Welcome to Knowing Where You Are..

… And How to Get Where You Are Going

For people outside of the DC area, they might not be familiar with a somewhat hidden parkway that stretches from Mclean in the North to Mt. Vernon in the South. This is the George Washington Parkway - known as the GW by nearly all locals. It's part of the national park service, and it's the only access point to see Teddy Roosevelt's memorial on Roosevelt Island. There are dozens of places to turn off and see Washington DC from across the river (nearly all of which require you to be driving north to access). And the Potomac Heritage Trail hugs one side of the parkway - with plenty of pedestrian crosswalks to further annoy the local drivers. 

If GPSs didn't exist, I doubt anyone but locals would drive the GW. Or at least any sane tourist would try to stay clear of it. 

See the GW has very few street lights, and even few signs to tell you where you are or where you're going. Road markers are pretty much non-existent. The signs that are on there, aren't well lit and are only useful if you already know where they are located - otherwise, you're doomed to miss your exit.

Basically, people should only drive the GW if they know where they are and where they are going. 

There have been dozens of times were it was pure luck that I got to my exit. There have been just as many times where I have zoomed right passed where I needed to go and been known the wiser until I hit 495 (it meets up the GW in the north and south). 

And remember how I mentioned that you'd need a GPS to navigate it. Well, that's only have true. See there are a couple of exits so bat s%!t insane, that I've made it a habit of ignoring my GPS in favor of taking one of the other "hidden" roads that circle the Pentagon to my destination. This particularly awful bit of directions happens most often when you want to go from the GW to Rout 1, but have to jump on 395 and cross 5 lanes of traffic in under a quarter of a mile to pull this off. My dad likes to curse the Penn State traffic engineers who were hired to create this monstrosity. I've learned to take the Memorial Bridge Exit (which, again, only exists if you know about it because the sign is hidden behind the bridge), hop on 101, and then hope to merge onto Rout 1 instead of ending up on 395 North.

The GPS won't tell you to do any of this. 

This analogy is relevant, I promise. 

I've thought I was at this life stage before. The one where I think I know where I am and where I might be going. However, life loves to throw me some mean curve balls and I sometimes pass an exit without known I have. I've also come up to an exit without knowing it and have had to cross four lanes of traffic, hoping against all hope that the skills I learned driving in New Jersey will get me safely off the highway.

Because life isn't exactly like a highway (no matter what Meatloaf might sign). You, me, and the guy next door whom you've maybe seen twice probably don't know where they are. We think we do, but the mile marker we were hoping for, disappeared from the side of the road. There's no GPS and the map is at least ten years out of date. 

There are very few lights on the GW. It's overgrown with trees and vines that look beautiful when it's full bloom in spring, but creepy as all get out on a foggy night in November. The roads haven't been paved in forever and there have been a couple of times I've been worried about going over the bridges. And don't forget the pedestrians. 

Anyone new to the area, should stick away from the GW unless they have a lot of time on their hands. 

However, that doesn't mean it's not a beautiful road to travel. It's a little slice of nature in an otherwise built up area. I always feel a little disconnected from the real world as I'm traversing under the thick trees. There are amazing views of Georgetown, the monuments, and the capital that seem almost unreal. 

Which again, is a lot like the many stages of life. Its intimidating, confusing, but also beautiful. 

One day, I hope the parkway is repaved where I hop on at the Chain Bridge. Right now, I keep worrying that a pot hole might finally take out one of my tires (or a bumper). Or maybe they'll build a few more pedestrian friendly bridges. I'm always worried a pedestrian will step out into the parkway crosswalk at the wrong time (like at twilight or dawn).

The George Washington Parkway is a lot of fun to drive, but caution must be taken and it's best to know what you are doing. Don't take the 395 South exit if you want to go down Route 1. Most exits are on the right hand side, unless you want to take 66 from the north, then be in the left most lane before Memorial Bridge.

And stop at one of the scenic pull offs or parks. They're worth visiting.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y'all like hearing from me.

Until next week.

Welcome to the Fall of 2020

 Fall starts on Tuesday. That's the equinox. 

In my area, the weather is already cooling down and the air has that rich smoked meat and wood sent that I closely associate with home.

Last week, I was a little ticked off when I wrote my blog post. I still am. Thankfully, things are getting better in the Northwestern United States and my family is out of danger. As fire season dies down, we'll have to start preparing for 2021, though it's probably already too late for that. 

We're also at Tropical Storm Beta in the north Atlantic. It's also going to hit Louisiana - along with Texas. Teddy and Wilfred are also still hanging out in the ocean. Two more storms are likely to form. Peak hurricane season continues until mid-October.

Fall can represent the later years of a person's life. Some people might associate that with dying (they're not wrong). Trees loose their leaves. A lot of animals go into hibernation or die because it gets too cold. The days are short and the nights turn long. These patterns are eerie and foreboding.

But there's another side of fall. 

Fall is the time of the harvest. Where all the hard work of Spring and Summer pay off and there is an abundance of food to share. People want to celebrate with their communities in the Fall with festivities like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Bond fires are frequent and who doesn't love to snuggle up to someone on a cool night with a hot drink to share. 

However, to have a good harvest, the right conditions and hard work need to be done. Luck plays a part of it too. Crops can fail even for the best farmers. But even with bad weather, the community can still prosper if they plan right and are willing to make some hard choices to benefit everyone.

This harvest season hasn't started off the most positive. 

On Friday, the world lost one of the most iconic women of this age. The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is tough. I feel both saddened and fearful for a future without her. She was one of those people who seemed invincible. 

RBG may be gone, but she won't be forgotten. She continues to inspire those who wish to take action. 

The season has only just begun and I find myself dreading it's end. A lot can happen in three short months. A lot can change. 

What we do this fall with have consequences for many more falls to come. Like a farmer who needs to prepare for the next Spring's planting, we have to be ready for what nature has in store for us. If we don't have politicians and leadership that can prepare for more violent storms and wild fires, then more people will be in harms way. If we don't address the social hurts of society, we will grow further divided. 

The harvest has begun, but it is not the time to rest. The future is within reach and our actions now will mold it for better or worse. 

I hope you, my readers are staying safe. 

Until next week. 

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope you guys like hearing from me.

Welcome to Nature's Fury

 So if you guys haven't noticed, the western coast of America is on fire. 

Right now, my family out there is relatively safe. Though one of the major evacuation routes has been cut off by the fires, air quality is beyond poor, and every picture I see looks apocalyptic. Things, of course, could be worse. There could be a major Earthquake or storm to also hit that coast and really mess things up for the people living there. 

I mean it's not like the pandemic is making things any easier. 

To add insult to injury, it has been confirmed that at least one of these fires was started because someone needed explosives to announce their child's genitalia. I honestly feel that the judge for this case needs to throw the book at them. Though it probably won't do much to help stop this stupidity.

I get that climate change and protecting the environment are touchy subjects for some people. Sure, climate change is a natural occurrence that has been recorded throughout history. However, humans are definitely not helping the situation (see my earlier note about the fire). One could argue that since humans are a part of nature that this is still a natural thing to happen to the Earth.

Heck, this isn't even really the end of the world, just everything living on it.

Am I sounding bitter or annoyed? 

That's because I am. Since the I've been around, environmentalism and taking care of the Earth have been major messages in the media. I grew up watching shows like Captain Planet and Bill Neigh the Science Guy. Movies like Buffy: The Vampire Slayer even reference the issue un-ironically. 

We're just now starting to really see the consequences of not doing enough. I mean there are four major storm systems currently hanging out in the North Atlantic with another three on deck. Oh and the west coast of the United States is on FIRE.

Wait...wasn't Australia also on fire earlier this year?

The pandemic's cause my sense of time to warp so badly, it feels like the past nine months have actually been a full decade. Yes, Australia was also on FIRE at the beginning of 2020 and might go up in flames again in 2021.

To quote one of my favorite Broadway musicals: "it ain't right and it ain't natural."*

It's great that we're teaching kids about climate change because the kids really are the ones leading the charge for change. Greta Thunberg might be the most well known climate rights activist child, but also Jamie Margolin, Mari Copeny (also known as Little Miss Flint), and Xiye Bastida (to name a very few). 

We'll listen to these kids, maybe give them a high-five for a job well done, but are the adults in the room doing anything productive?

Not really.

Because it's all about the money y'all and a lot of very wealthy people have their money tied to how things are right now. 

Again, I'm a little annoyed that there is still a debate about what to do about the environment. I mean it's not like we're facing crisis after crisis that has ties to climate change. 

Oh wait we are.

Fires, flooding, massive storms, A PANDEMIC, crop failures, murder hornets (whatever happened to that plot point anyway), and messed up seasons all have ties to environmental factors. We're seeing what happens when you ignore scientists for 50 years.

And for the people who think that God will keep the Earth as it is for another couple of millennia, I would like to point you back to the book of Genesis where it clearly states that the big guy told Adam and Eve to take care of the Earth.

But what do I know?

It's not like I've been on social media and seen pictures of a post-apocalyptic sky hanging over California, Oregon, and Washington. It's not like every couple of days another 1000 people pass away from a disease we barely understand. It's not like Louisiana isn't partially destroyed or anything with another hurricane on the way.

Also, there was an Earthquake in Jersey recently...weird right?

We only have 3 and a half more months to get through this year. Things can still get worse and the only thing we can do is prepare the best we can. Have a "go" bag ready with essential items like bottled water and a first aide kit. Make sure you have an emergency route planned out. Don't forget your pets!

2020 ain't over yet.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y'all like hearing from me. 

*The musical in question is: Hadestown. I can't recommend it enough.

Welcome to the Perks of Pen Pals

The post office and it’s services are important guys.

Not only does it send you bills, junk mail, and coupons, but it is a reliable way for the government to communicate with people (the won’t call or email you), have your medication delivered, and send Christmas cards to all the people you forget about the rest of the year.

The post office was even used in a movie to prove that Santa Clause exists (see the 1947 Miricle on 34th Street - not the 1994 version).

My favorite thing about the post office is that it has allowed me to keep in tough with friends and family I might not otherwise have similar conversations with. I currently have three pen pals whom I regularly send and receive letters. I have one pen pal in particular who loves getting creative with her letter writing. She’s sent me letters in the form of puzzles, on envelops stuffed into one another (something she created), and on beautiful calligraphy paper.

Other things my pen pals have sent me included: short stories, art, poems, Christmas ornaments, a mini journal, and art kits.

It’s a fun hobby I’ve been actively doing since I was in college.

A very small sample of the letters I’ve received over the years

I started writing letters to a high school friend. Well, my friend started sending me letters and I adored the cards she sent and wanted to send her something in return. I haven’t written to that friend as much since leaving school, but I’ve found other friends and family members to share letters with.

Why do I prefer to send letters than email or  text or instant messaging (insert favorite social media app here)?

The answer is a little silly, but I feel really good getting a letter versus the other (faster) forms of communication. It’s almost like getting a present on my birthday. I’ll open up my mailbox and see a small, usually brightly colored envelope and a smile will spread across my face...even if it’s been a terrible day. Getting a letter in the mail makes me feel special.

It takes time to write a letter. A lot of thought goes into the limited amount of space I have to share with my pen pal. Sometimes I’m answering questions, other times I’m curious about something that was written. Often I include the latest book I’m reading and whether or not I like. Occasionally, I’ll go into ideas about future plans.

Picking out which card to send can be just as exciting as the letter writing part. If I’ve been traveling, I’ll pick up a card or two to use and mention some highlights from the trip. Sometimes I find a fun stationary set that I use for months on end. Lately, I’ve been using blank brightly colored cards and drawing on the front. The drawings don’t typically mean anything - though sometimes I’ll include a reason or source of inspiration.

It’s rare that I include anything additional (like the mini journal or other presents I’ve been sent), though other people have sent me things. However, I’ve started doing these mini Polaroid paintings and have started mailing them to my pen pals. Many of these paintings symbolize where I wish I had traveled during the time of COVID-19.

I also hold onto the letters I receive. Sometimes, when I’ve hard a rough day, I go through my collection of letters and start to feel a little better. They’re an uplifting remind that I am connected to other people.

This type of communication just isn’t the same as any other. Sure I might get sent a link to art or receive a lovely note in Facebook’s Messenger, but sometimes I want to have the physical feeling of holding something someone else had. Without letters, I miss out on the little quirks people have developed in their hand writing or the cool stamps (as well as the art) people pick out.

No sharing personal info or messages on a public blog guys.

I know it’s out of fashion and can cost money, but why not try letter writing for your next hobby? You might find that it’s a Major mood lifter.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y’all like hearing from me.

I may or may not update next week...since it’s a holiday.

Welcome to Becoming a Cat Parent

It's finally happened everyone. I am no longer responsible for my own well-being. I now get to look after the well-being of a furiously fluffy fur baby who hisses every time I get a little too close.

I've taken in my cat Karma.

Karma is my 12 year old cat. She'd been living with my mom until circumstances changed and it was decided that Karma would come to live with me - no I don't feel like elaborating. She has spent most of the past week hiding under my bed.

When I was younger I missed her a lot when I was away at school and after I moved away from my mom. I loved visiting her when I was at my mom's house - even if she constantly hissed at me or sat on my suitcase when it was time to pack up.

I'll be honest, I very much enjoyed not having the responsibility of looking after a pet (or another human, but let's not jinx me), but I was happy to have Karma in my life again full time. When she's in a good mood, she's the cuddliest fluff ball in existence. I love curling up with me on the couch or on my bed - though my allergies aren't the most cooperative.

A watercolor painting of Karma near my couch

I also wouldn't really call myself a cat person (allergies are a big deterrent). I actually prefer big fluffy dogs and their crazy energy (I will never pass up an opportunity to pet a dog) to the much more temperamental and regal cat. However, due to those earlier circumstances I mentioned, I had to beg my mom to bring Karma to me.

One day I might get a dog, but not for a long while yet.

When mom brought her down, it was clear that Karma loved my apartment. She was out and about most of the day, playing with a ball and bird watching. She didn't mind me picking her up to take her out onto the balcony. I can tell that she really misses my mom. Hopefully she'll except me as a good substitute soon.

Cause the thing is, cat's don't like change.

Period.

I can only imagine what might happen if/when I move again (let's be real - I will move again at some point). Chasing her around the apartment to give her medicine is beyond stressful. I don't fancy trying to put her in a carrier again anytime soon.

Though it's taking time for her to adjust, I've already noticed myself re-prioritizing my life. I know she's a cat and can take care of herself for the most part, but I hate the idea of leaving her alone for too long. I worry what will happen when I start traveling again - will she be okay at a kitty hotel? or by herself? will I find someone who will check in on her?

I also worry what might happen if she were to ever escape my home. Yes, she has a micro chip implant, but any number of things could happen to her. There are foxes and busy roads!

Though I'm not super interested in taking in any more pets at this time (or finding a relationship, let alone raising kids), I have noticed how much I love having Karma around. It's expensive and time consuming, but she is the best thing to wake up to first thing in the morning. She loves having her head scratched.

I might hate cleaning up her litter box and constantly freak out when she coughs up a fur-ball, but I'm glad she's here. There's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to looking after her.

Having a pet is a big responsibility. It's not just me I have to think about anymore. Karma is my kitty and she will be treated royally.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope you guys like hearing from me.

Until next week.

Welcome to Trans-Media Writing

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine convinced me to take a free online class with her on trans-media writing. It doesn't have anything to do with LGBTQ+  narratives or writing transgender characters. It's actually a writing process that allows for a story to be told on multiple platforms.

An example might be how Pokemon was an anime, video game, card game, and manga. You didn't have participate in the card games to enjoy the anime, but some people did. Each platform was tied to a single world built on the idea that kids could battle their "pocket" monsters that could do cool moves depending on the monster's "type" (grass, flying, fire, water, etc.).

Pokemon has since built a huge empire and is still producing stories and merchandise.

One of  my favorite Pokemon

The idea of trans-media writing isn't new. In fact a lot of the examples from this course went back to the 70s and 80s. However, specifically developing stories around the idea that they will jump from one media consumption to another is becoming more common.

I'm not going to summarize the course or give you guys a point by point retelling of why trans-media writing is cool or the future of story telling (I don't know if it is). The course is free on Coursera with an option to purchase a completion certificate for $50 (I did not select this option) and runs on a monthly basis (there are assignments which are peer graded).

Though I came into the course blind, I found myself having a lot of fun developing how I'd tell a story across multiple media platforms and make it interactive for my readers. Having an interactive portion of the story is apparently very important in trans-media writing.

Eventually, I developed the idea of having an interactive or digital story (like the digital novels you might find on Steam) for kids to chose their own adventures (remember those books). It would have some game elements such as having multiple story endings, allowing the player to see how their choices play out, and allowing for multiple play-thrus. There would be a tie-in novel with the "true" ending of the story and a website for social interaction from me and the audience.

Though I have a general outline of the story, I have no way to execute my ambitious idea of making it digital - not without a lot of computer programming and art classes.

However, developing the story for the class was fun and challenged me to think outside of the box when it came to story telling.

There's no denying that I prefer the traditional narrative (and holding a physical book), but I think that trans-media story telling is going to continue to grow. Advertisers love it and big movies often come with an app or game that ties into the story.

Sometimes trans-media writing can even resurrect a canceled show like how Firefly finished its narrative as a comic book or Star Trek's many, many novels.

There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to telling a story. Which method will you chose?

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y'all like hearing from me.

Until next week.

Welcome to Stories Retold

There are some stories that are told over and over again. A new version for a new generation to shape and reflect their world view. One of my favorite stories retold with a modern spin is the Odyssey in the form of Oh Brother Where Art Thou. I was also impressed with the 2019 Nancy Drew movie that was an excellent update to the retelling of the first novel.

Here are five stories lines that I'd like to see redone for this generation.

1) Robin Hood

One of the best versions right here.

I know that we've had dozens of Robin Hood movies, TV shows, books, etc (there seems to be a new movie every decade), but here me out on this. I want a modern Robin Hood story that takes place in New York City, or L.A., or maybe London that features Robin and his "merry" men in the concrete forest of the city. Drop the King Richard plot and restore a better elected official to run the country. There's a lot of great possibilities. 

There are a lot of possibilities of having Robin show up in modern times. I'd particularly be interested in a version where Robin Hood comes from a minority background - rather than an upper middle class white boy.

2) The Story of Psyche and Cupid

Yes we have Beauty and the Beast and Twilight which have a lot of similar plot threads to the classic myth, but I want a modern tale that includes the gods and goddesses. Have Cupid once again run home to his mother Venus after Psyche screws up and let him be locked in a tower. Then Psyche have show her love and commitment to Cupid by trying to win over his mother. Update the tale for a modern audience and put it in a science fiction setting to keep some of the fantastical elements.

I'd include the myth of Hades and Persephone as well, but there are several writers already making amazing updates to this story (such as Nikita Gill).

3) Sleeping Beauty

I love Disney's animated classic Sleeping Beauty, but I do acknowledge that it has a lot of flaws. An updated version of this story might have the "beauty" fall in to a comma after an accident. The "prince" character might read to them everyday and only wake up after the story is over. I'd especially love to see a version with a same sex couple.

4) Treasure Island

How many of you guys remember Disney's Treasure Planet? I wasn't the only one right? I enjoyed it and also love the book. I think that a modern retelling would be a lot of fun and could incorporate more destinations. It could be a mix of Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and Tintin. The setting can still be in the Caribbean or it could be off the coast of India or in the South East Pacific. Incorporate the history of the setting and focus on reclaiming the treasures that were stolen during colonial periods.

5) Carmilla

Technically, there are modern interpretations of Carmilla out there, but nothing super big budget or main stream. At most I've seen a play or two as well as a webseries that she's in. She also pops up in popular culture from time to time like Netflix's Castlevania. However this story needs some love and updates (especially with the potential for positive LGBTQ+ representation - the original story is kind of anti-LGBTQ+). If they can redo Dracula over and over again, why not show some love for Carmilla?

This is list is incomplete and leans heavily on Western European tales - which is what I'm most familiar with. I do think that all of these stories can be updated to include non-white characters, LGBTQ+ representation, and be placed in a modern or science fiction setting. 

What are some stories that you guys would like to see updated? 

Until next week. 

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope you guys like hearing from me.