The Journal of Jackson

Awhile

2011-01-27T22:03:00.002-05:00

Been while since I've posted here. From my previous post you can now tell I am living in Mountain City, TN; the photos tell a lot but they don't tell how cold it is. Oh well. Snow snow snow. Thankfully the causation is from global warming; humidity from the gulf meeting the cold arctic air. Work is good. Love the job as I get to work with kids who need a lot of help. Only time will tell to where it leads. So it goes.

Silence

2010-10-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

the shrill sound
of
silence creeps in
so loud
monotonous
it screams;
i hear my heart,
the over caffeinated
whir
the thumps
it produces

life is full of
seconds;
moments,
indelible fragility
as your mind attacks
itself
thoughts race each other
one wins

you fill the air with
noise
of toys,
what we do,
as no one can enjoy
the sound
so loud
reverberating
whispers ask us to increase to
volume

silence overcomes us

May 18th

2010-05-19T20:29:00.003-05:00

Here is where my mother lies ash and all beneath the ground of pummeled dirt. I squint as the sun is bearing down on my eyes thus creating this tunnel of blurred vision. The name is there etched in the white stone along with the hundreds of gravestones of former veteran and their loved ones; my lips are pursed and my cheeks are shuttering as my jaw shakes. Hundreds of thoughts are running through my head, so unorganized that I can't latch onto one. I start my usual mumbling.

"So yeah; I'm here mom." The tears start streaming and I look to the sky as if to damn God for doing this to me. Fumbling over my words I start spattering about my life and how it is; it doesn't help as my knees are growing weaker. I inch to the headstone and put my hand firmly upon it; it's smooth, cold, and shockingly bear. I glance at other headstones with dates of the dying and I grimace.

"You weren't supposed to die Mom. Not yet." I say this as a comic relief to myself, but it of course doesn't help. I step back and walk to my car; I sit and as I'm buckling myself in I look at her stone again. I waited for something to happen as if a voice would speak to me. Slamming doors interrupt my thought as I see people carrying flowers. They're older folks with hunched backs or gray hairs with tiny children in tow. This is awful.

One year is like a knife to my brain, and nothing really helps but the sobering words of a mother.

Good Things

2010-03-02T19:51:00.001-05:00

doing good things

It has been awhile since I’ve last updated my blog and I guess I should update. You know, since a lot of stuff has been going on in my life. I have this new life called the real world and let me tell you it’s a trip. I knew my internship was going to take over my life; however, I knew it was something when I documented for an hour last night and got home at 7:30 pm. Oh the things I am ignorant of. So far I love my internship at Shepherd but I don’t know if I could ever work at Shepherd. I am guessing the feeling is coming from how I need to move on with my life and start anew somewhere? Don’t get me wrong I love how Shepherd works and all of that jazz; it’s almost like I want to go and spread what I have learned about Shepherd somewhere else. Such as the outings and specialists etc. Whatever may be the case I am ready to graduate college and be done. This internship, while the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, is the only thing in my way.

I visited my girlfriend last weekend up at Western and it yes it was great. I guess it was great to be back in my old “stomping grounds”, I’ve just had many things happen to me in college. These events have made me who I am and I can’t disagree with that. It’s just time for a new beginning wherever that may be; preferably not Georgia.

Maybe a Love Poem

2010-01-05T13:00:00.001-05:00

impatiently

i wait for the call

thoughts intrude

they speak blasphemous

volumes

i wait for the

time

the correct hour tumbles awkwardly

onto my watch

i never knew waiting for a voice

felt so great

Stand Up

2010-01-03T13:00:00.001-05:00

walking

a hypothesis in mind

ideas are shutdown

like galileo

crazy bastard, isn’t like we gave

his ideas a chance

do these new theories

make you uncomfortable?

unseat you?

do you squirm?

just stay with the status

quo

new things take effort

alas

i forgot that our country

gave effort

someone will stand up,

begins with

one

Hangovers and the Liking

2010-01-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

Hangovers happen because of dehydration. New Years eve started with a drive and ended with me wandering the streets of Asheville, NC. This morning I was awoken by the noise of rustling in the hotel room as my friends were getting up to go eat breakfast. I dressed and hurried to the 8am breakfast and we all recalled the previous night how it had been epic. It truly was. I walked miles while sloshed and was picked up by my friends finally, good things happen sometimes I guess. At breakfast I thought to myself about my dream as I tossed and turned. I had another nightmare about missing a final and falling off a bridge. So it goes. I hear that the standard "forgetting" or "missing" something that has to do with school is common, so I guess I'm getting older now. Yum.

I stopped at a BP station to fill up my little car with 9.1 gallons of gasoline on my way back from Asheville. Walking inside I mumbled to the attendant about a bathroom to fill up my water bottle and he pointed towards the back. I thought, "this is a nice gas station for such a remote-ish location." I headed towards the coffee drip and the other employee pointed out the water fountain.

"I think you need that instead of the sink" he stated. I glanced over at the fountain and shrugged, "Yea, I guess it all comes from the same place. I like the cold." Coming to this logical conclusion he continued to mop the floor. I poured sugar in my coffee. I stirred. I owed $1.35 and I didn't have a dime to add to my quarter so I gave the attendant two quarters instead of one. I joked with her about getting rid of my change and she didn't seem to happy.

"Have a good day" she mumbled as I pushed open the door. Pulling out of the gas station I turned left to a stop sign. I briefly stopped and looked both ways, but then I paused and noticed my state. I had a throbbing headache that water wasn't really getting rid of. My music was blasting probably because I couldn't hear from the concert the night before. Noticing these things made me realize something important and it's this: hangovers clarify things.

I pulled back onto the interstate and continued my measly 60 miles per hour. I'm sure grandma was pissed about that.

Just Like That

2009-12-31T09:40:00.002-05:00

Just like that another year passes by. Realize that this isn't truly a near year that it's just a time line that we as humans place on our world. Based upon the sun's cycles. Nevertheless another year has passed! What do we have to show for it? A personal question for other people to answer, but knowing how this past year went for me I can guess this year wasn't the best. Nevertheless I start an internship on the Monday the 4th that will kick me into shape. Let's talk about that for a minute.

I can't believe I'm here. I remember when I first started my program at WCU and I learned about the required internship needed to complete the program. I immediately decided that I wanted to go to Shepherd Hospital. Now to say that I didn't want to go elsewhere to complete my internship would be a lie, but in the end I finally decided on Shepherd Center. I remember this past October when I went down to Atlanta for an interview and how nervous I was. Two hours later I was finished and driving back to Western, and one week later I had the internship. Let's see how this goes for me.

I really want to leave my mark on the place but of course I can't stir things up too much. Let's be hopeful for my new year but also others coming new year. So it goes everyone.

2009-12-20T23:03:00.003-05:00

The times I have cried have been all but weird; however, tonight I sat down with my dog. I sat down with Boot and gave him some food to eat. I kept my eyes on the top of his head and he would take a nibble of food then look up at me. He had this look on his face, the look you get when you have lost something. I started to cry and started talking to him thinking he could understand me. However, I could tell he knew I was upset so I guess that was comforting. I continued to pet him while thinking how there are no Christmas lights on the bushes outside. In previous years my mother had hung them on the bushes for all of our neighbors to see. So it goes.

I fly out tomorrow you know. Fly out to Seattle for Christmas. We're going to Vancouver, British Columbia to I guess sight see. I'm just excited about the Skiing. That's all I have so I'll go now. Peace.

Nothing Else Matters

2009-12-13T22:08:00.003-05:00

As I'm listening to NPR I flinch when I here about climate change, health care overhaul and its enemies, and I fully flinch when I think of the real world. I am about to embark on a journey that is exciting and while at the same time scary as hell. My internship at Shepherd Center should prepare me for working with people and should allow me to become a fully fledged practitioner. I know my professors are proud of me and they expect all of us to have a career in Recreational Therapy. I keep thinking back to my philosophies and since I'm young I feel I can deliver efficacious treatments that truly make a difference in one's life.

While I haven't posted here in awhile that's OK because I'm going to use it as a journal. I've been told I need this journal to write down my thoughts however crazy they are so I'm going to. Let me apologize forthright before I start writing my insane thoughts down in an electronic journal. Some of my thoughts will be personal but of course I'll be writing to an audience so I'll keep that in mind. However, forgive my words as they may bring about hostile thoughts towards me, but remember these are only words.

Carved

2009-08-26T22:36:00.004-05:00

"I wonder why, we are the way we are" - Alexi Murdoch

Standing in front of the gravestone, that is the color of pearl, I see my mother's named. It is etched cleanly into the stone and it is upright next to hundreds of others. Almost like tablets. A survey with your own eyes shows the cemetery surrounded by mountains; in fact, it's a military cemetery (I guess uncle sam does take care of his veterans). I stand muttering to myself as if she can hear me and understand me. I stumble around for a moment and collapse, and on my knees I'm closer to her headstone. My eyes, now blurry, reads the name and this death is real. Seeing her die wasn't enough but this is. Enough.

The vision of visiting my mother's grave came to me while looking at my friend's pictures from his accident. I saw him eating with his family and I remembered eating a "victory" meal with my mom. Victory meal after finishing outpatient rehab at Pathways near Atlanta, GA. A meal that meant that I was on my way to recovery from a near death accident. The coming year was a blur. Should I re-hash it? Sure.

I declared Recreational Therapy as my major and I began a long course classes that would lead me to where I am now. I began cycling again as my main sport, but I didn't truly start again until last year. I also dropped kayaking for awhile, but of course I am back into that sport again too. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. I dated a girl named Nikki for over a year; this ended with sadness and guilt but she changed my life. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. I got a new mountain bike which I absolutely love; however, I'm convinced my friends think I'm going to hurt myself again. I'm actually in descent physical fitness now which I'm happy about. My mom was diagnosed with cancer.

I guess it's the juxtaposition of how I held my mom's hand that upset me. She held mine you know. I don't know where I'm going or who I'm going to be, but I know what I hope to be and hope to be going. However, hope is a word that doesn't exist in my vocabulary right now. Just remember whom you love and why. Don't take things for granted. It could have been worse. My mom could have been killed in a car wreck. What a sob story.

Metaphor

2009-03-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

This photo is a metaphor: people always try to grab things but they're always out of reach.

This photo is from the Women's Rugby game, Western Carolina v. Georgia Tech. Now I can't tell you if they won. However, they played very well.

Really like this photo. Great one. Alright, I'm off to Snowshoe, WV so I'll hopefully get some photos. Maybe, depends on if I'm too busy skiing. Oh well.

Grapevine Fires

2009-03-02T16:56:00.001-05:00

A new video from death cab for cutie! Check it out. For those on facebook, gotta head to my actual blog to see this post. www.amburnj.blogspot.com

Nick Meleti

2009-02-25T07:53:00.001-05:00

Nick Meleti, originally uploaded by amburn.everett.

Hmm the sweetness of a carve.

Looking Glass Falls

2009-02-23T11:41:00.002-05:00

This waterfall, one of the most photographed falls in the nation. Now, I told my girlfriend about it before we came upon it and in her excitement jumped around in the car. So I couldn't just drive by it, and she said "we have to look at it!" Well I've actually never seen the waterfall, just driven past it.

At this point, I had to walk down and look. I was actually really impressed with the sight of the falls, it is really awesome! I had to give this waterfall a picture it deserved, it's been doing this job for awhile.

Here it is. The photo of photos I feel. Of course, I have more on my flickr. Enjoy!

The Night Race

2009-02-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

So my adventure to Fontana village was mainly for the night race. The rugby game I was going to take photos of was canceled so I hopped a ride with my bud. I took photos of the XC race and waited around to take photos of the night time downhill race. Yes. Night time. Let me get this straight, you race downhill at night because? Oh wait, it's fun!
Here's some practice shots you all may enjoy.

Alright here are the photos of the night race. Let's just say that it was sick. Really sick.

Remember that guy Ryan Dunn I bashed with my XC post? Well, he won sport class dh race.
Very nice. That's it that's all folks.

You Have a Race

2009-02-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

Fontana XC Race 2009 started off and ended cold. The race looked hard and one of my friends race in the event. He used to rock at cross country mountain biking, but now he rides downhill. Here are some photos from the race!

My friend Julia Tew preparing to race in the cold weather. She did well for her first race!
With a le mans style start and a nice climb to start. Good show!
Tired? Maybe.
The finish line, yea it ended going uphill. Fun.

In Your Honor Sir

2009-01-20T10:52:00.001-05:00

Let's sum up Bush.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass.

Self Reflection

2009-01-15T10:42:00.001-05:00

only the tragedies

in my life,

define me

these

give you a

taste

of what is inside me

taste of what i am

not my possessions

not my bike

as these are just

objects

it’s only where the lightning

strikes

you’ll find me

naked with perceptual

fear and understanding

of myself

fear of what may happen to

as i’m the living tragedy

everyone coming from the light

and going into the darkness

around me

be warned with this:

i’m the pale horse

that johnny speaks of

only it’s almost like i am death

but

hell isn’t following me

only dark

Seattle Battle

2009-01-05T10:46:00.000-05:00

I hope to maybe get to a computer and upload some photos; however, I'm not promising anything! I'll be in Seattle till the 10th and then I'm off to school the 11th as classes start the 12th. Fun. Anyhow, I'll have many posts about Seattle soon!

In true fashion, I'll leave you all with a photo!

2009-01-02T09:27:00.001-05:00

I've posted this video before on facebook, but not my blog. I don't think. Either way, this video must be watched. Sit down and take time to watch this video, really watch. It is an hour long so it will take some time. I'm not asking you to prescribe to my politics, just asking you to watch this video. Really is a great one.

Now it truly wasn't that bad was it? Reflect and think on our government's impact on other nations. Amazing isn't it?

This is the New Year!

2009-01-01T09:51:00.001-05:00

So new year, new day. I think we need a kitty in the snow.

New Years Day!

2008-12-31T09:37:00.000-05:00

It's a new year tomorrow. 2009. Wow. What do you all remember about the new year?

Let's us review:

Barack Obama elected president. Now let's not say this was historic or anything of that nature, but it was. Also, we received a president elect who actually did things, and didn't sit around waiting to be sworn in. I'm young, I'm used to George W. Bush. Guess I'm elated for a new president.
Stock market went to shit. Enough said on this, and it's still falling. Fun.
V for victory in Iraq? Jury is still out on this.

Ok, my third point on a year in review is sly sarcasm. There a lot of things America has messed up, but I feel with new leadership this may change. We'll see right?

Mmmm Trials..

2008-12-30T09:49:00.000-05:00

So I like trials mountain biking. If I was better, I would do it myself. Here is a random movie I came across. Ryan Dunn, eat it. :)

A Baby Shower

2008-12-29T09:31:00.003-05:00

The Paces, Mandy and Eric Pace, are having a boy! I imagine Eric is really excited about learnin a boy. Great photos.

Mandy posing with her lotion. I like lotion too!

That's it, that's all! Check out my flickr for more.

Did I tell you, I'm going to Seattle soon...

Sis and Mom

2008-12-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

_MG_4741, originally uploaded by amburn.everett.

Thought I'd post this. Love this photo.

Weather Channel Bias?

2008-12-26T10:20:00.001-05:00

Real bias on cable these days, and it starts not with Fox noise or snbc slug fest. No. The Weather Channel. Watch this video and you'll see my point.

Great Video- The Swarm!!

2008-12-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

I have the right to

2008-12-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

I feel the urgency to comment on how people were denied rights this past election.

No matter how subdued I try to be about proposition 8, it upsets me, it belittles my mind with how people can pass a proposition that denies marriage for same sex couples. Why do people feel the need to do so? Less than one hundred years ago women could not vote because of their sex. Were considered second class citizens even though the sacrificed all for their family or a war. Blacks could not marry one another or another "color."

This battle rages on today with gays not being allowed to marry each other. This is in spite of a divorce rate of over 50%, in spite of love being a joke, and in spite of celebrities marrying for 24 hours. What are you to say, "they" cannot love. "They" are worth nothing of my respect as their happiness is not true happiness. That their love isn't truly love? What happened to treat everyone the way you would like to be treated?

I don't understand this vote, and even after a month of trying to understand it I still don't. What is the reason behind it, is it because they'll raise gay babies, or a "child in this type of lifestyle suffers?" All studies say those reasons are false and fiction. I see no harm in this "lifestyle" since you may believe it is a choice. Tell me, leave a comment, how does this harm? There is one thing this proposition is very good at achieving. One grand thing, one spectacular outcome that all should be proud of. This proposition denies love. Denies what we are made of, what we all want. Shameful decisions and I only hope that the courts will overturn this decision.

My father always says to me, day in day out.

"Jackson, whatever may be consuming your heart right now, let it go. Let it be. You need not a thing but love, and remember Jackson: always love."

Nostalgia

2008-12-14T11:08:00.002-05:00

Haven't had a post in a little bit, but that's OK. I'm taking a break to spend time with family. I may post here sometimes, may not, so who knows really? I just want to spend time with my mom before she's gone, and this may be her last Christmas. However! One thing though, I'm going to Seattle, WA at the beginning of the year to visit my sister and my brother in law! There will be A LOT of photos from that visit.

That said, this is my chance to say good bye for now. I'll post from time to time but really it's just a break from school and thinking right now. This time of year is full of nostalgia for everyone, and I hope people bring themselves closer to one another. We all need that right now.

Symbolic

2008-12-09T09:05:00.000-05:00

I was feeling symbolic, so I thought I'd post this.
This is a memorial for the Japanese who were interned in camps during WWII. I feel that we can all learn from these words.

"Here we admit a wrong"

Nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all.

Not Ready

2008-12-08T09:58:00.001-05:00

as my tears

burn my eyes

i think of her:

i’m not ready

not ready for any of it,

she needn’t be

gone

so soon

as i still need

advice

she still has

to see me finish

what i started

i clump together tonight,

my emotions,

so shallow

as they show through

the way i walk

the way that i’m just

different

i can’t take it

catch my breath:

i can’t tell you

how this feels

2008-12-05T09:32:00.001-05:00

Jack Johnson realized that his journey's around the US had an impact, an impact on people and thoughts. Most importantly he realized his tours have an impact on the environment. When was the last time you walked outside and realized the pure beauty of the world? How about when you witnessed the time that pure place was destroyed, only to be taken by a strip mall. The song, all at once has an important message in it, take a listen.

His campaign is one of vigilance and responsibility. Recently, what actions have you taken to help the earth? Think about that. Let it sink in.

Now, right now you're probably saying, this guy is a hippy and wants us all to hug trees. Not really, I just realize that this world is one for myself and the rest of the people on this rock. Did I mention that we only have one? One planet. We can't fly away to another one. We can't ignore the animals we kill.

For things to do about your footprint there is an interesting blog called, 365 days of trash. Watch a few of his videos on youtube and get an idea of what you can do everyday. Bring a water bottle around with you is a simple thing to do instead of buying a new one. Remember to reduce, reuse, and lastly recycle. The first two parts are ignored a lot.

Link to 365 days of trash:
http://365daysoftrash.blogspot.com/2007/12/365-days-of-trash.html

No Title

2008-12-04T08:11:00.000-05:00

let her go

it plays in my

head:

the call

where you know what it’s for

but

you still stammer,

“what?!”

going to get it

one day,

i can already

taste

the salt from

my tears.

already feel

the anger,

resentment.

never

never in my life

have i felt so

lost.

so damn alone.

they say,

“i’m sorry”

for what?

you didn’t do anything

or my favorite

“i’m praying for you”

makes me cringe

hearing that

what do i say?

“thanks?”

“i’m glad you’re praying?”

for a miracle that

won’t

happen

really though,

i’m glad you won’t do anything.

for me,

my family,

my father,

for a marriage of 32 years!

however,

i’m glad you don’t know,

nor understand,

as my heart is

empty,

bitter, and

my world is dropping out from under me

it’s the freefall without the thrill

only ends with me trying

to catch my breath

trying to

think and walk straight;

i’ll get the call and i’ll be numb

that’ll be the easiest part you know

the beginning of letting

her go

so i think

It's Scientific!

2008-12-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

Amazing video. Mythbusters shows you how your voice gets high with helium. Watch the end, see how your voice gets, "devilish."

I'll Be Back For More

2008-12-01T08:32:00.001-05:00

My good buddy, Jason, wanted to go to a new place. I'm happy about that. We went to the quad of Onestop, Coulter, Killian, and Forsyth. In there we got these good photos! Have a look guys.

Here's a cool wall ride thing.

I don't know how he does it. I guess I'll never know, but that's fine. As long as he keeps it up. Thanks Jason.

Changed perspectives on the tail-whip. He didn't land it but that's ok! It still looks great. Said he needs a ramp.

Clearly Drag

2008-11-28T09:40:00.001-05:00

The 2008 Drag show at Western Carolina hosted by Unity went off without a hitch. Really good show with a great showing! Better than last year. The crowd went wild for the performers and the girls there were funny as all get out. Here are the photos!

This is before the show, before the lights went out. These four were happy to have there photo taken! Great shot.

Really great showing by all. A lot more photos on my flickr! Check it out!

Thankful

2008-11-27T09:49:00.002-05:00

"It isn't to you almost die, that you know how to truly live."

I said that once to my father while I was in a hospital. Reflecting on that I now center on compromise with life. In one hand you have life and all of its full potential. In the other you have loss and all of the dreaded things that come with it. Not sure what to think anymore about what is going on. I learned last night that she wants to last till my graduation.

When I hear that a full momentous swing of emotion fills me. The cancer has spread to her lungs, liver, pancreas, and throat and has doubled in size within three months. Seems as if it is all coming to a head, and I'm not sure what to think. I walked inside the other day and my sister was in tears. My mom had broken the news about the cancer getting worse. I asked her, "you OK sis?"

Smiling she shook her head replying, "yeah." I told her it would be alright and right now it is what we all we have.

"Yeah sis," I started out with a slight lecturing tone, "it's all we have and under the circumstances, eh it could be worse." I went on to say, "Dad is handling things pretty well, all things considered."

My father is a wreck with his emotions that are skin deep, and here I sit seeming emotionless as a fairytale is played out in front of me. This tale does not end within a fashion of good. I plead to you all: be thankful. Thankful for what you have next to you, thankful for what has been earned, what you love and loved. Thankful for everything. She won't make it to my graduation, but she'll know how much we love her. We'll see it through till the end. As a family. As people. We have to do this, for her.

I love her.

Beer and Wine

2008-11-26T11:03:00.000-05:00

Interesting sight at the local supermarket. Beer and milk. Awesome collage of puke after drinking.

2008-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I was drunk in Athens, but in my stupor I wrote this poem.

Stenciled hair
Polished face
Emerald lips
You’re just a dream
Specialty in what I do
Have this look
You know the cues
You’re still a dream
Dad hit you just right
Mom said, do it in spite
You’re just a dream
You know just where
Where I stand
By your side till it
Ends
Just a dream
So here I sit
In this chair
Wondering,
About you dear,
But now I know
That it seems,
You are just a dream
Always a dream

Jim Wilson

2008-11-21T11:21:00.001-05:00

He finally made the blog with his cool tricks. Here are the results of our excursion onto UGA's campus. Really a great campus for riding; of course, they do have 30k people there.

Said he bent his handlebar. Oh well.

Good photo I think. Check out my flickr for more!

Hope Love Gets in The Way

2008-11-19T11:18:00.000-05:00

This video sums up everything for me. That is all.

Gay or Straight?

2008-11-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Is being gay a choice or a natural predisposition? Did someone really choose to be a part of the most hated group in society today? Really? If you believe in God, and God is love, then why not love. How are these people affecting you, are they truly challenging your marriage, or are they just cause an immoral ruckus. Here's a video I believe you need to watch. It's a good one.

Good Poetry

2008-11-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

This poem warmed my heart. However, buyer beware the end gets cranky.

But You Didn't...

Remember the time you lent me
your car and I dented the fender?
I thought you'd kill me...
But you didn't.
Remember the time I spilled coke
on your new rug?
I thought you'd kill me...
But you didn't.
Remember the time I forgot to tell
you the dance was formal and you
came in jeans?
I thought you'd hate me...
But you didn't.
Remember the countless times you'd
try to be serious and I’d giggle?
I thought you’d leave me...
But you didn't.
Remember all the times I'd flirt
with other guys just to make you
jealous - and you were?
I thought you'd drop me...
But you didn't.
There were so many things
you did to put up with me, to
keep me happy, to love me. And
there were so many things I
wanted to say to you after you
returned front Vietnam...
But you didn't.

The Final Photos

2008-11-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

The finals photos of the Barack HQ in Cullowhee. Little late as he has already been elected, but these are fun photos!

The folks there were stranded sang us a song!! Awesome

Posing for me. How sweet! I miss these two already.

Callers on Nov. 3rd calling to remind people to vote. Getting out the vote like hot shots.

See across the road? That's the empty McCain campaign office. They didn't have a very good ground effort. Good try though.

Bad

2008-11-10T11:30:00.000-05:00

Month has been a bad sort of month. Haven't taken many photos. Haven't tended to the blog much. So I'm sorry, forgive me; however, I do have a video!!!

Oh the joys!

All at Once Campaign

2008-11-05T09:17:00.001-05:00

Jack Johnson realized that his journey's around the US had an impact, an impact on people and thoughts. Most importantly he realized his tours have an impact on the environment. When was the last time you walked outside and realized the pure beauty of the world? How about when you witnessed the time that pure place was destroyed, only to be taken by a strip mall. The song, all at once has an important message in it, take a listen.

His campaign is one of vigilance and responsibility. Recently, what actions have you taken to help the earth? Think about that. Let it sink in.

Now, right now you're probably saying, this guy is a hippy and wants us all to hug trees. Not really, I just realize that this world is one for myself and the rest of the people on this rock. Did I mention that we only have one? One planet. We can't fly away to another one. We can't ignore the animals we kill.
For things to do about your footprint there is an interesting blog called, 365 days of trash. Watch a few of his videos on youtube and get an idea of what you can do everyday. Bring a water bottle around with you is a simple thing to do instead of buying a new one. Remember to reduce, reuse, and lastly recycle. The first two parts are ignored a lot.

Link to 365 days of trash:
http://365daysoftrash.blogspot.com/2007/12/365-days-of-trash.html

The Hand!!!

2008-10-31T07:28:00.000-05:00

Great video! A must watch.

T-Hetz

2008-10-28T11:17:00.001-05:00

This photo is of Tess Hetzel. She is the Obama field organizer for Jackson and Macon counties. Really a great photo.

Republicans...

2008-10-27T11:29:00.000-05:00

They're also known as Rethuglicans.

Shadow of the Sun

2008-10-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

Jason Allen on the dirt mound with a perfect silhouette. Love it.

The pile is placed perfectly for shots that have my back to the sun, shots that create silhouettes, and shots that have amazing sunsets! I love it. Granted, I have worn out this pile of dirt already.

Drill Baby Drill!!

2008-10-21T09:57:00.001-05:00

Be sure to watch the end. Hilarious.

So I've Been Lame

2008-10-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

Been lame and distracted. School and new people in my life had led to the fact that I'm just not doing so hot on the photo thing. Forgive me. However, I'll hopefully soon go take some photos.

'Nuff Said

2008-10-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Good video.

Bedroom

2008-10-15T08:06:00.000-05:00

My sister's old room. Had some afternoon light floating into it, really pretty. I grabbed this shot with my 50mm f/ 1.4 lens. I love that lens. The colors are so true with it. You know, what I love most about this photo is the light and how it travels through the windows. Really cool.

Obama HQ

2008-10-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

Behind WCU there is an old gas station. This old gas station hosts the headquarters for the Obama campaign. This old gas station is dilapidated and has a certain smell. The lights inside the building have a constant buzz that you only notice if someone says something about it. People come volunteer to make phone calls, write letters, or register people to vote. We're in our final push to the sum, and hopefully that sum will turn out well for our country.

Tess Hetzel sleeping on the job. Kidding, she tried to nap for a quick minute, but she said "I'm too excited to sleep!"

Love this photo. This is one of a volunteer making a phone call. Think this one sums up our attitudes! We all feel that this is our country and that it's our duty to make a difference.

The Shins!!

2008-10-09T07:45:00.001-05:00

Great video and great song!! I love the Shins.

Old Business

2008-10-08T07:32:00.001-05:00

I think this photo is great. Glad I got this one a little blurry, adds some element of surprise to the photo. What do you all think? Leave comments!

PS: I'm heading off for fall break, I'll try to update but I'm not sure. Hopefully some new photos will appear!

Some Light Humor

2008-10-07T07:38:00.001-05:00

Big Jump

2008-10-06T07:01:00.003-05:00

The boys wanted to throw down at the dirt jump, so I gave in and took photos for them. I'd have to say they turned out a lot better than I first expected. You judge.

Ryan's talent made this nice jump. Random pile of dirt that turned into a beautiful photo.

Jason coming into the jump with some speed. They started at the top of the hill to gather speed to make sure they cleared the jump. Jason said that he likes a half pipe better.

This sort of thing happens. Here's Ryan falling off his bike mid-flight. Glad I had the camera for this one!

The Yeti, aka Nick Mileti, doing a seat grab. Good stuff.

Government Bailout

2008-10-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

Monopoly from Curtis Yee on Vimeo.

This is my comment on the government bailout. This video explains it all.

Palin-McCain Strike Again!

2008-10-02T09:18:00.000-05:00

Really boss? Really?

Worm Composting

2008-10-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

Very neat! When I get a house, I'm going to do this! Worm composting! This is my way to start the month and go into October with a smelly bang! Bang!!!

The Clothesline

2008-09-29T08:41:00.002-05:00

Here at the clothesline the shirts tell many stories about abuse by men. From fathers or boyfriends the stories tell death and injurious behaviors towards women. A lot of people, mostly men, say this art project is nothing but a "men bashing" statement. I disagree with this because of the solid fact that women tend to live under a lot more pressure than men do in everyday life. Here are the photos. Judge how you want, leave a comment.

Now I do have to comment on this. Isn't America based on violence, how we were founded? From the moving of Native Americans onto reservations to the military industrial complex, we've lived with violence. I just find this one funny.

Soccer Game

2008-09-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

The lady Catamounts faced up against the Gamecocks, who were ranked #20, but defeated 1-0 Catamounts.

The boys giving the energy needed for the girls! Alright, team spirit.

I love this next one as it says: "catch me if you can!"

And of course the victory huddle! Go ladies, they were awesome to watch and photograph.

Alright, as with all my posts, check out my flickr for a lot more of these photos from the game!

They Just Run and Run...

2008-09-24T09:14:00.001-05:00

These folks like to run for competition. Scary. I run on my own terms.

"I decided to go for a little run." - Forrest Gump

I don't get why they do it but they do and I admire it.

Caught these guys at the end of the race sprinting for the finish line. Good stuff.

Here's some of the boys discussing the race with their coach. Classy boys classy.

Ooh, the girls that raced. One on the left came in third. Good running. I couldn't do it.

Here you go, the end of the race and the end of my post. These girls look like they've had it.

Algae for fuel? Watch this!

2008-09-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

"Gotta change your paradigm in which you see the world."

Really awesome. Grow algae vertically to achieve multiples types of fuel. So, new jobs and a new kind of fuel. Just be sure to listen to his factoid at the end of the video.

Some Soccer Practice

2008-09-22T09:01:00.001-05:00

I saw the women's soccer team practicing and I randomly went down there to take photos. It was an interesting practice to say the least.

The girls on the left and ride side of of the goal were trying to score while the people around the goal had to stop it. Also had people running around trying to kick it in.

Always found that one funny. She didn't get hurt but it does look like she did.

Here's an example of the players on the side trying to kick it in.

The coach sat them down and pepped them up for their upcoming game against USC. We'll see how they do!

That's all for now!

God on Facebook?

2008-09-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

Another classy video. It's about facebook. That's right, God's facebook page.

Gods Facebook Page - Watch more free videos

Wow.

2008-09-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

WOw. Disclaimer, it's not porn! Just crazy woman trying to take a guys penis.

Women's Tough Rugby

2008-09-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

I was asked to take photos, again, for the women's WCU Rugby team. Amazing. They are hitting harder than last year and there are a lot more of them. I think the photos speak for themselves.

This if of Wendy Gordon, a psychology professor at WCU, giving his team a talk. Really interesting to hear the dynamics of the talk.

Here's another hit for the ladies. :) Enjoyed taking photos for them, can't wait for another round.

MANtage

2008-09-16T10:32:00.002-05:00

So my friend, Mary Bryson, knows that I'm not a fan of the opposite sex right now. So she showed me this video called, "MANtage" and it's completely classy.

"consumin American soil, mmmm tastes like liberty!"

The Wise Men

2008-09-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

I was conscripted to go take photos. What an awful task. Any who, I went to the mountain man program area. This is what I got.

Any my favorite. A photo of the wise men pondering about something of which I don't know. I got them to pose for this shot and I used flash with it. Great stuff.

Oh what fun that day was.

An Odd Loading Dock?

2008-09-12T07:11:00.001-05:00

I was walking across campus the other day and I've always passed this loading dock turn around. It helps trucks turn around etc etc. Good idea, but I peered over the edge and then decided to jump up on the ledge. Then I knew I had to get my camera out here.

I was getting some strange looks while I was up there taking photo. I had some friends pass by and say, "Jackson we always knew you were weird." That's alright though cause I thing these photos are interesting.

Enjoy em!

Seven Years

2008-09-11T08:20:00.003-05:00

Even after seven years, it still stings for some. Even after all this time, politicians use the day to advance their policies and to shame others into obeying. Even in this day in time questioning one's patriotism is a regular thing. Even after eight years of dilapidated policies. People are still buying into placid living even when we have a choice of hope. Everyday I ask myself, "What happened to us, as a country?" Intruding on other country's own right to exist for our own selfishness. However, on the horizon we can see the coming fight to be the best, yet we sit idly by and are letting it all slip away. Eisenhower warned us in his farewell address to the nation at the end of his term. Irresponsibility has an undercurrent of hypocrisy.

What happened to the symbolic respect we had for one another after that day? The day where we were all Americans. Blessed to live in this nation. God bless every nation and their people. God bless the world. Peace may never come but we can try.

Two Folks I Enjoy

2008-09-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

The next shots are of two of my pals, Niki Gerber and Jason Allen. Whom I suspect get tired of my camera, but I don't care. They'll get used to it. The first one is of Niki in Dodson, she didn't want a photo taken of her. I snagged this one.

Jason here, posing for me.

The next one I think is cool. He said it was kind of gay that I down there taking photos. Pssh. Thanks Jason, glad you appreciate this cool photo.

That's all I have, my buds that ride mountain bikes have yet to show. So, sorry for the delay!

Nifty Trick

2008-09-08T13:26:00.001-05:00

Ran upon this video on YouTube and I thought the trick they use is pretty awesome. I'm going to start using this trick if I'm ever hired again to take photos. Taking a portable DVD player and using it to review photos. This is useful for clients since a small 3 inch LCD screen is a bit too small! Makes sense.

The video explains the rest!

It's Time

2008-09-07T10:38:00.004-05:00

I'm glad I changed the blog up! I've had a lot more visitors which is good cause I used to have 2 to 3 people visit. That being said, I have my camera back and I should have some cool photos coming up. Thinking about the photo essay layout for my next post. Stay tuned for it. Have mountain biking with dirt jumping and hopefully some downhill as well! Just have to wait and see.

No photos today, just keep tuned in for more!

Glorious

2008-09-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Had a train trip on the 23rd of September with my family up the Hiawassee River in Tn. Great ride, really pretty too! Here are the photos.

Got this one above with my flash, and I love how her hair turned out. Just dazzles me.

My mom just being goofy. I love her.

Just remember, this is my father. I'll be just like him when I get older. Good stuff. That's all for now!

Have to Share

2008-09-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

I need to share this video as I feel everyone needs to see it. True men will watch this and laugh. Ladies will laugh as well. Hilarious.

I didn't have to say much to really get the point out about this video.

True to His Word

2008-08-29T20:43:00.001-05:00

He said he'd give me a great show. I wasn't disappointed by Jason's performance. Better than I could ever do, and he's better than last year by leaps and bounds. Here are the shots to prove it.

That one is good. Don't know the trick, but he said the photo looks awesome. So, that makes me happy. I've noticed a huge difference in my photos now that I'm using a polarizer. Brings out the green in photos and I love the look.

Jason nailing a 360 spin. Amazing in my opinion. Again, Jackson isn't capable of this. This next one is totally sicko, and a great photo.

Yes, he rode up that tree, and he landed it. Done. Check out my flickr for more!

The Bike Roswell Ride

2008-08-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

I love this bike ride and recommend everyone who rides road bikes to ride it. Great ride with a lot of fun climbs! Goes through neighborhoods and a few city streets. Actually, if you look at the map, the route passes by the Chattahoochee river. The route is also marked directly on the road by letters. "BR" is the signifier and that stands for Bike Roswell. I love that Roswell, as a city, is supportive enough of cyclists and promotes riding by marking a route. Very awesome.

All in all this is a great route that I love to ride when I go back to Roswell. Oh, let's not forget the drivers are friendly and the roads are WIDE. See you later!

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ga/roswell/540153023"&amp;gt;40 mile Roswell Ride&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/ga/roswell"&amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Roswell, Georgia&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Bicycles!

2008-08-25T08:43:00.000-05:00

Taken a long time ago with my Canon A540. Back in spring 2007. We had a big pile of dirt the boys jumped off of, I didn't cause I was still injured.

Jason Allen on the same jump! Awesome stuff. I wish this dirt pile was still here as I loved taking photos of them. I didn't have the camera I have now in 07', so I can't imagine what type of photos I would be able to snap now.

Have to love photo shop! Nick Meleti(sp?) with the same dirt pile. Just compiled two shots. Oh yes, and of course I have more on my flickr so check it out! Good stuff.

Crazy Woman

2008-08-22T10:55:00.000-05:00

Watch out, she may try to get you! Nichole is semi-crazy.

Here she is with a knife. Great job Nichole, you've made my blog! haha
She was chopping an onion and I broke out my camera and this was her instant reaction. Oh well.

Quick story: Nichole and I were taking care of Brooke. Brent left, her father, to go pick up his wife at the airport. Well, we tried to feed her which was successful for a little bit. Then she refused to be fed, so after an hour of trying she finally gave into the bottle. I had to capture this moment.

Brooke's father holding her. She's in daddy's arms now! Cute kid.

Awesome Cat

2008-08-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

My awesome cat and her name is Gracie. She showed up one day and my mother took her in. We thought she was a kitten but it turned out that she was just malnourished therefore she never grew to a full size. She's eight pounds of trouble and really sweet. Oh, she doesn't meow at all!

Capitalism

2008-08-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

I showed up at North Point Mall with my camera and started snapping photos. Eventually I was asked to stop due to security concerns/ competition concerns. Oh well. This is what I got before I was asked to stop.

The lower level. Thought the shadows were really cool! Good stuff.

This much for a dish set? What we want and what we'll pay for it. Kind of gross.

Always thought these were funny. Cell phone case booths. What? The random little shops that are set up around the mall are funny, but a sign of America's promise. Starting from nothing.

Guides

2008-08-14T12:28:00.001-05:00

So they guided this summer, as did I. However, I got them on film (card?) and these are the results.

Like the results of this one, as I framed it within the tree. Pretty cool stuff. Shaggin baby.

I swear this is a photo! The exposure was 5" so I got a painting. Awesome.

This one is neat. The kayaker in this photo looks as if he's plunging off a big waterfall. This is Nantahala falls which is only a class III. Purty cool stuff.

Rose guiding a raft and swinging it around in the falls. Right at the bottom. Cool stuff. I enjoyed taking photos this day, just happy that the water wasn't higher. Would've been mad about that. Any who, check out my flickr as I have more!

The Erection!

2008-08-12T09:56:00.001-05:00

Felt as if the erection did not get enough press. So here are some more photos from the erection.

The erection was completed in no time at all. :)

Set Up Camp Kids!

2008-08-07T12:05:00.001-05:00

We set it up, and then we tore it down. I don't have photos of tear down, but I do have ones of set up. Really really boring. Bleh. However, we had to do it!

She made my blog! Faith that is. Do you think she's winking? This was in the middle of the "erection."

The "erection" of the tarp. It was an erection, as we erected the tarp!

Practicing their fishing skills. Nature teaches all types of merit badges, and they range from Space Exploration to Mammal study. Really diverse area.

Faith and Tamitha practicing for up and coming classes. This area is handicraft. They teach more of the less active merit badges such as Pottery.

Mountain Man setting up their area. They had a whole fence lashed together and a small bridge with a tripod at their entrance. Very cool. The whole summer went very well and I look forward to another one! Indeed!!!!

Let the Fun Begin

2008-08-05T12:57:00.004-05:00

Flips and turns are how they begin. Then a precision yell and hoot. They're pretty awesome to watch. Freestyle kayakers my friends! I napped these and I think they're pretty great. Have a look!

I personally can't do that. However, I grabbed these photos from the Olympic section of the Ocoee river. Awesome stuff.

I love the photo above. I have two different versions of it on my flickr. One is B&W the other is the one you see above. I love the one in full color. The raft in the background makes the photo, and I guess your eyes travel when you view this photo.

This guy was just surfing the wave. The problem with the wave is that it's not really a wave. Just a big pound hole. However, there is one spot on the surfers right where you can loop away! Hit it just right it'll flip the hell out of you. If you want to see anymore check out my flickr!

Ultimate Frisbee

2008-07-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

The game of champions, we won. First time in six years; 11-10 WSR. So, the game went bad at first but then we caught up and surpassed them and held out lead. Amazing stuff. Of course, I have the photos.

If you want to see more, go check my flickr!

Assembly

2008-07-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

Crawford, stop yelling at those kids!

Informing the campers of the day's events. 7:30am. Yuck, why I do this everyday? I love it. Here we have a gator fan. Yup.

All of staff lined up nicely, just waiting to go eat breakfast. We're the first which is excellent. However, I'd say the food gets old.

So it goes, another week. Indeed my friends.

Davis Inn's Return

2008-07-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

So the Davis Inn was dilapidated for the longest time after its hay day in the early 1900's. However, a man by the name of Jimi Reece brought it back this year. He worked hours with staff members getting it back into shape. They planted gardens, replaced porch wood, and made a slingshot shooting range! Very cool!

Jimi here pictured in his garden of "hard work!"

Candle making at the Davis. They were telling me about the different color combination's one could have. Very cool stuff. Then of course, the best is saved for last.

Jack playing the banjo and a staffer in the background here. Great stuff, and Jack is really good with that thing! Great stuff.

How I Wish

2008-07-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

So, I have my internet back so I can make posts. Here's a picture of campfire. Friday night campfire to be exact. James Thompson watching the rest of campfire waiting to go on stage for the down hill ski skit.

Great photo of him, as he claims to not be photogenic.

Mmm food. Staff chowing down in our dining hall. Fun stuff and not to shabby of food. Just gets old after 4 weeks.

Sorry for the Delay

2008-06-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been awhile since I've posted; however, I have photos coming soon. I've been busy at camp singing songs and teaching merit badges. In fact, my room mate at camp told me that it's weird not seeing me with a camera slung over my shoulders. I thought about this for a moment and then my blog. I've been letting you all down. Sorry.

Hopefully I can get to it soon. Posts will be coming shortly...a.k.a. a week. Sorry for the delay.

That Girl

2008-06-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

At the motor boating dock on camp and I shot this. Great photo with the tents in the background.

So, she walked away from the dock and I found her in a tree. I got this. Thank you.

She started climbing and I starting shooting. Poor girl. She made my blog.

People Around and About

2008-06-03T13:14:00.001-05:00

So, here are people at my camp. First one is of Angie at the local flea market.

Next one is of Kevin showing off his find.

Of course, my co-worker James always has a say. I like this photo for the reflection in his glasses.

Miss. Campbell (Soupy)

2008-05-31T13:41:00.003-05:00

Swinging life away. I caught this one while my friend Lauren was on the swing set. She was very receptive to me taking photos of her. Most females are always a little shy, but she wasn't. I'm definitely taking more photos of her as she's beautiful.

Got another photo of her on the bench.

Haven't decided what I think of this photo. Still like it.

That's all for now. I'm finding that the scheduled posts are very very cool! So I can post my work Sunday night for the week.

Children

2008-05-27T12:03:00.002-05:00

What they do to us, and what cuteness they have. I grabbed some photos at the local park. Love these.

Framed the kid within the chains of the swing. Love it.Next one is of the kids on the slide.

"Peace man," some of them muttered. In our time children.

leave you

2008-05-25T12:06:00.001-05:00

Leave you with one last poem: off to camp now.

The whir down the hall

Is the machine

That helps her

Breathe

And

The light was on

in

The room that cradles her;

She sleeps

Sitting straight up,

hole in her throat

Being pumped

With air;

And her burns around her

Neck,

Soundlessly

Everyone is sorry

No one knows

My 21 years of living

Never have known a fight like this

Told to do many things..

Learn her

Songs before

She leaves,

Learn her poems

Before departing,

And acknowledge the tide;

Know how to mend

The tattered clothes;

Learn her songs and

Know that we all

Have our endless numbered

Days

Her hands are still soft

And voice raspy

She has chosen to believe

In the falling leaves

And

Holds hope close

While misplaced dreams return

-my hands remember hers

As I circle ‘round the turn

In my endless numbered days.