Zoobomb and Jesus

Portland has this weekly event called Zoobomb. I have been intrigued by it ever since I first heard about it. Basically the bike world lunatic fringe take the Max up to the top of the park by the zoo (thus the name) and then ride modified kids' bikes (or other things with wheels) quickly down the steep, curvy, crazy roads through the park. Now even with the contacts, my vision is questionable. So I know that zoobombing is not for me, but I have always wanted to go watch.

Currently I am house-sitting for some friends that own a house in the park. And I was brushing my teeth, when Katie (the dog I am watching) lost it and ran downstairs barking madly. I noticed a person on a bike and figured Katie would get over it once the bike person rode on. Well she kept barking. And then more bikes came. And more. And a skateboard or two. And using my best Nancy Drew super sleuthing, I realized that this had to be zoobomb!

There is no apparent zoobomb manifesto, but it seems to me that the core is simply a desire to get back in touch with the pure joy of riding fast on a bike. The speed, the wind in your hair, the extra kick of fear at the possibility of your face meeting the asphalt. (Thus the photo attached.) Really, other than falling in love is there anything better? (And a bike is a whole lost less complicated than a partner.)

There is also a certain hoodlumish absurdity to it that is a little bit, well beautiful. I know some of the kids drink and I am sure that there are many folks that wish this lil event didn't disturb their life every Sunday, but to me, there is something extra poignant about the fact that this group weekly chooses to risk limb, skin and potential criminal prosecution for the simple beauty of speed on a bike. Now that is true religion! Really. As I watched the kids fly by from my bedroom window, I noticed about 12 other people on the street that had come just to cheer the bombers on. It was kind of surreal to see people waiting just to watch people zip by them. And yet, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that those of us that couldn't do it, still hoped to catch some of the dust of youthful zeal simply by being near it.

And since it's Sunday, my thoughts turn to God. I really love God. In particular the past year has been a real time of growth for me and there is a new depth to my personal relationship with Jesus, that is, well beautiful. I know some of you out there in TV land think I am off my rocker or that Jesus is too conventional a spiritual choice. But the thing is that there is something pure and elemental and truly mind-blowing about what I experience through Christ. It's like doing a zoobomb from the top of Mt. Hood. The risk is huge (what if I'm wrong and this is all for naught), the price is high (no booty calls ever and I have to love even those that hate me) and ultimately it is simply a step of faith to say that I believe in a God I can't see. And yet, it is so real to me. As real as the wind on those zoobombers faces. But how do I explain it?

Strangely enough, words never seem right. I try. I write down various experiences, emotions, etc. But they always seem hollow compared to the way I feel. I feel a peace now that I never knew before. I am learning the sweetness of personal sacrifice. There is a strength within me that was never there before and it grows with every prayer, every day. And I hope there is a love that grows within me. I hope you can see that. And if you can't, forgive me, I'm trying.

Basically my core truths are as follows: zoobomb is cool. I'm super psyched I finally got to see it. And God is um, good. Really, really good. Who knew that zoobomb could remind me of my God?

ps: If they show, I stole the pics from www.zoobomb.net. check out the "cops & robbers" video. It made me cry. It made me laugh.

cape disappointment . . .

Wendy would disagree with me on this, but I think this is a very well-named location in western Washington. We seemed to hike an eternity and all we saw was an old light house and this freaky cement land of prison-cell-looking nooks. I'm pretty sure the attached picture is the hell-mouth.
On route we saw a sign to "Dismal Point." I have high hopes for this as a next destination. Perhaps you would like to plan a family vacation in lovely Washington state?

From the schooner

Putting the As back in Astoria

Wendy and I drove to Astoria last night to have a night of R&R. She is sleeping. I can't seem to sleep past 6:30 no matter what I do. May as well post some of the photos we took last night for your viewing pleasure. Of course that is if I can get this really slow connection to stop sucking and be there.
We have some visual commentary of life on the Oregon coast. Then we have some great signs, because I love them.
The schooner is a tiny bar with a great sign.

Best Signs in Israel Grand Prize Winners

Let's start by saying that these images were part of a much larger sign at the Mt of Beatitudes. (Where Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc., etc for you heathens.) And let me also say, that this was one of my favorites sites because I could really picture Jesus gathering people under the trees here and speaking.

OK, that being said, the following three images leave sooo much room for translation. It's just plain dangerous. For example, I am guessing that this is a "No German's Walking in Piles" sign. Then there is the internationally known, "No black socks with shorts sign." And my personal favorite is the "Asians- Be quiet!" sign. Really, as a people, they are pretty loud.

Runner Up for Best Sign in Israel

The thing about this sign is that it is all over Israel. What they are trying to say is, "This place is considered holy and you must where a long skirt or long pants to enter." Of course, every time I saw it, the dialogue man in my head kept saying, "This place is holy. So pants yourself. Yep, drop your pants to your ankles." And you all know that I basically consider pantsing a sacred act, so it made total sense to me.

If you can ignore the clown . . .

This might be the best product ever. Just look at it. You know you want some!

What I look like thinking about Riley

She is a brand new baby girl. Just off the rack! Today is all she knows.

My heart is filled with prayers of future love, belly-jiggling giggles, kindness, peace and maybe a pony. Or at least a puppy.

Welcome to the world little one!

Mermaids & Demons on the Mind

OK, I really thought that the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island was one of the craziest things I would ever experience. Honestly, the lady with the fishbowl bikini (that’s two real glass fishbowls . . .as a bikini . . .) seemed to somehow defy gravity!

But as I consider the stats of the last week, I’m wondering if I have wandered into some short story. Or maybe a book by Roald Dahl? It’s definitely been intense, while also strangely calm.Here is the basic breakdown:

Monday – Lost one contact lens down the drain. I have been as one-eyed as a pirate all week. My lack of equilibrium is out of control.
Tuesday – BBQ by Johnny D with Trevor for musical entertainment.
Wednesday – Participated in exorcism type thingy. Yep, you read correctly.
Thursday – Grilled salmon & chicken at outdoor wedding rehearsal. Note that I have never grilled chicken before. (Fortunately Maggie helped save the day and no one died.)
Friday – I think I Iost a few pounds because I keep forgetting to eat. Is that a good thing?
Saturday – Worked on designs for a new bulletin, posters and a direct mail card.
Sunday at 12:30am – I got the call that my best friend had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.

Actually, when I think more, it seems like a downright Biblical week. Supernatural signs of the breach between The Light and the darkness around us mixed with the mundane followed by the mystery of creation. Yep, that sounds about right.