Celebration was track number eighteen (Disc 2) and the first single from the Celebration CD.
A month later, I left Colorado and moved back to Portland, Oregon. I arrived on April 30, 2009. This relocation was the first time in my life that I moved back to someplace. Every other move before this one involved moving someplace new.
In the autumn of 2007, I moved back into the same apartment building I lived in before leaving. My new apartment was on the same floor, just two doors down from my old apartment. Within the first 48 hours, I ran into some of my neighbors from when I lived there before, and they all made a special effort to welcome me back to the building and to Portland.
It felt great to be back.
On Mother’s Day, May 10, I returned to my favorite clothing-optional spot in the Columbia River Gorge and witnessed the most incredible sight. As I lay naked on my blanket, looking up at the clouds, daydreaming about this and that, feeling happy to be back in Oregon, I saw a Bald Eagle fly directly overhead. It had to have been no more than thirty feet above my head, carrying a fish it had just retrieved from the Columbia River.
Seeing a Bald Eagle so close in the wild felt very auspicious. I was so moved that tears rolled down my face. I felt so empowered. When I returned home, I discovered that Eagle brought the following wisdom: Swiftness, Strength, Courage, Wisdom, Keen sight, Illumination of Spirit, Healing, Creation, Knowledge of magic, Ability to see hidden spiritual truths, rising above the material to see the spiritual, Ability to see the overall pattern, Connection to spirit guides and teachers, Great power and balance, dignity with grace, Ability to see the “big picture”, Connection with higher truths, Intuitive and creative spirit, Respect for the boundaries of the regions, Grace achieved through knowledge and hard work.
The fish it was carrying represented Abundance, Fertility, Harmony, Regeneration, Love, and Balance between mind and emotion.
I couldn’t have asked for a better “Welcome back to Portland!” message from the Creator and my mother’s spirit.
On June 15, I attended Gay Skate in Portland. It was the first time I had worn a pair of roller skates since I was fifteen. It was like skating back in time. I had a blast skating to old disco tunes and remembering the days of my innocence. I experienced so much joy that evening. I went to bed with a massive smile and a blister on my right foot.
A week later, I attended a Kabbalah gathering in the Portland area. I mainly did this out of respect for Madonna. Since I had experienced such a positive connection to her music over the years, I thought I would pay my respects by closely examining Kabbalah. During this meeting, I discovered The 72 Names of God meditation cards.
On July 1, my immediate supervisor and co-worker left our organization.
On July 8, my Uncle Seth and his new girlfriend, sister, brother-in-law, and niece arrived for a ten-day vacation. We had planned a trip that included several days in Oregon, a three-hour train trip to and from Seattle, and a Clipper Ferry ride to Victoria, Canada. While in Victoria, I stood in front of the Empress Hotel. (Pictured at the top of this page.) It was interesting because the age of 47, according to the Tarot, is the year of the “Empress,” which most definitely described my year.
My family and I had a fantastic time together during those ten days, and when it was all said and done, my uncle said it was one of the best times of his life. His comment made me happy.
“Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? You look familiar… You wanna’ dance? …Yeah. I guess I just don’t recognize you with your cloths on… (laughs) What are you waiting for?”
On July 22, 2009, I turned 48 years old, and Warner Bros. Records officially announced the name of Madonna’s subsequent greatest hits CD: Celebration.
It was scheduled for release on September 28, 2009. Since I had just entered the year of the “Emperor”…
I hoped this would be the year I would do something amazing.
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CELEBRATION
Come join the party, yeah
Coz’ anybody just won’t do.
Let’s get this started, yeah
I think you wanna’ come over, yeah I heard it through the grapevine.
Are you drunk or you sober? Think about it, doesn’t matter
and if it makes you feel good then I say do it,
I don’t know what you’re waiting for
Boy you got a reputation, but you’re gonna’ have to prove it
I see a little hesitation,
Am I gonna’ have to show you that if it feels right, get on your marks
Step to the beat boy that’s what it’s for
Put your arms around me
When it gets too hot we can go outside
But for now just come here, let me whisper in your ear
An invitation to the dance of life
Come join the party, it’s a celebration
Anybody just won’t do
Let’s get this started, no more hesitation
Coz’ everybody wants to party with you
Come join the party, it’s a celebration
Anybody just won’t do
Let’s get this started, no more hesitation
Coz’ everybody wants to party with you X 2
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?
You look familiar…
You wanna’ dance? …Yeah.
I guess I just don’t recognize you with your cloths on… (laughs)
What are you waiting for?
Come join the party, it’s a celebration
Anybody just won’t do
Let’s get this started, no more hesitation
Coz’ everybody wants to party with you
Come join the party, it’s a celebration
Anybody just won’t do
Let’s get this started, no more hesitation
Coz’ everybody wants to party with you
Boy you’ve got it
Coz’ anybody just won’t do
Let’s get it started, no more hesitation
Coz’ everybody wants to party with you