Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://zipolitazstudioz.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
SAVE Capilano University: Save the Studio Art and Textile Arts Programs
SIGN THE PETITION HERE!
Did I ever tell you the story of how my photography program got cancelled and how it totally messed up my life.
Well here's what happened. Once upon a time, a long time ago...argh! LOL!! for some anyways, way back in 1990 I was going to go take a photography program at Selkirk College. I was living in Abbotsford at the time and I was really at a loss...in so many ways.
You see I had developed tendonitis working really hard labour at the Lilydale Poultry plant. My hands that I had used for the last 11 years of labour related work, were basically useless for anything that required strength, repetion or pressure. What could I do. I couldn't get E.I. anymore and Workmen's Compensation should have paid for retraining but they were being monsters and so I gave up and decided to get a student loan. Big mistake number one.
Anyways, I knew if I was going to pay for this it had better be something I really loved. So I had always wanted to be a photographer and that's what I decided. I couldn't find a course in my town and the others wanted math and physics that I didn't want to take, just as I didn't want to in high school and had chose art instead.
(Do you know I remember in grade 8 when the teacher/Councillor came around and asked me what I wanted to do when I graduated and I said "artist" and she said that wasn't a very good choice and I better take some other courses. - that still bugs me...why couldn't she say, that's wonderful, if you put your mind to it, you will be a wonderful successful artist- why couldn't she say we really need artists! Art makes you healthy, creativity is a wonderful thing...but she didn't. She discouraged me. :(
Anyways, I found my program, it was short- just one year- just did the basics in B&W and we'd learn printing - I had done this in high school, so I was excited.
I went to Castlegar and checked the college and then found a place to rent. This was all set up before May. I applied and then in May I got the news. Program cancelled.
Devastated. What was I going to do. A year of searching and thinking and planning and money to do all that and now it was all f__d up because they didn't have $400,000.
But wait, it's not the end of the story.
I decided to write everyone I could and ask them to donate. So I went to the library and wrote to everyone that made revenues of a million dollars a year. It was in some book I found.
Remember this is before the internet and light years before Social Media. :D
So I typed the letter on this old electric typewriter and with lots of white out for errors, I photocopied it and send them out with the stamps- I think it was like $30 for stamps and photocopying and all. I didn't have much money so it was alot at the time.
Anyways my mom had encouraged me to get a job as summer relief working for Home Support (for those of you that know, Home Support is a physically and mentally challenging job and not something I could do long term) and everyday I would come home to see if I had any letters. Naively I had faith!
It was actually pretty amazing and very encouraging. People wrote to me. They sent words of encouragement and some even sent things... like KODAK sent some film and I think Fuji did too. I remember Scott Paper and there were others. I kept all the letters.
The coolest was from Princess Diana's Lady- in- waiting. Of course she just said no, and I had no idea at the time that she probably hated photographers. I still thought it was really cool to even get a letter back. I still have it, along with all the other letters. (I'd love to show you but they are all in storage at the moment. )
Anyways I wrote letters to the Ministry of Education but they were slow to reply, I remember I didn't get one until I was already in school.
Basically they all said no...they couldn't help. Which seemed so stupid because $400,000 just doesn't seem like that much money for a good program.
In the end I did go to Selkirk, only because I was mislead to believe there was a good chance the program would start the next year.
But wait the story doesn't end there.
I went to Selkirk and while there I was taking French and my French tutor had taken Photography at Dawson College in Quebec. He said it was cheap to live there and there was lots of culture and it sounded wonderful. I was psyched. So I applied. Big Mistake Number 2
But guess what, the papers took a long time and I couldn't understand until I finally phoned and someone explained that the course was going to be cancelled the next year and so I would only be able to take one year of a 2 year course and then I would be totally screwed. Whah :(
So back to the drawing board, nearly two frigging years of school and student loans and nothing to show. Yes, my English, Anthropology, Psychology, Computer Science were improved but no diploma to show for anything and not any closer to my dream or having a job since my hands (formerly my way of earning income) are useless.
So I pick myself up and try again. Langara has a Photography program, the one I have been avoiding because it's 2 years and I need Math 11 and Physics 11, both at which I think I suck and hate.
Anyways I have to try. So I enroll in Adult Basic Education, but my grade 10 math sucks so bad I have to retake it, (because I haved used it in 11 years,) and I hated it in high school and swore that I would only take art programs after grade 10 because I would never need it again and no one could force me. (Can you hear the 16 year old in here telling you all this. :) Yikes!!
Anyways, I need it and I take it and actually because I had a boyfriend who was very good at Math and could help me thru my homework when I got stuck, I actually got an A. AMAZING!!
Truly it is because many of the other students in that class failed or did poorly because they didn't have someone at home that could help them get thru the homework and so they all got behind. :(
Then I took the Math 11 and Physics 11(through correspondence- DOUBLE YIKES!!)
It was so hard and my course load was heavy and hard and I remember being so horribly stressed but I did it. I got B's in both. AMAZING!!!
Finally it's time to get into Langara. Well that was another whole crazy story. I could say Big Mistake No 3. but I won't get into it. Timing was the thing there, I wish I had waited. Because 2 years later E.I would have funded my program. And a year or so later there were different teachers. If I hadn't even gone, I could have saved myself a ton of money or if I had know I would have just hired someone to teach me...or done an apprenticeship somewhere if it existed and I would have been much better off. Maybe that's the lesson here...go with the flow. I didn't and well things got wonky!
All I can say, is don't do this to people. You have to give them lots and lots of warning if a program is going down and right now it sounds like the people at Cap College are being royally screwed here and I have A LOT of compassion for them. I signed the petition.
SIGN THE PETITION HERE!
In my opinion we shouldn't have to pay for art programs. The government should pay us to take them. HA! HA! Artists are the people who make you smile and laugh, who mess with your heads, who make you question authority(maybe that's why it's being cancelled? ) and think for yourself. Art documents beauty and sometimes the ugly, it is truth and lies but it is AMAZING!
There is very little art in the public school system right now. I saw that when my child was enrolled last year. Very very little time for art. It's so ridiculous. That's why homeschooling works so well for us, she has time to draw and create whether it's a video or a toy, she's creating and she's happy!
Art help brings clarity, it calms the soul, it heals!! We need art! We all need it and it needs to be encouraged. Encouraged at every stage of life and never discouraged. To many people think they are not artists which is so sad. Because it's primal. It goes back to hunter gather days and cave drawings.
Who made those...who made the beautiful clothes people wore in ceremonies or created special tools or eating and drinking vessels. It's all art. All of it!!! People can't live with out art!!
Some people like me, get sick with out it. When I don't draw or paint or write or take photos and make videos, I feel sad and stressed and get sick, sick in the soul. But as soon as I take out that brush or take some photos well I thrive. I want to share and make others happy with my art. I want to send a message and I can do that with art. I can tell people about me and how they react tells me a little or alot about them. We can communicate!! And that is important! Right! So that we can all try to understand each other and get along better and live in harmony. That's what I think. Now go sign that petition and share it!! Because you have the POWER!! you have Social Media. Not like me and my stamps. :D
WE NEED ART!! STAND UP FOR ART!! SAVE THE ART PROGRAM AT CAP COLLEGE!!
SIGN THE PETITION HERE!
Blogger, Artist, Social Media, Web Designer, Photographer- I blog about nouns-people, places and things, even when it's negative I try to put a positive spin on it. @tinawinterlikfb https://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Have a Happy Earth Day
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://zipolitazstudioz.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Get out and enjoy the blossoms :D
zipolita@gmail.com
http://zipolitazstudioz.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Get out and enjoy the blossoms :D
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
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| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Prayers for the Boston - Acts of Kindness
http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosionsBlog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
My prayers and condolensces to the people that were hurt and killed in the bombing at the Boston Marathon today! http://sports.yahoo.com/news/two-explosions-boston-marathon-finish-191045988--spt.html What a horrible tragedy! It sounded like a war zone.
I haven't watched much video, I have just read somethings. I don't want to see it. It's so disturbing.
My heart goes out to all those people. So so sad to hear about the little boy. On yahoo it said his mom and sister were also injured. They were waiting for the dad. I can't imagine. I'm still shaking my head trying to grasp it. I pray they will all be okay.
I hope they get the help they will need to recover.
Saw a few things on twitter that give me hope on such an awful day. .
They say wonderful acts kindness and generousity are happening. In response to the the fear and sadness, people have opened their hearts and homes to total strangers offering dinner, a bed, a shower.
Some place to come over and try to feel better about what has happened. See link here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1r2dbf7q2sIiiQWynPNgH74qNeheNycTyk7hXue9AJhs/viewform
They also did this with this Google docs. If your looking for someone or have info for someone click here. http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions
It's a sad sad day, one we will want to forget, but no one will dispute that to see this positive action of love is heartwarming and on a day like this everyone needs a little something to feel a bit better about.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/spt--boston-marathon-explosions-attract-an-outpouring-of-help-from-city-s-residents-022321905.html
Sending lots and lots of prayers and love.
More places to find help http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/04/boston-marathon-victims-how-to-help-find-information/
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
My prayers and condolensces to the people that were hurt and killed in the bombing at the Boston Marathon today! http://sports.yahoo.com/news/two-explosions-boston-marathon-finish-191045988--spt.html What a horrible tragedy! It sounded like a war zone.
I haven't watched much video, I have just read somethings. I don't want to see it. It's so disturbing.
My heart goes out to all those people. So so sad to hear about the little boy. On yahoo it said his mom and sister were also injured. They were waiting for the dad. I can't imagine. I'm still shaking my head trying to grasp it. I pray they will all be okay.
I hope they get the help they will need to recover.
Saw a few things on twitter that give me hope on such an awful day. .
They say wonderful acts kindness and generousity are happening. In response to the the fear and sadness, people have opened their hearts and homes to total strangers offering dinner, a bed, a shower.
Some place to come over and try to feel better about what has happened. See link here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1r2dbf7q2sIiiQWynPNgH74qNeheNycTyk7hXue9AJhs/viewform
They also did this with this Google docs. If your looking for someone or have info for someone click here. http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions
It's a sad sad day, one we will want to forget, but no one will dispute that to see this positive action of love is heartwarming and on a day like this everyone needs a little something to feel a bit better about.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/spt--boston-marathon-explosions-attract-an-outpouring-of-help-from-city-s-residents-022321905.html
Sending lots and lots of prayers and love.
More places to find help http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/04/boston-marathon-victims-how-to-help-find-information/
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Greenglade Community Garden Blitz Video
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Here's another great idea and video. LOOK what these people did in one day. Amazing!!!
http://svipermablitz.com/blog/
Here's some more info. Sign up and Dig in!!
http://svipermablitz.com/about/what-is-a-permablitz/
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Here's another great idea and video. LOOK what these people did in one day. Amazing!!!
http://svipermablitz.com/blog/
Here's some more info. Sign up and Dig in!!
http://svipermablitz.com/about/what-is-a-permablitz/
Greening the Desert!! "You can solve all your problems with a garden!!"
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Greening the Desert!! Check out this wonderful video. Listen to this very wise man when he says "You can solve all your problems with a garden!!"
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Greening the Desert!! Check out this wonderful video. Listen to this very wise man when he says "You can solve all your problems with a garden!!"
The Growing Young Farmers Society
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
This I found in my Linkedin. I would love to start one of these at the school beside us. Many of you that know me and follow this blog, know that I love the whole Edible Schoolyard program in Berkley California. I don't understand why every school isn't doing it.
Anyways here's one that getting started on Vancouver Island. Remember we went WOOF'ing over in Duncan last year. It was a very rewarding experience for both my daughter and myself.
Check out the info and links below.
http://growingyoungfarmers.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/GrowingYoungFarmersSociety/info
2) Providing youth with hands on opportunities to learn how to grow healthy and organic food.
3) Developing programs that empower youth to take a proactive positive roles in their communities food system.
4) Creating and encouraging community partnerships as foundations for sustainable agriculture.
The GYF Society is dedicated to educating youth about food security issues, providing them with hands-on opportunities to learn how to grow healthy
and environmentally friendly food and to developing programs empowering youth to take proactive, positives roles in food production and society.
Growing Young
7159 Wallace Drive
Brentwood Bay, BC
Canada
V8M 1G9
David Friend, Founder
davefriend@friendlyorganics.ca
1.250.704.6602
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
This I found in my Linkedin. I would love to start one of these at the school beside us. Many of you that know me and follow this blog, know that I love the whole Edible Schoolyard program in Berkley California. I don't understand why every school isn't doing it.
Anyways here's one that getting started on Vancouver Island. Remember we went WOOF'ing over in Duncan last year. It was a very rewarding experience for both my daughter and myself.
Check out the info and links below.
http://growingyoungfarmers.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/GrowingYoungFarmersSociety/info
We create weekly interactions for school children at
chemical-free food growing areas, on and off school grounds, where they
grow and produce food hands on.
Mission
1) Educating youth about food security issues.2) Providing youth with hands on opportunities to learn how to grow healthy and organic food.
3) Developing programs that empower youth to take a proactive positive roles in their communities food system.
4) Creating and encouraging community partnerships as foundations for sustainable agriculture.
Company Overview
We
create weekly interactions for school children at chemical-free food
growing areas, on and off school grounds, where they grow and produce
food hands on.The GYF Society is dedicated to educating youth about food security issues, providing them with hands-on opportunities to learn how to grow healthy
and environmentally friendly food and to developing programs empowering youth to take proactive, positives roles in food production and society.
Growing Young
Farmers Society
7159 Wallace DriveBrentwood Bay, BC
Canada
V8M 1G9
David Friend, Founder
davefriend@friendlyorganics.ca
1.250.704.6602
The RIGHT TO GROW FOOD INSTEAD A LAWN!!
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
This was shared in my Facebook page today. It compelled me to share it on my blog. It's crazy that people are not allowed to grow food. What better place to grow food than on your lawn. There is such insanity out there right now. We have all this wasted land. People spraying lawns with pesticides, wasting energy cutting the lawns, lawns that need a lot of water and then dry up in the summer when watering restrictions happen. People need to rethink all of this. There are so many opportunities right in front of our noses. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!
For our children's sake, change things. Grow gardens on your front lawns, teach children the importance of growing your own food and how we need to protect the seeds from GMO and the values of being organic. Teach herbology in school and at home, teach how to harvest and cook the food you have grown. How to preserve the foods thru the winters. We had all this knowledge. Our parents and grandparents did it. It is our responsibility to teach this to our children and it is our RIGHT!!
I live in Canada and this email relates to things happening in the states but I am sure there are similar issues here. I sure don't see many people growing food in there front lawns but I would love to. Read the letter below and add your support. We are going to have to unite and fight hard against companies like Monsanto and big pharma because they don't want us to grow our own food. They would rather us eat unhealthy food and use only thier seeds so they can be in control. Stand together people. Stand up and Stay strong because there is a huge battle to be won but it will be a tough one. We need to do it though, for our survival and our children's.
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
This was shared in my Facebook page today. It compelled me to share it on my blog. It's crazy that people are not allowed to grow food. What better place to grow food than on your lawn. There is such insanity out there right now. We have all this wasted land. People spraying lawns with pesticides, wasting energy cutting the lawns, lawns that need a lot of water and then dry up in the summer when watering restrictions happen. People need to rethink all of this. There are so many opportunities right in front of our noses. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!
For our children's sake, change things. Grow gardens on your front lawns, teach children the importance of growing your own food and how we need to protect the seeds from GMO and the values of being organic. Teach herbology in school and at home, teach how to harvest and cook the food you have grown. How to preserve the foods thru the winters. We had all this knowledge. Our parents and grandparents did it. It is our responsibility to teach this to our children and it is our RIGHT!!
I live in Canada and this email relates to things happening in the states but I am sure there are similar issues here. I sure don't see many people growing food in there front lawns but I would love to. Read the letter below and add your support. We are going to have to unite and fight hard against companies like Monsanto and big pharma because they don't want us to grow our own food. They would rather us eat unhealthy food and use only thier seeds so they can be in control. Stand together people. Stand up and Stay strong because there is a huge battle to be won but it will be a tough one. We need to do it though, for our survival and our children's.
Dear Sir/Madam:
In the past year or so, I have seen a growing assault on a specific type of individual freedom. A seemingly innocuous activity has drawn the ire of local officials, and when I tell you what it is, you will think it is so silly you just might laugh. You might even think that paying attention to this issue is a waste of your limited time, but I can assure you from my own personal experience that it absolutely is not.
In June of 2011 I faced a 93 day jail sentence for growing vegetables in my front yard. Yes, you read that correctly. There was no other issue, no hidden criminal mischief, no homeowner’s association, no history of any other violations. There was nothing in the municipal code that prohibited growing vegetables in the front yard, nor was there anything, unsightly or even vaguely menacing. Yet I was charged with a misdemeanor. If my case was an isolated incident, we could just attribute it to an overzealous city planner and that would be the end of the story.
But in September of 2011, Memphis high school teacher Adam Guerrero was ordered to dismantle a similar garden. In his case, he used the garden to educate students from the local high school about growing food, making soap and biodiesel, harvesting honey, and giving youth productive and constructive ways to use their time. For this he was dragged into court and labelled a troublemaker.
In June of 2012 Karl Tricamo of Ferguson, Missouri was ordered to tear up his front yard garden in spite of the fact that it clearly violated no zoning ordinance. He chose to stand his ground rather than capitulate to bullying by his city, but it was a difficult fight, and one that a law-abiding citizen should not have to wage. Karl won his fight too, but the city is planning to retaliate by drafting new and stricter gardening ordinances that will prevent him from continuing to plant in the future.
In October, 2012 the Helvenston Family in Orlando, Florida were ordered to remove their front yard vegetable garden, with a citation stating that, ”Front yard must be restored to its original configuration and ground covers restored.” In spite of the fact that the original complaint was made by a landlord who lived over 1,000 miles away, and in spite of the fact that neighbors in the area were in support of the garden, the City claimed ground cover violations, then ruled that the vegetable garden was agriculture and only allowed it in the rear yard where there is no sun. The Code still has not changed and the case against them is still pending. Up until this point, they have not been allowed to speak in front of the city council, nor been given a fair hearing, despite the city repeatedly telling media that they are working with the couple to find a fair solution to the situation.
Perhaps most egregious, though, is the case of Denise Morrison in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Denise grew a varied garden of herbs, flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. She was cited by her city for violating their zoning ordinances. And while her case was pending, before she had her hearing, city workers came and razed her garden. That’s right. No due process. no fair trial. All because some local bureaucrats wouldn’t tolerate one woman growing some of her own food.
So what can you do? I am asking you to be courageous enough to sponsor a bill that will protect a citizen’s right to grow food. I am asking you to pass into law something that should already be obvious to thinking people: that a free citizen should have the right (barring legitimate concerns over safety and welfare of others, of course) to grow food on their own property. Protect individuals from the petty tyranny of local governments.
Yes, I know we can vote in local elections, and we do. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if you took a stand on this issue? I’ll tell you who would support you, because they supported me during my fight with the city (which I won, by the way): people who care about: food safety, food rights, water conservation, energy conservation, organics, local politics, human rights, keeping government in check, farming, slow food, eating local, land use issues, environmentalists, water quality, peak oil concerns, saving money, healthy diets, teaching and learning, improvising in a tough economy, self-sufficiency, therapeutic benefits of gardening, creating strong neighborhoods and regaining a sense of community, taking pride in what you work for (a most American value), as well as many other things.
It used to be that Americans were encouraged to plant Victory Gardens. Average people felt they were helping their country and their families by putting their hands in their soil and growing some of what they ate. They took pride in the fact that they were able to see the results of their effort on their very own dinner table. Today many people struggle from paycheck to paycheck. Slogans are thrown around about how best to help people who are just trying to “make it”. Here you have case after case of people who are willing to do what it takes to plant what some have termed the new “Survival Gardens”. How wonderful it would be for them to be able to flourish in peace!
At the heyday of our battle, we had several hundred thousand visitors following my story on my blog. I’m sure there were at least that many following our story on other websites and through other media. Undoubtedly you would have more than that supporting you in this issue.
I will eagerly await a response from you.
Thank you and best wishes,
Julie Bass
http://
http://
— with Karl Tricamo Brandt, Dirk Becker, Chris Lyspooner and 29 others.
In the past year or so, I have seen a growing assault on a specific type of individual freedom. A seemingly innocuous activity has drawn the ire of local officials, and when I tell you what it is, you will think it is so silly you just might laugh. You might even think that paying attention to this issue is a waste of your limited time, but I can assure you from my own personal experience that it absolutely is not.
In June of 2011 I faced a 93 day jail sentence for growing vegetables in my front yard. Yes, you read that correctly. There was no other issue, no hidden criminal mischief, no homeowner’s association, no history of any other violations. There was nothing in the municipal code that prohibited growing vegetables in the front yard, nor was there anything, unsightly or even vaguely menacing. Yet I was charged with a misdemeanor. If my case was an isolated incident, we could just attribute it to an overzealous city planner and that would be the end of the story.
But in September of 2011, Memphis high school teacher Adam Guerrero was ordered to dismantle a similar garden. In his case, he used the garden to educate students from the local high school about growing food, making soap and biodiesel, harvesting honey, and giving youth productive and constructive ways to use their time. For this he was dragged into court and labelled a troublemaker.
In June of 2012 Karl Tricamo of Ferguson, Missouri was ordered to tear up his front yard garden in spite of the fact that it clearly violated no zoning ordinance. He chose to stand his ground rather than capitulate to bullying by his city, but it was a difficult fight, and one that a law-abiding citizen should not have to wage. Karl won his fight too, but the city is planning to retaliate by drafting new and stricter gardening ordinances that will prevent him from continuing to plant in the future.
In October, 2012 the Helvenston Family in Orlando, Florida were ordered to remove their front yard vegetable garden, with a citation stating that, ”Front yard must be restored to its original configuration and ground covers restored.” In spite of the fact that the original complaint was made by a landlord who lived over 1,000 miles away, and in spite of the fact that neighbors in the area were in support of the garden, the City claimed ground cover violations, then ruled that the vegetable garden was agriculture and only allowed it in the rear yard where there is no sun. The Code still has not changed and the case against them is still pending. Up until this point, they have not been allowed to speak in front of the city council, nor been given a fair hearing, despite the city repeatedly telling media that they are working with the couple to find a fair solution to the situation.
Perhaps most egregious, though, is the case of Denise Morrison in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Denise grew a varied garden of herbs, flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. She was cited by her city for violating their zoning ordinances. And while her case was pending, before she had her hearing, city workers came and razed her garden. That’s right. No due process. no fair trial. All because some local bureaucrats wouldn’t tolerate one woman growing some of her own food.
So what can you do? I am asking you to be courageous enough to sponsor a bill that will protect a citizen’s right to grow food. I am asking you to pass into law something that should already be obvious to thinking people: that a free citizen should have the right (barring legitimate concerns over safety and welfare of others, of course) to grow food on their own property. Protect individuals from the petty tyranny of local governments.
Yes, I know we can vote in local elections, and we do. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if you took a stand on this issue? I’ll tell you who would support you, because they supported me during my fight with the city (which I won, by the way): people who care about: food safety, food rights, water conservation, energy conservation, organics, local politics, human rights, keeping government in check, farming, slow food, eating local, land use issues, environmentalists, water quality, peak oil concerns, saving money, healthy diets, teaching and learning, improvising in a tough economy, self-sufficiency, therapeutic benefits of gardening, creating strong neighborhoods and regaining a sense of community, taking pride in what you work for (a most American value), as well as many other things.
It used to be that Americans were encouraged to plant Victory Gardens. Average people felt they were helping their country and their families by putting their hands in their soil and growing some of what they ate. They took pride in the fact that they were able to see the results of their effort on their very own dinner table. Today many people struggle from paycheck to paycheck. Slogans are thrown around about how best to help people who are just trying to “make it”. Here you have case after case of people who are willing to do what it takes to plant what some have termed the new “Survival Gardens”. How wonderful it would be for them to be able to flourish in peace!
At the heyday of our battle, we had several hundred thousand visitors following my story on my blog. I’m sure there were at least that many following our story on other websites and through other media. Undoubtedly you would have more than that supporting you in this issue.
I will eagerly await a response from you.
Thank you and best wishes,
Julie Bass
http://
http://
Friday, April 12, 2013
Love this kid!! Brilliant! Pay the Farmer instead of the Hospital
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Or you might say "Pay the farmer instead of the pharmacy companies!!"
Listen to this bright intelligent young man, who is homeschooled (Yay!!) explain why we need to change how we eat!!
Love how he wants to be a farmer instead of a football player. I sure hope there are a lot more like him.
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Or you might say "Pay the farmer instead of the pharmacy companies!!"
Listen to this bright intelligent young man, who is homeschooled (Yay!!) explain why we need to change how we eat!!
Love how he wants to be a farmer instead of a football player. I sure hope there are a lot more like him.
The Fairy Fotos Lady
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Did you ever look at my YouTube Channel and wonder why it says "the fairy foto lady" http://www.youtube.com/user/fairyfotoslady. It's because when my daughter was little I had this elaborate plan to have Fairy parties for children and the first thing I did was create a website and with the website I thought I needed Fairy Fotos.
So I started to make them of my daughter. At first they were quite simple but as time passed they became quite detailed.
Unfortunately my plan for the Fairy Parties didn't pan out, as the initial idea behind that was I would take her with me to the parties...but being 4 years old...not the best idea, not the best timing. If you've had a 4 year old, I'm sure you get this! ;)
And at the same time as I was creating my lovely fairy fotos, Walmart came out with Fairy fotos for $29.99 and to make them for that wasn't worth my time.
There were some other issues but I'll skip those and share with you what I intended to for this post.
My fairy fotos. I hope you enjoy them. I'm so glad I have these beautiful little keepsakes of my little girl. She made a lovely little fairy. I will always cherish these!
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Did you ever look at my YouTube Channel and wonder why it says "the fairy foto lady" http://www.youtube.com/user/fairyfotoslady. It's because when my daughter was little I had this elaborate plan to have Fairy parties for children and the first thing I did was create a website and with the website I thought I needed Fairy Fotos.
So I started to make them of my daughter. At first they were quite simple but as time passed they became quite detailed.
Unfortunately my plan for the Fairy Parties didn't pan out, as the initial idea behind that was I would take her with me to the parties...but being 4 years old...not the best idea, not the best timing. If you've had a 4 year old, I'm sure you get this! ;)
And at the same time as I was creating my lovely fairy fotos, Walmart came out with Fairy fotos for $29.99 and to make them for that wasn't worth my time.
There were some other issues but I'll skip those and share with you what I intended to for this post.
My fairy fotos. I hope you enjoy them. I'm so glad I have these beautiful little keepsakes of my little girl. She made a lovely little fairy. I will always cherish these!
 |
| Twilight Fairy- by Tina Winterlik © 2012 |
 |
| Ivy Fairy -by Tina Winterlik © 2012 |
 |
| Wee Garden Fairy by Tina Winterlik © 2012 |
HELP GET THE GREEN MAN TO THEE DRAGONS !
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Well, always happy to help a fellow stiltwalker!! Spread the word and help get "THE GREEN MAN TO THE DRAGON'S DEN" :D That will be a show I won't want to miss!
THE GREEN MAN Website: http://green.fwds6.com/
The Green Man- John Conway- has been invited to present his show proposal to the Dragon's Den on CBC at the end of this month in Toronto. April 27th to be exact. He flies out on the 23rd of April.
The Green Man needs our help to get to the film studios in Toronto.
Here is where you will find information on how you can hep!
And he needs help putting the word out, so lots of people will come.
Monetary contributions can be made, via paypal, to thetreehouse@hotmail.com.
Bless your wee cotton socks!
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Well, always happy to help a fellow stiltwalker!! Spread the word and help get "THE GREEN MAN TO THE DRAGON'S DEN" :D That will be a show I won't want to miss!
 |
| The Green Man |
THE GREEN MAN Website: http://green.fwds6.com/
 |
| The Green Man |
From the Green Man Project Facebook page
The Green Man- John Conway- has been invited to present his show proposal to the Dragon's Den on CBC at the end of this month in Toronto. April 27th to be exact. He flies out on the 23rd of April.
The Green Man needs our help to get to the film studios in Toronto.
Here is where you will find information on how you can hep!
And he needs help putting the word out, so lots of people will come.
Monetary contributions can be made, via paypal, to thetreehouse@hotmail.com.
Bless your wee cotton socks!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Whoa!! Humans ARE amazing! Video
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Wow!! I mean WOW!! I wasn't really going to watch this video, but then after a few seconds I was like, holy crap!! HUMANS ARE AMAZING!! Now if we can do all this, why can't we SAVE THE WORLD?
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Wow!! I mean WOW!! I wasn't really going to watch this video, but then after a few seconds I was like, holy crap!! HUMANS ARE AMAZING!! Now if we can do all this, why can't we SAVE THE WORLD?
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Kitsilano- My Kind of Hood- Part 1 - Springtime
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Magnificent Magnolias, Windy Days, Long Walks, it's Springtime in Kitsilano
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Magnificent Magnolias, Windy Days, Long Walks, it's Springtime in Kitsilano
 |
| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
Quiet These Days..
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
If it's seems like I'm awfully quiet these days...I am. It's because I am working on something big! Well big for me. You remembered how I branded myself Zipolita. Well I have built myself a new website and it's really going to pull everything together this time and will focus mainly on video creation. So I am really excited. I'll be launching it shortly so stay tuned.
Finally got myself a decent phone so I can easily show clients the videos I've made without packing around a laptop or trying to get people to visit links I send them.
Today I made a new video and I'm working on a bunch more, all of them promoting my videos, their creation and my new site.
So cross your fingers, say a prayer and wish me luck because I really need this all to come together for me. I've put a lot of thought and effort and research into this so I know it will. Timing is always the issue. But now the time is here and the timing is right and it's all coming together.
Once I get it all up and running, then I'll try to post here more often but it may be a little while. I just wanted to let you know. I really appreciate all your visits and that's why I'm keeping you in the loop.
Okay so stay tuned and I'll update you as often as possible. Cheers!!
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
If it's seems like I'm awfully quiet these days...I am. It's because I am working on something big! Well big for me. You remembered how I branded myself Zipolita. Well I have built myself a new website and it's really going to pull everything together this time and will focus mainly on video creation. So I am really excited. I'll be launching it shortly so stay tuned.
Finally got myself a decent phone so I can easily show clients the videos I've made without packing around a laptop or trying to get people to visit links I send them.
Today I made a new video and I'm working on a bunch more, all of them promoting my videos, their creation and my new site.
So cross your fingers, say a prayer and wish me luck because I really need this all to come together for me. I've put a lot of thought and effort and research into this so I know it will. Timing is always the issue. But now the time is here and the timing is right and it's all coming together.
Once I get it all up and running, then I'll try to post here more often but it may be a little while. I just wanted to let you know. I really appreciate all your visits and that's why I'm keeping you in the loop.
Okay so stay tuned and I'll update you as often as possible. Cheers!!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Magnolia & Cherry Blossum Time
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
We had the most amazingly hot Easter. The weather was just gorgeous that day and for the week around it. But now it's back to chilly rainy gray weather. Oh we have little breaks here and there, but it doesn't feel like a balmy spring that's for sure.
The thing is all the blossums came out. POOF! And they are so beautiful. The sad thing is when it rains it knocks them all off.
So here's a little video of the walk we took yesterday. The Magnolia's we Magnificent!!
And the cherry blossums are quite grand too!
Enjoy!! Have a Happy Saturday:D
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
We had the most amazingly hot Easter. The weather was just gorgeous that day and for the week around it. But now it's back to chilly rainy gray weather. Oh we have little breaks here and there, but it doesn't feel like a balmy spring that's for sure.
 |
| Photo by Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita © 2013 |
The thing is all the blossums came out. POOF! And they are so beautiful. The sad thing is when it rains it knocks them all off.
So here's a little video of the walk we took yesterday. The Magnolia's we Magnificent!!
And the cherry blossums are quite grand too!
Enjoy!! Have a Happy Saturday:D
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Do You Know How Tofu Is Made?
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
My child and I were watching How It's Made the other day. It was about Tofu and show the process. It was very similar to this video. What shocked me at the end is that AFTER it's wrapped in plastic they boil it. Doesn't that mean that all the toxins from the plastic leach into the tofu.
Has anyone ever tested this.
Are they trying to kill off all the vegetarians?
It got me thinking about some of the food we eat..FREAKS ME OUT!!
Seriously, we need to grow and eat food we know exactly where it comes from and see the process.
Yuck! I have never been a big tofu eater and now I never will be.
Did you know this about your tofu?
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
My child and I were watching How It's Made the other day. It was about Tofu and show the process. It was very similar to this video. What shocked me at the end is that AFTER it's wrapped in plastic they boil it. Doesn't that mean that all the toxins from the plastic leach into the tofu.
Has anyone ever tested this.
Are they trying to kill off all the vegetarians?
It got me thinking about some of the food we eat..FREAKS ME OUT!!
Seriously, we need to grow and eat food we know exactly where it comes from and see the process.
Yuck! I have never been a big tofu eater and now I never will be.
Did you know this about your tofu?
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Want to Work on a Film?
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
So I was surfing around on Twitter or Youtube I forget and I came across this project and it said something about Green Screen. Now I know a little about this greenscreen issue as my nephew works in animation and has a green square for his avatar on Facebook.
So my interest was tweaked and I looked further. I admit I do not know much about all the latest greatest producers, artists, musicians. I should but I don't. So I had never heard of this guy.
But I have heard of Blackberry and this ad said you get to help make a film with him, or give him ideas. Anyways I thought that was way too cool so I checked it out some more.
Here's the scoop. http://keepmoving.blackberry.com/desktop/en/us/ambassador/robert-rodriguez.html
We're all storytellers
In his 10 Minute Film School, Robert Rodriguez tells students to stop dreaming and start doing. It's something he knows a bit about.
He made his first movie aged 9.
At 23, his $7,000 Sundance smash hit, El Mariachi, made him a legend of no-budget filmmaking. Since then, he's gone from action flicks to grindhouse horror to family cinema, and mastered so many disciplines, he's known as 'the one-man film crew'.
Like all truly creative people, he's always hungry for the next challenge and he never stops learning.
He's reached out to fans before with the VISIONary Young Directors Contest and Grindhouse 101.
Now he's asking you to step up and help him tell a new kind of story.
Oh my gosh, Angel and I both were amazed when I clicked this link and saw that he made all these. She's a huge fan of these shows.
Here's his latest tweet
Robert Rodriguez @Rodriguez
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
So I was surfing around on Twitter or Youtube I forget and I came across this project and it said something about Green Screen. Now I know a little about this greenscreen issue as my nephew works in animation and has a green square for his avatar on Facebook.
So my interest was tweaked and I looked further. I admit I do not know much about all the latest greatest producers, artists, musicians. I should but I don't. So I had never heard of this guy.
But I have heard of Blackberry and this ad said you get to help make a film with him, or give him ideas. Anyways I thought that was way too cool so I checked it out some more.
Here's the scoop. http://keepmoving.blackberry.com/desktop/en/us/ambassador/robert-rodriguez.html
We're all storytellers
In his 10 Minute Film School, Robert Rodriguez tells students to stop dreaming and start doing. It's something he knows a bit about.
He made his first movie aged 9.
At 23, his $7,000 Sundance smash hit, El Mariachi, made him a legend of no-budget filmmaking. Since then, he's gone from action flicks to grindhouse horror to family cinema, and mastered so many disciplines, he's known as 'the one-man film crew'.
Like all truly creative people, he's always hungry for the next challenge and he never stops learning.
He's reached out to fans before with the VISIONary Young Directors Contest and Grindhouse 101.
Now he's asking you to step up and help him tell a new kind of story.
Robert Rodriguez
@Rodriguez
Writer / Producer / Director / Composer
Oh my gosh, Angel and I both were amazed when I clicked this link and saw that he made all these. She's a huge fan of these shows.
| Spy Kids: All the Time in the World
in 4D |
2011 |
| Shorts |
2009 |
| The Adventures of Sharkboy and
Lavagirl 3-D |
2005 |
| Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over |
2003 |
| Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams |
2002 |
| Spy Kids |
2001 |
Here's his latest tweet
Robert Rodriguez
An airline pilot from Seattle? Maybe a NYC housewife? Who will play 'The Agent'? Submit your performance here: <http://bit.ly/10Rz7gM >.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
World Autism Awareness Day
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. I watched a great film on the weekend. It's called "Snowflake." It's the second time I've seen it. I highly recommend it, it's really good. I love Sigourney, she's fabulous playing Linda, and so is Alan Rickman.
From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Cake
Snow Cake is a 2006 independent drama film directed by Marc Evans and starring Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Hampshire, and Callum Keith Rennie. It was released on September 8, 2006 in the UK.
Filmed in Wawa, Ontario, Snow Cake is a drama about the friendship between Linda, a woman with autism (Weaver), and Alex (Rickman) who is traumatized after a car accident involving himself and Linda's daughter (Hampshire).
George shared this link on twitter.
G. Stroumboulopoulos @strombo
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. I watched a great film on the weekend. It's called "Snowflake." It's the second time I've seen it. I highly recommend it, it's really good. I love Sigourney, she's fabulous playing Linda, and so is Alan Rickman.
From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Cake
Snow Cake is a 2006 independent drama film directed by Marc Evans and starring Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Hampshire, and Callum Keith Rennie. It was released on September 8, 2006 in the UK.
Filmed in Wawa, Ontario, Snow Cake is a drama about the friendship between Linda, a woman with autism (Weaver), and Alex (Rickman) who is traumatized after a car accident involving himself and Linda's daughter (Hampshire).
George shared this link on twitter.
G. Stroumboulopoulos
Hey you glorious people – it’s World #Autism Awareness Day: let's spread the word and make Canada more inclusive... http://tiny.cc/td1wuw
Related Links
Monday, April 1, 2013
Beneath the Mask- My Indiegogo Project
Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Please support my crowdfunding project on Indiegogo http://igg.me/p/368570/x/2793240
Short Summary
Hi my name is Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita. I have a number of blogs and work in Social Media. I have a diploma in photography and have been creating videos and small YouTube films for about 5 years now. You can read my linkedIn profile here http://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawinterlik
http://www.youtube.com/zipolita
My campaign is to Create a film about the DTES (Downtown Eastside- Vancouver) and the women who are suffering from addiction. I would like to let them tell their story so people can understand and not judge.
By creating a film I hope to raise awareness and empathy and hopefully it will lead to other funding projects to help them. It's important to me because I have been living here in Vancouver since 1997 and have seen the trauma and met people who have lived it.
For too long I haven't been able to help and now I think I can. I want to change perceptions and attitudes, especially for young people. Please visit the links for more info http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beneath-the-mask/x/2793240?c=home
zipolita@gmail.com
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+
Please support my crowdfunding project on Indiegogo http://igg.me/p/368570/x/2793240
Short Summary
Hi my name is Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita. I have a number of blogs and work in Social Media. I have a diploma in photography and have been creating videos and small YouTube films for about 5 years now. You can read my linkedIn profile here http://www.linkedin.com/in/tinawinterlik
http://www.youtube.com/zipolita
My campaign is to Create a film about the DTES (Downtown Eastside- Vancouver) and the women who are suffering from addiction. I would like to let them tell their story so people can understand and not judge.
By creating a film I hope to raise awareness and empathy and hopefully it will lead to other funding projects to help them. It's important to me because I have been living here in Vancouver since 1997 and have seen the trauma and met people who have lived it.
For too long I haven't been able to help and now I think I can. I want to change perceptions and attitudes, especially for young people. Please visit the links for more info http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beneath-the-mask/x/2793240?c=home
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