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Post by butterfly on Sept 14, 2009 9:48:55 GMT -5
cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150372792268 .....On 14-Sep-09 at 14:07:59 BST, seller added the following information: Ok, Yusuf 's blog can be read at www.catstevens.com/redroom (you'll have to be a member to view it): "Ye Ol'Green Desk Green was always one of my favourite colours, as you can see from my bespoke multi-channel desk, built in my basement in Fulham in 1972, which is now up for sale (don’t like the idea of it literally going under the ‘hammer’). The designers of this eco-friendly coloured desk were called Alice. It was connected to a Studer 8-Track machine and had a remote control unit which I could use while inside the main studio laying down the songs. Truly a one-man analog set up. Looking back, it was undoubtedly the house of a travelling musician; the only kitchen equipment I had at that house was as frugal as you can get – a kettle and an electric two-ring portable cooker! Those were the days of youthful cheer.. Oh, and I remember now: the strange green inside the abandoned cups I found after returning back from a tour was almost as bright a hue as the desk! Looking outside of the sliding windows of the studio you could see my little green Japanese garden, rising up to the bamboo fence, which blocked out the sight of the surrounding brown-brick, mansion buildings. Well it’s time for ‘ol’greeny’ to find a new owner."......
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 14, 2009 10:37:04 GMT -5
Oh, how cool is that... now this is a 'green topic' that we can all agree on.  It's so neat that Yusuf is blogging. Thank you so much for providing this, Anette!  -Bud |
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Post by richina on Sept 15, 2009 11:37:58 GMT -5
Wonder if Yusuf is the one bidding on it? The amount went from .99 GBP to 100 GBP. It is listed as a "private bidder". That would be cool if he got it and had it redone! Wouldn't put it past him , you know, now that he's comfortable with his other life as Cat!  He may as well start collecting his "old stuff" just like we do!!  ;D Also, there is a Harold and Maude soundtrack album on Ebay. It came out in 2007, put together by Cameron Crowe, and is complete with 2 posters and a 7" single with some different song versions on it. Some were even released in colored vinyls and they were very limited (this one is blk/180 gram). You could buy it new for $27.99, the bidding is at $350 now with 14+ hours to go!!  It'll be fun to see where it ends up! Gotta love it!  |
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Post by downunder72 on Sept 15, 2009 17:05:30 GMT -5
If it's not Yusuf, I can see Yusufs son making a bid for the Ol' Green Desk. I feel it it belongs to the family. How could they part with it!!! If he was my father, I could not see it in the hands of strangers. I agree with Rechina, he has made peace with his past, and is comfortable with that. As we age, we naturally try to cling on to our past, and the good ol' days. You slowly remember, or one morning it hits you like a brick because you were too busy working, family, living. You have a need to share those years with someone, your children, friends, or loved ones. Memories of our youthful years become more precious, and your mind keeps flashing back, sometimes we press that little pause button in our heart, because we're scared, and we don't want to forget. I'm sure many who have elderly parents or old people near you, have noticed there favourite topic of discussion is their years of youth. Yusuf has many more wonderful creative years ahead, and his far from being old, but it's so nice he is opening his heart, and sharing his personal thoughts and feelings with us. I sense now he truly believes we only have love and admiration for him, and want only whats best for him, and it's not about idolizing him. We were part of his youthful years, and still continue to be, I hope he will always remember that. Sorry for going off the topic, I just got little sentimental seeing that Ol' Green Desk up for auction. One thought led to another. It's one of those days.  |
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Post by richina on Sept 16, 2009 9:16:28 GMT -5
I know just how you feel.  There are days you wonder where the time went and you get lost in rembering  ...but then you have to get up, dust yourself off and go back to living. Who was it that said, "Ain't no good to sit and moan..."? There I go off track... Back to the point of the thread. I think it would be cool if Yusuf bought the console, refurbished it, and put it in his studio. It would be quite a conversation piece, don't you think?  |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 16, 2009 13:57:37 GMT -5
I think it would be cool if Yusuf bought the console, refurbished it, and put it in his studio. It would be quite a conversation piece, don't youthink? I agree, Richina. It might prove to be a bit difficult to do because of its apparent hefty size, but I think "'ol Greeny" (or "Alice", if you prefer) has "Redroom" written all over it (or, "her", if you prefer)! -Bud |
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Sept 16, 2009 14:06:29 GMT -5
Aw now that man definately knows good colors. My two favorite colors green and yellow! And they are together! ;D |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 16, 2009 14:11:40 GMT -5
Aw now that man definately knows good colors. My two favorite colors green and yellow! And they are together! ;D "'Ol Greeny"... "Redroom"... green... yellow... This thread has sure evolved into a 'colorful' discussion. And, yes, my (really quite horrible!) pun was intended. -Bud |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 18, 2009 23:50:33 GMT -5
Yusuf has many more wonderful creative years ahead, and his far from being old, but it's so nice he is opening his heart, and sharing his personal thoughts and feelings with us. I sense now he truly believes we only have love and admiration for him, and want only whats best for him, and it's not about idolizing him. We were part of his youthful years, and still continue to be, I hope he will always remember that. Sorry for going off the topic, I just got little sentimental seeing that Ol' Green Desk up for auction. One thought led to another. It's one of those days. Vicki, your post here gave me much to ponder about and I've taken my time processing my own thoughts around the prospective sale of Ol' Greeny. Bud encouraged me to share them with my fellow Majicatters so here goes. Reading the nostalgic Redroom post from Yusuf brought a flood of questions to my mind. Where was Ol’ Greeny stored safely during all the intervening years while he pursued a path in life that excluded music? Apparently it was kept safely somewhere. Interesting, considering he gave away his guitars and adopted a radically different way of life. His writing that he doesn’t like the idea of it literally going under the ‘hammer’ is all the more suggestive of the deep emotions around it. So Vicki’s (downunder72) question “How could they part with it?” found echoes in my heart. And set me thinking about the reasons.
Yusuf has been working to set at rest (no it doesn’t happen that easily IMO) his negative feelings related to a past life as Cat Stevens that he abruptly discarded, for what appeared like an opportunity to live close to the ideals he sang about. And in the process he finds himself rediscovering the good and beautiful parts that had been rejected along with the less desirable.
I quote Vicki again “As we age, we naturally try to cling on to our past, and the good ol' days. You slowly remember, or one morning it hits you like a brick because you were too busy working, family, living.”
And “sometimes we press that little pause button in our heart, because we're scared, and we don't want to forget.”
I can relate to this, having lived with my mum during her last years. On the other hand, for Yusuf it had been a conscious eschewing of the past. And now as he works at returning to music, ever so often an association or memory from that past would be calling out to him to listen. And more than anything there is the profoundly grateful realization in him, that divine power preserved his musical genius for him like a treasure in safe custody, almost waiting for him to ask to have it back! You cannot change the past but you can discover parts of it that you never paid attention to earlier and you can reach new insights on what you already know. I believe that’s happening to him. Ol Greeny would be a part of the process. So then why part from her? Maybe for the very reason that she (yes, I seem to get a feminine vibe from her) was one of the few physical symbols that kept alive a tenuous link to the “Cat Stevens self,” a semi-detached part of him who is also a person in his own right, waiting to be reconciled and integrated with the “here and now” Yusuf, at the right moment in time. And with him reassured that this is happening for real, it’s like she has fulfilled her role after standing by all these years. And as detachment from physical objects is needed for continued spiritual growth, it’s important to delink himself and have a graceful closure. After all, the feelings and associations around the object and what it means to you, as well as the lessons you learned through it, are really its essence aren’t they? Note to Vicki: I've just been catching up with old posts on the forum and I want to say I'm sending lots of good energy for your mom's recovery. Take care. |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 19, 2009 1:42:40 GMT -5
Hi Incognita, I just wanted to acknowledge what I told you in a private message: your take on Yusuf and "'Ol Greeny" is truly awesome. I share so many of the thoughts that you express on the matter, but there is simply no way I would ever be able to approach the terrifically insightful, analytical and artful way in which you expound them. So expertly done from someone who obviously is quite a student of Yusuf, the man and the artist! -Bud |
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Post by richina on Sept 19, 2009 10:00:43 GMT -5
Ditto what Bud said! I truly enjoyed reading your insights on Yusuf and "the green desk". It made me ponder things on a personal level also. I've always been sentimental about "things", I guess I believe they give me some type of security. That would explain my inclination that Yusuf would want to purchase the console as a keepsake. It would make sense for someone like me to do it, but your reasoning shows that this might not always be the right road. Maybe I need to grow up a little and reconsider what is truly important. I'm gonna work on that...honestly! But having said that, I still think it would be cool if he bought it! The price is up to GBP 255 about $415 US, only private bidders whose identities are protected. (I've never seen that before) And thank you again for your most eloquent post Incognita! |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 19, 2009 14:38:07 GMT -5
I've always been sentimental about "things", I guess I believe they give me some type of security. I really believe that this is simply part of the human condition, Richina... or part of what makes us human. I know that I feel the very same way about "my stuff" (as George Carlin might put it!), and I would venture to quess that maybe 99.99% of our fellow 'peeps' do as well. -Bud |
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Post by richina on Sept 19, 2009 15:09:31 GMT -5
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Post by downunder72 on Sept 19, 2009 16:21:31 GMT -5
Thankyou Incognita for giving me another perspective.You said it so beautifully. I'm glad you listened to Bud, he was right in asking you to share your thoughts. I feel very fortunate to be part of Majicat, and one of the reasons are, being able to read other peoples feelings, thoughts, and their insight. There are many people here with excellent writing skills, and you are one of them. Every word you wrote is so true, and so beautifully expressed. You have a great gift in writing. It was a pleasure reading. I too feel that to move on in life, you have to put the past to rest. Yusuf could be living one of his best stages in life. I have mixed feelings, and my thoughts change depending on my mood, and I often fail to express my feelings in the best way. As I said, some days are bad Sometimes it's so hard to draw a line to what's important and what's not, and what do we keep, and what do we throw away, though it's such a relief to get rid of some surplus baggage that we we carry around for years. Thankyou for your warm thoughts. I too believe in the powers of positive energy. I want you to know, your positive energy was very much felt. |
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Post by downunder72 on Sept 19, 2009 16:37:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the reassurance Bud...you're always there when I need you!!!! Helps to know I'm not totally cccrrraaazzzyy!  Yes, it is so nice to know. Bud always has a good word for everyone. |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 19, 2009 17:58:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the reassurance Bud...you're always there when I need you!!!! Helps to know I'm not totally cccrrraaazzzyy! Yes, it is so nice to know. Bud always has a good word for everyone. Richina and Vicki, thank you so much for the kind words. You know, from the very first day that I signed on as a member of the site this past May, I have enjoyed every moment of my time spent on Majicat. Poking my head in here to see what my fellow Majicatters are up to has truly become one of the highlights of my day. I know it has been stated many times before, but it deserves repeating: it is truly remarkable the way everyone here supports one another and cheers each another on. I believe that Majicat is very much the 'Peace Train of the Internet'. I couldn't be happier that I decided to jump aboard this train and, in return for the endless enjoyment I have received and the countless kindnesses that have been extended to me, here, it feels so good and so right for me to return as many of the same that I possibly can. Thanks so much again, Richina and Vicki. -Bud |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 19, 2009 19:57:17 GMT -5
Hey Everyone! I just woke up to the conversation here and Wow! More and more to think about. You folks are just The Best! I'm deeply touched by the kind, thoughtful words to me from my fellow-Majicatters. Richina I love your posts and I follow them keenly. Vicki, I think we both come from the same place but throw the light from different angles. I believe at each stage of life there is this process of coming to terms and making peace with a past phase. For some of us it all catches up together. Bud thank you for being there for all of us I will come back after waking fully and respond to each one of you. Can you tell how lucky I feel to be a part of this family? Love you all, Incognita |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 19, 2009 23:46:47 GMT -5
Ditto what Bud said! I truly enjoyed reading your insights on Yusuf and "the green desk". It made me ponder things on a personal level also. I've always been sentimental about "things", I guess I believe they give me some type of security. That would explain my inclination that Yusuf would want to purchase the console as a keepsake. It would make sense for someone like me to do it, but your reasoning shows that this might not always be the right road. Maybe I need to grow up a little and reconsider what is truly important. I'm gonna work on that...honestly! Richina, while it sometimes becomes important to delink ourselves from material objects, I think that being sentimental is a good and beautiful thing. I am like you too and I'd suggest you don't grow up too fast ;D I was actually only trying to say that the sentiments are real, the memories are real, but when we have certain experiences that show us the impermanence of our physical selves - what I think of as the spiritualizing process - we sublimate our feelings about precious objects in a way that we can separate the physical entity from what it stands for. And that leads us towards an increasing process of conscious delinking. You know what, I am totally in agreement with you. Maybe if he bought it back, it would be a new entity with a new life, a symbol of how we are different and yet the same. I'm curious to see the end result. Thank you Richina for your beautiful response and encouragement. I do tend to be reserved in the beginning and all of you are helping me in a big way. |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 19, 2009 23:56:18 GMT -5
Thankyou Incognita for giving me another perspective.You said it so beautifully. I'm glad you listened to Bud, he was right in asking you to share your thoughts. I feel very fortunate to be part of Majicat, and one of the reasons are, being able to read other peoples feelings, thoughts, and their insight. There are many people here with excellent writing skills, and you are one of them. Every word you wrote is so true, and so beautifully expressed. You have a great gift in writing. It was a pleasure reading. I too feel that to move on in life, you have to put the past to rest. Yusuf could be living one of his best stages in life. Thank you for your kind words I think you write no less beautifully, from the heart and spirit and with great empathy. There are some incredibly talented and compassionate people on this forum and I love just lurking and reading through the threads. This is so close to the way I feel myself. In fact this whole phase of my life post my mother's demise, has been about this process of sifting and choosing. Yes the perspectives on what's important sometimes change from minute to minute. And one of the biggest burdens for me has been emotional baggage. Physical objects are often just reminders of those feelings. And emotions can be volatile and unpredictable. As I can feel yours. Be well Incognita |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 20, 2009 0:29:04 GMT -5
I believe that Majicat is very much the 'Peace Train of the Internet'. -Bud Yes indeed - we are woven together in this Wild World Web as one fabric and we ride the Peace Train together |
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Post by Sir Lorry Load on Sept 20, 2009 14:19:19 GMT -5
I believe that Majicat is very much the 'Peace Train of the Internet'. -Bud Yes indeed - we are woven together in this Wild World Web as one fabric and we ride the Peace Train together So beautifully expressed, Incognita! And no locomotive in this Wild World Web could ever hope to have a steadier hand at the helm and on the throttle than our very own "Engineer Christine". -Bud |
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on Sept 20, 2009 18:50:48 GMT -5
Oh Bud, your making me blush.  Actually this message board works so well, because there are so many wonderful compassionate people who deeply care about one another. It's wonderful to see how it has evolved into tight knit family of sorts. Thank You Majicatters! A friend told me many years ago, when the site was relatively new, that it was a 'Warm & Fuzzy 'place. I just try to keep it that way for her and for everyone who visits. And it seems everyone seems to have the same goal in mind by doing their part in keeping it peaceful. |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 20, 2009 20:45:21 GMT -5
And no locomotive in this Wild World Web could ever hope to have a steadier hand at the helm and on the throttle than our very own "Engineer Christine". -Bud AMEN!!!!! Go Christine! Thanks for everything! |
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Post by richina on Sept 20, 2009 22:14:31 GMT -5
Double amen from me...thanks for everything Christine!! ;D I love it here and the people too! What would I do without my Majicatters? |
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Post by richina on Sept 20, 2009 22:21:17 GMT -5
Oh and...wooooo woooo!! ;D ;D Get your bags together...here rides the peace train!! Glad to be on board!! Al Wada ("peace out" in Arabic) Love y'all!! |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 20, 2009 22:30:13 GMT -5
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Post by richina on Sept 20, 2009 22:44:21 GMT -5
Not to worry Icognita, as long as we're here, we're one step closer!!  |
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Post by richina on Sept 23, 2009 7:43:20 GMT -5
Update on the green desk...with 8 hours left, the bidding is up to GBP 720 or about $1178.89 USD!!! I think a couple of people are going back and forth. Still curious if one of the bidders is Yusuf!! I wonder if the guy that owns it ever thought it would bring this much money, considering it is antiquated and doesn't work? The only thing its' got going for it is who it was custom built for and the fact that Yusuf gave credance to the fact by blogging about it. (i'll bet it's Yusuf!  )  |
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Incognita
Wild World Member
And now that the clouds roll back, hold on to me baby
Posts: 278
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Post by Incognita on Sept 23, 2009 7:57:23 GMT -5
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Post by richina on Sept 23, 2009 8:19:04 GMT -5
It doesn't say who the owner of the desk is, just that it is located in North London. Also we may never know who gets it because the bidder's identities are private. I'm only speculating, about Yusuf wanting the console, for the fun of it. I can't figure out why someone else might want it. "Ol' greeny" is pretty worn out and doesn't work...hmmmmm (i'll bet it's yusuf..tee-hee ) and anyway, I have to have something to do.....'cause  ..I'm.. :'(not.. :'(going........ :'(to London bah-hah-hah-hooo boohoohoo Oops sorry, that just slipped out. |
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He may as well start collecting his "old stuff" just like we do!! 
;D
It'll be fun to see where it ends up! 
There are days you wonder where the time went and you get lost in rembering 
...but then you have to get up, dust yourself off and go back to living. 
) 
..I'm.. :'(not.. :'(going........ :'(to London