Every Mother Counts

Dear Love it up Friend,

I have joined Every Mother Counts (EMC) to run a virtual race to raise awareness for Birth Justice. As a mom I feel a deep connection and responsibility to help be a part of the solution to making maternal care and health a priority in our own country and around the world. Recently I completed coursework to be a Doula. I have been in the delivery room as labor support and believe passionately that all mothers deserve fair and equitable treatment in pregnancy and childbirth. 

As a non profit, EMC works to educate the public about maternal health, engage individuals and partners to advocate for the well-being of mothers, and invest in community-led programs to improve access to essential maternity care. 

My goal is to raise $2020 for this important cause. A gift of $20 can make a big difference to a mother in the developing world. A gift of $120 can provide one low-income woman in central Florida with four childbirth education sessions on breastfeeding, nutrition, self-care and newborn care. Your pledge can be doubled through employer match programs. Make your gift go further and have a greater impact. Plus, it is tax deductible. 

I am planning to run my race October 10th in Pasadena, and my goal is to complete 10 miles. Every Mother Counts runs because distance is one of the biggest barriers preventing women from accessing healthcare of any kind. The United States is the only industrialized nation with a consistently rising rate of maternal deaths. Severe complications of pregnancy and childbirth are also on the rise in the US – one woman every 10 minutes in the US experiences a life-threatening complication of pregnancy or childbirth. 

Please help me in reaching my fundraising goal by making a contribution. Please share and post my link so that we can reach more people. 

https://secure.givelively.org//donate/every-mother-counts/birth-justice-in-2020/mum-umba 

Thank you in advance for your support and generous donation, and for helping to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. 

With Grace and Gratitude,

Imogene 

Peace of Zen

Misinformation

Who do you trust? Democracy is pitched as the ideal of being by the people and for the people. Overtime, the cracks in that foundation are getting wider and wider. I am committed to re-educating myself and seeing clearly the polluted history of our country. There are too many examples of dangerous narratives used against issues, groups, and individuals to gain leverage and power in the system. Today, the Covid-pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on communities of color and indigenous people. Like so many times throughout history, the lives of marginalized communities are threatened and continuously suffer the failure of partisanship politics and its entitled way of governing. 

A HUGE threat is the spread of misinformation. There is no accountability when it comes to manipulating images and words to spread fear and conspiracy amongst the public. Free speech has become a thin veil of protection for unchecked and unfounded opinions that pose as facts that serve to enrage and sensationalize. Misinformation is the poison and we all keep drinking from the same well. I believe in Free Speech, but reckless speech with no consequences is harmful to the health of the Nation and the wellbeing of its people. 

The POTUS is a repeat offender. His claim as a businessman and negotiator is the farthest stretch from the facts that people are willing to accept as truth. Let’s be clear, the fact that he stands unbalanced on a platform of fake assets and unreleased tax returns is the real scheme. How many people have lost BIG due to his gain. When a fraud like that is in charge, we all lose. 

I am turned off by the politics of the world. I feel rage at the recycled rhetoric of hatred that has been spewed out in legislation and policy. My loyalty is with journalists who reveal the facts and question leaderships complicity in others suffering. My prayers are with all the courageous men and women who risk their lives to tell the truth. There is outrage all over the world against greed. Greed is the corrupt force that has been in power for far too long. 

The arguments about the the importance of the economy rebounding are ridiculous, because if we don’t address climate change, the economy means nothing. Not even the most skilled negotiator or powerful law manipulator can outsmart Mother Earth. Her powers are no match for slick words, threats of litigation, or efforts in suppression. We will all go down. 

Buying a seat at the table, like in Congress or the Senate, is an outdated practice that needs to be checked. I give my support to progressives like AOC because she is aware and present to the challenges we face. It will take BOLD WOMEN and CONSCIOUS MEN to demand better. The grooming and nepotism of civil servants is more like a private fraternity to trade and quid pro quo yourself into deals that serve your agenda. I believe it’s called the swamp (Greed crosses all jurisdictions) and DJT has been a lifelong resident.

People are calling out the failures of the past and neglecting their attention to what’s at stake for the future. 

There are lots of elections to win and all sides should have a voice. I believe that all one party should not dominate the governing body of our democracy but be created by willing individuals to work together to achieve the best policy that will ensure and protect our civil liberties for ALL people. The runaround is bullshit and if you can’t come to an agreement, then get out of the seat. When I hear the President speak of doubt in the election and proclaiming that he deserves a longer term it’s a scary feeling. We are not far off from the dictators of Belarus and Russia who change the constitution and rig elections to stay in power. Americans have to decide if being right is more important than being safe in their own country. 

We are fueling the fires of anger and fear. I am a California Native and we are experiencing the devastation of wildfires today. Once a fire has been ignited, there is little that can be done to contain it. The heroic firefighters who put their lives at risk are burned double by our lack of holding leadership accountable. Allowing the President to withhold help over the agencies that serve to protect is the ultimate betrayal. Politics are creating this hostile environment of citizens who rage with fury, and like our California wildfires, the destruction will be felt far and wide. 

We all should be careful how we engage in debate over the issues and the plan for governance moving forward. Otherwise, we may see more shattering violence on our streets, and we can be sure that the leaders in charge now will let us burn.  

Home is in my Head

We used to have this cool t-shirt with a Bob Marley quote. It said, “Home is in my head.”

That truth feels more relevant now than ever. The internal connection we have to ourselves is home.

Stress and uncertainty can make the conditions inside our head feel uninhabitable.

Reaffirming that all will be well takes practice and patience. With those two principles I offer myself kindness for my efforts in the day rather than being critical of my shortcomings.

Moving and shifting things around in our physical home is easier than editing our mind and changing the thoughts that limit our potential.

When it comes to home in my head, it’s time to break down some walls, add color, and make some space.

back in the day

This photo makes me laugh because it looks like we’re in high school but really, we are ten years passed that. This is our first family portrait. I was pregnant, in the stands, watching my guy play football. It was an alumni game, for a high school we didn't go to. But that’s my man, he’s always made friends easy and his passion is contagious.

…Ten years beyond that moment and we are still supporting one another with crazy good passion.

…Now we are playing football with our sons and loving it up everyday.

LOVEitup

It was all a dream…….

Emancipate

I have been thinking a lot about the injustice in the world and I get damn angry about it. This time of reckoning with racism, as one headline read, is the time to decide where we are going. We are all in this together has evolved from comfort words during a pandemic to strengthening voices and people against hate.

The outrage and anger are the fuel needed to envision better for everyone.

Discussions over monuments and portraits should be over. Get rid of them. Shut it down. What we are experiencing now holds true that no glory can be found in those histories. End the abuse and transgressions against people that have suffered and sacrificed too much already.

I am 38 years old and have struggled with family, peers, and concrete mindsets about how the world works. When I chose to date my boyfriend, who was black, I was met with strong opposition from my family. They warned me of prejudice, being treated unfairly, and overall choosing a harder life. They demanded that I choose differently. When I didn’t, I had to navigate the world alone. Nineteen years later, my boyfriend then is my husband now. We have two sons, and are navigating a world together that seeks to make life harder for most. Divisive views and nostalgia for the good ‘ol days have never been my vibe. Twenty years ago I wouldn’t accept the excuse that its just the way it is and I refuse to accept that now.

The old ways are dying but the influence is still strong. It enrages me when a young person has given up on change, when they have a cemented belief that corruption and injustice are normal. My grandmother used to say, “Don’t cut your nose to spite your face”. Wiki explanation- “a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one’s anger.” My translation, Don’t fuck it all up for everyone. We are all accountable to create better replacements for old ways. I feel confident in the believers and dreamers. The ingenuity and industriousness of the new minds will make it impossible to look back. The focus can be on what’s ahead.

Thankfully, there are more citizens united in the demand for equality and fairness. The protests are to put an end to systemic racism that keeps people down with no ladder to climb. No one is waiting anymore for that ladder. It’s going to be people lifting one another up and reaching back to give their hand to another. Imagine the constitution being a living document that serves the wellness of the world first. Imagine better anything. Just Imagine.

We are all Connected

The protests that are happening all over the world are bringing light to the dark systems that oppress and kill the human sprit.

I can’t breathe speaks to the chokehold that old systems are so desperately trying to keep on the world.

I have seen Peace officers standing with protesters and showing solidarity with the movement. Their acknowledgement of the abuse and violence that exist give me hope. Unfortunately, those are very few examples of kindness. I have seen the most cruel and vile behavior of police attacking protesters. The most striking evidence of this systemic abuse was watching an old man get pushed backward with force. As his head was bleeding onto the concrete, an officer went to assist him and another pulled him away from helping. That type of brotherhood that stays silent and refuses to help is the disease that has infected all of the world. And when the public sees this, the department defends itself and places the blame on the old man’s balance. This is shameful and it happens ALL THE TIME. How many injustices have Black and Brown communities endured? Far too many. The constant cycle of violence, oppression, incarceration, denial, withholding should all be eradicated from our society. We are close, but the we cannot lose focus of what we are fighting for. Our demand for justice, fairness and equality now will be the gifts we give our children for the future. I can’t imagine that this fight today will be one we repeat 30 years from now. To suffocate people from racism, bigotry and prejudice is a pandemic which desperately needs a cure.

We see all the time in which we are connected. Whether it is through technology, our genes, our friendships and communities. Our differences are microscopic in the larger picture of life. The privilege of life is to give, share and learn. One person can make a big difference. Many can change the World.

Love it up in your thoughts, words and actions and feel the power in connection.

Joy and Love

United for Change

As I watched the news unfold about protests around the country for George Floyd my heart was heavy with pain for the families of all the innocent lives taken by law enforcement. I am angered at how our leaders are blaming one another for not keeping cities safe from the outrage of their citizens. Newsflash, our cities are not safe and its not because of protesters. People are outraged because the organization that is sworn in to protect and serve are targeting and killing. A man died for no reason. His arrest allegedly, was over a $20 counterfeit bill. What the fuck? We are in a pandemic, people are struggling and four policemen deem that a reason for detainment. The cruel and inhumane treatment of this man lead to his death. All four officers are responsible. When you heard George Floyd cry out, “I CAN’T BREATHE”, no one protected him and that is abhorrent. Our world and this country are in the midst of total collapse. Citizens are fully woke to the injustices of our society. The hypocrisy is that a black man can die at the hands of our police for a petty crime and the current President and his administration can commit crimes, incite violence and threaten our democracy with reckless authority. We cannot let this happen. We, the people, are all at risk of losing our rights and our lives if we continue to accept this as normal.

We can stand together even with our differences and agree that this is not a GREAT AMERICA.

It is shameless and disgraceful that a black man can’t go for a run without being hunted and killed in broad daylight, and yes that is a recent and real atrocity that just occurred to Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor was a young woman with a bright future and she was murdered in her home by police. No- knock warrants are a threat to us all and a violation of the law. There is blood in the soil and the law protects those in the highest offices. The threats of violence to the individuals who expose these acts of murder speaks to the collective anger of the time we live in. Our anger should be centered around the unregulated free agency to kill human beings with no consequence and the protection for those persons under the law.

What I hate is VIOLENCE. Brutality breeds rampantly in our lives. People have endured physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological abuse by the governing systems that work to separate us.

I believe we can live in a non-violent world. There is a better way.

The ideal of a great nation is worth fighting for.

The small print of the headlines are important to understand. This is not an isolated incident. Protesting is a result of officials not taking action over and over again. There is so much pain from all the corruption and silence. Now people are taking a stand against the systems of violence in our society, and I have hope we can change it for the better.

<3

The mornings have been so beautiful. I am lacking the discipline to be an early riser, but when I do get up as the sun is rising I am in awe of how majestic it is. I am thankful to be here, NOW. My sons are finishing up first grade and I am proud of our homeschool efforts. Let me be clear, we have had more screen time, some eye rolling and frustrations, but overall we understand each other better. Instruction on self wellness, connection, and leadership, take a little more effort to explain.

These are just a few concepts that I am trying to create an awareness about in our home. I found a suggestion about how to show your kids how one action has a ripple effect throughout the world. Drop a pebble into some water and watch the current go out. The vibration is in everything. Even something small can have a big impact.

What kind of impact do we want to have? The ripple effect will be felt far beyond the present moment. How will we look back at this time?

20 years ago, I was a high school graduate experiencing a world post Y2K and pre 911. My junior college cost $11 per unit, I developed my film into prints, I still bought my music and picking a movie from blockbuster took just as long as it does now to scroll Netflix.

There is more work now than ever for every generation that has come before this 2020 graduating class. I am proud of all the graduates who made it through quarantine, helped their families in so many ways, sacrificed and cooperated for the health of all our communities. I want to make you proud by being engaged in what affects you. The present moment demands that we pay it forward for the young, old and everyone in between.

20 years from now, I want to feel peace in my efforts to contribute to our world. I want to make it a safer world for all living creatures to THRIVE. I want to know that I helped, served, comforted and uplifted. I want to live in the UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE, and there is enough for everyone.

Be safe. Stay Healthy for yourself and others. Love to all.

Shine and Rise

Tomorrow is Earth Day and the Sun is making its return to our daily lives and I could not be happier than to embrace the warmth. The coldness of the weather and our current climate cannot stay center stage forever. As we all question leadership and guidelines, I offer this one seed of hope. The Love and Kindness of Humanity is expanding. For every struggle and challenge, there are sparks of creativity that will change our way of Life for better.

It’s easy to be positive when the the skies are clear, but it takes courage to see beyond dark days. I came across a bold line that hit me hard. The spirit is strong but the flesh is weak. This comes to mind when I see the personal outcry from citizens who don't agree with the stay at home orders. Our personal rights to come and go as we please jeopardize the health of everyone, even yourself. This sacrifice is a small offering to the damage we all have done. This is no time for blame and anger. Believe me, I have been tested and felt a bitterness toward the greed and corruption that still seeks to be a parasite in our world. But there is no one person, group, country or policy that got us here. This is not a business deal that can be negotiated. We all will have to suffer the consequences of putting business ahead of the whole wide world.

I am inspired by the ones rising to the challenge, who will speak up, sing loud, and go to battle together for their neighbors and strangers. We are all in this together just missing the personal connection in real life we all took for granted not that long ago. I am thankful for technology and the ability to connect us even when we are apart, but I will never put a screen before the gift of looking someone in the eye and talking to them in person. My hugs will last a little longer and breathing freely will be the biggest gift in all this. Through masks and distance I am still connecting with people and we share our support through small glances and non verbal communication. The feeling of mutual care and concern comfort me and I feel the love around me. Now it’s my job to put that LOVE back out there. Keep your spirit strong and let the sun shine on ya.

Faith over Fear

Faith over fear is the mantra that I have to tune into more often these days. Before Corona or modern day B.C., it was easy to have faith that all would be ok. Now, putting that into practice takes faith too. More than ever I feel the call to be brave. The time demands that we all do more for everyone. There is no one to blame, we all had been walking on thin ice for a long time. Mother Earth deserves this break from humanity. We have been exploiting her gifts for far too long. This is not a war of us against them because them is us. The time upon us is demanding transformation.

I can see my own shortcomings where I failed to act with courage. I had become comfortable in my life. Now I am being challenged mentally, physically and spiritually and I am embracing it. The phrase back to normal is meaningless because normal is toxic. There is nothing normal about children being hungry. It’s not normal to leave schools in decay while we wait to vote in the next election. It’s not normal to let our elders decide between medication and eating. It’s not normal to raise animals just to be slaughtered. It’s not normal to give greed a platform. It’s not normal incarcerate whole communities. It’s not normal to constantly take. It’s not normal that a pandemic has to occur for people to slow down. Let’s face it, the shit is a mess and it will take many brave souls to stand up for better.

The systems we have couldn’t sustain us even if there wasn’t a pandemic. What good is small percentage of people doing well and the majority, at best, is treading water holding baggage above their heads and with weights on their feet. There is no balance and no justice. My heart hears the call to be Brave and I feel connected to all my brothers and sisters who feel the same call. The men and women who are sacrificing their safety daily are the true spirit of the world. My niece took her first job at the start of this pandemic as a grocery store clerk. She is a sophomore in high school and she dove right in to serve. That is heroic.

We have the goods, the creativity, the imagination, the technology and the people to build better and smarter. Let’s build communities that encourage togetherness. We need to overhaul how we educate our youth. Language, culture, and diversity should be celebrated. We should honor our elders and protect them from systems that seek to exploit them. Medicine should be used to heal and strengthen our people not weaken them. Food should be for nourishment. We have a responsibility to the soil and seeds to grow new life into this world.

I’m ready to do the work.

Sending LOVE to Everyone.

Heal Us

Now is here, and our world needs Healing.

Every day that I am blessed to be alive I pray for Healing.

To witness our World community that shares, gives, cares, and loves unconditionally is Healing.

Being in the presence of True Heroes on the front lines, to save others, is Healing.

Kindness and generosity are Healing.

Rest is Healing.

Being one family, being in this together is Healing.

This one prayer is for Healing.

“O ye people, be ye healed;

Life anew I bring unto ye.

O ye people, be ye healed;

Life anew I bring unto ye.

Through the Father over all

Do I thus.

Life anew I bring unto ye.”

Good Eagle [Wanbli-Waste] (late 19th century)

Dakota Sioux holy man

“There is no death. Only a change of worlds.”

Seattle [Seatlh] (1786-1866)

Suquamish chief

This is shared from Native American Wisdom.

Straight Talk

The warnings are flooding my inbox about COVID-19. Today I was informed that parents will not be allowed on school campus until further notice, hand sanitizer is wiped out of retailers in my area and online stores are showing sold out products. I spent my morning listening to Joe Rogan and guest Michael Osterholm talk about the threats of COVID-19 and the spread of disease.

Mr. Osterholm offers Straight Talk to inform the public, not scare them. One of the many takeaways was when he said, “You don’t order a firetruck when you get the call that there is a fire.” This statement is laughable because with all the distractions in front of us we are ill-equipped to face the threat of this virus. Planning and preparing for the next pandemic is of great importance at this time, we are deep in this pandemic already and it ain’t going nowhere for awhile. Research, time, patience and dat Money are going to create solutions that will save lives. Tanks and missiles can’t stop superbugs and viruses. Treatment and testing are a vital.

While closures might support social distancing we are not prepared to care for the children of those parents who have to work daily. Even individuals who are sick do not have the luxury of taking time off therefore putting the public at greater risk for exposure. The consequences of this pandemic are far beyond what we can imagine. Life saving drugs that people depend on are not made in the U.S.A., they are made overseas, and the supply cannot meet the demand even if you are an amazon prime member.

From my observation the real threat is our willful ignorance. That ultimately may be our demise.

Leap 29

Golden Sun 2.24.2020

10

10 things about me……

1. Super Soul Soldier

2. Auntie to 7 nieces and 7 nephews

3. I drove across the United States with my Grandma

4. I love live music/ concerts

5. favorite color is any shade of blue

6. Nature is my greatest teacher

7. laughing is my therapy

8. I make homemade spaghetti sauce

9. The Ocean is just like Heaven to me

10. Love is my guide

When I write I get to know myself better, and my intention is to connect through sharing.

Sending LOVE to everyone

Go. Enjoy. Experience.

My favorite place to shop and be inspired

Move

I started a journey last new years to be more connected to my core. At a friends suggestion I started taking classes at Move Barre and Yoga. Instantly I could feel where I was out of alignment. Everything is connected to your core and I was feeling tired from living without really moving. Sure, I played with my kids, walked the neighborhood, took occasional dance classes, but I lacked commitment to whole wellness.

Barre reminded me to keep my shoulders out of my ears, push my pelvis forward, square my hips, keep my chest open and wide, and not hold tension in my face when we sank in to plies’ in releve. In the studio, I let my mind go and set the intention to make my body stronger. Today, I hit my 100 class marker. I am so thankful to the women who teach Barre and Yoga. They make me laugh even when I am sweating like a beast and shaking with doubt trying to hold for eight very…..slow…..seconds. Most of all, they make me believe I can do anything! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

The Nominees are.....

With the centennial celebration of the 19th amendment, we as women must create our own academy of awards and recognition. These old institutions that nominate, judge and vote are complacent in time and will eventually fade out like the credits of a movie. A new era of celebrating creative genius and brave voices begins with ushering a new form of advancement in the industry. It’s clear that women are left out of the race intentionally and the perpetual cycle of male dominated projects get the green light to maintain the stronghold on those who challenge the status quo.

Rather than fight the system, we will build a better system.

To be recognized as a whole The Nominees are….

Beyonce Knowles Carter for Homecoming

Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang for One Child Nation

Mati Diop for Atlantics

Christina Gallego for Birds of Passage

Andrea Berloff for The Kitchen

 Olivia Wilde for Booksmart

Ali Wong for Always be my Maybe

 Sophie Hyde and Emma Jane Unsworth for Animals

Pamela B. Green and Joan Simon for Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché

Bert & Bertie for Troupe Zero

Suzan-Lori Parks for Native Son

Elizabeth Banks for Charlie’s Angels

Tracy Oliver for The Sun is also a Star

Julia Hart for Fast Color

Alice Johnson Boher for Gloria Bell

 Anna Boden for Captain Marvel

Alfre Woodard for Clemency

Lulu Wang for The Farewell

Awkwafina for The Farewell

Rachel Lears for Knock Down the House

Nia DaCosta for Little Woods

Tessa Thompson for Little Woods

Lily James for Little Woods

Nisha Ganatra for Late Night

Mindy Kaling for Late Night

Emma Thompson for Late Night

Melina Matsoukas for Queen and Slim

Joanna Hogg for The Souvenir

Issa Lopez for Tigers are not Afraid

Marielle Heller for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Lorene Scafaria for Hustlers

Alma Har’el for Honey Boy

Greta Gerwig for Little Women

Thank you to Valerie Ettenhofer and Antora Majumdar who compiled a list of films created by women, written by women and starring leading women.

2020

My vision for 2020…..

Share my voice through writing, singing and speaking

Just dance…ballroom challenge (Dancing under the Stars)

wellness….mind, body, spirit

Love, Laugh, and Play to the fullest

Cook with reckless abandon

I am…..the stars and moon, my dreams, the light in the horizon, my sons sweet smiles, a loving touch, the wind, a deep breath, the culmination of all lessons and moments in time. I am here. I am thankful.