How to Video - how to turn Max into Mommy... Abracadabra

I end up spending lots of time with Max when everyone else is busy with their stuff. I must say it is quite a treat. So we do lots of our stuff... included in this is making videos it seems. Today while at Blue Canoe Coffee and Tea we came up with a game where we change each other into other people. It is pretty tricky so don't be surprised if Max turns you into something next time you see him. Enjoy!

Singing and Dancing for Peace!

Events are always better when shared with those you love!

Today I had the pleasure of marching for peace with my wife, youngest son and his girl friend.

The pleasure was being able to not only join with what is estimated to be 30,000 people committed to peace but also to spend time with three of the most incredible people I know.

I am so thankful for all the work the organizers did to pull this event off. They were able to get all those independent minded peace groups together for a common cause. For a day 30,000 people marched in unity for 2 miles through the streets of San Francisco in a peaceful demonstration of defiance.

Because we were with two young people of color we were asked to join the front of the march. This was great because this was where the action was. For the entire two hours of the march we sang, chanted, protested with a "die-in" in respect for those who have died, and we danced (you can get a feel for the dance in the video of my son and a strolling troubadour).



I would love to tell you more about my son and his girl friend but this is my blog and not their's. It is enough to say that I feel very good about putting the future of our world in the hands of young people like them. They are smart, passionate and committed to causes of justice for those who are being left behind and besides, they make everything we do more fun. (again, check out the video)

I guess the very best best part of the day though was getting to spend time with my wife doing something we both feel so strongly about. I don't know how I got so lucky to find a partner who shares my values and my heart.

I am glad I made that promise to my grandkids this summer to speak out against the insanity of these past 5 years of war. I hope they will be inspired by what we have done to join with us when it is their time to stand up and try to make a difference for good.

Reporting, with tired feet, from my small place in the world.

join us on the march this saturday - October 27

This coming Saturday I will be joining with some of my family as we marching with 1000s of people from the San Francisco Civic Center to Dolores Park. You can get more information about this national event here.

I know this will not stop the war in Iraq but I do feel our leaders need to know that many American's want them to find a new way to bring about peace in our world. As a Christian I believe I need to stand up for what I believe. I what our leaders to know that I will vote for them if they take the risk of standing up for peace.

I also know I will not agree with everything that is being said by people who speak out at the march but I do join them in seeking a new way of peace.

If you would like to join us in the march give me a call. We will be meeting at the North Berkeley BART at 9:30am on Saturday. 510-435-4264

preparing to march in my small little place in the world

Family Traditions - Sea Ranch

I am on vacation at The Sea Ranch with my family. What an wonderful Family and wonderful place.

About the people...
This yearly family event has grown from the eight original members twenty years ago to it present form including; three in-law kids, three grandkids and a significant other. Two of our kids have had their weddings on the coastal bluffs adding to the memories of the place. I am so proud of all our kids and the people they have chosen to live their lives with. They are a wonderfully diverse collection of social activist. We have a passion for seeking the wellbeing of children in our world which leads to a concern for families and justice issues (political, environmental, international etc.)

WE ARE

vegetarian EDUCATOR social worker designer Hispanic Student photographer Portuguese musician FUNNY church worker ARTIST guitarist multicultural trainer farmer horticulturalist African American

About the place...
Myrna and I found The Sea Ranch when we were on our honeymoon twenty years ago. The Sea Ranch is a second home/vacation community located on the Pacific Coast about 100 miles north of San Francisco. We knew it would be important for us to find traditions for our new blended family and rented a little house for our family to stay in the next summer. Little did we know how vacationing at The Sea Ranch would become such an important part of our life together. For twenty years we have spent about a week together here each summer.

The Sea Ranch has a long history going back to the Pomo Indians. When a vision for a new community was being developed Lawrence Halprin, renowned landscape architect, drew on the Pomo Indian's earlier philosophy, "live lightly on the land," in his contribution to the overall master plan for the development. The Sea Ranch lifestyle is guided by The Sea Ranch Association and says this about this place...

The Sea Ranch is a rugged landscape, dotted with distinctive homes, that extends for about ten miles on either side of Highway One in coastal Sonoma County, California. The building design constitutes an architectural vernacular that is world-renowned. Its hallmark is the attempt to blend man-made structures with their natural setting, and to live lightly on the land.

The Sea Ranch (Rancho Del Mar) is such an amazing place for our family. Our days revolve around eating, hiking, swimming, beach combing, sunsets, eating, driving to town (Gualala), table games, DVDs, reading, laughing, Two Fish Bakery, after dinner walks, and of course - eating.

Reporting from my not so little place in the world