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CTW Paper
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Previous Issues
MAVERICK COLONY - Hervey White’s Dream Comes True
CULTURE VULTURE - Maverick Concert’s 96th Season
Come to Phoenicia - The Idyllic Valley That Is Phoenicia
Come to Kingston - The Hudson Valley Maritime Museum Open Regatta
Come to Hunter & Saugerties - Antique Cars and Majestic Horses
More Peace and Love:
Baba Shiva Rudra Balayogi comes to Mudita Yoga in Kingston
There is a Kind of Magic to Indian Classical Music
MAVERICK COLONY - Hervey White’s Dream Comes True
By Robin B Fre
This tale is but a piece of a bigger story that begins in 1909. It all starts with three confident men; all well-dressed and very sure of themselves. They were Fritz Van der Loa, a Dutch military man; Carl Eric Linden, a progressive educator; and Hervey White, a teacher, socialist and writer soon-to-be publisher. The three friends invested together on acreage in Hurley, just outside of Woodstock.
Hervey White lived a full life before he found his true calling. He graduated from Harvard and then traveled extensively through Europe. Upon returning to the states, he joined The Hull House and met both Jane Adams and Ralph Whitehead. He, with Linden and Fritz, became managers of the 1,500 acres of property. This was the beginning of the art community which became Byrdcliffe.
1904: Hervey left because a drought had caused a lack of milk. Whitehead fired him, but relations between the two men had not been good for a while. White felt too structured; he felt that true creative spirit could only be brought forth by simplicity. To him, running water and bathtubs were not necessities.
1905: The Maverick property was purchased with his two cohorts, Fritz and Carl. He moved into the barn and the word was out. “There are cabins open to artists in the mountains!” Come they did. He soon had volunteers to build the houses that everyone would live in. Artists of every kind found themselves living in very rustic conditions and working all around Woodstock. His first tenant was Paul Kefer, a cellist who performed at Byrdcliffe.
1910: Hervey started his long-awaited printing press in a converted barn. To support his fledgling colony and himself, he took on commercial projects. His main interest continued to be publishing his own and friend’s writings. His first publication was the calendar, “The Passing Year, 1911.” His first novel, “Differences,” was taken from his experiences at The Hull House, a Chicago settlement where he learned of poverty and lack of education. His “Quicksand 1900” was praised as a great American novel.
“Adventures of a Young Maverick” is a 130-page epic poem and possibly the inspiration for his colony (as well as his horse). Despite the influx of capable and willing volunteers and outside jobs, he still went into debt. Many of his writings can be viewed today at the Woodstock Library.
1915: White thought Festival! He hoped this would be a good way to make money and feed his new community of performers; it was ambitious. The first festival was held on his new stone quarry on the Maverick property. White’s army of volunteers moved giant stones to create a grand concert hall in the form of a marvelous Gothic structure.
It was a grand affair. Fourteen musicians from the New York Metropolitan Opera performed on this tiny stone stage to an audience sitting on the ground in full dress masquerade. Hervey knew that costumes would bring out the frolic. He encouraged this by offering half-price tickets to those who dressed up. At the end of this first performance, Lada, a Russian dancer, took the stage and danced in the fire’s light.
1924: One man left his mark on history by creating a sculpture that became the symbol of the colony. John Flannagan took an axe and carved an eighteen-foot statue of a Maverick horse that is hard to tame. The task took about a week. He was paid the going rate of fifty cents per hour. The figure depicts a horse emerging from the outstretched hands of a man emerging from the Earth. The statue stood at the entrance to the property for 36 years, but was put in storage for another 20 after it was found that the weather was damaging the wood. It was cleaned up and restored in 1979 and placed on the stage of the concert hall. Further restoration was undertaken a few years ago.
1929: The Maverick colony was hit hard by a blow that was sent by mail. It was addressed to all the citizens of Woodstock and signed by “The Committee of Fifty,” which turned out to be only four pastors of local churches. Hervey wrote the ministers personally and then prepared for his largest festival ever! The New York presses estimated six thousand ticket holders, and who knew how many more crashed the gate.
1930: The festivals found White seeking outside help. His events lacked any of the spectacular visual features of other festivals, and the state of the economy meant less ticket sales. Some townspeople punctuated an attitude against the festivals with harsh words and some violence. Hervey still remained hopeful.
1931: The last Maverick festival was held, and it was not successful. The Great Depression had arrived, money was tight and the attendance was now a mere 600 people. Hervey concluded that his festivals had run out of profit. The purpose of the events was to pay off creditors and become an Arts & Crafts colony.
As the years flew by, White found Catskill winters too cold and harsh. He bought a small farm in Georgia and maintained his control within his colony. Every summer he returned and enjoyed welcoming new artists. He died in his sleep, in his bed, in the cabin he lived in each time he came home, on October 20th in 1944.
Hervey White was an artist, writer, publisher, idealist and festival producer. He is the Grandfather of our now legendary Woodstock Arts and Music Festival held way back in 1969. This town owes a lot to this man who helped make Woodstock the colony it is today.
CULTURE VULTURE - Maverick Concert’s 96th Season
By Paula J. Silbey
Whether you’re looking for a classical concert, jazz performance, vocal event or children’s concert, it’s likely that you’ll find what you want at Maverick Concerts’ 96th season from June 26 through September 4. Founded in 1916 by Hervey White (see cover story), Maverick Concerts is the oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in the country. It’s historic “music chapel in the woods” on the outskirts of Woodstock is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The season includes 25 concerts over 11 weeks, culminating in the world premiere of a chamber orchestra version of Leonard Bernstein’s witty Songfest. This world premiere is part of the Festival’s focus on anniversaries of three virtuoso composers: the centenary of Gustav Mahler’s death, the 20th anniversary of Bernstein’s passing and the bicentennial of Franz Liszt’s birth.
Maverick’s Music Director Alexander Platt describes these three musical giants as “equally brilliant as composer, conductor and pianist.” He explains, “Each possessed an all-encompassing love of both classical and popular music.”
The 2011 season welcomes Maverick favorites and debut artists to its traditional Sunday afternoon concerts at 4 p.m. Returning ensembles include the Tokyo, Shanghai, Miro, St. Peterburg, Daedalus and Amernet strings quartets plus Trio Solisti while the acclaimed Leipzig String Quartet makes its Maverick debut.
Saturday evening concerts offer an eclectic mix of jazz along with the cutting-edge contemporary string quartet, Ethel. In addition, a couple of Saturday vocal programs focus on Bernstein and Mahler. The Jazz at the Maverick series features pianists Bill Charlap and Uri Caine, the Don Byron Ivey-Divey Trio and the music of jazz great Pat Metheny and others performed by guitarist Jason Vieaux.
Maverick’s four Young People’s Concerts are on Saturday mornings at 11:00 with performances by Trio Solisti, guitarist Jason Vieaux, duo-pianists Andrew Russo and Frederick Chiu, and singer-songwriter Elizabeth Mitchell and Family. Children are admitted without charge while adults pay $5 and receive a coupon for $5 off a regular concert ticket.
Regular concerts are priced at $25 for unreserved seats. A limited number of reserved seats are available for $40 by credit card on line at www.maverickconcerts.org. Discount tickets are available by purchasing a book of 10 tickets for $175 and using them in any quantity at regular concerts.
In addition to the Maverick Concerts, a few outside groups will perform at the venerable hall. Actors & Writers Theatre is scheduled for Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, July 3 and Ars Choralis presents pre-season concerts on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. The annual Woodstock Beat fundraiser for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild takes place on Saturday, July 2 featuring Nexus with The Canadian Brass.
2011 MAVERICK CONCERTS
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Sunday, June 26, 4:00 p.m. The Tokyo String Quartet with Samuel Quintal, viola
Sunday, July 3, 4:00 p.m. The Miró Quartet
Saturday, July 9, 11:00 a.m.?Young People’s Concert: Jason Vieaux, guitar
Saturday, July 9, 8:00 p.m. Jason Vieaux, Guitar?
Sunday, July 10, 4:00 p.m. The St. Petersburg String Quartet?with Peter Kolkay, bassoon
Saturday, July 16, 11:00 a.m. Young People’s Concert: Trio Solisti
Saturday, July 16, 8:00 p.m. Ethel String Quartet
Sunday, July 17, 4:00 p.m. Trio Solisti
Saturday, July 23, 8:00 p.m. Bar Scott, Perry Beekman, and Terry Blaine, vocals and piano?with Peter Tomlinson, piano: Lou Pappas, bass
Sunday, July 24, 4:00 p.m. The Leipzig String Quartet
Saturday, July 30, 11:00 a.m. Young People’s Concert: Andrew Russo and Frederic Chiu, Pianists
Sunday, July 31, 4:00 p.m. Andrew Russo and Frederic Chiu, Pianos
Saturday, August 6, 11:00 a.m. Young People’s Concert: Elizabeth Mitchell and Family?
Saturday, August 6, 8:00 p.m. Jazz at the Maverick?The Don Byron Ivey-Divey Trio?
Sunday, August 7, 4:00 p.m. Jon Nakamatsu, Piano?
Saturday, August 13, 8:00 p.m. Jazz at the Maverick Bill Charlap, piano?
Sunday, August 14, 4:00 p.m. Amernet String Quartet, with Justin Kolb, piano?
Saturday, August 20, 8:00 p.m. Jazz at the Maverick?Uri Caine, piano
Sunday, August 21, 4:00 p.m. Friends of Maverick Concert?Zuill Bailey, Cello Navah Perlman, piano?
Regular Maverick tickets are not accepted
Saturday, August 27, 6:00 p.m. Nancy Allen Lundy, soprano?Philip Cutlip, baritone Babette Hierholzer, piano?
Sunday, August 28, 4:00 p.m. The Shanghai Quartet with Joel Fan, piano?
Friday, September 2, 8:00 p.m. Ilya Yakushev, Piano?
Saturday, September 3, 6:00 p.m. The Maverick Chamber Players Alexander Platt, conductor
Sunday, September 4, 4:00 p.m. Daedalus String Quartet with Andrew Garland, baritone
Come to Phoenicia
The Idyllic Valley That Is Phoenicia
By Christina Varga
Let nothing stand in the way of your imminent visit to the idyllic valley that is Phoenicia, New York. Recently voted one of the top ten small towns in the USA (sixth to be exact), Phoenicia is burgeoning with things to do, places to go and people to see. The length of the entire town spans just a few easy blocks chock full of delicious, surprising, eclectic and traditional treats. From the creative treasures of the Babes on the Boardwalk to yummy treats, teas and coffees that you get from Michael at Mamma's Boy, Phoenicia's shops and eateries are owned by the friendliest, creatives around.
Wanna Think about Ink? Let us recommend the one and only Sunday Dawne Marie at Skinflower Tattoo - one of the babes on the Boardwalk - and the most sublime engraver of skin we have ever had good fortune to discover - you may put your pelt in her hands. Live outside the box or know someone that does? That one of a kind creative accessory, embroidery or perhaps corset can be captured if you step into Threads of Time. Shop Mistress Kim carries unique jewelry, candles, clothes, walking sticks, vintage clothing and so much more, plus you can drop of your tailoring and dry cleaning, ooh la laahhhhhh. Feeling mysterious? See the masks at Wendy Drolma's studio where you can order your very own custom made facade. You might even catch her at work in her open studio - either way the small and intimate shoppe is worth the visit and you may yet discover your alter-ego.
Have a baby shower coming up? Head to 60 Main for some hand-painted Baby Toes Clothes and other fabulous things like comics and books and tofu nuggets. Love handcrafted giftables? Take to Tender Land Home where sophisticated rustic and contemporary housewares, home goods and gifts are artfully displayed with chic pottery, fragrant soaps, luscious pillows and cozy rugs, so inviting you'll want to move in. For vintage and records and photos and more, The Mystery Spot sure isn't a chore to stroll through and find something tucked behind something else. Laura Levine, yes, THE Laura Levine, showcases her rad photos, folk art and other fine works throughout her spot which is smack dab next door to the Ice Cream Parlor which you can enjoy while flipping through her Yardsale in a Box.
Fun and food are plentiful in Phoenicia. If you're hot and wanna get wet hit the Town Tinker Tube Rental and catch a ride on the Esopus. There's snacks galore at the Nest Egg, a deli, several enticing restaurants including the famous Brio's, Riccadella's and Sweet Sue's with their famous breakfast delicacies. If you don't feel like walking around the town, rent a bike at Mike's. Mike's Bikes rents by hour or by day and there's plenty of beautiful places to pedal including up Woodland Valley Road to the Menla Mountain Retreat. For the cultural crew, Phoenicia happenings in June include the local town play "Into the Woods" at the Shandaken Theatrical Society (STS) Playhouse, the Phoenicia Library Book Fair, the "Shandaken in Bloom" Garden Tour, and great places to visit like the Railroad Museum or even catch an honest to goodness rail ride on the Catskill Mountain Express. If you're able to walk up stairs you can visit The Arts Upstairs and catch their monthly all you can eat potluck buffet. You're sure to rub elbows with all the local talent in this community gallery.
Come to Kingston
The Hudson Valley Maritime Museum Open Regatta
& Other Kingston Events
By Janine Mower
When someone says they are going to Kingston NY, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? The “mall” perhaps or all the other big box stores that populate Kingston’s neighboring town of Ulster? Would you have an image of “uptown Kingston” where the Trailways bus station is or “downtown” which would take you past the century old high school and recently renovated city hall? Down town, or on the Rondout, is a gem of a place to go year round.
During the summer season, once the spring melt has left the Rondout Creek, it’s a perfect place for a newbie to begin exploring the area in a kayak. Imagine, the Rondout was once a bustling sea port. Sailing ships would arrive full of passengers from the north near Albany or from the south near Newburgh or New York City. Coal barges would be lined up along the Island Dock, a spit of land that was a holding bin for the black diamond of the 19th century. Canal barges, often with the canal boatman’s family on board, would make its way along the D and H canal, headed for Port Jervis.
What a perfect place for the Hudson Valley Maritime Museum. Located along the Rondout Creek, just adjacent to the docking place of the Rip Van Winkle, the Museum has a schedule full of events and a display titled “The Face of Work in the Hudson Valley”. The seventeenth and eighteenth century work force in the region was comprised of farmers, quarrymen, boat builders, brick workers, factory workers, shippers, boat captains and crew. Voices speaking German, Irish and Italian created and international melody that could be heard as you made your way along the streets on the Rondout. The Museum is open weekends through October 201 . Saturday, June 4, 2011 stop by and see the "River Day" - heritage and replica boat flotilla; "The Tug Boat Mathilda Clothesline Art Competition and Exhibition" On Saturday June 18 and Sunday June 19, Kingston Sailing Club hosts the Hudson River Maritime Museum Open Regatta in affiliation with the Hudson River Yacht Racing Association. www.hrmm.org
If the river spirits move you, stop by at the Kingston Kayak Festival Saturday June 11 from 10 to 4 pm. This popular annual event is located at Kingston Point Beach, once the site of a beautiful dock where Hudson River Dayliners would dock. This is the perfect venue to try out a kayak, talk with people who know how to maneuver these handy little water crafts and have some fun! Proceeds from the event go to fund the Kingston Parks and Recreation Departments Environmental Programs. www.kingstonkayakfestival.info
Janine Fallon- Mower, local history author. Her latest book, “American Tapestry the Mower’s of Maple Lane” is available thru the author. woodstockfleamarket@hvc.rr.com
Come to Hunter and Saugerties
Antique Cars and Majestic Horses
By Christian Starobin
Up for a different family event? Why not try the Tannersville 14th Annual Car Show, Sunday, June 19th (Father's Day). Rain or shine, this is free to the public but if you want to enter a car (anything from antique to custom) its $20 on the day, $15 for pre-registration. There are three main trophies (Mayor's Pick, Best of Show, Participants’ Choice) and 15 favorites. These will be awarded starting at approximately 3 PM. The first 50 cars will get free t-shirts and there are goodie bags for all.
Held on the Main Street in Tannersville, the local businesses are open. In addition, the Lions will offer hot dogs and hamburgers; another merchant will have sausages and peppers and there will be Italian ices.
For more information, contact (518) 589-5850 or cruisintannersville@hvc.rr.com. Please ignore other websites; accept no substitute!
* * * * * * * *
Those with the most horse sense will undoubtedly take their family to the 7th Annual Horses in the Sun (HITS) Show in Saugerties. HITS which has five circuits (Saugerties NY, Tuscan AZ, Thermal CA, Ocala FL, and Culpeper VA) has just begun its shows this year and will continue through September (schedule and map at www.HITSSHOWS.com)
The shows are free on the weekdays; Saturday and Sunday Family of Woodstock (see CTW article on Family in April issue) will charge $5 for each adult spectator as a donation towards their non-profit, charitable work.
For those who have not seen HITS in Cantine Field in Saugerties, there are several rings for the exhibitions with bleachers at the Grand Prix ring on Sundays. Gates open at 8 AM until 6 PM or early evening.
As horses are skittish, do not plan to picnic on the lawn. You might bring a lawn chair. There is a restaurant, cafeteria style, as well as other food vendors and various stores offering an assortment of horse inspired and horse related items (jewelry, clothing, horse paraphernalia, etc.)
The riders are children, amateurs and professionals in the categories of Hunters (artistic, judged on style) and Jumpers (judged on time and athletic ability).
On September 12th for the second year in Saugerties there will be the Pfizer Million Grand Prix at which 40 contestants who have qualified based on earnings in at least 8 HITS Grand Prix will compete for a total of $1,000,000 in prizes. This promises to be another exciting exhibition.
More Peace and Love:
Baba Shiva Rudra Balayogi
Comes to Mudita Yoga in Kingston
By Cassia Berman
There’s nothing quite like being in the presence of someone who loves you as his or her own self, and who knows that self to be divine. It goes beyond the usual experience of conditional love to make you aware of the peace, radiance and wholeness that is always within you, beneath all the drama and questions.
Here in the Woodstock area, we have opportunity after opportunity to be in the presence of such people, whose only purpose is to inspire us and help us awaken to the true, unshakable peace and love that can always be found inside. In the last month alone, Amma Sri Karunamayi, Woodstock’s own Divine Mother from India, returned to the Bearsville Theater to bless us and transmit to us, with great sweetness and love, the strength to continue our spiritual journeys. Her visit was followed a week later by Garchen Rinpoche at The Tibetan Center on Rt. 28, whose teachings on kindness and the attainment of true freedom are authenticated and empowered by the open heart and spirit he maintained during twenty years in a Chinese prison.
June brings us another special opportunity when Baba Shiva Rudra Balayogi returns to Mudita Yoga in Kingston for a free evening’s talk and meditation instruction. Babaji, as he is affectionately and respectfully called, is a self-realized yogi—a spiritual practitioner who has attained the highest achievement: union with divine consciousness. Humble and radiant, he has spent most of his life as a disciple of Shivabalayogi Maharaj, one of India’s great spiritual masters, who briefly visited Woodstock during the summer of 1988 and offered initiation into mantra and meditation at St. Gregory’s Church.
As a child in India, Babaji was preoccupied with questions about life and death, to the point that he found it almost unbearable to be in this world. When he met this revered guru at the age of 16, his mind became quiet, but he was overwhelmed with spiritual longing to be with the holy man. It was three years before his mother gave him permission to leave his studies. In 1973, he happily surrendered to Sri Shivabalayogi, who subsequently initiated him into a monastic life of devotion and service to God and guru. Shivabalayogi assigned the young aspirant full responsibility of his ashram in Dehra Dun in the Himalayan hills of North India, and for the next twenty years, Babaji humbly served his guru and all who came there, absorbed in spiritual practice and meditation when he wasn’t hard at work. My friend Kavita, whose family often visited the ashram, remembers Babaji as kind and shy, with a unique radiance that made her smile when she’d see him sitting by himself, playing his harmonium, singing devotional songs.
Soon after his guru passed away in 1994, Babaji had a vision in which Shivabalayogi initiated him into tapas, intense spiritual practice, informing him that he would attain enlightenment after several years of prolonged meditation. He withdrew from his activities, and meditated an average of twenty hours a day for the next five years, finally achieving permanent union of his mind with pure consciousness. He now travels the world teaching meditation.
Being with Babaji is like being on vacation from the heaviness and complications of the world. A strong, handsome man whose white beard and wispy hair give him a slightly lion-like quality, the natural peace and happiness he emits tend to light up your own heart. An evening with him is likely to consist of devotional singing, a simple talk about spiritual truth drawn from his own experience, questions and answers, initiation for those who want it into the meditative technique through which he attained Self-realization, and group meditation.
Babaji has been traveling across the United States since the middle of May; his evening at Mudita Yoga—243 Fair Street in Kingston on Thursday, June 16, 7-9:30 p.m.—is part of a series of programs he’s offering in Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island, including a weekend meditation retreat from June 17-19 at Ananda Ashram, not so far from here, in Monroe, NY. All Babaji’s programs are free, with donations deeply appreciated.
For more information about Babaji and his schedule, go to www.shivarudrabalayogi.org
Cassia Berman teaches classes in the Chinese energy practices Qigong (a.k.a. chi kung) and T’ai Chi, and offers private healing sessions in Woodstock. Contact her at (845) 679-9457 or go to www.cassiaberman.com.
There is a Kind of Magic to Indian Classical Music
By Elizabeth Smith
Musicians Ray Spiegel and Aashish Khan will be performing together for the first time in three years. Ray and Aashish have performed together many times over the years, and have developed a unique synchronicity, that begins even before they play. As Ray stated, “Even before you start to play, you go into a kind of metaphysical change.” Spiegel goes on to say, “after tuning his instrument, Aashish plays all the notes open, which puts me into another state. When I hear that kind of perfection, it puts me into a kind of elevated state of consciousness.”
Both artists have an incredible lineage connecting them to legendary Indian musicians. Ray is the disciple of the late Tabla Master Ustad Alla Rakha since 1975. Aahsish Khan was initiated into north Indian music at the age of five by his grandfather, a legendary performer. He also learned music under the guidance of his father, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, who came to America in 1960 to start a college for classical Indian music to preserve the traditional ways- to save Indian music. Aashish and Rays strong lineage connects them back to royalty, kings, and emperors. As Ray stated, “Traditional Indian classical musicians were born into it, they didn’t have a choice. They were made to practice from a very young age; they played what their fathers’ played.”
Ray explains, “The overall feeling of Indian Classical music is meditative (even when going really fast) starting with an ‘Alap’, which is the introduction to the Raga”. Ideally, that music will be trance inducing- like the inward journey for the listener, as well as for the performer.” There is a kind of magic to Indian classical music. So the performer goes into a kind of altered state, and ideally the listener too. That is why Aashish likes to play in Woodstock, “because people here know something about it, they know about yoga; they know how to sit right. They know how to get to a meditative state.” With a good audience, there will be a kind of cyclic transformation of vibrations being received and sent from musician to audience, and back to musician.
You don’t have to understand a Raga to experience this exchange of vibrations . . . but that each Raga carries a mood. Be ready to experience romantic love, heroism, sadness, joy, and devotion . . . just to mention a few. Indian music is supposed to run the gamut of human emotions. These accomplished artists are able to communicate that. Ray states, “just be open; be in a meditative state from the beginning; let the note come to your soul; just feel free.” Ray states, “it is important that people here come to the concert, they become a part of the continuum that was once only reserved for royalty and kings; it is sacred vibration.”
Please join us in this incredible spiritual journey on June 11th. They will be performing at the Mountain View Studio in Woodstock, N.Y. at 8pm. www.mtnviewstudio.com. Doors open at 7:20pm; $20.00 Admission. Learn more at www.simlahouse.com and www.aashish-khan.org.
Johnny D’s June Horoscopes
by Johnny D.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
Confusing planet conjunctions leaves poor Aries feeling like everything is up and down for them at the moment, like they got caught on a see-saw with Franco the Famous Frog Boy from Fargo, North Dakota, and Franco’s Ritalin has kicked in to overdrive. Poor Aries, but fret not by month’s end Mars frees you up, and you’ll be looking back like it was no big deal. Bide your time, tune on 100.1 WDST Radio Woodstock and chill OUT.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
Turns out all work and no play is not only dull but can be neglectful at times too. Shocked! Loved ones may have been sending signs for you to check them out but you have been as clueless as Maria Shriver handing her housekeeper the good old Christmas bonus check every year there at the Schwarzenegger household. Clue back in and spend some one on one time with a loved on at Maria’s Bazaar and make it all about them.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Looks like someone or something has ticked you off, well welcome to the Human Race. While other people might be planning summer vacation you have been contemplating a trip to the dark side, as in revenge. Don’t let your inner Thelma and Louise get the best of you. It’s all about Karma dear Gemini so when tempted to strike back, lock yourself in a room and re-watch “Life is Beautiful” listening to “You Get What You Give” repeatedly.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
You are about to become the Bridge Over Troubled Water that most people hope they have found in their friends. It will be your kind, nurturing words that bring comfort to your loved one. Geesh, sounds exhausting, go break out and party at the Mountain Jam. You are going to need to fortify yourself with some good vibes to keep all that sunny optimism sounding remotely believable (or even sincere).
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
For months you’ve suspected you were center stage of the perfect storm, and were left to wonder not only how you might survive it but IF you might survive it at all? The clouds are shifting Kitty Kats and your ability to soak up the moment and be present in “the now” has become the best by-product from adversity you could imagine. Nobody’s impressed by this, but your too busy being in the moment to give a sweet rat’s pa-tooty.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Virgo, Virgo, Virgo, I’m beginning to feel like Jan to your Marcia Brady, and its Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Another fantastic month for you folks (unless there’s a vindictive Gemini on your tail you’re good to go, I’m just saying). I’m beginning to think Virgo’s are the chosen people, so lap it while you can. Life may not be a Caberet old chum, while the band’s still playing, dance like you’re Lady GaGa on fat burners and Red Bull.
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Someone might say, go take a hike. They are just looking out for you. If they tell you to take a long walk off a short pier that’s a different story. Still your ability to make a mountain out of a mole hill, might inspire such comments but lucky you, there are very few “short piers” in Woodstock. Get lost in nature, hang by a stream, listen to birds singing, pretend your on Survivor (eat a bug). Free your mind and the rest will follow.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)
When it comes to other peoples opinions you seem to have on a Suit of Armour. Your fortitude to hold on to your own beliefs despite varying perceptions is not only admirable but arouses interest from a potential partner. Pray it’s a Virgo and I suspect you’ll be set for life, if it’s a Gemini, hide your Ginsu Knife Collection, your luck just ran out. Take your “who cares what you think of me?” ‘tude to Taco Juans and ponder the universe. No one is going to judge you and if they do, you won’t care.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
Looks like things are brewing in the work place and it’s not going to be pretty. It’s Lou Grant versus Mary Richards in a caged fight and more than post-it’s are going to fly. Keep your head low, Mary can be a feisty vixen and Lou forget about it, the guys a maniac in the ring. Years of no “cost of living” increases have taken its toll. Go home rent “Office Space” and dream a new career, one where you’ll be allowed to wear pieces of flair.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
Somethings got you going all spiritual this month. Was it’s last month’s end of the world prediction that’s got you wandering like Woody Allen in search of a savior (Hannah and Her Sisters)? Thankfully that was never art imitating life but dear Capricorn, turns out a blast from a past comes back to your life and you’re gonna need a savior by the looks of it, in other words buyer beware. Apparently you are to avoid this person like the plague especially if his name is Ah-nold.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
If you were an empty museam exhibit, it would be a modified retrospective of your lifes work that you would fill the room with, revisiting every piece with an apreciation incapable of yourself until now. Now you are busy exploring the possiblity of it all together as an extensive collection. Sounds like you need some Tequila. Head over to the Gypsy Wolf Cantina, and numb it up already. Self re-invention is so 1990’s. Be who U R.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Well, well, well, seems like love is in the air for you Pisces. If you haven’t jumped on the dating internet highway now may be the time to travel such a road, it may be worth the cost of the toll. Soon you and your soul mate will be acting as silly as those folks on those E Harmony commercials and none of your friends are going to want to know you. Better start treating them really good now, take em for a slice at Catskill Mountain Pizza Co. You’ll be glad you did.
Johnny D is an aspiring comic author, from Santa Monica California, who dropped into Woodstock while dropping out of the Hollywood scene. Come see him at the Country Kitchen where he'll treat you like the superstar you are. Send rebuttal to vibeisgood@msn.com
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