Collector of Stories

In the Heart of the Beast Welcomes back the Sun! May Day 2011

2011-05-10T14:52:00.001-04:00

In the Heart of the Beast May Day 2011, a set on Flickr.

I was lucky to collect images at
the Annual May Day Celebration put on by the puppet group, In the Heart of the Beast, in Minneapolis. This year's theme was "Caws to Unite". The event is a celebration of inter-connectedness. I was thrilled by the parade and Tree of Life Ceremony.

A Celebration of Public Art Making in Lansing!

2010-08-02T14:32:00.023-04:00

Graffiti Artist’s Come out of Hiding for a Weekend of Fun!

Graffiti Artist’s where given the unique opportunity to participate in a three-day makeover of the vacant Deluxe Inn Motel in Lansing, Michigan. More then 50 artists participated, showing an obvious need for Public Art Space!

The Deluxe Inn, located on South Washington Avenue and 496 Highway in Lansing, was once known for drug deals, prostitution, and murder. This weekend the site was transformed into a canvas for community art and expression.

The project comes just before the buildings demolition in three weeks. The Ingham County LandBank hopes to sell the land that sits just behind the Grand River.

A fabulous artist from Korea strikes a pose!

Sam DeBourbon, a local Graffiti Artist, coordinated the participating artists, who came from Chicago, Detroit, Korea and the greater Lansing community. He and a friend where ordered to perform community service for painting underneath a local bridge and he requested to use his art form to fulfill his community service. The idea grew with the help of Joe Manzella from Leap and Eric Schertzing from the Ingham County LandBank.

Sam hard at work!

Several of the Graffiti Artists commented that it felt great to create their art publicly instead of on the run. One painter commented it felt weird to have time to prepare and plan his picture. This art form is a misunderstood and often undervalued expression of urban subculture. It was a chance to show graffiti art as more then vandalism.

These two guys win the teamwork award!

Greater Lansing has a vibrant and active art scene and more people where interested in painting and watching then the organizers expected. Many of the people who participated where first time spray –painters, others where respected members of the underground Graffiti Artist Network. I felt a real sense of community, collaboration and excitement while I was hanging around; people where sharing paint, ideas and compliments.

Residents of all ages and backgrounds came to watch and share stories. Schertzing fielded questions from the curious public and commented that former police officers, local artist, teachers, builders and residents of all ages and backgrounds stopped by to tell their tales.

Some residents complained on the WLNS New Blog that Graffiti is not art and the project was a waste of resources. Interestingly, that same weekend Lansing, Michigan was chosen as one of the 10 Great Cities for Young Adults in Kiplinger's latest search for top cities.

They selected communities that ”specialize in out-of-the-box thinking. New ideas generate new businesses," says Kevin Stolarick.

Mark Emmert, president of the University of Washington in Seattle, noted that Great Towns promote smart people, great ideas and collaboration. This celebration of Public Art Making was a great success and I hope the community does it again. As Lansing and the entire State of Michigan reinvents it's future, I suggest we continue to include the vision of local Artists in the plan!

A first time Graffiti Artist Shows off his creation. He read about the event in the paper and decided to give it a try!

To see more photos go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/petraproductions/sets/72157624638174736/

Update:

I continue to go back and take photos of the Deluxe Inn/Old Motel 6 in it's current state of glory. I can't help but marvel at the many types of Aerosal Arts. At the same time, it's hard to overlook the darkness and desperation that once filled this same location. Each time I go back I see new art, and a fresh crowd of faces enjoying this example of how supporting community art can transform neighborhoods. I find it so refreshing that the art of the people has healed this testy spot, at least for a moment!

Artist Statement

2010-01-25T14:14:00.003-05:00

M. Petra Daher

I consider myself a collector of stories. The stories that I collect are an expression of creativity, freedom, love, and learning. Throughout my life I have used many artistic mediums to capture and preserve the stories that come to me: photography, video, film, media activism, drum, clay, collage, journal, blog and puppetry, just to name a few. My muse is always changing. The celebration of creative expression is very important to me. I am happiest when I am creating.

I began my artistic journey in childhood. I come from a family of photographers and storytellers. Documenting events was encouraged and revered in my family. I got my first camera from my Aunt Rose when I was ten and have been a devoted photographer ever since. My favorite subject matter is culture, nature, and grassroots activism. My artistic approach is a mixture of both observational and expository styles. I am most inspired by natural light, the seasons, the charisma of everyday people and the natural beauty of an impromptu situation.

Technology and artistic expression allow me to preserve a moment in time; that is and will always be miraculous and precious to me! It is a collector of stories greatest pleasure to encapsulate an extraordinary character, to preserve the memory of a beautiful day or to capture the grassroots movement’s protest. Cameras are enchanting and a great photograph is the culmination of a perfect story. It is a privilege to honor and save a moment in time.

A Collector of Stories Exhibit of Photography at The Creole Gallery

2010-01-12T15:06:00.007-05:00

M. Petra Daher
Photographer/Filmmaker/Video Blogger

E-mail: dahervideo@yahoo.com

Photography Exhibit
In My Mind’s Eye
An Endless Canvas

The Creole Gallery
Lansing, Michigan
January 3 - February 2010
Opening reception February 7th, 2010 from 1-5pm

This is an exhibit of some of my favorite nature photography, photojournalism and portraiture taken between 2005 -2009 in Michigan, Hawaii and south central Mexico. The series is an exploration of the beauty in a random moment in time.

During the opening reception I will also show my documentary project, “Tree Hugger Travel presents Sayulita,” and two music videos featuring the beauty and culture of Hawaii set to the music of the Hawaiian band, Kava Music. Kava Music is an Oahu based band featuring my brother Philip on guitar. Tree Hugger Travel is a series of travelogues I created and produced for the Internet that promotes affordable and Eco-friendly travel adventures.

The Creole Gallery

1218 Turner Street
Lansing, Michigan, 48906
Gallery hours Sat and Sun 1-5 pm or by appointment # 371-2736

Biography
Petra Daher is a photographer, director, videographer, editor, and media education instructor. Daher specializes in documentary film and observational photography. Her favorite subject matter is culture, nature, and grassroots activism. Petra Daher’s work has been seen on cable, public and educational television, at galleries, schools, and conferences and at film festivals. In 2004, her anti-war protest footage from Lansing’s “Michigan Says No to War!” rally appeared in a music video for The System of the Down’s song, “Boom”, directed by Michael Moore. Daher is currently seeking distribution and sponsorship for her independently produced travel documentary series called, Tree Hugger Travel.

Check out more of my Photography on Flickr

2008-10-10T14:29:00.004-04:00

Click on this link to , a fancy photo sharing thing.

It will take you to samples from Petra Productions Photography.

If Creativity Can’t Save Us, I don’t know What Can

2007-12-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

I am an American adult living during frightening times. Since 911 the world has been in a state of emergency. The United States is engaged in a war with no end in sight. That expenditure is draining hope and opportunity on the American home front. People from all ages and walks of life are losing their livelihood.

My home, Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Michiganders are experiencing reduction of jobs, daily budget cuts, devaluation of property, and lack of opportunity. Hardworking people are struggling to pay their monthly bills. The home foreclosure rate is soaring and many families are being forced to relocate. The creativity that exists in my home state, in its many forms, is what has been my biggest support during these trying times.

During tough financial times people become more afraid than loving, and put on their armor. People and programs that were once valued must suddenly defend their worth. Citizens are pitted against one another competing for their piece of the pie.

Hardship changes people. Loyalty is confused with conformity. Opposition is considered radical. Small programs are used as scapegoats while true problems are ignored. When I watch the news it is all smoke and mirrors. Human Services, education, humanities and arts are the first programs to go. People called to serve in the name of creativity have their security taken from them and are forced into reluctant change.

In the end, they will not say, "Those were dark times,” they will ask,
"why were their poets silent?" - Bertolt Brecht

Some may question why local or national tax dollars should support the arts at all. I think this should be questioned, just as all programs should be questioned and evaluated. Most people are aware of the incredible waste and inequity that occurs within the bureaucratic “system”. The amount that you are paying for the arts is really very small, as compared to the amount of money unaccounted for during the current war. The results are endless and timeless if properly invested. The burden of the US foreign policy is forcing a disinvestment in arts, education and culture. The most recent cuts dropped the state’s art spending from $1.07 to $0.79 per resident. The money raised and spent on the presidential election could instead sponsor every worthy non-profit in the country.

Why I promote supporting creativity. First let’s think about it’s definition.
cre·a·tiv·i·ty n
1. the quality of being creative
2. the ability to use the imagination to develop new and original ideas or things, especially in an artistic context

What a society values reflects volumes. American culture values money, status, independence and power. These values have forged the foundation of a super power and with that has come super problems. President Bush thinks it is America’s job to create values for the entire world. He has exhibited “extraordinary” authority during his presidency and that will leave the country with long-term problems. I don’t want to bore or depress anyone more than they already are, but it is no surprise that our country is hated, our environment is polluted and our youth angry and over stimulated. Religion is considered extremely important to Americans, yet recent research shows most Christians cannot answer basic questions about the bible. The essence of world truths, like the fundamentals of all religions is often confused by the hypocrisy of unscrupulous leadership. Without creativity, we as a people will not survive. We will continue to take pharmaceutical anti depressants to function, decimate the environment and over stimulate our children. Artists serve an important function throughout time. Creative acts help people get in touch with their emotions. It helps people actualize and feel inspired.

We need to revisit history for some creative ideas. I remember learning about how President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the Work Projects Administration in 1935, as part of his New Deal program. Many New Deal administrators believed that art should be a part of the daily lives of all Americans, not just the elite, and could enrich the lives of all who came in contact with it.

The goal was also to put millions of unemployed Americans back to work. The Federal One Project was established within the WPA as an administration for the arts-related projects. Federal One provided funds specifically for artists, musicians, actors, and writers through the Federal Art Project (FAP), the Federal Music Project, the Federal Theatre Project, and the Federal Writer's Project. The program employed more than five thousand artists in various art projects including the many poster divisions that were created throughout the United States. I propose we quit giving money to Halliburton and Greywater immediately and establish a fund like the Federal One Project. American people need more creativity in their lives, not more fighting.

The courage and the capacity to honor new ideas and to see things in different ways are needed for human survival in this Global World. When I explore the world for inspiration, it is creativity that possesses the strength to soothe the world’s problems. Human beings are here to create. Creativity stimulates intuition and soothes emotions. Creativity comes in many forms including art, music, nature and spirituality. American culture could benefit from some new stories. The ability of a story to transform the world is beyond practicality. We as a people need to imagine our way out of the current political power struggle. Imagination takes creativity and creativity is needed for hope.

"Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky.
They are people who say, 'This is my community, and it's my
Responsibility to make it better.'" Tom McCall

Ways to nurture creativity and community inspires the following question,

What are you doing when you feel like you are doing what you are supposed to be doing?

Plant a garden in your yard or a community garden.
Buy from a local farmer.
Shop at local stores and restaurants.
Create art out of trash and modify old items.
Be nice to strangers.
Be kind to your family.
Let yourself do what you love.
Be a part of grassroots politics.
Support artists.
Recycle.
Dance.
Celebrate with music.

Earth Day 2007

2007-04-23T14:26:00.002-04:00

Presenting highlights of the 18th Annual Grand Traverse Community Celebration of Earth Day
Saturday April 21, 2007
Featuring Little Artshram, Rhythmic Adventures and 5th & 6th Graders from Central Grade Montessori presenting
"The Tipping Point" Puppet and Mask Performance

I traveled up north to beautiful Traverse City for Earth Day this year. I participated in the best Earth Day Celebration that I have ever attended. My dear friend Penny invited me to the annual community celebration, and I am sure glad I went! Traverse City has always had an annual parade for Earth Day. Local artists Penny and Dee Dee breathed new life into the holiday, by adding a community created Puppet Spectacle to the tradition. The addition has proved to be a wonderful way for their community to come together and celebrate, appreciate and educate one another in honor of the Earth. This year's theme was Global Warming.

The Art Center of Traverse City became an Earth Day Community Art Studio. Recycled items were transformed into giant puppets, instruments, masks, headgear, costumes, floats and other magical works of art. People from all ages and walks of life came together in solidarity using creativity and teamwork to create a public ritual in honor of Mother Earth. Weeks of community workshops with young people and adults alike, led to a breathtaking and educational parade filled with Puppet and Mask Theater, music and education. Sections of the parade included elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit. The event concluded with a mask and Puppet performance with original songs, dances and even raps. The skit was called, “Global Warming: The Tipping Point,” the performance was designed by the many participants. Hundreds of people participated and attended the parade. What a beautiful day!

Zach testing his egg

Penny and Petra

In honor of Year of the Pig, this year's parade featured a herd of pigs. Below are some photos of their birth.

Family Time

"The Tipping Point"

Workshops

Some of the incredible characters!

Dee Dee and Marc

The Day of the Parade!

The Parade and Performance

If you want to see some video footage that I took of the Parade go to:
http://www.youtube.com/PetraDaher

Happy Earth Day!

Lansing Peace Relay

2007-01-29T14:12:00.002-05:00

THE PEACE RELAY

"Until mankind can extend the circle of his compassion to include all living things, he will never, himself, know peace."
Albert Schweitzer (Theologian and Nobel Prize recipient, 1950)

Lansing, Michigan has a dedicated group of peace activists that actively engages in community building and freedom of speech. Every Friday since before the war began, members of the Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice (GLNAWI), gather at 12:30 at the state Capitol for a Peace Vigil. They utilize conflict resolution techniques and a spirit of compassion when communicating their stance against the war and injustice worldwide.

On Friday, January 26, 2007 GLNAWI held their first Peace Relay. They visited Senator Levin, Senator Stabenow, and Representative Rogers' offices to express that the US should withdraw its troops in Iraq without delay. The day was bitter cold but the sun was shining as the activists traveled to present appeals to end involvement in Iraq.

The Peace Relay included bikers, joggers and a car caravan. I joined the group on Michigan avenue on the way to Mike Roger's office. I usually contact my elected officials via e-mail and I was excited about the encouragement to visit them in person.

I was saddened by the response that GLNAWI received at Mike Rogers’s office. The staff member that was assigned to greet the public was discourteous. Constituents of her employer, Representative Rogers, stood in their elected officials office and wanted to speak and be heard. She looked irritated, distracted by her computer screen, and answered the phone several times during the short time we were there.

I was taking photographs and she waved her arms at me for doing so. When the local media arrived and attempted to take a wide shot of the event she stated to the camera person that it was against the policy of the office to take photographs of staff. I found that policy odd. Considering that Rogers is a public servant and she is the receptionist at the office, that policy seemed out of the ordinary. I wonder if the policy would be bent if President Bush or Miss. Rice were visiting? I was relieved when she spoke to the reporter and explained herself, instead of frowning and shaking her fingers.

Ann Francis, the spokesperson for the GLNAWI Peace Relay was polite and kind to all of the people that she encountered.

Our visit to Senator Stabenow’s office was a very different experience. The group was treated with respect and given focused attention. The office representative took us into a meeting room and was open to discussion, even when one person present spoke out against some of the Senator Stabenow’s recent votes.

Many of the participants ended their day by boarding a bus to Washington D. C. for the national peace protest that was happening the next day.

"Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, these ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
Robert Kennedy

"A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves."
Bertrand de Jouvenel (1903-1987) French political philosopher

Sayulita, Mexico

2006-12-06T16:09:00.002-05:00

Diane & Petra’s Mexican Adventure
December 2006

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long
to play with your hair ~ Kahlil Gibran

The Airport

The Puerto Vallarta Airport was small and the staff was friendly. The first Mexican we met was an instant friend,and perhaps a relative. The airport employee attending us recognized the Daher name. He pointed to his name tag and announced he was also a Daher. His relatives had come first to Argentina and then to Mexico from Lebanon. I had read about areas of Mexico that had large populations of Lebanese immigrants. In fact Mexico was where my Gidu lived for ten years before moving to the USA. The airport employee was thrilled and kind and had familiar brown eyes. We exchanged e-mails so we could check with relatives. We got the green light at the customs area and were off to pick up our rental car. That was a fun way to start the trip.

The ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita was picturesque, with the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east and Banderas Bay to the west. Beware, the driving is aggressive, take my advice, and avoid rush hour traffic. Another option is the bus, they are cheap and run often. Drivers pass through a military checkpoint with soldiers holding machine guns when they pass from the state of Jalisco to the state of Nayarit. It is also important to remember there is an hour time difference once you enter into Nayarit.

Sayulita

Located on the Pacific coast of Nayarit, Mexico, this pueblo is sometimes referred to an artist community. The village has become a retirement, second home and vacation spot for many different types of Gringos. Sayulita is a curious mixture of old-world Mexico and new age California. The Mexican and American’s that live there have an interdependent relationship that seems to be working for everyone involved.

Third World Charm

Visiting Sayulita was like entering another world. A world filled with wandering Mariachi singers, lizards of all sizes, boisterous roosters and dogs that rule the streets. Sayulita is a half-century away from nearby Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita's location is ideal, only 35 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta airport, (one hour by bus), and 3 hours from Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city. Puerto Vallarta's beaches are polluted from rapid growth and cruise ships; the airport workers at the Puerto Vallarta airport told me that I was lucky to be going to Sayulita.

Hanging around the Plaza

The Plaza is the hub of Sayulita, the place to experience a taste of the community. For those who must start the day with a quality cup of coffee or a shot of fresh squeezed juice, ChocoBanana is the café for you. It is a lively spot with outdoor seating, located directly in front of the Plaza. ChocoBanana serves tasty and affordable American and Mexican food and they brew a mean cup of Espresso. I tried their ChocoBanana, which is an iced coffee drink blended with frozen banana and cream and it was a delicious hot weather treat.

On that same street you can find restaurants, and a grocery, jewelry and liquor store. Keep walking and you will find the Surf Beach. Sayulita has nightlife. There is a Karaoke Restaurant, a Salsa Dancing spot and I also caught some drumming and Afro Cuban dance fusion.

There was plenty of culture in the area. Local Indians sell their beaded jewelry, masks and crafts around the Plaza. The Huichols Indians, pronounced “wettchol", for us Gringo’s, translates to mean doctor or healer. The Huichol Indians inhabit the states of Nayarit and Jalisco and are descendants of the Aztecs and related to the Hopi Nation in Arizona. It is reported that 1 in 4 of the men are Shamans. The shamanic tradition in the group is remarkably intact despite modernization and westernization in the states. The art of the Huichol is remarkable!

The Suring Beach

The Surfing Beach is located off the main strip in Sayulita. It was a lively scene filled with tourists, locals, pelicans, cranes, dogs, and vendors selling everything from food to hammocks.

The tide is ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers, and yes surfing lessons are available. You can also charter a boat to go fishing, or rent a boogie board. For those folks intent on rest and pampering, rent a comfortable chair and umbrella for the day for five American dollars. Endless drinks are available at an additional fee.

The Festival of Guadalupe

The Festival of Guadalupe is celebrated in Mexico December 1-12. The festival is a dynamic mixture of Christian and Pre Columbine traditions.

In Sayulita the event is celebrated with a parade and dancing every evening. The parade is short but visually spectacular, featuring biblical reenactments, colorful Indian inspired headdresses and costumes, and a band of cowboys. The final evening of the festival featured canons, religious services, fireworks, a fake bull and dancing into late in the evening.

Los Murtos Beach

For people who like to go where the locals hang out when they travel, go to Los Murtos Beach. Part of the fun is that you have to travel around a twisting road through the local cemetery to get there. The cemetery is small and charming and exemplifies the Mexican burial custom of lavishly decorating a family members burial site.

The beach is surrounded by gorgeous rock formations and there are some trees for shade. Adventurers can head south down the rocky beach to find a good snorkeling area. If the tide is right.

I tried to Body Surf with a Boogie Board at the Los Murtos Beach. It was fun, but wild and I felt like a puppet. I did catch a few waves. The ocean was wild my entire visit. That is great news for surfers, but not ideal for snorkeling. The beach was lightly populated. We brought food and drink and watched the birds migrate. It was easy to settle into the charming weirdness that is Sayulita: artists, Rasta’s, drifters, entrepreneurs, escapees and of course the locals.

The Community
We bought fruits and vegetables from the back of a traveling farmer’s cart. We purchased cookies from a wandering pastry chef. Local horses graze anywhere they desire and their owners simply find them when needed. I was not aware that roosters could be so loud all day long.

Hospitality

Lupe, a friend of our host, Lonnie, treated us to lunch. This trip gave us the opportunity to get to know some of the people from Sayulita, and it was an honor. Lupe is a generous person and a fabulous cook. We went to her home and had a picnic outside. Her dog, Tiny entertained us with his opera singing. Another new friend, Goya, who lives by Lupe, cut down coconuts for us, sliced them in two and we drank the juice with straws. Lupe made us lemon water and Chili Reno’s (Deep Fried Stuffed Peppers) with frijoles and rice. It was muy bueno!

Mexican Pizza

We had pizza Mexican style. The Pizzeria was small but completely charming, like everything else in Mexico. From the outside the building looked like a hole in the wall, but inside the character exploded. Old logs were hollowed out and turned into planters. There was large and well-maintained fish tank nestled in the middle of the wall and beautiful oil paintings of Parrots graced the walls. We ordered our pizza’s from the family and watched them cook it in a large clay oven with the face of a Mayan Icon on it’s top.

As we waited I watched the Geckos crawl around on the ceiling while a documentary about Lizards played on the TV set. Sayulita is a small village filled with interesting people. We noticed the traveling Mariachi Band who we had heard the night before at the next table eating. I learned that he Mariachi tradition originated in the state of Jalisco. Our pizza was served with a side of Salsa and hot peppers and it was excellent.

Siesta Time?

One day I tried to take a Siesta, but the neighbor boys were having a loud game of soccer outside my window. I figured, if you can’t beat them, join them, so, I decided to go play. They screamed Football with pride as I took their photo. When I showed them the picture they were even more excited. I was impressed with the wholesome quality of family life here. Children played with each other not computers for hours on end, and I did not here one squabble. The people are polite, yet flirtatious. They smile easily. In the neighborhood I stayed I saw men carrying chickens in their hands down the street, cowboys on horses wearing sombreros, outdoor kitchens, and laundry facilities on the same street with new world homes and SUV’s. It is a surprising mixture of old and new.

Meeting Mary

My friend, Lonnie lives across from a breathtaking site, he told me it was bed and breakfast, so I went over to ask for a tour.
Luck would have it that the owner drove up as I was ringing the bell for a tour. It turned out that it was not bed and breakfast, but her retirement home. She joked that she did not even eat breakfast. (She does occasionally rent out one of the floors.) Her name was Mary and she had beautiful blue eyes. Mary was 80 and one half, and from Marin, California. She was an award winning community access documentary maker a lifetime ago. Her subject matter was local politics. Mary and her husband, who had recently passed away, had started coming to Mexico back in 1970’s. They traveled extensively throughout Mexico and loved the entire country.

She designed her home with the help of a local architect and her daughter. It was completed two years ago. Mary was adorable and so open; we spent the next 2 hours talking. She agreed to let me include her home in my travelogue. Mary took up painting a year go and has already painted over 15 paintings of her home, family and beloved dogs. She was inspiring and so were the views from her home.

Oscar’s Tour

Oscar, another new friend, took me on a jeep ride and a hike. We traveled north up a mountainous road to an incredible spot. First we hiked through a forest and then to some rocks. We climbed up and around huge rock formations, with the wild Pacific Ocean pounding below us.

In the distance there were two caves and then a long, undeveloped beach that seemed to go on forever. Still further in the distance you could see the village of San Francisco or as the locals call it San Poncho.

Domingo Markado

Sunday is Market Day in Sayulita and I just love markets! I woke up early and it was already hot, hot, hot. I took my video camera and videotaped the Market. It was so bright I could barely see. The locals looked at my video camera with awe. In my role as documenter, I became the symbol of the new world. The market had it all food, folk art, and all the elements of a flea market too.

I was excited by the fruit art. One family carved pineapple and mango into the shape of a flower and sold them on a stick. The market was an opportunity to see art from the many different cultures that inhabit the area. Jewelry, Folk art, Indian beadwork, Ecuadorian textiles and so on. It was so hot that I went home for a rest and then went back out again. During my afternoon adventure we bought some fruit and some wonderful pastries from vendors at the market and had lunch and drinks in an outdoor restaurant with a fabulous view. Now that is living!

Going Home

My time in Mexico passed by quickly. I did not listen to world news for 10 days and it was glorious. Traveling always provides insight and perspective for me. Traveling to Mexico was a pleasure because of the county’s uniqueness and the people of Sayulita’s hospitality. Our new friends cooked us a going away dinner and other friends showed up in the morning to ay goodbye before we left. I hope to go back again. There is so much more to do there . . . Stay posted to my blog for information about the completion of the video travelogue that I shot while there.

Adios
Hasta Luego
Petra

An American with Lebanese Ancestory Reflects on the War

2006-08-09T14:12:00.002-04:00

Lebanese Americans in Michigan include my Aunt Kitty aged 90 and my Uncle Tom aged 85. Tom was a medic in World War II. Both pray for peace and are heartbroken about the violence occurring in their homeland.

I heard on a TV news program that one out of twenty two people on the planet Earth are born into the United States of America. I am one of those “lucky” Americans.

I am a relatively “new” American. My people have been here for 2 generations on my father’s side and for 3 generations on my mother’s side. My father comes from warm hearted and adventurous merchants and teachers from Lebanon. My Situ and Gidu (Grandmother & Grandfather) came here from Lebanon and left many brothers and sisters back in the old country, as they ventured off in search of opportunity. They never intended to stay in the United States. They simply wanted to make money to help out their families, hoping someday to return home. However the continued political unrest in the region made this dream unrealistic.

My mother comes from hard working and industrious German farmers. My Mother’s great grandparents came over in the early 1920’s in search of opportunity and independence. I was an American raised with an awareness and pride for an “old country”. I felt the differences of the old and new world. I was enchanted with the old country culture and tribalism and afforded the comforts, opportunity and security of an American upbringing.

So as fate would have it, Petra Daher is one of the “lucky Americans,” not caught in the war zone. I am educated, independent and have freedom of speech and movement. My comfort level is great, even at my most trying times. I am never hungry or cold for long. Some of my most challenging experiences happened intentionally, while going back-country camping in wilderness. I am incredibly irritated by the neighborhood fireworks that go off for weeks around the 4th of July in the USA. The loud crashes and explosions stress me. I am thankful that pampered, sensitive, me does not have to live in a war zone, like my Lebanese relatives. I can however still feel the fear, violence and endless destruction going on half a world away, every single day. I try to counteract that toxicity and terror with nature and mediation. It is hard to see my beloved Lebanon invaded and destroyed again . . . I do mass media fasts to cope. Some of my cousins do not have that luxury.

I want to ignore the hatred being expressed throughout the world, but I can’t. When World War III spilled over into Lebanon, I had to begin to watch the news. Right after the Lebanese airport was destroyed, saw some video footage on the BBC of Blair and Bush talking before a press conference, and they did not know the microphone was on. They revealed fear and uncertainty before the microphone was turned off. How come the USA did not know about Israel’s plan so that they could remove the 25,000. Americans in Lebanon? It appears that the USA is loosing even more control over the “War on Terrorism.”

I was just feeling open to visiting Lebanon. A friend visited and told me stories about snorkeling in the blue green sea and seeing the last of the mighty Cedar Trees that my Gidu or Grandfather used to talk lovingly about. It is my 88-year-old Aunt Egene’s final wish to visit her beloved Lebanon one last time. During her last visit in 1975, she spent most of the time listening to bombing, confined inside the homes of relatives and hotels. My sister and I planed a family trip there the year of 911. Alas, that trip was postponed . . .

I would like to urge American’s to seek out alternative sources for information about what is going on in the Middle East. The Michigan Peace Team brought a young Palestine woman named Fida to speak in Michigan a few months back. About 100 lucky American’s attended and got the chance to listen to a first hand account of the situation in the region from a female Palestinian College Student named Fida. Fida was twenty something but had wisdom beyond her years. She spoke of the life of a Palestinian family. Death and destruction is everywhere. So, as the bombing destroys people’s homes, family members move in with other family members. Because of Muslim tradition, men displace themselves, choosing to be homeless to be respectful of the women and children from the extended families. As houses keep getting destroyed, and extended family gets further separated, sometimes people get lost. Fida told a story of her family rushing to leave a house that was being bombed. Both her Aunt and Uncle thought the other parent had the baby. To their horror the baby was left in the house. The explosions began. Fida wanted to go and get the baby, but her mother said no. She was older had lived her life so she wanted to go. The family waited praying for their safe return. “Thanks God” Fida said, they both her Mother and the Baby survived. I think it is important for humans around the words to think about the innocent victims in this situation. These are people, not terrorist or soldiers, whose home has become a war zone. Where are they supposed to go? How can they sleep? What do they tell their children?

Fida, also spoke of the hundreds of displayed kids with nothing to do all day long, but live in a war zone. So, she started a school. They struggle for resources, but I think that over 200 kids of all ages attended her school. Fida does this and goes to college and in her spare time she is a photographer and makes movies. Her strength and perseverance inspired me and I had to hug her. I am an educator. I wanted to provide supplies for her school. We exchanged e-mail addresses. It was an honor for me that she viewed the Rachel Corrie Documentary I Produced. I wanted her to know that some Americans are trying to spread the word about the human rights violations occurring by so-called “peacekeepers.” She knew Rachel and her death had inspired Fida to become an activist.

People advised me to be careful how I helped her, because that might lead me to be accused of aiding a terrorist. I just wanted to share some of the conflict resolution and mediation for youth curriculum that I had been trained to do in the Lansing Public school system. If Fida’s attempt to survive and nurture her community in the middle of a war zone is an incredible act of strength.

I want to laugh and say how ridiculous it all is, but innocent people have ended up detained for years over similar situations. My country’s leadership scares me. The USA is my home, but because of my name and my ancestry and my opinions about war and President Bush, I feel like I am a marked woman. Profiled as worthy of suspicion. Every time I fly on an airplane I am singled out and searched. The misunderstanding makes me sad and scared. The Lebanese people and government are not in support of any kind of violence or terrorism. They are innocent bystanders in the middle of a dangerous region. My fear is that because the situation in the Middle East is so complex, many American’s forget that everyone is not a terrorist. Many are women, children and the elderly, simply trying to survive.

Lebanon had just begun to rebuild after 25 years of war. I am heartbroken that Lebanon, the Lebanese people and the Lebanese countryside is being used as a playing field for horrible senseless violence. The country of Lebanon has never attacked anyone. Violence and military strength in the Middle East has not ended the violence it has only increased and continued the violence. In the name of love and family and the everyday people from all of the countries affected, please stop the hate and the madness. Have we learned nothing from history and religious teachings?

My friend Kelly forwarded me this letter he wrote and it warmed my heart. People do have the power. We just need to remember that. Think of the South African Movement against A partied as inspiration.

Mr. Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Director General,

The state of Israel seems to have sincerely gone mad. As the parent
Of three children, when the oldest retaliates with such profound force
against the irritation of his weaker sibling, taking out his friends and
neighbors as well, something must be wrong. Israel's attack on the
people of Lebanon has shaken up the world household pretty badly. I'm
begging for the state of Israel to come to its senses. You have
seriously hurt your brother and the people around him. Some part of them
will hate you forever. Please, end the cycle, stronger, older, wiser,
Sensible brother.

BTW, the peace process tab on your site hasn't been updated since 2004.

http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/archive/peace%20process/2004/

Maybe you could look into that?

Kelly Hirai
USA

(An aside, Kelly’s grandparents were some of the Japanese Americans detained in the USA during World War II.)

“If you don’t know your history, then you don’t know where you are coming from.” Bob Marley

What is a Documentary?

2006-05-18T19:54:00.033-04:00

What is a Documentary?

One definition of documentary film is, “nonfiction film or factual works of art.”

The Non-fiction Film Genre does not fit neatly into any one category. Once referred to as " Cinema Verite" or “Actualities”, early Documentaries were short news stories, educational movies and travelogues. Throughout the years storytellers working within this medium keep redefining the possibilities. Documentary filmmakers provide a window to the world of everyday people and expose points of view by observing, listening and sometimes responding. These factual works of art can be observational, expository or participatory. Documentary films have taken many forms throughout history and can sometimes be non-objective and sensational. One of the latest adaptations of the genre is the Mockumentary or even more absurd, the Shockumentary. The main factor differentiating documentaries from other films is that they attempt to show us reality, rather than fabricated stories.

Documentary Film and Television has always played an important role in the study and presentation of history. Documentary films have helped shape history by interpreting events and setting up a forum for public discussion. A powerful example of this happened during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Many historians believe that the Movement's cause was helped significantly by advances in Television Production that made it possible to broadcast the horrific images of the struggle across the world.

Non-fiction films are a celebration of personal storytelling. PBS's favorite Documentary maker, Ken Burns, commented at a talk at Michigan State University, that many people thought that after achieving success in the documentary world he would be eager to move into the world of Hollywood films. The Hollywood sorts were mistaken; his fascination with documentary storytelling had just begun! Burns has used archival footage and interviews to explore controversy and tragedy in America for the past 30 years. The late historian Stephen Ambrose commented that, “more Americans get their history from Ken Burns than any other source.”

It's an exciting time in Documentary Filmmaking History. We are in the middle of a grassroots media revolution! The equipment to make films is more affordable and accessible, making the medium less elitist and quicker. Technological advances such as the Internet, smaller cameras and portable production equipment have further expanded the possibilities and challenged the hold of the "Media Monopoly." The movie watching public is also more interested in the genre. Outlets to show documentary films has exploded with venues such as Netflix, YouTube, Satellite and Internet TV channels, HBO, Create Space and film festivals.

The current popularity of the art form is also due in part to some truly charismatic and brave documentary filmmakers. Thanks to the impact of Mike Moore's use of the genre to promote political and social issues, people are aware of the power of a documentary. Love him or hate him, Mike Moore has helped people get excited about documentaries again. His sensational, in your face style has left some people cheering and some people jeering! Either way you look at it, his films are important because they get people talking and thinking about important social issues. That has spiked interest in the genre and support and exposure for all documentary makers.

Film as an Educational Tool

Consider this:
"65% of the population is visual learners.

90% of the information the brain receives is visual.

40% of all nerve fibers are linked to the retina.

The brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text."

Non-fiction film or the documentary is an astonishing learning tool and entertainment source that has the potential to reach many learning styles and cover vast and complex content all in one product.

"The more clearly we can focus our attention on
the wonders and realities of the universe about us,
the less taste we shall have for destruction."
Rachel Carson

Petra’s On-going List of

Important Documentary Films & Television Series

Environmental Awareness

“Silent Spring”, The American Experience Series on PBS

This documentary produced by the PBS series, American Experience is based on Rachel Carson’s important book, Silent Spring. Her book by the same name created a debate that ultimately resulted in the outlawing of the deadly, but widely used insecticide DDT. Interviews, photographs and old footage shape this cautionary tale about the side effects of herbivore and pesticide use.

“Koyaanisqatsi”, Godfrey Reggio

An awe inspiring visual essay and social commentary told with breathtaking images of life on Earth. The cinematography in this film is exceptional;life on planet Earth is viewed through different lenses around the world. The documentary features fast and slow motion photography at its very best and breathtaking images from every conceivable angle. Featuring a sound track by Philip Glass.

“March of the Penguins”, Yves Darondeau

A fine example of a nature documentary. Filmmaker Jacquet and his team spent 13 months filming the hardworking Penguins. The cinematography is lovely and groundbreaking. My favorite part is the footage obtained from mounting cameras on the Penguins. This allowed an exceptional opportunity to observe all angles of the Penguins yearly journey both in and out of the water.

"The Future of Foods", Deborah Koons-Garcia

Deborah Koons-Garcia's investigative documentary explores the dangers of genetically modified foods. It's the story of an American tragedy. Koons-Garcia's film was the most comprehensive investigation on the subject that I have viewed, and there are several that explore this environmental issue. She explores the impact of genetically modified foods on the earth, mutation of other crops and it's impact on people. This practice is not only making people sick it is challenging the survival of the family farm.

(If you're wondering, Koons-Garcia is the widow of the late Jerry Garcia.)

“Off the Grid Life on the Mesa” , Jeremy and Randy Stulberg 67 minutes 2008

The Mesa is filled with freedom loving anarchists who want self-determination above all else. This thought provoking observational documentary explores why 400 people have chosen to relocate 25 miles from society to live in an “ Off the Grid” Community in New Mexico. The lively inhabitants are eclectic; eco-pioneers, drop outs, war veterans, former academics, hippies, nowhere kids and runaways. Community elders must come together to mediate when the loosely organized group of people begin to conflict over the rules of the community. How will the anarchist’s problem solve with guns or mediation?

History, Herstory and Cultural Themes

“Hawaii’s Last Queen”, The American Experience

Hawaii's last Queen researches the often misunderstood history of the Hawaiian Royal family and the evolution of Hawaiian culture before and after the missionaries arrived. The film showcases beautiful archival photos and film footage of Hawaii woven together with the heartbreaking narrative of how the island paradise became part of the United States. Everyone who visits Hawaii should be required to view this documentary.

“Women and Spirituality: The Goddess Remembered, Burning Times, Full Circle”,Harvey Laidman

From The Salem Witch trials to Goddess studies, three important documentaries about women’s herstory and the herstory of women’s spirituality.

"Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony", Ken Burns

The story of the women’s suffragette movement and the extraordinary friendship of two of the movement’s greatest leaders, Elizabeth Stanton and Susan B Anthony. A refreshing look at female leaders in early American history and the ups and downs of the long term friendship between Stanton and Anthony.

"Do You Speak American?", Robert MacNeil

Can you understand California English? This documentary needed to be made; it explores the evolution of English Language in America, including Southern English, California English and Ebonics.

“Eyes on the Prize”, American Experience

An important collection of African American History. The series chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement. This historical documentary is both breathtaking and heartbreaking. Have tissues nearby, because this collection is a tear-jerker. Featuring an impressive collection of archival film footage, period music, photographs and interviews.

“A Man Named Pearl”, Brent Pierson and Scott Galloway

Pearl Fryar is a 66-year-old self-taught topiary artist who rescues dieing and discarded plants and nurtures them until they prosper. His yard is transformed into an award winning 3-acre oasis in Bishopville, South Carolina. Pearl's charm and philosophy inspires his segregated hometown, promotes tourism and a community wide interest in gardening. Without trying Pearl Fryar achieves worldwide notoriety and emerges as a role model to the community and a mentor to troubled youth. The charm of this character driven documentary is the wisdom and strength of Pearl and his wife Metra.

“There’s always gonna be obstacles. The thing is, you don’t let those obstacles determine where you go.”

-Pearl

"Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids", Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman

English photographer Zana Briski set out to document the brutal life of prostitutes in Calcutta's notorious Sonaghchi district. The women did not accept the photographer at first, but their children where intrigued by her camera. She begins to work closely with eight of the children, teaching them basics of photography and life. The experience is a special moment for them all, but can the experience remove the children’s caste in life? For more information visit kidswithcameras.org

I think everything screened on PBS’s Point of View, Frontline and Independent Lens is worth viewing! We are so lucky to have these series available thanks to PBS!

Political Stories

“Manufacturing Consent”, Mark Achbar and Peter Wintonick

Linguist Noam Chompski and Edward Herman made this movie based on their book by the same name. It is about the role of the American Mass media as a propaganda model. Watch it with friends and then discuss!

“Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price", Robert Greenwald

One of Greenwald's many important films. He is my pick for the documentary maker to keep your eye on. A tale of about fighting Goliath. The topic is one that Americans need to study, think about and react to.

“Roger and Me”, Michael Moore

Moore’s first documentary about the impact of the GM Auto Plant closing in the city of Flint,Michigan. Featuring charming, irritating and downright odd Michigan characters, including Mike Moore on his quest to speak with the GM Chairman.

“Bowling for Columbine”, Michael Moore

Moore weaves through the issue of gun rights and fear in America using a diverse cast of characters from all sides of the story. Once of the most touching parts of the film is a visit with two of the survivors the Columbine High School massacre.

“Harlen County USA”, Barbara Kapple

Kapple proves to be a strong investigative storyteller as she follows the Harlan Coal Miners Strike for better conditions. Incredible interviews piece together the miners story.

“Incident at Ogallala” Michael Apted

The story of Native American Activist, Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents on the Lakota Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in 1975. This Expository Documentary investigates the story of Peltier, an American Political Prisoner who fled to Canada, and claimed that he was framed. The film provides evidence that Chief Wilson collaborated with the Bureau of Indian Affair agents and FBI affiliates to destroy the positive efforts of the American Indian Movement (AIM). Narrated by Robert Redford.

Unique Style – Expanding the Genre

“Sherman’s March” , Ross McElwee

Sherman's March is part history of the American South part personal journal. McElwee explores the history of Sherman's March, memories of his own failed relationships and footage of his video diary of a Mc Elwee family reunion. The documentary is an "on the road" film with very unlikely characters! I like McElwee’s documentaries because of his unique and very personal style. He plays with a fusion of genres in a very refreshing way.

“The Thin Blue Line” , Errol Morris

The film is so much more then the investigation of a slain police officer.
Morris has an elegant and dramatic style, completed with a haunting soundtrack. I love his stylized reenactments. He took dramatizations within the documentary genre to a new level.

“Spinal Tap”, Rob Renier

A Mocumentary is a pretend documentary. Spinal Tap is the story of how an aging rock band copes with the ups and downs of being on the road. Spinal Tap is a hilarious social commentary that you might want to watch several times!

“42 and Up”, Michael Apted

I wish that there were more film projects like this one. The director explores the question, Is a child’s fate sealed at birth? In 1964 he began by interviewing 14 kids at age 7. He returns every 7 years for a progress report. Once you start watching this series you will get hooked! Sidenote: If you like this find the new series called, "21 and up South Africa, The Children of Apartied." The series is based on the same concept, with a new setting and filmmaker.

"Art 21- Art in the Twenty-First Century" PBS, Susan Sollins

What is art? “Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century,” is the first documentary series to focus entirely on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States. Each episode explores different themes such as Humor or Spirituality and styles of contemporary art making ranging from sculpture to experimental photography to performance art. The style is observational and creates a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most exciting working artists in America, revealing their creative process, studio space, life story, passions and so much more.

Musical

“Stop Making Sense”, Jonathon Demme

My favorite concert documentary about the classic band, The Talking Heads. The film is simply a joy to watch. Great cinematography, great characters and exciting editing.

“Buena Vista Social Club”, Wim Wenders

The story of what happened to several of the best aging Cuban Musicians and how they react when they were asked to make music again. Haunting footage of present day Cuba and culture.

“Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley's 60th Birthday”, Stephanie Black

In 2005, in honor of Bob Marley’s 60th Birthday, the entire Marley family traveled to Ethiopia for a weeklong conference and concert. The conference promoted Pan-Africanism, one of Bob's personal causes. The documentary is a travelogue, historical documentary and concert video; a delightful mixture of the history of Rastafarianism, vintage footage of Bob Marley woven together with heartwarming footage of his family’s first visit to Ethiopia and their tribute concert performance. The documentary also includes discussion with African community activists and appearances by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover. Special highlights of the film include appearances by world music Diva and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo, Rita Marley, Bob Marley’s mother Mrs. Booker, and Princess Mary, granddaughter of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I.

An Eye For an Eye Leaves Everyone Blind

2006-04-28T16:44:00.002-04:00

“An Eye for an Eye Leaves Everyone Blind” Gandhi

Lansing, Michigan April 22, 2006

A Neo-Nazi Rally held at the state capitol overshadowed Lansing’s “Earth Day”. Many citizens were outraged that the city would pay to provide security for the hate group’s demonstration. The National Socialist Movement has visited Lansing before; ironically in 1994 they held their rally on April 21, Adolph Hitler’s Birth date. Maybe Lansing citizens should reserve the capitol grounds every year during the week of Hitler’s Birthday to stop this disturbing trend.

In 1994, the community united, having a Diversity Celebration the day before their event, and a cleansing ritual washing the capitol steps, the day after. The National Socialist Movement’s rally was sparsely attended that year. The Unity Coalition, formed by the city of Lansing to respond to the communities outrage over the groups visit had made a set of goals including a yearly Diversity Festival in Lansing and cultural sensitivity training in the community and public schools. Neither of which happened.

When it was announced this year that Neo-Nazi’s planned to hold another rally at the state Capitol the mood in Lansing was much different. The same hate group had held a rally in Toledo, on October 15, 2005, which led to a riot. The Neo-Nazi group provoked the community by announcing plans to parade through a mostly black neighborhood in North Toledo. It was reported that "400 police officers struggled to control 300-600 counter protesters." In the end 60 Anti-Nazi protesters were arrested and the state had a bill of well over $400,000.in overtime and damages. The Neo-Nazi’s clearly are attention seeking and enjoy inciting responses to their message of hate.

Lansing Police were determined to not let a riot happen. They wanted to prove that Lansing could handle a large and controversial rally, without all hell breaking loose. They even hired the Chief of Police from Toledo to help them strategize. The local media had a field day on the subject; all of the media hype gave the rally a life of it’s own. The Neo-Nazi’s threatened that they might attend the Diversity Rally. Uncertainty was in the air.

Lansing is already experiencing scary times, we are in an area very affected by the deteriorating economic situation. This community is suffering from high unemployment levels and continued layoffs. The automotive industry is hard hit as is social services. Lansing has a new Mayor and he and the City Council have to further cut the already tight budget. So legally and ethically many residents wondered and still wonder why the hell was this “event” taking place? Why where citizens tax dollars being used to protect a small hate group who sought to provoke attention? Freedom of speech is not meant to support ethnic intimidation and bullying.

As I mentioned earlier, Lansing’s new Mayor Virg Bernero urged the community to stay away from the capitol on April 22, 2006 and organized a Diversity Festival at Eastern High School, which is about a mile away from the capitol grounds. Lansing Community College had another event with poetry, dancing, drumming and A Puppet and Mask Parade in honor of Earth Day and in opposition of hate. There were events going on all over the Lansing community. At the same time the city prepared for a riot at the capitol.

Many roads were closed down. Concerns about security caused the postponement of the annual “Adopt a River” Grand River Clean-up, which was planned well before the Neo-Nazis decided to visit. The greater Lansing community has a strong population of activists. Many were not content with the Mayor’s plan to stay away and a group formed called, The Lansing Coalition Against Nazi’s. They planned their own demonstration at the capitol. Their goal was to drown out the Hate Rally with noise.

I have been to over 50 protests in my community throughout the years on various topics and have never been to one with the intensity that I felt on April 22, 2005. I felt the spiral of silence. It felt crazy being in a crowd that had reached mob mentality. The scene was frantic with reporters, voyeurs, haters, lovers, activists, kids, teens, old folks, homophobes, and of course Neo-Nazi’s.

Some families chose to bring their children. Some survivors came to look in the face of the enemy. There were 500 cops present. Some in riot gear, some on horses, some on motorcycles and others on bikes. A wobbly fence guarded the Nazi rally. (The city went to court to win the right to fence the group in.) Both supporters and protesters had to be searched before they could enter the capitol grounds. Supporters were in a cage on one side and the other side was the free speech area. The reporters also had their own cage.

The real action at this spectacle was happening just outside of the fenced in area. This is where the newly formed group of Lansing activists, The Lansing Coalition Against Nazi’s, were creating a noise blockade, protesting with drums, chants and mega phones.

The Lansing Community College Group, People for Positive Social Change had planned yet another counter rally. They asked me to help with their Puppet Parade. I thought art therapy would be a good idea. We wanted to create a Parade in honor of EarthDay and in opposition of the hate and darkness of the neo-nazi movement. Our banner read “Live simply so that others can live.” The Puppet Parade featured an earth and unity themed spectacle with a Sun, A Cosmic Cow, A Water Goddess, A giant flower, a lion, several fish and butterflies, snails and a river. We paraded in downtown Lansing to Lansing Eastern High School to join up with the Diversity Rally. It was great to get the honks, smiles and peace signs from the community. We wanted them to remember that it was Earth Day. Many of them looked on edge from the uncertainty of the situation. And it was such an odd day with packs of people everywhere looking for a peek at the haters and many businesses closed in case of the worse possible scenario.

When our Puppet Parade approached the Diversity Festival it was apparent the city of Lansing had spend some money on this event. There was free ethnic food, activities for the kids, cultural performances and lots of give always. The band Global Village was playing a great song and no one was dancing. The city of Lansing just did not feel like celebrating. I wondered who organized this cultural festival? Rich Michaels, Lansing’s rude morning radio shock jock and critic of all things liberal and different was a featured guest.

After the Parade and the Diversity Festival my sister and I returned to the capitol, which was just 10 blocks away, to observe the continuing counter demonstrations. We saw 75 White supremacist, doing their Hitler imitation on stage. We saw both peaceful and violent counter demonstrators. There were as many people at the capitol as at the Diversity Festival. The city reported that there were 800 who attended to watch or protest. Some people were there with the intention of beating up a neo-nazi. The sound barrier created by The Lansing Coalition Against Nazi’s was loud and haunting. Within that madness there were other agitators fighting for attention for their agenda: homophobes, Born Again Christians, authority haters. I also saw family members of people who had loved ones killed by the clan bearing witness to the continued madness.

After the rally broke up at 4pm about 200 anti-Neo Nazi protesters continued to march around downtown Lansing carrying banners and chanting. I saw what seemed to be a group of counter protesters attack a Neo-Nazi entering a car. Police came from all directions. Several jumped off their bikes and a motorcycle cop rode threw the crowd ripping The Lansing Coalition Against Nazi’s banner from activist's hands. It stuck to the wheel of his bike as he rode off. That was enough for us, and we crossed the street only to see a Neo-Nazi on the run from the parking ramp. He had blood on his head and shirt and claimed to have been jumped by 5 men as he tried to get into his car. This was not reported in the Lansing State Journal. It was reported that law enforcement feared the 200 Counter demonstrators would crash the festival so police blocked off roads to deter their path.

I have been reflecting on that day a lot this past week. I was uncertain if I wanted to witness The National Socialist Movement. Attending this happening haunted me for days. The memory of what happened in Toledo shaped our communities reactive response. I am pleased that a counter demonstration could be held without massive arrests and violence. That was due to both the police and citizen response. The citizens chose to stay in control and make their point another way.

I was frightened by the hate in the air at Capitol that day. As Gandhi said, “An Eye For an Eye leaves everyone blind.” A legal precedent must be created to end the disturbing trend of this hate group’s grandstanding. Lansing was able to learn from the unfortunate situation that occurred in Ohio. Or did we? Why are community’s spending money to protect groups that preach hate and racism? The Michigan rally cost the state $171000. And the city of Lansing reported $75000. In expenses.

In the end a very small number of attention seeking haters had put the city of Lansing on the offensive. It forced a response that led to a massive public outcry, many hurt feelings and a large amount of money misspent. The city should not have provided security for Neo-Nazis; they should not have allowed the Earth Day River clean up to be postponed. The Neo –Nazi Message teaches ethnic intimidation and that is a hate crime and hate crimes are illegal. Cultural Sensitivity training needs to be implemented in all communities and a clarification of what free speech implies needs to be addressed on a legal level.

What next?

People For Positive Social Change Earth Day Parade

2006-04-27T22:28:00.001-04:00

A Public Spectacle: The Lansing Community College/ People For Positive Social Change Earth Day Parade in Honor of Diversity

The Diversity Festival at Eastern High School- Performances and food were inside the Field house

Happy Spring From Lansing, Michigan, USA Scotts Woods Park

Duplicating My Life From Videotape To Digital

2006-03-20T10:27:00.001-05:00

Duplicating my life from Videotape to Digital:
Ruminating on a Collection of Memories and the Passing of Time.

I have been archiving my personal video collection of memories this month and it has been mind-altering experience. I began documenting with video at age 16. That means I have 20 years of memories: family, friends, homecomings, protests, art, improvisation, student projects, contracted work, beautiful nature, documentaries and of course my beloved travel logues. I don’t even remember videotaping some of the footage. It is a mysterious time capsule of my own creation.

Through thirty something year old eyes, I look at images of myself on a monitor: as a mischievous teen, a passionate college student and a disillusioned young professional. I chose voluntary simplicity and creativity, over capitalist aspirations. I was excited by subculture, untouched nature and creative souls. I was fearful of bureaucracy, capitalism and feeling trapped. I made it a priority to experience new things. When times got tough, I would start traveling. I discovered that throwing myself out of my comfort zone was the best way for me to see things in a new way. Life is a journey with many beginnings and many endings.

I have boxes and boxes of videotapes, in several locations. What sparked my need to archive my video collection was a house fire. My dear friend Pam’s home burned to the ground, and she lost almost everything. She courageously turned the situation into a spiritual right of passage, but that is another story. Pam and I met my freshman year of in college, we had worked on an experimental video project called, Public Puppets together. Public Puppets, was a group of artists from different mediums, who did improvisational storytelling. We dabbled with everything: natural sound, computer graphics, spray paint, on the street interviews, industrial jams and even the occasional interview with rock stars like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More. I wanted to give her copies of the episodes, and I realized I had no idea where they were. I have memories captured on a multitude of formats, some now extinct. Beta, 16 mm film, VHS, Super VHS, 8 mm, Hi8mm, 3/4”, DV, Mini DV, Beta Cam. AHHHHHHHHHH! I haven’t even gotten to my photographs.

If I keep documenting my reality at the same rate I have in the past, I will need a museum to house it all. And then there is the question of how long will these tapes last, 10-15 years maybe? I spend countless hours working in a medium that like many things will eventually disintegrate. Is my passion a bit narcissistic? Yes, yes and I can laugh at myself. I am a fan of Autobiographies. I have always appreciated first hand accounts of the human experience. I am especially grateful to all the women throughout history who kept a diary of their lives with words, pictures, art or music. The survival of their truth is a source of inspiration and strength. The human condition is timeless.

My video collection reveals an active camerawoman. I have a strong calling to take pictures and share stories; it is my mission to share what I witness. The camera becomes a part of my body when I videotape. It gives me special powers like the ability to zoom through a room without moving my feet, or the ability to move closer into an image then humanely possible. The passion to take pictures runs in my family. It is said that my Gidu/Grandfather supported himself in Mexico, after emigrating from Lebanon, as a part-time photographer. My godmother Rose Marie was a passionate photographer and most importantly an archivist. She always told me to label and date my work, because someday I would forget the details. (And she was right.) Documenting has always been part of my family’s get together ritual. Capturing images of events on film was a habit, and a way to celebrate community.

In my early twenties, I produced a Public Access TV show called, Transcendental Television. The idea was to go above and beyond the mainstream media’s idea of what was cool and newsworthy. It was a celebration of world culture and everyday people. It was my idea of what was cool about Lansing, Michigan and the world. The series ran in the early 1990’s. It won a couple of awards, which led to me being awarded a grant that allowed me to purchase my very own video camera.

This was a dream come true. My artistic aspirations were often stifled by my financial reality. I had always had to use cameras from school or work or the public access tv studio, during controlled timeframes, and for specific projects. Once I had my own camera, I took it everywhere, and documented everything. My video camera and I traveled across the United States, up mountains, in trees, on cliffs overlooking oceans and beaches, to human rights protests, yoga classes, Ethiopian drum circles and Hare Krishna temples. I used it to interview famous musicians, activists and personalities that I admired, or to get in free at shows. I was more comfortable going into public spaces with my camera then without it.

Once granted the video camera, I took on the role of media activist. My video footage chronicles a grassroots perspective of the political climate. I felt and continue to feel a growing concern over the power and impact media coverage has on the American worldview. Producing a Public Access TV show was my way of protecting my right to freedom of speech. Now, thanks to advances in technology, and the reduction of costs, everyone has a camera, everyone is a moviemaker and every town has a film festival. Thanks to the Internet, a multitude of alternative perspectives are at all citizens’ fingertips. This has helped to promote freedom of speech and marginalized perspectives. Technological advances always have an interesting impact on our every changing, always-morphing storytelling culture.

Duplicating the video collection from 16 years of my life has also left me reflecting on the passing of time, and it feels a bit surreal. I honor my rebel spirit, my freedom, and my life’s journey! And sorting through a collection of all of the lessons and illusions and reflections of my lifetime, thus far, is a mighty task. When I was under 30, my lifetime felt infinite. There was still the impression that there was enough time for things to progress naturally; there was still the chance that all my childish dreams could come true. But, by midlife this changed. The media induced illusions of what it would feel and look like to grow older had shattered. My childhood dreams had changed. No one can prepare you for the perspective presented from the passing of time. Others may try to warn you, but it is something one must experience to know. A prominent theme I can identify from reviewing my video collection is that the happiest people are those who know how to relax and live in the moment. The most precious footage I have is of those who have passed away. The other obvious observation I noticed time and time again is that people are looking for meaning in their lives. The only thing constant is change.

The vastness of time makes a moment seem insignificant. A cherished memory revives the significance of a moment. I can’t help but feel sentimental about the transitory and fast paced nature of my life and my culture. The power or attention given to time is cultural. In many places remembering someone’s age is useless information. Time in American culture can feel like a slap in the face. We Americans cannot wait to grow up, and then we struggle with feeling old. In American culture there are no longer meaningful rights of passage to help us transition from stage to stage with grace. The main storyteller is the media, presenting tales of shallowness, consumption and greed. Promoting addictions, self-loathing, stressed childhoods, illusion based marriages, resentful parents, angry disillusioned kids and unsupported and frightened elders. And then there I am with my camera, focusing on my version of what is beautiful, momentous and meaningful. I am at a time in my life when I want to choose what I do and view with my time.

I made Pam some DVD’s of our old shows and some of the anti-war protest footage that we captured at Michigan State University in the early 1990’s. She e-mailed me back:
“I feel old. And I feel the same. Amazing how over ten years later we are still talking about Bush and Iraq. Amazing!
Thanks for the wonderful trip down memory lane, Tratra.
I love Miko's hair in the B'zar Fashion Show footage. Oooow PUNK!
Bring Sara Weil to Festival this year would ya?
Thanks. I knew I could count on you.
Pamela
Love
Peace
Freedom
Dream and do!”

My video archive is a reflection and celebration of the passing of time. Time has slipped away, yet I have captured moments of the past on video. It is magical! Video is the spectator to the obvious growth of a friend’s child from a toddler to a budding teen. It is a witness to the aging process of my dear uncle. The proud man is now an unruly and confused child. Luckily, I have interviews of him captured on videotape over the past 15 years. Those interviews are a glimpse at the life he lived, and the man that he once was. What he spoke about in those interviews reveled the stories that he held dear. Without documentation, those memories would have died with his memory loss, but now they have a second life. Thanks to unlikely inventions, we can capture images, voices, perspectives, miracles of nature and store them for future learning and inspiration. I am grateful for my photos and video tape because they help me remember who I am, where I have been, and where I need to go from here.

CAPTAIN JEAN-LUC PICARD said, “Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived.”

Improvisational Storytelling with Video Cameras

2006-01-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

PETRA PRODUCTIONS

Improvisational Storytelling with Video Cameras
A Mocumentary Making Challenge
Copyright 2006

Is the winter blues leaving you feeling uninspired? How about doing something creative and out of the ordinary to recharge.

I created an improvisational storytelling script for my dear friend Indigo’s 14th birthday. Twenty-five of us, or so, bravely completed this challenge and it was great fun. The teams were made up of teens and so called "adults." It was an experiment in social interaction. The photos displayed of the process are from just one of the teams that participated.

I am sharing this event/experiment with all of you to pitch the next reality tv show. And to inspire four other teams, you know who you are, to make a mocumentary. I think we all need alot more humor in our lives. If you do want to use the script I developed, all I ask is that you e-mail me and tell me you want to be part of my creative experiment. I will then e-mail you the script. I would like a copy of the finished projects. Eventually we could have a film festival and show them all! Continue to read and see what you think.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FROM INDIGO'S PARTY

1:00 Meet and organize people, groups and transportation

2:30-4:30pm The Activity: A Moviemaking Challenge: Reality TV merged with Mockumentary.

Teams will go to downtown East Lansing and stay in the area between Abbott and Farm Lane following a script to create a movie in 2 hours.

3 teams of 4-6 people is the ideal size for groups.

Each team will have an experienced videographer with a digital video camera and a riddle.

Indigo reading a riddle

Each team will solve the riddle, which will lead them to the movie script that they must follow.

Each team will have until 4:30 pm to finish the requirements of the script in a creative and though provoking way.

Teamwork & quick thinking are critical!

Use Indie as your muse ~ this moviemaking challenge is her birthday wish!

5:00pm Teams meet back at the clubhouse for treats and socializing.

6:00 The Screening: Have a Potluck and view each teams filmm several times. Compare how such diverse masterpieces were created from the same script in the same area!

THE INDIGO INSPIRED MOVIE MAKING CHALLENGE

THE CHALLENGE
Each team will make a mocumentary, That means a pretend documentary, about some aspect of culture. (Music, fashion, ism’s, art, tattoos, piercing, video games, cults, politics, parents, ageism-anything is fare game really!)

A mocumentry is a satire that picks a topic and makes fun of it from every possible angle. An example of this is the film Spinal Tap, which makes fun of aging Rock Stars. Your team’s movie will be shot reality TV style –improved and unscripted in downtown East Lansing in between the boundaries of Abbott Street and Farm Lane. Your team and strangers you meet will play the characters in the movie.

Choose Topic______________________________________

Name of Documentary_______________________________

List 3 things about the topic that your team plans to make fun of

1.

2.

3.

THE ASSIGNMENT
Each mocumentay should have a clear topic, an introduction, a conflict or question answered and a conclusion. The dialogue or questions will piece together a story.
You could have an investigative reporter ask the questions or have the different characters talk right into the camera. There are no rules –just have a plan and have fun being creative!

The following locations, characters and emotions must be present in your film.
The characters can either be acted out or “found on the street”.
Each team needs to have examples of both in their mocumentary.

LOCATIONS THAT MUST BE PRESENT IN THE STORY
Store with second hand items
Roof of Parking Ramp
In front of a sculpture
Inside
Outside
Locations of your choice-what is your favorite spot in the area?

CHARACTERS
A critic
Someone who represents Old school
Someone who represents New school
Someone with an accent
Some one with 3 colors of hair or 3 face piercings
A “Star”

EMOTIONS OR ACTIONS
Urgent
Questioning
Mystical-all knowing
Something musical
Total angst
Illegal- (be careful with this one-don’t get arrested)

Remember that this is supposed to be fun and spontaneous, not perfect. In Reality TV the cameras just keep rolling no matter what happens!

SUGGESTIONS
1. Have a crew meeting before you begin.
Have the team leader organize people’s roles.
(Director, Interviewer, actors representing characters in the mocumentary, crowd control, timekeeper)
2. Have team leader oversee selection of topic if there are many ideas
3. Select timekeeper to keep production going and make sure you get done in a 2 hours!

FINAL SCRIPT OUTLINE
(Fill in questions to create a basic script)

Choose Topic______________________________________

Mocumentary title:__________________________________

Introduction of topic:

List 3 things about the topic that your team plans to make fun of

1.

2.

3.

Make cast list of who will do what - here are some examples

Camera:

Director:

Interviewer:

Host:

Characters:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Who will present the introduction, reveal the conflict and present the conclusion?

BEHIND THE SCENES
Extras
Crowd control-answer questions and keep people from walking in front of the camera
Make up and costume
Sound FX?

IF THE GROUP FINISHES EARLY
Conclude with an opinion on the topic or
Create credits,
express afterthoughts or
have team members do critiques about how things went.

Honoring the Imperfect Aspects of Creativity

2005-12-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

A Lesson on Honoring Imperfection

The History of Wabi-Sabi

Originating in Japan, Wabi-Sabi is the beauty of things
imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.
It is the beauty of things modest and humble.
It is the beauty of things unconventional.
At the core of Wabi-Sabi is the importance of transcending
ways of looking and thinking about things and existence.
All things are impermanent,
All things are imperfect,
All things are incomplete.
Material characteristics of Wabi-Sabi
are a suggestion of natural process,
irregular,
intimate,
unpretentious,
Earthy,
Simple.
(This definition was found on the internet)

Honoring the Imperfect Aspects of Creativity

I studied pottery with a delightfully complex artist who was called Beebs. She was the funky, temperamental, feminist Grandmother, that I never knew I was missing. When I worked with her she was teaching at a women’s art studio and gallery, called Bare Bones in Lansing’s Old Town. Beebs had dedicated her life to studying and creating art. Her fabulous hands were the tools of a master and she intuitively translated any medium she explored. She would regularly mentor six or so creativity starved souls who had blessed themselves with a pottery class.

Clay is a wonderful therapist. It is strong and resilient, porous and endless and strong enough to sink all your deepest emotions into. And Beebs, was the perfect “group therapy” leader. Her teaching style was unique. She was a philosopher of the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, without even realizing it. She would laugh with amusement as she watched a new student try to control the clay. “Don’t fight it, work with it,” she would say, “the clay will tell you what it wants to be.” Or if a student became to obsessed with trying to make their pot perfectly symmetrical she would challenge them, reminding them that nature is not always symmetrical. She was not a typical American, reminding us that uniqueness adds depth and beauty. I for one, need constant reminders that much of reality is perspective. It is all in the way you look at it.

So in the end, my realization was that it was more enjoyable to let the clay shape me. Once I gave in to my desire to control, the most beautiful things began to happen. That is just one of the many lessons of creativity. Beebs taught me to be more open. To truly appreciate the imperfect aspects of expression, creativity and humanity. That awareness is a discipline that I to work at . It is a choice that creates peace instead of conflict.

Beebs has since retired and moved to California to be with her sister. While doing that she taught me another lesson about non-attachment with her decision to relocate from her home, after an especially frigid Michigan winter. As I helped her with the estate sale of her belongings of over 30 years, she inspired me with her ability to move on. Without any doubt or regret she let go of her household items, art collection and books. She was ready for yet another of life’s many journeys!

Why I am a Collector of Stories

2005-10-28T14:29:00.001-04:00

WHY AM I A COLLECTOR OF STORIES?

I have been called in this lifetime to be a collector of stories. The stories that I collect are expressions of freedom, love, and learning. These stories come from many different places: from ancient myth to magical realism to personal history. The beautiful thing about a story is that they belong to everyone. A powerful story is timeless and can teach many lessons throughout a lifetime.

A person’s outlook on reality is greatly influenced by the stories that they are exposed to throughout their lifetime. Each generation the dominant style of storytelling morphs with the technology of the times. One thing remains consistent however, the influence and role stories play in our lives.

As a child, books and fairy tales filled my days and influenced my dreams. Television dominated my teen years. I was what sociologists called, a “TV Baby”: the first generation to grow up on cable TV, video games and MTV. I was a latchkey kid and media was the storyteller and babysitter of my youth. The stories presented left me angry, cynical and cautious. My story is not unusual.

“Children spend more time learning about life through media than in any other manner. The average child spends approximately 28 hours a week watching television, which is twice as much time as they spend in school.”
(National Television Violence Study, issued by Mediascope, February, 1996.)

“The average American child will witness over 200,000 acts of violence on television including 16,000 murders before age 18.”(Center for Media and Public Affairs, 1992)

Thankfully, as time passed, I had the opportunity immerse myself in other stories. When I attended college I pulled myself away from cable TV and studied humanities, history and alternative press and film. The stories that filled me at this time made anything seem possible!

The study of history helped me learn how to endure hard times and gave me perspective. In a Women’s Studies class at Michigan State University, I got my first opportunity to learn about herstory, and female leadership in an academic setting. These were the stories that public school completely left out. I learned about endurance from stories about Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

In 1870, the 15th Amendment established the right of African American males to vote. Women had to wait another fifty years for their turn. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan Anthony, the most famous leaders of the suffrage movement, began publishing, "The Revolution," a women's movement publication. The women’s ideas were ridiculed by the mainstream media. Stanton and Anthony were attacked, jailed and fined for protesting. They spent their entire lives sacrificing for women’s rights. They persevered, and finally in 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. What a story! Thanks to oral tradition and alternative press these brave pioneers have had their stories preserved to inspire and encourage others.

The teachings of folklorist and mythologist Joseph Campbell filled my heart with love and helped me find a spiritual world beyond organized religion. He dedicated his life to the power of story and myth. Campbell’s interpretation of world religion and the meaning of life made so much sense to me. He inspired my academic studies and personal goals and opened me up to a larger and more playful worldview. Campbell taught that, “Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”

And so, as the story of my life evolved, I realized that collecting inspiring stories gave my life meaning. I was empowered to choose what stories would fill my thoughts. Throughout my life I have used many mediums to capture and preserve the stories that come to me: film, photography, video, oral tradition, drum, clay, paper, journal, blog and puppetry, just to name a few. My muse is always changing.

I am Video Producer by trade. It still makes me smile, realizing that I created a career out of capturing people’s stories on video and film. I have been collecting stories in this matter since I was a teenager and it is still both challenging and exciting to me. A drive and a need to document consumes me. Cameras are enchantment and a great conversation is inspiration! Technology and artistic expression allows us to preserve a moment in time. That is and will always be miraculous!

It is a collector of stories greatest pleasure to encapsulate an extraordinary characters voice, to preserve the memory of a beautiful day or to capture the grassroots movement’s protest that the local news left out. It is an honor and a privilege to preserve a moment in history.

Being a collector of stories also means that I have the responsibility to be a media activist. It is no secret that 5-10 corporations own all major media outlets. If you want more information about this disturbing trend read, The Media Monopoly, by Ben H. Bagdikian. In this book the award-winning journalist explains how a media monopoly developed in the USA,

“The first reason is that there have been so many mergers and acquisitions in the media industry that, today, fewer than ten corporations control America’s newspapers, books, magazines, movies, television and radio (p. xiii). That means the public is only exposed to the viewpoints and opinions of ten corporations.”

That fact alone challenges freedom of speech and investigative reporting. The gatekeepers of the media monopoly decide what stories will be told and how they will be presented. They decide who will be a movie star and what types of movies will be made. This gives them great influence over the shaping of popular culture and ideology in the USA. That power is frightening and requires attention and grassroots advocacy. Powerful people must use their influence to share alternative perspectives and to challenge the status Que through their version of the story.

Al Gore is one example of a powerful person who chose to speak out. I have included a section of a speech a friend e-mailed to me. The subject line read, "Al Gore on The Threat to American Democracy as prepared Associated Press / The Media Center October 5, 2005." In the speech, Gore argues that the subjugation of news by entertainment seriously harms our democracy, leading to dysfunctional journalism that fails to inform the people.

"I came here today because I believe that American democracy is in grave danger. It is no longer possible to ignore the strangeness of our public discourse . I know that I am not the only one who feels that something has gone basically and badly wrong in the way America's fabled marketplace of ideas" now functions.

How many of you, I wonder, have heard a friend or a family member in the last few years remark that it's almost as if America has entered "an alternate universe"?

I thought maybe it was an aberration when three-quarters of Americans said they believed that Saddam Hussein was responsible for attacking us on September 11, 2001. But more than four years later, between a third and a half still believe Saddam was personally responsible for planning
and supporting the attack.

At first I thought the exhaustive, non-stop coverage of the O.J. trial was just an unfortunate excess that marked an unwelcome departure from the normal good sense and judgment of our television news media. But
now we know that it was merely an early example of a new pattern of serial obsessions that periodically take over the airwaves for weeks at a time. "

I saw America’s favorite documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, speak at Michigan State University recently. He is another example of a media figure who uses his celebrity power to comment on American culture. He was on the road lecturing on the topic of the American experience. When speaking about current American culture he said, “ The rules have changed and they don’t favor the truthful or the virtuous.” He identified one part of the problem, “. . . we have short attention spans and little patience for totality.” I agree with him wholeheartedly. Most Americans get their information from sound bites on the news provided by news sources run by the media monopoly. Ken Burns thinks that the “real threat in this country is within.” And for that reason, we must all support and seek out independent media sources. The world wide web has become a valuable alternative outlet for independent media sources.

I intend to work throughout my lifetime to preserve stories. I want my collection of stories to inspire other people to tell their stories. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are what brought my grandparents to this country from Lebanon and Germany. It is what inspires a soul and gives life purpose. A successful society maintains balance and values by promoting, respecting and facilitating a community rich with meaningful stories.

And so, I am a collector of stories. I want my collection to be unique; I will be telling the stories of real life heroes, earth angels and every day people; stories that reveal different viewpoints and unscripted perspectives. I am in awe of the power and potential of a single story. The human race needs to be nurtured by stories of endurance, hope and inspiration. I strive to experience being alive in this crazy human form as fully as possible, inspiring stories encourage me to persevere.

“Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.”
Joseph Campbell

EVERYDAY STORYTELLERS THAT HAVE IMPRESSED ME

The unique ways people story tell will always thrill me. Creative expression is as individual as the person!

My friend Sarah produces extraordinary photography with disposable and instant cameras. She takes pictures quickly and with passion. She also likes to capture conversations with her portable tape recorder. At her wedding, she had a tape recorder floating around from table to table collecting stories. The finished collection was a priceless narrative of her guest’s reaction to her wedding day.

Michigan native, Michael Moore, was a political writer before he became a filmmaker. Moore, is a man born to tell stories. He is the workingman’s hero, sharing the stories of the powerless and unfortunate. He is the antithesis of media friendly or Hollywood pretty yet his strong storytelling ability has helped him transcend the usual boundaries. He has used his success to bravely tell the untold side of the story. He does this at the risk of his life.

My high school friend Wanda collected old film cameras. She somehow tracked down film and flash bulbs for these vintage models. She then took photographs of old gravestones, ghosts and shadows at different times of the year. She kept them in photo albums. I learned more watching her intuitive approach to photography then I did from any professor.

Marty, is a local painter and artist from the Lansing area. He collected ashes from his cigarettes for weeks and then turned the ashes into a picture. He also has created art with found objects for as long as I can remember. One piece was a picture made of found pennies-it was beautiful!

There is a girl in my hometown known as Sarah Saw. She is a musician and community organizer. She turned a saw into a musical instrument. It has a haunting quality you don’t soon forget. She is the first saw player I have met.

Penny is a mentor and dear friend of mine. She is a brave artist who opens up community art spaces wherever she goes. Although she is one of the most gifted illustrators that I know, her life’s work is giant puppet spectacles. I spent a couple glorious years working with her on community celebrations featuring larger than life puppet magic! She taught me that when it comes to creativity, to much is just enough!

Supporting the oral tradition among the elderly in your life is a wonderful thing. Make time to spend with the elderly and encourage them to tell you stories about their life. From their vantage point what stories come to mind? What is important in life? What words of wisdom would they give? I find funerals are a great time to get elders talking about family secrets.

Blogging is a storyteller’s fantasy: free, easy and endless! The Internet has opened up all people to a world of stories. True or false, fiction, fantasy, journaling, screenplays, doodling, politics, sensationalism-anything goes on a Blog! Viewing other people's Blog, or creating your own, can become addictive. So, I must warn that we must not forget to experience all forms of storytelling. Share what makes you smile, what makes sense, what makes your life meaningful!

Who is your favorite collector of stories?

Pondering the Impermanence

2005-09-16T15:49:00.001-04:00

Pondering the Impermanence of the Seasons

After a sizzling and sunlit Michigan summer I strain to remember how cold and long winter can be. Summer 2005 featured record-breaking heat that reminded me of the summers of my youth. I spent the summer trying to keep cool: canoeing, camping, visiting Lake Michigan.

Today there is a chill in the Autumn air that spooks me. The leaves on the trees are changing color and some are beginning to fall. I am reminded how quickly the refreshing briskness of Autumn changes to the freezing chill of winter. I am reminded why I have so many sweaters. I live in a place where I have to wear long johns under my cloths several months a year to keep warm. Soon the windows will be shut and covered, blocking me from fresh air. Soon Day Light Savings Time will arrive and the sunlight will be gone at 5pm. Mice and spiders will seek shelter in the comfort of our homes. We Michiganders will be dependent on furnaces for survival. I shutter at the thought of my gas bill.

The first time I visited Hawaii I met a young Hawaiian native who asked me, “is it true about how cold it gets in Michigan. What is snow like? How can people drive when they can’t see? I hear people die of heart attacks just shoveling the snow off their cars. . . Man that is crazy!"

I found her comments amusing. She was someone who did not have personal experience with all four seasons. Winter was a scary and mysterious thought! I could relate being very aware of the dangerous aspects of tropical Hawaii. The tremendous power of the wind, ocean and mountains claim the lives of both locals and tourists every year. I felt very humbled by the raw power. So it was nice to be reminded that Michigan winters have a legend all their own.

Winter, the season that I hated in my youth and have worked to love through the years. A time of endings and hibernation and all of the lessons that embracing the darkness brings. Winter cold, dry, gray, moist, frozen.

Wintertime, which breeds wonders like snowflakes-each one different, ice cycles-in the most outrageous places. And the opportunity to ski, to sled, to snowboard and to bundle up. The key is proper clothing and embracing outdoor winter activities. Everyday is a mystery; will it snow, sleet, hail? Or will a heat wave emerge and melt any evidence of the season.

Living in a region that experiences four distinct seasons is an every day lesson in the impermanent nature of things. Everyday is a different climatic condition, wind chill, temperature and moisture level. Understanding and respecting the impermanence of things is an appreciation of the lesson of Wabi-Sabi. Originating in Japan, Wabi-Sabi is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete

Nature is passionate and unpredictable. Hurricane Katrina reminded us of that. Weather does have patterns and can be scientifically studied and predictions can be made but there is still unknown factors. Seasonal conditions still dictate what we will do with our day or maybe even our month. We can not control Mother Nature, just learn from her.

Season changes are like mini miracles each time they occur. The overlap from one season to the next is an intense occurrence. After a long cold winter one of my favorite reminders of Spring is the return of the birds. Waking to the sound of birds singing is an enchanting signal of the changes to come. So that I can truly experience the shift of the seasons I gather with others during solstice and collect support and encouragement during the transition.

So for now I mourn Summer’s end and rejoice in the gifts of Fall. I will eat apples and hike amongst the falling leaves while I prepare myself for another winter. The natural process is Wabi-Sabi: irregular, intimate, unpretentious, earthy and simple. Happy Autumnal Equinox Friends!

A Travelogue of Oahu and Maui- Aloha Alive

2005-08-22T18:27:00.001-04:00

Aloha Alive
An Economy Minded Travelogue of Oahu and Maui

I am a documentary video maker and media educator with an incredible opportunity. While in between jobs I decided to let myself travel! I went on a 19-day budget adventure. I spent time on the islands of Oahu and Maui, documenting my adventure in this journal and on digital video. I got a great deal on a ticket with cheapairfairs.com, and so there was no excuse not to travel! If you are planning a trip, I also recommend Travelocity and Mobissimo for discounted airfare, car and hotel rental. I have found that I get the lowest prices after midnight, although that could just be coincidence.

I experienced discomfort to get there. I spent 14 hours traveling from Michigan to Hawaii. The first challenge was the shake, rattle and removal right of passage that is airport security. Then, there is the plane ride: polluted air, screaming babies, gross food, delays, turbulence and no stretch room. American Airlines provided one kind stewardess and all the rest where nasty. Flying is a lesson in patience and life is a comedy of bad manners. Despite all of this, according to travel experts more people are traveling now then before 911.

The Hawaiian Islands have eight main islands on the chain. Each island has its own distinct character. Hawaii, called the big island, is yes, largest in size and home to an active volcano. Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Isle, is small and lush with only one road. Maui the Valley Island, is a favorite spot for whales, and considered by some the best of the best. Molokai, is just eight miles from Maui and only 37 miles long, you may remember it as a former Leper Colony. Oahu is the most visited island, home of Hawaiian royalty, Pearl Harbor and called the gathering place. Lanai, is the Pineapple Isle, known for privacy and upscale resorts. Kahoolawe is an abandoned former bombing practice site for the Navy and Marine Corps. Nihau, the forbidden Island is owned by the Robison Family. Who is the Robinson Family and how did they gain rites to this island? That is another story.

Oahu is the one Hawaiian Island that you can visit and get away with not renting a car. There is a wonderful bus system and it’s clean, friendly and easy to use. I rode the bus to Hanauma Bay and spent the day on the beach snorkeling. The entire adventure cost me twenty dollars for bus fair, park entry fee and rental of snorkel gear. When I was in the Moana (ocean), I saw 20 species of fish, coral reefs, and a sea turtle. Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park - a sea turtle preserve and coral reef sanctuary is a must see if you are deciding what to do in Oahu. The area has a great view of the Mountains and Hanauma Bay is striking and pristine. The Bay waters are a brilliant turquoise blue. The Park is off Kalaniana’ole Highway and if you continue north you end up in Makapu’u, a great whale watching spot. It’s a nice hike up and around a rocky cliff to a lighthouse. A trail off this trail takes you to the Halona Blow Hole. When the waves are just right water spits out like a geyser.

I also rented a Giant Mountain Bike for seven days for Seventy Dollars in Waikiki from Paradise Cruisers. My brother, who lives in Honolulu, and I rode to many places on bicycles. Oahu has many scenic bike routes, it is a wonderful, stress free way to explore Downtown, China Town, Magic Island, Ala Mona Beach Park, Waikiki and Diamond Head Crater, allowing you to see behind the scenes and get a view of the neighborhoods. Choosing to ride a bike is economical, healthy and a good environmental statement.

For more information about sites I mentioned checkout the book Oahu Revealed by: Andrew Doughty and Harriet Friedman. It is highly recommended by locals as the one book you need to decide what to do on the Island. In fact some Hawaiians were upset by the authors writing about secret places known only to the locals. What makes the guide unique is that Doughty and Friedman have experienced all trails, restaurants and activities. Reviewed anonymously, the feedback is honest and comprehensive.

Week two: Settling into the Culture
The Aloha spirit is lovely; it is truly enchanting. The local Peoples warmth and ease are calming. And all the other people here are travelers, tourists and people on honeymoons . . . I feel like I am in a dreamstate. Life is in techno color in Hawaii. It is so bright that I squint my eyes with my shades on. The flowers are so gorgeous that you have to smell and touch them to prove that they are real. The trade wind blows instinctively and rhythmically keeping you from getting to hot.

One of my tasks on this adventure besides making a travelogue was to videotape by brother’s band. He is in a Beatles cover band called, Rubber Soul. They attract true Beatles lovers from around the world. The fans come in all ages, and Rubber Soul has regulars! They play two venues. On Fridays and Saturdays you can find them at rooftop of Hyatt Regency at a bar called The Elegant Dive in Waikiki. The Elegant Dive is a cool outdoor setting with hot tubs on both sides of the stage and a swimming pool. In back of the stage is a view of the magnificent Pacific Ocean. It is a great spot to watch the sun set. You can also catch them at the Rock Island Cafe, a 1950’s themed restaurant every Sunday. The Rock Island Cafe is a family setting with a bar, food and drink. There is a museum and memorabilia store attached to the restaurant with lots of things to buy.

According to the 2000 US census more native Hawaiians live on the mainland than in Hawaii. The cost of living in Hawaii is 27% higher than the national average. Many natives have no choice but to leave for affordable housing, education and work opportunity.

Hawaii was once a country. An island country that was an ideal stop when traveling by boat from east to west. The wind carries the complex web of stories that led to the formation of the state of Hawaii. I like to imagine what the Hawaiian Islands were like before development, before the missionaries arrived in the 1820’s.

It is reported that when Queen Kaiulani finally passed on, volcanoes erupted, the water changed hue and bright red fish that had never before been seen were spotted everywhere. The islands mourned her passing and the passing of what was. For more information about the Hawaiian Royal family and how Hawaii became a state watch the Documentary,“The Last Queen”.

Inter-Island Exploration
If you come to Hawaii visit more then one Island if possible! They all are uniquely charming. I wanted to go to the Big Island to see the active volcano, but an annual April Hula competition called the Mere Monarch Festival was going on. Hula dancers from around the world attend. Getting tickets to the event is difficult if you are not local. The Big Island was booked. Luckily the entire event was televised. I watched it on TV and was captivated by the chants, drumming and dances. Male and female dancers of all ages competed for different titles. In between competitions they presented stories on the tradition of lei making and the meaning and symbolism of the beautiful and unique costumes, flowers and plants. Hula is a beloved cultural tradition from native Hawaiian culture that could of easily went extinct. People do not realize the years of practice that it takes to become a master dancer.

Every movement and aspect of the costume has deep symbolic meaning. The dances are love songs about the natural wonders that surround the people. The dances are simple yet complex. Not surprisingly, the missionaries outlawed it soon after their arrival in the 1820’s. But instead, it was lovingly honored and cultivated underground. Taught by Kumu Hula or master teachers. A renaissance of Hula began in the 1970’s and its popularity keeps growing.

Enchanting Maui
I flew on a 5 am flight on a puddle jumper courtesy of Island Air from Oahu over the island of Molokai,to fabulous Maui! For this trip it was more affordable for me to get my inter island plane ticket on-line once I got to the Hawaii. There was a great variety of prices for inter island travel; if you are persistent you can get a great deal. I paid $60 one way. I again found my best price on the Internet working directly with the airline, instead of going with a travel agency. I read in the paper that in a few years the island chain will have an inter island ferry that can transport both you and your car to all of the islands.

Once I arrived in the Maui airport, which is very small, I knew another fabulous adventure awaited me. I found a woman to share a cab with at the airport to the youth hostel were I was staying. Once she was on her way the cab driver wanted to quiz me. Drivers in Hawaii feel very comfortable asking anything and everything of their customers. After asking me the standard questions: married with kids? What do you do for a living? And why are you here? He got personal. He was concerned about development, he was afraid Maui would end up looking like Oahu. He spoke of a native Hawaiian who returned to Oahu after being gone for ten years who was shocked by the amount development. He is not exaggerating, I heard that six thousand Japanese tourists arrive in Oahu daily to vacation, while locals can’t find jobs that afford them the ability to purchase a home. Sadly, a Wal-Mart arrived in Maui a year ago. Still, the vibration of Maui is completely different then Oahu. The Valley Island is green and lush and far less developed. Hawaii is a perfect example of the conflict between tribalism and globalism.

The driver dropped me off in Wailuku, which is on the east side of Maui at the Banana Bungalow Hostel. Rated Maui’s #1 Hostel, I found out about it on the Internet. Everyone was very friendly. They told me about the good restaurants, that hitchhiking was legal and which areas to avoid. You can get a private room for $40.per night or sleep dorm style for $20. You can also work at the hostel in exchange for free lodging. There is a community room, kitchen, pool table, hot tub, TV and one computer to check your e-mail. I dropped my stuff of in my room and then jumped in their van for a free-guided tour.

First Stop on the day tour was Iao Valley State Park, handsome examples of Maui Mountains. Iao means ”Cloud Supreme”. It is the site of an ancient Hawaiian Battle. Then we traveled just below the park to Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, a great place for a picnic. The next stop was the beach,then to Paia,the hippy windsurfing town for a fabulous lunch and shopping. Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raite hang out at the bar there. The Health Food Store, Mana Foods, was very well supplied and the prices were very reasonable! The highlight of the day was Twin Falls, a mighty waterfall that we were able to swim under. The smell of ripe cumquats filled the air. They have a wonderful citrusy smell. The Pua or flowers where exceptionally elegant:Hibiscus,Bird of Paradise,White and Red Ginger,Plumeria were rousing. Ahhh

When I got back to the hostel I was ready for bed. I was able to make some food in the community kitchen and store the food I bought at Mana. There was a small cafe with beer and music in walking distance from the hostel if a night cap was needed.

The next day the Hostel’s tour left at 8 am. Destination, the Road to Hana, a trip down the east side of Maui on Highway 36. I was on tour with fellow travelers staying at the Banana Bungalow Hostel. We all came from different countries and different backgrounds but had one think in come: a love for adventure! Joe our guide was a transplant from Boston and he was good. He knew what was worth seeing and how a travelers needs differs from a tourist.

The first attraction was Wai’anapanapa Caves. It was my first opportunity to swim in a cave and it was very exhilarating! The water was brisk but beautifully clear. There were two caves within the cave that you could explore. Then a short walk led us to the Black Sand Beach. And that was only the beginning of the thrills you can experience on the road to Hana. I saw perhaps 25 waterfalls in one day! There are 617 turns on the road to Hana and you travel over 56 one lane bridges. Banana, Mango, Papaya and Coconut trees are everywhere. Roosters are everywhere and road side restaurants are the place to eat. A highlight for me was our visit to Kipahulu, the eastern coastal area of Haleakala National Park. I hiked deeply into a Bamboo Forest, it got deeper and darker the farther we went. There was cows wandering around, massive Banyan trees and unique waterfalls around every corner. We crossed several bridges and walked over rocks and threw streams. Finally at the end of the journey was the biggest waterfall of all, Waimoku. It’s magnitude was stirring!

Andrew Doughty and Harriet Friedman authors of the book I recommended about Oahu, also wrote a book about Maui called, Maui Revealed. For more detailed information about the spots that I mentioned and more check out this book.

The excitement of something extraordinarily beautiful around every corner is intoxicating! This is why I prioritize saving time and money for one great nature adventure a year! You can do it-even on a budget! Mahalo to the people of Hawaii! What an inspiring adventure!

Tips for Travelers

To avoid jet lag drink water.

Bring your own food on the airplane. Save money and your tastebuds!

Bring waterproof sandals. My Chaco and Teva sandals where perfect for handling the beach, tropical rain forests and thick Lava soil.

Dress for comfort when you travel. Wear layers. It can get cold on the plane and airlines don't clean pillows or blankets anymore. Always travel with a waterproof wind breaker.

Think about what shoes to wear when you fly-you will have to take them off for security!

Don’t wear metal. That could include a belt buckle or a hair Barrett.

Make your luggage look unique with tags, stickers or ties so someone does not walk off with your stuff.

Go to an alternate airport for a better deal. For instance in Michigan Grand Rapids Airport often offers better deals than Lansing

Sunday afternoon is the best time to get a good hotel rate.

For more info on Hostels visit: www.hiusa.org

Images and words by Petra Daher