The Problem with Being Open Minded...

I know it's been awhile, and that I have pretty much been radio silent on here, but I feel as though this is the safest place for me to write this.

I follow politics, and I have issues that are very important to me. Not only for me, but for both of my daughters. Lately, I have felt that most of what I personally find important, and what I feel passionate about, is in jeopardy.

But the main reason I am writing, is this: I consider myself to be exceptionally open-minded, and I take pride in knowing that I do everything within my power to educate myself and to see both sides of every story. Or issue, as this case may be. 

But the problem is, I think that I might be TOO open-minded. I can literally see two sides to every issue! It is downright frustrating! Not to mention, mentally exhausting. This is where things might get messy. For instance; the Woman's March.

Oh, how I would have LOVED to be a part of that history! To be a part of that statement!

But there is this side of my brain that starts to think "I was blessed enough to have been born when I did, where I did, and with the rights and privileges that I {currently} have. What is there to march about really? Stop whining." But then there is the other side of my brain, literally screaming, saying "This isn't about you! This is about the future generations! This is about the women in other countries who are not as fortunate as me! This is about standing up for what you believe to be true and fair!"

See my dilemma? 

Another instance would be: Guns. Knowledge above all else, is key. I believe that everyone should have the right to carry and defend themselves. But only if they do so in the right, legal and safe way. But let's be honest, how can we get everyone to do that? Criminals obviously could care less about laws and regulations! I agree with stricter background checks, and I think that a person should have to renew their permit ANNUALLY. I also think that upon applying for a permit, you should have to take a class on proper gun use. After all, we ALL have to take Driver's Ed, and take both the written and driven test to get our driver's licenses!
For places such as theaters, government buildings, schools, etc...these places get the worst of the worst when it comes to gun violence. You wanna know why I think that? Because they are 'No Gun Zones', and the criminals know that the people there are helpless and are unable to defend themselves So how do we fix this? Ahh, that is the million dollar question!

Again, see my dilemma?

One more instance would be the A.C.A. {aka Obamacare}. Since it has become mandated, millions of people have been saved simply by the preexisting conditions rule. People would not have had access to surgeries or procedures without it! Canada does it, and it's a success for them! But then again, on the other hand, I have witnessed personally, the rise in insurance costs for my family. What we pay yearly for our full insurance coverage would literally BLOW your mind! While I agree with the idea as a whole, I also agree that some things need to be changed. But how? Definitely not by taking it away completely! There are people who do not have the ability to have health insurance. So why not help your fellow humans?

And again...a dilemma.

There are quit a few more instances is which I see both sides. So it becomes extremely difficult for me to make a solid stance. As I said before, extremely frustrating!

But then there are the issues that I will absolutely NOT waiver my point of views on! Such as: -Women's Rights {reproductive and civil}
-Supporting Planned Parenthood
-Civil Rights in general {LGBT, racial equality, etc...}
-Climate Change {aka Global Warming}

As I type this, our Environment is quit literally on the chopping block. Without nature, or a healthy environment, literally nothing else matters!
As only one small person on this planet, I am beginning to feel helpless. But I CANNOT stop believing in what is important to me! So feeling helpless is simply not an option!

And if after reading this you feel the need to debate, I get it. I really do. But I ask you this: instead of lashing out and getting defensive about what is important to you, please educate me with the facts on your issues. This will help us all to become more informed!

Above all else, being a kind and decent human being is the most important.  Please be nice to each other. Arguing and fighting only deepens the divide between us. Please build bridges, not walls. 

- XoXo -

VIDA

So this past week something completely unexpected happened.

I received an email from VIDA. 

 "...VIDA's story is that of the rich, interconnected world we live in -- the story of contemporary life and mindful, global citizenship. We are a global partnership of co-creators, from a designer in Paris, to a producer in Karachi, and a consumer in San Francisco."

 

Simply put, VIDA invites artists from all over the world, to become designers and design completely original scarves and tops inspired from the artists' very own artwork.

Any form of art, from painting, to drawing to photography. Anything that can be digitally transferred, can be used to design these high-quality products. 

They invited me to become a designer, and design my own scarves and tops created from my very own artwork...my photography! 

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. 

So I looked into it. And it's legit! 

I began playing around, and started creating some products with my photos. 

And it was a ton of fun! 

It has taken my visions to a different level, that I would never have thought of myself!

And the best part about VIDA, is that they use part of their proceeds from the sales of the products, to create literacy programs for the makers. 

With these programs, the makers have opportunities to learn basic reading, writing and math skills, that they would otherwise not have access to. 

 

So by purchasing from my VIDA Collection, you not only support my art, but you are also helping makers across the world! 

How incredibly cool is that?! 

Here are a few examples of what I have created so far:

 

 

 I am THRILLED to share my collection with all of you!

Check it out HERE, and enjoy these coupon codes!

 Until the end of the month, there is a Fashion Portfolio Event.

Use the codes below at checkout to save:

$15 off $75 {with code Fashion15}

$150 off $450 {with code Fashion150}

 

Thank you for supporting my art, and the makers all over the world!

And thank you VIDA for introducing me to your incredible company, and it's amazing new platform for artists everywhere!