In Memory of... 

For my mom, who suffered bravely for so many long years. She lost all but her human dignity, and our enduring love.
 
 

Looking into the face of suffering, I have seen eyes courageous
I have found peace in the midst of pain, and discovered in my own heart the well of mercy.
I have prayed for serenity, and been shown it's example in the life of one who struggled so mortally.
Though her tongue was harnessed, and her voice was bound, her wisdom was spoken in the pointing of her ragged finger-
....skyward.
God has stilled the breathing of that labored breast, and given its captive air to the spacious wind.
She was led to climb the rocky slope - steep, jagged, and unrelenting. Thereupon it's peak, she was released, and set to flight.
She is now the very song of perfect love, and lives in the heart of it's creator.
We will hear that song in every moment when we too love, or strive in earnest, or seek to comfort.
She lives now in our lives - through the gifts given and the lessons taught. Honor her by the living of this life, well and to the utmost.
 

Edith Christy Nelson was born January 12th, 1928. She began her life again in the fellowship of A.A. 0n August 14th, 1963. She lived in recovery, one day at a time, untill her passing on September 17th, 1996. She will live on in the hearts and lives of all whom she touched
 
 

For Danny...

"...This is the song we did everywhere we went, whenever we did our duet thing. I had a little shack on the Bolinas Mesa, about two miles from the bar in town. Most nights I was too lit up to make the walk, so would stagger across the street to Scowley's restaurant, climb in the window of the pool room, and sleep on the pool table. Since I worked in the restaurant, I would simply wake up in the morning, & get busy. Often, Danny would be up & around, & would show up at Scowley's door while I was still mopping the floors & prepping the kitchen. He'd come in & make a pot of coffee (mud) & hang out untill the cook showed up. At that point we would usually find our way to the old upright piano in the pool room, & would spend the next hour or so singing & playing for the breakfast crowd. The breakfast crowd often included people such as Jerry Garcia, Jesse Colin Young, Lawrence Ferlingetti, Alan Watts, & assorted other famous types. It wasn't uncommon for someone to show up with a six pack & a guitar, which usually sent us into a day of jamming & foot stomping. Both of us were really prone to looking back on those times wistfully, especially as the years went by & life became more complicated. Whenever we were together, through the years, we would sing The Earlybird with great fondness for those times. Listening to the lyrics of the song today, it carries so much more nostalgia, & a certain eeriness. We used to introduce it by saying, "...and now, a happy song about death." The song was written by a guy named Lane Teegan, who's claim to fame was flipping burgers at The Trident, in Sausolito...."
 
 

DANIEL (DOLOMITE) W. MATHIS, age 47, passed away in Melbourne, Fla., on October 6th, 1996. "Doly" was a performing songwriter noted for his strong tenor voice, and tight rhythmic keyboard stylings. His songwriting style spanned all genres, from country rock to jazz. He attended high school in the East Bay area of Contra Costa County, Ca.. His strongest musical influences were from the artists of the West Marin County area in the late 1960's & early '70's, who were his contemporaries at that time; such as Jesse Colin Young, Rosalie Sorrels, Huey Lewis, and Steve Miller. He lived in the town of Bolinas, Ca.,for several years, where he spent much of his time entertaining, surfing, fishing, & developing his unique song stylings. He toured nationally, as a single performer, and with several bands, Sharing the bill with artists such as Jim Messina, Taj Majal, Asleep at the Wheel, and John McEuen. Doly lived in the Denver area intermittently from 1977, through 1995, also residing in Juno, Alaska; Breckenridge, Co.; Idaho Springs, Co.; Ft. Meyers, Fla.; and Nashville, Tenn., during that period. Known for his imposing stature, (6'3", 360 lbs.), and colorful tattoos, Doly was also gifted with a swift and disarming wit, which won him friends from all walks of life. He suffered from numerous health problems in the recent past and suffered cardiac arrest on October 3rd. He was removed from life supports two days later, and died peacefully, surrounded by friends and relatives on the following day. He is survived by his sister, Susan Martinez, of Vallejo, Ca., and a host of friends and admirers.

I will always hold in heart the exceptional love that we two brothers shared in our wayfaring lives together. He was my sidekick, & my partner He was my teacher, and at times I was his. He is embeded in every note that I play, & all my fondest memories. Danny's ongoing infection was clearly the result of the abuse of contaminated IV drugs. Although he died with fourteen days clean, Drug addiction ravaged him, & stole him from us all.

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