Tag Archives: music

A Couple of Things…

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1. If I could, I would…

  • Run a senior dog sanctuary for all dogs who had to be surrendered by their owners at no fault of their own…and perhaps even those at fault.
  • Run a singer/songwriter listening room.
  • Learn to surf.
  • Have a second home in Tuscany, Italy.

    Best case scenario: home in Tuscany where I can house surrendered senior dogs, being able to ride my bicycle into town where I host singer/songwriter evening weekly…and travel back to Ventura to surf occasionally.
image of clean pot with noodles being cooked

2. I’m a big fan of watching cooking shows, and/or short cooking videos on YouTube or Instagram. What I don’t understand is how they keep their pans so they look like they’ve NEVER been used before. #HowsThatPossible

Though I do admit, I have seen a few with grungy looking cookware and those recipes are not as appetizing.

3. Who the hell coined the expression, “Make good choices!”?

4. I came across this incredible story on social media from the Santa Barbara Independent (click for full story). It’s been years since I’ve visited the Santa Barbara zoo, probably not since Sydney Rose was a little girl (she’s 32 now). But I remember the habitat for these incredible apes (not monkeys because they have no tails). One recently gave birth in front of visitors. The fact it happened for the few who were there to witness it is amazing. But it’s the face of the mom that cracks me up! Nature is truly wonderful. Any thoughts on a caption?

Gibbon walking with new born

5. So proud of Linda! One of her projects is to collect children’s books (English & Spanish) and then stock a local outdoor neighborhood library book stand. This weekend she took it one step further. With the permission of a popular breakfast place, she set up a table and handed out books to anyone who wanted them! Inspiration comes from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. To date, the non-profit has gifted 332,411,218. From the website, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.”

Well Linda is doing her part in Fillmore, CA. Way to go Linda! Let me know if you’d like to donate $10 or so bucks so she can buy more books to give away.

Photo of Linda with books

6. My friend Carol adopted a senior pup from the San Bernardino animal shelter.
I’ve been saying for months that I’m going to wait until the end of the summer then I’ll start looking into adopting again. I guess I’m on the hunt now.

She’s thinking of naming this scrappy girl Rosey.

#ILoveHer

photo of dog


7. Warning: this entry is basically for women, but highly educational for men:

I was reflecting the other day about menstruation. And yeah, I guess I’m speaking to women because we can empathize. I remember when I was a little girl learning about the facts of life and how I couldn’t wait to get my first period so I could join the ranks of womanhood. It was thrilling when it it happened, but literally took less than two minutes to realize, this sucks!

Then it slowly dawns on you that you will be dealing with this the rest of your life…whether you choose to procreate or not.

And of course it’s not only the cramps, but the bright red blood that “discharges” from your uterine lining. The past seventy or so years have seen all kinds products to help with this messy and quite colorful problem. From sanitary pads that you attach to a belt around your waist (my mother’s time), to pads that have a peel-off sticky strip that sticks to your underwear. I saw a comedian doing a bit where he thought the sticky side attached to the women’s skin. Funny, but ew. Then came along tampons that you insert and then pull out once they’ve absorbed the flow, but you never know and you can under/over estimate this. And now, there are menstrual cups and something called a menstrual disc, both of which came out after I hit menopause. You insert reusable device so the flow is kept from escaping, and you wear up to 12 hours. I can only imagine what that would look like though. But, it seems better than the tampons.

While doing this research I found one more option called Period Underwear. They’re designed with built-in layers to absorb menstrual blood, which is supposed to keep you comfortable and dry all day long. In appearance and texture, they are identical to regular undies, but it is suggested one wear a couple of pairs on the “high flow” days.

Young women today have more options both economically and environmentally, which is great, but menstruation is still a big inconvenience. For me, menopause was awesome. No more periods!!! The hot flashes (for me, warm flushes) were worth it.

And, I have to admit, I smile every time I get to stroll past the feminine hygiene aisle at the grocery store.

8. I’m fairly certain about this, when you call an older person young lady or young man, it sounds condescending.

9. This photo was taken today at lunch. What you don’t see are dozens of more pigeons outside the frame. It was crazy! Though I don’t yet have a caption for #4 above, I do for this one. “Some people will do anything for attention.” #Birdman #PromenadeVentura

Man feeding birds on promenade in Ventura

10. From my favorite quotes file: “Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?” – David Attenborough.

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

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Photo of Linda Perry and Don Hardy J.

1. The nearby Ojai Playhouse offers free movie tickets (trusting people will spend money at the concession stand) and I saw there was going to be a screening of Linda Perry’s documentary, “Let it Die Here.” I couldn’t pass this up especially since Perry and the director, Don Hardy Jr. would be conducting a Q&A afterwards. The film originally came out in 2024. If you’re not familiar with Perry, then hopefully you are with 4 Non Blondes and their iconic song, “What’s Up.” The song still gives me chills to this day. I was moved by her story and cried several times by her profound vulnerability shared in the film. I highly recommend it. #TissuesRequired
Also…I was the first to ask questions.

artwork for Let it Die Here

By the way, Linda Perry is a prolific songwriter and producer having worked with Dolly Parton, Christina Aguilera, Brandi Carlile, Kate Hudson, all shown in the film. Dolly said something along the line that that working with Perry felt like a momentous occasion, akin to collaborating with Elvis. And it is noteworthy that the song made popular by Christina Aguilera, “Beautiful,” was written by Linda Perry.

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can’t bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring me down, oh no
So don’t you bring me down today

2. Everyone’s a comedian. #SillyVandalism

3. Speaking of a sense of humor, my Alexa (with a male British accent) has taken to responding with an, “Aye Aye Captain” when I ask for a lamp to be turned off. #SillyAlexa

4. Living at the beach is a charmed life…that is until the neighbor behind you has a short-term rental and the visitors are laughing it up having a great old time at 2:00 am Monday morning!! #NotCool

However, during this latest heatwave, there’s nothing like dropping everything, and dashing down the lane to the beach to jump in the ocean to cool down! #LoveItSoMuch #WorthIt

5. Not gonna lie, I’m feeling pretty good about myself! #ExceptionalCredit

6. We lost Dolly, then Tim. I know celebrities have agreed to die in threes, so I’m holding my breath for the next one…though one could argue Hayden Panettiere was the first in a run of 10 days.
There has been a ton of coverage on the incredible life of Dolly Parton, she was one of those people who deserve all the accolades sent her way. A true treasure. I was going to say National treasure, but did you see England’s changing of the guard tribute? OMG!!! Check it out:

I do have to say I have a little bit more connection with Tim Curry as I saw him in concert in the 70s in support of his album, Fearless. I’m sure I still have it in my album rack. He was such a charismatic performer. Of course my first introduction to him was his role as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show. We use to go to Hollywood to see midnight showings of it where the audience sang along and some dressed up and acted out different parts.
But then I had the opportunity in college to take a school trip to New York City to see several plays. Well that was the year Tim Curry played Mozart along with Ian McKellen as Salieri in the Broadway play, Amadeus. I believe the year was 1981. It was such an amazing play. Quick set up: You enter the theater where the curtain is up, but the stage isn’t lit, but you can see a chair with a rumpled blanket on it, center stage. Everyone comes in and takes their seat, and while the lights in the audience go down, the lights on the stage go up, and the spotlight hits the chair where Ian McKellen had been sitting the entire time!!! He starts his dialogue with his disdain for Mozart while trying to hide his jealously for his clearly more talented rival. The movie was good, but I’ll never forget that play!
Curry had a paralyzing stroke in 2012 and never fully recovered and had to use a wheelchair ever since. In recent years he continued to do voice over work and did interviews and his mood appeared uplifting.

“I’ve had the time of my life revisiting my favorite memories over the past couple of years,” Curry told PEOPLE in April prior to publication. Referencing one of Frank-N-Furter’s most famous lines, he added, “I’m shivering with anticipation to share them with you.” (see full article)

artwork of Tim Curry's album Fearless
photo of construction crew kitten wearing hard hat

7. Could this be any cuter?!!! A construction crew found the lost kitten caught in heavy equipment and recused it. See full story from KTLA below:

8. I was a little worried that I might doze off while catching a tribute band for all things Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young called Deja Vu. So I had no alcohol prior, and instead had an Arnold Palmer (ice tea and lemonade). Boy was I wrong. The fully plugged-in band was on fire rockin’ the venue, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. I had never been to this venue before, but the staff was super nice and helpful and the room only has 78 seats which includes a balcony, so no seat has a bad view. I didn’t need to worry about that as I had a single seat in the third row.

Yes, the band was fabulous, and yes people did have minimal conversations during the performance, but my latest gripe is cologne. Ack!!! Stinky stuff. If you ever wonder if you have too much cologne (men) or perfume (women) on, the answer is going to be YES!!!

Photo of tribute band called Deja Vu

9. From my favorite quotes file: “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” – Oscar Wilde

Thanks for reading!

A Couple of Things…

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  1. Here now, a Public Service Announcement: When you are at a live music event such as a concert or listening room and you’re talking to a friend, I am telling you under no uncertain terms that those around you CAN hear you and you are 100% ruining their experience. So please take your conversation elsewhere or just shut the fuck up!
    Bars, wineries and breweries are the exception to the rule. Though at least you could lower your voice.
    Thank you.
Strawberry Festival with Carlos

2. The California Strawberry Festival was fun. Took the shuttle which was located just around the corner from me and spent a few hours looking at a bunch of crap…I mean arts and crafts from all the vendors. We listened to live music from Jayden Secor and a Queen tribute band, the Kings of Queen. Left without eating a single strawberry whether it be in the form of a strawberry shortcake, or a strawberry margarita.

3. It’s been decided, the meerkat is my spirit animal. They’re highly social living in cooperative groups which are called (wait for it)…mobs. Luckily for me, it is illegal to own them as pets. One blogger said, “…meerkats belong digging tunnels under the sun with their clan, not stuck in a human home.” I get it, but damn, how cute are they?

4. My first paying job was via a high school work permit at another school’s remittance office. This was back when typewriters were barely electric (I believe they were IBM Selectric), and the filing system was extremely low tech. But the upside was you really became proficient at alphabetizing.

Bike riders in front of Ventura City Hall.

5. Transportation photo op from 14 years ago in front of City Hall promoting and validating those who ride their bikes to work. It’s the best ride ever…up the coast, right hand turn at California Street and you’re there! For me it was less than 3 miles.

6. If I were on the committee to select the next James Bond, Jacob Elordi would be at the top of my 007 list. I’ve heard the candidate needs to be young, fit, convey lethality, charm and vulnerability and should be British. Elordi is Australian, but is that a big stretch to the American ear? Unfortunately, I’m sure it is to Brits. #FingersCrossed

7. This story posted on social media by the local highway patrol and it caught my eye because it happened around the block from where I live:
“While patrolling the area of US-101 and Seaward Avenue, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration. Upon closer inspection, officers discovered the driver had taken a very “creative” approach to the vehicle’s registration tabs. Unfortunately, artistic ability does not replace valid registration. The vehicle was impounded.”
#Creative #A4Effort #TrueStory

License plate

8. My friend Steve has an undying love of all things Grateful Dead. I’m a newbie, and can’t quite say I’m a fan yet, but I’m recognizing more and more of their deeper cuts. We attended the three-day It Must Be the Roses festival this past weekend here in town. The opening act was Jackson Gillies band,Jax Plays Dead. It was a great way to start the event, I’ve been a fan of Jackson for some time catching several of his gigs up in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.He was also a contestant on American Idol…I believe Season 18.

Full disclosure…I danced more than I thought I would all weekend and, Item #1 above still applies.

9. From my favorite quotes file: “Music is life itself. What would this world be without good music? No Matter what kind it is.” – Louie Armstrong

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

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Me and Syd 2011

1.  I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine, but I also believe that music is the next best thing.

2. I recorded my first song courtesy of Christine Law.  SOOOO much respect to artists who do this for a living.  Grueling!!  It still needs beaucoup work, like lyrics, so don’t even ask.

3.  What does it say about society when you have to offer a reward for someone to come forward and do the right thing?

4. You know that expression, “A body in motion, stays in motion”?  It’s really true, and to be honest, I hate it; because a body lying about watching a movie and eating potato chips…with dip, and a root beer float, sounds so much more fun.

Arlo Guthrie

5.  It just occurred to me why people love Weird Al so much (See #1).  Combining wit with music is genius, which also explains why I love Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice Restaurant.” It was tradition for the longest time to play the title cut every Thanksgiving.  I miss that!

6.  The Huffington Post had a blog called “23 Reasons You Should Go Hug Your Mom.”  Just a couple I would share with Sydney Rose:

a.  For every event that you tried to resist photos, because your mom is probably the only person in your life who will take more photos of you than TMZ does celebrities. She wanted to capture every prom, little league game, and academic awards ceremony because to her you are the biggest celebrity.

b. For supporting your decisions and dreams no matter where they took you.

There were 21 other ones, but really, they didn’t so much apply.  I thought about how sad this one was:  “For every time you acted like she was embarrassing you and she had to hide how much that probably hurt her feelings,”  Because I only remember the times she showed me off to her friends thinking I was kind of cool, which is the best feeling EVER!  My daughter rocks!

Syd-mom-face

Here is the blog:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lexi-herrick/23-reasons-you-should-go-hug-your-mom_b_5584982.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037&ir=Parents

7. When I log on at 4:30 in the morning, I wonder how many people are up late, and how many are up early.  Sometime for me, I’m just taking a break from sleeping.

8. Life is full of interesting phases, obstacles, amazing highs and frustrating lows.   It’s the human experience that makes the ride worthwhile.  How one handles adversity is a character issue.

Father Serra


9. Someone, some time ago, made a statue of Father Serra and it can be found in front of Ventura City Hall.  Then someone thought it would be a good idea to paint a picture of this statue of Father Serra and that life-sized painting is found inside City Hall.  Then I thought, hmmm, how can I make this even more removed from the actual subject?  Hence, this photo of a painting of a statue of Father Serra. I do what I can to forward the arts. 🙂

10. I love silly headlines.  Here are a couple more I’ve come across recently:
a.  What happens if your parachute fails

b.  Super rich pets who live better than you do.

11. Even as an adult, my future ex-husband use to say that I run like an upright turtle.  It made me laugh because it was so true.

12. From my favorite quotes file:  “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” –Stephen R. Covey

 

Thanks for listening.

 

A Couple of Things…Ventura Music Week

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Kat Merrick, Totally Local VC, David Comden of VC Report & Me.

Kat Merrick of Totally Local VC, David Comden of VC Reporter & Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com.

1. Ventura Music Week is underway.  I have no idea how we’re pulling it off, but I’m thinking the endless hours of planning and running around rallying the troops might have something to do with it.

2. I love the venues and the people who have stepped up to help with Ventura Music Week.  They get it.  It’s not about what’s in it for them…but about coming together as a community to brand Ventura as a music town.

3. Monday night is a special screening of Dave Grohl’s film, “Sound City, Real to Reel.”  There are obligatory rumors of a special guest showing up…just saying.

4. Our kick off party on Friday was amazing. Music from Dan Grimm, Spencer the Gardener, Raging Arb and the Redheads and the McEuen Brothers all performing in the historic Erle Stanley Gardner Building (known as the birthplace of Perry Mason). Plus we had City Councilmen, Carl Morehouse and Mayor Mike Tracy in attendance.

5. Went to a private Whiskey tasting event Sunday afternoon at The Tavern. I’ll be honest, I was a little scared of overindulging.  Especially having not eaten all day long. Highlight was finally getting to see Rey Fresco perform.

6. I love when I go out to shoot a show that I’m never alone.  I always run into friends to hang out with.

7. One of the perks of Ventura Music Week is establishing new relationships with and getting to know business owners. Most are extremely hard working individuals who deserve help.  Some others…not so much.

8. I am grateful I was wise enough to take vacation time from my day job so I could focus entirely on pulling off Ventura Music Week.  Plus I don’t have to worry about a curfew.

9. 100 bands – 30 venues – 10 days – 1 city.  Yeah, that’s Ventura Music Week baby!

10. Many thanks to Kat Merrick whose drive, expertise and commitment to seeing this through.  Seriously, without her…well  I couldn’t even imagine!

11.  Ventura Music Week was put together by a committee of business owners who donated their time and/or resources:  David Comden, publisher from the VC Reporter, Kevin Clerici of Downtown Ventura, Sam Benner of Benner Marketing, Peter Brown of The City of Ventura, Gary Stewart of Four Brix, Pam Baumgardner (me!) of VenturaRocks.com and of course Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC…thank you for all your hard work.  We did it!!!

12. From my “Favorite Facebook Posts” file:   “I would rather die of passion than boredom.” Vincent van Gogh

Thanks for listening.

(Photo above is from the Ventura Music Week kick off party)

A Couple of Things…

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Playing with lifesized Tonka Toys

Playing with life-sized Tonka Toys

1. There are few things worse than giving up on a person you really care about.

2. Being served dinner by handsome firemen has been added to my Highlights in My Life file.  Thanks again Christine!

3. I love hot weather, hot salsa, and a hot man.  Definitely not in that order.

4. We have a small-time business entity here in Ventura County that has done nothing successful, continues to steal ideas from their competitors and undermine the efforts of those who are trying to make this music scene happen by serving their own self-interests.    You know who you are.  We do too.

5. I’ve never been a fan of Starbucks.  Instead, I support the mom & pop doughnut shop whenever possible.  The only problem is getting out without a doughnut…with maple frosting, or crumb on raised glazed, or an old-fashioned, or double chocolate cake, or…

6. WARNING!!! Flashback moment:  That moment when it hits you in the fifth grade.  You still have a minimum of seven more years to go.

7. Can you believe, I use to hate sports?

8.  I get that I need to get the mechanics down for taking a good picture, but I find my photos suffer when my attention is on how…instead of what.  I shoot what inspires me.  I do know in the long run that I will be a better photographer once the basic are second nature and again, I’m shooting what inspires me.

9. My next photo assignment is simply entitled “Addiction”.   Crazy fun!  Not.

10. If someone “friended me” and then they never comment, like or post…it kind of feels like they’re a creeper, no?  Of course, one has to consider that they may have a life and rarely check in on Facebook.

11. I worked in Construction Management for a couple of years and towards the end of one of the jobs we were overseeing, the Construction Foreman asked if I would like to try out  one of the big pieces of equipment.  I was floored!!!  Of course I jumped at the chance. It was amazing! (see photo above)

12. Sometimes the rumors are true! So often when I attend a festival of music I’ll hear rumors that “so and so” is expected to show up and jam. I had heard the rumors earlier in the week and because of past disappointments, I gave this one no weight. It was Moorpark College for Christ’s sake!  Well this past Saturday at the Ventura County Blues Festival, George Thorogood was heard to be on the grounds, and did in fact join Johnny Rivers on stage for about four songs. Too cool.

13. From my “Favorite Facebook Posts” file:  “Due to the recent budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.”  author unknown.

Thanks for listening.

Christine’s Dinner Served by…yes, Firemen

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Christine Law

             Christine Law

I’ve known Christine Law since the mid 90s when I worked at KXBS, 96.7 The Bus radio station and she was in the local band Tantrum that we added to our playlist. She stood out because not only was she adorable and had such an easy smile, but she was a female bass player in this heavy rock band.  She rocked that bass!  I was very impressed.

But it was just the last year or so that we started to actually hang out due to the music scene here in Ventura.  She had started up Afirm Records a number of years ago and I started a website called VenturaRocks.com four years ago which supports the music scene here in town. We really do have a lot of common interests, so it’s such a treat when I would get to hang out together.  She attended a “Girls Dress Night Out” as well as Staci Brown’s birthday celebration and I made sure I supported her husband Charles’ band, Charles Law and Jagged, when he played at The Tavern and again at Amigos.

Just a couple of weeks ago I received a special invitation via Facebook from Christine simply entitled: Girls Nite – Dinner at Christine Law’s served by Ventura Firemen!  She said she won a dinner for 8 served by Ventura County Firemen at her house.  But the truth is, she bid on the package which was a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls club.  She’s very much involved in improving conditions in her community and participates in many civic engagement projects.

I have to admit, I was a little giddy about being included for this exclusive gathering of friends.  As it turns out, the women she invited were extraordinary women, more than half I already knew and call my friends and the others I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and hope to see again soon.

Christine and Charles live up above Santa Paula, in the upper Ojai rugged terrain on a ranch style house with horses up against the hills over looking wilderness.  What a beautiful piece of land.  We arrived to find the firetruck parked in her driveway along with the Battalion Chief’s truck next to where the half dozen or so firemen were busy preparing a barbecue dinner for us women.  I didn’t even try to attempt to wipe the smile off my face.

Charles was in charge of the beverages because the rules state our firemen could not drink. Actually, if memory serves, I was informed when we went to have our photo ops that there were two rules for these beautiful heroes, no alcohol, and no nudity.  Again, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face just conjuring up some new images in my mind.

So we had our photos taken after playing on the truck for a while, and the guys were more than gracious and patient about it.  After our group shot and the women were starting to disperse, I half-jokingly mention to the chief that it would be really cool to have a picture with just me and the guys.  He said, “Are you kidding?  Of course!!”  And immediately he rounded up the boys and BAM!  It was a done deal.

We then left the men to go munch on h’orderves which consisted of different cheeses, crackers, bread, dips and fruits, we had plenty of wine, beers and shots of Patron, as we engaged in good conversations enjoying our beautiful surroundings.  Just so you know, while the firemen provided the makings for dinner, we provided the snacks, beverages and dessert. Before we knew it, dinner was ready to be served.  Some of us half expected spaghetti, but our firemen were graciously serving up tri-tip, chicken, veggie kabobs, grilled zucchini and corn on the cob with salad and more fresh fruit and they never allowed us to lift a finger. They served us and treated us like queens.

Our guys cleared the table for us and one of Christine’s guests, Melissa, brought out a bottle of Limoncello, offering up shots to cleanse the palate.  Delicious.  Before long we had our dessert of two types of chocolate cake, I opted for the German chocolate, and I was stuffed…still smiling.

At one point we asked if our firemen were volunteering their time, and we learned that our heros, which included two Battalion Chiefs, were on the clock and always on standby.  If a fire broke out, we were on our own.  Luck was with us as we only lost one fireman who had to respond to a TC (traffic collision).  It was just amazing. They were all true gentlemen.  They served us and took care of us, did not allow us to help clear the table, and when I saw one pass by with an apron wrapped around his waist, I had to follow and what I found brought tears to my eyes:  several of our guys were washing the dishes in uniform. Could there be anything sexier?

Before long it was time to say goodby and give thanks to our firemen for doing this to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club.  It was an event I won’t ever forget.

We hung out several hours longer as Christine and Charles opened up their home to us and we talked about my favorite subject of music as we collaborated on how to make the music scene in our town even better.

Before long it was time to say our thanks and goodbyes and with five of us in one car ready to head home I still couldn’t help but smile remembering being treated like a queen for the day and all because Christine Law considers me one of her friends.

Christine, I’m honored.  Thank you!

Looking forward to meeting up on the basketball court one of these days!