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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

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marcoujor: What's Going On?

11/14/2016

22 Comments

 
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​After a week of the unexpected (political and personal) and the death of two legendary musical legends, I begin this week's musings with a song that's been running through my head.

I don't really expect an answer to this question:  


What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye...

​

Today, November 16th, would have been my Dad's 93rd birthday.

This time of year brings back memories of my earlier years and wisdom I gained from both of my parents. These early lessons have prepared me well for any number of life issues. ​

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched

The Story behind this saying from 570 B.C. occurs in Aesop's fable, The Milkmaid and Her Pail.

Patty, a farmer's daughter, is daydreaming as she walks to town with a pail of milk balanced on her head.

Her thoughts: "The milk in this pail will provide me with cream, which I will make into butter, which I will sell in the market, and buy a dozen eggs, which will hatch into chickens, which will lay more eggs, and soon I shall have a large poultry yard. I'll sell some of the fowls and buy myself a handsome new gown and go to the fair, and when the young fellows try to make love to me, I'll toss my head and pass them by."

At that moment, Patty tossed her head and lost the pail-full of milk.

Her mother admonished, "Do not count your chickens before they are hatched."

(Taken from The People's Almanac)​
​Mom was cautious. She didn't believe in sure things. She believed that actions speak louder than words.

With completely different styles, Mom and Dad both showed me how strong we can be when we put our minds to it. There were countless times, then and now, when our family does not see eye to eye; yet a family we remain. Our foundation is solid.

Mom and Dad always agreed on how great our country was/is.  I could not wait to reach voting age. Haven't missed an election day and don't intend to any time soon thanks to Mom's example as the strongest woman I've ever known. She taught me how hard women had to fight for the privilege of voting.

My parents instilled a sense of self-responsibility and accountability. Through my life, I have never allowed a teacher, a boss, really anyone, to shape my thoughts to the effect that I would behave in a manner that was not internally driven. I have enjoyed the gift of intellectual curiosity--keeping an open mind to different viewpoints.

In my life experience I have come to believe we are indeed greater than the sum of our parts. So is our great country that today seems quite divided. I intend to carry on, remain strong, and keep open to the possibilities of a new day in January, 2017.

​R.I.P.

...to Canadian poet and musician, Leonard Cohen, and Oklahoma musician and song-writer, Leon Russell, 82 years and 74 years respectively, who died over this last week.

These two men spent their lives crafting profound life-poetry and translating it into musical sounds that are distinct and relatable. ​
The older I get, the surer I am that I'm not running the show. -Leonard Cohen
Cohen died less than four months after his muse and former girlfriend, Marianne Ihlen.  She was the subject of Cohen's 1967 track which is one of my many favorites, So Long Marianne.
I love you in a place where there's no space or time. I love you for my life 'cause you're a friend of mine. 
-Leon Russell
​Speaking of this quote, I was drawn to this iconic song by Leon Russell, A Song for You, from 1970. Almost fifty years later, I'm convinced this song is embedded in my life's soundtrack.

Something else I love is...

...how Andy and Zoey decided over this past weekend to become the best of friends. It took a little over three weeks.

All the sniffing and exploring and measured (supervised) visits paid off. There was no predicting this outcome either. I was prepared for the worst and now derive daily joy from this joined at the booty brother-sister act. ​
Picture
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These days Andy is crooning a little Queen song, You're My Best Friend.
​Not to be outdone, Zoey is giving back some Diana Ross and The Supremes, Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

​ShoutOuts

​☙ Change...And Memories via WarnerWords
​☙ Healing Steps: A Workbook For Dealing With Loss by Vicki Warner via flashPress

Until next week, keep the music going; keep a song of hope in your heart.
​

mar
22 Comments
Peg Cole link
11/16/2016 09:11:50 am

Sweetly remembering those who've gone on before us seems all too familiar and often these days. Your fond memories of your parents bring back bittersweet thoughts of my own family members on the other side. Gone too soon.
I remember my Dad as he began to grow older, saying similar things about his heroes who passed away: Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter, John Wayne, Red Skelton and the list sadly continued to grow until Dad made it on to the list.
I imagine your dad and mine having a friendly conversation over a fishing pole or guiding the helm of a fast boat following along the coastline of a cloudless day.
Your music selections were beautiful and perfectly suited to the memories of these influencers in your life. I had never heard "So Long Marianne" and was surprised at the beauty of the words. Loved the Leon Russell quote and song. So hard to believe how quickly the years pass. Fifty years? Wow.
A and Z's friendship is a reminder that life gives us much happiness and many chances to make the best of difficult situations. Hugs and love to you. P

Reply
Maria link
11/16/2016 08:25:36 pm

Dear Peg,
Thanks for such a beautiful comment.
What a comforting thought of our two fathers hanging out...
I'm happy you enjoyed this little concert I put together as well.
Love you, Maria

Reply
Mike
11/16/2016 09:25:41 am

Hello Maria - So glad that Zoey and Andy figured it out. Music is still a mystery to me, I did not know Leonard Cohen or Leon Russell. In fact I first heard the name Leonard Cohen while on HP.

Nice to see your dad getting some spotlight. Your Mom was such a big, and I think primary influence which often overshadowed his influence.

Listening to Marvin right now. He asks a tough question.

One thing is for sure, my Dad, is not fishing or on a boat with Peg and your Dad.

Reply
Maria link
11/16/2016 08:36:54 pm

Hi Mike,
Yes, Andy and Zoey are fast friends ... and I'm 'furrever' learning from them.
I'm happy to introduce you to the classic sounds of Leonard Cohen and Leon Russell. I think you'd enjoy their musical palettes.
You have a way of bringing out the giggles in me - so thanks for that. hugs, mar

Reply
William Holland
11/16/2016 09:51:53 am

One lesson that was driven into me, painfully, in 1968-1969, is that change will happen with or without my consent, and my job is to learn from it and keep moving forward. That's what I'm doing this week.

And one thing I know for sure is to surround myself with quality people and feed off of their love and character.

That's why I love you.

bill

Reply
Maria link
11/16/2016 08:39:54 pm

Ah thanks, dear Bill - you are wise, resilient, and sweet.

I appreciate you and your friendship. Love, Maria

Reply
Martie link
11/16/2016 10:53:54 am

What a great selection of music! Thanks to you I hear some songs I have never heard before.

The influence of both parents forms the basis of our character. What we build on the basis, is our choice. You and I were lucky, Maria - thanks to both our parents we have a solid and positive foundation. Sadly, some parents, and often both parents, fail terribly in this regards.

I just love this quote: "The older I get, the surer I am that I'm not running the show. -Leonard Cohen

I think Andy and Zoey are the most beautiful brother-sister combination. Soon they're going to be the best of friends.

Hugs,

Martie




Reply
Maria link
11/16/2016 08:41:58 pm

We are lucky indeed, my SFAM. Your remarks are insightful and your visits are always appreciated.

Glad you enjoyed this musical medley. Love you much, mar

Reply
Ruby link
11/16/2016 03:10:59 pm

I'm listening to Marvin Gaye and loving it. I am sooo ready for music and some traveling. I am leaving Sunday for Arkansas to spend Thanksgiving with my son, staying 7-8 days then back home for a few days, then going back for Christmas. Andy and Zoey look so much alike, happy they are bonding. When it starts to turn cool is a time for reflection, especially at Christmas time. I miss my mother, brothers and sisters who have departed this life, but life goes on, and like Bill, I'm moving forward. Have a wonderful week. Love you....

Reply
Maria link
11/16/2016 08:45:20 pm

Dear Ruby,
I'm happy to hear you will spend the holidays with your son - it'll be great for you to get away for a bit.
Thanks for your perspective too - you mean the world to me.
Love, mar

Reply
Sunshine
11/17/2016 09:18:24 am

What a week we had! An emotional roller coaster, and the ride continues. It was nice to see Marvin Gaye...his music has a way to soothe my woes :)
Always a pleasure visiting you at your desk. :)

Reply
Maria link
11/19/2016 09:09:28 pm

Indeed, Sunshine ...I am still dizzy from it all.

Always a pleasure when you stop by. Love ya, MM

Reply
Paula Jamison link
11/17/2016 02:12:17 pm

It's a beautiful, sunny Autumn day, Maria....My favorite. Always good to read your musings. LOVE all the music today.
R.I.P. Leonard, Leon and Marianne. Legends, all of them. I thank them for their inspiration through the years.
Your fur babies must be total joy. How sweet that they have become buddies/siblings. I knew they would with such loving, patient parents. They want to make you proud!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am grateful for friends like you! Hugs, Paula/Effer

Reply
Maria link
11/19/2016 09:07:43 pm

Autumn is my favorite time of year as well, dear Paula. I always love when you stop by - causing bright smiles.
And yes, Andy and Zoey are spreading joy as they wreak havoc over our home and hearts.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Shauna
11/18/2016 02:26:11 pm

I love this post, Mar. Do you know I never knew the story behind "don't count your chickens before they've hatched"? Now I know!

I hadn't heard that Leon Russell died. That breaks my heart. The first concert my then-husband and I took our son to was an annual outdoor concert sponsored by my favorite radio station. The lineup was Leon Russell, War, Kansas and Al Stewart. We put our blanket down about 20' from center stage and had a blast. Leon Russell looked so cool sitting at the piano with his long white hair and beard reflected by the afternoon sun. I'll never forget that concert. It was to be the first of many that I've taken my son to. To this day, he loves music as much as I do.

Thanks for the memories, Mar!

Oh - glad to see Andy and Zoey have joined themselves at the hip. What a happy family!

Reply
Maria link
11/19/2016 09:00:54 pm

Dear Sha,
I appreciate your visits and comments each week - sorry that Weebly continues to be erratic in the comment / notification departments.
Oh what memories this concert must have been...while I love all the players, Kansas was hands down my all time favorite rock band.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your son and kitties. Love ya, mar

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
11/20/2016 09:29:20 am

Prof. Mahreer,

With all the craziness that's made the headlines this month, and the loss of some much loved folks in the music industry, I applaud you on your wrap featuring Andy and Zoey's budding friendship.

Always does me good to know of an island if cheer holding its ground in a sea of chaos. 💖

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:21:50 am

What an insightful comment, dear Ange. Why not focus on the positives and things we may have a modicum of control over...?!

Andy and Zoey are teaching me every day AND they are joy makers. Can't beat that...Love ya and thanks, mar

Reply
Kimmie
11/23/2016 09:39:40 pm

This post was so sweet and wonderfully composed. You are a gift dear Maria.... sweetly made by two loving parents who gave you so many wonderful traits that now you share with us. It is sad to lose those close and also sad to lose great artist that have blessed us along the way. Thank you for sharing your heart
God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
11/23/2016 09:46:49 pm

Thanks for the support and wisdom in these remarks, dear Kimmie. I am so blessed to have had my parents' influence in my life.

Happy, blessed Thanksgiving to you, Roy and family as well.

Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
12/21/2016 01:04:56 am

Howdy, Ms. Mar!

I'm so glad that'cha'd 2 great role models to help shape yer life. What a blessin' to've that sorta foundation to build'n. No doubt what makes ya such a strong 'n smart gal, eh?

Remainin' hopeful'n my end 's well to what the New Year shall be ringin'. My belief 'tis there's many folks who're gonna need to put their adult britches'n, stop always playin' the victims 'n stickin' their hands out...fer a hand-out.

That's great news 'bout those 'kids'! Thankfully when the neighbors pup came to live here he got 'long well with my pups. Though he's most jealous, 'n 't times them 'f him. No fussin'/fightin'. He's 10 'n's always been a solo. I've a 10 yr ol' 'n a 6 yr ol. Perhaps they felt his pain? I do know that cat 'tis suffered from this new member. She's been banished from my lil sanctuary 'n aint too happy 'bout that arrangement.

's ya can tell, I'm runnin' way 'hind 's usual. 'n case such continues, wishin' ya 'n yers the merriest 'f Christmas' 's welll 's a bright 'n wonderful New Year.

big hugs 'n love!

Reply
Maria link
12/22/2016 09:01:09 am

Love your comments, which feel like 'heart to heart talks' and there is no time table whatsoever at my musings... my door is virtually always open, dear Lady.

Merry, peaceful and blessed Christmas to you and your four-legged canine, feline and equine family. Love ya, mar

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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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