Category Archives: News and Serious Stuff

For These Apocalyptical Times: Amazing Grace | Leon Russell

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Did you attend a #NoKings event in your area? In my little beachy town, I heard there were 15,000+ attendees, which is amazing. I wish I could have been there but I wasn’t feeling great; hopefully it’s just seasonal allergies and nothing more serious, so I didn’t go this time.

I still can’t wrap my head around where we are in this country; how our liberties are being decimated and the rights of women are becoming more and more non-existent, almost to the brutal point of Sharia Law extremism, and there doesn’t seem to be a solution or an end to the loss of democracy–or any adherence to the rule of law.

Even though I’m not at all mainstream religious and never have been, there’s a certain yearning to search for a rational reason to explain a deep sense of foreboding and the meaning of this unholy collective evil, like why is this universal dark night of the soul happening NOW? Is Wetiko an answer to the question?

So… it’s time for a little Leon Russell. If you know, you know.

One does not simply “listen to” or “hear” Leon’s music, it’s something you FEEL, deep in your soul on a cellular level. And THAT is the essence of faith, right?

He is SO beautiful…those eyes! The camera certainly loves him, too… the closeups are so CLOSE, lol.

Energy is Powerful

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National Candle Association

There was a mysterious blackout in SoCal Thursday night, from North San Diego County all the way up to Orange County. More than 100,00 people unexpectedly lost power at around 7:40 p.m.

The electric company simply said it was “under investigation” with no reported reason for the outage.

Of course, there are lots of theories floating around on social media, including an attack on our power grid or an EMP (ElectroMagnetic Pulse), which is a sudden burst of energy that disrupts or destroys electronics.

“A high-altitude EMP attack could paralyze the power grid and communications”.

From Reddit: “Most likely someone hacked into the control/management system and brought down the entire system from northern San Diego to South OC.”

State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have not issued any statements regarding the incident, more than 12 hours after two of California's most populous areas lost power - which is home to more than six million people. Moreover, the state's Office of Emergency Services did not even acknowledge a large-scale blackout had taken place, with the agency's website and social media accounts making no mention of the incident as of Friday morning. Despite the complete absence of communication from state officials, residents in the blackout zone captured frightening video of drivers speeding along pitch-black roads with no traffic lights or street lamps working.
'California is having a night straight out of a disaster movie,' one person said on social media. --Daily Mail

It’s a good thing I have so many candles; it was actually quite lovely to sit in silence and flickering candlelight until, suddenly, without warning, the power came back on.

Here’s the meaningless word salad response from the electric company:
“Early information indicates the event originated on the regional transmission system, which serves multiple communities across SDG&E’s service area. In response to grid conditions, built-in safety measures briefly interrupted service to help protect the larger electric grid.

We are supporting the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s electric grid, in their review of system performance. We know outages are disruptive, and the safety of our customers, employees, and communities remains our top priority.”

None of that really answers any of our questions, and as I wonder what the REAL story is, I suggest that we all stock up on candles and generators and power banks, just to be prepared for any future eventuality.

What Does The Vernal Equinox and Chuck Norris Have In Common?

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Answer: Probably nothing…

We’re still reeling from record-breaking heat in SoCal on this first day of Spring. Flowers and fruit trees are going crazy because the heat has altered their normal growth cycle.

The Spring Equinox (or Vernal Equinox) symbolizes a spiritual rebirth; marking the balance of light and dark, rebirth and renewal. It represents a shift from winter’s stagnation to active growth to encourage reflection, letting go of old burdens, and setting new intentions for the year ahead. 

In a weird way, I guess this might explain the death of Chuck Norris.

I learned that Chuck Norris, actor and martial artist, passed away at the age of 86 in Hawaii.

He held black belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo. He was friends with the legendary Bruce Lee and acted as a pallbearer at his funeral.

But way before he became a loud and vocal Repub and supported that orange POS and the disgusting Obama “birther conspiracy”, I was cast in one of his films.

I spent a few days with him on set and he was a real gentleman, respectful and kind to everyone, including me.

It was a treat to watch him choreograph fight scenes. I also met some of the other stars including the veryvery handsome Ron O’Neal, with whom I was involved in a stunt that was sadly cut from the final product.

It’s a shame that Chuck chose the path he did because social media is remembering him harshly, which is not a surprise, considering the ideologies he championed are actively ruining our country. He will be judged for all of those failings, and that, I suppose, is his karma.

Happy Spring!

Peach tree photo credit to Enchanted Seashells
Photo of Chuck Norris from Instagram

International Women’s Day 2026: “When women thrive, we all rise.”

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I say it every year, but this is more than simply a day to celebrate Angel Boy’s TENTH birthday, March 8 is International Women’s Day 2026.

“When women thrive, we all rise.” The initiative highlights that empowering women brings collective progress.

This year’s theme is “Give To Gain”, a campaign that urges collaboration and generosity to accelerate gender equality.

The theme highlights that by giving support—through funding, knowledge, or advocacy—we gain a more inclusive world. 

The campaign encourages taking concrete actions, such as investing in women, providing resources, increasing visibility, and fostering mentorship.

Of course we’ll commemorate Angel Boy’s ten years around the sun, especially since this is the year he becomes a double-digiter. No longer a baby, he enters the world of the pre-teen with my same shoe size and he’s nearly as tall as me. I predict by the end of summer, he’ll have surpassed my sixty inches. Happy Birthday, Angel Boy!

Belated Super Bowl Thoughts

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It’s a bit late I guess, but better late than never, right? Did you watch?

Since I am now compelled to be on Team Seattle Seahawks and this was such a special day, I proudly wore a Seahawks hat, shirt, and sweatshirt to fully REPRESENT!

It was a slow start and we were all wondering who would eventually score.

The halftime show with Bad Bunny was amazing with the perfect message of Latin unity and love: “Together, We Are America” displayed on a football, and the uplifting quote: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love”.

The second half was all Seahawks and we were ecstatic.

The final score was 29-13. The right team won the Superbowl. Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker III were superstars.

The Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX victory parade took place on Wednesday in downtown Seattle, drawing an estimated 700,000 to 1 million fans.

In a world where sordid and evil depravity is coming to light, the innocence of rooting for a sports team is even more valued.

Go ‘Hawks!

Check out this time-lapse of the Super Bowl Victory Parade:

(And if the rumors are true that the Seahawks declined a visit to the White House, that’s even more of a WIN!)


Snow Moon Rising

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The Snow Moon rises today, glowing bright against the muted light of late winter.

For generations, people knew February’s full moon as the Snow Moon. It marked the coldest stretch of winter, a time of survival, patience, and quiet strength.

The name carries both starkness and hope: a reminder that even when the world feels still and silent, the earliest signs of new life are gathering beneath the surface.

Traditionally, the Snow Moon symbolised patience, resilience, and the slow, quiet preparation for spring.

Endurance – moving steadily through challenging seasons
Clarity – winter stripping things back to what truly matters
Renewal – the subtle beginnings of new energy forming beneath the surface
Trust – believing in cycles even when progress is hidden

Winter’s stillness can feel stark, but it also helps us see what matters, and what doesn’t. This full moon encourages us to slow down, conserve our energy, and prepare internally for the new cycle ahead.

The Snow Moon invites gentle reflection:

Where can you soften your grip?
Where can you let stillness support you?
Where might rest be the medicine you’ve been avoiding?

From the Serendipity Corner
Photo from Pinterest

Silence is Healing

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“When I am silent, I fall into the place where everything is music.” — Rumi

Whew, it’s definitely time for a Rumi quote to bring down sky high BP.

Today is Martin Luther King Day and that petty psychopathic orange POS removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days for our national parks and replaced them with days like Flag Day (his birthday).

My governor, California’s Governor Newsom, countered by making over 200 California State Parks free on MLK Day.

Enjoy this silent and stark tree from Mt. San Jacinto near Palm Springs, California.

Silence is healing.

Photo by Enchanted Seashells

K Pop Demon Hunters

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First it was a unicorn obsession, now it’s this…have you heard of K Pop Demon Hunters? It’s a global phenomenon.

K Pop Demon Hunters

Up until a couple months ago, I never had heard of them, but it became front and center on my radar because of Angel Girl and what she wanted for Christmas and Hanukkah.

That’s all she asked for–ANYTHING Demon Hunter-related, and those are the songs she wants to listen to (NOT Leon Russell lolz), which meant I had to educate myself FAST so I would know what it’s all about.

K-pop stands for Korean Pop, referring to popular music originating from South Korea, known for its blend of diverse musical styles (pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic) and highly visual, performance-focused productions, often featuring idol groups with synchronized choreography and elaborate fashion. It’s more than just a genre; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a massive global following. 

KPop Demon Hunters is about a world-famous K-pop girl group — Huntrix — who secretly use their music and powers to fight demons and maintain the magical barrier (Honmoon) protecting the human world. Their mission becomes complicated when a rival demon boy band, the Saja Boys, tries to steal their fans’ souls, especially as one member, Rumi, grapples with being half-demon herself. The film blends K-pop, action, comedy, and Korean folklore, exploring themes of self-acceptance, shame, and finding strength in community, all set against the backdrop of a musical battle for humanity’s souls. 

Some online pearl clutcher types have expressed concern about of the Demon Hunters messages but there are far more important things to worry about in this world, in my opinion. I’m not all that happy about the merchandising aspect of it, but I’ll support what the Angel Kids like, whether it’s unicorns or skateboarding, ‘cos that’s what grandmas do.

Angel Girl’s favorite character is Zoey, and I was able to procure a Zoey bobblehead that she adored, along with some of the figures to hang on her backpack, and posters for her bedroom wall. Other family members gifted her with sweatshirts and clothing, so I think she’s a happy Angel Girl.

And now you know about as much as I do about K pop Demon Hunters. Let’s just hope I can figure out how to create a Demon Hunter birthday cake when it’s that time again…

Is It Rude To Dispose of Your Dog’s Poop in Someone Else’s Trash Can?

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Yes. It’s rude. It’s disgusting and stinky and gross and can be left behind when the trash is emptied. 

Somebody keeps throwing their dog poop bags in my trash can. It occurs after I put the cans out before our regular pick up day.

THIS time I saw who did it only they ran away and I wasn’t able to follow them, but that proves they were obviously aware of their stupid action. I didn’t recognize the neighbor OR his dog, so I don’t know who it is.

I fished the VERY FULL bag of poop out of my trash can and left it on the curb.

I can’t understand why it’s so hard for someone to just take THEIR poop home. It’s not mine and I don’t want it. Don’t get a dog if you can’t handle carrying a poop bag. It’s poor etiquette as well as being lazy and RUDE, perhaps illegal.

While not explicitly a separate criminal offense in all cases, putting dog poop in someone else’s private residential bin in Carlsbad without their permission is a form of unauthorized dumping or theft of services, and it could lead to legal fines or civil action. 

  • Unauthorized Use: Trash collection is a paid private service to the homeowner, so using their bin without consent is essentially using their property and services without permission. This can cause issues for the homeowner, such as the bin reaching maximum weight limits, which could result in extra fees.
  • Carlsbad Municipal Code: Carlsbad, like many California cities, requires dog owners to immediately clean up and properly dispose of their pet’s waste in a trash receptacle. The law emphasizes that disposal must be done appropriately.
  • Illegal Dumping Statutes: Under California Penal Code § 374.3 PC, it is a crime to dump “waste matter” on private property without the owner’s consent. While this is usually an infraction with a fine, repeated offenses or significant amounts of waste can escalate the penalties.
  • Nuisance and Trespassing: The act of walking onto a private driveway or property to deposit waste without permission can also be considered trespassing or a public nuisance. 

In short, it is considered inconsiderate and can be illegal. The proper disposal method is to use your own trash bin or a public pet waste station. 

It’s not just about me. This behavior tells me you don’t care about our public workers at all. You’re fine with the trash folks having to handle bins that are lined with excrement.

In the summer time it turns into a shit soup that reeks to high heaven. It disgusts me that some of my neighbors have no respect for ME or the people who literally do your dirty work.

A little Googling reveals that this seems to be a frustrating and RUDE problem everywhere, not just in my community, as it’s essentially illegal dumping and disrespectful. 

Here are some solutions that are offered online:

Simple and Non-Confrontational:

  • Signs: Place a clear sign on the lid saying “No Dog Poop” or “Not a Public Bin”. 
  • Relocate Bin: Keep your bin in a garage or fenced yard until collection day to make it less accessible. 
  • Physical Barriers: Use a heavy brick on the lid or a bungee cord/strap to keep it shut. 

More Direct Solutions:

  • Talk to Neighbors: Politely explain the issue; they may not realize how bothersome it is. 
  • Bin Locks: Invest in a lockable strap or padlock for your bin. 
  • Security Camera: A camera can deter offenders and provide evidence if needed. 

Last Resort:

  • Check Local Laws: Some areas have ordinances against using private bins for public waste; contact your local council. 
  • Document & Report: If it continues, you can document it and report it as illegal dumping to local authorities. 

Is this a problem where you live? How do you deal with it? I’d love to hear any suggestions…

Winter Solstice and Mother’s Night 2025

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Mother’s Night (Mōdraniht) is an ancient Germanic/Anglo-Saxon tradition, celebrated on the eve of the Winter Solstice, marking the first night of Yule to honor ancestral mothers, female deities like Frigg, and the divine feminine, to focus on nurturing, protection, and rebirth. It’s a solemn yet festive night for remembrance, offerings, and connecting with life’s cycles, often involving candles, feasts, and rituals for the “Disir” (mother spirits). 

The first thing that comes to my mind is to honor my very own Mother Spirit with some yummy chocolate, so I will!

Winter solstice —
the farthest touch
of dark.
The sun’s been
arching back,
breathing behind the clouds,
taking its time,
waiting
for you, too. –Tanya Markul

❄

Here are a few positive affirmations to greet this winter solstice:

❄ Embrace the Darkness – I welcome the darkness, for within it lies the seeds of new beginnings.
❄ Find Inner Light – I am a beacon of light, radiating warmth and positivity even in the coldest of times.
❄ Release and Renew – I release what no longer serves me, making space for growth and transformation.
❄ Connect with Nature – I am attuned to the rhythms of the Earth, finding harmony in its cycles.
❄ Cultivate Gratitude – I am grateful for the lessons of the past and the opportunities of the future.


Curated from rebeccadouglas.co.uk