You Might Be An Artist If…

The fabulous comedian Jeff Foxworthy has made a whole routine about “You might be a redneck if…” Funny and ashamedly enough I have found instances where I was indeed a redneck. One of the jokes goes something like “You might be a redneck if you have several cars in your driveway but the only thing mobile is your home” this was in fact true for the first few years of my life. I have managed to accept some my Texas redneck ways, but one thing I sort of struggled with was identifying myself as an artist, I mean artists are painters, sketch artists, musicians, certain types of photographers, and writers, I am none of these. But friends and family have told me that being  the photographer that I am did indeed make me an artist. This last week I realized how much of an artist I am…No this is not me bragging on how gorgeous my latest portrait is, in fact it is me making light of the silly habits I have. So here is my spin on a classic comedy set up.

You might be an artist if…

You sometimes entertain the idea of being homeless.

No not the have to sleep in cardboard box kind of hobo, but the kind that jumps on trains and takes up odd jobs so you can travel and see the world…even if it isn’t so glamorous.

You constantly worry that you are just a hack, and anyone with half a brain could do what you.

What if I’m just not original enough???

The idea of packing it all in and getting yourself a “proper” career crosses your mind daily.

Consisent pay and benefits are quite tempting.

If you keep a notepad full of artistic ideas, but honestly it’s mostly gibberish.

What the heck did I write???

A nervous breakdown is commonplace for you.

 A little sobbing is therapeutic right?

You understand why artist are often drunks.

It’ll help my art right? I’ll drink to that.

After all the horrible insecurities manifest you realize you have unique point of view, and decide to stick it out like a beast, because nothing makes you happier than your art!

So whether you are a worldwide success or merely accomplished by your own standards, understand that you worked hard to get where you are, or that you are working to get somewhere. Know your worth and keep your head high because it’s so worth it!

I hope you all enjoyed this post, and if you have any similar feelings please feel free to share. I love feedback! Happy Friday and an equally happy weekend to you all!

Let’s Talk About Stereotypes

Stereotype : Something conforming to a fixed or general pattern.

Now in life there are a great many stereotypes: gender, age, and race specific. Sometimes stereotypes are extremely hurtful, and other times they are humorous and true. Now of course I do not wish to offend anyone, but today I would like to address some stereotypes I’ve been accused of, or asked about when people learn I’m Native American.

Stereotype No. 1. You live in a teepee. Sorry to burst your bubble but no. I live in the burbs, and even way back in the day my people The Tsalagi lived in cabins… not Teepees.

Stereotype No. 2. You wear your hair in braids. Well this is true, not all of the time of course. But when you have crazy fly aways and loads of hair how else are you going to wear it?

I love his hair! Don’t you?

Stereotype No. 3. You put your hand in front of your mouth and go wa wa wah. OK seriously do you believe everything in the movies? If that’s the case you’re probably also looking out for that upcoming zombie invasion that’s bound to happen too.

I’ve had people do this at me. Seriously rude much?

Stereotype No. 4. You have cheek bones that won’t quit. Ok this may be more of a fact than a stereotype haha.

Wow! This man is quite gorgeous!

Stereotype No. 5. You’re a drunk. Are you kidding me? This is just as ridiculous as saying all white people are racist. So no I am no drunk.

 

Stereotype No. 6. You love turquoise. Why yes, yes I do. Basically every pow wow I go to I buy one more piece of turquoise jewelry.

 

Stereotype No. 7. You have perfectly straight black hair. If only this were true. There are the select few who actually have the most perfect head of hair you have ever seen…but the reality is most of us don’t.

*sigh* if only.

Stereotype No. 8. You can go to college for free. Yes there are scholarships but being able to prove you’re Native American does not guarantee a full ride.

 

Stereotype No. 9. You all greet by saying Hau (pronounced how). Well since we’re not all Lakota men, the answer is no. My people greet with Osiyo or with siyo, but since the elders say that siyo is the equivalent to “sup” I don’t use it, cause I’m no gangsta haha.

and clearly this guy is no “gangsta” either.

And lastly No. 10. You were mocs. Well of course, mocs could quite possibly be the most comfortable shoes in creation!

and not to mention super cute!

 I hope you all had a laugh and enjoyed this post. What are some stereotypes you’ve had people believe about you? Or even what are some stereotypes that you believed? I’d love some feedback. And as always have a Happy Monday!

 

What I hate about concerts!

So a couple of nights ago I went to a concert with one of my girlfriends, and we started talking about all the concerts we have gone to. Neither one of us has been to a ton! I have been to maybe 10 or so major-ish concerts (major-ish meaning I am not the only one who knows the songs haha). But all the concerts I have gone to share the same problems!

1. Expensive! Not only am I paying for a ticket, I will have to pay for gas (concerts are never closer than 30 minutes away), parking, and the next few are optional but you get my point, merch, drinks, and dinner! So all in all it is an expensive night out!

2. Cigarettes and the people who use them as a weapon! Seriously I don’t smoke so get away from me! Just because you don’t value your lungs doesn’t mean I don’t care about mine either!

3. The desperate drunk housewives who show up just to get wasted! Seriously do you even know who is playing the gig? Let alone where you actually are?

4. Skanky party girls!!! Seriously put some clothes on! Your lack of clothing does not make you look cool! It makes you look stupid! Seriously your mother said “show some respect for yourself” not show YOURSELF!

5. The screamers! Seriously what kind of world would it be if you acted the same way you do as an audience member in everyday settings? For instance “hi what can I get for you today?”- Coffee barista “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!”-Screamer. Of course no one wants to play to a dead audience, but screaming at them through the whole show is just plain obnoxious, and a guarantee you will be the last person they want to talk to!

6. The jerk who thinks its ok to mosh to every song whether it’s metal or not! Look buddy if you have aggression issues take it out on a punching bag not me!

7. Lastly the person who doesn’t believe in using deodorant! It’s bad enough we are all crammed in here like sardines so at least put on some deodorant!!!

And after all that you walk away from the concert broke, exhausted, deaf from the sound guy thinking that turning the music all the way up is the real way to enjoy it, bruised from crazy mosh pit guy, and smelly from the stinky sweaty people around you! Yep concerts sure sound like fun huh? But seriously with all the negatives they can dish out, nothing beats getting to hear your favorite band, having them sound just as amazing live as they do on cd, and getting to shake their hand and realizing they are just as down to earth as you thought they were! Hope you enjoyed this post! Happy Monday everyone!