Above:
From the photo Archives-Richard Pryor and Cynthia Wilson at his home in LA(1986) at wrap party for JoJo Dancer Your Life Is Calling(water damaged Polaroid film)
Trying to get my direction together…a line, slightly paraphrased, borrowed from the song “Which Way Is Up?” by Stargard. In 1977, that very special year in which the song was popular,disco music was all the rave and Richard Pryor’s film,the one for which this song served as the soundtrack was popular at the box office.
I don’t recall the details of the movie. But, it flashed through my mind today as I was attempting to get a grip on the whirlwind of activity swirling in my direction lately. Heaven knows its been a while since I have either seen or thought of the movie. A former sister-in law played a co-starring role in it. So, it has special meaning for me. She is also the person who introduced me to the late great Richard Pryor. The movie’s frenetic theme is the thought which drove me to write this blog post today, I thought I’d attempt to communicate “pearls of wisdom” which calmed the frenzy and gradually restored balance in my life. And, it will undoubtedly do the same for you.
Some elements can be blown into your life and toss what you value most about like dust and tumbleweed in a sand storm(hmmm made me think of Elton John’s LP “Tumbleweed Connection”, his 1970 Country and western themed record). I’m sure you’ve seen one of those old Western movies where the cowboys enter a ghost town and tumbleweed is scattering and rolling about in every which direction over the ground or fiercely through the air. Unbridled winds can literally turn your world upside down, leave you wanting for direction and pondering “which way is up”. There is a scene in the movie where a trailer turns upside down during a commotion between Richard Pryor and one of the female co-stars. That is why I think the idea of the movie accompanied by the song was placed on my mind today. If you don’t see any other scene in the movie,see that one. It is really ridiculously hilarious…in an ironic sort of way.
Through all the topsy turvy and tug of war with emotion, in terms of what you feel, value and want most while obsessing on how on earth you are going to accomplish,achieve and conquer through the murk– take five,ten minutes or maybe even a day or two and just reflect and commune with God. I realize that some situations are emergencies and have to be dealt with quickly. That’s where focus on god comes in.
As the contrary winds blow, quiet yourself and listen to the “still small voice within”. When the storms are raging and a multitude of gusts are pummeling you off your path, attempting to shift your course while making a mess of things much like twisters and hurricanes, secure shelter in the silence of stillness. Of course, I am not making any inferences to the movie’s plot or theme causing this kind of stir,as it is vintage Richard Pryor and outrageously funny.
It’s more the thoughts and feelings passing through my head brought on by external events as I steady myself for the long haul and try to make some sense of conflicting signals. This is a pivotal time and I don’t want to make any bad choices,ones that would cause confusion for others and unwarranted limitations and losses in my own life.
To all my friends and special friends out there who have been following my blog posts over the years,I’d like to say…hang in there and be patient. Things are not always what they appear and you can’t judge a book by its cover. People can be toiling and working their hienies off to make an impression and you not realize it. And,up against considerable odds, I might add. Seek to put yourself in the other persons shoes and examine the situation from their vantage point. Don’t cling to superficiality or outward appearances. They are sure to throw you every time. Always probe deeper with a mind of getting to the “heart” of the matter, if you can.
As the song goes “Got me workin day and night…I’m so tired tired chile…” I’d like to recapitulate the theme…”tryin to get my direction together…” I trust that clarity is forthcoming. My help cometh from the hills…
As always, I remain prayerful.
As John Mayer implores in the opening line of one of the songs from his latest release “Battle Studies” …”Come out angels!”
BTW,the songs for the day are…right you guessed it:
Theme From “Which Way Is Up” (Single Version) – Stargard
Working Day And Night – (previously unreleased, 1978 demo) – Michael Jackson
War Of My Life – John Mayer
