Greetings again, my dear Fellow Humans … writerly friends, rascals of all ages, cockeyed optimists, activists far and wide. Whoever & wherever you are on this 30th day of Summer 2023, I’m glad we’re on the planet together.
Last week I wrote about how sometimes it can only be poetry that keeps me going in the face of increasing displays of our species’ inhumanity to one another. Other times, like today, it works best to conjure up my favorite images of my ‘aging rascal’ role model Ruth Gordon in one of my all-time favorite movies, “Harold & Maude”, to remind me that I only have a tiny smidgen of control over what is happening around me, and how I exercise it is my choice. Remember that part in the movie where Harold asks her how she manages to keep loving everyone in the face of all she’s experienced … and her answer? “They’re my species”? So … if this week is about songs, let’s start with this one.
I’m so grateful for those within my species collective who speak and write the thoughts that many of us keep to ourselves. I love it when they beat me to the punch and say what’s on my mind better than I can … like Terri Grayum’s post to Grit & Grace. And I can’t help but give a ‘thumbsup’ to the Biden campaign for “approving this message”.
I have a long list of songs that I use to rev up my energy when it’s circling the drain and I’ve passed the 15-minute wallowing time limit. When was the last time you watched “We Are The World”? I used to be able to clean my whole house on that one! It’s hard to believe this incredible event was filmed 38 years ago! If you haven’t seen it in awhile, you may gasp at how young Paul Simon and Willie Nelson are and notice those no longer with us, like Harry Belafonte, Kenny Rogers, and Ray Charles. Do you remember what you were doing in 1985?
As a long-time Leonard Cohen fan, I have many favorites among his playlist, and I’m always hard-pressed to choose between “Anthem” and this one from his Live in London concert in 2008 as my #1. I wish we were hearing more of it played these days.
Were you ever a fan of Cris Williamson? Back in the ‘80s, she had a beautiful album called “The Changer & The Changed”. There were a number of great songs on that album, but my absolute favorite (I’ve asked that it be the final singalong for my Celebration of Life when that time comes) is “Song of the Soul.” I love to think of us all making beautiful noise and getting into good trouble together … for a long, long time. How about sharing how music helps keep you going … and some of your favorite titles too??
Until next time … be well, be kind, and be sure to sing and dance a little every day, no matter what!
OH YES, Just One More Thing …. Our “Conversation” with Devon Ervin, Life Coach & author of The Reluctant Caregiver, has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 30th 4pm PT.
The joyful image for this Inspiration is from Older Ladies, which you can see in this post from July 13, 2022.
I accept the challenge of recalling and listing my most influential songs.
I haven’t heard We Are The World in SO long! Thank you for the reminder.
Now I have to go back and watch Harold and Maude.
Oh yes, Kay … PLEASE DO follow up and share your list.
I love reading about some of your favorite songs. Music is very important to me, and can transport me back in time. It is more challenging to find “new” music since I’m so comfortable with my old favorites. I’ve heard that the music that stays with us as we age is that which we heard in our formative years, whichever ones those were.
And I would love to hear some of your favorites, Molly. I do thank you for turning me on to Donnalou Stevens’ “Older Ladies”. As for ‘new’ music, I tend to look to Carrie Newcomer. You may remember that I used a number of quotes from her “Writing a Better Story” in my memoir. “I’m writing a new ending, with a better story line. Turn the page and leave the blanks with a plot that’s less defined.” Indeed!! & thanks for commenting.