Monday, February 28, 2011

Madison, the new Cairo






Walking into the center rotunda in the Capitol building in downtown Madison, it was overwhelming the absolute energy that was palpable in the air. Filled with passionate chanting, "tell me what democracy looks like! THIS is what democracy looks like!" there were thousands and thousands of people from all walks of life packed into this small space to demonstrate against SB11.

Spending all day with these people in freezing temperatures as the snow came down, I was moved by their passion for their cause. Protestors have spent two weeks sleeping in the Capitol, refusing to relent to Gov. Scott Walker and those who have labeled them everything from "union thugs" and "socialitsts." They are neither. They are teachers, police officers, and fire fighters. They are just people, standing up for what they believe in. Almost 70 to 100 thousand people poured into the sleepy little town of Madison to protest the bill that will remove the right to collective bargaining, among many dramatic budget cuts.

Although Patrick and I had initial hesitations about the 12-hour drive in blizzard conditions, I have never been so proud to be apart of something.

Bearing witness to this movement was truly historical.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

gross.



There is no earthly reason why someone should be this happy in ten degree weather.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Reminiscing



With almost a month since I've departed from Da Nang, Viet Nam... I know it is a place my heart will never forget.

Despite everything that has happened, I wouldn't trade my experiences in Asia for anything. The world is a beautiful place and I know I've only seen a very small portion of all I want to see in my lifetime.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A smelly welcome



This stinkbug took the opportunity to formally welcome me to Washington, despite the current efforts of the city to rid the stinkbug infestation from D.C. he seemed perfectly content to hang on my computer screen.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A Walk in the Park





Spent the day with friends at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena shooting and enjoying the incredible literary collection the Library houses.

This place is truly one of my favorite hideaways in Los Angeles...