Memoirs of the Brightside of the Moon

by Ginger Gilmour

  Artists have been given total freedom to create anything. Therefore, an icon has a very definite message, and apparently so does a pile of bricks. Modern society accepts both as "art." Therefore, our work is cut out for us because the art of an epoch is its spiritual thermometer. So what do we want to create? Images that feed our soul, or images, which result in the trivialization of society? I say for this to happen, the Arts will play a great part in the future, but Only if it is creative and not destructive. By that, I mean the artists will create from a response to one's True Soul Nature, ideally from serving the Divine intention. They will create images and forms that reflect the deep essence of Life. Most of All, the artists will create such Beauty, that it will awaken us from our slumber and remind us that We are BEAUTIFUL and OUR HEARTS ARE PURE! So that, once again, We shall Live the Art of Beauty! We shall walk towards the Bright Side.

  CHAPTER 89

  ANGEL OF MIGHT

  After our exhibition, Ioannis told me of an initiative "Art for Humanity" to raise funds for the Red Cross in the UK. They were asking artists for submissions to donate art towards their International Fund Raising efforts. My work was just becoming visible, but I took the step to offer my sculpture Angel of Might. I made an appointment to meet their committee. I was nervous when I approached the door, but I could see them through the little window smiling, chatting. Their warm greeting calmed my shaky disposition as they guided me to my chair. Kindness and commitment filled the evening as I listened and waited my turn.

  A great philosopher once said, "We are what we contemplate." In these modern times, mankind is constantly confronted with images of conflict and world disasters, it seems VERY important to contemplate the Beautiful. As you know, it has become my personal crusade as an artist. Ever since I can remember, my innermost nature has always been to do acts of kindness and to create; from saving lost animals, to organizing charitable events; from mothering our four children to now giving birth to the Art of Beauty. This is my passion. This is my life.

  Over the years, I have found writing poetry is a great way to communicate what my artwork seeks to say, as well as what my visionary quest is leading me to BE. So I wrote this poem for them, hopefully to bridge the gap:

  Angel of Might

  Throughout History, in most cases, the symbol of an Angel

  Represented upliftment, love, care and beauty.

  To me, in an earthly sense, The Red Cross is

  Humanity's Guardian Angels.

  Therefore, I felt the Angel of Might is most appropriate

  As a donation for the 'Art of Humanity'

  For it not only takes Great Heart, But it also takes Great Might

  To Be an Universal Caretaker.

  © Ginger Gilmour

  Through donating my sculpture, Angel of Might, to the Red Cross I took another step in my quest to serve humanity as a World Server. We are all co-creators in the one work, to be as God created us, to Be in his likeness. For me, this is the power of art. It reaches beyond all cultural barriers, all philosophies and unites. The Red Cross "Art for Humanity" Initiative has that as its core vision. In doing so, they are forerunners in initiating the next step towards inspiring global peace and unification in a diverse world.

  This event was just the beginning of my relationship with the Red Cross for they eventually invited me to join the committee. I served for three years until I left the UK on a sabbatical. The last event I worked on was the annual British Red Cross Gala Ball that raised over £250,000 for the charity from its 500 guests. The Ball's theme was "East Meets West,"which brought together influential people from across the world and reflected the Red Cross' principles of neutrality and universality. Guests attended a reception and dinner at one of a selection of Ambassadors' residences before going to Old Billingsgate for entertainment, auction and dancing. Jazz musician Jamie Cullum, headlined the variety show, presented by Angela Rippon and Maria Shammas, president of the IFC for the Red Cross.

  I had successfully arranged for more than 25 donations to be auctioned including the creation of a 6-ft panel called the Cross for Humanity. They also gave me one large area in the venue to showcase it, along with other artwork. I created an installation called "Coming Together." One of my sculptured angels, Heaven, suspended from above, floating amongst the voile fabric trailing from the ceiling. Three life-size sculptures, Contemplation-Visualize World Peace, majestically sat upon tall triangular plinths along the wall guarding the silent intent for the evening.

  I was sitting at a table with my good friends Hayley Mills, Miriam and Lennie Freedman and David and Gill Graham during the evening entertainment. At one point in the evening, Angela Rippon presented Awards for "Service to Humanity." My heart nearly stopped when I heard my name called to come to the stage. Unexpectedly, I was being awarded. It was a beautiful certificate placed within an elegant mirrored frame. Tears of honor ran down my face as I returned to my table. Everyone was clapping and smiling as I sat down. Alice was up in the rafters proudly saying to others there, "That's my Mom!" she was there to help me as one of my crew. Later, when we met to dis-mantle the artwork, she greeted me with such a smile; like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. And a huge hug! What a special moment.

  CHAPTER 90

  LIVE 8

  THE LONG WALK TO JUSTICE

  2 July 2005

  It was the Twentieth Anniversary of Live Aid and the vision once planted to eliminate World poverty still existed. Live 8 was to be louder; our voices would be heard in unison across the world. Three billion people joined in, reunited, stronger. The Global Call for Action Against Poverty went forth. More than 1,000 musicians performed carrying the message, purposely planned just before the gathering of the G8 leaders. Ten simultaneous concerts were held on 2 July and one on 6 July. All of them broadcast on 182 television stations and 2,000 radio networks. The result was favorable, in that the G8 leaders pledged to double 2004 levels of aid to poor nations from US $25 billion to US $50 billion by the year 2010. Half of the money was to go to Africa.(1) The world waited in anticipation for the day to arrive because Sir Bob achieved something that not many could have done. He inspired, (coerced? LOL) the Pink Floyd to all play together after years of separation clothed in anger and hurt. Sir Bob, once again, was fearless taking on the tiger for the world. He rang Roger. Roger was up for it as he was already doing a lot for the plight of humanity. David wasn't so easy. He was angry and held on to it with great resistance even for the world. Bob shares the story of how it happened in his later interview. He went to visit David in the country home to discuss the idea. David said very affirmably, "NO!" As Bob left the house to go to the station he insisted, "Think about it before you say NO. Promise?" but David kept saying, "NO." Bob kept saying repeatedly, "David don't say NO until you think about it,"until the car door closed.

  A few days later Roger called asking how it went. Bob related the conversation to him. "It didn't go well. I don't think he will do it." Roger asked for David's phone number and said he would speak to him. Just when Bob thought no chance, two weeks later, he got a very short and abrupt phone call from David saying he would do the concert! Bob did wind him up trying to get clarity while loving the friendly banter, being the jester. They seem to have that sort of relationship. Bob laughed commenting that David had made an old man happy.(2) Needless to say - the world as well.

  During the week prior, the band met for rehearsal. One of the kids said, "Dad is finding the rehearsals one of the most difficult experiences of his life." I nodded in acknowledgement, "I am not surprised. They would be transforming a lot of stuff." The day arrived and all the children went. I took up my station in the kitchen of Old Bilsham, snacking throughout the day sitting on my blue chair before the telly. I had a running commentary of the show, and backstage from their hourly text messages. One after another, the kids thought of Mom.

  The warm afternoon sun had gone and night came upon us. Bob came on stage and introduced the band that they had been waiting for years to he
ar again. The band who had not played together since 1981 at Earls Court and now after twenty-four years they would stand together once again. The lights dimmed and through the darkness, the Floyd entered the stage. The sound of a heartbeat pulsated through the air. The audience rose with excitement as the unbelievable moment was about to happen. Swirling sounds and white searchlights joined the shouts of glee. The music resounded, piercing the night air as images of pigs floated behind on stage. The audience cheering with jubilation, "NO MORE EXCUSES" lit high above them, as David on slide began the journey once again. Perhaps for the last time? Memories, memories returned as my heart was touched. Alice in her polka dot dress below the stage in Cleveland and Chicago, the unions and the rain, just the beginning of what seemed the end. Yet after years of criticism trying to figure out who is Pink, the world is united in a single voice. As David began to sing "Breathe,"history was being made for humanity. The power of music to unite was evident. Roger was jubilant like I have never witnessed before. Far from the microphone, he sang all the words with passion. He was happy! The first song was over when "Ching, Ching" resounded in the air. The audience stood as the searchlights swayed covering them in red. "MONEY!" David's voice so familiar had them cheering. Memories of the number of times I danced at the mixer returned as I stood in my kitchen. A song that took them into large arenas to fill and in the end created alienation. Tonight it brought joy and unity as the images of records rotated round and round on the screen. Dick Perry, bearing gray hair, elegant in his white shirt and trousers swayed as his saxophone had us leaping, preparing the way for when David's guitar would soar.

  A statement from the past so appropriate of who was right, filled the spaces. David's body messages were still holding on. I knew the wall was still there. I shouted at the screen, pleading for him to let go. "Let go, David. Let go. Trust the music as when you were young." Then Roger spoke to us from his heart. A tear burst the bubble in mine as I felt the truth that held me. He said, "It is quite emotional after all these years to be standing on stage with these guys. Standing to be counted with the rest of you. Anyway,we're doing this for everybody who's not here, particularly, of course, for Sid."(3) Many others had passed too from the Floyd family, Steve O'Rourke and Michael Kamen. Roger's alienation with the audience seemed to melt away as he spoke. I cried further as the pain released within the freedom of knowing the bricks were falling. But how far and for how long? More memories returned as "Wish you were here" began. The day we got married and Sid at Abbey Rd. I wept and wept with the mixture of Joy and sadness. I love this song. The audience too. And could we tell? Everyone singing the lyrics founded on heart singing together. David smiled at Nick and over to Roger and Rick. The wall was dissolving. Did they know that there was more being transformed as David and Roger joined the waving hands below, smiling? Joy was becoming infectious. Warm hearts were united, standing together.

  Then the evening soared with "Comfortably Numb,"David's guitar captivated us and took us to a place where unity existed, beyond the struggle. The memories of him silhouetted in the light upon the Wall played before me inside. Each time penetrating beyond the veils, as it has always done since its creation. Freedom stretched across the sky. Make Poverty History, etched in red across the Wall, appeared as a reminder of what the event was for - The Long Walk to Justice. The audience faces were all aglow, as we were touched by what had been achieved. Perhaps just for a moment that could last forever. Perhaps there was more? For me the Floyd gave more than what was visible. They gave so much more to the world by letting go of the anger, the war that divided them. A true step forward, for humanity to witness. It can be done! It spoke deep within our hearts and our heart is where Make Poverty History begins. First, with ourselves and then with our neighbor. It brings to mind a prayer I said every evening before bed as a child.

  Our Father

  Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

  Thy kingdom come.

  Thy will be done

  on earth as it is in heaven.

  Give us this day our daily bread,

  and forgive us our trespasses,

  as we forgive those who trespass against us,

  and lead us not into temptation,

  but deliver us from evil.

  For thine is the kingdom,

  the power, and the glory,

  for ever and ever.

  Amen.

  For me, To forgive those who trespass against us, happened that evening. The Global Call for Action Against Poverty went further than raising money. We were all united in the forgiveness the Floyd had found with each other and the Beauty of Creativity. A living example of the power of Forgiveness. Being the fundamental condition of the reconciliation of us all. We were united in our Heart's desire for Peace and Love amongst men.

  Live 8 was a prayer whether we knew it or not beckoning a doorway to open with Heaven. Hoping for a miracle. It closed with a moment of connection with each other and our Divine Creator. A kingdom united forever and forever, if we chose. But there is so much more work for us to do. The Our Father is a hint, if we listen.

  We were lost in the music and yet found,

  The Bright Side of the Moon.

  I have found,

  as one door closes

  another door opens,

  rich in possibilities

  In Beauty,

  AFTERWORD

  As I wrote my memoirs, I was astonished how much I had remembered. How much I still could feel all the stories of my life's challenges and adventures. My journey sent me spiritual teachers, psychologists, therapists, friends AND adversaries to guide me to Let go, to Forgive, to be Grateful. Yet still, I could remember, I could feel. I wondered why was this so. Why did it linger? I discovered while writing that there had always been a video running 24/7 simultaneous to another path, which was in the foreground taking me into my future. A parallel story of service to Humanity through my art and through my life of helping others. A story important for the future so that we would Remember Beauty and the Sacred.

  But why was this video still running so clearly after so much internal work and willingness to Let-go, to go forward? Today, my question was answered. As I handed over my manuscript to a friend to review, I realized its purpose. It was in God's plan all along.

  Years ago a voice came to me in my meditation, so clear, so directed. "Ginger you must write your story of Love." I waited. I contemplated for nearly two years. I trusted the voice but who was it? Little did I know what that would entail to write my story of love until I started. I had said, "Yes." Now it is clearer. It has become a story of how it is possible to return to God and to realize he has been there always through Life's experiences guiding the way. I know why he wanted me to write it, for it is a story of Love, of Forgiveness, of Realization, of Courage, despite extreme challenges. A story mankind needed to hear.

  God wanted this story written, which is why I had to remember everything. I had to carry the pain, the blessings, and make it visible so that it could be resolved in this way before you. It was in the Divine Plan so that you the reader would know the truth of my journey of Return, to the Joy of Living and God's Majesty when death was so close.

  I was given the opportunity to carry this for so long to then go through my transformation within each word. Not only am I sharing my journey, my quest but also my catharsis. With each memory, I was getting closer to my freedom to be What I was born to Be. I awakened to what had always been my destiny, my soul purpose.

  I see it clearly now. It was a journey of Return to God and to serve. Each step, each road was about bringing Heaven to Earth. Each day I now speak to Him, my closest friend. I do not divert around the corners doubting, wondering, fearing. I am creating a direct line to His Love, to pure Love. I know he is Alive and there watching over us all. My heart is lighter and I know so much more Joy is waiting for me, for my children and for you.

  May Peace Be with YOU.

  SPECIAL THANKS

  My Children & Family;


  Donna & Scott Shepherd & Children

  Stephen & Mona Hasenbein & Children

  Toni & Vincent Messura-Caronia

  Marcus and Jana Messura

  David Gilmour Polly & Family

  WITH ALL MY APPRECIATION

  Isaac Ian Otwell, Cathy Holmes, Mike Holmes, Dr Rajendra Sharma, Val Brady, David & Gill Graham, Steve Gent, Sturt Williamson, Miv Watts, Richard & Sue Clarke, Nigel & Jenny Gordon, Kathryn Peat, Johnny & Versha Rae, Miriam Freedman, Annette, Christian, Joachim, Maria Louise & Alexander Skovbo, Emo-Ion Moore, Matthew Scurfield, Bob Ezrin, James Guthrie, Tim Hain, Claire Johnson, Andrew Johnson & children, Tim Wheater, Olivia Harrison, Jo Parker, Daisa Morgan, Lucinda Drayton, Doreen Key & Michael Benner, Marguerite Gaffney & Family, Patrick & Nicholas Keegan, Christine Koetsier & Family, Julia Hauserman, Molly Harvey, Christian Mouzon, Nancy Roof, Dorothy Maver, Nico Thelman, Lief & Michele De Prins, Key Minnebo, Dana Lynn Andersen, Melissa, Tchaik, Dixie, Clancey, Mary Clow, Roy & Shirley Faichney, Dreamy & Mel Lee, Danny & Cathy Johnson, Cynthia Campbell, Aaron Campbell, Winsome & Pete Mount, Barry Knight, Rita Bold, Scarlett Raven, Charles Littledale, Trina Williamson, Gita Saraydarian,Vicki & Jon Lord, Jackie Paice, Astrid & Ken Rush, Michalis Melenos, Demetri & Michaelis Mavrikos, Andoni & Phaedra Mingos, Jose Alebian (Spain), Bruno Dubois (France), Linda Hewitt, Christine and Mike Box, Nicki Claird-Lowe, Nick Mason, Duncan Carmichael- Jack, Paul Nixon, Cassie & Jonti White, Leslie MacDonald, Father Ian, Frank Inscore, Peter Long, Randy & Rita Smith, Matt & Jacob Smith, Edward Galante, Mike Carparelli, Dave Daley, Pat Comiskey, Steve Anderson, Scot Garland, Helen Beaufont, Maryann Ehmann, Georgina Norfolk, Tony Molina, Ann Aldridge, Moyra Mulholland, Karina Wiles, Kitty Grigsby and Worzalla.

  Plus, everyone who has helped to make this possible inso many ways not mentioned.