Losing An American Treasure—The Loss of John Prine
The 2020 pandemic has robbed us of my favorite living musician, the great John Prine. I have seen John Prine at least a half dozen times, bought most of his albums, and tried to spread the word of his timeless music. I never left a John Prine concert disappointed. Prine wasn’t just an outstanding performer but known as one of the best song writers by his peers.
A former mail carrier and song writer in Chicago, discovered by Roger Ebert and help from Kris Kristofferson, at different times, Prine gained recognition and a recording contract in 1971. Although Prine’s songs didn’t make it to major “pop success”, he had a large following and continued to successfully sell out concert venues and release albums. He had a large and loyal following of fans!
Performer and Songwriter
Songs like It’s A Big Old Goofy World, Paradise, Flag Decal, Sam Stone, Everybody, Dear Abby, Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian, and I Guess They Ought a Name a Drink After You, are but a few of Prine’s tunes that will keep you humming. His music style of folk, country, rockabilly, blues, and jazz is one not to be replicated. We have lost a treasure.
Artists like Johnny Cash, Kacey Musgraves, Bonnie Raitt, and numerous other artists performed John Prine music or paid tribute to his remarkable works. Prine was the first entertainer to play at the Library of Congress and received numerous accolades for his music and for his contribution to the music industry. At last, John Prine was recognized by the industry that his fans had recognized for so long.
I read somewhere, years ago, that John Prine would write a song a day. He had many different sounds as the tastes for music changed through the decades. His smooth smoky vocals (altered over the years from his bouts with cancer, yet he sounded great), his catchy rhymes and phrases, and his melodic guitar chords made for pure genius! If you aren’t familiar with John Prine and you love music, I encourage you to discover John Prine and add him to your playlist, today! This is a huge loss to the world of wonderful music. Celebrate the life and music of John Prine!
Sequestered Gratitude
If you are complaining about being sequestered at home, be grateful that you have a home and a place to reside through this craziness.
If you are arguing with your family member about who ate the last waffle, be grateful that you have the time to be with them.
If you aren’t terrified from this virus, then you aren’t alive.
If you are bored, then you have nothing to read, have nowhere to walk, made no attempt to expand your artistic acumen, are unable to access television, internet, radio, phone, or paper and pen.
If you have nothing to do while you are sequestered, then you know everything, have the perfect home, can do everything, and have achieved perfection. Congratulations!
If you are unable to just enjoy a few minutes of quiet time, by yourself, maybe you should ask yourself why this is?
If you aren’t grateful for this time with your family, dog, cat, or loved ones, it’s time, right now.
Take advantage of this precious time and savor your life at home!
A Very Different Parkinson’s Awareness Month!
In just a matter of days, our world has been turned upside down and around by an invisible and deadly invader. Many of us have turned to an online life of Zoom or Facebook Live. Whether it is for schooling, our occupation, support, workouts, weddings, births, or even funerals. Our life, from start to finish, has become a digital experience.
If we were a lonely planet before the COVID-19 virus’s rampage, our sequestering for our health doesn’t help our mental state. Socializing and getting to know our neighbors is improving and uniting us in ways not seen since WWII.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, it frightens me that all of us who have Parkinson’s disease are more at risk to the virus. Many of us have weakened immune systems and are susceptible to respiratory complications.
This Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month Has Changed
This is a Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month like no other! As our message of awareness may get muffled in the shadow of the threat of this virus, it’s important to continue to share information. Normally, awareness about Parkinson’s would be focused on informing those unfamiliar with Parkinson’s about:
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History of Parkinson’s
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Diagnosis
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Prognosis
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Parkinson’s Medications
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Research or Therapies
Rather than offer an awareness about Parkinson’s, we should consider a more timely tact to provide an awareness about protecting ourselves from this dangerous Coronavirus! Please stay strong and maintain your physical and mental health by staying active. So, here are a few sites to keep you informed and up to date:
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World Health Organization (WHO)
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – US
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The Coronavirus and Parkinson’s Disease – Parkinson’s Foundation
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COVID-19, Anxiety, and Parkinson’s: Staying Healthy in These Unusual Times – World Parkinson Congress (WPC) blog
Please don’t take unnecessary risks. Be safe! Be careful! Be Well!
Some things to watch on Netflix at this time.
If you have Netflix, here is a list of some suggestions to consider:
As we restrict ourselves from human interaction and search for binge-worthy material to entertain ourselves, I thought that I would share some of the programs that you might have missed. I tried to select mostly positive subjects or at least those that had upbeat outcomes:
Upbeat and Positive Shows to Binge on Netflix #1
No preference by order
The Repair Shop – A British reality show that is touching and heart-warming.
The Kindness Diaries – Another British show that makes you feel good.
Amazing Interiors – Surprises of the creativity that we humans think up!
Heal – Powerful and eye-opening!
Tidying Up – Marie Kondo transforms living spaces and lives.
Street Food – Behind the story of a few nation’s popular street foods.
The Story of God with Morgan Freeman – Thought-provoking.
Grand Designs – Some interesting builds!
The Game Changers – Look who is changing their diets and why.
The Andy Griffith Show – Good old-fashioned standby!
Hugo – Follow a boy’s magical journey!
Jeopardy – Compete with friends and family with the classic game show!
The Who Was Show – Humorous look at historical characters.
The Universe – Great visuals and a fascinating look at space.
The Twilight Zone – A treasure trove of sci-fi and great stories. (Not for young children.)
The Mind Explained (There is 9-11 footage so be careful, if you have kids-use parental judgement.) Explore the brain!
The Bodyguard-Follow a British Officer’s rise to Bodyguard. (Violence/Action)
Sherlock-not for kids – Modern day British genius solves mysterious crimes. Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant in the role of a younger Sherlock. (Violence/Action)
Locke and Key – ( Mystery) I have just started it, but I am intrigued! Mysterious house and curious keys to explore.
Daredevil-violent Marvel series about the blind vigilante superhero! (Violence/Action)
These are just some shows that I am watching or have watched. Karl Robb
Spread Love, Compassion, Care, and Kindness-Not the Virus!
Change to the highest degree is here with rampant speed. It’s a new normal for us all. Social interaction and daily life as we know it will most likely change, forever. Change can be uncomfortable and difficult to accept. Only time will tell what our new normal is going to look like.
Be Careful-Be Smart
As COVID-19 makes its way around the world, it is up to us to remain vigilant as we look after ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and everyone on the planet. It is terribly ironic that a pandemic can confine us to our homes, but highlights just how connected we are to one another. Rich or poor, whatever your race, gender or nationality, we are all in this together.
It is my hope that we choose to share compassion and kindness, in this time of need. This is our opportunity to reunify our nations and the entire planet. Whether you choose to deny climate change or think the Earth is flat, there is no denying this virus and the havoc that it is causing.
Take Precautions
Those of us with Parkinson’s disease may face an even higher risk than the rest of the population, so be extra cautious in your cleanliness, daily care, and exposure. Educate yourself with these important sites, in case you need more information about protection and care:
Virginia Department of Health – COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
World Health Organization (WHO) – Coronavirus disease
HOME-BOUND IDEAS
15 Ways to Improve the Lock-down
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Music feeds my soul and if I miss a day of my music, the day just isn’t complete! Enjoy some type of music that connects with you! Whether the music moves your spirit, your energy, or your mood, play something that moves you.
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Reality TV is as close as your nearest window. Too often, we overlook the inspiration of nature that surround us. It may be a brilliant sunrise, a running squirrel, or your neighbors’ dog. Appreciate the simple beauty of the day around you.
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Discover a new talent on YouTube. Whether you want to learn to sharpen your knives or learn to juggle or dance, you’ll find it there.
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Hone and expand your creativity by drawing, doodling, painting, writing, cooking, or learn a new language or musical instrument.
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Forgive me. They are called books. They are low-tech but they still have a place.
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Stay active and force yourself to keep active.
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For stress reduction, try to meditate and check out the App called, Headspace. This is the one that I use and enjoy!
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Use your technology to keep connected with family and friends.
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Build a new daily routine.
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Take special care of your animals. Don’t forget them!
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Look after your neighbors.
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Be kind, compassionate, and patient.
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Don’t forget how to laugh.
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I plan to organize my old photos and find a way to use them.
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Streaming services like Netflix have great content for the whole family.
These are just a few suggestions to inspire moving ahead in this trying time. Be safe and take of yourself and anyone else that you can!
I hope these suggestions are helpful. My intent is to offer some positive thought.
