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Standing Vigil: Looking Back At Hunter

Hunter: The Vigil

Hey, holy shitbird, look at that. Hunter: The Vigil is up for some ENnies this year, which tickles my nuts, for reals.

Birthing Hunter into this world — the womb stretched to accommodate gun sights, angry metal bees, the fires of Hell, and dentistry tools — was never painful. Sure, it was a hell-basket’s worth of work, but that work constituted a major labor of love for me. And part of the reason it was never painful was the team involved with the product line (see below).

I’d always wanted to attack a re-do of the hunter game idea, to take what was put forth in Reckoning (a game I love, all you haters) and give it a new spin. When given the chance to do so with a big fat proposal put forth by Justin Achilli and Rich Thomas, I was hecka-hungry to get my teeth around it.

Plus, it had a weird synchronicty that my father was a hunter (er, of deer and groundhog and other mammal, not so much the “vampire” and “zombie” — though, with him, you never know), and the fact that I got to do a book that was ostensibly about hunting the biggest, baddest prey of all was exciting.

I remember telling him about it (I’d gotten the developer’s gig that summer).

“You’re doing a book about hunting?” he asked.

“Well, not exactly,” I said. “It’s a book about hunting monsters.”

“Still a book about hunting,” he said, as if that was that. He seemed excited, and wanted to see it.

Of course, Dad went and died in December, so he never got to see the book, but hopefully he’s out there in his Happy Hunting Ground, blowing the guts out of groundhogs and maybe flipping through a copy of Hunter: The Vigil between gunshots.

That was the hardest part about getting the book over the finish line, which is really why I need to sit and thank everybody involved with that corebook, because without the backbone of writers and other participants, I might’ve Gone Moonbat.

Thanks to Russell Bailey, awesome dude and Gen-Con roomslice; my novel-writin’ buddy Aaron Dembski-Bowden; Rockin’ Rick Chillot; Alex Greene; the Rose-Bride, Jess Hartley; my Ideal Reader Marty Henley; the Man-with-the-Memory-Sticks, Wood Ingham; Malevolent Mike Lee; Black Hat Matt McFarland; Travis “Goddamn Bees” Stout; and Stew, er, Steve Wilson, American Football Astronaut Hero. Also thanks to Rich Thomas, Justin Achilli, Ethan Skemp, and Mike Chaney.

And for all you kids who helped rock the rest of the Hunter line — Malcolm Sheppard, John Newman, Stephen Di Pesa, David Hill, Filamena Young, Eddy Webb, Jason Bolte, and anybody else I’m accidentally missing because I have a brain like a goddamn sieve — thanks, thanks, a million times, thanks.

Thanks to the playtesters.

Thanks to the fans.

Big ups to God and the Baby Jesus, and since I like to hedge my bets, a fat sack of thanks to the Devil, with whom I could not have persevered.

The ENnie Noms I’d like to call out that are Hunter-related:

  • Hunter: The Vigil (Best Rules, Best Supplement, Product of the Motherfuckin’ Year)
  • Hunter: Horror Recognition Guide (Best Writing, Best Aid or Accessory)
  • Hunter: Deadly Prey (Best Regalia)
  • Collection of Horrors: Razorkids (Best Electronic Book)
  • Hunter Quickstart: The Hunt (Best Free Product)

  • Well done, sir. It’s a killer selection of books that you put together, and they’re all rightfully nominated. You did great work.

    At first, I was jealous that you got to create a World of Darkness or Storytelling game — which I’d wanted to do for ten years, and never got to do myself — but the truth is that I’m just jealous you did such great work on it. You all made something special and should all be proud. Here’s to you and yours.

  • Everything is seconded.

    Hunter’s a great piece of work.

    I can say that it far exceeded my expectations. As I think I told you, I wasn’t a big fan of Reckoning, and I couldn’t really see why Vigil would be worth more than just a supplement to WoD. My other big concern was that it wouldn’t give me new ideas for how to use the same old monsters.

    Those were all dispelled. It’s a wonderful game line all around, and I’m proud to have been able to contribute to it.

    • It’s more tempting to. I’m actively thinking about it. Still not sure on logistics, though. Don’t really feel great about paying for a flight, which means a long-ass drive, which means a long-ass drive to a place where I don’t have… well, a roof over my head, yet.

      So, the idea is growing. But not into a huge thing yet.

    • Thank you, sir. I’m sure you crazy writerheads had your fair share of frustration with me, but hopefully it all came out right in the end.

      With nominations on the table, I guess maybe it did.

  • You should consider splitting a room with Jess Hartley.

    Shame you missed the Southwest deal last week. Mena and I just got plane tickets for 60$ each.

    And yes, you were a pleasure to work for. You taught me a lot with very few words. Although it wasn’t Hunter. Go figure.

    • From what I hear, no rooms are available. It’s no big thing — I’d love to go, but won’t cry if I miss it.

      I’m glad you thought I was a pleasure to work for, though I’d certainly believe that I was not a pleasure. 🙂

      I do aim to teach people a little bit when developing — not as if my words are mighty or coming from on-high, but more that my words are coming from similar space, from a place where I’ve done things that were corrected by wiser people, so I’m just passing their wisdom down.

Speak Your Mind, Word-Nerds


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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Finally, some new Gale news. Unfortunately, it comes with old pics

The latest Desperate Housewives news from eonline's Watch with Kristin:

Susan Definitely Has a New Man, (Sorry Mike!) Regarding Gale Harold (Vanished, Queer as Folk), who plays Susan's (Teri Hatcher) new man, executive producer Bob Daily says, "He just shot his first scene today and Marc [Cherry] said it went great." Said Wind, "And it wasn't an easy scene to start with...it involved a little skin."

I'm gonna go completely gratuitous with some Gale skin. It's from the 12/2003 issue of Vanity Fair.

Scruffy Gale dressed in all black is always worth repeating.

And he looks pretty good in white as well.

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gonna catch a big one...

So... a number of media outlets are reporting that a guest pastor at Sarah Palin's church got his start in witch hunting in Africa.

Maybe this wouldn't be a big deal if he hadn't laid hands on her and prayed for her political career in 2005.

Unfortunately, these things don't only happen at Landover Baptist Church. It's a very real problem in several countries in Africa, including the D.R. Congo, where children are routinely accused of being sorcercers and thrown out of their homes. Earlier this year in Kenya, eleven people were burned to death after a mob witch hunt. Pastors who take the view that there's a need for spiritual warfare against actual demons and evil spirits (and the charismatic and pentecostal movements of which they're a part) have an easy time finding followers in most African societies. Most traditional religious practices in Africa involve a belief in an active spirit world. Syncretizing the teachings of certain branches of Christianity into those traditional beliefs is easy, and it happens all the time.

Now. I happen to think that since the Constitution forbids a religious test for holding public office in this country means that we should largely leave our candidates alone when it comes to their personal religoius beliefs. We should be concerned that we're electing people of wise judgment and good character, but the specifics of their belief are not supposed to be the center of the debate.

I'm also not 100% sure that "witch hunting" accurately describes what Pastor Muthee was actually up to, although he certainly was engaged in what he calls "spiritual warfare" in a specific territory. Check out this 1999 Christian Science Monitor article for a less sensationalized account of his activities in Nairobi.

But these views are at least as out of the mainstream - if not more so - than anything Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright ever said. Can you imagine the firestorm that would be out there if this had been a leader in Biden's church?

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So I have been developing websites on the side a bit and thought I would start an official website for the web and marketing creative side of me so people could go to a professional site vs. a personal site with a tab called cre8ivpath (creative path).

That said…I am building the site now and will be going live with it in the near future.  Have a few leads on some more web fun to be had in the coming months and years and am excited about the technology and creativity I can play with in this vein of my life.

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welcome to my blog, here you can find out what I am thinking and who is influencing those thoughts…join me


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Superhero Party for Spiderman Fan

Spider- Man’s super-strength and agility were showcased in a Superhero style at Matthew’s gymnastic birthday celebration.  Super-hero friends and family were invited to celebrate a very special fifth birthday.
spiderman invitation

A giant party themed banner proclaimed the birthday wish “Happy 5th Birthday, Matthew.”
spiderman banner 2

Spiderman balloons decorated the gym and added to the festive atmosphere!

The birthday boy wore his favorite Spiderman t-shirt.
birthday boy

Personalized water bottle labels in blue and red were patterned after the party banner.
spiderman water labels 2

Tables were decorated with party ware in keeping with the theme!
spiderman table

Party cupcakes featured Spider-Man webs, as well as the face of the masked crime-fighter!
spiderman cupcakes 2

In addition to the variety of gymnastic equipment available for play, a face painter created some amazing artwork on the children’s faces.
face painting

Candy bar favors were a sweet treat for the party guests and the wrappers were personalized on the front and back.
spiderman candy wrappers 2

It was a fabulous day of super-hero fun for Matthew! CREDITS Party Printables: That Party Chick

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Colossians 4

Masters, give your servants what is right and equal, conscious that you have a Master in heaven.

Give yourselves to prayer at all times, keeping watch with praise;

And making prayer for us, that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains;

So that I may make it clear, as it is right for me to do.

Be wise in your behaviour to those who are outside, making good use of the time.

Let your talk be with grace, mixed with salt, so that you may be able to give an answer to everyone.

Tychicus will give you news of all my business: he is a dear brother and true servant and helper in the word;

And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may have news of how we are, and so that he may give your hearts comfort;

And with him I have sent Onesimus, the true and well-loved brother, who is one of you. They will give you word of everything which is taking place here.

Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him),

And Jesus, whose other name is Justus; these are of the circumcision: they are my only brother-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love, ever taking thought for you in his prayers, that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God.

For I give witness of him that he has undergone much trouble for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

Luke, our well-loved medical friend, and Demas, send you their love.

Give my love to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nymphas and the church in their house.

And when this letter has been made public among you, let the same be done in the church of Laodicea; and see that you have the letter from Laodicea.

Say to Archippus, See that you do the work which the Lord has given you to do.

I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be with you.

Books Of The Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1st and 2nd Samuel 1st and 2nd Kings 1st and 2nd Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song Of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Melachi

Books Of The New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1st Corinthians 2nd Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Phillippians Colossians 1st Thessalonians 2nd Thessalonians 1st Timothy 2nd Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1st Peter 2nd Peter 1st John 2nd John 3rd John Jude Revelation


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The Darkness of Power

Excepts from Vahn's Journal: Day 3

Day 3, East of Alaric

We awoke early to find the ship we had seen night before was gone. Following the tracks from the day before, we found an encampment of Kobolds; they did not last long against our steel. The markings on the shore lead us to believe the ship was to recieve some sort of cargo. We continued to follow the tracks southeast of the camp, finally coming to a cave deep within the forrest. Direwolves and undead fell before our advance.

The cave, it seems, is a hidden entrance to some sort of temple or ruins. Within them, we found devotees to the Farcy Empire—perpetrators of crimes against my kind. My new friends fought bravely and our foes were dispatched in due haste. Farcy sends tribute, but to whom?

These companions of mine fight for just causes. I want to trust them.

Excepts from Vahn's Journal: Day 2

Day 2, Alaric

I arrived at Alaric, the first village below Duskwatch. It wasn’t long before trouble found me. A band of Kobolds attacked the village as I sat before my sigil. I fended them off with the help of three others: A Barbarian from the north by the name of Thoraxe; Yuriel, an earthen being, likely Genasi; and Faron, an Eladrin weilding arcane spells of restoration. After the battle, an illusion appeared before us, requesting our aid in defeating the Kobold’s leaders. I accepted as my code requires.

On the trail we were attacked by brigands, though they hastily met their demise. Well after nightfall we came upon a camp of Orcs, likely belonging to the same group as the Kobolds. We ambushed them and took their camp. Tonight, we sleep in their beds.

PS: Thoraxe has a history —-——. I should watch my step.

World Introduction

There are 4 major entities. The Anton State, The (Midea Federation of Cities), The Farcy Empire, and The Shava Empire Republic.There are also two smaller entities, the Eldarin Valley of Arda, and the Quan Protectorate.

About 100 Years Ago, the Farcy Empire began a campaign of expansion that conquered the ancient Lonstrac Empire, (Northern Farcy / Midea Federation). The expansion continued into Anton and Quan, but Farcy was eventually driven back by the Elfs and Eldarin of Shava & Arda. The Farcy conquered the Eldarin cities outside of Arda, but their army attacking Fort Vishnu was slaughtered by Shava. With Farcy in full retreat, Shava and Anton quickly retook the ground and freed all the land to the Dakan River. With supply lines streched too thin, the army’s allowed Farcy to keep Lonstrac.

Day 1 Geographical Introduction

Alaric is a small town directly east of Hariasa and south east of its volcanic mountain range. It is a days journey to the ocean directly west and a day and a half to Hariasa. Directly to the south west, is the Dellinger Lake. It is about a five day journey to the Fort Baldr, and the Midea border.

The north east part of Anton is sparsely populated and is mainly farms and wilderness. This area sees snowfall and large airships are generally used to ship crops and food to the major metropolis of Dellingr.

Excepts from Vahn's Journal: Day 0

Day 0, Road to Alaric

Today I recieved my ring, the mark of a Shade. Vilmoth tells me I am one of a handful left in the world. I have only met one since arriving at the Keep. I recited the Oath:

‘Til death we hunt the night—
‘Til death we protect the weak—
We, who were born of light;
We, who were delieved to dusk.
When darkness raises its impotent fist,
When darkness reaches to strangle the land,
We will be waiting, Shades in the Shadow;
We will be waiting to strike.

After the ceremony I was brought my horse. Tonight I’ll sleep under the stars.

Excepts from Vahn's Journal: Day -1

Day -1, Duskwatch

Tomorrow I set out into the world. All I have accomplished over my years at Shar’toril, all I have been taught has lead to these momments. Vilmoth tells me the first weeks are the toughest; A trial by fire. He says I will have to earn my way. I am prepared. The Stygian Brotherhood has given me the tools. I hope I am not a disappointment.

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Wednesday, 20 February 2013

What I'm Excited to See | The Mortal Instruments

I used to read a teen magazine called Sugar a few years ago called Sugar (which closed in 2011 and became, which I think is now part of Cosmopolitan?).
Anyway, they had a small book section every month and this is where I first discovered The Mortal Instruments. It definitely sounded like my kind of book so I gave it a read and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Sometime last year that I went online to find out when the next book was being released. Not only did I find that out, but also that there was going to be two more books in the Mortal Instruments series, a sequel series set five years in the future featuring both new and old characters, a set of prequels (The Infernal Devices) the first of which I have already read and finally a film!!!

Mind officially blown!! A film! I couldn’t believe it. This is what I wanted, one of my favourite books to be made into a film. Now months later I’ve just watched the trailer and I'm even more excited then I was before.
The film is based on the first book in the Mortal Instruments series (City of Bones) which tells the story of fifteen-year-old Clary Fray, who discovers she is a Shadowhunter after witnessing a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons.
Not everyone's type of book but it definitely is a favourite of mine.

The film is scheduled for release on 23rd August 2013, so I’m going to re-read the first 3 books and try to read the fourth before it’s released.

Are you excited to see this?

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DIET PLAN: Lose 10 kg in Just 10 Days With These 4 Simple Ingredients

We all love food, right? Many people around the world, even young people, are gaining weight much faster than before. Even the small children are sometimes fat or overweight. There are some rare and severe cases, in which some children are born clinically obese! In India, there are some districts where 40% of people are fat, and soon, half of the world’s population will become fat!

  • Being overweight can cause you many problems and difficulties, such as:
  • Overweight people have greater risk of many different health problems and diseases, such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac problems, ulcers, digestive disorders, gout, thyroid problems, etc.;
  • Overweight can cause you physical and psychological stress;

Did you know that more than 1/3 of the worlds population consumes 50% more food than they actually need, and over nutrition will soon pass half of the world’s population? Gaining weight – that’s easy right? But, you should know that it can be caused by many different reasons and factors. And the real problem is that we don’t notice the actual problem, until it’s too late. So, if you think that you are overweight, then it’s time to make some lifestyle changes and start with a healthy diet plan. Ladies and gentlemen, it may sound “weird” when we tell you that you can lose 10 kg in just 10 days! But, it is actually possible, if you make a practical approach to it.

You’ll need the following ingredients

  1. Apples are loaded with fiber and act as a natural fat blocker.
  2. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, which will help you reduce the accumulation of fat and free radicals in the body.
  3. Oatmeal will help you feel fuller for a long time and it will help you control your appetite.

  • 2 Apples- 230 calories
  • 6 eggs– 450 calories
  • Green tea- 0 calories
  • Oatmeal 1 cup- 160 calories
  • Carrot + Cucumber- 60 calories
  • Total- 900 calories

You need to follow this DIET PLAN for the next 10 days:

  • 3 boiled Eggs
  • 1 cup of green tea

  • 3 boiled eggs
  • 1 apple
  • 1 cup of green tea

  • 1 apple
  • 1 cup of green tea
  • In between the meal you can have carrots, cucumbers or sprouts

  • 1 bowl of oatmeal (add fruits, nuts and flaxseed in it for better results)

  • 1 Cup of green tea just 1 hour before the bedtime

NOTE: exercise every day (at least 15 minutes) or walk for 30 minutes.


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Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Donald Graham’s Copyright Infringement Suit against Richard Prince Allowed to Go Forward

People interested in the U.S. fair use doctrine owe appropriation artist Richard Prince gratitude for providing several interesting fair use cases to monitor and comment about.

Prince has been the defendant in several high profile cases in the Second Circuit (see here and here). He famously won the Second Circuit Cariou v. Prince case (see here), where the Court of Appeals found that Prince’s use of Patrick Cariou’s photographs to create his thirty paintings and collages featured in his Canal Zone exhibition was fair use, as it was transformative.

Photographer Donald Graham filed a copyright infringement suit against Prince in 2016 (see here and here), claiming that Prince’s use without permission of Graham’s Rastafarian Smoking a Joint photograph, to create an Untitled (Portrait) featured in Prince’s New Portraits exhibition, was copyright infringement. Prince claims it is fair use.

On July 18, U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein from the Southern District of New York allowed the case to go forward, as, while granting Prince’s request to dismiss Graham’s demand for punitive damages, he denied Prince’s motion to dismiss the case. The case is Graham v. Prince, 1:15-cv-10160.

Judge Stein noted that, because the fair use defense is fact-related, discovery will be necessary to conduct the fair use inquiry. Therefore, the case cannot be dismissed and will have to go forward. Judge Stein quoted the Second Circuit in Cariou v. Prince, which stated that finding whether a particular use is fair or not requires “an open-ended and context-sensitive inquiry.”
Is this a dead end?
Prince used Graham’s work almost in its entirety, when he printed and exhibited the original work as originally cropped and posted on Instagram, without Graham’s permission, by another Instagram user, then reposted by yet another user and finally reposted by Prince on his own Instagram account. Prince added the nonsensical comment “ReCanal Zinian da lam jam,” followed by an emoji. Is this add-on enough to make Prince’s work transformative enough to be found fair use?

Prince argued that the use was transformative as it added new messages such as “a commentary on the power of social media to broadly disseminate others’ work,” an endorsement of social media’s ability to “generate[ ] discussion of art,” or a “condemnation of the vanity of social media.”

Judge Stein was not convinced, finding “evident” that Prince’s work is not “so aesthetically different” from the original work and thus not transformative enough. Untitled (Portrait) does not manifest “an entirely different aesthetic” from the original work, as required under Cariou. Unlike the works featured in the Canal Zone exhibition, Untitled (Portrait) does not render the original work, according to Judge Stein, “barely recognizable” as Princes works did in Cariou.  Instead,

“[t]he primary image in both works is the photograph itself… Untitled simply reproduces the entirety of Graham’s photograph – with some de minimis cropping – in the frame of an Instagram post, along with a cryptic comment written by PrinceThere is no question that, notwithstanding Prince’s additions, Graham’s unobstructed and unaltered photograph is the dominant image in Untitled.”

Judge Stein concluded that “[b]ecause Prince’s Untitled is not transformative as a matter of law, the Court cannot determine on a motion to dismiss that a “reasonable viewer” would conclude that Prince’s alterations imbued the original work “with new expression, meaning, or message,” quoting the U.S. Supreme Court Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music 1994 case.

“Given Prince’s use of essentially the entirety of Graham’s photograph, defendants will not be able to establish that Untitled is a transformative work without substantial evidentiary support.  This evidence may include art criticism, such as the articles accompanying defendants’ briefing, which the Court may not consider in the context of this motion.”

Judge Stein called Cariou v. Prince a “prequel to this action.” However, his fair use analysis does not bode well for Prince, who may this time be found to have appropriated a bit too much. To be continued…

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Organic Farming on See Off Mountain

Although there is a perfectly fabulous vegetable stand called Whistle Stop about a mile and a half from our house, I decided I wanted to put a sunny corner of our yard to good use and try a vegetable garden. Early in spring I planted seeds indoors, and watched for what seemed like ages as they grew to be 2 or 3 inches tall. Some took off fast and quickly fizzled out. Others, like the miscellaneous peppers, were slow and steady.

By late April and May, the survivors were in the ground and clinging on to the soil despite the heavy rains that sometimes move through the area. I frequently use water from the stream bordering our property to water the plants to minimize using the hose, and summer's afternoon rain showers are helping me out as well.

I am happy to say, that the garden is in full force right now. Currently, we have an abundance of fresh arugula, which is fabulous. The tomatoes look like they are trying to take over the universe, and are just starting to flower.

We have one cucumber/ squash like plant that was growing so determinedly from our compost, I decided to give it a try. This mystery plant is now growing like mad and flowering as well. It looks like in a few weeks, we will be having daily gazpacho parties. Yum!

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

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Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Tangled - TheAnimationEmpire movie review

UPDATE: We added a few links to our Princess and the Frog review, we explain #4 a little more (we received an interesting comment on this post that you should check out), and we added point #10 about how great of a roller coaster the film is, which starts out positive. =^)

Originally posted 12/5/10.

I think this review will be a work in progress because of the magnitude of what the film represents (as far as Disney's latest attempt at a fairy tale)...

So we saw Tangled, and it brings up a multitude of emotions. Here are our basic thoughts...

1. It's a step in the right direction from A Princess and a Frog. Honestly, I had to fast-forward about 40% of Princess and a Frog for my 5 and unders (demons? and voo-doo? really?). (Plus the P&F characters were interesting, but they were all thrown together randomly as they wandered around, and it was really a frog movie - about 80% of it was them as frogs, and if you're going to do a frog movie, you should do it in 3D and really get us in the world of frogs better.) Read our Princess and the Frog review here. So Tangled is a step in the right direction. I think Tarzan was Disney's last great fairy tale (although Princess and a Frog was "good") and the last one to be so successful. Tangled isn't as good as Tarzan, but it probably fairs better than Hercules, Hunchback, and Pocahontas for me, which means Disney finally got back to making fairy tales the right way again.

2. It's doing well in the box office. More on that later, but the film is probably doing better than any Disney animated film since Tarzan (which isn't saying a ton, but still, it's something).

3. There's only one good number in it. By "number" I mean the combination of music, how memorable it is, and then the fun of what's happening during the song. And that's the tavern song (The Snugly Duckling song about dreams). Compare that to Little Mermaid (3 songs), Beauty and the Beast (4 songs), Aladdin (4 songs), and Lion King (4 songs). You do have to give them points for "Mother Knows Best" in Tangled, but it was hardly as memorable or likable as the Snugly Duckling song or the greats of those other Disney films (such as the Beauty and the Beast tavern song about Gaston or even Scar's song in Lion King; "Mother Knows Best" felt a little too like "let's do this classic song idea bit" rather than anything innovative).

4. Why is this an animation? You've got to ask yourself this. Why isn't this a live-action film? Every animation needs to answer this question. My wife said, "Because kids like those films better." Well that's not a reason to spend 3 times the money on it (and many more years) in order to animate it. But basically that's a rhetorical question that you need to ask during animation development. And I got the hint that they never asked it. That's the premise behind every Pixar film. They say, "What can we do with 3D animation that's hard or impossible in real life? Toys. Bugs. Monsters. Talking fish. Super heroes. Robots. Rats. Talking cars." Take a look at Cinderella (talking mice, Fairy Godmother, Lucifer, and various animals), Little Mermaid (mermaid, sebastian, flounder, Skuttle, etc.), Aladdin (Genie, Abu, Iago, carpet ride, magic lamp), Lion King (everything), Beauty and the Beast (Beast and when working on the film, they/Ashman asked that question, and that's how they came up with the enchanted household items/servants), Hunchback (castle top scenes and the gargoyles that come alive), and Tarzan (talking apes and elephant and some tree surfing effects). And then you have Tangled (magic and long hair effects, and a chameleon and horse with personalities). So in that sense, Tangled doesn't really have much of a reason to be an animation. This was also a problem in Pocahontas (talking tree, and a raccoon, a pug dog, and a hummingbird with personalities). For example, let's compare Timon, Lumiere, Dopey (who didn't talk), Genie, Flounder, Pascal from Tangled, and Mushu from Milan. Who is the most memorable as a character? The ones who talked. I'm not saying talking animals is the answer (Genie, Lumiere, Dopey, and Mushu weren't animals, and Dopey didn't talk), but they all were stronger characters who could express themselves (mostly through voice). Tangled didn't sell us its comedy sidekicks as well as past Disney films did (Tangled had great characters, but they won't be compared to those I listed above).

5. What actually happens? I can't help but leave the film thinking... yes, they filled the time with an interesting ongoing chase and interesting characters. But what actually happened? She was in a tower, left, fell in love, and went back. Hmmm. I really didn't seem to enjoy or get immersed in any one place or any one experience (except briefly in the Snugly Duckling tavern). It was just one ongoing sequence of chasing and backstabbery. That kept me interested, but it doesn't make me want to watch it again or tell my friends.

6. Great characters, but maybe they weren't used as well as they could have been. Despite my misgivings of the film, I loved the characters in Tangled. Rapunzel was darling and charming (even Mandy Moore's light lisp gave her personality), Lady Gothel was a wonderfully wicked villain who used the power of her scheming mind, Flynn was a fantastic hero, Pascal the Chameleon was hilarious and fun, and Maximus the horse was also a fantastic and fun character that made a nice twist. However, I couldn't help but want to see Flynn more before he met Rapunzel, Maximus before he met Flynn, what Lady Gothel does for fun and when she's away from Rapunzel, and even what the almost nonexistent King and Queen do and what they're like. The only character that I felt acquainted with enough was Rapunzel herself. Everybody else made me want to see them more outside this sequence of chases and backstabbery. It seems that if the main purpose of changing the title of the film from "Rapunzel" to "Tangled" was to focus on Flynn and their relationship more, then, well, they kind of failed (except for the title change, of course), because this movie only told Rapunzel's story well enough. Which leads to...

7. Why change the name? Why call Rapunzel Tangled? It was clearly about Rapunzel. I felt like I barely knew Flynn, and it just made me want to see more of his past. Essentially they didn't show us a ton of Jasmine before she met Aladdin. But they showed us a few scenes to get us to like her and understand that she wants to run away. We didn't even get that with Flynn. All we got was the scene where he stole the crown. Sure, it was cool, but it wasn't enough. It certainly wasn't a reason to rename the fairy tale! So why did they? Answer: Because the lack of success from Princess and the Frog scared them. So they figured if you name the film after the princess then the film doesn't do well. WHAAAAT??? That's hogwash. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Cinderella. Sleeping Beauty. Little Mermaid. Pocahontas. Mulan. It's especially laughable because they purposefully butchered the Princess and the Frog name to begin with. It's The Frog Prince. That's the fairy tale. So just don't go out of your way to change the name and the underlying story (and don't make a frog movie that heavily features demons). That's what they should have learned from Princess and a Frog. Anyway...

8. Narrations aren't all that fun. Unfortunately, the movie begins with the narration. Sure, it works okay, but with cuts to the past like that, they could have lengthened out the King and Queen's scene a little for us to get to know them (you know, have them talk and stuff). And it would have been good to get to know Lady Gothel a bit as well. (But I did think it was clever how Flynn said he was d*********** at the beginning and how that played out later in the story.) In other words, the movie should begin with character and personality and emotion, not a narration.

9. Tangled looks fantastic. This could be my first compliment that isn't back-handed. =^)    - No negatives here. They nailed the 3D style of Disney's 2D animated fairy tale humans better than anyone (Shrek, Tinker Bell movies, Pixar, anyone). Hair is notoriously hard in 3D animation, and they pretty much flaunt it through most of the film. So much so that I eventually forgot that I was even looking at 3D hair and was immersed in the film. And I couldn't help but look at things like the singing rats in the tavern and all the people in the kingdom and think, "Wow, they really just made and animated whatever they wanted, even if it was only briefly on the screen." I mean, Pixar made a whole movie about rats, and then Tangled makes a few great ones and just throws them away on a few quick jokes. It's impressive. Okay, so here's a backhanded compliment: I loved the lighting and environments, but the lighting didn't impress me the way seeing the light on the fish above water at the pier in Finding Nemo did. (But no other lighting has impressed me like that did, to be fair.)

10. It's a fun thrill ride. It's a roller coaster and an awesome ride. So I have another positive point to give it. I have to admit it, I have never seen a thriller made for children before (you could probably argue that The Incredibles had thriller elements, but even that was more of an action-adventure, which is a feat in itself). And I never would have believed that it would work to make a thriller for children and families. But Tangled did it. They pulled it off better than I could ever imagine. This movie is one long thrill ride, and it's fun and exciting. Sure, they try to slow it down at parts with some songs, humor, and romance, but the movie never slows down. Previously I argued that the thrill/chase element is the main weakness of the film, and in many ways it is, because we lose the songs, pacing, and oportunities to dig deeper in the characters (as well as opportunities to make more use of the animated art form). Ah, there's the backhand. :) - However, if you take the movie as it is, then you'll find the best thriller made for children and families that could ever exist. Double backhand -- Therein lies a problem and another reason why it probably didn't do as well as it could have. Parents aren't scrambling to get their children to watch thrillers. Personally, I don't mind for my children, but yeah, I admit that thriller isn't my genre of choice for children.

Here's how I'd rank it with the other Disney Fairy Tales for me (1989 and later)...

1. Aladdin
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. Lion King
4. Tarzan
5. Little Mermaid
6. Mulan
7. Tangled
8. Pocohontas
9. Hercules
10. Princess and the Frog
11. Hunchback of Notre Dame
12. Brother Bear

Besting Pocahontas is still a phenomenal feat, but Pocahontas also suffered from a poor answer to "why is this an animation?" Their answer was similar to Tangled... a magical tree and animals that play around. Using animation to give animals personality works, but it doesn't bring characters to life the way the talking mice in Cinderella do, Flounder and Sebastian, Mushu in Mulan, Lumiere and Cogsworth, Chip and Mrs. Potts, Iago and the Genie, Timon and Pumbaa, and others.

And because I'm a Disney nut, here is the list with Disney's older fairy tales. It's hard to decide what a fairy tale is, but I'm basically adding in Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Sword in the Stone, and Black Cauldron. Let me know if you think other films qualify as fairy tales.

So here's the list of my favorite Disney fairy tales (all time):

1. Aladdin
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. Cinderella
4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
5. Lion King
6. Tarzan
7. Little Mermaid
8. Peter Pan
9. Pinocchio
10. Mulan
11. Tangled
12. Sleeping Beauty
13. Pocohontas
14. Sword in the Stone
15. Black Cauldron
16. Hercules
17. Princess and the Frog
18. Hunchback of Notre Dame
19. Brother Bear

I know, comparing some of these films is like comparing apples to oranges, especially classics without as strong romantic angles, like Pinocchio and Peter Pan. Plus, if you were going to eliminate the ones that were written as "novels" more recently, you'd eliminate Tarzan, Peter Pan (play), Pinocchio, Sword in the Stone, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Black Cauldron. And then, on those grounds, you'd have to eliminate Lion King because it's basically an original tale based on Hamlet, Pocahontas because it's a true story, and Princess and the Frog because it was inspired by the 2002 novel The Frog Princess. So it gets a little fuzzy. =^)

Read our Princess and the Frog review here.

I hope you watch Tangled if you haven't, and then tell us what you think of it! (And how our review stacks up.)

- The Emperor

  1. Tangled could have been a disaster. Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard really pushed for something different by attempting to modernize a classic tale for contemporary audiences while combining the classic storylines and imagery of Disney’s illustrious past. All of that experimentation can unbalance a film by leaning too heavily on one side or the other, but Tangled does a remarkable job at harmonizing the past and present. Gorgeous CG, an involving and up-tempo score, and some of the best sidekicks seen on screen propel this take on the character of Rapunzel. There is a sense of contemporary fun throughout the film, and yet the heart remains where it should; right in the middle

  2. Please watch "Waking Sleeping Beauty" and you will completely change your mind about the way you view all of these movies.

    Tangled was a wonderful, remarkable feat that brought viewers back to the days of Ariel, Belle and Aladdin. its the first of its kind in 15 yrs. it is a once in a lifetime movie that will be admired and cherished, and you should get on board.

    The only reason they changed the name from Rapunzel to Tangled was to make it "OK" for little boys to see this movie. As proven with Princess Frog, (which had disappointing box office numbers) wasn't because it was a bad movie, (p.s. many disney movies have weird scary elements on par with voodoo: snow white, sleeping beauty, mermaid, lion king etc..) it was because the title was unintentionally geared to girls. Today you couldn't convince a boy over 8 to see a princess movie. when in the past you could, because lets face it. there wasn't much at all for kids movies.

    So they kept the original Rapunzel princess story and changed the name.
    (Quick note, I believe not having the animals talk, is a very strong choice, so much can be said without words. Maximus had by far one of the strongest personalities in the movie and he never said a word.
    Also, Keeping the King and Queen silent as well gives them a wonderful regal sense that cannot be touched - thats how royal they are. They didn't need words, their presence just said so much.)

    Also, Pixar chooses to tell tales about Toys, bugs, monsters, fish etc because thats what looked best with the technology they had. 3D animation was really rough 15+ years ago when Toy Story came out. Think about it. what can you make look real in 3D? Toys.. toys are plastic with moving parts, bugs -very similiar, no one can say yes or no to what Monsters look like, cars, weird superheroes, the list goes on.
    They chose what they could animate first, story second. now that they have awesome technology they can choose story first if they want, hence "Up"

    As for you wanting more out of the characters, look at your favorite- Aladdin, everyone wants to know more about his past life, everyone wants to know who Genies past masters were, how Jasmine lost her mom, when Jafar became so evil. They only have an hour and 45 minutes, your expectations of Tangled are much too high. They stuck to the 89-95 'Menken' formula and expanded it for the new audience, I'm so surprised you don't recognize that.

    All in all Im very disappointed in your review. the best part was the 'dowload movies for free' comment. He hit the nail on the head. And for being an 'animation blog' I can't believe you don't see it the same way.

  3. Anony,

    I don't know. I think I gave it a pretty good ranking. I could probably add in there one more thing that I like about it (how they manage to keep you at the edge of your seat).

    As far as your comments go, you didn't read this review. Go read it again.

    Waking Sleeping Beauty - Saw it, loved it, recommend it for everyone!

    Tangled was good. So was Princess and the Frog in its way. But yeah, they missed the boat. It could have been much, much better, on the same level as Beauty and the Beast and the others of that time. The sales reflect my opinion.

    Changing the title makes no sense. I pointed to many Disney films with titles about the Princess/girl. And their reasoning was because Princess and the Frog didn't do well. First, they changed the Frog Prince title into that one. Second, Princess and the Frog didn't do well for MANY reasons, and none of them have to do with the title. Boys saw Pocahontas, Mulan, Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. That wasn't all that long ago (maybe if you're 8 years old).

    You think Ursula is on par with DEMONS??? Ha! Disney has done demons with Night at Bald Mountain (Fantasia), Sleeping Beauty, Black Cauldron, and now Princess and the Frog. They all didn't do well in the theaters. Villains are good; demons are something you shouldn't mess with. Not on par with Scar and Jafar. Not at all.

    You dodged the point that if you have no reason to make it animated, then why did you just spend over $100 million animating it? Up and The Incredibles answered that question. Tangled did not.

    I learned about Aladdin during the journey. The only person I learned about in Tangled was Rapunzel. I know it's only an hour and a half or so, but they filled it with a thriller and never dug out the characters. Look at Beauty and the Beast. In the opening number, they've already established Belle and move on. Then they establish Gaston in the bar song. None of that happens in Tangled. They dropped the ball.

    That's okay if I disappoint you. You're not reading the review anyway.

    - TAE

  4. This movie is an experience for the whole family. Disney at their best. My little cousins enjoyed this alot and they recommended to their entire class. Alot of work was put into that one.

  5. I really love when Rapunzel and Flynn sing the song I See the Light” because the scenery and the words go so well together. My wife was crying during this part which made me look at her and smile because she is so tender hearted and I love that about her. Even though this is the most expensive cartoon ever made in history I didn’t have to pay a thing for it because of my free Blockbuster membership I received with my new DISH Network employee account. I was surprised when they told me it was available to all new customers which has worked out well saving money on entertainment.

  6. I like it pickcock .pickcock sound very nice.Lovegra Online

  7. I wouldn't exactly call Tarzan a fairy tale.

  8. interesting! although I have no expert, but I want have to know more and more, on your blog just interesting and useful information.

  9. I still loved the film and believe it's a great addition to Disney's animated classics. Lastly, let me just add a big "Yeah!" to the film's final moments when Flynn, back in narrator mode, reveals that it was several years before he and Rapunzel got married. A much better message for children than the more usual we-saw-each-other-twice-before-tying-the-knot which seems almost de rigueur in so many fairy tales.

  10. I am so grateful to read this such wonderful post.

  11. Please watch "Waking Sleeping Beauty" and you will completely change your mind about the way you view all of these movies.

  12. Please watch "Waking Sleeping Beauty" and you will completely change your mind about the way you view all of these movies.

  13. It’s very great article. I would like to appreciate your work and would like to tell it to my friends.Thanks!

  14. You made some good points there. I looked on the internet to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
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Thursday, February 14, 2008

On Taking Action

Rebecca Z, in the comments to my post "It's Beginning to Happen," writes: "You're a great cheerleader about "change", don't get me wrong, but how are you going to act upon this need for change? What will you do to make a difference? And, writing about this stuff, while a great start, is not the answer I'm looking for. Feel free to point me in the direction of past blogs where you talk about action you may have taken, but it just seems like a lot of conversation."

It's a good question -- one that I'd like to address perhaps in a roundabout manner by talking about history.

In November 1930, a 29-year-old play reader with a minimal professional theatre experience began a series of weekly talks in which he passionately described his vision for an American theatre. At first, his audience was made up of a few friends and acquaintances – in fact, the talks took place in his own hotel room. But word soon spread of the excitement of his ideas, and soon he was speaking in a hall that seated 200. They all came to hear him describe an idea of the theatre that was idealistic, committed, and totally different than what then existed on Broadway. He would talk for hours at a time, shouting and waving his arms, and when the lecture was over, the conversation would continue through the night at coffee shops and restaurants. By May, through the power of his words alone, he had inspired enough people to believe in his vision that a new theatre was born. It was called the Group Theatre, and his name was Harold Clurman.

I refer to Clurman as much because of what he was not as what he was at the time he was talking the Group Theatre into existence: he was not a Broadway insider, he was not a seasoned professional. He was just a man with an academic knowledge of dramatic literature, a belief in certain values, and an intense desire to create something valuable and needed. While now we hail Clurman as a co-founder of arguably the most important theatre in American dramatic history, the fact is that for the first two years of the Group Theatre’s existence he did little more than talk. When the Group members retreated to Brookfield, Connecticut in the summer of 1931 to prepare their first production, Clurman contributed very little of a practical nature. He didn’t direct, that was Lee Strasberg’s job; he didn’t handle the finances, that was Cheryl Crawford’s job; he didn’t act, that was everybody else’s job. And yet, his role was crucial to the future success of this revolutionary theatre, because he was its spiritual leader. Every afternoon, Clurman would give lectures about what they were trying to do, why they were trying to do it, why the American theatre needed them to succeed. He imbued the assembled artists with the inner fire of a sense of purpose, and then he kept that fire burning. Why did they listen to him? It certainly wasn’t because of any worldly power or authority; it was because of intensity of his vision.

I'm no Harold Clurman, but I do see him as a role model. Sometimes what is needed is a vision that can inspire others. Marx didn't do anything to inspire the proletarian revolution beyond writing Das Capital, but his words, his analysis of the situation, his vision of the future inspired those who did. Similarly, I admire Clurman not only for what he said, but what he wrote. Over the course of his long career, he directed important productions all over the world, but he also took the time to write about his ideas, his reasons for doing theatre, his values, and his beliefs. The Collected Works of Harold Clurman runs over a thousand pages, and the editors of that volume note that those pages represent about a third of the total amount he wrote for newspapers and journals, and furthermore that anthology doesn't even include his full-length books Ibsen, All People Are Famous, The Fervent Years, and On Directing, books that have inspired generations of theatre artists and that represent many hundreds of additional pages. One might argue that Clurman's greatest impact on the American theatre has been through his writing more than through his productions, as important as Awake and Sing was.

Add to that the fact that Clurman also was a university professor, and you start to get a sense of the scope of his sense of responsibility. For him, it wasn’t enough to simply make art, it was important to put the underlying principles and observations into words that could be passed on to others. This reflected a deep sense of the future, a realization that while the work itself is written on water, the ideas could live on and serve as the inspirational foundation for future growth.

I think we all contribute to change through our particular areas of influence. I am an academic -- I am trying to educate a new generation of artists. So if I am going to walk my talk, as Rebecca seems to be asking, that means that I must begin teaching the values I am proposing, and addressing the skills that such values require to reach fruition.

But I also must write. This blog is the starting point for more formal writing on the same topics, but that is not why I maintain it. I blog because I have had evidence that there are people out there who are frustrated, who feel as if their talents are going unused, who feel as if they want to live a different life in the arts, and who need to hear that their frustrations are shared. They need to read ideas that question whether the status quo is necessary, or necessarily the best way. They need to hear that their desire to live their life outside of Nylachi, and to have financial stability, to have a house, to have a family, to be part of a community is not out of bounds. And they need someone who is trying, one step at a time, to figure out a new way of creating theatre that might fulfill those dreams.

Over the past week or two, I have begun the process of theorizing a different model. These posts can be found here, here, and here. The overall goal is developed here. It isn't easy -- it takes a lot of thought, research, and creativity. The hardest thing is to erase my innate preconceptions and try to think both historically (by uncovering past models that might be adapted to today's circumstances) and ahistorically (by beginning with first principles). In the coming weeks, I will continue this project and discuss, for instance, how one might choose a place to have a theatre, what underlying aesthetic principles might give it the best chance of being sustainable, what sort of space might be workable, what sort of approach to audience building might be effective. While I most likely won't be putting these ideas into a theatre of my own, I will be trying to think through the options and their ramifications, and with any luck I may create an advisory service that could help people willing to put the ideas into practice.

All of this may seem like mere conversation, but as Athol Fugard pointed out in Master Harold...and the boys, we have to first imagine a new reality before we can bring it into being. That's my contribution. That's the action I take.

GreyZelda Land said...

Thanks you, Scott.

GreyZelda Land said...

Or rather ... thank you.

Scott Walters said...

You're most welcome -- and thank you for the prompt. It may not quite be the answer you were looking for, but I guess it is the best I can give.

nick@ said...

Writing, theorizing, and proposing are all most definitely doing something. Please keep it up. But I want to hold you to your word.

"It is fairly easy to describe what one is against, but much more of a challenge to describe what one is for."

Scott Walters said...

Nick -- Wouldn't you say that the posts I linked to are describing what I am for?

nick@ said...

Yes, they describe mostly excellently what you are for.

You also threw in few side rants against regional theatre or such today.

Nice mix.

Danielle Wilson said...

Yes. Thanks.

I think it's important to remember that change is a process and it can be a long one. No one jumps into doing anything big without some plans... you don't buy a house without looking at at lot of houses and checking your financial situation first; you don't decide to change jobs without first having a job to change to; you don't decide to have a family and wake up with children the next morning.
The change in theater will be a lot of planning and a lot of providence and a lot of time.

Paul said...

Revolutions start with decades of discomfort, one ridiculous act, and decades of filtering through the aftermath.

We're not even at the 95 Theses stage yet, not really. We're just spitballing. That day is coming, it's building steam, and it will eventually explode.

The question is, does it explode through a simple act like Luther's discussion and we launch a new movement? Or does it explode like the Haymarket Riots and all this manic activity kills the message? Dunno, but worth remembering.


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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Soon Enough

Two such as you
With such a masterspeed
Cannot be parted nor be swept away
From one another once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore
Together wing to wing
Oar to oar.

-Robert Frost

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I know it's a little late, but I thought I would share some pictures from Easter. The girls had so much fun! The Easter bunny left them so outside toys, which they enjoyed in the wonderful sunshine. ******UPDATE*************

I just found this post from April, that apparently I never finished. There wasn't even any pictures downloaded to it. I don't know what happened. And of course, I'm at work when I notice it - so I only have one picture to add. But it's a cute one!

So, it looks like I need to add Easter to my list of updates I need to complete! More to come later!

New adventure around here...

I don't guess it's really new, I've been doing it for about 6 months now.
In November, I started selling Thirty-One. If you don't know what it is here's a picture:

And if you know me, you know I LOVE a bag!

So, on the side I've been having fun girl nights while selling bags & making a little extra money.

I'm loving it!

Putting on the armor...

Epehsians 6:11
Put on the full aromor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
It's amazing to me that only 3 days ago I started this whole venture of journaling what I'm finding in my quiet time and already I'm struggling. Hence the reason I started with the verse today instead of ending with it. Why is it when you set out to start new, better habits that will make you a better person, you start hearing all these excuses to not follow through with it. I swear if you were in my head last night you would have heard every excuse in the world not to open my Bible and get into the Word. And you know what, it was a pretty convincing argument.
You see, I am a list person. On a normal day, I will have no less than 3 lists going. And most of the time they are all written down. I have the work list, which I don't know if that counts or not, but one thing is for sure, it wears me out! Then there's the list of stuff I do every night, ie: dinner, baths, homework, lunches, and the list continues. Then there's the list of projects I want to do around the house. Then there's the list...oh you get the point, I have a lot of lists.
But for some reason, when I add quiet time to my life, I come up with every excuse in the book to not do it. I'm tired, I've done a lot already tonight, the girls need to get to bed, I need to catch up on my TV shows that I don't have time to watch so I DVR them....so many thoughts go through my head.
Last night was no different. Every night this week I've been getting done with everything and then before I go to bed I have had my alone time with God. And I have to say it has been wonderful! I've slept so much better and although I've woken up late everyday this week, I've really had a peaceful week. But man alive, my mind just kept telling me I didn't need to do it. I could take one night off and it wouldn't hurt. Besides, who would know if I didn't do it. (even though I know the only One that matters would know)
But I know exactly who was behind all those thoughts - SATAN!!!! He knows I'm building a stronger relationship with my Savior by having my alone time with Him, and the devil is going to do everything possible to stop that. So, he gets in my head and starts whispering all about these other things on my list that are left to do, trying to discourage me from doing my alone time.
But you want to know the awesome thing!?!?!
I put the FULL aromor of God on and told the devil to SHUT IT! I'm going to spend time with my Father and learn more about what He wants me to be!
I don't know about you, but I'm going to put that armor one everyday!

The least of these...

It's pretty amazing what you will learn if you open your heart and ears to what God wants you to hear.
As we have begun getting things prepared for our trip, there has been lots of reflecting on ourselves and how we live our lives. I feel like I have always been a pretty compassionate person. I normally feel for others when something "bad" happens to them or when life has not treated them so fairly.
But then something Mike, our AWESOME Youth Pastor, said on Sunday night really struck me - loving "the least of these" isn't just about loving those who have been hit by hard times. It's also helping those you might have helped with the same thing last month, it's about helping those who don't know how to stop the insanity of bad choices, it's about helping those whose life circumstances don't make them "pretty" to the human eye.
Somehow as I've gotten older, I've become cynical and I don't trust people. It seems I'm looking to find the bad in people.
So #1 on my list of things I'm excited about for this trip - learning to love others. To truly love the least of these. I know I'm going to meet people who I wouldn't normally be around. And half way through the week, when I'm exhausted, sunburnt and tired of dealing with bugs the size of my head, I'm going to have to still love these people.
I'm excited to see how God can open my heart and mind to His kind of love!
I Peter 4:8-9
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality without grumbling.

We interrupt the regularly scheduled program...

So many fun and wonderful things have been happening at Casa de Barrios. And I can't wait to share them, but I'm going to take a break from our regular programming for a little while. About 6 months or so ago, Steve and I were asked by our AWESOME Youth Pastor if we would like to go on a mission trip with our Youth this coming summer. Of course, before he could even get the words out of his mouth, we both said yes! So, here we are less than 60 days away from going to Puerto Rico for 8 days to build a house for someone with World Changers. I can not even begin to describe all the emotions running through me right now. I'M SO EXCITED - how could you not be. I get to go somewhere different than I'm accustomed to being, I get to meet all kinds of new people, I get to spread the word of God to others, plus the first weekend we are doing a few fun things before the work begins. But then there's the side of me that's a little nervous. I have felt like God has been tugging at my heart and trying to reveal to me He wants something different for our lifes. And as human nature does, I've not been acting on those tugs. I know He is going to show me something while we are there, I'm just nervous of exactly what He's going to show me. I'm nervous about what changes in our life are going to come from this trip. Steve and I lead a very comfortable life. It may be crazy and non-stop, but it's comfortable. I feel like there's not much that we HAVE to be completely dependant on God for. Don't get me wrong, I know all of our blessings are from the Lord, but I feel like there's just not much we can only attribute towards God alone. Like our income, I KNOW it's from God, but it's really easy to look at it and say WE work hard for the amount we make. I just really feel God is going to have me on my knees bowing to HIS glory when this week is over. I know we are going to see poverty like we have never seen before. We've travelled and we've seen poverty to a degree, but I just don't think we've ever seen what we are about to witness. I definitely think it is going to be an eye opener for us and how we as "Americans" live our lives. I pray this will bring about change in our day to day lives when we return. I guess I should say I'm excited instead of nervous. Because I think there's a lot of both of those emotions. I'm VERY excited to see what God is going to show us, but a little nervous of what that will mean when we get home. I feel like lately I'm sitting on the side of the spiritual road. And I'm sitting there waiting on something while everyone else is passing by. Yes, I LOVE my Jesus and I know He is the reason I get up everyday and the reason I take a breath. I just feel like my life has become a tornado blowing through town and somewhere along the way I lost that fire in my heart that used to be there. I know there are things in my life I need to change in order to spark that fire again. I know it's all my doing and I'VE been the one getting in the way of HIM! So, I've decided to make some changes to get my mind, heart, and soul ready for this AMAZING experience. Steve told me he was going to fast from something to get ready for the trip, and I decided I am going to do the same thing. I thought, and thought, and thought a little more about what it is that would get me ready and then God really let me have it. All these emotions running around inside of me are there because of one thing - I'm not ready to be uncomfortable! I'm not talking about the bugs, the showers, the sleeping arrangements, the list could go on....I'm talking about I'm not ready to change MY habits. I like the fact if I see something I want, I can go buy it (well, within reason). And I normally do. I might save up for it or try to find a coupon for it, but I end up with it. Not anymore! I'm making that change! So, until we go to Puerto Rico, I will not be shopping. That's right - you heard it here! I will not be buying anything unless it happens to be groceries, and even then, we will be sticking strictly to the list. My whole thinking on this is the fact that we are going to be building a house for someone who doesn't have one, they don't get to go buy an Ipod when they want, they don't get to go buy new clothes when they are feeling down, they don't get to have their hair done every 6 weeks, and the list continues... And one thing I've always wanted to do was memorize scripture. Not just to recite it in a competition. But to tuck it away in my heart so that when I need it, it's there waiting. So, I'm going to take time each day to write a little in my journal of my plans, my feelings, my fears and anything else God brings to my mind. And along with it, I will memorize scripture to go along with those feelings, thoughts, etc. Today's verse is Matthew 28:18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Just did that from memory!!! Yay! Please don't leave negative comments. I normally don't really care, but this is a really personal thing and I'm really using this as a way to documents my thoughts and really my prayers. Love you all!


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Friday, October 29, 2010

MMM! Pumpkin Dip

I've been making this yummy dip for years and often share the recipe.  It's a little different than many dishes, easy to make and nice to have on hand.  It lasts a couple of weeks in the refrigerator, so get ready to enjoy!

Hope it is a hit at your place too!!

1 - 8 ozs. pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 - 15 ozs. can solid pack pumpkin

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 c. Cool Whip, optional

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.  Gradually mix in the pumpkin.  Stir in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and orange juice until smooth and well blended.  Stir in cool Whip, if using. Chill until serving. Let stand at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.

This is great for dipping graham crackers, gingersnaps or apples.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

HAPPY DESSERT DAY! (& a Favorite Dessert Recipe too)

Desserts are my favorite!!!!!  So I wanted to make sure you knew today was "Dessert Day" and share one of my most favorite dessert recipes with you too!  Enjoy a sweet day!

photo: Taste of Home

1-1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. white sugar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 c. peeled, chopped apples
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
1/2 c. butterscotch chips, divided

Preheat oven to 350. Grease an 8-inch sq. baking dish.  In large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon.  Blend sugar, oil and eggs until smooth; stir wet mixture into dry and mix just until combined.  Stir in the apples, pecans and 1/4 c. butterscotch chips.  Pour into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with remaining butterscotch chips. Bake 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack.  Yield: 4 - 6 good sized servings
(because you'll definitely want MORE)

A very moist cake and even those who claim to not like butterscotch, seem to
love this cake.

This recipe is linked to Sweets for a Saturday

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Homemade Ghosts from Making Memories Blog

Are these adorable or what?  A fun (& free!) decorating idea as Halloween quickly approaches! Enjoy some family fun.

Print this idea to use next year too...but you can certainly leave these out until after Halloween...

I love the frugal and family-friendly ideas shared at this blog - she
has some darling holiday crafting ideas.  Enjoy!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Life really is Sa-Weeeet!

My dear hubby and I just got home from spending a week in the Ozarks. It was a glorious time away!!

Here we are standing on the dock in front of the 'cabin' on the Lake of the Ozarks
where we stayed!

We were truly blessed to stay in a gorgeous 'second' home of some local friends and couldn't have been more pleased.  We had plenty of room and even a washer/dryer.  I think we only ate out 3 times during the week.  I did some cooking but nothing demanding.

We had NO tv....internet...not even a radio!  I know I had years added to my life because of the restful and relaxing time we enjoyed - away from my usual fast-paced life! I can't believe
I actually had time to read a 252-page book while gone!

The best part was spending time with precious TX friends that we hadn't seen in over 5 years. This was kind of a mid-way place for us to meet.  We always laugh ourselves silly when we're together and that's SUCH good medicine for the soul!
This is Bill & Jerri Sparks - our TX pastor and wife when we were stationed in Austin, TX, in the early 80's.  These folks truly light up our lives.  (After all - they ARE Sparks!=)

We all enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the fish come to the surface to catch bugs, or jump out of the water. We played card games and dominoes and relaxed to the max.  I even took 2 naps one afternoon!

Sunset from the second floor deck

It was tough to come home, but we were missing family and are ever so grateful for the break.
It was an 11 hr. drive one direction.

A beautiful place we hope to return to again one day.  Til then, we will cherish the precious memories we made during this very special getaway.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Black Bottom Cupcakes

Don't these look yummy?  Look at that cream cheese & chocolate chips! MMM!

I recently made this recipe and shared with my son and family.  It wasn't long afterwards, my daughter-in-love called to find out where the recipe was
in my cookbook.  (SMILE!)

Again I say....MMM!  Enjoy!

Cupcake part:
1 c. white sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. water
1 TB. vinegar
1-1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 c. baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. In medium mixing bowl, beat all
ingredients together until blended.  Line cupcake pans
with papers - fill 1/3 full with batter.  Top with a tablespoonful
of the cream cheese mixture.  Bake 15 - 18 minutes.  They are
done baking when the cake part tests finished.
Yield: about 2 dozen

Cream Cheese Filling:
1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 c. white sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate (mini) chips

In small bowl, beat all ingredients together until smooth.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Quick Potato Soup

Here's a quick 'n' easy soup recipe that tends to be comfort food, especially this time of the year.  I hope this will be enjoyed by all in your kitchen. Add a salad or sandwich to a warm comforting bowl of soup, and you'll have some happy tummies in your home.

credit: Jude Doyland
(A real potato that came out of the bag smiling!)

We'll start with this one that uses leftover mashed potatoes...soooo easy!

8 strips bacon, diced

1 small onion, chopped

1-1/2 - 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 soup canful of milk (or more)

1/2 tsp. salt, optional

1/4 tsp. pepper

parsley for garnish if desired

In a small frying pan, brown bacon until crisp.  Place on paper towel to drain. Add onion to drippings and saute 2 - 3 minutes; drain off the fat.  Mix the potatoes with the soup until blended; stir in milk until desired consistency.  Add bacon and onions - season with spices and serve warm.  MMM!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Popular Cheesey Chicken Chowder

(Since this is one of our family favorites, I'm reposting an older post) -

it's a MUST-TRY for the fall.....When the temps are cooling down and the leaves are changing colors, soup seems to warm us inside and out. It's
truly comfort food.   I plan to share a few more soup recipes in upcoming posts, so stay tuned.....

This recipe has been published in two of the American Profile cookbooks
and in their nationwide publication. I have a friend who lives on the West coast and she got to see this recipe in print before I did!

I've received notes from women (unknown to me) from out of state, and even a phone call letting me know how much they enjoyed this delicious recipe,
after reading it in American Profile.  What a kick!!!

If you're interested, click on this link and see my recipe online at AP's site....
(there's a better picture there too=)

3 cups chicken (reduced-sodium) broth
2 cups diced, peeled potatoes
1 cup each - diced carrots & celery
1/2 cup diced onion
1/1/2 tsps. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
(we prefer 1-1/2 cups velveeta)
2 cups diced cooked chicken

In large pan, bring chicken broth to a boil.  Reduce heat.

Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper.

Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Add flour and mix well.

Gradually stir in milk and cook over low heat until slightly thickened.

Stir in cheese and cook until melted.

Add to broth and vegetables along with chicken.

Cook and stir over low heat until heated through.

(When I'm in a hurry, I use frozen hash browns and frozen mixed veggies, along with the chopped celery & onions - cooking the fresh ingredients a few minutes before adding frozen)

Friday, October 1, 2010

LE - October 2010

Autumn leaves warn that winter is just around the corner. Fall is my favorite time of the year with the colorful leaves,the cooler weather and most of all the yummy fall foods.
I've been very excited to see canned pumpkin being restocked on grocer's shelves that have remained bare for some time. I know I tend to think more about baking/cooking with pumpkin and apples when fall arrives. I am delighted to share some favorite fall recipes with you. Enjoy warming the house and satisfying hungry tummies. Maybe some of these recipes will become favorites at your home too.

4 baking apples
1-8 ozs.pkgs.refrigerated crescent rolls
1 stick butter
1/1-3 c.sugar
1/2 tsp.ground cinnamon
1-12 ozs.can (diet)Mt.Dew soda

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9"X13"X2" baking dish. Peel and quarter apples,separate crescent rolls; roll apples in crescent rolls from big end to little end. Place in prepared pan.In small bowl,combine sugar and cinnamon.Melt butter;whisk in cinnamon mixture until smooth. Pour over apples,then pour Mt. Dew around dumplings. Bake 45 minutes-1 hr.Serve warm with ice cream.(You may substitute Splenda for sugar if desired, but it will bake faster.). I cover with foil after 30 minutes of baking time as the dumplings tend to brown quickly.

4 c.peeled,sliced apples
1/4 c.water or apple juice
1 tsp.ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp.salt
3/4 c.white sugar
3/4 c.all purpose flour
1/3 c.butter or margarine,softened
caramel ice cream topping,optional

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray an 8"X8" baking dish. Spread apples in prepared pan. Sprinkle with water. In medium bowl,combine cinnamon, salt, sugar, flour and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Serve warm with milk or ice cream and caramel topping. If you just can't wait,this dish can be microwaved for 12-15 minutes.

Mix up your favorite pancake mix according to directions.For every 1 cup of dry pancake mix used:add 1/4 c.canned pumpkin,2TB.brown sugar,1/2 tsp.vanilla extract,1/2 tsp.pumpkin pie spice.Maybe your family can enjoy breakfast for dinner one of these busy fall days.

1-8 oz.pkg.cream cheese,softened

1/2 c.applesauce

1/4 c.pkd.brown sugar

1/2 tsp.vanilla extract

1/2 c.salted peanuts,chopped

3 apples,cored and sliced

Combine cream cheese,applesauce,brown sugar,and vanilla in large bowl and beat well using a mixer.Sprinkle with nuts.Refrigerate;serve with apple slices.If you desire a sweeter dip,drizzle with caramel syrup.May use light cream cheese & unsweetened applesauce.Makes a great after school or bedtime snack.

Grapes have been on sale often recently.This is an unusual and very delicious way to serve them.I'm amazed that this dish keeps nearly a week.

5 c. green and/or red grapes, washed and dried

1-(8 oz.) pkg. (reduced-fat)cream cheese,softened

2 c.(light)sour cream

1/2 c. sugar (or Splenda)

chopped pecans,optional

Place grapes in bottom of 9"X13" pan.Mix cream cheese,sour cream and sugar until smooth.Spread evenly over grapes.(May mix together if preferred).Sprinkle nuts over top.Can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

One option is to cut back on the sugar amount and sprinkle brown sugar over the top before serving for color and sweetness.

For more fall recipe ideas visit my blog at www.thebetterbaker.blogspot.com

Butternut Squash Bread

I definitely have a DRIVE to try new recipes, especially if they offer a different 'twist' than others.

And I SO get into a baking 'mode' when fall comes around.  I long to make soups, and dishes with apples and pumpkin BIG TIME!  *-*

I'm hoping to post a few extra times during the months of Oct. and Nov.
just because I have so many wonderful fall recipes and I love sharing with you.

I found this recipe at My Baking Addiction  - check out her blog and recipe at this link.

I was very pleased with the results of this bread, though I tweaked it just a tad.

I took it to a ladies Bible study and had many good comments about it.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.  It's MMMM good!

Actually, I made 2 loaves - the picture below is of the one with chocolate chips...

I added craisins to the other and they were both very tasty.

And if you like cream cheese even a little bit, this bread is fantastic topped with cream cheese.

1 cup butternut squash puree
2 eggs
(I used 2 TB. ground flax seed meal and
3 TB. water to replace one egg)
1/2 c. vegetable oil
(I used 1/4 c. applesauce +
1/4 c. oil)
1 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1-3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cardamom
(I replaced with pumpkin pie spice)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour one 8" X 4" X 2" loaf pan.
In large bowl, mix together the squash puree, eggs, oil, water and
sugars until thoroughly combined.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice.
Stir in the dry ingredients into the squash mixture.  Combine just until
incorporated; do not overmix.  Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake 55 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center
of the loaf comes out clean.

Add any 'extras' you'd like...dark, semi sweet, or white chocolate chips,
nuts, craisins, etc.

Enjoy surprising your family & guests with a 'hidden' ingredient!


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July 05, 2013

God Gave Me Curls

We should never forget to give credit to whom credit is due......even God.
Did I tell you...that God gave me curls?

  1. This was sweet, Iris! I'm one of those blessed with curls who frequently has longed for straight hair. But I've been convicted lately that I shouldn't think or talk like that. God doesn't make mistakes, and He obviously wanted to give me curly hair instead of straight. (And my husband loves my hair!) :)

  2. Wow that is a wonderful story!!! Many times we as humans forget to tell others of Jesus. Or we think others will think less of us if we tell the world of our faith. But the reasons God gives us things or oportunites is because he tells us to go into all the world and make disciples, so he gives us many blessings to use as conversation starters for telling the world of Him. I looove it!! Thanks so much for getting me thinking, Iris!!!-Leah

  3. Especially God!
    Thanks for a great reminder.

  4. I nominated you for a Liebster Award!

    Details are available here

  5. awww! THis was awesome! God gave me wavy-curly hair and I've only recently begun to work WITH it instead of against it :) I LOVE THEM! SUCH A SWEET TESTIMONY!!!! LOVE

I love hearing from you, dear reader! ♥ Tell me your thoughts, opinions, or anything else you want to say. I promise....I'll respond!

Please make sure you are not a NO-REPLY COMMENTER and have hooked up your email address to your account. Or come back to see my answer!


text:
Pedaling for Peace

On April 15, 2012 I started riding my bicycle cross-country from Jacksonville, Florida in voluntary support of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and the work of author and Peace Leadership Director for the NAPF, Paul K. Chappell. By July 4th, I had covered over 1300 miles to just west of Luling, Texas where a major mechanical failure brought this first stage of my cross-country journey to an end. After storing my bicycle and trailer with my aunt and uncle in Weatherford, Texas, I flew from Dallas to Santa Barbara, California to attend the NAPF First Annual Peace Leadership Summer Workshop. I then lived and worked in Santa Barbara for several more months before I returned to Jacksonville and sold off the rest of my possessions that I could to help fund a continuation of my journey. Starting June 8, 2013 and ending August 9, 2013, I rode from Weatherford, through 400 miles of the central Texas hill country, including Austin, Texas, back to Luling. It was at this point that a friend of mine invited me to work for a brief period in Pennsylvania before flying me back to Santa Barbara where I continued volunteering for the NAPF as well as for the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition. As of August 9th, 2014 I began"Stage III" of my cross-country adventure, this time heading south from Santa Barbara to San Diego and then east to El Paso, TX. It was there that illness, winter weather, and diminishing resources brought that leg of my journey to an end. After staying with another friend in Columbus, GA for several months, I moved "back home" to Kentucky to stay with my dad for a while and build a better "resource base" for future endeavors including review and further tracking and primitive survival skills training at Tom Brown, Jr's Tracker School , and a possible longer tour of the east coast, northern tier, and north west coast back down to Santa Barbara, CA.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Balancing Act - On and Off the Bike

I just got finished meditating and now I'm getting ready to do yoga, after that, I will take a shower and dress in something other than pajamas! : )

However, in my head the wheels are turning, and my mind is Pulling me to figure out a new route from Jax Beach to Orange Park because the one I attempted to drive yesterday was not acceptable (Google Bike directions >:p ). I also want to complete a very precise quantity/budget analysis for food and toiletries I'll be "consuming" during my trip. I'm also thinking about how much more I can lighten the load, and if I'm going to be able to raise enough money for the new trailer ($100.00 more), and other immediate expenses. I want to continue the "Food Basics" series I started here a while back with another entry on what I'll be taking with me on this trip and why. And then there are other sorting and sewing projects...the list just goes on and on.

My point here is that there is a certain necessary discipline in still meditating, doing my yoga, taking a shower, etc. and it is a challenge to not let these other concerns prevent me from maintaining those "sharpening the saw" types of routines. Furthermore, this has been one of the more important challenges for me in terms of keeping everything in balance during the whole time that I have been planning and preparing for this trip.

I am very grateful, especially now, as my actual "launch date" draws closer, to be living in a space that is allowing me to meditate and do yoga comfortably. It is something that I have really appreciated about being here in Orange Park ever since I arrived. Of course, if someone has never tried to incorporate meditation and yoga into their lives on a regular basis, then they would not understand that such "suitable spaces" are not always easy to come by. For instance, finding a place to do yoga regularly while I was on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington was virtually impossible! If you don't have a bare floor space of at least six feet square (more if you are taller), then the "Leg Over" exercise becomes very difficult to do!

So, again, I am grateful for the "space and time" I have had here to continue to prepare myself for this journey both mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and practically, keeping everything in balance!

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text:
Pedaling for Peace

On April 15, 2012 I started riding my bicycle cross-country from Jacksonville, Florida in voluntary support of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) and the work of author and Peace Leadership Director for the NAPF, Paul K. Chappell. By July 4th, I had covered over 1300 miles to just west of Luling, Texas where a major mechanical failure brought this first stage of my cross-country journey to an end. After storing my bicycle and trailer with my aunt and uncle in Weatherford, Texas, I flew from Dallas to Santa Barbara, California to attend the NAPF First Annual Peace Leadership Summer Workshop. I then lived and worked in Santa Barbara for several more months before I returned to Jacksonville and sold off the rest of my possessions that I could to help fund a continuation of my journey. Starting June 8, 2013 and ending August 9, 2013, I rode from Weatherford, through 400 miles of the central Texas hill country, including Austin, Texas, back to Luling. It was at this point that a friend of mine invited me to work for a brief period in Pennsylvania before flying me back to Santa Barbara where I continued volunteering for the NAPF as well as for the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition. As of August 9th, 2014 I began"Stage III" of my cross-country adventure, this time heading south from Santa Barbara to San Diego and then east to El Paso, TX. It was there that illness, winter weather, and diminishing resources brought that leg of my journey to an end. After staying with another friend in Columbus, GA for several months, I moved "back home" to Kentucky to stay with my dad for a while and build a better "resource base" for future endeavors including review and further tracking and primitive survival skills training at Tom Brown, Jr's Tracker School , and a possible longer tour of the east coast, northern tier, and north west coast back down to Santa Barbara, CA.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Observations on the Ongoing but Currently Invisible Mass "Work-a-Round"

I just finished watching this interview with Chris Hedges: The Liberal Elite Has Betrayed the People They Claim to Defend with Paul Jay. There is another segment pending that is supposed to explain to people what they can do to ... make things better somehow, in spite of all of the challenges that Chris Hedges so clearly explains (both in this interview segment and the one just before it, America is a Tinderbox).

There is a lot of talk about "getting out of the box", stepping outside of the current system, and then somehow, in spite of all of the surveillance, etc., managing to create a massive and "threatening" movement that would finally get the elite to do what we want them to do.

So these are my thoughts right now:

Not unlike the views of people like Adam Kokesh, which I discussed in this recent blog we look to the history of change in societies across the globe, and we see revolutions, and violent revolutions, and mass uprisings, and then we see the aftermaths of all of that, shifts of power that end up being more or less successful, but only for another generation or so, until, the new holders of power become just like the old holders of power and the whole cycle starts again. And yet, it seems, as with Chris Hedges this kind of mass, organized, radical, (maybe even violent) force is the only way that anything in the world can be changed...based on Past History.

But, the past is not the same as the present. If anything, they did not have the internet back then! They did not have all kinds of other sources of ideas and information to build resilient and sustainable the end...might not be so vulnerable to the whims of the State or the elite and powerful, or any "future revolutionaries".

Where I think the movement is really happening is in people's back yards and in their front yards, and in urban neighborhoods that are building organic markets on the corners instead of another fast food joint or junk-food convenience store. And information about the successes of these stories are available on the internet for many more people to see and learn from and duplicate.

Chris Hedges remarks on how people are so strapped and so afraid to "lose their jobs" that they cannot form a cohesive force to fight for "workers rights". But, you know what, who really wants to be working for Wal-Mart anyway, when they could be working in a community garden instead?

If there is one thing my bike ride has taught me, it is what is Most Important to my life as a human being on this planet right now is food, water, clothing, shelter, simple transportation, a community of friends, and...the Internet which helps keep us all connected together.

What I have also seen, however, is how we as human beings, being the very creative creatures that we are, have elaborated so much on those "necessities" to the point where we actually have become somewhat confused about what is a "necessity" and what is a "luxury". And, the truth is, most of us can get by with a lot less should we ever have to.

And I see more and more people realizing that as well. This is what I am seeing as a very quiet "revolution" that the elite are actually forcing on us by their own greed. They are taking so much from so many that we are learning to live differently, we are learning to live without a lot of the stuff they've worked so hard to convince us we needed in the first place. We are doing "work-a-rounds".

Furthermore, once we realize that our true power lies in our ability to Survive anyway, to survive and even Thrive in spite of what they may slowly but surely take away from us, then what they had to offer, and the power they thought they held will be gone, very naturally, simply "sloughed off" like an old skin... No mass uprisings, no violent revolutions, no real "drama" necessary - would still result in a Massive Shift in Power.

In other words...a revolution without a "Revolution"....

Now That...That would be Truly Revolutionary!

Adding examples of more "revolutionary movements" here (feel free to share your links with me via Facebook):

Tiny Houses

Living Economies

Restorative Justice

This Is Lateral Power video with Jeremy Rifkin

Overlooked Historical Non-Violent Movements including early American Colonial "work-a-rounds"

Dylan Ratigan - from Power Talking the Talk to Power Walking the Walk

Sweden Runs out of Garbage

Stories of Hope... from Dylan Ratigan

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text:
The power of III

Summum ius summa iniuria--More law, less justice

21 July 2011

The States are Sovereign; One Confederation, Divisible

Required learning for our children: the American history buried by the victors after 1865

Great video, via The Tenth Amendment Center Blog

"Truth crushed to the earth is truth still and like a seed will rise again"
--Jefferson Davis

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