Ann of the Left Coast - May 1, 2009

The sun peeks through a thick layer of rain clouds but cannot stop the pure light that reaches the earth and warms the hearts of many who walk within the world. I'm one of them! There is too much to celebrate and little time to wallow. Happy May Day! This is a day of celebration across the world, but not much here in the U. S. of A. In times of old, May Day celebrated women such as Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers, and Saint Walpurga and always included the crowning of a May Queen. But now, celebrations are minimum except with cultures who have migrated to the states and try to keep it alive. So, "celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music!"

May your smiles warm the hearts of many this day!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 3, 2009

The weather was overcast for most of the day, the rain clouds full, but the rain took a break, saving its tears for another day. I can't say the same of me. A restless night after retiring with a heavy heart tossing and turning, tossing and turning some more - and then clarity achieved in the morning light - but not without a price. I remember a slogan from the 1970's: "if you love someone, set them free." Those words are true, but it ain't that easy. I do know that I have a lot more healing ahead of me to deal with my recent losses - my Mother, my best friend, and now my other best friend. "Back on the Chain Gang" streaming in my ears as I write these words - isn't it interesting how music always finds a way to parallel a situation. Today, I ran more errands for a shut-in, followed by a two-hour walk - much needed and most helpful as I continued to examine and re-examine my current state of mind. I sit here typing these words and can see the silhouette of my cat reflecting upon the wall in front of me, awaiting patiently for a soft touch in that perfect spot behind her ears. Everybody needs comfort. Comfort, good. Comfort, very, very good.

Let the ever-loving light shine through you and within you.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 4, 2009

The morning brings light winds and cloudy skies as rain continues to rule the first part of the month. Rainy days ahead for corporations as Obama seeks to undo the previous insanity of the last eight years and change the tax rules for companies who do business overseas. With a democratic house, anything is possible and playing fair is the name of the game. Follow the bouncing ball. The day ahead is full for me with another grant writing class and other things. My mind is full, my heart less heavy, and the future, mine.

God bless all who suffer across our world.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 5, 2009

Rain clouds fill the sky and light winds play their part in keeping our air as pure and clean as possible (given the circumstances) as another beautiful day is upon us. The rain keeps falling but the drought keeps on going! Happy Cinco de Mayo! If you get a chance today, take a look at the online video "Playing For Change: Song Around the World." It is quite impressive with artists performing the same song from various places around the world. How blessed are we to have the gift of music in our lives! Music - the original voice. According to Wikipedia, the oldest music ever written down was discovered on a tablet written in Hurrian, a language spoken in and around northern Mesoptamia (where Iraq is today), from about 1500 B.C. There, where countries across the globe continue to create disharmony in a land known for its harmonics, rhythm, and melody. Such is the face of war, but anything is possible!

May music fill your soul this day.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 6, 2009

A sun-filled day ahead, but it sure feels like rain as I read the morning news reports. Here we go again killing innocent people in the name of war - this time in Afghanistan where the shift from Iraq is now truly evident. Our banking institutions are shaking in their boots as they await the stress test results and begin to plan their route to raising more capital, just as AIG comes clean (we think!) on the true amount of bonuses paid to its executives. It is nice to see the Obama administration "lifting the burden of taxation from the backs of the comfortable" as stated by Hendrik Hertzberg in his commentary titled "So Long Pardner" in the May 4th, 2009 edition of the New Yorker Magazine. But, I must admit, after reading the article, tongue-in-cheek or not, it became so very, very obvious how many people out there are very angry and confused and misled. As I was reading the article, I started thinking "there is going to be a civil war!" and a few paragraphs down, the words appeared. There are a lot of mis-informed people out there! Sometimes you have to look the devil in the face in order to find the truth, so don't be fooled (again)!

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

An Evening View - May 7, 2009

The moon rises before my eyes as Planet Earth continues its journey around the sun amid a gracious and comforting nighttime sky where the evening stars light the way, providing clarity and awareness of all that is possible. How blessed am I to have this moment to sit in complete and total awe realizing that the answers are so complex, yet all-knowing, and innately understood as they stream through the ether like sweet music to my ears as Universal Truth wraps itself around my being and lights upon my soul. We are born with knowledge and die with wisdom. How great the night!

Have you seen the stars tonight?

Ann of the Left Coast - May 8, 2009

Morning has risen to reveal blue skies and warm temperatures as we witness another beautiful day on the west coast of Planet Earth (relatively speaking!). The bird songs are full of constant chatter as they share their beautiful music from their space above the world and pay tribute to Mother Nature. Little Ben awaits his oatmeal as Papa has the day off and is on early-morning duty. Lots of days off for the ranks of the unemployed as confusing data continues to 'grace' the web as one newsbyte states that companies are hiring and layoffs have slowed as the numbers of unemployed continue to go up, up, up. Only a seasoned economist can unravel the madness, and even then, it depends on whose side you are on and how much you can manipulate the machine. Same day, different news slant as the U.S. states that the military death numbers are "over-exaggerated." Good news as the Statue of Liberty is finally re-opened eight years after 9/11; sad news from beautiful Santa Barbara as 30,000 people are evacuated as the wild fires continue to wreak havoc upon the coastal mountain range and its inhabitants. I must get moving - so much to do and so little time!

One step at a time and eyes wide open!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 10, 2009

The first of many Mother's Days to come and go without the physical appearance or the sound of her voice, but I know Mama Betty is here with me.  For me, it is a restful day as I fight the 'bug' that my kids and grandkids shared with the family, but that's ok, rest is good and obviously needed.  I also recognize that my body is probably also experiencing a bit of “mind over matter” as I keep suppressing the tears from surfacing and over-flowing.  This too shall pass as I allow the memories to comfort me this day. The one light is inside of each of us. Enjoy your celebrations!

And, teach your children well.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 11, 2009

The sun, high and bright in the morning sky, is playing a secret melody hidden inside itself as its acoustical waves bounce from one side of the sun to the other, providing a symphony of warmth and light to all who pause to witness the glory of it all. Too much violence and sadness in the news today - more Pakistani bombs, a bloodbath in Sri Lanka that included to many children and, the death of five comrades as a U.S. soldier opened fire on his brothers and sisters. War is not the answer. Its only purpose is to oil the machine so the rich can prosper. A bunch of b.s. from Cheney as he continues to create disharmony among his party - didn't he have enough "fun" over the last 40 years? "Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind, they lie through their teeth, with their head up their behind." (John Prine, from "Fair and Square."). I must go now and try harder to get rid of this "bug." Wish me luck!

Peace to all across our world.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 12, 2009

The morning sounds are comforting as I await the pot to boil and pour my first cup of coffee. My body recovering, but not enough to do serious calisthenics or to run a few miles - but hey, there is always tomorrow! Or so it appears as we awaken to a new day of life and love, disappointment and heartache, excitement and joy, sunny days and blue skies, or rain and wind and the dark of night. Life is truly an amazing adventure. Breathe deep and exhale. Sad news from Iraq as the U.S. files murder charges in the case of "soldier on soldier" violence. We all know the reasons why; let's just hope that the laws show some mercy. Bring them home! Bring them all home! Even bigger problems as our earth is releasing vast stores of carbon dioxide and methane at a quicker pace as the ice caps melt and shift before our very eyes. "It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong..." (Spirit, 1970) I have been reading a book from the early 1990s on career women choosing to find "Work of Her Own." It has been very healing to read and validate my own feelings with hundreds and thousands of women across the world who must remove themselves from patriarchal walls in order to find their true work and their true selves. I feel blessed that through my volunteer work, I can see a future of giving back. I just need to figure it all out, and in the meantime, one step at a time with eyes wide open! How blessed is that!

One step forward and two steps ever-forward!

05/13/09 - An Evening View

Evening surrounds me as I view the golden and rose-colored sky to the west as the sun hangs out above the western coastline until Mr. Moon makes his appearance. In the meantime, I sit and read from "Women on War: Essential Voice for the Nuclear Age from a Brilliant International Assembly" edited by Daniela Gioseffi and published in 1988. Obviously relevant and powerful for any generation, but sadly, a necessary read. I cannot help but quote here one paragraph of Daniela Gioseffi's amazing introduction to this masterpiece. Enjoy.

“Still, since the end of World War II, over 150 wars, declared and undeclared, have wrought misery and massacre throughout the world. The irony remains that while wars and revolutions are fought in the name of freedom versus tyranny, all of us are hostages to the greatest tyranny civilization has ever known. The final nuclear, biological, or chemical sword of Damocles hangs over all of us, while many are oblivious to the precariousness with which it is poised, or duped by shallow talk or shows of disarmament. If that final sword falls it means death to us and to all we love, our children and our children's children, our music and poetry and art, along with the magnificent snow leopard, and blue heron, death to the giant sequoia, red rose, purple lotus and black orchid, death to all the wondrous creation pulsing from what may be the only blue teardrop of human life and laughter afloat in cold dark space."

Night, night and remember, dreams do come true!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 13, 2009

A sterling sky and the first rays of light greet my awakening as earth continues its orbit around the sun and the world quiets to witness the glory of another morning sunrise. Nothing better than to feel the harmonic convergence of nature after a good night's rest and an important morning stretch! Wake up! Go outside! Look around! Clear your mind! Get ready! Go! Into the halls of the ill-conceived and the disbelieved! Into the madness of the world-wide-web where anything is possible and reality bites. Where mothers have plastic surgery to look like their daughters, and Medicare refuses to pay for less intrusive methods for medical screenings; where hospital patients lose their lives to bombs dropping from above as corporations and ex-VPs go under the microscope for monopolistic abuse and creating too much "pain" for the GOP; where one of our great mysteries of the world is unraveled as scientists now know where the penguins go (!!!) but have yet to understand the swine flu (???); and last but not least, the Pope endorses an independent homeland for Palestine as the world gasps as headless bodies are discovered in Pakistan and the rage against the Taliban continues. All that noise and distraction, and grief and sadness, lies and deceit! Where is the good news?!? It does exist! From one source I read that South Africa has declared to create one of the world's largest marine protection areas around Prince Edward Island, and there is a baby boom in the Atlantic ocean as the number of right whales being born breaks records, and in Miami, residents of a homeless shelter are being dressed up and taken out on the town to the symphony, art galleries and more. And of course, there is much good to read about the efforts to save our planet (but pick your battles as the green economy is now the future of the machine!) But for a really good read, go to www.wesnisker.com and check out his commentaries. I think you'll enjoy them.

"If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own!"

- Scoop Nisker

Ann of the Left Coast - May 14, 2009

A repeat of the previous morning reminds me how in the blink of an eye everything changes and yet, nothing changes. But we all know that change is constant and inevitable, so I think I'll hook a ride and go where fate demands today, throwing a bit of me into the mix every once and a while! I found these words today from the Dali Lama that remind me of my own thoughts last night: "Something that seems impossible to alter and transform even in a 100 years can suddenly become very close to you and surprisingly change quite easily, since everything does change sooner or later so there's always hope." Indeed, dreams can come true and we must never lose hope or the will to create a peaceful world for our present and future generations. I thought I was back in 2001 as Angies computer reminds me that "It is now 7 o'clock." (Thanks a lot, HAL!) As I read about the world's first figurine found in Germany (lauded by scientists as "sexually charged"), I reflect upon our mother earth and all of the precious gifts we are granted in this life, how far removed we have become from the natural world, how much life there is yet to be discovered, and how beautiful it is - even as it suffers. It's time to get our hands dirty, to remember that all of us are of the earth and every creature under heaven has a right to live in peace within this world. Today, as with every day, I see light. The light is constant, refracting and reflecting the pure knowledge of the universe.Without form, it manages to create a constant vibration that connects every living creature, every rock, every tree, every mountain, and every stream, from the highest peaks to the lowest field, finding its way into the core of a walnut seed, a mothers womb, a dolphins fin, the wings of a bird, and a spider's web. Do you feel it? It is a vibration of pure love. Pure love has no boundaries. Pure love is the sword and the armor, the hand that lifts it high, the arm that slices through the heart, swift and definite, without pain or harm, but producing a vibration that reminds us of our true selves, our true purpose, our true rights, and our connection with all living things. It's time to (peacefully) take our earth back from the machine. Back to the garden!

May the pure vision of peace light your way.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 15, 2009

The bird songs constant across the morning as the sun appears high in the sky and the sounds of the earth reach my wake-up brain with normalcy and comfort. And, in a flash, the recession is "scheduled" to end within a few months! Now, ain't that somethin'. Gotta get those consumers consuming! The banking industry gets rescued, the auto-industry is falling into the pages of history, ice caps continue to melt and ocean water levels rise, and by 2030, the U.S. population will increase by 19%, but cancer incidences will increase by 45%, and it is the minority population that is most impacted. Are you surprised? I was doing my delivery for Meals on Wheels yesterday, and as I pulled into a parking lot of a condominium unit, I noticed a big sign announcing: "This building contains chemicals that can be harmful blah, blah, blah." And, I stood there thinking, "This is not good. Actually, that is ridiculous." But, such is life across our world. If you're not part of the top 1%, then welcome to "Peasantsville." Actually, its a great place to be. I'd rather be here than there. Good luck to the astronauts working deep in space on the Hubble telescope! However, I am reminded of the push by the machine to create space bases for securing targets in time of nuclear war. And to think I thought they were just trying to send beautiful pictures of our universe for all of us to enjoy and imagine. The impact of nuclear bomb testing has created massive and far-reaching effects as the contaminants continue to spread throughout our environment; thus the increase in cancer rates. Basically, our Mother Earth is being "battered by war, its preparation, practice and aftermath. It is destroyed as an act of war; it is used as a weapon of war, and its destruction is expensive and sometimes irreversible." (Quote from http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/st_environment.html.) Strive for peace - peace is possible.

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

An Evening View - May 16, 2009

Can you say "hot" - it reached 100 degrees here today! It is going to take a lot of adjustment for one who has been living on the foggy, chilly and comforting coast for so long. But, the winds are beginning to pick up a bit, so perhaps tonight the air conditioning can be turned off and the windows and doors opened to the world. I was telling my granddaughter today how I grew up in a home without air-conditioning. She was shocked to say the least! "How did you stay cool Grandma?" "We had fans and sat in the shade during the day and sipped on ice tea or water! And at night, I left the covers off of my body. In the winter, it was the opposite - I would climb into my bed and shiver from the coldness of the sheets upon my body." No response as her 9-year old mind tries to imagine the life of one so old living in the past. Lucky for her I didn't tell her how I walked 5 miles through the snow with my school desk strapped to my back to catch the school bus. (I know she's smarter than that!) And of course, my mind goes back (waaaaaayyyy back!). The farmer’s market in Central Park today was flooded with people sitting in the shade beneath the valley oaks, or laying on the lawn with the full sun melting down, everyone enjoying the bounties from the local growers as children played laughing on the swing sets, people smiling and holding hands. On another corner, a group of band students performed in the square, showing their theatrics, in competition with no one, enjoying their life and the music that they freely shared. I love college towns. I love the sweet, sweet innocence and essence of youth that it allows, the gift of freedom and hope and idealism, the constant questioning of authority. I really don’t think I’ve changed much. I like that about me. “There’s nothing that keeps its youth, so far as I know, but a tree and truth.” (Oliver Wendell Holmes). Now, where's that moon...

Ann of the Left Coast - May 16, 2009

A quiet and peaceful morning as I have the house all to my self this weekend as the family is enjoying a day weekend in Monterey. The variety of the bird songs is cheerful and comforting as the birds fly across the morning. Even an egret calls out from above as it seeks shelter by the river where it can settle among the delta grass, hidden from view as it plans its strategic attack upon the minnows that rise to the surface to catch insects that glide above the cool water. The drought has taken its toll on the number of fish in the delta waters as state and federal water agencies had to ‘relax standards for flows of fresh water,” early this year, creating a negative effect upon most of California’s water supply. This means less fresh water for fish species with major threats to Delta smelt and of course, salmon. Crazy news from across the world as Moscow riot police take violent measures to end a gay pride parade; prison officials administer shock from a stun gun to “educate” school children visiting a prison (stop the insanity!); and, Cheney continues to produce a mastermind of commentary to divert the reality of the immoral and unethical tactics of the Bush Administration by putting the onus on the Speaker of the House for having inside knowledge. Man, oh man, he is good, he is real good, but very, very scary. But alas, it is the weekend and no need to sweat the “small” stuff. Today, I will spend time with Jessica and the grandchildren as we do a little planting, take a trip to the farmer's market with the grandchildren, do a bit of shopping and then some good ole R&R! “It’s a beautiful morning. I think I’ll go outside for a while, (and just smile)…There will be children with robins and flowers, sunshine caresses each new waking hour…” (The Rascals, 1968.) Savor every moment!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 17, 2009

"True love will never fade..." streaming into my morning brain as Mark Knopfler warms my heart with his magical ballads of life. Another hot one ahead as we add another five degrees to yesterday's forecast and prepare for a severe weather alert. Yeow-za! I think today I will stay cool in the house reading and doing chores, that is, until we have a blackout as thousands upon thousands in the valley do the same. If you haven't viewed the "Denial Stops Here" YouTube videos by Mike Ruppert, you might want to take an hour or so to do so. There are 12 videos and most of his information is also in his book, "Crossing the Rubicon," i.e., the point of no return. Regardless of what you believe, they are worth watching as it becomes obvious the world as we know it is going to drastically change. Change is inevitable as peak oil is achieved and countries across the globe vie for position as oil production continues to drop and deposits become depleted. Are you ready for the change? Be prepared is my motto! It takes ~30 years to fully implement alternative solutions, not to mention the changes required to our infrastructure, but we don't have that much time, so get busy! Do your homework and make a plan, but don't bury your head in the sand. Our future generations are at stake. "Long may you run, long may you run. Although these changes have come..." (Neil Young, 1976).

Keep a cool head and a warm heart this day!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 18, 2009

Golden hues paint the sterling sky as the earth continues on its path and another beautiful day is upon us. Even with the drought, homes are 'deeply underwater' as the recession continues to chomp away at the "American Dream." The "American Dream" is a fallacy and a travesty founded on consumerism and greed. I do believe that after the great depression of the 1930's and WWII in the 1940's that it was a time of much-required healing and celebration, but it doesn't change the obvious. What I do know is any world war in this century will be debilitating and devastating beyond anything ever imagined and everything will be gone - not a hint of a dirty footstep left behind. On the bright side of life, Little Ben chattered away upon his arrival home last night as he shared his adventures at the aquarium and the monster truck rally (that sounds like an oxymoron!) and even Anna tried to jump in, cooing and smiling right along with him. I can't believe how much she has grown in 10 weeks! I must hurry along as I have a class this morning and a full day of volunteer work.

Keep up the "good" work!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 19, 2009

The early morning rays of the sun stream through the trees that dance about as the valley winds attempt to keep the world a bit cooler again today. Today is a special election in California with many special ballots on the chopping block, most of which are cloaked in deception and full of confusing language but all to assure a 'balanced budget' for California at the risk of other services. Don't be fooled! The news reports are a mixed bag today: Sri Lanka claims the country is free from terror as Pakistan tries to provide for 1.5 million refugees, and the U.S. points fingers at Afghan contractors for violating gun policy as U.S. contractors who performed work in Iraq sit back like fat cats, licking their paws and meowing for more.  And now, as the swine flu continues to infect people across the world, surgical masks are turning up in short supply, and up and down goes the stock market as everyone reacts and tries to keep their heads above the downward curve.  The industrialized world as you know it is changing right before your very eyes as manufacturers and friends of the earth race against the clock to find alternative solutions for the earth.  Kudos to Obama for instituting new fuel emission standards but get out your check books as “we the people” will feel the pinch.  And the fat-bottomed girls sing “I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.” (Queen, 1978).  Here in this moment, the sun is shining down upon the earth as both the bird songs and the winds that carry them across the morning have calmed and all that is left is the here and now -  and it is good – it is very, very good.

Anything is possible when love is the motive.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 20, 2009

I arise to a cool and sunny morning and to the joyful bird songs streaming across the yards that mimic the joy I feel as I read that the propositions failed! That is good news for social services, family agencies and non-profits that provide for children and families across the state. But, it isn't good news for the Gov as his third attempt at "balancing the budget" is thwarted and even his star status is waning as he is not on the A-List for the next Terminator movie (give it up already!!!).With regards to the propositions, perhaps he should hire people who know how to write words of truth in the ballot instead of trying to manipulate the populous. We the people are becoming very, very tired of more of the same. More of the same in other news as Iran continues to threaten civilization with its scary bomb tactics, and the United Nations and other aid groups plead for mercy to enter Sri Lanka battle fields to provide aid to those left behind as the rest of the country celebrates its victory over the Tami Tiger rebels. Our own Memorial Day festivities are just around the corner. I know we must remember and pay homage to the fallen, the maimed and the disenfranchised impacted by past and current wars, but please, please, make it stop.

Peace is possible and dreams do come true!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 21, 2009

A beautiful and cool morning, but my awakening is too late to view Venus and Mars in the dawn sky. But, all is good as the morning brings a touch of coolness before the day heats up to temperatures in the 90's. Family arrived safely from England yesterday and for the moment, the house is quiet, until Little Ben awakens with excitement and joy in knowing his auntie and uncle are here. Wow, 7 million people across the U.S. are without jobs. But don't let it bring you down as the Federal Officials claim the "economy will start to grow again later this year" BUT "the unemployment rate, currently at 8.9%, could rise to 9.6% this year and remain elevated until 2011." Hmmmmm.... More opposing worldviews in the spotlight today as Obama will speak of his efforts to close Guantanamo Bay as Cheney and friends gather at the conservative American Enterprise Institute to oppose Obama's speech that they consider as "mischaracterized national security decisions by the Bush years." Should be interesting to say the least! Enjoy the show!

It's a beautiful day!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 22, 2009

The bird songs were a wonderful awakening this morning as I lay awake in bed and listened to their voices sharing messages of peace and comfort and glory to the new day that is now before us. Good news for the U.S. as the Obama administration moves forward with their decision to close Guantanamo Bay in reaction to the previous administration's anti-terrorism strategy, but not for Cheney who claims he would still make the same decisions "without hesitation." Stormy weather continues to delay the landing of the space shuttle Atlantis until conditions improve. It is ironic that the shuttle can soar into deep space but still cannot fool Mother Nature whose rain drops would wreak havoc on the shuttle's tile. Safe travels and remember the fallen this weekend as you continue to work for peace.

Walk gently and ever-forward.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 24, 2009

Hooray for Atlantis that once again rises from the ashes and lands safely here on Planet Earth. The stars are majestic tonight as the trees bend and sway and darkness consumes the space that surrounds me. I enjoyed a day of work - chores around the house and website project management for an upcoming event on Thanksgiving Day. I was free to choose and my completion much needed as family arrives tonight from the southland and the house will become a hustle and bustle of life tomorrow -- always a joy! A very nice conversation with my aunt this evening as we had our own memorial day remembering her sister/my mother/our friend and her husband/my uncle/our friend as our tears found their way to the surface. And of course, I had a few minutes with Jessica and Olivia as they stopped by on their bike ride. The wind is good and builds lots of muscles when you ride against it. The wind looks good on you, Jessica - keep on keeping on! All is good on the western front.

Safe travels and blessed memories!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 25, 2009

Today is a day to remember the fallen and all who have given their lives, their souls and their families to war. War binds us; it must not chain us. War is all-encompassing; it must not consume us. War is a game for old men, fat men and evil men; we must not play. War takes our young; the old weep. War is evil; love is the answer.

God bless all who suffer across the world.

Ann of the Left Coast - May 26, 2009

Another hot one as the temperatures will be in the high 90's today, but at this moment, the air is cool amid a sterling sky as the rays of the sun stream from the east to announce the beginning of a new day. Temperatures rising across the globe as North Korea fires two new short-range rockets and defies the U.N. after an underground nuclear test earlier in the weekend (do as I say, not what I do!) that causes a tumbling after-effect on stock futures. A bunch of hot air from the collection of global CEO's who vow to back the green machine (with $$ signs in their eyes) even as 120 corporations doing business outside of the U.S.A are being investigated for corporate bribes. Kudos to Obama for picking a Latino woman judge for the Supreme Court! A wonderful weekend with a variety of activities for me and my family, but now, it's time to get busy! "Carry on my wayward sons, therell be peace when you are done, lay your weary head to rest, don't you cry no more!" (Kansas, 1976.)

Indeed, carry on!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 27, 2009

An early rise for me today as the world just kept screaming "Wake Up! Wake Up!" as the bird songs, the hustle and bustle of the working people, and the light of dawn streamed into my morning brain. I guess I've had plenty of rest and it is time to get busy! "Most economists see the recession ending in early '09" but you wouldn't know it here where schools are being forced to close as some parents and local leaders call the closures "classist and racist" as those on the bottom of the food chain are always the first to be impacted. Tension is rising across the world as North Korea continues to push the envelope by restarting its nuclear plant and promising to retaliate if South Korea searches any of their ships. The game of war is not a pretty sight. But, this game pales in comparison to what the world will be like when the oil is gone. As my mother always said, "You can't worry about things you have no control over." That means the real challenge is to assess what you do have control over and to take action to secure your future needs for yourself, family, and friends (without omitting those who need help along the way. ) "It's the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine..." (R.E.M.)

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

Ann of the Left Coast - May 28, 2009

Another month almost torn from the calendar as I welcome the cool morning that provides a chance to sit and reflect before high temperatures seize the day. Yes, temperatures rising, tempers flaring, and soldiers dying across the world. Blessings to the local family whose son took his own life this weekend after serving two deployments in Iraq and being reported missing from his base in Colorado. Kim Jong-il continues his threats, but, in reality, it may only be a call for a "comprehensive peace treaty that guarantees North Korean security." It is a fine line between peace and security as nation upon nation continue to build their nuclear arsenals at the risk of losing every living thing on this planet - including your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, your mothers and your fathers, your sisters and your brothers, your aunts and your uncles, your nieces and nephews, your friends and your enemies, the family pets, the house you live in, the woods that comfort you, the sky of blue, the grey of thunder,the yellow of a lightning spark, the flowers and the trees, the birds and the bees, the fish within the water, the rain that falls upon the trees, the winds that gently blow, the smell of spring upon the air, the very breath you inhale, and this very moment that is NOW. Today a star is born and its light will shine across the universe through the millenniums. Its only purpose is to share its light. Previous stars have always found us, but it is possible this baby star will see a different view than previous stars. One very sick planet revolving around the sun, an orb that shows little remnants of its previous self - no sun rises on the beach, or sunsets in the park, or music that vibrates into space as a voice of one. No walks in the park, no running through fields of green. No babies crying or people laughing. But, the light will never stop trying...and nor should we.

Walk gently and carry a big heart!

Ann of the Left Coast - May 29, 2009

I awaken to the sounds of life and give thanks for the glory of this moment as a new day is upon us. The sun's rays stream through the sterling sky creating a palette of gold and silver, white and orange and blue as the trees softly sway among a light breeze in rhythm with the bird songs that grace our world. Start your engines as "Oil is plentiful..." announce the web pages before me, but not for long I think as peak oil is accomplished and gas engines, refineries, and other oil-producing methods (which is basically our entire existence) cannot sustain our future. A great article in this week's "The New Yorker" titled "The Sixth Extinction?" by Elizabeth Kolbert, puts it all in perspective. Andrew Knoll, a paleontologist at Harvard is quoted: "What the geological record tells us is that its time to worry when the rate of change is fast." And fast is the name of the game as we are witnessing melting ice caps and other atrocities due to high levels of CO2 across our earth.When asked to compare the current situation with past extinction events like the asteroid that hit the Yucatan, Knoll's response was: "...it was one terrible afternoon. But it was a short-term event, and then things started getting better.Today, it's not like you have a stress and the stress is relieved and recovery starts. It gets bad and then it keeps being bad, because the stress doesn't go away. Because the stress is us. " Indeed we are, but we must keep on trying. Perhaps time will be on our side; perhaps not, but tag, we're it!

Ever-forward with thoughtful awareness!