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The ALS Association has reached $70.2 million in donations to find a cure for ALS and bring awareness to a terrible disease! Not only that but they're making donating fun! I'm a just little annoyed with everyone using the drought to hate on the ice bucket challenge. Yes, the drought we're in is a serious thing, but instead of hating on a good cause, I have a new challenge for everyone. Donate to www.cleanwateraction.org (or an organization of your choice) or dump a bucket of sand on your head....

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During the storm yesterday my friend and I noticed the clouds wrapping around the top of Double Peak, in San Marcos. We drove up to see what it was like inside of the clouds and came upon some area burnt up by the Coco's Fire. We were surprised to see that one plant was left untouched in the midst of the ashes.  .... also his dog is cute. 

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     My other favorite thing about living in Escondido, CA is that I am only 10 minutes away from Deer Park Monastery. All too often in our lives we get caught up in the fast pace of our environment and forget how to slow down and enjoy the present moment. People from all different religions, cultures, and backgrounds are welcome to learn the practice of mindfulness.        I recently took part in the education retreat and came back floating with joy. Not having to rush for anything and being surrounded by such a calm and loving environment brought me to such a different state of mind. 

      The first night we camped outside and a storm broke out. I was huddled in the middle of my tent while a moat of rainwater formed around the outer edges. I might have gotten a few hours of sleep when I woke up at 5:30am to a deep vibration coming from a large bell. It was so surreal that I didn't even care how early it was or how wet all my blankets had gotten.

      We started off each the day with some stretches and walking meditation to get our minds and bodies back up and running. Our silent meals had us all feeling so grateful for every bite we took and the fact that everyone washed their own dishes and had a few simple chores reminded us of how important community is when we all chip in. But my favorite thing by far was taking part in the songs. With the lyrics ranging from "nature is cool", "smile release", "animals are my friends", and having hand motions, you couldn't help but smile and feel like a kid again. 

       Almost every Sunday you can partake in their days of mindfulness, which includes walking meditation, a Dharma talk, a silent vegetarian meal, and my favorite, Total Relaxation.        For more information go to http://deerparkmonastery.org 

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While there were high hopes for the Salton Sea to be a perfect getaway spot, the salt levels reached a point that made just standing next to it hurt your eyes. Many fish have died because of it which has made it smell quite terribly.  The Salton Sea might not be your typical vacation destination but it's sure worth a visit. The abandoned buildings of Bombay Beach are just some of the cool places around the sea. It's even home to over 400 species of birds and a vital rest stop for birds on the Pacific Flyaway! 

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Fire Scars

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     Living in Southern California, we are blessed with sunshine, beaches, and probably some of the best Mexican food in the U.S. But with our increasingly dry weather we are also faced with the danger of wildfires. After the recent Coco's fire we discovered a fire scar that was devastating yet somehow beautiful and mystical all at once. It was moving to be reminded of the impermanence of things, but also reassuring to see signs of life and rebirth throughout the affected area. Insects feeding off of the burnt wood and the few feathers we found indicated that life would once again inhabit the land.       Much of the California wildlife has adapted to fire, but since the arrival of humans, fire frequency has increased dramatically and in excess to what the chaparral environment can tolerate. Primarily the practice of prescribed burning threatens native California habitat. While you'd think controlled fires would eliminate 'fuel' it actually provides more room for non-native weeds and grasses to grow, which can be even more flammable.       To learn more about how to protect your home from wildfire please visit The California Chaparral Institute. 

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Sunset Cliffs, CA 

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So I found out recently that out of 10, 000 photographs from 65 different countries, the photo at the top has been chosen by Photographer's Forum as a finalist and will be published in the Best Of Photography 2014!  I'm overjoyed because Yoga has helped me on so many levels. Many people question the nudity in these photos as sexual in nature, but for those of you who practice yoga know that it helps one strip down the ego. It's a metaphor for the way yoga helps you break away from stress and from many of the pressures of society.  Thank you to my models, and to whomever has encouraged me in my photography. Namaste

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      Just a few miles east of the Salton Sea sat a deserted military base wanted by neither state nor county. The abandoned wasteland was left unclaimed until squatters started settling in one by one; making use of everything the desert had to offer, including the trash. With hardly any law enforcement, and no property taxes, Slab City drew in the unemployed, travelers, ex-convicts, and people who simply enjoy the lack of structure that is present in today’s society.        Through dedication and community, this town has grown to accommodate a skate park, a golf course, a music venue, multiple shooting ranges, a solar powered internet café, and a national folk monument known as Salvation Mountain. Every home and living structure is unique in its use of scraps and what it does to serve the other inhabitants.      To photograph the essence of freedom throughout the town, I knew I couldn’t just visit Slab City but I had to experience it. This portfolio is just the start of an ongoing project that not only documents my personal experiences in the town, but that of the people who live in the last free place in America.

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From a little road trip I took with some friends and family up to Santa Rosa back in 2012. We happened to make a pit stop and discovered this cool little creek underneath the road we were driving on. I don't even think I'd ever be able to find this bridge again.

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One of my favorite things about living in Escondido is their bi-annual Renaissance Faire! While it doesn't compare in size to those in the Los Angeles, the dedication and spirit from the various guilds really bring you back to another time.

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Right before my high school graduation, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Out of the five countries i visited i must say i fell in love with the snowcapped mountains of Switzerland.  On My Bucketlist: Go Back

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Last summer I stumbled upon the most amazing performance (or prayformance as they like to call it). As I walked through Balboa Park, the most enchanting vocals caught my attention. Once I found the source I was even more amazed at how they were creating this music. They held two small stringed instruments, had bells on their feet, were wearing eccentric costumes, and were able to sing with the most amazing opera-style voices as they danced around each other.  The duo are known as Tribal Baroque and often travel to different cities pray forming in various halls and venues. Find them on Facebook to keep track of where they might be next!

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If you ever get the chance to visit San Francisco, I definitely recommend visiting Land End Trail.  There's a giant Zen Maze at one end of it, and what seems to be abandoned military barracks on another side. 

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Experienced Hikers Only!! As beautiful as this trip is, the 4 mile roundtrip hike can be tough for beginners. Make sure you bring good shoes for the steep inclines and rock terrain, but most importantly plenty of WATER!!! The trail is only open from November until June, due to high summer temperatures.  While there are many ways to get to the trailhead I'd suggest putting the following address into your GPS or google maps:

Three Sister Falls 14850 Boulder Creek Rd Julian, CA 92036 And don't forget a bathing suit for the water at the bottom! After this hike you'll definitely want to go swimming.