Honest to goodness

“Human communities depend upon on diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability.” - Sir Ken Robinson

I read this quote tonight while reading and began pondering about the truth behind these few words. I started to think about education, now versus that of my mom and dads generation. I don’t think we often enough reflect on the comparison of life for us and life for them back then. I imagine it was probably something like: pick a subject/course, get your degree, get married, buy a house, have kids, and rot.

I’m so glad I grew up in an era where I wasn’t confined to one specific course of education for the rest of my life. So many people take for granted the opportunity of learning without limitation that we’re capable of today. I never graduated from high school. I dropped out 11th grade got my “Good Enough Diploma” and headed for college hoping for something different. Even there, I don’t really think I found what I was looking for.

Honestly, my hope is that the young people of today realize the importance of diversity in our learning development. Although still, its yet to make way into the curriculum/structure of our educational systems. Kids are brilliant! But they’re bored out of their minds! It’s really depressing to think about.

I remember sitting in 2nd grade and Mrs. Francis asking “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I still remember my response, I wanted to be a professional piano player. Ha! You have no idea how many times that question was asked and how many times my response changed. Even now I want to be so many different things.

Education is not confined to the walls of a high school or a university even. We have the ability to be anything we want, whenever we want. Don’t let a particular system fool you into thinking you only get to be one thing and that’s it. Delve into whatever your heart leads you to. Educate your mind outside of a classroom! You’re only limiting yourself when you believe you can’t learn without the guidance of a teacher or a professor.

I’m not at all saying don’t go to school. I’m saying don’t leave school at school. There is always something to be learned. Everything and everyone is a teacher. You have no excuse, especially with the technology we have today. Wake up with the attitude to learn something new each day. The world longs for a people who know much. Everyone gets caught up knowing the same set of things. It’s frustrating! I mean really, how can you honestly change your world if you don’t have the answers to her questions?!

I don’t know…It’s just food for thought…

-Josh

Lately…

I’ve been trying to take more photographs. I don’t really know why, I just usually don’t like taking pictures. I’ve never been very good at it. But when I was in New York I got a little help from a friend and a book I would read while taking dumps. I kind of feel a little more comfortable with my camera now.

I’m still no photographer, but I do like taking pictures again. Especially, while scouting locations for future video shoots. I just see certain buildings or places and my mind goes wild! Things just sorta come to life.

I love the feeling of seeing something you’ve seen before and being able to envision it so much greater or in a whole different light. It’s pretty neat! I hope I get better at it. I kind of think I will but I’m not sure yet. I’m still debating it in my head. Ha. Only time will tell…

-Josh

ROMO-POOP.

This is Ro…

BACK THE FUCK UP!!!!

Just kidding… I ain’t scurred!

She’s too real for you niggas anyways. She’s probably the realest person I’ve met in a really long time. Her whole being is seriously so beautiful to me! She’s super rare and I hope she’s around for a really long long time. :)

-Josh

late night mutter…

First and foremost, this is in no way based on where I am in my current relationship! I’m in no way saying I have it all together either. I’m definitely still learning and nowhere near that!

I’ve personally been in quite a few relationships in my lifetime. I’ve liked and loved and anything in between. I’ve played a heart breaker and have had my heart broken. I’ve had relationships that last weeks and some that last years. I’ve based some on “looks” and some on “personality”. I’ve done both in the same person.

With that being said, I probably have the worst score card when it comes to wins in this ballpark! “The Arena of Relationships”

It just isn’t my cup of tea. My win streak is quite sad really and I often think about this in the back of my mind. I wonder sometimes, “Is there other people like me?” You know, who share in my defeat. I hear people all the time talk about formulas on “how to have a successful relationship”. It’s all really a big joke to me!

Maybe its cause I’m only 24 and I’m just now realizing what I want in my life. I don’t know… BUT… I’ve always been one to try and keep it as real as possible. I try really hard not to lie to myself. If I feel something, I express it. And if I don’t, then…well I don’t. That’s probably why I’m writing this on here. Mainly because I know a lot of people have or are dealing with this.

Do you know how hard it is to be selfless??? Do you even understand what that means?!?!?! Putting someone else’ feelings before your own, are you kidding me?! How does that even look?! Not being about the get but being about the give. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! That’s trotting a fine line! I mean do people really believe this stuff?!

See…

Most of those defeats… they started with the above thought process. I had no understanding of selflessness. Everything was about me! me! me! If I could, I probably would apologize… To every single girl whose heart I ripped apart and stomped on. As if they’d even give me the time of day. If I knew then what I know now… Wow!

I’ve learned a lot of things in my days. But putting them into practice was a whole other story. One that I plan to leave behind me. I’m not perfect, nor will I ever be. But if there’s anything I want to be known for, its just that… A man of selflessness. Not just in relationships, but even with life in general.

I’ve grown tired of defeat. I’ve grown tired of running in circles. I chose a year ago to let that all go. This is just the beginning of my journey and who knows what this road might bring my way. The only thing I can do now is try…

-Josh 

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

One of my best friends Sandra Vargas is an amazing writer! I love reading her blogs and seeing her pictures. They just have a genuine feel to them….

She currently lives in Mazatlan, Mexico and recently had the opportunity to spend 9 weeks in Nigeria. She talked about it like it was such a life changing experience. Honestly, I never really understood it…

That is until I saw this video she made. It’s kind of awesome what she did with such a crummy camera. But its just so honest and so real… I always talk about capturing life and moments just as they are. Not trying to make them seem bigger or add hype to them. You know, just raw. real. life!

We often forget how comfortable America really is, I do it all the time! But I’m really proud of her for this little piece. It reminds us that we ought not get too comfortable and that there really is another life outside of ourselves.

It’s inspiring! Motivation to really chase after the things set deep within my heart. I want to change the world! It doesn’t take much either… My momma always says you just have to have true humility and real unconditional love.

Hopefully you watch it and feel what she felt or even what I felt when I saw it.

-Josh

Small Moments In The Big City

Thanks to a new friend, I had the opportunity to spend 14 days in Brooklyn, NY at end of June and through the beginning of July. It was a really nice break from the last 11 months of working for Kidrobot here in Dallas.

I’m in transition mode and a lot of things are changing around me. It’s different, but at the same time I feel peace. I’m super hopeful for what I think the future might bring. 

Thank you Lisa for allowing me to be at home in your home and really just get away. You were truly amazing and I’m glad we got to meet. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you and your dreams. I think its all gonna be grand.

Please don’t die sky diving! ;)

-Love, Josh

New York City

There’s just something about this city that I love. It’s so different here…

I’m not saying I could ever live here but I definitely love to visit. Maybe its the smell or the people that keep it feeling so alive. Corner to corner, hard working individuals fighting for survival any which way they can. I’d never trade this for home, but I will enjoy every minute of it! It’s inspiring…

-Josh

Grubbin’ by the lake…

In the midst of every storm, there’s always a moment of peace. You’ve got to find that peace and make sure you hold on to it. It’s what will carry you through to the other side. I can’t explain why certain things happen. All I know is that you gotta find the positive in every situation and just try to learn what it is that life is trying to teach you! Peace and blessings…

-Josh