Eating Your Veggies

I haven't touched on the food system in a bit, but I saw a trailer for a documentary that's got me really excited. Take a look:




I have a confession to make - I tried the raw foods diet for about three months before surrendering because of how much work it is! Plus, there is a tendency in the diet to rely more heavily on fats for sustenance; while I understand the good fat vs. bad fat argument, it's not good for your body to have to process such a high percentage of fats from mass quantities of nuts, seeds, avocados, and alternative sweeteners. But I am grateful to have spent this concentrated time learning about the incredible powers of greens, vegetables and fruits to fuel and heal your body.

The simple truth is this: your body wants to be healthy. What you put in your body can either directly hurt or help your health.

On another level, I think it's harder to grasp the significance of the food industry on our climate. I appreciated reading about the efforts of Bon Appetit to reduce their use of animal products, especially beef and cheese, and challenge the unbelievably high proportion of animal products that has become common in the American diet. Helene York writes this:
"What's become clear is that one-third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions are food-related. And study after study shows that some food products—meat and dairy products from ruminant animals (primarily cattle and lamb), highly processed foods derived from industrially grown grains, and air-freighted specialty foods—use a far greater percentage of resources than plant-based foods and whole grains, regardless of where those plant-based foods come from or who produces them. Another way of putting this is that the calories of energy expended to produce meat, processed foods, and specialty foods far outweigh the caloric energy those foods provide. (And they use a heck of a lot more water, too.) It's the very definition of 'unsustainable.' The American diet is dependent on this greenhouse gas-intensive food, and we waste (by eating too much or simply tossing) more than 25 percent of it."
Food for thought (pun intended :)... look at your weekly diet, and take note of the proportion of animal products vs. plant products. How many meals have meat included? When you include meat in a meal, what's the portion size? How many meals are pre-packaged and/or highly processed? Rather than looking at this argument as "vegetarian vs. carnivore," ask yourself where you can trim down - maybe from eating three meat-based meals a day to two, cutting out beef or another animal product, designating a day each week to be vegetarian-only, or even just preparing a smaller portion of meat. A great perspective shared by the raw food community regarding transitioning to a more plants-based diet is this: rather than thinking about what you're cutting out, think of all the ways you can incorporate more greens, vegetables and fruits. Think creatively and abundantly, rather than conservatively! There are so many fantastic vegetarian recipes out there - and they are so easy to find. May you be happy and healthy!

Making It Local

LAist posted an article today that made me a little sad for LA, because it's true:

"Los Angeles isn't exactly lacking when it comes to premiere art venues, a thriving gallery scene, and arts-oriented communities. But according to a recent Top 100 list published by Art Newspaper, only two of our museums rank among those around the globe for attendance...

...What we can't help is our sprawl, and an Art Newspaper rep explains to the LA Times why art tourism is a hard sell in the city of angels: 'In New York you can visit three museums in a day, maybe more. In L.A., you would never try to do LACMA, the Getty and MOCA in the same day."

This strengthens my belief in the need for our local arts scenes - communities like downtown Fullerton that provide a respite for those who don't have the time, energy or interest to sit through hours of traffic to get across L.A. ArtWalk occurs again this Friday, and I'm so grateful for those who work behind the scenes to make it happen. I hope folks at Epic continue to address the creative needs of Fullerton; we are the ones responsible for maintaining these vital resources for personal growth, interpersonal interaction and thought-provoking expression. Southern California is one giant city, but that doesn't mean community need inevitably be lost in its midst.

Forecasting Nostalgia

11 weeks. That's how long I have left in Southern California. I have to be honest - I am REALLY EXCITED to be back in the Bay Area. But I will miss Epic dearly, and as much as I love to rag on Southern California, there are some things that I will miss and get nostalgic about.

I had some time to kill yesterday, and since it was a lovely, overcast day, I meandered up to the creek in the back of Irvine Park. I actually enjoy hiking more on days that are chilly and gray; it makes the green of the hills and trees pop, and puts me in a restless, wandering mood. I just have to walk it out, quiet my brain and enjoy feeling the textures of the earth against my feet - the cold flowing water, the supple mud, the soft pieces of grass between my toes, the crunch of sand and pebbles as I walk over them. There is a deeply spiritual peace that comes to me in this place - and that's why I will greatly miss it.

Some of my other "will greatly miss it" spots in Southern California, that I hope you all get to check out at some time or another:

- REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater) in Downtown LA: I've visited this performance venue far more than any other because of the experimental, high quality and thought-provoking art of all genres that is presented here. Dance, music, theater... I've been challenged and inspired by almost everything I've seen here.

- The smell of the Fullerton Arboretum first-thing in the morning, when everything is still cool, dewey and quiet.

- Driving the freeways of L.A. late at night - when I can just ride the fast twists and turns without worrying about bumper-to-bumper traffic.

- Lunch at Les Amis, Orange Sushi, or Anepalco's at least once a week

- Dancing/cups of tea/conversations on the roof at Pieter

- Free parking and small crowds at Sunset Beach (when I actually want to feel like a SoCal beach bum)

- Tasting the latest creations at Bootleggers Brewery and The Bruery

- The crazy antics of Henry Rollins on KCRW Saturdays from 6-8 (thank God I'll be able to listen online!)

- The beautiful children, families, dance and vision at The Wooden Floor

I'm sure there are others, but these are at the top; I am also sure of the moments that will come when I'll remember other lovely events, places and people here that will always hold a piece of my heart.

Srsly

I kindly connect you to Sarah A.O. Rosner's response to a statement in the Huffington Post by Michael Kaiser about the "lack of excellent art being created" today. I don't think we can advocate "too much" for funding/education/interest/community for the arts. Just sayin'.

Deep and Wide

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5

Transition usually begins to occur for me before I’m even aware that it’s happening. God has not provided me with a direct calling for my life in most areas, and much of the practice of discipline in my life has been learning to be patient in waiting. Slowly but surely, new directions in my life bubble to the surface from a deep place in my soul, rather than from external “signs.”

Since graduating from college, the directions of transition in my life have been primarily vertical, occurring within myself rather than in a geographic or career change. I have been frustrated by a lack of clarity about what my faith is supposed to look like, what I’m supposed to be doing with my career, if and when I’m supposed to move, and how to manage my struggle with being completely open and authentic in relationships. When my mind starts to go crazy with all the self-interrogation and doubt, God gently brings me back to a place of stillness, and this is when the truth for my life has time and space to come to the surface.

At this point in my life, two truths ground me and have provided space to grow deeper in my self-knowledge and self-love. The first is my need to communicate through movement and dance. Words have no power to limit me, there is no pressure to conform my dance to look a certain way, and I am safe to offer myself wholly and completely to those in my dance community. I feel connected to my body and am proud of its accomplishments. It is my primary art form and most comfortable means of communication. Sharing this experience with others, inviting them to lose their inhibitions and discover a deeper part of themselves in movement, brings me so much joy and belief that I am accepted.

But what I am realizing is that my art is not the be all and end all. The second truth of my life, which provides the context for my dance, is my need for safe community. I don’t think I even realize how vital the Epic community has been to my personal growth these past three years. Its strength is in offering a warm and gentle environment in which to unearth every part of ourselves - positive and negative - to own and grow in. This is easier for some than others, but the point is that the space is there. People are genuinely interested in learning about you and helping to develop your spiritual, psychological and relational health. Even more telling is the support and understanding I’ve received when the transitions of life have directed me away.

About a year ago, I began to sense that God was going to soon move me in long horizontal directions – to new places and towards new things that, of course, I wouldn’t be able to anticipate or plan for. Many of you now know that I’ve decided to move back to the Bay Area this summer, to be with family and to grow within the thriving creative and therapeutic dance community that is there. It has been such a difficult decision to leave (not because of Orange County itself – I am quite happy to leave it!). So much growth and discovery has happened within the space of my relationships here, at Epic, my work and with other dear friends. I am scared of the unknown of this transition, of failing or feeling like it was a mistake to leave. But I know that I would regret it even more if I didn’t see this through, never opening myself up to new work and new communities. The truth is I don’t have a clear vision for what will happen in my future, short-term or long-term, and that is part of the excitement. I have a fresh canvas on which to paint, with the truth in my heart guiding my strokes.

For me, transition has usually meant losing relationships, but I don’t have this fear with Epic. Relationship may look different, but I know that there will be love here for me, and that gives me the strength to go. My community now has a chance to expand and deepen, and I have hope that with it my self-love will deepen as well. I am so grateful and so honored to have this foundation from which to move forward; the support and safety you’ve offered me has restored my trust in God. I will never stop loving the Epic community, whether I’m in the Bay, across the country, or on the other side of the world.

Acting My Age

I turned 23 this past August. For some reason that seems to surprise many people. The significance of age has never been something I've held much stock in (perhaps because I am just 23). I don't really correlate it with specific maturity levels, life circumstances or general peer personality. I am simply living through whatever situation I'm in right now. However, I think I have robbed myself a bit of the freedom to "search myself," as is typical for the twenty-something.

I made it my goal to finish college in an efficient three years in order to quickly transition into a stable career with a sure sense that I was being a responsible steward of the opportunities God was giving me in work, living and relationships. Therefore, there simply wasn't time for the cross-country road trip or backpacking through Europe or focusing on hobbies that, while I loved, hadn't had space in my busy schedule since high school. In truth, I thrived on the fast pace, the feeling of accomplishment as I found a place in the nonprofit world, and having some control of my life. Unfortunately, key pieces of my heart got left behind in the process.

This year, God has been taking me on the difficult journey of recognizing some of my deepest desires and needs, and showing me where I need to create boundaries. It has been easy to say "yes" to helping people out, working extra hours, giving another donation, and volunteering, even for things I didn't have time or even great passion for. It has been hard saying "yes" to taking quality time to be alone, taking a vacation, returning to music and dance, and really listening to my heart.

My heart often seems like a stranger. It never feels like enough, it reminds me of my guilt, shame and fear, and wants to take me places that are frightening and unknown - and yet are where I most desire to go. Thankfully, God knows that my heart holds so much more and has been working in my life to help me know that, too.

In June, my grandfather passed away. While I had never felt especially close to him, he was a fixture at family events with his forthright opinions on politics and religion, and was the patriarch of our large and lively Bay Area family. So needless to say, it shook us all up when he died suddenly of a heart attack. I had scheduled a short vacation that same week, so I had the luxury of spending some extended time with my family. After some of the dust settled, my brother, sister and I went camping for a couple of days in Santa Cruz, and we needed it more than we knew after feeling the pressures of school, work and family. We played in the sand, went hiking in the woods, and just enjoyed the peace of doing nothing. I felt an opportunity to just be, and soak up life with joy and enthusiasm. It was during this trip in Santa Cruz that I was faced with the blunt reality that the life I was living was not the one intended to last me the rest of my adult life. My heart wanted a voice again, and it wanted to move on.

I returned to the Bay Area later that month for my grandpa's memorial service. My mom's whole family is musical, and one of my grandpa's favorite things was corralling the family at Christmas to play and sing carols as an ensemble. So for the service, cousins, sisters and brothers once again assembled to perform my Grandpa's favorite Christmas carol. I had picked up my flute just a handful of times since high school, so I wasn't expecting much. But the joy and energy I felt upon playing again was infectious. So as soon as I returned to Southern California, I began looking for local community orchestras and wind ensembles. I stumbled across the modest but welcoming Fullerton Symphony, decided to audition, and have been playing my flute merrily with them since. While I am sad that my grandpa won't be a presence during the holidays this year, I am so grateful for the chance his passing gave me to fall in love with playing music again. It has always been such a simple part of my life, but a very life-giving part.

Those sweet times with my family this summer opened the flood gates. I wanted to explore those parts of myself that had long been made second priority, and uncover the heart that had been ignored in the business of work and maintaining stability. I wanted my time to dream as an idealistic, uncertain but passionate soul searcher - to be young!

I have to be honest - it's been really hard. The simple questions, "What do I love?" and "What do I want?" have unearthed years of guilt, shame and fear brought on from broken relationships, rejection and feeling like I wasn't enough for others, God or myself. I am still sitting in this place, wondering what God is trying to show me in all of it. But I so strongly believe that this is what God wants for me - to know my heart and to call it good. To know that he loves and supports me. To know that he wants me to dance, to play music, to love what I do rather than finding it a burden, and to trust him with my fears.

I am sad to say that this journey will likely take me away from Southern California, and Epic. But I am excited to say that I feel closer to some kind of "calling" than I ever have. So be patient with me, friends, if I seem disconnected or even flaky. God is healing my heart, and it is taking every fiber of my being to stick with it. But I have hope for a beautiful and life-giving future, and want you to join me in it.

Review: Exit Through the Gift Shop

"The World's First Street Art Disaster Movie"

This is a documentary about street art… sort of. This documentary poses the question, “What is art?”… sort of. This documentary is a first-time film for the internationally renowned artist/prankster Banksy… sort of. This “documentary” about the gleeful pranks of the stars of the graffiti world feels like a monumental con in itself.

Right, so, you need to see this film. But if its tagline and playful trailer are not sufficiently intriguing to get you in the theater, let me attempt to provide a premise so you have some idea what you’re walking into.

While set in the secretive and mischevious world of street art, this film is really about one man - Terry Guetta. Terry is obsessed with filming every facet of his life, and is rarely found without his camera. His obsession finds a focus when he visits his cousin, who just so happens to be a street artist named Space Invader, who is famous for constructing and posting small tile artworks featuring creatures from the video game that birthed his name. This culture fascinates Terry, and he becomes determined to meet and film other infamous street artists.

As these interactions occur and Terry becomes immersed in this new world, it is assumed that he will eventually make a film about street art. This allows him unprecedented access to artists who are otherwise camera-avoidant and wary of any “intruders.” The footage captured of these artists at work is fascinating, and provides a unique opportunity for us to go along on their adventures. The one artist who continues to elude Terry is Banksy. But their mutual acquaintances from the street art world set a collision course for their meeting.

Bansky allows Terry to tag along on a few of his endeavors, including an unbelievable stop at Disneyland. Finding Terry to be trustworthy, Banksy decides the time is right for a documentary about this art form to materialize and encourages Terry to finish the film. After long hours of zealous editing, Terry sends Banksy his masterpiece, upon which Banksy discovers that Terry may not actually be a filmmaker, but rather “someone with mental problems and a camera.” Hoping to salvage the project, Banksy distracts Terry by suggesting he maybe try doing some street art himself, maybe doing a show or something. Off goes Terry, and off goes the film.

I will not elaborate much further because the situation only becomes more delightfully ridiculous. Banksy has clearly found a new canvas in Terry to ridicule those who blindly follow the “next big thing” and have commodified street art. Whether Terry’s journey is wholly truthful or just another of Banksy’s elaborate hoaxes remains to be determined, but I really don’t care if I ever find out. It’s a wonderfully made film that allows an intimate peek into the street art world while inspiring discussion about what art is and its role in society - and a jolly good time to boot. 

Bonus: I found this extended "sneak peek" of the film - it's a similar summary to what I just told you, but with the added visual effect. 

Touchy-Feely

I’m assuming most of you have heard of the “Love Languages” personality test – discovering how you primarily express and interpret love through one of five key means: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Physical Touch. The first time I was asked to identify my primary love language was when I was a Resident Assistant in college, during one of our staff meetings. I knew right off the bat that Physical Touch was mine, but I felt awkward about sharing this and lied. I never really thought much of that lie, as all four other languages applied to me in some way. But the difficulty to express my need for physical touch was pre-existing and remains a struggle for me.

I don’t know much about child psychology and development, so the details are fuzzy on why and when my need for physical connection started. My family wasn’t ever really touchy-feely. We would occasionally give each other hugs and, up until awkward Junior-High Jessie refused to let him, my Dad tucked me into bed and gave me a kiss on the cheek every night. But we weren’t a “cuddly” or “kissy” family, and I certainly never was with my siblings. I was, however, always movement-oriented – dancing, skipping, singing, digging in the dirt, enthusiastic finger-painting, etc. It felt natural to express myself and “work things out” physically. But my movement has always been introspective and solitary; it wasn’t until I began dancing in high school that I really felt the need to share movement and contact with other people, and I’ve never really learned how to ask for it.

I think part of the difficulty came from my surrounding Christian culture. I think there is a tendency for Christians to shy away from physical touch for fear of being misunderstood and having contact interpreted as an inappropriate violation of boundaries, especially between members of the opposite sex. It used to make me laugh to read notes on “front hugs” vs. “side hugs” and overhear conversations between students on my floor discussing the various stages of a relationship when holding hands, cuddling and kissing were permissible, if ever. It’s not surprising, considering the amount of publicity given to sexual misconduct within the Church, but I think we can often go beyond being cautious to becoming paranoid. I cannot tell you how many times I heard talks on sexuality and the importance of purity during Chapel services or group Bible studies, without ever acknowledging the need that human beings have to be touched, and explaining how to nurture that need in a way that honors and encourages each other. We were consistently taught about the dangers of physical contact, but rarely about its opportunities for safety and comfort.

For me, physical contact is a reminder of someone’s presence in my life. Sometimes words just fall flat when you are in pain – you can talk about a problem until you’re blue in the face, but it’s not until someone stops and gives me a hug that I begin to believe they actually empathize with me. Not everyone may be at a place where physical contact is healing for them, especially if they have experienced related trauma. I too have found seeking out physical connection to be really hard; it’s been a slow journey from awkwardness to openness. But for me, it is because I have experienced abusive physical contact that positive, loving contact is so important to me. I can feel God’s love for me in profound ways during those moments.

I recently tried Contact Improv for the first time, and I think it is a dance form that was born for people like me, as its primary feature is close, unrestricted physical contact between dancers. The dance plays with gravity and shared body weight, while constantly maintaining a point of contact between dancers. While the mechanics of this dance form help to develop trust between dancers and provide some fun play time with physics, the philosophical roots of this dance form are what I find so strongly attractive. Its focus is on safety and human connection; dancer John Bainbridge describes it as, “A place where people feel safe. Safe to explore their bodies, their relationship to gravity, and their relationship to other bodies.” The movement is entirely improvised, so dancers are encouraged to pay attention to their comfort levels and only do what feels safe and comfortable for them. When I went to my first class on Contact Improv, the instructor explained that we are each responsible for taking care of our own bodies, and thus remaining aware of both verbal and nonverbal communication between dancers is very important. This process allows me to explore my boundaries, a truly therapeutic and “soul-searching” experience. When I walked out of my first class, I felt rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit, having had a chance to express my needs to others around me, as well as to God.

I think the beauty of becoming more aware of your “love language” is the invitation you give God to express his love. God speaks to us in languages we are familiar with. It might seem contradictory to believe that God - a spiritual being - could connect with human beings in a physical way, but I fully believe he does. Jesus Christ was continually in physical contact with people as a means of healing and service, and the early church believers continued his ministries of touching and healing. For me, God’s expression of physical love occurs through dance, through contact with other people, and through experiences I can best describe as subtle “pulses” that go through my body when I know God’s truth and beauty. It’s important to pay attention to those experiences that make us feel alive and loved, which is why I plan to return to the Contact Improv classroom and see what other weird and wonderful ways I can show love and receive love through that special body-mind connection.

Out of the Lunchbox

Ed Bruske has long been an advocate for "slow food," and decided to step into the world of school lunch production to observe how food is prepared. He spent a week in the kitchen at H.D. Cooke Elementary School in Washington D.C., and wrote a six-part follow-up about what he observed. It's a great read! 

The Wooden Floor at REDCAT

I've said it before and I'll say it again: you should come to this awesome event!

I'll be at both performances if you're looking for a familiar face. :)

The Wooden Floor promises a rare experience as three of the nation’s most interesting experimental choreographers create new work in partnership with 73 low income youth.

About the Dances

Although sentimental it is not, do expect to be moved by Nami Yamamoto’s Flying With My Shooting Stars as she strikes with searing, compassionate images. Yamamoto invites puppeteer Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith and the enigmatic puppet Tony to collaborate in the dance. It’s a revealing combination of uncanny depth and warmth with silences that speak loudly.

Mark Haim revives his first commission for The Wooden Floor, titled Los Angelitos. Intricate and galvanizing, in Los Angelitos dancers write their names with their heads as they communicate in another language. They bond through adversity with gentle touches that last.

Melanie Rios Glaser presents a world premiere in which she deconstructs and re-assembles the nuances in the lives of these fascinating teenagers teasing out how pop culture has influenced their talk, their walk and their song.

About the Choreographers

Mark Haim is a Fulbright Senior Specialist and has choreographed over 90 dances since he graduated from the Juilliard School in 1983, including works for Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballett Frankfurt, the Limón Dance Company, and the Joffrey Ballet.

Nami Yamamoto graduated from New York University in 1993 with a MA in Dance Education and since then, her work has been presented internationally, including most recently in Ukraine. She is proud to be a 2006 Creative Capital Grantee and serves as an artistic advisory member of Danspace Project.

Melanie Ríos Glaser, Artistic and Executive Director for The Wooden Floor, received her BFA from the Juilliard School in 1994. She was named a Kennedy Center Fellow in 1998 and a Fulbright Scholar during 2003-2004 for her work in dance improvisation. Her work has been performed in Mexico and Central America , France, Colombia, Brazil, Philadelphia New York and elsewhere.

Two nights only

January 15 & 16, 2010 at 8:30pm

Roy and Edna Disney / Cal Arts Theater

in Walt Disney Concert Hall complex

631 W. 2nd Street,

Los Angeles, CA 90012

General Admission $20, Students $10

Tickets are available online at

http://www.redcat.org/event/wooden-floor

Getting In Sync

I've never really made New Year's resolutions. I attempted to a couple of times in junior high and high school - purely out of cultural obligation - creating a list of goals like getting eight hours of sleep every night, drinking the standard eight cups of water a day, etc. They didn't really have anything to do with my personal growth and true aspirations I had for the year. So I gave them up and haven't really tried to make resolutions again, until now.

2009 was a fast, difficult year, as was 2008. I was reminiscing with my brother over the holidays about high school. I can't believe that this year marks five years since my high school graduation. And yet, so much has had happened in that span that I can't believe it's only been five - it seems more like ten! My life during those years has been a blur in every possible way, and frankly it doesn't feel good.

Reaching 2010, I feel like I'm coming out of the past few years with a hangover. I am worn out, nursing a spiritual headache, and uncertain of where things are going. I don't really want to rant on about the specifics of what caused this and what led to that, nor do I want to lay out a revolutionary plan for how I'm going to turn my life around. I want to let it go - and figure it out one step at a time. 

All my life, I've dreamed of how much better my life would have been if I could just go back in time and fix this or that, while also becoming obsessed with planning out the future. I don't want to do either of those things anymore; I miss out on the present - that which will be my past to regret or accept, and my future that won't get any better if I keep failing to take advantage of the good that is now.

So this year, I'm making resolutions. Not a concrete list of rules and measurements, but goals for my personal growth that I'd be proud to look back on in 2011. Even if life remains a blur whizzing by at the speed of light, I think that building and strengthening roots, with Jesus Christ as my guide, can keep me grounded in who I am and hope to be.

So here I go:

• Learn more about Jesus Christ, on both a personal and academic level. I have had a hard time calling myself a Christian and identifying with the Christian community. Who am I, in this strange religious identity? I want to stare into the face of Jesus, and know him.
• Keep on cooking! When I became a vegetarian, I began learning how to prepare my own food, falling in love with the entire process of knowing where my food comes from, trying out new ingredients, and making food that is healthy for me and the environment - and amazingly delicious! I love how food brings people together, and provides an opportunity to be so hands on in justice and environmental issues.
• Pursue health. I'm worn out and busy, busy, busy. My body takes the heat every day, as evidenced by the many times I was sick last year, and my mind and spirit degrade along with it. I want to be better in tune with the needs of my body, and make the extra effort to address them. I neglect this often - partially because I am young and don't see the consequences yet. But I don't want them all to come crashing down on me someday. I need to build that stronger physical foundation now, for the future and the day-to-day.
• Still the pendulum swing between my extroversion and introversion. I worry about whether I'm reaching out to people enough and not letting myself hide from them, while also feeling overburdened by constantly being around people. I don't have a clear picture of what it means to experience restful solitude. I think I would benefit from just taking a chill-pill and doing what feels natural. Do I need to say "no" to this get-together? Do I need to share this struggle with another person? What brings me joy? What tears me down? Again, it's all about getting in sync with my needs.
• Simply - take it one step at a time, finding strength and joy in the truth that God is by my side. 

My Favorite Movies of the Year

Yes, it is that time! As everyone else is dolling out their top ten lists of albums, books, films, culinary masterpieces, undiscovered gems of the region, etc., I now throw my hat into the ring with my nine favorite movies of the year. The number nine is arbitrary (though the listed order is not) - these are simply the films from this past year that I think are absolutely worth your attention. Even I can't see every movie ever made (I try my best!), and so there are some movies that I completely missed and some movies that were decent but I couldn't quite bring myself to add with the following. Here's hoping for a better year for film in 2010!

1. Herb and Dorothy

This documentary was a source of sweet inspiration to me. Its heroes are a postal worker and a librarian who managed to build one of the most important collections of contemporary art in history with their very modest means. It is a reminder that a passion for art can be cultivated by anyone, unlimited by status or economic background.

2. That Evening Sun

An elderly man who has had enough of the nursing home life returns to his house in rural Tennessee, only to discover that it is now occupied by a family determined to make it their own. One might guess what will happen: a battle of wits until compassion smoothes over and brings the two parties together in a magical human moment. Not in this tale. It is dark and tense, demonstrating the conflict that occurs when the pursuit of ones deepest aspirations clashes with that of another person, and the emotional destruction that can occur because of the inability to let go of what is already gone.

3. A Serious Man

"The Uncertainty Principle. It proves that we can't ever really know... what's going on. So it shouldn't bother you. Not being able to figure anything out. Although you will be responsible for this on the midterm." So speaks the hero of the new Coen Brothers' film, Professor Larry Gopnik, a physics professor in the midwest who eats his own words as he indeed tries to figure it all out as blow after ridiculous blow impales his life. Not even we of the religious bent are exempt from the confusion of uncertainty, as demonstrated by Larry's religious traditions as they fail, if not make it harder, to spell things out.

4. Everlasting Moments

This was one of my early favorites of the year, and is a lovely story, set in early 19th century Sweden, of a mother who escapes from the harshness of her life into the creative world of photography. The images you discover with her are beautiful, and the film provides an interesting history of photography in its early days. What I found most touching, however, was the very human conflict the mother experiences in deciding whether to choose her individual freedom or stay with her family despite the abuse and tragedy that occurs.

5. Avatar

I assume that, unless you live in a hole, you've heard about this film. Believe the hype - it's one of the best films of the year for its stunning beauty, great story-telling, and some more than subtle comments on the way we view our natural resources and those that may seem "different."

6. Bright Star

"Bright Star" was a big surprise for me, as my reaction to it was probably the most personal of any of the other films described here. The film is based on the letters written between poet John Keats and his love Fanny Brawne before he died at the young age of 25. Not my usual fare, I was drawn to it for two reasons, the first being its interesting  look at the psychology of attachment and the inability these two people have to be separated from each other without severe emotional reactions. The more personal reason I was drawn to this film is my own inability to believe in this kind of love. I am a rational person that would tend to dismiss a relationship like the one in this story as overly emotional, immature and unrealistic. But rather than being turned off by this film, I found it to be a good slap in the face - that maybe I am the one refusing to be realistic and should give more credit to the power of love. As Keast says in the film, "There is a holiness to the heart's affections."

7. Fantastic Mr. Fox

I was disappointed by director Wes Anderson's last film, "The Darjeeling Limited," and thus was dearly hoping to have him back in full stride for this animated adventure. Sure enough, this film brought back the witty humor, visual excellence and brilliant characters that made me fall in love with his work years ago.

8. Adventureland

Recent college grad James Brennan enters the real world, which obviously entails having all of his plans fall apart and eventually settling for a crappy job at the local amusement park. But there he meets the beautiful Em and a host of quirky characters that make for the best summer of his life. It's sweet and fun, but is also surprisingly poignant in its intimate portrayal of young love. It's been said that the film thrives on capturing "ordinary moments," and it is that realism that takes it above the normal "quirky-comedy" fare.

9. The Windmill Movie

Filmmaker Richard Rogers's greatest challenge was trying to make a documentary about his own life. He died of cancer before he was able to finish t - over twenty years after starting the project. Richard's partner asked one of his students and long-time friends to help her dig through the boxes upon boxes of footage he left behind, trying to piece together the story Richard could never tell. The resulting film shares a landscape of sumptuous images he captured during his life, but the story that is told is really about his insecurity and the tormenting question of whether or not his life's work had any real meaning or value - that most human of internal conflicts.

It Takes a City to Save a Farm

I wanted to share this truly inspiring story with you all. If only we all felt the same communal responsibility and pure love towards those that provide us with our food...

It takes a city to save a farm: How the Bay Area food and farming community helped Soul Food Farm recover from a devastating fire

Milestones

Many of you know that I work at a non-profit in Santa Ana that provides dance, academic and family programs to low-income youth, in order to bring hope and opportunity to them by teaching self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment. In essence, it is a place that believes in the art of being there for each other, and where we hope these youth can foster their dreams. 

I am very proud to announce the new name of this great organization: The Wooden Floor. This video explains how we arrived at this new name, and why I think it perfectly represents our focus as an organization.

The Wooden Floor, with the added tagline "From Here You Can Step Anywhere," was chosen as a metaphor for the foundation the organization provides to thousands of young people. It honors their connection to the dance floor where through daily practice they learn self-awareness, confidence and discipline. 

Our name is all that is changing. Our mission remains the same, and the design of our new name was to be more relevant and solve misconceptions put forth by the previous name (i.e. we're not a ballet academy, and we do not exist under the umbrella of St. Joseph Health System). 

I'm really excited for the next stage in the life of The Wooden Floor, and am so blessed to be a part of it. Many of you know that I have been insanely busy preparing for this change, but it is hard work that I am happy to do. I really do believe that God is blessing this place. It is not a Christian non-profit by any means, but I do believe that we desire that our students experience emotional and spiritual growth as they go through our programs. Honest creativity and the offering of a safe, compassionate family are at the heart of God, and that is why I love working at The Wooden Floor, no matter how crazy busy I may be. :)

Numbers, Numbers, Who Wants Some Numbers?

In celebration of World Food Day (which was last Friday), Roger Doiron served up some interesting figures about the way we eat in the U.S. and around the world. 

Some sticking points for me:

• 90%: percentage of fruit/vegetable varieties lost in the U.S. in the last 100 years
• 3500: number of vegetable varieties owned by Monsanto
• 76 million: number of people that who fall ill each year due to food poisioning
• 50 gallons: volume of sugared beverages consumed per person in the U.S. each year
• $15 billion: annual estimated revenue of a penny-per-ounce tax on soda 
• 72 million: number of American adults considered obese
• 33%: percentage of U.S. children likely to develop obesity or Type 2 diabetes
• 10-15: average number of years their lives will be shortened as a result

Read on - some really sobering stuff.

Ignorance is Bliss?

It’s taken me a long time to come around to caring about climate change. I have never been a scientific-minded person, and it takes about ten seconds for me to get lost in a technical discussion about global warming. It has not helped that every argument I read presents a different, rather subjective opinion on climate change. These arguments range from the belief that if we do nothing, the earth will disintegrate in a matter of decades, to those that claim that global warming is a complete farce. By the end of the day, any desire I might have had to engage in the discussion has vanished from my frustrated and confused mind.

Skeptics continue to question if any good can really come from climate change legislation. I myself am a person that needs to receive rational, detailed evidence before I will believe that an idea is worth pursuing. But in this debate, it’s hard to separate fact from fear.

I found this article from Jason Scorse, the Chair of the International Environmental Policy Program at the Monterey Institute, to be a nice push to look at the glass half full when it comes to the outcomes of reducing climate change, at both personal and legislative levels. His bottom line: “So what if global warming is a hoax? There are clear and inarguable reasons that we should be doing everything in our power to reduce our use of fossil fuels and become leaders in the green energy revolution. For a bonus we might also help to reduce climate change and ensure a reasonably hospitable planet for generations to come.”

If you still remain unconvinced that getting involved in this discussion is worth your time, remember this ultimate truth: it is our moral imperative as Christians to care about climate change. Why? Because climate change impacts the way people are able to live and provide for their families. The injustice of our current situation is that those that have contributed least to global warming are those in most danger of being affected by it. Vital resources will diminish, water scarcity will become an even greater problem, and the economic effects will hinder growth in developing countries. Here’s an excellent report on the correlation of poverty and climate change.

Daysix.org is an organization that is trying to keep these issues at the heart of the climate change debate as we near the December global climate talks in Copenhagen. For those of you that have a more visual bent, they’ve put together a great video that acts as the rally cry for climate change in the faith community.

The question that always remains for me in any issue is this: what are practical steps we can take to make a difference? Well, this is where we need to help each other; get discussions going and throw ideas out there. I think that a great place to start is taking a look at the food we eat, considering the huge role that it plays in our daily lives and relationships. Have you considered where your food comes from, if the farmers that produce it are treated justly (if, in fact, it actually comes from a good, old-fashioned farm), and how accessible healthy food is to the impoverished around the world? Other issues I’d like to tackle are the amount of trash we produce, cutting down the pollution we create with the exorbitant amount of driving we Southern Californians do, and creating access for our low-income communities to environmental education, good food, and the equal opportunity to benefit from new climate change legislation. The list goes on and on and on, but rather than letting that become a hindrance, let’s keep the conversation going and try to tackle these things one at a time as a community. Ideas anyone?

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Two wonderful new films have recently opened and should be trickling down from LA soon, so have them on your radar!

First on the bill is "A Serious Man," the new film from the Coen Brothers ("No Country For Old Men," "The Big Lebowski," and the list goes on and on...). It is a complex, dark and hilarious story of a midwestern physics professor trying to figure out the meaning of life as fate brings one blow after another. The characters are rich, and the performances are wonderful. This isn't exactly a film to cheer the spirits, but it entertainingly demonstrates that it is sometimes impossible and unnecessary to take life's awkward turns seriously.

Read more about it here. Watch the trailer here. 

Second on the must-see list is "An Education," the story of Jenny (played by Carey Mulligan, who has constantly been compared to Audrey Hepburn) who is on a one-way street to a proper Oxford education, much to the satisfaction of her parents and teachers. That is, until she meets a charming, much older man (played by the wonderful Peter Sarsgaard)  sweeps her off her feet and carries her into a whole new world of glamour and spontaneity. But Jenny must decide what will be of true value in her life as she discovers the darker sides of the pursuit of carefree happiness. 

Read more about it here. Watch the trailer here. Hope you enjoy them both!