Voice, sound, and visuals from the past week burning across the western half of the United States. For me, there is absolutely nothing better than having the time to put pen to paper and transcribe the thoughts piercing my brain. Normally, I wouldn’t share these things but so many of you have written with questions about journaling that I thought I would give you a taste of my style. Remember, I studied journalism so documenting and observing life is so ingrained in my behavior that I can’t shut it off even when I want to. These passages are fleeting and often sparked by a single thought, idea, or observation. I have to stop what I’m doing and write or they won’t come back, ever. I wouldn’t classify these as great or important but they are to me and with a journal that is all that matters. My journal isn’t for you and yours shouldn’t be for me. They are personal, private sanctuaries of no rules, no permission, and no apologies. SOUND: Music for Visual Media, Swelling, Night One
Comments 12
wow. your resemblance to john rambo is uncanny. absolutely uncanny.
Author
Sean,
I get that all the time.
Bravo once again, these get better each time.
Agree.
Author
Thanks Joe!
This was great. I’ve said it before – you’re a fantastic writer.
Author
Scott,
Thank you! I love doing it but the quality can vary….
I totally resonate with two thoughts: the poor get poorer and our rich get richer……. there is no such thing as affordable housing for the workers serving the rich in the resort cities like Ketchum, Jackson Hole, etc….. and your description of the production agriculture in Southern Idaho was spot on…. all made possible on the backs of migrants who are the only ones who will work that hard for so little….the only redeeming feature is the symmetrical beauty (at least in my soul) of how production can feed the world in a way never imagined possible when the first horse drawn plows tilled this land…..https://www.instagram.com/p/CUiiXZfBqQl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Kim, the financial crisis in any mountain resort town is unbelievable. I spend lots of time working in many of them. I was just in Ketchum over the weekend and Telluride a few weeks ago. Everything in Telluride is short staffed or closed. One of the gondola operators I spoke to commutes 4 hours round trip to work in Telluride. Summer that drive, while long, is okay but in a few weeks, it’s going to get difficult. With properties in town in the 10s of millions and the new construction of numerous celebrity compounds, it’s not only insane but completely unsustainable.
There’s a small glimmer of hope. The Telluride Foundation is doing their best to provide lower income housing for those who work in town at the resort, restaurants, bars and shops. There are currently 2 new housing projects in progress with a third that was completed a few years ago. They are making an effort and my fingers are crossed for a good outcome.
A month ago in Aspen, I spoke to a limo driver/property manager who believes, at least in Aspen, that it will all come crashing down in the near future. I tend to agree.
wage slave accommodations for the “plantation” owners…i look forward to the crashing down…
Author
Sean,
And sadly, it probably should. It seems like total implosion is the only thing Americans can wrap their head around. Although, even after 2008 it didn’t take long for the wolves to begin their games once again.
Author
Kim,
2%. That’s it. The American population involved in ranching and farming. No wonder there is a disconnect. No wonder you get “flyover state” from coastal folks. We need to stop drawing lines and all buy erasers.