Open Up Your Heart

The Day That Musician Died

2009-07-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2009, began just another day. As it progressed though, ensuing events amounted to "beyond sad and shocking". Even with all the past week and a half's coverage, it is still hard to wrap the brain around the reality that Michael Jackson is no longer on planet earth. Sure, the music, the dance, and the persona live on. And thank heaven for that! What an enchantment it has been to live during the MJ era. To experience such unsurpassed talent and entertainment is completely and utterly indescribable.
But the personal side of life is about overcoming obstacles and improving circumstances. Tragic as it is that he is gone too soon, the real heartbreak would seem to be the lost opportunity for him to conquer the demons that chased him. But his greatest personal legacy is the children he left behind. What if his story isn't really over until that final chapter is complete. If it is possible to proclaim the truth from the grave, then Michael's life-long quest for transformation could actually end in a shocking, transcendental victory beyond imagination. After all, the apples don't fall far from the tree. Strange as his excesses may have been, by all accounts, he was a loving father. So, just maybe, the personal success he sought and the lasting peace for which he longed may have really begun on the day that musician died.

Proposition 8

2008-09-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

We, in California, are voting in November on a ballot issue regarding the protection of the definition of marriage, which is defined as between one man and one woman. There are some voters who are afraid to support the Proposition because they fear it will make them feel and/or appear to be prejudiced against gay people. In fact, the opposite is actually the case. Most Californians believe that gays are entitled to live their lives in any way they determine appropriate. After all, it is still a free country and gays have access to pursue their own happiness. They are wished all the success in the world as they do so. Civil unions, equity in probate and hospital visitation privileges, professional and personal opportunies, and every other available freedom are already afforded, providing them an equality of American life. It is not necessary to re-define marriage. The Interfaith Coalition defends the example God established in The Creation (with the first parents, Adam and Eve) as the standard to which society should look. This is the long-standing vision of idealism which has prevailed since the beginning. It is not unreasonable that society should uphold the standard upon which it was founded. Realistically, there may be variations in that society, which is an understandable outcome of differing human characteristics and life experiences. It is completely consistent to support gay people in their efforts to pursue the American dream, while at the same time support Proposition 8 in its attempt to maintain the standard definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. I am expressing hope that all Californians would remind themselves to extend the same tolerance and acceptance towards us as they expect should be shown to them.

2008-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a long, hard, sorrowful day following the train disaster yesterday in Chatsworth, California. As a regular Metrolink rider, the emotional anquish and devastaion hits very close to home. We all know our conductors; we are familiar with our engineers; and we are neighbors with our fellow passengers. The tragedy which occurred Friday afternoon, and which has been attributed to human error, reminds me of the caution that must be used when trying to understand the meaning of such a determination - human error. Faulty signals, engineer fatigue, surrounding conditions (wind, haze, glare, etc.) are all suspect in the overall analysis of possible factors responsible for the worst train catastrophe in Los Angeles history. We may never know the actual cause but it is not unlikely that a personal calamity, such as a heart attack, seizure, choking, stroke, or other untimely infliction could have contributed to the inconceivable mortification and devastating loss experienced in that tortuous moment when two trains collided with unspeakable horror.
There were no surviving witnesses on the either train or in the surrounding vicinity who were able to observed the Metrolink engineer's reactions or behavior in the moments preceding the disaster. While there seems to be no aspersions cast, it is still unfair that there should be any hint of implication without supporting facts to determine otherwise. Tragically, the engineer might have been the victim of his own terrifying medical emergency that unfortunately lent itself to those disasterous consequences of astromomical proportions. My heart is broken and my mind aches for the familes and loved-ones who will continue to suffer indefinitely. I pray for sensitivity and compassion on all the victims of September 12, 2008.

I'll Follow You Anywhere

2008-04-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

I's sure love for everyone to check out my new song, "I'll Follow You Anywhere". Posted below are the lyrics for you to enjoy and sing along! Please visit http://www.openupyourheart.net/ for your listening pleasure!

I’ll Follow You Anywhere

(Verse)
Stars in the sky over castles in the air, I’ll follow you anywhere
Your love is like a dream, It’s a gem, oh, so rare, I’ll follow you anywhere
Now, you know, my heart skips a beat each time you draw near
I still get lost in your stare, Life’s every care - your arms all repair
I’ll follow you anywhere

(Vs)
When you lift heavy lids and you’re faintly aware, I’ll follow you anywhere
With that sleep in your eyes and your crazed, crumpled hair, I’ll still follow you anywhere
Now, you know, that grin ignites my soul’s raging fire
Then cheek to cheek our new day will flare, Oh, words can’t express this girl’s happiness - yes
I’ll follow you anywhere

(Bridge)
I, I don’t need liberating, I’m not PC, Why should I be? I am alive and I am already free
I can’t be trapped in false labels, My vows are true, each night screams “I do”
And I hear you agree

(1/2 Verse)
So we will grow old, I hope our story’s told, I’ll follow you anywhere
Now, you know, fate can deal blows and if you must go
(OK) I’ll try to find love once more, But my heart would break
For you are my eternal soul mate, I’ll follow you anywhere

I’ll follow you over the moon, I’ll follow you anywhere

© 2008

Music For The Soul

2008-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Among all the economic uncertainty today, it seems people are in need of a good stress release. Music and laughter are a couple of the greatest therapies for removal of stress and there is a site which contains both of these. Visit www.openupyourheart.com to sample uplifting songs for the soul. Digital downloads, as well as personal cd's are available, if you like what you see and hear. Also, other digital products are linked for sale. Email me when you purchase something you like and I will include a 10% rebate for any given item. In spite of all the economic turmoil, we live in the greatest age of all time and there is still a lot about which to be optimistic! Don't miss a great opportunity to take advantage of an musical experience that will inspire and cheer you. Happy tunes to you!