Think about this...............

This picture above was taken just Monday, and I actually had to leave soon after, so I wouldn’t get snowed in. Yesterday, it was 70 degrees and the snow was already all gone! The cabin project is moving along, and almost done. The first big project that I have done almost all myself. This is a form of my Art……Creation.
Drumming is art. I believe we all should be working on some kind of art to enliven our inner soul. Art is lots more than just painting. Art is how you do what you do. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Art is seeing things as Art. The inner connection of our lives to the things around us. Making the thoughts happen in this way creates Art. What kind of Art are you currently working on??

The Sweat.....Friday Night

Yes, we are doing a sweat Friday Night. Show up around dark. We will be at the Slickee site, which is next to the Chevron. The gate will be open and you can park inside. If you want to park at the gallery, that’s fine, just walk the river path on over. We’ve got a line on some wood, Thanks to Wil. I usually bring 2 towels, one to sit on inside, and one to dry off with outside. Its dark, so you might want to bring a lite. Bring plenty of water to drink, inside and out. And, you are welcome to bring some food to share afterwards, such as……Sweets, doughnuts, cookies, etc….or anything else that’s good to eat after. Also, Juices are great, like apple juice or orange juice. No alcohol though.
I’m getting there early to get the fire going, as it takes a couple of hours to get the dense granite rocks glowing orange. Your welcome to bring drums or instruments and come early. The lodge holds 10 people, so if you are bringing friends, please keep this in mind. Call me if you have any questions. It should be a great and moon filled night and I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

The Drum Circle in the Flood of 2002

It Cold and was pretty stormy.......

Real nice storm here, with winds blowing hard. I had to keep going outside to get in it and make sure the trees didn’t fall on things. Now its COLD and it will stay that way for a couple of days. The River is way up and going higher. It will be interesting to watch it now. I remember when the river came all the way up to the stage behind the Drum Circle in 1997,that was a flood!
We talking about doing a sweat this coming Friday night. I’ve got to get some wood together for it .If anyone has some wood to offer for this, let us know. I’ve got several who are interested and the moon will be a nice kinda full around then so its seems perfect. I’ll let you know how things go as we move through the week.
Right now, this morning, we are headed to BrewBakers tonite for some socializing. Come on over………………..

Drum Circle history made last night !!!!

Yes, we did our ride, but it wasn’t the Springville loop as planned, we did the Woodlake loop. From Lemon Cove up to Badger, Mountain House bar, down to Woodlake and back to Lemon Cove. Around 50 miles and the weather was cool, the scenery was the best and my whole body feels like I did something extra. We had a good visit with the entire 30 or so grizzly Harley Bikers up at the Mountain House bar, all standing out front. It all started when we rode up and they all looked at us like we were something exotic. My friend, riding up behind me, yelled in his usual style…..”Bikers are P..sys….with a big smile, and this lead to a loud and big laugh from all the bikers and we were friends for life after that, though it sure could have had another outcome!

Drum Circle history was made last night!! We had the biggest crowd we’ve probably ever had, and all were drumming or playing some kind of instrument to the knarly pulsing grooves we put out! Kevin gave us a great fire spinning show, and did his video skills to film what turned out to be one we will be talking about for a long time! They came in droves, some old friends from the past, lots of new people from lands far! A like minded crowd who gave raving applause with every groove finished and came and danced like it was theirs to give. If it gets much bigger we may have to move to the Convention Center! Everybody behaved too, and no mess was left, a tidy crowd is a welcome crowd! Thanks to all of our great friends, we’re glad you came!!!!

The Latest plans ............

Well, the weekends here! I’m hoping to do a big ride on Sunday….maybe the Springville loop, which goes from the beginning of Yokohl road, all the way over Blue Ridge and down into Springville, then out across Frazier Valley and through orange groves around Lindsay, back over Rocky Hill to the cars at Yokohl. That’s around 60 miles and my butt should be hurting good by then! I’m not really training for anything other than life. Now a days folks, you never know when you might have to run like hell.
We did a really nice long sauna at Garys the other nite. Several of us showed and sweated and dunked in the cold water tank and sweated again. I debuted my new drink……fresh squeezed orange juice and peppermint schnapps. We had some of this after of course.
Gary and myself and others are going to the bar tonite for some socializing I think. You should come on up and check it out……………If not tonite, tomorrow at Sunday Nite Drumming for sure right!

Another after hours from Sunday night

A Picture captures your soul.....

A few more things about Sunday nites drumming……At one point I did count around 45 people. And, there were actually a couple from Three Rivers in attendance!!
The photo I posted was alittle blurry. Not usually my style, but I hate using a flash, and especially at night. I’m not interested in seeing the freckle on so and so’s nose. So, I use a setting on my camera that takes in as much lite as is present. I usually try to build up the fire, but if any one moves at all there is blur. Personally, I like the effect and see it as kind of a surrealistic painting. It does show what is happening. If there’s anything real important to catch I will use a flash of course.
One more thing is that I am the group historian and have taken pictures in all the years we’ve been drumming. I really don’t like when someone new comes up and starts firing their camera flashes at us……taking pictures without our permission! This is not cool and an invasion of our privacy. We usually try to dissuade the people. I can imagine that we look like an oddity to lots of people and they think they can just capture us and show all their friends at home. Anyone who see’s this should consider all that I’m saying, I’m sure you will agree.
Well, we’re getting out some…..Gary, Paul, Jimson and Linda went to Brewbakers last nite for a time on the town. We trying to mix with different areas and meet new friends. We’ll keep you in touch…..this was totally last minute. Enjoy your Life!!

Another big drumming with friends from far off lands

Its looking like rain finally here after many summer like days. Lets hope for the best this year!!
Another huge drumming happened Sunday night, with people from Hanford, Tulare, Visalia, Exeter, Badger, and Oakhurst in attendance. We had a grooving time by the river that nite with music going into the afterhours late. You’ll have to come by and check it all out now that the weather is warmer and the bears and snakes are out.

The Bar and more.................

Saturday night and I went up to visit Gary. We were hoping some would come by for music, but no one did, so we went to the Riverview bar. It was pretty empty when we got there, and we had a drink and pondered on the situation. It wasn’t long before many showed and a full on bar scene ensued. By then I was on my second beer (my limit) and feeling like socializing. Saw many old friends who came to congratulate Gary on his recovery, and I got many hugs from the beautiful women of Three Rivers! It turned out to be a happy time for us both and new surprises were abundant.
I’m headed to the bike race in Visalia today, and of course, Drumming tonight! See you there…………….

The Days and Nights of a Drummer

Beautiful warm days we’re having here, though it seems too early. The flowers are everywhere in the hills, carpets of every color imaginable and if you haven’t seen them yet, you better get up there! Its been in the 80’s and the snow we’ve gotten recently is coming down the hill fast. The Kaweah River has been running at around 600 cubic feet per second and there’s talk that the snow may all melt before the rafting season even starts. This will unemploy several we know and it’s not good. There is some possibility of weather coming in next Tuesday and we’ll be watching .
Wednesday night music…..well, since there has been no music in quite awhile, except for a night at Linda’s, the hole that it left got filled quickly with lifes needs. I’m sure we’ll get together again now that Gary’s back and in full force. He’s off of his anti-biotics and down to just a few pills left. Total recovery and a big life ahead. I’m meeting Paul at Brewbakers tonite for a beer around 8pm. Why don’t you join us………………………

Big Drumming last night...............

A dark and very starry night and the sound of the river was drowned out by the sound of drums. Well, if you weren’t there you missed out. We had a HUGE Drum Circle last night! One of the biggest in awhile. It was Gary’s homecoming, but it ended up being lots more than that, it was a tribal reunion! We had Kevin, just back from India, who gave us a great fire twirling show. Engleborg visiting from Germany, kicking it on the Dun Dun, Keio just in from Africa, grooving on her Djembe and everyone to help us celebrate our coming together. Many Thanks to all of our friends who came from Visalia and made it really great! Drumming lives on!
I’ve included images from our great time in Auberry Friday night, where we were hosted by Jim and Shelia. Also, Thanks to Petit for the image included. Enjoy!

Garys back in Three Rivers.....

In Memory of Manuel................

Just cruising down the curvy road from work today, listening to the crackly classic rock station barely coming in with all the steep green foothills around. I caught sound of a song, “The House of the Rising Sun” the original and it put me in memory lane of my old school buddy Manuel Alcala. We used to sing that song. He was our neighbor in that San Fernando Valley suburb of Los Angeles, all the way from grade school till high school, when we moved. He was my good buddy and I would hang out with him and his cousin “GoGo”.
Manuel was a big guy and when we graduated from elementary school, we had to go to a school different from all the others because we lived on the other side of the flood control ditch and in a new school district Manuel, myself and two other neighbor kids had to go to the rich kids middle school, in a different town on a bus. We would ride in the back and raise hell when we could. We were outcast at the school and Manuel protected me when others made fun of my name. We watched out for each other in many ways and I was remembering that as I cried. My feelings are usually in a tight steel box that only comes out when I have to be touchy feely, but this song sideswiped me. Manuel got killed in that Metro-link Train crash in LA a year or two ago, where some guy pulled his SUV in front of the train and it crashed into it killing 10 people and Manuel was one of them, sitting in front , going to work. I lost track of him after high school and never have seen him since. I finally grieved and wished we had reconnected.

On a lighter note, I hope to see some of you tonite in Auberry at Jim and Sheilas house for drumming! Call me if you need directions.

I better explain............

Thought I had better clear up some things about the “Fire around the Lake” picture below, after receiving so many emails with questions about it.
First and foremost, the women in the picture are NOT members of the Drum Circle and we are NOT a cult. I meet these Mennonite women when I pulled over to check out the fire in the summer. They were from Northern Minnesota and were on their first vacation to visit Sequoia National Park. They had barely ever seen mountains let alone the big trees. I became the instant tour guide, fielding all their questions about the park and the fire. They had baby eyes to their new surroundings and it was really fresh to talk to them and hear their stories. After we shared some skittles our lives separated and I was left with a really good feeling about those ladies.

Day 2 of my Mantra list and things are going on track, with a few glitches of course. Hope your week is going good as well.

Fire around the Lake

Drumming and my weeks Mantra

If drumming was really good on a Sunday night, you would wake up with a “Drum Hangover” Monday morning. We’ve always said this, and it isn’t from drinking, its from staying around the fire late and drumming really intensely for several hours. You get up tired and your hands are sore and its like a car with a low battery you know. Today I didn’t feel that way even though we had a great drumming last night under a cloudy, then choppy cloud sky. The moon finally made an appearance and it seemed late. Well, our drumming started real late. 8.30 saw Maharupa, Carol and me sitting in his car out in front of the Gallery. Nobody had showed yet and we were wondering about making a fire and all that. Finally everyone came at once! Off we went and made a big fire and got the bag of grooves out. It wasn’t in Spain, but it had a grooving name.

I meant to put my weeks mantra on yesterday, but got busy with things so here goes….

I’m going to have a very productive week, and do the best job I can..
Will try to ride my bike several times……I did 71 miles last week! t Read several chapters in a book
I’ll create peace and love where I can
Get ready for this weekend and Auberry Drumming………Yahooooooo!

Good Morning............

Nice big Full Moon we’re having! Too bad we’ll be missing the Total eclipse of it tonight here on the west coast. We’ll have to wait till August 27 of this year to enjoy our viewing of a total Eclipse. In the meantime, anyone interested in getting together for some music tonight (Saturday)?? I need to work on my moon tan some. Next week we change the clocks ahead one hour….March 11. I’ve been hesitant to talk about this because I was afraid you all wouldn’t believe me. I always joke about this to everyone, saying “Don’t forget to set your clocks back” a lot of times at the end of drummings. I am always amused at how many think I’m serious!!
Its still pretty darn chilly this morning, though its supposed to get warmer as the day goes on. I know some of you are reading this and are out of state or out of the country. Here’s a link to check out. Its ALL the webcams of the Sierra’s in real time to enjoy with your Saturday morning cup of tea. Check out the snow load we’ve gotten. Enjoy, and Thanks for reading.
Sierra Web Cams

Keio's Welcome Home get together....Sunday

Hey Y’all
It should be a really nice day up here in Three Rivers, Sunday, for a get together to welcome Keio home. 2pm would give us some nice sunshine for whatever and for however long. Frank will make some tri-tip, so bring whatever you want to go with that and your drums, of course. I live on the 2 ½ mile marker on the North Fork. That’s about ¼ mile before Keio’s on the right going up to her place. Angie, let the Fresno peeps know pls as I’m not sure I have everyone’s e-address.
See ya
Renn

Gary and the Earthquake...........

Its funny to me how life’s cycles work. That’s how we connect, and its almost telepathic. I was meaning to call Gary tonight and catch up with him on things of the week, like our great drumming at Linda’s in Visalia last night. I was watching TV and as soon as the show was over I would call. Well, about 5 minutes later Gary called! Its just that way with us. We talked about his coming back next week Thursday and all the little events that would happen before his arrival. As we were talking, a big earthquake happened in San Francisco. I started hearing Gary making funny noises and his roommate yelling about something. Gary said an earthquake was happening and it was strong. He said it felt like about 15 really good shakes. They are in a 5th floor room and could feel the swaying. Gary said it was the first quake he had felt in a long time. It reminded me of when I was young and just got my drivers license. I got to take my dad to work at the crack of dawn and as I was driving back home alone I noticed the Full Moon was sitting right on the horizon. As I pulled into our driveway it was still dark, and when I put my foot on the brake pedal to put it in park, the car started moving side to side. I thought someone was playing a trick, but it soon occurred to me that it was a huge earthquake as I watched the light posts radically moving from side to side. I’ve had nightmares of this and when I was talking to Gary tonight it all came back. They said on the San Francisco radio, KCBS 740 that it was a 4.3 and was centered in Lafayette, though many said it was bigger.

Drumming tonight and More.........

Nice clear, cloudy and cool day here. Riding up Dry Creek yesterday it rained on us, and way up the road, there was a tree trunk on fire, might have been a lightning strike??
I’ve heard news that Keio has made it safely back in the USA and is currently in New York awaiting a flight to Fresno. This is good news!
We will be drumming Tonite (Wednesday) in Visalia, at Linda’s house. Several have already said they are coming and I believe Chuck is one of them. It’ll be a drumming happy nite so please join us…………..Call me for directions.

All things in Moderation

News from the Weekend

Lot of good things happened this weekend to tell about. We did a really nice sweat Saturday night, with 7 of us jumping in the river around 11 pm under a beautiful starry and clear moonlit night. An hour after we were all done it rained and continued all night till the next day at noon. There were several who attended that had never done one and are changed forever and can’t wait till the next .

Our drumming last night had a surprise visit from Wil, who was in town on a quick visit and joined us. It was groove time and strong and tight was the rule. We called Gary on a cell phone and drummed a nice song with singing for him while he listened. This really cheered him up and got him ready for his homecoming March 7th. Another starry night, with the partial bright moon forming the head of Orion. Some clouds in the air but mild temps with a big fire was the moment we were in. Thanks to all the attendees.

This Wednesday we will be drumming at Linda’s house and I will get directions. Please call me about this tomorrow if you are interested. I won’t post the directions, but you are all welcome to join us.

I received mail from Keio’s brother this morning regarding her departure from Africa……

Keio called from Conakry and left a phone message this morning
saying she was flying out today on a flight with Royal Air Maroc,
expecting to be in New York tomorrow afternoon, at which time she
would be staying with a friend and would call here with further
details. No mention of the dog.

Thanks to all of you who have expressed your concern over her welfare
and have kept her and Wadaba in your thoughts and prayers.

Art

Tour of California Bike Race

Nice day at the coast yesterday! We headed over for the Tour of California Bike Race early, to Cambria and ended up walking around moonstone beach and hanging out in the Bakery drinking coffee. The race started in Monterey and they rode from there to San Luis Obispo in 5 hours, 132 miles. That’s some peddling in the rain! This race had all the riders that will probably be in the Tour de France so it was one to see if you like this sort of stuff. It seemed that a lot of people did and when we were at the finish line in SLO town it was packed! I really like that downtown and we ate dinner and headed back to some awesome displays of lightning in the Sierras.
We’re thinking about doing a sweat tomorrow nite, so let me know if your interested. Hope you enjoy the pics!

Rumors and more...............

Halloween Past...........

I made some phone calls this morning and found out that Gary could be coming back to Three Rivers as early as March 2nd. It all depends on him finding a Nurse to administer his Anti-Biotics twice a day. I have heard that Gary has found someone locally and so he’s coming home. This juggled in my mind the rest of the day as I did a plumbing job in Three Rivers. A beautiful spring like day (in wait of a BIG storm coming tomorrow, winter storm warnings and all that). So, on my way home I saw a friend heading up the hill, right at the Video store on the main street of Three Rivers. Here I stopped and then ran into others and next thing you know, I was totally updated on everything from websites, the latest on the Gallery, Slickee and to Gary’s nurse that is still totally up in the air about helping Gary. That’s life in a small town I’m guessing. Things are moving forward though and who knows, it’ll be life at the Gallery and Slickee again. We’ve been talking about doing a sweat soon.

Tomorrow I’m heading to the coastal town of Cambria to see the Amgen Tour of California bike riders ride through, and finish in San Luis Obispo. We’ll be grabbing a fish dinner and coming home where I’ll let you know how it went. Thanks for checking in friends. Enjoy the weather!

Calling all Drummers

Drumming does happen, and not just every Sunday Night. We had a small crowd Sunday and even though the sky was weeping on us, we moved through. Jose had a nice big fire going already when I arrived. The Gallery as usual was dark and uninviting, the trolls up in their lair. Several core drummers came and you know when you have a small core group it rocks. We went on long journeys and as the beats got tighter, the rain got stronger. It never did rain all that much, just a gentle easy going drip. We kept up our gum chewing grooves till way late, and went home wet and happy. We sure could have used some dancers! Stay Tuned, there’s more coming…………

A past Wednesday at Karen's

Gary's new number...........

A sunny mild day here, really beautiful!! A good day for a hike, bike, or something that gets you out in it. I have my bike riding plan for tomorrow morning up Dry Creek road (the Krsna Highway) and I’m sure it’ll be enlightening. It’s just so green and looks like springs in the air. Though, we need rain, and snow most of all! Yesterday, at work, 4000 feet and it was almost 80 degrees. This is not good; there should be snow all around! Weather supposed to come in next week, so we’ll see eh.

9 am Saturday….Just as I was biting into a maple donut, newly acquired from a trip to the donut shop, the phone rang, it was Gary. He sounded really good, like the old days. He’s in his new rehabilitation hospital, nursing home. Here he will stay with his anti-biotic drip for a few weeks. He likes it so far. He can get out, he went with his son to dinner, and he is more free to do what he wants. There’s a roof deck to ponder the city from and lots to do inside. He has a workout room that will make him stronger and puzzles to work his mind. Although, he says it feels like being in the army, with his roommate there and all. So, it’s going good for Gary. Here’s his new number, PLEASE call him…………….415-749-3222

What do I know about LOVE

Your probably right, given my situation, what do I know about Love. I’m down to hugging puppies and petting cats. But, I try to emanate love by giving it out in different ways. I go in front of a mirror and try to put on the most loving smile I can achieve and remember it. Then while driving around anywhere, like around the lake, I put on this smile at any on coming cars. This REALLY works my friends. Its amazing how many people look at you when you go by, and when they see a smile, well most are pretty dumbfounded. But, it does make a difference. I do get lots of smiles back and I know that I’m spreading love in my own special way. Try it out.

Happy Valentines Day Friends

Well, a much deserved Happy Valentines Day to all of you beautiful people. It’s your special day .Maybe a time of reflection or infatuation. You always have to check to make sure that the fires burning. Maybe add another log, or get some kindling to heat things up! Not just some smokey wood either, something that will start a FIRE!
Just a card don’t get it there guys, it has to be flowers, bath oils, chocolate, or a big bottle of wine with all of the above.

Its been a couple of days dealing with air leaks over here. Yep, air leaks! My truck had a slow leak in the front tire. I had to put air in it several times, at 75 cents each time! It’s a pain to pull over and do that too. But, it beats driving down the road knowing that you’ve got a low tire. Finally, I took it to the tire store yesterday. I had to pump up the tires on my mountain bike so I could ride it back home to wait for my leak to be fixed. In the mean time, I got invited to go for a bicycle ride up Yokohl and I got out my road bike to get it ready. It had a flat on the front tire! More air, 120 pounds worth! I sure hope thats my run of air leaks for now…………………….And You????

Views from the past.........

Catching you up on this Monday....

It was a really great weekend, and we drummed 3 nights in a row! Wil picked me up Friday afternoon and after hooking up with Linda in Visalia, we were off to Jim and Shelia’s place in Auberry. We were greeted to a big and happy crowd fresh from a best ever potluck and ready for some drumming, which we did till the wee hours. It started raining during that time and glad we were under a nice carport with a tin roof. What a great groove and dance there was! Got to meet some new faces and catch up with others since our last gathering together in January when it was 29 degrees. It was really mild this time. We had such a good time Friday night that Wil, Paul and I decided to stay another night and do it again Saturday night. We again were not disappointed. People just kept showing up, even though it was raining like crazy. We had a flute player and many drums. The groove of all grooves made us sway to the beat, and dance to the rhythm that is connecting all of our souls together. Sleeping was easy as the rain came down on that tin roof both nights, with some heavy wind gusts and howling coyotes real close both nights. Many Thanks to our new friends in Auberry.

Sunday nights drumming at the gallery brought some surprises. The gallery was totally lit up when we arrived and chairs were set up inside for us, in case it rained (which it didn’t) I guess this is a peace offering to us, and we accept. There was a successful art opening at the Gallery, Saturday nite, and there was some great music by the new Rag Time band that drew quite a crowd we heard. Well, that’s the latest from here, but there’s more and I’ll be right back so stay tuned!!

More Gary News.....

I called Gary this morning, to see how things were moving along over there in the Hospital in San Francisco. His voice sounded strong on the phone and we talked about how he was going to be transferred to another hospital soon for rehabilitation.
I’ve been gone to a drum-a-thon for several days and will update you on this and more tomorrow, after Drumming tonight. I’ve heard that a lot of people were coming tonite, if you don’t come up, then please give Gary a call………..His Latest #415-353-8200
See you Soon!!

Getting ready for Friday

Work has been good this week. I finished the attic floor and shelve. This project, which was just supposed to be a shed redo, has morphed into a full-on house addition, with an inside loft. I’ve had lots of fun thinking about building and being up there at 4000’ mostly alone with tall pine trees all around.. Its then that you have to deal with yourself as a work partner, and we do argue!! Kind of a moral right and take it easy left that makes up the talk or thoughts of the day. It feels good to talk out loud and to do it right.

Gary has a staph infection that’s causing some of the fluid in his lungs its turns out. He’s on a heavy dose of anti-biotics , while he recovers so, it won’t affect his heart valve which is new to his body. He is going to be in a re-habilitation hospital for around 6 weeks, according to his son Paul, who called me with all this last night, Wednesday.
That will just about put him back in Three Rivers around the beginning of April, which is what he had planned.

We’re headed to Jim an Shelia’s tomorrow night for our monthly drumming fun in the foothills of Auberry. I’m feeling full of energy and plan to release it all, and save alittle for eating the crispy crèmes on the way home, so please join us if you want, it’s a pot luck, and drinks are needed.

Late August 2005

Not too bad of a weekend here. I remember when we used to all get together and celebrate the full moon…………a full moon drumming. They were nice gatherings and this full moon would have been a good one for this. We watched it rise over the hills last night at the Drum Circle as we drummed away our lives and stared in awe. It was a mild night, but the big fire still felt pretty good. Once the moon rose, we had luminescence all around and didn’t need any other light. We were a small crowd, but determined and you know when there’s just a few of us that usually drum together, we can whip it up. We were an engine, with all the pistons hitting and the sound going out into the sleepy town of Three Rivers, where teenagers raised here don’t know the town without a Drum Circle. Thanks to all who showed last night, it was defiantly one to remember. We’ve got a big week ahead and I’ll let you know as we get closer to Friday, how its going. We are looking for a place to play music on Wednesday night. If anyone has something to offer please contact me……………Have a powerful self………….

News from Keio and Wadaba in Africa.........Please Read!

From Art…………Kieo’s brother………

I got a phone call from Keio this morning with some important news.

Keio and Wadaba are safe for now, but Guinea is in something of a
disruption. Keio cannot get to the Internet, so is unreachable by
email. Wadaba has a cellular phone, though; his number is (224)
60539004 (to explain: 224 is the country code of Guinea; you will
have to first dial 110 to get out of the US).

Keio says that tanks are in the streets and gas is impossible to get,
so no one can get anywhere.

She also said that she thinks that she may have to reschedule her
trip for an earlier departure.

That's pretty much all she had time to say (she was using someone
else's phone).

Please pass the word along as widely as you can, particularly among
the Kaweah River Drum Circle and the Fresno drum class, and please keep
Wadaba and Keio in your thoughts and prayers. Also, please give
thought to the safety and well-being of our friends in Guinea. I am
sure that they would all appreciate it very much. Art Ogawa

From Keio……………………………………………..

Wadaba and I leave for the village today this afternoon (finally) to record
our new CD. We will return to Conakry approx 10 days Wed Feb 14 or so. I
fly home the following weekend. Wadaba will stay here in Guinea until 3
weeks after I arrive in the US, and will arrive in Fresno on Tues March 13
with the same itinerary as mine except the dates changed.
For those who don't know, Guinea has been in a state of turmoil lately.
The entire country went on strike for over 3 weeks, everything shut down.
The population has demanded that the president step down. He is very ill,
very old, and unable to run the country. There were probably about 100
people killed over this time, in the streets. The official number is
lower, but I know better. I stayed at home the entire time and felt
relatively safe, but we were not able to accomplish anything during this
time. The strike is over, for now, and there are serious negotiations in
process. The president has agreed to terms that the population agrees to,
but has not officially signed, and the people threaten to go on strike
again. It seems unlikely at the moment that another strike will happen,
but God only knows. Our biggest risk in going to upper Guinea is finding
gas to get home, but it seems that things will be fine and we will find
gas. I feel confident that we are safe
doing this.
I will not be in email contact during our trip to the village, but phone
may be possible if we are near Kouroussa.
Since I have cc'd this email to several people, Wadaba and I give you all
our warmest greetings, and we miss you and are looking forward to seeing
you when we get home, to tell you our good news!


Love to you all,
Keio and Wadaba

Gary is fine.................

Just heard that Gary made it through his surgery and that he’s in ICU for awhile. He might be able to take phone calls soon, and I’ll put the phone number up later tomorrow. I’m heading up to Jon’s for a sauna tonite, I need one………………..

I’ve made a flurry of calls this morning to see how the surgery went. I have heard nothing from anyone!! I hope things went well, as I trust they did. I have to head up the hill now, and will update you later, hopefully with lots of news………………..

From the Tower

Gary ..............

A gray day here. Up in the mountains where I’m working at 4000’ it was very chilly and almost real foggy. No snow around anymore, and we need either rain or snow pretty soon or we’ll be in a bad way.
I’m thinking positive as we travel through the long wait to see how Garys surgery went. I imagined getting rolled on a gurney into a room and guys with saz-alls and jigsaws at the ready. All masked up and white everywhere. After they give you the gas, you just become a dummy. That’s why they call it a practice I guess, but I know that the medical field has many professionals and some are taking Gary on and will make him well. I talked with Gary quite a bit last night. We kept it all positive. I told him that if he does get a pig valve, he might give out an Ounk every now and then and no telling what he’ll do when he gets to a mud puddle! The pig valve is almost exactly like a humans and the body takes one well in most cases. We laughed a lot and one of Gary’s tubes came out. So, as the wait continues, I’ll let you all know what happens next…………..

Gary's Surgery Tommorow...........

I got a call from Paul, Gary’s son tonite. Gary is going in for his Heart surgery tomorrow at 2pm. Please keep him in your prayers…………..He will be out of surgery around 9 at nite and then ICU a few days, till he recovers enough to get his own room. Watch for updates here and Thanks for checking.

Paulo Mattioli Drum Workshop

Latest news from Gary

I just got off the phone with Gary. He was just finishing his dinner and in pretty good spirits. We talked about his up coming heart surgery, which is going to happen, he thinks, early next week. So far it will be just a heart surgery and not his lungs. They will go in and fix his leaky valve, which they think is causing his fluid buildup in his lungs. This causes his breathing problems. Apparently lungs can recover a little and for sure, if taken care off, they will quit deteriorating. Yesterday they ran a device up one of Garys veins, from a numbed spot in his crotch, and all the way up to the heart, where they checked on blockage. Gary said he couldn’t even feel it go up. They said his heart was crystal clear and that was great news!! Gary said he could have watched the device going up on TV, but declined, instead watching instant replays. So, Alls well with Gary for now and I told him to hurry back, because music and drumming were still going on. I told him about all the wood we supplied the Gallery and the Drum Circle, Big Thanks to Paul!! We talked about how good Sunday night was with Chuck and friends in attendance, and just that our music lives on Thanks to all of our friends…………..That’s YOU…..

Ascent of Greasy Peak

Tuesday brings a cloudy day here. I’ve caught up on my jobs for others and today I’m catching up over here. Something we all have to do often. I’ll be trying to catch you all up with the latest on things that we wonder about. It influences us because we let it. Last we talked it was Saturday .We went on our hike Sunday and it was fabulous! We got on top of the highest peak on the north side of the lake, Greasy Peak. Its actually back about one range of hills from the lake. It was a 3000’ elevation gain to the top, and it was a hella hump. It felt real good to be on top! I think everyone should experience this in their lives. Our goal is to climb all the highest peaks in the area around the lake and Three Rivers, and we have a few already.
I’ve been trying to call Gary, I heard from Jaylene last night that he is doing pretty good. He had some really good news about his heart. They put a video tube in to see the inside of his lungs and heart. His heart valves are surprisingly clean and clear!! I’m telling you this second hand, and I’ll find out from Gary today, so I promise I’ll update you later today. Come back, I’m making more changes!

Sunday Night's Right..............

According to the Farmers Almanac, in the first 2 weeks of February we’re supposed to have 2 ½ inches of rain. That’s a lot and Februarys coming right around the corner. So, it’s raining right now and the plan is to meet at the Gallery at 8.30am and help Paul unload a truckload of wood for the Drum Circle tomorrow night. Then Wil and I are going on a big hike, planning to do Sulpher Ridge above the lake. We’ll be back for drumming and Chucks coming to our drumming and it’ll be a big one for sure!! I’ll let you know how the hike went and drumming too if you don’t make it, but please do.

Slickee

The Latest and More

Finally, I’m back. I had some technical difficulties and it actually took a pipe wrench and jumper cables to get my computer back on track! What’s been going on? We didn’t have any music on Wednesday night. I really didn’t hear from anybody so now we’re looking at Sunday Night.
I’ve been working up the hill in a different drainage. Coming home late every evening, after driving an hour. A long very meditative drive, that Dry Creek road is. It’s gentle, but the thoughts flow around every curve, daydreaming with the music on. I’ve been living like a refugee, out of my ice chest, with my little stove and tea making kit. I’ve got a can of chicken noodle soup just in case. All my tools are clanking around, I must sound like some hillbilly.

I’m working on a Gary update; I’ve heard that he had a meeting with his son and the doctors this afternoon and they were planning to maybe do a heart and lung surgery soon. I’ll make some calls and get back to you…………………..

Drumming at Joshua Tree....Brent Lewis Workshop

A Visit with Gary

Good Morning,

Returned home safely from visiting Gary yesterday. He seemed stronger than I had imagined he was going to be, but I believe that is because he is moving forward on his healing journey. He has Lung specialists working on him – they say he is a unique case (but we knew that). The fluid is his lungs is incapsulated in different areas and doesn’t want to come out, they are studying his history and going to possibly try a medication called streptokinase. He ate a good lunch, we visited & laughed, took a long walk and then I washed & massaged his feet and he fell sound asleep. Sure do love him. He very much enjoyed the drawings and notes from everyone, and we put the beads you gave him Maharupa on his ankle, that way they were on him, but out of the way of his IV & Oxygen tubing.

San Francisco is a great city, I drove through Golden Gate Park to the Beach, it was so beautiful, took a long walk barefoot. Felt so good, the sunset was beautiful. Take care my friends.

Peace, Linda

Sunday Night....1-21-07

Nice to see you all at the drumming last night! It was a nice warm fire and quite a few drummers to make for a merry one As you know, Wil is in the process of moving to Santa Cruz, and he brought some left over furniture to burn. We had fun doing drum tricks and it was all about the groove and the fire. In the end, even Maharupa caught fire and had to be put out. Wil has sent us something nice for you to read, enjoy…………Rene’

DRIVING RHYTHMS The exchange of driving rhythms ensnares one to bliss. Beyond hearing, beyond listening, beyond the feeling it naturally is. Caught in the happily melodic directed chaos we're grouped together to create There's a community's wordless conversation we're each here to moderate. This ride brings emotion, inspires pleasure, contentment, release - It's got its own personality this tenuous, eclectic, harmonic beast. (this jam's slowing down and the break, it seems, is near, Happily we'll rest, then do it again, that's clear) This one's different from the last - unique in its own time. I look, I feel, I intonate for a part I might create, A part I can say is mine. Wil

Vintage Drum Circle 1993

Its really turning out to be a great weekend! Sorry I missed the Taiko Drumming Friday night, but I heard it was excellent, and everybody was there! We meet several new friends, thanks to Nadine, at the Belly Dance drumming last night. Maharupa and Myself mixed it up with 20 belly dancers and 2 other drummers. A good time was had by all and we’ll be doing this again I’m sure. I had a good time shopping with Summer at the Gem and Mineral show Saturday morning and saw several other friends among all the rocks and big crystal points. It made me want to take a trip to the desert and just walk around looking for whatever we find. We do this at least once a year.
We’ll be out there drumming it up again tonight. I heard its going to be a big one, see you there

Hello Friends, I called Gary last night and found out from his son that he has been back in the hospital since Wednesday. He’s having a hard time breathing still and they found a fluid buildup in his lungs again. I called Gary at the hospital and we talked briefly. He’s in pretty good spirits, all things considered, and is taking it on as an adventure. They think, if he can keep his health up, that they might move his heart surgery up. They think the fluid buildup is coming from his heart issues. So, YOU should call him and give him support. Please keep it short, and positive. 415-353-8201 Room 1004 This number is the phone next to his bed.
I hope that some of you will be at the Belly Dance Party tonite. It should be a blast! See you there.

Good Morning, Man its cold!! I don’t know what’s worse, 118 degrees in the summer, or 28. Spring is pretty nice and it won’t be long before the frogs will be making noise! We did a real nice sauna last nite at Jon’s. It got up to 150 degrees and felt “cleansing”. He has a nice shower out on the deck right outside, and it was frozen when we went out to shower off with that Cold water. We recommend this as a great way to cleanse your body. Opening all your numerous sweat glands and purging the oils and all out. You can feel it clean you. Its not the Sweat though, which is alittle different, but attains the same results. Try a sauna first and you’ll go back again.
There’s lots of stuff going on for us drummers this weekend. The Belly Dance, Drum poster is happening Saturday Night from 7pm till whenever. It will be a great chance to meet new people in our area who seem to do what we do. I don’t know if you can read the poster, but here are the particulars….
Potluck…. bring your choice
Adults Only
Bring your instruments, your passion for dance, and your own drinks.
Bring items you want to swap or sell.
Location….Visalia Police Pistol Range ( its not what your thinking) Ave. 328 (towards Goshen) ½ mile west of Road 80, Visalia
Contacts…Robin, 733-5217 Michele..635-0639

AND……….Taiko Drumming TONITE 7pm COS Theater. This should be a stellar event.
For all you rock hounds in the group………The Gem and Mineral show is this weekend at the Exeter Memorial Building on Hwy 65 in Exeter, both days.

Wednesday Traditional

Drumming at Wil's

We are finally going to have the first Wednesday night music tonight at Wil’s house. Please join us for lots of drumming. Chuck will be there so plan on being in the groove and in the moment. And, don’t forget to bring some goodies. We’ll see you there.

Good Morning! Now , you would think with all this freezing weather that our Sunday night drumming is not happening, or the attendance is low, but that’s sure not the case!
We had a nice group Sunday nite, with about 30 attending at the highlite of the evening.
I gotta admit that I had my doubts when I pulled up and met Jose in front of the dark cold gallery. We went out back and looked at the frozen pile of wood and had more doubts! But come they do! We drummers like to think we’re a hardy bunch and this night we were called to task. We got a big fire going and drummers started arriving. Big Thanks for Orlando, Victor and friends, who come all the way from Tulare to share their talents. And , of course we all know Jose travels all the way from Orange Cove to join us! These friends are serious about drumming with us and I totally respect that!!!! We did some great percussion stuff with just little drums. Everyone left with big smiles and see you soons.

After rereading my entry about our visit to Gary, I should say that even though he is really frail and all, that there is big hope for his recovery. He needs to hear it from you that we need him around. He needs to be prompted to do more exercise and get strong so that he can live longer. There is hope and its up to him really to make that happen. And us to give him this great drumming life to come back too.

Friday night was pretty busy. After meeting Wil in Santa Cruz late Friday afternoon, we headed up Hwy 1, the long way to San Francisco. Lots to catch up on and a great drive up the coast got us to Garys place around 8. I was taken back by the fact that Gary wasn’t recovering as quick as I had thought in my mind. I had only talked to him on the phone and he sounded better every time. Now, he said it was like he was always on Mt. Everest….always starving for Oxygen. He has his bottle close by and wears his hose. It calms him down and that helps with recovery. We went out through the busy Friday nite city to eat, packed with people everywhere and cars everywhere. We ate Chinese and then Wil just drove us around. Later we ended up in the middle of downtown at some donut shop drinking coffee, eating donuts, and just watching all the people, some homeless, all going somewhere. Saturday we did lots more driving around and eating out. We pretty much saw it all from a tourists view. Gary has a real nice place at his son Pauls house. It looks out to a deck and a big back yard of trees. If you go all the way up to the rooftop, you can see the city at night, a grand view! After an action packed couple of days, Wil and I said our goodbyes and headed back down Hwy 1 around sunset, Saturday night. We both felt we needed to stop somewhere and just yell and feel our own mortality. Make sure we could still run down a sandy beach, hop over big rocks and climb up some high hills, and we did. It’s a reality check folks, you better go visit Gary, and tell him we need him around awhile longer!

Well, it didn’t snow, but Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!! Everything was white as snow this morning. And there’s more to come. I’ll be enjoying it in San Francisco, where I’ll be visiting Gary along with Wil..
I’m leaving right now to Santa Cruz, meet Wil, and we’ll head up the coast, through Big Sur and all, on to Garys and we plan to stay there tonite, come home tomorrow…………..are you Jealous??
There will be lots of updates and new pictures for your blue, green and brown eye’s to feast on so check this out later Saturday. Stay Warm My Friends…………………...

Sorry for not getting to you yesterday. I had one of those days, I couldn’t even pound a nail in straight till after lunch. I’m blaming it on the nails though. You have probably heard that it might actually snow down here in the valley tonite and tomorrow. Now that’s always an event!! Make sure your camera is ready for this. Right now, its awful dark outside, and looks like anything stormy could happen.

I’ve been playing phone tag with Jaylene. Her, Scott and baby Finn are staying at the Barn, over at Slickee, last I heard, being banned from the Gallery. This drama has two sides, though the one that’s in the gallery now is finding out that it gets pretty lonely there when nobody comes over. We haven’t had a Wednesday night music gathering for awhile and my guitar calouses on the tips of my fingers are getting soft. This is pretty unusual for us.

Gary called me last night and asked me about all this. I told him the real scoop. He really doesn’t need any of this drama in his fragile life. I tried to keep it all pretty light. He said that he had written D a letter explaining his philosophies. We’ll see, in the meantime Gary is ready for a visit from YOU. Have a great powerful Thursday!

Usually Sage handles all the announcements at the last part of our Drum Circle Sunday Night. But, Sage hasn’t been coming lately and we miss her! Forget all that other stuff Sage and come on back, We Love You!

There is a Taiko Drum Performance at the COS Theatre on January 19. Tickets are 10 dollars. This should be a stellar event.

Our Big Fire last night worked just great! We were warm and cozy. Sometimes people bring things to throw in the fire to burn, old bills, documents, art work, and furniture. No shredder needed, just burn baby burn. It’s that way with letting go of stress too. Jose came up last night and released all the stress he had built up over the holidays. All the stress of bringing up a family, and the all the things that go with a high stress work environment. He started dancing around wildly as if possessed by some other being. He Yelled at the top of his lungs, and stared up straight in our eyes. It wasn’t scary though, because we could feel it too. We were relieving our stress by just watching him relieve his. This went on all night, I guess this is what speaking in tongues is like, because he was. We drummed a mighty drum groove that filled the air above Three Rivers with our Sunday night signature. All the while the gallery was dark and locked up, the trolls up in their room. We noticed that the Jolly Roger was flying up above the tower, how appropriate

A twenty-nine miler up Yokohl is where I just came from. It was very brisk and sharp kinda cold when you go fast on the downhill trying to stay agile, as you look at the size of your inch wide bicycle tires and you speedometer says 30. But, that only lasts in spurts. Then there’s all the uphill, where you pay for your sins. On the first big one this morning I felt like puking! Finally the top and some more downhill. On the flat parts, all three of us ride real close together and draft each other. This is really cool if your #3 because your moving along, and its almost effortless.
You have to be in some kind of shape to drum. If you want the Big Groove for several hours , it takes lots of energy! I highly suggest getting out there and checking on January. Tonite, all you have to do is come on up to Drumming. We’ll have a big hot fire going, bring your goodies……..

What a great time we had last night!! I’ve already had 2 comments here on this! Wil is right, it was 29-30 degrees and we were all drumming in it. No heat, just the groove, which was Very Hot. You could see everyone’s breath, looking like steam coming from a locomotive. We had a great meal and then it was the drumming, and dancing together that we drove 2 hours for. Eventually we ended up around the fire, a more intimate setting, and warm. This is where some great music was played, and we could rub elbows to feel the beat. It really is a feeling when it all goes together that way. It’s the highlight of my whole month!
Many Big Thanks to our hosts and all the great and wonderful friends we are making up in Auberry.

I got a call from Gary last night. It surprised me, and he sounded just like he does normally! Big recovery everyday, he said, “exponentially”. I’ve got a craving to visit San Francisco, and now is a good time, since I have a place to stay. Gary really wants company to visit him. You know the rules though, don’t bring everyone and your cousins too. And, call before. I’m not sure is I can put Paul’s number on here, so I just ask you to call me and I’ll get you set up.

I’m heading to Jim and Shelia’s in Auberry to drum till we can’t drum no more! I’m going up with Chuck and meeting Wil there also. Should be fun and cold! Of course we always stop at the Crispy Crème donut place on the way home. Ill give you a report when I get back. Stay Warm!

I just recieved this.....ThanksPam hello rene, happy new year 2007 belated wishes coming to you from puerto escondido, oaxaca, mexico.

i don´t check e-messages very often because we don´t have a computer at my daughter´s place so have to tromp a quarter mile to the internet place....which may or may not be open, othe computers may or not be full.....and one doesn´t hang around very long waiting because it gets hot on the street, away from the sea breezes. but when i do check, i enjoy reading your blogs.....and although i know what a drag it is to read and-or listen to criticisms, its fun reading about your attitude around it all.....all, etc. people in glass houses would be better off not throwing stones....and all that jazz. if you weren´t writing the blog we, wayyyyy down here, wouldn´t have any reliable updates on gary....so you can file this in the *positive* input box! thanks for everything you write, rene.

kay has been here with my daughter adrienne and i for a week now....and two weeks more to go! last night we did what´s called a *temazcalli* (meaning womb of the mother).........a sweat the traditional mexican way. of course these are the times i think about you-all UP THERE..........and always with love.

time to sign off. hello to gary if you talk with him. xxoo, pam

Its Thursday’s storm for sure! Raining pretty hard out there, and winter storm warnings for the Sierra. We need more snow, so here we go.
I’ve been hearing from a lot of you out there in far away places, and I’m glad this blog is hooking us up! We send our Drum Circle vibe to you in Austin, Texas, Seattle, Maui, and Africa. You know who you are and we Love you. Can’t wait till we can drum together again this year. We’re talking about having a Drum Circle reunion this year, minus the balloons and confetti, so stay tuned for that one.
Its been pretty quite lately. We didn’t get together for music last night, so it’ll be an even better drum when we meet Sunday.
Dee called me and said that she had made a place for us in the gallery by the mirrors, to play our “other” music. Other meaning guitars, and smaller drums. The heater is right there and it should be a nice place to play on Saturday nights when we get together.
Wil has heard from Gary, and he said Gary sounded really good, and seemed to be recovering quickly. I’m hoping to call Gary today and try and get through to see how its all going and to tell him you said “Hi” Check back soon and I’ll tell you how it went. Be Careful in the Rain!

Bright sunny day here today. Yesterday, up at the 4000 foot level in the mountains it was hotter than down here in the valley….60 degrees! Hardly any snow left, but things are supposed to change tomorrow with weather coming in. It going to rain and snow.
Its Wednesday, and we could get together for music tonite if you want. Everybody is out of town, so you’ll have to contact me and we’ll get some music going.
The New Year always starts kind of slow for lots of people. I like drinking some coffee in the morning, and checking on things in the machine here. I know lots of you are running the race for the monetary status and my hats off to you! I’ve done that for many years and might do it again. Unless your rich already of course, and if I want to fulfill my resolution of getting rich, I better get going. See you all soon eh………

Good Morning, If I was an outsider to this I would be thinking, man, these folks sure got the drama going But , I should explain that for us this is not the norm and its been kind of fun to watch it unfold, and not be involved, of course till New Years eve. I think everyone loves alittle drama, the only news is bad news and all that.
Our Drum Circle has been peace and incense, warm and fuzzy fires and lots of good people coming through. There is nothing like the feeling of all of us drumming and being on the beat, all together! We felt this last Wednesday nite at Wil’s when Chuck came for a surprise visit. We Rocked the House baby!! We had the pictures wiggling on the walls! The cats jumping out the cat doors and smiles and high fives! We live for these moments in our drumming life. They happen pretty often and the sound of our drums usually drown out any drama going!
Gary has been pretty quite over there at Paul’s in San Fran. You only get a message machine when a call is made. I know that Jaylene, Scott and baby Finn are visiting for the week, so he should be in good hands. I’m sure if he reads this he’ll give a call.
I better finish this coffee………fuel for my money maker……and get up the hill and pound some nails. I’ll fill you in on the weather when I get back…………

Well, Happy Birthday there Gary! Last night we sang several birthday songs to you, actually just that one that everyone sings. So, Happy Birthday, Happy New Year and Many more.
We had a merry crowd at our drum circle last night! Right off I was assailed and assaulted about why certain people weren’t on this blog and why so and so doesn’t get any respect and even how I stack my teepee poles!! Being a Blogger can have its responsibilities I’m finding out.
This all bummed me out and I had to use the “F” word several times to the assailants. So, off to the now New Year, where everything is basically the same, but its different. Different in my new way of thinking. We all should have a new way of thinking right now, resolutions and all. I didn’t really make any resolutions though and my take on it is to better myself, that’s really all its about isn’t it? To better yourself in your life? To make sure that you make it to another New Year. Remember where you were at the crack of twelve last night and think about it next new year.
So, aside from all the dingbats and dingalings, I’m very glad We’re all really tight with our friendship together! This is whats going to help me through the new year, YOUR friendship! That’s all we have together and I cherish it! Have a good day you all.

The New Year is coming in just a few hours. I’ll be up at the drum circle in front of a nice warm fire with you right there too. I’ve decided to take a couple of steps back from all the bull going on around us. I rode my bicycle way up Yokohl Valley today and had lots of time to think. The big question in my mind was…….what do I have to do with all this………..turns out, really nothing. I’m into starting the New Year in a very Positive way. Its time to get it all going in my favor for a change. I don’t need all that baggage to slow me down. I think you’ll all agree t o this, lets make this the best year of our lives..2007. Lots of change is already happening, so lets make it all positive. Thanks for all your support friends, have a Happy New Year…………and do come by tonite! Rene’

I’m back from the land where the Magpie lives. Those birds between a Blue Jay and a Crow that roam the North Country and start somewhere around Modesto, where I was.
Catching up with very old friends who live the Native American life. My friend and his son from Alberta, Canada, who just flew in from Edmonton to Seattle to Sacramento for 400 bucks, and several others from the old days. The days I used to dance at pow wows as a grass dancer and travel throughout the west. We all assembled, some 30 of us and just caught up with old times while sitting around a fire outside and inside on that ranch, way out in the cool country. I got nostalgic and we made plans to hit some powwows where other friends of ours would be like the Arlee Dance, up in northern Montana. I was raised with these people and learned about this stuff along time ago. Ever since its left me as a free range chicken, with goals and values much different than ordinary man……….but parallel.

I’m getting ready to face day 365 and drum into the New Year, I’ll let you know what the plans will be tomorrow………….Love to you………..

How’s it going over there? I’ve talked with Gary, who is very antsy to get his truck back. I don’t know if I’m going to be the one to deliver it now, due to me having to go to Sacramento today. Gary sounds pretty good after being in the hospital again, this time in San Fran where he has met all new doctors who did all the checks and ran all the x-rays. He’s looking pretty good all in all, oxygen bottle by his side.
The Gallery meanwhile is being held hostage by the two headed monster “D”. One the polite, coffee making, personable intelligent person, the other the drunken sailor, fire breathing rascal who has kept all art buyers at bay. An attempt was made by Jaylene, Scott and baby Finn to enter Garys residence, only to be rebuked with only a crack opening of the door and a sharp reply of resistance. I’m glad the Drumcircle hole is our spiritual ground where we can drum New Years eve with no problem……..
I’m heading up north, keep it running till I get back . ……………..to be continued….

I’ve heard that if you take a cooking spaghetti noodle and throw it up to the ceiling and it sticks the noodles are ready. Its kind of like that with the information I’m gathering about Gary. He called me on Christmas night to see how I was doing and we had a short nice little talk. The next several days nobody has heard from him. Then last nite I come home from our big drum fest at Wil’s and theres a message from Gary, He’s putting me in charge of getting his truck up to him and right now he’s in the hospital………then the phone message cut off, and in the meantime I’ve heard he’s back in San Diego, and his nurse said no way can he go to San Fran and so on and so forth. Well, I drilled down for the REAL info today and here it is.

Gary was in the hospital again last night in San Francisco. He was having trouble breathing, but he’s okay now and they were just going to pick him up when I called. He is at his son Pauls and in good hands with all the family.. So there it is……

Now the dilemma for me is I’ve got to get his truck up there this weekend and already I have to go to Sacramento tomorrow (Friday) Can anybody give me a ride back from San Fran before Sunday out there????????????? Let me know if you can please and I’m working the phones here.

A big wet rain is falling on a dark day. But, its Wednesday and we’ll be getting together for music tonight at Wil’s house. I’ve heard that Jaylene and family will be coming to stay at the gallery for a week. I wish I could be invisible and be there for their arrival! That would be interesting now wouldn’t it!

I’ve got a James Brown story to tell…….When I was a kid in the sixties, we went to a place called Travel Town, which featured old railroad locomotives. It was in Los Angeles, where I was raised. It just so happened that they were doing a TV show there called “Where the Action is” and asked me along with others if we would get up on a locomotive and be background for James Brown, who was going to sing his signature song I Feel Good…….while being filmed. It was a pretty hot day and James was sweating hard, reading his que cards and lip singing I Feel Good to a big stereo they had playing. He was dancing around with all the Soul that he had at the time (I don’t know when he became the King of Soul) and swung by where I was. On his way off stage, or around the Locomotive, he gave me a side ways kinda hug and my shirt got pretty wet from it. That’s my story, and man, I could have sold that shirt on ebay for big bucks you think?

Hey Gary, I’m glad your back in San Francisco with the family. How was the Chinese food? And, I’m glad you can finally read all about yourself here on our drumcircle blog. Its supposed to rain real hard here for a few days, the last of the year. We’re already making plans for New Years eve. Another Sunday night. We’ll for sure drum till ten as always, then…….maybe the Riverview where the crowd will be. Anyone else have any ideas for the New Years eve night??

Merry Christmas to you!! You are all in my thoughts today Christmas 2006. It’s actually 65 plus degrees out and sunny. The mountains are covered in white and we had a great drumming last night! Lots of goodies were brought by everybody and we were happily satisfied with the groove. A nice big warm fire and good friends make a happy drum circle.

Gary got released from the hospital TODAY and he is heading to San Francisco by car on highway 5 right now. It was very last minute Elizabeth told me when I called up in San Fran. Paul flew down this morning when Gary called and said he needed someone to sign him out. He picked Gary up and off they went driving. That should be a nice trip for Gary who’s been in the Hospital since the Friday after Thanksgiving. I’ll get a call tonight and post when I do. Happy Christmas Friends

Heck yea we’re drumming tonite…….Christmas Eve. I’ve had several people contact me about wanting to drum and we’ll be there with a nice warm fire. As always, bring your Christmas goodies and treats and we’ll see you there…………..Drive Safe!

Good Morning friends, I recieved mail from Keio, who , with Wadaba are currently in West Africa. I am posting this message to Gary from her. She gave me permission to post......................... Rene I can't even tell you how relieved I am that gary is doing better. Please please call him and read to him this email.This is the first day since we flew away last Mon that I could check email and find out how you are doing. I have been praying with all my heart and soul for your recovery. Monday morning before I woke I dreamed that you were getting out of the hospital and we were all taking you home. It didn't look like the gallery but it was indeed your home. I personally picked you up, like a baby, and carried you in my arms to your door. I had to go down some difficult steps and duck under some overgrown bushes, while everyone cappered alongside, holding the branches apart. Rene was there right beside me and others as well I don't remember, but Tom was also there smiling, walking beside us, and talking a mile a minute. We entered the house and I asked you where you would like to lay down. You were light as a feather and I was worried about hurting your bones. You said not the bed, the recliner, and Jon jumped in trying to figure out how to make it recline. It was just about open, and me ready to set you gently down when my roommate here at the workshop for Mamady Keita inGuinea, West Africa, woke me softly, asking if I needed to get up in time for the first class of the month long workshops.I woke up, slowly realizing it was a dream and meditated on what the dream meant. I knew that sometimes dreams can happen when someone important in one's life moves on, and I was afraid, and burts into tears in front of my baffled roommates, who quickly left me to prepare for the class. As I sat alone, the fear passed, and I got a sense of duty, and of thanks, and prayed and prayed out loud to all the gods and goddesses that the dream meant that I had helped you to come home to all of us, that I had carried you home. And I called out to you, "You better be coming home, Gary, we all need you with us. And not just to San Francisco either. All the way home. Come home to us. Come home to me."Last time I knew, you could not breathe without the help of a respirator,and now I read on Rene's blog that you will soon come out of the hospital! A step in the right direction, but your work has just begun. It is not your time. You belong here with us. Your work and gifts to this world are not finished and we are all helping and will continue to help you stay here with us. I will carry you to your comfy recliner when you are ready to come home.My dream happened around 12:30 am California time, Monday morning Dec 18. I know I don't tell you enough how much you have helped me, both in your kind acts, and in just your very existence, as an example of a truly good person, how you are, and I regret that. With all my love,Keio

You were asking about how Wednesday nite music went, lets see, there was a bunch of us guys standing around the freshly lit stove. We had on our big jackets, had our pants pulled up high, and our wool beanies on, it was looking like a gathering of the Pat O Connel fan club. I’m glad Nadine was there to set us straight and represent the opposite gender. There was a time long ago when there were no women in the drumcircle. Its was just a few of us guys around the stove with our 5 gallon buckets turned upside down to drum on. We came up with the idea of “drumming for girls”. Not at all meant in a bad way, women bring the most powerful energy to our drumming. We’re not a complete circle without both sexes represented. That’s when it’s the most energetic, that’s when groovins, grooving! We LOVE all the women in our circle!! We still do drumming for girls once in awhile for fun, but it really works…………I think that’s how we met you.

Wils Winter Solstice party will feature Darrel, fresh from Bisby, Arizona. We will also be having our New…………Drama Free Zone. So, you won’t want to miss it tonite, See you there.

I just talked with Gary about his pending departure. Its probably not happening today. He is still getting water in his lung and that has to stop before he gets to leave. Lots of years smoking has made the lung walls soft and venerable. They couldn’t operate on his lungs due to this. He had his stitches from his operation removed this morning and sounded pretty upbeat really. Its looking like maybe Sunday is the day that he gets to be in the air above San Diego, headed for San Francisco with his seatbelt on and his 10 salted smoked almonds ready to go on the tray in front of him.

Wow, Your looking good today! Must be because its Thursday. This day is my power day. The get it done day, accomplish, finish and move forward. Ive been putting off the holidays till this weekend when I’m going to make a special trip to the mall……..any of you want to help me??

We’re having a Winter Solstice party at Wil’s Friday night………Tomorrow night! Everyone is welcome; bring goodies like cookies and munchies. And bring your instruments. Its celebrating the coming of the Winter with all our friends.

“If I had another Hand, I’d make Enchanted Lands”

I’m working up in Pinehurst, 4000 feet up. Snow is all around, and yesterday all day, it rained snow and branches from all the trees and it was Noisy! It’s a really sticky kinda snow, where you brush it off and there’s still lots left.

Gary was being “Garish” last night when I talked to him. He has plane tickets to fly out on Friday to San Francisco He said he still had 3 tubes in and it all hinges on how his lungs do by Friday. They won’t let him go until his body is ready. He won’t be coming through Three Rivers as he’s still pretty frail.. And, if you want to attend his Birthday Party, you’ll have to go to San Fran, to Pauls house where he will be staying till around April, when he comes back to Three Rivers. That’s a long ways off, but at least he’s back.

We’ll be playing music inside the Gallery with the stove on high tonite, avoiding any cat fights that might transpire. If you’re an easy going sort of person you could just glide on through………………………………

I would like to give a Big Thanks to all of you Drum Circle friends in Africa, India, Mexico and Maui who I’ve been hearing from. You are in our minds and Love goes out to you from us!!

I’ve talked to Todd, Garys son today and while we were talking, Gary escaped, looking for some sun. He didn’t go too far, but that shows how his recovery is going………great! His only hold back is the tube in his lungs still, which is slow to recover. They will be releasing him by the end of the week, maybe into the weekend. If its Thursday or Friday, I’ll be picking him up, and taking him to San Francisco.

I’m glad we got that truck load of wood cuz it was cold last night! The window on my truck was frozen solid when I left the Sunday Night Drumming. We had a huge fire, and everyone hunkered down in the lower circle, all 20 or so of us. There’s lots of electricity in the air around here and we’re trying to avoid it by playing our music and standing by.

Gary is out of ICU and has his own room with a toilet and spare bed for guest I guess. He’s getting out now around Wed. He still has a few issues that are taking their time recovering. His son from England, Todd is visiting him right now, but if you want to visit him now or within the next few days, I would say go.

It’s the holiday frazzle I guess, Stay tuned.

Snows down low today, and its going to be chilly on our ride up Dry Creek this morning. We’re going to be getting a truck load of wood for the Drum Circle tonite, so when you come, it’ll be nice and warm.
I’ve been hearing that Gary might be out of the hospital in a couple of days!! This is if he contiues to recover as he has been of course. Then he’ll head to San Francisco for a complete come back. I’ve also heard that he might swing by Three Rivers on his way up, so look for those details to emerge. Well, stay warm today, and get out there and breath that fresh air, and get ready for Drumming Tonight.

It has gotten very Chilly around here today, and its supposed to snow down to 2000 feet.
We did our sweat last night. The four of us in a ten person sweat. We made some changes to the covering before and man, it was hot! And yes, in the river we went in the end, how good that felt, how alive!
I’ve heard that the smudging of Sage will help you through these times, the sweet smelling smoke from Sage inside the abalone shell, rubbed on your body will purify and cleanse you. We have used, Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar, Copal, California Bay, Mugwort, Yerba Santa for smudging before going into the sweat, each person taking their turn at the smudge before going inside. There’s health benefits for colds, and flu or congestive issues. They say that buying the bundles of Sage or any Herbs for smudging, is not exactly right. You should gather them yourself, in a reflect way, thinking about the connection to the plant and the offering it is giving. This is a great excuse to take a trip to do a gathering just for this purpose. A trip to the desert for the Sage there, or the Coast for the smokey White Sage. Lets go……………………..

Gary sends you all his love. I just got off the phone with him, and he sounded pretty chipper, all things considered. He’s still got a hose up his nose, and is still in ICU. But, that’s not because he’s doing bad. He’s on the big upswing. He told me he walked about 30 feet today, with the Physical Therapist, and “every step was a new world”. He thinks if all goes, he will be out of ICU by Saturday, and out of the hospital and headed for San Francisco in a couple of weeks. I could tell by his questions to me about the sweat tomorrow night, and who’s getting in and all that he’s got plans and he’s excited to get back to things. I also talked to his nurse and his son Paul, who first called me and told me to call him. Here’s the address of the Hospital………you should send him a card or something.

Scripps World of Healing
Attention: Gary Cort
10666 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Joya, Ca. 92037

Well, all GOOD news about Gary today! He’s off the ventilator, and talking and alittle moving around. Soon he’ll be walking again. He was able to have a bowel elimination twice on his own, with no bag. This is all such good news, no doubt due to all of you and your good thoughts. He’s even going to be eating applesauce tomorrow.

Jaylene and Scott will be going back to Phoenix tomorrow after Paul arrives, and I’ll bet Gary will be up for some phone calls soon. …….maybe by Saturday.

Well, I’m getting ready to go to my job in the hills where the high will be around 38 degrees, oh goodie! I’ll be talking to Jaylene tonite before I go up to the Gallery and will update you.
We’re talking about doing a sweat Friday Night. Anyone interested please let me know.
The sweat is a powerful thing, not to be associated with a jacuzzi or hot tub. It’s not for the weak of heart. Many of you have done this with us, and know that we will make sure you go through it all okay. If you decide to try it for the first time ever, lets talk. If you want to sweat with us Friday nite, start drinking water now. It would be nice to bring fruit and juice to drink, and something to eat after is nice too. Bring water to drink inside. I like to bring 2 towels, one to sit on, and one to dry off with after jumping in the ice cold river (not a requirement) Think about it and let me know my friends……….till later.

Just got off the phone with Jaylene in sunny San Diego. They arrived last night and she has been with Gary quite a bit since. They tried to take him off the ventilator, by reducing his air, so his body would respond, but his heartrate went up, so he was back on it along with more morphine.. Jaylene said he was looking around and was totally aware when they arrived. He could sqeeze her hand when asked questions and he sqeezed it hard when asked if he wanted to hear some “Big Kaweah” music, tapping his foot around. The Doctors did all tests to make sure he could move his legs and arms and understand things and he can. Jaylene and Scott will probably be there through the weekend, and Garys son Todd will be there Friday as will Paul again. Its 50-50, but his odds were a lot worse a few days ago. Your all welcome to Wednesday night music tomorrow if you like. We love when you bring homebaked cookies or Chocolate Eclairs you know.

Well, a rainy day indeed! Thought I would update you on the Blog.
I’ve added some new stuff such as a counter, and our drum circle logo at the bottom of the page. As you may know, I have tons of pictures that are of the drum circle, and plan to post as many as I can here. Some of the images I really don’t want someone to plagiarize, and those I’ve added my signature too, but all the others are for you to take out and enjoy for your own folders. I will also be putting some other pics of interest in as time goes on, and I do hope you like that! I will try to put a couple of pics on every other day or so, so stay tuned, and again Thank you ALL!!

Well, this storm system wasn’t supposed to come this far south, but its raining outside.

An update waiting for an update. Jaylene called last night . They had not got there yet, but were due pretty soon. Paul went back to San Francisco, and this is a sign to me that things are stabilized with Gary for awhile. He might be getting off his ventilator Wednesday if things look good, and my guess is that he will probably be awake and checking it all out. Since its raining and I’m here drinking coffee and not knowing if I will work today I’ll post at some point when Jaylene calls. Go have some hot chocolate, and I’ll be back.

The Hills are covered in snow! What a change from last week when it was still in the 70’s
We all drummed inside last night…..the boom room…and it was alright! We talked alot about Gary of course, and there’s lots of information out there to pick from. Some of what was said was mis-information, like the Colon isn’t really 11 miles long! Actually its around 6 feet long, and Gary had several inches cut out. He might have to wear a bag for awhile, but that could change. Today, Jaylene and Scott and baby Finn will be visiting. They are driving their camper van, and plan to stay in the parking lot of the hospital. The Baby won’t be able to go up, so they will take turns. This is a fairly expensive part of town and the hotels ain’t cheap!

So, what I’m hearing is that a couple of the problems Gary has were caused by the hospital, like his punctured lung, which happened when they were putting a tube in. And, of course the bleeding and the second operation to fix it. I’m really glad that Garys son Paul is there to now over see all this. He’s sharp and will get things done right. Garys other son Todd will be arriving from England later in the week.

The talk is that after Gary gets through this, he will go with Paul back to San Francisco to recover. This makes lots of sense since the hospitals are close by and he’ll be with Paul, his wife and Garys new grandbaby.

Meanwhile, back at the Hospital, Gary is in ICU, on a ventilator zonked out on morphine, and hopefully thinking about the warrior in him. I’ll be calling a bunch today so stay tuned, and Thank You all for the support!!!! .

Well, sounds like Gary had a rough night. After doing well from his surgery, he had internal bleeding and they had to go back again this morning at 5am. I talked to the Doctor that is with him……..he’s in ICU and on a ventilator. The Doctor said Gary is very sick, but strong. He will be under for a few days. Paul is with him, and Jaylene and Scott are coming there on Monday, when Paul leaves. I’ll let you know as I find out more.