Sunday, August 29, 2010

Greetings From Herrnhut!

These are photos I took today on my hike through the forest + collaging that I thought would emphasize them greatly. There aren't many people out on Sundays here in East Germany, so I made some friends up. Meet Biily and the boys. Oh and my trusty tailer. It holds all my new fishing gear. I imagine these as postcards. Maybe one day I'll get them printed.







Thursday, August 26, 2010

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

Meet the team



This past week Pick a Pocket spent time in Hamburg to gain inspiration for our art, welcome in 9 new members, and talk about the next year of our ministry and work. Discussions are being held to pursue:

Publishing a magazine
Collaborating with Not for Sale Campaign
Building networks with other artists supporting social change
Obtaining official non-profit status
Expanded field projects
New training opportunities


Other exciting news...

I finished a preview of our last American tour!

Check it out:

Pick a Pocket Summer Tour 2010 from Pick a pocket on Vimeo.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Well, hot JAZZ!

Some of his first experiences in music came from the streets of Storyville - a legal red light district of New Orleans from 1897-1917. There, Louis Armstrong hauled coal through the streets passing by bands playing in the dance halls and brothels where his mother worked as a prostitute.



His very fortunate friendship with a Jewish family afforded him the opportunities to pursue his music career early in his childhood. The Karnofskys gave Armstrong odd jobs and nurtured him as a young boy. They also taught him "how to live—real life and determination."

Through passion, fury, questioning, and hope from his past, Armstrong gathered his inspiration for his music. It was his past which set his future up for success.

His story is definitely a rare one in the hard streets of poverty and racism but through certain circumstances, Armstrong rose up and out of his situations. It is people like the Karnofskys who really make change in this world. To learn more about thier non-profit visit the website: karnofsky.org

There is so much hope in the future generation of those under the oppression of poverty and injustice. He became one of the most influential musicians of his time and will forever bring joy to the ears and hearts of those who listen. Here's to you Louis....

Beans and Ricely yours,
Stephanie

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Abolition. It's about time.

But we're nowhere near it.

I read recently that it is not legal to own sex slaves in India, but it is okay to solicit yourself privately. Though a recent comment by the Indian Supreme Court may mark the beginning of an unfourtunate change. According to India Today a bench suggested to the government to legalise sex trade.

This has to end.

I don't know how any sane person or country could let this happen in their own country. Furthermore, it's happening all over. NOT JUST INDIA. 27 MILLION SLAVES still exist today. Some may be even in your back yard. Yes, yours. America, Europe, Asia, Africa.

This video is not pretty: watch it at your own risk. It is too close to what I experienced in October. Melody and I walked down this very road and I probably saw some of the same women on the streets.




An organization I've been following for awhile brings us into a glimpse of the hope THEY are offering.

Love146 Overview from LOVE146 on Vimeo.



With this, I want to get you guys excited about what is to come. I will be returning to India in January to start on my documentary of Kamathipura and working with a wonderful organization that wants to open a second hand shop helping girls out of prostitution. There is so much more need, but it is what I can do in this time. PLEASE email me if you want to learn more and HELP SUPPORT this project!

Monday, August 2, 2010