NOISE: Embody

A Fair Trade

I'm writing to you all live, here at the Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore in Munising, MI. This is Day 4 of my and my hubby's week-long Up North extravaganza. We spent Monday thru this morning in the Porcupine  Mountains, in a tiny little yurt out in the dense wilderness area of the park. When we arrived at the trail-head for the mile hike in to our yurt, we encountered a swamp as far as the eye could see. Mosquitoes were thick and very large, and we quickly became aware that tick season was in full swing.

Power Lunch

I had the best lunch today. It was so delicious, healthy, and amazing. It beat anything I've ever eaten in a restaurant by miles, both because it was primarily made of food I made happen myself and because it had only ingredients that I could see. In my redefined Power Lunch I had a huge salad that would hardly fit on my largest dinner plate of chicken, dill, romaine lettuce, and dairy-, MSG-, and all-other-crap- free ranch-style dressing. I grew the green stuff in my garden, the dressing was made especially for me by a friend, and the chicken came from a local farm. After I stuffed as much of that into my mouth as I could, I drank an equally huge glass of home-brewed Kombucha, which is is a magical beverage I highly suggest you try at least once. 

The Drop of A(cupuncturist's) Pin

For several years, I have received Acupuncture as a supplement for my health and well-being. Some people consider regular check-ups with their physicians maintenance; I consider Acupuncture, Homeopathics, Naturopathy, massage, and a slew of other 'alternative' courses of maintenance to be much more effective and safe for creating wellness within my body. Many of these modalities pre-date our Western culture's idea of medicine and science by millennium, and although more attention is being given of late to these types of healing, most conventional doctors do not recognize them as real, effective treatments.

Body, Mind, Spirit, and Dirt

I took a leisurely nap out in my grassy backyard earlier this week, and when I woke, I realized that several types of tiny creatures were sharing my sleeping mat with me in the dappled sunshine. A few of these were leafhoppers of brown and green, and had funny up-turned rears that made them relatively adorable, even for insects. I had a small Daddy Longlegs hanging out near the edge of my mat and the grass, and my favorite visitor was a neon green inchworm who was making his way up the back of my leg. I marveled at how I could have turned over thoughtlessly and crushed him, never even knowing he existed, and was so glad I hadn't. Getting up close and personal with these little creatures helps me to feel more connected to the natural world, and nurtures my body and spirit alike.

Detoxifying Life

Tuesday I was pruning tomatoes in my neighborhood's community garden when a woman walked by and exclaimed, "Wow! You've got to tell me what you feed your tomatoes!" I tried to hide my satisfaction as I explained that I didn't feed them anything, and that I use a method of pruning and training the vines to create large, healthy plants that yield large, healthy fruit. I'm pretty sure she had no idea what the hell I was talking about, but she stood and gazed at the palm-sized leaves of my plants a little longer before moving on down the sidewalk. I went back to my tomatoes, and allowed myself to feel a little bit of pride as I took in their large, sturdy stalks, their enormous leaves, and big, vibrant flowers. I considered her comment, and realized that many people did not think big, healthy plants could grow without the use of weed-killers, commercial fertilizers, and other toxic chemicals. Then I considered the areas of my and Jake's (my partner) lives besides our garden that we have removed chemicals, like our kitchen, bathroom, and laundry.

Learning To Fly

When I was a child, I became enraptured with a very special book called ''The Fledgling'', by Jane Langton. It is the amazing story of a young girl who is obsessed with flying, and develops a peculiar relationship with a Canadian Goose she calls 'The Goose Prince.' The Goose Prince visits Georgie, the girl, each night at her bedroom window and takes her for secret rides atop his back, soaring over the countryside. I loved this book so much as a kid that I stole it from my school's library (sorry, PHS), and continue to read it regularly even as an adult, as it gives credibility to the impossible becoming possible.

In a workshop at Yoga State yesterday evening, the impossible became a reality as a small group of curious seekers learned how to fly.

Make Your Own Way (or cobbler, in this case)

Tuesday is my day to cook. I spend most of the afternoon chopping, frying, baking, and jotting down ideas for later in the week or that weekend. This Tuesday I made chicken salad, fresh pear cobbler, and a new recipe for a raw protein cookie I got from a friend by the time I wrote this post. I am waiting for the cobbler to get out of the oven even as I write this sentence. It is possible I will fit one more thing in before Jake, my long-time boyfriend, comes home to sample the day's work.I spend all day in the kitchen for a few reasons, the main ones being because I love it, and because I live a gluten free life, or at least try to. Eating out can be difficult at best, and I find cooking and baking my own meals not only is cheaper, but it tastes a lot better, too!

Rock On in Grand Ledge's Oak Park

 When Jake announced to me that he was going to try rock climbing, I snorted and made some sarcastic comment about the availability of climb-able rocks in our area. Now, 4 years later, I still kick myself for not having any faith in him or this incredible sport. True, Michigan has less natural rock than say, Colorado or California, but there are still little areas around the state that keep its climbers challenged and more than satisfied.                                                                   

If you don't know, Grand Ledge is about 20 minutes due west of Lansing, and it hosts the Lower Peninsula's only legal, naturally-formed rock climbing area. If you have ever used the trail system from Grand Ledge's Island Park to Fitzgerald Park, you might have looked across the Grand River to see the  area's climbing 'regulars' hanging out and scaling the 30+ feet of sandstone with enough ropes, harnesses, and gear to make any bondage fan jealous. On a weekend day during the better weather months, and even sometimes on warmer winter days, the area can get happily crowded as the regulars, MSU's Outdoors Club, and unsuspecting passer-by all mix for a raucous good time. The area, located officially within the city's Oak Park, is meticulously maintained by a small-but-mighty group of dedicated volunteers who update the paths and stairways leading to the river's edge, clean up debris and trash, operate a lost-and-found for left-behind gear, and inform newbies of the local etiquette if they step out of line.

Besides being an awesome way to get active, build strength, and boost confidence, climbing does just as much for the psyche and state of mind as it does for the physical body. In 'The Rock Warrior's Way', a highly utilized method of 'mental training' provides focus and obstacle identification as climbers encounter challenges, both on the rock and off. The book, originally released in 2003, has since been adopted by businesses, parents, teachers, and more as a positive example of overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of learning and growth.

 Aside from 'the Ledges', as many locals refer to the climbing in Oak Park, options can be a little slim here in the Lansing area. There's a huge gym, Planet Rock, in Ann Arbor, which is great for the first-time beginner as they offer classes on safety and basics. There is also word on the street that MSU may soon build their own climbing wall, but the project is just beginning to gain steam. You can support it by visiting the Outdoors Club's page. If you want to travel a bit, our Upper Peninsula's Marquette is well worth the long drive as you'll be rewarded with endless sweeps of Lake Superior and cool lava-flow basalt to get your hands on. A great resource for climbing anywhere can be found at Rock Climbing.com, although the pages load slow and can be frustrating if you aren't already familiar with the state you're searching in.

Since he started climbing, Jake has traveled to Colorado, Texas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin,  and the UP, but that pales in comparison to some of his climbing buddies' adventures. If mileage and scenery sound like a cool way to spend your weekends, climbing can offer it. But I urge you to spend a crisp fall afternoon in GL before you pack your camping gear, when the leaves are brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds, the river sparkles in the late sun, and the clean air fills your lungs and body with a sense of vitality and joy. Or maybe visit on an early May morning, when the geese have lines of fuzzy goslings swimming behind them, the menagerie of bird calls drowns out most conversation, and you can literally see the Earth waking up as green shoots push up through the ground and wildflowers begin to bloom. My favorite time in GL  is early summer mornings, when only the most dedicated 'die hards' get up to be at the crag by 8am. It's so quiet you can hear echoes from a mile away, the air is still, and you can grab a drink at the crystal-clear, rock-fed spring, savoring the sweetest water you've ever tasted. You just might stuff that camping gear back in the attic or basement for another season.

Sharing the Road

  Last week I posted about biking the Lansing River Trail;  today I want to share some essential guidelines for road biking and commuting. Most of my info comes from a handy little pocket guide the League of Michigan Bicyclists puts out and can be picked up in local businesses around town. They have a sweet website with so much stuff about biking it will have you itching to get out on your hog and do a little touring. But like any other sport, there are rules in place that need to be taken very seriously, so you can keep yourself and others safe, and do your part to raise awareness.

If you are riding a bicycle, you are operating a vehicle, and are required by law to follow the same rules as anything motorized. This means you ride with traffic, stop at stop signs, slow down at yellow lights, and, because you are the slower- moving vehicle in most cases, stay to the right to allow traffic to pass you on the left. Many novice riders and many more motorists believe the sidewalk is where cyclists are supposed to ride: quite the contrary. Would you drive your car on a sidewalk? Biking in the right lane, on the street, with your tires where the right wheel of a car would normally rest is the safest and most visible place to ride. Don't forget to signal to traffic, such as when turning. There are still official hand signals that some people recognize, but in my experience, most motorists do not understand these. I usually wave my arm over my head and then point in the direction I am turning- this seems to be effective in getting a driver's attention and showing your intentions at the same time.

Please wear a helmet, it is good for your brain. No one is going to make you do it, but consider dropping the grudge against Big Brother and use some common sense. A properly-fitted helmet can mean the difference between being injured or being killed if there is an accident. Michigan has an annual ride, The Ride of Silence, that commemorates cyclists who lost their lives in biking accidents, raises cycling awareness, and encourages all vehicles to share the road. The best way to educate motorists on sharing the road with you is to get your facts straight and to bike courteously, safely, and with respect.

Try to maintain calm, even if a motorist decides you are the reason they are having a bad day or life. Do your best to get away from them by taking a different route or street, even if you only go a few blocks and turn back around. Heck, pull into a yard and act like you're going up to your front door if it sends them packing. Getting their license plate number is key- I was assaulted on my bike few years ago, and was so freaked out by the crazies in the SUV that I couldn't remember the plate correctly. If you are injured or if your bike gets damaged, the plate number will be the only way the police can track down the antagonists. 

Just get out there and do it! I rode leisurely and bike-commuted for years before I got up the nerve to join an official biking event. All that gear, the fancy jerseys, and the mileage that gets tossed around can be intimidating to newer riders, but don't let that discourage you! If you love to ride, get out there! Our area has some rural roads that are beautiful, smooth, and less-traveled to get you comfortable with any distance, and there are local rides every weekend of the entire summer. What part of the state do you want to see? Everything form the coastlines to the UP to the Mackinac Bridge are included, and there are rides for any level, including kids and families. Get hooked up with the LMB or the TCBA to get inspired and get riding.