Charlotte's Web of Wonder

Kia Ora, I'm Charlotte. I've recently moved to London on my Big OE after living my whole life in Auckland, New Zealand. Having never traveled before (Australia doesn't count), it's definitely been a bit of a rollercoaster ride shifting to the other side of the world, but I'm thrilled to be here, and despite my struggles I'm really having a good time. I actually feel that I'm incredibly fortunate to have come up against so many obstacles since arriving, as each and every one of them has totally allowed me to grow and develop as a human being.
MySpace has itself been a bit of a learning curve for me. I consider myself a kind-hearted person, and I have presented myself accurately on my profile here. I've been alarmed by the number of fake profiles and selfish, manipulative, mean people I've encountered on here, but I have learnt my lesson and now hope that I am not so naiive - onwards and upwards! If you are new to MySpace, please understand that there are a lot of great genuine people on here, so please give us a chance!
I respect everyone's personal views and beliefs, and I hope that people will respect mine. For starters, I'm an ethical vegan. Many of the people in my friends list are not vegans, and I'm not here to "convert" anyone, but I think if you are going to eat meat and other animal products then you should at least know where your food comes from and be adult enough to face the facts instead of hiding from the truth. The choice is yours, but at least be open to the facts.
I like to think of myself as a typical Kiwi girl (Kiwi being New Zealand's native bird, not the fruit)! I love New Zealand from the depths of my being and the truly amazing people here. New Zealand is my heart and my soul and will always be my home.
In NZ I started my own tiny theatre company - Rub My Belly for Good Luck! - and in early March of 2007 we travelled to Wellington for the Fringe festival and presented my one woman show. We were planning an Auckland season of that, and then to produce another show, but with my being in London now, that seems to have fizzled. I'd like to continue with my theatrical pursuits here, but I'm hesitant to proceed with MY COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP WITH LAURIE ANDERSON unless I can get funding to fly my director patrick graham over here for the Edinburgh Festival. I'm hoping to work on some new things in London - groundbreaking, genre-defying art that will get people to listen and hopefully inspire positive change in this world. So if you know which direction to point me in, please drop me a line!
RUB MY BELLY FOR GOOD LUCK! PRESENTS
My Complicated Relationship with Laurie Anderson
Created and Performed by Charlotte Everett
Directed by patrick graham
Wellington Fringe 07
2 – 4 March, 2007
Bluenote Bar, 191 – 195 Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Since joining the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organisation that practices the teaching of the Lotus Sutra, I have really started to undergo a process of immense change and inner transformation. One thing that appeals to me about the SGI is that there is no preisthood, each and every person is equal, we cherish each individual, and happiness or enlightenment is for all people - not just men, monks, white people, the wealthy or the "good". We follow the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin and the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha's highest teaching, because it is the only teaching that states that enlightenment is for ALL people AND obtainable in THIS lifetime. Right here, and right now, in your present form. Earlier sutras denied enlightenment to anyone other than those previously listed, and Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha) himself proclaimed the Lotus Sutra as the superior teaching, with earlier sutras simply being preparatory to what is contained in the Lotus Sutra. Enlightenment is not a permanent state to be attained in a pure land or heaven far away. Rather, it exists in our own humanity, in our day to day lives. True enlightenment is simply true happiness. Enlightenment or true happiness is simply found when you become aware of the true nature and ultimate reality of life itself. This comes with building a self that is strong and indomitable, a self that doesn't crumble, regardless of what happens. It is happiness in the face of all obstacles.
The practice of Nichiren Buddhism has really transformed my spirit and had a profound affect on how I live my life and interact with others. I am however human, so it is not an immediate process, and it is an ongoing journey for me.
I used to think that peace was a utopian dream and unobtainable. But I no longer think this, because I have seen evidence in my own community and in other parts of the world. The key is to change ourselves - changing the world one heart at a time. By leading by example, we can inspire others and transform their lives simultaneously. I do not believe that there is such a thing as a person who is inherently evil. I believe that the seed of goodness exists within everyone, but that often this needs to be drawn out. I believe that people can change. Indeed, I have seen it. I believe that even the world's most "evil" people are capable of transforming their lives for the better. These people are also capable of attaining enlightenment.
"A great human revolution in the life of one person can change the destiny of humankind and our planet." ~ Daisaku Ikeda.
Gandhi was one man. Hitler was one man. You choose which path you want to take...
And so I have determined to devote my life to peace and universal happiness. Ultimately, it all starts with us. If we all do something small, then the collective difference could be huge.
As I've already mentioned, I'm vegan. Not because I'm Buddhist, although I do feel that vegetarianism and Buddhism go hand in hand. I've started a group here on MySpace for Buddhist vegetarians and Buddhists (and anyone else) who wants to adopt a vegetarian diet. In Buddhism we are always talking about (even in our gongyo prayers) striving for the happiness of all living beings. Well, for me it feels contradictory to pray for peace throughout the world and the happiness of all living beings if we are directly contributing to their unhappiness by supporting the meat and dairy industries that are guilty of the cruelest treatment of other species imaginable. I don't eat meat, dairy, eggs or honey because I know the truth about where these products really come from, and in Paul McCartney's words, 'if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.' Eating meat is obviously a personal choice, but I am consistently surprised when people question my choice. I don't question a meat-eaters choice, so why question me? I do encourage people who choose to eat meat though to at least get a reality check - find out where your meat comes from and how it got there. I'd be surprised if 90% of the people who did some research didn't switch to a vegetarian diet.
Here's one of my favourite quotes:
"I know, in my soul, that to eat a creature who is raised to be eaten, and who has never had a chance to be a real being, is unhealthy. It's like... you're just eating misery. You're eating a bitter life."
Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize Winner, author of 'The Color Purple'.
I have discovered in eating vegan and predominantly organic food that I feel a lot better and am a lot smarter. People have also commented on how I physically "glow" more since adopting a vegan diet, and the changes may be evident in my photos.
If you want the "truth" about your food, then please watch this 3 minute video:
....
I have also blogged a more in-depth video called "Meet Your Meat" - check it out, if you can find it...
If you're sitting on the fence thinking about going vegetarian, or just curious, you might like to check out these:
What's Wrong With Dairy and Eggs?
The "Free-Range" Myth
The Protein Myth
Ecological Effects of Animal Agriculture
Protecting Your Bones
Vegan Holiday Recipes
Factory Farming Fact Sheet
..
Anything else you want to know about me? Just ask!
My pirate name is: Captain Charity Flint Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr! Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
You Are 80% Intuitive
You are a very intuitive person. And luckily, your intuition is normally right.
You're wise enough to know that relying on intuition alone can be dangerous.
When your intuition seems really off, you tend to ignore it - and look at the facts instead. How Intuitive Are You?
You Have Good Karma
In general, you like to do the right thing when it comes to others.
Your caring personality really shines through.
Sure, you have your moments of weakness - and occasionally act out.
But, all in all, you're karma is good... even with those few dark spots. How's Your Karma?
You Are From Pluto
You are a dark, mysterious soul, full of magic and the secrets of the universe.
You can get the scoop on anything, but you keep your own secrets locked in your heart.
You love change and you use it to your advantage, whether by choice or chance.
You don't like to compromise, to the point of being self-destructive with your stubborness.
Live life with love, and your deep powers will open the world to you. What Planet Are You From?
Your Kissing Technique Is: Perfect
Your kissing technique is amazing - and you know it.
You have the confidence to make the first move.
And you always seem to know what kissing style is going to work best.
Sometimes you're passionate, sometimes you're a tease. And you're always amazing! Are You a Good Kisser?
Your Passion is Pink
Innocent and naive, you approach sex with a virginal mindset.
You tend to enjoy teasing and flaunting much more than actual sex.
You're a notorious flirt, and you can pick up anyone you desire.
As a result, your reputation is a lot steamier than your real sex life. What Color Is Your Passion?
You Are 90% Psychic
You are so very psychic.
But you already predicted that, didn't you?
You have "the gift" - and you use it daily to connect with others.
You're very tapped into the world around you...
Just make sure to use your powers for good! Are You Psychic?
You Are a Mermaid
You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are.
While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need.
Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational.
You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else. What Mythological Creature Are You?
Your Vampire Name Is...
Empress of New Orleans What's Your Vampire Name?
You scored as Dracula. You are the smooth sexy cool Dracula. Patient and lustful. If you were any cooler youd be ice. Great style with a way of seducing those around you. And three brides who wouldn't want to be him.
Dracula

Armand

Lestat

Louis

Deacon Frost

Blade

Marius

Angel

Spike

Akasha