It started out a normal Thursday, but by afternoon it became a day Michael Jackson’s fans would never forget. Some fans had never left MJ, others had recently returned with the announcement of his upcoming shows at the O2, while more of them subsequently rediscovered his music and smooth moves after his untimely death was announced in Los Angeles. Michael the performer, the artist, the humanitarian, the philanthropist and the father of three children was gone forever.
Michael’s death brought his international fans together in a way not possible a few years earlier. The Internet and social networking web sites brought people together to remember and to grieve; new friendships began and old ones rekindled.
The loss of Michael meant no more “hee-hees,” no more Moonwalks and no more fixing French toast for breakfast for his children. The public finally saw his daughter and two sons without their masks. Grieving children who were beautiful, polite, well-spoken and poised in extreme circumstances; normal children.
While I do morn the loss of Michael the public celebrity, performer and humanitarian, the loss I feel most deeply is the loss of a father who loved and protected his children as much as possible. I would gladly give up the music, dancing, Moonwalks, new friends and old, if it would restore Michael the man, the father to his children.
I have always drawn from a young age at the age of 11 it became more important to me. Wanting to make it as real as I can fascinated by how photos can be so real I wanted to try to get my drawing as close as I could.
Art is an escapism I feel able to draw freely and not judge myself only looking at what I could improve on its always been a fun journey for me. I love drawing emotion and challenging myself. Art is an expression rather than a picture. Age 19 I hope to pursue art as a career.
"There is nothing better than escaping into a scene into a emotion and atmosphere definitely a persons feeling then portraying and recreating that in your expression"
Michael Jackson has given me a guidance to making life better for me and people around hes given me music that I love and I enjoy and when im down lightens me and hes given me freinds freinds that show the love like he did true freinds hes still here in spirit and the Jacksons are beautiful like him and give guidence to a better life I wanted to draw these drawings 4 him showing and portraying the emotion and drawing him because of all hes done.
click on photos for larger image
[!] Please respect our contributors and do not reproduce the photos or words without the explicit consent of the author.
White fedora, sparkling glove on You are the light all over THE place Your dance, your moves... All what you've done, We're thank you for everything. Your voice is so amazing We hear it in every day On radio, TV, mp3, that's the only way It doesn't matter when you come back Just be happy, smile and stay in safe Watch how your soldiers of L.O.V.E. Are spreading love in every day We're trying to do our BEST Sometimes we succeed, other times we're losing faith But in the end, a voice whispers to us " It's all for L.O.V.E. " and we continue our mission again. Time by time, day by day Time IS ticking fast or slow It hasn't arrived that special day...not YET... We hope TO hear that magical voice again We are waiting for you to COME in a sunny day Much L.O.V.E. to you, sweet angel MJ.
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[!] Please respect our contributors and do not reproduce the photos or words without the explicit consent of the author.
Eight of the most successful music acts in Africa joined in a group called One8. The idea behind the project is to connect people through music. The pan-African super group caught the attention of Billboard International publication who included them on theirs "Best Bet for 2011" list. Last November, R. Kelly joined the group and so the message behind the group got a wider meaning and gained an important source of energy and creativity. The first song to come out from this collaboration is "Hands Across The World". Uplifting, with beautiful harmonies and it makes a powerful statement. Heal The World !
Hey world stand up Stretch out your hands One8 represent the dream Africa Feel free One8 let's get them
I'm reaching out to the poor people The sick and the alone I'm reaching out to the fortunate who can build their own homes I'm reaching out to the ones who seems to have lost their way And I'm calling on all the ones who can show them a brighter day I believe if you believe then we can achieve anything So lift your voice and give it everything Now let you're your heart sing
Chorus: Africa to America Everywhere common and spread some love We got faith and a little hope I believe that we can heal the globe It's time to open our eyes and see That all we need is you and me Unity's like harmony So let me see you stretch your hands across the world Hands across the world...
I'm reaching out to all of the hoods and the streets everywhere I'm reaching out to all in need to show the world that you care Can't go no more you've given up and your energy's running low I'm reaching out to the pastors and the words they give us all I believe that if you believe then we can achieve anything So lift your voice and give it everything Now let you're your heart sing
Chorus: Africa to America Everywhere common and spread some love We got faith and a little hope I believe that we can heal the globe It's time to open our eyes and see That all we need is you and me Unity's like harmony So let me see you stretch your hands across the world Hands across the world...
It's the world main project my desire The power of love you cannot deny ya Let's go people it's time to go higher Let's spread your wings I believe you can fly ya We can do anything if we believe Let me see you dance if you got victory If we come together we can make history So let me see you reach
[Chorus: X 2] Africa to America Everywhere common and spread some love We got faith and a little hope I believe that we can heal the globe It's time to open our eyes and see All we need is you and me Unity's like harmony So let me see you stretch your hands across the world Hands across the world
"Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict." - Rabindranath Tagore
Michael Jackson had an extraordinary talent, he was able to put confer a physical dimension to his songs - I can see the rhythm, I will cry, laugh, love, protest, dance, feel empowered – every time I listen to his songs, I feel them. It’s an unique, rewarding experience.
"Each time the wind blows
I hear your name so
I call your name ...
Whispers at morning
Our love is dawning
Heaven's glad you came ...
You know how I feel This thing can't go wrong
I'm so proud to say
I love you
Your love's got me high
I long to get by
This time is forever
Love is the answer"
“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” was the first single of Bad album. It was received as rather a second hand song, maybe because of the fact it featured unknown, at the time, Siedah Garrett. Whitney Huston, Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin, rumored to have been asked for the duet but declined due to previous obligations, might have brought more star power to the song
but it is my opinion that would have not brought the chemistry.
(Well in a total different way a duet with Aretha Franklin would have rocked our world.)
In spite of what has been said about the song the fact remains it opened the list of 5 consecutive number one songs in Billboard’s Hot 100 and went on to top R&B and Adult Contemporary singles charts (Michael's 2nd number one hit in the later after, coincidentaly, his duet from 1982
with Paul McCartney, “The Girl Is Mine”)
Truth is at this point in time the duet needs no introduction. Michael and Siedah created magic.
In the studio and on stage.
Two wonderful artists who were brought together by their
deep understanding of how music can touch people.
In an interview with SongTalk Magazine, Siedah talked about how she found out
she will record a duet with Michael:
"It came as a total surprise. Quincy called me after I had worked with him doing the background vocals for 'Man In The Mirror' to come back to the studio to do more work, but when I got there, I was surprised to discover that there was nobody else in the studio but Quincy, Michael and me. And the song they were working on wasn't 'Man In The Mirror.' It was a song that Quincy had given me a tape to learn. But I had no idea – I do lots of vocals on demos for Quincy, so this was nothing unusual. So Quincy said, 'You got the tape, right? Did you learn the song?' I said, 'Sure, I know the song.' He said, 'Well, go in there and sing it.' I go into the booth: there's two music stands. Michael Jackson is standing at one of them in front of a microphone and there's another microphone for me. This is the first time I realized what was happening. On the sheet music it said, 'Michael, Siedah, Michael, Siedah, etc.' I said, 'Wow! I get it.'"
“I hear your voice now
You are my choice now
The love you bring
Heaven's in my heart
At your call
I hear harps,
And Angels sing
You know how I feel
This thing can't go wrong
I can't live my life
Without you”
The song originally had a spoken intro (which was added for later version of the BAD album) and a longer musical opening. The song was also recorded in French as “Je Ne Veux Pas La fin De Nous”
But what stands out is the perfect match up between Siedah’s and Michael’s voices. Marvin Gaye described Michael as having “the quality that separates the merely sentimental from the truly heartfelt, …. rooted in the blues”. Siedah Garrett definitely had the quality as well – whatever Michael brought to the song she answered.
Rolling Stone magazine, in their 1987 review of Bad album, described the song as “quivering with the kind of desire that makes men walk bent at the waist”.
[Michael]
You know how I feel
I won't stop until
I hear your voice saying
"I do"
[Siedah]
"I do"
This thing can't go wrong
[Michael]
This feeling's so strong
[Siedah]
Well, my life ain't
Worth living
[Both]
If I can't be with you
I just can't stop loving you
And even though it is my opinion their review only describes part of the song, they did very well underlined the songs power to transmit the ache and the embodiment of love.
In my opinion, the explanation behind the song’s success it’s the deep emotional connection, that the two shared and the lyrics talk about.
[Michael]
At night when the
Stars shine
I pray in you I'll find
A love so true . . .
[Siedah]
When morning awakes me
Will you come and take me
I'll wait for you
As Siedah remembers not everything about recording the song was all serious.
In her interview with SoulTalk magazine she said:
"Michael is funny. He has a real keen sense of humor. Which surprised me, because you hear all these stories about how strange he is. I guess he felt relaxed with me because I wasn't in awe of him when we met. I was kind of, 'Yo, Michael, what's up?' I think he found that refreshing." "If I was talking to Quincy and we were serious for some reason, Michael would toss cashews and peanuts at us. I would be talking to Quincy and these peanuts would fly by. You know, the duet is a very serious love song. And when I was doing my verse, Michael was making these faces at me so that I would mess up. Quincy would say, 'Siedah – come on! You're holding up the whole album!' And I would get in trouble!"
In his autobiography “Moonwalk”, Michael said he did not write the song with someone in mind but that while performing it live he did.
The song did not had a video but eventually it didn’t needed one. The live performances during the Dangerous Tour become the visual support of the duet. Though Michael also performed alongside Sheryl Crow during Bad Tour, I don’t think too many of us think of that when we are talking or listening to “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”. It will always be Michael and Siedah. The on stage performance of the song, their on stage attraction to one another created a lasting impression
that will never fade away.
Michael, you are, and will forever be the thread of velvety voice, so intricately woven into the fabric of the soundtrack of my life. Your music, talent, heart and soul has touched every cell of my being. More than enough to last a lifetime. You are magic. And I will miss you. May your vibrant soul rest in eternal peace. You changed my life, and for that I will love you forever.
Siedah AKA "Miss Gayree"
[Siedah] We can change all the world Tomorrow
[Michael] We can sing songs of Yesterday
[Siedah] I can say, hey ...
Farewell to sorrow
[Michael] This is my life and I,
[Both] Want to see you for always I just can't stop loving you
Credits
Written and composed by Michael Jackson Vocal duet with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett
Bass: Nathan East Drums: N'dugu Chancler Guitar: Dan Huff Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa Piano: John Barnes Synclavier: Christopher Currell Synthesizers: David Paich and Greg Phillinganes Synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro Rhythm arrangement by Quincy Jones Synthesizer arrangement by David Paich and Quincy Jones Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson and John Barnes
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.
With Earth Hour almost upon us, our thoughts are with the people of Japan during this incredibly challenging and sad time for their country.
Make sure your engagement goes beyond the hour. Go and get inspired and inspire others: http://www.beyondthehour.org/
Prepare yourself for Earth Hour 2011 with the "Lights Off" Twitter-application. http://eh2011.com #earthhour
Michael Jackson - Planet Earth
Planet Earth, my home, my place A capricious anomaly in the sea of space Planet Earth are you just Floating by, a cloud of dust A minor globe, about to bust A piece of metal bound to rust A speck of matter in a mindless void A lonely spaceship, a large asteroid
Cold as a rock without a hue Held together with a bit of glue Something tells me this isn't true You are my sweetheart soft and blue Do you care, have you a part In the deepest emotions of my own heart Tender with breezes caressing and whole Alive with music, haunting my soul.
In my veins I've felt the mystery Of corridors of time, books of history Life songs of ages throbbing in my blood Have danced the rhythm of the tide and flood Your misty clouds, your electric storm Were turbulent tempests in my own form I've licked the salt, the bitter, the sweet Of every encounter, of passion, of heat Your riotous color, your fragrance, your taste Have thrilled my senses beyond all haste In your beauty, I've known the how Of timeless bliss, this moment of now
Planet Earth are you just Floating by, a cloud of dust A minor globe, about to bust A piece of metal bound to rust A speck of matter in a mindless void A lonely spaceship, a large asteroid Cold as a rock without a hue Held together with a bit of glue Something tells me this isn't true You are my sweetheart gentle and blue Do you care, have you a part In the deepest emotions of my own heart Tender with breezes caressing and whole Alive with music, haunting my soul. Planet Earth, gentle and blue With all my heart, I love you.
----
Addition March 27, 2011:
Thank you everyone who participated in this global movement!!!
The "It's All For L.O.V.E" blog team would like to wish
Prince Michael Jackson II a.k.a. Blanket
a very happy 9th birthday today!!!
You have been through a very hard time and had to go through more than a child of your age should ever face but we do hope that by the love and support of your family and loved ones, and by the love you get from all over the world, there is a happy and lovely year ahead for you!!!
May you be blessed and rewarded today and for the rest of your life!
Give Love to the children, children need love everyday. Give love to the children - guide them on their way. Love's like a burning flame - consumes all that stands in the way.
Love is the only power on earth to take all the hatred away. GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN set the children free. To make their own decisions then they will clearly see. Love is the sun, the moon and the stars, love is a golden ring.
Love is the one thing, the whole world desires - be it beggar or king. GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN - youth has not long to stay. Love is a long term investment, the best you will find any day.
Love like the rising sun, takes all the darkness away. Our children will tell their children and their childrens children will say. Give love to the children - they are our crock of gold and if perchance, they ever stray, they will come back to the fold.
Give love to the children, the children of today. Give love to the children
and
source: davidarchie via @MyMJJtribute
ℒﻉ√٥
will come to stay.
~ Poem written by: Elizabeth Quinn ( Lisborn, Northern Ireland)
Ai Weiwei's studio before the destruction. photo (c) The Telegraph
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was featured here already as he is a true Soldier of L.O.V.E. fighting for the rights of the unheard voices of the lost children and as a peaceful activist for freedom and democracy in China and around the world.
He uses his phenomenal art to truely make a change and is therefore seriously and constantly under the attack of Chinese authorities, where he almost lost his life being beaten down so hard on the head.
Ai Weiwei never gives up and doesn't even turn his back on China.
On January 11th, 2011 Chinese authorities took another method to bring him down. They completely destroyed his studio building in Shanghai (worth about 1 million US-$). This was probably also a reaction to Ai Weiwei's support of Nobel Peace Price winner Liu Xiaobo.
BEIJING — The studio would have stood at the heart of an embryonic arts cluster on the outskirts of Shanghai, a draw for luminaries from around the world.
It took two years to build, and one day to tear down. (...)
“Everything is gone,” he said. “It’s all black now. They finished the job at 9 o’clock last night.” (...)
Meanwhile Ai Weiwei's fantastic work of Art "Sunflower Seeds" is still shown in Tate Modern in London.
This outstanding piece of Art shows hundreds of millions of Sunflower Seeds that seem to be identical but are apparently unique and handmade porcelaine in China.
As we all know about Michael Jackson's love for Sunflowers, the Sunflower Seeds represent the "seeds of love" and a basis for love to grow...
Ai Weiwei's "Sunflower Seeds" in the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern.
Watch the video about "Sunflower Seeds" here:
Let's show human rights activist Ai Weiwei and China our love and support!!! I guess you all saw what happened when the Michael Jackson bronze statue was unveiled in China recently...
We wish you all a very happy new year with many blessings!
I hope we as the MJ Fam will continue to stay together in unity and keep Michael's message alive. We are the ones to "make that change"...
Together we can Heal The World and continue to fulfill Michael's dream!
This song by R. Kelly is dedicated to you all... The lyrics reminded me of the MJ Fam right away.
"Relief" appeared as a bonus track on the "Best Buy" version of R. Kelly's recent "Love Letter" album...
R. Kelly - Relief Lyrics
The storm is over, and i'm so glad the sun is shining We fast and pray and it feels good to know that he answers Confusion everywhere, without a clue on how to make things better A toast to the man upstairs, 'cause he puts the pieces back together
Now lets step to a new tune, cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Well, let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Although we struggle, know that help is on the way (yeah) The power of love, we can not underestimate (no) Seems like you're gonna break, and there is no escape, you still got to have faith, yeah And know that love, is gonna step up to the plate (yeah)
Now lets step to a brand new tune, 'cause everything is o.k. You're alright, and I'm alright Oh, so let's celebrate
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
Listen, See I'm just trying to bring relief for those that need it Somebody help somebody, now go and repeat it Understand that struggle has no colors See, we all got our stormy weather, Thats all the more reason why we should join hands and pull it together
Steppin' gives us a way out through the back door So take a deep breath and grap somebody and hit the floor
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
What a relief to know that, we are one What a relief to know that, the war is over What a relief to know that, there is an angel in the sky What a relief to know that, love is still alive
...from the IAFL-webteam to all our blog-visitors!
Reflecting what to write for Christmas on the blog, I read some wise words from wise people and as well some from tpeople who usually were not famous for their wisdom.
You too will have met people, who are convinced that there's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. I can not agree to this, as it is us to keep our inner child alive - at least a little bit and because the christmas spirit of love is magic for adults as well.
The video below shows Michael Jackson´s very first Christmas in 1993. He never experienced the wonders of Christmas as a child. It´s amazing to see his joy.
To me, Christmas most cherished presents are the gift of hope and the gift of love which we get - unwrapped and unvisible. I found the message of Christmas well expressed by Taylor Cadwell:
~ I am not alone at all, I thought.
I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas.
We are never alone.
Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the word seemingly most indifferent.
This is just the time of the year people all over the world are wondering what they are going to give the children for Christmas to put smiles on their faces. What we give depends a lot on where on this beautiful planet we are living, if and what kind of income we have and many more social factors.
Last week I learned about an internet survey where children were asked how they would spend money if they were rich and had about 1 million $.
The results are interesting:
Here is the top 10 what children would do
with 1 Million Dollars:
place 10 save the money
place 9 spend money on a meet and greet .............. .. with Celebs
place 8 toys
place 7 sweets (and not to forget to make an appointment::: ..at the doctors!, notation made by me )
place 6 clothes
place 5 fulfill wishes of all family-members
place 4 computer games
place 3 pets
2nd place donations to Charities
1st place a luxury villa for the family
I do not know whether the children could run the questions in a single or multiple instances. This internet survey is only based on material things and therefore somewhat superficial.The more I am pleased about the children thinking clearly very social and to raise the intent "donations to Charity" on the second place. It shows that our children are that kind of dreamers this world needs to survive ; it shows that our children are loving and giving human beings, willing to get in action to make this world a better place. This is a lesson that our children have less material interests than we mostly assume them to have. Anyone who lives with children, especially those of us who work on a professional base, can experience that children´s real wishes and dreams deep inside aren´t material at all. They wish health (especially when a family member is not at good health) and they dream of living in a happy family and to be loved.
These wishes and dreams reveal the childlike wisdom that we all do not need much more if we have a warm home, no lack of food, education and when there is the love and appreciation we need.
Children always felt Michael Jackson´s love
~They who dream by day are cognizant of many things
~ Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas.
All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations.
For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow.
It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow.
It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again. (unknown author)~
Michael Jackson might have left this planet, but he will never be forgotten. The world will not forget him being an unique artist, but most of us will also always remember him as humanitarian and giving person, a beautiful living soul, who has fought throughout his life for suffering children All over his lifetime, he donated incredible loads of money to a number of foundations intending to heal the world. Michael will have felt the spirit of Christmas all over the year...and not just in december.
By his will he is going to live on as a giving humanitarian; charities will get support for many, many years beyond his death.
On the occasion of Christmas, I would like (one more time) to ask for your attention for a project in Haiti, organized for the children in the poorest area of Port au Prince, Cité Soleil. After checking out the fotos you will agree that the life in Cité Soleil is far away from being as nice as it´s name seems to promise, especially not for the children, ....especially not after the devasting earthquake in january 2010.
A group of volunteers around one of Haiti´s most famous DJs, Carel Pedre, distribute every Sunday a warm meal to about 300 children. Take some time to learn more about the project by following into our archive of posts where you find additional links which will give you a picture of "The Sunday Project in Haiti". Don´t miss to watch Karlitos video.
"To honor the children of the world,
I vow to help the sick & dying, the alone, homeless
and hungry in every corner of the world."- Michael Jackson
There are many campaigns, organizations, and charities directly related to Michael that you can donate to. If you follow the links, Raven, the appreciated author ofthis beautiful bloghas published, you will get to Charities which you might like to support.
This group’s reputation and purpose needs no introduction! Most of you will have already crossed @yogadancer7´s paths or the account @trees4MJ on Twitter. A small donation of $15 ensures the planting of 15 trees in Michael’s name.
When Michael Jackson passed, the feeling of loss and grief was quite overwhelming. I somewhat felt alone in my mourning of MJ; coming a small conservative, reserved town in Virginia, I wasn't sure if anyone truly understood what this lost meant to me:
This was the loss of innocence; I always felt like a young teen singing to my "BAD" poster when I listened to MJ, like I'm frozen in time. When our personal "Peter Pan" ascended to heaven, I had to slowly come to the realization this was the end of an era.
My life changed when I met a certain group of ladies - starting with @doublebeee and @Kiki_MJFan4life, I started to share my personal thoughts of MJ, his music, his style, his buckles...
Then I had interaction with @mike1909, @angelzaroundus, and @ichliebemjj, reflecting on MJ's kindness and gentle spirit.
Finally, I met @Cassarah_ and @Gimevacarezza discussed the charitable work of MJ and the rest was HIStory.
All the elements fore mentioned were a part of a blog, "It's All For Love", I didn't consider myself as a "blogger", but with MJ as the canvass, it was easy to get on board! The blog started discussing children's issues, as we know this was something very close to MJ's.
As the webteam team grew, it became a place of remembrance of MJ's life, career, charity, style, music, and of course, his heart.
Learning more about MJ's suffering has made me aware of my footprint on this planet, meeting the members of the webteam has encouraged me to look deep within myself and try to "make that change".
I'm very happy to be a part of this international sisterhood. I've always said we all have a purpose on this planet; MJ's purpose was to bring us together, for that I'm grateful.
"We all have to give and we all have to do what we can to help end the needless suffering in the world."
Michael Jackson & Friends
The Adventure of Humanity" Announcement
March 23, 1999
[...] children have certain inalienable rights, and the gradual erosion of those rights has led to scores of children worldwide being denied the joys and security of childhood. I would therefore like to propose tonight that we instal in every home a Children's Universal Bill of Rights, the tenets of which are:
• The right to be loved, without having to earn it
• The right to be protected, without having to deserve it
• The right to feel valuable, even if you came into the world with nothing
• The right to be listened to without having to be interesting
• The right to be read a bedtime story without having to compete with the evening news or EastEnders
• The right to an education without having to dodge bullets at schools
• The right to be thought of as adorable (even if you have a face that only a mother could love).Friends, the foundation of all human knowledge, the beginning of human consciousness, must be that each and every one of us is an object of love. Before you know if you have red hair or brown, before you know if you are black or white, before you know of what religion you are a part, you have to know that you are loved.
Michael Jackson Oxford Union Speech, March 6, 2001
Michael Jackson's music has accompanied me through my life. I have always loved his music and his magical performances. But even more than being a fan of the artist I have been a follower of the man, as a supporter of general welfare and tolerance for people of all colors, races, characters and social statuses, and as active ambassador for children worldwide and their rights.
It is Michael's spirit that brought our webteam together. In november 2009 we started with this blog, which is of course MJ-related. To us this means: never getting tired of caring about whatever is going on in the world.
To run this blog was not really a decision, it was more like something made me starting it. There were more reasons speaking against it - not just my rather limited skills in english. My head said NO - but my heart said YES. Today I call myself being very, very fortunate to have met my sisters, living on 4 continents in 5 countries. Words fail me to express -and this is no matter of language skills- how grateful I am and how much your love and support adds to my life.
Thank you, Ladies, for all the smiles you brought to my face
One comes from the strings of a guitar, the other from the strings of the heart.
One sound comes from a chamber orchestra, the other from the beating of the heart's chamber.
One comes from an instrument of graphite and wood, the other from an organ of flesh and blood. This loftier music I speak of tonight is more pleasing than the notes of the most gifted composers, more moving than a marching band, more harmonious than a thousand voices joined in hymn and more powerful than all the world's percussion instruments combined.
That ... sweet and sound of love."
Michael Jackson (Carnagie Hall speech)
I was slow in accepting @Cassarah's invitation to team up to build this blog. I don't know to this day how she went past my lame excuses for not saying yes. Truth is it was just too hard for me to deal with my emotions. Trying to write this the words "labor of love" came to my mind - but they would not apply here because being part of the blog required no effort, on the contrary it's been a source of energy and healing. It's wonderful to have this place to share my thoughts and most of all I'm proud to be part of this project aimed at raising awareness about children and other social issues. I have no doubt that the love we share is changing the world for the better.
Beyond this i hope you know how grateful I am to have you sisters.
Words fail me when it comes to my feelings for our blog and the blog team. I can't even begin.
Let me try to put this straight and simple.
I love Michael Jackson, and I feel him loving me back through this sisterhood. We have gathered together because of him. We share our grief of losing him, the pain that is never going to cease, and in the process we help each other to learn and grow in so many levels. By the blog itself, we are a miniature world with teammates from different parts of the world, and we are tightly interconnected,
while at the same time open to the whole world.
It's a miracle. Loving Michael in his death gives me pain, but he rewarded me with much, much more love.
This blog is a manifestation of this love.
Sisters, you are all gifts from him to me. Thank you for being here, and I love you more.
I decided to pull a quote from a review that I did of "This Is It," it feels like a fitting metaphor on how we formed this partnership in the first place.
"Michael had the generosity and heart to elevate those around him. Even when the musicians made errors, he would remind them “This is why we have rehearsal.” When he gave direction and sensed the slightest hesitation from his band or crew, he’d give his direction, punctuated with “God Bless You,” “I Love You” or “Its all for L.O.V.E.”
Michael's presence is everywhere, and he reminds us all the time that everything we do should be in the name of L.O.V.E., but even when it isn't, as human beings, we have the opportunity,and the free will to make it right again.
I've been a fan of Michael's since I was 2 years old, when i think to some of my earliest memories his name appears in all of them. Michael Jackson gave me confidence when I needed it,strength when I needed it....when he died I felt like a part of myself died too. I couldn't put into words how I felt & when I did try it seemed as though people around me didn't get it. I felt lost like no one understood it was then I started meeting the girls that would change my life. I remember talking with @sohappi & @angelzaroundus first & I remember finally feeling like someone got me & someone understood I met the rest of the wonderful sisterhood after that & soon after joined the blog team. I can't believe it's the anniversary of our little blog but at the same time I think to myself, it's only been a year? I say that because it feels like I've known these beautiful girls for so much longer. I don't know what I would do without them, I can't even remember my life without them in it. This blog for me has been kind of a rebirth of the part of me i thought I lost when MJ passed. I feel blessed to be a part of this blog & even more to be part of an amazing sisterhood of ladies that have changed my life forever :)
"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe"
Michael Jackson (Oxford Union Speech, 2001)
Words fail me when I tried to talk about what the blog means to me and what Michael Jackson means to me. I guess the best thing to write about both is by writing about one at a time. I'll start with the meaning of Michael Jackson in my life and his impact on it.
Since I was a child Michael Jackson was a very important part of my life. I remember to see thriller with my brother for the first time and I was so scared but his voice and the rhythm I couldn't stop watching it!. I started to listen to him at the age of 4 and at that age I wasn't into all the philanthropy thing but as I was growing up I was learning more and more from and about him. He taught me about music of course, about respect, about love, about care, about how much doing charitable works and helping people in need can make you feel better but the most important lesson I learned from him was to speak up for those who can't, for what it's right, for uncover the lies and for many more reasons.
Through Michael Jackson I knew a new world full of magic and love.
When he died I was and still am overwhelmed with sadness and pain, I cried so much and I thought nobody would understand me or feel the same sadness but one day I met a wonderful lady @doublebeee who showed me a blog post, after I read the blog I was amazed of how the blog represented Michael's spirit, I automatically knew I wanted to be a part of that act of L.O.V.E so I asked to @doublebeee If I could and when she said she talked to the girls and they all agreed. I met an amazing group of ladies who shared my beliefs and most important the love I feel for Michael and the will to change the world and continue to his legacy. This girls teach me so much everyday and they make me feel so loved that I can't say nothing but Thank you. Thank you for letting me be a part of the blog, for teaching me something new everyday, for being there for me when I need it and lots of other things. Through you and Michael I'm a better person.
Thank you again sisters!.
I feel lucky to have you.
L.O.V.E.
@GimeVacarezza
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"Can it be I stayed away too long? Did I leave your mind while I was gone?"
Michael Jackson - I Wanna Be Where You Are
June 25, 2009 marked a night for me that was changing me in so many ways. I don't even wanna go back there to this night of shock I spent in front of the TV seeing what I never thought I would see... and I never knew what it would do to me.
The weeks that followed I spent reminiscing about what Michael meant to me and to my life over the many years he's in my life. A million memories returned and my grief was just unbearable. I felt lonely and confused and didn't really believe anyone else would feel or even understand what he meant to me. I hardly even recognized myself.
Just out of curiosity and despair I joined Twitter because CNN was reporting that fans all over the world were discussing Michael and his meaning there.
That was the start of something I never expected or thought would be possible... I met some amazing people there who clearly felt the same about Michael and wouldn't judge my feelings.
I now call them my sisters! We're what I think represents Michael's dream he never stopped repeating: An international family of L.O.V.E. joined in the purpose of spreading the love, holding on to Michael's legacy and grow on each other in many different ways.
When mike1909 and Cassarah started the "It's All For L.O.V.E." blog, I was happy to join and have another outlet to read and spread Michael's message and to be a counterpart of what mass media tried to do to Michael over all those years.
Now it's our turn to "make that change"!!! And we do. It's great to see how it works and how we are able to reach people all over the world. With love, not controversy.
Thank you my sweet sisters for letting me being a part of you and this amazing journey. I love you!
"I know that keepin' the faith means never givin' up on love. But the power that love has to make it right, makes it, makes it right..."
