America's next Baseball

As much as I love skateboarding, Chris Troy, kids, and analyzing people's handwriting, this cultural phenomena makes me sad. This past weekend while at Dew Tour in Boston, I sat cheering amongst adults who knew nothing about skateboarding aside from "Ryan Sheckler" and "P Rod". Their children rushing the edges of the stands as soon as a pro skater was in sight. Meanwhile I applauded Vanessa Torres, Amy Caron, Lacey Baker, Eli Reed, Bastian Salabanzo, Greg Lutzka, and Sierra Fellers and contemplated the future of skateboarding from within a giant basketball stadium. After the surprise appearances of Red Bull's Shawn White and Travis Pastrana (this guy doesnt even skateboard), who both recited "stoke" speeches, I became sentimental for the simplicity of skateboarding in a park with people. Started to resent being one of these anxious, non-skateboarding spectators. Conversely, perhaps I am glad to not be one of the skateboarders who is skating for someone/some sponsor!

I've realized how much power skateboarding has lately. It's cultural influence has reached the masses. You can find evidence of legitimate skateboarding culture in photography for Urban Outfitters catalogs, and purchase various "skateboards" at Target. There is even a "teen focused meat snack brand" involved in sponsoring these events along with various sugar-water companies. There's validity in supporting the skateboarding industry, and as a creative person I want to offer some responsibility in that. A more authentic progression of skateboarding is worth fighting for.

WEEKS/WEAKS

From boating to flying and crying and whining and dining. Northome, MN to Bemidji, to Minneapolis, to Phoenix, to Los Angeles, to San Diego, to San Marcos, to Carlsbad, to San Diego, to Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA. Held together by hours of contact with the lovely and wonderful ladies and families closest to me. Sarah and a Blister in the sun and my favorite Maddie Mug.

PHASES

New moons are the new full moons. After a 12 hour work day, tonight my car got broken in to. Now I sit at home and watch a University of Minnesota building burn. The faint smell of burning rubber and the people fighting above me will certainly soothe me to sleep.

repetition

trying not to. now and then and next.

VIRTUE

I was so bummed out today because when I went to the Vice website, I found all of these in the DONT'S section.

WHY WIN?

So it is time to address this poll to the right here. Staying in Minnesota won by a landslide. Now, there is a concern that this electoral collage was rigged, by my parents. Judging by their technical skills, I would say that is near impossible. Either way, I dont think a vote actually clarifies anything. I still have no idea what I am going to do until I am doing it.

This is the same sentiment I will feel when I mail out my ballot. Yes, I get to vote this weekend. I don't expect my vote to really count for much, and I am going to be prepared with a punching bag at my side when the nomination is announced anyway. Four years ago, I was working to get out the vote for change with an organization called Democracy Matters. My friends and I worked tirelessly throughout the city of Duluth. Despite the sad ending, Duluth was acknowledged with having the highest voter turnout out of any city in the country! 91% of our citizens voted! An hour before the polls closed, I literally took the hand of a stoned college student and led him to the poll that was right across the street from his house! No excuses, vote at least to say you did something.

I feel like I am not doing anything.

not so shabby

in oregon until thursday. thankful for a bike and best friends! molalla, portland, and mt. hood. going to ride the skate today with glen glans. probably eat some amazing meals. i am still full from our afternon eating at pambiche yesterday

fast awake

its been a long end-of-semester. and thankfully these last few days of true vacay have felt even longer!
up in bemidji minnesota at my home.

im excited to start a new designerd blog over at mysterese.com
and i will keep this OG blog up-to-date with the latest of mysterese perplexities of being badass.
today, i give thanks for my freedom.
i have dreams and hopes and not a heavy bloated belly of childbirth. i live in cities that actually have real skateparks and real restaurants. i have a real family and a real list of accomplishments on my resume. real potential, folks. thanks.


these dudes are also headed to WBMC next year: gareth stehr and patrick melcher.

this is my gal! (except i would never street skate in anything but skytops)