Take a Breath

"What decreases in a culture of affluence is precisely and strangely...time
-- along with wisdom and friendship." (Richard Rohr)

Time...how many opportunities in a day do you take just for...time? Those few moments to yourself where the small desperate prayer escapes your lips? Or perhaps that breath you needed during an anxious moment and didn't bother to acknowledge? The society we live in inhales busyness as if it could possibly go out of style. And each and every being that buys it – knows no exhale. It is suffocating.

Yet if you, if I – would just take a minute and let all the stress of the day pass, even if only for a moment, perhaps the peace the heart craves would exist continuously.

As of late: I have been forced to embrace those moments of time – it seems I didn't take advantage of its presence before. So, now, as I search for daily solutions to my nuances, I am confronted with the need, with the ability to avert my eyes outward and my thoughts toward forceful, crashing white waves. Perhaps it is the season beckoning me to remember what it is in the earth right now. Or perhaps, it is calling for me to still – and release, whether it lasts a minute or a day...it is time and beauty that can be the most rejuvenating and it demands my attention.

Watching the film, Anna & The King, last night, there is a moment, when she becomes flustered as to why she was not rushed to a promised home outside the palace walls. The Prime Minister responded, “In Siam, everything has it's own time.”

It is this idea that not everything is meant for a rush. Not every moment needs to be “busy” with stuff or events. And not every occasion must be surrounded by others. Rather, to be alone, and in an order that defies chaos – such carries a commanding authority that can release grace and clarity.

So in this season that celebrates the coming of Greatness, as you hustle to keep the Grinch from stealing Santa Claus: remember that small family in the barn – who's time was a breath, a moment of release and quiet, - bringing clarity to the world - one subjected to the insanity of busy-work.   

"surrealism is myself"

today, i had the privilege of seeing the late works of, artistic genius, salvador dali. though, the style changed and even progressed, the imagery did not. i also found his photographic collaborations with philippe halsman fascinating and was thoroughly impressed with how many pieces dali incorporated his wife. there are a few new pieces that i had not seen that i can certainly add to my collection of favorites- one being in voluptate mors - which dali used seven naked women to form the shape of skull. the artistic piece itself was done in charcoal while halsman is credited for the photo of a tuxedo-top hat dressed dali next to the posed women. i even find it rather comedic. another i found rather fascinating was a drawing that appeared to have the madonna and child subtly encompassed in an atomic explosion, dated 1957. unfortunately, i do not recall the name of work- but it was intriguing. of course, there was some odd interest when i noticed a rather abstract piece hanging on the wall toward the end of the exhibition - and as i studied it wondering why it seemed like a familiar shape (or something like it and surrounded by artistic color and design), i realized that i must be looking at what seemed to be a, well, "private work of art." (awkward? perhaps.) as i got closer the description on the wall, lo and behold- it was entitled: topological contortion of a female figure becoming a violoncello. certainly, due to dali's interests later in life, i can imagine that the work has its own significance. and my interpretation of its presentation is simple and i'm sure the snobby critics would tell me i'm ridiculous. but hey, the exhibit was beautiful, and because it was mr. dali, it was also rather amusing.

just for now

the end of the month has come and i have to say, it's turned out fairly well. let's see: i've taken a few night swims, played silly games at an arcade, taken pictures on a playground, seen one of the best films i've seen in a long time (inception), had my bagel eaten by a dog and done just a tad bit of traveling to see my grandparents- which involved interesting conversation and tales i never knew. coming in august? well, a fascinating salvador dali exhibition comes to the museum, i'm headed to california to taste wine and surf the waves, reading authors such as jack kerouac and hunter s. thompson...and perhaps a trip to water world, the weather is sizzling, after all. 

but right now, i have to admit that i'd rather time just stop. have you ever had those moments? everything seems to fit, and yet a camera is just not savvy or wide enough to capture it. that's about how it feels right now. oh, of course, who wants anything to stay the exact same forever? no one. but if there was a way to make a moment last, hold onto it's goodness, i suppose that is what i would wish for right now. 

i suppose it is these moments that i become most introverted and contemplative. it is in these moments that i find myself formulating and in such a way that rests. whatever my thoughts, no matter their count, seem to come and go at ease. ideas are able to become just a little clearer and i can grasp how to approach the next movement i make. it is not confusing- it just is- and the contentment is just there. there is no worry of what action i will jump to- i'm not thinking about that part.

richard rohr says, "contentment is from within...not expecting the future to be any different than it is right now." 

and i would have to say, "yeah, it's like that..."

astounded by thinking

i have not written much in the last month. but certainly, as the holidays have come upon us, and with so much on the mind, i have spent time thinking and perhaps in some way, preparing. and so i move forward. tis' the season could not come at a better time, for thankfulness and praise are two of the greatest gifts we can give. should it lift another, it is good.

there is something to be said about fascination. defined by the dictionary: to be fascinated is be drawn, attracted to, held attentively to a unique power. it arouses curiosity and allures. i do not believe that it is something that we ourselves can create, but rather, something "out there" that demands our attention...and as such, we are blown away.

mystical does not begin to describe the object of fascination and would it not be plausible that what draws a human being is something more than what the physical senses can experience?

this christmas, i am overwhelmed by what i see around me and how it draws me outside myself. it is as if i am peering beyond the flesh and blood that covers the earth, it as if i can see the inside of all that exists and it is beautiful, for it was made to glorify that which Created it.

i am grateful for that which allures me, demands my pause, and focuses my contemplation.

Shoot & Dance

August has proven to be the start of a very busy season. As I have been slightly absent from the blog- here is a quick update:

This past weekend, I spent four days shooting (along w/ a few other photographers) for Incarnation, from Dance 101, a production that included dance, video and an underlining story. The entire event was produced by Charles "Bubba" Carr who serves as the Artistic Director for the studio. The local Atlanta paper, Creative Loafing even mentioned the performances. And I have to say, they were beautiful. The costuming, the music, the choreography, and the video were profoundly intertwined. The dancers themselves, also did very well.

I continue to efforts into a short-film documentary series. The editing for the first webisode is going well, and I look forward to a finished product before the end of the month. Of course, I will finish, only to start another.

While my coming website is severely under construction, it is coming.

For now, dear readers, here are a few more pix from Incarnation:

The Neon Sign

I remember staring at the neon sign a mile away. I sat on the porch with a great view of that particular corner in the city. There it was, in all it's glory, but I would not be working there that night and I didn't know when I would return. I was itching for a full-time slot and wondered if I would ever get back. Oh, I suppose, since I was considered a "temp" or a "freelancer" I couldn't have considered myself full time before, but I did work 40 hours a week, trained 30 more and had made more money than most of my previous jobs.

Unfortunately, my hours for the year had run out and I had failed to make a full time connection, not that it was easy in the first place.

Sitting on the dirty, but comfortable futon on the porch and dangling my phone from my finger tips, I wondered if I would make it in again. I was frustrated and hated the idea of going right back into waitressing. Yet it was the only job easy enough for me to jump back into for fast cash . I needed the money because, now, among other challenges, my bed was at the mercy of hosts.

I knew that I was qualified for the jobs I applied for. I knew that it would take a lot of hard work, more so this time, that I was outside the building and didn't have access. It was going to require phone calls and emails that, sometimes, were never returned. I don't know what motivated me, but I would do it anyway, I needed to. Of course, in the meantime I needed to get money in my pocket, pay bills, eat and over stay my welcome on a futon in the open living room. Certainly I was grateful for a place to sleep, but it didn't take away my hopes for something better.

Staring at the neon sign frustrated me and gave me some motivation too. I suppose it was a kind of battle.

I would have many nights on that porch, trying to get a little peace and quite from the constant activity in the house, trying to figure out what was next. And over the next few months, I would struggle to get the money I needed working at a restaurant, a lounge, a retail job and finally a sports bar. Nevertheless; I found a way to stand on my feet, exercise the lessons I'd learned about moving forward and staying persistent.

The Cell Phone Age

The Twit Experiment: Jury Duty

I woke around 6am. Truth was, I had never really fallen asleep. My eyes were so tired, and my body had no motivation, but I had jury duty, and so, like a good citizen, I got up. I slipped on a pair of charcoal-colored pants, my favorite beige sweater and threw my hair up in a pony tail. I debated for a moment whether to wear contacts or glasses, and decided on glasses. My sleepy eyes couldn't take the sting of contact solution. I knew it was going to be a long day. After looking in the mirror one last time, I grabbed a book, my phone and a my purse- there was just enough time to sneak in a bowl of cereal and head out the door.

As I was driving to the designated parking lot; I thought about what I could do to pass the time should I not be selected to serve as a juror for trial. Hopping onto the shuttle to the court house, I decided to experiment. I am not a Twitter subscriber, however, since I have Facebook mobile on my snazzy G1 phone, I thought perhaps I could update it every so often as to the events of my long day. Not that it was terribly eventful, but it was something to do. So in case my fellow facebookers missed it, this is how it all played out....

7:17AM- "Goin' from the parking lot to court hs in a shuttle bus...ppl look tired...its odd"
7:21AM- "Age demographics on this shuttle are not diverse..."
7:26AM- "Waitin in line to go thru security...gonna be a long day. Anyone got a snickers?"
7:30AM- "Will go thru security and to the 7th flr."
7:39AM- "Shhh...good thng I brought a book."
7:56AM- "People r still checking in. Yawn. Wonder when they get it started....more diversity iin juror waiting area."
8:05AM- "The 3 women next to me are chatting about texting like teenagers...haha...and they're twice my age."
8:16AM- "Back to book....this room is filled with people...how many do they need?"
8:22AM- " Its ironic I'm participating I the Amer. justice system while reading a book that talks about anti-Amer. demos in Iran..."[Note: according to the book, the demos mentioned were in the late 70s/early 80s around the Iranian revolution]
8:48AM- "The announcements are over...now we wait..."
8:55AM- "Apparently they keep you thru the day until courts are satisfied....eesh, wondering about work tonight."
9:22AM- "A very nice judge came down to personally thank us and explain that our sitting here is important"
**Melissa's Comment: Where are you sitting?-- Response: I was sitting in a chair...in a big room w/ a couple hundred other people...about 5 feet from the judge speaking.**
9:34AM- "I could use a sprite or something. Don't think I can go dow th hall to the vending mach yet..."
9:54AM- "A powerade and cinnamon poptarts..tasty treats."
10:32AM- "Lo bat. Will read...then update again soon."
11:42AM- "Almost lnch hour. 2 grps of 5 down. No call. Lo bat still."
12:52PM- "Nothin exciting. Frankly ready to go home and sleep..."
2:44PM- " Jury duty lagging only one of a dozen or so left...sigh."

They called the last of the jurors needed for a trial right after my last update. By about 3PM; my phone had completely died. I was in the juror's room until 3:32PM. I walked outside; it was colder than it had been before and it was drizzling. Great. One other juror waited at the shuttle stop with me for about 10 minutes. Personally, I was just grateful to be going home. It wasn't the most thrilling experience of my life, but at least I was able to finish a book I have started, Reading Lolita in Tehran. It was unfortunate that they kept so few of us another 45 minutes to an hour after they called the last of the people needed. But it was an experience, no?

I don't know that I could be a subscriber to twitter. Rarely do I have that kind of time or energy to dedicate keeping up with it. Facebook updates are enough for me I think.

I got home and crashed. I slept like a rock for about 7 hours and for that, dear friends, I am thankful.

Plugging In

Well, this comes a little earlier in the month than normal, but hey, while I'm still widdling through some thoughts, this will get you started in a month dedicated to love.

**News Blues~
-Regardless of your views on the topic, you would have to note that the new commercial from CatholicVote.org is fairly brilliant from an advertising point of view. However, it was rejected for a Super Bowl spot by NBC. The network claimed they were not looking to advertise anything "political" during the game. Of course to combat this- CommonSenseMedia.org did a study of over 50 football games through out the year and found intriguing results.

-So what exactly did President Obama do in his first ten days at the Chief? The UK Telegraph has a simple layout that goes day by day. And this is something I need about every 10 days continuing. It's much easier to keep up when the media bullet points it.

-Recently I pointed out an article from the New Yorker about the decline in Newspapers. This past week, a blog fan emailed me an article about how the economic downturn and technology is also affecting College newspapers.

**Flicks~
-Last night, I watched the film, "Burn After Reading." The indie comedy storyline takes place in Washington DC. After two fitness trainers discover a "high profile" disc with sensitive information on it, they decide to use it as blackmail to get paid. Stars include Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Frances McDormand. I thought the movie was hilarious and got a good laugh from the infamous dry humor. Plus Pitt had the best role for being a gum smacking clown. Netflix it...or whatever you do, it's great for a fun date night.

**Photography~
-My dearest friend, Kate, finally got a Flickr account. Now you can browse and swoon over her beautiful artwork a little bit easier.

-A photographer, by the name of LJ, recently took a great shot of a homeless man in L.A. He writes his story in the caption of the the picture and I vouch that it's completely touching. The photo itself is raw and colorful.

**Blogs~
-Harry Rud discussed, in his blog, an unflattering picture of dogs in Afghanistan and what it's like to be called a "dog-washer" in a struggling society.

-Tyler from Man of Depravity wants to know if we're all REALLY friends. This blog buddy-o-mine wonders if social spaces have diluted friendship at it's core. The answer? Probably yes. Thanks ol' chum (or is that young chum) for keeping us all in check!

-And, Brett McCracken has an interesting perspective on the "hipster" generation & Obama. While the young counter culture, "hippies at heart," were a great number among the Obama fans (and if not split b/t libertarian and anarchist attitudes); did they really get what they bargained for? This is a great blog touching that point.

For now, my dearest readers...carry on. Until next time....

Plugging In

I hope all of you enjoyed the short story in October. I'm sure you're as glad as I am that the election is over and we can finally find new things to talk about! So to start us out, I have some great plugs for you this month. Ready?

**Sites for Sore Eyes-

Daniel Edlen is a distinguished vinyl artist. He is a record collector and he combines his love for music and art to create portrait masterpieces. He features his own blog, which tells the stories of his artwork and what has inspired him to do various pieces over time. The vinyl records are often worn to the point of being destroyed. The acryllic style painting does not come off and he sells them directly on his website. From Jimi Hendrix to Bono to the Beatles, Elden hopes that his paintings will inspire others as well. You can check out his Gallery, here. And to see more about how he works, check out Current TV's piece on Edlen.

Current TV has recently posted a 25 minute interview with Al Gore. Gore is the Chairman of Current TV and also on the board for Apple. He has some very interesting comments, ranging from politics to the interenet to the environment. All the questions were submitted by viewers and users of the Current.com and Digg. Whether or not you agree w/ Gore's ideals or policies, his savvy for the business industry is attention-grabbing . It's worth checking out if you have the time.

**Recommended Read-
Currently I am working through another book by Terry Pratchett, entitled, Reaper Man. Pratchett is a fantasy fiction writer and his works are brilliant. I will have a review when I finish the work but I would, thus far, highly recommend it. In the story, Death is told that he must retire and goes off to be a farmer. But with no one collecting souls, the world is confused about where to go when they die and they remain...well, rather zombie-like. Despite the fact that I am not accustomed to the genre of sci-fi or fantasy, I thoroughly enjoy Pratchett's satirical references and writing. You can take a look at my previous review on Pratchett, here.

Words Without Borders is supporting a theme of Immigration this month. One of the essays included is from Alexei Bayer from Russia. Bayer discusses the nature of translating from one language when reading or writing or viewing a play. Her perspective is fascinating and worth reading.

**Photography-
This week has started off great for Leah and Brandon who have designed a collaborative effort across the continents to post photographs from their daily lives. Lately, LeahMeetsBrandon has displayed an array of faces and colorful photos that capture something a drawing feeling. Leah lives in Canada while Brandon in Africa. They post new pictures every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Finally, stemming from the inspiration of friends, I am going to post a photograph once a week. I will call it~ "Documenting the World"~ and will offer some sort of explanation behind the piece. So- be looking for that very soon!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Plugging In

**Blogs--
Matt Barnes lives in the UK. His journey as a homeless man is interesting to read. He calls his blog The Hobo Days and updates it whenever he's able to get internet access. Check it out.

Leah Tan wrote a good note on photography copyright.

**Recommended Read--

Currently I am working my way through a book called Under the Overpass. This true story is about two young men, Mike and Sam, who spend five months on the streets of America...by choice. Their goal was not only learn what it really meant to be poor but also to reach out to the homeless as they went. They find themselves discovering what it really means to have faith in dire circumstances...to go hungry, to see the world through the eyes of someone with little. They slept in the streets, ate garbage and wore clothes that got more and more ragged every day. They often played their guitars to panhandle in the streets, sometimes making enough for a meal and bus ticket and other times not a single dime...it is amazing to see how they put themselves out there to learn and be part of life they often brushed passed themselves, everyday. I highly suggest you pick up a copy!! More of my thoughts on this book coming soon....

**Sites for Sore Eyes--

Words Without Borders is an online magazine that brings together literature from around the world. I have often come across exerpts from books and articles that I would not otherwise know about had WWB not existed. Their website updates once a month promoting various events, holidays and writing from all over the globe. This months theme? Reversals.

**Photography--

This week, fellow photographer, Stacie Ann from Minnesota posted an incredibly amazing picture. Not only is the tattoo on the guy's arm beautifully done, but it's message reaches a modern audience. I recommend you check it out. Well done Stacie!

My friend, Amos, has posted some pretty cool pictures of his weekend w/ friends and fellow artists...AND he has also recently been able to display his work in local coffee shop in Hood River, Oregon.

**Video-
And finally, if you didn't catch Tina Fey's marvelous performance as Sarah Palin- here it is:

My First September Friday...

Ahhh, the weekend!! It was nice to put my feet up...

And spy on my boyfriend...

Sit out under the trees.... Visit the friendly neighbor cat...

Get her to pose for me...(wink)
My boyfriend came out to play...(photo inspired by Alyssa Anders)
And make me the star of the show....

Patience is a Virtue

It's been a few days, and I appreciate the patience of all my readers. What have I been thinking about and so consumed with, you ask?

Well...

--I finally watched the Godfather I & II, from start to finish. Unfortunately...the second film includes a LOT of Italian scenes, and no, I did not have the version with subscripts. I know, I get it! What is fortunate is that knowing Spanish, I was able to pick it up in pieces. Nevertheless; I found the ending of the first more profound than the second and the second ending more important than the first.

--You may have noticed that I've often posted stories about homeless people that I've met. I've called it Project Homeless and now I'm exploring ideas for a website and ngo that will not only create awareness, but also create opportunities to reach the poor and assist them in finding resources for help. More to come....

--I'm continuing my study through Hamlet by William Shakespeare. He has met his father's ghost and believed it to be the true soul of his dead father rather than an impostor. What is interesting about this scene is how quickly Hamlet is sucked in by the illusion because of his grief rather than relying on rationale. Of course, had Hamlet not believed in the ghost, we might not have a play. Yet; already stricken with confusion and sadness- his emotion turns to anger and revenge following the conversation. He will not let his friends in on what he hopes to accomplish, only swears them to secrecy for what they do know, and continues to stew over the fact that he must go after his uncle for the death of his father, the late King. It is interesting how the mind quickly turns to an "out" in our most devastating moments, whether it be something/someone else to blame or perhaps a way to conceive the closure we think we so desperately need.

--I have begun to read a new book (recommended by a very stellar blog buddy: Amos)- called Sailing the Wine Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter. I will have a full posting on my reading soon.

--And of course, I am consumed in writing projects- whether it be for work, future publishing, blogging or project homeless; the ideas are flowing.

So what are you thinking about? What are you consumed with this week?

Developing Times

There are times when life is chaotic. But sometimes in the midst of it, I find absolution. The last few days, my mind has been clearly consumed with what is next for me and what I need to do to get there. I'm inspired and working up the energy and motivation to fuel it. So here is a snapshot of things lately:

A little of this-

And of course this guy...

Then more of this-

As a result of this-"Desperation 08"

More to come...

The King's Advice

"Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open. Your stuff starts out being just for you, in other words, but then it goes out. Once you know what the story is and get it right — as right as you can, anyway — it belongs to anyone who wants to read it. Or criticize it."-Stephen King

Creating character sketches for a story can be both interesting and difficult. After writing the first draft to my short story, White Shadows, it was suggested to me that I alter the speech of one or two of my characters. It was also recommended that the character sketches might be helpful. The first character I tackled wasn't difficult at all. I had him in the back of my mind more than the others. Now I've been working with the second character on and off for about the past two weeks. I am finding it more challenging. I am also finding that I could create any number of other short stories solely based on the characters bios. But at least, the suggestion, among others has been helpful in how I might improve or distinguish my characters.

"In truth, I’ve found that any day’s routine interruptions and distractions don’t much hurt a work in progress and may actually help it in some ways." -Stephen King

First off, I have noticed that my short story has taken much longer than I had planned. But I find this is probably beneficial as I want to make it the best it can be before I send it off to be rejected of accepted. And in the midst of all of that; I have definitely has my share of distractions while writing. King states that this can be helpful. Right now, I would have to agree. Each time I go back to my character sketches or perhaps the story itself, I am able to see what needs improved- add here, take away there, reword a little here....

"Talent renders the whole idea of rehearsal meaningless; when you find something at which you are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy. Perhaps even ecstatic." -Stephen King

I don't know that there is a more true statement than this when it comes to creativity. When I first started White Shadows, I was excited about the idea of writing a ghost story- even though- I had no idea how I would pull off a fictional piece. I have always written non-fiction. I thoroughly enjoy real stories. But I found that there are stories better told behind the mask of fake characters. I have had fun working on the piece and I have also gleaned in my share of frustrated "bleeding," so to speak. I understand, however, that King is also referring to the idea that some artists would prefer to accept their first draft. This, of course, is more harmful than helpful because, simply a craft cannot be perfected without a little trial an error.

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." -Stephen King

Bam. It should hit you like lightning! I thrive on books and reading because it is educating. I certainly come up with better ideas and more ways of writing creatively when I read someone else's works, not that you should plagerize. I believe this is essential to every person who wants to be a writer. I continue to learn the dos and don'ts of writing through each story- fiction or non- that I read. From the classics of liturature to biographies, to fantasy and screenwriting; every genre has a way of communicating that can be helpful for a writer to improve their skills in the craft. For White Shadows, the element of conversation is important. As read; I am able to discover what my characters want to say and how they want to say it. I know what rules I can break and which ones I shouldn't. Reading, imagination, and knowledge have given me many of the nuggets I need for the story.

If you have not picked up Stephen King's On Writing- you need to do so, today. The exerpts I've mentioned are only a taste of the meat in his book. Even if you are not into King's genre, you can still gain helpful tools on how to be a better writer and creative thinker. Of course, I am finding that while I have never been a fan of horror; several of the movies I enjoy are based on King's work. So at this point, I need to back read a few- The Secret Window, The Green Mile, and Shawshank Redemption should probably be on my list. As for writing, I'm sure the horrors of King's advice will shock mine into shape. (Cheesy, right?)

Plugging In

I have had this blog for almost a year. And through my research, reading, writing and wondering...I wanted to put in a few things I think you should check out. I have a blog buddy who calls it "fortuitus bouncing," but I think I'll call it- "plugging in."

**Blogsphere: Both Tyler (Man of Depravity) and Amos (Movement, Movement) have shared their thoughts on the philisophical belief system of the U.S. Founding Fathers. Based on an article in the Los Angeles Times, the discussion on their blogs has certainly been an interesting one.

**Recommended Read: On the right hand side of my page is the top 13 books I think everyone should read. But the first, is John Bolin's "Life Unlimited." This book has been the single most influential and inspiring book of my life. Bolin explores the adventure and purpose for which we have been put on the earth to fulfill. He promotes the idea that we are the Hero of our own story and the King has our front and our back at every turn as long as we're focused on him. Bolin also dives into what it takes to live our lives outside the box, getting past the "hum-drum," as he would say. I recommend you read it with a notebook and a friend.


**In the City: Last week, while wondering through Little 5 Points, Atlanta, I met Bobby. He goes by the name Cipher Kenni and is a rap artist. He was making an attempt to sell his music on the street and shared some of it with me. He said that his goal is make music that promotes spirituality and truth. He hopes that his music will eventually help him support his wife and child, who are the most important to him. His music is written and self produced.

**Sites 4 Sore Eyes: As many of you have noticed, the first website/organization I promote is the UNHCR. This is a UN non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1950 and provides for the needs of displaced persons across the globe. They also aim to help protect and resolve refugee problems. They offer opportunities to volunteer as well as donate to their efforts, worldwide. I certainly have a passion for people who have been forced to leave their homes and often their families behind. These people are survivors. But the UNHCR has created a valuable service in getting food and care in places like China, Africa, and the Middle East just to name a few.


**In the City: Walking along the street this week; I also met John Naugle. He is the founder and director of a non-profit orginaztion in Atlanta called City of Peace. They promote non-violence, following the fashion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi. Their goal is to promote and create awareness for peace efforts around the world.

**Finally? Me: Check out my developing photo skillz @ Untamed Focus!