“Eventually, Echo, too, began to waste away. Her beauty faded, her skin shriveled, and her bones turned to stone. Today, all that remains of Echo is the sound of her voice.”
Laws control the lesser man… Right conduct controls the greater one.
~ Mark Twain
As I research this Bannon character, who is about to take over the White House, or become the new Chief of Staff, I see a man with honorable and dishonorable credentials! He is playing the country against itself. All the nasty shadowy things come forth as hate power and helplessness. He plays democrats and republicans against the other. We are being scorched to some unknown place ahead of us.
I have been invited to create a postcard and send it, in opposition of Bannon. Yet, by reading about him I have learned so much more about politics. I cannot say his goals are strangely honorable or dishonorable. He seems like a Hannibal Lecter sort of motivated politician. He seems to want to tear down the system as it is. What value or danger is awaiting “we the people” is not clear to me? He has scorched us.
I will send my postcard. Yet, the contradictory ways of Bannon are strange. But are they? He uses technology and knowledge to manipulate us. His propaganda is meant to awaken a response in us. Edward Bernays knew this by way of Freudian psychology. Not a new game in politics, corporations, or religion.
My postcard will also state an open question to him.
“What is your goal for “we the people?” Are we to be scorched only? You have scorched those in power now! Are you just a Dr. Jekyll -Mr. Hyde evil genius like the newspapers say?”
“You fear the world too much,’ she answered gently. ‘All your other hopes have merged into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach. I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off, one by one, until the master passion, Gain, engrosses you. Have I not?”
Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes.
~ Khalil Gibran
A bowing to my hidden psyche, and a bowing back to the child of the cosmos!
We will be OK!!
At the most troubling times strange things happen. I knew a flip was on the way. I felt it! The super moon affirms it. Yet, the continuity and mathematical perfection of the dance of the earth and the moon, do leave a way to contingency. Made hopeful, I was reminded of this today.
Times like these I turn to poets, philosophy, and depth psychology. A mental triangular thought of three words guided me. The last few weeks causality, teleology and synchronicity moved me.
I try to remember the powers of these principles as meaning something special in my life, and as I see the possibilities, as special happenings, in the lives of others.
Today while giving blood to the vampires at Kaiser, my eyes fell upon a father and his son. He had his, under a year, child spread out ready for a fast diaper change. I said,
“How lucky you are!”
He smiled and tickled the belly of his son.
The child was looking in the opposite direction. I spoke.
“Hello there.”
The child turned to me with a big smile. A hello that would make the whole world rejoice. No teeth and giggling with the power of the cosmos glowing in his being.
I was deeply touched by this.
“Oh, how lovely. You have made my day… thank you!”
As I walked away from the hospital, feeling the weight of the day press heavily on my shoulders, I knew that the principle of contingency zeroed in on me in a cosmic moment. The air felt charged with uncertainty, whispering in my ears all the possibilities that lay ahead, each one a fork in the road of my life, and I could almost sense the threads of fate weaving around me. Each step took me further from the sterile walls of the hospital, yet closer to an awakening within myself, a realization that life was defined not just by the moments we plan for, but by those unexpected twists that shape our very existence.
A weird thing happened while I was watching the Alfred Hitchcock Hour last night. I watched The Photographer and the Undertaker (1965) episode, which I realized I had viewed before, but today it had a new meaning. As I watched the show, I also researched Jack Cassidy. He is the main character of the episode, a original Mad Man character actor. Jack was married to actress Shirley Jones.
After their divorce, he seemed to melt down into alcoholism and mental health issues. I am saddened by my research because to me he always seems like a sharp, upbeat, and intelligent swinger. He has a deep history in music and a brilliant acting career. It is his demise that shocked me.
Shirley Jones & Jack Cassidy
In this episode, or story, Cassidy’s character is a photographer who gets wise to a scheme. Where he is the focus of a hit man. He is scheduled to be killed. Cassidy turns it around and catches the hit man at his own game and kills him instead. To cover the evidence, he burns his darkroom down. In the news it is confirmed the next day. The photographer was burned to death. Cassidy’s character collects the money from the man who hired the hit man and assumes a new life. A great story with some ironic twists and turns.
As I was watching the story unfold, I was thinking how clever Cassidy’s character was, and how he cheated death, something hit me hard. As I watched the flames burn the dark room and the hit man…. I realized something. At that moment I read something profound. Ten years later, in real life, this is how Jack Cassidy dies (1976).
“Cassidy returned to his apartment alone, by which time he was drunk, as he had consumed alcohol at various bars across West Hollywood that evening. In the early morning hours of December 12, Cassidy lit a cigarette and fell asleep on his Naugahyde couch. [11] He then dropped the cigarette, which ignited the couch. The flames quickly spread throughout the apartment and the building. [4] At 6:15 a.m., the blaze was discovered by Deputy Sheriff Jon Dimeter, who evacuated the building and entered Cassidy’s apartment. A charred corpse was found in the doorway of the apartment.”
Wikipedia Note for Jack Cassidy
I felt a terror overcome me. What a strange revelation to perceive. I quickly said a prayer for the man. Last night he whispered a short story in my heart of his ironic demise.
Last night I went to a local event at the Commons in Calabasas, where I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with community members and fellow enthusiasts. The event was presented at a Barnes & Noble in the San Fernando Valley, a beloved hub for book lovers, creating a cozy yet engaging setting. I enjoyed browsing through the eclectic selection of books on display and connecting with others who shared my passion for literature. The evening not only provided an opportunity to discover new titles but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among attendees, making it a memorable night in our local community.
Spotlight The Arts Foundation presents dramatic readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s works and other surprises at a free event on Sunday, October 23, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What a wondrous event. It was fun. It was local and I won the costume contest. (I was the only one wearing one too) I was not expecting it nor had it entered my mind to win. I was just being myself as I always am….
A happy night for us… a random thing to do with my son before Halloween… I am so glad we went. To hear dramatic readings of Edgar Allan Poe was a live treat!
I don’t travel far these days to go to shows. I feel the need to support my local community. For years I have supported a wide range of events a far. Now I tend to enjoy my hometown very near.
Near the beginning of the Los Angeles river were I use to go dancing and drinking as a teenager, I now enjoy the shadowy delights of the few days before Halloween, with my son. What a treat!!
and more punk history It was a day of closure and new beginnings. I leased one picture I took around thirty-seven years ago. It is now part of a film that is coming out soon. In the scheme of things, it is a small thing regarding this film.
It is a piece of the puzzle that screams loudly of integrity. I have been treated particularly good throughout the process. I got paid for it. (It is a pic of original line up of Black Flag after they broke up, but Keith is singing anyway at the Church) When American Hardcore came out I was overwhelmed by how the punk scene was presented. I did not like it. I saw my same picture in both the film and book. I even confronted the situation.
I said, “… that writers and journalists need to research their work and consider original source.” My words were ignored. Regretfully, I let it go. I am treated better by the film industry than my own punk community over this.
And that is a fact. Yet, I hold no grudges or bad feelings. I just walked around the problem and solved it my own way. The film “20th Century Women” will have an image folded in its creation that rings truth. From what I have viewed online, I am interested in this film because the film is set during 1979. (When my picture was taken)
Also, I am a woman of this generation. The film is based on a mother and her 15-year-old son. I have a 15-year-old son now. Interestingly, the film includes the early punk scene which is why the photograph is placed in the film. Nice synchronicity of goodness and better feelings! Everything happens for a reason. I’ve learned that integrity must be earned. It takes time and it is resilient! This image will only be viewed in the blink of an eye.
That is OK by me. I will be on the ending credits for a picture I took at a unique time & place in punk rock history, and it was originally published in Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine. Something to inspire my boys!!!! There are many stories from the big punk rock….
This is just one of them via Flipside Fanzine and me, and from a long time ago little punk chick named “HUD” ~Hudley! A brave little girl you were, you were!
Someone, a few or many is / are looking through my work here steadfastly.
It is a little discerning to me. Yet as I notice old posts being read, I can edit them and brush off the dust.
This is one of my favorite adventures in my understanding of real power of female energy which is being called upon right now to help women in our current culture.
I call on her power as well to defeat the bastards and also now conservative bitches who oppress women in any way.
All Women, Their bodies their minds and their wills. All women need to be given back the right to their own bodies.
I call upon the Holy Baubo
her impressive mythology
her power will conquer.
bringing justice for all women.
“But you have the beauty and strength of love on your side. And if we can find a sense of humor, too, these are the weapons of the angels.”
~ A Summer Place.
Walking into the small misty temple, I at once noticed the stained glass window. I sat on the tree stump. The image was enhanced by a crescent shape design and by a few candles flashing colorful red, gold and purple flames. I took to memory the message. I knew it was true.
My search to find the great Baubo, the Holy Baubo, had failed again. Yet, her new message was presented to me in the reflective glass widow image.
She was to do it. At the beginning. She had to defeat those evil bastards…
Today I am reflecting on one of my favorite posts. To me that this original short story, novelette by Daphne du Maurier, is based in Cornwall on the Celtic Sea is amazing to me.
Before I studied my great grandfather’s book, CAPPEN JAN JAKE: A CORNISH TALE, and now as an older adult, I have the insight or Cornish character to understand such things. I never really took notice how he lived in Cornwall on the Celtic Sea when I was younger.
I guess something in me made the connection between publishing his book again and reflecting on the original story by Daphne du Maurier.
My great grandfather always stayed close to the water. Be it the ocean or Mississippi or Missouri river. He traveled that way too.
I hope someday to take that journey. From California on the Pacific Ocean, where I live, to Cornwall on the Celtic Sea.
Mrs. Bundy: Birds have been on this planet, Miss Daniels, since Archaeopteryx, a hundred and forty million years ago. Does not it seem odd that they would wait all that time to start a… a war against humanity.
~ Film, The Birds
I recently watched Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Birds. The film is based on the novelette by Daphne du Maurier. The screenplay written by Evan Hunter and Ed MacBain, and both, the film, and the story, are vastly different.
Yet, both have similar and highly symbolic connections that are fascinating. Equally, the film and story do not use the symbol of the moon as a word or image. Indirectly, the moon is the main hidden movement in both. The birds are the “Sturm und Drang” (“Storm and Stress)’ in the film and story.
I remember when I first viewed The Birds on TV! About the age of the little girl Cathy Brenner. I thought the film was scary. Friends and I often pretended and played scenes from the film. We ran down hills of golden green frightened by our imaginary fierce birds.
“Cathy Brenner: When we got back from taking Michelle home, we heard the explosion and went outside to see what it was. All at once, the birds were everywhere. All at once, she pushed me inside and they covered her. Annie, she pushed me inside.”
I want to make an interesting point about the film, it is a film more about relationships between women then about the birds. In the film one finds a maiden, mother, and crone. Annie Hayworth is the sexy maiden where Lydia Brenner is the mother.
Ethel Griffies plays the old crone “ornithologist.” The interesting character of Melanie Daniels plays a female goddess of the moon. She is mysterious, magical, intuitive, and carries love birds to her desired man.
“Melanie Daniels: I thought you knew! I want to go through life jumping into fountains naked, good night!”
In the novelette by Maurier an indirect influence of the moon is always applied. As narrated by main character Nat Hocken, the ocean tide influences the action of a variety of birds. He works on a farm and describes his knowledge of the land and the sea. He is knowledgeable of all the birds in his environment. He is one of nature and his knowledge is as wise as the ornithologist Ethel Griffies from Hunter’s screenplay.
“The species included blackbird, thrush, the common house-sparrow, and, as might be expected in the metropolis, a vast quantity of pigeons and starlings, and that frequenter of the London River, the black-headed gull.”
Both film and story indirectly show evidence of the influence of the moon, as the phases of a woman’s life, or the ocean tide. The uncanny attack of the birds is an unconscious one. It is a dynamic pull by the moon at Bodega Bay California or England at a bay of Cornwall on the Celtic Sea. Both film and story hold interesting perspectives.
A wonderful film to see and an exceptional story to read.
“The lull in battle was because of the tide. There was some law the birds obeyed, and it was all to do with the east wind and the tide. He glanced at his watch. Nearly eight o’clock. It must have gone high water an hour ago.
That explained the lull: the birds attacked with the flood tide. It might not work that way inland, up country, but it seemed as if it was so this way on the coast. He reckoned the time limit in his head. They had six hours to go, without attack. When the tide turned again, around one-twenty in the morning, the birds would come back…”
When I first became aware that everything living has a consciousness, I was overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility! Then after a while, I settled down into this web of life. We are all here for such a short time! I’ve come to know that it is the little efforts we make, with this awareness, that communicates who we are to the rest of the web! Even books carry a living awareness. The Internet is a vast global mental awareness that communicates now! We are all connected mentally and sometimes emotionally.
During a thunderstorm last year, a bolt of lightning above my house made the car alarm go off! While looking for my keys to turn off the alarm, something strange happened. I looked up at the computer monitor! I was calm and then the computer turned on! I watched as windows opened and mail sites opened! Without a password! There I stood gazing into another family member’s mail and messages! I quickly turned off the computer! I then turned off the car alarm! It all happened so fast!
Is humanity now involved in a strange mythology science fiction tale? Are we now reaching a point where our psyche and the cosmos are merging in a state of communication awareness? This is not a new concept.
Noospheere, introduced by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin is a, “social phenomenon [as] the culmination of and not the attenuation of the biological phenomenon.”[9]
He was a “French idealist philosopher and Jesuitpriest” who seems to have predicted the coming of the internet. He may not have known how it would manifest, but he sure got me believing. I read his work years ago and just recently reflected back on his brilliance.
Then there are characters like Cleve Backsteran interrogation specialist for the CIA who “using a polygraph instrument in the 1960s which led to his theory of “primary perception” where he claimed that plants “feel pain” and have extrasensory perception (ESP), which was widely reported in the media but was rejected by the scientific community.”
These characters explore, open doors, and reflect on the possibilities of consciousness and communication with the unknown.
David Wilcock and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin have written interesting books on these subjects. Their websites are listed in my links section if you find them fun for study.
And so I end this essay with some random words by H.P. Lovecraft,
I listened with renewed interest. The music seemed strangely muffled, and yet it came thought. I observed also that it had no definite direction; while before it had seemed to come from outside, it now seemed to come from underneath the house-a curious, chant-like playing of reeds and pipes.
“A flute orchestra,” I said.
“Or Pan pipes,” said Frolin.
I looked up at him sharply; he returned my gaze as steady. It occurred to me that his unnatural gravity had a reason for being, whether or not he wished to put that reason into words. I caught hold of his arms.”
Pg 139 Beyond the Threshold, August Derleith. ~ H.P. Lovecraft and others, Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos
“…the Noosphere, the self-reflective universe of creative evolution where the internet is a living library, a global brain and a volunteer Akashic Records stored in the cloud of unknowing; as elements of Karma V Free Will, as Cosmic Vacuum Cleaners and as Psychic Transmitters…”
~ An Accelerated Time-Line, lorna@hareinthemoonastrology.co.uk
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) Where an angel and a human communicate about life, death, love and the game of Chess.
The Saturn-Neptune Conjunction in Each Sign (2025-2026)
“Now the people from all times have been aware of the movements of the planets, in particular the sun and moon, but now they relate these movements to a mathematical system. I think this is probably the most important transformation of the notion of the universe in the history of human consciousness.”
~ pg 72 Goddesses, Mysteries of the Feminine Divine by Joseph Campbell
It is a given that the Planets have a way that is unique on to them and if you follow their stories, or not, that is ok by me. I can’t help but listen to their stories and their “angle of the dangle,” because it is kind of hard not to notice their patterns! Since the beginning of civilization there has been a vast number of studies about the planets.
It is quite amazing to me that so much knowledge and wisdom is associated with the planets. I am not an expert on the subject, but I am an ‘intuitive’! I understand nature. I understand that the planets play a part in the big picture.
It is a civilization “individuation process” on a big scale. Yet, as subtle as a butterfly in one’s backyard, or the understanding of the sorrowful feelings of a child when they first learn that bullies suck! The same difference is the key to understanding their stories. This is a humanities’ story too.
Today I focus on all this hullabaloo over Saturn square Neptune.
I have found a perfect song for Neptune and another for Saturn, which expresses my inward feelings about these two-character building planets. It is the blending in me that I enjoy. Sometimes I stress over the shadows that Neptune and Saturn manifest in their creative dark stories. Yet, I say hello Saturn and Hello Neptune. And so, their story continues….and so too it is humanity here to acknowledge their existence. We listen to their patterns, mathematical system, and stories.
I just got back from walking around the block in the rain. I love night walks, especially when they allow me to reflect on moments that have shaped my life, and tonight, I found my thoughts drifting to Mike. He was one punk singer who made an indelible impression on my experiences and memories.
I remember a particular moment back in 2008, a time when I was deeply immersed in writing My Punkalullaby memoir. I was in the midst of recalling stories about Mike when I received an unexpected call from Nick, another member of the band MIA. His voice carried the weight of news that felt unfathomable—Mike had died.
The timing was staggering. Just as I was cherishing the memories of Mike and his music, Nick’s call brought forth a wave of overwhelming sadness. In that instant, it struck me how intertwined our lives were with the rhythms of music, friendship, and the passage of life. Looking back, I realize what a powerful and bittersweet moment that was, one that I feel compelled to share now.
The magic of music, friends, and life—and the inexplicable nature of what lies beyond—makes me ponder the connections we share with those who have passed. There’s something profoundly comforting in the belief that some of these punk friends who have died are watching over us, still somehow part of our lives and experiences. Perhaps they resonate in the chords of the songs we listen to and through the shared memories that linger in our hearts. It’s a beautiful thought that brings solace amidst the grief, a reminder that though they may be gone, their spirit and influence live on within us and in the music we cherish.
I remember Mike’s eldest daughter Alex Conley, explaining at his funeral, how her dad always had to play his music loud, be it in the house or in the car. She did not seem to get it, since they had headphones.
Today youngest son is acting like a know-it-all teenager. He knows all about art and rock & roll. A stick up his ass. Like an old fart art curator or rusty rock band member.
Me, I am just Mama Kin… I don’t know a thing.
I stopped to drop him off at his college art class. Before he got out, he turned down the music, changed the channel to Jazz, and closed the door. I then changed the channel back to rock & roll, turned up the music loud while spinning tires, and raced away.
Mike Conley came to mind. I was then really sitting with his ghost as this song came on.
It is cool man. Time for a cocktail. I enjoyed a ride with Mike Conley today.
Youngest son is my friend regardless… we both like rock & roll, art, and fast cars. He is a son, and I am a mom.
Mike was a good punk friend or maybe Punk Colleague on the wild side of my exuberant youthful life.
I miss dancing at clubs. The Mind Shaft in Calabasas CA was a great little spot to dance. It was a small tree fort type bar with a dance area and small stage for the usual loser cover bands. We drank outside before entering because we were under age. The drug & drinking scene was damn low-key at the time. No police, no trouble, just a little town. I was asleep, for most parts, to the world around me.
I heard a song today that reminds me of the Mind Shaft. The song No One Knows, by Queens Of The Stone Age reminds me of a song that a few of the cover bands drank through. I mean while trying to play their instruments and while stumbling and singing. We still danced.
Yes, it is a similar tune. Funny how certain riffs and tunes can blow over into new generations of music. I guess if you live that long, one can pick up on these things. Lost songs that sound like this song woke me up, as well, as the vast amount of serial killers. Fun and scary times.
1977 Holly Who and Sue Blue with our Mind Shaft T-Shirts, Our Mind Shaft Days summer of ’77
December 1979 is around 37 years ago. A very tight and small club of mutual fans, promoters and band members were a rebellious team.
Before Henry Rollins galore, when the underground punk scene was unique, new, and growing as wildfire. I swear our agenda was as sincere and planned as peeing on the walls.
I used to take a few photographs back in the day as the shift from Hollywood to Orange County became the thing like a large earthquake. Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine was there hanging with the scene. Drunk and wild as a windblown day.
I just signed an agreement to releases an image I took a long time ago about the punk scene for a film called “20th Century Women.”
The image is my intellectual property. Some day when, hopefully, my grand-kids or great grand kids are viewing this film they may take to heart what their “grand ma ma” did for an underground punk scene. It feels good to share history with a company that respects my rights.
They pursued me with respect and integrity. It feels particularly good in the scheme of my life. There are many stories from THE BIG PUNK ROCK, this is mine.
The photograph is of Black Flag at the Church with Keith Morris singing after they had officially broken up, a unique photograph is the photograph that I have licensed today.
It is not about the money, it is about how I am still amazed that anyone would care about a hot, sleazy, little underground church basement in some place called nowheresville some 37 years ago… because we knew at that time, at that time & place, that no one cared!
I am amused that this lost sentiment has changed. I am happy to sign this agreement today.
New 2026: Just Click on the image for a print on demand Tee-Shirt.
“The Man, no one sees the man, if they do… they live on borrowed time”
~ Film. The Line-Up, 1958
A interpretation song by some guys from the bomb shelter… entertainment by
The PEASANTS and the Rusty Blade…
“The Man Who Sold the World” is a song written and performed by David Bowie. It is the title track of his third album, which was released in the U.S. in November 1970 and in the UK in April 1971. also
Seems I have spent most of my years in a house full of boys. Mostly, boys like my three brothers and their friends.
Later, a house full of crazy young wild men, and now my own kids. It seems I am like that; I function well in an environment of guys.
I do my thing and they can do theirs. Now, I am the mama supervisor if they need some advice on how hot the oil should be when they deep fry their bacon wrapped hot dogs with Jack Daniel’s Whiskey BBQ sauce.
I am laid back like the autonomy of a cat; observant and not interested, but alert if need be… always friendly… sometimes. Some of my best memories on 4th of July is the watermelon filled with liquor, lamb on the BBQ, and dad dancing to Gary Glitter – Rock and Roll.
