Michael Ray De Los Angeles

Throughout the party planning phase for Doren Damico’s I Scream Party (Saturday, January 14, 2017), I’ve been listening to Tikal Sun, and reflecting on my own smoking habits through Doren’s WHEN YOU CAN’T SCREAM YOUTUBE channel. One of the fun things that I’ve been thinking about are things that I like to do rather than smoke. So here are 10 ways that I curb my smoking via some groovy Instagram pics and inspired by Doren’s 10 Reasons Why I Smoke.

#NewRelease: "When You Can Scream… 10 Reasons Why I Smoke." By @dreamingdenterprises #ReleaseParty https://michaelraydelosangeles.org/i-scream-party #WhenYouCantScream #10ReasonsWhyISmoke #SmokeFree | #NewYearsResolutions #IAmSanFernando | #13ThFloor | #13thFloorArtsSociety

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jan 11, 2017 at 2:54pm PST

1). I go for  a walk, or hike, this helps me clear my head. Often times I edit video, or text in long blocks, and it is easy for me only want to stop for a smoke break. The truth is that I’m much happier when I find a good stopping point and then go for a run, walk, hike or bicycle ride:

Go watch my Eco-doc: "#WhyWeClimb" featuring #spokenword #poetry by #EstherFeldman, with #music courtesy of #PatMethany. | #CaliforniaEnvironmentalLegacyProject #MasterLab: #DavidScheerer Watch: Http://TheGreatMoon.com/Cinema #EcologicalLiteracy | #LosAngeles From calegacy.org/ ""For all our natural wealth, we in America have become increasingly disconnected from our natural world. What is needed at this juncture is to turn the corner and head toward a better and broader public understanding of the planet’s natural systems and how we are inextricably linked to them. From that knowledge, American ingenuity can rise to the challenge of building a more sustainable future – one in which our actions and creations fit into the natural systems that sustain life. The California Environmental Legacy Project offers a fresh approach to this education challenge. Combining rich visual imagery, digital distribution and artful storytelling, the Legacy Project seeks to awaken public understanding and stimulate cultural change through an integrated package of environmental media programs. Led by distinguished scientists, leading educators and award-winning media professionals, the Legacy Project will connect our everyday lives to the life of California’s natural systems and inspire us to become long-term partners with nature. – Jim Baxter, Executive Producer – Jeffrey White, Executive Producer"" _____________________ Additionally, "Stock Footage and Pat Metheny score provided courtesy of the California Environmental Legacy Project for non-commercial, non-broadcast, educational use only. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. Any other use of this footage without written consent is a serious copyright infringement. Aerials Footage by Aerial Filmworks for non-commercial, non-broadcast, educational use only. All Rights Reserved. The views expressed in this film are strictly those of Michael Ray Menjivar and do not represent the views or opinions of anyone affiliated with The California Environmental Legacy Project."

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Mar 9, 2016 at 5:59pm PST

2. Juggle. I didn’t start of by juggling 4 balls (my goal is 6) but I did start off slow. I keep my juggling equipment close for moment when I feel like I just NEEEEEEEED to smoke. Not only does juggling have some great meditative and cognitive benefits, it is really fun too! #Shoutout to my fellow monkeys of The Humboldt Circus!!!

#Humboldt! #Circus! #HumboldtCircus! My @glofx #led #juggling balls arrived. Game on #13thfloorartssociety

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Apr 27, 2016 at 10:59pm PDT

This #Circusmonkey is listening to @cunaomusic while #juggling in #LosAngeles, and it is pure bliss. #recommendedmusic for #clownswitoutborders.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jan 18, 2016 at 8:47pm PST

3. I go watch a show. From live theater, to music, to spoken word performances, a good show will keep my mind off of smoking. Seriously never underestimate the power of live entertainment, I generally avoid the smoking section at events, because I won’t bring a pack with me, and I don’t ask others for a cigarette.

#LuchaVaVoom baby. #RINGSIDE for @LuchaVaVoom with @Drewfromtv at #LosAngeles' historic @Themayanla . A special salute to the #UnitedStatesMarieCorp #USMC and the #Luchadores around the world.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 11, 2016 at 12:08am PST

#IScream party with #IceCream + #Live #Music and #Art; all for a book unlike any other, @dreamingdenterprises' #new #book "When You Can't Scream… 10 Reasons Why I Smoke." Deets online: https://michaelraydelosangeles.org/i-scream-party #WhenYouCantScream #10ReasonsWhyISmoke #SmokeFree | #NewYearsResolutions #IAmSanFernando | #13ThFloor | #13thFloorArtsSociety

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jan 11, 2017 at 2:48pm PST

#LuchaVaVoom baby. #RINGSIDE for @LuchaVaVoom sitting alongside @Drewfromtv at the #LosAngeles' historic @Themayanla . A special salute to the #UnitedStatesMarieCorp #USMC and the #Luchadores around the world.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 10, 2016 at 7:19pm PST

4. I garden. No smoking near my plants. All Hail the kale. 😀

#AllHailTheKale #PopArt and #kalefornialove

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 12, 2016 at 3:51pm PST

I've had many loves, but #Rosemary and I have something special going on. #GangsterGardener #GrowYourOwn Http://TheGreatMoon.com/Seed Order your #seeds & start your own #Garden, #farm, #permaculture #revolution now. Be a #GangsterGardener and become the change you want to see in the world. #GMO FREE! DONT'T PANIC, THEY'RE #ORGANIC. #LA4ART #SeedGenie #Sustainable futures ahoy! http://www.theseedgenie.com/#/featured-artist-michael-ray/

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 26, 2016 at 12:32pm PST

5. I Drink Tea. This is perhaps my most favorite options. I can have a cup of tea anywhere, anytime, along or with friends. When is a good time for tea? Anytime. #TeabagWisdom.

Major energy shift, jumped from #teabagwisdom to #teapotwisdom. I am reminded of #JohnAgard's quote: "#putthekettleon it is the #British answer to #armageddon." Me and this teapot have a long road ahead, and many miles to go before I sleep.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Dec 21, 2015 at 4:31am PST

6. I cook yummy vegan food. When in doubt veggie out. In an honest attempt to curb my smoking I used to carry around carrot sticks. Nowadays I will just head straight for the fridge and  chop, dice, and cut my way through a craving. Don’t get me wrong, I Love my carrot sticks, but it is hard to  say no to a double stacked, veggie burger with avocado, tomatoes and a raw vegan dressing or a salad with quinoa and a warm tea.

#MyDayInLA: #xxx large & #extreme #vegan #burger. Praying to the #avocado deities and thanking the Earth for this lovely delight.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Dec 23, 2016 at 6:34pm PST

Oh my! The #Vegan menu looks yummy! Thanks @dreamingdenterprises for being so #inclusive in your #PartyPlanning. #Vegans gotta eat too! Deets: https://michaelraydelosangeles.org/i-scream-party #WhenYouCantScream #10ReasonsWhyISmoke #SmokeFree | #NewYearsResolutions #IAmSanFernando | #13ThFloor | #13thFloorArtsSociety

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jan 11, 2017 at 2:50pm PST

#TeabagWisdom: #GoVegan. #EatLocal, #growyourown, drink exotic tea, have great sex, swim in the ocean, #workhard, #playhard, #resthard, #fallInLove, #genderbend, #write #poetry, #sing, #dance, #laugh, and above all else remember that this is your precious life. Live it well.

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jul 11, 2016 at 12:37am PDT

7. Art & Design. I create new layouts, rework old art projects and revamp ideas for new works. Art itself is pretty therapeutic and I setting the intention to work on a new design, art project or submit a proposal can be a positive channel through which I can filter a cigarette craving.

#MRDLA #Featured #Artist via @theseedgenie. | Order your #seeds & start your own #Garden, #farm, #permaculture #revolution now. Be a #GangsterGardener and become the change you want to see in the world. #GMO FREE! DONT'T PANIC, THEY'RE #ORGANIC. #LA4ART #SeedGenie #Sustainable futures ahoy! http://www.theseedgenie.com/#/featured-artist-michael-ray/

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 3, 2016 at 11:06pm PST

Almost done reworking the #Skulrot logo. I really do enjoy doing #GraphicDesign work. #Punk on a PC. #anotherdayinparadise

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Mar 27, 2015 at 1:43pm PDT

#FlyerNinja mission for #TheExtraMileDeliveryService #TEMDS Big thank you to Richard of PrintnBanner for putting together such quality work! #LosAngeles #EastLA #Montebello

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Feb 4, 2015 at 5:30pm PST

8. Go for a bicycle ride. I know that I mentioned hiking, running, walking and bicycling earlier, but honestly bicycling deserves it’s own place on this list. Why? Because it’s a car-free approach to not smoking– some peeps do smoke in their car. I find that taking my bike out is a good measure of my own health. Am I winded after a few short miles or are my lungs up to par? In any case, ride a bike; one more way to lead a smoke-free lifestyle.

Take your best friend to work day. ❤

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Apr 5, 2014 at 1:31pm PDT

woohoo I just put the freshly printed, all weather #DreamShiftInspire 1st generation #promo #sticker onto my #Schwinn #bicycle! #LosAngeles #California

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Aug 23, 2014 at 7:34pm PDT

Happy #LABikeWeek #MomRidaz, and #cyclists of #LosAngeles. http://wp.me/p2Ccf0-Sr

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Jan 1, 2014 at 2:25pm PST

9. Photography and Videography. With the increased capacity of cell phones, anyone can take a good photo. If you feel like you need to smoke a cigarette, then pull out your phone and snap a few pics. However, if you want to take things a little more seriously, then never underestimate the power of a good camera and some video editing software for amazing photos or videos. This is also a great way to document you smoke-free journey.

"The Things We Leave Behind" by #MRDLA Www.MichaelRayDeLosAngeles.org ____ #LA4ART #Art4Sale #Artisan4Hire #WestCoast #California #Los Angeles #91342 #Pacoima #Sylmar #Sunland #Tujunga #LakeViewTerrace #VeteransPark

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Oct 2, 2014 at 9:53am PDT

"Edification" by #MRDLA Www.MichaelRayDeLosAngeles.org ____ #ArtisanForHire #ArtForSale #LA4ART #WestCoast #California #LosAngeles #Bisbee #Arizona

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Oct 2, 2014 at 9:51am PDT

10. Read a book, or several. Sometimes all you really need to take your mind off of smoking is a good book.

New #RecommendedReading: Doren Damico's WHEN YOU CAN'T SCREAM OR 10 REASONS WHY I SMOKE. Photographers: #JudithFosterThompson #VioletSoto Narrative Edited by #MichaelRayDeLosAngeles Deets: https://michaelraydelosangeles.org/2016/07/20/new-book-release-when-you-cant-scream-10-reasons-why-i-smoke-by-doren-damico-review-inside

A post shared by Vampyrohtechnix Media (@vampyrohtechnix_media) on Aug 30, 2016 at 2:53pm PDT

That’s it, those are my 10 ways to curb smoking, I hope this helps, and I wish you well. Have a happy smoke-free 2017. If you liked these ideas, then leave a comment or share some of the ways that you curb your smoking. In the meanwhile, thanks for reading and stayed tuned for even more tips.

What people are saying about 
“When You Can’t Scream… 10 Reasons Why I Smoke”

Amazing book!! Beautifully written, both poetry and prose. Brutally honest, sometimes difficult, but well worth the effort!

Linda LaTores

Order a copy before your next cigarette break

Keep in touch:
       
Michael Ray De Los Angeles | Contact: @vampyrohtechnix Media

Writer, editor, and Generation Y shutterbug. California grown environmentalist and published photographer, “Say Avocado.”  You can find me across social media platforms (including Twitter, Soundcloud, Bonoboville, Instagram, and Youtube) with intersecting content focused on ecology, environmental activism, Literature, and California culture. I read and write about plant based living, with recommended readings, audio broadcasts and short documentaries. I  like appropriate technologies like solar system and home gardens.

In my non-writing life, I like fashion and set design. I’m a graduate of Humboldt State University with a BA in English Literature, and was a costumer for the world-famous Humboldt Circus 2012-13. I love Poesy, spoken word and was Poetry Division editor for The Toyon Literary Journal. My dream job is to host an travel show with an ecological emphasis.