Change is challenging. That’s all there is to it. I have always been a very self sufficient, highly motivated person. It’s who I am and survival has always been something I’ve taken in stride. But there are times in anyone’s life when it seems like a vast mountain stands in the way of progress and security. I find myself questioning what it really is all about and the answers come in different ways. I’m featuring one of my favorite songs on this post because it speaks to me so clearly of what I know in my heart is the only way to happiness. So, enjoy “Let It Be”, sung by Paul McCartney and have a very peaceful day. As for me….I’m letting it all be and in doing so all IS well.
Looking over the “Live From The Met” series’ upcoming schedule I noticed that Georges Bizet’s wonderful opera, “The Pearl Fishers” is on the list. My mom reminded me of the beautiful duet from the opera, “Au Fond de Temple Saint”. Wanting to hear this wonderful piece I searched YouTube to find two of my favorite artists performing it together, Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. The two tenors together, although Mr. Domingo performs the baritone part, create magic together. Isn’t that what music is all about? Creating magic that touches the heart and heals the soul. I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I did! And don’t forget to say thank you today for all of the blessings in your life. Have a wonderfully simply Sunday!
I love this video. It is beautifully narrated by Brother David Steindl-Rast, words that he wrote himself. Each time I view this video I am reminded that each day is a gift. Even if I am down simply sitting and opening my heart as Brother Steindl-Rast recommends has such a profound effect on me. This is my first post from my new home in Louisiana. I’ve got a lot to share and stories to tell. It’s good to be back! Wishing you all a good day, filled with gratitude! Enjoy the precious little girl and her special message as well.
The beautiful music of two cello’s speaks to me today. “Benedictus”, a performance from Arena Zagreb, the artists are Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser. This Croation duet plays music that soothes the soul and inspires me! Perfect for a quiet Sunday morning! I hope you’ll enjoy!
It’s obvious by now that I love nothing better than to search through hundreds of videos on YouTube to find just the right piece for my Simple Sundays posts. Here is one I’m especially liking in light of the fact that we saw photographs of Jupiter this week. There is so much to space, to the Universe, that we are not aware of. We may not even be able to fathom it all with our human minds. But it surrounds us and fills our world with energy. The photos on this spectacular piece were photographed by Hubble and accompanied by words to a beautiful Robert Frost poem, “Choose Something Like A Star”. The music has a haunting quality that I find peaceful and calming. I hope you will as well! Scroll down to read the words to this work by one of our country’s most eloquent poets. Blessings to you on this new day and peace be with you and yours.
Robert Frost
1874-1963“Choose Something
Like a Star”
(1916)
O Star (the fairest one in sight),
We grant your loftiness the right
To some obscurity of cloud �
It will not do to say of night,
Since dark is what brings out your light.
Some mystery becomes the proud.
But to be wholly taciturn
In your reserve is not allowed.
Say something to us we can learn
By heart and when alone repeat.
Say something! And it says “I burn.”
But say with what degree of heat.
Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade.
Use language we can comprehend.
Tell us what elements you blend.
It gives us strangely little aid,
But does tell something in the end.
And steadfast as Keats’ Eremite,
Not even stooping from its sphere,
It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.
I’m sharing a wonderful piece I discovered while surfing through YouTube this week. Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir performing “Fly To Paradise”. The harmonies and tones are lovely, just right for a quiet Sunday morning! As a child I always wanted to fly…in fact, I was sure I could! This video puts it all into perspective as the virtual girl takes off in flight and everything pops with color and life. I think this is what happens when we take chances and allow our souls to soar. I hope you’ll enjoy the music and this new day! Wishing you all the peace of a gentle Sunday!
Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” was first performed in 1940 at the Berkshire Music Center in Tanglewood. For years the Boston Symphony has performed at Tanglewood, classes are offered to aspiring and practicing musicians as well. It is a magical place as is this piece. Thompson’s “Alleluia” is uplifting and inspiring, perfect for a Sunday morning. This piece connects me with spirit in ways nothing else seems too. I think you’ll love it as much as I do! Have a wonderful, peaceful day…..focus on what brings you happiness and DO IT! Don’t waste time….live your dreams!
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is a wonderful celebration of the changes we experience as days pass. Today I’m sharing “Summer”, the third movement in the work. This video was filmed at The National Botanical Gardens of Wales; Julia Fischer on violin; accompanied by the fabulous musicians from the “Academy of St Martin in the Fields” Beautiful music to stir your soul and begin a Sunday of enjoyment and relaxation!
It took me quite a while to decide what an appropriate post would be for today. It has been a week of sadness, shock and broken hearts as we’ve witnessed an unthinkable crime that took the lives of nine incredible people in Charleston. I rarely mention religion or politics on this blog, it just isn’t my way because I feel we are all free to think and be what we believe. I have worked not to use this blog as a platform for anything other than my love for this wonderful place where I am blessed to live and to share my love for the written word. But I have to say something today and I hope not to offend anyone.
I was raised in Texas in the 1960’s, my father was a Southern Baptist minister. The scenario could have been one of prejudice and racism, but my upbringing was anything but that. My father helped those in need, no matter what their color. He saw to it that a woman who helped my mother clean our home got a college education so that she could better herself. Not once was a racial slur ever thought or said in our household. I was never taught that there was a difference, even though the “negroes” as they were then called sat at the back of the bus and had to use a separate bathroom. My parents taught us to see all people in the same light, not to judge and always to respect others. So, today, on father’s day, I not only honor my father, I honor all that he taught me. And I remember those lives that were cut short so senselessly. I remember hearing Mahalia Jackson on recordings when I was growing up and today I’m sharing one of my favorites. I believe each of those nine souls were met with an outstretched hand of love when they reached the other side. Our souls have no race, they are not from any origin other than of our Creator……we are all one, joined by love and I pray for the end of violence in our world.
I think Nancy Kirkpatrick’s post yesterday about Anne Frank inspired me to begin a search for music that has meant something special to me. Schindler’s List is one of the most poignant movies I have ever watched. It was both heartbreaking as well as uplifting. I found the main theme on Youtube and have decided to share it with you today. People faced such fear and hardship at that point in our world’s history, not unlike today. We have to remember that there is always hope and always a light at the end of the tunnel. This music is gentle and beautifully written by John Williams. Like all of his compositions it draws pictures in our minds that may relate to the movie or they may trigger memories of our own. I hope you’ll enjoy listening this morning and receive the warm sensitivity I have found in each note as it leads to the other. As human beings we all find ourselves challenged at times. Be it the loss of a loved one, the end of a way of life, sorrow over past, present or future. Whatever the case we are united in our desire to thrive and survive. You might take note of the simple sentence you’ll find on the video…”whoever saves one life saves the world entire”. And so it is…….a peaceful, simple Sunday is my wish for you all!
