The Fourth of Favorites – World Cup-idness, Memorable Moments and Tributes!

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Harry Brake

Germany versus France, can you believe it, the World Cup finals aproacheth! Here I am at my favorite World Cup spot, Lucille’s, a block away and surrounded by people pouring in little by little. And before 10 minutes and you are absorbed in the football game, bam! I am surrounded by 16 people all wearing a variation of France and German jerseys! (Kind of like heading to the beach, early and then waking up after a nap and seeing it populated !)

While this tug of war battle between Germany and France ensues, amazing events noteworthy comments are in order. Yesterday (GREAT SAVE BY GERMANY!) Sorry!   was a lot of Deja vous and a privilege to help someone out, this someone being a little closer to home than expected.

Jason Schell, who I see a little of Pittsburgh in all that he paints, and having several paintings now around Mexico, AND new exciting and amazing new project that will include over 100 painting but wait, I am getting ahead of myself…

Here goes, Jason emailed me the day before and asked if I could help him move several of his wrapped paintings to be shipped to Pittsburgh – BE THERE AUGUST 1st at 5831 Elmsworth Avenue – it will be amazing!)

Screen Shot 2014-07-04 at 1.18.50 PM

I didn’t hesitate, YES was my thought and answer and I loved this project and thought any chance to help heck yeah! I arrived and found tons of traffic (awesome) and found a parking spot but not before I pulled over on Zamora and rang and saw Jason, to what looked like he was a little panicked and covered with sweat and I knew, he was trying to get this “wrapped up” and was feeling some post afternoon stress, so coming back and going up into Jason’s apartment I saw this intimidating package, wrapped already and even though he had a GREAT handle on finishing it, I know he felt he did not because he had been at it all day.

Helping put the final touches on 15 paintings wrapped between wood, plastic wrap and butcher paper, I have to say, I was nervous in seeing these being shipped from Mexico City to Pittsburgh, yes Pittsburgh. After about 30 minutes, of making sure everything was sealed and packaged, we lifted the package down the stairs, down two blocks, and into the back of a smelly truck.   (Um, yeah, my dogs (the pups) have not adjusted to the movement of my truck and well, let’s just say left something behind in the truck despite me cleaning it, so intensive cleaning and defumigation of the truck will need to occur) and off we were through the city to the UPS store . We got there, unloaded, and I forgot, as Jason was putting the address onto the package, on Elmsworth n Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA, I have to say, chills ran up my spine as I recalled Shadyside and the many many amazing memories I have of Pittsburgh in general. It made me exceptionally proud to be a small part of this process.

Funny thing, as we were in the lobby of the UPS store, we heard this annoying high pitched drilling that was so loud it interrupted any conversation and thoughts we might have been having. Over and over, and it almost sounded like it was coming through the…POOF!

Right to the left of my foot, literally, popped the drill bit and pieces of tile with it! I laughed as it seriously was something out of a film, I jumped in unison with the drill bit, it leaving as fast as it appeared, leaving the bits of tile as the only trace it was there. I looked at the UPS clerks, and Jason, and laughed hysterically and tried to see down the hole, but couldn’t. A little humor along the way, not a bad way to spend the lobby time in UPS.   I still had the cool feeling of being so close to Pittsburgh just seeing this package here headed to a city that seemed to be one of its own and a part of me. I missed the Primanti Brother’s experience, the nights along he strip, the views from the Duquesne incline, and so so much more. There is something about being from Pittsburgh.

We set off, picked up Jason’s cool girlfriend, Valeria,  at the metro, headed to my house s I was having leery feelings about the possibility of not shutting the back room door tight and the dogs running amuck in the apartment again. We got to my place, I whistled from the ground floor, the pup’s heads appeared at the window, and I know all was right with the world.

We headed on Eco-bici to maybe the BEST Pozoli in Mexico, La Casa de Tono, and I ordered two Queso Enchiladas and one Papas, and Jason and Valeria,  ordered the classic Pozoli, all of it being DELICIOUS! Gracias Jason!

We left, grabbed the Ecobici, and this made me crack up hysterically. You do see almost on every corner individuals asking for money, yet here was a lady, sitting on the sidewalk, with two ballcaps, hunkered on the corner, with perhaps the largest blunt of marijuana I have ever smelled, and well saw. Yes, the smell was getting me a little crazy just being there on the corner, and we joked about how we would be affected if we stood there much longer. She knew nothing else was going on around her, NADA. Only in Mexico 😉

I like to go into details sometimes, because the overall day, while a lot of back and forth, was amazing as I am lucky to be around so many good friends, as well as talented individuals who I am lucky to see and witness their acts affect those from so many locations, I only could hope our Repentino. will continue to do the same. I simply want others to realize how much talent can be found in amazing young people’s talent, as well as the power of art to reach across the globe, I believe Repentino. can be a tool to show how so many interdisciplinary needs can be met, I believe a true center of all Common Core hopes to achieve a true hand’s on project-based event that is a reality.

Speaking of good friends, there are quite a few hat need to be remembered that have left ASF but never left our memories, as does happen every year in an international setting. A think a tribute to some (and more to follow) is also in order:

Screen Shot 2014-07-05 at 3.22.52 AMJoe Edwards – I have to say if you never witnessed one of the lower school concerts, you have missed something. Joe is amazing to be with in public, but amazing with the students as well. His youthful spirit was just, invigorate, and positive, and his spirit was and is contagious. I think I was honored each time I could be a part of what Joe was promoting, and he did it all from his heart and you could not only see it, you could feel it. Everytime he performed as an Open Mic, you felt like he had been there all along, and that was and is the energy of Joe Edwards. Someone and something like that you can’t ever forget nor miss, which is one of the gifts that Joe leaves behind.

Roy and Shifa Isaacs – Other than relocating the whole ASF school to their apartment for a memorable last party, these two just make you smile and laugh and think about a variety of topics. Despite often having hardships that they had to struggle through and they never stayed there in negativity – they continued to laugh, spread funny and memorable moments among those around them, and always lead and be involved in adventures. Those are the type of people you like being around, and make you feel good inside, other than always being held captive in negative areas they give you hope that there is always something to look forward to. Their children happened to always make you laugh or smile, and again, individuals that always left you with a smile for a variety of reasons, their spirit is something you wished all tried to maintain.

Screen Shot 2014-07-04 at 1.53.42 PMCamila Dever –  firecracker and poster child of Yoga, it was surreal to say goodbye to Camila on Wednesday.  Is is strange, I still standby not wanting to say goodbye because I believe there are no goodbyes thanks to social media.  Through the harassment (Yes Camila, harassment) and good laughs and funny times we had, Camila’s spirit resonates as being able to outdo most young children – and if I believe it right, that is what keeps people alive in spirit and their souls.  Such a spirit and enthusiasm should be directed at everything we do, and for that reason, students, adults, and everyone can feel better with a fresh perspective and not get bogged down in gossip, negative thoughts and focus, as well as always looking to the future ins tea dog looking at our past and other’s pasts.  I believe that her spirit will always be healthy and needed to keep us on the healthy track for ourselves and towards others.  Goodbyes are sad but the energy that is shared and left behind is what keeps us all going together, and that is what many people should never overlook!

(Commerical break)..Anxious at 2:30 for Brazil and Colombia. I have dear friends in both locations, and while I want Colombia to go go go, in my heart I wanted Brazil to go, ages ago all the way…so….we’ll see…..NERVOUS!!!!!!!

Stephanie Brown – Stephanie always has this soft spoken mild mannered approach to the class and all she comes in contact with and those feelings always soaked into the very pyche of all who were around her. Bother her and her partner – amazing to be around – wonderful to be colleagues, from the time they were watching my kitten to the point of where they would always be there for advice, form everything to IB Extended Essays, TOK, to ANYTHING, you always felt you ha d a welcome spot anytime you were around these two Seeing them leave, and knowing they are leaving, is a loss in your heart if you knew these two, and it is kind of an assurance to also know, no one will be able to replace the comraderie one feels with Stephanie in the halls of ASF.

Shay Carlstrom – Shay has the characteristic, blunt and honest to the point of if offending or not, he still will remain blunt and honest. I love that about him and his quality teaching style was felt from all students. You saw in when you walked past the classroom, he would not tolerate being interrupted for the sake of his students, and his students knew he was there for them as well. An AMAZNG geography and trivia player at the Legion, hysterical wearing glasses and known as Shay Charles, being over generous with the treating of friends in dinner and after dinner, as well as being a huge advocate of NANO, supporter of all things literary and Geographical, Shay’s energy, in your face or like it or not, and overall presence was hysterical and present always – Shay – you are missed and remembered equally every day!

Memri Teagle and Tiana – It’s strange some things hit you harder after the fact on right on the cusp of something happening. This happened with Memri and Tiana. I remember moving into the apartment I am in now, and having items for Memri to give from the former tenant. Then I remember Tiana, seeing Tiana in school, not much I knew about her, and then it seems like a flash forward, she was on staff and I wondered why she had not been on staff before she was a senior and already, I was saying goodbye. Not fair. I know for sure that Memri is going to be amazing in the Dominican Republic and that Tiana is going to thrive and THEN SOME in Boston, but I know this, I miss a portion of my feeling of what ASF and Repentino. is without them here.

Sandra Shannon – There are friends you settle in with and often, nothing has to be said when you are with someone, you just enjoy doing things without always having to speak or say anything. Sandra was in the Middle School so not a lot of people might have realized how calming, laid back, and easy going she was. Yet, everyone needs time to decompress, and often, just not saying anything and sharing the stress you contain within a without having to detail it, is well what is needed. Film buff, and accomplice in crime for milkshakes and chili fries at Barracuda Diner, Shannon was someone I could escape the fears I had inside with, and she calmed me just as she did her students and those around her. Despite the problems she had with the various adjustments she had with the air here, she never hesitated to maintain a friendship that gave more than was being asked for, which made the vet fact that a friend did not have to be anything at all except themselves.

Carlos Arriola – It’s funny, his smile I could almost sense across the hall, and yet, despite a somewhat quiet demeanor, his power of putting people at ease and a confidence that just WAS remained with you when you were in his presence and even when you were not. Positive, friendly and this sense that anything you needed could be brought up, left at his feet, and discussed and he would be there to hear and also offer his critique. This quit energy, yet constantly present throughout who the person Carlos Arriola always was, leaves you with an emptiness when he was not around, and such is the emptiness that exists without him here.

Jordan Horner – Few people maybe realized how early Mr. Horner arrived at ASF but in the mornings was the chance I received to calm down, ready for the day, talk about things past present, future, and be able to check out what the day held of me and laugh a little with Jordan.  Aside from the frequent coffee runs to Starbucks, this always settled me in for the day.  I can’t say that his remarks off-handedly were’t simply hysterical, (they were) and his ability to survive skateboarding, extreme bicycling (even against other cars) and come back like Superman – he was and is pretty resilient when it comes to all things, and that is what makes Jordan a good friend.  Amazing knowledge about bicycles and cycling, his conversations can easily go from that hot topic to those about the latest changes for good or worse, in the government.  Someone around that can sympathize, relate and advice, Jordan is the all around friend that in the early mornings, can make the day operate well for you – definitely, Jordan has been someone I expect to see in the morning to know the day will be as usual and without him, definitely not the same.

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Another Day and proud for many, many, many…

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Harry Brake

…you can put alot of words in there, but wow – Let’s talk SIXTEEN saves in a World Cup game, and while the United States was a heartbreak of a game- we can be proud to be represented by an amazing team, and maybe one of the best games  so far…Green and Howard perhaps the best I have seen in the game this series, one for the energy he rallied a whole team, and the other, well the same and a record number of saves – I am in love with this sport I am not afraid to say…

OHMYGOSH! Blended!   I never thought I would laugh so hard, as well as the people around me and yet, if anyone would have told me Adam Sandler could be so amazing, dramatic, and on some moments, astounding, funny I knew but this – OHMYGOSH I WANT THIS movie, but for that film the whole theatre laughed together, LOVED this movie together.  I am proud for Sandler and Barrymore taking the chance on such an amazing movie, while causing everyone to leave “belly sore” after.

There are so many amazing moments that – to be honest, this was the most unexpected good film I saw that was one of the best comedies that mixes itself with so many good aspects too, I got super lucky with being a member in this theatre!

Finally, things are taking shape with a complete makeover at my apartment, and overall, there are so many amazing opportunities that have presented themselves to me in the last few days – so I am lucky tone surrounded by amazing friends that help you get in the spirit of the World Cup, as well as realizing how lucky we all are to have so many memories down the road thanks to amazing events that occur now – 🙂

 

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Life is what you bring to it, and sometimes what you don’t…

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Harry Brake

…Yes, some spectacular moments these past three weeks.  First, finally, my last day was the 20th and t was like a breath given to you and even if I did want to go in the next day, it was an official break and everything seemed easier after June 20th just because it was a break, a major “Brake” and well needed break…:)

Two films I have been lucky enough to see recently have stood out, one, being The Fault in Our Stars as well as Heaven is for Real.  I did see criticisms and critics as well as great reviews and this is my personal feelings on both together.  Some people, just as in life, bring a multitude of optimism, hope, and refreshing air to life, conversations, and other people’s friendships.  Others bring the exact opposite, what seems to resemble a closed bottle, “stuffy rooms” of their experience, gossip, and leaves that for us to wade through and make ourselves to the top to feel that refreshing breath of fresh air, kind lot like when you realize that vacation has started.

I feel the same about films, I know it is Hollywood most often times more than not, yet, I go into the films wanting to escape and feel as part of what I am about to see leaves with me as well, mainly because, I love films and see the amazing art that it takes to make one feel that way.  The Fault in Our Stars didn’t have to be realistic in every comment or thought, and it did not have to be what might really happen in real life.  According to WHO I’d like to ask?  Everyone brings a separate, individual style of responses and reactions to their life, and while I do not think John Green intended to know what every person that deals with the very difficult situations that these young people deal with, he does want to bring a sense of dignity, hope, and beauty to their lives.  He does just this through this film.  I hung on the words, reactions, and situations that present themselves because, well, I truly love the art of filmmaking.  In The Fault in our Stars, I held this reserve of tears just on the lids the whole time through the movie, the whole time.  I am not sure that has ever happened, and I really do not think it counts as a full out cry, it was just that I always had this welling of tears because of the beauty I felt, saw, and loved in so many different forms.  LOVED.  Add an amazing soundtrack to this film and despite many feeling offended by what John Green brings up in his book and his film, I realized he was able to reach down and reach so many young people through his book and film, that he deserves a larger round of Kudos for the attention he is able to bring to his work.

In viewing Heaven is for Real, I have to say, I felt another, but different sense of beauty in the sense that people can be, and often are afraid to truly live, because that would lead to other questions such as if they have been doing something incorrect up to this point and afraid to change, or that they might have had something wrong and to admit it would be worse than changing and living a better life, sounds ironic, but I sense that concept to the realest moment in this film.  I truly love the devotion of parents to their children and this being a true story, it felt even greater knowing this exists.  I realized I am a better person for the time my parents gave to me as well as sacrificed for me, despite what others felt about them or me.  This truly was worth seeing to its fullest moments to and I loved the fact that we get to see the family that this is based on at the end of the film.

Both of these films bring a sense of beauty to life, but only to those willing to accept that, as one of the women in Heaven is for Real pointedly made clear after some full-blown realizations in her life about her own son.  Somewhat related, I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with a great friend on Sunday, where by the way, if you haven’t explored Mercado Roma, WOW.  (See more here– #125).   – but in the process I was able to see the change in her son.  A year or so ago, the worries of how to deal with the struggles he had in reading, comprehension, as well as the basic social skills he seems to shy away from was at the forefront of her days, with valid reasons.  This past weekend, and within a year’s time, I saw a completely different young man, one who was confident, one who was amazingly advanced compared to where he was a far ago, and I could not help but draw the parallel to these films I saw.

I do believe amazing parenting and support does wonders, and in this case, it surely did.  I also see how much optimism and never giving up, even if perceived by others, has an effect.  I know when I am around such people, I have dreams and ideas that truly seem possible, but seem buried when I am around individuals that try to find the conversations that exist under stones and should remain buried.  You can guess which type of people I prefer to be around.

I see the future so bright in the next few months as I make a commitment to see other lands, meet other people and apply many things I have learned about myself inane attempt to grow more as a person.  Which, even though I was HIGHLY upset at the Mexican-Holand game, perhaps, one of the most upsetting moments in sports history for me (I had my heart SET, I mean 100% set on Mexico to make it), and for them to be eliminated not to their lack of talent, but mainly (I say mainly because even with mistakes they made), the disappointing, ignorant, and untimely Holland call was a smack in the face and a door closing, which I can not accept.  Mexico deserves better.  Yet as I am learning to cope with this anger, imagine how individuals that have followed the World Cup and Mexico for years, maybe all their lives have felt each time that have come close? I find myself wanting to be more sympathetic and knowledgable about what makes Mexico better, because this is a country easy to fall in love, head over heels with.

In fact, I took notes during the game, and those that remember, and see these will remember the heartbreak of losing this match…

18:00 – Almost a goal a great shot and wow! Mexico! Mexico!   Mexico!

19:22 – almost a goal again!

 23:19 – Almost a shot in,b locked! SO CLOSE!

38:02- shot attempt andblocked but getting there I can feel it!

42:0 and change, a shot, stomped n, but agh! NO goal yet!

 46:39 – Defended yeah!   #15 hurt

#14 Holland– awesome – Robbin?  He is good and all over the place…

47:49 – GOAL! #10 out of nowhere!

55:01 – Another shot for a goal, but blocked!

 56:46 BLOCKED! GO OCHOA!

 61:24 takes it away out of danger!

73:40 BLOCKD!   YEAH OCHOA!

Javier Hernandez in! 74:33

87:12 GOAL for Holland….? Noooooooo…..Noooooo…

Seriously? A yellow card for no contact? A most HEARTBREAKING loss and win…

 

Don’t get me wrong, I would not be where I am today without the amazing parents, friends, students, and family that I have had in my life.  I miss the aspects of the United States that supported me, pushed, me, and gave me opportunities I might never have had anywhere else.  My main hope is that I can also add the amazing culture and respect in seeing other countries as they really are, not as they are told in newspapers and textbooks worlds away, but always living, experiencing, and realizing what their values are as a country that can’t be defined by another country.

As the United States goes to battle for the World Cup, of course I find myself cheering for my country, and wanting them to excel.  It is just now I have a part of me that also appreciates what Mexico has brought to the World Cup and I want them recognized even more than they have, out of respect and admiration I have for them in a new light.

I look forward to a 2014-2015 far that is full of growth and changes that propel me and those around me to such a level of strength, that this far will be a shining one and leave those that still remain in the basement of their negativity, dead end thoughts, and false assumptions behind.  In this way, everything we do in life, from seeing films, to the way we interact/support each other, and the way we see the mornings, will all hold a totally different light.    Life is amazing I am lucky to find out each and every day, in a different way, and I hope I can do this with so many valuable people around me that do the same.

 

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Gunning it…full throttle and then some…with some fondness.

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Harry Brake

Life is just wow, what can I say, it is hard to always put into a blog to define the highs and lows and yet, it is so amazing sometimes that words and emotions that want to burst out of you simply can’t get you close to the mark to describe it.

Father’s Day was tough, I never thought it would get harder as time passed but yes, it does.  I think of course of all the things I did not see as flaws that I cared to look over in my Dad, as most people see their father’s as being flawless despite them, yet, the amazing sacrifices he made for each for each one of his children and the people he took in as his children that he considered friends always always stuck with me; I can never shake the gifts I didn’t realize he passed on to me that I was not aware of initially.  Each year I include this in honor of my Dad, The Rings Around Us-1,   and even though I keep quiet during Father’s Day this year, it felt appropriate for me to honor my Dad anyway in my own way.

You always read about this kind of thing in small town grab America, and this (I wish I would have had my camera with me!) was worth retelling.  When I took Kinah, Wriggley, and Amaya to Parque Rio, I kept hearing this meow, like a loud one.  Of course my radar was like, “Oh no! – another cat to save?!” and I looked around yet the sound was still around me, but no cat?  This kept up for awhile and then, before long at the edge of a park I saw a ladder being brought out.  THAT MADE SENSE.  The cast was in a tree somewhere and literally, the meow was reaching to me in the middle of the park.  Before I knew it, and watching this all unfold, two Park /Police representatives came, donned hats, gloves, jackets, and climbed the ladder about 25 feet up to rescue a cat, grabbing her/him by the scruff of the neck, bringing her/him down, and returning her/him to the owner, and everyone clapped wildly.  I thought, wow, that is amazing, I had to go to Mexico to see something we read and hear about happening in small town U.S.A.  LOL, loved that rescue!

Speaking of rescue, I am touched by the need of Lexi, a beautiful mannered and brave dog that needs help with surgery, and hoping friends would be willing to donate $5.00 to help her surgery.  Usually a hoax I know, but not this time, and I thought by having floods of people only donate $5.00 it will show how amazingly supportive so many people are for such a brave soul and my friends, in such a brave dog as Lexi!  Her address is here:

http://fundapetmiracle.com/projects/lexi-has-a-tumor1/1275

and if you can help with this as a favor, it will mean everything in the means of supporting another!

The World Cup.  WOW.  I was surprised when I saw what a big deal was in Seaford, DE, when I was there.  Yet, years and years before, when I attended Edinboro University, I never really realized how big soccer camps where until I stayed at Edinboro over the summer one year.  Now I am hooked.  Thoroughly.  I watch the games and nearby locations,  I am in a bracket poll, and even have began collecting jerseys here and there.  I even had an album given to me and am collecting stamps, lol.   (My excuse is it helps me learn the players better). Yet, like what I realized about MUN, it is an amazing way to have conversations about cultures around the world, without even consciously thinking about it.  I like that.  I love learning about the ins and outs of soccer, and walk away with a much more diverse view of other countries, teams, and players.  It also lasts for a few weeks, and the camaraderie you see among so many people, in so many places?  Thereis nothing like to over the prior of those weeks, and you have to see it to really understand it,.  Mexico has provided that gift to me.Who have I picked?  I have picked Argentina and Brazil as the last two standing, but I’d be lying if I would say I am not rooting for the United States!  🙂

Writing.  You know, I spent most of my life studying, going to college, and dabbing in writing when I could, but never reserving the time to put effort into it like I thought I might want to.  Now that I have time, I love, LOVE writing, and love blogging, and am so grateful I found a place in my life to find out what I can do with writing to reach out to others, and use it for so many things.  I find myself wanting to attend a few Creative Writing Workshops this summer and Fall to enhance what I love to do through such amazing projects like NANO and NANOWrimo to name a few.  I realize, although my lifestyle is definitely not used to it, I love the time I used to find I had to be doing something all the time, and now instead turn to writing more and more.  It is like some sort of withdrawal, my body fighting the time I usually do not have to myself and yet, the more I read, the more I want to develop writing more as well.  I feel like I might be starting from ground zero when I could have been writing so much earlier, but, I am grateful for realizing that writing can reach so many people as well.

I feel like the title of the blog, Gunning it, is very appropriate because I have still to this date, realized how many things I held back from doing that I wish I never had and once realizing how much it means to me, I want to move forward full throttle and make the most of these moments to do so.  I think one realized how amazing things can be, how less stressful life can be when you learn to let go a bit and let others do the worrying for you that can never get beyond the stress, the gossip, the criticisms, the “creating a problem just so there is a problem” and let others just do that and let you, as an individual experience how amazing life can be, and how beneficial it can be to bounce back from al the negative that exists in the world.  I have had my share of moments where I wondered, “I am never ever gong to get out of the and see anything better…” and truly moments like that – just like working and learning to appreciate the value of something instead of having everything given to you – allows you to appreciate and taste the richness of life without thing it fro granted.  Much of that lies in how you are raised, but realizing the richness of something and working for it, earning it, and internalizing it for what it is on its own?  PRICELESS.

I am beginning to find ways to create the space inside I need to let the stress come in, but not to overtake me or control my emotions, and let it ill off me and keep on going with what matters the most, laying the stress aside for another and making life a moment after another to look back on and appreciate.  That is something to write about  🙂

 

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Rainy Dreams…

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Harry Brake

Everything moves as fast as the hail that surprises you in the middle of a sudden thunder/rainstorm – dashing then full out galloping across block after block, meeting the beginning of a rainstorm as you hear it approach, dogs in tow becoming greyhounds sensing the urgency to miss the onslaught of a storm that is a regularity; up the stairs, into the dry safe place, back out, lurching to the left out the door grabbing the umbrella, closing the hatch to the roof on the way out or in was it, that is how fast these moments have been moving.

Back down three blocks, to catch the opening art gala promised at 6:00 – without dogs – watching a cascade of water fall behind the entrance that verifies I have been admitted to the opening – art – art everywhere in the form of hummingbirds – porcelain, shells made into lamps, graceful collections of fabric that frame a bedroom, treasures from room to room in this outdoors yet indoors gala – surrounded by friends just in from Indonesia – friends, promised, commitments blend together on the downpours all around us –

Where to? You to Polanco by 7:30 – we head to a Bodega, or to a warm, cozy retreat from the Mexican monsoon around us – hail welcomes our feet as we find ourselves at Belmonda, choosing a temporary hideaway from the violence of the natural world outside.

Talks of what was in Mexico, what IS in Indonesia, random pieces of conversation such as, “You still see that woman that you fell in love with that cuts your hair?” – relishing the fact that we see open heartedness and open mindedness where we once say one single narrow outlook on others and what we thought was the world around us – friendships, reminiscent of smiles, causal trips on a lazy Saturday and Sunday in bazaars in between streets, on the tip of our tongues as out eyelids begin to dance shut, that we are the lucky ones to have seen and experienced a true example of the world around us – and are living it.

Life is made up of these busy and hurried moments and yet the friendships that are squeezed in between from far away lands, that hold the memories in lock and key until they can be opened back up again with just the right combination, in this case, the connection of friends together again to reopen the moments that they remember and treasure the most; these moments define them as people no matter where they go.

Quite satisfying glimpses for a rainy Thursday evening, being tucked away again as another example of the beauty one finds in the middle of Mexico City.

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Success Instilled in the Past Stemming to the Future

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Harry Brake

Screen Shot 2014-06-15 at 2.34.27 AMI realized as I came across the above note from what seemed a million miles away and a million years back – how lucky I have been with the people that have surrounded me.  This made me smile reading this when I used to intern with the Pittsburgh Pirates following a GREAT job in Kim Miller’s shoes, and realized…the motivation and success I seemingly achieved around there came from others that inspired me.  Then, I was in awe as I watched Steve Blass, Bob Walk, Greg Brown, of course Lanny Frattare, Marc Garda, and many others that made the broadcasting experience a huge success.  As always, these individuals helped motivate me to want to do things many other people would not be able to do, and I realized how much my life has changed since those days.

I have been surrounded by the most amazing talented individuals I have ever dreamed of being surrounded by, young artists, writers and more.  Today I said goodbye to an amazingly humble and talented graduate, Tiana, Tiana and Mr Band it was so hard inside to realize someone so talented was now leaving, it was sad and hard to even place words around as her Mom and her moved onto a new future.  Then there are the amazing teachers I celebrated as they left, Shay, Roy, Shifa, Stephanie, Carlos, Jordan, to name a few, individuals that kept us aware of what we believe in and value in our lives, Camila, and so many more that are just a reawakening what we care about in this world around us.

I am so grateful for the gifts I have been given to succeed, and those gifts have been the time and advice people have given to me and noticing how I can value their contributions in my own life.  It’s funny, in coming to Mexico I have also come to realize knowing myself better has been a process of realizing the type of person I am NOT as well, and Mexico has helped me realize this so extremely much.  I never anticipated seeing my former students from DE growing up so fast, getting married, but relish the success stories I see and hear of their lives.  I have to say the exact same about the amazing students I have met in Mexico and how they have touched me so much in so many ways, and of course I never want to see it end.  I realize a piece of my heart has gone with them as they each leave on their terms and at the same time this is what keeps me moving forward and being able to provide the same attention to priceless individuals I will be lucky enough to come into contact with in the future.  Looking over the whole that has become “me” in the last few years, I realize how incredibly lucky I have been to have the time I have had, with each of some life-changing individuals.

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Decades Apart…

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Harry Brake

“I solved the JFK assassination…”  Seriously?  Words like that in most classes and I’d be somewhat interested and that is what separates the boys from the men, the educator for the teacher, yet, in this case, I’d rather be the boy.  Let me explain…

You may or may not be familiar with the way I differentiate the term teacher and educator now at this point but yeah, there is a huge difference and after roughly 16 years in the education field, you only can see this difference by living, creating, and performing the difference.  In the case of the phrase “This separates the boys from the men…” in the case of being fascinated with classes, I am grateful to be surrounded by teachers that raise the boyhood fascination in students with their classes, tune into their interests, avoid paperwork when human interaction can peak interest, and spend energy on the personalities of their students rather than their own interests.  I witnessed this in observing once class where the above quote was spoken, four tips concerning how to rate conspiracy theory websites were given – 1) How did it start?   2) How did it evolve?  3) What do people believe today?  and why?    then the example that Free Masons rule the world was a cool way to intro into one possible conspiracy theory analysis, and then boom, every student was off to the races.

However, this intrigue did not stop here, with the advent and implementation and evaluation involving students on a Decades Project where students had to IMG_6487create posters from a specific decade, then create a presentation that could be accessed from the QR code on the poster, then evaluating several of the projects using the QR IMG_6528 code as the final, wow.  Let me say this….this was one of the best, most interactive, and refreshing finals I saw the student take and they left with smiles on their faces when done correctly, plenty of time to create and plan plenty of time to post the poster, plenty of time to evaluate, and setting strict deadlines and expectations ahead of time – and the students LOVED – L O V E D this final, and it also involved some interaction to take their minds, just for  a little, away from their other finals.  They had fun.  They used technology in the Media Center, and used technology in itself in the form of a QR code to achieve a historical goal, and on top of all this, I think they’ll remember this longer than a final they took looking back.  LOVE.  Separating an educator from a teacher, AND let’s talk about that separating the boys from the men…

Someone said today to me, “He acts like SUCH a BOY…” and they did not mean it as a compliment yet, let me say this.  The person stating this always acts like a grown up, disapproves of others that are critical, and looks down on the fact that youthfulness is present most of the time, um BORING.  B O R I N G.  The very teacher that this was aimed at is in the thick of things with the students, motivates them, directs them, and involves them to a VERY high degree – VERY. In saying this as what was meant as a criticism, it’s funny how it came right back on that person and did the exact opposite of the person it was directed at and the person saying it funny how that works – yet, I admire the educators around me that are willing to take a stand for the students and give so much of themselves to others around them, the investment inside is amazing and no one can, even though they try, put just the right words on such a feat, yet, in the long run, a healthy perspective, attitude, and effect is given back to both parties, students and teachers as a result.  Am I lucky to be surrounded by such people in the educational field?  ARE YA NUTS?  OF COURSE!  It helps get past the people that are in a rut and remain there….:)  Life is good when you notice the good things, considered sometimes the small things, around you.  🙂  Kudos to the amazing teachers that are returning, that are leaving, but that have given so much of themselves to further other around them!  🙂

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Peace talks…

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Harry Brake

Interesting two words and I never really thought about them.  Peace talks.  I mean, of course the emphasis could be on peace saying THAT talks more than anything else.  Then of course the actual act of talks, that usually occur between political leaders and well, about peace.  Then, I found another definition on my own the other day.

Sitting down, (which rarely happens) and realizing, that I had a chance a priceless opportunity, to literally discuss life, the future etc with one of the ASF graduates, perhaps was one of the single most priceless moments I had following capping, graduation, the whole difficult, yet memorable, yet stressful week.  Literally, just deciding to stop, sit, and talk and enjoy moments with the graduate and the world slipped away.  It was one of the single best moments ever I can recall.  It started something like this…

“How does post graduation feel?”  “Strange, different, scary…”  This lead to from pretty simple to some amazing reflections on traveling to the United States to study and then how one would see Mexico from the United States.  One comment stood out from the others. “I love Mexico’s problems!”  I have to agree.  I had never lived long term in another county BUT the United States.  But for me personally, I find that the urge to push, push, push ahead has slipped away, somewhere along the way, I finally have found the ability to slow things down, see universal. world perspectives more clearly, including how I view Mexico and being IN Mexico, seeing the day to day life and understanding it so much more clearly.  I love my home country but appreciate what Mexico has brought to me in the form of a life and realizing the misunderstandings I had about another country are not the reality at all, this has had a huge impression on me.

I loved to hear this particular graduate knew enough that going to the United States would enhance her skills and knowledge in art, yet, she also realized Mexico was where her heart was.  I could relate because I have fallen in love with Mexico three time over at least, but, also know, I can always go back to visit in the United States and that is a huge privilege to do both.  I see so much heart in this graduate, and potential, and I realized so much of the valuable moments are the moments we take out of a prescheduled day, a scheduled day I would always maintain of a treadmill like pace in the states, and was thankful for this chance to just stop everything and list to how this graduate saw things, felt things, and just wanted to see her country play a role in her future.  Moments like these? Priceless.

I felt so lucky to be have fallen into a situation where I can slow things down to reflect on them, enjoy the company of amazing talent in the young students around me, and have them okay with me being a part of their moving forward.  I am excited and know I am lucky to have been able to see my life change for the netter in slowing things down, but also in being a part of so many talented and rewarding individuals.  It has changed my life in the process for the better, while I take in the amazing life that Mexico has to offer me, and the amazing lives of the students around me.  A good day for sure, where a sense of peace just settled in among and around me.  🙂

 

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Knit bombing

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Harry Brake

LOL.  Sorry, I think this is hysterical, and never actually heard of it.  I saw several trees waling the dogs, in Roma Norte, covered with crochet, and wondered, what the heck?  A colleague brought this up the other day and I connected it and was like, ohmygosh!  I got it! We have had a couple VERY deep posts lately, lol, an the one I thought would be cool and informative of ho it affects Mexico.  Without further due, here is an official definition…

Yarn bombing-  Web definitions –
Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, urban knitting or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_bombing

I love the site, instead of the band Twisted Sister, the site called Twisted Sifter (LOL)

Overall, I think this is hysterical.   I walked pat the first time I ever saw this on a tree and wondered, what the heck?  I loved that it was around a tree and just had ever seen this before, so I guess this was the attraction?  I had no idea bout any of it, but when it came up later just accidentally, I thought it was hysterical that it came up at all.

Something that has so many Pinterest sites and topics on Google, and even covered by Time Magazine?  I think nothing more is needed to be said  🙂

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Never forget, never hesitate…those that are humble, those that believe, those that strengthen

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Harry Brake

“I do not know who was the first person was to put chains on her, but I am glad I was the last…” – an amazing video of two past circus crippled elephants – reunited after 22 years of being separated – the caretaker, Solomon, realizing this would be the last time he would wash down “Jenny” since she would be finally reunited and free on a reserve  – this started a whole process of reflection on some truly amazing events that transpired over the last week – so sit back and let these reflections help bring what your favorite memories of this past week as well might have been.

It’s ironic maybe I started with a activist video, but there is a similarity there that is a connection – if you have never heard of the quote by the late Maya Angelou – you need to make sure you know this –

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  –    Interview for Beautifully Said Magazine (2012) – Maya Angelou

There are a few choice quotes I would want to represent my life here, some are from maybe my all time favorite film, Meet Joe Black, but this is DEFINITELY one I would choose as well.  This past week was an emotional one if you paid attention to the details and I might go back as saying the last week and a half.  Looking back, I will have moments of Les Miserables locked in my mind and that is a gift in itself, so you can imagine seeing the same participants crossing the stage for capping, then for graduation, something that hit me so strong and then seeing pieces of it again a few days to a week later, it has been a week often defying words I would say.  For the good as well.  One phrase kept coming back to me during graduation, “There are no do overs, so “Carpe Diem” and in that context, I do believe there are moments that can’t be done, so when hesitating to give that last hug, that last comment, I felt following the graduation I was not sure when I would see some individuals that I thought so highly of, and maybe they would never know that, so it was important for me to let them know, and in this case regrets of having said something to them or congratulation them truly were not able to be a do over, and I am grateful I did say something to the and provide that last hug.  Yet, let’s go back to Les Mis for just a moment…

There are times also I realize do-overs are necessary to grow, and here is an example that truly is a necessary do over.  If you were fortunate enough to see Les Miserables, one of the many aspects I always bring up is the details we often take for granted and I tried to make it a point to bring out the aspects of Les Miserables that did get taken for granted, that made this so amazing.  However, a necessary do over not mentioned was one of costumes.  Seriously, think a minute.  Whether the costumes were obtained or borrowed, etc, think about the matching to a perfect scene everyone in the musical to make it seem believable.  Every scene, every moment, all matching.  Believe it or not, that talent hovered on an unconscious level that made sense scene, after scene, after scene.  You may or may not be familiar with the name Giovana Razgado.  However, if you are, you know where this is going. Giovana, brought on by Teruhi, studies Fashion Design and helped coordinate the costumes, working very closely with the production team.  Believe it or not, this being her first experience win theatre, let me say that again, FIRST experience in theatre, she was a SMASH.  A SMASH.  Have you begun to notice the often unseen talents to the production in this case, were some of the most amazing?  Indeed they were and let me also make another comment worth noticing.  Never hearing a peep, never clamoring for attention, it took another amazing contributor to Les Miserables to point to what an impact Giovana made on all those around her.  Quiet, humble, and willing to give so much of herself – I felt this was a common theme throughout the whole production of Les Miserables, something that was a major additional bonus of seeing all the obvious, and learning what it was I was not seeing, and I was lucky enough to be able to see so much that I was not aware of.  Knowing this, before OR after the production, is it important to recognize people and perform a Do- Over?  My thought is if someone as generous, humble, and talented as Giovana was willing to give so much to give so much to other people? – It was worth it 5 years from now to go back and recognize what he did, so yes, Do-overs – vital!  Kudos to you Giovana 🙂

Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t see my post on the capping ceremony, but it is worth the read to honor the amazing going people that will no doubt, go on and lead some amazing changes in the world, I love them!

I look back on the leadership awards night and remember, how amazing it is to see the many other clubs and their passions for what they do for the school, outside the school, and in honor of their school.  We are SO lucky to have a ceremony where the other organizations see each other and see their passions, this was important.

I loved horning so many of the Repentino. Staff. and they deserved it so much – and deep down, I wanted to give an award to every single staff member, but also knew, this was an award night about seeing what was the above and beyond efforts individuals did and to challenge existing staff to go beyond what was expected, what was asked, and sometimes what was envisioned.  Giving roses to the staff for these awards was a small small token of how much each of these amazing individuals had given and made Repentino. what it is, something fro everyone to show their passions.  So when we received a Most Dedicated Club Award for 2013-2104 I literally, LITERALLY fell off my chair, I mean I did.  I was – all I have to say is the staff and their passions show through and we should all be exceptionally thankful we have students that feel so strongly abut their school, other clubs, and themselves to strive of success. It is an honor being among them.

Moving to graduation – I just could think of one thing the whole time I was sitting there, I picture the students I came to know as family, andI pictured them on a place to their new “home” away from home, but I scrolled through the snapshots of the memories I had of them, and realized how hard it was for me to let go of that image, that memory, and I realized, even though I have to cope without seeing them on a regular basis, I will never lose the memory of  what they meant and mean to me.  Then, being an English teacher by trade, I pictured this and realized it was true:

Every since I have been lucky and privileged enough to be around young people, I feel I have started to create a

palettepalette, like an artist uses, and the different colors kept being added.  When I was in Seaford, the brightest color I could imagine are added, through my amazing XC runners, AMAZING Key Club members, amazing English, AP, Honors, Yearbook, and so many more groups that my palette was full!  (So I thought).  The I cam ego Mexico not knowing I would be actually MOVING TO MEXICO (it began to sink in), and literally a miracle, these AMAZNG people became a part of my life that I could never, ever foresee – and the colors I thought filled my palette, they depended the hue of these very colors and I began to see them add, mix and combine.  What would be if I could take these individuals from my past life in Delaware, and fly them all to Mexico so they could be together with these amazing – AMAING people that became my family in Mexico? – I can’t even image how exciting things would be! yet, I was doing that as I retained a piece of some many of them along the way – and I was doing just that! – and as true as they were deepening the colors I had on my palette already, I became a deeper and impassioned person thanks to them.

That is the best I could describe it as I saw them walking across that stage for the last time, and I wanted to hug them.  Hugely.  But that would be embarrassing.  For them.  🙂  I could recall the night I was honored to help reveal the plaque for the Les Miserables last night (I mean, I am STILL reeling from the cast allowing me to play such a HUGE PART! Yet, I realized, too son, I had to PRONOUNCE the names of the very cast members I KNEW yet, I HAD TO PRONOUNCE THEIR NAMES, um HELLO!  – I AM AWFUL at VERY IMPORTANT Spanish pronunciations, so, after that night, I promised I would be taking some intensive classes this summer to correct that embarrassing problem!)

Sunday morning hit, and I looked around, and saw the aftermath off these past two weeks, piles of piles – unattended and needing an overhaul in my apartment, the debris from my “dogs gone wild” when I was preoccupied with so  many people, and I realized – I love how quiet it is whenI wake up and look out over Mexico City from my apartment – I love the fact that I can walk the streets ataxy hour, and feel the cool breeze or the chilly air, yet it is fresh after a downpour the night before – I love I can go back to any spot in my apartment and flesh out my reactions and feelings and be able to have time to contemplate them without rushing to my next “job” or task without every having to do that – I love I can visit bakeries, visit people in my Roma neighborhood that know me, can think and have time to think about the people that have made me and helped me who I am, there is a magic in Mexico City and in my Colonia of Roma that allows this that no amount of money could every compensate me for and I realize…I started using the word “My” and it makes me feel amazing…

Along the way of this three year journey called Harry in Mexico, each of you have trusted me and supported me with the blog and many, many other adventures and experiments.  Along the way, I also have been harshly spoken about, criticized, and remarked on that I am not a good this or that, and life, life is full of criticisms, full of the nonbelievers, full of people that offer friendship and then take it back.  Again this is life.  Yet, a VERY close confidant who left but alway always took time to sit me down and repeat and repeat over and over various mantras that really guided me to be better person towards everyone, has helped me through some really frustrating and touch patches, and this is what I have learned:

1) Sometimes the best way to get through harsh and unfair criticism, when others seemingly deserve it, is to take that feedback and redirect it evens stronger towards something you believe in – so in a way, you are thanking the very person  that has sought out negativity, and you turn it into positivity, this mass peace with your heart and soul on a different level and longterm for yourself.

2) Do not believe the harshest criticism, it is one thing to hear and consider it, but do not internalize it.  Each of us knows exactly the truth and motivations that lie within, the same as walking on the campus where you KNOW you belong, to connecting with that person you know is THE ONE, to may things, we do have a built in sensor and IF WE PAY ATTENTION to that, and not let time and hurrying get the best of us, we know what is right, what is wrong, and how to get back on track, we have to listen instead of letting other cement that knowledge for us.

3) For every bit of criticism we receive, I take these notes, messages, etc, and post the where I can see them I see them every day.  Instead of letting them hold me back, I see myself saying “Fine, that is your perception of me, but it is WRONG.  This is my goal for today and I will prove that I am not this idea you have of me!” and I go out and rise above and beyond the average expectation that is found in that criticism, and within moments, I have disproved every aspect of that criticism that exists, and I am better for it.  I also find I am better to those around me because of it as well.

4) Running away from diversity, criticism, gossip, stereotypes, is easy, anyone can do it, and yet, facing t and taking a different approach completely is not something everyone can do.  Again, turning these ugly traits into something beautiful is a challenge, and truly an art, and makes a masterpiece at the completion.

It is on days that brings the value of so many individuals that have become dear and near to my heart closer to the very things I value and need to do to continue to motivate and stress how important others are.  To not do is NOT a Do over, I feel it is so important to let others know how much they have added something to your palette, you only haves many chances before they go to create their own masterpiece.

I would have to say yes, watching the reunion of these two amazing survivors of a cruel circus system was bittersweet, and their crippling became the very thing that touched your heartstrings, yet they rose above it.  The same things happens if we refuse to accept the bad and know there is a better something due to happen if we just stay the course, and not get slowed down due to others’ beliefs.  It is ours that make the difference, that can cripple us or let us design our own masterpieces.

I am fortunate enough to have many artists along the way, that I have built a gallery, a gallery that is priceless.  No one said the path to creativity and breaking from the same old pattern was going to be easy, critical free, and absent of doubt.  Worth it?  EVERY set of the way.  I am proud of those that have been generous enough to be humble about their contributions, (on and off the stage) gone on to graduate and be confident of what they bring to the world, and along the way, helped me to keep on moving forward as well.

 

 

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