And don’t you dare think that Obama was talking to the american people only!
In fact, he was speaking to the whole World.
In fact, his speech is reverberating in the interntional politics not only in Europe, but all over the World.
Republicans might still boast, that Obama was giving “only a d.a.m.n. speech” last night.
But the Sermon on the Mount once was “only a d.a.m.n. speech”, too.
Words move hearts, hearts move minds, minds move hands and hands move the World.
And the World IS moving.
Today is the day.
A wonderful article about the wonderful Dave Williams doing wonderful things. Written by the wonderful Jenny Wetzel.
See it here: JPG Magazine Found Sound by Jenny Wetzel
Dave WIlliams and his concertina
Tagged: Accordion, Concertina, Dave Williams, Jennifer Wetzel, JPG Mag, Luminarie Art
Check out the new portfolio site!
I am currently trying to figure out how to make it searchable due to flash, so if you have any suggestions, send them my way!!
I hope everyone’s new years went well. Dave and I have embarked on a new journey to start the year right. We agreed on a small number of resolutions to focus on to better our outlook and understandings.
The first change for the new year: SAVE MONEY and SIMPLIFY! We have many major plans in the works and decided it is time to follow through and make the most of our time and money. We want to live for our passions, not our possessions.
Second, We, like 90% of America, wanted to start the year off right with keeping up a regular work out routine and keeping optimum health. Our routine is on and off and each week is different for us so hopefully this year we can stay on track. Dave is attending yoga class twice a week and attends his intensive Kundalini yoga training every other weekend.
We love Scott fitness! I recommend it to anyone who wants a super cool, inviting fitness experience. You won’t find any body builders here, nor will you find the typical fitness addicts. Instead, Scott fitness has created an atmosphere for the regular individual with a hint of good taste. They have art galleries at each location and a super laid back atmosphere. I could go on and on, so I will just say that it is totally worth it to choose Scott Fitness over any other. :)
Also, we are very aware of what we put into our bodies. We hope to grow stronger and more aware of our center and get a better understanding of our bodies and what they are telling us. Dave has cut out drinking for quite a while now and his body now rejects any alcohol that he might try to sneak on on special occasion. I am working to lower my wine intake. My body tells me after one glass that it can’t handle much more. If I try to consume much more, I am complaining of a horrible stomach ache the rest of the night. There is no doubt my internal workings are sending my brain a major message to cut out alcohol. Really though, what purpose does consuming a depressant serve when you are trying to uphold a positive outlook?
Third, we will be more aware of our attitudes and energy. The idea of practicing selflessness and empathy is something we both desire to improve on. We will become more environmental conscious of our recycling habits and improve our efforts to better our surroundings and the surroundings of our neighbors and friends. Making sure others are aware of their relationship with the earth and other living forms is something that we will make an effort to keep alive. Positive reinforcement is a great practice and we hope to radiate positive energy and lend a helping hand to those that still seem oblivious to their connection with this earth.
So, keep up the good work and make sure to lend a helping hand! A positive attitude and smile can go a long way!
Tagged: luminarieart, New journey, new years resolution, save money, scott fitness, understanding Flash
I have been on a mid-century kick lately and can’t get enough of the simple lines and modern designs. Here are a few of my favorites; one old, one new. I love the idea of nature in such simple terms!
Charley Harper
Rex Ray
Enjoy! Explore!
Tagged: collage, graphic design, mid-century, modern art, resin
Don’t forget to read this article on McCain’s response when asked about comprehensive sex education. If you want to learn more about his take on women’s rights, go here.
Tagged: condoms, HIV, McCain, pro-choice, sex ed, women's rights
Ever since we got up here, there seems to be nothing but rain. Well, rain and all that seems to follow. Crazy flashes of lightning, thunder that doesn’t seem to end, damaging tornadoes, and extreme flooding. And they don’t seem to be letting off an time soon. Beautiful non the less. I’m not use to being able to see the entire electric flash shoot miles across the open sky or hear the roaring thunder as it echoes on and on through the surrounding land. It is a rush of fear, curiosity and happiness all grouped into one moment.
We finally had the time, funding and an ideal location to plant our first garden. I have more bruises now from gardening than I ever had playing sports and what have you. I am a bit clumsy, you see.
Last evening we spent the remainder of our long work day weeding out some of the pesky plants that are quickly finding a home around our precious plants. One is even covered in thorns, which makes it extremely hard to pull out, even if you are reaching for the root. Most of the excess weeds are actually pretty in sight and I feel bad pulling them to their death. The had a beautiful purple hue underneath the leaves, which make me think they wish so bad to blend in and be part of that garden. They would look so good next to a row of radishes, yet they don’t know when enough is enough and just begin to quickly take over.
Besides that, here’s the run down of our progress:
We currently have eight tomato plants that are looking fairly good. I think they require a bit more water than we are giving them so hopefully we can figure out a better watering schedule for all of us. The ground is nearly all clay, which seems to have a different affect on each plant.
We have two zucchini and two squash plants that have grown amazingly strong and large with a few babies already sprouting out. They are most impressive.
There is one lone artichoke plant that is standing its ground and making itself known to the eight pepper plants that loom around it. The peppers are, no doubt, covering the majority of the square footage yet they don’t seem to be doing as good as they probably could be. There are quite a few holes in the leaves, so I just need to research and find out about their lifestyle and physicalities and such…On a better note, I think the local toad is taking on the position of resident farmer when we are at work. It is nice to have a helping hand through out the day to control the pests. I think he is getting use to us being around because he is allowing himself to come mingle more and more each day.
The remaining plot is set up with mostly herbs. I know we have one pepper plant that was put in by mistake and two eggplants that are content with their life amongst the herbs. The cilantro that we bought has quadrupled in size! We should be able to start pinching some of the leaves off so be prepared for the salsa of the year. The lavender was not doing good at all so we had to put one of the plants to rest. Hopefully the other lavender plant is able to get its root into the ground. The Rosemary is doing great, or so it seems, and we have some fresh mint just waiting to be planted.
Oh, and the cantaloupe looks so healthy! They probably sprouted the quickest, especially coming from seed. The carrots were also from seed, and they are still extremely fragile and prone to getting grouped in with the weeds that are taking over. I am hoping we are able to recover and grow at least half of what we planted.
( Let us know is you would like us to set aside some veggies for you! I know were are going to be smothered in tomatoes and peppers if everything goes well! )
The mosquitoes are getting really bad! I think I probably swat nearly thirty of them just during the short amount of time I was out there! More bug spray please!
Tagged: garden, Honeysuckle country, Nature, outside, toad, tomatoes
Our first week in Kansas city has been wonderful. A lot of unpacking, a great deal of cleaning, and a nice time relaxing.
Last night I went out with Dave and Susie. It was a beautiful night, so we decided to keep out party outside. Well, that’s only part true. We started inside for reasons unknown but it began to get really smokey. I thought the smoking ban was already in effect but I guess I was wrong. July maybe?
We had a few drinks inside then went across the street and enjoyed the warm night and fun conversation. This was only the beginning.
After drinks we drove what seemed like 60 miles west to a friends house. It was a lot of fun but something wasn’t right. Maybe it was the fact that I was probably the oldest person in the room and running with a five year gap in between. Either way, I met some funny funny people and had some good laughs.
Oh, did I say it took us FOREVER to get there? It was down to one lane construction the entire way there and Nascar had probably just ended somewhere nearby…
oh, and Susie saw a shooting star.
As we were coming back up of the interstate on our way back, I suddenly began to smell smoke. Burning smoke. Just thinking it was a car exuast or something in the nearby field, I let the thought leave my head. Moments later, we got even closer to the city and Susie piped up and said ” Do you smell smoke? I smell smoke.” and then I piped in “I smell smoke. Do you smell smoke?” Dave just sat in silence in the back with his eyes closed, taking in the wonderful music.
As we came in on Rainbow Rd, we began to see the thick fog of smoke surround us. The smell was getting stronger. We were looking every which way trying to figure out where it was coming from, Susie and I both making our final guess as we came up on 43rd.
There park two blocks in front of us, at least ten firetrucks, eight police cars and one or two ambulances. We crossed the interesection only to get a few feet closer in hopes to figure out what might have caused all of this. After nearly getting hit by a speeding police car pulling a U-ey, we decided it would be in our best interest to turn around and just let them do their work. We can’t get what we want.
Come to find out, it was a Church meeting hall that caught fire. They are investigating a possible arson case, I believe.
Oh, and after Susie dropped us off at my car, I realized after she drove away I didn’t have my keys. Then, as I was dialing her number, my phone beeped ” low battery” and died only seconds later. Dave and I were stranded, in the middle of an unfamiliar place. We fianlly came across a man who probably just got kicked out of the nearby bar. He seemed to already be looking for another party to go to though after reading his mannerims jumping from on car to the next, cell phone in hand. I asked to use his cell phone as I repeated Susie’s number over and over in my head. I was so scared I would forget her number and that was the only chance we had of making it home…and what if she didn’t pick up!?
Well, she did. And I drove home as Dave slept next to me.
I have three things on my mind today.
#1. I wish I had the time to celebrate the victory of the Mexican Army but it seems my last few weeks here in Springfield will be spent in front of a computer or camera. I am currently assisting a friend in the pre-production stage of the short “Tiny Romance”. It is a quirky comedy that I think will be successful and I hope for the best.
#2. Today is also the day I am trying to get my short to DVD. It has been a long, tiring week. Really, it has been a long, tiring month. I am not used to staying up after two in the morning. At least not lately. My body needs to rejuvenate itself before my immune system gets too low again.
#3. I am thoroughly going to miss my friends here in Springfield. Over these last few years, Springfield seems to have shrunk into a little community of fun, creative people. I don’t seem to have contact with much outside of downtown Springfield, which I actually find very refreshing. When I do travel outside of my boundaries, I seem to get disoriented and even a bit depressed. I guess you could say that I have created a security bubble. It is a great feeling to be part of a community of friends that you can relate with and share your energy and stepping outside of that security can be somewhat scary.
I am excited to move to a bigger city but fear that I will lose some of those small-town securities. One in particular: walking around late at night. I will miss night walks around downtown. I will miss the safety of walking down dark alleys. I will miss the good energy of the Mud Lounge. I will miss the sincerity that comes with a small town vibe. I will miss late night dance parties. I will miss so many things but most of all I will miss the people that make up this great environment.
So, this video has great visual quality. The music itself is amazing and the story is well told. They did a great job. directed by Anders Morgenthaler, April 2008. Enjoy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSuyqxjN7YA&hl=en]
Tagged: Downtown, Efterklang, Kansas City, Signed, Springfield, Tiny Romance, Your 8th Avenue Bird Watcher