TURN! TURN! TURN!

Back to the 60's again . . .

I woke up for my midnight snack with the song entitled Turn, Turn, Turn on my mind. I thought that perhaps it was Peter, Paul and Mary singing; but this morning I searched the amazing internet and found it was a huge hit for The Byrds. Further research discovered that the music was composed by Pete Seeger, an absolute idol of mine forever. The words used are from a bible verse, but the last two lines which are particularly relevant were added. There is a recording (posted in 2018 by VARIETY magazine) of an early version of the song sung by Pete Seeger himself about 1961 (and another site suggested that The Limelighter’s may have sung it too). The music became more sophisticated on the 1965 smash hit by The Byrds and there are any number of YouTube postings to enjoy. I particularly liked one done by the site Lyrics, which has a lovely natural backdrop video. And there are many comments from people around the world who have taken solace from this song at various times in their lives. I’m very lucky to have been in the presence of Pete Seeger when I lived in the Hudson Valley and my dear friend Peggy and I traveled to Beacon for an intimate riverside concert. The song must have come to me in the night for those famous last lines:

“A Time for Peace, I swear it’s not too late!”

And yet more serendipity of the fabulous kind. I have started reading another hard cover book for what I call my light bedtime reading. This book is entitled Rambling Man My Life on the Road by comedian Billy Connolly. I’ve only just started this entertaining tale of a kindred spirit, but I want to report that he shared some news to gladden my heart. His book was published this year and covers his life from his birth in Scotland to his current location in Florida. He notes the recent book bannings in Florida which include even some Mark Twain works, then he praises the Brooklyn library for providing digital access to anyone in the world to read all of the books that have been targeted. I also once lived in Brooklyn but had no idea that this wonderful service had been provided. Thank you, Rambling Man, I’m looking forward to continuing your life’s story.

Go to the site for the Brooklyn Public Library and see for yourselves what an amazing treasure trove of information has been thoughtfully compiled. I’m so glad to know that my very new grandson will not be denied his freedom to read whatever he chooses.

PEACE AND LOVE (and ta ta for now or TTFN as we say)