Tag: lesson

No Laughing Matter

1 Comment
Palley, Stuart. The Border Fire burns near Campo and Potrero Wednesday in San Diego County, California. Web. 31 Aug. 2016. http://www.outsideonline.com/2109026/man-behind-summers-most-iconic-fire-photos#slide-5.

Palley, Stuart. The Border Fire burns near Campo and Potrero Wednesday in San Diego County, California. Web. 31 Aug. 2016. http://www.outsideonline.com/2109026/man-behind-summers-most-iconic-fire-photos#slide-5.

I consider myself a person with a good sense of humor.  I try my best to decipher the appropriate times to let go and laugh.  This is not one of those times.  Recently, I noticed some jokes on social media centered around the California drought.  I not only find this in bad taste but extremely offensive.  I am a California girl born and raised so I am naturally protective, but I have other reasons.  The drought is much more than a shortage of water.  Thanks to the lack of rain and scorching temperatures, the Golden State is kindling ready to ignite.  Hearing about or driving by a fire is a daily occurrence.  A few weeks ago, the shopping center where I work was more crowded than usual because people were waiting for the smoke from a nearby fire to clear from the air.  Of course some fires are started by people, but the dry conditions invite the flames to spread with open arms.  Farmers are scrambling to protect their livelihood.  Families have lost their homes.  People have lost their lives.  Is that funny??  NO!!  Yes, there are selfish people who have not taken the drought seriously, but that is not an excuse.  It doesn’t matter what your personal feelings are regarding this state.  Next time you want to poke fun at the California drought, remember the people whose lives are being negatively affected.  Let this be a lesson to us all: educate yourself before opening your mouth.

If you need more proof of the devastation, here are links to eye-opening images:

• http://mashable.com/2015/09/14/valley-fire-devastation-photos/#HLDqTGuiASqh

• http://www.outsideonline.com/2109026/man-behind-summers-most-iconic-fire-photos

• http://stuartpalley.photoshelter.com/index/G0000ZMVoBzIEtqs/I0000BH7TwqpPOO0

 

 

Advertisement

El Gran Escape

1 Comment

Favim.com-29936

Long time no “see” readers!  It has been almost two months since I last blogged.  I hope this blog post finds you well.  I myself am sick, most likely from stress, but am happy that the upcoming week is the last of this quarter of school.  I am officially 6 months away from graduating college, and I could not be more ready to finish.  This quarter has been rough, full of harsh portfolio critiques and drama around every corner.  My only conclusion is that I am still alive and treading water.  I have managed to find the perfect escape from reality.  As a writer, I find solace in drama therefore my go to is quality books and television shows.  I have recently fallen in love with two Spanish dramas: “Isabel” y “Los Hombres de Paco.”  I get a heaping dose of romance and a Castellano lesson all at the same time.  La perfeccion!!!  The only problem is that when I like something, I tend to develop obsession.  I take the word “Escape” literally and become a character in the book I am reading or the show I am watching.  There is nothing wrong with imagination, but the line should be drawn at discontent with reality.  I always have trouble not crossing that line.  When reality becomes unbearable, I “escape” through alternate realities and give up on living my life.  It is fun for a time, but reality cannot be avoided forever.  Now I have to go practice what I preach.  I will let you now how well that works out… or not.  Happy Spring!  I shall return very soon.

Make a great escape readers!!

– Lauren Michele  :)

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.”  – Seth Godin