13

Why do buildings all skip the thirtieth floor? It’s as if by not having it as an option in the elevator buttons some how denies the fact we've skipped a number along the way in the ascending count. I guess the mere idea of it, i.e. the thirtieth floor, not being an option we automatically accept it as fact when in an elevator the lack of  “the  thirteenth floor” on your way up through the building. 

What else do we automatically accept as not being an option or not existing in our lives?

Should we just skip that number completely, uniformly throughout life? 
Not suffering from triskaidekaphobia I could care less I’m just saying.... what about that part that sees the unseen? Those other  "the thirtieth floors" what exists in a pre-programed automatic blur we may catch and  we then see and and where does that take you?

In seeing the unseen like the thirtieth floorr we open the playing field of life to a whole new level. 
I get it now, I like it, feels new yet familiar and its where I will say are flowing

  

But getting back to concrete thoughts, literarily, am I to believe that these men of higher intellect, mental stamina and of the capacity of such creativity capable of constructing this massive building really believed a “thirteenth floor” would some how do so harm to my apartment building? Seriously?. 

So, look to the unseen.

When we look that which is unseen a new path unfolds

At least that's how it seems to be happening for me lately and I AM grateful. When we can walk on an unseen path we travel in faith. There is faith in the movement (energy) into the direction of not known. It has yet to be seen by us before, an option not given like the thirteenth floor, for some reason, but its there.

Yet in faith some how things appear, happen connect, because you have detached yourself from the outcome (that some reason) and you have faith - all that comes your way is for your wonder, enjoyment, learning, expansion, so you move with detachment doing the best that you can happily and with gratitude, because it's all good.

Freeing from attachments, free of outcomes, we do our best just because it has come to you, you NOW know that these paths/challenges are the dealing/issues we have created  that you are liking and enjoying, you are learning from them, you’re expanding from it, you do so that now in gratitude we deal with them, for it and for you, because you are doing it in faith.

The people met and dealt with all fall into their own spaces, we are learning from all of it through our child like glasses so such schools of life’s learning I AM “attending” are so wonderful and fun.

On the list of great connections ever made, on the top of my list is the name ROSS. 
When you walk along the unseen you find very special people such as Ross. I will just say that the feeling of “OMG I can’t believe it  but I AM so grateful that your 30 years of photography/engineering/cooking/investor/ artist/ enlightened/talented/wow OH MY GAWD mastery of it would be so kind as to help moi?!” yeah like wow! That’s just amazing….a thirtieth floor!

A hottie and a hot art director – same guy- edited the final images to 9 so THANK YOU sooo much Damion. 
And then there’s Nikko… wow man once again to the table with really good new ideas.

The show is coming together its so awesome how this path has unfolded.

I welcome all abundance and love it brings to all the branches of this project that helped make it happen and lets hope many get the idea of love being shared through it.

“Come along and ride on this fantastic voyage…”

Project: Ficus a short film

Done:

Artist statement

Bio

Camera

Shooting schedule

Permission to shoot on location

Get equipment: tripod

Photographs

Framing

Video: @ Kampong & street

Editing

Audio?

Technology

Display ideas

Print images

To do list:

Buy tarp grass projector tacks
set up sod delivery

MAKE DEADLINE

Venue:

Projector

Flat screen TV

Tarps

Kava serving

Sod delivery/set up day of

FOCUS FEEL FLOW

The day had finally past, the one day I have so quickly booked permission to shoot at  The National Botanical Museum, oh guess what, thanks goodness? It wasn’t raining! Wait! Wait! Still more good news,... state of the art camera equipment HD and still WITH a photog ready for the day with a good attitude, eagle eyes for mushrooms and funny.

The whole morning since I woke up and the whole drive south to the Grove, I was so grateful I said it over and over again in my mind, from my heart with joy and connection.

I’m so thankful it’s not raining

I’m so thankful we got cameras

I’m so thankful we got permission to shoot

I’m so thankful that Nikko was willing to play along

I’m so thankful I drive a convertible car

I’m so thankful this is going to really happen

I’m so thankful Avi was so generous 

I’m so thankful Nikko had a tripod

I’m so thankful for the inspiration in nature

I’m so thankful the power of nature flows through me

I am so grateful for the magic that surrounds the Kava Bar. 
Not even a month ago after talking about movies and common interests with Nikko, another Kava Bar regular for some reason I said to him, “One day you and I will work on a project together” and he replied in his thick accent and smooth calm cool way, "cool" And so it was.

When things are just meant to be, they are meant to be, they just happen and unfold before your eyes as a seem-less effortless productive plan. And you just allow things to flow...

The day was perfect great vibes and attitudes in place and working with a photographer for the first time was a non-issue. For our production meeting the day before I felt that Nikko had gotten it, once roles defined we were set and boy did we rocked!

The editing process has been on since the moment the footage was downloaded into my computer late last night. In a switch and for full hands on impact I have taken on the task to edit the video myself, I have chosen 55 imagines for the over 250 still I shot and have solicited the assistance of the show curator to choose the images to be printed for the show.

I am pround of what has been accomplished so far and that

I AM an ARTIST.

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

Project: Ficus a short film

Done:

Artist statement

Bio

Camera

Shooting schedule

Permission to shoot on location

Get equipment: tripod

Photographs

Framing

Video: @ Kampong & street

Editing

To do list:

Audio?

Technology = gfx?

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

Venue:

Projector

Flat screen TV

Tarps

Kava serving

Sod delivery/set up day of

oh yeah thank you God!

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

Project: Ficus a short film

Done:

Artist statement

Bio

Camera

Shooting schedule

HD Camera

To do list:

Permission to shoot on location

Get equipment: tripod

Photographs

framing

Video: @ Kampong & street

editing

Technology = gfx? Audio?

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

Samplings from Mochi Restaurant

“Oh man, we flew in last night from Schiphol man we had an amazing flight.

Touch down hit the city I love man we hardly got to sleep,

Now back in time to touch my family,

oh feel that breeze

Man does that feel sweet

Come over have something to eat

Yeah you know who’s in the kitchen my man Patrick," she says

“We’re right here so let’s catch up….”

And I was on my way… but here's the back story:

If you ever have a chance to have a bite to eat while in Den Haag, Holland then I highly recommend my friend’s restaurant Mochi. Den Haag is a great little city 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam and and well worth the stop over. Nestled among some to the Queen’s loveliest play sets is a lovely walking tour through time where the building walls have more stories then your noisiest of neighbors. A short walk for the beautiful Hotel on a quaint café filled pedestrian only street is the home of fantastic culinary fusion, owner and chef, Patrick is a Dutch native who studied for many years throughout Asia and his Colombian born wife Lissette who are simply themselves; lovely and friendly and great chefs. (I know this pair fuse since the first time the saw each other cause I was there. )And what creations they serve up on their plates: so interesting, delicious and thought through. All as unique as the décor of the inside dining area so cozy and the outside terrace so valuable in Dutch weather. all designed by them as well.

So ANY chance to be near them and their food I jump at! Disappointed only in the fact that this wasn’t happening in Holland but boy was I not disappointed about being in the kitchen and close to the action um I mean food! Mixes and blends of staples of Spanish cuisine with Japanese influenced everything else. A succulent fish and twists to familiar ceviche, yummy beef with mango and patacon yum! The huge panko battered shrimp with lettuce was to die for, I can go own but really what I did best was grab a pair of chop sticks and just picked and what went by. 

I Miss my talented host-friends, Mr. & Mrs. Parra and the rest of the family but I am so happy we could share some time together and catch up, and don't forget how I enjoyed their successful menus. Love you guys!

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

Project: Ficus a short film

Done:

Artist statement

Bio

Camera

Shooting schedule

To do list:

Permission to shoot on location

Get equipment: tripod

Photographs

framing

Video: @ Kampong & street

editing

Technology = gfx? Audio?

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

It's gettin' groovy now, baby...

I wanted to share the artist statement, which was submitted for the project room:

About the project:

The images in FICUS are the organic personification of being Grounded, providing Security, representing Permanence, the symbolisms of Growth and the Family. All is energy and we draw energy up and in from our roots always remembering that from which we come humbly come with honor.

In order to effectively represent the manifestation of drawing in of the power of Mother Earth, in the photography; a moment of the stream of power is captured and honored in silence. This is the power found in roots and trees and in us when we ground and connect with Mother Earth’s energy. In video: the now moment present in the living trees and significance of their size with the passage of time present.

About the artist:

Uprooted as a teen from Brooklyn, New York and transplanted to Miami, Florida in the late 1970’s in a transition which forced me to face the unique, social and cultural shocks one experiences living in Miami, I learned to speak Spanish outside of my house to fit in.

And where skyscrapers, concrete playgrounds, and brick once had surrounded me, there is what has remained of the natural abundant jungle like habitat of the Grove. So lush and green and fragrant and in a N.Y. minute I acquired a great appreciation for the lush fauna and flora of this tropical city.

After spending more than a dozen years as a commercial copywriter and producer for television, Ms. Monica Uribe is currently focused on documentary screenplays, Internet Radio, photography and travel.

Monica Uribe holds a degree in Communications, Video/Film from the University of Miami, is a mother of three, Reiki Master and a former Coconut Grove resident.

Here’s an update on the project status, I’ll keep posting these often look for ways you can get involved:

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

Project: Ficus a short film

Done:

Artist statement

Bio

Camera

Shooting schedule

To do list:

Permission to shoot on location

Get equipment: tripod

Photographs

framing

Video: @ Kampong & street

editing

Technology = gfx? Audio?

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

Venue:

Projector

Flat screen TV

Tarps

Kava serving

Sod delivery/set up day of

Always drawn back to the Kava Bar, maybe it IS A CULT?!

New updates on the project status, I’ll keep posting these often look for ways you can get involved:

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

to do list:

Artist statement/Bio

still camera

Photographs

video

framing

editing

get HD camera, tripod

Shooting schedule

Technology

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

I PITY THE FOLLAH WHO DOESN’T BULA!

Here’s an update on the project status, I’ll keep posting these often look for ways you can get involved:

“Come a long a ride on this fantastic voyage…”

to do list:

Artist statement

Bio

Photographs

video

framing

editing

get equipment

Shooting schedule

Technology

Display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE

"I PITY THE FOLLAH WHO DOESN’T BULA!” - Monica

“IT’S A CULT! “ “No, its not!”  The question came up from my co-host on the radio show who has never been to a Kava Bar, had ever heard about until I told him and called it a cult because I choose to spend a lot of free time there. The discussion rolled over the bar and the staff caught it to come to discovery their views were so far apart.

What is Kava?

Kava is a 3000-year-old ceremonial drink found in thetropical  islands of the South Pacific. A beige colored chilled gritty liquid reminiscent to wet cement, so, not the best tasting substance but yet most who are into Kava drink it more for the effects. The effects Kava drinker refer are the natural muscle relaxant quality, a natural anti-depressant, and appetite suppressant qualities and come with the over all sensation that while you mind is focused and clear you body feel as if its in a state of total relaxation, naturally. When you drink kava the ceremonial toast in Fiji is “Bula”, Bula means to the heavens and to the Earth, to my higher self. NOt a terrible thing to toast to, huh?

The Kava bar was constructed with your total relaxation in mind. Games, books, hand-crafted bar, and the best, wet cement shot you ever drank – trust me.

“Kava’s the only thing you’re serving? Seriously?” "In this place you only drink Kava stuff?"

I come to the kava bar very often, I find the words flow easily when I write this blog from this location. Also a great place to share ideas and bounce new ones off of people, And the people who also frequent the kava bar are all very special, friendly and talents – cool peeps!

An alcohol alternative to the regular bar setting this place strictly only sells kava, bottled water and a small choice in flavored vitamin water. Here would you ever see a fight instead coming up with your own Kava-isum” is the name of the game. I posted mine as the title but other good ones are

I Hula for BULA

Got BULA?

Just BULA

Bula ROCKS

I want to make BULA with you

Live music happens at the Kava Bar sometime planned like when Roosevelt plays or when an impromptu gathering of musicians with instruments stars jamming out side, its so cool.

This CULT question is one in need for many voices and opinions I vote for it not being a cult what says you?

Oh by the way....

Miracles do happen

Smile at a stranger create a miracle

You reap what you sow

At the exact moment when the best thing to come along would be an awesome project to get involved with I am offered the opportunity to create, to dream, to build, to do... my work.

Define work. Most of us must do it, some do it better than others but by whose standards and at what cost, value, quality/quantity of life, self-satisfaction, materialism. Figure what the cost effective analysis shows. Should it be (have to be) laborious, profitable? What truly matters; I, for one, must eat, provide shelter and care for those I helped bring into this world and maintain a certain level of comfort and style, its a simple life but still, a responsibility. So as yummy as the idea of loafing sounds it is so non existent to me I am forced to get creative. Being of the school that not everything has to be a bore, a painful chore, or intensely physical. And that since it is something that which must be done so in searching for a way to do it in a painless, creative manner is very beneficial- to all, especially me. The production output may be one, which comes with ease and is received well and has provided an outlet to generate a deeper  personal fulfillment with positive intentions (now in a different medium) which effortlessly is returned in abundance. Define abundance.

The project room at the art gallery was just created and its first show has been offered to me, "You are available, yes? "AM I! I AM available" A long time standard on my laptop desktop was a screenplay for a short film, which has been visited and revisited over the last couple of years but has not moved beyond work in progress and now has finally found a home where it may begin - planted and hopefully sprout from written idea to work in prgress to the project room at the gallery.

The challenge now to bring this project to life in time for its showing on the second Saturday of May, this year, like a month from now. Time to work quickly for not one frame of video or of photography has been shot and there is still lots to plan, to coordinate. 
A  nervous excitement takes over and the questions of will it work, can I do it creeps up. Stay back doubt this is my time. Here's what has to happen, the verbal explanation of the vision for the space went well with the curator and gallery owner, now I will present a short visual presentation with a story board of sorts to better explain the concept then off to find equipment to borrow, or purchase and recruit some assistance, ....

What do you have to lose? Just do it. The uber-famous Nike Swoosh logo was created by a young college student looking to make extra cash

“Come a long and ride on this fantastic voyage…”

to do list:

Artist statement

Bio

photographs

video

framing

editing

get equipment

shooting schedule

technology

display ideas

MAKE DEADLINE