North Carolina Camping
Derek, Jeff and I (along with Remy and Kirra) just got back from an almost week in North Carolina where we did some mingling with old friends for Halloween and camping. We decided to camp out in various NC state parks before heading back to Florida. Let me just say that if camping was a full time job I'd be on that SO fast. This was my first camping trip and I can't ever imagine getting sick of such wonder and beauty. No matter how many deer I see (especially where I live) I'm always in awe at seeing such raw wildness wherever we go. The weather was a much desired break from the Florida heat. Temperatures lingered in the 50's and 60's and at night dropped to the 30's and 40's. Needless to say I woke up more than once during the night in an attempt to burrow more into my sleeping bag or convince Remy that he should curl up with me. After each day we learned more and more about what we need to do to keep warm/comfortable for future hikes. And with aspirations to hike the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail we need all the experience we can get…
Our first night was spent at Eno River State Park after a mad dash to pick up Remy and Kirra from boarding. A few complications caused us to get a late start but after things went wrong some other things went right and we took a moonlit (with the occasional aid of a flashlight) 1 mile hike to our site. We were the only ones in the park that night which felt awesome with a side of uncertainty (and maybe some creepiness?). I fell asleep early on while the guys attempted to start a fire. We left relatively fast the next morning after some tasty soup because Jeff still had goop (liquid latex) in his hair from Halloween and he required the aid of a barber. After another late start we headed west toward Stone Mountain State Park (STSP). We then detoured to another park, Pilot Mountain State Park (PMSP) when it became apparent that we weren't going to make it before the gates closed. At this point I learned the difference between I-40 and I-40 BUS. To say the least we ended up driving a lot more than was needed much to my frustration. Fortunately though most parks allow you to self-register (for that I love them all the more) so it was alright when we showed up 10 minutes before the gates were set to close. We stayed at a campground at PMSP and there was only room for 1 tent so that night we all squeezed in together, Remy and Kirra included. It wasn't so bad…until Kirra decided a morning run was in order the next day. She darted out of the tent as I was getting out with Remy and took off without even a backwards glance. Earlier Derek had found Remy's backpack some feet away from our site. Something small (with 5 fingers I'm sure) ripped a tiny hole in the side which was just big enough to eat the remainder of Remy’s food. This was my WTF moment. So we spent a stressful morning searching for Kirra and after three hours she returned limping and panting. Thus our Pilot Mountain experience came to an end.
After Kirra returned we finally made it to SMSP, surrounded by miles and miles of…no cell phone signal. This did not bode well for Derek (he had some work to take care of) but fortunately their picnic area had cell signal. Yay!
After restroom breaks, phone calls, and essential backpack organizing we set out on our trek. I’d been studying the map of our supposed campsite on the drive to Pilot Mountain and I’d noticed all of the hikes in SMSP were either considered “moderate” or “strenuous” in difficulty. Fortunately for us the trail to our campsite was in fact labeled “strenuous”. And yes, strenuous applied to that trail if only for all of the tiring...up...hill...climbing. Even Remy seemed to be straining. My pack felt as if the straps were indefinitely engraving themselves into my shoulders as well. Gah. Here too we were the only ones camping. It felt strangely liberating, having such an expanse of nature to ourselves. We hiked maybe 1.5 to 2 miles to our isolated little site and raced the setting sun to set up the tents. That night we enjoyed some tasty buffalo burgers and baked beans and fell asleep to the rushing sounds of the neighboring creek. The next morning we did a little exploring and got a little lost on the road back to civilization.
An here our journey came to a sad end. It was time to return to Orlando, bah. SMSP was by far my favorite park and I wish we’d had more time to explore the area and see Stone Mountain up close. Actually, I wish we’d had more time to explore every place we’d visited. Nevertheless, we had an amazing time and I can’t wait to go back…maybe…forever?
Until we meet again North Carolina <3
Hope carries around the world
This Saturday is the International Day of Climate Action and 350.org is hoping to make a statement about their cause. 350.org is a movement started in large part by writer Bill McKibben and aims to bring CO2 output levels down to 350ppm (parts per million), which is considered by some scientists to be the safest level for long-term human survival. Check out their mission in video form:
There's a whole bunch of cool stuff surrounding this event worldwide. It's inspiring to see so many countries preparing to take part that I can't help but feel affected by it. The joining of people for a common goal is always uplifting, especially when their aim is carried out through positivity and hope. You can check out some of the things that'll be taking place this Saturday around the world here. And if you're interested in finding some events near you check out 350.org.
Another awesome site to check out is Hopenhagen.org. This movement, like 350.org, is aiming to affect the outcome of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December by bringing people together to demand positive change. Let them know what gives you hope.
Nature's beauty gives me hope.
Namaste,
Vanessa
Make it yours
Here's my view: I should respect my body and the planet that provides me with the means to maintain that healthy body.Along with respect comes compassion. You don't need to hear numbers of greenhouse gas emissions or the like if we were all truly compassionate towards everyone and everything.
Nothing makes more sense to me than compassion:
sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
So why am I writing this? Well, after thinking about it I've come to realize that it makes me pretty sad to think we have to be convinced that it's a good idea to respect the planet. That the inclination to trample all over nature is so common that you're considered a 'tree-hugger' (which always seems offensive) if you think otherwise. I hate the focus on climate change because I think it's so much more than that. Every person should have healthy water to drink and clean air to breath. They should also have healthy nutritious food and a place to live. If we had these things would healthcare be in the situation it is now? If companies who polluted out the ying-yang cared about the people directly and indirectly affected by them would things be different? I think so. And I believe it really comes down to each us of embracing a little compassion for all the lovely beings of our world.
So for my belated Blog Action Day post I ask that each of us try to practice showing more compassion and respect for the old and new, the rich and poor, and the trees and bees.
With love and peace,
Vanessa
Uncategorized thoughts
I don't post here as often as I should. Or maybe as often as I think I should. I sometimes feel that maybe no one is listening to what I have to say. Other times I feel that I have so much I want to say that it all gets so jumbled in my brain that I can't coherently transfer those ideas and beliefs into words.
My problem is motivation. My bigger problem is not knowing what motivates me. I have constant channels of inspiration through sites I love to visit (Superforest.org or Mr. Mraz's blog), the music I listen to, and the movies and documentaries I watch. But rarely does that inspiration manifest into anything bigger than my own thoughts. Sometimes I think that's enough. Other times I realize that it isn't enough and I have a duty as a human being to spread truth and knowledge to anybody who will listen.
Derek and I just watched Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story. It was a moving and enlightening film that pushed my "This is BS! Where do we start? What can we do?" button. We then talked about the period of time in which that feeling usually lasts...about 1-2 weeks for someone not fully dedicated to the cause. We may think and feel the same way but our actions slowly revert to not reflect our ideals because we don't have those constant reminders. Of course this isn't the case for everyone but it's not uncommon.
For me that loss of dedication happens on a regular basis. I need constant reminders for why I'm doing what I'm doing. Be it writing, photography, supporting a cause or achieving any life goal. It could be that I haven't fully embraced 'me' and I'm constantly wasting time trying to figure out who I should be. But that is of my own doing. For me yoga has become an integral part in teaching me about myself. Now if the world could offer me enough time to figure out myself and put a pause on bills and other societal requirements I'd be ever so grateful.
But you know what? Sometimes I feel that all of this craziness in my head is my inner naturalist wanting to escape. To get away from the things we've made up as a society to keep us civilized. I just want to run to the mountains with as many loved ones willing to come and make a life for ourselves with nature as the ruler of all things. Oh, what dreams may come...
Though I may not be constantly posting it's safe to say that I'm usually sitting in front of this screen throughout my days. So if any of you have something interesting, moving, or offensive to say...let me know. I'll be here.
-Nessa
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. -John Muir
Blog Action Day
On October 15th, 2009 I'm taking part in Blog Action Day. This event was started a couple of years ago and is now being powered by the awesome social action site Change.org. It is aimed at making one issue stand out for a day by having bloggers focus on that one issue in their writing. The hope is that if we take out one day to focus on a cause that is important to us and the world we can start conversations that will then lead to action. This years focus is Climate Change, a threat to humans and the environment alike. This is great timing because big things are happening in December when leaders across the world will congregate in Copenhagen, Denmark for international climate negotiations.
So if you have a blog and you're interested in taking part head on over to their website to register. And don't forget to spread the word...
-Nessa
A day of Peace
Darn it! I just found out about the International Day of Peace (which was September 21st btw). This day/movement deserves a lot of love and attention. Check out the video Jeremy Gilley (the founder) discusses the creation of this day and what it means for the world if we accept it globally.
Go on, take a look. It's more than worth it.
Are we The Age of Stupid?
The Age of Stupid USA Trailer from Age of Stupid on Vimeo.
I can't say I really like their trailer but the reviews have been positive thus far and the subject matter is something I'm very much interested in. The movie also seems to be more of a movement than just a film as they have partnered with groups like Moveon.org and Greenpeace for the global premiere. I also like what they've done with their sister site www.notstupid.org which is sort of a companion to the movie and offers ways to get involved with the cause.
For more info on nearby screenings visit http://www.ageofstupid.net/usa
Finding comfort in yoga
I just stumbled across an interesting article on Gaiam's website about an autistic boy and his new love for yoga. Andrew Benisek, a nine-year old boy diagnosed with pervasive developmental delay found some old yoga tapes that belonged to his mother and was instantly hooked.
Stories like this always remind me that we're still searching for, not a cure per se, but something to help those diagnosed within the autism spectrum. I'd say we lucked out with my brother. Sure, he has his speech problems and sometimes has trouble interacting in social situations but he's very intelligent and capable even with his disorder. I don't know what it's like to have a "normal" brother but I wouldn't trade James in for anyone else. I would like to help him though. He understands that his speech isn't where it should be and I can see that it frustrates him. For that reason I'm always wondering what I can do for him but I always come up empty.
Boy is he in for a surprise when I spring yoga on him! I would have never thought to introduce him to the practice but it makes total sense. He's always all over the place (of course he's a 13 year old boy) but I think he can learn a lot about himself through yoga. The article also mentions that yoga practice may help with focusing and concentration (both of which my brothers needs). Along with the soothing voices, sounds and breathing techniques (and the cool sounding 'warrior pose') I think he may like it. I guess we'll find out once the school week is over...
For more on the article check it out at Gaiam....here
Until we meet again =)
Namaste.
-nessa
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