Thursday Thoughts : "As"

Someone or some folks at ESSENCE magazine decided that this Stevie Wonder song, "As" is, in their opinion, the "best R & B song" of all time. It is a beautiful song, and I hope that all the online chatter will lead to more people discovering the song and listening to its beautiful lyrics and message. 

Reading about it reminded me of  that time one Christmas that Arne and I gifted each other Stevie Wonder compilations, which led me to think of the day we realized I had been turning down the thermostat for what I thought was his benefit, and he was turning it up for whatvhe thought was mine . 

Everything is temporary, except love, and music. 

I wish you love and music. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Gigs Recap

 Hey Everybody! 

We had a blast and I survived! However, it was a reminder of why I need to make changes in my life. I've been searching for a day gig that will allow me to use my diverse skill set and help me finance my next album recording. 

In the meantime, the studio building where I was sorting and assembling my life art project, which intertwines my music and experiences at the old studio building, has hit a snag. 

The building has been sold and while the tenants were told that the building would remain an art space, that has turned out not to be the case. 

I wish you the best week possible. Be kind to yourself and let it flow. 

ox,

Mari 

Shows on August 7th and 8th | Benicia and San Francisco

First things first - have to pay the blog toll! (Inside joke, if you are curious, send me an email.) 

Upcoming gigs: Friday at Lucca in Benicia 6:30 pm and Saturday at 4:00 pm at The Saloon in San Francisco 

I've had so much on my mind, weighing heavy in my heart that I'm really grateful to have two gigs this week. At first, I was pretty upset when Arne booked two gigs back to back, but now I'm grateful, because I need the spiritual release that only music provides. 

And on that note, the celebration of Glen Hansard's life took place on August 4th in Ireland. It was shown on RTE, BBC and several live news outlets. I caught the tail end of the live stream, and was so moved by the crowd of people still standing there in the church, singing, that I felt compelled to watch the recording of the entire service. It was a beautiful service, a reminder to live our lives with more kindness, courage, creativity and love. If you are already doing this, just keep doing it. If you find you are living your life any other way, you can decide to have a change of heart at any moment. 

Ox,

Mari 

This Week: Live Music In Benicia and San Francisco

Hey Everybody! 

Doing what comes naturally this week, although we'll be jamming more than usual, because we have a gig on both Friday and Saturday. Should be an adventure! I'll be drinking lots of water while being grateful for the musicianship in our band. 

Friday: Lucca, 439 First Street, Benicia: 6:30 downbeat $5 cover, all ages

Saturday: Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco 4 - 8 pm, No cover, 21+ only

Kings' lineup for these gigs: 

Myself on vocals, Arne on bass, Dave on guitar, Richard on keys, and Dylan Garrison on the drum throne. 

Hope to see you soon. 

Enjoy your week and stay hopeful! 

As always, thanks for reading. 

Best,

Mari 

p.s. After publishing last week's post, I realized I left out my paragraph about Ray Gomez and Glen Hansard, who both passed recently. Glen's funeral notice is in the comments of that post. I don't have the time I would like to be able to devote to them at the moment, so I linked to my Facebook posts. 

Celebrations of Life

It's been a week of comings and goings. 

The cycle, or circle of life. 

Today, we will celebrate granddaughter Avalon's 3rd birthday. 

We gifted her first dollhouse yesterday, and the delight on her face was worth the price of admission. 

Arne and I also celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday, and we shared the day with friends and family and music, grateful for every moment we get to spend together in this life. 

I wish you love, for yourself and everyone. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Monday Morning Musings: 7/27/2026

Hey Everybody, 

Just plugging away, seeking paid work/gigs and doing my best to treasure each precious moment of life. 

I wish you the best week possible. 

Ox, 

Mari 

8/7/26 - Lucca in Benicia 

8/8/26 - The Saloon in San Francisco

I took this photo outside Amphora, a pottery studio in San Rafael. The pollinators were buzzing about. 

Thursday Thoughts 7/23/2026

Hello Again, 

I'm.just sharing a note to say, find or create something that brings you joy today. 

The sun rises in the sky every day, and it lights up the whole world. 

Ox, 

Mari

photo credit: Elaine Cramer (Murphy Productions event, exact date unknown at this time) 

Monday Morning Musings 7/20/26

Today is my closest cousin's birthday. I'm going to celebrate that today by text, and try not to beat myself up about not getting the card in the mail on time. 

The band sounded really great on Saturday. Wish you were there! 

Sending love out into the world. 

Upcoming gigs: 

Lucca in Benicia on August 7th

6:30 pm. Fun venue. 

The Saloon on August 8th.

Heart and soul of North Beach. 

Ox, 

Mari