good deed indeed

I was walking with Lulu today after the rain stopped. I love the smell after a good rain. Anyways, we were walking up the street and I noticed a car with its headlights on in the driveway of a house I was passing by. There was no driver in the car. I don't know these people but technically I'd say they were "neighbors". They live around the corner and I walk by often. I paused and thought I should go ring the bell and let them know but then I just kept walking by. I kinda thought maybe they were about to leave but ran back into the house for something and they'll be back out to the car. I honestly thought, as we all have done at times, "that's someone else's problem".

On the way back home we passed by the house again and I paused again. The lights were still on. I thought of the last time my car battery died and I was stranded and missed work and it was a crappy day. I cringed at my memory and knew what I must do. I stomped up to the door like I was Wonder Woman or something (I honestly don't know why I had to walk so purposely) and knocked. An older man answered in his Sunday leisure suit (so cute). I could tell he was hesitant to answer the door. Nobody wants to be bothered by salespeople or worse, I could be some escaped crazy-ass dude from the hospital a few blocks away. Anyways, I told him what was up with his car. He was so thankful and I felt really good while I was walking away. I felt like skipping. So I did. Lulu looked at me sideways and seemed to want to skip too but working that out with four legs is quite a challenge. Maybe I should teach her how.

In doing a good deed today, I was reminded that I should always opt for helping out someone even if it's inconvenient or seems odd. It's way better than not doing it. Now that guy's car battery won't die tomorrow when he starts it up and it won't ruin his morning. Besides, if we aren't looking out for each other in our own communities, how do we expect to change the world? Who else will look out for us?

Oh, Sundance!

This picture is from 5 years ago when I went to the Sundance Film Festival with some friends from college. I've been thinking about it so much lately because the festival is happening right now in the beautiful,snowy Park City, Utah and I wish I was there again with my chums but I decided this year I really need to save some money. Argh! Stupid money! I hope they have a blast and come back and tell me about all the sweet new films they got to see.

Luckily, the Sundance Institute has a great interactive website where you can watch a bunch of shorts and read the latest news from the fest!

monday monday

I just stumbled upon this artist...david shrigley...i like what he's done, take a look.

His name is Arlowe

This is my handsome new housemate! Well, my housemate's new dog I should say. She adopted him from a rescue in Long Beach. He's a year and a half old. He's a Brussels Griffon and if you actually read about this breed you will see they are often compared to Ewoks..which is hilarious because that is the first thing i said when I met him, that he looks like a little ewok face guy! He is! He's a real sweetie and gets along okay with Lulu, except for the fact that he doesn't like to run and play with her which annoys her greatly. Sorry, Lulu, you just get to run and play with me and the dogs at the park.

Gertrude & Stella

click on image to play movie. this is a little video i made for my rat friends. they are the cutest and sweetest old timey gals.

My Patriotic Fervor

In the summer of 2007 I visited the great city of Boston for the very first time. I should preface this story by telling you that it's only been in the past 7 years that I've become Very Interested in our political process and I'm somewhat of a nerd about it; listening to talk radio and reading books with subtitles like "And Other Great Documents of American History". I never thought this is what would happen but it's happening and I love it. I follow scandalous political moments like my grandma used to follow All My Children.

So picture me in Boston on the guided tour of the Freedom Trail. My lady guide, dressed as a colonial woman, walked us through the streets of bean town telling vivid stories of the American rebels, most of whom we were not told about in History class, like James Otis. I fell in love with these bad-ass patriots, fell in love with their ideas and the promise our youthful nation! I am one who believes with all my heart that the true patriots of this country today are the activists against our present administration. There are too many reasons why to list right now but just know that the list is the longest and most corrupt that our nation has ever faced. It's pretty disgusting, really.

I feel moved to pass on a tidbit I read today in one of my dorky books. This document I was reading was titled "Washington's Farewell Address". I found it so moving because he had first written it when he wanted to resign in 1792 but found that after his first term there was much demand that he be president again that he served the nation for another term as to not let the people down in a time when everything was new and unknown. In describing how important it will be in the future that parties put the will of the people above all he gives us a prophetic look into the future;

"However combinations of Associations of the above description may now & then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipaled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People, & to usurp for themselves the reins of Government; destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."

Okay, I'm a dork because that brought tears to my eyes. Also, for your information, his farewell address was never delivered as a speech. Twas only printed in the newspapers, and it's quite long so I'd imagine it was a few full pages in type. Amazing. The picture is a statue of the father of our democracy not just a beer-maker, Samuel Adams, in front of Faneuil Hall, Boston, Ma.

two-thousand-eight

this 2008 business feels hopeful.
i don't remember feeling this positive about a "year" before except for maybe turning 21. this year i'll turn thirty. freaky! this year is also bush's last as the fraudulent president of my good country. lots of things feel good about this One.

i decided the other day to get back into the raw food shenanigans i've been missing. it's only been a couple days and i'm buzzing with energy and optimism already. i also randomly decided today that i'm gonna try an experiment in this great oh-eight...i'm not going to buy new Stuff. by Stuff i mean clothes, books, dvds...random shit i spend money on. i totally love clothes but i really don't Need any and now i can force myself to think up new outfits with what i have or go to thrift stores if i have the desire;at least that's recycling. As for books and dvds, i will simply borrow from friends and libraries. I'd much rather spend my hard-earned money on delicious organic foods, necessities, and going out with friends.everything else seems frivolous at this point. that's my plan. it seems like a good one. you know? it's time to live simply.