TAKE WHAT YOU WANT FROM ME…..

What is going on in your life right now that has got feeling low energy feelings?  Do you feel like you can’t get support or encouragement from anywhere or anyone?  The reason I write my blogs is so that people can be inspired or take whatever it is they are seeking after reading my posts.  So, I offer myself and hope that you can take whatever it is you need and lift yourself up!

LOVE

ENCOURAGEMENT

LAUGHTER

JOY

HEALING ENERGY

POWER

STRENGTH

PATIENCE

COMPASSION

FAITH

GENEROSITY

“You won’t find him drinking under tables

Rolling dice or staying out ’til three

You won’t ever find him be unfaithful

You will find him, you’ll find him next to me

You won’t find him tryna chase the devil

For money, fame, for power out of greed

You won’t ever find him where the rest go

You will find him, you’ll find him next to me

When the money’s spent and all my friends have vanished

And I can’t seem to find no help or love for free

I know there’s no need for me to panic

Cause I’ll find him, I’ll find him next to me

When the skies are grey and all the doors are closing

And the rising pressure makes it hard to breathe

When all I need’s a hand to stop the tears from falling

I will find him, I’ll find him next to me

When the end has come and buildings falling down fast

When we’ve spoilt the land and dried up all the sea

When everyone has lost their heads around us 

You will find him, you’ll find him next to me”

The above words are from a terrific song that continues to inspire me to continue my advocacy for our planet, the environment, animals and anyone who needs encouragement and positive reinforcement.  The song is by Emeli Sande.  You can find it via iTunes or by visiting her website:  http://us.emelisande.com

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!  

SEARCH FOR THE HERO….INSIDE YOURSELF!

It is sometimes difficult to look at others for inspiration – especially in a world where corporate media focuses on enivornmental catastrophe’s/climate change, corporate greed, political scandals, death, war, declining economies, income inequality, police militarization and so many other negative and fear mongering stories, making it difficult to stay positive.  So, how do can we continue to have a positive disposition when, it seems, the world around us is so negative and filled with hate?  All we have to do is look within – find the inspiration and the hero within and let that motivation carry you and inspire others.  If you woke up today and continue to breathe – isn’t that enough inspiration to motivate you?

For me – I find inspiration in many people but I also find it with nature and our environment.  What more motivation do you need to feel alive than witnessing the beauty of our natural environment?  I also find inspiration in various arts, especially music.  There is such brilliance and talent in writer’s and musicians – especially when their music and lyrics can evoke such emotions in all of us.  Music can bring us to tears with joy, laughter and sadness but it can also inspire us to become better people and find inspiration within ourselves to create a more positive and caring world.  An example of such motivation and inspiration is a song performed by a group called MPeople and the song is called, “Search For The Hero” – here are the lyrics and video:

SEARCH FOR THE HERO

Sometimes the river flows but nothing breathes
A train arrives but never leaves, it’s a shame
Oh, life like love that’s walked out of the door
Of being rich or being poor, such a shame

But it’s then, then that faith arrives
To make your feelings alive
And that’s why, you should keep on aiming high
Just seek yourself and you will shine

You’ve got to search for the hero inside yourself
Search for the secrets you hide
Search for the hero inside yourself
Until you find the key to your life

In this life, long and hard though it may seem
Live it as you’d live a dream, aim so high
Just keep the flame of truth burning bright
The missing treasure you must find

Because you and only you alone
Can build a bridge across the stream
Weave your spell in life’s rich tapestry
Your passport to a feeling supreme

You’ve got to search for the hero inside yourself
Search for the secrets you hide
Search for the hero inside yourself
Until you find the key to your life

You’ve got to search, inside yourself
Deep, deep down inside yourself, yeah
You’ve got to search, inside yourself

You’ve got to search for the hero inside yourself
Search for the secrets you hide
Search for the hero inside yourself
Until you find the key to your life

Search for the hero inside yourself
Search for the secrets you hide
Search for the hero inside yourself
Until you find the key to your life

You’ve got to search inside yourself
You’ve got to search

 

 

MPeople was formed by Mike Pickering (MP – his initials) and consisted of Heather Small (lead vocalist), Mike Pickering, Paul Heard and Shovell (born – Andrew Lovell).  The single “Search For The Hero” can be found on their 1994 album, Bizarre Fruit.  You can purchase all of MPeople’s music via iTunes.

 

Find the HERO inside yourself and create positive change in the world!

 

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

SOMETIMES…SORRY IS ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID

Sometimes…. ‘SORRY’ is the greatest word.

Music by Elton John and Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

What have I got to do to make you love me
What have I got to do to make you care
What do I do when lightning strikes me
And I wake to find that you’re not there

What do I do to make you want me
What have I got to do to be heard
What do I say when it’s all over
And sorry seems to be the hardest word

It’s sad, so sad
It’s a sad, sad situation
And it’s getting more and more absurd
It’s sad, so sad
Why can’t we talk it over
Oh it seems to me
That sorry seems to be the hardest word

What do I do to make you love me
What have I got to do to be heard
What do I do when lightning strikes me
What have I got to do
What have I got to do
When sorry seems to be the hardest word

 

Here is the original audio by Elton John:

 

 

 

Now a version/remake sung by Mary J. Blige:

 

 

Together we can make the world a more positive one.

 

 

 

WHEN THOSE WE LOVE RETURN HOME…..

What happens after we die?  Is there life after death?  These are very fearful thoughts for some people but let’s face it, as soon as we are born, are lives are limited on this planet.  There is no need to fear death because you can’t fear what you don’t know.  I see death as a return to where we all really came from.   We can’t remember being born so surely, we won’t remember dying. 

Thinking of my wonderful pets Freddy and Bradley – who left our world too soon, in my opinion, I take comfort knowing that neither were left behind in a state of misery, discomfort or pain.  As hard as it was to lose them, I am glad that they returned ‘home’ without incident.  This is how I look at someone’s passing – they are returning to where they belong.  I used to have a fear of death – mainly because I thought too much of how I would go, if I would be in pain and where I would go (hell or heaven) based on the religious beliefs that were instilled into me.

Instead of focusing on the negative energies of death or the unknown.  I came to terms that we are all born to die – you can’t change that, it is inevitable.  Why fear it?  Why not embrace it and live each moment in the moment?

Today, I want to take a moment to remember my Bradley and my Freddy.  I also want to remember everyone else I loved that have gone back home.  This is for you.

CLOUD NINE

written by Martin Gore and performed by Onetwo (Claudia Brucken and Paul Humphrey’s)

Thought I saw you up there
Drifting with the clouds
Thought I heard you call me
First quietly then loud
Is it imagination? What is real?
I think I’m part of you
I breathe like you feel

Can’t forget the power
The magic of the night
The overwhelming moment
I looked into your eyes
Dancing with the wind
Dancing in your arms
Gliding like two surfers
In the sea of love

Don’t ask for tomorrow
Just carry on with now
Don’t drown your heart in sorrow
I’ve got to leave you now
Don’t ask me for the future
Don’t cry for yesterday
It’s time to say goodbye now
I’m sure we’ll meet again

Moments turn to hours
Hours into days
My lonely heart is aching
Since you’ve gone away
I wish you’d read my mind
Send a little sign
I carry you so deeply
Within my soul

Don’t ask for tomorrow
Just carry on with now
Don’t drown your heart in sorrow
I’ve got to leave you now
Don’t ask me for the future
Don’t cry for yesterday
It’s time to say goodbye now

Together we can make the world a more positive one!

ALL IS FULL OF LOVE….all you have to do is open your eyes…..

Listen….and know that all is full of love……share it, spread it, live it and breathe it…….

“ALL IS FULL OF LOVE”

You’ll be given love
You’ll be taken care of
You’ll be given love
You have to trust it

Maybe not from the sources
You have poured yours
Maybe not from the directions
You are staring at

Twist your head around
It’s all around you
All is full of love
All around you

All is full of love
You just ain’t receiving
All is full of love
Your phone is off the hook
All is full of love
Your doors are all shut
All is full of love!

All is full of love
All is full of love
All is full of love
All is full of love
All is full of love

**”All Is Full of Love” was released in June of 1999 and is from Bjork’s 4th full-length cd/album entitled Homogenic (September 22, 1997)**

Bjork is a truly masterful lyricist, poet, musician, visionary, and true artist in every sense of the word.  You can buy her music via her website or on iTunes – For more information about Bjork – please visit http://www.bjork.com

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

THIS IS HOW YOU START A REVOLUTION…….

You may not like her….but listen to what she is saying – REALLY LISTEN.  What are you hearing?  Is it time?  Let’s start a LOVE revolution and campaign for tolerance, compassion, truth, justice but most of all…..LOVE.

Here is an honest and compelling interview of why MADONNA created this short film:

ARE YOU READY?????

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

 

MUSIC INSPIRES ME….SOME OF MY FAVOURITES

Do you remember what song played during your first kiss or your first break-up?  Do you remember your the first song played at your wedding reception?  (Mine was “Hung Up” by Madonna).  Music was pivotal to the soundtrack of my life.  My tastes crossed all genres but I preffered to listen to Electronic/Dance.  Thinking about your life, what music was pivotal in helping you during the tough and not so tough moments in your life?

Here are 25 cds/albums that I would definitely need or have with me should I be stranded on island:

25:  THE HUMAN LEAGUE – Hysteria (1984)

24:  NEW ORDER – Substance (1987)

23:  GEORGE MICHAEL – Listen Without Prejudice Volume 1 (1990)

22:  ULTRA NATE – Grime, Silk, & Thunder (2007)

21:  UB40 – Labour of Love (1983)

20:  DIDO – No Angel (1999)

19:  TRICKY – Maxinquaye (1995)

18:  JAMES BLAKE – James Blake (2011)

17:  BILLIE RAY MARTIN – Deadline For My Memories (1995)

16:  FLAVORS OF ENTANGLEMENT – ALANIS MORISSETTE (2008)

15:  DAVE GAHAN – Hourglass (2007)

14:  EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – Temperamental (1999)

13:  MASSIVE ATTACK – Protection (1994)

12:  PEACHES – I Feel Cream (2009)

11:  MISTRESS BARBARA – I’m No Human (2009)

10:  DEEE-LITE – Dewdrops In The Garden (1994)

9:  ERASURE – Erasure (1995)

8:  DEPECHE MODE – Black Celebration (1986) and Violator (1990)

7:  FAITHLESS – Outrospective (2001)

6:  BJORK – Vespertine (2001)

5:  SINEAD O’CONNOR – Faith & Courage (2000)

4:  ERASURE – I Say, I Say, I Say (1994)

3:  KRISTINE W – Land of the Living (1996)

2:  MADONNA – American Life (2003)

1:  MADONNA – Ray of Light (1998)

As Madonna once sang:  “Music makes the people come together, yeah”

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

HAPPY GAY PRIDE – MUSIC VIDEO

As we continue to celebrate the ruling SCOTUS made yesterday in deeming Prop 8 unconstitutional – I want to look back into the past, 1984 to be exact.  I was in High School and was living a life as a closeted teenager.  I didn’t know where to go for support – I knew how my friends and family felt about homosexuals (especially males) and wasn’t about to ‘come out’ to any of them.  The only release I managed to receive was in pop music. 

There were a lot of ambiguous music groups and artists that were just reaching peak stardom levels, groups such as; Duran Duran, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, New Order, Yaz, etc….What I really connected with were bands that had openly/known gay singers and band mates like; Culture Club, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and especially Bronski Beat.  (I learned of Andy Bell of Erasure a few years later).  

Music transcended the closet for me and I guess, for many others.  These bands had massive hit records and albums during that time.  I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t come out especially when Bronski Beat had a hit on the charts about a young boy’s struggle and coming out with his homosexuality.  The song was called “Smalltown Boy”.  This song resonated with me – it was about me, it was my story and it was on the radio everywhere.  The irony is that the song didn’t give me the courage to come out and live my authentic life – for me, it reinforced why I should stay closeted.  I didn’t want to be bullied, I didn’t want to lose my friends and most of all – I didn’t want to be ostracized by my family.  What that song did was allow me to begin the dialogue with myself in accepting who I was because it was confirmation that there were many others out there like me.

I think the LGBTQ community should acknowledge the importance of pop music and artists such as Divine, Sylvester, Culture Club, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Madonna, Elton John, Erasure and Bronski Beat – some for being openly gay and not apologizing for it and some for embracing the community without fear of what could happen to their careers.  These artists, through their music and videos, have provided an escape of a harsh reality that so many today (and yesterday) couldn’t live through.  So thank you and Happy Pride.

Here are the lyrics to “Smalltown Boy” :

You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face

Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
But the answers you seek
Will never be found at home
The love that you need
Will never be found at home

Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away

Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
That they’d talk about around town
As they put you down

And as hard as they would try
They’d hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them
Just to your soul
No, you never cried to them
Just to your soul

Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away

Cry, boy, cry…

You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face

Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away

Here is the video that gave me inspiration to begin to live my true and authentic self….enjoy!

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

MOTHER’S DAY – TRIBUTE VIDEO

This video is for all those mothers around the world who are thinking about the sons, daughter’s, brother’s, sister’s, husband’s and wives that they have lost in combat or because of war.  My heart goes out to you and to those you have lost.  PS – For any of you that have lost a mother – may her memories always warm your heart.

MOTHER’S PRIDE

Oh she knows
She takes his hand
And prays the child will understand
At the door they watch the men go by
In the clothes that daddy wore

Mother’s pride
Baby boy
His fathers eyes
He’s a soldier waiting for war
Time will come
He’ll hold a gun
His father’s son

And as he grows
He hears the band
Takes the step from boy to man
And at the shore she waves her son goodbye
Like the man she did before

Mother’s pride
Just a boy
His country’s eyes
He’s a soldier waving at the shore
And in her heart the time has come
To lose a son

And all the husbands, all the sons, all the lovers gone
They make no difference
No difference in the end
Still hear the woman say your daddy died a hero
In the name of God and name

Mother’s pride
Crazy boy
His lifeless eyes
He’s a soldier now forevermore
He’ll hold a gun ’till kingdom come

Thank you Mr. George Michael for writing and producing such a beautiful and emotionally charged song.  For more information about George Michael and to download his music please visit iTunes or George Michael’s website at:  http://www.georgemichael.com

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

GREAT VIDEO/SONG by LARA FABIAN

I am grateful for our allies – such a beautiful song and video by Lara Fabian:

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.