When It's Dark Enough

San Benito County, home of Fremont Peak Observatory, has passed a dark sky ordinance, declaring itself a “light free” oasis.

When it's dark enough
you can watch the stars
climb Fremont Peak
away from cars
no neon streams

streetlights or bars

Lights out here
allow lights up there
untainted sky

unlimited night

unfettered wishes
unsullied light

Silent House

So, it's a Sunday night and there's no Rachel Maddow (yeah, yeah, I'm back) and I'm checking out some pre-recorded programs. I check out an old Austin City Lights and it's Crowded House. They have a folksy rock sound that I like. Then they're doing a song that really catches my attention: Silent House. I look up the lyrics and see that it's first released by Dixie Chicks. Next I go to YouTube and find a haunting version by a guy whose handle is blackandwh1teboy. Please check it out. It's beautiful.

The Women

The women in her life
were dark-eyed;
kept pots of soup on the burner
for unexpected guests,
laughed at jokes no one else understood.
They shopped at thrift stores
choosing clothes for their color, texture
or, like their lovers,
for their possibilities.

The women in her life
were adopted aunties, mostly childless.
They grew stronger with age.
At night the wind skittered
out their open windows
carrying laughter
and hope
to the women without dreams.

"It's My Birthday

and I'll predict doom and gloom if I wanna!" Michel de Nostredame, French physician, astrologer and clairvoyant In this time of 24 hour news cycles fueled by dire predictions, he would have been a mega media star.

Lightning Strikes Twice (revised)

On a cold December night some 25 years ago, I broke my right ankle while dancing a jig at Molly Malone's in LA. Last night, my son John broke his right tibia (not ankle) while trying to block his daughter's fall on the ice rink in San Jose. Let us hope that Isabelle will not feel compelled to continue this odd family tradition.

Kissing Cousins

Into the Wee Hours

One night I couldn't sleep and while channel surfing came across Julieta Venegas. Her music is described as "an eclectic mix of rhythm and harmony" incorporating, among other things, "a tuba, clarinet, xylophone, flute and a string quartet." Check out "El Presente" on YouTube. (Unfortunately, the link can't be embedded, so you'll be signed out of the blog when you click below :>)


http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=7BRojVr2b9k

Post-Retirement Blues?

I'm stuck and can't get up from the computer! I check my email every few minutes, browse useless websites, screen my phone calls to avoid taking a substitute teaching assignment. I'm even bored with Rachel and MSNBC!

Help, I'm Falling & I Can't Get Up

I'm so sore I can't move but I am also the proud parent of a brand new "slab on grade." After two days of back-breaking work, we have made a huge leap in the construction saga. There's still lots of work to be done but it feels great to be here.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Three years ago today I lost my dear, dear friend Chris Ballin to non-Hodgkins Lymphona. Chris was a remarkable woman and an inspiration to all who knew her. In a time where opportunities for women and Latinos were very limited, she broke through many barriers and built a successful career within the corporate world.

Later, she chose to leave money and status behind, moved to Lake Tahoe, and devoted herself to helping immigrant families in need. She left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. She will live forever in our memories.