Reflections: Taken Back In Time…
“Traveling is all very well if you can get home at night. I would be willing to go around the world if I came back in time to light the candles and set the table for supper.” Gladys Taber
Reflections: Taken Back In Time... and the staying power of friendships.
Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman
Skyy – Call Me. If You Need Someone to Talk To (1982) 🙂
I was taking one of my power walks recently and reflecting on a funny conversation I had earlier in the day with my dearest friend Diahann. Even though we lived in London and not so far from each other, Diahann and I met in the US while working for a top high brow retailer. Our friendship has lasted for many years, and I am grateful for the connection and humor we share. Anyhow, we were discussing that period in London when Lovers Rock was the game in town and everyone wanted a dance date or two to practice close to the bone dancing… Then we flashed forward to disco days and club hopping in Manhattan. It sure brought back memories of all the raging popular music and the many divas; male and female of the day. We juggled school, work, parties, relationships, and dreams back then. With each outing, like Gladys quoted above, we found our way back to our respective homes. How did we do it? “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan popped into my head and wouldn’t let go. Yeah, we were every woman… Perhaps we still are; sore knees and all.
“My music fights against the system that teaches us to live and die.” Bob Marley
Reflections: Taken Back In Time... Bob Marley... War...
Bob Marley – War No More Trouble
Not long ago, I wrote a post: Biafra War Memories: No Victor, No Vanquished…? about the Nigeria-Biafra war and some of my memories of it. I’m not inclined to talk much about my time living in a war zone because it is not a topic most people want to read; especially during the holiday season. I know… But, war is part of the human experience. Just as some of us seek uplifting events as memory builders, others look for opportunities to wreck havoc or war. That is part of our human history. Anyway, another blogger linked to me and led me to a post on the same subject and this was a personal narrative by a woman, Chiamaka. It brought me back, full and center, to that subject; war and its aftermath. However, this time, I read it with a tinge of gratitude that we can celebrate the holidays even after such experiences… Naturally, Bob Marley’s song “War” came to mind… What takes you back in time? Music and strong stories do that to me. Always more below. 😉
“One day at a time–this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.” Anon
Reflections: Taken Back In Time... Dancing the night away
Aint No Stopping Us Now – McFadden and Whitehead
Sylvester – You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
If we take a closer look at our lives, turn it around, examine it closely, we’d be amazed at how far we have come and how well we have done. The down days, the valleys didn’t stop us from living nor did the curve balls or hard times. We remember but we don’t stay stuck. Music helps. Okay, I know there’s a ton of great music out there, and my kids share a lot of the current stuff with me. So, I’m not adverse to the popular stuff going around in the marketplace. Heck, I still go to concerts… but sometimes, our memories are sharpened by songs we heard a long time ago. It’s sort of like history; it carries more weight eons after the fact. So indulge me. TY! 😉 We humans are a resilient bunch and, from time to time, we need to stop, look back, take stock and applaud our efforts… Ain’t No Stopping Us Now; especially if we truly believe it. I’m game and it’s real. 😆
“Wait for a time, exactly under the star. Then, if a little man appears who laughs, who has golden hair and who refuses to answer questions, you will know who he is. If this should happen, please comfort me. Send me word that he has come back” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Happy Holidays! 🙂
What are your thoughts? When were you last taken back in time? What flashback includes a memory of a close friend? What memories flash back often? Do share! Thank you. 😉
This post was inspired by a prompt from SoulPancake: When Were You Last Taken Back in Time? And from WP Daily Post: Write about your oldest friend. Where did you meet? When did you become friends? Why do you think your friendship has lasted for so long?
Positive Motivation Tip: Friends are keepers of memories, good and bad, cherish them…
Related articles
- Biafra War Memories: No Victor, No Vanquished…? (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (guardian.co.uk)
- It cannot be forgotten that war is very ugly – “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (readingthroughthebs.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Divas, Bob Marley, Disco Dancers, via Wikipedia or via Flickr
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I know what you mean about people not wanting to focus on war and its aftermath, especially at holiday season. I think it’s different with you because you have landed on such a positive note. You must carry the scars of your experience but you work at replacing the most painful parts with a positive and yes, resilient approach. I admire that about you, Elizabeth, and it also opens me to hearing more from you, even on some very serious topics. This month marked the 10th anniversary of my grandmother’s death. I was very aware of her this year through listening to Christmas music. It made a little extra teary and emotional, but I used it to be very aware of honoring her memory. As always, you make me think on a very sensitive level. Thank you, Elizabeth. Debra
I’m sorry to read about your grandma as she must have been a very loving and powerful presence in your life; even years later we remember the love. TY for your feedback as the sentiments are mutual… Happy Holidays to you and yours. 🙂
As you know, I’ve been taken back in time a couple of times recently. Music did it once. I’m game and it’s real – I like that. We move forward, but our past is ever with us, part of who we are.
Yes our past is always there in the background, waiting to spring forward with a tidbit or two from our memory bags; some good and some painful… They help us along the road and, we hope, bring succor. TY! Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKmM6aArRHk&w=420&h=315
Skyy – Call Me. If You Need Someone to Talk To (1982) 🙂
We carry so many memories from our past….some left scars..some filled my heart with love and joy…I am thankful for each, as these journeys in life, made me who I am today. Very good post ElizOF…you always manage to keep me inspired !!!
I met my oldest friend in grade school 40 years ago. Even though we currently live very far apart and in different cities, she dropped by my house last Summer.
I think we’re still friends because:
a.) she is a good person who isn’t judgemental
b.) we shared growing pains and painful secrets as teenagers
c.) our families still run into each other all the time.
Love your tip, “Friends are keepers of memories, good and bad, cherish them…”
I agree with Gladys . . .
“Traveling is all very well if you can get home at night. I would be willing to go around the world if I came back in time to light the candles and set the table for supper.” Gladys Taber
wow … that time!!
thank you for this breath of musical memories!
Now translate all the rest 🙂
kiss
vento
.. wait under a star 🙂
Good life to you all and happy, peaceful Christmas.
Any given day, any given time, music can take me right back to where I was when I first heard it. Great post Elizabeth.
Have a great holiday!
b
Memory is such an odd phenomenon really – both of my parents are in different stages of losing their memory and both entirely differently. Sometimes I find I don’t remember occasions that would seem memory-worthy but I do remember huge tracts from other seemingly insignificant events. I wonder what determines which memories we keep and which ones we lose?
One of my earliest memories is being maybe three and with my sister and father in a shop and he was buying us coats. I can clearly remember his legs and the shop assistant’s legs and the bottom of the rail of clothes. As an adult I figure I remember this day because my mother was in hospital and it was odd for my Dad to be buying us clothes but I don’t ‘remember’ that to be honest, it’s just a guess as to why I’d remember something like that in such detail.
Music is such an incredible medium – it connects and anchors. Each of the songs you’ve chosen has special meaning for me and, I’m sure, for many of my generation. Chaka’s my girl and I love I’m Every Woman. But Ain’t Nobody’s my all time Chaka + Rufus number. They just don’t make music like that anymore. (I bet my mother’s generation said the same thing about our music!)
Nice and great music. Happy holidays. 🙂
I always remember when I lived with my younger brother and some friends in the same house (we rent rooms, each) , we just liked one big family, stay far from our parents and worked in the big city, help each other, played badminton and bowling together, dinner together 🙂 Really miss that moment.
Thank you for posting this 🙂