Inspired

In general I don't "believe" in rallies, marches, or picketing. I figure, what's the point? It's pretty hard to change the way people feel about their politics. However, I learned, politics is not always the cause and sometimes it is simply to raise awareness and support. Through the encouragement and persistence of my friend Jessica to join her in expressing her passion, I decided to do something different and march in the Men Rally For Change. 

On a beautiful Saturday morning, motivational leaders and groups spoke out against domestic, sexual, and physical violence while promoting healthy relationships and safe communities down at the Mexican American Cultural Center on Town Lake. Organizations involved included the Hip Hop group PUBLIC OFFENDERS, Soul Raiders Reagan High School Marching Band, the teen group No Kidding, and Safe Place domestic violence center.  To explain, PUBLIC OFFENDERS is a  quartet that includes a young woman and three men who rap out against domestic violence. No Kidding is a nonprofit organization that sends actual teen parents out to schools to share their experience of being a young parent with their peers.  And while it may seem that a Marching Band speaks for itself, this white girl from the suburbs has never seen a marching band with as much rhythm and personality as the Soul Raiders.  All of these organizations are new to me, but have inspired an new confidence and admiration for the minority and disadvantaged youth in the Austin community.

The Hip Hop Group PUBLIC OFFENDERS gave a passionate performance, showing there is more to rap about than sex, drugs and violence. The Soul Raiders Reagan High School Marching Band led the group in a march through East Austin; literally "waking up the neighbors" to the cause.  Popular songs from the likes of Beyonce and Kanye were played with intermittent choreographed hip hop dance breaking up the march for entertainment. People came out of their houses, watched from their store fronts, and joined in the cause as the parade of people and music passed.

I have few words, no music, pictures or video to post to give this event any justice. Now I understand and have been swayed by my experience of attending a "march for change" in person. As it turns out, simply writing or talking about change doesn't inspire the way real action from real people can. Although I never doubted it, I can attest that inspiration, hope, and talent are alive and well in Austin, TX.

Men Rally for Change
http://www.menrallyforchange.com/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Men-Rally-For-Change/208687691493?ref=ts

P.U.B.L.I.C. O.F.F.E.N.D.E.R.S
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:754219
http://www.myspace.com/poffenders

Soul Raiders Reagan High School Marching Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTIbXDA6fD8
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soul-Raider-Marching-Band-Austin-Tx/370087350095

Natural Beauty

Austin is known for being an active and outdoorsy kind of community. It is hard to escape the energy of Town Lake, as it cuts right through the middle of Austin. It is a misnomer, but Town Lake is actually different parts of the Colorado River.  It may be a trick to distinguish locals from the out-of-towners, but Austinites have named the Colorado River many names by breaking up the river with dams, creating the Highland Lakes.  Lake Austin, Town Lake, and Lady Bird Lake are all different Lakes within Austin city limits. No matter where you are at in Austin the Lake is absolutely amazing!  

Town Lake has to be one of my most favorite places in Austin. If not mine, it is definitely the number one thing my dog Lucy loves about Austin. We can run, walk, jog, or bike along the trail any day of the week. On a hot summer day I can sit in the shade while Lucy plays with other dogs in the park or cools off in the water for a swim. I actually taught a young timid Lucy to swim by jumping into Town Lake myself and now she clears half the lake in hopes of catching a duck. Between the swans and squirrels this place is doggy heaven. 

I believe that the convenience and beauty of Town Lake has contributed greatly to my effort to stay in shape. It is hard to convince myself to NOT go running when I have beautiful scenery to admire and inspire along the way. In particular I love the East side loop, between Pleasant Valley and I-35. It is not only close to home but it is also a little less crowded with more spots to jump in and for Lucy to be leash free. 

Sometimes I leave Lucy at home and other great memories are formed on Town Lake. Everything from kayaking to party boating, with an awkward first (and last) date on a speed boat in between, have all transpired on Town Lake. In fact, the sunset picture at the top was taken when I first moved here and I think I have been in love ever since. 

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trails.htm

http://www.texasoutside.com/townlake.htm 

(all photos taken with my iphone... imagine what real pictures look like!)