Ann of the Left Coast - September 2, 2009
An early awakening provides time for me to sit within the quiet and homage to the dawning of a new day. Good news that the LA fires seem to be somewhat under control as the Santa Ana winds take a break, but not for too long as October is always the worse time of year for California. Urban sprawl, wealth, ego and profits always seem to rule until Mother Nature takes its course, then in the aftermath of dealing with loss and devastation, few realize that there are alternative solutions. You cant blame people for buying into the dream, but city and county officials need to step up and fight back to keep developers from continuously encroaching into areas of high fire danger. Choose your battles because there sure are a lot of things that need to change. Honestly, sometimes it feels like were living in the Twilight Zone. But truly, nothing is what it seems so we must continuously work to lift the veil and see life for what it is and what it is not. Theres a lot of living to do! Have you been enjoying the nighttime and early morning sky? This is always an amazing time of year as the constellations seem so close and the planets so bright in the night sky as other planets grace the morning light. We all need to spend more time with Mother Nature. She is so comforting and nurturing and no matter where you go, there she is! We are the Creator and the Created and what perfect masterpieces to behold!
Peace, love and happiness!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 3, 2009
A beautiful morning, especially in knowing that the Sac Valley may remain a mere digit below 100 today, but the long range forecast shows a slight drop in temperatures as everyone is "over it" and ready for Fall's chill. Chilling excerpts from Edward Kennedy's memoirs regarding Chappaquiddick, his extreme guilt, the loss of his brothers, and his alcoholism, but through it all, I honestly believe he helped shine a light on many of our nation's decisions. Guilt can tear us apart or make us stronger or somewhere in-between. Who are we to judge? I am looking forward to my deliveries today - it brings me peace to know I am helping in some small way. Love may come in small packages but it makes a huge impact upon the world.
Peace out!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 4, 2009
An awakening this morning compliments of the alarm saying "Get up and give Kona her insulin shot, NOW!" But, always a joy as family surrounds me. The past two weeks have been full of family time with BBQ's and big meals, and swimming, and a trip to the circus and to the zoo, and I can barely remember everything! This weekend I will visit my friend in Stockton so we can do some work on the outline for the documentary, take some walks, and maybe hear some music. Enjoy it while you can! But on the other hand, with the growing numbers of the unemployed, you may find yourself with too much time on hand as you stand in line for food and services, or watch your life savings dwindle as corporations continue to tighten their belts to assure stockholder profits. I am very tired of “right-wing crazies” who continue to make Obama out as the “boogeyman” who is “coming for our children.” Obama is not the first, nor the last President to address educators and children in prime time. I’m sure he will be able to handle himself much better than “George W” exhibited in front of a classroom of Kindergartners in 2001, or when he used children as a backdrop for touting the war against the Taliban, as did Ronald Reagan who spoke of taxes and a line-item veto to school children. (Reference: Salon.com.) Don’t be fooled – anything Obama does going forward will be attacked, but it isn’t what it seems. It is pure politics with hidden agendas and negative press to assure a Republican party in future elections. Republican or Democrat - give the guy a chance – keep an open mind and base your opinions on what you hear, not on what everyone else is assuming or distorting before he steps up to the microphone.
Give peace a chance, too!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 7, 2009
"Which way do I go!?!" seemed to be my weekend mantra as a supposedly quiet time with Linda turned into yet another road trip, this time to the southland to deliver her daughter's furniture and things to her new digs. And man, what a new dig she has on top of a ridge in the back of a canyon, looking towards the coastal mountain range to the west and the valley below. We spent the night in a hotel in Camarillo, then we got up and out early to drive south on the coast through Malibu and Santa Monica, then headed north to Whittier. So, six hours-plus down and back, but hey, here I am, now. Tired, yes, but glad to have kept her company and help with the driving. Keep your eyes on the road, your heart tuned to the channel of love and all will be well with your universe. Today is the last full day with the English family. Sad to see them go, but glad they had the opportunity to visit their loved ones.
Safe travels along your journeys!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 9, 2009
Today is a magical day mathematically, but isn't every day! Oh, what beautiful pictures from the new and updated Hubble telescope! I can sit here on the cusp of technology watching new stars being born in galaxies six million light years in the past and simultaneously witness my self unfurl like a rose at the dawning of the universe. We are here, now, and there too! Pretty cool stuff! (Are you with me?) Poor Jack the dog is in trouble with the insane neighbor who threatened to kill him with his 8" knife if Jack comes near him again. Jack is a gentle, black lab who would never bite anyone, but may defend his space if he recognizes fear and/or memories of being mistreated through the fence. If Jack is in the neighborhood, he gallops around with the children and never, ever shows any aggression to anyone else. The babies can sit on him and he will just roll over and let them play. But, now he must remain house-bound at all times to assure his safety. Such is life in suburbia - there seems to be one of them on every block. Perhaps the neighbor has an innate fear of dogs, but if he ever harms Jack, he will witness the wrath of Ann. Can you imagine a person doing that in front of children and families? Ok, I must let that one go. In the words of John Prine, " Some humans ain't human, some people ain't kind..."
Peace out!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 10, 2009
Summer temperatures will rule the Sacramento Valley today with an expected high of 103 and 105 tomorrow. "Help me Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda!" A heart-rending and uplifting story on the web about Kim Phuc who I remember seeing on the cover of Life Magazine when I was protesting the Vietnam War – she running down a street with 3rd degree burns all over her body, showing the true nature, destruction and terror of war. And today, at age 43, she has become an ambassador of sorts, speaking to burn victims all over the world. Her comment: “….I cannot change something that happened to me already. But I can change the meaning.” Those powerful words are something for all of us to consider. It is the essence of living and finding your true self. For every disaster, there is rebirth, for every loss, something to be found, for every missed opportunity, a new path unfurled before you, and amid the destruction and terror of war where victory is anything but victorious, there is always someone working for peace and developing peaceful methods. Each of us has innate and absolute power to "change the meaning" with every waking moment, and it is all so very, very simple, kinda like putting one foot in front of the other.
Carry on...
Ann of the Left Coast - September 14, 2009
Very little sleep last night and a change in schedule today resulted in "I" teetering on the edge of impatience and patience, order and disarray, normalcy and its opposite effects, and focus changing to reverberating distortion. Time to be here, now, and let "then" be gone so "now" can come back again. (We all know insanity is only a thought away!) I have no interest in the news, I have little drive to conquer, and I really am enjoying the comfort of my bedroom. We all need to cocoon sometimes - just wrap yourself up in a warm blanket, sink your head into a soft pillow, and after a little while, you'll be on a journey to places you can only dream of, literally. I have to admit I am upset with our government for allowing our country to be in its present state of being. I have no answers but someone recently said there is a simple solution, we just haven't found it (and I, thinking like the woman I am, retorted it probably just isn't being heard!). It almost feels like everyone is waiting with bated breath for something to happen; a magic wand that makes everything the way it was. Well, guess what, it is absolutely, 100%, "the same as it ever was." It's only you that is changing, and thank goodness for that!
Eyes wide open!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 16, 2009
I love the coolness of the morning as Earth continues to move closer to the fall equinox where night and day will be the same length as the sun traverses across the equator on September 22nd.Winter tends to drag on a bit too long, spring lightens our hearts and summer passes too quickly, but autumn is the season where Mother Nature reveals her true self so we may know and prepare for our futures.Our future is now.I heard a story on NPR yesterday on how after World War II, the military discarded many weapons of war 140 miles off the coast of California.In the 1970s, the insanity was halted, but the repercussions of that action was that the chemical weapons were forgotten by the general public.Scientists and others have continuously worked to raise awareness and find solutions to this massive problem, to understand the impact on our seas, the marine life below and the ill effects of our decisions. I truly just don't get it.How could it have been justifiable then, and how quickly can we recover now from the atrocities that are no longer about us, but hugely impacting our current and future generations as cancer rates spiral out of control and weapons of mass destruction and other insane methodologies continue to wreak havoc on our lives?How much is enough? What does it take? Stop the insanity! Do something! Help me!
Peace out!!!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 20, 2009
As we California residents prepare for extreme weather next week in the form of heat, heat, heat, I decided to send you some love beams in the form of a song; a very special one from Elton John. Enjoy and remember all who suffer across our world.
Love is the opening door.
Love is what we came here for.
No one could offer you more.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?
You say it's very hard,
To leave behind the life we knew.
But there's no other way.
And now it's really up to you.
Love is the key we must turn.
Truth is the flame we must burn.
Freedom the lesson we must learn.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?
Love is the opening door.
Love is what we came here for.
No one could offer you more.
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?
-1969 Blue Seas Music, Inc./Jac Music Co., Inc., ASCAP
Ann of the Left Coast - September 21, 2009
I hoped to stay away from the news today, but there is so much to wade through in order to find the truth. High waters are being predicted for the world's deltas as rising seas and sinking lands will wreak havoc across the globe. Here in California, our so-called governor continues to ignore reality and instead continues with his plan to divert water from our already at-risk Sacramento Delta to the mansions and golf courses of the southland. A lot of re-consideration needs to go into this plan. It seems with the data we are seeing, it would make more sense to first assure a robust infrastructure is in place to protect our wetlands, farms and residents from a disaster that would equal or exceed the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, then re-visit if a perimeter canal around our already at-risk delta is grounded in reality. I am so happy to live in Northern California! The New Yorker has a 16-page feature article on the "Eight Days" of Henry Paulson, Ben Bernanke and Timothy Geithner when they desperately intervened to stop the market from tumbling into the depths of 'hell.' I haven't started the article yet but I'm sure it will be a "good" read. And of course, I read over the weekend that we must send more troops into Afghanistan - are you surprised? Stay cool! The end of summer is a day away but continue to take precautions as the heat index will continue to rise for at least another week.
God bless the soldiers of the world - those fighting the war and those fighting for peace.
Ann of the Left Coast - September 22, 2009
The fall equinox arrives at 2:15 pm today here on the West Coast, so time to ramp up the exercise as the heat index will start to lower and cool, autumn days will rule the day!Tonight is my first trail run class to get in shape for our upcoming 5k event on Thanksgiving Day.I don't know very many people here so I figured it is a good way to meet people and exercise at the same time. Besides, if a 75-year old man can win a body building contest, then I can run a 5k race! Hooray for me for taking positive steps to feed my soul and body and mind.I am equally excited about working on a LOI for our grant so we can get our documentary moving forward.Technology is wonderful when it is used for positive purposes and not for war or control.Speaking of which, did you read that an 81-year-old man who walks with a cane, has no use of his left arm, and suffers from strokes was "tased" by a police officer who says he was being attacked by his cane.We are teetering on the edge!It is obvious that our country and the world economies continue to falter as the ill effects of the fallouts and bailouts and the numbers of unemployed continue to trickle into the great big ocean of debt that will become a tidal wave for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to endure. Cowabunga! Grab your boards!
And, peace out!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 23, 2009
"America is armed, but guns not necessarily loaded" is the headline that greets me on this first full evening after the solstice. "Gun sales spiked when it became clear Obama would be elected a year ago and purchases continued to rise in his first few months of office" - a trend that always occurs when the Democrats rule the Office of the President. Ah yes, a government that always bends to the right and relies on right-wing, revolutionaries to carry the torch to protect our country by those who truly know how to get things done. Or, not! Mostly, not unless "We the People" includes the rich, the richer and the even richer that no one pays attention to because they are so deeply engrained in the system that you forget who they are or what they are doing behind the lines. It definitely concerns me that ammunition sales are through the roof, and gun makers, gun sellers and even our government is concerned at dwindling supplies. "Are you ready for a revolution?" streaming into my brain, but please don't think the next round will be pot-smoking hippies sitting on the grass meditating for peace. If and when it happens, it's going to be very, very ugly. I bought some new running shoes today because I'm starting a new workout regiment.Im getting back in shape, trying to drop bad habits and build strength as I age ever so gracefully.It's that time of year when the nights are cool and the moon and constellations seem to be so close to the earth - an apparition but it sure is comforting.One thing I know is true; when it comes to a revolution I'm on the side of peace.Maybe youll see me on the dark side of the moon, running with every bit of strength I can muster up, my peace flag flying high, my family and friends beside me and the world cheering from below. Thats the way I see it, anyway. Free as a dove. A little crazy, but free as a dove!
Peace.
Ann of the Left Coast - September 27, 2009
My weekend has been pleasantly consumed by my pre-teen and two-year old granddaughters whom, although very, very different, definitely commune within the gracious sanction of sisterhood. Karlie is "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and Olivia is "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" - both oblivious, yet rest assured, their walk across the red carpet is a mere beginning to a life of glamour and ceremony. Thank goodness Grandpa Knutson was in town to provide support for Grandma Ann, as did Robin and Angie who took Karlie with them to the "Now and Zen" concert in Golden Gate Park. I welcome another full day of being here with them - I am so blessed to have this time to share with them. The next few days will produce cooler temperatures for the valley - we need it so very, very much! Although it is good for fall gardens, everyone is pretty much done with daily temperatures hovering and exceeding 100 degrees! Regardless, I truly bless this day and the bounties from our Mother Earth. I bless this moment and every moment after this one. I am blessed in knowing that those of you who pass my way are truly brothers and sisters working for the greater good. I truly bless the 4-plus hours that Olivia has been sleeping, but I think I should wake her up before it's time for her to go back to bed!
Remember...a little bit of peace, love and happiness!
Ann of the Left Coast - September 30, 2009
The end of September continues to bring cooler temperatures and October is only a day away – hard to believe! Good morning, World! A good night's sleep for me as I did an evening run followed by a nice bowl of hot soup with artisan bread and a glass of red wine. Sad to note that a tsunami has hit the South Pacific islands as Indonesia continues to clean up from a devastating earthquake. Speaking of which, October is "earthquake season" in the SF Bay Area so it is time to check and re-check your supplies and escape routes. There isn't really a season for earthquakes, because, just like life, they remain unpredictable, but they have over recent years seemed to appear more regularly in the fall. Nothing irregular with our Republican Governor and party as they propose eliminating sales taxes and corporate income taxes, and providing tax breaks that shift the burden from the wealthy to middle- and low-income families. I am not surprised but very saddened as I witness services and programs being cut more and more in our so-called “Golden State.” If you want to give back, donate a few bucks to one of your favorite non-profits or a program that serves seniors, adults, or children in-need – they could really use it. Brothers and sisters, can you spare a dime?
Peace.
