“Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, 

and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.”

Michael Jackson

In the 5 years since Michael's passing people (younger fans and people outside the fan base) have discovered or re-discovered his talent and the beauty in his work. His legacy as an amazing artist, musician, entertainer, humanitarian is less clouded by hate-noise.
A lot of tributes have poured in showing how much Michael influenced people from may fields not just musicians.
For me today, the most impressive (and my source of comfort)  is the amazing energy that comes from the MJ family - the core fan base - that is carrying on the legacy of love.

Munich, Germany
Denkmal fuer Michael Jackson

Best, Netherland
Michael Jackson Memorial Place

Mistelbach, Austria
Denkmal 4 Michael Jackson

This places speak about the bond between the fans.
The love we share is so valuable.

This blog too is an expression of our group's connection and the love we share.
And this is a blessing.

I love you.



"Love is important, to love each other. We're all one. That's the message."
Michael Jackson

... "Through my joy and my sorrow,
In the promise of another tomorrow,
I'll never let you part -
For You're Always In My Heart."

May 22nd, 2014 Children's Day "Once We Were There"

Once We Were There

Before the beginning, before the violence
Before the anguish of the broken silence
A thousand longings, never uttered
Pangs of sorrow, brutally smothered
But I have chosen to break and be free
Cut those ties, so I can see
Those bonds that imprisoned me in memories of pain
Those judgments, interpretations that cluttered my brain
Those festering wounds that lingered have gone
In their place a new life has dawned
That lonely child, still clutching his toy
Has made his peace, discovered his joy
Where time is not, immortality's clear
Where love abounds, there is no fear
The child has grown to weave his magic
Left behind
His life of sorrow, once so tragic
He is now, ready to share
Ready to love, ready to care
Unfold his heart, with nothing to spare
Join him now, if you dare.

By Michael Jackson

from Dancing the Dream, Poems and Reflections

The Long Walk To Freedom

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
Nelson Mandela

I am sure the walk isn't over but the struggle and pain are.

Words are small today. Love is impressive.

... gone too soon. 

 

“The greatest glory in living
lies not in never falling,
but in rising every time we fall.”
Nelson Mandela

The Nelson Mandela Foundation

2013, December 1st - Getting to ZERO

"Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths"

This is the 2013 World AIDS Day theme.

For this goal to be achieved we need to be informed and act. Though there has been progress in the past few years in preventing new infections and raising hope for the people leaving with HIV/AIDS we still have a long way to go.

“It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance. ” 

 Elizabeth Taylor

According to World Health Organization

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives so far.

There were approximately 35.3 [32.2–38.8] million people living with HIV in 2012.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region, with nearly 1 in every 20 adults living with HIV. Sixty nine per cent of all people living with HIV are living in this region.

HIV infection is usually diagnosed through blood tests detecting the presence or absence of HIV antibodies.

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective treatment with antiretroviral drugs can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy and productive lives.

In 2012, more than 9.7 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low- and middle-income countries. 

 worldaidsday.org

For more information and ways to help please visit:

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

Keep a Child Alive
 

amfAR

(RED)

UNICEF

UNICEF - Children and AIDS

ONE International

UNAIDS

World Health Organization

You can also sign this petition to demand world leaders to step up their support for the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria.

World leaders must step up their support for the Global Fund

“Love is the human family’s most precious legacy. Its richest bequest. Its golden inheritance.”
Michael Jackson


Send Me an Angel from keepachildalive on Vimeo.

Children's Day, October 22, 2013 - Play !

"In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play."

Friedrich Nietzsche

For children play is the way they learn about the world, themselves and others. Play is their laboratory in which they can experiment with being anywhere, anyone, anytime.

At least that is how it should be ...

“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” 

Kay Redfield Jamison

To some children I know play is hard work as they have to learn how to play, it doesn't come naturally. And as they discover bit by bit the wonder of play, they find themselves and meet the others. I also know children for whom play is a distant dream. It's something that they crave but seldom get a chance to experience. I know children who have been fortunate to be able to play with almost no restraints, who's play is nurtured and protected. I know children who live in fear, forced out their homes, forced to work, being abused and have no place to play outside their minds.

"A child's play" is often use as a way of describing something that is easy, simple, trivial.

To me nothing could be further off reality. Child's play is complex in both it's construction and effects on the development, child's play is most important for the development of imagination and social, emotional, language and thinking skills.

“Play is the work of the child.”

Maria Montessori

Teachers, scientists, philosophers, psychologists, psychiatrists, authors from the earliest times have argued the importance of play for both children and adults.

When we grow up we chose to forget about play. We dismiss it and get caught in our serious business. We have no time to play and we rush our children along.

"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

George Bernard Shaw

 Around the world there are people dedicated to bringing love, joy, laughter, escapism to children and adults who find themselves in difficult situations and would not have otherwise access to such wonder, through play.

The Flying Seagull Project is an example of dedicated individuals who donate their time and talents to create opportunities for children and adults alike to play with all the resulting benefits.

Their actions are based on these beliefs:

We believe everyone has the right to laugh and enjoy their life, 

no matter their financial, physical, pychological or societal situation.
We believe every child should have the right to play freely without risk or threat.
We believe play, creativity and laughter is essential to a child’s development 

and therefore to the community as a whole.
We believe that energy and positivity are contagious 

and intend to spread them as far and wide as possible.
We believe that everyone, everywhere is entitled to communicate and to be heard in whatever way is possible, and we hope to give people voices wherever we go.
We believe that the purpose of learning something is so that you can offer to share it with someone else, somewhere else, sometime else.
We believe that a stranger is a member of the family you just haven’t met yet.
We believe the first point of contact with anyone should be a smile.
We believe in FUN as a philosophy.
We believe in you!

You can visit their website and find out about their work and ways to help.

If you know about other such projects you can leave a comment and we will add them to this post.

Human Rights - Blog Action Day, 2013

On this day we decided to be part of Blog Action Day 

On short is an attempt to get people together in talking about an issue and this year the focus is on human rights, in the hope of widening the conversation and gather ideas and stir up action.

The Universal Declaration has 30 articles that list as many rights. Each of us has every one of them, no exceptions, equally, no expiration date.

Human rights are inalienable.

No one can ever lose their human rights, they are not transferable nor can they be repudiated.
They cannot be taken away or given away.

Human rights are indivisible.

There is not one more important than other.
To be able to live, be free, and be safe all the other rights must be upheld.
Therefor no violation of human rights is more or less important. It's not the severity of the violation or where it occurs that is bad but just the fact it does.

Human rights are interdependent.

If one right is not respected then all the others are affected.
And as many have said it before if one of us is denied their rights then all of us lose them.

Responsibility and respect are our rights - we should exercise them more.

When we each talk about human rights, our vision and position are heavily influenced by our life experience and the realities of where we live. Living in a country that is known as stable (from political, economical, social points of view) do not assure us ours rights being respected.
In many instances the talk about human rights is containing only the concern for freedom of speech and equality/civil rights while education, health, family, work are treated separately
and mostly outside the human rights framework.
Living with dignity, free from fear is what every person should be able to do.
It cannot be achieved unless the human rights are upheld for all, in any time and circumstances.


"Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or sovereign. ... 
You must weep that your own government, at present, seems blind to this truth."
Mother Teresa

Sources

Amnesty International

ONE

Human Rights Watch

WalkFree

UN 

 Also read

The Price of Gold

World Refugee Day 2010

Lack of L.O.V.E. - Child Abuse by Parents

World AIDS Day - Universal Access and Human Rights

Invisible Children

Keep The Faith

World Day Against Child Labor

"If we cared enough for the living ..."

The "F" Word

Hope

We Can't Take It, We Already Had Enough

International Women's Day

Earth Day

International Day of Peace

International Women's Day - March 8th, 2013

"I think we’re at a time where people just want to join together and cause change. People don't want to live like this any more"

Charlize Theron, UN Messenger of Peace

Violence at the hands of individuals or state, at home or in the communities, when peace or war still holds women hostages and impact the way society shapes up. It impacts the well being and development of our children and affects the economical and political realities of nations.

From being second rank citizens, to being denied access to education, to being forced into labor, to being victims of human trafficking, from being forced to flea their homes and become refugees, to poverty, to being victims of rape and other forms of abuse the issues regarding women rights and quality of life around the world are very diverse and go beyond of just being about women. 

But what is most amazing are the stories of strength and resilience.

Both from victims and people working to help them.

It about time we all come together and end the dark ages.

 

One Woman: A Song for UN Women

 For learn about women issues and ways to help please visit:

Amnesty USA

UN - International Women's Day

International Women's Day 2013  

The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)

Oxfam International 

Care.org 

"See, It's Not About Races..."

The latest headlines regarding (alleged) racial profiling really struck a cord with many people across the world -people are angry, confused, heartbroken at the state of human relations.


Trayvon Martin and Shaima Al – Awadhi aren't the first victims of alleged hate crimes; however, these two cases have reopened and expanded the conversation about race, gender, and cultural differences.
Since the height of the civil rights movement of the 1960's, we have seen many minorities make progress around the world. It is depressing, in the year 2012, we still ask the following question- "How could this happen?!"


I didn't plan on posting anything about these current events,
but I couldn't keep silent. Trayvon, Shaima, and so many others can't speak up for injustice...we must be the voice of unity and love.
With that being said, here is a something I put together: let's keep the conversation going and find ways to make the world a better place.






If you see me in a hoodie,

If you see me with tattoos, 

If you see me in a store at midnight,
does this really give you a clue?

If you see my hair in locks,
do I seem unambitious?
If you see me in Timberland boots...
do I come off suspicious!?

If you see me, you should a reflection:
I'm a dreamer,
I'm a fighter,
I want love and affection.

Look at the reflection, the "Man in the Mirror"-
if you see me looking back at you, the message will get clearer.

So if you see me in a hoodie,
see yourself in a hoodie, too.
If you see me for who I am,
I will see you for you.

*

Children´s Day, January 22nd : How Many Children?

Picture courtesy




How Many Children?



how many children
are hungry this morning? 
how many children
without a home? 


how many children
with only one parent? 
how many children
.....with none? 


how many children
faced with no future? 
how many children
thrown to the side? 


how many children....




and how many know? 


 credits: Eric Cockrell

Remember

• Children of Sichuan (Earthquake 2008)
• Children from Haiti (Earthquake 2011)
• Children from Japan (Earthquake,tsunami and nuclear disaster 2011)

•  .....and what about the child in your neighborhood?

*

Hands Across The World

Eight of the most successful music acts in Africa joined in a group called One8. The idea behind the project is to connect people through music. The pan-African super group caught the attention of Billboard International publication who included them on theirs "Best Bet for 2011" list.
Last November, R. Kelly joined the group and so the message behind the group got a wider meaning and gained an important source of energy and creativity.
The first song to come out from this collaboration is "Hands Across The World". Uplifting, with beautiful harmonies and it makes a powerful statement.
Heal The World !

One 8 are:
R. Kelly – USA, 2Face – Nigeria, Alikiba – Tanzania, Amani – Kenya, Fally Ipupa – D.R. Congo, 4X4 – Ghana, JK – Zambia, Movaizhaleine – Gabon, Navio – Uganda

 

 Hey world stand up
Stretch out your hands
One8 represent the dream
Africa
Feel free
One8 let's get them

I'm reaching out to the poor people
The sick and the alone
I'm reaching out to the fortunate who can build their own homes
I'm reaching out to the ones who seems to have lost their way
And I'm calling on all the ones who can show them a brighter day
I believe if you believe then we can achieve anything
So lift your voice and give it everything
Now let you're your heart sing

Chorus:
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
That all we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world...


I'm reaching out to all of the hoods and the streets everywhere
I'm reaching out to all in need to show the world that you care
Can't go no more you've given up and your energy's running low
I'm reaching out to the pastors and the words they give us all
I believe that if you believe then we can achieve anything
So lift your voice and give it everything
Now let you're your heart sing

Chorus:
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
That all we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world...

It's the world main project my desire
The power of love you cannot deny ya
Let's go people it's time to go higher
Let's spread your wings I believe you can fly ya
We can do anything if we believe
Let me see you dance if you got victory
If we come together we can make history
So let me see you reach

[Chorus: X 2]
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
All we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world

Cross the World
One8 project
Feel free

I Just Can't Stop Loving You

To R and F

May your life be blessed with joy !
恭喜您結婚的日子

"Only in love are unity and duality not in conflict." - Rabindranath Tagore

Michael Jackson had an extraordinary talent, he was able to put confer a physical dimension to his songs - I can see the rhythm, I will cry, laugh, love, protest, dance, feel empowered  – every time I listen to his songs, I feel them. It’s an unique, rewarding experience.

"Each time the wind blows

I hear your name so

I call your name ...

Whispers at morning

Our love is dawning

Heaven's glad you came ...
 

You know how I feel
This thing can't go wrong

I'm so proud to say

I love you

Your love's got me high

I long to get by

This time is forever

Love is the answer"

“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” was the first single of Bad album. It was received as rather a second hand song, maybe because of the fact it featured unknown, at the time, Siedah Garrett. Whitney Huston, Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin, rumored to have been asked for the duet but declined due to previous obligations, might have brought more star power to the song 

but it is my opinion that would have not brought the chemistry.

(Well in a total different way a duet with Aretha Franklin would have rocked our world.)

In spite of what has been said about the song the fact remains it opened the list of 5 consecutive number one songs in Billboard’s Hot 100 and went on to top R&B and Adult Contemporary singles charts (Michael's 2nd number one hit in the later after, coincidentaly, his duet from 1982 

with Paul McCartney, “The Girl Is Mine”)

Truth is at this point in time the duet needs no introduction. Michael and Siedah created magic.

In the studio and on stage. 

Two wonderful artists who were brought together by their 

deep understanding of how music can touch people.

In an interview with SongTalk Magazine, Siedah talked about how she found out 

she will record a duet with Michael:

"It came as a total surprise. Quincy called me after I had worked with him doing the background vocals for 'Man In The Mirror' to come back to the studio to do more work, but when I got there, I was surprised to discover that there was nobody else in the studio but Quincy, Michael and me. And the song they were working on wasn't 'Man In The Mirror.' It was a song that Quincy had given me a tape to learn. But I had no idea – I do lots of vocals on demos for Quincy, so this was nothing unusual. So Quincy said, 'You got the tape, right? Did you learn the song?' I said, 'Sure, I know the song.' He said, 'Well, go in there and sing it.' I go into the booth: there's two music stands. Michael Jackson is standing at one of them in front of a microphone and there's another microphone for me. This is the first time I realized what was happening. On the sheet music it said, 'Michael, Siedah, Michael, Siedah, etc.' I said, 'Wow! I get it.'"

“I hear your voice now

You are my choice now

The love you bring

Heaven's in my heart

At your call

I hear harps,

And Angels sing

You know how I feel

This thing can't go wrong

I can't live my life

Without you”

 

The song originally had a spoken intro (which was added for later version of the BAD album) and a longer musical opening. The song was also recorded in French as “Je Ne Veux Pas La fin De Nous” 

and in Spanish as “Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu”.

But what stands out is the perfect match up between Siedah’s and Michael’s voices. Marvin Gaye described Michael as having “the quality that separates the merely sentimental from the truly heartfelt, …. rooted in the blues”. Siedah Garrett definitely had the quality as well – whatever Michael brought to the song she answered.

Rolling Stone magazine, in their 1987 review of Bad album, described the song as “quivering with the kind of desire that makes men walk bent at the waist”.

[Michael]

You know how I feel

I won't stop until

I hear your voice saying

"I do"

[Siedah]

"I do"

This thing can't go wrong

[Michael]

This feeling's so strong

[Siedah]

Well, my life ain't

Worth living

[Both]

If I can't be with you

I just can't stop loving you

And even though it is my opinion their review only describes part of the song, they did very well underlined the songs power to transmit the ache and the embodiment of love.

In my opinion, the explanation behind the song’s success it’s the deep emotional connection, that the two shared and the lyrics talk about. 

 [Michael]

At night when the

Stars shine

I pray in you I'll find

A love so true . . .

[Siedah]

When morning awakes me

Will you come and take me

I'll wait for you

As Siedah remembers not everything about recording the song was all serious. 

In her interview with SoulTalk magazine she said: 

"Michael is funny. He has a real keen sense of humor. Which surprised me, because you hear all these stories about how strange he is. I guess he felt relaxed with me because I wasn't in awe of him when we met. I was kind of, 'Yo, Michael, what's up?' I think he found that refreshing."
"If I was talking to Quincy and we were serious for some reason, Michael would toss cashews and peanuts at us. I would be talking to Quincy and these peanuts would fly by. You know, the duet is a very serious love song. And when I was doing my verse, Michael was making these faces at me so that I would mess up. Quincy would say, 'Siedah – come on! You're holding up the whole album!' And I would get in trouble!"

In his autobiography “Moonwalk”, Michael said he did not write the song with someone in mind but that while performing it live he did.

The song did not had a video but eventually it didn’t needed one. The live performances during the Dangerous Tour become the visual support of the duet. Though Michael also performed alongside Sheryl Crow during Bad Tour, I don’t think too many of us think of that when we are talking or listening to “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”.
It will always be Michael and Siedah.
The on stage performance of the song, their on stage attraction to one another created a lasting impression

that will never fade away.

Michael, you are, and will forever be the thread of velvety voice, so intricately woven into the
fabric of the soundtrack of my life. Your music, talent, heart and soul has touched every cell of
my being. More than enough to last a lifetime. You are magic. And I will miss you.
May your vibrant soul rest in eternal peace. You changed my life, and for that I will love you forever.

Siedah
AKA "Miss Gayree"

[Siedah]
We can change all the world
Tomorrow

[Michael]
We can sing songs of
Yesterday

[Siedah]
I can say, hey ... 

Farewell to sorrow

[Michael]
This is my life and I,

[Both]
Want to see you for always
I just can't stop loving you

Credits

Written and composed by Michael Jackson
Vocal duet with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett

Bass: Nathan East
Drums: N'dugu Chancler
Guitar: Dan Huff
Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
Piano: John Barnes
Synclavier: Christopher Currell
Synthesizers: David Paich and Greg Phillinganes
Synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro
Rhythm arrangement by Quincy Jones
Synthesizer arrangement by David Paich and Quincy Jones
Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson and John Barnes

Also read:

Siedah Garrett: What It Was Like To Work With Michael Jackson

Happy birthday dear Blanket!

The "It's All For L.O.V.E" blog team would like to wish

Prince Michael Jackson II a.k.a. Blanket

a very happy 9th birthday today!!!

You have been through a very hard time and had to go through more than a child of your age should ever face but we do hope that by the love and support of your family and loved ones, and by the love you get from all over the world, there is a happy and lovely year ahead for you!!!

May you be blessed and rewarded today and for the rest of your life!

We're sending out a major L.O.V.E!

Jacksons - Next Generation: Anthony Jackson

Anthony Jackson is a young American actor, singer and songwriter. He's currently working on his first studio album "Anton Classic" to be released this year.

His first single is called "Come To My City" and is out now!


To listen and order from amazon.com click here. For itunes click here.

Also check out this video:
Come to My City - Anthony Jackson & Dancer Brian Woolridge

Anthony's grandfather is Joseph's younger brother. His parents are Tony and Debra Jackson. When Anthony was 7 years old his father Tony passed away. At that time Michael became signifigantly involved in Anthony's life. He is close to family, especially from the next generation.

See Anthony's heartfelt speech at the "Forever Michael" event on June 26, 2010:


Michael and Anthony:


Keep supporting the Jacksons legacy and show some L.O.V.E. for Anthony!

Check him out and stay tuned for the album here:
Homepage: http://www.atonclassic.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/atonclassicofficial
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ATONCLASSIC
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/atonclassicrise

MJ Memorial Munich - a year in pictures

Today marks the first anniversary of my first visit to the Michael Jackson memorial in Munich.

Ever since that day, this place has become a home and a magical place of comfort for me… A constantly changing experience that is never nothing but beautiful.

Here’s a little journey through time, enjoy!

Click on pictures to enlarge.
June 29, 2009 - how it all started...

July 31, 2009 - the day I knew the memorial is here to last

August 29, 2009 - a girl playing BEN for his birthday

September 26, 2009

October 29, 2009 - This Is It

November 19, 2009

December 19, 2009 - Merry christmas Michael

January 8, 2010

Febuary 14, 2010 - it was a long winter

March 22, 2010 - snow is gone

April 25, 2010 - springtime

May 28, 2010

June 26, 2010 - the memorial is overflowing with L.O.V.E.

First of all I would like to thank the city of Munich who have not only accepted the memorial against all odds and rules but also are protecting it. Thank you for showing humanity in a world full of strict rules!

Nothing less with all my heart I want to thank everyone who tirelessly contribute to the beauty of this place through all weather conditions and with phenomenal daily efforts. I can never thank you enough!

Thank you also to “Michael’s” hotel Bayrischer Hof (the memorial is right in front of the entrance) who are supporting us no matter what. Michael loved you and he is proven right!

A big thank you also to composer Orlando di Lasso who is sharing his memorial with Michael now. We love you!

Michael – we can never thank you enough. Your L.O.V.E. and spirit is constantly with us!!! We are your global family!

L.O.V.E. is forever.

---
Find more blog entries about the memorial here:
- The Michael Jackson Memorial in München (Munich) - Click here
- Random experience at the MJ Memorial Munich - Click here
- Outpouring L.O.V.E. - MJ Memorial place, June 25, 2010 - Click here
- L.O.V.E. in daylight - MJ Memorial place, June 26, 2010 - Click here