Discovering Strengths

I'm a visual person. I love taking photographs of people and places. I also love movies and used to love television until its offerings were reduced to drivel, but I digress. Some time ago, I developed a desire to create videos. I didn't have a camera and had never used editing software and I didn't own a program either. Nevertheless, I said to the Universe, I want to make videos.

A few weeks ago I decided to head to the lake and make some clips. It was my first experience with a video camera and my objective was to play and have some fun. Oh boy, did I have fun. I pointed, focused, lost focus, and got (well) more than one shot of the ground.

The footage sat for several weeks because I still didn't have any editing software and had no idea when that would happen. But I knew it would. However, I didn't attach to the desire to own (or know how to use) the software. I'll talk more about attachement in a upcoming post.

Today, I was in The Lab manipulating chemicals, temperature, and time to prepare brunch and my eldest son happened to stop by as he does on many Sundays around this same time--famished, of course. I asked him about the editing program that he uses. It turns out that it's a freeware program! He showed me a few basics and I jumped in like dolphin to the Pacific.

At the lake, I spent about three and a half hours and ended up with more footage than I can ever use. It turns out that this is a good thing! There was so much to choose from. Editing took a few hours because of my learning curve and the fact that editing it a bit tedious but I had as much fun editing as I did filming.

Here is degree of the 360 degrees of me. This I call "Summer Day at the Lake." The reality is this: I trusted the Universe, stepped in the direction of my desires, and discovered something new about myself. It's up to me to keep believing, moving, and creating.

Note to self: Always, always, always bring the tripod! LOL

What untapped degree of you are you exploring? Please share your adventures!

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Red Cockatoo Feathers



Charlotte Hill O’Neal, also affectionately known as Mamma C., is a visual artist, activist, public speaker, filmmaker, and published poet. She is the program director of the United African Alliance Community Center which she and her husband, Pete, founded 20 years ago.

The center provides personal and community development programs to the youth of Arusha, Tanzania. Originally from Kansas City, Charlotte and Pete have resided in Africa for more than 40 years.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Hill O'Neil

Red Cockatoo Feathers

(tasteful, mature content)

by

Charlotte Hill O'Neal

Red Cockatoo Feathers© Charollet Hill O'Neal

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Prison of the Mind

 

Z. Hall is an educator, researcher, blogger, photographer, and poet. A large part of her work focuses on social justice. Her research interests include the history of art controversies, the communication surrounding art conflicts, and how this communication functions within society. She earned a doctorate in communication studies in 2009.

As the author of this blog, Z. writes about topics that, through conversation with members and readers, further understanding of the human condition. Her belief is that public deliberation is beneficial for consciousness raising, building tolerance acceptance, and problem solving.

Prison of the Mind

by

Z. Hall



Image by Annemarie Hoogwoud



I’m breaking free!

Congratulations! How?

Eyes focused anew,

perspectives multiplied,

challenging assumptions

that be

the rock

of

limited pos-si-bi-li-ty.

At midnight’s approach

clubbing the night guard,

taking the keys,

opening the cells,

triggering the sprinklers.

No.

It’s not mayhem.

It is dawn.

Inmates of the mind

have set

themselves

free.

Beyond

the

electric,

chain-link,

mirage

exists

the land of tranquility, 

abundance, and light.

Humanity’s

birthright.

You have my interest.

Liberating

if achieved.

Go on.

The experience

is in

progress.

An epic quest,

invitations to all.

Tell me

of your pilgrimage

when

complete.

Godspeed, trusted, fellow inmate!

Image from: ecnc.org

Thanks for sharing

this leg of the journey.

Acknowledging

movement on the cellblock,

asking, "how?"

This much we have achieved.

Come!

We must gather the others.

© Z. Hall, 2011

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Immigration Law vs. Christian Principle



Image by Sabastian Panwitz

The toughest immigration law in the United States goes into effect on September 1, 2011 in Alabama. The legislation reaches as far as prohibiting giving a ride to an illegal immigrant. But individuals are taking a stand against the system.

One hundred and fifty church leaders argue that the stringent immigration law contradicts the biblical command to be hospitable to strangers. This is significant since clergy have considerable influence in their communities. It sends a compelling message: We are not powerless.

Bravo to the church leaders in Alabama. The very act of taking a stand against a law which would make it impossible to be kind to strangers is in harmony with the Christian principle of being a Good Samaritan. You are setting a fine example for persons of all religious and spiritual backgrounds.

A co-sponsor of the bill, Senator Holtzclaw, and Rev. Lacey of Woodlawn Methodist Church in Birmingham were interviewed on “The Takeaway.”

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Which Americans? Whose Prosperity?

Jim Crow is alive, well, and heavily funding in American society. This film reveals how and why the Koch brothers are trying to end public education in the Wake County, North Carolina community. Should the goal of having children attend “neighborhood schools” be of concern to the broader society?

Historically, Jim Crow negatively affected the quality of life for Blacks across the United States. The 21^st Century Jim Crow multiplies the ramifications of re-segregation which threatens the prosperity of each individual who doesn’t fit into the homogenous, separate and unequal, well-funded schools of the elite. Yes, modern-day Jim Crow has expanded his love-to-hate embrace to include immigrants, blacks and browns, and all but the super-wealthy.

It’s not difficult to envision the international ramifications of re-segregation when viewed through the lenses of nationality, race, and class. This film is well-done and informative.

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