Stranger on the Shore
These aren't pictures of a stranger on the shore, but they are old pictures of my Dad and "baby" me. How I loved this man. How I still do. We lost him 23 years ago, when he was just 52 years old. He was bigger than life and he has not been forgotten. I remember when I was about Shannon's age, around 18, Dad bought me an album from the record store, called "Stranger on the Shore", by Ackerbilk. He told me that I should listen to it and that I would love it. "It is music that will feed your soul, Kim". Well, I listened to it and I HATED it. I just didn't "get" it. I didn't want to hurt my Dad's feelings, so I pretended to like it. I told him thank you very much and then proceeded to bury it underneath my "Frampton Comes Alive!" album and the others that I was currently addicted to and much, much preferred. Over the years, I had pretty much forgotten about Ackerbilk and the "Stranger on the Shore" album. Oh I kept it, of course, because it WAS from my Dad and I have very few precious things of his. That album has moved with me each and every time, from home to home. When I decided that I wanted to add a little music to my blog, it was during a week when I had Dad on my mind - ALOT. One of those times when I was really missing him, wishing I could talk to him and tell him all about the "little things" in my life. And then I heard it. I heard the sweet melody of "Stranger on the Shore" in my head. Out of the blue. It was calling me. I knew then, that it had to be the first song on my blog. I listened to it and the music DID fill my soul with all things good, safe, and warm. I finally heard what my Dad must have been hearing all those years ago. The music brought back a flood of memories and it felt like "home". And that is why you hear "Stranger on the Shore" when you come here to visit me. Daisy Cottage is my home and my dear Dad will always, always be a part of it, and HOME, in my heart. I hope that that is okay if his favorite music plays. And, Dad, I "get" it now. I really do. (((hugs)))
What a beautiful story; it touches my heart and is a wonderful tribute to your beloved father. I usually keep my laptop on mute but I've turned the sound on and am thoroughly enjoying "Stranger on the Shore." I think I'm going to buy this and load it in my iPod, too.
Thank you for sharing your sweet story and the music.
Posted by: Junie Moon | September 16, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Wow! The really strange thing is last night I came over to your blog, and the volume was turned on (usually I keep it off) my first thoughts were the music sounded like it could be playing at a cocktail party from the 40's or 50's. How beautiful! I sat and listened to it with a smile on my face, and now today, you tell us why it plays! Gives me chills! Music can bring back some powerful memories. So glad you have this from your sweet father!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | September 16, 2007 at 09:47 PM
I'm crying...I loved that! I miss my daddy too Kim! It will be two years this Nov...just beautiful! loveyou, cottage soul sister!
Posted by: tina | September 16, 2007 at 09:50 PM
My daughters(ages 11 and 7) love it when I visit your site, because of that song! What a beautiful thing to do in honor of your dad.
Molly
Posted by: Molly | September 16, 2007 at 09:51 PM
My Mom also passed away 23 years ago. Your post touched my heart and made the memories flood in. Memories are good.....
Posted by: Rosie | September 16, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Dear Kim, what a beautiful post.
I am struck not ony by the album that your father gave you,
It is your father's words that made me cry while listening to the music. The power of words and music is really amazing isn't it?
I miss my dad, the dad I knew at that age in your pictures especially.
Hugs, Thank You.
Donna
Posted by: The Decorated House | September 16, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Kim, such a sweet tribute to your beloved DAD. My father passed away last year, and I too miss him dearly and still get very emotional. I notice the song playing every time I peek at your blog, and now I know there's a beautiful meaning to it. It's very, very soothing. I could listen to it constantly! Hugs.
Posted by: Hasmin | September 16, 2007 at 10:01 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention...you resemble your DAD!!! :-)
Posted by: Hasmin | September 16, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Kim, I have been listening to your blog music and really enjoying it. I lost my dad in July and this music kept bringing back memories of a Boots Randolph 8 track, my dad used to play, it was really beautiful.
Posted by: Christie | September 16, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Kim,
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it here on your blog...what a touching story. Your father was gorgeous! We were lucky to have great daddys:)
Miss Janice
Posted by: Miss Janice | September 16, 2007 at 10:18 PM
Wow...what a beautiful song for a beautiful story. Loved seeing the photos too.
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | September 16, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Kim, what a beautiful gift your dad gave you - sweet music and memories.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | September 16, 2007 at 10:42 PM
Kim, I just wish I could give you a big hug. What sweet words to say about your Dad and how much his music means to you. I find this incredible because Stranger On The Shore was one of my dear Daddy's favorites. My DH and I have always loved it and matter of fact I was reading your blog a few days back, DH heard the song and later I heard him humming it:)
Thanks for sharing the photos of you and your dear Dad and His music.
Debbie L.
Thank you for sharing and warming my heart with your tribute to your Dad.
Posted by: Debbie L. | September 16, 2007 at 10:46 PM
What a gorgeous man your daddy was:) I love that song...ok I always have! I lost my dad 11 years ago, tho I will say he was NOT nearly anywhere near as gorgeous as your daddy* I loved reading this and those photos well, I've a soft spot for all of them!
Posted by: mgm | September 16, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Oh Kim, that song always makes me teary eyed. I remember my father 'dancing' with me (he never did learn to dance, just sway and shuffle) to this song.
I was blessed to have my father with me until I was 52, but it only makes me more of a selfish brat, wanting more!
I only hope that my own kids remember me as fondly and as randomly, with a song, a story, a place, a scent.
Aren't we blessed to be the keepers of such magical memories?
Posted by: Jan in PA | September 16, 2007 at 10:51 PM
My goodness Kim, that brought tears to my eyes. I have always loved that song and had no idea what it was called. I'm an old soul and that song has always spoken to me.
I much prefer it to the music on the radio today.
I was just making my Dad some pillow shams so it seemed so appropriate to take a few minutes to read your blog. Of course, it brought my mom back to me. We lost her 12 years now this upcoming January.
Please keep your blog going, although I hardly write in my own, I always find time to read yours. I've cut back on computer time to spend with my own loved ones but always keep your blog as a favorite.
Posted by: Di | September 16, 2007 at 10:56 PM
What a touching story. Thanks for sharing. There is just nothing that can compare to our Daddy's and their love ;-)
Posted by: Laura | September 16, 2007 at 11:06 PM
How very sweet. :) It is an old fashioned kind of song, that seems to fit your blog and home very well. I think I will now think of your sweet Dad every time I hear it.
Posted by: Sadie Olive | September 16, 2007 at 11:31 PM
I am balling my eyes out. I still have both of my parents and I love them dearly I couldn't imagine not having one of them. I am calling them right now to tell them how much I love them!
Posted by: nikki brey | September 16, 2007 at 11:49 PM
I'm sorry Kim. Beautiful story sweetie. I have only just done a post on my blog about losing my own dad, 31yrs ago today. Then I come to visit you and find you are going through the same emotions today. It's never the same with out them is it? Hugs for you.
Posted by: Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa) | September 17, 2007 at 12:28 AM
I'm sorry Kim. It's never the same with out them is it? I have only just finished posting on my blog about losing my dad 31yrs ago today. Then to come here for a visit and find that you are going through similar emotions......hugs for you sweetie.
Posted by: Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa) | September 17, 2007 at 12:31 AM
oopps sorry, A double post! The computer went crazy! Sorry!
Posted by: Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa) | September 17, 2007 at 12:33 AM
What wonderful music. I too preferred Frampton Comes Alive at that age. But this music. . . really does calm one's soul, doesn't it? You had a very smart dad.
Blessings!
Posted by: Sheryl from Michigan | September 17, 2007 at 01:22 AM
I can across your blog about two weeks ago and I just fell in love with it. I loved that song and it just put a smile on my face. isn't it sweet that your dad shared something that has lasted this long. It just show me how small things impact people around us :) thanks for sharing such a lovely story.
Posted by: Liz | September 17, 2007 at 01:29 AM
Dear Kim,
I have been enjoying this music ever since you put it on about a week or so ago, I never knew the name of it but it sure brings the 1950's back to me.
I lost my Dad 31 years ago and his birthday was on Sept 13th, I have been thinking about Dad all week and this post lets me know that you think of your Dad like I do my Dad.
Aren't we lucky to have a Dad that still lingers in our heart and mind everyday of our life?
We are truly blessed to have been loved by men such as these men were. It sounds like we are not alone from reading all these blogs. I only hope my daughter and son feel like I have given them half of the love and encouragement I was given.
Thanks for your lovely post, you always give me something elegant to look at or a memory to cherish, I enjoy your blog so much.
:) Bren
http://benzy55.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Posted by: Bren | September 17, 2007 at 01:54 AM