Thursday, June 28, 2007

You gotta wonder why we cling to our expectations. Because the expected is what keeps us ...

Steady.

Standing.

Still.

The expected is just the beginning.

The unexpected is what changes our lives.

-Meridith Grey :: Grey's Anatomy

[what phenomenon changed your life ... or are you still.waiting.?]

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Then Richard Florida offered a solution (in "The Rise of the Creative Class") to my queries from the last post:

" The task before us is to build new forms of social cohesion appropriate to the new Creative Age - the old forms don't work, because they no longer fit the people we've become - and from there, to pursue a collective vision of a better and more prosperous future for all.

This is easier said than done. To build true social cohesion, the members of the Creative Class will need to offer those in other classes a tangible vision of ways to improve their own lives, either by becoming part of the Creative Economy or, at the very least, by reaping some of its rewards. If the Creative Class does not commit itself to this effort, the growing social and economic divides in our society will only worsen, and I fear that we will find ourselves living perpetually uneasy lives at the top of an unhappy heap.

It's time for the Creative Class to grow up and take responsibility. But first, we must understand who we are."
It's amazing how many times in the past few months I've heard people rave about Austin, Texas.

I started wonder what the sudden buzz was about. How is it that so many people can be such fanatics about a place they've only visited? On the contrary, how is it that so many people can uproot and relocate to this place just because they hear about the vibe? And then I wondered ...

What happens when people start to catch on that a particular environment welcomes, cultivates and nurtures the uniqueness of an individual or people group?

The rise of a culture begins.

Austin is known for its ability to tap into the creative energy of its people. It welcomes all types and provides opportunities for the traditional "outsiders" to offer their unique solutions to existing issues.

Is it wrong for those of us who crave innovation and demand the space for creativity to flock to these places? Or should we stay in our current environments and hope that our authenticity will generate interest and eventually form an organic subculture within an un-accepting or misunderstanding macro-culture?

Then my thought was this: What if all the people from one group only stayed in select cities across the world? Would it just be expected that those from surrounding lands would gravitate if they resonated with this idealism? And if it were expected, what good are these hubs if the only people experiencing this culture are those who are there?

Is it that, maybe, just maybe, this new group is singlehandedly creating space for people to just be themselves? To live out their creative potential? And in the meantime stopping in places like Austin after having ran for years from the doubtful mindsets of the majority?

Perhaps my questions lead to ... where do we draw the line? Is it possible to ever really have a middle ground, where creativity can flourish amidst opposition and conservative infrastructures and someday be understood and appreciated?

Sunday, June 24, 2007

I began reading "The Rise of the Creative Class" this weekend. You may imagine that most of my conversations in the past few days were centered around these new ideologies of what cultivates a creative culture.

As a group of friends and I were enjoying iced coffee at Starbucks, conversation went in the direction of differing cultures and the social implications that follow. From the American perspective to a New Zealand perspective. From an Irish to an Australian's view. Then to a collective sigh as we agreed that, either way, it's a Western thought process ... privileged with an opportunity to dream (unlike many of our Eastern neighbors).

Hmmm. Pretty deep for an afternoon break at the Bucks. But I have to admit it was even more quenching than my tasty beverage.

The conversation continued to morph into a spastic exchange of stories of an emerging class of creatives that are bringing innovation to all ends of the earth. After a few minutes of excitement and lessons in history, my ability to understand the information dwindled. And then I realized something incredible. I was having coffee with four individuals, who are my age, from different countries.

Although their dialect became more difficult to understand as the conversation became more intense, I knew we were all speaking the same language.

We all have a story. We've traveled far and wide to be a part of the synergy taking place in L.A. And we all have a vision to contribute something unique to make the world better ... one nation at a time.

Did I mention how much I love L.A.?

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

"Common goals create community."

When I heard Eric Bryant say this last week at Mosaic, I knew I finally had the missing link to make this blog entry happen.

A few months ago, I had the privilege to spend time with some good friends from college here in Southern California. As we were sitting at the dinner table, I began to make a trail in my mind of my close network of friends and the impact they're making all over the world. From social workers to scholars at Stanford. From NASA and Disney engineers to Equity actresses. From Best Buy GMs to graphic designers. From musicians to business owners to church leaders. From global leaders to architects to strategists to med students to analysts.

My life is filled with people who are in a pursuit to create something new that will bring others hope. That's our common thread.

It's a beautiful thing to watch as each of us flesh this value out in a way that is truly unique to who we are individually.

I know the world will be a better place because of these 20 somethings (and those brave enough to mentor us).

Gratitude goes out to those I'm sharing life with. You inspire me and I will forever be indebted to your accountability and authenticity.

What's the formula for this kind of culture?
1. Authentic Community
2. Shared Vision
3. Complimentary Gifts
4. Common Language and Principles

Question: What culture are you creating? Or what culture do you wish to create?

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Once upon a time there were two little girls who dreamed of a far away land.

Through their journeys they met witches and false fortune tellers, even big bad wolves.

Along the way, they met each other. Both with ambition in their eyes and an undeniable passion.

These little girls grew to become women of faith, love and hope for one another. They shared stories, fought each other's dragons and even shared the same dream of that far away land.

:: :: :: ::

In a moment of authentic beauty, the little girl inside of me witnessed the woman I hope to become.

As I frolicked in fields of clovers and watched as Stacy Day danced at sunset with her prince charming in a patch of wild flowers, I remembered the ache for belonging and the craving to feel beautiful that I have ignored. In this moment I was reminded that I am most beautiful when I'm me ... the little girl with big dreams ... hoping for a chance to make it in a far away land.





Photos by: Ali Bagheri (http://flickr.com/photos/helloali/)

Monday, June 18, 2007

to my weekend.
to being a jet setter.
to stealing stealing a designer gown.
to drive-through liquor stores named "Pay and Take it."
to being above the law.
to dancing the night away.
to austin, texas.
to cowboy hats and stilettos.
to being pampered.
to open fields of wild flowers (and chiggers).
to being invited into a beautiful moment.
to new friends.
to rain and fluffy clouds.
to unanswered prayers.
to witnessing the union of two kindred souls.
to finding my clone.
to three hours of sleep four days in a row.
to words of affirmation.
to second chances.
to conversations that change your life.
to living a dream.
to sweat and stage lights.
to melting faces with insane guitar solos.
to hugs and proud friends.
to possibility.
to change.
to laughter at the dinner table.
to brothers who kick butt.
to eight hours of sleep.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

There's something about wearing a great hat and stiletto heels that makes me feel so cosmopolitan ... so Sex and the City, if you will. :)

I find myself walking with much more confidence. Little sound bits of my very own soundtrack are playing over in my mind as I walk through Trader Joe's to pick up groceries. I feel so independent and in sync with the world as I walk out with my paper bag full of organic foods and my french loaf sticking out of the top of my bag.

As the breeze rustles the palm trees and the scent of the ocean passes by, I realize that I am much closer to that leading role on the movie screen than ever before. I'm living my own adventure, stepping into a world of possibilities and daring to move without blinking an eye.

What's more exhilarating than anything, is the mystery that comes with the hat and stilettos. I feel as if there is more to come ... more than what meets the eye. It's a part of me that is slowly making its way to the surface with or without the costume. Because of this, however, I am increasingly more attracted to anyone who naturally exudes spontaneity, adventure and a carefree spirit. Ha! Seemingly opposite of my structured and planned out life.

Maybe this hat and these heels are trying to tell me something.

Monday, June 11, 2007

On my flight back to L.A. from Kansas, these lyrics kept running through my mind:

"I want to be more, I want to see more, I want to know more ... more than I know."

I hope I never stop learning, exploring, or venturing out into the unknown.

What did you discover today?

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Home also has a way of reminding us of who we are not.

Beginning the process of identifying who I am NOT has become much easier than trying to figure out who I am or hope to become. With each conversation this weekend, I remind myself that I am not who I was when I left this place nearly a year ago. That, I know for sure.

So I'll start there ...

Thursday, June 7, 2007

There's no place like home.

I've made it safely to the land of Oz and I'm excited to be reunited with where I came from.

Home has a way of bringing me back to the core of who I am ... at least I'm hoping it still has that effect. Until later ...

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

re·fresh·ing (rĭ-frěsh'ĭng)
1. pleasantly new or different
2. to give new freshness or brightness to; restore

I had the opportunity to spend time with a few individuals last night that are so comfortable in their own skin that simply being around them brought new life to my bones.

There is just something about these kinds of people that make everyone around them less concerned with touting personal accolades or verbally validating their existence by listing their five year plan (noted appropriately at the end with nothing short of world domination).

I felt like I could be myself. I felt like I could actually say I didn't have all the answers. I felt peaceful. I felt more loving. I felt more real.

We weren't competing to see who was running the fastest or had the most potential (well, I probably was initially). But I realized that when people are happy with who they are, where they are and where they're going, there isn't an aura of competition or concern for self-praise around them. I didn't want to be anywhere else in that moment.

Most importantly, I felt that it was ok to simplify life ... to slow down. To just ... be ... me.

And that's refreshing.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

"You put on what people say you are."

It's a mystery to me, really, that we can allow others to condition us to act within the confines of their desired role for us in their lives. The irony is that, more often than not, they categorize us based on something they are unfamiliar with or simply misunderstand.

On the flip-side, it's even more disturbing that we step into the role, thinking that perhaps we are growing as an individual when, in fact, we may just be playing to their insecurities of who we may become if they don't tame us.

Question: Do you ever act a certain way around people because they've told you that's who you are? And worse, leave the conversation feeling like you misrepresented yourself?

Monday, June 4, 2007

"No man really knows about other human beings. The best he can do is to suppose that they are like himself." -John Steinbeck

If this is true (and I believe it is for my life), then there is much work to be done.

character development
relational intelligence
commitment to others
tolerance

Question: How often do you assume that what you hate most about yourself exists in other people? More importantly, what do your relationships look like as a result of not loving yourself completely?

Friday, June 1, 2007

I've been doing some research on the "creative class" and have become increasingly aware of the characteristics that make a city more conducive to creative activity. I've always associated big business, innovation, and my role as a top executive with big city life (like the leading ladies in the movies - new york, l.a., london, paris, etc).

But a friend of mine (who is adamant about staying in Manhattan, Kansas) says, "you don't need a huge city to do huge business ... you just need a couple 30" apple displays ... a sweet computer, fast internet and an awesome apartment."

It makes me wonder. How much of this "big city" mentality is actually invoking change and how much of it is a facade to make us feel like the chaos is a direct effect of our contributions to bringing transformation? I mean, 10 million people in one county can create a lot of noise, but what's actually happening? On the contrary, how much can really happen when the culture is inherently slow ... what does that do to a visionary or a creative?

I'm curious ...

In which environment are you most creative?