Being uplifted and staying positive

Awesomeness

“No one’s perfect, but everyone can be awesome.” That’s the mantra of those behind International Day of Awesomeness. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it; here are some links to get you in the spirit.

First off, read about the joke gone too far that spurred this international movement, founded by Kevin Lawver. https://tinyurl.com/uplift03251

For proof of just how awesome people can be, check out People Are Awesome on YouTube for some jaw-dropping awesomeness. The name says it all. https://tinyurl.com/uplift03252

Even the smallest things can actually be awesome. 1000 Awesome Things celebrates the awesomeness of the mundane, such as discovering ice cream left at the bottom of the cone or scratching an itch. https://tinyurl.com/uplift03253

Being able to succeed despite the barriers you face is awesome. Here is a list of 50 people whose achievements against the odds might just inspire your own. https://tinyurl.com/uplift03254

Papier-mâché like you’ve never seen. Bernie Kaminski’s astonishing papier-mâché sculptures are a sight to behold. From a perfectly crafted bagel to vintage matchbooks and a fully stocked medicine cabinet, his lifelike creations capture everyday objects with stunning detail. There’s real beauty in the ability to transform the ordinary into art, so make sure to explore his work and see how he brings the timeless charm of the mundane to life. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0325a

Juicy joy. In a world that glorifies hustle and perfection, embracing joy is becoming a rebellious act. Vanessa E. Wilde challenges the idea that joy is something we must earn, instead considering it as yours to claim, right here, right now. She discusses infusing playfulness into everyday tasks, engaging your senses and finding happiness in the unexpected. Be a rebel and embrace your joy. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0325b

Lauren goes LoKo. Lauren Ko’s “Lo Ko Kitchen” has gone viral on social media for her colorful, creative and beautifully artistic baking. Known for her mesmerizing modern lattice pies with stunningly complex geometric designs, her work is as inspiring as it is edible (and they look downright delicious!), and it’s no wonder she’s been featured in Vogue, on CBS and more. Art Zone on the Seattle Channel over on YouTube takes a tour of Lauren’s kitchen, inviting you in to where the master craftswoman works her magic. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0325c

In the streets of Coyoacán, Mexico, artist Victor Ariosa is redefining the arts of puppetry and painting simultaneously—literally. His unique project, Galeria Morionet, has captivated social media and street audiences alike as he masterfully operates a marionette to create stunning paintings.

Using a string puppet, Ariosa orchestrates each delicate dab, guiding the tiny figure as it dips a brush into the paint and brings portraits and famous artworks to life, sometimes pausing between brushstrokes to perform a little dance. His performances, often shared on TikTok and other platforms, have mesmerized viewers. Watching a marionette paint with such precision feels almost magical, with the line blurred between masterful craftsmanship, impressive performance, and pure creative talent.

What makes Galeria Morionet so compelling is not just the novelty of a puppet painting but the genuinely fantastic quality of the finished works produced. From striking celebrity portraits to beautifully recreated masterpieces, each piece showcases Ariosa’s meticulous skill, both as an artist and a puppeteer. The process may be playful, but the results are undeniably impressive.

Beyond the screens and social media accounts, Ariosa brings his marionette’s artistry to the streets of Coyoacán, where live audiences can gather to witness the charming spectacle in person. His work often sparks amazement; the details initially caused some online to believe the paintings were premade. But those witnessing it in person are left awestruck, seeing how genuine it is and just how much control he has over his puppet’s delicate movements.

By merging traditional puppetry with fine art, Ariosa has created something truly unique: a fusion of whimsy and serious artistic craftsmanship. Whether on a bustling street or in a viral video, Galeria Morionet is fully worth checking out as a reminder that creativity has no limits - sometimes you just need to pull a few strings to get there.

You can see Ariosa’s stunning work for yourself on Instagram at @galeria_morionet or on Tik Tok at @galeriamorionet. Be sure to do so. You won’t be disappointed.

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, remains a powerful reminder of both the progress made in the fight for gender equality and the challenges that still persist. It is a day to honor the achievements of women across the world, raise awareness about ongoing inequality and take action to drive meaningful change.

The origins of IWD date back to 1911 when the first official celebrations took place across Europe, advocating for women’s suffrage, fair working conditions and broader rights and equality. Over a century later, it has grown into a worldwide movement embraced by governments, organizations and individuals who believe in continuing the progression toward gender equality.

Although significant strides have been made in that time, there are plenty of barriers that still haven’t yet been fully broken, whether it’s representation in leadership positions, access to education and healthcare, or equal pay. So IWD is a global rallying point to take the fight to these issues and continue pushing for a more just and equitable society.

Each year’s addition has a campaign theme, and this year, it’s “Accelerate Action,” highlighting the urgency of dismantling systemic barriers still in place. At the current rate, full gender parity is seen to be still over a century away, making it crucial to take swift steps toward a more equitable world.

There are many ways to mark International Women’s Day and contribute to the movement in general. Attending or organizing events such as discussions or marches and networking gatherings can help spread awareness. Supporting women-owned businesses is another impactful way to celebrate, as is donating to organizations dedicated to empowering and advocating for women. Sharing stories and resources can help challenge biases, while speaking out against everyday gender stereotypes creates a ripple effect in fostering inclusivity. However you participate, every action helps to drive progress.