I am going to have this played at my funeral. ENJOY!!

Hat Tip: Ronni Bennett at Time Goes By (http://www.timegoesby.net/)
If anyone doubted it, here’s proof that some things definitely improve with age. Sixty-four-year-old Joni Mitchell’s voice is deeper now, more resonant. This new arrangement of an old favorite is richer, smoother and the passing years have invested the lyrics with a new kind of poignancy. [7:17 minutes]

.I've Looked At Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell


Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all

Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way

But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away

Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day

Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all


This is her 1970 version of the same song.
Listen to the difference in her inflections.

CA and I *Discussing* Politics!!!

The "Fog of Aging"

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Fog of Aging

(The term "fog of war" refers to the uncertainty that descends over a battlefield once fighting begins.) I have two very good friends who recently have had new/different/strange health episodes...that ending up sending them to the emergency room. Now they are being put through a list of medical test....and have entered what I have come to call "The Fog of Aging".....where no one know what went wrong, why, or what to do about it.....an uncertainty has descended over the medical field once their age was taken into consideration. 

In researching their problems I came across David Solie's wonderful blog Aging Parents Insight this week called:Brain Aging

In his blog entry he talks about a new book by Dr. Peter Whitehouse entitled Myth of Alzheimer's: What You Aren't Being Told About Today's Most Dreaded Diagnosis

Apparently, he feels strongly about how the concept of  “normal brain aging” is being abused:

1. It has once again made aging, the natural changes that are programmed into the human life span, a pathological event. The shame of aging has been intensified by the shame of anything less than perfect brain function. There is no middle ground. We are summoned to a war against poor brain behavior at almost any cost. It is a fear that might convince us to “pre-medicate” the normal drift of forgetting names or reduced multi-tasking as a containment strategy.

2. It has created a twenty-first century “leper syndrome” at a time when 125,000,000 adults are struggling to get through the second half of life. Once the first “mental lesion” a change in brain function is detected, the outcast process begins. A flurry of scans, exams, and lab test mark the official entry into the dementia colony.
There are several other good topic's on David Solie's blog: Check It Out.
m

Willie Nelson - 1997 - Funny How Time Slips Away

Radiant Texas Storyteller: My GRANDAD

I am going through some old photograps and came across this one of my Grandad.

Aligning with the Rhythms of the Earth: Imbolc

The Shaman Woman in me keeps a very detailed calendar to mark (and ritualize/celebrate) the seasons that represent the natural rhythms of the earth. I also record the Moon cycles in my 'Goddess Book of Moons' that keep me touch with the phases of the Moon, my female body and my *Moon Magic*. As a Virgo, Calendaring also keeps me in touch with my love of Astrology........ which I will share about in another post.
Coming from one of the most fertile valleys of our country, the Imperial Valley in California, , it is only natural that I am very sensitive to the seasons of the year. Where I grew up, our lives were oriented around the rhythms of the year.... as farmers follow the cyclic pattern of planting, tending and harvesting. It was not until my fifties that I began to get back in touch the rhythms of nature. I came to realize how important it is to align with the energy of the seasons aand the moon: it helped me to reconnect with the earth, the stars, and the universe..... and with myself. Although it seems like a simple idea, it has a profound and transformation effect.

For most people this this weekend will mark the playing of the Superbowl!...but perhaps it is just our modern way to celebrate Imbolic (or Candlemas) one of the great cross-quarter days which make up the wheel of the year. Imbolic falls midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and in many traditions is considered the beginning of spring.

There are many ways to talk about Imbolc. But I was completly "blown away" by a post describing Imbolc posted by Rain on Rainy day thoughts that I want to share this morning.
She "says it all" and her personal pictures are breathtaking. I hope you will visit her bog and see her work.

From Rain........
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Imbolc
Today is one of four, seasonal Celtic festivals-- Beltane, Lammas,
Samhain, and Imbolc. Typical of our culture to downgrade its
meaning, most know Imbolc better as Groundhog's Day. The
early Christian church renamed it Candelmas (representing
40 days after Jesus's birth, the purification of Mary, and the
presentation of Christ to the temple). Imbolc is also known
as the festival of waxing light-- meaning the days are growing
longer.

It's midway between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
This is the season where we all look toward the branches to
see if the buds are starting to swell-- or we would if it wasn't
snowing or freezing rain outside. Some call this day Brigid's
Day for the ancient Celtic goddess of water and fire.
**(See:Owl's Wings for more on Bridid's Day)
She [Brigid] presided over smithcraft, poetry and healing--
all forms of sacred fire, inspiration. Her holy flame at Kildare
was tended by nineteen vestals.

"Later, when the worship of the Goddess was disguised as
the worship of the Saint, her priestesses were replaced by nuns."
by Starhawk 2007 and in We'Moon '08.

Basically it is a day for us to think about justice, about what
we want the growing light to bring to our world. One way
to celebrate it is with water and fire. If I was a wiccan,
which I am not, I might gather together with others who had
a desire to see justice and healing grow throughout the world,
and we would bring our water, light the fire and say words
that had meaning to us.My heritage is French Celtic,
something I discovered in the family ancestry many years
after I felt it in my heart.

I have long been drawn to Celtic music and simple rituals,
using natural elements, which add symbolic meaning to my
own intentions both for my personal life and for what I hope
to see manifested in the world. Many of the so-called pagan
ways, have more depth than what some today consider to be
religious but instead seem to be empty of any meaningful
symbols to help us focus on what we most need for ourselves
and others."One by one, in tiny increments, candle by candle,
gesture by effort, wish by prayer, concern by care, we feed
the life-fires of the soul and light the infinite universe, little
by little from within." by Donna Henes 2003 in We'Moon '08

So sometime soon, it's not so important what day (Imbolc can
officially be between January 31st to February 3rd), gather
the water of life and light the fire of intention for change
in the coming year-- meaningful change that makes our own
life and that of others on this earth better-- even though
it might be bit by bit.

Posted by Rain
**(Be sure and go to her site Rainy day thoughts
and see her wonderful personal pictures.)

I hope you have meaningful Imbolc.......and your team wins at the
Super Bowl!
And The Beat Goes On....................................

taco john starring whiplash the cowboy monkey

The Devine Miss M...What a Radiant Woman of Spirit!

Hey, I'm Bacaaaaaaaak......................form Southern Florida.....
just in time to see Bette Midler (who is 62) on Oprha this afternoon :
Click here: Bette Midler is Heading for Las Vegas
She is definately a *Radiant Woman of Spirit*!
Don' miss her web site:Click here: Bette Midler

She is known for her incomparable humor, over-the-top imagination and captivating charisma, the Divine Miss M. has appropriately titled her new Las Vegas production Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On. The show, which is created exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, will make its highly anticipated debut on February 20, 2008.
Let's get tickets and GO!

That Woman Can Dance.......just watch the YouTube ....on my sidebar!
Nice to be home again.
And the Beat Goes On.....................................

Another Powerful *Synchronisity*...A Powerful Full Moon in Leo

Feel the ~~rhythm~~ of that Leo Full Moon out there tonight?

Time to Dance.....!!!!!

And Celebrate your inner artist at this Full Moon.

Listen to what Molly Hall who cordinates the Astrolge pages on About.com has to say to us *Moon in Leo Ladies*:
(No wonder I am compelled to start this blog right now!)

"This Tuesday's full Moon (Exact at 8:35 am EST) is in Leo,
the sign of the artist, player and lover. Spontaneity is
contageous, and this lunar culmination inspires everyone to
express themselves freely. Leo gets the improv and
storytelling rolling, making it a fine time for parties.
Here in the chill of winter, this lunation in a fire sign has a
warming effect. With the spirit of generosity in the air, each
person's uniqueness emerges, and is encouraged to shine.
The StarIQ chart shows an expansive full Moon for romance
and friendship, with the love planet Venus conjuncting Pluto
in late Sagittarius.
All kinds of adventures could be dreamt up now, with the
emphasis on growing through shared experience.
Mercury-Neptune in Aquarius trines Mars retrograde in
Gemini. A sense of revved up mental energies in the air makes
conversations a little fresher. Did I really say that? Surprising
remarks could tumble out and open the door to ...who knows
what?
The Sun in Aquarius rounds out the stellium in this
freedom-loving sign with a strong affinity for the collective.
The Leo-Aquarius axis is therefore fully lit up this full
Moon. Leo is at home in the particular, and seeks to express
what is unique to the self. It's a regal sign with an instinct for
encouaging the dignity in others. Aquarius tunes into the many,
and often seeks to provoke change that will benefit all. As a
quirky original, Aquarius values the individual, in the context
of the wider community. It's an ideal time to hold a benefit, or
start a grassroots campaign. (Start a blog!) And why not do
it artfully, with creativity that blows everyone away. Something
they won't soon forget. This full Moon supports using your
creative vitality for a cause you believe in. (Yes! Start a blog to
live the creative *Spirit*)
And on the topic of creativity, the time is right to take a risk
and express yourself in a new medium. Be experimental. Take
action on the new Moon intentions made under the ambitious
influence of Capricorn. With Jupiter in this steady earth sign,
making a trine to Saturn in Virgo, it's easier to seize the day.
You may sense more inner resolve to stay focused on what
you'd like to achieve. The Leo full Moon also amps up your
will to succeed, adding to the moment's sense of possibility. (Yes!)
The colors for this full Moon are warm -- reds, oranges and
yellows. Try putting colored crepe paper around regular
glass jars, and put a votive inside. I've tried this for parties,
and it's an inexpensive way to create atmosphere. Seek
out those friends that encourage you to shine. It's a moment
to revel in what makes you You, while appreciating that
spark in others. Have fun!

Don't let this Powerful Leo Moon pass with out *You*.
Dance until you Drop!

And while you are at it:
Check out these sites:

Rain at Rainy day thoughts has captured this becautiful Wolf Moon on her blog.

And don't miss the Wisdom at MoonCircles.com - Moon Astrology

We are going on a "Road Trip" tomorrow.....................so I'll see ya next week.
And the Beat Goes On.

Roberta McCain, 96,.....what a Woman, what a *Radiant Woman of Spirit*

Boy, did John McCain ever lose an *opportunity* last night during his victory Speech after his South Carolina win. As all the various dignitaries gathered on the podium, his 96 year old Mother, Roberta McCain, (born 7 February 1912 in Muskogee, Oklahoma) stepped nimbly up onto the stage.
I really wanted him to turn around at the end of his speech and call her forward....and recognize this wonderful woman and Elder.
But, alas he left her "standing in the wings".
What a great asset this woman is to his campaign and his life.
Check out this video of her on NBC: Click here: MSNBC Video featured on Meet The Press! Yes, indeed.....What a Pistol!
What is the most important thing your Mom taught you?
Some addition information I just found: from Click here: John McCain ....... " His mother, a wealthy oil heiress, has been described as "the Auntie Mame of Navy wives". The family still chuckles about the day she went on an errand to buy a new dress, and came home with a new Mercedes instead."

The daughter of a Los Angeles oilman, she signed on for Navy life at an early age. After two unsuccessful attempts at eloping--"The car broke down the first time, and I got cold feet the other"--the debutante succeeded in stealing away to Tijuana to marry a young Navy ensign who had been barred from her house for the previous year. Just 19, she brought her college textbooks on her honeymoon. The San Francisco Examiner ran a headline at the time that read SOCIETY COED ELOPES WITH NAVY OFFICER: ROBERTA WRIGHT DEFIES FAMILY. For his part, her husband Jack McCain was punished for being absent without leave.

And The Beat Goes On.......

Let My Blog Begin.............2008