One of my favorite musical artists is Willie Nelson. I grew up in Texas and cut my teeth on Willie Nelson as a young adult. What a character and what a talent! I saw him in concert once in Denver. He gave so much to the audience…he gave his all. Very few breaks, all of his favorites and such a presence on stage. His passion for the music he makes was palpable. He performs “Just Breathe” with one of his talented sons who is following on the path his father set forth. Sometimes a bit of good country music and especially if it is by Willie Nelson is just what a Sunday morning needs!
Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you have little ones, grown sons and daughters or children of the fur variety it’s a day to celebrate love! I found this lovely piece by Bernward Koch, “Back To Myself” to share with you today! I wish you all a wonderful day!
Okay….indulge me! I am a fan of anything to do with Camelot…King Arthur…Guinevere and Avalon. So, since it is May 1st, I am sharing one of my favorite songs from the wonderful musical “Camelot”. Enjoy Vanessa Redgrave celebrating the coming of the month of May with her court! It is a lusty song, beautifully filmed and orchestrated. We’re celebrating my dad’s 88th birthday tomorrow and having a feast today. Mr. T has more surgery tomorrow so we’re praying for success and recovery. Join me in savoring this first day of the last month of Spring!
“Miracle River” is a beautiful song written by Amy Holland. The video I am featuring today has Judy Colllins and Michael McDonald singing together. This is a cut from Judy’s CD “Strangers Again”. I am sharing the lyrics here as well since I think they have special meaning to those of us who have lost someone special. I think you will love the song and enjoy the message as well.
Miracle River
They say that when you get there That’s when the real magic starts Go through the plains of desire Past the waterfall of sparks Ten thousand burning deserts Will weed the taker from the giver But it’s less about arriving Than the journey to miracle river
Some live for the sparkle of the water That will heal their achin’ souls Turn back the restless hands of time And make their broken spirits whole But sometimes promises of love are sweeter Than the visions they deliver So bless the good and the bad On the journey to miracle river
When you’re finally free You will see The diamond’s a child of the mine Not just a prize you saved From the jaws of fate It was in your heart all the time When you finally reach your destination Fall down on your knees and thank your maker For all the crosses and the blessings On the journey to miracle river
Every heartbeat is a piece in the puzzle We’re all here to solve You can face it or just turn away But either way one day You’ll see it all Oh winding in the distance Like shimmering molten silver It will wash away the shadows Of your journey to miracle river
When you’re finally free You will see The diamond’s a child of the mine Not just a prize you saved From the jaws of fate It was in your heart all the time When you finally reach your destination Fall down on your knees and thank your maker For all the crosses and the blessings On your journey to miracle river For all the loves and the losses On the journey to miracle river
It’s Sunday and I am sharing a beautiful piece by the fabulous composer, John Williams. John Williams, in my estimation, is the most brilliant composer of our time. The many soundtracks he has gifted us with have brought the screen to life and given meaning to many a script. Without his music the stories we have loved and continue to watch would have nothing to pull them together and capture our attention. “Where Dreams Are Born” is the name of this work by Mr. Williams that was part of the soundtrack for the movie, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”. The soloist is Barbara Bonney. I think you’ll love listening to this calming music. It’s the perfect way to start the day! Wishing you a wonderful day of relaxation and enjoyment! Do something just for you!
I love the music of composer, Ludovico Einaudi. This piece, “Primavera”, is perfect for this fine spring Sunday. This is a season of rebirth and renewal. It feels more like the new year is chiming in now more than in the depths of winter to me. This is the time to refresh your life, open the windows and let the breeze blow through your home. Plant beautiful flowers……spend time in nature……go for a long walk alone and savor the moment. I hope you all will have a glorious day!
I’m doing something a bit different today. We’re celebrating the 6th Annual Best Chefs of Louisiana during the month of April here in the New Orleans area. The American Culinary Federation New Orleans Chapter and The New Orleans Mission have joined together to host this annual event that features outstanding chefs in our region. You might recognize some of the past honorees including Chefs John Besh, Susan Spicer, Tory McPhail and Paul Prudhomme. Tuesday, April 12th, is the night and the historic Lakefront Airport is the place. This year’s chefs will be honored for their many contributions to the culinary scene in New Orleans. You’ll have an opportunity to taste some of their signature dishes when you attend this amazing event. Music will be provided by Louisiana Spice and I’m featuring music by them today. You’ll be up dancing and enjoying when you order your tickets here: www.acfno.org, or call 504-559-7485.
This organization has given so much back to our community. This year the ACFNO’s Best Chefs of Louisiana fundraiser has chosen the New Orleans Mission and the ACFNO culinary scholarships fund for their 2016 charities. The Mission provides shelter in 60 different locations for homeless men and women. They are the largest faith based private service provider to the homeless population in the area serving 244 people daily. They provide food, shelter, clothing and spiritual guidance to the hurting and hungry. The New Orleans Mission is committed to meeting the physical, social and spiritual needs of the homeless community. The ACFNO’s scholarship enables college students in the pursuit of careers in the culinary arts field.
I had the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous lunch at the hot restaurant, Carmo. Chef Dana Honn, an ACFNO honoree, treated us to an array of absolute deliciousness that I’ll write more about in Tuesday’s blog post. I am in my glory meeting all of the wonderful chefs and experiencing the restaurant scene in this culinary mecca! You’ll be reading about more great food and fun events weekly!
All of my readers know how I love to go on to YouTube and find beautiful music to share with you on Sundays. I am in love with the piece I am featuring today. “Tranformation”, from “Les Ailes Pourpres”, composed by The Cinematic Orchestra. This piece is joyful and uplifting….perfect for a simple day of rest, relaxation and time with friends and family. Life is all about transformation if we are opening our hearts and minds to personal growth and acceptance. I once read that, as humans, we are the only species that does not thrive on repetition. We drive ourselves and stress over the tiniest things when we need to be enjoying, looking at the spaces between things and breathing deeply. Go outside today. Look at the spaces between the trees, between the clouds, anywhere and silently feel the peace it will bring to your soul. On Sunday’s and everyday I am surrounded and delighted by the beauty of nature and I always say thank you.
It’s Easter Sunday, a day of renewal and uplifting of life and faith! I’m sharing one of my favorite works by Handel, from his “Water Music”. The vibrant melody speaks to the reason for the day and invokes celebration! I hope you’ll have a wonderful time with family and friends as this day unfolds. Spring is here and life is good!
I don’t play video games and I am told, by my daughter, that this music comes from one called Journey. I have no idea, but when I heard the piece I am sharing today I thought it was perfect for a quiet Sunday morning. We’re back safely from a road trip and resting up for a very busy week ahead. It’s good to be home, safe and sound, unloading the rest of our belongings that have been in storage since last summer. It’s almost like Christmas all over again! In fact….all of our Christmas decorations were in storage so now we have them safely stored and will look forward to decking the halls when the holidays roll around again. I am very thankful for all that we have but mostly for family and friends we love so dearly. Have a peaceful Sunday!
