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Surgeon's General Warning: Do NOT read until taking your high blood pressure medicine and reading my opening remarks... Bring out your dead... This is NOT about whether or not to get vaccinated. It IS about the fact that it's being MANDATED. I understand enough about human psychology to realize that just having FEAR about something that MIGHT happen already changes our body's chemistry. Science demonstrates it...and so do our spiritual guides...we THINK a lot of our reality into existence...THINK about the implications... Fear is a Liar - Zach Brown Please understand from the outset ...and on consenting adults... After meeting G-d on the mountain, Moses hid his shining face.... Keeping it LIGHT...so I don't take myself and others too seriously... ...But the wisdom teachers in all traditions invite us to approach our Source NAKED - without obstacles...and participate with full INTIMACY... As a 30+ year Sunday school teacher, crafts were a favorite part of our lessons. Likely, because my Dad was a hands-on guy - could fix anything - and this likely influenced my choice of a career "playing with cars" - as friend Steve B used to say. Class, CLASS!!! CLASS!!!!! OK, Students: Enough talk...before reading on, print out this next image, grab your favourite (I dig the Brits) coloring instruments and LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!! and for extra credit...you can write a report on a very funny Cheech and Chong video skit I will send you on demand. Uhh, No, you're NOT allowed to write it on rolling paper... And now, lets add to our hands-on some "feet-on"...and get up and move our boogies... Grateful Dead Blues Brothers MashUp, Turn On Your Love Light 6/21/89 --If you dig this uploader - Jack Abramson, he's got more... A few year's ago I enjoyed an evening on the North Shore with this next band's mindful and fun tunes. Their "head" guru is Guru Singh, who happens to practice the same yoga form that I do: KUNDALINI. GuruGanesha Band - In the Light of My Soul What You Won't Do for Love (Bobby Caldwell's Classic) "In the light of my soul, I am happy and whole..." Be Grateful (reflection from Guru Singh from the above band) Link to this podcast...and this opening "track": Imagine a modern-day rock star Gandalf dropping mad guitar licks between pearls of timeless wisdom that beautifully fuse of Eastern mysticism with Western pragmatism and you start to get the picture. Named “Best Guru in LA” by Los Angeles magazine, for the last 40 years Guru Singh has been studying and teaching Kundalini Yoga – a 5,000 year old ancient science and school of yoga focused on awakening the primal energy known as shakti for the purpose of spiritual enlightenment. He is the author of several books (enumerated below) and a powerful lecturer uplifting thousands worldwide. An extraordinary teacher, he also serves as a behind-the-scenes guide to many a luminary, including Fortune 500 CEOs, athletes, artists and even Tony Robbins. A peer of rock legends like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead, Guru Singh is also a supremely talented musician who began his recording career on Warner Bros’ Sire label in the 1960s. When he isn’t recording tracks with people like Seal, he’s bringing down the house on the daily at Yoga West, his Los Angeles home base. Simply put, Guru Singh is one of the coolest people I have ever met — a huge, beautiful consciousness I’m proud to call friend. It’s an honor to share his story and wisdom with you today... Spirit Voyage Records article on this amazing dude There is a thread that runs through GuruGanesha’s music that pulls you towards the raw and beautiful pulse of life. He opens up the warm spaces of his heart, sharing the fragility of life, love and the search for meaning. At 70, he has accessed a new deepness to his voice and a more subtle lyricism to his guitar playing. Influenced by the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, his life of spiritual exploration adds a depth to his songs that transcends genre. GuruGanesha creates music that carries a profound wisdom that only comes with the experience of facing our shadows with love and acceptance. As the founder of Spirit Voyage Records, GuruGanesha helped launch the careers of many of sacred world music’s singers including Snatam Kaur, Jai-Jagdeesh, Mirabai Ceiba, Nirinjan Kaur and more. His deep love of music inspired him to create a record label devoted to sharing music that can heal and transform people. His own music carries that heartfelt intention, and this new single is sure to open hearts and create a sense of connection in these unprecedented times. A Hundred Blessings - Mirabai Ceiba (part of the lovingkindness label - Spirit Voyage -started by Guru Singh) "I must stop this talk now and let love speak from its nest of silence..." A Hundred Blessings - Rumi When Love comes suddenly and taps on your window, run and let it in, but first shut the door of your reason, even the smallest hint chases love away, like smoke that drowns the freshness of the morning breeze. To reason, Love can only say this way is barred, you can't pass through, but to the lover it offers a hundred blessings. Before the mind decides to take a step, Love has reached the seventh heaven. Love has climbed the Holy Mountain. Love has reached the seventh heaven. Love has climbed the Holy Mountain. I must stop this talk now and let Love speak from its nest of silence. Vaccinations for the Dead - YUP!!! Here's part of the email Ticketmaster sent me on 8/12/21. Tomorrow, I'll post my email reply to them and theirs back to me... Attention fans! The Event Organizer is requiring that all attendees of this event must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours prior to entry to the event. In attending the event you certify and attest that you and all individuals in your party attending the event will follow the below regulations: All fans must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after final dose) and provide proof of vaccination - either the original vaccination card or a printed copy of the vaccination card with an appropriate ID matching the name on your documentation. Or, have received a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before the event and provide proof of negative result to security prior to entering the venue. Unvaccinated fans under 12 years of age will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before the event and will provide proof of negative result to security prior to entering the venue. Unvaccinated fans over 12 years old with a valid medical restriction & medical note will be required to take a COVID-19 diagnostic test within 48-hours before the event and will provide proof of negative result to security prior to entering the venue. PLEASE NOTE: These confirmations will apply to all members of your party before they are allowed to enter the event and to any users of the tickets purchased by you. The Event Organizer encourages all guests to wear a mask for the duration of the event. END OF TICKETMASTER EMAIL SELECTION Vaccinate Yourself with Music (a post from last May) Includes: Grateful Medicine --an MD considers how going to Dead concerts can be good for you. In the article, he cites the FDA warning we see on many ingestibles: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Below - early vaccine delivery system... For extra doses of Dead Rx: https://www.youtube.com/user/gratefuldead #music #humor #fear #ZachBrown #vaccines #vaccination #GratefulDead #Rumi #GuruSingh #CheechandChong

PRELUDE I'm adding this after penning most of what follows in the body of this post. See, my journey continues to take many twists and turns...steps forward...steps backwards...going round in circles...dancing standing still... What follows has ALL BEEN PART OF THE TRIP...that said, I've transcended some of it while including all of it. Think of it like tattoos and scrapbooks...they're records that combine to make us WHO WE ARE NOW...and once were THEN... So, here's where I AM NOW... I am loved deeply by the Source of my life... I don't have to do ANYTHING to earn this love... If there is a PRICE to be paid - it's the cost of surrendering my EGO...that tries to control all the stuff that Life presents...the cost of surrendering my FEAR that I'm not worthy...I'm not good enough...Geez, seems like a pretty good deal... AND, until I can fully embrace this...I'm trusting the TRUST of the guides I've been given...my fellow companions on the road And, remember, our children are watching us...more HOW we do the things we do and LESS what we say... Teach Your Children Well - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (be sure to stay for the messages in this video's closing credits). My inclusion of their timeless message is likely due to over 30 years in Sunday school - all at Church of the Intercessor in Malverne, NY. To this day, children continue to teach me WELL. FYI - I haven't graduated and am still learning every day...HOW TO LOVE... I had meant to include their song link and remember/was reminded by my Guide just now. When I went back online to finfd the version I had planned to use, I found this touching one: San Francisco children sing the song to writer Graham Nash (there wasn't a dry eye in THIS house - Gee, that's another good song...but for another time). Please indulge me...two more...first one's the one I planned to use and second is Playing for Change's rendition: https://youtu.be/yq6rusc_EjM Playing for Change - Teach Your Children And before we get into a little boxing with our shadows, here's an upbeat number that can serve as calisthenics for facing our darkness... In light of what I penned above, we're ALWAYS connected to our SOURCE...whether we feel it or not...Like a light switch is ALWAYS powered...Higher Powered...all we gotta do is throw the switch. Enough talk, let's get up and dance...(and if you like this video guy, he's got more) Grateful Dead Blues Brothers MashUp, Turn On Your Love Light 6/21/89 THE POST: RED WORDS BAND - Tonight 7 PM Listen in to my email reply to the good friend DoryAnne (almost 50 years) who recently reminded me and others about tonight's 7 PM Red Words Band event at Church of the Intercessor in Malverne, NY...50 St. Thomas Place Dear Sister (Golden Hair): Once again, you are a messenger...and it’s in our calendar – lookin forward! Now, to today’s “messenger” role... I “RED” your email right after my monthly men’s meeting with guys that, like our Gathering, also gather – because of Richard Rohr’s influence. This morning’s theme centered around the circuitous paths we often take/follow on our way to ????? And, while trying to, as song states, “find our own way,” we are often surrounded even hounded by people that think THEY know what’s best for us. Several of this morning’s online crew spoke of “errant” children...Sound familiar? While Eileen and I don’t have one, I WAS ONE! Sh*t,, so much for some folks version of karma. “As for me and my house” I’m trusting that “mercy triumphs over judgment.” Folks have written volumes about this age-old invitation to discover WHO we really are, while we’re trying to figure out WHAT to do with our lives – HOW the 3 steps forward REQUIRE the learning experiences/suffering of the 2 steps backwards. For me, my ego HAS to be humbled enough for me to yield to a Power greater than myself. After reading your email, I went to the Red Words Band site (red rogues above) and was immediately drawn to this song: Inside the Dark --Mike Perrone doing lead vocal See, this is where I’ve been spending time – all the messengers are pointing and saying, “This is the way...walk in it...” A long time ago (the 60’s), in a TV Land far away, the indigenous residents of the land, while fleeing their persecuting “visitors” (a serious matter that some are now trying to address), while fleeing, they experienced even more troubles ...well, I’m gonna let them tell it: https://youtu.be/WYkUNuMD8pc Of course, since that fateful story was told, the “H” in their name morphed into an “F” and a whole subculture developed – I’ll leave you to dig deeper. Continuing the humorous interlude (“lude” means “to play”)... Let’s get serious, while remembering to not take our selves too seriously...Ahh, a delicate balancing act.. This next one is similar to the image that greets travelers to my site: From “Uncle John’s Band” (This morning [July 10, 2021], I brought this next musical offering to my mens' group brothers, introducing it as “Now, for a reading from the Prophet Robert.” After reading my FAVORITE of the band’s many wonder-filled tunes, I mentioned that “Robert” referred to the lyricist - Robert Hunter. Selections from the Gospel of Uncle John: “If I knew the way, I would take you there” “That path is for your steps alone” More lyrics that remind us of the brevity... These next lyrics for me summarize the heart of the “gospels” of all traditions: Here’s another modern prophet telling us...warning us...of the importance of this journey to discover, as Richard/Ram Dass said, to discover what we have in common, rather than just what we perceive to divide us... “We’re all just walking each other home” – Ram Dass Appearing in this 1-minute clip as “Richard Alpert” and before the next phase of his ongoing (and life long) awakening experiences in India and everywhere, he talks about the goal of all methods of “enlightenment” is to experience our union – with ourselves, others and what some call “g-d” – as we/they currently understand “g-d.” And I’ll end with a reading from the Prophet and Musical Evangelist – John This next link is here for me to remind myself to explore a little of this oft-cited piece... The Waste Land – T S Eliot Musical Addenda to my email to my friend TREVOR HALL - The Fruitful Darkness Just saw Trevor Hall at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. Here's one of his songs about the critical role of "darkness" in our journey. "When I look back on those years gone by All those mountains standing in my mind I could have folded, could have turned around But all good stories have their ups and downs" "The dark within my dark Is where I found my light" "So, I had to find my way through I had to find my way through I had to find my way through I had to find my way through" "The fruitful darkness Is all around us In bloom" Fruitful Darkness - Trevor Hall Here's Long Island's Half Step Band gathering in the musical medicine tribe as they cover UJB... FYI - The followers are as much fun as the followed... #music #humor #RedWordsBand #JohnLennon #RamDass #RichardAlpert #MartinLutherKing #GratefulDead #HalfStep #ChurchOfTheIntercessor #TSEliot #America

Readers: This is from an email I sent to the Red Words Band and Fr. Joe Ciccarello - the church's music maestro last year at this time. Mark/Mike/Fr. Joe/Paul: Wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your recent concert at Intercessor. I took two friends who were visiting from their other home in Arizona – my friend Mike and his wife Miriam. Mike’s an artist and likes new experiences – last fall he introduced me to the Halloween Extravaganza at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. This event reminded me how important it is for churches to maintain an active presence in the arts. For Mike, a hip choir and rock ‘n roll musicians praising G-d were music to his ears. Miriam’s from a more conservative background and got an eyeful and earful of contemporary worship music. Who knows…upbeat music might lead to dancing – “Oh no!” And dancing might lead to you-know-what!” Actually, the oft-told joke reverses this sequence. : ))) Baptists Don’t Dance Rock ‘n Roll Pastor Thunderbolts and Lightening, very, very frightening… "Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman "Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not WHAT a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is WHY he does it." - A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God "I play the notes as they are written, but it is G-d who makes the music." - J. S. Bach "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - Victor Hugo Bono & Eugene Petersen talk about The Message Version and their love of the Psalms BTW – Bono asked Franciscan Richard Rohr to give a retreat for him and his band. Pastor and Theology Professor Timothy Neufeld article on the connection between U2’s Bono & Edge and Richard Rohr NOTE: Prof. Neufeld's site is under construction and this is currently a non-working link. In the meantime, check out this one: https://davewainscott.blogspot.com/2012/12/reading-rohr-with-bono-half-naked.html Heavy Metal Church website YouTube Facebook I Spent Sunday in America's First Heavy Metal Church of Christ --the mention of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant reminded me of this joke: “The fact that there is a highway to hell and a stairway to heaven says a lot about the anticipated traffic load.” While I’ve been on both roads…this is now my preferred intersection…it’s my EZ Pass… tOM #music #humor #RedWordsBand #ChurchOfTheIntercessor #RichardRohr #Bono #U2 #LedZeppelin #CathedralStJohnDivine

LOVE ONE ANOTHER... Snapped this today (Tuesday) on my way home from a session with an alternative medical practitioner. On my way truckin down I-95 from his Connecticut home, I had joined a Zoom call with some friends from our Long Island contingent of the Poor People's Campaign. I started off on mute and no video, but a few minutes into our discussion there was so much exciting stuff being put on the table that I realized it was time to stop trying to do two things at once. So I got off in New Rochelle, took a couple of turns and found my way to a side street where I could give my mostly full attention and participation. After the call ended, I looked across the street in this mostly Black and Brown community and spied the above sign. So, my man-on-the-street donned his reporter's hat and iPhone in hand strolled across the street to get a close up. As I was taking in the message...guess what Grateful Dead lyrics came to mind? Snapped this next one at the recent Half Step live outdoor show in Seaman's Neck Park on Long Island. IN ONE WORD - THAT'S THE GOSPEL OF LOVE ACCORDING TO ALL THE WORLD'S WISDOM FIGURES THAT OPERATE AT THE MYSTICAL LEVEL...THE UNITIVE DIMENSION... Here's their song that inspired the above images: Uncle John's Band - Grateful Dead The OTHER ONE...JESUS isn't DEAD...or is He? The above image cries out for this next song - one lately that has had many applications in my life and the lives of those I've been meeting. Example, I sent it to my sister Mary as her son Brian and his wife Maggie were awaiting the arrival of their latest child. In reality, Brian was just hanging around while Maggie was doing the real work. It was my prayer for a quick and easy delivery: I danced myself right out the womb I danced myself right out the womb Is it strange to dance so soon? I danced myself right out the womb I danced myself into the tomb I danced myself into the tomb Is it strange to dance so soon? I danced myself into the tomb And my added lyrics... I danced myself out of the tomb I danced myself out of the tomb Is it strange to dance so soon? I danced myself out of the tomb Cosmic Dancer - Marc Bolan and T Rex Shifting now to the other side of Resurrection... The other day they waited, the sky was dark and faded, Solemnly they stated, "He has to die, you know he has to die." All the children learnin', from books that they were burnin', Every leaf was turnin', to watch him die, you know he had to die. That's It for the Other One - Grateful Dead (if you're in a hurry...only 07:36 - Plus includes some spacey graphics) And if not...here's a 30-minute inner space exploration... Here are some observations from David Dodds' site: my first stop for Dead-on interpretation and inspiration: In an interview published in Golden Road, Spring, 1991, p. 30, Garcia was asked about his portion of the lyric: "Golden Road: Who or what inspired your section of "That's It For the Other One"--"The other day they waited," etc.?Garcia: ... "Seriously, I think that's an extension of my own personal symbology for "The Man of Constant Sorrow"--the old folk song--which I always thought of as being a sort of Christ parable." The internet G-d served up this next image...so naturally, like Alice, I followed the rabbit tracks... Clicking on the image, I was led here: “Ashes To Go” Out…Awake, Alive and Grateful When I saw this Bishop's photo and him sitting in the garden with Francis - not the Pope...the guy from Assisi, I liked him right away and stayed for his homily. In it, he cites some of my most treasured traveling companions on this road (no simple highway): Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Franciscan Richard Rohr, Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, Mary, and theologian Marcus Borg. If I've piqued your interest, click the link and follow your own rabbit... ...Hare today, gone tomorrow... ...Be hare now... ...Hare Krishna... ...Hare, hare... Hope to meet you on the road...tOM #music #humor #JerryGarcia #GratefulDead #Jesus #PierreTeilharddeChardin #RichardRohr #ThichNhatHanh #ThomasMerton #Mary #Marcus Borg #TRex #MarcBolan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY!!! I'm gonna try another post - just stream of consciousness (and hopefully, some unconsciousness) and see what emerges...After all, this mirrors life...it's all unfolding before us...mostly unreHEARSEed...from now til we're in the HEARSE. "When they come to take you down When they bring that wagon around When they come to call on you And drag your poor body down Just one thing I ask of you There's just one thing for me Please forget you knew my name My darlin' Sugaree" Sugaree - Grateful Dead - Live at Winterland (10/18/74) Earlier this afternoon, as I went for my usual daily walk around my neighborhood, I queued up "Ripple" by Playing for Change (PFC) and it was my soundtrack...on the track of life. Like many of PFC's tunes, there are many famous musicians lending their talent. Among the other notables in this cover are drummer Bill Kreutzmann and Jerry's daughter Keelin. Garcia Grisman - "Friend of the Devil" on Late Show. Sept. 15, 1993 Jerry Garcia instrumental cover of Imagine with Bronx video footage - check it out!!! Editor's note: This is the second time I was led to this video...I also think that it's no coincidence that Eileen and I and John just finished watching the movie "Motherless Brooklyn" - Edward Norton's 2019 take on NYC's Robert Moses - called a Power Broker. According to this movie, Moses displaced a lot of poor and minority folks to build his bridges, roads and parks...his EMPIRE... IMAGINE...no religion...no government...no greed...no selfishness...I know YOU can...so let's continue to use our music as medicine to transform this world that's in so much pain... Sportin more than A Touch of Grey (filmed with only a skeleton crew) Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)" 'What's Goin' On' Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders - 1/22/75 Keystone Berkeley, CA. More than a songwriter...I didn't know this...one of the joys of blogging... Jerry Garcia’s Digital Art Is Back From The Dead As NFTs And We’re Grateful The above article includes this next video An Odd Little Place: The Digital Works of Jerry Garcia "We're all just walking each other home..." Ram Dass, Jerry Garcia & all awakened souls... A new off-the-beaten-path path presents itself...will you follow it??? "Quiet down the mind the more the song will play..." You Can't Rush Your Healing - Trevor Hall mama well she told me time is such a wonderful gift you're not running out you're really running in confusion clouds the heart but it also points the way quiet down the mind the more the song will play so you can't rush your healing darkness has its teachings love is never leaving you can't rush your healing your healing your healing your healing your healing IMAGINE - John Lennon John Lennon Memorial in Central Park in 1980 Imagine cover at Strawberry Fields in NYC's Central Park (2019) --interestingly, in "Motherless Brooklyn cited about the Robert Moses character - Moses Randolph - cites the courage and imagination of Fredrick Law Olmstead, Central Park's designer. Jerry, R.I.P.ple... HIGH FOUR!!! Here's the master givin his famous four-finger salute... Eulogy Walking Each Other Home - Eric Basler Happy Birthday Jerry Garcia: Performing With Robert Hunter In 1980 How cool - this article was just posted today...AND...it includes great music clips... ...TODAY is the first DAY of the REST of your life...and mine, too... #music #PlayingForChange #JerryGarcia #RamDass

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED: This post contains POWER-FILLED musical medicine. If your nervous system is not adequately prepared...hardwired...it's best to take this in in small DOSES... July 27...Hmm...seems like a perfect day to... ...muse about this number..."27".... ...adding the "2" and the "7" yields the number "9" [Note to Travelers: Throwout [sic] this post you'll see text like this in square brackets that I added after my conscious brain came online and I was backfilling by adding songs to the phrases I typed while still mostly in my unconscious brain state - the one we inhabit just after waking...or meditating...or... deep relaxation...or an encounter with Nature...or...] [Wanderer: B4 experiencing this next musical adventure, don a good pear of Apple HEADphones - so you'll exercise both the RIGHT and LEFT hemispheres of yer noggin] [Wonderer: One more disclosure...as I awoke early this morning to start my tale, I was likely still under the magical influence of a movie I experienced with Eileen before we turned in - Mr. Magorian's Wonder Emporium... ...Number 9...Number 9...Number 9.......a truly REVOLUTIONary number... My Mom delivered me in her 27th year - Thanks, Mom, for carrying me into existence... I was born on a "27" - the 27th of September...also a "9" - the 9th month... ...in 1947...which contains a "1" - a lonely number, as I was before meeting Eileen... [...and she turned my Dark Knight's...into nights in white satin...] ...it also contains a "9"...and we just saw what happens when that number is given the freedom to continue for as long as it wants...wants...wants...wants... ...Furthur...more...it also contains a "4" - a down rightly uprightly FABULOUS number... ...and, finally...or beginningly...it contains a "7"...a day on which is even G-d rested... ...GEEZ...if THAT dude can chill...HOW CUM we won't allow US to mellow out... "US" - applies individually and corporally...corporately... ...HOW CUM "US" can't find a way to get together...to chill together to... ...CUM TOGETHER...right now over ME...[to GO together is blessed...to CUM together is divine...] [...and do it right now...right here...] [repeat] [...and LIVE OUT ALL the lyrics in this classic call to sisterhood...brotherhood...they/themhood...] "It was 27 years ago today, the Sergeant taught the band to play" - OK, a little artistic license...on the number...and title, as you'll see in this clip...] PHASE I ...in which Doris gets her Oates...and, in fact, HALL's 'em in... [...I didn't really know this last band...but that didn't matter as my musical Muse led me to that track simply because of it's name...I liked its ENERGY...] [...here's "Two of Us" live but without Doris...] ...alright, I think my two typing fingers are sufficiently warmed up to begin my story... ..."it's the same story the crow told me...it's the only one he knows...that when life looks like EASY STREET...there's danger at your door..." ...anybody relate to that??? Don't have to raise yer hand...but you could tap your foot or nod your head...Uh, I didn't say nod off...Why?...it's only 4:55 AM ET...Oh, I didn't realize...your just gettin home...OK, I'll cut you some slack... [...continuing Uncle John's message, which is SOOOO needed right now... "Ain't no time to hate Barely time to wait Woah, oh, what I want to know Where does the time go?"] --Uncle John's Band - Grateful Dead (song link above with the lyrics) PHASE II ...Hey, Tangent Master, where was I going??? (Curious seekers, it's OK to ask me WHO is the Tangent Master...and I'll tell you the story of when I first met him in 1968...) ...Hey, Mr. Conductor, where are you taking me??? And don't give me that crap, "Uh, I don't know, I'm just..." (you'll have to listen to that interminably loooooog song...all the way to... ...THE END...for his woeful reply... [...that said, here are some hope-filled lyrics...that encourage me to keep on pushin... ...keep on truckin [..."Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty If your cup is full, may it be again Let it be known there is a fountain That was not made by the hands of men There is a road, no simple highway Between the dawn and the dark of night And if you go, no one may follow That path is for your steps alone" --Ripple - Grateful Dead] PHASE III The CLUB...Alley Oop, Oop, Oop... Jim Jimi John (Word Policeman: Don't pull me over...I wasn't speeding...and, as I told you earlier, I do have my artistic license...") Janis [PIGPEN] tOM 1974...livin in Callie...my 27th year...one in which Eileen was back in NY and... ...wishin and hopin... ...Naw...and she wasn't "so tired, tired of waitin...tired of waitin for...ME...EEEEEEE..." ...as she tells the story now...she KNEW I was comin back for her...GEEZ, I didn't... ...but I'm 4ever GRATEFUL I did... NOTE TO READER/FELLOW TRAVELER: I've gotten this far - all the words not in square brackets [ ] - on just early morning stream of consciousness (or unconsciousness). I've never done a post like this...I usually start in Word and do all my composing and finessing there and then copy and paste into my Wix.com site. However, when I got up at 4 AM to use the JOHN...something...likely my musical Muse...invited... ME with her words... ..."AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT..." [Kung Fruit???] ...decidely DIFFERENT from "Same ol...same ol...same ol..." ...that said, on this BRAND NEW DAY - first one ever of it's kind... ...I'm blessed to be sitting before its BLANK CANVAS...and composing... ...GEEZ...sure beats DEcomposing... ...Hmm...wonder if I will stop...I was gonna type "SHOULD" stop... ...but am seriously trying to eliminate as many "SHOULD'S" as possible... ...maybe even "shit on my should's'" PHASE IV I'm not tired...but you might be...especially if you gotta catch a plane, train or automobile... ...or are expecting a visit from the CANDYMAN... ...so, I'll sratr...Huh? A guess one of my typing fingers is still a little sleepy... ...so, I'll START backfilling by adding links to some of the phrases I typed above and below... and then offering one song for each of the 27 Club members... PHASE V ...aforin' I start...let's have some fun...tell me what would be YOUR choice for the first song to include for each of the magical musical musicians in Club 27... ...drop me a line stating point of view: text me: 516-850-2493 email: ttittmann@icloud.com Log in to my site and use the "COMMENT" field use the Vulcan "mind meld" just LOOK UP kiss the sky and yell out your answer... PHASE VI JIM... https://youtu.be/D0gB7VuGf7g JIMI... https://youtu.be/r0EMrJTgqgM JANIS... https://youtu.be/7uG2gYE5KOs JOHN...remember, I got the license... https://youtu.be/ITie7FinrPQ I knew the above 4 by heart so I was curious to see if there were others... ...Yup! A LOT! So, I selected the following because I dug their sound... PIGPEN... https://youtu.be/FIKl4XFeesI JANIS & PIGPEN TOGETHER... https://youtu.be/RmPkgSIkUeM PHASE VII ..."and on the 7th day...She...He...They...rested..." [Genesis...the Bible Book not the band] I don't know about you, but I wanna stay in the place John brought me to... ...so I'll stop here in this REST AREA for what a new neighborhood friend calls... ...our BLUE/GREEN souls...see below... ...so, let's APPLY what we've learned just now from these 27 Club members...and the others that are no longer walking this plain...but are with us nonetheless... ...so we DO NOT miss the opportunities TODAY... ...for you don't know what you've got til it's gone... ...I'm dedicating the above song to: Marc Fasanella - a new friend I met through the Poor People's Campaign (LI Region of the NYS PPC)...I'll be exploring this explorer in a future post...for now and for something completely different for a PhD dude, check out his "Collective Action Figures" page (click anywhere in the center frame to view the Professor in and out of character(s)....Like the next adventurer and visionary, Marc knows the critical importance of recovering awareness of our blue/green planet - our home... Michael Uhl - a newly discovered friend...right here in West Hempstead...who introduced me to his and my blue/green soul...and his nature sanctuary - right in the middle of town...I'll be doing a separate post on Michael...Teaser: It's no coincidence that Joni's song figures prominently in his life's work...In this 90-second video entitled "Wondering with Strangers," Michael asks a question that's relevant to so much in this post: "So let me ask you what do you think is the difference between an unknown stranger and a native - you know, someone we know and care about?" and all the other dreamers... ...that give me and US and I & I...HOPE...that our children will have a world in which they'll get back to and respect the GARDEN...and learn to find solace there...HERE...NOW... "Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand..." --Scarlet Begonias - Grateful Dead #music #humor #environment

Just the facts? OK Half Step Band (Dead covers) FREE (***) Wed. July 21, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Seaman’s Neck Park 2700 S Seamans Neck Rd, Seaford, NY 11783 --a cool surrounded-by-water venue *** well not exactly “free” – paid for by our tax dollars : ))) OK, a little subtle sarcasm...so let me practice being GRATEful... “Thanks, Town of Hempstead for bringing the Dead to life! And, BTW, is there any hidden meaning to the first part of our town’s name?” “C’mon, be truthful and don’t blow any smoke at me...on second thought...” 5-minute video sampler...to get you in the mood I first saw Half Step with some friends a few years ago at a local library. They were “GRATE”...but the only downer was this eerie librarian...seeing how she looked, I thought she’d be more considerate... Half Step Band Website --First, you’ll see the upcoming events like this one, then, if you dare, press “Enter” to explore "Furthur") OKAY – You got the facts...so, if I’ve whet your musical or humorous appetites - or both, then join me in the fun house...Read on...IF YOU DARE... Also, if you’ve been curious about who are the Grateful Dead and why they’ve been following YOU, read on. Half Step plays a wonder-filled role in introducing folks to this amazing experience...and they do it with their own unique vibe...They are full strength Grateful Dead with their own unique album cover... ..."So come on with me, or go alone, he's come to take his children home..." “Got some time to talk a while here beside the rising tide...?” INVITATION: If any the following have happened to you or are now happening....fear not, there’s hope just "around some corner": --your parents or grandparents told you about a band that used to follow THEM around the country --a significant adult in your life keeps preaching the “Grateful Gospel” - as they walking around the house with a peaceful, easy feeling (oops, that’s another band), chanting “...Woah, oh, what I want to know...Is are you kind?” --you keep meeting strangers in skeleton masks who wanna shake your hand --you’re a thinker and wondering if there’s a deeper meaning to a phrase you once heard from someone you respect, “When surrounded by bears, play DEAD.” --again, as a thoughtful person, you’ve often contemplated some lyrics you heard on your phone – “When life looks like Easy Street, there’s danger at your door...” – and realized how “dead on” this describes life as you see it. --you keep bumping into this guy with long white hair and a smiling bear mask that greets you with "Have a Grateful Day" "You're either on the bus or off the bus..." Can I interest you in a bus ticket & sign you up? No monthly fees...and eventually, there comes a time when you don’t even need a device...you’ll simply relax and “let there be songs to fill the air...” – like August does in the movie “August Rush” (see “Furthur” down in this post). Side trip (to never, ever land): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furthur_(bus) “The bus came by and I got on and that’s when it all began....” --03:40 video about 50th anniversary trip in 2014 of this famous bus - narrated by Merry Prankster Ken Kesey's son Zane --Facebook group Oh, I see you’re a cautious soul and not ready to sell the family farm and jump on the bus, Gus. OK, I can dig it...I’ll give you another option... ...If you’re not yet ready to take a FULL step and join the living Dead by becoming a lifetime member of the Deadhead family... ...you can take a Half Step (full strength Dead in disguise - Read on) “So,” you ask, “How do I get there?” Now, I could be a wise guy and quote the lyrics, “If I knew the way, I would take you home...” BUT, in this case, I DO know the way: Long Island’s Half Step Band will take you as far as you wanna go...and then, if you want.. “Furthur”... Wed. July 21, 2021 @ 7:30 pm Seaman’s Neck Park 2700 S Seamans Neck Rd, Seaford, NY 11783 It’s a cool park - right off the bay and surrounded by water...so, bring someone you love and “you can discover the wonders of nature, rolling in the rushes down by the riverside.” And if at any time you feel lost, fear not - for you'll be guided...Deadheads are everywhere "Walk out of any doorway Feel your way like the day before Maybe you'll find direction Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you" MUSIC MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS The Music Never Stopped Movie Trailer --soundtrack includes the Grateful Dead’s “Uncle John’s Band,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Goin Down the Road Feelin Bad.” PLUS Dylan, Beatles, Buffalo Springfield, CS&N, Rolling Stones and lots more. The premise of the story – music being used to help with a brain dysfunction – is exactly what Dead percussionist Mickey Hart has been doing for years, as he works with the world’s top neuroscientists on using sounds to help people with cognitive impairment. Life's Rhythms Reimagined w/ Mickey Hart & Dr. Adam Gazzaley --I saw both of these guys a few years ago at a show/exhibit at NY’s Hayden Planetarium and American Museum of Natural History. It was a cool “night at the museum” and I think I might have spotted Ben Stiller – who was in town and way off Broadway in a play “Mummy Knows Best.” One more music movie recommendation: August Rush Trailer (02:24) “You know what music is...harmonic connection between all living beings.” --Wizard (Robin Williams) “(Music) it’s all around us...all you have to do is listen.” --August Rush (Freddie Highmore) August Rush - Louis & Evan Playing Together (Dueling Guitars) (03:34) MUSICAL MEDICINE REGULAR STRENGTH: For those initiates who are willing to start with a Half Step (it's actually Maximum strength just bottled differently) Grateful Dead - That's It For The Other One (07:31) MEDIUM STRENGTH: I can see that the beach balls and hula hoops got you stoked...so let’s party hearty.... Grateful Dead- That’s it for the Other One 3.01.69 (11:40) MAXIMUM STRENGTH: For those who’ve already taken the WHOLE step: Grateful Dead – That’s it for the Other One 2-13-70 New York, NY live (30 minutes) As CSN&Y sing, “Let’s Teach our Children Well” One of my customs as I walk through life is to, when appropriate (and sometimes not), comment on the messages on folks’ hats, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. For example, when I see a Dad or his kid sporting the white interlocking “NY” I say something like, “Dad you’re bringing her/him up right – just like my Dad did with me.” It always gets a smile. Same with Dead logos. They are mostly on adults or those of us pretending to be BUT, “once in while you get shown the light in the strangest of places IF you look at it right.” Opps, my mental jukebox just dropped that one on the turntable... What I meant to say is, very occasionally, I’ll see a young person sporting Dead signage. When this happens, like a few days ago, I’ll ask them how they got interested and the most common answer is a parent, grandparent, “Uncle,” or other significant "influence" – someone that deserves credit for “teaching them well.” A Grateful Dead Father's Day at The Rock and Roll Playhouse (6/16/19) --“Unlike previous frontiers.. there’s no end to this one...” (from video’s opening scene) According to Uncle John’s Gospel, this next image – while not very kind...is very funny. ENCORE: POST SHOW FUN - AFTER PARTY If you like any of this serious silliness, please check out some other posts about music as medicine – while a theme I frequently visit...there’s music is just about every post I craft... Vaccinate Yourself with Music Music heals as told thru music, humor & images. Without music you'd be better off Dead. The "Ripple" Effect on Others of 70 Trips Around the Sun Reconnecting after 40 years, I reflect on a friend's 70th trip around the sun & the ripples we've made. Music as Medicine - 1 Dead's drummer Mickey Hart’s & scientists using music to heal. With 12 artists incl. Playing for Change. Music as Medicine - 2: Musical doctor Peter Kater is making virtual house calls Grammy-winning pianist Peter Kater offers online concerts & mini-retreats. Musical Rx for such a time as this! Music as Medicine - 3: Peter Kater Day - another groovy kinda day Fun day w/friends enjoying life together & some musical medicine from Grammy-winning pianist Peter Kater. JUNETEENTH-4: Music Fuels & Moves the Movement "Ain’t no time to hate...barely time to wait...” “A true deadhead is an anti-racist. If you’re not, you don’t appreciate the Dead or anything they’ve ever done.” Plus music from Playing for Change, CSN&Y and from the Poor People's Campaign Mama Tryd “Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me; Other times I can barely see." Well, today was a Light day...Join me on the adventure. Higher DEADucation With a mix of silly and serious, we consider the question of how are we forming the minds of our youth...hopefully, music is in the mix We're All Just Walking Each Other Home "Half Step, Thanks for laying down tracks for our journey together..." Jerry will..."Drivin' that train..." tOM #music #humor #GratefulDead #HalfStepBand #MickeyHart

Richie… Trip Around the Sun - Jimmy Buffett & Martina McBride In fact, 70 Trips Around the Sun Richie, first - there will be an intermission and at the end, you'll find a link to a playlist of all songs in this post. As I was creating the post, I remembered the movie "The Music Never Stopped" and wondered if this post would ever stop - as it became like the lotus with so many layers unfolding. Though I’ve included a few memories of our early years together, what I’m really excited about is what’s been happening since we’ve reconnected. I’m grateful for beginning to discover who each of us has become and am enjoying the wisdom you've been sharing with me. What’s helping this process for me is the power of our shared experiences during those formative times in our lives – when we were trying to figure out adulthood. Personally, I still haven’t figured it out and find, instead, that just letting it flow carries me and has always carried me where I’m supposed to be. 1. Love Your Neighbor AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF As I Began to Love Myself – A poem for your 70th Birthday by Kim McMillen As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth. Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY”. As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody if I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me. Today I call it “RESPECT”. As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow. Today I call it “MATURITY”. As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exactly right moment. So I could be calm. Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE”. As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”. As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism. Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”. As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since I was wrong less of the time. Today I discovered that is “MODESTY”. As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where everything is happening. Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT”. As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally. Today I call this connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART”. We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing new worlds are born. Today I know “THAT IS LIFE”! The above Charlie Chaplin article spoke to me of how one finds contentment. That led me to this next one… 2. TRAILBLAZING A PATH TO CONTENTMENT The Ancient City Of Contentedness: Overcoming Obstacles To A Happy & Healthy Life --"’I believe our core desire is to find a level of contentment in life.’ This essay reflects on the five faculties of Buddhism that need to be developed to start the journey towards ease, peace and contentment.” The article begins with a story… “There was once an ancient city that was far off in the jungle one that had an abundance of prosperity. All the people who lived there had delight with being alive, felt joy, were at peace they had a quality of tranquility and happiness. At one time, the path to this city was easy to find and the way clearly marked. All were welcome. But over the centuries, fewer people would seek this path and as time went by the trail became overgrown with vines, fallen trees, and bushes. Finding the path and the city became difficult and arduous. The Buddha during his journey to find the answers to freedom from suffering (described as Nibbana or Nirvana) rediscovered this path, long forgotten.” The article continues at the above link… “It’s a narrow path and few find it…” --Jesus Getting in Tune…to the straight and narrow – The Who And here’s an equally valid alternative perspective… Get Off the Straight and Narrow --(video) an old-timer shares wisdom from his times on both paths… Another Trip Around the Sun – Dead Larry As I was creating your birthday message, I came upon this track. The album art drew me in…who was this guy “Dead Larry” – a Deadhead?, someone now deceased whose friends posted a song in his memory?…anyway, the song has a great beat and the following lyrics spoke of you: “A man of heart and a man of wisdom…” 3. USE “DEAD RECKONING” TO FIND THE CURRENT PATH…OR, THE PATH THROUGH THE CURRENTS GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD - "RIPPLE" --Definitely a cosmic tune, the writer reflects on how the song has Taoist, Buddhist and 23rd Psalm imagery. He asks…[my comments are in square brackets]… --“What place has ‘Ripple’ had in your life? Has it helped you through anything? Have you sung it to your children as a lullaby [see “Teaching Children…Grandchildren” below]? Have you played it around a campfire [see image below]? These are just a few ways the song has lived in my life.” --Sort of reminds me of our nights on County Line beach (Hells Angels had the fire) and camping in Florida (we owned the fire and ice…cold ones)…In the background is Chickie’s bus… 4. STEALING FIRE FROM THE MOUNTAIN The theft of fire for the benefit of humanity is a theme that recurs in many world mythologies. Stealing Fire Book --My son read this a few years ago and said it was amazing. I’ve included it because, from what I’ve discovered about you from your practices, (which DO speak louder than words), is that you challenge yourself - physically, mentally and spiritually. The next section is from the Stealing Fire Book website. It’s already challenging me to really look at where I am…not judging…but simple deeply seeing… Closet Ecstatics You know who you are. You’ve hung on to that surfboard or skateboard or ukelele long after they started collecting dust in the garage, just on the off chance you’ll get back to the Zone someday. You crank your favorite college soundtrack up to 11 when no one’s home, and maybe even down a beer (or three) while you’re at it. You couldn’t stand the writing in Fifty Shades of Gray [1] (but read it anyway). You got tired of “just sitting there” meditation, but now you’re putting butter in your coffee and ice cubes in your bath. Those fleeting moments you’ve spent outside yourself, connected to something bigger, are the North Stars of your life. Without them, you’d probably shrivel up and die, but you’ve always had a hard time explaining their appeal, and justifying them to everyone around you. You’ve refused to just “grow up” “get real” or “be serious.” Your guilty isolation is over. This book gives you permission and validation for what you’ve known in your bones all along. [1] If fifty were too many, why not try…(FYI – The site misspelled “grey” as “gray.”) A Touch of Grey --Pacific Coast Highway! VERY HIGH!!! Fire on the Mountain --awesome display of power from our Earth's core. We are a microcosm of this - we have so much untapped power and heat and light in our core. We do our inner work to unleash it... --the lava flows reminded me of rolling and breaking waves --one viewer added her comments: "I've got the lyrics tattooed on my legs; my younger self telling my now-older self to stay true to my Eugene Oregon hippie runner girl roots! As I say below, one of my memories includes parties where we tried to take over the record player to hear OUR favorite tunes. Often, this battle for the bands was waged between Deadheads and Stoners, Uhh, other Stoners. That said, to be fair, here's an appropriate one... Play with Fire - Rolling Stones 5. MORE RIPPLES ON STILL WATER “Let there be songs to fill the air” --Blogger’s reflections on the spiritual content of Robert Hunter’s music “…When there is no pebble tossed… “…No wind to blow…” The un-mazing Ripple effect…helps us navigate the mazes in our lives… …If I knew the way, I would take you home…” “…no simple highway…” 6. WE EACH GOTTA FIND OUR OWN WAY HOME…OUR OWN PATHS… Early on after we got back together, we were walking in the woods and you said something that gave me insight into how you see our world, “There are many roads up the mountain.” This really resonated with me because I too have come to the place where I no longer believe that there is ONLY ONE WAY, as in one religion or belief system. That said, I do believe that underneath all the different streams we see on the surface, there is one River of Life feeding all the streams. Asking another such as a teacher or guru is OK as long as we eventually follow our own internal guidance system…Enlightenment…salvation…is an inside job. Which way do I go, George or Paul or John or Ringo…or Jerry…? Which way did he go, George? Foxy by Proxy You can fool some of the people some of the time…not sure about all of the people all of the time…I’m hopeful that there will always be some who use their built-in truth recognition software to help them decide which is real and which is an illusion. Cartoons…it’s no wonder people grew up so Looney and violent… He went thata way…duh, thanks, George (or Jerry, Bob, Phil, Bill, Mickey…) “If I knew the way…” The guru’s job description is in the word – “gu” & “ru” – a guru leads one from darkness to light…and the light is INSIDE each of us… The syllable gu means darkness, the syllable ru, he who dispels them, Because of the power to dispel darkness, the guru is thus named. — Advayataraka Upanishad, Verse 16 (Source) “You/we are the light of the world…” --Jesus So turn on your lovelight…and leave it on (Grateful Dead & Blues Brothers mashup) --you won’t be able to sit this one out… --FYI – This uploader has lots of other GD mashups…very clever 7. GOTTA BALANCE OUR OUTER WORKOUT WITH OUR INNER WORKOUT… Can’t Find my Way Home – Blind Faith (1969) A main reason folks can’t find their way home is that they are looking for it – outside themselves. We already have all we need… Within You and Without You - Beatles 8. INTERMISSION We're about half way thru this trip, so how about a snack break...a three-course delight...and while munching play the album you'll find below... Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd (complete album) 9. FROM THE ATTICS IN OUR LIVES We are really living only one shared life… The Attics in my Life Memories...in no particular order... Wackenhut to NCPD Security guards at Columbia – Remember the guy who hired us asked, “How attached are you guys to that long hair and those beards?” Remember guarding the buildings at Columbia University and having to sneak past the demonstrating students just to get to work? We were them just days before... You traded your van and roof racks with surfboards for a cruiser with roof racks with flashing lights and sirens…cool, helped you get to the beach and waves much faster. Lookin’ for America and perfect waves Great memories of our trips to Cape Hatteras, Florida and Callie on our surfing safaris Lookin’ for Chicas That prom night – Yellow LILCO truck amidst black limos, smoke rising – not from the tailpipe, but from inside the cabin…the boys decked out in top hats and tails…all those high school girls so envious of their classmates - our prom dates. As you may recall, my date was the result of a taxi fare. I was cruisin' Manhattan when two girls hailed me. On the way to their Brooklyn destination, as I surveyed the rear seat landscape, I kept hoping the one I liked would get out last. Lady Luck was with me that night...we exchanged numbers, dated and I got invited to her high school prom. Dose-neyland… Yes, Walt’s Kingdom was magical…A few of my favorite attractions were (actual names from that time): Spaced Out Mountain [see satellite image below - Hey, this is a high-tech post] Fantasyland - The Traffic there is always heavy - but never a downer... Skull Rock restaurant (for obvious reasons) - I think I remember they had a sign out front that read "Be Grateful - We serve both the living and the Dead" Mushroom Kingdom - "Be aware of the fungus amongus" Frontierland - We guys were always going where man had not gone before Mine Train Ride - figured I'd meet some of my favorite characters from songs like Casey Jones and Cumberland Blues Big Thunder Ranch Restaurant - Imagined I'd hear Mickey Hart rollin' thunder over the PA Flight to the Moon - it was far out, but I still prefer the Dead's version: Mountains of the Moon. NOTICE: I selected this version because of the intimate setting and opening conversation between Jerry and his host - Hugh Hefner. HOWEVER, I strongly disapprove of Hefner's sexploitation of women. Adventure Thru Inner Space - actually, that ride is what the rest of our life is all about I also recall one night trying to leave before the park closed…but we couldn’t find my bus…so we went back inside and waited til closing time and the parking lot was empty…and then still wandered around the nearly empty lots until we found…our way home… In times like this, we need to heed the voice of reason...and stay INSIDE our spaceship... Ground Control to Major Tom (Rich, Gregory, Mike, Vinnie, Steve...) --After watching this interesting adaptation...Tom should have quarantined on the Moon for 14 days, so as to give us Earthlings a chance to prepare for the alien invasion Bus-ted But not down in New Orleans… If you want New Orleans or Joplin – and I don’t mean Missouri, click here. I liked the images in this cover… Like a scene from Simon & Garfunkel's "America," we rode cross country together as part of a reconciliation that I wrote about in my 2019 post for Father's Day - Mom writing poetry and Dad taking pictures... Your White VW Convertible You looked so cool driving to the beach, surfboard resting on the back seat, freak flag blowin' in the wind...I even recall some seedlings emerging from the back seat area...proving nature takes over whenever we give her a chance... "It's the same story the crow told me... Hall Parties I remember several…the one on Liberty Avenue under the El – might have been a VFW hall. After we got raided, one cop came out of the bathroom holding a bottle of booze (we had stashed it inside the toilet tank) and exclaimed to one of his fellow officers, “Gee, they drink better stuff than I do!” I always wondered how he knew to look there… There was another for New Year’s Eve (1975?) at what I remember as a Masonic Temple in Richmond Hill. I was living in Callie at the time and flew home for that one. I think I took Eileen to that party. She later confided to me after I had permanently moved back to NY that she always knew I’d be back for her. Duh…I didn’t… Speaking of secret societies like the Masons, when I googled “Masonic Temple and Richmond Hill,” I got this video. The thumbnail image of the 4 skeletons caught my eye, so I clicked and started listening. As the band was getting started I looked for evidence that they might do the Dead. That’s when I saw the skeleton vest on one guy and the skull behind the band…and then I recognized they were noodling around the beginning of “I Know you Rider.” Click here to watch their set. Home Parties Gatherings in your parents’ basement in South Ozone Park – where Pa and Ma Pate could keep an eye on us – especially Ma. Parties at your apartment (Kew Gardens?) and folks jockeying for control of the record player – usually Grateful Dead fans vs. Rolling Stones fans. Dr. Scherr forwards with your added reflections I really like the selections you choose to send me and the other guys and always enjoy your mindful reflections on the Doc's words of that day or your observations about other things that come your way, such as this one from Buddy. On the edge of autumn September has a strange and wonderful feeling. It is the best part of the summer and the hardest part of the summer. Just when summer gets perfect—fresh nights, soft sun, casual breezes, crushingly full and quietly cooling trees, empty beaches and free weekends—it ends. Life is like that, too. Just when we get it right, it starts to change. The job gets easy and we know just how to do it and they tell us we’re retired. The children grow up and get reasonable and they leave home just when it’s nice to have them around. The days get less full of work but we’re older now and too stiff to play. The money we never had enough of to spend on “extras” abounds after the mortgage is paid off, but the desire for expensive travel and clothing and entertainment has waned. We celebrate the autumn equinox this month—one of only two days of the year in which daytime and nighttime are of exactly equal length. From now on daytime will begin to wane. But there is nothing to fear from this diminishment of the kind of life associated with sunlight. The night times of life have their beauty and their lessons, too. That’s life on the edge of autumn. And that’s beautiful. If we have the humility for it. Humility is a natural virtue. It’s one of those things that everybody has to get eventually or else die in misery. Diminishment, for instance, is one of the facts of life that breeds humility and diminishment is part of every experience. We get to practice it all our lives. Humility is the survival mechanism of life. —from A Monastery Almanac by Joan Chittister Your Reply "Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul"...Lao Tsu..... Some ideas that I try to keep in mind that sync with this: In order to grow in any meaningful way we must be willing to be wrong. We need to accept what is. The Tai Chi masters tell us to invest in loss. The EGO is a dominating and yet wily part of each of us. We can keep it in check through non judgmental self observation. Awareness of our thoughts, words and actions. When I bring awareness into my life I recognize how imperfect I am and how much work there is to be done. I also realize how blessed I am. This will always brings a feeling of gratitude. From Doc Your Reply Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families! Regardless of the pain, frustration and sadness we all have to deal with on a daily basis we all, I believe, have so much to be thankful for. I never cease to be amazed at how the universal truths can come from all corners of the world and from so many periods of time. ( I guess that's why they're universal truths. Duh! Richie) So here we have Emerson exhorting us to live each day to the fullest, accepting that we'll make mistakes and have problems to deal with. But do your best, let it go and start fresh the next day. And hundreds of years earlier half way around the world the Buddha tells us " Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." Keep in mind there are no mistakes- only lessons. So embrace this day. Let go of whatever anger, pain, tension and frustration you may be holding onto. Resolve to be more compassionate to yourself and everyone in your life; family, friends and strangers. Be grateful for life truly is a precious gift, a gift that becomes stronger and more beautiful when it is shared. With Love and Peace, Richie From Doc From Doc From Doc P.S. The doc’s discussion starters plus your comments and those of the other sangha members continue to open me up to new ways to SEE and then write about what I’m seeing. I have at least half a dozen lengthy and unfinished emails that I’ve been meaning to send to you. I can imagine your Inbox saying, “Whew, hope that doesn’t happen!” --from Franklin’s Tower (a la Marx Brothers silliness) 10. SANGHA FAMILY PHOTOS Back in the day, I never had a camera so all these are courtesy of Bermont and maybe some other folks... Our own personal Cosmic Charlie (Chic) - an early space traveler At County Line Beach...that's Larry Lombardo (RF), the guy at LF has not yet been ID'd...you know the rest of the crew of knuckleheads, as you like to call us... Only an Italian is cool enough to pack wine on a camping trip... Steven musta ran outta vino... Say, "Cheeze, it's the fuzz..." Steven's (?) hidin his face in case we're being photographed... "Hey, guys, the chicas are the other way..." Miller time! An occasional surfin' sangha member - My brother Mike's '61... And the hippie's favorite New Mexican VW guru - John Muir and his bible...still got my copy Even though I had this wonderful car guru, early in my career, there were nights I laid in bed like this guy…and those weren’t pipe dreams. FYI - John also did all the artwork. Detective Pate: Be on the lookout - there's an APB out for this guy P.S. The first summer we were in Callie - 1969 - was when ol' Charlie Manson was causing havoc up in the hills very close to where we were hanging out at County Line Beach. I remember keeping a hatchet near the entrance to our tent. We were safe on the weekends because the Hell's Angels took over the north end of the beach and kept other predators away. There aren't any numbers across my chest, so, I think this photo was from my taxi license. 11. SURFIN’ AIN'T DEAD – OR IS IT? Grateful for the Beach (Bob & Jerry & friends at the beach) Morning Dew Cover & some nicely-shaped small waves 15 Seconds of Bertha Playing in the Sand – Dead & Co. in Mexico 2019 --from that event...I just noticed her anchor earrings...seeing that she's at a Dead show, she definitely didn't arrive on a Ship of Fools. GILGO BEACH Here are a few of several photos of beach street art I took at Gilgo in early winter 2019 – the beach we considered our local version of Malibu, CA. 12. DEAD BIKING "Bicycles are almost as good as guitars for meeting girls." --Bob Weir (Source) --Don’t have to be Einstein to know biking is good for you (from my NYC collected pix) 13. PETER KATER DAY It was great…especially lying under his piano and feelin' the healin' vibrations up close. Another Peter - Black Peter, presents an equally cool laid-back vibe. “People may know but the people don't care that a man could be as poor as me...” 14. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN…AND YOUR GRANDCHILDREN I sense how important family is to you, so I offer this next version of Ripple as a way you can practice what Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young sang about and teach your offspring and theirs about the musical medicine that helps heal our souls and those of the world around us… Ripple with Cosmic Charlie Brown & Friends Four Grateful Dead Songs That Made Me A Better Dad. --awesome wisdom from a dad WHO KNOWS... --He offers this to his kids...and anyone else who'll listen... The above and below shots are from a GD tribute band - Half Step - I saw in 2019 at the Bethpage Public Library... Grateful Medicine --an MD considers how going to Dead concerts can be good for you. In the article, he cites the FDA warning we see on many ingestibles: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” 15. LOOKALIKES Actually, Bill Walton (see below for more Walton - a Deadhead!) This next one is of a fugitive You’re either on the train or off the train… Here’s a first look at our suspect/perp on the LAM (Local Area Metro)… A close up of our suspect…good guy or bad guy Oh…Okay…he’s on our side…just undercover In reality (is there such a place as reality?), this is The Trainman from The Matrix Richie, you look like you’ve been down in the tunnels too long but…”knew you’d have to come up soon for air…” “Bang, bang, Neo…hopefully you’re Gratefully Dead. And, BTW, Mr. Anderson, to show you I’m a good cop, I’ll ask Mick to send you dead flowers and put some roses on your grave. If he can’t find American Beauty’s, how ‘bout Ramblin On Roses?” “BTW – Neo, are you really The One or are you just The Other One?” Deadheads: Check out how appropriate to this post are the lyrics from The Other One and enjoy this NRPS version of Dead Flowers. All: I wonder if the Stones “I know you think you’re the queen of the underground” is a reference to The Oracle character in the movies? “Underground” is also a UK term for their subway system. Here’s a YouTuber that sees a connection. All: If you watched the third Matrix movie and wondering about Neo’s fate - whether He’s Gone..and nothing’s gonna bring him back –--- there’s a new movie in the works. I find it fitting that this article is from a site called Deadline. Hmm, “Deadline” would also be a fitting name for an abandoned railroad line…one that had a similar destination - “to never never/never ever land” – as a bus named “Furthur.” Matrix Revolutions- The Trainman Cometh --from the movie soundtrack BTW (or BMT for you old NYC subway buffs) - If Neo doesn’t resolve his current dilemma, he’ll be stuck forever ‘neath the streets of the Matrix like “poor ol’ Charlie”. (Hey, Red Sox fans, consider this comparison of cities an empty-stadium-season diss.) "Mr. Conductor, where are you taking me?" “Mr. Conductor, where are we headed?” ----You’ll have to listen to the end of the looooong song for his answer… 16. ENCORE After hangin’ out with Charlie Brown and company, I recalled the next song and as I listened to it heard some connections to stuff in this post. There are a lot of online versions, but I liked the sound quality and the fact that it was from our own Fillmore East in 1970. The boys’ voices and instruments were…well…cosmic! Grateful Dead - Cosmic Charlie 1-2-70 (Dave's Picks 30) “I just wonder if you shouldn't feel less concerned about the people unreal” --Echoes of McMillen’s poem and “Love of Oneself” “New ones come in as the old ones go” --Seems to apply to our thoughts and behaviors: “Yearning for a new way will not produce it. Only ending the old way can do that. You cannot hold onto the old, all the while declaring that you want something new. The old will defy the new; The old will deny the new; The old will decry the new. There is only one way to bring in the new. You must make room for it.” —Neale Donald Walsch Cited here. There's a story that goes with this image...After Eileen and I got back together, I developed an affinity for an inhaled white powder. One night, I even got up from our bed to cop. Anyway, she and I were at a party with some other friends and I turned a bunch of people on. Later, when we got back home, she gave me an ultimatum, "It's either me or your crazy friends." The intensity of her comments likely saved me from disaster; because years later, when I was drawn to the 12 Steps via Richard Rohr's writing, I was able to see how part of my personality has an addictive side - I can easily get hooked on both good and bad stuff. Years later, when I recalled her words of warning, I began to see that I didn't need to worry about crazy friends - I needed to pay attention to the craziness in MY head. That's where the Steps, centering prayer, yoga, mindfulness, friends, time in nature, and developing a long-overdue relationship with myself help balance the craziness. NOW, I can enjoy BOTH - Eileen and all my "crazy-about-life" friends - like YOU! Connections… 17. THE JOURNEY IS A SPIRAL...NOT A STRAIGHT LINE Further reflections on the journey “What we call the beginning is often the end And to make and end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from…” “We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.” --T.S. Eliot Little Giddings, Stanza V (Full poem here) --Massapequa Preserve’s bike path (Richie, you introduced me to this spot in nature) Here’s an artistic representation of this process: This section could be subtitled “Journeys ended…journeys begun” which comes from a song by The Monks of Weston Priory. In the 70’s Eileen and I visited there with a bunch of friends. Their Sunday Eucharistic service was held in a barn. Weather permitting, the sides were removed, we were surrounded by the green hills of Vermont and the monks began playing guitars and dancing in celebration of life. You can hear the song here. Partial lyrics: “Journeys ended, journeys begun: to go where we have never been, to be beyond our past, moments of lifting up, transcending death, rising in transparent light to the fullness of God’s presence. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia… Loving one another in truth, choosing clear the many deaths of going beyond self…” Here’s how one couple are living in this beginning/ending/beginning/ending… process. Friend Steve Bermont once said that there’s probably a Grateful Dead song for every occasion. The content of this post is a testimony to Steve's insight. In keeping with his philosophy, my choice for an near ending to this post follows. I also encourage you to ponder David Dodd’s Annotated Dead article on this profound song. It includes references to the wheel imagery used in various spiritual traditions. One more visual from the dead.net site: The Wheel (0:04:05) 18. ENDS & ODDS GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD - "CUMBERLAND BLUES" --article by David Dodds on unions, life and other assorted stuff covered in this song Fare Thee Well Tour - Bill Walton Interviews Interview with Bill Walton on Grateful Dead Night (at Giants Baseball Stadium) Bill Walton talks Jerry Garcia Pt 1 (there are at least 6 more parts) 19. CLOSING SONGS It’s fitting that this next version of Ripple features musicians from all around our great big shared home planet…because the energy of whatever we do goes out into the world like ripples in still water… Ripple (Grateful Dead) feat. Bill Kreutzmann | Playing For Change | Song Around The World Fare Thee Well 20. PLAYLIST OF ALL SONGS IN POST Peace… tOM #music #humor #birthday #JimmyBuffett #MartinaMcBride #KimMcMillen #CharlieChaplin #Buddhism #Jesus #TheWho #DeadLarry #Ripple #Tao #23rdPsalm #StealingFireBook #GratefulDead #PacificCoastHighway #CountyLine #RobertHunter #LooneyTunes #enlightenment #guru #Beatles #VWBus #BluesBrothers #Plutarch #RosesGroveBand #surfing #CharlieBrown #JanisJoplin #children #grandchildren #TheMusicNeverStopped #PlayingForChange #RichardRohr #12Steps #SerpentPower #KingstonTrio #DonDavis #TheMatrix #DavidDodds #MonksOfWestonPriory #TSEliot #MassapequaPreserve #NealeDonaldWalsch #TheOracle #Neo #biking #BillWalton #RollingStones #FDA #PeterKater #HalfStep #JonesBeach #DrScherr #DavidBowie #MickeyHart #HellsAngels #JohnMuir #RichieP #Chickie #SteveB #VinnieS #MikeC #GregoryC

SUMMARY: See my other post about Grammy-winning pianist Peter Kater's live online concerts and 4-hour mini-retreats. These are truly healing musical medicine for such a time as this! Here’s a link to Peter’s YouTube channel where you can sample his music and videos and learn more about him. Peter Kater Day (8/1/18) – A(nother) Day in the Life – reflections on my (with some help from my friends) first concert experience with Peter in 2018. Musical medicine from a few of my other healthcare providers: Deva Premal, Miten, Bob Marley, Snatam Kaur, Beatles, Playing For Change, Connie Talbot, Sirgun Kaur, Sat Darshan Singh, and Richard Rohr. Two pictures of my early MusicCare health insurance cards (underwritten by GetHI - again, with some help from my friends): PETER KATER Grammy-Award winning pianist Peter Kater is offering online concerts & mini-retreats to help us heal together as we experience this time of collective upheaval of whatever our idea of normal used to be. Details are in another post. I’ve written before about Peter. It was in my yoga class that I first “met” him. He’s collaborated with many world music artists; one of these is Kundalini yoga sacred songstress Snatam Kaur. Elaina, our wonderful Kundalini yoga instructor at Echo Park, plays a lot of Snatam’s music in our Spirit-filled classes. So, you could say, I met Peter through Snatam via Elaina. Life is a web and we’re all connected. --me with two of my sangha buddies Richie (my far right) & Mike (my left) with Peter at his 8/1/18 intimate concert At some of his concerts Peter invites folks to come and lie down under his musical medical instrument and get radiated by its healing sonic frequencies. Yup, I responded to his altar call! A Day in the Life – August 1, 2018 (forever in my memory as Peter Kater Day) 6:42 am “Woke up, fell out of bed Dragged a comb across my head Found my way downstairs and drank a cup”…and …was greeted by these 5 little birds. The sign on my windowsill says it all… Now, let me tell you a related story. Once upon a time there were three little birds… Connie Talbot version Playing for Change version Bob’s (he’s da Masta, mon – Jah!) --very imaginative video – check it out 9:50 am As I’ve often said, the messages/reminders are all around us…all we have to do is look/listen. Spotted this wonderful one while on my daily walking meditation… Like this Toyota we are also hybrids: happy/sad, up/down, bliss/anguish… …when possible B Bliss “I am the light of my soul I am beautiful! I am bountiful! I am bliss!” Sirgun Kaur & Sat Darshan Singh version Snatam Kaur version (from one of her albums for children – “Feeling Good Today”) Snatam Kaur (another with images of children) Reflection on lyrics from Yogi Bhajan – the person that introduced Kundalini yoga [my denomination :) ] to the West Afternoon thru Evening (still 8/1/18) (Hmmm…reminds me of another band…Sorry, August 1 wasn’t a Tuesday) (I’m sure at least one of you readers got my intended reference – my brother-in-law Jim. I know he’s a fan of this group - see his comments at the beginning of an email post I sent last year. ) Headed into Brooklyn with the two friends I just showed you above and we went to see a soon-to-be new friend – Grammy- winning pianist Peter Kater. Here are some scenes from the neighborhood around the venue. --cool water tower dwelling (reminds me of a Marvel movie scene or maybe a superhero’s home – Aquaman [close to the river]? Naw, Batman – maybe, how about Iron Man [I could see Tony Stark there…and Jarvis]) --For friends and family – Peggy, Alyson, Laura, Pedro, Mike, Mark, Antoinette & others… --the art of the prophets is written on subway walls…red brick walls…and… --Interesting that it’s on a Woody fence… --on the waterfront (If this was Philly’s Schuylkill, I’d title this “Rocky.”) --the sun shines on everyone, it doesn’t make choices – the inclusive nature of G-d “This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.” Matt. 5:45 (The Message version) Snatam Kaur version (with images from our natural world to help you relax into the lyrics) More healing messages from 8/1/18… “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Go with the Flow… {Flow-Connected Digression~~~~~~~~~~~} ~~~~~~~Healing Waters Playlist --32 songs I recently put together to help a friend during a challenging time …”and do good to those who persecute you…” Huh? This is a hard saying… Check out this awesome take from The Message version. At a time in our collective lives when we’ve all been given a blank canvas… Some reflective quotes about this message Some of my own - This starting point could be for all you: artists-an actual canvas, writers-a blank page, sculptors-a chunk of rock, musicians-empty manuscript paper, parents-the new child you’ve been entrusted with, new widows/widowers-a life without your lovers, and... for all of us-living with full awareness that… …this is the first day of the rest of your life… --a neighborhood ad for a personal care & wellness company --we incarnate what we ingest Obviously, a fine Kater-ing establishment… About the above message of inclusivity A month after Peter’s concert, I went to Town Hall in NYC to see musical artists - Deva Premal & Miten. I had discovered their healing energies while doing my home yoga practice – thanks to Yogi YouTube’s “Recommended for you” feature. FYI - I’ve named my upcoming website after one of their songs. Stay tuned…………IN! Here are 3 versions of a favorite song and a meditation that illustrate the message on Juice Generation’s storefront above: All is Welcome Here - Miten & Deva Premal (live in Switzerland) All is Welcome Here – Miten & Deva Premal --studio version with global images – so apropos for such a time as this - we’re all in this together. Uploader's description: "A prayer of peace for the earth and all of her peoples. We are all reflections of the One." All is Welcome Here - Miten & Deva Premal --another studio version with global images of our one, human family A meditation on “Everything Belongs” The next photo was taken at that September 7, 2018 concert at NYC’s Town Hall…Miten was just recovering from open heart surgery…and played, as he always does, with his whole, always-evolving heart. Now, back to 8/1/18 and the messages…that are all around us… Right from The Message version of 1 Cor. 13… A fitting closing message for a day in a life (8/1/18) Namaste!!! tOM #music #PeterKater #DevaPremal, #Miten, #BobMarley, #SnatamKaur, #Beatles, #PlayingForChange, #ConnieTalbot, #SirgunKaur, #SatDarshanSingh, #RichardRohr

Jerry Garcia High? You might consider this question a no-brainer…actually… San Francisco Considers Naming School After Grateful Dead Frontman (1/28/21) If you’re in a hurry, just watch this first clip…it’ll save you a ton of time and money…and save your brain for other disc-coveries [sic] 5-Minute University (a low-cost, high-class alternative) Lewis & (̶C̶l̶a̶r̶k̶)̶ Jack Expedition into the Regions of “Higher” Education…or Black [sic] to the Future “Accepted” movie trailer --students create their own courses...mixed in with the silliness are some helpful critiques of mainstream education “School of Rock” movie trailer More on/Moron [sic] Education Viewer discretion advised – Language (actually considering it’s George this is also a no-brainer warning) The Reason Education Sucks – George Carlin --as always this comedian is serving us as a prophetic social critic as he explains how the system is funded by big money to create curricula that churn out "compliant consumers." What we really need is a miracle – a revolution… …DEADucation to supplement Ed-ucation...as I see it, DEADucation [sic] can bring you up, while ED [sic]-ucation can bring you down – so… Speaking of the “ED” mentioned above…Vaccinate yourself with music…not Viagra…Music’s effects last longer than Viagra’s… DEADucation IS Medication Grateful Medicine (from the “Vaccinate” post cited above) --an MD considers how going to Dead concerts can be good for you. In the article, he cites the FDA warning we see on many ingestibles: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Speaking of vaccination, while writing this post, I found the following reference on the Urban Dictionary site: “Fauci Ouchie” - A nickname for the Covid-19 vaccine referencing Dr. Anthony Fauci Moron [sic] Deaducation After penning some of the above, I looked and found that there are already some established uses of “deaducation,” such as this entry from the Urban Dictionary: “Deaducation - The sorry state of elementary education today; in which "teaching to the test", as well as boring literature selections (which more often than not turn a child off from reading) are the new standard: Kids today don't even know what state they live in, but they do know how to do a PowerPoint presentation full of misinformation----that's deaducation for you!” Selling the News - Switchfoot Higher DEADucation Higher education: grateful dead scholars convene --2007 event at the Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst held a symposium titled "Unbroken Chain: The Grateful Dead In Music, Culture and Memory." --“For Dennis McNally (who will serve as the symposium's keynote speaker), it is especially satisfying that the event is being held at Amherst. It was at UMass that Dennis stepped onto the path that resulted in his becoming the Grateful Dead's official historian/biographer, writing a doctoral thesis on Jack Kerouac that was later turned into an acclaimed Kerouac bio (a connection we discussed here at dead.net a little while ago). In fact, it was an offhand remark made by Dennis to a UMass dean - that an entire college curriculum could easily be built around the Grateful Dead - that set the wheels for the conference in motion.” Dennis's comments are not new to me. My longtime friend Steve - one of my old surfing and partying buddies - has been saying for years "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion." Grateful to the dead - A church historian's (and former seminary professor’s) playground --site contains no posts about the band…but does contain a wealth of reflections on what the Grateful Dead wrote and sung about – LIFE LIVED WELL. Click the above link to see this guy’s bio and the dead folks he hangs around with: The Inkling’s (incl., C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien), evangelicals, charismatics, new monastics, --Here’s a sample post entitled: Deeds over words: a Jesus priority? Final Course Syllabus 21 Life Lessons the Grateful Dead Can Teach You Recessional Hymn Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – Grateful Dead with Steve Miller & James Cotton --Bob Weir doing Pigpen’s vocals…we miss you Pigpen Hey, Heavenly Gatekeeper - If we give you some of today's pop stars, can we have Jerry and Pigpen in return? And, Jimi, Jim Morrison, George, John, Bob Marley... Have a Grateful Day, tOM ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi “One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.” Henry David Thoreau Website: www.asoulinwonder.com Blog: www.asoulinwonder/blog1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.tittmann.969/ #music #humor #GratefulDead #AcceptedMovie #SchoolOfRockMovie #FrGuidoSarducci #GeorgeCarlin #vaccination #education #FrGuidoSarducci

MUSIC AS MEDICINE On Saturday April 7, 2018 I read a daily meditation from Richard Rohr in which he presented a Contemplative Practice that involved drumming. You can read about it here. As I read about it and watched the video, I started reflecting on the power of music in my own life. And that reflection led to this article, as well as some singing and dancing in my basement. : ))) Mickey Hart: “Medicine Man” Mickey Hart Show at the American Museum of Natural History – April 13 & 14 Before I continue, I want to let you know about a field “trip” opportunity to experience an awesome drummer - Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead - at the Museum of Natural History this Friday and Saturday evening. I’m going Saturday night (for Dead fans it’s “One more Saturday night...”). Friday/Saturday show info: PBS News Hour clip re: Mickey Hart’s work with scientists looking among other things for how they can use music as medicine: Rolling Stone Magazine article on his current RAMU project: Smithsonian Folkways conversation with Mickey Hart and Carlos Santana on the influence of percussionist Babatunde Olatunji: National Geographic video – Mickey Hart Global Drum Project More Music as Medicine This section contains links to various forms of world music that inspire wonder and praise for this great world in which we live. Feel free to sing and dance along with the music! The Power of Music - Henry Wakes Up! --If you only have time to view one of the videos in the email, please check out this one. It’s a clip from the 2014 documentary Alive Inside and shows the healing power of music. Yoga chant master Krishna Das kirtan-style (call and response) “Maa Durga”. Great percussion. Good for freeform dancing. GuruGanesha Band’s In the Light of my Soul + What You Won’t Do for Love Guru Singh was influenced by the Grateful Dead and likes long spacey riffs. I saw him a few months ago. Great show! “God and me, me and God are one...” Good for dancing. Nahko and Medicine for the People - their mission is to move music (the medicine for the people) around this planet. Budding Trees Nahko and Medicine for the People - Aloha Ke Akua (God is love in Hawaiian) Robert Haig Coxon - anything by him - good for chilling out, meditating... The Silent Path Peter Kater & R. Carlos Nakai - Themes from Earth & Surrender Healing musical medicine Snatam Kaur - The Sun Shines On Everyone --anything by Snatam is great. I had the pleasure of attending a workshop and concert with her in 2017. Snatam Kaur - Feeling Good Today Mirabai Ceiba - Ocean Of My Dreams --from Rumi Mirabai Ceiba - Between The Shores Of Your Souls --from Kahlil Gibran Deva Premal & Miten with Manose - In The Light of Love/ Om Shree Dhanvantre All We Need is a Drummer, For People Who Only Need a Beat…Department Sly & The Family Stone — Dance to the Music --from Ed Sullivan Show Dancing in the Streets…Department David Bowie & Mick Jagger - Dancing in the Street --This is the title of one of the books cited in Richard Rohr’s drumming practice meditation. I found this video after Googling the original song by the Martha and the Vandellas. Playing for Change – (from their website) “Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. Our primary focus is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos we call Songs Around The World. Creating these videos motivated us to form the Playing For Change Band—a tangible, traveling representation of our mission, featuring musicians met along our journey, and establish the Playing For Change Foundation—a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building music and art schools for children around the world. Through these efforts we aim to create hope and inspiration for the future of our planet.” Tip: Watch for famous musicians and their offspring sitting in with the bands and check out the amazing variety of instruments and native garb from around the world. Celebration What a Wonderful World Get Up Stand Up Redemption Song Ripple --check out the famous musicians (and their offspring) Everyday People --check out the celebs supporting the kids Higher Ground War/No More Trouble Imagine Don’t Worry Be Happy Richard Rohr – Wisdom Teacher Richard is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM. Eileen and I first were introduced to him over 40 years ago when he was the spiritual leader of the New Jerusalem Covenant Community in Cincinnati, OH. His daily meditations are a rich source of wisdom, helping me practice living a life balancing between action and contemplation. My contemplative time alone with God (as you understand God, as the Twelve Steppers say) provides the fuel for God-inspired, God-breathed action in the world around me. Here’s a sample of recent meditations. Enjoy! “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord!” tOM #music #medicine #richardrohr #drumming #mickeyhart #PlayingforChange

TODAY: 8-9 pm Vigils across America remembering Rep. John Lewis – a veteran & inspirational civil rights leader & hero TODAY - in over 100 locations across America, people will be gathering together in candlelit vigils to honor the memory of Georgia Rep. John Lewis who served our country by his tireless efforts for the cause of civil rights for all people. You can learn more and find the locations of all the vigils across America at goodtroublevigil.org. For a closer look at this man, please sit across the table from him in this 7-minute interview: John Lewis on his book "March" and Getting Into Righteous Trouble to Fight Injustice (07:16) Watch a 6-minute video about this amazing book – it’s narrated by John and filled with powerful images from this historic work. I see him as the next Marvel Superhero!!!! “GET IN GOOD TROUBLE, NECESSARY TROUBLE, AND HELP REDEEM THE SOUL OF AMERICA.” — Rep. John Lewis, speaking at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020 Long Island Folks Please join me TODAY – Saturday July 17 from 8 to 9 pm where the LI contingent of the NYS Poor People’s Campaign (part of the national PPC) will be hosting two vigils: GOOD TROUBLE CANDLELIT VIGILS FOR DEMOCRACY ...on the first anniversary of the death of John Lewis. We will be two of an estimated one hundred vigils across the country honoring the life of John Lewis and calling for support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. · Our Nassau County vigil will be in Garden City, at 223 Stewart Avenue, on the corner of Nassau Blvd. Please plan to arrive at 7:45. · Our Suffolk County vigil will be at Capitol One Plaza, 116 E. Main St., Patchogue. Please plan to arrive at 7:45 pm. · There is also a vigil planned by another host in Sag Harbor. For info refer the “goodtrouble” link above John Lewis: February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020 Sunrise... · Marched with Martin Luther King · Arrested over 40 times – 5 while in Congress · Rep. John Lewis was the last living speaker from the March on Washington, the 1963 landmark civil rights protest that culminated with Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. · Like Dr. King and Gandhi practiced and taught non-violence · Was an American statesman and civil rights activist who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. · He was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966. · Lewis was one of the "Big Six" leaders of groups who organized the 1963 March on Washington. · He fulfilled many key roles in the civil rights movement and its actions to end legalized racial segregation in the United States. · In 1965, Lewis led the first of three Selma to Montgomery marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In an incident which became known as Bloody Sunday, state troopers and police attacked the marchers, including Lewis. · AUTHOR: In 2013, Lewis became the first member of Congress to write a graphic novel, with the launch of a trilogy titled March. The March trilogy is a black and white comics trilogy about the Civil Rights Movement, told through the perspective of civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. The first volume, March: Book One is written by Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated and lettered by Nate Powell and was published in August 2013,[151] the second volume, March: Book Two was published in January 2015 and the final volume, March: Book Three was published in August 2016.[152] Wikpedia Good Trouble Vigils for Democracy America is at a crossroads. Six month have passed since the failed attack on our nation and our democracy on January 6th. Since that day, anti-voter laws have been passed in states all over the country and the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent rulings have made clear that it will not act to protect the sacred right to vote. This Summer, Congressional districts risk being redrawn in a way that will allow politicians to choose their voters - rather than the voters fairly choosing who represents them. We have reached an inflection point in which we must force our elected officials to act now or risk losing the very foundation of our republic. But there is hope for us to stop this undercurrent of corruption and rebuild American democracy so that the freedom to vote is protected, billionaires don’t control our political systems, and our representatives actually respond to we the people. To do this, we must pass the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and D.C. Statehood - and we can’t let anything, including the Jim Crow filibuster, stand in our way! Join us for the Good Trouble Vigils for Democracy on July 17 - the one year mark of the passing of Rep.John Lewis - as we carry on his legacy by hosting candlelight vigils nationwide to demand that Congress act to protect our freedom to vote and rebuild our democracy. We must and will win this Fight! Poor People's Campaign Send your elected officials in BOTH parties an email (see below) asking if they are supporting our 3rd Reconstruction Resolution. Introduced into the House of Representatives as H. Res. 438 - it reflects the PPC's Jubilee Platform, which can be found on the PPC website: www.poorpeoplescampaign.org. FOR ALL PEOPLE: $15 minimum wage, adequate Healthcare & Housing, Guaranteed right to form and join unions, Immigration reform/ending separation of families, and Easier access to voting/ending voter suppression To send your email NOW or for more info, go to: https://www.3rdreconstruction.org/ Tell Us Your Story AND, please let us know how YOU PERSONALLY have been hurt by any of the above or any related injustices. Go to: https://www.nysppc.org/#regions, complete the “Contact Us” form, click “Submit.” Se habla español: Principios Fundamentales de la Compaña de las Persones Pobres Marching Music: We're takin it to the streets... Somebody's Hurting My Brother...and we won’t be silent any more by Yara Allen Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round Skin Deep - Buddy Guy and Playing for Change (Songs Across the USA) Marvin Gaye - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Sunset... "Well done, good and faithful servant..." tOM #racism #music #PoorPeoplesCampaign #NYSPoorPeoplesCampaign #MartinLutherKing #Gandhi #3rdReconstruction