June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "summer-of-love"
GREAT CITY FOR BOOK LOCATION
There are many great cities for a story to take place in; London, Paris, Venice, New York City, Glasgow and of course, Baghad-by-the-Bay.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
FREE EBOOK - FLOWER POWER TURNS TO FIRE POWER!
"When flower power turns into fire power" - Deidre M. Murphy
City of Redemption - a Novel by June AhernPosted 12/6/16 Time Limited.Flower power ignites into firepower when a lonely young woman entangles herself in a treacherous plot and murder during the Summer of Love.
Kidnap, murder, drugs, and love.
FREE BOOK: The City of Redemption in paperback mailed within USA or eBook in exchange of an honest review. First 4 responses by comment, message, or email june @ sf coaching dot com.
The Haight/Ashbury also appears in my first novel, The Skye in June.
Yes, I was part of the '60's Haight scene in San Francisco and write with the experience of the times and people who helped change society's rules. Hippies, Panther's, Hell's Angels - riding through the Haight, love, protests, and violence all wrapped into the times.
More about the story below.
The Season of Sharing is 12 months a year.
Synopsis
It is 1983 and Liz MacKay waits for parole for the murder of former roommate, Ricky Martinez. Is she guilty? Or is she serving time for another’s crime?
In 1967, partly to blame for her young son's death and abandoned by her husband, Liz Mackay flees Scotland in disgrace, hoping for a second chance at love and life. She arrives in San Francisco during the Summer of Love to lose herself among the groovy people. She joins a commune; a curious mix of Black Panthers trying to change the world, a Vietnam vet seeking inner peace, a flamboyant hairdresser ready for fame and love, a flower child and her drug dealer boyfriend who changes girlfriends often. At first, Liz is happy to have found a welcoming home, but as her new roommates pry into her mysterious past Liz's search for a "jolly good time" brings more grief and a worsening drug addiction. Liz is unwittingly drawn into the dark underbelly of violence and addiction with a callous drug-dealer and a treacherous plot to bring down the Black Panthers. Her unlikely friendship with Black Panther Toni Bordeaux, leads Liz to redemption for her shameful past.
The strong plot and dialogue of "City of Redemption" exposes the seldom seen seedy side of the Summer of Love. It is a vividly recounted story of lies, betrayal, sex, drugs and murder takes place during an unforgettable time and place in history.
June Ahern
SUMMER OF LOVE
HAVE YOU BEEN EXPERIENCED?
Ah! But are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful...
- Jimi Hendrix -
I was experienced during that historical time and yes it was groovy and far out!!
Recently, I went to the Summer of Love (1967) art exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Many memories flooded back. If you get a chance, go - wear a flower in your hair, trip out to the music and art. .
It blew my mind that I actually lived that experience so many are curious about and interested in.
A time and place in history where all who wanted were free to experience beyond what society told them to be.
I was living in San Francisco before and after the Summer of Love and was part of the Haight/Ashbury scene. Both my novels reflect the changing environs - "City of Redemption" (set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Read more about it below) and "The Skye in June"(1950's to 1964- the early days of "the movement" as it was called) give the reader a view of social and political changes during those times.
Summers in San Francisco are usually foggy and windy with sunny days here and there. That didn't keep the flower children from dancing, often near naked, in streets and Golden Gate park for the free concerts.
Could I tell you some tales, but....perhaps through my novel you'll get the vibe.
My book, "City of Redemption" is an enthralling story about the historical turbulent days of the 1960's free sex, drugs, rebellion and murder. Set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love the story's voice gives vivid color and power to an unforgettable time and place in history.
Flower power ignites into firepower when a lonely young woman entangles herself in a treacherous plot and murder during the Summer of Love.
As fun and peace making as it was, it wasn't all love and flowers in the hair - oh no! The strong plot and dialogue of City of Redemption exposes the seldom seen seedy side of the Summer of Love.
Partly to blame for her young son's death, Liz flees Scotland to San Francisco. She wants to lose herself with free love among the groovy people. Instead, she is unwittingly drawn into the dark underbelly of violence and addiction with a callous drug-dealer and a treacherous plot to bring down the Black Panthers. Her unlikely friendship with Black Panther Toni Bordeaux, leads Liz to redemption for her shameful past.
To view more about this historical novel see www. june ahern dot com
Chapter 14
San Francisco
From the Haight to Eureka Valley
July 11 1967 – Midday
MIDWAY DOWN THE 33 Ashbury bus, Liz sat forlornly, looking out the window at the dreary San Francisco summer fog. Uncombed hair hung loosely around her face and landed on the shoulders of a wrinkled, white peasant blouse. She wore no make-up. Two teen girls sitting in front of her laughed about the stories they told to get out of school for the day. The girls, like so many young people coming from the suburbs for the day to be part of the action, lied to their parents about their whereabouts. Then they complained about how they hadn’t expected such cold weather in the summer, and wished they’d dressed warmer. Both wore light cotton blouses, long flowing skirts and sandals. Liz realized she didn’t feel the cold. She didn’t really feel much of anything except the growing need to make some money. Her bellbottom jeans, slung low on her hips, were tattered from constant wear. Patting the large leather bag on her lap, she thought of the red-beaded earrings she’d made that morning, hoping somebody would buy them today.
... the parade of people dressed in tie-dyed tee shirts, jeans, long flowing dresses, and flowered wreaths. Here and there bare chests were painted with blue and red paint or big flowers. They were too stoned to feel the fog’s damp sprinkles. Banging on pots, they danced around wildly, and waved placards reading MAKE LOVE NOT WAR and U.S. OUT OF VIETNAM. Laughing and singing they were oblivious to the blocked traffic.
FREE KINDLE 6/27/17 - 7/1/2017
City of Redemption
Ah! But are you experienced?
Have you ever been experienced?
Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful...
- Jimi Hendrix -
I was experienced during that historical time and yes it was groovy and far out!!
Recently, I went to the Summer of Love (1967) art exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Many memories flooded back. If you get a chance, go - wear a flower in your hair, trip out to the music and art. .
It blew my mind that I actually lived that experience so many are curious about and interested in.
A time and place in history where all who wanted were free to experience beyond what society told them to be.
I was living in San Francisco before and after the Summer of Love and was part of the Haight/Ashbury scene. Both my novels reflect the changing environs - "City of Redemption" (set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Read more about it below) and "The Skye in June"(1950's to 1964- the early days of "the movement" as it was called) give the reader a view of social and political changes during those times.
Summers in San Francisco are usually foggy and windy with sunny days here and there. That didn't keep the flower children from dancing, often near naked, in streets and Golden Gate park for the free concerts.
Could I tell you some tales, but....perhaps through my novel you'll get the vibe.
My book, "City of Redemption" is an enthralling story about the historical turbulent days of the 1960's free sex, drugs, rebellion and murder. Set in San Francisco during the Summer of Love the story's voice gives vivid color and power to an unforgettable time and place in history.
Flower power ignites into firepower when a lonely young woman entangles herself in a treacherous plot and murder during the Summer of Love.
As fun and peace making as it was, it wasn't all love and flowers in the hair - oh no! The strong plot and dialogue of City of Redemption exposes the seldom seen seedy side of the Summer of Love.
Partly to blame for her young son's death, Liz flees Scotland to San Francisco. She wants to lose herself with free love among the groovy people. Instead, she is unwittingly drawn into the dark underbelly of violence and addiction with a callous drug-dealer and a treacherous plot to bring down the Black Panthers. Her unlikely friendship with Black Panther Toni Bordeaux, leads Liz to redemption for her shameful past.
To view more about this historical novel see www. june ahern dot com
Chapter 14
San Francisco
From the Haight to Eureka Valley
July 11 1967 – Midday
MIDWAY DOWN THE 33 Ashbury bus, Liz sat forlornly, looking out the window at the dreary San Francisco summer fog. Uncombed hair hung loosely around her face and landed on the shoulders of a wrinkled, white peasant blouse. She wore no make-up. Two teen girls sitting in front of her laughed about the stories they told to get out of school for the day. The girls, like so many young people coming from the suburbs for the day to be part of the action, lied to their parents about their whereabouts. Then they complained about how they hadn’t expected such cold weather in the summer, and wished they’d dressed warmer. Both wore light cotton blouses, long flowing skirts and sandals. Liz realized she didn’t feel the cold. She didn’t really feel much of anything except the growing need to make some money. Her bellbottom jeans, slung low on her hips, were tattered from constant wear. Patting the large leather bag on her lap, she thought of the red-beaded earrings she’d made that morning, hoping somebody would buy them today.
... the parade of people dressed in tie-dyed tee shirts, jeans, long flowing dresses, and flowered wreaths. Here and there bare chests were painted with blue and red paint or big flowers. They were too stoned to feel the fog’s damp sprinkles. Banging on pots, they danced around wildly, and waved placards reading MAKE LOVE NOT WAR and U.S. OUT OF VIETNAM. Laughing and singing they were oblivious to the blocked traffic.
FREE KINDLE 6/27/17 - 7/1/2017
City of Redemption
TIMELY ARTICLE: 1960s HAPPEINING: REBELLIONS
WHEN FLOWER POWER ERUPTS IN FIRE POWERIn City of Redemption.
Someone sent an article to me found while searching the internet about my novels.
It's on my second novel, City of Redemption, which is rather different from my first novel, The Skye in June.
See how to get a free ebook offer below.
After the phone interview and the rush of book events I'd forgotten to check when the article would be out .
Curiously there's been a surge of interest recently in this story. People asking how was it in the sixties with all the social and political changes - the same happening today, right?
Like the headline Flower Power Erupts into Fire Power - it did. Like now with the rebellions around the world, standing up to the dominate regimes. The youth of today being heard, taking action,
I'm really glad the article was sent. It links me to more interested in the story - all over the world. Cool, far out, groovy....
City is about sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, lies, betrayal and murder taking place during The Summer of Love.
You probably thought it was all peace man, get high - there was a lot of that and....well, the article will cover it.
I lived in San Francisco - yes I was a Flower Power Child with an edge, being more of a City chick to the peace and flower youth that came to San Francisco - ah the memories of all the great happenings like free concerts at Golden Gate Park, all night parties - the whole shabang.
Know what I mean?
Black Panthers on the scene, LSD awakening and expanding the mind. Sadly, for some, destroying minds.
It was a crazy time for sure! - great music like Janis Joplin who lived in the same neighborhood the story takes place and I lived - The Castro. Would see her tootling around in her sports car.
And the fashion. As wild and colorful as the times.
I've seen fashion in 2019 resembling that era. Haven't you?
Read more about the book and me.
Article link Mercury News, California.
Would you please spread the word around the world about this crazy time of great upheaval?
To read for free at Smashwords.com - many choices for ebooks. Join for free - comment and I'll give more details of how to get the ebook for free.
Also, available on Amazon (not for free)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/160158?ref=JuneA
Paperback autographed copy for USA readers .june ahern dot com
Someone sent an article to me found while searching the internet about my novels.
It's on my second novel, City of Redemption, which is rather different from my first novel, The Skye in June. See how to get a free ebook offer below.
After the phone interview and the rush of book events I'd forgotten to check when the article would be out .
Curiously there's been a surge of interest recently in this story. People asking how was it in the sixties with all the social and political changes - the same happening today, right?
Like the headline Flower Power Erupts into Fire Power - it did. Like now with the rebellions around the world, standing up to the dominate regimes. The youth of today being heard, taking action,
I'm really glad the article was sent. It links me to more interested in the story - all over the world. Cool, far out, groovy....
City is about sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, lies, betrayal and murder taking place during The Summer of Love.
You probably thought it was all peace man, get high - there was a lot of that and....well, the article will cover it.I lived in San Francisco - yes I was a Flower Power Child with an edge, being more of a City chick to the peace and flower youth that came to San Francisco - ah the memories of all the great happenings like free concerts at Golden Gate Park, all night parties - the whole shabang.
Know what I mean?
Black Panthers on the scene, LSD awakening and expanding the mind. Sadly, for some, destroying minds.
It was a crazy time for sure! - great music like Janis Joplin who lived in the same neighborhood the story takes place and I lived - The Castro. Would see her tootling around in her sports car.
And the fashion. As wild and colorful as the times.
I've seen fashion in 2019 resembling that era. Haven't you?
Read more about the book and me.
Article link Mercury News, California.
Would you please spread the word around the world about this crazy time of great upheaval?
To read for free at Smashwords.com - many choices for ebooks. Join for free - comment and I'll give more details of how to get the ebook for free.
Also, available on Amazon (not for free)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/160158?ref=JuneA
Paperback autographed copy for USA readers .june ahern dot com
