stradasphere

Get Down On It!

2009-12-09T10:15:00.001-07:00

What one little thing could you do today within your means and your comfort zone, that would make you feel like a supercoolhappylovething?

Get down on it,
The Universe

Just Remembered to Remember John

2009-12-08T18:01:00.001-07:00

On this day 29 years ago some dumbass blew away Lennon. NO, I have no flowery intro or poetic prelude to the story because there is no way to flower power this one up. I have been sad, confused, mortified, but today I am just plain mad. I missed out…we all missed out. Not just the holy grail of a Beatles reunion but the comeback of one of the greatest musical minds of all time. And how it happened makes no sense! Minutes after a photo shoot for his new album in years, he gets killed…NO MURDERED.

I know this is not much of a loving tribute, and I am sorry. But Lennon spoke his mind, so WWJD?

I did!

Peace John!

HELP!! ANYONE GOING TO KISS TONIGHT?????

2009-12-01T16:02:00.001-07:00

I need to find a ride home (N. Scottsdale) for my son and I from the concert!! If you can hook us up PLEASE send me a Facebook message with your number and I'll give you a call…or email me at lionel.estrada@gmail.com!! In the words of Joe Walsh…"I lost my license, now I don't drive"

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shoot me an email and a got a beer for you!!!!

From JFK

2009-11-24T15:54:00.001-07:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

John F. Kennedy
1917-1963, 35th President of the United States

M&M's

2009-11-23T10:33:00.001-07:00

You see, the thing about Miracles-in-the-Making, or M&M's as they're affectionately called here, is that they must be disguised amongst the plain and ordinary events of each day. Until, of course, they come to pass, at which point the dreamer they had swirled around can comfortably be labeled lucky or blessed. Otherwise you'd be slammed with worshippers and devotees. Believe me, not pretty.

This isn't by divine law; it's just in keeping with the times you're in. Most folks aren't quite ready to have their belief systems blown to pieces with overtly obvious miracles, but this is changing.

Glad you're different,
The Universe

Perfect Note For Friday!

2009-11-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

Think back to a happy time. A really, really happy time in your life. Go back as far as it takes, to a time when you felt so light you thought you might float.

Do you remember it? The carefree feeling? The acceptance of the moment, of yourself, of life? Feeling unfettered by thoughts of the future and oblivious to the past?

Feel it a little longer...

There. Very nice.

Yours,
The Universe

Start where you stand

2009-11-17T17:35:00.001-07:00

"Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."

Napoleon Hill

A Note from the Universe

2009-11-06T11:36:00.001-07:00

Did you know
there have been a lot of decisions you've made and followed through on, under the most trying and difficult of circumstances, that have actually become textbook examples of taking the "high road" for wannabe rock stars here in the unseen?

And we've sold tons of "your book,"
The Universe

A Great Note From The Universe

2009-11-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

The thing that's totally different between children and adults is that children have the ability to spontaneously use their imagination to forget what's bothering them and be inspired by every pony, feather, or bug that crosses their path.

Oh, yeah... you're like that.

It's easy,
The Universe

Short And Sweet

2009-11-03T15:22:00.001-07:00

If you think on it long enough, you'll know.

You just will.

Works for me,
The Universe

Today’s Note From The Universe

2009-10-27T15:28:00.001-07:00

People who live only for dessert very rarely enjoy the main course.

And sometimes a meal is like life.

Bon appétit,
The Universe

(And no, I don't write these!)

Very Cool Note From The Universe!

2009-10-23T10:18:00.001-07:00

It's got nothing to do with being a perfect, goody-goody, selfless, sacrificing, spiritual saint. Blah! That whole characterization was meant for a different audience at a different time, and they really had issues.

It's got everything to do with being yourself, trusting the magic, following your heart, dreaming big, and having fun.

Hosanna in the highest,
The Universe

Another Note From The Universe (or Mike Dooley!)

2009-10-21T16:31:00.001-07:00

When it comes to setting aside a little time each day to visualize look at it like this:

No matter how distracted you become or how confused you are about the process, the simple fact that you gave your dream this time and attention means you did it correctly, you did it long enough, and that by the time you open your eyes, already in the unseen, huge wheels have begun turning.

HUGE.

You think I'd make it hard?

Your humble servant,
The Universe

Notes From The Universe

2009-10-19T14:28:00.001-07:00

The agent, the producer, the investors; consultants, lenders, stockholders; customers, clients, fans; friends, lovers, support systems... they have nothing to do with dreams coming true.

They're simply summoned after someone's "made up their mind" to the degree that it's followed by unending action.

Same with accidents and coincidences.

You see dreams actually come true (or not), long before they can be seen in time and space.

Yeah, 'mon,
The Universe

The Need For Simplification

2009-10-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

It has become very apparent than I need to do the following things immediately.

Get a vehicle
Move back to Paradise Valley ASAP so my daughter can take the bus to school. Even if it means breaking my lease at current apartments.

SOOO if you have an inexpensive vehicle for sale or house to rent hit me up!

Notes From The Universe

2009-10-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

What if today was your "last" day or this week was your "last" week, and heaven had 10,000 angels waiting to serenade you, dancers waiting to dance with you, and reporters waiting to interview you?

Is there a grudge you'd still hold? Something you'd still regret? An unhappy memory that would matter more than forever and ever?

Nada, baby -
The Universe

Thoughts From Og

2009-10-14T16:09:00.001-07:00

"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward with the life that God intended for you."

Og Mandino

Insight of the Day

2009-10-13T08:50:00.001-07:00

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."

Brian Tracy

Testing again

2009-10-09T17:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Betty Mae

2009-10-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

69 years ago something magical happened. A baby girl was born. Oh there were many baby girls born on this particular day but one in particular shined brighter. Yes, I can say that. Yes, I am biased. I was told this happened in El Paso, Texas and I believe them. So many stories about her have surfaced over the years. Some say she had a tough time of it, that she was unloved or at the very least, misunderstood. One story tells the tale of the only little Irish girl amidst a lot of other little Mexican girls in a school in a convent. Fitting for her; since she married into a Mexican family and loved them all. She could not, however, master the art of making tortillas. But oh how she tried! As a teenager, she dreamed of being a model. She had a flashing smile and the right dresses. She loved the camera and the camera loved her. She just wasn’t “too skinny” enough. All who knew her say she was, always was, very bright. Not just smart, but bright…as in brilliance. I can personally attest to that.

Then she met a guy. A charming, handsome man with a big family. She loved that. They hugged each other a lot and cooked REALLY good food. This part of the story is very clouded (not shrouded) in mystery…or lack of information. But this much I know; she got pregnant! I still don’t know if they got married before or after their boy was conceived, but it matters not to this particular story. This much I know; she adored that little boy. I should know. There are pictures of her and her baby. She seems mesmerized. Oh you can say that every mother stares at her baby that way but again, I am biased. She loved being married. She loved being a mom. Being a model paled to her Donna Reed dream come true. Her man was everything to her. She had two more children. A daughter and another son. She loved them all in different ways but with the same intensity. Some say she was partial to the first and I would like to think that, but I am biased.

There are more stories with some unbelievable pain. As in “there is no freakin way that could happen to her” but I am leaving them out. Today’s story is not a tragedy per se. It is one of celebration and joy. All the pain she endured is outshined by what she brought to the dinner table. Joy. A big, bright smile. Music, lots of music. She was “that woman” who sang in the aisle of the grocery store. She sang in the car. She sang all the time. She listened to music constantly, maybe a little too much in another story but not this particular one. Maybe it is because she shares a birthday with John Lennon and John Entwhistle. Maybe she just had music in her heart. Her big, booming, blossoming heart that she shared with everyone. More than anyone was capable of reciprocating. Which is the note this story will end on. A sweet note of love. Everyone who knew her says they loved her. But no one loved her as much as she loved them. I am not sure she was even capable of hatred. She loved. I should know, she loved me more than anyone has ever loved me. She showered me with her love. At times I could not handle it and I still have never been able to understand it.

Yes, I am biased. I was lucky enough to be her son. To be loved so fiercely by her. To be inspired by her. And she bought me my first guitar. In 1980, she had to go. I think the world was too cold for her. Heaven suited her much better because she was an angel. I know no one who would deny that. Yet, she lives on in all the hearts that were touched by hers. Today is her birthday and I miss her. And with a loss for the right words at this particular part of this particular story I just want to say I love you mom. Happy Birthday.
Honeybee

My Monday Morning Mourning

2009-10-05T11:57:00.001-07:00

As I dragged myself into another Monday of phone calls, emails, and rah-rah meetings, I realized there is something missing. Oh sure there can be MORE money, an environment better suited to my personality, and guitars everywhere, but there seems to be an absence of something even more vital. Anyone who knows me can see that I am not a corporate America sort of cat. Cubes are cages to me and offices are merely cages with windows. But as they say (whoever the F "they" are), "a boy's gotta eat. And that would go for his family too. So it's both the starving artist, and starving family, life or I do the J.O.B. thing…at least for now. The commute. The dress slacks. The "good mornings". The wait for a fricken cup of coffee. Then there is that damn computer. Not one with a microphone and guitar connected to it. Nor is it one with a page of writings, stories, blogs, and lyrics. No, it is one with company reminders…reminders from inexperienced managers attempting to motivate using sports analogies (which mean nothing to many guitar players) and name after name of "prospects". All the trappings of corporate life which I have accepted, at least for the time being. And I can deal. But there is something missing that could make it all worth while.

More money? Well duh. More satisfaction? You bet. Better hours? Oh yeah. Fulfillment? Hell yes!!...and yet these are not what has created the abyss in my morning.

I had my standard two cups of coffee at home—1 for the shower and 1 for the drive. Then to the most important meal of the day which consisted of a couple of these "Aussie Bites" from Costco, (which are quite tasty) and two pieces of string cheese. Which brings me to my point. Yes, I am caffeinated and somewhat nourished but, and here it goes, the abyss is this: I NEED A FREAKIN CHORIZO BURRO! THERE!! I said it. I need a big, fat, spicy mound of seasoned pork sausage and scrambled eggs wrapped in a huge burrito-sized tortilla. It has become so clear that had I been able to dive into a chorizo burro this morning that, at least for a few delicious chili-flavored minutes- all of these cubes and phones surrounding me would transform to a sandy beach, palm trees and waves. My coffee mug would become a Corona (or 4) and all these people I pretend to like would turn into my family and friends. Yes, chorizo can do that. AND, with the right helping of the right salsa, my dress slacks would mutate to my favorite jeans…I AM wearing a cool shirt today so that can stay.

As I sit here wondering if perhaps I sound a bit like Anthony Bourdain, I am somewhat relived. I spilled my guts but not the salsa. Now lunchtime approaches and salvation seems within my reach…just add beans and rice to that order.

Testing Blog Application in Word

2009-09-04T17:17:00.001-07:00

Have not blogged in soo long!!!!!! Facebook stole my attention but let's try this, shall we? If this works…stay tuned for a new series called "The Big Top Chronicles"

Hey Boy Blue Is Back

2009-02-17T06:04:00.003-07:00

It's 6 am which is not a usual time for me to be awake...I like to sleep in. But 4 straight days with the flu has provided me with ample slumber. So, I blog. Oh my lonely blog...tossed to the curb by the ever present Facebook, which will receive this feed! My title reference comes from a song by The Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO. My mother had more than a normal obsession with them, mainly their leader Jeff Lynne...maybe this is why I have a more than normal obsession with Pete Townshend. My mom is among the dearly departed but with me always; as she is right here, right now. I woke up around 5 with the song Boy Blue in my head...mainly the chorus,"Hey boy blue is back" I think she was telling me that I was indeed back, in many ways.

1. I am back from the dead...the hellish black death called the flu.
2. I am back from being worried about where my family will live. I received some advice from, of all people, a "legitimate" loan shark...if you can imagine such a thing. But if anyone knows who to work with people and money it is him. I have a plan, gonna pitch it, and let it fly.
3. And, I am going back to work. My least favorite of the three...

I am sure there is more. But this is a good start. Back in action. Back in the saddle, Back in black.
You get it, I know you do.

Thanks for waking me up this morning mom, I love you.

I'm back or at least on my way...

2008-12-03T13:39:00.002-07:00

A short little ditty to say I am on some very cool path right now...my creativity seems to be coming back and life seems brighter! I need to stay out of fear, anger, shame, guilt, all those things that do no good.

I am feeling a cosmic connection to my departed mother who is obviously "with me" right now, helping me, loving me, reassuring me and talking to my daughter!

More songs are on the way...more posts....more stories...more me.

Join me.

Soul Singing....is yours?

2008-11-14T09:57:00.001-07:00