Catchin' up with Kristen » politics

POVERTY

kristengill — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:21:10 +0000

Today I join bloggers everywhere to write about POVERTY. Collectively we hope to raise awareness and excite our readers to action. There are things each one of us can do to help eliminate poverty in our lifetimes.

I met this little Vietnamese girl on a trek through the mountains in Sapa, a hill town near the Chinese border.Â She walked alongside me, curious and barefooted. When I stopped to take her picture, she looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. It certainly made me stop to think of all that I had as a child growing up, and how lucky I was. I felt honored to have had time with this girl, not just for her company, but for what she gave me to take home. Not a thing, but a feeling.

At this time I urge you to let go of the things, follow your thoughts, and put them into action!

Click here to learn about What One Person Can Do.

Call Me Crazy!!!

kristengill — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:03:07 +0000

Some think it’s Ann, but really “Crazy” is my middle name. Who else would, in the midst of a recession and having just gotten back in debt from a 2 month trip to SE Asia, take on a month-long journey BY CAR (hello, gas guzzler?) through the vast American West?

I guess it’s time to break the bank and spend it before the government spends it for me. After all, I’m not sure Uncle Sam and I have the same destinations in mind!

My trip starts in four days with a one-way ticket to VEGAS, and then goes…whichever way the wind takes me!

(Or, as one friend kindly pointed out: “The great American road trip may end up at a Dennyâ€™s in the desert 50 miles from Reno.”)

Only time (and money) will tell.

Pig says: “Feed me, don’t break me!”

I never listen to pigs. Even ones wearing lipstick.

Adventure On,

Kristen

Dalai Lama in Seattle

kristengill — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:56:22 +0000

(Seattle, Washington) The Dalai Lama is in Seattle for a 5-day gathering called “Seeds of Compassion“. Both spiritual leader and head of state of Tibet, His Holiness arrives in Seattle at a critical time, especially after protests in San Francisco during the Olympic Torch’s global tour, its one and only stop in North America.

According to the Seeds of Compassion web site (http://www.seedsofcompassion.org/), the event will explore how to nurture and empower children, families, and communities to be compassionate members of society.

There is a concert tonight featuring Dave Matthews, who is well-known for his commitment to social, environmental, and charitable causes.

Let’s all try to remember to be compassionate today…while we travel…and in our everyday lives.

Adventure on,

Kristen