Last night we were pretty much glued to the TV in our cruiseship stateroom watching and rewatching over and over again the horrible shocking news of Michael Jackson’s sudden death. It permeated all the stations which were playing clips from his revolutionary career moves that crowned him the eternal King of Pop.
He was unquestionably one of the most well known men on the face of this Earth. One would be hard pressed to find a single soul who does not know his name or music. Most know his story well enough to have an opinion on his bizarre and bold life choices.
Heck, even I shook my head at good ol’ Mike when he became a shadow of his former physical self. Not only did he render himself unrecognizable with endless bouts of plastic surgery, but he appeared to alter his skin color. He began to take on an odd shade of white and his features began to look more feminine than most women I know. There was no doubt about it, this icon was very confused.
That said, I don’t know many people who would turn down a free ticket to a Michael Jackson concert. Many would, in fact, pay top dollar for the privilege of watching the legend perform his infamous MoonWalk just one more time. His sold out shows and commitment to his fans were a testament to that fact.
Oh sure, we all sit around and judge this obviously troubled spirit, but his talent was unparalleled. Now he joins the ranks of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Princess Diana…all those who left us shattered by their sudden tragic deaths. I can’t help but feel a sense of abandonment and a heavy loss.
Of course I didn’t know this guy personally but there were times I felt he knew me. So many of his lyrics spoke to the depths of my soul. He had tapped into a stream of consciousness which connected all humanity and expressed it with creative genius.
They say things happen in threes. First it was Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett and just hours later, Mr. Jackson. Events such as these cause us all to begin questioning our own mortality. I guess when it comes down to it, it doesn’t really matter how he died. The fact is that he is gone. But here was a man who definitely didn’t die with his music still in him. His legacy will live on as an inspiration and a tremendous example of human potential.
It was bound to happen as I had quite an “emotionally active” day, as my sister so tactfully put it. I don’t think I can pinpoint just one moment that did it but it was more of a barrage of insults that I had decided to face. All at once it seems. Funny thing is that I had loads of support, yet I still needed to fall down. Needless to say, I wasn’t very kind to myself. But I guess in the end, I was hard on myself in the gentlest way I could. If that makes any sense at all. Continue Reading…
What’s with all the crazies? I was minding my own business today just walking into the local grocery to pick up some of the peach mango salsa I’d been craving, when the weirdos began to flock. As I padded across the parking lot, an old man with frizzy hair snarled angrily in my general direction. He was on about not drinking or smoking and how women just needed to accept that they are the lesser species.
“But they never will,” he bellowed, “Because they’re STUPID!”
I didn’t know if he was talking to me or not but he followed me into the Safeway. Continue Reading…
I am convinced there must be some kind of good luck that comes with double digits. Although I like even numbers because they feel more balanced, it appears that the odds are better. I turned thirty three the other day. Words cannot express the relief I feel to be finally done with thirty two. It was one of those years that I wish I could have found a rock to hide under until it passed. Yeah, pretty much the entire year was spent gripping the sidewalk for a very real fear of falling into traffic.
I have been stationary too long. Like my dad says, this is the most dust that has settled on my shoes for a while. I was wondering where I should go. I have a few friends waiting for me to visit in South Africa, New Zealand is always inviting, and Asia is still on my hit list. But an opportunity to go to Australia has come up. If, as it seems, is my destiny, I will head off to warmer waters in a few months.
I have sent in my application to www.islandreefjob.com and hopefully I will be considered. They are looking for an “island caretaker” to blog about island life. I know how to do that! And I’m good at it. It appears to be what I have been doing for years so I have no doubt in my mind that I am capable. Along with the recent boost of energy that usually comes just before I make a big change, I am sufficiently motivated. They are advertising it as “the best job in the world” and I am curious.
For a while, I hunkered down and did some self exploration. 2008 was a pivotal year and already, the fruits of my labors are becoming apparent. Along with staying healthy, I have learned how better to serve the world around me. A great perk of rebalancing and reprioritizing is the clarity that comes with it.
So, whether I go to Hamilton Island or find myself on the beaches of Thailand, I will be traveling and writing again very soon. Infact, next month I am traveling with my sister and my nephews down to Mexico. I have dreamt about this trip for over ten years. One of my main reasons for traveling in the first place was to inspire my these little guys. Now, seven years later, we are going and I get to show them just what their Aunty is all about. The travelling Carmella really shines when she is in her element.
A week ago my friend killed himself. It was the first death I have had to deal with and it has affected me greatly. In his note, he said he felt lonely and misunderstood. I have been thinking a lot about that over the past few days in between tears. I know how he felt. I think we all do. I guess the trick is remembering that we all do. Continue Reading…
How is it already December and still, no snow? Not only is the ground still frost free, but we have just had one of the warmest Novembers in history. The autumn that just won`t quit. Though we had a snow scare that one day, it melted before it could accumulate to anything substantial. Last year at this time, we were suffering 30 below with windchill factors high enough to freeze your snot mid-sneeze. Continue Reading…
It snowed today for the first time this season. I was just about to walk into the Farmers Market when the wind kicked up bringing with it a fury of small white flakes. It was frantic and those around me all looked upwards at the muddy skies. The brief storm didn`t leave a trace and was over as quickly as it arrived. The blustery weather was like Mother Nature giving us all a heads up to haul out the winter wear. I get the feeling this is going to be a rough winter. Continue Reading…
I don`t remember the last time I experienced autumn this way. It`s different than the change of seasons than I have endured in previous years. Somehow I feel more ready. Somehow I feel safer. It doesn`t seem so cold and sudden this time.
When I stroll through the heavily treed streets in my neighborhood, I feel calm. The fallen yellowy, orange, and crimson leaves have covered the sidewalks so deep that I can`t keep from kicking them up with my feet. Continue Reading…
Today I read that tomorrow will be 4 minutes and 11 seconds shorter. I wondered what that meant to me and realized that right now, it`s a good thing. I prefer the days go by quicker until I sort out my current mess. I certainly feel the weight of time much heavier than I did when I was traveling. Why is that? Continue Reading…
