NOISE: Freestyle

Our future

   

 I get to take pictures at all sorts of events. Some of them are just official. Some are really fun and happy. But some really just hit home and this last event that I went to was just that. The kind of event that really opens your eyes and makes you realize that life needs work.  

  At this conference the topic was how to help Lansing's youth of color. I thought, I'm raising 2 children of color with the help of my fiance. This will be a good lesson for me and the 15 year old. Opening discussions were about what's happening not only in Lansing but all over MI. I suspect all over the United states. I sat in an auditorium of people who are committed to helping not only the youth of color but all youth. If you focus improving an area that most people ignore than eventually your problem area goes away and becomes a solution area that grows. I heard tons of ideas on what to do. My favorite was to have youth talk to youth. People not much older than the kids they are helping, talking to them about different ways to make their future brighter. There are an alarming numbers of kids in jail, crime rates involving youth and drop out rates. But the beauty of all of this is that I was in a room full of people looking to help any way they can! It makes me so proud to know that some of the top people in Michigan joined together to help what I hold dearest to my heart, my children.  

 I have learned that there are many more events coming up and community participation is needed. How can you help? There are several ways. The first, know that everything you do can influence someone else. Second, have more pride and teach more pride in your community. If you don't, who will? And third, be present at some of these gatherings and share your opinions. You may think one person can't change anything, but if all of those single people changed one thing, it would change the world. Look for Town Hall meetings, school agenda meetings, neighborhood watch and clean up meetings, anything that you can do to stay connected and make a difference in your community. See you there  
 
 

healthy living and eating while supporting local economy

       
 
 
 
 
 
 I am one of the many who are becoming more aware of what Im eating. I choose to eat organic food that has not been modified. I love knowing that when I eat something I can not only pronounce whats in it but there are very few ingredients. The other advantage is that I know where it came from. I love shopping at the local farmers markets! I have shopped in the park, in the middle of closed down streets and even on the lawn of the capitol. 

Do I eat some of the bad food? Yeah, but I know that my health over all is improved by regularly eating foods without hormones, pesticides and haven't been flying across the world for 5 years (exaggerated time frame... but not by much, ha ha). The point is, that I can help myself, my community and influence what my kids do for themselves as they get older all at one time!  

These farmer's markets are closer than you think. There is the Allen Street Farmers Market  right on Allen street. There is the South Lansing Community Farmer's Market located at Benjamin Davis Park. And the Lansing City Market with it's beautiful new building standing right downtown. 

Do you need more places to go or are worried that if  your traveling beautiful Michigan that you can't get to your local spot? Fear no more. Here is a list of other farmers markets in the great state of MIchigan. http://www.fruitstands.com/states/michigan.htm

So if your having a BBQ with succulant ribs, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, seven grain rice, potato salad and hot fresh toasted buttery bread dipped in spinach dip, know that you can get all of these things and more at your local farmers markets! And dont forget to invite your favorite blogger. See you there!
  

Running

 
 Its spring.  Happiness is all around and smiles are abundant.  There are almost as many cheerful people as there are new animals popping out all over.  My son and I were out running today and I realized something, we run for health.  We run for community of those who also run.  We even run just to impress others.  But I propose that we run for a reason.  Lansing is hosting tons of relays this time of year.  You can run to help find cures for cancer, MS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's    and many, many more.  Here are some of the relays that I have heard about and am trying to participate in:  Relay for Life 5K (Lansing, MI), March of Dimes' Annual March for Babies, Hannah's House Annual 5K Walk/Run, Alzheimer's Association 2010 Greater Lansing Memory Walk.  And there are many, many more! 

So, as your doing something great for your health, to be around people who do the same or maybe even just impress someone... make it mean something.  Run or walk for a cause because someone afflicted by any one of these problems may not be able to.  For more info and events local events    

 

Funner!

 I drive down the path slowly as to not miss a thing. And there by the side of the road they sit. They sit comfortably as if to say we have no worries here. They are a herd of deer majestic and strong, beautiful and sweet and small and frail.  
 But they have a home a sanctuary to call their own. I drive further and am greeted by a chipmunk with cheeks full as my belly with laughs when I see him. I remove my camera and tripod from my car and I buzz with excitement. This place, this magical mystical place, home to so many memories and animals I hold dear to my heart is home to me too. Not home in the sense that I reside here, but a part of my heart does. Its been my home since the buffalo roamed and sometimes I can still hear him play. But now that field holds nothing but my fond memories. However, this place, this wonderful wondrous place holds much to me. Now my son in tow we go up concrete stairs to a landing where dinosaurs roam. Ok not real dinosaurs but maybe relatives... Wild turkeys stalk grain like rap-tors stalked pray.

   As you listen to their call you wonder if that's what ancient earth sounded like. Then as if someone opened a box of crayons, birds of all shapes, sizes and colors burst into view. Meanwhile in the background a squirrel and a deer seem to hold a conversation about the things going on. My son and I go into the building to visit the laughing bird and see some of the residents of Michigan that we normally don't. Snapping, Box and Map turtles sit along side snakes and remnants of animals long gone. Then we step into the sun again and down the back stairs to the  piranha pond. Ok its not really a piranha pond but if you throw some bread in there thats the way they act. They attack flipping and snapping like they haven't eaten in years, however we know they have. We fed them yesterday too. So on top of all of these already amazing things, you have dragonflies zooming in and out like the greatest fighter pilots. You've got bees buzzing, frogs jumping, goldfish swimming and turtles basking! What else did you expect turtles to do? And the trails, the trails long and pretty, full of tranquility and wonder. Wondering whats around the next bend, what will scurry up a tree or fly over head. It is my home. Not my home in the sense that I reside there but part of me does. So I guess you could call it my home only funner. Fenner Nature Center will always be Funner!

WOW-ldumar

                          
 
 I love Lansing! I especially love that we have so many parks. One of my favorites is Woldumar Nature Center. More than 5 miles of trails and over 188 acres of beautiful nature surround you in an almost Shangri-la like world. No it’s not Asian in appearance and you’re not going to live forever but you will wish you could so that you could soak up this amazing place. I visit Woldumar several times a week when possible. I’m that guy carrying the 500 pounds of photography gear. But its so worth it!   

A favorite spot is a beautiful tree standing majestically along side the trail.   A charming bench sits facing it with enough room for a family looking to enjoy the shade or a happy couple looking to snuggle with one another while admiring this vision of strength and splendor. Another favorite spot is a pond located toward the back of the property. This has been a favorite of mine since I was about 7 years old. I came here as a child to one of the many camps held here. I was able to catch a giant water bug. If you don’t know, these things are giant literally! What a memorable experience!   

Recently I was blessed by this pond again, this time in my adult life; I was able to take pictures I had been waiting for years to get. Early one morning I went to the pond to take pictures of the fog resting on the surface. As I sat silently adjusting my camera I heard a loud flapping noise. A huge great blue heron dropped out of the sky and landed less than 100 feet away from me. He then flew down and began to stalk prey in the water. I watched this bird hunt and eat fish as he allowed me to snap picture after picture! This is not the only monumental event that I have been blessed with at this gorgeous place. I have taken dozens of pictures in this utopia because it is also very family friendly. Senior pictures, family pictures, even engagement pictures. There was even a couple that came all the way from California and had stunning anniversary pictures done as they danced on one of the decks overlooking the water. One winter I went out to take pictures in the mid afternoon and although it was incredibly bright it was just as cold. I approached a bridge that crosses a little stream from the pond to the river. As I stood there admiring the tranquility of it all I noticed this breathtaking pattern in the ice. I’m not a fan of the cold but when it comes to Woldumar I will make an exception.                                                                                                     
       
 
I literally have thousands of stories of this enchanted place. But I will tell you that none of my stories will ever equal experiencing Woldumar firsthand for yourself. When you do, bring at least 1 dollar for a donation to help keep it up running and in its pristine condition. And bring your love for all things natural and expect to have them exceed your expectations! I will see you there!

Cornerstone

 
 

Do you know that your backbone is a cornerstone of your well being? I know what you’re thinking... I know lots of people that don't have backbones. I’m not speaking metaphorically; I’m talking about your actual backbone. You know, that thing that holds you upright and sturdy. 

                                             
 

I recently returned to my chiropractor to get adjusted. I was having shoulder and leg pain and headaches too. I talked to many people and it was thought that I might need an adjustment. Yes, I admit I can be a little off... Don't get ahead of me. What I’m saying is that my spine was out of its correct orientation. Putting it back in line does a few things. The first is that it lets everything communicate! That’s amazingly important because, lets be honest, what’s the use of having that brain inside your head if its signals cant get to where they are supposed to go? It’s like having the best computer in the world but your wires in the back are all mixed up and some of them aren't even connected. The good part is that it can be fixed! And your computer getting wired right is not the only benefit. You also get More Energy, More Sleep, Less Stress, Clearer Thinking, Concentration and Memory, and even Better Digestion. And there are many, many more reasons. These are just a few. You can even attribute being able to work better for all of the above mentioned reasons. Enjoy your life more because you’re not as tired and can think clearly. 

So, I went and got adjusted. I know a few chiropractors in town. I always want to make sure that I go some where professional that I trust.
I arrive and look forward to feeling better. Im greeted with smiles and soothing music. And then quick as a flash Im in to see the chiropractor so he or she can do their magic. 
So, I’m in and out of there in less than 15 minutes. I’m on my way home with a heart felt blessing of a good day. I’m feeling more energy more comfortable and at peace. As for my headache, shoulder and leg pain? Gone! It was like having a wish granted. So how do you top that? 
                           

                                                                

                                               
 
 

I would go for a massage. Make sure that the person performing the message is a professional. This will help to make sure your safe and you get the work done you need.  They should always check to make sure you’re comfy and that all of your knots are being, well, unknotted. I have been messaged lots of times.  I don’t know where all the places are that seem out of whack, but they always find them. Then they work them out. I don’t know what they do or how they do it but I will tell you this, it is something I look forward to! 
 
                              

 
    

All in all it’s a great place and like a spa for your soul. You go relax and drop off your frustrations for them to dispose of. In a world that goes too fast and takes too much, slow down and give yourself something that keeps on giving: A trip to your favorite Chiropractic in Lansing. You will be happy you did! See you there.