The Redwoods

     Most of us probably have a couple places in mind that we'd like to go to before we die. Maybe the pyramids in Egypt, or Paris, or the Sydney Opera House in Australia. There is one place though, that isn't as often thought of that really should be. Tucked away in northern California lies an enchanting world that many people have never seen. Photos do not do the sight justice. The feeling that one gets when they're engulfed in this miraculous world can't be properly shared via photo, or story. It must be felt in person. Only one place in the world holds giants that tower hundreds of feet above the ground.

The Coastal Redwoods

No photos can capture the pure awesomeness of what lies in these forests. Many have been alive since before the time of Christ and continue to grow. These trees are living Everests.

Although there is much respect for this forest, logging was rampant for many decades, and continues to take down some of the oldest and most grand trees. Despite the push for clear-cutting, you can contribute a small amount to the preservation of this wonder. The Trees of Mystery allows you to experience the many wonders of the Redwoods and if you so choose, purchase a sapling to take home and grow. The admission price not only goes towards the upkeep of the attraction, but the preservation of the magnificent beings you see here.

When you walk through one of the ancient groves of Redwoods, you get a feeling that no other power on the Earth can give you. Only when you walk through the Avenue of the Giants, can you really start to comprehend the size of these massive beings. In the canopies there is a complete other ecosystem, a world, that is rarely explored. There are so many things about the Rewoods to marvel at. These giants are truly remarkable.

There is so much to learn about these wonders of the world, and it is fairly easy to access. National Geographic's Climbing Redwood Giants can be seen on Netflix. It's a great look into the spectacular world of Redwood giants.

Within the Trees of Mystery, there is a Sky Trail that takes you up to a panoramic viewpoint. It also holds many different anomalies that happen among Redwoods. This majestic place has inspired books and poems that attest to the magic that surrounds the region:

If you never get a chance to see this beautiful creation, you're missing out on an unforgettable experience. I am a different person than before I saw this place. It makes me realize how small I am compared to many other things in this world. There are no words that are quite appropriate enough. Nothing can describe this place. After all, the saying is true, God stands before you in these trees.

Justin Bieber, take note...

" He ain't singing like Hank, he's singing like the guy who taught Hank"....

Justin Bieber, move over!!

Piano Stairs

I love this. I wish more stairs were like this. Surely it wouldn't end obesity or anything, but I bet you anything that more people would be interested in taking the stairs if this method was used.. I mean, how fun is making music while walking?!?! It brings out the kid in all of us:

I found this on StumbleUpon.com.... of course!

Harry Potter

Quick blog update:

I waited in line for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 for 16 hours. It went by relatively fast with my girl, Courtney, at my side. Umpqua Bank stopped by and gave us trail mix packages, and the local newspaper came by and took photos. I was lucky enough (in my Harry Potter outfit) to be interviewed (read: misquoted) and photographed for the paper. Unfortunately, they spelled my name wrong... twice. Sad, considering I'm on a first name basis with a lot of the newspaper staff due to seeing them around town and various events. Oh well. You can see a small excerpt of the article here.

I was also dancing last Tuesday at Music on the Half Shell with guest group Plena Libre. Since I have some history in a lot of dance styles, my favorites being several Latin styles, I wanted to go and bust loose. The local paper was there and snapped some photos of my dancing. Many members of the band made an effort to get my attention during the rests in their music to signal to me "great dancing!" or "you dance really well". Needless to say, I was flattered :).

The 2011 Pepsi Float was today, which I had been planning to participate in for a while, but the rain prevented the majority from going - including me. I hung out with some good friends instead, so I was content.

I'm currently watching The Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island - it takes me back to when I would rent and watch the movies when I was really young. And who says you can't ever go back to childhood?

Amazing Grace

This girl......Wow.......

My sister showed me this and I just felt the need to share this little girl's talent. I teared up.

Graffiti Night and Commercials

Los Dos Amigos, friends, classic cars and being in commercials. What more could a girl ask for?!

A friend of mine and I caught up while having a meal at Los Dos Amigos and went to see the annual cruise of classic beauties in downtown Roseburg, OR. While revving the engine of one car, a rod went straight through the oil pan and oil spilled everywhere. There was a resounding "ohhhhhhhhhhh...." from the crowd as everyone realized this car was going to have to be taken apart in order to reach the problem, most likely. Ouch. I got to see a Hudson Hornet (you know, from the movie Cars) as well, although the first several times around, I didn't get a chance to take a photo. In reality, it was the pace car for racetracks in the 1950's.

On Saturday I participated as an extra in a small film shoot off of Havard Ave. Sunday I traveled up to Portland to be in a Providence Medical commercial (coming to a HD tv near you!). I made a few new contacts with fellow actors, and a woman who is filming a web series called "Forty Weight". She said to email her (which of course I did) and if she ever needed talent for the series, she'd get a hold of me. It's all about who you know, which can be a good thing, or a bad thing.

42 days and counting until I embark on what is probably the most remarkable time of my life. I'm standing on the precipice and I can't wait to take the leap! This will be the place where I'll be updating everyone on what's happening over across the pond. Don't forget to follow me (it's in the right column) with you twitter/google/yahoo account! Two or three clicks and you're done!

4th of July!

For the 4th of July extravaganza, I went to the Winston Fireworks celebration with my friends Courtney and Dani. Although I enjoyed my time with Court and Dani, I sort of wish I would have gone to the Roseburg fireworks instead. There was a significant lack of people I wanted to talk to (or wanted to talk to me) in Winston, and in Roseburg, at least I would have known a couple people. The reason why I went to Winston's is because I thought I would know more people there. I guess I thought wrong. On top of the lackluster evening, I couldn't stay out late because I was due back at the Fowler's house to dogsit Nikki, Sherri's elderly black lab. Her and I share a waterbed at night and during the day she remains in the kennel while I get stuff done at my house. The dog is getting less and less cooperative as the days go by.

On a somewhat related note (the relation being "dog"), one of our dogs, Bear, has been through obedience training, but still maintains some misbehaviors. He has a bloodlust that is unleashed when a shock collar/muzzle/leash is not containing him. We're thinking about submitting a video to Cesar Milan to see if he can fix Bear, but the problem is that Bear will not attack animals with a shock collar or muzzle or leash on. The directions express that a muzzle or some other form of control should be used in order to prevent other animals from possibly be injured, or worse.  Well, considering Bear is too smart to misbehave while under some control, this video is going to be anti-climactic. Regardless, maybe Cesar will be understanding? I guess we'll see. I'm tired of having to constantly watch him. When he isn't contained, he refuses to acknowledge the existence of any human. He's solely focused on the kill. Bear shouldn't have to remain in a kennel like he does, but that's the only way to deal with him, besides the shock collar, which stays on him when he's outside. We barely ever allow him inside, because of his hostility towards cats (and any animal his size or smaller - aside from dogs).

49 Days. I'm starting to think of what things I should pack, although definitely not making a list or anything yet, it's too early for that. I really hope this adventure is as exciting as I'm imagining.