Randy Granger

Happy Summer Solstice

Sunday, June 21 is the longest day of the year when father sun is at its peak and appears to hold still. This especially evident in the sky over Mexico’s ceremonial sites like the Pyramid (teocalli) of the Sun at Teotihuacán and the shadow-serpent patterns at Chichén Itzá.

Culture keepers, curanderos, ceremonial dancers, and everyday people will gather to mark the solstice through prayer and offerings of beautiful flowers, plumes of copal smoke, and music.

At home, you can mark the sacredness of this day by offering your own prayers along with lighting incense and a candle.

On this day, and always, may,

Wisdom and humility guide the hearts and minds of those who have been given the gift of great power;

Culture keepers, elders, medicine makers, healers, and spiritual people receive all they need to continue their good work;

Mother Earth and all relations in nature be honored and positive and restorative actions be taken that we all may flourish in balance; and, may we be good ancestors. Aho

For All Our Relations.
Maestra Grace Sesma

Art by Rick Ortega

Happy Juneteenth! An interesting fact is that General Gordon Granger delivered the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to enslaved people of Texas two and a half years after it was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. We are not related in the least though we share a last name. Freedom is something all humans desire. While I treasure in first amendment protecting the freedom of the press, I do not tolerate racist and hate comments on my page. You will be immediately blocked if you do. Have a beautiful day.

HeadQuarters District of Texas
Galveston Texas June 19th 1865.

General Orders
No. 3


The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, “all slaves are free.” This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former ​masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.

The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

By order of Major General Granger
F. W. Emery
Major A. A. Genl

What a gift these Organ Recitals from Merton College. While in the UK I didn’t get to Merton College but hope to in December.

The Dobson Organ in Merton College Chapel is one of the finest mechanical action organs in the UK.

Built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Iowa, USA, and installed in 2013, in readiness for the College’s 750th celebrations in 2014, the organ consists of 44 ranks over three manuals. The specification encourages the performance of a wide repertoire, and the organ sounds equally thrilling in music from the baroque era as it does in the great romantic masterworks.

Organ Recital - Colin Walsh The Dobson Organ in Merton College Chapel is one of the finest mech...

I have used this story of Two Wolves in my sermons and performances.
I find it relevant always.
Aho

I tell this Hummingbird story in my sermons and at some of my performances.

According to an old Native American legend, one day there was a big fire in the forest. All the animals fled in terror in all directions, because it was a very violent fire. Suddenly, the jaguar saw a hummingbird pass over his head, but in the opposite direction. The hummingbird flew towards the fire!

Whatever happened, he wouldn't stop. Moments later, the jaguar saw him pass again, this time in the same direction as the jaguar was walking. He could observe this coming and going, until he decided to ask the bird about it, because it seemed very bizarre behavior.

"What are you doing, hummingbird?" he asked.

"I am going to the lake," he answered, "I drink water with my beak and throw it on the fire to extinguish it." The jaguar laughed. 'Are you crazy? Do you really think that you can put out that big fire on your own with your very small beak?'

'No,' said the hummingbird, 'I know I can't. But the forest is my home. It feeds me, it shelters me and my family. I am very grateful for that. And I help the forest grow by pollinating its flowers. I am part of her and the forest is part of me. I know I can't put out the fire, but I must do my part.'

At that moment, the forest spirits, who listened to the hummingbird, were moved by the bird and its devotion to the forest, miraculously they sent a torrential downpour, which put an end to the great fire.

The Native American grandmothers would occasionally tell this story to their grandchildren, then conclude with, "Do you want to attract miracles into your life? Do your part."

“You have no responsibility to save the world or find the solutions to all problems—but to attend to your particular personal corner of the universe. As each person does that, the world saves itself.’"

- author unknown

Art by Laron

Shirt documentary on attempts to save Pipe Organs around the UK mostly. I find it distressing the high number of these small churches closing and the Organs discarded. They are truly an art and craft Handel, Bach, Byrd heard and played.

Organ Stops: Saving the King of Instruments | Music Documentary | Full Movie A poignant feature documentary about the demise of the once mighty British pipe organ. Only steps ahead of bulldozers, a handful of enthusiasts rescue valuab...