Ann of the Left Coast - June 1, 2009

The morning sky is full of white, wispy clouds and the wind blows softly through the trees as I greet a new morning. Tears and prayers for those across the world who lost loved ones in today's plane crash. The news is sometimes too hard to bear so early in the morning, not to mention confusing. And, we think we know so much, but there is so much left to unravel. A busy weekend brings a busy week, but alas, I will continue to walk with hope and mindful awareness and see where it takes me. I am fortunate to be able to volunteer my time in doing good work and giving back it doesnt pay the bills but it sure feels good! The June bugs have completed their mating rituals and now in some parts of the world, they fly through the nighttime, lighting the hearts of many a child who seeks to catch them and savor the light. We all should consider the same.

God bless all who suffer across this great big world.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 2, 2009

Another cool morning as low clouds hide the morning sun, but never the light. GM is now officially "nationalized" as CitiGroup halts its severance for ex-high-paid executives to avoid a "possible public backlash" over the large amounts of money. And, all eyes upon Obama as he travels to the mid-east, while Judge Sonia easily awaits her throne and Kim Jong-il anoints his son as North Korea's future leader. Ahhhhh....the life of the rich and famous! Robin got to schmooze with one of L.A.'s top skateboarders yesterday that resulted in Little Ben getting a signed skateboard out of the deal! Obviously, he needs to grow into it, but I'm sure in the blink of an eye he will be running out the door as he grabs his skateboard and disappears into the morning with his other skateboard friends on their way to school. Yes, life seems to go by very fast when you're on the middle side of it! But, here it is and I plan to enjoy it for as long as I can. The gray of the morning is comforting as the earth continues to spin into the future. A future that is right here, now, and totally mine to create -- how blessed is that!

Now is the time!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 3, 2009

Mr. Hoot Owl beckons from his early morning roost, his voice amazingly beautiful and enchanting to my morning brain. Now, the world appears to quiet as Mother Nature prepares for impending thunderstorms and all of us seek shelter from the storm. Too late for the Iraqi citizens as Dick Cheney finally admits that there was "never any evidence" that Saddam Hussein's Iraq played any role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington." Why now, I wonder.What are his intentions (only time will tell!). And, WTF?!? - "The U.S. accidentally posts (a) sensitive list of nuclear sites on the web." Now why is that news byte being fed to the masses? Bad intentions seem to rule, but it is all quickly erased as I hear Ben's little voice streaming from his bedroom - now that just put life in perfect perspective! It must be time to wake up!!!

Walk gently...

Ann of the Left Coast - June 4, 2009

The morning clouds and cool morning temperatures are the last remnants of a nighttime thunderstorm that continues to find its way to the northwest - look out Humboldt, more stormy weather coming your way! A dichotomy of reactions to Obama's speech in Cairo yesterday - here is one profound view of the situation: "Whatever wounds America has inflicted on the world, they are very deep and they cannot be erased away by only one speech." (- Pakistani political analyst Siraj Wahab.) But, hopefully, there will be progress. Tiananmen Square also in the news today - the 20th anniversary of the slaughtering of students whose only hope was to end oppression, and now, we are slaves to China's economic strangle-hold on our own nation. And, although the Kent State massacre of 1970 is long gone and its anniversary rarely noted in our own headlines, it still remains in the forefront of many, and truly, never forgotten. Such is the world of politics, control, and power. Today, our English family flies back to their sovereign state, a sister country in many respects as its economic growth rests on the backs of oil revenues. "God bless the Queen" and safe travels for our loved ones as they journey forward in time with fond memories held tightly in their hearts. The morning world is quiet, albeit my thoughts many, but with mindful awareness.

Think peace and be peaceful!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 5, 2009

I arise to an already busy household after a busy week - TGIF for this gal! Not a minute to spare as I glance at the headlines. Prayers to all across the world who continue to seek answers and confirmation on their missing family and friends who disappeared in the Air France jet crash earlier this week. A most difficult situation for all involved, including those who missed the plane that saved their lives. Life most definitely can twist and turn quickly. Quickly is the word of the morning as I must hurry off to a meeting.

Your self is a mere shadow of your true self.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 5, 2009

Your self is a mere shadow of your true self.

An Evening View - 06/08/09

Mars patiently awaits the setting sun to bow to the night as the moon begins its reign above the world. The evening shadows beckon the night as the sterling sky bids "adieu" and darkness descends upon the world. But, no need to fear because even in darkness, there is light. Darkness begets shadows begets hiding places for those of lesser strength, or desire, or the need to flee or fight. Shadows are our friends, and this, another blessed moment wrapped up in the incredible lightness of being. “You and me sitting in the back of my memory…” (John Prine.)

Night, night world!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 8, 2009

A cool start to the day as outside temperatures register 56 degrees (!) but will quickly rise as morning becomes afternoon and we continue along on our merry-go-round through time. Round and round it goes as stocks fall ahead of the government's report card on the banking industry, the recession releases its grip as summer hiring statistics rise, the monetary health of airlines continues to dive, oil prices and futures continue to drop, and dealerships scramble to dump vehicles on consumers before closing their doors forever. We are experiencing a shift in many areas of our existence, but especially with the birth of the "new economy" that will feed the machine and secure wealth for those who keep it well-oiled in order to reap profits. The "new economy" will not end war, it will not create peace, and it will not save our earth. It remains and will always be our responsibility to create the change that is truly needed in the world, and for our Mother Earth. A beautiful hike through the hills last evening provided much needed exercise and an opportunity to walk with nature. And later, a hot tub granted peace and comfort before I retired into the night. Now, here in the morning, peace and comfort continue to rule the moments before me. I wish the same for you.

Carry on!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 9, 2009

A light breeze and more cool temperatures as the thermometer may not reach the 70's today and in the Sierras, temperatures may reach the freezing point. (It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!) Another beautiful night viewed from within the hot tub as the leaves danced above my head while the warm bubbles surrounded me, creating a cacophony of sounds that seemed to sing of freedom and release. Please release me from the insanity! West Virginia environmental groups appear to have lost their battle against the mining industry as restrictions are lifted that nullify the Surface Mining Act and the Clean Water Act. "It is often easier in the short run to diminish natural resources, but then environmental degradation is so often the product of short-sightedness," wrote dissenting Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson. "West Virginia is witnessing in the Appalachian headwaters the long, sad decline that Virginia and Maryland have seen with the Chesapeake Bay." For those who care, continuation of mountain top mining will create "extreme topographic" destruction and deforestation in a region that has the "most biologically diverse temperate hardwood forests in the world." The Appalachian Mountains are 480 million years old, and through them runs one of the oldest rivers in the world, second in age only to the Nile. It’s time to write your state representatives and President Obama to stop the insanity. We are seeing species disappear into the history books, a massive deforestation of our trees (our breath) continuing all across the world, the poisoning of our oceans, lakes and streams increasing, and cancer rates rising across the world. How much is enough?

God bless the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 10, 2009

The morning sun finds its way through the cloud cover as the end of spring is near and summer just around the corner. Run for cover might be necessary as the headlines warn: "Could the U.S. Be Drawn into a New Korean War?" (Who writes this stuff?!?) And elsewhere, car bombs continue to takes lives in Iraq, the numbers of soldiers dying in Afghanistan continue to rise, and the cost of war in Iraq and Afghanistan climbs to $676,853,100,100 and (quickly!) counting. Sigh. But alas, before my very eyes I find that there are "8 ways that money can truly buy happiness!" and all it requires is for me to "find out which smart purchases will really bring long-lasting joy into your life." And they call it "True retail therapy." Ack! Feed the machine! Enough of all that. Hug your loved ones, and paint the world the colors of the rainbow.

Peace to all.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 11, 2009

The morning is cool and calm as the trees dance gently in the morning light and a new day is upon us...glory, glory, glory! "Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum(b)" for Arnold and state lawmakers who can't seem to balance the budget as tax revenues continue to spiral downward due to recession, rising unemployment and a lengthy housing downturn - not to mention greed, poor management and poor planning. On my drive home last evening, I listened to Margaret Chan, the director-general of W.H.O. on NPR as she discussed the impending announcement and declaration of the swine flu pandemic.It is a balancing act to assure vaccines and treatments without causing panic across the globe. (Keep those hands clean!) Another balancing act for our Mother Earth as the effects of the "hydrocarbon century" continue to wreak havoc and create great damage, yet proponents continue to portray positive cost/benefit analysis that petroleum is superior and must continue to serve our world.When will we ever learn?

Peace across our world!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 14, 2009

Thunder and lightening storms have disappeared into the night as sunbeams stream across the yard creating shadows and cool comfort for the deer, fox, turtles and squirrels as morning has broken and the eastern world comes alive. A lively day yesterday with many adventures roaming the property, swimming and consuming lots of great food and drink as the little ones bonded and kept themselves busy with imaginative play and laughter. I found myself on the golf cart re-visiting my favorite places, breathing in the smells of summer as the sweet hints of herbs and nectar stimulated my memory and aroused my sensibilities. And of course, I had to stop to swing from the giant oak tree as the bird songs surrounded me in my solitary and back-and-forth repose. Karlie was full of stories for her mommy last night as she shared her adventures across the phone line, while all I could do was listen and smile. Last night, we got to experience a beautiful summer storm as lightening strikes and thunder rolled from the Blue Ridge Mountains and across our world. But, eventually, we were still able to eat on the front porch with the sound of rain surrounding our meal. More of the same today as family members will arrive for another round of swimming and play, followed by another wonderful meal. I wish my California family was here, but I am very happy that I have a chance to share these moments with my granddaughter. Many memories being stored in her memory bank! The world news scares me as North Korea escalates threats and wars and stress continue across the world. But, I will continue to bask in the moment that is now and carry forth the goodness and experience it provided until the next moment is again before me. One moment at a time – nothing more and nothing less!

Pray for peace across our world.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 15, 2009

A glorious weekend behind us and memories safely packed away as we bid adieu to the Blue Ridge Mountains and say hello to the West Virginia hills. A beautiful drive across the mountain tops and into the valleys, and a quick glance of Seneca Rocks before arriving safely to share some much needed time with Aunt Dorothy and friends. The air is cool as a layer of clouds pushes the humidity aside for a peaceful nights sleep - and, the same to you!

Peace, love and happiness!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 17, 2009

Time seems to go by so slowly when you're in the midst of family and friends from afar. So much to catch up on, so many stories to share, and so much to see! Life is peaceful in this little town, but hard for some, but such is our world as so many are overworked, underpaid and over-stressed. I am saddened to read that another estranged father has taken the life of his children. And, the world news frightens me as North Korea continues its threats of a "thousand-fold military retaliation" against the U.S. and its allies, as Iranians struggle to undo the latest elections and its leaders shut down deviant news sites to stop the flow of information. Yesterday, I made my first trip to the cemetery to visit my mother's grave. About two minutes into the moment, the rain began to pour to join me in my sorrow and remembrances. Mother Nature always finds a way to comfort us. Today will be full as I do my best to help Aunt Dorothy with some big house chores. If the rain subsides, perhaps we'll make a trip to the Wildlife Center for Karlie and her cousin Kody.

Prayers of peace across our world!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 22, 2009

The morning is still and quiet except for the bird songs that fill the air on this quiet street in this sleepy eastern, mountain town. Not true across our world where protests and loss of life continue in Iran, and North Korea continues to spread fear of mass and total destruction. What's it all about? Only those in control truly know. A fabulous trip to my favorite state park yesterday allowed time for me and Carla to bask on the flat, granite rocks in the middle of the river as Karlie and Mark swam in pools of water and jumped off big boulders into the water. And of course, Mark the Mountain Man jumped into the rapids for a few free rides through paradise as Carla sat and created Zen-like statues with rocks pulled from the water. It was very nice also to see Tyler and meet his girlfriend, Jessica. He has matured into a wonderful young man, but who is surprised being the son of Mark and Carla! Almost Heaven, indeed! Friday night was a gathering around the fire pit with friends and family, and Saturday is a blur but I know we did something! Today, we will have lunch with Becky and Carrie and find time to play in the pool now that the weather continues to be on our side for another day. But, before that, I must make another attempt at cleaning out the storage room for Aunt Dorothy. Wish me luck!

God bless our Mother Earth.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 23, 2010

The grass is covered with dew as cool temperatures throughout the night created a layer of fog that now filters the rays of the sun and creates a beautiful and soft light at the start of another beautiful day on Planet Earth. Memories abound as I remember flag raising ceremonies at church camp and girl scout camp as we huddled together to keep warm as the sun rose before us, followed by a great country breakfast before morning vespers and a walk through the woods. These Appalachian Mountains are the soul of the earth and older than many mountain ranges in the world. How special an existence for those who live among them and honor the gifts of Mother Nature, yet recognize the ill effects and damage done by the mining and drilling companies who continue to rape and pillage these beautiful mountains in the name of greed and opportunity. Today, I read that the Supreme Court rules to allow a company to continue dumping gold mine waste into a lake in Alaska while West Virginia and world environmentalists beg for stricter controls as pollution levels rise from acid runoff that finds its ways into the rivers and streams. Sitting here writing about it is something, but it’s not enough unless you join the fight. Remember the days of "duck and cover" in grade school? Well, start practicing as North Korea continues its threats. (Like it would help...) Today is my last full day in my hometown. Tomorrow my drive will include a stop at Smoke Hole Caverns for another ”Karlie moment” before driving into Virginia to my brother’s house for another night. Catch you from the West!

Cherish the moments.

Ann of the Left Coast - June 28, 2009

"Stuck in a Moment" streaming into my morning brain as Acoustic Sunrise greets me at the start of another glorious day. Indeed, we do manage to get stuck in moments as we ride across our universe, and some are definitely hotter than others! Iran has arrested British Embassy staff members for their role in the post-election protests and all is (too!) quiet on the western front as news bytes about missile strikes from North Korea remain secretive and quiet. But here, now, the sound of Ben and Mommy's conversation and Anna's cooing in the background remind me that family is surrounding me and all is well in this moment. Extreme weather today as temperatures will reach 108 with no relief in sight. A drive to the coast would relieve the heat, but being a "Spare the Air" day in the Bay Area, that won't work either. Of course, I could always opt to drive to the mall and do my part to fuel the machine, but I think I'll pass on that one! Instead, I'll just stay here and enjoy all of the moments before me, now, adding a dash of compassion and a cup of awareness along the way. That should do it!

Peace out!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 29, 2009

The pure light of the morning sunrise gently strokes the edges of the leaves that dance among a sterling sky while I settle into my awakening and consider all of the possibilities that await me this day. A beautiful profile of Obama in a moment of prayer is countered by the rest of the news that focuses on loss, grief, oppositions, positioning, war games and war, yet silence regarding the threats from North Korea (can't stop the machine!). Finally, our troops will withdraw from Iraq, but not after losing 4,318 troops, wounding 31,368, killing 151,000 Iraqi civilians, and causing in excess of 655,000 Iraqi deaths, not to mention destroying the landscape and life as they knew it. Bless the recovery and the withdrawal. But, don't get too excited as most of the troops will be re-assigned to Afghanistan as it continues to boil under the heat of the sun. Can you spell O-I-L? God help us! Today, I will volunteer my time as I continue to search for work amid a recession whose numbers continue to rise as the numbers of employed continues to decline. Wish me luck!

One step forward and ever-forward!

Ann of the Left Coast - June 30, 2009

The morning is filled with the sounds of trains and vehicles, reminding me in the early light that I too have an early meeting and must rush about with the rest of the masses! Perhaps I can take a cue from Mother Nature and move gracefully through the day, reflecting the gentle breezes that blow through the trees, or the birds that remain faithfully on their migratory paths, or the flowers that gently open, elated to catch the morning light. The morning news brings much sadness, but a very special piece of good news as a little five-year old boy is rescued as the only survivor of a plane crash. What will his life be like? What will he think? What will he choose and what will he achieve? Our world is full of possibilities.

Walk gently!