Welcome Back Wade....... New York Reflection

Man! What a surreal experience, living abroad for more than a year now, and the transformation I had to endure, to go forward towards my next destination. It's even more evident, being back home now, because for the first time since August of last year. I'm at place, I've known for half of my life. Now that I've had the moment and opportunity to reflect of my experiences, and perspective on life. When I decided to take this journey, I knew I had to change, because for a person to attain the things they want in life, such as Dreams, he or she can't stay one place, otherwise a person doesn't know the adversity that comes along with success. For one thing, my hometown seems a lot smaller, compared to how I left it, in that sense, from the people I have met, and the experiences and life lesson I've learned from Costa Rica, and now implementing it on my next travels. It’s something that money or gold can’t put a value on, because not many people are willing to take such a bold move, and can say they've done something that, or even more importantly have the courage to do such a thing, because of their fears, doubts and insecurities. Coming back to New York, the world became a lot bigger, and my hometown became a lot smaller. Now with the experience I have taken with me, its with the same curiosity, I continue on this journey, with the transformation from a cocoon into a butterfly, and realize when opportunity comes fourth, When It's time to stop dreaming,and now start touching the stars. Now that I have time to reflect on my experience beforehand, and looking forward towards my new adventures and experiences in Asia, I now look at Ossining as a stepping stone in my life, because their is where the upbringing stems from, but in the same token,thats where true test is, of wanting to continue growing and incorporating new things, to keep on growing as a person and as an artist. I will keep you posted on my travels and my place of choice in Asia within the next couple of weeks. Thanks for following me on my journey of exploration of Daring to Dream and Touching the Stars. It's because of interest and wiliness to take the time to read my blog,it makes me want to continue informing you on my journeys about the world, and coming to the realization that dreams do come true, if you’re true to yourself, have ambition, goals, a open-mind, adventurous, courageous, and confidence, and a little thing I call faith. Thanks again for your time, comments and opinions. Merry Christmas and Happy Hoilidays

Art Projects for Kids This Christmas

Help your kids appreciate the arts during the holiday season, with these easy steps. With the commercialization of the holiday season, many children are primarily concerned with how much loot they will score. While visiting family members, for good food, games and fun,so it's easy for kids to get greedy and forget about the importance of being generous. Instead, show them how important it is to give back and use their imagination, which will allow them to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.Imagination is key, when it comes to exploring these new ideas, because only then, a child can unlock the magic of Elf's, Santa Clause, Rodolph The Red Nose Reindeer, Snowmen, etc. This will teach a child the importance of using what they have, and more importantly, the true meaning of giving back, and helping the less fortunate.
Here are some ideas that will help you get started.

Turn on Your Holiday Imagination

Now that the holiday season is here, and many of you are in the festive mood, why not turn on a little holiday imagination to go along with the  holiday cheers. I'm sure many of you are wondering, but I don't have any money to buy a decent tree this year, but money doesn't have to determine your prospective or outlook of what makes Christmas special, so just dig a little deeper, and try to find and rediscover the magic of whats makes the holiday season so special, as if you were five years old, preparing cookies and milk in the middle of the night, awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause. The holidays doesn't have to be about materialistic things, but about the joy it bring, when you  smile on Christmas morning, spending time with the ones you love. This year instead of focusing of not having enough money to buy a big and expensive Christmas tree, just tweak your brain just a little, and see what kind of wacky  ideas you can come up with, to carry on the holiday fun. Here is a site that I found that can give you really cool and interesting ideas...http://www.home-designing.com/2008/12/unusual-Christmas-trees/   Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays....

It's all about the journey.. Dedication to My Second Family In Costa Rica... AKA Random Crew.

Many times when we look back on our lives, we focus on the good and the bad, instead of the steps  we need to take towards our destination. Then we lose sight of what makes the journey special, which is the experience within itself. Its not about the dream or what happens when you accomplish your dream, but its a matter of how you got there, with the help of people around you such as  family and friends.Paving your way towards your path. Coming back from Costa Rica, I had a couple of days to reflect on the moments, and experiences I have gone through, and the personal growth  and transformation, that has made me come to this conclusion. Setting a personal goal in mind  is important, when it comes to chasing your dream, but the journey towards your Dreams doesn't have to be difficult with the support of the ones that really care about you, because only then, can you truly know what is means to Dare to Dream And Touch A Star. Discovering this, has made me look at life with a whole  new attitude, outlook, prospective and appreciation . The journey is a battle withing itself, because a person has to transform, takes important steps to recognized their moment of captivity. What I have taken from my experience in Costa Rica, is live for the moment, treasure each step you make, because that is where the personal growth comes from. Be realistic when it comes to the steps and how to take them head on, Be aware of staying one place too long, because everything is a process, At times, things are not going to be easy, but if you stay strong and stand firm, things will always have a way of working themselves out, because you have the support of those who care about you.

Why Not Build Your Own Island?

Saving the world starts with a little thing I call,  passion, dedication, environmental awareness, artistic expression,  and 250,000 plastic bottles. Check out this video.

Jay-Z New Book.... Decoded

In his own words......

Turn On Your Imagination....... Using Coconuts

Imagine,sitting on an Island in the Caribbean, soaking up the rays of the sun, laying in your beach chair, Awaiting for the sunset,then after a few minutes you decide to go to the local vender, to buy a coconut,after a few sips, you decide to dump it to out in the trash bin, because you no longer have use for it. Then a local passes by, and ask you, if its OK if they have it, meanwhile your face is puzzled ,wondering why this person wants your trash. Then you ask them, why do you want to have my coconut,there is nothing in there. The local answers, because I want to create some beautiful art work. Coconut art has been affiliated with the Caribbean for quit some time now. Growing up as a kid in Jamaica, when I use to go to the beach, locals would be carving and polishing coconut shells, to make some very prolific crafts and designs.

 Although,coconuts usually come in similar shapes, if you look beyond what your eyes can see, they hide a lot within. When I look at a coconut and imagine, patterns start emerging, and I know what it can be turned into. Now, thats the power of imagination. There are many variation of styles and shapes, but you can use multiple coconut shells.The toughest Challenge to find a perfectly symmetric coconut. Also the shell has to be polished to give a near gold finish. Also used, a bit of veneer, artificial pebbles and colored beads, to add richness. The next time you go the Carribean, and you want to throw away your coconut, go to a local craft stop, its amazing what they can do with a little imagination.