when technology meets...

"Dear lord .......thank you so much for blessing me with such a wonderful family and presents lord please help the less fourtionate with a hot meal clothes and a warm place to stay thank you for blessing me. In lords name I pray. Amen"



a prayer via my nieces' Facebook. I cannot convey how blessed I am to have this girl in my life.

dreams do come true.

Winter Solstice; why must my heart be so heavy?

realization sets in.
it's you; you are all i need.
my strength comes from you, oh Lord. my breath, my all and all.

nights seem of nothing, when I lay here in my gloom.
you have the key to my heart, oh God.
I need you, please come.

tonight is all i ask.

though, as you know, i'll need you tomorrow.

i'm sorry i promised anything to you before this day.
because as you know, i can't keep our word.

it is a wonderful world

Never understood the Gosling fever... until now

Coming soon...

I have a group exhibition coming up with fellow German, Johanna Lancaster. Okay, sorry, this is only the half-truth....

Sorry to disappoint, but I am not German.

But I do appreciate Johanna's story; her longing to exist in an organic world. I understand this all too well. I want to be away from this place; this place "artificialized for human convenience". She's featured at Belcourt this month, follow the link:

Our Event:



December 10, 2011
Threesquared Gallery
427 Chestnut St. Studio 223, Nashville, TN 37203

the streets of the world

in search of enchanted and remote lands typically only reserved for the eyes of it's inhabitants, 

but now are captured on camera by the automated and aesthetically-neutered google street 

view cars that linger.  void of the main character (self-portrait) and an internal view, these images

represent the closing chapter of 4 years of cinemascapes with an external view of the world.

by aaron hobson

today was one of those days

The windows are open, Fever Ray is on repeat, and I've got green tea steeping in my cup.

Once there was a boy. He was a beautiful American Brazilian guy from the Upper East Side in NYC. The night we met he rescued me from a few creepy men who cornered me after his show; literally whisking me away into the night. That night we danced, under the stars in the park without music until the cops came to shoo us away. I later found out he was semi-famous and plays with some of my favorite musicians. I would tell you who he ran around with, but then you probably wouldn’t believe me.

My life is magical.

it's all right here.

I've been looking for it for so long. The quintessential ingredients for a life well-lived.I'm happy today. I will take this all in and hope for my heart to stay intact.

A dear friend has been lost - or for better words, run away. I love her so much and pray for her safety. Menna, if you come home, let me know.

I love you so much, konjo.

Steph

A lovely day

that I want to share with the dearest to my heart. I want to capture every single person in this picture and bring them to me - now. Is that possible? My prayers go out to Liz in Germany, David in Nepal, and Solomon and his family in Ethiopia.

Lizzy and I made a short video back in the day that I never got around to share much. It's not my best work (if anyone wants to donate an external mic, I'd appreciate it much!), but it's the substance that counts... right?

To you, Solomon.

Yours,

Stephanie

I'm on a cutsie rampage

ETSY COMING SOON!

Those dang holidays are coming and I'm taking requests for jewelry. My favorites to make this year:

Remember, buy local and support friends first <3

crack. crack, hum drum

the fridge, power on

faint stare upon the black, blank walls;

too incredulous to believe the mind has stopped.

momentary silence, then back again.

thoughts.

words.

springing forth like humming birds on a rampage.

cricket. cricket. hum drum.

she thinks of all those alseep.

she wants their eyes; their minds,

their nonexistent thoughts.

too many dawns witnessed

to think she must be sane.

the crack. slight light.

encroaching slowly, then too quickly to stop.

she sings with the birds.

another night has slept without her.

the night misses her. though, to not fault of her own,

she feels gulty still.

- insomnia; or I Want Your Eyes

Invisible

Invisibility, let me explain, gives one a slightly different sense of time, you're never quite on the beat. Sometimes you're ahead and sometimes behind. Instead of swift and imperceptible flowing of time, you are aware of its nodes, those points where time stands still or from which it leaps ahead. And you slip into the breaks and look around.

- Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

deception is heartbreaking.

this world is a tragic kingdom.

Interview with Forche

On The Colonel

Moyers (PBS): That's what can happen to a journalist's account. But the poem is a condemnation.

Forché: It is a condemnation. As a journalist, maybe you wouldn't have been able to use the obscenity, and perhaps you wouldn't have been able to quote him directly. But more than that, I don't think it would've happened to you because I don't think the message was intended for the press. It was intended for a quiet communication back to Washington, and unfortunately they told the wrong person. They told a poet.

Moyers: Lesson for politicians and military leaders: Never talk to poets.

Forché: Never.

I once lived with a Dutch girl

I received a letter in the mail today from a former roommate. If anyone gets the honor to live with this girl, take it. I remember my trip back from Ethiopia I spent the entire night awake at the Frankfurt train station waiting for the 3am to leave. I spent all day transferring trains and waiting for the next to depart. I didn't arrive home until 6pm. I had travelled well over 24 hours and had yet to catch a wink of sleep. Dorien greeted me at our door with a huge hug, took my bags and lead me to the kitchen to where a caramel cappuccino and a stroopwafel - a famous Dutch cookie - awaited my arrival. She wanted nothing in return. She simply wanted to sit with me, to be in my presence, and to give herself to me. She is one of the most Godly women I have ever met. Living with her, during the week we'd watch Dutch reality tv together. She would translate for me since I failed to pick up any Dutch in my time with her. We'd baked - rather, I would watch her bake - and offer my french press coffee as we'd sit in our kitchen and talk about California, Ethiopia, Kenya, life in Germany. I realize now how much I'd taken those moments for granted. I looked forward to my evenings with her, but I never fully submerged myself into them as she. I'm thankful for friends such as Dorien. Not everyone gets one of these.



Tonight I sit in my half-furnished apartment and wonder where I am to go next (if anyone wants to help me decorate my walls, please join. I'll make you coffee). I know it will be somewhere wonderful. I know the people I will meet there (or along the way) will give me enough memories to last a lifetime.

I realized today that I am just a not so ordinary - ordinary American girl:

I have a credit card, but no debt. I (thankfully) sing in unison with the cohorts of Dave Ramsey and can admittedly yell, "I'M DEBT FREEEEEEEE!!!"

I go to college, but I've not fully embraced it's culture. I realized my abnormalities more-so today after sitting in class and becoming excited over a discussion on sub-prime mortgages. My professor and I seemed to be the only ones interested in the subject. My classmates had previously taken on a lengthy debate about black youth and capitalism - if black culture expresses itself through the media (rap music, clothing, sports) or the other way around? They talked about Lebraun James - who I'm assuming plays basketabll - some shows I'd never heard of on VH1, new sitcoms I've failed to see previews for. Conversations such as these always seem to bring about a new self-perspective I have for myself. I forget my close friends and I are different until it is laid out in front of me. We don't care about the media. We could care less what sport team is playing. We forget people don't know what fair trade means, or why you should buy local, or not eat meat. The hippies were on to something. Why did no one listen?


I sometimes forget how brilliantly extraordinary my life is. So many peoples' are boring. Really. I hear their goals and aspirations and think to myself, "really, this is how you want to spend your time? That is really how you spent your summer? How have you not gone insane yet?" I'm so thankful I've experienced the things I have. Not all of the things were good, not all of the things were easy to over-come, but boy have I been entertained.

reminders.

"In this world you will face trials. But I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. So take head, and rest my child. Do not worry. Do not stress. I am with you. And as a good and trustful friend be, will not leave your side."

John 16:33, my translation of sorts

the view is so much like mine once was, it's uncanny

the world awaits. but it's just that i've just got so much to do. Germany, I shall return some day.
promise.

last night, I remembered what love felt like

had i known a love like this
all along
i would have danced.
i would have captured
each moment and each day
had i known.
had i known your love was so
pure and giving
of life
for today
and for tomorrow,
i wouldn't have let one
moment pass by without
acknowledging my love
for you too.
had i known this love
which you so freely give
me,



i wouldn't have turned
away.





Jesus.

passed all my tests today

but

Good news:

I still have a brain.




Bad news:

its hurts.

On the weekends

We prefer to hang out with the natives and play dress up with our friends.

Am I supposed to call this home?

It's not the road we used to know
They tore some buildings down
The traffic's like a pack of dogs

There's fewer trees, windows, fleas
There's concrete on the lawn
There's people here but you are gone

And I find still swimming through time
Afraid some days I've reached the shore

"Make yourself free"
Man said back to me
Now my heart is like an open door

And the road finally gave me back
But I dont think I'll unpack
Because I'm not sure if I live here any more

It's not my weight that makes me faint
Or the sugar in my blood
But the way these strangers stand so close

They say my name like a guessing game
"Is that really you?"
No, I dont think it ever was

In the spring
When the world's turning green
I only think about the fall
The frets on the board
My progression of chords
Oh, how I want this to resolve

And the road finally gave me back
But I dont think I'll unpack
Because I'm not sure if I live here any more

Now the road finally gave me back
But I dont think I'll unpack

Because I'm not sure if I live here
No, I'm not sure if I live here
No, I'm not sure if I live here
Anymore

- Bright Eyes

(listened by my weary eyes)

Things.

Today was nothing special, yet my brain seemed to be at work. I usually don't pick up on simple things, but I thought how odd that I could learn/think of 3 great things in one day. Today was a good day; or, my life is dull.

• Gullah Island is a real place.
• Tie Dye. Of course. You tie and... dye.
• October should be the 8th month. Why is October not the 8th month?

Riddle me this Batman.

I need to start thinking more...

Altruism by way of self-improvement, or what optimizing your workflow has to do with saving children.

End Malaria is a book. One who's effort inspires to bridge the gap between selflessness and self-interest, inviting you to help eradicate both malaria and your own creative plateaus with something as humble yet potent as a book — what’s not to love?



source

Damsel in Distress.

Somebody save me
I don't care how you do it
Just stay
Stay
Come on
I've been waiting for you

The Great American Roadtrip Volume VI

I'm not sure at what point my brain decided to stop retaining information. I think it was somewhere over the Atlantic. I've not recovered from the last 3 years of travelling it seems. And still, I don't feel as though my body has physically been that far from home. But whenever I look at a globe, it astonishes me to see just how far this body actually went. My spirit seems to be wading in one of those distant lands because now, sleep has escaped me and I'm afraid I've been plagued with a never-ending jet-lag. Therefore I must document my days lest I forget them forever.

Just this past summer I've travelled all over the mid-west, almost touched the East coast, up and down mountains, and returned yet again to the great South.

But this weekend in Kentucky marked the end of another great year of adventure for my life. My travelling came to completion with an exhibition on The Carter Family, a live show by my buddies from the Hogslop String Band, free records from #1 Carter Family man himself, a visit to WKU and its 3 locked libraries, with one final shabang featuring a little porch show with the beautiful miss Sarah Carter (not related to the former), a delicious collage of food, Mexican Beer... and fireworks to celebrate :)

View Full Size Travel Map at Travellerspoint

"A few times in my life, I've had moments of absolute clarity. When for a few brief seconds ... the silence drowns out the noise .. and I can feel ... rather than think. And things seem so sharp. And the world seems so fresh.

It's as though it had all just come into existence. I can never make these moments last. I cling to them, but like everything, they fade. I've lived my life on these moments. And I realize that everything is exactly the way it's meant to be."

- A Single Man

Favourite

Let's watch




The Labyrinth.

I never thought I would be able or have reason to admit my (horrible) habit of listening to cheesy Christian music. While I find most CCM overly trite and way too conventional it brings me back to the place I need to be sometimes: as a child seated with Abba, Father.

But this hopeless romantic's little heart can't help but be touched/broken/destroyed by this song. Every time I hear it I tear up a little (okay, alot) and wonder if a guy who really hopes these things (in the last chorus) might really exist out there. And even so, would we happen to meet?


by EMI_Music

I don't deserve you

yet, somehow



you catch me when I fall.



even when i was dead in my trespasses, he made me alive together with Christ— by grace i have been saved

->Eph. 2:5

"compassion cannot be contained"

- shane claibourne

This Summer at Camp

My life is at peace, but will never settle. I am content, yet ready to move. I could never imagine stopping on this adventure. I take every moment for what it is worth and try to taste the sweetness each second brings. Father you have given me all I need, and for that I praise you!!!

Today some of the cutest, brightest girls and I made magic bubble wands at the camp I recently started to work at. I wanted this job at the beginning of the summer, but because of conflict in schedule I have not been able to join them until now. The children bring joy to my heart and the freedom of the outdoors makes me glad! I am so blessed.

Neofeudalism for the win.

everything is fine, just keep shopping.

Travelling the World.

It was all an illusion.

Right?

Oh, The Joys of Nannying

He likes to play me songs and told me, "This ones called Having Fun in the Summer Time - nothing you should be concerned about."

The playlist for today:

Having Fun in the Summer Time

Are You an Alien?

Do You Have My Football?

We're heading to the studio tomorrow.

Our Daughter America

Watch out folks. Timbre and I are about to take over.



Jul 28
Firestorm Cafe and Books
Asheville, NC

Jul 29
The White Hart Cafe
Lynchburg, VA 7pm

Jul 30
Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
Charlottesville, VA

Hooray!

Before I could even send out my request for others to help, the girls got enough support to go to summer camp! Notice Selu (top left)'s face.

Priceless.

More over at the blog...

crap, culture, and chai

India has been pressing on my mind since before the bombs. I was there just months after the attacks a few years ago in 2008.

It just so happened that I was there the same week as former President Bush, so I was told. I never saw the man, but I was always on the lookout for he and his posse. Somehow I've never seen a president in person and thought it would be ironic to see one of our own in Asia. Too bad for me; my timing was off.



I stood at this place across from where Mr. Bush supposedly stayed. There was a bomb scare that week and I was certain we might be evacuated.

India is not quite like you see in the films. I've never seen Darjeeling Limited but I always assumed Wes Anderson portrayed it as cool, spiritual, and beautifully toned. I guess I saw more of the Born Into Brothels side, or places like the streets Jamal ran down in Slum Dog Millionare, winding through cars and filth in his neighborhood.

The trains we rode on smelled of feces and contained no places to sit or stand that you could guarantee to be sanitary. Though it seems I miss this dirty, smelling place and count on returning someday soon.

In Mumbai, I met a wonderful young woman named Stephanie who started and runs iSanctuary. Its a place of hope and freedom; refuge and peace. After all my experiences I have so many more questions for Stephanie. We spoke briefly about how things work and talked over a "round table" with several nuns who help run the organization to discus the possibility of partnership. Sadly, I've lost touch with them since. I've always looked up to her courageous spirit. I'd guess she's around 30, single, and lives on her own in India. That's a woman to look up to. I guess this is just a reminder for me of my hopes, dreams, and aspirations. India is forever on my heart. I hope my new degree program can set me on the right path to bringing freedom to other women in this world. There are so many held captive but not only their men, but ideals, laws, and their poverty. It's going to be another long, tough road, but I feel as though in the past few years I've had enough practice to get through it this time.

in dreams.

This reminds me so much of a dream I had recently. Except in it I was clothed and my dream was in stereo, not mono.

I was standing outside of a large but narrow yellow house which sat on the bay. It was night time, but the air seemed to glow something of purple. I don't know how to describe it other than that green/yellowish tent after a tornado, you know? But purple. I stopped and starred above into the night sky. The stars were magnificent. All the sudden the vast array of stars formed into a cluster and started swirling above. The round cluster was then engulfed by a black hole. Another cluster formed. This time it was a rainbow of colors. Another black hole. Another cluster. This happened five or six times. I stood amazed awaiting the coming of the Lord. I remember so vividly in my dream being so convinced that Jesus was coming back.

But after the sixth black hole a huge, bright light appeared. It wasn't an angel. It was an alien spaceship. In my dream. I paused, then suddenly realized the danger I was in and sprinted inside. I closed the door behind me a wrestled around to find my car keys. I a went back outside to get into my car as the spaceship crashed on the other side of the house, next to the sea. A couple of young women ran over to the crash and I was sure aliens would kill all of them.

I woke up before any such aliens appeared, but could not get the beauty of the multi-colored swirling cluster of stars out of my mind.

I've never seen aliens in my dreams before. I wondered what they were doing there. What were they trying to tell me?

Tennessee summer sizzle

I just want to ride. Maybe tonight. Under the stars. Let's go.