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.

Kicking the Habit with a Headache

Migraine Blues:

Cider vinegar didn’t touch it

The prescription made me ill

Now I’m sucking on a tootsie pop

And trying to get my fill

I’m not an alcoholic.  I like alcoholics a hell of a lot (especially those in recovery) but I’m not one.  I thought I might be one – I tried the 12 step program and loved it – but I’m not one.  I stopped going to meetings because I realized I’d be lying if I said “Hi, I’m Laura, I’m an alcoholic.”   I also stopped going when I started working full time.  I live in a beautiful place and I want some hours at home.  Come visit, you’ll see.

I am addicted to cigarettes though.  As far as I am concerned alcohol is a gateway drug to nicotine.  So there’s a reason to stay away from alcohol.  I picked up cigarettes again this summer – after publicly swearing never to smoke again.  I said to myself I’d stop when I finished my album.  Well my work (on the recording) is done, just waiting to have it mastered and printed.  I emptied the ashtray in my car this morning.  I will not buy anymore.  I’ve got some Tootsie Roll Pops to suck on. 

Cigarettes have a lovely connection for me to creativity.  Back in the early seventies, when I was in college, we were allowed to smoke – in class.  I took mostly studio art classes.  My favorite teacher, the late, great Robert D'Arista, used to inhale deeply on his cigarette as he critiqued our work.  This led me to taking my paintings out in the hall, and enjoying a cigarette as I decided how next to proceed with any given work.  I started going out of the recording studio with a cigarette over the summer after listening to any given track.  Same thing, all over again, but I’m sooo much older now.  I’ve reached the age Bob D’Arista died at of an aneurysm in 1987. That year I was busy as a young mother, newly separated from her artist husband.  I wasn’t thinking of anything but doing the best for me and my daughter.  I looked up Bob when I started a drawing class in Warwick last year.  I miss him.  He gave me a huge shot of much needed self confidence back in college.  He said, “Don’t worry what anyone thinks, I told you that you’re good – that’s all you need to know.”

Writing and reminiscing, my migraine seems to have finally subsided. 

And I can add recording artist to my list of qualifications.  There will be a CD release party soon at Tierney’s in Montclair, NJ and, by the way, I will be showing a few drawings at the Seligman Gallery in Sugarloaf, NY.

Gardening at Night

The first red tomatoes have appeared on the vine in my patio garden.  This is mundane stuff, but damn it makes me happy. The happiest song I ever wrote was not about love, but about how "the sun will shine and the garden's going to grow."

It's not always sunshine, I love to do a little gardening in the cool of the evening.  The REM tune has been accompaniment to the task since the mid 80's - which is when I started gardening on a regular basis.



Living here closer to nature than I've ever been has its rewards.  The slogan of Sussex County is, appropriately, "people and nature together."

Sunday I saw a hummingbird moth sipping nectar from my monarda (a/k/a bee balm).  That was surreal  -- I didn't even know that hummingbird moths existed. None of the stock photos I've found online captures the experience or the colors I saw.  I'm going to have to keep my camera near and hope it returns.  It's very freaky that an insect and a bird should share so many characteristics. Wikipedia attributes it to convergent evolution.  Live and learn..... 

Meanwhile, the music is coming along wonderfully.  I'm going into the studio on Sunday to do more tracking.  The plan is to have a finished, sparkling CD in hand by the time the Montauk Daisies (late bloomers like myself) are opened. That will be something.

xoxo

Reflections of a Red Winged Blackbird

Okay, males can be dumb. No offense boys, you know I love you, and not one of my friends could be described as a bird brain.  But, this bird has been having a territory war with it's own reflection since Sunday! Here you see it sizing up its own reflection in the first image and then smashing into the mirror in attack mode in the second image. Maybe it's cruel of me to have the mirror out in the yard.

Reflect on that.

This Jersey girl is going to pick up her guitar now.

Peace, love and music.... That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

So tired, but inspired....

I slept a few winks today. The days merged together.... Had too much fun Friday night with the crowd I moved an hour away from in Montclair.  The music was great.  I danced and I sang along.  The musicians were awesome.  There were three bands, and each of the bands had at least one member that I've recruited into my own project.  Share the love!

There were times they were so in the zone.  The Fabulous Flemtones - man they have been playing together for over thirty years....  I've been following them for a while, but I heard them do something that I hadn't heard before. They did "I'm a Believer" with a "Wipe Out" jam.  If that didn't evoke adolescent rock and roll memories....



They are so eclectic in their choice of material. They do an amazing cover of "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan. That alone won me as a fan.  Okay, I'm in awe of them, but what's even more amazing is the feeling is mutual.

I jammed with friends at an after party. The music gives me energy I can't get anywhere else.  At about four a.m. I drove my friend and former roommate, Ilsa, to her apartment, crashed on her couch for a while, got up, drank a little coffee, played "Two" by Ryan Adams on Ilsa's guitar (yeah, that song's become a new obsession) and drove back up to the lake to my sleeping dog, Cocoa.  Thank God, she was okay and hadn't soiled the house.  The rest of the day consisted of a little posting on Facebook (including a few moves in Lexulous), catching up with several friends on the phone, soaking up vitamin D outside and snoozing.  Tried to watch a little boob tube, but just crashed on the couch.

Now it's early Sunday and I'm a little nervous.  I could use some real sleep in my bed, but I've got chores to do. This afternoon, I'm going to meet with a woman, a producer, to go over a song or two and get her input.  I'v been doubting my ability to self-produce my own album, so I'm open to suggestion.  Although, since my brief meeting with Don from Mix-O-Lydian studios, I'm confident I will be able to make a very nice album with what I have.

After the album is made, I will be, God willing, be gigging more.  I have met some awesome local musicians and there are more collaborations in the making.  I want to act locally, but damn it if I'm not thinking globally! We'll see where the touring band comes from.  I just know, for now, I'm going to record with the project I've got.  (And when it comes down to it, I can present my stuff solo just fine - the only time I got a standing ovation, I had put it out there solo.)  Ah, but the luxury of having guitar support and leads thrown in -- and harmonies and a back beat -- and then, when people get up and dance....

I just wish I didn't have to work.  (Do you hear that, Universe?) The hours are preventing me from getting out to open mics and rehearsals.  I'm going to have to plead with my guys to come to my place on my schedule.  And that's when it's like herding cats - even if the cats are cool.  If my guys didn't have their own jobs, other bands, wives, and responsibilities (or in some cases a penchant for partying), it would be much easier to get together on a regular basis.  I'm grateful for them, nonetheless. Well, there are three gigs, a taping for a cable show and a session at the recording studio all in the near future.  Where are my shades?

Let me tell you 'bout the bears and the bees

Cocoa's been wheezing, coughing and puking.  I worry about the old dog.  I'm afraid I'll wake up in the morning and find her lifeless.  Yesterday afternoon I called the vet from work and made an appointment for the evening.

It was a glorious summer like day. They set a record in NYC with 90 degrees. I wore my favorite comfortable, turquoise, Indian print sun dress to work, where it was damn hot.   Those big black and yellow bumble bees that hover seemed to be omnipresent out doors.  I think they're carpenter bees, but I can't find a picture that illustrates the phenomena that abounded yesterday.  They were outside my house when I left for work and they were outside on camp when I got to work.  It must be the time of the season for buzzing.  (Nod to Rod Argent and the Zombies.)
 

The hovering bee phenomenon....  It reminds me of a recurring dream I had as a very young child.  It took place in front of the house I grew up in in Glen Rock, NJ.  I was standing outside and a huge bee, much like the ones I saw today, except with distinct yellow and black stripes, hovered nearby.  I don't remember fear, but my mother came by with a carving knife and sliced the bee into sections in mid air - where it continued to hover.  I figured it was something about my mom trying to always protect me.  Was this some sort of castration symbolism?  I was really too young to get that when I dreamed it - but the image has stayed with me my entire life.  I digress.....

Back to yesterday -- as the day wore on, the computer at work got glommed up and things were frustrating.  It was hot, my head started to ache.  I muddled forth doing one thing at a time.  Finally, it was time to drive home.  The AT Oil Temperature light came on in the car.  It stalled....  Thankfully it started back up and got me home.  I can't afford a new car.

I arrived home and was happy to see the greening which has taken place in my yard.  One day of sunshine makes a difference.  I opened the door and Cocoa and I wandered around my property.  She decided to take a romp in the swamp out back.  She wouldn't heed my calls to come back and the tethered pit bull on the other side of the block started to bark at her.  Cocoa was so happy to have her paws wet and be outside seemed oblivious to my calling and to the neighbor's dog who seemingly wanted to tear her apart.  She started to head back, but got herself stuck in a deep spot where the swamp starts to turn into the pond.  I called and called, she couldn't get herself out.  Damn it, I was forced to walk out through the muck and help her out.  At least it was warm out.  I hooked up the hose for the first time in 2010 and sprayed her down - sprayed my feet down too. After a bit of toweling off and brushing, it was time to go to the vet.

Poor Cocoa has bronchitis....  We stopped at the A&P and purchased some braunschweiger to make taking antibiotics a more palatable doggy task.  We got home and she got out of the car (getting in and out of the car is becoming increasingly difficult for her) and headed towards the back yard.  It had gotten dark and the peepers were singing loudly in the pond.  Next thing I heard was Cocoa barking loudly and aggressively.  I couldn't really see in the dark but damn it if Cocoa wasn't chasing something.  I ran after her as she went around the house and I saw her chase a huge bear up the willow tree.  My adrenaline got rushing and I managed to get Cocoa inside.  I think I went way too close to the bear trying to retrieve Cocoa.  Maternal instincts directed at my faithful canine companion.

A little dinner and a pill for my increasing migraine, and I went to bed early.

The weather and the wildlife made Cocoa forget she was old and infirm for a while.  But she's back to wheezing and whining and she woke me up.  She wants out and in -- and treats - which I will not give her in the middle of the night.  Even I have limits to how much I will spoil my precious dog - there are no rewards for waking me up.

I'm going back to bed.

Never too old....

"Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine."  So said Patti Smith in the 1970's.  And if this clip is any indication, she'll still be screaming it when she gets into her 70's. And that gives me hope and inspiration....

.

I recently said I was a late bloomer and was aptly told that it's better than to never have bloomed at all.

That's all for now.  Happy Easter <3

Peepers and Polka Dots

I'm listening to the peepers singing out on the pond.  Catbird Lake is welcoming spring....


This is just like what's out back!

I'm really thankful for my beautiful surroundings and for the friends that have returned to me via the internet.  I'm remembering all sorts of stories from my misspent youth....

We used to hitch hike.  Nice girls like us, we used to hitch hike.  It was 1971 -- nice girls -- a little free spirited, but we needed to get from the dorm at American University to the Safeway to buy groceries.  We didn't have cars -- we were freshmen. (Or, maybe fresh women -- certainly fresh meat -- and yes, there were predators.) My friend, Robin and I were two 18 year old hippie chicks -- both of us voluptuous -- a red head and a brunette.  Can't remember if we were wearing patched jeans or cut offs with peasant blouses or granny dresses.  Whatever our get up, we would have stopped Robert Crumb dead in his tracks.    

It was a beautiful spring day, a day much like today.  We walked across campus to Nebraska Avenue and stood on the grassy slope adjacent to the road, thumbs out.  Birds were singing and flowers blooming -- everything seemed right with our little spot in the world. In short order, a small, unremarkable American car stopped.  A plain, unremarkable young (but not to us) man in his late 20's or early 30's leaned towards us and asked, "Want a ride?"  We started down the slope.  As we approached the car we saw him point down at his lap.

There, protruding in all its splendor was his perfect, pink, penis - presented to us with a red polka dotted silk handkerchief wrapped ever so smartly around the base of the shaft.

"Still want a ride?" he asked looking at us for our response.  We backed away from the car. He pulled away, one hand fiddling with the handkerchief.

To this day, I can't see red polka dots without revisiting that scene in my mind.  But it makes me chuckle.

So, did we wise up?  Did we go back to the dorm and call a cab?  Of course not.  And the next car that stopped was a vintage Jaguar with leather seats and wood dash.  It was gorgeous and driven by a gentleman.  We did our shopping at the Safeway and made it back to the dorm.

And we went on to hitch hike again.  Hitching is not the safe way! More tales to be told at a future date.  I want to bring Robin in as a guest blogger.

I moved to Massachusetts from DC after college -- my hitch hiking days were over.  Safeways turned into Stop and Shops.  I've since moved back to NJ, but I still always drive with the radio on.


Love ya, Jonathan, miss ya Joey.

Give me Mony Mony, that's what I want

I had a great afternoon.  I danced my ass off.  (Okay, I'll have to do a lot more dancing to make that statement closer to truth.)  My new friend, Kim (a/k/a Rebel Red) threw a lovely house party.  It was a pot luck and I was a little worried that I wouldn't have fun.  I'm used to jamming at parties, but Kim (quite an accomplished performer in her own right) said there would be none of that at this party.  There were plenty of musicians there -- it could have gone either way....  Our friend, Steve, put together a terrific few hours of eclectic "get off your ass and shake it" music for the occasion, and Kim's vision of a dance party went off without a hitch. The dance mix included greats from the 60's and 70's and beyond.  One of the high points for me was Tommy James & the Shondells doing Mony Mony, which I had coincidently posted on my Facebook page just last week.  You can imagine how much fun it was to have it coming from Kim's Bose system instead of these crappy speakers on my laptop.



Anyway, it was a great party - I'm glad to be meeting so many cool people in the greater Highland Lakes/Warwick area.  The Spring social season has begun....

The Narcissist in Me

 I've got hundreds of friends on Facebook. Many of them tell me in person that they love my postings, even if they never comment.  So, does the narcissist in me think I might actually attract followers for this blog?  Who knows? But, I feel I need a new platform for my ramblings....

That's Caravaggio's Narcissus (dated 1597-1599) in the upper left corner.  Google the mythology if you're not familiar.  I might as well expose the negative aspect of reflection right off the bat.

If you're still with me, we're going to have some fun here.  I might entertain you, I might piss you off, or I might make you think.  Hopefully, I won't bore you to tears. Enough of the mission statement.

I entreat you to please comment freely and become a follower!

Avian Cacophony

Nothing pleases me more than to wake up to the sounds of birds.  As Spring has returned to Catbird Lake in a big, beautiful way, I've opened doors and windows to the music.

I'm excited about finally starting this blog up.  There will be lots more later, but I must accomplish some things just now.