Power of Music and Friendship

Once you start to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you will start to have positive results. – Willie Nelson

Sometimes the best medicine is a spontaneous adventure, especially when it involves live music from legendary artists. Despite feeling drained and groggy from the aftereffects of a seizure the day before, when my friend texted with an invite to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson perform together, I got a ‘let’s go’ shot of adrenaline. I knew I needed to take it easy, but the lure of a relaxing evening on the grass, soaking in the timeless tunes of these musical icons, was simply too tempting to resist. I packed a blanket and some snacks, filled my friend in on my lingering headache, and headed out, eager to lose myself in the magic of the music. Seeing Bob Dylan again was a nostalgic throwback to the concert I attended with my parents years ago, and I wondered if age had changed his notoriously eccentric, no-frills performing style. And Willie Nelson—the legend whose voice I had heard in utero when my pregnant mom went to his show 38 years prior, and whose story I had learned at his Tennessee museum just last year—it seemed kismet to finally see him perform live for myself. As I lay back on the soft grass and let the first chords wash over me, I could feel my body relax, my spirits lift, and a smile that acknowledged the healing power of music and the joy of embracing life’s spontaneous adventures with my friend.

Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson have had a profound impact on the world of music, not just through their incredible songwriting and performances, but in the way they’ve lived their lives with a sense of spontaneity and a deep appreciation for the power of music. Both legendary artists have weathered their share of personal struggles and traumas, yet they’ve always turned to music as a healing force. In the wake of a seizure or any difficult life event, immersing oneself in the moving lyrics and soulful melodies of Dylan and Nelson can be incredibly therapeutic. Their songs speak to the human condition in a raw, honest way, chronicling heartbreaks and hardships, yet always with a glimmer of hope and resilience. Dylan’s poetic genius shines through in masterpieces like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” which became anthems for a generation striving for social change. And Nelson’s simple yet profound storytelling in songs like “On the Road Again” and “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” has the power to soothe even the most troubled spirit. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, embracing the twists and turns of life with a free spirit and a song in our heart can help us not only survive but thrive. In a world that often feels chaotic and beyond our control, the music and life examples of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson offer a beacon of light – a reminder to cherish the healing power of music and to never stop pursuing our paths with passion, purpose, and the freedom to be spontaneous.

Moral: 1) Sometimes things work out just the way they should. 2) Good music and good friends are two of my keys to a good life. What are yours?

Woke: A Person Who Cares

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Well, folks, it’s time to talk politics. I know, I know – it’s not the most fun or lighthearted topic. But sometimes we gotta get real and tackle the tough issues head-on. Politics impacts every single one of us, whether we realize it or not. It shapes the policies and laws that govern our lives, from healthcare to education to taxes and everything in between. But let’s be real – the current political climate is a hot mess. We’ve got politicians more focused on scoring cheap political points and “owning the libs” than actually solving problems and improving people’s lives. Partisanship and tribalism are at an all-time high, with each side demonizing the other as evil incarnate. Social media just amplifies the noise, misinformation, and vitriol. It’s exhausting and disheartening. But you know what? We can’t just throw up our hands and check out. Politics is too damn important. We’ve gotta stay engaged, even when it’s hard. We’ve gotta educate ourselves on the issues, think critically, and hold our leaders accountable. We’ve gotta fight for our values and make our voices heard, whether it’s at the ballot box, at a protest, or just in conversations with friends and family. Because at the end of the day, politics isn’t some abstract game. It has real consequences for real people’s lives. So let’s wade into the messy, infuriating, but utterly crucial world of politics. It ain’t always pretty, but it’s necessary. Onward!

I just wanted to take a moment to express the importance of speaking up for one’s rights and never letting fear of not being accepted or the end of a relationship be the reason you stay silent. We all (All genders) deserve someone willing to stand up for us, but most importantly, with us; no questions asked. People may not always feel as strongly about a situation as you do, but those surrounding us should still be willing to hold space for you and let you know you are not alone. So this is me letting you know I am here for you, I see you, and you are not alone because YOU MATTER!

People may wonder why I am not married or have children when I turn *eek* 38 this year. The answer is simple. I value myself and those around me, I deserve someone who gets that; We all do. We don’t need men like Charles Kirk, who think women are just here to have babies and are unhappy if they are not fulfilling their purpose. Those who feel women should be arrested for having a miscarriage and need a man to survive.

What does make me unhappy isn’t not being married or not having children, It is the fact that we need commercials to remind us how to be kind because we have a buffoon in the office who failed kindergarten. We have a buffoon who has gotten people to believe that hating and discriminating against everyone makes a country “great”. A buffoon who is so in love with Putin and greed that he is threatening war with Greenland, taking away Medicare, suicide hotline for VETS, deporting legal citizens and putting them in what one can only call a concentration camp due to having a tattoo that says Mom or a butterfly (because that is gang member you should fear), and to add insult to injury not even being there to honor fallen soldiers because golf takes priority, and so much more.

I am upset because I even have to explain why taking away the Department of Education, Social Security, Food from food banks, free lunches from school children, Sesame Street, Air traffic control, not allowing Women to have control over their own bodies, etc., is something to be upset about.

We are not stupid or worthless because we see each other as fellow human beings who should be there to support each other and want each other to be safe and protected.

In closing I will say, If there is any doubt in your mind about what kind of person the buffoon who thinks he is “King” thinks/does is for your benefit or HOPE he can do better; not showing up for our fallen soldiers, encouraging hate, and not helping anyone but billonaires should let you know all you need to know.

Thanks for listening. I promise next time I will tell you about watering fake plants, thinking it is a Saturday when it is a Friday, going to the biggest Arizona State (ASU) hockey game and winning, but for now, thank you for your time.

Moral: 1) Stand Up! 2) We are stronger together than divided. 3) YOU MATTER and don’t let anyone, even a buffoon as president make you for once think otherwise.

What a Card Can’t Buy

The handy thing about credit cards is they are a great way to pay off credit cards. – Unknown

Picture this: you’re out grabbing some delicious Mexican grub with your dad to celebrate your great night playing pickleball in the rain. You just finished chowing down a beef enchilada, homemade chips and salsa, and you washed it all down with a frosty mango margarita. The waitress brings the check. Your dad confidently whips out his trusty credit card, ready to pick up the tab to honor your accomplishment of winning in Pickleball, a hot dog eating contest, or for just being a beloved daughter. Both of you are smiling and laughing, reliving some of the great shots you took to win the match, especially the one where you hit the pickleball straight up at the net and franticly blew it over the net to win the game.

But wait, what’s this? The waitress comes back to the table to let you both know how sorry she is, but the card keeps getting denied, no matter how many times she swipes it. “Lo siento,” my dad says apologetically and hands her another card. “I saw this morning that I have a ton of money in there,” he says looking at the card for a few minutes.

“Good Lord,” my dad says laughing and holding the card for me to see. In a ‘senior’ moment of utter brain fog, he had tried to pay for food and alcohol with a Home Depot credit card. Funnier still, the Home Depot card wasn’t even his; it belonged to the lady electrician, Gloria, who uses it to buy supplies for her clubhouse and golf course work.

I mean, c’mon, Dad, I know you love a good DIY project, but I don’t think Manuel’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine accepts basically a lumber and drywall payment card.  There we are, stuck in a Mexican standoff with the waitress, trying to explain why you’re attempting to pay for enchiladas with a card meant for buzz saws. Luckily, the waitress had a good sense of humor and didn’t make us pay off the bill by washing dishes in the back or calling the cops on us for attempting to commit fraud. Just another day in our life. Remember when paying for dinner, when a Card is used and it has an address on it, it is probably not the card you want.

Moral: 1) Home Depot Credit Cards only work at Home Depot. 2) Pay attention to the cards used as payment; not all are created the same. 3) Being able to laugh at ourselves, as it creates happier memories and is a good way to relieve stress. 

Mother Knows Best

A mother understands what a child does not say. – Jewish Proverb

Mom always seems to have the answers, doesn’t she? It’s like she’s got this endless well of wisdom that she can tap into at a moment’s notice. And no matter how old we get or how much life experience we gain, Mom’s advice never seems to lose its relevance or poignancy. Maybe it’s because she’s been there, done that – she’s walked a mile (or a hundred) in our shoes and has the battle scars to prove it. Or maybe it’s just that uncanny motherly intuition, that sixth sense that allows her to see through any situation and get straight to the heart of the matter. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that mother knows best. Even when we’re stubborn, headstrong, and convinced we’ve got it all figured out, deep down we know that mom’s probably right. And while we may not always follow her advice to the letter (where’s the fun in that?), just knowing she’s there to offer her two cents and catch us when we fall is an incredible comfort. So here’s to you, Mom, and all your infinite wisdom. Thanks for always being there to steer us in the right direction, even when we insist on taking the scenic route. We may not always say it, but we sure do appreciate it.

Marriage advice:

She emphasizes the importance of continuing to court and woo each other, even years into a marriage.

  • Regular date nights are key—getting out of the house, away from the daily grind and responsibilities, and focusing on connecting as a couple over a nice dinner, a shared activity, or an adventure to somewhere new.
  • Laughter is the secret sauce, she says. Crack each other up, engage in witty banter, and appreciate each other’s quirky sense of humor. Stay playful.
  • But perhaps her most profound insight is about getting comfortable with silence. There’s a beautiful intimacy in being able to simply be together, not needing to fill the air with chatter. It’s about reaching that deep level of security where you can let your guard down, and not feel pressured to constantly impress or entertain one another.

Work advice:

My mom always seems to know just what to say when I’m dealing with a sticky situation at the office. Whether it’s navigating office politics, dealing with a difficult coworker, or figuring out how to approach my boss about a raise, her sage wisdom never fails.

  • She advised me to take a step back, be direct in communicating, and focus on problem-solving instead of placing blame.
  • Stay positive.

Life advice:

Growing up, my mother was always ready with a pearl of wisdom to help guide me through life’s ups and downs.

  • “Treat others as you want to be treated” with kindness and patience.
  • Before making a big decision, Mom would often suggest I “sleep on it,” to give myself time to really think things through rather than rushing into something I might later regret.
  • And one of her most common (and most valuable) pieces of advice was simply to “believe in yourself.” She wanted to instill in me self-confidence and the knowledge that with hard work and determination, I could accomplish great things.

While I may not have always appreciated my mother’s guidance in the moment, looking back I’m so grateful for the wisdom she shared and the important life lessons she taught me. Her advice has truly shaped who I am today.

Moral: 1) Sometimes it is good to listen to your mother.

Instructions: Useful – Yes or NO

If learning material… is designed to be highly relevant and delivered in context then it is likely to be useful. – Charles Jennings

My parents and older sister in 1980

Okay, buckle up, folks, because I’m about to tell you a tale of utter chaos, misguided enthusiasm, and a scavenger hunt gone hilariously wrong. It all centers around the brilliant, sometimes frustrating, concept of… following instructions. Or rather, not following them correctly.

We’re talking elementary school here, a land of boundless energy and questionable reading comprehension. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a schoolyard buzzing with excited chatter, awaiting the map to victory in that year’s prestigious Gumball Rally to be handed out. The Gumball Rally is a scavenger hunt. Teachers had painstakingly crafted clues, leading the little adventurers on a quest for hidden treasures that one could only find by using the encrypted code on the golden map. Sounds idyllic, right?

Wrong.

You see, my dad and instructions are not necessarily friends. He is more of let’s go for it and see what happens kind of person. The Gumball Rally was no exception. So when handed the golden map and armed with the determination to show those other “school angel parents” who was boss. He grabbed the map from my sister, got my mom and her in their Monicarlo, and took off.

Now, I’m all for a little playful smack talk, but my dad made sure those “school angel parents” knew he was going to win and even bet baking 200 cookies for the next school event on it. There was no way he was losing this one. Solving clues and reaching the treasure was his jam… or so he thought.

Here’s where the hilarity ensued:

  • The “Tree” Clue Disaster: The final clue, the one that should have led to a proud, prize-filled box, was, I believe, something like “Look under the big oak tree for your final treasure!” But there was no treasure which meant frantically searching the opposite side of the field, convinced that the treasure was hidden under a rock they could find … that, predictably, contained nothing.

When my parents and sister got back to the starting point empty-handed after scrambling their way through the scavenger hunt, my dad realized something important, if he had read the instructions line by line, he would have seen before the first clue it noted the clues were to be followed in reverse order. However, my dad did learn that sometimes, the most entertaining experiences aren’t the ones where we flawlessly follow the rules. Sometimes, the real fun lies in the beautiful mess of misinterpretation, the hilarious chaos of going against the grain, and the genuine joy of figuring things out…even if you’re completely wrong.

My dad finally finished making all those cookies 🙂

The real treasure that day wasn’t the prize at the end of the hunt. It was the shared laughter, the head-scratching confusion, and the realization that sometimes, breaking the rules – even in a small, silly way – can lead to unforgettable memories, even 40 years later.

And, for the record, I think I’ll be adding a “read the clues BACKWARDS” option to future scavenger hunts, just for the sheer comedic value. Wish me luck.

Conclusion: 1) Instructions were not written without a reason. 2) Don’t make bets about baking cookies unless you are sure you can follow through.

Stomp That Bus

Where’s Z Devil?

Everyday I’m Devilin

Being an Arizona State University (ASU) alum and football fan is a thrilling experience. From the adrenaline-pumping games to the electric atmosphere of the stadium, every moment is a memory I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am extremely grateful for the chance to cheer on the team with my dad through nail-biting home victories. We have had two last-minute wins and a couple of hangers-on. For the third time in the last 8 years, I stormed the field with a win over highly touted Utah and have a photo with Coach Dillingham on the field to prove it.

I may have scared the neighborhood with my loud screaming cheers during our majestic win over Kansas University this past weekend. My favorite football memory was beating our rival, the University of Arizona (UofA) 70-7 a few years ago. And since our seats were on the 50-yard line and the visitors’ side of the field I was able to see the tears of Tucson up close and personal. There have also been heartbreaking losses to our rivals, and the games where you know we could have won if we didn’t make so many knucklehead mistakes.

I am proud to say I have met tremendous players like Eno Benjamin, Branden Aiyuk, Jack Jones, Coaches Dillingham and Herm Edwards, and so many more. I will even be able to meet the leading all-purpose player in the nation this year in Cam Skataboo this  Sunday at a meet and greet.

Jack Jones and I celebrating a win over Oregon Duckies

Football is more than just watching college kids use their athleticism for good entertainment, it is also about remembering the value of time and the importance of traditions. There are times I think, we have 2 minutes left in the game, and a field goal could give us a W, but is that possible? Every time, I am reminded that it is. A game can be made or broken within 7 seconds if a team is hungry enough. Football teaches me never to give up.

Football has also taught me to not believe stats will define a season. Every game is a new game. ASU was predicted to finish last in the Big 12 and would be lucky if they won 3 games. With two games left in the season, I am proud to say they are in contention for the
Big Twelve championship if we beat Brigham Young University this Saturday. I am excited to be part of the rowdiest crowd at the first sold-out game in 10 years. It will be amazing to be with my fellow Sun Devils screaming and yelling at the refs for the bad calls and hugging strangers when we get touchdowns. People have been asking left and right why I am not selling my tickets when I can make $1,000 a ticket, but I say there is something more precious than money. The memories I am making with my dad are worth more than that. Being able to support my team through the ups and downs is what being a fan is all about!

My friend… Coach Dilly

Whether it’s game day at Sun Devil Stadium or watching from home, being an ASU football fan is an unforgettable experience that brings joy and excitement and sometimes heartbreak with every game.

Moral: 1.) “Never give up, never surrender.” 2.) A lot can happen in 30 seconds. 3) Memories are priceless.

Dia De Los Muertes Extravaganza

“To Live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.” – Unknown

Dia De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a holiday that reminds us that even though our loved ones may have physically died, they are still with us as we choose to remember them. It is usually celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The Spanish Conquistadores brought the Spanish tradition to Mexico in the early 1500s. It is not the Mexican tradition of Halloween although both involve costumes and parades.

Ways to celebrate are by putting a picture of loved ones on an altar (Offerendas) decorated with their favorite food, drinks, and Marigolds. Candles can be lit at the gravesite where some may picnic with their loved ones. Some clean headstones and listen to music. Others might pray, but the important thing is everyone remembers it is not a day to mourn their passing but to embrace death as a natural part of life. It is a time for the spirit of the deceased to rejoin the living, as they are celebrated. It is a day for them, not us.

Dia De Los Muertos festivities are community events that bring people together to honor all those we loved and lost. It is a time to bring awareness of the holiday to others. Vendors sell local products, food, face painting, hand out balloon animals, and share stories of those they love.

Moral: Those we love are never lost.

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos (Happy Day of the Dead.

Sun Devil for Life

Stay Calm and Fork On!

Anyone who knows me would say I am an ASU (Arizona State University) Sun Devil through and through. Some may even say that being a Sun Devil is part of my religion and that I bleed Maroon and Gold. I was born a Sun Devil and am proud of it. I went to the Rose Bowl in my mother’s belly in 1987; it has been all Sun Devils ever since.

My newest Sun Devil memory was on 8/31/24, when I got to go on the field to be recognized as a critical Alumni fan. I have been on the field because I was one of the many fans storming it after a big win, but never because I was being honored.

It has always been a dream of mine to be recognized on the field and wave the big ASU flag before the start of the game. On this particular game day, both my dreams came true. The best part… I got to share it with my dad, Dennis.

I entered a photo contest to show off my ASU fandom and won. The prize: At the first game of the session, I went on the field and waved the ASU flag for 15 minutes with about 100 other fans before the players ran onto the field. The younger children were waving the flag so hard it almost took my arm off. Then the music started, the fireworks went off, Sparky stomped the bus in the entrance video, and the team ran out and knelt around us. Then, on the first time out, they brought me, my dad, and three other fans out on the field, said our names, and thanked us for our support. When I walked up to my seat, a fan in the audience stopped me and let me know I had done a great job on the field. It was one of the best days. To top it off, ASU beat Wyoming 48-7.

Moral: 1) Be bold and enter contests. 2) Dreams do come, too, and they are best experienced with those you love around you. 3) Forks Up, Go Devils!

Santorini: The Lady in Blue

What we want is clothing we think we can fly in. That is why I opened the show with flying dresses. – Alber Elbaz

Santorini, also known as Thira, is one of the largest small Greek islands surrounding Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It was once known as Kalliste, “The Most Beautiful One,” and Strongyle, “The Circular One.” About 3,600 years ago, it was the site of one of the most significant volcanic eruptions, the Minoan Eruption. It is now the largest water-filled caldera with the most active volcanic center in the South Aegean Volcanic Arch. Santorini is about 11 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is known for its breathtaking sunsets and a place to feel like one can fly.

Santorini is the first place to introduce Flying Dress photoshoots. Lady Gaga was the first to introduce the flying dress at a press conference in Brooklyn. Flying Dresses are made from satin, which reflects well under natural light, allowing the wearer to show up for the photo and know they will look good. A Flying dress that defies gravity and gives the wearer a sense of weightlessness and grace.

I was one of those lucky tourists who got the unique experience of wearing a dress with a 25-foot train. I learned that trains are easy to carry. Fold them over your arm, and you have no issues moving from place to place. I took pictures in 3 different locations to capture Santorini’s beauty. When the photographer, Chris Giantsis, from Santorini Dress Experience, takes the photos, his assistant throws the dress up in the air right when Chris takes the picture. I could not have been more pleased with the care and results I received. I didn’t have to worry about getting myself to the photo shoot or makeup as that was all arranged for me. All I had to do was show up and enjoy the moment.

Morals: 1) Take advantage of unique experiences. 2) If you get a chance to fly, do it. 

Delos, Greece: Island Like No Other

“I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.” – The Criminologist, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975

 Dear Diary,
On June 5, 2024, I went to Delos, Greece, with a good group I had just met a few days earlier. We had a great time learning about the history of the Greek island, such as no one was allowed to be born or die there as the rulers did not want anyone to be a citizen. The Island was made up of homes and shops, but it also had a center block where slaves would stand to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. At that time in Greece, being a slave meant anyone who was captured could be sold for compensation. It didn’t matter the ethnicity or financial stability; if you could be caught, you could be a slave and, thus, sold. 

I remember pondering the importance of not allowing anyone to be a citizen and having
to be shipped to another island to give birth or pass away. They received minor health
accommodations in Delos, but anything outside needing a band-aid you were shipped
elsewhere. The idea was challenging to comprehend as we were in Delos, Greece’s
most important mythological, historical, and archaeological site. It was used as a
sanctuary for centuries before being deemed the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, the
Twin Gods. 


Apollo is the God of music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and disease, and so
much more. He is the son of Zeus: his twin brother, Artemis, the God of the Hunt. Apollo
may be the God of Health, but he is a God that can also cause deadly plagues with his
arrows. An island surrounded by so much history and warmth was also where great
pain and suffering occurred. It was a place where people were sold as slaves and could
not show appreciation for their homeland because the land was not their home, but
instead only to Apollo as it was his birthplace. 

One exciting thing we did while there was go to the top of Mount Cynthis, crowned with
a Sanctuary of Zeus. From there, one can see all the other islands, as Delos is at the center of it all. My fellow explorers enjoyed doing the Rocky reenactment when we reached the top. I didn’t realize how tall the Greek Gods must have been to climb to the top of the mountain. The steps were 18 inches high, and I had to jump from step to step. When I got to the top, I just imagined Zeus and Apollo standing next to each other, looking over the islands and thinking we did this; this is ours, and screaming out as they, too, did the Rocky reenactment with pride and laughter. 


When we got back to the ship, I was grateful to have a group of people that became
good friends around me to push me, to help me jump from step to step without getting
hurt, as no one could die there, so we all had to take extra precautions to continue that
tradition. We had an hour to run to the top and make it back. We were not a group of
mountaineers, so it was extraordinary to see a group come together to help each other reach our mountain climbing goals and see what made Delos the center of the Aegean islands.

Moral: 1) Don’t be afraid to take chances because you might miss out on something
beautiful if you don’t. 2) History may not always be beautiful, but there is something
beautiful in history.