Its cray. The atmosphere has been heavy with rain lately in Kern County, and all of California. I am living on the banks of a river, it's hard not to feel a sense of nervousness and concern. But even in the face of uncertainty, we must hold on to hope and do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

I find myself calling upon the ancestors, asking for their guidance and strength in navigating these trying times. I thank the great creator for all that is, and pray for the safety and well-being of the plants and animals that call this place home.
But as humans, it's important that we not only take care of ourselves, but also pay attention to the signs and warnings that the universe provides. It's up to us to listen and act, not just for our own sake, but for the future generations that will inherit this earth.

​-xiouping

Happy New Year 2023!!!!
it was a full cancer moon this last weekend and the cleansing rain was healing.

As someone who spends a significant amount of time on the internet, I can understand the appeal of taking a break from social media. It can be overwhelming to constantly be connected and exposed to the endless stream of information and opinions that these platforms offer. That's why I've decided to embark on a digital detox, with the goal of improving my mental health and well-being.
For the past nine days, I've abstained from using TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I've removed these apps from my phone, and I plan to reload them at the end of each month to see how my experience has changed.
One of the main reasons I decided to do this was to break my cycle of constantly checking these platforms for updates and notifications. I found that I was getting sucked into the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) mentality, constantly feeling like I needed to be aware of what was happening on social media in order to feel connected and informed.
But as I've spent more time offline, I've realized that there is so much more to life than what I see on my phone. I've been able to focus more on my own interests and passions, and have even started posting more on my own website and blog.
In the coming weeks and months, I hope to document my experiences with this digital detox and share my findings with others who may be considering a similar break. I'll be posting updates on my art happenings and other personal projects, and I hope to provide a space for others to share their own experiences as well.
Overall, this digital detox has been a challenging but rewarding experience. It's allowed me to take a step back and reevaluate my relationship with technology, and I'm excited to see how it continues to shape my life in the future.

heres to a better future-xiou