Forever Missed

The Loss Of A True Father

Unlike the majority of his predecessors and for many reasons, some that are clear to all and others that only time and history will reveal, President Obama can truly be called “The Father Of Our Nation.” During his tenure, in the face of unprecedented hatred and opposition, he has proved to be a unique leader, protector, provider, defender, guardian and an unwavering dedicated servant to all the people of our nation. Sadly, he is now leaving us as president and in all probability many who never believed in him will miss him even more than his most ardent supporters. It has been a long time since I’ve seen such a unique man and president leave an indelible imprint on Americans as well as so many from around the world. The torches dropped by Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. are no longer lying on the ground, abandoned like the dream. President Obama set such high standards as a humanitarian and strong leader it will be impossible for anyone to fill his shoes, let alone walk in his footsteps. If there was ever a time when our Constitution needed amending regarding presidential terms, we’re facing it now. 

A decision needs to be made by the majority of citizens and following in true democratic fashion our representatives in government should take a close look at the facts and take action to protect the fate and well-being of all humanity. At a crucial period in political history this would send a message to the world and perhaps be the saving grace for our country and the world. I’m truly frightened and deeply concerned by the outcome of the last election. If there was ever a time and need to change the face of our politics, it is here and now. The world is watching, waiting to see how far and how fast this great nation can fall - after eight years of an epic upward climb to new heights and standards, rather than continuing to soar we’ve now been stranded, dangling from the edge of a cliff…

Co-written by Jeff Hayford

Freedom From Suppression

Release vs Pardon

Two very different words. Each has it's own meaning and at times one can question the difference as to how it pertains to any given situation. Perhaps it may be better interpreted by circumstances or events. Or, in other cases it pertains to ones inner self and emotional turmoil. If we were to analyze their differences maybe we can decipher which one pertains to the the particular issue or circumstance we face. In this article I choose to interpret these two meanings as the final outcome of an emotional struggle.


Re-lease: To set free from restraint and confinement. Relinquish relief from oppression, bottled up suppression’s of such emotional, physical and mental burdens.
Release: Relief from deliverance sorrow, suffering, or troubles. The act of intense liberating or freeing.
Pardon: To be freed from personal affliction, guilt, persecution and penalty. To allow unconditionally the acceptance of any offense, constrictions or convictions to pass without judgment, or punishment but to act through forgiveness.
There is a difference indeed, and many of us hold and repress many or our emotional needs by confusing these two words. We live our lives feeling that if we find superficial alternative measures to release our suppressed situations it will help us move on. We can now release the tension and it will act as a band-aid upon an old wound. But, somehow it isn't enough, and this wound never heals. So, many of us learn to live with this confinement as an excuse to justify what we interpret as permanent relief. Therefore we are never truly freed. We simply settle and lean to live an emotionally unfilled life.
If we look at this from a different perspective that is, by changing our attitude and mental approach to this chronic aching wound, and use the pardon approach instead, it presents a very different outcome. Although it might present itself as an act of personal injury or penalty we are reminded that in order to find release it can no longer be interpreted as guilt. That what must be done holds no restraints, harsh judgment upon ones conscience. It is forgiveness within oneself to choose pardon over release.
By pardoning ourselves of all self restraints we gain the ability to understand the differences between these two words. Release is a temporary fix. Pardon is knocking down all the walls and opening all the doors and windows. Your vision is clear without obstruction, you can walk through without hesitation, you can breath the fresh air and expose yourself to the light.
Once we've accepted this as our final and profound judgment it is at this precise moment that we set ourselves free...

Physical Fitness System

 

The Method Pilates

Pilates (/pɪˈlɑːteɪz/;[1] German: [piˈlaːtəs]) is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is practiced worldwide, and especially in western countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. There are over 11 million people practicing this artistic discipline regularly and 14,000 of them are instructors in the United States, and I was one of them.

Joseph Pilates presents his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested. Joseph was physically fit, but was so intrigued by dancers that he designed a unique system of movements that were developed on the floor as well as by Pilate reformers. Joseph believed after great observation that if dancers practiced with his unique style of discipline and consistency, his Method would significantly improve flexibility, strength, control and endurance throughout their entire bodies. Joseph's innovative strategy is to apply emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing strong core muscles, and greatly improving coordination and balance. The Pilates System or (The Method) allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced or to any other level of conditioning. In terms of the instructor, teacher or practitioner specific goals and limitations of Intensity can be increased over time as the body conditions and adapts to the exercises.

Pilates helps to condition the abdominal muscles of healthy people to help alleviate lower back pain and the breathing technique helps relieve stress, tension and anxiety. However if you have existing problems within the cervical, thoracic and lumber aspects of your neck and back then modification with your head and spine alignment must be considered when practicing all styles of Pilates.

I taught "The Method Pilates Mat Science." which is technically the Joseph Pilates method for classically trained dancers. The (Matte Science) aspect is using a set of designed movements that are performed specifically on the floor. The only way this is acheived correctly is either by a trained dancer or former dancer, dance choreographer, or dance teacher. 
Anyone can receive certification in Pilates but to teach (The Method) you must formally go through those four channels in order to properly teach it.

To add to your diverse exercise program if you can find a professional teacher/instructor who can teach The Method Pilates then your in luck!

Why choose The Method Matt Science over regular Pilates, and is there a difference? All Pilates is taught with the derivative of Joseph Pilates Method. Like specific words are a derivative of Latin, other Pilates styles are as they say spin offs or the original Method System. With The Method Mat Science all exercises are performed on the floor with constant flowing movements that progress from one movement to another in perpetual motion as if you were dancing. The Method is designed to contour your body creating long lean muscles. The use of extension, elongating, lengthening and stretching withing the movements creates this long lean look. Flexibility, perfect form within the exercise, excellent posture, and focus are key components in practicing The Method. 
It is important to understand that Pilates in general is very different then Yoga. To practice both of these art forms plus adding aerobics and muscle conditioning to your exercise program is really ideal. This would be referred to as cross training on all levels, nurturing your mind, body and spirit.

When talking about fitness and getting into shape the knowledge I can share with you is this, when you decide to take on any exercise program learn from the best, seek proper guidance by a certified and professional personal trainer, and decide what body type you have and what kind of look you want for your body. This is extremely important, because there are several techniques out there that can shape your body in many different ways. A perfect example is to study professional athletes and dancers. Observe at what they specialize in, for what you see is what you get. 
First take into consideration your body type, second understand the desired look your body can achieve, and last accept the commitment to the way in which you must train...

This is a photo taken of me at a fitness convention in Cape Cod MA US a few years ago. This is an example of The Method training for the desired long and lean look...

Inspired To Write

A Calling...

On my free time I'm working on writing my first novel. This is a big undertaking and decision after what I just wrote about Money. Ha-ha.
There is something inside of me that is compelling me to write this aspiring novel. Writing this nonfiction book as a third person narrative is strictly based upon actual personal experiences. The story itself has to be told or I will not rest. This doesn't happen to me very often but when it does I act. I know it is extremely i...mportant for reasons that are not necessarily in the present but will serve far better in the future. I evaluate this as (A Calling) and where it comes from well as many artists say "from somewhere above." This calling is not premeditated nor does it come often. This intense serge of energy that presents itself to me comes in the form of creative expression. It arouses my senses in three different Mediums, either by writing, illustrating or film/video. In every sense within these three Mediums it always involves a story or a series format. I take this upon myself unconditionally with acceptance without using any excuses except I have to do it!

These such callings takes years of careful thought, preparation, focus and hard work. I know in the end it will have an impact or symbolic message that has to be convayed. Whether it involves a particular individual or it is for the general public this calling has to be fulfilled. Sometimes when it happens I ask myself why, why me? I don't have all the answers but I feel the energy. It is like an intense drive or force that pushes me. Years later well after the project as been accomplished it reveals itself by exposing its deeper purpose. This 2016 force within me is my new video production and now this new novel. The last four forces began in September of 2009. They were "The Michael Jackson Series", The Untold Stories... fine art book, the first intro. Modern dance video and an illustrative story that was sent to a person who's name I cannot release.

The only other time I got this intense force was in 1970 when I was a very young girl and the artist/musician Jimi Hendrix tragically passed away. At that impressionable time in my life I was expressing myself through poetry. I wrote a poem in his memory. As young as I was I knew Jimi was special, unlike anything or anyone I would ever see perform or hear again. Therefore I payed tribute the best way I new how. I suppose I have come of age and I know my calling. The particular individuals that are chosen, and the themes I creatively express through writing, illustration and dance are unique, rare and exceptional. In essence it is as if I must achieve these callings before I leave this earthly realm...

Love & Unity

 

Mother Earth

April is EARTH MONTH. As a constant reminder that we are indeed living during dangerous and unpredictable times one of the issues facing us is the natural destruction of mother nature to mother earth. We cannot stop this recurrence, nor can we control it. It breaks our hearts to see it everyday happening all over the world. With it's vengeance it raptures innocent souls and the numbers increase with each new natural disaster. What does this say to us as vulnerable humans occupying this vast planet as well as all living things. Better question is why. We all know why and we feel helpless watching it. Yet each time it occurs it brings more and more people together helping, assisting and working together in the wake of its destruction. Must it only be through natural disasters, violence, hunger, disease, social unrest and terrorism that we as humans assist one another? Or is there a much higher calling testing all of us now. Just two simple words define this calling and until these are totally recognised, understood, practiced and achieved many of these atrocities will continue to persist and ultimately threaten the existence of all living things. 
L.O.V.E. & U. N. I. T. Y.

Endoscopy And Colonoscopy

No I really don't want to talk about it!

Ah yes the familiar response when dealing with two forbidden words Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. Required tests at age fifty and over.
Why are we tested? To promote early detection of Cancer, or any other digestive issues, syndromes and disorders that could later present themselves as acute or chronic painful inflammation that are potential threats or problems to the Digestive System. Some people accept this testing as precautionary measures, others like me have no choice, they delay the process or are unwilling to consider it. The last are those in complete denial they are the ones saying that is never being done to my A...

Today this article is going to take you on a special journey with the many people like me who procrastinate, delay and wait because they really don't want to talk about it. Fear builds up is us and our brains says no way not now. Excuses begin to take over. I can wait and we convince ourselves there is plenty of time. We look for examples like, people go a lifetime without having these tests and they are doing just fine or, in my case both my late parents lived to eighty eight without ever having either of these tests. Unless something goes wrong then I'll consider it. Unfortunately with me something was off and my digestive track was not on track.

The problem with me and I believe with many people like me is THE PREP.... Horrible words!! Oh God must I go through this, I just won't be able to bare the thought of it, then fear and panic takes over. You become nervous and anxious worried to death. Ultimately it becomes a flat NO... When you ask people about their experiences each individual experiences something different. They all say the PREP is the hardest part. Then the pit arrives in your stomach.
My personal story is designed to help ease the fear, tension and panic over having these very important and essential tests. I was one of those people who wallowed in fear. My imagination got the best of me so I put it off. So, by putting this off years go now I'm presented with mild symptoms that will require these tests. From what I understand many people around the world have these very symptoms more then I ever imagined. Could it be the times we live in or what we choose to eat, who really knows.

For me it all began by having digestive issues that became chronic. This is what you don't want to happen by waiting. I needed to have these tests taken by a reputable Boston Gastroenterologist. Insurance coverage is important. If you have private insurance you can go out of network but if you have other insurance policies that involve in network it is more difficult to find the doctor and hospital of your choice. Keep this in mind. There are different types of prep. used today. The newest one and more easily tolerated is called the Suprep Kit. There is plenty of literature to read and digest no pun intended that is important. All the information provided is to help you and your doctor complete these tests successfully.

Acceptance is the next word I would like to address because it is needed in this scenario. It is a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. It simply has to be done one way or another during ones lifetime. Lets address what you want to avoid and have the Prep.Talk. Fear of the unknown and if this is your first experience then your mind is imagining all sorts of crazy thoughts. Please put your mind at ease as I openly share with you my experience. There are a list of over the counter medications and supplements they would like you to avoid at least seven days before the procedure. You can however take Tylenol.
The prep. involves food fasting, well that isn't too bad! Also, just three days out of your life, I can do that. The first day you go easy on your meals try to limit your portions. The second day is the all liquid day. However you can have a light breakfast to start. In the afternoon prepare for an all liquid diet like jello, some fruit drinks, Gatorade, sodas, ice tea, and coffee with no dairy products, lemon-aid, herbal teas, hot black coffee, chicken broth, plenty of water and popsicles. The important issue to remember is whatever you decide to eat it must not have any red, purple or orange dyes because it will compromise the testing. 

So far this is a breeze! Depending on your scheduled appointment for the procedure this is when the prep. actually begins.
For example: My scheduled appointment was at 9:30 am on Monday morning which means on Sunday evening at 6:00 pm I prepared to take my first liquid dose. Your asking, what am I drinking and how much do I drink? Believe me I can already hear your wheels spinning. The contents within these two bottles of a 6 oz solution contains 1) Sodium Sulfate. 2) Potassium Sulfate. 3) Magnesium Sulfate. The kit comes with a large sixteen oz clear plastic cup. Before you drink the 6 oz solution you are to add another 6 oz solution of your favorite drink and mix it thoroughly. Voila your ready! I mixed mine with lemon-aid. The taste is like a blend between lemon-aid and Robitussin cough syrup. Easily you can drink this right down.

Anticipation is what I call the next step. This depends on the weight of the person and how much one eats in general. I consider myself a light eater. Forty five minutes to an hour your friend is the toilet but not in a bad way. You go periodically without any cramps or nausea. It is very important and imperative that you drink two 16 oz bottles of water within the first two hours to hydrate, this is not a problem drinking water it is easier at room temperature. You may read, play on your computer, cell phone or watch TV in between sessions. Then it gradually subsides. At 12 pm midnight Monday morning six hours later you take your second solution. Drinking is a bit different this time around and I will be honest with you to drink all this solution can bit difficult. Why? Because first of all it's late, second your tired, and third your not so tolerant of it. That being said you drink as much as you possibly can and let it go. This second cleaning out process does not allow you to receive much needed sleep. You again have to drink two additional bottles of water within the first two hours and you cannot have anything more to drink five hours before your procedure. It is also necessary to supply yourself with baby whips as this process makes this area sensitive.

The most pleasant truth about this last process that few people seem to admit or talk about is you feel so clean and pure you cannot believe it! No bloating no cramps like a new born baby inside. You cannot comprehend the difference and how great you feel inside. Depending on the individual you can loose up to 7 lbs. I lost 3 lbs. but I only weigh 107 lbs. What's next? Well your tired and perhaps a little weak and you must have someone with you during this next process. You arrive at the hospital and sign in. They bring you to special section in the hospital where all they do are these procedures. You have a separate private room where you change into a hospital gown. First and foremost these hospital attendants and nurses are professional. They act fast, precise and work as a team. The attending nurse takes your vital signs and starts an IV without you even being aware of it let alone feeling it. This procedure is allowing you to receive fluids for hydration. The nurse asks if there are any medications your allergic to, medical history and important information needed before the testing. You are calm and you know immediately you are in good hands so there goes the anxiety and all that unnecessary fear. They wheel you into another room where there is more equipment and you now sense this is where these procedures take place.

Choice of anesthesia: The anesthesiologist and your doctor are now discussing the two procedures with you. If your having Propofol you cannot be on or taking any type of prescription drugs days prior to administering this anesthesia. It was the doctors choice as well as mine that I wanted to be fully sedated without any after affects such as nausea or headaches. I also was assessed emotionally and put into the category of a high anxiety personality. Basically I was going to be knocked out...Propofol is the popular drug used for this type of testing that involved two procedures at once. I had heard a lot of buzz about this sedative. If you know anything about me I spent over four years since 2009-2014 working on thirteen illustrative stories in a series format that eventually lead to writing the first of its kind non fiction hand illustrated storybook about the late Michael Jackson. I was going to learn first hand about this so called Propofol sedative. I was prepared to fully comprehend it's use and effect.

First I was assured by the anesthesiologist she would be monitoring my condition throughout the entire process along side the doctor. She asked me to turn on to my left side and that through the IV she would administer the Propofol. She said I would feel a slight sensation, slight sensation for two fractions of a second I felt like I was going to paradise! Then I was out. What's next? I woke up alert, calm, loving and happy. I felt rested and not craving food. This euphoric sensation of peace was indescribable and I can completely understand why Propofol is the short term sedative of choice. The doctor said everything went well, no Cancer, no polyps, he took a lot of biopsy’s and said not to worry that they will know more when the tests results are completed. The doctor smiled and said I'll be talking to you in a couple of weeks.

Out of precautionary measures the attending nurse asks if you know your name, age and where you live. They also want to know if you have a ride home for you cannot drive or work with any type of heavy machinery. In my case I had a three hour drive ahead of me so I literally had nothing to worry about nor did I care. I was happy, content and clam and even better it was all over.
The after affects: I believe it depends on the individual but tired is one of the major symptoms. You really want to rest for awhile. Later on comes a slight appetite. Here's the deal, you feel so clean inside and even slightly thinner so it feels unbelievable like nothing you've ever experienced in your life before. This is the only way I can describe this physical feeling. What you don't feel like doing is going out and ordering fried clams and french fries! You take it rather easy and you desire to drink plenty of cold water. Again I will be honest when having an Endoscopy there is a slight sore throat. Not to worry it will be gone the next day.

Test results and pictures: They provide you with a full report on every biopsy they took, pictures of your insides you've never seen before and it is quite overwhelming. The reports were all good. I have mild IBS Syndrome. This is not a disorder and it is treatable and not a chronic disorder. You begin to say to yourself this is me and these are my organs that work in my Digestive System. And then the epiphany at least it was for me. I was taking nothing for granted that in fact I was a brilliant complex machine perfectly designed. By looking at my organs and what they actually do I said, I need to take better care of them, nurture them and not abuse them. In that moment everything changed I had a whole new perspective of my body inside. Like experiencing an ultrasound for the first time of your baby. I thought, I bath my body to be cleansed, treat my skin with creams and oils to be soft, have a hairdresser to keep my scalp and hair healthy, a dentist to clean my teeth, manicures and pedicures, facials, spa treatments and daily skin care regimes. See good doctors for annual checkups, the eye doctor for healthy vision all of this on the outside but what about the inside? How do I begin to care and treat this clean and incredible machine inside?
It made me wonder...

Please don't be afraid of these tests, there is nothing to fear but fear itself and our imagination running wild. It is one of the most important responsibilities you can do for your body. Never wait until it's too late. Appreciate how extraordinary you are inside and how clean your body feels after such procedures. I've shared my journey with you. Everyone's experience is different we are all unique individuals but, we all have the same Digestive Systems. Take that Leap of Faith and don't be afraid it is well worth it especially on the other side.
Early detection, acceptance, and responsibility are the keys to a healthy mind, body and soul..

Beautiful Inside And Out

 

A Fashion Experience

I was blessed with one child in life a happy child that was extremely easy to nurture and raise. She is beautiful inside as well as outside and is not easily forgotten when first introduced. She carefully picked a suitor and married this handsome and most loving man from Spain, they reside in Madrid. She speaks fluent Spanish and some French, she just became a Spanish citizen and teaches English to children in a private school. It is a very unique experience having your only daughter living in Europe with a six hour difference in time, and so very far away. At first I didn't know how to respond when she decided to do her Masters in Spain. Finding the perfect job, the announcement of her engagement, then marriage a year later would all spell out a more permanent stay in Spain. My days of going shopping, meeting for lunch, or watching our favorite British romantic film together seemed like a lasting memory.

I said to myself, Donna you taught her to be independent. This is where she chooses to live, and the world she wants to create for herself. You worked and sacrificed so she would have all the tools necessary to survive. She and her husband travel the world together, and they are not quite finished yet. Every week there is something new happening in her life and perhaps she may or may not choose to return back to the states. Try and understand if her husband would be able to adjust to the demands of the American ways. The freedom of loving life with much less stress, the advantages of many religious holidays, socialized medicine, close family ties, and the beautiful ways in which this culture enjoys living their lives. At first it was overwhelming and I was unsure of what type of relationship I could possibly have with her. Such distance could I continue to watch her grow? Over time I realized she was truly happy. I sought a new found place in sharing her many delights. I also realized that ours was going to be a different kind of mother and daughter relationship. You know, she tells me everything, and when she goes away on a trip I experience it through her. Whether it's short videos, photos, Skype or Whats App the communication is always available.

Last evening she shared something new and exciting that was right up my alley. Fashion week for a particular Boutique store she happens to love. To put it mildly she is a devoted customer and shops there quite often. Over the years many of my unique clothes for Christmas and birthdays come from this lovely store. When you regularly shop there for six years the store records a percentage of what you've spent. The total amount is evaluated and if this figure falls into a higher bracket then this is known as being in Circle 5. Believe me she has certainly earned this title. She wears their clothes with exuberance, has excellent taste, is physically beautiful to look at, and has a warm, bright and social disposition. Lets just say they called and invited her to their exclusive fashion event. 
When she first arrived she was welcomed by one camera man, a spokeswomen for the store and the manager. She was surprised by this sudden unrehearsed interview, but was delighted in being chosen as their exclusive representative of their new Spring collection.

The name of this store and brand name of this clothing line is Desigual. The premiere took place in several spaces on Calle Santo Tome' Madrid. These places were Creme Delacreme, Piloco and 98%yu. They set up manikins in odd positions in these places draped with their creative ideas and designs. Colors, fabric textures, and original graphic designs were displayed to show the creative process in designing their most innovative fabrics. The fashion statement this Spring was bright and colorful. They introduce a unique way of mixing and matching different design patterns presenting Desigual with their own signature look. There is a bohemian sense of style yet they take it to a whole different level in the way they accessorize, and uniquely combine fabrics and textures. This was indeed a once in a lifetime experience to be a part of. My daughter shared this experience with me every step of the way. I in turn felt her joy and excitement as I reminisced over the splendor of bi-annual Fashion Weeks spent in New York. I was ecstatic for her because as a little girl she witnessed me leaving for New York while she patiently stayed behind. When I'd return home she would ask me“mommy how was it, what was it like, did they like your dresses, did you see any celebrities”? Looking at those big doe eyes I would try and explain what it felt like to be there, but the magic was hard to describe unless you experienced it for yourself.

Last evening she finally knew what this experience was like. After her last text and photograph was sent via Whats App, I cried tears of joy. All that hidden guilt was slowly oozing from my heart, I was free and unmistakably the fashion shoe was finally on the other foot...

Roy Owen Haynes - Jazz

 

All That Jazz

Roy Owen Haynes born on March 13,1925. Roy is an American Jazz Drummer. His career lasting for more then sixty years. During the fifties his nick name was "Snap Crackle." He has jammed with more greats then you can possibly imagine. Roy celebrated his ninety first birthday last Thursday evening on March 10, at The Blue Note Jazz Club in NY city. He played with his band members, Jaleel Shaw on sax, Martin Bejerano on piano, David Wong on bass and special guest Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. I know because I was there for the 10:30 evening show. I sat close and personal as I watched in awe as these great musicians jammed together. The place was packed, and you couldn't put a piece of thread between each persons chair. The music, and the sound was an experience all it's own. To watch Roy perform is something you will never encounter in a lifetime. Music is within his soul he is the music. He simply never missed a beat!

Pat Bruce Metheny born on August 12,1954. Pat is an American Jazz Guitarist. He is noted for his electric guitar, acoustic guitar and guitar synthesizer. Jazz lovers know him as The Pat Metheny Group and Pat Metheny Unity Group. Pat delivers a unique quality and style to his music. If you follow jazz the name Pat Metheny will ring loud and clear. He made his first appearance on the jazz scene in 1974. I know because I bought his first album as soon as I heard his signature sound on a Smooth Jazz radio station out of Boston, MA.

Pat tells a story through his musical arrangements. He writes and composes all his music. When a song begins with Pat it starts off slow soft and simple, not all the instruments start at the same time. He begins with his acoustic or electric guitar, drums, and piano. As the song develops more instruments are added to the story and his guitar takes on a specific lead. He builds the music up like a crescendo and he switches to his signature guitar synthesizer. Now all the instruments in the group are playing louder and more vigorously and his guitar begins speaking to the listener. His Guitars musical vibration reaches it's peak, wildly hitting higher notes as the sound transcends into a strong message. The background music is blending in perfect harmony with all the instruments playing together in unison. Pat then brings back his acoustic or electric guitar and ever so controlled he slowly winds down. Each individual instrument making its last attempt to ring out before eventually coming full circle back to its beginning, softly and rhythmically ending the story. 
Brilliant orchestration!

Pat's storytelling through his music has been told in so many different arrangements over the decades. His signature sound resonates deep into the soul. No other Jazz guitarist writes, arranges music and puts on a jazz performance quite like him.

To watch an artist who you admire in itself brings great joy. Especially one who you've listened to your whole adult life. An artist/musician who's music influenced and inspired you as a struggling artist, helped you cope through good times and bad times. This dreamlike vision was playing no more then a few feet away and it was overwhelming for me. I never dreamed in a million years I'd ever have the unique pleasure of finally experiencing Pat's artistry. I was at the right place at the right time.

Watching Roy and his band with Pat was truly magical that eventful evening. They literally fed off each other and you could feel and see the enormous God given talent flowing out of their bodies down their arms through their hands to the tips of their fingers.

My only regret is I did not have the chance to shake Roy's hand, thank his band or introduce myself to Pat. The opportunity did not present itself. I still left The Blue Note happy and quite content as I had witnessed a musical birthday celebration to a very special jazz legend, and a unique jazz musician who will always have a special place in my heart... 3

Family Tragedy

 

Injustice

This was my last trip to MA before 2016.  The long twenty four month legal battle is almost over and it has changed me forever.
INJUSTICE is an upsetting word its sword will pierce your heart and burn your soul.  It takes shape in many forms.  It tests you to the max, and spits in your face whenever it can.  You seek council for security and protection just hoping you will make it through.  Over time you reflect, are there lessons to be learned?  You are angry, hopeless, disgusted, sad and lost.  You seek JUSTICE, but it comes with a high price tag one you cannot afford.  You stop fighting and finally succumb to the restraints placed upon you.  There is nothing more you can do you have exhausted all measures.  All that is left is a sense of calmness that surrounds you, and you ask yourself again, are there lessons to be learned?      Yes, there are three of them to be exact.  One is forgiveness that comes from the heart from any wrongdoing, the second is learning how this injustice was forced upon you, and understanding why it was done to you. This compassionate approach is the only way you'll find acceptance to forgive, and the courage to move forward.  The third is the hardest of all, letting go of what you cannot change leaving it all in the past, and forgetting it ever happened to you. This takes the longest to accept, because your mind seeks revenge.
These are the three most difficult lessons to learn in life.

So as I pose in front of the firms building after ten emotional visits.  I've come to realize it will be the last time I will stand here.  I appear the same physically however there is a slight attitude change, and my body language is saying something different.  Inside emotionally I'm forever altered.  I'm seasoned like a fine wine.  I feel more confident inside knowing I made it through this relentless and captive grip.  I'm seeing life differently then I ever did before.

Money they say can be the root of all evil.  People will spin on a dime when money is at hand.  To some people it is their God, and they will do just about anything under the sun to have it.  This is the INJUSTICE.

As I walk away this time around from such a never ending process.  This horrifying experience has provided me with closure, clarity, patience, understanding and growth.  Unfortunately these three important lessons which I have mentioned above, all of us must deal with one way or another during our lifetime.  Hopefully you will not be blindsided when it happens to you as it did with me. 

If there is anything I can impart to you in case this darkness shows up at your door, is to remember these lessons.  Find your faith you will need it to ease the pain.  Remember you will not fall apart even though at times you may feel alone and your going down.  You will survive through such an ordeal, and ultimately come out the other side a stronger person.  There will be a whole new definition to the meaning of unconditional love, and you'll be a much shrewder and more tolerant individual for enduring such an INJUSTICE...

Subjects To Avoid

 

Water Seeks Its Own Level

Politics and religion are two subjects one never brings up at the dinner table, or at any social event. Tensions could rise and words could be said you cannot take back. There is a definite separation between the two subjects however they seem to co-mingle when talking about politics, but not so much when talking about religion.

In politics a conservative right winged politician may say the issue at hand is a social issue not a political issue. The issue at hand is based on social beliefs especially on the subject of abortion or same sex marriage. The right to choose VS pro-life and sexual preference VS marriage. 
Think about this for a minute. If you want to bring religion into this scenario it says that a man and a women are made in perfect union to procreate and populate the world. If two women or two men are is an intimate relationship this is a social science analysis, and natural procreating cannot be achieved. Now the politician gets into these two issues and it becomes a matter of self principal. The derivative or root is religious, based upon the principals they were taught when they were young. After all if there were no religions what kind of a world would we live in?

The words (Human Rights) comes into play here. Freedom to choose VS equality. This has nothing to do with religious beliefs, but what was written in the Constitution. Yet something still creeps up into these issues with its derivative being religion. Freedom to choose is acceptable but if a women decides to deal with her body and unwanted pregnancies, then we're not sure  about that. Or equality, ever body is equal and has the right to choose, but same sex marriage, well we're not sure about that either. Contradictions which is it? On one hand it is acceptable on the other hand it is unacceptable. 
A matter of principal, strong ethical code, and high moral standards are all ones principals and beliefs to do whatever is right according to what, the sky? 
Where does the basis of these thought patterns come from? I believe it comes from some form of faith that guides this individual through life. When in the public eye such as a politician especially running for office in any political position strong principals and beliefs are valued, and respected. 
A politician has the right to speak freely on his or her own convictions. They have no right preaching the constitution and then in one split second denounce everything it stands for without a viable explanation. 
Oh they have a viable explanation, and if it is too conservative well you know your answer. If it is moderate then they are willing to bend, the rules a bit, but if they are too lenient then they leave themselves open to controversial enforcing big changes. 
Change is not easy to accept, and can be quite uncomfortable for many individuals especially if it is against their moral principals.

The issues that need to be considered and addressed in today's new age world is politics, because in fact there were only thirteen states responsible for the Constitution when it was first written. Religion was over 2,000 years ago during biblical times when it was first introduced. The world has evolved and we are evolving with it. Making new adjustments and acting upon changes are inevitable in order for us to grow and move forward. We can use these principals as guidelines, but reform must take place in order for us to adapt to the ever changing times, especially now.

Human instinct is not perfect, we are not perfect people, but we are building a society of one sided rules and regulations based on old thinking and abstract principals. This will not evoke unity, it will not solve the problems we face, we cannot build walls to divide us, torture individuals who hate us, ignore or cut off countries and leaders who do not think like us.  Turning into dictators believing that only the American way is the right way, standing tall and proud as a supreme nation over all others.  This approach will never work during this new age of awareness. The level of self consciousness is rising.

There is an old saying I will leave you with. There are choices we have to make as a nation and as a people very soon. 
Our new leader has to understand one thing in life, 
"Water always seeks its own level..."