"Now We Can See"

PUSH PAUSE-- SORRY, THIS VID JUST PLAYS WHEN OPENED. COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX.

Hey People. This is a bonus packed Fav Music Fri so even you rock scardy's should stick around. First up-- the pick of the week-- The Thermals "Now We Can See." This is a catchy tune sure, but I love the punk influence, plus-- they have a girl in the band (I'm so jealous!) The real reason this appealed to me right away though is that it weirdly reminded me of this art exhibit I was in once that paired artists with writers--

--But I'm getting ahead of my self, first check out The Thermals. (Go on, jump around a little, I know you want to.) In case the vid iz broeken-- here is a link.

Awesome huh? There's something about "Our enemies lay dead on the ground and still we kick" that's guiltily gratifying. Plus, I love how he can't really dance. At all. But it doesn't stop him from totally jamming out and getting into it. The intense earnestness also sells me. Adorableness. (pets)

OK-- back to that art exhibit. The idea behind the show was to assign writer's to artist's entries in the show. The writer's were to write something inspired by, about, related to, whatever-- the piece being shown. The amazing Catherine Holm was assigned to me and her piece blew me away. Boom-- head exploded.

I was into making kind of abstract, totem-y pieces, and the art part of my brain is somehow disconnected from the articulate part of my brain. I know what that stuff means inside, but usually can't explain it. Somehow Catherine tapped into that and just got it and created this--

Totemsongs / Heartsongs
By Catherine Holm

Earth of our origins in the palm of my hand. Bring me back to my beginning. I want to feel my feet splayed in the wet soil as the roots of trees. I want my fingers to tremble as aspen leaves in a westerly wind. I am the whisper of big cats, the roar of a predator, the search of an eagle. I am the smell of rotted twigs. I am the silent sound of dry larch needles falling to the ground and ushering in the barren cold. The wind cannot catch me. I am the Earth.

In the beginning there was dirt. And the dirt was good.
We rose from the dirt, first I, then you when i became too lonely with the words and stories that began to tumble about in my head. Stories fed stories and we grew and spun ideas and inventions and progress that sped onward and we glutted ourselves until we could consume no more and destroyed everything in our path and crashed and rotted and ended and began again.

In the beginning there was dirt. And the dirt was good.
We rose from the dirt, first i then you when I became too lonely with the words and the stories that began to tumble about in my head. Stories fed stories and we grew and spun ideas and inventions and progress that sped onward and onward. The containers that held our hearts grew too small as our hearts throbbed with the messages of some ancient and future song that we could not quite understand, yet understood completely.

Our hearts exploded, released from their now-useless cages with the keys we carried. And we became something new, more than human, more than animal, more than Earth. We ride the spirit world, we are the universe, we see the truth with the clear vision of a crystal eye, we hold the secrets of the heart.

Every time I read it it gives me this weird tug in my chest, like something calling me. Amazing huh? Her website is really cool so go look. She's a writer but also does life coaching. Very cool lady.

In other SueNews:
What a difference a 15 mph winds at your back make as opposed to 15 mph winds in your face. Trusty Pam and I completely pummeled our 14.5 mile paddle yesterday. We did the whole thing in 2 hours, and really could have done it even faster. I had plenty left in the tank when we were done so Sat I'm excited to really go for it. As Pam likes to say, it "paddled the bitchy right out of me."

After, we went to McD's for cones, and let's just say never go to the Big Lake McD's if you want a cone-- they suck at cones, but somehow our stupid, melty, completely inept cones and my disproportionate rage about this caused us to completely lose our shit and laugh hysterically for at least ten minutes, after which we were even more exhausted. Whew-- laughing your ass off is SO good for you.

So-- this post long enough for you? Have a good weekend peeps. Try to laugh your butt off at some point. Later.

Killed Mme. Danger

So a couple of days ago I posted all those zen-like, philosophical thoughts on what's really important in life, and today I'm sitting here eating cookies on my living room couch committing murder. Isn't that always the way? Le Sigh.

I did it. I killed off Mme. Danger. I was going to put up the pic of me with my little black bandit mask so you could get one last look, but in the end just couldn't. Now that no one showed up to my little rascally party it's just sad, and embarrassing (if I'm not supergirl I'm just some ass with her underwear outside of her tights). And it makes me a little crabby to be honest, but what doesn't this week?

Mme. Danger never saw it coming. One day she was just going about her adventurey, outsidey, maybe slightly delinquent business, and the next she just ceased to exist. Wow. So glad nothing like that will ever happen to me aren't you? (wink)

Tuesday was rather actiony. I took Penny over to the mountain bike trail. I'm getting progressively dareyer. (I'm a writer. I'm allowed to make up words, or wirdz, whatever.) I'm still a different animal though, than the other mountain bikers. (What is new?-- I feel like a fricking unicorn half the time anyway.) When it gets to the point that I'm whizzing all over over there it won't be because I'm being all reckless, it'll be because I've gotten that good. I like to go fast but am afraid of crashing, so my progress is incremental but steady.

I did wind up ahead of a guy though (yes because he stopped to adjust clothing), who looked very mountain bikey, (mountain bikey = young (most are younger than me) muscly, with a determined, perhaps even psychotically death defying look on their face, like they're secretly hoping for some kind of giant cliff to appear they'll have to go flying off, preferably over a rocky gorge full of grizzly bears) and I got massive "person-in-front syndrome" and absolutely flew through the pretty easy section we were in, not wanting to be in his way, or- hilariously- for him to have to (or be able to) (delusional much? why yes!) pass me. He wasn't right on my ass (I'm sure only out of politeness or "taking it easy"), but he was back there. It was definitely the fastest ride I've had so far with the fewest mistakes.

After that I went kayaking with Trusty Pam. We're preparing for our race Sat. I suggested the gold pants as a race strategy-- when people stop and stare open mouthed, aghast, we could pass them. But no, we're both too chicken. Our outfits will probably involve rubber rain boots. : /

It was windy again, plus I was homicidally crabby. I came up with a perfect T-shirt slogan-- "Wind: It effing blows". At one point my arms were about to combust and the stupid wind was totally pissing me off. I told her, "If I could lift my arms, and it were possible, I'd beat the living hell out of this effing wind!" She took the opportunity to trash talk me and laugh like any self-respecting Danger Girl. Tonight we go again- race length-- almost fifteen miles we'd like to do in 2 hours. Right. Supposed to be windy again. Grrr.

Yeah, despite my earlier in the week clarity and perspective, it's become another of those weeks we should all be grateful one of my super powers isn't making stuff and people explode just from my brain waves. But thanks for all the nice comments on the other post, and for making me feel all wise and shit. (Stuffs another cookie in her mouth and simultaneously iz mad about her assfat.) (Don't bother trying to reason with her today.)

Weird Wed Light

Hey peeps. Kind of busy today and low on weirdness, but here's a couple of tidbits to tide you over.

They did not heed the "this is not a toy warning".
When will we learn to keep plastic bags away from children?

This is from sis. Imagine him with fangs for the super scary version, or imagine him saying, "Bitch puh-leeeze!" Either way- How is this the spokes-clown for the biggest franchise in American history?

Remember I'm taking submissions for disturbia. Send those links, pics, whatever. Stay weird people.

Mountians O Things

iPod, Kayak, Skis, Running Shoes, Bikes, Computer, Camera, Wheels. These are the things I think I need, you know, for happiness. The good news is they are things I already have. There aren't tons of things lingering just outside my grasp that I desire.

There's a saying, "Desire everything, need nothing." Things aren't bad and neither is wanting them, but I've been hearing a lot about people losing things lately-- being stripped of their possessions, or their health, seeing their life draining away. It has me thinking a lot about what it is I really do need.

I keep boxes of images torn from magazines for collaging etc. Some I can't bear to "use", wanting to keep them. On the left is a guy and his family in Africa. I think there are like twelve people in his family. (If you click to enlarge you may be able to read the deets) That little wicker shack is their house. They disassemble it and move it around. He looks happy.

On the left is a little kid I'm guessing doesn't have a pot to piss in. Look at that blue paint, those butterfly's. Nice freebie shot of joy huh? He looks happy too, even if it's just for a few minutes.

I "needed" new running shoes last week. Mine are shot. There are holes in the uppers and the cushioning is gone, making my tibia hurt more. Can you believe, the store I get my shoes at sends your old ones over to Africa? That there, someone like that guy with the wicker fold-up house will be thrilled to get my old worn out running shoes?

Yesterday I dropped Jez off at a gallery. When I left I took a good long look at her. It's possible I'll never see her again. I told my dad I'm super glad there are people out there who feel the need to own art. They make it possible for me to have a job doing art, but I'm weirdly not one of them. I love it, love seeing it, but don't have to possess it. Maybe it's because it's inside me. Not sure.

Last fall I super wanted this coat. I made other choices and it didn't happen. My life continued unaffected by not acquiring the cool coat.

Once a long time ago I walked away from everything to gain my independence. I literally had nothing. It was day to day where I'd sleep or what I'd eat, if anything. That is way different than having everything taken from you-- it was my choice, but still it was pivotal for me. I've looked around ever since evaluating-- What do I really need? What do I really want? What do I choose? What's of value?

Preserving inner capacities is huge for me. Feeling there are still spaces in you waiting to be filled with wonder, thrills-- The feeling that the world is still an amazing, surprising place. That's one thing I need.

Connectivity is probably the most important thing I need. When I was younger I thought training myself to need nothing, and noONE would make me stronger, so I hardened myself for a while. but became like those dogs who are afraid of everything, acting scary to protect themselves. Now I know-- I need connections to animals, and to people, to pull the love through me into the world. It's for me, and for the world. It's the way it's supposed to be.

It's important to notice things. I need to stop time sometimes and just go, "This, now-- remember this." When I'm 90 will the grass feel the same on the underside of my foot? I bet it will. I bet inside I'll still feel like me.

I know this post has meandered a bit, but right now I think it's good to take stock. What are some of the things you really need? What are the things that would sustain you if everything was stripped away?

Enough Is Enough...

OK, I'm officially giving up on this idea. If interested, go on over and look at THE DANGER GIRLS' ADVENTURE CLUB now, because in a few days I'm deleting that blog. I still like the idea and would love to find a group of girl adventurers to hang out with and go kayaking, biking, trail running, and exploring with.

I'm going to keep the club idea alive as a thing, but I'll just do a Danger Girls' Club post over here soon, and anyone interested can just reply to that or shoot me an email.

Trusty Pam and I continue to have adventurey fun almost daily. Yesterday we went over to the mountain bike trail and she tried out Penny, and now has already named hers even though she hasn't even been down to Ramsey Cycles to pay Al for hers yet. Every time I ride I learn something new, and Pam agrees-- it seems to use up a lot more brain than regular biking or running where you can kind of zone out on the tunes.

Of course we were the only people over there yelling "WEE!" and dinging our bike bells, but, then again, we're dorks. (holds puny fist in the air)

"I command you to be my woman"

Hey people. Despite your stubborn lack of interest, I'm forging ahead with occasional Fav Music Fridays. So there. Today's pick has a story behind it. This musician guy wanted to ask his girlfriend to marry him and asked a bunch of his music pals to compose songs based on that theme, so he could give it to her as part of his proposal. So Brad, of the oft mentioned "Brand Sucks" one man band comes up with THIS.

Is that super funny or what? I love that guy. Go buy some of his music (his t-shirt is super cool too) for super cheap HERE. SOOPER-- yeah I said it. A whole bunch.

In other SueNews:

Me and Trusty Pam went for our first paddle yesterday. All I can say is "Holy Fricking Crap Was It Windy!" That was probably the toughest kayak run I remember. The last mile or so it was like being in a wind tunnel. There were huge whitecaps and the wind kept trying to blow the kayak sideways. Hard pulling. Really the only time I've ever been a little concerned about going in. Crazy. Good practice for our race next Sat though.

Also-- It's Derby weekend. Bust out the fancy hats and mint juleps! Here's mine. Is this awesome or what?

I got it at this high buck department store around here on sale for $15 years back. Once a friend of mine who has a lot more "lady" friends than me had an afternoon luncheon and I showed up in this. At first they thought I was super weird (as usual), but by the end we were passing the hat around for everyone to try on and hamming it up. (You should know, all members of my family, even the dudes, have been photographed in this hat...)

You can't see my face in the pic because I pretty much look like this @_@ today. Insomnia last night. Those stupid infomercials are so insidious in the middle of the night. For some reason at 4 a.m. I'll be like-- "Yes, by God-- I do need the Jack LaLane Juice Pro!" Or, "Hell, yeah. I should totally get Hip Hop Abs!"-- Because nothing says crunk like some white lady from the Midwest who can't dance... And pop it and pop it and -- yeah, badness.

OK peeps. Everyone have a good weekend and try to shake something at some point. (no one has to see...) Remember if you're not having fun you're doing it wrong. Later.

EDIT TO ADD:
Derby fail me-- it's next Sat! : /

This was going to be called "I think I broke my cooter y'all!" -- But I seem to be OK...

Yesterday it was finally nice out, so I totally skipped man! (Still love skipping) I took Penny (My new awesome bike) over to the trail. I decided to call her Penny because she cost me some, and I've decided she's lucky. The mountain bike trail is supposedly 7.5 miles long, but they seem to modify it all the time so who knows. They just got done adding a bunch of new trail. 7.5 miles is nothing on roads, but this is very hilly and twisty. Most people (guys) I've heard ride the loop in 45 minutes to an hour. It took me an hour and a half!

So we've established that I'm super slow. I will not be showing up any time soon for the Sat morning group rides. I did stop and talk to these guys working on the trail for a few minutes, but the main reason it took me so long is that I'm too afraid, so far, to ride down some of the really giant hills, or super rocky ones. Also, it was my first ride on Penny and I kept getting all messed up on how to change her gears and getting my fingers all tangled-up in the brake and gear levers and handlebars. Plus, my feet kept coming off the pedals.

About the only thing I have going for me so far as a mountain biker is stubbornness. I rode the whole trail, even the "advanced" sections. I got off and walked parts, but did ride out some sections that were too scary the last time. Every ride I'll push myself just a bit further, and I won't give up.

When I started running it was really hard too, even on the flat. Then once I got used to that and started running the trail that felt impossible -- so hilly! But now I've finally got to the point where I can run the hills no problem, even the big ones because I've done it over and over and over.

I think the mountain biking will be like the running, or welding, or writing, art, anything really, that you eventually get good at. You first have to be willing to do the work of doing that thing really badly a whole bunch of times until you build some skills. Me and Penny will just keep at it, and some day I'll be sailing down a big hill over there, following a favorite line and it will all just flow and I'll remember how when I started it seemed so impossible.

Oh-- I suppose you're wondering about my broken cooter. I went over this little rock ledge, not very big, but both my feet came off the pedals. Let's just say that's never going to be good. After my big ride on the trail I had exactly enough time to swap bikes and meet Trusty Pam for a road/trail ride that was, depending on whose odometer you believe, was either 23 or 24.5 miles. Yeah. Kind of sore today.