Love Thursday: My Sweet Meryl
my sweet meryl on her birthday over an absolutely perfect tiramisu
Last Friday I wandered Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, with Meryl–my neighbor, confidante and dearheart in our little urban family–in honor of her most recent birthday. We had a wonderful day, taking in art and eating the yummiest crab cakes at the counter of Nick’s (Cross Street Market). I love Meryl so much and especially the way she soaks in each magical moment she encounters.
Other things I can’t resist this perfect Love Thursday:
HopeREVO. Aren’t you curious?
Rosa Loves. Wear A T-shirt, change the world.
And blogs I’m loving…
Take a stroll down the Cheerio Road.
Hit a bullseye and see how strong you feel.
Decide which you like better–Sweet. Or Salty.
Last but not least, I have a request. Would you be willing to help my friend Meg and I encourage the lovely and dear Jen Ballantyne? Jen’s cancer is back, it’s not looking good, and she needs companionship and hope for this part of her journey. Email us at weloveyoujen at gmail dot com if you’re interested.
And before I forget, what music is inspiring you these days? If you leave your favorites in the comments, Meg and I will send Jen an imix this weekend.
February 7th, 2008 at 5:50 am
What a fabulous LT post–so many wonderful things to discover here! I can’t wait!
Come visit me and my pooches for some more Love Thursday love:
Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie
Have a great day!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Bliss: A Hundred Thousand Angels (one of my all-time pick-me-up faves that reminds me I am not alone).
February 7th, 2008 at 7:15 am
oh, and thanks for all the *wonder-full* links!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:29 am
The colors in this shot are amazing.
Happy Love Thursday.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Meryl looks like a warm and wonderful friend! Great pic. Lots of emotion captured in her face. (blog hopping the Love Thursday photos!)
February 7th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I’ve been listening to the Roches lately. Try out– Only You Know How, No Shoes, Jesus Shaves, and Sept. 11 at the Shambhala Center.
thanks for all the great links:)
February 7th, 2008 at 11:12 am
hmmm. so i just read jen ballantyne’s recent blogs and, well, i’ll leave it up to your wisdom to see if the roches (who are dear and funny) are inspiring enough.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Jen … Jen B.’s story and Meg’s post have totally moved (who uses that word anymore?) me this morning. And I was looking through my iTunes list and thinking about her and you and Meg. I don’t have a song I can suggest yet, BUT have you ever read a book by or listened to Rachel Naomi Remen? She’s written ‘Kitchen Table Wisdom’ and ‘My Grandfather’s Blessings’. She’s a writer after your own heart, Jen. A story teller and a feeler. She’s also done a podcast with Krista Tippet from Speaking of Faith (apm) that you can download from iTunes for free. I think it’s called Listening Generously. I could go on, and on, and on about her, but I’ll let you check her out for yourself and decide. She also has her own website rachelremen.com
February 7th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
You can tell she soaks in each moment just by the expression on her face.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
That is a beautiful photo of Meryl. You can see the grace in her face.
I really like the song What Light by Wilco.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Over the Rhine…”we’re gonna pull through”
Willy Mason
Nina Violet
Amazing music.
sure to pull anyone up.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
U2’s Yahweh gets me every time.
I’ll be posting Jen B’s news as well and sending readers her way with love.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Oh, I do have a song. Peace, by Fruit. Actually their whole album, Burn is beautiful. For lyrics and listen go here: http://www.fruitmusic.com.au/music/index.php
February 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Charmed to be in on the love mix, at least as a sprinkle on top. So much hurt on the horizon. I recommend “Rise” from my friend Sally Dworsky’s new CD. Find it at http://www.sallydworsky.com
February 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
no bad news by patty griffin!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZYhhZtKmvg
February 7th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Here are a few of my favorites:
**Free* by Donavan Frankenreiter ** I just love his beat and sound of his music
**Upside Down* by Jack Johnson** Jack Johnson always lifts my spirits
**Sexy Back* by Justin Timberlake** This song always makes me want to get up and dance, and dancing is always good for the soul
**Big Strong Girl* by Deb Talan** This song inspires me to laugh, cry, smile
**Ready for the Good Times* by Sharkira** Another one to get up and dance to
**These Friends of Mine* by Rosie Thomas** Reminds me of beautiful memories
I hope you enjoy them.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I gotta go with “Somebody Loved” by The Weepies.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban has been in my head ever since I read this post this morning.
February 7th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
“Anytime” by Jane Siberry. A song for a friend to sing to a friend if ever there was one.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
two songs that are inspiring me:
*”Anytime” by Issa
*”So Much Magnificence” by Miten with Deva Premal
February 7th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Storyhill, “Room in My Heart”
Emmylou Harris’s version of “If I Needed You”
Richard Shindell, “My Love Will Follow You”
Kate Wolf, “Early Morning Melody”
Dar Williams, “Mercy of the Fallen”
The Wailin’ Jenny’s, “One Voice”
And I have to second all Patty Griffin and Deb Talan suggestions.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Ditto the Wailin’ Jennies “One Voice”.
I must add the Susan Tedeschi version of Bob Dylan’s “Lord Protect My Child”
February 8th, 2008 at 12:20 am
My heart is stuck in my throat for Jen. Every piece of music I think of isn’t right, so I’m going to keep trying.
From her picture.. she just sparkles. It’s just so wrong, and I’m so sad, wishing I knew what to say. All I can do is take some of my own advice and just be there, even if all I can think of is to say I’m sorry and be with her.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Jen, I don’t know what to say, you and your lovely readers have stunned me and touched me beyond words. Thank you seems so lacking - I feel the love and it is giving me strength beyond what is normal. You are a wonderful, dear person and I am blessed to have made your acquaintance. With Love Jen B.xx
February 8th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I just read Jen’s blog and my heart is breaking. What an amazing woman !
I wish I had some songs/music to share with you for Jen….but the only thing I can think of is some Yoga and meditation type of music. {She mentioned how she wished she could be taking Yoga classes}
Also a great blog for all to read that always makes me smile is…
http://www.dooce.com
February 8th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
What a beautiful gift– there’s so little to do to help but this is something that will honestly make a difference. If you want cheerful - try the JUNO Soundtrack. It’s making me so happy. Especially All I Want Is You and Anyone Else But You.
I never cease to be amazed at what’s inside you Jen - so lovely…
February 8th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
A song that for years has always lifted me up when I’ve been down: Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles. I’ve also been to Jen B’s blog to say hi and offer a verbal version of a hug.
I just read Jen’s comment. This is the strength and power of community. Yes, we need each other. Every day.
Your sweet Meryl has such a kind, warm and beautiful face.
And yes I’m curious about hopeREVO.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Here through Bon and Sweet.Salty - new reader of yours and Jennifers. My favorite song right now is by Alison Krauss “Down to the River to Pray.” Great song - my prayers and thoughts are with Jennifer, and you guys, as her friends..
February 8th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I’m listening to Katie Reider, Slowing Down for the Silence right now, she is amazing, and also currently going through cancer battle. You can find her here:
http://www.katiereider.com/index.cfm
February 8th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I love your blog so very much. I can’t thank you enough for continuing to inspire me. All this week as I am visiting my sister who has just given birth the song “How Can I Keep From Singing?” has been on my heart. There are so many great versions out there. The one I grew up with though that still makes me want to burst with joy is Pete Seeger’s. I will keep your friend in my thoughts and prayers. Be well and continue your good work.
February 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Lovely Meryl! I only knew her for five or ten minutes but she was awesome.
Strangely, I just finished my annual mixed tape today. (Usually I send it around the first of the year.) Must mean some of the songs were made for Jen’s mix.
Rather than have you hunt for them, I’ll upload them for you to download.
Here’s the list:
Innocent Heathen - Snowden
Blue Skied An’ Clear - Manual
The Night Starts Here - Stars
One Of These Days - Doves
Thoughts On the Floor - I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness
On My Own - Ulrich Schnauss
My Bed Is My Castle - Mahogany
Conqueror - Jesu
A Slow Dance - Explosions In The Sky
A Thousand Paper Cranes - Mono
Say Hello - Stars of Track and Field
Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
Are U Sleepy? - Your Ten Mofo
Drove Through Ghosts to Get Here - 65daysofstatic
Exotic Animal Paradise - Asobi Seksu
February 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
p.s. I posted a big hint about hopeREVO today!!
February 9th, 2008 at 2:59 am
So much in this post — thank you! As for music…Sweet Honey in the Rock’s Experience 101, Bob Marley, and another vote for Rosie Thomas/These Friends of Mine…Pete Seeger’s If You Miss Me at the Back of the Bus, and Here’s To Cheshire, Here’s To Cheese, This Little Light of Mine, Fontella Bass singing Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and Aretha Franklin’s One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism album…oh, and James Cromwell singing “If I Had Words to Make A Day for You”, from the film Babe.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:43 am
The photo of Meryl makes her appear to have an angel wing– the coat on the chair is wing-like.
February 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I enjoy it here so much…your blog constantly inspires me and leaves me wanting to do more. Jen’s story is so moving but her courage and dignity shine out from her pages…you are a wonderful friend to her.
Please visit my blog where I have something for you. Enjoy!
February 10th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
i have been keeping vigil prayers for jen…i found her blog via ’silverbell cottage’ and my heart ached as i read her journey. i find myself thinking of her through out my days…and i pray for her. deep prayers. i find inspiration from her courage…i visit her daily now and i am thankful for other blogger ’sisters’ like you and meg.
i have been listening to the wonderful ‘weepies’ alot lately. they are simple and i find comfort and beauty in their lyrics and their raw sweet sound. another wonderful soundtrack is by fernando ortega, ‘hymns and meditations’. thank you for being such wonderful women and for this very beautiful blog…i have enjoyed visiting very much and i am linking you under one of my favs, on my blog…
GOD bless,
shelbi
February 11th, 2008 at 2:53 am
[…] I promised myself this weekend we would take it easy. That Max and I would giggle freely and watch movies. That I would take my beloved boots to have the heels fixed (boy am I hard on my shoes), that I would sit quietly and not talk if I didn’t want to. That I would sleep as long as I wanted, and clean as much as I felt I could, and that if the laundry didn’t get done it would be OK. I made a mix of music for my brave friend Jenni B — all songs recommended by those dear readers at Jen Lemen’s blog and each song lifted me up a bit, reminded me of the tremendous love in the world. […]
February 11th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Soundtrack to Juno (Kimya Dawson especially)
February 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
are you in baltimore…we visited morgan state a few years ago. i loved baltimore. i wish i had more time to really visit. i am diggin’ ben harper, donavan frankereiter and
really liking the be good tanya’s.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
[…] thinking of her. And if you’d like to help in other ways, Meg and the magnificent Jen Lemen are organizing that effort – email them at weloveyoujen(at)gmail(dot)com to let them know […]