Still I'm Sad

One of the very first records I ever bought, back when I was 16 or just about to be, was The Shapes of Things, by the Yardbirds.  It featured, prominently, their then-recent replacement for Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, whom they'd taken on board at the recommendation of Jimmy Page. 

Yes, that is a lot of  legendary guitarists for a singe sentence.

I've just learned that Jeff Beck has passed away, following several other iconic musicians who--to me, anyway--contributed significantly to the soundtrack of my life. Jeff Beck was an astoundingly good guitarist. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (as one of the Yardbirds and as a solo act), he's been cited as one of the very first of the psychedelic rock musicians, but was undeniably skilled at blues, too, and has influenced countless other guitarists.

Although I might not have thought so when I was 16, now that I'm somewhat older I think that at 78 he was too young to go. I'm sorry that he's gone, as I'm sure many of my musician friends and other music lovers are, too. Jeff Beck had a remarkable life to go along with his remarkable talent, but Still I'm Sad to hear that he's gone. 

Peace and Wisdom

 

I wish all of my relatives, friends, and other readers a very happy, healthy, exciting, and prosperous Year of the Rabbit.

 With my usual disclaimer that I’m not a believer in astrology, Oriental, Occidental, or otherwise, nevertheless I do find the lore amusing and intriguing, and consider it perhaps worthwhile to consider the legendary characteristics of the year's representative animal, with a view toward emulating the strengths and avoiding the weaknesses with which it’s associated. 

 The rabbit is said to endow people born in its year with the traits of wisdom and caution, which might be mistaken for timidity but actually reflect careful consideration of options before jumping into a new situation. Rabbit people are also said to be good listeners and kind and sweet by nature, with appreciation for art and beauty.

 Appropriately for the current world situation, the rabbit is also said to impart calm and tact, being cool headed and slow to anger. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are likely, it is said, to be peacemakers.

 I fervently hope that the coming year brings peace where there has been strife, and justice where there has been iniquity.

 May the coming year be better by far than any that have preceded it, for each of you and for those you hold dear, and indeed for all of us. Happy New Year and joyous holidays!

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