The Memory of an Elephant

Have you ever forgotten something very important? During those hectic "out- the-door moments", we tend to forget things, like keys, planners, cell phones, and the like. These issues can be easily remedied by strategic planning/placement of items in the future.

What happens when you forget important events that only come once in a lifetime, a wedding (ideally), birth of a child, first steps, meeting a significant person in your life? As we get older, our memories seem to cloud up. Photographs and journal entries are nice stimuli to spark that memory, but sometimes even those trigger a response.

In today's society we are bombarded with information at all hours of the day (how did we survive without cable television/CNN/internet!?!?). How can our brains filter the information effectively to keep the "good stuff" or the pertinent information and let the other information get recycled (environmentally friendly thought)?

It frustrates me that I can vividly recall insignificant events like the infamous "Bronco chase", yet, recalling specific events from a trip to my family's homeland seems to be a clouded memory. (They occurred within 5 years of each other).

The LOSS of innocence

MTV has (or had) "Skins,"16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom". Noticing a theme?? Not only are we "glamorizing" sexuality at an early age on television, I hear songs like Britney's little ditty "If U Seek Amy.." (seriously??) amongst countless others that have sexual undertones.Yesterday, I heard a Rhianna song on the airwaves titled "S &M" with lyrics such as: (and your kids are probably singing along!)

"Cause I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it Sticks and stones may break my bones But chains and whips excite me"

WOW... glad I have a young adult child and not a tween in days like this. Messages through media (what I have mentioned is just a sample) are stripping the innocence of childhood. I know there are others out there with books like Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein that are debunking the princess culture of young girls. Boys are getting the message that girls are collateral, yuck!(my interpretation)

Our government is endorsing NASCAR yet de-funding public television (well, there IS that Katy Perry wardrobe fiasco ;) ) & public radio programs. Where are our priorities?

Parents of the US, please be in touch with your kids viewing/listening habits. I know that having discussions about issues can be taxing, uncomfortable & time-consuming. Raising your kids in a socially appropriate culture is worth the hassle, no?

Intelligence

After hearing this conversation on Speaking of Faith on "The Meaning of Intelligence", I thought of how much "manual" labor in our society is discredited. Yet, without those willing to to such labor, how ever will the extravagant buildings and bustling roadways ever be complete? However insignificant these tasks seem, they are necessary for progress.

On one of the recent blistering summer days, I surprised my postal carrier for her duty by leaving her an icy bottle of water. Acknowledging her work during that time made her feel valued.

Having "intellectual" conversations with people can be quite enlightening, keeping my brain synapses in constant motion. Yet, there are opportunities to discuss the mechanics of a task that sometimes seem more favorable.

Makes TOTAL sense

Quote from Andy Warhol:

"They always say that time changes things but you actually have to change them yourself".


I've noticed the truth of this statement in my most recent transition of my son leaving for college. The house is empty of his daily presence and my daily routine no longer involves juggling the car keys back & forth. I miss some of the hecticness that kept me grounded, yet I find the calm left behind almost pleasant. Investigating new opportunties encourages me to change my routine, because if I leave it as is, I will be running in place, going nowhere.

Simplicity...

Photograph by Alan Ross

Black and white photography captivates me. Light and shadow creates a unique dimension that we rarely see with our eyes. The process of catching this balance has been a challenge in my photographs. Ansel Adams was a pioneer in this art and several have followed. I thank them for the talent they posses and give me goals!

Certainly not like Monet!

A trip to the Art Museum makes me feel inspired to be creative. Perusing through the expansive galleries is a trip through history. When ancient people had nothing more than the tools they created with their bare hands, the meticulous handiwork astounds me.

Today we are provided with gadgets and instructions how to recreate masterpieces... why not establish your own!?

I attempt to free my mind of life's distractions prior to making a trip to the museum in order to fully appreciate the talents of those who toiled (or perhaps not) hours, months, years to create the works that grace the walls of our local (and FREE) cultural venue.

Occasionally I feel a bit intimidated looking at these pieces, frustrated at my limitations in the realm of art. The "mind's eye" is complex going from concept to the process of delivery. Photography is the most satisfying as it is the most direct route.


Perhaps when freeing up my art/creativity space, I shall surround myself with...

artful inspiration!

Love your local...

I adore mom & pop shops! With commercialism at its peak in this decade, the independent merchant is struggling to survive (if they haven't already succumbed to pressure) against the "big guys". You are certain to see me perusing the aisles of those stores for the necessities weekly. When looking for a special occasion gift, a hard to find culinary item or unique book, I am more than likely popping into an IR!

Here is a local bookseller (Subterranean Books) that is a refuge for me!






When looking for unique cooking ingredients, I am apt to head to Global Foods and end with a full cart of culinary delights!


Plowsharing Crafts is another gem in our town! All sorts of cool items from all over the world. Like a museum that is hands on (mostly). Earlier this week I saw crucifixes made from empty bullet shells from Liberia. The artist wanted to create peace after the awful devastation that struck that country... I seriously got chills holding it in my hand & reading the card.
On a lighter note... the "singing bowls" are Gabe's go-to item. (I think if we bought one he would never use it).



I could seriously have a whole blog (hmmm??) dedicated to the local merchants that I support or know people directly affiliated with them. Should you ever be so inclined to visit such an establishment in "the 'Lou"... my suggestion is YES! We will all be better off because you did!