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Exploring The White River
Thursday, June 30, 2005
EPIC
I thought of a new acronym for my proposed company - EPIC - Explore Play Incorporated Canada - cool or cheese factor too high? EPIC Adventures would be my out-tripping offshoot. CELT - Canadian Experiential Leadership Training - if only I was Irish. Any other suggestions?
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Rain Rain Go Away!
Wow - apparently Manitoba now has a monsoon season which hopefully will subside shortly. We just experienced something like 96 mm (3.75 inches) of rain in the last 24 hours. Needless to say, my attempt at landscaping with topsoil seems to have halted. I actually had everything pretty much leveled and ready for sod and trees until the rains arrived. Now I'm going to have to wait for some dry weather, till or rake away any puddle indents or bootprints, and then hopefully get the grass down. If I'd only gotten the grass in - I would be a little happier!! Grand ambitions...
Anyways - so far this post is probably more appropriate for musings but I will be exploring play this weekend as I will once again be leading some teambuilding at Red Rock - a small Christian camp that my wife and I met at back in the nineties. I actually worked there for three consecutive springs & summers while going to college and then volunteered by leading a number of out-trips for them in consecutive years. It is probably one the most beautiful sites out there for a camp that I've seen and I've been to a lot of camps.
I'm considering pursuing a sideline business called Explore Play Inc. that will provide teambuilding & facilitation for anyone involved in leadership whether it is education, business, etc. We'll see what happens - I definitely enjoy the opportunities I have had over the years to lead initiatives and help people discover their strengths and weaknesses through challenges. I ran a seminar at CMU for people involved in (CACSD) Student Leadership last month and got an excellent response from the participants. And again this spring, I will be offering my Intro To Adventure Learning class to college students, camp workers, & youth workers.
Happy Canada Day tomorrow! Ironically - our fireworks have been canceled due the field where they fire them off from being flooded...apparently we'll be celebrating explosions in the sky later on in the summer as a city.
G
Anyways - so far this post is probably more appropriate for musings but I will be exploring play this weekend as I will once again be leading some teambuilding at Red Rock - a small Christian camp that my wife and I met at back in the nineties. I actually worked there for three consecutive springs & summers while going to college and then volunteered by leading a number of out-trips for them in consecutive years. It is probably one the most beautiful sites out there for a camp that I've seen and I've been to a lot of camps.
I'm considering pursuing a sideline business called Explore Play Inc. that will provide teambuilding & facilitation for anyone involved in leadership whether it is education, business, etc. We'll see what happens - I definitely enjoy the opportunities I have had over the years to lead initiatives and help people discover their strengths and weaknesses through challenges. I ran a seminar at CMU for people involved in (CACSD) Student Leadership last month and got an excellent response from the participants. And again this spring, I will be offering my Intro To Adventure Learning class to college students, camp workers, & youth workers.
Happy Canada Day tomorrow! Ironically - our fireworks have been canceled due the field where they fire them off from being flooded...apparently we'll be celebrating explosions in the sky later on in the summer as a city.
G
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
New Movies
The two latest movies I've seen in the theatre have been the 3rd episode of Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith and the newly imagined Batman movie - Batman Begins. Revenge of the Sith definitely is the best of the prequel - with a facinating storyline which traces the fall of Anakin Skywalker and rise of Darth Vader. The actual turning point from good to evil was a bit awkward but the second half of the movie proved to be both interesting and finally hooked me into the story. The whole meeting of the Jedi council in all three movies reminded me of some dull board or faculty meetings I've attended and I quite liked seeing Yoda kick butt rather than sitting on his butt and giving his advice!
Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne is definitely the best interpretation thus far and his Batman probably as well. It's been awhile since I have viewed any of the other Batman attempts - I never could believe Michael Keaton as a superhero, Val Kilmer generally is an amazing actor but even his attempt didn't find the persona like Bale has. The least believable Batman/Bruce Wayne was definitely George Clooney, who in the majority of movies he has "acted" in plays himself.
What made the movie so good was the "reality" of it - Gotham and Bruce Wayne were actually believable. The backstory to Batman is such a good one and to finally see on the screen done correctly definitely was rewarding. It was great to finally have a Batman that had a fully developed character and not be overshadowed by a more interesting nemesis. Jack Nicholson as joker in the first Batman movie cleary stole the focus away from the Dark Night - his classic Joker line is forever etched in my brain, "Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
Of the two movies - my favorite lies with Batman Begins! I'm interested in seeing War of The Worlds and really hope Cruise doesn't mess it up and turn the classic story into Independence Day. I have to admit to chuckling during the Dukes of Hazzard trailer - it'll either be really good or really bad. We'll see! Apparently summer has started...
G
Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne is definitely the best interpretation thus far and his Batman probably as well. It's been awhile since I have viewed any of the other Batman attempts - I never could believe Michael Keaton as a superhero, Val Kilmer generally is an amazing actor but even his attempt didn't find the persona like Bale has. The least believable Batman/Bruce Wayne was definitely George Clooney, who in the majority of movies he has "acted" in plays himself.
What made the movie so good was the "reality" of it - Gotham and Bruce Wayne were actually believable. The backstory to Batman is such a good one and to finally see on the screen done correctly definitely was rewarding. It was great to finally have a Batman that had a fully developed character and not be overshadowed by a more interesting nemesis. Jack Nicholson as joker in the first Batman movie cleary stole the focus away from the Dark Night - his classic Joker line is forever etched in my brain, "Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
Of the two movies - my favorite lies with Batman Begins! I'm interested in seeing War of The Worlds and really hope Cruise doesn't mess it up and turn the classic story into Independence Day. I have to admit to chuckling during the Dukes of Hazzard trailer - it'll either be really good or really bad. We'll see! Apparently summer has started...
G
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Refined Definition of Play
"Play is creatively exploring and finding contentment in life's pursuits: leisure, work, & self-understanding." - any comments, suggestions? I have refined this definition from a number of posts and the contributions of others but I am willing to tweak it further with your help!
When play is defined as simply amusement (the typical dictionary definition) or having fun it seems too trivial or even shallow. As well, work and play are often put against each other as opposites but I have experienced play as being a component of work or vice versa. In fact, when we are most effective and creative in our work - the joy of play has clearly occurred! Is not every innovation the result of a brilliant mistake while playing at work?
Children use play as the primary means of learning new skills - why do we as adults ignore the value of play in our education? I get asked a number of times a year to lead team-building initiatives or challenges. What seems like a simple game, is in reality an amazing opportunity for self-understanding, teamwork, creativity, a recognition of strengths & weaknesses, leadership, etc.
G
When play is defined as simply amusement (the typical dictionary definition) or having fun it seems too trivial or even shallow. As well, work and play are often put against each other as opposites but I have experienced play as being a component of work or vice versa. In fact, when we are most effective and creative in our work - the joy of play has clearly occurred! Is not every innovation the result of a brilliant mistake while playing at work?
Children use play as the primary means of learning new skills - why do we as adults ignore the value of play in our education? I get asked a number of times a year to lead team-building initiatives or challenges. What seems like a simple game, is in reality an amazing opportunity for self-understanding, teamwork, creativity, a recognition of strengths & weaknesses, leadership, etc.
G
explore past
I love history and the stories of what happened in the past fascinate me. I wouldn't say I'm a history buff as I definitely don't remember details well but I an adventure I never forget. Most of my old books are in the genre of historical adventure: explorers of new lands , stories of ww2, safaris in Africa, paddling rivers, climbing mountains, etc. I also have a number of biographies of famous explorers, musicians, and leaders that are focused on the adventure of living out ones' calling!
The past teaches us much of what it means to live, to play, to embrace this life we've been graced with whatever the challenge at hand. Perseverance through storms, through tragedy, through adversity is what marks a person as an adventurer and hero. History teaches the importance of exploring play and finding significance in living out the life God has called us and equipped us to do!
Now my past year has had its own challenges, perhaps not life threatening but for it has been a learning one. I've managed a few escapes in the outdoors, the most recent to North Carolina, and gone through some trials of my own when it comes to managing time, work & family. Some scars remain but in many ways I feel stronger and wiser because of it. I've lost a grandmother to death last month but it was more of a celebration of her life than a mourning of our loss. I've grown closer to a number of friends and family, and I'm falling more and more in love with my wife and family! The adventure continues!
One year of blogging, of introspection, of learning! Feel free to visit musings - I placed a few comments there re: genesis.
G
The past teaches us much of what it means to live, to play, to embrace this life we've been graced with whatever the challenge at hand. Perseverance through storms, through tragedy, through adversity is what marks a person as an adventurer and hero. History teaches the importance of exploring play and finding significance in living out the life God has called us and equipped us to do!
Now my past year has had its own challenges, perhaps not life threatening but for it has been a learning one. I've managed a few escapes in the outdoors, the most recent to North Carolina, and gone through some trials of my own when it comes to managing time, work & family. Some scars remain but in many ways I feel stronger and wiser because of it. I've lost a grandmother to death last month but it was more of a celebration of her life than a mourning of our loss. I've grown closer to a number of friends and family, and I'm falling more and more in love with my wife and family! The adventure continues!
One year of blogging, of introspection, of learning! Feel free to visit musings - I placed a few comments there re: genesis.
G
Friday, June 10, 2005
New Music
Three purchases of musical delight! X & Y by Coldplay, Rebel Sweetheart by The Wallflowers, & Daniel Lanois' instrumental masterpiece Belladonna. All three are well worth the purchase!
X & Y for whatever reason is perhaps less intense than the last album but in many ways more emotive and personal? Martin's voice reminds of Sting on a few tracks - I haven't pinpointed why or what exactly reminds of him but it suddenly struck me. The album seems to shed light on his relationship with his wife and child. Musically, Coldplay can hold there own - they still aren't the biggest band in the world but they are well in their way to meet up with U2.
Rebel Sweetheart reminds me lyrically of Cockburn without the politics and Jakob Dylan knows how to croon & swoon. Great backbeat as always - along with some kicking singalong choruses. I think they are one of the more under-rated bands - perhaps because they have always been in the Counting Crows shadow and how Jakob purposely not emphasized his birthright of being Bob's son. He isn't Bob but the musical genius blood is definitely there! I personally love all of the Wallflowers albums.
Lanois knows atmosphere like no other! If you liked his contribution to Friday Night Lights along with Explosions In The Sky - you will love this instrumental album. Lanois has produced masterworks such as U2's "Joshua Tree," Peter Gabriel's "So," Bob Dylan's "Time out of Mind" and Emmylou Harris's "Wrecking Ball."
It's been a great June and yes I'm still listening to U2's HTDAAB!
G
X & Y for whatever reason is perhaps less intense than the last album but in many ways more emotive and personal? Martin's voice reminds of Sting on a few tracks - I haven't pinpointed why or what exactly reminds of him but it suddenly struck me. The album seems to shed light on his relationship with his wife and child. Musically, Coldplay can hold there own - they still aren't the biggest band in the world but they are well in their way to meet up with U2.
Rebel Sweetheart reminds me lyrically of Cockburn without the politics and Jakob Dylan knows how to croon & swoon. Great backbeat as always - along with some kicking singalong choruses. I think they are one of the more under-rated bands - perhaps because they have always been in the Counting Crows shadow and how Jakob purposely not emphasized his birthright of being Bob's son. He isn't Bob but the musical genius blood is definitely there! I personally love all of the Wallflowers albums.
Lanois knows atmosphere like no other! If you liked his contribution to Friday Night Lights along with Explosions In The Sky - you will love this instrumental album. Lanois has produced masterworks such as U2's "Joshua Tree," Peter Gabriel's "So," Bob Dylan's "Time out of Mind" and Emmylou Harris's "Wrecking Ball."
It's been a great June and yes I'm still listening to U2's HTDAAB!
G
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Drought Monsoon
Most third world countries have dry seasons and wet seasons. I guess you could say blogwise I've been in a bit of a drought while outdoors we've been experiencing a monsoon of rain. You'd think being stuck indoors would be enough reason to motivate me to blog but it seems without the outdoors to inspire me that I have nothing to say...interesting.
It is amazing how weather affects our play both indoors and outdoors. The last few weekends have allowed me to get more reading in but definitely unmotivated me from venturing outdoors. I've led so many out-trips where the weather definitely was a factor in group morale. My wife's first canoe trip had rain every day, thankfully she still enjoys canoing.
My sister in Africa emails often the prayer for rain - without rain the country of Ethiopia literally turns to dust and the people have no food as a result. We are fortunate in North America that are diets aren't affected by the weather to the same extent.
I for one will be thankful for the sun when it reappears supposedly this weekend! It's been two weeks of cloudy rainy weather - I think I can almost relate to my west coast friends!!!
G
It is amazing how weather affects our play both indoors and outdoors. The last few weekends have allowed me to get more reading in but definitely unmotivated me from venturing outdoors. I've led so many out-trips where the weather definitely was a factor in group morale. My wife's first canoe trip had rain every day, thankfully she still enjoys canoing.
My sister in Africa emails often the prayer for rain - without rain the country of Ethiopia literally turns to dust and the people have no food as a result. We are fortunate in North America that are diets aren't affected by the weather to the same extent.
I for one will be thankful for the sun when it reappears supposedly this weekend! It's been two weeks of cloudy rainy weather - I think I can almost relate to my west coast friends!!!
G
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Re: Genesis - One Year of Blogging!!!
In the beginning - Garth created a blog and it was good (I hope)? Hard to believe I have been blogging for a year as of today! A year ago I was in the process of packing up a house and moving into our newly built one. A year ago we were a three person family, now we have a very busy little sister named Aimee who is on the verge of walking!
So - the ride thus far as been fine. I've posted more lately at my exploreplay blog with it being somewhat more focused than musings. I've considered a third blog focused on my photography but we'll see. I can say this - I am a lot more relaxed than a year ago and I definitely feel more balanced. I do not recommend having a second child and building a house in the same year.
We've come through two weeks of rain, drizzle and cloud; I can now relate somewhat to my friends in BC. I definitely prefer the sun - I don't mind the cool for riding mtn bike but there is nothing like lounging on a deck in the heat with a nice tall cold drink! So cheers - I have blogged for a year and survived being introspective with an audience of around five or so steady guests who have interacted somewhat! I've appreciated everyone's contributions and look forward to future dialogue!
G
So - the ride thus far as been fine. I've posted more lately at my exploreplay blog with it being somewhat more focused than musings. I've considered a third blog focused on my photography but we'll see. I can say this - I am a lot more relaxed than a year ago and I definitely feel more balanced. I do not recommend having a second child and building a house in the same year.
We've come through two weeks of rain, drizzle and cloud; I can now relate somewhat to my friends in BC. I definitely prefer the sun - I don't mind the cool for riding mtn bike but there is nothing like lounging on a deck in the heat with a nice tall cold drink! So cheers - I have blogged for a year and survived being introspective with an audience of around five or so steady guests who have interacted somewhat! I've appreciated everyone's contributions and look forward to future dialogue!
G
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