Gave Away 3 Postcards and a 27 cent stamp

Drawing: collaboration with Alex Chiu.
I went to Bar Basic last night and the highlight was giving away three postcards and one 27 cent stamp to Christopher Banchero. He was happy to receive my cards, and I in turn was joyful once again. It was a very nice encounter, one that makes me smile even now.
My postcard-giving activities are being subsumed by Beyond Toothpaste activities. David Webster needs my help, and he is regaining hope, I think. One thing is sure: he uses the word, "if" way too much, and I told him that he should delete it from his vocabulary. It's difficult. I have a tendency to say the word, "sorry" too much, which he is always pointing out.
I looked up the brand, METHOD, and think we should follow a similar path with the toothpaste.
I've never felt so motivated and happy to work in all my life. I am so happy that I quit my day job. I'm a little nervous, but full of energy.

Resume

Leah Stella Stephens

10 Oak Hill Cluster

Independence, Missouri 64057
leahstella@gmail.com

cell: 619.384.0310

EDUCATION
Graphic Design I & II, Penn Valley Community College, 2005
Self-taught Web Design, Html, Photoshop, Illustrator
Advanced & Alternative Process Photography, Pima College, 1995
Received B.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of Kansas, 1994

EXPERIENCE

San Diego CityBeat, Art Direction and cover design, San Diego, CA May, 2009

Lead Graphic Designer and Marketing Consultant, Beyond Toothpaste, Cardiff, CA 2008-2009
Prepress Technician, Modern Postcard, Carlsbad, CA 2006-2008

Production Artist, Stouse, Inc., New Century, KS, 2002-2006

SKILLS
Web and Graphic Design using the Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop Digital Imaging, Digital Photography/Retouching, Screenprinting Colorist, Cut-and-Paste Collagist, Video and Sound Editing, Youtube Director (channel: stellabelle)

AWARDS

Winner of Seaport Village Busker Video/Photo competition, June 2008
Second Place Ping Pong champ, Modern Postcard, 2007 & 2008
Image Award Winner, Modern Postcard, 2007
Winner of Taschen's International 2006 Schlaupelz contest
(Prize included meeting with Los Angeles writers Sven Kirsten
and Diane Hansen.)

GALLERY EXHIBITS
Postcards 2008 at: Swiv Tackle Circus, Ducky Waddle’s, Caldwell’s
Road Kill Group Show, 2005, The Late Show, Kansas City, MO
Hotel Hell, 2005, Muddy's, Kansas City, MO
Paparazzi of the Common Folk, 2004, Muddy's, Kansas City, MO
Wrongland Postcard Times, 2004, Image Point, Kansas City, MO

REFERENCES
Franceska McCullough, Sculptor, Dallas, Texas
Daphne Young, fashion columnist for Scene Magazine, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

There's Nothing Cutting Edge About Starving To Death

Everything is changing. Obama was elected as our next president, my pilgrimage may take place at a later time because of one thing: I met an inventor that has the potential to change the course of human history. He invented Beyond Toothpaste which I have been using for about a month now. He has done his part, my bleeding gums have been cured, now it is my turn to help him. He doesn't have money to pay for a giant advertising campaign, so I have agreed to be paid in tubes of toothpaste. Funny thing is, I've never been good at sales in my whole life, but I have no problem selling Beyond Toothpaste because it is the first toothpaste that actually cures the diseases of the gums and teeth. Once people I hear my story that I'm not working for money, but rather for tubes of toothpaste, they splatter giggles all over the place and want to hear more. I met a guy named Doug last night at the E Street Coffee House in Encinitas who ended up buying a tube after we had a laugh riot together in our cafe chairs. What set him off is the fact that David's chief attribute is health, but he has had very severe problems doing simple things like finding enough money to eat daily. I told David that the next time he finds himself without food, instead of starving all day, he should call me and I'll get him food. David and I talk a lot about being on the cutting edge of things. He invented a light machine, also he designed sandals for men in the 1950's, and generally is advanced in many respects. I joke with David though, and tell him, "There is nothing cutting edge about starving to death". David is one of those rare people who won't ask others for help when he is in need. Introspection in large doses can lead to either the invention of a revolutionary toothpaste, or to quietly resigning oneself to a life of endless suffering. But not this time. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure David Webster gets the full credit for his invention. Beyond Toothpaste is more than just a revolutionary product, it is a philosophy in the making. 

Here it is, the morning, and I haven't yet brushed my teeth. Instead of the yucky film that used to coat my tongue, teeth and mouth, my entire mouth is free of bacteria, slimy stuff and feels totally wonderful and clean. This stuff is going to revolutionize the entire dental hygiene field. Now, if I can only keep David Webster alive long enough for him to see his dream realized: helping the world keep their teeth and gums, essentially, he wants to see the people free from suffering.

Good Morning Postcard Complete

This postcard was made for a very special person, Mr. Good Morning. He lets glitter fall on his shop floor and many of his treasures inside his store are not for sale. He is a remarkable person who teaches me wonderful things every time I hang out with him. Here are some phrases he coined which I now use on a regular basis: PEACE ON YOU! I HAVEN'T REACHED NEVER YET. One time I went into Good Morning and found an adorable squirrel baby that seemed to come from a recent dream of mine. I asked how much it cost, and after he saw the look in my eyes (that wanted it so bad), he said, "you can have it. It belongs to you."
Here is Mr. Good Morning in one of my videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2v8ipLfs2k

Letter to Aunt Bonnie

Letter to Aunt Bonnie, the Seamstress from Montana:

Dear Bonnie,

Hello and how are you? I'm requesting your help on another sewing project. Starting on New Year's Day, my friend Alex and I are going on a pilgrimage to LA and making a film of the journey. So, I'll need a cape and another postcard apron for this escapade. I've enclosed the designs and I intentionally made it simple so that you can improvise if you want. Also, keep all the scrap material because I'd like an apron made to match the cape. The pockets can be white this time, not see-thru. If you want me to send another mock-up, let me know. Otherwise, just follow the color scheme and general design of the cape. I'm so grateful to have you as my Aunt. Thank you so much for helping my dreams find their way into the world.

Love,
Leah Stella

Dreams as Exceptional Events

http://www.aspr.com/ullm.htm
This document by Dr. Ullman expresses my exact feelings on the subject of dreams. I'm thinking long and hard about the purpose of the pilgrimage and I believe that finding out the current state of consciousness of people is at the top of the list. I believe we all hold the keys to understanding the truth of ourselves, our society and culture through the acceptance and study of our dreams. I'm very curious to find out what other people are dreaming about in the modern world, one in which I feel that technology is reigning supreme. I feel that the creation of the Patron Saint of Postcards persona is a desire on my part to create a great connective tissue that forms between me and the rest of the world. One of the most basic human needs is to connect with others and I do feel that through the years, this connective tissue has been worn down by technology and consumerism. I think technology is wonderful and fascinating and yet I also feel that it is isolating. The thing I suppose I crave the most in this modern world is connecting with others in a deep and meaningful way in order to understand how we all perceive and process the world.

The Pilgrimage is ON

I have been granted the time off from work. The pilgrimage is officially ON. I am relieved. Alex also has notified his employer and been given time off. It's looks like now we are really doing this.

Reorganization of Pilgrimage

So, as I was walking in Carlsbad the other day, it occurred to me that the pilgrimage should begin in Los Angeles (my birth city) and then end in San Diego (my chosen city). I spent my first year of life in the Venice Beach area, so I think it would make sense to start the pilgrimage from Venice Beach. Plus, I would love to see what Venice Beach is like now. We might even spend a day there meeting all the characters and street performers.
Another detail that emerged: in order to cover the costs of postage (94 cents per international postcard), I could set up a request for donations of 94 cents. For that 94 cents, the person could choose which country to sponsor. Their picture would appear on this blog as the person who funded the postage for a particular country.

Fears Eased

After a reassuring word from my company president, I now have a renewed sense of trust and optimism. He said he would meet with me this week to discuss my letter, and from the looks of it, my past dread seems like paranoia now. I'm exercising flexibility of thought and have already released myself from the previous strong attachment to the pilgrimage in case I am given an ultimatum. I'm not giving up, but I am also willing to consider all angles. I have to survive financially, be realistic and most importantly, be respectful to others.
That's the thing about taking big risks. You never know how others are going to take it. Considering the tight atmosphere in the United States right now, I think most people wouldn't even consider such a proposal such as mine. But I see another side to our constricting economy and that is this: it is my belief that people are wanting something more than consumerism. I know I am searching for a deeper meaning to existence, and I feel that as a whole, a new kind of culture has to emerge from the ashes of the past. The future has to be reinvented.
I'm a little nervous about the meeting with the CEO, but not as much as one would think.
When true passion and drive is present, others can sense this energy. So far my passions have led me in the correct direction. I'd like to continue to let this passion flow until it spills out in great bursts. I just hope others understand me and that I articulate my ideas in a clear manner.

Concerns About Pilgrimage

In an attempt to build up endurance, I biked about 18 miles yesterday. I overdid it and my back is horribly sore and everything is foggy in my mind. I have degenerative disc disease, but have been taking very good care of myself and haven't suffered much pain in recent years. I am re-thinking the necessity to walk to Los Angeles and am considering alternatives such as: walking along every beach in San Diego, handing out postcards until I run out, with Alex filming this. I think pain always makes re-thinking a priority. I will continue the endurance training, however, with more foresight regarding the amount of exercise I do. Still no word from anyone regarding my request for time off.

Day After Submitting Letter

I came into work yesterday (one day after I submitted my letter), turned on my computer and discovered that the Outlook Express icon for my mailbox had vanished. I began panicking, sure that I had been removed from the company emailing system. I assumed this to be the first sign that I would soon be deleted from my company. I tried to weigh all the possibilities, but my mind kept going back to the worst possible scenario: fired. I figured I would be escorted out of my company at any minute. At about this time my co-worker came to my desk and explained that IT had upgraded our mail application. He walked me through the process of reinstalling the new software. Relief isn't quite the word. Ecstatic, overjoyed, thrilled is more fitting. I was happy that my fears turned out to be absurd.

I still am waiting for a response to my letters. No word has been sent my way yet.

Writing Letters to My Supervisors and Company President

This morning I wrote a letter to my company president letting him know that I am going on a postcard pilgrimage during Christmas. It is taking a real risk, I know, but I feel that it is important to communicate the message as soon as possible. I also wanted him to know my gratitude with regards to working at such a company that feeds its employees. I want everything to be out in the open, for soon, I have a deep suspicion that not only will it be out in the open, but it may be in the papers. I have no idea, at this stage, though. My supervisor at work hasn't directly addressed my request, and there are so many unknowns at this stage. I feel both relieved and scared. Relieved because external reality is now coming closer to the internal one. Scared because of finances and lack of money. Scared also because there are so many unknowns, including where we will stay, other people's judgement and how to tell my family about this. I am waiting to tell my family because I need to get all the work details sorted out first. I sincerely hope that my company grants me a leave of absence. That would be wonderful, as I cannot just take off without any notion of how to support myself when I return from the pilgrimage.

But it is a good day because I expressed my intentions in a clear manner to the president of my company. I will report back on how it was received.

the Saint sleeps