This time of year always pushes my limits. Some say the veil between this world and the next becomes very thin, so hyper-dramatic things happen. So here's the scenario:...the Thugz gathered in Monte Rio on Thursday night for a rehearsal. It began to sprinkle as we packed up to go home. On my way north, I saw a horrible accident in Jenner, and it turned out to be a fatal crash involving one of my dear former students from Fort Ross School. It was devastating. The next evening, Mike and I played a duo gig at the Timber Cove Inn for Halloween. The music certainly helped to soothe my feelings of confusion and sadness. Luckily there were some great folks there who loved the music and cheered us on. On Saturday, the Thugz were due to travel to S.F. for a big gig in the Mission. I had been dreading the long drive and city traffic for a long time. Then Mike offered to drive with me - hallelujah! We found the venue, set up, ate some fabulous pizza at a place on Valencia, then played until the party ended. It was so much fun to be with all the Thugz (Drew and Maris too!). We sounded good and received lots of compliments. It was a Rex Foundation crowd, so there were Dead Heads in dressy clothes everywhere. It was a very late night getting home to the Cazadero Hills, but the big, waxing gibbous moon lit the way, and I felt so grateful about having the chance to play with my Thugz family once again. So all the darkness, the tragedy of a young death, the promise of new life to come, the hope for love and peace in our community and in our world - all these swirled around as we played music for Halloween and for the Day of the Dead. This morning is bright and clear - with a return to standard time. We move along, thankful for each other, for life, for music, for the whole bit. The Thugz will gather again at the Rio Nido Roadhouse this coming Saturday and again for our annual holiday show on December 20th - more chances for hugs with Thugz!
Take care. Love, Sylvia