Thursday, April 2, 2026

When...

Every day we make choices: What clothes to wear, what foods to eat, what activities in which to engage or not to engage, what news programs to watch, what to believe or not believe, whether to become cynical and give up on just about everything we ever dreamed about doing or creating... or to remain hopeful and keep trying. 

But then, there are times when we allow ourselves to adjust those goals and simply "be" -- to accept the choices we have already made and keep doing what needs to be done in order to maintain that to which we have already committed. 

That said, sometimes, outside forces get in the way of allowing us to simply live the life we are doing our best to live -- and the "simple life" becomes not so simple after all. 

People say one thing and do another, or may try to force us into accepting or doing things that to many, seem unjust and unecessary, force us into doing things we simply do not want to do, or we feel compelled by curiosity find out more about something before forming an opinion about it. 

In 2011 I found myself in such a position, and it led me on a personal journey where in March of 2012, I still believed that "when given all the correct information, people will do the right thing." 


Therein lies the rub...getting all the correct information. Especially these days, when we are bombarded with so much BS and everyone has an agenda, and is in a big rush, that we are barely given enough time to think - and that is the point of sales:  to create urgency. 

And let's edit that to state "most people..." or maybe even just "some people."

Because most people are so busy maintaining "the status quo" - that they barely have time to look up, look around, or look inward. 

Take the time. It is all we've got, and not much of it. 

Thanks for reading. I wish you love in your heart and peace in your soul. 

Ox, 
Mari 


Related: 


Sunday, March 22, 2026

We Are Indivisible


Wrote this in early 2017. It's basically a demo track. I aspire to record it with the full band and choir someday. 

In the meantime, feel free to learn it and sing it to yourself or with friends, whenever you need a reminder that there are more of us good people, people who "get it" and understand that we can do better together, than those who don't. 


See you on the 28th! 

Ox, 
Mari 
P.s. Art by Mia Tavonatti

Monday, March 16, 2026

[Mari Mack Music] Only In San Francisco

We had another fun one this past Pi Party Saturday at The Saloon. There was lots of green in the house, since the St Patrick's Day Parade took place downtown earlier that day. And, unbeknownst to me, it was "Brides of March" as well. What a blast!  People were so kind. I love San Francisco. 

We turned into couch potatoes the next day, enjoying the granddaughter play between watching the Oscars. I get the whole "creating joy in dark times" yet it feels strange to see people dripping in diamonds while so many go without. I guess it has always been this way. 
Back in writing mode and I'll be putting together a couple of events in April. More on that later. Sending love. 

Ox, 
Mari 





c

Thursday, March 12, 2026

CADEM : Is California Ready for Betty?

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Betty. Think about it. Steady, finds and fixes wasteful spending. Gets the job done. 
Look her up and let me know your thoughts. 

Thanks, 
Mari 

P.s. See you at The Saloon on Saturday. 

Monday, March 9, 2026

Party on Pi Day - It's Irrational

Hope you are doing well. We are all fighting our own battles in some way -- some on the inside, some on the outside. I find myself going between feeling depressed and angry about what is happening in the world, and being grateful for good memories, determined to make some new ones! 
You know. 
Sending love. 

Ox, 
Mari 

Got a gig Saturday. 
Same time, same place, different drummer. 


Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Call to Action : Start Where You Are

#CallToAction Advocacy needed for Music and Arts Education in Sebastopol. 

Go here

Please pardon typos.

 For my friends near Sebastopol - scroll down to the end of this post to read about and listen to the beautiful work that Spencer Burrows is doing with high school kids in West Sonoma County. 

If you can attend the March 4th School Board meeting on Wednesday night,  please make a public comment in person so he can continue to do so. If you cannot attend, please take a moment to make a public comment via email before 3 pm, 3/4/26.

People in public service need to hear from the public, so they know how you want your tax dollars to be spent.

AGENDA 

of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the West Sonoma County Union High School District

March 4, 2026
5:00 p.m. Open Session
5:05 p.m. Closed Session
6:00 p.m. Open Session 

Analy High School - Library 
6950 Analy Ave 
Sebastopol CA 95472

Hybrid Meetings
The WSCUHSD Board is committed to providing access to Board meetings virtually.  All Board meetings, where practical, will be broadcast virtually using the Zoom webinar platform, allowing attendees to view the meeting, hear the conversations, and view presented materials from their home computer, tablet, or smartphone.  

Public Comment 
Public comment can be made by attending in person.  
Virtual attendees can make public comments regarding the agenda by emailing Jessica Albavera at jalbavera@wscuhsd.org by 3:00 pm on the day of the regular board meeting.  
The subject line in the email must read PUBLIC COMMENT.  Those comments will be uploaded to the agenda before the start of the meeting.  

No public comment will be taken via the virtual format

Zoom Webinar Link
Call in: 669 900 9128

Monday, March 2, 2026

[Mari Mack Music] Bandcamp Friday March 6th, San Francisco on 3.14

Hey Everybody! 

I don't know about you, but I'm doing my best to not get depressed due to current events. I will be probably ranting about all or some of that on other social platforms and my substack sometime soon, but this space is reserved for music related things. 
Getting ready to be making some music in a public place.

And what better place to celebrate Pi Day than in San Francisco's pizza pie Central North Beach? So come on down to 1232 Grant Avenue on 3.14.26. We start playing tunes at around 4 and go until 8 or shortly thereafter. It's always a blast.

Roy Blumenfeld will be occupying the drum throne on this date. Rounding out the Kings' lineup will be Arne on bass, David Powell on guitar, Richard Wood on keys, and myself on vocals. 

As I've stated before, it's a non pretentious place, so come as yourself, as long as you are over 21 years old. We love kids, but it's the law. 

Ox, 
Mari 

Band/music related:

Mari stuff: 


Btw, if you prefer to support a streaming platform that pays more money to artists, check out Bandcamp. They forego their fees this Friday, March 6th, and are skipping April, so go check out some independent music. 


Source: 
https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/03/bandcamp-friday-march-6th-san-francisco.html

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

[Mari Mack Music] Save the Date: March 14th, 4 to 8!

Save the Date: March 14th, 4 to 8! 

There is a lot going on in the world. Most of it is good, some of it is bad. 
The bad seems to get most of the press, but it's best to not let it stress you. I've always thought that if you have enough time to worry, you either have too much time on your hands or are procrastinating on something. 

We'll be back at The Saloon, 1232 Grant Avenue, San Francisco - March 14th, from 4 to 8 pm. 
It should be a party. 
I get to celebrate my Irish ancestry! (1/8th)

Hope to see you. 

Ox, 
Mari 




 https://marimackmusic.blogspot.com/2026/02/save-date-march-14th-4-to-8.html

Monday, February 16, 2026

Reclaiming Democracy

In short, the SAVE act, the way I see it, is an attempt to take away a woman's right to vote. Reject this notion, and take action by getting a passport. 


Friday, February 13, 2026

Suspension of Judgement

I don't know who else needs to see this, but am sharing here. 
It's what we need to do more often. 
I hope you have the best possible day. 

Ox, 
Mari 

Friday, February 6, 2026

Oops, Shouldn't Have Done That!

This guy FAFO'd. Veterans put up an ice sculpture, some guy knocked it down. He got arrested and called out. 

Why do some people think it's cool (no pun intended) to destroy things? It's so disrespectful and unkind. Blech. 

Can we stop calling some of these folks "influencers" and start calling them what they are - "misguiders" or something to that effect? 



So many questions. Thank goodness for music! 

I'm looking forward to our next gig at The Saloon - 2.14.26, 4 - 8 pm.  We are going to party like it's Mardi Gras and share the love, because it's Valentine's Day, and because that is how we rock and roll. "Kindness is King" in our world. 

Ox, 
Mari 

P.s. Happy Bandcamp Friday! If you can't afford to buy my music, feel free to stream for free! 
And if you find something you like, please share it with some friends on your social media channels! Thanks so much! 

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Bandcamp Friday : February 6th

Hey Everybody! 

Bandcamp Friday returns February 6th! 
So, if you haven't done so already, please visit my bandcamp page, and consider "digging deeply,  not cheaply" and buying some of my musical endeavors! 

You may just find an anthem to march to, or a song to tale your mind off current events! 
Or, if you are feeling generous, consider the following...
 
Your action might: 
-  Give me some incentive to make more music for someone other than myself! 
 - Help place me back on that path to philanthropy I so want to travel upon! 

In the meantime, I will keep looking for additional forms of income, because bills must be paid. 

Here is the link: 

Thank you so much for reading, listening and for your consideration. 

Hang in there! We'll get to where we are meant to be, eventually. 

Ox, 
Mari 

For more info about Bandcamp Friday, visit this link: 

https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/bandcamp-fridays

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Monday Morning Musings 2.2.26


Hey Everybody! 

Hope this note finds you well. 
Watched some of the pre show and the Grammys. 
I'll make this short, because I just leaned the wrong way and unintentionally erased most of what I had already written. I kid you not. 
Standouts for me Bad Bunny's first speech, which basically echoed MLK jr., and is so relevant for these times. 

The groundhog saw his shadow, so hunker down for a bit longer. Spring will be here soon, and the sun rises every day. 

Ox, 
Mari 

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Hard to Find The Words

I have watched the videos and can't seem to find the right words for this moment, other than to express my hope that the people who have so strongly supported the Second Amendment for so many years will gather their networks and use their powers to demand an investigation into the murder of Alex Pretti. 



I love my country. It feels as she has been kidnapped. 

Please call your elected representatives and urge them to go across the aisle and aak the Republicans to help defend our Constitution. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. 

Ox, 
Mari 

originally published on 1.25.26 
updated 2.4.26

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Back in the Bay

Hello Again! 
I'm back in the Bay Area, and that nasty bug is back, trying to get me and bunch of my friends. 
By all accounts, there were beautiful celebrations of Bob Weir's life while I was away. And what a life and a legacy. 

Feeling grateful for music, and doing my best to bring truth and good to light when I find it.  If you are feeling down, I encourage you to do the same. 
Truth is, some people have seized power, claiming to uphold the law, but they are not enforcing the law, they are breaking it. 
More of us need to stand with true law enforcement and what is good in these United States. The majority of us are united, when we understand the truth.
Speaking of which, have you seen the clip from Philly? 
Give it a look, and feel free to share. 

That's all I have time to share for now. 
Ox, 
Mari 


Thursday, January 15, 2026

Memphis!

I'm in Memphis this week, working on getting back to the basics of my being. 
A reminder that in the midst of all the turmoil, there is music, and all the kindness and grace that humans are capable of. 
There is more good than bad in this world. It's just that the bad guys get most of the press. 
Keep standing up for the good. 

Ox, 
Mari