationalize the Amazon Rain Forest to minimize the risk of leaving it in the hands of Brazilians, we should internationalize its nuclear arsenals, if only because the country has already demonstrated it is capable of using these arms, causing destruction thousands of times greater than the deplorable burnings done in the forests of Brazil.<br /><br /> In their debates, the US presidential candidates have defended the idea of internationalizing the world’s forest reserves in exchange for debt relief. We should begin by using this debt to guarantee that each child in the world has the opportunity to go to school. We should internationalize the children, treating them, all of them, no matter their country of birth, as patrimony that deserves to be cared for by the entire world. Even more than the Amazon deserves to be cared for. When the world’s leaders begin to treat the poor children of the world as a patrimony of humanity, they will not let them work when they should be studying, die when they should be living.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">As a humanist, I agree to defend the internationalization of the world.</span> But, as long as the world treats me as a Brazilian, I will fight for the Amazonia to remain ours. Ours alone.”<br /></div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-10981580428741525042010-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:002010-12-08T09:24:11.912-08:00In memory of Cristina TabordaA friend died today... she didn't wake up from her sleep... she was one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met... always smiling, always laughing, so light she would lift you up. Last night, she fell asleep and never woke up.<br /><br />I feel a knot in my stomach... a mixture of sadness for such a loss and happiness for such a life. We take so much for granted, unaware of how ephemeral are nature is. One day you may not wake up, you may be caught up in dreams... caught in between moments that will make you eternal. Death makes the clock stop. Everything suddenly stops. You become more aware of life... maybe that's the whole purpose of Death. Be aware... don't get caught up... life can easily slip through your fingers when you least expect it.<br /><br />I run into Cristina two days ago. She was smiling as always. We started talking about my event and how excited we both were that it was happening. I thank her one more time, because it was her idea after all. We made plans to get together before I leave for Kenya but today I found out she never woke up this morning; her status on Facebook read:<br /><br />This Cristina's Mom writing, I am truly sorry to tell you that Cristina did not wake up from her sleep yesterday. We hope to know later today what happened to her. She lived a beautiful life, full of love, music and joy and with the blessing of having so many friends. We miss her tremendously and are still in shock. But she was a beautiful person and will continue to touch us with her smile and laughter.<br /><br />After the initial shock all I could think was that she died a peaceful death... I wonder what she was dreaming about that she was so compelled to stay there... she was probably singing or laughing... or both. Maybe surrounded by mermaids, or running across a sunflower field. I can see her... always in a good mood; always so contagious.<br /><br />Death<br />in its house,<br />a window.<br />Life,<br />sunny outside.<br />Go run,<br />break free.<br />Love you.<br />Love me.<br />We are nothing but,<br />almost everything and.<br />Smiling<br />Singing.<br />Life is truly appealing.<br />Death,<br />a reminder;<br />a broken clock.<br />Makes you forget<br />what you try too hard to remember.<br />Wake up from your sleep,<br />the sun shinning<br />brightens up your face.<br />Look out the window,<br />I'm waiting.<br />She's waiting.<br />Death is<br />but an endless dream...<br /><br />Thank you Cristina for being you, it was a pleasure and an honor to have met you and I will sing and dance even more... in your memory...<br /><br />Love you!<br /><br />Your friend...Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-86167632968363901262010-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:002010-11-30T20:00:44.838-08:00The Empire is leaking shit...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">This morning as I was having breakfast, I read what <span style="font-style: italic;">The Star</span> had to say about Wikileaks. A feeling of anger, mixed with a bit of amusement and discomfort, rushed through my veins in a split of a second; it was Clinton's quote:</span></span><br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><blockquote>"There is nothing laudable about endangering innocent people and there is nothing brave about sabotaging the peaceful relations between nations"</blockquote> All I could think was: REALLY!? REALLY!? YOU ARE A FUCKING HYPOCRITE MRS. CLINTON. I kept repeating that to myself almost as a mantra. This woman has either no shame or the intelligence of a mosquito. If there is something that the United States has NOT done throughout the course of its history is to care about other nations!</span></span> And here she is, the Secretary of State, ordering U.S. diplomatic figures to engage in espionage in the United Nations, in violation of the international covenants to which the U.S. has signed up...<br /><br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">The last couple of days, Wikileaks has taken the front page of every newspaper around the world; the Truth is out. I always say that sooner or later, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">what it is reveals itself</span>. The absurdity of the U.S. government's politics is finally known to everyone. In fact, it has always been for those who knew how to read between lines, seek accuracy and educate their minds. Those ,who never believed what politicians had to say or bought what the media was selling, have always known. But the general public, the masses, can now be aware. The question is: will we turn a blind eye on this crucial information or will we rebel? I fear the first. The masses are too comfortable; a revolution will mean sacrifice and I am not entirely sure if most people are willing to change things themselves. The worst that could happen would be that fifty years from now, historians look back at this time of age and study the reasons why we didn't take the opportunity to change the course of civilization's future. Maybe we were too comfortable in our coaches watching YouTube videos on our Ipads and eating ice cream... Out there, millions were starving, old wars continued while new ones developed, blood shedding, violence and disease... and it wasn't Hollywood; it was real. And the true criminals were free and discussing how to apprehend the true Heroes.</span></span><br /><br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks -and officially my new Hero- is now the target of accusations that seem to me fabrications of desperate politicians. For instance, Washington is considering adding Wikileaks to the list of terrorist organizations and the Interpol is asking for Assange's capture; claiming he has raped two women in the past. I can't help but wonder what are we going to do about this... are we going to allow the United States of America to continue with this nonsensical circus?? </span></span>Are we going to turn around and continue running in our hammster's wheel until we are out of food, water and health? Let's wake up, we have a choice to be Human and to chose the representatives that best represent US!<br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><blockquote>"The first ingredient of civil society is the people's right to know, because without such understanding no human being can meaningfully choose to support anything. Knowledge is the driver of every political process, every constitution, every law and every regulation. The communication of knowledge is without salient analogue. It is living, unique and demands its rightful place at the summit of society." (Julian Assange)</blockquote></span></span><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Many have accused Assange of being nothing more than a smart attention seeker. People, come on!!! Who the fuck cares the reasons as to why he has done what he did when we have been given access to all this valuable information? Let's focus on what is important here! This is the chance we get to send a message to our governments and demand transparency! The governments are supposed to represent their people!! So far, their agendas have satisfied private sectors, enslaving the rest of the population to the demands of Corporations...</span></span> With technology as a mass media communication tool we can now ask those in power to at least be decent, if anything...<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><br /></span></span><blockquote><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">"If governments would prefer to not have such information surface they have two choices: don't engage in wars that even their own military employees find reprehensible, and don't rely on secrecy as a method of governance."</span></span><br /></blockquote> <span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">The Age of the Empire is coming to an end. </span></span><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Another Rome, another fall. No more bread and circus, no more absurdity, misery, inequality... The Golden Rule is: </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">one should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself</span>. <span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">This needs to be applied everywhere! Every system that is not built on this foundation will eventually collapse; that is the Law of the Universe and it is time we realize this globally. We have a huge responsibility ahead of us and that is to make use of the tools that are accessible to our generation; and we must follow the Golden Rule. Let's compromise, let's rebel, let's wake up. </span></span><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">This is the end of the Empire... It seems so... </span></span><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">I hope so... I wish so... I beg for so...</span></span><br /><br />"The corporate revolution will collapse if we refuse to buy what they are selling. Their ideas, their versions of history, their wars, their weapons, their notion of inevitability. Remember this: we be many and they be few. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">They need us more than we need them</span>. Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing" (Arundhati Roy)<br /></div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-58855943143060581352010-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-17T12:54:11.322-07:00Mother Nature, you are my anchor...<div style="text-align: justify;">Wednesday was one of those days when the bucket is full and there is no more space for anything else. My patience was very short, my sensitivity extreme and every single sound of the street was hurting my ears. When I feel like this, I know that I need to stay home and paint or read or write or lay in the couch and do nothing. But because I do not have the luxury to be able to do what I need during the week, I had to exist within society and feel like a total pshycho.<br /><br />When I got to Ryerson Campus, having 30 minutes to spare before class, I decided to seat on one of the tables that are now permanently set up on Gould street, as students won the battle to have it closed. It was somewhat cold but the sun was shining and I was dressed up warmly. I positioned my chair looking towards "lake" Devo, some sort of artificial pond with no water on it and made of cement. This view was the most pleasant amongst the many buildings and unfinished structures. I grabbed my book "La Resistencia" by Ernesto Sabato, an Argentinian writer, and could only read half a page before the noise from the construction site reached my brain. Having a desperate need for silence and about to completly lose it I looked up and noticed a massive amount of tiny yellow leaves falling from the tree in front of me. Slowly my heart beat slowed down, my anger dissipated and every disturbing sound became harmonious. I felt the cold wind brush my face and it was the sweetest caress I had felt in a long time. I observed the scenery for a while and then began to write... you may find the English version at the bottom.<br /><br />¡Qué locura de gente, que locura de mundo, que ritmo de vida tan desmesurado! Mientras que la gente camina cada vez mas apurada; mientras que el ruido en exceso penetra mis tímpanos tan violentamente que hasta el más mínimo susurro perfora mi cerebro. Entre tanto desenfreno de luces, zapateos, y bochinche, la naturaleza es el único elemento que me permite respirar. Observo gente que viene y que va, con los auriculares metidos hasta las sienes, o inmersos en la pantallita del teléfono celular, totalmente oblivios a lo que los rodea. Sus cuerpos de carne y hueso, tan fuertes y tan frágiles, se amontonan siguiendo el ritmo de un reloj invisible. Van de a tres, vienen de a dos, en bicicleta, a pie, trotando, casi corriendo. Sostienen libros, se ríen como en estruendos, toman café to-go y caminan con intención de llegar a destino. A donde sea que van, entre tanto zapateo, solo la naturaleza pareciera estar inmóvil, tan quieta que por fin permite dar un respiro ¡Esta paz que tanto añoro! Es como esos pequeños espacios de momentos lentos en la montaña rusa, cuando el tren se prepara para otra vuelta que te revolverá el estomago.<br /><br />El viento frío sopla en mi cara y arrastra consigo hojas secas que producen a la vez música, pero rápidamente se pierde entre tanto barullo de gente apurada. Música que es percibida solo por aquellos que pueden permanecer quietos y atentos a su alrededor, aunque sea por un instante. Sólo, el árbol baila en conjunto con el viento desprendiendo hojas amarillas que caen al suelo en un movimiento ondulante y casi eterno. Apenas visible entre tantos edificios, el árbol se adapta y sobrevive a pesar de estar apresado entre metal y cemento.<br /><br />Me pregunto que pasaría si mas gente se sentase a percibir el sonido del viento o la sensación que éste produce en la piel, o el temblar en el pecho cuando las hojas se desprenden de los árboles. ¿Que pasaría si el reloj se detuviese? Si el apuro descansara... Aflojen sus corbatas, alivianen la mascarilla en sus pestañas o la carga en sus bolsos, maletines y carteras. Apaguen sus celulares. Los invito a detenerse y percibir. Siéntense y escuchen la sinfonía que la Madre Naturaleza esta componiendo aquí y ahora para todo aquel que pueda disfrutar de la inexistencia del tiempo. </div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-20875616915560691792010-09-26T20:40:00.001-07:002010-09-26T20:58:46.242-07:00Beads for Beds<div style="text-align: justify;">So the dream is suddenly becoming alive and all it took is effort, will and passion. I'm tired and busy like I've never been in my life but I see everything unfolding in such a magnificent way that I can't really stop now, it'd be stupid...<br /><br />Beads for Beds... the idea was born in the plane on my way back from Kenya. I knew I wanted to give back to the Dago community in a bigger way than my month as a volunteer with ASB. They had given me so much in so little time, it was a humble feeling of gratitude my motivator to do something for them. My friend Miranda and I shared our feelings about the need we felt of doing something. Pole pole (like they'd say in Kenya) ideas started flowing, it was a long flight and being just the two of us, it didn't take much to make the agreement of starting making bracelets. Originally, we wanted to make the kind of bracelets we saw all over in Mombasa, the thick beaded ones, usually with writing on it. A friend we made in Lamu, taught Miranda how to make them and we thought it was a smart idea. I realized I had a full box of beads at home, that have been carrying around for 13 years, finally I had found an use.<br /><br />Later on, we both realized that neither of us was good at making these bracelets and it would probably take us an hour to make one piece. It wasn't cost effective. So, we decided to go ahead and start making whatever came in mind. With some inventory, it was a matter of getting a spot at Ryerson to start selling Beads for Beds. Then everything just started happening, the doors were quite open, and obvious indication that we could make it happen if we truly believed in it.<br /><br />It's been almost four months since the idea of fundraising for Dago was planted in my head. In this time I have met MANY people that are facilitating the growth of this dream. I wish I had less things to do to dedicate more energy to this project but I know that soon enough, when school is done, I will be able to put much more energy into making this happen. I just need to be patient...<br /><br />I'm super excited for the party on Thursday, and a bit nervous too. Will it be a success? By success I mean people actually showing up. I would Love to fundraise enough money to get Beads for Beds registered. That's my next goal. Together with a bigger event at Lula... yes... I'm gonna make this happen, no matter what. Well, that's it for now. It's midnight and I'm still hungover from last night. I need to sleep. At least I got this done. Yay! No more procrastination... and that's a promise!<br /></div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-66391082638337985482010-09-10T17:15:00.000-07:002010-09-11T10:33:47.300-07:00A letter to Ryerson UniversityDear Ryerson;<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After five years attending your institution, today you finally pissed me off. To begin with, you are charging me late fees even though I depend on OSAP to pay for my classes and AGAIN this year they messed up my application. The fact that I do not receive my loan in time shouldn't grant you permission to charge me an extra amount of money for "lateness". I feel as if you have been reaching into my pocket every time you had a chance, even though I am already broke. Secondly your bookstore charged me $70 for a compilation of 180 photocopies (with cardboard front and back covers) which in my opinion is "a little bit" pricey. And can you explain to me why did you feel the need to have a Police officer guarding the entrance? Don't you think is a bit too much? A security guard would have been just fine, and maybe less intimidating... And how about your Work-Study acceptance policy?<blockquote> Our office has reviewed your application; unfortunately, we are unable to process your application, as you did not meet the academic eligibility requirements for Work Study consideration.<br /><br />From the information available, you are not a full-time student and have not registered for 60% of your course load for the entire Academic year of 2010-2011. Students must be a full-time student (with a minimum 60% course load) for the entire school year. Your winter units = 2 and you do not meet the program fee threshold of $4912.</blockquote><br />Fine. Now I'm being forced to take three extra courses so that I can get the job. I have a job offer as a Research Assistant, the professor is just waiting for my Work-Study application approval. I have a total OSAP debt of over $40,000, not only I want this job because is related to my career, I also NEED it. However, my tuition is not as high as $4912 this year because I only need three credits to graduate. Why do I feel that I'm constantly being punished for not having enough money? If I get a scholarship, you lower my loan. If I don't spend a certain amount of money, I can't get a job that could highly benefit me. You seem to be pushing me to be a mediocre student with no passion or desire to push my own limitations. Why? Because you keep forcing me to do jobs that give me nothing but some bills to make the rent payment. What about my dreams then? My need to do something for the community, to aim high, to push myself? Why are you not stimulating this? All I get is the cold shoulder and extra paper work. Even my 4.0 GPA doesn't seem to be enough to get some funding... for A or for B I never seem to be eligible for most scholarships.<br /><br />Not all of it is bad though, there are people who work at your institution that have been a great motivator for me to keep insisting, keep fighting, keep resisting against the pile of shit you keep throwing at me. But why are you making it so hard? Education is a right, not a business. And you should be able to recognize the hard working individuals who attend your institution, that are actually passionate about something and not just plain brain dead, following the rest. Maybe you feel threaten by this kind of "rebel-like" behavior. Maybe you don't want thinkers and doers to come out of your institution, but workers, people who will fit perfectly well in the hamster wheel that the few in charge have been building since the peak of capitalism.<br /><br />I am going to challenge this. I will shout loud and clear that this is not what education is meant to be. This is not how an educational institution is supposed to behave. Education should break molds, create freedom of mind, push in many directions, expand, embrace, stimulate a broader understanding of the perplexity of humanity. Education should build, not destroy. Should feed, not starve. I can assure you that many feel the way I do.<blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>“Education is about the production of more democracy, production of peace, production of happiness whereas schooling is often the production of global economic competitiveness.” (Source: "More families are deciding that school’s out – forever" Globe and Mail, Sept. 10 2010)</blockquote>I have realized today that my only stress in life is money. When I think about my debt and the future I'd like for myself and my children, when I have them, I find no room for dreams. I keep transitioning from a state of "Fuck it, it's just money anyways" to "how the hell am I going to pay my debt??" I have dreams... many... I want to give to my community, I want to make the charitable organization I just started grow, I want to go to Teacher's College, I want to travel lots, keep learning, keep teaching, keep growing... but how do I do all of these with the ghost of a poor financial "reality" pondering around my neck?<br /><br />It's not all about money making, you know Ryerson? You should take a closer look to those who are struggling to be better individuals, to create a better community and are hoping to contribute to a better world... these are the ones you should be rewarding... rolling out red carpets for... I hope one day this changes; maybe one day you'll get it...<br /><br />I thank you though for some wonderful teachers you have... those are the ones who are making it well worth it for me.<br /><br />I wish you the best.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Agata Ivanna Pogorelsky<br /></div><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-53442931771502183162010-08-14T05:45:00.001-07:002010-08-14T05:45:14.429-07:00A prayer...God, grant us the...<br /><br />Serenity to accept things we cannot change,<br />Courage to change the things we can, and the<br />Wisdom to know the difference<br />Patience for the things that take time<br />Appreciation for all that we have, and<br />Tolerance for those with different struggles<br />Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the<br />Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the<br />Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-52067376718444398382010-07-06T18:21:00.001-07:002010-07-06T22:43:11.467-07:00Yesterday is tomorrow... tomorrow is already gone...<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">It is hard to believe that two months have passed since I wrote the following:<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">"And now it hits me… finally. An overwhelming feeling of immediacy, the feeling that I have indeed very little time from now till my departure to Kenya (or lots, depending from which angle you look at it)</p><div> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">A mixture of anxiety, excitement, adrenaline, impatience, lot’s of “to do”s, anticipation, joy and a belly full of butterflies. This is how I’m feeling right now, this is how I woke up. The calmness I felt yesterday having spent the whole day on my own, has suddenly transformed into an emotional turmoil. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">As I write my shopping list for tomorrow, I envision moments in Kenya that I can’t even imagine. I’m planning things like not shaving or wearing deodorant or not giving a fuck about my hair. Once I land, I want to stop “worrying” about these insignificant things that have been branded in me by society. I want to solely focus on all the reasons why I’m embarking in this adventure; some of these I know, some I will discover there. I understand that it may be gross and the men in my group may not appreciate it, but here and now I want to try what it would be like to not care. For some reason I feel that once I land in Africa I will be able to free myself from all the taboos society has imposed on me. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I look at my packing list and it pretty much sounds like for the next month, I will be living in the jungle or something like it. I really hope so. Mosquito net, sleeping bag, duct tape, headlamps, carabineers and lots and lots of bug repellent. It’s so freaking exciting! I can’t wait to detach myself from the city, break free from society and let go of its rigid structure. I’m so excited to get a chance to live the simple life, working together with a group of people that has been nothing but amazing from day one.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">My heart is beating so fast now, I think is ready to abandon my chest and fly out the window. “I’ll catch you in Kenya” it says. The anticipation is just amazing. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Four days and so so much to do. From watching films at the Hot Docs, to meeting for coffee with one of the directors I met yesterday, to visiting a kindergarten school and spending the afternoon with my friend’s mom and her students -learning what is most likely to be my side-career. I need to buy socks, camping gear, clothes and equipment tomorrow, party tonight, drum circle after our last meeting, hanging out with friends, etc. etc. etc. But the more I think of what I need to do, the more anxious I get. Oh well, let’s just keep moving then. Doing rather than thinking is what always calms me down…</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I want to thank my team for being so amazing, for making this happen, for believing, for sacrificing, for achieving the unthinkable, for thinking the unthinkable, for the amazing energy that has been flowing in each meeting, even when the level of tiredness was up to the roof. It has been great and we haven’t even left… Yaaaaaaaay! See you all tomorrow.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Thank You Dancing Dani // Thank You Adventurous Andrew // Thank You Rocking Robin // Thank You Dreamy Darya // Thank You Super Steven // Thank You Magical Majalyn // Thank You Acrobatic Ahmad // Thank You Funny Filipe // Thank You Eager Emma // Thank You Joking Jeffrey // Thank You Magnificent Miranda // Thank You Interesting Isaac // Thank You Corageous Caroline</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">And of course… amazing Agata! HAKUNA MATATA!!!"</p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">--------------------end-----------------------------<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">So where does time go? Does it really exist? I find myself reading something I wrote two months ago and it only seems like yesterday... and it only seems like a million years ago. So much has happened, so many experiences lived, laughter shared, tears cried and all I keep in my heart is the joy that accumulates daily for all the lovely people I have met on the way.<br /></p>I did manage to go without shaving for the entire month, I didn't care about my hair or how I looked. I took every single moment in and pushed myself out of my comfort zone entirely, several times. It is hard to reproduce all I have learned, shared, felt and experienced but the one thing I can say right now is that I'm grateful for every single second lived. I look forward to the now because the one thing I have learned and keep confirming is that yesterday is tomorrow and tomorrow is already gone. All I have, all I am, is the present moment...Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-63805595844594909952010-04-15T07:29:00.000-07:002010-07-06T18:54:09.749-07:00Simply extensions...<div style="text-align: justify;">After last night's random and fascinating adventure, I went to sleep feeling satisfied with every single turn of events. It was obvious to me that by not getting what I wanted, I had gotten everything I needed...<br /><br />As I was getting in bed, I re-read some of the things I wrote throughout the evening. I promised myself to be more consistent and decided to make the compromise of writing this blog a little (or a lot) every day, no matter what. So I start my day today doing exactly what I told myself to do.<br /><br />Regarding last night, there is not much point for me to reproduce the events of the evening; the moments have passed and can not be retold as excitingly as they were while occurring. I could summarize some by saying that each time a moment ended (even when I tried several times to prolong it) a new moment arose by running into people or unexpectedly dropping by at my friend's house, who wasn't even at home. Retelling the exact story is not appealing to me at this point in time, it will only be my "mental masturbation" of remembering a fun evening, full of casual and intense encounters. But I will share with you some of the writing I did while IN the moment.<br /><br />The first writing was at "Nirvana" when Eric and Mark decided I had ceased to exist -that was the joke. My poem is in Spanish and I will translate it later on. For now, these are the random bits and pieces of their conversation... I can never cease to exist if I chose to...<br /></div><br />#1<br />Let it unravel,<br />he says.<br />A small world is not meant to be,<br />small world<br />don't put it together.<br />Music,<br />Fucking AWESOME!<br />For sure,<br />he said after his 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> beer.<br />But that for me is ideal.<br />The reality is<br />they are fucked...<br />Intense and blah blah.<br />they are fucked<br />For sure...<br />And I Love them both.<br /><br />#2<br />Run, run, run and hide.<br />Stand still,<br />jump.<br />Let the connections find your shinning,<br />let them fly.<br />Run, run, run and hide.<br />Love, cry, connect and break me up.<br />Fly, crawl, walk and get me high...<br /><br />#3<br />A song request (Robbie at piano)<br />Moments are gone<br />and moments always come back.<br />Little droplets of windows<br />go down the drain.<br />My eyes,<br />full of rain<br />are washing off my tears.<br />Storms,<br />Oh storms,<br />How I fear you!<br />Come back my child,<br />I will give you a piece of my soul<br />for you to find solace.<br />Suns, millions of them,<br />I have them all<br />inside my self.<br />A tiny box of memories<br />in which I sometimes hide.<br />A tiny box full of memoirs,<br />why do I save them?<br />Sometimes the rain<br />is not strong enough<br />to wash away the tears.<br />But the suns inside and all around,<br />are shinning through.<br />Oh my child,<br />I have forgiven you.<br />Oh my child,<br />would you forgive me?<br />Every single time<br />I collapsed,<br />drowned in illusion,<br />the one I now embrace.<br />The one reality I choose to live,<br />Illusion.Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-41987045195811433252010-03-28T15:17:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:06:12.364-07:00Sunday... not a fun day (draft saved but never published)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I found the draft of this entry that I wrote in March. It was never published because it wasn't finished (still isn't) but I'd like to share it today...</span><br /><br />It appears to be that Sundays are my "thinking-way-too-much" days. Since I woke up this morning, my mind has been going in circles like a carousel, same thoughts arising over and over again. It has been too long since I sat down and write what's on my mind, so I decided to let myself pour out onto this blog.<br /><br />Much has been happening lately. Ever since that night in which I died and was reborn, I have been able to focus my attention and make productive use of my energy. It all started with the compromise of not having sex for a month. It has been longer than that and I don't miss it. It's actually quite hard to believe that this would ever happen to ME, but it's happening and it's difficult to explain the reasons why I made this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">decision,</span> or even the effects that this pact with myself is having on my persona. It feels good in many levels because I realize how obsessed I was over sex and that led to finding the roots of this obsession. The problem wasn't the moment but the afterward. I understand now that even though I had convinced myself to believe certain things -and what a good of a liar I was to me, sooner or later I had to face the truth.<br /><br />So what is that truth? Happiness is easy, what is hard is the process it takes to find that permanent state of inner peace. The road to get there is full of bumps and shortcuts, which will appear to take you there faster. But at the end of the day, taking those will take you right back to where you started. So, NO shortcuts! The long way is the hardest but it's guaranteed to take you there.<br /><br />There are a couple of rules that need to be followed to find this peace I talk about; maybe not rules but steps. Each step of the way gets harder and harder. The deeper you dig the more shit you find and it's smelly, it pisses you off and it will make you want to quit. But don't there is light at the end of the tunnel, most importantly tunnels are fun if you let go of your fear of the dark.<br /><br />So far, I have come to learn the following:<br /><br />#1 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">BE HONEST</span><br />I can almost certainly say that this is the number one rule. You will NOT find peace unless you are honest to and with <span style="font-weight: bold;">yourself</span>. Eventually, that will allow you to communicate honestly with others. After having found your own truth, you will recognize bullshit instantly; either coming from others or your own. This has many advantages but certainly some side effects that you will not like at the beginning (sooner or later you will get used to it and even appreciate it, those side effects will make you feel you are still a human being) I will explain side effects later on.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What does it mean to be honest with others?</span> It doesn't necessarily mean you always have to speak your mind and communicate your every thought -hard thing for me to avoid. It means to be able to listen and pay attention to others needs, it means to speak from the heart, to have pure intentions, to wish well and to step out of your comfort zone for those who are not there yet. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is better to say a truth that hurts than a lie that promotes idiocy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What is it to be honest with yourself?</span> This is TOUGH but once you have come to this point, everything else will follow, unfolding and manifesting effortlessly. Once you are honest with yourself, when you manage to calm your ego down and let your heart speak, unfiltered by your rational mind full of fears and "buts", then you understand what is it that you <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span> want. Figuring out what you WANT rather than what you DO NOT want means that the Universe will conspire for you to be happy. YES. Once you know what you want, you will desire it, you will be ready for it and it will come to you. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your world is a direct result of your thought.</span> If you think you want something but deep inside you don't know why you want it, either it won't happen or the opposite of what you think you want will manifest. Why? because <span style="font-weight: bold;">not getting what you want is getting what you need.</span> The only way to know what you need is to be honest with yourself. If you learn to want what you need the world will be your playground, life will be nothing but a meaningful and precious gift and you will not know sadness. Being honest with yourself is hard and can be a painful process, but if you ride the wave rather than trying to control the ocean, there will be no pain, just joy...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What are the side effects of honesty?</span> To begin with, people may not appreciate it and for sometime you may feel that everyone thinks you are a pretentious bastard. That's fine. It means you actually are. Because as I said earlier, as you become more transparent and honest with yourself and others, you speak truth because it comes from a place that is not your own and you become selfless. The difficulty lays in the fact that sometimes is hard to know when you are being honest with good intentions or only because you pride yourself in the fact that you "know" so much. However, time and wisdom makes you humble. When your intentions are pure, you understand that this truth was given to all of us, but not everyone is listening to their hearts, so they can't yet be wise.<br /><br />I find myself going back and forth between an over-inflated ego and a very humble self. This takes me to rule #2: Keeping your intentions pure.<br /><br />#2 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">KEEP YOUR INTENTIONS PURE</span><br />If whatever is it that your doing is solely for your own benefit, then stop doing it. This one is tricky to explain but I will do my best. Many times we think we are being generous because we seem to convince ourselves that we know exactly what the other person needs are. It is interesting how we think. We can't figure our own lives out but we pretend to have it all figured out for others.<br /><br />#3 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">BE DECISIVE</span><br />YES! This is a big one. You need to make decisions in order to achieve inner peace. Too many open doors leads to not walking through any of them. It is all right to have a couple of windows open, in case you have to do and emergency exit. However, too many options will have you stand still with indecisiveness. In the times we live in, we are presented with so many options daily that is difficult to not go insane. People are try spending most of the time choosing rather than doing. So I say, decide. It doesn't have to be a definite decision, but the moment you decide what it is that you want to go after, it will happen. It's not that complicated. If you are wondering which corner to turn, and you stand there thinking of all the reasons why you should or should not turn a specific corner, you obviously are not walking. Decide and go. You can always come back to where you started if that corner wasn't the best option. But you will never know until you do it so, for as much as I dislike quoting a corporation I will say one thing "Just Do It". It's better to try and to fail than to think to much and do nothing. Failure, here comes #4.<br /><br />#4 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">EMBRACE MAKING MISTAKES</span><br /><br />#5 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">TRUST</span><br />Trust yourself,<br /><br />#6 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">BE FREE</span><br /><br />#7 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS</span><br /><br />#8 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">MAKE GOOD USE OF YOUR TIME</span><br /><br />#9<span style="font-weight: bold;"> - PAY ATTENTION</span><br /><br />#10<span style="font-weight: bold;"> - LOVE YOURSELF!!</span><br /><br />Reality is based solely on perception. The more obscured your perception is by judgment, ego and the lack of confidence, the less fulfilling your life will be. Don't get me wrong, people manage to go through life, blinded by their own shit and they still do good. This mini-guide to Peace of Mind is simply a way to enjoying life to the fullest. Is my advice on how to be happy, how to stop worrying, how to enjoy and be free. That's the bottom line. You take it or live it. I feel the necessity of planting seeds cause that's what I set myself to do or that's what I have been asked to do or that's what I'm supposed to do. who knows and who cares really...<br /><br />The conclusion is: You create your own reality, so what ever you believe, that will be your world. What I have shared with you is my belief, what's in my heart, explained through words and it can mean nothing to you or it can mean everything. Whatever it is, I wanted to share it with you and I did, hoping it will inspire you to just be happy, in whichever way you chose and hopefully in a way that will help others as well. The more happy people we have in this world, the more positive the energy that surrounds us and makes us will be, which means that eventually, we will ALL be able to enjoy life at nobodies expense.<br /><br />And of course, as Herman Hesse wrote in "Siddartha" wisdom cannot be taught but it can be found. I hope can help those who are in their search... for those who aren't, I hope you'll be soon. Eventually we ALL will be seeking and many will find...<br /></div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-91854596176712901942010-03-23T06:44:00.000-07:002010-03-23T06:58:05.993-07:00META Show @ Arta Gallery. April 8th-10th, 2010<p></p><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">META is an annual exhibition that showcases the thesis works of graduating students from the New Media program at Ryerson University. The exhibition provides a platform for emerging artists to display their innovative and experimental works to Toronto’s arts community.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Finally, after 8 months of production, my baby is coming out to the world!!</span><br /><br />My piece will be showcased at the META exhibit @ Arta Gallery (55 Mill St - Distillery District)<br /><br />April 8th: 4 - 9PM Opening Night<br />April 9th & 10th: 11AM - 6PM<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CONSUMER CARE MACHINE:</span><br /><br />“Performance is the surest means of disrupting a complacent public” (RoseLee Goldberg)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Complacency has always concerned me; we cannot grow as individuals unless we step out of our comfort zone. In North America we have become too comfortable as part of an economic system that can no longer sustain itself. Not only it has devoured two thirds of the planet and induced extreme inequality around the world, it is also rapidly eating away our humane qualities. We are constantly being bombarded with implicit messages that happiness can only be achieved through consumption. At the end of the day we make so many sacrifices to satisfy these created wants that we end up loosing ourselves in the process.<br /><br />The Consumer Care Machine is a kinetic sculpture/performance piece that reflects upon the loss of human values required to sustain the economic system of the 21st century. The machine as a metaphor mocks the decay of the human spirit when engulfed by the endless cycle of overwork, mass consumption and automatization. In times of corporate imperialism, society is being sold into a process that is in the end isolating and distracting from our true needs as individuals and as a collective.<br /><br />IUTU Corporations –my fictional firm- has developed the Consumer Care Machine, an incongruously transformed office cubicle with a built-in conveyor belt. Inside, the performer as employee runs the machine analyzing participants’ data and returning personalized products. “Prospective customers” undertake a series of steps enabling the machine to identify needs and satisfy them to the best of its abilities. Self-reflection upon personal goals and an understanding of the system will be rewarded with a humane response.<br /><br />In this fast-paced society our human values are getting lost. We ourselves are becoming machines, programmed by a bigger and more powerful one. We are being trained to stay in the cubicle, follow protocols and sell our freedom to buy our “happiness”. We are complacent with what is being imposed to and the real cost is our time for enjoyment. But aren't WE the ones who control this machine?<br /><br />For more info on the show visit <span style="font-weight: bold;">www.metaexhibition.ca</span><br /><br /></div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-62738646195831326692010-03-20T22:02:00.000-07:002010-03-20T22:05:07.119-07:00Oath<p></p><br />In the face of adversity, uncertainty and conflicting sensory information, I hereby pledge to remain ever mindful of the magical, infinite, loving reality in which I live. A reality that conspires tirelessly in my favor.<br /><br />I further recognize that living within space and time, as a Creation amongst my Creations, is the ultimate Adventure, because thoughts become things, dreams do come true, and all things remain forever possible.<br /><br />As a Being of Light, I hereby resolve to live, love, and be happy, at all costs, no matter what, with reverence and kindness for All. So be it!<br /><br />TUT's Adventurers ClubAgata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-89593595700393879302010-03-09T08:15:00.000-08:002010-03-09T08:20:44.140-08:00The Ugly & The Beautiful<p></p><br />Today's song: The Ugly & The Beautiful (by The Real Tuesday Weld)<br /><br />Well, after all that we've been through<br />Would you still call this love, baby?<br />'Cause love's the only proof<br />That the ugly could be beautiful.<br /><br />God knows I'm feeling spent<br />Though I've still got my money, honey<br />Money's the revenge<br />Of the ugly on the beautiful.<br /><br />Well, the drugs just ain't enough<br />Though I like the way they made us crazy<br />But love's the only drug<br />that turns the ugly into beautiful.<br /><br />And I can't tell you why<br />I'm still so much afraid of dying<br />When dying is what reconciles<br />The ugly with the beautiful.<br /><br />Though we've been burned by it<br />Let's still believe in love<br />'Cause love's the greatest gift<br />Of the ugly to the beautiful.Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-60912441360933937792010-02-20T06:42:00.001-08:002010-02-20T09:13:45.974-08:00Seeker or Finder?<p></p><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My good friend Mallory suggested recently I read <span style="font-style: italic;">Siddhartha</span>. I happened to have a gift <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">certificate</span> for Chapters and decided to follow Mal's advice. I entered the Eaton Center, which was quite painfully actually and found my way to the bookstore. Yes, it was annoying. Shopping Malls are making me a bit sick, lately more and more. Too many people, to many stores, lights, noise, brands and consumers. I know, I'm sounding like an old lady already, maybe I have become old. Maybe I have grown up, I don't find shopping malls exciting anymore.<br /><br />I remember my years as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span></span>-teenager in Argentina, when the only place I was allowed to hang out on my own with friends were shopping malls. But it was different. There we had cinemas and a "game-land", lots of space in the food court and sometimes they even had activities for kids our age. My mom would drop me off and pick me up at a certain time and I would have a blast. Shopping malls here, at least the ones I know, are quite different and I can't say I enjoy a cluster of people entering and exiting stores at a speed I have never noticed so clearly before. Hey, I'm not judging... I'm just not a big fan of it.<br /><br />Feeling a little bit claustrophobic, I finally found Chapters. I can't say I felt any better inside either. The line up at the cash register was HUGE and the clutter of books and things was too much for my eyes. I quickly asked an attendant to check the value of my gift card so that I knew how much I could spend. "Twenty dollars" she said smiling. Great. I asked her to do some searches for me and I figured I could get two or three books without spending money from my pocket.<br /><br />The attendant walked me to a computer station and asked me the names of the books I was looking for. She touched a fairly big computer screen and typed <span style="font-style: italic;">Siddhartha.</span> I was fascinated by the technology, thinking how many great things we have accomplished as a society because of it; and how many more we could. In that split of a second I thought how easy it could be to realize its potential for bigger and better things. I fear we are ready to give technology its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">proper</span> use. Maybe I'm being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cynical</span> but I think I share this thought with many people.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Technology, its poisonous by-products, weapons of mass destruction, and inhumane repercussions are projections of the human psyche, expressing our current stage of development. They express not only our consciousness, but also our unconsciousness. 'Look at the devilish engines of destruction!' Jung wrote. 'They are invented by completely innocuous gentlemen, reasonable, respectable citizens who are everything we could wish. And when the whole thing blows up, and an indescribable hell of destruction is let loose, nobody seems to be responsible. It simply happens, and yet is all man-made'." (Daniel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pinchbeck</span></span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Return of Quetzalcoatl"</span><br /><br /></blockquote>The problem with technology it's not technology itself but the intention behind the use. We are still fear driven monkeys; if our intentions are driven by fear, hence power, the use of advance technologies could be VERY dangerous and may result in a destructive outcome. "A faulty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">attitude creates</span> a faulty world" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sri</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nisargadatta</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Maharaj</span></span> - <span style="font-style: italic;">I Am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tha</span></span></span>t)<br /><br />As I stood there having all these thoughts, four versions of <span style="font-style: italic;">Siddhartha</span> popped up. They ranged from $6.99 to $25.99. Why the difference? I guess it's a matter of content... oh wait, no... it's about how fancy the cover is. That will change the price drastically. Is like a pair of jeans: if you go with the "no brand" ones, you will pay a fair amount -I can't really define fair at this point- If you choose "Guess" or "Gap" then be ready to spend a lot more for the exact same thing. Amazing! Branding, eh?<br /><br />After finding my book digitally, the search for the physical element began. Rows and rows of shelves and shelves. Thousands of books seemed to be yelling at me "Pick me! Pick me!" all at the same time, it was deafening. Books about politics, spirituality, art, pop culture, self-help, dog training, sexual "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">education</span>", etc, etc, etc; nowadays you can find books about pretty much <span style="font-weight: bold;">anything</span>, no kidding. As I was getting dizzy and was not finding what I was seeking, I was obliged to ask a second attendant for help locating what I needed. "Fiction and Literature H" there it was, my $6.99 version; sitting humbly next to a bigger and better <span style="font-style: italic;">Siddhartha</span>. I picked up the book and without hesitation I decided to try the big computer myself to find <span style="font-style: italic;">Women that Run with Wolves</span>, which was also suggested to me recently by Demetra, my new half sister. That one I was able to find on my own. I picked up the $10.99 version and headed over to the cash register. On my way there, I saw a book on sale called <span style="font-style: italic;">Leaders Who Changed the World </span>and from the same collection, laying quietly under it <span style="font-style: italic;">Encounters that Changed the World</span>. There was only these two copies left. Maybe the last ones? I stood there for a while, not knowing which one to take; both sounded appealing. I grabbed the first one and as I was walking downstairs I said to myself "Whatever, it is only eight bucks!" So, I went back and grabbed the other one. It's a book, can't harm.<br /><br />For $15 I was going home with four books I was very excited to read. I still have a huge collection at home of books I brought from Argentina that haven't read yet. I know I shouldn't be buying anymore until I read all the ones I forcefully inherited from my mother -her old studio became my room 16 years ago and I made her books mine- but books are my weakness...<br /><br />I read <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Siddhartha</span></span> in three or four days. I couldn't believe how appropriate it was for the time being. My life is unfolding in such a way sometimes is hard to believe how easy it all is. Happiness is just around the corner but we are so stubborn and egotistic that we are always choosing to turn the other way. I think we will all get there eventually; after all, all four corners are part of the same block. Even if we are going in circles, missing and passing by the key to be joyful, I do believe we will see it eventually... just keep walking.<br /><br /><blockquote>"When someone is seeking," said Siddhartha, "it happens quite easily that he only sees the thing that he is seeking; that he is unable to find anything, unable to absorb anything, because he is only thinking of the one thing he is seeking, because he has a goal, because he is obsessed with his goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal. You, O worthy one, are perhaps indeed a seeker, for in striving towards your goal, you do not see many things that are under your nose." (Herman Hesse - <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Siddhartha</span></span>)<br /><br /></blockquote></div>This beautiful book came to my hands at such a perfect timing... I'm thankful for yet another synchronicity. As I finished the book many questions were answered. One of the most significant one was: Am I a seeker or a finder? The answer is <span style="font-weight: bold;">both</span>.Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-29355024289741334362010-02-16T16:33:00.000-08:002010-02-16T16:43:51.595-08:00IPhone application<p></p><br /><p>My thought of the day is:</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">If they came up with so many useless ways of making your life easier with a thing called Iphone, why don't they include a sensor for object-proximity recognition? </span><br /><br />Because I don't have a cell phone I'm always looking where I'm going, so I myself can avoid colliding with other people in the street. However, I've witnessed many individuals running into each other simply because they are immersed in their little toys. At first I found it quite annoying, I still do a little, but now it's quite hillarious. I suggest that if you are feeling bored, go seat at a park or coffee shop and observe people as they collide with one another... All I can hear is the circus music in the background as the monkeys keep running into each other, having seemingly lost their perception and peripheral vision.</div>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-8468569302037579782010-02-15T22:51:00.000-08:002010-02-15T22:56:56.552-08:00Love Someone<p></p><br />I saw this posted in the wall of a very incredible woman I met yesterday... I wanted to share it cause I also believe this lyrics express how I feel about the world today. We can make changes, we must make changes...<br /><br />Dub F/X - Lyrics To "Love Someone."<br /><br />It’s possible to love someone<br />And not treat them in the way that you want<br />It’s possible to see your eyes<br />Be the devil in disguise with another front<br />And, it’s possible to change this world<br />Revolutionise the boys and girls<br />It’s possible to educate<br />The next generation that will rule the world someday<br /><br />The changing times of the 21st century<br />Means nothing to me cos I would rather be<br />At the beginning of time, earth would be mine<br />Living in luxury<br />Discovering a world out there<br />Believing in the sun earth water and air<br />Take me there so I could see the world bloom<br />Standing on a sea cliff howling at the moon<br />Creating a world for the open minded<br />A unique perception of truth inside it<br />I know we could find it<br />It’s just a matter of where and when we collectively decide it<br />The world is not a vicious place<br />It’s just the way we’ve been raised<br />Discovering time and space<br />I know that we could make a change<br />Rearrange the way that we appreciate the world today<br /><br />It’s possible to love someone..<br /><br />Now as i start to put my mind into words<br />I stall I fall I’m loosing it all, my inhibitions<br />The thought of wasting a way<br />The fact that the music’s at a place not far away<br />Yet I stray and stick to my world<br />In love with my life my beliefs and a girl<br />Is it luck that I love this crazy place, the human race?<br />Don’t get me wrong I still think we could change<br />But this life and the fact that time exists<br />And were here and we don’t come equipped with it all<br />Half the fun is learning and I’m having a ball<br />While the world keeps turning my role is small<br />But I’ll make a change<br />I hope you’re feeling the same way<br />I hope you’re seeing what I say<br /><br />It’s possible to love someone..<br /><br />In this concrete jungle we live<br />Our survival is love that we give<br />Now my instinct is guiding my way<br />It’s true what they say<br />The world is your chance to create<br /><br />This kind of talent they don't show on TV. I wonder why... <br />See how he performs live in the street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiInBOVHpO8&feature=fvw<br />Shorter version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwWKCl3rbBs&feature=related<br />This kind of talent they don't show on TV. I wonder why...Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-69841477584351760022010-02-07T20:55:00.000-08:002010-02-07T21:09:13.499-08:00Love Will Find You<p></p><br />Today's song: Love Will Find You (by ATB)<br /><br /><span><span class="txt_1">I believe it's all inside you<br />all the answers<br />Strip it down and see the light come<br />through the crowd<br />I believe it takes a moment<br />just to know it<br />Listen to the wind<br /><br />Let go of the fear<br />Let go of everything<br />Let go of it's realm<br />Love will find you<br /><br />There you go you're down again<br />disbeliever<br />Hoping for a way to get through<br />desire<br />Everything in life is shown you<br />it's so easy<br />Listen to the wind<br /><br />Let go of the fear<br />Let go of everything<br />Let go of it's realm<br />Love will find you<br /><br />I believe it's all inside you<br />all the answers<br />Strip it down and see the light come<br />through the crowd<br />I believe it takes a moment<br />just to know it<br />listen to the wind<br /><br />Let go of the fear<br />Let go of everything<br />Let go of it's realm<br />Love will find you</span></span>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-17096640729604924952010-01-22T09:44:00.000-08:002010-01-22T11:22:01.776-08:00Machine's list and random notes<p></p><br />Conveyor belt:<br />http://www.instructables.com/id/How-20-PBJ-Mechanical-Munchie-Maker_1/step3/Make-conveyor-belt/<br /><br />Performance:<br />I Love Lucy (secretary episode)<br /><br />Goodies:<br />http://discountpens.com/?gclid=CJiI2vPKuJ8CFRHxDAodGzFl3gAgata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056353729577215825.post-34663545828774432062010-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:25:39.641-08:00Why does the past repeat itself? Are we incapable of learning from it?<p></p><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> As I observe the world around me I can't help but wonder: are we stupid or just blinded?...<br /><br />It's scary how true it is that history repeats itself. We seem to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">oblivious</span> to the world we live in as we go about our daily <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">routine</span> caring only for our own individuality and those closer to us. We have been taught to wake up every morning and be nothing but fuel to a hungry machine that seems to never feel satisfied. How is it possible that we react to the world's reality only when catastrophe strike? Let's take Haiti for example, everybody knows this is one of the poorest countries in the planet yet we don't offer a helping hand until CNN tells us almost 100,000 lives were lost in an earthquake. All of a sudden we are there and yet that helping hand has to sign many forms and stamp many papers before food can get to the victim's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mouths</span>...<br /><br />I'm tired of this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bureaucratic</span>, capitalistic, poisonous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">regime</span>. It's doing nothing for us except destroying our civilization and the possibility of further evoluting as a species. We are giving away our souls to a devil who is definitely not the red-horned-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pointy tailed</span> being we imagine it to be but the many faces of each and every existing corporation wanting nothing but production and consumption of disposable and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">unneeded</span> goods; the real manufacturers of waste.<br /><br />A couple of days ago my radio-alarm went off at 9am. As always, I hit the snooze button a couple dozen times. Suddenly, I heard a speech in between dreams about all the things that I have lately been pondering about. I tried to consciously focus on the words and in a semi-awaken state I was able to hear the last part which I've included in this entry. It was a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King on April 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>, 1967 at Riverside Church in New York, explaining why he opposed the war in Vietnam. (I recommend you read the entire speech, you can find it in: http://www.democracynow.org/2010/1/18/dr_martin_luther_king_jr_1929) The resonance it has in the present time made me think of the tittle of this blog entry. I am upset by the reality we have created for ourselves. Why is it so hard for us to do what is right? Why are we so blinded by fear? and, is it entirely our fault? It is time for a revolution but a non-violent one, in which our morale takes on the stirring wheel and our personal desires just chill on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">passenger</span> seat -unless those desires are for the good of the people; in that case I suggest they became the co-pilot.<br /><br />“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” (J.F. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kennedy</span>)<br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Increasingly, by choice or by accident, this is the role our nation has taken, the role of those who make peaceful revolution impossible by refusing to give up the privileges and the pleasures that come from the immense profits of overseas investments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A true revolution of values will soon look uneasily on the glaring contrast of poverty and wealth. With righteous indignation, it will look across the seas and see individual capitalists of the West investing huge sums of money in Asia, Africa and South America, only to take the profits out with no concern for the social betterment of the countries, and say, “This is not just.” It will look at our alliance with the landed gentry of South America and say, “This is not just.” <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Western arrogance of feeling that it has everything to teach others and nothing to learn from them is not just.</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A true revolution of values will lay a hand on the world order and say of war, “This way of settling differences is not just.” This business of burning human beings with napalm, of filling our nation’s homes with orphans and widows, of injecting poisonous drugs of hate into veins of peoples normally humane, of sending men home from dark and bloody battlefields physically handicapped and psychologically deranged, cannot be reconciled with wisdom, justice and love. A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">America, the richest and most powerful nation in the world, can well lead the way in this revolution of values. There is nothing, except a tragic death wish, to prevent us from reordering our priorities, so that the pursuit of peace will take precedence over the pursuit of war.</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">Let's wake up! Let's stop this non-sense before it crashes against the floor for its lack of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sustainability</span>. The time has come to make changes that will enables us to move forward. Stop praising the devil and start listening to your own heart. Deep inside you know that the foundations of the current system are not based on the right values. It is up to you, to us, to make this a better, more livable place for the current generations and the ones to come...<br /></p>Agata Ivannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15533945335521151396noreply@blogger.com0