Featuring What Traveling Blogger Kristi Keller is Passionate About

What Are You Passionate About? There are a couple of things I'm passionate about in life:  Travel, freedom, and writing.  There is nothing more liberating than landing in a new destination that you know nothing about and then discovering everything you can while there.  But for me I just couldn't travel without telling the world about it, and that's why I write.  I'm a serial travel blogger.

1. Your name. 
Kristi Keller


2. Tell us a little about yourself.

My first and most important role in life is being a mother but once my son grew up and went out on his own the responsibility factor dissipated and the longing for freedom picked up momentum.  I'm a cubicle escapee and freedom junkie now.  I left a long corporate career for the pursuit of happiness.  That might sound a little  cliche so really I'm just pursuing what I want, not what I should want. 

After leaving the corporate world I relocated to Jamaica for a short while and just concentrated on exploring and writing, and rejuvenating myself.  This new lifestyle was completely in line with my vision of freedom and I don't see it ending anytime soon, even though I'm not in Jamaica anymore.

3. What cause or causes do you support and why?

I feel like there are a lot of causes I "should" support but in spite of those I keep being drawn back into supporting animal causes.  They tug at my heartstrings the most because animals don't have a voice of their own and they often suffer at the hands of humans.  I can't even fathom that when I look at my own dog living out her golden years in comfort and surrounded by love.

4. Can you provide some information about the cause or causes?

In the last few years I was made aware of several animal shelters while traveling.  The one (so far) that has made the most impact on me is The Animal House Jamaica (insert this link http://www.theanimalhousejamaica.org/) where I have visited a couple of times.  This particular shelter (and many like it) take in and care for stray animals that seem to be rampant in island countries.  Many of the strays in the Caribbean are starving, sick, and abused.  It's not very common to see dogs treated like children - I guess it's just a cultural difference.   

What is unique about island animal shelters is that travelers can adopt the animals and have them sent abroad to live with them in their homes.  I think this is a fantastic way to bring a little piece of the island home with you to cherish for years to come, knowing that you've changed a little life in the process.

5. Does your work reflect anything about these cause or causes you support?

Everything I do while traveling gets its own promotion in the form of a blog post, and shared among my large social media following.   The animal causes are no different.  Twice I have been to The Animal House and both times I wrote about it, encouraging others to donate money or supplies, join their social media pages, and even visit and adopt! 

My first visit to The Animal House was enlightening and very touching.  It is documented here:  http://www.jamaicamyway.com/uncategorized/animal-house-jamaica/

My second visit was a lot more fun because I brought down 46 lbs of dog treats from Canada to Jamaica to distribute to the shelter.  What a fabulous and fun day that was.  http://www.jamaicamyway.com/uncategorized/46-pounds-of-doggie-treats/

Future Plans

For ten years I have specialized in Jamaica as a destination and have covered every single thing I can think of on that island.  Recently I made a decision that it was time to break free and expand my horizons.  The Caribbean is my sweet spot on the planet.  Although I haven't yet visited a next island because it involves some planning on my part, I AM taking part in a fantastic competition to spend 2 months on the island of Tobago.  This trip is actually a job through Tobago's tourism board, writing about the island in an effort to bring more tourism there.

Naturally one of the first things I Googled about Tobago is whether there are animal shelters there.  Sure enough there is the TTSPCA (link: http://www.ttspca.com/)  and I've already reached out to them in the event that I win this competition.  I can't wait to be able to spend a few days volunteering with them and share my stories with the world.  Every little bit helps.

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**If people want to help me win you can put a link to the voting website which is http://vote.60daysinparadise.com - Vote for Kristi Keller**

 

Featuring Cali Rossen

What Are You Passionate About? Interview by Author Lisa Hatfield

Cali T. Rossen:  Ambassador for Save the Children of Tibet, Actress, Artist, Filmmaker, Writer, Registered Dental Hygienist, Master N.L.P. Practitioner & Time Line Therapist ~ in training.

   

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born & raised on Ole' Cape Cod, in Hyannis, MA, the middle of 3 girls and my 4th sibling a brother.  My beautiful & courageous Mother, Patricia Treadwell, a single parent, worked 2-3 jobs to take care of us. She instilled a profound work ethic in me that still remains. She remarried after 13 years to my amazing Step-Father, Philip Treadwell, who is my Dad. He may not be by blood, but in my heart he truly is.

My first summah jawb (that's how they say it there) was selling the Cape Cawd Times on Main St. for 10 cents so I could help my Mom buy some clothes for school. I remember it was the summer going into 6th grade. There were so many patrons & tourists that summer asking, “which way to the Kennedy Compound?”  I would have gladly told them where the Kennedy Memorial was, as it was not their private residences.  I somehow felt connected to that family living so close by & seeing Ted & Rose at church Sunday. I deeply admired the positive difference that family was making in our world and I longed to do the same one day.

Another memory from childhood that created a spark of passion in my life was the image of a tear rolling down the cheek of a Native American Indian man from a commercial/psa: KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM   

After watching this on TV I began collecting plastic bottles that were discarded on the ground on my way home from school to throw away properly. (This was a few years before recycling centers were created) Then the summer before my freshman year in High School I discovered a recycling center & enrolled my BFF, Tammy Cahoon to work with me sorting plastic bottles by brand to be shipped back to their respective companies.

It's amazing to observe how the influences of media & family have motivated my thoughts and actions. I used to be ashamed & embarrassed by the struggles my family faced, and now I see very clearly how wonderfully it all has constructed who I became today. I am grateful, work hard, and contribute to others, especially children who are the future. There is a sense of responsibility for making a profound difference in this world that I have taken on. To be at cause versus at effect, and to ongoingly grow and expand my consciousness. Troubie or not Troubie? Yes, being a Troubadour is among them too.  I have some little ditties here on my Troubadour Vlog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3exeTzno28

“bloomIN” by CTR

My passion for the arts began at an early age, painting, playing the violin, singing and acting.  I love the process of creating. . .it put’s me in the zone.  The zone of bliss, where everything is possible.

I’d like to acknowledge our phenomenally talented Sci-Fi Team of 3 ORBS OF LIGHT: Creator/DP Kim Marra, Writer/Dir. Minoti Vaishnav, Co-Star/Producer Rachel Bailit for just completing our episode.  We are in the final editing phase of special effects and scheduling meetings with executives
for future episodes. Stay tuned!

                              
                        Minoti Vaishnav, Cali T. Rossen, Kim Marra, Rachel Bailit

What cause or causes do you support and why?

SAVE THE CHILDREN OF TIBET: His Holiness the Dalai Lama donated 3 acres of land in Bylakuppe, India to build an Orphanage & Prayer Hall with residencies for 1000+ Orphans, Teachers and Monks.  Construction for Sera Mey Pobhor Khamtsen is well under way with plans to open it’s doors Dec. 2014.  I was invited by Project Coordinator & Director of  PR in Europe, Stephen Chetrit asked if I’d like to be an Ambassador to create awareness of the plight of Tibetan & Himalayan orphans. I’m committed to illuminating life long support to these children, as well as, all children of the world. I was honored by the Director of Sera Mey project, Lama Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jamyang, who humbly introduced me to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Earth Day April 22, 2012.  My most recent visit with His Holiness’s was Feb. 28th, 2014 during his visit to Los Angeles. We are all very excited about the opening of Sera Mey in Dec. Please go to this link right now real quick to donate any amount to www.savechildrentibet.com  Thank you!      
                  
 
Lama Khensur Rinpoche presenting a gift to Maya King, one among many of the incredible                                  performers at Circle of Faith Concert
                                              

CIRCLE OF CHARITIES:  A foundation promoting youth programs and events for the charities within the Circle of Charities community and also provides resources and funds programs for those in need.  The Founder, Maiko Maya Co-Hosted the first concert benefit for SAVE THE CHILDREN OF TIBET.   www.circleofcharities.org/

LIFE NOTES EDUTAINMENT: Teaching important life lessons to children with song and dance. I’ve seen the impact the songs Life Notes produces on children and would love to see this curriculum implemented in schools worldwide. The Founder Jacquie Sullivan wrote jingles for commercials in the past, and had the idea that a song with an empowering message would impact children in a positive way.  I sang chorus on one of the songs:  CHARACTER IS WHAT YOU DO www.lifenotesed.com

BULLIES KEEP OUT: A social movement to prevent and put an end to bullying. The Founder: Dana Jacoviello asked if I’d support this cause and share my experience and thoughts on bullying.  I had been bullied as a youngster and it impacted the way I thought about myself.  Here’s my story:  http://www.bullieskeepout.com/an-in-depth-look-with-actress-cali-t-rossen/

RISE AND STAND: (REACH, INSPIRE, SUPPORT AND EMPOWER) Creates awareness preventing cruel acts towards innocent people and animals. This charity benefits large charities that have the power to go in and take action. They rescue animals, assist them in regaining their health and find them loving homes. R.I.S.E & STAND also supports many families each month with finanicail assistance. When Founder Katrina McCaffery asked if I’d support her family & friends cause I hesitated at first and then something amazing happened!  Read what happened here: http://riseandstand.net/?s=cali+rossen

Does your work reflect anything about these cause or causes you support?
   

I’m Writing & Directing a Documentary:  SAVE THE CHILDREN OF TIBET “The Child Within All Of Us Prevails”. His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the land before construction began, and the completion of Sera Mey Pobhor Khamtsen is scheduled for Dec. 2014. There have been many benefits organized in Canada & Southern California to assist with building supplies, food, clothing and medical supplies. We are planning to be present at the opening of Sera Mey. Also in Dec. my beloved husband, Chris and I celebrate our twentieth anniversary and plan to adopt siblings from this orphanage in the near future.  Please go to this link right now real quick to donate any amount to www.savechildrentibet.com  Thank you!

Peace in Our World in my life time is another cause close to my heart. Writer/Dir. Ghazi Gafsi, wrote the role of CIA Agent, Lidia for me in THE LOCKER'S HEART.  My husband & I co-produced along with University EAD ECOLE D'ART ET DE DECORATION . We filmed on location in Gafsa, Tunisia in June 2011. The film can be seen @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F94YR1A5OcM

Last year I Co-hosted 2 concert benefits for SAVE THE CHILDREN OF TIBET with     many extraordinary individuals: Maiko Maya, Tommy Johnson, Sangeeta Kaur and Peter Opperman, and now in the planning stages for the next     benefit with Earth Angel, Veronica Larrea scheduled on Oct. 31, 2014.

A SPECIAL MENTION: To honor her children and the children of the world, Veronica Larrea from The House of Encanta, will be hosting a charity event Oct. 31, 2014 benefitting SAVE THE CHILDREN OF TIBET.  Veronica & I were introduced by our amazing Neuro Linguistic Programming Coach, Kaya Redford, who will be honored & speaking at this beautiful event. Details about this extraordinary event will be posted at www.savechildrentibet.com

                                     
                    Veronica Larrea & Kaya Redford

Can you provide links to your work?

www.thepowgirl.com (reel & pix)

ww.imdb.me/thepowgirl (film & tv projects)

www.youtube.com/thepowgirl (channel with films, clips and promos)www.calirossen.com/star/art (paintings & photography)www.facebook.com/3orbsoflight (sci-fi series)

www.facebook.com/thepowgirl www.twitter.com/thepowgirl
www.instagram.com/thepowgirlSending my heartfelt gratitude to you Lisa for this opportunity to share a bit about myself and spread the word about the causes I'm most passionate about.

 

 
















































































































































































































































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Featuring What Briana Sargent is Passionate About

 Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your work, and influences.

 I am tattoo artist originally from coastal Connecticut. I’ve worked in shops in CT, NYC, and CA. I now own Buju Tattoo in San Diego. My aesthetics  focus on the color, beauty, and individuality in each piece. The driving force behind everything I do comes from the compulsion to find ways to regain the element of adventure every day. I want to grab hold of existence and take it to the edge of possibility, feeling that a full life is taken, not given.

What cause or causes do you support and why?

 I support any cause that promotes positive risk-taking and the embracement of  a spirit of exploration.

Can you provide some information about the cause or causes?

Google search keyword: adventure.

Does your work reflect anything about the cause or causes you support?

With my tattoo practice, I hope to help people shed a layer and dust off their true characters.

Links to those causes.

 http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/animals-that-cannot-even-handle-it-right-now

Links to your websites

 www.BujuTattoo.com

 Twitter @BujuTattoo

Personal Instagram @Briana_Buju_Tattoo

Tattoo Shop Instagram @Buju_Tattoo

 Personal Facebook www.facebook.com/briana.sargent.7

 Buju Tattoo Facebook Page www.facebook.com/BujuTattoo