I grew up in far Northern Minnesota. I also grew up with some good music- Operas, Classical, some Folk and Religious Music. My family ascribed to some sort of religious beliefs that included no make-up, no jewlrey, and certainly no dancing or Rock and Roll. I used to press my ear to my radio, secretly at night, trying to catch what was happening in the larger world. If the weather conditions were just right-one might pull in WLS-Chicago (rock back then), or something even more interesting for a blessed few minutes. (if one turned the radio just right, and used coat hangers to help the reception) When I graduated from High School, I headed for the big city (Ha-Ha), and Bemidji State College. I had maybe twenty dollars, and headed right on down to the Pamida Store and bought a Dylan LP, rather than buying a meal ticket. I played it on my flip-top record player until the grooves turned white. At the time, the lyrics and music felt like freedom.

Over the years, Dylans Music-Lyrics have provided so many pictures in my imagination and gave voice to my human condition. As my life changed, so did the pictures. I am not a Dylanologist-don't claim to know what the man really meant by any of his creations. He just layed them out there and they were present with me all these years in my confusion, sadness, joy, love, loss, wandering and exploration, or what ever crossed my journey. Is that which flows through Bob Dylan a spiritual thing? All I know is that it fed my spirit and has changed with me and stuck by me, like a dog is a friend. I can't say that about many things in life.

Only in the last 15 years, have I ever seen Dylan live. At concerts, people sometimes complain that the music never sounds "the same".I am always excited, waiting to hear what new creations will be awaiting me at each performance,. I have always known that his music is never the same twice, whether he is playing it live or I am playing it in my mind. He is a vessel for a reason, but some of his music/lyrics, have been out there in some form as long as time itself. It lives, and awaited the one who could hear it, and embrace it in his own way.. The old ones and CREATOR express themselves as they will at any given time.and happily flow through this creature void of form. Living things should never stay the same.That's the point.

Because others tried to choose my music when I was young, I was very careful not to lay anything on my children. I used to play Dylans music around the house all the time, and at one point-my children bought me headphones so they would not have to hear it. Now that they are grown-they have their own collections of Dylan. They found him on their own, and the richness is theirs.

Sometimes when I read things about Bob Dylan, I think WOW, we humans are strange. Why would we presume we know him, or have the understanding to critique him, or the right to own him.He is Bob Dylan-there is no need to analyze further-just enjoy the journey. Still, he has left the masses a hell of a lot of gifts, and I hope they keep on coming, and that new audiances continue to find him, Those who don't resonate with what he does-please go on to find the music that moves you, There is no need for disrespect among us. When it comes to Dylans music in my life-I feel like every "Grain of Sand", and I am so very grateful,

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