Chasing waterfalls

Sorry I've been quiet...last week I drove home to Ohio to visit the family. I'm back in NYC now, but glad I got to spend time with everyone there.

Along the drive we stopped at a waterfall and swam...but these photos are actually from my upstate trip in June! I have SO many cool forest photos to go through (and yes some nudes!) so I'll be posting those soon.

With America's Independence day approaching, I'm sure a lot of us don't really feel like celebrating our country right now. Perhaps the same could be said for many of you from around the world too. I think I'll take the day to remember my privilege, my amazing resources and freedoms, and to think about others around the world right now who don't get to experience that.

America loves individuality, floating over here on our giant slice of the continent disconnected from those across the various ponds.

We love something that fits our specific needs perfectly. One example I always think of - growing up in sort of a vague, non-denominational Christian home, even as a kid I was confused and astounded by all the different flavors of Christianity. We would drive past churches old and new, big and small, with signs in the front declaring their specific flavor and a tagline - often along the lines of something that would appeal to your individuality and sell you on choosing them.

I always wondered how God and spirituality became so...self-centered? Was it not about community, or belonging to a group? But rather so much emphasis seems to put on YOUR individual relationship with God(s). As though your one-on-one is much more important than the whole picture. I just don't understand it in the grand scope of religion.

I'm no longer religious (and grateful my parents let me explore a lot of different things to arrive at that decision on my own terms), but I do really admire communities that function as a whole, rather than so much focus on individuality. It has allowed me to be more respectful of those who do choose to practice religion. Community and belonging are human needs, and I can't really fault anyone for wanting that. I think I've found that strength in community with my fellow sex workers and artists.

Anyways, I'm just rambling but...that's what I'll be thinking about on July 4th.