According to Sandy

I loved the documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom” a music and reminiscence filled ode to the back-up singer released last year on DVD.  Some added their voices to those early Phil Spector songs (“Da Do Run, Run”) and Rock & Roll tunes featuring great vocals by Darlene Love and Patti Austen. They also did back ground for Elvis and rockers like the Rolling Stones. Anonymous trios and quartets still sing a few feet behind the main acts of today like Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder.

You may not know these singers by name or by sight, but you will know them by ear. A talented bunch, back in the day they sang everything, from “do wop, du wahs”, to the now classic line, “rape, murder, it’s just a shot away” (Merry Clayton on “Gimme Shelter” – called to the session late at night, she did 3 takes while dressed in night gown, fur coat & curlers).

2014 Oscar Winner for Best Documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom”, directed by Morgan Neville, never showed up at my local movie theater, thank goodness for the DVD, I would have missed a thoroughly entertaining chance to fit the names and faces to the background voices on some of my favorite songs. Included in the documentary are old concert footage, interviews with singers (those that tried to move 20 feet forward and those that enjoyed singing backup) and stars that hired the voices with great stories about the music biz – a lot of fun, a lot of memories. Watched it twice  🙂

“20 Feet From Stardom”                                                 

Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, Patti Austen, Claudia Lennear, Táta Vega, the Waters, the Ikettes and many more.

FYI: “Da Do Run, Run” The Crystals, 1963

On Tuesday June 2, 2015, the Sagittarius Moon is fully lit by the Sun in its opposite sign of Gemini – very dramatic, but nothing to fear. (No fangs or hairy knuckles.) A “Full” phase is a time to look for results– we start to see the end product of what ideas/efforts were begun at the time of the New Moon back on 5/18/15.

With adventurous, upbeat Sagittarius, we have activity, an  “of course good things can happen” outlook and a willingness to go for miracles – which can come in handy when edging a project toward fruition. However, since mercurial Mercury (communication, tech stuff, transportation) is still Retrograde until 6/11/15, do sweat the details, research big plans and ideas to be sure they are on track and feasible. If it seems, “too good to be true…”

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, at “Full” phase the Moon is “waning”, on its way to the 3rd and 4th quarters, therefore, we could feel its effects for about another 2 weeks.

*Sagittarius Full Moon: June 2nd – 12:19 PM EDT / 9:19 AM PDT

Early Saturday morning, May 30, 2015, the Lunar orb sizzles into sensitive, sensual Scorpio for the weekend. When the Moon is in the 8^th sign of the Zodiac, we can be focused and intense, so going after whom or what you want is just the way it has to be. No obstacle too high, no stone buried too deep. Use Scorpio’s passionate, seductive energy wisely. Leave the flame thrower in the closet.

Is there anything you want to find out? Search for anyone? Uncover a mystery? A Scorpio Moon provides the determination and willfulness to discover and handle truths. Secrets are not safe from this Pluto ruled Water sign. No hiding allowed. Some feathers may be ruffled, but the impulse to drill down and get to the bottom of whatever will be hard to deny.

Have a super weekend!

On Thursday May 21, 2015, the Sun bounces into the fun, flirty, focus challenged, flexible, flighty third sign of the Zodiac. The natural versatility of Gemini, with its willingness to adapt, keeps the wrinkles, both mental and physical, at bay. While under its influence, we will feel encouraged, regardless of birth sign, to teach, learn, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much/gossip too much and try to be in two places at once (that Castor/Pollux, “twins” thing). And don’t forget travel, whether it be real or arm chair, the search for greener grass will be enticing.

Our social interaction becomes even more important as planet ruler Mercury, (communications, education, short journeys) transits Gemini until 7/8/15. Also, warrior planet Mars (force, impatience, leadership) visits until 6/25/15. This Air sign’s tendency towards smart ass cleverness is legendary – so watch any urges to indulge in snarky, aggressive verbal or twitter smack downs regardless of how amusing you think they might be. (Then you have to spend time retracting, erasing, apologizing…)

This can be such a good time, but also exhausting. Rather than rush around feeling overwhelmed or scattered, hit the pause button occasionally, re focus, complete tasks that need to be finished, then go on to the next. Half done is half accomplished.

*Gemini Sun: May 21, 2015 – 4:45 AM EDT / 1:45 AM PDT

*Gemstone: Pearl or Agate * Power Color: Yellow * Body Part: Hands

No, I haven’t lost my grip. Instead of bemoaning Monday’s arrival of Mercury Retrograde in Gemini, the Air sign it rules, as the potential snafu of all time, I’m changing my approach. I will look on the good side. Rather than rushing, yelling and screaming, to my computer to “back it up” before the sky falls, I will make good use of whatever positive energy the universe will provide during the communication planet’s backward sojourn thru the heavens.

This Mercury Retrograde can offer us the opportunity to re visit any abandoned conversations – “let’s discuss this at a better time”, (never happened) or writings (any “Thank You” notes pending?). Re evaluate those unfinished brainstorming lists, middle of the night “great” ideas, etc. Re think the language of any future speeches or pitches – is it clear, to the point, got substance?

However, with combative Mars transiting the clever, chatty 3^rd sign 0f the Zodiac until 6/25/15, we still need to be alert. No need to foster confusion and mischief just because of not paying attention. Watch what you say, watch what you write. Double check directions, be prepared for transportation delays. Don’t sign any contracts unless absolutely necessary and not until its read very carefully. And finally, YES – back up your tech stuff! ASAP!

BTW: Mercury just “appears” to go backwards. Planets only move forward, however, due to the earth’s changing speed as it orbits around the Sun, the positions are such that it looks like a reverse motion from earth.

*Mercury Retrograde: 5/18/15 – 6/11/15 * 9:50 PM EDT / 5:50 PM PDT

The Taurus Sun is reflected in the opposite Scorpio Moon = a beautiful Full orb in the passionate, emotional 8^th sign of the Zodiac. Ruled by transformational planet Pluto, (traditional ruler is warrior planet Mars) there are deep feelings, focus and determination influencing us during this lunar phase with energy to spare. A Full Moon is a good time to figure out what to keep and what to throw away (discard whatever is no longer meaningful, useful, and / or beneficial.) Gauge what has been accomplished since the New Moon and move on to finalize and complete tasks in the next few weeks.

Scorpio also pushes us to focus on money matters that may involve others. Are there any financial issues that need to be cleared or settled– taxes, business ventures? Does anyone owe you anything? Time to collect?

*Scorpio Full Moon: Sunday May 3, 2015 – 11:42 PM EDT / 8:42 PM PDT

We’ve enjoyed Bob’s online presence for several years and now we get a chance to see his work up close and personal as part of a group show, “Know Yourself At Every Age”.

Stop by and meet him on May 1, 2015. More than 25 pieces of Bob’s art will be on view until the end of the month.

“Know Yourself At Every Age”

Bob Martin – Artist Reception

Friday, May 1, 2015,  6 – 10 PM

First Studio, 631 N. 1^st Ave, Phoenix, AZ

PS – you can also see some of his work here!

Upbeat and dramatic, Saturday and Sunday’s Leo Moon can treat us to a flirty, creative time complete with spotlights, sequins and sizzle. This Sun ruled Fire sign, the 5th sign of the Zodiac,  wants us to be kind and generous in spirit while indulging in its natural inclination to show up and show off.

Leo melodrama may not always be “fun”, (there may be some pushing and shoving as too many folks try to sparkle at the same time) but it won’t be boring.

Make it a weekend to remember!

On Monday April 20, 2015, the Sun moves into stubborn and determined Taurus. It has the Bull as its Astrology symbol, however, since it is ruled by the lovely, romantic planet Venus, this sign has several other dimensions. It can be stuck and immovable, but also, a sensual lover of beauty, good food and luxury. While appreciating all the comforts, the second sign of the Zodiac also wants us to be safe and secure.

Regardless of our actual Sun sign, for the next few weeks we can all tap into those Taurean traits of strength and endurance so that we solidify and complete the projects started during the high energy of the Aries Sun. Watch out for a tendency to be overcautious – don’t miss an opportunity out of fear. Security is attractive, especially in this financial climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look to see the advantage.

With a Taurus Sun, loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet meals, while getting a lecture on avoiding financial pot holes – nice mix.

*Gemstone: Rose Quartz * Power color: Soft rose-pink* Body Part: Neck

** Sun into Taurus, 4/20/15 –  5:42 AM Eastern / 2:42 AM Pacific

***As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Taurus, but the rest of us will still feel the stable influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where the Earth sign appears in the birth chart.

On Saturday April 18, 2015, the “New Moon” provides us with a great time to initiate projects and make changes. The Sun has been in Aries, the 1st sign of the Zodiac, since 3/20 and with both luminaries in this assertive, often rambunctious Fire sign, expect some volatile, combustible happenings. Beware of rash moves and acting/speaking without thinking, but since the sign is ruled by active, energetic planet Mars, you can take advantage of all that good aggressive physicality. Go for it! (But, keep the flame thrower in the closet.)

“New” energy will last a few weeks – even as the sign changes to solid,  earthy Taurus. (Full Moon May 3, 2015- best time to complete what you started.)

*Aries New Moon: 2:57PM EDT – 11:57AM PDT

]