My Slice of the Universe

RIP: Lucy in the Sky

bobveatch — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:10:02 +0000

Lucy Vodden, the woman who inspired the Beatles classic ‘Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,’ died last Tuesday at the age of 46. Vodden, a childhood friend of Julian Lennon, passed away after losing a fight with the autoimmune disease lupus, according to an announcement made Monday by the St. Thomas’ Lupus Trust Charity.

John Lennon took the song title from a picture Julian had drawn of Vodden at school. “That’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds,” Julian told his dad when he brought the artwork home. Due to the psychedelic feel of the song, from the Fab Four’s iconic 1967 album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,’ many fans felt the song’s title was an allusion to LSD.

“I remember Julian and I both doing pictures on a double-sided easel, throwing paint at each other, much to the horror of the classroom attendant,” Vodden — who’s maiden name was O’Donnell — told BBC radio in 2007. “Julian had painted a picture and on that particular day his father turned up with the chauffeur to pick him up from school.”

Sgt. Pepper was an important event for “my generation.” And Lucy was on of the best songs on the album. Lucy Vodden was the “Mona Lisa” of Sgt. Pepper, the mortal inspiration for an immortal work of art.
There is also a heart warming angle to the story. Julian Lennon either kept in touch or reconnected with his childhood friend. He corresponded with Lucy and telephoned her. Julian and Lucy shared a love of gardening and Lennon would send Lucy gift certificated for her to use at a local gardening store. In June, it was reported that Julian Lennon was supporting Vodden during her fight with the disease. According to the charity, Lennon and his mother, John’s first wife Cynthia, were “shocked and saddened by the loss of Lucy and their thoughts are with her husband and family today and always.

Wisdom From Eric Hoffer

bobveatch — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:37:39 +0000

You can never get enough of what you don’t need to make you happy.

The Fear Factor

bobveatch — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:22:29 +0000

The following quote is from the novel “Dune” by Frank Herbert. In Dune and the later novels in the series, the Bene Gesserit is a sisterhood who’s members practiced mental and physical training that gave them almost superhuman powers. The world seems to be a fearful place today. There are real things to be concern with–H1N1 flu for example. Concern can lead to preparation, which is good. But there are falsehoods and rumors that are calculated at causing fear. Fear leads to mistakes. Perhaps this “litany against fear” is as important in the real world as in the fictional world of Dune.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
- Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

Quote of the Morning: Sept. 15, 2009

bobveatch — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:47:40 +0000

“Simplicity, clarity, singleness: these are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy.” - Richard Halloway

The Lincoln Lunch

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:47:45 +0000

I just came across a “new to me” term: the Lincoln lunch. At first I feared that it might be a political term like “tea party.” Instead it is a meal that can be purchased with a five dollar bill or less. It gets its name from Honest Abe’s likeness on the bill. In urban areas a Lincoln lunch may be hard to find but there are small town cafes where you can eat like a king for a finn.

The War Against Talk Like A Pirate Day!

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:51:51 +0000

Did you know that there are only five days until International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Hard to believe isn’t it! I know that the radios have been playing sea chanties for months. The malls have had displays of treasurer chests and Jolly Rogers since the Fourth of July. Again the elite are at war Talk Like A Pirate Day. Certain groups are conspiring to rob the holiday of its true meaning. They would deny the importance of Pirates in the spiritual life of American. But a true American will not accept a wishy-washy greet of the season. No “Happy Nautical Language Day” for me!!! I plan t greeting everyone on September 19th with a “Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day, you lubber!” Remember to keep the Pirate in Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Blogging

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:17:30 +0000

Having a blog is like having a teenager: you keep saying things but never know if anyone is paying attention.

Bumper Sticker Wisdom

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:45:28 +0000

“Happiness is good health and bad memory.”

“Always remember that you are unique…just like everyone else.”

“Time flies like an arrow/ Fruit flies like a banana.”

“Love is Grand/ Divorce is Twenty Grand.”

“Madness takes its toll (please have exact change.)”

Good Intention

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:25:30 +0000

“I intend to live forever…so far, so good.”

Steven Wright

Quincy Writers Guild Meets Tonight

bobveatch — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:30:42 +0000

The Quincy Writers Guild will meet tonight at the Bickford Cottages on East Maine Street. The meeting begins at seven o’clock. Anyone interested in writing is welcome to attend.