Rolemodels
When I was 9 or 10, my grandmother gifted me a portable Philips FM radio. Right then and there is where it all began. Rufa was a strong minded, independent, and fearless woman. She ran marathons well into her 50s, did skydiving and did not shy away from connecting with people.
I remember falling asleep with radio to my ear, sometimes hugging it, listening to after-hours no interruption music programs not intended for children. I remember being careful not to use the D batteries all right away.
Growing up in Lithuania there were other influences as well, be it Jūros Šventė (Celebration of the Sea, lt), VIVA, the German Love Parade or even the Dream Dance compilations my Dad would bring home. If I had to really think about it though, it started with Rufina and that radio. I dreamt of one day attending the illustrious raves where self expression reigned supreme and everyone was celebrated for who they are. I craved the collective dancefloor energy shared by thousands of strangers with their arms up in the air.
Offis is a corruption of Office, the necessary evil of the modern day world. The realities of modern existence can be crushing, but we can co-create safe spaces where we come together to nurture and inspire each other. Offis is about letting go of the weight, connecting with people and finding inspiration to keep going. Let's get light again.
The people that leave us give us the precious gift of rolemodeling. As we choose who we become, we choose who continues to live through us. Take the best parts of all those who you miss and those who are still here and give it your best shot.
PAL 9000
Воронина Руфина Михайловна
(January 21, 1941 - April 2009)
