Mar13

It’s GO time!

Posted on by
Standard

Happy New Year everyone!  Yes, I am aware that I’m a few months late, but I am so excited for 2013 and the new chapter in the story of my life.  I have a feeling it’s going to be my luckiest year-to-date and I am so grateful because I live a pretty charmed life as it is.

I have this friend who is always telling me that I never have to worry (like he does) because no matter what, I always fall ass-backwards into money.  He’s right in a way.  Things always do seem to work out in my favour (eventually) but I strongly believe that life is what you make it and having a positive outlook is what will make or break you.

Truth.

Truth.

Life is only a ride and if you don’t take a leap of faith every once in a while, the only risk you take is having a long list of regrets when your ride is slowing to it’s final stop.

Anyone can do anything they’d like to do in life.  It’s a lot easier to accomplish your goals when you truly believe that you can.  Personally, I love adventures.  I love traveling, exploring nature, experiencing new people, new places and doing things I’ve never done before.  I have a passion for writing, story-telling and music.  I have a keen interest in politics, freedom, human rights and rEvolution.  Finding a traditional career that will allow me to be one hundred per cent myself, all the time, has been a challenge – but it’s a goal I will not give up on.

One major life-lesson I have learned over the last year has been how important it is to allow my life to flow.  We all make choices every single day that re-enforce our journey down our chosen paths.  Letting go of fear and the belief that I am the only force in control of my life’s direction is something I’ve had to train myself to do.  Having trust and faith that the Universe won’t let me down and truly letting life take me where I am meant to be is much easier said than done.

Following my instincts and learning how to read the signs and synchronicities in my everyday life is the most important part of living this way.  Any form of meditation, day-dreaming or simply visualizing where I’d like to be and what I’d like to be doing gives me an ultimate advantage.  After all, thoughts become things.

I’m not going to lie and tell you the Universe doesn’t occasionally put up roadblocks along my path.

What started as a month-long trip to Ontario visiting family and friends quickly turned into a whole season away from the coast I love the most.  I have been unemployed for the past four months (with no EI benefits, might I add) bouncing between the homes of family members, doing odd jobs for them so I could make my way back to British Columbia.  I am grateful for the amount of quality time I’ve been able to spend with my loved ones here in Ontario, but I am very anxious to get back to my adventures.

Saying goodbye to the people and places you love is always hard, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to follow your heart’s desires.

Alishia Fox Backpacking

I managed to stuff quite a bit in my pack!

This is where I’m at now.  Once again, stuffing my life in my backpack and heading into the unknown.  Of course I have a general idea of what I’d like to be doing and where I’d like to be, but I don’t have any sort of concrete plan.  There are many more open doors and opportunities available to me this way.  It’s a good thing I love surprises.  They truly are the spice-of-life.

Taking a giant leap of faith like this was scary for me, at first.  Having no safety net to stop me from plummeting into failure was a very real fear for me.  But, after having gone head-to-head with my unfounded fears a few times before and having not only survived, but thrived, has made this process a lot easier.  Change can be very uncomfortable for those who haven’t practiced the art of letting go and allowing life to take you for a ride.  It’s so cliché but it’s true.  Practice makes perfect.

I’ve made beautiful memories with great friends, had some unique adventures and a few life-changing experiences.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If it weren’t for taking risks such as these, I definitely would have never experienced living in a yurt, sleeping on a beach under the stars, surfing at sunset, climbing mountains, kayaking on the pacific, coming face-to-face with a humpback whale, sleeping in my hammock in the rain forest, or the countless times spent strumming my ukulele, singing with friends on the beach around a fire.

The uncertainty of where I will end up or what I will be doing in the future has now become the most exhilarating part of the journey.  I can only imagine the possibilities and there are so many.  I can hardly wait to find out what’s in store for me this year.

All I know is that I’m heading back to my favourite little town in B.C. and will officially be making the coast my new home base.  Island life is most definitely for me.

Thank you all so much for your continued readership and support.  You rule.  I know the frequency of my posts are completely random but I will be posting as often as I can with exciting updates and more stories to share with you.  Please feel free to drop me a line in the comments section, anytime.

I hope you find yourselves smiling often down your own paths.  Best of luck to you all in 2013, sending Universal love and good vibes, always.

Dec20

Canada is #IdleNoMore

Posted on by
Standard

#IdleNoMore demonstrations

#IdleNoMore::  You may have seen this hashtag floating around on Facebook or Twitter recently and have been wondering what it’s all about.

The very little coverage the mainstream media has been giving to this growing grass-roots movement has merely glossed over the issues that we’re up-in-arms about.

The #IdleNoMore movement is not only about the rights and treaties of Canada’s Indigenous people, it’s also about the collective rights of Canadians.  The movement may have been started after the passing of Bill C-45, but it has grown to encompass the increasing frustration regarding several issues that every Canadian citizen is facing today.

This is about human rights, our failed democracy, the environment and many other issues and struggles we all face together as Canadians.

Idle No More captures the sentiment of Canadians who are simply fed up with our current government.  An illegitimate government, might I add, whose actions are out-of-step with traditional Canadian morals and values.

Candian Winter:: A song about Stephen Harper by Alishia Fox

This isn’t just a “Native” thing anymore.  Well, maybe it is.  Although I am visibly a 20-something-year-old white girl, I consider myself native… to Canada.  I was born here and I am of this land.  I love Canada and our people.  All of them.  Regardless of race, class, religion or cultural differences.

Sidebar:: For those of you who are still stuck in the past and are harbouring negative beliefs and stereotypes regarding the aboriginal population in Canada, this video is for you.

“Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee!”

I take our national anthem seriously.  I will do everything in my power to protect our country from these corrupt, greedy politicians whose decisions are based solely upon money and power backed by corporate interests.  Their decisions are definitely not made in the best interests of the Canadian people.

This is where we find ourselves today.  We are at a point where all Canadians need to come together and take a stand to protect our land and our rights.

Call to action:: Please see the video description for a complete listing of upcoming #IdleNoMore events near you.

Please visit the official #IdleNoMore blog to get more information and updates on the growing grass-roots movement in Canada.

Here are just a few videos of previous #IdleNoMore demonstrations across Canada in last week::

Flash mob at West Edmonton Mall

Flash mob at Regina Cornwall Centre

Protest on highway 401 near London

Dec3

Does the truth have a tongue?

Posted on by
Standard
If you were looking for a sign, this is it.

“Repressive governments will have a U.N. treaty which allows them to control freedom of expression, to monitor everything any targeted individual is saying on the Net, and to stop social movements and human rights defenders demanding respect for basic rights.”

Right now, as you read this entry, governments of the world are discussing the future of our internet.  How we use it, how much it costs, online monitoring, censoring and privacy are all on the agenda.  Governments across the globe have been trying to pass laws that give them control over our online activities.

They want power and authority to dole out punishment as they see fit to anyone who steps outside of their lines.  I have a serious problem with that, and so does Google.

Take Action is Google’s new campaign which is asking for the billions of people who use the internet to stand up for it’s freedom.

Google Take Action #freeandopen

Google Take Action #freeandopen

So, I did.

Trust me, it wasn’t easy.  It’s been a challenging process gathering up the nerve to do this. I’m trusting this video will reach peaceful and loving folks out there who want the very same things for the people and our planet.

I was inspired by a five-year-old Palestinian girl who stood up and challenged a group of israeli soldiers.  If you really want universal truth, ask your kids for advice.  They know what’s right and wrong.  They haven’t been tainted by their particular societal group’s views about the world we live in.  They have pure universal knowledge.

I feel her pain.  I think everyone who watches this does.  We all know the difference between right and wrong and yet we remain silent and afraid.  Just as they want us to be.

George Carlin spoke his truth about these people who want to keep us as their slaves and it resonates well with my own.

The people who own and control everything do not want you to hear this message.  They do not want you to wake up and realize that you’re being played.  So do your best to educate yourself.  Remove yourself from their systems of control and learn what life has to teach you.  Use Google to help, while we are free to do so.

Sharing your personal and universal truth nowadays is a scary thing to do.  Stepping out from behind the different masks we all wear.  In real life and online.  This is probably the most challenging thing I have ever done in my life.  Stepping out of fear.  Doing what you feel is right regardless of how you may be perceived or judged by others.  Standing firm in your truth while letting go and going where life takes you.  That’s how life on earth should be for everyone.  Everyone should be free to learn, grow and experience their life as they wish.  Doing what they love and what makes them happy.

This quote has been helpful.  “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell (I have no idea who that is, do you?)

Here are some of my personal universal truths about the situation we are facing now.

It’s time we all step outside of our own comfort lines and out of fear.  This will only continue if we allow it too.  So far, we’ve been doing a damn fine job ignoring the state of our planet and our people.

The planetary alarm is sounding and we either spring out of bed to get a good start on the day, or we hit the snooze button.  It’s your choice.  Every choice is respected and every person is doing exactly as they should.  All the time.  Don’t worry, because EVERYTHING IS OK!  People are joining together around the world making sure the message is heard by all.

People all over the globe are making a stand for true democracy, human rights, planetary rights and the rights to live in peace.  Without war, greed, corruption and absolute ruling powers.  A planet for the people, by the people.

That’s where we need to go.  I don’t know the path to get there, but we have to take that leap of faith.  We don’t have a choice.  We are at the edge of the cliff.  The birth of a new age.  The time to TAKE ACTION is now.

If this post resonates with your truth, I encourage you to share it and take action in your own way.  Don’t be scared, I have faith in all of you.  You are a shining beacon and your light will help others see their own.  That’s the best thing you can do for this planet at this crucial point in human history.

Thanks for watching, reading, listening and sharing.

Universal LOVE for ALL

Nov25

What the phoque Harper?!

Posted on by
Standard

“When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid dissent is frankly when it’s rapidly losing its moral authority to govern.” – Stephen Harper, Canadian Press, April 18, 2005

Stephen Harper in Parliament

We’re not as stupid as you think we are Mr. Harper.

So…What the phoque, Harper?!

That’s a sentence I’ve found myself uttering more and more everyday.  To be perfectly honest, I’ve always wondered about my psychic abilities, but this case of deja vu has me particularly concerned.  Trust me, I’ve never been one to say “I told you so” and it’s sad for me to say it about this, Canada… but seriously:: Atoadaso! 

I chose to reuse an old bit of a rant for two reasons.  1) It totally freaked me out.  2)  It’s coming true.  I’m sure by now you’ve heard about FIPA, but if you haven’t, please, let my buddy Rick Mercer get you up to speed. (PS. I like to pretend we’re friends.)

I’ve been watching Harper grow as our Crime Minister for the last three years, but he’s not the only problem in Canada.  The rest of our politicians aren’t too far off and they’re blaming it on social media.  Funny.

I started looking deeper into various issues after the first blip registered on my dictator detector.  That blip for me was the commercial seal hunt in Canada.  I did my own research and investigation on the issue and found a pattern of propaganda and spin that stretches way beyond this one issue alone.

I came to the conclusion that not only should we put an end to the seal hunt in our country, but we also needed to stop this man.  Surely, there are much bigger issues to worry about in Canada other than the seal hunt, but that’s where it started for me.  I must admit, Harper has been a HUGE inspiration for me.  His oppressive ways continue to fuel my passion for positive change.

My focus is now on the bigger picture, for Canada as a whole.  For the planet, really.  I encourage everyone to work together to form a unified front against anyone who threatens to destroy democracy.

Our country is at a tipping point and if we continue to allow this illegitimate government to rule with absolute power and authority, we’re headed down a dangerous path toward a totalitarian regime in Canada.  Trust me, Harper is doing his best to steer us down that road and it will be much harder to rid ourselves of this guy once his real action plan has come to fruition.

Thank you for watching.  Thank you for reading.  Thank you for sharing.  Most of all, thank you for caring.  This is OUR country.  We need to TAKE ACTION.  We need to create CHANGE.

Nov20

Alishia Fat Mike

Posted on by
Standard

If you clicked here because you wanted to see my bra:: Skip to the bottom:: Click here for the chords :)

A friend of mine recently asked me what I want to be when I grow up (like that will ever happen…) and without hesitation, I answered:: FAT MIKE.  If you don’t know who that is, he’s the singer of a punk band called NOFX.  I confessed a long held dream of mine was to perform all my favourite NOFX songs with a band backing me, preferable nofx themselves.  I’ve come to the conclusion that I have a serious addiction and/or an unnatural love for this band.

I decided right then and there to change my name to Alishia Fat Mike.  It has a nice ring to it, don’t ya think?

If you haven’t already figured this out, I’m friggen obsessed with NOFX.  I love music and it’s a big deal for me to pick just ONE band to rule them all.  If you knew me in ‘real life’,  you’d know it’s best to run and take cover when I hear the first note of any one of their songs.  I turn into a nofx monster that no one can stop.  We could just be chillin’, having a nice conversation and BOOM!  I transform into Fat Mike.  It’s a pretty gruesome sight, actually.  I hear one song and it quickly spirals out of control.  I have to feed the monster.  I can’t help it.  That first song quickly turns into a hundred.  No exaggeration here.  They have like, over 500 songs and it’s a good thing for my friends that most of them are under two and a half minutes.

I was in grade eight I believe when I first discovered them.  I’ve always been a bit of a rebel.  Going against the grain has always been my thing and nofx had me at hello. “I wanna see the constitution burn…”

I grew up with them and they grew up with me.  My love for them has only grown, really.  Let’s just say that they’ve inspired my interest and passion for politics.  Their blatant political defiance, analytical lyrical genius paired with I’ll-kick-you-in-the-teeth riffs not only soothed my restless teenage soul, but have been an instrumental part in the process of awakening out of un-conciousness.  That is to say, awake to the corruption and control of government and corporations (same thing).

Their songs are packed full of political punches and best of all, they’re funny.  You know that awkward moment when you’re plugged into your tunes and you can’t help but burst into a fit of hysterical laughter in public, alone?  Well, I live for that moment.  If this is a scenario you can’t relate too, may I suggest listing to this::

The combination of raw truth and humour is what appeals to me the most about this band… and the fact that they are STILL making music.  I mean shit, the band itself is older than I am!  Anyway, I could go on gushing about them for ages, so I’ll move this along.

Wait, just one more thing::

Nofx prides themselves on being lazy, so I feel pretty lucky to have seen them live five times.  Twice in Toronto ( I totally met “nubbs” too, eh), twice in Detroit and once in Vancouver.  Although I’ve had a few brief moments with Fat Mike in person, nothing beats the show in Vancouver where Melvin totally rocked my bra on stage for a few songs.

Nofx's Melvin wears my bra

There ya go. That’s my bra right there. Hope it was all you dreamed of.

Still don’t believe me?  Skip to 1:30 in the video below and see for yourselves (he’s the one on the right) ::

Pretty effen sweet, eh?  Do any of you have a kick-ass nofx encounter you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear it!  Also, I would greatly appreciate if anyone can help me out with figuring out some chords on a few tunes.  Since Ukulele is my instrument of choice, I’ve been finding it hard to find the right chords to play online.  There’s a shit load of guitar tabs out there, but in order to translate these tunes to the uke, I need actual chords.  Hit me up on youtube if you think you can help a sista out.

Thanks for checkin’ me out brah, see yas next week with a new nofx cover here::

Oi!

Alishia Fox Fat Mike.

Nov4

Occupy Canada .::Part Three::. The Future

Posted on by
Standard

Occupy Canada

It starts here.

Hey Canada, it’s been a while since my last post about the Occupy movement. I’m not going to lie and tell you I’ve been busy working behind the scenes because I wasn’t. In fact, I was trying my hardest to take a much needed break from the energy draining, corrupt political scene here in Canada. Hey, even activists have lives and need time to recharge their batteries, right?

It was the revival of Canada’s Economic Action Plan that pulled me out of the woods and inspired me to take a little action of my own.

At first I was a bit confused about the work being done in parliament lately. I’ve been noticing more and more of those feel-good economic action plan advertisements on television invoking a sense of comfort in Canadians and making us believe Harper’s government is working hard to create jobs for all of us who are struggling to make ends meet.

It’s become crystal clear that our government thinks we’re stupid. These ads you’ve been seeing on T.V. are nothing but brainwashing propaganda created to distract you from the truth. A costly distraction I might add, costing tax payers 16 million dollars to advertise for a campaign that was over in 2009.

This begs the question:: When Harpers government isn’t busy trying to trick Canadians into thinking they’re on our side, what else are they doing? Have they developed a new action plan for Canada? The answer is yes. You’re damn right they have. And this new action plan of theirs threatens to destroy democracy in this country for good. “Harper’s government” is working very hard, don’t get me wrong.

What they’re working on however is a transition into a totalitarian regime of which I am now happy to acknowledge as a separate entity from the rest of the Canadian government. The ruling powers that be in this country are truly no longer a representation of the Canadian people. It is Stephen Harper’s Canada now and he is waging war on those who have the power to bring him down:: US.

First and foremost, let’s not forget how the conservatives won the majority that kept this evil dictator of ours in power. They cheated. What’s worse is, we all know it. That was the first low blow to our democracy that sadly went unchecked. Our so-called leader should be in prison for rigging the last election which in turn gave his government absolute ruling power of our country. Where’s the queen when you need her? Well, she’s in England, with her dogs. And clearly, our Governor General (appointed by Harper himself) isn’t willing to dissolve this corrupt conservative government.

If you’re like me and have become so frustrated with our flawed political system, you may have also come to the conclusion that it’s now left up to us, the people, to fight for OUR country. We MUST unite as one and fight for our democratic rights and freedoms.

Maybe fight isn’t the best word to use as it invokes thoughts of violence. That’s not what we want. Violence is not the answer and in order to successfully make the necessary changes in this country we have to do it in a non-violent way. Plus, it’s not a very fair fight when the ones in charge have all the guns and money right? It’s a good thing we have the advantage. There are more of us than them. We have people power and when united we are stronger than the Harper regime, and they know it. This is where Harper’s new action plan comes into play and why it’s important for Canadians to develop an action plan of our own. This is the future of the Occupy movement in Canada. Only, it’s the present.

If you’d like to stay up to date on what’s really going on behind the scenes I suggest joining the Occupy Canada crew on Facebook. They’re always working hard to deliver relevant news to active Canadians and I am very grateful for the work they do.

Stay tuned for my next post which includes an outline of Harper’s REAL action plan and what we need to do to stop him. Until then, be careful fellow occupiers, big brother is watching you. Guaranteed.

May23

Occupy Canada .::Part Two::. The Present

Posted on by
Standard

It’s amazing to see the global occupy movements growing and gaining momentum.  It’s especially refreshing to see it happening right here in Canada.  It’s about time Canadian’s started to take notice to what’s going on right here at home.

This is such a crucial time in human history and we all have the chance to take part in a global revolution.  Our current system of government isn’t working.  As much as we like to believe we are living in a democratic nation, it simply isn’t true.  As every day passes under Stephen Harper’s conservative regime, the closer Canada resembles the oligarchy dictatorship of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four.

If you don’t know what I am referring to, take a moment to get caught up on just a few key issues that don’t sparkle with everyday Canadians.  Rick Mercer always explains it best.

The reason I chose these two issues to highlight is because they are grave concerns for every Canadian.  We can’t let either one of these issues be swept under the rug.  The Harper regime is slowly quickly stripping away our fundamental freedoms and democratic rights.

Sadly, these examples don’t even scratch the surface when it comes to other problems we’re facing under the Harper regime, including our less-than desirable environmental policies, rising national debt, lack of employment and ever-increasing tuition rates – just to name a few and the list goes on for days…

In fact, I can’t think of a single thing our current government is doing to look out for the best interests of the people who pay their salaries.  This has to change.  We have the power and it lies in our unity and strength in numbers.

Montreal Protest

“The single biggest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history”

Take a look at what’s happening in Montreal.  Today marks the 100th day of student protests that originally started over the rising tuition prices in Quebec.

**I’ve noticed this video has been taken down.  I’ll just leave it there to better illustrate the point.**

Last week, the Quebec provincial government rushed an anti-protesting law (bill 78) through legislation.  This allowed the government to name the protest illegal.  Today, more than 250,000 people took to the streets in defiance of the anti-protest bill which is being described as “the single biggest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history”.  Congratulations are in order, Montreal.  Many thanks goes out to each and everyone of you for bringing in the Canadian Spring.  I truly believe your passion and determination will help inspire others to stand up for their rights.  Let’s help this movement spread like wild-fire throughout this country.

NEXT POST:: Occupy Canada – Part Three::The Future:: How you can help.