Friday, December 31, 2010

new year's eve

Auld Lang Syne is a Scot's poem written by Robert Burns in 1788.  This is often sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to remember long-standing friendships, for the sake of old times. The song's Scot's title translates literally as old long since ~ long, long ago ~ days gone by ~ or old times.  Countries around the world celebrate the eve of the new year in an assortment of ways, typically with dinner, drinks and dancing.  We reflect on the year and those we have connected with in this song about the past. 

Memories mar my mind...

Auld Lang Syne

Should old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:

Is thy sweet Heart now
grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
on Old long syne.

On Old long syne my Jo,
in Old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
on Old long syne.

My Heart is ravisht with delight,
when thee I think upon;
All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,
and speedily is gone;
The bright resemblance of thy Face,
so fills this, Heart of mine;
That Force nor Fate can me displease,
for Old long syne.

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,
when from thee I am gone;
will not they presence yield relief,
to this sad Heart of mine:
Why doth thy presence me defeat,
With excellence divine?
Especially when I reflect 
on Old Long Syne.
 
New Year's Eve is not only a time for reflection, but one of hope and anticipation for the upcoming new year.  My perfect song to celebrate time was written by our beloved Beatle, John Lennon.  Imagine was inspired by Cloud Piece, a three-line poem in Yoko Ono's 1964 book Grapefruit. The words were reproduced on the back cover of John Lennon's Imagine album.  The lyrical content was 'just what John believed: that we are one country, one world, one people.' He wanted to get that idea out. 
Imagine

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one.

Whether you are celebrating with a crowd of friends or snuggling at home, my wish is that your reflections of 2010 are filled with the knowledge that no matter what transpired in your world, good, bad; happy or sad, you made it through.  Keep the faith that 2011 will bring better days and may your hearts be filled with gratitude by enjoying one day at a time.

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift -
that's why we call it
The present

The secret of life is enjoy the passage of time. So, don't think about what will happen, or has happened - LIVE IT! People usually think about the bad things in life and dread them.  Unless it is life and death - endure it!  Troubles and stress are experience in work clothes.  What won't kill you will make you stronger (allegedly...)  James Taylor

the next few days are time for reflection and resolution...

on this moment, eternity is hinged...xo