Sunday, May 17, 2015

25 Lessons and Truths



Huge thank you to Elephant Journal for publishing this! 

Please read and share here --> "25 Lessons and Truths in 2015"


Author: Susan Marie

Apprentice Editor: Jessica Chardoulias/ Editor: Renee Jahnke
       Photo: Shaun Nelson-Flickr



Every moment I do my best to learn from each experience.

 


Although we tend to focus only on the positive ones, it is the negative ones that can really help us. We just have to learn to pay attention.


What I learned:

  • That all of us are valuable parts of one race—the human race—and all of us have numerous purposes. Some of those purposes are yet to be discovered. Do not discount your individual importance.
  • That an immense ever-growing desire to learn about everything is a rare and beautiful quality to have. Never lose your wonder.
  • Not everyone will understand your struggle, outlook, opinion, belief, or heart. That is okay. Stay by those who do; learn from those who do not.
  • Move on when any experience discounts the importance of your own existence.
  • Before you move on: grieve, heal, grow, and positively   teach others through your actions.
  • Love is wondrous. It exists. Do not ever be afraid to show others that you care for and love them. The world needs infinitely more love.
  • Love yourself. We are only human. We are supposed to make mistakes. We are not perfect, we were not created to be omniscient. This is what being human is all about. Bliss, pain, progression, repeat.
  • If you want to create, then create! What are you waiting for? You have the ability to do whatever you want. There is no time stamp on creation.
  • All. Art. Heals.
  • Nature is a peacekeeper. Let us be more kind to her.
  • Be responsible for your behaviors, words and actions. 
  • Blaming others is projection and denial. Causing pain to others because you have refused to deal with past hurt only causes more pain. Say you’re sorry and mean it. It need not matter if one says it back. You did your part. Then move on.
  • Be mindful of how you communicate. Words hurt. So, be kind to yourself and to others.
  • Run through the sprinklers in the summertime, make snow angels in the winter, lay beneath the trees in autumn, and get out into the sunshine at the first sign of spring. Nature equals instant healing.
  • While we are on earth, we get this one chance to do something that will last. Whatever you do, make it count.
  • Cease obsessing about how you look, pondering the things you did or did not do, thinking about the past, and blaming yourself for things you had no control over. Remember that you cannot control everything.
  • Hug those you care about. Tell them you care. Show them you care. Recognizing another human soul is crucial for progression. Bring more happiness into the world and to yourself.
  • Some people will never move past their own hurt. If you are unable to make a positive impression, move on. You tried. It is up to them now.
  • You are not a doormat. Say it! I am not a doormat.
  • If you are in need of help, ask for it. Don’t be ashamed to be human. We have all screwed up. So what? If you never screw up, you never learn lessons. The important thing is to keep going.
  • Tell your children you love them. Hug them. Give them confidence. Motivate them. Teach them how to be responsible, active parts of all society. Teach them what you know. Show them through your experiences. You were given this role to be a guide to another human soul. Your job is to help them be the best version of themselves possible. Be grateful for your family. Make sure they are aware of this. Some people have no one.
  • Put down your technology and get out into nature. Trust me, it matters. A lot.
  • Learn about different languages, cultures, and faiths. We live in such a wondrous world.
  • It is okay to disagree with things that do not suit you. It is not okay to attack others for not agreeing with what suits only you.
  • It is normal to have a wide range of human emotions.
  • Wherever you are, remember this: all that matters is if you do your best with what you have.
    I leave you with this short video. Why? See for yourself:

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Cory James & Amy Gallagher [Spring Healing Performance Audio & Video Showcase]



photo © Buffalo Rising


Cory James and Amy Gallagher present:

"Spring Healing: A Musical and Poetic Journey of Hope"
at St. John's Grace Church in Buffalo, NY

Guest accompaniments: 

  • Sarah Rice [violin]
  • Azure James [harp]
  • Frank Scinta [piano]
  • Linda R. L. Appleby [piano] 
  • Charles Anderson [guitar]
  • Catherine Miller [vocalist]

Live Audio of the event: 


 
photo © Buffalo Rising


Below is a video medley of musicians that accompanied the event featuring Linda R. L. Appleby:




This is a video of a performance of "Blackbird" by Cory James Gallagher, Cat Miller and Chuck Anderson





Corey and Amy are available for performance at concertsforthesoul@gmail.com 


You can also listen to the audio on my radio show on Think Twice Radio HERE


Their next event is Friday, May 22nd in South Buffalo, NY at Holy Family Church --> Event Page





 

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Spring Concert of Healing and Rebirth : Cory James & Amy Gallagher









Cory James Gallagher, Tenor Vocalist and Amy Gallagher, Writer-Poet, are excited to announce:



Please join Tenor Vocalist Cory James Gallagher and award-winning Poet Amy Gallagher on a journey out of the difficulty and darkness of winter, into the warm healing rays of spring.  

On Saturday, May 9, 2015, this journey will bring inspiration, clarity, and healing with soul-stirring music and poetry to guide you towards the onset of spring and rebirth out of the depths of winter and weight. 



Please listen to Cory's performance of Franz Schubert’s, Ave Maria, absolutely stunning, divine and majestic: 







Cory and Amy regularly perform at area nursing homes for healing and inspiration and are currently seeking diverse avenues such as our prison systems. 


A dessert, cheese, and wine reception will follow the concert.

 

This concert is open to ALL and a love offering (donation) is greatly appreciated.

The event begins at 7pm at St John's-Grace Episcopal Church, 51 Colonial Circle, Buffalo, NY 14222, (716) 885-1112
Directions HERE 
 
 


Live on CMBR Radio



The CMBR Show is a radio show for artists, art events and business owners from all genres. They tell the stories that inspire or inform. Airs on Sundays at 6pm CST/ 7pm EST.

I was honored to have my poetry recently featured and aired live on radio and archived later here: 


What I truly adore about this radio show is the diversity. 

For example, in the interview above, Jill O'Hara is interviewed for The Holistic Health Expo by Nicola and my spoken word poetry is aired throughout along with different genres of music.  

Please visit Nicola Medley Ballard HERE

Twitter   
Email 

This is fresh, new, alive and right on mark and anyone wishing to gain exposure, please see above, hit Nicola up and ride the air waves! She is accomplishing great things for artists, business, those that have no voice and need one and most especially, for art.



 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Earth Day 2015: 21 Day Eco Challenge




    On CNN International HERE






“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead 


Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day founder, saw an oil spill in California in 1969. Student anti-war movements were ablaze and Gaylord took that movement and combined it with consciousness about pollution.


Nelson, former US Senator, proposed a “teach-in on the environment” to the media. Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, became the co-chair and they both contacted Denis Hayes, who managed to coordinate a national staff of 85 to promote events across the United States.


As a result, 20 million Americans took to the streets.


The first Earth Day in 1970 led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.


Earth Day is honored around the world on April 22. It supports environmental programs, public commitment and builds community activism. It is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a billion people take part.


Most people practice “Earth Day”, every day.


In February 2015, I began what I thought was going to be a small act of kindness. What entailed was a global 21 Day Eco Challenge that involved everyday people doing astounding things for our planet. I named the challenge “21 Day Eco Challenge: Co-Create, Rejuvenate, Recycle” and sent out an email a day via KindSpring.Org suggesting ways to help make our world a better place.


What occurred was massive! People posted stories of how they created artwork with garbage cleaned from yards and parks, instead of giving money they physically volunteered time in their communities, people changed heating and electrical systems in their homes, ceased using motorized vehicles, rid themselves of plastic, took more walks, involved their families, composted, recycled, cooked wholesome organic foods, and led community based programs on their own.


Every single day I was greeted with inspiration. Instead of me having to facilitate the movement, the members who joined the challenge created a community together and all of us shared our ideas, challenges, and lifestyles and we managed to change our lives, thus changing the lives of one another, thus helping to heal the environment.


To every single member of the Eco Challenge, pat yourself on the back and be proud of going above and beyond and for being an active part in the restoration of our planet.


Please take the time and view our 21 Day Challenge --> HERE.


You will learn something new, connect to caring, heartfelt people and most likely, start your own 21 Day Challenge that will inspire others.


Technology is a tool to be utilized and through technology I met, worked alongside and learned from beautiful individuals who simply care about the state of this planet for 21 days straight.


Every day, I read stories about what someone learned, shared, how they changed their lives, their communities, alongside photos and artwork and every day this quote by Mother Teresa played in my mind:

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”




Lightyears of Letters



Mitch Burns, a poet and writer from Michigan, listened to my poem "let me love you" and read my article "Leave the Pages Bloody" and sent me these messages:


CREDIT: Susan Marie, for all of the words before i say "I wrote back to her." This poem was COMPLETELY inspired by her poem "Let me love you" and my words are an extension of it.
After reading your words in "Leave the pages bloody" i became very inspired to get something out today and then i read your poem "Let me love you" and i had the line "I'll ask the Nebulas to wait until the morning" stuck in my head so i just went for it."

I am so honored and humbled, I mean this is the highest form of respect any artist can hope for: to inspire another to create from their own creation. 


Please listen below and check out +Poetlike Poe on Soundcloud






Thank you Mitch! Keep writing and inspiring others! You are one fine writer.


Friday, April 17, 2015

Buffalo Small Press Book Fair





The Buffalo Small Press Book Fair is a regional two-day event that brings booksellers, authors, bookmakers, zinesters, small presses, artists, poets, and other cultural workers (and enthusiasts) together in a venue where they can share ideas, showcase their art, and peddle their wares.

The 9th Annual BSPBF will take place at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Porter Hall, on April 18th from noon to 6pm AND April 19th from 11am-5pm. 


Remember this event is FREE and open to the public!

For the third year, Chris Fritton will be hosting the book fair on two separate days. Its incredible growth has continued, and it made it necessary to expand the fair so that more artists and audience members can experience the event.

In 2014 there was over 140 vendors and over 5,500 participants! Keep your eyes peeled for all the events before and after the Fair as well!








Please direct all press contact to:

Chris Fritton
61 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 392-7305
chris@buffalosmallpress.org



let me love you








you light me
up
like the sun
burning eons
of bloodink and breath


like fireworks
blazing
across a velvet night


like Spring
sweet
like peaches in summertime
the sweet essence of
desire and passion
bursting


you light me up
like dynamite
like one million
explosions
detonated in my


heart
my soul
speaks


in words
in thyme and
time
means nothing
between you and
I
for my body
is yours
my breath
belongs to your
lungs
my mouth is meant
to be placed


oh, ever so softly,
upon your own


my eyes
speak
your words
my hands
touch
the nape of your
neck
winding downward
spiraling
to your
lower back
muscles
ripped


my palms
electric


come here, my love
let me wipe the sweat from your brow
ease your tired mind
place your head in my
lap


and let me
love you



© Susan Marie

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

look how they sing


I recorded the birds, live, as they sang and mixed that with my spoken word







Look!

Look at the birds
how they sing for us


they take part
in this
most joyous union
a majestic embrace
of sky to earth
from mouth to lips
from hips to eyes


your eyes

oh, how they glitter
and gleam

like confetti
falling from the sky
caught and held
in my eyelashes
batting


and the choirs
the creatures of nature
recognize
what is just
what is divine
what is meant


sacred

and look!
look my love


look how they sing for us
as I sing for you
and you dance with me
and together


We
are
creation.



© Susan Marie

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Fundraiser for WNY VegFest



ON WGRZ Ch. 2 HERE






WHAT:     Fundraiser for WNY VegFest - Beer! ($5 in locally brewed beer included with your ticket!) Pizza by Allentown Pizza, Wings - no chickens involved, Cupcakes by Sweetly Simple Treats, munchies and appetizers, Live music by Sleepy Hahas


WHERE:  Resurgence Brewery 1250 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213 (716) 381-9868
 
WHEN:    April 22, 2015 7pm-10pm 

WHY:       Help keep WNY Vegfest free for al! Join us at Buffalo's hottest new brewery, Resurgence! All proceeds go to WNY Vegfest.

The WNY VegFest is growing rapidly each year and quickly becoming THE preeminent healthy lifestyle festival throughout the entire region. The community came out to enthusiastically support the inaugural WNY VegFest in 2014 with over 5,000 people attending and enjoying all the varied the plant powered fun!

Buffalo and Western New York have seen an explosion of interest in health, compassion and plant-based eating over the last few years, and together with the help of local veg advocacy groups and sanctuaries the WNY VegFest is helping to spread the life affirming message of a plant based diet.


Contact: Albert Brown: 716-465-3927 albert@wnyvegfest.com 

Check out the Tofurky Trot: Tofurky Trots are designed to support both the health and vitality of local communities and raise money for local groups supporting plant based diets. The race is 5k (3.1 miles) and is a run, trot, or walk open to all levels of physical fitness.