Monday, February 15, 2010

Earthlings

I recently watched a film that turned my world upside down. It wasn't a surprise and it wasn't the first time I came to know this information. However, there is a certain power that films hold. They are able to connect with the viewer on a level like no other medium can. Visually and realistically the camera shows you a series of clips that transcend time. Whatever the images are they affect you because your eyes are taking them all in. Your brain send signals to your heart and soul and soon your whole body is being taken over by the power of cinema. To have this power is not just a skill but a blessing. For the amount of time the film plays you are in a different world. Out of all the films that I have seen in my life (which is a lot) this one made the most impact. It was the most horrifying 1.5 hours of my life.

Earthlings is a film that sadly defines what humans have become. With undercover and media footage, director Shaun Monson tells the story this planet never thought it would hear. It is undeniably hard to watch and will no doubt make you cry. Earthlings shows us how we treat animals and the earth. Torturing and killing has been a part of the human race since we can remember. This is no excuse. We no longer need to kill to survive. We no longer need to kill to be warm. We certainly never had or have any reason to torture other living creatures. If you disagree, than you do not deserve to live on this planet and call yourself an earthling. For it is people like you that has made this way of life possible and profitable and you should be eliminated.

Now if you are someone who feels that this behavior is wrong and needs to stop than I am happy there are people like you out there. It is our responsibility to take care of this planet and all the living creatures on it. Animals are earthlings too. They have the right to live a happy and healthy life just as much as we do. Humans think that just because we have more power we can abuse that power to create chaos, fear, greed and death. We don't. What makes anyone think that they can torture another living soul for no good reason? I cannot comprehend why someone would be this way. Maybe its because I could never hurt a fly or maybe its because I love animals. Or maybe its because I have a deep respect for all living creatures and the earth that we all share. People need to stop being ignorant, greedy and selfish because its tearing us all apart and in turn destroying everything.

I ask that you watch the trailer to this film to get a glimpse into the full length version. The trailer alone is a lot to handle. If you have already seen this film than I would never ask you to see it again. Once is enough, believe me. But what I will ask you to do is get the people you know to watch it and spread the word. I believe that if you see this film it will change your life forever. No human with a soul can watch the horrible things this film presents and walk away unchanged. If you are one of those people than I will say it again, you simply need to be eliminated from the equation. Its been said that it has turned people toward vegetarianism and I can understand why. After you see what these poor animals go through you will never want to eat them again or support this disgusting behavior.

The fact of the matter is, animals should not die for food, style or experiments and they sure as hell should not be tortured for our entertainment. What kind of people are we anyway? Is this something we should all be proud of? Because honestly, I am not proud to live amongst most humans. I am actually saddened and disgusted that some of you even exist. Does hunting small animals and deer with a gun make you a man? Why don't you try killing them with your bare hands and see what happens. You are all pathetic cowards. Does wearing fur and leather make you feel stylish and special? Well, I must admit its real stylish to wear dead flesh on your body. It's even more special to wear an animals fur that has been ripped off like a band-aid. You are carrying around tortured souls that were once our beautiful furry little friends. Can you smile about that? Does prodding and electrocuting animals when they are bound make you a good scientist? No. It makes you a murderer with a degree. Do you enjoy taking your children to the circus? Watching the clowns be silly and the elephants do tricks you never thought you would see. Well, think of all the torture these wild animals go through in order for them to be trained. Im sure if your children knew the truth they would be scared as hell to ever go again. Good!

Im sure some of you are thinking I am a little harsh with my words. Well, suck it up. Nothing is going to change if people don't see and hear the truth. It has to be in your face or it won't work. Its sad that it has come to these measures but it's no one's fault but the human race. There are too many heartless people out there who think they deserve the world and have the right to do what they please. We may have freedom as Americans but that freedom does not include making other creatures suffer for our greediness. Who the hell do you think you are! There are alternatives to everything and making better choices is a part of being an earthling. Choose faux over fur and leather. Eat vegetables and other sources of protein instead of animals. Test on humans and stop taking advantage of the earth's creatures! If something needs to be tested so bad than its probably not good for you anyway. Wake up and smell the flesh and blood that is being sacrificed here. Not to mention, the waste and excrement that is being forced into our water and land and making us all sick. This planet needs our help and we have to take action NOW.

You know I used to be a meat eater too. I didn't eat a lot of it but I ate it. There was always this feeling in the back of my mind that it wasn't right. I have always supported animal rights and was against fur, leather and experimental testing but I didn't know then what I know now. It is not to late to change for the better. For over 6 years I contemplated being a vegetarian and slowly made it to where I am now. Eating organic and using natural products has been a big part of my life since 2006 and I am very strict about it. When you are young you are not aware of the truth. You may think you know but you don't. There are too many distractions in your life for you to focus on issues that are bigger than you are. When you are an adult, as I am, you have no excuse. Get the facts, open your eyes to the truth and start making the best choices of your life.

If I was able to tie people down and force them to watch this film I would. It is that important. The images are still embedded in my mind. Did the film upset me? Yes, very much. Did it make me cry? Oh, yea. Did it get me mad? Yes, it filled my heart with rage. Rage towards all the people working in factories who torture the animals beyond belief. Rage towards all the people who raise animals just so they can kill them. Rage towards all the so called "sports" that hurt and treat animals in ways you wouldn't believe. Rage towards all the shelters who kill dogs and cats in ways that are unimaginable. Rage towards the human race for letting it get this bad and not having the strength and the intelligence to know better. For everyone that is supporting this behavior you should not only be ashamed but embarrassed as well. You are all the reason that this planet will soon stop turning. I ask you to please find it in your heart to fight for a better future. We all need to come together to make a difference.

Nature + Animals + Humankind = Make the Connection
Evolve for Change

You can get more information on the film and view the trailer here: earthlings.com



Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Good Things to Come

I must say that today was a good day. I have been feeling kinda blah lately but today really put a smile on my face. I have been sending out so many resumes it makes me sick. I ventured outside my box and answered some writing jobs as well. So far it paid off. I got offered a column on the Patch for Bellmore. It's a website that supplies local information and events. I pitched an idea and the editor, Jaime, went for it. I am so excited. I know its not a super fab magazine but it's my first paid writing gig. You have to start somewhere, right? My bi-weekly column (not sure the name of it yet) is going to have photographs taken by me (of course) of the area of Bellmore with some history or information about the subjects in the photos. I wanted to do something artistic so I can use my skills and help people view their surroundings in a new light. I hope to start next week!

I got back into yoga last week and honestly it has been lifting me to new heights. I love it. My body may be sore but I feel great and more centered. I was sort of losing it for awhile and needed a pick me up. Yoga has definitely helped me keep my head up and feel more confident. Not to mention, have a much stronger body (you should feel my biceps!) My recent decision to become vegetarian and eat more healthy has also really turned my life around. I feel happier and more peaceful.

I got a new project to work on today as well. The painter I work, Leonard Meiselman, with wants me to design a small catalogue of his work. Should be a simple project but I am excited to see the outcome. A second project came my way yesterday from Petite Picasso. A book order came in so I am heading to the office tomorrow to get it all scanned. Finally, some work!!

Today really showed me to be positive and not to let anything get me down. I am going to keep doing what I am doing and move forward with a smile. The resumes will keep on flowing and I am going to contact more newspapers and magazines for possible writing assignments. Wish me luck! I am crossing my fingers for good things to come.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

I Am One Soul

These past couple of days have been dragging. There aren't any new projects on my plate right now and that is a little depressing. I always like to be working on something. Especially, since it's my only source of income. Looking for work hasn't been uplifting either. Resume after resume and no response. It really gets to you after awhile. I am sick of getting excited about a job and then hear nothing back. It makes me feel like giving up. Danny and I talked the other day and agreed that we should start looking for work in other states. New York doesn't seem to be doing that great so it might be time to move on. I answered some ads in New Haven and Philly. I hope to hear something back soon. I wouldn't want to move farther than the New England area so that is where I am looking. I guess we will see what happens.

I have so many things on my mind. It never stops. My dreams are crazy and I haven't been sleeping very well. I just want some peace of mind. I want something to change. I want to make money and not worry about my future. I want to be happy. I have a lot of things that almost complete the big picture. My boyfriend, Danny, is the one I plan on starting a family with so the search for me is over. I love my dog Olive and am happy to have a little buddy by my side who loves me. I am healthy which is always a good thing. I love where I live. My apartment is so comfortable and beautiful and I am grateful to have this place. I have a great family and a handful of awesome friends. Although, I don't get to see them much I know they will always be there for me. So what's missing?

I just want to make a living doing what I love. Is that too much to ask? I spent my whole life working towards a successful career in the arts. All my education and experience is in art and design. This is what I was meant to do. Even if I am able to write for a living that would be fine. I have many skills that I do not want to go to waste. I am awesome at what I do and I do not want to think any different. My confidence is at a standstill...

All my life I had a feeling I was put on this earth for a reason. I knew I was different from everyone around me. I always felt my mission was to experience life and share what I know. To use my voice and express myself to the world. The fact that I am skilled in the arts, music and writing only justifies my thoughts. The talents I possess would only help me to open myself up and push me to evolve at a faster pace. I still feel this way. Only now I have different dreams and expectations for the future.

Now that I am 30 and have found the man I want to marry I can't help but think of the future. I picture us having a nice house on some land where its quiet and peaceful. Surrounded by trees, grass and the sounds of nature. Growing our own food and maybe even selling some at a local farmers market. Having a couple of animals out back so we can give them a good home and a healthy life. I always wanted piglets so maybe 2 or 3. Two cows so they can keep each other company. And also some chickens...fresh eggs! This would make me happy. I would love to be able to work from home and continue to design and write. I would also like the same for Danny. I would also love to own a bed & breakfast. That would be an extra! I guess you can say I want a simple life. I just want a life of peace and security. I also hope to have the time to do the things I love like reading, traveling, cooking, playing music and being one with nature. I need these things in order to feel sane.

When it comes time to have children I hope to have a boy (Dimitri) and a girl (Brooklyn Lee). I want to be able to give them all the time in the world and not get stuck in a 9-5 job that will make me miserable. I plan on raising them vegetarian and teaching them good morals and ethics. Not only how to be a good person but to show them what the world around them really is. I will not lie to my children. They will know truth and because of that be able to grow up strong, smart individuals. I will surround them with books, music and art and share my talents and skills so that they can be the best at what they do. I will be open and honest about my life and choices so they feel comfortable around me and never hesitant to share their thoughts. I have so many high hopes for my kids. I just want this world to be a better a place to live in so that they don't have to clean up all of our mistakes. They deserve better.

When I was young I expressed my thoughts in every way possible. Whether it was through my art, my writing or my music, I always got my point across and people always listened. I was fearless and did not hesitate to experiment. I wanted to taste the world. I feel like I learned a lot among the years and still have no regrets. I am a passionate woman who will not stop for anything to be heard. Back in the day I was more reckless and did not think much about my actions. Sometimes I think how I am lucky to even be alive. Today I feel I am more grateful for having experienced the things that I have and be able to be here to tell the stories. I think that because I lived a colorful life I am able to truly be a vessel for sharing positivity with the world. When I learn new things and gain helpful knowledge I can't hold back from sharing it all. I am strong. I choose to speak for those who can't. I am ambitious. I choose to act toward evil and break it down. I am loving. I choose to help other people so that they can live the best way possible. I am smart. I choose to be heard through many outlets. I am hope. I choose to share my life experiences so people can see that anything is possible.

I am one soul. I choose to open myself up to the world and spread love and positivity. Its time for souls to reunite. Its time to break the cycle and evolve for change.