"We must go beyond the textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey"
- John Hope Franklin -
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
exploring others blogs...
Through my explorations, I have realized that I am not only mediating through my blog, I am also exploring other blogs and the world of blogging. I have also seen A LOT of blogs in other languages. Although I can't read them, I enjoy looking at the pictures and how others mediate their spaces through photographs, drawings, paintings, and writings (which i can't read..!) All of the blogs that I have mentioned reflect the personalities and spaces around the bloggers. Other bloggers have definitely inspired ideas and things that I do in my life.
Here are some of my favorites:
http://arlingtongreen.blogspot.com/this girl is genius and tells it like it is... it's an amazing mix of fashion, fun, and living on the east coast... top of my list….
http://secretsofacitygirl.blogspot.com/because the blogger works in the fashion industry (model), this is a rare perspective from the inside. Her taste in clothing in flawless, and she combines infamous designers with equally gorgeous photographs of friends, family, and her life. I love her quotes and opinions on life.. this is definitely another one on the top of my list for favorite blogs...
www.huffingtonpost.com this was actually the first blog I ever wrote. You MUST at least look at this blog....
http://jesszamess.blogspot.com/I love her photographs and use of art... she also discusses classes and assignments!
http://rachelwhitfield.blogspot.com/<3>
http://dfabt.blogspot.com/fashion and "designing for a better tomorrow"
http://theycallmebonger.wordpress.com/AMAZING photographs..... enough said....
http://b-zhou.blogspot.com/this guy is from New Zealand.. complete with photographs.... I love seeing other parts of the world through the eyes of a local.. not a tourist or tourist company. No promotions... its just the truth.
http://goodmorningmsmagpie.blogspot.com/
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/017887.htmlI'm not sure if this is a blog... but I found it through another blog. It is amazing how there is literally EVERYTHING online....
Here are some of my favorites:
http://arlingtongreen.blogspot.com/this girl is genius and tells it like it is... it's an amazing mix of fashion, fun, and living on the east coast... top of my list….
http://secretsofacitygirl.blogspot.com/because the blogger works in the fashion industry (model), this is a rare perspective from the inside. Her taste in clothing in flawless, and she combines infamous designers with equally gorgeous photographs of friends, family, and her life. I love her quotes and opinions on life.. this is definitely another one on the top of my list for favorite blogs...
www.huffingtonpost.com this was actually the first blog I ever wrote. You MUST at least look at this blog....
http://jesszamess.blogspot.com/I love her photographs and use of art... she also discusses classes and assignments!
http://rachelwhitfield.blogspot.com/<3>
http://dfabt.blogspot.com/fashion and "designing for a better tomorrow"
http://theycallmebonger.wordpress.com/AMAZING photographs..... enough said....
http://b-zhou.blogspot.com/this guy is from New Zealand.. complete with photographs.... I love seeing other parts of the world through the eyes of a local.. not a tourist or tourist company. No promotions... its just the truth.
http://goodmorningmsmagpie.blogspot.com/
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/017887.htmlI'm not sure if this is a blog... but I found it through another blog. It is amazing how there is literally EVERYTHING online....
Exploration Literature
After doing the readings in this class, I really wanted to start to read longer fiction and non-fiction. Although I haven't read any of the books yet, I have a stack of books in my room that I can start reading the second I graduate! Although this is technically a goal for 'after I leave Santa Barbara', I realized how much my life and education in Santa Barbara is affecting my life after Santa Barbara. Rather then 'starting over' somewhere new, my time at UCSB and in Santa Barbara have given me important skills that I can use even after I leave this space.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Places to Study in Santa Barbara
Since a majority of students' time is devoted to attending class, writing papers, taking tests, and completing projects, I also wanted to explore places in Santa Barbara where students could study in a relaxing environment. I was starting to realize that I spent a majority of my time in bed studying. While I was comfortable and could get things done in the comfort of my bed and home, when I went to go to sleep, I couldn't fall asleep because I had spent my day studying in bed. Furthermore, I couldn't study and think in the same place that I need to relax and fall asleep. Therefore, I needed to find a new place...
I had driven past the Mission of Santa Barbara in the past, and noticed that there was a huge grassy area where there were people sleeping, having a picnic, and reading, so this is the first place that I went to. Although this space was very relaxing and quiet, I would bring a towel or blanket to lay on. Before I pulled mine out, I realized there was no way I could have laid on the grass (it was so cold it felt damp!). I also would recommend bringing a small snack or a drink, especially if you are planning on reading for a long time (there are not any food/drinks within walking distance). The space was a perfect place to study, however the sun was so warm, all I wanted to do was nap!
Starbucks in Goleta (next to Borders in Camino Real)
While I go to this Starbucks at least once a week to grab a latte, I have never sat down and studied there. I always see students studying on the tables throughout space, usually with their ipods, computers, and books scattered around them. After Alyssa brought in her posters with the sound, I wanted to test this theory and figure out how everyone can study there when it is so loud! I went to Starbucks with my laptop and books, and brought my ipod just in case. I quickly realized that not only could I hear the noise from Starbucks over ipod music, but I had stopped studying and now was 'people watching'. I vote that Starbucks is NOT a good place to study.
Other recommendations from friends:
The Coffee Cat downtown off State Street
thanks to:
carto.net
santabarbara.com
Saturday, February 28, 2009
the hostess with the mostess
When I still lived at home, I barely ever cooked. While my dad is an amazing cook, my mom burns toast... seriously. Because he always cooked for my family, I never really learned how to cook, and I have lived off of pasta, takeout, and frozen food for three years now. Lately, I have become more interested in eating healthier and preparing fresher food. This assignment gave me the perfect 'excuse' to learn how to cook. I basically justified that cooking was my homework, and I spent days looking up recipes on my blackberry during class. (I was doing schoolwork!)Over the last ten weeks, I have cooked (not microwaved!) salmon asparagus and saffron rice, homemade pizza with whole wheat dough, and homemade sushi. Not only did the meals turn out really good, I have started to work on eating healthier, preparing more meals, and shopping at the grocery store for fresher foods. Although I did not 'explore' outside of my kitchen, this assignment has caused me to re explore preexisting spaces around me. I am starting to realize that by taking time out of my day for things like exercises and eating healthier, I am much happier and more successful in other parts of my life (such as school or stressful situations). Furthermore, I am noticing the different senses that I have to use while cooking (such as touch, smell, taste) While this might be an obvious observation, I am appreciating my sense of smell and really taking the time out of my day to enjoy it. With this project, I have learned to appreciate the smaller details in life, and as cliche as it is.. take time to stop and smell the flowers!
My Salmon Recipe:
Salmon:
1/3 pound of salmon (fresh from butcher. not frozen! it costs approx 3 dollars)
brown rice
teriyaki sauce
soy sauce
finely chopped garlic (found in jars)
lemon
Rice:
1 small bag of saffron rice
1 tablespoon of butter
water
4-8 asparagus stalks
sesame seeds
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
First, start the rice according to directions (The type I use asks to melt 1 tablespoon of butter (I use fat free for health) in 1 2/3 cups of water. When water has come to a boil, stir in rice and reduce to simmer. cover for 20 minutes, but watch it because the water boils fast and the rice will burn!)
For the salmon, I made up my own recipe. I combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic, 1/8 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1/8 cup of soy sauce in a small bowl. After washing the salmon steak, I dip it in the bowl until it is completely covered. Then, I place it on a baking sheet covered in NON STICK aluminum foil. I place this in the oven at 375, and continually check it for 10 minutes. (the time and temperature varies depending on the size, thickness, and weight of the salmon... I cut into my salmon, and make sure it no longer looks pink and slimy. BUT make sure you don't overcook it! it will get too dry fast!)
While my salmon and rice are cooking, I wash and cut my asparagus, and place it in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water on med-high heat. I place a lid over the skillet, and cook the asparagus for 2 minutes, until it becomes easy to stick a fork into, but not soggy or too soft (it should hold some firmness) I take the lid off, drain any remaining water, and then put 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in the pan with the asparagus on low-med heat. I saute the asparagus for another minute, then drizzle the sesame seeds over it. I mix the vinegar, seeds and asparagus, until the asparagus is hot and completely coated. The plate it!
Your rice and salmon should be done now. Take the salmon out, and with a sharp metal spatula, separate the skin from the salmon. The skin should remain on the aluminum foil to be thrown out, while the salmon can be plated, along with the rice and asparagus. You can add pepper and salt to taste, as well as I usually put lemon on the salmon.
For the pizza, I just bought a bag of whole wheat pizza crust, shredded cheese, and pizza sauce, all available at trader joes. I also bought my own toppings (a can of pineapple from Vons) On the bag of the crust, it has instructions on how to create the crust (basically just spread it out on a cutting board. It helps if you use A LOT of flour!) I added sauce, cheese and put my own toppings on (personally love the pineapple.....) This was a good dinner, and I took it to school the next day for lunch!
For the sushi, my mom and I bought a kit from borders. This was definitely the hardest meal to create, and it is NOT as easy as it looks. All the ingredients were close to $40.00, but we definitely had a very fun night. At the end of the night, we had realized that we had way too much rice and ingredients, and ended up throwing away a lot. Although the sushi we made was good, it was not exactly in perfect form! But we thought that this would be a fun dinner party idea!
Salmon:
1/3 pound of salmon (fresh from butcher. not frozen! it costs approx 3 dollars)
brown rice
teriyaki sauce
soy sauce
finely chopped garlic (found in jars)
lemon
Rice:
1 small bag of saffron rice
1 tablespoon of butter
water
4-8 asparagus stalks
sesame seeds
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
First, start the rice according to directions (The type I use asks to melt 1 tablespoon of butter (I use fat free for health) in 1 2/3 cups of water. When water has come to a boil, stir in rice and reduce to simmer. cover for 20 minutes, but watch it because the water boils fast and the rice will burn!)
For the salmon, I made up my own recipe. I combine 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic, 1/8 cup of teriyaki sauce and 1/8 cup of soy sauce in a small bowl. After washing the salmon steak, I dip it in the bowl until it is completely covered. Then, I place it on a baking sheet covered in NON STICK aluminum foil. I place this in the oven at 375, and continually check it for 10 minutes. (the time and temperature varies depending on the size, thickness, and weight of the salmon... I cut into my salmon, and make sure it no longer looks pink and slimy. BUT make sure you don't overcook it! it will get too dry fast!)
While my salmon and rice are cooking, I wash and cut my asparagus, and place it in a skillet with 1/2 cup of water on med-high heat. I place a lid over the skillet, and cook the asparagus for 2 minutes, until it becomes easy to stick a fork into, but not soggy or too soft (it should hold some firmness) I take the lid off, drain any remaining water, and then put 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in the pan with the asparagus on low-med heat. I saute the asparagus for another minute, then drizzle the sesame seeds over it. I mix the vinegar, seeds and asparagus, until the asparagus is hot and completely coated. The plate it!
Your rice and salmon should be done now. Take the salmon out, and with a sharp metal spatula, separate the skin from the salmon. The skin should remain on the aluminum foil to be thrown out, while the salmon can be plated, along with the rice and asparagus. You can add pepper and salt to taste, as well as I usually put lemon on the salmon.
For the pizza, I just bought a bag of whole wheat pizza crust, shredded cheese, and pizza sauce, all available at trader joes. I also bought my own toppings (a can of pineapple from Vons) On the bag of the crust, it has instructions on how to create the crust (basically just spread it out on a cutting board. It helps if you use A LOT of flour!) I added sauce, cheese and put my own toppings on (personally love the pineapple.....) This was a good dinner, and I took it to school the next day for lunch!
For the sushi, my mom and I bought a kit from borders. This was definitely the hardest meal to create, and it is NOT as easy as it looks. All the ingredients were close to $40.00, but we definitely had a very fun night. At the end of the night, we had realized that we had way too much rice and ingredients, and ended up throwing away a lot. Although the sushi we made was good, it was not exactly in perfect form! But we thought that this would be a fun dinner party idea!
The more I cook, the more I realize how much I love to host parties and cook for friends. While I was learning how to cook and bake meals, I would usually cook enough for my roommates and friends. While I enjoyed cooking for them, I also loved spending time in the kitchen talking with them and having dinner together. One of the harder parts of college is moving away from home and leaving your close group of friends and family behind. With the move, you also have to leave traditions behind, like having family dinners. However, through exploring my kitchen and cooking, I have been able to start dinner with friends and in turn, have become closer with them. (For class, I made brownies from Trader Joes- Brownie Truffle Baking Mix, as well as cupcakes from Betty Crocker... enjoy!)
Inspiring Hostess Blog: http://www.hostessblog.com/
Bon Appetit!
yOgA sOuP
When I was a freshman in college, i worked at a gym and had a trainer. While working out with him one day, my knee popped out and I basically ruptured my bursa (which is the fluid sac under your kneecap), pulled most of ligaments and tendons in my leg, atrophied my leg, tore something in my kneecap and basically completely screwed up my knee. I was on bed rest for 2 weeks and on crutches for months. After all this time, the doctor recommended intensive rehab and staying off my leg. Instead, I didn't listen to doctors orders, and instead started taking regular pilates, yoga, and yoglates (yes its a real word! its yoga and Pilates combo class) at the gym I worked at. In a couple of weeks, I was able to ditch the crutches, I never had surgery, and I have yet to stand in a physical therapists office.
When I moved to Santa Barbara, I had to stop working at the gym, and with it, I stopped taking regular pilates and yoga classes. However, my knee is still weak, so I am not able to run like I used to be able to. When I began to think of more explorations that I could do, I realized how much I missed taking yoga. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get back into taking yoga classes and working on my body outside of the gym. I looked up classes online, found one that fit in with my skill level and time outside of school, and signed up. I also made the decision to try just one class (pay a one time drop in fee) to see if I like the studio, rather than buying a package of classes.
On the day of class, I dressed in yoga pants and a loose tshirt and brought a water. I took a one hour class, that focused on breathing, stretching, as well as strength building and core muscles. Although I went for a workout, I found myself feeling incredibly relaxed and focused as I left class. I was breathing at a steady pace, and I was no where near as stressed as I was when I walked in. Yoga has this incredible way of clearing ones' mind and relaxing your entire body. I had completely forgot how helpful it was in school and dealing with everyday stresses. Now, even if I can not make it to the studio, the breathing techniques and small exercises calm me down when I am over stressed from daily chaos. Through this experience, I learned that, as a student, we are incredibly busy. Between late night studying (and partying...), college students are always sick and stressed. While we are torn between having fun and being responsible adults, sleep is usually at the loosing end of the battle. Therefore, it was important to take time out of my day to focus on something that not only benefits my physical health, but my mental health (for lack of a better phrase) as well.
How it is mediated outside of my blog...
www.facebook.com/people/Yoga-Soup/1652502976
AND they even have their own blog!!!!
If you want to visit...
http://www.yogasoup.com/
Yoga Soup
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-965-8811
General info.
email: soup@yogasoup.com
When I moved to Santa Barbara, I had to stop working at the gym, and with it, I stopped taking regular pilates and yoga classes. However, my knee is still weak, so I am not able to run like I used to be able to. When I began to think of more explorations that I could do, I realized how much I missed taking yoga. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to get back into taking yoga classes and working on my body outside of the gym. I looked up classes online, found one that fit in with my skill level and time outside of school, and signed up. I also made the decision to try just one class (pay a one time drop in fee) to see if I like the studio, rather than buying a package of classes.
On the day of class, I dressed in yoga pants and a loose tshirt and brought a water. I took a one hour class, that focused on breathing, stretching, as well as strength building and core muscles. Although I went for a workout, I found myself feeling incredibly relaxed and focused as I left class. I was breathing at a steady pace, and I was no where near as stressed as I was when I walked in. Yoga has this incredible way of clearing ones' mind and relaxing your entire body. I had completely forgot how helpful it was in school and dealing with everyday stresses. Now, even if I can not make it to the studio, the breathing techniques and small exercises calm me down when I am over stressed from daily chaos. Through this experience, I learned that, as a student, we are incredibly busy. Between late night studying (and partying...), college students are always sick and stressed. While we are torn between having fun and being responsible adults, sleep is usually at the loosing end of the battle. Therefore, it was important to take time out of my day to focus on something that not only benefits my physical health, but my mental health (for lack of a better phrase) as well.
How it is mediated outside of my blog...
www.facebook.com/people/Yoga-Soup/1652502976
AND they even have their own blog!!!!
If you want to visit...
http://www.yogasoup.com/
Yoga Soup
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-965-8811
General info.
email: soup@yogasoup.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
fresco cafe
Since I have moved to Santa Barbara, I have always read about Fresco Cafe, and their amazing soups, salads and sandwiches. Around my 22nd birthday, I invited two close friends that go to UCSB to have a girls lunch with me at the Five Point location...
I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad, while they each had a sandwich. If we were food critics... I think we would get Fresco Cafe 3 stars... It was really fresh food, and we definitely didn't have any complaints. We sat inside, and spent the entire lunch talking about where we are going after college, who is moving in with their parents when they graduate, the economy and jobs, and about leaving Santa Barbara. Only now do I realize how much my friends and I talk about graduation and leaving the town we have come to call 'home'. While I have only lived here for two years, I find myself calling my childhood home "my parent's house", and referring to my apartment in Santa Barbara as "my house" or "home". Since I am immediately going to backpacking in Europe when I graduate (an entirely different kind of exploring!!!), I know that I will eventually move to my parents' house until I can find a job. My last months of school not only equate to the thoughts of leaving Santa Barbara, they also make me realize how soon I will be back living under Mom and Dad's roof and rules. Living in Santa Barbara, I have discovered an entirely new sense of freedom and independence. While my parents aren't particularly strict, I will no longer have the same freedoms that I enjoy while living here. Although I am excited to be graduating, the thought is bittersweet. Going to lunch with the girls definitely was not only an exploration of a new restaurant, but it brought up our fears and our excitement about the new chapter in our lives.
How the Fresco Cafe mediates their space:
http://www.frescosb.com/
VOTED:
Santa Barbara News Press
Best Lunch Spot..Best Business Lunch ..Best Desserts
Santa Barbara Independent
Best Caesar
Our review:
While the meal was definitely good, it was not anything outstanding. The atmosphere was perfect for a laid back lunch, however it was nothing impressive. Next time I go, I will have to try their famous Caesar Salad or a Dessert!!
I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad, while they each had a sandwich. If we were food critics... I think we would get Fresco Cafe 3 stars... It was really fresh food, and we definitely didn't have any complaints. We sat inside, and spent the entire lunch talking about where we are going after college, who is moving in with their parents when they graduate, the economy and jobs, and about leaving Santa Barbara. Only now do I realize how much my friends and I talk about graduation and leaving the town we have come to call 'home'. While I have only lived here for two years, I find myself calling my childhood home "my parent's house", and referring to my apartment in Santa Barbara as "my house" or "home". Since I am immediately going to backpacking in Europe when I graduate (an entirely different kind of exploring!!!), I know that I will eventually move to my parents' house until I can find a job. My last months of school not only equate to the thoughts of leaving Santa Barbara, they also make me realize how soon I will be back living under Mom and Dad's roof and rules. Living in Santa Barbara, I have discovered an entirely new sense of freedom and independence. While my parents aren't particularly strict, I will no longer have the same freedoms that I enjoy while living here. Although I am excited to be graduating, the thought is bittersweet. Going to lunch with the girls definitely was not only an exploration of a new restaurant, but it brought up our fears and our excitement about the new chapter in our lives.
How the Fresco Cafe mediates their space:
http://www.frescosb.com/
VOTED:
Santa Barbara News Press
Best Lunch Spot..Best Business Lunch ..Best Desserts
Santa Barbara Independent
Best Caesar
Our review:
While the meal was definitely good, it was not anything outstanding. The atmosphere was perfect for a laid back lunch, however it was nothing impressive. Next time I go, I will have to try their famous Caesar Salad or a Dessert!!
Breakfast Time!
Since I have moved to Santa Barbara, my friends and roommates are shocked beyond belief when I say I have never been to Cajun Kitchen. Its not that I was avoiding it! I had just... never been! When my mom came into Santa Barbara to visit, I dragged her to Cajun Kitchen so we could experience what all the fuss was about!
We decided to go to the one downtown (near Nordstroms), and the wait was really short (we went around 8:30 or 9:00 am). It was a really nice breakfast, and we spent the time talking and reading our newspapers and magazines. We both had eggs, hash browns (me) and potatoes (her), and English muffins. The breakfast was amazing and it was really nice to just sit and eat breakfast together. I am beginning to realize that actually arriving and spending time in the place is not really 'exploring'. When I started this project, I just expected to show up, and the exploration and experience would be completely geared towards the space. Although I created a cognitive map of the space, as well as the people around us, I was more focused on the quality time that I was spending with my mom then the space in which we spent it in...
The Cajun Kitchen Cafe901 Chapala St.Santa Barbara, CA 93101805-965-1004
Monday, February 16, 2009
exploration quote
Now that I am taking this class, I have realized that I pay more attention to everything I do. I am finding the smallest details in places i have been a million times. I went to Starbucks, and as i was "exploring" the side of my Starbucks coffee, i found this quote...I thought it applied to this class 100% percent...
I used to think that going to the
jungle made my life an adventure.
However, after years of unusual
work in exotic places, I realize
that it is not how far off I go or
how deep into the forest I walk
that gives my life meaning. I see
that living life fully is what makes
life-anyone's life, no matter
where they do or do not go-
an adventure.
-Maria Fadiman
Geographer, ethnobotanist, and
National Geographic Emerging
Explorer.
I used to think that going to the
jungle made my life an adventure.
However, after years of unusual
work in exotic places, I realize
that it is not how far off I go or
how deep into the forest I walk
that gives my life meaning. I see
that living life fully is what makes
life-anyone's life, no matter
where they do or do not go-
an adventure.
-Maria Fadiman
Geographer, ethnobotanist, and
National Geographic Emerging
Explorer.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
sbiff
I went to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and volunteered on the red carpet. Although I had volunteered in the past years, this year I also decided to attend a screening of a film and talk to the festival go-ers around me. Since I am in the film studies department, I have come to realize how much work goes into a film and how many hours and money it takes to make an independent movie.
I went to see "Sugar", which is the story of a guy who lives in the Domincian Republic and is recruited to the Minor Leagues in America. Although he is deeply passionate about baseball, he realizes that American baseball is a business, and he must learn to fit in.
While I thought it was a great movie (I LOVE baseball...), the most interesting thing about the film was the audience around me. Film festival audiences are usually much different than a regular movie theater. Unlike a regular theater, the audience was very quiet, attentive, and did not talk during the film. A few weeks later I saw "Slumdog Millionare", and the audience was noisy, rude, spoke in the film, and texted or let their phones vibrate throughout the movie. It was interesting to be in "Sugar" and explore and observe the audience around me. I would even go as far to say as I was personally the rudest audience member (I accidently dropped a box of lemon drops and we were in an elevated theater- the lemon drops all fell out and it sounded like marbles were being thrown around the floor!!!)
I went to see "Sugar", which is the story of a guy who lives in the Domincian Republic and is recruited to the Minor Leagues in America. Although he is deeply passionate about baseball, he realizes that American baseball is a business, and he must learn to fit in.
While I thought it was a great movie (I LOVE baseball...), the most interesting thing about the film was the audience around me. Film festival audiences are usually much different than a regular movie theater. Unlike a regular theater, the audience was very quiet, attentive, and did not talk during the film. A few weeks later I saw "Slumdog Millionare", and the audience was noisy, rude, spoke in the film, and texted or let their phones vibrate throughout the movie. It was interesting to be in "Sugar" and explore and observe the audience around me. I would even go as far to say as I was personally the rudest audience member (I accidently dropped a box of lemon drops and we were in an elevated theater- the lemon drops all fell out and it sounded like marbles were being thrown around the floor!!!)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
exploring up north..
This weekend, I went home to Marin County to spend the 3 day weekend. While at home, my mom and I went for a hike on a new trail on the mountains behind our house. While I had been on different parts of the mountain, we had never taken this specific trail and I haven't been up there in years. I told my mom about this class, so she thought it was a good idea to bring the camera and helped me explore off the trail. 
I think the most interesting and unique thing we found was a tree that had holes in it. We guessed the holes were from a woodpecker, but then a majority of the holes were also filled with acorns. We guessed that the acrons had been filled in by either squirrels or a bird. We took pictures of the tree and the low branches that almost touched the ground.
On the way back down the hill, we saw a man walking with his two sons and a large bird on a stick. The people on the trail had dogs, and as dogs passed, the bird would say "bad dog!" and then laughed. There were also horses, mules and cows on the tree. Last, many residents have said they have seen mountain lions and coyotes on the mountain, so we couldn't let my dog off the leash...
Since it was winter, a majority of the trees had lost its leaves. Also, some of the trees in Marin County are dying from Sudden Oak Death, which is a fungus that lives in the tree and the tree can die within 3 days of being infected (so says my mom!...) Other than the trees, the grass was dead and yellow, and there weren't any flowers in bloom. Today, it was in the 60's, and as we got higher up, we definitely started to take off layers of clothing. We eventually had to turn around and head home when we realized we had forgotten water! It was a really good day for a hike, and a nice way to spend some time with my mom while I was home. Although I think exploring on my own is a good way to reflect on the world around me, I also enjoy going on explorations with other people. Usually, they point out things that I completely walk by or would otherwise miss..
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
flutterby
This weekend, I decided to visit the Ellwood Butterfly Reserve and explore the area. Located in Ellwood Beach just north of Isla Vista, the butterflies travel to the Reserve between November and February. The butterflies are absolutely amazing and there are literally hundreds flying around you. Since I went on the weekend, there were many children, couples, and families there (even dogs!), so I would recommend going on the weekdays! Although it is not a long walk to the preserve, I would only recommend the walk for those that are able to go on a dirt trail (may not be ideal for seniors or those unable to easily walk).
The trail is a short hike from the road, intertwining between trees, old sofas, a giant trampoline and even a paintball gun war site! I was going to go to explore the trampoline, but soon found someone sleeping on it and quickly.. left! After leaving the trampoline, I continued on to the Butterfly Reserve. While the actual area is roped off, there are benches built into the hill for observers to sit on. I went to the Butterfly Reserve hoping to examine the butterflies up close and observe them in their temporary habitat. However, I soon realized (because it was the middle of the day and warm) the butterflies were constantly moving and too far to be seen up close. While I did take pictures in a zoom mode, I spent a majority of the time quietly sitting and observing, opposed to hands on exploring. The area was incredibly peaceful and the butterflies were absolutely beautiful. The butterflies are in large clumps in the trees, as well as floating around. While they were not mating yet, the environmentalist there explained that in a few weeks, they would be. As the sun went down, the butterflies begun to move around much less, and instead huddled together in large bunches in the trees.
After visiting the butterflies, I followed a trail out to the Ellwood Beach. Although I have run different trails out to this beach, I had never taken this specific trail. On the trail, I found an demolished cement bridge, as well as a new trail leading down to the beach. Although I spent some time on the beach, I am planning to go back to explore the tide pools and rocks at low tide. After 3 hours at the Butterfly Reserve, I went home and found the exploration a complete success. I was able to report back (came home safely!) but also enjoyed the experience.
Photo credit: Joshua Kennedy took pictures of the butterflies. (my roommate who went with me and is a photographer). Anna Nickelson (my little sister who also went) took pictures of me on the new trail we found.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
i left san francisco for sun...
Today was foggy all day. Santa Barbara, campus, the ocean... everything looked completely different. Yesterday in class someone brought up the point the same space could look completely different and could be viewed in a completely different way, even if we had seen the space hundreds of times before. The whole world looked like some creepy thriller or detective story... even though I knew what was hiding behind the fog, everything still seemed brand new and waiting to be discovered...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Final Project!
For my final project for Flmst187ME, I decided to create my own blog. My goal is to explore outside of my everyday life and try new things that I have never done before. I will take pictures and write about it at least once a week. Also, if I find any quotes or pictures that I love or inspire my exploration, I will add those to.
I am going to graduate in less than 6 months, and there is so much left to do before I leave. I don't want to look back one day, and kick myself for living in Santa Barbara and not taking full advantage of everything that is here. I feel the 187 assignment is a perfect opportunity to combine what I want to do when I graduate and the theme of exploration within the class parameter. My inspiration for the project came from a list that I made when I was still in middle school. I made a list of 30 things I want to accomplish before I turn 30 years old. I am 21, and I don't even think I am half way done! I also drew from books and suggestions from friends and family. Last, when Mike brought in his tape of his exploration of his room, I was inspired to do something that steps outside of the traditional ways of mediating a school project. Although he said that he was self-conscious and wasn't sure if he wanted to show the film, in the end, it allowed me to not be censor myself. Through these explorations, I won't leave out parts or be self-conscious of what I write or how I think.
Enjoy!
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