Living "An Incovenient Truth"

Hot Mama
Originally uploaded by mbessie.

After the past week of extremely warm temperatures for us California Weather Wimps, Deb and I thought maybe we should see the Al Gore slideshow movie, "An Incovenient Truth".
We attempted to go last Sunday when the temp outside was 102 and inside our apartment was 105. No joke. I thought this was perfect marketing for the movie, super hot temperature and high gas prices. Well, we encountered a small challenge in that the Fairfax theatre had a power outage. So one week later, Scientist and I went to see the movie. Going in, I wasn't too keen on the film. I agree that global warming is taking place and I am aware of many of the impacts it may/will have (massive flooding, more violent storms). Why was I going to see a "preaching to the choir" movie?

After the movie, I am glad I saw it. The presentation wasn't really political, but more matter of fact. This is the "hard science", the facts, and the scientific consensus is in agreement that humans are responsible. The film's graphs and photos really help to illustrate the subject. The timeline pics of glaciers receding were stunning. Although there were dire consequences portrayed in the film, I responded more to the call for action.

So what can I do or what can we do as the collective BAYA? First, I will be recommending the movie to friends and family. Second, I am going to educate myself on ways to reduce my impact.

As BAYA, I think we could push to get the Green Business designation for Marin County. We can also look to implement some of Micah's permaculture ideas on the church grounds.

Just a few thoughts and more to come.

NW Sr. High Camp

I am back in the Bay after Sr. High Camp up in my old neck of the woods Lewis River Camp Grounds. It is always good to return and do this camp... this year was no exception. However, it was different (as it is each year). I was very aware this year that I had migrated into a different role as a staff member. Once upon a time, I was the "young cool" counselor, and it was relatively easy to relate with the campers and for them to relate to me. This makes some things easier, some things harder when dealing with these youth. In many ways this has mirrored where I am in the larger picture of my spiritual path... finding that it is time to take on more responsibility, and use my questioning to bring me closer to the church rather than pushing me away from it. I taught in Theme Class about a "spiritual ecology" that leads us to seeing that we are all connected, and we must treat each other with the idea that perhaps God, is really made up of the spirit in each one of us. We did some "composting" of things that were holding us back from being connected to that Christ like self... not to toss that baggage aside, but to break it down into a nutrient rich, "spiritual soil" to grow from. I saw a lot of growth the past week, in myself, in others and in the camp as a collective whole. I am excited to see what that might lead to next year. For now... I will catch up on my sleep, and continue to mentally sift through the very rich week that I had.

BAYA Sweep

After Race (t-shirt) Photo
Originally uploaded by TreeBed.

It is official... BAYA swept the top two spots at the "highly competitive" Angel Island trail run. It was a hard fought battle in the beginning of the race between teammates Milah "don't call me Dorthy" Hammol, and Skippy "the zippy" Roberts. After a two miles of neck and neck up hill, Milah skated away down the hill to improve upon his 3rd place finish in January, and run away with the white hat. The GASR made her trail running debut to round out an impressive showing from team BAYA. Mama TreeBed was there to support and photograph the event.

BTW... These are great events, focused less on "racing", and more on community, beauty of our natural world... and fun. We certainly did all of those things!