Authentic and Unfiltered

I can only be me. I was taught to be strong and independent as early as a three-year-old. In many ways it's a burden but it's my nature. I'm self aware and have evolved through life threatening crises and all the grace I've been blessed with. Like most of us, I am a flawed human being. I could be one jaded woman by now but I continue to yearn for certain dreams to manifest. I'm grateful for a secure roof over my head and all the friends who've helped pull me through crazy pain. Was I hoping for this time in my later years to be one of ease? Absolutely! I also hoped for progressive policy in health, the environment, rights, and education... to name a few. Instead, we've gone backwards and devolved into a weird and dark cult. I, along with many others, feel our instincts calling us to use our fierce and smart voices from the knowledge we have and for the soul of this battered country. I am who I am and it's impossible for me to go about with blinders on. I do all I can to stay in the moment and control what I can control. God knows, I'm ready for fun and adventures. It's been too long since I've had any kind of break because I'm too busy fighting dragons personally and on behalf of the world over.

Dad, who's first overseas travel at the age of nineteen brought him to Europe to fight against tyranny in WWII. He reminded me until his early death to stand up for what's right and fight for what I believe in. I will be at the "No Kings" protest in Santa Barbara Saturday June 14th. People nationwide will be protesting and I'm thrilled that it's on the same day as the dick dictator's military parade. It says it all. The chaos and destruction is distraction as he and the loyalists ignore his criminal acts and follow project 2025 to authoritarianism full-stop. It is the administration of corruption and cruelty with no checks and balances. We no longer have the luxury to sit on the sidelines. It's a matter of morals, a matter of life and death, a matter of becoming the United States of America again who holds the statue of liberty in high esteem.

Summer is nearly here and I will be busy. I'm doing a reading in Ojai with my micro essay "Does God Visit Santa Barbara" from the anthology, Women in a Golden State. I've also agreed to be a compeer for a fellow with the Music Academy summer program. It's my third year being a compeer to a prodigy fellow. The kickoff is June 17th and it runs until August 9th.These young international musicians that apply and accepted for the program are the best of the best. It's been a delight. If you live in SB or nearby, check out all the summer events at the Music Academy. The Master Classes are so interesting. There are also outdoor picnics and concerts. My fellow is a violinist (all three have been violinists) and I will be attending her master class, as well as concerts she'll be playing in and weekly coffee meetups.

I hope peace and democracy will reign once again in this broken country one way or another.

What will your summer be like? What do you hope to do for fun and what might you have the desire to accomplish? If you want to attend the "No Kings Day" massive nationwide protest, check out your local paper. Here's a quick blurb about it: “The mass, nationwide protest is aimed at rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy,” Indivisible Santa Barbara said.

During these unprecedented times, women need to stand up together, speak out, and provide safe spaces to be who they are and know what your rights are. This includes women's health care and a right to choose, rejecting misogyny and sexual predators everywhere, including all throughout this administration. I'm here and available to connect with. It will be women that will get us back to sanity and effect progressive and compassionate change on an endless amount of issues. I'll be at the protest in SB--Protesters will gather on the beach side of Cabrillo Boulevard to create a human chain stretching along the sidewalk from Calle Cesar Chavez to Castillo Street and beyond.

Speaking of women, the anthology I'm published in amongst 175 talented California women of a certain age, is a great read. Consider purchasing this book for $20, which supports a local press. It also makes a lovely gift. Click on the book and it will bring you to the Gunpowder Press bookshop.

Take care and keep in touch. I wish everyone a sunny summer.

Keep on swimming through life,

Valerie Anne