happy mlk day

I know I've done this before, but I truly feel strongly about celebrating this speech and the things Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for our country. While the fight he started is far from complete, we're so much closer to 'ending the long nights' of oppression, discrimination, prejudice and hate.

Today isn't just about a much needed day off in mid January. Or about the individual man it celebrates and honors. It's about something bigger. It's about an idea. A hope. It's about working towards a dream.

Take a moment or two to remember that dream and renew our hope and resolve to make the dream a reality.

providence canyon, georgia

This weekend several friends and I went on a quick hike in Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia.  The park was only 4.5-5 hours away from Gainesville and had a 7 mile backcountry trail.  Our group was originally of 7, but by the time we departed, we were down to 4 plus a pup.  When we drove up Saturday morning it continually rained.  We kept our fingers crossed that the weather prediction of sleet wouldn't hold true.  At the start of our hike, it was a whopping 38 degrees and still rainy.  We would not be deterred and decided to hike in 2 miles and make camp.  

Surprise, surprise.  I'm in the back of the pack.  

The rain never let up.  It continued throughout the night and into Sunday morning with torrent waves coming and going.  We decided over breakfast that we should probably head back the way we came and call it a short hike.  Everything was soaked.  We packed up very wet tents and gear and headed the two miles back.  However, we could never have predicted the surprise we were in for.  The creek bed had risen 6 inches to a foot in some places.  Of course, our trail was the creek bed.  There was no alternative but to walk through the flowing chai colored water.  The rain pounded down and we trudged through.  We all laughed and rolled with it.  It was exciting, refreshing, and just plain fun.  I remained relatively dry (so to speak) until the water reached my knees.  There's really only so much water prevention Gortex can handle; my boots were probably carrying 5lbs of water.  We reached the segment of trail back up out of the creek bed and turned to survey our triumphant path.  We all laughed at our orange, clay covered bodies.  The hike might have been cut short, but the adventure hadn't.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of us when we reached the cars.  Everything was soaked, including the camera.  Naturally, the rain stopped once we got off the trail.  Figures.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my companions and the challenge of hiking in the cold and rain.  I also learned just how out of shape I am.  I suppose I need to get back into the real gym and get back on the bike.  Simply rock climbing twice a week just ain't cuttin' it.

say hello to my little friend

I was so excited about going to the beach, I forgot my camera.  However, I feel it is important to note I attempted to do some recruiting for my crab army.  Ghost crabs, mother nature's mercenaries.  Below is what my most hopeful candidate looked like.  I talked of catching one... but I was not successful.  They are quicker and smarter than I.  Ninja skills are in need some work.  I love how their little eyes stick up.  I want eyes like that.  Perhaps it is time to make a hat...

Ocypode quadrata (Ghost Crab)

Picture obtained from the internet.

While observing the crabs I overheard a woman explaining to her small child how God put the crabs on the earth to dig in the sand.  She then continued on to explain how God gave them pinchers for protection.  Seems like if this God had his ish worked out properly he would have given these crabs a shovel or scoop of sorts.  But what do I know, I'm no theologian.  But, I am very good at eavesdropping on random strangers conversations.  Four women on the other side of us were discussing careers as pinup girls.  Very interesting.  I wonder God's rationale on that.  I love public beaches... you get all kinds of freaks and weirdos.

everyday is an adventure

Yesterday was subtly beautiful.  I started my day by sleeping late.  Yep.  I slept until eleven, and laid in bed with no sense of urgency or motivation to move until noon.  Probably the first night I've gotten more than 5 hours of sleep in quite a while.  I was tickled.  Birdface and sweety were irritated.  Apparently they are not into sleeping late.  Sigh.  They've taken to making very angry parakeet noises lately.  The kind I can only imagine them making if they were being tortured.  I've witnessed them while they make the horrid screeching.  They sit on their perch, look at me, and proceed to let it all come out.  Completely unprovoked.  I think they're mad at me for something.  The reason remains a mystery.  

Later that day I drove around the Duckpond in Gainesville.  I'd really like to live over there if I can.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I ended up stopping in to play with Erin.  Much needed.  I forgot how much fun we always have together.  I was so relaxed and happy.  She let me spin on her wheel, Mr. Spinny  (I think that's what Ruth calls it...).  So nice.  Once I make some money from the job thing I'm gonna get me a spinning wheel.  It was so lovely.  I stayed for dinner with the crew and finally met the infamous Tim.  I've met Ruth several times, and always thought she was pretty spiffy.  Tim is equally spiffy.  Both are highly talented artists, makers, and kite builders.  

I must admit, I've been reading Ruth and Tim's blogs for a while now.  I felt like a creepy internet stalker as I disclosed my admiration for their work... but whatever.  They seemed ok with the fact that I've done so.  That's why blogs/sites are there right?  Check out their site WindFire Designs, and blogs WindFire Designs: Studio blog, and Instances of Make.  I hope to get to know them both better in the coming months and maybe even get a closer look at more of their work.  Some day, I might even get a kite...