You know that song lyric, don't you? It is from "The Wizard of Oz" and is sung (or spoken) by the Cowardly Lion. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion were searching for a home, a brain, a heart and the "noive" which is as close as I can type to that marvelous actor's accent! (The nerve or courage.) Now, if you think about it...we all have a home (hopefully), a heart, and a brain but it is the courage that we sometimes might have to find in life. That brings me to the wonderful word- ENCOURAGEMENT, which means "the action of someone giving support, confidence or hope. It seems quite simple, doesn't it? And yet, it can make all the difference in world!
From writing this blog over the years, I can promise you that had I not received such kindly encouragement, I would have stopped after my first post! My blogging friend in Germany talked me into starting my blog with wonderful encouragement. (Thanks, Librarian!) And it was John in England who gave me the great encouragement to continue it. Now, John has passed away and I am very much saddened by this. You wouldn't believe how much he taught me about nature- trees, flowers, butterflies, beetles and mushrooms! I was also lucky enough to be included in the circle of lucky people who received his lovely post-cards, with the perfect stamp to go along with the photo on the card, along with his carefully chosen words. Today, I have several of his cards lined up on my mantel- one is of the famous gate at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. Have you ever seen a photo of it? It shows these words "You'll Never Walk Alone", it is from the song that the fans sing.
There, I hope you can see that image above! And of course, that brings me to the song that you must hear also! (I have written about this before. Many think this is from the Bible, but the words are really by Oscar Hammerstein, one of my favorite lyricists!)
John's brother, Graham has written a post about his brother. You can read it just here. Graham, I wish I could do a better job at honoring your brother! He has been not just a friend to me but also to my husband and son. We will miss him and his encouraging words.
Just one more song- it is by "America". The song has just this one line that always has stuck in my head- "Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn't already have". Even though that is a double negative, in songwriting terms, it makes perfect sense. (You all know my love and great respect for songwriters!) The rest of the song, I'm not very sure of its meaning, but then, that is music for you, don't be so concerned about understanding every little thing, just enjoy it and if something encourages you or makes you smile or feel better about life, take it into your heart. You know you have one! And if someone needs courage, help to supply it.
The beech trees hold on to their leaves all winter. In the sun, they are a lovely shade of bronze and when the wind blows them, they make a lovely sound. For years, I admired this tree and when I mentioned on my blog that I wondered what they were, John told me- beech trees. I will think of him whenever I see one.
We all need encouragement, don't we? I am glad you had John as a friend, and that beech tree is a beautiful reminder.
ReplyDeleteWe really do and I am thankful for all my blogging friends, including you! x
DeleteWonderful post today to honor your friend and the great memories you have of him. It's if I'll remember them too. Hold on to those good moments, Love ma!
ReplyDeleteThank you, MA. I love your positive encouragement too. x
DeleteWe meet so many lovely blogging buddies along the way!
ReplyDeleteWe really do, from all over the world! Usually the first one to comment on my posts are from you! Thank you!
DeleteThis is beautiful, Kay. Yes. I'm so glad you had John to encourage you to continue blogging. I needed my friend, Dina in Jerusalem to introduce me to it from across the ocean. I'd never have gotten into blogging otherwise. And I'm always grateful for wonderful friends like you who keep me going. And... yes, it's so sad to lose friends from my "blogging family."
ReplyDeleteWe hardly are ever able to meet our friends in the blog world but they are our friends, no doubt about it! It is hard to lose one and one that is so very special. Take care in Hawaii and watch out for that flirty ALEXA! :-)
DeleteI'm still glad that I did not give up and kept pestering you until you started your own blog, Kay :-D
ReplyDeleteMy blogging friend Monica in Sweden (I don't think you read her blog?) has also written a beautiful tribute to John, based on postcards from him:
https://dawntreader-island2.blogspot.com/2024/01/postcards-from-cj-2012.html
John meant a lot to many of us in the blogosphere. It has become a little poorer with him gone.
Encouragement and appreciation are similar, but not the same. I am fortunate in having grown up with parents who encouraged and appreciated me, and even at work there doesn't go by a day when I do not receive some appreciative or encouraging comment from my boss, my clients or my colleagues.
Those who encourage us give us the confidence that we might not have. That is certainly how it is in my case! I need all the help in the world. I truly appreciate the people in my life who have strengthened me along the way. x
DeleteThe Wizard of Oz really is a timeless story, and I certainly remember the songs. And 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was a favourite with me, right from when I saw the musical movie Carousel when I was very young. I loved Shirley Jones, and that song gripped me forever. Later when Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded it, it became a big hit all over again and has become part of our culture with its connection to Liverpool. A lovely post, Kaye.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, don't you just love the hit that Gerry and The Pacemakers had with it?!! Liverpool is a special connection for me because of the Beatles but now, after being friends with John, it is even more special. Thanks so much for your comment, Patricia! You are a wonderful blogging buddy for me!!
DeleteA lovely tribute to John, Kay. I love the "You'll Never Walk Alone" card (I've never seen it before). Thanks for visiting my blog. See - even from "beyond" that man continues to bring people together! :) (I just added your blog to my Blogger reading list.) - For me, it was a snailmail penfriend in Australia who got me started on blogging, once upon a time. She started one, and to be able to comment on hers, I had to create an account... Once I had done that, I was tempted to explore further - and here I still am, 15 years later...!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Monica! I know how much John thought of you , he mentioned me to you several times on my blog! Thanks for being a new follower! I really thought that I followed you, but apparently not! Now, when I try to do so, I notice that it has my full name listed, so not sure if I can return the favor just now. I am always a bit hestitant with BLOGGER these days, the changes they made! Anyway, I know your sadness at hearing of John's passing was great. We will both remember him with great fondness. x
DeleteThis is really odd - I could swear I wrote a comment this morning, and even saw it published, but it is gone now... Maybe blogger has classified it as spam?
ReplyDeleteI can see your comment when I look at my comments page but it doesn't show up here, for some reason. You told me that your friend in Sweden had written a post and I did read it and left a comment. (She has kindly left a comment above and is now a follower!) Thanks, my blogging friend in Germany! x
DeleteIt probably was classified as "spam" by blogger, because I included the link to Monica's post. If you look at the comments on your comment page, if it says "all", change the setting to "spam" or "published", and you might find mine and can change it to "not spam".
DeleteI did as you directed and POOF- there is your comment above! Thanks!
DeleteYour memories of John are beautiful and touching. I'm sure he was a loving friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Emma. He really was a very kind gentleman.
DeleteThanks for a very meaningful post.
ReplyDeleteJohn! Thank you! And thank you also for being a good blogging friend to me.
DeleteKeep scribbling away girl, many people enjoy these posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ad-man! I also appreciate your support, although we must face facts, it is really Richard's photos that you like! LOL!!
DeleteI am so sorry you lost your friend...I's never easy.
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Thanks very much, Donna. I am sending you sweet hugs also. x
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I followed him also and we exchanged post cards too. He mentioned that cross posting ( I hope I got that term right!) was started at a place called Ashland University. That's here in my town of Ashland, Ohio and I was so excited to tell him that. I even sent him an antique Halloween post card that was in a collection from my family and a few that were hand painted by an artists here. I will miss him for sure. When I saw your blog title I immediately thought of the song Muskrat Love! Well, thank you for telling us about John. He always sent me a Christmas post card and now I know why one didn't come this year. RIP John..he will be missed.
ReplyDeleteYes, I well remember that you were friends with John also. I meant to send you a message about John's passing but like so many things these days, I totally forgot. I knew his health wasn't good but as always, you always have hope for better health for those we care about.
DeleteP.S...we have those trees in our woods and I never knew their names. I will always think of him when I see those leaves.
ReplyDeleteThere are other trees that hold on to their leaves all winter long. The beech tree is usually an understory tree and their bark is very smooth. If you ever notice that someone has carved initials into trunk of tree, it is most likely the American beech. (Of course, no one should do that!!)
DeleteYou can be rich or poor but true friendship is what it's all about. We have beech trees here but it must be a different type or its warm winter habits over there as they do shed their leaves every autumn in the UK. Fully grown they reach great heights of 100 foot or more. Very elegant trees. Bob. BSS.
ReplyDeleteHey Bob! See my answer to comment above yours about beech tree! I just saw a photo on TV of a lovely road in Ireland with towering beech trees on either side! And I agree- true friendship is better than gold. I thank you for yours.
DeleteThat was a beautiful tribute, Kay. Thank you. I know that many will miss him. Even though he hadn't blogged for a while he was active on Instagram.
ReplyDeleteGraham! Your comment went to SPAM and I didn't know it but I did as our friend in Germany told me and I was able to get your comment on here. I was hoping that you saw this and that it would be okay with you. I really can't say enough good things about your brother but then, you know him better than anyone else so you know what I mean! I guess I am supposed to say that you "knew" him but your knowing of him will always be in the present tense, don't you think? I wonder if he liked Instagram because he could very quickly share a photo or reel with his friends and family and that might have been easier for him. I am glad I had that connection with him also. I will be thinking of you and his family this week for his Memorial service. All the best to you always. x
DeleteHi Kay, it has been a while. Loved your post. My daughter, Kate who I wrote a lot about in 2011 really liked Gerry and the Pacemakers. I played her the greatest hits with "You'll never walk alone." You are so right about having 'Courage' is a real challenge at times. I hope we can follow each other again. Here is my new blog and first post in retirement. https://super-express24.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletePaul! So happy to see your comment here! I saw your wedding photos on your blog and I am so happy for you! Best wishes to you!
DeleteI am sorry for your loss. We all need a little bit of encouragement to keep afloat.
ReplyDeleteI get by with a little help from my friends, that's not just a song!
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