Satisfaction

Carlos Santana wrote Europa (Earth's Cry Heavens Smile) he played the timeless piece on his guitar so hard it cried, Gato Barbieri wailed the mournful, soulful, biting passion of the tune into his saxophone. Paul Carrack sings Satisfy My Soul with a sweet simple rhythm, he sings with longing... another cry from earth and all it's inhabitants...

Ramblings

Jah ever feel overcome with RAW emotion, like a pinball machine with the stainless steel ball bouncing all over the place... tears of joy flow as your heart explodes with appreciation for gifts of love, for creature comforts that only live in the imagination of countless brethren all over the world. The agonizing pain of loss shreds, yanks pulls and rips your heart strings with cruel reckless abandon. The heavy moments weigh you down, make you feel vulnerable, weak only to recognize the state of affairs is thankfully temporal. Do not stay stuck in a dark vortex of despair, doubt, disenchantment. There is too much to keep you happy, to occupy your time with, ponder the positive forces, draw from the good vibrations. Dwell in these places of quiet comfort.

The course you take includes a delicate balance as insanity looms all around us, unorthodox approach to resolution, unconventional wisdom brought to you by conventional ageless virtue, timeless qualities render you normal able to function on little to no rational. It's a jiggity-jaggity proposition but somehow your able to pull it all together and make some sort of sense out of the senseless. In silence or immersed in chaos one reflects on what really matters most, what keeps you going, who feeds your appetite for the sublime, the simple beauty, the unique?

A light emitts from your heart directly to your head like a star flashing across the sky. The trajectory aimed at keeping you a float and on top rather than down under. You wash-up after a good sweat, sleep, hearty bowl of soup and emerge stonger, fortified and ready to take on the next round of discomfort and indicision with purpose, shored-up and able to walk tall aware of the possibiltiy of being blindsided by havoc at anytime by anything or anybody for no good reason whatsoever. But you press on with confidence in the heavens, the almighty blessings of the angels and saints, the holy elements and necessary matters of life whisper to you to hold on take up your arms with the sacred tried, true and tested weapons of the ages, the most powerfull proven arsenal strong enough to navigate you toward peace and health, happiness and a head and heart full of goodness. Feel better and forge on and be grateful and peaceful ~

Radiant Beauty

That's you tonight... big blue crisp clean, round robust, bright-eyed beauty. Aren't you the magnificent one. It's always a pleasure to see you, down right privilege to behold one such as lovely as thee. Some things simply never loose their luster, time only makes you all the more glorious and grand. Yes, you, YOU so calm, cool & collect, creamy dreamy moon ... with your great presence, noble, humble, your larger than life light and quiet grace makes the darkness of the evening spill blue ink all over the sky. We connect with a glance, a gaze and look beyond the earth right into your creamy center. Stick around for a while, take off when you need to and remember you are always welcome here with me ~

"Goodmorning People"

"We all must take precautionary measures, if love & peace you treasure"... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1vUzXMGvMM

BE present, Source of Perfection, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, that we who are wearied with the work and changes of this fleeting world may rest upon your eternal changelessness.

Smoke Signal's

Amazing, how many forms of communication there are; from smoke signals to code talkers, Morse code & telegrams to satellite transmissions & a long lost message in a bottle. Land line telephones, cell phones, radio waves, TV air waves, airmail, snail mail, Email, newsletters, flyer's, bulletins, billboards, postcards to posters & posers. The mode's of operation by which we communicate are vast. Sign language and other forms of nonverbal communication, verbally loud and clear or pantomimed, acted out, whether singing a lullaby or belting out an anthem. From surprise proposal's to letters & cards of sympathy or encouragement, congrats or birthday greetings, an ad in the sky, underwater sonar, walkie talkies to citizen band radios, it never ends. Somewhere, somehow a connection is going on, whether telepathically, consciously, subconsciously or even unconsciously, seems like there is always somebody reaching out to someone or something. From pledging one's allegiance, waving a flag, fighting a war to preserve freedom or protesting for peace without violence. Blogging, writing, transcribing, to designing and using your own World Wide Website or Facebook, your place or My Space to texting, twittering, tattle tailing & twanging your guitar, banging on the drum to singing about your dreams, dancing with angels & wrestling with the wrong things.. Even the lonesome wolf howls at the night as planet earth and the heavens vibrate to it's own rhythm. The talking heads report the news- good, bad or indifferent as politico's, preachers & teachers, pundits of the pulpit & sales pitches scream for your business, cry babies carry on & wale about anything~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMm_MFh9Izo

Wow talk about an "in your face moon" tonight. La Luna, fabulous all dressed in your lunar elegance by solar illumination... word's fail. Can you get any bigger, brighter, brilliant? Simply mad about you, you know that. ~ Happy Birthday Jean Ortiz and all you birthday babies born in November! Dia De Los Muerto's... the time of year Los Mexicano's celebrate the dead with a triumphant spirit. Faith manifested. Los Muerto's... all souls, sinners & saints, especially loved ones, remembered with reverence and glee. I'm really adopting the old holiday & concept in earnest. To celebrate the deceased lives & remember fondly rather than to mourn. It's the letting go during the transition of the whole death thing that's not pretty or pleasant, but than over time you come to terms, get a grip, wrap your head around the stark reality, finality and shock... it's palatable, we go on wounded but wiser, grief stricken yet grace filled.

There is something so wonderful, precious, magical, grace-filled in that moment or moments in our lives, however fleeting when glimmers of perfection, peace, power, privilege (heaven) beckon's us with a reminder that we can get through another day, God is among us. Affection, a gentle touch, a kind smile or simple word of acknowledgment resonates in our hearts and souls. Animals even, perhaps especially animals and children somehow manage to find their way more often then we realize, into those moments of bliss when life and all existence is witness to the wonder, Glory and presence of God. Peace & Love to You. from me

In Flight

I intended calling this here submission
"Encroachment" due to a recent surge of activity encroaching upon me and others around me. Sometimes I borrow my grandfathers declaration of "going to take a flight" when I need a, ahh constitution, to pinch a loaf, drop a deuce, take the Browns to the Super Bowl? You get the idea. Yeah, our skelly shown here is definitely; "In Flight".

I get a kick out of how some people treat Halloween like it's a holy day of obligation, national holiday or some such. I've enjoyed some kooky, crazy one's granted, but what I seem to be particularly fascinated with this year, the art alone is amazing, is the Mexican holiday "Dia de Los Muertos" Day of The Dead. Hecho en Mexico and includes fiestas and celebration of the dead who are revered and not feared during the first two days in November. All Saints Day, November 1st & All Souls Day, November 2nd remembers the glory of heaven and the spiritual grace that surrounds us. I love the illustration shown here. It brings to mind the quiet, contemplative moments when we reflect on everything and nothing at all. Walk away satisfied for that brief respite, however unassuming, humble and private...

John Kakudo Peterka say's:
"Look, just look, at the crow's laughing dance and tell me there aren't mysteries riding on each breath we take for granted ~ a smile, a loving touch, laughter ~ night moving aside for a new day."

O

Oh you great big beautiful thing. Don't think I don't see you... You great big beautiful, full-bodied, round, robust hunk of moon. I wish everyone and everything, everywhere within your reach could see you, feel you, be safe, happy and healthy by your light that has the power to cast a wonderous illumination, an elixir to sooth and comfort, connect with your brilliance and beauty... cleanse and be clothed by your mighty moonliness, be refreshed and rendered brighter, braver and brand new.

I can't remember a time I didn't see the goofy image. Many many moons ago, the silhouette of what appeared to be an uncanny likeness of Fred Flinstone came to view, pretty much right smack-dab in the middle of the mighty planet. The face seems to look off in the distant north by north eastern stratus. I don't take it seriously, try not to let it take away from the exquisit natural beauty nor interfere with the mondo magnificence found in your place out there. Crazy, yet there it is, just as soon as the moon is plump enough for the kooky, colossal profile to a appear, there it is like a happy mug shot. Most people I've asked, don't see the face of that prehistoric comic book and cartoon character, so obvious to me, pasted on the surface in plain site, as it's frame.. the massive lunar ball, orbits the earth and reflects the light of the sun. Far out man, far out!

Inside out, Upside down

Yeah... season's they are a-changing. September winds down as October stares us down like a mad dog tied-up too long. "You want some of this?" October asks with a skirmish, shit-eating grin, as if it knows so much more than meets the eye. I want to be hopeful, eager to take-on what I can, how, where & with whoever I need or with whomever needs me. Yet, as I reflect on the circle and cycle of life... It's no secret our tiny little planet suffers from it's own short sightedness and hostility toward too many & too much with too little regard for life and the absolute need for respect in every direction. One wonders if we got the chance to start all over again, wipe the slate clean from our own self-destructive tendencies... how long it would take to f**k things up again?

If we could look inside all the tender hearts so bent, bruised and broken... if we could somehow figure-out a way to correct, perhaps recircuit the billions of corrupt & brittle brainwaves humans have to try to function with due to being mistreated for too long a time, then maybe all of humankind malnutritioned for respect, recognition and a place to retreat to would be once and for all, upright, stand tall and better equipped to face the world, get on with life and all it's challenges... with a peaceful heart, uncluttered by darkness and despair.

It's all relative I suppose. So simple it's stupid. It goes back to or is it reaches up to the heights and heavens of our potential as part of the tree of life that is the human species. With our ability to reason, to love, to show compassion how far, fast and hard does one have to fall, how long can we wallow in the dregs of existence before we get it right? It is not too late to make necessary adjustments to our own attitude. One kind gesture at a time, a speck more pause before flying off the handle with someone, something, a situation that will pass one way or another. It takes the heart of a lion and the patience of a nursing lamb to get a hold of yourself, settle down, see the light of day before blindly jumping into the blackness of our instincts but it is doable, most desirable and deserves much more attention than the offensiveness that we humans have gotten too comfortable with and seem to be acquiring more of a tolerance for. It is within our scope to make individual as well as collective changes. As fast as a heart beat, as quickly as the eye blinks... one moment, one word or simple act of kindness at a time. With our amazing capacity to create or recreate a gentle, uplifting, life changing shift for the better, in a positive right-side-up, inside out way.

Pac-Man

Didn't I just see you the other day... all beautiful, half dressed and fabulous as ever? Don't get me wrong, you know I love to see you. Tonight your playing games with me.. Is it me, an optical illusion or just my eye sight making you look fuzzy? I looked at you with my glasses on then I lowered my face so I could see you without me specs on. I tell you both times I had to do a double-take cuz you looked like one of those pac-man type characters scurrying around the board trying to stay ahead of the gobbler so you don't get gobbled-up. The left side of your phenomenal face looked a bit frayed and fuzzy. Course, like I sez it's probably just my eye sight failing me a bit. Doh! Anywho, your looking good darling, I can tell darling... which puts me in the mind of the happy, 'ol Louis Armstong number; "Hello, Harry, Well, Hello Louie! It's so nice to have you back home where you belong. You're looking swell, Manny I can tell, Danny You're still glowin', you're still crowin 'You're still goin' strong". Yes Moon, your still glowing and going strong... even tho' you are playing trix on me. Oh yeah... we talked about that, it's my eye sight. Thanks for the cameo appearance Sachmo!

Happy Birthday!

No way could I not be drenched in memories of you today, brother. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope to feel a bit of heaven today. I hope you can feel a little bit of goodness from here. ~ Always, Your "Titer"
I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan

Here's one for me... Along Comes Mary by The Association

Comics Relief

A cartoonist extraordinaire combines fantastic imagination, timeless wisdom, simple ink and paper to make pages come alive with an anything but ordinary comic strip. What a partnership, what a wildly wonderful twosome consisting of a precocious puddin-head little boy and a loyal, constant companion & stuffed animal in the form of a tiger? Calvin & Hobbes is the brainchild, of one, Bill Watterson who spotlights imaginary friends and makes them come alive with an unbridled exuberance that only the young and young at heart can appreciate.

In the thick comic book of brilliance that makes for "Something Under The Bed is Drooling- A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson-- Calvin is shown crying seemingly uncontrollably after finding out the little rescue raccoon died; Moans...Whahh!! he cries, Whahh!!! "The raccoon died!" His father tries to console him, saying; "He died warm and safe." Calvin sobs, Sniff. "I know out there he's gone, but he's not gone inside me."

All I can say is: I feel your pain little guy. Good thing you got Hobbes... sniff.

Your Smile

So I woke-up in the middle of the night a couple of nights ago to let the dog's out. I stepped outside to see if you were there. Yup, there you were, smiling that big, beautiful smile of yours. You looked like you were waiting for someone to talk to. You looked happy just hanging out, quietly illuminating the southwestern skies. As usual, whenever possible, on constant alert, live and direct from the cosmo's.. I want you to know how much I appreciate you. Your timeless radiance through the years... has proven over and over, how valuable you are to me and countless others also humbled by your stellar light. You continue to enhance the quality of my life more than I know how to adaquately convey. I have often found myself aware of your aura during the day even before your night time, monthly full throttle, grand entrance. Your powerful place in the heavens, as undeniable as it is, soft & subtle. How do you do that? I don't really care. Just know... the light of your smile affects me like only the light and love of the holy one who created all things can do. For all the breathtaking, peaceful, profound moments you have provided... Thank you! You are a wonderful friend. So often, without words you calm me down or stir me up... quite simply just being there... serene and strong. Just want you to know I hold you close to my heart and soul and will always look up to you ~

Ahh Nice...

Precarious, Placid, Precocious, Precious, Passionate, Powerful, Productive?

What's it gonna be, September?

Well, I reckon we're just gonna have to go with the whole kitten-ka-boodle. I'll take all the "P" word's in the Title for $1000 please.

Fundamental Provisions

The late great planet EARTH and it's inhabitants: Miraculous, menacing, fragile, weak, strong, vulnerable, vile, amazing, atrocious, arrogant, humble, heroic, unforgiving, forgiving, compassionate, cruel, insecure, confident, ingenious, ignorant, resilient, torn, resourceful, wreckless, hateful, loving... here today, gone tomorrow. All the while, mysteries surround us, what we don't know far outweighing what we do. The unfathomable of course, beyond reproach.

Fire Starter

Expect this and get that... maybe more, maybe less, always full of hope & possibilities.
Love ~ the well of life we draw from to refresh our heavy hearts and weary souls.
Drink until you are full and thirst again. The worst pain I've ever known, the best joy I've ever felt. It's true, it's you... the sun, the moon, and the stars. The flame of life flickers, dancing along with passion, potent & bold.

The most essential element of the human condition, transcending darkness, doubt & despair and with a single, small spark ignites into a powerful flame, casting a light brighter than anyone can complety explain ~

Drizzle for shizzle

Love the smell of rain, the sound of it, the way it feels on my face, not gale-force rain but a nice, much needed rain, a wash. A nice drizzle is sweet, sooths the soul, feels well.... right as rain. The drops revive and refreshes dry spots on the beautiful face of earth. The wet weather renders the air crisp and clean. Rain in the high desert has a cleansing and thirst quenching effect on the area. Ahh rain! Rah-rah, sis-koom-bah! Tap-tap-tappity-tap. that's kinda gay idn't ... well. Dusty, dull, faded things take on a luster & shine. Can you tell, I likes me my rainz?

Relentles- Part II

The following is another string of jewels, a treasure chest of encouragement Evertime I come across this I feel blessed and reminded to stand tall even tho' I might be feeling puny.

Our Greatest Fear

~Marianne Williamson

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others ~

[Often said to have been quoted in a speech by Nelson Mandela. The source is Return to Love by Marianne Williamson, Harper Collins, 1992. —Peter McLaughlin]

"Angels With Dirty Faces"

This post is short, sweet and to the point. It's basically a caption for the photo shown here.
~ David Hidalgo & Louie Perez Of Los Lobos wrote and sing about "Angels With Dirty Faces" It's a sad song and doesn't quite convey what I wish to describe.
~ Basically, I do believe the picture says it all, although to be honest... Mark and I were not necessarily angelic when we were lil puddin heads, no doubt very loved, a little rowdy and always ready to play and laugh, sing and dance, tumble and roll around like puppies. On the other hand... how much harm can a couple of toddlers do? Never mind. ~ If I'm not mistaken, I'm wearing Mark's shirt and he's wearing mine. Mom is in a house coat, looking at us with those loving eyes of hers.
~ Mom is a classic example of a mama bear who looks out for her cubs with the utmost care, stands up for them and takes precautionary measures to ensure their safety at all costs. The upright, stand alone, strong-willed and hard working mama bear who protects and cherishes her babies with fierce devotion.

Desiderata

Every now and then I come across the following string of pearls. I'm reminded, how very precious our presence is among the vastness of creation. I find it comforting, encouraging and a refreshing well of wisdom from which I draw from. I feel better every time I find it, and curiously enough... when I seem to need it the most.

Desiderata was written in 1927. In 1956, the rector of St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, used the poem in a collection of mimeographed inspirational material for his congregation. Someone who subsequently printed it asserted that it was found in Old St.Paul's Church, dated 1692.

DESIDERATA

By Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, And remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

~

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing future of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

~

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings .Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here.

~

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

~

And The Winner Is...

A sight to behold, what a great moon! Good job Moon, Good! ... A wink and wave to you. I confess having to look away then look back at you, you outrageous, gorgeous hunk of matter. You with your arsenal of natural beauty, at once, strong and subtle, spellbinding elegance defined, so quiet, peaceful, kind, gentle giant You. And the winner is; The Moon!!!

Thank you, thank you very much. I want to thank God for my place in time and space. I'd like to thank the cosmos, the mighty galaxy's and beyond. I want to say how wonderful it is to receive this award for just being me... you've given a nod to my work, my very existence. That would not be possible without the huge cast of stars, all stars, super novas, really big bangs, characters, planets, black holes, quasars, meteor's, space craft, whether conditions, the complete vastness of the heavens. I want to thank you for your support and encouragement to persist, keep on reaching up. For putting up with my comings and goings, the dark days, the partly cloudy and crystal-clear nights. I am better, blessed, I pray a blessing, for the take my breath away times of big, bold and brazen light, undeniable, without apology... ready to brighten what I can, to share and shed a good difference where and with who I can.. I've tried to cease the opportunities to make life lovely for those who wish it so. Thank you!!!

Respite, Rewind, Unwind, Review, Renew, Refresh, Recharge, Rebuild and Repeat...

Simple, sublime, something to soothe the savage beast. ... "That beautiful face of yours." "All you do is love and love is all you do."

NOTE TO SELF: Keep up the pace, stay in touch with calm vibrations... the challenge awaits. Seek peace amidst unrest. Be still then move forward and repeat. Keep company and spend time with good rhythm... go with the grain and not against. Be strong, simple, kind, humble, happy. Balance out the uneven, walk the line slowly, steady, stay the course, on track, focus. See the light, the right way, the truth. Rubuke dark, dank doubt, insecurity. Open the windows and the blinds, the clouds break in the sky... big, brilliant and beautiful.. here, now for the taking.

SUNDAY

And a very good Sunday to you! I was wondering... oh 'bout a lot of things. Like, you say; It's Sunday. What if it were Moonday... nothing wrong w/that, similar to Monday, Saturnday... good one, only one letter different than Saturday. Anusday could get sticky... pardon the bun, I mean pun. Mercuryday or Mercurialday. Plutoday, Venusday, Jupiterday, whatever you need, it's all there? Earthday has been done. Starday. Neptuneday, You got your Marsday, MilkyWayday... very cool... reminds me of candy bars.
So what about it? I was wondering...
I wonder... since Sunni Marie Jack Paz- the beautiful Boxer girl, all the rage in my world, since her name is Sunni... Well, it's her day; Sunday.
OK that works for me. You could also rename days in honor of other great Boxers, doggie-dogs, kitty-kats, all those characters who deserve to have a weekday named after them... "Somewhere over the rainbow" in the past, or now, those who we take with us into our future. For example: Annie May of Wombatday- to simplify; Anniday... not bad... kinda worx. Spikeday, Moochieday, Alexanderday... nice. Alibabaday, may be a bit to exotic sounding? Sandiday, that works. The lists go on. So far Sunday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. seem to work best for all consoined. It is kind of fun to play with the pronunciation of days like; Mondee, Tuesdee, Wednesdee, Fridee, Saturdee and so forth. Just havin some fun with wordz iz awl... owl, all.

Alan Alexander Milne: Simple Genious

Illustrator- Ernest H. Shepard

"Promise me you'll always REMEMBER:

You're braver than you believe, and stronger

than you seem and smarter than you think."

~ Christopher Robin to POOH

Ahhh...

What did the polar bear say to the hot beating sun on a hot summer day after a good swim? You guessed it... "Ahhh"

And this is how it looks once I get my mojo going in full force.

..."That all men are created EQUAL"

A poem by Emma Lazarus is graven on a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands.
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Saturday morning

It's easy to recall your typical Saturday mornings as a kid; the cornflakes or Cheerios, maybe Fruit Loops with the easy going Toucan or "the magically delicious" Lucky Charms and smart ass, Leprechaun. Nestle's Quick chocolate mix in milk... a match made in heaven.

Cartoons included Top Cat and all the wise cracking cats who hung out together in alleys, on trash cans, always on the take, scheming and scamming, dodging danger and such, fantastic fun yet oh so simple. Mighty Mouse was the little Rambo of his ilk and always came out on top, loved that... the Super Man of mice if you will. The "Open Wide For Chunky" commercials about a chunk of chocolate candy, featured a draw bridge opening-up... brilliant and made perfectly good sense as a metaphor... because, if you wanted to gobble the chocolate square, whole, in one bite... you would have to open wide.

Some of the most memorable jewels we woke-up to in the wonderful world of cartoons & spellbinding animation also included: A group of guys who always seemed to be there, Alvin and The Chipmunks, featuring Alvin, Simon, Theodore and leader of the pack, David Seville... a nice bunch of fellas who hung-out and liked to sing. They made it big in show-biz and recorded many an award winning album. Quick Draw McGraw mozied along with side kick, donkey Bubba Looey, they made for an intriguing twosome, as the ten-gallon hat wearing horse, so laid back with an easy-going swagger, yet effective as a law enforcer, royalty of the Huckleberry Hound Program. Huckleberrry had a thick southern drawl, quite the blue smooth talking, straw-hat-wearing-dog. The Jetson's included George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Astro ("rut-ro") and Rosie the Robot maid... very slick, very space age and futuristic. I thought my life would be that way in the future too. Live in outer space, zip around in those stealth, bubble-top & sporty, space cars? Seemed like that would be the natural sequence of events, as I moved along in accordance with the advancements in modern technology. Especially since NASA was getting off the ground in the early 60's. "Yup, you can live out in outer space if you want, by the time I grow-up." Well, since I don't really feel all grown-up yet... I guess it can still happen. Actually people do live out in space today, but not at all like the expanded, developed, metropolis in the sky that was portrayed in The Jetson's.

The Flinstone's were tremendous, pre historic fun with all the cave man/women "Yabba-Dabba-Doo" goings on. Course Underdog was no slouch in our cartoon landscape... always managing to save the day for one Miss Polly Purebred. She kind of bugged me, a little too helpless for my taste, but that's just me. Yogi Bear, "smarter than the average bear," and his little buddy Boo Boo were quite the twosome who only wanted to snack, therefore always on the friendly hunt for a nicely packed pic-a-nic basket, which kept Ranger Smith on his toes in Jellystone Park. Porky Pig needed a little speech therapy and was another sharp dresser, about as nimble a pig as you'll ever find. Rocky and Bullwinkle, were a good looking dynamic duo... but a moose and flying squirl? Talk about your odd couple... a good team and great fun to see them outsmart evil doers, Boris and Natasha. Tennessee Tuxedo, sported a sharp bow-tie and was an enterprising penguin who cruised around with loyal pal Chumley, the tie-wearing walrus.

The Canadian Mounty, Dudley Do-Right, always hot on the trail of the bad guys while making it appear effortless. The list goes on. One more thing to note that comes to mind, is this; "George, George, George of The Jungle, Watch out for that tree!" Definitely a simpler, slower time when our world revolved around crazy kid-stuff, cornflakes, chocolate milk and the kooky characters in cartoons.

The Civic

The following story is another example of submissions you'll find in The 2010 Albuquerque Almanac, in addition to little known to well known historical & hysterical accounts, antecdotes, urban myths, local folklore and more about "The Duke City" located in the heart of The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, USA.

The Albuquerque Civic Auditorium

By Mary Ellen Ipiotis

No one could have predicted when the Albuquerque Civic Auditorium opened its doors in April, 1957; five decades later in that same spot, there would be a premier heart hospital, The Heart Hospital of New Mexico, equipped with amazing life saving state of the art medical resources, on the ready for the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

The auditorium was a new and opulent performing arts center nestled in a corner pocket of the valley’s edge. It was situated a stones throw away from The Pan American Freeway, also known as I-25, in between Lomas and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, formerly Grand Ave, one block north of Central Ave. Ask any Baby Boomer who was raised in Albuquerque if they remember the flying-saucer-shaped building next to St. Joseph’s Hospital and watch their eyes light-up. The late 50’s, 60’s, 70’s were prime times for “The Civic,” locals flocked to the crown jewel of Albuquerque. Frank Lloyd Wright was reported to have been impressed with the distinctive architecture and modern design by George Pearl. The lobby was spacious, shiny, modern and an exciting hall to see and be seen in. The parking lot allowed for about 1200 vehicles, presenting problems from the get go.

The dome-shaped structure had an obvious flying saucer-like quality and made for a great landmark. The construction encompassed a bold design and included a massive amount of concrete poured over a mammoth mound of sand, then dug out, scoop by scoop, leaving only a round shell, reinforced with a steel skeletal system big and strong enough to hold 6000 people. The Albuquerque Civic Symphony broke-in its new home in style but expressed concern about the acoustics, an important component necessary to hear fellow musicians.

Wrestling promoter, Mike London with his signature white hair and goatee presided over wrestle mania in the mid to late 60’s. Ricky Romero was the home town favorite and along with The Funks, Bull Ramos, Chief White Cloud and Poncho Pica grappled to the delight of frenzied fans. Even the gals got in there as Cha Cha Monge and Betty Nikita wrestled it out like the fellas applying the infamous spinning toe-hold or sneaking in dirty-dog contraband with sharp edges... whatever it took to reign supreme as the toughest and badest in the land. Mean while London invited TV viewers to enjoy the fight cards and of course the delicious Roma Wine available through the sponsors of the broadcast.

Children were treated to big-top fun when the circus rolled into town along with a variety of spectacular shows for the whole family, from magic and puppet shows to wonder dogs and smart horses. Boys and girls of all ages showed-up in full force eager to take in the special events. It was quite the extravaganza. Leaving with some sort of souvenir from a vendor, perhaps a program, poster or something autographed by someone involved with the show, the headliner ideally, was always an extra bonus.

Notables who packed ‘um in, were Glen Campbell, when he was cutting his teeth in show biz and played with his Uncle Dick Bills and The Sandia Mountain Boys. Bills was a well known, local favorite in the early 60’s who hosted The Dick Bills Show, an after school program featuring a peanut gallery and a catchy cowboy sing along theme song called; “The K Circle B” which was all the rage for a while. Locals, to this day search their memory banks in an effort to remember the lyrics of that happy tune.

Other popular acts drawing standing room only crowds, included renegade rock n roller Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra crooned for the audience and The American Ballet Company enchanted the more sophisticated concert goers. Hippies, “hoodlums,” and beatniks joined a wide variety of groovy hipsters, spellbound by Jimi Hendrix with his gritty guitar and hard hitting brand of rock. Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead just wanted to keep on “Truckin” and inspired the ecstatic revelers to get happy and obliged by creating big green clouds in the auditorium as the cops stood by and watched. Led Zeppelin and Grand Funk caused a lot of headaches for security and APD was summoned for support. Tear gas, barricades and other attempts at curtailing unruly behavior only magnified the late 60’s/early 70’s climate of unrest. Our little town was experiencing growing pains with eminent changes on the horizon. In the 80’s while trying to survive and compete with bigger, newer arenas and halls, locals scrambled to get in on bargains found at ski swaps, art shows, car stereo and electronic blow-out sales.

Alas, in 1987 the red brick and grey opal was gutted of its glory days. The historical gem leveled to make room for the future. The Civic Auditorium served Albuquerque well for some thirty years and is remembered fondly by those of us who had the distinct pleasure of taking advantage of the unique show place perched stately near the Big I and prominent crossroads of the Great Southwest.

Red or Green?

The following compostion is a sample of work one will find in the upcoming 2010 Albuquerque Alamanac.

Red or Green?
By Mary Ellen Ipiotis
Is it chile or chili? Even the spelling of the word evokes discussion. It depends on where you’re at, who you’re asking and which menu you’re looking over. I tend to spell chile with an “e” at the end because it feels better and sounds more flavorful.

This amazing plant and its various varieties grow from the fertilized ovaries of a flower and since it contains seeds, therefore defined as a fruit by the scientific community. Chile is also referred to as chili pepper, as colorful as it is spicy, could easily be considered soul food, a food of comfort and can be highly addictive to one’s pallet. Whether sweet, mild, hot, extra hot or just too hot to really enjoy by the average set of taste buds, it’s a savory addition to many a meal. To go with the red or green with your meal is so important a question to local diners … New Mexico lawmakers passed a bill legislating “Red or Green?’’ the official state question.

There are a few factors involved with one’s final decision when preparing or ordering in a restaurant, and of course depends on who is making it and what you’re in the mood for. You will more than likely hear the question pop-up while visiting any number of Albuquerque’s favorite spots that offer good New Mexican fare and includes red or green chile, and quite different from salsa in taste and texture, yes spicy and scrumptious but better paired with chips for dipping or to add on a taco or nacho’s, as a topping. Salsa is usually a chunky, tomato based dip type thing, similar to a relish and not typically asked for in your enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos (ree-en-ohz), a battered chile pod stuffed with cheese, or smothering a mouth watering combo plate. It’s the chile sauce, like a gravy or caldo (stew), soupy kind of chile you want with your meal. A nice chopped, green chile, garlic salt, maybe a few diced tomatoes and onions is another way people around here love their chile served and is sure to put a smile on a hungry face in an instant, when it’s available and fresh. The smell alone, can cause one to salivate as the air around various neighborhoods and growers markets fills with the intoxicating scent of fresh green chile pods roasting on grills fabricated specifically for this time of year when chile must be roasted to perfection, peeled and gladly eaten throughout the year.

Now if you are thinking of ordering the very popular breakfast of Huevos (wev-ohz) Ranchero’s) usually consisting of eggs, cooked to your liking, hash browns or papitas (diced spuds), a little cheese, maybe pinto beans on the side and a nice garnish of lettuce and tomatoes on a corn or flour tortilla, in addition to a tortilla on the side to bring it all together…can be a masterful Diego Rivera or a disappointment if the eggs aren’t cooked the way you had hoped. Chile is a must with this local favorite, often thought of as a tremendous cure for the “cruda” (pronounced croo-tha) and means hung-over, maybe incurred after a steamy night of drinking and Salsa dancing which is a another thing all together, and not to be mistaken with the tasty appetizer, but can make you sweat even more than the sassy snack, that is salsa. Red, green or “Christmas” which means both red and green, not necessarily the best way to go if you don’t get into the spicy stuff. Definitely, the kind of decisions I like to make.

Indeed to go red or green is the question and one that can make your mouth water with just the thought of. I learned to fully appreciate chile when I lived up in the Pacific North West, while a fire fighter with the US Forest Service. To my dismay, I soon realized chile is not anywhere, nearly as a big deal there, as it is in my beloved Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. I resorted to mixing a life saving, chemical alchemy of ketchup and Tabasco sauce as my make shift chile. I felt deprived of one of the staples of life. How would I survive without it? I adapted and modified accordingly but found myself often craving the real deal from home. To this day I feel sorry for people who know better, but do not have access to the liquid gold I was raised on and enjoy pretty much daily.

I can appreciate when someone comes to town on an annual pilgrimage to procure a sack or two of chile and have it shipped out to their home elsewhere or why it’s so important for family or a true friend to send out a cache of the food of the god’s, to store in the freezer for those day’s you can’t live without it. And why chile runs through the very veins of generations, its roots deeply planted in the rich soil found along the Rio Grande River, where family history, traditions and chile recipe’s surround the past and present and so often at the heart of meals found in the kitchens of Albuquerque and throughout the state. By now the question begs to be asked; Which will it be for you? Red or Green?

What If

Yeah, What if everyday broke even then called it a night? What if who you love, where your from, what you believe, why you are the way you are, when you do this or why you do that really didn't make you any better or worse? What if PEACE prevailed... LOVE always found it's way... JOY outlasted sorrow... JUSTICE reigned supreme? What if EQUALITY permeated humanity... hate bowed to harmony and we all lived happily ever after?

HEY!!

Love you then, now, evermore...

Until next year... See ya May!

Man, that was fast. What the...? Thought we said "Hello!" just yesterday we were flipping over the calender. It's been fast and furious, Spring with so much promise, anticipating what will be, not quite sure what that might be. A lot going on, nothing monumental... well maybe one or two things stand out. Growing pains occur, taking you by surprise, just when you think you got it all figured-0ut. Then someone or something, a situation, relationship taps you on the shoulder and reminds you that you still gotta a lot to learn.

Thank you! You were good to me, hope I did right by you and we meet again with exuberance, excitement and and eagerness to take-on yet another season, a new time and chance to share light and love, laughter and life with those best suited to be on the receiving-end of such gifts.

I Remember YOU

The impact you made in my life is great. The indelible impression you leave me with is of substance and form. Yes, of course I remember you... the goodness, the merry making, fun-loving, grins & giggles, playing, working side x side, getting through the day in/day out, the longest nights, bone chilling mornings, dog-day afternoons, reality bites, blistering lessons learned, bumps & bruises along the way... Yup, we sure did go through this & that good time, bad moods that got ugly & too beautiful for words- experience's, the best & worst of times, blasts of bitterness, remorse, redemption... and repeat. So many moments linger on and on in my memory banks... words & deeds said & done in haste, with hardened hearts... that softened quickly and thawed even quicker with forgiveness... the holding on to the love and respect and letting the bullsh*t go.

Yeah, I remember you well, the memories that make me glad we were ever part of each other's lives. How very important you are to me still. I tell you sincerely; you raised the bar, took it all to another level and played a major role in my big picture.

~ I think of you endearingly, with a respect and admiration that can not be measured. Know that you have a standing reservation in the sacred place in my heart and mind, where only love and peace reside. I'll leave the light on for you dear one, forever ~

... And you are cleared for take-off!

Very fine, very fine indeed. Hi there! What Up? How'z it hangin and damn... it's been a while.

We are back in the saddle again and back in action. I drafted a few blogs as I ironed-out the creases of the wonderful and mad cap world of blogsville. It's been a good little chunk of time since we've connected, naturally a lot of life happend while busy making other plans... to borrow a John Lennon quote. As I said somewhere before in my bloggity corner of the world: "Hope to have a good time in this neighborhood." Join me, won't you?

Let's Do That, Shall We?

5/10/2009 You live and let live. Love and if your lucky... be loved. You give and not always get... going about your life. Then out of no where, without warning and sometime very much forewarned, things go south, calamity ensues, the pavement stops in the middle of a perfectly good road. What was once a smooth ride takes an unplanned turn, jagged and razor sharp, turbulent as a bolt of lightening cracking, out of no where. What to do, say, think? How do you react? Where do you start? When does it end? Who will understand?

It's matters a great deal that you move. Make a move, massive or minute, subtle as a dew drop, small as a flea or big as a John Deere earth-mover ploughing through a huge hill of fresh dirt... purposeful, poised for perhaps the fight of your life, braced and equipped with an appropriate plan, necessary tools on the ready, measures taken to bear your burden, handle and empty the liquid heat from thc crucible accordingly.

You are on your way to yet another victory, another summit conquered, the challenge met. You look back better or worse for the wear and tear, not completlely certain you did everything you could? Did you leave too much dust behind or know without a doubt that, some how... goodness remains in your wake. It's done, another obstacle overcome until the next one comes along.

May Day's

5/2/2009 Ah yes May, the very merry month of May. Each new day springs forward eagerly, bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Blades of grass grow exuberantly out of the earth yet patiently in slow motion, strong, simple, subtle and graceful as the swan in the middle of a pond, prestine and undisturbed. Trees stretch their trunks and stiff arms as the brittle branches surge into maturity fortified by the fresh season. Another one of four seasons is called upon by a waning winter, to take over and posture itself for center stage in the sequence of time. Each day bearing gifts of new life, hope a constant and always eternal as possibilities sprout lavishly. May unfolds as the horizon waits to meet and greet those who cannot resist nor deny it's powerful presence resplendent with transitions, changes, challenges and yet more chances to win, lose, laugh, live, love, lounge, lead, luxuriate in, long for and look forward to > what's next.

April 16, 2009

4/16/09 OK, you working now bloggity-blog? What happend? How? When???

Miss the bliss of the blog I've come to know and love and count on as a platform to rant, rave, reflect, vent, lament, look back on, look forward to and project the where's and why-for's...

Never Give-Up On a Good Thing

The Four Candles, Author Unknown

4/11/2009 The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak... The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely. Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly... A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry,"Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end. "Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles. Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life. With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are... Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

Full/Fool of It

So, April Fools Day, April 1, 2009 huh? Well... puns a go-g0 & punz are us... As it happens the moon is not full-on tonight, you know not a fool moon. It is a waxing half moon. When I looked up a little while ago, it kind of called me to stay outside, to look straight up and bodda-bing-bodda-bang, up high, far away and just right there, accessible as a glance. Positioned out there, flying, floating, hovering over mi mundo muy preciosa (my precious world). A generous slice of half-moon pie served-up at dusk. The chilly air magnifies the hue's seen from here at this time and place. Icey blue, grey & white crackle like an old Kodak camera with the 110' flash-cube-looking, eye lid in the sky. It is a crystal clear view in all it's creamy brilliance, beautiful as if it was the first time I ever saw it.
Where was I? Yes, and we can be so fool of it, fool of one's self. Fool hearty or fool hardy or just plain farty? HAH!! Gotcha! April Fool's? OK, I'm feeling both, hearty and hardy. Fool on The Hill. Oh this is foolishness, Tom Foolery. I think I 'bout had my fill, Oh, make that; fool... but then it would read; "had my fool?" That won't work. I'm satisfied tho' and full. I delivered the fool, phul, Full Monty, full throttle...

Day in, Day out

3/23/2009 About the day... What's it all about? A typical, uneventful day... the kind of day that seems to move along at a so-called normal pace. The usual quick choices to make, the money to make, save, spend, time to invest in or waste, long-term decisions or situations to ponder, places to go, people you see, love, work with, wait for, think about, play with, talk to, hinder, help. The clothes you wear, ever changing or unchanging thoughts you think, food you eat, lives you touch. The music, for me, a massive backdrop for each day, month, year, era in my life, it paints a vivid, masterful portrait. Time lines drawn, landmarks made... a musical score to the motion picture we take the leading role in, and of course particular to only you and the people, places & experiences in your life. The day in, day out things seem to take care of themselves, inconsequential... but end-up defining what we once thought of as mundane and predictable days of our lives. The layers of days upon days, wrap around us like a cocoon, incubating unassumingly, and then... perspective appears like a caterpillar shedding the unneccessary and transforms into the butterfly with wide-spanned-wings, colorful and special... another change of season, lesson learned, life happens. An alchemy of simple sand and pebbles turn into monumental, massive columns, life changing, important, pivotal parts of our lives... leaving you better or worse, burdened or blessed for the wear and tear. Day in, day out... indeed.

Relentless- Part I

I call it a major crossroads, a time when I got caught-up in the "complexities" of life or least what I had conjured up in my head as such. I wanted answers, answers and more answers... Then I realized answers are; 1) Sometimes found in the questions and stare us right in the face 2) Would take me a lifetime to discover 3) Elusive 4) Better left alone.
To make a long story short when I let go and let, what I perceive to be above, beyond and far more than me, help me stay the course, I knew I would survive the absurdity, the harshness as well as the breathtaking beauty of this world. Arriving at this place however meager or magnificent was not easy. No... confusion and I were at a stand-off, I stared right down the barrel of pitch black, dank, depressing, darkness. What answers was I looking for, not being sure of the questions? It was a splintering, juncture, a turn-pike in flux. Through a great deal of trial and error... some lessons learned softly, some hard and some still being taught... Ooh, figuring things out, putting the pieces together, making things fit, to make rhyme and rhythm out of the unreasonable... sometimes... Yeah... not very pretty.
Meantime, I am happy to report, when I recharge, renew, regroup, retool, reevaluate, and reassess, who and what it's all about... I rediscover over and over; The more I know, the more I don't know. Comfort, solice and peace of mind is available even tho' the answers may be painfully obvious... elude me, and sometimes collide with the questions... More in the order of bumping, bruising, banging, crashing, clash-bam-booming head-on, leaving me for dead in the wake of my muddled messes or mistakes because I didn't recognize the obvious remedy or resolution... Search & rescue me from myself. Life's episodes, traumas, mishaps and misunderstandings aim to grab and toss me around like a rag doll, by the scruff of my neck... then dust me off & expect me to walk tall, sure footed, steady and tread lightly. Proceed w/caution, safety first or simply throw caution to the wind, wreckless and abandon.
Turns out... peace of mind and heart is doable. I wonder sometimes tho'... at what cost? What value do I place on finding my way in the world? It holds true... When all is said and done... My faith... in something, someone, a being, entity; G*D, Grace, The Holy Spirit. Life saver, Soul Searcher, Heart Mender and Merry Maker for all who seek the way, the light and the truth... in fact, the very armour, weaponry & protection from choppy waters I encounter. In my pursuit of Happiness... My relentless Hope when feelings of helplessness creep in ~