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PrintGood News Wednesday: In Pursuit of a Dream
News Type: Other — Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:59 PM EDT
Photo by Michael Tracey "mogmismo"
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One thing that links us all together is that each and everyone of us at some point in our lives have had a dream. As children we all dreamed of what we would become as adults. Maybe it was idealistic, that we would make the world better. Maybe it was materialistic, that you would have more and live better than your parents. A dream of college, of marriage or maybe a better life for your children. Unfortunately many times those dreams get deferred as life interrupts.
I have always believed in dreams. It is what has kept me going through the years. My dream was interrupted some 33 years ago. I left college after 2 years mainly because I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up! I tried to go back several times, but was unable to. Life and circumstances kept interrupting. However, this past year life and circumstances interrupted to my advantage when I was laid off and now I am living my dream. I lost my job, but because of that I was able to return to college.
Recently I became aware of two friends who are also pursuing a dream and have a real shot at attaining it as I did. I first read about it in this article: A Radical Notion
Michael Tracy (also known as Mogmismo) is a photographer and he and his wife, Celestina, also have a chance to live their dream, but they need our help. They have entered a competition called "Name Your Dream Assignment" Their project is called "Breach the Wall" Check out the website and read about the project and see Michael's work. The following is a quote from his website:
Humans have a long history of separating ourselves from each other, of identifying with our differences. We build barriers between ourselves to define those differences. Sometimes we even build walls out of fear. But we are not all that different, and a hand reaching across a barrier is sometimes all it takes to bring people together.
Photographing walls, both ancient and modern, such Hadrian's wall in Northern England, the US/Mexico border fence, Palestine/Israel's Security Fence, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the Korean DMZ zone may not at first seem like a way to change the world. Sometimes, though, all it takes to bring about change is to put the flaws in past ideology in front of people and have them really see it. Documenting how we have tried to separate ourselves, and how we overcome this separation to become united in our humanity, is one attempt to do just that.
Their long-term goal with this project is to go around the world to photograph these walls, to interview the people around them and to publish a book documenting their efforts. The contest prize money would help to finance it.
It is a worthy goal, but a costly one. But, should they win the contest, the money would help defray those costs. The winner will be chosen from the top twenty voted by the public. They have been in the top 20, but have recently dropped below. And as of today, Wednesday, they are at number 25. They need our help, now!
What can you do? It is very simple, go vote. You can find a link to vote on their website "Breach the Wall" It is a star on the upper left hand side of the page. That link will take you to Michael's project page. When you reach that page look for "Pic it" again on the upper left hand side of the page. Upon clicking that you will be required to register, but not to worry you can opt out of any further contact. It is necessary to register with your email address in order to keep the contest fair and prevent people from spamming it in order to win. They will then send you an email with a link. At that point you can go back, sign in and vote. It took me a little over 5 minutes to complete it. I think Celestina had said 10 minutes in her article. But, I consider it time well spent if it can help someone attain their dream.
The voting ends on April 3rd so there is no time to wait. They need help now to get back into contention. It is only a little time and effort on our part. But wouldn't it be great if the 5 to 10 minutes we each spent voting could help them achieve their dream. It is very close and every vote will be necessary. Please take that time to help them.
* It was suggested that I clarify the fact that you need to come back and vote ( hit Pic it ) again after you register.
27 Votes- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
Published to:
- azsky13's Column, All of Newsvine
- Groups: altruism, Good News Wednesday, Good News Week., Invisible Viners, Sweeter Fennel
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- Public Discussion (59)
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{"commentId":6158042,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
I believe in dreams and I believe in this project.
Michael and Celestina need our help and every vote that they can get to achieve their dream.
{"commentId":6158042,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"azsky13"}
- 12 votes
#1 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:01 PM EDT{"commentId":6158214,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Azsky13...you are really lovely, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you writing this. I've never been very good at asking for help, but I also haven't had many things in my life I cared about as much as this. I've sat here watching our rank drop over the last few days, feeling like I had completely tapped out every possible resource. It's amazing how often, when you reach that point, someone offers you a hand.
So, thank you. And my heartfelt thanks to anyone else who takes the time to help us get a little closer to our dream.
{"commentId":6158214,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 10 votes
{"commentId":6158273,"authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}
Wonderful article and I registered and voted ツ ☮❀
{"commentId":6158273,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}
- 6 votes
#2 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:15 PM EDT{"commentId":6158368,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
Mary, as you know I have already voted, but this is such a great endeavor that I'm going to do a blog post tomorrow linking back here to your article. I have a whole different group of readers there that hopefully some of them will register and vote.
This is such a great article Mary, kudos to you for putting it together. Btw, I've clipped to my column and hopefully everyone else that visits here will do the same. This needs to be seen!
Go Vote People!
{"commentId":6158368,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
- 7 votes
#3 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:22 PM EDT{"commentId":6158508,"authorDomain":"spikegary"}
I echo those sentiments-I registered, voted, clipped this to my column, Good News Week and Altruism. Please pass the word and clip this column!!!!
{"commentId":6158508,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"spikegary"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":6160751,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you rottlady and Spikegary! It's so kind of you to help spread the word, and I really do appreciate it. We definitely need the help!
{"commentId":6160751,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6158908,"authorDomain":"hippiechick"}
One thing that links us all together is that each and everyone of us at some point in our lives have had a dream.
How true. And, what a wonderful gift to do what we can to assist someone else in acheiving their dream.
I registered and voted a few weeks ago. This is a wonderful proposal...and one that is very meaningful to me. I will send it around and encourage others to vote, too.
{"commentId":6158908,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"hippiechick"}
- 6 votes
#4 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:54 PM EDT{"commentId":6160802,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you hippiechick68. I have been amazed by the number of votes some of the proposals have been able to garner, and it feels really awkward to ask your friends to ask their friends, but (seeing as I don't personally know 700 people) I guess that's the only way this is going to work. If you feel like it's a good enough idea to tell others, all I can really say is thank you. And I've said it a bunch of times, but I hope you understand I really, truly mean it.
{"commentId":6160802,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":6198414,"authorDomain":"hippiechick"}
And I've said it a bunch of times, but I hope you understand I really, truly mean it.
And, I hope that you understand that we really, truly believe in this project and want to help support the both of you in this endeavor :)
{"commentId":6198414,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"hippiechick"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6160034,"authorDomain":"stevef"}
A GREAT vision! I am voting now... I will ask MalWoman to vote later this evening.
THANKS for spreading good will Mary! And may you fulfill your dreams as well!
{"commentId":6160034,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"stevef"}
- 5 votes
#5 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:16 PM EDT{"commentId":6160812,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thanks, MalamuteMan. Every vote is noted (and celebrated) 'round here. *smile*
{"commentId":6160812,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6160904,"authorDomain":"stevef"}
[wag wag wag wag]
{"commentId":6160904,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"stevef"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6161095,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
*chuckle* You know, I worked as a dog trainer and pet sitter for years, and my favourites were the huskies and malamutes ( I kid you not). I love their intelligence and independence and sense of humor. So I'm not quite sure how you came by your name, but I certainly appreciate it.
{"commentId":6161095,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6161685,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
OK, cried my eyes out, but it was lovely. *smile* Thanks, you. Both of you.
{"commentId":6161685,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6160177,"authorDomain":"perrie"}
anything to help!
A wonderful idea, and I wish you the best of luck. I am off to vote!
{"commentId":6160177,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"perrie"}
- 4 votes
#6 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:28 PM EDT{"commentId":6160607,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
{"commentId":6160819,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thanks, Perrie. We really appreciate the help!
{"commentId":6160819,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6160327,"authorDomain":"stevef"}
Mary,
I think you should make a bigger point of of the fact that people need to do the "Pic It" thing AGAIN after registration. I did it, exactly as you described it, but was surprised (in spite of the fact that I read your accurate and detailed description of the process) to discover that the first clicking of the "Pic It" only initiated the registration process and it is necessary to do it a second time after using the link sent in the email to return to the website in order to actually cast a vote.
{"commentId":6160327,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"stevef"}
- 5 votes
#7 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:41 PM EDT{"commentId":6160466,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
{"commentId":6160553,"authorDomain":"kahaire"}
I voted - didn't even take 5 min. They are up to 24th place now.
{"commentId":6160553,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"kahaire"}
- 6 votes
#8 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:02 PM EDT{"commentId":6160615,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
{"commentId":6160829,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you so much, Rella! 24th place! Hurrah!!
{"commentId":6160829,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6160662,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
@ everyone who has commented and voted...
Thank you so much for your support!
We could also use some ideas for helping to promote this further. They not only have to gain ground, but they need to maintain their position through the final week. If anyone has any ideas on how to do this, they will will be welcome. You can leave it here or on Celestina's original article: A Radical Notion
You are all awesome!
{"commentId":6160662,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"azsky13"}
- 5 votes
#9 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:13 PM EDT{"commentId":6160855,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
We could also use some ideas for helping to promote this further
Definitely. We have a Facebook group (feel free to join!), and the website. I made some postcards and passed them out, but who knows if that helped at all. If anyone has any ideas you think we may have missed, I would love to hear them!
{"commentId":6160855,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":6160925,"authorDomain":"slowrivermic"}
Michael got my vote too!
{"commentId":6160925,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"slowrivermic"}
- 5 votes
#10 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:40 PM EDT{"commentId":6161126,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you, Mic. It's much appreciated (and I'm loving this opportunity to meet interesting new people). Poetry, comupter geek seeds, and dreams? It's hard to believe we haven't met before!
{"commentId":6161126,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6168230,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
I'm gathering that!! *smile*
{"commentId":6168230,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6161556,"authorDomain":"KJAkers"}
My vote is on the way Good luck
{"commentId":6161556,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"KJAkers"}
- 5 votes
#11 - Wed Mar 25, 2009 11:40 PM EDT{"commentId":6168164,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you, KJakers. We're rising both in votes and rank again, and it's all thanks to help from 'Viners. Hurrah!
{"commentId":6168164,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":6184246,"authorDomain":"KJAkers"}
Good Luck! Keep us posted, it's nice to help another viner.
{"commentId":6184246,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"KJAkers"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6162091,"authorDomain":"LAUHAL63"}
This is such a cool project. I am really hoping that it makes it to the top twenty and gets further consideration. The idea cuts through every country, nationality, socionomic class, neighborhood, etc. It has the potential to appeal to a worldwide audience.
{"commentId":6162091,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"LAUHAL63"}
- 7 votes
#12 - Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:38 AM EDT{"commentId":6168191,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
And lauhal wins for getting the most family members to vote and comment. *grin* You're wonderful, you know (and in many more ways than just your ability to badger family).
{"commentId":6168191,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":6167808,"authorDomain":"jsbach"}
Mary,
I am in awe. This is who we truly are—we people on Newsvine. People who care about the desires of others without selfish thought.
Your article is beautiful and yes, I have voted. I am so proud to be a part of helping Celestina in her quest to do something so wonderful. I hope this article makes it to the front page. Perhaps, it already has.
Mary, you are a gift to all of us. I am so proud to know you here on Newsvine. (((big hug)))
Oops! Here I go again getting wordy. :-)
{"commentId":6167808,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"jsbach"}
- 7 votes
#13 - Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:36 AM EDT{"commentId":6168215,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Yes, Mary is truly an amazing person, and I'm so glad I have gotten to know her better through this.
Whatever happens with the contest I feel like I have already gained so much from it.
Thank you for your help, jsbach. It is very much appreciated.
{"commentId":6168215,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":6175858,"authorDomain":"ririaroo"}
Erm, I voted again. Can I do that? (I do have more than one email address).
{"commentId":6175858,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"ririaroo"}
- 7 votes
#14 - Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:49 PM EDT{"commentId":6181297,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
{"commentId":6182150,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Well, I believe the contest design sort of tacitly assumes that everyone will only vote once, so that shall be my public statement.
However, I am so not in your computer watching what you do, so I cannot possibly know if you vote with every single email address you can possibly get your hands on...
{"commentId":6182150,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":6182488,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
{"commentId":6200488,"authorDomain":"ririaroo"}
I definitely got you three more votes. Then, I proceeded to spam my Yahoo list and a pet forum that I rarely visit these days (hopefully flattery works!).
{"commentId":6200488,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"ririaroo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6204957,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thanks so much, Ben!
{"commentId":6204957,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6176252,"authorDomain":"ilkbahar-carl"}
Thank you Mary for making me and few others aware. I voted as soon as I finished reading your very well written article.
I'm very happy about your dream of going back to school as well.. Kudos to you !
{"commentId":6176252,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"ilkbahar-carl"}
- 8 votes
#15 - Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:10 PM EDT{"commentId":6182188,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you, RoxyFL, for your help!
{"commentId":6182188,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6182592,"authorDomain":"ilkbahar-carl"}
Celestina, I wish you THE BEST, and will continue to vote through other emails I have..
I do not like walls personally, to me they limit, some are built to protect. but most are built to hurt. The ones hurt, hurt me as well, I'm a mom, and I'd hate if my children were caged.. I applaud your project. God speed to you!!
{"commentId":6182592,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"ilkbahar-carl"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6188368,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thanks, Roxy. Yes, some walls are built to protect, but if they're not protecting against the elements I always think there's a better way (it's raining outside, right now, so I have to admit I'm awfully glad for the walls of my house!). Anyway, cultural walls seem to me to just be short term solutions to long term problems, and that bothers me to no end. It's just one facet of the many large problems humanity faces, but I feel that it is symbolic of so much that if we can make a difference in the perception of this one aspect, the ramifications may spread out in important ways.
{"commentId":6188368,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":6187032,"authorDomain":"stevef"}
Arlo & Cassie asked me to let you know they voted... and MalWoman will be voting after yoga class (gotta do those sun salutations and of course down dog too)... I am asking ALL my friends to vote for Michael...
[wag wag wag wag]
{"commentId":6187032,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"stevef"}
- 4 votes
#16 - Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:25 AM EDT{"commentId":6188263,"authorDomain":"celestina"}
Thank you so much, MalamuteMan!! It's been hard not to get discouraged as we struggle to get back into the top 20, but it helps so much to hear that people are trying so hard to help. And as I keep saying to Michael, we are going to do this thing one way or another, so if this isn't the way, we will just find another path to get there. Give my thanks to everyone who agrees to help but doesn't post here, please. *smile*
{"commentId":6188263,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"celestina"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":6194226,"authorDomain":"stevef"}
We all wish you well in this endeavor, and we know that it will happen one way or another. Your "vision" will empower you in the pursuit of your dreams...
Please call me Mal...
{"commentId":6194226,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"stevef"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":6316863,"authorDomain":"Rainmaker"}
I'm sorry that the efforts did not work out according to the desire, but having put in my weight and sharing the disappointment, I also have to say: It's important to keep the dream alive, and it is crucial to remember that a dream has a purpose, even when we do not see it coming to fruition.
I'd like more posts on NV to be about dreams. Personally, I am struggling to find motivation. The dreams I once had evades me, and yet I feel too content to succumb to disillusion. It's something I want to explore myself... the necessity of having a personal vision of a better life.
{"commentId":6316863,"threadId":"537753","contentId":"2595237","authorDomain":"Rainmaker"}
#17 - Sat Apr 4, 2009 3:36 PM EDT{"commentId":6317418,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}
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