Julia Jaye's blog

Ninety two days aboard the conscious goods alliance ship....thirteen different states, countless miles traveled. So many people took us into their homes and treated us as family, just as we brought people into ours daily. Yes coconut wood floors, bamboo cupboards, hemp cushions, solar panels, denatured alcohol in the stove and after giving the spiel hundreds of times I look back and embrace all the lives of which we touched. That hope of change. Just to let people know that we are doing what might be talked about, we are living what we speak of, we are explaining the logistics of sustainability in our Eco living room and not in a classroom. If nothing else we are all empowered from this mission. I came onto the bus eager, ready to see more than what could be summed up in a thought, ready to feel what the rest of the country thought of this sustainability concept. To be learning and simultaneously teach is the essence of the bus life and I choose to live in continuation of this philosophy.

New York City~ What a place to be....I really wonder if they dish out those $350 tickets for honking like the signs say. We started out with Chelsea, which was great besides having to be on constant watch over the bus all day in 1hr parking, it was an easy day. I met Al from Kopali and he gave me a few tips on how to be a Kopali master, I'm on my way. I suppose the meter maids respected the cause. Tribeca is a great neighborhood, the bus has been stationed at Diraj's pad, the man behind Aurora Creations.The crew thanks him for opening his space to us....and not crashing the bus. I have been doing demos with Jacqui, the president of Kopali and have already learned so much about Kopali and the industry. Sunday night, thanks to the heads up from my cousin, the crew rocked out to Burning Spear at the Fillmore. Yesterday I escaped the CGA for a day and met up with some family in Long Island. They took me in for the evening and night and I thank Uncle Malcom, Carol, and the Simpson family....my newly discovered cousins. In fact their place is so great, I'm going to bring the whole crew there tonight.

It could be the " armpit of america" or the "garden state" I suppose it all depends on the neighborhood. The CGA crew has officially reached the nations end with a dip in the warmer than expected Atlantic, our journeying is officially a cross-country tour. During today's demo at Redbank my faith in our mission was re-amped after reading a CGA flyer in Whole Foods that referred to the crew as "green missionaries". I stood in front of the small sign near the store entrance and reflected on all the places we have been, all the curious folks that have dared to understand and appreciate what we stand for and what we are living. I get to travel the country and talk to hundreds of people about what I love. Despite the gypsy in me, I have always appreciated a warm home to settle into and now that my home also happens to be my transportation, I feel more grounded than I have in years. (as I nearly fly off my bed with Erin at the wheel headed to NYC), having some Ocean-time these past few days has really rejuvenated the crew and we are ready to take a bite out of the " Big Apple."

Yesterday Philly brought us vintage style, twisted curious smiles, & enough Jamaican Jerk Hut yummies to last a while. Marla and I ventured through the streets with a soul mission of exploration. With the bus at the shop and a dime in our pockets, nothing not even rain could bring us mellow. I officially started representing Kopali last week and am enjoying the change of pace. Steven's enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. Kopali comes from the word kopal which is a sacred wood that is used in ceremonies in Aztec culture. The word pali means an abrupt edge or cliff in Hawaiian. Thanks to Sarah Wu for bringing us into her Philly apt. Laundry machines are sacred, as are showers. We have been at Ruth's exuberant home for the past few days and with out a doubt she prepares some of the finest raw cuisine since I've left Venice beach. The apricot crumble is to die for, or should i say live for. She has warmly taken in the crew and for that we are all grateful. After an eventful day of demoing and spending hours at the mechanics, it is past my bedtime so I bid all goodnight.

Quick lived, bursting with personality this city aged like a fine wine.....you can really appreciate the flavor spiced with any kind of beer you want on tap and some of the best local Jazz I've experienced. After an accomplished day at whole foods in Harbor East the crew headed straight for the American Visionary Artist Museum where we got to interact with Paul Spooner's fantastical world of characters behaving obscurely, almost comparable to Wallace and Gromit, but no clay, mostly wood. The rest of the side show displayed a spired variety of pieces ranging from the largest pink poodle atop a small buggy I've seen, a ginormous bra ball,and an aged hearse decked to the brim in recycled glass bottles. Inside the main museum Rob especially was delighted to know of the Dr. Bronners alter, while I was quite moved by Alex Grey's original pieces. Their gift shop is one of the funkiest we've come across since Chicago. After the free, on the lawn showing of Casablanca Erin and I made our way to Bertha's pub to catch a local jazz trio of piano, drums and stand up base. Just what we needed to spark an excuse to come back to this city.

Since the CGA has found its place in the nations capitol over the past week our green message of sustainability through consumerism has tinkled into the thoughts and curiosities of local students, businessmen, health connoisseur travelers and passersby. Storming the monuments armed with free hug signs, tricoloured LED lights, and the latest technology in bubble making was a great way to warm up to the city and break it in. Having Steven and Sarah in town has added to the enthusiasm of the tour. Yesterday the crew got a chance to explore the Smithsonian and the day before I got a one on one day in the city. My steps began uptown in Adams Morgan as I gave a farewell to a friend I quickly found myself wandering towards the monuments. The white house was my first destination, after years of curiosity the time had come. Not quite as grandiose as expected, the capitol building on the other hand was quite profound. I have never seen rats the size of cats since this city, and cockroaches that could devour a small town, but I have to say the squirrels are quite personable, especially when food is within reach.

The bus has made its way South to Ohio and we crashed the Cleveland
scene like rock stars at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After
spending the night in Covington, or better known to the locals as
Scovington, Kentucky the crew is ready to check out Red River Gorge.
Last night brought an authentic blue grass jam at The Crows Nest. I
rocked out with a washboard and credit card, while Justin rode the
rhythm of the harmonica and Marla bounced between drums and vocals.
Our jam was more electric than the monsoon of a storm that hit the
vacant streets somewhere between Cincinnati and Covington. A special
thanks to Mat and Marry for taking in all us wanderers, and Cacey for
letting his music flow.

Ann Arbor has been served on a silver platter with a bountiful open home for breakfast, Tantre Farm for lunch and Friends Lake for dinner, o and nargele accompanied with a boogie down on the dance floor for dessert. Couch surfing led us to the humble home of the Allen Family. They opened their world to us and we are forever grateful for our time spent in this lovely little nook of Michigan. Douglas Lane Allen, on behalf of the CGA crew, we thank you for taking us to your sacred spots. Going to Tantre Farm, harvesting garlic, milking Peaches the cow and tasting the milk...........wow. Being on a farm was an essential means of connection to the food we consume, and how important local produce is spiritually and economically. Friends Lake brought us Jordan and Amy, brought us sauna action. Marla and I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Desi and taking her on a canoe ride through the lotus laden lake. She respectfully payed her regards in the form of henna on our hands. Meeting up with Sara from New Chapter and Stephen from Kopali was revitalizing to our mission. Short but sweet we all bonded and exchanged new ideas of how to empower our message and strengthen the journey.

This trip has made me appreciative of all those around us who seem to be close at the right times. Whether it's a broken down bus or a place to stay, we seem to be taken care of. Traveling through Ohio the day before last our bus fell sleepy and decided to take a 5 hour nap on a side road, just across the border from Indiana, in the small town of Antwerp. The crew was instantly met by a handful of small town folk who were so curious of this strange bus, even the sheriff came to hang out. After a failed attempt to tow the bus to the side of the road by means of a tractor, a young guy gave a helping hand with his truck and later got our engine to wake up. But the in-between was filled with musical jams and a tour through a bursting little nursery garden by two vibrant young Russian children. They seemed to know everything and then some of gardening, flowers and herbs. It was inspiring to meet people so young and well versed on plants. I recall staggering statistics: children can identify 1000 logos and only 10 plants and animals. There is big hope in the smallest of places. We also give a warm welcome to Erin as she enters the bus tour and takes on New Chapter.

Yesterday the crew enjoyed a parting dinner at a classic pizza pub in chitown as we wished Spencer farewell. His sharp wit, dry humor, and keen sense of music shall be missed. We thank him for showing us the ins and outs of his fabulous city and opening up his home to some not so weary travelers.
A warm welcome to the patriots paradise, where the beer flows like water and American flags outnumber the birds in the trees. Yes I present to you Buchanan Michigan, home of the one and only Fuller's Resort and Campground where you can enjoy festivities ranging from hay bale rides, bonfires, firework shows, karaoke (count me in!!!), kayak races and tie dye arts and crafts. What a classic way to spend the 4th of July weekend. Oh, no nachos or grilled cheese burgers for me, thanks though. We also look forward to welcoming Rob to the crew later tonight.