1. I kayaked for the first time thanks to my good friend Diana. She took me out in the Ventura Keys on a gorgeous calm morning recently. It’s a little cumbersome getting all the equipment together and launching these water crafts, but it’s great for the senses and helps tone those arms.
2. My father celebrated birthday #83 In October. Dinner at Aloha, a little jazz at Squashed Grapes, it was a good night. 🙂
3. I gave my father a copy of this photo in a frame for his birthday. Yeah, that’s me and dad on the far left, I must have been around 8 years old. An old friend from school came across it and sent it to me earlier this year. She’s next to me with her father, her name is Laura. What a treasure, no? Look at how geeky we look, and trust me, we worked hard at getting all dolled up like this. My mother is mostly to blame for the hairdo, however, the dress was all me.
4. Also in October, the Ventura Breeze celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Sheldon, the publisher, takes the staff out annually to help show his appreciation. I also celebrated my anniversary with the paper; Sheldon asked me if I would write a Ventura Music Scene column four years ago. Well he didn’t have to ask twice and I haven’t missed a single deadline either!
6. In September, I saw my first owl in the wild. It was sitting in a tree in the parking lot behind City Hall. He hung out for several weeks, but I haven’t seen him lately. I have to say, it was thrilling! I wish I had a better photo; I took this one with my cell phone camera. Many thanks to Derrick for bringing me out to see it. This has been crossed off my “to-do” list. #IDontBelieveInBucketLists
7. I mentioned surviving another birthday last time around, but I came across this photo and thought I’d share it. A quick toast: “Here’s to family and friends, missing friends, and surrounding yourself with people who make you feel great.”
My response, “Or did they?”
9. Confession: I took part in Hands Across America. I had my bosses’ kids in the car with me (yeah I got suckered into babysitting for him) and I saw people lined up with a big ole’ gap in the line, so we all hopped out and took part on that day, a Sunday, May 25, 1986.How about being the example: demonstrate tolerance & kindness. Be mindful about it, do it with purpose. Sure you can pray about it, and worry about it but how about trying to calm your area (your mind, your body, your home, your community, your country, your world, your universe). You have more power than you think.
11. Mad respect for Taylor Swift. She counter sued a DJ who was suing her after she complained that he grabbed her backside and he was fired from his radio job. He was suing for millions. She sued for $1 and won.
I was watching social media’s response and the one that hit me hardest was a local radio announcer who said, “She should have gone to the police.” He thought it needed to be reported.
I guess that’s easy for a man to say. But as a woman I can’t even count how many times my backside has been grabbed by male acquaintances and total strangers.
I think Taylor handled the whole event tactfully. She went to his boss and reported it. She counter sued, and she won.
12. From my favorite quotes file: “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron
Thanks for listening!
A Couple of Things... 
I always enjoy your musings, Pam. This time is no exception. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Be well,
DBS