Sojourner

2009-04-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea

2009-04-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Value Packed

2009-04-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Before God uses a person, God will break the person

2009-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

2009-02-02T01:41:00.001-08:00

You've conquered what you truly desire by denying it. The war between the seen and the non seen either heals you completely or drives you mad - like how important the moon is to us within a shift, its wild.

the ultimate fight

2009-02-02T00:55:00.001-08:00

Its between you and the world

2009-01-24T03:59:00.001-08:00

Free Love is foreign to me.

Rather than fame, money, love... give me Truth. -Supertramp

Without vision, we perish..........

Sheridan

2009-01-24T03:54:00.001-08:00

H.L.T.

2009-01-24T03:32:00.001-08:00

For Christmas, my grandmother decided to pass on guns that belonged to my grandfather to us, grandkids. We found this gun. He carefully sewed together this case for a very small gun. It was maybe 4 inches long. He carefully handled things like that as much as he served others, especially his beautiful wife. He found the Truth and lived it to the fullest. It now has been almost four years since he died and I understand so much more about the fight for my faith in Jesus.

2009-01-24T03:28:00.001-08:00

This picture was editted by itself in Picasa for some reason. I like it.

Childhood

2009-01-24T00:51:00.001-08:00

My Brothers

Ryan and a friend since they were babies. They both had the same childhood, parents, church, school, everything. This house is where Jeff lived all his life and it was pretty much our second home.

its ok to juggle blood and fire

2009-01-24T00:43:00.001-08:00

2009-01-24T00:23:00.001-08:00

2009-01-24T00:14:00.001-08:00

2009-01-24T00:09:00.001-08:00

2009-01-23T23:52:00.001-08:00

from metals, bayonets, feathers to cigarettes, murals, and strength

2009-01-23T23:38:00.001-08:00

A town I love

2009-01-23T23:26:00.001-08:00

Phila

2009-01-22T05:10:00.000-08:00

MAD MAX

2009-01-22T04:51:00.001-08:00

Thanks for being a strong iron

2008-12-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

2008-11-10T03:34:00.001-08:00

Windows of Walgreens in Reno, NV.

This is Dipper, Jerod's new pup.

I was working out in Adin, CA and passed this. I thought it was beautiful.

In awe of a masterpiece.

We live in a very interesting time and I am so glad I was born in this generation.

Sarah Palin

2008-10-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

(Taken by D.A. Thompson)

It was amazing meeting Sarah Palin in Reno, NV! She is an amazing woman. Because I am Deaf you would think I am a democrat but I am not. I believe that the policies of this woman are important. The biggest reason is because she is a God-fearing leader. She is solid with her beliefs and knows how important it is to keep the nation under God or the nation will be like Rome - in ruins. It was a little hard for me to support a republican because I wanted to have joy in campaigning and supporting a McCain/Palin's victory without being concerned with the cost of my power as a Deaf American. I do not mean I am adopting the middle name, "Protest," but the mutual power that hearing Americans freely posses in this land of freedom. I had to make my priorities be electing a God-fearing leader instead of a leader who may support my Deaf power or may not! First and foremost in my selection must be God-fearing. Everything else will fall into place. This morning, I had the privilege to attend this "Pit bull Palin Rally" in Reno and meet her and her beautiful daughter, Piper. Darla, Carol and I tried to teach Piper how to sign, "ILY," of course, with her mighty mother's help. Palin also explained to her daughter that we were deaf and she would need to speak to us throught american sign language. We were not sure if it was a new thing for them. Obviously, it does not matter because there is a picture of her at the next rally (few hours later) in Henderson, NV, she proudly presented that Deaf - American Sign Language well known logo, "ILY". GO PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo source: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Palin-Family-Alaska-Gov-Sarah-Palin-Trig-American-Sign-Language-Republican-vice-presidential-candidate/ss/events/pl/090308palinfamily/im:/081021/480/ea8ab71aec7547b39b3fb669fb188ecb/ UPDATED: Even though McCain and Palin lost this election, I am thankful for what Palin left. What was long asleep emerged, becoming vigilant, as the holy fire spoke. It was time. Time to reorganize, time to look away, time to reconsider, time to realize, time to surrender, time to change. David was a shepherd but turned into a great hero from a single pebble-throw. A once small town citizen with humbling shadow of grand changes came, not as a gentle dove, but fierce as a lion, wild in truth. Like the wise Queen Esther, she faithfully listened, assuring the unyielding commitment to taking action. Prepared, she humbled and humbled many of us with the ingenuous truth, balanced in her as she trusted in the only Hope for the distracted mankind. The Holy Spirit shook us apart through this once unnoticed woman from the wild. Like John the Baptist, she finished her work with courage and grace as she knew nothing surprises her All-Knowing God. Little uncertainties and grief only reveal how human she is like us all. She fought the good fight, inspiring many with endless hope. Thank you with all of my heart, Ali

what made America so great?

2008-10-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. --Hebrews 9:27 It was the belief in the accountability of man to his maker that made America a great nation.

-A.W. Tozer

(taken by D. A. Thompson)

Dunes

2008-09-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how much I needed to see the ocean. The Ocean has such a powerful infulence on me. One night, Darla and I were standing on a cliff watching the waters. Its roaring waves shining by the moon, and I was far up high on a cliff - a sight I will never forget. The next day, we went to Dunes City, Oregon. I decided to go down 1/2 mile on a trail that brought me to this.

Freedom

2008-09-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Thank You Lord for putting those special warriors in my life!

Matrix, Uno, Moon, Fire

2008-08-18T22:07:00.001-07:00

Home that never fails me

2008-08-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Bear here and over there

2008-08-18T18:54:00.001-07:00

Discussing, disagreeing, laughing

2008-08-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Frisbee

2008-08-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

Injured Pooh

2008-08-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here we come!

2008-08-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Peace

2008-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas

2008-08-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Nowhere else

2008-08-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

SSSSSSSSSSSSmores

2008-08-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Yep, another Deafhood post

2008-08-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all, :) I am trying to catch up with most of the issues in Deafread and Deafvideo.tv. I have some questions regarding Deafhood. Personally, I’ve gone to a workshop but I have not read the book yet. It is sitting in my car and I need to start it soon. Right now, there are plenty of definitions within this single term, Deafhood (both negative and positive). Is Deafhood something Deaf people cannot avoid? Is it something that has always been with them since birth or since one has become Deaf? OR is it something that a Deaf person can choose to embrace or reject? From my perspective, it is when someone realizes they are Deaf and right at that moment, Deafhood has begun. For example, I grew up in a Hearing family and had two Hearing brothers. I never felt my deafness until when my brothers became teenagers and found their own circle (hearing friends). We used to play together and we were very close. One night, I sat next to my mother crying because I felt lonely and missed playing with my brothers. My mother started to explain few things, I do not remember what she said exactly, but I remember understanding I was Deaf and that it’d be difficult to interact with hearing people. For the first time, I truly sensed my “deafness.” That is when I started my journey – Deafhood. Every Deaf person experiences it, CI, oral, Deaf, HH, etc… If I have the right understanding of Deafhood, then I think it is something Deaf people cannot avoid. It truly needs better definitions and it needs to be sterilized for any Deaf organizations to feel comfortable using that term. For the negative aspects, leave it to “Deaf power,” “Priesthood,” “minnows,” (I am still learning this one ) and many more. The term, “Deafhood,” is being tarnished badly and I do not think it is fair. We have plenty of words in the dictionary to use.

Purple Sun

2008-08-07T18:35:00.001-07:00

Purple Sun
Colorful stories were for ears with powerful drums,
Golden drums of exotic and smooth leather, well worn,
Ready to make beautiful music, stories.
My drums are old.
They never worked, since the day I was born.
They are not gold and no music is made from them.
But my eyes are my ears.
I can see birds chirping as they land on a branch
Sunshine breaking through the dancing leaves.
I can see a washing machine churning as it twirls blankets.
I can see dogs barking ferociously as they smell a stranger passing by.
I can see the yellow meadow humming with the delicate morning wind.
I grew my own world of storytelling, I spoke to only me.
I told myself stories outlined with moving mouths and lined faces.
It was a coloring book where I filled in the colors.
I may have colored the sun purple
Instead of its true yellow.
But it was my own story.
Only I could understand it.
I may have sloshed colors in the wrong places.
I may have looked at the wrong picture.
Yellow sky, purple sun, red meadow, and green ravens.

Are You Sure?

2008-07-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

2008-07-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I'd do without

2008-07-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Smith Lake

2008-07-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Rain

2008-06-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

Melody = ASL

2008-06-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

I learned something new today. I never knew that there were significant specifics within music. At my poetry workshop this evening, a fellow poet wrote a piece about Melody with beautiful details. I had the chance to “taste” this sensory that I have/will never fully comprehend. To use Wikipedia, melody is described as, “tune, voice, or line, is a series of linear events or a succession, not a simultaneity as in a chord (see harmony). However, this succession must contain change of some kind and be perceived as a single entity (possibly Gestalt) to be called a melody.” A simple bass is used to promote the music along with background sounds, but it also takes more tools such as melody to make music beautiful and successful. Melody is a part of music that is deep, and a dimension that Deaf people will never experience.

ASL is melody. Simple sign language is just the bass as heard in music. Some may think sign language is enough, but it is not. I always measure interpreters with this, do they have melody? Most of them are CODAs. It is very rare for hearing people to have this quality. Deaf people naturally develop this.

This is what I fear the most for Deaf babies with CI. The “adults” surrounding those Deaf babies are mainly concerned with hearing/speech skills for the child. They want the implanted Deaf baby to learn every mystery of spoken language. Do they truly care for the implanted child to learn the melodies of ASL? This is the core of ASL and to learn ASL is not mere sign language, and to possess this very language is the foundation of life for every Deaf child.

2008-06-14T01:11:00.001-07:00

2008-06-14T01:07:00.001-07:00

Solidarity

2008-06-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

"we have not abandoned the gun, we have recognized the importance of the hammer to build. we must build educational facilities. we must build medical facilities. and we must keep our guns within reach to defend our right to build." -Bobby Seale- What is our “gun”? The very object that you guys name it as “militant.” Whatever that is to you, Militant, ok so be it. The actual thing is solidarity. As Bobby Seale said, “You don’t fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with Solidarity,” and to unite a group with similar beliefs, those who disagree with the beliefs just cannot be a part of the group. Right now, Deaf people are as invisible as Ralph Ellison was, “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.” From my experience, in public places (Universities, friends, most hearing people I’ve met), “so you don’t want to hear at all?” “yes that is right,” I answer. “I heard there is something about being able to hear with Cochlear Implants, don’t you want to have that?” “No. I am happy with how I am. I love my language, I love my people and the culture we have.” This always happens every time I meet a hearing person. They are always astonished with how happy I am with simply Deaf. That shows how invisible we –still are- I say invisible because even though Black people were visible in public -their dreams and desires were as human as the whites - they remained invisible, meaning, lower and ignored. Similarly, Deaf people who sign in public, they aren’t understood as a people of their own with a culture. Sympathies grow for them. When I was a student at University of Nevada, my professors learned so much about Deaf culture and they grew immense respect for Deaf people. Many “Thank you,” came as they learned and understood. Seeds, gotta spread the seeds for as long as it takes to complete this building. Now, with solidarity, to quote H.G. Wells, "A downtrodden class ... will never be able to make an effective protest until it achieves solidarity." What do we do to unite? CI and Deaf (Militants if you prefer). What is our similar purpose, interest and sympathies? (Remember the Black people I mentioned here are from the 40s or 60s not the present day.)

"I had a dream about deafness"

2008-06-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Drenched rags with saliva
had its sanctuary on a wooden display table.
Rags were used to hold the tongue of a deaf person
to teach them how to properly move their tongue
While speaking.
Hearing aids with dirty molds
rested on a mantelpiece.

Hearing aids were used to assist deaf people
to better hear sounds and to be able to
Speak.
Charts with several letters,
"Ba" "Ch" "Fr" "Ah"
bedecked a wall.

Speech therapists assisted deaf people
to learn simple pronouncing so they
Could speak.
A film played, a scalpel sliced the skin
behind an ear until a metal device appeared.
Cochlear Implants assisted deaf people with
Hearing and speaking.
I continued down the hallway and noticed
a black and white 11X14 photo
behind a chapped wooden frame.
People rammed against a black rail
Crying, shouting, holding banners,
"Only beat your drums!"
"End audism now!"
Beneath, a thoroughly polished brass
was firmly attached,
"In memory of Deafhood
BC - 2019."
(Inspired by Paddy Ladd's In Search of Deafhood)*

Recordings

2008-06-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hitching

I Love, Love Snow (taken by Darla Thompson).

Posting Scout

God's best creation - dogs (Taken by Darla Thompson).

Always be with you.

Deaf People Are Sex Maniacs

2008-06-05T03:07:00.000-07:00

BABEL (2006) Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

I have always thought about this movie since I first watched it a year ago. At first, I was excited to see this movie. I like movies about cultures. This movie is powerful and shows the stereotypes of different groups (Mexican, American tourists, Moroccan desert life, Deaf, Japanese). For the Mexican character, a woman is a maid and works for a rich white American family. The maid's family lives in Mexico and she is struggling with money -typical. Two boys who live in Moroccan desert play with a gun they stole, but the image of them with a gun is typical. The movie unfolds the human side of each characters, and as a viewer, we get to grow sympathy for them and understand them mutually. Also, we realize how quick we are with assuming a culture, like how the synopsis describes, "the mistaken identities, misunderstandings and missed chances for communication that, though often unseen, driven our modern lives." Now, for the Deaf character, the image was a sex maniac and this is the misunderstanding because the reality is she did not have enough love from her father. What does this say to you? Personally, I think it's pretty dumb and lazy. It also shows how much we are misunderstood, and how much we need to be "heard" in the majority.

Are You With Us?

2008-06-05T03:02:00.001-07:00

Native Americans came together and fought against Europeans who regarded them as savages. Native Americans fought for their humanity. Black people went through similar tribulations for similar reasons. Deaf people, with no question, feel the same way. This is the core of our current concerns with saving Deaf babies. Now, CI users, do you agree with us? Do you value your identity and regard yourself human with your "deafness?" Do you agree with protecting Deaf babies with ASL? If so, join us. We welcome you.

<3

2008-05-31T02:45:00.000-07:00

A great picture but... the scene on TV... gee (Taken by Darla Thompson).

I guess this is better. (Taken by Darla Thompson).

Forrest, a special cat

2008-05-31T02:41:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe

2008-05-31T02:37:00.000-07:00

Graduation May 17, 2008 (all pictures taken by Jerod Updike)

2008-05-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Done!

thinking... what a sight, all of my families rooting for me.

Thank you so much for all of your support & love. You raised me good.

"Hot?!" Poor them, they were burning under the sun.

2008-05-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Its a great feeling to make your parents proud!

My loving father

2008-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Jayme flew in to surprise, just in time for the ceremony.

I love her!

My loving Aunt June. She has an amazing soul.

My "Deaf" family

2008-05-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Carol is like my second mother. <3

My sidekick. Thank you for your stubborn and wonderful support.

Thanks for bringing me in your family!

Sidekicks for life!

2008-05-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Brenda, I love her strength. I hope I inherited some of her characters.

The Family!

Gotta have a Father & Daughter moment.

A great closure

2008-05-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Jayme and I watching the full moon

My family listening to the Moos

Thank you, Hearing parents who learn ASL

2008-05-15T05:22:00.001-07:00

For Mum Who Crawled

The sky was the only way
But it wasn't for me
I couldn't fly.

I was born without wings,
You bent your wings and hid them.
You crawled with me.

My knees got dirty,
You let yours get scrapes.
Some people got fake wings.

You didn't believe in that.
You wanted me to be true.
You were right.

I would have torn them off.

You learned my language before me.
I became faster, crawled faster.

You fly, but bend your wings for me.
I will never fly.
I never wanted to.

One day, you watched me
Stand up, and I walked
You waited a little more.

To see me running, and
Climbing.
As I climb, I see my view
And know I've never missed flying.

It is about the long history not Matt Hamill

2008-05-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

Based on Aidan’s vlog, http://deaffilmblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/amy-cohen-efron-vs-matt-hamill.html, I agree with her. It is based on Matt’s personal decision because it is going to be about his autobiography which includes raw openness and honesty about his life/experiences. I personally believe that some of us who felt it was a wrong decision to have a Hearing person act as a Deaf role, were more focused on the bigger picture, the long history of Hearing actors keeping on stealing roles from Deaf actors. Not only that, they acted with poor Sign Language skills and not representing the Deaf chracter well. Like what Amy Efron beautifully explained in her blog, http://blog.deafread.com/abcohende/2008/05/10/acting-deaf-here-we-go-again/ It makes sense, it just has been too long and too often. It was more about that, than Matt’s decision. Like for myself, it was a quick/natural reaction and I was wrong. I was upset and felt what Amy felt, "here we go again!" but now, I think he has every right to choose whoever he wants. Adian says it all. I do believe that most of us agree that Matt has the right to decide whatever actor he wants. Let’s support Matt because it is his decision and he is open to other Deaf roles played by Deaf actors.

Sexism in Deaf World

2008-05-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I am doing a research for my Feminist Theory class about genders in Deaf community. My personal opinion is that sexism does not exist as much as it does in Hearing community. The reason why,... we are still oppressed. We are still a group of "leftovers" in this world. Even though the Deaf community is "understood" to have a culture of their own, it is not completely understood or respected like many others. Those traits make us closer with each other and there is much less racism, sexism, etc going on here. For example, Deaf community accepts African Americans, Gays and Lesbians much more than any other minorities. I personally believe that the Black community had less prejudices/sexism in their communities during their oppressed times, maybe it is still the same today. Because they were/are much closer to each other due to the outside world (Whites, KKK, etc). I am curious about those who raised in oral schools, or used CI in public schools, etc. Do you experience racism or sexism? Do you experience that with your own group (oral users, CI, etc). Or, is it similar to what I experience? Less prejudice/sexism? Let me know your thoughts. Correct me all you want, am open. Also, if you know any articles based on this, please do share them with me. Thanks, Ali

Diversity World not Hearing World

2008-05-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Deaf people have language of their own; they have a beautiful community with similar beliefs and tradition which creates a culture of their own. They hardly ever think about their “deafness” not unless a hearing person reminds them, “can you read lips?” Or when a hearing person stares at the gesture, “paper and pen.” Or when hearing operators hang up on their relay calls. Hearing people who think Deaf people need cochlear implants are implying that it is not ok to be Deaf. They are not acknowledging Deaf culture and ASL. Why should we support something like that? This very action of refusing to acknowledge our culture is an act of an enemy – audism – Let the Deaf babies grow in this beautiful world, trust the Deaf educators, they know what to do. Hearing is not the only answer. This world is not a “hearing” world; it is a world of diversity. We, Deaf people are a part of the diversity.

Pimping with SSI

2008-05-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

"Every deaf human born into this society with broken ear drums is a target for mental curse which becomes a deaf-mute robot who strives and hungers for the approval and favor of their enemies." Iceberg Slim's quote inspired me to write this, his actual quote is, "Every male human born into this society with black skin is a target for physical or psychological murder or for the kind of sinister mental plague which turns out the kind of nigger robot who strives and hungers for the approval and favor of his enemies." If you can write a better quote, please do share with me. English is not my first language, so anyone expert in English, inspire me! Iceberg Slim wrote a book, Pimp: The Story of My Life, a very difficult book for me to read because I am a feminist. Yet, I understood what he went through during the 1940's (remember it was during the struggling period for Black people). What was Iceberg's purpose as a Pimp? He created a space for himself, a space where he could feel "Black," or feel like a man. This is similar to why Deaf people receive SSI, even when they say they are not disabled and we see that irony through how Slim pimped his own people (black women). Workplaces in the hearing world are much different compared to workplaces at Deaf schools, Deaf owned businesses, etc because the space is Deaf-owned. Now, working in public areas, workers tend to choose outcasts. Mexicans are often the target but.... when a Deaf person appears, they are the next outcast. Out of all minorities, the Deaf person is the final target. There is no real explanation for this. Now, receiving SSI is what Deaf people do to make a space of their own.

Colonized - African Americans and Deaf People

2008-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

It is not hard to relate to the history of Black people. The whole process for them was the exact same process we, Deaf people have been experiencing. Unfortunately, we are still in the process. Here is a powerful statement of one of my all time favorite theorists, Fanon. "I have no wish to be the victim of the Fraud of a black world. My life should not be devoted to drawing up the balance sheet of Negro values. There is no white world, there is no white ethic, any more than there is a white intelligence. There are in every part of the world men who search...” (Fanon in Black Skin, White Masks, 1952) One conclusion is that behind the attitude behind the colonies is fear, fear what would happen if the colonized try to go against the system. Black people actually went against the system and they prevailed. It is not hard to relate to this statement. Don't you think? Read on... "I have no wish to be the victim of the Fraud of a deaf world. My life should not be devoted to drawing up the balance sheet of Deaf-mute values. There is no Hearing world, there is no Hearing ethic, any more than there is a Hearing intelligence. There are in every part of the world men who search...” Paraphrased of -(Fanon in Black Skin, White Masks, 1952) Sometimes I wish it is our skin that prides us Deaf, not what is inside our ears. How about Purple? :)

Implanters, Get Over It!

2008-05-01T20:23:00.001-07:00

Created by Darla Thompson- Those who have CI, good for you. We like you as a person. We just don't want to get implanted. We don't want our next generation to be filled of implanters/less ASL. The more you speak, the less you use ASL. Education of why CI is good, helpful isn't needed anymore. We know. We only made our choice as you did.

SAY NO TO CI!

Deaf Folklore/Legend

2008-04-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! My name is Allison Tyler, call me Ali... I do not have a good webcam and cannot do a vlog. Am planning on getting one very soon. I need some help with my Research paper. I need to collect different folklores, legends, jokes, etc from our Deaf community. Do you know any famous or good folklores? Legends? If so, please let me know. For example, ASL Dragon is a type of folklore. Hope to get some help, Thanks, (By the way, I can't figure how to open the comments section, oh boy.... can you email me instead, at Sojtakhi@aol.com) Ali

What I've come to be today

2008-02-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Snow in Truckee, CA (one night = 1 foot!)

2008-02-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Inside Home

2008-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

My family room My entertainment corner :) I am still moving in, so mind the mess. I'm glad I have some apples and bananas... atleast. the bathroom. Its freezing! and hurtsss to sit on that toliet. My bedroom, I told you, I was still moving in. And yes, I sleep with Shrek. A wall in my bedroom. No door for my bedroom... I love the ship! My roommate :)

My new place in Truckee, CA

2008-01-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Since I have a very tiny fridge, .... :) I have to shovel this up :) Fun farm work. This is my place. The window there is the little family room I have, Only the small part of this house is mine. The bigger part, a nice couple live there. See how much snow? The trails made are, of course, from Bear. See the icicles? Thats the window to my bedroom... No wonder I sleep with my hood. The never-ending snow dog. My little kitchen.

2007-09-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am most sure a movie scene was filmmed here. Actually, it was kinda cool that day. Pier 31 Peek-a-boo Did he finish that vodka? Through a window Before those towers, there were buildings with similar design of the lamp post. add some birds, it'd be the palace of heaven (Darla's often image of heaven) A leaf for you

A seagull's flight

2007-09-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

More of SF

2007-09-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

2007-08-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Read this one! Ms Indian Jones in SF Walked over and he was reading "The Dangerous Book for Boys." How to make cities look better.

2007-08-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

A community of their own I don't know why they burn candles to be forgiven Remember this one thing, Spiritual things are unseen, and you could save lots of energy.

2007-08-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Assistance for money No Women = no America Pigeons in every corner

My Beautiful Mum & I in SF

2007-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Randoms

2007-08-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Kinda like we flew over the earth in outer space.

What glorious dusty Portola can do to pink toes in a day.

Awesome Rain

She is actually a pretty cool cat.

Lamp at Loyalton, CA. Beautiful lonely town.

Views - sky, branch, water, pine cone and my curtain

2007-07-30T02:15:00.000-07:00

This video makes me smile every time!

2007-07-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Last year, I surprised my mom when I flew out east for my Dad's surprise 50th bday party. It was great! Here is the video of me surprising my mom.

Don't live in a zoo in the jungle

2007-07-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

2007-07-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

Foxtails

The small waves...

You know, I love this picture.

Beautiful.

The smallest details of beautiful Lord's beautiful creation.

Untouchables

Dad's Wedding Pictures

2007-07-27T01:48:00.001-07:00

Dad & Carole's Wedding

1 + 1 = 2, sometimes 1

2007-07-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

I love this picture

2007-07-26T15:33:00.001-07:00

Taken by Darla Thompson

2007-07-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

I don't like flying that much.

Beautiful eastern sky.

Cinder

2007-07-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is Cinder. She was badly abused, so Darla and I took her and gave her to our friend, Chris.

Dog day at Lake Davis

2007-07-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Scout, Bear, Missy, and learning Cinder.

Bear, Scout, Cinder, and then Missy.

Scout on holy ground. (look at her paws!)

Thinking about God's Creation

2007-07-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. -Genesis And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. - Genesis For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. -Romans ... what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. -Romans

James Beckwourth, Gold Rush pioneers, rail yard for the former Western Pacific Railroad, and then us

2007-07-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sean Penn!

2007-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sept 21, 2007.

Directed by Sean Penn. Read the book - a must.

Some people think Alex is lunatic, some are unsure.. but some understand him.

Conquering the need of money, status, government.

Fire near Lake Davis

2007-07-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Around 4pm. I was so used to beautiful blue sky with radiant yellow sun. Something was up! Lake Davis is approx. 20 miles away, and the fire was north of the lake. Portola, CA drenched with smoke! Made me think of Red Sea in Old Testament. It felt very Biblical. Bear's carefree soul cannot be replaced. (Notice that the majestic mountains are not visible!) Usually, this area is pine green, shiny, and finished with tips of gold from the sun.

2007-07-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Makes me think of "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers. He begins his book with "First of all: I am tired. I am true of heart! And also: You are tired. You are true of heart!" I love that author. Splash there and over there. At her coolest. Nothing is like standing in the water for her.

It is good to count our blessings

2007-07-06T15:36:00.000-07:00