A Library in a War Zone

I recently had the privilege of going to the "International District" Library to get a copy of Alice in Wonderland for my daughter to read for school. (I had placed a hold on it to pick up at another library, but didn't think it would be ready for at least a week or more. It was ready the day after I went to the library. Oh well.)

This library was really really nice. It was clean, well lit, organized, and the grounds were well maintained and landscaped. The parking lot was nice. Even the Recycle and Trash bins outside were nice. It had a cool Little Free Library outside. It was a really neat library. 

However...

Things I Learned From Racing a Train

Wednesday was Zac's birthday, and as part of his 5th birthday celebrations we went to the Zoo and the Children's Fantasy Garden at the Botanic Garden. There is a train that connects the two, which are about 1.5 miles apart, and runs alongside the bike trail. Upon our return trip to the Zoo Manda suggested that I run the trail and see who gets back first, the train or me. I decided to take up the challenge, and in the process I learned a few things.

What Could Happen if the Tide Where to Rise in the Albuquerque Desert

This past weekend millions of people around the world gathered together to march, to speak, to protest, to demand, to fight, to mourn, to remember, to look ahead, to hope. Children, teens, adults, celebrities, household names, anonymous and unknown individuals all gathered with a common goal, to do something, to change something, to say "enough is enough" and to state and ensure #neveragain. It was a huge movement, and to see the photos of the gatherings and marches around the world was impressive, and made you think that this very well be the start to something happening, to something changing. What is even more impressive is that this huge gathering of people around the world, estimated in the millions, with around 800,000 in Washington D.C. alone, represents, probably, less than 2% of the US population (official world-wide attendance numbers are not solid and vary greatly), that's it, but that very well may be enough, only time will tell. This 2% (0.25% if you just look at the main event in DC) was/is passionate, and devoted and determined to make a change and to do whatever they need to to see that what they believe in comes to fruition. It seems that the tide may be changing, that a tidal wave may be growing.

Here in Albuquerque there were around 10,000 individuals that participated in the local event. That also represents a little less than 2% of the Albuquerque population. What I see in this is that people believe they can make a difference. Even if they represent a massively small percentage of the group they are trying to change (because even if many more support you, silence doesn't enact change, action does, those who mobilize and act are the ones who have the potential to change things) they believe it's possible and are willing to fight to see that change.