Enlightenment...quote by Julian Ayrs!

Throw the clutter

of

the mind

to the wind

So,

the seeds

of

enlightment

may

spring forth

and

blossom!

Julian Ayrs

Zen Thoughts

Collection of Poems

San Francisco

(2011)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Garden of the clear stream...quaint meditation garden in Japan Town (Los Angeles)...

Earth Hour...who turned out the lights?

Tonight, Citizens of Planet Earth, are being asked to come together in a call for action on climate change in a novel way!

And, if the buzz is bang on - hundreds of millions of humanoids, business owners, global corporations (governments, too) - will answer the urgent plea for a raise in conciousness.

How will that lofty goal be accomplished?

By turning off lights for one hour tonight (March 27th) @ 8:30 p.m.

"You will be making the switch to a cleaner - more secure nation - and prosperous America," assert the organizers.

In essence, Earth Hour plans to send a crystal clear message to Nations around the globe, that Americans care about the global warming  issues - and  ultimately - want to to "turn the lights out" on the nasty trend to ignore dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil, and the costs involved with a clean up.

Since its inception three years ago, Earth Hour’s visionary concept has become a reality.

Nearly one billion people flipped off the switch for Earth Hour in 2009.

Amazingly, 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents rose to the occasion, to become part of a growing global phenomenon.

Now, if the organizers could just get everyone to chant "OM" at the top of the Earth Hour, the whole planet would be truly humming.

I plan to to meditate!

How 'bout you?

OM!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Sweet Surrender...quaint San Francisco cafe gathering spot! Scrumptuous treats..

That's damn good tea!

Delicious Delectable Desserts

When I was up in San Francisco last week, I was fortunate to stumble on a quaint little cafe (on Market Street just shy of Castro) known as "Sweet Surrender".

For the most part, the locals tend to pop in for coffee (cafe au lait is my own first choice) and a mouth-watering dessert (delicious!) as they chat up friends.

For those who are inclined to sit back and ponder the world as the glorious parade passes by on the busy city steet outside, there are two large bay windows to gaze out of.

Personally, I tended to plunk myself down by a small water fountain, where I found the sound of the trickling water quite therapeutic.

Just recently, I learned that the bakery has been opened since 1962!

So, a number of notables, may have passed through those doors (Harvey Milk, for starters).

Although there is an inviting refrigerated display case brimming with fancy tarts that pack a high-calorie whallop, Sweet Surrender is known for eye-catching specialty cakes, which may be ordered up at their web site.

The "kids" who man the counter are easy-going and polite and a definite asset to the cozy little respite from it all.

If you're a people-watcher, then breeze in on weekend nights, when the java house is packed with a lot of eye candy!.

It's often been said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Here, the old truism appears to rule the day!

Oftentimes, as I sipped on a piping-hot cup of tea and checked my e-mail, my nostrils were assailed by the tantalizing aroma of fresh-baked goods (after all, the kitchen is on site).

Yummy!

By the way, a small purchase will rustle you up two free hours of WiFi, too.

Munch on delectable treats as you cruise the internet satisfying a hunger of a different order.

Through my own satisfying experience, I have found that the cafe is one of the most relaxing places to do just that, you betcha.

Enjoy!

The owners display local artists' work each month!

Dallas...Cancer Plaza: A tribute of hope! Richard & Annette Bloch Angels of light...

After AFI Dallas wrapped, I wiled away a few days checking out the local tourist hot-spots downtown.

At Pegasus Square (Main & Akard) a picturesque little park with fresh-water brooks tumbling over whimsical water sculptures - bore an inscription on a rock face which was inspiring.

"Where the hoof of Pegasus hits the ground a well springs forth and the muses come to dance and sing."

But, I was just as touched by a well-manicured patch of greenery a few city blocks away, that I stumbled on later that afternoon amid the seemingly endless hustle and bustle of the downtown core.

The park - Cancer Plaza - was donated by two kind-hearted souls - Richard & Annette Bloch - in a bold-faced effort to raise the consciousness about the killer disease.

With that in mind, the Blochs set informative plaques about the aesthetically-pleasing square, to enlighten passers-by about a course of action to take in order to save the lives of those stricken.

In addition, a couple of sculptures have been installed, to better educate the affliced and their families.

For example, a five-hundred pound granite ball rotates continually in a fountain base at one end of the square.

The Blochs explain that the granite "object" is not unlike a "mass" of cancer cells that are constantly "on the move" in the human body.

Across the way, a striking sculpture consisting of five figures and a maze-like structure, commands attention.

The artist explained the concept.

"Five figures represent cancer patients and their supporters preparing for treatment (represented by the maze) . For this reason, there are expressions of fear, determination and hope on their faces."

"In contrast, three figures at the front of the art piece are joyous, because treatment has been successful."

Here and there about the tranquil setting - in support of the "Tribute to Hope" - the Blochs have not only provided up-to-the-minute facts on "cancer", but also a raft of helpful tips on how to combat cancer on levels beyond physical therapy with drugs.

For instance, it is noted that patients should consider meditation - with the ultimate aim of calming their nerves and reducing anxiety - since a progression of cancer may be triggered by stress-related conditions that adversely affect the immune system.

A regimen of good health, in tandem with a healthy diet, is also urged.

For those who may be overwhelmed, or at a loss to muster up self-help programs on their own to experiment with, the Blochs have provided a 24-hour 800 number to call for assistance.

Info: 1-800-433-0464

http://www.julianayrs.com

*Dedicated to Thelma