| Wednesday, November 28, 2007 |  |
| His, Her, Our Love Story | 0 comments |
| 28 Nov 2007 @ 03:21 This is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Simple Brilliance. From a dialogue on relationships How do you explain the unexplainable, the mysteries of the heart taking us by surprise? I have a very scientific mind and sometimes all I can do is throw my hands up in the air and acquiesce that most of my existence is a great mystery. I trust in Life, in the Universe and am very clear that we co-create, sometimes procreate with it. There is always an opportunity for us to awaken, to heal. In essence I know you know we are all One; that separation is an illusion; that human-kind is a singular organism similar to a beehive and individuation psychologically is necessary to function in physical reality. When it comes to Oneness, we have simply forgotten. Yet, here in physical reality, if we choose to ignore the nature of the multi-verse, our his/herstories get pushed to the forefront as our personalities try to stay in control in an uncontrollable reality. We are a reflection of chaos self-organizing itself. My fears, your fears (based on our stories, our past experience, and the conclusions we have drawn and worldviews we have adopted from our fear based lives) are what keep us from knowing Love. What are we afraid of? Being alone, vanishing in the immensity that Love is, losing our sense of self, taking responsibility for the truth that we can never possess or control another, the realization that when we try we to control others we also wound ourselves as well. For many people, once this is realized there is no turning back, from Truth that is, from the knowing that freedom is found when we understand, accept and embrace our fears. We were born as ecstatic, joyful entities. Joy has never left us. We have simply distracted ourselves by believing in our story and believing we are powerless to change it. More > |
| Tuesday, October 3, 2006 | |
| Sign Sign everywhere a sign... | 2 comments |
| 3 Oct 2006 @ 17:04 Sign Sign everywhere a sign Sign Sign everywhere a sign Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign And the sign said anybody caught trespassing would be shot on sight So I jumped on the fence and yelled at the house, Hey! what gives you the right To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in If God was here, he'd tell you to your face, man you're some kinda sinner (c) Five Man Electrical Band Well, this time the shoe is on the other foot. My foot. Living in the serenity and sanctity of Matilija Canyon for almost seven years now (not a long time for the residents who have called this home for decades, accepting fire and flood as part of their relationship with nature) I have been fortunate to experience life in various locations throughout the canyon. In 1999 I moved from Los Angeles, up canyon, close to the Dent House. For five years I studied the terrain, cultivated gardens, became familiar with seasons and learned of the pre-European Chumash culture and their continued devotion to this land. Since then, I have lived briefly, for one year, in the center portion of the canyon and now for the last six months given the responsibility and honor of stewarding and caregiving one of the most pristine and historical environments in the Ojai Valley. Though a "nature lover" and preserver during childhood, (in Junior High I was asked by my science instructor to join the environmental club. After school we planned eco-fairs for the campus and took field trips to places such as the landfill in the Santa Monica mountains) since moving to Ojai, I have become more immersed in the theories, methods and lifestyle of sustainability. At times failing and also celebrating my successes in sustaining land, livlihood and relationship. Ojai has become for me an important "real time" social experiment, as I experience myself and others balance nature, commerce, diversity and, at times, culture clash. The sign(s) posted on the roadside demarcate an area of the land, once public yet since 1988 rezoned as private, which fall within my stewardship. For at least three generations the families of Ojai, and visitors, have come here to take refuge during the hot summer months and take advantage of the swimming. Unfortunately, in my brief role as conservator, take advantage IS what some seem to do. Not one to enjoy policing, micro-managing, or outright harassing others, the last few months of summer left me in a quandry. How do I respect the lineage of Ojai who has enjoyed this river oasis while also protecting the land (and safety of the people) from pollution, broken glass, inebriated clumsiness, spray paint and gang activity? More > |
| Saturday, December 17, 2005 | |
| Sample Chapter Uploaded | 1 comment |
| 17 Dec 2005 @ 00:55 I've recently began writing my book called Simple Brilliance:A Conscious Approach To Re-membering and Re-DiscoveringYour True Nature I've posted the Preface and first completed chapter, The Way of the Open Heart. You can download the pdf here: Simple Brilliance More > |
| Monday, June 27, 2005 | |
| The Deoxyribonucleic Hyperdimension | 2 comments |
| 27 Jun 2005 @ 16:24 The Deoxyribonucleic Hyperdimension website is now back up and functioning after some challeging server changeover escapades. It's better than ever now. More > |
| Monday, September 22, 2003 | |
| Ceremonial Gourd Rattles | 2 comments |
 22 Sep 2003 @ 12:14I wanted to share this article that the American Gourd Society featured in one of their membership newsletters. This and a recent HGTV airing have been highlights for me in, not only sharing my art, but the message I want to convey through this medium. My love of the Earth, ancient culture, Goddess and Her reawakening in modern consciousness. Again, I want to thank Letecia Layson for her love, mentoring and scholarship. The website to view some of my work is Creekside Crafts. ----------------------------------------------------- (reprinted from The American Gourd Society newsletter, August 2000) CEREMONIAL GOURD RATTLES "There are many styles and explorations in my approach to art, writing, music and sound, yet the core is always my experience of what I call Spirit or Source in my life. Nature has always been an inspiration to me and a great teacher.Thus, all of my artistic endeavors express this relationship I have with Her." Inspired by research of ancient cultures throughout Europe and the Americas, these ceremonial gourd rattles are hand drawn, carved and woodburned with pottery images dating from 5000 - 1500 BC. It is my hope that I have captured the beauty and detail of the original. The rattles are custom crafted from organically grown canteen gourds, approximately 5-6 inches in diameter. The handles are fitted from branches of poplar, oak, rose, redwood or yucca. The feathers, some of which are color dyed, are pheasant and peacock. The leather is dyed cowhide. Inside, a combination of elements: rice, corn, beans, river stone, even crystal is used to give each rattle its' unique voice. I also include sage, sweetgrass and other elements to enhance the gourd. The average height of each rattle is 15 inches. Each Ceremonial Gourd Rattle is made to personal specifications. In this way you can choose the patterns, image and color combination that you desire. Using the information from your birth date, we also fill the gourd with a precise number of ingredients to enhance your experience. There are many styles and explorations in my approach to art, writing, music and sound, yet the core is always my experience of what I call Spirit or Source in my life. Nature has always been an inspiration to me and a great teacher. Thus, all of my artistic endeavors express the relationship I have with Her. I am located in Ojai, California. It is just south of Santa Barbara and inland from Ventura. I live 5 miles back in a secluded canyon with the Los Padres National Forest as my backyard. I live with my beautiful partner Letecia, who is the person that initially taught me to make gourd rattles and who has been filling in my knowledge base about Old European culture; the thematic designs on the rattles. We have a life dedicated to self-sustaining practices, which encompasses permaculture (we grow our own food, use well water, will soon have solar energy), and activism. I knew right away that I wanted to focus some attention on making gourd rattles and because I have a distaste for co-opting others traditions, I looked towards my own lineage (Polish and Ukrainian) and discovered a wealth of information on the culture, as expressed in their artwork, and Spiritual traditions. The patterns I use, come from all parts of Old Europe dating from 5000 -1500 B.C. and some older. These are pre-patriarchal cultures whose beliefs centered around the Goddess, meaning a focus on seasonal cycles, moon cycles, birth/death/regeneration cycles, life passages etc. (See my website www.creeksidecrafts.com for the sources of my information, particularly Marija Gimbutas.) Women were much more empowered to participate in leadership roles and as the author Riane Eisler states, they were cultures that were based on partnership rather than dominance models. So the ancient pottery designs I use on my rattles represent the symbolic language that reflects the values of the Neolithic cultures of Europe. Because this is my personal lineage, I feel particularly drawn to these images. Therefore, these rattles serve several functions, personal tools for ceremony, fine art and an educational resource about Old Europe. I was first attracted to canteen gourds because of the simplicity of their form, which lent themselves perfectly to the mandala type pottery patterns that I am working with. As I have begun to sprout and grow my own gourd patch, I am gaining a deeper appreciation of the Spirit of the plant as well. The rattles I am making cannot only be perceived as three dimensional art, but personal ceremonial or ritual tools as well. The patterns themselves are teachers and through delving deeper into their lineage, those of us with European genealogy, can come to know a more complete picture of our Old European his/herstory. I give special thanks to Letecia Layson for sharing her knowledge of gourd crafting and wisdom of the Goddess culture. Her support is and has been invaluable. I also owe a great debt to Marija Gimbutas for her breakthrough research and generosity in sharing her discoveries and conclusions." Other than the fact that Letecia introduced me to gourd craft, there are many factors that keep me exploring this medium; the variant textures and colors of each gourd, the longevity of gourds themselves (there have been Egyptian gourd vases found upwards to 10,000 years old, in perfect condition), the wonderful smell during the wood burning process and now the relationship I have with the plants themselves as the new seedlings begin to grow. The challenge now is to share the work as much as possible and have that aspect be a creative outlet as well. It's been exciting to see the international interest in this subject and my craft. My gourds have found homes in Canada, Germany and West Africa thus far. Letecia and I would like to have gallery showings and have them be classes about Old European Goddess culture. She is a scholar, researcher and facilitator for events and conferences on this subject matter. Raymond's love of music and lyric writing began in his early teens. At age, fifteen he had begun his recording endeavors leading to the culmination of several releases on his own independent label, Paradise Boutique Records. He completed his studies in voice and composition at California State University at Northridge. His love of world culture and music inspired him to create two global compilations for K-Tel Records and to include a myriad of ethnic instruments in his own compositions. He has developed a unique musical style with Native American Flute, voice, world percussion and technology. Raymond has produced many artists and composed for film, video, and television. Throughout the years, his endeavors have included a staff journalist position for Better World and Meditation magazine, business/life coach and consultant for entertainment companies such as A&M and Sonic Images, self-improvement workshop facilitator, and multimedia producer. He is also a gifted healer, studying and practicing modalities from the East, indigenous American culture, sound healing, bio-energetics, and spiritual counseling. His breakthrough approach in this field has led to interviews with GQ and Maxim magazines, as well as television, radio and Internet based media. More > |
| Tuesday, August 19, 2003 | |
| Transformation and Human Foibles | 4 comments |
 19 Aug 2003 @ 20:12 There's been immense transformation in my life lately, changes, difficult decisions made that affect not only myself but those around me. I trust this process when others may not. It's familiar ground, an old friend yet different in its' newness. I have delved deep into the abyss of my Soul, questioning my motives, coming to understand potentials and possibilites, facing my humanity and fragility of my humanness, also my strength and courage to follow my heart, daring to put myself first, for my own health and well Being and....happiness. I've been graceful and dreadfully ungraceful. I've been compassionate as well as irresponsible. Yet, I stand by my choices, I stand for my Souls yearnings, I stand where I can be in peace not war, I stand at the precipice looking into the unknown and looking into the faces of those who would judge me. Judge me for cowardice, or immaturity, or deceitfulness. For running away. Judging me as they no doubt judge themselves as well, for we hone our skills on the shores of our inner terrain. Yet, even knowing this, my ego gets bruised, seeking to be understood, wanting to defend myself, my voice heard, my experience of Life expressed and shared. Angry at sides taken, opinions formed, character assessment. Though I have not always been forthright and honest, I am a champion for truth. Sometimes fear has me act otherwise and I apologize for my foibles. With all the struggle and suffering we endure it's amazing how easily some forget unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness and allow themselves to slip into sleep walking, a fall from grace, embracing instead the critic and juror. Can the rhetoric of attack be transformed? Can relationship and communication replace assumption and story? My wish is to have community that shares, dreams and creates together. That asks the hard questions to whom they concern, and is willing to hear the answers even if in disagreement. That holds a vision gently, with ease and allows for change. Where each individual supports their relation with every other person and with the consciousness of the group. Where personal freedom is honored side by side with collective agreement. Where judgement is tempored by forgiveness and understanding. Where the earth is honored and Spirit is emobodied. This is the grand social experiment called human Being to which I wish to grow and grow my-Self up in. Sometimes this, and usually, requires that I stop trying to look good, to fit in, to appease everyone else and make choices that might stir the hornets nest. And it stings. The hornets come out in force and I must breathe deep and dive into waters relief, where stingers cannot reach me. Here magic dwells, Merlin resides and I feel safe to weave my dream, my life, the fabric of my emotion and mind, explore the gifts of vision and a knowing that only I seem to trust at times. A trust I believe in, as I kneel at the altar that holds the torch of truth. More > |
| Wednesday, May 21, 2003 | |
| Some Quotes To Ponder | 0 comments |
 21 May 2003 @ 11:18"Those who have the solutions more often than not create the problems in the first place" - anonymous "It is better to look for what works before you focus on what's broken." - C.W. Metcalf "The chief cause of problems is solutions." - anonymous "Reality is what refuses to go away when I stop believing in it." - Philip K. Dick "Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards." - Aldous Huxley "It's not what you think, it's what you think about" - me |
| Saturday, April 5, 2003 | |
| What Do I Think? | 2 comments |
| 5 Apr 2003 @ 11:45 A friend of mine whom I rarely dialogue with asked me what I think about what's happening in the world? My first thought was "which happening?" I thought I would give myself a challenge to answer something to her since I was inclined just to stay silent. Here's what filtered through into the email I sent back to her. "Which part of the world? Lot's happening everywhere. Finding a connecting point in a relationship of diversity is a challenge. I say continue to question authority, demand truth, and support all Beings inalienable right to freedom. Live by example. Teach our children non-violent methods for problem solving. Educate ourselves. Be willing to admit the most subtle traces of racism,classism that lurk within us. Celebrate our cultural differences. Peace does not necessarily mean the absence of violence, but a balance of power. Unzip the trousers of patriarchy and kick it in the balls. Use our natural innate gifts to ground a new vision into reality. Live lightly on the land, practice sustainability and support only those corporations that give more than they take. Be rigorous with ourselves, where are we as individuals not at peace. What is happening in the world is happening inside of us." More > |
| Sunday, March 30, 2003 | |
| Wrestlemania | 0 comments |
 30 Mar 2003 @ 12:04Do I dare admit that I am a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), formerly WWF, fan? Wrestlemania was tonight and Here Are The Results. No, I didn't go or buy a pay-per-view so I guess I'm not that much of a die hard and... but the results are in and it looked like a great show. Sport, reality TV, soap opera, and social commentary all rolled into one. More > |
| Saturday, March 22, 2003 | |
| Some Timely Lyrics | 0 comments |
 22 Mar 2003 @ 10:50These are a couple of lyrics that I wrote for my album Archer and the Muse. You can hear the songs on my mp3.com website Also, there are more lyrics Here. Mr. G Skies turning foreign, A breath that is foreign to breathe. Pushing me closer, The soil I smell as my grave. There's much to recover , A game where we can't drop the ball. We kick, push, and shove her , The scoreboard is telling it all. Stand down your mission, To cut down the trees, Mr. G, G, G, Stand down your mission, Forever for me, Mr. G, G, G. Nickel and diming, And smiles might win their campaign. I watch television, Which side do I choose to believe? I reach out my hands to pray, I listen for what you might say, I'm not so sure that I will ever learn. Everyone's spilling their seed, I'll trade you my greed for some peace, Plant a tree the children want to breathe, Plant a tree the children want to breathe. Stand down your mission, To cut down the trees, Mr. G, G, G, Stand down your mission, Forever for me, Mr. G, G, G. ------------------------------------------------ Secret of Service I say that the world's just a run around, And we're chasing our tails in the dark, We send ships to the stars, While we cover with tar to build parking lots. Be it gardener, or banker, or diplomat, I question the fruits of our plan, We send men to the moon, Yet we don't provide food for the starving man. It's not always easy to trust your feelings, To do what's right. The secret of service has not been told, Handing out trips or a crime, Broadcasting fables, The young and the able don't buy the lines. Patiently waiting for someone to tell, How they finally discovered the way out of Hell, Is it true. If so can our earthly desires improve, Roll your eyes, For the cynic we've run out of room. I say that the world's just a runaround, Yet our spirit is reaching new heights, "Calling All Angels", a friend on the radio cries. "Calling All Angels", a friend on the radio cries. It's not always easy to trust your feelings, To do what's right. More > |
| Friday, February 28, 2003 | |
| AArrghhh...Quick Rant | 4 comments |
 28 Feb 2003 @ 10:49Letecia and I live in the forest literally at the end of the phone line. Technology is a big part of both our lives and there's no cable or DSL. Aarrghh....our 56k modem averages 24k. Patience, I must have patience, (as he strokes his hair and sips his tea.) My vision is to install a DirecPC or DirecWay, that's Hughes name for it,two way, with a wifi so I can utilize it in the guest house where my office and computer are. Ah, a networked wonderland in the middle of paradise... It's still out of our budget to create this yet, but I'm dreaming. Maybe I'll start the Center for De-Urbanization Satellite Modem fund. Wanna play? More > |