WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.
I’m a very creative person, and enjoy most forms of artistic self expression. In this vein, 10 years ago, I would’ve LOVED to live in LA. Three of my four brothers (whom I adore) live there, and the music, culture, craziness is right up my alley. But the man I’m married to was raised in a small town, and would rather be in rural America with his white picket fence, where you know every neighbor, and their cows… So we decided to stay here in Sacramento : nice compromise.
Fast forward 5 years – I realized that I had subconsciously resented Sacramento itself for not being LA. I hadn’t branch out, tried new things, gone new places here, because it’s ‘not going to be as good as if I were there’. Coming to a new place of self-discovery and quest for awareness, I chose to embrace and celebrate where I am and who I am. There’s something so genuine about mom & pop shops and putting a face and name with a business – they make our city what it is. I would much rather shake a man’s hand who founded his little suit shop 20-something years ago than go to a big department store.
Shopping and supporting local businesses (and causes) is important. Using the gifts and talents you have to better the people around you is important. In talking with a coworker, he was lamenting that so many talented, innovative, creative minds have been born & raised here in Sacramento, but take their gifts to cities that are already established in those areas. It is great to meet people who are staying here and impacting Sacramento in a lasting way by helping it become a city to be proud of. Writing here is part of that pursuit for me – to bring about awareness and enthusiasm for the locals. We have some amazing people here that could change this city.
Be one of them.
–> get involved. be informed. check out all of our LOCAL.MATTERS. posts.
Reading your blog is inspiring me in a few ways.. For one, I need to start my art again. Sculpting, sewing, anything textile. It has been too long, for reasons that would bore even myself to go into. Secondly, your airy and honest writing style reminds me of my passion for writing.
Thank you for sticking to your true self in your writing style.. You have revived the multi-level artist within me :-)
Selah,
T
Tina –
Thank you so much for your kind words – it’s gratifying to know I’ve inspired someone toward creativity. It’s been a long journey of rediscovery & breakthroughs for me to be in a place of embracing my art, writing, and creativity period.
In that vein, an AMAZING book / journey in itself: “The Complete Artist’s Way” – by Julia Cameron. She really gets all the (non-boring) very legitimate reasons we as artists stop doing what we love & makes us feel alive & the most ourselves.
Blessings in your creations – JJ
Lovely – you’re inspiring me to do art and go into business for myself in my new town (Milwaukee)…when I have my blog/site up I’ll let you know. I just was thinking of things you said at one of the tweetups about “loving your town” and “being your own boss”…I’m hoping to be there soon
Keep at it lovely :)
Barbie –
So good to hear from you! Wow, you’re a long way away. It makes me happy that I have been able to inspire you. I really believe in getting involved where you live. Branch out, and make a point to meet people who impact your city. Learn from them. I can’t wait to see your blog/site. Please PLEASE, follow your passion, connect to people who can mentor you in that, and make a difference in your community. It IS possible for 1 girl to make an impact. Keep me in the loop on your world-changing!
xo Kari
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