Hiding out

I've gone into hiding. I just got my 'finished' book back and discovered a whole new meaning for 'not done'. I'll be in the sticks, writing my heart out and will return when I've got a book in the bag.

Looking up

Things are looking up. If I hadn't bothered to pay attention, this cactus flower in my kitchen window would have lived its entire life without me knowing.

As the crow flies

In the Mojave Desert I lived near Edward's Air Force Base. If a space shuttle was unable to land in Florida, it was detoured to Edward's.
I was lying on my rickety chaise lounge one afternoon behind my house on our 5 acres when one of these shuttles flew right over my house as it was being transported back to Florida.
I remember thinking it was the most ordinary of things to see in the desert sky.

Rite of passage

I'm hearing a lot about "The Prom" lately. A rite of passage, an integral ingredient in a young girl's development. I didn't go to 'my prom'.
I hung out with a small group of what would now be called hippies, in a little shack on a friend's property that skirted the railroad tracks in a rural southern California town, listening to the oud on our Crosley Stack-o-Matic.
The rite of passage obviously isn't the same for all young girls.

Out to lunch

Today the State Supreme Court has made a ruling. They're going to tell us what that is on Tuesday. What, they have a barbeque to go to? They're waiting for a microphone? What?

Treasures

Today at the flea, I bought someones partial plate complete with about 10 teeth, 2 books, 4 pansies and one very rusted and heavy seed planter from yesteryear.

Happy Birthday, Tyler!!!

My grandson turns 15 today. He is one fantastic kid, great student, football star, world traveler. He's the one who willingly gives up his space when we visit so we'll be comfortable. He saves me from killer dogs and when we travel together he makes sure there are no tarantulas, sea crabs or other creatures lurking in my room! Have a great one, Ty!

Annie Bones and her pink bandage

Annie Bones has her very first injury. We thought she might have a tick because of our recent trip to the Sierra's. The vet thought she had a little tumor...but many dollars and pain and suffering later, a thorn was discovered! Poor little Annie...(nice bandage though)

The cupboard is bare

This morning after a dog walk, I came home famished. I scrounged around and found an old hamburger bun that I toasted. Guess I'll have to put down my pen and run to the store for essentials. The muse can only feed you for so long.

Stacked chairs

Doris Salcedo (b. 1958) Columbian born sculptor. (looks a little like my bedroom closet.)

Grave situation

Lately I've been having gravity issues. I'm dealing with them one toe at a time. Baring wind shear I should be back to normal soon.

Zasu Pitts and her lucky jade

We walked by Zasu Pitts' childhood home yesterday in Santa Cruz. It is currently nestled between the Nick, (indie theatre) and Jack's Hamburgers. Out front was a small hand printed sign: 'Cuttings from Zasu's lucky jade. Help yourself.' So we did. Today I'll find a sunny spot for planting and hope the jade brings us fame and fortune the way it did for Zasu.

Preparing for disaster

My best friend, Susan and I used to spend our days preparing for disaster. We'd strap one arm to our bodies and go through the day using only one hand, just in case we ever lost our arm. We blindfolded ourselves, spending hours in darkness for the day we went blind. We were Girl Scouts. We'd been taught to always be prepared. And we were.

Honoring the mother in us

In honor of Mother's Day, I've finally cleaned my writing room, a place I abandoned months ago. A place where the expectations were just too high. A room that asked too much of me. (I've been writing on a chair in the house). Now I'm going back. I'll see if the room lives up.

Almost famous

I've always loved those photos of the 'first drafts' of things by famous people, their scribblings on cocktail napkins or the sides of menus and paper bags. So, here's mine. Please take note.

Wildlife

When we first saw this animal from our RV window we thought it might be a deer or a cow, possibly an elephant, (note 'trunk' on right side of animal), or maybe something prehistoric. I hiked across the field and found out it was a wild turkey, (a huge wild turkey!).

Much too large for this little cat to tackle, so the two of us just watched together.

Amado draws Toronto

My son posted this photo of his son, Amado drawing several days ago. The more I look at the picture, the more I love it. I just had to use it as my own.

May Sarton's Well

Yesterday would have been May Sarton's 97th birthday. I can't count how many nights I've immersed myself in her journals, poetry and fiction. I've always felt connected to her. My friend, Sandra Martz was the publisher responsible for 'May Sarton's Well'. See Sandra's tribute to May on her blog: http://www.skmartz.blogspot.com/

Excuse me, do you have a Kleenex?

Today, a United Airlines flight from Munich was diverted to Chicago or somewhere because a 53 year old passenger complained of a runny nose. What I don't get is why a 53 year old person would complain to anyone about a runny nose. There is so much mystery out there.

Banjos in the bar

When I lived in the desert, my friend and I took up the banjo. We practiced a lot and decided it was time for our 1st gig. We went to the Yucca Inn on Hwy 138 on Super Bowl Sunday, set up and began vigorously playing 'Shucking the Corn'. The people in the bar, trying to be nice, smiled a lot, but kept turning up the sound on the TV so eventually all you could hear was the roar of the football crowd. We learned we should probably check the calendar before our next musical engagement. That and maybe practice a little more.

Vacationland

Before I retired I didn't understand why and how retired people went on "vacation". (I mean 'vacation' from what?) Now, I get it. We're leaving early tomorrow morning for the Sierras. Back next week. (I'm going to take my guitar and on Sunday, I'm going to play the 3 chords I know and sing, "This land is my land...!" Robustly..see post below.)

Happy Birthday, Pete Seeger (May 3rd)

Pete Seeger is an incredible human being and one of my heros. He and dozens of performers will celebrate his 90th birthday at Madison Square Gardens in NYC (Katie) this Sunday. Boy, what wouldn't I give to be there. I'd even give my hammer, (if I had one).