Ann of the Left Coast - March 2, 2009
Morning rain pouring down as I witness the start of a new day, realizing the blessings from our Mother Earth as California seeks to be released from its drought. A drive to and from the Sacramento Valley this weekend provided many moments of natural beauty as I hit the back roads and drove along the delta waters. I saw so much wildlife, including large, white egrets that continuously dotted the landscape, standing among the tall grasses and marshland, enjoying the view from below and avoiding the solar-powered wind mills that covered acres and acres of nearby fields. Nice to see progress with the number of windmills since the last time I made this trip! As I crossed the drawbridge, the delta waters seemed much higher than normal, but the effect was most likely from the ebb and flow of the ocean's tides. So much water surrounded me that one would think a drought was non-existent. But, when you think of the population of this great state and the amount of crops in the valley that need water, it is easy to see the momentum of the issue. Although California has 159,000 square miles of living space, 25,000 square miles are desert lands. And, as our population continues to expand, more and more people are encroaching upon the deserts, putting more and more strain on the water situation. Water wars have happened here before, escalating to the point of a push to divide the state in half that never became reality. I'm sure when it comes to water, the worse is yet to come. So, rain, rain, rain! Today is my son-in-law's 30th birthday, but no baby yet as his wife continues waiting with the patience of Job, (as my mother used to say) and with Little Ben to keep her busy, focused and occupied. God bless Mother Nature who knows exactly what she is doing, and so be it - the baby will come when it is ready!
Blessings to all!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 3, 2009
The morning presents pouring rain that fills the outside world with melody and music as it touches upon the earth. From whence the sound came, I know not, but it reminded me of my grandparent's clock that sat upon the mantle above the fireplace and chimed every quarter hour, day and night. Perhaps the angels are announcing a birth, or the passing of a blessed soul, or that our world is finally at peace. (The day the music lived!) Whatever the sound, it brings comfort in knowing that anything is possible in this great big world beneath the great big sun. You may not see the sun on the West Coast today, but you can always see the light.
May the ever-loving light shine down upon you this day!
Ann of the Left Coast - An Evening View - March 3, 2009
The rain continues to pour as day turns to night. High winds come and go, the trees bend and dance, the dogs and cats refuse to go outside, yet Mother Earth continues to welcome the sacred water of life. Soon, spring flowers will awaken from their winter sleep and create a carpet of unequaled beauty across our lands. Enough for every eye to see and every nose to inhale the true essence of spring - a flower, a blade of grass, a stalk of wheat, a tree, a bush, or a freshly toiled garden that awaits the first sprouts of spring to push their way through the soil and awaken to the world around them. Only those who suffer from allergies will wish it away! But only for a few moments and never without realizing the true beauty that surrounds us. Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall, Fall to Winter - the circle of life - and oh, what a beautiful life it is!
Good night, world, until the morning light.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 4, 2009
The morning rush is over and just in time as the midwives will be here for an early visit as my daughter continues to wait patiently at 6 days overdue (but who's counting?!?) All is good - inevitably, the baby will arrive soon! Thank goodness the asteroid decided to miss us as it zoomed through space, a mere 48,800 miles from Earth and a fifth of the distance to the moon! And, no one even noticed it until two days ago...hmmmmm, sleeping on the job?, job cuts?, out for a cup of coffee and a morning pastry? The damage could have been astronomical! But it wasn't, so we can all breathe deep in knowing we are not going to be evaporated...yet. Indeed, here I sit in the morning light experiencing the start of another beautiful day on the planet Earth. How fragile life is, yet how exhilarating at the same time. Get out there and make some noise! But, please don't wake the babies (or the asteroids!).
Prayers for all who suffer across this great big world.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 5, 2009
With oatmeal running down his chin, Little Ben strives for a full belly, one beautiful spoonful at a time. How fortunate are we to be able to provide food for him, and how fortunate is he to have a loving family with a home that provides comfort and security, full of everything they could possibly need, and even things they simply want, in order to provide the best care possible for their children. I wonder what his little mind is thinking as he stares into the morning, watching the birds landing on the grass, pecking and pulling and walking around on their spindly legs and webbed feet. There is a beautiful world out there and lots of life to explore, synthesize and realize. But for now, "The Backyardigans" will suffice - even kids need a break! Audits and doubts, foreclosures and late payments, pain and no gain, bombs and wars - ACK! On the other hand, there are education, healthcare and infrastructure funds on the way, but don't expect easy sailing for Obama's tax plan that would require high-income taxpayers to carry the weight for a while. Perfection is never achieved, but the act of striving for it presents many, many opportunities to succeed. So, don't give up!
God bless this world that provides and comforts!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 6, 2009
The sun is trying very hard to find its place among the clouds, but it appears to be a game of hide and seek this early morning. All is quiet on the western front - no baby yet, and no rain or wind today. But, so much excitement on Capitol Hill as Brad Pitt made his appearance, fluttering hearts and garnering excitement as he met with the president and his men and women. Maybe he should come to the hill every day so we can see more positive action on stalled bills that lay in waiting. Charisma aside, are we really so shallow? It appears so, but hey, whatever it takes. Hollywood has always played a role in politics - movie stars serving as presidents and governors, and movies that expose the so-called truth about politics, wars and insanity; i.e., "W." It's hard to ignore politics - we all get sucked into the madness. But, there is a beautiful world out there with many, many people working very hard to share their love and time to help those in need, to change unneeded policies, and to make the world a better and kinder place. Kudos to all of you - you know who you are!
Peace, love and happiness!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 7, 2009
The morning is a hustle and bustle as the mid-wives scurry about, following their well-trained and normal routine as they prepare for a home birth. Mother is riding the waves like a seasoned professional. Father is calm, cool and collected. And, Little Ben is sleeping quietly and has no idea that his little sister is on her way! Sister Jessica will be here soon, and I remain hidden away in a bedroom, only coming out once in a while to monitor progress. It is a beautiful day!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 8, 2009
A good night's rest for me and the same for the new parents after a full day of wonder and awe as family members streamed in and out of the house, not staying for too long, yet needing to take a peek at the new addition to the family. The birthing process was an amazingly comforting experience as Anna came into the world at home, naturally, and without stress, landing in a tub of water and presenting her self to the world after less than 20 minutes of pushing. Jessica and I missed the birth by 2 or 3 minutes, but that's ok baby - Baby Anna wanted it that way! My dear friend, Carla, will be very happy to know that Anna and she share a birthday! Our family is very, very blessed to have Anna with us, her journey begun and many, many moments waiting to be created. As Anna stares into the world, following her mother's soft voice, I go back in time, remembering those moments and the joy of birth. My heart is warm in knowing what wonderful young women my daughters have become - their good choices, their compassion, their intelligence, their wit, and their womanhood. I am indeed, very, very blessed.
May life's memories warm your soul this day!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 9, 2009
Sunshine rules the day as we continue to bathe in the light of having a new baby in our lives. The baby is perfectly perfect! She is nursing and sleeping well and rarely makes a peep, except during a diaper change which is to be expected! Thanks to all of you who have sent messages to us - it means a lot! Mama and Papa and Little Ben are taking very, very good care of Anna (and me, too!). Auntie Jessica and Karlie can't get enough of holding Anna, little Olivia doesn't know what to think, and Aaron just goes with the flow as always! (Flow is good.) How's the great big world today? Hmmmm...I think I'll punt. All is good on the western front and I pray the same for all of you.
Enjoy the sun and if it's hidden from view, know the light always shines within you.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 10, 2009
The giant, orange orb sizzles high above the earth, shining its ever-loving light upon the world on this early morning, on the planet called Earth, in the Milky Way galaxy far, far away. Far, far away truly just the blink of an eye away from view as day turns to night and exposes the beauty of our universe for anyone who chooses to walk outside and simply look up. Now, for a peek at the insanity here in the U. S. of A. and the world! I find it interesting that in W's home state of Texas, the number of homeless children is higher than the national average, which is already way too high to begin with at one in fifty children. Go figure Texas, one of the wealthiest states in the union - where oil flows and cowboys rule. Next in line is California, where Arnold attempts to take the same stage as the previous Republican governor (it's not working!); Louisiana, which is to be expected; and then Georgia and Florida, two states where only the rich or the poor exist and nothing in-between to carry more of the load. And, not surprising are the more positive statistics from those progressive states that put welfare-based programs at the top of the list, or live in remote states where even though cowboys rule, people still understand the true meaning of taking care of one another. Most of us do understand it, we just tend to be over-worked or over-stressed and unable to stop for a minute to think about all of us. But, we can all try harder. Note the Dalai Lama's words echoing across the world today even as the Buddhists continue their ongoing struggle with China: "I have no doubt that the justice of Tibetan cause will prevail if we continue to tread a path of truth and nonviolence." Now, isn't that the truth!
Peace to all of you.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 11, 2009
The house is quiet and the morning chilly and bright as I take a moment to view the world before preparing for a meeting. Please send prayers to those who suffer from extreme tragedy and loss in Alabama and Germany, and to all who suffer across this beautiful world. It is a beautiful world.
Breathe in, breathe out, and you shall see.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 12, 2009
The season of Spring is evident as the rays of the Sun stream steadily to the earth (at roughly 492.007 seconds, give or take a few) and the birds sing their welcome songs from the backyard. Nature is bursting at the seams as the native terns and black-billed magpies find their way to the delta waters, searching for food before it is lost to the currents and to the sea. Did you know that the Sacramento Delta has 738,000 acres of waterways? What a wonderful recreational center we live in, bounded by the Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, the Tehachapi Mountains, the Coastal Ranges and the San Francisco Bay. Even the hoot owl resists flying from his roost in the redwood tree, even though night has turned to day. Glorious, glorious, glorious!
May your hearts be warm and your steps gentle this day.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 13, 2009
Light seeps through the curtains that are pulled tight to block the rising sun from reaching Little Ben's eyes as he sits at the breakfast table and enjoys his cereal and toast. Both our bodies and minds silent as we watch the sunrise through our shield and witness another masterpiece performance as earth passes by the sun. I pray for all who continuously suffer from loss of jobs, home foreclosures, and shrinking welfare services. It is so sad in times of need that funds and grants for schools, women and children's services, battered women's shelters, mental health services, and food banks shrink relative to the ups and downs of our economy. Yes, it is to be expected, but it doesn't need to be the norm. And now, the Middle Kingdom, who is helping to pay for our stimulus package via U.S. bonds, is sending a warning to our government to ensure the safety of Chinese assets. Wow. What a mess we have gotten ourselves into. This too shall pass, one way or the other.
Peace to all of you this day!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 16, 2009
A full weekend on the coast running errands, hanging pictures, cleaning, playing Scrabble, and this and that, always with a full belly as Doug loves to share his cooking expertise with my taste buds. This morning, (even with my new glasses!), the demarcation line between the ocean and the sky is invisible as the pre-Spring rains, drizzle and fog continue to moisten the earth and lessen the drought that continues to impact the West. This great big state of California is bursting at the seams, if not from the drought, then from tax deficits, job losses or poor education standards. A key state in the union, yet a population of children not receiving the education they should be enduring on their life path towards attending colleges and universities in order to survive the insanity that rules the world. California schools are ranked 47th in the nation, yet thousands of teachers lost their jobs on Pink Friday, and not even the school unions could prevent it. (Now where did **that** money go?!?) But hey, according to our Federal Reserve Chairman, all is well on Wall Street, so get out there and spend your money...or not! I think Ill just sip on my cup of coffee and continue looking for the space between the sky and the ocean - yep, that should do it for me!
Peace out!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 17, 2009
The sun rises quickly over the western, coastal mountain range as we pass closely (relatively speaking) by the sun on this beautiful and almost-Spring day, on the planet Earth, in the Milky Way Galaxy, far, far away. No outer limits for Obama who is working very hard to restrain AIG executives from paying out bonuses granted from the pot-of-gold paid by you and me. Give $170 billion, take $160 million - it's only a little chump change - just enough to calm the lions for a while. I'm sure there are many executives out there that could apply a little more sensibilities in their decision making process given the opportunity. Keep the faith! And...
"If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own."
- Scoop Nisker
Ann of the Left Coast - March 18, 2009
The sunrise is beautiful this morning as it pushes its way through a thin layer of clouds to assure a day of sunshine for the Western inhabitants. Little Anna has made her morning entrance cradled in her mother's arms as Little Ben sits happily seated next to his father watching Monster Truck and Dinosaur videos. "We are meeting today at a high point of public anger." - profound words spoken today by the CEO of AIG to congressional interrogators. Do you think!?! Such is life, but no hot seats here. "I'm just sitting here watching the world go 'round and 'round" and loving every precious moment.
May the sun shine ever-so-gently upon your face!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 19, 2009
Today is Karlie's 9th birthday! It is hard to believe, but very, very true! And, it is most evident when you are around her for more than five minutes. She chatters incessantly, has something to say about everything, and absolutely knows everything. She can be the sweetest little girl in the whole world, or slice you down the middle with the bite of her tongue that is ever-rolling and free-form. She is smart as a whip, best in her class in her studies and in popularity, and an explorer who unravels and tests every boundary known to humans. She is athletic, artistic and constant, and with an ego to match. She is Mommie's little helper in the kitchen and loves to take care of her little sister or share playtime with her cousins. She is indeed loved by many, and is a blessing for all of us. Grandma Betty left a message for her (and all of her grandchildren) before she passed away. She said to always use your "smarts," don't ever think you can't do something, and never give up on your dreams. Happy Birthday dear Karlie!!! Indeed, don't ever stop trying and never, ever stop being YOU!!! (It takes a long time to produce a great bottle of wine, but every soul is perfectly perfect!)
Peace to all across our world.
Ann of the Left Coast - March 20, 2009
The sun is rising at this moment, blinding my vision as it leaves its imprints on my cornea while announcing the birth of the Spring equinox on another perfect day on Planet Earth! My life is so bright, I need to wear shades! Isn't that exactly how Spring makes us feel?!? Every load feels a little lighter, every opportunity reachable, and worries lessened as we become more active and allow the sun to feed and warm our bodies. The local streets are covered in white as the cherry and crape myrtle trees share their white blossoms with the city's inhabitants, resulting in high-allergy alerts for many. Most sad to read that Hawaii is the "epicenter of extinctions and near-extinctions for all of the state's birds" due to disease and the destruction of their habitats. Good to know that Congress has initiated a 95% tax on the AIG bonuses, but definitely surprised to see our president on a talk show - boy, that's a new change for sure! But, we shouldn't take everything so seriously - humor is a good thing!
Happy Spring!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 23, 2009
The valley winds whistle across the window panes, clearing the way for a beautiful sunrise and another wonderful and bright, Spring day on the western coast. All the little ones in the family have dripping noses and coughs but nothing can keep them from playtime, continuously chasing through the day, oblivious of the need to rest and eat. Feed a cold, starve a fever? Feed a fever, starve a cold? No worries for the little ones. Much sorrow and concern for those families and children who lost their lives in the Montana plane crash. We cannot question why, but we can provide comfort and support via thoughts and prayers. We are all connected. The rest of the news is more of the same and it pales in comparison, yet is equally important as the recession deepens. Now our government proposes to purchase a half-trillion dollars of bad assets off the balance sheets of banks in another attempt to rescue our economy. Geez, maybe they will drop a few trillion into welfare, educational and health care systems. But, hey, maybe none of it will matter as two out of 450 volcanoes in the Ring of Fire have experienced lots of activity over the past few days. The Ring of Fire stretches 40,000 km and is home to more than 75 percent of the world's total number of volcanoes. The other competitor is the Alpide belt which is smaller than the Ring of Fire even though it stretches from "Java to Sumatra, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, into the Atlantic, and includes the Alps, the Carpathians, Asia minor and Iran, the Hindu Kush, and the mountains of Southeast Asia." Wow! You can run but you cannot hide! But why would you want to - there is a lot of life to live out there! And besides, it is just Mother Earth doing what she does best - creating a world of change and re-birth. Think about it, for every volcano that erupts, a new island, a valley, a river, or a mountain is born - just to name a few! Sounds like a beautifully, perfect moment in time.
As you walk through this day, help as you can, and then try a little harder.
An Evening View - March 24, 2009
The world quiets as the sterling sky fades further into the western hemisphere, the evening stars now pushing through the darkness, their goal to assure that the light is ever present in our lives. Even in our dreams, our paths are illuminated as we traverse the day’s events, searching for clarity, forgiveness and understanding. Omniscient beings are we, flying through dream space to places never known, yet hauntingly familiar when we awaken to remember and assess. The effort directed, the goal achieved, the cornerstones intact, the boundaries blurred, the future ahead, the past gone, but forever now.
Sweet dreams!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 24, 2009
Sterling is the color of the world as I arise before the break of day, beating the rising sun, but not the light that is always and forever present. Today, I focus on volunteering my time to help a non-profit with fundraising and P.R. activities. I am looking so forward to the opportunity and thus, must hurry to prepare. I must mention that it is nice to see that some AIG employees returned their bonuses - it's a step in the right direction. Even though the decision was forced, each person still had the freedom to choose. Don't we all! Today is my dear friend's birthday - Happy Birthday, Judy!!! Off to the races!
Walk gently upon our Mother Earth!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 25, 2009
The crimson sky is dotted with light and wispy clouds moving gently above as the golden hue shines from the east and the western world awaits the morning sunrise. Another glorious day on the Planet Earth! A busy morning for me as I will be attending two meetings today as part of my volunteer work - there is a huge need for volunteers out there! How different the world of non-profits is from that place called "Corporate America" where I lived and worked for so many, many years. Have you attended a meeting in Corporate America where the first item on the meeting agenda is a check-in on each person's well-being - and they really mean it?!? "How are you feeling today?" "Please know all of us are here to help you if you need us." "What can we do to help?" It was indeed a very powerful and humbling experience for me, but truly more normal than we realize. It is a good feeling to participate. Our President "...expects Americans to do what they've always done which is working hard, looking after their families, making sure that, despite the economic hard times, that they're still contributing to their community..." Every little bit helps. Let's just hope "they" know what they're doing, and if not, who cares. Giving is good. Give a lot, take a little, but don't lose focus - eyes wide open!
Peace out!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 26, 2009
Morning has broken with the sound of my door opening to "Grandma!, Grandma! Get up! Get up, Grandma, I want to watch Dora!" (Thank goodness for Tivo!) I rise and stretch, reminding Little Ben to do the same, and then it's "start your engines!" And, here I am, now, in the morning that has materialized outside my inner space and surrounds my being. The birds are singing and hopping from branch to branch, bellies full, chicks fed, and no obvious predators to fear. Even the hoot owl is oblivious as he shares his words of wisdom from his roost on the highest branch of the highest tree on the block. The morning rush is now behind us as the earth breathes a sigh of completion. All is good on the western front, and I pray the same for all of you. Especially all of you in Alaska as yet another volcano erupts sending ash 12 miles into the sky! (Sounds of Johnny Cash singing in the background, music softly fading...."I went down, down, down and the flames got higher...the ring of fire.")
Sieze the day!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 27, 2009
The winds of Spring, a normal and welcomed experience in the valley, gently blow the trees to and fro, pushing the pollutants "somewhere else" for better or for worse. We have to give and take. Our farmlands are the gardens of the world, providing a huge economic cushion yet continually under stress due to un-sustainability options and lack of water. Tough decisions are ahead for farmers and state agencies as water continues to gain status as a valuable commodity. Farmers must decide which is worth more - growing rice or the water that is required to grow it, while water officials put water restrictions in place that could result in a $1.4 billion income loss and 53,000 jobs from within the agriculture sector. And, two years ago our drought conditions were pretty much non-existent.Welcome to sunny California! "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair..." It might be the only ones you see due to restrictions on watering our lawns! This weekend, try to remember to turn off or dim your lights between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in recognition and participation of Earth Hour that is occurring across the globe. It takes all of us!
Peace to you and yours!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 30, 2009
The weekend is gone with the wind, the day bright and warmer, and the ocean much calmer as I watch the ebb and flow of the waves beneath a light layer of fog that doesn't want to completely leave the scene. And my, what a beautiful scene it is! The coastal mountain range surrounds me as I sit for a moment in my chair on the hill, above the sands and the seas in a backyard full of natural plants and trees, salamanders and blue-jays and even the hoot owl - hey, is he following me?!? My time is up, I must get back to my web design tasks, all part of my volunteering efforts for a non-profit. Lots and lots to do, but it is all for the greater good! What a concept!
Oh, happy, happy day to you and yours!!!
Ann of the Left Coast - March 31, 2009
Another month soon to be ripped from the pages of life - how fast time seems to disappear! But in reality, life is one big timeline that goes on forever, with or without us. Our lives are a multitude of moments, so be here now before it is gone, gone, gone. But hold on tightly, "... for the times, they are a-changin'..." You can read it in the headlines, see it in the faces of good and evil, feel the effects upon our Mother Earth and within each of us. The calm before the storm? C'est la vie - what goes around, comes around.
Get busy and get happy!