Gonna Rescue Me a Dog

Oh, I want a new dog.  Not because I'm lonely, not because I'm blue. I have lots of friends, and a sweet affectionate cat. But, I love the companionship of a special canine. Dogs offer a kind of loyalty unlike anything I've experienced. I've come to believe the human ego makes unconditional love impossible.

It would be easy to find a new dog.  There are so many out there in need of a home. Finding a soul mate is a greater challenge -- not one I'll give up on -- but love me, love my dog.

 The Monkees - Gonna Buy Me a Dog

I have also come to realize that I'm not the only one who misses having a dog.  Wanda, my cat has been frequenting the back porch across the street to hang out with the neighbor's dogs.  The kitty enjoys the canine company as well.

Wanda and Cocoa - friends until the end.

Maybe there's a song in this, or a painting.  The best is yet to come....

RIP Cocoa

When I was a new birdwatcher and Cocoa was a young dog, we would take long walks in the park.  The American crows sang “caw caw,” but I translated that to “Cocoa.”  I would sing her name to her along with them and told her they were Cocoa birds.

It was mutual love at first sight the day I rescued Cocoa from the pound.  She remained, to me, the best of friends.  I shared my bed with her almost every night for more than 12 years, which is considerably more than either of my failed marriages.  Unconditional love is what you get from a dog; there was no way for us to fail.

My daughter and I sometimes referred to my home here in the mountains as Cocoa’s retirement home.  I did my best to keep her happy and free from pain. Now that she’s gone, the next chapter is the beginning of a whole new book….

I’m doing lots of laundry and burning sage -- my own personal purification rituals.  I even cut off a good deal of my hair, which I’m not sure is related. I’m just about ready to go back out and mingle with friends and make some music. 

I’m grateful for every bit of sympathy and love my friends have sent my way over the last few days, so many knew and loved Cocoa.

There aren't a lot of crows for the most part at Catbird Lake, but during Cocoa's transitioning days, they visited frequently and in number  -- calling her home.

Perplexed about Pink on Erev Imbolc

Today was St. Brigid's day.  It's now erev (the night before which starts the holiday in the Jewish tradition) Imbolc, Candlemas and Groundhog Day.  I love a good pagan based holiday.  The only thing I expect everyone will agree upon is that it's halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. I'm not going to give a history lesson or spout any dogma.  I did a little spring cleaning, which is supposed to be an appropriate activity. 

Anyone want to go for pancakes tomorrow?  Round pancakes are supposed to symbolize the sun, which obviously is returning after the dark of winter.

St. Brigid

Wheel of the Year

Groundhog

Candlemas/Imbolc

What's been weighing on my mind, however, is the nasty press Susan G. Komen for the Cure is getting today.  I think it was a horrible choice to cut funding for Planned Parenthood.  Susan G. Komen has been a cause close to my heart as a breast cancer survivor.  I just did a benefit show for them.  But, way before I dealt with breast cancer, the services of Planned Parenthood were available and were utilized by me and by many of my friends at different times of our lives. Their services need to continue for so many who cannot afford other healthcare.

In their defense, Komen North Jersey sent me an email today stating, in part:


"Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern Jersey is a current grantee of the Affiliate. They were awarded $20,196 in April 2011 to be used for education programs on breast health, prevention strategies and treatment options—not for screenings or treatment—in community settings in Sussex and Warren Counties. This funding for the current year has not been halted."




The email also included:

 
"Our requirements also preclude grants to any organization that is under investigation by local, state or federal authorities.  Planned Parenthood is currently under federal investigation, and therefore is not eligible to apply for future funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure until such time as the investigation is resolved." (emphasis added)

So, folks, is Susan G. Komen for the Cure the new bad guy?  Or is it the feds for putting Planned Parenthood under investigation?  I know there are those of you who will say Planned Parenthood is the bad guy, but I won't buy that.

Strangely enough I found this graphic in an article which was
against Komen because they did support Planned Parenthood.

Digging in the Dirt

I made some robins very happy today.  It worked for me too.  I turned over a new bed making earthworm navigation easier for the robins.  I used implements of destruction and got tired and dirty.  There's nothing like gardening in my world.



And here's an early incarnation of my own band playing my song which literally is about gardening.


It's been a long time since I posted.  Just wanted to share some sunshine.
☼☼☼ Love, Laura ☼☼☼

Using all the tools - Reverbnation

At E's suggestion, I'm making another page out here in cyberspace.  So far so good. Reverbnation pulled in all my Facebook fans and MySpace friends into the site.  Now,  how do I move up the charts?

I'm going through a bit of personal dilemma.  What else is new?  But, seriously, do I want to start doing local gigs, which would entail adding LOTS MORE COVERS to my act?  Or, do I want to retain my "ARTISTE" status?  I'm working with new musicians all the time, who knows what opportunities may arise? Trusting that the universe will guide me in the right direction.....

I'm proud of the work I've done so far and extremely grateful to my awesome collaborators and supporters.

Please check out John Apice's  Review  of Crazy Wisdom on No Depression.

Much love from Catbird Lake,
Laura

Comix

Everyone on facebook is posting comic characters for their profile picture.  I just can't decide....

Call me crazy!

I'm pretty damned excited to share that I accomplished a major life goal.

I completed CRAZY WISDOM, my album of all original music, which has been in the works a long time.  It's getting out there, slowly....  The response has been heartening.

Just wanted to share some crazy wisdom and love <3

Also sending out gratitude for all my collaborators:
Bru Rossman for seeing the vision early, adding hooks, arrangements, vocals and all kinds of guitar; Mike Ferrara for sound advice from the beginning, adding the twang, vocals and assorted guitar; Billy Karcher for angelic support, adding a new spin, guitar, mandolin and vocals; Gerry Griffin for catching the fire early and his bravado and bass; Dave Moore for coming in and being a rhythmic monster on the drums; and Don Sternecker for sound magic and masterful mixing - for "getting" the music and for his Hammond B3. Shout out to Gene Paul for the incredible mastering and to Delaynie Rudner and Meg Beattie for their support and angel choir.