I haven't been here in awhile....maybe I should add this to my list of New Years Resolutions!

One time at Burning Man...

I was walking along the innermost "road" of the city during a huge dust storm. I could barely see my hand in front of my face when all of a sudden the wind let up. The dust started to clear and what do I see? A 10 - 12 foot art installation spelling out the word "MOM". It was daylight so it wasn't lit but it was still impressive. I was by myself and not totally sure what I was seeing was real. Had I conjured it up because of the goals I set for myself to see the Temple, say "goodbye" to Mom and try to accept my own guilt for not being there for her last breathe? To be honest it scared the hell out of me so I walked back to camp as fast as my legs would carry me. The next day I was out with friends on the art car and there it was again. I took a deep breathe, gathered my strength and asked if it was real. JJ confirmed it was indeed real and she looked at me as if she could read my mind saying only "I know baby I know".

Over the next week I found myself drawn back to the piece. My description of it will not be adequate. Each letter was 10 - 12 feet high by 6 - 8 feet wide by 3 - 5 feet deep. It was welded metal with a flying bird cut out pattern. The lighting was placed on the inside of each letter and each was synced so that they simultaneously cycled through various colors. People were climbing inside the "O" to have there picture taken. The reactions were varied. Some finding peace and comfort, others expressing anger and rage, and there I was in awe of it all.

So that is my "One time at Burning Man..." or "the playa provides" moment for 2009.

Taking the challenge from Deborah...The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. If you have a request, I'd be happy to entertain it...(within reason, of course, and my budget). This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make for you! But I hope you will...2. What I create will be just for you. Or maybe a member of your family if you'd rather.3. Give me at least 'til August to finish4. If you are long-distance, I'll probably send via cheapest shipping.The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people to comment.

What an amazing accomplishment.

Where once stood a "crack house" now stands a Temple.

A symbol of hope.

Proof that if you put your mind to something you can make changes.

Not sure which of these is correct but it's worth the time to see this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

DO YOU SEE COLOR?

This was written by a black gentleman in Texas And is so funny. What a great sense of humor And creativity!!!

When I was born, I was BLACK,
When I grew up, I was BLACK ,
When I went in the sun, I stayed BLACK,
When I got cold, I was BLACK
When I was scared, I was BLACK ,
When I was sick, I was BLACK ,
And when I die, I'll still be BLACK .

NOW, You "white" folks....

When you're born, you're PINK,
When you grow-up, you're WHITE ,
When you go in the sun, you get RED,
When you're cold, you turn BLUE,
When you're scared, you're YELLOW,
When you get sick, you're GREEN,
When you bruise, you turn PURPLE,
And when you die, you look GRAY.

So who y'all callin'
COLORED folks?

Check this out!

www.dothetest.co.uk