Avatar: more than just a movie...

My thoughts on Avatar.


Beyond the marvelous effects, touching story, and regurgitation of James Cameron's brilliant imagination -- Avatar was an answer. For me at least. I'm one of those people who never stops trying to figure it out. They say "ignorance is bliss" and I can't seem to get there. I wasn't brought up with a specific religion -- I wasn't given any religious rules or guidelines... you could say I was brought up knowing that I was loved and capable of anything; it was as simple as that. I like to look at things from a very neutral perspective. I think we make life out to be more complicated than it is. Here are my simple understandings: 

-we are all human (the same)

-we are created by something much more intelligent than we (the way our bodies heal itself is a small piece of evidence)

-no one is more "special" than anyone else... we all have the exact same equal potential

-since we were created by something brilliant, we have that same brilliance inherent in us, however, it is up to us (free will) to decide to bring it forth

-regardless of race, ethnicity, language etc. we are all given the same tools (instincts) in order for our survival.

-we all need love

-what I mean by all of us are equal is this: since we are all human, and all are given the same instincts (to survive) and the same potential for what I like to call enlightenment, than any human to ever exist never possessed anything more than what I (or you) have the potential for (there's that word again)...this means, Jesus, the Buddha, any prophets, saints, etc.

-these people, in my opinion (regardless of what any man made book says) were enlightened enough to show us (the "ordinary person") what we are ALL capable of...if we so choose.

-the purpose of the human being is to use free will (we have the power to choose good or evil, to harm or not to harm, to be enlightened or ordinary...)

How this has anything to do with Avatar...

For me, the story of Avatar is a metaphor for what life is. Let's face it - (and this will be hard for some to admit) none of us know the truth. I am fine to admit that, however, I am trying to come from the most neutral standpoint possible. Until God (I use "God" for lack of a better word) itself comes down, looks me in the eyes, and tells me whats up -- everything else is hearsay. Do I believe that God inhibits the body of man?! Yes I do, in each and everyone of us. Do I believe that only one or few human beings are/were selected to inhibit God? No, I don't. We are all the same. God does not favor. 

For starters, I don't know why it was written in history that God is a man, The Father, He, His, a male etc. It was brought up beautifully in Avatar (and in The De Vinci Code) that women are the ones who give life. We are closer to God than any man. We bare human beings (and go through hell doing it) -- why wouldn't we naturally assume that God is female? A Mother? The Na'vi people (in Avatar) refer to Eywa as The Mother. The Creator. The Na'vi people are like the enlightened version of humanity. They "get it". What they "get" is the truth inherent in all life -- we are deeply interconnected to our environment, we depend on each other, and we are all in this together. "We are The People" (all of us! around the world!!!!) I wish everyone understood this... The ordinary humans in the movie (the "enemy") don't "get it" -- they are fueled by greed, selfishness, and hate which is the other end of the spectrum. But aha! - they could choose not to be. What I also liked about the story, is that mankind had to move to Pandora (another planet) because they had destroyed Earth. We are self-destructive. If this world ends, it will be because of our doing. We have to fight against that.

There is a pivotal moment in the entire movie that took my breath away. The answer I've been looking for. Without giving anything away -- there is a moment when Jake (the lead character) is asking Eywa (substitute for God) for help as the war between the Na'vi people and the ordinary people is about to begin. His Na'vi girlfriend Neytiri approaches him and reveals this -- "The Mother does not take sides. She protects the balance of life." Whether their talking about Mother Earth or our Creator is irrelevant, it struck something in me. There has to be a balance... in everything. Of good and bad, births and deaths, love and loss... This answered a question I've been pondering for a while. It's a beautiful message and I hope an eye opener for many. I sincerely hope we (the people) keep promoting peace, helping each other out whenever possible, and protecting our Earth. It's all up to us :) Keep rockin' everyone...

NieNie Dialogues...

i <3 nienie!


Hey everyone...
I hope your week has been going well. I've been coming up with several different blog topics lately - it was hard to decide what to write about first!


I wanted to share with you a blog I frequent (I have an "I read" button of hers on my blog) Her name is Stephanie Neilson and she is a wonderful blogger. Her nickname is nienie and so her blog is cleverly titled, nienie dialogues. Stephanie is a special person, a miracle of sorts and I find her strength very inspiring. She has 4 beautiful children and a lovely husband, Mr. Neilson (also known as Christian) Stephanie and Christian were in a near fatal plane crash in August of 2008. They luckily survived however the pilot did not (Christian had gotten his pilot's license and Doug Kinneard was his friend/instructor) It was just the 3 of them in the plane. Stephanie suffered severe 3rd degree burns as did Christian - however nienie had to be rebuilt. She blogs about her recovery, her experience and how adjusting to her "new" self is unfolding. She is in pain all the time. She somehow, still manages to find enough strength to be the beautiful mother, wife, sister, friend, daughter, and blogger she has always been. I think she is one of the most wonderful writers, photographers, and people I have ever come across. If I could take her pain away (as most would agree) I would do anything to make it happen. I hope she knows that she survived for a very good reason. I hope she knows she will always be in our prayers. I hope she knows she has touched so many people's lives.


This song is written and performed by Christina Aguilera and Linda Perry. It was performed at the Hope for Haiti telethon and will be on Christina's new album. It's called "Lift Me Up" and I want to dedicate it to nienie. I think it's beautiful - just like her. I hope that it provides a moment more of strength.


Love, justine xo.

Perfectly pathetic...

I hope this goes as an example of how much of an affect Hollywood can have, if you're not strong.


It never seizes to amaze me -- shyte load after shyte load of "entertainment" news flooding every source of media there is: tv, radio, magazines, websites! It has even made it onto my blog... but just as humorous wake-up call to....hm -- maybe myself? I walked into work today to find the latest issue of People magazine smeared with a bleach blonde nobody and discovered, "oh! it's THAT nobody" Heidi of "Heidi & Spencer" the preppy air heads that I think we're once on The Hills? I know everyone is laughing at this poor soul but I don't understand why the media repeatedly glorifies ultimate human lows. And people actually purchase this magazine -- with real money!

This chick just spent 7 weeks cooped up in her mansion recovering from 10 different plastic surgery procedures. She's 23. The girl weighs the same as me (and if you're wondering, under 120) and proceeded to get liposuction. Not only on her hips and thighs, but on her neck too. Obviously she looks faker-than and thats her own fat problem to deal with but out of respect not only for the disaster happening in Haiti, but just for the common good of mankind, don't print this reminder of how-far-up-our-own-asses, humans can get. "Hey Heidi -- take the $30 G's you just spent on your new butt, boobs, chin, ears, eyebrows, cheeks, stomach, and lips and do something HUMAN with it!"


Just for your reference - Miss Montag has taken back that she just bragged about how obsessed she is with plastic surgery, so in case you were wondering...she's not "obsessed"...she's f***ed up. (I try not to swear, but it's just the right word.)


*.this was a message brought to you by fussyjussy...whose feeling fussy at the moment.

Quickie update...

It's been awhile.

I know, I know! I haven't been very good with the posting. I have a good excuse! I got a new job that I am enjoying verrrrry much and is causing me to be verrrrrry busy. I'll keep this update short & sweet.


I just finished watching the entire Golden Globes and absolutely LOVED Ricky Gervais as the host - great humor. I enjoyed the show more than I thought I would - it always inspires me to see such talent, to stop procrastinating and really put some blood, sweat and tears into... something - anything! I have high hopes for this year. Mainly because I'm starting to miss my family too much and although the weather and beauty of California is incredibly desirable - my family is more important. Fingers crossed for major strides. We are hoping to finally move to a bigger, and better (and cleaner) house in the next month. I'm hoping the search for a new place is quicker and more painless then our last search (in which we ended up with a car instead of a new home).


Phil will be starting a blog of his own about the world through his eyes (mainly focused on skateboarding). I am excited for his new found ambition :) I'll post a link as soon as he gets it going.


My little side makeup business (fussyjussy beauty) will have to go on hold at the moment as I continue my new job and focus on my first love: performing. It's time to put balls to the wall (love that phrase) and push my fear limits that I've shamelessly let hold me back the past couple years. Phil and I will hopefully be planning a quick trip to the Bahamas as well within the next litte while! Dad has decided to spend a couple months in tropical paradise rather than grand ol' T.O. until he makes his way back to LA-LA land.


All in all, things are good on my end. New things are happening. Health and love are wonderful and that's all I need in life. If you haven't already and would like to donate to Help Haiti click here.


love.

My holiday...

Down time is important.

Ahh! I feel the wonderful pull of laziness lingering in my soul as I realize...my holiday is over :( However, if we weren't so busy all the time - we would never appreciate the "holiday" like we do now. I was able to extend my vacation by a whole week and have never felt so relaxed. I don't live to work, I work to live and I believe taking a real break is very crucial to our health and happiness. I arrived in Toronto on Dec. 19th while battling a bladder infection I was trying to get rid of for days. Have you ever been on a plane for 5 and a half hours with a bladder infection? Probably the worst case scenario you could think of ;) "There's no place like home," is what I wanted to be thinking but all that was running through my mind was, "there's no place like a Walk-In clinic." Before I even got to see my beautiful mother - I was happily sitting in a Walk-In clinic waiting for antibiotics. Fast forward to the following day. I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my only friends from high school - Miss Sahar Harb. It turned out beautifully and Sahar looked as gorgeous as an icicle shimmering in the moonlight. Head to toe, the bride & groom knocked everyone's socks (and boots) off their feet as they made their way into the winter wonderland Sahar had created. I wish them nothing but the best of the best (and knowing Sahar, that's all she settles for).

Up until Christmas, I spent the days shopping, seeing friends and family, shopping, and sleeping. Christmas day was wonderful as per usual - we always have eggs and bacon after we open our gifts and eat some candy from our stockings (I was the only one who did this, this year...) We then headed over to my aunts to celebrate with yummy Hungarian food and more gifts. I found that each Christmas day goes by faster and faster as I get older...it makes me a little sad. The next day (Canada's "Black Friday" is called Boxing day) I did not do more shopping, instead Phil and I spent the day with his side of the family which includes many, many kids. I ended that day off with heading to Toronto with my good friend Ashley and meeting up with one of my besties, Tamsyn Cooper, to drink strawberry flavored beer (yum) and exchange...more gifts!

Everyone keeps saying they've got a feeling about 2010. I don't remember hearing that last year. I hope this is a good sign, for everyone. For any of you reading this that are not following your dreams...please give yourself a chance. Don't let others around you influence you. I know it can be hard to stay true to who you are, but if you don't, then you'll become a mixture of everyone else and eventually realize, you are very lost. Let this new year be a chance to start over. I am. I'll start over again and again until I reach my goal.

More updates later! Hope your first week of 2010 is going great.

ps. I am very excited to see Jimmy The Babe who has been taken care of by my friend, Dawny.