All Over the World

There is a sadness. I'm without words. And touched by the outpouring of grief, memories, and tributes to this unique human being. RIP Michael.

An Amazing Video

School Bus Children

School bus children
live in a different world
where buses leave on time
leaving behind
uncrowded playgrounds
walks home with friends
practice for the Christmas play
extra help with homework

School bus children
learn to line up quickly
or risk sitting in the front row
where the rearview mirror
reflects dark eyes
waiting to catch someone
breaking the rules

When I'm Feeling Blue

I turn to Picasso.

A Day Late

and a dollar short. Yesterday was Kris Kristofferson's 73rd birthday. He still looks mighty good to me, especially when he sings "Me and Bobby McGee."

The Rest of the Story

So, having acquired an "early exposure to jazz," on a date with a southern California DJ for a small local radio station, I decided to impress him with my vast knowledge of jazz by waxing eloquently about Cal "T" Jader. He promptly set me straight: "It's  Cal Jader." Ooops! Once burned, twice learned. 

Happy B-Day Adolphe

My first husband and the father of my two sons, introduced me to jazz, via Earl Bostic, an extraordinary sax player. The saxophone itself was invented by (and named for) Adolphe Sax. To both men I say "Thank you, for the sexiest music ever invented."

A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall

I love Bob Dylan. Everything about him, especially his gravelly voice, pointed lyrics, and brazen eccentricity. In my next life, I want to be Dylan. 

If I Were a Cat

I'd lie on my mother's breast

nurse for a while

then sleep the sleep of the well-fed

I'd dream

of chasing daisies in the field

Waking, I'd stretch long and deep

open my mouth so wide

butterflies would rush in

If I were a cat

I'd make playthings of small creatures

bat them about

pretend to free them

then reach out, grab them by the tail

and eat them

If I were a cat I'd taunt the dog

pretend to fall out the window

then pull back at the last possible moment

laughing at his stupid expression

If I were a cat

I'd find a partner and have dozens of babies

Each perfect, just like me

Our Sisters in Iran

My first job in Hollister was teaching 8th grade algebra. One of my students, a young girl from Iran, was really struggling with the concepts so she stayed every day after school to get extra help.

By the end of the school year, she had brought her grade up to a B and was honored at the year end assembly with a "most improvement" award. Her parents were so proud.

She wrote the following thank-you on my white board. I can't remember the exact translation but her sweet smile said it all.