John Lennon has been an important part of my life for many years. As a young girl, I adored The Beatles. I loved John’s ‘tongue in cheek’ wit. As I grew older, I realized my sense of humor was a bit like his (OK, a lot like his, BUT genetically speaking, I was pre-programmed with this “gift” or mouth, as some may say). Ray and I watched A Hard Day’s Night several days ago. We laughed till we cried…so much tongue-in-cheek loveliness. We sang also. Always a good thing.
John Winston Lennon…a strong name. What you don’t know is the W in J.W. stands for Winston. My son was a man of strength, and I had the good sense to realize that when naming him. He loved the fact that his middle name came from a Beatle. Like his mama, he liked them too! I like to think they are hanging out in Heaven… J.W. could give John a run for the money on ANY song. That was one of his gifts.
The picture to the side is called THE HUG. It is a lithograph that I have had for decades. It was the first thing you saw in my old house when stepping into the foyer. Every time I saw it, it made me smile. And NO, I did not hate Yoko…people fall in love. I can tell you that this lithograph will be packed in a crate when we move.
December 8, 1981, on the first anniversary of John’s death, we were in Liverpool. It wasn’t planned, but we were in London when I realized the anniversary was approaching. I packed some things and off we went by train. It was a fantastic experience. Huge crowds of young people were gathered. Many were crying, and many were singing. It is an experience I’ll never forget. That first anniversary was Epic with a capital E.
While in Liverpool, I handed a cab driver a list of addresses. I asked him if he could take us to the places on my list. He looked at the list and said, “Sure, but it looks a bit daft.” My list consisted of addresses where the lads grew up, places named in songs, and other milestone spots. When I explained we were doing “a Beatle tour,” he became excited. We even stopped for lunch. J.W. would have loved it, but it happened two years before he was born.
When I was in Ajijic, Mexico, a few weeks ago, I walked down the cobblestone driveway of the hotel to explore the area. I turned right onto the street and walked down a few houses. This is what I saw.
I stopped mid-step and became teary for many reasons. It reminded me of my son. It reminded me that this world had gotten itself WAYYY off course (my opinion, don’t be hating on me). This is a powerful song with a powerful message. Imagine…John had it right.
I turned and started walking in the opposite direction. At that point, I knew I would be doing a post on John Lennon and the Imagine Gate. A very good friend saw that photo and suggested I do a blog post about it. I had to laugh because that decision had been made a few weeks prior. Great minds. XOXO, YOU know who you are.
When I visited Lakeside, I didn’t know what to expect. To find John Lennon there…kind of life-changing. I can’t wait to show hubby in person.
Thank you for visiting. It is always appreciated.
Peace out (that is for my precious J. Winston).
Just loved this piece.. Sooo lovely miss Barb.❤❤ keep up the beautiful work..Happy & blessed day to you & hubby.
Hi Robin!
Thank you. Ajijic is a magical place and it was so lovely to see bits of my son there. He would have loved it.
You two have a blessed day also.
xoxo,
Barb
What a lovely post! I visited Liverpool a few years ago and can “imagine” the spirit there in ’81. My son’s name is John and grandson’s name is Harrison.
The Beatles rescued me as a young teen a few weeks after my father’s death. I will love them always
Thanks for sharing!
Peace, Marcie
Hi Marcie! Thank you for visiting.
The one year anniversary was something I’ll always remember. People from around the world had taken over the city (I liked that).
I love the name choices. My son’s first name was my maiden name. I thought about Winston as a first name but changed my mind. Harrison…love it!
The Beatles made a difference for so many people. I will always love them too!
Peace out,
Barb
It’s interesting how we all look at things differently. Personally, I was a fan of George Harrison, but back then (which is now known by many as the dinosaur age) I grew up on the wit of Rodger Miller. Now, I’m only interested in what will please the Lord, and some good old chamber music. But it’s interesting to see that Beetlemania lasted a lot longer than our parents said it would.
Hi Mikala,
Thank you for stopping by…always appreciated. Well, George was right behind John in my eyes. What a talent! It is sad to think that both of them are gone. Roger Miller, I haven’t heard that name for a while…he was pretty amazing too. I listen to Christian music as well.
Totally agree, our parents would be shocked to see that The Beatles live on.
Take care,
Barb
Though I was born in the 60s, I did become quite a Beatles fan in high school. I swiped my uncle’s albums and played them over and over. But, I moved on from that into the “cooler” (I know, I know…) 80s music that was raging in my upper HS and college years. And it was during that time that I came to know the Lord, so I quickly began to inundate myself with contemporary Christian music. Now that I’m all grown up, I love to revisit the Beatles and the 80s music that was such a part of my youth, though my mainstay will always be lyrics that draw me into the Lord’s presence. Last year, my middle son had a college class on the Beatles (what I wouldn’t have given for a college class like that!), and that gave us an opportunity to “bond” in a different way. So you and I have that in common! It makes me so happy to hear of your many Godwinks along the way these days. It helps, I am sure, to fill in the broken spaces in your heart. It’s an important thing, being a mother, and you certainly have done and are doing it well! Love and hugs….
Hi Christi,
Oh…your sweet comment brought tears to my eyes. Mother’s Day was difficult but I made it through. Started to get weepy at one point but Ray and God helped me right through it.
I listened to 80’s music as well…and 70’s. Whenever I hear an oldie, I think of J.W. I believe that young man knew the words to every oldie. We would joke about it.
Chris Tomlin is a favorite artist now…ok many are. Huge KLOVE fan.
I would have loved a class on The Beatles! They certainly made an impact on music and history.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
XOXO,
Barb