Despite my unyeilding love for Julia Roberts

Some of you may be wondering if my trip is somehow timely related to Ms. Roberts latest flick Eat, Pray, Love. Am I traveling in search of meaning, soul-searching clarity and inner peace, that of course can only come from an eastern religion and culture (please note the seeping sarcasm here)?

um-mm, no. I mean really. No.

First, let me start with, I've got major issues with the movie Eat, Pray, Love: cultural appropriation and lack of acknowledgment of privilege, resources and trust fund-age, just to name a few.

But this post isn't about Eat, Pray, Love or really even Julia Roberts (even though my love for her is deep) this is about my family and community, the people I can't live without, the people in my life that have made this dream actually happen. And also my own acknowledgment of my privilege, because that's what this is, a HUGE privilege. I still can't believe it's actually happening.

This is a picture from my 30th birthday.  If you can't read it, the card reads: 
We love you. We want to help your dreams come true. We wish you insightful, fun, adventurous, growthful, mind-blowing, delightful awe-inspiring and safe journeys over the oceans blue.
On the bottom is a list of fifteen  people that contributed to my birthday travel fund. Not all were able to be listed in the card, but I did get a final list of everyone. It's amazing.

You can't tell from the picture, but I was in tears.  I could hardly believe that so many people came together to help me do this.  Sure, I have tons of reasons to go, but doesn't everyone?

I still don't feel like I can put my gratitude in words. It's such an amazing feeling to feel so held by such an amazing group of people, from all over the place. To feel so loved.  That, more than the money, is the most amazing gift ever.  With out you, my community and family, I wouldn't be able to be doing this and I would be lost without you. Thank you so, so much.

I still have so much to say, and I'm totally not done talking about privilege.  I'm trying to get used to the idea that I'm going to be a tourist.  That word just sounds dirty in my mouth....try it....tourist.  Is it just me? Anyway, more soon, as the day gets closer, 50 days.

Also, if you didn't get the email, and/or would like to donate anything, $10, $20, $50 (or more), I have just recently created a PayPal account.  It's really really easy.  All you have to do is know my email address, which is my full name, first and last, no dots or comma's, @gmail.com, and follow the steps.

Coming to terms with the tecknowledgy at my fingertips

As many of you know, if you know me, I'm a skeptic of most things technical.  You could call me one of those conspiracy theorists, or just someone that doesn't trust most systems set up.  Including this one, except I think this time it is because I've never done it. This, sweet friends and family, is my first fancy, fancy blog. You can now see where I'm going, read what I'm doing, and inevitably correct my poorly written English along the way.

At the beginning of 2010 (otherwise known as 20femme) I decided that this was finally the year I was actually going to travel, make it happen, somehow.  I finally finished my undergraduate degree at Mills College with an amazing senior show full of pieces I worked my ass off painting.  I am still proud.

More images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/amberhalo/sets/72157623651103861/with/4493900332/

I started the summer with all sorts of artsy things up my sleeves....and I wanted to get my first passport.

The artsy things totally worked out. I was able to paint a  mural in a neighborhood close to my house with two wonderful artists I admire. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amberhalo/sets/72157624354047029)

(pretty detail)

I was also able to have one of my paintings showcased in a bourgie store front in Berkeley.





With the help and love from my amazing sister and sister-in-love (Elese and Sue) I was able to put up my first solo show in downtown San Francisco at the Compass Point Gallery Space.

And finally (one of the most exciting) I sold my first painting.  Woah, right?!? Yeah, I know, that's how I felt too, but wait:  With the money from my first sold painting a ticket to Thailand was bought.  It is final. I'm going to southeast Asia January 20, 2010. I will be traveling in Thailand then heading south to Malaysia for the first four weeks with Shai, (the person I've been dating, if you didn't already know and/or we don't talk often), and then continuing on to Singapore, across Indonesia stopping in Bali, then up to Vietnam....I think. That's what I've got so far.

There is so much more, but I guess that is why blogs exist right? More soon...