Sound of Sunshine

I hope to post each day about Sea Hear Now. It is a wonderful event each year presented by Danny Clinch (the photographer for Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and many others) He also plays the harmonica and will join in on stage with many of the performers. He also has a gallery of photographs in a studio gallery attached the Asbury Hotel. The Asbury Lanes hosted his 5th Anniversary and my son's fund raiser event where I saw him perform with my son! I have to do so many posts, because it is hard to find where to start on this mind blowing Sea Hear Now event. But, basically it is for the music. Wait, it has a lot of art. But, on a whole another level it is about surfing. Professional surfers come and surf all day and then are treated to the shows at night. Bottom line it is astounding how many talented people are involved. But, what I took out of it is.......we are all looking for our flow. Oh wait, there is yoga in the early morning which is free! So, today's post is just about how and who I saw that blew my mind. Each, day was totally a different experience. The amazing part of these festivals is how you rush from show to show. But, I made choices to just go with the flow. Most Artists had new music or chose covers of how they got through the isolation of the pandemic. And, I feel they all came through it in very different ways. My phone is giving me trouble (it goes dark, but I won't be fixing or buying a new one) But, I will try to find you tube videos to share in the meantime. I want to share pictures, but it is not uploading to them to the computer, either. Quote of the Day: “When you're younger, you think you're in competition with everyone. You think everyone's success is a threat to you, and this is a thing you grow out of. You get older and you suddenly realize the only person you're in competition with is yourself.” -- Boy George Song of the Day: It's A Miracle Boy George and the Culture Club

Like a White Winged Dove

I have such great memories of when Bamboozle (Foo Fighters Gaslight Anthem Bon Jovi) was in Asbury Park, and I had my store. I am really looking forward to the weekend with Sea Hear Now (Stevie Nicks and Green Day). I try to write down when I have radio karma (that is what I call it). But, strangely songs are played like a soundtrack to my life. Yesterday, was a good example I got into my car and Green Day came on. Then the best was when I driving home and entered Ocean Grove, the song from The Head and the Heart came on. It was Every Shade of Blue and I painted to that song in the morning and shared on facebook. This morning I am going to try to paint (with paint pens) a folk art dove, while listening to "Edge of Seventeen". This song was written by Stevie Nicks and was written after the death of John Lennon and the words about the white winged dove were taken from a menu while in Arizona. I love the stories that go along with her songwriting. I hope to hear a lot of good ones tonight! Quote of the day: “My generation fought very hard for feminism, and we fought very hard to not be labeled as you had to have a husband or you had to be in a relationship, or you were somehow not a cool chick.” Stevie Nicks Song of the Day: Green Day Good Riddance

The Rising

Last night as I drove back from Maryland, my drive and inner voice has finally become more hopeful. It could have been the Springsteen show I was listening to. It was a concert from 9/11/16 at Pittsburg, PA. He along with the E Street Band played the entire Rising albumn. There was a time I played that CD almost everyday as I drove back and forth to work at Boscov's. It is an extremely hopeful record. It brings you into the reality of missing people and places. But, then with the song "Waiting on a Sunny Day" you feel things will get better. When you drive a long distance to a concert it really helps. For as long as I was sitting and driving, he was singing and the crowd was reacting. It was one of the best sets I ever heard. I loved the sets from the 2016 shows, and was so glad I saw three of them. Including one of the longest shows on record. It was about the same legnth as my ride. When I started my ride it started with New York Serenade. I made a lot of decisions on what work I was going to do on my new home. And, decided to make an instagram reel with all the pictures I have been taking of sunrises. Spending the weekend with my grandson, and being around his young cousins, has left me hopeful. They bring me joy and it is a wonderful feeling to start the week with. We as a world again, are collectively full of grief for the loss of Queen Elizabeth and still coming out of the strange times of the Pandemic. But, as we rise this morning I hope we remember the hope in our hearts we felt on the twelth of September. When we flew our flags, and we knew we just had to get back to it. As the English would say after World War II. We must: Keep Calm and Carry On. Quote of the Day: Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Maya Angelou Song of the Day: Into the Fire Bruce Springsteen

Farewell

I think one of the greatest lessons I have learned this past year is how not to be so sad saying goodbye. When we lose someone in our life it is sad, but with the loss comes a change. And, how we adapt to change is up to us each as individuals. I would say overall in my life, every ten years came with either a loss of a person or a devastional loss by nature or war. Since the millenium it started with 9/11, Sandy and then the pandemic. Each one effected a large area, not just me. But, personally I have had enormous loss since the pandemic. But, I did have a gigantic gain....my grandson. I am babysitting this weekend and I have him all to myself. His mom and dad are at a wedding in Virginia, and won't be back until tommorow. We watched the new movie Pinnochio by Disney last night. I was surprised by how attentive he was, and I love to hear how he pronounces Pinnochio and Geppeto. The visit by the blue fairy was of interest to me. And, of course, Jiminy Cricket being assigned to be be Pinnochio's conscience. I realize now the effect of the story and the cartoon had on me as a child. Pinnochio needed to be brave, truthful and unselfish to become a real boy. I am looking forward to our adventures today. He still loves to talk abouts ghosts and monsters. But, added this year are pirates and dinosaurs. I wrote down a story we made up talking to each other as he was going down for his afternoon nap yesterday. He is starting to wake up now, so I hope to get in a quote and song. Looking forward to making some insta stories with him today. Pictured is Paddington Bear at the station in London. It is with sadness to say goodbye to the reigning Queen of England. I don't watch the news, but I did see what was happening in politics in England the last month and it was pretty dreadful. Happy to see there is a new woman as Prime Minister. I am happy Harry is now a father to a prince and princess. And, I wish the royalty well, and hoping for a bright future for England. Quote of the day: Grief is the price we pay for love Queen Elizabeth Song of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/embed/QdpVxy7Mbeo Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me Elton John

Struggling to do Everything Right

Summer is almost over. And, it is nothing like I planned it to be. But, I could say it was the best summer ever! Being able to walk to Asbury Park and the beach on any of my days off, was great. But, I ended up most days off working on closing on a Condo in Brick. I'll be in another over 55 community. But, I am concentrating on the reality of my future, monetarily. This one place I found to live isn't very visually appealing and far away from any markets. But, it is possible to walk somewhere, without crossing a major highway. It is also right above the Manasquan river, so I can sit on a bench and have a river to look at (that is just a couple of blocks from me). I really needed to do this. So, it was worth not having many days on the beach. My place is really small, which is perfect for me. And, when I look out the window or come out my door, there is nothing but trees. Most places overlook the parking lot. I plan on making a fairy garden for my grandson to enjoy when he visits. It will also have a special spot for his dinosaurs. I get to see him this week, and we'll paint a fairy door and some rocks to put around one of my trees. I do get three feet around the the house, and the rest is maintained by the HOA YAY! Work, in general, is good for me. I have some struggles here and there. But, then I have my days off to get it back together. And, this week I have a short week, and will end it in Maryland. Overall, it was a great experience to be in Ocean Grove this close to the beach for a season. I thought parking would be a problem. But, it was not. I have made new friends, and kept up with a lot of friends, too. Closing out the summer at the Stone Pony with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and then the Ocean Avenue Stompers (my son's band) at Langosta Lounge was the cherry on top. But, it ain't over! Better days are coming! Locals summer, and now I have the time off to really enjoy it! The picture above is a necklace given to me by an Artist friend. It is the brass ring from the Carousel in Asbury Park. Quote of the day: In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. Theodore Roosevelt Song of the Day: Little Miss Can't Be Wrong Spin Doctors (Then and Now) Rock stars who continue to perform are my inspiration! Especially, the ones who perform in the rain!!!! NOW: Little Miss Can't Be Wrong Spin Doctors

My Top Ten Goal Setting Rules

1. I graduated with a degree in Art. I don't follow the rules! I did and it didn't work out. I am now enjoying more freedom, and not setting any rules for myself and others. 2. Make a vision board ( only if you want :) ) It helps you focus on what your visions are for the future. 3. Write it down. Keep a blog. Handwrite on your calender. Use post it notes. You will amaze yourself in the next year all the things you have accomplished. 4. Try not to buy anything new. Make do with what you have. This is a big one for me, as I have purged so much. I don't miss or need anything right now! That is a great feeling. 5. Always be thankful 6. Don't stop thinking about the future. Thinking about the future, and worrying about the future is tough sometimes. But, focus on the reality and make it happen. Then sprinkle in what would make you feel joyful. Also, try to do this without spending any money. 7. Does it require a lot of love or a lot of work? How do you look back at what you have worked hard for. Most of it came with love of what you were doing. So, make sure you spend your time on what you love. 8. Make your story a good one. Look ahead to what goals are realistic. Write them down. Nike says it best: Just Do It! 9. Be inspired by words (quotes) music, nature, scents, and tastes of the season, and surround yourself with only the things you love. For me, this means I can't watch the news anymore or the weather. Too many times I wasted time, because I let the weather forecast rule my day. I can say, right now, I could sit in the rain outside and be happy. Just to not let rain stop me from doing anything is a big deal for me. 10. The biggest one! Realize everything does NOT have to be perfect. This means what you think of yourself and body image, especially. I am in the best place in my life, as far as that goes right now. I have not worn make up in two years. I don't get my hair dyed anymore. I lost thirty pounds and have not gained a single ounce in eight months. BE comfortable in your own skin. It can save you a lot of money and I feel better! I didn't share my visual board until I felt that some of the pictures are going to come true for me. It was a wish to find a home to buy in January (when I made this board) and now it has come true. September in the last few years has become better for me to set goals. I am celebrating my first year at a job I find challenging, but I really do love. I am celebrating buying a home. I am celebrating the Artist in me. I am celebrating me AND you. I want to drink as much champagne as possible! I took a really fun collage class and the teacher was popping champagne every hour. We ended up with one of the corks. When some people came to our table to see what we were up to. They loved the cork I bedazzled. Meanwhile, I spent two hours on my collage, and two seconds dipping the cork in glue and rolling it in some sparkly embellishments. This is the KEY.....time is prescious. Make note of what you are paying attention to. If you love it......give it your time. If not, move on! Make sure you include some magic into whatever you do, too. I think of it this way. I look back at working the last fifty years and my work life and think "how did I do that". I also think of my thirty nine year marriage and think that too. If you think of it as magical, it really is. But, the word I have trouble with this year is love. And, I spent my time and focus on love and that made it magical. Again, I didn't say it was perfect, I said it was magical. And, I would not change a minute of my past. Because, I learned how to focus on the good, and I will continue living out my dreams. I am looking forward to the future, and the most magical part of my life. And, that is my family. I am SO blessed to be G-MA and I want to be looked at as loving and magical. That is my ultimate goal!!! Quote of the day: Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning. Gloria Steinem Song of the Day: Follow Your Heart Michael Franti Spearhead

The Pretender

Let me introduce myself. I am pictured above. My name is Tinker Balls and I am the daughter of Tinker Bell and Jiminy Cricket. I have had the pleasure of meeting Geralyn Stelle (the writer of this blog). We met when she was a child on the shore of Wreck Pond in the most beautiful town of Spring Lake, NJ. She was four years old. I have to say this was the best part of her story. She was a carefree, but caring child. I was happy to spend some of that time with her before she started school. I have come in out of her life at times when I think she needs my creative spirit. And, sadly, I left her alone, mostly during her thirty-nine year marriage. The picture above was taken of me on June 1, 2021. It was six months into her time home after the loss of her job. I do admit I entered into and out of her time, at the store April Cornell. But, as far as her marriage goes, I thought she had it made. I thought she didn't need me. Boy, was I wrong. The day she came through my village and captured a picture of me in the Millburn Fairy trail wasn't my best day either. I was shunned by the rest of the fairies. Because, no one is ever to see us, let alone capture a picture of one of us. So, I jumped into her car, without her knowing it. And, I am sorry, but I am the one responsible for the unraveling of her marriage. I know and she knows this could be the best thing that ever could happen to her. But, sadly the shock and truth of it all is just devastating. But, enough of that. Today is a wonderful day. She will now learn the truth about me, and a kind of weight will be lifter from her. She has always wanted to tell her story, but good ol' fear gets in her way. Well, I am here to take that weight off of her. Because, she feels she has a really good story to tell. She has been told to stop writing, because some who knew the truth of her real life, said it sounded too much like a fairy tale. And, they knew the real part of her life wasn't so pretty. This is where I come in, so I can tell her story and show life is like a fairy tale. There are always obstacles to overcome. No one, no place on earth, not one thing is perfect. Not even me, Tinker Balls, we all have our flaws. Now, on to the good news! Geralyn is off to close on her new home today. And, the first thing she is going to do is make it as enchanting as possible. She wants it to be a place of whimsy and love for her grandchild to come visit. It is so good to see her happy and looking forward to the future. She is not going to have much time to write. I hope you don't mind I have taken over here, but I am her true spirit. Quote of the day: "Take the straight and narrow path And if you start to slide, Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! And always let your conscience be your guide." - Jiminy Cricket. "Your talent makes you who you are, you should be proud of it." Tinker Bell No one, no place on earth, not one thing is perfect. Not even me, Tinker Balls, we all have our flaws. Tinker Balls Song of the day: The Pretender Jackson Browne