My business has been doing well, and that means that I have to ramp up my production.I intentionally skipped the Glen Ellen Farmer's Market today to accomplish what needs to be done. I refuse to sell products that I would not want to keep myself.The rock below is an example of a good quality mediation rock that I would sell for twenty-five dollars along with a gift bag.
Today I hiked up to Coyote Peak with a friend, just because I have been so sedentary these past few days. I drive to these markets and sell my painted rocks only to set my display up, and then sit on my ass for four hours. Am i complaining? Hell no. This is the best gig I have had in a long time,even if I haven't been getting much exercise. I still sweat a lot, so that must count for something.
This week I spent some time coming up with a few new ideas after someone suggested that I create an endearing little creature out of one of the rocks I paint. So below is a little lightning bug I will call "Eric", after my friend in Oregon.Eric are you reading this?
Now Eric is painted green and has glow-in-the-dark paint all over his little bug body. The picture you see is what he looks like in the dark. He is about four inches long and has wings made of plastic sheeting and legs made of q-tips painted green. Notice his little toothy smile which seems to say, "Buy me and put me on your nightstand!" (Okay, I made that up). Anyway, I intend to make a few more lightning bugs this summer, so if they turn out as cute as this guy you will see them posted on my other blog...Your Spirit Rocks!
Well Sparky, I do have access through Xfinity’s open network. I just selected it through my list of available WIFI hotspots in the neighborhood. If Comcast has a problem with this, then they can come and knock on my door and TELL ME w.t.f. is wrong with my network connection. Until then, I remain faithfully and wirelessly yours.
This idea of "Trusting the Process" or simply trusting God rings true as every day seems more tenuous and fragile for most everyone on the planet.It is so important to acknowledge and praise the God of our understanding every day.My own sister used to have a phrase that was used by the members of her church.It was, "All praise be to God to whom all praise is due". This has been a reminder for me to acknowledge the gifts of The Holy Spirit which are available to us all.When I am acknowledged or thanked for something I did, I try to remember to "Trust the Process" and continue to give praise to the Creator, because left to my own devices I would have nothing.
Well, you win some, you lose some.(I wonder what Buster Posey was doing sitting there in the stands!? ) The Giants lost this one to the Colorado Rockies 5 to zip. The team looked to be in great shape and their were some excellent defensive plays,Including a very sweet double play in the later innings. Their is speculation that Tim Lincecum the pitcher was not as effective without his long hair. I think some were calling it the "Sansome" effect.He has been a pitching phenom in the past, but lately he has been having some difficulty finding his groove.
Perhaps he is a bit like Barry Zito. A pitcher who we hope will age well as the season progresses. Anyway, my friend Dave and I got to S.F. just in time for the first inning and we stayed until the bitter end. Their was a beautiful full moon above the Park and an excellent fireworks display at the end of the game, sponsored by Round Table Pizza. I should get a commission for mentioning them.
Well, wouldn't you know.The minute I finish writing this blog, I view this great video online showing the ending of Saturday's game.Angel Pagan wallops one into right field, rounds the bases,and slides into home for the winning run.What can be said? Those Rockies are tough, but those Giants have spunk when they pull a rabbit out of the hat like that.
It was free form as people took turns reading,being respectful of each other while giving time at the end of each recitation for a period of reflection or laughter.
A friend,Shelly had organized this event and it now has evolved to become an open participation gathering for anyone wishing to express themselves.The group is simply called, "Words".
I like it already.
The following is the POEM I read on this pleasant Spring evening of May 21st, 2013 at the Echo Gallery in downtown Calistoga where the old Silverado Pharmacy used to be.
A Seniors Lament
Silly Me, I thought I was different. Silly Me,how could I be wrong? Writing songs that leave all the words out, like a date that was late for the prom.
What difference does what I say make? Hollering from hell I was flung,Your words roll off on a silver plate, Mine plop to the ground like dung.
Don't care for the aged, the nurse exclaimed,No problem pushing others aside.Take what is yours and leave no trace,of what others may try to revive.
Stone figures stare down long hallways of fading echoes,When all the empty suitcases wait on turnstiles.Slim hopes of lifting vitality, were left when the last bus went by.
How sorrowful, how sad these cheerleading hags have lent to our yearning years.A connection devoid of worry, and safe from scrupulous fear.
Let me die! the skeleton pleaded.Don't expect any blood from a stone."So what" I raided your freezer,and made off with your cellular phone.
I laughed when you sought change for a penny, How clever, as you sit in the rear.But when you get tired of listening, don't yell,"Hey Van,Go cut off your ear!"
So keep for yourself whatever you steal, and that which never be shown, to those who live in glass houses, and crazies who like to throw stones.
©2013
A few musicians were playing some upbeat tunes on a stage across this large field where all the Classic Cars were displayed. The songs were mostly from the fifties and sixties,which lent itself to the overall ambience of the event. I was a little hungry when I arrived and was told that the vendors get free doughnuts and coffee. Well, that is how the food portion of this story went. The next thing I was to indulge in was a breakfast burrito. About 11am I began smelling fried chicken being cooked across this field of dreams.Naturally, I had to have a few pieces of chicken with some cole slaw. Oh Yum ! it was great.
Business was pretty good and I met a lot of new people from the Angwin area. Most of them are Seventh Day Adventists, but no one seemed like they were going to try to convert me or anything.Things wrapped up around 2pm and It was apparent that many families made this special event one that they enjoy every year. I think that I will return again next year as well.
I found Jack London Village where the farmers market was to be staged, and spoke with a lady there who was loading a pony into a trailer. She informed me that the market was not starting until 10am but that people would begin setting up around 8:30 am. Great, I thought. I can get back to the fire station and have breakfast with all the families and moms on Mother's Day!
Eight bucks was a small price to pay for a breakfast of orange juice, decaf coffee, bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, strawberries, melon and all the pancakes you could eat. Such a deal.Being a newcomer, I introduced myself and asked how I could help out.A woman dressed in uniform informed me that "everything was under control". Then I asked if I could use the restroom. This female fire-person looked me over and then directed me to the back. She seemed a little mistrusting, like I may just be a junkie looking for a place to shoot up ( What-ever!!). But I thanked her for her hospitality nonetheless. Overall, these people were very nice, and I even got my picture taken for being the first customer in line.
After breakfast,I went back to the Village and began setting up for what turned out to be a pretty good sales day. The first market of the season is generally kind of slow, but it was enjoyable because one does not feel spent by all the questions and endless product pitching by the end of the day.
We got to leave the car there, with no committment to return for dinner.Arriving at around three in the afternoon, we walked directly from the coast road into a thick jungle, where we eventually emerged onto the beach.The walk was about a quarter of a mile.
The day was warm, around eighty degrees at the water's edge. Only a few other people were on the beach as we arrived.How glorious to forage around for palm-sized sand-stones to be collected into a canvas bag.We did this for around an hour and then sat on a towel and had Pon dulce and bottled water. We laughed,talked and ate.I drew a picture of her, she painted the horizon and we talked about art. A simple plan for a May day.
Somedays it seems like i am hoping against hope, when what I am experiencing is simply discouragement.Lately, I have worried about making a living.Nine times out of ten, my sense of worry and discouragement passes and my hope gets restored. Thank God.
The problem too, is when my hopes regarding a certain outcome are not met and I set myself up for disappointment.The last time I felt this was when the Forty niners lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the last Super Bowl.I am not still stewing about it though,because (Come on!)it has been almost five months since that occurred.Besides,I was over that one in about five hours.It helped that they played a good game back then.
Incidentally,The pendant below was made for a hopeful fan who wanted something as a testimony to their loyalty.I trust that the Forty Niners "Quest for six" super bowl victories will someday be realized.This brings me to another problem...Over time,when hope turns into expectation.Today, I can expect miracles when I trust my Higher Power and turn everything over to Him.
My friend Veda was going to be working on her creation next to me,around ten feet away.I began cautiously as I had only attempted this type of work on this type of surface once before in San Raphael last June ( it was well over 90º).
My neighbor Don Williams ( a flooring carpenter ) lent me his knee pads which proved to be so necessary for this sixty-two year old body of mine.I also had some latex surgical gloves that protected my hands along with gobs of #30 sunscreen which protected me from the harsh rays of the sun.Now I was ready for business.
I measured out a grid and marked off the squares using the carpenter's chalking device ( a first for me )with a very helpful chap named Brad.I began in the upper right corner as I laid down lots of blue aqua chalk smoothing it over with my hands as I went.Two hours went by and I was already spent!
Veda hadn't arrived but I suspected that she was taking her time driving over from Novato. I left my work for the first day and then went over to my nephew Edward's house to celebrate my sister Rita's 70th birthday party (see pic below).I went home that night and hit the sack early,knowing I had lots to accomplish on Sunday.
Getting up at 5:30am is not my usual M.O., but it felt good as I drove back down to Napa on Highway 29 as the sun was just beginning to rise.When I got to my spot, I could see that Veda had begun her own creation, but she still had not arrived. I began drawing and smoothing out chalk as the morning moved on. Jill returned early with muffins, water, Large shading umbrellas and coffee to help start the day. All the chalk supplies we could think of were provided.It was going to be a long day.Eventually, Veda returned later on Sunday, and again I was feeling tired,yet nearly done with my piece.Initially I had agreed to help Veda with hers, but begged off at the last minute.It looked like she and her friend Bill had bailed out after only an hour or two. My nephew and his family arrived around 1pm and helped me with some finishing touches (see Mila and Miko below).I am very grateful for how it turned out, and may even do it again next year.This time I am certain that was better prepared than last time, but still have a lot to learn about this messy medium.
I just recently found a retail outlet here in Calistoga to show these gift items. I will be speaking with another vendor who will be looking at showing the rocks at a retail outlet near Yountville as well. Things are looking up! Two things I want to get established eventually... an actual retail web site where anyone will be able to order and purchase a rock online. That is not a slam dunk at this point, due to construction, maintenance and operating expenses.
Anyone can visit the other blog, however. Check out the links to the right and click on the Your Spirit Rocks to see the "Rock of the week" and read about my musings...
oh joy!
Their was a nice rain over the weekend which brought some much needed water to the area. The air is clear and fresh and so I decided to walk instead of drive my car to church today. I noticed a lot of little garbage pieces on the ground left by what I have to assume are the many teenagers in the neighborhood who think that the ground is their personal garbage can.The town of Calistoga may be funky, but I don't go for funky and filthy.Enough said
The sun is beginning to reappear and I am inside planning my week.I just ordered a Dome ledger for bookkeeping, after my brother sent me a link online. I am going to be a better bookkeeper this year... ( a promise to myself ).My business is going to increase this year so I have to keep better records of all my sales and expenditures. Am I preaching to the choir here?
I went on a nice hike with my friend Don last Friday up on Mt. Baldy in the Sugarloaf region of Sonoma. It was really great being on top of the mountain and looking at a 360 degree view of the whole area.One could see as far south to the towers of the Golden Gate bridge and as far east as Mt. Diablo. You could also see Mt.St. Helena and the whole Napa Valley looking north and east. It wasn't that strenuous a hike until you began to scale Mt. Baldy. That was a bit of a huff.All in all it took around 3.5 hours to do this hike.
It was great. He had this trip on his bucket list of things to do, and he invited me along for the adventure.Eric lives in Eugene.Home of the Mighty Ducks and the University of Oregon.He drove all the way to Calistoga on Wednesday and tried sleeping on my futon so that we both could get an early start on Thursday morning.
The trip down went very smoothly in spite of traffic going into San Francisco that time of the day. Eric drives a beautiful, white 2012 Audi Sports car and did not hesitate to explain all the features and highlights of this cool car.He also demonstrated it's power a little bit too.It's also nice passing people in the commuter lane during rush hour.
Our trip there went well, and we had a lot of catching up to do.He and I ran track in High School and have been pals ever since.Being children of the sixties, we had many recollections of those days... some real, some imagined.I came to the realization that we mirror each others strange sense of humor.I am truly grateful that he is one of the key players in my life even if we only see each other every decade or so.
The Sports arena at the HP Pavillion is massive.The collegiate teams were already playing and this being the first round of playoff games,boosted the excitement level considerably.The Ducks not only did exceptionally well, but went on to win their game.Eric and I cheered and had a lot of fun even up there in the "nose-bleed" section.
Lilly is a little Yorkshire terrior who has the energy of a cheetah. She must have fetched nearly 20 pitches I threw throughout Playground Fantastico. Then it happened. I turned to throw the ball in another direction and I stepped on her leg. She yelped and I felt terrible. I thought that I had broken her leg which could have easily happened. Nevin assured me that she was alright, but that did not make me feel any better. Eventually I lightened up a bit and was reassured that Lilly would be fine.
It was never my intent to hurt Lilly, of course... but this small event has made me reflect on those times when I have been an unconscious ass.Okay, so nobody is perfect.I realize today that everything I do has some sort of effect, and it is my job to be AWARE.
However,today the only control I have is over the consequences of my behavior. NOW is the time to take full responsibility for my actions. I have made some big mistakes, and the jury will be out on the extent of my part until the day I pass from this life.Today I make amends, which is to say that I am prepared to rectify any wrongdoing (intentional or otherwise).
I repeat however, that Today was a perfect day. I went over to my friend Don's house in Oakmont and left to drive to Armstrong woods for a four hour hike toward Bullfrog pond.We packed our napsacks with bottled water and fruit, and walked through the most beautiful and spellbinding forest outside of Muir Woods.The sun filtered through the tall trees as we made our way up and down steep inclines.
Spring is still a few weeks off, but you would not have known it by the type of day it was today.Here is a picture of some nice folks and their dogs.
Jo,Stuey,Nevin and Lilly
This week I have scheduled a meeting with the Activity director at the Veteran's Home of California.My plan is to do a presentation and demonstration of how I make hand-painted gift rocks. I will provide each observer/participant a syllabus and a step by step guide as to how to find a decorate a rock of their very own.
This venture will be a first for me.I have never demonstrated or have revealed my craft to anyone.I have chosen to show veterans how to do this for one simple reason.I want to give away what has been so freely given to me, so that I may keep what I have.
What I have, is a gift that has been given to me.
I will tell the story about how I lost a job that I loved and ended up out at the beach, feeling hopeless.It was there that I asked God for help to know what to do next with my life.I began to pick up rocks along the beach and discovered that they just felt good as I held them in my hand.They seem to help me focus as I meditated,asking for guidance and direction.
Art has been a theme in my life, but it hasn't always been on the front burner... so to speak.Having graduated with a degree in Art in 1974,my skills were not in demand and no one was knocking at my door.I found work in the Hospitality business as this was the type of employment available to me.Although I also eventually found work in the field as a production artist,this got repetitious and really was not really my calling.
Being a people person, I was certain that service positions in the Hotel or restaurant industry were what I was best suited for; working usually up to two or so years as a bellman,server,host,valet etc. After many years and set-backs,I finally landed a great job as a Concierge at the Culinary Institute of America.
It was there that I was able to step up my game.I held this position for a much longer period than any job prior (and) after seven years,felt like a seasoned professional.This was my career...or so I thought.
Politics exist in any corporate environment where people want to move ahead.This was very true at the CIA and the careers of some great people were being formed around me.One day,after having watched several episodes of the T.V. show "Survivor", I became aware of the importance of forming alliances.It hadn't occurred to me to rely on the approval or disapproval of anyone to do a good job.Ultimately, this attitude did not serve me as one of my co-workers misrepresented me to my supervisor,and when my word was challenged I was shown the door.Or, put another way, I was voted "Off the island."
That hurt
Well back to the beach.I brought few rocks home and began to paint them and was surprised at how stunning they appeared to be.I then explored ways to decorate them that would really make them shine.The biggest revelation was when I found some glow in the dark paint that transformed these simple rocks into something beautiful.
I gave a few to some friends,and more people began asking me about them.I did not want to sell them initially, because they were like jewels.I knew which ones were the real dazzlers.Two summers ago, I began to sell them at the Farmers Market in Calistoga.Since that time I have been able to keep my car payments up and a roof over my head.The good lord has provided well for me.
But the story does not end there.In fact, my creativity has blossomed and I am continually thinking of ways to showcase these rocks. Last year I had an Art show featuring posters of my work at the St. Helena Public Library! For almost three years I have been building a business that is becoming my life's work, and the opportunities continue to unfold.
Life goes on...
Months ago, I submitted an image for the Digital Gallery at MacWorld, and discovered it's location in the Moscone West's Atrium reception area. I was proud to have it posted along side other artists who were also having their art showcased.Below is a picture of Veda displaying my Rock Art with all the charm of Vanna White.Moving on,We left the event after collecting lots of "Schwag" and quaffing numerous dairy-free cheese samples that were being passed out on the showroom floor. This was around 5PM and so eventually Veda ended up driving back to Novato to meet with her friend Bill.
I went from there to my sister Martha's house on 21st Street,not too far away.My brother-in-law Ernie was there preparing a fish dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans. I helped cut the green beans and herbs while he cooked the fish. The three of us had a nice meal together, and then it was time for some entertainment.Ernie opted out, but Martha and I drove to the Fillmore Auditorium for a concert that was free after I had won 2 tickets on KRSH radio a few days prior.
Performing was Ian Hunter of MOTT THE HOOPLE fame. He put on a knockout show which was very loud. Luckily we found a suitable viewing place upstairs overlooking the stage. At one point, the music was so loud I could see my sister holding her fingers in her ears. A nice lady standing behind us noticed this, and gave each of us a pair of ear plugs! (How absolutely thoughtful don't you think?) The show ended around 11:30 PM and I dropped my sister back off at her place and got to Calistoga sometime around 1:30AM Saturday morning.
Thankfully, I was up early enough to participate in the Farmer's Market and even made enough cash to defray the cost of my trip to the city. Life is good!
