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Judith Durham of The Seekers died on Friday aged 79.

My favourites are "A world of our own" and "There'll never be another you" - in that order :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSxwqBJLU8A&ab_channel=rich963

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People die. There is something not quite right about the masses mourning people they never knew, and who would never have given a stuff about them. Channel 7 altered its programming last night because Newton-John finally died after "battling" cancer for years, for heaven's sake! Hardly unexpected.

Save your tears for your own family and friends.

As I wrote on another discussion - the worst thing
about ageing is the great sorrow of losing friends.
As you grow old, and people you've grown up with
and identified with - you've imagined would always be
there. Then they start, with wretched regularity to
leave your life.

It's been sad to see people like Shane Warne, Judith
Durham, and now Olivia Newton-John pass away. I grew up
with all of them. All of them touched my life in one
way or another. I felt it even more this week - because
of my elder brother who lives inter-state being
diagnosed with stomach-cancer. He was operated on
yesterday - and thankfully was given a thumbs up.
For which our family is very grateful.

Music and lyrics bring back so many memories. They touch
our lives. As does sport - in the case of Shane Warne.
We take things personally. We can't help it. As human
beings we need to connect with people. Compassion has
always been a family tradition.

I loved the Seekers. And Judith Durham will be long remembered.
Two of my favourite songs are - "I'll never Find Another You,"
And of course - "I am Australian."

RIP Judith Durham.

RIP Olivia Newton-John and Shane Warne.

"We have to Believe We are Magic."

BTW:

Shane Warne was not just an excellent cricket player.
And he received the Order of Australia for more than
just playing cricket. The Shane Warne Foundation sponsored
many charities including a gym designed for children
with disabilities for many years. He was always generous
with his time and money supporting those in need.

As was Judith Durham - who was patron of the Injured
Nurses Support Group (INSG) and the Small Miracles
Foundation (formerly Bonnie Babes Foundation). She
supported Yooralla's disability services and supported
women through her association with the International
Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry.

Then look at the legacy that Olivia Newton-John has left
for cancer victims. She built and financially supported
the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Centre here
In Melbourne which has had such a huge impact on the
lives of cancer victims.

To brush their contributions to the most vulnerable aside
is absolutely mean and nasty. And if people are mean and
cruel - then fu** it, they've got it coming!

Melbourne has lit up its most famous landmarks
in pink in memory of Olivia Newton-John.
The much loved entertainer and cancer fighter.

Flinders Street Station, National Gallery of Vic.,
Arts Centre, the Bolte Bridge, the MCG and other
sports venues - because of her enormous contribution
to cancer.

I was born on the 29Th of February. I am thus approaching my 21St birthday, & have been planning a big 21St birthday party.

It is not just celebrities falling off the perch, but quite a few of my compatriots too. I am getting worried that my big birthday party is going to be fairly small, if I make it myself.