Good grief - I'm overwhelmed with information about human potential for cruelty and lack of compassion. How can it be? Yesterday, I was surrounded by beauty - springtime greenery, ocean view, nesting birds, sprouting seeds - but the radio was blasting news about a Texas disaster, the Boston tragedy and crazed Eastern European bombing suspects. Thank goodness it was Thursday, and we had the chance to gather, smile, make music, dance and celebrate the best in each of us. I have to admit I was a bit distracted nevertheless - so I blithely played most of "Billy Hell" in A minor while Chris and Mike played in E minor (the right key!). By the end of the song, I woke up and got with the program, but Mike had to sing the tune and finesse his way around my cacophony. Adding to my confused state of mind was Drew's projection on the back wall - an old film (1953) of my father being interviewed on black and white TV. Drew ran the 16mm film interspersed with a light show - very artistic and groovy - but Pop was always there, "watching me" from behind. It was hard not to turn around. The music always triumphs, so I ended up having a great night, and my spirit was lifted. Driving home along the coast, I was "followed" by a bright light in my rear-view mirror that turned out to be the waxing moon - spectacular. I admit I turned on the radio for company, and, sure enough, there was massive coverage of police action in Boston. All I could do was turn it off and let the music ring in my head. Good grief - what do folks do if they don't have outlets like we do? I'm so grateful for music, band mates, nature's wonders, and the potential in all of us to be compassionate and kind. Onward and upward to 420 DAZE! We'll celebrate life at Saturday's bash - see you there.
Take care. Love, Sylvia