Something to think on....

http://prezi.com/yziuhanooo9n/native-americans-vs-urban-outfitters/

RIP Doc Watson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Watson

Rememberance Day

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

-Joseph Campbell quotes

Where the Books are..

This is the Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn Library

I love this place and can remember heading there after school to hide between the book shelves in the adult section. It's been years but with improved facilities, free classes and activities the magc is still there.

http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/locations/central

All Images © Simone Rene 2012

Happy Remembering Day

This coming Monday, May 28, the US celebrates Memorial Day. The holiday started in the US South as a way to commerate the soldiers that fell in the Civil War but now it serves as a day to recall the men and women of the US Armed Forces that died while serving.

Most of us think of the holiday as the first weekend of the summer and true to this concept the city overflows with activites both honoring those to be remembered and welcoming the promise of the warm summer months.

Here are just a few in and around the city -

On Saturday, May 26,  there is a family festival on Governer's Island -
http://www.governorsislandalliance.org/2012/05/governors-island-alliance-family-festival-may-26-noon-4pm/#more-836

The Cloisters Museum has its own Family Festival on Saturday
http://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/family-programs/festivals/medieval-artist?eid=A001_{B036E84A-EC1D-44B4-97F6-82E62F9E350D}_20120307145536

On Monday, May 28, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
http://www.stjohndivine.org/MD12.html

And of course there will be Parades!
The Kings County Memorial Day Parade
http://www.brooklynmemorialdayparade.com/
The KCMDP is in its 145th year and is the oldest continously run Memorial Day Parade in the US. It kicks off at 11AM at 87th Street/3rd Avenue and ends at John Paul Jones Park (https://foursquare.com/v/john-paul-jones-park/4bd02803046076b0dd6e6f71 )

Remember, Recall & Honor

Movie of the Moment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_(film)

Tuesday's Mental Musings...I am who I am...

There was a time not too long ago when I spent too much of my energy trying to prove myself to those who had already pre-determined my worth based on the color of my skin, the texture of my hair or my social and financial status. I wanted others to see me for who I was and I did all I could to break any illusions that contradicted the truth of my personal history. Then I stopped; it was tiresome trying to change the understanding and prejudices of others. Instead I invested that energy on researching my family so to validate the history I had been given and defending all my life. I hoped that by finding those who came before me I could cement a defensive line against those who daily asked me to prove that I belonged.

I sat with family elders recalling stories that confirmed the facts proved by the unearthed documents and records and by doing so recalled stories of my own. I spent hours scanning and printing photos of people whose faces and features varied in their familiarity and by gathering them together drew the line from them to me further defining my truth. This personal journey became validation for me and me alone so rather than carry my papers with me to prove who I am I began to make art, a journey I am still on.

As I draw line and cut fabric to create collages I find myself less defensive and more accepting of the ignorance of others. I find myself full with the knowledge that behind me are ancestors of both greatness and humble origins and that because of them I am here and I belong regardless of the opinion of others.

Finally Home

It's been a year since I moved into this Bayridge, Brooklyn apartment and I am still loving the space and the area.

It's been over 6 months since I posted and for that I must apologize. I have no excuse, just an explanation. After posting almost every day for close to two years I was burnt. I needed the time to refill the well and fill the well I have so stay tuned!

In the meantime enjoy some photos from this weekends Bayridge Scandinavian Parade...

All Images © Simone Rene 2012