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I’ve decided. For now.
Hi all my beautiful PIPs! I’m sorry my posts have been few and far between.
I’ve been really busy juggling many adventures and unfortunately this blog has been neglected. :(
However, I’ve decided that I am going to post at least one thing a month until I can get the ball rolling again more frequently and spend more time on this blog.
I appreciate everyone who has written and followed so far! Please continue to do so!
Please keep me in the loop as to what is happening with you. Also please let me know if you know of any PIPs that should be written about and brought to others attention!
I really enjoy reading your blogs when I get a chance and love that we are connected!
This is an important amazing documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom about image, media, and women. Please watch and go to this site to learn about screenings in your area.
MAYRA BALIGAD IS AN AMAZING PETITE WOMAN.
She runs her own modern toy shop/art gallery, takes care of her son Max, and inspires adults and children to follow their dreams, use their imagination, and to share their creativity with the world.
The toys, gifts and art at Monkeyhouse Toys reflect Mayra herself. Fun, creative, and oh so interesting! Walking into her store you are guaranteed to get caught up in all the awesomeness. Walking out you will have a smile on your face and something really cool in your shopping bag. You can also order online. Perfect for Christmas!
HERE IS A PRESS RELEASE ABOUT HER STORE- MONKEYHOUSE TOYS:
MONKEYHOUSE GOES GUERILLA
Remember that cool store that had unusual toys, handmade goods, a great book section and art shows? Well, guess what? They’ve opened at a new location - 2874 Rowena Ave. in Silver Lake! They are open from Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm-6pm and Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Monkeyhouse still carries some favorites: diy toys, Rodys, Mr Toast plush and books, fun science kits and craft projects. But, they also have some brand new stuff as well like ninja matryoshka sets, Brew it Yourself Root beer kits, guitar pick jewelry kits, recycled crayons, robot cupcake holders, and more! Check out the website: www.monkeyhousetoys.com for new stock. You can also become a fan on Facebook or get on the mailing list at info@monkeyhousetoys.com to find out about special events, discounts, and upcoming art shows.
YOU CAN CONTACT THE MAYRA AND THE STORE AT:
Monkeyhouse Toys
2874 Rowena Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyhouseToys
READ ON FOR MAYRA’S INSPIRING ANSWERS TO THE PIP QUESTIONNAIRE!
01.How would you describe ‘petite’?
Small in stature, but large in heart, mind and soul.
02.What makes you proud to be Petite?
I can do whatever I set my mind to, without any size restrictions.
03.Which PIP Revolutionaries inspire you and why?
Mahatma Gandi led his country to independence from British rule through nonviolent mass civil disobedience and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He was 5’3”.
04.What/who inspired you to follow your dreams to do what you do and what is your absolute favorite thing about being a Petite woman living this life every day?
My son, Max did. He inspires me everyday. I want to make things better for him and give him (and other kids) an opportunity to be creative and think outside the box. I honestly don’t think about my size unless someone else mentions it. But, I do feel that being petite puts most kids at ease with me, since I am their size!
05.In general, how do you think Petites have been viewed in society?
I think most petite women are viewed as helpless, weak, or child-like. I think that’s why people, mostly men, will come to your aide, to help get that can off the top shelf or get that carry on bag into the over head compartment.
Do you think overall this is a negative or positive thing?
Sometimes it seems pretty negative. But, you are only perceived as you view yourself. With confidence comes ease and acceptance.
In what areas/ways?
I guess in the sports field, or runway modeling, or pro wrestling, where your size would be an asset, those career choices maybe daunting for a petite person. But, in many other career fields, your size would not be an important factor.
Do you feel there a difference between males vs. females, weight, ethnicity, etc?
In my opinion, I think it is much more difficult for a petite male than a petite female in the world. As far as weight and ethnicity, these seem like more prejudices. Society, as a whole, has many prejudices, be you small, tall, fat, thin, light, dark, bespectacled or bejeweled.
06.What do you feel can be done to build awareness/create Petite equality in society?
Taller shoes? Just kidding! I don’t know how this can be accomplished really. I feel that individuals need to step up and prove your worth through your actions and accomplishments, and not by your physical appearance.
07.I know there is generally a split amongst Petites’ self-esteem ranging anywhere from feeling meek and less than because of their size to overcompensating and having a “Napoleon” complex. Growing up, have you always had a positive self esteem and what have you done to keep your esteem in balance? What advice do you have for those struggling with their own self-esteem issues?
Growing up, I wasn’t as confident as I am now. My stature wasn’t as much of an issue as other insecurities I had. I finally had to accept myself for who I am with all my “faults.”
You know, people will either accept you for who you are or they won’t. Do you really need to try to associate with negative people? Find friends who are supportive of you just the way you are.
08.In your experience, can you think of a situation where being petite helped/hurt you and how did you deal with that situation?
Once, when I was a child, my mom was mad at me for some reason, and I hid inside one of those 70’s console tables with the velvet on the doors and huge audacious brass-wannabe handles. I fit in there quite comfortably actually and stayed in there long enough for her anger to subside. They still have those tables in the garage. I look at them now and can’t believe I had fit in one!
09.What have you been doing/planning to do to help inspire other Petites?
I want to inspire everyone, petite or not, to be as creative as they can and to enjoy life and be yourself.
10.Any other advice for Petites out there?
“How do you expect someone to love you if you don’t love yourself?”– RuPaul
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.” – Audrey Hepburn
“If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them.” – Dalai Lama
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” – Maya Angelou
“Everybody is genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life thinking it’s stupid.”
~Albert Einstein
Winnie the Pooh — Winnie the Pooh has a lot of insight. I say stand proud and strong. Courage and beauty aren’t a matter of size, they are a matter of your heart. I rather like our Petite size. Being small just means that our greatness is more concentrated. :)
Hi everyone!
Sorry it’s been a little bit since my last post. A lot has been going on in my life that I would love to share with you. The main thing that I have been working on is courage. Now, most people I know would say I have a lot of courage; that is true in most aspects. I moved away from my hometown and family on my own to pursue my goals and dreams, I have chosen a career path that doesn’t have any guarantees, and I’m lucky enough to be able to listen to my heart in most situations. The courage I have been working on is pushing past my fears and any negative self talk I may find myself dealing with; second guessing my intuition, backtracking my thoughts, letting things in my past fuel my fears and stop me from doing things… etc.
A few weeks ago a friend was having a birthday and we went to Zion Canyon, Utah. Zion is known for being extremely beautiful, full of wildlife, canyons, and rivers. All of my life I have been one of the most Petite wherever I’ve gone, and have been treated as such. I’ve been told that the water is too deep (you can’t reach the bottom), those shelves are too high (you can’t reach the top), that box is too heavy( you’re not strong enough), why don’t you stand to the side and let someone else do it(we don’t think you can). I’ve definitely had many encouraging words along the way, but ideas like this stick in your mind and become negative back-talk, hidden thoughts that grow unbeknownst-ready to emerge at the most inconvenient times.
This is why I feel that this post is so important to share. I feel that no matter how many times people in our lives (including ourselves) tell us that we can’t do something because of our stature, we need to let those words bounce right off of us as if we have a courage shield.
In this trip to Zion, I made large steps to conquering my fears of height and deep waters. Our first adventure was to hike the canyons. We chose a trail called ‘Hidden Canyon’. Not too treacherous, not too easy. There were areas of this hike that had us in close proximity to sheer dropping points and where we had to hold onto a chain bolted into the rock face as a safety precaution. In the past, during a hike that was 50% safer/easier, I might have found myself frozen in fear of slipping, tripping and falling over the edge. I was lucky to have a supportive group who understood my determination to work through my fears, and I was a bit slow-going at first, but on the way back down, I zoomed like I had hiked that trail a million times!
The next trail we hiked was named “The Narrows”. It was an absolutely beautiful hike in which 90% of the time was spent calf to knee high in the water and walking over river rocks. At one point I found myself on my tip-toes and wading through water that was up to my shoulders. I felt thoughts of fear enter my mind and quickly tossed them away, saying to myself-“I can do this. Keep going.” Guess what? I was fine and made it all the way through.
We are stronger and more courageous than we think. If we challenge ourselves, more often than not we will come through shining brighter than a brand new penny. If you fall, know that you are supported and learn from your fall. Then pick yourself back up and try again. Know that our strength lies in our resilience and refusal to give up. This trip reminded me of this. It sparked a new way of challenging myself to grow into an even stronger, more vibrant person. We are constantly growing, learning. Let’s continue in an upward direction.
Humans are miraculous beings. Believe in ourselves. Believe in and support each other. Go for it. Especially being Petite. Stand tall. Stand proud! PETITE IS POWERFUL!
