A Virtual Tour: The Lake

Yesterday I went for a walk to the lake and took some photos. 

Here is a short video documenting my adventure.

Enjoy a mini break from what ever you are doing or stressing about right now.

May you have a great weekend.

Grab and Go: Chicago Mini Canvas Art

Today I did a Grab and Go Art project from the Harold Washington Library Center. There are other Grab and Go projects at other branches of the Chicago Public Library:

Home is where the heart is! Did you know Chicago has 77 communities? Express your love for your neighborhood in this month’s Chicago Mini Canvas Grab & Go Kit. 

Looking for a fun creative outlet? Come pick up a fun arts and crafts grab and go kit to take home courtesy of the Maker Lab and the Arts & Music Department! This grab and go kit is available at the 8th floor reference desk during library hours until September 30th or while supplies last.

Note: While when you are looking up events it looks like you can only grab a kit on Tuesdays in reality you can grab one any day. It has to be imputed oddly into their event system because the system is not set up for a daily/month long activities. 

You can go to the 8th floor reference desk when ever you are downtown

Because this year's One Book, One Chicago selection is Bedrock Faith by Eric Charles May, this fall's art projects are around the theme of Chicago and Chicago Neighborhoods.

Sept: Grab and Go: Chicago Mini Canvas Art

Oct: Grab and Go: Rustic Chicago Flag Wall Hanging

Nov: Grab and Go: Easy Rainbow Cards

Dec: Grab and Go: Embroidery Hoop State Art

The kit comes in a neat little package. 

This month we got a canvas, a paintbrush, paint, mod podge, a Chicago cutout and instructions

Which is a lot of goodies for free: I found I had paint, mod podge, and the paintbrush left over.

I will be able to do a few bonus projects of my own 

This was a very simple art project anyone could do 

Assuming you can hold a paintbrush and brush a canvas

 

 

I have to say thank you to the Chicago Public Library for offering Grab and Go Art projects. If you are in Chicago explore other Grab and Go options available. If you live somewhere else check out your own local library, because why they may not have the same type of projects most libraries have something going on that you can explore and be creative.

Art, Art, Art ...

This past weekend was filled with a different creative festival each day. 

• Friday was The River North Design District 2021 Fall Gallery Walk
• Saturday was the Printer Lit Literary Festival
• Sunday was Lakeview East Art Festival.

The River North Design District 2021 Fall Gallery Walk: 

It was fun to go with a friend, my "Captain Cold" and see art. It was also neat that there was food to nibble on at many of the locations which brought me back to the before times when that was a lot more common. I really enjoyed this particular piece of art.

 

I really enjoyed the views of Chicago from this stop. Felt like a secret hideaway.

This was an Art work I made at one of the stops. As I posted online at one point I was actually waiting for paint to dry so I could take my art work home without getting it all over me as I took public transit. In addition to the above I ended up with a good stack of design/art catalogues which will provide inspiration for various creative projects moving forward.

Printer Lit Literary Festival:

As I wandered around the fest I ended up stopping by a booth where I could get my name written in Arabic (for free) which was fun. Also while standing in line I heard the guy talking about the whole there not being a P, instead it being a B in Arabic which always reminds me of The Band's Visit. 

I also found The Legend of Tomorrow's magic pointy stick (aka as The Spear of Destiny) from season 2. (And that is my story and I am sticking to it) It was hard not to giggle when I saw it since the author at the booth was using it in a more sacred manner than as a magic pointy stick.

Lakeview East Art Festival:

I ended up seeing some cool art, getting this signed poster for free, and listening to some fun music.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Trigger Warning: Discussion of the topic of suicide and suicidal ideation 

World Suicide Prevention Day:

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Suicide Attempts, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation

(Written In Honor Of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021)

By Dreaming Ace

Suicide Attempts, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation

Something that connects 

Us all, Us all, Us all

Actors and Musicians and Comics

Writers and Journalists and Royalty

Vets and Farmers and Religious Leaders

Sports players and Food Critics and Business owners

Acquaintances, Friends, and Family members

We all know or know of

Someone who has fought 

Someone who has struggled

Someone who was overwhelmed

Someone who thought about suicide

Sometimes it is attempts in youth

Sometimes it is caused by mental illness

Sometimes it is caused by despair

Sometimes it is not being able to see past the darkness

Sometimes it is feeling all alone 

We all know or know of

Someone who has fought 

Someone who has struggled

Someone who was overwhelmed

Someone who thought about suicide

Reach out to those you see suffering

Ask how they really truly are and LISTEN

Don't turn away out of fear of doing it wrong

Being present, Listening, Helping find outside support

Often this is all that is needed to save a life

Suicide Attempts, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation

Something that connects 

Us all, Us all, Us all

Why Is Today Important?

Suicide is a global public health crisis impacting us all. We all know a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor, or stranger who has struggled with Suicide, Suicide Attempts, or Suicidal Ideation. 

For example I know:

A childhood friend of mine in the Army who has lost multiple coworkers to suicide

A member of my church family who in the past has struggled with Active Suicidal Ideation

Several Facebook acquaintances who have had struggles with Active Suicidal Ideation

Wentworth Miller who has spoken about two suicide attempts one as a youth, and one as a college student

Individuals (and characters in fanfiction) who have experienced both acute and chronic low level passive suicidal ideation (Where it is less about having a plan and more about just waiting*/wishing for death to show up)

*This song is not about this topic at all but yet expresses some of what it can feel like.  

It is important that we understand this crisis, know how to identify when someone could need help, and know what to do if someone does need help. 

It is also vital that we normalize having such thoughts and build a community that someone in crisis can reach out to knowing they won't be judged and will get the resources and help that they need.

Suicides can be prevented

Definitions and Statistics:

Definitions:

Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior.

A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt might not result in injury.

Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death in the United States:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2019:

Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,500 people.

Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.

There were nearly two and a half times as many suicides (47,511) in the United States as there were homicides (19,141). 

40 seconds

By Dreaming Ace

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Every 40 seconds

Someone around the world

Dies by Suicide

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Every 40 seconds

Someone's life is cut short

Never to be heard from again

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Every 40 seconds

So since the start of this poem

Someone ceased to be

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Identifying and Helping Someone in Crisis: 

Wentworth Miller has also expressed ways to reach out and have these difficult conversations with someone you are worried about even when you don't know where to start as well as talking about when these conversations are useful and when they are not.

Resources If You Are In Crisis:

(In the US):

If in immediate crisis call 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (Note this number will be changing in July 2022 when it will become 988)

The Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, followed by Pressing 1. or texting 838255.

IMAlive Crisis Chatline (www.imalive.org) is a non-profit, worldwide 24/7, anonymous chatline to help anyone in crisis via instant messaging.

The Crisis Text Line (The only 24/7, nationwide crisis-intervention text-message hotline.) Text HOME to 741-741.

The TrevorLifeline can be reached at 1-866-488-7386.

TrevorChat can be found at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/

TrevorText can be reached by texting START to 678-678

Trans Lifeline can be reached at 1-877-565-8860.

This is a list of global crisis numbers. Most countries have some system set up to help those who are in crisis.

If You Are Struggling:

Gmorning. 

YOU ARE SO LOVED AND WE LIKE HAVING YOU AROUND. 

*ties one end of this sentence to your heart, the other end to everyone who loves you, even the ones you haven't heard from for awhile* 

*checks knots* 

THERE. STAY PUT, YOU

Gnight. 

YOU ARE SO LOVED AND WE LIKE HAVING YOU AROUND. 

*ties one end of this sentence to your heart, the other end to everyone who loves you in this life, even if clouds obscure your view* 

*checks knots* 

THERE. STAY PUT, YOU. TUG IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.

Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi

You're Gonna Be Okay by Brian & Jenn Johnson

Logic - 1-800-273-8255 ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid

Songs about Suicide and Suicide prevention

 

Apples To Fasting To Shmita: Days of Awe

 

Shanah tovah u'metukah (Or in English "a good and sweet year") 

This week started with Rosh Hashanah a Jewish celebration. Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection, reflection and making resolutions. It culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.

The Days of Awe are basically the time when God figures out everyone's report cards. Some are easy for god to determine, like for the righteous and the really wicked, for some there is more wiggle room. For those in the wiggle room group, we have 10 days to talk to God our professor about what we know we have done well, and where we have individually or communally fell short this past year. 

Basically 10 days of office hours where we reflect with God, repent, and try to be more righteous. These office hours can impact if the God's grades inscribed in the book of life end up sealed in the book or edited before being summited as final grades to the university. (Note this is my own interpretation of the story of the Days of Awe if you want a different one ask a Rabbi) 

If you are interested is worship there are a wide range of services that are available for all the Days of Awe on YouTube which you can access whenever you want. (And it really is fine if you are a few days late, pretty sure the universe or god or what ever you want to call it understands that time is wibbly wobbly :) ) 

And for those of us who like the idea of being non-traditional try Rabbi Alex Kress's Hip Hop/Rap inspired RAP-ENTANCE: SIDE A: Rosh HaShanah or RAP-ENTANCE: SIDE B: Yom Kippur which include hip hop music and some reflection questions around some of the key themes of this period on the Jewish calendar. 

While this is always an extended period of time for introspection this year takes on an extra level because this year is Shmita, the “year of release,” In the Shmita year, debts are to be forgiven, agricultural lands to lie fallow, private land holdings to become open to the commons, and staples such as food storage and perennial harvests to be freely redistributed and accessible to all. 

Many are taking this upcoming Shmita year as a time to focus on the earth and the impact of global climate change on both a individual and community wide level. Others are focusing on the rest part of the year and figuring out ways to incorporate regular rest into their schedules. There is no one right way to celebrate Shmita is is more just setting aside time to be present and aware.

May you have a sweet new year and be inscribed in the book of life.

Honoring All Of Our Labor

Labor Day is a holiday which can bring up a lot of emotions especially for anyone who:

• Is underemployed or are unemployed
• Finds themselves giving their labor to something not meaningful
• Finds themselves giving their labor to an toxic workplace/manger
• Finds themselves working for someone is not putting their health and safety first (such as refusing to require vaccinations or masks.) 
• Finds that the labor they give is not credited because it is non-traditional

This poem I wrote back 2014 gets at some of the complexity of labor and labor day for so many of us. And while my situation has changed since 2014 the main themes have remained the same:

A Labor Day Poem: What gets me up in the morning

By Dreaming Ace

I never thought of Labor day

As an emotion filled Holiday

But for us who are without work

Sometimes all we feel are the sling and arrows

Of discouragement and disappointment

I often struggle in the articulating what I am passionate about

But I realize despite this my life is indeed filled with passion

I am Passionate about the Fundamentals

The Fundamentals of Life

Love and Story and Beauty and Joy

In all their many forms

And you asked what gets me up in the morning

There are so many answers

An ever changing Kaleidoscope

And I thank the heavens for that truth

I get up in the morning for People

For Friends who stand quietly by my side

For Historical Figures and Famous Individuals whom I shall never meet in person

For Characters who I will always know better then myself and will always know me in return

I get up in the morning for Places

For HC, and Chicago, and the TARDIS

These will always be my sister, mother, child

Always be my friends forever

I get up in the morning for Things

For Music, and Books, and Films

For Dancing and Walking and Dreaming

For all the Millions of Magical Moments which Touch my Soul

So while I can not tell you

In this moment of time

My Work, My Vocation, My Job

And while there will always be moments

I forget the bright stars shining within me

Day by Day I will place one foot in front of the other

On and On and On until forever

And give life and time

The space it needs to inspire

So this labor day take a moment to think about all those who have brought us this holiday, and a moment to consider how you are using your own labor. I hope you have a restful and meaningful Labor Day. 

(And in honor of the holiday I won't write a blog post on Monday, but I'll be back on Wednesday)

Restyling For Fall

Happy September 1st. 

It finally is feeling a bit cooler outside (I'm sorry but when my phone says that it feels like it is over 100 out it is simply too hot LOL) and I have been thinking about how I can restyle my spaces, my life, and my point of view for the new season. 

Restyling Spaces:

For me this is probably the quickest and easiest restyling. This season it has been switching out coverings so that my room is now in shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown which feels fall friendly. 

Really the only issue was the "give a mouse a cookie" problem. As I was restyling I realized I should do some cleaning, which led to a semi-deep cleaning, which took more time than I would have liked, but that is life :)

I would also like to note my thanks to my roommate who had an old comforter from collage that I ended up inheriting that is all in oranges and which really helps create a showpiece orange sofa for fall.

Restyling Life/Point Of View: 

For me this type of restyling was based on the daily to-do list I already follow. It was more about looking at my list and thinking about what the purpose of each category was and how I could modify my goals within each category to be more in align with these purposes. 

For example, I find when I have a daily task such as doing 3 self care practices each day, they end up becoming "should based" as in I am doing them less because I really want to, and more because they are a quick item to check off my list. 

I am trying to focus on quality vs. quantity. (I tried to add more variety last month by upping my daily self care items to three a day from two a day but that ended up just meaning I was doing the same three tasks each day not actually getting a wider variety of activities)

For example the below picture is a sample of what one of my self care focuses will be each day and which of my five values I will focus on as part of my daily "BBJ" (Bold, Belonging, Joy) or "Other" categories. 

So today one of my self care tasks will have to do with using visual art for self care, and as part of BBJ or Other I will do one thing that feeds my curiosity. (The content in parenthesizes is just to remind myself what I meant by each classification, it is not an exhaustive list at all)

While your list might look completely different from mine it makes sense to give yourself some structure* so that when this season is done you feel like you have accomplished something around some of your goals. 

* Of course also be flexible, for me my list is less a what I have to do and more just a reminder to do different things each day.