who is spiro?

On display outside the oval office last year

2012-01-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

"The Problem We All Live With" A Norman Rockwell painting from 1964, depicting an event in New Orleans during racial desegregation.

these two are getting hitched.

2012-01-15T01:31:00.001-08:00

in the words of gonzo, WOOPEEEEEEEE!!!

Meet Iris, mama, and the baby whisperer.

2011-12-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

I love my life.

2011-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

dog tired.

2011-10-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today in class, I asked the other students around me, "does anyone else feel spread thin?" They all said yes. We're all taking classes on the weekends, and managing jobs and internship during the week. On Wednesday, I wasn't able to go to a social engagement because I was very tired (and sick), and had to wake up early the next morning. And I felt bad.

What's with this? Am I actually embarrased that I'm human? We extroverts never want to retreat. But sometimes it's the best thing for us.

I was telling Bonnie yesterday that with everything that's on my plate, it's nice to pick up a new art project. She quickly responded, "You realize how that sounds, right?" Yes. I do realize. But I need to create. I need to play.

I've been working on being a better human being lately. You know, flossing. Ok, not that. But getting to bed earlier, eating healthy, low intake of alcohol, etc... but I still feel so weak and vulnerable. I want to be well. Overflowing. Vibrant. (Without the sugar crash afterwards.)

I'm a huge proponent of self-care, I honestly am just trying to figure it all out when there's so much to do. Where did the time go?

In conclusion, I'm 26 and still haven't figured out everything about everything. And I probably need to start taking Vitamin D. Off to work!

top five recent inspirations

2011-10-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

1. This boy wandering the magical Icelandic landscape; if you've got time, watch it. There are magical moments.

2. Cairns.

I hiked with 5 other girls a couple months ago to the Enchantments via Asgard Pass. It’s steep, gaining 2,200 ft of elevation in just under a mile. There is no real path – only a way through the scree by following cairns along the way. They were our lifeline. Thank you, to whoever put them there in the first place.

3. Meadowdale High School.

Returning to the ol' stomping grounds. All the staff in the building-- including some of my previous teachers-- gathered in the library my first week. On the wall was Chagall's painting, "Birthday," and I remembered how it was first in High School that I learned, and was inspired by art history in my sophomore world civ class. It almost was a sign post, telling me, "you're meant to be here." Maybe not, but I'll take it.

While in the library, I looked up, and above me I saw a quote-- Though I didn't write it down, it said something to the effect of, "the root of knowledge is not doubt but wonder." I agree wholeheartedly. Oh to be the sponge I was in my youth. I want to be one who is marked by wonder, as I was in my Meadowdale days.

4. Tagging.

I made some graffiti tags for the Hipster party, (I just saw Exit through the giftshop for the first time.) It reminded me of my love of the process of making art. Figuring out what I want to do, how to do it. Buying the supplies. Patience through the long meticulous process. Waiting for it all to dry.

I find that I'm inspired to do more art, which brings us to....

5. Making these.

The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, 2011

2011-10-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Cooling down...

Joe and Heidi

2011-09-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

summer is:

2011-08-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

ferry boats. whale watching. sparklers at twilight. ginger julips. golf-cart rampades. glowstick dance parties. roadtripping. hitching rides. crossing international borders. singing 90's hits. getting sun-TOMS-lines. cliff jumping. sunsets. laughing uncontrollably. bike rides. fresh made rosemary bread. tiny disco balls. freckles. sun dresses. potlucks. mountain gondolas, girls night out. oliver and finn in the pool.

and, still yet to come? floating the river, hiking the enchantments, and adventures we have yet to see...

2011-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just spent a week directing a camp with 70+ kids, ages 14 to 18.

The day after camp, Kristina shared the narrative of the Norway attacks, where Anders Behring Breivik opened fire to a youth camp, ages 13 to 18, on an isolated island, with no escape. He lured them, pretending to be a police officer. 68 are now dead, with even more wounded.

I've been sick to my stomach ever since hearing about this. The naiveté of children and the cruel intentional violence. I imagined directing at that camp. I immediately thought, "I'd rather be among the dead than to survive that horror."

I thought about the kids at my camp. I love those kids. I love those kids. This year in particular, I heard a lot of stories of rough homes. Telling the state is not enough, I want to protect them forever, but camp-- a place meant to be safe--is all I can give them. That's what camp is all about for many kids. Escape from tough home lives. The thought of an intruder bringing danger at camp-- I cannot bear it.

I'm taken aback by just how affected I am by a news story from the other side of the world.

twenty years.

2011-07-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

The long and winding road...

2011-07-06T02:16:00.000-07:00

It always leads me here.

On the lakes of Canada...

2011-06-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

i feel it coming on.

2011-06-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

summer.
it always starts with a bang... hanging with the cousins, making sandcastles, dancing, swimming, feasting, drinking...

It's absolutely perfect. What's crazy is I actually think I'll miss school this summer. I really dig the other students at CityU. It makes sense: We're all studying to be school counselors, so of course they're going to be rad.

I've already starting visiting friends in B.C. Next week I'll be heading out to Chicago, Winnipeg, and on to shoot a wedding in Minnesota. This week I'm shooting the wedding of an elderly couple. I can't wait.

A few friends and I are chewing on Dante's divine comedy.

It is raw and harsh-- allegory, yes. But still cruel: I can hardly stomach judgement.

Last night I stayed up late with my room-mate sharing about how Dante seems to describe our generation-- maybe Seattle? (And yes, that includes me,) to a tee.

He describes those who have the 'weather vane mind' -- they cannot make up their minds about anything. They have 'a vague tolerance which will neither approve nor condemn, the cautious cowardice for which no decision is ever final.' They feel that if they are definite whatsoever, they are missing doing something else.

This sounds so familiar. Not making plans until the last minute, "maybe" is our favorite word. In the name of tolerance, we hold on to nothing. Dante makes me want to have traction, loyalty, centeredness. For my word to mean something. Is it possible to have and to hold a strong ethic, whilst keeping open hands towards others? I hope so. I suppose that's honoring diversity.

I better go, the weather is superb, and I have a friend from out of town down at the amtrak station visiting! Yes, summer has arrived.

feeling lazy.

2011-05-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

If I had a record:

2011-04-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'd want this to be the cover.

STOLEN from Shannon's blog.

Every once in a while, I consider why I blog.

2011-04-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

I intend this blog to be an outpouring of my life: thoughts, observations, inspirations, photographs and stories of my life. Blogs of photographers tend to be tied up in their work, and I find I post less these days. I tweeted the other day:

With every talented wedding photographer I discover, there are feelings of both relief and inadequacy.

Both in Seattle and online I am lost in a sea of talent. Not long ago I walked into a cafe and I immediately spotted a local musician with a bushy beard, drinking IPA with a graphic designer. This is not uncommon. I stalkerishly listened in on their conversation:

"The people I've built an artistic relationship with--why wouldn't I work with them?" I overhear. "I couldn't imagine making a record with anyone else."

There's been talk of this new kind of loyalty in the Seattle. One that disregards the critic, and openly embraces fellow musicians. At least in the singer/songwriter world that Damien Jurado now seems to be the Godfather of. Maybe it was always here.

I fear the critic, because I am my own worst critic. The band recorded a demo last week. I cringed when we listened to it back, while the rest of the band was smiling.

I'm struggling here with my inadequacy. Everything that comes with the creative process. What is gained, and what is at stake.

Art doesn't seem to be about trying to make it to top anymore. Music has become so DIY. You don't need the record label to make a really great record. The critic will always exist (whether in myself, or elsewhere)-- but I want to pursue movement towards creating for myself first, not the critic. It's about being genuinely happy with your craft.

My stalking skills tell me that collaboration is key-- creating something together with people you know and trust. I can take from this model, because playing with the band genuinely makes me happy. I confessed to our lead singer that I like hanging out before and after band practice more than I like playing.

Like many around me, I struggle to make rent because I've chosen a life that pursues The Beautiful. It is what brings me happiness. This means writing and playing, photographing, and living despite the critic. In community.

I intend to blog more.

The school formerly known as Mars Hill Graduate School.

2011-04-07T23:39:00.001-07:00

The Quad.

2011-04-07T04:28:00.000-07:00

Magic has a name.

2011-03-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

You know that amazing beginning of the Harry Potter Theme song? I could never put my finger on what exactly was being played. A Glockenspiel? Maybe unconsciously I just chalked it up to magic. But today, I found it.

It's called a Celesta. Made in 1886, it's a keyboard with controlling felt hammers that play a set of bell-like steel bars, which ring over a set of wooden resonator boxes until damped by a pedal. Every 20th century composer used the Celesta-- but none were ever as forefront at Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy."

And I really do think this instrument, when played, triggers something in our unconscious that says, "MAGIC IS UNFOLDING BEFORE ME!" Maybe that's why it's used in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the song "Pure Imagination." Or why Nelson Riddle's orchestra features the Celesta in the opening line, "Fairy Tales can come true, it can happen to you," in Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart."

Other songs that make me melt:

Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marivin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Baby It's You - The Beatles (George Harrison's solo at 1:46)
Mr. Sandman - The Chordettes
And last but not least, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

top albums of 2010

2011-03-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

There's been a folder on my desktop since december that says, "2010 albums." I don't know what's taken so long -- maybe the desire to "clean up" a bit. But these are my most listened to albums from 2010.

The Tron Soundtrack by Daft Punk

Body Talk by Robyn

Teen Dream by Beach House

The Head and the Heart (Self titled)

The Suburbs by The Arcade Fire

The Vs. EP by Macklemore

What I notice about this list is it's pretty synth/pop oriented, excluding although TH&TH and Arcade Fire, (though the latter has its moments.)

All of these bands came to Seattle this year except for Daft Punk, but I only purchased tickets for one: Macklemore. Bonnie asked me today what my favorite song of his is. It's Otherside, which samples the Red Hot Chilli Pepper's song.

Proud to be a Parks.

2011-03-06T02:17:00.000-08:00

Just got back from the Macklemore show. Sir Mix-a-lot made an appearance and performed "posse on broadway." (You could feel the seattle love, but really I would have enjoyed "baby got back" even more.) My favorite part of the show was when Mack played "Irish Celebration." My mom is getting her Irish citizenship soon, and my recent trip to the homeland has made me own my Irish blood even more. But mostly, I just love it when he waves that flag.

Adam & Bonnie

2011-03-03T23:59:00.001-08:00

"We just got them today. They are all so fabulous I don't know how we will choose which ones to frame! We are so glad that you were able to share your gift with us on our special day. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

- Adam and Bonnie

a lesson in humility.

2011-03-03T10:39:00.001-08:00

Not that i have the biggest head, but I felt pretty special bringing all those donations from Seattle. When I arrived at the Toppenish Armory yesterday morning, my SUV full to the brim of donations I HARDLY MADE A DENT. I mean, there is a pile, higher than my head, wider than a house. (not pictured) I could not believe it. I'm going back with Jeremy today to help sort it out.

UPDATE:

DAY 2: Jeremy and I went helped out today. Two elders are doing everything by themselves, with volunteers who sometime come by. They've been there 12 hours a day for the last 3 weeks. AMAZING. One elder, Mary, who really seems like the head of operations told me and Jeremy that we were "lifesavers" -- and all we did was unload and move stuff around for 3 hours. It sounds like they're pretty much good on donations, but what they really need is volunteers who can sift through everything. We're going back tomorrow with Stacy, and all I want to do is figure out how I can make Mary's life better. She did not volunteer to do this, but it seems no one else came forward. They fed us food (and DOUGHNUTS) and we were happy chappies. The rest of the day was spent interpreting dreams, eating gyros, and driving through White Swan, seeing scorched ground where houses had been.

Mr. Rogers defending PBS to the U.S. Senate

2011-02-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

AWESOME. I might have to rent a vehicle.

2011-02-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

LONG STORY SHORT

140 people are homeless by the fire in Yakima.
I'm going there in 6 days. (march 1st.)
I'm taking donations: Non-perishable foods; clothing for men & women, teens, toddlers & babies; toiletry items, baby items, including formula & baby diapers (of all sizes); furniture items, etc.

THE RESPONSE THUS FAR:

THIS MAKES ME FEEL:

I'd like your help.

2011-02-22T10:26:00.001-08:00

When I was 20, I spent a week on the Yakama Indian Reservation in White Swan meeting people, fixing up a house, and was even invited into the longhouse. Everyday we would go to Totus Park, a tribal housing project. Kids would come out from the woodwork to play soccer, basketball, hear a story or do activities with us. The next year, I would visit Lisa there the summer she and Kyle, her now husband, were secretly in love. (literally. they had no idea of their mutual affections.) It was my first glance at reservation life, and ultimately sparked my interest in First Nations, which brought me to the west coast Vancouver Island last year to work with the Nuu-chah-nulth people.

Last week, a wildfire took out 18 homes in White Swan. It left 140 people homeless, and hundreds more with damaged homes. I cannot think of a worse place for a fire to break out and families to be displaced. These are the poorest of poor. With these homes destroyed, a majority of them uninsured-- I cannot imagine what the future looks like for them.

I will be going to Yakima next week to bring donations to the Yakima Red Cross and/or the Toppenish Armory. They need: Non-perishable foods; clothing for men & women, teens, toddlers & babies; toiletry items, baby items, including formula & baby diapers (of all sizes); furniture items, etc.

How can you get these items to me? I'll be at my apartment this week, my parent's on Friday, at LBC this weekend, the Terreson's and Roots on Sunday, and at the DFC on Monday. Contact me on FB, here, or by phone to let me know. (425) 319-0853.

If you'd like to make a monetary contribution, Bank of America is accepting donations. You can go to any branch and make donations made out in the name of the "Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation – White Swan Fire Relief Fund:."

holly grigsby.

2011-02-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

How could I have been so close to such talent, without knowing? I just hadn't heard. Now the question is, how can I get a hold of her music?

An open letter to any cabin leader at high school camp, LBC (2005 - 2011).

2011-02-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hey. I'm sitting right now in the sun in the dining hall at LBC. (mmm, the joys of LBC wi-fi.) I'm leading music for the girls camp. There are over 90 campers, and I am reminded of when I was a camper myself-- the elation of being among my peers, singing loudly, sleeping in bunks away from home for the first time. There are so many stories that take place here, this sacred place. The woods, the dock, the chapel, late nights in the cabin. I count myself lucky to return here so often. To see in the campers a reflection of myself as I developed and began to have an understanding of this world, of God. Who knows where you are today. I hope living life to the fullest, with joy and peace and gratitude.

It's been on my mind to send out a letter/email/post to you all, to express my appreciation. Don't worry, there is no impending death, or an expected end to my work at Lakeside. However, the passing of Karen Gullberg, Luke Gullberg, and Mike Jovich in recent years has caused many, as well as myself, to take a long hard look at the short time we have here on this earth. I remember them with gratitude, as I do you.

This community is rare and special. As a child I knew I loved camp, but I was not yet aware of just how incredible this place is. The immense joy and passion of volunteers at LBC is astounding. Maybe it started for you at TCL-- for me it was cooking. I would do anything I could just to stay a few more days at camp. They called me "the camp rat." As I got older, I only kept jobs that would allow me to continue my volunteer work here. Most of the faces who were here in my childhood have faded away, but new and glorious ones always come forth. All feel familial, because they share that same spirit, carved out by the great commission and the belief that serving God means to also serve others. Some of you were not even aware of your good in your selflessness.

People often thank me for directing at LBC, but it always turns my heart towards you. I am totally dependent upon cabin leaders. You're the ones who connect with the students by spending time with them: you have played well, asked questions, secretly danced, were awed by the stars, and brought an invitation in your very being. You have suffered broken bones, bee stings, sickness, and campers who desperately needed you emotionally. Do not think it was done in vain, or without sincere thankfulness.

I've had an extreme amount of fun with you. So many stories. From tears to laughter. I always am delighted to act as a reference for jobs, because I get to get a kick out of just how amazing you are.

What I mean to say is, I dig you. Thanks.

Jamie Spiro

ps. that all felt really good to say.

today's inspiration.

2011-02-14T11:57:00.001-08:00

"I feel genuinely lucky to hand on heart say i love doing what i do. And though i may never be a rich man, if i live long enough, I certainly have a tale or two for the nephews. And I dig the thought of that."

I do believe we are made with particular inclinations, particular gifts. I hardly think we chose these things, but we are not limited to them at all. It is both mysterious and genetic. I think freedom is a bluff. Especially in this country, we pride ourselves on the independence of the mind. But we are so narrow and mechanized. We spend our lives conditioned by society, working in cubicles, zombies at the computer, shopping in strip malls, franchise clothing stores, Starbucks coffee. I’m talking about myself here. We’ve lost our inheritance. We’re so uncreative. We’re Night of the Living Dead. All I’m asking is that we put off all this crappy fashion and get going on what we were made to do. Wake up, you zombies! Do you really want to contribute to the decline of civilization!?
— Sufjan Stevens

"I have never lived in a country where I felt safe around my people."

2011-02-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

"I'm twenty three years old, and I've never lived in a country where I felt safe around my people. This is the first time I can actually feel like the Egyptian people are united." - Female Egyptian Protester

you slay me, disney.

2011-02-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Watching Dumbo today with my sisters, I was totally reduced to tears. Here's an excerpt from my post on Magic Marathon.

The gossiping female elephants are ruthless in their remarks towards/about Dumbo: (In fact, his real name is Jumbo Jr. -- he's only called Dumbo after they tease him with this name.)

"i'd just like to spank the daylights out of him"
"his disgrace is our shame"
and when he is made a clown, they all take a solemn vow: "from now on, he is no longer an elephant"

but he is the joy of his mother's world. she is put into solitary confinement when she tries to protect him. when dumbo is isolated and alone, the mouse tries to cheer him, but Dumbo is only consoled when he is rocked in his mother's trunk and the Baby of Mine song is sung, (to which I totally cried:)

Baby mine, don't you cry

Baby mine, dry your eyes

Rest your head close to my heart

Never to part, baby of mine

Little one when you play

Don't you mind what you say

Let those eyes sparkle and shine

Never a tear, baby of mine

If they knew sweet little you

They'd end up loving you too

All those same people who scold you

What they'd give just for

The right to hold you

From your head to your toes

You're not much, goodness knows

But you're so precious to me

Cute as can be, baby of mine

thank goodness for technology.

2011-02-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

and thank goodness for Bonnie Dowling.

if you need proof that i love my family...

2011-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

VS.

then look no further. spiro family reunion wins out everytime.

a word from erik erikson.

2011-02-06T01:13:00.000-08:00

"for the longest time we have failed to see that the deliquent adolescent, too, is looking for the chance to conform to some subculture, to be loyal to some leader, and to display and develop some kind of fidelity. We cannot treat them as the police and courts often do, as "naturally" inferior people with exclusively negative values. There are very few really bad people in the world, and I think they can be found rather among those who misuse youth. Those who become delinquent have simply been sidetracked because we failed them, and if we fail to recognize this fact, we lose them."

-from Dialogue with Erik Erikson (1969) p. 40

i heart wallingford.

2011-02-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

Finn, my nephew at Gasworks Park. Serrah, a neighbor at my favorite pub, dad watsons.

i love hanging out in my own neighborhood. (I include fremont for proximity reasons.)

bridget and the kids have been visiting often, which is fantastic. she told me today that visiting me here, (rather than the u-district,) is less stressful, and the reason why she's wanting to come over more often now.

walking to gasworks with a friend or neighbor is the best. and I'm itching for the weather to get warmer so I can bike on the burke for the ballard market. but no worries, it's just as fun when it's cold.

My personal favorites:

Burger: Blue Moon Burger, Fremont
Salad: Napoli Salad, Tutta Bella, Wallingford
Cup of coffee: Fuel Coffee, Wallingford
Mexican food: the Rancho Bravo Taco Trailer, (right next to the 45th dicks)
Place to sit and read: under the Aurora bridge right off the burke. on a clear day, you can see the mountain. (although there's now a statue feels a bit uncomfortable.)
Garden: the rose garden next to the zoo.
Beer: bottled, bottleworks. on draught: Brouwer's.
Kite-flying spot: always and forever, gasworks.
Ice Cream: Molly Moons, Wallingford, hands down.
View of the city: driving down Meridian towards gasworks gets me EVERY TIME.

today was finn's birthday. he's 4 years old. I gave him a glow-stick and man was that kid happy. time certainly does fly.

one for the books.

2011-01-23T22:00:00.001-08:00

"Love anything, and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to be sure of keeping your heart intact you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully around with hobbies and little luxuries, avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safely in the casket of your selfishness. And in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will not change, it will not be broken. It will become unbreakable, impenetrable and irredeemable. The only place outside of heaven where you can be perfectly safe from the dangers of love is hell. "

— C.S. Lewis, Four Loves

vintage green lake.

2011-01-18T18:48:00.001-08:00

thanks, PI.

3-D in 2010.

2011-01-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

In the last year I've seen a lot of films in 3-D. A full 2010 list of 3-D movies and Disney attractions includes:

Avatar
How to Train your Dragon
Clash of the Titans
Tangled
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Muppet Vision at Hollywood Studios
Mickey's PhilharMagic at Magical Kingdom
Captain Eo at Disneyland and Epcot
Toy Story Mania ride at Hollywood studios
Tron: Legacy

After Disneyworld, I became tired of putting on the glasses, especially when there's an extra fee at the movie theater. But my friend Ian made a fantastic observation that the lantern scene in Tangled was "3-D the way it's supposed to be." And it is. I was in awe during this scene. I still find it beautiful, but it may be the only scene (ever) that I prefer in 3-D.

new kid on the block.

2011-01-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

My roommate and dear friend Brie has a new blog. "in brief" get it? She's a fantastic writer, and it doesn't hurt that it's aesthetically beautiful (like the header? ...I helped make it.) now go read it and add it to your blog roll!

http://brielynflones.blogspot.com/

2011-01-13T16:11:00.001-08:00

I don't know why it took me SO LONG to figure out that this was the drink tailored for me. but boy, it is. (thanks to Brie, who helped me figure it out.)

here's one of those, "i'm working things out" posts.

2011-01-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

This time last year, I was packing my things, yet again, to venture to the west coast vancouver island. Fear churned in my stomach.

A few days before, i was yelled at by border guards, kicked out of Canada, and threatened that if I attempted to re-enter, I could be banned from the country for at least a year. Three of my very best friends in the entire world are Canadian. This was not an option. The idea of missing Sharelle's wedding just about killed me.

I went anyway, with a calm panic. Rehearsing lines in the car, praying for safe passage. As I successfully crossed the border, I lived in a surprising new paradigm of hope and adventure. I no longer lived in the existence of crashing with my parents with nothing to do until May. (No income, no school, nada.)

What I didn't expect was that within the next week, I felt like fleeing Esperanza. I have never felt so disempowered. It was the lowest point of my whole year. Like Chagall, in a foreign world in a new culture, I wanted to invent a holiday just so I could go home. Jeremy reminded me, "transformation only happens with new experience," and I took it to heart. The kids were out of control. Through anarchy I stayed, and have ever been transformed through it.

My heart yearns for that again, to be driven to the edge, to be asked to jump, not knowing where I'll land, but believing I will be made better. Not for a story to tell, or for the sake of advancement-- but for the land of milk and honey. The goodness of relationship and joy that lies thereafter. I suppose I live in a cycle of egypt-wilderness-canaan, and I'm starting to feel settled and enslaved again.

I speak conceptually, but only because who knows what this next experience will be?

if i had tumblr, i would reblog this.

2011-01-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

2010.

2011-01-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

happy new year everyone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

ah, the disney princess.

2010-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

i've spent 7 whole days in the last four months in a disney parks. I don't suppose that will happen ever again.

A lot of thoughts run through your head while you're there-- like, "what if I got a flash mob of zombies to all at once terrorize the place?" or, "what if someone killed mickey? Would Disney release the name of human inside? or would they have to say that mickey died, and then create some story around his resurrection? or would Mickey be gone forever, living only on in the films and stories we tell..."

Needless to say, my thoughts ran wild.

Walking around the parks it is common to see little girls dressed as their favorite princesses. It's an ongoing conversation i have around what it means that these are the characters we as young ladies identify with-- their stories revolve around the happy-ever-after of finding their prince, often passively. Growing up, I most identified with Ariel-- the rebellious teenager who wanted to go beyond her marine world to see what lies beyond. However, I could not identify with how she ultimately gives up her body, her voice, her family, then body again for her prince.

Kj considered buying an Alice in wonderland dress for her niece, partly because she's not your typical disney female character who is pining after a prince like her existence depended upon it.

At grad school, we read analysis of the typical princess fairy tale and I ate that stuff up. That's why, when I was flipping through a book called The Art of the Disney Princess, I enjoyed this different take on sleeping beauty.

This post makes me sound like a NERD.

2010-12-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

I had to restrain myself from purchasing everything in Hogsmeade. Chocolate frogs, Quills, stamps, wands, house scarves, journals and robes.

I did manage to purchase a butterbeer, a hogshead mug, (with a hogshead brew to fill it with,) and, after Kj told me she wanted to buy me Buckbeak in thanks for taking her along my trip, I bought Fawkes as well. I was eyeing Buckbeak and Fawkes all day and couldn't decide between the two. I wanted to buy other characters as well; specifically Hedwig, but I felt that Hippogriffs and Phoenixes are a bit special, then say dogs, cats, or rats. (sorry Hedwig, Fang, Cruickshanks and Scabbers) There was a unicorn as well, but a reproduction of the tapestry in Hogwarts would seem much cooler. (That is, if they sold it.) The real one hangs in the Cloisters, the branch of the Metroplitan Museum, NY. It is the final of seven tapestries that displays the hunt and eventual capture of the unicorn. According to the New Yorker, the unicorn was a symbol of Christianity, immortality, wisdom, lovers and marriage.

Reflections on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, (With guest blogger, KJ Swanson.)

2010-12-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

Who’s kidding who. This post is more for me and about preserving the memory than anything else. (Don’t want to be a spoiler for anyone.)

Let me just say. It was all I hoped for and more.

Hogsmeade.

When you first arrive, the Hogwarts express greets you and the pinnacled pinioned shingled pointy snow capped roofs shamble towards the bustling cobble stone streets below. Magic is all around.

Instruments play themselves. Potted mandrakes squeal annoyingly in a window. Moaning myrtle haunts the girl’s bathroom. (We wonder if she visits the boys as well.) Quaffles rustle to break free. Owls fidget and hoot above you in the owlry. A charmed quill scratches upon a bit of parchment.

Enter Ollivanders, and an older wand maker with many collars finds a student who does not yet have a wand. KJ described him as being like a therapist to the girl, “He welcomed the moment, invited her in, but gave her space.” She was 8 years old. After trying two wands, the third chose her. The other two had disastrous results. KJ bought a wand, Hermione’s wand. She carried it around with her all day.

Broomsticks hover overhead, and a book of monsters is caged up in Dervish and Banges. All the shops are small, which makes it more realistic, but means you have to wait in line to go into them.

Flight of the Hippogriff.

This ride is Finn friendly, and about 30 seconds long. No joke. But you get to walk by Hagrid’s hut and the pumpkin patch, and you see a real hippogriff in its huge nest.

Dragon Challenge.

With this two track roller coaster I like to pretend I’m on a broom, (even though you’re on a dragon.) Whilst in the line, you march upwards past banners of past tri-wizard winners, including Cedric Diggory, towards the triwizard tournament hall. They welcome you as a tri-wizard champion. (Which is different from when you go to Hogwarts and welcomed as a muggle.) You see the goblet of fire, championship cup, the egg’s with the clues, a hall filled with hovering candles and a cavernous hallway that takes you deeper into the dragons lair.

Zonko’s joke shop is connected to Honeydukes. It was here where I first encountered a cast member (honey dukes employee? Hogwarts student?) who commented on my Hufflepuff scarf. About half the people in the park were wearing either Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. The last two were definitely a minority. However, my scarf was not purchased from the park, and was unique to all the rest walking around. At first when I was asked where I got it, I would reply, “at a costume shop,” but then I began telling people incredulously that I was a alumnus of Hufflepuff house of Hogwarts. It brought a smile.

The tastes.

The butterbeer—$3.25 was the best cream soda ever--- from another world. The foam has its own texture and flavor, and can be eaten with a spoon. Frozen butterbeer—which is the consistency of a slurpee, is a buck more but well worth it. Didn’t go for the pumpkin juice—we heard it was a odd apple-juice/apricot/pumpkin hybrid. However, the bottles were cool, with their pumpkin caps. You can’t buy any coke products here (even though they are available throughout the rest of the park.)

We got our food at the three broomsticks, and sat in the hogshead inn. Hands down, this was the most realistic story-themed restaurant we have ever been to. You could hear tenants thumping around upstairs; the hogshead behind the bar came to life every so often. The ceiling spirals up to stairwells and passageways. It is so similar to the movie—the sagging ceiling, the mold on the stones, the beer. The dining experience isn’t what it could be, (serving style is cafeteria style and do not order the shepherd’s pie,) but they do have an array of typical British foods.

Hogwarts.

When I entered Hogwarts for the first time, I could only liken the experience to entering St. Peters in the Vatican, except instead of a statues of popes, there were statues of former great wizards.

Walking through the line is just as important as the ride itself. You pass the mirror of erised, professor sprout’s greenhouse, Dumbledore’s stairway entrance and his office, the portrait gallery, the defense against the dark arts classroom, the Gryffindor commonroom. Out of the 8 times between me and KJ going through the line, we saw only once Ron accidently cast a snowing spell in the defense against the dark arts classroom. It fell in our hair. Candles hover above, as you enter the ride.

As to the actual ride, it’s both flying and fleeing. Kj says, “It’s out-disneyed Disney.” The last 3 times I rode it, we took the single rider, which is a shortcut to the front of the line. The only reason I left is because the park closed.

Slytherin rant.

What I don’t understand about people who buy slytherin scarves, shirts, and other memorabilia, is whether they’re even aware of the books and/or movies. I’m assuming so. What statement are they making? (KJ has similar questions about people who get dark mark tattoos and death-eater tattoos.) Who are you identifying with from Slytherin? Death eaters typically hail from the slytherin house. What marks them apart from others is their comfort with death, torture, and manipulation of other’s behavior. They swear allegiance to a dark Lord who seeks to rid the magical world of “mudbloods”—or those who do not have “pure blood.” This is no ordinary villain. To me, it’s a fantastical way of wearing a swastika.

matt and sharelle

2010-12-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

johny and kaitlin.

2010-12-09T00:35:00.000-08:00

"so... word got out that i had the photos with me today at work... they were seen by every one, including the CEO and she said, " those were the most stunning photos she had seen in a very long time!" kaitlin and i love them!" - Johny

evidence my roommates are playful troublemakers:

2010-12-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

Our condo manager emailed us to inform us that:

a. the owner and other tenants told her "there might be a dog somewhere on the property."

b. dogs are strictly not allowed in the house.

and asked if:

c. we were pet sitting.

d. we knew anything about it.

Brie and Jacqui promptly began to scratch the floor and make barking noises.

i miss my vinyl collection.

2010-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

the needle broke a while back.

worlds apart.

2010-11-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

live blogging: things the spiro family says while trimming the tree.

2010-11-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

"prepare to be horse-whipped." - br

"who can dance like a peanut's character?" - l

"ICICLES BEEPA!" - f

"no, you're not going to do it cause you broke two." - d

"don't mistake these for candy canes" - d

"why do you suppose candy canes became a christmas thing?" - br

"they were fashioned by the elves in the caves of Isor." - d

"there's that garbage truck I was telling you about." - l

"it's GORGE" - br

"we should put bacon on the tree" - be

"raw bacon. it would hang perfectly." - k

"those germans like their candies" - be

"my favorite line is 'you've all the tender sweetness of a sea-sick crocodile" - l

"some people say you shouldn't stick anything in your ear smaller than your elbow." -d

"like razorblades?" be

"have you heard of frost donuts?" - l

"josh frost donuts." - d

"i see what you're doing... live blogger." - jo

dangit. that's the end. I've been found out.

ah... the senses.

2010-11-24T21:08:00.001-08:00

the last couple days have been something of a nightmare. I got home from my harry potter - birthday cake weekend at my parents house to return to a peculiar smell in my apartment. At first I thought someome had smoked in the apartment-- even though none of us do. But then I realized it was much worse.

I looked on the fridge, where we tend to leave notes for each other, to find one that said, "sorry the apartment smells like SH**, I burned the beans." (Turned out, they were burning for roughtly two hours.)

So then I did the only logical thing one could do-- open windows, (even though it was below freezing,) and throw out the beans, which were more like mini charcoals.

But the smell lingered.

It was getting serious. It was like we had a mini fire. So yesterday we went to work wiping down everything with a surface... books, bikes, cupboards, walls, the ceiling, scrubbing the carpet with vinegar, shampooing furniture, mopping the hardwood, throwing the rugs, bedding, clothes, and towels in the wash-- but the smell still lingered.

This morning, when I woke up, it was still terrible. Brie felt hopeful when she went for a walk to the pastry shop, but when she returned the smell was "opressive." So after a psychological meltdown and a good facebook status update, we decided to make the bad smell our bitch. We febreezed everything, (which has at least masked the smell,) and put out bowls of baking soda and vinegar. They will be there until after thanksgiving.

If that doesn't work, we'll rent an Ozone generator. If that doesn't work, we'll get professional carpet cleaners. If that doesn't work, we'll take eminem's advice and burn the whole thing down.

snOMG!

2010-11-23T17:23:00.001-08:00

i'm obsessed with WINTER STORM 2010 in seattle. everyone is in a frenzy, and all the rules go out the window. red lights? these don't count. work becomes optional. buses get stranded, and people, crazy people, actually try to drive on the icy streets of queen anne and capitol hill. Wallingford is the absolute BEST place to be stranded. last night, my roommate Jacqui went skiing on the hill at gas works. today, brie and I hiked all over the neighborhood. we met up with our neighbor serrah to take photos down at the park. She brought a couple sweet polaroid cameras. People came like pilgrims to the hill, sharing in the united desire to have fun.

the coolest house i've ever been in.

2010-11-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

see the man walking through the front door?

that's the roof on the right. (I'm on top of it.)

senior photographs

2010-11-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

i like them better candid.

marc chagall for the poor man.

2010-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

by serrah russell.

(my night kite flying friend.)

2010-11-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

- Nelson Mandela

life in ahousaht is:

2010-11-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

getting laughed at for wearing a seatbelt.
big waves when paul frank is driving the boat. (scared for my life)
halloween candy.
crying, and that's okay.
staying up way too late.
telling kids that they're amazing, and believing it too.
beatboxing. a lot.
getting my nails done by 14 and 16 year olds.
going to basketball practice.
family dinners.
being told in a matter of 5 minutes by 5 differnet people, "don't be shy"
walking to the beach with a band of kids.
visiting sandy graves.
reading dances with dependency.
watching my students dance.
lots and lots of fish.
hearing stories upon stories about aunties and uncles, sisters, nephews and nieces
accounts of death
drunkeness and sobriety

bullying has become another generic thing like "say no to drugs"

2010-10-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

“Fantasy meets reality when we go into the schools because they’re made up of many kinds of people and energies. Even teachers have past trauma. It gets projected onto children unconsciously. We can be proactive to create a safe place for kids. Particularly kids whom staff and peers target. Bullying has become another generic thing like 'say no to drugs' and we sort of lose the seriousness of it and how students are affected by it.”

- my professor karen toller, on being a school counselor

thoughts?

the new yorker.

2010-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

brie was reading it today, amused.

"i've read it a few times. i had a client who used to give it to me," i told her.

"really?" she said.

"really."

i get it, you wouldn't guess a homeless man would be reading the new yorker.

but that's the thing. he did. he sobered up, got section 8 housing, and the first thing he used his new address for was to buy a subscription.

there was one man who would come into the cafe who had a doctorate in philosophy. he also would have hallucinations, but he had climbed up the academic ladder even higher than me; he even would TA graduate level courses.

you have no idea who these people are that roam our streets until you begin to talk with them. we make so many assumptions about people who are a lot like us.

This video struck me today.

sometimes you need a little motivation

2010-10-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

it's raining, you have enough sleep,
but it's hard to get out of bed.
all i have to do is press play:
"can you feel it?" michael jackson asks me.
yes! YES! i feel it!

birthday.

2010-10-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

scrabble with a 9 year old.

2010-10-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

playing scrabble with a precocious 9 year old who likes me because i beatbox, but never asks me to. he'd rather hear me tell him how much he's improved at beatboxing, (or whatever it is he starts doing with his mouth everytime he sees me.) the 1997 movie flubber is playing in the background. don't let danny elfman on music, john hughes as screenwriter, and robbin williams as goofy professor fool you. i'm never watching it again.

back to scrabble.

he plays "TUF." so i ask the young lad, "do you have any T's"?
and when he plays "DUN" i ask, "do you have any E's"?

i play "booties" and he laughs.
i get nervous his mom will walk in.
but then he says, "wanna play something else?"

we play SORRY! as my eyes begin to droop. it's been a long day. he giddily shows me all 21 of his silly bands. dinosaurs and scooby doo characters, mostly. what's with this new phenomenon? i imagine wearing 21 snap bracelets. ah yes, now i understand your enthusiasm.

yep. that's my saturday night, world.

a whole lotta text.

2010-10-20T10:41:00.001-07:00

not some hip band to share about tonight. no recent photographs. just text. last week I exchanged blogs with someone, to which she replied, "yours has a lot of pictures." I responded, "yours has a lot of text."

my room windows are perfect for the morning light. the light glows through the trees. and in the haze of the barely-awake, i think, "I should take a picture," then fall back asleep.

living on the burke is like a breath of fresh air. i bike to the ballard market with brie and buy flowers that i carry in a bag back home. we put them in a vase to fill the room with life.

visitors come and we eat and drink, then walk to the park. i bring a kite, just in case a wind picks up. i wear a hufflepuff scarf, or my cowichan sweater. the sweater is heavy, but it makes me feel warm and enclosed, like a great big hug.

i never thought the 520 would be my commute. i wish it was along the bridge the whole way to work. driving on lake washington with it choppy on one side and calm on the other will always remind me of jesus. or at least children picture bibles.

during said commute, i've been listening to the head and the heart. so much that i'm getting tired of them.

i eat a lot of burritos. sometimes all three meals. i rationalize this by calling the first one a "breakfast burrito." good thing my roommate jacqui brings expired vitamins home from work.

i can hardly believe that jacqui has never seen star wars. any of them. this must be remedied IMMEDIATELY. good thing i didn't know this before we became housemates, otherwise i'm not sure if she'd make the cut. (joke! ...kind of.)

i am willing to spend money i don't have on the following items: sounders tickets/jersey, really good beer, and live/recorded music. I am unwilling to spend money i don't have on my teeth, health insurance, or my car. I am aware this is backwards, but somehow soccer, ale and music always wins out. what can i say, i'm irish.

there are few days that i don't think of Esperanza and my students. i'm trying to funnel that energy into school, and to becoming a damn good school counselor. (however i do have a trip planned for when my class ends in a couple weeks. i'll experience my first potlatch, and i'm dying from excitement.)

and here's the last bit of text i'll share with you on this late night: human relationship trumps most everything else. this is why it takes me a while to get through a book. or to finish a paper. or even practice self reflection. i can't shake friendship.

i can't get enough of those folksy seattleites.

2010-10-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

all things go.

2010-09-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

this week marks the end.

my last few hours sleeping under my parents roof.

(although, follow your finger on a map along my parents street all the way down to lake union, and there you will find my new apartment, nestled close to my favorite city park.)

i've had what the brits call a "gap year." having edmonds as my home base, i've driven more than once the prairies of canada, climbed montana peaks, toured the puget sound. but my heart lies on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the wildest country i've known.

edmonds. there's something beautiful about having everyone around, eating really. great. food. Finn calling my name, inviting me to play. hearing the conch shells at sunset. holding oliver. playing basketball with my dad. tug-boats and sea-shells. and those damn dogs, they had to die. our endless numbered days.

i'm not the only one moving away from home. kyle and lisa are off to yemen on sunday to teach english for who knows how long. lisa always was the great adventurer.

it only seems fitting that in my last week in the suburbs, i'm playing (with my dad) in Fadadada-- (a father-daughter quartet)

we perform at the edmonds art walk this thursday at the cole gallery, 6pm. you're more than welcome to come. (maybe rick steves will make another appearance?)

going out in style.

2010-09-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

hey, the head and the heart are from seattle. this is from doe bay. a place that makes me very very happy. also, the guys from Drew Grow and the Pastors' Wives show up later on in the video. i dig.

CEEEPEEEES!

2010-08-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

a camper left this lying around...

2010-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

3 days. 25 words. 25 pictures. (in no particular order)

2010-08-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

land.

rest.

picking.

local spot.

full moon.

cookies.

porter.

sunset.

deer stew.

stories.

friendly ptarmigan.

wildflowers.

swim.

wine.

candles.

icecream.

huckleberries.

tent.

giddy.

song.

acceptance.

Crème brûlée and beer.

2010-08-22T20:28:00.001-07:00

i love/hate that you can't videotape some of the best stuff.

2010-08-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

mostly night shenanagins, like stargazing. but here's all the rest:

ps. there were a few campers, and even one cabin leader who had never seen a shooting star until this week. MIND BLOW.

HELP I'M ALIVE!

2010-08-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

teen 1 2010

they're playing capture the flag, as I write this.

i can't believe I get to do this. TWICE, my friends. TWICE.

i'm working on another video this week. although I don't expect it to be as long or epic as the first.

Here's a list of people who are here this week:

Directors:
Josh and Laura Bayles
Jamie Spiro

Speaker:
Luke Crook

Go-fer:
Robi Wrigley

Cabin Leaders:
Michaela Hunziker
Laurie Kilcup
Lexie Babcock
Andrea Pacunski
Amanda Sills
Leah Russell
Lindsay Culver
Angela Dubnow
Sam Hassan
Sarah Epley
Brianna DeMile

Austin Fuches
Collin Harney
David Roundhill
Erik Day
Alex Tussing
Ben Simmons
Joey Rood
Noah Russell
Bryan Miller
Elliott Snyder
Isaac Meyer
Max McDevitt

thank you beau collins.

2010-08-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

we came through the ranks of meadowdale...

2010-08-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

My friend liz told me that she takes a lot of pictures of her family, but there hasn't been a lot of photos of her and her daughter. I took some shots for them week and it's rad to facilitate the process of preserving the memory. Also, Liz is one of the coolest persons I know. She's getting her masters of pastoral counseling at a catholic school, plans on being a sex therapist, and is currently in the process of becoming a deacon in the Lutheran church. She was a legendary vocalist in jazz choir when I was the freshman drummer. Even though she graduated that year, we still hang out from time to time and I'm so glad we do.

Finn is apparently really into the dixie chicks.

2010-07-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

my parents at LBC.

2010-07-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

"dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains and there's no end in sight" arcade fire: the suburbs

2010-07-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've been living as somewhat of a suburbanite this last year, kind of. I drive to seattle almost every day, and I don't go to the mall. Ever. But the city life vs. suburbanism is often a theme tossing around my head. The Arcade Fire's album, "The Suburbs" is well timed. The next month and a half may very well be my last living in the suburbs. Who knows, really. Living in Edmonds off and on for the last year has been an adventure. I've been shooting hoops at the park for years I had soccer practice. Sometimes I see people I used to know from my prior life. I wonder what has brought them back here. Or did they ever leave? I get to see more of my family. I'm near the beach, and honestly, living with my parents is paradise. But as Brie said last night, "When you live on your own... things happen." Not that my life has been uneventful. But there are a thousand things I miss. Walking out my door to a coffee shop. Riding my bike and taking the bus. People my age everywhere. At the moment I'm sitting in a coffee shop in edmonds, Colbie Coliatt is playing, and everyone in here is over 40. It's just a different feel. The only younger people tend to be under 18.

Here are some fantastic lyrics off The Suburbs:

took a drive into the sprawl
to find the places we used to play
it was the loneliest day of my life

They heard me singing and told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
These days my life, I feel it has no purpose
But late at night the feelings swim to the surface

i hear ya, anne.

2010-07-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

copy and pasted from wikipedia.

On July 29, 2010, Anne publicly renounced her dedication to her Roman Catholic faith, yet remaining committed to Christ, on her Facebook page stating;

"For those who care, and I understand if you don’t: Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being “Christian” or to being part of Christianity. It’s simply impossible for me to “belong” to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I’ve tried. I’ve failed. I’m an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else."

following the post a few hours after with
“As I said below, I quit being a Christian. I’m out. In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.”

She reaffirmed her faith in Christ with a lack of faith in organized Christianity an hour or so later with the following post
"My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me. But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been, or might become."

here anne rice finds the great disparity between christ and the church, and gives up. what is there to do? I want to say, if it's not Catholicism for you, then find a denomination that you believe better fits Christ. But don't leave the church, because the church is christ. At least, that's how Christ identifies himself to Paul. Find one that isn't "anti-gay, anti-feminist, anti-artifical birth control, anti-democrat, anti-secular humanism, anti-science, anti-life." They aren't hard to find. Obviously, her critique is beyond a few faults within the church.

What are your thoughts?

goodbye. goodbye.

2010-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

the creepy clown was fun, i swear.

2010-07-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

love this camp, love these kids, love my life. I stayed up late the last night of camp to present this in the morning. btw, the furthest a camper traveled was Arizona, hence the Indiana Jones looking map at the intro :)

summer #6 (as a director that is...)

2010-07-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

76 students!

Others with me in this week long adventure...

Directors: Stephanie Platter, Kris Riggio

Go-fer: Milo Buck

Speaker: Rich Sclafani
Cabin Leaders: Ben Simmons, Noah Russell, Spencer Johnson, Alister (Kyle) Clark, Dan Jensen, Anne Simmons, Allison Williams, Joy Stratman (from Emmaus,) Emily Vanoss, Candace Young, Kallie Doherty, Riley Donelson, Alexandra Whalen, Annie Platter

...more pictures to follow

I'm so jealous

2010-07-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

one of my students (going into grade 6) from Esperanza is currently on Canoe Journey's, which for her will be a 13 day trip to the Makah, Neah Bay, Washington. AKA, the very northwest tip of the state.

I picture her bundled, on the open ocean, watching the waves go by. full of wonder and awe, arms sore from paddling, waiting for the end of the day when her belly will be full and she greets new faces. Falls asleep under the stars, wakes up and gets to do it again.

This happens every year, where first nation families from the south of Puget Sound to the north end of Vancouver Island travel to a destination (which changes every year) filled with festivities. Along the way, they are given hospitality by different tribal communities.

Culture is amazing. I might have grown up on the Puget sound but I don't have that multi-generation claim to it like the first nation population does. I'm not connected in song and culture and food and language the same way. I'm honoured that I was invited, just for a time, to live among it. There's part of me that wants to be journeying also, in a cedar-carved canoe, eating mussells and clams along the way. Meeting up with old faces and singing songs that belonged to our ancestors. The mother of my student is also going, and she told us a story about how on her first journey, she was given a song by a relative called "Lady Warrior." She sang it for us during a grieving ceremony on one of our last nights at Esperanza. She said that she sings it whenever she needs strength.

I have a song like that. It wasn't given to me and it doesn't go farther than my parent's generation. It begins, "You are my hiding place..." I teach this song to the next generation every year at Lakeside. My journey is varied and not as unified as my student's. It does not follow ten rules, and faces change frequently. It is not as local. But I do have my own culture. One that I often reject because of its shady history.

this year has been full of journey for me. I went back to the pig farm in northern Ireland where my great grandfather was born. Journeying across Canada and the Dakota's always remind me of my granparent's beginnings. I've been to Scotland, England, to Germany. I've been to the Vatican. I have yet to see Jerusalem. I'm all over the map. Sometimes I am comforted when I remember my family home, our own little piece of the world, but know that one day that house will be sold and will only live on in memory.

I'm left asking the age old question that Bonhoeffer asks: "Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine." It doesn't feel so much like a matter of identity. It's a matter of disillusionment. His answer, and my heart echoes this: "Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine."

what's with female canadian singers?

2010-07-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

a few years back at bumbershoot i was living in a dream. I got to see Jeremy Enigk and Rocky Votolato play and since I had just turned 21, I finally could enter the beer garden, and felt really cool. I mean I was cool. Whatever. Later that night, I was watching CocoRosie play, but wasn't really in the moment because I couldn't wait to see Feist next at the Mosaic Stage.

A 16 year old girl who I vaguely knew from camp was next to me. "Are you going to the metric show next?" she asked. "What? No, I'm going to see Feist." I responded, not believing she would skip out on Feist to see some new band that 16 year old's like. But it was clear that we both didn't know who the other band was. "You really should come, Metric is awesome" she said. "YOU should come, Feist is awesome!" I responded. Shame, I thought. We parted ways, and I met up with other friends and danced the night away to Feist on the edge of the crowd.

Zoom forward 4 years, where I keep getting Metric's "Help I'm alive" stuck in my head, so I go to youtube to listen to it, watch this video, and make the realization that Metric is actually a female canadian singer of depth, just like Feist:

i won't underestimate hyper 16 year olds ever again.

2010-07-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

the president and his wife.

I love my life.

2010-07-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

"I love my life." that's what I told sharelle tonight. "I'm really am happy," I said. "I really am." And how could I not be?

I love that I'm studying what I really want to do.

that I bought a new computer named it fredy montero.

that my friends are made out of freckles and blonde hair and laughter.

that world cup soccer, margaritas, bob marley, basketball and a dip in the pool is the norm.

that it's summer, and I get to photograph it.

and that I'm getting better at that too.

2010-07-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the rehearsal dinner for a wedding I shoot tomorrow. I took a few shots:

KJ and her "grandma hazelton"

2010-07-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

three words of wisdom from an 89 year old woman:
don't get a tattoo.

go to church. and by all means,

it's good to be a democrat.

The file name "IMG_0987.JPG" is offline or missing.

2010-07-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

his name is luke. but yes, yes he's gone.

silas & sarah

2010-07-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

bill lindsay is the spirit of edmonds...

2010-06-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

The Problem with Tattoos

2010-06-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

They aren't photographs.

(photo credit)

One year later...

2010-06-21T13:49:00.001-07:00

Hey Baby Oliver. You exist. This time last year, we had no idea. It's amazing what can happen in one year. One month. Bodies change. You find that you have the capacity to love and connect in a new way. This weekend, friends of mine are graduating from MHGS. I've been reflecting on my life and growth in the past few years as I've been ending therapy. Identity is a big thing, you know, (especially if you work with adolescents, which I do!) When I graduated, I felt nervous about taking away the "student" identity, but what do you know, I'm back in school. As a true student, it feels like the end of the year. My last class is Sunday, and summer is upon us. This time last year, I had no idea where I would be. I had a semblance, but there's no way I could name it.

There are the externals of this last year. Wedding photography. Camp. Being Subpoenaed to witness in court to prosecute a client. Ireland. Road trips. Death of two friends. Teaching. Esperanza/West Coast Vancouver Island. Compline. Beginning a new masters of Ed in school counseling. Hero's death. Chuck's death. Night managing at a transitional home for women and children. Ending therapy.

But these endeavors boil down to the rich transformation through the relationships created within them. A narrative that tells the story of surprises within attachments which have beginnings and with a few, ends. Some abrupt. Some well taken care of until the end.

It is a new kind of learning outside the safety and confines of the classroom. Even though I'm back in school, I feel myself living in a new kind of way. Offering my gifts. You know the feeling in your stomach, just before you jump an x amount of distance off a cliff into water? I've had that feeling more than once this year. It comes with play and risk. Danger so near, failure so attainable.

I laugh about my recent experience of being forced to learn stick shift alone on venture over a mountain range, down a dirt road I've never travelled, literally coming face to face with a bear, strapped for time. It sounds now like a dream. My adrenaline was high for hours. I almost died. Not even kidding. And here I am, on the other side. It sounds like a nightmare. Though I need not use metaphor. I have plenty of stories.

All this to say. One year later. Who knew? I am filled with gratitude.

Rap Lyrics of the (17)90's

2010-06-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Birthed and reared in West Philadelphia, the days of my childhood and early youth were spent in the wildernesses just beyond our village, where my companions and I passed many an hour roaming free and frolicking, oftentimes playing ball sports in the proximity of the schoolhouse. I recall a certain occasion on which two wastrels came upon us, interrupted our pursuits, caused a general ruckus, and incited a fray. Upon my honour, had I not been bested by these mongrels, no doubt my loving mother would not have laid her heavy hand and decided my future in such an immovable manner as she then did. Her words, as I recollect, were 'Get thee to Bel Air forthwith, where you will live with your aunt and uncle in peace, and whence you will return only when you have become a man, noble as any other.' Alas! What choice had I, but to summon a cab and depart from that dear childhood home? How strange it was to see that the approaching buggy appeared to be painted with nonsensical lettering and festooned with the symbols of gambling and sin. Yet I disregarded it and considered it a rarity. 'To Bel Air, if you please' said I to the cabbie as together we heaved up my trunk. At perhaps seven or eight of the clock, after some hours of evening travel, the buggy came to a halt at the entrance of a grand house. After bidding the driver farewell, I regarded my new lodgings. Here would I be educated. Here would I learn my place in the family. Here would I reign, in a sense, as the new prince of Bel Air.

BY CHLOE FILSON

More (17)90's raps lyrics here

she got in.

2010-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

To Whom it may concern:

I write to recommend Riley Donelson for the Master of Library and Information program at the University of Washington. This is an easy task, because I wholeheartedly believe that this is not only her passion, but something would so beautifully excel in.

When I first got to know Riley when she was in high school, I recall being impressed with her knowledge of current events, vast vocabulary, and her wit. Her love for language and humor makes her one of the most enjoyable young persons to be around. At the time she worked at Subway, which provided great material for many hilarious stories. While I enjoyed her storytelling, I knew that the job was simply a means to an end for her, but I questioned her "end." It was her love for literature, (she in her short life had already surpassed in number my "books I've read" list,) and brilliance that made her current career choice seem odd to me. She was temporarily in beauty school, (another source for hilarious stories,) with no intension of attending college. As an advocate for education, (I have an MA in counseling psychology,) and a desire to see people living their passions and seeking meaning in their lives, I spoke with her then about what she hoped for vocationally.

I teased her at the time, calling her "the professor," partly because I could envision her being a fantastic professor, imparting her knowledge to others with ease, never abandoning her quest for knowledge, indulging her desire of literature and text. She jokingly adopted the nickname when communicating with me, using it as her signature. The title pointed to something greater, beyond her current vision, and soon thereafter, she made a choice to turn course. Riley instead got a job at a city library, becoming a "beauty school dropout," and applied for college. It seemed chaos was brought to order, and she was happy. I have lost track of her story since then, but I have been able to observe her in her volunteer work at camp.

Riley is a key person to our program with skills in leadership, connecting well with others, and ability to encourage life change. She has an amazing ability to come alongside adolescents and create attachments with them wherever they are at. She is a quiet, animated, beautiful, creative soul who others are easily attracted to.

I absolutely believe that Riley would be a fantastic student at the UW, with her love of learning, literature and information, and interest in technology. I am honored to have known her and seen her journey, and hope that you will take the opportunity to let her join you. Let me know if there is anything else you need from me.

Jamie Spiro, MA

maxin, relaxin, ironing...

2010-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

I sent this picture to Lucy, who couldn't make it up this year to the family reunion. 11 years ago we started this great tradition to drive 6 hours to Osoyoos, Canada to hang out for memorial day weekend. But not since the first year have we had shirts to prove it. Jeremy made iron-on's for t-shirts, and this one I made for Lu.

here's mine.

The design is an amalgamation of the old BC coat of arms, the sign when you're coming into Osoyoos, the logo of our hotel, and some American-Canadian-Spiro creativity love. It's pretty much the best shirt ever. Thanks Jer!

who is spiro?

On display outside the oval office last year

these two are getting hitched.

Meet Iris, mama, and the baby whisperer.

I love my life.

Top five responses when I posted this picture of my allergic reaction to oranges

dog tired.

top five recent inspirations

The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, 2011

Joe and Heidi

summer is:

twenty years.

The long and winding road...

On the lakes of Canada...

i feel it coming on.

feeling lazy.

If I had a record:

Every once in a while, I consider why I blog.

The school formerly known as Mars Hill Graduate School.

The Quad.

Magic has a name.

top albums of 2010

Proud to be a Parks.

Adam & Bonnie

a lesson in humility.

Mr. Rogers defending PBS to the U.S. Senate

AWESOME. I might have to rent a vehicle.

I'd like your help.

holly grigsby.

An open letter to any cabin leader at high school camp, LBC (2005 - 2011).

today's inspiration.

"I have never lived in a country where I felt safe around my people."

you slay me, disney.

thank goodness for technology.

if you need proof that i love my family...

a word from erik erikson.

i heart wallingford.

one for the books.

vintage green lake.

3-D in 2010.

new kid on the block.

here's one of those, "i'm working things out" posts.

if i had tumblr, i would reblog this.

2010.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ah, the disney princess.

This post makes me sound like a NERD.

Reflections on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, (With guest blogger, KJ Swanson.)

matt and sharelle

johny and kaitlin.

evidence my roommates are playful troublemakers:

i miss my vinyl collection.

worlds apart.

live blogging: things the spiro family says while trimming the tree.

ah... the senses.

snOMG!

the coolest house i've ever been in.

senior photographs

marc chagall for the poor man.

life in ahousaht is:

bullying has become another generic thing like "say no to drugs"

the new yorker.

sometimes you need a little motivation

birthday.

scrabble with a 9 year old.

a whole lotta text.

i can't get enough of those folksy seattleites.

all things go.

CEEEPEEEES!

a camper left this lying around...

3 days. 25 words. 25 pictures. (in no particular order)

Crème brûlée and beer.

i love/hate that you can't videotape some of the best stuff.

HELP I'M ALIVE!

thank you beau collins.

we came through the ranks of meadowdale...

Finn is apparently really into the dixie chicks.

my parents at LBC.

"dead shopping malls rise like mountains beyond mountains and there's no end in sight" arcade fire: the suburbs

i hear ya, anne.