Here is an introduction for a Roman City-State simulation game I am developing in my sixth grade social studies classes. Narration by Jenn Mazzucco and Augustus played by Christopher Mathews.

AAA from Wm.MathewsJr. on Vimeo.

Thanks for watching. -=WHM2=-

The Moon...

This is not a painted Moon, but it's a beautiful half moon, shy and suggestive.
Loved the poem!
May the new moon light your way tonight.
Gloria

Is this what I'm supposed to be doing here?

Jenn, I think the idea of creating such a community is beautiful. To me, it's kind of like planting wild flowers in the side lawn of an elderly neighbor's forgotten patch of grass. You know, the patch that has not been mowed in years because it's brown and lost among the overgrown privet or myrtle or whatever? Not to mention, the owner can't tend the lawn anymore because he's too old and weak. He might even be in a wheelchair or something. But at any rate, the wildflowers will pop up...eventually...and showcase themselves as the one bright spot in an otherwise empty plot.

So, this first post had to mean something to me because it means so much to you, too. And therefore it is fitting that I waited until tonight. It marks the beginning of tomorrow on many levels. First of all, in one minute (as I write) it will be midnight or the start of September 27th. I begin my day writing to this community of (mostly) folks I've never met! It also happens to be the night of christening fire for my new Vermont (handcrafted) wood stove which Will embarked upon a crazy mission with me to acquire. I sent him a "live" photo in order to be a part of the initiation. And finally, today marks the first time I ever left a bar and decided to not go home.

Last night I decided to paint. I never paint. I am not a "canvas" painter. So I made do and headed north just after 11:30 pm (Sep. 26th). Probably not a good move considering I was drunk but nonetheless motivated to have a pep-rally of sorts in order to kick this blog's effort off. The Saugatuck Reservoir was just up the road from Barcelona's, and my truck has enough oil paint and scrap lumber to do the trick. I figured on painting the moon. It turned out to be a terrible rendition considering a 2X4 piece of cedar and Benny Moore HC 38 have nothing in common, but I must say; it was one hell of a good time. Not to mention, it reminded me of my love for poetry.

Gravity

Quit complaining
and paint your own damn moon.
You can make it a full one, too.
Or maybe
you just feel like a sliver
and don't care
about the possibility
of all the world's oceans
spilling out
from their unknown depths
and leaving us with
a cavernous rip. Tied
into so many knots,
I decided to paint
my own moon
with
my own face
plastered on the surface
and pulled tight
from speeding at the speed of light
because they say
you can witness the reflection
of every human experience
ever experienced-
and I hope to find
hope.

Nikki Giovanni

Tonight I saw Nikki Giovanni at Bucks County Community College

It was so nice to go to a poetry reading...but it was so much more than that.

Political, funny, living out loud

She rocks...

66 and better than ever

I bought this Hip Hop Speaks to Children

and can't wait to look and listen to it with my son

She said one thing that was really great:

"Stories heal"

And she spoke of when all the soldiers come home, before anything else,

they will need places like community colleges and safe places

they can be to tell their stories.

Thank you Nikki

bliss

tonight i was chanting and dancing with Miriam Zernis & Friends

at a local kirtan (beautiful Pia & Annil's house)

just wanted to share her music: http://www.sitaslight.com/music.html

and something she said that stayed with me on my drive home,

"every day we should take a few seconds to wish peace and happiness

for others in this world... even if we are in a bad mood, to wish freedom

of suffering for those who may be suffering more than us..."

love it - and it goes with our theme...

and there was a wonderful community of people sharing

stories, ideas, information about drum circles and connecting...

and so much gratitude in the room.

Namaste,

Jennifer

"Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu"

a few versions of the chant just in case you are interested:)

Imagine... a world without borders.

It would be wonderful if like John Lennon, once wrote the lyrics for the song "Imagine" we had a world without borders. However that is not the case. But within our own worlds we can try and join our communities. Last March in our tiny Todos Santos community (Baja California Sur/Mexico) I organized the Todos Santos Wall of Saints project. 39 artists from Latin America, US, Canada and Europe came together with 39 children from Todos Santos for a joint project. The only language we spoke was "Art & Paint", there were no differences. It was a joyful event, which brings a smile to all when we drive by the wall everyday. This was one of several projects sponsored by A.R.T.S (Artists of Todos Santos) and The Palapa Society.

In Gandhi's Shoes

thank you m.c. yogi - for posting this on facebook!
this is what i'm talkin' bout:)
yay!

International Peace Day - 9/21

this is the peace one day project i did with my students. got some rocks donated, every student at my school decorated them, i read them the book, "Peace One Day", by Jeremy Gilley, we watched the documentary (the Day After Peace), then i took all of the rocks and gave one to over 100 businesses in town to promote awareness about the day and spread the peace... hope you enjoy:)