On the path…June

June has proven to be an incredibly pivotal month for me. Especially as I am working more and musical opportunities arise here in L.A. . Everything going personally for me has centered around the Fellini’s Raincoat tape transfer. It has been the backdrop and the stirring for other events taking place this month.

-The Joshua Tree trip which I’ve explained here. A short but meaningful, dare I say spiritual, 60 hours.

-Japanese Punk music in Little Tokyo, where I met the guys of ‘Los Denudos’ and the women of ‘Jean Paul Yamamoto’, a new wave trio with the biggest head dressings I’ve ever seen.

-The passing of Reverand Jeanette Glass, who I only knew a short time. Much repspect to you Reverand Jeanette. She showed incredible grace through her treatments and I saw how she maintained a positive outlook and gratitude during this time. Since March of this year things progressed quickly for her. In the most appropriate way and intention, I’m glad her suffering is over.

-Amma - An Indian guru who has the humanitarian heart of Mother Teresa. She spreads her message of compassion and hope by giving hugs. I wanted to experience what a room full of people waiting to receive a hug was like. It was nice experience, full of color, music, and kind people. I spent the rest of that day in Santa Monica at the beach reading a book about forgiveness.

-Little Leauge. The chapter of taking care of autistic kids ended abruptly when my kid broke his foot. This also ended my Little League adventure. His mother wanted me to stay on to help him with his recovery. I respectfully declined as opportunities in Valencia began accelerating.

-The Police at Dodger Stadium - I bought tickets off Craig’s List and walked down the hill to join, what I will refer to from now on as, my 21styear High School Reunion. Me, Timmo and 55,000 other Gen Xrs.

The music was well done, and Sting, Stewart and Andy looked excited to be there which made all the difference. All that energy they were known for was there that night.

Songs like “Walking in Your Footsteps, and “Synchronicity ii” were particularly good from my vantage point.

In typical Gen Xr fashion any attempt at a stadium wave was quickly ignored. By the time the Police sang “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” people were standing up dancing in the bleachers as if we were at a huge pep rally.

John Hughes would’ve been proud.

So it’s been a big month. A lot of things to synthesize and draw from. As today marks my 1st year of living in L.A. I’m going to go to work a few hours, then take the bus downtown to watch a free screening of the “Chicago 10″

Thanks for checking in.

Stephen A. Thomas

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