you were meant for amazing things.

Torrance is the last place I expected to host an event that included art, dance, music and social justice. Growing up in this city, we have a self given nickname of "Borrance" because nothing exciting ever happens here. Or so we think. I believe there are things happening all around us that we take for granted or these things just go unnoticed so we think we lead mundane lives. I believe there is potential in all of us to create amazing things. We all have the ability to cause whimsy and evoke emotion. I was reminded of this last night at an event called Fuze.

I'd like to thank the people at HOPE International and Mosaic for setting the bar and exemplifying how culture and awareness can be brought together to form a genuine community and spark a meaningful conversation. The event staff was friendly and helpful (shout out to Goodie!) and the art gallery featured some exquisite pieces. Hearing what HOPE International does with microfinancing was really impressive. An innovative idea about empowering people to acquire skills for trade and to create their own capital is one of the fresher takes I've heard regarding helping impoverished people. Inspiring spoken word, tap dancing and songs bookended the headline act, Sleeping At Last.

I had the privilege of meeting Ryan from Sleeping At Last and he is one of the most unassuming, genuine and easy to talk to artists I've ever met. His honesty and genuine personality really shines through his music. During a Q & A session, he said that when we writes his music, he tries to cause his audience to get goosebumps and I think he succeeds with each song and arrangement. Speaking of arrangements, I gotta give a shout out to the quartet that accompanied Ryan that included my cousins, Emi and Kumi on the violins! Excellent performance guys & girls!

I'll have a link to some video of the performance later but for now check out this performance of "Umbrellas".

you were meant for amazing things.

I Am Like You

I love this poem by Anis Mojgani. ("Come Closer" performed at TWLOHA's Heavy and Light event.) The words he uses are a great example of how to enter into a meaningful conversation. Too often do we speak before thinking. I'm as guilty as anyone on this. I need to be reminded that before I have any interaction that I hope to have a positive effect, I need to check my ego and think about how I can best serve the person I'm interacting with.

The overturning of Prop 8 here in California has stirred many conversations, debates and arguments. I believe that it is a good thing to express our opinions and hopefully we remain open enough to have meaningful discussions. I've read many posts on how legalizing gay marriage will lead to the destruction of family in America. I've also read a few articles, such as this one from The Washington Post, that report on how the "millennial generation" is overwhelmingly supportive of marriage equality and that it might actually be good for the institution of marriage. When I think about my own opinion of the debate, I think about my friends who are gay. What would I say to these people that I care about?

Do I want my words and actions to tell them that I think their pursuit of happiness in life will cause the destruction of family?

Do I want to tell them that their dream to marry the person that they love will never be legal in my state, on my watch?

What if someone said that to me? I wouldn't feel so great about myself. I think there is a better way to live out my calling to love people. Starting with the way I enter conversation.

Come closer.

You are quite the beauty.

I am like you.

If we can start here, our conversations will be more meaningful and our relationships will be much more intimate. No matter our age, race, sexuality, we all have at least one thing in common. We are all human and, more than I might know it, I am like you.