LOVE ANGELES

Elin Nordegren Hopes to Save Her Marriage

Source: People - Elin Nordegren is hoping to save her marriage to Tiger Woods because she doesn't want to raise their two children without a father.

"Elin wants a solid family life," a Florida source tells PEOPLE. "She was a child of divorce and felt her dad slighted her. She absolutely does not want that to happen to Sam and Charlie. So she wants to keep her family together even if she and Tiger live together as friends instead of lovers."

During the past week, Nordegren, 30, reportedly visited her husband at the Gentle Path sexual addiction clinic in Hattiesburg, Miss., where he has been getting treatment.

During the middle of the six-week counseling session, a patient's spouse is invited to visit for about a week, according to a former patient of the alcohol addiction section of the Hattiesburg clinic.

"This is the rough part where the patient has to admit to his wife that he [cheated]," the former patient tells PEOPLE.

Tiger Wants to Stay Married

Woods, according to a Florida insider, also wants to hold onto his family and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

"Tiger wants to go back to being a golf star with major endorsements," the insider tells PEOPLE. "He wants his clients, who have kids of their own, to think he is a good family man. He had hoped all along that his wife's initial furor would die down so they could discuss the situation and behave rationally."

Adds the insider, "Keeping the family together is very important to Tiger so he is doing whatever it takes to keep Elin from leaving him and taking the kids." (Sam is 2, and Charlie is 11 months.)

If Nordegren does decides to continue the marriage, she would likely put on a happy face, take care of children and continue taking courses at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., while Woods would go back to playing golf and fulfilling his endorsement contracts, according to the insider, "Elin is as smart as a whip and a wonderful, caring mother," the insider says. "She is a special kid, well educated and capable. But she could be lonely forever."

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas

Source: Examiner - "Kevin Jonas, 22, of the Jonas Brothers, has married fiancé Danielle Deleasa, 22, on Saturday, December 19, 2009 according to a report on People.com. The couple was married at the Oheka Castle, a chateau in Long Island, New York. Prior to the wedding, Jonas had Deleasa sing a prenup.

Kevin Jonas is the eldest of the three wholesome Jonas brothers and the first to get married. Danielle Deleasa is a former hairdresser from New Jersey. Deleasa wore a beautiful Vera Wang gown in the Disney-like wedding.

A blizzard threatened to put a cancel the festivities, but the wedding went forward as scheduled. It was attended by about 400 friends and family members. Kevin's brothers Joe and Nick served as best men.

The Jonas Brothers are Disney television stars, touring entertainers, popular singers and heartthrobs. The brothers have a wholesome, clean-cut image and have been wearing purity rings, a sign of their vow to abstain from sex until marriage.

May Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa and all people be blessed with lives full of love, peace and joy."

What is Yoga, Really?

A while back I bought the book entitled The Yoga of Jesus by Paramahansa Yogananda and left it behind accidently in San Francisco. Well, on my recent visit up north last weekend, I picked it back up, and man I'm glad I did! Since I was a child, I always loved and resonated with the teachings of the Great Master, Jesus the Christ. At the time, I was limited to the interpretations taught to me through the Christian-Catholic religious and educational circles, which I will always appreciate because it introduced me to the revolutionary ways and principles of living that Jesus taught over two thousand years ago. However, it wasn't until my own "open-hearted" asking, knocking and seeking of the fruits of life, (many of which that Jesus taught) that I learned of the many other interpretations of his ways documented in the spiritual verses, stories and letters that was later called the Bible. I soon found that I truly enjoyed reading and learning about the interpretations of Jesus' words that Yogananda studied and taught so beautifully. If you are interested, a second more comprehensive book of his on the subject is entitled The Second Coming of Christ.

So many of my friends today tell me that they are practicing "yoga" and no matter which form, class or teacher they are studying, it had always occured to me that they were practicing something that would cultivate the fruits of life in their everyday lives. I have to admit, however, that a) I never really knew the literal definition of the term Yoga and b) I always just assumed that the foundation of yoga was based around the system of postures, or asanas as I later found out they were called. As it turned out, my understanding of Yoga was extremely limited. I was amazed at how involved the Way of Yoga truly is for the devoted practitioner.

The following is from the preface of Yogananda's book shown above:

"The word yoga itself means "union": of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Though many people think of yoga only as physical excercises - the ansanas or postures that have gained widespread popularity in recent decades - these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

There are various paths of yoga that lead toward this goal, each one a specialized branch of one comprehensive system:

Hatha Yoga - a system of physical postures, or ansanas, whose higher purpose is to purify the body, giving one awareness and control over its internal states and rendering it fit for meditation.

Karma Yoga - selfless service to others as part of one's larger Self, without attachment to the results; and the performance of all actions with the consciousness of God as the Doer.

Mantra Yoga - centering the consciousness within through japa, or the repetition of certain universal root-word sounds representing a particular aspect of Spirit.

Bhakti Yoga - all-surrendering devotion through hich one strives to see and love the divinity in every creature and in everything, thus maintaining an unceasing worship.

Jnana Yoga - the path of wisdom, which emphasizes the application of dscriminative intelligence to achieve spiritual liberation.

Raja Yoga - the royal or highest path of yoga, formally systematized in the second century B.C. by the Indian sage Patanjali, which combines the essence of all the other paths.

At the heart of Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these varioous approaches, is the practice of definite, scientific methods of meditation that enable one to perceive, from the very beginning of one's efforts, glimpses of the ultimate goal - conscius union with the inexhaustibly blissful Spirit..."

Papa's Perfect

Leon C. Kolb, 91, was peacefully born into eternity, December 1, 2009, from his home in North Hollywood, CA.

In celebration of his new life, a private service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday December 7th, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, followed by a burial service at Forest Lawn.

It is no coincidence that the celebration of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's new life will be taking place on the 68th anniversary of the date which will live in infamy. Leon Kolb (Papa) was aboard the Battleship USS Oklahoma that fateful Sunday morning when the Japanese torpedoed and eventually sunk his ship.

According to the Daily News, Papa, wearing white shorts and a regulation U.S. Navy T-shirt, was ordered out of the ship's magazine by men who wouldn't survive the day. Then he remembered his ring [Nana's engagement ring which was in his locker a few decks below] - followed by a biblical injunction never to look back - and scrambled to safety over the rising port gunwale.

"I saw a picture of Lot’s wife turning to go back, she turned into a pillar of salt. And I took that as God's message: Don't go back. If I had, I would have been buried in salt water with the rest who had gone down."

The attack lasted 12 minutes. Of the 1,300 sailors on the USS Oklahoma, a third were lost...

"I lost the ring, but got the girl," he said. Papa and Lucille Kolb (Nana, now 98) recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary together, Wow!

Exactly a year ago, I moved back to LA after hearing an inner voice tell me that I was to be near my grandparents in order to watch over them. The calling was so loud and clear, that I had absolutely no problem leaving behind a cozy setup and beautiful community just north of the Golden Gate bridge. I even recall telling a friend that I felt that I was supposed to move next door to my grandparents and become best friend's with my amazing grandfather, which is exactly what I did.

Most people who have been lucky enough to meet a grandparent or two, much less spend a significant amount of time with them, can tell you of the unique connection that exists between them. In a healthy situation, the love shared between a grandparent and grandchild is one of the purest, non-judgmental, unconditional forms of love one can experience. It's no wonder why in many cultures around the world, grandchildren are raised by their grandparents.

A few months ago, I asked Papa if he could tell me what his happiest moment was in life. He said, "I have never had more joy in all my life than cheering for you at all your baseball and basketball games as a kid and all through high school." I wanted to melt from feeling like the luckiest person in the world, and for being so grateful for having so much love in my life and for my desire to share that love with everyone around me. Papa should have won an award for longest streak without missing a grandson's sporting event, from t-ball to varsity volleyball, just amazing! 

A few weeks back, and after a six day sleepover at Kaiser hospital, we became well aware of Papa's weakening heart and overall condition. In fact, on the second day there, the doctor made it seem like he was going to go that day, so the rest of the family including Nana drove up from San Diego. But I knew Papa better than that. He wanted to launch from home, on his terms not Kaisers and he counted on the family to help him make that happen. Later that evening, sitting in the dark beside his bed, I scribbled the following in my notebook:   

When I heard Nana tell Papa that he was the best husband in the world, I couldn't believe my ears. Holding back her tears, she spoke with supernatural strength. There was so much love happening that I'm sure I will continue to process it into the future. Why do I feel sad? Because my loved one may be getting close to stepping into the unknown? This unknown has no pain, no suffering, no embarrassment, only joy. Papa has prepared for this journey for a long time. Man, he took up his cross with dignity, love, honor, respect and without complaining.

He has helped me become more of the man that I am to be. I am so grateful for his showing me the way, the truth and how to live a simple and noble life.  The doctors say his heart is weak but his Heart has never been stronger! He is the strongest man I have ever met, a true gentleman, so beautiful, elegant, proper, and caring for everyone else. The way he lit up when my sister Tala entered the hospital room yesterday was extraordinarily special. He was so excited to speak with her about all the current unfolding of her life. I think I remember him shouting my goodness in his burly Oklahoma accent, when I told him that she was driving up from San Diego to see him.

The breathe of life is so powerful. Even with a weak heart and drowning lungs, this man loves to breathe! I love him. He is my hero, my teacher, my legend, my DNA, my role model, my Papa. Papa has taught me how to respect people, make them laugh, lift them up, and treat them fairly. Yes, he was fair to everyone. He was tolerant of different faiths and appreciative of different cultures. Papa was organized, meticulous, patient, supportive and he had no problem asking for help when he needed it, which was rare. His hands are so rugged and strong maybe from 11 years in the navy, 26 as an LA City firefighter and many more pulling electrical wire and cutting down trees, just for kicks. Yea, he's my papa...

Earlier that same night, the nurse wheeled in his special low-sodium dinner with a very special pack of salt free seasoning, Papa's Perfect. I couldn't believe my eyes! It was a divine message confirming that Papa was going to recover well enough to be discharged and sent home, where he wanted to be all along. And he did. And two weeks later, he agreed to let me drive him down to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with the entire family. As he always did, he said the blessing over the dinner table and was able to spend intimate time with his beloved Lucille, which would be their last.

After having breakfast with Papa yesterday morning, I came home and set some time aside to pray especially for him, a few others and for peace on earth. Shortly after, I gathered my things and headed out the door for a lunch meeting in Silver Lake. As soon as I walked out the front door, my phone rang. Papa's caregiver, Karl, called me to mention that Papa just walked from the kitchen to the living room, sat down in his chair and since seems a little drowsy, which was nothing new. I told him that I would stop by for a second to check things out before heading out to my meeting. We looked at each other in the eyes and I asked him if everything was all right. I could here something different in Papa's breathing, it was soft and extraordinarily peaceful. I knew that it was time. I looked up at Karl and said these are final breathes aren't they. He nodded. We held hands and prayed in gratitude and love for the accomplished man before us. Still sitting perfectly upright, his breathe quieted until it stopped. Papa was finally called home. 

Shine on, Taylor Swift

Whenever a magical, illuminating light glows, darkness looms in wait, hoping to stifle or dissolve the brightness. To witness such acts play out once again on a massive stage is a reminder of the importance of positivity and faith, a faith based in knowing that goodness always triumphs.  After spreading her beauty and talent nationally and internationally with poise and grace, and, yes, a cosmos of light, it was inevitable that the naysayers and the negative ones were going to appear at Taylor Swift’s door.  With her recognition at its highest point thus far, in the past few months, the firings of the attackers have increased. Yet, though wobbly from the direct hits, she manages to continue walking on a path of love and truth, accepting and understanding her greater purpose.

Standing on a stage at the MTV music awards, shaken by Kanye West’s disrespectful and shameful behavior, Taylor Swift managed to send a message that no one can take our power away unless we let them. With Kanye informing her and the world that she shouldn’t have won the award, Taylor might have believed him, deciding in that very moment that she wasn’t as good as Beyonce.  If her self-worth was coming from her ego, that’s probably what she would have done.  However, when Beyonce, showing lots of class and integrity, invited Taylor back out on the stage to rightfully own her special moment, and I watched as she thanked everyone, I knew then that the only person who could destroy Taylor’s power was Taylor, for her heart is driving her car, and her ego is riding shotgun, where all of our egos should ride.

More than a few prominent people have recently made statements in the form of criticisms that Taylor’s music isn’t country music.  Being from the South, I grew up listening to all the legends, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to name a few. What made all of these great people country music singers wasn’t their accents or the fact that certain instruments such as the fiddle or banjo could be heard in their songs. It was the fact that they wrote, sang or played simple songs of life experiences as interpreted by their hearts and souls. Country music has a confessional nature to it, too, and I don’t think anyone can argue over how honest, true and heartfelt Taylor’s music is. Songs of good love and good love gone bad are dominant themes in country music, as is songs about Mama and Daddy.  Both of Taylor Swift’s albums are filled with these themes, and she even has a song about Mama and Daddy. Though “The Best Day” isn’t a classic yet like Dolly’s “Coat of Many Colors” or Loretta’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Taylor has managed to write and record an ode to her parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and their love, in the same vein as these classics.

The other day I read an article stating that some are complaining that Taylor Swift’s voice isn’t strong enough and is “embarrassingly weak.”  If I were a betting man, I’d wager a top dollar that Taylor Swift doesn’t think she has the most perfect or most robust voice in music today. However, I’d bet even more that she has the most far-reaching and most powerful voice in music right now, for she is the voice of millions of girls and young women in America and abroad.  She is writing and singing about their emotions, their feelings, their thoughts and their experiences.  And we are all humans with a need to love and be loved, so even older women, boys and men can relate to the subjects and stories in her songs.  I pose the question then of how can you label a voice of such importance and power as one that isn’t strong enough or is too weak?

The 70s had Joni Mitchell and Carole King. The 80s had Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. The 90s had Alanis Morrisette and Sarah McLachlan. All of these women used their writing and singing to capture the attention of the world, for they were saying something we wanted to hear, maybe something we needed to hear.  This decade has Taylor Swift doing the same. At a younger age than any of these icons were at the height of their fame, she’s performing the same demanding and formidable job, and she’s doing it with sophistication, maturity and dignity.

Whenever visibility seems non-existent, continue to shine on, Taylor Swift.  Be the beacon you are, the leader you were meant to be, the leader who lets her open heart guide.

By Jerry Lee Davis
Love Angeles Staff Writer
jerrylee@loveangeles.com

We Didn't Forget Lucky

Lucky Dube was tragically shot in South Africa in October 18th 2007 and I almost forgot to give him the love and respect that he deserves! We miss him but his powerful love and spirit live on in many others around the world. Lucky's Spirit continues to inspire me through his lyrical message as you may have noticed via the past articles of Lucky on Love Angeles.

Lucky was born in Ermelo, formerly of the Eastern Transvaal, now of Mpumalanga, on August 3, 1964. His parents separated before his birth and he was raised by his mother, Sarah, who named him because she considered his birth fortunate after a number of failed pregnancies. Along with his two siblings, Thandi and Patrick, Dube spent much of his childhood with his grandmother, while his mother relocated to work. In a 1999 interview he described his grandmother as "his greatest love" who "multiplied many things to bring up this responsible individual that I am today."

As a child Dube worked as a gardener but, realizing that he wasn't earning enough to feed his family, he began to attend school. There he joined a choir and, with some friends, formed his first musical ensemble, called The Skyway Band. While at school he discovered the Rastafari movement. At the age of 18 Dube joined his cousin's band, The Love Brothers, playing Zulu pop music known as mbaqanga whilst funding his lifestyle by working for Hole and Cooke as a security guard at the car auctions in Midrand. The band signed with Teal Record Company, under Richard Siluma (Teal was later incorporated into Gallo Record Company). Though Dube was still at school, the band recorded material in Johannesburg during his school holidays. The resultant album was released under the name Lucky Dube and the Supersoul. The second album was released soon afterwards, and this time Dube wrote some of the lyrics in addition to singing. It was aroung this same time when he began to learn English.

Letters to the Editor: Keep the Faith!

Submitted by Farshad Farzad - "On September 30th, 2009, I was no longer employed.  I had made the decision to move to a new state to pursue a dream but most importantly my heart.  Sometimes in life you have to sacrifice things, so you can gain others.  In this instance, I sacrificed friends, work and comforts.  However, I gain so much more in this move.

All along I have tried to stay positive and keep faith that things will work out. I told myself that things will only improve from here. For seven weeks I have struggled to find a new job. Outsiders pressured me to take jobs that I was just not comfortable taking.  The old mantra, "it's a job just take it in this economy."  I didn't want to take it.  When you pick a mate or a school or a car you don't pick the 2nd or 3rd best just to have it, you always strive to do better. That's what I did. I waited and waited and waited.

Yet in my heart of hearts I just knew that my patience in the end would pay off.  I kept the faith.  Faith in myself and most importantly faith in my decision to move to my new state and hold strong. It hasn't been easy but I just kept chugging along. I knew in my heart and soul that this is where I had to be, where I needed to be and where I wanted to be.

After 7 long weeks my patience paid off. I found a job. It was not easy but having that faith that I would succeed carried me through the last 7 weeks.  I am so grateful for the opportunities that have been created for me. Most importantly I am grateful for having the courage to remove myself from what is comfortable to pursue something I believed in.

Faith does not have to be in a higher being (it can be but not necessary).  Faith is a powerful tool and it can certainly help you get through times of the unknown.