October!!!! Click here for more….

Boooollywood!

Thanks Kirsten! Love this.

Humanity is bumming me out. I am studying the CIA backed coups of Latin America.

I had known about this stuff and I have to say- the most ridiculous thing about revisiting portions of history is the ridiculousness of forgetting (especially as a historically conscious person). This stuff is constructed and channelled in such a way that the story just never seems to surface in the way it should. It wriggles away from consciousness. Blame it on human laziness and the artful dodging of the culprits. Where is the mass outrage?

Sigh.

I do not doubt that this type of clandestine shit happens and is happening all of the time. That’s why the rage seemingly only fuels the “dissidents” and the “revolutionaries”……. It serves the architects to keep the working knowledge of sordid events attached to the U.S. quiet- or to keep humans preoccupied- but only just enough (with their own problems, t.v. buying crap they don’t need, etc)!

The atrocities of the world become too numerous for most to dwell upon- and it is easier to move on. People are easily distracted from uncomfortable histories and dead Chilean students. Argentinean torture sights.  Dirty, dirty deeds. Those in power inevitably ride on the backs of one or another mass of humans. History insulates us from reality- that is until the reality touches someone- immediately. This is understood- it is how this type of activity is maintained/allowed. It is an infuriating cycle. It is insane.

And so it goes.

Tough to stay inspired today.

So, Ewan and I visited Ape Cave in Washington State last year-

And it being my birthday yesterday- I was wanting some adventure.

We went back. But this time we decided to hike the “difficult” portion of the cave.

10 year olds can scramble up boulder piles and lava falls- no sweat.

32 year olds suddenly realize their age- scrambling up boulder piles, fighting tight squeezes and walking on uneven surfaces. In the pitch darkness (ok- i had a flashlight).

I am a stout tough-ish kind of gal when it comes to new experiences. I am. Most of the time.

Ewan’s famous words edging me forward into the dark “Come on mom! There are four year olds doing this”.  The route WAS highly populated. There were kids and parents and “caver” type people roaming about. BUT- that darkness- once you are in, deep in, can be very tricky. Funny stuff.

Aaron was out- but he did snap all of the good shots from the day – go see- they are great.

It was- not a relaxing birthday. BUT it was something to remember.

Since this day is about me…. here is some more me-ness….. courtesy of  Aaron:

Very, very sweet. xo.

Aaron is 36 today.

My man.

Happy day!

xo.

Saw this last night. Watch it. Recommended.

I couldn’t help but take the happy message that the movie angled on and consider how a globalized world- in this particular context (under one god of METAL) seemed to have occurred in areas in which U.S. presence could be economically linked (REAL globalization) – and oddly enough the entire continent of Africa was left out in his exploration.

Hmmm. Still- the movie kicked ass.

Next: Global HIP HOP? I would watch that too. I want to watch that!

Can we talk about the Ken Burns National Parks Doc?

Please.

I am in love with this production. This man and his team are so DAMN GOOD at synthesizing this type of naturalist/American/make you feel good about one damn thing AT LEAST!!! type of history.

One of the notable characters emphasized in these lovingly crafted pieces is John Muir.

Famous for his advocacy and his affiliation with birthing the National Parks of the United States…. (I can say I knew of John Muir…but yet, I had forgotten).

Muir Quotes:

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings”.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean”.