As an artist activist I don't want to be on the wrong side of history. Do you?

Greetings from California. I'm a 64 year old jewish woman in Los Angeles. Of course the actions of Hamas on Oct 7 were inexcusable. And, I'm horrified by the genocide Israel is committing against the people of Gaza. I'm equally horrified and ashamed they are able to do this because of USA support. Cease Fire now.

It’s time to talk about Love. And Peace. And Listening. And Truth. And Fairness.

It is time for the USA to engage in non violent economic policies that no longer support killing. We have so many skilled, educated and inventive people in our country ready and able to develop products, services, and policies that can help save our planet, animals and each other.

I donated $50 to Dr’s without Borders. I’ve emailed and called President Biden. I’ve spoken with friends and chosen family about my feelings. I’ve encouraged all of us to speak our minds. The last conversation we had we remembered that there are 6 million jews in the USA. Another 6 million in Israel. We are such a small percentage of the world population and yet receive such a great percentage of the abuse, criticism, and prejudice.

And still, it doesn’t end. Violence begets violence right?
Below are the resources that have helped to educate me and to cope. I hope they will be useful to you and yours and inspire you to take whatever action needed to make your voices heard.

https://www.kpfk.org/on-air/mitch-jeserich/.

https://homeboyindustries.org/order-forgive-everyone-everything/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHylQRVN2Qs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHylQRVN2Qs

Take that Break. - How I finally took mine...

In 3 days, it will be 2 years since I was able fulfill my role as a Teaching Artist in the classroom with 3rd graders in Long Beach, CA. Gratefully, I was able to pivot and keep my job with the Arts Council for Long Beach. So many were not as fortunate. Many of us lost more than our livelihood, we lost those we love.

I was fortunate to have both time and money at the same time to go a great distance. When I don’t, I take my breaks walking in a different neighborhood, visiting a familiar place at dawn or sunset, streaming a movie or silly tv show (#TedLasso omg!), or indulging in a long conversation with a dear friend over the phone.

One of my mentors Elizabeth Preston, tells me that the whole world is now experiencing Complex PTSD. Our routines have been shattered, our resilience stretched thin, our grief compounded by being distanced from those who could support us.

Now that the Omicron variant has subsided in Los Angeles, I thought it might be safe to take a little trip. Still, the pressures of expanding my own business, and serving 3 Clients, caring for an elderly Mom with Alzheimers made it feel impossible.

With the encouragement from friends, and spending time in my CJEA practice scribbling out the frustrations, worries, fears, and stress, I booked a flight to Colorado, then New Mexico. I’ve always benefited from staring out into big views. Beauty. Nature. Embracing the ease of my own thoughts instead of city billboards. Breathing full deep breaths as the snow fell over the red earth.

Take that Break. Take 5 minutes. Take an afternoon. Take a day off. Take a weekend away. However you can treat yourself, do so. Your inner child will thank you. Your loved ones will too. And, lemme know how it goes…:)

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If what I said speaks to you, here is an invitation to join us in April.