ivy colored glasses

Speaking of the Spoken Word

2011-03-31T23:38:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite blogs, SuperForest, posted an awesome TED talk by spoken word poet Sarah Kay. She was inspired by spoken word poetry in high school and now travels throughout the country sharing her passion and teaching/empowering kids how to express themselves through the medium. Project V.O.I.C.E sounds like an awesome project. Maybe I can invite them to do a workshop with my students when I'm teaching in Jacksonville. Not a bad ideaaa!

Making a Damn Difference

2011-03-31T22:41:00.000-04:00

My dad posted this video and it got me totally pumped about teaching. I also forgot how much I love slam poetry. This guy is awesome check it out.

Sweet Summer

2010-08-20T11:37:00.005-04:00

This summer I spent the majority of my time being present to how extraordinary life is. It definitely wasn't a mistake I ended up working for Sunrise Day Camp, a magical place that has changed me forever. It's a rainy Monday morning and there's no where I'd rather be than playing board games with my campers in the tree house. Not that I wasn't already a complete silly doofus, but my campers reminded me everyday how important it is to have fun and laugh and play. I am eternally grateful for and proud to be part of the Sunrise family.

Love, Smiles and Banana Grams,

Alex

Australia Nostalgia

2010-08-01T18:11:00.038-04:00

I've really been missing my home in the Southern hemisphere. Sadly, I didn't blog in Aussie-land as I chose to fill up a good 'ole journal that occupied much of my free time. Three months separated from the beautiful beaches, red rocks and awesome people, I decided a photo montage was in order.

flow with the universe

2010-07-28T22:54:00.005-04:00

"A Stroke of Insight"- Jil Bolte

Reinventing Fuel, Reinventing Life

2010-07-26T21:13:00.008-04:00

When I envision my future I see myself living in a house powered by solar and wind energy, driving an electric or algae fueled car, and growing my own fruits and vegetables in my backyard garden. And I don't think I will be alone.

So many clean and sustainable energy innovations have been showing up in my space recently-- its so exciting! Its incredibly easy to get sucked into the we've-already-trashed-the-planet-there's-nothing-we-can-do-about-it-now-why-change-our-habbits-let's-just-keep-doing-what-we're-doing-syndrome, a.k.a complaining and seeing no possibility for the future. But there is an abundance of extraordinary research, innovations and ideas that can free us from our dependence on fossil fuels NOW. Many clean-energy sources are already in use. The next steps are to produce infinite, accessible and cheap clean-energy.

Below is a film, article and television show that get me PUMPED about the reinvention of fuel and reinvention of life as we know it. I think this is such an exciting time to be alive and to experience this tremendous and necessary shift in the way we use energy. My generation will be the first who will have the choice to move forward and choose reinvented fuel and a totally reinvented life. Let's choose it.

The Fuel Film is an awesome documentary about how to transform our relationship with oil. It's worth watching from start to finish.

I was flipping though TV guide the other night and stumbled upon a new channel, Planet Green and a new show called Powering the Future. CHECK IT OUT. I learned so much about what's possible for energy on the planet in just a 30 minute episode. DO IT!

A few days ago my mom was talking about getting a new car when our Honda Civic's lease is up this year. She wants to get a Mercedes. I suggested getting a hybrid. These are even better!

Water we going to do?

2010-07-17T00:10:00.004-04:00

While checking out at the grocery store today, I was both amused and disturbed by a man shouting numbers as he tossed one plastic water bottle after the other into the recycling bin. 56 plastic water bottles. He announced it to the entire store and informed James the number was 56 (I think James was the manager or person who deals with recycling-- clearly loud-water-bottle-guy does this on the regular). I had two immediate reactions. Well, initially I was just laughing because loud-water-bottle-guy was intensely dripping sweat and causing a commotion in Foodtown, but after I registered what he was doing, I was excited to see someone recycling. My second reaction was, damn that's a lot of plastic!

I've been reading and researching and thinking a lot lately about consuming. How can we not take a step back and reflect on our habits after watching oil spew into the ocean for the past 3 months. The plastic water bottle industry is one of many that persuades and scares consumers into thinking we need their product. Annie Leonard explains in her video, The Story of Bottled Water, how buying and drinking from plastic water bottles is a vicious cycle that destroys what we need most...clean, natural water.

For the past year, I have become inseparable from my klean kanteen watter bottle. I used to go through 5 or 6 Poland Spring water bottles a day, but now I just refill my canteen! I sadly left my supercool red one on a bus in New Zealand (maybe a nice Kiwi found it and is spreading the Klean Kanteen love in Queenstown), but thankfully replaced it with simple aluminum a few weeks ago. I never leave home with out it.

Invest in a reusable canteen! Say no to plastic. Stay hydrated. Protect the earth's most valuable resource.

Be An Angel

2010-07-09T16:35:00.009-04:00

For as long as I can remember I've had this "Be an Angel" poster hanging in my room. Beneath the cute little girls is a list of 18 examples on how to BE and angel. I've always thought this poster was adorable, but the other day I actually read it through and found a new appreciation for the advice! I love it because its simple and simple is always best.

Reach for the stars

We hear this phrase all the time growing up, but it is so important to keep creating goals that are bigger than ourselves. Dive into the imagination you had when you were six-years-old and anything in the universe was possible (it still is)!

Share your favorite things with others

My six-year-old self interpreted this as "share your toys with your friends, sharing is caring, etc." Now, I think it means to share who you are with the world. Everyday, every person you have a conversation with, share with them what you're passionate about! Being self-expressed and inspiring others is the best feeling.

Keep your halo polished

Take care of yourself-- emotionally and physically.

Show respect for older people

I learn the most when I approach people with the intention they have something to teach me, something to contribute. I think my generation is especially skeptical about listening to older generations because we tend to think they don't "get our lifestyle" or "the modern digital world." However, our elders have so much insight, so many stories and infinite lessons to teach us. They're going to share them regardless, so it would make sense to be quiet and just listen.

Always mind your manners

Say your "please" and "thank you's," they really make a difference.

Make friends with someone who is shy

Befriending someone who may not have as loud a voice or outgoing a personality as you could make a significant difference in their lives. This action will encourage and empower them to be self-expressed.

Plant a garden for the butterflies

Create a space for natural beauty to live with you and around you.

Say at least one nice thing to someone everyday

Instead of complaining about how slow your barista is making your coffee, compliment her on her beautiful smile. If you are totally inspired by a lecture your professor gives, let him or her know! Acknowledge your friends, family and the people you love for being who they are.. every day!

Never make fun of anyone

Now I love me some sarcasm, but there is a time and a place for jokes. I get caught up in it all the time, gossiping that is, but I always feel all icky when I'm doing it. Don't get down if you catch yourself being not-so-nice, just acknowledge you're doing it and create something positive instead!

Make your bed every morning

Take care of your home. Your bed is your sanctuary, keep it tidy.

Talk to plants to help them grow

Be kind to the earth! With everything we take from her, the mother of all living things deserves some lovin' in return!

Think happy thoughts

When I get in "blah" moods (we all get in them) and nothing seems to excite me or get me to snap me out of it, I make a list of my favorite things/ what I'm grateful for. Whether it be my fabulous friends, making guacamole or swimming in the ocean, just thinking about little things I love reminds me my mood is just negative thoughts and I can change them every moment.

Don't make too much noise when you flap your wings

We all have opinions. We all have things we are passionate about-- issues that really burn for us. It is so, so important to share your thoughts in a way that inspire people rather than make them wrong so you can be right. Instead of trying to flap your wings louder than everyone, just flap and lead by example. People will follow.

Clean up after yourself. Clean up after others

We are responsible for the messes we make.. and not just washing our dishes after dinner. We can't assume someone else will clean up the mess. For example, the oil spill in the gulf. We can blame the oil companies until our faces turn blue, but it is all of our messes.

Donate part of your allowance to a worthy cause

Find a cause that inspires you and support it! Every week, every month or even once a year, donate a portion of your savings to the cause. If you can't donate money, donate yourself, your voice and your time. Speak up and spread awareness about the issue.

Always tell the truth

Not only should we always tell the truth literally, but also be true to ourselves. I get an uneasy feeling when I am not being true to what I stand for and what I care about. People may not agree with your opinions or who you are, but keep being you.

Be patient with those who don't fly as fast as you do

I tend to take on things that simply cannot be accomplished by one person. When expressing yourself and sharing your ideas with people you care about, be patient. Patience is a constant teacher in my life, reminding me that although every person and living thing moves at their own pace and rhythm, when we stop, acknowledge and empower them, we can powerfully work together.

Sprinkle a little stardust wherever you go

Everywhere you go, every person you meet, shine your light. Share yourself and give yourself away. Especially when you feel out of place, out of your comfort zone, confused or scared, those are the most powerful times to shine, shine, shine!

Now go be an angel!

With love and stardust,

Alex

Let's Play

2010-07-03T20:54:00.011-04:00

I still refer to hanging out with my friends or doing what I love to do as "playing." Being playful and joyous and silly is important no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake. I plan on playing for the rest of my life! In order for an adult to have fun and learn through playing--to even know what it means to play-- they naturally played as a child. Of course, formal education is necessary and valuable for children, but they gain so much from PLAYING, just being kids. Being able to try new things, explore the unknown, socialize and laugh with friends, make mistakes, try again, and little by little discover your place in the world are significant pieces of childhood. Playing dress up at my birthday tea party, getting my American Girl Doll ready for school and making up obstacle courses for my friends to do on the jungle gym were all meaningful experiences for my childhood. At the time, I was just having fun and being a kid. I had no idea how much I was learning and how lucky I was.

There are boys and girls all over the world whose unfortunate circumstances took away their childhood. Poverty, violence and serious illnesses are just some of the things that deprive children of playtime. Not being able to play and have a carefree childhood significantly affects a child as they grow up and try to engage with the world. The Life is Good Kids Foundation is an incredible non-profit organization that is committed to helping children over come life-threatening challenges. The foundation addresses an epidemic not many people are aware of. Dedicated volunteers commit their time to help children express themselves, have fun, be creative and be part of a loving community.

A chain of three events (experiences/people) led me to The Life is Good Kids Foundation.

1. While studying abroad in Sydney, Australia last semester I interned with Barnardos Australia, a non-profit that supports children affected by poverty, abuse and neglect. I was blown away by the tremendous compassion and determination people have to ensure these kids have a childhood—because until every child on the planet has a healthy, happy and safe life, there is still work to be done. Although I interned in the corporate public relations department, my experience at Barnardos reawakened me to my passion for kids.

2. With summer around the corner, the only thing I knew was I was not sitting at a desk everyday. I knew I wanted to make a difference and work with kids so I contacted Sunrise Day Camp, which is for kids with cancer and their siblings. I have been working at Sunrise for two weeks and am so inspired by my campers—I haven’t been so happy to wake up in the morning in a while. They are already changing my life, probably more than I’m trying to change theirs.

3. Anyone who knows me knows I’m in love with Jason Mraz. Yes, he’s an adorable and talented musician, but what’s really attractive about him is his commitment to transform the world. When I got an e-mail that he would be performing at The Life is Good Festival in Canton, MA this September, I immediately purchased a ticket. Not only do all ticket proceeds go to the kids foundation, but once you purchase a ticket you have the opportunity to become a V.G.P. (Very Good Person)—get it? Like a VIP, but VGP? Anyways, two of my favorite things—Mraz and empowering children—in one event! How could I not raise money and awareness for this!?

And so I signed up to be a V.G.P (ha, I just get a kick out of that)! My goal is to raise $5,000 for the Life is Good Kids Foundation before the day of the festival. I understand people’s wallets are tight right now, but every dollar helps. Click the support me tab in the upper right hand corner of my fundraising page to donate!

Thank you for your love and support.

Have a playful weekend!

Alex

Being Inspiring

2009-10-18T19:31:00.000-04:00

I give mad props to people who keep up with their blogs every day, or even every week. It isn't easy! Even though everyday I think about blogging, I push it to the end of my long priority list. Right now I should be finishing my last of 3 papers that's due on Tuesday, but I wasn't feeling inspired and have a lot on my mind so I figured why not just do a blog post.

Which brings me to "being inspired." The latin derivative of inspire, inspirare (wow I remember something from Latin in high school), literally means to breathe life into. Claiming that I'm not inspired is ridiculous because there are people being inspiring all around me, everyday. I've just been in the world of not being inspired or passionate, so everything has been showing up just as that, uninspiring. And so, right now I am taking the time to acknowledge those who inspire me.

My best friend and roommate and constant source of inspiration, Marisa Morrison. Yeah girl, I'm talking to you. For those of you who don't know, Marisa and our friend Allie started a lifestyle magazine at Boston University called the BUzz. I spend the majority of my time with Marisa and I am just blown away at how hard she is working on this magazine. She wants to be a fashion editor and to watch her create this magazine from scratch is truly inspiring. The number of nitty gritty details that go into making a magazine is crazy to me and I am so excited for both her and Allie to see the finished product. It's amazing being around someone who is taking action on what they're passionate about. And on top of that she still has time to be an out of control dork with me and keep me in check when I get crazy. So thanks mama for being you and for being an inspiration.

My mom. She came up to Boston this weekend and we had so much fun together, like so much fun. She inspires me for infinite reasons. Just her way of being is inspiring, and I think anyone she meets or talks to can always pick up on that. She has been a dental hygienist for almost 30 years and for the past few months has been exploring starting a new career. My mom is 57, yes mom I just announced your age to the world, but only because you're the most awesome 57-year-old I know. Your courage to start something new at this point in your life and do something you're really passionate about inspires me to only pursue something that makes me feel totally and completely alive. I could go on forever, but thank you mom for always letting me "be" who I am and being you.

I was privileged to intern for United Global Shift, a non-profit that creates and supports projects that shift the way people think and act in the world, over the summer and am so excited to continue working with the organization while I am at school. UGS's mission is to cause a united global shift in what is possible for humanity. I will be speaking with people who are organizing and putting into action incredible projects for the environment, education and healthcare on a monthly basis to measure the results they are producing. These people are open and willing to look at "who they are being" in the world using the UGS technology so that they can make the biggest difference possible. I am inspired by their courage and passion to make a difference.

People who follow their hearts, in the face of being scared shitless, inspire me. Not knowing how something will pan out is scary. The thought of failing at something you care so much about is scary. The fear of "looking bad" is the worst of all. Everyday people take action despite these fears and they inspire me. Now that I think about it, I have actually been inspiring myself!

Well, now that I got that all out, I am feeling alive and can focus on writing my paper. I leave you with this challenge: Do or tell someone something tomorrow you have been putting off because you are scared of failing, being rejected or looking bad. Take action in the face of fear! Be inspiring.

Love and Pumpkin Spice Lattes

2009-09-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday marked the beginning of my favorite season, autumn. It's a super special season because it has two names: autumn and fall. I'm sure most people are probably already aware it is the only season Americans have two names for, but I only really thought about it for the first time today. All the more reason to love it! I got so curious about when we started calling autumn fall and why that I spent a good twenty minutes researching it. Let me tell you, according to google, people are more obsessed with Autumn as a baby girl's name than they are with the season! (It is a pretty name). Anyways, I didn't find any fascinating stories or explanations regarding our name for this beautiful season, so I will just share why I think its so fabulous.

At the end of every season, a new one begins. Watching and experiencing my surroundings transform always reminds me that I, along with everything else in the universe, am constantly transforming. It's always the same world and I'm always the same me, but we are forever in motion. I don't know what it is about the fall (I guess I use both names!) that makes it the most drastic transformation, if we are comparing transformations that is. Maybe it's the satisfying crunchy sound fallen leaves make when you stomp on them? You know you love that sound too.

Here are the first three things that come to mind when I think of autumn this year:

1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Okay, okay, I know I'm a Dunkin Donuts girl at heart, but I have to give Starbucks props for making this delicious drink every fall season. Ever since the 9th grade when the tripod (Ashley, Andie and myself) started drinking these bad boys, we anticipate the day Starbucks start serving them every year. If you like pumpkin flavor, or even if you don't, treat yourself to one. It will warm you heart.

2. Boston Foliage, duh. I took these last year on a walk with Amy in October. Could those leaves be anymore yellow? B-e-a-utiful! And right in front of CAS!

And these reds and oranges are incredible. Oh, and look at all those crunchy leaves waiting to be stomped on!!!!

3. Scarves: my favorite accessory finally becomes weather appropriate!

How warm and mushy does this look? To buy or not to buy? Probably not. I have plentyyy.

What are your favorite things about the fall? What's your favorite changing of the seasons? Or do you love them all equally and don't want to be biased like me. Whatever season you fancy, pause for a moment to appreciate how beautiful the natural cycle of the earth is and embrace that things are always transforming!

Love and pumpkin spice lattes,

Alex

A Gratitude Attitude

2009-09-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Now I love Thanksgiving, there's no doubt about that, but why is it the only day of the year in America where we really sit back and appreciate what we have? I love me my stuffing, yams, and tear-jerker movies on lifetime with my cousin Justine, but what I really love is the cheesy moments when we go around the table and my cousin Sharon orchestrates some clever way for us to say what we are thankful for. However, it shouldn't take a ten pound turkey to get us to say thank you.

Every now and then I make lists of what I'm grateful for because A) I like making lists, B) it puts whatever I'm dealing with at the time in perspective, C) it's makes me feel gooood!, and D) It reminds me I already have everything I need.

So here is a list I made today whilst sitting in the hallways of COM waiting for class to start:

1. My beautiful apartment in StuVi. My roommates Marisa, Sharona, Amanda and I, live the life in our humble (or not so humble) abode. Our 13th floor view of the Charles river, Cambridge, and Brookline isn't too shabby. I may never live in an apartment with ceiling to floor windows again.

2. A Boston University Education. Life inside of the Boston University bubble, which my fellow classmates and I tend to forget we are even floating along in, is pretty extraordinary. As college students we spend most of our time complaining about class and homework, but we are so damn lucky. I love my classes this semesterand am grateful to attend such a prestigious university.

3. My supportive, inspiring friends. I know everyone loves their friends, duh that's why they're your friends, but I am so grateful for mine. To the people who remind me who I am when I forget, you know who you are and I love you. Thanks for being your goofy, crazy selves and making me laugh til I almost pee my pants.

4. Jason Mraz. He is my soulmate, but he doesn't know it. When I was a youngin' I just liked his silly, upbeat songs, but since he made his comeback he has just been so out there and inspiring. His new album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. and his Cafe Gratitude Tour (named after a Vegan restaurant chain in California) are all about being grateful and being love. It's people like Jason who use their fame to make a difference in the world and it is for people like him that I am grateful.

5. Bodies of water. Being a water sign, a sensitive, crabby cancer, I am drawn to the water. There are a few bodies of water -- lakes, bays, rivers -- that have a piece of my heart.

The lake at Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village, where I spent 9 amazing summers swimming, playing, and growing. This is my favorite spot.

The Bay at Fort Totten, where I played my first soccer games under the Throgs Neck Bridge and went for mind-clearing runs.

My best friends Marisa, Allison and I biked the Golden Gate Bridge, across the San Francisco Bay to the beautiful town of Sausalito.

And last, but definitely not least, the Charles River. Thanks for making Boston beautiful.

6. Zaftigs. Thank you to the "almost kosher" Jewish deli that provides Brookline, Boston and beyond with consistently delicious food.

7. Notebooks. If you want to buy me a present, buy me a notebook: in leather, a moleskin, a neon orange notebook, a notebook for travels, a notebook for doodles, a notebook for poems, etc. I am grateful for the space and possibility they provide.

8. My health. I can walk, talk, hear, run, taste, smell, write, jump, and feel. I am healthy.

9. Nick and Nora Monkey Blanket: I have had this blanket since I was ten years old. It went to camp with me, it got me through junior high school and now I have shlepped it to college. It's so shnuggly, it keeps me warm, and I am never getting rid of it.

10. Ellen Degeneres. Anyone who's slogan is "LAUGH.DANCE.LIVE." knows what's up. Ellen is a breath of fresh air and her show always puts me in a good mood. Thanks for making us smile Ellen!

With mucho appreciation,

Alex

let's try this again

2009-05-27T16:02:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time I chose to start a blog of my very own. I thought I could express myself while keeping up with the times and maybe make a difference along the way. I wrote one entry and then spent a whole summer contemplating what "blog worthy" things I could write about. Blog worthy? What does that even mean? Nothing, because I made it up. I crack myself up, I really do. I created a blog with infinite possibilities (see my first, lonely entry), but saw absolutely no possibility for my blog. Funny alex, very funny. The end.

But it's time for a new beginning! That's the best part of life, you can always start over! I share this little fairytale with you because it reminded me of why I haven't been feeling fully self expressed or powerful recently. I stopped creating who I am. You create who you are every moment of every day. You are who you say you are right now. Did you know that? It's actually not your past experiences, your stories, your clothes or your friends that make you who you are. It sounds simple and obvious, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget! However, I am human and I am allowed to forget. That's another thing. When I'm not creating who I am and I'm stuck up in lala land complaining, whining, and frustrated, I make myself wrong for being there. It's ridiculous. I'm giving that up. Now. It is okay to be there sometimes. While yes, living in a world of possibility is satisfying, empowering and so much more FUN and AMAZING, it is okay to now always feel fun and amazing.

The voice in my head (the one in lala land) just said, "does this make any sense? will people get anything from this?" Oy vey! Haha. And so, I think it would be a great start to create who I am everyday, right here on ivycoloredglasses, and share anything else that comes up along the way.

Today, or should I say tonight, I am creating being healthy and being creative. Who are you choosing to be? Remember, have fun with it and don't take yourself too seriously!

I must go attend to my homework that is so loudly calling my name before GLEE comes on at 9! Goodnight (but not goodbye this time).

Much Love,

Alex

What does life look like through ivy colored glasses?

2009-05-08T20:13:00.000-04:00

Beautiful. Dangerous. Intimidating. Desirable. Ugly. Perfect. Tragic.

Anything. Everything. Nothing.

Life is however and whatever you want it to be, depending on how you look at it! "Ivy colored glasses" is my metaphor for a lens that sees infinite possibilities. My best friend Marisa came up with the artsy title because my middle name is ivy and she likes when I wear my glasses. She knew I would interpret it as I did because she knows me too well, and voila, my blog was born.

Now that finals are over and my sophomore year of college (crazy) is complete, I have time to express myself on the internet to you, my fellow readers. Yay! I am home in New York this summer interning at Night Agency and jha part time, co-writing a book and spending quality time with my mom, frolicking in the city with my best friends, and going on whatever fun adventures come my way! My cousin Justine from Kansas City will also be working in ny this summer and I can't wait to see her!

I have been so anxious to start my blog, I am going to leave you with this introduction, but there will be plenty of exciting updates very soon!

I am off to walk the board walk at Jones Beach with my mom and Mitch, her boyfriend, for mother's day. Happy mother's day to all the incredible, inspiring moms out there! Specifically to mine, the extraordinary Jayne Black whom I admire more than anyone, I love you and thank you for being a stand for me to accomplish my goals and beyond.

Much love,

Alex