Martin Castillo
 I met Noah at one of Andrew Lowe's cocktail gatherings. An engrossing conversationalist, who like myself has amassed an ecclectic batch of life experiences! We have a lot of interesting people in common.
Memorial for Jim this Sunday!Hello all! James' sons here. We will be having a memorial/celebration of life for our father this coming weekend! This Sunday 6/14 from 1-5pm at the Benicia Clock Tower. 1189 Washington Street, Benicia 94510 There will be song and dance. There will be drama, stories and tears. There will be jokes, laughter and joy. There will be finger foods, beer, wine and mead. Feel free to bring a bottle of your favorite wine or a snack to share. We look forward to celebrating the man our Mother called Husband. The man we called Dad. The man many had the pleasure of calling Friend. Can't wait to share this day with so many. :-) Cheers, Matt & Andrew In Memorium. What is remembered lives!Obituary in The Wild Hunt May11 May at 14:42 · It's Humpday. It's been a year since my Pop reluctantly moved on from this world. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't try to pick up the phone and call him. Or sitting at the office looking at his desk wishing I could ask him a question. While I dearly miss his humor, lengthy discussions into the seemingly irrelevant, his guidance, love and support. I take comfort in knowing he lived a far fuller life than most could wish for; he is at peace. Here's one of his well balanced Humpday posts. -Matthew Bianchi  James L. Bianchi 4 December 2014 · It was a hump day like no other. This evening Susannah and I sat in two comfy arm chairs in a center box of the elegant 80 year old San Francisco Opera House to experience the staging of La Bohéme by Giacomo Puccini. Snappy tunes, amazing singers, great scenery, magnificent orchestra and Mimi dies at the end. It was all very Italian. Here is picture of me spending a quiet moment with Puccini at his Summer Villa in Tuscany. It’s not far from where my Italian family is clustered. Scattered among the boxes were old friends of the Italian Glitterati in San Francisco. We served on committees together over the years. They even had me emcee the Queen Isabella Ball on Columbus Day several years ago. I seized the moment during intermission to engage my friends on the Columbus Day committee. It is time to stop celebrating Columbus. He was an abusive governor, spreading disease, torturing indigenous people, and generated the slave trade. Even the King of Spain was offended: calling him back to Spain for a well deserved head knuckling. Who should we honor? I planted a seed. We celebrate Annette Funicello Day. Who would question the enormous contributions of the original Mouseketeers on American Culture? The very idea of being emcee of the first Annette Funicello Ball makes me go damp. I’m just sayin. James L. Bianchi, Esq. 1949-2015 I did a Tarot reading for Jim last night And all the Trumps fell from my hands They’ve been partying now for almost a year While we are still picking up the strands Jim, The Fool, was unabashed as he Walked close to the cliff, unafraid All life was an adventure to him And there was no role he hadn’t played. As a Magician, Jim knew what to do There was no case he couldn’t resolve He took on challenges most would pass There were no riddles he couldn’t solve The High Priestess, Jim gave us counsel When life overwhelmed our minds His measured advice kept us on track Until our own way, we could find Emperor Jim, the great Organizer Who called us together to meet For he had big plans for Pantheacon And he’d get us all back on our feet! Jim, The Empress, for he was all heart The provider for so many needs To his place we’d all wend our way And our troubles, he would heed The Hierophant, Jim was our teacher Leading most of the Druidic rites His booming voice holding forth While teaching all his acolytes Jim, the Lovers, the charmer You could talk a bird from a tree You used your skills for Druid’s peace And that is your main legacy The Chariot, the mover and shaker Who never could sit still for a minute Involved with so many vital projects The centrifugal force, Jim would spin it The Strength of a roaring lion Whose force and vitality was legend Endurance profound, his love abounds There were few he did not call friend Jim was the contemplative Hermit, In touch with his internal guides He always knew, just what to do With the Old Gods, he confides. The Wheel of fortune has turned Riding high at the top of your game You’ve dealt with your share of karma, Jim And come round again and again Justice was your main passion As you worked to liberate everyone The injustice of systems, this was the mission Until the job was done Jim, the Hanged Man was his soul He was willing to sacrifice everything So much on his mind, and so little time So much he wanted to bring Jim had no time for Lord Death He ignored the warnings and signs Death offered release and a bit of peace But Jim wasn’t ready to resign Temperance lent Jim a hand To balance the demands of his life Family, Pagans, Clients, and more His responsibilities were always rife Jim, The Devil was in you As you loved to debate with your friends You’d argue both ways, sometimes for days But usually win in the end Jim was not afraid of The Tower Change was always his quest To show us the way, at the end of the day His goal was to teach and attest Jim was the Star of the show He always held center ring Though he loved the acclaim, he’d share his fame For the intention was the main thing. Jim has gone back to the The Moon That initiates the power of dreams He speaks to us all, if we hear his call And justice is still his main theme. Jim, The Sun is still in your face As you rise again to a new world You are so strong, I can’t see you wait long As again, your banner unfurls Judgement was your sounding board As you navigated all through this life You faced all your foes and demons And handled all matters of strife Jim, The World is waiting for you Your work will never be done For we need valiant Earth Warriors And you are Her favorite son! -Susa Morgan Black  December 31, 2015 Obligatory 2015 Reflection: 2015 was another year packed with successes and set backs. It started off with traveling to new countries, making great new friends and learning how to live. I expanded my hauling business and began a new endeavor with a long time friend and Hermano, Benjamin Hall. Not to mention the bundle of joy my cousin and his wife created, the first of our next Gen! However, a person cannot appreciate positive growth without understanding something must be given in return. In addition to losing one of my favorite Great Uncles, Haakon Sater. I lost my mentor, my peace keeper, my "go-to", the best friend I ever had, my father, James L. Bianchi. Every time I'm losing my ish, his voice still rings out and returns me to a forward moving position. Thank you pop, for everything you taught me; both, the "how to" and "what not to do". I miss him constantly but that which is remembered, lives! In retrospect, I've learned more about people, the law, business, the world and myself in the last 12 months than I can effectively quantify. But I can say this; I am grateful for my partner in crime, Yessica, for putting up with my mood swings and erratic schedule. I am grateful for my Momma BearBianchi, who has persevered through such trying times and continues to be an anchor in the worst of storms. I am grateful for the opportunities I've made for myself, equally as such, those which have been presented to me. I am grateful. Bidding you and 2015 adieu, please be safe out there tonight. I wish you ALL the Happiest of New Years!!! WE. ARE. GONNA. CRUSH. 2016!!! -Matthew Bianchi  photo by Victoria Slind-flor Victoria Slind-flor31 October 2015 · Oakland · One funny thing did happen last night. I always put a bottle of Jameson's on the Dia de los Muertos altar in memory of my husband William Mahannah. Yesterday, just before we started the ritual, we learned it was James L. Bianchi's birthday. James, who left us earlier this year to join the ancestors, was the heart and soul of our Pagan community. He was a Druid; a musician; a voice of maturity, common sense and experience, a compassionate leader, and the single most joyful crafter and leader of ritual I have ever known. So it just seemed as if was time for us to do him a special honor. After the ritual was over and we had opened the circle, the Jameson's came indoors and we drank a toast or two to James. I'm sure my Irish husband would have loved the idea and no doubt was watching us and cheering us on from the sidelines. Sláinte James and William! Matthew Bianchi 30 October 2015 · My Father, James L. Bianchi would have been 66 today. He always said after 40, birthdays just come and go without notice. In reality, for him, that couldn't have been further from the truth. My Mother often said she had 3 kids and more often than not, she was correct. He was a glutton for a good party and All Hallows Eve was among his favorites... I miss you Pop! Happy Birthday! Victoria Slind-flor12 May 2015 · Now that his family has made the announcement, I can say that our dear friend James has left us. He was the heart and soul of our community, a devoted husband and father, and the best all-round ritualist I have ever met. He leaves a void as big as Grand Canyon. May he return in love. What is remembered lives! Stephanie Taylor Sant with James L. Bianchi. 12 May 2015 · Las Vegas, NV · James L. Bianchi , one of the best men I've ever known, passed on last night. I will always remember him as a mountain of strength who taught compassion, honor, loyalty, dedication, kindness, and love of his fellow man by quiet example, wrapped up in good humor and razor sharp wit. All who's lives you touched were blessed to have known you, my friend. I will miss you fiercely, and hold you in my heart always. That which is remembered lives. Nina Haley 12 May 2015 · Beloved Leader James L. Bianchi made his journey to the Summerlands last night at 7:15pm. He was surrounded by Family and Pagan Friends. A Harpist played in the corridor, Druids anointed an Awen upon his forehead with the water from St Brigit's well, and Oak branch was upon his lap. The magic mists surrounded him for his peaceful journey to Tír na mBeo (The Land of the Living), Mag Mell (Delightful Plain), and Tír na nÓg (Land of the Young),Orbis alius(Otherworld). I will see you dear friend dancing at midsummer as Daoine Sídhe and the most glorious Samhain fire when I will see you again.  Photo Credit- Shimmering Wolf Matthew Bianchi with Susannah Bianchi and Andrew L Bianchi. 12 May 2015 · Last night this world, my family and I said farewell as we carried our Patriarch, James, to the otherside. He is and was; a professor, a lawyer, a Druid, an artist, a writer, an advocate for the voicelss, a scout master, a tracker, a community leader, a stargazer, a wilderness survivor, a musician, a healer, a friend, a father, a husband, a son, a cousin, an uncle, a brother, a wanderer, fighter, a sounding board, a story teller, a mentor, an optimist, a realist, a comedian, a genius, a spiritual leader, an Alpha. He was my Poppa Bear and my Best Friend. He fought the good fight and after many weeks of false hope he had a peaceful passing. He was surrounded by our family, friends and members of the spiritual community. He loved drama and his passing would not have been complete without such a grand affair. My mother, brother and I held him as he transitioned from this world and into the next. A harp played and words of praise, honor and faith showered him. He will be dearly missed but I am certain he will remain with me/us as we continue on our personal journeys. I am thankful for all of the support my family has received throughout this difficult time. I am thankful I was able to be with him until the very end. I am thankful to have had such a devoted and caring person to raise me to be the man I am today. My heart is heavy, my body tired, my thoughts are many as my soul feels empty. I look forward to celebrating this man, the man I called Dad. While the hours, days, weeks, months, years to come will be daunting and undoubtedly carry a huge void; in his words, "The only way out is through" and "This too shall pass". Thank you all for your love, prayers, energy and support. Blessed be Rynn Fox 12 May 2015 · James L. Bianchi came into my life because he heard I needed a lead drummer for my first Pcon ritual. He didn't know me; he only knew I needed help. This is the kind of person he is. James, I was blessed to know you and to work with you, even though the time was much too short. May the Ancestors welcome you home, the Tuatha De Danaan bless you and your family, and the Descendants remember your name and good works. I hold you, your family, and the House of Danu (Official) in my heart as you continue on to the next phase of your journey. I wish you blessed ease on your journey, and comfort to your kith, kin, and the House of Danu.  Vicky Troyan feeling empty. 12 May 2015 · An elder in the community, mentor and friend has crossed the veil. May Rhiannon guide him on his journey. I know he's dancing and singing on his way over and thinking "Crap, this is cool. Can't wait to tell you all about it when I come back!" James L. Bianchi you are missed. Next time, we'll fit in more time to dance and drum and sing together. Lorelei Moon 11 May 2015 ·
Knowing that a loss is coming doesn't ease the weight of the heart. There is a collective sorrow in many hearts tonight. Words are just so inadequate to pay tribute or say what I feel. I can only stumble through. And thank you, Shimmering Wolf for your beautiful picture! There is a hole in community left by one who contributed so much history, substance, knowledge, and sacredness. As fine a human being as one could hope to know! Jim, you taught us much, you made us laugh and brought us to a more somber focus other times. You gave us many gifts, a wonderful legacy, much to remember you by and many stories to tell. I am blessed and grateful to have known you, your kindness and those wry little cracks accompanied by that mischievous glimmer in your eye. You always made a point to invite me and to make me feel welcome. You never made me feel like an idiot when I asked questions and you always made me feel heard. It's really silly but I keep thinking of the first part of that line from Star Wars, "I felt a great disturbance in the Force." Hail to you James L. Bianchi! Whatever comes next in your journey fare thee well! Life goes on. What is remembered lives!  Robert Spikard  Stacey Tindle  Michelle Mariposa Montgomery
 Hector DeLaTorre- I used to date Hector's brother more than 25 years ago, back in the 80's. His brother was a talented musician and had many good qualities but our relationship ended because of his alcoholism, drug addiction and violence. I have fond memories of Hector. Now we both live in the Bay Area.  Kali Snowden- I met Kali at the Temescal Street Fair in Oakland. Her boyfriend was selling earrings made with whimsical oragami animals. I bought a bird pair and a bat pair. Kali, an amazing artist, was doing Henna, She did a beautiful free hand moon and moth design on my arm. So excited to see all the things she continues to do with her life!  Zwadie Romaine - Zwadie was a co-worker at Temescal Cafe in Oakland. He was basically like an assistant manager when the owners weren't around. Originally from Grenada, he was an amazing drummer and could often be seen drumming with friends at The Ashby flea market on the weekends. He was like a father, brother or uncle to almost everyone he knew and was always a source of encouragement and spirit lifting to me. I miss him tremendously.
I was introduced to Rick Lucey by Will Viharo! We did the Facebook Friendy thing today. |
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