Simple Sundays

I love the voice of Alison Krauss, combine it with the cello mastery of Yo-Yo Mah and you have magic.  I found this simple Christmas song, The Wexford Carol.  It originated in County Wexford, Ireland and remains a popular Carol to this day.  I’m sharing it with you today as we begin this week of Christmas celebration.  Enjoy the haunting quality of Alison’s lovely voice and the bit of bagpipes worked into the piece as Yo-Yo Mah accompanies!  Scroll down for the lyrics if you’d like to read along.  Happy, Happy Christmas and blessings to you all!

The Wexford Carol – Lyrics

Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved son
With Mary holy we should pray,
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn,
There was a blessed Messiah born

The night before that happy tide
The noble Virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town
But mark right well what came to pass
From every door repelled, alas
As was foretold, their refuge all
Was but a humble ox’s stall

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God’s angel did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear
Arise and go, the angels said
To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you’ll find, this happy morn
A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born

With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find
And as God’s angel had foretold

 

They did our Saviour Christ behold
Within a manger he was laid
And by his side a virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of Life
Who came on earth to end all strife

There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay
And when they came unto that place
Where our beloved Messiah lay
They humbly cast them at his feet
With gifts of gold and incense sweet.

Simple Sundays

Each of us has a path we travel, whether near or far, finding it and following it is the challenge!  I love this video by Shaun Paul that I think you’ll enjoy hearing!  I love his music!  The title of this “Path to Somewhere” is especially appropriate as we journey through the holiday season and into a brand new year.  I always look forward to the new beginning of a new year and all that it offers.  Relax and listen as you begin your day and remember to always say “Thank You”!  This day is a gift….savor it, share it and have a wonderful time doing whatever brings you joy!

Simple Sundays

What a weekend it has been!  So many exciting things going on here on St. Simons Island.  I never cease to be amazed at the positive energy of the people who live here.  I found today’s video while cruising through YouTube.  Mattia Cupelli is a talented, young Italian pianist, composer.  Many of his works have been used as soundtrack for movies, such as Winter’s Tale.  The simplicity with which he plays is a bit haunting, but also soothing.  This is a longer video called “Life”.  Perfect background music for a quiet morning of introspection and peace.

Simple Sundays

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but it is always good to be greatful!  I have always loved the song “Simple Gifts” and this particular version is one I really like.  YoYo Ma and Alison Krause blend cello and voice together for this song about being grateful!  We had a wonderful time with family in New Orleans….so much to be grateful for.  Now to take a few deep breaths and begin plans for Christmas.  Trying to keep that to simple gifts this year that come from the heart and keep on giving!  Wishing you a peaceful and loving Sunday!

Simple Sundays

I love the music of “Bliss”.  The piece I’m sharing today is entitled “Sunrise”.  Get your cup of coffee or tea, sit back and relax.  The holidays are upon us so take a moment to breathe deeply, calm your mind and be quiet as you listen to this soothing music.  It’s a beautiful video too!  I’ll be heading off to New Orleans on Tuesday, but I’ll be writing from there!  So much to share in one of my favorite cities!  We’ll be enjoying time with family and eating way too much delicious creole and French food!  It’s always a wonderful time that we look forward too!  Wishing you all a blessed Sunday with the peace of understanding and the company of family and friends!

Simple Sundays

I’m sharing a lovely video of Fall Celtic music today.  Adrian von Ziegler is the composer.  This is wonderfully relaxing background music by which to meditate…..sit outside sipping coffee….or simply being quiet.  Sunday, being the first day of the week, is the time to destress and set the pace for the coming week.  We can “make our movies” and envision how we want our lives to be.  Sit back and relax as you listen to this beautiful music…perfect for a fall day!

Simple Sundays

The loss of a loved one is always sad and difficult.  This past week my life was touched by news of two special people who passed on.  One, the 28 year old son of a dear niece from my previous marriage and the second, the father-in-law of a close friend.  I always attempt to focus on the fact that I truly believe there is a marvelous afterlife when this news comes to me.  I am also reminded of the wonderful song recorded by Josh Groban, “To Where You Are”.  I’m sharing the video of that beautiful piece today in honor of these two special souls who are now watching over us from above.  AND….it’s Sunday, celebrate the goodness of life today.  Express your love to your family and friends.  We just never know what may happen at any moment.  Living each day fully is essential!

Simple Sundays

Is there anything more beautiful than a violin played to perfection?  Sarah Chang is such a gifted artist, her ability to translate the emotion of a piece through the violin is perfection.  I found this recording of her performance of “Chaconne” by Vitale and knew I had to share it this Sunday morning.  Not only is the music stirring, the accompanying video is simply gorgeous!  Be inspired!  Reach to the heavens for the energy you need and make this a wonderful day.  Take a ride….on your bike….in your car…..get out into nature and the beauty of the day.  And don’t forget……say Thank You.

Simple Sundays

I’m enjoying discovering more and more of the fabulous video work being produced.  I am constantly amazed at the effects that are possible.  One of my favorite artists, Kate Bush, has several videos I really love.  Today, I’m featuring one of them for your Sunday enjoyment, “Somewhere In Between”.  Mellow and beautiful, just right for starting a special day of relaxing and enjoying life!  I hope you like her music and the video that accompanies it as much as I do.  Do something fabulous today…..just because! Notice the magic that happens somewhere In between breathing in and breathing out.   Happy Sunday!

Simple Sundays

I’m sharing one of my favorite pieces this morning.  It’s composed and recorded by Michael Whalen.  The title is, “I’ve Loved You For A Thousand Lifetimes”.  It is romantic, gentle and soothing.  Whether we live one or more lives is not something we will ever really know.  Different people have varying beliefs on the subject.  I suppose this piece appeals to my softer side.  Beautifully played on the piano, I think you’ll enjoy it and the wonderful pictures that appear on this video.  Have a wonderful Sunday, take time to BE…to BREATHE….and to LOVE!