ok... Bryn Athyn may not exactly be PARADISE, but today sure felt like a taste of it. . . And all I did was roam around used car dealerships and (multiple) starbucks with Cara Bump. . . Man. . . nothin' like a good friend/relative to make you forget about all of your cares in the world. We started off the day right with a stop at starbucks (Normally saved for dates with my Amanda, but I GUESS I can learn to share with others), a visit to the camera shop that ended in my drooling over the used Leica section while waiting (HOURS?) for my print order to upload to the lab. . . And then off to the wonder used-car-world in search of a (very specific.. yes carla... all of these specific requirements "puts you in a box") used mobile. What ever happened to car salesmen over-stepping lines and comfort zones with how obnoxiously nutso they try to sell you on their "special deals"?! I swear.. I've never been to so many dealerships and had SO little help in my life! We kept walking in and just having eyes fall onto us and people freezing like we had big "PLEASE DO NOT TALK TO US" signs on our breasts... or maybe that's the thing... two younger chicks (who probably look like twins) walking into a car dealership alone may not be the most believable thing? Needless to say, we did NOT find the car of Carla's used dreams. . .
Before heading back home empty handed, we made a stop at whole foods in search of something to cook up for supper. All of that starbucks went straight to our bladders, which in turn lead us both to the discovery that Whole Foods would DEFINITELY win the contest of 'who has the MOST outrageously disgusting bathrooms in the world' (don't ask. . . It was NOT pretty in any way). We did our best to forget the traumatizing dirty bathroom experience, and moved on to deciding on making crab stuffed salmon and mushrooms with some asparagus, and LOTS of wine. . .
Thank GOD for family! Although, mine completely forgot that we were planning on cooking dinner for everyone (7 people) and went ahead and started cooking their own meal by the time we arrived home (Dad, that roast smelled amazing and I'll be sure to have leftovers tomorrow! No hard feelings!). Feeling forgotten, used-car-less, lonely and hungry (but to stubborn to eat the meal that was already cooked, due to our grocery bags full of fresh crab and salmon), we headed out in search of a hungry home and empty kitchen. AND BOY did we find one. . . Just around the corner, Carla's momma (Love you Aunt Jans!) had just that. . . Of course it was completely empty to start with, but by the time the fist wine bottle was on it's way down, and the salmon pinwheels and mushrooms were in the oven, we had about 12 (mostly unexpected, but VERY appreciated) guests/family to fill the bellies of. Again, thank God for this family (this HUGE family).
So. . . I started off this week feeling a bit unsettled and uneasy. . .
But between today and Monday's fog (it was the most foggy I may have ever seen it here in B-Town, and I have some images to prove it). Also, to end an amazing weather day off right, at night the temp rose from about 34F to 65F in a matter of an hour, and the winds and rain picked up (although brother-Ben thinks I am exaggerating) so much that it knocked the power out (such a bad surge that my entire room turned blue in the loud POP before silence and darkness). Good times, GREAT days.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Mele Kaliki Maka! Thanksgiving supper is officially OVER: BRING IN CHRISTMAS!
Well, Happy thanksgiving! So far on this trip to the King Cabin on Tunk Lake, Maine, whiskey got involved with a (freshly killed) porky pine (leg), the underaged sibling was the first to remind us all of the beauty of actually OPENING the alcohol, and I've already watched three christmas movies on an extremely full belly. . . Details:
Ahhh... I can finally relax. I'm FINISHED all of my client orders and emails that all seemed to come in at once. Time to catch some Z's before heading off to Maine tomorrow morning ("at some point between 2am and 5am" is the ol' man's plan, and being that it's exactly 2:00 right now, I can only hope that our departure time hits closer to 5")...
...3:00am comes way too soon, and From the sound of my Dad's voice I realize (painfully and sleepily) that I've lost that wish. . . You know you're a true King when 5:00am seems like sleeping in).
So, along with one very ill little sister, one very insomniatic Dad, and three VERY excited dogs, I pile into the car (of course forgetting 95% of what I planned on brining). Thank God for determined, lead-heavy footed dads, because I basically slept the entire ride up while he drove, opening my weary eyes only long enough to see about 5 minutes of snow covered trees lining the freeway somewhere around New Hampshire.
We make it to the cabin in excellent time, and after unloading the car, all I want to do is sink into the rocking chair by the huge roaring fire (again, a TRUE King when the fire place is stacked WAY too high. . . I don't think the wood is actually MEANT to reach up INTO the chimney). I DO get that moment, to relax. . . After checking that the dogs are all OK (the boxers are passed out already in front of said fire, and whiskey is happy out in her corner of the house off in the woods - far enough to feel rebelllious and free, yet close enough that I can see her.)
I think to myself a few times over the next half hour "I should probably go check on her, just to really make sure that she's not doing something naughty over there" but alas, that fire is far to appealing to leave, and she IS a DOG, those great outdoors are good for her.
It's only when "grandpa" (dad, Whiskey's, dare I say, favorite man on this earth) comes home, and she still remains contented over in her corner rather than the usual RACING up to be the first to greet him, that I grow wary. So, I make my way towards her, and as I do, she circles around a bit and sits about 10 feet from where she had been, looking at me like "what?! Can't a girl just hang out, ALONE?!"
Oh you tricky little BRAT! I KNEW she was up to something. . . Moments later she proudly makes her way back to the house, and ohhh yes, she came bearing gifts. . . Well, one gift. . . To be more specific, one LEG, a very pokey, very FRESHLY detached porky pine leg.
The following three hours were spent worrying that she'd swallowed a quill, because she wouldn't stop hacking and coughing, and couldn't keep anything down. After calling about 5 vets in the surrounding 2 hour vacinnity (this is Maine, READ: ISOLATED and filled with people who like to close up shop and get home EARLY) I found the one place that's open late, (we're talking past 4pm!) and before I know it, Whisk and I are on our hour long journey to the animal E.R. (how many times will I have to make this trip to the damn ER with this dog? She's worth it, trust me, but MAN have she and I have spent a LOT of bonding hours in doggy-care waiting rooms).
Under anesthesia, the problem is found! Sure enough, dummy swallowed (or tried to) a quill, and it stuck into the back of her tongue/throat. No problems gettin' it out, though, it was all over within about 10 minutes. The biggest ordeal was getting the dog-who-loves-sleeping-more-than-anyone-in-the-world to come OUT of anesthesia. Double the dose of reversal, LOTS of yelling, rubbing and shaking, and 45 minutes later, she came out of it enough to look like a complete tripped out whack job. On our way out, she stumbled into another doped-out dog, and after a minute of ruffin' it up with him, completely passed out in mid bark. Needless to say, she slept like a brick the entire night (as did I, thank God).
The rest of the gang (Momma bear, Yaichy, and Gui-gui) got in late last night after I'd already passed out. . . Apparently I had a conversation with Mom when they came in, however I don't recall it at all.
THANKSGIVING! Gotta love waking up, and immediately preparing the entire day on a meal that you get full on within a matter of 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, cooking in this family, especially when we all do it together in one kitchen, is a recipe GOOD times. And with chef Carolyn now having some culinary education under her belt, there's even more yummy experiments and additions to be had.
In prep for supper, I got Carolyn's support on my plan to crack open the wine, champagne, and whatever else tasty there was (to drink). With the table set, the only things missing (and MAN were they TERRIBLY missed) were Tamar, Ben, Josh and Kaylee.
Dinner conversation in this family usually consists of things that I probably shouldn't actually admit to or type out on the internet, which is reason #79743 why I love my family so much. Part of our talk over grub tonight, though, involved the explanation to Carolyn of what "background" music is (yes, Carolyn, music CAN be played to compliment an environment, and not be so damn loud and thumping that you can't hear yourself think).
"man, we are so classy" - Carolyn
"why do you say that?" - Me
"We're drinking champaign and listening to BACKGROUND music".
And by the way, this year, my family COMPLETELY broke tradition. I wasn't going to say anything while it was happening, because I was TOTALLY a fan of what was going on. . . But we put on the christmas music (the nutcracker) WHILE we were still eating, rather than waiting to be allowed to turn any on in the house until EVERYONE was finished eating thanksgiving supper. WHEW! Big moves in the King house this year folks! I can see it all now, come christmas time I bet we won't even all wait on the steps around the corner from the family room first thing in the morning, piled up on each other, while dad says "sorry kids, santa didn't come this year. . JUSTTT KIDDING".
Ahhh... I can finally relax. I'm FINISHED all of my client orders and emails that all seemed to come in at once. Time to catch some Z's before heading off to Maine tomorrow morning ("at some point between 2am and 5am" is the ol' man's plan, and being that it's exactly 2:00 right now, I can only hope that our departure time hits closer to 5")...
...3:00am comes way too soon, and From the sound of my Dad's voice I realize (painfully and sleepily) that I've lost that wish. . . You know you're a true King when 5:00am seems like sleeping in).
So, along with one very ill little sister, one very insomniatic Dad, and three VERY excited dogs, I pile into the car (of course forgetting 95% of what I planned on brining). Thank God for determined, lead-heavy footed dads, because I basically slept the entire ride up while he drove, opening my weary eyes only long enough to see about 5 minutes of snow covered trees lining the freeway somewhere around New Hampshire.
We make it to the cabin in excellent time, and after unloading the car, all I want to do is sink into the rocking chair by the huge roaring fire (again, a TRUE King when the fire place is stacked WAY too high. . . I don't think the wood is actually MEANT to reach up INTO the chimney). I DO get that moment, to relax. . . After checking that the dogs are all OK (the boxers are passed out already in front of said fire, and whiskey is happy out in her corner of the house off in the woods - far enough to feel rebelllious and free, yet close enough that I can see her.)
I think to myself a few times over the next half hour "I should probably go check on her, just to really make sure that she's not doing something naughty over there" but alas, that fire is far to appealing to leave, and she IS a DOG, those great outdoors are good for her.
It's only when "grandpa" (dad, Whiskey's, dare I say, favorite man on this earth) comes home, and she still remains contented over in her corner rather than the usual RACING up to be the first to greet him, that I grow wary. So, I make my way towards her, and as I do, she circles around a bit and sits about 10 feet from where she had been, looking at me like "what?! Can't a girl just hang out, ALONE?!"
Oh you tricky little BRAT! I KNEW she was up to something. . . Moments later she proudly makes her way back to the house, and ohhh yes, she came bearing gifts. . . Well, one gift. . . To be more specific, one LEG, a very pokey, very FRESHLY detached porky pine leg.
The following three hours were spent worrying that she'd swallowed a quill, because she wouldn't stop hacking and coughing, and couldn't keep anything down. After calling about 5 vets in the surrounding 2 hour vacinnity (this is Maine, READ: ISOLATED and filled with people who like to close up shop and get home EARLY) I found the one place that's open late, (we're talking past 4pm!) and before I know it, Whisk and I are on our hour long journey to the animal E.R. (how many times will I have to make this trip to the damn ER with this dog? She's worth it, trust me, but MAN have she and I have spent a LOT of bonding hours in doggy-care waiting rooms).
Under anesthesia, the problem is found! Sure enough, dummy swallowed (or tried to) a quill, and it stuck into the back of her tongue/throat. No problems gettin' it out, though, it was all over within about 10 minutes. The biggest ordeal was getting the dog-who-loves-sleeping-more-than-anyone-in-the-world to come OUT of anesthesia. Double the dose of reversal, LOTS of yelling, rubbing and shaking, and 45 minutes later, she came out of it enough to look like a complete tripped out whack job. On our way out, she stumbled into another doped-out dog, and after a minute of ruffin' it up with him, completely passed out in mid bark. Needless to say, she slept like a brick the entire night (as did I, thank God).
The rest of the gang (Momma bear, Yaichy, and Gui-gui) got in late last night after I'd already passed out. . . Apparently I had a conversation with Mom when they came in, however I don't recall it at all.
THANKSGIVING! Gotta love waking up, and immediately preparing the entire day on a meal that you get full on within a matter of 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, cooking in this family, especially when we all do it together in one kitchen, is a recipe GOOD times. And with chef Carolyn now having some culinary education under her belt, there's even more yummy experiments and additions to be had.
In prep for supper, I got Carolyn's support on my plan to crack open the wine, champagne, and whatever else tasty there was (to drink). With the table set, the only things missing (and MAN were they TERRIBLY missed) were Tamar, Ben, Josh and Kaylee.
Dinner conversation in this family usually consists of things that I probably shouldn't actually admit to or type out on the internet, which is reason #79743 why I love my family so much. Part of our talk over grub tonight, though, involved the explanation to Carolyn of what "background" music is (yes, Carolyn, music CAN be played to compliment an environment, and not be so damn loud and thumping that you can't hear yourself think).
"man, we are so classy" - Carolyn
"why do you say that?" - Me
"We're drinking champaign and listening to BACKGROUND music".
And by the way, this year, my family COMPLETELY broke tradition. I wasn't going to say anything while it was happening, because I was TOTALLY a fan of what was going on. . . But we put on the christmas music (the nutcracker) WHILE we were still eating, rather than waiting to be allowed to turn any on in the house until EVERYONE was finished eating thanksgiving supper. WHEW! Big moves in the King house this year folks! I can see it all now, come christmas time I bet we won't even all wait on the steps around the corner from the family room first thing in the morning, piled up on each other, while dad says "sorry kids, santa didn't come this year. . JUSTTT KIDDING".
Saturday, November 3, 2007
"Underground" is the only English word that begins with "und".
How big are Jay and I when we get together? F*cking FANTASTIC.
FINALLLLYYYY I got to see my best friend. Dammit I've missed that boy!
Apparently he refuses to take the Underground, and knows less about this place (London) than probably anyone else in the entire universe. After deciding on a place to meet, we played the phone-call game "stealth mode - sniper - who can find who first" which goes something like this: "OK, are you in front of a place called Top-Shop? What are you wearing? Are you standing by the intersection at the Underground station? Wait. . . I think I see you. . . Are you wearing a huge orange jacket? Nope. . . DEFINITELY not you. . . Oh THERE you are". . . (hides behind the corner so that you can be sure to be the first to pop out at the person).
I flipping adore him. We did what everyone must do when back with their best friends for the first time in too long: Acted like complete fools, screamed at the crowded streets for no reason, come millimeters from being hit by bikers and cars while crossing the streets (look RIGHT when crossing? or wait. . . is it left?), settled our nerves with some sushi, spoke of completely inappropriate things, worked on our plans of how we will rule the world, and then bring it down, and finally, go on a wild hunt for our other closest friends (ECC boys) who should, at this point, be just about touching down.
"Hi, hotel, can I be connected to Joshua Ostrander's room? What? Yes I am SURE he is staying there. . . no no no. . . O S T R A N D E R. . . What? There's another hotel with the exact same name on the other side of town? And you DON"T have their number? How about Greg Lyons? NO! L Y O N S". . .
Once we tracked them down, we rushed to where they were staying like "we were being chased". To end the first night back together right, we brought (three bottles of) champagne to the ECC 's-oh-so-luxurious hotel room (mild exaggeration) and after finishing our toasts, met up with the lovely and LOVED Lee at a "fantastic" bar called Trader Vik's (not Trader Joe's, which Jay ended up asking the cab to take us to. . . Stupid American). Far toooo many drinks called the "Suffering Bastard" can seriously lead to some amazing, blurry times with very shaky days to follow. We shut the place down, and headed to Lee and Jay's home to play some Wii (or break it), and hang into the morning. Good times, Great days.
The following day most of us (Josh being the only one smart enough to call it a night before Vik's closed) spent in manic attempts to recover, or at least settle the shakes.
(Side Note: Of course hanging with the family is an absolute sure and perfect way to spend an entire night, no doubt about that. However, friends and family time aside, the absolute worst idea of a good time in my mind, is a crowded bar with shite music, flashing lights, and insane drunk people all set to "turbo mode").
Eastern Conference Champions, of course, put on an EXCELLENT show. I can't tell you how amazing it was, and how completely satisfied I was, to hang there on Jay's arm, watching some of our favorite's play some of the best music EVER. So much love! SO much.
The night gave way to completely losing track of time (which I suppose means it was GOOD times), and suddenly we are roaming around the empty 3:30am streets of London in search of anything edible.
Food found, boys tucked back into their beds, a perfect conversation and car ride home with Jay, and I am fully asleep about 2.5 seconds after my head hits the (probably germ infested) hotel room pillow.
"FANTASTIC"
(btw. Jay has admitted that if there's one way he will lose all of his friends, it will be by saying "fantastic" all of the time. . . I think I am now determined to accompany him in this fine. . . fantastic. . . journey).
Thursday, November 1, 2007
England/Ireland trip 2007: Part 1
October 23, 2007
This is a big day. . . I am on the train to Newark airport, to board the flight that will take me to Gatwick airport, London.
These past few months, since I've decided that I need to finally start my traveling in the ways I've been wanting to for years, have come and gone so fast. Everything in my life these days seems so obviously a test of some sorts or another, helping me learn and strengthen. In maybe my most favorite season of the year, fall, when I normally count on soaking in the vast array of colors brushing against a crisp cool sky. . . Not this fall. This fall is determined to wear a summers mask. With days still reaching the 80's, the trees are probably more confused about this global warming stuff than the Republicans. . . (bad joke? Sorry Mom and Dad). Seriously though, I normally seek out comfort in the cold days, burning fires and sipping hot cider. . instead I'm still sporting a summers dress, and quite frankly, for some reason, I think it's this "nice weather" that's aiding my sense of some sort of underlying loneliness. Even the colors on the trees seem lonely. A sea of confused green trees, with one random, lonesome spout of color, awkwardly placed and isolated. So. . . I look forward to this trip for adventure, experiences, and hopefully a starting point to fully break out of this confusing, blurry time I feel so "stuck" (that's for you, amanda) in lately. Oh yah, and of course some amazing photos!
"NEWARK AIRPORT, NEXT STOP".
.end.
______________________________
October 23rd, 2007 (later that night)
Made it onto the flight! Out of New Jersey, hooray! Takeoff was. . . . bumpy. . . to say the lest. I definitely am looking forward to this trip, and a few more specific travels to come in the next year(including Africa with Anders H). Upcoming travels will be both for the 'biz., and for my life, which of course keeping that sane, keeps the photography stuff inspired and growing!)
Every time I get on a flight, I can feel it in the depths of my heart. . . What the hell does that even mean, you ask? I'm not entirely sure, but I do know that my true home is where my heart feels full, and I've found that my heart overflows when I travel (even on small trips), be it traveling with a purpose, or traveling for the sake of experience and not needing a reason to go.
That said, every time I get on a plane, there is also a very big, noticeable part of my heart and mind that aches and wishes I was going back to CA. That speaks fairly loudly I'd say as far as where I want to / need to be heading as soon as possible.
And speaking of purpose, I think I've really settled on the organization that I want to start working with (through Michelle King Photography). It's called Kids With Cameras (htttp://www.kidswithcameras.org). If anyone has any other organizations in ind that focus on helping children in any way, globally and/or locally, I'd love to hear your input. I'm also starting to think of new (cheesy, perhaps, yes) catchy slogans for my photography business to kick off this joining of photo work with making a difference (at least to one child somewhere in the world). So far I have:
"Clicks with a cause"
" f/stop-ing child suffering "
OK. . . So maybe that's a poor start. . . Anyone wanna put some input on that too? I feel like I'm assigning homework. . . So all of you go work on brainstorming for me, and I'll go make myself ill on a lovely in-flight "meal".
See you on the other side of the pond!
~Belly in the Sky~
_________________________________
October 26th, 2007
So far this trip is proving to be well worth it, on so many levels. . . Dylan, the sweetheart that he is, has hooked me up with a free (a very rare thing in these parts) place to stay with a very generous and welcoming couple in Colchester. Brigitta and Patrick Amos (thank you!). I've so much loved strolling around the 1/2 sized towns, down cobble street alleys that pour right into beautiful green hills, with old castles and ruins resting silently. . . Being able to catch up with Dylan a bit (for those of you who are wondering, Dylan's the adorable (in such a manly way!) red-headed guy who just so happens to be amazing behind the ol' video camera, and was in the same class as yours truly for enough time that it's silly we never spoke until only this past year. . . However when we did, it was the RIGHT timing, and I am so thankful to have found him as a very strongly connected friend). OK, back up. . . This place might not be as small as HALF size like I just mentioned, but MAN oh man, it really puts into perspective how romantic, sensible, and convenient it is to actually build things (houses/cars/towns) with such respect for creating what you need, and leaving the rest for the land to remain left as earth rather than pavement (btw., have they paved over the old tracks and grave stones in Bryn Athyn yet since I've been gone? Who needs that old junk anyway?).
When I first got in a couple of days ago, I hadn't slept for WAY to long (let's just say the overnight/overseas flight seemed more like a well-lit cramped up puddle hopper, than a nice (or even remotely reasonable) place to catch some Z's. By the time I did make it to my bed, I think the very second my bum hit the hay, my legs, reminded of what it's like to be freed of all the weight, had a nervous break down. My calves locked up so badly it probably actually looked like I had nice huge muscle definition in them! YEOWCH! That night I fell asleep around 10:00pm and slept until 7:30am (with about 5 wake-ups throughout the night due to some HORRIBLE recurring nightmare I couldn't seem to kick). Although I did LOVE the rest, waking only brought physical challenges like aching calves and a jet-legged brain. No worries, though, I was ready to set out to Canterbury (thanks to Dylan for taking me on a such a SWEET day trip!) Probably the most fun you'll ever have involving a tourist trap, is the Canterbury Tales journey. . . Maybe not FUN, so much as funny and entertaining (due to the technology that I believe was used in the 1800's). Of course, this ended with a replica of some of the insides of the Canterbury cathedral and tombs (which 5 minutes later we saw as the real-deal). Once we exited we walked to the real cathedral about a minute down the cobble-stoned streets (lots of cobblestone everywhere around here, I highly recommend with all of this money going into "beautifying BA", we toss some cobble stoned streets in there. And why not anywhere else that has a name stolen from England? Southampton could probably use some enhancements.) The massive entry and choir halls of the cathedral are of course extreme and beautiful. I think I could have mistaken this one in particular for our very own Bryn Athyn cathedral, that is, if one was to shrink it down about 1 billion times. The truly humbling part, though, of this whole place, was the under croft. Wow. Another perfect example of where you can FEEL the warmth and power of a place of prayer and peace. I've never, in person, seen anything so dark, cozy and silent, while at the same time powerfully bold and strong. SAFE! It had this overwhelming aura of safety and complete balance. We sat here a few minutes before roaming the grounds a bit more, grabbing a bite, then heading back to Colchester.
This morning, before heading to breakfast and then to this train back towards London, I was DREADING putting back on my pack. . . My calves are reminded of how much HELL they're in every time I even look at the thing. Alas, Dylan to the rescue once again, 1/2 way on our walk to town, demanded we stop to fix it properly, because it looked something like a dwarf "attacking me". And BOY did it feel that way. A few minor adjustments, and I'm a new woman! Seriously, SUCH a huge relief. . . No wonder my body hates me! I think I had each setting/strap possible on the damn thing set to "hurt me as much as possible" mode. WHEW! THANK you, again, Dylan.
Jay. . . My best friend. . . My partner in crime. . . My "lint". . . I can not BELIEVE that I haven't seen him yet! He's already shown signs of one of the many reasons I adore him so much, by (protectively and stubbornly) telling me it's "unacceptable" to be staying in a room with 12 strangers and a shower in the center of them all. I actually do love the idea of hostels in general, and plan on staying in some while on this trip for the experience and meeting of other fellow backpackers, but for tonight, I've agreed to get my shit together, and stay in a private hotel room (one with a toiled AND a shower! How Fancy!).
"LONDON LIVERPOOL STATION: NEXT STOP!"
_____________________________
October 29th, 2007
So. . . That hotel in London was just about as close to a shit hole as one could possibly have gotten without being a hostel, and to top it off, with the 60GBP price-tag, it's all together a shit situation. To make a long, miserable story short: Once I got past the A-Hole who seemed to have the most miserable life on the planet at the front desk, the stairs went on forever leading to my room on the very top, dark floor. There was a NASTY stench outside the room, which leading in through the 1.5 inch gap at the bottom of the door that didn't really even properly lock. The sink was falling off the wall, the shower barely SPAT at me, and the springs in the mattress seemed like they were on a mission to puncture my ribcage/lungs. Thank GOD that was one night, and is over.
Dylan and I flew to Dublin together (flying around here is cheaper than DRIVING. . . Let's make THAT more common in the states too). Rachel (Cole) HOOKED us up with a SAWWEEEETTTT hotel room in a really nice hotel for the two nights we spent there. . . I ADORE Rach. . . It was amazing for me to get her all to myself (OK, I shared her with the rest of Dublin who all seemed to know her. . . That's my girl!). I love her maybe more now than I did when we were joined at the hips as kids! Dublin. . . Oh my sweet Dublin. So far this is my most favorite city I've ever been to in my life. . . The people, buildings, really ALL of it is so amazing. Not to mention, it really brings out the SWEET dance moves in everyone, but most especially in Dyl. (Howth (along the coast outside of Dublin) is also an excellent place to visit if you're ever blessed enough to visit this beautiful Republic of Ireland. I was actually losing my mind with excitement over EVERY thing. . . The amazing sky which at any given time will be a rainbow, light misty drops, beautiful clouds, and a nice slightly warming sun all together. Pair that with the quiet harbor town, it's tiny Irish café's where the locals hang and play traditional tunes, and the gorgeous coastal line, and you have the ingredients to give a warmer heart.
Last night I made an attempt to venture off on my own and take some night shots around Dublin. I got about two shots of the hay-penny bridge, before getting distracted by these two Irish blokes. Turns out they were actually great people, and we all seemed to have plenty in common. Had a great time talking and laughing with them at their favorite local dive pub where "the cool kids go". One thing I've noticed (and completely am a sucker for) is that the Irish accent only gets FASTER and stronger the more one drinks. Also, apparently the American accent is an admired thing to a lot of people on this side of the pond? How is that even possible? After a good drink or two with my new local friends, I headed home to catch some Z's with Rach and Dyl.
Today we parted ways with Rach (I already miss her!) and wandered around Dublin a bit until stumbling into the Zoo. Who can resist a good Zoo visit?! Definitely not Dylan or me.
Now we're on a rail heading up the coast to Belfast, where we'll spend out day tomorrow before flying back to London. I get to see Jay on Wednesday (day after tomorrow) and I can barely contain myself.
Time to take a nap while I have this bit of time off from my pack and screwed up knee (I think I tore a ligament... Total bummer!). I miss my puppers whiskey so much.
This is a big day. . . I am on the train to Newark airport, to board the flight that will take me to Gatwick airport, London.
These past few months, since I've decided that I need to finally start my traveling in the ways I've been wanting to for years, have come and gone so fast. Everything in my life these days seems so obviously a test of some sorts or another, helping me learn and strengthen. In maybe my most favorite season of the year, fall, when I normally count on soaking in the vast array of colors brushing against a crisp cool sky. . . Not this fall. This fall is determined to wear a summers mask. With days still reaching the 80's, the trees are probably more confused about this global warming stuff than the Republicans. . . (bad joke? Sorry Mom and Dad). Seriously though, I normally seek out comfort in the cold days, burning fires and sipping hot cider. . instead I'm still sporting a summers dress, and quite frankly, for some reason, I think it's this "nice weather" that's aiding my sense of some sort of underlying loneliness. Even the colors on the trees seem lonely. A sea of confused green trees, with one random, lonesome spout of color, awkwardly placed and isolated. So. . . I look forward to this trip for adventure, experiences, and hopefully a starting point to fully break out of this confusing, blurry time I feel so "stuck" (that's for you, amanda) in lately. Oh yah, and of course some amazing photos!
"NEWARK AIRPORT, NEXT STOP".
.end.
______________________________
October 23rd, 2007 (later that night)
Made it onto the flight! Out of New Jersey, hooray! Takeoff was. . . . bumpy. . . to say the lest. I definitely am looking forward to this trip, and a few more specific travels to come in the next year(including Africa with Anders H). Upcoming travels will be both for the 'biz., and for my life, which of course keeping that sane, keeps the photography stuff inspired and growing!)
Every time I get on a flight, I can feel it in the depths of my heart. . . What the hell does that even mean, you ask? I'm not entirely sure, but I do know that my true home is where my heart feels full, and I've found that my heart overflows when I travel (even on small trips), be it traveling with a purpose, or traveling for the sake of experience and not needing a reason to go.
That said, every time I get on a plane, there is also a very big, noticeable part of my heart and mind that aches and wishes I was going back to CA. That speaks fairly loudly I'd say as far as where I want to / need to be heading as soon as possible.
And speaking of purpose, I think I've really settled on the organization that I want to start working with (through Michelle King Photography). It's called Kids With Cameras (htttp://www.kidswithcameras.org). If anyone has any other organizations in ind that focus on helping children in any way, globally and/or locally, I'd love to hear your input. I'm also starting to think of new (cheesy, perhaps, yes) catchy slogans for my photography business to kick off this joining of photo work with making a difference (at least to one child somewhere in the world). So far I have:
"Clicks with a cause"
" f/stop-ing child suffering "
OK. . . So maybe that's a poor start. . . Anyone wanna put some input on that too? I feel like I'm assigning homework. . . So all of you go work on brainstorming for me, and I'll go make myself ill on a lovely in-flight "meal".
See you on the other side of the pond!
~Belly in the Sky~
_________________________________
October 26th, 2007
So far this trip is proving to be well worth it, on so many levels. . . Dylan, the sweetheart that he is, has hooked me up with a free (a very rare thing in these parts) place to stay with a very generous and welcoming couple in Colchester. Brigitta and Patrick Amos (thank you!). I've so much loved strolling around the 1/2 sized towns, down cobble street alleys that pour right into beautiful green hills, with old castles and ruins resting silently. . . Being able to catch up with Dylan a bit (for those of you who are wondering, Dylan's the adorable (in such a manly way!) red-headed guy who just so happens to be amazing behind the ol' video camera, and was in the same class as yours truly for enough time that it's silly we never spoke until only this past year. . . However when we did, it was the RIGHT timing, and I am so thankful to have found him as a very strongly connected friend). OK, back up. . . This place might not be as small as HALF size like I just mentioned, but MAN oh man, it really puts into perspective how romantic, sensible, and convenient it is to actually build things (houses/cars/towns) with such respect for creating what you need, and leaving the rest for the land to remain left as earth rather than pavement (btw., have they paved over the old tracks and grave stones in Bryn Athyn yet since I've been gone? Who needs that old junk anyway?).
When I first got in a couple of days ago, I hadn't slept for WAY to long (let's just say the overnight/overseas flight seemed more like a well-lit cramped up puddle hopper, than a nice (or even remotely reasonable) place to catch some Z's. By the time I did make it to my bed, I think the very second my bum hit the hay, my legs, reminded of what it's like to be freed of all the weight, had a nervous break down. My calves locked up so badly it probably actually looked like I had nice huge muscle definition in them! YEOWCH! That night I fell asleep around 10:00pm and slept until 7:30am (with about 5 wake-ups throughout the night due to some HORRIBLE recurring nightmare I couldn't seem to kick). Although I did LOVE the rest, waking only brought physical challenges like aching calves and a jet-legged brain. No worries, though, I was ready to set out to Canterbury (thanks to Dylan for taking me on a such a SWEET day trip!) Probably the most fun you'll ever have involving a tourist trap, is the Canterbury Tales journey. . . Maybe not FUN, so much as funny and entertaining (due to the technology that I believe was used in the 1800's). Of course, this ended with a replica of some of the insides of the Canterbury cathedral and tombs (which 5 minutes later we saw as the real-deal). Once we exited we walked to the real cathedral about a minute down the cobble-stoned streets (lots of cobblestone everywhere around here, I highly recommend with all of this money going into "beautifying BA", we toss some cobble stoned streets in there. And why not anywhere else that has a name stolen from England? Southampton could probably use some enhancements.) The massive entry and choir halls of the cathedral are of course extreme and beautiful. I think I could have mistaken this one in particular for our very own Bryn Athyn cathedral, that is, if one was to shrink it down about 1 billion times. The truly humbling part, though, of this whole place, was the under croft. Wow. Another perfect example of where you can FEEL the warmth and power of a place of prayer and peace. I've never, in person, seen anything so dark, cozy and silent, while at the same time powerfully bold and strong. SAFE! It had this overwhelming aura of safety and complete balance. We sat here a few minutes before roaming the grounds a bit more, grabbing a bite, then heading back to Colchester.
This morning, before heading to breakfast and then to this train back towards London, I was DREADING putting back on my pack. . . My calves are reminded of how much HELL they're in every time I even look at the thing. Alas, Dylan to the rescue once again, 1/2 way on our walk to town, demanded we stop to fix it properly, because it looked something like a dwarf "attacking me". And BOY did it feel that way. A few minor adjustments, and I'm a new woman! Seriously, SUCH a huge relief. . . No wonder my body hates me! I think I had each setting/strap possible on the damn thing set to "hurt me as much as possible" mode. WHEW! THANK you, again, Dylan.
Jay. . . My best friend. . . My partner in crime. . . My "lint". . . I can not BELIEVE that I haven't seen him yet! He's already shown signs of one of the many reasons I adore him so much, by (protectively and stubbornly) telling me it's "unacceptable" to be staying in a room with 12 strangers and a shower in the center of them all. I actually do love the idea of hostels in general, and plan on staying in some while on this trip for the experience and meeting of other fellow backpackers, but for tonight, I've agreed to get my shit together, and stay in a private hotel room (one with a toiled AND a shower! How Fancy!).
"LONDON LIVERPOOL STATION: NEXT STOP!"
_____________________________
October 29th, 2007
So. . . That hotel in London was just about as close to a shit hole as one could possibly have gotten without being a hostel, and to top it off, with the 60GBP price-tag, it's all together a shit situation. To make a long, miserable story short: Once I got past the A-Hole who seemed to have the most miserable life on the planet at the front desk, the stairs went on forever leading to my room on the very top, dark floor. There was a NASTY stench outside the room, which leading in through the 1.5 inch gap at the bottom of the door that didn't really even properly lock. The sink was falling off the wall, the shower barely SPAT at me, and the springs in the mattress seemed like they were on a mission to puncture my ribcage/lungs. Thank GOD that was one night, and is over.
Dylan and I flew to Dublin together (flying around here is cheaper than DRIVING. . . Let's make THAT more common in the states too). Rachel (Cole) HOOKED us up with a SAWWEEEETTTT hotel room in a really nice hotel for the two nights we spent there. . . I ADORE Rach. . . It was amazing for me to get her all to myself (OK, I shared her with the rest of Dublin who all seemed to know her. . . That's my girl!). I love her maybe more now than I did when we were joined at the hips as kids! Dublin. . . Oh my sweet Dublin. So far this is my most favorite city I've ever been to in my life. . . The people, buildings, really ALL of it is so amazing. Not to mention, it really brings out the SWEET dance moves in everyone, but most especially in Dyl. (Howth (along the coast outside of Dublin) is also an excellent place to visit if you're ever blessed enough to visit this beautiful Republic of Ireland. I was actually losing my mind with excitement over EVERY thing. . . The amazing sky which at any given time will be a rainbow, light misty drops, beautiful clouds, and a nice slightly warming sun all together. Pair that with the quiet harbor town, it's tiny Irish café's where the locals hang and play traditional tunes, and the gorgeous coastal line, and you have the ingredients to give a warmer heart.
Last night I made an attempt to venture off on my own and take some night shots around Dublin. I got about two shots of the hay-penny bridge, before getting distracted by these two Irish blokes. Turns out they were actually great people, and we all seemed to have plenty in common. Had a great time talking and laughing with them at their favorite local dive pub where "the cool kids go". One thing I've noticed (and completely am a sucker for) is that the Irish accent only gets FASTER and stronger the more one drinks. Also, apparently the American accent is an admired thing to a lot of people on this side of the pond? How is that even possible? After a good drink or two with my new local friends, I headed home to catch some Z's with Rach and Dyl.
Today we parted ways with Rach (I already miss her!) and wandered around Dublin a bit until stumbling into the Zoo. Who can resist a good Zoo visit?! Definitely not Dylan or me.
Now we're on a rail heading up the coast to Belfast, where we'll spend out day tomorrow before flying back to London. I get to see Jay on Wednesday (day after tomorrow) and I can barely contain myself.
Time to take a nap while I have this bit of time off from my pack and screwed up knee (I think I tore a ligament... Total bummer!). I miss my puppers whiskey so much.
Monday, October 8, 2007
has anyone seen my beautiful friend Fall around lately? I fear she's gone missing.
What happened to fall?
shouldn't we be traipsing around with scarves, or at least layers and long sleeves right about now? A bed of fallen dry leaves crunching below our footsteps, looking up their youthful friends still hanging on, shifting through hues of bold, saturated colors?
I feel completely not myself today. Something that seems to be a common theme amongst most of the people I've spoken with the last 24 hours.
I was up until sunrise with the king-sibling bash last night. . . It was good times all around.
My brother and sister seem to not be the biggest fans of mixed crowds of different "types" of friends. I, however, find excitement and beauty in sharing a few drinks and laughs with people you don't necessarily know, but think you do from what the rumors and behaviors of the grade school days. I know I've changed a HELL of a lot since my HS days, and I'd be bummed to know that someone assumed they know who I am NOW from what they "knew" of me through 'so-and-so' back in the 10th grade.
It's 2:33am. Again, I could have forced myself to sleep at 10:00 tonight and yet, here I am awake.
shouldn't we be traipsing around with scarves, or at least layers and long sleeves right about now? A bed of fallen dry leaves crunching below our footsteps, looking up their youthful friends still hanging on, shifting through hues of bold, saturated colors?
I feel completely not myself today. Something that seems to be a common theme amongst most of the people I've spoken with the last 24 hours.
I was up until sunrise with the king-sibling bash last night. . . It was good times all around.
My brother and sister seem to not be the biggest fans of mixed crowds of different "types" of friends. I, however, find excitement and beauty in sharing a few drinks and laughs with people you don't necessarily know, but think you do from what the rumors and behaviors of the grade school days. I know I've changed a HELL of a lot since my HS days, and I'd be bummed to know that someone assumed they know who I am NOW from what they "knew" of me through 'so-and-so' back in the 10th grade.
It's 2:33am. Again, I could have forced myself to sleep at 10:00 tonight and yet, here I am awake.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
A recap of the past month and random blather.
Where the heck have I been?
I am in this daze of cloudy, twisted, mellow confusion. I don't feel anxious as I normally do when I feel I can not see down my life's path, however I feel a bit disoriented and when I try to clear the air, it only seems to get more dense with fog.
I feel like I am in a dust storm again, out in the middle of an open playa, and maybe instead of trying to continue to constantly move forward (even when blindly), I should just sit down, rest my legs and let my heart re-vamp it's unsteady beat.
Burning man. That's where the dust storm note comes from. I guess I can start here:
I picked up Tristan's dust goggles from the Smiths (thank you, by the way, to the Smith Family for lending those out). With my green (soon to be a nice light shade of tan, permanently covered in the finest dust around) duffel bag packed with essentials for surviving the desert a week on whatever u bring (other than water [2 galons of/day] and food [plenty of] which was provided for by sweetheart Brion) I set out on a journey I had no idea how to mentally and spiritually prepare for.
Arriving to the front entrance of Black Rock City just at sundown, the dust picked itself up all at once and danced into this overwhelmingly beautiful example of how many shades and layers of red the sun can produce when mixed with sand/dust/clouds and mountains. Next steps:
::Sign in, pick up a ticket at will call, go through "customs" which includes being required to bang a metal cyllendar and screaming 'i am not a virgin anymore' (no explanation so don't ask), drive around the outer 1/2 edge of this unfamiliar, temporary 'city', and arrive at our camp [location: 10:00 and Jungle]::
I am greeted by different types of people. Some welcoming me "home" with warm arms, some allowing their own insecurities to get the better of their "welcome". Brion has made an army tent feel like a warm home, and although I am EXTREMELY thankful for this kindness and sense of security within the tent's walls, I feel disoriented and uneasy.
Morning comes. The first 1.5 days are a blur. Maybe that is my defense mechanism shutting it down for me, because I felt like I did not want to be there at all. I was in a different state of mind, with different desires from the week, than I feel anyone else at my camp was in. Not bad, just difficult to connect and feel comfortable with new faces when you are on completely different wave lengths to start with. I've decided to go off on my own for most of the week, meet new people as they come, and soak in this experience exactly as it needs to be soaked up by me.
[Temple at dusk]
I spent the night at the Temple. Oh beautiful, powerful and humbling Temple. Not a structure of any conformed religion or rules. A structure built entirely of open hearts and welcoming prayers. A place where all areas of individual hearts and loves can come together safely. [note: the temple is the art built in which people can come and write all over it as they'd please. It is burnt the last night in a beautiful silent ceremony]. I could feel it hit me as if I had walked into a wall the second I was parking my bike outside of this massive, gorgeous wooden art form. Walking inside was indescribable. The tears came unexpectedly and almost without my even realizing. This place is proof that you can actually FEEL the power and warmth from a place that gathers up so many different prayers and loves.
I soaked in the love and writing on the walls that others had already placed, and chose not to write anything until it came naturally without any hesitation or thought. The sunrise from within the woven wooden walls, was indescribable.
[temple at day]
_________
I will write more about the following days tomorrow. For now, it's 2:22am and finally I am sleepy.
goodnight.
I am in this daze of cloudy, twisted, mellow confusion. I don't feel anxious as I normally do when I feel I can not see down my life's path, however I feel a bit disoriented and when I try to clear the air, it only seems to get more dense with fog.
I feel like I am in a dust storm again, out in the middle of an open playa, and maybe instead of trying to continue to constantly move forward (even when blindly), I should just sit down, rest my legs and let my heart re-vamp it's unsteady beat.
Burning man. That's where the dust storm note comes from. I guess I can start here:
I picked up Tristan's dust goggles from the Smiths (thank you, by the way, to the Smith Family for lending those out). With my green (soon to be a nice light shade of tan, permanently covered in the finest dust around) duffel bag packed with essentials for surviving the desert a week on whatever u bring (other than water [2 galons of/day] and food [plenty of] which was provided for by sweetheart Brion) I set out on a journey I had no idea how to mentally and spiritually prepare for.
Arriving to the front entrance of Black Rock City just at sundown, the dust picked itself up all at once and danced into this overwhelmingly beautiful example of how many shades and layers of red the sun can produce when mixed with sand/dust/clouds and mountains. Next steps:
::Sign in, pick up a ticket at will call, go through "customs" which includes being required to bang a metal cyllendar and screaming 'i am not a virgin anymore' (no explanation so don't ask), drive around the outer 1/2 edge of this unfamiliar, temporary 'city', and arrive at our camp [location: 10:00 and Jungle]::
I am greeted by different types of people. Some welcoming me "home" with warm arms, some allowing their own insecurities to get the better of their "welcome". Brion has made an army tent feel like a warm home, and although I am EXTREMELY thankful for this kindness and sense of security within the tent's walls, I feel disoriented and uneasy.
Morning comes. The first 1.5 days are a blur. Maybe that is my defense mechanism shutting it down for me, because I felt like I did not want to be there at all. I was in a different state of mind, with different desires from the week, than I feel anyone else at my camp was in. Not bad, just difficult to connect and feel comfortable with new faces when you are on completely different wave lengths to start with. I've decided to go off on my own for most of the week, meet new people as they come, and soak in this experience exactly as it needs to be soaked up by me.
[Temple at dusk]
I spent the night at the Temple. Oh beautiful, powerful and humbling Temple. Not a structure of any conformed religion or rules. A structure built entirely of open hearts and welcoming prayers. A place where all areas of individual hearts and loves can come together safely. [note: the temple is the art built in which people can come and write all over it as they'd please. It is burnt the last night in a beautiful silent ceremony]. I could feel it hit me as if I had walked into a wall the second I was parking my bike outside of this massive, gorgeous wooden art form. Walking inside was indescribable. The tears came unexpectedly and almost without my even realizing. This place is proof that you can actually FEEL the power and warmth from a place that gathers up so many different prayers and loves.
I soaked in the love and writing on the walls that others had already placed, and chose not to write anything until it came naturally without any hesitation or thought. The sunrise from within the woven wooden walls, was indescribable.
[temple at day]_________
I will write more about the following days tomorrow. For now, it's 2:22am and finally I am sleepy.
goodnight.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Tristan C. Smith and Matt Kuhl
The memorial service for Matt Kuhl was today. . . so many people packed the cathedral full. He is an amazing man and will be very missed. I feel for his family so much, and only wish I knew of a way I could give myself in their aid. Permissions.. Permissions in this life are allowed, and we lose good, honest people before I believe their time on this earth is fully up. . . This earth can not be all there is.
Following the service, we had a fire-circle gathering in honor and memoriam of Trist. I can not believe Monday will mark a year since his passing from this earth. It feels surreal, as it pretty much has the entire year.
I hope to remember forever the feeling and sight of tonights gathering. A fire burning, Jaron's cloud of rich, healing, cleansing Sage surrounding him and drifting over to help ease the rest of us. . . Grant and Kim beside each other (those two have a sphere about them together that never ceases to provide courage for me). . . Jennica strong and beautiful, she always seems to soak things of Tristan up in such an eloquent, powerful, and deep way. . . and Alizah and Brad supporting each other in ways I imagine only newly-weds can. I have no idea how many people there were, but the amount of people around the fire spread us in such a large circle that I could barely feel any heat coming from the playful flames. . . Those flames. . . They almost seemed to kick up and throw dancing ashes, as if to as "A-HO" to each word honoring our Tristan.
I hope to remember this vision, our arms linked, heads bowed towards the flames in honor and prayer, and then arched up, faces to the open sky, where lightning did not cease to flicker the entire night.
IN LAK'ECH ! A LAK'EN!
and just like when we laid his body in the ground, a voice repeats. . .
Following the service, we had a fire-circle gathering in honor and memoriam of Trist. I can not believe Monday will mark a year since his passing from this earth. It feels surreal, as it pretty much has the entire year.
I hope to remember forever the feeling and sight of tonights gathering. A fire burning, Jaron's cloud of rich, healing, cleansing Sage surrounding him and drifting over to help ease the rest of us. . . Grant and Kim beside each other (those two have a sphere about them together that never ceases to provide courage for me). . . Jennica strong and beautiful, she always seems to soak things of Tristan up in such an eloquent, powerful, and deep way. . . and Alizah and Brad supporting each other in ways I imagine only newly-weds can. I have no idea how many people there were, but the amount of people around the fire spread us in such a large circle that I could barely feel any heat coming from the playful flames. . . Those flames. . . They almost seemed to kick up and throw dancing ashes, as if to as "A-HO" to each word honoring our Tristan.
I hope to remember this vision, our arms linked, heads bowed towards the flames in honor and prayer, and then arched up, faces to the open sky, where lightning did not cease to flicker the entire night.
IN LAK'ECH ! A LAK'EN!
and just like when we laid his body in the ground, a voice repeats. . .
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
it begins. . .
After probably a year of thinking about wanting to someday start a blog, I have finally actually taken action and started mine (thanks to the inspiration from Nicole Hill today).
I assume it will be filled with extremely random logs and experiences of my day-to-day life.
For tonight, I feel overwhelmed with a sleepy head, and a heavy heart, and I should really be getting into bed rather than typing out the billions of words, thoughts and feelings that have been screaming inside of me the last few days.
So, goodnight, new blogging world.
I assume it will be filled with extremely random logs and experiences of my day-to-day life.
For tonight, I feel overwhelmed with a sleepy head, and a heavy heart, and I should really be getting into bed rather than typing out the billions of words, thoughts and feelings that have been screaming inside of me the last few days.
So, goodnight, new blogging world.
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