HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Where There is Love, Nothing is Missing.
~Jonathan-Lockwood Huie


Well, today's the big day. The day which I spent the last 7 days building up for.

IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

And once again, I don't have a girlfriend or wife to spend the day with... I know, I'm pathetic... but hey, I'm not that romantic anyway.

But then, neither was Valentine's Day in the beginning, that is, if you believe this article:

VALENTINE'S DAY: IT'S GORY, UNROMANTIC, SECRET HISTORY

But in this day and age Valentine's Day is a day of Love, and Romance. So, let's celebrate it as it is, shall we?

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself.

Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face.

In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.

You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”-Bob Marley
IS THIS LOVE? BY BOB MARLEY

And besides, EVERYBODY needs love in their life, right?

Now like I said, I don't have a girlfriend or wife to spend my valentine's Day with. So, I decided to take the oppurtunity to share with you my love for ALL women. As mothers, women provide the lessons and care that have enabled generations of children to embrace the opportunities of life, and give us the love that comforts and sustains us, and the strength that enables us to the challenges we face. In this day and age, Women thrive in just about every profession, and are Homemakers and Heads of Households. These women are using their talents in every sector of our society, striving to help all people to look forward with hope and faith in the future.

And there are those women who go above and beyond, and use their amazing talents to help change their world around them, despite the HUGE opposition they sometimes face.

Like MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA, who founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries.

And Like REBECCA LOLOSOLI, who with a dozen Samburu women in northern Kenya, started a community called Umoja Uaso, which has become a safe haven for women escaping physical abuse, and an advocate for women's rights in nearby villages in their community.

And SAMPAT PAL, the leader of a gang of vigilantes called Gulabi or 'Pink', Gang, who are on a mission to ensure that those born into the lowest caste have an education, avoid child marriages, and earn a decent wage in India.

And let's not forget MALALA YOUSAFZAI, Pakistani school pupil and education activist who didn't let getting shot by the Taliban stop her from demanding that all the girls in her community get education.

Or those brave young women from Kenya who dumped thousands of years of tradition on it's head by REFUSING TO BE CIRCUMSIZED.

And this is just a small taste of what women are capable of.



"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities." --Janos Arnay
UNCONDITIONAL, BY PRINCE ROYCE








GUESS WHERE I'M GOING TONIGHT?

Now in case you couldn't read the fine print, this event is going to be at The Joint, 8771 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035.

anyway, here's the moving official promo for this event:

One Billion Rising Short Film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl2AO-7Vlzk&noredirect=1
OBR presents V-DAY’s 15th Anniversary, BREAK THE CHAIN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fL5N8rSy4CU#!

ABOUT ONE BILLION RISING:
This global activist movement, V-DAY, was founded 14 years ago by Tony award winner Eve Ensler, and has continued to gain the support of politicians, artists, writers, celebrities, thinkers and non-profit organizations, such including the Greater LA Chapter (USCN) for UN Women. The ‘V’ in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina. This year’s campaign is entitled “One Billion Rising,” and has reached millions of activists in 160 countries since its launch in February 2012.

ONE BILLION RISING IS:
One Billion Rising is a global strike. An invitation to dance. A call to men and women to refuse to participate in the status quo until rape and rape culture ends. A call to action, in lieu of the fact that one in three women on this planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. An act of solidarity, demonstrating to women the commonality of both their struggles and their power in numbers. A refusal to accept violence against women and girls. A revolution of one billion women joining together on the same day.

Website: http://onebillionrising.org/

TICKETS/DONATIONS:
$10 PRESALE, $12 AT THE DOOR
http://larising.eventbrite.com/

“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” ― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember
MI CORAZONCITO, BY AVENTURA



So, who's gonna be playing at this event?

Andrea Schell

Andrea is so excited to be part of OneBillionRising as the MC for LA Rising! She is a producer, writer and performer with a focus on creating content that entertains, inspires and connects women. Past projects have included the web talk show What Would Men Say? and the one woman show From Seven Layers to a Bikini Top in Less Than Five Hours. Current projects include producing the documentary Le Chiffon, a comedic look at periods, tampons and everything involved with that lovely time of the month as well as producing a video for The Empowher Institute, a nonprofit that provides education support for inner city girls in Los Angeles. Andrea has also worked at The Simpsons, New Line Cinema, Oprah Magazine and other super awesome entertainment companies. You can learn more about Andrea at www.andreaschell.com or check out www.shessogreat.com, a site where women celebrate women from history, yes. history! Cklara Moradian

Cklara Moradian is a Kurdish-American writer, spoken-word artist, published poet and columnist. Conceived and raised by human rights advocates and survivors of the notorious prisons of the Islamic Republic of Iran, her commitment to human rights developed at an early age. She spent most of her childhood as a refugee in several countries before arriving in the United States. Cklara pulls from her rich Kurdish heritage, memories, and experiences to weave passionate stories of labor and resistance. She uses poetry and spoken word as a creative response to the atrocities in the world. She has been writing and performing spoken word at national and international conferences since she was a child. Her work has been featured in poetry anthologies and online publications. She is known in the Los Angeles literary circles and a frequently featured guest on local radio, poetry workshops, and festivals. Currently she is an active member of Amnesty International, ACLU, Philosophy Society, and other progressive not-for-profits. She is studying Philosophy and working on her writing.
DJ Amara

DJ Amara, an international DJ well known in the LGBT community has been a long time supporter of women empowerment movements. She volunteers her time to DJ and work events such as The Vagina Monologues, and the Asian Pacific Women's Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe haven and support services for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. As a veteran DJ for Club Skirts Dinah Shore weekend, she's been blessed to have been able to perform alongside legendary women such as Chaka Khan, Robin S, Crystal Waters, and Salt N Peppa. These powerful iconic women will serve as inspiration for an old school soulful set for her performance at One Billion Rising.
http://www.facebook.com/DjAmaraFanPage

DJ Nova Jade

Tera "Nova Jade" Greene is an award-winning DJ and film producer, as well as a published writer and poet. She has helped to organize 3-day women's workshop festivals and recently spoke on a panel about "Feminism" in today's society at UCLA. Though growing up she lacked women role models, even a mother's presence in the home, she feels it is important to empower women to stand firmly in their identities and create their own HerStory.
http://dj.beatport.com/djnovajade
https://www.facebook.com/djnjpro

Erica Gimpel

Erica Gimpel first received international acclaim for her performance as Coco Hernandez on the hit TV series 'Fame'. Since then, Erica has gone on to star in award-winning TV shows including NIKITA, CRIMINAL MINDS, GREYS ANATOMY, HOUSE, ER, VERONICA MARS and most recently TRUE BLOOD. Another of Ericas roles is as a gifted singer/songwriter. Her riveting live debut CD, 'Spread Your Wings And Fly' has quickly become one of CDBABYS top albums in the Jazz/Pop genre. Ericas song 'Spread Your Wings And Fly' (her anthem to women) is featured in the soon to be released indie film 'Hill and Gully'.
http://www.ericagimpelmedia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Gimpel/125649789358

Isabella Grosso

An accomplished dancer with a repertoire in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and even the mystic moves of Salsa, Tango and the Waltz. She is also a writer with her first memoir coming out in 2013 describing the story of a young woman and her struggle to overcome sexual abuse. She is a dedicated advocate for women's rights and women empowerment, making it an essential part of her life.
http://www.isabellagrosso.com/
https://www.facebook.com/belle.grosso

Katie Goodman

Katie is the creator and co-writer of "Broad Comedy," and a musical comedian. She and Broad Comedy have performed internationally, including 3-month smash successes in Los Angeles and Boston, as well as at Caroline’s On Broadway, America’s #1 Comedy Club in Times Square, and at the Vancouver Fringe Theatre Festival where Broad Comedy won the Pick of the Fringe, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, where they were voted top ten comedy picks by The Fringe Review. She is a blogger for The Huffington Post, and has contributed to O, The Oprah Magazine, and is the author of Improvisation For The Spirit: Live A Creative, Spontaneous, and Courageous Life Using the Tools of Improv Comedy. Katie and her co-author/co-director husband Soren Kisiel were nominated for the MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” for their unique work in theatre. Katie can be seen singing their song, “These Are The Things I Can’t F**kng Remember,” taped for an episode of Showtime’s comedy roundtable series, The Green Room With Paul Provenza. Her solo show of political and personal satire is currently up at the infamous Joe’s Pub at The Public Theatre in NYC on a monthly basis. You can see her music videos, subscribe to her podcast, and find out her touring schedule at
www.katiegoodman.com.

theKI

theKI is a 10-piece ensemble that fuses pop, jazz and electronic music with modern and ancient wisdom. Featuring conservatory-trained members who have performed with world-class artists, theKI combines beautiful instrumental arrangements with digital grooves to create movement, dance, and transformative moments of inner reflection. Roxie Sakura, lead singer and member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter USNC for UN Women, is dedicated to shining light on some of the darkest injustices and inner struggles still facing women today.
http://www.theki.me/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-KI/165145193543496

LadyFOX

LadyFOX is Michelle Ann Owens, an LA-based vocalist/songwriter whose songs combine influences of soul, R&B, rock & funk. Her work has been heard on numerous television shows, such as "CSI: Miami", "The Apprentice", "Jersey Shore", "America's Next Top Model", "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", and many more. Michelle has also performed on stage with many famous musicians, including Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Alan White (Yes), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Ozzy), Howard Jones, Micky Dolenz (The Monkees). Michelle has personally been a victim of violence and wholeheartedly believes in music's power to heal wounds and to provide strength and power to those touched by the gift of song.
http://www.ladyfoxmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ladyfoxmusic

Sherryce & Kelly
Billboard DJ/Singer/Producer Kelly Divan & Chart topping EDM music artist Sherryce are making their debut as power house DJ/Vocal duo. 'We make a stand to empower women around the world to live their best lives.' Scheduled for their first collaborative release they are excited to perform at LA Rising for Women. www.Sherryce.com http://kellydivan.com/

The Tribal Dance Jam Collective
Tribal Dance Jam Collective, a community of dancers from the Southern California area, perform tribal style which embodies everything from folkloric-inspired dances to fusion of ancient dance from North India, the Middle East and Africa. Dancers interact with each other while improvising a simple movement vocabulary with the same stylization among all members. http://www.tribaldancejam.com/

A Window Between Worlds (AWBW)
Also joining our event will be A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), founded in 1991, is the only national non-profit dedicated to using art to end domestic violence. I CAN WE CAN is AWBW'S newest community art project where everyone can lend a hand, literally, to help end abuse. Join with us and create art on your hands as a symbol of solidarity, a commitment that you will do what you can to help end domestic violence and sexual assault. icanwecan.awbw.org



ALL DONATIONS GO TO UN WOMEN AND UN WOMEN PROJECTS. THANK YOU FOR CREATING A WORLD FREE OF VIOLENCE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS!

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever
HELLO, BY LIONEL RITCHIE



So, who is my special Valentine this year? Well sorry, I'm not gonna tell you. But I will ask them (There are 2 actually) if they will be my valentine when I send them this post. they'll both probably say no, but it's all good.

And finally, I want to end this post by going back to the beginning, with the song below, which is about making love for the first time, by the amazing DANNI EL.





TO EVERYBODY OUT THERE IN CYBERSPACE,

If you have the eyes of love, you just see love wherever you go. The trees are made with love. The animals are made with love. The water is made with love....When you perceive with love, you become one with the birds, with nature, with a person, with everything.
~don Miguel Ruiz