02.02.12
Posted in Politics at 8:40 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Oh my. The New Yorker magazine of January 30th, beginning on page 73, has a great article about our prison systems. Many of the statistics are beyond belief, but, sadly, they are true, if not worse than the data as recorded. Here is a link to a website that has also posted the article: http://www.infowars.com/why-do-we-lock-up-so-many-people/. On that site, you will find more references to related topics.
Just the facts, Ma’am, just the facts:
(1) Texas alone has sentenced more than four hundred teenagers to life imprisonment.
(2) More than half of all black men without a high-school diploma go to prison at some time in their lives.
(3) There are now more people under “correctional supervision” in America – more than six million – than were in the Gulag Archipelago under Stalin at it’s height.
(4) In 1980, there were about two hundred and twenty people incarcerated for every hundred thousand Americans, by 2010, the number had more than tripled, to 731.
(5) The amount of money states spend on prisons is six times the rate of spending on higher education.
(6) Every day, at least fifty-thousand men awaken in solitary confinement.
(7) Prison rape is an epidemic.
(8) The scale and brutality of our prisons are a moral scandal of American life.
(9) Who’s paying attention?
(10) I am!
“Sometimes I think this whole world is one big prison yard.”
Peace out!
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01.17.12
Posted in Politics at 8:11 PM by Ann Hornbeck
The house is quiet as I listen to Greg Brown Radio on Pandora. Interesting how positive some websites are – not asking for anything other than your “Listening Ear.” Yes, of course, logging on brings a host of ads purporting this and that, but you can multitask and still hear the music without the ton of complete crap trying to lure you into the madness named capitalism. But many times, it is important that we listen carefully. Only then, may you find “TRUTH. ”
When I was young, I could hear every note of every song. Now, that doesn’t mean much, but the interesting thing was, I could guess the next note, even if it was the first time I ever heard the song. Even today, I can pick up on the melody in a flash, but my voice – nope! Of course, there are many times when I will pretend to sing as I hear my voice straining for those high notes, those REALLY HIGH NOTES that I used to reach. High Soprano was I – singing “Oklahoma” like I had been singing it half of my life. And now, after years of TOO MUCH, I am lucky to find my voice. What I do know, is I have definitely learned how to read between the lines.
What does that mean -”reading between the lines?” Have you picked up a newspaper recently? Trust me, you have not missed anything. If you read anything, it is obvious at first glance, that one or more “new author” took little bits from the original story and put it in this tiny space that previously was 12 paragraphs or more, but now consists of 6 lines in order to fill the white space that is causing the editor to pull hairs out of his already bald head. Ok. That has nothing to do with “reading between the lines” but I think you guessed that already.
Whenever I happen to pick up the newspaper (actually, that is a rarity), I laugh at the stories. They are so banal, and so far from the truth, and what the heck are you trying to say – just SAY IT already! I love opening my computer each morning and scanning the NPR, CNN and Yahoo websites. “Oh, the little white lies…” We are inundated. It is overwhelming. “84% of voters are unhappy with our politicians.” “9% of ducks prefer honey over seeds.” ”12% of fleas are brown.” “95% of women use deodorant but not 6-year old boys.” “36.5% of men wish they were sleeping instead of skipping through the park.”
Truth – don’t fail me now!
My mother was a true journalist. A story teller. Her facts straight; her emotions in-check; a woman of truth, and a woman definitely able to create the space for those who read between the lines. But, even knowing what she knew, she still struggled to make the story possible, to change someone’s mind, to share the truth, even though sometimes, she softened the blow so we could enjoy our morning paper without spilling the beans. She loved the click, clack, click of the black keys, the words floating from her mind to the brown paper, with few changes and much to digest, and always, always, always, the truth…except when it wasn’t.
Let freedom ring!
- Homeland
I want my country back
and a good dream to stand up for.
Got my hand over my heart,
but I don’t feel at home here anymore.
Big, big flag above the big, big mall,
and the shake rattle and roll to the core.
Things sprawl after they fall,
and I don’t feel at home here anymore
Homeland of Sojourner Truth
and Chief Joseph before,
Many quiet words of wisdom drowned out by TV
and I don’t feel at home here anymore.
Blind engineer, war train on the track,
many, many a heart is sore.
We want our country back;
we want to feel at home here once more.
I want my country back.
- Greg Brown
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12.18.11
Posted in Politics at 8:39 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Here I am again, one week away from Christmas, and I have yet to do any shopping, and, obviously no wrapping since there are no presents to wrap, and, I have yet to write my holiday cards and get them in the mail. Of course, any gift boxes mailed across the country will probably take two weeks or more to deliver since the USPS has already warned Americans that first class letters will take up to five days to deliver! Maybe they should consider going back to The Pony Express!
“It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.” This year has been an interesting time in my life, one that provided a wonderful opportunity to land a job, even though it was far from anything that I had done working in software, and definitely a much lower salary, but, I sure like what I do! Now, if I can be the generous receiver of some funding from recent grants I or the E.D. submitted, then perhaps this coming year will be more sustainable. And, less depressing for this old gal who is much better off than a lot of others, and fortunate to have family and friends to provide mental and emotional help!
A December 15th report on NPR (“Census: 1 in 2 Americans is poor or Low-Income” by the Associated Press.”) stated that Americans, nearly 1 in 2, have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income. As the middle class shrinks, unemployment stays high, and the government’s safety net fray. The new numbers follow years of stagnating wages for the middle class that have hurt millions of workers and families.”
When you look at the combined numbers of lower income families and families living below the poverty line, it paints a frightening number to say the least. “About 97.3 million Americans fall into a low-income category, commonly defined as those earning between 100 and 199 percent of the poverty level. Together with the 49.1 million who fall below the poverty line and are counted as poor, they number 146.4 million, or 48 percent of the U.S. population. That’s up by 4 million from 2009, the earliest numbers for the newly developed poverty measure.”
Here’s another data point: “Among low-income families, about one-third were considered poor while the remainder — 6.9 million — earned income just above the poverty line. Many states phase out eligibility for food stamps, Medicaid, tax credit and other government aid programs for low-income Americans as they approach 200 percent of the poverty level.”
And, last but not least: “The majority of low-income families — 62 percent — spent more than one-third of their earnings on housing, surpassing a common guideline for what is considered affordable. By some census surveys, child-care costs consume close to another one-fifth. Paychecks for low-income families are shrinking. The inflation-adjusted average earnings for the bottom 20 percent of families have fallen from $16,788 in 1979 to just under $15,000, and earnings for the next 20 percent have remained flat at $37,000. In contrast, higher-income brackets had significant wage growth since 1979, with earnings for the top 5 percent of families climbing 64 percent to more than $313,000.”
Contrast that with this information: “In 2010, the annual salary of each Representative rose to $174,000, but by now, even more. Speaker of the House and the Majority and Minority Leaders earn more: $223,500 for the Speaker and $193,400 for their party leaders (the same as Senate leaders). A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase takes effect annually unless Congress votes to not accept it. Congress sets members’ salaries; however, the Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits a change in salary (but not COLA) from taking effect until after the next general election. Representatives (just like all federal employees) are eligible for retirement benefits after serving for five years.” Add to this their perks, speaking events, books, travels, fundraising events, galas and whatever else the 1% finds to fulfill their lives.
What I see is a room full of clowns, pontificating and acting like spoiled little brats. Yep, there are deals to sign! Must get that pipeline running from Alaska to the Gulf Coast! Another disaster will never occur!
I thought we were trying to find alternative and sustainable solutions to our dependence on oil. So much for that!
And so much for me….time to curl up with a book and read myself to sleep.
Peace!
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12.11.11
Posted in Politics at 11:47 AM by Ann Hornbeck
I finally finished my latest book, “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. I think this is one of the books Linda gave me a while back. The main character is a Methodist Minister who is the father of a young son. The minister, his young wife and child live in a small town that has seen much suffering from the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl of the 1930′s, and the loss and love of families past and present. The book is written by the minister, a diary from father to son, his hopes that his words will be read when his son is much older. It was an interesting book. I found myself ending the last page and transitioning back to the first page, ready to read it again. I love when that happens.
I am tuned into Acoustic Sunrise and lo and behold, a compilation by EM K that includes parts of “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams sends me back to those Appalachian Mountains yet again. It was 1968, and me and the girlfriends are at the lake somewhere in Weston, WV. We are laying in the sun listening to the radio and about every 30 minutes, there it comes again – how could anyone NOT want to hear that song again and again? I loved laying there on my towel, listening to the music, the lake shimmering, the sun’s rays warming my body, the water gently lapping at the dock, the ripples comforting as a light wind blows across the lake. How sweet our youth, and how sweet this life!
I read that my home state may create a new state park near my hometown, rightly named the ‘High Allegheny National Park.’
According to the article, “the park would encompass lands in the High Allegheny Plateau, the rugged western-central portion of the Appalachians, the northern area of the Monongahela National Forest, as well as Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State parks.” This is the area where I hiked Dolly Sods in September. The park would include visitors who enjoy “birds to battlefields, waterfalls and wilderness.”
It is important to preserve these ancient hills, but, I fear the possibility of areas being overrun with cars that produce smog, visitors who don’t respect the trails, and animals who are clueless of “boundaries” that results in loss of life for the mother who just wanted to get to the food and feed her family of cubs. Have you ever visited Yosemite? I suppose West Virginia would not bring in the same amount of visitors to the park system, but we must preserve the beauty we have whether it is a lake, a river or a mountain – these are the ancient ones, and once they’re gone, we’re all gone.
My mom used to tell me “You worry too much!”
I consider myself the “Female Atlas,” carrying the world upon my back, assuring everlasting life for generations until the end of the world as we know it.
I hope that never happens. In the meantime, let me carry the load – I’m pretty good at it!
Peace out!
Permalink
12.10.11
Posted in Politics at 7:25 AM by Ann Hornbeck
If a poll were taken on the truth and consequences of our current policies, everyone would be appalled at the depth and breadth of our system. Peer through the looking glass and you will see politicians signing deals behind closed doors, pockets stuffed with gold, foreign investments funding the war machine, citizens untrusting of their government, our enemies our friends, our friends our enemies, and what ever president du jour is standing behind the podium a mere puppet.
So, what is our role as a person living on earth? What is the role of government and why must we adhere to their demands? The answers to these questions were the essence of the Renaissance period. Look up the “Great Chain of Being” on the internet, or bring out your philosophy books from college, and you will be presented with a tome of information in response to those questions. I liked this link: (academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/ren.html).
The Great Chain of Being states “everyone and everything existing in the universe has its place in a divinely planned hierarchical order. An object’s “place” depended on the relative proportion of “spirit” and “matter” it contained–the less “spirit” and the more “matter,” the lower down it stood. At the bottom of the chain were inanimate objects and the four elements, earth, water, air and fire. Higher up were various members of the vegetative class, like trees and flowers. Then came animals; then humans; and then angels. At the very top was God.”
Next were the political implications of the Great Chain of Being.”The fear of “disorder” had significant political ramifications during the reformation period. Authoritarian control included keeping people in their place, and assuring they understood their lot in life. Otherwise, they would “suffer the consequences in other realms.” Any attempts at civil rebellion were blows against the empire, or better stated, a sin against God. So, here is born the struggle. Kings ruled the world, as did the wealthy, and thus, the wealthy have divine right over the land and its people.
But enter in the Humanists who placed “great emphasis upon the dignity of man and the possibilities of human life in this world. However, this was not the only concern of Renaissance Humanists who focused also on teaching people how to participate in and rule a society, even though it was only the nobility and “some” members of the middle class who were included in this experience. This period of time also brought a revival of thought and culture, their focus on the social nature of humanity via their studies of literature, history and moral philosophy.”
‘The Great Chain of Being also meant that people from all ranks in society had to co-operate and that mere subjugation of those below you was not acceptable. Those in a position of power and responsibility held that power for the good of everyone – not just to advance the well being of those of a similar standing.” If you didn’t comply – you know the history – the War of the Roses, and off with your head!
According to a recent NPR piece (“Reconstituting the Constitution: How to Rewrite it?” by Margot Adler) ”Christopher Phillips recently traveled coast-to-coast to ask and discuss philosophical topics with Americans. He led these discussions in schools, parks, homeless shelters and even prisons. He asked Socratic questions such as “What is knowledge?” ”What is beauty?” and “What is love?”
Eventually, he turned to one of his heroes — Thomas Jefferson — who believed, “that Americans should revisit the Constitution every 20 years and rewrite it from scratch.” His argument is that if Americans weren’t vital stakeholders in that foundational document, they would become distanced from governance itself, and politicians from the president on down would become ‘like wolves.’ ”Is it time to re-write the constitution? Do our basic principles pass the test of time, or do they hold their ground?” Many people believe if you live in this country and you help promote the general welfare, as the preamble states, then you are a citizen, regardless of how you got here.
There is much to think about, and I am the first to say I definitely don’t have the answers. But, I do know that we have a “place” that enables great change. It is the power of our votes. It is the power of our words. It is the power of our innate knowledge. It is the power of one and the power of many. It is the power of all of us together.
Peace out!
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12.03.11
Posted in Politics at 7:33 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I’m sure many of you read that our fearless leaders in Congress “quietly lifted a 5-year-old ban on funding horse meat inspections, and activists say slaughterhouses could be up and running in as little as a month. The President signed off on the slaughter of horses as part of the Congressional spending bill in November. However, there will be no oversight from the government until they can find over 3 million dollars to help the government agencies regulate horse killing.” This also means that horse meat will soon be in grocery stores sitting right smack dab next to your favorite prime rib, pork chops and hamburger meat. So,why now? Most likely, because it’s what’s for dinner! Buzzle.com reports, “In South America, China, Japan and many European countries including France, Italy and Switzerland, horsemeat is just as common on the dinner table as other meats. The eight most populous countries in the world consume almost 5 million horses each year.”
Here in the states, we have food additives, food coloring, food irradiation, fast food, wet food, dry food, organic food, natural foods, comfort foods, food pyramids, diet foods, baby food, bio-engineered food, and no food for 1 in 5 people living in our country. We are the lucky recipients of malnutrition, obesity, high blood sugar, low blood sugar, diabetes, heart problems, strokes, weight problems and hospitals that we can never pay back due to the medical process that finds every ailment possible except for the cut finger that brought you to the hospital initially.
According to Wikipedia, (“Horse slaughter”) about 90% of the horsemeat is exported for human consumption overseas, where it sells for approximately the same price as veal. The rest goes to zoos. Horsemeat was outlawed in pet food in the 1970s. Most of us oppose slaughtering horses and consider them “companion animals” and “deserving” of humane consideration. And, most horses that are abused and neglected are the ones who end up in the slaughterhouses.
“The meat of some horses killed in Mexico are mixed with beef and sold back to unsuspecting United States consumers. Horses, unlike traditional food animals in the United States, are not raised or medicated during their lifetime with the intent of one day becoming human food. Because American horses are not “intended” for the human food chain, throughout their lives they will often have received medications that are banned by the FDA for use at any time during the life of food animals. ”
In my opinion, the only way to override the possibility of getting sick from eating meat is to (a) know your sources, (b) reduce your weekly consumption (c) consider small portions, and (d) eat more vegetables! I agree that problems occur all the time with vegetables and fruits, as well as meat, but if you trust and know your sources – like your own backyard or a trusted food supplier – you are less likely to become sick. Bio-engineered foods are a whole other story. I’m not going there!
We know that Americans are obese. But, all across the globe obesity rates continue to rise, some suggesting three-fold or more, since 1980, in North America, the U.K. Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, Australia and even China!
The world is gluttonous! We are icky with oil. And we have lost our spiritual connection with our work animals, our gardens, our bees, our plants, our food sources and ourselves. And yet, the changes are so very simple – and healthy. Back to the garden – can we get it right this time?
As far as I know, at this moment, I do believe we still have some voting power. Write your congress person(s) – say no and demand a recall of this bill. We have a lot to lose.
Peace out!
Permalink
09.04.11
Posted in Politics at 8:02 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Well, it’s Sunday already and almost time for Acoustic Sunset! I did not have a chance to listen to the radio this morning, but I know whatever they play tonight will be perfect. I am still tired from two days of go, go, go! Yesterday I went to the King’s Mountain Art Fair on Skyline Drive above Woodside, a benefit for the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade. The venue was really, really nice as each booth was nestled in between one or more redwood trees along a path that wrapped up and down through the groves of trees. It appeared to be a great turnout. My friend had a booth, promoting his works of drawings, paintings and metal. He sold three items and was very, very happy. Here is the link to the venue: www.kingsmountainartfair.org/. Didn’t see Neil Young walking around, (darn it), but I know someday our paths will cross.
After the art fair, my friend and I went for a glass of wine at the Mountain House, then off to La Honda to meet up with Louise. I had a good dinner and glad to see everyone. Of course, we got to hear some music before I opted to leave for home. I was so tired on my drive home that I had to roll down my windows to keep me awake – not good!
Today, I ran some errands and then verified my suitcase is packed and ready to go! One of my errands was to stop by AT&T. I changed my AT&T plan (which means my grandfather clause is now expired) and once home, configured my iPhone as a hotspot. That means, “no matter where I go, there I am!” – on the internet even when I’m sitting in Aunt Dorothy’s house that doesn’t include wireless connectivity or even a computer. Modern technology – a necessity and a curse!
I heard an interview on NPR with Lenny Kravitz regarding the release of his newest album. The story headline was: Lenny Kravitz – Choosing Optimism. (http://www.npr.org/2011/09/04/140094335/lenny-kravitz-choosing-optimism.) I have always loved his music and his style. And, how wonderful to hear him speak about something that truly matters – racism.
“Kravitz says he wrote the title track in response to a TV documentary about negative reactions to President Obama’s election. It was addressing the fact that these people, these Americans, did not like what America had become — they wanted America to be back the way it was 100 years ago,” Kravitz says. “It was quite intense. They even spoke about assassination plots.” So what does he do? He collaborates with other musicians to share their wisdom and voice regarding racism, hoping for the zillionth time to raise awareness and build hope for a better world.
Choosing optimism is always the best approach. The faster we can see the glass half full, the faster we can find solutions. (OMG- KFOG just started playing an acoustic version of “Don’t let me down.” done by the Bartron-Tyler Group. I used to see them play in a little venue in Palo Alto when I lived there. A blast from the past for me! Funny how the universe works.)
So much has changed for the better when it comes to racism, but, choosing optimism is certainly worth the effort, no matter what we are trying to tackle. I am optimistic that we will continue to create a better world. We are blasted with negativity minute by minute. Everything we read is only the tip of the iceberg, never the whole story, and always written to change the readers’ minds about something – for better or for worse. The amount of data coming at us every moment is overwhelming and causes fear, distress and confusion. And, the only way to repair is to turn off and turn in.
Our voices must always speak optimistically and peacefully. Change the language and change the world.
That much I know is true!
You might like to read this link too: http://www.dalailama.com/messages/world-peace/a-human-approach-to-peace.
So, now Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young are singing “Helpless.” We are not helpless, but we are definitely being bombarded.
Time to go, so, rock and roll, twist and shout, don’t let it get you down, smile and the whole world smiles with you! You get the picture.
Peace!
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08.24.11
Posted in Politics at 8:05 PM by Ann Hornbeck
The sun is finding its nesting place high above the world as the earth spins around and around and around, yet, we barely notice the motion at all. Perhaps when we dance, or, when we ride a big Ferris wheel, and then, only if we happen to pay attention. It is very sad to hear that Steve Jobs is stepping down as the CEO of Apple. He sure is an amazing person, and one that I have always rooted for since the 1980′s. How much suffering he has gone through over the past five years or so, but life does not play favorites. Life is a predestined and ordained event that no one escapes. Rich or poor, black or white, red or yellow, good or bad, young or old, short or tall, beautiful or otherwise, we all take that final step into the great beyond, and no one is better than the next. But, even in death, we remain connected and aware.
My legs were definitely aware last night after running the trails. It was 98-degrees (101 degrees on my friend’s car thermometer) and yet I never noticed the heat. I was going to opt out but she persuaded and persuaded and persuaded me to “just do it!” So, I did it and it felt wonderful going up and down, back and forth and over and under – you get the picture. But, I am definitely looking forward to the Season of the Fall. I am hoping my vacation in my West Virginia hills will provide some cool days and nights. The highest point in the state is Spruce Knob at 4861 feet, but my hometown is only around 1400+ feet. That isn’t very much but it sure makes a difference when you have hills hugging you regardless of where you look or where you stand.
My brother Bill and Ms. Margaret in Virginia are lucky to be standing after the rocking and rolling yesterday when the big earthquake hit. I spoke with Bill today and he said his house was vibrating for a long time. And, when he got outside, it was still vibrating, and he has a BIG house so I can only imagine. Well, I actually can totally imagine. I was in my home watching the SF Giants game on October 17, 1989, and I remember me and my family trying to get from the family room to the back patio which was only steps away, yet we could barely maneuver our bodies to stay upright as the waves just kept coming. The rock bed of the East Coast is very different from the Bay Area, but equally scary and disorienting when you are in the midst of an earthquake. I remember how odd it was in the 1970′s when an earthquake rattled Cape Cod and surrounding cities and states. That was the first time I had ever experienced an earthquake, but being young, I thought it was cool.
Poor Luna the Chicken will never lay eggs again. She (and Angie!) went through a harrowing experience trying to release her first egg, but the sac never opened so the egg got caught inside, pushing the uterus out of her backside. She experienced much pain and agony, but Angie let nature take its course. Luna is getting better but she is still a little wobbly walking around the backyard. Robin, god bless him, has stepped up to the plate to put butt medicine on her (Luna’s!) “tush” to help with her much needed recovery. Now, how many of you guys would do that?!? Quite a lot of you, I suppose.
Angie was pretty stressed out during the whole process, and so was I, but with one call to Soulful Farms, she quickly whisked beautiful Luna away to the farm for help with the (un) delivery. I hope Luna feels better soon. She is a beautiful hen, and, I am sure she is in mourning, too. But, this too shall pass. And, how blessed is Luna to live in a yard like Angie and Robin’s where the worms wiggle and the bugs crawl and the garden grows and the kids play and “nurturing” is the word of the day – every day, regardless of being a person, a chicken, a dog, or a cat – there will always be a cup of nurturing waiting for you.
Love makes the world go ’round!
Peace out!
Permalink
08.10.11
Posted in Politics at 7:04 PM by Ann Hornbeck
First and foremost, I wanted to share my friend’s latest post with you: http://stensonian.blogspot.com/. The name of the post is “Hope and Chains.” I think you’ll like it – I sure did! I told him he should send it to the Oval Office. But, Facebook will have to do.
I can’t talk about yesterday, but if I did, I would tell you that I survived another trail run in 93 freakin’ degrees at 6:15 p.m. After a much needed shower, I was blessed to have Ben and Anna climb in bed with me so I could read them two books, the third on tonight’s agenda.
I have lived through a day of very minor struggles, relatively speaking, as I typed myself smack dab into a blank space as my business plan was just not where I needed it to be, even though I must share a copy of my work-in-process to the Board members tomorrow. I’m not afraid to share it, but I don’t like sharing documents that are not at that special place where I know it is good enough – for this moment. And will be even better, in the near future – hopefully.
How fortunate am I to sit in front of this computer, my fingers following my brain’s commands, landing perfectly and consistently on the correct keys that, when miraculously found, continue the program loop to include a perfect tap of up or down, on or off, and even then, struggling to achieve a stretch to the shift key to include an uppercase letter, even as “I” did not command anything to that level, than I can remember. Yet, my brain has already recognized that which I think I may type, and that which I continue to hesitate typing, all in an instance where I myself, become aware of what I’m creating, wondering when and where and how I will choose to stop this silly paragraph that now produces again, miraculously, a fork off to another node, that graciously and without feelings, lets me out of this conundrum of nothingness as awareness takes a breath, and all nodes remain on just i n c a s e s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n s w h e r e A n n s t a r t s t r y i n g t o t y p e e a c h l e t t e r o f a w o r d f o l l o w e d b y a s p a c e.
Wow, that took a lot of energy! Try it yourself!
Our brains are very, very conditioned, yet there is a universe, and many parallel universes, where the realm of possibilities are endless, so that means you can trick yourself into learning something new and find that it is never as hard as you think. Focus, belief and determination – that’s the ticket.
So, let me see…
1.End the warzzzzzzzzzz.
2. Feed the hungry.
3. Clothe the poor.
4. Tax the rich.
5. Hug a tree.
6. Eat every sandwich.
7. And listen to your mother!
Peace out!
Permalink
08.08.11
Posted in Politics at 8:02 AM by Ann Hornbeck
I don’t even know where to start! First, I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the Navy Seals who were shot down last Friday in Afghanistan. It was very disturbing and unsettling to hear the news, but reading their bios and hearing their stories provided some level of comfort. Peace to all who suffer across our world.
On Saturday morning, I ran 5.5 miles on the trail. It was a wonderful experience, as I careened up, over and through the switchbacks to the top of the mountain and back. The weather was absolutely perfect as we had a cool down from the high temperatures. It was a wonderful feeling. The three 58-year olds even out-ran two young 30-somethings – we were so proud of ourselves!
Later in the day, I went for a couple hours of wine tasting with my friend and her husband at a winery in Suisun Valley that was fabulous – $5 to get in, free tasting from a list of 10 different wines, then they pour you a full glass of the one you decide is the best of the list, all of this while you are listening to a live blues band and soaking up the sun and cool breezes. It was so much fun, and I will actually be doing a repeat as one of my girlfriends from Marin County is coming for a visit next Saturday! After the wine fest, I made it to Olivia’s birthday party just in time to see her blow out the candles and eat cake and ice cream. Just so you know, grandma was given a reprieve to not be at the party for the first hour as I become a big-pain-in-the-butt when I see my young grandchildren jumping off of balance beams, trampolines, etc. It is quite ironic, as I was a dare-devil most of my life, but, people change!
On Sunday morning, another girlfriend and I drove to the coast to hike Montara Mountain. It was a very, very, drizzly day on the coast. When we first arrived, it was too wet and cold to start, so we went to El Granada for a cup of coffee and a bagel. We got back to the mountain and started our climb around 11:30 a.m. All the times that I have hiked, walked and run that mountain, I had never gone to the very top. But, guess what! We did it! 1800 feet straight up in 2.5 hours. Yes, we were slow but it’s all about the journey and a good one it was! At the very top, there is a huge tower (of course) and the fog was so thick you could barely see it. And, the wind was whipping like crazy! It felt like Antarctica in August! The Manzinita trees were so beautiful with their moss covered branches and different species of wild flowers growing all around them. I kept referring to the hike as a “walk on the frozen tundra” as the vegetation lessened and the winds howled. Many times, you would hear voices and magically, people would appear out of the fog, dressed in winter jackets or layers of warmth, and there is my friend walking up the mountain, all 6-feet of her with only a tank top on! We were so proud of ourselves when we finally exited the mountain, but sore, sore, sore when we finally got to the car. We could barely lean over to untie our shoes and change clothes!
Next, a short drive to Half Moon Bay for a fish taco and a beer at my favorite place, then a drive to the San Gregorio Store so my friend could experience music at the General Store, followed by a short drive to La Honda to meet my friend Louise and let Candie get a taste of La Honda. The men and man-boys sure liked meeting this new and beautiful woman. Time to go! Oops, a car fire on the Bay Bridge with the result of not making it home until 9:30p.m.
So, there you go! Once again, zoom, zoom, zoom and so much fun doing it!
Peace out!
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