Happy New Year! Each word has its own significance for us. Happy-we can strive to be happy, so much to be grateful and great for! New, always the promise of a new day, a new thought, a new moment and Year, we mark a new year, a gift of life and the cycles of the moon and our transit around the sun. I was speaking with my Hopi friend Karen Abeita (aka DJ Sister Parrot) over the holidays and she was explaining the significance of the Hopi end of the year/beginning of the new cycle at the winter solstice. She says that they are all presented eagle feathers and that a prayer is initiated for each person in the community, and for all of us in the world! During this period, no violence occurs in the community, no loud music blasting, no digging in the ground because Mother Earth is sensitive at this time of the year, and no hair cutting....no fighting, clean thoughts, a time to go within for all. "The Truth is an Offense, but Not A Sin" - Jah Live, Bob Marley and the Wailers I found out that I am published in a book about Bob Marley and the Wailers! Wailing Blues by John Masouri has been termed the "quintessential Wailers book" by some of reggae's heavyweights like Roger Steffens. An interview I did with Wailers impresario Danny Sims for Jahworks.org to highlight his Groovin' Kingston 1
2 box set back in the day (2004) is cited and I am mentioned on page 107 of this hardcover reggae must-have.The portion from the interview in the book is in reference to the reason Danny Sims left the U.S. to go to Jamaica. It was because his activities to help raise consciousness through music events African American areas and other community organizing had him frightened for his safety. You should check the book out to find out more. It represents a first-hand account of Aston "Family Man" Barrett's life in music and with the Wailers. As the song goes...."It's S(He) Who Laughs Last, is S(He) Who Wins"
