Making joy part of every day. Eating locally and organically. Preserving what remains of our ancient trees, protecting the food stream from genetics and chemical farming, ending the brutality so many people live with each day, ensuring there remains clean water for those who follow behind us.
My creative outlets are primarily silversmithing and working nearly any sort of textiles.
Music
Xavier Rudd, Donavon Frankenrieter, The Band, John Hartford, Lewi Longmire, Bryan Sutton, Taj Mahal, Uncle Earl, EmmyLou Harris, Barbeque Orchestra, Freak Mountain Ramblers, Hot Rize, Ray Charles, early or Exile era Stones, Green Day, Johnny Cash, March Forth Marching Band, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, early Bonnie Raitt, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Gillian Welsh, Bingo Dream Band, John Prine, Michael Franti, Nina Simone, Zucchero, The Clash, Ben Sollee, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros...
Movies
The Marx Brothers are always a favorite. The Blues Brothers is genius, Il Postino luscious, Peter Sellers, Spencer and Kate, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Orson Welles...
Television
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Books
Some all time favorites include The Lorax (and almost anything else Dr. Suess) Wendell Berry's novels, Wallace Stegner (esp. Angle of Repose), John Irving, John Steinbeck - with whom I share a birthday, and "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
Heroes
My grandfather, my dear friend Laurie, all the people standing up for each other and the special places, all the journalists out there still telling the truth, Martin Luther King, Jr.
NW Rage Northwest Resistance To Genetic Engineering - need I say more?
Codepink Brave women doing phenomenal work for peace with a sense of humor
Committee on Conscience Incredible site from The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum aimed at information to help end genocidal brutality worldwide
Mercycorps Doing great work to help people in need all over the globe.
Kiva People helping each other directly through micro-lending. What a freaking brilliant idea!
About me:
I'm a fanatic music lover madly in love with my family and friends and trying to remain sane and politically active in the midst of the craziness that comprises so much of our world. I'm ever so grateful for the wealth of places, people and sounds that keep me grounded so that most days I can see the sea of work needed in my community and planet without drowning in it.
Hey Kym, Just got back from the desert and a week in shorts. Now just waiting for the snow. No wintergrass for us this year, no job means not spending. Cheers,Bob
I haven't heard Ben Solee's whole album. I like what I've heard, though, and really like his collaborations with the other three members of The Sparrow Quartet.
Hello my sister! Yes, I had the best Mother's Day in all of the 9 years I've been one! My new man went all out to make it perfect, and the kids didn't do too badly either (LOL!) Hope yours was filled with love and smiles, and happy moments! Big hugs! Alex
My darling Kym... I feel the same damn way today! It doesn't help that I commited to myself to not use heat or lights today and I'm FREEZING MY ASS OFF! Of course... now that I think about it, I'm sucking up electricity right here and now, aren't I?
CHEESE n' RICE on a CRACKER!!
Remember that political confab we were going to have? We should have had it while I had strength of conviction. Now my beliefs feel as cohesive as a dandelion seed head in a wind storm...
Thanks for the compliment darlin... I actually posted a revised version of that blog. Instead of going to sleep I kept writing... but was just too warn out to press cntrl C, click, click, cntrl V... even one more time! Happy day my lovely friend! xoxo R
Just wanted to stop by your little corner of MyS and say "Hi!" I am finally working full time on the painting... I never thought it possible! A bad picture of my latest...
There are some great shows coming up here in SLC this spring... plus Franti and Spearhead in Jackson Hole! Woot-Woot! BTW... my move to Oregon has been postponed until after my youngest gives birth to my SECOND grandchild in August! Yup... two grandbabies. But I'm still coming home!
The North Mississippi Allstars were GREAT! Despite the fact that I had to be at work at 5am the next morning, I stayed until the very end and got home after 1:30am. Worth it!
I skipped Spearhead since I couldn't find anyone to go up to Vail (2 hours away) with me and I wasn't crazy about sleeping in the back of my Jeep after the show. I caught them live 3 times last year, and just can't get enough, but the logistics were too difficult this time.
I love that Tim O'Brien song/video that you posted ("Brother Wind"). I was just listening to that a few days ago. I can't wait to see him back on stage this summer!
Hello Kym - I went to hear Xavier Rudd play here 2 weeks ago. His live show is changed dramatically with the addition of the drummer. Had seen Split Lip Rayfield the night before and was super impressed. The Hot Buttered Rum shows last week were AMAZING! Franti & Spearhead next week.
