The Responsibility Poem by Charles Osgood

My mother or grandmother passed this poem to me when I was younger. I remember it was hanging up in the kitchen and I’ve always simply adored it. It’s a quirky, short poem by Charles Osgood, who really captures the essence of what responsibility it about. The last verse is certainly my favorite. I hope you enjoy it all the same.

| Source : Laina Briedis |

“The Responsibility Poem”

There was a most important job that needed to be done,
And no reason not to do it, there was absolutely none.
But in vital matters such as this, the thing you have to ask
Is who exactly will it be who’ll carry out the task?

Anybody could have told you that Everybody knew
That this was something Somebody would surely have to do.
Nobody was unwilling; Anybody had the ability.
But Nobody believed that it was their responsibility.

It seemed to be a job that Anybody could have done,
If Anybody thought he was supposed to be the one.
But since Everybody recognized that Anybody could,
Everybody took for granted that Somebody would.

But Nobody told Anybody that we are aware of,
That he would be in charge of seeing it was taken care of.
And Nobody took it on himself to follow through,
And do what Everybody thought that Somebody would do.

When what Everybody needed so did not get done at all,
Everybody was complaining that Somebody dropped the ball.
Anybody then could see it was an awful crying shame,
And Everybody looked around for Somebody to blame.

Somebody should have done the job
And Everybody should have,
But in the end Nobody did
What Anybody could have.

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Seven ways to kick this week’s ass.

This week is all about change, inspired by my friends, Avery and Megan, who just made a life changing move across the country. Check out the video here, and be sure to subscribe to my channel! Let’s hear it for clean slates! If you’re not where you want to be, perhaps it’s time to make some adjustments in your life.

• Remove yourself from a negative situation. If you’re unhappy, bored or just plain not feelin’ it any longer, make some changes. It can be as simple as removing yourself from an extracurricular activity that causes you grief or moving over three thousand miles away from a place you once called home to dive into an exciting new chapter of life.
• “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” / Tony Robbins. Make some changes.
• Downsize. I’m still in the process of moving from a huge room to one a fourth of it’s size. It’s forced me to be a little more conscious of the belongings I own and question what I really need. Go through a different drawer/closet/room each day this week and discard material objects that may be holding you back or down. If you find yourself too “attached” to said objects, find out how to let go of attachment.

• Leave your mark in the city. Alright, this may be the only “illegal” thing I will encourage, but damnit, I am such a sucker for gritty street art. Graffiti and crusty, soggy show fliers and rusty staples in telephone poles and witty sticker art. I found an adorable sticker tag and since discovered many more around Capitol Hill – bear. They write cute poetry or song lyrics and leave their mark on the back of street signs. I’ve since started writing my own inspirational messages and been leaving them around the city.
• Are you where you thought you’d be a year from now? Where do you see yourself in another year? Make changes accordingly.
• Read Joseph Campbell. I’m in the middle of one of his books (along with about three others), but I like to keep it with me always. His words are thought provoking and may prove to be life changing.
• Realize the only constant is change. Being open and flexible is an extremely important factor in a positive attitude. Being open to changes allows you to not be phased when situations arise that damper your plans. For example, detours on long road trips, a co-worker calling in sick, forcing you to work later than anticipated, the market being out of your favorite baked good, etc. Taking life as it comes, appreciating each moment for what it is and letting the good times roll sometimes takes a lot of practice, but it’s certainly possible.

Download the .PDF file for free HERE. (:

If you found this article helpful, please consider a small donation to The Radical Uprise. This site exists because because readers like you choose to support it. Please click here to submit a donation. Thank you for supporting my creative endeavors. Stay radical. xx 

Massive Sale! Moody Gemini airlines, discontinued designs and skull baggies.

Short and sweet, I am trying to raise some money to visit my friends and family, whom I miss dearly. I intend to travel from Seattle to Cincinnati to Tampa to Seattle. Airline prices are weird and fluctuate more than a PMSing Gemini’s mood on a full moon, so I’ve gotta be ready to book at any moment in time. Tricky tricky.

I’m hosting a massive sale to make room for a bunch of radical new products and, of course, raise money for a plane ticket. With coupon code CINCINNATI, you will save 15% your entire purchase in the Storenvy shop! You could always simply donate as well. I won’t object.

I’ve got a lot of buttons floating around (mostly discontinued designs), so I decided to make over-stock bags made up of 50 random designs for a ridiculously low price of $20.00. The buttons will be various designs, but if you leave a note asking nicely to try and include more of one type (Queer, Feminist, Veg, etc), I’ll do my best to cater to you.

 The sale is valid in my Storenvy shop only. Please note that this coupon code is NOT applicable in the Etsy shop.

As if you needed another reason to get in on this action, I’ve compiled a short list. I understand that some folks aren’t swayed by a mere bargain, so here goes it.

• It’s a very limited time sale. I can honestly say it’s extremely unlikely for me to be hosting a sale this big ever again. For real real. I’ll probably never drop prices this low, so take advantage while you can.
•  You’re supporting DIY and that’s extremely admirable of you. For me, personally, it always leaves a feel-good lingering musk when I buy local or support an artist directly. All buttons and zines are made with my own two mitts, most likely sitting in my bed in my underwear watching Daria or Freaks and Geeks. Now that’s a purchase you can feel good about.
•  Personal touch. I pack and handle all orders myself. I leave a personal, handwritten note with every order because I think that a personal touch is an important part of supporting DIY or local artists. It makes me feel good knowing someone took the extra time to put love and care into my order, and I want you to feel the same way.
•  Every (small) envelope is hand crafted from recycled magazines. They look rad and they’re fashioned with my own paws. No two envelopes are the same.

• You get a hella good deal. You’re saving a bunch of money and that’s something that rules. Anyone and everyone will agree.
•  All button close-out packs come in a super fancy skull baggy. These bags have been lying around for some good time. I’ve been waiting to use them for just the right occasion and I think this is it.
• It’s the last run of some designs! I’m not keeping all designs on board, so it’s likely your favorite design could be nixed.
• You’ll be spreading joy. Plain and simple. Your purchase is helping me get my ass across the country to spend some much needed time with my friends and family. It’d just be a super nice gesture on your part. My mother is my best friend and this is the longest time I’ve ever spent away from my parents. Plus, I miss my little doggie.

That’s it, folks. Your support is, as always, appreciated like mad. I am so grateful for all of my readers and supporters of my creative endeavors. <3

Seven ways to kick this week’s ass.

Hey, all. It’s super laid back this week. Take it easy. (; 

• Develop a close relationship with kale. It’s delicious and good for you. I’ve been really digging Rhythm Superfoods kale chips. They come in ranch, curry and nacho. 
• Watch Freaks and Geeks (again). This is only one of this week’s seven ways because it’s basically all I’ve been doing the past two weeks. The show has such a great cast, included James Franco, so that alone should be enough to sell you. 
• Stick up for someone. If you overhear someone gossiping about someone, see a person bullying another at school or witness an individual judging another, stick up for them. 
• Spend a day doing nothing but reading. Don’t check your Facebook or Tumblr. Don’t turn on the TV. Cuddle up with a good book (and maybe a friend or a furry companion) and float away. 

| Source : Unknown |

• “Different strokes for different folks.” Never forget that. We’re not all alike, and we will never be all alike. Accept it. 
• Push your imagination to it’s limits. Sometimes as we grow older, we lose that youthful imagination. Take it back! Make castles out of couch cushions like you use to. Paint new surroundings with your mind. Make a conscious effort to feed your imagination. 
• Make something and sell it. Whether you deem yourself an artist or not, you are one. Everyone is. Create something and see if you can find someone who digs it. I suggest Storenvy. (: 

If you found this article helpful, please consider a small donation to The Radical Uprise. This site exists because because readers like you choose to support it. Please click here to submit a donation. Thank you for supporting my creative endeavors. Stay radical. xx 

The Edgeberries.

I’ve been celebrating the 90′s the past few days, reminiscing (mainly with *NSYNC) and I just wanted to drop by and remind you of this hit song from 1996 with a fun, upbeat anti-drug message from The Cranberries. Just in case you forgot that liberty and salvation is significantly less expensive than heroin or cocaine.

To all the people doing lines
Don’t do it, don’t do it
Inject your soul with liberty
It’s free, it’s free
To all the kids with heroin eyes
Don’t do it, don’t do it
‘Cause it’s not, not what it seems
Oh no it’s not, not what it seems

[Chorus]
Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free
Salvation, Salvation, Salvation is free

To all the parents with sleepless nights
Sleepless nights
Tie your kids home to their beds
Clean their heads
To all the kids with heroin eyes
Don’t do it, don’t do it
‘Cause it’s not, not what it seems
No no it’s not, not what it seems

Live in the moment. Live for the moment.

| Self / Washington Park Arboretum |

Remaining stagnant means you’re not moving forward. If life is a journey, what good does it do to wade in one place? You can swim with or against the current. Neither is “right” or “wrong.” Some folks like a challenge and other want to take it easy. Regardless, either one involves motion. Holding on to past memories/experiences/emotions/feelings/beings act as weights and chains, disabling us from reaching new heights. Should you allow yourself to hoard pieces of the past, you will eventually become overloaded and pulled under the current. Let it go. Swim on.

Emotional and mental cleansing is vital for growth and achievement.

Seven ways to kick this week’s ass!

• Keep in mind that winning is as important as you make it out to be. The important thing is how you play the game. Cheating and being dishonest may lead you to a victory, but what’s a victory achieved out of deceit?
• Learn how to avoid the energy of negative people with this adorable and humorous illustration. I believe I’ve instructed you to adopt an imaginary friend in the past. Put them to work. (; Check out Secret tips from the Yumiverse.
• If it’s true that what we find is what we look for, why look for anything put good? If you believe most people are dishonest and rude, chances are you’re going to be stuck with a lot of negative folks in your life – or none at all.  
• Climb the monkey bars.  Release your inner child. Hit the park and get your hands grubby by taking on the bars. Challenge a friend to a game of chicken. Loser buys lunch.

| Source unknown |

• Ditch your prejudices. It’s never too late and it’s not difficult – only a matter of unlearning what has been chiseled into your mind (typically a ‘side effect’ of upbringing).
• Stop texting and driving. Stop texting and eating. Stop texting and having a conversation with someone. Stop texting and working. Stop texting and reading. There’s a time and place for texting and it’s not when you’re wrapped up in something that requires your full attention – like driving or having lunch with your mother. 
• Help someone solve a difficult problem. We can learn from other’s experiences much easier than we can our own, so there’s an opportunity to grow as well as help someone in need. Win-win. 

Download the printable .PDF here.

If you found this article helpful, please consider a small donation to The Radical Uprise. This site exists because because readers like you choose to support it. Please click here to submit a donation. Thank you for supporting my creative endeavors. Stay radical. xx 

I would rather be at home eating an XL pizza by myself watching Daria.

Listening to “Animal Instinct” by The Cranberries for the thirty second time today, spinning around in my office chair and drinking cold coffee, I decided to spend my time wisely by creating an article that follows up the video I just posted about “shoulds.” I feel as though I’m a big fat slacker in regards to posting regular articles, but as I’ve expressed on Facebook, my creativity and inspiration has been stifled the past few weeks. Hey, I am human, you know.

Here’s the deal – I’m a simple kind of folk. I am (more than) content being alone. I enjoy spending my time alone in my room, watching TV and eating junk food. I adore cuddling up in bed (with myself) reading and drinking tea. I like making videos and avoiding phone calls. However, sometimes I feel like I “should” do things. The problem is, I can’t really figure out why. I get invited to do things and go places, but I generally bail because nine times out of ten, when I break free out of my cave, I spend the entire time wishing I were back in it.

I suppose we’ve got this kind of false sense of what we “should” do. Honestly, I don’t even know where it stems from. Society? Film? Sometimes I feel like instead of isolating myself, I “should” be out socializing. Am I alone in this or…? Why do I feel like I “should” do something when I’m perfectly content doing what I’m doing? I understand this entire post is coming out all rambling-like, just like my video, but I know what I’m trying to say. (;

Short and simple, here’s the moral: Do what you like. If that means sitting on Facebook lurking your crush, playing words with friends and picking at ingrown hairs on your legs, dancing in front of the mirror to Huey Lewis and the News or eating an entire XL pizza by yourself, do it. And don’t feel bad about it. That’s all I’m saying.

So, So Lucky.

Let’s keep this short and sweet. Honestly, it doesn’t even really need a caption. It kind of speaks for itself. My dear friend Alli, thank you for creating this and allowing me to share it with my readers. When I saw it, I knew it needed to snuggle into my blog. Readers – if you did Alli’s work, be sure to check out Kisses & Chaos for more artwork and inspirational tidbits. (:

Seven ways to kick this week’s ass.

• Load the coin operated washer and dryer for the unsuspecting person who does their wash after you. If you live in an apartment or have to visit the laundromat to do your laundry, I’m sure you acknowledge the importance of having quarters around. You may even realize you forgot your change after you’ve already loaded the washer and poured the detergent in. Leave quarters in the slot with a small note.
• “Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.” / Earl of Chesterfield
• If you feel good, acknowledge it. If you’re feeling happy, let others know. If you’re feeling grateful or appreciative, tell someone. Share your PMA with others in hopes to infect them with your positivity.
• Ask “Why?” Bring out your four year old self and ask “Why?” every chance you get. Stay curious. Find out why someone is having a great day, why the “Check Engine” light is on in your car, or why some breads have red plastic clips (or twist ties) and others have white ones.

• Don’t complain about anything. Take this week to refrain from speaking negatively about the weather, your sore back, a catty co-worker or anything else that typically sparks complaint. If you catch yourself lodging a complaint, stop yourself mid-sentence and say something positive instead.
• If you don’t know anything, don’t say anything. What I mean by this is, don’t speak about a subject unless you are educated on the matter. Educate and inform yourself, yes. Ask questions. But – don’t speak confidently about a subject you know nothing about.
• Allow yourself to have fun. Often we get in a sort of “All work and no play” mindset. Do not forget the importance of kicking back and having a good time. Remember – Such drudgery can cause Jack to become a dull boy.
• After every “speed bump,” declare what you learned. Every situation offers a lesson to be learned. Acknowledge them. Document your life lessons by tracking them in a note book.

View the printable .PDF version here. (:

If you found this article helpful, please consider a small donation to The Radical Uprise. This site exists because because readers like you choose to support it. Please click here to submit a donation. Thank you for supporting my creative endeavors. Stay radical. xx