Winds of Change

#MesoamericanDanza presentation at Treehugger Organic Farms

Today we said our farewell to a piece of land that has sustained us and our community here in South Broward County for the past 4 years... a permaculture oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle we know as South Florida, east of the Everglades... a local food sanctuary known as Treehugger Organic Farms, now listed as permanently closed on your google GPS mapping system.

It was a bittersweet walk through the daikon radishes, lesser known banana species, greens, fruit trees, birds and butterflies. This farm felt like home, that safe place you can go to for peace, quiet, and tenderly cared for oceans of green.

@bawshkeengwabigun @treehuggercommunity #togetherwegrow

A post shared by Scott Evan Schlossman (@iloveushutup) on Apr 30, 2017 at 2:34pm PDT

There was a food forest on a mulch hill, a coconut grove interspersed with comfrey plants, florida nopalitos, tumeric and ginger, a spring fed pond that supplies water to the farm, and rotating fields of boniato, tomato, kale, collards, mustard, fennel, spinach, beans, millet, sugar cane, and just about everything in between.

Winds of change... @TreehuggerFarms -> #TogetherWeGrow https://t.co/uRJ5XiRj2L

Sign up for news on how you can help create #foodsecurity pic.twitter.com/y5Sqb5TSzK

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) May 1, 2017

One day after the mega #PeoplesClimateMarch in several cities, and on the eve of #InternationalWorkersDay, it seemed like a huge mountain to move.  The reality of agricultural land tenure here in Florida is that access to farmable land is unstable, market based, and temporary.   In reflecting, I realize that personally, I subscribe more to the Haudenosaunee approach to land management whereby we humans are responsible to protect, nurture and strengthen the land/ soil/ earth, on behalf of it's only true owners, that generation of unborn children who has not yet arrived here via the miracle we know as birth.

Miami Herald photo by Al Diaz

What a timely consideration given the fact that I am, for the first time in my life, the biological auntie to one of these not-yet-born owners of the earth.  But in the volatile market economy that most of us are engaged within by choice or necessity, land is but a commodity, like humans once were, to be bought, sold and traded at the will of those who believe themselves to be in positions of power over others.

But this momentary twinge of grief in losing a space in which to enjoy the company of others, and ourselves in the company of Mother Earth and her pretties, is just a reminder that in fact we are owners of nothing, but rather bearers of ideas, thoughts, insights, and the potential to seed a new generation of humans with the capacity to return to a life steeped in nature, health and harmony with the cycles of all living beings including the soil, rock, sand and oil that make up the material we know as earth.

The beginning of Florida Spring!

From north to south on this part of our continent, March is the beginning of the time when the waters begin to flow freely again over the surface of the earth, be they melting fresh, salt or sap.  World Water Day, International Rivers Day and World Water Week fall within this time, as does the beginning of the flow of life giving maple sap in the northern climates of the eastern woodlands, my birth land.

#WorldWaterDay #SpringEquinox #latergram #itsrighthereinmiramar (photo by @adriennechadwick)

A post shared by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Mar 25, 2017 at 8:20pm PDT

Like wise, as beings of the water, we were busy this month, being who we are, remembering from whence life flows... in fact, as we write, there is a four day walk for the rights of mother earth happening right here in greater Miami led by two of the indigenous people that take care of this part of the earth. They are walking to the Miami Commission meeting on April 4th to bring attention to the need for all of us to make decisions that will result in a positive impact for the earth and all of the beings who live amongst us.



May this flow of life continue throughout our season, our year, and the bundle of years that we know as an era. Stand up kind and gentle soldiers, our time to heal one another of our anger, apathy and bad decision making is now. Let us work togther to make a place that is safe for our children.

#tb of artist & dancer Tara Chadwick at the YAA Festival of the Arts,March 11th #Repost @bawshkeengwabigun ・・・ #art🎨 #arts #artsmatter #browardarts #SistrunkAIR #mesoamericandanza (Photo: @rkm_photography_) #yaaarthouse #nwgardenslove #33311 #northwestgardenscommunity #dixiecourt #drkennedyhomes #dance #nativedance #drums

A post shared by Northwest Gardens Community (@nwgcommunity) on Mar 17, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT

And still we rise...

This last month or so has been a whirlwind of emotions and activity, from the largest ever mobilization of women in the United States, to the apparent divide and conquer tactics that seem to be part of the legislative docket... And yet, through it all, I do my best to remain focused, fearless and determined in my resolve to provide a solid path to the future. Not much to say, lots to do.  Here are a few snapshots in that effort. Never give up!!!

Guess who won a Puffin Foundation Grant?
THANK YOU

Thx for the embed @WPLGLocal10 @LJLiveTV - standing in unity for a return to harmony.... #TrayvonMartin4Ever pic.twitter.com/xMl9pWWdni

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) February 12, 2017

Building unity (Photo: @cityoffortlauderdale)

A post shared by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Jan 17, 2017 at 6:03am PST

Ripples Water Reflection

A post shared by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Feb 26, 2017 at 4:28pm PST

Got the black shirt, long skirt memo! Didn't know I'd be trying something new #Kwanzaa #NewYearsEve #WeAre all #Africa (photos: Steve Vinik) pic.twitter.com/p3UKSFJXu1

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) January 10, 2017

#mesoamericandanza

A post shared by andy (@bhappyb) on Feb 4, 2017 at 3:05pm PST

We make the Road....

We make the road by walking... an old proverb, cliche even, but words of wisdom which I find myself even more in need of these days than usual.

Spent the day at #MAMP2017 with an incredible cadre of artists, businesses, organizations, administrators and consumers of every type and genre of art you can imagine.

Thanks to a gracious last minute scholarship from #BrowardArts for this sold out conference, I got a whole lot of tips, tricks, advise and more importantly practice in translating what I do to an audience of potential donors, supporters, sponsors and funders. It was not an easy task by any means!

Definitely need a lot more practice to hone those communication skills to transfer my messaging to a group of investors, so different from the cozy, like minded social networks I'm used to operating within. Nope, this was my version of shark tank - and I actually get along quite well with sharks, just not humans who think like them! Far far removed from the ideals of community wellness and readiness for behavior change that are more familar terrain for me. Interesting thing is, though, the desired outcomes for influencing behavior, motivating action and evaluating impact still shine through! So maybe its just the process and jargon that seem so divergent. In any case, the day sure got me thinking, stretching, learning and appreciating the opportunity to meet some sparkling colleagues, allies and experts in this vast field we know as a fundamental right and necessity for all people of all ages... art.

#artsmeanbiz #mamp @ArshtCenter @MiamiDadeCounty @BrowardArts @MiamiCVB1 @NEAarts #art #arts #artists #HelloSunny #LoveFL pic.twitter.com/gJx7Su4gHk

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) January 31, 2017

The newcomer returns, again.

This morning, in answer to a call from a young mother, I packed up my water bundle and headed out across the street to the recently restored wetlands, the only mixed use conservation area in our county. It was only 9 am and already one of those long days when you have to make a whole bunch of decisions regarding what path to follow, whether to stick to the plan, or if not, which options to follow in pursuit of a day full of meaning, growth, commitment, love, community and wellness. Another of those many days when one walks a precarious path to that distant and elusive goal: balance…

At every turn the questions bubble, push or pull, stay or leave, come or go… in which cases I tend to throw logic to the wind and do my best to follow whatever instinct I can muster. So was this day, even at its earliest point.

So I left the kids in bed, packed up the water bundle, and headed out on the epic journey across the street. As soon as I arrived, I was surprised at the park entry fee, which is only collected on holidays and weekends, and of course I’d forgotten that today is in fact the beginning of a long weekend.  So I doled out my buck fifty, and proceeded to find a spot in the nearly empty human half of the conservation park area.

It was a minimalist type of bundle – water, water vessel, cloth, a bit of Cuban cigar tobacco, and that’s about it. I did grow some tobacco this summer, but it was so hot, my plants all got baked before they bore any flowers! I’ll plant again now that #FloridaWinter’s arrived and it’s a bit cooler…

As I troddled down the paved sidewalk that links the park entry way with the wetland trail for humans, I was met immediately by an incredibly beautiful mature bald eagle swooping around just above the over water bridge trail. What a welcome greeting!  I somewhat sheepishly did my best to capture the moment on cell video and then put away the phone and enjoyed the swoops and circles the eagle made before heading out to the north.

Such a beautiful greeting this morning! #FloridaWinter #waterprotector #migizi #iztlicuauhtli #aguilablanca

A video posted by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Dec 31, 2016 at 8:19am PST

Pleased that my intentions seem to have already been received, I continued down the path until I reached the westernmost edge of the eastern lagoon. Such a gorgeous mix of native water plants, grasses, sedges, trees and wildflowers! Terry the ranger says that this waterway running alongside the Florida Turnpike was once part of the canoe trail into the everglades.  I love the way that this field has been converted – restored to its original topography – a wetland, lagoon, pineland and live oak hammock. 

#MyBlock#LoveWaterNotOil#Water #WaterIsLife #ItsRightHereInMiramar pic.twitter.com/G2eMLqKhXT

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) January 1, 2017

After making my offerings of tobacco and songs, I spent a moment wishing my boys were by my side rather than still tucked into bed, so, in honor of the little one’s “thunderbird boy” creation earlier this month, I left a “thunderbird woman” on the snow white sand for all to see, until the next rain drops dance by to scoop her up for a whirl.

#heart #water #earth #creativity #love #sand #thunderbirdwoman #geology #history #future #waterislife

A photo posted by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Dec 31, 2016 at 4:28pm PST

As I snapped the last documentary pics, and wrapped up my bundle to head back for my big babies, I was met by another incredible surprise, the eagle was back, this time, circling over the east side of the park, which is also the area where we live. This time, I felt like a happy little human, skipping along, playing with the eagle, opening my wings and pretending to fly.

I am so grateful for the work of all who are intentionally and strategically building our communities, by sharing our histories, our personal journeys, our goals, our triumphs. It is truly an honor to witness and participate in putting together a path that will serve as a road, a guide, a map for ourselves, our neighbors and our children in the inevitable times of both tragedy and triumph that await just beyond the horizon…

For all those who celebrate this day as their New Year – happy 2017 – and for absolutely everyone – let’s build!

Art as Activism?

Ihiyo & Lichtenstein @ #MarcSelwynFineArt

It's Basel time here in South Florida. Art Basel Miami started out nearly two decades ago as a hoite-toite contemporary art show that corresponded to the longer running #MiamiArtWeek.  This was in the days when Wynwood was still that part of town that nobody went to, unless you happen to live there, or you went looking with your family for a cheap pair of shoes factory-direct.

We #standwithstandingrock hope you will too... #nosabal #nodapl #humanrights #ayotzinapavive

A photo posted by Tara Chadwick (@bawshkeengwabigun) on Nov 27, 2016 at 8:45pm PST

Photo credit: Adrienne Chadwick

Wynwood these days is the heart of what an international influx of people-who-value-art can do in a community. Don't get me wrong, Wynwood is about Miami, and Art Basel is all about people coming to Miami to experience international contemporary art in the setting, that quintessential ambience that is South Florida.

And local folks are catching the Basel bug big time. Over the past ten years, more and more you hear Basel becoming part of the year round conversations on art, exhibitions and museum planning. It's an informal kick off, so to speak, of what we call "the season."  No, not the holidays - the season extends way beyond them. It's that time of year when the leaves start changing and the bulk of our states 100+ million visitors start making their way through our ports and into our streets, shops and parking spaces.  So when you're visiting Basel, your transportation experience will likely mirror the patience with which we Floridians take every October through April...

So much beautiful #art #concept #color #texture here @ #artweekmiami's @ArtBasel pic.twitter.com/wJJfjjaWKd

— Tara Chadwick (@wabigun) December 3, 2016

But overall we have come to love Basel - with all it's internationalism, luxury and let's face it, buying power. This art show is about featuring art with the hopes that it will be snapped up by one of the many big name art collectors, who is in turn, hoping that their chosen pieces will beat the markets in their return on investment.

Turns out, art is as good an investment as any - and there's no shortage of amazing artists here in South Florida - we're just in need of a bit more encouragement into the realm of fearless innovation to spark our creativity outside the boxes that we all grow so comfortable with here, maybe it's the marine soil. So, in a way Art Basel's focus on international art is good for us, stretches our conceptions of what makes good art.

I'm looking forward to what Basel has in store for us this year... hoping to find some inspiration for the future of our species and the planet we inhabit... maybe some reflections of my wildest good dreams... and who knows, maybe I'll even find that one piece that will last a lifetime - one that includes some perspective on the world we're fighting to create... one based on investments in #truth #dignity #liberty #jutice

Have a favorite moment, gallery or artwork from the show? Share it w/ us using our official hashtag: #artbasel pic.twitter.com/vkPATNy8QJ

— Art Basel (@ArtBasel) December 2, 2016

#ArtBasel

#ArtBaselMiami

Here's a shot of my sis #AdrienneChadwick scouting out the best of show yesterday

The Perez Museum's Adrienne Chadwick is definitely today's #bestdressed at the fair! #CarrieMaeWeems @adriennechadwick @perezmuseum @artbasel #jackshainmangallery #day2

A photo posted by Jack Shainman Gallery (@jackshainman) on Dec 1, 2016 at 8:35am PST

Development - Freedom - Justice

Just a few words this evening on the eve of Dias de los Muertos... a reminder, an encouragement, a perspective that is gaining traction in the spheres of business and policy innovation...  I'm talking about that old adage: don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Right now, a battle is brewing on the prairie, yes, that very prarie we all used to watch with love in our hearts for the simplicity, tenacity and perseverence of those beloved characters... a battle not unlike that of Alcatraz, Sand Creek or Wounded Knee... a battle where our police, troopers and national guard are being deployed with military grade weaponry to wage war on unarmed, peaceful descendents of Sitting Bull, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph.  The crime? Attempting to protect our common water resources from destruction by an energy company determined to complete a 1000+ mile oil pipeline from the northern to the southern edge of that prairie.

The tactics haven't apparently changed much... surveillance, smear campaign, bait and switch, false victory, intimidation, humiliation, dehumanization, non-consentual experimental weapon test subjects... seems like we've been through this before... in the 1600's, 1700's, 1800's, 1900's and what's happening now is just a replay with a small upgrade in landing gear. It's gettin old & boring.

Time for the people who populate this island to wake up. Take note. Stop hitting the snooze button. And start acting as though we are the ones who are responsible for this state of affairs. This island is our responsibility and we need to acknowledge and then get down to it. Read. Be aware. Ask questions. Formulate solutions. Be tenacious. 

Our future is based on the actions we take or choose to ignore today. A future based on development that considers Earth's resources as relatives to be respected and used as needed with kindess, love and appreciation... where everone's wellbeing, including those whose voices are not so easily heard, is accounted for... where the job goes not to the highest or lowest bidder, but the one who can demonstrate the capacity to incorporate everyone's voice... now that's a framework worth investing in! 

No matter how great we become, we are all still children of our Mother Earth, it's her garden that feeds us, and her water that keeps on providing life for us all. Let's choose to work with her these next 10,000 years, shall we?