Once I've got my list, I go in search of images that express that desire. I used to cut up old magazines, but thanks to the internet and Photoshop, it's a millions times easier now and allows me to be way more visually specific.
So I've just finished my Dream Board for 2012 and I'm stoked. I'm not going to post it in its entirety here, because some things are better kept close to the breast, but I will share a few of the images I pinned to my Dream Board:
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| me, googie, my brother billy + her obese wiener dog Hans |
I've always been drawn to the elderly. Throughout my formative years, I volunteered at nursing homes with my bestie Mel. We did it on some weekends instead of going to the mall and always made it a priority to spend time with the old folks. At the nursing home, we'd read to the residents, write for them, walk them to the garden, to lunch, to exercise class, or just hang out and chat. The time spent working with the seniors was always rich. We made friends, we lost friends, we were taught invaluable life lessons. And, of course, there were some funny times, too. It's hard for 13-year-old not to laugh when the old man you're walking to dinner farts all the way to the cafeteria. (sidenote: he thought it was funny, too.)
All that said, one of my desires for 2012 is to find the time to volunteer again at a local nursing home. I've already found the home actually—it's one that is inclusive and welcoming to all seniors (most notably LGBTs)—and now it's just a matter of getting in touch and starting the process.
Public SpeakingI really enjoy inspiring and empowering people. Even though the column I co-write is rooted in humor (I also really like to make ya'll laugh), the undercurrent is always an attempt to be helpful. Sure, I like to slap an ass here and there as Lipstick, but I'm always genuinely trying to offer sincere advice.
We respond to every single person who writes us, too. And this, to me, is always the most satisfying aspect of what I do. What you see in Curve Magazine is the tiniest tip of the iceberg. We receive 2 - 3 questions a week and some of them are funny (they know who their audience is), but some are absolutely heartbreaking. We make those a sincere souls a priority off the page and do what we can to help, often keeping in touch for the duration of the difficult time for the reader. For those, I respond as Gina, not Lipstick.
Dipstick and I have spoken to crowds (college campuses mostly) and I'd really like to do more of that, as Lipstick (with Dip) or maybe just as Gina. I haven't figured out my calling here yet, but I know I'd also like to write a self help book or two. It's all marinating now, but attached here is my desire visually—manifesting in this instance on a stage. I imagine all these people are in search of something and I'm getting ready to come out and give it to them.
Jukebox Adaptation Co-Writer
I've adapted my novel into a screenplay, but my spirit has told me loud and clear that I'm in need of an experienced screenwriter to collaborate with—someone who will come in with fresh eyes and tear the work I've done apart. I've got some ideas on who I might approach, but right now those ideas are steeping, too. It's got to be the right person and I'll make no misstep here, so I'll wait until the universe makes it clear to me.
(Even though these are two male hands, I'm quite certain the collaborator will be a woman. I'll need her female sensibilities, as well as her writing prowess, to bring Harper and Grace alive.)
One Love + More of itWe can never have enough love, right? More importantly, we can't ever give enough. Jimi Hendrix once said "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
I want to do my part and always come from a place of love (and gratitude), even in the face of negativity, ridicule, or attack. Living in and coming from a constant place of love is possible, but we must work at it every day. We get what we give and it's all connected.
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