There's Something Happening Here!

I did it! This morning following breakfast—I did my three mile workout, inside the trailer, without the two pound weights, and I am feeling fine, and glad that I did it! And, I used my new lavender colored stretchie—and it did not break—thank goodness!

After watching the depressing news about Wall Street crashing, early this morning, I did what I had to do—I turned off the television, and turned on my iPod, and then concentrated on some paperwork, that needed to be taken care of.

The first song that started playing on my iPod was ‘For What It’s Worth,” by the Buffalo Springfield, so I immediately went to the bedroom, put on my old colorful tie-dyed t-shirt, and braided my long salt and pepper colored ponytail—to remember the good times back then, and to help me forget the depressing news of today.

Thirty-eight years ago, life was all about peace and love for me. Everyone was happy, no one had to lock their doors, there were no gangs and the music was the greatest music of all times! I had just graduated from Southwest High School, in 1970 in Ft. Worth, and had moved to Austin and was the proud new owner, thanks to my Mom and Dad, of a used, dark blue, ‘67 VW —which came with an eight track player!

Ronnie had an off white ‘65 VW, with a six volt battery, which meant he could either listen to music or use his headlights. My ‘67 VW came with a twelve volt battery, which meant I could drive in the dark and listen to music at the same time! I was so lucky!

I thought I had it all back then, yet I actually had nothing at all, so to speak! All I had was a used ‘67 VW, named Blue, my treasured 0018 Martin guitar, which I had gotten from my parents on my 18th birthday, and a good-looking boyfriend—that could play anything on a guitar, and a ten dollar duffle bag, purchased from Academy Surplus, which was full of clothes—jeans mainly. It was the best of times for me—life was so simple.

I was five foot two, eyes of blue, had long brown hair, and was beautiful—as all nineteen year old people are! Everyone I knew was happy, and wanted to give peace a chance! Which some people thought was anti-American? I was young and innocent, and loved shooting people the universal two fingered— ‘peace sign!’ My heroes were Abraham, Martin and John—and Bobby—Janis and Jimi. I had no enemies—it was all about love.

My boyfriend, Steve Andrews., my first, real true love, a good-looking, dark haired longhair, who was two years older than me, and an incredibly talented lead guitarist, who had actually once played guitars with Jimi Hendrix at Hendrix’s home! Those were my bragging rights—back then!

When I moved to Austin, Steve and I rented a house, with my brother Ronnie, on St. Johns Street and then later on 45th and Duval Street. At night, the three of us would play our guitars and sing, or play Monopoly. In the morning, Ronnie did construction work, and learned his trade, while Steve and I sold carnations, at different locations in Austin, for twenty-five cents per flower—on street corners! It was a blast and I met some really interesting people! One man, even asked me to get into his Mercedes, and ride off into the sunset with him—I didn’t.

Not to brag, I outsold all of the’Flower People’ in Austin—including Steve, who would play his guitar for extra tips! And, I actually bragged to my parents, about making thirteen to twenty dollars a day—it was a lot of money back then, and all that I needed—and so much fun! Life was so simple back then and I miss it terribly.

I never ever dreamed that there would be a day, when Greed would rule our country—it is so disturbing to me, especially since most of the CEO’s came from my generation. It truly has made me sick. Seriously, how much stuff do we really need?

I am guilty, too, and as of tomorrow, I am going to be getting rid of just about everything I own—except for my life changing Vita-Mix machine. And, I am hoping to get everything that is important to me, to fit into an Academy Surplus duffel bag.

I am very sorry for writing this depressing blog, but I am feeling hopeless about what has happened to us and our country. There’s something happening here, and what it is, is exactly clear—greed!