Izzy The Egyptian American Doggo [Video]

Dogs I get to spend time and connect with always have a special place in my heart. Because their lives are quite short, every once in a while I hear the news about one of them passing on to Doggo Heaven. Recently it was Shay the Saint Bernard, before that was my own Caramella, and sadly this time it’s Izzy, or Izabella, who belonged to my second cousin Teymour.

Luckily, though, I shoot and keep a whole lot of photos and videos; many of which are of those lovable canines. When they are gone, these memories serve well by reminding us of how great it was to have such faithful companions in our lives, even if for a relatively short time. Other than a few photos, there is also a video at the end of the article which I created out of some footage of Izzy.


Izzy’s story begins in 2004 in the streets of Cairo, Egypt as a tiny abandoned half Baladi-half Husky puppy. Baladi is the Egyptian word for stray, which literally means “my country”; it could also be used as a derogatory term meaning vulgar or lacking in taste.

Teymour was visiting from Michigan when he found her all alone under a car in Maadi, so he rescued and took her home. Around the same time, he would come hang out at my place and ended up spending a few nights, along with Izzy. She was so small and helpless, that I didn’t really mind her regular pee stains and tiny poopies around the house, even though the guy was always cleaning up behind her and apologising. 

I remember we called one of the local vets, Dr. Rafik, who issued a certificate stating that she’s younger than six-weeks old. Then called the airport to inquire about the procedure; and they said no extra paper work was needed due to the young age. That was simply it as off they both went. He took her to Michigan and started a new life together. A rescued Egyptian stray just “immigrating” and becoming American. A dream coming true for many humans. Kudos to Teymour.

T and pup Izzy fresh off Maadi’s streets, 2004

Fast-forwading to almost 10 years in February 2014 when I went to visit T in Michigan. It was one harsh winter; my loving dog had recently passed away, I had to leave Canada after three years of visa renewal, and the relationship I was in didn’t seem like it had any future. I had began writing the book and had no other option than to just keep going. So I got on the road coddiwompling across America for a few months before ending up in Venice Beach in Los Angeles. 

But before that I got to spend about six days with Teymour and Izzy. There wasn’t too many things to do in Birmingham, Michigan, especially without a car, and especially in such cold. So in the mornings T would go to work and I spend the entire day at home with the dog. A lot of time to connect.

The night I first arrived she was showing her teeth, something she usually did according to T. Nothing too aggressive, but untrusting. She obviously didn’t remember me as she was literally three or four weeks old back then.

Being alone in the house with a dog person who was tremendously missing his recently departed dog meant that there was lots of contact and body language play between us. Eventually I gained her trust, but it was a gradual process.

Assessing the situation, the first thing to consider was her breed. She is a Baladi stray dog after all, even though also being a Huskey mix. Those wild ones are pack-oriented and tend to get territorial; without enough time socialising with humans as well as other dogs they wouldn’t learn how to become friendly, which happened to be the case. 
 
The following step was to establish my dominance as a pack leader. So when she slightly bit my hand on that first morning, I knew what was needed. A jog. In the snow. In the middle of nowhere. Rocky Balboa mode!

I also showed no signs of fear or panic; just more determination to add her with some love.... and discipline.
 
I asked Teymour for the outdoors collar and leash, got them on her, wore my Adidas, gloves and beanie and headed out there. 

Getting ready before that first run and commemorating it

From the sheer excitement and energy level, I could tell that Izzy had probably never been taken out for jogs before. Being confined to the house for long hours while the owner is out working is something I know quite a few things about. Just like us humans, dogs get bored and lonely and should all should get enough time outdoors. Though the house garden is not really considered outdoors. Again, because there is little to no socialising. 

For certain dog breeds, exercising is actually essential to remain healthy, sane, and most importantly, to feel useful. Running, walking, or hiking together can be also be a great and healthy way to bond. Not only because the furry ones need to move, but also because this is how they look up to you as a pack leader. Seeing your physical capabilities will earn their respect.

Besides, it’s pure joy to be outdoors with our canines; regularly connecting with nature is one sure way to sharpen their senses.

Actually I had done the same with the Saint Bernard Gentle Giant in Toronto a few years earlier. Though I had much more time with Shay, rather than just a few days with Izzy. 

That said, I made sure the run wouldn’t be too long, since it’s the first — maybe 2.5 miles or so. Once back home, she was visibly calmer and more docile.

By the second run she was adapting and clearly enjoying her time outside of the house. The enthusiasm and anticipation showed all over her eyes when she would hear the sound of the collar and leash. This time it was a bit longer.

The remarkable thing is that it was a two-way thing. As mentioned, I had just lost my Cocker Spaniel after 8 years together; for us, too, moved from Egypt to Canada. It was quite a love story. So as much as handling Izzy seem to have worked for her, the experience was almost therapeutic to myself as well.

Additionally, it was a way to start moving again, with a dog. Following Canada and before being back to the States I spend six weeks in Egypt with no exercising and lots of yummy food — after being away for three long years during which I was cooking every single day. So I needed to get back in shape after regaining my health. 

Iz, Izzy yum yum, Biz, Bizzy, Bizznass, Zakia, Zakia-Hanem, and Stinker Bell
were different nicknames

Izzy and I enjoyed three runs during this short stay in Birmingham. Naturally, this led to more bonding and more trust. She was slowly becoming more playful and less aggressive. She seemed happy as she would wag her tail, giving me her squeaking toy to play with. I showed her that, first, I’m not afraid of her growling. Second, that playfulness is indeed good and healthy. In fact, it is needed for a dog’s well-being. 

The last thing I made sure to do is to let her know she’s a good girl as often as possible. Because I know how Love is capable of changing everything.

As written in Things I Wish All Dog Owners Would Understand, when you reward your dog with a simple “good girl/boy” they really do act as a good girl/boy. In fact, researchers have found that social interactions make pet dogs release Oxytocin — the same “love hormone” that humans feel when they are in love or bonding with friends. So that was something I had in mind whenever I would come across her around the house.

You can see the progression in the video below: How at start she growled and barked after coming in from the garden so I can give her a treat. I didn’t take any of that, and using body language I showed her who is the dominant one. It worked and Izzy Iz submitted to what iz.

Later — the part where I was telling her story — the bared teeth still showed a little but she was much more playful and submissive, bringing me her toy to share. In fact, in the dog world this may be called a submissive grin or even smile. By the time I was comfortable enough to playfully spank her butt as I used to do to Caramella.

Then finally looking relaxed lying down with one paw tucked under, no teeth. Because she was a good girl.

Fierce look captured during one of our tête-à-tête days at home 

On a Friday, Teymour took me to Detroit for the day. While he spent it at the head office, he got me in touch with a hippie-minded friend of his who ended up showing me around the city.

She was a lovely Egyptian American girl who also had another American friend with her. Equipped only with a camera, we went Downtown, visited the Botanical Garden, and the historical Belle Isle Casino. I remember we met other people at this coffee shop; and when I shared that I am just travelling around without any plans, they sympathetically said: “Auwh, he’s homeless”. I had never thought about it that way, but yes, homeless it was.

Another day, Teymour and I went out to some fun party/exhibition when we double dated. It was followed by a fancy dinner somewhere.

By the end my stay, the bonding wasn’t just with Izzy or just with T, but with both. I left Birmingham without knowing anything other than my next destination: Denver, Colorado. In fact, only because Teymour suggested it as we chillaxing at home a couple of days prior. This was February of 2014 and marijuana legalisation there was just beginning. So considering that I would probably enjoy this new American Amsterdam, he shared the idea, and Denver it was.

I first had to head back to Sycamore, Illinois where my main luggage was — at a kind friend I had met online, Ahmed. Yeah.     

Once ready, I headed to Chicago and got on a train for an 18-hour ride to the Mile High City. It was a lovely the experience as it was my first time to sleep in a train. I had a tiny cute cabin, including dinner and breakfast, served at the “restaurant”. There, I met a Canadian couple and we genuinely began chatting.

While I met Teymour a few times since then, it was the last time I saw Izzy. Just a couple of weeks ago, she went on her next journey, joining Caramella and Shay and all the dogs that have ever lived. Ah. 

 

From the streets of Maadi to Michigan, this doggo was given a new beginning and a wonderful life. May her lovely soul Rest In Peace.

ALSO VIEW:

A Dieu Caramella

Training a Gentle Giant — Shay The Saint Bernard

Things I Wish All Dog Owners Would Understand

Why Cats Are Not Dogs

When Lady Ran Away

When The Puppies Ate The “Chocolate”

The Most Loyal Dogs in History

Some Animals I Shot

Training a Gentle Giant — Shay The Saint Bernard

“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal.
I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.”
― A.D. Williams

Being a true dog person, I had never dealt closely with giant breeds until 2009 when I first met Shay, a female Saint Bernard who belonged to my then-girlfriend’s parents. She was 2 years old, weighed 140 pounds (63.5 Kg), and had a beautiful dense, shaggy white coat with the popular reddish brown patches. Since she wasn’t really used to leaving that Toronto house and garden, the first few times I was met with loud and wary barking.

When the following year I left everything behind in Egypt, took Caramella my Cocker Spaniel and moved to Canada, Shay and I slowly began developing a relationship. At start it was trips to nearby parks, either alone or with Caramella; other times also with my ex’s two King Charles Cavalier puppies who lived with Shay who treated them so gently and lovingly. There is this cute, ridiculous difference in size between them, that I was often stopped in the streets for pictures and questions.

“Five dogs on the loose” was a favourite thing to tell strangers which always made them chuckle; another was “They are taking me out for a walk.”

Other than dog walkers, you don’t usually see many people walking
around with a Saint Bernard plus three more canines.

The main problem I was facing by walking that gentle giant is how to handle such immense force, especially when crossing path with other dogs or when being approached by certain people. She would pull me and starts her barking, and what bark that is. No wonder neither the parents nor the girl knew how to deal with her outdoors — hence she was kept home all the time. Other than the occasional frowns I would get, I never enjoyed not being fully in control and decided to do something about it.

Remember that setting no rules does not work; neither for the dogs nor for the relationship between them and their masters. Dogs need rules as much as they need to know that you, the pack leader, is the one in charge. That’s how it works and not the other way round. Obviously, they also need to leave the house. Check Things I Wish All Dog Owners Would Understand for more tips.

 

Then one day, I was chatting with two older ladies in the street when Shay began distorting our conversation because she obviously didn’t feel at ease around any strangers. So they mentioned the Dog Whisperer, the well-known show by Cesar Millan, and how it could solve the problem. Later in the afternoon, a man at the park also told me how by watching this show his relationship with his previously-abused adopted dog has fully healed.

Taking those two encounters as a sign, I went straight home and, thanks to the sweet Internet, found all episodes — from season 1 to 8 — streamed online and ready to be watched. Like a rookie off the bench, I started with episode one from the first season.

Despite loving all dogs and finding some of the information to be quite useful, I never had trouble with average or smaller size dogs and I was always capable of smoothly connecting and commending them. That is probably the reason why I had never watched the show as I thought it wasn’t meant for those of us. This time, though, I was sincerely interested in solving my little dilemma with cute Shay.

Connecting with her as Toula watches — Haliburton 2012

The first thing I realised is that a more powerful collar was definitely needed, so we bought a metal one with pointy edges. A new leash was needed as well since the old soft one, or what was left from it, caused a great deal of damage to my hand every time I used it. They obviously weren’t doing the job in controlling that gentle giant doggo, which is the one and only way in dealing with such size and force. As mentioned, like any other dog she simply needed to know who the master was.

A second remarkably useful info I learned from Millan was how dogs sense our tension or fear. I honestly never gave it a lot of thoughts, but I always knew that dogs do sense human fear and was even told once that they smelled it. The truth apparently is that through the short leash, the dog feels the slightest pull or hesitation, which is automatically transferred to them and causes them to get agitated.

Looking back at how I handled her during our early walks, whenever there would be other dogs around, I would pull her a tad closer almost unconsciously and that’s when she sensed my tension and acted upon it. Dogs do sense our energies, and the vibration through the leash is one way for them to know how tensed or relaxed we are.

Hatted

Apart from the few useful tips from the show and as I do with anything I’m interested in and want to know more about, I Googled Saint Bernard. And man was I fascinated by the findings...

This large breed of working dogs originates from the Italian and Swiss Alps where they were primarily bred for rescue by monks in the late 1700s. Their ancestors share a history with the Sennenhunds — also called Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs. These dogs are thought to be descendants of Molosser type dogs first brought into the Alps by the ancient Romans.

The monks used them to save travellers from snow storms and avalanches in the Alpine wilderness. Later, equipped with strong digging paws and a great sense of smell, they were trained to go out by themselves in packs of two or three and find victims on the Great Saint Bernard Pass between Italy and Switzerland. They would dig the survivors out, and if capable, they would lead them back to the hospice or monastery. If they couldn’t move, in a graceful display of intelligence, one of the St. Bernards would lay on their body for warmth while the other(s) would go get help. Now that is actually smarter than some humans we know.

Between the tough winters of 1816 to 1818, St. Bernards were about the brink of extinction as many dogs lost their lives in the snowy climate while performing rescues. By 1850, they were crossed with Newfoundlands brought from the Colony of Newfoundland in an attempt to save the remaining breed. Successfully, other efforts were later made by a group of enthusiasts in the UK to increase their numbers by crossing them with the English Mastiff.

Picked up from the kennel after a trip

The modern St. Bernard, which became the Swiss national dog, is quite different from that of the type bred by the monks. Over the years, the breed got larger and heavier while still keeping the original character of that ancient proud history from which they originate.

The most famous and most remembered St. Bernard in history was Barry, who have reportedly saved between 40 and 100 lives during his life. Another celebrity was Beethoven who starred in the comedy movies by the same name. Then of course there is Shay.

Interestingly, I equally found out that the legendary Brandy barrels worn around the dogs’ necks, often depicted in paintings and cartoons, and which were supposedly used to keep the found-victims warm, turned out to be just a myth.

Alcohol, you see, creates a sensation of warmth, regardless of the outside temperature. But in reality, it brings blood closer to the skin, lowering our core body temperature while increasing risks of Hypothermia. As such, the monks of Saint Bernard claim their dogs never carried brandy or wine. Some, however, were trained to bring milk from cowsheds, which may be one possible origin to the myth.

Another possibility goes back to a 1920 painting titled Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveller by prominent British painter Sir Edwin Landseer.

Yet, Saint Bernards wearing barrels of booze around their necks still remains a cute sight. So it kept showing left and right among other stories.

With Caramella and Shay while camping by Mazinaw Lake, Ontario — 2012

“Poles Apart” at Haliburton, Ontario — 2012

Following my brief research I never looked at Shay the same again. She’s a descendant of rescue dogs who dug in the snow in extreme weather conditions and saved human lives. Along with the gentle and mutual affection I came to discover, this magnificent breed has truly gained my utmost respect.

Most naturally, a dog that size and with such heritage needed a healthy outlet for its energy, and getting physical to make her feel useful was the right thing to do. Armed with my newly-acquired knowledge, a new leash and a new collar, I started taking Shay out for training walks and sometimes for short power runs — her first ever.

Our last photo together taken days before leaving Canada

A short while later and with more walks around the block and trips to the park, the tension disappeared, the barking diminished and my love for her increased. Eventually her and the other three dogs accompanied us to a couple of camping trips around Ontario. It truly was great seeing her run freely and be herself around the natural wilderness. She even fell into a frozen lake, probably because she never saw one before. Check the hilarity in the video below.

I vividly recall when she would lie on the ground right by my feet, charmingly roll on her back while looking me straight in the eyes and handing me her strong paw to hold in my hand. I can softly say that I became deeply attached to this gentle giant.

Our life is made of up of captured moments frozen in time.
Shared feelings, smiles and laughter, and time spent together
become the memories that the heart and soul never forget.

The Lion Queen - Halliburton, Canada 2012

After three full years in Canada, Caramella got sick (Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and I had no other option but to ease her pain. Seeing her suffer had a tremendous effect on me and relieving her was the conscious decision to take.

The following day after that fateful September morning, my then girlfriend and I took the other three dogs to Caramella’s favourite U of T park to celebrate her life. The canines could all sense the sadness and were acting extra sweet, especially Shay who was 6 years old by then. To me, though, healing only began to manifest after writing and publishing a 5,000-word piece about our story together: A Dieu Caramella.

Being comforted by Shay one day after the passing of Caramella at U of T

A short while later I left Toronto to the U.S, ending up in Venice Beach after some roaming around for several months. Three more years had passed and I was recently visiting Egypt when I found out that Shay went on her next journey. She, too, got sick and had to be given that damn shot. I like to think that her and Caramella are keeping each other company in Doggy Heaven.

At the very end, change is the only constant in life. We need to accept it and move on in grateful remembrance. The whole experience of being surrounded by those dogs taught me what unconditional love is and what having a man’s best friend is really like. Now more than ever, I remain a believer in Alfred Lord Tennyson words, “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”


May Their Souls Rest In Peace.

D-Pack parked outside of Starbucks in Toronto

The K9 Familia in 2012

My Facebook profile picture for three straight years

Shay the Gentle Giant

*Article originally published in 2012 on Conscious Life News


ALSO VIEW:

A Dieu Caramella

Things I Wish All Dog Owners Would Understand

Why Cats Are Not Dogs

From Insects to Crows: Dogless and Searching for Companionship

Izzy The Egyptian American Doggo [Video] 

When Lady Ran Away

When The Puppies Ate The “Chocolate”

The Most Loyal Dogs in History

Animals That Are Not To Be Confused

One More Precognitive Dream

Precognitive dream: A dream that exhibits knowledge about the future which the dreamer could not have obtained via normal channels.


A few months back I had a dream of someone I care about in which they were facing some marital issues. We live in different continents and I haven’t seen or thought of them any time recently. So being so random I sensed that it could be one of my precognitive dreams.

As I often do after those dreams, I reached out to ask about them. To my sight surprise, they said that all was fine, yet in an indifferent, perhaps also slightly defensive way. Shortly after, I told them how I remember seeing them in the dream going through a moment of detachment as well as freedom, which was the initial reason why I asked. Still, they denied having any problems — despite having always felt that they were never particularly happy in their relationship.

Somehow I could not get over that dream as I felt that it is one of those genuine ones I’m writing about in the book. I believe some of you remember how I dreamed of the passing of my aunt and my Cocker Spaniel plus of getting into an accident before they actually happen.

Dealing with High Awareness and Empathic Accuracy is a much more detailed piece examining how some of us seem to be able to see beyond the veil and how “High awareness can be a double-edged sword if you don’t know how to channel it.”



A month or two later, I was speaking to a common friend when I mentioned said dream. They paused for a second, before telling me that our friend’s marriage was indeed going through troubled times. Aha. Since I’m getting better at trusting this kind of prophetic visions, in a strange, inexplicable way I sort of knew all along that there is probably some kind of truth behind that last one.

More months passed when I was once again with the common friend and the topic of my book — and dreams — came up. They then told me that our friend whom I had dreamed of had a divorce. Oh. Should I say ‘Surprise!’?

When I wondered out loud about the reason why when I first asked if everything was fine I was told yes, they said that our recently-divorced friend apparently thought that someone had told me about the ongoing problems they were then having with their spouse. This implies that I knew all along and have invented that dream story just to, I don’t know, mess with them?

Moral the story: If I dream of you and I let you know, there is no reason why not to be honest. In any case, this type of dreams almost always involve those who are — or once were — somewhat close to me.


What is intriguing is that by the end of the book I still do not have clear explanations about how cognitive dreams work among other mind-over-matter phenomena discussed therein. What I do know for sure is that they exist and if you learn how to listen closely, they could make great allies. I equally know with certainly that I am not the only one who gets them, which in one way is a relief.

Dreams are the Pearly Gates of the subconscious. Pay attention and follow them confidently to where they lead you, for they are also the language in which our souls communicate with the YOUniverse.

On a parallel note, I will leave you with an eye-opening Banned Ted Talk by physicist Russell Targ about psychic abilities. Targ spent several decades exploring the humans psyche while working with the CIA and NASA, chiefly in the U.S government “Remote Viewing (RV)” program.

For me, “Banned” talks are always the most captivating. It makes you ponder why certain type of knowledge is censored and deliberately kept away from the masses. Enjoy.

ALSO VIEW:


Dreaming of the Accident Before it Happened

Dealing with High Awareness and Empathic Accuracy

The LSD Experiments of the 1950s and 60s [Videos & Documentaries]

What Being Conscious Means

A Dieu Caramella

Out-of-Body Experience and Ego Death on a “Heroic Dose” of Mushrooms

Placebo Effect & The LSD Prank

Surviving the Madness of Sakarana — Hyoscyamus muticus (aka Deadly Nightshade)

 

Another Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2016-’17)

We all have an inner beat, such as that of the heart and that of the breath. But only some learn how to express it outwards through music. 


After last year’s A Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2014-’15), here’s another one full of passionate Magick and more beautiful people, which I have compiled through the period between end of January 2016 and January 2017.

For some of us, the smaller and cosier circles on Saturdays — also on public holidays — have become the preferred days rather than Sundays when it usually gets chaotic and the music could easily get too loud, sometimes out of tune. Nevertheless, the energy resulting from drumming would still reach you even if you are playing alone or listening to someone who does. 

Before the photos and videos, the following is a recent snippet from what I wrote about what goes on there:

It should be raining tomorrow in Venice so a few from the Circle suggested we go today. The weather and the sunset were truly perfect. I began playing all by myself then Ronald Mc Kinley joined with his tambourine. He was actually the second person to let me try his Djembe when I first arrived at the Drum Circle three years ago, so I was happy that he was jamming on mine and decided to capture this historical moment.

We had a great time despite no one else showing up from the drummers. Eventually Ron left, but not before sharing with me the story of the Rastafarian who moved the Venice Drum Circle from the Boardwalk to the sand and who taught Capoeira; as well as how the cops, the rules, and the whole area were way different in the mid 80s when he first moved. I learned afterwards that music has been in the area since Cubans played there in the 1940s. 

A tad later, David Healey appeared out of thin air on his bike and with his camera as he usually does. He snapped a few shots of myself before chatting for a good 15 minutes — being shot twice during his years in Vietnam, how they drum in Haiti, and how he lived all over the world before ending up here on the beach. When he knew about my age, he called me a kid... and I sort of had to agree with him and added that the secret to a full life is keeping the spirit of the inner child alive.

The magical thing in all this is that Ron is in his mid 60s while David is in his mid 80s. Also Steve Engel with his smile and eccentric hats is in his 70s; Italiano Pino with his congas is another in his 60s; and Edward Tillmon is yet another genuine Venice Beach oldtimer. And Lonny is 88, yes you heard that right.

So basically age is simply a mere number; it’s all in the heart and mind. And these guys are an inspirational living proof.

Then finally before leaving, I went closer to the beach to take a photo of the glorious sunset. Right then and there was a police car passing in front of me by the horizon. Since the sun was right in my eyes I couldn’t see the details; but the two officers inside the vehicle just gave me the peace sign, which I happily returned. It might have been Officer Roberts or some of his colleagues. But yeah, the LAPD are now pretty cool with me as I am with them.

Do you see why I love it here?  

The interesting comments which resulted from posting the above on Facebook inspired a few of us to dig deeper into the history of the Venice Beach Drum Circle. As such, right before I left this time we were able to interview some old-timers and the final outcome should be one heck of a cool documentary. So Stay Tuned!

Once done, also check the threequel (2017-’18).

Now to the hypnotic wizardry to delight your senses and alter your consciousness. Enjoy...

The first Circle of 2016 after coming back from Egypt: Dancing Sonie, Edahn (far right),
and Alex (green shirt on the left) and the rest of the boys doing their thang — February 

The video of that first sweet reunion with the Brethren

On the boardwalk before we carry on on the sand

Being watched by my buddy’s wife, Aleyda, and their kid Adel

“Playboy” — April

“Stevetization Happy Nation” — The one and only Steve Engel

“Shoot The Shooter” — The hilarious photographer David Healey

L.A Women Sunday Afternoon

 David Healey with Kat, Monique, and Freddy goofing around in front of the cops

“Tribalise”

The view we get to enjoy while there

Natalie and her captivating smile

The Children of Light including a doggino

Only two people are truly happy in this world; the crazy and the child.
Be crazy to achieve what you desire, and be a child to enjoy what you
have achieved.
Photo credit: Oliver Rossberg

Gotta love Kadi and his musical toys

A few of us were jamming by the Boardwalk after the Drum Circle when I see
this dude passing by. For those who don’t know him, he’s been touring
the U.S with his goat and he actually became a funny Internet meme.
So I stopped drumming and ran after him to get his
photo. He was a little worried from the cops but it all ended well.
His name is Eric “Rockclub” Brown and his goat is named Deer.
Check his “goatfunme” — May

“The Others”

“Taste The Rainbow”

 
“Do What Thou Wilt”

With sweet Steffi from Belgium — June

Today’s Drum Circle may have been one of raddest, most phenomenal
gatherings in quite a while. Phantabulous energy. Amazing weather.
Drummers in-sync. Shiny happy women
dancing. You simply cannot ask for more. Today I’m a legitimate
One Lucky Soul.

Uncle Omar in his element visited by the sweet Kiddos. I think I would
actually make a kool dad... if I wanted to.
Photo Credit: Hisham Abouseif

We all smile in the same language, but it’s wicked when it’s got an English
accent: The lovely Sky Edwards.

Atusa in pink and Natalie further facing the sun in green swimsuit 


Celebración

Keeping the Beat with Paul (left), Tim (middle), Ronald (back standing),
and Scott (first right) — July

You know the circle is kicking ass when cops come out of their cars while dancing
and filming us in full fascination. Zoe in the middle in a black & white dress.
 

We finally have a photo together: With the cool officer Roberts whom I wrote
an Article about. Photo credit: Steve Engel — August

“Brethren United

“Dave, do I always look that crazy while drumming or is it the camera effect?
You look even crazier.”
Another super shot by David Healey 

The Children of Light keeping the fire on by celebrating existence one
more time — September

Edahn (far left), Ronald (middle conga), Edward on his bass guitar in the middle,
Pino (sitting down in a hat and dark shirt), then Alex (far right in white pants)

 

More Colours 

With Jody Joy who’s a pro drummer and who came to visit us with her kool hubby
and son, also Oliver on the right with glasses

“Brighten Up”

“Irradiate”

 

 

“Conjunto” The beautiful and vibrant Susana from Chile

“Illumination Happy Nation”

Celebrating Existence once again and again. Today we had a special visit from
an exotic beauty from Sudan and her equally stunning friend. Zainab, we’re sure
pleased to meet you.

Your vibe attracts your tribe

First official Full Lunacy Drum Circle by One Lucky Soul with Janise, Zeinab, and Zoe,
shown here having a girlie moment at Dockweiler Beach. Full Lunacy


“Coalescence” is not from the VBDC but a natural repercussion of it. Solo jamming
on the Mediterranean sea where I go visit my family and friends
— Northern Coast of Egypt in August of 2015. Below is the video. 
  

Solo sunset drumming on the Northern Coast of Egypt where people were first
shy and confused before eventually joining me with their kids after a few sunsets



Inter-generational drumming on the Mediterranean — another flashback
from August 2015

 

Back to Venice Beach... Every weekend at the Drum Circle, Steve Engel comes up
to me while I’m in deep drumming and says something so random and
intellectual, that I must love him for it. Today’s connection point was: It’s really nice
to have someone who knows how to spell correctly and familiar with all grammar
structure and language rules around Facebook. Yes, thank you Purple Man Steve.
I think with the rapid advent of modern technologies, language as we
know it, or communication in general, may one day Beegone !@#$%^&*().


And The Beat Goes On — September

One of the many YouTube videos I came across — October

In-tune with the rhythm of Mother Nature — November 


 
A glimpse of the sanctuary

Having a Hunch with the Funky Bunch... and the sun, which chose to
wear a Mickey Mouse ear hat for the sunset partey — December

“Suntimental”

Let the children lead the way and they will do a better job than most of us.
You can add some of Monique’s entrancing nail polish if you’re into a tad bit
of more colours.

 Sometimes you can only wonder if you found The Others or did they find you,
or perhaps it happened simultaneously. Whatever it is, I’m sure glad that it did
so eclectically happen. With Joe, Steve, and Pino.
And again remember, age is simply a mere number; it’s all in the
heart and mind.

As raw as it could get: Shooting the documentary with Alex Mannone and myself
behind the camera two days before once again leave L.A for a visit
to the Land of Ancient Egyptians

Also with sweet Andy who has been around Venice since 1965 and has
lots of stories to share

“And... it’s a wrap”

To many more years of drumming, dancing, and celebrating Life and Existence. I hope you enjoyed viewing this photo-video article as much as we enjoyed making it happen. Maybe someday you’ll join us. And the world will be as One.

ALSO VIEW:


A Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2014-’15)

One More Year at the Venice Beach Drum Circle in Photos & Videos (2017-’18)

How Drumming Changed The Way My Brain Processes Music: Underworld Live at the Hollywood Bowl

The Intertwining of Music and Sexuality ― A Djembefola’s Tale

Drum Circle Etiquette — The Do’s and Don’ts
    
Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Officer Roberts 

Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Sergeant Pepper

Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: The Coke Prank

Attempting to Bridge the Gap Between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: Evolution

Tripping Through Venice Beach Art

More Tripping Through Venice Beach Art

World Art Through My Lens

Some People I Shot 

More People I Shot

Countering Gentrification — Eating Cheap and Healthy in Venice Beach [With a List of Places and Their Menus]