When we drove through Santa Fe, three years ago for Mechem and Carson’s Wedding, Ira Kaye pointed out the Santa Fe Outdoor Opera Amphitheater.  I thought, then, if I ever returned…I hoped to be able to see a performance in the venue.

We were privileged to do so a week ago Tuesday.

This is an extraordinary Venue…with not a bad seat in the house!

The Operetta that we saw was Die Fledermaus or sometimes called The Revenge of the Bat.  It is composed by Johann Strauss II.

The performance was done in english with close captions on a screen in front of every seat.

During Act II or a Masquerade Ball…Ira Kaye had brought masks for the four of us to wear.

Prior to the performance we enjoyed wine and cheese and savory meats…outside the Theatre…in the midst of the magnificent splendor of New Mexico!

Ira Kaye…even brought along a white table cloth and wine glasses…to make our Opera Experience Complete!

The Santa Fe Opera Experience was thrilling and one that requires another visit!

When the opening score began…I was amazed that I had heard it many times before…on Looney Toons Cartoons.

During our visit to New Mexico we were privileged to visit a Wildlife Refuge that Ira Kaye’s friend, Ann, volunteered at.

I was impressed with Ann’s dedication and passion for the animals, many who had been wounded, and sent to the Refuge for healing and for education for children visiting the safe and caring facility.

It was thrilling to see a Bald Eagle…so close!

A different Bald Eagle.

I noticed that Ann spoke with each animal with such love and concern…that I was touched with the mission of this small rescue and refuge and educational facility.

The Bobcat seemed keenly aware of his surroundings…restless…hungry!

Owls are fascinating!

I, being an animal lover…throughly enjoyed not only our visit to the Wildlife Refuge…but also it’s profound and meaningful mission to save and protect the beautiful and diverse animals that were native to the New Mexico and southwest region.

There was a Grand Tortoise…that I did not snap a photo of…he was majestic!

Our visit to Ann’s Wildlife Refuge was a wonderful experience!  Also, we had a lovely lunch with her at a great New Mexico restaurant, that was nearby.  She also suggested that we might like to visit Chimayo, New Mexico…that was known for it’s weaving prowess.

Our subsequent visit to Chimayo turned out to be one of our most enjoyable days…and I was able to find an authentic New Mexico Ring!

New Mexico…has an allure that is ancient and compelling!

On our trip to New Mexico. last week, we visited Los Alamos, where the Manhattan Project was headquartered.

‘Los Alamos is a town in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, United States that is recognized as the birthplace of the first atomic bomb-the primary objective of the Manhattan Project by Los Alamos National Laboratory during World War II.   Wikipedia

Mary Jane and I, and a very young Aaron and Jonathon, had visited Los Alamos over thirty years ago, with Uncle Merle and Aunt Loretta…Jonathon cried the entire way to Los Alamos from El Paso, Texas…due to being in a car seat.

It was interesting to return to the birthplace of the Atomic Bomb and notice what a lovely community Los Alamos is.  As we toured the Bradbury Science Museum, I noticed many of the same exhibits that I had seen many years ago.

The exhibits and films focused on the history of Los Alamos and Robert Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein’s, letter of warning, to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Also, the exhibits illustrated the mission of the the Los Alamos Laboratories to ensure that the current nuclear arsenal is kept safe and up to date and ready…should it be needed…and that the purpose of the tremendous amount of nuclear bombs…was to create a deterrent that no country would dare ‘throw the dice’ to challenge.

‘Julius Robert Oppenheimer was an American theoretical physicist and professor of physics at the University of California, Berkley.’   Wikipedia

After the dropping of ‘Fat Man’ and ‘Little Boy’ on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki…Dr. Oppenheimer quoted from the Bhagavad Gita: ‘Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.’

I watched a thought provoking documentary on Netflix, last evening.  It was entitled The Bomb.

The program began by showing several countries militaries…marching in lock step and in a very similar fashion to their enemies.

”The Bomb places the viewer in the middle of the story of nuclear weapons – the most dangerous machines ever built – from the Trinity Test in 1945 to the current state of nuclear weapons in 2016.  It will explore the culture surrounding nuclear weapons, the fascination that they inspire and the perverse appeal they still exert.  It will convey the impossibility of controlling this technology.  The Bomb is about the immense power of nuclear weapons, their dark allure and ingenious technology.  The computer systems invented to control them, the missiles and bombers built to carry them, the practice of denial and secrecy that perpetuates them, the societal and cultural influences of them, and the profound death wish at the very heart of them.’   Rotten Tomatoes Movie Info.

‘North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States.  They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen. [Kim Jong Un] has been very threatening beyond a normal state and as I said, they will be met with fire and fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.’   President Donald J. Trump

I have often heard the rationale that, ‘we must strike them…before they strike us’ has it not occurred to the powerful of the world…that to strike them…is to strike us as well?

When we cheapen human life to the extent that we love our powerful nuclear bombs and what they can do to our enemies…we have lost sight of the fact that our enemies have more similarities to us…than differences…and to obliterate them is to obliterate us…we are all one human family!

Leaders are often governed by their damaged psyche.  Their need to constantly prove their narcissistic worth…at the expense of those that they lead…is frightening.

‘And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

And he opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see.  And   And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

And I heard a voice in the midst of the beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

And I looked and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.  And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger. and with death. and with the beasts of the earth.

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservwnts also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.  And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?’

Revelation Chapter Six   KJV

Today, August 9, 2016…is the 72nd Anniversary of the bombing of the Japanese city of Nagasaki.

‘The Bomb…nicknamed…Fat Man…was dropped at 11:02 A:M:.  The explosion unleashed the explosive force of 22,000 Tons of TNT.

‘It is estimated that 60 – 80 thousand people were killed.  Exact figures are impossible,  the blast having obliterated bodies and disintegrated records.’   This Day in History.

Note: All Photos are Public Domain.

While visiting with Ira Kaye’s friend, Ann, she told us of a wonderful weaving community that was near Santa Fe.  Chimayo is a meca for natural…old time method…hand weaved products.

‘Chimayo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties in the U.S. state of New Mexico; the name derives form a Tewa name for a local landmark, the hill of Tsi Mayoh.  The town is unincorporated and includes many neighborhoods , called plazas or plactias, each with its own name, including El Potrero de Chimayo (the plaza near Chimayo’s communal pasture) and the Plaza del Cerro (plaza by the hill).  The cluster of plazas called Chimayo lies near Santa Cruz about 25 miles north of Santa Fe.  The population was 3,177 at the 2010 census.   WikipediA

Ever since we had journeyed to New Mexico, for the ‘Adroit and Classy ‘ Carson and the ‘Lovely and Brilliant’ Mechem’s, wedding…three years ago…we had wanted some authentic hand woven…table runners.

‘My days are swifter than a weaver’ shuttle, and are spent without hope.’   Job lamented in Job 7:6   KJV

The calm and peace of the weaving community is pervasive and welcome.  Their ancient art is beautiful and life affirming!

I think, that I often forget, how lovely the old art forms are.  The simplicity of living with the rhythms of the Earth…are truly peaceful and holistic.

The picturesque…compelling…peaceful…beauty… of the finished weaved product…will bring happiness to your soul!

Ervin!

We traveled on higher into the mountains of New Mexico…to a wonderful and sweet weaver…who only saw customers by appointment.  Her pretty granddaughter was with her…and we purchased two of her magnificent works!

When asked of her preferred method of payment…she responded cash or check.  When we attempted to offer identification for our check…she said that she trusted us…now that is a humbling…honor!

While we were there…a cold rainstorm came up…out of nowhere.  The wind began to blow and the temperature dropped over twenty degrees…in a matter of a few minutes.  The feeling of being with such a trusting person…and the sudden change of weather…gave a surreal quality…to our joyful interactions.

Mary Jane and I have just returned from a place that is…dream like…peaceful…and serene.  Santa Fe, New Mexico.

‘Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills.  It’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed.  Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its’ heart the traditional Plaza.  The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governor’s, now home to the New Mexico History Museum.’   Santa Fe City in New Mexico.

‘Santa Fe is the 10th-highest city US city by altitude at 7198 feet.’   wikipedia.org

Last Sunday, or our first day there, we visited the Spanish Market…that is a annual event in the heart of Santa Fe.

The artisans and, Tin Artists who’s art is known as hojalata, were extraordinary in their complexity and diversity.  Mechem, introduced us to one of her friends who had made some very beautiful pieces of Tin Art.

Santa Fe is surrounded by mountains.

Being with Dear Ron and Ira Kaye, is always a joy and a pleasure!  Also, being able to visit with the wonderful Carson and Mechem and their delightful children was a special treat!

I went on the most pleasurable walk with Ron and Ira Kaye…that was both invigorating and feast for the eyes and senses!

Mountains captivate my imagination!  It appears to me that Santa Fe…could provide an artist…or a dreamer…a lifetime of inspiration!

The new White House Communications Director, [to be], Anthony Scaramucci was introduced a few days ago, as a suave and sophisticated presence on television and a good dresser.

‘Reince is a f—–g paranoid schizophrenic, a paranoiac,’ Scaramucci said regarding, then Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, according to the New York Times.’

‘In the same telephone call, Mr. Scaramucci disparaged Mr. Bannon.  ‘I am not Steve Bannon, I’m not trying to suck my own cock,’ he said.   New York Times.

There is an old saying…that has never been truer than today…Words Matter.

President Trump, during the Presidential campaign, was heard to say a multitude of vulgarities.  On an ‘Access Hollywood’ tape, Mr. Trump could be heard saying that being famous allowed him to, ‘grab women by the p—y.’

The President’s recent tweet, ‘that transgender people cannot “serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military,” caused fear at the Pentagon, for the nine minutes between the first and second tweet, ‘that the President was getting ready to announce strikes on North Korea or some other military action.  Many said they were left in suspense for nine minutes, the time between the first and second tweet.  Only after the second tweet did the military officials receive the news the president was announcing  a personnel change on Twitter.’   The Stranger

As a child I was taught that cursing and colorful language was never to be used in…public…in front of a woman…and that many words should…never be used for any reason.

The first time I heard the word, f–k, used in a movie…I was shocked…and left the movie.  I am no longer shocked.

Certainly, the communication that issues fourth from the most powerful leader in the world…is taken extremely seriously…including his favorite form of communication…tweets.

When the White House Communication Director, [to be], says that he is, ‘going to kill all the leakers, that is chilling speech!

What is more chilling…is that the President appreciates and approves of this hateful and obscene rhetoric!

Has America become the Local Pool Hall?

Can we say that the occupants of the West Wing…are just passionate about their convictions?

‘For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words shalt thou be condemned.’   Matthew 12:37   KJV

A year ago, we were in the United Kingdom with our dear friends, Margo and Jeff.  We simply had a lovely time!

I recall our excitement, leading up to the adventure, and the initial planning of the journey…which transpired over Dragon’s Milk Beer…in a Pub in Carbondale.

It was the Holiday Season and Aaron, Jonathon, and I were fellowshipping over a few pints…in the true spirit of the UK!

When we arrived at Gatwick Airport it was but a short ride to our friends flat.  After a few hours of necessary rest…we were ready to explore Redhill, which is a quaint picturesque English village.

I recall, fondly, the Chocolate Shop and the delicious confections that made it back to the flat.

For the first few days…I did not drink any coffee…and I was amazed at how easily and readily I fell asleep.

On our first foray into London we happened upon a Hat Shop, one of only two in the grand city that sell handmade hats, and Mary Jane and Jonathon and I came away with our prized chapeaus!

One of the first items that caught my attention, at the Hat Shop, was the prominently displayed bottle of fine scotch.  After looking at it longingly, for some minutes, I inquired as to its’ availability?  As we each purchased a hat…I enjoyed another shot.

We had the most interesting diner in London at a Turkish Restaurant.  This was after enjoying a grand performance of the Play, Showboat, and meeting some lovely friends of Jeff’s, who were from Israel and ministers.

Our next stop was the renown University City of Oxford.  This town, captivated my attention, as I was sitting listening to our tour Guide speaking of the grandeur of the ancient University…I experienced deja vu…and felt that I had been there before.

The Pubs in Oxford are famous in their own right.  The Eagle and Child was the famous Watering Hold for C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien.  We dined in the back room where they met on a regular basis as members of the Inklings, ‘The Inklings was an informal literary discussion group associated with the University of Oxford, England, for nearly two decades between the early 1930s and late 1949.  The Inklings were literary enthusiasts who praised the value of narrative in fiction and encouraged the writing of fantasy.’   Wikipedia

Stratford upon Avon was our next stop.  There we saw the most engaging and somewhat frightening performance of Dr. Faustus.  Jonathon and I sat so close to the stage, in the Theatre in the Round, that we at one point became part of the performance when a piece of chalk, that Dr. Faustus was using to mark on the stage, flew out of his hands and landed on Jonathon’s lap!

The Theatre was constructed to represent the Globe Theatre in London.  The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company’s performance…was like nothing that I have witnessed in it’s chilling and realistic portrayal.

From Stratford upon Avon it was on to Edinburgh.  This city was a delight!  The Arts Festival called, The Fringe, was a gathering of thousands of Arts Enthusiast and hundreds of extremely diverse performances.

Upon our arrival, we dined at a Mexican Restaurant…yes I said a Mexican Restaurant…where I assisted a gentleman in a wheel chair to his feet, to facilitate his ordering at the Restaurants counter.  He was such a warm and inviting person…I felt immediately at home in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh became one of my favorite United Kingdom cities as it’s charm and allure got hold of me…much as a dream…that you can not forget…and want to return to.

On our way back to Redhill, we stopped at York.  This town was special in its’ history and beautiful spirit!

On our last night in York…I was privileged to join my friend of over 45 years, Jeff, at a business meeting that he was conducting nearby.  I was honored to be able to say a few words regarding our lifelong friendship and to witness the friendly and lovely people that had come out to hear his story of ‘Rags to Riches’…or as I like to say…A True Horatio Alger Story!

‘But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’   Matthew 19:14   KJV

There are many things that trouble me in life…but the suffering of children…is among the most painful and confusing.

Often I watch the commercials for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  I see the brave faces of the precious children who are battling various forms of cancer.  Their courage and hope in the face of adversity…is inspirational!

Last evening I was watching a news segment regarding the Syrian refugees and their suffering and the children who have been maimed and slaughtered and frightened in a manner that most of us will never experience.

Those people that work with sick children and frightened and displaced children…are angels unawares!

Children are trusting and forgiving and without prejudice.  They believe that others will treat them fairly and that everything will turn out alright.

‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’   Martin Luther King

‘There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.’   Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

‘It is not our differences that divide us.  It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.’   Audre Lorde, Our Dead Being Us: Poems

‘I know you despise me; allow me to say, it is because you do not understand me.’   Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

Perhaps we all can try to remember what it was like to be a trusting child…and see the other members of the human family as people that we want to know and understand and play with?

Would it not be wonderful to dedicate all of the money and effort that is spent in the trillions of dollars of War Making…to the healing and feeding and clothing and safety of our most guileless citizens…our children?

‘It is 27 days and 22 hours and 17 minutes and 56 seconds,’ at the time of my writing this, according to Southern Illinois University’s Eclipse Webpage, before the total solar eclipse.

‘The first total solar eclipse over the U.S. since 1979 will reach its point of greatest duration on Aug. 21, 2017, just a few miles south of Carbondale.  On the main SIU Carbondale campus, totality will happen at 1:21 p.m. CDT.’   Southern Illinois University

‘Saluki Stadium is the focal point of the eclipse observation event, where the public is invited to a guided eclipse experience emceed by Mat Kaplan of Planetary Radio. Guests will see the eclipse happening live overhead while watching and participating in a variety of edutainment activities developed in conjunction with our partners including, NASA Eclipse 2017, the Adler Planetarium of Chicago, the Louisiana Space Consortium, The Science Center of Southern Illinois and other related groups.  Visitors will be able to see live coverage of the eclipse across America through the eyes of NASA anchored by NASA Edge from the campus of SIU Carbondale.’    Southern Illinois University

It is estimated that over 50 thousand people will converge on Carbondale for this historic event.

‘Ozzy Osbourne To Headline 2017 Moonstock Festival’

‘Carterville, Il: Ozzy Osbourne will be the featured artist during Moonstock, a four day music festival, at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville, Il. On August 21, 2017, a four day music festival, at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville, Il.  On August 21, 2017, a small portions of the United States will witness a type of total eclipse that hasn’t  been visible in nearly forty years.  On that day, at 1:20 pm, when light fades to darkness, Ozzy Osbourne will kick off a concert by singing Bark at the Moon.  This event will wrap up the four day Music Festival at Walker’s Bluff called Moonstock,’  according to Ozzy Osbourne Latest News.

The Total Eclipse of 2017 is a very big deal for Carbondale, Illinois and it’s beloved Southern Illinois University!

‘A total solar eclipse occurred on July 20, 1963.’  Wikipedia

I remember fondly the eclipse of 1963!  On television there were instructions regarding the construction of a Eclipse Viewing Box that enabled the viewer to watch the eclipse play out through a mirror image.

I can remember the excitement that I felt as a young child…in being able to view…day turn into night…it was almost Biblical!

‘The eclipse was featured in the comic strip Peanuts (July 15-20, 1963), with Linus demonstrating a safe way of observing the eclipse as opposed to looking directly at the eclipse.  It also served an important function in the plots of two Stephen King novels, Gerald’s Game (1962) and was featured in a season 3 episode of Mad Men “Seven Twenty Three” (2009).  John Updike mentioned the eclipse in his 1968 novel Couples, saying “only one other time had been so ominous [in those years], the Wednesday in October of 1962 when Kennedy had faced Kruscheve over Cuba.’   Wikipedia

I was privileged to meet John Updike, many years later, at SIU.  He signed two of his books for me.

I remember, in 63′,…my Mom and Dad were divorcing…and my life was forever being altered…but the Sun was going dark…and that was epic!