Life is change. Buddha said, and isn't it so? As any of you who followed my blog On San Juan Island.com know I have not been very active here since my big hard drive crash. But now, I want you to be the first to know, I have just started a new blog: A merican Seeker: Exploring The Spiritual Landscape of America . My new blog will be a companion to the book I am writing by the same title. I will be posting excerpts from the book on American Seeker plus other finding from my research including links and images that will not be included in the book. Please join me as I start by exploring America's very first religion, Ice Age Shamanic hunting magic. Link to: American Seeker Detail from painting by Robert C. Magis National Geographic: Bison Kill by Ice Age Hunters January 1979

Like many people today I am appalled at the murder of Dr. Tiller by a so-called "right to life" zealot. Dr. Tiller was gunned down in his church this morning. I applaud the Attorney General for dispatching US Marshals to protect women's health clinics across the country. There is an insanity to placing a higher value on a fertilized egg than on a woman's life or tragically, in this case on a Doctor's life. That madness is captured so well by Monty Python's Meaning of Life in the song, Every Sperm is Sacred . While it may seem irreverent, I dedicate this song to Dr. Tiller with the deepest respect. Dr. Tiller took the side of reason and was a champion of women's rights and women's health. Every Sperm is Sacred Monty Python's Meaning of Life

The Tenth Muse ~ Anne Bradstreet It's been almost 2 months now since I've blogged. My Mini Mac has a new hard drive and is running better than ever. While I was unplugged from the internet I found I had more time to read books. I'm still reading about the Puritans and have been inspired by Anne Bradstreet, America's first published poet. Mistress Bradstreet was unusually well educated for a Puritan woman. She was an intellectual well versed in poetry, history, science, the classics and of course the bible. She also had six children on the American frontier of 1600s. With her husband, a colony leader, often away she held down the farm, raised her children, tended the livestock and garden under the continual threat of Indian attacks. Parchment was scarce and expensive so she memorized her poetry as she composed it in her head. She had to be cautious not to offend Puritan society by seeming ambitious and it was her brother-in-law who, without telling her, took her work, The Tenth Muse , to London where it was published and became a great popular success. With my computer crash I lost some some stuff alright but I have not suffered for it. These worldly things are transitory. Here is an excerpt from the poem, "Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House July 10th, 1666" written by Anne Bradstreet. "I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust. Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just. It was his own, it was not mine... The world no longer let me love, My hope and treasure lies above."

My dear readers. Just when I resolved to be more diligent getting the movie times posted in a timely manner my poor little Mini Mac seems to have given up the ghost. I swear, it was the new format on facebook that killed my sweet little electronic companion. I am at the library now. They give us 30 minutes. I truly hope to be up online again soon. Citizen Blogger ~ Peggy Sue

Janet Leigh in the Hitchcock film Psycho Like other Orcas Power & Light subscribers I have received my package containing free Compact Florescent Light bulbs and two free low-flow shower heads. I love the light bulbs. On the other hand I don't have a lawn or a garden a hot tub or a swimming pool. I don't use a dishwasher in fact I never wash my dishes more than once a day. I hardly ever wash my car except for the windows. In other words my water use is pretty darn low for an American consumer. But I love my shower (even though it is barely hot). I don't want to cut the flow. Am I bad?

Gull on the Roof ~ oil on board This painting exists only on my computer. I'd already taken rough sandpaper to it when I realized that I'd also already dumped it off of my computer. Oh Well. But then I found a disk I'd put it on. I like painting on these boards with the deep cradles but they are expensive so when I decided not to enter this one in the "Paint the Town" art show I wanted to use the board again. Appearing here only, Gull on the Roof, oil on board.

The official word at Eurovision , Europe’s annual song contest, is that Georgian group Stephane & 3G’s winning song, We Don’t Want to Put In does not comply with the contest rules. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has “officially offered GPB (Georgia Public Broadcaster) the opportunity to select another song, or to change the lyrics of their selected song in such a way that it complies with the Rules”. Eurovision Rule 4.9 includes “ No lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political or similar nature shall be permitted.” Eurovision 2009 Georgia Stephane & 3G ~ We Don't Wanna Put In Previously Stephane & 3G have stated that they will not change their lyrics or song and will drop out of the contest if they can’t perform Georgia’s winning song. They have until the 16th to make a final decision. Eurovision Song Contest 2009 is being held in Moscow. The Georgian group’s producer stated, “We suspect that this is a result of pressure from Russia. If that is the case, it’s unacceptable.” He disagreed that the song was political asking, “Where in the lyrics are there any political statements or insults to someone”. Just guessing but the song’s chorus, “ We don’t wanna put in/The negative move/It’s killin’ the groove ”, just possibly might be seen by some in this year’s host city as being critical of Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Apparently when Nathanial Hawthorn wrote The Scarlet Letter he had Puritan Anne Hutchinson in mind as a model for the character of Hester Prynne (portrayed in the 1995 film by Demi Moore). I have just discovered Anne Hutchinson. Recently it was pointed out to me that we owe a debt to the Iroquois when it comes to women's suffrage in the United States. This may be so but I am beginning to believe we owe at least as much to Anne Hutchinson, Puritan, mother of 15, midwife and rabble-rouser (Sara Vovell in her romp through America's Puritan beginnings The Wordy Shipmates calls Anne the Puritan's Oprah). Anne Hutchinson was banned in Boston and went on to co-found Rhode Island. It seems she championed freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly long before the Bill of Rights let alone women's suffrage became the law of the land. She was also more popular than the male preachers of early Boston which is why the Puritan fathers felt compelled to run this "heretic, Jezebel and tool of Satan" out of town.

New Baby J-45 with Mother Samish (J-14) photo credit: Ken Balcomb Center For Whale Research What a great birthday present! This year what we thought were two new Orca calves turned out to be three! Two of them in J-pod and so far all looking healthy and active. That is very good news especially with the recent loss of seven whales missing and assumed dead. This does not solve the problem the whales are facing of a diminished food supply but is a hopeful sign. Check out OrcaCam on the Center For Whale Research website Link to: The Whale Museum

It's about time! Obama has promised to let Bush's big tax breaks for the wealthy expire.

Fir Bough Out My Bedroom Window I watched the fat rain come down last night but sure did not expect to find a snowy morning. Not that I mind. I have a peaceful association in the reflected light off the snow that brightens an overcast winter day. An excerpt from The Four Seasons of the Year by the first American Poet, Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) Moist snowie February is my last, I care not how the winter time doth haste, In Pisces now the golden Sun doth shine, And Northward still approaches to the Line, The Rivers 'gin to ope, the snows to melt, And some warm glances from his face are felt; Which is increased by the lengthen'd day, Until by's heat, he drive all cold away

There is a big call out for volunteers these days. President Obama is asking us to give service time to our communities. Whenever I hear a call out for volunteers I hear the voice of Grace Slick on the Woodstock Album when she says "Good Morning people! Now you will hear morning maniac music, believe me..." and then Jefferson Airplane blasts into Volunteers of America ... Jefferson Airplane - Volunteers of America Look what's happening out in the streets Got a revolution Got to revolution Hey I'm dancing down the streets Got a revolution Got to revolution Ain't it amazing all the people I meet Got a revolution Got to revolution One generation got old One generation got soul This generation got no destination to hold Pick up the cry Hey now it's time for you and me Got a revolution Got to revolution Come on now we're marching to the sea Got a revolution Got to revolution Who will take it from you We will and who are we We are volunteers of America

There are some people with businesses in town who would like to leave lit-up signs on all night in Friday Harbor. Currently this is against our Town Ordinance. Leaving lights on all night is not only an irresponsible waste of resources but would be a blight to our night sky. Please attend this evening's public hearing and let town council know that this is an unacceptable proposal. Starry Night ~ Vincent Van Gogh NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Friday Harbor, Washington will hold a PUBLIC HEARING to consider revisions to Title 14 of Friday Harbor Municipal Code regarding sign regulations at 5:35 PM, February 19, 2009 at Town Hall, 60 Second Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Proposed revisions are to allow signs to be illuminated after businesses are closed.

Princess of Cups ~ Druid Craft Tarot A reader asks... Anita : When you say the 1000 day countdown starts today, does that mean that the Age of Aquarius won't really be here for another three years? Me : That's right Anita. As I understand it we have made it through the cusp period between the Piscean Age and the Age of Aquarius and are now in the "Dawning" of the Age of Aquarius. The Age of Aquarius starts officially in 2012, or in 1,000 days minus a few now. See the countdown widgit in my right-hand column. This is of course in sync with the Myan calendar running out. So we are into the transition which they say will cause some tumult but by 2036 things should be really groovy. Anita : I heard a "anti-snarking" story on NPR this morning, maybe the no more derision part is already starting. Me : Right again, I think we are all going to have to do our part. I know that with Bush no longer in the White House I do feel quite a bit less snarky already.

The moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter is aligned with Mars. You know what that means. It is officially the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Come this morning, February 14, 2009 at dawn the moon in Libra enters the seventh house, the house of relationships, and Jupiter and Mars are aligned in Aquarius in the twelfth house, the house of spiritual transformation. The official 1,000 day countdown to the Age of Aquarius begins today. To usher in the Aquarian Age with a fitting mantra link to: Meditation for an Invincible Spirit in the Aquarian Age . AQUARIUS Johanofsweden When the moon is in the Seventh House And Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius The age of Aquarius Aquarius! Aquarius! Harmony and understanding Sympathy and trust abounding No more falsehoods or derisions Golden living dreams of visions Mystic crystal revelation And the mind's true liberation Aquarius! Aquarius!

Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen Feb. 14th, 7:30 PM at the Lopez Island Grange Hall, $10 Unique Tapestry of Contemporary Folk and World Music What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to take your sweetie to a Home on the Grange concert on Lopez Island. I hear from my friend Sue DuMond on Lopez that Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen will be playing. Here is what Sue has to say... "Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen, each well known and loved for their decades of music making have joined musical forces in a new duo. Cindy is a superb singer, guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Grey is one of America's finest players of the Irish flute and tin whistle, as well as an accomplished singer and concertina, fiddle, piano and harmonium player. As composers each has contributed to the unique tapestry of contemporary folk and world music as it exists and flourishes in America today. Together, they weave songs and tunes of vibrant color and rich texture.More info: link to: Home on the Grange , or call: 468-2753. Lopez Grange Hall

Friday Harbor Waterfront Late 1950s Today, February 9th, Friday Harbor turns 100 years old. There will be celebratory goings on at the Grange Hall, the Fire Station and the Yacht Club all day. Link to: Friday Harbor Centennial

Have you ever had a perverse thought that you tried to banish from your mind but the more you tried to resist it the more it persisted? I watched the Superbowl last weekend, or at least parts of it. Having been a fan of Bruce Springsteen since his early days I looked forward to his half-time show. It was when he went out onto a part of the stage that jutted into the crowd that it struck me. Bruce Springsteen was twins-separated-at-birth with Tom Jones! Bruce Springsteen ~ Tom Jones

Yes, we can and we did. Obama Taking the Oath. ~ Photo: Damon Winter/The New York Times Throngs Watch the Ceremony. ~ Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Jill & Joe Biden, Barack & Sasha Obama Pete Seeger was a rickety old man over 20 years ago when I saw him at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. He must be at least 100 years old. What a hopeful omen for the country that he was there at the Lincoln Memorial today singing Woody Guthry's This Land Is Your Land , yes, with all the verses. Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, will.i.am Beyoncé - America The Beautiful I feel a little corny but can not stop my eyes from watering while Beyonce leads the crowd in singing America the Beautiful .

Michelle Obama - Our New First Lady At Train stop in Wilmington, Delaware to Pick up the Bidens Taking the same train route that Abraham Lincoln took to his inauguration, President Elect Obama is undertaking the final leg of his inaugural journey to the nation's capital. Stopping along the way aboard the vintage 1930s Georgia 300 coach Barack Obama is speaking to the American people pledging to reclaim America's spirit as he warns of steep the challenges facing the country. In Philadelphia Obama said, "Let's build a government that is responsible to the people and accept our own responsibilities as citizens to hold our government accountable... Let's make sure this election is not the end of what we do to change America, but the beginning and the hope for the future." Barack Obama Waves to Crowds in Claymont, Delaware

Mini-Mac Lives! with my deepest and sincerest thanks to my neighbors Lee, for sending Roger over, and Roger for performing the resurrection. I may be turning into a droid but when my computer crashes I do too. Its not just because of my blog habit/obsession but I use my Mini-Mac for so many things including aspects of my jobs not to mention making up flyers and emailing them out. Here is my most recent, a flyer inviting folks to the upcoming Inauguration Day Potluck at the High School. Obviously I owe a debt to Shepard Fairey, the designer of the now iconic Obama poster. One thing that may have put my Mini-Mac over the edge was my attempt to make a few cents off my blog by advertising books/music/film through an Amazon book carousel. In particular I wanted to feature the book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter and the DVD, Gaza Strip by filmmaker James Longley. Longley, the talented son of my neighbor Roger who brought Mini-Mac back to life, was nominated for an Oscar for this documentary that gives a rare view into life in Gaza under the Israeli occupation. Carter’s book and Longley’s film are both available at San Juan Island’s public library. San Juan Island Library , the last refuge for the internet addicted during a crash. God Bless the public library.

Here I am posting at the public library. God bless public libraries! My mini mac has crashed and I have no immediate funds to fix/replace it. If you have a spare Mac laying around that you would be willing to let me use or buy real cheap please call 360-370-5210. I will be able to answer the phone now that I cannot get online. Until then, I hope to be back soon! People lived for centuries without computers. I myself spent some of the happiest years of my life living off the grid. This is going to be OK.... except I have to get off now because another library patron is waiting....

Israeli Tank Photo: Ariel Schalit/Associated Press Gaza Resistance Photo: Muhammed Muheisen/Associated Press Condoleezza Rice blames Palestine's democratically elected Hamas for bringing Israeli violence down on Gaza. Hamas has fired rockets into Israel. With this rationalization Israeli tanks roll into Gaza. What Rice neglects to acknowledge is that Hamas has very good reason to resist the murderous Israeli occupation of its people. Israel imprisons Gaza in a death grip controlling everything including information going in and out of the occupied territory. With complete disregard for human rights Israeli forces have targeted even clearly marked humanitarian aid vehicles killing not only many hundreds of Palestinian civilians but international aid workers as well. What irony that Israel would turn Gaza into something even worse than the German occupied Warsaw Ghetto. Link to: U.N. and Red Cross Add to Outcry on Gaza War Link to: Statements of the Free Palestine Alliance Link to: Live From occupied Palestine

If getting healthier is on your New Year’s Resolution to-do list here are a few tools you can use to help you along the way. Eat Tomatoes for Longevity BLUE ZONES: Go to the Blue Zones website and fill out the Blue Zone Vitality Compass questionnaire to calculate your life expectancy and find out what simple steps you can take to add vitality to you life. Dan Buettner founded Blue Zones after a National Geographic funded study of world wide populations. Buettner discovered key common practices to living a long and healthy life. Here are the top ten. 1. De-convenience your home – lose the remote, buy a light garage door and lift it yourself, use a shovel instead of a snow-blower. 2. Eat Nuts – Have a can of nuts around your office or home, eat a handful daily. 3. Drink Sardinian wine – Sardinian canonau wine has the world's highest levels of antioxidants. Drink a glass or two a day. 4. Play with your children – this is excellent low intensity exercise and will strengthen a family. Both associated with longer life expectancy. 5. Grow a Garden – This proven stress reducer will put your body through the range of motion and yield fresh vegetables. 6. Hour of Power – Downshift daily with a nap, meditation, prayer or a quiet walk, de-stressing is a proven way to slow aging. 7. Eat Tofu – Arguably the world's most perfect food, eaten by the world's longest lived women. Contains a plant estrogen that makes skin look younger 8. Get a Tan – Doctors are rethinking the notion of slathering yourself with sunscreen. Up to half of Americans are Vitamin D deficient--a condition that can double your chance of dying in any given year. A tan not only looks healthy, it is. 9. Donate your large dinner plates – eat off 9 inch plates as the Okinawans do and reduce calorie consumption at dinner by 20-30%. 10. Write Down your Personal Mission – Know and putting into practice your sense of purpose can give you up to a decade of good life. Still Life with Teapot and Fruit ~ Paul Gauguin LIMBA SLIM: Dovetailing nicely, just in case losing weight figures into your New Year's plan for a healthier future, is a helpful new product designed by San Juan Island's own Rebecca Barnard. Limba Slim combines aromatherapy with hypnosis and uses your own limbic system , the most ancient part of your brain by directly accessing it through your sense of smell. The Limba Slim system comes with a Limba Sniffer, Limba Scent and a 10 minute guided meditation that will gently take you to a beautiful beach where you are guided to make healthy food choices. This is how it works, first dab the scent under your nose and then listen to the meditation. Throughout the day carry the Limba Sniffer with you to bring you back to that relaxed place of luscious, healthy food preferences.