Mural

So far i estimate i have painted for at least 5 hours. It is exhausting painting a mural and the walls have lots of texture which makes it even more difficult. The painting really isn't as sinister as it looks, once its done it should look kinder.

Visiting the Mosque

The weather here sure can change quick, sometimes it rains and is freezing than a hour later it will be sunny and warm. Pretty crazy, well on Wednesday Ezzy and i went and took photos in downtown Olympia. I also received the money for my mural and purchased the paints and other materials. Yesterday i did lots of work and also began my painting. I have never done such a large painting before and it will take LOTS of time. Today my class went to a Mosque downtown and learned about Islam and the preconceptions surrounding it. We also got to witness a service during which people pray on the ground and read from the Koran. The Muslim and Jewish communities even gather together for Ramadan and Roshashana and reflect and learn about society and religion. It was interesting, however definitely not for me, its way too strict and sexist from my perspective. Ezzy's mom and sister flew in today and they are spending the weekend in Seattle. I spent some time with them after class. Well i have a few essays, a book, and a painting to work on this weekend, hopefully i will be able to squeeze in some time for a sauna.

Photography

Today i had a very fun day of class. In the morning we went to the darkroom(evergreen is one of the few schools that still had one, and its really nice) and developed photos we took last week. I really enjoyed this and plan on doing more outside of class. I will also learn how to develop the negatives eventually. Here is a photo i developed. Ezzy and i plan to rent cameras and go take photos over the next few days. Later our class had a guest speaker from a Herbal shop downtown. We learned about the benefits of pure essential oils and how they can be used as an antiseptic and bactericide. We also learned about the distillation process and the tiny molecular structure within. They brought samples in and showed us how to make bath salt. My room now smells like eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, and ylang ylang. Unfortunately i don't think i will be taking a bath soon(our shower is pretty nasty). After class i went to the gym and i am going over to Ezzys house soon for dinner!

Exploring the Forest

Spring is slowly starting to roll in, and we have had many nice days recently. On Friday our class had a sacred text workshop then later went to a synagogue downtown. We had a seminar with an orthodox Rabbi and after a short shabat service we had a HUGE feast with koogle, matzo ball soup, and so much more. We will also learn about Islam and Christianity. Yesterday Ezzy and i went hiking through the forest and had a picnic on the beach. The forest is super muddy right now from all the snow melt! There are only two weeks left in the quarter and its time to finish everything up. I finally got my sketch approved by both the R.A. and G.O. and will be receiving some funds for paint in a few days!

Good Weekend with Good Weather

The past weekend was lots of fun and exausting! On Friday the 13th i went to a bloody valentine party which had live music. On Valentines Ezzy and i went into downtown and bought grocery. We cooked an awesome pasta vegi dish and had ice cream for desert. Over the weekend my friend Jose was up here visiting his girlfriend and we were able to hang out which was fun. Yesterday i went for a very nice run in the woods, got chased by dogs, and got very muddy! Today we started the darkroom photography in our class and also did a workshop on Plant Transplanting.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

All the snow has slowly been melting away and the days are starting to get longer. Last night some friends and i made an authentic Lebanese diner. A friend of mine from Lebanon had her family visiting and they brought food with them. We ate fresh hummus and peta bread, sweet green beans and tomatoes, salad, and nut treats! It was very good and i enjoyed eating a fresh organic meal. Today in class we learned about the Buddhism Ōryōki (means "just enough") meal ceremony and the gratitude shared for the food. I am starting another segment of my independent study project during which i will paint a mural in my dorm building stairwell. I just got my sketch approved and next i will receive funds for paints! Well tonight there is a bloody valentine party( fri the 13th and v day) which i am looking forward too!!

SNOW

Today i woke up to a very cold surprise, it was snowing outside despite the good weather we had been having! In the morning the snow was only around an inch or two deep but at the day progressed it started coming down harder and harder. Class today was held at the longhouse so i had a long wet walk over there. We have been doing some performance arts, and tomorrow we will be presenting a short play dealing with the sacredness of myth. My teacher gave a very interesting lecture today about taxonomy and how diversity sustains earth. On Friday our class is having a zen ritual meal and will start studying sacred texts.

Finally uploaded Mt. Rainier photos

check them out here http://picasaweb.google.com/zachausa/MtRainier?feat=directlink. I have had a very busy week with lots of reading plus i have been helping Ezzy move into the house. I am also starting a gardening project were i will plant a medicinal and herbal garden. The weather has been much warmer recently, however we have lots of rain moving in. Here is a picture of a mountain goat print i made in the studio.

Mt. Rainier

Silver Fox

A lot has happened this weekend, there was snow, sun, and rain. I had a relaxing weekend and hung out with lots of friends. Last night i saw a big white fox outside the bus stop, it was running around digging up the ground for food. Ezzy decided this weekend to move out of the dorms and she found a place only a block off campus. Last night there was a home warming party and she is slowly moving in. Well I'm going to town later and will grab diner with some friends!