Dear Friends,

This morning I woke up with a profound sense of gratitude for the artists, warriors and truth-tellers who have so influenced my life journey.  I want to say a few words about these ordinary and not-so-ordinary folks who touch our lives.  Most of those pictured have gone on.  But one remains.

Thich Nhat Han:  What can I say about one of the planet’s most influential teachers and spiritual leaders?  Here’s a link to an interview this great man did with Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah Winfrey Interview with Thich Nhat Han

Bill Staines:  Oh, what a songwriter!  In my Hospice work, I often use “Roseville Fair” as a way of beginning a conversation about how spouses met.  I also use “All God’s Critters” with the little girl I see, who loves animals.  I will miss him, but his songs live on.  Here’s more information about Bill.

Bill Staines, Musician

Larry Hildes:  He and his wife, Karen Weill, were long-time friends of ours.  Both passed within the past few years.  Their work together on protecting the legal rights of so many was legendary.  Most recently, they were on the legal team for Leonard Peltier.  Larry also wrote lots of songs!   Scott just created a special page for Larry, that you can access here:

October Rose Productions - Tribute to Larry Hildes

Leonard Peltier: An American Indian Movement leader, Leonard is the longest serving political prisoner in prison – 44 years.  He is now suffering from COVID, and the calls for his release are being directed to President Biden.  Many others have called for his release through these years, including the Pope, Nelson Mandela, Amnesty International,  Bishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Theresa, Amnesty International, and James Reynolds – one of the key federal prosecutors who sent him to prison and has now written to President Biden confessing his role in the tangle of lies that led to Peltier’s imprisonment.  Read Michael Moore’s moving letter here:

Bury My Heart with Leonard Peltier - Michael Moore 

So I hold these ones in my heart.  And for me, the lesson is to carry on the work they were doing, to write songs, show up, write letters, pay attention, and not lose hope. Hope is our gift to future generations.

Linda

PS: My work on the forthcoming Emergence recording project continues!  Click here if you would like to contribute financially to this project.

You can view the short, 3-minute trailer to the “Here’s to the Women” performance above. For more information on booking a showing of this film, please contact me: www.lindasongs.com

Thank you!!! And please share!

Linda Allen 

Women’s Suffrage

One-hundred years ago, Suffragists were state by state launching their final campaigns to secure the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.  And then the Pandemic struck, active from 1918 through 1920.  As today, people were told to wear masks and to stay home.  In 1920, Carrie Chapman Catt was still trying to recover from the flu when she made her way to Nashville for the final push in a dramatic battle for passage. 

I’m happy to announce that my 53-minute film of “Here’s to the Women” and the trailer (see above) are now complete! It premiered at Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Historical Park on August 23rd, and is now available for individual or group showings.

You are invited to visit our Suffrage Page to find information about the virtual program, explore both traditional and my more recently composed music of Suffrage, books, movies, links and a host of other Suffrage resources.  You can also visit our store to see other Suffrage products: jewelry, note cards and more. 

Be safe and celebrate our victories.  And, as always, may we honor our ancestors by continuing their work for justice.

Linda