Day 6 - 341 -- Recalling a Major Thought Leader

The sun shone most of the day. Clouds are to arrive into the overnight and remain for a few days. These will bring rain and snow by mid-week. Some of the household tasks were completed and a couple of feeble attempts at reading and reviewing for two small writing projects. One is due the end of the week and the other is needed for the following week, but would be best if completed by weekend to allow for practice time. The latter is a public presentation about my research process with historical documents. It should be fun and not require heavy thinking from the audience. That is my plan.

Today marks the 39th anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. While far from perfect -- and what human being is? -- his life had a major impact on the world. This was a thought leader for a generation. His music reached everywhere. His clothing choices set fashion trends. His advocacy for peace received global media coverage. He had impact in all spheres of daily life. One can only imagine how those major ideas might have developed had he been in this world longer. His music alone is wonderful to have, but might there have been even more? Yes, this does sound a bit selfish, but when a leader is removed from the sphere of influence in such a violent manner -- when peace was on of the leader's main messages -- it is difficult not to continue to wonder how things might have differed.

The two selections for today fit with the memories of this amazing leader. The first is a seasonal song that builds on the advocacy for equity and peace that occupied much of his time. The second is one of the best tributes to Lennon by another artist, one that refuses to play this song in public as it still makes him cry.  NOTE: for the second song, if you click on the album cover thumbnail it should disappear. Enjoy!

Happy Christmas/War is over -- John Lennon with theh Plastic Ono Band and The Harlem Community Choir

Empty Garden -- Elton John