Secrets and Confessions

Lately, I have been thinking: humans need confession.

They need to be able to admit how they feel and why- whether it be a dark secret or a beautiful revelation- they need to say it, write it, put it out there. And confession is so much more about connection than relief. Catholics go to priest and their secrets, their sins, their struggles, their joys are kept- no one else has to know. I think that it is a fine practice. But that can't be the only way to confess. Now, there is something else rocking the world- online- a realm that opens up a connection between people all over the globe.

First there is Post Secret. I heard about this some time ago and thought it was a brilliant idea. Frank Warren began by passing out post cards with a mailing address and even encouraged people to design their own post cards and send it in with their secrets. There were no restrictions and no preferences for the project, just people's secret confessions. In 2005, Warren created the Post Secret blog-site and the world saw pictures, artwork, secrets that they could identify with. It was and is incredible. There have since been books, videos and other media that display the secrets that people send to Warren, people who are trying to connect.

Recently, Amos posted a blog linking to a website called 300 Letters. The girl, Asia Wong, who started this project decided that she wanted to write 300 letters and send them to complete strangers. For her is was a way to "train" her "heart to feel" much like and artist my "train their eye to see." While the letters themselves were addressed to people she knew, the letters would be sent to anyone and everyone who might come across them- the mail man, a woman on the street, a family from another town. She says the project is about relationships and love. She says that she wants to be able to write to anyone, to connect with anyone. The website is colored squares and each color represents and different kind letter and when you click on the square it takes you to a scanned version of that letter she wrote. I think it is a work of art and truly beautiful.

Finally- I learned about a website called, "We Feel Fine." It was started by a man named Jonathan Harris. The website digitally searches for blogs, comments, etc that use the word "feel." It copies the entire phrase or sentence and pulls together data about where in the world that person is posting that "feeling" and puts together statistics of various emotions that people are experiencing. It scans every so often and updates- and certainly restricted to folks around the world who claim what they are feeling. If the phrase is accompanied by a picture, "We Feel Fine" copies it and aligns it with the feeling. It's an amazing thing- it's like confession in reverse and it's interesting to see what people are feeling.

I know that I have gone through these sites and seen things here or there that I think I can identify with. People need an out. Confession can be just that. People need to know that they are not alone. Admitting secrets can be just that. People are creative. People want to be heard. Beautiful or ugly, their words make a difference to them.

I found this "phenomenon" to be incredible and I wanted to share. Maybe you, too, will be moved.

Humanity's Difference

You may or may not have heard of a website called TED, but it is quite useful. I often learn a little bit more about the world around me with short lectures that TED offers- in technical fields as well as the liberal arts. The following I wanted to share with you. Chris Abani grew up in Nigeria. He has something to say about being the compassion of humanity through simple actions, things that can make a difference in the world...Enjoy.

Plugging In

Creativity is an fantastic thing. The dictionary describes it as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ones. It is originality, progressiveness, or imagination. Certainly this weekend, I walked away from my traveling with a little taste for creativity. But now it's time to work. And I want to share with you a bit of the innovation I see around me.

*Recommended Read-
--Dr. Ron Paul, Texas Congressman has written a book called The Revolution. In it he discusses logical solutions to various foreign policy, constitutional and domestic problems that face the United States. I have written two blogs (Worldly Manners I & II) concerning his chapter on foreign policy. I recommend checking the book out in this season of dire politics.

*Blogs-

--Marianne Elliot recently posted a great blog on some great ways to learn a new language in her blog, Zen and the Art of Peacekeeping. And a few days ago; she posted her most recent lessons in how to be a peacemaker in your world. Elliot has been human rights activist and humanitarian aid servant in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Her blog speaks volumes of her compassion.

--Google Blog has an interesting piece and perspective on giving technology and knowledge to the world without. They advocated a Blog Action Day, and their contribution discussed Information Poverty.

--Daily Writing Tips is a daily blog that offers nuggets about how to make your writing effective. Whether you're a blogger, a novel writer or a poet; Daily Writing has something to grasp onto and make you think more creatively about writing. I like this because it reminds me of the little things I often don't think about when I write any sort of exerpt. It is the first of its kind I've seen, even though I 'm sure there are others, this is a just a quick hit everyday to learn a little something about the market and business of writing out there.

*Photography-

--Leah Tan has finally set up a website, The Girl Documentary, to advertise her fantastic photos. She is promoting it as her professional work and wants all of YOU to check it out. The site is beautiful. She features her favorite shots, has a guest book for you to sign and even a bio for you to find out more about her. All of her photos- whether they be weddings, portraits or the like- are available to view. Should you ever need a fabulous photographer in the U.S. or Canada, help her out and give her some biz. 

**Coming Soon!

--In the spirit of October, I will be telling you a ghost tale. Some of you may know that I have spent the summer working hard on a short story, one that is being submitted for publication. But for your viewing pleasure- between now and Halloween- I will be posting a little of the story at a time. It will come in 9 installments with the last one on October 31st. The name of the story is White Shadows. SO- stay tuned in for the complete work!

Worldly Manners --Part 2

In continuing with my discussion on Ron Paul's book, Revolution, I think that it is relevant to point out his short but effective stint on U.S. foreign policy concerning Israel.

While Dr. Paul believes that the U.S. relationship should stay steady, he also believes that the U.S. should not show special favors or aid. He also thinks that the U.S. should discontinue aid to Israeli rivals as well. Now, this is not inferring humanitarian assistance from non-governmental groups, rather a transfer of wealth from the U.S. Federal Government directly.

Paul states, "In the absence of such grants, Israel would at last be under pressure to adopt a freer economy, thereby bring about greater prosperity for her people and making it easier for her to be self-reliant."

In other words- the U.S. is enabling Israel to use its government like a crutch. With access to nuclear power and weaponry; it is unfortunate that Israel would rush to seek the approval for military action at all. Paul continues to discuss the idea that America is doing Israel a "dis-service" by getting in the way of her status as a "sovereign" nation.

He says Israel needs to take control of its own fate and destiny.

Paul's point of view may be radical, but it should be noted. I find it ironic that many Americans, particularly of religious thinking believe that Israel can do no wrong and that the Palestinian community are "the bad guys." The truth is, neither side is flawless. Both have grievances that date back to biblical beginnings. And since Israel today, is often backed by a superpower, their governmental responsibility becomes greater in how they extend borders, create peace or lack thereof, or divide land among the people groups that occupy the area. Either way, hostility grows among Palestinians b/c of American influence in the Israeli state.

As a side note- I wonder what spiritual ramifications are being perpetrated due to the co-dependent relationship Israel has with the United States.

Food for thought.

Worldly Manners --Part I

In light of the election season, I have decided to pick and read Dr. Ron Paul's, Revolution. His theories and ideas have appealed to me, as of late. His book starts out just as interesting.

He begins with Foreign Policy in the United States. While he agrees the 9/11 was a great tragedy, and that the perpetrators need to be hunted and punished; he states that it is important to understand the motivation of the terrorist group.

Paul believes that it goes beyond religious extremism. He states that, more significantly, it has to do the occupation and the attitude of the American foreign affairs. Paul noted that not a single terrorist involved in 2001 came from countries like Iraq or Iran. Rather, some were home to Saudi Arabia and others- where the U.S. Military keeps a close watch with armed soldiers on a daily basis and has done so for decades. The collaboration of the Al Queda group has more to do with personal and political grievances than with Islam, though extremists use it as a substantial backing for their murderous mission.

Paul sites Michael Sheuer, chief of the Counter Terrorist Center for the CIA during the 1990s. Shuer was known to vote Republican but made a very unpopular statement staking that the Middle East frustration on the meddling of the US government. Shuer was also known to believe that sheer hatred and ideological disdain for Western thinking is not enough for a group to join forces and terrorize a nation. Rather, once again, it stems from understandable reactions from people who may have been affected by forced democratic freedom.

Ron Paul criticized both the Clinton administration and the Bush administration for failure to recognize that policing other nations, rather than simply offering humanitarian aid or free trade, only causes strife among foreign relationships- in the Middle East, Africa and others.

Two of the most extremist Islamic governments in the world, he noted, are not responsible for the crisis of terrorism- Sudan and Iran- thus again proving the religious motivation is only secondary to the complaint against American foreign policies.

None of these things are to say that the U.S. is a horrible nation, not at all, BUT the swing in political attitude toward the world has made an enormous difference in our standing in the world.

Along the line of presidents in the 20th Century, it was Democrat associated leaders, such as Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Lyndon B. Johnson, that aimed to stretch the wings of American military and political strength. Oddly the tables have turned.

More to come...

Terrible Solutions

I consider it an outrage that the city of Atlanta (among other cities) think that they can solve panhandling and homeless difficulties by simply putting a meter up for people to donate their "charity change." It's disgraceful. An article by the NPR discusses Atlanta's solution and never once refers to the "panhandlers" as people on the streets or the homeless community.

It is obvious to me that the Mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin, doesn't understand that she's missing the human element of homelessness. Granted there are men and women on the streets who may be con artists or may get in your face. But my experience is that, on average, they just need a friend, a moment of time. They, like any other insecure human being, need to be treated like a person.

The homeless community needs resources to help them take the next step, get a job, contact family and so on. Hoping that they'll just "go away," is not a solution. They will only populate another city and do the same thing. Why? Because it is all they know. They are survivors.

People need hope. Homeless people need to know, more than anyone, that they are not just scenery. They are not trash. They are not bothersome objects that cross the street. And they won't really go away.

As a citizen of the city, as a human being: if you encounter a homeless person on the street- tell them hello, "look them in the eye and be nice." If you don't want to give out cash, offer them a sandwich, a coffee or maybe just your time. Ask if their day is going well or where they are from.

Telling them that they are only worth your "meter change," is sad. You've belittled their existence. The fact is- Atlanta does not want to help solve poverty. They want it to disappear. They think that by ignoring people on the street or threatening to arrest homeless and warning compassionate citizens, the problem will be solved. It will not.

Problems can only be solved using creative thinking. It would be more beneficial for individuals and governments to do research, find out the true needs of the homeless and create initiative programs for assistance.

The poor are despised everyday. The poor need a voice. Are you listening?

Project Homeless: A Job and a Bench

His name was Eric. He moved to Atlanta to take care of his mother years ago. When she passed away he had to sell the house just to make sure all of her medical bills were paid. He now sleeps on a bench outside. But you wouldn't have known that just looking at him.

My boyfriend and I had gone to Little 5 Points for the afternoon. It was such a perfectly beautiful day outside. When we decided to rest, Eric walked up to us and told said he wanted to show us a picture. He must have noticed that I'd had my camera with me b/c he told me it would make a great photograph. He claimed that the picture had been painted by an elementary school kid in 1996 and that it was a picture of a plane between two towers w/ peace signs all over it. He thought it was ironic that the picture was drawn five years prior to 9/11.

While I don't know much about the superstition, it was interesting enough.

We found out that even though Eric had no place to sleep; he was able to lock down odd jobs around the area and that it was important to him to look presentable. Eric told us that he spent his earnings on making sure he ate and looked nice. He just didn't have enough money to afford a motel each night, didn't even know where one might be and certainly didn't have enough to afford an apartment.

Eric told us that homeless people just need to be given a chance. They need opportunity to be trusted, given jobs. When we asked about how hard it is get things like an i.d. card or a permenant address, he told us those were definitely some of the most difficult challanges. It's a catch-22, he state...you need money to make money in order to survive. He hates that the cycle is always continuous.

When we walked away he let us know he appreciated the conversation and our decency. I hope and pray that Eric will be given enough opportunity to afford an apartment one day soon.

From the Perspective of a Bum

Something is seriously wrong when we as a society, as a people have no interest in taking care of our neighbor. There is a balance of personal responsibility that certainly must be acknowledged. However, whether it be a friend, a colleague, or acquaintance in a distressing situation or the homeless guy on the street, where are our manners, where is the golden rule? I see it less in a society where I should see it more.

Mike Yankoski, and his friend Sam, traveled the country for six months on the streets. They had enough of just hearing and believing they should care for the poor, they need to experience it, they needed to practice it.

What they found were people who were hopeless. They also found people who were bitter toward the world and others who were trying to keep their above ground. Some of their fellow homeless friends were drug addicts, perhaps had made bad decisions that led them their state or just some who'd run out of luck. And like any other despised street monger; Mike and Sam slept on cement, panhandled with guitars and ate from the garbage.

They found that people, of all kinds, -even people who claimed to have faith- snubbed them, avoided eye contact and turned them away. Nevertheless they persisted in their journey and more often than not; their positive attitude and trust in God spoke peace and comfort to their friends on the street. They roamed through Denver, D.C., Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego- which of course led them back home.

I was uniquely impressed with their growth as young men and how their perspectives on the world changed when the chose to live with nothing. They were still able to stay honest and true to the core of who they are and yet find out what that poor are really like and become one of them, that they might minister TO them.

Under the Overpass was an amazing story. I recommend it to anyone, particularly if you've ever wondered what the people on the street really see. I hope you will find out more for yourself.

I think the book is a lesson in humanity. It is a lesson in loving our neighbor, doing good to those who hurt us. It shows what a community should look like when they care for one another, esp in the most difficult circumstances. Mike and Sam inspired me. And they confirmed what I believe- that giving to the poor is one of the greatest gifts and certainly one of the most humbling experiences in the world today.

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:

Project Homeless- He Gave me a Smile

"Do ya like coffee?" I asked him.

He smiled, "You bet I do!"

I handed him the ten dollar Starbucks card I had in my pocket and told him he could at least get two or so visits out of it. He thanked me and told me he'd put it to use. His tall figure was slumped. He wore a Creative Loafing t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants that were tied together at the bottom. He seemed sad, but his expression showed me that he was really trying to catch the good in each and every day.

Sitting on the ground next to Bones, I asked him how he ended up on the streets. He told me that it came down to keeping his job or his apartment...and in one day; he lost both. That was in 1996.

Bones looked younger than most I had seen. If he'd had a shave and a hair cut...I'd say he was in his early thirties...I couldn't have really known.

Bones admitted that he didn't know what he wanted society to know about him. But he did say that he wished it were easier to get an i.d. card. One of the most difficult parts of this life was not being able to get a job or qualify for government benefits due to the simple fact that he does not have an address. If he had an address and/or an i.d. card, things would be simpler.

I told my new friend that I would tell people that he's "here" and that if they should see him walking by, a friendly hello and a conversation would mean the world. He thought that might just help.

Bones- you're in my thoughts and prayers....