In 1988 I booked a trip to Minneapolis in late September for a much-needed getaway; four days in a favourite city and the opportunity to see Prince in concert. When booking the trip, I was offered a deal on tickets to the George Michael concert the night before. The singer was flying high with his album Faith, and while not a big fan, the music was decent, and I was going to be in the city anyway.

Over that weekend we saw two phenomenal concerts. Prince was more than expected and, I suppose, Michael was as well (a consummate performer, and man what a voice).

The weekend came to mind yesterday evening when I heard of Michael’s passing. I even related the story, and then realized both musicians were now dead not even 30 years later.

Each of them passed away in 2016, among so many other great artists who have recently left the stage. 2016 has not been a good year. David Bowie, Glen Frey, Alan Rickman, Paul Kantner, Leonard Cohen, Greg Lake; I could mention more and most names would resonate in one way or another.

And 2017 will, in all likelihood, produce a similar number of artists and celebrities we have come to know well through popular culture. Yes, the baby boomers are getting up there in age.

While saddening, it is heartfelt to think of how these entertainers and how they had some sort of an impact on us. We also have to take stock of our own lives. None of us are immortal or infallible. We are never sure when our number will be called, so there is no better time to make the most of what we have left.

Make more when there is less to waste.

It may be that you need to work a little harder on that dream you’ve kept at bay, or move where you thought you always wanted to live, or take that trip. Bury that hatchet with that old friend, take those two classes that have held you back from the college degree, or take a new class just for the sake of learning something new.

We are not sure what time is left, so why not spend it doing something you want to do?

“There’s something deep inside of me.
There’s someone else I’ve got to be.”
                                   George Michael
                                       Freedom! ‘90

Peace

Peace of mind, peace
of mine. Peace not of
opportunity, but in these
confusing times. Peace at
home and peace in all
foreign lands, peace in
my sister’s words and in
my brother’s hands.
Peace not only in concept,
and peace not just in kind,
but peace we are all to be
worthy of; a peace we can
surely find. A peace of
which someday we won’t
need to be reminded the
possibility exists. Peace in
every child’s gentle dream,
and in every lover’s kiss.
Peace can be here, when
we chose to allow it to be,
but we all have to do it
together, even if individually.
Peace can be a promise, or
peace can be the way.
Peace is something to be
spoken of, and not only
on this day.
Let there be peace on Earth
and let it begin with me.
                                                      j.g.l.