Walking away is not an option... dialogue must prevail.

"A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with."
- Kenneth A. Wells

"I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace."
- Helen Keller

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

music soothes the soul... words

Yesterday was Paul Simon's 68th birthday. I love Paul Simon's music.

After my uncle Paul died many, many years ago (the name thing has not escaped me), the family gathered at his apartment to pack up his things, figure out what to do with them. His sisters (my mom and my aunts) told us nieces (yes, we were a family of women with the exception of Uncle Paul) to look if there was anything we wanted to keep.

I went through his books (yes, I'm a book geek) and his record collection.

And there it was. That was it. That was all I wanted.

That record.

The songs, poetry really, on this record always make me feel better.

What I love about this song in particular is that it reminds us that if we don't talk to one another, we'll never achieve anything great. We'll lose our humanity.





The Sound Of Silence


If we remain silent, there will be no Peace. For as much as words can fuel conflict, only words and compassion will ever end it. Silence is a Cancer.

No guns or bombs or chains will bring lasting Peace. The beauty is that they can't do anything without human beings. Put them down. Let them go.


"Dream always of a peaceful, warless, disarmed world."
- Robert Muller


Do we not tell our children to use their words when conflicts arise? And when we add a comforting touch, words become even more powerful.




"Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace."
- Buddha


What is your word? Mine is Love.

So I ask you, again (I know... I know... it's like my vinyl needs cleaning and keeps slipping.. but it's important):

Break the silence. Use your words. Join us during the Blogblast for Peace. Put a Peace Globe on your blog (get one HERE) on November, 5th. If you need help in making one, just ask either via e-mail (on my profile) or in the comment section... a Peace Globe Worker Bee will help. I promise.


"If we do not speak for Earth, who will? If we are not committed to our own survival, who will be?"
- Carl Sagan


Photobucket



If you want to be a little Worker Bee for Peace, join us (like, Travis, and Vinny who made the cute little Bee) in actively promoting the event. Post a little reminder, or insert the logo or a clickity link in every post... We all have a different way of doing it - diversity is a good thing. You don't have to badger quite as much as I do... but I rather like finding a way to tie Peace into everything I write - challenges are fun and it's a good cause.

November 5, 2009

13 comments:

Gary's third pottery blog said...

even an old punk like me loves Simon and Garfunkel :)

Kaylia Metcalfe said...

I missed this last year… I am going to do my best not to miss it this year.
Great post Anndi… I too love that album. My parents had it and used to play it on Saturday afternoons. Memories….

Bud Weiser, WTIT said...

Paul is one of the true music genius of his generation. I wore out the album Sounds of Silence. And a lot of others. 68? I feel old now. Thanks... :)

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

DO love Mr. Simon...LOVE PEACE even more...

Michael Horvath said...

I have never been a S & G fan or a Paul Simon fan but that it not to say I don't appreciate them. I will say that I loved "Graceland" from start to finish.

Anndi said...

Gary, you rebel you! Plus, you're not old...

Kay, I'll remind people on Facebook too *grin*
There's something about Simon and Garfunkel.

Bud, indeed he is... old? not you my friend. *hug*

Bond, Give peace a chance.

MPH, Graceland is wonderful. Even if you're not a S&G fan, I know you have the soul of a peaceful man who has found his love.

Akelamalu said...

I have that album!

Ron said...

I'm LOVIN' these Peace posts, Anndi!

You have such a wonderful way of expressing your feelings through your words.

I too love Simon and Garfunkel. When I was kid, I use to put on plays while lipsyncing to "Bridge Over Troubled Waters."

Thank you for yet another beautiful post.

Peace, my friend!

X

Travis Cody said...

I'm really glad you started posting again.

Anndi said...

Akelamalu, it's a treasure.

Ron, you're a good soul, my friend. I absolutely adore that song! Gosh you must have been adorable =)... Thank you for encouraging me in these Peace posts.

MUWAH!

Travis, for Mimi... anything.

Mimi Lenox said...

Seeing the Worker Bee logo and all the work my friends are doing in my pseudo-absence means the world to me. This is a beautiful post and I love how you are challenging yourself to put peace in each post.

Going back to sleep soon. I'm so excited and enouraged reading and seeing what you all are doing.
Thanks for the phone call today...It helped tremendously.
We'll continue our chat again during happier times, yes?
That has to be soon.

Love you much,
Mimi

Anndi said...

Mimi, you inspire us, my darling and sweet friend.

SMOOCH

Michelle said...

I love the Worker Bee. :-)

I'm feeling buzzed. :-D

Oh... gee. Just thought of something kind of wild-weird-nice.

Anndi, I will email you and Mimi, ok? It's too long for a reply box.