You'll Like Tacoma

Yesterday, I fell back in love with the city of Tacoma.

clear.crisp.peeps.sites.
Not all who wander are lost...I wandered for hours.
watching...waiting...listening...
snap.shot.delight

Next generation of photographers...

Like what you see...more photos on my Travel Blog Site

There Is So Much More

When I heard the news,
my heart fell on the floor.
I was on a plane on my way to Baltimore.
In these troubled times it's hard enough as it is.
My soul has a known a better life than this.

I wonder how so many can be in so much pain,
while others don't seem to feel a thing.
Then I curse my whiteness
and I get so damn depressed.
In a world of suffering,
why should I be so blessed?

I heard about a women who lives in Colorado.
She built a monument of sorts behind the garage door,
where everyday she prays for all whom are born
and all whose souls have passed on.
Sometimes my troubles get so thick,
I can't see how I'm gonna get through it.
But, then I'd rather be stuck up in a tree
then be tied to it.

There is so much more.

I don't feel comfortable with the way my clothes fit.
I cant get used to my bodies limits.
I got some fancy shoes to try and kick away these blues.
They cost a lot of money but they aren't worth a thing.
I wanna free my feet from the broken glass and concrete.
I need to get out of this city.
Lay upon the ground stare a hole in the sky,
wondering where I go when I die.
...When I die.

~Brett Dennen

a good word from Meister Eckhart

God is being beyond being and a
nothingness beyond being.

The most beautiful thing
which a person can say about God
would be for that person to remain silent
from the wisdom of an inner weatlh.

So,
be silent
and quit flapping your gums about God.

~Meister Eckhart

express your face...

Expression.Faces.Release.Unity.Friends.Connection.

fetal position

The holiday season has been difficult for me the last few years. It all started when I experienced the taste of greed even amongst the poorest of families in the community I live in. One experience in particular really got my wheel turning in wondering what are the true needs of a human being? I am convinced that basic necessities in the United States have a completely different meaning than for those that don't even own a pair of shoes. I am convinced that consumerism has robbed me from understanding the joy of giving. I am tired of feeling confused, frustrated, cynical, bitter towards what an average American (including myself) feels compelled to consume during this time of year. I am searching for momentum to take me from the ritual of spending to one that values time spent with the people we are surrounded with. A video that has helped me put words to this frustration and allowed me to see the big picture is The Story of Stuff If you haven't watched this...please take the time to do so. It is worth it!


Things that have kept me sane:
patient husband
prayer
bon iver
reading three cups of tea
eating chocolate

Not Everyone Likes Santa...

Nativity Play Tradition

For the last 4 years I have attempted to revisit a tradition within my family of when we were kids...putting towels on our heads and performing the birth of Jesus narrative. Though my three older brothers and I are now grown adults, I have found new participants with the youth my husband works with at the Tacoma Rescue Mission. With the help of volunteers, we dress these kiddos up to experience what it may have been like to be a shepherd or travel many miles on a donkey. It also seems to be an opportunity to talk about why this story may be so special and significant. We will be performing on Friday...so far we have been practicing with 8 girls...not sure how the whole Joseph thing is going to work but I am sure we will make due! I am grateful for this break and to be able to hang out with these incredible kids that have difficult stories themselves, yet still smile and give the best hugs!

This is my brothers and I back in the day...

Last year's shepherds

Last year's Mary