FFF Diva Song of the MO-ment: "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

Lyrics to Put Your Records On:

Three little birds, sat on my window.
And they told me I don't need to worry.
Summer came like cinnamon
So sweet,
Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.

Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong, but it's alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don't you hesitate.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely,
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,
(just relax, just relax)
Don't you let those other boys fool you,
Got to love that afro hair do.

Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don't you think it's strange?

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.

'Twas more than I could take, pity for pity's sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Oh, you're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow

Baring It All: The Barefoot Running Trend

Baring It All: The Barefoot Running Trend.
by Susan Rinkunas, RUNNER'S WORLD

Have you seen the alien shoes spotted on celebrities recently? Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves wear them to work out, actor Channing Tatum runs in them, and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George sports them for beach football.

Just what are these funky, rubber glove toe socks? They’re Vibram FiveFingers—shoes that are meant to mimic the experience of running without shoes, yet protect your feet from dirt and debris. Why would people want to run without their cushy trainers? Running without shoes can strengthen your feet, ankles, and lower legs and improve balance. Some say modern running shoes are to blame for injuries. And one man wrote an immensely popular book that concluded as much.

Vibram started making the five-toed shoes in 2006, but the trend really picked up steam last year, following the publication of Christopher McDougall's book “Born to Run.” The book describes how Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians have become some of the greatest long-distance runners in the world despite running barefoot or in sandals fashioned from tire rubber. McDougall chronicles an ultramarathon race in Mexico’s Copper Canyons attended by a group of Americans including “Barefoot Ted” McDonald, who either ran sans shoes or in FiveFingers, in case of sharp rocks. The author argues that we’d be better off without the souped-up shoes marketed to us by giants like Nike and Adidas, which he says have done nothing to prevent injuries. The book made “The New York Times” bestseller list, and now TMZ is photographing celebrities in their very own lizard shoes.

According to CNN, the FiveFingers have become so popular that the company is having a hard time keeping them in stock—and stopping counterfeiters from selling knock-offs online.

Some barefoot devotees simply like the sensation of feeling the surface they’re running on while others swear up and down that ditching traditional running shoes has helped them prevent injuries. While there’s no scientific evidence to support the latter claim, we do know that running barefoot or in barefoot-style shoes like the FiveFingers or Nike Free changes one’s running mechanics. When runners aren’t wearing shoes with built-up soles, they tend to land in the middle or toward the front of their feet rather than on their heel and researchers believe that such midfoot or forefoot striking results in less impact on the body. But as Susan Paul, M.S., exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation says, “To date, there are no studies indicating that running shoes contribute to injury or, conversely, that barefoot running reduces injury or makes you run faster.”

If you’re thinking about shedding your shoes, consider these guidelines:

1.Barefoot training is not for people who are just starting to run or returning from a long layoff—it’s something to slowly incorporate into an existing running regimen.
2.If you have persistent or serious foot problems, consult your podiatrist first.
3.Ease in slowly. Paul advises starting with a few minutes on a flat, relatively forgiving surface once a week. Grassy fields, smooth roads, and soft trails qualify. Running on sand might be tempting, but barefooting newbies should stick to wet sand at first as the unstable soft stuff puts a lot of torque on your joints and is much harder to run on.
4.Listen to your body. “Barefoot Ken Bob” Saxton, founder of runningbarefoot.org and finisher of more than 70 barefoot marathons, says, “Luckily, your feet are sensitive, which is a good thing. Listen to them and they'll keep you from doing something stupid.”
Has anyone run barefoot or in minimalist shoes like Vibrams? What did you think? If not, would you ever try it? Why or why not?

Susan Rinkunas is an associate editor at Runner’s World, a magazine (and website) that informs, advises, and motivates runners of all ages and abilities—and we mean it. Her blog on Yahoo! Shine offers tips on running technique, nutrition and weight loss, shoes and apparel, and balancing fitness and life.

FFF Diva Observation: Chub Flub Noise

Three words: Chub Flub Noise.

Do you know what it is?

Phrase: Chub Flub Noise.

FFF Diva Mo Definition: Chub Flub Noise (noun)- The sound that occurs when two pieces of heavy skin slam together on a person's body due to avid movement, such as a jumping exercise activity.

Sentence Usage: "FFF Diva Mo heard Chub Flub Noise coming from her body when she jumped rope today at Operation Boot Camp."

Chub Flub Noise. Tah-dah.

Let me provide context...

FFF Diva Mo's Facebook Status this AM: (P.S. We should be FB friends if we aren't already! Just sayin'! <3)

"I am in a love/hate relationship with the jump rope. At Operation Boot Camp this AM we did "On The Six": parking lot stalls w/ different activities including jump rope (one leg, side to side, etc). Not to mention running too. My calves are on fire, but I ♥ it. P.S. I am so proud we have an OBC Race Team for the 5K in Sept! Go OBC!"

Why bring up Chub Flub Noise?

While at camp I was in a parking lot stall and jumping rope. I was keeping a great consistent pace until I heard the NOISE. IT. THE SOUND. CHUB FLUB NOISE.

FFF Diva Mo: (while jumping rope) "Hey Chrissie. Do you hear that?"

OBC Chrissie: (while doing tire runs in place) "Ummm. Hear what?"

FFF Diva Mo: "Chub Flub Noise. You know what I am talking about. That is the ONE thing I dislike about exercise, especially jump rope. You can totally hear the Chub Flub Noise. Bah. You never win. The noise is like a reminder of how much weight you have left to lose."

OBC Chrissie: "Hahahaha. So true. What a pain!"

FFF Diva Mo: "That's it, I am writing a blog post about this. Blub, blub, blub."

OBC Chrissie: "Oh Mo. Hahaha."

So, I must know from my fellow fans and readers. Do YOU hear the Chub Flub Noise when you exercise? If so, how do you cope with it? Do you ignore it? Accept it? I would love to know.

Until next rant,
FFF Diva Mo

FFF Diva Challenge: The Gladiator Mud Run

The Gladiator Mud Run. 5K. 12 obstacles. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Army (therefore Army folks will be there yelling at us). Bakersfield, CA. September 25th, 2010.

What about it?

Try: I signed up for it.

That's right FFF Diva Fans, you heard it right. I signed up for my first 5K (3.1 miles) obstacle filled mud run race! In Central California of all places! (the heat is not so great, even in September)

Why did I sign up? Two words: Nicole Ferguson.

Nicole was my bestie growning up in college. She was from Bakersfield and I was from San Jose. We met Freshman year at Dominican University of California in the same Speech & Rhetoric Class. She was engaged to her longtime boyfriend. I ended up dating her guy best friend from high school at the time (who we now both don't speak to). Awesome. Meant to be besties.

Fast forward seven years later...

I still live in San Jose, finishing up my Master's in Business Administration, dating here and there, training for my second marathon in 2010, & on a weight loss journey. Nicole now lives in Bakersfield, finishing up her B.S. from CSU Bakersfield (she transferred), got married, bought a home, had a baby, now in process of getting divorced, on a weight loss journey as well.

So what?

I have taken Nicole under my guidance to get both of us on track for weight loss. Somewhere during the process she mentioned she wanted to attempt her first 5K race and she wanted to complete it in September (her former wedding anniversary date = symbolism of change & process). Beautiful. However, she was hesitant and so I said "Hey I will look up a bunch of races in the Central Valley area and you can pick one." Okay? Okay. No-kay. Of all the listed 5K races she chose the Gladiator Mud Run. And so here we are today, both registered for the race & doing it for different reasons & have different running histories.

FFF Diva Nicole: First 5K ever. Currently working on a 6 week training plan with her gym trainer.

FFF Diva Mo: This will be my 6th 5K race since May 2009. I am not focused on time, but more on completing each of the 12 obstacles on this course in order to qualify for their medal. If you don't complete each obstacle when you cross the finish line time becomes irrelevant.

Gladiator Mud Run Website to see obstacles & more info:
http://gladiatormudrun.com/Home.php

Anyways, this is the beginning of a new chapter in both of our lives and I am glad I will be there every step of the way with Nicole. We also decided to create matching t-shirts to boot. September 25th won't be about how long it will take to complete the mud run, but that we did it together and never gave up. ALSO MUUUUUUUUUUD!

<3 FFF Diva Mo

FFF Diva Realization: The Weekend

What is it about the weekend that always plagues my personal weight loss journey? Monday through Friday I have a pretty consistent routine of work, exercise, and soon my MBA graduate school program again. During the week I eat so meticulously and cafefully and fill myself up with calories that have a purpose to be in my body in the first place. Then, the WEEKEND hits!

For example, at the end of July I finally came back into my 240s at 249 lbs. Then last week I dropped to 247 lbs. Then, the WEEKEND happened. Today I weighed myself and I am BACK to 250 lbs. WTF just happened? THE WEEKEND is my downfall. Let me explain.

This weekend I gorged food, snacks, and smores at a last minute camping trip with some college buddies of mine. Although we did a lot of hiking and exercising and hell even running up a steep incline, I did something my body wasn't used to: I ATE SWEETS. We all know that losing weight is not rocket science, nor a mystery, it's a formula. Basically you eat enough calories for your body to burn up and use as fuel to power you through the day. Right? Right. Unless you are FFF Diva Mo. See, I use the WEEKEND to use as a reward system and this time I went to far.

Why is the WEEKEND ANY different from the WEEKDAYS? Or why is it different in my mind at least? I talked to my Operation Boot Camp trainer Ronny (who I totally confide in) and told him my WEEKEND story. Then he shared something with me to put things into perspective:

"Mo, the weekend consists of two days: Saturday and Sunday. In the grand scheme of things that is a small percentage of your actual week of life. You just need to push on, still eat right, and exercise during the weekend. The weekend is just the same as the days that are part of the standard work week. You can survive two more days, afterall you already survived five days. What's two more days?"

Two more days. Two more days. What's two more days?

It's simply nothing. I gained the weight back because I let my mind think that the weekend was anything different from the work week or week in general.

How am I going to get back on track?! 1) MEAL PLANNING 2) PORTION CONTROL 3) MORE WATER INTAKE 4) LESS DIET SODA & SWEETS 5) MORE LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES & FRUITS in my EVERYDAY DIET 6) EXERCISE DOUBLE DAYS 7) GET ENOUGH SLEEP.

Yes, this is the plan. Let's hope this works!

Best,
FFF Diva Mo <3

FFF Diva Article Research: "No More Exercise Excuses!"

No More Exercise Excuses!
Busting 5 Common Workout Excuses
-- By Leanne Beattie, Health and Fitness Writer
We begin a new fitness routine with the best of intentions—telling ourselves that we’ll hit the gym three times a week—but actually accomplishing what we set out to do can be harder than expected. Combining a busy work week with other obligations and a list of errands can be a recipe for fitness failure. Exercise has to be pushed to the bottom of the list since there are only so many hours in the day, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has the same 24 hours to work with every day. It’s how you decide to spend and prioritize your time that’s the real issue. It’s easy to make excuses and kid yourself about why you’re not reaching your fitness goals, but until you take responsibility for your actions (or lack thereof) you will remain in front of the television for one more evening, all the while moaning about how you can’t fit into your favorite clothes any longer.

"But I’m tired," you tell yourself. "I’ve had a long day and I deserve to sit back and relax. I’ll just take it easy tonight and I promise to work out tomorrow." Then tomorrow comes and you’ve got to work late and you’re out of milk so you have to go buy groceries and before you know it, another day has passed and still no exercise. Why is it that you can hold down a job, make it to class, run a household and put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, while you disappoint yourself every time you miss your own appointment with the treadmill?

Of course there are legitimate reasons to not exercise. But unless you’ve just given birth or had surgery, most of these reasons aren’t reasons at all—they’re excuses. If you’ve been allowing these excuses to keep you from the gym, it’s time to refocus.

Exercise Excuse # 1: I’m too tired.
It takes energy to produce energy, so while you may be tired now, even a short 10-minute walk will get your blood pumping and will boost your energy levels for up to two hours after. And regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, meaning more energy throughout the day. Some research suggests working out can help regulate your sleep cycles, so you’ll fall asleep easier, sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. A morning workout—not a cup of coffee—could be just the ticket you need to feel more awake and energized all day long!

Exercise Excuse # 2: I don’t have time.
Eliminate 30 minutes of television viewing each night and exercise for half an hour instead. Unlike couch time, this method will strengthen muscles, burn fat, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Record your favorite shows and watch them while lifting weights or running on the treadmill to multitask. Get up an hour earlier in the morning and go for a walk before you start your day or bring along your sneakers and go for a walk during your lunch break. There are many little time stealers in your day, from surfing the Internet to watching reruns to accepting calls from people you don’t really want to talk to. Getting rid of these distractions can add hours of free time each day—time that can be spent improving your health.

Exercise Excuse # 3: I can’t afford a gym membership or equipment.
While going to the gym is a great way to get in shape, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good workout. Either sign up for the bare bones membership package (are you really going to use all the perks the gym offers anyway?) or exercise at home for free with help from SparkPeople’s exercise demos, workouts, videos and other fitness resources. Push-ups, lunges, crunches and aerobics can all be done in the privacy of your own home and cost no money at all. Don’t forget to borrow some fitness DVDs from your local library to ensure you don’t get bored with your routine. Exercising at home also eliminates another avoidance excuse—the weather. Your home treadmill is available rain or shine, 365 days a year.

Exercise Excuse # 4: I’m embarrassed by my appearance.
It’s tough to the gym if you don’t feel good about your appearance. A well-fitting pair of yoga pants and a new T-shirt go a long way towards making you feel better about your body. Baggy, oversized shirts and track pants may be comfortable, but they make you look bigger, so find some fitness clothes shaped to play up your best assets. If you are afraid of being the biggest person in the exercise class, sign up for a class specifically designed for overweight individuals or a beginner’s class where there will be others just starting out, too. And remember: Everyone at the gym has the same goal in mind and everyone had to start somewhere. You may feel self-conscious, but chances are that no one is really paying attention to you and if they are, they’re probably silently cheering you on for working toward your goals!

Exercise Excuse # 5: I’m too depressed.
A Harvard University study found that after 12 weeks of weight training, nearly 90% of seriously depressed seniors no longer met the criteria for clinical depression. And just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise boosts the levels of your brain’s feel-good chemicals, making you happier and more invigorated. So exercising will actually improve your mood, even if you feel like biting someone’s head off before you begin. Many bad moods are the result of stress and exercise is a proven way to relax and lower the amount of cortisol (which is produced in response to stress) in your system. High cortisol levels have been linked to the accumulation of harmful abdominal fat.


We are all busy and have lives outside of the gym, but we all need regular exercise to help us stay healthy, lose weight and cope with the stresses of everyday life. By making excuses to avoid exercise, all we’re really doing is telling ourselves that our physical and mental health is not important and doing the dishes, driving the kids to their activities or watching mindless television is a more worthy endeavor. And nothing could be further from the truth.



No More Exercise Excuses!
Busting 5 Common Workout Excuses
-- By Leanne Beattie, Health and Fitness Writer
We begin a new fitness routine with the best of intentions—telling ourselves that we’ll hit the gym three times a week—but actually accomplishing what we set out to do can be harder than expected. Combining a busy work week with other obligations and a list of errands can be a recipe for fitness failure. Exercise has to be pushed to the bottom of the list since there are only so many hours in the day, right?

Wrong.

Everyone has the same 24 hours to work with every day. It’s how you decide to spend and prioritize your time that’s the real issue. It’s easy to make excuses and kid yourself about why you’re not reaching your fitness goals, but until you take responsibility for your actions (or lack thereof) you will remain in front of the television for one more evening, all the while moaning about how you can’t fit into your favorite clothes any longer.

"But I’m tired," you tell yourself. "I’ve had a long day and I deserve to sit back and relax. I’ll just take it easy tonight and I promise to work out tomorrow." Then tomorrow comes and you’ve got to work late and you’re out of milk so you have to go buy groceries and before you know it, another day has passed and still no exercise. Why is it that you can hold down a job, make it to class, run a household and put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, while you disappoint yourself every time you miss your own appointment with the treadmill?

Of course there are legitimate reasons to not exercise. But unless you’ve just given birth or had surgery, most of these reasons aren’t reasons at all—they’re excuses. If you’ve been allowing these excuses to keep you from the gym, it’s time to refocus.

Exercise Excuse # 1: I’m too tired.
It takes energy to produce energy, so while you may be tired now, even a short 10-minute walk will get your blood pumping and will boost your energy levels for up to two hours after. And regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, meaning more energy throughout the day. Some research suggests working out can help regulate your sleep cycles, so you’ll fall asleep easier, sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. A morning workout—not a cup of coffee—could be just the ticket you need to feel more awake and energized all day long!

Exercise Excuse # 2: I don’t have time.
Eliminate 30 minutes of television viewing each night and exercise for half an hour instead. Unlike couch time, this method will strengthen muscles, burn fat, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Record your favorite shows and watch them while lifting weights or running on the treadmill to multitask. Get up an hour earlier in the morning and go for a walk before you start your day or bring along your sneakers and go for a walk during your lunch break. There are many little time stealers in your day, from surfing the Internet to watching reruns to accepting calls from people you don’t really want to talk to. Getting rid of these distractions can add hours of free time each day—time that can be spent improving your health.

Exercise Excuse # 3: I can’t afford a gym membership or equipment.
While going to the gym is a great way to get in shape, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good workout. Either sign up for the bare bones membership package (are you really going to use all the perks the gym offers anyway?) or exercise at home for free with help from SparkPeople’s exercise demos, workouts, videos and other fitness resources. Push-ups, lunges, crunches and aerobics can all be done in the privacy of your own home and cost no money at all. Don’t forget to borrow some fitness DVDs from your local library to ensure you don’t get bored with your routine. Exercising at home also eliminates another avoidance excuse—the weather. Your home treadmill is available rain or shine, 365 days a year.

Exercise Excuse # 4: I’m embarrassed by my appearance.
It’s tough to the gym if you don’t feel good about your appearance. A well-fitting pair of yoga pants and a new T-shirt go a long way towards making you feel better about your body. Baggy, oversized shirts and track pants may be comfortable, but they make you look bigger, so find some fitness clothes shaped to play up your best assets. If you are afraid of being the biggest person in the exercise class, sign up for a class specifically designed for overweight individuals or a beginner’s class where there will be others just starting out, too. And remember: Everyone at the gym has the same goal in mind and everyone had to start somewhere. You may feel self-conscious, but chances are that no one is really paying attention to you and if they are, they’re probably silently cheering you on for working toward your goals!

Exercise Excuse # 5: I’m too depressed.
A Harvard University study found that after 12 weeks of weight training, nearly 90% of seriously depressed seniors no longer met the criteria for clinical depression. And just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise boosts the levels of your brain’s feel-good chemicals, making you happier and more invigorated. So exercising will actually improve your mood, even if you feel like biting someone’s head off before you begin. Many bad moods are the result of stress and exercise is a proven way to relax and lower the amount of cortisol (which is produced in response to stress) in your system. High cortisol levels have been linked to the accumulation of harmful abdominal fat.


We are all busy and have lives outside of the gym, but we all need regular exercise to help us stay healthy, lose weight and cope with the stresses of everyday life. By making excuses to avoid exercise, all we’re really doing is telling ourselves that our physical and mental health is not important and doing the dishes, driving the kids to their activities or watching mindless television is a more worthy endeavor. And nothing could be further from the truth.

FFF Diva Race: Wharf to Wharf 2010

Photos are from the Wharf to Wharf Race - July 2010
I ran the 6 mile race from Santa Cruz to Capitola with my friends from Operation Boot Camp! : )

Next race: 10K End of Summer Race in San Jose, CA with my fellow boot campers! OBC represent!

FFF Diva Historic News: Prop 8 is OVERTURNED!

‎"Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional
obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes
that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."

FFF Diva Song of the Day: "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

Bruno Mars: "Just the Way You Are" (and he's Filipino too!)

Showcasing Your Talents: Advice on Networking

Showcasing Your Talents: Advice on Networking

The above is a link (& below is the article) to my cousin Catherine's latest advice about networking techniques. So proud! She is a FFF Diva herself! : ) <3 FFF Diva Mo


Showcasing Your Talents: Advice on Networking by Catherine Judge

When I moved back to San Francisco from New York exactly one year ago in August 2009, I found myself thinking about public relations. I have always wanted to learn more about the trade and often read the Papa Lo Down blog for advice. I realized it was a natural transition from being an organizer; because, just like organizing, public relations deals with messaging, campaigning, coalition building and event planning.

So I emailed Paloma Belara and hoped with my transferable skills and under her savvy direction and tutelage, I would develop professionally in the public relations world.

Sure enough, my speculations were correct and I soon found myself in the middle of deadlines, action plans, timelines, and always keeping an eye open for relevant news.

My experiences have inspired me to write this entry and to share my advice with independent artists.

BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
I often hear about the anxiety people get from the dreaded but necessary “networking opportunities”. My approach is casual but still professional. You can meet a future business partner potentially anywhere, and great partnerships start with a simple conversation. Be open to meeting new people and getting to know them and their passions. Just because someone is a bank teller doesn’t mean they can’t make a dope addition to your artistic network.

So the first steps are to breathe and release that intimidation, be open, and don’t have assumptions that can close doors for you. You never know who or what someone knows. Assumptions will only close doors for you.

Presenting Yourself
Get to the point! Be concise and keep in mind what you think might be interesting to others. Be proud of what you do but don’t ever lie. Yes, sometimes your “slight exaggerations” can count as a lie.

Following Up
Once you make that new connection, don’t forget to follow up as quickly as possible so you’re still fresh in their mind. There are a ton of reasons why someone might not be able to reach out to you, so make sure that you don’t lose that connection!

If you don’t have time to send them a thought provoking eloquently worded email right away—don’t worry! You can always drop them a line to show you want to cultivate a working relationship with them and work on that email later.

Some people are more responsive on twitter than by email. See this article to see just how much artists can get from utilizing these sites: http://artbistro.monster.com/benefits/articles/10695-4-things-artists-can-get-out-of-being-on-twitter.

Reciprocity
Some artists are notorious for courting friendships to exploit what they want and leaving once they get it. This is not the way to network and maintain relations. It will only make people resentful, and they will tell their circle about what you’ve done. Sometimes we don’t notice we do this.

So when you ask people for a favor, really think about when you’ve helped them, too. Always take into consideration people’s time, labor and effort. Even if they make a five-minute phone call to ask one of their friends to help you, they are still banking on their clout, reputation and trust that have taken them a long time to create.

Keeping it Alive
I have had artists complain to me that they have reached a plateau and feel stagnant with their art. Your network can help you with that! Collaborating with other artists you admire and exposing yourself to different genres of art is a great way to force you to get out of your comfort zone and create something new.

Further, always think outside the box and of ways to have members of your network participate in your next project. Those are lessons Papa Lo Down has taught me. Say you’re planning a community event and that you want your art to be featured. You know it will need a lot more than just your art to draw a crowd. Then you remember your relative owns a catering company, your friend is a dj, your coworker’s children are in a dance group, and your former classmate is an avid blogger who can help promote your event. Not only does this help your event and career, but it provides chances for your folks to shine too—reciprocal relationships! So don’t forget to think about your resources, figure out if the collaboration(s) blend with your theme, and make it work!

Lastly, ensuring you have a successful online presence is another way for people to stay in touch with what you’re doing even if you haven’t physically seen or talked with them recently. See this article on ideas to improve your online art presence:
http://artbistro.monster.com/education/articles/9687-5-ways-to-improve-your-online-art-presence?comment_page=2&page=2

Stay tuned for periodic blog posts on tools and advice as I share from my experiences.

ps. follow me on twitter! @mzjudge