Music, life, and death
Here I am in front of Duncan Donuts waiting for my husband to get his coffee for the road. For some reason, you get the best light in that parking lot, so it’s a fun time to take a selfie.
We headed down to Monmouth University for another Tuesday Night Record Club hosted by Ken Womack.
Last night’s record was Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks.”
Graphics by Ken Womack
I don’t know much about Bob Dylan, and sometimes it’s hard to decipher the words he’s singing, but there are some great tunes on this record. It’s from 1974 and I remember buying it in the early 1990s when I had tickets to see him and Patti Smith. I wanted to be a bit more familiar with his work, other than what I heard as a kid. (We had a box of 45s in our house that someone gave us and I had a blast listening to them. I’d listen to both A and B sides. Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay” was a standout.)
My favorite on “Blood on the Tracks” is “Idiot Wind.” which is supposedly about severed relationships.
As someone who is a professional writer and a lover of words, words can make or break a song, but let’s be honest, sometimes you just can’t figure out what the hell Bob Dylan is singing about without the lyrics right smack in your face. Though that’s what’s endearing and legendary about him, the way he poetically rambles with intensity. For that reason, I adore “Idiot Wind.”
My second favorite is “You’re a Big Girl Now.”
And my third favorite is “Bucket of Rain.” I’d love to hear Sierra Ferrell cover that one. I said that to my husband and agreed.
I love the Tuesday Night Record Clubs when we can make it! Do you have a favorite from Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks”?
And now for a real shocker …..
Gilad Janklowicz “Bodies in Motion”
The devastating, heartbreaking news of the week.
Beloved “Bodies in Motion” fitness guru Gilad Janklowicz is dead at 71.
People are shocked and very sad.
The public does not know the cause. I poked around on social media. Some said a heart attack. Others said cancer.
An early death from a man who said he never knew the taste of alcohol, never had a drink in his life. A man who inspired millions with his fitness show “Bodies in Motion.”
Of course I got choked up. I watched that show religiously, along with other fitness shows. From time to time I was a gym rat, but to this day I prefer working out at home. Back then fitness shows were on ESPN, now they are on YouTube.
I always loved working out with Gilad, from his show in Hawaii to my living room in New Jersey. He was such a positive force. Exercising along with Gilad in “Bodies in Motion” was an excellent way to start the day.
When you hear of someone who is so into health and fitness dying before their time, it’s shocking. One would think a person like Gilad Janklowicz would live well into their 90 — or even 100s!
But nothing guarantees longevity, not even a healthy lifestyle.
I tried explaining this to people last year when I got cancer.
Someone said, “YOU?! YOU have cancer?!?” They were shocked because of the healthy lifestyle I lead.
But cancer does not discriminate. Just one cell can get into your system. Amazing health doesn’t exempt you from cancer or any other disease that can flip things at any time. Life is just that way. And in my 62 years, I’ve seen healthy, happy people die sooner than you’d imagine.
So, please, those reading do not ever judge someone by their health; just as you shouldn’t judge someone by their wealth or status.
Anything can happen to anyone. As my grandmother once said, “When your time is up, it’s up.”
Last night I met a woman who is 105 and did not look it! She was at the record club. She was 105 and loved Bob Dylan! She was born in 1921.
I asked her what was the secret to her longevity.
She said, “There is no secret.”
That’s exactly it. There is no secret.
Live your life as full and as beautiful as possible, because you just never know.
Rest in sweet paradise, Gilad Janklowicz. Our loss, heaven’s gain.
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