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Post by Rick Henry on Jan 28, 2008 22:54:52 GMT -5
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Post by beaner on Jan 29, 2008 6:24:43 GMT -5
I think about Karen very often and it will be even more so when February roll around. That very same year, I lost my Mom at the early age of 61. She passed away in October.
I can remember the day the news came across that Karen died. My Mom was at work (2nd shift) and called me on her lunch break to see if I was okay.
Back then I didn't think about much except how sad I was with this dreadful news but now when I look back at all the friends who contacted me and who still think of me when the Carpenters are mentioned, I look at that with pride.
It shows me just how many friends I have and how much they care about me.
As for Karen and her music, she changed my life more than once. She made me feel good inside and special when I was young and her music still lives on with me and their music continues to keep me happy inside.
Beaner
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Post by wisejester7 on Jan 29, 2008 11:24:17 GMT -5
Good thoughts well said, Rick And Beaner. Karen will be remembered (by me and probably most others on this forum) the way she wanted to be remembered ... as a good person and a good musician. Her music and image continues to touch lives today.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jan 29, 2008 17:54:23 GMT -5
So many things to say on this topic. Nice thoughts so far, everyone. I agree, Rick, that when we are younger, it's difficult to grasp the concept of death, let alone WHY someone died....the mere fact that they won't return is enough to boggle. But, it's true what you say about this being a life lesson - and that it's not for us to know, but this is all in Divine Order - every single thing about it. Someday, perhaps we'll will know the "why" of it all. As I type, it's snowing outside my window...the first real snow we've had this season. I think of the uniqueness of each snowflake - how no two are alike - talk about mind boggling....my point being that Karen is like that snowflake in that she was so unique - unique person - unique voice. She had a not-so-unique sadness about her, that it has been said carried her into the place for these "dark" vocals to work so well for her. Beauty out of misery?! I've heard and read that many times.....Karen Carpenter was a beautiful young woman, who had more talent than I can fathom. I miss her constantly, but I no longer "mourn" for her. I smile now, thinking about the life we DID get to share in. Like you, Beaner, though I am not reminded of a death of a close family member, (I'm sorry to know that about your mom) -I am, nonetheless, reminded of a horror that occurred that day. As many of you know, I almost lost my daughter who was quite young, on this day. In fact, as I was listening to the radio report about Karen's death, horrified at what I was hearing, Jenn was choking on a hotdog. It's a double-edged sword for me in that respect. Thank God, Jennifer is still with us, though it was touch and go for some time. And alas, Karen is not here among us; she is lovingly remembered by us, though. Thanks for the opportunity to talk a little and remember "out loud" if you will, about Karen Carpenter. She was such a special lady with such a special talent. Ah, that VOICE! Tim
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Jan 29, 2008 21:30:38 GMT -5
If I could get to the Left Coast, I'd be in front of the mausoleum on Monday morning. The last time I checked the weather, it was supposed to be sunny, a break in the parade of storms that have been plaguing the coast for the past month or so.
I'd look at the Sun, feel its warmth on my face, and smile as I thought "I remember..." to myself.
Someday we'll meet in the place where no shadows fall, and I will greet you with a phrase only you will understand. And then you and Jim can lead me to where I can understand everything that's happened in the last five years.
Tonight I will listen to Josh Groban's "To Where You Are", and know that you're only a breath away...
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Post by beaner on Jan 30, 2008 6:28:18 GMT -5
You may not have experienced a death experience of a close family member but a near-death one if you weren't near your daughter to help, she may not be here either.
I've never heard the song "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban but am told it's beautiful so today I'm going to look it up and listen and more than likely think of both Karen and my Mom.
Thanks Dave.
Beaner
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Post by wisejester7 on Jan 30, 2008 7:20:01 GMT -5
If I could get to the Left Coast, I'd be in front of the mausoleum on Monday morning. The last time I checked the weather, it was supposed to be sunny, a break in the parade of storms that have been plaguing the coast for the past month or so. I'd look at the Sun, feel its warmth on my face, and smile as I thought "I remember..." to myself. Someday we'll meet in the place where no shadows fall, and I will greet you with a phrase only you will understand. And then you and Jim can lead me to where I can understand everything that's happened in the last five years. Tonight I will listen to Josh Groban's "To Where You Are", and know that you're only a breath away... " and know that you're only a breath away ... " That's beautiful and most profound.
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Post by Rick Henry on Jan 30, 2008 14:35:32 GMT -5
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jan 30, 2008 15:26:07 GMT -5
Thanks for posting the lyrics, Rick. Very beautiful.
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Jan 30, 2008 19:53:55 GMT -5
Yes, thank you so very much. Reading them brought tears to my eyes, the panoply of images from dreams remembered playing before them.
One life completed far too early, but continuing to inspire a quarter-century later...that's the legacy.
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Post by wisejester7 on Jan 30, 2008 21:50:06 GMT -5
Such wonderful thoughts are expressed in those lyrics. Thanks for posting them.
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Post by enigma on Jan 31, 2008 14:54:48 GMT -5
With John Lennon and Karen Carpenter dieing realitively close together two powerful musical forces in my life were prevented from sharing any new music with me and others I always wonder what if but accept what is I am thankful both artists shared their music and unique personalities with me I am glad to have been alive to share some of that with these artists when they were alive and as Dave said so well Karen (and John) continue to inspire and bring joy to mine and others lives. I will always be comforted in my faith that some day we will all be together and an old Egyptian proverb that says " as long as people say your name you are never dead" physical Karen is dead but musical and spiritual Karen is immortal. You will never be dead Karen Carpenter as long as people like us keep your memory and legacy alive. Thats the E story...Till next time.
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Post by smoothie2 on Feb 1, 2008 0:04:50 GMT -5
Currently, it's late and getting 2 cold to be out of the warmth of bed soon.. This is the place to be for such heart warming thoughts. I watched a 1971 video of the Carpenters on the old tv show Ralph Edwards "This is Your Life" which I rented. I still remember some of it from when it was on the first time around. I love seeing Richard and Karen as they are "just beginning" that spectacular and treacherous road of their career. It's hard to believe they were bearly out of their teens at the time. They are easily surprised by different people such as H. Alpert and many others who helped them greatly in their musical path. Karen as usual is bright eyed, beautiful and full of hope and excitement . Richard at this point is also. My mom watched this with me, and since she's not as knowledge-able about them as I am, she asks what has Richard done since Karen died, and I told her how he's very much still involved in music and about music that has been released since then. Also about the Performing Arts Center. .....well, it will be a good thing to connect back up here over the next few days especially. It is important and to be able to connect just fills my heart and mind with a sweet warm feeling.
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Post by ps11932 on Feb 1, 2008 20:34:28 GMT -5
Very inspiring and thoughtful observations here-thanks. Karen was certainly a gift to us, like few others. Though gone for 25 years now, she is the strongest common bond and main focus of this group here- and in many senses she is still with us. Though none of us knew her well (I know that some of you did communicate with her a little) she is a friend to us all; one we think about most every day, probably. Long after we are gone, I think Karen will still be inspiring people on earth. And another lesson: from the inspiration we receive from Karen, we can be more empathetic to people who get their inspiration from other artists.
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trekker1
CERTIFIED SILVER MEMBER
"Once Below Time"
Posts: 47
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Post by trekker1 on Feb 2, 2008 14:39:38 GMT -5
I have so many memories of Karen & Richard, but will share 2 of them here. During the summer of '70, I had to attend summer school. While walking thru the school hallway, I heard "Close To You" piped over the P.A. system, and fell in love with that voice-I was to turn 9 yrs. old on July 22. When that day arrived, and the song was officially @ # 1, it was the best birthday gift I could've gotten. I was so happy for them!! Over the yrs., I've had so many times (good & bad) bookmarked by R & K's music-especially the death of my fiance. Her favourite song from Karen's later yrs. is "Now". Whenever I get to feeling blue @ Allison no longer being here, I listen to the song, perhaps shed a few tears & then smile.....thankful for the gift of her presence in my life & for Karen's presence in all of our lives. On Friday, Feb. 4, 1983, I was driving to a doctor's appointment when the news came over @ Karen's death. Like all of us, I was in a state of shock for pretty much a week afterwards. I remember the doctor commenting about how I looked. When I told him the news, he looked rattled. He & his wife were fans themselves, and I hated to be the one to give him the news."For everything, there is a season"-so, as we recall Karen & our sadness which marks 25 yrs. since she left us, we can also be happy for the rich legacy she has left for the world. I will be working on Monday, but my thoughts will be with Richard & his family, and with you all. Let us remember together that period of "Once Below Time"
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Post by BethMosior on Feb 4, 2008 1:24:35 GMT -5
WOOOOOOOW Rick very beautiful thanx ever sooooo much, I'm sure right know my step dad Arnold is sing right along with Karen too, he loved to sing
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Post by Rick Henry on Feb 4, 2008 9:23:15 GMT -5
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Post by beaner on Feb 4, 2008 12:10:34 GMT -5
Another song I'd like to dedicate to Karen's memory on this day is "Song Of Joy" by the Captain and Tennille.
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