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

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Dona Nobis Pacem



As I type this, it’s “BlogBlast For Peace” Eve. I sat down wondering if I’d remember how to blog. You see, it’s been a very long time and I had pretty much given it up, not really feeling the urge or inspiration to write anything. But Mimi has a way of asking without asking and I am a Peace Bee after all.

When I was a kid, the future Peace Hippie that I was, loved the song “I’d like to teach the world to sing… in perfect harmony” (heh! Caught you singing it to yourself, didn’t I? *snort* It’s ok, as cheesy as it is, it’s darn catchy)… Well, it dawned on me tonight that my beloved Queen Mimi has been doing just that. She’s been gathering us together, giving each voice a forum and she manages to make us all sound and look awesome. Fitting for a Maestra, no? She takes voices from all over the world, all unique, and she brings us together for a common purpose and dream: Peace. Mimi knows how to conduct the choir and put on quite the show with costumes and everything!

So I sat down and read last year’s post once again. That left me wondering… is there really anything else I can say? I still feel the words I wrote last year. I still long for understanding. I still believe it’s essential.

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

And then it hit me (don’t worry, I’m fine…. it was a warm tingly kind of feeling *smile* - nothing actually fell on me or smacked me). You see, this is how these posts happen. I goof around looking for songs that give me the “A-ha!” feeling (not to be confused with the musical group A-ha, although I’m sure they give some people the tingles) and those songs then inspire the post. I turned to Arlo Guthrie once more. He served me well last year and he always makes me smile, a good thing to be doing when trying to save the world and bring about World Peace (that last bit sounds really awesome if you say it in a booming superhero voice, by the way).



And there it was, my Peace song. (You have to wait a little to hear it, okay? Because I have something I have to say first, thanks. No cheating and scrolling down allowed. *wink*).

“Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”
- John Hume

In the past few weeks, we’ve been hearing the stories of LGBT youths who have committed suicide because of bullying, because of small mindedness and fear and misunderstanding… and because they despaired, feeling things would never get better. Some really awesome people have been stepping up to remind the young ones out there who are struggling with who they are and who feel that diversity will never be embraced that it will get better.

"Civilizations should be measured by the degree of diversity attained and the degree of unity retained." 
-W.H. Auden

Last year, my question was: why? Why aren’t we there yet? Now, my question is, why not? When people say it’ll never happen, we’ll never have Peace, I say: why not?!

"Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not."
- Robert Kennedy

Even in days like these, where diversity brings strife and sorrow, we must remember… things will get better and we will live in a culture of Peace, Understanding, Acceptance and Love. Why? Because we dream of Peace… and we act on those dreams.



"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race."
- Kofi Annan


Okay… NOW you can listen to the song *giggle*.



“I know the storm will soon be over
The howling winds will cease to be.
I walk with friends from every nation
On freedom's highway in times like these.”
-Arlo Guthrie

Peace! Don't forget to go visit Mimi and the other BlogBlast for Peace contributors HERE

I’ve also included last year’s song… because it’s just perfect for a day like today.

69 comments:

Kimmie said...

Ann, thank you for sharing such a meaningful and inspiring perspective of what Peace means to you and how we can achieve it. I enjoyed reading your post and listening to the songs very much. God Bless.

Hugs,
Kimmie

Julie said...

Hah! I haven't blogged hardly at all either. For Mimi....gotta do it for Mimi though. I love the pic of the peace sign with the sheet music. Great post, Ann!

BZZZzzzzzzz.......!

Amanda Moore said...

Beautiful post and Arlo made it all the better! In Peace~

Raven said...

What a delightful experience this has been. Your globe and artwork are exquisite and Arlo was wonderful in both videos.

And you had something good to say besides. Thank you. And Peace.

Unknown said...

Very thought provoking. The news around the LBGT youths is heartbreaking. My daughter and her friend have opened a group at the high school for kids to come and talk about bullying and peer pressure.
I'm glad I stopped by.
Let there be Peace on Earth...

Anonymous said...

Lovely. I don't think I've ever heard that song... either that or it was about a million years ago and I've forgotten it!

☮ Peace to you.

Anonymous said...

I'm peace blog-hopping today. I'm glad you posted. Yup! You caught me singing along, too. I really loved the graphics you used with your message. Hope you have a great day.

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Hi Anndi- Thanks so much for coming over to visit me and my blog on BB4P day! It's a great day to make new blogger friends via our common wish for PEACE.

I love your post- all the inspiring quotes, personal reflections, pix, and esp. that great song - ir pur me at ease right away!

I wish you lots of peace on this day and in all the days to follow.... Namaste.
Leesa

Ron said...

It's soooooo wonderful to see you back, my Libra friend!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Gorgeous peace post! (as usual)

I look forward to reading more.

X and peace!

Anonymous said...

Ahhh....good to hear from you again. Missed your words in the blogosphere. Great Peace post. hopa all is well.

Jessica said...

Love your post! Peace to you! :)

Jessica

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

:) Arlo's honor to his dad's scribbled words is a favored song of mine. Thank you for sharing it here!

ipanema said...

beautiful post. and that peace music sheet is cool!

Shalom!

Unknown said...

Peace and love to you!

Akelamalu said...

Wonderful post for today and Peace Anndi.

Welcome back m'deario, I've missed you. x

Pam said...

this is a great post, aandi, and yes, 'why not?' :o) peace to you & yours...thanks for sharing the videos, too. they were perfect.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Great post, great quotes and great music! Who could ask for more?

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Blogging for peace is a good reason to blog

Unknown said...

Nice Blog and wonderfull post for World Peace.
Greetings.

Anonymous said...

I loved your perspective! just last night my hubby and i were discussing how everyone always says "it'll never happen" of course with attitudes like that! if we believe it and act on it, it can! great music by the way!

Dawn Drover said...

A beautiful and outstanding post! I enjoyed reading this very much. And your peace globe is lovely!

☮peace☮

Sunshinelene said...

great post for peace! i love the songs.

thank you too for visiting my peace globe this year.

peace be to us all!

Arlene
http://www.midlifedancing.com

Billie Greenwood said...

On a day of great posts, this one is a standout. I really like your blog. Hope you jumpstart it again. Thanks for all you did as a Worker Bee for peace. And may Saint Arlo's words call us all onward to peace.

Carver said...

You did a great job with your post for this year's blogblast for peace. I had trouble thinking of anything to say this year and almost re-posted my last peace post but I ended up just saying very little. Your song choices are good ones.

Peace to you and yours!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Well done my dear! Peace be with you!
<><

Julia Phillips Smith said...

'trying to save the world and bring about World Peace (that last bit sounds really awesome if you say it in a booming superhero voice, by the way)'

LOL!

I love this post. Love the transition from last year's 'why' to this year's 'why not'. So glad you came out of hibernation for the Blog Blast. Peace to you, Anndi.

Fortune Cookies said...

you are an inspiration. I love your shift from why to why not, and I love that you recognized it. I believe that when we carry a true inner peace in our hearts and souls, others see that peace within us, and are naturally inclined to replicate our peace seeking/maintaining actions in their own lives so as to find that inner peace themselves. You are definitely doing your part to help foster a more peaceful world.
*oh, and btw...I was always singing "I'd Like to Teach The World to Sing" when I was a kid too! and often as an adult :)

Ann Tracy, Maine's Digital Alchemist & Artist said...

Nice post! Thanks for being part of Peace Globe blogging

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post and loved the songs - great choices! Peace!

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Purrs and peace to you!

Marg said...

Well we sure are glad you came out of retirement of blogging to write this Post. That Mimi must very persuasive. Anyway, this was a super post about peace and the videos were fantastic too. Great way to look at peace and how to achieve it. Be kind to each other. Take care and have a great day.

Meowers from Missouri said...

we thanks you furry much fur visitin' our bloggie!! you has posted a truly meanin'ful post, an' you made our mom cry as she was readin' it. she tole us it was good kindsa tears, though, acause she felt the same way you do.

we hopes you an' efurry bean an furry will continue to work fur peace, always.

may the blessings of peace an' health always be upon you an' yours.

yer furriends,
edmund, nitro, xing lu, an' igmu
the dbd
meower mom & meower dad

Stacy said...

Oh, what a lovely post! Thanks for spreading a little hope around today! The Hume quote is WONDERFUL.

j said...

Oh I do love the idea of Mimi BEING the song "I'd like to teach the world to sing..." - that is just perfect Anndi!

I'm glad you came back to your blog for the Blog Blast for Peace. That is a lovely compliment to Mimi.

Peace!

Connie said...

Peace to you, Anndi. This is a wonderfully lovely post. :)

ShannonW said...

Beautiful! Peace :)

Ferd said...

Super cool post!!!
I smiled out loud!!

When you said "bring about World Peace" I didn't think of you as a super hero. I thought of you as a beauty pageant contestant!
;-)

Peace, Anndi!

Anonymous said...

Peace greetings to you. Enjoyed your peace post~Debi

The Misadventures Of Me said...

The mom is still hummin "Id like to teach the world to sing in puuuuuurfect harmony" so we hads to read dis ourselves.

Purrs and peace =^.^=

Molly
Shadow
Trooder
Mooch
I is Jake!

Mickey's Musings said...

PEACE
Yup, kitties 'get' peace :)
Purrs Mickey, Georgia & Tillie

Travis Cody said...

Evidently it's like riding a bike. Nicely done.

Peace.

Anonymous said...

Peace!

Barbara said...

Hi Anddi,
I just wanted to hop in and wish you and everyone, lots of Peace.

We had crossed paths on you blogs and at Ron's,and almost once in Quebec (we talked on the phone). I live in France.

My life had been switched around 180° since 2008; family problems,deaths of relatives,and many obligations. I closed my blog on Blogger too, for personal reasons. Though I have built a new one 1 yr ago which is coming along nicely.

Always say to yourself; "No grudges held". Live life well and do good around you.

Paix et amitié--- Pax---Peace & friendship.

Barbara

SeaThreePeeO said...

What an amazing peace post!

Thank you for comemnting on our blog.

Purr and peace to you all xxx

RA said...

This is a wonderful cause to come out of a blogging hiatus. I loved to read your insightful post. Hopefully even more people will be thinking about peace. Dona Nobis Pacem. Bless your warm heart.

CountryDew said...

Very inspiring. Thanks for getting the word out - I keep thinking if only there are enough of us, our voices may one day be heard. Thanks for visiting my blog post, and I wish many blessings upon you and yours.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

Very meaningful, inspiring post. So glad you decided to blog again!
~ The Bunch

Jans Funny Farm said...

For one who couldn't think what to say when you started, you said a lot of good things. Thanks for sharing. Peace!

Susan Demeter said...

Peace :)

Speedcat Hollydale said...

For not blogging so much, you sure have been busy! I see the peace globes are special to your heart ... "I like that"

Hugs from old SpeedyCat :-)

Robin said...

Amen. (And I love the image of Mimi conducting a giant choir - can we all be outdoors on the grass a la the old Coke commercial? It just seems to fit...)

Beth/Lilás said...

Anndi!
Beautiful music!
Peace, Paz for all!

said...

Hello!
Relevant quotes that add to your post and show us how necessary it is peace in this world. Many were willing to bring peace, we can also keep it with respect to each other!
Paz e bem!
Bjins e até!

Christy said...

What a wonderful post. Your peace post is beautiful, something we could all read and appreciate every day.

Daisy said...

Peace, love and purrs to you!

Annelisa said...

:-D lol nearly everywhere I've gone in the blogosphere I see your face on the comments...you have buzzed and buzzed m'dear!!

Well...your post...truly awesome! I remember as a kid some folks at school having a really bad time. I always wondered if they hated their lives and whether they would look back and know the worst was over! Your post sums it up. And...yes, I signed the 'it'll get better' pledge linked on your page! :-) I work in a school, and am constantly coming across those that need extra support. It wasn't hard to pledge, because that's what I already do, but it's always good to have a reminder...

Love, loVE, LOVE your wonderful peace images!! Stunning!

I thank the stars (and Mimi, of course :-D ) for leading you back here, not just for BB4P, but also for your whole presence here...it wouldn't have been the same without you...you made a difference....

Peace to you and yours, my busy-bee friend x

BzzzzZZZZzzzz

jmb said...

We all seem to be getting blog fatigue but I wouldn't want to miss this either.

Peace be with you and yours.

TeacherJulie said...

I'm glad I decided to blog hop today and listened to this wonderful song you shared :) Thank you :)

Peace to you and yours

Julie
http://teacherjulie.com

Le Butterfly said...

Brilliant - love collages and you have used it excellently.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Mimi Lenox said...

You have been missed, Miss Ann, maybe you should start this blog up again...hmmm....??

To conduct a worldwide peace choir was not the dream I had out of college (my groups tend to be a bit smaller lol) but now that you mention it, I stand joyfully willing and ready to do so. If not for the singers like you and those I've seen today who consistently bring this cause to the front row, there would be no choir at all.

I'll pick up my baton and leave now before I get all mushy.
You're something else, dear friend.

This was a wonderful peace post in every way from start to finish.
Beautifully done.

Love,
Mims
(Maestra and Maestro)

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so glad you visited my blog because now I found yours Anndi !
what a lively lovely space you have here . Thanks so much for sharing .
I'm going to watch Arlo now ☺
lov rox

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so glad you visited my blog because now I found yours Anndi !
what a lively lovely space you have here . Thanks so much for sharing .
I'm going to watch Arlo now ☺
lov rox

Michelle said...

I see what you mean... we did echo each other, didn't we?

That was beautiful, Anndi. It was as warming to my heart as a really good crackly fire on a cold day, especially with those songs playing in the background.

I love this...
"When people say it’ll never happen, we’ll never have Peace, I say: why not?!"

:-)

Sasa Peace Rocks said...

Thanks, you Rock!! I love heart shaped rocks too and just started collecting them!! Have a great week! ☮ Sasa

Annelisa said...

Your peace post is now linked in my blog: Peace Bloggers Unite

Annelisa said...

Hi Anndi, I think you probably already know, but...

Your peace post is now linked in my blog: Peace Bloggers Unite

Mimi Lenox said...

#2007 in The Official Peace Globe Gallery.
BZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Michelle said...

Still stunning almost a year later.

I'm going to share this one. I didn't know how to do that last year - facebook newbie!

Sarge Charlie said...

I dream of peace in my lifetime