Philly + Pence

I took this photo last night of new leftfielder Hunter Pence at Citizens Bank Park. On Friday night, he was playing with the Houston Astros. Mid-game, he was pulled and was seen shaking hands with his teammates and staff. Having been traded, he boarded a jet to Philadelphia. The next night, he pulled on a Phillies uniform and took his position in left field. The game was sold out and standing room only tickets, limited at 500, also sold out. I was one of 250 people in the queue at 3:45 when I was fitted with a wristband guaranteeing my option to purchase 2 tickets at 4:00. 4 people behind me were the last to receive the guaranteed tickets. I bought one for myself and one for a biologist from West Chester, named Ryan, who was attending with his parents. Ryan wore a red Ryan Howard shirt and was most grateful to receive a ticket. 

Pence was noticeably happy on the field. The fans greeted him with resounding applause. I got some amazing photos at the game - this was one of them. Can't wait to use my new Phils mug for my Monday morning coffee.

The Phillies won the game, against the Pirates, in 9 innings. Cliff Lee pitched, Ryan Madson relieved. For more, here's a recap.

River

Friday Photo: Chooch Ruiz

http://www.veteransshirtium.com

Friday Photo: The Hare

This little friend was sitting by my car when I headed to work one morning. I creeped up slowly and evidently did not disturb, because the bunny stayed. On second thought there may be something seriously wrong with the bunny for allowing me to get so close. But he's like a pet, or a neighbor that I am always glad to see.

Mujahidin

I wrote this poem years ago, but no more than 10 years ago. It was inspired by the complex position of the United States in relation to the Soviet/Afghan war and the war post-9/11.  It's about a faceless, shifting figure of an Afghan fighter, sometimes an ally, and sometimes an enemy. Adding to the irony is the fact that the most recognizable leader of the most polarized faction is now physically faceless, I feel compelled to share the following.


In pockets of our country, there are hypersensitive, everyday Americans who react strongly to calls to patriotism, spreading stories rooted in truth about horrors - perpetrated by 'them' -  that have been documented 'over there.' As a sensitive person myself, I was really disturbed by the Rolling Stone article about the U.S. soldiers who dismembered civilians and collected trophies. And I can't imagine what we look like to them. War is hell, but it's unavoidable.




"Mujahidin"

Of this discourse, sing to me

Actions battled ‘cross the seas

My terror,

Watchman mujahidin

In the night, committing deeds unseen

Of this most distressing tragedy

Embattled, the land’s viscosity,

The airy, nymphs

Do not offer virginity

The soul does not catch

the tree of Eternity.

O, warrior,

Tell me you cannot see

This most horrible duality

His, and their voices circle

Of this Unspoken mockery,

O, mujahidin,

now I see

How terror ever came to be

of the callosity

My fingers bleed.

My forsaken, mujahidin.

(c) LW

Lost Phone

Last night we went out for dinner, where I sat reading my new article on Patch.com and discussing it with K. Then to a bookstore, where I remember using my phone. Then we came home, watched a movie, and then... my phone was missing.

I've never lost a phone before. How could I - I'm really responsible with that stuff. I only realized it was missing at 1 AM and after googling 'ways to track an iPhone' I became sick with the knowledge that I would never have paid to insure it or track it, so all of that was useless.

I dreamt that K checked for me and there were two cell phones turned into the bookstore, and I went only to have them make me fill out a police report and describe the size of the phone. Without my phone, I couldn't look it up on the internet (pathetic.) The dream ended without a conclusion.

Or it's possible that one of the people sitting around found my carelessly discarded phone and is now having the time of his life playing Tetris and listening to Kid Cudi. I am picturing the Eastern European guy from the commercials who answers the phone, "Hello this is Peggy..."

Or, what I have to admit is probable, it's sitting behind the counter waiting for me to come in and get it.

I wanted to drive over last night to peek in the window where I was sitting to see it there. But I knew that if I didn't see it, it might ruin my night.

So I am waiting.

The Wedding

I'll admit, I watched it. Only after I woke up at 9am!

I watched it because I scrolled through my news feed and saw this photo:

I couldn't take my eyes off the DRESS! I am very happy for Prince William and Kate, and England.

Me, A Sports Writer?

I write every day. I pull things deep from my subconscious. My journals are dream studies - literally - I write down every dream and nightmare I've had. They are charts of my goals for the future. I keep a list of photo opportunities that never worked out; they haunt me. I write when I am content, angry, grieving, or happy.

I have a blog. It has no rhyme or reason or distinct purpose. It exists for me, for a place to go. I write when I want to. When I've seen a film that has deeply affected me.. when I have a really good meal at a restaurant. When I am proud of my local government. When I experience any type of milestone that other people might want to read about.

I contribute weekly, monthly and quarterly to local publications. I write dining reviews without blinking. I write op-eds so easily it's like I've plugged my brain into the computer and my hands try to keep up typing.

So why does it take me three or four hours sometimes to publish a quick sports summary? It's because I am really out of my element here and always doubting what I've written. I study sports articles, and try to nail down a structure. I don't know how to word just about anything. Sometimes I ask myself why I volunteered to do this.

And then I remember... I dive into everything head first. If I thought about how difficult it would be, how unknown, how unwelcoming or unfriendly, wouldn't I psych myself out of just about everything? They say that you can't possibly know everything about parenting; such is life.

Every time I approach someone for a quote, I remember what I've learned from the last time. Each time I write, I learn something new. I take in new criticism.

I am astonished that I've been sitting in my chair at my desk as the sun went down, as the Phillies game is ending. When I sat down, my hair was soaking wet. Now it is dry.

So, please... read my baseball stories. They are my blood, sweat and tears. I am so frustrated. But I won't give up. I want to enjoy the rest of the season. When I put the camera down, and put my pen down, I'm just another spectator. I enjoy it. I can watch it. I don't have to worry about catching a play through the camera that clearly needs a bigger lens.

I have made new friends in the press box. Last Friday we sat through extra innings and barely made conversation. Today, I discovered that my new friend had a pacemaker installed last Thursday. He showed me the scars.. very cool. He said it as casually as if he had said, "So, my wife and I tried out the new restaurant." Just like that. And then his wife arrived at the game, and she climbed up into the press box. It was nice.

I'm really going to miss this. Someday soon I'll write more.

Two Cheers for Easton

Just read here that the City Council is moving forward on benefits for same-sex couples. Very glad to know this.

After I scanned the article, I was compelled to comment. As I clicked through, I noticed that someone had already commented. Not very pleasant, either. Isn't it crazy that so many people are fighting against the civil liberties of others? Love is love. Whatever hatred lives inside the hearts of people like Walter is foreign to me.

Walter, I have a friend who listens to Lady Gaga so much that her toddler repeats,"Don't be a drag, just be a queen." Does this irritate you? I hope it does.

Why deny the happiness of others.. does it threaten yours? What is wrong with two people stating their love for one another, willing to commit to one another? Be happy if a gay couple moves to your street. Chances are, they'll invest in your community, open a business, beautify the neighborhood, and God forbid, make things better. I'm sorry if I have offended anyone with this analogy - it's a bit stereotypical - but in my experience, it's 100% true.

On Self-Defense

I don't have much to say on the heartbreaking topic of bullying other than 'let's make it stop.' If only The Karate Kid was more celebrated, or remade more than once in thirty years.  If only Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' had been written ten years ago. If only, as a people, we would be more self-accepting and more self-aware. 


There are several arguments for why the suicide rate among minors seems to be rising. I imagine that social networking and the internet play a huge role. It's not violent video games and films. There's a sharp difference in violent role playing games and violence in real life. 


This e-mail came to me today and I'd like to share it:

----

Dear Parents,

I was saddened to learn that bullying has claimed yet another innocent child.  It was reported on the news that an 11 yr. old child committed suicide after being subjected to bullying.  I found it equally disheartening how the commentators suggested handling the problem of bullying.  They talked about going to teachers, friends, school administrators, and counselors.  Their methods, like the prevailing philosophy on solving the problem of bullying, are ineffective and inherently flawed.

The flaw is that these “solutions” entail third party intervention.  A third party (friends, teachers, the principal, etc.) is supposed to intervene and somehow magically restrain the bully.  This will never happen.  Teachers, friends, and school administrators will not be there all the time.  When a victim of bullying relies on a third party to solve his/her problems, he/she only becomes a greater victim.

The one and only truly effective solution to bullying, is to EMPOWER THE VICTIM.    The intended victim of bullying can be empowered by instilling confidence within the person that he/she can defend themselves in any situation.  Confidence is the bully’s most fearsome rival. When confidence replaces fear, bullies are promptly deterred.  A former President of our country would often talk about “Peace through strength.”  His idea was to have a strong military not necessarily to defeat our nation’s enemies, but  TO DETER THEM FROM ATTACKING IN THE FIRST PLACE.

This philosophy must serve as the foundation for any effective anti-bullying program.  Needless to say, STRONG, CONFIDENT CHILDREN DO NOT GET BULLIED.  Our program of self defense training empowers children with the confidence necessary to resist bullies.  When children are empowered with the knowledge and skills to defend themselves, they carry themselves with an air of confidence.  By projecting this air of confidence, would-be bullies know to back off.

The negative effects of bullying can last a lifetime. Please do not allow your child to become a victim.  If you are concerned that your child is the victim of Bullying bring him/her to your nearest Tiger Schulmann’s MMA Center, for a complimentary lesson.

CLICK HERE NOW TO GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY LESSON

Sincerely,

Master Tiger Schulmann

----

Just as with teaching young people to drive, we can only help what we can help. We can follow the rules and stay within the lines, but can never anticipate everything that will be thrown at us. I experienced a tragic loss of a friend in college who survived cancer, became a celebrated body builder, only to be fatally struck by an unlicensed driver who was traveling the wrong way on the road. These things happen without rhyme or reason, every day. People testing their boundaries, failing to respect common sense... much like people who are intentionally hurtful, disrespectful.

In institutions such as school and work, we interact with a wide variety of people. Sociopaths and psychopaths are among us, though they do not always lash out. All we can do is take care of ourselves and each other and be aware.

I've not studied martial arts, but it's never too late to learn. I feel the urge to buy a gun and learn how to use it. I am very aware of home intrusions, robberies, carjackings, assaults. I myself was once the victim of indecent assault. It happened when I was very young, and I was someone's child. Once you have that security taken from you, you never, ever forget what it feels like to be outside of your own circle of safety.

But I do believe that we can be weapons, ourselves, without having to carry a weapon. This sentiment is more for myself than it is for anyone else. I need to act on this and start learning. What about you? What about your child?

A Royal Pain

What is all of this coverage about Prince William and Kate Middleton? It's estimated to be the most viewed event on TV. Well, our American forefathers would be disappointed, to say the least, in our interest... we declared our independence hundreds of years ago. The only Brit I care about is Sienna Miller and what she is wearing. And maybe the Verve - Bittersweet Symphony is a fantastic song. I love Harry Potter. Russell Brand is pretty funny. But I mean, that's it!
When I go to People.com, I want to see headlines about American celebs, not a foreign monarchy! I hate seeing magazines dedicated to the couple popping up in between my beloved titles at the bookstore. And what's worse is that the media has a name for the coverage, and a color scheme too.

Is this not the stupidest thing you've ever seen?

I subscribe to Newsweek and this week Kate showed up on the cover! God, make it stop. It was a novelty when Princess Di married Prince Charles - cute, even. Lots of American women watched the wedding on TV, my mom included. But now, I don't get it. I'll be glad when it's over so that it doesn't hijack my news sources. And I wish Will and Kate all the best, a long happy fruitful life together.

But I really, really don't care.

The Hurt Locker

Finally watched last night. Embarrassed that it took so long since it won Best Picture last year and I clearly remember drooling over the poster at the theatre, though I didn't make it.  It had all of the ingredients that I look for in a film - serious, reflective, performance-based, violent, historically influenced. I found it poignant at times, at other times, preachy. Movies about war have the interesting possibility to get it right, or go horribly wrong. I think this movie did the former. War has quite an effect on its participants. I think the film is a good study on humanity.

Ugh, but the inconsistencies: wrong uniforms, inaccurate portrayal of Army protocol, and a weird situation with Ralph Fiennes' troops in the desert. However, it is one of those times that art makes you think about the world and the meaning of life, even if it is just to survive.

My favorite storyline was Renner's attachment to the Iraqi boy, his reaction to the body in the school, and his home life with his own son.  And just as combat/missions are his drug, his ultimate high is at the end of the final scene. I can't help but think that this is what happens to many of our enlisted. Once exposed to the highs and lows of a tour, how is it possible to adjust back to what is "normal?" What is normal, after all? Perhaps it doesn't exist...

Just today I read the Rolling Stone article about the Americans who committed war crimes by going after Afghan hajji and keeping fingers as trophies. I can't get the image out of my head. To be clear, that is separate from the film.  Though characters discussed intentional friendly fire and seeking vengeance, they did not act. The Rolling Stone article was written by Mark Boal, who wrote the screenplay for The Hurt Locker. Boal is foremost a journalist, who happened to write an Oscar-winning screenplay.

I don't like war, but don't expect that the world will ever be without it. Can't help thinking that it's too tough to carve out one's own will without becoming a pawn of the system. But I have the ultimate respect to those serving, honorably.

I'm drawn to anything where the human spirit encounters a test and it's basically the main plot of the film: tension, risk, etc. For that reason alone, it was worth it for me.

Did you see this? What are your thoughts?

Image: filmofilia.com

AI x 10

I don't watch a lot of night-time TV.  American Idol is probably the only show that I watch regularly. I'm really happy that Season 10 has started and I think the talent is much better than last year. I like the new judges most of all. Although, I do think the guys this year are much stronger than the girls. What do you think?

Brett's original song was awesome. He is so precious! I'll be watching tonight with a bbq chicken pizza, a bottle of white wine, and K <3.

These are the contestants I'll be voting for and after tonight, I'll pick my two favorite girls and guys. 

Friday Photo: Ice Age

There is ice everywhere.  It's like a new ice age.  Streets and alleys have several feet of compacted ice in each side, preventing cars from parking within perimeters of alloted spaces.  I took this photo Downtown  when I was on lunch break.

Little Sister

Sweet Success

I've called this post 'sweet success,' but in truth, it's slightly bittersweet.  But in a good way, like dark chocolate, or a good cocktail - like rum punch itself as it's served in the Carribean.  Strong.

I've been spending a great deal of time on my Etsy shop and it's been a baby of mine, a very good-tempered, sweet baby that I love spending time with.  It's not work - it's a passion.  I will do this for the rest of my life. There are elements of the process that I like more than others, but it all changes day to day.  It's a labor of love.  It starts with conception - of ideas.  Sourcing.  Design (where nothing ever ends up quite as I first imagined, and my fingernails are destroyed.) Photography, waiting for a bright day, for lots of natural sunlight to pour in, and I start shooting.  Manipulating the images.  Listing the items.  Sharing a story with my customers for each item.

It's all tied together by a concept.  My concept involves a mythical island in the Carribean, lots of rum punch, pirates, buried treasure, international trade, religion local to the region.  A small twist of Dia de los Muertos, a blast of color, and skulls. The geographical aspect keeps me focused, immensely.

The jewelry design started a long time ago, when I made things for myself.  Last year - 2009 - I began making small batches of jewelry, inspired by some vintage pieces I picked up at Theater Vue Antiques in downtown Easton.  Some wonderful, generous shopowners offered to sell my pieces in their shops.  And my friend Sarah wanted to window shop my stuff online.  And so began the RUM PUNCH Etsy shop.

It's always a pleasant surprise when I receive confirmation of a new sale.  So much wonder, for me, that a total stranger shopped my boutique and committed to a purchase.  I wish that I could talk with the customer in person, make eye contact, and thank them warmly.  But the endless possibilities of the online shopping experience allow me to reach a global audience.  The alternative to the warm in-person experience is the warm old fashioned postal experience.  My careful choice of words, my self-designed business card, gift wrap and packaging are, by extension, part of the RUM PUNCH experience.

I'm reaching milestones faster than I ever expected - my first international sale was also my first item priced over $40.  Then I did a giveaway and found myself with 40+ brand new Facebook fans - who stuck around after the giveaway ended.  I'm always competing with myself, trying to outdo my own photography.  And it continues.

Today, I sold 3 items to a lovely stranger in London.  One of the necklaces was my absolute favorite - the Dream Catcher.  The concept is inspired by Native American culture and features a heavy metal skull that I purchased in NYC.  Everything I design is handmade and unique, everything is one-of-a-kind.  Here is the bittersweet part -- 

So the Dreamcatcher is leaving the rest of the necklaces it's grouped with.  They're perched on a silver arm of my little spraypainted-white cart with wheels.  It's going across the ocean, to be loved by another.  In its absence, I'll design something different, but very much the same. 

Today has been a new milestone, and in time, I'll know just what the milestone is.  I am happy.

Today: MLK, Jr.

What would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. think of today's America?  Considering the question "would he be dissapointed or happy," I can't answer.  But this question is much more complex than it may seem.  It's not like sketching a portrait of what a missing child will grow up to look like.  That, though weaved with many variables, at least has a solid footing in something tangible.  But our society, compared with Dr. King's, is much more complicated.


I'll be honest, I haven't read the columns written by other bloggers on this.  I didn't watch TV on Dr. King's holiday.  I don't want to be influenced.


I had the privilege of studying Dr. King briefly while I worked toward my undergraduate degree at The Pennsylvania State University.  I wrote a paper for my senior history seminar comparing the life events and teachings of Dr. King and Malcolm X.  Though contemporaries, I wouldn't necessarily consider the men to be peers.  They were both strong black men, both leaders, during the most intensely difficult racial climate of the 20th century.  But Dr. King preached nonviolence, kindness and patience; Malcolm X offered harsher words, instead favoring militance, and demanding immediate change.  They were both influenced deeply by mentors, hard workers, both with the qualities necessary to lead.   To be clear, I don't favor one over the other.  Their stories, so different, are so inspirational.  They both met tragic ends, both assassinated.  Some of the darker moments in our history as a people.


But Dr. King's impact was awesome.  Who can look to the mall in Washington D.C. without remembering those people who marched on it, who came to listen to his message?  His voice lives on in audio recordings.  His dream was our dream, and the text is posted in classrooms all over the States.


It is natural to question what he'd think today, on the day that we pause to remember him.  But I'm not sure it's a pleasant answer.


Of course, today we have an African-American president.  Consider the great strides that the African-American people have made in our short national history.  In 1787, our forefathers reached the "3/5 compromise."  This was 224 years ago; some trees live 224 years.

But Dr. King advocated nonviolence, and our history is riddled with acts of violence.  Christopher Columbus' massacre of natives.  The systematic settlers' campaign against Native Americans.  Vietnam.  September 11th.  Of hate.  Harvey Milk.  Matthew Shepard.  Virginia Tech.  And during President Obama's tenure, just before Dr. King's holiday, a lone gunman waged his own war against innocents in a public setting.   There are countless other acts that have complicated explanations of their own.  How many school shootings were perpetrated by students who were bullied prior to the infamous events? 

The connotation of nonviolence runs very deep.  Some interpret it as vegetarianism, for example.  But we must not turn a blind eye to school bullies.  Just today, I read news that two more students have fallen victim to school bullying, taking their own lives.  Lance Lundsten.  Tiffani Maxwell.

I think that's when it hit home for me.  The teachings and impact of Dr. King are not simply black and white.  It's about kindness, period.  Why are young people taking their lives?  It's not depression, but bullying?  This is an outrage.  Anyone who uses words of hate, even casually, are part of the big problem.  I applaud public figures like Ellen DeGeneres; she's recorded heartfelt messages of love and kindness and reached out to teens through her website.  If more people were like her, less of this would happen.

I think if he were here today, Dr. King would say, in essence, let's be kinder to ourselves and to others.


Image: Smithsonian Institution Libraries