When I was a freshman in college, my father was the one to break the news to me about the passing of George Harrison. And while only moments prior to his call I was enjoying a blissful slumber, these very words shook me to the core. My favorite Beatle, the one affectionately known as "The Dark Horse," had lost his battle with cancer.
When I had begun to really get into The Beatles, I had started with a love for John Lennon. (And don't worry, when December 8th rolls around, I will dedicate a blog entry to him as well.) But while my love started with Lennon, it was when I heard Something that I fell in love with George Harrison. He was not known for his lyrical skills or a perfect singing voice, yet what I loved was his ability to make you listen when he performed. His songwriting chops improved as the years went on, with Something being recognized as one of the greatest love songs of all time.
His guitar playing was magical, in more ways than I can even describe. His charm and subtle wit....endearing. George inspired me so much in my life that I remember writing one of my college papers about the progression of his music from the Beatles to All Things Must Pass, his debut solo album. Which brings to me to today, the 9-year anniversary of his death. When he first passed, I played his music as much as possible, wanting to share my love for George with everyone around me.
Keeping in the spirit of things, here are the words to one of George Harrison's greatest songs: All Things Must Pass. I think it is most fitting in moments like these, where one realizes that no matter what happens in life, everything will pass, including life.
R.I.P. George....even now, your music still inspires and moves me in everything I do. You will never be forgotten.
All Things Must Pass
Sunrise doesn't last all morning,
a cloudburst doesn't last all day.
Seems my love is up
and has left you with no warning.
It's not always going to be this grey.
All things must pass,
all things must pass away.
Sunset doesn't last all evening,
a mind can blow those clouds away.
after all this my love is up
and must be leaving.
It's not always going to be this grey.
All things must pass,
all things must pass away.
All things must pass
none of life's strings can last.
So I must be on my way,
face another day.
Darkness only stays at nighttime,
in the morning it will fade away.
Daylight has a habit of arriving at the right time.
It's not always going to be this grey.
All things must pass,
all things must pass away.
All things must pass,
all things must pass away.
~Jenny Rockstar
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it occurred to me today that this year has been one of many reasons to be thankful. Sure, every year I will always be thankful for the people I have met and memories I have made, yet this year has definitely been one to top the charts!
Each year, I am always thankful for friends, family, and (for almost three years now) the most wonderful boyfriend I could have ever asked for.
I am thankful for the love in my life. It genuinely feels incredible to have that feeling of being loved every single day! (And to share that love with those around me.)
I am thankful to have someone in my life with which I can share everything. Not everyone finds their best friend/love of their life as quickly as I have.
I am thankful for the smiles, the laughter, and the love that occurs in my life on a daily basis. Without those, I don't know how I'd make it through life day to day.
I am thankful for a good book to read, a great album to listen to, and a movie that can make feel the emotions of the characters in that moment.
I am thankful for the ability to smell the saltwater in the air, the feeling of the sand in my toes, and hear the roar of the waves as it crashes into the surf.
I am thankful for those moments that take my breath away, which seem to be happening even more now than ever.
I am thankful to be in a job that allows me the chance to share a smile and friendship (and possibly a drink or two) with some wonderful co-workers.
I am thankful for opportunities that bring me closer to my dreams, no matter how big or small those opportunities may be. Each one is a step in the right direction.
I am thankful for meeting new people and forming new relationships, as well as having the opportunity to experience those relationships which have faded through the years. Each person you meet will impact your life in ways that you cannot even imagine.
I am thankful for knowing the meaning of "fortunate" by having a roof over my head, a clean bill of health, a car to drive, a warm bed to sleep in, food in my belly, and the clothes on my back.
I am thankful for what I have learned from the past and all of the wonderful/exciting things that the future will bring.
While the list could go on and on, most importantly, I'm thankful for my life. It has taken me a long time to get here, but I wouldn't trade this life for all the traveling and riches of the world. At the end of the day, true riches remain with the people who care about you, not what you own or what you've had the chance to see in your lifetime. And the stories that I have to share from my life? Completely epic.
And so, I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are. Eat lots of food tomorrow, drink to your heart's content, and remember to be appreciative of everything you have in your life....very few are as lucky as you and me.
~Jenny Rockstar
