Delusions of Grandeur

Keep Fighting!

Keep Dreaming!

Conquer All!

If you saw last weeks posting and are thinking to yourself, "Isn’t ThirteenSquared supposed to be over by now?" Well I’m here to tell you are right... And you're wrong. 

Let's review first: ThirteenSquared is a resolution based blog that I began on January 1st, 2013 in order to an enact small positive changes in my life. I utilized the power of accountability in order to overcome the many of the things that keep us from achieving the goals that we set for ourselves. 

ThirteenSquared = Thirteen resolution lists comprised of thirteen items? --> That’s 169 total resolutions in the year 2013.

Specific

Measurable

Accountable

Reasonable

Timed

The S.M.A.R.T. principles allowed me to have fixed and achievable goals.  The accountability part of it was displayed in the form of the articles and entries submitted for every resolution completed. Unbeknownst to me this written component became the hardest part of successfully completing ThirteenSquare. 

So did I achieve my goals? Well that depends... How do you measure success? If you have kept up with all the stories you know for a fact that 169 entries were not entered in the year 2013. The more accurate truth is that I in fact suffered from delusions of grandeur when I created ThirteenSquared! Despite every attempt to stay as organized and accountable to you as possible, I cannot say for sure that all hundred and 69 corresponding resolutions were completed. I say ‘corresponding’ because while a few of the lists might be one or two resolutions short, there are many other lists that I completed far beyond 13 requisite accomplishments. One list in particular - Volunteer - lead to the creation and development of an enormous project, a fundraiser and mission to help the orphanage of Casa Guatemala. 

The whole point of this massive undertaking was to begin taking the small steps from which positive, healthy and powerful life changes come from.  So yes! I believe that ThirteenSquared has indeed been successful in that initiation. 

I fully intend on completing the submissions called for by all 169 individual resolutions as a way of staying in touch with positive momentum in my life. Besides, I still have so many stories I WANT to tell! And last but not least, the knowledge that my project has been an encouraging influence for others continues to fuel my drive to inspire and uplift. 

With the kids and volunteers at Casa Guatemala

There are so many people who have supported me from the beginning and countless others who joined forces with me to make each story possible. I am so thankful to each and all of you. I hope I continue to make you proud :) 

Spotlight: QUEZTAL

I nearly didn't go at all. I had already delayed the whole thing by several days. 

Being that I was traveling at the time, I didn't even have makeup or hair product available. I also could have used a few months to get in shape. The only comforting thought rested on the fact that I would have complete autonomy over the results of the photo shoot. Even more so, it might be nice to look back on these pictures as I sag and stretch with age -- let's face it, we all get old.

The photographer had an entire vision for the shoot, before he even saw the complete image of what he intended to photograph: 

                                
The Quetzal tattooed on my back. 

Nine hours of pain permanently inked unto my body. A solid representation of my roots and my values. 

HOMAGE AND VALUE

The Quetzal is Guatemala's national bird and is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Its' image is a source of national pride and can be observed on Guatemala's flag, etched into all our souvenirs and even in the currency - the equivalent of 'Dollars' would be 'Quetzales'.  

FREEDOM AND EXTINCTION

Few more will ever be blessed enough to see this bird of paradise fly in all its splendour. With their habitat dissappearing in the very few high altitude environments where they can live, the Quetzal is headed for the endangered species list. Unlikely most every species on that list, human intervention and specialized breeding centres cannot increase the quickly falling numbers. Only protection of their current homes can offer a salvation. 

Why? This bird doesn't just stand for liberty, it requires it! Save for a single exception in recent years, all attempts to raise or breed Quetzales in captivity have ended with the death of the bird pairs. 

Freedom from life behind bars is something we should relate all to. 

MYTHOLOGY AND HONOR

More than just the symbol of a country, the Quetzal was revered as a God to our ancestor. The Mayan peoples considered it sacred and only the most Holy or royal leaders could wear their feathers on their headdress. Myth has it that when the Mayan warrior Tecum Uman, was defeated in battle by the Spaniard Conquistadores, the Quetzal landed on his bloody chest - staining the bird with its' bright belly. 

"One Mayan legend claims that the quetzal used to sing beautifully before the Spanish conquest, but has been silent ever since; it will sing once again only when the land is truly free." -- Unknown

• All the photographs presented here were taken by April Beresford, before and during the actual studio session. 
• Typical garments worn represent different departments of Guatemala. 

Contact me at: karinasextraordinarylife@gmail.com

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