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Matt Diamond Photography Interview

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

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Matt Diamond Photography Interview

Blogging is all about shameless cross promotion…. so I want to extend a sincere thank you to my friend Matt Diamond, photographer, writer and all around artist.  Check out the wonderfully kind article he compiled on MissConception’s work and vision.   With humble gratitude, I thank you for seeing the vision and carrying out spirit’s will, with your words and your photography work!

You can find more of his work, or contact him for booking a photoshoot at: http://www.mattdiamondflix.com/feature-artist.html

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Job Opps for the Anonymous

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

Imagine this: Center stage.  All eyes on you. You are not able to make any eye with your audience.  It’s a cold, stark room and only the sound of pencils scratching can be heard.  White walls with harsh light echo a mini space heater that blows vapid air upon your legs; an attempt to keep warm.  An old man stands in the corner gazing intently upon the classroom, while 30 art students attempt blindly to transmit what they see onto paper.  And you are completely naked.  

It sounds a bit like a nightmare.  A narcissist’s dream, perhaps?  For three hours, you, the model, are wide open on a stage, and while shame is not allowed in an art class, for the models, every single pimple and bruise and ingrown hair is almost audible.  

For Sasha*, “it’s actually the MOST interesting job I’ve ever had, hands down,” she says.  Let’s lay it all out on the table….

Everyday, Sasha leave work feeling refreshed, stimulated and physically confident.  “Bathed, lotioned, and as pristine as possible, this position forces me to take care of my body.”  Yoga, diet and healthy living should all be priorities in our lives, and modeling, certainly helps keep one even more accountable.  

Posing as an art model for KC Art Institute students has furthered Sasha’s mission in life (as a muse) with this unexpected part-time job position.  As an artist, dancer and model herself, Sasha considered a lot of options when looking for a part time job.  Making ends meet was getting tight.  Sitting behind a desk = not an option.  Stripping?  Not really her ethical background.  “Gotta pay the bills somehow… and I refuse to compromise my own art for the sake of others.  So I decided to model,” Sasha says, nonchalantly.   

And with that decision came something unexpected: time.   A resource Sasha never knew she desired so intensely.  Three hour sessions give her time to confront her own insecurities, for one, while providing a chance for art students to brush up on their life drawing skills. This position also offers her, an endless variety of invaluable opportunities she did not foresee.  

Opportunities to not only become a ‘prop’ for the art institute, but to be a symbol.  An image.  A vision.  An icon even?  (#AndyWarhol)  Meanwhile, the internal opportunities to grow as an artist are endless. All the while, combatting this pull of the narcissist vs. the muse.  

Narcissism.  A term that originated with name of a Greek Hunter, Narcissus (meaning sleep or numbness) in Greek mythology.  Narcissus fell in love with his own image he saw reflected in a pool of water, and the ego was born.  Currently the word is used to describe the pursuit of gratification from vanity, or egotistic admiration of one’s own physical/mental attributes.  

Continuing along the methodology of the Greeks, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences.  They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths.  Today, a muse is a person who serves as an artist’s inspiration.  As a verb, to muse is to consider something thoughtfully. As a noun, it means a person — especially a woman — who is a source of artistic inspiration.  So what does a muse and a narcissist have in common, if anything?  And what would inspire someone to get up naked in front of people for extended periods of time?  Is the battle of the ego really the battle of a narcissist vs the muse, inside our heads?   Or are the two mutually exclusive?  

This is the sort of existential internal dialogue Sasha weighs in her head during a typical day at work.  To think, or not to think, is really the question when it comes to this profession.  “If you think too much, your purpose loses its rush when it comes to being a muse,” Sasha says.  “You have to just let go, and let it flow, like with any art.”  

So what does one do with three hours, naked, on a platform in front of artists in training?  Well for starters, “I begin with yoga poses.  Stretch it out a bit,” She says.  She tries to move as much as possible during the one-minute gesture drawings that typically start off the sessions.  As the longer poses take hold, so begins the internal dialogue, taking note of every part of the body and how open it feels to be so comfortable, so naked in such a space. Observing the room (without making eye contact with students…a big no-no).    

“Sometimes I try to remember detailed memories of my past.  Usually, I spend a good 40 minutes singing Hindu and Buddhist Kirtan chants.   Meditation and breathing exercises are key.  I daydream of my lover, process events from the week, send prayers to my friends and family and focus on what I want my life to look like as an artist – the manifestation of my dreams.”  She describes this time as “sacred”.    

Staying still is not one bit as easy at it seems, for the mind or the body.  The ego screams “Why DO you feel the need to be naked in front of people in such a fashion?  Is this worth $15 an hour?  What WOULD your mother say?”  Meanwhile the inner muse allows for the greatest inner peace to take over, so the real work can begin: the work of meditation, observation, peace and artistic production, which is now flowing both ways. “I am an object and a symbol,” Sasha says, “along with a ‘goddess’ who is being documented in her purest form.  I am wide open and the creative energy is abundant!”   

It is sacred space.  Invigorating.  A time to cherish.  As an artist herself, to further the art of others whilst meditating and bettering her own morale, there is no greater gift to give for Sasha.  She is a muse.  For the students, and for herself.

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Saraswati Album Release 3/15

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

 

Guess what BLOGGERS?  Since YOU are interested in me, I am interested in releasing my album to you FIRST!  It is now available on Bandcamp (though not announced publicly) for you to download, FOR FREE, to soak in, and even give me some feedback if you’d like!   ENJOY!Image

http://missconception.bandcamp.com/album/saraswati

Listen to it, and if you love it and think it’s worth something, SEND IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.  Maybe you even think it’s worth something, and donate a few dollars.  Every share and every dollar count.  This is a movement.  Creating understanding and asking questions.  And it starts with music.

When was the last time you listened to an album all the way through from start to finish?  Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon? (three times in a row with the wizard of oz?)  Was it the Grey Album by Dr Dre?  Or maybe…..

I’ve always been so fascinated by conceptual works of art, pun intended.  Concepts and missed concepts and misconceptions abound, and sometimes things so serendipitously come together, you’re not even sure it really happened at first.  It’s happening to you.  And turning you on in a way you never felt possible.

And that’s what I want this new album release to do for the listener.  To start them on a journey of thinking, and spin them out into infinity and back again feeling stronger and more beautiful every second.   Planting, seeding, sewing, dreaming up new schemes.

So imagine that,  you know nothing.  You sit down, and you have no idea where it’s about to take you.  All you know, is that it starts with this Goddess, Saraswati.  Who is the Hundi entity of knowledge, sound, creativity and song.  And you push play.

The first track, Saraswati, explains this divine image’s work within the Hindu construct, and is a continuous channel for this divine energy to come through and shine.  It is, whatever you make it to be.  We should all embrace our inner diva goddess and celebrate our divinity.  Saraswati gives us permission to be wildly creative, and enjoyably odd in our own skin.  Embrace it.  Ole!

The 2nd Track, along with the 3 other Charlie/Chuckey/Charles Bradley interludes mixed by Purusa, represent the reverse-commercial interludes of the album. Creating space for one to not be overridden by messages, but to process that which has been put forth.  Today’s Bradley mix is being brought to you by the letter Q, as in Quinly.  Pay attention.  They fly by pretty quickly these days, those moments of clarity.

Bringing us to Track 3, All on Black – A dustup cover of Alkaline Trio’s song done to an Evil Bastards glitch hop track.  We’ve been in a dark dark place.  Not everything is pretty.  Moderation is key.  And sometimes, the Pheonix must die to be risen again brand new from the ashes…. like the shedding of our skin …. we are all brand new every day, and we have all killed off parts of ourselves that no longer served our highest good.

Track 4 – Fast Forward Rewind – an sharp Ode to generation overdose.  Matters not to be taken lightly…. but sung about with great conviction, and destitute. This song began as a tribute to a young man who didn’t know how much he had to offer, like so many of us troubleshoot daily.  You are special.  What you do matters.  This song in the album is where we admit to what has not been working in the past, and commit to not ignoring it in the future. Dealing with your shit, from way back in the day if you need to, so you can move forward with a clean consciousness and resolute attitude.

Scary Tale is a transcendental reminder of the darker sides of even brighter lights…. beginning with our childhood and moving into our sexuality, this combined spoken word piece gives us permission to be empowered.  To be open.  To be FREE.  No matter your age or shoe size.  Or chest size.  This song is a cultural examination of the path that led us so far down this rabbit hole in the first place…. from advertising cartoons to childhood ruins, as we grow up and out, we grow to understand that our environment plays such a huge part in how we are sharped today, individually and collectively.

Left Turn – the AH HA moment of the compilation.  Our Day of Atonement has arrived.  Every day can be a day of atonement, with its own attitude and charm.  This particular track is a freestyle piece that is often sung differently every time.  It’s general theme is about owning your power and freedom, and not being afraid to proclaim “this is what I’m here to do!”  So mote it be.

ReVerb turns us onto the beauty of wordplay poetica, a sample remixed from a Charles Bradley tune.   If I was a reverb, I’d spin in absurd days, and play disturbed games, mostly on thursdays….  This song serves as an attempt to reintroduce myself, as not only the misconception you thought you knew, .  I am not limited to one specific thing.  I am you.  I am consciousness. You are Sara Glass.  We can channel Saraswati, should we choose to.  We can do WHATEVER we want to!  (Always with love)

Holy Days – So what does it mean to have a holy day, and honor it?  Full moon gatherings and solstices are coming on strong.  Mercury Retrograde getting along.  Taking us to the Insomniac Olympics, our focal point and climax of the album.  Here, is where we stop, and really observe, just what is going on.  God is a Verb, that’s just what I heard.  And we all have a story to tell…

Devil’s Soul moves into just what embarking on such sacraments can lead to…. lust and love and all of the above.   And somewhere down the rabbit hole, let it Beatles take you back over the rainbow to an ending of unique proportions.  One of the first things I wrote as a young writer in college, was my Eulogy.  I’d like to dedicate this album, to the man who will read it someday.

NamastE.  And THANK YOU for listening.  Now please, GO, share it with someone else!   Keep the message alive…

“I believe in true love, in free love and equality for everyone inside that love.  I believe. In the power.  Of Love”

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The time has come…. to eat your heart out [loud]

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

Our whole lives, I feel as though we’ve been waiting.  Waiting for something to happen.  This sense of…. urgency or pending doom.  Waiting for the next big natural disaster; or for the next fatal diagnosis.  Waiting for the next Michael Jackson, or JFK to appear on the scene and then disappear just as suddenly.   Waiting for future weapons of mass destruction to be released, or for marjuana to be legalized.  Or the unexpected suicidial tendencies people find themselves in.  Whichever side of the world you’re on, you’re waiting for something un certain, and any minute your paradigm could shift.

So what is that ONE thing that YOU are waiting for?  Once identified, then we must ask ourselves “are we fighting for it”.  While I hate to use the word fighting, we will substitute “working”.  What are you WORKING towards, so that the world can be a better place for  the future generations?  Some pick a small cause, and help non profits of choice raise tax-exempt funds for specific organizations.  Some people rally politically, writing letters to senators or marching on steps.  Some people settle apathetically for complacency, assuming the world will never change, and we should just enjoy the state it’s in while we can.  But I refuse to sit by complacently.

Me, I’ve always been an optimist.  I’ve always had high hopes for my life – our life.  This life.  Life is a gift, and every moment of joy is not to be taken for granted.  If you were given the opportunity to make someone’s day better, would you take it?  If you knew that SOMEHOW, by making others feel better, you TOO would feel better, as a person.   Spreading hope for humanity.  If every person on this earth’s mission was to turn to their neighbor, and make them smile, or offer them a hand when they need it …..  I can only imagine what this world would look like.

And I do imagine.  Every day.  Wondering “WHAT IS IT THAT WE ARE WAITING FOR?”.  Why can’t we have it NOW?   Why CAN’T the government put an end to war and violence?  Why can’t corporations decide to FEED people rather than take from their customers and deplete resources.  Why CAN’T there be a DEMAND for high quality food and water that makes us healthier and holier rather than sick.  There is a line to be drawn, a line stating what the people will allow, and what standards we will simply refuse to live with.

Most days I wonder, what is it we are waiting for?  And I have to remind myself…. we are WAITING for OURSELVES to step up and stand up for the causes we believe in.  To be the people we KNOW we are capable of being.  To continue this forward profession as a group of humans; whatever your community.  To start a movement that will transcend time and space and common sense.  To declare love and freedom and free food and free healthcare is for all free men on earth.  To demand a sense of unity and RESPECT for all living creatures, that works both ways.

And I will not sit by quietly until we are ALL on the same page.  You don’t have to like everyone you know, or every decision.  But we do have to realize at some point that we are all human, and we are all stuck on this planet, so we better start with some respect.

I propose a campaign, one of a simple regime: Random acts of kindness.  Let your life surround around that.   And eat your heart out.  What’s next?

Love all ways,
MissConnection

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Hair Peice

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

How about that… two blog post in one week.  That’s what you get if you’re paying attention 🙂  

Poetry, is often defined as “the art of paying attention” – Mark Hennessy.

I think of myself as a poet above all other art forms.  As writers, we pay attention to the world around us, streamline it into a concept comprehendible, we pay attention to our audience while delivering and the hardest job of all falls on the audience, who must pay attention to our words and perspective in order to enjoy the work in its entirety.  It’s really a beautiful process, the act of writing.  Sometimes I wake up and think “I should write a BOOK!” But then I remember this blog….and think “what Ferlinghetti or Bukowski wouldn’t GIVE to have such immediate access to the ‘masses'”…. and I carry on with dignity.  Instant gratification. Read it and weep, or carry on as if nothing happened.  Either way, my job here is on it’s way (and never done).  

Story: So last night, I decided to proceed with my 6th month ritual of dying my hair with henna.  It’s a beautiful indian powder that dies skin (and hair) a reddish brown.  It also makes the hair thicker, stronger and more secure, so I don’t worry too much about breakage and damage.  It’s something sacred I feel that connects me to ancestors of the past, and I look forward to the lengthy process.

 

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First I mix the henna with water, lemon juice and essential oils the night before.  I let it sit about 24 hours in the fridge before applying to my hair.  Usually, the application is very tricky because this stuff is highly prone to dying whatever it is touching.  So you either work fast with your hands, or you glove up and hope for the best.  

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After messing with the gloves for a few minutes during the initial application, I was not being as successful as I had hoped.  The gloves are slick and I have little control… when it dawned on me “our ancestors didn’t have plastic gloves for protection, hell no”.  So I lost the gloves and dove in with my fingers, spreading the thick dark green paste all over my head as quickly and delicately as possible.  It only took about 10 minutes once de-gloved, and it was a much easier process.  

Washing my hands after applying, I noticed they were already stained a bit orange!  “Uh oh…. this isn’t going to look well at Hebrew school on Wednesday”, I thought.  (I was tempted to draw a third eye with the henna, but the fact that I teach Hebrew to middle schools on Wednesday kept me from having to explain myself).  

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Now, looking down at my orange hands brought me back to a time in my 3rd grade classroom, sitting next to a young Indian woman named Sasha Kaun.  She wore the full Indian head covers and burkas, and she always smelled a bit odd (for 3rd grade).  One day, I remember she came to school with bright orange hands!  It looked as if she’d taken a highlighter to her hands and colored them all in!  It was somewhat distracting and when the teacher noticed, she yelled at her, insisting she go scrub it off immediately.  

I remember Sasha crying, and trying to mumble in her broken english that it was a religious thing, and that she had been playing with dye.   Henna.  I couldn’t fathom at the time what on earth she was talking about, but I understood for the first time that some people come from VERY different places, and that looking at each other’s lives from a different perspective can be something to treasure, not something to chastise.  What if the teacher had taken that opportunity to explain to the class what the art of henna was, and how it might be used by different cultures.  The opportunity was missed, but not lost for those of us paying attention.  Years later, I understand, and I wish I could find my school aged friend and tell her how much respect I have for her.  For not being afraid to wear her culture on her skin.

I haven’t thought about that day in elementary school for many years, but looking at my own orange hands, I felt somehow so connected to a place so far away from me.  And we humans are so quick to judge…  we don’t understand, so we think others are WRONG, instead of asking questions of compassion and unconditional love. 

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The next time a poet is brave enough to lay their heart up on a stage, whether or not the delivery is on par, or the content is familiar, I ask you to try and look at it is an opportunity.  A three-minute opportunity to go into a place you may NEVER fully know, and to appreciate concepts you may never again have the chance to comprehend.  Our consciousness is expanding as quickly as our internet speeds, so enjoy as much of it as possible. 

If you ever want to dye your hair au natural with henna…. You can buy some at It’s a Beautiful Day 39th and Broadway 🙂  Recipes are available online.  It’s a nice change of pace! 

**WARNING – never dye your hair with henna if you have other color or bleach on it… the two do NOT mix.  Your hair MUST be natural for it to work***

I’ll leave you with a bit of spoken word…. my Hair Piece:

www.themissconception.com

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History Artistic

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

And on the 7th day, God created the Vibe Tribe.  Ok, maybe not exactly, play by play. but largely, one tribe and one vibe was sparked.   Today, some of us are still living that mentality.   Moment to moment, here in Kansas City.  Let’s explore shall we?

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The Vibe Tribe was actually officially incarnated in 2011, when I got a call from painter John Bukaty to join the Kanrocksas team.  “Um, can I bring 60 people?” was my first question, and the Vibe Tribe was born!  We made business cards and rocked that Kansas festival hard.  The Vibe Tribe has been blazing its own trail ever since, and it’s got a force of it’s own.

We started as a group of friends.  All inclusive, meaning anyone could represent and join the cause.  We decided to focus on raising the vibration through movement, music and art, essentially.  We would go to specific shows, dressed up in a theme, promoting the particular event and making sure everyone there was having FUN.  That was the mission.  To play and dance and create our own entertainment, while having fun.

The flow arts are essentially a way for the crowd to be interactive with the show, creating our own entertainment.  Flow artists don’t sit passively waiting to be entertained.  They develop their own skills and bring the excitement wherever they go.  It fit naturally into what the Vibe Tribe stood for, and we incorporated as many props, costumes, and ambient decor as possible.  It gave us a reason to be involved.  A purpose.  That was the goal of the Vibe Tribe…. to give everyone a purpose.

So whether you are a flow artist, a photographer, a sound engineer, set designer, visual painter or belly dancer,  you found a role at the Vibe Tribe.  Our events got bigger, more prominent, and more exciting!  Suddenly we found ourselves performing at regional musical festivals, spinning fire on the plaza for Water Fire, and other massive events that required insurance as well as skill and talent.  All under the creative direction of Miss Conception, people began breaking out, doing their own shows and projects, all of which is encouraged and supported as much as possible!

In October of 2012 (Rocktober, as it was named) not only were members of the Vibe Tribe given a BUS in which to travel (Hello Bus2Show), but also a STUDIO art space on 55th and Troost.  The community believed in us, and we moved forward in the Vibe Tribe journey.  Our art studio serves as a community space for creations, sewing, dancing, movement, classes, organizing, and yes, some storage for all the STUFF we have acquired.  Where else do you store a 12 foot Buddha?  Or 100 hula hoops?  (My mother’s basement just wasn’t cutting it).   We now offer yoga on Tuesdays, belly dance on Sundays, as well as a slew of other workshops and art classes.

As an artistic director of such a project that I had a vision for, but no plan for, challenges (not problems) are constantly arising.  Troubleshooting and brainstorming are my number one priorities, it seems.   The more we progress, as a troupe and individually, the more there is to think about big picture.  For example: What do you do when one of your troupe member’s stage performance presence isn’t quite strong enough to be on stage at a big event, and you only have 5 guest spots?  How do you ask someone nicely who is someone using the studio but leaving the heat turned up and the windows open that they need to chip in a bit more for rent?   How do you handle a community space where you store ALL of your art and costume items, and now you can’t find that lion tamer costume you were planning on wearing Saturday because someone has taken it and not returned it?  First world problems…. but still a source of anxiety and frustration.  Ah, the life of an artist.

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We tried to create something based on trust and creativity, for the betterment of our community and of each other.  Not every one can agree on everything, naturally.  When one member wants to spend hard earned troupe money on trivial items, who is to say they are trivial?  We try to operate on a quasi-democrat system, with those who are active and showing up having a say in what unfolds.  We still have not perfected our system, and we may never.   But the learning curve has been tremendous!

And we have to KEEP coming back to what the FOUNDATION of this group is/was. The focus: creating sacred space.  Raising the vibration through gyrations.  Helping others to share our vision in beauty and creativity making the world a better place.

As of today the Vibe Tribe is still alive, but every day is a gift in this world.  Sometimes I think maybe it would be easier if it all went away…. I wouldn’t have to delegate, or keep this art space CLEAN for gosh sake (I can hardly keep my bed made….I’m artist, what do you expect?)  If I didn’t have the Vibe Tribe, maybe I wouldn’t have to tip toe around sensitive subjects when dealing with narcotic artist egos (insert bit of sarcasm here).   I would’t have to worry so much whether or not my team will show up for a gig we are booked and do a good job.  I wouldn’t have to worry that someone I’ve never met will do something stupid like spin fire in an unsafe place, claim they are “VibeTribe” and put my name at risk… And to think I majored in “PR”.   Never would have seen that curve ball….  But, then again, I’d probably be pretty bored without all the distractions.

If you feel the urge to get involved in some level with this movement of positivity and sincerity, all you gotta do is show up!  A lot of us spend a lot of time up at the studio.  Rehearsing.  Sewing.  Painting.  Or writing blog posts 🙂   We have regular classes mentioned above.  Maybe YOU want to plan a workshop?  Or come paint during our 2nd Friday Art Hop every month.  Whatever you do, you are always welcome in my space.  All you have to do is ask!

In leui of the holidays, (please watch my video below) I shall propose a toast… to the past and to the future.  To making the world a better place.  To health, love and happiness.  To staying in shape while having fun.  Here’s to 2014 blowing our minds.  Join me!

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Flava Flav $PECIAL$

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

First of all, thank you ALL for donating to my Indigogo Crowd Funding Campaign for the new MissConception album.  Hoping to get started on recording this winter season!  Happy Holidays!!!  Here’s  a nice festive video of ridiculousness to get you through the week:  

Now that I am officially an ‘artist‘ (as in, I quit my ‘day job’, am working several odd jobs to make ends meet, and am essentially, HAPPY) my standard of living has changed a bit.  I’ve never been one to budget much, but I do watch my spending, even more so now that money is such a precious commodity.  

I think every day about how much is coming in, and how much is going out.  What corners can I cut.  Do I REALLY need that 5 pack of designer lighters?  I never thought I’d say this… but I actually put back the pepper jack because “I CAN go without cheese”  (GASP).   Lately, when food is FREE, THAT’S what’s for dinner.  

There are actually lots of good deals around town, and I’ve been trying to keep track of where they are at and adjust the schedule accordingly.  Below is a list of daily specials or resources for finding where you too can save some moolah.  Please feel free to add your own ideas and tricks in the comment session.  The more we work together, the better off we’ll be separately.  

And keep in mind…. every dollar saved, is one step closer towards taking that trip to Europe.  Or buying that new car.  I don’t look at myself as frugal, I look at myself as careful (and wealthy in so many ways).  But that’s for another blog….  

WEEKLY FOOD SPECIALS

Monday 

2-for-1 Burgers Fric and Frac

Small plate night at Thai Place

Cupinis $5 everything

2-for 1- Burgers at Smoke Burger

Friends sushi on 39th $3 rolls on Mondays

Tuesdays

$2.50 Turkey Tuesday at Planet Sub 

A la mere at The Jazz – Half Off

Thai Place – Two for pad one pad thai on Tuesdays

2-for 1- Hotdogs at Smoke Burger

1/2 Price Appetizers, Pizzas at Kona Grill

Wednesdays

Frix n Frac 2-4 Gyros

2-for 1- Philly’s at Smoke Burger

Grinders Wednesday wing night

Thursday

Thursdays are Grinders 3 tacos for$1

Friday – I’ve got nothing 

Saturdays

Taco Night Frik and Frack 3 for 2.50

ALSO 

FREE YOGA in the Hot months: 
https://www.facebook.com/YogaInTheParkKC

More Resources to check regularly when you go out to eat: 

http://kansascityonthecheap.com/

http://www.findmespecials.com/daily_specials/kansas_city-mo

http://nightlifekc.com/calendar/dailySpecials

http://www.kcrestaurantguide.com/html/happyhour

http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/get-happy-with-the-top-20-happy-hours-in-kansas-city/Content?oid=2199839

My grandfather constantly pounds us with tips and tricks on how to save money and live comfortably when you’re older.  You’ll want to seek his advice… trust me on this one: http://fitskitz.com/2012/05/29/sids-sense-money-matters/

So.  What do YOU do to save money?  And when are we having dinner….

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Sacred Space

“WHAT do you WANT to be WHEN you grow UP?”

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

Growing up, I thought “I want to be a lawyer, OF COURSE” (it kind of  runs in my family… make Papa Sidney so proud).  Then it was a psychologist.  An art teacher or a dance instructor both sounded great.   After graduating from KU with a journalism degree, what did I want to be when I ‘grow’ up?

The only thing that really comes to mind, is ‘rapper’.  OK, how about artist…. that sounds a bit more professional.

Merely for the sake of shock value.  Partially because what other than upmost respect does one have for a serious emcee, but mostly, I strive to be a hip hop doo whoop hot shot because I LOVE delivering a message.  Sweetly.  Sincerely.  Shamelessly.

Messages, they come from everywhere if you read them right.  From our bodies. Our peers.  Our loved ones and our computer screens.  TVs and tree’s leaves all leave impressions upon our (collective) psyche.  Instincts rear their local heads and BAM.  We already KNEW it all as children (at least that’s what we thought).   Now when I think about how much we ACTUALLY do KNOW as a society…  it’s unfathomable.  Everyday, I feel like we as individuals and as a species are getting smarter.  We MUST be getting smarter, I mean look at all the mistakes that have been made…. we’ve got to be learning from them, right?

Exhibit A: Unpacking in my new living quarters this evening, at 27 years of age, it finally occurred to me the most beneficial way of organizing my stuff…. I have all these little containers and where to put each item simply came to me in this awesome system of organization that I’ve never seemed to notice before. I felt genius.  And at the same time astonished/embarrassed that it took me so dang long to discover what was just under my nose!

On a different note, every day I see some of the most creative, quirky and interesting interactions happening online.  And it really does make me proud, as much as I am ashamed of all the negativity and hatred (like the Nazi rally this Saturday, who’s idea was THat one?)  Evolution is taking place.

I am (generally) proud and excited to see us growing.  Individually.  Soundly.  Loudly.

I took the evening off tonight, instead of going to Luxury Bump or the Riot Room ….and after organizing, I choose to light some candles.  Turned down the lights…. Ran a bath and afterwards sat down on my bed indian style (is that politically in-correct?) and PRAYED.  For Blake Ephrim.  For myself.  For family.  It’s been a while.

And when you pray…. it get’s real real, folks.  I used to not understand it, or appreciate it.  Now I’m starting to see why people avoid it.   Prayer…. essentially comes out as if one is talking to one’s self.  A bit schitzo if you’re not sure what’s going on, but for real, I asked myself …. “Who am I grateful for, what needs help in this/my world, and what should I do about it, God?”  There. I said it.   The G word.  OOFF.  It almost gets stuck in my throat when I try and speak it aloud.  For one, God’s name is nameless, and for two, I’m still not sure what exactly it is I’m buying in to.

BUT it doesn’t matter if God or Spaghetti monsters are listening to begin with… we’re missing the whole point.  When I pray, I’M listening. And what was it that Ghandi like’s to say about being the change….

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There is no hiding in prayer.  You look yourself right in the eye and say hey, what the hell am I doing to be a part of the problem, and where does the solution lie?  Politics? Religion?  Imperialism?  (Art of Course.)

So I’m here.  PRESENT.  27 years old.  Indian style in front of my Brookside ‘shrine’ (which consists of photos of my father, gma, great gma on my dad’s side, a coral from my ma, some quartz crystals, an arrowhead, two sea shells, some sweet grass for burning, a vase and porcelain glass slipper.  Oh, and my teeth from when I was a baby in a little knitted jar… I mean where else do you keep something like that?).

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I’ve created my sacred space.  It’s time to look myself in the 3rd eye and ask the right questions… “What AM I doing with my life? Where AM I headed with my career?  What IS IT that I WANT TO BE when I grow up DAMNIT??? ” The question is age old…. and not getting any easier.

DON’T SELL OUT, whatever that means.

“I WON’T.”

While hard to define what my future holds, even with the tarot in hand, I DO know…. that I want to help people.  I want to sing.  I want to laugh and dance and cry.  I want to teach people how to love one another unconditionally.  I want to help people work through life and death experiences.  I want to hold you when you are broken and collect the pieces by your side.  I want to grow a community.  I know I want to use art and music and love to heal our wounds and create diverse understanding.  I want to help those who want to know more about what I see, to live more spiritually.  (W)holy.  A Sonic Temple.  I want to bring people together and create sacred space beneath the moonlight or by candlelight so that we may all truly see our own light and how brightly it might shine if we don’t fear the dark.  I want to work towards a world where we all feed each other and take care of our brothers and sisters.   I want to grow and serve organic GMO dinners for the whole world to nourish from.

“I AM truly blessed I know EXACTLY what I want to do with my life!”

And then the rationalist in me rebuttals, “How on earth do you get a degree in THAT?”

“Go to Rabbinical school,’ my Jewish mother suggests in her non-jewish tongue, “you’d be so goooood at teaching”.  But would not that be limiting myself to ONE denomination…. putting on blinders is not an option either.  I want to study it all.  Every God.  NO God.  God as a verb.

So where do you even begin to gain credibility, let alone a paycheck, based on such the abstract concepts of love and peace and art.  “It should be so easy”.  God would know what to do.

Is Miley Cyrus the wrecking ball that God had in mind when he gave us free will?  Is that as far as our evolution has taken us, publicly? Or maybe Miley really was just going for shock value….and  I wonder if she got to be what she wanted to when she ‘grew up’.

I’ll suppose I shall wait my turn patiently…. continue reading the signs and hope I don’t miss my cue.  Stage left.  This is show business.   And I truly am loving every minute of growing up.

Meanwhile, if you believe in what I do, please continue to donate to my Indigogo Campaign. You’re buying me some time.  I really do appreciate it. 

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Fast Forward Rewind – Song Lyrics

Posted on by Miss Conceptionaly

Fast Forward Rewind

I ask you to listen to this song….and then contemplate.  Where does it come from?

When I write music, it has got to be about substance.  I don’t want to waste ANY time, meaning yours, let alone mine.  There must be a message.  Morality.  And it must be POSITIVE.  Why waste my time creating art that makes others feel bad??  An age old discussion….  Even though art, SHOULD be about addressing the hard subjects…. the tough calls and sticky situation.  There is a fine line between art that raises the vibration and art that tears one down.  This song, walks that like.

When a friend of mine passed away last year from an intentional research chemical overdose, I was asked to speak at the memorial service, which got me thinking “what IS the message I want to portray in my music, in my speech and practice…. to our young people, to each other”?  Don’t get me wrong, we all clearly like to cut loose and have a good time on the dance floor.  And I believe there is a reason that sacraments were put on this earth.   A lot of it depends on HOW you define sacrament, and as always, moderation is key.

I always come back to the fact that being happy with yourself, LOVING yourself FIRST, is always key to finding true love, inside and out.  If you aren’t happy emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually, then there is no way any drug or anybody else’s love is going to make it all go away.

We were put here on this earth TO DO THE WORK.  To make our souls even better.  To ‘deal with’ our ‘karma’.  To turn up the volume and make the world a better place, by giving ourselves a better face. And by face, I mean heart.

Thank you for opening your heart up WIDE ENOUGH to hear me ❤

Forever yours,
MissConception

SONG LYRICS

First question you ask
“Was it intentional?”
Like everything else in my life… isn’t intention essential?
Diggin it up fresh like yup, smells original
going out with a bang – quintessential.
So let me lesson your learning,
while your ears are still visible and yearning
Living ain’t all that simple
when your attitude is strictly viceral
and yes we are all a lil miserable
got our problems let em pop pop like pimples
hiding smiles without showing our dimples
as I slide my eyes just a little
 yes
I’m blown whistles
little missiles
as it chisels away
at the real problem essential
Can’t hold my tongue
even if i wanted to come,
tightened up and twisted
so your ears are forced to listen
come with it
And maybe it’s comical
but to me it’s rather diabolical
How dare we be takin’ gods molecules
flipping em out flooded it’s hollow and cruel
Second question,
was it overdose or suicide?
Or both, who knows, can’t tell, it was denied
by the family and though we tried understanding
it was all fine and dandy ’till intoxicants became the candy
whether wine or brandy cocktails
blowing codeine straight up or research hand me downs
We be demanding a whole new kinda standing
ovation where understanding is the motivation
Landing on a nice floatation device
Migration to an au natural space station
Straight from the past on blast dotting lines
Are we so far in and at the same time outta line?
how have we come this far out alive?
I hung the lightbulbs yes did you see the sign?
Still we takin’ our time riding out these blood line
straight to the divine if you don’t mind
I’m blown whistles
little missiles
as it chisels away
at the real problem essential
Can’t hold my tongue
even if i wanted to come,
tightened up and twisted
so your ears are forced to listen
come with it
And to me it’s comical
but still a little bit diabolical
how dare you take gods molecule
and flipping em out folded it’s hollow and cruel
Not cool
So are there any more questions?
now that we’re wide open to the lessons
welcome digressions
of what to make of this oppression
it’s an obsession
to redefine our perception
of what i think you to believe
and what you think you make of me
So let’s get serious up on this deliriousness
I’m leading with a toast so get comfy, let’s sew some oats lovely
Turning over new leafs
running fast in our cleats
If you don’t like the way I speak
it’ because  yes the truth reeks
Like tuna in a can
smells fishy I ain’t a fan
catch me if you can
time has come to reprimand
We’re blown whistles
little missiles
as it chisels away
at the real problem essential
Can’t hold my tongue
even if i wanted to become,
tightened up and twisted
so your ears are forced to listen
come with it
And maybe to it’s comical
but to me it’s all rather diabolical
How dare you take gods molecule
and flip it folded hollow it’s cruel
not cool…. not cool…

RIP AARON CORNEILUS FREID

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