I immediately thought I surely must find an omen in a blood-red moon, but the only thing that came to me was that this world is stunning. I stared at the moon until it rose higher and turned a lighter and lighter color. It was breath-taking.

I shared this on facebook and my friend, Candy Royden, asked why the moon might have been red. I responded, "Don't know why the moon was red. I first thought that it might be a reflection of something on the window but quickly realized it was the moon. We have had some fires in the southwest (in the Chiricahuas I think) so that may have played a part. Candy, it was so red. Deep. Dark. Strange. My elemental mind wanted to find an omen, but I was so thrilled and realized that it was a sign that life on earth is mysterious and beautiful and all the explanations in the world wouldn't make it more or less breathtaking, so I sat back and just marveled at the sight. I love our little world."

Candy, inspired by the event, wrote a beautiful poem. I've copied it here to share with you.

La Luna Roja

~ Dedicated to Becky Reyes ~

I don't know why the moon is red
as if the night has somehow bled upon its face
A glow so strange and dark and deep
A mystery for me to keep, but not to chase

A blood-red moon with its ruby light
I marvel at it, crimson, bright, a jewel in space
The cause is best unknown to me
for it does not change the sight I see and now embrace

A scarlet moon on a summer's night
brings fascination and delight to this day's end
A sanguine orb, with its radiance rare,
keeps me spellbound as I stare, and to another world transcend

By Candace Royden
June 30, 2010

   Half the time though, I'm working on my newsletter. I want my newsletter to first of all, let people know where I'm playing and with whom, and second to inform people about other entertaining events that are going on in the communities where I play. So often I hear, "There's nothing to do", but I'm here to tell you that there are plenty of things to do out here.

   I'm going to try to cover events within a 100 mile radius of both Tubac and Bisbee (Bisbee being my hometown). We have artists and galleries, car clubs, fabulous restaurants, unique lodging, resorts, golf, birding, hiking, farmers markets, community gardens, coffee roasters, micro-brewers, vineyards and so much more! AND we are also a day's drive to Tucson.

   I love hiding out in "magical spots", like when you first enter a beautiful courtyard and instantly feel at peace and right with the world. My communities are filled with little magical spots and I hope you have as much fun discovering them as I do.

   I'll let you know in my newsletter when I post a new blog with a very brief summary. And thank you for forwarding my newsletter. I hope it helps you plan your weekend. And if you're an out-of-towner, please let me know when your in the area. I'd love to see you!

The little cabin hasn't changed much. My friend Lisa Bigwood took these pictures for me last year. Oh, the roof is different. It used to be a split-shingle roof that nearly sang when it rained (the shingles were of different sizes and so each had it's own tone), but as I see these pictures, I realize that the cabin is the same. Still isolated, yet inviting. I always remember my little cabin and the life I had there. The cabin even made it's way into my songs Hollywood Sign, Coffee Houses and The Winter Man. I left the frenzy that is Los Angeles and moved to this little cabin and found in myself a real nature girl. I buckled down and learned how to play guitar at that cabin (told ya I was a late bloomer). I met Lisa Bigwood during that time as we both started out on our paths as singer/songwriters.

Now, 20 years from that little cabin, I find myself still living in the country on a little farm in Palominas just outside of Bisbee, still identifying and studying medicinal plants, still playing music and occasionally writing, still - in some small ways - living in that little cabin, and once again filled with gratitude. I am so lucky and so happy to be alive.

I experienced my first Day of the Dead celebration when I was in a convent in Mexico around 1970 (Colegio Esperanza - Cananea, Sonora). I was a city girl from Los Angeles in a heap-o'-trouble and was sent to this convent to "straighten me out". It was culture shock to say the least. We had a very cloistered and disciplined lifestyle at the Colegio Esperanza and when we did go out, we were not allowed to stray from the group and were supervised very closely.

I remember that the nuns gathered us together and marched us to the graveyard where we were to help clean up any forgotten graves and decorate them with flowers. It was a very somber mood as we walked toward the graveyard, two by two, but when we arrived, what I found there was just the opposite of what I expected. Instead of people standing around the graves, quietly mourning, there was a carnival-like atmosphere and people were celebrating! They were playing music, sharing meals, vendors were selling sugar cane and candy apples, graves were being decorated with marigolds, balloons and altars that included little paper maché skeletons in dioramas that depicted the deceased in every day situations with furniture and tiny pieces of pottery. I remember seeing small bottles of tequila among the flowers on certain graves, as well as plates of food left as an offering. I also remember a little gray-haired nana talking softly to a grave, half-praying and half-telling the deceased the news of the year, sometimes crying and at times laughing softly as if sharing a private joke.

It has been many years since that day and I have celebrated Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos many times since then. I remember the wonderful people in my life who helped form the person I am today: My maternal grandma and grandpa, Ignacio and Rebeca Gaytán; My dad's mom Angelita and her husband, my wonderful step-grandpa Gilberto Moulinet; My wonderful great-aunts Tía and Minnie; my cousins Xavier Reyes and Mickey Davis who both died of AIDS related complications, both artists in their own right; and the many friends who have passed over the years who are now too numerous to count but remain dear to me. This week, I celebrate their lives and remember them lovingly, joyfully.

Here are the directions from Tubac (and back again): we take 19 north to Sahuarita Road where we go east (right). We travel Sahuarita Road east for about a half hour (it gets prettier and prettier) and we turn south (right) on highway 83. Here the road starts to wind a bit (so use a bit of caution - you want to enjoy the ride) and it gets more and more beautiful. Do not, under any circumstances, miss the turnout about halfway there. The view will blow your mind.

We travel south until we hit Sonoita. From Sonoita we usually travel east (making a left on 82) but if you want to visit the wineries, and travel another gorgeous road, continue south on 83 until you come to Elgin Road where you will make a left. This will take you right to many of the wineries in the area and it will take you back to 82.

At this point, turn left on 82 (going west) back toward Sonoita. Now at this juncture, you may choose to continue on 82 west passing through quaint Patagonia and Nogales where you can connect with 19 north to Tubac - OR - you can go back up 83 and retrace your drive (it's always worth a second go 'round).

Well, I hope this inspires you to dust off the old cruisemobile, whatever it may be and hit the road. It sure is beautiful out here. And nightrides on moonlit nights? You can see forever. See you soon... -B

Monsoon over Elephant Head

Elephant Head monsoon near Amado

Monsoon over Palominas

Monsoon over Tubac

Well folks, it's been hard to tear myself away from my reverie. I'm going out to enjoy the night air and listen to the crickets. Have a great monsoon season!

This is the first 4th of July we've had off in a long time.

I'm so excited about this new enthusiasm we have for learning new songs. We're concentrating on the blues right now because 1) we have the Dusk 'til Dawn Festival in September and 2) I love having Scott play that blues harp. He's really getting into it and will be singing more!

I've been working on a couple of blues classics that I should have for you by the weekend of the 10th. I'm rediscovering Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace and Alberta Hunter, and I've discovered other women blues pioneers like Ida Cox, Victoria Spivey and Clara Smith. I also had my first "lesson" with Scott Baekeland who taught me some new finger-picking patterns.

You should know this about me. I learned how to play guitar because I couldn't afford an accompanist. I'm a vocalist. So much of what you see is relatively new to me (I was a late bloomer), except for the folkie stuff - I've been doing that for years. I hear your comments, "Oh, you can play anything" and "Well, it must come easy for you". But no, it doesn't come easy. By the time I "got" the bossa nova rhythm, I had practiced it for (collectively over a few days) about 3 hours. Then I had to learn how to sing and play it at the same time which took another 3 hours! If you do anything for 6 hours, you'll get it, no matter how difficult or how much of a novice you are! Now that I'm learning a few blues songs on the guitar, you can bet that I'll be spending a few hours just trying to get the rhythm down, then another few just trying to sing and play.

I say this because I also hear (often sheepishly) from some of you, "Oh, I fool around with the guitar (or bass or sax or harmonica...)". Well, that was me at the beginning. For so many years I felt like if music was school, I'd be in the 2nd grade. Now that I've been at it a while, I feel like I could be in junior high, but let me tell you, I certainly don't feel like guitar is one of my greater strengths. The key for me is simplicity. My friend and mentor, Todd Stratton always said, "Keep it clean and simple". I've always lived by that rule when it comes to playing the guitar (I let Scott do all the fancy stuff).

I often hear the voice of another friend and blues mentor, Mr. Bill Brown. He used to tell me that I worried too much. "Simplify, Becky" he'd say to me, "you're making it harder than it really is. It's not that complicated!"

Now as I'm practicing the things Scott Baekeland taught me yesterday, I realize that Bill was right. I just have to slow down a little bit, clear my head, work out a simple and suitable rhythm and just practice it until I get it right. Until I feel it in my bones. It's meditative in a way. And it really is so simple. It just takes a little time to get it right.

For those of you who play, fool around or are just learning how to play an instrument, I hope this inspires you just a little bit. You really can play, you know. And if you want the notes to any songs I play, just let me know! I'd love to share what I've learned. And please don't compare yourself to anyone! Not even me! Remember, I practice anywhere between 10 to 20 hours a week when I'm learning new material, then I perform 8 hours on the weekend. ANYONE who plays that many hours a week will sound good. Take it all at your own pace. Simplify. But most of all - have fun!

Me? Well, I'm just gonna sit here for a little while, contemplatin', cogitatin', messin' around with this here guitar and see if I can't come up with a little tune for you this weekend. Hope to see you soon. Hey! I'll be 51 on Monday the 6th. I'm gonna celebrate all weekend! -B

Happy Birthday America!

One thing I've been wanting to learn for a long time is the blues. Sure I can sing the blues and I can play a handful of songs, but I've always had a bit of a block when it comes to really playing the blues (on my guitar). I've wanted to learn more, mainly so that I could play behind Scott who is a ferocious blues harp player. Well, next week, I'm starting a crash course with our very good friend and mentor, Scott Baekeland. I can't wait!

The reason for all this is that in September, Scott and I are going to Rentiesville, Oklahoma to play at the Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival! Our good friend Selby Minner asked us if we'd come and play between acts on the main stage. How could we say no? We love Selby!

I met Selby and her late husband DC through Scott. Scott hooked up with DC and Selby when he was living in San Francisco in 1984 and started touring with their band, Blues on the Move. One of their stops was Bisbee, Arizona. When the tour was over, Scott returned to Bisbee in 1985 and settled here. He is still friends with Scott Baekeland, another Bisbee resident and alumni of Blues on the Move.

Now about Dusk 'til Dawn. The festival, which is held every Labor Day, was started by DC Minner and his wife, Selby. In 1988, DC and Selby moved to Rentiesville, OK and re-opened his grandmother Lura's Cozy Corner as the Down Home Blues Club. DC enlarged the club, and as his club became more popular, the festival was born. They have had many notable blues artists attend their festival, and this years line-up is no exception.

Scott said to me this morning, "These are the guys, honey. These are the guys. They're the real deal". Now, most of you know Scott. You know how passionate he is about the blues. He has been walking on air since we made the decision to attend the festival. I'm in a bit of a daze myself. My very good friend, my blues mentor to be exact, Mr. Bill Brown will also be attending. Bill was one of my music colleagues when I lived in the Finger Lakes. I approached him, rather timidly one day and said, "Bill, I can sing the blues, you know I can sing the blues, but damned if I can play them. Teach me." We've been friends (and he's been my unwitting tutor) since about 1988. And, through one of life's many little quirks, Selby and Bill were acquainted many years ago. Before she met DC, before Scott met them and before Bill and I became friends. Isn't life funny that way?

Now about Father's Day. I thought this week I'd introduce you to my dad, Gilberto Jesús Reyes, Gil for short. He just turned 80 on 1/1/09. My dad is largely responsible for who I have become as a musician. Growing up, it was customary for dad to wake up the household by playing music. We'd wake to either mariachi music or jazz and big bands. When the Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show, dad called for me to come in the living room. He sat me in his chair, which he had re-positioned right in front of the TV and said in a very serious tone, "Listen, it's very important that you listen to these guys. This is brand new music". And later, he bought me my very first album "Meet the Beatles".

I once asked dad how he, a Mexican child living in a border town in Arizona during the depression, came to like jazz, blues and boogie-woogie. He said that as a child, he loved to read. He was one of the few kids who regularly visited the library and even had his own library card. He always took very good care of the borrowed books, but one night it rained and a book was ruined when the roof leaked. He returned the book, but they took his card away and banned him from the library. No longer could he read about the adventures of the Three Musketeers or the Man in the Iron Mask or the Count of Monte Cristo (Dumas was his favorite author). He said that he cried as he walked home, feeling like the world was caving in on him. Now, at that time in Douglas, Arizona, the town was divided by race. Dad was walking through the part of town where most of the residents were black. He sat on the side of the road near a building and cried some more. He said that as he cried, he watched the men across the street playing poker and little by little became aware of the music. He had never heard that kind of music before and soon approached the men to ask them about the music. They explained to him that it was Boogie Woogie and invited him to listen. He discovered Pine Top Smith and Albert Ammons that afternoon, and as the years passed, found himself exploring the new music more and more. Among his peers and throughout the rest of his life, folks, friends, relatives, even my brothers and I did the best we could to keep him up to date and frequently, he was way ahead of us.

So here's to my dad, Gil. I just want to publicly say thanks for everything that he taught me. For showing me the world through music, and for all the support he's given me through the years.

I love you, dad.

And to the rest of you, I hope that your weekend is wonderful. To those of us who still have our dads around, may you have the opportunity to say, "I love you". To those of us who's dads have passed on, may you also have the opportunity to say, "I love you" and may your heart be comforted. Be well. -B

Her untimely death was caused by methanol poisoning. If you decide to vacation in Bali, or anywhere in Indonesia, please consider everything you drink, especially a drink called arrak or arak. It is highly toxic. Bali is a strange and beautiful world and I never want to discourage you from wandering, but I want to tell you that as you explore the world, please be cautious. Life is too precious.

I've included a link to the Jane Hamilton Gallery http://www.janehamiltonfineart.com/page41/page41.html where you can see the images she painted. I was lucky enough to tell her that she ranked up there with my favorite illustrator, Maxfield Parrish. Her art always brings me a feeling of joy and everything being right in my world. Her paintings spark my imagination and she was, and is still, a major inspiration to me to pick up my paint brushes to paint a song on canvas.

Love to you. To everyone. In case I don't say it enough... -B