A Candle Burns Bright

Serendipity…….By definition it is “an aptitude for making fortunate and magical discoveries….unexpectedly”. Seredipitous moments have surrounded me always and it is here where I intend to collect them and send them out into the world hoping that I will receive some back in acknowledgment of the generosity of the universe.

The spark for this forum came by surprise during a recent astrological consult with Stephanie Azaria. Stephanie is a certified professional astrologist who uses not only her expertise in the field but her intuition as well. One of the issues she addressed in my natal chart is my twelfth house. Neptune rules the twelfth house and among all it contains is the house of dreams, of spirit, of sacrifice and secrets. In my chart that is where the planet Mercury is placed, in Capricorn. Mercury is the planet that rules communication. Stephanie’s enlightened comment regarding my constant inner dialogue was liberating for me. I have always had something to share but often keep it to myself for a myriad of reasons. Through our discussion I admitted that I write stories, poetry and scribble in merriment. She encouraged me to share and that lead me here. The true beauty of her readings lies not only in her skill, insight and sensitivity but her delivering it all in a way that empowers her clients to be who they are without fear.

That said, it is my great pleasure to launch this on December 11, 2009. This is the eve of the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. She represents a Marian apparition and is known as the patron Saint of the Americas. My tie to her is new and woven into the fabric of the Dakotah Blue Music Company that I began with my business partner Rennie Pincus in 2007.

The year we created the company we worked primarily handling classic rock bands for private parties and corporate events. Toward the end of that year we had decided to co produce several shows in the spring of 2oo8 at The Shea Center, a 900-seat venue at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Our first choice was a Brooklyn based singer songwriter who I adore however was reluctant to commit to pursing because of the size of the space. Rennie and I went back and forth about the idea for several weeks. One day while at the market I found myself in front of the religious candles. I picked up the candle of the Virgin of Guadalupe not knowing anything about her but thinking she looked beautiful, robed in a cloak of stars. I brought the candle home, lit it and said the prayer on the side of the candle. I continued to do the same each day when I was home. My intention was general for the business not specific to my thoughts on the booking. Later that week Rennie called to let me know that the musician we were interested in had taken another gig however we did book Los Lobos. He knew I loved that band. David Hidalgo is one of my favorite voices ever. I had no clue that was an option but apparently it came up in speaking with the agent.

Now just in case you are unaware, the Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of significant importance to Mexican Catholics. Los Lobos is a band out of East LA and of significant importance to me and to American rock music…..Los Lobos was booked for Friday, March 7, 2008. It was the one-year anniversary of losing my brother Michael to pancreatic cancer. I thought of it as a Blessing itself to be able to present a show with a band of this caliber and one of my most favorite lead singers, so special to me on a day that was so painful. The day the show arrived, it was hectic and I was setting up the catering in the green room when Rennie called to tell me to meet him onstage. He was standing by the guitar stands that held about 10 guitars all tuned up and silent, waiting for the chance to express their own inner dialogue. He motioned for me to come closer and look. The first one in the stand had a guitar strap with a beautiful pin of the Virgin of Guadalupe…..It was David Hidalgo’s guitar. Remember serendipity? An aptitude for making fortunate and magical discoveries……..unexpectedly.