Ryan and Kirsten's house burned down yesterday afternoon. They were both home, but were able to get out safely with their dog and two tortoises in tow. So we put everything on hold and we all gathered together last night to celebrate life. Believe it or not, we ended up having a good time. They were in borrowed clothes, having lost all of their possessions, but were still dancing around the kitchen to "Burning Down the House." The apartment above Russ and I is empty and we're trying to get them in there. I'm also cleaning out my closet for them. I put a notice on MySpace asking locals to donate clothes, furniture, appliances, etc. They have to start completely over with just the clothes on their backs. I can't think of a more humbling experience. I wish them all the best and am doing everything I can to help them out. You know, some times we just have to take care of each other. We need each other. Times like these should never test a friendship, it should only show just how strong it is. Please keep Ryan and Kirsten in your prayers. If you live in the Portland area and would like to donate anything, just let me know. I'm happy to come pick up anything as well. I hope that next time I report, they will be living upstairs in a place they can call home. Today, take a moment and mark the day. Think of everything you have and allow yourself to feel fortunate, yet grateful. The book I'm reading "Rituals for Sacred Living" talks a lot about allowing yourself to experience the moment. It really does center you and it brings you a sense of peace. I cannot even fathom what it must be like to lose everything, but I hope if I ever do, I'm able to handle it with the same strength and grace that Ryan and Kirsten are. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and may your heart be full of love, light and laughter.
On a completely unrelated side note, the new Cyndi Lauper album is brilliant. I've been a fan of Cyndi since the very beginning, but for the last 10 years she's just be releasing newer versions of her old songs, so I pretty much stopped paying attention. However, Cyndi is back with the most pleasant of surprises. Her new album "Bring Ya to the Brink" is a fantastic dance record. Whereas some of Madonna's "Hard Candy" sounds a bit contrived and over produced (though I still like it--I can hear Madonna Nation hovering like buzzards in the sky waiting to rip me to shreds for saying anything negative about her), "Bring Ya to the Brink" has a natural flow to it. The music ranges from Yaz style electo-pop to the all out dance floor jams from the early 90's (think Lonnie Gordon "Happenin' All Over Again). Though I like them all, the two tracks I have on repeat are "Same Ole Story" where she actually sings, "Same Ole Fuckin' Story" and the gloriously beautiful dream pop of "Rain On Me." I'm very impressed with this album and I think it's officially my dance record of the summer. Good timing on the release.
