SB Day plus 1 (SB=scum bag)
Woke up crying, walked to hallway called Cat, balled, talked to mom, balled, sister, balled, matt, balled.
Them too.
Contacted police department swam like a seagull in Prince William Sound, but the muck cleared.
Received all the pawn shop names/numbers and will be contacting them tomorrow.
To keep my mind off the crime, I had to stay busy, and it actually turned out to be a good day while active, while alone/driving, the emotions stirred
Each time I move to a new location I sense a part of me left behind.
Had a wonderful lunch at Swanton Berry Farms, then went to the CASFS program and caught up with a couple of the 2nd year apprentices I met on my trip in August.
Then attended a meeting and bounced around some ideas with others.
I miss the ole' General terribly, here I'm misty eyed.
But there's hope the police are searching, I'm being proactive, and generous others whom hardly know me have offered help to acquire a mandolin, its impossible to replace.
Even walked into a music store, told the tale, glanced at the mandolins at a distance and left them misty eyed, and willing to offer one hell of a deal.
I even contacted the music store back in Fredricksburg VA at Pickers Supply and spoke with them, equally heartbroken.
Note** you do not get their kind of attention when ordering instruments online.**
All in all, things are progressing, today was good day. As always Santa Cruz is an exceptional place to find myself wayfaring for a while.
Oh, and I forgot, we visited an urban farm ran exclusively back homeless persons.
Darn do good hippy California.:-)
Damn Good Biking
Mammath Mountain
Friday, November 7, 2008
A turn of events
This trip has been an ultimate disaster.
I have little other news to offer, this is how it all played out.
Since leaving Charlottesville a few short days ago my life, dreams, and heart have been ultimately shattered into thousands of tiny jagged pieces. Immediately this trip has been filled with gloom, on my way to CA I fell ill, missed my flight and was charged $400 extra to get to my destination thus depleting my last monetary resources in the world and now have .55$ in my account.
On election day, the day of days, I felt such an overwhelming exuberance that the possibility for real change was at our finger tips, the new era in American history was unfolding before us. I'm merely doing my part. Call it chronic volunteerism.
So after the flight mishap and staying in Long Beach, I walked with my heavy bags a couple miles to the bus station when I arrived and reached into my back pocket searching for my wallet, it was gone. This loss cost me my identification, (passport) etc as well as Personal documents, and the last remnants of cash reserves left other than my bank account.
Africa Redux. Backpack is there too! I hate bags with wheels, that's tourist shit.
But its okay, I know being broke its not out of the ordinary, but with optimism in reserves I knew I'll get more money, ID's can always be replaced.
Wait, it gets worse.
This morning I had a meeting with the FVC and learned the organization has had some steps forward and some steps back, but its on its way to hoof'n forward. I just prefer to hit the ground running.
Wait, it gets worse.
Tonight we attended the annual conference for Swords to Plowshares and after making great connections, enjoying fantastic food, and working for the opportunity to secure funding for my horticulture program I left the event quite optimistic of a future for our organization.
Though my pockets were empty my heart was filled with hope with a positive future.
As we returned to our car walking through the concrete corridors of San Francisco we arrived to the parking spot and was immediately stricken with despair as I saw the chards of broken glass glistening in the street lights from what was once the back window to our car.
Luckily two of my bags were still in the car after a concerned citizen frightened the thief into dropping two of my bags and waited there until officers arrived to file a report and leaving me a note, but the damage was done. My mandolin was gone.
If you know me, spent some time with me, or are a regular reader than you know my immense satisfaction taken away from playing music. My beautiful mandolin was a gift I bought for myself after serving in Niger. I’m a musician, and though I have no plans to make a living playing music, its how I get through life. Sad, I play, Happy, I jam. Euphoric I dance-play-and relish in the self taught ability to create music entirely heart felt with others.
But now what do I do?
My heart is utterly broken. How can I replace an instrument I spent years dreaming and saving for, months shopping and researching every store in Virginia and online internationally. The single thing that gives me the greatest pleasure and excitement in my life has been taken from me, and for what?
Some evil bastard that has no appreciation for the countless hours spent practicing, and playing, or appreciates the craftsmanship of a fine instrument, or the what it takes…whatever.
God, my heart is entirely broken.
Tomorrow I head to Santa Cruz, I'm stopping by the horticulture program and going to do my best to assure my place in the program and pick up the pieces from there.
I'll be fine, money, ID's and personal papers can be replaced but not the object that reflects a large part of my soul with others.
As they say its "gut check" time and its time to pick myself up and keep persevering, but, but….
Damn this turn of events.
If karma catches this scum on the street I hope it secures the parasite a certain place in one of Dante's rings of purgatory. Then I'll do the good thing and forgive him, but it won't bring back my joy.
Be well everyone, and don't worry, my glass will be half full again and you can be rest assured by the time you have read this I have started treading on the hard path towards recovery and already making a new batch of lemonade.
Be well
I have little other news to offer, this is how it all played out.
Since leaving Charlottesville a few short days ago my life, dreams, and heart have been ultimately shattered into thousands of tiny jagged pieces. Immediately this trip has been filled with gloom, on my way to CA I fell ill, missed my flight and was charged $400 extra to get to my destination thus depleting my last monetary resources in the world and now have .55$ in my account.
On election day, the day of days, I felt such an overwhelming exuberance that the possibility for real change was at our finger tips, the new era in American history was unfolding before us. I'm merely doing my part. Call it chronic volunteerism.
So after the flight mishap and staying in Long Beach, I walked with my heavy bags a couple miles to the bus station when I arrived and reached into my back pocket searching for my wallet, it was gone. This loss cost me my identification, (passport) etc as well as Personal documents, and the last remnants of cash reserves left other than my bank account.
Africa Redux. Backpack is there too! I hate bags with wheels, that's tourist shit.
But its okay, I know being broke its not out of the ordinary, but with optimism in reserves I knew I'll get more money, ID's can always be replaced.
Wait, it gets worse.
This morning I had a meeting with the FVC and learned the organization has had some steps forward and some steps back, but its on its way to hoof'n forward. I just prefer to hit the ground running.
Wait, it gets worse.
Tonight we attended the annual conference for Swords to Plowshares and after making great connections, enjoying fantastic food, and working for the opportunity to secure funding for my horticulture program I left the event quite optimistic of a future for our organization.
Though my pockets were empty my heart was filled with hope with a positive future.
As we returned to our car walking through the concrete corridors of San Francisco we arrived to the parking spot and was immediately stricken with despair as I saw the chards of broken glass glistening in the street lights from what was once the back window to our car.
Luckily two of my bags were still in the car after a concerned citizen frightened the thief into dropping two of my bags and waited there until officers arrived to file a report and leaving me a note, but the damage was done. My mandolin was gone.
If you know me, spent some time with me, or are a regular reader than you know my immense satisfaction taken away from playing music. My beautiful mandolin was a gift I bought for myself after serving in Niger. I’m a musician, and though I have no plans to make a living playing music, its how I get through life. Sad, I play, Happy, I jam. Euphoric I dance-play-and relish in the self taught ability to create music entirely heart felt with others.
But now what do I do?
My heart is utterly broken. How can I replace an instrument I spent years dreaming and saving for, months shopping and researching every store in Virginia and online internationally. The single thing that gives me the greatest pleasure and excitement in my life has been taken from me, and for what?
Some evil bastard that has no appreciation for the countless hours spent practicing, and playing, or appreciates the craftsmanship of a fine instrument, or the what it takes…whatever.
God, my heart is entirely broken.
Tomorrow I head to Santa Cruz, I'm stopping by the horticulture program and going to do my best to assure my place in the program and pick up the pieces from there.
I'll be fine, money, ID's and personal papers can be replaced but not the object that reflects a large part of my soul with others.
As they say its "gut check" time and its time to pick myself up and keep persevering, but, but….
Damn this turn of events.
If karma catches this scum on the street I hope it secures the parasite a certain place in one of Dante's rings of purgatory. Then I'll do the good thing and forgive him, but it won't bring back my joy.
Be well everyone, and don't worry, my glass will be half full again and you can be rest assured by the time you have read this I have started treading on the hard path towards recovery and already making a new batch of lemonade.
Be well
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ITS TIME!!!!
I'm sure you all are feeling the same sentiment, thank god the election is finally here.
In about half an hour I am going to walk to the bus station and hop the Amtrak to San Diego where I am meeting up with Michael O'Gorman who founded the Farmers Veteran Coalition to watch the election. I'm not exactly certain where we are going to watch the results, but where ever it is the entire day will be euphoric.
I never thought the day would come when the bush regime finally came to an end, and now hopefully on this historic day we will all chose to usher a new era of American history.
change, recovery and progress, are these such terrible things to ask for?
May god forgive you if didn't vote.
OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!
In about half an hour I am going to walk to the bus station and hop the Amtrak to San Diego where I am meeting up with Michael O'Gorman who founded the Farmers Veteran Coalition to watch the election. I'm not exactly certain where we are going to watch the results, but where ever it is the entire day will be euphoric.
I never thought the day would come when the bush regime finally came to an end, and now hopefully on this historic day we will all chose to usher a new era of American history.
change, recovery and progress, are these such terrible things to ask for?
May god forgive you if didn't vote.
OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Its Halloween.....eeaooaaahhhhoo!!!!! Change is Scary!!!
Hello folks, slying to CA tomorrow wanted to say sai anjima before heading out and to part with these words.
Vote for Barack Obama.
It comes to no surprise I support him, I'm a liberal.
But it doesn't mean I would like the guy. Initially weary of him, Obama has proved to be a man of integrity, character, intellect, eloquence and curiosity. Until this very morning I remained skeptical if he can be the leader he is proclaimed to be.
On every front considering this election Barack has shown to be truly exceptional and has conducted himself as what I would consider to be presidential. On the other hand my once high opinion of John McCain has been irreparably damaged as every thing he once was respected for proved to be nothing more than a life built on fabrications and cover ups.
The only thing he can actually stand on with dignity is that he once was a POW, but that doesn't make him presidential.
Bush is a mediocre son of a American dynasty, McCain is sub-mediocre and from one of America's most revered military families. Bush has utterly corrupted our systems, trashed our global reputation, and only can only proclaim "mission accomplished" for destabilizing the world an ultimately bringing down the worlds last hegemonic super- power. Us.
What can McCain seriously do differently in the next four years that he hasn't already agreed to for 90% of the time over the last eight.
Eight years have been enough, I honestly can't take another four....or more, we see it everywhere, America seriously needs change.
If McCain wins, I'll support him objectively. But….but……but.
But if Palin becomes Peeps after the old oak falls before the first 100 days. Well then America you just voted in Karl Rove's second presidential candidate. (We can all at least agree he is a slimy fucker right?)
Do the right thing, vote for flipp'n obama.
Vote for Barack Obama.
It comes to no surprise I support him, I'm a liberal.
But it doesn't mean I would like the guy. Initially weary of him, Obama has proved to be a man of integrity, character, intellect, eloquence and curiosity. Until this very morning I remained skeptical if he can be the leader he is proclaimed to be.
On every front considering this election Barack has shown to be truly exceptional and has conducted himself as what I would consider to be presidential. On the other hand my once high opinion of John McCain has been irreparably damaged as every thing he once was respected for proved to be nothing more than a life built on fabrications and cover ups.
The only thing he can actually stand on with dignity is that he once was a POW, but that doesn't make him presidential.
Bush is a mediocre son of a American dynasty, McCain is sub-mediocre and from one of America's most revered military families. Bush has utterly corrupted our systems, trashed our global reputation, and only can only proclaim "mission accomplished" for destabilizing the world an ultimately bringing down the worlds last hegemonic super- power. Us.
What can McCain seriously do differently in the next four years that he hasn't already agreed to for 90% of the time over the last eight.
Eight years have been enough, I honestly can't take another four....or more, we see it everywhere, America seriously needs change.
If McCain wins, I'll support him objectively. But….but……but.
But if Palin becomes Peeps after the old oak falls before the first 100 days. Well then America you just voted in Karl Rove's second presidential candidate. (We can all at least agree he is a slimy fucker right?)
Do the right thing, vote for flipp'n obama.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Folks, more folks, and things folks know that other folks don't
I don't know of what it is worth mentioning but after spending ample time deep in Dixieland, and some more time "up thea!"in "yankee country" Vermont, both groups as different as they are left me with a sensation that both sides are perhaps privy to something I'm not quite aware of.
Now I'm not so certain all those yokel who wear the shirts notrodomously predicting the glorious south rising again are totally backwards or foolish!! Or that some of those run of the mill lumbarjackish armed to the teeth maple syrup tapper kind of guys, are for lack of a better word eccentric.
Both social groups from these despairingly polar opposites of America are true patriots. Both are proud to be from the farming grounds that produced so many brave soldiers for many a war dating back to the revolution.
One speaks liberty or die! The other yells, I don't know something about the glory…..
Gathering intel disguised as a neutral Swiss delegate on a fact finding mission 'touring Uh'merica prior to the election my role was to press the issues in both camps and catch a glimpse of both perspectives and to say the least, I was truly surprised with my findings.
Neither party agreed on a single thing. Except for two exceptions.
1. America will have its eventual downfall and the eventual civil decay will lead to a new bloody age of American civil war, or western style lawlessness. Hum-wa - wa-waaaahhha (Clint eastwood style)
2. Gun Control.
Both camps apparently agree it is fully appropriate and a natural right as citizens to protect you and yours whether it is from crazed gay friendly socialist trying to take away our rights, or from a fascists totalitarian state sponsored by the local mega church.
One calls to arms over a belief that "their candidates palls around with terrorist"
The other side says "We don't think the other side should have all the guns if the shit goes down"
The first says the degradation of "real American" core values has eroded.
The second says you are creating a fascist state totally eroding civil liberties protected by the constitution!
Really is this indicative of our political climate in America?
Is there more to it than some palin crazed frenzy yahoo screaming thoughtless banter at a McCain rally? "Kill him" Terrorist! "Traitor!" Yikes, I think its more politically polite to say how they really feel.
Have we gotten to the point in American history where we have lost so much faith and credibility in our financial, judicial systems, or government 27% Bush, less than that % for congress. That we might actually see these kinds of days if just the wrong kind of things happen?
Has the end game to all of this partisanship built up especially over these last eight years really leave deep seated hatred between belief systems, democrat or republican?
You notice these differences are not as geographic specific anymore.
I never though I'd ever get the feeling of guilt or unease being from a free state, but I certainly have, but only down in the deep pockets of Dixieland.
I'm sure many other people not from anglo-American origins get that feeling quite often.
Its an eerie feeling.
Such was the case when I went to a tractor pull and the traditional rally round the flag time actually flew the Dixie cross instead the old stars and bars we usual folk rally to.
I sat down and folded my hands in.
Eerie.
Later in Vermont after my disguise as the neutral Swiss delegate fact finding prior to the election cover was blown, and that I was actually a lost wayfaring poor ole missoura boy with a war chest of my own back home, it was even tricky to gain back their trust after one of them exposed my Midwestern heritage was indeed linked to a split state during the civil war.
Damn these well read'r northern'rs peoples, indeed Missouri was not 50/50 or demarcated by geographic lines during the civil war, this was tricky.
But through reasoning and dialogue what any friendly nothern'er will give you before they run you through, I explained that even we Missourians can be freedom loving folk. Take for instance Mark Twain, a personal hero, and a man who did more through his literature to expose the deep flaws in Jim Crow's America, he even served briefly in the confederate army, and look what he did in the long run.
They had to agree to that..wheww!
Even back in America travel can be slippery when wandering in places that demand different alliances, but generally if you stick to your guns and say what you mean honestly and back it up with good facts then you can't lose. Or you order the biggest, heaviest, coldest fresh beer for your opponent and then you crack him between the eyes with it and stand your ground or run from the mob.
As for me, I’m a little uncertain how I feel about America's future. So I have decided to disagree with each totally and then arm myself to the teeth and further fortify my current position held in Virginia to prepare for that eventual knock coming to the door this week.
Knock! Knock!
"Sir have you heard about McCain's foreign policy, and Obama's link to the domestic terrorist bill ayers"
Seven more days my friends.
Live free or die.
Now I'm not so certain all those yokel who wear the shirts notrodomously predicting the glorious south rising again are totally backwards or foolish!! Or that some of those run of the mill lumbarjackish armed to the teeth maple syrup tapper kind of guys, are for lack of a better word eccentric.
Both social groups from these despairingly polar opposites of America are true patriots. Both are proud to be from the farming grounds that produced so many brave soldiers for many a war dating back to the revolution.
One speaks liberty or die! The other yells, I don't know something about the glory…..
Gathering intel disguised as a neutral Swiss delegate on a fact finding mission 'touring Uh'merica prior to the election my role was to press the issues in both camps and catch a glimpse of both perspectives and to say the least, I was truly surprised with my findings.
Neither party agreed on a single thing. Except for two exceptions.
1. America will have its eventual downfall and the eventual civil decay will lead to a new bloody age of American civil war, or western style lawlessness. Hum-wa - wa-waaaahhha (Clint eastwood style)
2. Gun Control.
Both camps apparently agree it is fully appropriate and a natural right as citizens to protect you and yours whether it is from crazed gay friendly socialist trying to take away our rights, or from a fascists totalitarian state sponsored by the local mega church.
One calls to arms over a belief that "their candidates palls around with terrorist"
The other side says "We don't think the other side should have all the guns if the shit goes down"
The first says the degradation of "real American" core values has eroded.
The second says you are creating a fascist state totally eroding civil liberties protected by the constitution!
Really is this indicative of our political climate in America?
Is there more to it than some palin crazed frenzy yahoo screaming thoughtless banter at a McCain rally? "Kill him" Terrorist! "Traitor!" Yikes, I think its more politically polite to say how they really feel.
Have we gotten to the point in American history where we have lost so much faith and credibility in our financial, judicial systems, or government 27% Bush, less than that % for congress. That we might actually see these kinds of days if just the wrong kind of things happen?
Has the end game to all of this partisanship built up especially over these last eight years really leave deep seated hatred between belief systems, democrat or republican?
You notice these differences are not as geographic specific anymore.
I never though I'd ever get the feeling of guilt or unease being from a free state, but I certainly have, but only down in the deep pockets of Dixieland.
I'm sure many other people not from anglo-American origins get that feeling quite often.
Its an eerie feeling.
Such was the case when I went to a tractor pull and the traditional rally round the flag time actually flew the Dixie cross instead the old stars and bars we usual folk rally to.
I sat down and folded my hands in.
Eerie.
Later in Vermont after my disguise as the neutral Swiss delegate fact finding prior to the election cover was blown, and that I was actually a lost wayfaring poor ole missoura boy with a war chest of my own back home, it was even tricky to gain back their trust after one of them exposed my Midwestern heritage was indeed linked to a split state during the civil war.
Damn these well read'r northern'rs peoples, indeed Missouri was not 50/50 or demarcated by geographic lines during the civil war, this was tricky.
But through reasoning and dialogue what any friendly nothern'er will give you before they run you through, I explained that even we Missourians can be freedom loving folk. Take for instance Mark Twain, a personal hero, and a man who did more through his literature to expose the deep flaws in Jim Crow's America, he even served briefly in the confederate army, and look what he did in the long run.
They had to agree to that..wheww!
Even back in America travel can be slippery when wandering in places that demand different alliances, but generally if you stick to your guns and say what you mean honestly and back it up with good facts then you can't lose. Or you order the biggest, heaviest, coldest fresh beer for your opponent and then you crack him between the eyes with it and stand your ground or run from the mob.
As for me, I’m a little uncertain how I feel about America's future. So I have decided to disagree with each totally and then arm myself to the teeth and further fortify my current position held in Virginia to prepare for that eventual knock coming to the door this week.
Knock! Knock!
"Sir have you heard about McCain's foreign policy, and Obama's link to the domestic terrorist bill ayers"
Seven more days my friends.
Live free or die.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
once again.
Hi guys here I am. Charlottesville Virginia and all things are going well. Soon I am returning to CA, and going to work there for a few months, then east coast, and hopefully afterwards horticulture school in santa cruz. Which my travels indeed are pointing me in that direction.
I do have some things to write about from my trips so prepare for a few entries.
All right be well.
wayfaring.
I do have some things to write about from my trips so prepare for a few entries.
All right be well.
wayfaring.
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