Angel Ramon Pena

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/memorial/angel-pena

I can still see, in my mind's eye, my mother dancing with Angel at my Aunt's wedding. 

I remember getting the call from one of the "kids" - she was attending Chico State at the time. The sense of panic, not knowing the whereabouts of the other "kid," who lived in Manhattan at the time. He was out of the state, if memory serves, visiting his mother. 

Sending love and a wish for healing to all. 

Ox, 

Mari 

Saturday Afternoon at The Saloon in San Francisco, 4 - 8 pm

It's that time again, for our monthly Saloon soiree! 9/12/26, 4 - 8 pm, in the heart of North Beach, we give you a royal dose of the blues, so you can put on your dancing shoes! 

1232 Grant Avenue, 

San Francisco, 

No cover, so go ahead and park in the garage! 

21+, one drink minimum

The Sun Rises Again!

Hey Everybody! 

Hope you had an enjoyable Labor day! I labored on long overdue tasks, and it was exhausting and joyful! 

 Remember, when we can't find joy, we can do pur best to create it, even if it's in our imagination. Each of us has more power than we realize, and the best power I can think of is the power to adapt to change, which is constant and inevitable. They don't call it the "Serenity Prayer" for no reason, and it works even if you aren't in recovery. That said, some days it feels as if we are all trying to recover from something. 

Music dept.: 

We have a gig this coming Saturday, 9/12/26 at The Saloon, 4 - 8 pm 

1232 Grant Avenue, 

San Francisco. 

We have so much fun, I hope you can join us. 

Next month, it will be 39 years since I first walked into that place, and I am grateful for the music and friendships made along the way. 

Stay safe, be kind, and be love. 

Ox, 

Mari 

A Shift in the Heavens

As long as there are people who remember, we live.

https://msmagazine.com/2026/08/27/dolly-parton-gloria-steinem-feminist/

August Ends, September Begins

 Hey Everybody, 

Took a break from the blog and the blur of old memories yesterday, managed to make dinner and go shopping for groceries, had a long talk with one of my sisters. It was a good day to recharge. 

We're all just doing the best we can do with what we've been given, whatever that may be. I think it was Ghandi who said. "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is important that you do it." Well, not sure I agree with that one anymore, after reading all that the wonderful Dolly Parton was able to achieve in her life. Empathy truly IS a superpower. 

Music: 

We've got a gig coming up on September 12th: 4 - 8 at The Saloon in North Beach, the place that convinced me to move out to San Francisco. That, and the promise of a place to live in order to avail myself of a great public education system. It's a long story for another time. Forgive me if I repeat myself. 

Here is the band lineup for the 9/12/26 Mari Mack & Livin' Like Kings gig: 

Mari Tamburo on vocals - Arne Frager on bass - Richard Wood on keys - Dave Powell on guitar and Ry Blumenfeld on the drum throne. 

I'm sharing a song today. It's not mine, but the lyrics could be used for a Wednesday, when we're known for sharing wise words on occasion: 

Listen here

Ox,

Mari 

Reminder of the Rummage

Friendly reminder that I'm going to hand off some "excess stuff" today (and maybe tomorrow.) 

11 - 4 pm at 7 - 11 Mark Drive. San Rafael. 

Call or text at: four, one,five, seven, eight, nine, six, two, seven, four. 

Please don't show up early. 

Thanks! 

Ox, 

Mari 

Rummage Sale : 8/29/26 at Mark Drive, San Rafael

 Hey Everybody! 

Mark Drive Studios building sale has inspired a cleanout. Stop by and say "Hi!" and learn the whole story. 

11am - 4 pm Saturday, August 29th. 

7 Mark Drive. Help me divert some items from the landfill and save yourself some tariffs. 

Please pardon any typos. 

Ox,

Mari 

Thursday Thoughts

Changes and transitions are a part of life. It's how we respond (or don't) that makes all the difference. 

Do something good today. It's being kind to yourself. 

Ox, 

Mari