Monday, June 30, 2003

the passage of a golden age

One of my favorite actresses of all time, Katharine Hepburn has left us at 96. Along with Gregory Peck, who also recently passed on, she was part of a Golden Age of Hollywood, an era that the world will never see the likes of again - except, Thank Divinity - through the magic of video.

The charisma, glamour and incredible talent to be found within the pantheon of those great movie makers helped to create a form of entertainment that changed the world. The art form of moviemaking was perfected in that time and would never have been quite so enchanting without the likes of Katherine and Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, James Cagney and James Stewart....and countless other actors, directors, writers and producers of vision and style.

I feel honored to have lived in a time that allowed me to share a tiny bit of the same airspace of these legendary greats - gone but not forgotten. And along with their legends they have left a bit of the magick and inspiration that has always sparked the following generations that contributed to the creation of their own legends, geniuses and innovators.

And so I send my prayers and wishes of blessings, along with countless others today - and I wish Hepburn and Peck good journeys and new adventures - may they find in full measure as much joy as they gave generations through the gift of their compelling and timeless contributions to the art of movies!

Some fittingly lovely sites devoted to the legendary lovely lady can be found here, here and here.
Posted by etherealfire :: 5:10 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, June 28, 2003

a crystal cave

Imagine finding this on a rock hunt! A geologist's, or rockhound's, or crystal aficiando's dream come true! The crystals are said to be perfect and the geode is large enough to hold 10 people within it. Amazing!!!
Posted by etherealfire :: 4:00 PM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Friday, June 27, 2003

the cost to be the boss: exacting a price too high

The death toll of American soldiers continue to rise in the middle east. Recent losses cited by name and age - and the nagging question that does not go away continues....
Posted by etherealfire :: 11:58 AM :: ---------------oOo--------------- creating a department of peace

This just in: from the lead, follow or get outta the way dept...

While the acting government is in "crisis management" mode to quote the following article, the Natural Law Party has created its own Peace Government. Well, why not? If you want the job done right....
Posted by etherealfire :: 11:09 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Monday, June 23, 2003

housework as performance art

So, I was looking up "housework" in Yahoo ... what??? .... "why", you ask???? - why am I looking it up instead of doing it at 10:50 a.m. on a Monday???? To be honest I don't know: guilt, because its the next best thing to doing it myself, looking for a miracle shortcut??? Who knows why... I didn't find the panacea I was looking for, though.

But what I did find was a pair of links, that just begs the question: When does housework become performance art?

Short answer: When the male of the species engages in it. Har, har, har... oh OKAY - I'll knock off the latent hostility and the poor attempt at humor and go clean the kitchen like a good girl.

Meanwhile, you can check these two links out for yourself and see for yourself: The Urban Housework Project and Fluxus Housework.
Posted by etherealfire :: 11:08 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, June 21, 2003

summer solstice has arrived!

Happy Solstice!

It officially begins at 12:10 p.m. today (PST) (3:10 New York time) and a world clock/time converter can be found here.

All over the world today and tomorrow, there will be gatherings and times set aside for people to join in silence, in meditation, in prayer and in positive intent for peace and healing.

Barbara Wolf from Global Meditations Network has compiled some Solstice related-links in celebration of this time of year.

Here is a link to a list of global events lined up for today and tomorrow and some are ongoing through the week.

One event that is being initiated in Japan is called Candle Night and it has some lovely suggestions for the hours between 8 and 10 p.m. All you need is a candle and a commitment to making that time a special time for reflection! Sounds lovely, actually!!!

Even though it is probably too late to physically link up at any of these events, I've decided I am going to take a few zen-like moments of silence and peace at that moment and give it as a gift to myself as well as the rest of the world. I hope many will do the same!

Peace Out!!!


Posted by etherealfire :: 5:56 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Friday, June 20, 2003

all about tresses: today's friday five

And now it is time for the Friday Five:

1. Is your hair naturally curly, wavy, or straight? Long or short?

My hair has a natural wave in it and is currently just past shoulder length.

2. How has your hair changed over your lifetime?

I've gone long and short over the years and in adulthood I've been able to change my hair color from the drabby brown with hints of gold/red highlight potential to my hair's true spirit color: red!!! (with gold/red highlights - lol!) When I was a baby my hair was dark blonde; by adolescence it was medium brown. Then I grew up and it got darker but not happier. So I listened to my hair's advice and happily went red!

3. How do your normally wear your hair?

Tumbled out of bed, extremely low-maintenance, wash and air-dried.

4. If you could change your hair this minute, what would it look like?

Pre-raphaelite ringlets that required absolutely no effort from me whatsoever.

5. Ever had a hair disaster? What happened?

My first attempt at the "red" look did not start out on a very happy note. I had my stylist give me a "copper penny" cellophane in the early 80's. But on my head it was not so much "copper penny" as it was "bozo orange'. My boyfriend and I were heading off for a long weekend vacation in Colorado and he spent much of the entire weekend trying to shampoo out the orange disaster my hair had become. I was so utterly mortified that I actually took an extra day off from work to go in and have my hair re-dyed back to my boring brown shade. Since this was my first attempt at going red I was kind of frightened off from trying again for several months. But once I had the right shade in my hair, I knew that red was the only color for me!
Posted by etherealfire :: 10:24 AM :: ---------------oOo--------------- pentangle's musical legacy

I came to know and love the versatile British cult band, Pentangle, the way I discover many of my musical hidden treasures; by recommendation from family, friends and peers, or as in this case, by checking out the favorite artists of my own favorite artists. Jimmy Page often mentioned the acoustical guitar influence of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, and cited Pentangle as an example of the type of band he had originally considered patterning his own post-Yardbirds band after; he changed his mind and, happily, Led Zeppelin was born. But his interest in this band piqued my own and I discovered their music and was hooked on their eclectic and broad range of music.

I just recently bought Bert Jansch's latest effort, Edge of a Dream, and I really love it! But I've been wondering if their were any liklihood that the original band might reunite. In searching for information, I stumbled upon a really great site that has a 1996 interview with John Renbourn that I had never read before. Rambles.net had a list of interviews with many of my favorite "folkie/alternative" artists so this was a real find! I'm going to have a really great time reading them all!

However, the closest there has been to a recent original member Pentangle reunion was the pairing of Renbourn and vocalist Jacqui McShee this year. I just discovered that they were within 30 miles of me on May 31st and I never knew it. :-(
Who knows when I will ever get an opportunity like that again???

But, then again, to be optimistic, an opportunity just might conceivably present itself next year...and while I'm dreaming, maybe next year, Bert Jansch will be back on the bill. And if I'm dreaming I might as well dream REALLY REALLY big....and envision Pentangle opening for a Page, Plant and Jones reunion...coming to an amphitheater near me...and you!!!!

Well, why not???? A girl can dream can't she????
Posted by etherealfire :: 10:03 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, June 19, 2003

understanding the patriot act II

Wondering just exactly what Patriot Act II is and what some of the provisions are? It might be an eye opening experience and one that brings in the question of potentially threatened civil liberties to all Americans.

the hatefree zone org has listed some of the key provisions and information on what action can be taken to voice any concerns over this controversial Act.

Posted by etherealfire :: 9:40 PM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

this or that tuesday: reading!

Today's This or That Tuesday:

Reading

1. Newspapers or magazines?

magazines

2. Books-on-tape or regular books?

regular books

3. Paperback or hardcover?

paperback whenever possible

4. Fiction or non-fiction?

non-fiction by a smidgen

5. Sci-Fi/Fantasy or romance novels?

lately, romance novels - again by a smidgen

6. Borrow from library or buy books (either new or used)?

yes! LOL! The kinds of books I usually want to read are not always at the library so I tend to buy more books; but I also go to the library regularly.

7. Subscribe to magazines or buy on newsstand?

newstand - again a close call

8. Current best-sellers or classic literature?

current best-sellers - just barely.

9. Read books once, or re-read favorites every so often?

I re-read favorites constantly! I've probably re-read the Anne series hundreds of times since I was 10, the Earth's Children's books dozens of times, to name two sets of favorites.

10. Here in the U.S., we have two hot best-sellers...former First Lady Hillary Clinton's memoirs, and the new Harry Potter book (coming out June 21). If you had to read one, which one...Hillary or Harry? Why?

Hmmm, that is a tough one... But I think probably Hillary because right now I am obsessing over the political system and the process in the U.S. and trying to absorb as much info as possible about it. But having to choose one over the other - impossible. I've no doubt I'll end up reading both. But I'm not even caught up on the Harry Potter series yet so the new one could wait a bit.
Posted by etherealfire :: 10:57 PM :: ---------------oOo--------------- a peek inside the magic crystal ball

Bored? Can you foil the magic crystal ball or will it read your mind? Is it magic? Or a full proof algebraic equation of some kind? Well, whatever it is, it kept me baffled and amazed for quite awhile...but then again, I'll admit it I'm pretty easily amused!
Posted by etherealfire :: 10:55 PM :: ---------------oOo--------------- ring of power

Ring Of Power is a thought provoking journal of ideas and inspirations updated every Monday. I just discovered it today through my GPC newsgroup and I found it to be a very enlightening and moving record of one woman's reflections.
Posted by etherealfire :: 8:24 AM :: ---------------oOo--------------- say a prayer for peace

World Peace Org is collecting prayers in commemoration of September 11th. Prayers will be added to be submitted along with a "peace pole" that is to be presented to the City of New York. There is also information about the World Peace Society and efforts being made to organize coordinated prayers from people all over the world. It is a pretty awesome site and it was a lovely way to start the morning. Those interested can check it out and submit your own prayer!
Posted by etherealfire :: 8:12 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, June 15, 2003

Happy Father's Day!

I spoke to my dad earlier today and it was very good to hear his voice. I really miss him today and cannot wait till they come out for a visit in August.

I feel so grateful that my father is the kind of father that he is: warm, funny and always caring, wanting to give us comfort, support and advice whenever we need it most. I know that Stu feels the same about his dad. We both know how very lucky we are; good fathers are under-rated as a whole, I believe. There are plenty of dads out there that are true heroes to their families, much as our fathers have been to us and my husband has been to his family. So I wish a very Happy Father's Day to all those unsung heroes out there today. This is your day! I hope you will find that you have much to celebrate today!

I found this at NPR today. It was really great reading and very inspirational. Enjoy all you fathers and all you fans of fathers!!!
Posted by etherealfire :: 8:23 PM :: ---------------oOo--------------- some sunday subliminals

Here are my Sunday Subliminals from Unconscious Mutterings:

1. Arbitrary:: unpredictable
   
2. Sweatshop :: slavery
   
3. Cotton ball:: cleanser
   
4. Intimate:: cuddles
   
5. Forgotten:: dreams
   
6. Photography:: freeze-frame
   
7. Secretary:: underpaid
   
8. Stadium:: concert
   
9. Purpose:: objective
   
10. Shoe box:: mementoes
    

Posted by etherealfire :: 7:41 PM :: ---------------oOo--------------- a saturday slant for father's day

Here's the Saturday slant a little bit late, but appropriate for Father's Day in any case.

Who is a hero in your life?

Heroes abound, if we recognize that heroism is not simply grand gestures of self-sacrifice for the sake of another. Courage is doing what must be done despite one's fear. Heroism is doing what must be done for another's sake despite one's fear or the cost to oneself. Usually heroes are those who perform many little acts, small sacrifices, to help others. Who is a hero in your life? What was one of his/her acts of heroism? How has that person's heroism effected you?

My Slant?

My husband really is a hero in my book. He manages to hold our family together through everything. Our teen daughter has had a rough couple of years and I have pretty much been at my wits end at times. He has remained a calm and steady anchor as we have weathered the difficult storms of teen angst and that balancing act between knowing when to intervene and when to let go and let her grow so she can own responsibility and learn about decision making and all the consequences that result from any given outcome.

He works very hard all day and then he comes home and does whatever it takes to create a sane and tranquil home life. When my daughter was taking night classes four nights a week four hours a night, he made every effort to be home in time for a quick family dinner then to drive us there to drop her off amd to pick her up because he knew that this would be the only time on those days that he would have a chance to say hi and touch base with her.

It was never easy to accomplish this as he works 40 miles away and has to take the heavily congested freeways to get home; as a manager he has to work 10-12 hours on any given day, so he would get up at 4:30 a.m. daily, make that tedious commute and after a long hard day at work, have a rushed dinner and do some more driving (twice) just so we could all be together as a family for a few precious moments.

Then pretty much every night, rain or shine, no matter how tired he is or how he's feeling, he joins me and the dogs for a walk. The dogs love this walk so much that they begin piping up with excitement about it around 8 pm nightly. I know that there have been so many times when after a long hard day at work all he wanted to do was play on the computer for awhile then head off to bed early because 4:30 in the morning just comes very quickly for the overworked. Time is a precious commodity. But he ceaselessly shares his, thinking of others first.

Then there are the countless things he does to make our lives run more smoothly. He can do and frequently has done any household chore imaginable; he is an excellent cook. He does the extensive yard work and any repair and upkeep that he possibly can. When one of us females blows a fuse, crashes a computer or cannot make some electrical appliance work, he comes to the rescue. He runs errands with me, for me, instead of me. He deals with service repair problems. He pays the bills. Sometimes I wonder what he even needs me for and why he bothers with the nuisance of it all.

In his shoes, I'm very afraid I probably wouldn't. But I know why he does it. He does it out of love and loyalty and responsibility. He does it because he takes his role as husband and father seriously. He is my hero!

Happy Father's Day!!!
Posted by etherealfire :: 12:51 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, June 14, 2003

sources of superstition: Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th has proved to be a pretty normal day for me in the vast scheme of things. I am not particularly superstitious about things like black cats, walking under ladders or Friday the 13th. However, I do believe in the influence of planetary energies upon our planet and in our individual astrological charts. The full moon in particular is a significant occurance, although not at the same degree of significance: it depends entirely on if that degree is making tight aspects within an individual chart. Tomorrow night will be the actual full moon but tonight's moon is an incredibly big and beautiful one, just the same.

In any case, I was curious to know the significance behind the superstitious fear of Friday the 13th. From an astrological site I found this information. I never knew the reason for the superstition but I have learned that there is usually some historic meaning behind things like this.
Posted by etherealfire :: 12:06 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Friday, June 13, 2003

Friday Five

Here's the Friday Five:

1. What's one thing you've always wanted to do, but never have?

Travel to obscure/exotic places like the Galapagos, Easter Island, Bali, Antarctica. For that matter, travel outside of the Americas would be awesome. I've been to many parts of the US and Canada. I've been to Mexico and to Peru. But that's about it.

2. When someone asks your opinion about a new haircut/outfit/etc, are you always honest?

Um, yes I try to be... But I try to be as diplomatic and positive as I can about it. This does not always meet with success and can backfire at times. But I really hate making somebody feel bad if it isn't necessary. And in a situation like that it is really hard to know whether it is necessary or not...

3. Have you ever found out something about a friend and then wished you hadn't? What happened?

Yes, but not directly. It was not something they would have ever willingly shared with me because they probably knew that I would feel uncomfortable about it. Still it made me sad that they could not share it because of fear of judgment on my part. The thing that made me saddest about it all is that I could not go to them and say it was okay and I was sorry that they didn't feel safe to confide in me. I couldn't because I wasn't even supposed to know about it. That made me think alot about the way I present myself as a friend; it made me realize that I wasn't someone that this person believed would accept them unconditionally and lend an ear when they needed it.

4. If you could live in any fictional world (from a book/movie/game/etc.) which would it be and why?

Places that I dreamed of in childhood: The Hundred Acre Wood, Prince Edward Island during the "timeframe" of the Anne books, Camelot when it was at its zenith point. Because they seem to be enchanting, carefree, idyllic places.


5. What's one talent/skill you don't have but always wanted?

I wish I had the discipline and the drive to learn to play the guitar. I've been stuck on the F chord since I was thirteen. I never get farther than a couple of chords in about 10 minutes and my fingers are cramped and my finger pads screaming and I'm a wussie because absolutely EVERYBODY that I know that wants to play accomplishes it in a very short time.


Posted by etherealfire :: 3:50 PM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, June 12, 2003

america's story

Bill Moyers is a sane voice in the wilderness of my recent despair and growing doubts about the viability of true democracy. As always, he speaks with clarity and compassion about the things that matter most. As an American citizen living in a time of great potential chaos and potential positive transcending changes, nothing could matter more. "This is your story, America - pass it on..."
Posted by etherealfire :: 2:24 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, June 05, 2003

been a long time since rock'n'roll!

Led Zeppelin is number one with a bullet and Jimmy Page is still trying to get the rumour mill under control. I've been playing the cds and dvds, reading, watching and listening to everything Zep related that I can get my hands on and to paraphrase the guitar god himself, I've been eating, drinking, dreaming zeppelin almost non-stop this past week. And cherishing every moment of the publicity blitz going on right now because who knows how long it will last or when we will get to revel in so much Led Zeppelin news again. Here's the latest bit of news I've found; this report is from MTV.

And here's an interview with BBC 1 from earlier today!

Right now life is very very good! And only one thing would make it better....but I am not going to add to much grist to the rumour mill, I guess. Oh well, I can dream can't I?
Posted by etherealfire :: 9:50 PM :: ---------------oOo---------------