Story

The AMGEN Tour of California is back in Santa Cruz again this year, but this year springtime and hopefully the cold, wind, and rain will be replaced with beautiful days like today. Charlotte headed down to the finish area at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with some friends. While Gabe and I camped out on Bonny Doon Road to catch the riders struggling up this great climb. Gabe made a very nice ecologically correct road sign saying “Go Levi”. Meanwhile plenty of local riders headed past us to find their spot to watch the race. ...

He plays the piano Rocking back and forth Cradling each note Giving life But holding onto each For just a single moment Before it is released Sent out into the cold world To die or survive It all lay in fate’s hands Not his Not anymore The artist, the musician With starving eyes And frantic fingers He swayed With his head held back Listening to the birth Of each note As it sprung forth From nothingness But the barren plane of his soul He breathed life Into each ivory key As his fingers danced Playing a sad Yet beautiful song The song of the sirens Set out at sea The bewitching words Of a long forgotten curse The notes passed through His ragged body Each throb of his veins Pushed tired blood and music That begged for life And took everything From it’s living master A master who would die For his masterpiece With bleeding fingers Pressed against bone keys Each print left On the piano Left it’s bloodied print On his haunted soul But when the music Has finally left He has nothing Is nothing But a starving artist Deprived of paint He has nothing left He gave it all up For his sacred art His Bible of notes Gave his heart and soul And all else he could give But his ears to listen And his fingers to play As he cradled each new life And sent it away

This last weekend was Prom for my high school. I have to say, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Prom, but I can tell you, I don’t regret going. I had a lot of fun seeing all my friends all dressed up and beautiful. Getting ready for Prom was fun, my friends did my hair and make up and made me look pretty. I loved my dress and my shoes. Most people liked the back of my dress more than the front I think. Watching everyone hobble around in their high heels and smile for what seemed like an eternity for all the photos is something I will remember for a while. I also think I will remember for a while how much my feet hurt from standing in line for forever to get Breathalyzer. ...

I’m headed over to San Jose today for an awesome Judo clinic at Silicon Valley Judo. Japanese champion Shintaro Nakano is explaining his outstanding Seoi Nage technique to a big group of eager Judoka, including myself. Unfortunately Peel hurt himself and couldn’t participate, but my Sensei from Aptos Judo is my very capable partner.

It’s Scotts Valley High School prom night, and Monica and her friends are all dressed and ready to go. First stop is a party over at Capella’s house. Then a bunch of group shots over by the pool. I can’t believe the size of this party! But wait, there’s more action inside the house. Back at the school, everyone gets loaded into buses for the trip over to Monterey. A very nice, safe alternative way for everyone to get there and back safely. It’s good to see Joe here also. ...

The Scotts Valley Grand Prix is a brand new NCNCA bike race we’re very happy to see come to our area. Charlotte and her Kiwanis buddies are helping with the stage, food, and drinks. It’s great to see Vladan out there racing for his Bike Trip team. There’s also a great Specialized presence, though it doesn’t look like Larry was able to make it to this race. A slight finish line malfunction made for an interesting lap. ...

It’s the final track meet, and the last Gabe will ever do in Middle School. First it’s the shot put. Then it’s over to the 400m relay. And then one last chance at the discus record. Gabe’s happy with his throw, but the record falls to another guy on his team. Second place is a great placing.

I noticed you while at a park, your were just a baby standing there all alone. You didn’t seem to have any family around, but it really didn’t seem to faze you at all. For such a small child you seemed very mature. You just stood there stoically watching all the other children play, while you stood just on the outside. Truthfully you caught my interest because even though you are just a baby, I saw myself in you. I don’t know why but you fascinated me, a child so independent, pensive, and watchful. I couldn’t help but wonder who you will grow up to be. I wonder if you will lose you watchful nature and your silent seriousness as you grow, or will you forever be that person, always on the outside watching those within the norm. For now all anyone will see is a baby in a sun dress, cute and adorable, but that isn’t what I see. I see who you can be, the potential of who you will be. ...