MY DINNER WITH CARLOS SANTANA

The life of Carlos Santana is best heard on CD.

Carlos Santana and I had dinner together, lunch, breakfast and snacks as I listened to him as he told me about his life on the 16 CD box set called "The Universal Tone - Bringing My Story to Light". 

His voice is so soothing as he told me about his life in Mexico when his parents were dirt poor yet they never missed a meal. How his father a guitar player was constantly on gigs and the struggles of his mother. He talked about how is father gave him violin then guitar lessons.  The first five CDs were all about growing up and how the family moved frequently. From an early age, Carlos was very interested in developing his own sound an constantly pursued his vision.  He never sold out to play parties.  

By listening to records repeatedly with his friends and family, Carlos was able to pull out the most interesting passages and work his sound around the musicians he most respected like Miles Davis, Gabor Szabo  (a deep favorite of mine) and John Coltrane. The funny thing is that I never knew that the group Malo was created by his brother. 

From an early age, Carlos was so determined to get his sound translated into the instruments that a band provides that the right musicians just came to him. 

I wished we would have heard some music on the CD set like Samba Pa Ti and how it developed. When I listen to his music now I have a deeper understanding of his path. Listen to Soul Sacrifice. If that doesn't move you nothing will. What a perfect sound.

I got to hear about every member of the Santana band -- the good and the bad.   How he performed at Woodstock high as a kite and how he left drugs behind. 

His insights on the Virgin of Guadalupe and how he said she saved him. Then, as he progresses in his spiritual path, Carlos credits  the Arc Angel Metratron with providing him with a lot of recognition. He has meditated on Metratron since the mid 90s.  Hear his tribute to him the the album Supernatural will take you to a deeper place.  

He's a family man. A caring father. A loving son to his parents. A profound musician. He took his gift all around the world.  

Carlos musical journey wasn't easy. He wasn't a good business person until his wife Deborah took over the group. Carlos and Deborah started a vegetarian restaurant, one of the first, in California.  The couple found out about Sri Chinmoy  who took them to a new spiritual level. Both have started the Milagro Foundation to serve the needs of undeserved and vulnerable children. 

Definitely no saint, into drugs and marching to his own beat, Carlos contributions to the planet have been immense. 

Listen to the CD set rather than read the book. He talks directly to you -- humbly and sincerely. Then he tells you what you are capable of doing. 

ROOKWOOD POTTERY LED THE ART MOVEMENT

Rookwood Tiles at the Kellogg Estate. 

American Ingenuity there's nothing like it . 

There was a woman who is almost forgotten who changed the business of American pottery for US artists in the 1890s with the creation of the Rookwood tiles. 

Enter Mary Longwood, an artist and one of the wealthiest of the era.  She went to the Chicago World's Fair in 1880 and saw that the perception of American Artist was really terrible in front of the whole world.  No one thought anything of American potters who were considered inferior and unrefined. 

Mary was bound and determined to change the perception. Fortunately, she was able to do so because she was so well off. To further complement her charm, she was such an inspirational person. She asked her father, a millionaire, to help fund her goal, her dream, and he did.

As a result she opened a studio in Cincinnati  where the battery of craftspeople could invent and come up with different ideas than the rest of the world. She actually was the pioneer I think who started the movements of Arts and Crafts in America.  

In fact this woman was just so motivated to change the perception of the world's thoughts about American pottery artists that she didn't really think about what she was doing for the American women. She moved forward for all pottery artists. 

As a result she she developed the tile called Rookwood which was named after her father's estate. It's the picture that you're seeing. This is an example of Rookwood Pottery on the floor at the Kellogg Estate.

In fact, because of her, the tiles won First Place in 1889 during the Paris Exhibition Universelle shocking the world.  

 Thousands have walked over these tiles throughout the years not just hundreds not just thousands but tens of thousands. Look how well they stand to the test of time. 

What you're seeing here is a combination of a the middle of a flower petal with all the petals around --  a beautiful floor. 

I believe she was one of the first in America to bring on interns and ceramic Pottery students so that they could come up with different ways to develop designs in glazes. Glazing is very important to Pottery because that can help make or break it -- no pun intended.  What she did was develop an atmosphere where creativity flourished. 

As a result of her single woman effort, Pottery has a beautiful place in our country. It didn't happen overnight. It took a lot of energy and determination from Mary Longworth who developed and pursued her idea along with bulldog determination. 

Some feel that determination makes America so different because there are people who are so determined to live their dreams and help others as well.  Look. One woman changed perceptions. Think of what each one of us can do!

U.S. BIRTHED KWANZAA

The symbols of Kwanzaa. Children are at the forefront.

Kwanzaa was actually created in the 1960s in the United States by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies. He was an activist and author. In remembrance of the history and traditions of African Americans, he invented the holiday called Kwanzaa actually it's a seven day celebration from December 26th through January 1st and it honors the seven principles of community.  They are 

• Unity 
• Self-determination 
• Collective work & responsibility 
• Cooperative economics 
• Purpose 
• Creativity 
• Faith. 

Did you know that family and friends gather each night for a candlelight ceremony in this display the candle holder or kinara that symbolizes common ancestry? It is thought that all of us all of us from all over the world originated in Africa. What an interesting concept!

This display of Kwanzaa symbolizes togetherness. Children are the center of the Kwanzaa celebration because they represent hope for the future

CITY CHURCHES NEED A BUCK

A small group is keeping this church sustaniable

Why does it seem that the old churches inspire so much more reverence than the one I attend in the northern suburbs, which
is truly a hoot-n-nanny!   It's a combination of things. And most of it physically psychological.  I believe that there are three major factors to cause people to love old churches:  

1. Architecture inspires tradition, a firm foundation, A Mighty Fortress. Exquisite design.
2. Awe-inspiring art work shows that holiness permeates the structure. 
3. Services seem more sacred because of the atmosphere, and maybe incense. 

It's no secret that we're losing our churches in Detroit for lack of funding, which boils down to lack of attendance. No one wants the churches to close, yet it takes money to be viable.

I am an advocate of taking groups to see "old" buildings, churches and city layout along with downtown statues to famous folk. My belief is that if suburbanites would visit these old churches once a month and donate $5-$20 per visit, the churches would be stable enough to remain financially viable.  In almost every City of Detroit tour I do, a church is always part of the program. I can't donate a large chunk on my own, but together the donation is more sizeable.  And who is the wiser?

When visiting a church with a group, not only do I write a fat check, but the travelers open their wallets. It's up to them.  I don't even mention the word give. 

However,  I've even encouraged churches to request donations from group site visits. Other tour companies may not agree with me because it eats into profits. Big deal.  No one has an idea of the cost of the electricity just to view the interior of the sacred space. 

Let's do that one thing, visit a church or send a donation to the place once a month ...  if all you've got is $5 a month, send it.  Even these few dollars make all the difference. 

 

FROM A DROP OF OIL CAME THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Display of Menorahs at the Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids.

Happy Hanukkah. Such a historic and beautiful time of year. 

It's the Jewish holiday that celebrates the Maccabees ( Jewish rebel army) victory over the Syrian government more than two thousand years ago. In order to assimilate into Greek culture, all Jews at that time were commanded to offer sacrifices to Greek gods, which was against the tenets of their religious Law. Thus, the war.  The Maccabees were rebel warriors who successfully revolted against the Greeks.

Fighting at that time was usually awfully bloody in hand-to-hand combat. Determined, the Maccabees won. 

So the victory resulted in the recapture and return of the Temple of Jerusalem to all Jewish people. Oil was necessary to make the victory official and to purify the sacred space. Yet oil was scarce. At that time, during the dedication of the temple a single cruet of oil was found uncontaminated. There was only enough oil only to burn for one day. Yet, it miraculously continued to burn for full eight days. That is how Hanukkah started --- so it's actually known as the eight-day Festival of Lights. 

The real miracle is that the Jews beat their enemy against all odds. 

Candles in a special Menorah are lit on each night of the festival. A Menorah has nine candle holders 8 candles represent the eight days of Celebration with the additional candle,  the same as those used to light the other candles also included.

The lighting of the candles is a reminder of the ancient victory over religious freedom. The Miracle of oil is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testament. 

Keep in mind that a great miracle happened thousands of years ago. For this particular holy time, Menorahs are special. This display at the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids shows menorahs in many different shapes and sizes to commemorate the Feast of Hanukkah. 

6 TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING or WAYS TO DEAL WITH JERKY DRIVERS

From my seat behind the Captain of our 55 passenger motor coach, I see many dumb things that drivers do on the road that are just plain stupid. Please don't be one of them.

A few words of caution are always appropriate and most of all necessary during winter driving weather. Not just for motor coaches but for all large vehicles not to mention the standard automobile.

My drivers are so very professional and keep their cool when drivers do dumb things like swerve in front of them, make inappropriate gestures or or make a right turn from the far left lane. It happens all the time. They anticipate the worst on the road and plan a solid driving strategy to keep passengers safe.

For example, I recently lead a trip from Dexter to Detroit to Lake Orion and back. The passengers complained that it took so long to return because they did not know the extent of the road conditions until they saw 6 inches of snow on the hoods of their cars and the icy parking lot. Then, they understood and thanked the driver profusely for the safe trip. 

My drivers are pros and I am very proud of them. They never loose it. 

Here are a few pointers for the Joe and Josie drivers of the world when near buses.

1. Do not cut in front of buses – The bus has to anticipate so many feet in order to stop.  
2. Don't text & drive – Seriously. Pay attention to the road so that you can stop in plenty of time in order not to hit the vehicle in front of you. On almost every trip, my travelers point out the number of people who are texting while driving. Does anyone keep their eyes on the road anymore?
3. Wear an apron – When you eat in the car and spill your meal or beverage, let it be or pull over. The bus did not cause you to drop your burger. I asked a friend to make an apron for me just for that reason as I pile on between 500-1,000 miles weekly on my vehicle when I scope out places prior to my trips. I don't want to stop for meals so I eat on the road. My car is set up for beverage spills, lots of napkins, garbage bags and straws along with water bottles. I love my apron.  
4. Fido – Please … not on your lap. You need to see the entire road and know your vehicle's relation to other drivers. Be sure to outfit the back seat with a sleeping bag so the pooch can “settle in,” along with a chewy so doggie has something “to do” while on the road. My little fur girl knows the rules of car driving. 
5. Avoid reading the mail – The number of people who tear open envelopes or check their cell phone while driving surprises me. Please do not read any mail what so ever. 
6. Wipe away slush – No reason to curse. Sure there may be some slush that the tail of the bus may throw upon your windshield; just use your wipers to clear it off. Make sure that you have plenty of wiper fluid and that the car's wiper spritzer works so that your windshield is clear.
7. Cell phone chats -- Come on. If you must, make it hands free or wait until you arrive at your destination. In certain cities, it is against the law to hold a cell phone to your ear. In some areas, it's forbidden to talk on the cell phone whatsoever. 

If you just keep these simple things in mind, winter driving will be easier for you.  

NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY TRIP TO FIREKEEPERS

Day Trip on 
New Years Eve Dec. 31, 2016 
to Firekeepers Casino 

Just $33 per person

Come & join us to celebrate the best New Year's Eve daytime party ever! Great opportunity to test your luck! And best of all, one winner will be selected every 15 minutes from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM to receie $1,700 in Red Hot Credits! All Red Hot Rewards members who are actively playing their Red Hot Rewards Club card during each drawing time are eligible to Win! Just sit at any slot machine and let the hand of fate do the rest.  

Plus, you will receive $20.00 in slot play and $5.00 in food vouchers. The food voucher can also be used for slot play.  Come by yourself or bring a partner.  Let’s have some fun! Cost: $33.00/person  Departure Points: Novi 9:00 AM, Livonia 8:30 AM and Madison Heights 8:00 AM.  Bus Leaves Firekeepers at 3:05PM to return to pick up points no later than 5/5:30PM 

This casino has amazing history. I will give you a personal tour of the tribal land, art and architecture. 

MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS TREES

Michigan fir trees on display

Lumbering in Michigan is still an important resource.  But it's not the giant oaks, maples and elms.

It's Christmas Trees. Every November/December, Michigan exports millions of evergreen trees which bring about $1.8 million into the coffers of fir tree growers in our mitten state.

Did you know that Michigan harvests almost three million Christmas trees each year? Tree growers produce  12 different varieties,  more than any other state. These numbers though, are falling.

It's not a get-rich-quick industry. After all, it takes seven to ten years to grow a 7 foot tall Christmas tree. Fir trees are the top sellers due to their excellent needle retention and nice fragrance, which American homes want during the holiday season.  Harvest begins in early November when much of the sap is in the needles, which helps the trees stay fresher longer .

But not everyone wants a fresh tree in their home or office for many reasons -- cost, ease of storage, clean up, etc.

Marsha Gray, Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, said that trees are grown in fields and harvested -- not chopped down in forests. Growth is controlled and nothing is taken away from our State forests & parks -- unless poached, which does happen. That's a different story.

Since 2008, tree growers have seen a troubling trend among consumers, who are increasing opting for artificial trees instead of those grown by farmers, according to surveys commissioned by the National Christmas Tree Association.

According to National Christmas Tree Association,  between 2008 to 2015, and nationally, the number of real trees purchased went from 28.2 million in 2008, rose again to 33.02 million in 2013, then dropped to 25.9 in 2015.

During the same periods, artificial tree purchases increased from 11.7 in 2008 to 14.7 million in 2018, then dropping to 12.5 million is 2015. However, we do not know the reasons for the drop and increase. I can't speculate.

Yet, there's a big campaign afoot called "Christmas -- Keep It Real."    Its purpose is to promote real using real trees during the Christmas season.

Trees. Gift giving. Getting together with friends and family. The important thing is to remember the reason for the season .... so let's. The tree symbolizes part of the "reason" -- the birth of Jesus Christ, the light-bearer.

Peace on earth. With smiles. And with love toward all... yep, even the folks we don't care for very much.  Now that is a mighty tall order.