Café Del Mar - Lux (Northern Lights)

So nice to come across something that gives one pause to take-in and digest, slip, slide and slurp around in your skull, seep through the empty spaces and penetrate the impermeable as you soak and bathe in the soothing, moving elements of the sky and earth.

Gibbous Moon

The moon popped up the other cloudy night. It looked like the illustration posted here. =>
Turns out it was on it's way to being full, you know like a full-figured individual. It was a roly-poly moon. The technical term is Gibbous moon. I get a kick out of being reminded of or taught something interesting. It's satisfying to learn one more thing, knowing all the while there remains a vast amount more to discover, explore, figure-out, discern, learn about and soak-up, like what a gibbous moon is. It waxes, grows everyday, gets bigger, shinier, fuller, like brand new love riding a massive, unstoppable wave in contrast to a waning moon that gets smaller daily, nightly like a cowboy who rides off in no hurry, into the sunset.

Ooh, the moon, what is this love affair I have with the moon? It's been going on for a long, long time. Ever since I can remember in fact, my heart wants to jump out of my chest at the sight of it's radiance. I can see, ever so gently, the aura emitted by this show-stopping planet, the soft distinctive glow is evident even during the day. That's right, I can, I do see it's soft, sweet translucent light intent on blanketing the atmosphere with the slightest, most delicate touch in all it's unusual yet familiar illumination. So perfect, persistant, a constant in my life with that fabulous bright-eyed look on it's face, a reflection of the sun as it showers it's light and shine.

Wow! What's not to love? What's not to be drawn to, delight in? With it's magnificence and undeniable presence since way beyond the past... a power to affect the earths ocean tides and currents. To those who can not resist nor deny the strength and influence... a particular restlessness is elicited among such earth's inhabitants, spurring unspeakable despair with it's mad, malevolent vibes frequently aimed at the world. This astronomical crown jewel in the heavens, what you do to me, to us through the ages...as you offer spiritual enlightenment, provoking profound thoughts, perplexing, mysterious, mind boggling as any matter that prompts one to wonder about, and ponder often.

Star Witness

< Nov 30 - So anyway, the way I remember it; Off in the wild blue and benevalent yonder, the constellatory strata from where I watch and wonder, the cool wintery air and sky dome transforms into powdery white, gray, black and blues. The crescent moon off in the low lying distant horizon, suspended in mid air like a trapese artist swinging, swaying with the greatest of ease. The other near by airialist anxiously awaiting their turn at the show. First the one, the only, the oppulant, valuptious, brilliant, bright glowing Goddess of love and beauty, Venus, to the upper left side of the thin moon. Also eager to be noticed, in close proximity, the big daddy of the skies and king of Roman Gods, Jupitar, almost as shiny and shimmery as the large and lovely, Venus. It is a conjunction made in heaven. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages...I give you; "The Greatest Show, off Earth!"

And if the one night of this heavenly hullabaloo wasn't enough... low and behold, the next evening finds another distant display of magic and brain bending brilliance in the sky. Of course it is earths perspective that makes this starry triad appear so close to one another. The svelt moon and ring master this Monday, the first night of December wears a frown as the magnificant starry stage is set, the cosmic characters take their places among the rest of the cast members, in their major and minor roles, assigned to all sides of the moon. All galactic entities within viewing range - the captive audience, stops to take in the aswesome twilight show as the night slowly closes in on another day. - Dec. 1 >

The moving moon went up the sky And no where did abide

Softly she was going up, And a star or two beside

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Miracles, Memories and Magic

So as I sat in the patio today, writing, watching the sun slide slowly across the sky, a little white butterfly pranced and danced around me, fluttering, flying, bobbing and weaving in and out of my personal space. I loved it as I witnessed this little visit form heaven. The butterfly floats into the back door poking it's wings in the kitchen to have a quick look-see, then back around my shoulder. I find this phenomenal and just a wee bit miracle-ly in it's path of flight. This pronounce and undeniable precious moment, particularly special and symbolic to me, has happened before once while I sat at the kitchen table enjoying a cold beer. A white butterfly had the nerve to land and stay perched on my shoulder then rest on my hand for several minutes. Nothing short of magical, a grace-filled albeit fleeting moment for me to consume whole heartedly and enjoy to the nth degree. I have pictures documenting the moment. I'll have to dig them out and post.

What I want to bloggity-blog about, this day, the 23rd and my favorite day of any month, is the following excerpt from a story about a girl who out of necessity from wounds left from days past, scarred by life, incidents and accidents, yet delivered graciously, by the dead...blazes her own trails, however off the beaten path they may appear, however different, eccentric, peculiar or odd she may be. She marches to the sound of her own voice and beating heart.

"We choose our truths the way we choose our gods, single-mindedly, no other way to feel or see or think. We lock ourselves into our ways, and click all the truths to one. We put our truths together in pieces, but you use nails and I use glue. You mend with staples. I mend with screws. You stitch what I would bandage. Your truth may not look like mine, but that is not what matters. What matters is this: You can look at a scar and see hurt, or you can look at a scar and see healing. Try to understand." ~ from "A Gracious Plenty" by Sheri Reynolds

One more little thought to bring peace and comfort to this sometimes tired n weary, sometimes charged-up and so good to go, heart of mine, is this: Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly ~ Anonymous

Twins are Us!

Check it out. Twin talk... esoteric, excellent, exceptional, extra ordinary. To womb-mates, the few, the chosen, the rare one's who understand! Here's to you, twins!

YES WE CAN ~

YES WE CAN ~ ¡Si Se Puede con Barack Obama! íObamanos Ahora!

Re: Democracy, Pride, Prejudice and The Pursuit of Happiness...We trip over ourselves as we pursue justice with our subtle little prejudices and not so subtle prejudices heretofore. We strive for excellence with respect, persistence and the presence of mind and body, with the guts and true grit, fortitude and fearlessness required of one running for the office of the President of these United States. We cry tears of sorrow as we say goodbye to our soldiers leaving for a strange and far away place to protect our very right to vote and be free and enjoy our precious democracy. We cry tears of joy upon their safe arrival home, more tears shed for those who don't make it back home in the name of preserving freedom for the survivors of their homeland. We maintain pride for one another as we face each day with courage and a commitment to be better than the day before, to be a blessing to those we can and we go on our way silently, hoping and praying everything will be alright, safe, peaceful, that life will be livable and tolerable for each and everyone. We wish it were so for everyone, everywhere. We are embarking on a landmark time in history, no doubt, with eager anticipation for a brighter future for ourselves, our loved ones and those without a voice. Here's to AMERICA, land of those who enjoy so much; freedom, resources, rights, liberties and abundance others in the world can only imagine... home to brave hearts, lonely hearts and hearts of gold. God Bless us all, each and everyone, every where.

Ambient Light

Friday evening, October 31st, as the sun makes it's exit, stage left, lingering around a bit with it's golden glow waving goodbye until tomorrow at dawn when it rises and shines it's bright beautiful crown of silvery, sparkly jewels...accompanied by Venus...stella spectaculár, muy bonita, can't help but show off, all happy and bright, hanging over a young crescent moon, La Luna, the sliver of creamy, white light grows, stretching, right before my eyes...a glow surrounds it's newness as Venus also dons a warm-looking, fuzziness. Quite the atmospheric effect, distinctly arranged as planets position themselves according to constellatory assignment. Bravo Author, Creator and finisher of life!

This weekend is very much about All Saints and All Soul's Day-The Day of The Dead (Dia de Los Muertos)... observed by Catholics and highly revered in the Mexican culture as holidays that celebrate and remember loved ones who have preceded the living in death. A time to reflect, connect, perhaps disconnect or reconnect from or with the vastness of sinners and saints. Yes, well there must be a fine line between the two entities, what with all the dogma, pragma, idioms, maxims, dictum's, laws, canons, precepts, truisms and falsehoods... with all that rig-a-ma-row going on... the question begs to be asked...Who can keep track? What is right, wrong, good, evil, better left unsaid or to intercede in dire times and places of need?

Good thing humankind innately knows in accordance with where, what, who and how the heart and soul speaks... in gentle whispers, in loud clear, succinct, straight to the point manner, fashion and form, in deafening tones, mild, mundane, monotone, yet mighty, kind, compassionately, honestly, fervently, with a fury and fire, a vengeance for doing what is right? Saints earn their "stripes," honorably, with humility, in a holy, sanctified place of perfection, power, peace, glory and comes with a high price attached, paid in full... in order to posture oneself in such a high ranking place of privilege as this. Wow...let's hear it for All Saints' and All Souls everywhere. My goodness, your goodness, may goodness, light, pure love and more of the same follow you where ever you go. Yeah, keep a watchful eye on us survivors of this here cruel, crazy, beautiful world, would you? Yes Saints, are you listening, watching waiting for our call, plea, prayer?

What the...???

How you doin? Me? I'm good. It was a meteor we saw in Albuquerque's northern sky last night, after the Zumba class and as you would imagine is a barrel of monkeys, but that's another blog... The strip of fire looked like a jet lighting up, a blaze shooting across the horizon as it extinguished itself, a rocket moving in a horizontal trajectory, fantastic, quick burst of radiance, and then it faded out, vanished, vaporized. <Note picture, to illustrate the dealy-deal... Right, right, right, right, right, right.
<
This butte, a 1957 Ford Meteor Ranchero (picture by Prarie Dog), preceeded Chevolet's El Camino, another coupe... part car, part truck, stylish, distinctive, utilty vehicle for the discriminant motorist, industrious and attractive.


The plane is a Turner RT-14 Meteor =====>>>

Here's another creation,

a flower, referred to as a Meteor.

Below, one more image and reference to a meteor; "Meteor Man"...

My guess is he's gay, fighting through the worst conditions possible to get to his main squeeze; "Muffin Man" or some such...

* Falling Star *

Just daydreaming at twilight about the wild blue yonder. I was standing outside watching the sky, wondering about this; the air I breath, earth, it's inhabitants, the ocean of questions, mysteries and quizzical ways of the world...that; that I would be placed right where I am, this time and space...the other thing; matters of the heart, conditions of the mind and body, life, death, resurection, redemption, the distance between people, planets, galaxies, the stars...creation.

Wonder how the sky would look if the trail of a falling star remained, reappeared now and then depending on several variables? Perhaps when something extraordinary, earth shattering sad, spectacular or divine occures... subsequent strips of platinum and chrome, mercurial motion from fallen stars become visible and harkens only the ones who need to see it to soothe their soul. The silver streak disappears almost as instantly as it soars across the dark, distant atmosphere, etched into the firmament like a random ray of brilliance doodled, scratched-out on a black, deep blue, blank page. The sky becomes one big shimmering band and vein of light, a massive strip of shiny blusterous radiance.

My chest flutters with the celestial streamline surprise, truly serendipitous as the razor thin lightbeam stretches across the southwestern sky. My spirit in flight at the immediate spellbinding sight... simple enough... no big deal really but the vision flashes a smile, grinning, somehow filling me with hope, making me happy with it's fleeting presence... something to hold on to if only for that custom made, yet ever so brief moment. The panoramic, vast, opulent design in all it's precise perfection, for me to reflect on and marvel at. A sharp quick dance, strut, dash of exuberant energy. The spirit of the shiny star falling seems to peak out around the heavenly curtain making sure I see it, feel it, be awe struck by it's magic... only to race away, out of sight, leaving me eagerly, inviting, anticipating, watching and waiting for more *

PEACE and LOVE

I'm just saying...Peace and love, for real.

Parisian Wisdom

"In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something happened, but asking how we will respond, what we intend to do now that it happened" ~PierreTeilhard de Chardin

"Pure logic is the ruin of the spirit." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sunday Supplication ~

Point me in the direction I need to go, the people I should know, toward the things and stuff of life I need to do, pay attention to, think about, act on, live by , with and for. Show me the way, the places I need to be. Illuminate my path with your sacred light and Holy Spirit...rattle my cage and roll with me, wake me, shake-me-up. Stir my soul, squeeze out every drop that needs to drip the messy, crimson red blood, salty slippery sweat, and fervent tears of joy, extract the sadness & dark disappointment. Invite delirious delight & awesome anticipation. Face, then move past dread, pain and find my way back to pulsating pleasure, the piece(s) of me that call for shoring-up, replenish then share, bless, take stock of. Itemize the boundless bounty and abundance surrounding my existence since the first beat of my heart, sigh and breath of life... until my appointment here is over.
Yes, I implore the heavens, the center and source of everything that is, was, will be. Stir my soul over and over until it rounds out and about, inward, upward...my thirst and hunger satisfied, stoic yet humble, expecting only a glimpse of wisdom with each lesson learned, experience explored, venture gained and love lost and found. Let me be strong, peaceful and continue to share my blessed treasures, true and right, meager, magnificent, now and forever~

U2 - October

Almost half way through October. It's cold tonight. Where did the warm, sunny, weather go? Guess Albuquerque's Indian Summer is on it's way out. Things seem to be turning a bit dark and gray. I need to see things in vivid, living color right now.

Gonna go work-out. Instant therapy when a heart aches, feels heavy, haunted, icy hot, hung out to dry, heart rates race, skip, spike, peak, tweak from life's wear and tear. When life get's you by the short and curlies, it helps tremendously to work-out, get those endorphins a going... feels so good to move and groove, stride, slide and glide along and do it all again until your working-up a good 'ol sweat and feel good again. Yeahh, that's the way to go, be better, stronger, smarter and healthier. Beautiful. ..."and you go on"...

Dames, Rain & Automobiles

Dames, ahh Yes, magnificant, most marvelous creation known to man. With the capacity to leave one breathless with their beauty, bewildered by their mysterious ways, captive of spellbinding sweetness, sensitivity and sass.
At once, bitter, harsh, complex, cruel, simple, strong and delicate. Oh, that humankind would be blessed with such a splendid representation as this, the softer side of the species. Powerful and lovely, heart stopping and head rushing as an eye and lung-full of the opulant full bodied, flourishing flower in full bloom, radiant in living, vibrant color. If unhindered would live as a bold, bountiful gift to all, consoler, confidant, care giver, lover, friend, mother, sister, daughter, moon and the brightest star of stars.
To women who make the world go around, keep the axis of the earth true, maintain the might and power of a lioness who protects her cub. God's most masterful work of art and wonder of all.

Rain
Saturday night in Albuquerque. It's a rainy night. I hope your safe, warm and dry where ever you are. The night air smells sweet and fresh as I feel ready to jump out of my skin with longing. I invite and anticipate the unknown for the better, for all, bringing possibilities and opportunities. The cool, clean air of mystery seems pronounce as the rain carries on, wet, almost wild, pouring down symphonically, dynamically perfect, drizzling, washing the dingy crust clean, clearing the air of dormant, lingering dust and makes the black pavement come alive with the reflection of the lights as each irredecsent bubble of water bursts on impact, bouncing, dancing on the ground, rattling tin on rooftops, creating puddles and pools in cracks, crevices and holes. The rain continues with a steady, heavy drizzle, tapping, dropping, dripping everywhere I look. A change from the afternoon and recent fair, dry and mild wheather that draped us with intermittent overcast skies.

Automobiles
I tell ya, cars from the 1940's kind of make my heart skip a beat, gets my motor running and sends me into a time I'm sure, I must have owned and cherished one of these motorized gems. Blue car is a 1949 Chrysler Royal. It's a butte. Love the fuzzy blue =>

You know those dreamy, creamy, classic cars, just do something to me. Not quite sure why, but I've cultivated a crush on classic cars and motorcycles since I was a kid. It's true, I'm smitten. I guess you could say I'm a little "car crazy." I'm pretty fascinated with the way somebody can get a hold of a big 'ol, rusted-out tin can and transform it into something right out of Chip Foose's imagination. It's about as exciting to see the before and after pictures of a classic car as it is to see the before and after pictures of someone who's lost a good deal of weight. I loves me my Fabulous Forty's cars! Even tho' I'm not a grease monkey, per se, I sure do appreciate the know how, time, effort, energy, dinero involved in making these cool, cool, super cool cars not only road worthy, but also, of museum and car show quality that includes the design, care and craftsmanship.

This forest green beautiful bomb shell of a car is a 1947 Plymouth Deluxe Sedan. When I first came across this picture, a caption near the close-up of quarter panel and tire read: "What big white walls you have."

Stylish, sleek, elegant yet simple, no nonsense and unpretentious, functional, fun and oh so fabalis. Just makes me want to grab my best gal and my doggie-dog and go for a long ride in the country. I'd think I'd just about died and gone to heaven.

Until next time, when I feel compelled to share matters and meanderings of no consequence to you. I bid you good night and God Bless~

Take Heart

Get a hold of yourself, take heart in hope and hold on tight. Meditate on the positive, the power and perfection within. Peace of mind...what it takes to get through the longest day and loneliest night. Get on the good foot with one's thinking, not tripping about what the imagination conjures-up. Let it be, let it go, let the light out-shine the darkness and rest your weary heart with the balm of soothing, comforting quiet. Rest assured that the Holiest of Holy has everything under control. It's alright. You laugh, you cry, you lie awake at night tossing and turning as your soul stirs, aching to settle down and rise up into another realm of reality and good reason. Count your blessings instead of bearing the burden of doubt, insecurity, inner strife...that's no good. You must remind yourself over and over how much you have, so much to share and play forward. What was, is past, posturing you for the present, here and now. Be glad of another day, another opportunity to make someone happy, to bring joy and enhance the quality of your own existence as well as other precious life.

For real... do yourself and everyone else in your world a favor... keep your spirits up and follow your heart to places and people that would take you into their void and fill-up again on your fuel of life...love...goodness, simple, subtle, crazy kindness. Let life's light and love carry you through the next moment that attempts to threaten you with negativity. Push-on with purpose, thrust forward with exuberance and be excellent for yourself and for others while allowing yourself to be free from dark, heavy, mind boggling nonsense that offers nothing of value to the tranquil, transcending tenderness within.

Focus, reflect on matters of value, of things, prospects, projects, places and people that make you glad, rebuke misery, dismiss the dampness of those distorted, tired tapes we insist on rewinding in our head. Yes, do take hold of yourself, you know the one, you've been traveling with, sojourning all this time, you've come this far for so long... move forward, upward, onward...your still here. Now GO, be alive and well~

OUCH++##!!!<><@>

Neil Gaiman, (English born American Novelist, Journalist, Screenwriter, Children's author and Comics writer of American Gods, amongst many others, b.1960) Pens a brilliant take on hating love:
"Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love."

Happy Birthday Twins!

Yes Happy Birthday you crazy puddin-head twins!!! Born Monday, September 23, 1957, Mark arrived at 7:11 AM and Mary showed-up at 7:14 AM.
Here's to you Mark Allen Joseph and Mary Ellen.

What a combo. We tore it up, had a good run, sliced, diced, peeled and pounced on life together. The twin-ness made life pretty interesting and full of special stuff, happy to say; were treated to extra goodness, extra fun, extra love and extra-ordinary times together. I'll never forget you brother. I'm thinking of you today and of course recall many moments you and I lived-out in such a way... not time nor space can take away.

Alvin and Chipmunks featuring David Seville, ah yes those were the days of hanging around the record player with a nickle holding down the needle to keep it from skipping as Alvin, Theadore, Simon and ring leader David sang their way through The Witch Doctor with little Mark and Mary listening and playing that wild, wacky number over and over and over again. Pure gold! Pure magic! Puro (pure) Fun for the twins!!!

The Witch Doctor

Them, They, Those, Ours, Others, Us, We, You, Me

Fireflies ~ Today I saw a women who was wearing a skirt. Her legs looked like they had been badly burned. She had to have overcome so much physical and emotional pain but the scars remain. I wondered what caused those horrendous wounds. Was she the victim of someones cruelty? Did she fall into a bathtub with scalding hot water? What happened? I thanked God she was seemingly fine now, able to walk about, an attractive women who walked with purpose. Also thankful for anyone who cared for, loved and helped her to heal and those who love and care for her now. The precept; "There go I but for the Grace of God." comes to mind, from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians; ...But for the grace shown to me was not wasted. Instead, I worked harder than the others, not I, of course, but God's Grace that was with me.

Later in the day I saw another women in a wheel chair traversing her way across traffic moving, rolling in the direction of a parking lot. It required extra effort on her part and I'm sure is the general nature of her life, in contrast to what able bodied people do without barriers. The women in the wheel chair, so often going face to face with obstacles. I retreated again, to a place of prayer for all of those who have so much to bear in they're lives, down trodden, heavy hearted, afflicted in some way by poor health, economic hardship, social discourse, unbalance, constant unrest... It is humbling and right that I remind myself to take stock of my countless blessings, the abundance, comfort and conveniences.

The Dalai Lama said; "This is my simple religion; There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is KINDNESS." It makes sense and very much within humanities scope. Our sensibilities realize this innately. Prayer, simple prayer, ....a holy thought, taking only a moment to project kindness, compassion. We can emit these priceless and essential neccesities of the soul.

I believe, IOU me, for showing me how to offer LOVE and PEACE. I promise to pass along simple yet powerful prayer, reassured that somehow in the whole vibrational scheme of things and sphere of life it truly matters and makes a difference...resonates and is bigger than all the aching and pains of life.

Sincerely,
me

Still there

See the moon tonight? It's fancy and simple, shiny, brand new and ancient. The lunar connection to the earth is strong, big-dot-spot-on. The vast distance is like an optical illusion and lures you into it's creamy, ivory center, filled with possibilities, perplexities and powerful presence... stubborn alabaster orb, refusing to wear-out, tire or get bored, baths us with it's light. The round, puffy, crisp, clean buttery profile presents it's fantastic familiar face... broad, bold, quietly beaming it's radiant brilliance relentlessly over and over again until other dimensions, time and space decree a difference.

The moon is still there after all this time and so many years later, hovering, suspended in nothing, the cosmos, a galactic sea of space, storms, atmospheric phenomenon, prancing and dancing about draped in prisms, particles, dust, delight, sights, sounds, solar synchronicity moving at a seemingly symphonic pace, waltzing, gliding in slow motion toward unknown and unimagined places without a beginning or an end only to start all over again.

Still there, taking transient residence in the recesses of the mind. The rhythm of life responds simultaneously... subtle and stark as the heavens vibrate and whisper attempting to wreck havoc in our hearts and heads and create perfect harmony and bliss all at once. The ocean tides turn, currents twist, babies stir, animals pace, emergencies unravel, souls search and one way or another even the steadfast and calm are affected by it's mysterious, mercurial maneuvers in the sky high, far away leaving us forlorn, feeling forsaken and yearning for more.

Harvest Moon

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote; "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings." including a stop you dead in your tracks, bigger than life, bigger than little thoughts, bigger than any nagging negativity or struggle... simply breathtaking view of the big, bright, beautiful full harvest moon that plays hide and seek as we walk and watch in awe of it's glow... spellbinding, large, so lovely and luminous, majestically, mythodically, slowly making it's wonderous way over the clear blue sky, for you to see and feel it's restless yet reassuring rays casting luxurious undeniable light on us all, for me as I gaze upon it's tranquil, serene and highly spirited aura emitting from it's own radiance. I wonder, wait, look, pray for everything, everyone, everywhere, entrenched with the magic of this fleeting moment, still wishing this peace and calm, cool placid air and place in time could last much longer and look forward to the next time the amazing moon glows in all it's grand glory ~

Another dark day "in infamy"

The images of September 11, 2001 are a chilling reminder of yet another dark day "in infamy," when the place we call home is blindsided, left shell-shocked, grief-stricken and bewildered. It is not likely we will ever forget, that day so reminiscent of the day JFK was assasinated, November 22, 1963. We who were around as children, can recall all these years later, vivid details of the time when it seemed like the whole world wept with despair, everything was dark, our country desperate for comfort amid the chaos, like so many countries, countrymen and women then and now still crying out for justice and peace yet without a voice, seeking solace, safety, a sanctuary to protect them and loved-ones from the harshness of others.

What I feel compelled to share with you, while looking at the pictures, which to me is a reminder of the cruelty humanity is capable of incurring upon one another...something Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese-American, artist, poet, writer, philosopher and theologian wrote in the 1920's and is particularly prophetic, profound and timeless; "THE BUTTERFLY WILL CONTINUE TO HOVER OVER THE FIELD AND THE DEWDROPS WILL STILL GLITTER UPON THE GRASS WHEN THE PYRAMINDS OF EGYPT ARE LEVELED AND THE SKYSCRAPERS OF NEW YORK ARE NO MORE."
Peace and love to you precious friend

Soldier-Up to Bombs, Bullets and Broken Hearts

Moving at the speed of light we take a head dive into the ocean of love with every attempt at making life more livable for ourselves and our loved ones with a brand new view. Then out of no where...

In a flash, a blink of an eye, the heart skips a beat, breaks, bounces, flutters, flies, falls high and hard, bombs burst with dissapointment, bullets of bewilderment fly, shattering hopes, splintering, piercing pain as shrapnel sprays it's scorching, searing destructive force. We want to sigh, die, bury our head in our own arms on the table of torment and just cry until we are left weak, hoping and praying, begging the ache to go away. Say goodbye to the tenderness snatched right out from under us, out of no where. Take a deep breath as a particular death and darkness beats down a love that just yesterday shined new light, timeless, seemingly well suited and poised for longevity. The earth becomes flat and we fall off the edge.

Stand tall armed with strength, courage, dignity...move forward one step at a time. Let tears flow, trickle down your sad face, get it out of your system as you wash yourself and renew. Resolve to refresh, replenish, restore and recharge as the shock waves slowly subside.

A loved one offers pearls of wisdom and says; "The warrior in you is saying; "I'll take it from here" when you decide that." "Love yourself as much as you love another." "OK now flip the switch in your heart too."

I'm amazed at the places one finds encouragement when feeling defeated. On a pair of recently acquired Samurai pants in Chinese calligraphy is very cool eye-catching artwork. It translates to: "Still Heart Poem" and says; if you hold back anger the winds will still and waves will calm, if you take one step back the sky will clear and oceans will fill ~

Rest in Peace Ramona

February 18, 1931-August 19, 2008 ~ Ramona Nolasco, cousin and Godmother to me. Devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-n-law, grandmother, aunt, good neighbor, artist, long standing member of the Women's Guild of Our Lady Of Fatima Catholic Church. What a big heart, generous, quick witted, smart, sensible...deceased, yet the goodness, love and all the lively memories remain. What a great role model she was for many, not just for women but a great example of what a good person is all about. She was a solid citizen and contributing, upstanding member of society. She had good common sense with a really sharp sense of humor, practicality was also part of her arsenal of qualities and she will be missed tremendously.

Ramona succumbed to complications of Parkinson's disease. She gave it a good fight after several years. The last time I saw her was around Christmas, 2007. I pulled out a beautiful ceramic nativity set she made for me some years ago. The set included the three wise men, a camel, donkey, little drummer boy and of course Joseph and Mary with Baby Jesus. I had to see Ramona to thank her and remind her of that nativity set she made me and how beautiful it looked on my shelf in the entertainment center. When I saw her it was a shock, I knew she was ill with Parkinson's but to know what type of women she was for all those years, strong, exuberant, so active and involved with life and seemed to make every moment count. She kept an organized, neat and very cozy home and now to see her so physically incapacitated, it was heart wrenching to say the least.

She will be missed. Her grandchildren, particularly Camille, Allice and Rudy (Tripper) were awesome as they stepped-in and made sure they could help their precious Grandmother during the last couple of years and covered every detail imaginable to comfort her and make life manageable. It's pretty amazing, the level of support, especially Camille, showed during the hardest days, what a true testimony to the love and devotion a grandchild or any child can have for their aging and ailing loved one.

There are some people who you see next to never yet you know will be there no matter what, special or sad times, celebrations and such. It's a given. Even earlier today talking to one of my sisters she automatically included Ramona while mentioning the people who are invited to join us in celebrating my Mothers 83rd birthday next week. It's an automatic, knee jerk type-thing. And now Romona has transitioned on into what I believe is a better place...peaceful, powerful, perfect, a place of privilege and with her daughter Renee who preceeded Ramona in death several years ago due to an illness that took her life quickly. That really knocked alot of wind out of Ramona and maybe the heart break and headache of Rene's death somehow triggered the Parkinson's. We'll never know. It doesn't matter. Ramona will be thought of endearingly and loved forever by those of us whose lives she touched and impressed with her goodness and presence while living out all of her days and nights in this world.

We love you Ramona!
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen

Did You Hear The One About...

MOON BLUE

Stevie Wonder

Moon blue, rivers of love you shine,

Bathe me in light sublime

Flood me with all your glowing heart can give

Moon blue, memories bind like chains

When will you come again

I wait in darkness just for your bright to beam

'Cause I'm not afraid of the consequence

Of being in love with you

And I'd rather be alone some nights

Awaiting your full hue

For though the sun makes bright the day

My world is dark when there's no you

You light my skies and make dark night bright day,

Moon blue Moon blue, your beauty's seen by all,

the yearning of your call

Travels the world and then makes home my soul

Moon blue,

lift me to starry heights, I long to live within your light

Solace of mind, my heart is yours for always

'Cause I'm not afraid of the consequence

Of being in love with you

And I'd rather be alone some nights

Awaiting your full hue

For though the sun makes bright the day

My world is dark when there's no you

You light my skies and make dark night bright day, Moon blue

~ Wonderful ~

Nature Boy

..." The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return" ~ From the song; Nature Boy, composed by Eden Ahbez in the late 1940's. ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

A hidden treasure named Lizz Wright offers a hauntingly beautiful rendition of this timeless classic with a virtuoso percussionist named Jeffrey Hains accompaning her ~

August ~ Amen

So, we meet again? Blame It On The Bossa Nova. It's entirely my pleasure, I'm sure. It's a brand new day, a brand new way to strive and thrive, to thrust forward in the right direction with a good heart, armed with kindness, respect and all the choices and chances to start over, fresh and brand new all over again. Reflect and deflect defective darkness devoid of virtue, to have an effect, potent impact, to be or not to be better, or bitter, badder, blessed and a blessing. To propel one's self with the propulsion of a rocket and positive force to be reckoned with as our perception creates our peace and place in the world.

The part of life that is lovely, light and lingers on in our memory rendering relief and respite...a soft reflection in hard times of loneliness or to recount a piece of life with regret, remorse or a wish and prayer that you could undo, redo or remain undisturbed, undaunted, unmoved by the pain of the present and past. There is a pull and push to steady the course, maintain balance in an unbalanced world. To be a rock when everything is rolling, to run when it would be easier to walk. To stay when you want to go. To go when you would love to stay. To hasten to a destination when you would rather drift along. Be still, calm and quiet when you are compelled to cry, rant and rave. Patience, peace, the divine purity and perfection placed in our very presence to protect us in the eye of the storm so we might emerge unscathed, sheltered and shinier through it all.

The magical, most memorable moments in time seem to zip past us at warp speed, begging to be savored, suspended in time, frozen long enough to take hold of your heart then float on to infinity. The luxury of pondering such things in a world drowning in doubt, dispair, indebted to so many for so much, depleted and dying for good loving, good living and laughter...joy-jumping, foot-stomping, side-splitting, lighting-fast bits of life we wish would last forever as the creamy and complete experiences leave you wanting more.

Good morning , good day, good after noon, good night, good God Bless us, then, now and forever, never forgetting the good, standing tall, stronger than your weakness and carry on with the heart of a lion and the brilliance of a bursting, blazing galaxy, stretching and streaking across the vastness, the monumental beauty in you, in us, in our midst, reminding ourselves with youthful exuberant purpose and intention to build a better home, a safe and happy place, a port in the storm when one is lost, afraid, in need of the warmth and comfort of words and ways to encourage hope, a better awareness and understanding of an unbelievably perfect, safe, peaceful, powerful place and time, accessible right here and now, to those who seek such miraculous nuggets of heaven. The prospects are exciting, exhilarating, at once excruciatingly overwhelming to imagine the possibilities. Relax, restart, at ease.

Go and come in peace and find a way toward or back to something or someone good, kind, right and real. Is it you, is it me all along like the answers found in some questions? Let go, no reaction to the action of shame, blame, judgement, torment, twisting what is good into distasteful and fictitious falsehoods. Time is wasted with self imposed burdens, bitter tears are shed yet washes you clean. Take comfort in time invested to smooth out the bumps and bruises, leaping above the lumps and lacerations of life, emerging like a champion with the ones you love and take with you forever, into a place we can only imagine, far beyond our wildest dreams.

The original entry today was inadvertently erased. I put together a few thoughts this afternoon, it was something out of the "slap my face and call me Willie" files. It shook me to the core, like a lighting bolt, shocking the sh*t out of me. I lost it with a tap of a button. To rewrite, reword verbatim, the inspired soliloquy is asking to much. I started writing about summer winding down and back to school time, then I heard Kid Rock sing Amen ... I took a left turn and another go at it as someone laments, yet again, about life so laughable, lovable, deplorable, delightful, simple, tangled and true.

The tall and short of it... I pray and love you into the future with pure intention to lighten your load, when it's heavy, to lift your spirit when it's not clear or cleaned for take-off. I bid you peace of mind and wish for hope, courage, commitment to keep your corner of the world and mine...smoother, softer, smarter, sweeter, healthier, standing upright, ultimately happier for the wear and tear of tears, cheers, triumphs and tragedies, by The Rivers of Babylon.

I bow my head to you and to pilgrims everywhere; Viya con Dios mi preciosa amigas y amigos de mi corazon y alma! To People Who Need People... aah that would be you and me.

Look at Those Cover Girl Eyes

The thing about our beloved Boxers is their spirit, heart, soul...divine. The bearer of goodness, good cheer, warmth, affection, nonjudgement, excitement, oh yah...exuberant as all get out, athletic, ready for a walk, run or ride at a moments notice, funny, full of joy, posers, as in strike a pose, loyal...oh my God, the loyalty. What's not to love and adore?

I've known some great doggie dogs in my life; Moochie, Muskie, Juno, Tuffy, Sammie, ChaCha-Marie-Jack, Sandy Jean, Maggie, Jiggs, Rufus, of course Alexander Maximillian Wolfgang Francois Dubois Houndog Ramirez de Ipiotis. I just called my boy; Alexander or Ali Babba or Ali Bob, whatever I was in the mood to call him, half Doberman, half Alaskan Malamute, and one hell of a dog with quite a presence. My mother sometimes referred to him as a sheep in wolves clothing, because of his fierce face. If we ever picked-up a hitch hiker, back in the early 80's, on the way to Vegas or Gallup he would let me know if the individual had a weapon, with a growl, as if to say; "Watch it with this one Mair, he's packing heat,"

Yah, whose gonna try anything funky with a big black and tan dog-face (puro cara) leaning over the front seat, right in your face like; "Where you headin fella?" "We're on a road trip and if you try anything motha f**ker, I'm gonna take a big-bloody-bite out of your hitchhiking face much faster than you can cause any trouble." "No warning, I'll just mess you up, real-quick-type-thing." I wouldn't do that now-a-days, way too risky, sadly but honestly, way to hostile a world out there and Alexander is in heaven. Rruff.

But back to the Boxers. I just love them. I will write and blog more about those crazy but incredibly lovable doggie-dogs. The first Boxer I've sheltered and shared a good part of life with was Annie May, she loved children and children loved her, then Spike, Annies good son. He was a baby-cry but was intimidating and had that don't f**k with me look. Both dogs succumbed to mass cells and we loved them to death. I held both of them in my arms at their respective time of death, when it was time to let them go. I cried like a baby to have to say goodbye to my precious doggies. <-Spikey the big boy (top), and his precious mommie, Annie, posing on the arm of the chair.

And now we have our kooky Sunni Marie Jack Paws or Paz Guadalupita.

We named her Guadalupita because we brought her home from Gary's (big brother) the day before the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We got Annie from Gary and Dellie back in the early 90's, probably 1990 to be exact. Anyway loves me my Boxerz. Sunni Marie ->

Dogs really do make life, for me anyway, more livable and often I've pondered that 'ol addage that goes something like: "The more I know poeple, the more I like my dog." Woof!

Redickulous

Joyful one, you wonder what I would say about man's best friend...Ask a ridiculous question-get a redickulous answer. Pretty simple; It has it's place.

Some male and female, egocentrics fancy themselves to have a substantial enough "beginning" to sling it in back of their shoulders. Big, drag on the floor, gets in the room before you do...big...notifying the whole world "I am here, you lucky people"..."large and in charge, alpha a**hole." I know how it goes... I know that brash, brazen, cocky way. Nothing to be proud of necessarily.

It's an ego maniac type thing...absurd, asinine behavior requiring the dumb ass "ego" to be stroked, nothing less than audacious, psychotic, cave- dwelling, bizarre, freaky and thankfully for me fleeting albeit out of control, even if only for a moment.

HAZARD-WARNING: Reality check required. So let's break it down, fold? bend? but not mutilate in graphic detail. The long and short of it: Fry, shake n bake it up, sizzling, shriveling hot, open face and served generously to those jonzin to show it off the most, to see who wins the pissing contest, drag it around like a boa on Marilyn Monroe and see whose is bigger. That's pretty much what I'd say Joy.

Special Time in Space, Special People in Place

*June 22nd is an important time... celestial changes in the works as the world turns, life on earth attempts to maintain balance, this planets axis shifts right on schedule, day dancing with night as night turns into day...time, space... matters relative to the heavens and earth. The world welcomes a certain individual who with a grateful heart offers in return; goodness, a gentle touch, kindness, creativity, authenticity and crazy cute stuff. So Pink, pretty and precious, Thank you for so much, for so long, with everything I have and with all my heart I say; Happy Birthday Pink!!!

Like the title of one of FF's best story books and what I would like to say to you had I been there the day you were born is; "Welcome to the World Baby Girl" Thank you for what you are about to do forever more...which is...make life lovlier, softer and much more livable for me and many more.

With love,
from me ~

Luna Llena (Full Moon)

Oh that sumptuous, opulant moon. What a planet. What a view we take in from it's awesome aura as the slightest motion of it's mass moves one to reflect on what was, what is and what will be. That swollen orb, that compells us toward it's stratosphere transporting us to places we don't recognize, places that jolt us into behavior that is nontypical, places in the heart and head that stretch one's imagination and calls on you and me with the breath of an angel and the depth of infinity, the stunning sight sometimes too beautiful to look at directly, turn away and look again, gaze upon and stare at hypnotically. It's a full moon that can drive humankind mad with mayhem brewing in the caldran of the mind yet delights the heavens with delirium by it's silver, buttery radiance, miraculous, majestic...timeless. ¡Ay yi yi La Luna Llena! How sweet it is. •○

Respiratory System

Mark, yesterday marked the 14th year since you've made your transition on to another place and time. Man we miss you like crazy. I take a great deal of comfort in thinking; The last breath you exhaled on earth was the first breath you inhaled in heaven. Every little and big thing I've learned, know to be true and believe, tells me you are in a better place.

Your death on June 6, 1994 around 10:10 PM mountain daylight time created a timeline for me, for those of us who got the wind knocked out of us something ugly upon your departure from this cruel, crazy, beautiful world. Life and times while you were here and my life after your passing...there is a definite void without you even tho you are very much still thought of, referred to and loved. It's just that it's a different era since you've been gone. I still and will always consider us twins but where are you?

Precious life, a limb has been amputated from my existence. I make do, no doubt make the best of it... life without you... but daamn sometimes that dastardly grief and all the funky stages involved get me by the short and curlies, at the most inconvenient times and kind of bitch-slap-me around...and let me tell you it ain't pretty. It passes, reminiscent of a hot flash, the roar subsides into a dull aching purr, a chronic pain that is there, reminding me that I'm not gonna get a call to brief me on the upcoming game statistics, personal profiles and the backgrounds of key players, the stuff that made a game (whatever sport) interesting and why we want this team or that one to win. I'm not gonna get a call to invite me over for a round of Liverpool (card game played w/2 decks), nor get together with friends nor to tell me Barny's in a fix on The Andy Griffith Show.

Just getting a little sentimental and blue about you. I'm on my way to host a radio program. I'll put on music I know you love and I'll think of you endearingly with longing and love.

I said what I had to say for now brother. Talk to you later ~

In Memoriam

Dear Son, daughter, father, brother, best friend... called upon to protect our precious freedom and liberties, our rights and privilege's not everyone, everywhere enjoy. I think about you often. I am grateful and hold an enormous amount of respect for what you are doing and for what you did. You are missed and still loved and thought of by many everywhere, often.To brother, sister, family,friend who have transitioned on;
I am forlorn, such an obvious void without you. Grief strikes without warning as heartache hums it's haunting tune, loneliness echoes delicately in the background then subsides until the next wave of longing rushes in. To say "we miss you" sounds so inadequate, vague...but true. We long to share life with you as we remember the reasons we love you then, now and forever.

Re: May 23

Taking stock of my treasures on this day, my favorite day; I find the people we embrace and take into our hearts whether for moment or a lifetime have the awesome capacity to truly enhance the quality of our lives and render our shine...shinier,
our happiness...happier, turn a negative into a positive while filling us us with joy, jubilation, gladness and glee, and manage to create more light, make life more livable, laughable and lovely. ¡Ay que Rico! Oh how Rich!

Moon River

The full moon rising from the east hovering, lingering in the sky, the night waits, watches, beckons to the moons every call. The distance between the comforting, calm, mighty moon and me is vast yet with a glance, a gaze, the fascination, wonder and awe of the power and beauty of the moon, with a blink of an eye... the connection beyond the miles and limitations of space and time. The transparent atmosphere bridges the gap and the moon seems as close to me as my own heart beat ~

Way to Go Sparky!!!

Sparky receiving University of New Mexico Meritorious Service Award from Governor Jerry Apodaca in 1986.
~ We love you Mom ~

Albuquerque Dukes Stadium, Where have you gone?

The following story was originally published around 2002 in La Herencia, a quarterly publication out of Santa Fe , New Mexico that chronicles the rich history, culture and presence of the Spanish, Mexican and Hispanic community in New Mexico.

Pacific Coast League Baseball, Albuquerque Dukes-style

Dateline: 1970's

The thing is when I first read about the Albuquerque Dukes leaving after the 2000 season I actually felt a deep sense of loss. Lately when I’m in the neighborhood and look over at the north east corner of Avenida Cesar Chavez (formerly Stadium) and University Boulevard, I almost want to look away or cover one eye as a bit of sadness tends to surface. It’s like looking at a friend lie in state before the burial, laid bare for all to see, to mourn and pay last respects to. The UNM baseball team used the stadium during their 2001 season and that’s all good, but for me it is the end of a wonderful era in local professional baseball.

It goes back to a simpler time when my twin brother, Mark and I, like thousands of other kids in Albuquerque who loved sports, were eager to see the new baseball stadium open. We would soon be keeping an eye on guys like Skipper Tommy Lasorda, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes and Pedro Guerrero in the late 70s. Thankfully Mom came through and saw value in treating us to tickets, refreshment money and a ride to the game. It was March 30, 1972 at 4pm. For a buck-fifty we sat three rows from the field on shiny aluminum bleachers close to the Dukes dugout, next to the ramp leading to the clubhouse so we could get autographs. We savored every minute of the exhibition game between the L.A. Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. I’m not exactly sure who won it didn’t matter. That we were there at all, in our brand new ballpark was the thrill. We now had a fun place to experience sports served-up so well and with all the fixings. Our beloved Lobo’s have always been the big show in town as the roar of the fans in The Pit even today, continues to intimidate the toughest opponents. But another team arrived on the scene with a whole new look. Our interest in sports grew and carried over in our enthusiasm for organized sports in school and city leagues. It all tied in to being encouraged to do something positive and having a wholesome, healthy outlet to participate in.

As ticket stubs were taken, the organ player provided lively renditions of “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” The smell of fresh popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy and sweaty kids filled the air. Barkers sold programs and people waited in line at the concession stands to get a jump start on the cokes, cold beer, corn dogs, candy and soft ice cream served in a plastic baseball helmet with the team logo of your choice. The souvenir stand attracted a constant smattering of people checking-out the latest in Dukes banners, shirts, hats and various Dodgers souvies. It was all there. Walking up the ramp onto the concourse to get an eye full of the stadium was nothing short of spectacular. The Sandia Mountains sitting stately off in the eastern skies was a site to behold. The chairs, bleachers and grassy areas surrounded the baseball field to the west and southern sides of the stadium. The green and brown diamond was manicured to perfection and the outfield wall was home to the scoreboards, billboards and flagpoles with flags of New Mexico and The United States. The National Anthem made us stand up straight and the seventh inning stretch prompted even more personal color commentaries and wise cracks about the game and the characters that watched and played.

The drive-up parking and picnic areas attracted baseball fans by the carload and when home runs were hit out to the rugged hill of lava rocks, the announcer could be heard over the public address system reminding fans not to retrieve the balls. Games were interrupted occasionally by planes flying low enough that spectators could see the landing gear lowered as aircraft made its way to nearby airports. A full moon rising from behind the Sandias during a game was incredible to watch and only added to the crisp, colorful moment. Special promotions and give a ways like Funny Nose and Glasses made for kooky times, but nothing drew bigger crowds than “Fireworks Nights.” People and dogs from miles away couldn’t help but pay attention to the commotion of sights and sounds coming from the stadium. We waited for our ride home by the big concrete baseball on the southwest corner of the block where a raucous round of King of the Mountain was usually in order.

At this writing (2002) the fate of professional baseball in the Duke City is unclear. What is clear is The Los Angeles Dodgers were represented well by their farm club here in the heart and crossroads of New Mexico. The Dukes earned a record eight Pacific Coast League Championships as tens of thousands of people visited The Albuquerque Stadium through the years to take it all in. I just wonder how such fleeting moments manage to create such endearing impressions?

So Long April!

What the frig... Where did April go? Oh not quite done with the last day of April. It's been a bit of a rough one in the trenches. But we forge on don't we? Not much shower type activity in my neck of the woods, hope May doesn't take it too personally and brings flowers anyway. Would hate to feel like singing; "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore," you know the Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand number back in the 80's was it?

I'm looking forward to a merry month of May, Mary's month. We'll see how it goes. If I have anything to do with it which I Do, I Do it will be good for me, for those I might be able to share goodness with. Yes that is my forcast for May, brought to by, through and with love and affection from yours truly ♪