What Jacksonville needs to do is become the center of a new cultural renaissance. No politics, no B.S., just people who give a damn coming together to create the kind of city we want to live in, work in and play in. Spark arts, spark culture, spark creativity. Spark giving back. I’m just saying.
Be One Spark
This is very cool. One Spark is a Jacksonville movement that has recently kicked-off. Here’s what they have to say:
One Spark is fostering an environment in Jacksonville to start, build and scale new ideas.
What’s not to love about that?
The Do Lectures
Check out this site and then DO something great.
Picnic For Our River
The PB&J team put on a picnic for the St. Johns River Keeper. Even though we got hit pretty hard with rain, the attendance was tremendous and we raised money for a very important Jacksonville organization.
Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and the community for the continued support.
Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.
Jean Cocteau, French poet, novelist, artist and visionary
I Went To Italy
First time in Italy. Best trip ever. The food, the coffee, the culture, the amazing Italians.
Must See: Forks Over Knives
Forks Over Knives premiered here in Jacksonville on Saturday, November 6th at 5-Points Theatre at 5:00 pm. This was a powerful and important documentary.
I encourage everyone who cares about their health and what they eat to see it.
Happy Buddha Day
May 27th – the day of the first full moon in May – is Buddha Day, a day celebrating his enlightenment after sitting in meditation under the Bodhi tree.
So let’s all practice mindfulness today. Let’s observe a little silence. And, let’s remember to be compassionate and kind.
For a few rituals and observances and other great insights, check out this great post over at Elephant Journal.
Whitman’s Words To Live By
This is a beautiful quote by Walt Whitman, one of my favorite mystical poets.
This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward toward the people…re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss what insults your very soul, and your very flesh shall become a great poem.
Whitman’s writing is timeless and profound. If you haven’t read any of this writings, start with Song of Myself from his collection Leaves of Grass. The entire collection is brilliant, earthy, spiritual, visual, sensual and very moving.
Now Hear This: Den of Maniacs by Dan Wallace
Just a quick mention: Den of Maniacs is out. Dan Wallace’s newest CD is filled with more great songs, interesting arrangements and tremendous performances including more guitar shredding than Dan has shown on previous releases.
Also of note for Dan Wallace fans is the new arrangement for his popular song, Fell. It’s one of the highlights of a CD with lots of really good moments.
This release is a bit more bold and experimental. But, anyone familiar with Dan’s music will be acquainted with the style and dynamics of the overall vibe of the disc. One particular mention goes to Morceau, a fun and oddly infectious song that reminds one of earlier pre-Pindrops days.
If you haven’t listened to any of Dan’s music yet, do so. He is one of the most innovative indie artists currently making music. His influences are vast and if you pay attention you can tease some of them out of the various songs.
Dan’s also an amazing guitar player. Look At Me, the discs first track, should demonstrate this quite clearly.
You can find this CD via Dan’s website.