Standing Rock : Nov 24

To be honest, I've never been so afraid for my life as I was today...

The law enforcement here has been targeting blonde female journalists. And today I found myself filming a peaceful protest. Unarmed Water Protectors vs. Militarized Law Enforcement. They dotted the hilltop. Riot gear. Guns. Hoses. So many of them. 

Things remained peaceful today - no tear gas, no mace, no rubber bullets, no water cannons - but amidst it all was a discomfort I couldn't ignore. I felt safest filming from behind parked vehicles with a long lens, and so I did. I was genuinely afraid I'd be shot by law enforcement for doing my job, and this was a new, and terrifying, experience for me.

I expressed my discomfort and fear to the Elders, men I've only known for two days, and in response they said "If they start shooting, get behind one of the Grandfathers." 

My heart swelled up inside my chest. Tears of gratitude. These men, I realized in that moment, were willing to die for me, for you, for their children, for your children, for water, for our Future. And I had the honor of standing by their side today, on a day we call "Thanksgiving". A day that, from this point forward, will never be the same....

I am grateful. For this time. This place. These people. This family. This sacred land. And for the opportunity to stand together, and to eat together, on a day that calls for deep healing. Much Love, my friends. Let's be grateful, always. xo

Whole Hearted Gratitude

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

For YOU, for your trust & patience, love & support, and endless cheerleading, and for all the opportunities that await, I am grateful. This has been a wild ride. And I couldn't have done it without you.

Truly amazing. 474 backers on Kickstarter. $32,449 raised. 130% funded. You're the best! ;)

You'll be hearing more from me very soon, but for now please know how much I appreciate you. Your support has literally brought this project to life, and your trust means the world to me. Much Love, y'all. xo

Kickstarter LAUNCH & Gratitude

Seriously, Wow! Yesterday we went LIVE on Kickstarter, and Launch Day was an amazing success!

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of over 130 backers, and the support of hundreds of folks sharing our campaign online, we are almost half way to our fundraising goal already. Can you believe it?!  You all amaze me. 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your trust and your support on this important project. Please continue to share this campaign with your friends and family. It will truly take a village to bring this film to life.  Much Love, ya'll... I am overflowing with gratitude.  Here's to a super successful DAY 2!  Let's DO this.  :)

With all my love & appreciation... xo, Brittany Anzel App

a brand new year

The final day of 2015 is upon us. Tomorrow we begin anew. This is one of my favorite days of the year, every time... Time to shed what no longer serves us, and make way for fresh magic in the new year. Time to manifest our dreams, to call them into being. To celebrate the gifts we've been given, and expand our hearts and our horizons for what is ahead.

It is time to be grateful. To appreciate all that we have learned, all the ways we have grown. And to make space for even more. Clean out the cabinets. Dust off the shelves. Reset the computer. Recharge the soul. Prioritize health & happiness. Both literally and figuratively, the New Year gives us an opportunity to restart. I embrace it with a happy heart and open arms.

My goals for the coming circumnavigation of the sun scream of a desire to focus on the health of my mind, body and spirit. Wake up early. Practice more yoga. Learn Spanish. Sweat. Experiment with a plant-based lifestyle. Make a film. Practice gratitude.

And so it shall be.

"A change in the shape of the body creates a change in the state of the soul." - Aristotle

"Some people believe in fate, others dont'. I do, and don't. It may seem at times as if invisible fingers move us about like puppets on strings. But for sure, we are not born to be dragged along. We can grab the strings ourselves and adjust our course at every crossroad, or take off at any little trail into the unknown." - Thor Heyerdahl

Blaze forward. Create your path. Practice gratitude. Be honest - with yourself and with others. Love each other. Work together for positive change. Let's do this, my good people! We have all the power and all the love that we need, to accomplish ANYTHING.