Consumerist Guilt

So living in this place and working in a very wealthy part of Southern California has me thinking about these things more lately. I see so much affluence and wealth and flaunt and it's such a part of the lifestyle here it's hard sometimes not to get caught up in it just a little bit. I feel like I'll always be grounded and have my head on straight, but I'm certainly guilty of wanting more than I need or even deserve. I'm a girl, and whether it makes sense or not, I love to shop, love to buy new things, am queer for beauty products, make-up, and jewelry. I'd take a new car if one was given to me, and of course would love a sweet pad to live in. I don't know if this is sick or not, but buying anything new makes me feel good. Even if I just get a new moisturizer at CVS, I'm slightly excited and feel in some small incremental way better. Now, I know that new things are exciting and that's part of it, but the over-abundance of un-necessary possessions doesn't make me or anybody else a better human being. So why do we do it? Why are most of us so guilty of the same consumption driven lifestyle?

Well, I think that our society has been manipulated and carved into the consumers that we are today. The past hundred years has seen the development of expert marketing that's sole purpose is to make us believe that luxury items are necessities for happiness. I can't say that it is purely the fault of advertisers and marketers, I mean, we all have brains in our heads, morals, and the ability to choose, or free will. That's what separates us from animals. However, I feel that the more consumer-driven we become, the more animalistic and id-driven we de-evolve to. The more importance placed on things and possessions to create a sense of happiness, the more depressed and shallow we become. And that is how it effects us internally as humans. What's also concerning is the negative environmental effect that all of this mindless excess has...where is that going to take us, and how fast?

Is there a way to be a responsible consumer? Is that an oxy-moron? Any thoughts, suggestions, opinions on how one deals with their own consumerist guilt?

Here is a clip from one of George Carlin's stand-up shows that I feel really quantifies the pointlessness of all of these possessions. Of course he says it much funnier than I ever could. I guess that's why he was the comedian.

The Cove movie

Blood Stays Blue

So, something that has been on my mind lately, and I guess, well something that is always on my mind as a person who considers the ocean part of their chemical make-up...

Over-fishing, Endangered Marine Animals, general Oceanic cleanliness, or lack thereof.

When I volunteered for the Newport Beach Film Festival I had the opportunity to watch a film called The Cove...so beautifully crafted, such an emotional subject matter...and something to dear to my heart, having grown up sailing with my family on the South coast of Texas and always around dophins in their natural habitat. I won't give the entire synopsis of the film away, but only say that if you have the means of renting or Netflixing this film, do it! It will change you a bit. I had the honor of shaking the filmmaker's hands with tears in my eyes after being so moved by the film. I will never step foot in a Sea World again...now knowing what's involved in obtaining these animals for captivity.

Here also, is a bit about sustainable Urban Fish farming, which is an interesting concept worth investigating. I still won't eat Tilapia though. Tastes like mud.

9 Days Until Cabo...

Just feelin' like videos today. Yaay.

Waiting for the Sun

Something I've been thinking about for a while. How does one get to the pure human being? What defines us? Our things? Our hobbies? Our looks, our personalities?

What happens when we strip away our name brand shit, our cars, our destinations?

We just live I guess. We engage in the one thing that connects us all. The dullness and the beauty and the chaos of everyday life.

When I'm conscious of it, when I remember...it's at those times when I feel most real. When I'm fully engaged in those moments that connect me, you, everyone else, with the rest of the world in a matter of instants.

I'm tired. Can I share that with you in a universal way?

Love, Love and more love.

But don't tread on my heart.

Memorial Memo

Well, it's been so long since I've written I dunno if anyone even reads this still. Things have been pretty nutty in life lately, and I haven't made the ole creative effort or had the urge to blog about much. But here I am, back in action Jackson, attempting to say...something I guess.

Not going to go into details of what's been going on, but let's just say that I've been reminded of what's important in life, and although it has made me take a hard look at my decision to move out here, it has also been an inspiration to get my butt in gear and meet my goals.

Not too much new to report, I'm still in awe of the out here and I'm so excited to spend my first summer in sunny, Southern California. I feel so lucky to drive to work every day and get to look at the Pacific Ocean on my right and the mountains to my left. The water is still a little too cold for my taste, supposedly June and July it will be warm enough to swim in...I can't wait!

I've recently hooked up with some North Texas alums living in Los Angeles and have started talking about a possible collaboration on some new projects...some short film ideas, some longer form series types of ideas...exciting stuff. It's been nice to spend some time not only with like-minded, creative types, but also peeps that have some of the same grounded Texan sensibilities. Makes it feel a little more cozy here in a place that is so different. Other than that, not too much new to report. Newman is doing well, and sweeter than ever. I'm so happy to have my little buddy with me on this adventure.

Here is yet another lovely perfume commercial for Chanel No. 5 that I came across...

New Blood Good Blood

Hey Hey Hey, Hi kids, It's Sunday again! Used to be my most hated day of the week, now my most favorite! Isn't it funny how a few lifestyle and scenery changes can completely change one's perception of a day. Had a good week, got some good news, had some freelance writing work come my way, and am now attached to a new video project that some friends in L.A. are undertaking. I'm on as producer for a music video. The music really isn't my scene, but it should be fun none the less. We're looking at a location for the video in Ocotillo Springs, CA, which is a desert area near San Diego, right on the edge of the Salton Sea. Very excited because I'm not too versed in the world of shooting permits and permissions in California, and will have to start researching all of this when nailing down our locations.

I can't describe to you how good it feels to be involved in putting a project together again. It's been since October since I've been on a shoot and had to organize and think creatively in terms of locations, character, costumes, make-up etc. so it will be good exercise for those muscles. Can't wait to figure out how we're gonna make a shoot in the desert work.

In other news I'll be headed back to Texas this weekend, spending time in Corpus Christi with my family and a few old friends. Gonna be a super short trip, but always good to get back to where I came from and hug the people that I love so much. You can't really beat that now can ya?

Hmmm, you remember that game Pizza Party??? I don't know how to play it, but I sure wanted to back when I saw this: