December 24TH is a song by a unique song stylist, Julia Fordham. Her music typically dances on the line between jazz and pop. It is accompanied by a specific type of mood that can be laid back, accepting, sad or reserved happiness and only occasionally unbounded joy. Since I love moody music it fits right in with my melancholic state of mind.
There is a “hard truth” in this song that is so important – things don’t always turn out the way we planned and you “don’t always get back what you give.” It’s a different way of stating the golden rule of “Do unto other as you want them to do unto you” (not that they will return the favor).
Christmas Morning Drive 2020 – Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland Metro Parks.
Happy New Year everyone. The promise of snow over the Holidays was not exaggerated. On Christmas morning we had 6-8 inches on the ground and and 1-2 inches fell throughout Christmas Day. But that is past. The New Year is upon us. This song expresses my dearest desire for each and every one of you. That you feel safe. For safety is not about the pandemic and has pitifully dominated the past year – like the song says it’s about living with/in grace, being rested, calm, anchored, unchained, holding no blame, no fear, no blame, being brave and open. I would also argue that is the foundation of love. I love each and everyone one of you even if we have never physically met. Thank you for your kindness and support.
SAFE by Judie Tzuke, Beverley Craven & Julia Fordham from the album WOMAN TO WOMAN
Looks like we will have snow for Christmas here in Ohio. I honestly can’t remember the last time we had a white Christmas. Well with everything going on this past year the holidays are somewhat melancholic. One of my favorite “mood” singers is Julia Fordham. Here is her song DECEMBER 24TH originally from a 1995 compilation album Winter Fire & Snow: Songs For The Holiday Season that featured various artists from around the world.
The lyrics will take you through the rest of this year into the new year. Enjoy.
“just goes to show ya, just goes to show ya, none of us have time to waste….you don’t always get back what you give”
When we are in the midst of a storm – like the culture war that is raging here in America – there is only one way to get through it. Love is the lighthouse and forgiveness is the light in the lighthouse. Sure many people may say love is the light but that just seems to easy – even cliche. I think that the lighthouse is love because it is the foundation that holds the light. Forgiveness radiates. How does this work? Love is what we give to others and forgiveness is what we ask for ourselves. We are all perfectly imperfect. Have you ever noticed what happens when someone asks for forgiveness? There is an immediate pause, a respite, a calm, things immediately de-escalate. What would happen if the US asked Korea for forgiveness? What would happen if the opposing sides – non-racists and racists asked for forgiveness from each other? Would that not bring calm and open the opportunity for dialogue? That’s what we need – and we don’t need to agree – we just need to stop hurting each other when we disagree.
So please, let this be our mantra: “I love you, forgive me.”
We can ALL learn how to live on love and forgiveness.
... on being and becoming ... 