This is a post about the Homeless Youth Resource Center at the Utah Pride Center. TINT stands for Tolerant Intelligent Network of Teens, and the group serves youth ages 14-20.
This amazing resource available here in Salt Lake City gives me hope for the future. Lesbian, Gay, Besexual and Transgender youth are much more likely than their heterosexual or non-gender-queer peers to be thrown from their homes, abandoned to the streets. But with places like this, they have a place to go - to be accepted for who they are!
In this cold weather, I think more and more each day of the times when I barely had enough to eat, and how grateful I am that I never had to be cold out on the streets. Salt Lake City can be so harsh in the winter! But not only do I have plenty to eat and a warm place to sleep, this morning I was particularly reminded of how lucky I really am.
I sat down in my car and it had frost on it for the first time this season. It's a brand new Toyota Corolla, so the heat works spectacularly. But of course it takes a few minutes for the heat to get going in the morning. Let me repeat that . . . a few minutes. That's it! And yet I'm shivering, complaining to myself, etc. I start thinking I will stop at Smith's Marketplace after teaching this morning, and pick up a pair of their gloves I've seen near the front doors for $1.19.
Let me repeat that . . . One dollar and nineteen cents. I started thinking just how lucky I really am, with my heater blaring within five minutes of walking out my front door, and a few dollars available to myself to purchase a cheap pair of gloves for cold-steering-wheel blues.
When I got to Smith's this morning, I picked out 11 pairs. One for me, black with cute white string sewn around the sides, and 10 others, of all shades and patterns available. I took the bag to the TINT at the Utah Pride Center, hoping to offer the teens there some colorful comfort this winter.
I would like to encourage you to the the same ~ I think we can all spare sixty cents per hand to warm!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Des Cannibales ~ Michel de Montaigne
Tonight I re-read Michel de Montaingne's essai, Des cannibales. I can't count the number of times I have read and researched and re-read this essai, and yet tonight I caught and learned things that brought new life to it. I chose it as a topic for the final French paper of my undergraduate degree for a reason; it spoke to me, as I expressed in a prior post. It spoke to me about the arrogancy of assuming the culture we know is "perfect" and all others are "barbaric." It spoke to me of what we can learn of our own selves and culture through observation and appreciation of other cultures.
But tonight I found lines I don't understand how I could have missed! Entire passages, pages even, have changed how I see the whole piece.
Montaigne tells us how Plato said that all things are produced in one of three ways ~ through nature, fate/fortune, or art. He said that the best and most beautiful are those that come from the first two, and that we find the lesser and most imperfect things in art. How opposite from what our culture seems to believe! We assume that all things man-made, all things "artistic," or all things within our sphere of recognition/understanding/knowledge, are the best things. The paintings, the buildings, even clothing, fashion, film . . . yet we overlook what is truly the best, the highest of what actually exists . . . that which is natural, or, as we would say, "barbaric." Wild flowers. A deep, passionate kiss. Cats tumbling together or one dashing up a tree in fear of a dog. Do we appreciate the real, most beautiful things around us? We think we appreciate art when it makes us reminiscent of these things, and yet we live in cities where we can no longer even see the stars in the night skies!
I am looking forward to crafting an essai of my own, hopefully learning in the process how to weave something beautiful and artistic in a language other than my native one. It is humbling to know that anything I may weave will be, in Plato's words, "imperfect," regardless of my attempts at artistry.
But tonight I found lines I don't understand how I could have missed! Entire passages, pages even, have changed how I see the whole piece.
Montaigne tells us how Plato said that all things are produced in one of three ways ~ through nature, fate/fortune, or art. He said that the best and most beautiful are those that come from the first two, and that we find the lesser and most imperfect things in art. How opposite from what our culture seems to believe! We assume that all things man-made, all things "artistic," or all things within our sphere of recognition/understanding/knowledge, are the best things. The paintings, the buildings, even clothing, fashion, film . . . yet we overlook what is truly the best, the highest of what actually exists . . . that which is natural, or, as we would say, "barbaric." Wild flowers. A deep, passionate kiss. Cats tumbling together or one dashing up a tree in fear of a dog. Do we appreciate the real, most beautiful things around us? We think we appreciate art when it makes us reminiscent of these things, and yet we live in cities where we can no longer even see the stars in the night skies!
I am looking forward to crafting an essai of my own, hopefully learning in the process how to weave something beautiful and artistic in a language other than my native one. It is humbling to know that anything I may weave will be, in Plato's words, "imperfect," regardless of my attempts at artistry.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Listener's Community Radio
Listener's Community Radio of Utah, or KRCL 90.9 FM ~ All the Radio You Need, is one amazing place to work. I have now been their Administrative Assistant for a month and a half, and I've learned so much about how they do what they do. I have lots of cleaning and organizing projects to keep me busy, which I love, as I am able to listen to the radio live while doing them, or think my busy thoughts to myself. I've also been recorded a couple of times for "KRCL is supported by . . ." and "We would like to thank . . ." spots to be played on air throughout the days.
What Listener's Community Radio offers me is different and unique in every way. I feel that what this station offers each of their listeners is individually and collectively identifiable! What I mean is, I get something out of KRCL (RadioActive news and thoughts, a safe place to be out as a lesbian and use my skills to benefit a community) that not everyone else does. Many people listen for Bad Brad's Afternoon Show, to hear the weather and traffic and awesome music they won't hear anyplace else. Others listen for Democracy Now; many listen to our amazing weekend shows ranging from Strange Radio and a Science show to Vietnamese, Chinese and Native American shows. What an eclectic mix!
I am very much looking forward to meeting an eclectic mix of this community's listeners, at our December 3 Polar Jubilee. If you like live music and want to be part of Bad Brad's Hanukkah Harmonica Army, you had better buy your tickets here soon. It sounds like a riot to me . . . not something I would likely attend if I weren't working here, but an event I'm glad I won't be missing now that I am. KRCL makes me smile every day, for one reason or another. I hope you'll start streaming shows online, or listening during your day, to find your reason or another to be a part of the KRCL community! This is where Salt Lake City is found, through and through. I am KRCL ~ are you?
What Listener's Community Radio offers me is different and unique in every way. I feel that what this station offers each of their listeners is individually and collectively identifiable! What I mean is, I get something out of KRCL (RadioActive news and thoughts, a safe place to be out as a lesbian and use my skills to benefit a community) that not everyone else does. Many people listen for Bad Brad's Afternoon Show, to hear the weather and traffic and awesome music they won't hear anyplace else. Others listen for Democracy Now; many listen to our amazing weekend shows ranging from Strange Radio and a Science show to Vietnamese, Chinese and Native American shows. What an eclectic mix!
I am very much looking forward to meeting an eclectic mix of this community's listeners, at our December 3 Polar Jubilee. If you like live music and want to be part of Bad Brad's Hanukkah Harmonica Army, you had better buy your tickets here soon. It sounds like a riot to me . . . not something I would likely attend if I weren't working here, but an event I'm glad I won't be missing now that I am. KRCL makes me smile every day, for one reason or another. I hope you'll start streaming shows online, or listening during your day, to find your reason or another to be a part of the KRCL community! This is where Salt Lake City is found, through and through. I am KRCL ~ are you?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Salt Lake Arts Academy
A week from today I will enter Humanities Classroom 300 at the Salt Lake Arts Academy and teach my first-ever course to a group of 18 students. This week I am working feverishly to develop a course outline, and a course description to post on my homepage which can be accessed by the students, their parents, and other teachers. I have a full year ahead of me, and what will my Beginning French students have learned by June 2011? I will only have four hours of their time each week at my disposal, but I do believe we can accomplish and learn very much in that time.
This public charter school seems to be a place where I would be thrilled to send my children. Take a look at their Curriculum, and their Frequently Asked Questions. I hope to integrate their language-learning with the topics they are covering in their other classes. Can you imagine taking a science class, and learning the names of the parts of the body, then learning them in French as well? Or taking a math class and being able to count in both English and French? There are so many opportunities for cross-curriculum learning at this school. I will be pleased to meet these students, their parents, and their other teachers as I try to engage them culturally and linguistically.
~ Madame Ball ~
This public charter school seems to be a place where I would be thrilled to send my children. Take a look at their Curriculum, and their Frequently Asked Questions. I hope to integrate their language-learning with the topics they are covering in their other classes. Can you imagine taking a science class, and learning the names of the parts of the body, then learning them in French as well? Or taking a math class and being able to count in both English and French? There are so many opportunities for cross-curriculum learning at this school. I will be pleased to meet these students, their parents, and their other teachers as I try to engage them culturally and linguistically.
~ Madame Ball ~
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Proposition 8 at the Tower Theatre
Something big is happening around the world right now ~ something monumental for gay rights, advocating the separation of Church and State in Utah and the United States, and opening minds and promoting acceptance everywhere.
8: The Mormon Proposition is playing NOW at the Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City - 876 E. 900 S.
Please buy tickets to see this film this weekend if it is in ANY way possible for you to re-schedule pre-made plans, or fit this new plan into your budget ~ tickets are NOT too expensive, this is open to the general public, and it will possibly be THE most influential thing you have done all year.
Why might I say this? The Tower Theatre is the ONLY theatre playing this film in Utah ~ Utah, where the film primarily takes place, and where, if people HERE saw it, it would make the greatest positive difference for change.
If we inundate the theatre this weekend, The Tower may be able to afford to continue showing this film for a much-needed extra week, or two, or three. PLEASE. Consider going this weekend to 876 E. 900 S. to show your support for the very vitally life-changing issues that are affecting YOUR Gay and Lesbian family members and friends.
8: The Mormon Proposition is playing NOW at the Tower Theatre in Salt Lake City - 876 E. 900 S.
Please buy tickets to see this film this weekend if it is in ANY way possible for you to re-schedule pre-made plans, or fit this new plan into your budget ~ tickets are NOT too expensive, this is open to the general public, and it will possibly be THE most influential thing you have done all year.
Why might I say this? The Tower Theatre is the ONLY theatre playing this film in Utah ~ Utah, where the film primarily takes place, and where, if people HERE saw it, it would make the greatest positive difference for change.
If we inundate the theatre this weekend, The Tower may be able to afford to continue showing this film for a much-needed extra week, or two, or three. PLEASE. Consider going this weekend to 876 E. 900 S. to show your support for the very vitally life-changing issues that are affecting YOUR Gay and Lesbian family members and friends.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Teaching Writing
This past Saturday I had the most amazing experience as a Writing Teacher. It was my fourth meeting with my newest student, a 12-year-old boy whose parents would like for him to improve his writing, public speaking, and debate skills. He is in his first year of Junior High, his favorite subject is Technology, and his favorite genre to read is Historical Fiction. I am basically trying to teach him as much as possible while having as much fun as possible. Over the next two weeks he will be preparing a Presentation on the Short-faced Bear, a prehistoric animal we read about in an Ancient World History Textbook we've been reading articles from aloud during our lessons. I'll be presenting on the Dire Wolf.
I felt that this lesson was such a success because I had white board markers and chalk, and a few fun writing ideas, and he was able to take up whole sections of the board, climbing over desks in the empty classroom we commandeered, and wrote what I thought was a great, entertaining story. What I love most about teaching is finding enjoyable, laughable exercises and topics that are of personal interest to the student. I learn SO much from those I teach!
I felt that this lesson was such a success because I had white board markers and chalk, and a few fun writing ideas, and he was able to take up whole sections of the board, climbing over desks in the empty classroom we commandeered, and wrote what I thought was a great, entertaining story. What I love most about teaching is finding enjoyable, laughable exercises and topics that are of personal interest to the student. I learn SO much from those I teach!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Flaubert et sa pauvre Bovary
In preparing to give a presentation on Gustave Flaubert's 1857 French novel, Madame Bovary, I came across this beautiful quote, which he wrote during the years he was writing the story:
" Tout ce qu'on invente est vrai, sois-en sûre. La poésie est une chose aussi précise que la géométrie. L'induction vaut la déduction, et puis, arrivé à un certain point, on ne se trompe plus quant à tout ce qui est de l'âme. Ma pauvre Bovary, sans doute, souffre et pleure dans vingt villages de France à la fois, à cette heure même. "
(my translation) " Everything one invents is true, be sure of this. Poetry is as precise a thing as geometry. Induction requires deduction, and, when one arrives at a certain point, one is no longer cheated of all that is the soul. My pour Bovary, without a doubt, suffers and cries in twenty French villages all together, at this very hour. "
Flaubert impresses me while at the same time confusing me. I am at a loss as to what exactly to think of this man who seemingly wrote a woman character so well. Can a man, really, "write a woman character?" Is there, really, enough human in us that one can take on so different an identity and do it justice? Or can only a woman genuinely write from a woman's perspective? When I read some of the quotes from the personal letters he wrote during the years he was writing Madame Bovary, he was redeemed in my eyes by his many expressions not only of frustration, confusion and inadequacy, but by this very perceptive observation:
" Bovary m'ennuie . . . Bon ou mauvais, ce livre aura été pour moi un tour de force prodigieux, tant le style, la composition, les personnages et l'effet sensible sont loin de ma manière naturelle. Dans Saint Antoine j'étais chez moi. Ici, je suis chez le voisin. Aussi je n'y trouve aucune commodité. "
(my translation) " Bovary annoys me . . . For good or bad, this book has already been for me a prodigious tour de force; the style, the composition, the characters and it's whole effect are so far from my nature! When writing Saint Antoine I felt at home. Here, I feel I'm at some neighbor's place; a neighbor's where I find no conveniences offered. "
Here and in other quotes, I see a writer rather than "a man," a person who stepped into the shoes of the "other" and told a story beautifully. I hope for a day when as many women are able to write (and paint, and direct film, and the list goes on) as there have been men telling the human story over time. I hope for fairness. But it is still inspiring to read stories written by "old white men" that still somehow ring true to a young, lesbian, me, today.
" Tout ce qu'on invente est vrai, sois-en sûre. La poésie est une chose aussi précise que la géométrie. L'induction vaut la déduction, et puis, arrivé à un certain point, on ne se trompe plus quant à tout ce qui est de l'âme. Ma pauvre Bovary, sans doute, souffre et pleure dans vingt villages de France à la fois, à cette heure même. "
(my translation) " Everything one invents is true, be sure of this. Poetry is as precise a thing as geometry. Induction requires deduction, and, when one arrives at a certain point, one is no longer cheated of all that is the soul. My pour Bovary, without a doubt, suffers and cries in twenty French villages all together, at this very hour. "
Flaubert impresses me while at the same time confusing me. I am at a loss as to what exactly to think of this man who seemingly wrote a woman character so well. Can a man, really, "write a woman character?" Is there, really, enough human in us that one can take on so different an identity and do it justice? Or can only a woman genuinely write from a woman's perspective? When I read some of the quotes from the personal letters he wrote during the years he was writing Madame Bovary, he was redeemed in my eyes by his many expressions not only of frustration, confusion and inadequacy, but by this very perceptive observation:
" Bovary m'ennuie . . . Bon ou mauvais, ce livre aura été pour moi un tour de force prodigieux, tant le style, la composition, les personnages et l'effet sensible sont loin de ma manière naturelle. Dans Saint Antoine j'étais chez moi. Ici, je suis chez le voisin. Aussi je n'y trouve aucune commodité. "
(my translation) " Bovary annoys me . . . For good or bad, this book has already been for me a prodigious tour de force; the style, the composition, the characters and it's whole effect are so far from my nature! When writing Saint Antoine I felt at home. Here, I feel I'm at some neighbor's place; a neighbor's where I find no conveniences offered. "
Here and in other quotes, I see a writer rather than "a man," a person who stepped into the shoes of the "other" and told a story beautifully. I hope for a day when as many women are able to write (and paint, and direct film, and the list goes on) as there have been men telling the human story over time. I hope for fairness. But it is still inspiring to read stories written by "old white men" that still somehow ring true to a young, lesbian, me, today.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Children
As I look around myself in wonder,
awe and fear couples with joy.
The observable joy outweighs,
but will it always?
What world will I bring my children into?
What world will I show to those I raise?
Will they too know more joy than fear?
And their children?
And theirs?
With each generation my faith in goodness
outweighing the negativity we humans have brought to this earth
fades.
How I long to read Dickens, Austen, Tolkein and more
to a new generation ... how I long
to explain to them history, social satire,
fantastic depictions of human emotion,
truth and beauty.
But can the canon hide from them
the disintegration of resources
facing our race every day?
When will those who have no water
travel to where it is, and fight?
Will my children travel elsewhere,
to build wells and educate the poor,
while clutching their life-saving
purified water, guiltily?
If I traveled elsewhere,
could I continue to clutch my own water?
Or would I too disintegrate
into the fathomless deprivation
that is our world,
our home?
I will continue the struggle
to recognize the fear in the world
despite my personal place of peace
so that somehow I may promote
the future survival of our children,
together as one human family.
awe and fear couples with joy.
The observable joy outweighs,
but will it always?
What world will I bring my children into?
What world will I show to those I raise?
Will they too know more joy than fear?
And their children?
And theirs?
With each generation my faith in goodness
outweighing the negativity we humans have brought to this earth
fades.
How I long to read Dickens, Austen, Tolkein and more
to a new generation ... how I long
to explain to them history, social satire,
fantastic depictions of human emotion,
truth and beauty.
But can the canon hide from them
the disintegration of resources
facing our race every day?
When will those who have no water
travel to where it is, and fight?
Will my children travel elsewhere,
to build wells and educate the poor,
while clutching their life-saving
purified water, guiltily?
If I traveled elsewhere,
could I continue to clutch my own water?
Or would I too disintegrate
into the fathomless deprivation
that is our world,
our home?
I will continue the struggle
to recognize the fear in the world
despite my personal place of peace
so that somehow I may promote
the future survival of our children,
together as one human family.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Utah Pride Center
I work as the Development Intern at the Utah Pride Center, at 361 N. 300 W. in Salt Lake City, UT. Granted, then, I provide a "biased" opinion on the greatness of this place for which I am so delighted to volunteer . . . what I do there and everything else that goes on there means so much to me that I plan on continuing my work there indefinitely. They embody so much of what gives me hope and joy in this world! So please, allow me to explain.
First ~ hope. This website explains: "Of the estimated 1.6 million homeless American youth, between 20 and 40 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT)." Also, "In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came out to their parents/guardians were told they must leave home." At the Utah Pride Center, they work so diligently to provide amazing services to all LGBT Youth, including providing a Homeless Youth Drop-in Center. Having as supportive an immediate family as I do, few things break my heart more than to know that every day there are youth brave enough to come out and be true to who they are, only to be thrown from their once-loving homes. The services provided for and by youth at the Utah Pride Center give me immense hope that these occurrences will not continue, but that through honesty and education, our children's futures will be better.
And next ~ Joy. One only needs to recall the recent joy taken from an entire high school group of students denied their class prom by a school board unwilling to accept one student's desire to take her partner of choice, to understand what genuine joy is given to LGBT youth every year by the Utah Pride Center's Queer Prom! This is only one event that happens every year that, I believe, simply offers joy that would not otherwise be present in some people's lives.
I am working to improve and expand the Membership Benefits offered to those who join the Utah Pride Center's network of allies for all the causes they work for, benefiting thousands and more here in Utah ... One-year Memberships only cost $35, or $50 for a family, and are even less for students and seniors. Tax-deductible donations are also always accepted, and please believe me when I say, every single dollar changes lives. Drastically. What an absolutely, absolutely amazing organization!
First ~ hope. This website explains: "Of the estimated 1.6 million homeless American youth, between 20 and 40 percent identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT)." Also, "In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came out to their parents/guardians were told they must leave home." At the Utah Pride Center, they work so diligently to provide amazing services to all LGBT Youth, including providing a Homeless Youth Drop-in Center. Having as supportive an immediate family as I do, few things break my heart more than to know that every day there are youth brave enough to come out and be true to who they are, only to be thrown from their once-loving homes. The services provided for and by youth at the Utah Pride Center give me immense hope that these occurrences will not continue, but that through honesty and education, our children's futures will be better.
And next ~ Joy. One only needs to recall the recent joy taken from an entire high school group of students denied their class prom by a school board unwilling to accept one student's desire to take her partner of choice, to understand what genuine joy is given to LGBT youth every year by the Utah Pride Center's Queer Prom! This is only one event that happens every year that, I believe, simply offers joy that would not otherwise be present in some people's lives.
I am working to improve and expand the Membership Benefits offered to those who join the Utah Pride Center's network of allies for all the causes they work for, benefiting thousands and more here in Utah ... One-year Memberships only cost $35, or $50 for a family, and are even less for students and seniors. Tax-deductible donations are also always accepted, and please believe me when I say, every single dollar changes lives. Drastically. What an absolutely, absolutely amazing organization!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Studies on Autism and PTSD
I'm writing a short paper today about an event I went to that gave me helpful outside information for both my Intro to Sociolinguistics and my Human Exceptionality classes. Dr. Gilbert W. Kliman came and spoke to a group of students and faculty at the University of Utah last Thursday, about his ongoing research and methodology working with children with Autism-spectrum disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. The presentation was wonderful, and I look forward to learning more about his revolutionary Reflective Network Therapy method of working with traumatized and autistic children.
I also recently picked up an impressive magazine called The Autism File U.S.A. - Covering Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, ADD and Other Related Disorders. This magazine has taught me a lot as well and I've been most inspired by the articles written by parents of children diagnosed with Autism-spectrum disorders. Everything I am learning in my Human Exceptionality class and from my brother and sister-in-law, with whom I am working to learn more about their diagnoses, is opening my eyes so much to the human condition and what so many people experience daily that we all to often ignore or do not know enough about.
I also recently picked up an impressive magazine called The Autism File U.S.A. - Covering Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, ADD and Other Related Disorders. This magazine has taught me a lot as well and I've been most inspired by the articles written by parents of children diagnosed with Autism-spectrum disorders. Everything I am learning in my Human Exceptionality class and from my brother and sister-in-law, with whom I am working to learn more about their diagnoses, is opening my eyes so much to the human condition and what so many people experience daily that we all to often ignore or do not know enough about.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Cascadian Farm and Kashi Organics
Over the past several months my (would-be) wife and I have discovered the goodness of Organic foods ... and other goods, but mainly foods.
This news story from Layton, UT was an absolutely heartbreaking testament to why we DO NOT need synthetic pesticides and toxins around us ~ not to kill rats, and CERTAINLY not in or on our food. After the many documentaries we have watched, we have re-vamped our kitchen to reflect how we feel about only allowing the most basic, close-to-the-earth products into our home and bodies. We are FAR FROM our home 100% reflecting this desire, I'll be the first to admit, however we are conscious of it and are always moving closer to that goal.
This morning I was lucky enough to have naturally woken at 5:00am, giving me ample time to stretch, breathe deeply and think. I then enjoyed the small remainder of my Cascadian Farm Raisin Bran, and a new cereal I had not tried before ... Kashi Cinnamon Harvest, which has 47g of Whole Grain (48g are recommended daily), I was surprised to learn!
When I was growing up, I never liked Raisin Bran, because it was one cereal that ALWAYS tended toward sogginess WELL before I could finish a bowl (did I ever think to pour less?). When I first saw this product on the shelves, I must admit I fell good and hard for it! Luckily I couldn't well afford a $5 box of sugar very often, so I only had it a couple of times. Years later, though, when I realized I COULD very well afford $5 boxes of pure, natural, organic goodness, I jumped at Cascadian Farm Raisin Bran with gusto ... I still eat it on a regular basis, and somehow don't have the soggy cereal problem at all these days.
What I absolutely want to share in today's blog, however, is the redemption of Kashi in my mind. My mother and step-father have been buying Kashi products for years now, and sometimes they've been alright, but I've never been amazed. On the other hand, everything from Cascadian Farm amazes me, it ALL tastes better than any other cereal I've tried ~ yes, even better than my two past favorites, Cheerios and Lucky Charms! Plus, Cascadian Farm cereals have Box Tops for Education the same as does General Mills, which just excites me. My younger siblings save the Tops, and I just think it's great they can participate with their classmates even though they don't eat Cocoa Puffs or Disney’s® Princess Fairytale Flakes. (Side note: have YOU ever eaten Disney’s® Princess Fairytale Flakes? They are NASTY!)
So, the redemption of Kashi, whose food products I've heard compared to tree bark? Today, I learned where cinnamon comes from, by reading the Kashi box as I slowly savoured every biscuit of this Cinnamon Harvest cereal ... it's the bark of a certain type of Laurel tree, and people harvest it by peeling off the bark when it's softest, between the months of May and October. When the peelings dry, they curl into cinnamon sticks! I first cooked with a cinnamon stick a couple of months ago when I tried a recipe for coconut rice, and I'm hooked ... these sticks are now a mandatory pantry item, and, now I know where they come from!
Beautiful. And the cereal? I was about to say it was so delicious it was as far from "tree bark" as you could get ... but, given how cinnamon is harvested, I suppose Kashi Cinnamon Harvest tastes like tree bark after all!
This news story from Layton, UT was an absolutely heartbreaking testament to why we DO NOT need synthetic pesticides and toxins around us ~ not to kill rats, and CERTAINLY not in or on our food. After the many documentaries we have watched, we have re-vamped our kitchen to reflect how we feel about only allowing the most basic, close-to-the-earth products into our home and bodies. We are FAR FROM our home 100% reflecting this desire, I'll be the first to admit, however we are conscious of it and are always moving closer to that goal.
This morning I was lucky enough to have naturally woken at 5:00am, giving me ample time to stretch, breathe deeply and think. I then enjoyed the small remainder of my Cascadian Farm Raisin Bran, and a new cereal I had not tried before ... Kashi Cinnamon Harvest, which has 47g of Whole Grain (48g are recommended daily), I was surprised to learn!
When I was growing up, I never liked Raisin Bran, because it was one cereal that ALWAYS tended toward sogginess WELL before I could finish a bowl (did I ever think to pour less?). When I first saw this product on the shelves, I must admit I fell good and hard for it! Luckily I couldn't well afford a $5 box of sugar very often, so I only had it a couple of times. Years later, though, when I realized I COULD very well afford $5 boxes of pure, natural, organic goodness, I jumped at Cascadian Farm Raisin Bran with gusto ... I still eat it on a regular basis, and somehow don't have the soggy cereal problem at all these days.
What I absolutely want to share in today's blog, however, is the redemption of Kashi in my mind. My mother and step-father have been buying Kashi products for years now, and sometimes they've been alright, but I've never been amazed. On the other hand, everything from Cascadian Farm amazes me, it ALL tastes better than any other cereal I've tried ~ yes, even better than my two past favorites, Cheerios and Lucky Charms! Plus, Cascadian Farm cereals have Box Tops for Education the same as does General Mills, which just excites me. My younger siblings save the Tops, and I just think it's great they can participate with their classmates even though they don't eat Cocoa Puffs or Disney’s® Princess Fairytale Flakes. (Side note: have YOU ever eaten Disney’s® Princess Fairytale Flakes? They are NASTY!)
So, the redemption of Kashi, whose food products I've heard compared to tree bark? Today, I learned where cinnamon comes from, by reading the Kashi box as I slowly savoured every biscuit of this Cinnamon Harvest cereal ... it's the bark of a certain type of Laurel tree, and people harvest it by peeling off the bark when it's softest, between the months of May and October. When the peelings dry, they curl into cinnamon sticks! I first cooked with a cinnamon stick a couple of months ago when I tried a recipe for coconut rice, and I'm hooked ... these sticks are now a mandatory pantry item, and, now I know where they come from!
Beautiful. And the cereal? I was about to say it was so delicious it was as far from "tree bark" as you could get ... but, given how cinnamon is harvested, I suppose Kashi Cinnamon Harvest tastes like tree bark after all!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Places That Scare You
A dear friend of mine recently gave me this book, The Places That Scare You ~ A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön, author of When Things Fall Apart (which I am very interested in reading as well).
Initially when I heard the title of this book, I thought, "I do NOT want to read that right now." Which is about as good a sign as any that I needed this book in my life right now. The following week when I met this friend for lunch and she bought me the book, I was significantly warmed to the idea, and have thus far enjoyed the first 10 chapters.
I highly recommend this book because it is simple, and honest. It isn't materialistic, or unrealistically optimistic. It gives hope in the truth it brings to light regarding "both our clarity and our confusion." Here are a few quotes I love thus far:
From Chapter Four, Learning To Stay
"It gives us a way to move closer to our thoughts and emotions and to get in touch with our bodies."
"Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity."
"Trying to fix ourselves is not helpful. It implies struggle and self-denigration."
". . . training with kindness results in someone who is flexible and confident, who doesn't become upset when situations are unpredictable and insecure."
"We need self-compassion to stabilize our minds."
"We want to dissolve the barriers between ourselves and others."
"The energy of passion when it's free of grasping is wisdom that sees all the angles."
From Chapter Five, Warrior Slogans
". . . self-compassion and courage are vital."
"When we are denigrating ourselves, do we know it? . . . Do we realize that the suffering we feel is shared by all beings?"
From Chapter Seven, Loving-Kindness
"Rather than nurturing self-denigration, we begin to cultivate a clear-seeing kindness."
From Chapter Eight, Compassion
"Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others."
From Chapter Ten, Finding the Ability to Rejoice
"The key is to be here, fully connected with the moment, paying attention to the details of ordinary life."
Initially when I heard the title of this book, I thought, "I do NOT want to read that right now." Which is about as good a sign as any that I needed this book in my life right now. The following week when I met this friend for lunch and she bought me the book, I was significantly warmed to the idea, and have thus far enjoyed the first 10 chapters.
I highly recommend this book because it is simple, and honest. It isn't materialistic, or unrealistically optimistic. It gives hope in the truth it brings to light regarding "both our clarity and our confusion." Here are a few quotes I love thus far:
From Chapter Four, Learning To Stay
"It gives us a way to move closer to our thoughts and emotions and to get in touch with our bodies."
"Meditation takes us just as we are, with our confusion and our sanity."
"Trying to fix ourselves is not helpful. It implies struggle and self-denigration."
". . . training with kindness results in someone who is flexible and confident, who doesn't become upset when situations are unpredictable and insecure."
"We need self-compassion to stabilize our minds."
"We want to dissolve the barriers between ourselves and others."
"The energy of passion when it's free of grasping is wisdom that sees all the angles."
From Chapter Five, Warrior Slogans
". . . self-compassion and courage are vital."
"When we are denigrating ourselves, do we know it? . . . Do we realize that the suffering we feel is shared by all beings?"
From Chapter Seven, Loving-Kindness
"Rather than nurturing self-denigration, we begin to cultivate a clear-seeing kindness."
From Chapter Eight, Compassion
"Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others."
From Chapter Ten, Finding the Ability to Rejoice
"The key is to be here, fully connected with the moment, paying attention to the details of ordinary life."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
National Geographic Society
I was right, I forgot one organization to which I belong! I am the proud owner of a membership in The National Geographic Society. I receive their monthly magazines, and find something absolutely worth sharing/repeating in each and every issue. They amaze me with their attention to detail and honesty - National Geographic does not report what is sensational, and they don't report in meaningless "news-bites." Periodically, while sitting at Barns and Nobles, I read magazine articles in periodicals such as People and US Weekly, because, I admit, I get curious about John Edwards' wife finally leaving him, or big families like that of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt potentially splitting up. I wouldn't say I'm star-struck by any stretch of the imagination, because I tend to read the articles in US Weekly and be extremely annoyed at their lack of substance. I do however enjoy some People articles.
Anyway, National Geographic is an entirely different story. I would never subscribe to People Magazine. I like to read it in doctors' offices and bookstores, I admit. But even when I for a time subscribed to Time Magazine I was annoyed at times by their reporting. National Geographic Magazine has never once annoyed or disappointed me. The reporting is not only honest and fair and open-minded, it is refreshing in how well-written it is, and the photography is, justifiably, world-renowned. Every month I open this magazine and peruse each, and every, single page. I give these articles and photograph captions as much attention to detail as I believe the editors and writers put into writing and compiling their art. These issues are, truly, works of art.
I await the day eagerly when I can afford their $70 - $100 world globes, atlases and maps. I plan to fill my home with the knowledge and expertise that comes from this wonderful organization. They are dedicated to saving our world for our children. I hope to always join them in reaching this worthy goal.
Anyway, National Geographic is an entirely different story. I would never subscribe to People Magazine. I like to read it in doctors' offices and bookstores, I admit. But even when I for a time subscribed to Time Magazine I was annoyed at times by their reporting. National Geographic Magazine has never once annoyed or disappointed me. The reporting is not only honest and fair and open-minded, it is refreshing in how well-written it is, and the photography is, justifiably, world-renowned. Every month I open this magazine and peruse each, and every, single page. I give these articles and photograph captions as much attention to detail as I believe the editors and writers put into writing and compiling their art. These issues are, truly, works of art.
I await the day eagerly when I can afford their $70 - $100 world globes, atlases and maps. I plan to fill my home with the knowledge and expertise that comes from this wonderful organization. They are dedicated to saving our world for our children. I hope to always join them in reaching this worthy goal.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Utah Nonprofits Association
I've gone and joined another organization!
Just for kicks, I ought to list which organizations I have actually paid (generally small) fees to join and be officially considered a "member."
Golden Key International Honour Society
ACLU of Utah
Utah Pride Center
Humanists of Utah
Center For Inquiry
Secular Student Alliance
American Humanist Association
I think that does it . . . I'll let you know if I remember any others. A couple of days ago, though, I joined a professional organization recommended to me by my boss at the Utah Pride Center, the Utah Nonprofits Association. I have been browsing their job board for a few days now, and have applied for five, maybe six different positions already, and new positions are posted every day! I just want to say how thrilled I am that I was able to join this organization. Their website is absolutely easy to use, they offer incredible services to the Non-Profits that use their services, and I am just so impressed over-all.
And already, I have an interview next Tuesday for this position at Red Butte Garden:
AmeriCorps Vista Youth Education Internship. Looking for an environmental education teacher for youth education programs.
Job Description: The AmeriCorps intern will work with a variety of young audiences, teaching about plants and the environment and providing engaging activities for young visitors.
Wish me luck! And, of course, I would highly encourage you to check out the Utah Nonprofits Association website.
Just for kicks, I ought to list which organizations I have actually paid (generally small) fees to join and be officially considered a "member."
Golden Key International Honour Society
ACLU of Utah
Utah Pride Center
Humanists of Utah
Center For Inquiry
Secular Student Alliance
American Humanist Association
I think that does it . . . I'll let you know if I remember any others. A couple of days ago, though, I joined a professional organization recommended to me by my boss at the Utah Pride Center, the Utah Nonprofits Association. I have been browsing their job board for a few days now, and have applied for five, maybe six different positions already, and new positions are posted every day! I just want to say how thrilled I am that I was able to join this organization. Their website is absolutely easy to use, they offer incredible services to the Non-Profits that use their services, and I am just so impressed over-all.
And already, I have an interview next Tuesday for this position at Red Butte Garden:
AmeriCorps Vista Youth Education Internship. Looking for an environmental education teacher for youth education programs.
Job Description: The AmeriCorps intern will work with a variety of young audiences, teaching about plants and the environment and providing engaging activities for young visitors.
Wish me luck! And, of course, I would highly encourage you to check out the Utah Nonprofits Association website.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
SHIFT - Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought
SHIFT is close to my heart and mind now and will always be ~ I co-founded this group, along with Jason Cooperrider, a University of Utah Neuroscience Graduate Student from Ohio, on May 4, 2009. I acted as President from then through December 12, 2009, and am currently serving as the group's Interfaith Liason while Jason leads as President during this Spring 2010 semester.
The purpose of this Student Group is to provide a diverse, safe, non-dogmatic and engaging community for free-thinking students of The University of Utah. Our group (as you can see by the links along the right-hand-side of our blog) is very engaged in Atheist, Skeptic, and Humanist communities and causes locally, nationally and internationally. We are interested in providing a local comfortable space for free-thinkers here at the U, but we are also very interested in sending our students back out into the world as engaged, caring citizens who are aware of their rights, strengths, and commonalities with others in the world.
Many people do not know that they can "come out" as non-believers and still be respected in their communities. Many feel oppressed and/or discriminated against. I hope for this group to provide empowerment to students, so that they can not only find local safety and acceptance among like-minded peers, but so that they can know that they can be accepted in the wider world as well.
My goal as Interfaith Liason to the group is to engage our members in discussion and activity with people of faith in the community. Many people of faith have pre-conceived notions of people without faith, and the only way to break down these pre-conceptions is to engage ourselves calmly, rationally and kindly with people of faith and non-faith alike. Each and every one of us is human! We come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and live with diverse opinions and values, but fundamentally, each of us is human.
When I look a student leader of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship in the eye and, respectfully and curiously, ask him, "What exactly is Great Lent?" * or, "How exactly does your faith differ from Catholicism?" ** I learn more, which is a main goal of Secularism, and I see this peer as a human being with convictions and cares and values, which is a main component of Humanism.
I hope that SHIFT will continue to grow and assist many in SHIFTing their points of view, continually questioning their convictions and ideologies, and, basically, progressing always toward kindness, love and embracing humanity.
* Great Lent, as it was explained to me, is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and self-reflection, ending on Palm Sunday, which is 7 days before Easter, which is the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, therefore, Great Lent takes place from February 15 - March 28.
** Orthodox Christianity, as it was explained to me, differs from Catholicism in it's leadership ~ they respect the Pope as an inspired (by God) human being, but do not believe in his infallibility, or, his inability to make mistakes as a human being. Their church is therefore led by a Council of Bishops.
The purpose of this Student Group is to provide a diverse, safe, non-dogmatic and engaging community for free-thinking students of The University of Utah. Our group (as you can see by the links along the right-hand-side of our blog) is very engaged in Atheist, Skeptic, and Humanist communities and causes locally, nationally and internationally. We are interested in providing a local comfortable space for free-thinkers here at the U, but we are also very interested in sending our students back out into the world as engaged, caring citizens who are aware of their rights, strengths, and commonalities with others in the world.
Many people do not know that they can "come out" as non-believers and still be respected in their communities. Many feel oppressed and/or discriminated against. I hope for this group to provide empowerment to students, so that they can not only find local safety and acceptance among like-minded peers, but so that they can know that they can be accepted in the wider world as well.
My goal as Interfaith Liason to the group is to engage our members in discussion and activity with people of faith in the community. Many people of faith have pre-conceived notions of people without faith, and the only way to break down these pre-conceptions is to engage ourselves calmly, rationally and kindly with people of faith and non-faith alike. Each and every one of us is human! We come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and live with diverse opinions and values, but fundamentally, each of us is human.
When I look a student leader of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship in the eye and, respectfully and curiously, ask him, "What exactly is Great Lent?" * or, "How exactly does your faith differ from Catholicism?" ** I learn more, which is a main goal of Secularism, and I see this peer as a human being with convictions and cares and values, which is a main component of Humanism.
I hope that SHIFT will continue to grow and assist many in SHIFTing their points of view, continually questioning their convictions and ideologies, and, basically, progressing always toward kindness, love and embracing humanity.
* Great Lent, as it was explained to me, is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and self-reflection, ending on Palm Sunday, which is 7 days before Easter, which is the Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, therefore, Great Lent takes place from February 15 - March 28.
** Orthodox Christianity, as it was explained to me, differs from Catholicism in it's leadership ~ they respect the Pope as an inspired (by God) human being, but do not believe in his infallibility, or, his inability to make mistakes as a human being. Their church is therefore led by a Council of Bishops.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Thayne Center for Service and Learning
Named in honor of Emma Lou Thayne and created in 1994, the Thayne Center for Service and Learning is an entity of Salt Lake Community College and assists students in becoming civically-engaged. Their programs include America Reads and Alternative Spring Break, and they also assist students in becoming involved in AmeriCorps. They offer scholarships and assist students and faculty in Service Learning courses.
I graduated from Salt Lake Community College in the year 2007 with my Associate of Arts degree. During my time there I volunteered with the Thayne Center frequently, and became actively involved in AmeriCorps and the America Reads program. I am significantly impressed with the emphasis that is being put today on the importance and value of incorporating service into education. What I learned through the Thayne Center helped me to better understand the needs of others in my community, and, fundamentally, to better understand myself and my own needs. My education would not have been the same without my experiences with the Thayne Center, just as it would not be the same without the volunteerism and involvement so key in my educational life today. I learn more every day by serving others than I ever could learn by only attending typical college courses.
I graduated from Salt Lake Community College in the year 2007 with my Associate of Arts degree. During my time there I volunteered with the Thayne Center frequently, and became actively involved in AmeriCorps and the America Reads program. I am significantly impressed with the emphasis that is being put today on the importance and value of incorporating service into education. What I learned through the Thayne Center helped me to better understand the needs of others in my community, and, fundamentally, to better understand myself and my own needs. My education would not have been the same without my experiences with the Thayne Center, just as it would not be the same without the volunteerism and involvement so key in my educational life today. I learn more every day by serving others than I ever could learn by only attending typical college courses.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Utah Food Bank
The Utah Food Bank's mission is to meet immediate, basic needs of people in our community who don't know where else to turn. They not only provide food collection and distribution in our community, they also provide needed services for seniors, including home repair and security, yard care, and food assistance.
Every experience I have had volunteering for the Utah Food Bank has been incredibly positive. The resources available to those in our community who need food and for various reasons are unable to access it themselves are astounding. I encourage everyone who has ever given a dollar to a homeless man, woman or child on the streets of Salt Lake City to volunteer just one hour at 3150 South 900 West. See for yourself what can happen when we support food banks rather than pan-handlers!
Every experience I have had volunteering for the Utah Food Bank has been incredibly positive. The resources available to those in our community who need food and for various reasons are unable to access it themselves are astounding. I encourage everyone who has ever given a dollar to a homeless man, woman or child on the streets of Salt Lake City to volunteer just one hour at 3150 South 900 West. See for yourself what can happen when we support food banks rather than pan-handlers!
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College's Vision is to become the premier comprehensive community college in the nation. This is quite a lofty goal, however, I believe that they will succeed. While I attended this college I heard President Cynthia A. Bioteau, Ph.D., speak to a congregant of students. President Bioteau embodies this vision and instilled in me admiration and pride for my school.
Their Health and Wellness Services and Thayne Center for Service and Learning are two on-campus organizations I benefited from personally while I was a student there. I encourage all who are interested in pursuing higher education, no matter their background, financial situation, or any possible hindrance in their mind, to start here.
Salt Lake Community College states that they are:
"... a public, open-access, comprehensive community college committed to serving the broader community. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and lifelong learning to people of diverse cultures, abilities, and ages, and to serve the needs of community and government agencies, business, industry and other employers."
Their Health and Wellness Services and Thayne Center for Service and Learning are two on-campus organizations I benefited from personally while I was a student there. I encourage all who are interested in pursuing higher education, no matter their background, financial situation, or any possible hindrance in their mind, to start here.
Salt Lake Community College states that they are:
"... a public, open-access, comprehensive community college committed to serving the broader community. Its mission is to provide quality higher education and lifelong learning to people of diverse cultures, abilities, and ages, and to serve the needs of community and government agencies, business, industry and other employers."
AmeriCorps
In the year 2007 I became an AmeriCorps Alumni. This is, to this day, an accomplishment close to my heart. I met several amazing people; Lynne McCue-Hamilton and Phuong Vu from Salt Lake Community College, for example. The organizations I explored and worked with during my time in AmeriCorps included the Utah Food Bank, The Thayne Center for Service and Learning, the Salt Lake County Division of Youth Services, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. The most lasting of these connections was Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, and my perfect match of a little sister is growing at an alarming rate and I still enjoy taking her on outings and continuing to get to know and mentor her.
I thank President William Jefferson Clinton for creating this U.S. Federal Government Program, and even President George Walker Bush, for expanding the program by 50 percent.
I would call AmeriCorps, and all I learned through my hours of service that year, the beginning of my dedication to community service and learning. Today I am devoted to building communities and relationships and I will always be grateful to the AmeriCorps program for setting me on this journey!
I thank President William Jefferson Clinton for creating this U.S. Federal Government Program, and even President George Walker Bush, for expanding the program by 50 percent.
I would call AmeriCorps, and all I learned through my hours of service that year, the beginning of my dedication to community service and learning. Today I am devoted to building communities and relationships and I will always be grateful to the AmeriCorps program for setting me on this journey!
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