Merry Grinchmas

As a kid, you tend to watch the same movies over and over…especially during the holidays. Whether it’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Bill Murray’s Scrooged, or the for-some-reason-not-Oscar-nominated-masterpiece Elf, you can’t help but watch them every year. The one that never ceases to put me in the Christmas spirit is Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jim Carrey’s version is great, but I’m talking about Chuck Jones’ 1966 cartoon classic. Do you remember it? Think back at The Grinch’s evil yet hilarious mug. Not to mention his innocent reindeer-dog Max. His reckless and heart-breaking attack on Whoville is vile and oh so clever.

I know you’ve all heard the song “Mr. Grinch” but have you listened to the lyrics? The metaphors are poetry….I recommend you read below. Some of these lines are perfection…my personal fav? “Your brain is full of spiders…you’ve got garlic in your soul…”

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch

You really are a heel

You're as cuddly as a cactus

You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch

You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch

Your heart's an empty hole

Your brain is full of spiders

You've got garlic in your soul, Mr. Grinch

I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch

You have termites in your smile

You have all the tender sweetness

Of a seasick crocodile, Mr. Grinch

Given a choice between the two of you

I'd take the seasick crocodile

You're a rotter, Mr. Grinch

You're the king of sinful sots

Your heart's a dead tomato

Splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Grinch

You're a three decker sauerkraut and

Toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce

You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch

With a nauseous super "naus"

You're a crooked dirty jockey

And you drive a crooked horse, Mr. Grinch

Your soul is an appalling dump heap

Overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment

Of rubbish imaginable mangled up in tangled up knots

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch

You're a nasty wasty skunk

Your heart is full of unwashed socks

Your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch

The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote

"Stink, stank, stunk!"

Merry Christmas!!

-One Love

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

The ABC’s of the ABC’s:

You’re is for you are not your which is possessive

Examples:

Your embarrassing grammar is what makes Americans look dumb.

You’re dumb because among other things your grammar is at a 4^th grade level and you’re in your thirties.

You’re probably more confused than before so just um, carry on. Whatever.

Class dismissed.

Techxiety...cutting the umbilical chord

A new word I’ve invented. I suffered from it for a bit, sounds silly but this word has substance.  Two main parts…Technology and Anxiety. Remember the days when you had to actually call your friends at home? Your parents would answer…”Phoneeeeel” or in some cases…”telefonoooo, te llamaaaaaan”. Pre-texting, you had to make dates. Meet me at the park by the monkey bars at 4:30 if you were late; you were rude and had to explain yourself on the spot. No message could be sent saying “running late, my skateboard needed adjusting” or “my mom made me clean my room before I left”. People actually got stood up.

Gone are the days of letter writing and phoning a pal on his birthday. I’m not complaining I love technology and being able to get out of a date by sending a text…rude, I know! But there’s technology and there’s technology…the kind that makes you actually think we’re living in Minority Report. Allow me to explain.  As a long time member of the MetroPCS community, also known as metropieceofsh*t (to which I take offense) I would like to formally introduce myself to 2010. That’s right, I now have a Smartphone. Not needing to check work emails on off hours or transfer funds instantly (there aren’t any to transfer anyway) I never saw the need to get techy. As the butt of my friends jokes, I kindly reminded them that for under $70 a month I was able to talk and text anywhere in the world and my bill NEVER changed. That’s right; I was calling Hong Kong, Barcelona, and Mexico City…whenever I wanted. I felt like I wasn’t missing out on a damned thing.

Until Santa came early…that’s right Santa (my parents) was kind enough to purchase smartphones for all the little elves in the family. I am now a member of the Iphone family. The overwhelming sense of being so “connected” frightened me at first, but like with all things…you still remain you. I have less “apps” than the average person, finding that a flashlight, Shazam, and Fruit Ninja among others are all a girl like me really needs (I recently compared an Ipad to a spaceship)…but wow, the new 4G or whatever it’s called is truly revolutionary in its user friendly package and colorful and bubbly personality. Being able to immediately download the Glee Christmas album is what technology is all about!

So MetroPcs is great…once my first monthly bill comes in I’ll probably go back, but in the meantime…thanks Santa. I kinda like this super extremely-smart-too-smart-for me phone. Plus, it takes great pics J

*No actual phones were hurt during this writing process*

-OneLove

Cast of Characters...

A Miami resident worth knowing...political and social activist, peace seeker, nature lover and all around beauty. If you're looking for a role model then I present you Sonia Succar. Keep your eye on this one folks...

1. What or whom inspired you to be socially and politically active?

My social activism most definitely comes from my family, specifically my parents and my grandfather, all very outspoken individuals who never feared their voice and their own influence in making an impact. Not only speaking on subjects of relevance to the community, but truly acting it out through their own roles in society; my mother as a public school teacher, my father as a public defender and my grandfather as a public servant and elected official. Their own lives reflected the ideals of progressive change and living their own lives through "the system" and making a difference through that realm. To me, seeing that firsthand greatly affected me and helped shape my own understanding of what "giving back to your community" really meant. The beautiful thing is that they haven't stopped, my mother spends her spare time teaching art to inner city children, my father works with immigrants helping them to better understand their rights, and my grandfather still writes editorials, goes on weekly radio programs and is an advisor to the Governor. I've been blessed with such an amazing family. They have really inspired me, by just being true to themselves, and it feels only natural to be socially active. As for politically active, I spend time helping candidates in their campaigns if I feel they can be a positive voice for my community, and I participate in many organizations that are political or involve issues that are affected by our government, which appears to be almost everything these days.

2. As a young professional in today’s world what do you feel are the main issues affecting our community today?

Excellent question. There are many issues affecting our community, however, given that the question is directed in the perspective of a young professional in Miami, I have to say complacency. The self assured, lack of involvement type of individual is at the root of our community. Young people need to get their hands dirty, both literally and figuratively. I hate to admit it, but I don't think the young people of Miami truly care about the direction of our community, at least not the majority. Mostly b/c they think the factors that make up our city and county are too complex and outside of their own interest and reach. I personally think that type of mentality is a cop out and a weak excuse to get active. It makes our city look empty and tells the rest of the world that we having nothing better to offer than a place to escape or a place to party. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about having a good time and truly enjoy the pleasures of Miami, and that component is part of the fabric of a great city, but if it's all that we have to offer, we remain off balance and we leave the “vultures” to direct our future without any “vision” or long term sustainable plan. We expect our city to be and do everything, and when they fall short, we attack. Everyone plays a role on Miami’s stage, and everyone has an ability to impact it.

3. Why is it that our generation has the intelligence, history and foresight to change the world but lacks the drive and passion to do so?

Wow, heavy question, but glad you're asking this. You're absolutely on point with the skills that our generation has within their reach, the intelligence of our generation is impressive along with the technological tools we have to communicate and spread forth messages of today's problems along with potential solutions...but you question our drive and passion, and you should, because I'm trying to figure that out daily. Again, I would come back to the issue of “complacency” or better said, the lack of “motivation” and our spoiled tendencies. We don’t know what it’s like to not have & therefore it can be hard for us tackle on issues that don’t move us. Especially local ones. If we can't even get involved in local issues that involve supporting our parks for recreational uses or curbing litter on our beaches from tourists, or supporting more efficient transit systems so that we don't breathe dirty fumes and waste our time in traffic. Passion and drive are definitely a combining force for change because they ignite our emotions, and emotions are a powerful fuel. However, emotions are not constant, so we must pull in the other areas of our “health or state of being”, like the mental and physical, and question if the decisions made by government are in the best interest of all 3 of these states. Then perhaps we might start waking up and think about our decisions, our influence & our involvement in both government & society.

4. Tell us about the work you recently did in Eastern Europe at the Young Leader’s Conference.

I recently visited Prague in the Czech Republic as part of a US State funded initiative to develop stronger relationships between Eastern + Central Europeans and Americans. I was one of 48 Americans selected, and we met with 150 Europeans for a week-long conference. It was an incredible experience for me and I definitely find that I’ve changed for the better from my trip. There were 3 themes, Trans-Atlantic Security, Tolerance + Diversity, and Climate Change + the Environment. The U.S. State Department on Euroasian Affairs selected young individuals who had a deep interest on the subjects and were able to communicate the different work or study of these themes. There were definitely cultural barriers, but once you put young people in a room with their passions, it’s amazing how similar our issues are, and what’s really amazing, is the impact that communication can play is remarkable. We shared our different best practices, the challenges and the solutions we have to some of these core subjects, and we just talked and talked. We had various experts and diplomats to help lead the conversations, and we had a lot of time to do social activities out in the streets and bars of Prague, and that definitely helped to break the ice. Above all the connections that I made, I personally learned how ignorant I was to the history and significance of this culturally and historically rich part of the world. Sometimes Americans think they know it all, but there are many countries much older than us that can offer a great deal of wisdom.

5. What would you say is the main message you would bring back to our youth here in Miami?

The message I would bring back is humility and tolerance. It’s amazing how quick we are to judge others even though we ourselves (Miamiams) are made up of so many cultures. Perhaps it’s because we are made up predominantly of Latins and Caribbeans, and we forget about all the other ethnicities around the world. I think the more humble we are and the more open we are to other non-Latin and non-Caribbean nationalities, the more we can learn to deal with our issues. Learning from others is the key. Sometimes we don’t have all the answers, or sometimes we need help from other groups to help solve our problems. This world is global, and so should our approach be.

6. What is your favorite place to go and relax in Miami?

Relax….that sounds nice right about now. I would have to say Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. The beach area right behind the Biscayne Nature Center. There’s an area back there that feels kind of hidden from everywhere else. I’ve gone by myself and with friends. We have a BBQ and we sort of pretend that we aren’t in Miami and get into a camp mode, with our coolers, our blankets, our music and just chill. It’s a great way to unwind and just remember how basic our needs of pleasure are: a clean beach water, shade, a place to prepare some good food, and good people, that’s all you really need.

7. Who would you invite to dinner if you could choose anyone past or present?

I think I’d have to say Jesus. If given the chance I think I’d want to meet him face to face and get to know him as an individual. His presence is pretty prominent in our world, and he played a significant role in my Catholic life growing up, going to mass on Sundays and following his teachings, his standards of belief, the traditions of the Church, but never really understanding if this person or Son of God truly existed. I believe he did, but I question to what extent his story was idolized for the sake of idolatry and power. I don’t believe it’s questioning my faith, but questioning the faith in a Church or institution that holds such power to deep inquisitive human history and our beliefs. I’m a believer of Science, and I wonder what Jesus would say with all our new found knowledge. I just think it would be cool to have dinner with him and talk one on one over, maybe over a glass of wine, or a bottle, since it would probably start getting pretty deep J

8. Sonia for President?

Wouldn’t that be cool? If I felt like I would be an effective leader on such a high level and had the ability to manage people and money, perhaps. I think I would need a solid group of friends to help keep my grounded and to advise me. Nothing is out of the question, and it sounds exciting, but I know that I’ve got ways to go before stepping into any position of power. It’s a delicate thing, so you’ve got to be right in the head and in the heart. In the meantime, I’m enjoying every minute of this ride, and if the opportunity presents itself to take me on a higher level of this ride, to make significant changes on a global level, and I feel prepared, I’d be honored!

Bake at your own risk...Que la force soit avec toi

In an effort to be more involved in my work place, I volunteered to bake things for our bake sale. Now, before I begin to explain my evening of “fun”, I would like to make one thing very clear: I do not bake and I never EVER have. That’s right, not even brownies from a box. Sure, I’ve seen my mom and friends do it from time to time, but have I actively participated? Certainly not! I am always in charge of beverages (my specialty). Speaking of beverages, I celebrated my friends’ birthday before I baked…so I may or may not have had a few glasses of wine….

So with that said…let’s discuss instructions on a box. I wish I would have been warned that baking is an EXACT science. It’s not a pinch of cinnamon here, a dab of butter there, let’s thrown in another egg for moisture…etc. You have to actually follow instructions/rules/laws/theman’sorders and for those of you that know me somewhat, well then you know that’s not my forte.

In hindsight:

When your friend is sending texts like these to the rest of your friends, realize that they know you very well, and have no confidence in your cooking skills. Who can blame them?

“OneLove is coming over to have some wine and maybe bake, you should come too.”

Some other memorable quotes from the evening:

“By the way baking is so much harder than it looks”.

“What about decorating”?

“Are u sure u put 1/4 cup of butter”

“I don't know I didn't look but it exploded in your microwave”

And of course my favorites:

“What's the friggin difference between butter and eggs don't they both come from cows?” -In defense of the offender, copious a mounts of wine were drank and may have contributed to the kindergarten food group memory lapse.

Not so innocent bystander: “Is this the first time you make brownies? You should buy the pre-made ones next time.”

Final result: Rum flavored balls and a strange chocolate chip cookie brownie mix. All in all, a huge success. NOT. But man was it fun!

"God, drop some truth in here..."

 

Thank you October.

Musically, Miami has always had its challenges…lack of venues, fans, mostly passion. In the past few years I have noticed (not due to my age) a more musically mature audience emerge. I'd like to thank a certain few  friends have always kept me in the loop (no pun intended) but  I’ve also been fortunate enough to discover some bands on my own. This month however, Miami has proven magical. With LCD Soundsystem, Vampire Weekend, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Phoenix, MGMT, Massive Attack and Thievery Corporation to name a few…one might think they woke up in San Francisco or New York. Nope. Amazingly it’s  Miami! Hmmm, a new theory as to why it's dubbed the Magic City? Thank you to those individuals who work so hard to bring these acts, and who work to satisfy the parching throats of us music lovers who are painfully-musically-geographically challenged.

I have to mention an important ingredient in this melodic Miami sopa de letras. It’s the all important “crew”.  Big ups to my never fail show-catchers…Leyla, Adri, Javs, LC, Buffalo, Lucy, JuanP, Casey, Gaudi…

Special shout out to the Fillmore, Bardot, Bayfront Park and Live Nation for gittin’ er dun. And to the next generation of people working so hard to bring the music, the flavor and the passion...you know who you are G!

Keep bringing the music, we won’t stop dancing!!

Cast of Characters

Genuinely intriguing people are my fav. I wonder what goes on in that head of theirs…people who march to the beat of their own drum, guitar or didgeridoo are striking in their ability to chase their dreams, do as they please and set their own standards for what is fun, practical and even normal. I admire the freedom with which  live and I enjoy joining in the fun from time to time…It’s a treat to come across such individuals and through my travels, friendships and adventures I have had the pleasure of doing just that. Every now and then I’d like to introduce you to some of them. These are people who I find to be truly inspired by what they love and their passion is evident in their everyday lives. Since I live in the 305, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce you to one who does as well.

Meet Tamara Aida Diaz…Tammy, Tambo… call her what you will, a rose by any other name, she’s like the love child of Edie Sedgwick and Rainbow Bright…. She’s the first subject of my character exploration project. She is an artist by vocation, visionary, coolhunter, writer/blogger, photographer, fashion stylist and -model for fun. Get into her brain at www.tambonation.blogspot.com. Proceed with caution and be prepared to enter a world of color, light, creativity and fantastic nuttiness.

To pick her brain I asked her a few questions I thought would be fun to answer and read…here we go.

1. What elements of nature inspire you?

The weather is the element of nature that is most important to me and that has a lot to do with what I'm wearing of course! So, earmuffs and gloves vs. bikinis and sunglasses... I love it all, its the changes in it that are so interesting. This is one of my fav things about NATURE! Think about erosion! How we work around the elements to keep warm or stay fresh. ;) I'm a huge lover of nature, I am inspired by the colors and textures of it too... I love the sky, the clouds, and the variations of colors! The details in a shell, the stripes in a zebra! But more than what I simply see with my eyes is the feeling to the touch... the soft sand running through your fingers when you grab a handful or diving into the water when its a bit chilly, rolling down a hill of grass, walking through a field against the wind, you get the point. Sensitize yourself, its really inspiring.

2. Glitter or sequins?

I've always loved glitter because its fine and it gets everywhere! haha It's really funny when you had glitter on your face and it gets on the boys you kissed forehead or cheek and you don't even tell him so that every time it catches the light u can sort of be happy about it LOL. Its like an Amelie (the movie) thing. Sequins are so awesome too though, they remind me of the 80's, and boy do I get a kick out of tacky shit! :)

3. Life has a soundtrack…what song would be playing during your birth? And your death?

This is a hard question. I'm gona have to say Ohm for both LOL. I cant give any song all that credit to define me, I am too many things. Its not a song but that sound will do for now.

 
4. Is there a profession you wish you could dedicate yourself to but can’t, won’t or are afraid to?

I want to be a coolhunter! I want to travel and take pictures of places and things to inspire people! I want to get hired by design teams that send me away somewhere and say "Come back with whatever YOU SEE to INSPIRE us!" Then I would make a presentation about it, with collages and images and research galore, all organized and then we would talk about the direction that we should take... so lets pick these colors,,,, etc... I'd be so happy doing that! Its sort of like fashion forecasting, I've had a knack for that my whole life since I studied fashion design and that was my fav part... the mood boards! I'm not afraid, I just need to figure out how to get there! I was going to work for Zara in Spain and went through I dont know how many interviews to get that position where I would be working along side THAT lady and then I decided to go back to school and study Visual Arts here in Miami. Who knows if that was the wrong choice.

5. Book that changed you somehow?

 I have tried to get into books, I haven't found MY book yet. I read a lot on websites bc i can click and click into whatever it is I want to know instead of feel like I'm wasting time reading about some fairy tale when actually, I'm already living one. -I'm a magazine-aholic.

6. Best concert you’ve been to?

I went to thousands of concerts my whole life because my father was in the music industry. They were a part of life for me always, like no biggie. Meeting lots of famous people, Cris Martin jumped on my dad bc of how excited he was to see him! hahaha! My father was a singer in the 60's in Spain, a revolutionary. He makes me really proud. My mother was an actress in the 80's, shows why I am the way I am a bit. So, fav concert... I'm gona have to go with BASSNECTAR at the Fillmore, Miami Beach... it blew my mind! The lighting really complimented the show!! I fell in love with the ugliest man alive! LOL you should really see this guy! He is all hair! Like a cousin IT! He was sooo good at what he does that I saw right through what he looked like and just saw his AMAZING talent and that's all through him spinning records! My dad would prob be pissed bc their are no instruments!!! ;)

7. Dream dinner with company, menu and setting?

Dream dinner, Oooo I like this question! Ive been wanting to have an Alice in Wonderland like picnic! Like all best friends, blankets, music, wine n cheese type deal. WE NEED THE KOOKY OUTFITS TOO! (Like the boys are dandys pls). I love tapas, I love to share! I like little bites of things and the delicious combinations we all can make to share with each other... its cheap too! Its just all about good company and laughs and being outside, heaven.

8. Personal motto?

Apart from staying true to myself, I keep telling myself to keep aiming for my dreams and to BE HAPPY. It's not always that simple, is it? I'm a bit bonkers so I regret not having more discipline in my life, but then I wouldn't be me anymore, would it? I'm working on that.

9. I want to be a back-up singer for…

I don't want to be a back-up singer! hahaha if I did wana be a singer I think I would be one!!! My family loves to sing, I love to dance. Hold up, they love to dance too!

10. What is it about art? How did you fall in love with it?

ART is the only thing that keeps me going! It's what makes me excited. I think I am a work of art... lol. I don't know how I fell in love with it, but I know I will NEVER EVER STOP LOVING IT.



      

"Here lie the gates of hell"

I took these photos last year in Corral Canyon. It’s taken from inside the cave where Jim Morrison would often seek solace and quiet. You can find lyrics scribbled on the walls, over which fans have left messages and their own etchings. Getting to this cave is no easy feat, a mile hike up the canyon then you have to squeeze through what is known as the “birth canal”. If you are claustrophobic you simply won’t make it. The views are breathtaking…be there for sunrise or sunset.

One cool note…This natural cave was once used by the Tongva Indians for religious practices.

One not cool but historically cool note…Charles Manson and his “family” used to hang in the area.

Afro-Peruvian Jazz

 

You're probably thinking Afro-Peruvian? Exactly! Beats, box, sax, keys, strings... Last week I went to see the Gabriel Alegrìa Afro-Peruvian Sextet at the UM School of Music. If you aren't familiar with UM's annual Jazz Festival, you should be. (I wasn't till last week so don't feel bad.) I was fortunate enough to see this team of musicians from Lima really do their thing. Highlights.. the saxophone, wow. Lisa Simpson who? El Cajon, not uncommon at all but this guy knew what he was doing. I did discover a new instrument though, a donkey jawbone. Yep, donkey jawbone called la Quijada...makes a distinctive percussive sound, pretty cool. If there was someone in the audinece who was not jamming they were more than likey dead.

Thumbs up to the Peruanos.

To add a bit of local charm, the School of Music's very own Dean, Mr. Shelly Berg jammed on the piano for a couple of scores and he really went for it. The man is incredible. I guess you kinda-sorta-haveta-play music to be the Dean of the music school.

The band will be doing several shows in NY in the next few months during their 2010 Pucusana Tour. If you're in NY...check them out. http://www.gabrielalegria.com/


-OneLove

Musical hangovers

Ah, the wonderous spirit of a music festival...whatever your tase, nothing leaves you wanting more than a music festival. It's the blue balls of music.
I would like to share a conversation I just had regarding Austin City Limits...

Adolfo: "How are you? You missed out on a pretty good time"
OneLove: "I can imagine! Are you recovered yet?"
Adolfo: "Not emotionally"

And that my friends is the POWERRRR of music!

-OneLove

Love and its too often terrible timing...

Ever had that feeling that you want to preserve something for later because you just aren’t ready for it? You know it’s perfect, it’s real and it’s there…but you’d destroy it if you touched it. I have a great friend whom I adore, going through a break-up that couldn’t be less perfect.

Allow me to explain: Break-ups are NEVER easy. One heart usually left more hurt than the other, but both usually ache. What I like to call a “mature break-up”, the cleanest of it’s kind, is when two people realize that there is no moving forward, no new barriers to break though, no new flowers to watch grow. This is when two people know deep down, hearing that Oprah-like voice inside (ahem, Ladies you know what I’m referring to.) that they simply are not meant to be. Reaching this decision is never easy; it is like a cocoon that grows inside of you… it tells you something is off, something is wrong, something is missing. It is only when this cocoon becomes a butterfly that we are fully realized and ready to make your feelings known.  

I’m not sure what part is harder, accepting that the love you worked at is no longer workable, or telling that person that as hard as you both worked, there will be no happy ending. What happens when the person you are breaking this news to…fully agrees? You’d think it would be a handshake, a hug, a thank-you-for-your-time kind of parting….no, it’s even more cathartic. What do we do? Pop open a bottle of wine, share the memories, the laughter, the fights, the drunken nights (my personal favs.) and suddenly, the sadness creeps in. “We had good times together huh?” Then your mind (or the wine) makes you think for one split second that MAYBE it can work again? Maybe we should try again? No! You’ve made your decision; you know what is right…go peacefully into the quiet night.

I raise my glass to those strong enough to follow the right path, to know themselves well enough to understand the difference between good company and real love. May we always be able to make that distinction in life.

Cheers,

-OneLove

Blogger's Cut

Xavier Manrique- Director, Creator, Friend

 Nothing pleases me more than to see my friends become successful, creative and happy. Blossoming into what they were always meant to be, through sacrifice, hard work and sweat. Following your dreams is one of the scariest things I can think of. It's walking the plank, taking the road less traveled...into the unknown. How heart wrenching is it to follow that dream only to realize it should stay as one?

Thankfully, Xavier Manrique has done just that, and his road is well paved thus far.
Please visit his website and see for yourself. Specifically check out SkullCandy my personal favorite...short but sweet and featuring another pal, it makes you want to dance!
http://www.xaviermanrique.com/

Big ups to Gordo.
-One Love

In honor of all that is spooky in October, I’d like to discuss death, cemeteries and specifically tombstones.

Losing a loved one is like losing a piece of yourself, the infinite hole that is dug in your chest never seems to heal. We are constantly surprised, angered and afraid of death…Yet it is more common than the flu, a flat tire and a mosquito bite. Some cultures believe the dead exist among them forever so they do not mourn their loss; they celebrate the life once lived. In other cultures for example, the mourning never ceases, widows wear black for the rest of their lives. Luckily for them, black is always in style.

Cemeteries have always had an air of romance to me. There is something about a place where so many different walks of life are buried that fascinates me. The stories of heartache, family, love, passion, crime, greed and death collected in a single field dwelling just a few feet below ground is both spooky and thrilling. How many of those people took secrets to the graves with them? How many of them had one last wish never granted? How many did exactly what they wanted, when they wanted?

Do you believe in spirits? I find it hard to believe that death is the end of life. Perhaps life as we know it is over, but to what extent is there a remaining force lingering in the air…have you ever felt a presence?

Finally, the subject of tombstones comes to mind. Tombstones symbolize the end of life and who you were but imagine if we begun life the same way with birthstones…what would yours say?

“Today, I was born…I would like to this kind of person and hope to accomplish the following things while I live:”

For example:

Birthstone:

John Smith,

“Hi, it’s nice to be here. I would like to free the world of anger, and madness. Bring back the beauty of nature and maybe start a non-profit. I’d like to save the whales and adopt-a-highway. I will have 2 children and a loving wife. My legacy will be one of peace and harmony”

Tombstone:

John Smith

“Lawyer, bloodsucker, ambulance chaser. Twice divorced, thrice bankrupt, late on child support and an owner of 2 SUV’s. He never recycled and once ran over a squirrel just to see how fast it would run. John leaves behind a mortgage and one hell of a cholesterol level”

Perhaps we should think about writing our birthstones today and trying to live up to them so that both our birth and tombstones may be one and the same.

Life is peace, the sun rises and sets, the tides rise and recede.

The wind begins to blow, begins to howl -- a change in the air.

Suddenly, nothing is the same, can’t find my way back to peace.

Question everything, notice everything.

Question origins, beginnings and truth.

The blurry future is now vast, lonely and dark.

The uncertainty leaves me careful, weary, mindful.

 A return to normalcy is impossible.

What will come? What will today’s wind bring? What will the breezes say to me?

Yet the sun rises and sets, the tides rise and recede. I am forever changed. I am alive.