HERE are some random thoughts about stuff:

 

In 2009, my family and I took our first trip to Greenbelt.  We didn't just *go* to Greenbelt, we DID GREENBELT.

 

A group of friends came along and joined us as we modeled our unique articulations of community and playful collaboration.  Before we went, the festival had seemed to us to be a bit enigmatic, shrouded 'neath an imaginary cloud of the "over the pond" aloofness, or something.  With all accommodations coordinated, we made the trek and found ourselves surrounded by some rich characters there, both festival-goers and staffers.  One conversation we had with a long-time festival-attender articulated our sentiment ex-ACT-ly: 

 

He had spent a good portion of his life wondering if he was alone in this pursuit of fierce, inclusive freedom - his own faith…

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My friend found this UNBELIEVABLE invention:

and it made me wonder if there were more instruments out there that are a) fun to make, b) made of cheap or free materials and c) neat sounding. Would you help me find some?

I'm currently employed as youth advocate for zany freshman high school kids at an inner city school in north portland. Its a rewarding and sometimes degrading job where kids call me a hippy and laugh at me and make fun of second hand clothes. I have to battle rap them to keep em in line every now and then. Anyway I'm looking for some ideas for creative games to play with 3-8 kids during our down time when they don't have any homework. any ideas from all you creative folk? something educational would be beneficial but any ideas are much appreciated. thanks bunches all you beautiful people