Ommmmmm..... the buzz of Life.
Day of the Dead. A day to honor our ancestors. Keep their memory alive.
The Book of Life I do highly recommend this children's movie. The Book of Life...
do each of us have a Book, what is written? Do we have some blank pages that are
waiting to filled?
Top 10 movies of 2014 so far..... ?
Just to follow up my visit to the Rafael Theater last night seeing this Documentary titled 'What Happened Here?' ultimately leads me back to the prophet Guy Meyer Sr., whose world revolution
would be non-violent, would necessarily be non-violent for it should be self evident by now that
your means to an end will define the ends.
I was moved by the movie and confused. Moved and confused. Don't have the time to dig into it now. Thanks to Rob Nillson the director for his masterful work and fun and privelige to hang with him some of his crew and and a handful of other fans for a couple of beers and conversation.
OK enjoying a few minutes of the Giants parade and celebration on the TV here. Let the world go for now. The big party at Saint Rita's in Fairfax tonight I hope someone besides me brings some cameras.
I just don't know if I have the energy to do anything special at the party. Making a movie is not really all that simple. One philosphy is Turn a camera on and do the best you can. However You need good good audio.
Yes we can. Yes we can. I enjoyed making some music briefly with Johnny Adams this morning. OK I've got other work to do.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
The Natural World... It's it!
So much going on. Too much to even think about sharing on this little forum. Great ride for the SF Giants to make it back to World Champs. Of course you have to sympathize with Lithuania did they get invited? How about Uzbekistan but we are the world. I don't have to start drinking beer so early those 5:07 starts...anyways incredible fun and somehow I believed it would happen as did so many from the Bay Area. Great fun with so many over the weeks at Peri's, The Sleeping Lady, The Flatiron etc...
In San Rafael right now at Community Media Center of Marin. Two blocks up I notice there is a Documentary on Leon Trotsky call 'What Happened Here?' a film by Bay Area Filmmaker Rob Nilson
who was a SF Desoto Cab Driver back in the 1980's. Just picked up a book lying at the bus stop in Fairfax by Ivan Turgenev set in Russia in the 1800's within two pages I was in tears. 'I rebel I rebel.' said the weeping Father over the body of his son. Something like that.
At Johnny Adams fine house under the beautiful Redwoods in Woodacre getting some reading in. Read Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' I can't recommend it but I couldn't put it down. A Father and Son post apocalyptic desolation novel so bleak dark disturbing revolting and ultimately uplifting that I had to follow that up with 'My First Summer in the Sierras' by John Muir published in 1900 (?) from his notes of an expedition to Yosemite in 1869. The complete inverse of The Road where his Joy and uplift from nature and the Natural world, every moment every species, every life form ridiculous. Well I was up to about 3 AM that morning and even then I couldn't get to sleep had to finish off that half corned beef sandwich big mistake. Next day completely brain destroyed and now I am hoping somehow I get my backpack back that I left in the back seat of the kind woman of gray hair and fond 1966 memories of SF youthful magic music and everything ''the best year of them all' she said.
Well I better get going. I'll step into the dark history of Leon Trotsky murdered by Stalin who like the
old man in Russia declared in his soul that he would rebel. My Great Grandfather supposedly met Leon Trotsky in the back of his Pharmacy somewhere in NYC perhaps on Trotsky's last visit to NYC before Mexico. Later.
In San Rafael right now at Community Media Center of Marin. Two blocks up I notice there is a Documentary on Leon Trotsky call 'What Happened Here?' a film by Bay Area Filmmaker Rob Nilson
who was a SF Desoto Cab Driver back in the 1980's. Just picked up a book lying at the bus stop in Fairfax by Ivan Turgenev set in Russia in the 1800's within two pages I was in tears. 'I rebel I rebel.' said the weeping Father over the body of his son. Something like that.
At Johnny Adams fine house under the beautiful Redwoods in Woodacre getting some reading in. Read Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' I can't recommend it but I couldn't put it down. A Father and Son post apocalyptic desolation novel so bleak dark disturbing revolting and ultimately uplifting that I had to follow that up with 'My First Summer in the Sierras' by John Muir published in 1900 (?) from his notes of an expedition to Yosemite in 1869. The complete inverse of The Road where his Joy and uplift from nature and the Natural world, every moment every species, every life form ridiculous. Well I was up to about 3 AM that morning and even then I couldn't get to sleep had to finish off that half corned beef sandwich big mistake. Next day completely brain destroyed and now I am hoping somehow I get my backpack back that I left in the back seat of the kind woman of gray hair and fond 1966 memories of SF youthful magic music and everything ''the best year of them all' she said.
Well I better get going. I'll step into the dark history of Leon Trotsky murdered by Stalin who like the
old man in Russia declared in his soul that he would rebel. My Great Grandfather supposedly met Leon Trotsky in the back of his Pharmacy somewhere in NYC perhaps on Trotsky's last visit to NYC before Mexico. Later.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Obama 2013
Obama how time does not fly... I thought somehow that we were maybe approaching the last year of your term. Ah well It's all Life. He, as well as George Bush Jr. and me and you are here for a purpose and can do but what we can do and .... I sure can do more I tell myself every night as I turn in, as the day ends. I guess I just contradicted my point but maybe I am mistaken maybe I can't do more than what I am doing at this moment. Nor can he or you.
Every moment has to be passed through there are no short cuts despite my impatience. Despite his missteps and misjudgements there may never be as better days for America than these.
I read in today's paper that he says he is going to turn towards the issue of 'inequality' in his remaining term, sounds like a winner. If you can position yourself with the '99 percent' sounds like you might have some support. I turn on the skeptical brain every day I read the paper when it comes to pronouncements from public officials particularly one's I have become so familiar with such as President Obama. Best wishes to President Obama as he makes his way through his final years leading our lost country. (His comments are always self-serving after all that is the point guy - that's a given)
I just see Obama as a very shortsighted individual whose only hope is to get his name on the next great bill, that will save this country. Like Obamacare, to which he will be a tireless promoter, but will he ever apply a critical eye to the situation of our country and even listen to what the conservative side of our country thinks let alone the independent 'progressive/ liberal' side which there is as many of you know.
Obama is deeply dependent on the Republicans and the media, to keep his constituency convinced he knows what he is doing. I am not sure why there aren't more careful conservative voices but somehow the world will always sprout up the Conservative who is deeply callous to other people, nations or the environment and Obama can safely bash Republicans and we can all say well at least we don't have Republicans running things. Sit back like the sweating little frog as the water begins to boil.
Every moment has to be passed through there are no short cuts despite my impatience. Despite his missteps and misjudgements there may never be as better days for America than these.
I read in today's paper that he says he is going to turn towards the issue of 'inequality' in his remaining term, sounds like a winner. If you can position yourself with the '99 percent' sounds like you might have some support. I turn on the skeptical brain every day I read the paper when it comes to pronouncements from public officials particularly one's I have become so familiar with such as President Obama. Best wishes to President Obama as he makes his way through his final years leading our lost country. (His comments are always self-serving after all that is the point guy - that's a given)
I just see Obama as a very shortsighted individual whose only hope is to get his name on the next great bill, that will save this country. Like Obamacare, to which he will be a tireless promoter, but will he ever apply a critical eye to the situation of our country and even listen to what the conservative side of our country thinks let alone the independent 'progressive/ liberal' side which there is as many of you know.
Obama is deeply dependent on the Republicans and the media, to keep his constituency convinced he knows what he is doing. I am not sure why there aren't more careful conservative voices but somehow the world will always sprout up the Conservative who is deeply callous to other people, nations or the environment and Obama can safely bash Republicans and we can all say well at least we don't have Republicans running things. Sit back like the sweating little frog as the water begins to boil.
Governor Meyer
The Tree party..
'You Can't get what you want. Til you know what you want.' .. Joe Jackson
California plants a Million trees.. HOw long would it take? 4 years? Every 8th Parking Space dedicated to a tree and every twelth space a bicycle rack.
Statewide Rent Moratorium on All Units
Ban of Fracking
Legalize Marijuana.
'You Can't get what you want. Til you know what you want.' .. Joe Jackson
California plants a Million trees.. HOw long would it take? 4 years? Every 8th Parking Space dedicated to a tree and every twelth space a bicycle rack.
Statewide Rent Moratorium on All Units
Ban of Fracking
Legalize Marijuana.
San Rafael
Sitting in the San Rafael library… 15 minutes before times up on this computer..
I need a place to live. Economical, temporary is fine. Even camping out options are OK.
I’ve been losing things at a steady rate usually find them again after a few hours, days…
Today I am without my Rusty/Orange back pack, REI with the torn zipper.. Inside a couple of portable hard drives, glasses and my cell phone.
Not at… CMCM studio, True North Pizza, 19 Broadway nor Fairfax PD. I’ll go reorganize the VW Beetle which I must sell ASAP but I need a place to live
to put the music equipment etc… in my vehicle.
I guess I have let go of the idea of Mendocino (not easily)… bury me here. Hopefully not real soon.
‘So you want to serve the people of America?’ I was thinking about the police and their training. I drew up an imaginary plan appointed 10 notable Americans… Michael Strahan, John Madden, Whoopi Goldberg, General Petraeus, Merle Haggard, Deepak Chopra, add a few more. They were ordered to develop a plan for every police academy school in America. To learn about people skills to learn about disarming people, to learn how to become a new Police for America… I would give every prospective Police officer this 10 day training to find out about what it is to be alive and to respect all people. No one could become an officer or carry a gun on behalf of our government(s) without that basic training.
The Napa – Vallejo Earthquake.. don’t forget Vallejo people.
Population growth is the big environmental issue. My lighthearted friend Sierra says.. Either ‘Suicide or Homicide?’ that’s the solution…I am more in favor of just working with Nature for the first time in this Civilization’s evolution. Zero expansion of the human footprint, millions of trees planted, every 7th parking space.. plant a tree. $5,000 annual, grant for every American who doesn’t own a car. (I havn’t done the math).
Real Estate, the owning of parcels of the Earth for development, economic return not as in the Natural bounty from this parcel if tended or cared for, but to find humans who will
pay an ever growing fee to live… squeezed by the expanding population. Got to change.
Wall Street, the measure of the buying and selling of symbolic shares of large companies
by individuals in the hopes that these companies deliver an ever expanding financial return. Ultimately undermining the civilization itself. Elimination of smaller competition,
consolidation of the market place ‘market share’… Increasing abilities to control greater share of wealth.. Given that money is supposed to represent a fixed amount of currency, the greater the wealth at the top… the less circulating at the bottom. Of course we are into the games of 2014 where the deficit shrinks Oh really but the debt keeps on growing.. Oh well. Why do I even write this.
Thank God for Atheists for trying to keep us honest, I’m not in that camp of belief, but
It wouldn’t surprise me if God was more favorably disposed to Atheists than the TheistsI need a place to live. Economical, temporary is fine. Even camping out options are OK.
I’ve been losing things at a steady rate usually find them again after a few hours, days…
Today I am without my Rusty/Orange back pack, REI with the torn zipper.. Inside a couple of portable hard drives, glasses and my cell phone.
Not at… CMCM studio, True North Pizza, 19 Broadway nor Fairfax PD. I’ll go reorganize the VW Beetle which I must sell ASAP but I need a place to live
to put the music equipment etc… in my vehicle.
I guess I have let go of the idea of Mendocino (not easily)… bury me here. Hopefully not real soon.
‘So you want to serve the people of America?’ I was thinking about the police and their training. I drew up an imaginary plan appointed 10 notable Americans… Michael Strahan, John Madden, Whoopi Goldberg, General Petraeus, Merle Haggard, Deepak Chopra, add a few more. They were ordered to develop a plan for every police academy school in America. To learn about people skills to learn about disarming people, to learn how to become a new Police for America… I would give every prospective Police officer this 10 day training to find out about what it is to be alive and to respect all people. No one could become an officer or carry a gun on behalf of our government(s) without that basic training.
The Napa – Vallejo Earthquake.. don’t forget Vallejo people.
Population growth is the big environmental issue. My lighthearted friend Sierra says.. Either ‘Suicide or Homicide?’ that’s the solution…I am more in favor of just working with Nature for the first time in this Civilization’s evolution. Zero expansion of the human footprint, millions of trees planted, every 7th parking space.. plant a tree. $5,000 annual, grant for every American who doesn’t own a car. (I havn’t done the math).
Real Estate, the owning of parcels of the Earth for development, economic return not as in the Natural bounty from this parcel if tended or cared for, but to find humans who will
pay an ever growing fee to live… squeezed by the expanding population. Got to change.
Wall Street, the measure of the buying and selling of symbolic shares of large companies
by individuals in the hopes that these companies deliver an ever expanding financial return. Ultimately undermining the civilization itself. Elimination of smaller competition,
consolidation of the market place ‘market share’… Increasing abilities to control greater share of wealth.. Given that money is supposed to represent a fixed amount of currency, the greater the wealth at the top… the less circulating at the bottom. Of course we are into the games of 2014 where the deficit shrinks Oh really but the debt keeps on growing.. Oh well. Why do I even write this.
Thank God for Atheists for trying to keep us honest, I’m not in that camp of belief, but
who don’t shoulder responsibility for their lives or even worse threaten murder and vengeance in God’s name.
It’s a cosmic thing. Where we are where we are going. After the first American Revolution and during it and in fact all through life our ancestors would thank Providence, this divine unfolding for seeing them through as do I and try to take one day at a time on this beautiful but difficult journey.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Long way to home sweet home..
Bringing it home
Another bounce coming up, I have to drop something off in Novato this afternoon, no big deal but it’s a secret. So I will be heading North. Just got a friend’s email who said
She would be at the big concert in Ukiah’s Park this evening. A concert that I have anticipated and aimed for though not with certainty, a reunion of the Ford Brothers.
who grew up in Ukiah. A picture of Robben Ford on stage with George Harrison hangs on the wall of the Music Recyclers in Ukiah.
Of course If I am there then I can’t be there, a real good there would be Peri’s tonight in Fairfax with ‘La Mandanga’ band. Gypsy rock with members from Beso Negro. I had a great time with them last month at their show.
The crazy trails of America. Me and you and everyone else let’s go there no let’s go there, no let’s go there… ‘hop in the car and ride’ another line from a Joe Jackson tune.
Maybe I won’t make up my mind till the absolute last minute.. let’s see north to Mendocino, possibly selling ‘the VDubya’ for over a grand. Finding a place to live if just for six months would be great. ‘Got to put your flat feet back on the ground!’ ‘All you want to do is ride around Sally!’ Let me tell you that is one song that a thousand cover versions is just fine with me… from Wilson Pickett, the Swampers at Muscle Shoals to the great Chuck Day, to Jimi James no not that Jimi James El Cerrito’s Jimi. Playing with me next Sunday night at Peri’s. I don’t even want the Substitutes to be hailed as a great little Rock band cause I want a name like.. like .. something else.
Please start saving your files… library computer warns me.
Another bounce coming up, I have to drop something off in Novato this afternoon, no big deal but it’s a secret. So I will be heading North. Just got a friend’s email who said
She would be at the big concert in Ukiah’s Park this evening. A concert that I have anticipated and aimed for though not with certainty, a reunion of the Ford Brothers.
who grew up in Ukiah. A picture of Robben Ford on stage with George Harrison hangs on the wall of the Music Recyclers in Ukiah.
Of course If I am there then I can’t be there, a real good there would be Peri’s tonight in Fairfax with ‘La Mandanga’ band. Gypsy rock with members from Beso Negro. I had a great time with them last month at their show.
The crazy trails of America. Me and you and everyone else let’s go there no let’s go there, no let’s go there… ‘hop in the car and ride’ another line from a Joe Jackson tune.
Maybe I won’t make up my mind till the absolute last minute.. let’s see north to Mendocino, possibly selling ‘the VDubya’ for over a grand. Finding a place to live if just for six months would be great. ‘Got to put your flat feet back on the ground!’ ‘All you want to do is ride around Sally!’ Let me tell you that is one song that a thousand cover versions is just fine with me… from Wilson Pickett, the Swampers at Muscle Shoals to the great Chuck Day, to Jimi James no not that Jimi James El Cerrito’s Jimi. Playing with me next Sunday night at Peri’s. I don’t even want the Substitutes to be hailed as a great little Rock band cause I want a name like.. like .. something else.
Please start saving your files… library computer warns me.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Mendocino, Mendocino...
Signs point me there. Mendo. I'm back in Marin finished up a pretty hard farmer's market gig again this one solo over in Ross. The deadest farmer's market in the county, but still good people and my opportunity to make a musical statement. Argggggh! Sheesh.
I actually thought I was making some headway today, but people aren't impressed. Still putting it together. There is no way to learn but to do.
I was very tired after having a restless nights sleep under a tree somewhere. I have my air mattress and sleeping bag and all in all pretty safe but. … So finished with this weird season. Burning through money over the past months, can't seem to ask people very easily for a place to stay. I do have one tonight and tomorrow probably back up to my high ground. I think I have an apartment for me I filled out the application before I left. It may not be perfect but it just might be… perfect.
If you followed my breathless report from a couple of days ago on Facebook it's from August 12… anyways later that same day. My friendly tavern up there The Shanachie was providing me with more interesting conversations and good people. Someone tells me about some apartment we agree to check it out only he is not going to go home early and I am weary and not into whiskey shots from some Honky Tonk woman… (Forgive me boys) (She had to throw me right across her shoulder, now I just cant seem to drink you off my mind. You know the tune don't you?) I get directions on my own find this rental unit in an area he referred to as 'the ghetto' or maybe a ghetto so at Midnight after a drive through dark trees out of town I come to this zone of cheap looking units by the road, duplexes etc nothing very exciting, but there are people up and about, looks like the Dead Head scene.. I see the For Rent sign and pull up immediately people are asking me about the car. For Sale?
So there it is right there at this one bedroom duplex vacant is the young guy who wants to pay me a pretty decent amount of money for the vehicle and I would be able to solve the problem of how do I sell the car if I don't have a place to put my stuff and there it could be. A cheesy little kitchen, a bedroom, I could have a place to even put up my stereo and listen to music again.. sigh this has been a long time waiting. The sweet people wide awake in the adjacent unit happily partying n say no problem
they can be quiet in case some old fart like me moved in. I'm skeptical very skeptical, it sits right on the road, not under trees next to the duplex there's more duplex's. The rent doesn't seem that great but Pot money is corrupting everything up here.. or maybe making a lot possible.. think positive Guy!
They even have a 'Resort' Hotel as part of the scene about 150 feet down the road there is a club where they get Top of the Line entertainment for weekends and the area is packed. Oh joy I say thinking unjoyful thoughts as I see that the greatest Hip Hop artists of the Bay area regularly play right here IY Yi Yi.. maybe not Guy, maybe you should keep on looking. On the other hand maybe I could talk them into booking a weird not quite Psychedelic band like the Substitutes.
I will take a look at other options and nothing is over or certain yet….. who knows!
I actually thought I was making some headway today, but people aren't impressed. Still putting it together. There is no way to learn but to do.
I was very tired after having a restless nights sleep under a tree somewhere. I have my air mattress and sleeping bag and all in all pretty safe but. … So finished with this weird season. Burning through money over the past months, can't seem to ask people very easily for a place to stay. I do have one tonight and tomorrow probably back up to my high ground. I think I have an apartment for me I filled out the application before I left. It may not be perfect but it just might be… perfect.
If you followed my breathless report from a couple of days ago on Facebook it's from August 12… anyways later that same day. My friendly tavern up there The Shanachie was providing me with more interesting conversations and good people. Someone tells me about some apartment we agree to check it out only he is not going to go home early and I am weary and not into whiskey shots from some Honky Tonk woman… (Forgive me boys) (She had to throw me right across her shoulder, now I just cant seem to drink you off my mind. You know the tune don't you?) I get directions on my own find this rental unit in an area he referred to as 'the ghetto' or maybe a ghetto so at Midnight after a drive through dark trees out of town I come to this zone of cheap looking units by the road, duplexes etc nothing very exciting, but there are people up and about, looks like the Dead Head scene.. I see the For Rent sign and pull up immediately people are asking me about the car. For Sale?
So there it is right there at this one bedroom duplex vacant is the young guy who wants to pay me a pretty decent amount of money for the vehicle and I would be able to solve the problem of how do I sell the car if I don't have a place to put my stuff and there it could be. A cheesy little kitchen, a bedroom, I could have a place to even put up my stereo and listen to music again.. sigh this has been a long time waiting. The sweet people wide awake in the adjacent unit happily partying n say no problem
they can be quiet in case some old fart like me moved in. I'm skeptical very skeptical, it sits right on the road, not under trees next to the duplex there's more duplex's. The rent doesn't seem that great but Pot money is corrupting everything up here.. or maybe making a lot possible.. think positive Guy!
They even have a 'Resort' Hotel as part of the scene about 150 feet down the road there is a club where they get Top of the Line entertainment for weekends and the area is packed. Oh joy I say thinking unjoyful thoughts as I see that the greatest Hip Hop artists of the Bay area regularly play right here IY Yi Yi.. maybe not Guy, maybe you should keep on looking. On the other hand maybe I could talk them into booking a weird not quite Psychedelic band like the Substitutes.
I will take a look at other options and nothing is over or certain yet….. who knows!
Monday, August 11, 2014
... Twice as Good
At the Willits library.
Thinking out loud.
The individual path, the shared world. That sounds right. On the edge... with may I say 'divine' Providence. Probably don't need the adjective. Beautiful world. 'It's a Man's job to find a Cave.' that piece of wisdom from one of my favorite homeless people back in Marin. Yes it is.
Capitalism is not the enemy. Nor Fascism, nor Racism, Terrorism, nor secular Humanism 'the isms'.
Human belief systems are not the enemy. What do we bring, what do we carry, what is the necessary approach, how open is the world to pull itself together, or me The one who counts. As in you the one who counts. Deep Democracy. Me connected to the Earth my feet on the ground. Me with my heart beating it's rhythm, me with my Spirit open and unafraid, as I do my best in daily life, as it unfolds.
Absolutely beautiful evening last night at the Sunday Music in the Park in Ukiah. I coasted up from Marin County with my beautiful Robin's egg Blue '72 Beetle with the for sale signs on it, not skipping a beat. Rising on 101 coming north from Cloverdale rising up into the beauty of California's Coastal Mountains, the golden grass, the heat, the Oak, Madrone and Pines.. the green and gold. The Brown of Rocks. (The fires burning -- further North.)
Got in town, Ukiah (Yuke in Boont, Haiku backwards) to find that the music in the park starts at 6 PM and I am on time. Almost. The John Maddern Band was opening up the show at the beautiful Thomas Park, a very large Park that must take up the equivalent of 2 or 3 City blocks, lots of grass, lovely old trees. Must have been about a thousand people spread out in lawn chairs. Private barbeques, and parties everywhere. The stage was some permanent concrete structure with about a 1000 square feet of space roped off in front for dancers. Nice. John Maddern is a bit of a local hero up here as he is back in Marin. John heads the acclaimd music program at Redwood High School back in Larkspur, Marin County. John lent me his Telecaster back a few months ago at a Phil Hardgrave and the Continentals gig where John used to play regularly. That night was a musical treat. There is something so special about a Tele.
Anyhow this morning I was overhearing people still talking about John's band. a Rocking band and he makes songs about local life' I heard someone saying at the Black Oak Coffee Shop.
The band that followed called 'Twice as Good' go into my books as one of the great party bands. I am running out of time on the library computer. 'Twice as Good' from Lake County, Blues and Rhythm band. 49 years and playing, a Father Son team up front. Dressed in matching Gold suits with Straw Fedoras Rick and Paul Stewart. What a dynamite set! Hundreds of young and old people breaking through the Rock Spirit in a happy dance as the Full Moon rose up through the Pines in the balmy heat of the early August night. Hat's off to the band young Paul, great singing, BB King, Robert Cray influence guitar. Tight band. Twice as Good.
Cruised the 20 miles further North to Willits today. From 650 feet elevation cresting the Ridgewood Summit at 1950 feet rolling intoWillits. The clutch not slipping once. ....
Thinking out loud.
The individual path, the shared world. That sounds right. On the edge... with may I say 'divine' Providence. Probably don't need the adjective. Beautiful world. 'It's a Man's job to find a Cave.' that piece of wisdom from one of my favorite homeless people back in Marin. Yes it is.
Capitalism is not the enemy. Nor Fascism, nor Racism, Terrorism, nor secular Humanism 'the isms'.
Human belief systems are not the enemy. What do we bring, what do we carry, what is the necessary approach, how open is the world to pull itself together, or me The one who counts. As in you the one who counts. Deep Democracy. Me connected to the Earth my feet on the ground. Me with my heart beating it's rhythm, me with my Spirit open and unafraid, as I do my best in daily life, as it unfolds.
Absolutely beautiful evening last night at the Sunday Music in the Park in Ukiah. I coasted up from Marin County with my beautiful Robin's egg Blue '72 Beetle with the for sale signs on it, not skipping a beat. Rising on 101 coming north from Cloverdale rising up into the beauty of California's Coastal Mountains, the golden grass, the heat, the Oak, Madrone and Pines.. the green and gold. The Brown of Rocks. (The fires burning -- further North.)
Got in town, Ukiah (Yuke in Boont, Haiku backwards) to find that the music in the park starts at 6 PM and I am on time. Almost. The John Maddern Band was opening up the show at the beautiful Thomas Park, a very large Park that must take up the equivalent of 2 or 3 City blocks, lots of grass, lovely old trees. Must have been about a thousand people spread out in lawn chairs. Private barbeques, and parties everywhere. The stage was some permanent concrete structure with about a 1000 square feet of space roped off in front for dancers. Nice. John Maddern is a bit of a local hero up here as he is back in Marin. John heads the acclaimd music program at Redwood High School back in Larkspur, Marin County. John lent me his Telecaster back a few months ago at a Phil Hardgrave and the Continentals gig where John used to play regularly. That night was a musical treat. There is something so special about a Tele.
Anyhow this morning I was overhearing people still talking about John's band. a Rocking band and he makes songs about local life' I heard someone saying at the Black Oak Coffee Shop.
The band that followed called 'Twice as Good' go into my books as one of the great party bands. I am running out of time on the library computer. 'Twice as Good' from Lake County, Blues and Rhythm band. 49 years and playing, a Father Son team up front. Dressed in matching Gold suits with Straw Fedoras Rick and Paul Stewart. What a dynamite set! Hundreds of young and old people breaking through the Rock Spirit in a happy dance as the Full Moon rose up through the Pines in the balmy heat of the early August night. Hat's off to the band young Paul, great singing, BB King, Robert Cray influence guitar. Tight band. Twice as Good.
Cruised the 20 miles further North to Willits today. From 650 feet elevation cresting the Ridgewood Summit at 1950 feet rolling intoWillits. The clutch not slipping once. ....
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
in Ukiah...
I likely will be up here a week or two. The 72 Beetle made the drive last night in much better shape than the Spring trip, (when the bug staggered into town, spitting oil, clutch slipping etc.) with not one moment of clutch slippage or engine sputtering. Still, Oil and Water don't mix as my anti-fracking poster that still doesn't have a wall to be hung on reminds me. Who hold the key to global warming and environmental destruction... ? me. Still can't let go of my car.
100 degrees outside the Ukiah library, hard to find a parking place in the shade in Ukiah at least around the library. Walking from the Ukiah Food Co-op to the Library I found the Grace Hudson Museum near 'The Sun House'. Stumbled into the soul of Earth, Temple... Grace Hudson was a Potter Valley born artist who resided here... the Sun House was she and her husband's lovely home. This museum is a must see for the few
Planetary wanderers who know that the greatest beauty is always near at hand. A wonderful collection of
fine woodworking/furniture from the College of the Redwoods where there school of woodworking is as fine as you might find on the planet. Then I notice a room with native American Basket weavings.... Amazing. How come I no longer own a digital camera? Basket Weaving. The Pomo Indians had a population of about 15,000 around the time of the European arrival. The Pomos had about 70 different villages each with their own distinct independent traits language variations etc. The Miwoks of Marin numbered about 5,000. The basket weaving is as stunning as European masterworks of any kind in my opinion.
Then into the next room where. I meet Grace Carpenter Hudson Wow! Never heard of her before from a California of the turn of the last century. Zing arrow into the soul.
In the meantime I see that my friend from the last visit up here, Mike Zee is hosting an open Mic at the Ukiah Brewery and Restaurant tonight. I should make it out. Last night got a good farewell in at the open Mic at True North Pizza, with Simon Costa. I did a quick set of Elizabeth Cotton's Freight Train, Otis Redding's, Dock of the Bay, and Elvis's That's Allright Mama . Carole Isaac joined me on flute.
In Franklin's tower there hangs a bell
It can ring, turn night to day
Ring like fire when you lose your way
Roll away... the dew . . .
God help the child who rings that bell
It may have one good ring left, you can't tell
One watch by night, one watch by day
If you get confused just listen to the music play
Roll away... the dew . . .
The following some lyrics to the Jerry Garcia /Grateful Dead tune 'Roll Away the Dew'
I likely will be up here a week or two. The 72 Beetle made the drive last night in much better shape than the Spring trip, (when the bug staggered into town, spitting oil, clutch slipping etc.) with not one moment of clutch slippage or engine sputtering. Still, Oil and Water don't mix as my anti-fracking poster that still doesn't have a wall to be hung on reminds me. Who hold the key to global warming and environmental destruction... ? me. Still can't let go of my car.
100 degrees outside the Ukiah library, hard to find a parking place in the shade in Ukiah at least around the library. Walking from the Ukiah Food Co-op to the Library I found the Grace Hudson Museum near 'The Sun House'. Stumbled into the soul of Earth, Temple... Grace Hudson was a Potter Valley born artist who resided here... the Sun House was she and her husband's lovely home. This museum is a must see for the few
Planetary wanderers who know that the greatest beauty is always near at hand. A wonderful collection of
fine woodworking/furniture from the College of the Redwoods where there school of woodworking is as fine as you might find on the planet. Then I notice a room with native American Basket weavings.... Amazing. How come I no longer own a digital camera? Basket Weaving. The Pomo Indians had a population of about 15,000 around the time of the European arrival. The Pomos had about 70 different villages each with their own distinct independent traits language variations etc. The Miwoks of Marin numbered about 5,000. The basket weaving is as stunning as European masterworks of any kind in my opinion.
Then into the next room where. I meet Grace Carpenter Hudson Wow! Never heard of her before from a California of the turn of the last century. Zing arrow into the soul.
In the meantime I see that my friend from the last visit up here, Mike Zee is hosting an open Mic at the Ukiah Brewery and Restaurant tonight. I should make it out. Last night got a good farewell in at the open Mic at True North Pizza, with Simon Costa. I did a quick set of Elizabeth Cotton's Freight Train, Otis Redding's, Dock of the Bay, and Elvis's That's Allright Mama . Carole Isaac joined me on flute.
In Franklin's tower there hangs a bell
It can ring, turn night to day
Ring like fire when you lose your way
Roll away... the dew . . .
God help the child who rings that bell
It may have one good ring left, you can't tell
One watch by night, one watch by day
If you get confused just listen to the music play
Roll away... the dew . . .
The following some lyrics to the Jerry Garcia /Grateful Dead tune 'Roll Away the Dew'
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Typewriter in a cabin..
It's true, though now I have taken that copy from last night and I will do my best to transcribe it.
Last night I wrote:
'Where the words of one lonely man in a small cabin ( more like a kids clubhouse, nicely finished off 8x12, no running water, a respectable distance from the main house) have more power than even he might dare believe.
There is great satisfaction or at least some satisfaction to find myself banging on this ancient typewriter.
(Brothers electric model)
What is the nature of the technological changes that we are barreling through time with?
The nature of these changes…? Like some madcap cartoon where Bugs Bunny is laying down track, railroad track, at an insane pace animated pace always just one step ahead of the barreling locomotive.. Technology. The tracks that the Bunny is laying down is the connection to nature. Frantically keeping a giant snowball rolling as it gathers more mass (population) and goes through it's magic metamorphosis,
culture and technology. How do we hold to nature?
How do we deal with the phenomenon of our time, that was predicted 50 years ago? I am thinking of Alvin Toffler's Future Shock (Actually I didn't read this book. I held it to my forehand like Johnny Carson as the great Karnak… Future Shock… What is it when you wake up and 40 years have past.? The Club of Rome's 'Limits of Growth' …. Shoemaker's 'Small is Beautiful'. ( What can a person do to
help bring about the vision as Shoemaker had postulated.. 'Plant a tree.' Shoemaker replied. Democracy, Freedom and creativity thrive in decentralized healthy communities. Aldous Huxley shared his vision Over-population with the loss of humans owning and controlling their own land leads to tyranny.
Last night I wrote:
'Where the words of one lonely man in a small cabin ( more like a kids clubhouse, nicely finished off 8x12, no running water, a respectable distance from the main house) have more power than even he might dare believe.
There is great satisfaction or at least some satisfaction to find myself banging on this ancient typewriter.
(Brothers electric model)
What is the nature of the technological changes that we are barreling through time with?
The nature of these changes…? Like some madcap cartoon where Bugs Bunny is laying down track, railroad track, at an insane pace animated pace always just one step ahead of the barreling locomotive.. Technology. The tracks that the Bunny is laying down is the connection to nature. Frantically keeping a giant snowball rolling as it gathers more mass (population) and goes through it's magic metamorphosis,
culture and technology. How do we hold to nature?
How do we deal with the phenomenon of our time, that was predicted 50 years ago? I am thinking of Alvin Toffler's Future Shock (Actually I didn't read this book. I held it to my forehand like Johnny Carson as the great Karnak… Future Shock… What is it when you wake up and 40 years have past.? The Club of Rome's 'Limits of Growth' …. Shoemaker's 'Small is Beautiful'. ( What can a person do to
help bring about the vision as Shoemaker had postulated.. 'Plant a tree.' Shoemaker replied. Democracy, Freedom and creativity thrive in decentralized healthy communities. Aldous Huxley shared his vision Over-population with the loss of humans owning and controlling their own land leads to tyranny.
Some AutoBiography
To set the record straight ... 'Where you from?' People in my cab sometimes want to know.. Sometimes people think all cab drivers are from
some foreign country. Sometimes there is a bit of an underlying challenge
like you are a newcomer. Nowadays that would be from a youngish person here in Marin. Newcomers not quite the same as someone who was born here (or there). 'Where you from?' Frequently I've been defensive a bit -- it's a legitimate question though. From.. well most people
mean where did you grow up. Maybe they really just want to know where you were born.
I was born in New York, New York.. Manhattan. The Flower 5th Avenue Hospital. That what it was called. Apparently it no longer exists. In the early years of living in Marin County California I noticed that being from New York City evoked a peculiar (but maybe not so) overtone of -- disdain
maybe I fed into that with my own insecurity. I didn't want to be 'a New Yorker' after all I had moved with my family to Round Pond, Maine before I was two years old. Still ' Where you from?' mean't yup I'm a New Yorker' in general I say I'm originally from the the North East - New England and New York. Our family moved around a lot. From Maine to Harrisville, Rhode Island another beautiful little village in the North West corner of the smallest state.. So who's your team my new kids on the block asked me as I played my first baseball game with them Red Sox or Yankees? Red Sox I said. First Graders. Must have been Ted Williams or the color of the sox was cool or something I picked up the year before in Round Pond.
Then up to Arlington, Massachussetts.. 65.8 miles away and now I was a 4th grader and the kids had insane accents.
'The Rape of Marin, they let the New Yorkers In' Thank God I didn't walk into a show by one of the early and only Punk Rock bands out of Marin County that song might have sent me home crying... My friend Jim #64 of Radio Cab played bass for the band 'Wet Nurse' and relayed the story he told me 'a girlfriend' said to one of the members of the band you guys are so pathetic you should get yourself a 'Wet Nurse' and the name was quickly adopted.
If I make it here through next February it will be 40 years of living in Marin County. Where did you grow up? Most of my growing up has been right here in Marin. But what does that mean? How have I grown, did I learn the secrets of wisdom available to a human or did I merely keep replacing cells in brain and body and keep rolling out of bed being the same me.
some foreign country. Sometimes there is a bit of an underlying challenge
like you are a newcomer. Nowadays that would be from a youngish person here in Marin. Newcomers not quite the same as someone who was born here (or there). 'Where you from?' Frequently I've been defensive a bit -- it's a legitimate question though. From.. well most people
mean where did you grow up. Maybe they really just want to know where you were born.
I was born in New York, New York.. Manhattan. The Flower 5th Avenue Hospital. That what it was called. Apparently it no longer exists. In the early years of living in Marin County California I noticed that being from New York City evoked a peculiar (but maybe not so) overtone of -- disdain
maybe I fed into that with my own insecurity. I didn't want to be 'a New Yorker' after all I had moved with my family to Round Pond, Maine before I was two years old. Still ' Where you from?' mean't yup I'm a New Yorker' in general I say I'm originally from the the North East - New England and New York. Our family moved around a lot. From Maine to Harrisville, Rhode Island another beautiful little village in the North West corner of the smallest state.. So who's your team my new kids on the block asked me as I played my first baseball game with them Red Sox or Yankees? Red Sox I said. First Graders. Must have been Ted Williams or the color of the sox was cool or something I picked up the year before in Round Pond.
Then up to Arlington, Massachussetts.. 65.8 miles away and now I was a 4th grader and the kids had insane accents.
'The Rape of Marin, they let the New Yorkers In' Thank God I didn't walk into a show by one of the early and only Punk Rock bands out of Marin County that song might have sent me home crying... My friend Jim #64 of Radio Cab played bass for the band 'Wet Nurse' and relayed the story he told me 'a girlfriend' said to one of the members of the band you guys are so pathetic you should get yourself a 'Wet Nurse' and the name was quickly adopted.
If I make it here through next February it will be 40 years of living in Marin County. Where did you grow up? Most of my growing up has been right here in Marin. But what does that mean? How have I grown, did I learn the secrets of wisdom available to a human or did I merely keep replacing cells in brain and body and keep rolling out of bed being the same me.
Faith and Vonnegut
If we begin to address the state of our Planet and our own actions we have a chance of pulling through this incredible transition that survival of our civilization, our species demands. My Dad’s words of warning and exhortation New World or No World holds true and my own dismissal of slogans and his vision weighs on me to this day.
My many missteps and the daily good steps are not even part of the story the music has moved on and it is being created every day. A thousand missteps leading to a couple of good steps might be just what is needed. Get off from looking at your feet Guy, nobody cares - What’s happening now? Get the beat working.
God doesn’t exist because you believe in God. Thank you my friend on the bench in San Anselmo who shared that thought with me. Last night at the America’s Best Value Inn in Corte Madera I had a lousy sleep, God’s various bodily tortures are becoming more brilliant in their mischievous creativity. ‘If you want to kiss the sky you better get down on your knees’ .. wasn’t that Bono and the Band U2. Last night I dug deep into Vonnegut’s memoir/look at the soul of America entitled ‘A Man Without a Country’ I marked some pages.
Here’s an excerpt:
‘No matter how corrupt, greedy, and heartless our government, our corporations, our media, and our religious and charitable institutions may become, the music will still be wonderful.
If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:
‘Electronic communities build nothing. You wind up with nothing. We are dancing animals. How beautiful it is to get up and go out and do something. We are here on Earth
to fart around. Don’t let anybody tell you any different.’
‘La Fe mueve montanas’ sayeth the license plate holder of some Mexican worker who was ahead of me at the traffic light earlier today.
Whether your faith is working or not – who can deny the gifts that are given to
us in this lifetime.
Even a little electronic community work.
My many missteps and the daily good steps are not even part of the story the music has moved on and it is being created every day. A thousand missteps leading to a couple of good steps might be just what is needed. Get off from looking at your feet Guy, nobody cares - What’s happening now? Get the beat working.
God doesn’t exist because you believe in God. Thank you my friend on the bench in San Anselmo who shared that thought with me. Last night at the America’s Best Value Inn in Corte Madera I had a lousy sleep, God’s various bodily tortures are becoming more brilliant in their mischievous creativity. ‘If you want to kiss the sky you better get down on your knees’ .. wasn’t that Bono and the Band U2. Last night I dug deep into Vonnegut’s memoir/look at the soul of America entitled ‘A Man Without a Country’ I marked some pages.
Here’s an excerpt:
‘No matter how corrupt, greedy, and heartless our government, our corporations, our media, and our religious and charitable institutions may become, the music will still be wonderful.
If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:
The only proof he needed
for the existence of God
Was Music
I never knew quite how much I loved Vonnegut. Here’s another:‘Electronic communities build nothing. You wind up with nothing. We are dancing animals. How beautiful it is to get up and go out and do something. We are here on Earth
to fart around. Don’t let anybody tell you any different.’
‘La Fe mueve montanas’ sayeth the license plate holder of some Mexican worker who was ahead of me at the traffic light earlier today.
Whether your faith is working or not – who can deny the gifts that are given to
us in this lifetime.
Even a little electronic community work.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Earth Days
Earth Day 2014
I am of the Earth. I am the eyes of the Earth. I am the conscience of the Earth. I am Human.
I am exhausted.
Every day an urge to connect, to impart, to heal, to be free, to enjoy, to love, to roll in the grass, to find music, to make music. OK that's my youthful poetry of the moment. ...
Breathing in at the computer terminal with all us humans connected with our electronic devices. Pavement, Vroom, Exhaust, Wheels of Commerce... build build 'Smart' Growth. 'Smart' Meters 'Smart' Trains. The phenomenon goes on and on.. yes thank you the Sam Roberts Band.
Is it the war of the Commoners against the Elite? The 99% oppressed against the 1% Oppressors
or are we stuck in a game, where even our brothers and sisters in the 99% are really just working their way up the path.. controlling the Earth Buy and Sell.
Talk to another person. Find the next confusing point of view, talk to me perhaps I will confuse.
Still I believe in the possibilities of human progress. Real progress, something that makes full use of Nature the original perpetual motion machine. I envision a world where we have reduced the human footprint everywhere. That we embody a culture and society that percolates up the notion up to every town and city council state nation and the world.. Trees Rule.
The age of tearing down nature is over. The age of the endless rape is not acceptable. We are of the next age and that age has come. We elect this world, this New Planet, New World not just with votes but with our pocketbook. How much gas does my life require? How many flights through the atmosphere with giant Jet engines am I entitled to? Who has the power to change the world?
How fast.. how far ?? My soul has to answer to myself, my conscience can't be turned off.
Consciousness .. Conscience .. Responsibility .. Response..
I am of the Earth. I am the eyes of the Earth. I am the conscience of the Earth. I am Human.
I am exhausted.
Every day an urge to connect, to impart, to heal, to be free, to enjoy, to love, to roll in the grass, to find music, to make music. OK that's my youthful poetry of the moment. ...
Breathing in at the computer terminal with all us humans connected with our electronic devices. Pavement, Vroom, Exhaust, Wheels of Commerce... build build 'Smart' Growth. 'Smart' Meters 'Smart' Trains. The phenomenon goes on and on.. yes thank you the Sam Roberts Band.
Is it the war of the Commoners against the Elite? The 99% oppressed against the 1% Oppressors
or are we stuck in a game, where even our brothers and sisters in the 99% are really just working their way up the path.. controlling the Earth Buy and Sell.
Talk to another person. Find the next confusing point of view, talk to me perhaps I will confuse.
Still I believe in the possibilities of human progress. Real progress, something that makes full use of Nature the original perpetual motion machine. I envision a world where we have reduced the human footprint everywhere. That we embody a culture and society that percolates up the notion up to every town and city council state nation and the world.. Trees Rule.
The age of tearing down nature is over. The age of the endless rape is not acceptable. We are of the next age and that age has come. We elect this world, this New Planet, New World not just with votes but with our pocketbook. How much gas does my life require? How many flights through the atmosphere with giant Jet engines am I entitled to? Who has the power to change the world?
How fast.. how far ?? My soul has to answer to myself, my conscience can't be turned off.
Consciousness .. Conscience .. Responsibility .. Response..
Friday, February 14, 2014
Green Tea
Small Government Big People
Nothing to do with the Red Republican Tea Corporate Koch etc.. ...
Liberty, Ecology, Community..
Finding our balance on the Earth.
You got a left foot and a right foot, Human desires versus the needs of a Healthy Environment. Who holds the key?
Obama wants a Billion more for the cities hurt by 'Global Warming' I believe I heard today ... The lady on PBS reporter said well of course he will get opposition from Republicans. My Green T brain is not in favor either.
Why not look at the roots of the problem instead of Nature's Blowback. 'The Economy' AKA the destruction of the Earth will have to slow down. It will.. it has too, there are no real options in that regard. Nature is readying a wrecking ball.
Hopefully as it happens we have enough calm people with problem solving motivation to keep evolving a new relationship with the earth on behalf of Life and future generations. I have faith that
we can make it through the transition and we are.
Nothing to do with the Red Republican Tea Corporate Koch etc.. ...
Liberty, Ecology, Community..
Finding our balance on the Earth.
You got a left foot and a right foot, Human desires versus the needs of a Healthy Environment. Who holds the key?
Obama wants a Billion more for the cities hurt by 'Global Warming' I believe I heard today ... The lady on PBS reporter said well of course he will get opposition from Republicans. My Green T brain is not in favor either.
Why not look at the roots of the problem instead of Nature's Blowback. 'The Economy' AKA the destruction of the Earth will have to slow down. It will.. it has too, there are no real options in that regard. Nature is readying a wrecking ball.
Hopefully as it happens we have enough calm people with problem solving motivation to keep evolving a new relationship with the earth on behalf of Life and future generations. I have faith that
we can make it through the transition and we are.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
' If God is Love.'
‘if God is love.’
This was my Dad’s answer to me a few years back before his death. I have been late in sharing this important piece of information.
You might guess what my question was but I hope you don’t rush off without hearing
my story. My Dad the Reverend Guy Meyer, Sr. Now that he is no longer here I have added Sr. to his name frequently. Maybe that gives a hint of some of the dynamics of the father son relationship that we were about. Guy sr. my Dad henceforth in this writing was a Unitarian Universalist Minister whose commitment to social change was the paramount
motivation of his life, not taking away from his survival skills.
My Dad probably in the early or mid 60’s gave a name to his lifelong quest for planetary peace and the well being of ‘the human family’. The New World he called it and on behalf of his cause he preached endlessly. ‘Johnnie one note’ he called himself once, just letting us know that he knew that we knew and that was exactly what he was about. The key to it all he firmly believed was the establishment of a World Government.
Nothing else would solve the problem. He believed that Nationalism was a form of idolatry.
I am going to get to the point or to the question that lies in his answer shortly.
As the ‘60s moved along and the Peace Movement and the Hippie movement were coming into bloom I think he thought he was seeing the opportunity for his New World Movement to really launch. I was not much of a help for him. I just could not relate to his notion that the structure of this greater World Government would be the answer. Maybe I just didn’t have the dedication of his imagination, but I just saw it differently. While he endlessly strategized on how to get the youth behind the ‘New World Movement’.
This was my Dad’s answer to me a few years back before his death. I have been late in sharing this important piece of information.
You might guess what my question was but I hope you don’t rush off without hearing
my story. My Dad the Reverend Guy Meyer, Sr. Now that he is no longer here I have added Sr. to his name frequently. Maybe that gives a hint of some of the dynamics of the father son relationship that we were about. Guy sr. my Dad henceforth in this writing was a Unitarian Universalist Minister whose commitment to social change was the paramount
motivation of his life, not taking away from his survival skills.
My Dad probably in the early or mid 60’s gave a name to his lifelong quest for planetary peace and the well being of ‘the human family’. The New World he called it and on behalf of his cause he preached endlessly. ‘Johnnie one note’ he called himself once, just letting us know that he knew that we knew and that was exactly what he was about. The key to it all he firmly believed was the establishment of a World Government.
Nothing else would solve the problem. He believed that Nationalism was a form of idolatry.
I am going to get to the point or to the question that lies in his answer shortly.
As the ‘60s moved along and the Peace Movement and the Hippie movement were coming into bloom I think he thought he was seeing the opportunity for his New World Movement to really launch. I was not much of a help for him. I just could not relate to his notion that the structure of this greater World Government would be the answer. Maybe I just didn’t have the dedication of his imagination, but I just saw it differently. While he endlessly strategized on how to get the youth behind the ‘New World Movement’.
I turned 18 in 1969 and still hadn’t
decided if I was a pacifist or not, facing the draft how was I to
respond? Would I not lift a gun against an invading army that was
burning my villages?
Trying to steer back to the point …. In many ways Dad came off as a political materialist to me which in fact there is absolutely nothing wrong in the world of politics to be materialistic or deeply pragmatic. Sometimes I wondered how he could miss this unifying element of ‘Spirit’ and if he could see that charting this course for this greater Government entity, without waking people up to the power of the present or even a belief
in ‘God’ might not work or even be a good idea.
The night I asked him might actually have been the night in Inverness that I recited a few lines of the Grateful Dead’s song Ripple to him and he showed some appreciation for the lines.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
So I asked him in his appreciation for the lyrics, and I don’t mean to imply that I know that Hunter and Garcia and the Grateful Dead were advocating some ‘Theism’. But the point of the song and the strength of the song seems to me to resonate that there is something of Life that we perhaps ordinarily don't know or recognize.
So I asked him … ‘Do you believe in God?’
And he started out with. ‘Well I don’t believe in some White Haired old guy’ which of course I knew, and in hearing this my mind was already going - why do people of Liberal
thought always assume that the Conservative world has that belief? Wondered even in my if it was Liberal people who believe ‘God ‘ is White Haired old guy, and that’s why they choose to non-believe. Who knows what people believe to be God.
I can’t even remember if I actually said some of these thoughts to Dad, I might have but I remember that he had paused and then he said. ‘If God is Love then I believe in God.’
‘If God is Love…
I am reflecting and reverberating with the idea and I ponder what are the possibilities of Life on Earth if we as the people of this Planet, tried that notion out.
On this day I still believe that a truth is resonating within us all, I believe that Dad’s notion of a ‘New World’ will come to pass though maybe not as he wrote it out, and it may not be that far off, I still do not believe in the centralization of authority as in our over reaching Federal Government’s and even well intentioned World Governments but I believe that localities and communities across the Planet need to rule and waken to their responsibility and power to alter the world, The New World is within us. We will get to a Peaceful Planet with care and opportunity for all. If you believe and act accordingly.
Trying to steer back to the point …. In many ways Dad came off as a political materialist to me which in fact there is absolutely nothing wrong in the world of politics to be materialistic or deeply pragmatic. Sometimes I wondered how he could miss this unifying element of ‘Spirit’ and if he could see that charting this course for this greater Government entity, without waking people up to the power of the present or even a belief
in ‘God’ might not work or even be a good idea.
The night I asked him might actually have been the night in Inverness that I recited a few lines of the Grateful Dead’s song Ripple to him and he showed some appreciation for the lines.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
So I asked him in his appreciation for the lyrics, and I don’t mean to imply that I know that Hunter and Garcia and the Grateful Dead were advocating some ‘Theism’. But the point of the song and the strength of the song seems to me to resonate that there is something of Life that we perhaps ordinarily don't know or recognize.
So I asked him … ‘Do you believe in God?’
And he started out with. ‘Well I don’t believe in some White Haired old guy’ which of course I knew, and in hearing this my mind was already going - why do people of Liberal
thought always assume that the Conservative world has that belief? Wondered even in my if it was Liberal people who believe ‘God ‘ is White Haired old guy, and that’s why they choose to non-believe. Who knows what people believe to be God.
I can’t even remember if I actually said some of these thoughts to Dad, I might have but I remember that he had paused and then he said. ‘If God is Love then I believe in God.’
‘If God is Love…
I am reflecting and reverberating with the idea and I ponder what are the possibilities of Life on Earth if we as the people of this Planet, tried that notion out.
On this day I still believe that a truth is resonating within us all, I believe that Dad’s notion of a ‘New World’ will come to pass though maybe not as he wrote it out, and it may not be that far off, I still do not believe in the centralization of authority as in our over reaching Federal Government’s and even well intentioned World Governments but I believe that localities and communities across the Planet need to rule and waken to their responsibility and power to alter the world, The New World is within us. We will get to a Peaceful Planet with care and opportunity for all. If you believe and act accordingly.
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