LUV having the windows open!  LUV keeping the air conditioner off!  LUV sitting on the deck without bugs!  LUV having to mow the lawn only once a week!  It’s August.  Summer is winding down.  The cicadas are singing.  The robins are readying for their southern migration.  Soon we’ll experience the vibrant burst of burgundys and yellows and oranges.  School starts in a couple of weeks.  Are you ready for some football? 

            How are you going to tend your garden and yard for the rest of the lazy hazy days of August? 

Now is a great time to tour your yard looking for bare spaces or…….a good excuse to

• create a new bed or add plants. How about peonies?  Choose a spot with sun and drainage.  Plant the “eye” (bud) about two inches deep.
•  Or dig and divide your (or your neighbor’s—with their permission, of course) overgrown iris, poppies and other spring blooming perennials.  A good rule of thumb is to move spring blooming flowers in the fall and fall blooming flowers in the spring. 
• Plant a tree!  Fall planting takes advantage of favorable soil temperatures and moisture conditions that promote the root growth needed to sustain plants through their critical first year in the landscape. 
• It’s best not to prune now.  Pruning will stimulate unwanted late season growth.
• Think fall flower arrangements.  Invest in a Burning Bush, a Bayberry Bush or a Red-twigged Dogwood.  All have colored stems that will stand out in dreary winter landscape. And those reddish branches create an outstanding compliment to fall groupings of gourds, pumpkins and dried flowers.
• Mid-August through mid-September is the best time to repair, replace or start a new lawn.  Lawns with fifty percent or more weeds should be replaced.  Always purchase quality lawn seed.  All grass seed mixes should contain several varieties of bluegrass, fescue and rye grass.

So, get up off that couch.  Get out in the yard.  Enjoy this great time of the year.

Its true, I'll do a haiku for you. Its meaning hidden, its form quite fitting, a riddle if you will. The brief chance a haiku grants to do justice to an image. Take a guess if you dare, its only fair, now just beware the metaphor you fulfill.

Crisp, curled, white paper;

burnt edges, singed cross, sagging boughs...

heavy scent enfolds stars.

I went to Blast in the past today because Joe was holding a CD for me.  It's funny that something is always going on every time i go in there.  This big black guy was "preaching" to a junkie in the store.  He was talking really fast and "quoting" the Bible without quoting scripture.  It was unnerving.  He made some good points but he also made claims like the reason people do bad things is because they have demons in them.  He kept saying, "the Demons get you to do them bad things man, but they ain't going to jail whitcha!"  First off, Demons don't make you do bad things.  We do bad things because we have a sinful nature.  If you were to say that we don't do bad things because we want to that absolves us of responsibility and demeans the sacrifice of what Jesus did when he laid his life down for a rebelious sinful people.  If we have no control over the times we sin then we have no hope of following God anymore closely and we are technically innocent since it is the demon sinning and not us.  That just isn't the case.  But anyway before i get off on too much of a theological rant.... I found a couple more awesome albums while i was there, check 'em out:

"Where Moth and Rust Destroy" - Tourniquet

Tourniquet is a really cool band.  They are truly a metal band in the purest sense.  Think of a christian Metallica.  Very solid album where the average song length is 5:00+.  Been looking for this one for awhile and was very surprised when i noticed it at Joe's.  Price Paid: $12.50

"Raggamuffin Hip Hop 2" - Various

Volume 2 of the Christian Reggae sampler.  I really enjoyed the first one so i had Joe hold on to this one for me so i would be able to get it later.  Picked it up today, it's really good.  Price Paid: $6.50

"the Artist in the Ambulance" - Thrice

Great release by Thrice.  Added this to the hunt-list a little bit ago after buying "The Alchemy Index Vol.1&2".  Was pretty surprised when i found it.  Price Paid: $5

I also went to Record Time to attempt to sell some records.  I sold them my extra copy of moving pictures by Rush.  Then i picked up  a CD while i was there:

"How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" - U2

I really enjoy this album.  Some people think that bands that have been around a long time can't make good music anymore.  "There old stuff is so much better" they always say.  Well, i agree that that can be the case but i think U2 does a great job even now!  I think this is a very solid release with many memorable tracks!  Price Paid: $6

Good day of hunting.  I went to Joe's expecting to be in and out and found a couple gems i never would have thought would be there!

Ep. 26

So i went back to Joe's today because i say some stuff there yesterday and didn't have enough money to get it all.  Today was payday so i went back.

"Matt Aragon (Promo)" - Dogwood

Found this Promo Album by Dogwood, a christian hardcore punk band.  Really good style.  They have a lot of versatility which keeps the album interesting.  The lead singer has a really cool voice too, kind of gravelly...  Check it out if you get a chance.  Price Paid: $5

"The Bare Truth about Philmore" - Philmore

Very catchy pop-punk album.  Passed it up a few times in favor of other stuff.  Decided iot was worth it today.  Price Paid: $5

"Nailed/ Take up Your Cross" - The Crucified

Hardcore Punk release by one of the best in the genre.  The crucified's lead singer, Mark Salomon later became the singer of my favorite band, Stavesacre.  Decided it was time i owned some crucified!  Price Paid: $5

I was then about to leave when i noticed another CD and just about flipped out:

"Then is the new Now" - Denison Marrs

I ruckus'd this album earlier this summer when i read that this band did a split cd with Stavesacre.  I listened to it alot and it's a really good CD.  I've been meaning to officially add it to the hunt-list but it has mentally been there for awhile.  It's a great album and i'm excited that i have it now!!  Price Paid: $5

Found lots of good stuff yesterday and today!!!!  Soon i go back to school but i may check back with Blast in the Past and Record Time before i go, we'll see...

When we were young, our whole lives ahead of us,
And it was well understood we'd all become astronauts,
And firemen,

Let's not pretend, we all become famous,
Let's not pretend, there's more to this then we hoped for,

When you reach a certain point in life you realize that you're probably not going to be famous and you have to accept that. A person's occupation is a big part of what typically defines him/her. In the midst of all the people moving to California and trying to get on TV to become famous, we have to accept that we're regular people and we need to be content with that regardless of our jobs. Sure it's cool to have goals and want to make money, but the things that bring fulfillment in life have little to do with fame and fortune.

Your parents are proud,
You've got everything,
No passion at hand,
You'll be Ivy League,
It's more probable,
We all become salesmen,
You know it,
You fear it,
Mediocrity.

It's well on it's way, well understood,
And this is your life,
Don't apologize for what you are,
Because you're a star.

It’s said my dogwood murmurs
But the sound comes from bees
As worker-bees stuff pollen
In the pockets on their knees

9/12/00 Phyllis DeWitt-VanVleck

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MIMOSA MAGNIFICENCE

Mimosa fans, edged in pink,
Arrayed in dainty clusters,
Float on down like whirlygigs
Or mini feather dusters.

7/12/00 Phyllis DeWitt-VanVleck

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A MOMENT IN TIME

Fragile gossamer wings
Dip to kiss a dandelion,
Creating a minuscule breeze
And an explosion of tiny parachutes

8/3/90 Phyllis DeWitt-VanVleck

1'st ... Arkansas NPD 1990

Capturing the Ephemeral

If only one day were given me

it would be that day

Oh I'll never tell but you know the day

It was the day dogwoods bloomed

It was the day reality met peception

Ephemeral is apt yet loses meaning

When captured in oil

Beauty is never fleeting when kept

In pixels or the gray matter

Of my mind

]]> http://truetunes.wordpress.com/?p=64 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:33:35 +0000 Matt http://truetunes.wordpress.com/?p=64 I was reminiscing over all my favorite ex-Tooth and Nail bands and I decided to come up with a playlist to remember the olden days.

Ace Troubleshooter - 2:00 Your Time
Bleach - Andy's Doin' Time
The Cootees - Jocks Don't Like Us
Delta Haymax - Four Leaf Clover
Dogwood - 1983
Fine China - You Heart Was Made of Gold
Hangnail - The Sleeping Giant
Havalina - Space and Mexico
The Huntingtons - Allison's the Bomb
Joe Christmas - Coupleskate
Ninety Pound Wuss - Responsibility
Plankeye - Open House
Squad Five-O - I Don't Want to Change the World, I Just Want to Change Your Mind

These really inspire.

Dogwood Blossoms - Ansel Adams

Road, Nevada Desert - Ansel Adams

The Voice - Edvard Munch

Silence - Odilon Redon

Canyon - Robert Rauschenberg

Leaves in a pinnacle, reaching towards the sun

 

WildWire May 17-21

We’re LOADED with FREE outdoor activities this weekend and next week!

But first an important reminder: Bee Watchers 2008 needs volunteers. Scroll down a few days for more details, but here’s the skinny:

Orientation Locations
• Alley Pond Environmental Center: May 19 6:00 PM
• Central Park-North Meadow Recreation Center: May 21 6:00 PM
• Greenbelt Nature Center: May 20 6:00 PM
• Prospect Park Audubon Center: May 21 6:00 PM
• Fordham University: May 22 6:00 PM

WALK to learn about trees, squirrels, or horseshoe crabs!

BIKE to learn about NYC’s green movement and arts (with a loaner program on Sunday)!

PLANT trees given for free to homeowners and gardeners!

HIKE through northern Manhattan!

FISH the East River!

SATURDAY, MAY 17:

FISHING – QUEENS

Come to Rainey Park between 1PM and 5PM to celebrate and shape the future of parks on the western Queens waterfront with Green Shores NYC, a community group that has been fostered by Partnerships for Parks. This rain or shine event includes catch-and-release fishing with I Fish NY, and live music and informative displays.

GARDENING – BRONX, MANHATTAN, QUEENS

Free trees from New York Restoration Project!

Clean the air, make the birds happy, and beautify your property with a free tree, thanks to the New York Restoration Project! Homeowners can swing by the green markets of Sunnyside, Queens and Inwood, Manhattan for their trees.

Bronxites can hop over to the YM-YWHA’s Environmental Fair (5625 Arlington Avenue at 256th Street) to adopt their trees.

Species include Red Bud, Dogwood, Cherry, Crabapple, Service Berry, Linden, Sweetgum, Oak, Tulip Poplar and Buckeye trees, ready for planting. First come, first served, so hurry!

HIKING - MANHATTAN

Join a NYC Hiking Meetup Group exploration of Upper Manhattan parks!

The NYC Hiking meetup group is hoofing it through northern Manhattan's city and states parks. Meet at the 1 Train at 215th. Street and Broadway at 10AM. You’ll see old growth forests, marsh grasses, a meeting of the Harlem River (really a strait) and Hudson River (really and estuary at this latitude). You’ll be glad you joined this active group!

ROWING - BRONX

Row with Rocking the Boat!

Explore the vibrant Bronx River in a beautifully handcrafted rowboat with Rocking the Boat. Community rowing hours are 1PM-5PM at the Jose E Serrano Riverside Campus for Arts and The Environment.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

WALKS - BROOKLYN

Tales of the Shadow Tail at Fort Greene Park!

Learn about New York City’s “other rodent” at the “Nuts about Squirrels” lecture at the Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park) at 12PM.

Learn Your Trees!

Don’t leaf (couldn’t resist) Fort Greene Park Visitor Center right after the squirrel talk. Stay for a tree walk to learn about our local trees.  Starting at 1PM, you’ll stroll beneath the verdant spring canopy leaning to identify trees by bark, buds, and blossoms.

More Information: 718  722 3218

PADDLING - QUEENS

Kayak and Canoe with the LIC Community Boathouse!

Come to Socrates Sculpture Park’s beach at Hallets Cove in Astoria for free paddling with the LIC Community Boathouse between 1PM and 5PM.

BIKING - MANHATTAN

Lower East, Higher Green!

Bike through what should be the future of New York City with the Green Apple Tour. Explore gardens, greenways and riversides. Learn about composting, solar power, green buildings and more. The tour covers the Garden District and Lower East Side and is based on the fabulous Green Map System. This is an easy, two-hour ride, and all ages are welcome.

Meet at the Temperance Monument in Tompkins Square Park (Ave. A & East 9th St.) at 11AM.

BIKING - QUEENS

Bike ride with your kids – bikes and helmets provided!

Get to know Long Island City, famous for its waterfront and arts scene, while learning basic bike mechanics and riding safety skills. This trip focuses on youth aged 10-15 years old, and parents and teachers are welcome. Recycle-a-Bicycle provides instruction, bikes, and helmets for those without, but make sure you register ASAP (rideclub@recycleabicycle.org).

Meet at 46th Ave. and 5th St., down the block from the charming LIC Bar at 10AM. Wrap up the ride at 330PM.

WALK - BRONX

Join author and naturalist Betsy McCully, author of City at Water’s Edge, at Wave Hill for a slide-illustrated talk and nature walk as she discusses the geological and ecological forces that have shaped this region and the human forces that impact them.  Her book is available in the Wave Hill Shop.

WALK – BROOKLYN (Jamaica Bay)

Scoot down to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge at 7PM for an evening with one of our city’s most ancient resident species, the horseshoe crab. Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society leads the way. For more information or to register call 718 318-9344 or e-mail driepe@nyc.rr.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 20 

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 10-11 am.
Roll the carriage or toddle the toddler to Fort Greene Park for Babies, Books and Blooms. Brooklyn Public Library & Urban Park Rangers present story time and nature crafts. At Fort Greene Park Visitor's Center.

Dogwood, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

]]> http://image365.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/236/ Fri, 16 May 2008 03:49:50 +0000 tokenhippygirl http://image365.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/236/

Dogwood, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

Dogwood blooming in Oregon.

Taken with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT.

One of several unanswered emails in my Inbox right now is from a friend asking if I've done something to celebrate the end of the semester at Keene State. The fact that said friend asked this on Tuesday, after I'd submitted grades right before their noon deadline, and I haven't had a spare moment to answer her email tells you something about the past few days.