“ Aint No Sunshine ”

The tragic passing of one of the brightest stars of show business, possibly the greatest of the modern day era, set off an emotional reaction that is seldom seen today. An enigmatic creative genius that graced the panoramic skyline with such musical melody, able to reach out and mean so much Worldwide with ground breaking imagery of sound, vision, fashion and dance.
He leaves behind a loss that crosses international boundaries, colours, creeds / races and religions, felt not just by fans but by any honest observer of great artistic innovation.
From the cartoon/ popcorn beginning; - quite aptly with the educational (?) “A.B.C.” Dancing through the charts - “Blaming it on the Boogie” - to the “Thriller” masterpiece of musical video, which set the tone and placed the benchmark that now typified in the images seen on the MTV Channels today.
The ultra on-stage professionalism and perfection that was continually sought; in no short measure by himself, came at a price, and despite the love and adulation of many, there always seemed to be a tormented and tortured soul behind the mask of public performance
Changes are inevitable in life, usually it is along the lines of a structure that allows immaturity to experience, to consideration and then an identification of persona. Becoming an adult at 6 years old, continuing workload and expectancy for decades afterwards, along with other mental and physical contributory factors; particularly throughout ones formative years has to have some lasting effect (doesn’t it?)
Only those who have experienced it can have an understanding of the true consequences of such. “Leave me alone” was a song that could easily be interpreted as a plea from a hurt; if not broken heart – in the only way he felt he could communicate such (?) Perhaps these were some of the reasons that moulded the characteristics of one whose personal nature was seemingly filled with frustration.
Though always trying to channel through love rather than hate, it could be that this innocent vulnerability led him into many positions where greater guidance, advice and mentoring should have been sought and employed. Trust and so-called friendship seems have been used, abused and ending up with a betrayal of confidence that gave rise to a more critical if no cynical view of the World of today – as if it were seen through the eyes and indeed the mind of a child – honest though at times very naive
But some of the music did have a maturity of observation to it. How often do we take a look at the “Man in the mirror”, not just visually but within our heart and soul to examine our conviction of conscience?
Do we consider sufficiently how we can “Heal the World”? Will we heed the lyrics of the “Earth song” and adhere to the philosophy of * Peace + Love - Save the Planet * before it is too late?
Prophetic words that were conveyed, wrapped in melodious communication for all, in the hope that understanding can be achieved and meaningful acts progressed
When one disappears into the Black hole of unknown void, it can’t help but be wondered of what boundless, infinite possibilities that lie within its structure and its substance beyond.
Whatever faith that is ones chosen credo, it is I feel the hope that wherever the pathway leads to, it will be a more serene and pleasant land. ‘A land of ‘make believe’? A ‘Neverland’ for the Peter Pan that lies within the inner soul of all Earths’ children perhaps?
At a time like this, when such an iconic figure passes over, one who has played a part in so many lives, I find that studious reflection enlightens, and “looking through the windows” is never enough to know the true price to be paid for one whose only goal, it seemed (no matter if you are “Black or White”) was to try to make others “Happy” – R.I.P. - M.J.

Birthday Belle

This week saw the birthday of the eldest of my two Angels. I find it difficult to accept that over a quarter of a century has passed since she burst into the world with glorious sunshine – but it is.
With no small measure of self-confidence, she has always been quite focused in the direction she wished to take, and for the main part she has been correct in her personal judgements.
Her optimistic nature, along with good strength of character, has seen her fill most of her life with, in no short measure, with a good degree of excitement.
She has always been bold, whether it is the antics of exhilarating holidays or successful career development, the attainment of a fun and fulfilled life seems frequently to have been achieved, and it is this that gives me the contentment that I feel all parents desire for their children.
She seems to have taken up this attitude as one of the positive aspects of the 24/7 tempo of the World in which we live in today. It could also be that with the freshness that youth have today, she is more successful in immersing herself than I was able to (though to be fair the avenues of opportunity are also wider) and is in no way a criticism.
Though children can exasperate, the exuberance of youth is something that should be nurtured and not contained or restricted - for it is this approach that I do believe, is the best hope for the future.
To seize and make the most of each day with vigour and enthusiasm will make tomorrows memories of yesterday more treasured.
May ever so, she continue to shine with such characteristics.

(Excerpt 2) = The Lightening struck twice in the Night

As the thunderstorm advanced, the whistle of the wind increased in its’ intensity, firstly into a howl of horror before there was a shrieking all around, like that of a Banshee, that always sends a shiver down the spine
Sheets of White light lit up the blackness of the night sky, and in flickering vision the buildings so stark seemed to display a degree of foreboding.
The murmur of Thunder that followed not far behind steadily grew, and as it did so, the growl also increased in volume, becoming a roar of anger and threat.
The apartment shook as the tempest did its best to bring fear to those below and around.
Building up its fury, as if there were demons within, that conspired in enraged argument to build up such fear in all others. The threat of aggressive intent being that it would seek out and torment the most sensitive of souls, to take advantage of those most vulnerable, and to cut deep wounds into the hearts of the meek
Against this invasion however, we were prepared, we had each other. Having both fallen prey to this hated and broken dreams previously, we had decided to be victims no more. Protected in our bubble of embrace we were steadfast to ride out the turmoil, fully confident that the beast outside could not enter our castle of sanctuary.
Like the Wolf at the door of the 3rd little pig, though it huffed and puffed it could not attain its goal of terror. For safely within the abode l’amour, this lone wolf ranger of unique statue and character would protect milady Vixen against such adversity with Spartan resilience. Such is the forte of Heroes – and indeed heroines of legend.
Despite the best efforts of the darkest side of elemental power, they had failed in their attempts to work their evil and once again the energy of the virtuous Force, strength of integrity, resistance and fortitude prevailed.
It was with the final illuminated glare, along with that of the dying rumble of the fiend of fright that ebbed away, - that the secondary strike hit home, the realisation that the spectres of disappointment, disenchantment, destruction and devastation were to be cast away as only dark memories, for the pathway ahead was to be an enlightenment, that was fuelled with optimism and that a fulfilment of satisfaction that would be forthcomingThe freshness of clear air, cool breeze and stability of terra firma settled any nerves. As the rays from the Sun pushed back the clouds of despair and lifted us out the darkness, we looked out, and in aftermath of a past best forgotten, we saw the sparkling light of the future, with confidence it shone -
- A Spectrum Rainbow