Exciting News, Updates and Other Things
It has been a hot minute since I last shared all the waves of excitement going on in my studio/living room. Plus, what's been happening in my life! Gah! February was the last time I shared "Exciting News, Updates and Other Things" post! It's definitely about time to write another.
As I sit in my cozy, little studio with my girl - Bubbles, (who you will meet below), I'm reflecting on the past six or so months. The longgggest, most stressful six months of my life! I don't want to get ahead of myself, but things are finally allowing me to catch up, or maybe it's the new freedom in my life...? I think things happen for a reason. I am embracing the changes, trying to focus on what I want. I am in this new transition in my life and with all the lemons tossed my way, comes new adventures. There is no better time than the present, so now as I jam to Pandora and write this post, "She keeps it on and popppppin', Shawty keep it on and poppin..." Six points if you know what I'm singing at the moment! But any who, the presence is where I will remain.
Since my last post, a few significant milestones have kept me on my toes. Keeping busy and motivated for the next big thing:
Since my last post, a few significant milestones have kept me on my toes. Keeping busy and motivated for the next big thing:
| Business: 1. Mrs. Universe 2015 - Ashley Callingbull 2. Native Appropriations - First Ever Newsletter 3. 100th Online Sale 4. Powwow Personal: 5. New Apartment/Studio 6. A Creative Narrative 7. New Tattoo 8. I have a cat......... 9. Traveling & Bahamas with my Gammas & finallyyyyy TWO new projects to look forward too! |
Business
1. Miss Universe 2015 - Ashley Callingbull
Yasss 🙌🏽 👸🏽) Native royalty - Ashley Callingbull represented my Glam Fans Quill Earrings while meeting the Prime Minister!! Let's take a moment to think about how cool that is; even I am still processing it. I have always been a fan since day one. The second she stepped onto the scene stating, "Really? People think I'm too political for my first day as Mrs. Universe. Did you think I was going just to sit there and look beautiful? Not. I have a title, a platform, and a voice to make a change and bring awareness to First Nations issues here in Canada. I'm getting all this media attention, and I'm going to use it to the best of my ability. I'm not your typical beauty queen. Look out... I have a voice for change, and I'm going to use it!"
That's exactly how I'm feeling after this round two of coffee. I have multiple platforms to inspire: Health, Education, and Design. Someone recently told me when I started in the Health Center, "You don't have to be the doctor or the nurse to get the job done. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. We as people can have all the education and instruction in the world, but it's more than that. We need support and optimism to make any change. You have that!"
A horse, an addict, someone sick, the healthy and the sick need encouragement as well as optimism, energy, and enthusiasm to get to the water (aka the achievement). Helping people reach their goals is what I like to do. I feel it's my obligation to use my voice, my titles, and my platforms to do the same;
- to empower - to make change.
2. Native Appropriations - First Ever Newsletter
Native Appropriations is a forum for discussing representations of Native peoples, including stereotypes, cultural appropriation, news, activism, and more. The author Adrienne Keene, a powerful and very real writer, brings you into the world of the contemporary native, sharing a fresh perspective of Native identity today, and shedding light on new issues that Natives face in this new age. She and her work represent a fresh adaption, a modern movement in Indian Country.
I love it! I am even more impressed that I have the privilege to be in Adrienne's first Newsletter as the Native Creator Spotlight!
Native Appropriations is a forum for discussing representations of Native peoples, including stereotypes, cultural appropriation, news, activism, and more. The author Adrienne Keene, a powerful and very real writer, brings you into the world of the contemporary native, sharing a fresh perspective of Native identity today, and shedding light on new issues that Natives face in this new age. She and her work represent a fresh adaption, a modern movement in Indian Country.
I love it! I am even more impressed that I have the privilege to be in Adrienne's first Newsletter as the Native Creator Spotlight!
3. 100th Online Sale
Two months ago was my hundredth online sale and I'm still online going strong. Wahoo! I appreciate all the support along the journey. I can't wait to keep creating and exploring new outlets.
Two months ago was my hundredth online sale and I'm still online going strong. Wahoo! I appreciate all the support along the journey. I can't wait to keep creating and exploring new outlets.
4. Powwow
38th Annual - 2016 Keweenaw Bay Maawanji'iding - Baraga, MI
Eee! My hometown powwow is coming up so fast, and everyone is already asking me if I'm going to be a vendor!? I want too but, Eeee! The work that has to be put in is a little wild - especially between online sales from my site, sales from Beyond Buckskin's site, my full-time gig and traveling for my full-time gig. I am sorry to disappoint. I don't think being a vendor is what I want in general at the moment; the commitment is a little more than it ever leads up too. Have you ever had a garage sale and after all the energy of the advertising, set up, sitting there all day, mingling, take down, traveling and more, you think the next day or minutes after... Dang!? That was rough! That's me.
You will however see me dancing in the arena!
So for now, you can always buy online or order local pick up! Miigwetch (Thank you) for you continued respect and patience.
38th Annual - 2016 Keweenaw Bay Maawanji'iding - Baraga, MI
Eee! My hometown powwow is coming up so fast, and everyone is already asking me if I'm going to be a vendor!? I want too but, Eeee! The work that has to be put in is a little wild - especially between online sales from my site, sales from Beyond Buckskin's site, my full-time gig and traveling for my full-time gig. I am sorry to disappoint. I don't think being a vendor is what I want in general at the moment; the commitment is a little more than it ever leads up too. Have you ever had a garage sale and after all the energy of the advertising, set up, sitting there all day, mingling, take down, traveling and more, you think the next day or minutes after... Dang!? That was rough! That's me.
You will however see me dancing in the arena!
So for now, you can always buy online or order local pick up! Miigwetch (Thank you) for you continued respect and patience.
Personal
5. New Apartment/Studio
I have a new apartment with three out of the five things I need in life - so life is so good! Just look at the fantastic lighting which is the first major priority. The second priority is a bath tube... so yay! It is a rez house (which comes with its own issues), but I am content and comfortable... for now.
I have a new apartment with three out of the five things I need in life - so life is so good! Just look at the fantastic lighting which is the first major priority. The second priority is a bath tube... so yay! It is a rez house (which comes with its own issues), but I am content and comfortable... for now.
6. A Creative Narrative I Created
For my full-time job, I work in my Tribal Health Clinic, as Grant Coordinator (If you didn't know, now ya know - Yes, I have a full-time day job) and I get to travel a lot! At least once a month, I need to go because I adopted the luxuries of the city. I love that I get to do it all. I am also blessed to sit in rooms filled with enthusiastic young individuals excited for a change. I get to participate in dialogues on current issues and engage with the people who's actions are making a change. I come back to my little community ready and more excited every time.
I spent a week in Green Bay, WI, a month ago, and got to create my first ever digital story addressing food about chronic disease. Below I share a small glimpse into my life and how food has always represented stability. I love exploring new outlets and understanding a new process to create, making connections allow the way.
For my full-time job, I work in my Tribal Health Clinic, as Grant Coordinator (If you didn't know, now ya know - Yes, I have a full-time day job) and I get to travel a lot! At least once a month, I need to go because I adopted the luxuries of the city. I love that I get to do it all. I am also blessed to sit in rooms filled with enthusiastic young individuals excited for a change. I get to participate in dialogues on current issues and engage with the people who's actions are making a change. I come back to my little community ready and more excited every time.
I spent a week in Green Bay, WI, a month ago, and got to create my first ever digital story addressing food about chronic disease. Below I share a small glimpse into my life and how food has always represented stability. I love exploring new outlets and understanding a new process to create, making connections allow the way.
7. New Tattoo
Yes, when life hands you lemons. I get tatted, change my hair color, and win with my success. So, excuse me while I work my a*% off and treat myself for doing it. Hehe!
Yes, when life hands you lemons. I get tatted, change my hair color, and win with my success. So, excuse me while I work my a*% off and treat myself for doing it. Hehe!
8. I have a cat.........
Meet my cross-eyed princess. She has been everything I need during this new transition. She is just a baby, who needs a lot of attention. I guess we both do.
I am not a cat person.. at all, but I think she was meant to come into my life. Bubbles, named for the reason that she is the cat version of Bubbles from Trailor Park Boys.
9. Bahamas with my Gammas!
It has been coming for awhile, a vacation for just me. A travel experience where I am not worrying about emails, the company car, mileage, getting up early, being on time, etc... I needed a vacation that is a holiday, so I'll be heading to the Bahamas at the end of August with my sorority sisters!!
& Finally the TWO new projects to look forward too.
One has been the toughest, most gratifying projects I have ever fully committed too. I put my heart and soul into it. Long nights and short naps got the job done. It will be released very soon! I can't wait to witness the reveal with all of you! I will be sure to spam you with all the details.
The second new project is also a surprise!I hope to share a sneak peak after powwow. I have an unusual collaboration coming up with a bada*% photographer, so hopefully, we can get some cool shots!
Thank you for bearing with me as I recapped and reviewed my life up until this point. Thank you for taking in another small glimpse into long time continuum. I will leave you with one last thing... if I didn't blow your mind enough. I recently got back from training in Minneapolis; the training was on "Strategic Planning," which with that title was already so empowering and intimidating at the same time. A quote that remains stuck in my mind after a week is, "Stay in the present. The present is more available than either memory of the past or fantasies of the future. So attend what is happening right now."
I will appreciate every second of right now.
Find me, follow along and share your excitement with me!
@TashinaLeeEmery #TashinaLeeEmery
Chi- Miigwetch <3
Until next time!
@TashinaLeeEmery #TashinaLeeEmery
Chi- Miigwetch <3
Until next time!
