Rainy Day Wonderings

Saturday, August 26, 2006

A Beatnik Poet

The Singer, Songwriter, Performer and Artist

I am one lucky woman, I was given a ticket for Richie Havens show held at AcousticMusic in Normal Heights tonight! OMG his voice... along with his percussive playing of an open tuned guitar, I was in heaven!

What About Me?

You poison my sweet waters; you chop down my green trees
And the food you feed my children is the cause of that ill disease
My world is slowly falling down and the air is not fit to breathe
And those of us who care enough, we have to do something
Oh, what you gonna do about me
Oh, what you gonna do about me
Your newspapers – they just put you on
They never tell you the whole story
They just put your young ideas down as wondering if this was the end of their pride and glory?

Oh, what you gonna do about me
Oh, what you gonna do about me
I work in your factories and I study in your schools
I fill your penitentiaries and your military too
I can feel the future trembling as the word is passed around
If you stick up for what you do believe in, be prepared to be shot down
Oh, what you gonna do about me

Oh, what you gonna do about me
I feel just like a stranger in the land where I was born
And I live just like an outlaw; I’m always on the run
Always on the run, they got me always on the run
Oh, your soldiers smoke marijuana, you can’t put them behind your walls
Because most of what you taught them to do is against most of your laws
We’re all fugitives from injustice now but we’re going to be free
Because your rules and regulations don’t do the things for me.
Oh, what you gonna do about me
Oh, what you gonna do about me

You may be the stronger now, but my time will come around
You keep adding to my numbers as you shoot my people down
I can feel the future trembling as the word is passed around
We are going to stick up for what we do believe in, and we’re prepared to be shot down
Oh, what you gonna do about me
Oh, what you gonna do about me
I feel just like a stranger in the land where I was born
And I live just like an outlaw; I’m always on the run
Always on the run, they got me always on the run...

Follow by Richie Havens

Let the river rock you like a cradle
Climb to the treetops, child, if you're able
Let your hands tie a knot across the table.
Come and touch the things you cannot feel.

And close your fingertips and fly where I can't hold you
Let the sun-rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
And maybe you can sing to me the words I just told you,
If all the things you feel ain't what they seem.
And don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The mocking bird sings each different song

Each song has wings - they won't stay long.

Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?

While the church bell tolls its one-note song

And the school bell is tinkling to the throng.

Come here where your ears cannot hear.

And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I'll tell you

Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you

And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you

If all the sounds you hear ain't what they seem,

Then don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream <>

The rising smell of fresh-cut grass

Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas

I hold some grapes up to the sun

And their flavour breaks upon my tongue.

With eager tongues we taste our strife

And fill our lungs with seas of life.

Come taste and smell the waters of our time.

And close your lips, child, so softly I might kiss you,

Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you.

As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don't miss you

If all the things you taste ain't what they seem,

Then don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream .

The sun and moon both arise

And we'll see them soon through days and nights

But now silver leaves are mirrors, bring delights.

And the colours of your eyes are fiery bright,

While darkness blinds the skies with all its light.

Come see where your eyes cannot see.

And close your eyes, child, and look at what I'll show you;

Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you,

And maybe when we meet then suddenly I will know you.

If all the things you see ain't quite what they seem,

Then don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream .

And you can follow; And you can follow; follow...

No one tonight could NOT have been moved by that performance… spiritual, soulful, sublime, we (I) have been blessed.

Have a safe weekend everyone! Comments are always appreciated.

N Posted by Rain at 8/26/2006 12:03:00 AM

Thursday, August 24, 2006

A Dogs Life

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my older dog Rascal. He is half Black Lab and half Dalmatian, and he is five years old. As a puppy he certainly earned his name, because he loved to chew on garden hoses, especially if he knew we were going to the beach without him. Rascal is the coolest dog I have ever had, he loves the beach and he will definitely give you a run for your money when it comes to skimboarding. Once, at Dogs Beach he caught a fish in the surf, and brought it to us!
For those of you who have asked, Rascal is trying to adjust to our new puppy Pepper and I think that once she stops using his tail as a pull rope all will be fine. =0}

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." ~Woodrow Wilson

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does." ~Christopher Morley

"My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am." ~Author Unknown

*************

Rainman came home from school today and told me that he is going to learn how to make tamales in his Life Skills class. He mentioned that he did not think that the ingredients were the same as I use and that is was causing him some confusion. I explained that not everyone uses the same recipe's, sauces or quality of meats and vegetables for their dishes.

Once we were done discussing the tamales, he asked me for help on a project that he was going to be working on at school. He explained that he was going to write a report and a put together a collage on Marilyn Monroe. I was thinking to myself that this sounded really fun and I made a mental note to call his teacher in the morning. Rainman went on to say that he went to the library and went on the Internet to find out all about her. He said he went to an "official" Marilyn Monroe site and that he came upon a word that he could not understand. As he is telling me this he hands me a piece of paper with the word on it. I look at the word and it says Klismaphilia. Oh shit! I mean, oh crap! Rainman is looking at me and says, "Why are you cussing? Jeez, Mom you're face is turning all red? Are you okay?"LOL. Needless to say I gave him a definition that I felt was most appropriate for his age and his comprehension level.

With that being said I bid you all a good night! Comments are always appreciated.

N Posted by Rain at 8/24/2006 03:23:00 AM

Monday, August 21, 2006

A New Addition

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Rain household. She is a AKC German Shepard named Pepper, who came into our lives last Monday. She was a surprise gift from Rainman and Punky's dad, Stuccoman. Aww, isn't she a cutie patootie? Look at those paws, she is going to be huge!

Today I am grateful for;

Stuccoman, for his love and support. Always willing to go above and beyond for our kids, his family and friends. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives.
My dog Rascal. A constant companion, loyal and the best protection I have for my family and home.
LF, for your 'grillin skills'. There truly is no one person better at it than you and it would be a shame if your gifts and experience were not passed down to others. Write the book already!
Pepper's puppy breath. Not quite as sweet as the smell of newborns head, still I like the smell. And the fact that she is smart and giving a good effort to become house broken.
For all the rest of the kids in our county starting school in the morning.
For volunteering to clean our local beaches this weekend. It was a wonderful way to spend time with Rainman and his friends.
For the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officals for the arrest of a 33 year-old Mexican national at the Tijuana border crossing for allegedly trying to smuggle 38 pounds of heroin in her gas tank.

I hope each of you had a good weekend! Comments are always appreciated.

N Posted by Rain at 8/21/2006 12:13:00 AM