Purple Skies... #Prince

I have long maintained that most famous people would not have the ability to leave me starstruck. Prince was the only one I could ever think of who would have that effect on me. I never did have the opportunity to work with him, although Russ did a couple of times.

This past week, friends of mine were saying things like they were "reeling" from the loss, "crying real tears" and in need of a grief counselor - many were hit very hard.

"I never meant to cause you any sorrow

I never meant to cause you any pain"

- Prince (Purple Rain)

I was on a long drive out of town, then a long drive back which put me out of touch with much of the media and postings over the weekend. Somewhat isolated, I decided that I did not want to be sad. I began seeing the color purple everywhere. It was in the flowers, the stained glass windows at church, billboard advertisements, new siding being installed on old buildings - everywhere. I thought about my own relationship with Prince through his music.

"I'm not your lover

I'm not your friend

I am something that you'll never comprehend"

- Prince (I Would Die 4 U)

I didn't know him personally. I wouldn't be missing having lunch with him next week. I wouldn't miss talks on the phone with him. I wouldn't miss his music - I could hear that anytime. There wouldn't be any new music being written (I'm sure there's an abundance in the vaults unreleased), but it seemed selfish of me to want him to give any more of himself. Hasn't he given us plenty already? I saw reminders of him everywhere and THAT didn't seem sad at all.

"I'm not a human 

I am a dove

I'm your conscious

I am love"

- Prince (I Would Die 4 U)

My relationship with him felt strengthened. He was in my life. I was not ready to join in the collective sadness. I was looking for ways to be happy, grateful and in the moment. If sadness was the thief, I wasn't allowing it into my temple.

"Love come quick

Love come in a hurry

There are thieves in the temple tonight"

- Prince (Thieves in the Temple)

As I began the eight-hour drive home, I pulled up "Prince" on my iPod. Seventy-six tracks came up. I listened to them all (a few were repeated). I hadn't heard many in a long while. As I listened, I remembered good times, reflected, and thought about his lyrics and their meaning. I sang and danced as so many have done this past weekend.

"And I saw an angel come down unto me

In her hand she holds the very key

Words of compassion, words of peace"

- Prince (7)

I swear (you can't make this stuff up) seven birds flew across the sky in front of my car. I know because they flew in formation with two v-shaped sets of three and one leader in front. I laughed out loud.

"No one in the whole Universe

Will ever compare

I am yours now and u are mine

And together we'll love through

All space and time, so don't cry"

- Prince (7)

I am going to believe that Prince is still very much here with us - and that he has simply punched a higher floor.

"Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today 

To get through this thing called life

Electric word life

It means forever and that's a mighty long time

But I'm here to tell you

There's something else

The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness

You can always see the sun, day or night"

- Prince (Let's Go Crazy)

Thank you Prince...

Namaste,

T

"Dream if you can a courtyard

An ocean of violets in bloom"

- Prince (When Doves Cry)

"Now you say

God made you

God made me

He made us all equally"

- Prince (God)