This Time of My Life

I've never been good with time. I don't mean from an organizational point of view. I mean from a "don't waste every second you have available and use it" point of view. How many volunteer opportunities can I use while I work three jobs, take care of my family and my house and oh, yeah, sleep? I have decided that, no, I can't do all that. 


Foe nearly six years now, I have worked with some of the most incredible people here in Long Beach. From my wife, Sumi, to all the artists, business people, nonprofit organizations, teachers, institutions, the list is endless. These community minded heroes don't get enough credit for the everyday work they do. I am honored to know them. 


I believe Long Beach is a city full of great accomplishments and great promise. I will continue to support the efforts of so many. But, first, I will need to take a break. I tried to do so last year but there were still some things I needed to do. And I still have things I need to do. But this time, they'll have to wait. At least until the summer is over. 


I'm working on a transition for Create Long Beach (Cultural Master Plan), the PEG Community Television Collaborative, The Creativity Network website, the videos, the arts promotion. Others will have to accept those responsibilities. At least, for a while.


I'll still be using social media to post news and information but I'm going to focus on my two major work projects (El Camino College Small Business Development Center and New America Media's Youth Journalism Training program, VoiceWaves) along with a truckload of Personal business that has long been on the back burner. And can't be any more. 


Now, any one who knows me knows that this is no easy task. Keeping my hands out of stuff is just too damn hard. But, like an addict/alcoholic, I need to take it one day at a time and learn to just say no. 


You'll still be hearing from me about the projects above and a few other things. You can still follow me on: 
Facebook: Antonio.Ruiz


Facebook: The Creativity Network


Facebook: ActionandSolutions.com


Twitter: antonio_p_ruiz


Twitter: ActionSolutions


See you on the other side of summer. 

long walks on

the feet are tired

shuffling along rough roads

streets that have not been repaved

in a long time.

the body carrying the memories

of a childhood too long ago

of teen years that are hidden in history books

of sex drugs and rock and roll twenties

that you can't pick out of a police line-up,

music ripples through the google search

of memory neurons

whatever is left

and small patches of sunlight

are visible

and you realize

your life has not been

all darkness and shadows and holes

in the ground.

music

that kind of gets your shoulders moving

your toes snapping

your head tossing back

your arms clearing room around you

cause it's in your blood

and soul

and deep down somewhere

you realize

your life has not been

all darkness and shadows and holes

in the ground.

long walks

visiting the gallery of your life

images on the wall

that speak to you

every second of your life

every person you ever met

every action you've ever taken

every decision you've ever made

every thought you've ever had.

now you are now here

it's all that matters

as you put your hands

in your pockets

and shuffle along rough roads

streets that have not been repaved

in a long time

and continue

the long walks on.

antonio pedro ruiz 

january 22, 2010