Carlos Santana in Training

Luke had his first "real" guitar lesson on Wednesday with a real music teacher. And he proceeded to master "Brother John" (Are You Sleeping) in one night. He's loving it. His guitar teacher is also his school music teacher--"Mr. V." Luke thinks that's way COOL! He's finally old enough to have the hand & finger coordination needed to attempt lessons, although still on the young side. To say he was excited would be an understatement. Mr. V gave him some homework that was suppose to take a week to finish but Luke finished it in 2 days time. Amazing how he can focus when it's of interest to him. Since he's been playing guitar for a while, (ok, since he was 3.5!) he'd already figured out a few of the basics. And not to mention he's got that crazy confidence typical of the younger set that allows him to say things like "I'm the best guitar player in 2nd grade--probably my whole school." Kids are so fortunate that way! They have an inherent belief in themselves. Now if we could only bottle that up and save it for him for those "awkward" middle school years . . .

Oh, and for you observant types, yes, that's a Bass in the photo, and no, that's not the instrument he is taking the lessons with. He's learning on an acoustic guitar.

On the campaign trail . . .

16 Jan. '08 Wednesday was my first HC campaign event. I attended a speech by Bill Clinton in Napa. It was fan-tas-tic! It was made all the better by the fact that it was a day before my birthday. He is an unbelievably gifted speaker and my heart was pounding as I listened to him talk, share stories & inspire the crowd. You should have seen him work the rope line and shake hands. The crowd turned into a mob with shouts of "I love you Bill" from all around. One of the great things about it was the diversity: seeing so many young people there, 18-22 year olds, along with the 90 year old grandmothers in walkers. I got some fairly good video and will try to post it later.

The kids came along for a lesson in democracy in action and off we all went to the event. The line reached down and around two city blocks for about .5 mile. We ended up in the overflow crowd but they brought out a speaker and we were able to hear the speech. Bill Clinton is a Rock Star. You have to be in his presence and among REAL people, not the talking heads on T.V. that do a fairly good job controlling us all, and then you can see and feel the reaction of the crowd, of ordinary Americans. You're swept up in the moment and the enthusiasm. It was clear that THIS crowd on THIS day LOVES President Clinton. His support of Hillary will matter in California.

My Birthday Dinner in San Francisco

12 Jan. '08: San Francisco for dinner and a show. Dinner at Kuleto's. Favorite dish: the baked clams appetizer. We saw the play "Speed the Plow" by David Mamet at ACT. What a great birthday surprise: A date with my husband!

Why We Live Here

One reason at least: sunset on the Pacific Ocean. New Years Day 2008.







Here's another . . . the natural beauty that surrounds us. It speaks to my soul.

If you want, check out some more of my nature photography in this web album.

Album: Nature, Places

525, 600 Minutes Later

Remembering Mom
How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love.

It’s time now to sing out, tho the story never ends let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends. Remember the love! Remember the love! Remember the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love! Seasons of love.
from "Rent"

Thank you to M, M & E who spent the morning with me and helped make it hurt just a little less. And to my siblings who help keep Mom's beautiful spirit alive.

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
(I'm trying, Mom, really I am.)