A view from the top

I wish I could be more timely with my posts but better late then never

So two Saturdays ago I was invited to join my dearly beloved Drewbear on a climb up Quandary Peak up in Breckenridge, CO. It was a spectacular day! The weather was warm, bright blue skies, and the snow was deep but not so hard to trudge through. It was a 14er and probably one of the most beautiful mountains I've been on so

far. Also joining us was my lovely friend Hilary who also tackled the mountain like a champ.

This hike was different then what I was use to. I had snowshoes on the whole way up which added a bit of challenge to endurance because when my legs got tired the shoes would catch on each other. I've been training at Red Rock Amphitheater for a couple weeks now running stairs and eating lots of protein so my and my endurance were both in tip top shape to reach the top. I also discovered a way of climbing mediation while on this climb. At one point I became tired and was getting frustrated with having snowshoes on. I simply closed my eyes and began to pray and reflect and zone out of the pressure being put on my body and concentrate solely on connecting with the mountain I was on. When I opened my eyes I had gone so far it was incredible. It sounds crazy, but totally true and honestly enlightening. A friend asked me recently if I was religious and I answered no, I'm spiritual. I believe of course greatly in a Creator God who put those mountains there and gave me the ability to climb it. But I believe in energy and spirits of nature and climbing Quandary gave me an opportunity to really let go of my own mind, relax, and connect with good energys on the mountain. It was a really beautiful experience to free your soul, let your body do the mechanical work of putting one foot in front of the other but allowing yourself to connect with all that is around you. I love this quote I heard once, "I am a part of all that I have met" and I believe that means the natural world as well as the human race. Anyways I definitely kept my eyes open at the top as I looked at the miles and miles of blue and white peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

There are really three main reasons why I like to climb so much..

1. The view is amazing the whole way up and best at the tippy top

2. The challenge of pushing your body is the best way to free your soul

3. The people you meet along the way

As I was hiking up this 14er I went off by myself to take in the experience and really focus on being on the mountain. One point I ran into two guys who stopped to chat with me. I just liked the one man's comment to me.. "keep on smiling and having a good time because it's all up from here" I think that's a good motto for life in general. Smile.. have a good time.. it's all up from here.Hiking really does free my soul, recharge my batteries so to speak, and reminds me that reaching the top is only a bonus.. it's the journey that's most important.

It was about a five hour round trip for the day. We started out slow in the morning because we were a large group but soon my friend Hilary and I broke apart and reached the top on our own. Drew, who we started out the climb with, stuck with the group like a good leader. I had such a great time being on the mountain with them and have just been so excited since for the weather to start clearing up so I can start hiking on the weekends again. I've been doing some indoor climbing recently and hope to begin starting to attend a Wednesday night climbing group that goes out around Golden to climb outdoors, it sounds like so much fun! I've noticed that since I've moved to CO the thought of sitting around kills me. If I'm not climbing I'm running miles and stairs and if I'm not doing that I'm snowboarding or hiking mountains. I love being out and I'm so glad I went up Quandary. It just my blood flowing.. literally.. but most importantly for doing Longs Peak this summer. Longs is probably the hardest climb in Colorado from what I hear but is definitely on my goals for this summer.

So other then conquering mountains I've also started my new job. I'm very blessed for this opportunity and I'm really praying hard that God would give me the heart for the work. I'm a production coordinator for a corporate video company. I love the people I work with but I am struggling with the work itself. All my life I've been very outreach focused and my video production background has always been focused on humanitarian efforts, politics, social justice, and grassroots outreach. My new job requires me to think money, marketing, business, ROI, target audiences, lead generation........ what a headache! I feel so exhausted by the end of the day from sitting in an office and trying to push myself to think like a business person. The guys I work with hired me for a reason but I have to keep reminding myself what that reason is. I know I deserve this position and I truly believe that this is going to really mature my abilities and help me along my own pursuit of owning my own company, but until I reach that point I need to keep coaching myself a long and pushing myself to find a passion for what I do. But I won't give up on my ideas and beliefs that's for sure. I believe I am going to start teaching at Red Rocks Community College in the fall. Who would have thought I would be teaching at the college level one year out of college.. I guess it was the inevitable since I taught while I was a student. Well I'm going in on Friday to discuss specific classes but I hope to teach documentary production and/or video 101. I believe this opportunity will enable me to do my own productions with resources and networking I can acquire from working with a college.

So hopefully next time I write I can be more specific on becoming Professor Anne. I'm also started to look into moving out on me own.. dun dun dun! Except I have no furniture or kitchen stuff or bathroom stuff.. so if you come to visit bring a mat or sleeping bag, I hope you don't mind eating food that doesn't need to be cooked.. and bring your own towel :) Either that or craigslist's free section is going to be my new bff and nothing in my place will match. Either way I'm really starting to feel that I need a place of my own. I love love love my family for allowing me to move in with them but I like the idea of having a place of my own. With that being said.. I'll leave you with this to ponder..

"Great things are done when men and mountains meet" - William Blake

It doesn't mean mountains literally (to me) but upward challenges that require us to train our minds, bodies, and spirits, prepare for anything that'll come our way, concentrate on the here and now, be determined when the going gets tough, set goals because if you don't you're bound to give up, and taking the time to enjoy the view the whole way to the top!

love love love

Living The Dream

One of my favorite quotes is: Where ever you go, go with all your heart - Confucius

A friend of my father wrote this to me a few days before I left for Haiti, and it became the theme to my journey to Colorado. When I moved here in June I really didn't know what to expect. As a little girl I can remember always thinking, I can't wait to move out on my own and find my own adventure in life.

This past week has been such an exciting week for me. Let me tell you how my adventure is continuing to grow. Last week I interviewed for an editor position with a new reality show being shot here in Colorado. The producer is working with Tom Hanks production company out of LA to produce this show here.. and I got an interview for it. Who would have thought I would score an interview, but I did. Man I was nervous! SO I interviewed to be the editor for this show which is still working on the pilot episode. During the interview they told me I was one of 15 interviewees and I would hear in a week if I made it in the top three. The opportunity would be amazing.. I would have connections and resources at my disposal for my own productions. It is the opportunity I've been waiting for.. The LA scene in Colorado. So let's jump forward a week..

I was running in the morning with some friends at Red Rocks when I got a voicemail.. it was the production company. I made the top three! OH WAIT.. actually I am the ONLY one they chose! The producer told me he loved me so much and just enjoyed my interview more then anyone else's they didn't know who to pair against me. AHH! How exciting.. I seriously started sprinting around those steps. The possibilities if I get this job are endless.. experience, credentials, and resources to pitch and produce my own production. So now I wait to hear back about the next steps.

Well after I received this good news I had a meeting at the LightGroup Media, a corporate video company I have been doing contract work for since August, project based. I went here thinking I was going to be brought on as an editor or transcriber for a new project so I didn't think much of it. Well it turned out to be an interview/invitation to come along side as a consultant to be their production coordinator for video case studies they're going to begin producing. Again big big news! It would be part time so I can continue freelancing and pursuing my film dreams but these case studies are going to be in a storytelling format.. just my speciality! Can I tell you how overwhelmed with good news I was Wednesday. I was heading to meet up with some friends after this meeting and it was at sunset.. and there is nothing more beautiful then a Colorado sunset over the rocky mountains. I took one look at it and began crying because I am just so pumped that it is ok to chase dreams and have goals. I've always feared having do live the routine life of: high school, college, 9-5 job, husband, kids, bills, once a year vacation, retirement, death... Don't get me wrong that is great for some people, but ugh I would rather run into a brick wall for fun then live my life according to that process.

Someone told me the other day I was way too motivated and I laughed. This person continued to tell me there's no reason to be so driven in life. I sat back and looked at everything I've done since I moved here, and he was right. I am a go-getter on crack. But in my interview at the LightGroup they said that's why they love me. And it's why I've learned to love myself.

I don't settle, I dream big, and I have joy in what I do. There are song lyrics that say "Don't be scared of what you cannot see, your only fear is possibility" I have no idea what these new opportunities will bring but I am open to whatever comes my way. If you don't take chances then you won't know what's out there for you. There are two things that make me come alive in life.. one is the view from the top of a mountain, and the second is storytelling through video production. Where ever you go.. go with all your heart. I definitely came to Colorado and have lived every day with all of my heart. I finally feel like this is where I'm suppose to be.

Well I'm going to end this with I'm climbing Quandary Peak next Saturday which is a 14er in CO. yay! I'll post pictures when I get back down from the mountain. I can't wait to build my home at the top of a 14er someday :)

Peace out homies, thanks for reading, annd always dream big!

Let's Review

Ok ready for another novel by AnneC. Banister? Here we go,

I volunteered a couple weekends ago at the Boulder International Film Festival. And let's just say now more then ever I cannot wait to start making movies. I really enjoyed the energy of the film festival and the audience. I also super loved (of course) the productions. Between the stories, the creativity in telling stories, and the visual presentation, I was totally in love with the film world. Two products I want to talk about are two documentaries I recommend seeing.

The Most Dangerous Man in America -- Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

This documentary was a first person account of Daniel Ellsberg involvement in the government during Vietnam and his story leading up to his decision to release the Pentagon papers into the NY Times and ultimately most of the major newspapers in the United States.

This documentary, in true "history channel" fashion really breaks down the Vietnam war, the anti-war movements in the 60's and 70's and the political atmosphere at the time. It really showed Nixon and even Kennedy for what they really were.. monsters. Truly heartless leaders who didn't care about destroying a country, dropping bombs, and killing thousands of innocent people. They were power hungry, resource hungry, war hungry etc. Mr. Ellsberg's decision to release top secret government documents was an heroic act that I believe is important today to talk about, seeing that the Iraq war is just as ridiculous and disastrous as the Vietnam war. Now I don't really want to get heavy into the purpose of war, mainly because war is wrong the end. So there's no other side to be had.. :) BUT in all honesty I felt really inspired watching footage of protesters back during Vietnam who took risks, were arrested, and even beaten for standing up for what they believed in. And they were standing up for the lives of our fellow Americans who were risking their life to fight. Today thousands of men and women are risking their lives over in the Middle East and I hope that we as Americans will stand up and voice our opinions and our disagreements with this war. That's patriotic.

Ok back to the production, the film was really well done and I really enjoyed the interviews telling the story over narration. It even included recorded audio of Nixon being super pissed off and admitting he was killing thousands for ridiculous reasons. I recommend watching this if you're interested in the Vietnam War, the truth behind the Pentagon papers, or an inside look at the crookedness of our government.

Ok Film number two : Climate Refugees

This film is truly about a movement. Do you believe that global climate change is a natural process or a result of man's consumption and waste? The purpose of Climate Refugees is to bring a new perspective to the topic of climate change, and that perspective being; it doesn't really matter what's causing it, global climate change is destroying our natural world leading to thousands of people all over the world losing their livelihood, their resources, and ultimately their homes due to natural disasters and well climate changes. This film puts a human face to a very political discussion and simply says "hey, if we would step out of our office for a moment and stop arguing we'd see that whether or not we agree with what's causing our climate's odd behavior it's still happening and it's killing our land and our people" Many African countries are suffering from droughts and are forced to migrate to neighboring countries to seek food. Many farm lands around the world are no longer capable of producing crops, such as rice, which we in the US consume a lot of. So what do we do? Well at first as I was watching this film I thought, well let's open our borders and welcome everyone with open arms! This is a beautiful idea, but a very unrealistic one I know. So plan B... 1. consume less 2. waste less. 3. save and recycle. Turn off lights, car pool, composite waste, recycle plastic.. seriously. I can throw out statistics of how much we in this country waste a day and what that does to the rest of the world, but I'm sure you already have an idea. Going green should not be a trendy thing and should not be laughed at. It's very necessary for our survival and the survival of others.. others being those who farm and grow the food you consume daily. Those who produce the clothes and the materials for the clothes that you wear. If they're out of the picture, then your life is going to drastically change for the worse.

I really really appreciate this film maker's way of putting a human face to a political battle. Hey you on the left and you on the right, can you please meet me in the middle so I can show you that while you're arguing, people are dying, and you're basically wasting all of our time. Seriously, I'm so frustrated with the way the government is divided and how childish they all are. They're like a bunch of five year olds who can't play well with each other. Yes its very good to have different opinions and ideas on situations but when you can't come to a decision because of pride, selfishness, and just plain stubbornness, well then our democracy isn't so accomplished after all. Does it matter what's causing Global Climate Change, no! But it does matter that there are steps we can take to make sure our land and the human race continues to thrive. Our population is increasing so much and we need to adjust our lifestyles. It's really an awesome discussion and an excellent interruption into the debate. Go out and rent this or look it up.. "Climate Refugees" honestly you will want to go green and you will understand more about the issue then those who are in office.

I didn't mean to be such a hater on the government.... but I guess I really am! Well those two documentaries are well worth seeing. I suggest watching them with someone or a group of people so you can discuss them afterwards because truly that's the purpose of documentary film production.

When I make my first film, I hope it is something that stirs people's emotions, knowledge, and discussions. While you're at it, rent Touching the Void and God Grew Tired of Us. Touching the Void is about this crazy hiking story of these two British guys, seriously a crazy adventure. And God Grew Tired of Us is the story of lost boys from Sudan who were brought to America to be educated. It takes place in Pittsburgh, PA which is really cool! But a very serious story of the war in Uganda and the many lives being effected by it.

So after that I'll end with a quick update on my life.

I've been running a lot lately to reteach myself how much I love to run and I have found it is the best way to start the day. I hope it also keeps me in shape for hiking season. I wish I had a friend like HOLLY who wanted to hike daily but people around here don't do much winter hiking. I guess I'll take up snowshoeing. I've also been really busy doing my own contract productions which you can view at www.youtube.com/user/anacbproduction

I've been doing networking lately and research as I'm on a journey to start my own film. I'm feeling really good energy with this idea and from everyone I meet. I believe so much in the power of a good story and therefore instead of calling myself a producer, I'm pitching myself as a story teller. I love that idea.

I've also been doing some fundraising projects for Haiti with some friends and that went super well! The American Red Cross has a site that lists the names of people missing in Haiti, over 200,000 names. So my friends and I made beaded bracelets with names of missing persons in Haiti and collected donations for the bracelets. People who bought a bracelet were to wear them, pray about the missing people,think about the missing people, and check the website for any updates. We believe these bracelets built a bridge between Haiti's communities and ours.

I'm currently editing a concert I shot and produced as well as transcribing a DVD series for a new educational movement. Maybe the next time I blog I'll let you know how I feel about the education system. In short.. if you want to teach a child to take a test, then you might as well give up as an educator. Education is about encouraging, exploring, and experiencing.. not taking tests!

Someday when Anne rules the world.. there will be puppies and flowers and sunshine.. and common sense.

I'm going to try to start updating this more. I do things during the day and think I need to blog about this, but of course I never do.

Hopefully my rambling made sense, if it didn't contact me and I'll clear it up. As my late cousin Bryan always said, "Stay Gold" love love love and whatever you choose to do in life, realize your actions affect everything and your kindness goes a long way.

Mountains Beyond Mountains

Well if nothing else people I know I don't want to move back to Pennsylvania because it's never 60 degrees and sunny in the middle of January.. but in CO that's the norm I suppose :)

These past few weeks have been some of the hardest since I've moved to CO. For the first time since June I haven't had any "real" work to do. It's been really difficult for me to wake up knowing I don't have a contract job to go to today. For the first time I even almost regretted not taking the managers position at the television station in PA.. almost regretted is key. Sometimes in life, especially for me, I forget to look at the bigger picture and instead I look at other people's lives. It's silly really. I know I would never be happy in small town PA and that any job I took there would be out of the need of security rather then passion and drive to do the job. I've spent the last week crying and feeling sorry for myself.. what a loser you are Anne!

A few days ago I helped my friend Sarah paint her office. Up until the day I spent with Sarah I was furiously applying for jobs, researching grants and funding for independent filmmakers, and crying myself to sleep. Man.. who would have ever thought I was an emotional girl? :) Sarah is an amazing woman with amazing dreams. She had this dream when she was in school of using nutrition to help people health from illnesses. However, this isn't an easy profession to

bust into, You basically have to start your own practice and acquire your own clients. With this dream in mind Sarah set out meeting nutritionists taking steps to build her career. She had no luck. When she finally hit a wall of serious doubt about her dreams she walked away from them. But, with all things, God works for the good of those who love him. He opened an opportunity for her to meet another nutritionist who was a professional in the exact career Sarah wanted to pursue. Now, after two years, she is starting her own practice and attending grad school. Her journey really opened my heart and mind that my biggest dreams cannot be accomplished over night. And that I really have no reason to be upset that I'm not doing exactly what I think I should be doing. After all.. If you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. It's so true!

I met a producer/author/public speaker the other day who is starting a tv station in 36 states and it will run online. The purpose of the station is showcase work of female producers and highlight non-profit organizations. The station is also a partner with Samsung in releasing this new technology that can turn any youtube.com quality video into HD! Well I sent her my resume for a job.. that of course was already being filled.. but the good news is she contacted me and told me how much she loved my work and wanted to keep in touch with me for future work opportunities. After some chatting I asked her if I could put my Nueva Esperanza documentary on her channel.. and she said yes! For the next six months my production will be shown and she has allowed me to tag contact information at the end. This is free awesome publicity. God is doing something great, I trust so much in his promise. There's gotta be someone out there who believes in funding and supporting social justice documentary productions! I believe.

The other day I saw a bald eagle in my backyard.. holy smokes! I was so thrilled and inspired. I know its just a bird.. but its so rare and beautiful it truly lifted my spirits. It also reminded me of my little brother Christopher Joel because his favorite animal was a bald eagle. It just gave me so much hope to see this bird and know that Christopher is in a better place and that I too will be ok.

So I went and volunteered at World Vision so I could know I was doing something to help those in Haiti. I took my girl Alyssa and we packed a lot of shoes for 8 hours.. and it was good! Poor Haiti. I was also able to hold a donation drive to buy medicine for the country and was thrilled when theMILL pulled through and raised a coupe hundred dollars. I am so pumped when people care. I love my generation because I really see that we want to volunteer and help other people. I get really ticked when I hear older people say we're lazy.. I mean there's a fair share but I believe people my age are looking for causes and reasons to get their hands dirty, work in community, and help make better the lives of those who are poor and hopeless. I read a facebook status tonight that said.. quote.. why should we help Haiti when they didn't come to our rescue during Katrina. Wow.. ignorance at its finest. But I'm glad for everyone else I hear that is praying, donating, and loving on Haiti right now. I hope someday you'll be able to go to that country and realize the beauty of it. The Haitian people are the most genuine loving people I have ever met. They have nothing.. seriously nothing.. and they are SO happy and caring. When I was there I learned so much about living, needing, and serving. I went there to help and instead they changed my life. Haiti has nothing and this restoration of their country won't be easy but this is truly what life is about. Community looking after community. Paul Farmer, founder of Partners in Health, a medical clinic in Port-au-Prince said.. " It should be enough to humbly serve the poor" and dude believe me it truly is! Mountains Beyond Mountains is a fabulous story of Paul Farmer's journey in Haiti and the history of Haiti if you're looking for a good read. Talk about pursuing dreams and believing that life is about using talents to better other's lives. He's a big inspiration to me.

I don't believe that all these natural disasters that have taken place in the last ten years are just coincidence. I really believe mother nature.. or my LORD Jesus.. [which ever you prefer] is telling us its time to end the B.S. going on in this world and help a brother out. Haiti has been a complete mess for years.. seriously more hopeless then you can imagine.. and it takes a 7.0 earthquake for people and governments to lend a helping hand. Maybe all of these disasters are to show us we really need each other.. we really don't need a lot of money, fancy cars, or material things.. we need only a few things : 1. love 2. community 3. Peace 4. Faith

I don't know about you.. but it seems the world is being rocked and if we don't change we're never going to make it out alive.

With that being said I spent a wonderful weekend in the mountains, loved it. Ran a whole lot. Again.. loved it!

I write novels with these blogs.. well I just want to make sure Karina has enough to read and hopefully she'll enjoy what I have to say more then fuss over my wrong punctuation and grammar. :) So with that being said.. go donate a dollar to Friends of Ft. Liberte or Partners in Health. A dollar goes so much further then you realize.

"We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for victims of our nation and for those it calls enemy, for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers"-MLK

Joie de Vivre

I really don't write as much as I like .. why did I even start a blog?

I spent Christmas in the mountains with my brother and his girlfriends family. I sat by the fire, drank wine, listened to carols, and read the entire twilight series. I must have been a little dizzy from the high altitude that I actually read Twilight (because silly vampire romance doesn't do i

t for me) well not usually but I have to admit I fell in love with the books. So my apologies for laughing at everyone else I know that has read them... It really was a beautiful story of life, love, and struggle. I really enjoyed spending time with this family for the holidays although I was sad to not see my own family. I can't begin to explain the beauty of the snow covered mountains on Christmas day. I was born to see sights like that.

As for adventure, I'm learning how to snowboard! It has been a wild time and I've already dislocated my shoulder.. my new dear friend Nate has been generous enough to give me all the gear I need to look legit.. now if only I could master my mad skill! However, I am going to give myself the credit that I never thought I'd be able to snowboard down a mountain and actually be ok enough to do it a second or third time. I've even made it down the entire mountain without falling. Joie de Vivre was a term recently introduced to me by a distant cousin I have in Alaska. Its about loving and enjoying life, even the times when you fall face first into the snow. I may not be the best snowboarder and the little four year olds may pass me but I truly enjoy being able to participate in the activity. Besides being on top of a mountain in the snow is so worth the occasional fall.. it's a beautiful sight!

2009 was about healing from my little brother's death, celebrating my college graduation, learning about community and life in Haiti, Relationship building with my friends and my God at Covenant Heights Camp, and exploring this wonderful state of Colorado. I grew up a lot in 2009, learned a lot about myself and learned a lot about life. I realized what I cherished the most and what I truly wanted out of life. I learned how to relax, have fun, explore, love, and have peace of mind. Now in 2010 I really want to know what it is I've been made to do. Although video production is my passion.. helping others and traveling also has my heart and attention. I know I want to combine both and perhaps someday I will.. but for now if I'm going to figure out what it is God has for me. I have some opportunities coming up for job possibilities and I fear if I write about them then they won't happen :) but I am hopeful that God does have a plan and purpose for me.. why else would I ditch all my securities and move across the country? I'm starting to feel more at home in Colorado and at the same time I'm becoming kind of restless here. I often think about moving to Alaska.. I don't know why but I feel that I need some new adventure in my life. I recently read "When God Writes Your Love Story" and have since felt that I need to continue to embrace my singleness and my passions to continue to move around and share life with others. I know I'm not here to stay, at least I don't feel that way and I'm trying not to become attached to anyone so if I do leave it'll be easier. However I do cherish everyone in my life and everyone who has encouraged me to chase my dreams. I know 2010 will be a big year. And I want to glorify Christ for all he has done for me. So Happy New Year and I wish you the best in all that you pursue. And I urge you to chase your dreams and live for the moments that make you feel alive.

When I hear the sound of the Black Bird's Cry.. I know I left in the nick of time

It's a snowy cold day in Colorado. I'm curled up on the couch reading and drinking tea.. all that's missing is a fire place and some violin music playing softly in the background...

Well I went back to PA from November 23-December 3 with my big brother and my bestest gal pal. I have often wondered as I look at my mountain view if Colorado is in the cards for me or if I'm just wishing and hoping its where I'm suppose to be. Now I am more certain then ever that running away from home was the right thing to do.

It was great to see my family and friends again, the familiar faces really warmed my heart and made me feel so blessed for those in my life. I was able to surprise my family on Thanksgiving and then again surprise all my old college friends and professors with a visit to campus a few days after the holiday. So fun! I enjoyed seeing my best friends and realizing that no matter where life takes you, you can always know that real friendships never die. When I hung out with my girls and of course Jeremy it was like I had never left home, it was wonderful! However, I did realize soon why leaving PA was a smart move for me.

Have I ever mentioned that I was offered my own TV station in Connellsville PA? Well I was offered this job.. in August.. and I turned it down immediately without hesitation because I was playing the mountains and of course nothing fazes me when I'm 9000 ft above elevation. Then a few days later I realized what the offer entailed.. a career (good pay, benefits, security, status, etc.) And I have often wondered if I turned out something good. While I was home however I just didn't feel like myself.. I was tense, anxious, participated in activities I gave up a long time ago, had no interest in making time for God. And as I hung out Pittsburgh and Butler I realized something.. if I was to take this job in PA I would never get to where I want to be.. a voice for those who suffer. Although this station job would give me authority, money, and security.. it would also give me a 9-5 office job, in small town PA, and I would not be as free or as alive as I am out in Colorado. I knew then and there I had made the right decisions.

As for the rest of my trip there was some great times and some not so great times. Seeing old familiar faces brought both joy and pain but such is life.. The one great thing was that my family and I were able to have a burial and memorial service for my little brother. We went on a small walk to one of his favorite hunting spots and buried him under a beautiful tree in the woods. It was a beautiful time to spend together and a time of reflection of not only Christopher but of ourselves as well. I also spent wayy to much time at Ricks.. and looking back I'm thoroughly embarrassed that I let old crazy anne out of the box.

But now I'm back in Colorado and so happy to see my mountains again! Its freezing cold and the snow is accumulating more and more everyday.. yay!! Its so beautiful ! I am also in the process of my first producing job.. a producer of non-profit commercials for a series entitled "Go Serve" I am so excited and nervous about this opportunity. God really does provide when you trust in him. No its not a full time TV station, but its what I love to do.. that is so much more important then money and job security. The hardest part of this job so far has been deciding my budget.. I really love what I do so much that I honestly could care less about the money. I know practically that is nonsense but I really do love working for free as long as I'm shooting and editing video!

I also just finished reading a book, Volunteer Revolution by Bill Hybels. Awesome! It was about why people volunteer, what it means to volunteer, and how communities need each other for our own abilities to contribute. I highly recommend it if you are a passionate community volunteer but especially if you aren't and you are curious about what it means to volunteer. It just has made me want to go out and spread the love! :)

I'm also just starting a new book, "When God Writes Your Love Story." So I hear a lot that I'm somewhat of a tease.. or heartbreaker.. mainly my big brother likes to point it out. This book was recommended to me and I decided to invest in someone's expert opinion of relationships with the opposite sex. While I was home I actually had a little crush on someone but I think they keep turning me down.. not sure. But really I am so content being single I don't want to think about dating. However, I often wonder if I am being called to singleness or not.. but I'm anxious to indulge in this book and perhaps it'll open my eyes to my heartbreak ways ;)

So this was long, and probably pointless but I thought I'd update it for the two people who may sometimes read this. Remember.. "Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." Anne Frank

Good Night & Good Luck

What's the difference between a police officer & a bank robber?

Ok so follow along with me because I have a feeling my big idealistic heart is just going to start rambling on about the way the world should be. But this is just in my head and i need to write it down.

The other night I was taking home a friend after a production and he begins to tell me that there was a robbery near the town I live in in Colorado. He told me two robbers, a man and a woman, were robbing the bank when the police showed up and shot both of them. Well I replied with "I hate that they feel they can just kill someone" and this boy very seriously looks at me and says "who would you rather have died, the police.. or a robber.." implying that the police officer responsible for the death is somehow a much more worthy human being to live. Hear me out on this one..

So what's the difference between a police officer and a bank robber. All we know about all three of them is one enforces the law and the other two broke the law. But aren't they all three human beings, and don't you think all three of them come from families and have friends. Do bank robbers not have needs or emotions, or are they just the trash of our society? I mean let's examine the officer.. all we know is that he saved the day at this event, but what does he do with the rest of his time? With the sick world we live in now he may be more of a hazard to our lives then they were.

The next day reports came out about this couple who was shot while robbing the bank. They were described as great contributors to our community, always giving back, always very warm and friendly. But some people came forward and said that they were loosing hope because of financial problems. So again, yes they did a not-so-note-worthy thing but they were desperate, struggling, hopeless. Have you ever been put in a situation of desperation, starvation, homelessness? That's what I want to turn to this boy and ask as I drop him off at his lovely home and I want him to think about as he falls asleep in his warm bed. I can't say I've ever faced those situations either but I've learned through my life its time we start looking at things through other's eyes.

So they were described as people who were always willing to lend a hand.. hmm.. I wonder if anyone ever lent them one? What if we got together in our communities, spoke with our neighbors, visited with friends or people who aren't friends and found out what people are struggling with in life and are in need of.. and we give it to them. Such an idealistic thought huh? NO! Come on people we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS. People deserve to live and to be happy no matter what they've done in their life or where they come from. If this couple was surrounded by a community who looked at the needs of others and gave selflessly their actions and ultimate death I guarantee would have never happened. Its just so frustrating for me to see people spending hundreds of dollars this time of year because tis the season for giving.. but the thought of giving a dollar to a Salvation worker outside the walmart is so repulsive because we're all struggling financially right? Man, we do not need all this crap we buy. If you want to buy clothes for your friends or family for Christmas then go through your closets and find things that are in good shape that you don't wear.. walk down town, and give it to someone or donate it to a homeless shelter. Or go out into your neighborhood, walk around, and talk to people. When you make attempts to connect with someone it can change everything for them, especially someone who is feeling lost and hopeless. Its not cliche its the honest truth!

I am just so sad for my friend who really thinks that people who are hungry, desperate, and hopeless deserve to die because they did something when they had nothing to loose. I still don't get the argument.. is the cop free from sin because he has a badge? please!

Voltaire once said, Human beings are created EQUAL. It is not birth.. but virtue that makes the difference. Are you following me? I guess to wrap this up I'm saying this.

Care for those who have no one to care for them. Look around your community and extend a hand of hope to those in need. Not just because its the Holiday season but because its our purpose and sole responsibility as humans. We've got to learn how to live in community, where we NEED everyone else in our lives actively to survive. And we need to stop building hierarchies amongst ourselves as if one of us is better then the other. Who decided that? Does a badge make you superior? No. Don't get me wrong I appreciate what police officers do and the risk they take with their job, but don't put them on a pedestal because underneath that uniform they are human too and they have made their own sets of mistakes.

I'll leave you with this. Tonight at theMILL a bunch of college students got together and decided they were going to buy a car for this guy who was in need of one. A bunch of broke college students scrapped up money and support and were able to buy this kid a car so he could get to work and keep his job. Isn't it odd that students who honestly don't have hundreds of dollars in petty cash laying around were able to buy a really nice newish car for this kid and they did it because they felt it was their responsibility to help him out.. did I mention this kid they bought the car for was a complete stranger to them until they actually gave him the car? So please pray for those in need who are struggling and are hopeless and then think of what you can do for those in your communities. And stop judging the lost, because I'm pretty sure you reading this now have committed a bunch of crimes and have been lost and hopeless in your life at least a 100 times. You're not an exception to the rule.