Keeping it local
Local community is comprised of so many wonderful woven pieces that I think we fail to recognize. Coming from a big metropolitan city I failed to notice so many beautiful places because I grew up in the city. As you grow up in a place that has been home for generations and you experienced all the things you think it has to offer, you become complacent. It's only natural I guess.
Since moving to a small town like Bainbridge Island I feel like all my senses were awoken. Whether it was culturally or through the environment, I began to activate so to speak. I realized that I could leave a mark, I could enrich myself and my local community just by taking a step.
In Austin my family was a big part of the community but over time and over generations we became comfortable.
I forgot how much I enjoyed my city and what it felt like, what it tasted like, what it smelled like or sounded like. I'm now remembering and it's the only way I can not miss home. I remember all those senses one by one and create memories all over again. When you have a major move like I did and you were so deeply rooted in a town like Austin you start to starve. Starve for people, for alike community and it forces you to step out of your comfort zone.
Over the last year and a half I stepped out. I engaged! I activated! It has been the best thing I have ever done in my life. No fear and no apologies just stepping out.
This year I have had the opportunity and privilege to serve as Enrichment Chair at our local elementary. This has enabled me to get in touch with local community and it has been fabulous. I also stepped out and joined up with local Younglife leaders to help teach photography. I figured why not. Well.. It's been another blessing all on it's own.
Through Enrichment this year I decided since we couldn't gather for after school enrichment program why not a community enrichment? I would bring in local community to teach kids about what is around them. In turn hopefully sparking a love for their community and others around them.
I recently filmed a short video for our Enrichment program. It was for visit a museum day on November 9th. It was fantastic not to mention the team at our local museum is gold. In a thank you to the museum I submitted some high res photos I shot of the local Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda. The museum has decided to use them for social media purposes, I am at a loss for words. Overjoyed and spilling over with gratitude!
I promised myself that when I moved to Washington, complacency and fear would not hold me back anymore. I promised myself that I would step out boldly and love on this new community well. All thanks to my God for the courage. All thanks to him for it ALL actually but also a thank you to my heart and brain. You did it! You didn't hold back, you went for it. Now, I can say that an Art Museum thought my work was pretty great.
Thank you to BIMA and all the team on staff. You have made this girls big city dreams become a big hit in a small town.
Dia de los Muertos at BIMA
