Celebrating the Life & Music of George Duke (playlist)

Remembering George Duke (January 12, 1946 - August 5, 2013)

With a heavy heart and saddened, but finally grasping the reality and wrapping my brain around the news of the passing  of the beautiful life of George Duke, an Iconic Legend and musical genius, I choose to "Celebrate" the generous offering of his life, which was indeed well lived.  I was blind-sided and in mourning already, having received  news of the sudden passing a few days ago of a family loved one and then, this morning, my phone was ringing, text messages coming in, etc., so I knew something wasn't quite right and that's when I learned that George was gone. (this was around 7AM this morning.)  I had to now steady myself and rest assured that this multiplied grief would soon pass.  

George Duke, who began his career as a jazz pianist in the 1960s, but made his name by crossing musical boundaries, died on Monday in Santa Monica.  He was 67.  I am thankful that George knew how much I loved his music....and I'm grateful that we will forever enjoy the  beautiful music composed, performed, produced, arranged and delivered by such a beautiful, sincere, generous spirit. If you haven't taken the time to really "pay attention" to what George gifted us with, please don't just turn the music on and bob your head......Take the time to really listen...I mean "Listen" ..... he was indeed a Genius. One of my favorite pieces of all time, a simple, beautiful tune "Simple Things" can be listened to every single day.....he always has a message, and the lyrics in that tune are profound. Pick up his latest released cd 'DreamWeaver' if you haven't already and actually 'listen' to each track.....Truly listen to what George is giving through his keys and lyrics.....seriously, listen.

The love that he shares for his beloved wife Corine, who passed away last year, is laced throughout this latest, dedicated project to her, and I lose count of  the number of times that I've listened to it since it was released, just 3 short weeks ago. Pay attention to the tracks: You Never Know.....and Change the World.......he always has a message (if you are paying attention) - May God's peace and comfort surround his loved ones and may we rejoice, knowing that George enjoyed this latest project...he was very proud of it....he appeared to have lots of fun creating it and it's evident that his heart was wide open throughout each and every track. If you haven't watched the interviews prior to the last release, take time to listen to it and smile along with him while he beams with joy in anticipation of the release.

The music of George Duke will live forever.  "Happy Trails" - Life well lived....job well done....Thank You Maestro!

Enjoy the following interview given by George just prior to his recently released project, "DreamWeaver" :

 - To read more about George Duke, go here for a New York Times article.

You can make a difference

It's not necessary for you to wait for someone else to step up and start the thought/idea that's been swirling around in your head and heart.  There's no need for you to continue assuming that you alone can't make a difference, can't be a game changer.  It's quite the opposite....YOU alone can get things started....You alone can make a difference, but you must be willing to take the first step, speak the first word, strike the first blow against injustice and step in the right direction of fundamental, positive change.

It's the little things that make a BIG difference:  One word of encouragement, one step in the right direction, one smile to start a friendship, one vote that changes a nation, one laugh to help brighten someone's day, one hug to show that you care, one word of wisdom spoken, one heart to receive the truth.  Yes, your life can indeed make a difference....It's all up to you! Are you willing to make the first move, to make a difference.....All it takes is "one" ..... will that One be YOU?

Love 'Call to Action' for Change...

The heartbreak of injustice should spark a 'Call to Action' for change! Outrage from an unjust outcome should not be met with the reaction of violence or simple lip-service in the throngs of passionate anger, but it should be energized in the direction of positive Change!

In this 'so-called Christian' nation of America, we spew about 'Love' but there are still yet many who celebrate the laws that simply have no regard for human life.  Why does this not outrage and move you to action for change?

If there is a true understanding of this term 'Love' as outlined in the bible, then it shouldn't be difficult to understand that every life is precious and more importantly that 'Love Thy Neighbor' means to Love EVERYONE.....not just the person within a few yards or miles of your physical home, but every single being that you come into contact with.....on this soil (in America) and abroad.

Love should be displayed when you're happy and when you're outraged.......your outrage should stem from an act/incident where Love has been violated against either you or your 'neighbor'........and this energy should be directed towards positive, equal and just Change.....Yes, change the laws that violate human life and dignity.  Change the laws which are so subjective, that it makes it easy for any 'trigger-happy-vigilante' to express hate, anger, vengeance and be able to manipulate the system and walk 'free' for committing atrocities that violate life, liberty and justice.

Yes, you should be outraged when a wrong is not made right and if you're not moved to be compassionate, empathetic or sympathetic to the precious gift of life and preserving justice, well....you might want to check and see if you're still able to fog a mirror.  Perhaps you're not awakened yet to the true meaning of what Love actually is.......Love is about Action ....it is a Verb....Justice is costly, but it is certainly worth the cost!

Martin Luther King Jr said there is another side of love called Justice.  "Justice is really Love in calculation....Justice is love correcting that which revolts against love."

Expectation of something wonderful...

Anticipating....what's around the corner?
I expect something...
Wonderful.....Grand
Great!
I look forward to the
next...
Moment of surprise,
Delight.....
I expect...anticipate,
I look forward to the
next...
Great thing in my life...
Each day.
© 2013 Brenda Gale

It's time to get caught up in Yourself...

In the center of it all....breaking news, scandals, the weather, lives entering and leaving this world, marriages, divorces, courtships, friendships, graduations, drug  and other addictions, rehabs, heartaches and breaks, medical discoveries, new planet sightings, lies, delusions, injustices and fights for justice.......Your life still has meaning....still has purpose...still has unfinished business.

Are you caught up in everything that's happening around you?  Have you forgotten that there's yet still a plan, a purpose, a grand audition that should be happening in your own life?  Are you prepping for the breaking news and watering the seeds which were planted in your soul, your spirit, your entire being the day that you were conceived?  You can't get bogged down, consumed with and entertained by "everything else" because your own life is still happening, but it's not engaged by you.

Are you participating in the entertainment that you're amused by, the news that has you tuned in, waiting for a disaster......How does this profit your journey?  How does the information gained assist in your arrival of meeting with and answering to and being held accountable to the promise of living out your purpose?

Yes....lots and lots of questions, because I've realized that tomorrow is here before we know it and when we stop to reconcile today on tomorrow....we realize that we spent much of the day consumed with the 'nothingness' of 'everything' else.  Honor yourself enough to recall what you wanted and wished for, what you long to do and just get busy and keep doing it......There will be time to check in with the world and be entertained and amused by what others are engaged in, but guess what.....if you engage in the plan and purpose of your own life.....there's an audience that awaits your entrance, your display......to be entertained by the 'everything' of You!

Happy 4th of July

  Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States.

Everyone isn't necessarily celebrating this day for the same reason, so I ask: What does independence (freedom) mean to you? Today is a good day to reflect upon and contemplate what your personal declaration should become.  Do you need to declare your freedom from a situation.....person, place or thing? Allow today to be the beginning of a journey of your own personal Independence........Happy trails!