WE DO BIG THINGS...

Although today's headlines run the gamut of reactions to last night's State of the Union address by President Obama, I only had one: do something. See, it's easy for people to talk a good game, but at the end of the day, if all you have done is talked and a game is never played, what did you do? The President briefly outlined some of the major issues that have been on the table without resolve, and whether his audience rose and applauded his points or sat back and smirked in indignation, every person in that room with an elected title is responsible for putting their personal agendas aside and working together to come up with solutions for this country. As the President said, that's what they were chosen to do. The name-calling, finger-pointing and arm-folding needs to cease; these are schoolyard behaviors that we simply don't have time for anymore. We are being outpaced across the globe in the areas of technology, science and engineering. Our students are not being challenged to face their fears of mathematics and numbers. And because cultural and creative pursuits are not highly valued in this country (art is usually the first "extra" program cut first in schools, if it even existed at all), our kids lack in those areas as well. It only takes one trip abroad to recognize that just about everyone speaks English in addition to their native language. Americans are not largely similarly armed with such skills.

So what I heard, was the question, "what are we doing?" The heritage of this country is immersed in ingenuity and invention; the way things came to be simply out of necessity and a commitment to find solutions. The Wright Brothers. Edison. President Obama referenced Russia's Sputnik effort in the race to outer space, and how the U.S. responded with the NASA space program, which eventually in 1969 put the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong -- an American.

The President went on to use the reference by stating, that this time, now, is our generation's Sputnik moment. What solutions will we come up with? What challenges will we face to overcome and bring positive change and pride to this nation? How will each of us contribute to the effort to make this country a more livable place for all citizens? Where is that drive and tenacity that put America on the map as an economic superpower, a country to where the world flocks to attend its' institutions of higher learning and work in its' thriving enterprises?

Answers, comments and criticism can come from various places, and that stream will always flow. But, like the President, I'm focused on action, tired of all the talk. Talkers talk. Where are the doers? I don't really care who likes whom in the room, don't care who they sit next to or applaud. Do your job. You weren't elected to join a glorified gang, and hang out with the homies who think most like you. Do that on your own time. Step back and look at the greater good, the bigger picture, and recognize your place in that portrait, and what you can contribute.

In short, sh*t or get off the pot.

And I recognize that I need to do same for self. What am I doing? Is it what serves me best, my personal "country?" Am I governing myself by the laws I established for my well-being, or am I allowing them to be compromised by others and even my own thoughts? Have I been all-talk-no-action?

President Obama concluded his address last night by declaring, "we do big things." I think he purposely left it open for the legacy of this House, this Congress, this government to be further defined from this moment forward. It's easy to be held to small stature: continued bickering, divisiveness and failure to produce results. He urged them to think larger, act with expanded focus and intent. Today, I received news that has left me with a similar challenge. I have decided my Defining Moment is now; I will be no one's opinion (not even my own), but instead a series of actions that one can examine as my body of work, and it will speak for itself. I, too, do big things. You can too.

*************************

Do Something...Big Things Start Small

more opportunities to get involved with your children, your communities, your country:

GirlsInc.org - inspire a girl to be strong, smart and bold

BBBSA.org - donate money or time to help a child reach his or her potential

HabitatforHumanity.org - break the cycle of poverty and help bring to life the dream of home ownership

Kickstarter.org - help fund creative pursuits by people just like you, and access their public projects in return

DressforSuccess.org - boost the confidence of a woman entering the workforce

SEW MUCH TO LEARN...

Last week, I challenged everyone to participate in the National Day of Service, recognized on MLK's birthday. I took the day "off" to seek out an opportunity in my own neighborhood, to lend a hand, show up and get active.

Thanks to an email I received on behalf of Michelle Obama from Organizing for America, I went to Sue Rock Originals Everyone Design Studio. A large party of enthusiastic volunteers gathered at this busy little shop in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, to lend their time and talents to the day's project: constructing numerous quilts from reclaimed fabrics to be donated to domestic violence victims and their families. There was a roomful of skilled seamstresses, speedy knitters, wily weavers and crafty crochet stars, and I, not in possession of any of those wonderfully creative skills, took out my camera to document the day.

For seven years, Sue Rock Originals, an eco-fashion brand of women's separates, has been supporting women and their journeys to begin new lives, though outreach programs and fundraisers. The finished quilts from the MLK Day project will be distributed through one of the design studio's partners, the Center Against Domestic Violence, one of the country's first organizations (established in 1977) to work to end domestic abuse. Apart from providing useful items created by volunteers, Sue Rock Originals also offers victims the opportunity to become self-sufficient and learn valuable life skills while building their new lives: the women who participate in the program make their own clothing and accessories in a series of classes offered by the studio over a six month period. Bolts of fabric, materials, machines, the studio space itself have all been donated to support this beautiful cause that ultimately helps women help themselves.

It was truly a wonderful experience to see people from all walks of life: men, women, mothers, kids, the experienced garment mavens to those who simply swept up remnants come together on a cold January day to work towards a common goal. The chatter and buzz in the room was light and sprinkled with laughter, as these mostly strangers began to bond over boxes of fabric squares, around knitting needles and beside tables piled with yarn.

I met Sue, a cherub-faced bubbly woman, as she moved around the studio, greeting and thanking volunteers for their efforts. As she shared the story of Sue Rock Originals with me, I heard the commitment and passion in her voice, and saw the absolute gratitude she had for the day's amazing turnout. She also had me thinking when I left, "Why don't I know how to sew?" My maternal grandmother was a seamstress, and my childhood is peppered with memories of visits to her house, where there was always fabric and thread on the floor, a humming Singer pedal machine, and some new tissue paper pattern pinned to a length of fabric, stretched out on the living room floor. And her skills weren't lost on the next generation: my mother did her share of garment service for the family. I can dig up more than a few photos of me and my brother wearing matching corduroy ensembles, or us covered up in front of the t.v. with a crocheted afghan or a quilt made of fabric culled from old favorite outfits. Although in these salad days I was gifted with impromptu demonstrations and hands-on lessons, and even bought myself a compact machine as a young adult (now, somewhere "misplaced"), I somehow have become strangely dependent upon my favorite Lower East Side tailor who will hem a pant leg or sew on buttons for $3 and up. Sadly, sewing has become a fading art in my family tree.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone Design Studio offers sewing classes, the first three Saturdays of the month, for $20. I told Sue she'd see me again, at least once. Not only will I commit to taking part in a process that will assist others in their quest for a better life, it would be great to improve my own, and carry on some part of the legacy of domesticity that was imparted upon me that I seemed to have lost along the way...I just have to get past the thought of sewing on Saturdays...

Check out more photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iwanticandy/5385433130/in/set-72157625772476501/

Sue Rock Originals Everyone Design Studio is located at 1069 Bergen St., in Brooklyn, NY.

FOOD FOR OUGHT

...as in, we "ought" to be doing something!

"Not only must we be good, but we must be good for something." -- Henry David Thoreau, 19th century American author, poet, historian and philosopher

So, you resolved to be a "better" person; to be kinder, gentler, more thoughtful. Or perhaps, you promised yourself to practice empathy or generosity. I mentioned in previous posts that I agreed with myself to spend less and do more. While giving money to important, worthwhile causes is commendable (raised funds help solve problems, research cures and buy supplies), the gifts of time, manpower and elbow grease cannot be measured. To show up is to shore up: your presence in time of need speaks volumes louder than an envelope containing a check. You show literal support: with sleeves rolled up, work boots on and hands open for tasks, you put a face on what it means to "help."

Fortunately, Americans have stepped up in these challenging times to do their part. In 2009, the number of Americans who volunteered in their communities rose 2.6% to 63.4 million. The annual percentage of U.S. adults who volunteer is 26.8%. On this eve of January 17, 2011, our observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, I sincerely hope you will seek out an opportunity to celebrate A Day of Service somewhere in our great nation. Make it a day on, as opposed to a day off. (I personally have accepted an email invitation from Michelle Obama to volunteer at a project in my Brooklyn nabe listed through Organizing for America.)

But it won't stop there. One day is great, but we should learn to give of self on a regular basis. If you're already involved in school activities with your kids and their friends, such as coaching, mentoring or tutoring, you're well on your way! Or, if you work with your church, organizing events, visiting the sick and shut-in or manning the soup kitchen, you know what this is about. Make a difference. Accomplish a goal that doesn't come with a company bonus. Do something without expectation of accolades or return business. Invest in your community, our youth, the future. Studies have shown that generosity is good for you: senior citizens who volunteer live longer.

So, get busy, and start it up!

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -- Mahatma Gandhi, prominent lawyer, philosopher and civil-rights leader

****************************

Sign Me Up...

Want to do something but don't know how to get started? Check the links to these suggestions below to find a volunteer event or opportunity near you!

MLKDay.gov

Organizing for America

NYC.gov Volunteer Opportunities

Single Volunteers, Inc. - Where a single person can make a difference

iParticipate.org

Serve.gov - United We Serve

TimeBanks.org - Strengthening communities through reciprocity

AmeriCorps.org - Serving Communities and Country

THAT "NEW" NEW...

Well, a whole week into the new year...you fall off the wagon yet? No judgment here, just the facts: it's reported that 22% of North Americans fail their resolutions after just one week! Sad, but probably very true (and probably a larger percentage than that, especially if some resolutions include "being honest" with one's self!).

I choose not to make "resolutions," so much as I do "agreements" with myself. I agree to try to make my life better by doing or not doing certain things. I agree to remember the agreements. And I agree to do my best to adhere to the agreements and not be too hard on myself if for some reason I fail. Agreements are much better than statements of resolve. Because, end the end, I can always agree to disagree with myself! Muuuuuaaaaahhh!

But seriously, one agreement I decided on this year was to spend less on material and more on experience. I came to this after seeing Jay-Z sit down with Charlie Rose at the Brooklyn Museum last fall. Hova mentioned that he strives to "make the ordinary extraordinary." That resonated with me; every moment is such a gift, and to take for granted that what we do every day is just routine, and not a monumental experience instead, well, that's just a shame. I need to change my outlook of how I approach my days, and if my days aren't marked with monumental experiences, then I need to do something about that.

So, one of the agreements made with myself this year, I will share here: spend time, like I spend money. This simply reminds me to seek out chances to experience things, people, situations with as much fervor as I seek out a sample sale or scoring a great bargain on yet more clothes, shoes, etc. I want to live my life doing things, not just dressed to do something. Now, this doesn't mean I immediately sat down and composed a "bucket list" of crazy activities -- your girl won't be bungee jumping, deep-sea diving, or skydiving anytime soon -- but I did record some thoughts about how I plan to expand not only my involvement in experiences for myself, but also how those activities can help others.

One of the best ways to collect memorable encounters is through volunteering. The rewards are countless: you feel great and you lend a supportive hand to those people, organizations, causes and institutions that need it the most. I've researched dozens of organizations and will share bit of information on each one here, every week. As I choose from this same list myself, I hope you too might see something that piques your interest, moves you in some way to think of life as not just something you live, but something you experience.

****************************

START SLOW, HOMIE...

Ok, understandably, some of us just can't dive right in. But you know, you can help right from where you are now: in front of a computer. Here's a short list of great organizations that utilize public donations and funding to further dreams, facilitate rescue efforts, continue rebuilding after disasters, research cures and more. Take a moment to research them yourself and decide how you want to participate. Bookmark the sites or sign up for newsletters to keep abreast of their activities. Whatever you do, just start. Here's some theme music...

*Artists for Peace and Justice -- Relief for Haiti

January 12 will mark the one year anniversary of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti; this organization supported by numerous celebs and public figures works for causes around the world, but has been working on behalf of efforts in Haiti, providing clean, fresh water, hot meals, medical supplies and general support for areas hit hardest by the earthquake.

*St. Bernard Project -- Help Rebuild New Orleans

The mission of the St. Bernard Project is to create housing opportunities for Hurricane Katrina survivors, while focusing on the return of those citizens to their communities and a regular way of life.

*Donors Choose -- An Online Charity Connecting You to Classrooms in Need

Awesome online portal where teachers across the country post project needs that are not covered due to budget cuts in our educational systems. You scroll through projects, choose one you want to donate to, lick and give. Rewards come through the feeling you helped the educational process, and kids send thank you notes to class sponsors!

*Freekibble -- Play Online Trivia Everyday to Donate Food to America's Animal Shelters

This one doesn't cost you a dime! Just answer a fun, sometimes current events-related question everyday on the website. Whether right or wrong, 10 pieces of kibble is donated to animal shelters to feed either hungry dogs (Bow Wow Trivia) or cats (Meow Trivia). Sign up for their daily email reminder and link to each day's question.

1.1.11: Let's Go

"Your life's journey is about becoming more of who you are." -- Oprah Winfrey

I thought it was appropriate to quote Miss Oprah today, since her much anticipated OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) venture kicks off today, the start of a new year, a new decade, a new chapter in her life.

I, too, have been sitting with concepts, ideas and ventures stirring about my head, but with little or no progress. My journey has been stalled out, hazard lights blinking, on the side of the road for too long. Recent revelations have suggested that instead of continuing my wait for that repair dude to come by, or accepting "help" from those with quick-fixes (like water in the radiator instead of coolant), I should finally listen closely for the noises, pop the hood and diagnose what was really going on myself.

The discovery that I am missing major parts has been both disconcerting and surprising. Parts I am missing have been replaced with bogus stuff like doubt, insecurity, fear, anger...and these bad parts are the constant cause of my breakdowns, situations that always leave me by the side of the road, stranded.

Well, no more! I have decided that, as I have heard Oprah comment, my entire life is a "miracle;" my being here, in this life, on this planet, is no accident. There is purpose to my existence, and it's high time I started recognizing, appreciating and living up to that fact. So, while under the hood, it's time to replace those old aftermarket components that did not serve me well, and get back to authorized, genuine parts.

I'm getting my old confidence back, the mindset that I am skilled enough, talented enough, smart enough to conquer any issue or problem, as well as dream and develop new plans, strategies and roadmaps to get me where I need to be. Think I'll also pick up a new attitude, one that reminds me that I'm so in love with myself, it will show by how I relate to others. The sluggish feeling one gets from gossip, judgment, envy, jealousy...I won't experience anymore because I'll be so satisfied and content with who I am and how I feel. There will be no room in my tank to accept personally the negativity spewed by others. A cleansing wash of my spirit that will free me of the dirt and grime of past "bad" experiences paired up with a sparkling wax of my character and conversation that buffs away the scrapes and scratches on my surface will leave me with a showroom shine worthy of 5-star valet treatment!

Yeah...I'm feeling better now...this tune-up was a long time in the making...but the motor's humming now...it's not a race, but I'm on my mark now, I'm ready, all set...go.

Happy New Me.

I SEE RED...EVERYWHERE

HIV-free births by 2015. It IS possible...

join (RED) in honor of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1.