I'm back after a pretty intense stretch of work. The auction is done, it went well and we can keep the doors open for another year.
Things I notice: all kinds of Salon Blog problems, lots of complaints. I don't know if comments are working yet but there you go.
Also, the apparent permanent loss of Feral which I am still trying to sort out. I understand there is a story, but since I wasn't online over the weekend, I missed out on it. I contacted Sam, and have asked some questions and been answered. I'm saddened by the turn of events, and will miss her daily postings. We, the Salon community, should have done better I think. We could have helped. How are we supposed to create our own media, and cultivate true and honest voices and art, if we aren't supportive when the chips are down? This is the challenge of the artist in our culture: to survive the economic realities we are faced with. If we don't do it ourselves for ourselves, we will always be at the mercy of entities with money, and I don't think they have much (mercy that is). The loss of Sam's honesty,bravery, sensitive eye, poetic vision of her world, and her beautiful writing voice leaves a big, empty space in the blogosphere. If we can't reverse it and encourage her to return, it will be a tragedy.
Heat: it is everywhere, the dog days. Even here on our mountain, though I know not as bad as other places. The only solutions are to move slowly and consume lots of cold drinks. I think there should be a national referendum on the implementation of siesta time.
Since the evening is hot and hazy and there is some warm moonlight, the owls are pretty active. I hope to get motivated enough once the sun is down to set up recording and try to get some owl and night sound to share. Maybe it will help cool some wilted spirits...one can only try.
I leave everyone with a thought and a link: The thought: "Art and commerce have nothing to do with each other..." Don Reitz said that in a workshop I attended some years ago, and I wrote it down and have never forgotten it. It serves me well when I have the dark days wondering why I make stuff when it doesn't sell. It's a matter of spirit. The link: Brian Andreas' story entitled The Real Reason. Being creative and willing to express it and share it generally isn't the most lucrative way of living, but it's importance outweighs the economics. Or at least it should.
Wishing everyone a cool evening.
7:41:13 PM 
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