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Stephen D. Edington, a Unitarian Universalist minister, discusses his personal journey and the influence of Jack Kerouac on his spiritual beliefs.
Good links:
Register for the event on August 30 at the Henry Miller Library
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Unitarian Universalist Faith
Books by Steve Edington
Summary
Stephen D Edington, a Unitarian Universalist minister, discusses his personal journey and the influence of Jack Kerouac on his spiritual beliefs. He shares how he transitioned from a conservative Baptist upbringing to a more liberal interpretation of Christianity and eventually found his place in the Unitarian Universalist faith.
Steve explains his belief in a higher power and the importance of self-discovery in his spiritual journey. He also discusses his involvement in the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac festival and the continued interest in Kerouac's writings among different generations.
Jack Kerouac was a complex figure who embodied multiple identities and roles. He was seen as an intellectual, spiritual, romantic, and cultural icon. While he was not overtly political, he had revolutionary and messianic qualities.
Kerouac was both an intellectual and an athlete, excelling in academics and sports. His driving force was his duty to write, which he considered his purpose on Earth. He sought recognition as a major American writer and inspired others to pursue their own creative journeys. Kerouac's life ended tragically, but his writing continues to inspire and resonate with readers.

Sound Bites!

• "I was raised in a pretty conservative Baptist church in southern West Virginia."
• "I believe there is some reality or some power that is greater than myself."
• "I've always felt like I've been on some kind of a journey of discovery throughout my life."
• "He's an intellectual, he is spiritual, he is romantic."
• "He might have blanched a little bit at political."
• "He was both intellectual and athlete."

Below is the Kerouac presentation/sermon Steve Edington will be presenting at the Palo Alto Unitarian Universalist Church on the 25th of August.
Why Jack Kerouac Matters

In 1988 I came to Nashua, New Hampshire to begin what turned out to be a 24 year ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Church there. One of my colleagues in our district ministers’ chapter was your minister, Amy Morgenstern, who was serving a congregation in Vermont. She eventually made her way westward here to Palo Alto, and I stayed in New England. We’ve kept up our friendship over the years.

One of our points of connection was and is our affinity for some of the Beat Generation writers; and, for me, Jack Kerouac in particular. I don’t think Amy became the “Kero—wacko” that I have become

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Thank you Mary Alexander for speaking with me.
People who care about Big Sur and its history will enjoy hearing you.
Thanks also to you, Bianca Branaman, for the great recent photo of Mary.
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Below are some links and names of people we mention:
Jerry de Wilde photosGurdjieffAricaEsotericismDaniel Ellsberg

People:
Jeff & Kevin Alexander
Erin Albrecht
Darius, Tenere and Mohave Richmond
Michael Alexander
Richard Albrecht
Rodney Richmond
Branaman Family
Patrick Cassidy
Horst & Rowena Mayer
Storm and Ron Achioli (sp?)
Roland and Irene Hall
Fred Farr
Neil and Honey Rose
Zeebo (sp?)
Melanie Hogan
John Bleibtreu
Josh Bleibtreu
Jeffrey Stewart
Casey Sonnabend
John Andersson
Norman Godbe
Crosby, Stills and Nash
Jack Kerouac
Bradley Marx
Emilia Newell
Rosie
et alia...

_________________________________________________
This podcast is a production of
the Henry Miller Memorial Library
Big Sur, CA
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If Diablo Canyon stays open, does it open the door for a broader reevaluation of nuclear’s role in the U.S. — or is it a one-off anomaly in a blue state’s climate panic?
Talking with Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow author of "Atomic Dreams: The New Nuclear Evangelists and the Fight for the Future of Energy."
What role should nuclear power play in our energy future?
Rebecca explores the unlikely resurgence of nuclear power as a climate solution — not through the lens of old Cold War anxieties, but through a new generation of thinkers, engineers, and environmentalists who see splitting the atom as a bridge to a carbon-free future.
And here in California, that question hits home. Diablo Canyon — the state’s last operating nuclear plant — was on its way out. Now, it’s looking like it's on its way back in. What changed? And what does that tell us about the shifting cultural and political ground beneath our feet?
Stay with us as we explore the strange, complicated afterlife of nuclear power — from protests and policy to power grids and hope.

Support the show

_________________________________________________
This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!
Let us know what you think!
SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
[email protected]
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Send us a text

Ever since she picked up her father’s camera at age twelve, Rachael Short has been captivated by the art of photography. Listen to our conversation to learn more from and about Rachael's remarkable story.
LINKS:
Relay for Rachael

Gallery Exposed

Rachael Short Photography
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SUMMARIES:
Rachael's Nature-Inspired Photography Journey
Rachael and Magnus reminisced about their past interactions and shared experiences. Rachael, who grew up in Carmel Valley, expressed her gratitude for her upbringing, which included spending time in nature and observing the environment. She credited this upbringing for influencing her photography and creativity. Magnus and Rachael discussed how Rachael's experiences, such as horseback riding and long drives through nature, shaped her perspective and artistic vision.
Rachael's Photography Journey and Technical Skills
Rachael discusses her early experiences with photography, starting in high school and continuing through her education at Brooks Institute. She was drawn to black and white photography and the darkroom process, which she began learning as a sophomore. Rachael explains that she didn't fully appreciate the significance of famous photographers from her area, like Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, until later in her studies. She describes her time at Brooks Institute, where she experienced the transition from film to digital photography, and highlights the technical skills she gained there, particularly in lighting and the zone system. Rachael also mentions her focus on fine art photography and portraiture, which led to her work in wedding photography as a means to fund her artistic pursuits.
Neurological Trauma Experiences Compared
Rachael and Magnus discussed their experiences with neurological traumas. Rachael shared her vivid memories of a 15-year-old accident that left her paraplegic, while Magnus described his wife's recent stroke. They compared their experiences, noting similarities and differences. Magnus asked Rachael about her memories of the accident and how she has coped with the trauma over the years. Rachael confirmed that she still remembers painful aspects of the accident and has no memory of the first few days in the hospital.
Quadriplegia and Community Support
Rachael discussed her quadriplegia, emphasizing the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia. She acknowledged the fragility of life and the ongoing challenges of finding the right care to manage her condition. Rachael also expressed gratitude for the community support she receives, particularly through the annual run organized by a core group of friends. Despite the difficulties, she remains hopeful and appreciative of the love and support she receives.
Rachael's Photography and New Project
In the meeting, Rachael discussed her photography work, including a series of images taken at her grandparents' property after it was sold. She explaine

Support the show

_________________________________________________
This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!
Let us know what you think!
SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
[email protected]
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Send us a text

Peter Rosen is a long time Big Sur resident. He is known for his extraordinary feats of hang gliding far above the Santa Lucia Mountains! In recent years Peter is also known for hauling trash out of Big Sur. We are only touching on a few things in this brief conversation so I hope we'll have a 'chapter 2' soon.
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Support the show

_________________________________________________
This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!
Let us know what you think!
SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
[email protected]
FaceBookInstagram