Happy New Year 2/10/2013

The Year of the Snake

Celebrated Chinese New Year with my friend and doctor, Lan Kao.

We went downtown to Chinatown to a Buddhist Temple set up for a major fire works. And OMG, they blasted off not once, but three times while we we there. Rolls of firecrackers were hung on poles and lit. Lan told me it is Chinese custom to bring in the New Year with a bang! And, it chases away evil spirits, too.

She led me into the Temple where three Buddhas were enshrined. One for protection, one for compassion, one for justice. Thousands of offerings such as oranges and dollar bills were arranged beneath the Buddhas. Everyone in attendance carried multiple incense sticks to offer to the Buddhas

The grand finale was the Lion or Dragon Dance. Four young men from a Kung fu school wore these elaborate costumes and tantalized the worshippers by opening their mouths to receive offerings of money.

At last the ceremony ended and the entire congregation was fed a Buddhist diet of green vegetables and white rice. For luck there were the auspicious Chinese noodles. 

Lan has been my acupuncturist for nine years. We met in Hawaii and now we’re both living in the City of Angels. I absolutely adore experiencing different cultures, especially with friends.

Kung Hei Fat Choy 

Note: Cloudiness in pictures is due to the enormous amount of smoke from burning incense in the Temple.

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Deke’s Bitchin’ Guitar

Deke Dickerson, impresario of the “Deke Dickerson Guitar Geek Festival”, paid me the honor of accompanying me singing my surf-rock classic, “Muscle Bustle”, on Friday night. His stage was filled with a classic rock ‘n rock band including horns, two go-go dancers and my background singers. Deke makes singing my old music FUN. His interpretation of Dick Dale was Spot On!

 


Read Festival Write-Up in L.A. Record

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I Just Love Christmas Lights

Been too under the weather to see them any sooner than last night. Got all bundled up in our 40 degree weather. 88 degrees in Hawaii for 15-years… takes some doing to get used to the cold. Mandeville Canyon, a road in West L.A. has some of the best lights. Here are some samples:

This is a familiar area for me. Had a family friend who lived in Mandeville. Next main road is 26th Street. That goes straight to the Brentwood Country Mart, an enclave for west-end shoppers who stand in line at the BBQ Chicken place inside a courtyard around a fire pit. These were my old stomping grounds when I was raising my family. Quick trips to the toy store, then a basket of chicken and their delicious seasoned french fries. Xtra BBQ sauce for dipping, please!

My friend Marlene’s father owned the grocery store there, but I didn’t know that then. Took me many years to reunite with her and discover how small the world really is. No wonder I felt like “The Mart” was a home away from home.

Being back in L.A. rekindles these memories, especially when I visit these same places now and occasionally still see a familiar face. I love traveling the roads of my old haunts, still so alive with young families enjoying all the same things I did.

Happy days in 2013! Make them that way through patience and perseverance.

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New Years Resolution 2013

New Years Resolution

Fill You Heart With Joy

Once You Have Cleared Your Fears

Create the World

You Want To Live In

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Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Oh, I Love Christmas!

The spirit of giving is a natural phenomenon. Truly, doesn’t it make you feel good when you’ve thought of someone, then see their response when you deliver your message of good will or a big package with a shiny red ribbon?

My Holiday Wish for All is to retain this Spirit throughout the year and give from the bottom of your heart.

I Love You, Donna

                                            Shindig Christmas Special (aired 12-23-64)

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12-12-12

An auspicious occasion! I was reading this and wanted to pass it on to you with my love:
December 2012 was a marker set in time by time travelers, many of which are alive incarnate today on Earth.  Your soul may have been one that was involved in placing this marker into the historical records.  Or you may be a star seed that had an influence on those making the discovery of the astronomy or astrology relevant to this time period.  And now, all of you living today are playing a role in the outcome of your 12.12 destiny. 

There needed to be a message through time to awaken you to the opportunity for your ascension.  Many cultures have predicted there would be a generation of change and enlightenment of some sort, or a doomsday scenario.  But little was pointing to when this might occur in your future.  Thus a marker was set so that you would look to this time and awaken to the potential of the era that would follow.  

The date represents a window of possibility for an evolutionary leap, as many of you by now are aware.  It also represents the closing of a chapter.  All the astronomy that goes along with this window was created by the forces of consciousness in your galaxy including astral bodies and interdimensional beings.

In other words, this time was planned to be an opening and the forces to create this were aligned accordingly. The marker was set for you to begin exploring the possibility.  As you explore, you are opening the door to the plan.  We hope you are following this dynamic.  It once again is about the power of consciousness.  This opening is about the realization of your power to create a new world on a date that you globally decide to create it. 

The awakening can only occur in as much as your species decides to create it and herein lies the true meaning of December 2012.  The universal consciousness has offered the opening, but it is up to humanity whether they will walk through and how.

As it stands, December 2012 is wide open for this probability, and many are seeing the potential for something great to occur and for the old ways to die. Again, you decide how miserable the death of the old way will be.  Will it be a smooth passing with a smile of bliss, or will it go down with a fight?  Since the opening is now well established, many will go through it no matter what.  How gently you will go is a matter of speculation.  The energy is available for a profound awakening to spontaneously occur in December, 2012, following several smaller awakenings that have been and will happen all year. 

You are set to see global insights come rushing forth on or around the date of 12.12.12.  This day will be the gateway to what will be a final walk through on 12.21.12.  One date is preparation for the other.

Numerology is significant in the universe.  It is a universal language that speaks of frequency and resonance on a multiplicity of levels.  One can have loads of fun delving into this language and in further sensing the vibrations that go with it.  We will give you a bit to ponder regarding these important dates, and please do take it further.  Just the contemplation of the numbers and meanings will put you into the frequencies that lie within their magic.

Firstly, you can plainly see that the number 12 is prominent within these dates.  12 is a number of universal import and you see its repeating patterns in your culture; 12 hours of the day, 12 months of the year, 12 in a dozen, 12 zodiac signs, 12 apostles, and 12 days of Christmas, for example.  These relationships are not a coincidence, nor are they about convenience.

Within the 12 you find the number 3; the sacred trinity, third chakra, and number of creation.  It is universal that when you put two things, ideas, or what have you, together, a third is naturally created.  In these December dates, you have three threes.  This equals 9.  Thus the creational value is tripled and the result is the completion of a cycle, which is a meaning inherent in the number 9.  From this we can plainly see the vibrations at play of creation and completion, in the cycle of development.

These two dates, 12.12.12 and 12.21.12 are divinely linked.  The 12.12.12 is the gateway to what will transpire on 12.21.12.  Thus, the gateway that you align with on the first date will determine what world you see when the gate opens on the following date.  Are we saying it is important what you are doing and being on these dates?  Yes, and particularly where you are and what you are focused upon on 12.12.12 will be significant.  Needless to say, what you will be focused on will likely be determined by all you have done in preparation during this year 2012 and leading up to it.

Most who are leading a path of greater awareness will know the import of these days and will find themselves inexplicably drawn to particular places, people and circumstances.  They may be drawn to places of power where they can be of service energetically.  They may also be drawn to places related to past lives where they will fuse with the power of their soul energy as it existed through time.  Or, they will be stead fast in bringing revelation and focus to a place important for the future Earth and its fruition.  The same can be said of the people you are attracted to be with.  All of this is in the works now, and may already be established for you energetically without you even being aware as of yet.

Some of you will also note that 12.12.2012= 11.  This numerology also has a spiritual significance as to transcendence, and the doubled power of one, and its ability as an initiator and propulsion unit for the start of new growth and new evolutionary urges.  No matter how you slice the numbers, there is potency inherent in these dates for your civilization, and this is no mistake.  Not to mention, we do suggest you take a look at the astrological influences at play during this month.  You will find some interesting planetary alignments that will add to the energetic forces.

Given all this, it is hoped that you will allow your soul to open to your highest state of being for these dates.  The predictions of December 2012 are true and real. However, you will determine what and how they will manifest.  Allowing the fruit from the old tree to fall to the ground and rot away will be beneficial to your Earth.  What new seed you plant, and in what soil, is now up to you.  What seeds will you plant at the gateway to flourish on your new fertile soil as you walk into the threshold of your new world?  This is more than a metaphor, and numbers speak of more than mathematical calculations.

Three is the opening to twelve in the next octave.  What will you create from the fires of your third chakra, and what will this look like in the octave of 12?  The solar plexus contains your drive and your element of fire.  This element has many octaves of expression.  The drive you bring into 12.12.12 will flame your 12.21.12.  We can of course go on with the significances to these dates on many levels, but we wish to leave some of the fun to you.  Take your solar plexus third chakra drive and allow it to move you into the next dimensional octave. 

Your personal journey is the journey of humankind.  Everyone’s third chakras can unite on and around 12.12.12, and be a fire on Earth to burn away the old ways and inflame the new.  Once this gateway opens on 12.21.12 everything will have new possibilities seeded within, and nothing will really be the same from that point forward.  Some will say nothing happened, but those in the know, will say that everything happened!

That said, give consideration to where you will be on 12.12.12 and 12.21.12.  Be in a place that you feel is, or will be, a gateway place for you on December 12 and in a place to see fruition on December 21.  The gateway for you may be to face a fear, or it may be a place that encourages you to come into a new power.  It may be a place that you feel you can reconcile and bring new truth to the past.   Perhaps it is a place that needs transformation and you will go to aid in that for the location, and for your soul.  Even if the spot is your backyard, do not take it as if it is just another day.  Make it a gateway day of import for your soul.  Have a special ritual or create a sanctuary in your yard that will be your symbolic, and perhaps real, gateway to your next dimension of being.

There will be a lot of travel during December 2012, as the light workers move into key positions, physically, and psychically.  So whether you travel across the planet, across dimensions, into your emotions, or all of the above and more, make it impactful for your soul.  By acknowledging your gateway, you add to the greatness of the gateway for humanity and Mother Earth.  Start creating your gate now and make it relevant and contributory to the day you walk through it on December 21, 2012. 

You may not be in the same physical place on both days. Consider what you are doing and being on the gateway day and how it leads to the threshold day.  If your gateway finds you crossing a bridge of fear, then allow 12.21 to be what you have in mind for life on the other side of that fear.

Have fun with the symbolism of your gateway crossing, and use it in a way that becomes real for you.  In other words, you may really want to cross a bridge to somewhere else.  Or you may want to actually build a bridge on 12.12.12 and cross it on 12.21.12.

This can be a literal bridge, or be something in your life that represents a bridge for you.  Think big.  Go beyond what your limits allowed in the past.  Stretch yourself and use your imagination in the creation of your gateway and your following threshold.  Do it all with a lightness of being, and a sense of soul purpose.

These dates also fall over and invite religious holidays, and there is no coincidence in that either.  The religious ties can be gateway tools for these days of transformation.  You can call upon the collective ritual power and infuse new light into these holidays.  Breathe gateway creation into the rituals and make them new in your heart.   Even if you are not religious, you can be a part of the transformational opportunity by joining in the ritual power of millions of souls; by lighting miracle candles on Chanukah, or Christed Christmas lights, or the flames of Kwanzaa’s worthy principles, to ignite these within your soul and for all humanity.  Why not celebrate them all.  You have much to celebrate!

All these days of power also relate to the third chakra where your fire is lit, or a new fire comes forth on Earth as in a birth or rebirth to then awaken the heart chakra energy.  Furthermore, there is the dawning of the light of the Winter Solstice.  All of these events and holidays happen every year, but this year is special, as it is the start of the new octave for human and Earthly rebirth.

Enjoy the beauty of the procession of these holidays this December.  Start by lighting miracles in the days of Chanukah, leading to your gateway day of 12.12.12.  Step through the threshold of December 21 at the Winter Solstice.  Walk into the 12 days of Christmas, and finally embrace the seven principles of Kwansaa, for a renewed human experience.  You will be ready then to embrace the octave shift as it unfolds thenceforth, as this will be just the beginning!

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All Of A Sudden My Heart Sings

To commemorate my final performance on Shindig which aired 11-20-65, I’m celebrating this November Full Moon by sliding into the original Hawaiian Holoku I wore on that occasion. You’ll see behind me in the vintage video a view of Waikiki, my home for 7-years. In the distance, the landmark Royal Hawaiian Hotel in all its pink glory, conjures up aromas of pineapple, coconut and mai tais with little umbrellas as well as salty ocean breezes and Duke Kahanamoku.

The show was filmed at Magic Island on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii and was one of the few times myself or anyone else didn’t sing live on the show. 

Vintage Hawaiian Holoku 2012

Original Label

Original 1965 Shindig video:

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Capitol Records Recording Session “Smokey Joe’s” (1965)

Here’s a photo from July 6, 1965 in Studio A at the Capitol Records Tower. I’m wearing an outfit that I designed and made, a 2-piece Pink Polka Dot bell bottom pants and top. Pictured, from extreme left: Al DeLory on organ; me; Tommy Tedesco, guitar; Billy Strange, guitar; Don Randi, keyboard; mystery man, bass. Anyone know who the mystery man is? **Thank you, Cliff Adams for recognizing the great Bill Pitman on bass.

This session included the following recordings: Smokey Joe’s (released 11/65), That’s The Boy (finally released as part of a compilation in 2009) and four other unreleased tracks, all produced by Steve Douglas. Arrangers for the session were Billy Strange and the legendary Jack Nitzsche

Capitol Records Recording Session with members of The Wrecking Crew 1965

Here’s the same outfit today:

Same Outfit Today

 

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Glen Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Glen Campbell received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Malibu Music Awards and I couldn’t wait to see him. For this occasion, I decided to wear a lace La Perla body suit with a pair of capris I bought in Sweden. My accessories were a pair of Andrea Phister heels and a special necklace my husband, Jered, gave me on the Island of Lanai. The ride to Malibu was a breeze.  After a tedious 3 1/2 hours of dolling out dozens trophies to community entertainers, an act called Victoria Ghost stepped on the stage. They announced they were the ‘Campbell Kids’, a cute girl playing mandolin and banjo, her brother on guitar and a friend on stand-up bass.  The crowd loved them and asked for more. Then Glen’s daughter caught sight of him standing at the edge of the stage and called to him “Daddy, want to play dueling banjos?” He walked on stage and I began to weep. I could tell that his Alzheimers was, in fact, degenerating his ability to sing Gentle On My Mind. Without his daughter helping to orient him to the song, he would have been at a loss. But, oh those fingers moved like lightening on his fret board.

Glen, myself and Jered at Malibu Music Awards

Reuniting with Glen backstage left me trembling with joy. He was happy to see me and gave both my husband and I a generous hug. Glen and I first met in 1961 when we both recorded for Crest Records and Publishing. He played guitar on my record Hands Off (1962) and was part of The Wrecking Crew on many of my other recordings. We also worked together on many Shindig shows when we were both cast members.

Glen with his loving daughter, Ashley

Shindig rehearsal with Glen Campbell, Feb 3, 1965. Oh, that Bobby Sherman was really pulling my leg!

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Dr Pepper Wardrobe: Mod Camel Jacket & Boots

It’s time for Fall wardrobe evaluation. No need to go shopping this season. Look what I found in my closet. It’s vintage, as you can see by the stains on the label. That was from sweating out a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a Dr Pepper bottling plant in Pecos, TX. Other than that imperfection, this jacket has stood the test of time, and I am including it in my 2012 Fall wardrobe. Often I wore the boots pictured with this jacket, which was originally part of a suit. The skirt is MIA.

Dr Pepper Bottling Plant Opening, Pecos, TX

Dr Pepper Bottling Plant Opening, Pecos, TX

Mod Camel Jacket Today

Original Label

Vintage Boots

Original Boot Label


 

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