Memories Above The City Lights

"Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization."

-Lincoln Stevens

This past week was one of the most unusual weeks I have ever had. I think it was good that I took some time off to renew my soul a bit. I suppose it is a good thing for everyone to do from time to time, to see things from a new appreciation, and perspective. To remember what we are passionate about and why we care so deeply about those interests. Last week was time to really look at what I love, and who I love, and the places I love, and remember to not take any of it for granted.

I was so sad to hear about Pam's passing away last Sunday. Still doesn't seem like it could be true. Sometimes, I think...maybe I got it wrong...but then I am all too aware that in fact, I won't ever get another email from her again. I won't ever get another chance to tell her how much I appreciated her laugh, and her voice, and the way she cared...without end. Yeah...without end. Somehow I don't believe that just because she is gone, that is the end of her on this earth. I will always have my friend through those emails, the comments she left me...and the smile that comes to my face when I think of her. Like our dear friend Frank...she's still right here.

When I was out last week with the camera, I saw art everywhere. Some of it I sought out. There are some marvelous public art displays that dot the Bay Area from San Francisco to San Jose. I took numerous photos to bring back here and show you. I was also seeing art in the natural world as well. Some incredible sunsets, some gorgeous flowers with tiny tears of rain on their petals...people out and about enjoying the first sunny days of spring, 2006. It was finally warm and clear in the Bay Area, after we had set, and then broke, the record for rainfall in March. Sometimes, before I knew it I would feel so much emotion for Pam wash over me, and it made me appreciate being able to see a sunset or a flower all the more. In some ways it was as if she was there with me, even though she and I had never met in person. Everything just seemed peaceful.

I went to some of the ceremonies in observance of the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Last Tuesday night, the exterior of the Ferry Building, was transformed by a beautiful display of rotating lights and images. The colors were breathtaking. As I sat at Justin Herman plaza watching the crowd and the lightshow, I observed that it was almost perfectly quiet, except for the awe of the crowd, as each color combination shined on the clock tower to light up the night. I mused to Alan, that this was perhaps the closest I would ever get to the Aurora Borealis. :) I snapped photo after photo along the waterfront, then took a few more shots from Treasure Island, facing back toward the city.

And that was just the first day out with the camera. :) I will be posting a lot of art this week on my journal, talking a lot about what I see and why I feel so passionate about it. And you know me...there will be more then on observation on politics thrown in, because lets face it...there are some things that need to change, and I think California is a pretty good place to start. Like maybe with our Governor. We need someone who is willing to stand up to George Bush, and harsh words alone is not going to get the job done. If you look on my sidebar you will see who I would like to become California's next governor, Steve Westly. Go, click on the link and find out what he is about. I will be saying a lot more about him over the next few months, but you should do a little looking on your own.

With the mid-term elections coming up in November, what changes would you like to see? Have any thoughts about the governor's race in your state? How about the Bush administration? What changes still need to occur? Tell me, if one supports the 6 generals who spoke out against Donald Rumsfeld...asking that he step down...is that considered supporting the troops? Are they really any less military because they are now in the private sector? Leave me your thoughts. Beginning Tuesday, art around the bay, beginning with the Ferry Building, and the 1906 Earthquake remembrances.

Note: The dome on top of City Hall in the above picture, is the original dome that survived the great quake, and if you look at the dots of gold on the hills in the background of the photo,that gives you a perspective of where I live in relation to San Francisco. God I love it here! :)

-OndineMonet
"Memories Above The City Lights"
San Francisco, California
April 18th, 2006
Evening.