Hello world,
It has proven to be an arduous task to take the picture of reality that is life and convert it into some format presentable via the internet. A possible task? Yes. One that comes easily and is found to be enjoyable? The Urban Shaman does not agree.
As most do, the Shaman hangs up his shawl, and trudges to work each day. The amount of finger jamming on this aluminum box required for work far exceeds the maximum amount the Urban Shaman desires to be a part of his life. This dynamic has doused in kerosene the will to express using text, but still yet, the Shaman persists.
Even in this moment the Shaman juggles editing one form of content...
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whilst finger tips plodding away recording another...
The level at which the Urban Shaman is saturated in one's own experience, is suffocating. The Shaman desires to exist purely, one moment at a time. Not thinking of what has happened. not thinking of what the recording will look like, sound like, how it will read. Not wondering how the Shaman should present himself later, or how he was received just before.
No...
None of these things are the Shaman's wish.
The Shaman's only wish is to master the spell that would allow him to stay in the moment. Experiencing just one happening at the time...
There have been many developments in the life of the Urban Shaman. Maybe too many to report. I am sure one day all Urban Shaman sightings will come to light, but for now, while they come from his own fingers, only so much of the story can be told at any given time.
Today, be regaled with the tale of the Urban Shaman sighting at the Columbia Country Club...
For work, the Urban Shaman is tasked with directly engaging communities and helping to research, design, fund, and implement youth programming focused in the arts. The organization is called Arts on the Block, and the Shaman has been placed there through Strong City Baltimore as an Americorps VISTA.
This adventure begins with The Trawick Foundation, an organization facilitated by self made millionaires and private philanthropic developers Jim and Carol Trawick.
The Trawick Foundation organizes an event and grant opportunity called Trawick Team-Up. With a focus on middle schools, Carol's aim is to generate new innovative programing by encouraging partnerships between not for profit groups. Organizations that have vastly different offerings partner together to create something unique to propose. The winning proposal stands to receive $150,000 a year for up to three years, totaling almost half a million dollars!
Already having identified and engaged the community the Urban Shaman is meant to serve, it was his aim to venture to this Team-Up kick off event to meet this millionaire.
Dat Sharkskin bro...
Dawning the Shaman's finest attire, he entered the door of the fine establishment: Columbia Country Club. Expecting a tussle with the guard, much to the Shaman's surprise he was able to walk right in, and was offered food from a fine buffet no less!
Within moments of surveying the spread, the interest in the finery of the Urban Shaman's garb began, as the Shaman was not without direct inquiries for the remainder of the event. Various interested peoples in attendance came to witness and learn more of the Shaman's culture from his own mouth.
"Strange," the Urban Shaman thought, "that people of all different shapes, sizes, and colors would all dress the same. As if they all hail from the same lands..."
There was a moment when one of the suited men came meekly behind the Shaman. He did not insist his presence be known, but trained in the most contemporary of courtesies the Shaman took note and offered him a greeting. The man gently requested if the Shaman would kindly remove his crown. Open to compliance, yet hands full with a cup and saucer of hot water with lemon, and yogurt with a scoop of granola, the Shaman excused himself to be seated.
When the millionaire Carol Trawick arrived the Urban Shaman knew almost instantly. How you may ask? Well she came to pet the Shaman's Shawl of course!
"I love this!" She exclaimed.
How wonderful the Shaman thought, the millionaire is not some ferocious beast to be beaten, but a queen knowledgeable of the most foreign fineries. At this moment, the Shaman knew they would get along.
The event began in grandiose fashion, as we were summoned with chimes made by a human bell ringer.
The Shaman entered a big room with many chairs in preparation for Carol to share her philosophy of youth programming cultivation and development.
Carol cheering gimmie a T! E! A! M! etc. but you get the idea.
Very fascinating, the Trawick is responsible for programs that in total engage hundreds of youth in this region. An exciting opportunity for all.
After the briefing, there were panels of not for profits and principals who have previously been awarded funding. There was also a phase where the guests each introduced themselves to the entire group. The rules were to state a name, title and organization, nothing more.
Carol threatening to bat anyone who does not comply, back down into their seat with a golden ruler. In compliance with the rules the Shaman used his human name, title, and affiliation: Artist, Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr., Community Arts Coordinator, at Arts on the Block. The Business cards are in the mail, but the old ones do just fine.
Call me bruh
Once the theatrics were over, there was twelve rounds of speed dating. Twelve tables, each with four different not for profit organizations and one empty seat for the principal of one of twelve different schools. Each round was approximately 5 minutes, giving each not for profit at the table 1 minute to tell their story. Then the principal would get up, go to the next table and the process would begin again.
After the hustle and bustle there were some closing remarks, a group photo and then people promptly made their way out.
Can you find the Urban Shaman?
Moved by the wise words shared by millionaire Carol Trawick, the Shaman decided to get closer and express his gratitude for her role as a youth development advocate.
A lovely pair!
Without getting too deep, this is roughly the story of the Urban Shaman sighting at the Columbia Country Club.
For more Urban Shaman sightings be sure to keep checking here and on the new featured segment: Urban Shaman Tales on the Semi Educated Blokes Podcast.
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