Renaissance, Anyone?

I am not a history buff, but from the little I know, a Renaissance is a GOOD thing. According to the Internet, an oracle of knowledge in OUR times, a Renaissance is a "time of rebirth of humanism and new discoveries in fine arts, music, literature, philosophy, science and technology, architecture, religion and spirituality". AKA, a time to be PROUD to be, not just an American, but part of the human race. 

Personally, I've felt this dread that our nation is heading into a period of "dark times" that I am not looking forward to. But, I have learned, that if ALL you do is complain, then you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

So we need to commit to what we EACH value and cherish and not take two steps back for the step forward we have made to ensure that:

1. EVERY person has those rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;
2. we act as STEWARDS to this planet and own our commitment to protect and preserve its resources for every living thing we share it with and for future generations
3. we are stronger because we have different skills, interests and points of view and we need to CELEBRATE that, not mock it!

One of my favorite words has always be IMAGINE but even more, the word IMAGINEER! It's one thing to envision a world of peace, harmony & creativity... it's even more wonderful if we build it!

I'm sharing these quotes (found on the Internet) from folks far wiser than me. They inspire me. Hope they do you to spark the IMAGNEER within!

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  

― Martin Luther King Jr., 

A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

​“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”  ― Anne Frank​

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“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

- ​J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Game ON, 2017...

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I was surprised last night by two young women who were visiting Greenpeace supporters in the area... They wanted to reach out and accomplish three things with their visit (which we can all learn from):

1. EXTEND GRATITUDE. They braved the cold to visit their Sacramento supporters and personally say "Thank you". I even got a hug. Emails and phone calls can't sent that message!
2. RECONNECT WITH PEOPLE. There will be a lot of challenges for everyone this coming year and we cannot do much on our own. We need to connect with like-minded people and link arms.
3. ASK FOR HELP. We can't be timid or shy when it comes to making changes in this world. We each have to not only stand up for what we believe in. We also need to "put up or shut up" with financial support, volunteerism and knocking on doors...

I told them I have been an environmental advocate since the first Earth Day in 1970 and I am SO EXCITED to see the next generations on the bandwagon. I am also inspired to up MY game in 2017.

So I dedicate THIS blog to all the organizations I have supported and to the people who make a BIG difference. If your cause is not on my billboard, make your own and make a difference. 

GAME ON, PEOPLE!! (This is me asking...)

'Tis a MAGICAL Season

As the song says "It's the MOST Wonderful time of the Year!" It's a season of family, community, giving and peace. Here are just a few things to consider:

• VOLUNTEER, DONATE, SUPPORT: Many of you already do so much for your community. Let's each of us step it up a notch in 2016 and through next year... Let's see if CHANGE happens... 
• SUPPORT & CELEBRATE LOCALLY: Support a local business by shopping, dining & spreading the holiday cheer in your own community. Let's see if PROSPERITY happens...
• BE PART OF THE SOLUTION: There is so much in this world that we can complain about (so much!). I like the lyrics from Michael Jackson's song: "Man in the Mirror": If you wanna make the world a better place; Take a look at yourself, and then make a change." Let's see if MAGIC happens...

Check out the events coming up in Rancho Cordova and more in BobsPocket.com. Hope our paths will cross somewhere "out there"... let's make some MAGIC!

ELVES make MAGIC HAPPEN!

Now, elves come in various guises and have different specialties. I wanted to point out some evidence of their presence so you can keep your eyes out for them at these events in November.

• Leadership: When you have great leaders, MAGIC happens! Learn what's happening in Rancho Cordova at the State of the City event on Nov. 10. at 7 pm at Rancho Cordova City Hall. (evidence of MAGIC: there will be PIE!)
• Community: When you have great community support: MAGIC happens! Come to the Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 27 from 4 to 7:30 pm. The event is FREE with lots of family-friendly activities. (evidence of MAGIC: there will be SNOW!)
• Arts: When you have creative talent: MAGIC happens! Rancho Cordova artists offer special and unique Holiday gifts at the Pop-Up Art Gallery in the Lowe's shopping Center in Rancho Cordova. (evidence of MAGIC: there will be PIZAZZ!)

Get details on these events and more on BobsPocket.com. So as you visit these events, just who are the "elves"? (I think you'll know!)

Our Kids NEED Art

Art lets them be creative, have fun and learn new ways to express themselves. They NEED Art Centers where they can​ explore the arts in a safe and supportive environment. We NEED the ​Allied Ceramic Art Institute.

This ​non-profit provides a place where kids (and adults) can explore clay and ceramics ​with experienced artists willing to share their talents and enthusiasm. It also offers a beautiful gallery where many different art media can be enjoyed. 

They NEED your help. They need to raise $150,000 to ​make this Center accessible to all with new ADA amenities inside and out. They are kicking off their campaign with an Ice Cream Social​ on ​Saturday, August 20. ​ Come get your hand-made, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl filled with ice cream to help raise funds for this worthy cause. Donations​ are appreciated​​, of course, ​as well. And stay tuned for future fundraisers.

To learn more, visit TheArtStartsHere.com​​ (a division of BobsPocket.com​)​. See you there!​

ART is a Start

Why is ART important to our community? Because it can inspire, unify, and transform that community. At our kick-off for the the Community Arts Alliance, Jenna Abbott from the Mack Road Partnership told the story about how a local artist, BAMR, with ties to the neighborhood, painted a mural on the wall of a 7-Eleven where tagging and crime were a BIG problem. The work is entitled “Hold on to your Dreams...” Once the mural was up, tagging has been eliminated there and crime in that area much reduced.

Lesson learned: Art can make a statement and have a huge impact without saying a word. And it happens one corner at a time...

How do YOU Solve a Problem Like...

GOOD NEWS! There is a solution to EVERY problem. Mankind has proven this throughout the ages with creativity, innovation, and perseverance. If a problem has yet to be solved, it is just a matter of time, resources and sometimes serendipity.

First, identify the problem. If you don’t know what the problem is, the solution may be right in front of you and you wouldn’t even know it. Asking “what if...” is a powerful way to begin!

Second, don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Someone noted that Edison failed 10,000 times before he invented the light bulb. He replied that he just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Now, that’s perseverance!

Third, do what YOU can but realize you don’t have to go it alone. There are many like-minded people who want to solve that same problem. It doesn’t take a genie or a genius...
Sometimes, it does take a village.

Rancho Cordova will recognize some volunteers who have stepped up and made a difference and Carmichael defied the odds and has brought a World-Class exhibit to our backyard. Visit BobsPocket.com for more “success stories”.