Rogue Valley Independent Media Center

Granny D's visit to Southern Oregon 4/7/07

Allen, Ruth and Hal, 11.04.2007 17:00

--Ashland, Oregon April 7, 2007

"What an innocent gal, our Doris! She is like ancient rainwater, virtually indescribably pure and new. Her words are more timeless, plainly honest, and more youthful than anyone I've ever heard speak. When the crowd laughed during some of her humor, I think a huge component of the response was also surprise at her pure innocence, and at her ability to reacquaint them with their own potential to just simply be what she is telling them -- powerful and magnificent! Granny D is forever young."--Hal

"Granny D gave us an inspirational speech challenging us all to do what we can do to further the causes of peace, justice and environmental harmony. At age 97 she attributed her longevity to continuing to be involved in causes that really matter and helping people of all ages find their voices and their causes."--Allen

"She is such a wonderful combination of strength and softness."--Ruth

Granny D and Hal Anthony

Granny D Haddock, 97 yrs. young

It was an honor and a privilege to be at Harvurah Shir Hadash in Ashland, Oregon last night (4/7/07) to hear Doris "Granny D" Haddock speak at the annual Grandmothers Council. It was wonderful and appropriate that our own Hal Anthony got the honor of introducing Granny D to the audience. Hal seemed to be everywhere at once throughout the evening, helping the musical performers who proceeded Granny D with their gear, setting up the lectern and platform for Granny D and numerous other tasks. What a guy.

Granny D gave us an inspirational speech challenging us all to do what we can do to further the causes of peace, justice and environmental harmony. At age 97 she attributed her longevity to continuing to be involved in causes that really matter and helping people of all ages find their voices and their causes.

We also viewed a documentary film that was made several years ago about her little hike of more than 3,000 miles across the nation to call attention to the need for campaign finance reform, a cause she is still working on. That trip lasted 14 months and she turned 90 toward the end of it and it made her a big celebrity and gave her great cache as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill for the McCain-Feingold bill. She was very disappointed to find after it was passed that it contained too many loopholes and didn't provide the kind of reform she was looking for, so she continues the fight to this day.

Thanks, Hal, for all the work you did preparing for Granny D's appearance. I hope the program raised a lot of money to defray the costs of her travel and debts from her Quixotic race for the Senate in New Hampshire a couple of years ago. Go, Granny D!

--Allen

I echo Allen’s words about Granny D and Hal.

Her talk was very clever and heartwarming. She began with talking about all the new TV shows (Heroes, Lost, Medium, etc) and films (X-men) that deal with people wanting to get “magical powers.” And brought that back to encouraging us in realizing that we already have them (magical powers) within us, and that is the power(s) of LOVE, COMPASSION and COMMUNITY.

She is such a wonderful combination of strength and softness. I felt a bit teary through some of her talk, but always joy-full. There is a fun scene in the film (which most people have seen) of her women’s group dancing around a living room and making all kinds of faces. When they are done with that, they get down to the work of studying public policy and working toward change. Very cool.

I had a good time sitting between Allen and Helga Motley. She seemed to be feeling pretty crazed after spending a full day there photographing and experiencing new age ritual and breathing. Helga, you are so funny. I don’t think Granny D spoke until close to 9 PM!

Thanks Hal! I can’t wait to hear about your day and the huge smile you had on your face throughout the evening.

Peace,
Ruth

What an innocent gal, our Doris! She is like ancient rainwater, virtually indescribably pure and new. Her words are more timeless, plainly honest, and more youthful than anyone I've ever heard speak. When the crowd laughed during some of her humor, I think a huge component of the response was also surprise at her pure innocence, and at her ability to reacquaint them with their own potential to just simply be what she is telling them -- powerful and magnificent! Granny D is forever young.

What a blessing to have been asked to introduce someone of such depth and magnitude. When a person can make you feel your own worth and capabilities deep inside like she does, that person has mastered life. In my experience, there are extremely few voyageurs of this magnitude with us during any single time period.

Grandma Aggie Pilgrim's words were equally powerful, and the deep, soul penetrating, very loud-yet-beckoning Indian drummers and their singing made me feel like I was a legitimate part of the sky itself. The power flowing during their acknowledgment of the Grandmothers and our planet... I could listen for days on end to their connecting Earth's pulse with us; and to Grandmother Agnes and Granny D, one could only ever become healthfully addicted. Test the water, it's just fine: http://www.grannyd.com/speeches.php.

It was one of the most joyous days of my life. I am forever honored and humbled by the Grandmother's Council, and Lisa Pavati's perseverance and friends who all so lovingly made the day come into being for us.

I leave you, and taunt you, my friends, with this teaser to put http://www.grannyd.com into your favorites, and go there often to lift your soul up, way up! --Hal

"Would I have decided to run had I known in advance that I would not win? The answer is yes, I would have still done it, for life itself has a predictable outcome, and it is not in our final day that meaning comes to our lives, but in the days spent along our way."--Granny D

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Granny D's visit to Southern Oregon 4/7/07