Priceless Expression

Priceless

(poem written 6.29.06)

We are beautiful and valuable simply because we exist,

not for what we can do or offer,

either to an individual or to the whole of society.

We are more than our occupation or our talents.

Can we not just 'be' and find our sufficiency?

Be happy. Be content. Be hopeful. Don't lament.

Open your eyes and see the possibilities,

each day is a gift, just take the keys!

You're in the driver's seat.

Take special care and be aware of those

with whom you share the thoroughfare.

We're all on a journey, pursuing all we can.

No more blindness, have only kindness for our fellow man,

remembering the inherent value we each carry within.

The ABCs of Wine Tasting

The ABCs of Wine Tasting
By Thomas Matthews

http://www.winespectator.com

Drinking wine is easy: tilt glass and swallow. Tasting wine is more of a challenge. You need special tools, the proper environment, keen concentration, a good memory and a vivid imagination. But after three or four glasses, the basic effect is the same either way. So why bother? I'm a baseball fan. When I take a friend who knows nothing about the sport to the ballpark, he may enjoy the crowd, down a hot dog, cheer if someone hits a home run. The rest of the time he's asking me, What's the big deal? One guy throws a ball, the other guy misses it. But for me, every pitch is a small drama: what the pitcher chooses to throw, how the defense sets up, where the batter tries to hit it, how the strategies play out. When nine innings are over, we both know the score. But while my friend may have passed a pleasant afternoon, I've been totally absorbed in the game.Life can be lived in a casual way, or plumbed to the depths. We all choose how and where to spend our energy and attention. You may play music, cook seriously, tend a lovely garden. Maybe the things you love aren't vital, but they make life richer. Passion is never wasted effort.That's why wine lovers learn to taste. We know that the effort we put into understanding and appreciating wine—as opposed to simply enjoying it (or its psychotropic effects)—pays big dividends. Really tasting wine adds an extra dimension to the basic daily routines of eating and drinking. It turns obligation into pleasure,

a daily necessity into a celebration of life.

Ravi Coltrane Quartet

My Present Place of Residence

This is my neighborhood! Great neighbors, huh? I visited here as a child and remember being in awe that I was in the 'President's town.' The buildings were so big and there was so much to see. I still find myself amazed that I am living here...still sometimes feel like a tourist when I walk The Mall or visit a museum or lie on the marble benches surrounding the Washington Monument. I can't help but take photo after photo of what my eyes see....its almost as if I don't want to miss any change in perspective, because the sky could be bluer, the clouds could be drifting across the sky in a more dramatic pattern, or the flags could be waving, almost dancing in the wind. I just don't want to miss a thing! I don't think this place will EVER lose its enchanting power over me. Its a beauty and a wonder! Although it has been a challenging year living here, and even though my dearest, most loved friends and family are so far from me, I am thankful that I challenged myself enough to move here, and now stay another year. I didn't want to look back on my life and think, "What if I had only..." I purpose in my heart to learn and grow and appreciate all that this beautiful and wonderful city has to offer!

This is the life!

This is my Mother's cat, Jax. He is demonstrating the proper way to handle the day. I would propose that we could learn much from a cat (and for all of you dog lovers, the same could probably be said.) Cats are a quite confident, wise, and well-rounded species of animal. They strut their way through life, they've mastered the art of cuddling, they understand the importance of rest, and they know not to over eat. Ahh, the simple life!

Jazz, to me...

(poem written 3.11.07)

Transpiring intervals;

Periods of existence moving between two nights.

Seconds turning to minutes,

Minutes turning to hours,

Ever increasing and never ceasing,

Until at last, we achieve an epiphany regarding the necessity

for the appreciation of melodies,

And a deep regard for true sound.

Notes in syncopated rhythm evoking a transformation of the mind,

And a profound alteration of the soul.

Saxophones summon a sensual response,

As instruments evolve into more than a device for producing music.

Rather, revealed to be extraordinary tools in their master's hands.

Complexities of life fade,

The gentle lilt of the lyricist leading listeners on a journey,

Expanding the intellect,

Creating an environment of pure sensation and expression.

CAT

I Have Arrived!

Dun-dun da daaa!
Here I am...in the land of Blogging! I have transitioned from the great big world of social networking to this grand stage of blogs. I have wondered at times, as I considered starting a blog after reading some friends blogs, if I would ever or could ever have enough to say to keep a blog going. However, I'm a chatty gal, and I'm always thinking about something, whether its music or traveling or simply just living life. So I figured, why not investigate blogs...try it on and see how it fits. I do dabble in writing poetry and journaling from time to time so maybe this is just a natural outlet, a most logical progression of expression? We will see, won't we?
I love taking photos, whether with my camera phone or my digital camera, so I will be sure to post my visual expressions, showing my life in DC, various jazz gigs and musicians, flowers, family, friends, my travels, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
So, come along with me as I embark on this adventure!