Random Blackgirl Thoughts

Coming Out

2010-12-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost." -- Martha Graham (American dancer, choregrapher, and pioneer of modern dance)

Hang In There

2010-11-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

Caffeine Goodness

2010-10-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

My Photography - Demon Dust?

2010-10-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

I've been watching a lot of Charmed and Supernatural reruns lately. Ah, the Halliwells and the Winchesters. Sure, they fight demons, warlocks and other evil underworld types but bottom line, it always comes back to love for each other and protecting friends and family. I really love those shows. One morning I came across this pile of "ash" while walking to work - right in front of Franklin Elementary School. Needless to say, my imagination went wild! What type of demon or creature got stuck down? Who or what was it after? I took a look around before pulling out my camera. While I quickly took a picture I thought, "Is that part of a boot I see? A cigarette butt? A black glove? Was the creature after a school kid? More importantly, who killed it?" One picture was all I needed and walked off as fast as I could. You might think I'm silly. Maybe. I've always had an active imagination since childhood. That's not about to change. I should probably carry a little pouch of protection herbs on me. Anyway, what a crazy way to start the day.

I Want To Believe

2010-09-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

I Wonder...

2010-09-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

My Photography - Red Juicy Delight

2010-08-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

I took this picture Saturday afternoon at a Block Party in Carpinteria, CA. One of the best times I've had so far this year. I can't think of another fruit that reminds me of summer.

Violet

2010-07-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

While searching for something else, I came across this wonderful array of purple images. My dear friend Céline sent this last year. She knows me so well. I remember the huge smile that came to my face. I can't wait to visit her and her little family in France someday. Merci beaucoup, Céline!

Taking Chances

2010-07-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Reflections of My Life

2010-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

"Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes and I am left the same. The more things change the more I am the same. I am what I started with, and when it is all over I will be all that is left of me." ~ Hugh Prather

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” ~ Ashley Smith

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~ Maria Robinson

Feeling Groovy

2010-07-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

My Photography - Sad Girl

2010-06-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

This young girl was sitting on the curb during the Summer Solstice Celebration. She looked so unhappy and lonely. I watched her from a bench for a couple of minutes, and was drawn to the smiley drawing on her face; the total opposite of the vibe she was putting out. Normally I would have gone over and asked if she was alright, but I held back. A part of me felt it was wrong to take her picture, but I really wanted to capture that moment. I wish I could have zoomed in on her face, but wasn't close enough. She got up a few minutes later and continued walking down the street. I prayed she'd be in a happier mental place soon.

He's a Rebel

2010-06-24T03:33:00.000-07:00

I was happy to come across this quote today. It makes me want to take more chances with my writing again. Heck, I might even pull out my art supplies and get creative on a canvas too. Like Nike says, "Just Do It". Life is too short to keep wasting time. I can't keep everything bottled up much longer. It's time to publish my zines again. It's time to start sharing what's going on inside in head and heart with the world again. It's in the wee hours of the morning when I feel I can do anything. Let's see if this feeling carries on into the rest of the day.

Whenever possible I'll post some information about the person being quoted. I think it's a good idea to know a bit of background on the person behind the words.

Andrew Warhola (August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987), known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printermaker and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. After a successful career as a commerical illustrator, Warhol became famous worldwide for his work as a painter, avant-garde filmmaker, record producer, author, and public figure known for his membership in wildly diverse social circles that included bohemian street people, distinguished intellectuals, Hollywood celebrities and wealthy patrons.

Warhol has been the subject of numerous retrospective exhibitions, books, and feature and documentary films. He coined the widely used expression "15 minutes of fame". In his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Andy Warhol Museum exists in memory of his life and artwork.

The highest price ever paid for a Warhol painting is $100 million for a 1963 canvas titled Eight Elvises. The private transaction was reported in a 2009 article in The Economist, which described Warhol as the "bellwether" of the art market." $100 million is a benchmark price that only Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt and Willem de Kooning have achieved. (Source: Wikipedia)

Note: For more insight on zines, visit Chip Rowe's informative and timeless website, The Book of Zines and click on the link, "What's a Zine?"

My Photography - Costa Rican Delight

2010-06-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

I'm coming across a lot of old pictures lately that are full of good memories. I was getting ready to enjoy some delicious coffee a friend sent while he was traveling in Costa Rica. I love the design on the coffee bag (which I plan to frame someday). That's one of my favorite coffee cups. I've had it about 8-9 years. I'd carry it into The Daily Grind (De La Vina & Mission Street) to get that coffee discount. I'm surprised it never broke in the truck of my car. The Goleta store closed long ago, but the Santa Barbara location (about 7-8 blocks from downtown), is alive and always crowded. Great coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and salads too. The delicious pastries and muffins are to die for. (Photo: Me)

My Photography - Stir-fry w/ tofu, leeks and celery

2010-06-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures of meals I cook. This dish had a "green veggie only" theme for some crazy reason. I added some Chinese noodles, 5-spice seasoning, soy sauce, pepper, and fresh garlic. The meal ended with sliced mangoes covered with honey. (2007)

My Photography - Muddy Waters Coffeehouse

2010-06-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

Art work on the wall at Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, Santa Barbara, CA

Feeling the Need

2010-06-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. -- Seneca

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. -- Mark Twain

Travelers never think that they are the foreigners. -- Mason Cooley

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. -- Ray Bradbury

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. -- James Michener

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries. -- Aldous Huxley

No Cake?

2010-06-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

It's time for a little bit of anime / manga cuteness.

Liquid Inspiration

2010-06-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

Coffee falls into the stomach ... ideas begin to move,

things remembered arrive at full gallop ... the shaft

of wit start up like sharp-shooters, similies arise,

the paper is covered with ink ...

- Honore de Balzac, French novelist and playwright (1799-1850)

My Photography - Pretty Purple Petals

2010-06-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

This lovely flower caught my eye at church yesterday. Look at those purple highlights! I'm so glad I had my camera with me.

Full or Empty?

2010-06-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

A Little Humor

2010-05-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Natural Impulses

2010-05-21T00:43:00.000-07:00

Good instincts usually tell you

what to do long before your head

has figured it out.

Michael Burke

Watch Your Rear

2010-03-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

This was posted on a young friend's Facebook page after what seemed to be a pretty nasty break-up with her boyfriend. I almost wet myself when I read it. Thankfully she's doing much better.

As Time Goes By

2010-03-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Aussie Coffee Art

2010-03-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

It measures 20 feet high and 13 feet wide and took a team of 8 people 3 hours to complete. (Photo: AP)

My friend Rj knows what a caffeine fiend I am. Look at this photo of the Mona Lisa recreated with cups of coffee he sent to me. How cool is this? Thanks Rj for this great surprise. (Click photo for a larger image.)

I just did an Internet search and found a news article about the event. Enjoy!

Mona Lisa recreated with coffee

The different colours were created by adding no, little or lots of milk to each cup of black coffee.

It measures an impressive 20 feet high and 13 feet wide and took a team of eight people three hours to complete.

It was created for The Rocks Aroma Festival in Sydney, Australia, and seen by 130,000 people who attended the one-day coffee-lovers event.

Elaine Kelly, from event organisers the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, was delighted with the result.

She said: "Each coffee cup was filled with varying amounts of milk to create the different sepia shades of the painting.

"We wanted to create an element of surprise and a sense of fun in the way we engaged with the public.

"Once we had the idea of creating an image out of coffee cups we searched for something iconic to reproduce - and opted for the most iconic painting in history.

"The Mona Lisa has been reproduced so many times in so many different mediums but, as far as we know, never out of coffee.

"The result was fantastic.

"After much planning it was great to see if coming together so well and the 130,000 people who attended the event certainly enjoyed it."

Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, is the 16th century portrait painted in oil by Leonardo Da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance.

The work is owned by the French government and hangs in the Musee du Louvre in Paris, France, with the title Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo.

It measures 770 millimetres by 530 millimetres and has prompted debate for years over the reason for her famously enigmatic smile.

Extensive scrutiny using X-ray apparatus suggests that restoration work has resulted in the original being painted over three times.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Joy

2010-03-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

Need A Roommate?

2010-03-01T01:18:00.000-08:00

This is an actual want-ad posted in the housing selection on craigslist.com this morning. I almost peed my pants.

Dude wanting a room (don't break my bong) (santa barbara)

hey everyone i'm looking for a room with a roof that doesn't leak. i currently live with 2 spiders i've named henry and salazar. I go to sbcc and study boobs. I'm a pretty clean person, i smoke a lot of pot and don't wear much clothing. swearing is fun but please don't swear around me on wednesday and saturdays. sometimes i occasionally sleep walk but any mess or damage done will be completely taken care of by me when i wake up. I refuse to live with anyone who doesn't like watching muted television with subtitles playing. i feel like its really good for the brain to watch something and like read what your watching or something. I'm a single male but occasionally use craigslist for erotic services so please don't be alarmed if i'm cooling out with a super hot babe. Some people think of me to be like mick jagger but i sometimes think i am more like jesus. I eat a lot of rice and eggs. i enjoy going grocery shopping and if you do too we could probably shop for food together which would be a good bonding experience. i don't mind living with either sex as long as you are not both, my last set of roommates were weird and tried spooning with me at odd hours. I dont speak foreign languages so don't worry about me talking shit about you in different languages. email if you got that room or some shit. please describe yourself thoroughly for i am very picky person. 559 786 6664 - the name is david, david guadagni.

It's the Little Things

2010-02-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

Don't Give Up

2010-02-27T05:23:00.001-08:00

Life

2010-02-26T03:23:00.000-08:00

What is Love?

2010-02-22T01:29:00.000-08:00

Art: paranoia--7

Chinese New Year - Tiger People

2010-02-16T02:38:00.000-08:00

.

The Tiger ( 虎 ), is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Tiger is associated with the earthly branch symbol 寅.

Year Of The Tiger

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.

Here are some interesting cultural depictions about the tiger in Asian culture:

The tiger replaces the lion as King of the Beasts in cultures of eastern Asia, representing royalty, fearlessness and wrath. Its forehead has a marking which resembles the Chinese character 王, which means "king"; consequently, many cartoon depictions of tigers in China and Korea are drawn with 王 on their forehead.

Of great importance in Chinese myth and culture, the tiger is one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Also in various Chinese art and martial art, the tiger is depicted as an earth symbol and equal rival of the Chinese dragon- the two representing matter and spirit respectively. In fact, the Southern Chinese martial art Hung Ga is based on the movements of the Tiger and the Crane. In Imperial China, a tiger was the personification of war and often represented the highest army general (or present day defense secretary), while the emperor and empress were represented by a dragon and phoenix, respectively. The White Tiger (Chinese: 白虎; pinyin: Bái Hǔ) is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called the White Tiger of the West (西方白虎), and it represents the west and the autumn season.

In Buddhism, it is also one of the Three Senseless Creatures, symbolising anger, with the monkey representing greed and the deer lovesickness.

Sala fighting the tiger, the symbol of Hoysala Empire at Belur, Karnataka, India.

The Tungusic people considered the Siberian tiger a near-deity and often referred to it as "Grandfather" or "Old man". The Udege and Nanai called it "Amba". The Manchu considered the Siberian tiger as Hu Lin, the king.

The widely worshiped Hindu goddess Durga, an aspect of Devi-Parvati, is a ten-armed warrior who rides the tigress (or lioness) Damon into battle. In southern India the god Aiyappa was associated with a tiger.

The weretiger replaces the werewolf in shapeshifting folklore in Asia; in India they were evil sorcerers while in Indonesia and Malaysia they were somewhat more benign.

The Tiger is the national animal of Bangladesh, Nepal, India (Bengal Tiger) Malaysia (Malayan Tiger), North Korea and South Korea (Siberian Tiger).

The Tiger in Literature and Popular Culture:

The tiger continues to be a subject in literature; both Rudyard Kipling, in The Jungle Book, and William Blake, in Songs of Experience, depict the tiger as a menacing and fearful animal. In The Jungle Book, the tiger, Shere Khan, is the wicked mortal enemy of the protagonist, Mowgli. However, other depictions are more benign: Tigger, the tiger from A. A. Milne's Winnie- the-Pooh stories, is cuddly and likable. In the Man Booker Prize winning novel "Life of Pi," the protagonist, Pi Patel, sole human survivor of a ship wreck in the Pacific Ocean, befriends another survivor: a large Bengal Tiger. The famous comic strip Calvin and Hobbes features Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbies. A tiger is also featured on the cover of the popular cereal, Frosted Flakes (also marketed as "Frosties") bearing the name "Tony the Tiger".

Source: Wikipedia

Want to learn more about the Chinese New Year? Check out these websites:

Chinese New Year
China the Beautiful: Chinese New Year
The History of Chinese New Year - History.com

Celebrate the Feeling

2010-02-14T00:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

I wanted to find a different voice explaining this annual holiday. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a website devoted to Valentine's Day from India. Enjoy!

General View on Valentines Day

Every celebration is representative of a past event or an occurrence which may have happened on the 'date' some years, months or days back. The occasion of Valentines Day on February 14 has a similar association with it. It is understood to have originated as a Christian religious festival honoring a Saint. This is another reason for it being referred to by the name of Saint Valentine's Day or St. Valentines Day. Its origins date back to ancient Rome of 270 AD. It was due to the rebellion and sacrifice of a catholic priest with the same name that this day came to be celebrated. Saint Valentine supported lovers or couples in love by getting them married against the wishes of the then Emperor Claudius.

Day of Romance and Fertility
Some other associations with Valentines Day are related to the spring season. The spring season begins around mid February in most parts of the world. Therefore, this is the time when birds (in the European subcontinent where this festival originated) go out and look for their mates. This is the reason that this day has been chosen for its reference to the mating season of birds and to fertility. Another association of Valentines Day is to some fertility festivals of early European era. Ancient Athenians (people of Greek origin) observed February as the month of Gamelion to celebrate the marriage of Greek Gods - Zeus and Hera, ancient Romans (people who lived in the Roman empire, Rome is the capital of the present day Italy) celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia to honor the Roman Gods of fertility - Lupercus and Faunus.

Present Day Context
The present day context of this festival is as a day that honors love, commitment and promises for a life together. And understandably so, since we as a people hanker after those things that are usually lacking in the world around us. This is a major reason for this craze regarding love and romance. Though, there is a rising trend of 'celebrating love in all its forms', this festival mainly retains its initial relevance to romantic love. It is still known more for its affiliation to romance and sensuousness than for any other kind of bond.

Views on Valentines Day Celebrations
There are conflicting views on the celebration of Valentine's Day. Some people still recognize it as a Christian festival. And thus, do not even acknowledge its presence as an event to be marked in a calender year. The people who are critical of Valentines Day have two reasons to back their approach. One is the distinct religious leanings of this celebration. The other is that some people simply find this celebration silly, frivolous and impractical. Then there are those who are not bothered about the origins of this festival and associate it with rediscovering love and romance. It is to this group of Valentine Day lovers that this day owes its popularity to.

Valentine's Day has also undergone a transformation from a quiet, unassuming observance to a loud commercialized affair. There are different takes on this aspect among the world population. Some people celebrate this day with pomp and gaiety whereas others keep it a private affair. This approach to festivities of Valentines Day depends on two factors, one of which is the cultural and familial influences, the other is the age factor. There is an age and stage for these celebrations, but then some people never lose their innocent approach to love and life.

Source: St. Valentine's Day (Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India)

Oh Henry

2010-02-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
US Transcendentalist author

Bliss

2010-02-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

(Image: glitter-graphics.com /javaturtle)

Mother of the Year

2010-02-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

WARM SPRINGS, Ga. — A Georgia woman is in jail after police say she forced her son to kill his pet hamster with a hammer as punishment for bad grades.

Lynn Middlebrooks Geter, 38, is charged with one count each of animal cruelty, child cruelty and battery after she forced her son to kill his pet hamster with a hammer as punishment for bad grades.

The sheriff of rural Meriwether County told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday that the 12-year-old boy told his teacher about the killing. The teacher reported it to the Division of Family and Child Services, who contacted police.

Sheriff Steve Whitlock said 38-year-old Lynn Middlebrooks Geter of Warm Springs faces one charge each of animal cruelty, child cruelty and battery.

The sheriff's office said she remained in the Meriwether County jail early Friday. It was not immediately known if she had a lawyer.

Meriwether County is located about 90 minutes southwest of Atlanta.

___

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com

(AP Photo/Meriwether County Sheriff's Department)

=======

Wow, what a heartless bitch. And with a hammer? I bet she never helped him with his homework either. He will probably need some therapy, or baby sleeping pills to help keep that bloody image out of his dreams. Oh wait, there are no baby sleeping pills. That means he'll probably have nightmares for a very long time. Maybe the rest of his life. I really feel sorry for the poor kid. I hope she'll still be rotting in jail when Mother's Day rolls around.

(Image: glitter-graphics.com)

Happy Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

Be Happy

2010-02-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.

People are always telling me to just "be happy". They forget there might be a reason there isn't a smile on my face today.

Research has identified a number of attributes that correlate with happiness: relationships and social interaction, extraversion, marital status, employment, health, democratic freedom, optimism, religious involvement, income and proximity to other happy people. (Source: Wikipedia)

I'm hoping I'll get brave enough to write about certain events of last year, many that have spilled over into 2010. Stay tuned...

I love Thai

2010-01-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

When I got my first paycheck a few months ago, I decided to treat myself to a nice meal. I had been craving Thai food for the longest time. After browsing about an hour or so inside Chaucer's Bookstore (the best independent bookstore in town), I walked across the street to Your Choice Thai Restaurant. There were only a few customers in the entire place. I sat in a booth so I could read my book and do a bit of journal writing. When the young waiter came to take my order, I asked what he liked on the menu. He suggested the delicious dish you see above - Praram Chicken, spinach and chicken in peanut sauce. I decided to try it with brown rice. Oh yes, and Thai Iced Tea (Cha yen). When he brought the dish I was impressed by the lovely plate it was served on, and how the various colors of the food almost came to life. It was almost too pretty to touch. Boy, was it delicious! The chicken was very tender, the spinach was fresh too, and the peanut sauce was heavenly. Spooned over the brown rice, yummy. I took my time enjoying my late lunch. The main dish was only $10.95. The Thai Tea I believe was $2.50. I was surprised that I had to pay $1.50 for my rice. I thought it should come free with the dish, like at a Chinese restaurant. But hey, the meal was fantastic so I didn't make a fuss.

Your Choice has been in Santa Barbara for many years. If you like Thai food this might be the place for you.

Did you know??? Thai cuisine places emphasis on lightly-prepared dishes with strong aromatic components. Thai cuisine is known for being spicy. Balance, detail and variety are important to Thai cooking. Thai food is known for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal: hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and (optional) bitter. (Source: Wikipedia)

Photo: Me

My Perfect Home

2010-01-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Just imagine being able to travel and taking my home along. It would be full of books, a wide-screen TV that gets channels from around the globe, the perfect Wi-fi signal for my laptop, a well-stocked kitchen for cooking, a cell phone, and of course, lots of coffee. I'd even have room for a guest or two.

I still haven't figured out how I'm going to explore France, Peru or Japan yet. Maybe my turtle can fly. How cool would that be?

Silliness

2009-12-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Season

2009-11-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Humor

2009-11-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wishing a very happy holiday to you and those you love.

Alone

2009-11-16T21:57:00.000-08:00

Most of the time I'm a very happy person, but sometimes the world feels this way to me, but only sometimes.

La Lune

2009-11-12T00:45:00.000-08:00

I see the moon,
The moon sees me
God bless the moon,
And God bless me.

-A nursery rhyme
I was born on July 13th, which makes me a Cancer, a moon child. Ever since I was a little girl, the moon has had a positive, calming effect on me. I recall late nights staring up at the sky, and having quiet conversations with that lovely beam of light. I would feel a soft, soothing glow fall upon my body. It made me feel loved. Many times I felt the moon was the only thing aware of my presence on this entire planet. Nowadays, I still smile when I'm under the dreamy moonlight. The hypnotic glow will always make me feel alive, and loved by something greater than anything on this little planet. The moon stills gives me hope that something incredible is heading in my direction.

Day of the Dead

2009-11-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

The "Day of the Dead" (El Día de los Muertos or All Souls' Day) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st, and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls' Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years, and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl.

Similar holidays are celebrated in many parts of the world; for example, it's a public holiday (Dia de Finados) in Brazil, where many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain, there are festivals and parades, and at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their loved ones who have died. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe and in the Philippines, and similarly-themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.

Due to its time being close to Halloween, The "Day of the Dead" is commonly thought to be similar to Halloween, although the two holidays actually have little in common. The "Day of the Dead" is a time of celebration, where partying is very common, although this is not very well understood in the U.S. because they celebrate Halloween as a "scary" holiday, where people will put up scary decorations and have children knock on doors for candy. It can also be the same or vice-versa.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo taken by me at Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, Santa Barbara, CA. (2008)

(NOTE: The holiday was actually two days ago, but decided to post this anyway.)

I Like Dreaming

2009-09-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Dreams digest the meals that are our days - Astrid Alauda

Think Again

2009-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

It didn't work. I want my money back!

Photo: Me

A Very Short Movie Review

2009-09-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

I blame Vincent Price for the majority of the nightmares I had as a child. In this movie he plays host to a group of people invited to a mansion. If they make it through the night alive and well they will each be given $10,000! (I guess this was a lot of cash in the late 1950’s.) The group chosen are the typical bunch - let’s see, there’s the doctor, a pretty boy, the untainted virgin, a boozer, and a creepy old fool. Vincent is married to a bodacious blonde bombshell who is only with him for his fortune. This movie has some shocking special effects - hanging skeletons, vats of acid, bloody heads hidden in suitcases, creepy looking servants, and even pianos that play by themselves. This is scary stuff I tell you! Who lives? Who dies? Who cares? It's definitely a party movie. Invite your buddies over, blend up some margaritas, make some popcorn and get ready for some scary fun.

Click here for more information about this cult classic.

Honest Abe

2009-09-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

Farewell to the Yangtze River Dolphin

2009-09-17T18:19:00.001-07:00

Whenever I come across a story about a creature becoming extinct, a little part of me dies inside. I've had people say over the years, "Who cares? It's just a bug, or an animal. It means nothing to me." At that point I turn and walk away. If you can't see the big picture, I feel sorry for you. Here's the article:

The Yangtze River dolphin, one of the world's rarest mammals, is no more, a victim of China's breakneck economic growth and competition for food with one of the world's most common large mammals — human beings.

"We can say that the animal is functionally extinct," says August Pfluger, head of the Zurich-based Baiji.org Foundation, which in December co-sponsored a six-week, 2,000-mile (3,500-km) survey of the Yangtze without finding a single remaining member of the critically endangered species. The dolphin, one of only four exclusively freshwater species in the world, may have the unhappy distinction of being the first aquatic mammal to go extinct in more than half a century — and the first large mammal driven into oblivion by environmental degradation.

Nicknamed the "goddess of the Yangtze," and long considered auspicious by fishermen, the pale-colored, human-sized dolphins have always been rare: a 1997 survey recorded only 14 left in the river. (A captive dolphin died of old age in a Chinese zoo in 2002). But Pfluger says human pressure pushed the baiji past the tipping point. "The main reason is overfishing. The Chinese still use unsustainable fishing methods like dynamite. There's still a lot of illegal fishing, so the dolphins were competing with humans for food."

According to Wang Ding, a researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Hydrobiology and a leading expert on the baiji, damming on the river and noise from heavy boat traffic may have disoriented the dolphins, which are mostly blind and search for food in the sandy shallows using sonar. The confused and starving animals may then have wandered into boat propellers. Heavy dredging in shipping channels could also have made it harder for the animals to locate each other and hunt for increasingly scarce fish. "Dredging is a very serious problem," Wang says. "It destroys spawning grounds of fish. There are also too many boats. The baiji depend on their sonar ability to survive."

As top-level predators, dolphins like the baiji are an "indicator species" — bellwethers of the general health of an ecosystem. Their disappearance bodes ill for the Yangtze, which supports more than 400 million people, roughly 6% of the world's total population. Wang says the Yangtze is relatively unpolluted. But untrammeled commerce and massive hydrological projects like the Three Gorges Dam have dramatically altered the river's landscape. With as many as 60 boats per km of river in some areas, the Yangtze already looks less like a river than a highway during rush hour. "Baiji are at the top of the food chain just like human beings," Wang says. "If the river can't support baiji, someday it won't support humans either."

Indeed, baiji aren't the only animal facing extinction. Wang says the finless porpoise, another large cetacean native to the river, has also seen its population plummet because of shipping and hydrological engineering. When Wang surveyed the river in the early 1990s, he found about 1,200 of the porpoises; 15 years later, there were fewer than half that number left. But Wang says it may not be too late to save the species. Galvanized in part by the baiji's disappearance, Chinese scientists are taking aggressive steps to rescue the finless porpoise, including breeding the animals in a lake preserve. In fact, Wang believes it may not even be too late for the baiji: there may be a handful of baiji dolphins left in some isolated backwater of the Yangtze. If they can be located and captured, he says, breeding might yet save their species. Pfluger, however, is not so optimistic. "Maybe one or two are left," he says. "But they don't have any chance to survive."

Source: Peter Ritter / Time.com

Get Out of My Head!

2009-06-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Drink too much coffee - see dead people!

January 20, 2009 - According to researchers at the University of Durham , drinking too much coffee can cause hallucinations with the presence of 'dead people". Subjects who consumed a daily equivalent of seven cups of instant coffee or more were three times more likely to have extra-sensory experiences. Those taking high concentrations of caffeine often reported "seeing things that were not there, hearing voices, and sensing the presence of dead people".

Source: coffeechemistry.com

This study doesn't surprise me at all, but instant coffee? That's for babies! Imagine what I've seen after a triple Depth Charge, with heavy cream and raw sugar? (Trying to resist the urge to insert a smiley face or a "lol" here.)

I've been telling people for years that caffeine is the BEST drug. I don't need anything else. Coffee is legal, full of nutrients, helps get my creative juices flowing, and so much more. I'm not one of those people that quickly gulps down a cup of joe on their way to work. No way. Coffee needs to be savored, so I prefer to drink it at night. It relaxes me and gets me mentally prepared -- whether it's diving into a good book, doing a blog, studying, or even surfing the Internet. I love flying on a caffeine buzz! And yes, I'm sipping the evil black brew while writing this. No big surprise, right?

Keep Smiling

2009-06-25T02:07:00.000-07:00

I Like Toast

2009-06-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some silly morning humor while eating some toast for breakfast.

Science Is Fun

2009-06-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

See-Through Frogs, Alien Salamanders, and Spiny Bugs...Oh My

by Vera H-C Chan

A salamander that looks like E.T., a micosized frog smaller than a fingernail, and a spiny-crested grasshopper. Who says the age of exploration is dead?

It's definitely not for Conversation International (CI). Their scientists have come back with some startlingly vivid images of endangered and never-before-seen critters from a whirlwind trip to the Nangaritza Protected Forest in Ecuador, near the Peruvian border. CI researchers came across at least 15 species of creatures and plants "unknown to science."

One of the most remarkable creatures is the Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum, also called a glass or crystal frog because you can see through its transparent flesh (right down to its guts). This guy's not new, but he's definitely endangered, so the find is heartening for environmentalists.

The purpose of the three-week biodiversity study was to identify species and make conservation recommendations for ecotourism possibilities, which the Ecuadorian locals are entertaining. It also turns out that frogs and insects yield medicinal properties, and a proper population survey is needed to see what else is out there in the forest.

According to Bloomberg, out of 14 million plants and animals in the world, human beings have been acquainted with only about 1.8 million. For more information visit Conversation International (CI).

Source: Yahoo! Buzz

Keep Your Sunny Side Up

2009-06-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Life is hard at times, but you have to try and stay positive. That's the best we can do during these troubled moments. Never give up on yourself, or on others. Stay strong. Life will feel good
again.

Brain Power

2009-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Interesting fact: to be most effective at optimizing the flow of the chemicals oxytocin and serotonin - which boost mood and promote bonding - hold a hug for at least six seconds.

Life

2009-05-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Memory Lane

2009-05-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Drawn by Mike T (12/2003)

Pink Leaves

2009-05-14T02:17:00.000-07:00

Artist: Unknown

Plant Life at the Old Mission

2009-05-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

On July, Friday the 13th I celebrated my 53 birthday. The Old Mission is one of my favorite spots in the city. I decided to stop and enjoy its beauty before heading to my birthday dinner. After 40+ years I still never get tired of this lovely place.

(Please click on each picture since blogger cuts off the end. These are only a few of the pictures taken that day. More shared at a later date.)

Mission Santa Barbara is a Spanish Franciscan mission near present day Santa Barbara, California. It was founded December 4, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara, to evangelize the local Chumash (Canaliño) tribe. The mission grounds stand on a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and were consecrated by Father Fermín Lasuén, who had taken over the presidency of the California mission chain upon the death of Father Presidente Junípero Serra. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since the day of its founding. Source: Wikipedia

(This was originally posted on flickr.com in 2007.)

Go For It

2009-05-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Bon Appetit

2009-05-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

I've always loved to cook. My Great-Grandma Hicks and my Grandma Mamie began teaching me the family recipes at the tender age of three. I was fortunate to live with both of them for the first 5 years of my life in Columbus, Ohio. Then our family moved out to California when my father got transferred to Vandenburg Air Force Base (about 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara, CA). That's another story I'll share someday.

The first dish is chicken breast with red peppers and leeks. It was seasoned with 5-spice powder, sesame oil, some fresh ginger, white pepper, and minced garlic. Serve with some wild rice and a simple green salad.

The second dish is my Pork & Garlic-Pepper Tofu Stir-fry (with fresh ginger and leeks). It's pretty basic - sesame oil, minced garlic, some sesame seeds, 5-spice powder. I usually cook with plain firm tofu but thought I'd give the favored one a try. The taste was ok, but I still prefer it plain. This allows me to do my own experimenting with the seasoning. I served this dish with Thai Jasmine rice and with some Wasabiyaki sauce on the side.

For me, the kitchen is the heart of a home. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother's kitchen. The smells, the chatter, the laughter, the radio slowly playing in the background. Such wonderful memories, and as I think about it, both my grandmothers prepared our food without using a cookbook. It was always a pinch of this or a handful of that. To this day I cook the same way, even though I own over 50 cookbooks. I'll follow a recipe for the most part but I definitely make it my own.

There's nothing better than breaking bread together with family and good friends. Toss in some board games after dinner and you've got a wonderful evening full of laughter, good conversation and yummy food in your belly. Life is good.

I Need A Rainmaker

2009-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara is covered with ash. The firefighters are worn out. My little city could use a nice cool downpour today.

Redhead in Coffee Cup

2009-05-08T02:30:00.000-07:00

I love paintings like this. What's up with that robot?

Artist: Unknown

A Brief Suspension of Consciousness

2009-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Battle of Puebla

2009-05-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.

We celebrate it here in Santa Barbara, CA because of our large Latino population. Let's be honest, any holiday in this city is a reason for people to get crazy and party. You should see the crowds of people downtown on Groundhog Day. Just kidding!

Bliss

2009-05-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Waiting

2009-05-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

La Couleur Rouge

2009-05-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Red has never been one of my favorite colors - until I saw this painting. I've changed my mind. (Artist: Unknown)

Happy May Day

2009-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Photo: Will Merydith

Cutie Pie

2009-04-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

This awesome artwork is my Facebook friend Susan's user picture. She lives in China.

I Need A Notebook

2009-04-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Fear

2009-04-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

A Good Feeling

2009-04-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Cuteness

2009-04-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday Humor

2009-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Innocence Lost

2009-04-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

This is my class picture of me in the 2nd grade at Franklin Elementary School. I was 9 years old and life seemed so sweet and innocent back in 1963. About a month after this picture was taken President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I heard the new from our principal who came into our classroom and told use our President had died. Then he told us all to go home. No details about how he dead or how it happened. It was the first time I ever experienced such loss and sadness in my life. When I got home my mother and father were watching the shooting and never discussed his death, even though they showed the murder - over and over again. I always found it strange that my parents didn't take the time to talk to me about the event. It was so upsetting. It was my first real encounter with death. We didn't even have a discussion at school. It's like my great-grandmother Hicks said, "Children should be seen, but not heard." That's truly the way kids were treated back in the early 1960s. How sad is that? I continued to watch the television footage for the next few days crying silently to myself, and listening to the only voice that seemed to try to help me understand, Walter Cronkite, CBS newscaster. That man truly was "the voice of America" back then. He was the only one who took the time to try and explain this tragedy to me.

After awhile we learned what happened on that horrible day, or at least what "they" wanted us to believe. There have been so many theories (some crazy, some that made you think) but honestly, I don't think we'll ever know why my favorite president was gunned down.

My innocence died on November 22, 1963, and that was just a preview to future assassinations and shocking murders to assault my young mind before the 1970s began.

Greetings from France

2009-04-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

This wonderful "Happy Easter" picture was drawn for me by sweet little Max, my dear friend Celine's son. See the pretty Easter eggs at the top of the page? And him in the right corner?

They live in Picardie, France. I can't wait to visit my European family someday.

Snail Mail

2009-04-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

POSTCARD ARRIVES IN OHIO -47 YEARS LATE

HUDSON, Ohio - A woman's postcard bearing greetings from Montana has finally arrived in northeastern Ohio — 47 years later.

Insurance agent Dave Conn opened his post office box in the community of Hudson last week and found the mailing sent from Helena, Mont., in 1962.

It was sent to Marion White, the previous renter of the box, who had died in 1988. The writer signed the postcard "Fran" and mentioned having "had a marvelous time in Montana."

After asking around, Conn says he determined the card must have come from White's well-traveled friend Frances Murphey, a longtime reporter at the Akron Beacon Journal. She died in 1998 at age 75.

U.S. Postal Service spokesman Victor Dubina says the postcard may have been stuck in equipment or lost behind a mail chute.

Source: Yahoo! News

Down Below

2009-04-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

Here's another painting that intrigues me. I often wonder what's going on underneath my feet. I felt this way as a child. Even more these days as an adult. Having some X-ray vision would be fun. Oh wait, I might not want to see what's actually lurking around down there. (I wish I knew who painted this.)

Karma

2009-04-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

My Photography

2009-04-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures of a screen printing demonstration at The Youth CineMedia Hip Hop Summit. The summit was held on February 10, 2007, at the University of California's MultiCultural Center in Santa Barbara, California. It offered the public a hands-on exploration of hip hop through music/video production, graffiti/stencil art and t-shirt printing. My nephew Michael aka DoSiA, also performed later that day in a hiphop "battle". He won, of course. Yeah, he's that good.

Youth CineMedia (YCM) gives at-risk kids hope, provides real-world technical training businesses are looking for in future employees, Reduces crime, violence and graffiti, and pulls kids out of the juvenile justice system. YCM is funded through grants, individual, corporate donations and client services. For more information about Youth CineMedia, please visit the website. (Somehow this turned into a public service announcement.)

Earth Day, Part Two

2009-04-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

Love Our Mother

2009-04-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

April 22nd is Earth Day - Remember to be kind to our Mother.

I'm posting this early since it's already Tuesday in Japan and France - two of my favorite countries. I think everyday should be Earth Day.

Pop Art Fun

2009-04-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Relax

2009-04-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Music = Life

2009-04-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

While sitting here in Starbucks a familiar tune came floating over the airwaves, Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 1 In C, by Johann Sebastian Bach. This is is one of my favorite pieces of music. I happily soak in the soothing melody since classical music is rarely played here. As the music ends I wait to hear what comes up next. Much to my surprise the second track from this CD comes on, "Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 9 In E". Wow, I'm in heaven! I end up savoring 6 more of wonderful tracks.

Bach for Book Lovers is one of my favorites CDs. I purchased it back in 1998. Back then I spent most of my time reading or writing stories at coffeehouses. I didn't own a laptop yet. I'll admit, I spent too much time online. I need to find that balance between the Internet and holding a real book in my hands again. It's time to slow down and stimulate my mind - without the harsh glare from my computer screen. Hearing the lovely, relaxing sounds of Bach was just the nudge I needed. Thanks, Johann.

Help Mother Earth

2009-04-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

Stairway to Heaven

2009-04-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew who took this picture, and where it was taken. Maybe somewhere in Europe? What a peaceful spot. I'd sit on those steps in the early morning, listening to the birds while sipping my coffee. What a marvelous way to begin the day.

My Baseball God

2009-04-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

I was happy to see my favorite baseball player on the cover of ESPN magazine. I still wish he was wearing his old "24" Red Sox jersey. That team will never be the same without Mr. Ramirez. Oh well, it's their loss.

Organic Orange

2009-04-15T00:28:00.000-07:00

Taken outside an organic coffeehouse on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, on a warm July morning.

Photo: Adrian Denegar

The Devil Made Me Do It

2009-04-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

ARLINGTON, Wash. – A woman accused of taking more than $73,000 from the Arlington church where she was an administrative assistant blames the devil. Papers filed with a theft charge Wednesday in Snohomish County Superior Court say the 62-year-old Arlington woman told detectives "Satan had a big part in the theft."

The Everett Herald reported the woman was accused of forging the pastor's signature on 80 checks from the Arlington Free Methodist church. She was fired in February 2008.

She told detectives she used the money to cover household expenses because she couldn't stand the thought of losing her home.

Source: The Herald

Shoes are Funny

2009-04-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

Jolly Monkey

2009-04-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Artist: emi (esty.com)

My Photography

2009-04-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty flowers at the grocery store. (cell phone)

Aquamarine Bliss

2009-04-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

I discovered this amazing TV commercial a couple of weeks. I was watching a show I'd taped on the DVR. Unlike most people I don't fast forward through the commercials. I always find a little treasure like this. I was blown away. Visually stunning. I grew up in the 1960s listening to The Moody Blues, and "Tuesday Afternoon" is a favorite of mine. This will definitely will be winning many advertising awards in 2009.

Peeping Tom

2009-04-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

(Click on picture if you have trouble reading the white card.)