Morning Observations: Sierra and Avenue N

She'll Be Coming Around the.  . .
Morning. Sun’s up. Lightly clouded sky. Cars are racing to in front and to my right. A camper sleeps a hundred feet away. Sunshades up. Bicycle in back. Out in the desert parking lot I wonder if its been there all night. On the corner of N and Sierra. 

Sierra Cyclists
A bicyclist rides the Sierra Highway Trail The traintracks to his right. I wonder where he is riding to. He has a bag on his handle bar. Another truck, a semi carries some load. Cars race north and south on  Sierra Highway.

Painted Transports
A graffiti covered train passes by. A short one at that. Another Metrolink should be coming soon. There it is. White and six car one at that.  Its taking those to LA. Going to Union Station.

Flying Insects
Tiny insects buzz around outside my window. Not bees. Tiny wasps maybe? Flies I think not. Like a squadron buzzing all around. Some land on my car door. Tiny transparent wings. Three segments Perhaps the lizards and birds will have something to eat in the summer days. I wonder why they fly around here?

Frat Frenzy
I would take pictures but my window is dirty. They're back. Perhaps I didn’t notice before and they were always here. Don’t see any food around. Perhaps they are mating. There’s a general buzz about. Sorry. Get this tension feel. Looks like a mini air dogfight. Such frenzy. Reminds me of fraternity party. Just circling all about. Tried taking some photos, but its just a blur.All I can photograph is white buzz.

Camper Awakes
Escaper is its name. A dark man with glasses drives right past. Maybe he will get lunch. No, I mean breakfast. I am the one wanting lunch. Mustache he had. He drove so fast. I wonder what his deal is. Morning must got his engine going.

AMR, um, Never Mind
Sirens start screaming from my right and behind. White and orange van comes racing up behind. An AMR. He turns left at the corner. Cars pull over to the right. The AMR Ambulance races North, my left on Sierra. Lights and sirens turn off and the ambulance doubles back. I wonder if he is going to hang at the corner, too. Dispatch must have canceled the call. LCH would be up the street and to the left. Hospital bound, I think not.

Trains, Toyotas and Treks
Another bicyclist rides past. North South is his way. Mountain bike he rides. Helmet on and riding casually. Not seeming in a hurry. Just riding along in a nice pace. Wonder where is is going? I’d like to ride this trail once. Not so fast. Not in a hurry. Riding along casually.

Another rides South to North. This one seems more determined. A road bike he rides. Handle bars is curved in for a cyclist crouch. Reduce wind resistance. Cut down on the energy expenditure. Mountain Bikes have a straight handle. Brakes and gear-shifters at handles. A twist here changes speed. A squeeze with the left slows the front brakes. The right squeezes the brakes in back.

Riding Brakeless
Just the other day, on Sierra and Palmdale. Saw two kids. Jr High youths. Riding their dirt bike. Using their feet as brake. Thought to myself. This might be ugly. Cars are stopped and they can’t. Two youths riding reckless, throwing caution to the wind. Soles of their shoes are worn down. No brake system in back. 

No Mas
I think of Ricky Christian. An old high school friend. Not from a family with means. Home, like sister, was bit ghetto-ish. I remember his running shoes had deep divots. He used his soul of his new balance running shoes as a brake to slow down his descent. He like my girlfriend at the time. Funny, he had a Trek, but no brakes. A warrior. We would always fight. Fight in a boxing sparring sense. No not the angry intention battle. We would just compete. Spar with gloves. One time I landed a haymaker. Took him off his feet. A mighty blow. Reminded me of Mike Tyson. Eyes rolling back We stopped boxing after that.

Feminine Flaws, Love Them
Glad those days are over. He ran cross country. A bit clumsy, but he was a companion. A buddy to hang with. Wonder what happened to him. Military I think. Hope he’s okay. 

It’s funny how you remember things at the corner. A lifetime ago. Amanda, Elaine, Dana, Michelle. Good and great women I say. Beautiful, smart, flawed a bit. Good ones are I guess. Perfect to me. Times has passed for moments like these. I wonder if I will get lucky again. Who knows? I am happy to have been.

Ship Sailing
Traffic is picking up. Cars in groups of 4 and 5 race up and down Sierra Highway. Traffic noise is getting louder. Cars stopped at the light are three and four deep. Northrop Grumman or Skunkworks perhaps? These cars feel like in a hurry. Midweek and morning work soon. Palmdale’s ark is behind me and to my right. Its nice seeing it without graffiti. It just sits there waiting for the sunset.  It appears the flying frenzy has gone.  Perhaps, I too should take my leave. Goodbye flag above. Goodbye, Buzz. Goodbye green bush. Got to go use the day.

Vasquez Rocks: Easter

Music is playing. Kids are atop the rocks. The feel of festivity rings through the desert air. A baby is crying. People are walking to the limited seats. There’s an excitement in the air. Its time for me to leave soon. Going to bring my backpack and music in a second. Won’t bring the laptop in fear of dust and drop damage. Actors dressed in nativity garb passes by. Seats begin to fill. I’m excited. Cars, minivans, a police escort travels up the narrow windy road. People on reverse exodus. Headed away from home, but to the Easter Service.

What’s the excitement one may ask? Hopefully, the picture can better explain the sights I see instead of the words that I use. Dust flies in the air. Man in a sunhat and walking cane walks by. The cane is olden cane. Not the Nordic type ones sees of the  more serious California jogger. This cane reminds me of the movie Ten Commandments. Seats are being filled and its time for me to leave.  Sorry, more to come.

Back home now. It was something else. I’ve seen plays before, but this was a great play.

Might see again tomorrow. Something about the backdrop of Vasquez Rocks. Brought some realism to the whole Passion of the Christ story. Bread was being passed out. The Crucifixion on top of the rocks. The snap of the whip.

I knew the basic story, but seeing up close and personal it brought something more personal. Although it was lip sync at times, the message of the story seemed to resonate. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. If you ever get the chance to watch Easter Service at Vasquez Rocks, take the time and go.

This journey of spirituality is bringing me places I would never have considered before.

Churches, Temples, and Marathons--Just Another Day At The Beach

Sunday and it’s a quarter til seven. Been a busy and filling day. I’m at Vista Point again. It’s getting dark. Cars are racing past again. Waiting for the sunset to come down. Going to say my prayers and thank the Big smile for letting me enjoy this day as I have. Been all around and it filled my day, but I sense there is something missing. 

Listening to the Corrs on my way up and down today. It’s been good day, but. . .

Events of the day. Went to Sunday Mass. The Father giving the Mass had the shakes. At one time, I thought he fell asleep. It was a bit hard to hear at times. He was soft-spoken or had the mic a little too far from his mouth. Picked the missal and read some of the songs and prayers. Think I figured out the Reiki Guide thing. It was Gabriel. He’s an Angel prominent in both Islam and Christianity. Left after the wine and bread thing. I am not sure what you call it.

After taking some pics, headed down to LA. Wanted to see part of the LA Marathon. It was kind of cool walking on Highland. All the streets were blocked off so I had free roam. Walking in the middle of the streets taking pictures here and there. Would never be able to do this at any other time of the day or any time of the year. Reminded me when my Integra stalled on the 170 and I had to get pushed by police car. They stopped the freeway for me during prime time rush hour. It sounded like the ocean stopped. It was so quiet. The silence was deafening.

Took pictures of the Church on Highland. Got the Lucky Strike. Also, took a few up and down Hollywood Blvd. Finally got some pictures of the Ripley’s Believe Or Not Dinosaur. Also took a few in the Egyptian and Mann’s Chines. Watched the water dance and took some pics of Elephants in the sky.

Called Jay to see if he was up for a bite, but he had a study date with a femme. Asked if Bri, Mike and the kids were at the house. They were. However, that voice that listen at times said the Beach and that where I went.

Got on Highland after picking up a sub. Almost got rear-ended by a guy in a truck. Didn’t speed up because he was honking his horn at me. Well, when you do that you are inviting me to be an asshole. I did not speed up as I was going to so, I just kept it at the other cars pace. Truck driver got pissed. Didn’t care. So he got in front of me and decided to slow down. I just smiled and let it go.

Well, off the  170 and got on the Ventura West. Thought of the many times of the Warner Center and LA Fitness. Thought about stopping by Fryes and taking some pics on the way back. Anyways, Got off Malibu Canyon and I was stopping off at most of the viewing stops and took the obligatory pictures. 

All of sudden I found myself at the Hindu temple. Made a quick left and went in. You had to take of your shoes and which I was much obliged. So I wandered around took some pictures of the temple. Beautiful artwork. There was saint or some religious figure in all corners of the temple. At times, people would go to each corner and I assume say a prayer. I wondered if they prayed on Sundays like Christians. Guess, I will have to look that up. There was a service and I walked in. No chairs. The holy man was chanting and people were sitting barefooted and socked. Incense was burning. 

There was a sign saying, “No Photos or Videos.” Thought this was strange. I’m curious to visit other temples. Synagogue and Muslim temple are next on the list.

I finally got to the Beach. Zuma that is. Its been some time. Thought about Brad and Shelly. Brad and I would take a trip here and there. I wondered how he was doing. I remember that Valentines when Shelly locked the key in the car. I was freezing because I had shorts. She got dressed before locking the keys in the car. My luck. Took more pictures of surfers and families enjoying the day. I download my Marathon and Hollywood walk pictures. Sorted out some postcards. I was going to write Shazam and Laines, but it started getting cold and I wanted to head back.

Stopped here at the 15 minutes park stops and took more photos of the Malibu Canyons. Driving through the Canyons I passed the Calabasas sign. Prece’s coach is moving here in a couple of years. Offered to move down here so Prece can train with her coach here. Another time. Another story. Eventually got on Ventura East. Driving past Topanga, Tarzana and Encino. I saw a sign for historical site at Encino. Never found it. Got on Ventura Blvd and said, its time to get back.

Drove by Sepulveda Park and I found myself at the Japanese Gardens. Didn’t have the chance to go, because it was blocked off. That was something I definitely would like to see. Some other adventure. At any rate, I found myself at the Archery Park wanting to string up and shoot a quiver. Saw couple of Filipinos there shooting. An older man and father with his son. I could tell by the speak. The older Filipino man was eyeing the Armenians or were they Russian?

Probably Armenians. They had the nice bows. Compound, camouflage. I could tell they were from the old school. Just the air about them. One of them let loose one by accident and took off. The older one scolded they younger. All I could hear was “. . .Safety. . .” Every so often, they would say, “Clear” and retrieve their arrows. Reminded me of pool. It’s good form not to Shark a shooter.

Well, I left after taking some pictures of the Archer shooting at the haystack. Passed the Cricket match and took a photo of the Sepulveda rock sign. Kids were all around. Kind of nice. Used to work in the area and I never took the time to drive by. Got on the freeway by getting on Roscoes. Passed my Tommies and the Budweiser Brewery. Got 405 and headed north. Took the Soledad Canyon offramp and pledged that I would go see the CatHouse.

Here I be now on Vista Point. Its dark and the sun has set. Got 30 minutes to do a couple of miles of cardio.  Have to get home soon to tape Life on Discovery. Maybe I can catch the Laker game too. Be well and Have Faith. No moral. No thought exercise. No meaning, except what you give it. It’s just a day in this journey.

Tears Are Falling. . .

"Rinnes," I've thought about you said, "Women have expiration dates." Didn't understand at first. It sucks. Don't know if its true. However, there were three of you that felt that way, so there is some general credence. It still sucks. It sucks and it scares me. Biological clock tick tocking away. Beautiful ladies feel their worth diminishes as the time goes by. That blows.

To those that aren't in the know. Couple days ago, I had late night sit down with Rinne's at the Goldfish. Soon to be older (Twenty-one years old again this year), a tall 8th grader femme (I thought she was a high school sophomore), and her mom.These ladies were my company of the pre-workout stint. Hearing them say this to me made me think. Women have expiration dates. She said so eloquently, "The times when men fall at their beck and call is reaching their sunset." Bad service at restaurants to come because of the age-beauty thing--Sad. Men falling at their wink and smile gone.

Life sucks.

The reading group I recently joined are of a different ilk. I get a different presence. They are 50 to 60 ranges. Matriarchs all. I hear a strength and community when I hear them speak. Pity parties Classic version. I say that's a rough what these Goldfish ladies are going through. Blame your Dad for not giving you the Y Chromosome. Little secret, Men don't have it so good either.

Men statistically die much younger than women. Ladies, men don't have that pity parties. Testosterone and society has made us cave dwellers. Lone wolves. Toughing it out alone are our cross that we bear. We sit and ponder. We wonder and wallow talking to old ex-girlfriends and moms about our feelings. Well, this is what my Psychology of Men class said. Ever wonder why men die earlier than their female counterparts. It was postulated that men don't know how to connect as well. They don't know how to communicate their feelings and since no connections. They keep it inside and take Viagra to make them feel younger. They keep their pain inside and men let their pain it eat them up physically. They die alone and sad.

Tough. Being a Y Chromosomer, I wonder if life is worth living without a connection to another. One old buddy of mine Brad would go on male-bitch sessions. We would say we are tired of being Male-Bashed. Blah-blah this and blah-blah that. In way, I've been blessed. I had lots of love when I was younger being First of First. Passed around going to cool places, I gots my share of attention. I had a girlfriend early during puberty and I met my soul mate relatively early too. So I have been lucky. True, there are times that I miss being in a couple, being connected. However, the only connection that I sorely miss is that special one. Hopefully, she lets me in because I really want to know her.

As for relationship-wise, I know life would be better with company. I see that with my Bro and Sis-In-Laws relationship. Jr. High Sweethearts and now three kids. He's even luckier than I am. He was always better a lot of things and I am very proud of him. He's my Hero. However, another one life's answer is found in the movie. "Up In the Air" movie comes to mind. George Clooney and Vera Farmiga are lovers with a twist. Moral of story, George Clooney learns he his ready to connect. The crucible line, the tag, the thing that sums the whole movie in one moment of clarity is this. "Remember all the great moments in your life. They are most likely with someone. Simply put, Life is better with company."

Guess, the reason I like the movie is because I relate with character. Granted what movie don't I make a connection with. . .True. I still like it and that is the story I'm sticking with. Anyways, the late night sit down was with nice ladies was enlightening and upsetting. Goldfish Mom had life issues and needed love. Apparently, she discovered her three year relationship was a lie. Her significant other was not-so-significant. He was also no-so-faithful--was not really divorcing his wife--not so monotonous having other gaming girlfriends. Nice guy. But I'm sure the signs were all there and the fantasy she had dreamt up was just a comedy.

No, that's not nice.

This is one of those "I'm looking at the cliff thinking about jumping off" moments. Hopefully, this is the time where she sees the light. She wises up and gets stronger. This is going to be her Halle Berry Boomerang moment. She'll toughen up and the right guy will come where she least expects it.

She was in pain. Could see it her eyes and hear it her tone. Body language showed she was fronting strength, hiding deep, deep pain. Now, I understand after this little diatribe. Sorry, light clicked in my head. Her pain was deep, so deep. Simply, she wanted to connect. Connect with something real. Connect and grow.

It reminds me of the many flowers in the dessert. Poppy festival is happening next month. The city of Lancaster has two day event at Lancaster Park. Besides the carnival food and games, the dance recitals, the arts and crafts, the city does something nice. They used to--I don't know if they still do--They would bus people to go see the Poppy Fields. Oceans and oceans of yellow poppies . When you see them, you can not help but smile.

So much potential. So much beauty. If no one would goes and appreciates the beauty these poppies possess, nothing dramatic would happen. Poppies would go and still be poppies. This is okay. Yet, when people can look and see their beauty, one has got to smile. It transforms these desert flowers to something more. Life showers them with sun and rain. Yet, life has been cloudy for Rinne's friend right now. She feels her leaves are falling and no one has gotten to see her flourish. She feels like fertilizer has dropped and it stinks right now. These moments will make her stronger. Crap still feels like crap. I understand her pain now. She wants to make a connection like many of us do. The tears are falling and she feels no one knows.

I am beginning to understand why I am going to church so much lately. I don't feel as alone. I don't feel as unloved. I don't feel so lost. My connection--this spiritual renewal/ rebirth--has given me new found energy that was always there. My own self-love was not enough.

My connection with this Higher Power has healed and strengthened my heart to give more--to be more--to love more. Master Yoda gave me his Star Wars sticker book yesterday and I almost cried. He loves this book. Yet, he wanted to share with me. We name the characters in the book together. I colored a picture for him. He plays lightsaber fights with me with spoons and forks. I talk to Prece about Muhammad Ali and "Ali, Boma Ye" I worked on a Chumash Indian Project and recorded whale sounds. These are the moments that counts.

I know I have missed much with M. I see her pics D gave me and I know. That coy smile and I know. . .I know I missed much. Too much. Rinne's friend made me realize that people are sometimes lost. They don't see their own light. They don't know that a connection is there. Rinne and I spoke and we came to the conclusion her friends needs to listen to heart. Hopefully this message will not gone for naught. Hope she finds strength in herself and realize loves out there. Its hard right now for her. I know.

Well, I have been sitting in the lot too long. Got to end blog. Morning Mass started and I need to connect.

March 10: Pictures are worth a 1000 words

Today's Events
5:59 Shit, Showered Shaved.

6:10 Heading to morning mass at 6:30
7:10 G-Time at His House. Leaving St. Marys
7:50 Went off trail. Got Winded. Looked at Junipers and Horse poop
9:30 Waiting for Corinna at Jen's place. Car Garage broken. Hangovers, hahahaha. Beautiful tree
10 Gassed at Ampam. Ha Chew is gum. Called Camille's missing Artist Way. Lost Black Book. Taking Back Roads. Hi to Cat House. Talks of Las Vegas reunion

10:45 Take Truck Route instead. Corinna Cringes in the tunnel. I'm driving fast in a tunnel I can't see. With Big Rigs all around. Go Bold or Get Old.

11:14 Off Highland. In Hollywood. Thinks of Shazams and Tamara at Lodge

11:35 Passed the Golden Apple. Take a picture of another comic shop on Melrose. Talk about 7 min of standup

11:40 Good parking space. Go pee and get dinosaur donuts. Think about buying academy award

12: Pretty girl. Not really listening to Corinna, instead looking at Pretty Girl works at CBS or restaurant at the Grove. Eat Mexican because Colorado Mexicans aren't nice to Corinna. Learn of Haanes and the kids.

12:15 Make eye contact and small talk at Scent shop with pretty girl. No digits. Corinna gets tea. Doggy Bakery. Where I spent my youth reading comics and porn, I was lucky. $10 validation card, No we wont pay. Haans knows Hindi.

1 Fairfax. Writers Guild. Who shot Notorious BIG. Little Ethopita and Jewish Council for Woman. Looking for Pollo. Get feeling will find in 10 minutes

1:15 Mgt messed up order for one customer. 8 pieces. Name tag for Lisa. She got a Jones for them bones. Kids cone dipped. Server has Big kids

1:30 Sad Memories of LAX. Blue Man Billboard, "WTF" Look as plane passes overhead

1:45 Corinna go bye bye. Sad. 1 Month see her again. My first strip club I went to closed. Chess at Embassy. Aerobics cert across the street. Was I angry? Yes.

145 got to be in Lancaster by 2:30. Big Donut. Think 2012 movie

2 Pass Howard Hughes. Traffic great. Time to look at overpass and grafitti

205 Passed the VA.Trivia Pursuit question. How many bathrooms does this hotel have?

2:13 Sherman Oaks Galleria. Glitter, Dave, LA Fitness Van Nuys. Missed Budlight Brewery and Tommies Runs with Shazam.

2:20 I like waters at night. Lights come on during Christmas

2:25: Always wondered what the hell is that for?

2:30 Late. Vasques Rock. I love guana. Vista Point and 3 Crosses.

2:45 Stopped by LCH and picked up some Flip Food. Stores is not closed

3:30 Dropped of broken bracelet. Store near Forever 21

3:45 Passed Airport, Joe Davies, and Gold Course. Man sells Flowers. Much respect.

4 Nap time

6:30 Headed to Supersport and then Pick up Prece at gym. On Sierra now

745 3 miles for Nike+ done. No lifting tonight

8 Going to ask parent about visiting AV Akido

8:15 Am/PM on Ave M and Sierra. Talk to Prece about George Foreman and Muhammad Ali "Ali Boma Ye"

9 Talk to Angelo about Star Wars. Hear about backpacks and eat hot wings and bread sticks
10:30 Watch some UFC, Fast Furious 3. Get Keys to head to lift at old 24 hrs. Get Laptop instead. Fall asleep after finishing post.