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Friday, March 25, 2011

Inspiration: Sarah Kay

If you are wondering why I post what I post on this blog... well, I am on a never ending search for purpose and inspiration and artistic expression. I am a "Certified Zentangle Teacher" - but that's not who I am. I have studied Egyptology, art therapy, illustration, writing... I have traveled to Japan, the middle east, Europe, Egypt (a few times), Mexico, and lots of the US, including Alaska. I started out in Guam... I have survived a tumor that was so rare, only three people had it (at the time) and got me featured in JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) at age 12. I have been radiated, biopsy-ed, sliced/diced, and medicated... I have owned my own businesses from the age of 8 or so (rock painting, face-painting, t-shirt printing, window painting, rubber stamp design, furniture painting, freelance illustration, store owner, teacher, author)... I have developed film (yes, there was life before digital cameras) in total darkness, with no running water...I have failed big time... and had some of my impossible dreams come true (good and bad)... and there is just so much more ( we haven't even mentioned my kids!) ;-D

I think most of you, dear readers, are the same (but completely different, of course!!) There is just so... MUCH!

I struggle all the time with words. I wish I could say exactly what I picture in my head. Or I wish I could come up with the perfect smart-ass thing to say to resuscitate my confidence. Or the right words to comfort a friend. I never have those words... Or something brilliant to say to my favorite author at a book signing - "I -I -I loved your book!" I try to be more fearless when blogging, but it is a bit easier when you can take your time with the words. I think of who I would like to be in reality, in the mirror. I never could picture her, until now. I want to be like Sarah Kay.

If you have never heard of the TED conferences, take a look at their site. Pure inspiration. Their slogan is "Ideas Worth Spreading". I'm all about ideas. Watch this video of Sarah Kay. She is a performance poet (and SO much more!) She is so young (22), and began at age 14! and she admits to being terrified, and yet... she is everything I have ever wanted to be. She gets her thoughts across so well. The first poem is called "If I Should Have a Daughter". She doesn't have a daughter, and yet she expresses everything I wish I could tell my daughter (and son!) but could never find the words. And, if you are a teacher, this would be a great video to play for your students. In school, we get a warped image of what poetry must look like. THIS is cool. And we ALL need more positive role models. Sarah is now one of mine.


9 comments:

  1. Beautiful thoughts. It's an challenging thing to define one's self to others (or even to one's self).
    It's a revealing thing to me to see that the line I could relate to the most was this one: "Or I wish I could come up with the perfect smart-ass thing to say to resuscitate my confidence." That is my endless quest... :)
    Thank you for sharing from your heart.

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  2. Crikey! I was glued to every word Sarah Kay said, oh what a memory and certainly an inspiration! Thanks Sandy.

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  3. Thank you Sandy for sharing you heart and this video. I too was glued to her every word. I happen to know a lot of teachers,my son being one,I have shared this with them and with my FB friends ! Thank you for being so transparent and saying what I could not put into words. I will be 54 soon and still wondering what I will be when I grow up !! LOL!! Hugs.... Kristy

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing this---

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  5. WOW! That was one of the most powerful speaches I've ever heard. I feel a bit like an underachiever but her words were so inspiring, I'll just keep trying. Again, I am so glad I watched and so thankful you shared! ~Wendy

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  6. Beautiful post and beautiful Sarah Kay. What a woman! Thank you for sharing!

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing. she is an outstanding young woman. I just wrote to her wanting to find out how to get her to come to our local schools and I mentioned that I found her here on your blog......
    She is an inspiration....
    Thanks again,
    dolores

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  8. Thanks for sharing.... INSPIRATIONAL and will be shared with my students

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  9. Sarah Key was awesome! It reminds me of "Pretty" some slam poetry you can find on youtube. Check this out, and be careful, there is ONE not-for-little-ears word in there! Katie Makkai "Pretty"
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6wJl37N9C0

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