According to Sandy

Noticed the abundance of college football on TV this past weekend. Twitter was full of clips of HBCU Marching groups, with their fancy Drum Majors,  smiling Cheer leaders & high stepping bands.

Watching them reminds me of the image above. Can’t you just hear his whistles, the brass section, the drums? Strut on.

I Love it!

A former football player turned artist, Mr Barnes’s work, filled with sports figures and images of everyday people, is known for his use of bright color and elongated figures.

Ernie Barnes’, 1939 – 2009, “Drum Major”

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The ambitious intentions of a playwright resulted in the impressive, and enjoyable, “August Wilson Century Cycle”. It consists of a play for every decade of the 20^th century and chronicles a part of the black experience in America.

One of his Pulitzer Prize winning plays, “The Piano Lesson”, returns to Broadway this Fall (it debuted in 1990).  There have been several revivals since its first production at the Yale Rep in 1987.

This is the 4^th play of the Century Cycle, taking place in  1936, and will star Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks and John David Washington. It will be directed by a women for the first time, Latanya Richardson Jackson.

Using his great ear for dialogue, Wilson (1945 – 2005) was able to give us some insight into the daily life – both struggles and triumphs – of an assortment of universal characters to whom his   audience could easily relate.

An ambitious undertaking, but, his huge vision was realized and resulted in 2 Pulitzer Prizes and a Tony award. He accomplished a lot doing what he loved to do and perhaps more importantly, August Wilson left a powerful body of work that will be read and performed for years to come. Dreaming big has rewards of all kinds.

BTW, all 10 of August Wilson’s plays are collected in hard cover with a nice presentation box. Each has an introduction by an actor, director or writer familiar with his work.

In 2005, August Wilson completed the ten-play cycle:

• 1900s – Gem of the Ocean (2003)
• 1910s – Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1984)
• 1920s – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1982)
• 1930s – The Piano Lesson (1986) – Pulitzer Prize
• 1940s – Seven Guitars (1995)
• 1950s – Fences (1985) – Pulitzer Prize
• 1960s – Two Trains Running (1990)
• 1970s – Jitney (1982)
• 1980s – King Hedley II (2001)
• 1990s -Radio Golf (2005)

*The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson* 

~ Ethel Barrymore Theatre ~

Limited engagement

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The Sun glides into Libra on Thursday, September 22, 2022.  Fall is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere. Even if it isn’t your Sun or Rising sign, Libra will still cast a glow. It’s all about socializing, networking, getting along. Hopefully, there will be cooperation, genial negotiations and the urge to seek balance in both business and personal relationships. Good things in life are highlighted due to the influences of the love and beauty planet ruler Venus – romance, music, delicious food, graciousness and hospitality. This can be a fun time.

Seeking harmony, the Libra way is to see both sides of an issue before making decisions.  However, using the Pros/Cons list method can just string the selection process out. Be aware that important action can be stalled by over think. Paying attention to instinct and being honest will give a more direct line to a choice.

Also, Mercury is in Libra from 9/11 until 10/30/22. In the middle of its transit, there will be a Retrograde period (9/17 to 10/1). The Communication planet went backwards in the 7^th sign of the Zodiac on 9/17. It will continue in reverse and back into the 6^th sign, Virgo, on 9/24, until 10/1.  Mercury will then stop, go Direct, forward, until it reaches Libra again on 10/11 and remain until 10/30/22. (Scorpio)

* May seem confusing, but the Mercury Retrograde story remains the same: back up your devices. Pay attention to details. Read contracts carefully.  Avoid snafus, hurt feelings etc – read it over before hitting “send”.

Libra is all about relationships, so any Retrograde missteps may involve the people in your life. Things might get messy. Someone from your past might pop up and want to continue whatever went on before (whatever that might’ve been?).

As always, your experience of the Sun in a particular sign depends most upon where it appears in your chart, but a Libra Sun does set a mood to benefit us all. Edges can be smoothed and softened of potentially contentious interactions. My suggestion for anything Libran is always: meet fun folks somewhere beautiful for brunch and or cocktails. Enjoy!

*~* Libra Sun * Autumn Equinox 9/22/22 ~ 9:04 PM EDT / 6:04 PM PDT

Gemstone: Aventurine * Power Colors: Blues & Violets * Body Part: Kidneys

FYI:  The Scale (signifying balance) is Libra’s Astrology symbol. All other Zodiac signs are either people or animals.

~*~*~

The Sun is in Virgo as of Monday August 22, 2022. Whether it is your birth sign or not, the effects of this service oriented, practical, and hardworking Mercury ruled 6^th sign of the Zodiac will be felt. However, being conscientious doesn’t necessarily mean “dull”. Virgo’s cleverness can liven up situations when you least expect it.

Put the Leo drama and sequins aside. Organize, make plans, plot progress, unravel confusion. Implement a good health/exercise regimen. Feeling better helps you work better. It’s all in the details! However, “sweating the small stuff”, can also lead to being over critical and picky, not “seeing the forest for the trees” and/or that saying about paralyzing analysis, etc. Friends,  family and co workers  eventually resent correction, the pointing out of faults, no matter how “helpful” or how good the intention. Giving “assistance” doesn’t have to mean getting on everyone’s nerves and causing bruised feelings. 

Quick witted, Communication planet Mercury has been transiting Virgo since 8/6 (thru 8/27/22). Spoken, written or tweeted, language is sharper, snappier and sassier. Look forward to lovely Venus, planet of love & beauty, which will visit Virgo from 9/6 to 9/30/22 and can soften some of those critical, over analytical edges.

Do those lovely Virgo things instead – be useful, bring calm & order, create a plan for better diet & fitness, be a contribution, be a solution.

If you want to work better/ want better work, put together the little building blocks needed to create something substantial. Now is a great time to get it done (whatever “it” is).

Virgo Sun ~ 8/22/22:   11:16 PM EDT / 8:16 PM PDT

*Gemstone: Carnelian * Power color: Deep green * Body Part: Bowels (Cleansing the system)

(Next up – Libra Sun, 9/22/22)

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The Sun moves into Leo, the sign it rules, on Friday July 22, 2022. With the influence of the “Sun King”, we are upbeat, magnanimous, colorfully creative and drawn to the spotlight regardless of your actual Astrology sign. The 5th sign doesn’t get shyness, it loves attention. The potential for having fun and getting wrapped up in drama ramps up, just go with it.

Mercury, the Communication planet, transits Leo 7/19 – 8/4/22. Verbal and written interactions become livelier and snappier. Go ahead and be brilliant but share the space. Let someone else get a word in – it’s not all about you (for real!).

Venus visits from 8/11 – 9/5/22.  The planet of love brings even more warmth, beauty and love of “luxe”. Beautify self and surroundings. Money will be very easy to throw around, ignore the urge to show off. People will be drawn to you regardless of a big bank roll and big tips.

Glow and be warmed as the solar presence heats the talent, self confidence and love segments of life. Graciously ooze that Leo charm and you will be looked at, admired, loved. Time to step up and step out – just watch the imperiousness.

~ Sun into Leo: July 22, 2022 * 4:07 PM EDT / 1:07 PM PDT ~

*Gemstone – Tiger’s Eye *Power colors- Gold, orange (Sun colors) * Body Part – Heart (…of a lion!)

(Next up – Virgo Sun 8/22/22)

BTW: The date when the Sun transits into a sign can fluctuate year to year – from the 19th to the 23rd. If born on one of these days, you are considered a cusp baby – close to two signs- but regardless, there is only one Sun sign in an Astrology chart  (however, the individual may often exhibit a combo of characteristics from both signs).

Tuesday, June 21, 2022 is special. Besides being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it also means the Sun has moved into Cancer, the Moon ruled 4^th sign of the Zodiac. This Water sign can make us emotional, moody, restless and sensitive, but regardless, “taking care”, of family and friends, is the priority.

Don’t let the “feelings” antennae wilt in the summer heat. Heightened awareness can provide useful information about people, places, and things. Pay attention to your instincts. However, if absorbing too much unsettling information from the universe, don’t over indulge in the wish that an extra scoop of Ben & Jerry’s or another spoonful of hot fudge on that banana split will make things better. Change the scenery. Change the mood. Know what is best for you – food, people, situations, etc. Lighten the load – let go of what doesn’t work.

Communication planet Mercury transits Cancer from 6 July to 19 July, 2022 – don’t be surprised if interactions are more emotionally revealing than usual. That can show up in what you write or speak, especially with those close to you.

No matter what your Sun sign,  take advantage of Cancer’s kind, protective and nurturing influences.  Use  all that “homey” energy  – enjoy the love along with the frozen yogurt. Create a comfort place. Make your Summer as great as you can!

(The year is half over – what are you going to do with what’s left?)

~ Cancer Sun / Summer Solstice (Sun in 1^st degree of Cancer): June 21, 2022 ~  5:14 AM EDT / 2:14 AM PDT

*Gemstone – Emerald * Power colors- silver, pale gray (Moon colors) *Body Part – Breasts

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads & Happy Juneteenth to all !

On Friday, May 20, 2022, the Sun bounces into flexible, variety loving Gemini. Welcome to “Twins Land” – the 3rd sign of the Zodiac represents duality (think Castor and Pollux).  This Air sign is all about versatility, multi-tasking, being busy, needing change. A curiosity for new places and things, the enjoyment of doing several things at once and the willingness to adapt that keeps the wrinkles, mental and physical, at bay. They almost always look younger than their age. The characteristic youthfulness of Gemini has nothing to do with immaturity. Regardless of your birth sign, everyone should benefit from a boost of Gemini energy. I have a Gemini Sun, so I’m really having fun w/this 🙂

Ruled by the Communication planet Mercury, we will all feel some of this sign’s influences, regardless of our Zodiac sign. There may be sudden urges to learn something new, meet and greet, read and write, chat too much/gossip too much, wishes to be in two places at once (that “twin” thing). And don’t forget travel, whether it be real or arm chair, the search for greener grass will be enticing.

~ Clever, quick, information maven Mercury transits Gemini from 4/30 – 5/24/22. The planet will be Retrograde (it appears to move backwards in the sky) from 5/10 until 6/2/22 which may cause confusion & some snafus. Check the details. Collect your thoughts. Watch what you say or write. Don’t be careless or sloppy while interacting with others.

Deepak Chopra said: “Language creates reality. Words are magical power. Speak always to create joy”. Perfect for a Gemini Sun Transit

~ Gemini Sun:  5/20/22 – 9:23 PM EDT / 6:23 PM PDT

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

~*~ June 7^th – Prince’s Birthday (Also my niece, Cybel) ~*~

Stay Safe. Stay Sane. Please

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On Tuesday April 19, 2022, the Sun moves into determined, security minded Taurus. Even though the Bull is its Astrology symbol, it is ruled by the lovely, pleasure seeking planet Venus – the 2nd sign of the Zodiac has many dimensions. Stubbornly stand fast, but, let go of the tug rope when it is no longer useful. Write a little poetry for a loved one, enjoy a gourmet meal in a romantic restaurant, and give a lecture on being financially savvy and avoiding monetary pot holes – a nice mix.

Clever, communication planet Mercury transits Taurus from 4/12 – until 4/30.  Interactions are steadied and grounded. Discussions about security and safety may be brought forward.

Uranus, planet of unexpected change and rejection of the status quo, has been in Taurus since March 2019 and will remain until 2026. Don’t be surprised if there are sudden shifts in how finances are handled, how sensuality is expressed, how food is approached, and how “luxury” is interpreted. “Change” is the operative word.

For the next 4 weeks, we can tap into the strength and versatility of Earthy Taurus 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 unpredictable climate, but, sometimes we have to take a second look to see the advantages.

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

* Sun into Taurus, Tuesday 4/19/22 ~ 10:24 PM EDT / 7:24 PM PDT

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

(Next up, Gemini!)

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On Sunday, March 20, 2022, the Sun moved into the dynamic 1st sign of the Zodiac – Aries.  We began the cycle again and  it’s  celebrated as “International Astrology Day”! It is also the beginning of the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere – Spring has sprung!

Mars ruled Fire sign Aries is “out front”, physical, impulsive, prone to rushing and risk taking. We can bungee jump off that mountain of ideas and projects that have been stewing all winter. Pay attention to those urges to just “act” (act out or act up). Think a project through and complete it. But, don’t forget to have fun. Spring is here and everyone can use a little bit of controlled craziness every once in awhile.

Adding potential “snap, crackle and pop” to interactions, Communication planet Mercury transits Aries from 3/28 until 4/12/22. Writing, speaking, tweeting etc. may have more quickness, edge and bite than usual. No need to hurt anyone’s feelings. No need to go down in relationship flames.   Just watch the snark.

As always, those most affected have the big 3, Sun, Moon and/or Rising sign, in Aries, but the rest of us will still feel the feisty vibes somewhere in our lives depending upon where the sign appears in our chart.

Aries Sun*Spring Equinox: 3/20/22 ~ 11:33 AM EDT / 8:33 AM PDT

~ Gemstone: Garnet * Power Color: Fiery Red * Body Part: Face

*FYI –  “International Astrology Day” is always observed on the Equinox, it is a celebration of the ancient art of Astrology.

In the past 12 months, the Sun has visited all of the Zodiac signs. It starts anew. Let’s spring into action! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist it).

~**~