Lately

Returning to LA after two years of traveling with uncertain living situation has been challenging. While participating in a myriad of internships and learning experiences, I was focused on being the moment and really soaking it in. The realization of that lifestyle not being sustainable is a harsh encounter, and dare I say it, reality is a bitch sometimes. Nevertheless, I embrace a challenge.

It was daunting to return to the urban jungle, concrete walls, ten lane highways and a general populace that doesn't have the time of day for a friendly, "hello." At first, all I wanted to do was return to the safe canopy amongst the trees with fellow fun guys. Ultimately, I decided it was time to focus one one path, and stick to it. Over the last two years, my meanderings have taken me from my heritage in New Orleans, to an organic farm on Maui, a permaculture life in central Oregon amongst the trees, off-grid recycled homes in New Mexico, and an urban farm in Philadelphia. I have learned so much, and gained experiences beyond what most people can even comprehend, but all in all, I was searching for something.

Searching for the life I wanted. What I've come to realize was that, its not out there. It's not a physical place I had to get to, or a destination I needed to arrive at. As cliche as it may sound, it was the discovery of my inner spirit. My equanimous warrior self. My connection to humanity, the earth, and people I want to surround myself with - a community. It has all strengthened my spirit and enriched my life. Not to mention bolstered my resume in a direction of earthen harmony.

So I started looking for resources in LA. Lo and behold I found out there is a vast wealth of individuals and organizations connected to the organic movement. I started working on an urban farm in Silver Lake, reading permaculture threads and whatever I could get my hands on. Doing my research. It wasn't quite enough though. It was too informal for my needs. So I enrolled in UCLA's Extension program for a Horticulture Certification - 9 classes of straight up knowledge and back to the collegiate system of classes, research papers, mid terms and finals. Concurrently, I'm getting certified as a Citizen Arborist at TreePeople (it's FREE!). And what I've found in all my adventures is that opening one door leads to many doors - once you get in the hallway, its a treasure trove of what's behind each door... the inspiration is there if I'm willing to accept it and open my eyes to the possibilities. But you must struggle, you must be brave, and go beyond your level of comfort. Ad Astra Per Aspera...


Meanwhile, like a magician's ribbon trick that is never ending, I've been working on publishing Volume 2 of Pregnant Minds - and it is looking quite tasty if I do say so myself. My partner, Andrew and I started this project as an outlet for design experiment. We have no one to answer to. No ads, no censors, just content. Over 30 artists from nine countries have responded to the call of creative collaboration. We had intended on a March release, but seeing as how that has long since passed, we've opted for a more realistic approach, which is less stress - better product. We're hoping to go to print in the next couple weeks and launch a Kickstarter campaign. Here are a couple sample spreads.

 

I'm here for a while, Los Angeles. I'm gunna make you my bitch, but cuddle you so good afterward.

Through adversity, to the stars.

Making it happen.

Somewhere around thirty five thousand feet above the Pacific Ocean, I hurtle through the troposphere in a winged tin can. Between pauses, I draw from the Jack and Coke sitting on the tray table next to me. Luckily, the flight wasn't entirely full, so I have 2 seats to spread out.

The last few weeks have been surreal, as if walking the path through a lucid dream. I can touch, see, smell, feel, and hear all that surrounds me in vivid stereo reality, and I interact with it thoroughly. I'm feeling more comfortable than usual in my travel scenario, and I begin to step into the role unfolding before me. Traveler, journeyman, bohemian, nomad, beacon of inspiration, leader, gypsy, pirate, and truthfully bare, a tree-hugging-hippie. The Jack has a way of easing my nerves, as I'm throttling hundreds of miles an hour towards Maui to begin a journey of epic proportions.

For the next five months I will be traveling around Hawaii, island hopping, working on organic farms, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a small farm, riding my Surly LHT, beach camping, writing, reading (in the queue; Ishmael, The Omnivore's Dilemma, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and Lucid Dreaming in 30 Days), making new friends, surfing, meeting ladies, and soaking in the realness of the earth. My path to truth is in its genesis, and it's really happening because I'm making it happen.

I'm beyond excited, but I must remember this is not solely a vacation. It is first and foremost a journey of research. Yes, I could have just as easily chosen Ohio, or BFE Kansas to apprentice on a farm…. but I didn't. I'm gunna go kick it on Maui for five months.


Two weeks ago seemed to be the heart of surreality. Burning Man 2010: Metropolis. This would be the third time I'd burned, but the first time I'd stayed in the outskirts, or, first-com-first-serve area. The suburbs were nice, in that it provided a refuge from the majority of commotion. I forget what Burning Man means until I'm on the near approach. Memories flood back, and I screech with excitement the closer we get, or more appropriately, the further we delve into the desert sphere. Art cars, gifted food, open and friendly conversation with complete strangers, fire, glowing shit, climbing, art installations, costuming, over 900 acres of interactive experiences, and the possibilities become endless. For me, Burning Man reinvigorates my zest for the unusual, and recharges my creative batteries. "Welcome Home" means welcome back to the place where you can be ultimately yourself - the choice is yours. The pirate circus carnival dreamscape, as I've come to understand it. This year was especially significant for me, because I feel like I really stepped outside my usual realm of comfort. Elliott and I stayed on the edge of the city, and did what we pleased. He did his thing, and I did mine. It was an excellent unison and we'd occasionally setting out for the evening to go separate ways. We are truly kindred spirits, and our interaction was incredibly organic.

Day 1: Arrive 5am, set up, get acquainted. Brewski, head over to burrito place - Meet chafed titty mama (to which a song was written). Evening, sit on the playa and trip out. Feeling really good. Elliott tells me, "You're doing good in life." I'm extremely honored because I often look up to him.
Day 2: Wandering with El & Molly. 2 rounds of mushrooms, 500 foot horizon spanning floating balloons, Nexus, fireballs, and a random street corner bus stop.
Day 3: Prom - wore a pretty dress. Wish I had pics - it was seriously sexy. CarBQue at Gigsville
Day 4: Stack 600 lb wooden spheres on top of each other with Wizzard, who, after assembling our statue, disappeared right into the desert, seemingly birthed by Zeus himself. Evening donned Santa, start partying at Laughing Monkey, feel out of place, wander to Ridazz Camp and eventually meetup with Crespin, Dave, and Rambod. Take copious random drugs. Climb things. Hold hands with strangers, watching the sunrise and walk into it. No sleep for the wicked.
Day 5: Pack and depart. Drive home, bathe in a river, back into reality.

13 hours later, I'm back at the homestead to pack my life up, and begin my WWOOFing experience. As a last hurrah, I had a going away party, and it was a phenomenal success. Matt grilled up amazing barbecue, we got a keg (which was tapped rather early), and there were more people at my house than I was expecting. It made me incredibly happy to see all my friends come out to celebrate and be with me in the last hours of my Los Angeles experience. Lots of riders. It was cool to see so many bikes lined up on the fence.


On top of that, Pregnant Minds wrapped up that very same day, and it has come to full fruition. We only had enough for 18 copies, but the end result is seriously legit. Each contributor will get a copy. Andrew and I are already brainstorming on PM2.0 and there is some excellent potential for possible investing and future issues. Pregnant Minds is the tangibility of ideas.

I got a new tattoo on my wrist. A Nordic Rune stone; Dagaz. It was perfectly fitting; "In each life there comes at least on moment which, if recognized and and seized, transforms the course of that life forever. Rely, therefore, on radical trust, even though the moment may call for you to leap, empty-handed, into the void. With this Rune, your Warrior Nature reveals itself."

So I'm about to land in Maui. The unknown awaits, and I will keep updating.


**Update** After day 1, I'm never leaving this place. Work is from 8-12, otherwise, I can do as I please. We all made a group meal last night of delicious whole foods. Kale & yacon salad, quinoa & tomatoes, home brewed guacamole, a beer, and to top it off a bowl from the owner of the farm. I slept under the stars last night because I've been having trouble finding a place to hang my hammock. The stars are breathtaking. I think I'll go into Kahului today and get a small one man tent for the time being, until I put up the geodome. It is all very exciting.

I live in a tent under a tree on a farm with an ocean view. It's so unreal, but I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to activate.

more to come.

Pregnant Minds

Open call for submission - Pregnant Minds
Handmade and liberated zine/blog featuring original art.