‘Piggy We Stole From the Shed’

I thought this topic was a great idea when I thought of it, but as I started to think about writing it, I couldn’t think of the right person for me to write about. Sure, a variety of recent musicians and Hollywood celebrities came to mind. Some I was familiar with their work and was sad that it would no longer be continued and others that I had name recognition for, but couldn’t tell you one song that they sang or movie they appeared in. Most of the time their ends came under tragic drug-related circumstances.

Then my mind leaped to science and while several prominent names came to mind, I had no idea if they had lived to make their marks on their fields.  I thought perhaps I might write about Madam Curie whose own discovery was what eventually killed her (she liked to carry radioactive things around in her pocket), but while fascinating I didn’t feel drawn to her discoveries or her life.

So who did I wish had made a larger contribution to our world? I was perplexed. The answer didn’t come to me until I saw Patricia’s post pop up on Facebook yesterday. It reminded me that I still needed to write this, and as a bit of panic entered my stomach, I kept scrolling.

And there was a picture of John Denver.

A musician that I had a strong connection to and who died tragically in an airplane crash.

When I think of John Denver’s music, I fills me with happiness. I remember the eight track player in my mom’s living room and the nubby texture of the carpet under my feet as I danced/galloped around the living room to ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ (which I later learned was written by John Summers) and ‘Grandma’s Feather Bed.’

I watched a documentary a few years ago about his music, his love for his wife, and his life. There was something about his music that connected with my life growing up on a farm and a strong connection to the earth. I also love the sometimes not-so-subtle humor.

While he created many beautiful songs, I would certainly enjoy many more of his lyrics and graceful music.

So I’ll leave one of my favorite’s here:

https://youtu.be/1vrEljMfXYo