July 22nd - 13:33

Title: July 22nd - 13:33 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: It was sunrise and I began the day meditating on a rocking chair right beside the tree swing. Our backyard had a stream running through it and can see the fish swimming in the clear flow. I stood in the water chanting and praying to the spirits of the Earth and Sun. A mantra of gratitude to where we are now, and asking how did we even get here? Ah. The joys and mysteries of the present in a stream of life. I can feel something below. The mino's were nibbling my toes! Smoking, laughing, and enjoying a peaceful morning before the next 8 hour drive. Ethan and I were splashing through the ravines and sought out waterfalls on maps nearby. Calming our souls by the New River Gorge, yet another National treasure. It was time to make art for the project again. Choosing someone in this beautiful landscape. There we saw a lovely couple, Joe & Kayla, sitting by the waters edge with their baby boy. I approached them cautiously and mindfully, I said I am an artist and am traveling to all the parks in America to make portraits of people. I did not want to disturb or frighten them as we were the only ones in the woods. So, I gently asked if we can share this moment, to gift a family portrait to them to remember this day. I remember making two polaroids, one for the project, and one for them to keep. Sometimes it felt right to give a piece of my vision to someone I may never see again. Though, I hope they come to the movie premiere! IT was a peace offering in a way. To thank them for their trust and being part of something to unite us. All 50 states and, all the countries of the world. Being human, a citizen of Earth. I returned to my neck of the woods and there Ethan and I saw a myriad of blue butterflies. There must have been dozens of them on a single bush. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Vibrant blue flapping, turquoise, like an electrified sky. They stood very still as a I mounted my camera to hover above them at microscopic distances to see the dust on their wings. Ethan and I both felt that this was a symbol of our parents. A reminder that they are with us. Like angels overlooking our journey. An affirmation that we are right where we need to be. The butterflies represented that for me. And to see so many made me feel it more deeply. Nature communicates with us in mysterious ways. The spiritual world leaves us clues and cues that we are not alone. We were so enamored by these beautiful bugs, blowing clouds of smoke to see the light shine through them. Then remembered that we came to see the waterfalls and stood in the water again. Water is a medicine, it helps you let go. Of the heaviness you carry. To be cleansed and freed; Rejuvenation indeed. Water is life which gives us life and we are mostly made of it as is our mother Earth.