Last night I told the world on Facebook that I was attempting to start a backyard campfire on my own, since Jorge's flights in Ft. Lauderdale and Atlanta were both delayed.
I've never been one to pretend to be Caroline Ingalls, but I needed a marshmallow. Or two or fifteen.
So I did the Scouty "kindling" tepee thing (Hey, I've been paying attention) with twigs and dry mulch and got a roaring fire going, and by roaring, I mean BONFIRE. I know it has nothing to do with the Tom Wolfe novel, but all I could say over and over in my head was, "BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES! BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES!"
I minded that behemoth like it was a sleeping bear because I knew Jorge would be so mad if he came home and I had burned down the neighborhood. He's so strict.
So I sat there and read chapters 1 and 2 of Jeremiah, and then a book on running after age 35. (Ha! Try "after 45.")
I also threw in my draft notes of my column which I've been writing. It felt kind of good to watch them burn.
Then I just sat there and stared into the fire.
And then THIS kept going through my head:
And that's when I knew it was time to put out the fire.
It took 5.5 buckets of water to put it out, and when I poured the first one on, millions of white ashes swooshed up into the air and came down like snow or dandruff or psoriasis, all over my head and shoulders and clothes. But the fire fought me, so I had to come back out 4.5 more times and create another Pompei with ashes.
So that's how I ended July, which I loved except when I fell down two nights ago.
The end.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Crumbs on the counter, tools in the shop.
Yes, there are still crumbs on my counter. I first confessed here. But how sweet will it be when I sweep them into this vintage crumb tray?
Now on to the real reason I'm posting. Or more like...the real reason I haven't been! It's countdown time! The JunkGirls are crunching to create a wonderful array of goods for JunkFest 2009. We've hunted and gathered and now it's time to take those "treasures" we've found and restore their beauty! Or perhaps give them a funky touch too. :-) But in order to do that we need TOOLS!! Lots and lots of tools. Here are a few of my faves:
This is a gift from Sweet Man-O-Mine. It's a cordless circular saw!
And this little driver will be handy to get into those spots my larger drill won't fit in to. I haven't tried it yet because its...
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TOOLS????
Here's a better view of the sneak peek I showed you here. So sorry I teased you with partial pictures. heehee
Now on to the real reason I'm posting. Or more like...the real reason I haven't been! It's countdown time! The JunkGirls are crunching to create a wonderful array of goods for JunkFest 2009. We've hunted and gathered and now it's time to take those "treasures" we've found and restore their beauty! Or perhaps give them a funky touch too. :-) But in order to do that we need TOOLS!! Lots and lots of tools. Here are a few of my faves:
This is a gift from Sweet Man-O-Mine. It's a cordless circular saw!
And this little driver will be handy to get into those spots my larger drill won't fit in to. I haven't tried it yet because its...
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TOOLS????
Here's a better view of the sneak peek I showed you here. So sorry I teased you with partial pictures. heehee
Stolen Art Watch, Hitting Corks in a Barrel of Water !!!!
Career burglar jailed for eight years
A THIEF who committed nearly 50 burglaries including at least one in Suffolk is today beginning an eight-year jail term.
Peter Sonny Martin O'Halloran, of no fixed address, is believed to have netted property worth up to £750,000.
The 34-year-old also gave £18,000 from his haul to his girlfriend Rebekah Holland, of Ipswich, leaving her a bagful of money and a note professing his love.
O'Halloran was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court after being caught in Wandsworth in February following an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme following a nationwide manhunt led by Gloucestershire Constabulary.
He had previously pleaded guilty to nine counts of burglary. His targets included one home in Dullingham, near Newmarket, and another offence of transferring criminal property.
He also admitted to a further 38 burglaries, which were taken into consideration when sentencing him.
Among the offences he was questioned about was a burglary in Walsham le-Willows, near Stowmarket where cash, silverware and other property were stolen on January 3 last year.
He was also wanted for a break in at the home of a former Jockey Club steward at Kirtling, near Newmarket in which hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of rare antiques and racing memorabilia were taken in November 2006.
At the time of his arrest, O'Halloran had been wanted for almost two years, both on recall to prison for breach of licence conditions and for questioning in relation to a series of burglaries across southern and central England.
A national media appeal was made for information as to his whereabouts, he was listed on Crimestoppers' Most Wanted website and also featured on Crimewatch.
Detective sergeant Dave Doherty, who led the investigation for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “This arrest and subsequent conviction is a perfect example of the excellent cooperation that exists between constabularies.”
Peter Sonny Martin O'Halloran, of no fixed address, is believed to have netted property worth up to £750,000.
The 34-year-old also gave £18,000 from his haul to his girlfriend Rebekah Holland, of Ipswich, leaving her a bagful of money and a note professing his love.
O'Halloran was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court after being caught in Wandsworth in February following an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme following a nationwide manhunt led by Gloucestershire Constabulary.
He had previously pleaded guilty to nine counts of burglary. His targets included one home in Dullingham, near Newmarket, and another offence of transferring criminal property.
He also admitted to a further 38 burglaries, which were taken into consideration when sentencing him.
Among the offences he was questioned about was a burglary in Walsham le-Willows, near Stowmarket where cash, silverware and other property were stolen on January 3 last year.
He was also wanted for a break in at the home of a former Jockey Club steward at Kirtling, near Newmarket in which hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of rare antiques and racing memorabilia were taken in November 2006.
At the time of his arrest, O'Halloran had been wanted for almost two years, both on recall to prison for breach of licence conditions and for questioning in relation to a series of burglaries across southern and central England.
A national media appeal was made for information as to his whereabouts, he was listed on Crimestoppers' Most Wanted website and also featured on Crimewatch.
Detective sergeant Dave Doherty, who led the investigation for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “This arrest and subsequent conviction is a perfect example of the excellent cooperation that exists between constabularies.”
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday's Fave Five: Zoe Style
Thanks for hosting this, Susanne at Living to Tell the StoryAs you know, I've been on my own a lot this week. But I had this little thing to keep me company, when she wasn't sulking about Jorge being gone. By Thursday, she was over him, pretty much.
Here I am avoiding starting to write the draft of my column by taking pictures of Zoe and me. I am so creative at postponing writing when I have writer's block.
I love how her head is cocked here.
Little Miss Emo.
Every time I would try to get my face next to hers for our "photo shoot," she would try to kiss me. Wow, bad breath (thus the pained expression on my face) but the sentiment behind it was sweet.
Dodd Done
He Should Resign Immediately.
Connecticut's worthless and corrupt U.S. Senator Chris Dodd looks even worse, if that's possible, as testimony leaks from the ethics committee investigating his cozy relationship with crooked banks.
Two powerful Senate Democrats said Tuesday that they knew they got low mortgage-rate deals in a lender's VIP program but thought the special treatment was a "courtesy" or the same as "frequent flier" discounts.
Both vehemently denied any wrongdoing or ethical lapse in the mortgage deals, which came to light a year ago and triggered investigations by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
"I thought this was like a frequent-flier program," Sen. Kent Conrad, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said of the special benefits. "I thought nothing of it."
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, said an account executive at Countrywide Financial Corp. told him that the VIP status was "nothing more than ... courtesy stuff."
A Countrywide official who handled the loans had said that both senators knew they got preferential treatment in the form of waived fees and points that likely saved them tens of thousands of dollars.
Robert Feinberg, who formerly worked in the mortgage giant's VIP section, said in testimony to congressional investigators last month that the senators were made aware of their status as VIPs or "Friends of Angelo," referring to Countrywide Chief Executive Officer Angelo Mozilo. The CEO played a central role in the subprime-mortgage meltdown, which included the downfall of Countrywide last year.
"It was always instilled in them to let them know their sense of importance of where they were. And that you ... were a friend of Angelo's. You were referred by Angelo. You were approved by Angelo," Mr. Feinberg told Republican investigators for the House oversight committee.
Taxpayers lost billions while these guys cashed-in? Even if they were somehow "unaware" of the freebies they were receiving, the fact that they thought it was normal shows the entitlement mentality of privilege they have. It is time for Senator Dodd and Senator Conrad to submit their resignations and leave the political scene in disgrace.
Yesterday
I didn't post anything yesterday because I had to attend to some things that were important but not really much fun. In the morning I went to the Doctor's for my annual check-up. He told me that I was in excellent health for someone my age and with my background of self-destructive behavior. That's a Devine for ya - none too pretty but built to last.
In the afternoon I had to take the bus to Easthampton to pay a visit to the dreaded registry. There used to be a registry in Hadley but they stupidly shut it down. Before I got the bus I went to the Haymarket Cafe in downtown Hamp for some coffee. Outside people were playing with a pet mouse.
Inside they were playing with computers.
Finally the bus came by and I got on. I got off at Eastworks, which is where the registry is located.
I groaned when I saw all the people waiting for service, but it actually only took about 45 minutes to get in and out, which is not bad by government standards.
In Easthampton itself I couldn't help but notice that there are all these bears on display. Bear footprints are painted on the sidewalks.
A psychedelic bear with band-aids.
One of the bears was stolen, resulting in this shrine pleading for it to be returned.
For more information about Easthampton bears go here.
Rides
Speaking of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, here's some cool transpo I've stumbled upon in my ramblings. This car parked in Easthampton defines cool.
Here's an unusual van in the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot on King Street in Northampton. Dig the triple headlights.
This rariety was parked in front of Packard's in downtown Hamp.
Today's Video
The Cave Bears weird-out at Mystery Train Records in Amherst.
Connecticut's worthless and corrupt U.S. Senator Chris Dodd looks even worse, if that's possible, as testimony leaks from the ethics committee investigating his cozy relationship with crooked banks.
Two powerful Senate Democrats said Tuesday that they knew they got low mortgage-rate deals in a lender's VIP program but thought the special treatment was a "courtesy" or the same as "frequent flier" discounts.
Both vehemently denied any wrongdoing or ethical lapse in the mortgage deals, which came to light a year ago and triggered investigations by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
"I thought this was like a frequent-flier program," Sen. Kent Conrad, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said of the special benefits. "I thought nothing of it."
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, said an account executive at Countrywide Financial Corp. told him that the VIP status was "nothing more than ... courtesy stuff."
A Countrywide official who handled the loans had said that both senators knew they got preferential treatment in the form of waived fees and points that likely saved them tens of thousands of dollars.
Robert Feinberg, who formerly worked in the mortgage giant's VIP section, said in testimony to congressional investigators last month that the senators were made aware of their status as VIPs or "Friends of Angelo," referring to Countrywide Chief Executive Officer Angelo Mozilo. The CEO played a central role in the subprime-mortgage meltdown, which included the downfall of Countrywide last year.
"It was always instilled in them to let them know their sense of importance of where they were. And that you ... were a friend of Angelo's. You were referred by Angelo. You were approved by Angelo," Mr. Feinberg told Republican investigators for the House oversight committee.
Taxpayers lost billions while these guys cashed-in? Even if they were somehow "unaware" of the freebies they were receiving, the fact that they thought it was normal shows the entitlement mentality of privilege they have. It is time for Senator Dodd and Senator Conrad to submit their resignations and leave the political scene in disgrace.
Yesterday
I didn't post anything yesterday because I had to attend to some things that were important but not really much fun. In the morning I went to the Doctor's for my annual check-up. He told me that I was in excellent health for someone my age and with my background of self-destructive behavior. That's a Devine for ya - none too pretty but built to last.
In the afternoon I had to take the bus to Easthampton to pay a visit to the dreaded registry. There used to be a registry in Hadley but they stupidly shut it down. Before I got the bus I went to the Haymarket Cafe in downtown Hamp for some coffee. Outside people were playing with a pet mouse.
Inside they were playing with computers.
Finally the bus came by and I got on. I got off at Eastworks, which is where the registry is located.
I groaned when I saw all the people waiting for service, but it actually only took about 45 minutes to get in and out, which is not bad by government standards.
In Easthampton itself I couldn't help but notice that there are all these bears on display. Bear footprints are painted on the sidewalks.
A psychedelic bear with band-aids.
One of the bears was stolen, resulting in this shrine pleading for it to be returned.
For more information about Easthampton bears go here.
Rides
Speaking of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, here's some cool transpo I've stumbled upon in my ramblings. This car parked in Easthampton defines cool.
Here's an unusual van in the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot on King Street in Northampton. Dig the triple headlights.
This rariety was parked in front of Packard's in downtown Hamp.
Today's Video
The Cave Bears weird-out at Mystery Train Records in Amherst.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday 13: When The Spouse Travels
Observations, good and bad, about when my spouse travels.
Good:
1. You can eat out of styrofoam bowls with plastic sporks all week long if you want to avoid dirty dishes. (If you want to avoid dirty dishes?)
2. You can get in and out of your vehicle without adjusting the seat and mirror each time. Ditto on the shower head.
3. There is no one to mock you for watching "The Bachelorette Tells All on the After-the-Rose-Jump-Hug Ceremony" or other quality reality shows.
4. Personal hygiene and maintenance of all sorts is an option, not a requirement.
5. You can decide to see a chick flick on a Tuesday night with a friend just because you want to without feeling guilty. Skippy doodles!
Bad:
6. There is no one upon whom to place your icy feet at night.
7. Your coffee doesn't make and walk itself to you each morning.
8. When you bemoan, "I can't wait for Kristin to come home from cross country camp because I miss her so much I went into her room and the tiny little pile of p.j.'s she left on the floor just broke my heart and I'm so sorry I've ever said a cross word to her in her entire life because she is the best, sweetest girl in the world" no one commiserates with you.
9. Your dog mopes around because your spouse, her favorite, is gone. This is both pathetic and a real honk off at the same time.
10. When you work on a draft for a column, no one feigns interest the way you are accustomed to.
11. He takes the book you're reading with him.
12. He is in Florida, and you're not.
13. You find yourself singing weird songs like, "Bluer Than Blue," and "Ain't No Sunshine When (s)He's Gone."
With apologies to Bill Withers (And I sound just like him when I sing this version):
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone.
I set the alarm when he's away.
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone
So I'm singing this bluesy song
And my readers have to pay.
Wonder who will mow the lawn.
Wonder which bills I should pay.
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone
And these cookies won't last long
anytime he goes away.
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know
Hey, I could just pick up that phone,
But ain't no sunshine when he's gone.
Good:
1. You can eat out of styrofoam bowls with plastic sporks all week long if you want to avoid dirty dishes. (If you want to avoid dirty dishes?)
2. You can get in and out of your vehicle without adjusting the seat and mirror each time. Ditto on the shower head.
3. There is no one to mock you for watching "The Bachelorette Tells All on the After-the-Rose-Jump-Hug Ceremony" or other quality reality shows.
4. Personal hygiene and maintenance of all sorts is an option, not a requirement.
5. You can decide to see a chick flick on a Tuesday night with a friend just because you want to without feeling guilty. Skippy doodles!
Bad:
6. There is no one upon whom to place your icy feet at night.
7. Your coffee doesn't make and walk itself to you each morning.
8. When you bemoan, "I can't wait for Kristin to come home from cross country camp because I miss her so much I went into her room and the tiny little pile of p.j.'s she left on the floor just broke my heart and I'm so sorry I've ever said a cross word to her in her entire life because she is the best, sweetest girl in the world" no one commiserates with you.
9. Your dog mopes around because your spouse, her favorite, is gone. This is both pathetic and a real honk off at the same time.
10. When you work on a draft for a column, no one feigns interest the way you are accustomed to.
11. He takes the book you're reading with him.
12. He is in Florida, and you're not.
13. You find yourself singing weird songs like, "Bluer Than Blue," and "Ain't No Sunshine When (s)He's Gone."
With apologies to Bill Withers (And I sound just like him when I sing this version):
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone.
I set the alarm when he's away.
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone
So I'm singing this bluesy song
And my readers have to pay.
Wonder who will mow the lawn.
Wonder which bills I should pay.
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone
And these cookies won't last long
anytime he goes away.
And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know
Hey, I could just pick up that phone,
But ain't no sunshine when he's gone.
Rusted Illumination
I happen to be a big fan of candles. I usually have a candle or two burning every day, especially in the winter. Jar candles get my vote for safety reasons, and there are literally hundreds of scents to choose from. This post however, has nothing to do with jar candles! Sometimes we want to set the mood, strike a little ambiance, or simply show off when we have company! I did a little digging in my rusty collection of iron junk, found some favorites and cleaned them up with a little soap and water...and a good coat of protective finish. Felt protectors are in order, since these have sharp edges that can leave scratches. Why, just look at that table....hate to see that get scratched up!!
Add a rusty looking finial, fleur de lis, or pineapple, and you've got yourself a great table centerpiece.
"Better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness." Chinese proverb
I'm linking up to SNS over at Funky Junk Interiors..
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: How Not to Do a "Squat"
The hinder and head are actually in the right positions, awkward as it is, but I have to critique the secondary activity; that is, squats don't help much if you're consuming Smores while exercising. Just a tip.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Bachelorette and the Subject of Hugs
Excuse the kitschy clip art. I'm feelin' a bit emotional right now, sniff.Remember this song by Pete Seeger:
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Well, not to whine, but I'm hearing:
Where have all the readers gone?
Long time passing
Maybe out frolicking on their lawns
When will they ever return?
Dude, I don't know about you, but I'm hearing echoes around 2nd Cup. Oh well. That's never stopped me before. I just keep on keepin' on. So if you're a little lonely in the comments section, too, let us just have a big ol' group hug. OK, that's over.
Speaking of hugs.Question: Why on "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" and "Wife Swap" do women run up to the guy and straddle jump him? Once you've seen this about 100 times, and I would think once you've greeted him that way 100 times, it kind of loses its spontaneous, flirty aspect. Thank goodness they're all size 2's, too.
I just wonder if those guys start thinking, "Ohhhh, here she comes! Get ready ... get set ... here she comes ... plant my feet and ... WOMP!" "I made it! I'm still standing!" It's like WWF hugging. You'd think they were returning from war or something. It's the new nonverbal cliche: the jump-hug.
I'm thinking the technique probably takes practice.It just happens that Jorge is traveling on business this week. Perhaps I should practice up the jump hug on the walnut tree in the back yard for when he returns.
Uh, No! Not serious!
JK, Jorge!
So what did you think of The Bachelorette finale?
Did Reid's return surprise you? I'm glad she didn't choose him. He looks like he's about 16.
And didn't ya just love the "bleep" Jillian gave us before Ed turned up? Hi-Klass.
It's kind of ironic that the Cymbalta commercial came on right after Jillian spent 15 minutes of air time crying. Heck yeah, "Depression hurts." So does reality TV.
And did you notice that Jillian awkwardly jump-hugged Ed during at her proposal? That's hard to do in a formal. But it wouldn't be The Bachelorette without the jump-hug. Good grief.
Getting Sirius
Visiting the Eco-Village
Having dealt with the infamous Western Mass guru Michael Rapunzel and his Brotherhood of the Spirit, I am naturally skeptical of alternative communities. However, yesterday I had a chance to visit the Sirius Eco-Village up in nearby Shutesbury and was very impressed. Never heard of it? Here's a capsule summary:
Sirius Community is an educational, spiritual, service community of twenty to thirty residents and about two hundred associate non-resident members. It is an intentional community situated between the Quabbin Reservoir and the Connecticut River, in the eastern hills of the Pioneer Valley in Shutesbury, MA. It is a demonstration site for Permaculture Design and enacts the philosophies of "living lightly on Earth . . . living in harmony with nature." Sirius is an eco-village that models organic food production, green energy generation and generally less consumptive and more self-sufficient lifestyles. This involves "green" building and passive solar construction, solar and wind power, organic agriculture, waste management, and composting and energy efficient appliances. The community strives to embody "the new planetary consciousness that honors [the] interconnectedness and sacredness of all living things." Sirius engages in community outreach through hosting workshops, apprenticeships, courses and open houses. And, more than just opening their doors, they actively seek ways to build coalitions with organizations and people in the surrounding area.
That may sound a little spacey, and I suppose it is, but not in a bad way. In fact, I would call this community one of the coolest places in the Valley to visit and hang out for a while. Most Sunday afternoons are a good time to stop by. The community center building rises like an Aztec temple over the woodlands of Shutesbury.
Inside people were sitting around, playing instruments and just chillin.
There apparently had been some kind of activity earlier where people wrote things on a strip of paper and hung them up.
When I got there lunch had just ended. Here is the gong to call people to eat, made out of an old oxegen tank. It was surprisingly tuneful.
This is the community oven and the person who built it.
The design of the structures is sometimes quite whimsical.
Most of the buildings appear to be heated by woodstoves.
The community tries to incorporate a variety of energy sources, so that no one form dominates. That is in sharp contrast to the larger society which is primarily oil dependant. Here is one of the many solar panels on the premises.
This is one of the group meditation rooms.
Chickens wander about pretty freely.
Art is also encouraged. Someone transformed this dead tree into a beautiful wood nymph.
I like these psychedelic murals.
The community is pretty isolated, and I suspect most people would not choose to live there full time. But there is a lot for visitors to do there, including interesting and informative classes, lectures and outdoor activities available for very reasonable prices. It's the sort of scene you could get wrapped up in to ever deeper degrees without even realizing it. I suggest you check it out.
Showtime in Hamp
Where else but in downtown Northampton would you find a psychedelic King Tut?
Actually it was an advetisement for the production of Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Academy of Music.
Saturday the band Primate Fiasco was playing on the steps of the First Church. Here's a glimpse of the scene.
Drivin' That Train
What is it about Palmer, Massachusetts (train station above) that makes everyone so fascinated with the trains that go by that they make tons of videos of them? Check it out here.
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
Having dealt with the infamous Western Mass guru Michael Rapunzel and his Brotherhood of the Spirit, I am naturally skeptical of alternative communities. However, yesterday I had a chance to visit the Sirius Eco-Village up in nearby Shutesbury and was very impressed. Never heard of it? Here's a capsule summary:
Sirius Community is an educational, spiritual, service community of twenty to thirty residents and about two hundred associate non-resident members. It is an intentional community situated between the Quabbin Reservoir and the Connecticut River, in the eastern hills of the Pioneer Valley in Shutesbury, MA. It is a demonstration site for Permaculture Design and enacts the philosophies of "living lightly on Earth . . . living in harmony with nature." Sirius is an eco-village that models organic food production, green energy generation and generally less consumptive and more self-sufficient lifestyles. This involves "green" building and passive solar construction, solar and wind power, organic agriculture, waste management, and composting and energy efficient appliances. The community strives to embody "the new planetary consciousness that honors [the] interconnectedness and sacredness of all living things." Sirius engages in community outreach through hosting workshops, apprenticeships, courses and open houses. And, more than just opening their doors, they actively seek ways to build coalitions with organizations and people in the surrounding area.
That may sound a little spacey, and I suppose it is, but not in a bad way. In fact, I would call this community one of the coolest places in the Valley to visit and hang out for a while. Most Sunday afternoons are a good time to stop by. The community center building rises like an Aztec temple over the woodlands of Shutesbury.
Inside people were sitting around, playing instruments and just chillin.
There apparently had been some kind of activity earlier where people wrote things on a strip of paper and hung them up.
When I got there lunch had just ended. Here is the gong to call people to eat, made out of an old oxegen tank. It was surprisingly tuneful.
This is the community oven and the person who built it.
The design of the structures is sometimes quite whimsical.
Most of the buildings appear to be heated by woodstoves.
The community tries to incorporate a variety of energy sources, so that no one form dominates. That is in sharp contrast to the larger society which is primarily oil dependant. Here is one of the many solar panels on the premises.
This is one of the group meditation rooms.
Chickens wander about pretty freely.
Art is also encouraged. Someone transformed this dead tree into a beautiful wood nymph.
I like these psychedelic murals.
The community is pretty isolated, and I suspect most people would not choose to live there full time. But there is a lot for visitors to do there, including interesting and informative classes, lectures and outdoor activities available for very reasonable prices. It's the sort of scene you could get wrapped up in to ever deeper degrees without even realizing it. I suggest you check it out.
Showtime in Hamp
Where else but in downtown Northampton would you find a psychedelic King Tut?
Actually it was an advetisement for the production of Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Academy of Music.
Saturday the band Primate Fiasco was playing on the steps of the First Church. Here's a glimpse of the scene.
Drivin' That Train
What is it about Palmer, Massachusetts (train station above) that makes everyone so fascinated with the trains that go by that they make tons of videos of them? Check it out here.
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