Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

What is a Black New Moon?

Click on the link above for a quick and simple explanation of tonight's event that won't really be seen all that well (since it's a New Moon and in shadow, anyway.) Those that reside in the Western Hemisphere are the only ones that will be able "see" it, this time around. Keep in mind, also, that the video was used to announce the 2016 Black New Moon. I'm CONFUSED already. You can blame the culprit, Mercury Retrograde, for that.

Good riddance to Mercury Retrograde, also. tonight! Just when I think I have experienced every single communication/technology faux pas that exists during any given MR, a horse of a completely different color comes galloping in. This time my regular cell phone (that was deactivated because it's screen was being replaced)  received all my voicemails and some text messages.  And the exact same model phone that was activated during the repair, did NOT...
go figure! That is just plain weird. Now I'm DAZED and CONFUSED...what else is new?

Art.Imitates.Life

Or...is it the other way around?...life imitating art? Hard to say which came first in this concept, the chicken or the egg. Regardless, it is all about creativity no matter how you look at it. Without that essential "spark" sprinkled with some kind of passion, our existence could possibly be totally meaningless. So we strive to fill our days with those things that bring us the most joy. We do the essential things that are required of us, sure, but after that...what is it you can't wait to experience? What drives your curiosity? What floats your boat? Make time and take time to strive for and pursue that which gives you the feeling of your own unique completeness as a human being.

Click the link above to listen to another thought-provoking instrumental track by the talented artist, Enamour.

Preparedness

Hey...nothing says "welcome to California" better than back-to-back earthquakes...unprecedented! Given the 6.4 magnitude quake on Independence Day and last night's 7.1 shaker, I decided it was time to take stock of my emergency supplies tub. When I lived in WA,  I experienced 4 good shakers in 40 years, so I was stocked with stored water and ample wood for cooking outdoors, along with all the equipment and items to be self-sufficient for awhile. But since I had moved to CA on June 1, the only thing I had done was move the emergency supplies tub to an area that it could be easily accessed. In light of the last few days' events, I got busy today and got both my home and car prepared. Thats one of the keys to preparedness...DO IT NOW, NOT LATER! There are tons of lists out there to help you prepare for any kind of disaster, but I would like to suggest 5 items that I think are must-haves:

1. A flashlight that you shake to generate power

2. A portable radio that you hand-crank for power

3. A water filter that you can literally drink from any 

kind of water source out in the field

4. A well-stocked First Aid kit (mine can supply 25 people)

5. Flint, matches or any other kind of fire-generating implements

I hope my small list is enough to get you inspired to create your own disaster preparedness kit or tub. Stay safe out there.

 

Love Syndrome

ENAMOUR...LOVE SYNDROME

Click on the song above to hear this fantastic track!

Literally every time I have gotten into my car since moving to the Greater Palm Springs area a month ago, I have heard this song, 'Love Syndrome.' It really represents  the easy-going, care-free, sunny atmosphere of this area. This valley is multi-faceted with layers of activity that are deliberately designed to give one a sense of "hometown community" within a nuance of sophistication.  What a delightful combination THIS is. I wasn't sure how I was going to adapt to the desert after 40 years of living in the lush Pacific NW...but I am already enjoying the charismatic charm of the surrounding mountains at twilight, the genuine friendliness of the residents, the sounds of the cicadas, the beauty of the ever-blooming bougainvilleas, the glistening palm fronds in the breezes and the occasional quirky roadrunner or tiny hummingbird that visit right outside my door. Kismet meets Shangri la...perfect.