8 months ago I wrote this article and put it up on facebook just to sit there. Since then I have had so man comments on it that I thought I would reprint it on to the showasepdx site.

This journal entry came from me wanting to share with others that even though it seems like very tough times at our current point in history, there is always a ray of light here for us to see that the sun is really shining behind those dark dreary clouds.

It was not until recently I realized that ..hey… I could keep complaining about the clouds and the gray and the constant rain Portlander’s you know what I mean!  or I could embrace it and see what all that beautiful rain does for us on the positive side.

It is in that spirit that I share with you my heart and mind on the very important subject of Accepting Your Self and Accepting Life as it is while allowing the things your desire to align with you.

Journal Entry September 17th 2010

The past 3 years of my life have been the most difficult times I have ever gone through. Not only did my life I had been living for 15 years  come to a screeching halt but I lost everything and I mean everything I had before.  I left my home, my business, my relationship and all because of one thing, I was afraid to be WHO I AM.

I have seen so many of my fiends and family suffer at that one challenge called the TEST of Being who you really are.

Imagine if you could be all your Heart desires to be.That means your Heart not your ego or fear or things of that nature but YOUR HEART.

When you were a child you laughed, you played, you trusted and enjoyed being thrown up in the air and …well being LOVED and loving those who LOVED you.

Then…. unconscious adults and patterns of behaving from other children caused you to slowly close off to those emotions in an effort to protect yourself. And slowly you began to become another person.. or a person made up of your parents ideas, your brothers and sisters thoughts, your friends , authority figures and your religious view of who you are in the face of their Ideas about God and how YOU should behave, relate and act towards these ideas and concepts.

Soon your working in the ” Real ” World and you are working for that dollar. Working to create ” Happiness”

Then you realize your not happy and you seek out more of the old ideas you were taught to help you get ” Back into Shape” so as to not to seem so lazy or weird . ” Conform I  will ”  you say in your mind ” If I do not  I will die ?” or so you FEAR this will happen.

Years later you find yourself still unhappy but because you want to make others happy and you also do not want to make any changes that could lead to your demise.. you move from one addiction to another.

You work really hard, or party really hard, drink and use drugs or you go to the other Polarity of being a GOOD BOY OR GOOD GIRL. You immerse yourself into rituals or religious study to rid your self of this desire to be more than you are so that you can become pure, whole, clean. You will do anything to rid yourself from shame and this guilt you carry.

Then you  come to your breaking point. Something happens that gives you a choice-either Run from this feeling into the Abyss of Hopelessness and give up the dreams in your heart ( although you think it is just crazy feelings and thoughts that can not be realized) or …  Face this Feeling and Accept it and Accept what is inside of you THE REAL YOU.

All people have chosen one or the other of these Choice Points.

The ones who choose to answer the call from within them to be who they really are which is- Gentle, Kind, Loving, Giving, Caring, these Beings begin to shine and heal and do great things.

Sure it hurts as you are opening yourself up to a world you long had forgotten, a world that most people call crazy or weird or childish.  It is the world you left behind you when you began to conform to the thoughts and beliefs of those around you instead of following what you Knew was in your HEART. You Knew this a long time ago . You came here to do and be great things whether it be the most wonderful parent you could be or a great Inventor who helps change the course of the planet by his or her creativity.  We are all here to be the Greatest BEING we can be. And that Being is WHO you are and  is Who I AM.

I will share something from a book I have had the pleasure of reading  that is helping me through my journey of being Who I AM.

Take a listen:

” Rumi tells us that moment we accept what troubles we’ve been given, the door will open. Sounds easy. sounds attractive, but it is difficult , and most of us pound on the door to freedom and happiness with every manipulative ploy save the one that actually works. If your interested in opening the door to the heavens, start with the door to your OWN SECRET LIFE. See what happens when you offer to another a glimpse ofWHO YOU REALLY ARE. Start Slowly. Without getting dramatic, share the simple dignity of yourself in each moment-your triumphs and your failures, your satisfaction and your sorrow. Face your embarrassment at being human, and you’ll uncover a deep well of passion and compassion. It’s a great power, your Open Secret. When your heart is undefended, you make it safe for whomever you meet to put down his burden of hiding, and then you both can walk through the open door.”

Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

So today I say to all those  I love which is all peoples all those in this life.

Remember who you are.

Remember that Light that shined so bright in you when others looked upon you with great love  and adoration as you lay in their arms as a child.

Remember the joy you felt at dreaming up new and creative ways to see the world.

Remember that you are not only Loved but YOU ARE LOVE.

Remember this.

With Much Love and Gratitude

Michkael

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The tulips have ushered us into full time Spring and we are preparing another Open Kitchen Feast to highlight the beautiful food and artisan beer we have here in Oregon. Chef Andrew Garrett will take us on a guided tour of Oregon bounty by preparing a 5 course meal featuring local poultry, boar and lamb supplied by SuDan Farms. Each course will be paired with a Belgian style beer brewed over in Hillsboro by Ambacht Brewing.

Details:

When: Sunday June 12th 2011

Time: 6PM to 8:30 PM

Where: Kitchencru 337 NW Broadway Portland, OR 97209

Price: $45 for a five-course meal and beer pairings. Gratuity not included.

Tickets: Go to http://ticketsoregon.com/event_group.php?gid=36

For more info, go to www.facebook.com/theopenkitchen

June 12th Open Kitchen Menu

After relocating to Portland Oregon on an athletic scholarship, Warfield honed her musical chops at local joints like the Ambassador Lounge, training her voice with the same rigorous discipline she had cultivated for sports. Her dedication and drive paid off, leading her to capture the attention of a national audience with her vocal agility.

Warfield emerged on Portland’s music scene in 2002 where she began performing with the hip-hop band “Money N’ Lovin.”. Liv took center stage in 2004 with her own band Liv & The Warfield Project. In 2006, B&M Records Inc released Warfield’s debut album Embrace Me. She has performed with a diversity of artists such as Prince, B.B. King, The Roots, and the Dave Matthews Band.

Born and raised in Peoria, IL. Liv Warfield is a singer/songwriter based out of Portland, Oregon. Liv has performed with the likes of rince, B.B. King, The Roots, Dave Matthews Band and Floetry.
Find her at www.showcasepdx.com/livwarfield

It’s in her live performances that Liv Warfield shines brightest. An incandescent stage presence, when she steps to the microphone, Liv’s buoyant spirit seems to fill all the space between herself and her audience, carrying them along on a sonic journey through rock, R&B, gospel and soul that is both powerful and intimate. Whatever the genre, the result is pure magic and 100 percent Liv Warfield, All-American.

To find out more, visit her website at: OFFICIALLIVWARFIELD.com Follow Liv: Facebook

Music Showcase NW shines a spotlight on the stage and into the lives of todayʼs most promising and original artists.

Part concert performance and part interview,

Music Showcase NW takes its audience into the heart of the rhythms, the thoughts behind the notes.

Music Showcase NW Channel-Pilot show hosted by Shel Bailey featuring Local Artists from the North West. Our first guest Keegan Smith and the Fam.

SEGMENT 1

SEGMENT 2

SEGMENT 3

Related Topics:

Keegan Smith -Showcase Spotlight

Liv Warfield-Showcase Spotlight

Showcase PDX Invites You to Enjoy an Exclusive Slavic Feast with Chef Jesse Skiles and Pairings from Teutonic Wines

May 4, 2011 (Portland, OR) – Portland-based social entrepreneurial media company, Showcase PDX brings you the latest version of its tasty food series, the Open Kitchen. This intimate five-course, five-glass dining experience will feature the Slavic creations of Jesse Skiles, chef and wine maker, paired with Teutonic Wines – set to take place on Saturday, May 14th (7:00 – 10 PM) at Abby’s Table (609 SE Ankeny, Portland 97214). Chef Jesse’s friendship with winemaker Barnubus, has given him an intimate understanding of Tuetonic Wines. Combined with an inspiring three-week swing through Eastern Europe and produce from Viridian Farms and Nikki USA, this dinner might take your pallet to places it never imagined.

The Open Kitchen breaks barriers between eater, kitchen and food producer. The goal is to educate local communities about their food and connect them to local farmers and producers as a resource for buying local. The Open Kitchen also promotes local entrepreneurs who are creating new and exciting businesses within food.

Each installment of The Open Kitchen explores themes related to the “Body” (health topic or theme related to food), “Land” (Biodynamic farms and wineries, local farms and food producer, and local communities), “How To” (Classes combined with dinner with an emphasis on easy, healthy cooking), and Local Businesses (Innovative food carts, breweries, bakeries, cocktail mixologists, CSA’s and farmers markets).

For more information on The Open Kitchen, visit https://www.facebook.com/theopenkitchen and for tickets visit http://ticketsoregon.com/event_group.php?gid=36.

About Showcase PDX:

Showcase PDX is a new multi media platform that profiles exceptional people,businesses and organiztions that are building community and powering the economic engine of our region.

Media Contact:

Michkael Baker / Showcase PDX / bluevoicemedia@gmail.com / 503.935.7580

MENU

FIRST COURSE

2010 Teutonic Riesling Chehalem Mountains, Medici Vineyard

Smoked Chicken and Morell Croquettes

Riesling Poached Salo on Rye Toast

Oysters with Salmon Roe and Celery

SECOND COURSE

2010 Teutonic Pinot Noir Rosé, Chehalem Mountains, Laurel Vineyard

Spring Salmon Tartar with Wild Greens and Spring Things

THIRD COURSE

2010 Teutonic Silvaner, Willamette Valley, David Hill Vineyard

Buttermilk Soaked Sweetbreads over Millet with Fresh Cheese

FOURTH COURSE

2010 Teutonic Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills, Maresh Vineyard

Smoked Sturgeon along New Potatos, Mustard Greens and Duck Liver Vin.

FIFTH COURSE

2010 Teutonic White Wine Willamette Valley

Cabbage Rolls stuffed with Rabbit and Tart Cherries on Savory Quince

For more information on The Open Kitchen, visit https://www.facebook.com/theopenkitchen and for tickets visit http://ticketsoregon.com/event_group.php?gid=36.

When clients seek graphic design and photography with a dramatic, emotional hook, they turn to Tyler Kongslie.

Tyler’s work is precise yet stylish. He captures the essence of his subject matter through finely honed technique, delivering sophisticated and compelling imagery. Whether his subjects are athletes, singers or poker pros, Tyler’s work packs a punch that leaves viewers first awestruck, then curious—a result that thrills his clients.

With more than seven years of traditional ad agency experience, a mastery of the contemporary digital tool kit, and a trained photographer’s eye, Tyler knows the impact of the visceral. His design work is arresting, intriguing, captivating, yet also lyrical and nuanced.

Most of all, Tyler’s work is authentic. His ability to inscribe the truth of his subjects through a visual vocabulary sets Tyler’s work apart from his peers.

Tyler is an independent art direct/designer who contracts with traditional and entertainment advertising agencies that service the film, television and consumer brand industries.
Find him at www.showcasepdx.com/tylerkongslie

As of 2007, his work has focused on entertainment and consumer brand industries, encompassing poster designs for opera and film, CD covers, print ads, brand identities and commercial photo shoots. Each design challenge yields a unique solution, reflecting the marketing strategy of his client and their brand’s persona.

More than an expert technical craftsman, Tyler Kongslie is passionate about producing “design executed with sophistication and perfection, … compelling and memorable.” He always seeks to create work that elicits an emotional response from the viewer.

At the same time, Tyler is well accustomed to the “fast-paced, quick-turnaround world” of the modern design environment, always staying “productive, professional and focused.” He understands the value of collaboration; as an Art Director, he has worked effectively with visionary entrepreneurs, writers, and producers, helping refine their ideas while contributing his own ideas in a professional collaboration.

To learn more about Tyler and his work, visit his website at www.TylerKonglie.com.

That’s why Erin Donley started Marketing Your Truth, to help people communicate and connect with sincerity, clarity, and power in order to grow their business. Erin exemplifies this skill as the long-time author of New Renaissance Bookshop’s popular e-newsletter. Known as the “eyes and ears” of the spiritual hub of Portland, Erin is wildly appreciated for her inviting honesty and forward-thinking language about all things transformational.

Her weekly column brings huge financial returns to the store, puts authors, speakers, and healers on the map, and conveys bold messages about the potential for growth and healing.

For this reason, yoga studios, spiritual groups, inspirational authors, and a myriad of healers flock to Erin so that they can finally learn how to enjoy marketing and express their truth confidently. They become a voice for their business that is original and effective.

Erin Donley is a writer, speaker, and communications/marketing consultant who helps people to promote themselves with personality, originality, and power.
Find her at:www.showcasepdx.com/marketingyourtruth

In March 2010, Erin created a revolutionary event called “News That Makes a Difference,” where 100 non-traditional business leaders were invited to meet a panel of mainstream media personalities. Participants learned how the media works and how they can present their “hard to explain” services for more exposure and understanding.

If you’re ready to build community around your business, fine-tune your message, and promote yourself in ways that feel GOOD, check out Erin Donley at MarketingYourTruth.com.

Local Business- Social Entrepreneur-Focused on Sustainability-Healer-Designer- Artist

Grow your business, share your message, recession proof the local economy, and create a thriving community! Showcase PDX specializes in the collaborative promotion of socially conscious businesses.

What you Get

• 30-second high quality professional video feature produced by Showcase Networks-

  Go to Spotlight to See Sample  Videos

• PR article on your business displayed on our site

• 135×135 Web Ad on our site, in rotation for a month

• Photos of your business used for web video

• Consultation to craft your unique business story used for the feature

• Access to an expanded, targeted online and local market via our promotion avenues

• Broadcast quality ready marketing materials for movie theater and online TV package upgrades

Why be on Showcase PDX Spotlight

Increased SEO – the most valuable tool on the web to grow your business.

Our goal is to help your business reach the top of Google search results. Since most people search by images, video, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo), the Showcase PDX Spotlight gives you an incredible advantage. With your new professional images and high quality marketing materials listed on multiple sites, your search relevancy increases exponentially. This enables you to establish your online presence and reach a whole new customer market, all the while representing the best of what you do.

Actively Support the Local Business movement so 0ur Communities and Economy can Thrive

You are joining a network of other socially conscious businesses dedicated to bring the values of collaboration, sustainability, and community to the local economy. We give you greater use value with the materials created than what we take from you in cash value. This surplus revenue is then funneled back into the community to further build social value and economic growth. Be part of an exciting team that is shifting the way we do business.

SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off Cluster Promotional Package

We reward Collaboration that creates Community and builds the Economy. When you and other local businesses achieve a cluster. Which is 12 other socially focused local businesses, we give you more than 50% off of the already low cost of this promotional package.

Regular Cost Showcase Prices

• $975for a 30-second video with interview, photos, script, music, graphics, lighting and sound, editing.

• $175 for a 1-month Web ad in 3 x Rotation on our site

• $275 PR write up and Social Media Campaign

Total Cost $1425

Your cost: $649

*All marketing materials are yours to keep and can be used to further promote your business, including one retouched photo from our photography session. Package upgrade including long format video, movie theater spotlights, Showcase’s online Television Network, and mo Inquire at bluevoicemedia@gmail.com and ask about Showcase PDX Spotlight. 503.935.7580

Showcase PDX Spotlight: Collaboration – Community – Economy

Abby Fammartino- Chef

Go See Abby- Abby’s Table

Keegan Smith -Singer/Songwriter