Sandy E. Rivers

What A Great Month To Be In Love

I'm in the middle of a very intense love affair...like no other. I feel different; happy, peaceful, excited. When I wake up in the morning I can't wait to look out at the beautiful city I live in and embrace it.

This morning I opened my eyes to a thick cover outside all my windows...in the clouds...a fog. While laying there embracing the cover I heard the foghorns of the ships going in and/or out of the bay (I couldn't see to verify directions)...underneath the bridges. Laying there warm and snug I could 'feel' the old days...the "Barbary Coast" that my grandmother use to tell me stories about. Early San Francisco: The fishermen and wharf, the gambling, the underground cellars she would go to find my grandfather at - gambling and drinking.

Like any exciting love affair, you never know what you're going to get...or what's coming. Living in San Francisco is like that; sometimes you are above the clouds/fog (see February's picture: www.sandyrivers.com), some days you can see all the way to the Farallon Islands; the skyline during sunsets are breathtaking...romantic. Then there are days like today...where you just want to snuggle up in the warmth of your comforter.

"Crossroads seem to come and go. The gypsy flies from coast to coast; knowing many loving none..." That's Gregg Allman, Steve Alaimo, and the Allman Brothers singing "Melissa" coming from my Klipsch as I write this. Seems appropriate...the "white paper" outside the window of my office is becoming transparent, the traffic on 101 south and north is beginning to show itself, the bustle of Harrison and 3rd streets is going...on. The city is beginning to come in focus.

I was going to City Hall this morning to file paperwork...instead I decided that I would wrap myself in the atmosphere of my surroundings...take it all in.

There is something so romantic about waking up in this city every morning. It's 'cozy-quiet' up here on the 47th floor even though there is much life everywhere you look: the bay, the sail boats, ships, the flags flowing at the top of buildings everywhere, traffic, joggers, cyclists...imagine all of this and still being able to hear yourself think...keeping your thoughts to yourself...your issues strong, or drawn...the beauty of uninterrupted thoughts.

What took me so long to get here? Much of who I am is scattered all over this gorgeous 12 mile wide city by the bay. "Crossroads, will you ever let him go?" For now...I think so.

Yes...I'm in love...with this city.

Happy New Year!

"Yesterday is the past...Tomorrow is the future...Today is a GIFT...and that's why it's called The PRESENT." Year-End "REMEMBERIES" by Jeff & Bill Keane

What a great start for 2012! Absolute and real...2012 started with brilliant fireworks by the bay...thousands of people whistling, cheering...singing....and kissing. Today, the air is crisp, the sky is clear, the bay is a beautiful deep blue and there is not even a breeze...picture perfect day in San Francisco.

Yesterday was Saturday...a traditional "go-out" night, and it was New Year's Eve. Today is Sunday and a day to relax in a brand "New Year". Tomorrow most of us have off. Does it get any better than this? Enjoy all of it...we won't have a New Year holiday like this again until 2016-2017

As if that is not enough: Today is the last day for the 'regular' season NFL games...but, there is a game on tonight that REALLY begins the for the season playoffs. The New York Giants play the Dallas Cowboys and each is fighting to continue their season into post-play. On a personal note...I'm more interested in a win for the 49ers; this will solidify a first round bye and not having to travel anywhere (especially New Orleans) except Green Bay (if they continue playing like the winners they are). Football is a passion...but one of the many others is right around the corner..."MARCH MADNESS."

My only goal for 2011 was to move back to the city I was born and raised...and here I am. I've been so busy I have not set a goal for this year and may not. Bill and Jeff Keane (above) have the right idea...and year-after-year we concern ourselves with what has to be...I think I will just 'let it be'.

The last four months have been so much fun...why not?

Come On Man...Really!?!

“Tebowing” – That’s Right…and take another Tim…a “bow”…that is.

Anyone who knows me knows my stand on religion; I don’t.

Usually, when anyone is on his/her knees as often as this Denver Bronco quarterback is, he/she is begging for forgiveness, asking one of those “commitment for life” questions, umm…I better not mention this one, or praying…sometimes all of the above. For a quarterback – that’s different; when he takes a knee it means time is running out and a win is in the bag. For Tim Tebow it’s a little more often…but still, it’s all good. Tim’s act is getting a whole different reaction though…especially from his detractors.

On a Phoenix radio station on Monday November 21, 2011 former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said the following, “Tebow, regardless of whether I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates…” As a former quarterback Jake, isn’t there anything else you could offer a young QB? Maybe you could’ve advised him on how to avoid equaling your interceptions
to touchdowns. But I’m sure Tim will be fine without it.

Many of Tim’s awards and recognition before the NFL came from influence by the media. The press was in his balcony from his freshman year to the day Denver picked Tim in the first round. He was the ‘darling’, the first ever sophomore to win the Heisman, two time winner of NCAA National Football Championships and the Maxwell Award as the nation’s top college football player. Tim also took home the James E. Sullivan Award as the nation’s most outstanding amateur athlete in ANY SPORT. What happened? For the past year the press has been all over Tim’s
case…why?

There is a website mocking 'the kneel': www.Tebowing.com. I’m not sure if these are good or bad; is this supposed to be funny, latest trend, Meme, or a cheap shot? Then there is the new, “Tebowing - officially recognized word.” Tim and Tebowing are ‘hot-item’ twitter trends.

Can you count how many times you’ve witnessed players from either team huddled in a circle on the stadium field praying, or should I say “Tebowing”? Many times…together. How many events, super bowls, World Series, Olympics, award shows, etc., have you heard, “First and foremost I would like to thank my lord and savior…”? Why is Tim being singled out?

For sure this guy has the “rise is for real” thing going on; the “About Tim” on his website confirms that (he has a pretty sweet smile too). For sure Tim is not breaking the records that Rodgers (Aaron = Green Bay Packers) is closing in on, but people he’s WINNING; 7 out of 8 games…and in amazing ways. The Broncos have come from behind in five of the seven wins
including three they pulled out in overtime. Tebow has been ‘killer bees’ leading his team through the final minutes of games…throwing and running for touchdowns. To date he has gained 517 yards on the ground and aside from 2 interceptions, has kept the ball safe in nearly 200 passes. He didn’t do it alone…I get that; the Denver defense has not given up fewer than 15 points in the last eight games and Tebow can’t lead a comeback if his team doesn’t get the ball back to him.

In broad strokes…this is one great guy who has placed his team at the top of its division. “Polarizing” is one writer’s description…but let’s look at it another way: Football fans will talk endlessly about a ‘great comeback’ in the last few minutes of a game…even if it was their own team on the losing end. A team that is expected to win week-after-week isn’t as memorable as those that unexpectedly ‘pull one out’ in the last few minutes…and make a habit of it. It’s addictive for any fan, no matter who you are cheering for.

I should know, I am an Oakland Raiders fan…and “Tebowing” is killing me – but as a fan…I’m elated.

FYI: I don’t pray, but I am now…"Oh Lord…can you please get these people to just leave Tim Tebow alone"?

Greeting Cards Have All Been Sent...

Now it’s time for really important stuff…the real meaning behind it all: Operation Gratitude

While you are reading this hundreds of volunteers are packing hundreds of thousands USPS Priority boxes with DVD’s, hand knitted scarves and gloves, cookies, candy, toothbrushes, toothpaste, items of hygiene and entertainment that say, “we care and are thinking about you.” The boxes are stamped: “Operation Gratitude”.

Carolyn Blachek, President of “Operation Gratitude” started the company eight years ago. A civilian who earned a Law degree from Columbia University and became a Mom living in the secure upscale Los Angeles, she became involved with the military after 911; she made a decision to join the Marines. At 46 years of age, they politely declined her offer; that didn’t stop Carolyn; she became a volunteer at the airport’s military lounge.

It was there that she met a soldier who was returning to Iraq after an emergency leave; he was home to bury his mother. Looking very distraught and aside from losing his Mom, his infant child had died and his wife left him. He told Carolyn that he is going back to Iraq and it didn’t matter if he came back because there was nothing for him to come home to. She knew that he needed to know people care and so “Operation Gratitude” began.

Most of the boxes go to soldiers under the age of 21 with a personal handwritten letter of appreciation included in every box. They are addressed and sent to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in harm’s way, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units along with good wishes of love and support.

Carolyn’s care and compassion are genetic; her daughter graduated with a Master’s Degree and is a social worker in Bronx, New York. After four years at Princeton, her son, Jordan received notice that he was accepted into medical school – when Jordan arrived home he informed his mother that he joined the Marines. Jordan is now a 1^st Lieutenant deployed to the Middle
East last month.

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit, volunteer based corporation, funded entirely by private donations. The corporation consists of corporate volunteers, including Robert Blashek, Carolyn’s husband. For safety and security, the assembling of all packages occurs at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California. 100% of the donated funds are used to pay for production, shipping and communication expenses. They do not pay for fundraising campaigns or events. Administration expenses are so low, less than 1.4%, and management so efficient that “Charity Navigator” would not compare them to other organizations of similar size.

For more information or how to help: http://www.operationgratitude.com/contact-us/#donations

This week box # 750,000 will be sent to a hero serving for all of us.

Rockin' Out...Me, Myself, and I

“Well my pad is very messy and there’s whiskers on my chin…I’m all hung up on music and I always play to win – I ain’t got no time for lovin’ cause my time is all used up sittin’ around creatin’ all that groovy kind of stuff...I’m a man yes I am and I can’t help but love you so…”

"I’m A Man" written by Steve Winwood.

Chicago released their lyrical “version” in 1971. That’s how the event started last night and if
you are familiar with the sound of Chicago (started as “Chicago Transit Authority”), the start of the bass, the drums come in and then the very distinct sound of Chicago’s claves on beat…and
here comes the key organ. You feel it…all of it gets into you, each part of your body moving…it has you going so that when the time comes for the lyrics, they flow from your mouth and you are jamming along with lead vocalist’s, Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm.

This is my third Fathom event. October 29, 2010 I went to my first was sold-out: The “House on
Haunted Hill” event…it was not for me. That “B” movie was a favorite when I was very…very young and the presenters who dubbed their own material throughout were not funny. The second was last month and so much fun: 50 year anniversary of “West Side Story” – the event was also sold-out. The audience sang all the songs, laughed, cried and gave rousing applause at the end; it was like a big party…big fun!

Chicago’s open – “I’m A Man” with Jason Scheff and Robert Lamm on vocals; Jason replaced Peter Cetera in 1985. It was hot in any matter and a great way to start the Fathom Event: “Chicago Presents an Evening of Holiday Music and Greatest Hits” in movie theaters nationwide December 6, 2011 and repeated on December 15, 2011.

90 minutes: They take you on a world tour playing some of their best hits; a different song in a
different country and treat you to several hot numbers from their new Christmas CD, “Oh Christmas Three” from the recording studio – as if you were hanging out with them. Much of the time you feel like you are part of the audience; the music sounds that good and the crowds are that into it. Like all good things, it moves fast and is over before you want it to be. “Rockin’ Around the
Christmas Tree” is part of a newly directed video (directed by Ray Montenga).

For Chicago’s event I arrived a little early at the Century – inside the Westfield shopping
center (San Francisco) – the theatre was empty. A few minutes later a man showed up and sat a few rows behind me. After a while he came down and asked me if I wanted to sit higher up; I told him that I liked my location and thanked him. He returned to his seat.

Now, this is going to sound strange: You know…I would love to recommend you see it if you haven’t…especially since it will be shown again on December 15…but in all good conscience…I can’t.
It was fun, I loved it, and I was rockin’ out with everyone else; everyone else being those in the actual concert on the screen…because there was no one else in the theater except me. The nice man who informed me of the higher seat left at some point…I don’t know when, but he was
not there when it was over. Maybe I didn’t notice because I was having too good of a time…by myself.

“I’m A Man” is a hard driven song: Check out the 1967 original with the writer Stevie Winwood (lead vocals and key-organ) when he was with Spencer Davis (guitar), Muff Winwood (his brother, on bass), and Peter York (drummer).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfbV-udt7U4&feature=related

and as the song moves…”If I had my choice of matter I would rather be with…All engrossed in mental chatter moving where our minds are at…and relating to each other just how strong our wills can be…I’m resisting all involvement with each groovy…we see. I’m a man, yes I am…”

Can’t wait for the next “event”.

Desiring December

San Francisco in December is the only gift you need. This past week the weather has been clear with a crisp chill in the early morning and evening. I had my coffee this morning while watching the early morning sun glistening on the Millennium Tower as it rose; the Farallon Islands surrounded by the deep blue ocean was in full view and the US flags were waving with pride on the Ferry Building and on top of other buildings in the financial district. Action: There is traffic coming or going - north and south on 101 and 280 and as busy as it is, it’s so quiet up here.

Is it right to feel this good? I’ve been home (back in San Francisco) for a little over 5 months and I still can’t believe it. One day last week I left at 7:45 am and went to Fantastico on 6^th and Bryant in search of some lights for my Christmas tree, from there I rolled up to 20^th and Mission Street to Doré Studio; turned the corner and went to Lucca’s deli for grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and picked up spinach raviolis while there. Looking for a little energy I went down a few more blocks
to 18^th and Guerrero and could not resist the morning bun and coffee at Tartine. Since I was in the neighborhood I motored over to Body Manipulations on 16^th and Dolores to have my left ear re-pierced (the original was too low); I have wanted to do this for over 20 years. It didn’t stop there; I went on to 5 more tasks and ended with picking up lunch at Mixed Greens on Mission and 1^st Street with by best ‘bud’, Mandy: From SOMA to Mission to upper Market, onto Van Ness Avenue and down to the financial(s)…all without the influence of a gas-operated vehicle.

The diversity of all the neighborhoods and districts are enormous with variety – and yet each of the communities is full of resemblance: Everywhere you go there are people shopping, talking, having coffee, working, walking with each other, their children and dogs, eating, or just hanging out. Many…if not all smile, wave, greet you with a “good morning”, are polite and generally upbeat. Given our economy and the news as it is…this would be strange; but not in San Francisco.

The city is bustling…the Transbay Terminal is in full swing, high rise condos are going up, high-end stores opened, business are starting up, and restaurants are packed. Maybe it’s the holidays, the time of the year, or the fact that there is a lot of high-tech money invested in San Francisco. Whatever it is, it is infectious and touches you everywhere in this beautiful city by the bay.

There is one problem…it distracts me from my obligations and responsibilities; you get so caught up in the atmosphere (view, neighbors and neighborhood), that you can’t get anything done. I started my cards over a week ago, and the picture shows just how much I did…the envelopes. So…let me ‘dedicate’ myself to spreading good cheer…besides, I ‘threatened’ myself: If I didn’t finish and mail my cards on or before Tuesday December 6, 2011, I wouldn’t go to Fathom’s, “Chicago Presents and Evening of Holiday Music and Greatest Hits” on that night. "Merry Christmas, Happy
Holidays" off the new Chicago, “O Christmas Three”. Since my fingers are already snapping, it shouldn't be a problem to get my pen involved in the action.

Tomorrow…It’s a date I have…with myself.

Too Good to Be True

Finally, an update! Once in a while you wake up and wonder, “What happened?” Then you have
to pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming.

That’s exactly what my life has been from July 26 of this year and every day since. I returned home…to San Francisco and I don’t know of any other time my life has been this smooth, this comfortable, this safe, and...exciting.

In an attempt to locate some courage (a lot of it) to let go of my MACH I, I went into “reflection” mode; unintentional and not sure it worked, but what a great way to find yourself…especially in the atmosphere I am surrounded with; my walls…they are clear uninterrupted views of San Francisco.

My office looks over AT&T Park and the peninsula, including Twin Peaks, Sutro Tower and city hall; from my living room is the San Francisco skyline with all its high rise buildings, the Waterfront, Embarcadero and the bay. With the flag flowing from the Ferry Building, it takes my breath away watching the ships pass by it while going in-and-out. This view continues in the kitchen and I never sleep with the drapes and/or blinds closed because my bedroom looks out to the skyline, and when it is full…a big gorgeous, golden moon shines right in the window. Another benefit, I am surrounded with a great bunch of fun-loving neighbors (friendly and not intrusive), awesome concierges, business-office personnel, an informative, knowledgeable and super HOA, and very cool valet guys. Also, the best internet provider-ever: WebPass.

‘See’…it’s just too good to be true.

While my love and passion for life has always been prevalent, the past 8 years have tested my dominance in both of these emotional areas. And…without getting into the details (I am saving that
for another venue), the 8 years have been powerful; they will also be, or have already started to be a big benefit to my immediate plans.

“Enough.” One day…you feel and say it. Without another thought you pick up the phone and make the first call that begins the change. That call was to Cam (Cameron Thompson…sweetheart of the year and fantastic real estate agent – thank you Brian Schwartz). Within one week he had my condo ready to show and within 3 days…an all cash offer. I took it.

We all have those “ENOUGH” days, but for whatever reason we stay where we are, lazy, financially it isn’t good, the time isn’t right, or maybe…we are scared. For me, it is usually because I
don’t want to hurt anyone…even if they are parasites or I feel nothing but animosity towards them (in my life these are usually one and the same). Consuming my time, energy, and emotional cost? The decision seems pretty easy to make, even if it is difficult to do – nothing is worth all that.

So here I am…where I belong. My business clients (best ever) have kept me busy with referrals and I am expanding into San Francisco. While I wait for the Secretary of State to update my LLC information (they are 4 months behind), I roll around the city taking care of whatever, seeing a movie, eating out (man…some of the greatest food is in this city…without a doubt), ‘checking stuff out’, visiting, and getting my business in order…so to speak. Right now, all I know for sure is that I wake up every day and go to sleep every night…happy.

Sometimes…to put it all into perspective, past and present, you just need a different view.