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Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Saturday, July 20, 2019
FearlesslyHappy at DC Zinefest-2019!!!
WOW! What a wonderful first-time experience as a ziner at DC Zinefest!
I had an exhilarating time and can't wait for more zinefests.
If you saw a zine that you liked but didn't get a chance to purchase, please email me: marlenaelmore@gmail.com
I had an exhilarating time and can't wait for more zinefests.
If you saw a zine that you liked but didn't get a chance to purchase, please email me: marlenaelmore@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Welcome summer 2019
This summer is dedicated to creating.
I love creating useful things from cloth, yarn, and paper.
Currently, I’m in the Dominican Republic and I’m focusing on creating haikus and other pieces of writing for the DC ZINEFEST.
I love creating useful things from cloth, yarn, and paper.
Currently, I’m in the Dominican Republic and I’m focusing on creating haikus and other pieces of writing for the DC ZINEFEST.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
My Summer of Personal Growth
I've returned to my blog because I realized at the beginning of this summer that I don’t need to share everything on Facebook, every day and I have this blog so why not use it. It’s been a while. This summer has been great for me and my healing process. And let me emphasize healing as a process, more so for myself than for you. I need to constantly remind myself that healing is a process. It's not a one-and-done thing.
I’m going to therapy. I’m reading books. I’m creating flow zones by writing, teaching myself how to sew, and by making zines. I took a self-defense class. I’m working on creating boundaries and relationships.
One word I use to describe my summer is proud. I am proud of myself and for all of the things I accomplished this summer.
Books/articles I read/reading:
Boundaries by Townsend and Cloud- An awesome, awesome, awesome book! There are so many lines in this book that are revolutionary for me! I highly recommend it to EVERYONE! The one (of many) take-away I have from this book has to do with hurt and harm. I would sometimes do things I didn't want to do (I'm a compliant avoidant) because I didn't want to hurt the feelings of the other person. But now I know the difference between hurting someone and harming someone. Yes, I may hurt someone by say no to something I don't want to do, but I won't/can't HARM them. In fact, not wanting to hurt someone's feelings may indeed harm them in the long run. And it definitely hurts me when I don't maintain my boundaries. Boundaries honor and protect my soul. I need to do what is best, honoring, and protective of myself first and foremost.
Insight by Tasha Eurich- I'm still reading this book, but will finish it soon. I'm at the part where she gives tools about how to receive and react to feedback that may be displeasing.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware- I read this book because I joined a book club. I enjoyed it until the end. I felt like Ware got tired of writing the novel and quickly wrapped up the end of the book.
The Shack by William P. Young- This book was also very revolutionary for me. I first listened to it via my public library. It was so good I had to buy it and now I'm re-reading it with a highlighter. I also watched the movie.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros- Get your life and read this book at least three times! I'm so excited to teach this book in the fall. My favorite vignettes are "Those Who Don't," "Bums in the Attic," and "Beautiful and Cruel."
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday- This is a good book and I look forward to learning more about the stoics and stoic philosophy.
The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner- Listening to this on and off via audiobook. I remember reading his other book about five years ago. It's good. This is a nice follow-up to The Shack.
The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz- Just started it. It's very esoteric. Talking about dreams and reality, and perfection, and judgement. It's taking me awhile to get into it. I may have to re-read the first chapter again. This book came at the recommendation of my therapist.
10 Ways to Build and Preserve Boundaries- Good article that was featured in the Therapy for Black Girls podcast.
How to Develop Self-Awareness with these 27 Exercises- I really like these exercises and need to start doing them more consistently. I learned about the Daily Stoic book from this article.
Books on Deck:
1) Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi- a book recommendation from my sister, Lauren.
2) Surviving Mama by Pamala E. Thompson- a book recommendation from the podcast I listened to
3) Expressive Writing by James Pennebaker and John Evans- a recommendation from the Insight book. I did two days in a row of this exercise and I felt better after the first day.
Things I did:
Started therapy- Finally! I got a diagnosis! You have no idea how powerful it feels to know, to have a name, to have something to Google, to be able to learn more about why you feel, think, and act a particular way and you knew it wasn't right. My therapist specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and it's the best for me.
Joined a Book Club- I'm very proud of myself. I did this because I need to work on my relationship-building skills. This summer I realized that not being a "people-person" is not in my best interest. So, I'm trying to put myself in situations where I can practice my people skills (and patience).
Learned to sew- I taught myself how to sew! Pictures of my creations are below. I've determined that sewing will be my fall and winter hobby.
Went to a Zine-fest- If you don't know what a zine (pronounced "zeen") then a simple Google search will tell you. I went to a zine-fest at the invitation of my friend and I felt like I was in heaven! This leads to the next thing I did this summer which was...
Created Zines- It's an awesome, inexpensive way for me to share my writing with people. I went to a pop-up shop in August and sold 3 of my zines! (Pictures below)
Attended a self-defense class-This was a two-session class. I learned how to turn everyday objects into weapons and I know how to get out of a hold if someone has me by the wrists facing me.
Went camping with my sister, Lauren- Camping is growing on me. This was the second time I went. I enjoyed it. Especially, because alcohol was involved.
Walked at least 6 times a week for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour- I began walking consistently at the end of June because I knew that if I was going to make it through this summer without a mental breakdown/anxiety attack I would have to keep my serotonin levels up. This fall I hope to continue to exercise. Also, my butt looks awesome from all of my walking!
Podcasts I listened to:
Therapy for Black Girls Episodes:
Surviving Mama,
Perfectionism,
Boundaries
YouTube Videos I watched:
Male debauchery:
Just know that dick pics are still a thing.
Photos!:
I’m going to therapy. I’m reading books. I’m creating flow zones by writing, teaching myself how to sew, and by making zines. I took a self-defense class. I’m working on creating boundaries and relationships.
One word I use to describe my summer is proud. I am proud of myself and for all of the things I accomplished this summer.
My Summer of Personal Growth
Activities and such
Activities and such
Boundaries by Townsend and Cloud- An awesome, awesome, awesome book! There are so many lines in this book that are revolutionary for me! I highly recommend it to EVERYONE! The one (of many) take-away I have from this book has to do with hurt and harm. I would sometimes do things I didn't want to do (I'm a compliant avoidant) because I didn't want to hurt the feelings of the other person. But now I know the difference between hurting someone and harming someone. Yes, I may hurt someone by say no to something I don't want to do, but I won't/can't HARM them. In fact, not wanting to hurt someone's feelings may indeed harm them in the long run. And it definitely hurts me when I don't maintain my boundaries. Boundaries honor and protect my soul. I need to do what is best, honoring, and protective of myself first and foremost.
Insight by Tasha Eurich- I'm still reading this book, but will finish it soon. I'm at the part where she gives tools about how to receive and react to feedback that may be displeasing.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware- I read this book because I joined a book club. I enjoyed it until the end. I felt like Ware got tired of writing the novel and quickly wrapped up the end of the book.
The Shack by William P. Young- This book was also very revolutionary for me. I first listened to it via my public library. It was so good I had to buy it and now I'm re-reading it with a highlighter. I also watched the movie.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros- Get your life and read this book at least three times! I'm so excited to teach this book in the fall. My favorite vignettes are "Those Who Don't," "Bums in the Attic," and "Beautiful and Cruel."
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday- This is a good book and I look forward to learning more about the stoics and stoic philosophy.
The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner- Listening to this on and off via audiobook. I remember reading his other book about five years ago. It's good. This is a nice follow-up to The Shack.
The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz- Just started it. It's very esoteric. Talking about dreams and reality, and perfection, and judgement. It's taking me awhile to get into it. I may have to re-read the first chapter again. This book came at the recommendation of my therapist.
10 Ways to Build and Preserve Boundaries- Good article that was featured in the Therapy for Black Girls podcast.
How to Develop Self-Awareness with these 27 Exercises- I really like these exercises and need to start doing them more consistently. I learned about the Daily Stoic book from this article.
Books on Deck:
1) Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi- a book recommendation from my sister, Lauren.
2) Surviving Mama by Pamala E. Thompson- a book recommendation from the podcast I listened to
3) Expressive Writing by James Pennebaker and John Evans- a recommendation from the Insight book. I did two days in a row of this exercise and I felt better after the first day.
Things I did:
Started therapy- Finally! I got a diagnosis! You have no idea how powerful it feels to know, to have a name, to have something to Google, to be able to learn more about why you feel, think, and act a particular way and you knew it wasn't right. My therapist specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and it's the best for me.
Learned to sew- I taught myself how to sew! Pictures of my creations are below. I've determined that sewing will be my fall and winter hobby.
Went to a Zine-fest- If you don't know what a zine (pronounced "zeen") then a simple Google search will tell you. I went to a zine-fest at the invitation of my friend and I felt like I was in heaven! This leads to the next thing I did this summer which was...
Created Zines- It's an awesome, inexpensive way for me to share my writing with people. I went to a pop-up shop in August and sold 3 of my zines! (Pictures below)
Attended a self-defense class-This was a two-session class. I learned how to turn everyday objects into weapons and I know how to get out of a hold if someone has me by the wrists facing me.
Went camping with my sister, Lauren- Camping is growing on me. This was the second time I went. I enjoyed it. Especially, because alcohol was involved.
Walked at least 6 times a week for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour- I began walking consistently at the end of June because I knew that if I was going to make it through this summer without a mental breakdown/anxiety attack I would have to keep my serotonin levels up. This fall I hope to continue to exercise. Also, my butt looks awesome from all of my walking!
Podcasts I listened to:
Therapy for Black Girls Episodes:
Surviving Mama,
Perfectionism,
Boundaries
YouTube Videos I watched:
Male debauchery:
Just know that dick pics are still a thing.
Photos!:
 |
The very first bag I sewed!  |
 |
| Me wearing the skirt I made! |
 |
| I really like this dress and wore it to the zine fest. |
 |
| The three zines I made and sold! |
 |
| Me at the zine fest! |
 |
| Lauren and I camping! |
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Welcome!
Hi!
If you are reading this it means you bought (THANK YOU!) one of my first zines on Saturday, August 25 in D.C.!
My name is Marlena and I'm still learning about the zine-world and culture.
I'm currently working on a facebook and instagram account so that I can connect with people like you. Until then, thanks for checking out this blog and come back soon (I'll post facebook and instagram profiles here!)
Take care,
Marlena
P/S Feel free to post a comment below!
If you are reading this it means you bought (THANK YOU!) one of my first zines on Saturday, August 25 in D.C.!
My name is Marlena and I'm still learning about the zine-world and culture.
I'm currently working on a facebook and instagram account so that I can connect with people like you. Until then, thanks for checking out this blog and come back soon (I'll post facebook and instagram profiles here!)
Take care,
Marlena
P/S Feel free to post a comment below!
Thursday, August 9, 2018
How I'm changing my life to be fearlessly happy
Written July 30, 2015
Unfortunately, I can not pin point the exact date of when I started changing my mindset. I actually don't think there was a specific date. It was, and still is, more of a process. What I will tell you is what I do everyday, consistently, without fail. These steps, habits, rituals, whatever you want to call it, is what is allowing me, making me, encouraging me to live my life fearlessly happily.
I know I'm the path that God and Glory put me on and I take each step with faith.
Unfortunately, I can not pin point the exact date of when I started changing my mindset. I actually don't think there was a specific date. It was, and still is, more of a process. What I will tell you is what I do everyday, consistently, without fail. These steps, habits, rituals, whatever you want to call it, is what is allowing me, making me, encouraging me to live my life fearlessly happily.
- Every morning As soon as I am aware that I am awake in the bed I say, "Thank you, God." I start my day, my first thought being sent out into the universe is one of appreciation.
- I meditate and I talk to God and Glory every morning and evening.
- I light white candles and burn incense and sage. I also have added Frankincense essential oil. My candles all represent something depending on what I'm going through. I usually say, "I light this candle with the intention of bringing forth.... from my life today." I like to bring forth: strength, courage, wisdom, and appreciation. I light candles for peace and calmness. I light candles for family and friends. For success and love. For anything! If I've run out of candles I use incense. I light the sage with the intention of clarifying, cleansing, and illumining my powers.
- In the morning I have a series of prayers I say out loud or in my head. These prayers are Ba'hai prayers and Christian prayers. Just yesterday I found another prayer that I think is Buddhist. I don't limit my prayers to one religion. I'm in the business of collecting uplifting prayers. But what I will say is right now the religious book that speaks the most to my heart is the New Message Bible.
- I speak out loud to God and Glory. I start off with, "God and Glory I come to you this morning with an open heart and open ears so that I may hear, listen, and heed your words of guidance." After I get finish saying my piece I sit still and let God and Glory reply to me. Sometimes it takes a minute or two. Sometimes, there's nothing to be said. But I wait and I listen. I'm patient because I want to hear. I want to be guided. I want to know that I am not living this life alone.
- I pull Tarot cards. My question is "What energy should I manifest today?" This also guides me throughout the day. It also reminds me what to expect during the day. This is all part of my prayer ritual. Sometimes, God and Glory tell me I don't need to pull a card (like today, 7/30/15) I was told to be humble and respectful today. No need for a card for that one!
- I listen to God and Glory throughout the day. I do not dismiss what I'm told. I don't "talk back" or try to rationalize my way out of doing something that I've been told I should do. 100% of the time, when I did do that I always ended up saying, "I should've listened to myself!"
I know I'm the path that God and Glory put me on and I take each step with faith.
Monday, February 9, 2015
#95-#97
#95
Because when I die
I want to be remembered
As the brave woman.
#96
On the days I find
Remnants of God in myself
I love Her with joy.
#97
Opening the heart
Takes only two simple words
"I submit" "Let go"
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