Words to Live By: Bikes
“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.” – Arthur Conan Doyle
More great bike quotes here.
Friday Photo: Oil Booms
Oil booms in Mississippi River Delta, flight provided by http://www.southwings.org
I’ve learned one thing in the last week: oil is a dirty thing. That’s not a new realization, but as I’ve traveled through the Gulf Coast it’s become ever more clear to me what our dependence on fossil fuels is doing to us and our planet, and it’s a complex dilemma that stretches from economy to environment. On Tuesday I had the chance to do some aerial photography out over the Mississippi River Delta, a striking experience in many ways. Although much of the surface oil isn’t visible anymore, oil booms line the region, adding a visually disturbing element to the otherwise pristine and lush habitat.
Full photo gallery here.
Monday Inspiration
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. – Joel Barker
Experiencing the Gulf Coast Firsthand
A couple of months ago I got invited to take part in a project with a group of Oregonians all traveling down to the Gulf Coast to bear witness to the oil spill and work with groups on the ground to create a better understanding of what the true impacts of the environmental disaster really are. I said yes.
It’s officially day 2, and I’ve already had the chance to go to a community meeting in Ocean Springs to listen to community members voice their opinions on what a longterm restoration plan should look like. Walking in to a room packed with Gulf Coast residents I felt a little out of place. What would I bring to the table by being here? What does a Portlander have to give a community that’s been so severely affected?
But it’s all about listening and hearing the real stories that these people are telling. We’re all on media overload from images of oil slicked birds and messy waves. But we have to keep listening. We have to keep listening to the fishermen that are telling us that there waters were opened up too soon and that they’re afraid of the longterm harm that eating the seafood might cause. We have to listen to the mental health specialists that emphasize that this environmental catastrophe is having a serious psychological effect. We have to listen to the clean energy advocates that are pushing for renewables in this region and coming up against political obstacles.
We’ll be covering the next 10 days over on www.pdx2gulfcoast.com. Check it out and engage in the conversation, because it’s one we need to create and sustain.
Friday Photo: Brad Pitt for Mayor
During an evening walk through the French Quarter of New Orleans, you see many things. You quickly get the feeling that this is a rebellious place; a place where things are done just a little bit differently. I saw a sign that said “We’re not Republican or Democrat, we’re just New Orleans.”
There’s truth in that, and on five years after Hurricane Katrina, it’s easy to see that this place embraces the people that give it support. Like Brad Pitt.
Friday Photo: Summer Greenery
Early morning on a trail in the high desert. Sun shining through the tree branches. Trail is quiet and dust has yet to fill the air. Sounds of waterfall in the background. Perfect day ahead.
New Summer Favorite: Watermelon Salad
I’d seen variations on watermelon salad making their way around the web, and I figured it was time to make my own. Much like most of my food endeavors, this recipe was dictated by what I had on hand, so although most watermelon salad calls for mint I went all out and threw in some basil. Partnered with the sweet taste of the watermelon and the salty feta, you’ve got a salad that’s both refreshing and interesting. The new summer must have.
Reason #182 To Live in Portland
Summer might be short, but we get sunsets like this.
blog.annabrones.com 