Piping in the New

Late this afternoon,  I enjoyed  old traditions ringing in the new:  bagpipe music echoing from  Spanish Bay on New Year’s Day, as every day.  It was perfect weather for biking 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach.

Johnny Mercer tunes had revved up my New Year’s morning, with “Too Marvelous for Words:  Capitol Sings Johnny Mercer.”   Thanks to a recent mention of Mercer by Jay Bartow, I’d been motivated to rediscover this exceptional songwriter, a favorite of my parents.

And as 2010′s  first sun slipped into the Pacific, Joni Mitchell’s “California” was trilling off my tongue.  What is it about being on a bicycle that always gets my pipes going!

Today as I biked and sang under clear skies and felt the warm (60s) sunshine, I was counting my blessings.  I sometimes forget that those mighty ocean breakers in front of me aren’t seen everywhere.  Same goes for the marine life— including the two-legged varieties, whose joy pulls me back into the surf, even if I only grab a boogie board, on our warmest days.

Former resident Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”  That variety in the world does make for a lot of happiness.  I am ecstatic in high mountains, and I’ve been thrilled by making new discoveries under the sea.  I love lush green growth, and I’m touched by stark  desert terrain.  And I am happy to live where I can bicycle year-round!

If you’re snowbound and want a great place to bicycle right now, come visit.  Although we do hope to get some winter rain now and then, we can guarantee you:  no snow.

Photo courtesy of Todd via Amber Rubarth.

That’s exactly why my 21-year-old is visiting the east coast—she wanted to experience a white Christmas.  The great live music she knew she’d hear in the Big Apple didn’t hurt either, including Amber Rubarth, Bess Rogers, Ingrid Michaelson, and others.

Are you experienced? Check this live music venue!

Meanwhile, back here in little ol’ Monterey, the heads-up I received from Gianni Greco about some dates at HER Helmet Thursdays participant Jose’s Lounge Underground piqued my interest.  Looks like there’ll be plenty of live music in the coming weeks right here in MoCo.  You may think that Jose’s Lounge Underground is only about punk or heavy metal.  Not so.   If you’re in the age range that Gianni graciously refers to as “experienced,” check out who they have coming on 1/5, 1/23, 1/28, 2/5, 2/19, and 3/6.  See  Jose’s Lounge Underground’s Myspace page for details on what Gianni is talking about.

House concerts in Monterey County

Another tip for music lovers:  Greg & Juliet Pool’s Tree House Concert series.  Never been to a Tree House concert?  From the chickens to their lovely views to the yummy potluck fare,  their  lovely spot and warm hospitality are a treat in themselves.  And, yes,  they can be counted on to bring very special music to this intimate venue!   This is one of my favorite house concert venues.  And if it’s a summer day when our coastline is covered in fog, there’s a good chance you’ll find sunshine at their Carmel Valley home.

Another fav for house concerts?  Those put on by Sierra Dehmler!  Enjoy.

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