John Lennon's birthday
Jesse sings Imagine a birthday for Noel and a strawberry
Late last night I returned from the West Coast. I was so happy to be home, with my books, my own bed, and the sounds of the city lulling me to sleep. I woke up this morning somewhat groggy but with two birthday thoughts. It is of course John Lennon’s birthday, but also the birthday of my late brother Todd’s magical granddaughter Noel. In this way it is certainly a day of reflection and celebration.
I read my daughter Jesse’s moving Substack @jesseparissmith today knowing she would write of John, an artist she has cherished throughout her life. I decided to post her performance of Imagine here as a small meaningful tribute. Today belongs to John, his son Sean (also born on this date and Noel. A trifecta of wonderful ones born on October 9th.
Later this evening I will finish my travel recap for you. This is but a brief hello as I get back into my home rhythm. Thank you all for all of your support, comments and stories.
See you tonight… Here is a funny little snippet of happily stumbling through my favorite John Lennon song…..
Thank you for including Jesse's moving rendition of Imagine. Her essay on her history with that song is wonderful. And how amazing she got to be a Shangri-La and a Beatle!
I woke up this morning and immediately started listening to my Lennon mix. Your Strawberry Fields heightened my mood. Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about. I can still see John and the Beatles clearly at Maple Leaf Gardens sixty years ago. Seems like yesterday in so many ways. An arena full of joy and life.
There are so many faces and words and loves and losses between now and then. As intangible as some of those memories can be, I can still reach out and embrace them, feeling them in my heart. I can still sing John Lennon songs and feel young.
We all shine on/Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
It’s my sister Kathy’s birthday, too. She lives in Asheville. No water or electricity still, just a $20,000 bill from the HOA for tree removal. Her house is okay. She’s alive. Those are pretty good presents.