what i hope to do with mine

I don't think that taking pictures - good, compelling, beautiful pictures - requires much talent. Rather, it requires an eye and good, compelling, beautiful natural scenery. We are blessed with an abundance.

Recently coming across a group who's mission statement I could not agree more with -  

Our mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography.  We believe that awe-inspiring photography is a powerful force for the environment, especially when paired with the collaboration of committed scientists, politicians, religious leaders and policy makers. We plan to replace environmental indifference with a new culture of stewardship and passion for our beautiful planet.

            -International League of Conservation Photographers

postscript. i have a million thoughts running through my head, but no current way to articulate them. 

also, many pictures to post.

sweetland

A Brotherhood of Man

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one 

Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa

Drained from school, work, and being social all week, I curled up on the couch last night looking to zone out on some science/environmental documentaries to watch. I stumbled upon this list: Ten Environmental Films you Can Watch Online. 

I just finished watching Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa. Assuming it would be a film about some sand-hippies living in a ecovillage in New Mexico, I was convinced otherwise within the first minute of the film.

There's a trailer on YouTube, but I don't recommend watching it - it paints the inhabitants of the community as crazy, violent dirtbags. Instead, it's an interesting take on community and freedom. In one part of the film, a group of runaway teens began stealing from the community. Instead of calling the cops or responding with violence, a council with the teens and elders of the community meet to discuss ramifications. The film also touches on love, water resources, drug-use, post-traumatic stress, guns, and living off the land. A little over an hour long, I highly recommend checking it out.