A Journal of Movement
Sometime during the winter of 2011, shortly after our decision to embark on this car-less adventure, I began what has become an in-depth and on-going, online research project into human powered adventure and the car-less lifestyle. The internet is a vast place and while I’ve only begun to probe its deeper depths I do feel like I’ve scratched enough of the surface to create a small offering of interesting links and information to share with you.
Election time creates an atmosphere of intense social interaction. Everyone seems to awaken to the fact that they have a voice, a choice, and an opinion. The concept that we are able, in part, to choose the direction and character of our future translates to many of us becoming emboldened to share the opinions and ideas that we would otherwise keep silent. And not only do we share them, but we often insist upon them, creating division and intolerance towards anyone with an opposite view. Most of this “sharing” or “discussion” is happening on an impersonal basis. While we still seem to be obeying the old laws of not discussing politics or religion in public, we have realized that the media, meaning all forms of media, from the press to social media, are more of a mouthpiece for opinions then they are a forum for open and understanding discussion. While this has become commonplace in news media through the skewing of facts and opinions to support a one-sided view, it has also taken hold in social media outlets like Facebook. I’m sure most of you who are reading this are familiar with the phenomenon I’m talking about, and probably many of you have taken part in it as well. The silent shouting and badgering, sarcastic mockery and outright hate for not only an individual, but also the entire demographic he stands for. And yes, the incessant and unrelenting instruction that you VOTE!
This is a blog. Simple. A quick deconstruction of the word reveals its true meaning, a web log. A diary. A journal. But more then that, the format and purpose of today’s blogs is to share. I’m writing for you, even more than for myself. Writing and photographing for me has become a way of expressing my worldview, sharing my thoughts, feelings, insights, and adventures. The format and structure of this site and those like it allow for the sharing of ideas and following of readership. You can comment, subscribe, or share it with your own friends and families.
This is a journal, and I usually treat it as so, my entries flowing mostly from a stream of consciousness that receive little or no editing. But this is a journal of purpose, and while I often get lost in the web world of climbing, the hopes and dreams of a kid who loves mountains, I’d like to take this moment to remind myself, and you, why I created this space, why I’m still here writing, and the direction I hope to be going. Continue reading “Just a Reminder…”