Gone are the unclimbable peaks, the unreachable quests and the unbearable depths from which the human spirit can search for meaning.

Today, life is Googled, information is assimilated, studied, and questions are quenched before the spark of imagination even has a chance to flare. The slightest whim of curiosity is inundated with pre-assembled answers, reasons, rules, and absolute been-there/been-done statements of fact.

When I was younger I read Peter Benchley’s book, Creature, in which he writes, “A man needs something with which to aim his life at.” That statement is oh-so-damn true to me! A simplified mantra which reminds me that goals and dreams are needed in our lives. That without them, as I discovered while unemployed all those many, many months, is that without those dreams, without a target with which to aim at, you’re dead inside. There is a world of difference between living life and simply living; the former is the warmth of the sun on your face, the feel of full, ready lungs as you crest the top of the roller coaster, the latter is simply biological existence.

But in some of us burns a pesky little gene that we inherited from those who did climb mountains, sail the oceans singlehanded, or head out into the woods to live lives not known by common men in common hours. The gene fuels the need in us for the unknown and taunts us deep inside when we lack that abyss before us. Simply put, it is ingrained into our psyches to wonder what’s over that horizon.

To truly be alive you have to live: The adventurer’s heart needs that horizon; the poet’s soul longs for a taste of freedom from the prepackaged order and set answers of this sad little world.

I discovered the ultimate cure for my variety of “crises of faith.” Get a Venti coffee at Starbucks and stare out over the Pacific. Trust me, watching the horizon for an hour, daydreaming about sailing over it while feeling the warmth of the sun on my face cures all doubt.

You see, I have a life-long dream of sailing over that horizon and it’s beginning to look like now is the time to do it. You see, I am at a point in my life, a tipping point of sorts, that if I don’t do it now I know I never will. I have a beautiful young woman in my life with whom I am in love with pushing me to follow my dream as she follows hers; she’s going off to another college as she pursues her degree — at which time we are going to take a six month break…

Anyway, that planned heartbreak is another story for another day. For now let me just finish this post with this; I plan on taking at least two years off and sailing the Pacific aboard my 50 year old Columbia 24. It’s not the way I dreamed of doing it, but I’m going to do it…and in the end, that’s all the really matters. Sure, I’ll get wet a lot more than I’d like, it will be slower, maybe even more dangerous, but I’ll be doing it.

Life is meant to be a work in progress. Please excuse the dust, I mean, my wake.

Ciao!

JB

Sent from iPhone

I’m not sure how you’d say this, but she performs, entertains, and/or serves the San Diego, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Enscondido, and Orange County with big smiles and fun party favors!

Grand Opening – August 20, 2011 at 823 E. Vista Way (Lush Coffee & Tea) 11am – 4pm:
Lush Coffee & Tea’s Grand Opening is a multifaceted event, where live entertainment, fashion shows, and surprise guest speakers are only a fraction of what this party is all about. Caricatures by JK will capture the moment with style, and a community group art project by Michelle Hinojosa and Lush Club Members will all play a part in making this event the place to be!

The Lush Team
Sonya Ziegler
• Planning San Diego’s The Pink Party (www.pinkpartysd.com) gives Sonya the talents she needs to lead the team at Lush Coffee & Tea. Her big heart shines in each interaction she has with her customers.
Jenny Bayless
• No, Barbie didn’t become a barista from Vista, Jenny did! She makes a mean White Chocolate Zebra, and she finds the good and warm fuzzy in most situations, even Karaoke.
Genevieve Grey
• Animal rights enthusiast who enjoys sewing. She is a featured designer in the Grand Opening Fashion Show! Need advice on what to drink, or what to wear… ask Genevieve!
Tanna Henry
• Popping in an out of California to train the Lush Girls in the art of coffee Washington-Style, Tanna is Lush’s speedy barista who is sure to make you giggle – just don’t spill your Lushie with that belly laughter.
Michelle Hinojosa
• Michelle knows just how to keep things happy behind the scenes at Lush. Her sweetness and creativity are seen by the Lush Team, and by the guests of Lush (if they know it or not).
Rebecca Sterling
•
If you would like more information about Lush Coffee & Tea, or to schedule an interview with
the founder or the “Lush Girls” please call (760) 758-LUSH or email press@mylushcoffee.com

She is Miss Vista, no literally… and that talk about wanting to save the planet, well, Rebecca is standing up and taking action! As a Lush Girl, you can catch Rebecca at the shop, or doing something wonderful around Vista.

With all Vista has to offer from the Yellow Deli, Urbn Pizza, The Cupcake Kitchen, New Restaurants popping up like Wild Bills BBQ, and old faves like the many Mexican spots, Thai One On, the Wave Water Park, and Brengal Terrace Park, Lush Coffee & Tea is sure to become a local favorite.

Pink’tober is here!

Saturday, October 16, 2010, the Party is getting close!

Join a thousand of your closest friends as we celebrate life with a Masquerade themed, Cirque infused, laser-lighted spectacular not seen since, well, last year’s Pink Party at the House of Blues San Diego! Go online today and buy your tickets today at www.PinkPartySD.com.

Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the 2010 Pink Party is one of San Diego’s premiere events to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer (www.PinkPartySD.com). Directly benefiting the Breast Cancer Fund (www.breastcancerfund.com), the leading national organization working solely on eliminating the environmental and other preventable causes of the disease, and The Breast Cancer Network of Strength (www.networkofstrength.org), which offers comprehensive support to those newly diagnosed, survivors, their families and loved ones, ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone.

This years musical entertainment includes a special live performance by Soul in the Machine and DJs Noel Sanger, John Beaver, Myron Eugene, Lea Luna, Tara Brooks, and Sandman. The Pink Party’s signature High-Fashion Runway Show feature designs by Medavog Couture and Anjela Piccard. Cirque Performances by Hoop Unit, LipStikInc, Fire-N-Ice, The Shimmy Sisters, and HoopCharmer. And in the our VIP (Very Impressively Pink) Lounge, along with tray pass service of House of Blues tasty treats, The San Diego Arts Guild will show the collective works of various Southern California artists who support breast health.

However, this type of success is only possible due to the support of our sponsors. The 2010 Pink Party’s Silver Anniversary is proudly being held once again at the House of Blues San Diego on Saturday, October 16, 2010! Join in as we celebrate five years of award-winning breast cancer activism with special guests Soul in the Machine and sponsors Aim to Simplify, MOPA, Luscious Lashes SD, Dr. Flowers Vision Institute, Fashion Careers College, Shindy.TV, Diesel Salon, and special emcee KUSI’s Style Guy & Fashion Forward’s™ very own Leonard Simpson and more in sponsoring The 2010 Pink Party! For more information and to appreciate the scope of The Pink Party, visit its website, www.pinkpartysd.com.

Special thanks to Sonya Ziegler of Aim to Simplify for her concept oversight and Julia (Jules) Kelly for her phenomenal, creative graphic designs and endless energy with the revision process!  Both of you are beyond belief!

BUTTERFLY ART

(First published in Fine Magazine, August, 2009)

by

Sonya Ziegler and John Butler

Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the metamorphosis of the art program at Monarch School has gone from a mere crawl to spreading its wings and taking flight. This  important art program for homeless and at-risk kids dates back to 1998, when Chicano Park muralist, painter and activist Mario Torero worked with a group of students from The Monarch School to create a series of murals. Drawing upon the challenges, hopes, dreams and dread of these children, the mural focuses on what it means to be homeless, from the child’s point of view. To this day, these murals greet everyone who enters the school and proudly shows that art is the heart of the school.

Dedicated to providing homeless and at-risk children with an accredited education while caring for their basic needs, Monarch School is located in downtown San Diego and is one of only two such school left in the United States. With more than 100 kids between the ages of 7 and 18 enrolled at any one time, the professionals there are making sure that these fantastic, sometimes forgotten kids, get the accredited education they need to break the cycle of their family’s pain. With the average age of a homeless person being just 9 years old, there are more than 2,200 homeless children in San Diego and more than 300,000 nationwide! Touring Monarch School, witnessing the creativity of the kids and the dedication of the staff restores hope and reminds all of us that we can help these young lives.

Through art, this diverse assortment of students express themselves in a way that is meaningful, beautiful and personal. “The arts provide such a real way for students to stay connected to their cultures and to share their cultures,” says Rachelle Jacobson, Monarch’s Expressive Arts Therapist since the evolution of the position in October 2007. Originally hired in 1998, she has witnessed the development of the art program since the mural project spurred the school into officially starting an art program; to today, when artistic expression is used as a therapeutic tool for these challenged kids. With a Masters Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, Rachelle is pioneering this new program using an array of artistic outlets that allow the child to show, rather than tell what is going on inside of them. Helping these kids deal with the challenges that have been presented to them so early in their young lives. “When insecurity takes energy away from learning, artistic expression, such as theater, dance, painting and sandtray therapy, can restore a child’s strength by creating safe experiences to draw from.”

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child,”

Pablo Picasso.

With no stigma attached, Rachelle says that students receiving Expressive Art Therapy are not mocked by other students, but are instead envied. “Once, a student came up to me and asked. What do I have to do to come and see you?” Rachelle replied, “You just need to be facing some challenges.” The little girl, who was just 9-years old, remarked adorably, “I’m psycho…”

“What a powerful medium the arts are in a school program. It engages the kids, nurtures them, gives them another, creative way to communicate and express themselves. In addition, homelessness is not the biggest issue. These are kids trying to figure out who they are. They want to know where they fit in. They are dealing with parent issues, kids picking on them and all of the normal issues you would expect to see at a regular school,” Rachelle goes on to add that, “The students of Monarch School are not the reason why their family is in a shelter, or on the street. They’re only kids!”

Help these kids bridge the gap that divides them from the life they know, and the one they dream of. Today, you read about these kids, what are you going to do tomorrow? Go to their website, www.monarchschools.org, and volunteer, donate art supplies, join with Fine Magazine in doing something now.

Credits

Sonya Ziegler is a Professional Organizer, Event Planner, and CEO of Aim to Simplify. John Butler is a professional Ghostwriter and Freelance Writer living in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District. Inocente Izucar, whose art decorates these pages, was in 8^th grade when she created these works of art.

A new client sent me some research material to read…

What? Your office doesn’t have a view?

Sent from my iPhone.

Eating Water

By

John Butler

“I know so many people out there right now that are struggling to make ends meet, struggling to put food on the table, struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Struggling just to struggle…”      JB

Never underestimate the value of a $3 cigar.

Even when everything else in the world seems to be rotting on the vine, holding onto a single, small treasure like a cigar can give you at least a moment to look forward to at the end of a long, long week of sending out resumes, trying to scratch a living off of the internet, eBay, or Craigslist. With benefits having ran out, they take on an even greater meaning that my friend could not quantify. To me, it felt like he was searching for a word that wrapped hope with fond memories and when lit, turned into a moment – a timeout – from all of his troubles.

When all you can afford is one drink, make sure you drink on an empty  stomach.

My friend is a realist in that he sees things as they are and not with labels. The glass is neither half full nor half empty, it’s simply a glass of water that doesn’t look like it will slosh out and splash all over you if you walk with it. Meeting for Happy Hour one day, he sat there with his one, $2 beer and pondered something for a few minutes. He looked up and said, “You know, I can only afford this one beer. But, since I haven’t eaten, this is turning out to be one great beer!” Obviously already buzzed, he slowly sipped the pint and looked more relaxed than I’ve seen him in a long time. Stress manifests itself in many ways and with him it was a weight that bent his back. Hunched over, it seemed like a weight crushed his gaze inevitably downward. But, that one beer on an empty stomach seemed to give him just enough of a buzz that it made him visibly relax; his shoulders loosened, his posture shifted and his eyes lifted up and instead of looking at the ground he found himself watching people walk by. Being able to sit at a restaurant amongst people once every eight or nine days, enjoying something as simple as a beer, seemed to matter more to him than a cheap, enjoyable buzz. It meant, for a few sips anyway, being able to be part of society instead of being almost homeless…

White on White: Mayo packets stolen from the corner sandwich shop and mixed with rice and salt.

When you can only afford a scoop of rice per meal and not much else, anything edible that you can add to it to make it different from the last twenty meals makes a world of difference. Everyone says they crave stability, yet I don’t think anyone would apply that word to their diet. Eating basically the same thing, everyday, is what Jimmy Buffet sang about in Cheeseburger in Paradise, “Warm beer and bread they say could raise the dead…” But, when you are living on $3 a day, variety is usually something you shake out of a spice jar.

Back in our college days, where most of learned how to be Top Ramen gourmets, we quickly learned how to make the most of our beer budget by adding other ingredients to those golden noodles. Moi? I loved cracking an egg or two into the kettle after the noodles were done. They soaked up the spices and became little entrees amongst the noodles. But, when you are on the unemployment insurance diet, loosing weight isn’t a problem. After almost two years on it, you are guaranteed to fit into those “skinny jeans” of your younger years. My friend has dropped over 30 pounds, almost 6 inches of waistline, and every ounce of baby fat he ever had in his face. In fact, looking at photos taken of him three years ago, to looking at him today, you can see how his facial features have sunk. His jawline is more pronounced, his checks seem thin—you can see muscles under his skin if he is eating something crunchy—and his eyes seem bigger somehow…

One day, we were walking through the food court at the local mall and I caught him pilfering condiment packets out of the corner of my eye. Like a pickpocket eyeing a target, he casually drifted towards the table with the napkins and condiment packets of a hotdog stand, pulled a napkin from the dispenser and made a show of wiping something off his hand, all the while looking casually around to see if anyone was watching… Obviously, what he was contemplating bothered him (equally obvious, he sucks at poker). Pulling out a couple more napkins, he grabbed a few mayonnaise and spicy brown mustard packets, covered them with the napkin, shoved them in his pocket as he walked away.

Later, I asked him about it and this is what he told me about his cooking experiment, White on White. Since he is limited to only a microwave to cook with, rice is the bulk of his daily diet. Rice for breakfast and rice for dinner. He couldn’t afford to eat lunch. White on White is cooked rice, salt to taste, then stir in a few of those mayo packets and, voilà, you get something new to eat!

Friendships are rentals.

Friends and family seem to vanish either because we push them away or because we drift apart. But sometimes, we lock ourselves away into a self-imposed exile because of pride. We are embarrassed by our circumstances. We are no longer who we were, at least from our depressed point of view.

Showing up at Happy Hour is uncomfortable at best, often painful, or simply draining of what energy we had left as we simply just to show up. There are so many people out there that have no clue that the person standing next to them (1 in 10 here in California (circa 01/10)) might be unemployed… It’s at those times that you realize that the term “friend” has meaning. It becomes a word that is used to describe those people in your life you can actually talk to and escape your personal exile with for a few moments. They are the ones that will float you $20 until your next Unemployment check so that you can buy 10 days worth of groceries (5lbs rice-$5, fresh veggies-$7, chicken bouillon cubes-$4, special entree of the week (4 cans of chili-$4, pasta sauce, 2 for $4, et cetera)…

Other people in your life will, hopefully, never know or realize that you are (were?) unemployed. These are the people whose “friendship” was rented. They were friends as long as you bought a round from time to time. They were friends when you joined them for Happy Hour once in a while. They were friends that were there only socially.

You know they are rented friends if they never ask, “Hey buddy, what’s up? Haven’t seen you for awhile… Everything okay?”

But, these are the social networking friends that we must ply in our search for employment. These are the old colleagues we bump into from our long lost paycheck days, and lie to, telling them that “oh yeah, things are great now that I’m not with…”

It’s a lie we, the unemployed, tell ourselves, too. We have to. Pride is also rented.

Looking for work is harder than work.

Being unemployed is such a misnomer. Those of us who’ve been unemployed for double-digit months know all too well that we have jobs: Our work is looking for work; our job is getting out of bed every day and trying to remember what day it is (think Groundhog’s Day to the tenth power); our job is trying to force ourselves to get out of bed and tell ourselves that, “Today will be productive.” Sending resumes to every job opening that you want morphs into sending them to anything that you feel you might possibly be qualified for—even those jobs that you have to dumb-down your resume for by cutting out all references to graduate level education (i.e., a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology when you’re applying for a job at Subway), redacting all accomplishments (i.e., 10 years of experience as a Technical Field Trainer), and turning past employment into plain vanilla bullet points (i.e., 14 years of management experience morphs into “People Skills”).

My friend has about 20 different resumes that he sends out. Rewriting and editing each one to match the job opening he is applying for because he knows that they will run a keyword search on the resume to see if the correct buzzwords are present long before anyone will take the time to even bother to read it.