LISTENING TO JEAN – MICHEL BLAIS AT THE MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
There are words that I want to write about.
Kindness and joy and other words that fill a dictionary like sunrise and sunset. Words that wobble like a wild wobbling turkey and words that fill souls and warm hearts: Thank you. You are dazzling.
Words like imagination, inspiration and passion although passion can sometimes be a dangerous word that can lead to jealousy and murder and other words that I do not even want to think about.
I want to write about the beauty of an ocean and the rays of a sun shining on a seaway that will lead to that endless ocean.
I want to write words that smell like the apple pie which my father used to make.
Memories of wadding in a plastic pool with my sister and her white rubber bathing cap are also good words that make me feel that she is still with me.
Perfect is also a good word although I have found it hard to end my day without messing up one way or another like having a series of perfect golf shots only to end up on the green with three putts, if you know what I mean.
I want to write about naiveté and vulnerability and being humble.
Words that are unselfish. Everyday words that are too often unused like love and happiness and smiles.
Unpretentious, funny and confident. These are also good words to incorporate into one’s life.
Words that make you dream and hope and believe in faith and the goodness of mankind.
Youthfulness, appreciation and acceptance are also good to have swirling in one’s head.
Persistence, dedication and effort. Difficult words at times but necessary.
Rustling sounding words and murmurs of birds flying by.
Lightness and strength and desire. Good to carry around.
Words that say Hello, Good Morning, How Are You?
Words that are delicate, gentle and relaxing.
You think to yourself that this masquerade of happiness, joy, and spring is all very well, but occasionally you get tears in your eyes, and you realize that there’s maybe a small wound beneath the surface, an underlying sadness to it all, one that you nonetheless contemplate with optimism, with a willingness to turn it into something positive.” Jean-Michel Blais
Carol Balawyder 
You outline so beautifully, Carol, what writers want to achieve. It’s not easy to convey those essences of life with words. They are often not sufficient. How do you convey the tang of orange juice, or the warmth that spreads inside when you see an old friend. I know I didn’t do either of them justice here. That goal is part of what keeps writers going.
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Thanks, Margot, for your kind and encouraging words. So very much appreciated! ❤
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Oh, Carol, these words flow so beautifully, they are meant to be song lyrics. (Is there anything you can’t write???) I’ve absolutely loved jazz since my teen years. When we moved into our RV this last time, there was no place for a stereo, regretfully, I sold almost every album I had, and miss them dearly!
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Thanks, Ellie. You are too generous. Too bad you sold your albums but there is always YouTube. xxx
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Another lovely post, Carol.
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Thanks you, Anneli for your gentle words. xxx
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This is absolutely beautiful, Carol. Thank you for brightening my day. xo
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Oh, Jill, I get goose bumps reading that I brightened your day! 🙂
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Lovely Carol:-)
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Thanks so much, June. 🙂
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So beautiful, Carol. That white rubber bathing cap really struck me. I think my kids might not know what that is, but I had one. My mom had one. And then there is the image that reminds you of your sister. Very vivid.
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Coming from you, the poet, is a blessing for me. Thanks, Luanne. ❤
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A wonderful post
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Thank you! Thank you! ❤
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He clearly affected you deeply. Were you familiar with his music before attending the concert?
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Yes, I was. It was the reason why I wanted to go listen to him. It was so encouraging to see that the audience was such a young crowd. He, himself, is young and a rising star, for sure!
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I feel 2 inches taller and I have a silly smile on my face now. Thank you for both. Before Alex Trebek passed away, he said something along the lines of trying to build a kinder, a gentler society. Those words echoed in my mind as I read yours. Again, thank you.
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Oh, those are such nice words. I am touched that my post evoked in you such a sweet and tender feeling. ❤
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Very beautiful words and messages Carol. And I love the quote at the end. ❤
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Thank you, Debby. The quote comes from the mind of a beautiful and talented musician. ❤
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How gorgeous. That is a little-remembered reason for vocabulary, that it enriches our world.
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Thanks, Jacqui. 🙂
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This is so profound, Carol. Toni x
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Ah the Montreal Jazz Festival…how wonderful :). Your words are also delicious nourishment for the mind and body. Enjoy the day and all that it brings. Janet :)XX
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Thank you, Janet. I love that you used the words delicious nourishment. Those are such wonderful words. That’s exactly what Jean-Michel’s music did to me. ❤
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XXX
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Delightful musings Carol 💐🙏💖
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OhhhhYES! That is a mantra of so many of us writers. Perfection I don’t believe in but the quest to find those beautiful words and ideas and thoughts? That’s perfect enough.
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Thank you for sharing wonderful thoughts!.. I find if one just let one’s fingers do the walking and the heart do the talking, one will not go wrong… 🙂
Until we meet again..
May the dreams you hold dearest
Be those which come true
May the kindness you spread
Keep returning to you
(Irish Saying)
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What a gorgeous post, Carol. I loved this. Wonderful words to ponder and sprinkle through our days. Beautiful quote from Blais too. Thanks for sharing.
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Such nice words to hear. Thank you so very much. ❤
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