Life has been feeling quite busy here lately. And to be honest, I don't like to feel busy. I love to be able to have time at home to hang dry my clothes, lay in bed and read, cook yummy dinners, etc. Whereas the truth right now, is that there are clothes hanging on the clothesline that have been there for at least 3 days, and every morning I just walk outside, get what I need, and then continue getting ready for work...so eventually they will all come off the line...it might just be a while. Not to mention the fact that there are 'clean' clothes in the wash that have been there since last night that need to be dried, but I just don't have the will power right now to get up and hang them (nor is there room on the line). I haven't gone grocery shopping in over a week...all we have in the fridge is eggs, tortillas, cheese, and lettuce...good thing I get free food at work! :)
Despite the busyness though, I do love my job. I was telling Ryan today that it feels like I'm doing exactly what I am meant to be doing for this season in my life. The trainees are wonderful people for me to learn from and grow with.
And, it is soo exciting to see Ryan working so hard in preparation for the cd release show. I love the passion and motivation that is springing out of him.
I'm just missing the downtime of playing boardgames, making dinner, drinking tea, and talking that we are so used to having together. Hopefully that time is just around the corner for us though.
On a random note, I feel like I'm going through the awkward middle school phase with growing out my bangs again. I got many compliments on the "Halle Berry" wanna-be hair cut, but when it came down to it, it just didn't feel "me"...so the bangs are going and I'm wearing scarfs in my hair everyday to hold the bangs back. Luckily this time around, my hair is much shorter so the process should be quicker!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
The World Awaits!
Three years and two months in the making...we finally have Ryanhood's latest album in our hands!! As many of you know, this process was very long and painful at times. Thank you so much for all of your support during the ups and downs along the way...it really has meant more to us than words could say! The good news is, we are really happy with how the album came out! Not only is the packaging all made from recycled cardboard and vegetable dyes...it sounds GREAT too! :)
You can pre-order a copy of the cd here.
If you are in Tucson...
We will be having the cd release at The Rialto Theatre on April 4th! You can buy tickets here.
All tickets come with a copy of the new album, The World Awaits. We really hope you can join us!!
If you are in Boston...
We will be having a cd release at Cafe 939 (located in Back Bay) on May 29th! Stay tuned to Ryanhood's website for more details.
And, if you are located elsewhere, we hope to schedule a show near you soon!! :)
The unveiling of the album...
You can pre-order a copy of the cd here.
If you are in Tucson...
We will be having the cd release at The Rialto Theatre on April 4th! You can buy tickets here.
All tickets come with a copy of the new album, The World Awaits. We really hope you can join us!!
If you are in Boston...
We will be having a cd release at Cafe 939 (located in Back Bay) on May 29th! Stay tuned to Ryanhood's website for more details.
And, if you are located elsewhere, we hope to schedule a show near you soon!! :)
The unveiling of the album...
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Life at the Garden
We are back in Tucson for a while, so I decided to look back into working at Cafe 54 in the Botanical Gardens...and YEAH...they just so happened to be looking for a job coach!
For those of you who may not be familiar with Cafe 54, here is the text from a blog I wrote a couple of years ago while working there...
There is an incredible organization in Tucson called Cafe 54 (www.cafe54.org). It's a unique cafe that hires and trains individuals with mental illness to work at the cafe to gain job skills and confidence with customer service, food prep, serving food, counting money, etc. Whenever the trainees are not working, they can spend time at the Clubhouse, which is a day center located nextdoor to the cafe, and work on their resumes, coverletters, check email, attend meetings, etc. Once they are feeling confident and ready, we then encourage them and assist them in applying for jobs out in the community and then coach them through the interviewing process, etc.
Well, to make a long story short, the Tucson Botanical Gardens has a horticulture therapy program for individuals with any sort of mental or physical illnesses, where they garden for therapy. The Botanical Gardens love that Cafe 54 is a like-minded non-profit, so they asked us to start a Garden Cafe in the Fall of 2006.
It's a little adobe cottage set in the most beautiful surroundings. Right now there is a huge butterfly exhibit going on, so everyday I go over and check out what stages they are in and also see many butterflies just fluttering around the gardens.
It's a really tasty menu with prickly pear and raspberry hibiscus iced teas, goat cheese tarts, salads, mediterranean plates, pesto/mozarella/tomato sandwiches, etc...oh, and I shouldn't forget to mention the carrot cake and whole wheat brownies! All of their plates, silverware, etc is 100% compostable, and any food scraps that are able to be, are composted and re-used right there in the garden.
Here's the front of the cafe...there are tables out in front, but they are hard to see in the picture...
Here is the ramada area where a lot of people sit to eat...
For those of you who may not be familiar with Cafe 54, here is the text from a blog I wrote a couple of years ago while working there...
There is an incredible organization in Tucson called Cafe 54 (www.cafe54.org). It's a unique cafe that hires and trains individuals with mental illness to work at the cafe to gain job skills and confidence with customer service, food prep, serving food, counting money, etc. Whenever the trainees are not working, they can spend time at the Clubhouse, which is a day center located nextdoor to the cafe, and work on their resumes, coverletters, check email, attend meetings, etc. Once they are feeling confident and ready, we then encourage them and assist them in applying for jobs out in the community and then coach them through the interviewing process, etc.
Well, to make a long story short, the Tucson Botanical Gardens has a horticulture therapy program for individuals with any sort of mental or physical illnesses, where they garden for therapy. The Botanical Gardens love that Cafe 54 is a like-minded non-profit, so they asked us to start a Garden Cafe in the Fall of 2006.
It's a little adobe cottage set in the most beautiful surroundings. Right now there is a huge butterfly exhibit going on, so everyday I go over and check out what stages they are in and also see many butterflies just fluttering around the gardens.
It's a really tasty menu with prickly pear and raspberry hibiscus iced teas, goat cheese tarts, salads, mediterranean plates, pesto/mozarella/tomato sandwiches, etc...oh, and I shouldn't forget to mention the carrot cake and whole wheat brownies! All of their plates, silverware, etc is 100% compostable, and any food scraps that are able to be, are composted and re-used right there in the garden.
Here's the front of the cafe...there are tables out in front, but they are hard to see in the picture...
Here is the ramada area where a lot of people sit to eat...
Monday, March 02, 2009
Rodeo!!
Many of you may remember our devastating trip to the rodeo two years ago. We were determined to not let that happen again, so we bought our tickets in advance this year. Unfortunately, I forgot to borrow boots this time, but I had a pretty rockin' belt buckle to wear...and Ryan wore his cowboy shirt. Our attempts were nothing though compared to how decked out the kids were...
I'm not too sure of what I think about rodeos to be honest. I can have fun at them and see how it all stemmed from practicalities of ranching...but watching the calf roping is a little much for my taste. I much prefer the barrel racing and bareback riding.
Well, we skipped past spring and summer is here...it's in the upper 80s already! I'm not really complaining though, it's nice to be outside in the sunshine. My morning adventure for this week was the Douglass Spring Trail at the end of Speedway. Rumor has it there is a waterfall somewhere on the trail, but I must not have gone far enough...perhaps next week!
I'm not too sure of what I think about rodeos to be honest. I can have fun at them and see how it all stemmed from practicalities of ranching...but watching the calf roping is a little much for my taste. I much prefer the barrel racing and bareback riding.
Well, we skipped past spring and summer is here...it's in the upper 80s already! I'm not really complaining though, it's nice to be outside in the sunshine. My morning adventure for this week was the Douglass Spring Trail at the end of Speedway. Rumor has it there is a waterfall somewhere on the trail, but I must not have gone far enough...perhaps next week!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The dirt is always browner...
As we travel around the country, I begin to have a bit of wonder-lust wishing I lived everywhere except for Tucson. Boston, San Francisco, Peaks Island (Maine), Vermont, ....those are just a few that come to mind. But, then we return to Tucson and I'm in love with the sun, the mountains, our friends, ...unfortunately though that feeling of being in love with Tucson doesn't always remain. I think it's because I don't take advantage of all the things I love here as often as I should. And then you know, I start thinking that the dirt is always browner (or maybe fertile enough so that grass could even grow), everywhere but here. So, as a way to keep myself present and content, I decided I would spend one day a week where I "splurge" and take the time to go for a hike or run somewhere other than around our neighborhood. So far...the results have been great! I'm loving Tucson!
Last week's adventures:
The trailhead at the end of Alvernon Way:
Sabino Canyon:
Today:
The trail at the end of Broadway:
Last week's adventures:
The trailhead at the end of Alvernon Way:
Sabino Canyon:
Today:
The trail at the end of Broadway:
Friday, February 20, 2009
Life with Grammie
Living at Grammie's has been wonderful, as I mentioned in an earlier post. I feel like there is so much to learn from living with someone who has almost 50 years on me. Her husband (Bill) has been living in a home for people with Alzheimer's for the past 4 years. And, she still visits him six days a week (Wednesday she gets her hair and nails done at the time when he is usually awake). It's beautiful to see her love for him continue despite the fact that he doesn't know who she is anymore. She still brings him his favorites of frappuccinos, strawberries, and yogurt, even though he probably doesn't even know they were ever his favorites. It's love. It's marriage in sickness and in health to the very end...filled with love.
Last night Grammie had some friends, The Reillys, over for dinner. She's been friends with them since she moved to Tucson (almost 50 years ago). She met the Reillys while moving her parents into their old house. I love it. Just a little real estate transaction, turned into a life long friendship.
Another couple she is close with, she met because they used to both go to the same restaurant a lot, and always see each other. Now, with Bill being in the home, they invite her to partake in dinners, vacations, movies, etc all the time...again, beautiful friendship.
Tomorrow we'll be moving back to our home. I'm going to miss the hour long breakfast chats, cozy home, and bedtime hugs. Good thing she only lives 20 minutes away. :)
There have been many laughs while living here. Grammie is laugher (as is Lori)...I love it. A couple of years ago when Ryanhood was taking press photos, she found the perfect look that they should go after...it was based on a photo of Michael Buble, her musical crush. Unfortunately it was not the look Ryanhood was going for, but just for fun, I made Ryan pose like him so I could take a photo. I don't think we ever showed her that photo. So, perhaps tonight will be the night to bring out that photo to make her laugh.
Michael Buble
Ryan Green
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Two steps forward, three steps back?
Our last hotel of the tour turned out be pretty sweet, despite the lack of a trusted name. (Normally I'm anti-chains...I like small businesses, but when it comes to hotels...I like the consistency and cleanliness that comes with recognizable names). This particular hotel was called "The Lodge", and well, it looked like a lodge! Log cabin on the outside, and log cabin-looking on the inside...very cute. AND, it had a putt-putt golf course in the back that guests could use for free! The owner told us we were the first golfers of the season, so we had to clean off the twigs, and astroturf was a bit water-logged...
...but she never said anything about the dog losing his leg over the hard winter!
Onto other things...
Our road "kitchen" has moved up in ranks! We recently discovered the electric skillet! (So much better than having to use a hot plate with a pot/pan on top of it)...the electric skillet totally simplifies the cooking process...not to mention it's way bigger, and heats up much faster! The only problem now though, is that we are often tempted to plug it in outside of gas stations so we can eat hot food for lunch instead of eating our tiresome turkey sandwiches. :)
...but she never said anything about the dog losing his leg over the hard winter!
Onto other things...
Our road "kitchen" has moved up in ranks! We recently discovered the electric skillet! (So much better than having to use a hot plate with a pot/pan on top of it)...the electric skillet totally simplifies the cooking process...not to mention it's way bigger, and heats up much faster! The only problem now though, is that we are often tempted to plug it in outside of gas stations so we can eat hot food for lunch instead of eating our tiresome turkey sandwiches. :)
One of these is not like the others...
We are staying at Grammie's house right now (until Saturday) while our house is still being rented. I think this was the best way to come "home". We can see all of our friends and family, be in the sun, do our laundry non-coin-op style, etc...but no guilty feelings of needing to clean the house, pull the weeds, etc. Plus, Grammie happens to be very nurturing, drinks tea, and loves to play card games! It's the type of community living I picture loving (although roommates may make me clean, pull weeds, etc...but that will be okay). :)
As we pulled back the covers to go to bed on our first night here...we found a surprise from Grammie...Ryan's blankie after years and years of separation! :)
Gray Beauty (aka our 1987 Nissan Sentra) feels a little out of place, but we keep re-assuring her that we really don't want a Buick LeSabre until we turn 65... (please note that these are only the Buick LeSabres we pass coming and going from Grammie's, we haven't walked down the streets of other condos yet...
As we pulled back the covers to go to bed on our first night here...we found a surprise from Grammie...Ryan's blankie after years and years of separation! :)
Gray Beauty (aka our 1987 Nissan Sentra) feels a little out of place, but we keep re-assuring her that we really don't want a Buick LeSabre until we turn 65... (please note that these are only the Buick LeSabres we pass coming and going from Grammie's, we haven't walked down the streets of other condos yet...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Dominic!
Dominic Christopher Giambelluca arrived on Sunday morning! Everyone is home and doing great. Here are a few photos...
Saturday evening...
Sunday morning...
Monday evening...
It's probably fair to say we are stalkers. :)
More posts to come about the wrap up of the tour...so nice to be home, I think I'm just going to enjoy it for now instead of blogging. :)
Saturday evening...
Sunday morning...
Monday evening...
It's probably fair to say we are stalkers. :)
More posts to come about the wrap up of the tour...so nice to be home, I think I'm just going to enjoy it for now instead of blogging. :)
Friday, February 06, 2009
Today!
Last weekend I heard a sermon that really moved me. It was the first thing that the pastor said though it had nothing to do with the sermon, in fact it was a prelude to what turned out to be a joke, but it was still striking...and it has left me thinking ever since. He said, "Today doesn't have to be a carbon copy of yesterday". I have a job that is truly different from day-to-day...one day we are in Iowa playing a show, and the next day we are driving 8 hours through Wisconsin passing time playing games in the car, and the next day we are at home booking shows for the following tour. But it can still be a carbon copy of the day before if I allow it to be. My thought patterns, what dreams and passions I put aside, the food I eat (even though I'm sick of it), the phone calls I avoid, etc. I don't want to live out a carbon copy of yesterday though. I want to have more spontaneity. I want to dream big dreams. I want to actualize those dreams. I want to stay up too late for once and be okay with not getting enough sleep. I want to get caught up in conversation with a stranger. I want to have the confidence to sing at a family sing-a-long. I want to live in the moment. I want to choose to be joyful.
Dreams/passions I'd like to pursue...
* Hang out with children in some capacity (volunteer in Child Life, be a substitute preschool/kindergarten teacher, be a "big sister", spend more time with Rachel, offer to babysit for my friends' children, invite the neighbor kids over more, ....)
* Take more time with crafts. Usually I start a project and want to finish it soon...I don't want it to carry on for a long time...I want to wear it, give it, sell it, etc as soon as possible. But, what if I allowed it to take me a few weeks...a few months...could it become even better...might my creativity develop even more?
* Try my hand at painting using mixed media.
* I'd love to get to know my neighbors more.
* Make Ryanhood concerts benefit shows for various causes.
* Send cards to friends and family for no particular reason.
* Spend less time on the computer.
* Be involved in a cause...not really sure what this involvement looks like right now, or what the cause may be. Two current thoughts running through my head are: a.) something to do with marriages--it saddens me to see so many marriages that surround me lacking communication and complacent with their unhappiness. and/or b.) something to do with human trafficking.
* Take time to play outdoors everyday! (run, hike, garden, etc.)
Dreams/passions I'd like to pursue...
* Hang out with children in some capacity (volunteer in Child Life, be a substitute preschool/kindergarten teacher, be a "big sister", spend more time with Rachel, offer to babysit for my friends' children, invite the neighbor kids over more, ....)
* Take more time with crafts. Usually I start a project and want to finish it soon...I don't want it to carry on for a long time...I want to wear it, give it, sell it, etc as soon as possible. But, what if I allowed it to take me a few weeks...a few months...could it become even better...might my creativity develop even more?
* Try my hand at painting using mixed media.
* I'd love to get to know my neighbors more.
* Make Ryanhood concerts benefit shows for various causes.
* Send cards to friends and family for no particular reason.
* Spend less time on the computer.
* Be involved in a cause...not really sure what this involvement looks like right now, or what the cause may be. Two current thoughts running through my head are: a.) something to do with marriages--it saddens me to see so many marriages that surround me lacking communication and complacent with their unhappiness. and/or b.) something to do with human trafficking.
* Take time to play outdoors everyday! (run, hike, garden, etc.)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Something More
One of Ryan's new songs has me totally captivated. I wish I could upload audio for it, because the melody is beautiful, but I unfortunately don't have a recording of it yet.
I love finding music that I can connect with it. I love it when I find it to be so true to me. I love it when it inspires me to be 'something more'.
Something More
Some people say that I was born a man
No time to play while I was making plans
I never learned to dirty up my hands
Cause even when I step outside
I hold it in and my kite won't fly
I'm tangled up in a fear of highs
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
I wanna swim in the sea at night
Unafraid of the deep inside
Learn to love in the full moonlight
I'm tryin' to find what I'm made for
So you can get your moneys worth that you paid for
'cause I've got nothing left that I need to save for
I'm ready, I'm ready to spend myself
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
I've waited for myself
But nothing's coming
There must be someone else
That keeps me running
You keep me running
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
I love finding music that I can connect with it. I love it when I find it to be so true to me. I love it when it inspires me to be 'something more'.
Something More
Some people say that I was born a man
No time to play while I was making plans
I never learned to dirty up my hands
Cause even when I step outside
I hold it in and my kite won't fly
I'm tangled up in a fear of highs
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
I wanna swim in the sea at night
Unafraid of the deep inside
Learn to love in the full moonlight
I'm tryin' to find what I'm made for
So you can get your moneys worth that you paid for
'cause I've got nothing left that I need to save for
I'm ready, I'm ready to spend myself
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
I've waited for myself
But nothing's coming
There must be someone else
That keeps me running
You keep me running
Please come before me
Make me into something more
I feel the need to love
But I haven't got enough
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Touring along...
Here's a random smattering of what we've been up to lately...
*We just saw the wiener mobile in Madison! I don't know why it is so exciting to see a car in the shape of a hotdog, but I love that it can totally make my day.
*I'm loving the snow! I grew up with seasons, and I think part of me just needs to see summer turn into fall and fall turn into winter...I love it! I guess this is the great part about touring we get to experience all the seasons.
*We've been surrounded by Little House on the Prairie country while touring Minnesota! We made a stop at the Walnut Grove Mercantile the other day to get some fresh fudge...they also had bolts of fabric, just like Mrs. Oleson would have had.
*We did a little snow shoeing (we decided that skiing was not an option considering the recent finger damage)...
*And, we hit black ice...spun the van into the highway median (thankfully filled with fluffy snow)...the tow truck pulled us out, no injuries and no damage to the van!
*Yeah Arizona for making it to the Super Bowl...we were cheering you on at my sister's Super Bowl party!
*Welcome to the family Lucy!! We're so glad we got to finally meet you!
*Wonderful meals and time spent with family and friends in the midwest!
*I was inspired by Halle Berry to get my hair cut...
...unfortunately having the haircut like her's, doesn't mean I can style it the same way...I'm working on it. ...sorry no pictures at this point. :)
Only 9 more days until we are home...this tour has flown by!
*We just saw the wiener mobile in Madison! I don't know why it is so exciting to see a car in the shape of a hotdog, but I love that it can totally make my day.
*I'm loving the snow! I grew up with seasons, and I think part of me just needs to see summer turn into fall and fall turn into winter...I love it! I guess this is the great part about touring we get to experience all the seasons.
*We've been surrounded by Little House on the Prairie country while touring Minnesota! We made a stop at the Walnut Grove Mercantile the other day to get some fresh fudge...they also had bolts of fabric, just like Mrs. Oleson would have had.
*We did a little snow shoeing (we decided that skiing was not an option considering the recent finger damage)...
*And, we hit black ice...spun the van into the highway median (thankfully filled with fluffy snow)...the tow truck pulled us out, no injuries and no damage to the van!
*Yeah Arizona for making it to the Super Bowl...we were cheering you on at my sister's Super Bowl party!
*Welcome to the family Lucy!! We're so glad we got to finally meet you!
*Wonderful meals and time spent with family and friends in the midwest!
*I was inspired by Halle Berry to get my hair cut...
...unfortunately having the haircut like her's, doesn't mean I can style it the same way...I'm working on it. ...sorry no pictures at this point. :)
Only 9 more days until we are home...this tour has flown by!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Africa Installment I
We've been home from Uganda for almost 2 weeks now. In some ways it feels so far away, like it was all a dream. And in other ways, it's all still fresh, and it feels as if part of us is still there. There are so many stories to tell, feelings to describe, and photos to share...blogging is not going to do it even the slightest justice, but I at least wanted to give you a glimpse of what our experience was like. There may be other installments at later dates as we remember other things to share, process it more, and edit the video we took.
FAMILY LIFE
Living with Liz's family gave us a really good idea of what it is like to LIVE in Uganda. To have a mother (Madame) who was never educated working so hard to see to it that her children get an education...and to see children thankful for their opportunity to go to school. Liz's mom (her dad passed away 10 years ago) has a bit of a miracle story. They used to be a very poor family living in very humble means, when a cell phone company came to them and said that their property was the perfect location for one of their towers. Now with a tower on their property, they receive a regular income for the first time. Ever. This has allowed her to build a house with running water and electricity. It has allowed her to send two of her daughters to the US for college, and one of son to London. The remaining 3 children in Uganda are all currently in school as well. Madame chose to build her house in the same area of their previous, much more humble home so that she could continue living in the company of her friends and neighbors that she's always known. She's probably one of the most generous people I've ever met...there were always an additional 5-10 people at the house who needed a place to sleep, or a meal to eat. She would give them minimal work to do such as washing clothes, cooking a meal, going to the market, etc in return for food and a place to stay; something to give them a sense of worth, and a sense that they are earning their stay. Madame didn't speak much English, but with translation and charades, lots of laughter and the little bit of Luganda that we learned, she quickly became someone we highly respected. The first few photos of the slide show at the end of this post are of Liz's family members, and the neighborhood we stayed in with Liz's family.
The first thing they told us when we got to Liz's house is that they use their hands for everything! They wash their clothes with their hands, clean their house with their hands (handle-less brooms), prepare their food with their hands, etc. I wanted to experience it all and work right alongside them for all of that. At first, they weren't so into the idea of me working because culturally, a guest should not have to work. But with Liz's help in translating, they realized that I really WANTED to help...I wanted to learn...so eventually they let me. And in the end, they even let me show them a few Arizonan things...like how to use the avocados from the tree in their yard to make guacamole...and how to make salsa. :) Even though their house has electricity, it is too expensive to heat water, so they mixed boiling water and cold water in a small tub to bathe. It's also too costly to have an oven/stove, so all the food is cooked in an outdoor kitchen over charcoal. Their food is largely made up of produce: potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, peas, mangoes, passion fruit, avocados, and matokae, which is their staple food (similar to bananas, picked while they are green, and boiled wrapped in banana leaves). Everything takes a long time to prepare. If you want to eat peas, you must start by opening the pods and pulling out the peas, which you then sort, and then cook...everything has more steps than what we are used to. The benefit of this is the wonderful connection you gain with the company you are preparing with, as well as the food itself.
We made friends with many people who stayed at or near the house, especially a tailor named Saidi and a boy named Sadati.
You will see a photo of Ryan in a suit standing next to a Saidi at a sewing machine. Saidi has been a tailor on that porch for the past 35 years. His family lives in the village, but since there are no jobs in the village, he works in Luzira and sees his family only every other weekend. His smile brought us close as friends and we looked forward to seeing him whenever we were coming or going from Liz's house. I asked him to make me a skirt and top with the material that was given to me as a gift for being Charlene's godmother. His work was absolutely beautiful, down to the touch of having satin as a lining inside the skirt and top. When I asked him, "How much do I owe you?" He responded with 10,000 shillings, the equivalent of $5. $5? Aware of the time that such work must have taken, I knew $5 was not a fair price based on our standards.
Sadati is the 15 year old son of the man that built Liz's house. His father has 6 children and can't afford to feed them all, so on school breaks Sadati comes and lives with Liz's family to help out and eat. You will see photos of him washing shoes and also at the internet cafe with Ryan. He taught us how to play several traditional Ugandan games, and Ryan taught him how to play guitar and use email. In the photo of him at the computer, it's actually his first time ever to use a computer. Ryan helped him create an email address, and we've been able to send a couple of emails back and forth since returning home. What did he want as his email address you ask? SadatiRyan@... :)
POLITICS
Uganda LOVES Obama!! Everywhere we went, we were greeted with enthusiasm about Obama. As I mentioned before, the people in the village greeted us with, "We are so honored that people from Obama's nation would visit us." The night Obama was elected, there was a dance club in Luzira that changed its name to Obama Club, and put a new sign up. I think having Obama as our president gives them hope. Hope for themselves, hope for their children. If the son of a Kenyan immigrant could become of the president of the United States...anything is possible for them!
Unfortunately, the government of Uganda does not offer the same hope, as it's a very corrupt system. Police are feared and not trusted. There are no records to keep track of criminals. Government workers all live in huge mansions (even by American standards), yet the citizens are barely able to get water, food, or shelter. It was sickening, and made us so appreciative of the systems America has in place. We may not be a perfect nation, but we do have a lot of really good things going for us, and we believe that change is possible.
RELIGION
Uganda is a country mixed with both Christians and Muslims. Five times throughout the day, a Muslim call to worship is heard over a loud speaker. We were at a craft market during one of these times, and a man right next to our car was on his knees with his face to the ground in prayer. In our experience with Liz's family, it seems there is a lot of peace and friendliness between religions. Social groups are mixed with Christians and Muslims, villages are mixed, etc.
SAFARI
Ryan and I took 3 days to go on a safari in NW Uganda. Elephants, giraffe, hippos, oh my!
VILLAGE
The village we visited told us we were the first white people to EVER visit their village. Wow. It is incredible to me that some places remain so untouched. So isolated. I loved the village, and could have spent several days there. Their life has to be more difficult than I could ever imagine: no water, no electricity, no jobs, no food other than what you grow, etc. People get married very young and begin having families right away. When I asked at what age women have children in their village, their answer was very factual, "whenever her uterus is ready". In the photos, you'll see a woman in white: she got married and started having kids by the time she was 15. Before visiting the village, I felt sad when I heard of family members leaving the village to move to the city. I wanted them to all live together, to persevere without today's luxuries to make life easier, to live a simple life and to have more joy because of it. But in being there, I realized why people leave. It's not because they don't want to be with their families. Their families are what keep them coming back to visit as often as they can. They leave to survive. To help their families survive. To give them hope. To give the children in the village hope.
When I went to Jamaica a couple of years ago on a service trip, we were encouraged to leave all of our clothes that we brought there, and just go home with what we were wearing. I loved doing that, and Ryan and I decided to do the same in Uganda. We gave most of our clothes, shoes, toiletries, to the families in the village...I don't think I've ever given clothes or shoes to people who needed it more.
BITONE HOME FOR CHILDREN
One of the highlights of our trip was to spend some time hanging out with kids at an "orphanage" (I put it in quotes, because they themselves don't refer to it as an orphanage so the kids don't refer to themselves as orphans, but rather as family)...so from today forward, I no longer want to refer to it as an orphanage, but as a home for children. It was an incredible place!! If you find yourselves in Uganda...you must go!! We found out about this home from a college friend of mine who had spent a semester abroad in East Africa. Branco, the man who started it 5 years ago, is only 28 years old, and he has brought each child there individually on his own after seeing them as street children and asking them their stories. There are 25 kids between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. There are several sibling groups as well. Many lost parents in the war in northern Uganda, and others to AIDS. Branco trains them all in traditional Ugandan music and dance as a form of healing. The name of the home is Bitone, which is Luganda for "Talents". Our time there was priceless, and we hope to make many trips back. Before we arrived in Uganda, my college friend had sent Branco Ryanhood's new EP...and then the day we got there, the kids performed Ryanhood music for us...complete with hand motions and dance...it was great...we'll include it in the video. I had told Branco before we came that if the kids wanted to make jewelry, I would take it to Ryanhood concerts to sell and send them the money. The children proudly presented us with a bag of 431 pieces of jewelry for us to sell for them! The music throughout the slide show are audio recordings we took at Bitone.
(Sorry the photos are blurry, it was the best quality we could get for such a large file on blogger.)
FAMILY LIFE
Living with Liz's family gave us a really good idea of what it is like to LIVE in Uganda. To have a mother (Madame) who was never educated working so hard to see to it that her children get an education...and to see children thankful for their opportunity to go to school. Liz's mom (her dad passed away 10 years ago) has a bit of a miracle story. They used to be a very poor family living in very humble means, when a cell phone company came to them and said that their property was the perfect location for one of their towers. Now with a tower on their property, they receive a regular income for the first time. Ever. This has allowed her to build a house with running water and electricity. It has allowed her to send two of her daughters to the US for college, and one of son to London. The remaining 3 children in Uganda are all currently in school as well. Madame chose to build her house in the same area of their previous, much more humble home so that she could continue living in the company of her friends and neighbors that she's always known. She's probably one of the most generous people I've ever met...there were always an additional 5-10 people at the house who needed a place to sleep, or a meal to eat. She would give them minimal work to do such as washing clothes, cooking a meal, going to the market, etc in return for food and a place to stay; something to give them a sense of worth, and a sense that they are earning their stay. Madame didn't speak much English, but with translation and charades, lots of laughter and the little bit of Luganda that we learned, she quickly became someone we highly respected. The first few photos of the slide show at the end of this post are of Liz's family members, and the neighborhood we stayed in with Liz's family.
The first thing they told us when we got to Liz's house is that they use their hands for everything! They wash their clothes with their hands, clean their house with their hands (handle-less brooms), prepare their food with their hands, etc. I wanted to experience it all and work right alongside them for all of that. At first, they weren't so into the idea of me working because culturally, a guest should not have to work. But with Liz's help in translating, they realized that I really WANTED to help...I wanted to learn...so eventually they let me. And in the end, they even let me show them a few Arizonan things...like how to use the avocados from the tree in their yard to make guacamole...and how to make salsa. :) Even though their house has electricity, it is too expensive to heat water, so they mixed boiling water and cold water in a small tub to bathe. It's also too costly to have an oven/stove, so all the food is cooked in an outdoor kitchen over charcoal. Their food is largely made up of produce: potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, peas, mangoes, passion fruit, avocados, and matokae, which is their staple food (similar to bananas, picked while they are green, and boiled wrapped in banana leaves). Everything takes a long time to prepare. If you want to eat peas, you must start by opening the pods and pulling out the peas, which you then sort, and then cook...everything has more steps than what we are used to. The benefit of this is the wonderful connection you gain with the company you are preparing with, as well as the food itself.
We made friends with many people who stayed at or near the house, especially a tailor named Saidi and a boy named Sadati.
You will see a photo of Ryan in a suit standing next to a Saidi at a sewing machine. Saidi has been a tailor on that porch for the past 35 years. His family lives in the village, but since there are no jobs in the village, he works in Luzira and sees his family only every other weekend. His smile brought us close as friends and we looked forward to seeing him whenever we were coming or going from Liz's house. I asked him to make me a skirt and top with the material that was given to me as a gift for being Charlene's godmother. His work was absolutely beautiful, down to the touch of having satin as a lining inside the skirt and top. When I asked him, "How much do I owe you?" He responded with 10,000 shillings, the equivalent of $5. $5? Aware of the time that such work must have taken, I knew $5 was not a fair price based on our standards.
Sadati is the 15 year old son of the man that built Liz's house. His father has 6 children and can't afford to feed them all, so on school breaks Sadati comes and lives with Liz's family to help out and eat. You will see photos of him washing shoes and also at the internet cafe with Ryan. He taught us how to play several traditional Ugandan games, and Ryan taught him how to play guitar and use email. In the photo of him at the computer, it's actually his first time ever to use a computer. Ryan helped him create an email address, and we've been able to send a couple of emails back and forth since returning home. What did he want as his email address you ask? SadatiRyan@... :)
POLITICS
Uganda LOVES Obama!! Everywhere we went, we were greeted with enthusiasm about Obama. As I mentioned before, the people in the village greeted us with, "We are so honored that people from Obama's nation would visit us." The night Obama was elected, there was a dance club in Luzira that changed its name to Obama Club, and put a new sign up. I think having Obama as our president gives them hope. Hope for themselves, hope for their children. If the son of a Kenyan immigrant could become of the president of the United States...anything is possible for them!
Unfortunately, the government of Uganda does not offer the same hope, as it's a very corrupt system. Police are feared and not trusted. There are no records to keep track of criminals. Government workers all live in huge mansions (even by American standards), yet the citizens are barely able to get water, food, or shelter. It was sickening, and made us so appreciative of the systems America has in place. We may not be a perfect nation, but we do have a lot of really good things going for us, and we believe that change is possible.
RELIGION
Uganda is a country mixed with both Christians and Muslims. Five times throughout the day, a Muslim call to worship is heard over a loud speaker. We were at a craft market during one of these times, and a man right next to our car was on his knees with his face to the ground in prayer. In our experience with Liz's family, it seems there is a lot of peace and friendliness between religions. Social groups are mixed with Christians and Muslims, villages are mixed, etc.
SAFARI
Ryan and I took 3 days to go on a safari in NW Uganda. Elephants, giraffe, hippos, oh my!
VILLAGE
The village we visited told us we were the first white people to EVER visit their village. Wow. It is incredible to me that some places remain so untouched. So isolated. I loved the village, and could have spent several days there. Their life has to be more difficult than I could ever imagine: no water, no electricity, no jobs, no food other than what you grow, etc. People get married very young and begin having families right away. When I asked at what age women have children in their village, their answer was very factual, "whenever her uterus is ready". In the photos, you'll see a woman in white: she got married and started having kids by the time she was 15. Before visiting the village, I felt sad when I heard of family members leaving the village to move to the city. I wanted them to all live together, to persevere without today's luxuries to make life easier, to live a simple life and to have more joy because of it. But in being there, I realized why people leave. It's not because they don't want to be with their families. Their families are what keep them coming back to visit as often as they can. They leave to survive. To help their families survive. To give them hope. To give the children in the village hope.
When I went to Jamaica a couple of years ago on a service trip, we were encouraged to leave all of our clothes that we brought there, and just go home with what we were wearing. I loved doing that, and Ryan and I decided to do the same in Uganda. We gave most of our clothes, shoes, toiletries, to the families in the village...I don't think I've ever given clothes or shoes to people who needed it more.
BITONE HOME FOR CHILDREN
One of the highlights of our trip was to spend some time hanging out with kids at an "orphanage" (I put it in quotes, because they themselves don't refer to it as an orphanage so the kids don't refer to themselves as orphans, but rather as family)...so from today forward, I no longer want to refer to it as an orphanage, but as a home for children. It was an incredible place!! If you find yourselves in Uganda...you must go!! We found out about this home from a college friend of mine who had spent a semester abroad in East Africa. Branco, the man who started it 5 years ago, is only 28 years old, and he has brought each child there individually on his own after seeing them as street children and asking them their stories. There are 25 kids between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. There are several sibling groups as well. Many lost parents in the war in northern Uganda, and others to AIDS. Branco trains them all in traditional Ugandan music and dance as a form of healing. The name of the home is Bitone, which is Luganda for "Talents". Our time there was priceless, and we hope to make many trips back. Before we arrived in Uganda, my college friend had sent Branco Ryanhood's new EP...and then the day we got there, the kids performed Ryanhood music for us...complete with hand motions and dance...it was great...we'll include it in the video. I had told Branco before we came that if the kids wanted to make jewelry, I would take it to Ryanhood concerts to sell and send them the money. The children proudly presented us with a bag of 431 pieces of jewelry for us to sell for them! The music throughout the slide show are audio recordings we took at Bitone.
(Sorry the photos are blurry, it was the best quality we could get for such a large file on blogger.)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Okay, I really did it this time...
So, the "little volleyball injury" that I mentioned earlier has turned out to be kind of a big deal. He has a hairline fracture just outside of the joint of his pointer finger on his left hand...a pretty important guitar finger. He is currently coming up with a list of songs that only require using 3 fingers to play. And to think, we haven't even had the first show of the tour yet... :)
Family all around
As soon as we pulled up to Phil and Kathy's on Sunday evening, it felt like we were able to fully relax and settle into "tour mode". I think while we are at home, we forget about what an extended family we have on the road, but it's true...it really feels like we have this totally separate life of family and friends that we just love to see and spend time with while we are toting around in the van from state to state. After we left Phil and Kathy's and realized we had a couple of more days until we needed to be anywhere, we called Diane and Hub to see if we could swing by...and now 3 days later we are still here. :) It's great...we feel so loved. Last night Diane's daughter invited us to come and play volleyball with her league. Ryan was hesitant because of his fingers being so valuable, but knowing how much he loves volleyball, I unfortunately encouraged him...and now today he is sitting around icing his finger which is swollen and black/blue today...I'm feeling pretty disappointed in my poor tour managing behavior. :(
And, the bump by nose ring is starting to go down...but not without faithful salt water soaks....
Basically, we are creating a hospital and Diane and Hub's for ourselves. :)
And, the bump by nose ring is starting to go down...but not without faithful salt water soaks....
Basically, we are creating a hospital and Diane and Hub's for ourselves. :)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
bumpy tour...
The tour was to start at 8am yesterday. Ryan woke up at 3am the night before with the flu though, and remained "sick" until well after 9am...and was still feeling weak and queasy after that. So, at 10am, Cameron and I made the decision to plow forward with the day's 11 hour drive to Amarillo, TX and have Ryan meet up with us in Kansas City via plane on Sunday. With the ambulance-sized van packed with mittens and long underwear, we left warm sunny Tucson behind. At 11:30am, Cameron got a phone call about a family emergency. Luckily Ryan was at home and could do the computer work to book Cameron a flight to get out to be with family. The only flight we could find departed from Oklahoma City, another 6 hours past Amarillo...so the 11 hour drive became a 17 hour drive, and the band dwindled from 3 to 2 to 1. Today I'll be driving 5 hours to Kansas City where I'll pick up Ryan and we'll stay with some of Cameron's family (family on the other side...not involved with the emergency).
To those in Tucson...we miss you alreaady!
To those in Michigan...we wish there wasn't a lake separating us while we are touring Wisconsin!
To those everywhere else...we hope our van wanders into your neck of the woods soon!
To those in Tucson...we miss you alreaady!
To those in Michigan...we wish there wasn't a lake separating us while we are touring Wisconsin!
To those everywhere else...we hope our van wanders into your neck of the woods soon!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
House Cleaning
On Saturday we leave for tour, and on Sunday renters move in for the month. The renters asked to have someone come in and clean the house mid-way through their stay, and since we've never used a house cleaner before, I thought I should have one come today to familiarize themselves with the house. It's nice. Her cleaning products leave a nice smell to the air. She is way more thorough than I ever am. And, I know that in an hour, our home will be clean, while I was able to do other things that needed to get done before we leave. The only thing I don't get about having a house cleaner though, is that I had to spend most of the morning cleaning the house to get ready for her to come. She can't clean very well if there are clothes all over the bedroom floor, piles of papers (and maybe more clothes) in the kitchen (..living room, dining room, guest room, and maybe even the bathroom). Oh well, it was worth it for this moment of peace knowing that at least this week I won't have to be mopping floors when I'd rather be spending time with family and friends on our short retreat at home.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
HOME!
We made it home safe and sound after 36 hours of travel (in the economy class section of the plane this time). Somehow though, I was still able to sleep for about 20 hours...not sure how I'm ever going to train my body to be on the right time zone now. We had such a wonderful trip...I can't wait to upload and share my photos with you. From where I left you last, we had Charlene's baptism party....not really what you'd think of as a baptism party...there was a DJ, dancing, lots of food, and it lasted through the weee hours of the night. There were some fun surprises in the evening, Ryan was gifted with traditional Ugandan male formal wear, and I was given some beautiful fabric that we had made into a skirt and top. African culture is full of speeches, so I was asked to give a speech at the baptism, I gave it some real American flare by keeping it under 15 minutes. :) And then, the real kicker was at the end of Liz's speech she announced that Ryan and I were going to start the dancing for the night by dancing to the first song alone! Ack...what?? Good thing for swing dancing lessons... :)
We took a 3 day safari in the northwest region of Uganda. It was a pretty jaw dropping experience of getting to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, etc in the wild. We saw the rhinos while we were on foot...only about 20 feet away...a little intimidating to say the least. :) Good thing for dramamine...as the trip was pretty rough and bumpy.
We spent a day in the village...wow, they are living my Little House on the Prairie dream life! Although, I think it's much harder than I realize. There is no electricity or running water at all...and with that, no jobs, or money, or food other than what they grow. As the night grew dark, they had a gas lantern lit that we all sat around...about 30+ people came from their village to greet us and sit around and chat by the lantern. One little girl (about 2 years old) was soo scared of us, as we were the first white people she had ever seen. I felt so bad, and the more I tried to help the situation, the worse I think I made it. She screamed like I had never heard a child scream, and then wouldn't open her eyes the rest of the night. I was surprised by how many of the adults had never seen someone white before either, other than in a car driving by while they were "in town" (I put that in quotes because their closest town only consists of a little stand where they can by food, the same food that they grow in the village...and I think that's about it). Over and over, they just kept laughing and saying how shocked they were that we were in their village....kind of a weird feeling for us since we didn't think anything of it. My favorite, was how much EVERYONE in Uganda is excited about Obama being the next US president. We were greeted by one man in the village with, "We are so happy that we have people from Obama's nation visiting us." A club right by Liz's house changed it's name the night of the election to "Obama Club" and a butchery by the orphanage was called "At Obama Butchery". Everywhere we went, people commented about Obama. It's so nice to travel internationally and have people excited about our soon-to-be leader.
We had a wonderful time at Bitone (the orphanage). The children were so unbelievably talented, well-behaved, and family-like...I can't wait to share more about our time there with you via video clips. Thank you for the sheets and sending money for us to bring over to buy more items for them! We were able to buy sheets for all of the kids (their current beds just consisted of a foam mattress with no sheets at all...several kids often to one small mattress on the floor)...and we will be wiring them money this week for bunk beds, mosquito nets, more mattresses and blankets...THANK YOU!!!
We took a 3 day safari in the northwest region of Uganda. It was a pretty jaw dropping experience of getting to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, etc in the wild. We saw the rhinos while we were on foot...only about 20 feet away...a little intimidating to say the least. :) Good thing for dramamine...as the trip was pretty rough and bumpy.
We spent a day in the village...wow, they are living my Little House on the Prairie dream life! Although, I think it's much harder than I realize. There is no electricity or running water at all...and with that, no jobs, or money, or food other than what they grow. As the night grew dark, they had a gas lantern lit that we all sat around...about 30+ people came from their village to greet us and sit around and chat by the lantern. One little girl (about 2 years old) was soo scared of us, as we were the first white people she had ever seen. I felt so bad, and the more I tried to help the situation, the worse I think I made it. She screamed like I had never heard a child scream, and then wouldn't open her eyes the rest of the night. I was surprised by how many of the adults had never seen someone white before either, other than in a car driving by while they were "in town" (I put that in quotes because their closest town only consists of a little stand where they can by food, the same food that they grow in the village...and I think that's about it). Over and over, they just kept laughing and saying how shocked they were that we were in their village....kind of a weird feeling for us since we didn't think anything of it. My favorite, was how much EVERYONE in Uganda is excited about Obama being the next US president. We were greeted by one man in the village with, "We are so happy that we have people from Obama's nation visiting us." A club right by Liz's house changed it's name the night of the election to "Obama Club" and a butchery by the orphanage was called "At Obama Butchery". Everywhere we went, people commented about Obama. It's so nice to travel internationally and have people excited about our soon-to-be leader.
We had a wonderful time at Bitone (the orphanage). The children were so unbelievably talented, well-behaved, and family-like...I can't wait to share more about our time there with you via video clips. Thank you for the sheets and sending money for us to bring over to buy more items for them! We were able to buy sheets for all of the kids (their current beds just consisted of a foam mattress with no sheets at all...several kids often to one small mattress on the floor)...and we will be wiring them money this week for bunk beds, mosquito nets, more mattresses and blankets...THANK YOU!!!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Ugandan Living
Hello!
I'm back at the internet cafe. I wish I could post photos now so you could see what it looks like. There are 11 yellowing computers from the 90's on tables lined in a row. No overhead lighting and a low ceiling. The term "cafe" doesn't really apply as there are no refreshments. Loud music is playing behind us...not really sure what is going on...we'll have to walk over there after we're done here. It only costs 25 cents for a 1/2 hour worth of computer time...but the connection is slow, so you need at least a 1/2 hour to do anything. Unfortunately the internet cafe is one of the only things with a "fixed price"...the only other fixed prices we've found are for gas and milk...everything else (sugar, toilet paper, clothing, etc) requires bargaining, which I am not too big of a fan of. And, Liz said that since we are white, they think we are rich, so they've been increasing the starting price for everything. We did a good job though with buying fabric, and got them to decrease the price so that we only had to pay 60% of the original asking price. As for going to the zoo the other day though, the price was 4 TIMES as much for us! Liz tried bargaining, but they wouldn't budge...$2.50 for Ugandans and $10 for the muzungos (white people).
On to other things...
Yesterday we attended Liz's cousin's wedding. Ryan was asked to accompany Liz's brother as he sang two songs at the reception...afterwards the councilor of Kampala asked if he was available for hire...sorry!
Today was the baptism at the church...I love just watching the children here. The girls who are able to go to school all have their heads shaved (it's part of the dress code for school), and they look so beautiful with their eyes standing out so bright! There was one girl in particular who had Ryan and I captivated. There was also a little boy (3 years old-ish) who was just clapping and singing through the whole service while standing next to his mom in the choir. This afternoon there will be a big party at Liz's in celebration of Liz's baptism.
One of my favorite things so far is just walking around the streets where Liz lives...so many people living in such small places...lots of cooking (everyone cooks outdoors using charcoal.
I'd write more, but I have to look up a few things online yet before my time runs out.
I'm back at the internet cafe. I wish I could post photos now so you could see what it looks like. There are 11 yellowing computers from the 90's on tables lined in a row. No overhead lighting and a low ceiling. The term "cafe" doesn't really apply as there are no refreshments. Loud music is playing behind us...not really sure what is going on...we'll have to walk over there after we're done here. It only costs 25 cents for a 1/2 hour worth of computer time...but the connection is slow, so you need at least a 1/2 hour to do anything. Unfortunately the internet cafe is one of the only things with a "fixed price"...the only other fixed prices we've found are for gas and milk...everything else (sugar, toilet paper, clothing, etc) requires bargaining, which I am not too big of a fan of. And, Liz said that since we are white, they think we are rich, so they've been increasing the starting price for everything. We did a good job though with buying fabric, and got them to decrease the price so that we only had to pay 60% of the original asking price. As for going to the zoo the other day though, the price was 4 TIMES as much for us! Liz tried bargaining, but they wouldn't budge...$2.50 for Ugandans and $10 for the muzungos (white people).
On to other things...
Yesterday we attended Liz's cousin's wedding. Ryan was asked to accompany Liz's brother as he sang two songs at the reception...afterwards the councilor of Kampala asked if he was available for hire...sorry!
Today was the baptism at the church...I love just watching the children here. The girls who are able to go to school all have their heads shaved (it's part of the dress code for school), and they look so beautiful with their eyes standing out so bright! There was one girl in particular who had Ryan and I captivated. There was also a little boy (3 years old-ish) who was just clapping and singing through the whole service while standing next to his mom in the choir. This afternoon there will be a big party at Liz's in celebration of Liz's baptism.
One of my favorite things so far is just walking around the streets where Liz lives...so many people living in such small places...lots of cooking (everyone cooks outdoors using charcoal.
I'd write more, but I have to look up a few things online yet before my time runs out.
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