I know. Bad grammar. Should be 10 People With Whom I Would Like to Have a Beer, but that sounds too uptight and stuffy. 10 People With Whom I'd Like to Sit While Sipping a Glass of Port is not what I'm talking about here.
I purposely picked beer. Not coffee - that's too artsy and black turtle necks (don't get me wrong - black turtle necks are my uniform in the cooler weather). I didn't say dinner - that's too formal. For me, sitting down with a beer is intimate, casual, and frank. That's what I'm going for.
Oh, and before I reveal the list, let me just say, if you're not on the list, please don't be offended. It means that either:
a) we've already had a beer together
or
b) I foresee a strong possibility that we will have a beer together one day
Please also note that this list is just 10 people I'd like to have a beer with. It's not the definitive list or the top ten list... it's just a list. And it's just a beer...
1 - Mr. Davidson
I did it, Mr. D. I left my hometown in search of other adventures. At the time, I never fully understood why you always exclaimed, in your Welsh accent, "Gowd! Why are you still here?" every time we bumped into one another after I graduated, but I think I have a better idea now. I wish you were still with us. I wish I had been less shy when I was in your high school art classes. I cherish those times when you guided my muse and when you chose to display my work in the year book or as a design for the holiday cards. I'm trying to get back in touch with my creative self. Gowd, I miss you.
2 - Paul Simon
I've connected to your music through all the stages and phases of my life. If I was given the option to go back in time, I'd be tempted to attend your concert in Central Park. Oh, and I've counted the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike for more hours than I care to remember.
3 - Carol Burnett
Those crazy recordings that Akina and I made with my little cassette recorder - you were the inspiration. I spent hours studying your comic timing and trying to do impressions. I wanted to be you when I grew up. To this day, when I see that nail file in my desk drawer, I think of Mrs. Wiggins. I'm so glad we had this time together.
4 - Uncle Gary
You sent me a postcard from New York City many years ago. I barely knew you, but it seems you knew me. Did you know I would end up in NYC? I wish I knew more about you. What took you away from the family? Did they refuse to accept you for who you are? Did you feel you had to hide your true self from them because they wouldn’t understand? There are those in the family who would never admit it, but I bet you enjoyed a good beer.
5 - Barack Obama
I had you on my list before the so called "Beer Summit." Cheers.
6 - Ann and all my writing buds at Ann's site
You all know who you are. You are creative, imaginative, freaky writers. I'm so glad our wires crossed. (Remember Goofing Around-13 where the gang dreams about hanging out on Gully's deck? My jaw hurts from laughing...)
7 - Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs)
When I think about you, my eyes well up. Hopefully you have some idea of the positive influence you were to so many Canadian kids. You taught us about art, music, creativity, and grace.
8 - Margaret Laurence
The Diviners was my favorite novel from the moment I turned the last page. You inspired me to write.
9 - Pierre Trudeau
You inspired me to learn French, which changed the course of my life. I'm going to try to read your book, Memoirs, again. This time, I'll try not to be overwhelmed by your talent and grasp of Canada's deux langues officielles.
10 - Tom Thompson
I stood before your painting, The Jack Pine, and Lawren Harris’ North Shore, Lake Superior earlier this year at the National Gallery. I'd seen the prints, but this was the first time I saw the original works. They're spectacular. Up close, looking at your actual brushstrokes... well, I was more impressed with the Group of Seven paintings than with the Mona Lisa. Is that wrong? I’m proud that my Canadian artists touched me.
Wow. Really focusing and writing down this list of influencers proved an interesting and thought provoking exercise. Maybe this will inspire you to post your own list...
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4 comments:
Very interesting list Zelda P. I am so glad that you shared this with us, and honored that Ann's group also made the list.
I believe I will follow your lead and post a list of my own later today. This is a fantastic way to get to know one another a little better. The people we miss, cherish, despise and admire are the people who have shaped who we are.
Excellent thought provoking post, serious and fun too! How do you do that?
I had great fun reading your list, even though I wasn't singled out and first on your list! :) But then, how could you know that's the recognition I alone should have been given? I pretend to be humble when truly, I'm insatiable. Oops, difficult Shaddy must have broken the lock on her cage!!
What a wonderful vessel you found for resurrecting those who touched your life.
It probably would amaze some that are on your list that they have made such an impact on you. That's the sign of a great mentor that they don't do it for the glory but for the betterment of that one life.
I know Ann's little group made your list, but I think we need to have a conference on Gully's deck. I'd buy the first round.
Now, I'll have to make such a list and see whom I come up with, do I have to stop at 10?
Thanks for your thoughts on my list! The great thing about this is that you get to make the rules. So, Walk - no reason to stop at 10. Make it yours. Darksculptures added a personal touch (nachos and margaritas). Shaddy’s list is easy: Shaddy (just teasing, Shaddy!). It's fun to hear from you all.
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