The best memorials are not made of stone or written in words.
They are written in our lives.
To know anyone is an enormous blessing. To think that out of all the energy in the Universe, it would ball up and condense into life, on this planet, in this species, in this state, in this town, and then be someone we meet and befriend - well, it's pretty incredible.
In that respect, anyone that leaves us, leaves us too soon. Though life never has lived by our timetables.
It's hard for me to even remember how or exactly when I met Peter. I associate him with Scott's Folkatorium, though I can't be sure if we go back further.
The Folkatorium was a magical place. It was like some sort of vortex. Scott found this space and drew anyone with positive energy to it. I feel in love with it instantly. And it was impossible to not like Scott. He was like what you'd expect Santa to be like in real life.
Or the Dalai Lama.
So it's been at least 6 or 7 years since I first met Peter Hessman. He was a poet. With a smile the size of the grand canyon.
His health was not great when I met him, and I never knew him in great health. He was always resigned to his wheelchair.
Yet, his spirit was unchained. People have told me that I am the most positive person they know. Well, I think Peter puts me to shame. Underneath his straw hat, his eyes were always twinkling and a smile was always perched upon his lips like an eagle hunting a fish.
Peter was a poet through and through. He would write all the time. About anything, mostly small things, things where humor or a pun could run wild. In fact, I had hardly ever heard a poem of Peter's that didn't include some pun or that wasn't written in a humorous nature. Only once, after his cancer returned, and he was facing the inevitability of a nursing home.
He loved poetry so much, he would host poetry nights at his house, since it was hard for him to get out and support his friends. They were always sweet gatherings lasting into the night. His soft voice reading and laughing until it grew raspy.
When my father passed, Peter made a point to attend all the Evening for Chuck events I hosted. No matter how difficult it was to get there, he would come rolling in, grin in place. Not only that, he would always leave me with a touching poem he'd written about me at some point during my set.
Whenever any of us vegans brought food to his house or an event, he would try it, and he would be so grateful for the friendships that even if he hated the food, we never knew.
A gentler soul I have rarely met.
A kinder person there just doesn't get.
He's an example for us all.
Namaste my friend.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Winter
Fall has been one of my favorite times of year ever since I was a little kid, something that brought about very ironic and mixed emotions as the coming of fall also meant the coming of school. Not that I disliked school. I just liked summer more.
Once that fall breeze began to freeze, a new joy come over me. Winter!
Winter meant holidays and big meals, Christmas and presents, and backyard tackle football in the snow. Since I didn't drive or have other obligations as a youngster, winter was never a hassle. It was just another thing to be enjoyed and played in.
Long afternoons well into the night were spent freezing cold playing football in on of the neighborhood yards. When there wasn't snow, I would still enjoy throwing the ball around and pretending to be all the positions.
I racked up some impressive stats in those me vs. me games.
And when the snow stacked up, we could run around and tackle each other, constantly hating and loving when our boots would come off, sending frigid snow to take its place. After hours outside, I would come in, rosy-faced and plant myself by the fireplace with hot chocolate, or some sort of hot beverage. The warmth rolling over me like a blanket, wrapping me up and half the time, actually putting me into a nap.
Perhaps it crept in, slowly, each year diminishing in winter bliss. Perhaps it was taken away with a drivers license. Maybe it was one of those collateral casualties of high school. Eventually, however it happened, I grew to dislike winter.
Yes, I loved the first snow, and of course any snow day was greatly welcomed. But I lost the magic of playing in that winter wonderland. Where I once saw football greatness and endless opportunities for fun, I only saw grey and cold.
Did I never notice the winter grey as a kid? Or was it actually sunnier? Is this a certifiable case of my outlook creating reality?
This trend continued as I finished my college career, when winter became ... difficult. As a working musician, I traveled in terrible snow and ice storms, just to get to a gig. Or, worse yet, the shows would cancel as the weather deteriorated. And even when it wasn't blizzarding, people would frequently be scarce at the other wintertime shows.
The clouds seemed to never leave to sky until May.
Seasonal affective disorder - I'm pretty sure I had it.
One grey, cold day, I asked myself, 'Do I really hate winter? Or just Cleveland winters?' If I only hated Cleveland winters, there are other places to go. Perhaps if I found a joy in winter elsewhere, I could bring it back into my life in the Ohio winter. Either way, hating 5 months of the year is no way to live life.
So I booked a tour to Jackson, Wyoming for the last two weeks of December. Rocky mountain wintertime winter. The real winter. Snow is measured in tens of feet there. Cold is really cold - zero degrees is a balmy day.
I didn't quite know what to expect as I crawled out of my van, my boot crunching on the snow-covered lot.
Something was odd already.
It was sunny.
The snow was pristine and shimmered everywhere.
The air was so still and dry that it shimmered as well.
I had walked into a snow globe.
Of joy.
Those two weeks took me outside in 20 below weather, traipsing around in snowshoes in knee deep snow, going miles and miles into the stillness of that marshmallow world.
Standing in an enclosure of beautiful, perfect pine trees, each one an image of the best Christmas tree in any movie, I found that bliss again.
Winter was not the enemy. It was spellbinding.
Yes, everything is spellbinding when in the shadow of a mountain, or alone in a sub-alpine forest, when watching the moose and elk forage, when the bison swing their mighty heads side to side to clear the snow.
But that bliss is more than that.
You see, bliss is not dependent on any external circumstance. Bliss is an inner state.
Bliss is a state where the curiosity of our childhood shines through, where the newness of each minute could bring infinite possibilities.
Bliss is everywhere. It is anywhere.
So I brought it back to Ohio.
Which is not bliss's natural habitat.
But it survives.
And waits with its face pressed against the windowpane in unbridled excitement for whatever winter holds.
Once that fall breeze began to freeze, a new joy come over me. Winter!
Winter meant holidays and big meals, Christmas and presents, and backyard tackle football in the snow. Since I didn't drive or have other obligations as a youngster, winter was never a hassle. It was just another thing to be enjoyed and played in.
Long afternoons well into the night were spent freezing cold playing football in on of the neighborhood yards. When there wasn't snow, I would still enjoy throwing the ball around and pretending to be all the positions.
I racked up some impressive stats in those me vs. me games.
And when the snow stacked up, we could run around and tackle each other, constantly hating and loving when our boots would come off, sending frigid snow to take its place. After hours outside, I would come in, rosy-faced and plant myself by the fireplace with hot chocolate, or some sort of hot beverage. The warmth rolling over me like a blanket, wrapping me up and half the time, actually putting me into a nap.
Perhaps it crept in, slowly, each year diminishing in winter bliss. Perhaps it was taken away with a drivers license. Maybe it was one of those collateral casualties of high school. Eventually, however it happened, I grew to dislike winter.
Yes, I loved the first snow, and of course any snow day was greatly welcomed. But I lost the magic of playing in that winter wonderland. Where I once saw football greatness and endless opportunities for fun, I only saw grey and cold.
Did I never notice the winter grey as a kid? Or was it actually sunnier? Is this a certifiable case of my outlook creating reality?
This trend continued as I finished my college career, when winter became ... difficult. As a working musician, I traveled in terrible snow and ice storms, just to get to a gig. Or, worse yet, the shows would cancel as the weather deteriorated. And even when it wasn't blizzarding, people would frequently be scarce at the other wintertime shows.
The clouds seemed to never leave to sky until May.
Seasonal affective disorder - I'm pretty sure I had it.
One grey, cold day, I asked myself, 'Do I really hate winter? Or just Cleveland winters?' If I only hated Cleveland winters, there are other places to go. Perhaps if I found a joy in winter elsewhere, I could bring it back into my life in the Ohio winter. Either way, hating 5 months of the year is no way to live life.
So I booked a tour to Jackson, Wyoming for the last two weeks of December. Rocky mountain wintertime winter. The real winter. Snow is measured in tens of feet there. Cold is really cold - zero degrees is a balmy day.
I didn't quite know what to expect as I crawled out of my van, my boot crunching on the snow-covered lot.
Something was odd already.
It was sunny.
The snow was pristine and shimmered everywhere.
The air was so still and dry that it shimmered as well.
I had walked into a snow globe.
Of joy.
Those two weeks took me outside in 20 below weather, traipsing around in snowshoes in knee deep snow, going miles and miles into the stillness of that marshmallow world.
Standing in an enclosure of beautiful, perfect pine trees, each one an image of the best Christmas tree in any movie, I found that bliss again.
Winter was not the enemy. It was spellbinding.
Yes, everything is spellbinding when in the shadow of a mountain, or alone in a sub-alpine forest, when watching the moose and elk forage, when the bison swing their mighty heads side to side to clear the snow.
But that bliss is more than that.
You see, bliss is not dependent on any external circumstance. Bliss is an inner state.
Bliss is a state where the curiosity of our childhood shines through, where the newness of each minute could bring infinite possibilities.
Bliss is everywhere. It is anywhere.
So I brought it back to Ohio.
Which is not bliss's natural habitat.
But it survives.
And waits with its face pressed against the windowpane in unbridled excitement for whatever winter holds.
Brussels Sprouts
I cannot believe I never gave these little veggies much attention.
Brussels sprouts! Since I had some earlier this year at Pura Vida in Cleveland, this veggie has received new standing in my appetite.
One of my favorite recipes calls for sauteing the sprouts with garlic and onions, and then when nearly done, mixing in maple syrup. You can also add a touch of cinnamon if you'd like, though it isn't necessary.
So good, and quick. This goes really well with rice, coated in a thai peanut sauce.
Enjoy! I look forward to hearing your favorite Brussels sprouts recipes!
Brussels sprouts! Since I had some earlier this year at Pura Vida in Cleveland, this veggie has received new standing in my appetite.
One of my favorite recipes calls for sauteing the sprouts with garlic and onions, and then when nearly done, mixing in maple syrup. You can also add a touch of cinnamon if you'd like, though it isn't necessary.
So good, and quick. This goes really well with rice, coated in a thai peanut sauce.
Enjoy! I look forward to hearing your favorite Brussels sprouts recipes!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Snowflakes
It happened this morning.
I saw my first snowflakes of the season.
Maybe it's something that still lingers on since school, but seeing the first snow is always an experience of great joy. In that little instant, I smell the fireplace, the cinnamon, the pumpkin pie, the warm blankets, and the supreme stillness in the air.
That joy, in itself, makes me more joyful. Have you experienced that? Getting a kick out of the fact that you're getting a kick out of something? It's a feeling of being present, I think.
All the trouble of winter is not yet here. Just a few snowflakes, like the first robins returning in spring.
In elementary school, my bus stop was about four house down the street. That little street corner housed a large shrubby tree, the sort of tree you could crawl inside, and it would hide and shield you from the day. Many winter days I would shuffle down the street, puffed up like the Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man in all my winter garb, and I would press my way into the tree and be in my own world. A world where the wind did strike at your bones. A world where the snow was held at bay. And for a few minutes those mornings, there was a calm and peace that filled every ounce of me.
The last 2 years I have been touring through Wyoming for the Christmas holidays. The great northern Rocky Mountains must indeed have been the inspiration for Winter Wonderland. The pure snow blankets everything and makes you almost swear that the whole scene is faked. The air is still and cold, but fragrant. And clear. The mountains in their yoga reach far into the sky. The rivers fight the frost. And the land seems to meditate.
We'd always have Christmas music swinging as we put up and trimmed the tree. Each ornament would allow a moment of where it came from, before figuring out where it would be going. The fire would be crackling. My dad napping on the couch. And once the lights were up, of course we'd turn off all the other lights, and sit with the twinkle for what seemed like hours.
Actually, my fondest Christmas tree memories involve sitting alone in the dark room late at night, and just being by the sparkling lights. Their reassuring glow could hold me for hours.
And so it is that the brilliant little snowflake finds me as it whirls beyond my vision before uniting with the spruce tree nearby.
I saw my first snowflakes of the season.
Maybe it's something that still lingers on since school, but seeing the first snow is always an experience of great joy. In that little instant, I smell the fireplace, the cinnamon, the pumpkin pie, the warm blankets, and the supreme stillness in the air.
That joy, in itself, makes me more joyful. Have you experienced that? Getting a kick out of the fact that you're getting a kick out of something? It's a feeling of being present, I think.
All the trouble of winter is not yet here. Just a few snowflakes, like the first robins returning in spring.
In elementary school, my bus stop was about four house down the street. That little street corner housed a large shrubby tree, the sort of tree you could crawl inside, and it would hide and shield you from the day. Many winter days I would shuffle down the street, puffed up like the Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man in all my winter garb, and I would press my way into the tree and be in my own world. A world where the wind did strike at your bones. A world where the snow was held at bay. And for a few minutes those mornings, there was a calm and peace that filled every ounce of me.
The last 2 years I have been touring through Wyoming for the Christmas holidays. The great northern Rocky Mountains must indeed have been the inspiration for Winter Wonderland. The pure snow blankets everything and makes you almost swear that the whole scene is faked. The air is still and cold, but fragrant. And clear. The mountains in their yoga reach far into the sky. The rivers fight the frost. And the land seems to meditate.
We'd always have Christmas music swinging as we put up and trimmed the tree. Each ornament would allow a moment of where it came from, before figuring out where it would be going. The fire would be crackling. My dad napping on the couch. And once the lights were up, of course we'd turn off all the other lights, and sit with the twinkle for what seemed like hours.
Actually, my fondest Christmas tree memories involve sitting alone in the dark room late at night, and just being by the sparkling lights. Their reassuring glow could hold me for hours.
And so it is that the brilliant little snowflake finds me as it whirls beyond my vision before uniting with the spruce tree nearby.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thanksgiving
The holidays are a time of family and friends. They are a celebration of our common journey. A celebration of our own little community.
As we enter our season of Thanksgiving, we honor the role food and family plays in our life, and our sustainability of that life.
Thanksgiving was always the one time of year our full family would get together. Sometimes we all ventured to my grandma's house on other holidays, but we could guarantee that the family would be together on Thanksgiving. It fitting that a holiday for giving thanks is mandated to include family and food.
Those things are really what sustains all life. Without them, we cannot live.
As I've gotten older, I have realized the importance of this idea. And that family isn't limited to close blood relations. Family can be seen as anyone in our close social circle. We consider our best friends "like a brother/sister." And we all agree the cat or dog is a family member.
But family is more than this. In God, we are all a family. A human family. A family of all sentient beings.
We give thanks to be a part of this family.
So when we have a meal of symbolic thanks, we must also be mindful and thankful of our full family.
Having a vegan Thanksgiving meal is not as hard as it may seem. Things like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes green beans casseroles, stuffing, etc can be made vegan with only a few easy substitutions (Earth Balance for butter, or Almond Milk for milk, for instance). If you want a big main dish, Field Roast makes a tasty meat alternative. Tofurkey does as well (though I think the Field Roast is more flavorful). Or you can make stuffed squash, marinated Portobello mushroom caps, lasagna ... it's limitless really.
Here's a great resource for recipes:
http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
I think I will be making in addition to my White House Sweet Potatoes and Field Roast, a mac n cheeze with lentils (inspired by Ms Julie's Kitchen). It's delicious and no more difficult than any other big holiday meal.
And for dessert, my favorite:
And you're honoring and giving thanks to the lives of your full family.
Namaste.
As we enter our season of Thanksgiving, we honor the role food and family plays in our life, and our sustainability of that life.
Thanksgiving was always the one time of year our full family would get together. Sometimes we all ventured to my grandma's house on other holidays, but we could guarantee that the family would be together on Thanksgiving. It fitting that a holiday for giving thanks is mandated to include family and food.
Those things are really what sustains all life. Without them, we cannot live.
As I've gotten older, I have realized the importance of this idea. And that family isn't limited to close blood relations. Family can be seen as anyone in our close social circle. We consider our best friends "like a brother/sister." And we all agree the cat or dog is a family member.
But family is more than this. In God, we are all a family. A human family. A family of all sentient beings.
We give thanks to be a part of this family.
So when we have a meal of symbolic thanks, we must also be mindful and thankful of our full family.
Having a vegan Thanksgiving meal is not as hard as it may seem. Things like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes green beans casseroles, stuffing, etc can be made vegan with only a few easy substitutions (Earth Balance for butter, or Almond Milk for milk, for instance). If you want a big main dish, Field Roast makes a tasty meat alternative. Tofurkey does as well (though I think the Field Roast is more flavorful). Or you can make stuffed squash, marinated Portobello mushroom caps, lasagna ... it's limitless really.
Here's a great resource for recipes:
http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
I think I will be making in addition to my White House Sweet Potatoes and Field Roast, a mac n cheeze with lentils (inspired by Ms Julie's Kitchen). It's delicious and no more difficult than any other big holiday meal.
And for dessert, my favorite:
Tofu
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients (use vegan versions):
1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar or sucanat (or 1/2 cup maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch to firm up the pie filling
1 package (10-12 ounces) silken/soft tofu
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 F. Blend the pumpkin and sugar. Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes. Chill and serve. Dont use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu. This pie is soooo yummy, it will fool almost anyone. I made it last Thanksgiving for my whole family, I am the only one, and everyone asked for seconds. They begged me to make another one for Christmas dinner. Top with non dairy topping and it will fool any pumpkin pie lover.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: about 1 hour + chilling time
Ingredients (use vegan versions):
1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar or sucanat (or 1/2 cup maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch to firm up the pie filling
1 package (10-12 ounces) silken/soft tofu
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 F. Blend the pumpkin and sugar. Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes. Chill and serve. Dont use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu. This pie is soooo yummy, it will fool almost anyone. I made it last Thanksgiving for my whole family, I am the only one, and everyone asked for seconds. They begged me to make another one for Christmas dinner. Top with non dairy topping and it will fool any pumpkin pie lover.
Serves: 8
Preparation time: about 1 hour + chilling time
And you're honoring and giving thanks to the lives of your full family.
Namaste.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Some of My Favorite Music
I found Caetano Veloso a decade ago whilst rummaging through a record shop while on tour. There was a little sticker on the CD that mentioned David Byrne, and being a huge David Byrne fan, I bought the CD, and he has been one of my favorite singers since.
Enjoy this large collection of songs. I particularly enjoy the Live record, Noites Do Norte.
Caetano Veloso – Zii e Zie
What music are you getting into?
Namaste.
Enjoy this large collection of songs. I particularly enjoy the Live record, Noites Do Norte.
Caetano Veloso – Zii e Zie
What music are you getting into?
Namaste.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Here's how we end factory farming #makeitpossible
Here's how we end factory farming #makeitpossible
We have a duty to reduce suffering and add kindness and compassion to the world. This is a great campaign. We need to support it and we need to grow it here in the States.
We have a duty to reduce suffering and add kindness and compassion to the world. This is a great campaign. We need to support it and we need to grow it here in the States.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Peace Week
Ok. So, I have been absent from blogging this week. Right after I promised to blog more. The best of intentions can often fall short.
This week has been amazing, and honestly it's going to take several posts and maybe a week to expound upon it all and to take it in to a point I can discuss it all.
We began Peace Week this year with the hope of working with groups and organizations around Akron to bring about events to help cultivate nonviolence in ourselves and our community.
Peace really does begin within each of us. This week has made that even more clear to me. I was deeply moved by the events this year, by the presenters, speakers, attendees, bike riders, so many people. Everyday we can gain such insight and awareness if we open ourselves to it.
The week began with Bigfoot and is ending with a walking meditation. In between, we've meditated, practiced yoga, learned How to Start a Revolution and 198 methods of nonviolent action, learned about cooking healthy delicious fall foods (like an eggplant burger and butternut squash soup), hiked through the woods, worked together to solved problems, supported a great farmers market, played music, encouraged an art walk, gave free hugs, engaged youth through the Akron Peacemakers, drummed, danced, and rode bicycles 20 miles and a Peace Train 20 miles.
The community inside and out is being cultivated, supported and encouraged.
These are uplifting and inspirational times!
This week has been amazing, and honestly it's going to take several posts and maybe a week to expound upon it all and to take it in to a point I can discuss it all.
We began Peace Week this year with the hope of working with groups and organizations around Akron to bring about events to help cultivate nonviolence in ourselves and our community.
Peace really does begin within each of us. This week has made that even more clear to me. I was deeply moved by the events this year, by the presenters, speakers, attendees, bike riders, so many people. Everyday we can gain such insight and awareness if we open ourselves to it.
The week began with Bigfoot and is ending with a walking meditation. In between, we've meditated, practiced yoga, learned How to Start a Revolution and 198 methods of nonviolent action, learned about cooking healthy delicious fall foods (like an eggplant burger and butternut squash soup), hiked through the woods, worked together to solved problems, supported a great farmers market, played music, encouraged an art walk, gave free hugs, engaged youth through the Akron Peacemakers, drummed, danced, and rode bicycles 20 miles and a Peace Train 20 miles.
The community inside and out is being cultivated, supported and encouraged.
These are uplifting and inspirational times!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Regulatons
Here's an article for anyone who thinks we've got good regulations for the Oil and Gas industry.
http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/09/report-states-not-enforcing-their-own-oil-and-gas-rules
The distinct feeling I had in reading this was deja vu ...
http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/09/report-states-not-enforcing-their-own-oil-and-gas-rules
The distinct feeling I had in reading this was deja vu ...
Over the Weekend
The last four-five days have been flying by. And of course I forgot my laptop.
Wednesday and Thursday I journeyed out to Philadelphia. The mountains were dressed in the autumnal best, and the sun was grinning the whole way. I found myself in Philly because of the Shale Gas Outrage. They had asked me to be a part of their event and protest. Bill McKibben, Josh Fox, Doug Shields and more took the stage inspiring the crowd of 1,000 plus people. A few of my fellow Tour de Frackers made their way out also. It's always an inspiring time to be around folks motivated to stand up for justice and what is right.
I just saw a study today that said nearly half of all folks that leased their lands for fracking regretted doing it.
Then the crowd and I sang I Want a Future Too and we marched through the streets of Philly. The rally was a little surreal, as we were set up in front of the Convention Center where the Oil and Gas industry was conspiring - i mean, meeting. Occasionally some of their folks would come to windows and look down on the crowd.
After the march, there was a beautiful interfaith blessing of the waters service, followed by the after party, where I performed along with the great Freebo. For lunch I managed to get a yummy vegan chikin broccoli dish at an all veggie Asian restaurant in Chinatown. The folks that I met give me great hope that we can fight and win this battle.
We just need the rest of us to wake up, stand up, and speak up!
Square fest.
The big highlight for me (aside from seeing many great friends and having a cinnamon roll from Ms Julies) was getting rained off the main stage and relocated into Annabell's upstairs. Though I've played the downstairs before, I'd not yet done the upstairs. Charlie and I had a blast doing the duo set. We don't get to do that as often as we used to. We met some awesome new fans from Canton and New Philly - who came all the up to the fest just to hear us! Plus, several folks danced through the aisle with me, and that always makes my day!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Pearl and the Beard
I've loved this band since I first heard them a few years back.
Here's a cool song and video for your day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiaDWzdhgEI&feature=share&list=PLEFE89B8B792CAF5C
And another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atA_sw9Q3IQ&feature=related
and wow, this is the most amazing cover I've heard in a very long time (not Pearl and the Beard, but you need to watch this!!):
http://youtu.be/PB3RbO7updc
Enjoy!
Namaste.
Zach
Here's a cool song and video for your day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiaDWzdhgEI&feature=share&list=PLEFE89B8B792CAF5C
And another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atA_sw9Q3IQ&feature=related
and wow, this is the most amazing cover I've heard in a very long time (not Pearl and the Beard, but you need to watch this!!):
http://youtu.be/PB3RbO7updc
Enjoy!
Namaste.
Zach
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Compassion
Along with love, compassion is the face of altruism. It is a feeling from deep in the heart that you cannot bear others’ suffering without acting to relieve it. As compassion grows stronger, so does your willingness to commit yourself to the welfare of all beings, even if you have to do it alone. You will be unbiased in your service to all beings, no matter how they respond to you. - Dalai Lama
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Greens
Back in 1999, as I was approaching the first election where I was eligible to vote, I found the Green Party. They are a worldwide party, with more representation oversees than in the US. Ralph Nader was their candidate then, and after hearing him speak a few times, I found myself very involved with the Green Party, even having the honor to perform at their state-wide convention.
They have always been close to my heart, though I have been more conventional in my recent voting ... for fear of the alternative.
This is an issue 3rd party candidates have been faced with since before the 2000 election.
Jill Stein is the candidate this year for President for the Greens. Check her out: www.jillstein.org.
She spoke brilliantly about this fear, which she calls fear politics. Interestingly enough, this fear politics has brought us exactly what we were afraid of. Another good analogy she has is that both parties are like 2 sinking ships, and perhaps one is sinking faster, but they are both sinking.
Here is a video of Jill Stein. http://www.jillstein.org/video_green_new_deal
Im not asking you to change your vote, or to even vote for her. But the more information we have, and the more we know, the stronger we can fight and make this democracy work for us all.
We are in desperate need of a cultural revolution. A sweeping revolution that says our main purpose in life is to help each other. Where we can say our biggest goal is not to be successful, but to be happy. Both political parties are seriously culturally and spiritually malnourished. It is refreshing to hear a voice of reason and hope, however small and shouted over it may be.
They have always been close to my heart, though I have been more conventional in my recent voting ... for fear of the alternative.
This is an issue 3rd party candidates have been faced with since before the 2000 election.
Jill Stein is the candidate this year for President for the Greens. Check her out: www.jillstein.org.
She spoke brilliantly about this fear, which she calls fear politics. Interestingly enough, this fear politics has brought us exactly what we were afraid of. Another good analogy she has is that both parties are like 2 sinking ships, and perhaps one is sinking faster, but they are both sinking.
Here is a video of Jill Stein. http://www.jillstein.org/video_green_new_deal
Im not asking you to change your vote, or to even vote for her. But the more information we have, and the more we know, the stronger we can fight and make this democracy work for us all.
We are in desperate need of a cultural revolution. A sweeping revolution that says our main purpose in life is to help each other. Where we can say our biggest goal is not to be successful, but to be happy. Both political parties are seriously culturally and spiritually malnourished. It is refreshing to hear a voice of reason and hope, however small and shouted over it may be.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Peace Week
Akron Peace Week
Sept 29 - Oct 8
September 29
WILD 4 THE NIGHT
with Wild4Ever
Camp Christopher
1930 N. Hametown Rd. Bath
5 – 9:00pm
http://www.wild4ever.com/2012/07/19/wild-4-the-night/
Experience wildlife encounters with
Medina Raptor, Operation Orphan & Foggy Bottom Farms. For more information call (330) 825-2434
September 30
HAPPY TRAILS FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY OPEN
HOUSE
5623 New Milford Rd Ravenna
11:30am.
http://happytrailsfarm.org/
Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Inc.
is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and provides an
adoption program for abused, abandoned, and neglected farm animals.
NATURE RECONNECTION MEDITATION
with Tajalli
TBA
2:00pm
Learn how to reconnect with our natural
environment through a series of meditations and experiences.
October 1
AKRON PEACE PROJECT FILM SERIES
“HOW TO START A REVOLUTION”
(w/ American Friends Service Committee)
AKRON LIBRARY-NORTHWEST BRANCH
1720 Shatto Ave, Akron
6:30 - 8:30pm
http://howtostartarevolutionfilm.com/.
HOW TO START A REVOLUTION profiles Gene
Sharp, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and is a portrait of how one man’s thinking
has contributed to the liberation of millions of oppressed people living under
some of the most brutal dictatorships in the world.
October 2
FREE AKRON YOGA
(w/ Free Akron Yoga)
First Grace Church
350 S. Portage Path, Akron
7 – 8:30pm
By taking control of the body and
breath, one can provide the ground to achieve tranquility of mind.
October 3
COOKING CLASS WITH MS. JULIE
“Making the Most of Your
End-Of-Garden-Season Goodies”
Ms. Julie’s Kitchen
1809 S. Main St, Akron
6:30pm
Ms. Julie follows a diet of only raw
foods, believing that fruits and vegetables are better for the body when eaten
raw. Call Ms Julie’s at 330-819-3834 for more info.
October 4
PEACE WALK IN THE PARK
(w/ the Sierra Club)
Big Bend Area of the Sand Run Metro
Park
1337 Merriman Rd, Akron
6:30pm
http://www.summitmetroparks.org/Activities/Fall-Hiking-Spree.aspx
This walk/hike takes place during the
park’s Fall Hiking Spree.
October 5
PEACE THROUGH PROBLEM-SOLVING WORKSHOP
presented by The Camp
Ms. Julie Café
446 E. Exchange St, Akron
7 – 8:30pm.
The Camp has taught this nonviolent
team-building workshop in schools, prisons, and business settings for a number
of years.
October 6
COUNTRYSIDE FARMERS MARKET
(w/ Countryside Conservancy)
Howe Meadow
4040 Riverview Rd, Akron
9 – Noon
ARTWALK
with Akron Art Works, Downtown Akron
Partnership, and Akron Peacemakers
5 – 10:00pm
http://www.downtownakron.com/enjoy/artwalk
Members from the Akron Symphony, Spring
Garden Waldorf School band, and Zach & the Bright Lights will be performing
at the Trolley Barn! The Akron Peacemakers will be at various locations with
information about their program and campaigns, and more. Join us for Reiki and
massages at the Ice House location.
October 7
PEACE RIDE & PEACE TRAIN
(w/ the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic
Railroad)
Mustill Store/ Cascade Locks to
Rockside Station
10:00am - 2:00pm
http://www.cvsr.com/
Bring your bicycles and wear visible
peace signs. We will be departing Akron at 10:00am and riding to the Rockside
Station, where we will be picking up the “Peace Train” and returning to Akron.
There will be a slight $2 fare for the train. Pack a lunch.
DRUMMING FOR PEACE
(w/ Market Path and the Highland Square
Drummers)
Market Path
833 W. Market St, Akron
1:00 – 2:00pm
http://www.themarketpath.com/
Drumming, dancing, chanting for peace.
Bring your own drum, though some extras will be there.
Join us for Garba, a dance originating
from the Gujarat region of India, with the Art of Living Foundation!
PEACE POT LUCK
(w/ Akron Time Bank)
Market Path
833 W. Market St, Akron
2:00pm
Bring a vegan/ vegetarian dish to
share. This is also a chance to find out more about the Akron and Kent Time
Banks, and to meet members of those groups. http://akron.timebanks.org/
October 8
AKRON SHAMBHALA CENTER
(w/ the Akron Shambhala Center)
133 Portage Tr, Suite 202, Cuyahoga
Falls
7:00pm
http://akron.shambhala.org/
Monday, September 10, 2012
Ohio Officials
Democracy only works when we work it. We all take it for granted that it just works, that somehow when we elect people they magically know what's going on and are working to solve it. Or we feel that they are useless to progress and only working against us.
Neither of those is the truth. They only have time to listen to what their constituents say and what the lobbyists say. When the constituents are relatively silent, then all they hear is one side of the story. It is up to us to educate them on our side of the story. When enough people speak up, the folks we elect have no choice but to listen.
You should check this link out. Find out how your state representatives voted on the last fracking bill, voted on back in May. We need to write these folks, meet with them, and run against them telling them our views.
http://ohiocitizen.org/ohio-lawmakers-keep-doctors-in-the-dark-about-fracking-chemicals/
Neither of those is the truth. They only have time to listen to what their constituents say and what the lobbyists say. When the constituents are relatively silent, then all they hear is one side of the story. It is up to us to educate them on our side of the story. When enough people speak up, the folks we elect have no choice but to listen.
You should check this link out. Find out how your state representatives voted on the last fracking bill, voted on back in May. We need to write these folks, meet with them, and run against them telling them our views.
http://ohiocitizen.org/ohio-lawmakers-keep-doctors-in-the-dark-about-fracking-chemicals/
An Intense Day
“Art is not a pleasure, a solace, or an amusement; art is a great matter. Art is an organ of human life, transmitting man’s reasonable perception into feeling.”—Leo Tolstoy
Summer weekends tend to find me performing multiple venues each day. I take gigs for various reasons. Yes, sometimes, the money is good. Sometimes the cause and people involved are great.
The day started off with a set at Earth Fare to celebrate their birthday in Fairlawn. It was an outdoor celebration, and the weather wasn't sure whether it should support us or not. My set had no power as the ground was still wet, and puddles were on either side of the stage. But I played on anyway. roaming and troubadouring around the parking lot, singing to patrons and dancing with the Menchie's mascot. Sometimes I enjoy this sort of performing more than being up on a stage separated from folks. People live in blinders and fall into a set routine. This is not inherently dangerous, but it does lead to less risk taking and can lead to shutting off many brilliant aspects of life and many wonderful people. In my own little way, singing to people in random locations and following them around as they shop, is an attempt to awaken people to the unexpected joys life can bring if you are open to them.
As I danced over and around a family in line to get some face-painting, singing "Perfect," I came to be aware that the young daughter was deaf. She seemed to enjoy watching me dance around, but the family said they wished they'd brought a balloon so that she could feel the music. This is an amazing idea to feel music through the air of the balloon! With the day being a celebration, we were able to find a balloon quickly, and it was promptly in the arms of this happy little girl.
Her face lit up.
Completely lit up.
She stood there, grinning a mouth a teeth and spaces, holding that balloon with both hands, watching me sing. She started dancing a little.
"I could be perfect if I was someone else. Maybe I'm perfect as pieces of myself."
At that moment, there could be no better job in the whole world.
We've built up this large elaborate society. At the end of the day, all that matters is that we bring a little joy to someone else's day. To someone's minute.
To help someone hold a balloon and dance to the joy of the Universe.
If only for a minute.
My set ended, and I had a delicious lunch of vegan lasagna, with a little mock chicken salad and Asian noodles. And a cupcake. The lasagna and cupcake came from cooking demonstrations going on that afternoon, and were a perk of performing.
From there, I helped a friend who is moving into a new apartment before heading over to Thorncreek Winery.
Thorncreek has beautiful grounds. There's a flower-filled patio and a great second patio area surrounded by shrubs, trees, and a field. With the weather overcast and chilly, I played in the heated patio area, covered by a large tent.
The downside to the winery is that is can get loud from conversations. Music is a part of the atmosphere there. It is not the main attraction. The roar of voices, laughter, and the like compete with the music on occasion.
This is the risk that comes with performing there. I acknowledge and accept that or I wouldn't perform there. Over my shows there, I have had good night and bad, but overall, I've met a lot of nice people who liked the music and what I do.
I like wineries. Much more than bars. Folks at wineries tend to be a little more calm, and not as crazy drunk as I have seen in bars. The idea of the music and atmosphere are in general a little more important to the patrons. One of the main reasons I stopped playing in most bars is because of the drunks and their attitudes. My music is about compassion, and I do what I do, mostly original music, with only a handful of other tunes that are important to me. Bar crowds typically don't get it. They want the cover band, the human jukebox.
That is not me.
People at wineries still ask for requests, but they usually ask for one or maybe two. If I cannot play their song, they generally understand and go about their evening.
And this brings me to this weekend.
A group of four folks were sat in the closest table to me. They were having a boisterous conversation, but after a few songs, began listening to the music attentively. They applauded after each song, even. Smiles were on their faces, and even when they went back into conversations, they seemed to be enjoying my music.
And then one of the ladys asked me for You've Got A Friend, the James Taylor tune. Great song. That I do not play. I kindly thanked them, but told them I was unable to play it. After my next song, they repeated their request, which I again politely told them I was unable to play it. To which, she got slightly angry, saying "Really? I can't believe you can't play it. Why won't you play it?" Again I politely said I don't do a lot of other people's songs, and I did not play that one. From there I promptly went into two back-back originals, allowing no time for banter in between. As soon as the second song ended, she shouts out "Eagles. Play the Eagles." Again, I kindly told her I do not play any Eagles. This angered her, and she scowled some sort of death stare at me the entire next song.
Once again, I finished my song and went right into another original.
She started shouting out "Kid Rock! Play f#@$in Kid Rock! Play Eagles! Bon Jovi! Kid Rock!" throughout the entirety of the song.
What bothers me most about this situation is that her three other friends, who all seemed to really like the music, did nothing to calm her down, remove her, anything. They just sat there like she wasn't doing it.
As I was finishing the song, she started saying quite loudly, "I hate him," as she was looking at me.
Luckily their bill came and they left shortly after this, but this was the closest I've ever come to stopping my show to deal with someone. My luck has been good (knock on wood) that I haven't had a lot of unruly folks at my shows. The few times people have gotten a little out of hand, either the club or their friends removed them. So, this was a new sort of experience.
When did it become completely acceptable for people to behave in an unacceptable manner in public? She obviously thought she was acting as the situation called for, but her friends went along with it. One near-by table left because of her rudeness, though they did not inform the winery of this woman.
Things ended fine, and most people were very happy and inspired by the music I played all day.
Have you been in a similar situation? Share your stories and solutions.
Summer weekends tend to find me performing multiple venues each day. I take gigs for various reasons. Yes, sometimes, the money is good. Sometimes the cause and people involved are great.
The day started off with a set at Earth Fare to celebrate their birthday in Fairlawn. It was an outdoor celebration, and the weather wasn't sure whether it should support us or not. My set had no power as the ground was still wet, and puddles were on either side of the stage. But I played on anyway. roaming and troubadouring around the parking lot, singing to patrons and dancing with the Menchie's mascot. Sometimes I enjoy this sort of performing more than being up on a stage separated from folks. People live in blinders and fall into a set routine. This is not inherently dangerous, but it does lead to less risk taking and can lead to shutting off many brilliant aspects of life and many wonderful people. In my own little way, singing to people in random locations and following them around as they shop, is an attempt to awaken people to the unexpected joys life can bring if you are open to them.
As I danced over and around a family in line to get some face-painting, singing "Perfect," I came to be aware that the young daughter was deaf. She seemed to enjoy watching me dance around, but the family said they wished they'd brought a balloon so that she could feel the music. This is an amazing idea to feel music through the air of the balloon! With the day being a celebration, we were able to find a balloon quickly, and it was promptly in the arms of this happy little girl.
Her face lit up.
Completely lit up.
She stood there, grinning a mouth a teeth and spaces, holding that balloon with both hands, watching me sing. She started dancing a little.
"I could be perfect if I was someone else. Maybe I'm perfect as pieces of myself."
At that moment, there could be no better job in the whole world.
We've built up this large elaborate society. At the end of the day, all that matters is that we bring a little joy to someone else's day. To someone's minute.
To help someone hold a balloon and dance to the joy of the Universe.
If only for a minute.
My set ended, and I had a delicious lunch of vegan lasagna, with a little mock chicken salad and Asian noodles. And a cupcake. The lasagna and cupcake came from cooking demonstrations going on that afternoon, and were a perk of performing.
From there, I helped a friend who is moving into a new apartment before heading over to Thorncreek Winery.
Thorncreek has beautiful grounds. There's a flower-filled patio and a great second patio area surrounded by shrubs, trees, and a field. With the weather overcast and chilly, I played in the heated patio area, covered by a large tent.
The downside to the winery is that is can get loud from conversations. Music is a part of the atmosphere there. It is not the main attraction. The roar of voices, laughter, and the like compete with the music on occasion.
This is the risk that comes with performing there. I acknowledge and accept that or I wouldn't perform there. Over my shows there, I have had good night and bad, but overall, I've met a lot of nice people who liked the music and what I do.
I like wineries. Much more than bars. Folks at wineries tend to be a little more calm, and not as crazy drunk as I have seen in bars. The idea of the music and atmosphere are in general a little more important to the patrons. One of the main reasons I stopped playing in most bars is because of the drunks and their attitudes. My music is about compassion, and I do what I do, mostly original music, with only a handful of other tunes that are important to me. Bar crowds typically don't get it. They want the cover band, the human jukebox.
That is not me.
People at wineries still ask for requests, but they usually ask for one or maybe two. If I cannot play their song, they generally understand and go about their evening.
And this brings me to this weekend.
A group of four folks were sat in the closest table to me. They were having a boisterous conversation, but after a few songs, began listening to the music attentively. They applauded after each song, even. Smiles were on their faces, and even when they went back into conversations, they seemed to be enjoying my music.
And then one of the ladys asked me for You've Got A Friend, the James Taylor tune. Great song. That I do not play. I kindly thanked them, but told them I was unable to play it. After my next song, they repeated their request, which I again politely told them I was unable to play it. To which, she got slightly angry, saying "Really? I can't believe you can't play it. Why won't you play it?" Again I politely said I don't do a lot of other people's songs, and I did not play that one. From there I promptly went into two back-back originals, allowing no time for banter in between. As soon as the second song ended, she shouts out "Eagles. Play the Eagles." Again, I kindly told her I do not play any Eagles. This angered her, and she scowled some sort of death stare at me the entire next song.
Once again, I finished my song and went right into another original.
She started shouting out "Kid Rock! Play f#@$in Kid Rock! Play Eagles! Bon Jovi! Kid Rock!" throughout the entirety of the song.
What bothers me most about this situation is that her three other friends, who all seemed to really like the music, did nothing to calm her down, remove her, anything. They just sat there like she wasn't doing it.
As I was finishing the song, she started saying quite loudly, "I hate him," as she was looking at me.
Luckily their bill came and they left shortly after this, but this was the closest I've ever come to stopping my show to deal with someone. My luck has been good (knock on wood) that I haven't had a lot of unruly folks at my shows. The few times people have gotten a little out of hand, either the club or their friends removed them. So, this was a new sort of experience.
When did it become completely acceptable for people to behave in an unacceptable manner in public? She obviously thought she was acting as the situation called for, but her friends went along with it. One near-by table left because of her rudeness, though they did not inform the winery of this woman.
Things ended fine, and most people were very happy and inspired by the music I played all day.
Have you been in a similar situation? Share your stories and solutions.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mraz
Typically I get to see far less live music shows than I'd like.
So when it happens that I'm invited to see someone perform, and my evening is open, I go.
Last night I went to see Jason Mraz and Christina Perri at Blossom. I haven't been to Blossom in a good 12 years or more. The evening turned out to be lovely.
Jason Mraz is a solid performer and he's got a great voice. His percussionist on this tour, which I think is a different percussionist that his last tours, is incredible! She was mind-blowing on their duet "You F-in Did It." And the sing-along ending of his latest single "You Are Not Alone" was a powerful end to the night.
But I have to say that I think Christina Perri sort of stole the show. Her band was fantastically tight. The sound seemed to be a bit more dialed in for her set as well. Her drummer, Elmo, was a greatly inspired drummer. It was hard not to be impressed. I had never heard of her or her music before last night. Her voice reminded me of Lissie, and though I didn't hear that amazing hit-quality tune, she captivated the audience with her solo piano version of her big song "Jar of Hearts." Her voice was so powerful on that solo number, that she got a very impressive standing ovation by the entire audience, something I've never really seen for an opener.
A lovely night of music.
Here's a link to some Christina Perri (she sounded better with her band live): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v_4O44sfjM&list=ALYL4kY05133r-OaXHEr_NOpfCsxhcoQpa&index=1&feature=plcp
And anyone not familiar with Jason Mraz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vge_zVye8u4
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Broadview Hts Ballot Initiative
I first became aware of the group MADION (Mothers Against Drilling In Our Neighborhood) this spring. They had been collecting signatures to get a citizen initiative banning any new fracking wells in Broadview Hts on the November ballot.
Their passion to change their neighborhood was deeply inspiring. Over 106 wells are in (or will be by year's end) Broadview Hts. That's a lot of wells, in a relatively small amount of land. So, of course, many of these wells are in neighborhoods, schools, and a little bit of anywhere else. Little can be done about these wells popping up. Homeowners are being deceived by the oil and gas companies in magnitudes that if any other company or industry did, would have them wrapped up in tons of lawsuits. As one man (who was making quite a lot of money off of the wells on his property) said, "If a gas company man is talking, he's lying." Plus, the state has taken away the ability of the local governments to decide if they want wells, and where they might or might not want them.
Despite these odds, the MADION group spoke with the city council and were given all the guidelines for getting an initiative on the ballot. They followed each one to the letter of the law, and they collected more than enough signatures.
Which means they got their initiative on the ballot, right?
Not exactly.
Apparently, the city council can still vote to decide whether to allow initiatives on the ballot. Even after they had been vetted by the state.
The city council was weary of the initiative, with the law director strongly suggesting that they vote against it.
At the last council meeting, I spoke with several of the council members, including the aforementioned law director. Many of them were personally very much in favor of the initiative. They were not happy that so many wells were plaguing their city. Their concerns stem from if the issue passed, this initiative would be in violation of state law, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits. They felt that rather than fight this fight on a local level, spend the energy on the state level.
Their arguments have credibility and weight. Yes, they would be supporting an unenforceable law. Yes, they would be vulnerable. Lawsuits are expensive to fight and could leave the city in trouble should they have to fight a prolonged battle, or if they should lose. Yes, ultimately it's the laws and people in Columbus that must change.
Admittedly I left this meeting downtrodden and disheartened. Is attempting local change and local bans possible? Is it the right way? Is there any way of realistically stopping the oil and gas industry?
I do not envy the position of elected officials. They swear an oath to protect their citizens. In good conscience, they cannot accept fracking and its major health ramifications. Yet to place the city coffers up for depleting is very risky as well.
However, this is clear to me.
What is at stake here is our very democracy. We should have a say in what is happening in our neighborhoods and towns. Our voice is heard when someone's yard isn't mowed, or when we have a concern over paving a side street. Yet, our voice has been ripped from our throats in the issue of fracking. Our towns cannot decide how to plan or lay out their city and their city's future, as they are beholden to the oil and gas industry's whims. We decided long ago that industry and homes do not mix well. People got sick. People died. Yet, we once again find ourselves locked in a choice-less situation. When you once used to have to live near the loud and polluting factory because that's where you worked, or that's what you could afford, now quiet and peaceful neighborhoods are turning into factories over night when wells are drilled.
Democracy is at stake when the people have collected the signatures that our city constitution calls for, when people have followed the steps of democracy and the law to assemble an initiative on the ballot, so that the citizens can have their fair say, and yet a city council can deny that this issue actually makes the ballot. Not only is democracy at stake, the hopes and dreams of this country are held hostage. For if your voice is stripped after you followed due process, what hope do you have in the rest of the system? The democracy of our forefathers, the democracy so many have sacrificed, bled, and died for is undermined and the hopes of "we the people" are squashed yet again when the government refuses to listen to it's people.
Tonight, we can stand proud, at least for a moment, that the Broadview Hts city council allowed democracy to survive to fight another day. They passed the initiative, and it will be heading to the ballot. The citizens of Broadview Hts will have their say.
This fight is far from over. The people of Broadview Hts have to educate themselves on what wells are doing to their communities, and the people need to vote in November. The people need to still petition Columbus to change their unjust laws, and if Columbus refuses to listen, we all need to vote in people who will. You see, democracy is not some sort of right, it is our active duty. It only works if we work it.
So let's get to work!
Their passion to change their neighborhood was deeply inspiring. Over 106 wells are in (or will be by year's end) Broadview Hts. That's a lot of wells, in a relatively small amount of land. So, of course, many of these wells are in neighborhoods, schools, and a little bit of anywhere else. Little can be done about these wells popping up. Homeowners are being deceived by the oil and gas companies in magnitudes that if any other company or industry did, would have them wrapped up in tons of lawsuits. As one man (who was making quite a lot of money off of the wells on his property) said, "If a gas company man is talking, he's lying." Plus, the state has taken away the ability of the local governments to decide if they want wells, and where they might or might not want them.
Despite these odds, the MADION group spoke with the city council and were given all the guidelines for getting an initiative on the ballot. They followed each one to the letter of the law, and they collected more than enough signatures.
Which means they got their initiative on the ballot, right?
Not exactly.
Apparently, the city council can still vote to decide whether to allow initiatives on the ballot. Even after they had been vetted by the state.
The city council was weary of the initiative, with the law director strongly suggesting that they vote against it.
At the last council meeting, I spoke with several of the council members, including the aforementioned law director. Many of them were personally very much in favor of the initiative. They were not happy that so many wells were plaguing their city. Their concerns stem from if the issue passed, this initiative would be in violation of state law, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits. They felt that rather than fight this fight on a local level, spend the energy on the state level.
Their arguments have credibility and weight. Yes, they would be supporting an unenforceable law. Yes, they would be vulnerable. Lawsuits are expensive to fight and could leave the city in trouble should they have to fight a prolonged battle, or if they should lose. Yes, ultimately it's the laws and people in Columbus that must change.
Admittedly I left this meeting downtrodden and disheartened. Is attempting local change and local bans possible? Is it the right way? Is there any way of realistically stopping the oil and gas industry?
I do not envy the position of elected officials. They swear an oath to protect their citizens. In good conscience, they cannot accept fracking and its major health ramifications. Yet to place the city coffers up for depleting is very risky as well.
However, this is clear to me.
What is at stake here is our very democracy. We should have a say in what is happening in our neighborhoods and towns. Our voice is heard when someone's yard isn't mowed, or when we have a concern over paving a side street. Yet, our voice has been ripped from our throats in the issue of fracking. Our towns cannot decide how to plan or lay out their city and their city's future, as they are beholden to the oil and gas industry's whims. We decided long ago that industry and homes do not mix well. People got sick. People died. Yet, we once again find ourselves locked in a choice-less situation. When you once used to have to live near the loud and polluting factory because that's where you worked, or that's what you could afford, now quiet and peaceful neighborhoods are turning into factories over night when wells are drilled.
Democracy is at stake when the people have collected the signatures that our city constitution calls for, when people have followed the steps of democracy and the law to assemble an initiative on the ballot, so that the citizens can have their fair say, and yet a city council can deny that this issue actually makes the ballot. Not only is democracy at stake, the hopes and dreams of this country are held hostage. For if your voice is stripped after you followed due process, what hope do you have in the rest of the system? The democracy of our forefathers, the democracy so many have sacrificed, bled, and died for is undermined and the hopes of "we the people" are squashed yet again when the government refuses to listen to it's people.
Tonight, we can stand proud, at least for a moment, that the Broadview Hts city council allowed democracy to survive to fight another day. They passed the initiative, and it will be heading to the ballot. The citizens of Broadview Hts will have their say.
This fight is far from over. The people of Broadview Hts have to educate themselves on what wells are doing to their communities, and the people need to vote in November. The people need to still petition Columbus to change their unjust laws, and if Columbus refuses to listen, we all need to vote in people who will. You see, democracy is not some sort of right, it is our active duty. It only works if we work it.
So let's get to work!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Labor Day Weekend
The Art Works/ Downtown Akron Partnership folks know me well. They had me a part of the Summit Art Space festivities for the Art Walk. The Summit Art Space was also the space where a vegan pot luck & Meet Up were happening, and Courtney had her living wall sculpture piece on display on the 3rd floor. It was definitely the building I wanted to be in.
The pot luck was delicious, though I had little time to eat and truly sample all the dishes. There was a spicy wonderful zucchini slices pizza (with a salsa sauce) and a rightly amazing apple pie. There were also cookies, brownies, a green bean in tomato sauce (Courtney and I made), a falafel wrap, several salads, and more than I can't recall. As I said, I had little time to really sample everything.
The set went well. Several fans stopped by from the Riverfront days and requested a few Face With a View tunes. Of course they sang along wonderfully to Hello and Chase Me Away. Then they asked for Hitchhiker Joe. And a very young girl came up and asked for Psycho Killer. For the latter, a dance troupe was in the room and was improving some great dance!
We ended the night at Luigis, where I haven't even been since the last Civic show, almost a year ago.
A second pot luck was scheduled on Sunday. This was a movie themed pot luck, and by far the coolest dish was a tempeh version of the Hollywood sign, complete with little broccoli trees! The tastiest dishes were a veggies in peanut sauce and a butternut squash dish that my friend, TM Gottl, made. Also, there was a Men in Blackberry cheezecake. I've never been much of a cheesecake person, but this stuff was really good. Good job Chad and Libby! The night ended with a fun round of Apples to Apples. I won three cards, and it's jokingly said that those cards describe you. If that's the case then I am hot, devious, and dead & gone. Though I am still very much alive & here!
Labor Day itself was a day of laboring... it seemed to be the perfect day to clean out the basement. Said chore has been on my list for a while, and so I gave the day to clean it up. And clean I did. The basement is like a totally new place! It's hard to let go of stuff sometimes. It has some sort of memory, however minor, and holds such a power that someday I'll need it again, though it's been packaged up for decades. I couldn't throw out old school papers and tests and notes, but most of the rest is now gone. Finishing an all-day task is a wonderfully rewarding experience as well. After reorganizing my vinyl and some Chinese veggies and Tofu in a garlic sauce, I had a wonderful night sleep.
During the clean out, I found several old mix CD I had made, and subsequently put them on as I worked. My favorites from the late 90's - early aughts. Neil Young's Change Your Mind, Nirvana's Lithium, several Nine Inch Nails, Our Lady Peace, Sarah McLaughlin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Doors, Bonnie Raitt, and some other tunes I have't listen much to since. All good songs still!
What are some of your favorite songs from your high school or college days?
The pot luck was delicious, though I had little time to eat and truly sample all the dishes. There was a spicy wonderful zucchini slices pizza (with a salsa sauce) and a rightly amazing apple pie. There were also cookies, brownies, a green bean in tomato sauce (Courtney and I made), a falafel wrap, several salads, and more than I can't recall. As I said, I had little time to really sample everything.
The set went well. Several fans stopped by from the Riverfront days and requested a few Face With a View tunes. Of course they sang along wonderfully to Hello and Chase Me Away. Then they asked for Hitchhiker Joe. And a very young girl came up and asked for Psycho Killer. For the latter, a dance troupe was in the room and was improving some great dance!
We ended the night at Luigis, where I haven't even been since the last Civic show, almost a year ago.
A second pot luck was scheduled on Sunday. This was a movie themed pot luck, and by far the coolest dish was a tempeh version of the Hollywood sign, complete with little broccoli trees! The tastiest dishes were a veggies in peanut sauce and a butternut squash dish that my friend, TM Gottl, made. Also, there was a Men in Blackberry cheezecake. I've never been much of a cheesecake person, but this stuff was really good. Good job Chad and Libby! The night ended with a fun round of Apples to Apples. I won three cards, and it's jokingly said that those cards describe you. If that's the case then I am hot, devious, and dead & gone. Though I am still very much alive & here!
Labor Day itself was a day of laboring... it seemed to be the perfect day to clean out the basement. Said chore has been on my list for a while, and so I gave the day to clean it up. And clean I did. The basement is like a totally new place! It's hard to let go of stuff sometimes. It has some sort of memory, however minor, and holds such a power that someday I'll need it again, though it's been packaged up for decades. I couldn't throw out old school papers and tests and notes, but most of the rest is now gone. Finishing an all-day task is a wonderfully rewarding experience as well. After reorganizing my vinyl and some Chinese veggies and Tofu in a garlic sauce, I had a wonderful night sleep.
During the clean out, I found several old mix CD I had made, and subsequently put them on as I worked. My favorites from the late 90's - early aughts. Neil Young's Change Your Mind, Nirvana's Lithium, several Nine Inch Nails, Our Lady Peace, Sarah McLaughlin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Doors, Bonnie Raitt, and some other tunes I have't listen much to since. All good songs still!
What are some of your favorite songs from your high school or college days?
Saturday, September 1, 2012
I Want a Future Too
The first time I heard about fracking, I was pretty appalled. Then I attended a meeting with Doug Shields as the speaker. The point of that meeting was to bring local electeds together to hear how the City of Pittsburgh banned fracking. Mr. Shields made a great presentation and highlighted many facts I had been unaware of. Yet, most of the electeds walked away confused and have not used any of that information to work to stop fracking in their wards, city, and our state.
So, I wrote this song, I Want a Future Too. I've also taken a number of actions, including the Tour de Frack, contacting local and state representatives, and working on planning committees for more fracking events.
This song will be available for a free download soon. I will let you know.
The Bright Lights and I recently recorded a moving full band version of the tune. Here is a powerful video Katy Robinson helped us put together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgr3-sJFkzo
I hope you share this with many folks.
Even more than that, I hope you write to our electeds and tell them we don't want fracking. At the very least, we need to return control back to the local governments and citizens. As of right now, the state has taken away our democratic rights to decide whether we want gas wells in our town, and where those gas wells go, if we did want them.
We need to change this. It's gonna take a lot of voices and marches to demand our employers (the government) work for us.
So, I wrote this song, I Want a Future Too. I've also taken a number of actions, including the Tour de Frack, contacting local and state representatives, and working on planning committees for more fracking events.
This song will be available for a free download soon. I will let you know.
The Bright Lights and I recently recorded a moving full band version of the tune. Here is a powerful video Katy Robinson helped us put together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgr3-sJFkzo
I hope you share this with many folks.
Even more than that, I hope you write to our electeds and tell them we don't want fracking. At the very least, we need to return control back to the local governments and citizens. As of right now, the state has taken away our democratic rights to decide whether we want gas wells in our town, and where those gas wells go, if we did want them.
We need to change this. It's gonna take a lot of voices and marches to demand our employers (the government) work for us.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Teachers
I write this letter with a heavy heart, because I
fear that my community is losing not only its mind, but more importantly, its
heart.
A community is a
collection of people, and like any family, contains conflicting opinions and
attitudes. Many a parent has said to a
child, “I don’t like your actions, but I will always love you.” Yet, I watch as
we turn on our neighbors with unprecendented levels of anger and vitriol.
Many nations of the world realize the importance of education, sacrificing
everything for their children's schooling. Many children walk miles or
hours to get to school. Recently, I watched a story
about a small Himalayan village where children walk several days through
glaciers, mountain passes, and inclement weather to reach a school where they stay for months.
Yet, I hear members of
this community attacking our teachers, the very
people working tohelp our children
become our future society. Every one of us has been deeply influenced and
inspired by a teacher. I cannot say the same
about doctors or lawyers.
If you have concerns
about our educational system in this state or this country (as you should),
write to your officials or
visit the Ohio Board of
Education. If you are concerned about the unconstitutionality
of how our education is funded through property taxes (as you should), then
write to your officials,
march on Columbus, or come up with a better idea. But teachers are not ideas
and concepts; they are people, and all members of a community should be valued
as the important human beings
they are. Has our privileged Brecksville community lost its mind such that it
cannot discuss opposing viewpoints in a civil and rational manner? Has our
privileged Brecksville community lost its heart such that it must denigrate
members of our community rather than search for understanding?
Attacking our teachers
doesn’t improve our children’s education. Attacking teachers doesn’t fix how
schools are funded. Attacking teachers doesn’t encourage others to moveto our
community. Attacking teachers doesn’t lead to a
solution. Solutions are born of understanding, of working together.
I hope that our
hearts still beat and that our community can come to value the worth
of each of its members far above that of money or any other concept. I hope
that we can fight for our teachers, even while we fight to improve education for our
children.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Tour De Frack
This Sunday marks a huge event for me.
I have been working this year on doing things that stretch me, things that take me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes it's something seemingly small, like fording a river.
Other times, it's a 5 day bicycle ride.
Ever since seeing the movie, The Way, I have had interest in a long, or at least several day excursion of some sort. It went up on my someday list. At the same time, I was hearing more and more about fracking, and frankly, none of it good.
Fracking, if you don't know is a process of drilling for gas. It involves fracturing the layers of shale that the gas is in, usually with a toxic chemical concoction.
It posed major threats to the environment and the lives of the people who live near fracking, but it's bigger than that. It comes down to basic democracy. The states are giving over their rights to the Oil and Gas Industry. And they're giving the rights of the towns and cities to plan their cities. This is a pretty basic right and function of local government that is now virtually taken away.
The idea of fracking has perturbed me since I heard about it, and the more research I do into it, the more I am disturbed.
So when I received a phone call to be a part of a 5 day bicycle tour/rally to raise awareness about fracking, I couldn't say no.
And I stepped a big leap out of my comfort zone.
I did not have a bike. Nor had I really ridden in over 17 years. I did not have any of the gear or stuff I would need.
But I couldn't say no. You have to take the first step, even though you don't see the whole staircase.
After asking around, I was lent a bike, and a couple of shops donated a helmet, gloves, emergency kit, and a tune up. I still need a lot of things. A lot. But I have been riding on and off since May, and I can pretty comfortably do 25 miles, (a little over half of what my daily riding will be).
Every day, I think, what have you got yourself into?
But life is about the living.
As each day passes, bringing with it a greater clarity of what the actual biking will entail, I have begun thinking about the rally side of it all.
The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and education about what fracking is and the truths of what it does. There are events each night along the way, culminating in a big rally in DC called Stop the Frack Attack. I have had many misgivings about several of the various protests I have been a part of. While I believe in the cause, I frequently disagree with the tone of the protests. Dehumanizing the other side is never going to lead to a solution. Calling the other side names does not lead any way to a lasting solution. All direct actions (such as protests) should be done to cause negotiations. And focusing on the individuals instead of the overall issue, allows no room for negotiations.
The last week has opened my mind to several illuminations. It will be interesting to watch these protests and events from this perspective. Regardless, I will not be participating in any sort of verbal violence.
I'll keep yall posted.
I have been working this year on doing things that stretch me, things that take me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes it's something seemingly small, like fording a river.
Other times, it's a 5 day bicycle ride.
Ever since seeing the movie, The Way, I have had interest in a long, or at least several day excursion of some sort. It went up on my someday list. At the same time, I was hearing more and more about fracking, and frankly, none of it good.
Fracking, if you don't know is a process of drilling for gas. It involves fracturing the layers of shale that the gas is in, usually with a toxic chemical concoction.
It posed major threats to the environment and the lives of the people who live near fracking, but it's bigger than that. It comes down to basic democracy. The states are giving over their rights to the Oil and Gas Industry. And they're giving the rights of the towns and cities to plan their cities. This is a pretty basic right and function of local government that is now virtually taken away.
The idea of fracking has perturbed me since I heard about it, and the more research I do into it, the more I am disturbed.
So when I received a phone call to be a part of a 5 day bicycle tour/rally to raise awareness about fracking, I couldn't say no.
And I stepped a big leap out of my comfort zone.
I did not have a bike. Nor had I really ridden in over 17 years. I did not have any of the gear or stuff I would need.
But I couldn't say no. You have to take the first step, even though you don't see the whole staircase.
After asking around, I was lent a bike, and a couple of shops donated a helmet, gloves, emergency kit, and a tune up. I still need a lot of things. A lot. But I have been riding on and off since May, and I can pretty comfortably do 25 miles, (a little over half of what my daily riding will be).
Every day, I think, what have you got yourself into?
But life is about the living.
As each day passes, bringing with it a greater clarity of what the actual biking will entail, I have begun thinking about the rally side of it all.
The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and education about what fracking is and the truths of what it does. There are events each night along the way, culminating in a big rally in DC called Stop the Frack Attack. I have had many misgivings about several of the various protests I have been a part of. While I believe in the cause, I frequently disagree with the tone of the protests. Dehumanizing the other side is never going to lead to a solution. Calling the other side names does not lead any way to a lasting solution. All direct actions (such as protests) should be done to cause negotiations. And focusing on the individuals instead of the overall issue, allows no room for negotiations.
The last week has opened my mind to several illuminations. It will be interesting to watch these protests and events from this perspective. Regardless, I will not be participating in any sort of verbal violence.
I'll keep yall posted.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Spring
All the cliches run through my head this time of year. It's hard for them not to. As tired and worn as they are, they hold truth. And in the sunshine, they all sound so right on.
There is no better time of year. The sun calls us out of our winter hibernation; the birds sing brilliant songs for us in their joy, and Nature begins flowers in all its pastels and watercolours.
The frogs croak and romp in the ponds.
The bears yawn, and come looking for dandelions and ants.
The trees reach out to me in greeting. And everyone feels like they are 12 again.
Though I think of the mountains on most days, this sunshine gives me a reprieve on the longing, and becomes my dance partner, as we teach each other new dances and new beats.
What am I sitting here at a computer for?
The day beckons. Life calls. My soul yearns for the enlightenment of a forest, or at the very least a stand of trees.
So if you hear some whistling and see the trees swaying, know the party has started. You are invited.
I hope you join us!
There is no better time of year. The sun calls us out of our winter hibernation; the birds sing brilliant songs for us in their joy, and Nature begins flowers in all its pastels and watercolours.
The frogs croak and romp in the ponds.
The bears yawn, and come looking for dandelions and ants.
The trees reach out to me in greeting. And everyone feels like they are 12 again.
Though I think of the mountains on most days, this sunshine gives me a reprieve on the longing, and becomes my dance partner, as we teach each other new dances and new beats.
What am I sitting here at a computer for?
The day beckons. Life calls. My soul yearns for the enlightenment of a forest, or at the very least a stand of trees.
So if you hear some whistling and see the trees swaying, know the party has started. You are invited.
I hope you join us!
Monday, March 19, 2012
SXSW Part One
Everyone goes to Austin's SXSW for different reasons.
At least, I'd like to think so.
Though at the base of it all is massive networking. Constant, massive networking. That much is guaranteed.
So, when the opportunity called me up and asked me to perform in Austin, I couldn't say no. Yes, networking was my main goal, but I was itching for the experience of the festival, the experience of Austin. These moments are chances at great growth.
And Austin is the 8th most vegetarian-friendly city in the US.
The road to Austin is a long and mostly dull one. Two new friends and musicians carpooled down with me. A Kia Soul was rented for the ride. It was bright red. Even the papers for the car called it "bright red." On a level beyond the reality of it, driving to Austin in a Soul was perfect.
Overall the car was fine. Though it was not made for tall folks. And hours upon hours in a yoga pose I've never tried before, one with my knees situated at head level, does wear upon one.
Our one highlight was sometime around 4 or 5 am, pulling into some random gas station someplace in Arkansas or Texas. Disrepair in not enough of a word for the state this building was in. Surly this establishment had been vacant for at least a decade ... I was quite surprised it was actually still in operation.
It was called the Sweet Pea.
And it was under new management.
I decided to try my luck inside for restrooms, which were surprisingly not that bad. Beside the check-out counter was a box of incense, marked at "Perfume Wands."
The driving wasn't bad as the three of us rotated. Sleeping was still difficult though when not driving, and I might have gotten a good thirty minutes, or an hour at the most.
But before you know it, and then 20 hours after that, we were nearing Austin.
Traffic was horrendous and delayed our arrival by a good hour or more.
Austin is about the population of the Greater Cleveland area. That fact surprised me because there were people everywhere. Granted, this festival brings in hundreds of thousands of people. Even on the busiest night in Cleveland, there wouldn't have been as many people as there were at 4am in Austin.
The hotel was a something I had been looking forward to since I found out about it. The host of the showcase was putting me up in the showcase room - the Presidential Suite!
I'd never been to a Presidential Suite before. Actually, I think I've only been in a suite room only maybe two or three times. As we loaded in, the porter took us to the elevator and was quite impressed when we told him what room we were headed to. "Man, who are you guys?" he asked.
The elevator was made of glass on the backside so you could look out into the hotel as you went up and down. We, of course, got to go all the way up to the top floor. (Which had roof access I was told, though I couldn't exactly find out where ...)
The showcase room was being set up when we arrived. Pictures of instruments and music were all over the walls, naturally. It was a perfect fit. And the view wasn't bad, either; looking straight down Congress, over the river to the Capitol building. A large gray metal sculpture was positioned on the intersection of two streets below. It looked like a boomerang. I was told it was a bat.
I still couldn't really see it, but said, "Oh."
What does one expect in a Presidential suite? Perhaps a plaque stating which president(s) had stayed there? Even presidents of companies would have been acceptable.
But no.
It was Presidential in name.
Though the staff was saying if any President could have stayed there, it probably would have been LBJ. Nevermind that he died before the place was built. The ghost of LBJ is actually kind of cooler than the real thing.
A friend of mine from Sacramento was in town for the festival and was also volunteering at a soup kitchen some friends of his ran. I was to meet up with them shortly after I arrived.
We were meeting up at an outdoor showcase on the same street as the hotel, but about 10 blocks South. The walk was an answered prayer after the long drive. The showcase was also a benefit for the soup kitchen. It was crammed, but everyone was quite friendly. As I caught up with my friend, we listened to two singer/songwriters who had played at his venue in California. They were good country-blues-singer/songwriter types.
The sun was shining and gorgeous. Sunshine and music is pretty much as good as it gets.
I'll leave out most of the networking I did, because I was meeting folks and networking everywhere. So, let's leave that as a given.
This is about the experience.
Several people stopped me, complimenting my mustache. I was told over and over again, that is was quite important in Austin.
The self-proclaimed Mayor of South Austin was introduced to me. Nothing was told me about the self-proclaimed part, so I spent the first half of the conversation thinking that perhaps she was the Mayor of South Austin. Until she dropped a few casual f bombs. But she was a wonderful character, and I'm sure that anyone who's spent some time in South Austin knows this delightful soul.
My show wasn't until 10pm, so we had some open time, and I wanted to take in the festival as much as possible before I needed to be back for sound check. We walked up to the main drag, Sixth st.
In our walking, we apparently just missed the world's largest urban bat colony taking flight from under the bridge right by my hotel. Sixth St was a glow with music. Even at this point in the afternoon and this early in the festival. The streets were filling up, and several of the main drags were shut down completely to cars and such. Ben Kweller was performing in the window of the Stage. A band called Hordes and Harems was rocking out a small bar rooftop. A bizarre experimental girl and guitar player droned in and mostly off-pitch from one of the stages.
No time for dinner; it was back to the hotel for my set. I did nibble down a few delicious apples, and a small handful of Brazil nuts.
And took the stage.
My music sounded pretty great in this Presidential Suite. I'll have to remember that. Perhaps I was feeling more regal and performing as such. Perhaps it was just the many wooden surfaces.
Ignite the Soul really shined. Sparkled and dashed out to the audience to connect and flush over them. I could see it light each person up. Amazing just begins to describe it. Manifest, as well, was more special than usual.
Maybe the ghost of LBJ was realizing that RFK was right all along ...
Maybe it was just the deep state of tired I was in.
Kyshona Armstrong was up after me, from Athens, Ga. She was a soulful powerhouse, just her and her guitar. Her friend said that my music made her night.
Then Mike June and his bassist and accordion player sang his style of Texas singer/songwriter-alt-country-Springsteeny songs. His set was great; the accordion was a brilliant addition and was right on all night. The accordion in more pop music is a big "yes" in my book.
My friend, Brent Kirby played next with his pedal steel extraordinaire Al Moss, and guitarist Andy. It had been a few minutes since I had last heard Brent, and he has grown a lot into his writing and singing.
Also that night were Meganne Stepka and Anna Vogelzang, who sounded a lot like Ingrid Michaelson and played the ukulele, banjo, guitar and little hand-bell-plucky-sort of thing.
Thus ended the first day in Austin.
Friday, March 9, 2012
SXSW
After hearing about this music festival in Austin, Texas for most of my career, I have been asked to perform this year as part of Veronica's House Concerts' Sweet Spot Series Showcase! (that's a mouthful , i know!)
As most cool opportunities arise, this one was last minute. The first 3 months of the year, I spend planning and booking my summer and fall tours. So, my mind was on June-August - budgeting, booking, creating venues and opportunities in the Western US. And then I got a call about performing at SXSW.
Next week.
There's a lot to organize for such a festival performance. CDs, business cards, merch, travel, etc.
So, i started up this page if you'd like to help with my costs so that I can afford to make this opportunity happen:
http://zach.chipin.com/help-me-get-to-south-by-southwest
The excitement for this event is bubbling over. I'm not usually excited about going to or through Texas, but this is the 8th most Vegetarian Friendly City in the US. Plus, I will be carpooling down and flying back. The carpooling event will be fun; it's me and 2 other musicians. The flight back is a something that gives me a little pause. Flying with my guitar has been the subject of nightmares for years. This will be my inaugural flight with my guitar, so I'll need all our your prayers.
The funny part is that I have no fear of the flying itself, just what airline personnel like to do with guitars ...
But I'm sure it will be fine.
(knocking on wood ... )
At the moment I am swamped with amazing proposals that I am writing for the Akron Peace Project and a truly fulfilling and euphoric idea dealing with my tour for next year. This is quite an exciting time!
Smile often.
Z
As most cool opportunities arise, this one was last minute. The first 3 months of the year, I spend planning and booking my summer and fall tours. So, my mind was on June-August - budgeting, booking, creating venues and opportunities in the Western US. And then I got a call about performing at SXSW.
Next week.
There's a lot to organize for such a festival performance. CDs, business cards, merch, travel, etc.
So, i started up this page if you'd like to help with my costs so that I can afford to make this opportunity happen:
http://zach.chipin.com/help-me-get-to-south-by-southwest
The excitement for this event is bubbling over. I'm not usually excited about going to or through Texas, but this is the 8th most Vegetarian Friendly City in the US. Plus, I will be carpooling down and flying back. The carpooling event will be fun; it's me and 2 other musicians. The flight back is a something that gives me a little pause. Flying with my guitar has been the subject of nightmares for years. This will be my inaugural flight with my guitar, so I'll need all our your prayers.
The funny part is that I have no fear of the flying itself, just what airline personnel like to do with guitars ...
But I'm sure it will be fine.
(knocking on wood ... )
At the moment I am swamped with amazing proposals that I am writing for the Akron Peace Project and a truly fulfilling and euphoric idea dealing with my tour for next year. This is quite an exciting time!
Smile often.
Z
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Juice Fast
My latest journey begins 2 months ago. We were discussing with Ms. Julie what films we wanted to show for the first 4 months of 2012 in the Peace Project Film Series. We had all been recommended "Fat, Sick and nearly Dead." Julie watched it, and said we need to show it. So we put it on the calendar.
And then she said, since it's a film about juice fasting, we should do a juice fast too. We could host a 5 day juice fast.
Fasting has intrigued me for last last few years. Since college, I have had a deep and growing fascination with spirituality. It has led me down many paths, collecting many ideas, joys, and bigger concepts of Love. I think it started with my trips to Wyoming, where I felt such a connection, and even as a child, I could sense something calling to me from those mountains, and this led me to an interest in Native American spirituality. In all of these ideas, fasting was a reoccurring theme.
I kept saying, someday.
So this opportunity, pushed me at the right time, and I leaped.
The movie was deeply inspiring, and my excitement for this adventure was palpable. The universe was also on my side. You see, a juicer made it's way to me, shortly before the juicing was to begin.
The night before my first day of juicing, I went out and bought fruit and veggies enough to make a large batch that would last for about two days.
Kale, cucumber, spinach, carrots, apples, oranges, pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango.
Mmm!
The first juicing experience was a little disheartening, shall I say. Not in the product, but in the fact that it took over an hour to juice. That was more time than I was expecting. I was able to whittle that down to about 30 min, including washing the juicer.
But the juice was good. And by day 2 and 3, I was feeling a little difference. A little more open to understanding myself. By day 4, I was noticing a few less pounds, and feeling pretty good overall.
Day 7 was difficult for me. The whole of the two week, I never felt hungry. I was comfortably full. Satisfied, if you will. But on Day 7, my habits reared their head, and I found I was deeply itching to have hummus and pita throughout the day. You see, I typically would have hummus and pita as I worked online during the day, and/or if I watched TV, etc. I munch a lot. Not that it's a bad thing, necessarily. But I think it is when you dont have control over your actions.
For both Day 7 and 8 there was great temptation to break my fast. But this being a spiritual adventure, I was not about to let my habits break me down. All of my will power was summoned, and I was determined to find a way over my habits.
This issue of my munching habit, while I knew that I did it, became very clear to me at this time. It was the first time I was looking at a habit of mine, and seriously, deeply looking it, in hopes of changing or overcoming it.
The empowerment in this choice and insight was profound, and Day 9 brought the best Id felt yet! And I mean yet. It was the best I have felt that I can remember in all of my 30 years in this skin.
Just before my juicing, I came down with a nasty head cold. And it took several days into the juicing for it to leave. As soon as it did though, I was back into a yoga routine. My energy was rising and feeling great!
My daily juice was typically a fruit-based juice in the am, and then a more veggie-based one in the pm. I was making large quantities so that I could take it with me as I traveled to meetings and shows, etc, so I wasnt really following recipes. My veggie drink was a mix of kale, carrots, cucumber, spinach, apples, grapes, beets, and ginger. My fruit drink was a mix of apples, pears, oranges, grapes, kale, mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, plums, carrots, and sometimes strawberries. I added to this by having a carrot-apple-beet juice at Ms Julies Kitchen once in a while, fresh orange juice, fresh cranberry juice, and the random juice at Mustard Seed or another fresh fruit bar.
A big misstep: Earth Fare ... does not have very good juice options. They have komboucha on tap, but their mixed juices are sort of weird combinations. The one I tried had garlic in it, and was so disgusting, I nearly vomited. I tell you, so you dont make that same mistake. It took me hours to get that taste out of my mouth.
So now here I sit, at the end of this stage of the journey, forever changed. My eating habits will never be quite the same. Ive lost a good 15 pounds or more and feel exceptional. Juicing will be in my diet and lifestyle every week if not every day.
I walk on from this with a greater understanding of my body, and a greater connection to my self.
This has also led me to the next step, which is real fasting. My goal is to undertake a one day a week fast.
I highly recommend juice fasting to anyone. Be it for just before noon, or one day a week, or 2 weeks, or 30 days. Its a great adventure, and you will walk away more powerful and confident and energized.
Om shanti!
And then she said, since it's a film about juice fasting, we should do a juice fast too. We could host a 5 day juice fast.
Fasting has intrigued me for last last few years. Since college, I have had a deep and growing fascination with spirituality. It has led me down many paths, collecting many ideas, joys, and bigger concepts of Love. I think it started with my trips to Wyoming, where I felt such a connection, and even as a child, I could sense something calling to me from those mountains, and this led me to an interest in Native American spirituality. In all of these ideas, fasting was a reoccurring theme.
I kept saying, someday.
So this opportunity, pushed me at the right time, and I leaped.
The movie was deeply inspiring, and my excitement for this adventure was palpable. The universe was also on my side. You see, a juicer made it's way to me, shortly before the juicing was to begin.
The night before my first day of juicing, I went out and bought fruit and veggies enough to make a large batch that would last for about two days.
Kale, cucumber, spinach, carrots, apples, oranges, pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango.
Mmm!
The first juicing experience was a little disheartening, shall I say. Not in the product, but in the fact that it took over an hour to juice. That was more time than I was expecting. I was able to whittle that down to about 30 min, including washing the juicer.
But the juice was good. And by day 2 and 3, I was feeling a little difference. A little more open to understanding myself. By day 4, I was noticing a few less pounds, and feeling pretty good overall.
Day 7 was difficult for me. The whole of the two week, I never felt hungry. I was comfortably full. Satisfied, if you will. But on Day 7, my habits reared their head, and I found I was deeply itching to have hummus and pita throughout the day. You see, I typically would have hummus and pita as I worked online during the day, and/or if I watched TV, etc. I munch a lot. Not that it's a bad thing, necessarily. But I think it is when you dont have control over your actions.
For both Day 7 and 8 there was great temptation to break my fast. But this being a spiritual adventure, I was not about to let my habits break me down. All of my will power was summoned, and I was determined to find a way over my habits.
This issue of my munching habit, while I knew that I did it, became very clear to me at this time. It was the first time I was looking at a habit of mine, and seriously, deeply looking it, in hopes of changing or overcoming it.
The empowerment in this choice and insight was profound, and Day 9 brought the best Id felt yet! And I mean yet. It was the best I have felt that I can remember in all of my 30 years in this skin.
Just before my juicing, I came down with a nasty head cold. And it took several days into the juicing for it to leave. As soon as it did though, I was back into a yoga routine. My energy was rising and feeling great!
My daily juice was typically a fruit-based juice in the am, and then a more veggie-based one in the pm. I was making large quantities so that I could take it with me as I traveled to meetings and shows, etc, so I wasnt really following recipes. My veggie drink was a mix of kale, carrots, cucumber, spinach, apples, grapes, beets, and ginger. My fruit drink was a mix of apples, pears, oranges, grapes, kale, mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, plums, carrots, and sometimes strawberries. I added to this by having a carrot-apple-beet juice at Ms Julies Kitchen once in a while, fresh orange juice, fresh cranberry juice, and the random juice at Mustard Seed or another fresh fruit bar.
A big misstep: Earth Fare ... does not have very good juice options. They have komboucha on tap, but their mixed juices are sort of weird combinations. The one I tried had garlic in it, and was so disgusting, I nearly vomited. I tell you, so you dont make that same mistake. It took me hours to get that taste out of my mouth.
So now here I sit, at the end of this stage of the journey, forever changed. My eating habits will never be quite the same. Ive lost a good 15 pounds or more and feel exceptional. Juicing will be in my diet and lifestyle every week if not every day.
I walk on from this with a greater understanding of my body, and a greater connection to my self.
This has also led me to the next step, which is real fasting. My goal is to undertake a one day a week fast.
I highly recommend juice fasting to anyone. Be it for just before noon, or one day a week, or 2 weeks, or 30 days. Its a great adventure, and you will walk away more powerful and confident and energized.
Om shanti!
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