I’ve probably gone to about 10-12 of the Blue Wing’s Blues Festivals over the last 20 years, but last Sunday’s show featuring Aki Kumar & the Bollywood Blues Band was by far the most entertaining. If and when he comes back into town, the Blues lovers among you should make it a must-see. I was bobbin’ my head to the music so much, I think I might have given myself whiplash! Good stuff, Maynard! Here’s what’s up for this week, 10/13 through 10/20…
Over the past few months, I have been working behind the scenes to revamp and refresh The Bloom by keeping up with social media trends, adapting to what you enjoy reading, and staying connected to our local community. I am committed to learning more about what you like most about The Bloom. And here is what I have learned so far:
As I awoke to puffy pink clouds and dark roasted espresso, I pondered my daily rituals of gratitude and connection. Psychology Today Magazine highlights how these intentional acts can decrease anxiety and strengthen relationships, adding meaning to our lives. Reflecting on childhood traditions like holiday celebrations and camping trips, I cherish the bonds they created. From indigenous ceremonies honoring nature to personal practices that evolve over time, rituals shape our experiences and mark significant life transitions.
How I Slice It
The pears on my counter are blushing, ripening. Picking one up, I imagine their journey and all the hands that cradled them before they made their way here
This last weekend was, for me, a weekend of joy, love, celebration, and sadness. No, I didn’t get remarried – been there, done that! On Saturday, my friend who most people know as “Dancing Donna” just celebrated her 80th birthday, and a bash was held at the home of Jason Rehder. Then on Sunday I attended the Celebration of Life for local singer and friend Machiko Shimada at the Blue Wing Saloon. So much love at both events, with memories that should last a lifetime. And speaking of the Blue Wing, just a reminder that this is the weekend of the rescheduled Blue Wing Blues Festival. Let’s see what else we have in store for this week. Here’s the live music schedule for the week of 10/6 through 10/13…
Every fall, I am reminded of one of the many reasons I love calling Northern California home. No, it’s not just the falling leaves, the bounty that effortlessly comes from a garden, or the temptation to bake seasonal favorites, to sip a warm drink after coffee, and to reclaim stored-away cozy blankets. As much as I look forward to all of these things, I enjoy one even more: Camping!
Our first child was on the way, and I was seven and a half months pregnant when we married in our home on the lake. Instead of the “perfect wedding,” we chose each other. What made our wedding day most beautiful was the peaceful feeling nature gave us. Each of the many new, unexpected things that unfolded felt like a small gift we hadn’t asked for.
With the cooler evenings, we’re seeing a few outdoor music venues start to roll up their sidewalks. Last weekend was the last of the regularly scheduled Boathouse shows for 2026; this Thursday will end this year’s Fults Family Winery Concerts. We might not see too many more outdoor gigs at the Riviera. A couple of places still push the envelope on warm-weather outdoor shows, but it’s been a good Summer of music all in all. And it’s getting to that time when we decide to pull another blanket out of our cedar chests and fold it at the foot of the bed, just in case. But don’t despair, there’s still gonna be live music in the county, so here’s the schedule for the week of 9/29 through 10/6…
Have I ever told you about my family dog, Jasper? We got him through a rescue agency when he was one year old. That was thirteen years ago. He’s put up with a lot over the years, including the addition of a stray kitten my son adopted, oh, about eight years ago. Now, I am not exactly a cat person; I am definitely more of a dog person. But when I saw my son taming a feral kitten day after day through winter, wooing her with bacon and cheddar cheese despite the wind, rain, and snowstorms, he won me over.
For still there are so many things that I have never seen: in every wood in every spring there is a different green. Since I spied the first lime-green acorn of the soon-to-be season, I knew the color green would have to be my Bloom topic. This verdant hue, associated with nature, life, and hope, evokes memories of lush landscapes and vibrant pottery. From the rolling hills of Green Spain to the eclectic crops of the Arizona desert, the color green tells a story of renewal and beauty. Join me as we explore the rich tapestry of green in our world.
Moonrise, Return
You are Sunrise.
Dawn whispering
Against windowshades,
Brushing night from the sky,
This week will be all about the Kelseyville Pear Festival, prolly the most exciting of all the annual events that happen in LC. And it happens on Saturday, although there is an opening act: the Pear Festival Farm to Fork Dinner Dance that precedes it on Friday – it’s all about the pears! Also, today is the 1st day of Autumn. Hope you all had a nice Summer. Here’s the live music schedule for the week of 9/22 through 9/29…
It’s a bright September afternoon when fall colors begin to tempt the season’s change, shadows grow long, and the sun’s glow turns golden. It’s the annual pause of nature appreciating the abundance of all the life she has birthed through the season before she drifts off into winter slumber. And as she exhales in admiration, so too do I as I make my way along the shores of Clear Lake on Lakeshore Drive, heading out on the peninsula. My destination isn’t far; about halfway out on the peninsula shoreline is the newly reopened Pine Dell Grocery & Deli.
Singing Through the End
When two dead languages can meet, they sing. They find, describe, all that’s sweet. They sing. Let’s offer them our lungs, complete the choir.
The Lucas Fire kinda put a damper on some activities this past weekend, especially the Blue Wing’s Blues Festival, but they made the right call postponing it until October 10th and 11th. Now, let’s hope they maintain a good handle on it, because we have another happenin’ week of live music to look forward to during this last week of Summer. Here’s the live music schedule for the week of 9/15 through 9/22…
Before A.I. became a part of our daily lives, I had several people share their thoughts about it and how I should and should not use it in The Bloom. One person even told me that if I didn’t incorporate it, The Bloom would die and be left behind, like when print went digital. I’m happy to say that’s not the case after all. Whew, that was a close one! But in all seriousness, I want to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences with AI.
She heard the distinctive rattle-clacking of the rattlesnake before she saw it. At first she’d paid no attention to the sound, blending as it did into the leaf-sway swish of the cornstalks. She’d disturbed the snake as it basked in the nourishment of morning sunlight that spread like golden butter over her garden, unseen while she was busy puttering about pulling out dandelions and crabgrass. The snake presented a new obstacle.
The Worth of an Ordinary Life
Today we chase a life that seems great
and fear that our own lives are falling behind. We measure ourselves by the lives of others and forget the quiet joy within our own.
I say this every year; once Labor Day has come and gone, the live music drops off like snowboarding over a cliff. However, it makes it easier for me to write it all up, and for you, a silver lining – you get quality, not quantity, and you don’t have to stress out over all the shows you can’t make. But I would be remiss if I forgot to mention this is the weekend of the Blue Wing’s Blues Festival on Saturday and Sunday evenings. I believe tix are still available for the Sunday show. Anyhoo, here’s the live music schedule for the week of 9/8 through 9/15…
There is a lone swing on the top of a hill perched on tufts of brown grass. The bag said, “grass seeds that grow in any soil.” But it has been proven wrong. No, grass does not grow in this volcanic soil; it is not like grapevines, fir, oak, and pine trees. My toes push against the puffs of dry dirt beneath the old, frayed swing. Back and forth, back and forth, the swing creaks. There is no other place I’d rather be right now because this is the golden hour, and I have a bird’s-eye view. Set in treetops on a mountainside high above my driveway and even further above the road, is a place I call home.
The upland terrestrial ecosystem surrounding Clear Lake is a complex interplay of mountains, soils, and diverse wildlife, all shaped by historical flooding and human intervention. As western settlers altered the landscape, the delicate balance of this ecosystem was disrupted, leading to the decline of native species like the threatened “Clear Lake Hitch.” Today, the challenge lies in restoring wetlands and mitigating sedimentation from upland activities, particularly from Off-Road Vehicle use. Discover how a community of agencies, tribes, and the public can come together to protect and rejuvenate this vital ecosystem, ensuring Clear Lake can be clear and vibrant once more.
Okay, I’m in my 70s, so I’m entitled to whinge from time to time, right?!? (“Hey, you kids, git off my lawn!”…) Anyways, the most vital key to being able to write up this music guide is knowing what’s happenin’. Some bands, solo acts, even venues EMAIL or message their schedules to me – thank you, guys!… But there are still many musicians, venues, and fans who sort of take it for granted that I’m Carnac the Magnificent, a seer who knows all, sees all, reads the tea leaves, and promotes the music completely and perfectly. However, I’m not that fortunate – I’m just plain ol’ Mike – so I beg you all, please keep me informed. I write things up on Monday, post on Tuesday – so let me know by the previous Sunday. Okay, I’m taking a deep breath – “Serenity now”! I feel much better. Here’s your live music schedule for the week of 9/1 through 9/8…
Sometimes, nothing satisfies like a classic diner meal. Picture yourself savoring fluffy pancakes, crispy country-style potatoes, or a decadent plate of Eggs Benedict, all while sipping on endless cups of percolated coffee. In Lake County, there are five standout diners that promise to deliver that comfort experience.
Go on a Bloomscrolling Safari! Discover the joy of intentionally seeking out stories of kindness and breathtaking natural beauty, a refreshing antidote to the often overwhelming doomscrolling that fills our feeds. As I navigate this new world of scrolling, I find myself captivated by the algorithm’s choices, even amidst the gloom. From serene forests to cute animal videos, it’s all about finding that perfect balance. Dive into the art of Bloomscrolling!
Studies have shown that the loss of wetlands around Clear Lake has led to increased phosphorus levels, fueling harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Despite a landmark report in 1994 highlighting the need for restoration, progress has been slow, with significant delays and funding challenges. The lake’s ecosystem is now at risk, and innovative solutions are needed. From breaching levees to restore seasonal wetlands to introducing lanthanum slurry to combat phosphorus, there are potential paths forward. Discover the urgent need for action and the strategies that could help revive Clear Lake’s health in this compelling exploration of environmental restoration.
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