The Ironed Out Diva

Oceanic Treasure: Free for the Taking

kkay — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:15:54 +0000

Think of it as artistic gold. Mile after fish choking mile, debris from God knows where travels across the ocean to land forever in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or one of the other recently discovered oceanic trash-fills growing like The Blob in our beautiful Earth’s waters. But, what if we could do something extraordinary with it?

According to Miriam Goldstein, of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography

cleaning up the plastic trash in the ocean is virtually impossible, given the vast scale. The Pacific Garbage Patch, for example, stretches for hundreds of miles and is located 1,000 miles north of Hawaii.

“Most people who work on this issue agree that prevention is the critical step,” she said. “Once a piece of plastic is in the ocean, it is really hard and expensive to get it out again.”

But what if someone were willing to pay for it? Say, an art lover who happens to also have a passion for our planet? Does such a person exist? I dare say yes.

What if we could, with our social media collective consciousness, make this “trash” a viable commodity? What if it were bought and sold on the big markets? Then it could be “harvested” by would be gold-miner types, and sold to the highest bidder, who could create stuff with it and sell it for what it is: a savior of fish: Hope for the planet: Love of the ocean; Sea bird saved.

It would take a lot, for sure. Somebody would have to come up with a way to authenticate it. We won’t use just any trash… it has to be ocean trash. Salt content, perhaps? The 14k stamp equivalent of “yep it’s real, folks!”

Oh it’s not a new idea. See what Oregon-based artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi is already doing!

Washed Ashore: Plastics, Sea Life & Art

is a nationally acclaimed, environmental art exhibit featuring massive sculptures and other art pieces made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches, such as plastic ropes, nets, toys, cigarette lighters, flip-flops, Frisbees and more.

"Henry" - part of "Washed Ashore: Plastics, Sea Life & Art"

What if we could take it even further? Make every household in the world want a piece of ocean-saving art? People are already making dresses out of recycled plastic. Just think of the possibilities! This would have to be way more than an ocean awareness campaign. We need to bring in the big boys – The folks with serious cash: Investors who expect a serious return on their dollar. Somebody to fund the clean up and be excited to reap the rewards.

Probably the best way to do that, is to create a demand. Pre-orders anyone?

Posted via email from “Do” Dreaming

Into the Blu

kkay — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:21:59 +0000

Source: thesealliance.org via Karen on Pinterest

It’s a social network! It’s an app! It’s a screen saver! It’s a game! No – well yes! It’s all of the above and more – it’s the freshly launched theblu.com , now in open beta. The purpose is to raise awareness (and funds) for carefully selected non-profit groups dedicated to protecting and preserving our oceans and the delicate ecosystems within. There is fun for all types… techies, artistics, socially concious, and those who just like to play.

Since it is fresh and still in Beta, it’s got some quirks, but it shows promise of really taking off and bringing a fresh platform for those of us who like to explore new things in the ever evolving arena of social networking. I personally am really excited, because saving the ocean is my big passion. I have adopted three fish already with my 100 credits I got free for signing up. I named them Speedy, Goldie, and Rosie. I can choose to follow just them in my own habitat, or move to the common area habitat where everybody gets to play in the beginning. Once things are more evolved, I think the idea is to spend moolah for more fishies and the priveledge of playing in other habitats. The site donates 25% of every dollar to one of their non-profit collaboraters, who currently consist of

For those who love to create beautiful graphic images (I wish I had the patience), you can sign up to help create the environment. That seems like it would be pretty rewarding! You get credit forever for each species you develop. How’s that for getting in on the ground (er… ocean) floor?

The social networking part is a little different than what one might expect. For now, from what I can tell, you “follow” the other members by clicking on their fish, and going to the info about that fish which tells you who the owner is. You can then choose to follow them if you wish. I think the trick is to use the screen saver function, which keeps it going while you’re away from your computer, so that others can “find” your fishies.

I’m still a novice, so I may not be 100% correct about how it all works. Will let y’all know when I figure out more! For now, come join me! My nickname is “kkay”. See you in the Blu!

Posted via email from “Do” Dreaming

Peace is Flowing from the Conestoga River!

kkay — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:42:06 +0000

Wow! What a treat to have my friend Kate Loving Shenk join us today on stop #18 of her virtual book tour! Kate’s message today is simple, yet profound. ”We are all recovering from something” says Kate. I agree, and for one am healing, and getting stronger every day. Kate has the anecdote for us all in the form of her Prayer Prescriptions Book! She’s been working on this one for a while and it has been a real joy to follow her as she has grown into this beautiful spiritual artist & writer. Please help me help her get the word out, and take advantage of her strong will, positive vibe, and great advice from a true “Loving” person!

Thank you Karen Kay for hosting the Prayer Prescriptions Virtual Book Tour today, May 1, 2012.

Today is day 18 of the Virtual Book Tour.

Prayer prescriptions are a personal thing. In reality, all the beautiful things in the world are a prayer prescription. Even in the face of trials and tribulations, we can find that one thing that frees us, which would also be a prayer prescription.

Finding the prayer prescriptions in your life are like uncovering hidden treasures that have been yours all along. You must give yourself permission to seek them out.

Prayer prescriptions are miracles. If you look at everything as if it is a miracle, you can also look at everything as if it is a prayer prescription.

Prayers are a way of life. They create solitude and a contemplative existence to your everyday world.

Each step along the way is a prayer. Each in breath and out breath is a prayer. The time I have spent with every dog in my whole entire life is a prayer.

Everything is a prayer.

-=-=-=-===-=

I’d like you to stop by my author blog. There’s a lot going on there and we’ll have an opportunity to connect there. Please be sure to introduce yourself!

http://katelovingshenk.com

Kate has been a practicing RN/CRNP for 28 years, and currently acts as a Labor And Delivery Nurse, which is very special, indeed.

Additionally, Kate is planning further “Prayer Prescriptions” books surrounding aging gracefully and Prayer Prescriptions For The Love Of Our Companion Animals.

Channeling Freddie

kkay — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:06:47 +0000

It’s a little ironic. I started having an unexplainable and lasting surge of emotion for Freddie Mercury of Queen yesterday. Bohemian Rhapsody was the first music video I ever saw. I remember watching it during The Midnight Special. As soon as stores were open, I ran out and got the first Queen album I could get my hands on. That turned out to be Queen II. From then on I was hooked on Freddie. His intensity and incredible talent, not just in his vocal range but in creating – both lyrics and tunes… not to mention the whole group Queen, was enough to keep a teenager amused and out of trouble (most of the time). I don’t understand why I was suddenly re-drawn to him after all these years. Maybe I didn’t really get to mourn his death, as I was in the throes of an ugly and abusive relationship at the time. Maybe he somehow represents my father, who also died too young, and I needed to mourn him. Maybe I’m going middle-aged crazy. Maybe I’m just weird (my husband’s suggestion).

Then I wake up this morning and realize that today is Good Friday. Well now. What might that have to do with my strange feelings for Freddie yesterday? I don’t want to get religious, or make anyone who is religious angry with a comparison of Freddie to Jesus, but here’s an idea. Jesus was a bit of a rock star in his day. The folks who would balk at the idea of me saying that Freddie was in some ways a modern-day Jesus would represent those who persecuted Jesus back in the day. What can Freddie, his incredible life (and untimely death) teach us today?

And if god is willing
we will meet again
someday

……Freddie Mercury, Barcelona, 1987

Peaceful Waters

kkay — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:32:38 +0000

For love of the ocean and the lives she sustains

Grouped next to each other in their little corner of my newest addiction (Pinterest), is a collection of pins depicting my passion for the ocean. Back in the fall I took on a challenge at Squidoo to make 30 lenses on one niche. I chose “deep water exploration” and ended up with such a diverse group of 30 lenses that I am still narrowing that niche down even now. For me, the love has to be the cause. By that, I mean I love that which is vulnerable. So “cause” is the niche. I hope I am making sense. The point is that I have been searching for the right playground to write in for several years now. I have twisted and turned here and there, and now, finally, I feel at home in the watery underworld of ocean life and with it my passion for saving the oceans. Maybe it’s a phase, or maybe I’m finding my calling, at nearly 50 years old. Perhaps that’s a blessing?

Even Stop Lights

kkay — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:16:51 +0000

Sometimes I think thoughts that are kinda kooky. You may know the types of thoughts I mean. Thoughts that, if you were to share, you just know those you love would roll their eyes and come up with something like "there she goes again".

So I think these thoughts but rarely allow myself the priveledge of sharing. I know it's taking a risk to share, and most of the time, I just don't do it. One example has to do with Christmas and stop lights. I suppose it's because daylight savings time goes back to "normal time" not long before the Holiday Season starts which makes this work, but it occures to me, that during the Holidays, the green and red (and gold even) of traffic lights, coupled with the red of tail lights if sitting in traffic, make for quite a Christmas-y show. So, does that sound kinda kooky to you? I figured as much.

But, here's the fun part: While preparing the music for a Christmas Party and reviewing the words to some favorite carols, I noticed something. It has been shared before. Yep. By Ray Evans, two-time Acadamy Award winning songwriter. In…. you ready for this? Silver Bells !

Strings of street lights, even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

And the shoppers run home with their treasures

That's the beginning of the second verse! So if a big time composer can share a funky thought, why can't I?

In fact, I should!

What about you?

photo by Yopizza

Posted via email from “Do” Dreaming

The Hole in the Y’all

kkay — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:42:10 +0000

For real – it’s true. Y’all has a big ole hole in it. I guess most people think “Y’all” is a contraction of sorts – combining “You” and “all”. But I beg to differ. It’s not even slang. You see, “Y’all” when said correctly (Yawl) and in the right circumstance – to those for whom we hold endearment, the word has a much bigger meaning.

“You”, yes. “All”, not really. It’s inclusive with the use of the “aw” – those for whom we feel “awe” for. Our beloved friends, family, and others perhaps in the near vicinity who get the vibe just for being there.

It’s a big ole hole because it represents the place in our hearts for which “Y’all” as our dear ones fill. It’s a big ole hole because we have to make a big one with our mouth to say it right. (try saying it without making a hole) – the general feeling about the use of “Y’all” is that it’s simply a lazy Southern way to say a greeting.

Oh, Y’all. There is nothing lazy about saying it. Not only is it packed with emotion, but it’s not easy to say at all, at least in the physical sense. It’s certainly much easier to say “you all” or “you’ns” (or however that’n goes) than it is to use every muscle in the mouth to make that big ole hole in “Y’all”.

We just can’t help it. If you’re part of “Y’all”, then you’re being awed. In a way it is a short cut…. “You? …..awe”

Thanks Y’all!

Image: Hey Y’all Italian Charms

Posted via email from “Do” Dreaming

Color Intervention

kkay — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:46:53 +0000

The area between San Diego and Tijuana hosts a biannual "Interzone Festival" or "Festival Tijuana Interzona". This year's festival included an Urban Renewal project, where artists from all over were invited to spruce up outside walls of buildings scattered all over the poorest parts of the area.

The resulting art is fascinating, healing and humourous, yet it has a sense of realness to it. The placement of the art is art in itself. The randomness of bright colors and brush strokes of living a grande life juxtaposed against dilapidated trailers sliding down a filthy hillside is like a cry from within the souls of those who live and have lived her. See me! I am here! I feel and thrive in this environment every day all day.

The art serves a dual purpose. To bring awareness of the plight of poverty, and to bring light to an otherwise dank and unforgiving place.

I cannot deny any human's right to rise from poverty.

My family has it pretty tough right now. But I live like a king compared to these folks. Rise on up, Y'all. In Love.

see full interview with curator Carmen Zella

Posted via email from “Do” Dreaming

#NoMoreRecession ~ A Hashtag for Good

kkay — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:58:56 +0000

It’s a simple idea, really. Think of one thing people can do to help someone hurting because of the Recession, and tweet it with the hashtag #NoMoreRecession .

You know how sometimes you get that “lightbulb” in your head? Maybe it was a great idea that could help us dig ourselves out of this Recession mess! But instead of acting on it, we moved on to something else, and it was forgotten by the end of the day…

Take a second and tweet it next time, with the #NoMoreRecession hashtag. Let’s see what we can do about it together!

I don’t know the answers. But I do know that if a lot of us do a bunch of little things, it will add up. A tweet for good is a little thing. An idea can be a big or a little thing, depending on the action we take. Start with the easy stuff. I’ve tweeted a few to help you get started.

I’m tracking it on my lens on Tent Cities…. So you can check there or on tweetchat, or wherever you want. Just share your ideas (don’t forget the #NoMoreRecession hashtag) and retweet some others you see that look doable.

You in?

Let’s do it!

Photo:  Gray's Papaya, New York City - by Aturkus

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Summer Rain and a new Gift from Me!

kkay — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:10 +0000

The first sign that Summer is ending is the increase in activity in ’Special Offer’ events. I have two awesome such events to share with you today, plus, I’m including my new creation “Deep Water Mind Trip” Download link.

The end of summer marks many things for me. I’m a summer person, (but not a hot weather person. That creates a bit of a conflict… lol.) Seriously though, it means change. For the most part, in a good way. I love the Back-to-School, here comes fall, Halloween, the Holidays, all that good stuff, every year. Let’s celebrate it with a couple of cool things for you!

The first is the end of summer giveaway called “Summer Rain”. This one is a bit smaller than the usual giveaway I might normally share, but I like it because it’s intimate. It’s a nice way to “ease” into the goodness coming, and I have created a brand new gift for it (which is what I’m sharing with you today!)

http://successfulentrepreneursnichemarketingsolutions.com/display.aspx?page=110

I’ve given it a lookover and here’s a head’s up on a few of the gifts I’m most exited about:

Master Class with John Thornhill
Discover Your Life Passion
How to Become Your Best Self
The Mind Weapon Video
Review on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Primal You Report
And of course my new gift “Deep Water Mind Trip”

But you don’t need to worry about finding that last one, because you’re already an awesome reader and I’m sharing with you now!

http://successconcentration.com/deepwatermindtrip

The Summer Rain Giveaway event starts tomorrow, August 16. But, you can go ahead and sign up now if you have a gift you’d like to submit.

Now for the 2nd Exciting event~! Launching Today!

I’ve just finished reading one of the most amazingly enjoyable books on “Success” to come

along in a long time: “An Invitation to Your Financial Success and Freedom”

It’s already being hailed as an instant classic, and compared with “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson … and even “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson.

Written by Dr. Mary Ozegovich – known affectionately as Dr. Mary Oz,

“An Invitation To Your Financial Success And Freedom” packs an incredible amount

of helpful strategies into its pages.

It’s a light, fun, highly entertaining read, in a style that puts the readers right in the story.

Because it’s written in “allegory” style – it never gets

ponderous or confusing, the way so many “Success”, “Business”, or “Self-Help” books do.

Instead, this is a book you can easily read in an evening – even if you come home exhausted

from a grueling day at work – and immediately absorb its lessons without having to think about

it.

In fact, although it’s not a “kids’ book”, I’d be willing to bet you could read “An Invitation To

Your Financial Success And Freedom” to your older children, and they would totally “get it”.

It really is that simple, that entertaining, and that clearly written.

If your business or private life isn’t where you want to be, then “something” might be missing

… and I’m willing to bet you can find it in “An Invitation To Your Financial Success And

Freedom”.

While you’re there, have a look at all the bonus gifts she’s giving you with your copy of the book.

http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4414193

All those gifts she’s offering you are available on a “limited time” basis.

That link again is:

http://www.mcssl.com/app/?Clk=4414193

Mary’s mentor is one of my favorite authors – Og Mandino. The book is written in an even simpler style, but I like the message.

Y’all have a great beginning of the end of Summer, and I look forward to hearing from you soon~!

All my best to you always,