Ann of the Left Coast - February 2, 2009

As Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, here in the West we continue to enjoy Spring-like temperatures. Let's hope the impending rains will find their way to the Sacramento Valley farmlands sooner than later to provide much needed nourishment for the crops that help to feed the nation and the world. Not to mention the lakes and streams so vital to the health of this state. And while we're at it, let's not forget the strain upon our country that remains debt-heavy, economically-drained, workforce-challenged and breaking from the stress of two wars. "Where have all the flowers gone?" by Pete Seeger comes to mind - how apropos to remember one who fought so hard to change the world. I have noticed how different the news is lately. It feels like a shift in consciousness is waiting in the wings - it is very powerful but requires each of us to participate. Can you feel it? It will be an interesting year as Obama finds his way. The GOP continues to re-position itself behind the curtains as the Democrats take the stage in an attempt to change the "business-as-usual" attitude that has marred our government for the past 8 years. And, viola, the play continues as one of our congressmen is caught cheating on his taxes. 'Round and 'round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows. I do know this much is true - our inalienable rights can no longer be tossed to the wind. I have faith in our Lady Justice, but we must continue to pay strict attention and always read between the lines!

May the waters of life feed and comfort you this day!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 3, 2009

Early to bed and early to rise a wise woman makes - that's my motto and I'm sticking to it! I love to awaken at the break of morning so I can witness the calming of the world as all God’s creatures await the rising sun to once again bask in the ever-loving and universal light. The light is definitely shining on the new Attorney General who plans to undo many of "W's" inhumane and secretive policies which could ultimately mean the previous administration must testify before a court of law. Hopefully, the spotlight will illuminate other hidden truths – we shall see, we shall see.  Today I think of our soldiers across the world fighting for our country in a world of oil and greed where too many people continue to die. I recently read that the U.S. Military is upping its recruiting efforts (again) which appears to be a bad sign of things to come. So, I decided it's time to show you in black and white what you don't ever hear on the news reports - we can never stop trying.

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq = 4,237

U.S. Miliary Wounded in Iraq = 31,004

Iraqi Civilian Deaths = 151,000

Excess Iraqi Deaths = 655,500

Left Coast Evening View - February 4, 2009

The moon refuses to leave its post even as gray skies surround it entirely and the stars retreat far into the universe. A calm before the storm - the air still, the hot tub warm, my body relaxed. How blessed am I to have these moments. Tonight I think of my dear aunt who will be in surgery tomorrow – another elder– too many, too soon. I cannot bear the thought. But, tonight I will fall asleep knowing that the stars will keep watch over her as my mind transcends the heavens seeking understanding and knowledge. All is good. All is always good. We live and we die. We prosper and we fall. But we are always loved. 

May your dreams enlighten and comfort you throughout the night. 

Ann of the Left Coast - February 4, 2009

The morning news is bleak and foreboding as the evil empire arises out of the flames of the past to warn of terrorism and catastrophic and biological attacks. Yes, spread the words of fear and doom lest we forget that the world is a very, very bad place. What we need to fear is inaction, greed and self-interest tactics. For example, how can a prominent bank justify being bailed out in the initial go-round of our failing economy and then defend a casino junket for employees and executives in Las Vegas to celebrate their amazing turn-around? That is insanity. But, who cares - it will all be moot when our economy experiences its final meltdown, or not. Who to believe? I choose to believe that there is hope and honorable steps being taken to repair and rebuild our government policies and our economy. I cannot change the world, but I can make positive changes in my outlook on life. Just like our Mother Earth, we will find our way with or without our government policies, but it sure helps when we all work together. Survival of the fittest and the smartest - don't believe everything you read, read between the lines, and most of all, focus on positive creations and back-to-basic tactics that will redeem the economic and ecological disaster that continues to threaten our livelihoods. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself."

May you see the world for what it is and what it is not.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 5, 2009

"Grandma, Grandma, get up...play Monster Trucks." And now, here I sit with a foggy brain and a cup of coffee viewing the gray and wet morning as I try to find myself in the morning light. I think Im being successful. A stimulus package or a bail-out might help - it seems to be the way of the world, so why not?!? What's a few billion dollars here and there? But really, how about a bail-out for Mother Nature, or a bail-out from WARS, or a bail-out from layoffs, job-cuts and corporate greed? Where is the stimulus for our infrastructure, our social services, our health-care system and our education system? Keep those cards and letters coming to your State and Local representatives - every voice counts and every dollar wasted comes out of our pockets, not theirs.

May your voice resonate with truth and compassion!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 6, 2009

A hot tub in the drizzling rain and cool temperatures allowed for a full night's sleep amid the sounds of gentle raindrops coming through my window. A sign of things to come as we move closer and closer to the Spring equinox - my goodness, where does the time go? I suppose it is a matter of perspective. It's all about statistics in the morning news - 598,000 jobs lost in January, but "Who cares?" says Wall Street as stocks rise and the BofA CEO hurries to purchase $1m of shares all in the name of faith and belief in the system (don't believe everything you read!). The tumble continues as companies experience net losses for the first time in decades, and more workers are laid off leaving the remaining employees to work themselves to the bone. And here in California, 200,000 State employees experience their first unpaid day off due to California's deepening fiscal crisis. (The 800-pound gorilla is in the room and his name starts with an "A.") Yes indeed, the rain is falling, the economy is sinking, "...and the painted ponies go up and down, we're captive on the carousel of time." But all is not lost as Obama comes out swinging - we shall see, we shall see.

May you remain warm at heart and void of all fear.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 9, 2009

A full weekend huddled around the pool as Karlie participated in an invitational swim meet through wind and rain and little sunshine. Her first to enjoy, my chance to hold close those long and exhilarating memories of my youth. She was so engaged and worked so hard to beat her times and fully realized the significance of every event. I am so proud of her! I know over time, this will become an even bigger experience as Benjamin and Olivia (and little baby Anna Jane when she arrives!) take their turns upon the merry-go-round of life amid the living. Life is truly beautiful.  Are you feeling stimulated today?  I’m feeling a bit numb as I read that job losses are the worst in 35 years, education and infrastructure monies continue to be targeted, more and more companies are closing, and worst of all, suicide rates are on the rise for our soldiers returning from Iraq.  Stop the war in Iraq.  Work for peace. Stop the war in Afghanistan.  Work harder for peace. And, work even harder and harder for peace until we can fully realize no more wars in our lifetime and beyond. "Universal responsibility" indeed.

May your heart be full and your steps always peaceful.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 10, 2009

Night, night to the full moon that graced our world last evening, and good morning to the beautiful new day, blue skies and winter temperatures hovering around freezing. Jack lying at my feet, the heater automatically warming the indoor air, coffee in-hand, - good for the soul on a mid-February morning on this place called Earth.  Are you feeling stimulated yet?  The number keeps growing and growing as Obama purports the need to “halt a full-blown crisis” and others warn of “debt of incredible proportions” to our future generations and country.  Follow the bouncing ball as we wait to see who will be held accountable and how. It’s all so mind-boggling. No stimulation required for illegal immigrants who can’t afford to work and live here now that the economy is a mess.  Do you think the majority of American workers would roll up their sleeves and hit the farms to pick oranges and lemons, sow the fields or cook your meals for less than $8.00/hour?  Chop wood, carry water. It may come to that and that is not necessarily a bad thing!  All is good in the world if you lift the veil and see the world for what it truly is and all that it gives – anything is possible isn’t it! 

Prayers to all across the world and to all that surrounds you this day!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 11, 2009

A cloudy morning that matches my heart as I awaken to the paradoxes of life - tears of joy ahead as I celebrate a birthday surrounded by family and lots and lots of love, yet tears of grief streaming from my heart as I realize this is my first birthday without Mama. I know she is here, now, and everywhere with me. All is well on the western coast! Not so good for so many across our country and the world. It is indeed wonderful to know that our politicians are grilling the bank CEOs, yet time will tell if solid policies are put in place to truly stop the insanity. I will try to maintain faith in the system, yet I will not forget that people continue to suffer from the effects of poor Wall Street management, two wars, and loss of funding for education, welfare and our infrastructure. O, Brother, where art thou? Where are the jobs, where is the help with mortgages, and where did our health care system go?!? I am so blessed to qualify for health care (as opposed to spending $720/month out-of-pocket for Cobra!) while so many across our country cannot continue their treatments as their policies are discontinued. So many across our country cannot continue their treatments as their policies are discontinued. This has dire effects upon our children, our elders, those who suffer from physical and mental incapacities, and inevitably, all of us. None of us know when something can happen to any of us. Is this the type of care we want for our citizens? Is this a system that evokes responsiveness and fair financial contribution? The answer is obvious. The stimulus package is still being discussed - write or email your politicians, educate yourself, volunteer your time, and become involved. Anything is better than doing nothing. Nothing creates nothing; action creates action - and even reaction!

A lot of peace, love and happiness to all of you!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 12, 2009

The sky is gray and the clouds thick with much needed rain as the new day is upon us and shines its ever-loving light upon the world. A time of retrospection and analysis for me now that the celebration is over and the stimulus package is passed by Congress. February 11th was a very compromising day in the news. Hmmmm...which news source will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me god. Let's see, eight of the top banks received $125 million in bailout money in exchange for company shares, and some received billions of dollars more due to their financial problems, yet continue to claim they have the incentive to lead through any crisis. Job cuts continue to rise across the country, evident with a plan by General Motors to cut 10,000 management jobs and enforce 10% pay cuts to achieve an aggressive plan with significant sacrifices. The "jobs squad" was hard at work to assure the middle class (which is really forever gone in Ohio and everywhere) will see a whopping $13/week in each paycheck starting in June, while those on Social Security will get a one-time payment of $250, and students a $2500 tuition tax cut (really for the parents). Impressive. Direct funding for school construction was nixed and instead granted to state governments to manage at the risk of providing education opportunities for low-income families (Arnold a risk manager?!?). Such is the world of politics, big business and stimuli. I've decided I don't have the energy or desire to read, analyze and synthesize. I think I'll take a walk - that's always stimulating!

Peace.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 13, 2009

A beautiful, sunny morning but do not be fooled! Mother Nature has much needed rain in the forecast for the long weekend and beyond. Beware and bless the Pineapple Express as it begins its yearly journey across the West assuring that our fields and mountains, hills and valleys, lakes and farmlands flourish at the break of Spring. So does our solar system as five planets grace our nighttime sky, not all of which can be seen as Uranus, Neptune and Pluto can never be seen by the naked eye. But, Venus, the "Evening Lantern," is especially bright this month in the early evening sky, and later in the month will pair with the crescent moon to create a conjunction beginning at sunset and into the dark of night. Saturn, the "Lord of the Rings" shows itself on the eastern horizon after sunset and remains visible from dusk to dawn. And every morning, you can see Jupiter and Mercury precede the rising sun and then become conjunct near the end of the month. I love the Winter months, especially as Orion, the "Great Hunter,"protects and serves the universal community throughout the season. Indeed, a very special time. Hopefully, the same to you! (No whining or criticism from me today...)

God bless those who suffer from loss and tragedy this day.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 17, 2009

Rain continues to fall upon the Western Coast as everyone seeks shelter from the storm - except for the California Assembly that chooses instead to shelter the rich, stall the approval of the state budget and lay off workers. Are you feeling a bit dazed and confused? Thats the goal! ("...don't let it bring you down, it's only castles burning..."). We've all seen this game played out time and time again. For every dollar that California doesn't raise in taxes, the result will be cuts to health, education and services. I truly believe the Obama team is correct when it states "...there is a greater economic multiplier and jobs benefit in protecting services than in tax policy changes..." but unfortunately, there are too many that just can't seem to embrace change of any kind. Sigh. I think I'll go chase down some dreams where anything is possible!

May you find truth in all that surrounds you.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 18, 2009

Gray skies, cool temperatures and the end of the world as you know it. Hooray for the demise of consumerism, boo for the impact on "we the little people" and the future generations that will need to carry the burden of our waste and greed. (Help,Wall*E, help!) Indeed, the world and its peoples are going to experience a world of change. Step away for a minute and you can clearly see the shift. Back to the garden, chop wood, carry water. The worst is yet to come, but all is good. All is always good. It is never easy, but it is always good. The easy part is to not participate, the best approach is to prepare. Put on your hard hats, check your batteries, dispose and give unnecessary items to those who need them, build your cash assets, sow your gardens and get to work on fixing what's broken. But don't sweat the small stuff (thanks again, Mama!), just get moving! There is an exciting world out there - it's the end of "rampant consumerism!" (Mark your calendars, lest you forget.)

Peace out - the times, they are a'changing.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 19, 2009

The sun is shining! The California budget is approved (!) albeit not without succumbing to the demands of one ego-maniac who managed to rally the Republicans and Democrats to revise the laws regarding elections (gee, I wonder why), the freeze on legislator salaries (hmmmm), and increases in the gas tax (which would benefit everyone). It is hard to forge change when so many want business as usual. But, this too shall pass as the world economy continues to spiral and our world as we know it continues to change for better or worse, and depending on your point of view. Have you kissed your retirement funds goodbye lately? If not, good for you. If yes, this might be a good time to get things moved around and put into more secure investments. On the other hand, you might push it all away and step outside over the next few days to catch a pre-dawn glimpse of the silly Comet Lulin who likes to tease the Earth's inhabitants with his backwards journey through space upon his carpet of green, shining ever so brightly as he flies by the sun and deep into the universe. Now that is definitely worth an early-morning wake up call, and my, what a beautiful moment in time.

May the light guide and protect you.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 20, 2009

The sun, a single star in the Milky Way galaxy (one of only about 125 billion galaxies in the universe), sits high above the world, peeking through a layer of light clouds on this beautiful morning on a place called Earth. And, here I sit without electricity and a connection to the World Wide Web in the year 2009, Earth date 4.6b give or take a few millenniums, where we assume technology rules and nothing can stop its push towards knowledge and power and control. But the world does exist with or without electricity! I turn to witness the outside world where I see spring buds appearing on the trees and bushes that line the fence. I watch a small flock of birds flying by and gently landing in the dirt, poking and prodding to find the perfect worm hidden below the soil's surface. I hear the train whistle alerting drivers of its turn to cross the road on its journey north or south. And, there is the sound of Little Boogie helping his mother read a book. We might all consider a hiatus from technology and its constant noise and chatter, and not just when electricity denies us. But don't ignore the news completely because it’s a very, very good way to find Truth. Remember, she doesn't hide from us for very long.  “Have you read the news today, o boy…”

Eyes wide open and arms far reaching this day!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 23, 2009

A weekend of wind and rain and wind and rain and wind and rain! Calm waves close to shore, supportive and welcomed by the local (and brave!) surfers, but treacherous and life taking on the high seas where our local fishermen lost one of their own over the weekend - prayers to all who suffer in their loss. The demarcation line between the ocean and the sky is hard to determine this morning yet the true essence of both realized as I watch the seagulls cruise high above the world, dipping into the cold waters in search of food, always granted and never relinquished as Mother Earth maintains her promise to the world. A world full of hope and belief in the greater good, regardless of politics and budgets, job losses and housing crises, healthcare dilemmas and wars. We are much, much bigger than that. The dividing line may be much more visible, but governments are not our masters, nor are we its slaves. "We the people.." are the true essence of government, but we must participate in order to embrace and instill change. Only then will "...the walls come tumbling down..."

May you find shelter from the storms of life.

Ann of the Left Coast - February 24, 2009

The sun rules once again as light streams to the earth creating a layer of blue that appears magnificent at the break of day. Labor is in the air as we wait for contractions to begin now that all preparations are in place for a home birth. Contractions are a good thing for this family, but not true for our economy that will continue its labor far into the next year and maybe even the year after that! No worries however as your share of the tax breaks are guaranteed to stimulate you and yours to consume, save and re-build your life savings (hey, I can dream can’t I!) We are in dire straits but anything is possible so keep those cards and letters coming to your local, state and federal representatives. You can make a difference. “Get off the internet and into the streets” (http://www.votestrike.com) another alternative as a “Global General Strike” is occurring on March 13th thru the 19th and a march on the Pentagon for the 21st. Something to consider for those of you brave enough to do it. You won’t hear about it in the news, that’s for sure. Just like you never see on TV coffins draped with American flags as our deceased sons and daughters are returned from one of two wars that continue to rage across the globe. So, if you go, march for peaceful solutions - that always seems to work better.  But never forget, "tin soldiers and nixon coming...how can you run when you know?"

Peace out!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 25, 2009

Pure light streams down upon our nation, once again full of hope and belief in a system that has yet to gain the full trust of its people. A nation's people who continue to witness more of the same from politicians ("First you say you do, and then you don't. And then you say you will, and then you won't.) even as they try to believe that hard work and working together can make things better. The past can never be forgotten, but we must forge ahead. A constant noise from the news sources tends to confuse, so, as always, read between the lines. Much faith required, for sure, as there is much, much work to be done to recover from the last eight years. Where is "W" anyway? He has started on his paid speaking tour (only around $200K per event) and will soon be visiting Canada to talk about "himself" and his presidency as he touts his "good, strong record" of achievement. Scary isn't it! And, then there are people like TySheoma Bethea, youthful and wise, who cares enough about her education to send a letter to the White House knowing that finally(!), she has a chance to be heard. Now, isn't that something!

Seize the day!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 26, 2009

A solid night's sleep for me after a glass of wine and a hot tub under the stars and cloud mix among a patterned sky. A time to reflect on the future and yet remain in the "here and now," the same place I feel at this moment as I bear witness to a new day. It's so fun to watch my two-year old grandson eat his breakfast. Spoonfuls of oatmeal landing on the table, on his shirt and on the floor as he dips his English muffin into the bowl (a trick that Grandma taught him!) and shoves it in! It is in the simple pleasures of life where one finds joy. No joy in the news as I read that our budget will reach a whopping $1.75 trillion dollar deficit while jobs and homes continue to be loss, and GM (remember, their bailout?) spends $6.2 billion dollars and posts a $9.6 billion dollar loss. Wow. What else can be said that hasn't been said? All we can do is wait which is what this family is doing as the contractions have definitely started and a new birth is eminent! We can only hope the same for our nation.

God bless the elders and children of the world!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 27, 2009

All is quiet on the western front as the baby-waiting continues. Contractions minimal, mama and papa calm, cool and collected, and Ben just doing what toddlers do best - read, play, eat, sleep; build, knock down, eat, sleep; run, jump, fall, cry, eat, sleep - you get the picture! The picture is very different as our government continues to struggle to find ways to recover losses for businesses (and people?) as the global recession continues to spiral down, down, down. More like guns and roses on Capitol Hill as the Speaker of the House refuses to hold her tongue on those issues that are dear to her heart, such as getting all troops out of Iraq, criminal prosecutions for any Bush administration member that participated in torture or other excesses against terrorism, rolling back tax cuts from the Bush (mis)-Administration, yet cheering Obama for his stand on health care, energy and education reform. Keep it up, Nancy! It's a good thing to have watchdogs guarding the house as long as they know when to stand their ground, when to stop biting, and when to stop the self-congratulatory, politics as normal crapola. Have you checked your assets lately? (You might want to consider a brown paper bag.) This weekend is a gathering in Florida to celebrate my mother's life, and today is my Aunt's 81st birthday! And, perhaps a baby over the weekend?!?

Let the good times roll!

Ann of the Left Coast - February 28, 2009

Just a few words from me this early, Saturday morning for my friend who claims: "I am saturated with the gov't stuff! I want uplifting!" Perhaps if I take a few moments to doodle, my memory will be jogged to find some good messages this day. Actually, all we need to do is look. Look into the face of your loved one and remember why you fell in love. Look into the face of your children and remember that special day when each child entered your life. Look into the innocent eyes of your grandchildren and remember how important it is to carry the torch of love and compassion, creating room for growth and knowledge without power and manipulation or control. Look outside and witness the amazing beauty of the creation and look inside to truly feel it. Look on the streets and notice those who need help. Look inside yourself and find a way to give. Feel the vibrations of our Mother Earth, walk in it, run in it, sit quietly within it, be one with it. And always know that you are never alone - we are all connected. Have a great weekend - no baby yet!

May you bask within the glory of all that is and all that is not.