Deep within your heart, you know it's plain to see
Like Adam was to Eve, you were made for me
They say the poisoned vine, breeds a finer wine
Our love is easy
If you ask me plainly, I would gladly say
I'd like to have you round just for them rainy days
I like the touch of your hand
The way you make no demands
Our love is easy
Our love is easy
Like water rushing over stone
Oh, our love is easy
Like no love, I've ever known
Physically speaking, we were made to last
Examine all the pieces of our recent past
There's your mouth of tears
Your hands around my waist
Our love is easy
Every time we meet, it's like the first we kiss
Never growing tired of this endlessness
It's a simple thing, we don't need a ring
Our love is easy
Our love is easy
Like water rushing over stone
Oh, our love is easy
Like no love, I've ever known
Our love is easy
Like water rushing over stone
Oh, our love is easy
Like no love, I've ever known
Deep within your heart, you know it's plain to see
Like Adam was to Eve, you were made for me
They say the poisoned vine, breeds a finer wine.
- Melody Gardot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkBuxeIsXDo
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
I won't....
I won't look back on a past so long
I won't look back on the things gone wrong
I won't have words I've said all that there is to say
I won't have words 'cause I know you'll just throw them away
-Melody Gardot
I won't look back on the things gone wrong
I won't have words I've said all that there is to say
I won't have words 'cause I know you'll just throw them away
-Melody Gardot
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day
My dad and I sang a song he wrote in the 70's at church this morning. We haven't sang together in years so this was very special to do on Father's Day.
I am enormously grateful to have such a caring, kind and consistent father. He has always been there for me throughout my life. And, he's a pretty wonderful grandpa too!
His faith has always been the guiding force in his life so this song seems very appropriate. I've been on many different paths in my life, but I think when you have good parents, they let you wander a little and know you will always find the right way.
Guide My Path
I stand in all my weakness,
asking for your strength
And with my many problems,
I ask You for your grace.
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
When my load is heavy,
won’t you lighten it for me
And when I go astray from you,
Lord help me to see...
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
When my life is over,
I hope it can be said
I did my best to live as you,
knowing for me you bled.
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
-Bob Hendren
bobhendrenmusic.com
I am enormously grateful to have such a caring, kind and consistent father. He has always been there for me throughout my life. And, he's a pretty wonderful grandpa too!
His faith has always been the guiding force in his life so this song seems very appropriate. I've been on many different paths in my life, but I think when you have good parents, they let you wander a little and know you will always find the right way.
Guide My Path
I stand in all my weakness,
asking for your strength
And with my many problems,
I ask You for your grace.
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
When my load is heavy,
won’t you lighten it for me
And when I go astray from you,
Lord help me to see...
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
When my life is over,
I hope it can be said
I did my best to live as you,
knowing for me you bled.
Lord show me what’s right.
Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands,
guide me on my way.
-Bob Hendren
bobhendrenmusic.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Happy Father's Day Dad
I recently found an essay I wrote for my freshman English class. I was asked to write about the greatest hero in my life, and I wrote about my dad.
I don't think I shared the sentiment of many 18-year-olds about their fathers. I have always adored my dad. I don't think he is perfect. No one is. But he is as close as perfect comes when it comes to being a dad. And, I think if more fathers made the sacrifices and daily choices in language, love and just plain being there for their children, we would live in a very different world.
Fatherhood is a choice. It is a choice from the very beginning - but it is also a daily choice. There are often lot of excuses that go along with it.
I am sure my dad, as a young man, would have rather done different things than raise 2 young girls on his own when he was 25. But he did it. He did it without excuses, without abuse, without so much as a cuss word; without any of the things that so often accompany parenting.
When someone raises you with patience, calmness, equality and love, there is nothing else but to feel gratitude for them. No, I was not always a perfect daughter. I wish I could say I was. But my dad always dealt with me with grace.
I am so proud of my dad.
He has recently started performing at a homeless shelter on Friday nights. I don't think there are too many people like my dad. He is an extremely hard worker, putting in many, many hours every week at his regular job. But on top of that, he helps out at church, with my kids, and devotes countless hours to his music. It is so touching to me that he would give up his Friday nights to lift the spirits of those less fortunate. And he does it in a way that is so touching. His wife recently told me that he did not think they would relate to as many of his uplifting Christian songs, so he started writing more blues songs just to sing there. He doesn't just perform his leftovers or whatever is easiest for him. He thinks about what they need.
He played a new blues song for me on Thursday night that was just amazing.
God bless his heart and his spirit. The older I get, the more I appreciate my dad and what a wonderful father he was and is to me.
The greatest gift you can give to your children is being there for them. My dad was always there for me, consistently, on-time and with love.
Thank you dad.
I don't think I shared the sentiment of many 18-year-olds about their fathers. I have always adored my dad. I don't think he is perfect. No one is. But he is as close as perfect comes when it comes to being a dad. And, I think if more fathers made the sacrifices and daily choices in language, love and just plain being there for their children, we would live in a very different world.
Fatherhood is a choice. It is a choice from the very beginning - but it is also a daily choice. There are often lot of excuses that go along with it.
I am sure my dad, as a young man, would have rather done different things than raise 2 young girls on his own when he was 25. But he did it. He did it without excuses, without abuse, without so much as a cuss word; without any of the things that so often accompany parenting.
When someone raises you with patience, calmness, equality and love, there is nothing else but to feel gratitude for them. No, I was not always a perfect daughter. I wish I could say I was. But my dad always dealt with me with grace.
I am so proud of my dad.
He has recently started performing at a homeless shelter on Friday nights. I don't think there are too many people like my dad. He is an extremely hard worker, putting in many, many hours every week at his regular job. But on top of that, he helps out at church, with my kids, and devotes countless hours to his music. It is so touching to me that he would give up his Friday nights to lift the spirits of those less fortunate. And he does it in a way that is so touching. His wife recently told me that he did not think they would relate to as many of his uplifting Christian songs, so he started writing more blues songs just to sing there. He doesn't just perform his leftovers or whatever is easiest for him. He thinks about what they need.
He played a new blues song for me on Thursday night that was just amazing.
God bless his heart and his spirit. The older I get, the more I appreciate my dad and what a wonderful father he was and is to me.
The greatest gift you can give to your children is being there for them. My dad was always there for me, consistently, on-time and with love.
Thank you dad.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
If the Stars Were Mine
I heard this artist the other day on our local Jazz station and immediately loved her! I have been listening to as much as possible online since.
Here's one I dedicate to my children
If the stars were mine
I'd give them all to you
I'd pluck them down right from the sky
and leave it only blue
I would never let the sun forget to shine upon your face
so when others would have rain clouds you'd have only sunny days
If the stars were mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd put the stars right in a jar and give them all to you
If the birds were mine
I'd tell them when to sing
I'd make them sing a sonnet when your telephone would ring
I would put them there inside the square, whenever you went out
so there'd always be sweet music whenever you would walk about
If the birds were mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
If the world was mine
I'd paint it gold and green
I'd make the oceans orange for a brilliant color scheme
I would color all the mountains, make the sky forever blue
So the world would be a painting and I'd live inside with you
If the world was mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd wrap the world in ribbons and then give it all to you
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
I'd put those stars right in a jar...and..........
give them all...to you.......
- Melody Gardot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLFKKY5RHxc
Here's one I dedicate to my children
If the stars were mine
I'd give them all to you
I'd pluck them down right from the sky
and leave it only blue
I would never let the sun forget to shine upon your face
so when others would have rain clouds you'd have only sunny days
If the stars were mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd put the stars right in a jar and give them all to you
If the birds were mine
I'd tell them when to sing
I'd make them sing a sonnet when your telephone would ring
I would put them there inside the square, whenever you went out
so there'd always be sweet music whenever you would walk about
If the birds were mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
If the world was mine
I'd paint it gold and green
I'd make the oceans orange for a brilliant color scheme
I would color all the mountains, make the sky forever blue
So the world would be a painting and I'd live inside with you
If the world was mine
I'd tell you what I'd do
I'd wrap the world in ribbons and then give it all to you
I'd teach the birds such lovely words and make them sing for you
I'd put those stars right in a jar...and..........
give them all...to you.......
- Melody Gardot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLFKKY5RHxc
Friday, May 28, 2010
Crazy Heart
I just watched Crazy Heart. I had wanted to see it for a long time, since I obviously can relate to the subject matter. They certainly got the asshole part down of the alcoholic.
I ended up just sobbing at the end. I suppose it hit just too close to home. It was hard not to feel sorry for the alcoholic too, as much as an asshole as he was. But I am hoping, if nothing else, many people will watch it, and realize that sometimes, you just go too far, and there is nothing you can do to "fix" it. Life just goes on without you.
But, it is never too late to redeem yourself.
The Weary Kind
Your heart's on the loose
You rolled them seven's with nothing lose
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
You called all your shots
Shooting 8 ball at the corner truck stop
Somehow this don't feel like home anymore
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
And this ain't no place to lose your mind
And this ain't no place to fall behind
Pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try
Your body aches
Playing your guitar and sweating out the hate
The days and the nights all feel the same
Whiskey has been a thorn in your side
and it doesn't forget
the highway that calls for your heart inside
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
And this ain't no place to lose your mind
And this ain't no place to fall behind
Pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try
Your lovers won't kiss
It's too damn far from your fingertips
You are the man that ruined her world
Your heart's on the loose
You rolled them seven's with nothing lose
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
-Ryan Bingham
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/crazyheart/thewearykind.htm target=_blank>Ryan Bingham - The Weary Kind lyrics
I ended up just sobbing at the end. I suppose it hit just too close to home. It was hard not to feel sorry for the alcoholic too, as much as an asshole as he was. But I am hoping, if nothing else, many people will watch it, and realize that sometimes, you just go too far, and there is nothing you can do to "fix" it. Life just goes on without you.
But, it is never too late to redeem yourself.
The Weary Kind
Your heart's on the loose
You rolled them seven's with nothing lose
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
You called all your shots
Shooting 8 ball at the corner truck stop
Somehow this don't feel like home anymore
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
And this ain't no place to lose your mind
And this ain't no place to fall behind
Pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try
Your body aches
Playing your guitar and sweating out the hate
The days and the nights all feel the same
Whiskey has been a thorn in your side
and it doesn't forget
the highway that calls for your heart inside
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
And this ain't no place to lose your mind
And this ain't no place to fall behind
Pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try
Your lovers won't kiss
It's too damn far from your fingertips
You are the man that ruined her world
Your heart's on the loose
You rolled them seven's with nothing lose
And this ain't no place for the weary kind
-Ryan Bingham
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/crazyheart/thewearykind.htm target=_blank>Ryan Bingham - The Weary Kind lyrics
Monday, May 24, 2010
El Shaddai
I had not really cried since my grandmother's death several weeks ago. Yesterday, the pianist who played at her service played El Shaddai on the piano and I finally broke down.
I grew up singing this song in church with my sister and my grandma always liked it. The last few weeks, I sang it to her many times. I think I have been so busy with the service and then the cleaning of her place that I haven't let myself cry. There was a lot to do.
I talked to my dad's wife about it today and she talked about how cleansing crying is. I rarely cry anymore, but I think she was right.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might,
You set Your children free.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
Through the years You've made it clear,
That the time of Christ was near,
Though the people couldn't see
What Messiah ought to be.
Though Your Word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of Your Son.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
by: Michael Card and John Thompson
I grew up singing this song in church with my sister and my grandma always liked it. The last few weeks, I sang it to her many times. I think I have been so busy with the service and then the cleaning of her place that I haven't let myself cry. There was a lot to do.
I talked to my dad's wife about it today and she talked about how cleansing crying is. I rarely cry anymore, but I think she was right.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might,
You set Your children free.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonia,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
Through the years You've made it clear,
That the time of Christ was near,
Though the people couldn't see
What Messiah ought to be.
Though Your Word contained the plan,
They just could not understand
Your most awesome work was done
Through the frailty of Your Son.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-Elyon na Adonai,
Age to age You're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
I will praise and lift You high,
El Shaddai.
by: Michael Card and John Thompson
Thursday, May 6, 2010
What Your Family Needs
Here is the song my dad wrote for my grandmother's funeral tomorrow
What Your Family Needs
My Mom & Dad lived a long good life
They were always happy to be man and wife
They never had a lot but what they had they shared
And if we had a problem they always cared
In their final days we gathered around
People were amazed at the sight and the sound
Of us all together holding hands and singing songs
I guess a lot of people finish life alone
That’s not right it's just plain sad
The more I think about it the more it makes me mad
When a loved one is hurting or passing away
I hope you’ll remember what I’m gonna say
Hold ‘em in your arms look ‘em in the eye
Tell ‘em that you love ‘em and have a good cry
When times are so rough that you don’t know what to do
What your family needs is you
Every man woman and child
Is only here for a little while
So love one another I know that it’s true
What’s good for them will be good for you
Hold ‘em in your arms look ‘em in the eye
Tell ‘em that you love ‘em and have a good cry
When times are so rough that you don’t know what to do
What your family needs is you
What Your Family Needs
My Mom & Dad lived a long good life
They were always happy to be man and wife
They never had a lot but what they had they shared
And if we had a problem they always cared
In their final days we gathered around
People were amazed at the sight and the sound
Of us all together holding hands and singing songs
I guess a lot of people finish life alone
That’s not right it's just plain sad
The more I think about it the more it makes me mad
When a loved one is hurting or passing away
I hope you’ll remember what I’m gonna say
Hold ‘em in your arms look ‘em in the eye
Tell ‘em that you love ‘em and have a good cry
When times are so rough that you don’t know what to do
What your family needs is you
Every man woman and child
Is only here for a little while
So love one another I know that it’s true
What’s good for them will be good for you
Hold ‘em in your arms look ‘em in the eye
Tell ‘em that you love ‘em and have a good cry
When times are so rough that you don’t know what to do
What your family needs is you
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Long Goodbye
I say I love you
You say that's kind
You don't wanna get too close
You loved me crazy
I lost my mind
Listen...
You're everything I never wanted
And all the things I didn't need
This ain't who I wanna be
You don't have to stay forever
I'll take passion over pride
Full moon, high tide
Let's make it a Long Goodbye
Tomorrow we'll pick up the pieces
Try to mend our broken lives
Soft kiss, sweet lies
Let's make it a long goodbye
I cried in silence
I lived through you
I've given everything away
And maybe I can learn to fall
For someone who can give me all
The things I"m not afraid to lose
Whenever you see lonely faces
That's where I'll be
Don't cry for me, no no no no
Don't cry for me, don't cry for me yeah yeahhhh
Hey, don't cry for me, no no no
I'm gonna be okay
- India Arie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywe9nxANu1I
You say that's kind
You don't wanna get too close
You loved me crazy
I lost my mind
Listen...
You're everything I never wanted
And all the things I didn't need
This ain't who I wanna be
You don't have to stay forever
I'll take passion over pride
Full moon, high tide
Let's make it a Long Goodbye
Tomorrow we'll pick up the pieces
Try to mend our broken lives
Soft kiss, sweet lies
Let's make it a long goodbye
I cried in silence
I lived through you
I've given everything away
And maybe I can learn to fall
For someone who can give me all
The things I"m not afraid to lose
Whenever you see lonely faces
That's where I'll be
Don't cry for me, no no no no
Don't cry for me, don't cry for me yeah yeahhhh
Hey, don't cry for me, no no no
I'm gonna be okay
- India Arie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywe9nxANu1I
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A Love Song
My dad and his wife sent this to me on Valentines Day and it is really fantastic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7D2g5v-Sg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7D2g5v-Sg
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Alvin and the Chipmunks
I have been feeling unbearably sad lately. My daughter absolutely loves to sing and really likes upbeat songs. My son recently got an Alvin and the Chipmunks CD filled with what I'd mostly call hip-hop sung by the Chipmunks. One of their favorites is "Shake your Groove Thing". This morning, we listened to that several times with my daughter singing and bopping along at with all she had. I finally suggested that we try another song - and this one seemed perfect. It's hard to feel too sad listening to the Chipmunks singing - especially this song.
Three Little Birds
"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")
Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', "This is my message to you-ou-ou:"
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. Don't worry!"
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing" - I won't worry!
"'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right" - I won't worry!
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing, oh no!
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!
-Bob Marley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCQFMI9UMAE
Thursday, January 14, 2010
He Heals Me
I think every girl should grow up hearing this song.
He Heals Me
Told him my biggest secret
And he told me four.
He smiled at me and said that makes me love more
And then he made me laugh
And I knew it was a sign
That he was a man,
That I wanted in my life
And with every passing day
I feel more and more of that way
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me,
He heals me
I can play him songs, all through the night,
And he will listen to every line,
And even when I'm wrong, he is still kind
He chooses his words wisely when he tells me I'm not right.
And yes he is a beautiful man,
But he is also a beautiful friend
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me
The moment that we met, he made me smile.
He has so much compassion in his eyes
I have no idea, how long he'll be here
A season or a lifetime, forever or a year
But for the first time in my life I'm not worried about the future
Because we have such a wonderful time when we're together
However things turn out, it's all right
Cause he's already changed my life.
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me
He knows the real me
And he accepts me, he never hurts me
He heals me..........
-India Arie
To hear this beautiful song:
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhzO2EEM6u8gW9AcNU
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Happy Holidays
If you have not heard this yet, it is worth checking out. The song doesn't start for about a minute, but it is truly beautiful and will lift your spirits. Both Mary J. and Andrea Bocelli gave a phenomenal performance.
Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige sing What Child is This
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfesjtNUyEI
Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige sing What Child is This
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfesjtNUyEI
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dick
The Memorial Service turned out to be more of a blessing than I could have hoped for. The family wanted everyone to wear Hawaiian attire. I was fixated on being sad and sat on my bed for a long time trying to figure out something I could wear. Nothing seemed right. Then, I started laughing, as I remembered the big floppy hat we bought in Maui when I was pregnant with my daughter. My friend T had also just sent me a beautiful dress that would also be lovely. It wasn't at all what I would normally wear to a funeral, but it was airy and bright, and I enjoyed getting ready.
I picked up my grandmother and enjoyed our ride together. Normally, I hate driving. But we had a nice visit. She told me some stories about Dick and my grandfather that I had not heard before.
The music at the service was beautiful, but the stories were just amazing. I had always sort of seen Dick as sort of this goofy, but helpful guy at church. I had written up something to give to his family, which I will share in a minute, but the stories I heard about him during his service blew me away.
First of all, I had no idea he was a PhD. Secondly, he had adopted 2 girls as babies and raised them. One was later killed in an accident, as was his wife, I believe. He was a high school counselor and took in what looked to be about 10 other high school kids, making sure that each of them finished school. Several of them spoke. One said this, "There have been only three people I could count on and believe in in my life: God. My grandmother. And Dick." She went on to say that Dick had been the only father she had ever known in her life.
Another story that caught my attention was about him helping a single mother who I know in our church. When she moved from Hawaii, her daughter had trouble with the lack of diversity in the school where they lived. So he drove all the way from his house to theirs every morning (about 15-20 minutes) and then back to his school (at least half an hour) - EVERY MORNING - FOR A YEAR - until she graduated from high school. That really humbled me, given all my grumbling lately about driving my own children.
His dedication to children and to education really inspired me, and I was really, really glad, that I made it to his service.
And now, for what I wrote beforehand, about what he had contributed to my life.
The first time I remember seeing Dick, he was singing at a funeral. It was Wind beneath your Wings and he was rather off key. I was a teenager at a funeral for one of my grandparents friends with my family. My sister and I sat next to each other and giggled a little bit.
Growing up around a perfectionist musician father was in some ways excruciating for me. I never felt I was good enough, but I was also very hard on other people. Every single note stuck out to me, even when a professional sang.
But Dick did not seem to mind a bit. In fact, he sang out strongly and vibrantly. And in the years I later heard him sing, what I later came to appreciate was his total enjoyment of singing and his willingness to always step forward to do it.
In everything I had tried to do in my life, I had tried to do it perfectly. In fact, I didn't really think I sang good enough anymore so I had given it up almost completely in college. But my life seemed to not be working anymore and I went back to the church my grandparents had gone to for over 30 years.
At first it was hard. I could barely walk into the sanctuary without tearing up. I'm not sure why I had such an emotional response. But one thing that always made my journey back easier was Dick. I was often alone, or rather without a man, which is what I was brought up to consider being alone. And, I had two young children with me who were always rather restless. But every Sunday that we made it, Dick always made it a point to come over and say hello and bring some sort of joy to the morning. I don't think he had any idea how lonely or sad I felt in that church, but I was always very happy to see him.
I was very sad to hear of Dicks illness. It seemed too soon for such a vibrant man to go. But the Sparkling Cidar toast and Hawaiian shirt celebration of life service seemed like a perfect way to send off a man who always seemed so full of life and happiness.
I never had a chance to tell Dick what he had meant to me over the years. But I no longer want to try to do everything perfectly. In fact, I might even try to sing again, someday. But I really do feel happy to have known Dick and I smile whenever I think of him.
What I really learned from him was that it's time to give up the idea of perfection and time to embrace living - and living is about the people you touch with your life.
I picked up my grandmother and enjoyed our ride together. Normally, I hate driving. But we had a nice visit. She told me some stories about Dick and my grandfather that I had not heard before.
The music at the service was beautiful, but the stories were just amazing. I had always sort of seen Dick as sort of this goofy, but helpful guy at church. I had written up something to give to his family, which I will share in a minute, but the stories I heard about him during his service blew me away.
First of all, I had no idea he was a PhD. Secondly, he had adopted 2 girls as babies and raised them. One was later killed in an accident, as was his wife, I believe. He was a high school counselor and took in what looked to be about 10 other high school kids, making sure that each of them finished school. Several of them spoke. One said this, "There have been only three people I could count on and believe in in my life: God. My grandmother. And Dick." She went on to say that Dick had been the only father she had ever known in her life.
Another story that caught my attention was about him helping a single mother who I know in our church. When she moved from Hawaii, her daughter had trouble with the lack of diversity in the school where they lived. So he drove all the way from his house to theirs every morning (about 15-20 minutes) and then back to his school (at least half an hour) - EVERY MORNING - FOR A YEAR - until she graduated from high school. That really humbled me, given all my grumbling lately about driving my own children.
His dedication to children and to education really inspired me, and I was really, really glad, that I made it to his service.
And now, for what I wrote beforehand, about what he had contributed to my life.
The first time I remember seeing Dick, he was singing at a funeral. It was Wind beneath your Wings and he was rather off key. I was a teenager at a funeral for one of my grandparents friends with my family. My sister and I sat next to each other and giggled a little bit.
Growing up around a perfectionist musician father was in some ways excruciating for me. I never felt I was good enough, but I was also very hard on other people. Every single note stuck out to me, even when a professional sang.
But Dick did not seem to mind a bit. In fact, he sang out strongly and vibrantly. And in the years I later heard him sing, what I later came to appreciate was his total enjoyment of singing and his willingness to always step forward to do it.
In everything I had tried to do in my life, I had tried to do it perfectly. In fact, I didn't really think I sang good enough anymore so I had given it up almost completely in college. But my life seemed to not be working anymore and I went back to the church my grandparents had gone to for over 30 years.
At first it was hard. I could barely walk into the sanctuary without tearing up. I'm not sure why I had such an emotional response. But one thing that always made my journey back easier was Dick. I was often alone, or rather without a man, which is what I was brought up to consider being alone. And, I had two young children with me who were always rather restless. But every Sunday that we made it, Dick always made it a point to come over and say hello and bring some sort of joy to the morning. I don't think he had any idea how lonely or sad I felt in that church, but I was always very happy to see him.
I was very sad to hear of Dicks illness. It seemed too soon for such a vibrant man to go. But the Sparkling Cidar toast and Hawaiian shirt celebration of life service seemed like a perfect way to send off a man who always seemed so full of life and happiness.
I never had a chance to tell Dick what he had meant to me over the years. But I no longer want to try to do everything perfectly. In fact, I might even try to sing again, someday. But I really do feel happy to have known Dick and I smile whenever I think of him.
What I really learned from him was that it's time to give up the idea of perfection and time to embrace living - and living is about the people you touch with your life.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
To Make You Feel My Love
This has always been one of my favorite songs, and one that I feel really defines love. I often sing it to my kids at night.
"To Make You Feel My Love"
[Written by Bob Dylan]
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on the rollin' sea
Down on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
I know there's nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love
http://www.livevideo.com/video/8A688D3D335844228272B76B0B0B5DEB/garth-brooks-to-make-you-fee.aspx
"To Make You Feel My Love"
[Written by Bob Dylan]
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on the rollin' sea
Down on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
I know there's nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
To make you feel my love
http://www.livevideo.com/video/8A688D3D335844228272B76B0B0B5DEB/garth-brooks-to-make-you-fee.aspx
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
His Eye is on the Sparrow
I love hymns, and this one has always been especially comforting to me. Every time I think things are pretty dismal, somehow everything seems to work out just fine.
Why should I feel discouraged
and why should the shadows come
why should my heart feel lonely
and long for heaven and home
when Jesus is my portion
a constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches over me
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches me
He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches
I know He watches,
I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the the sparrow
and I know He watches me
He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know he watches me
He watches me
He watches me
I know He watches me
Deniese Williams sings it beautifully:
http://www.imeem.com/dreil01/music/P7Ypc1Tn/deniece-williams-his-eye-is-on-the-sparrow/
Monday, August 17, 2009
Perception
...something to think about...
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later: the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk..
6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing.
-Author unknown
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Guide My Path
Whenever I am really stresed, I listen to one of my dad's CD's. This is a song he wrote in the 70s that I grew up listening to, and I like what it has to say.
"Guide My Path"
I stand in all my weakness, asking for your strength
And with my many problems, I ask You for your grace
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
When my load is heavy, won’t you lighten it for me
And when I go astray from you, Lord help me to see
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
When my life is over, I hope it can be said
I did my best to live as you, knowing for me you bled
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
"Guide My Path"
I stand in all my weakness, asking for your strength
And with my many problems, I ask You for your grace
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
When my load is heavy, won’t you lighten it for me
And when I go astray from you, Lord help me to see
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
When my life is over, I hope it can be said
I did my best to live as you, knowing for me you bled
Lord show me what’s right. Guide my path with light.
Take me in your mighty hands, guide me on my way
Saturday, July 18, 2009
"I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"
I thought Stevie Wonder performed this just beautifully at MJ's memorial service. Just beautiful. I have watched it and listened to him again and agan.
"I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone
You said there would be warm love in springtime
That was when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone
You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find my love has gone away
Why didn't you stay?
-Stevie Wonder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tkXVJoNH_U
"I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
I thought you would go then come back home
I thought the cold would leave by summer
But my quiet nights will be spent alone
You said there would be warm love in springtime
That was when you started to be cold
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find myself all alone
You said then you'd be the life in autumn
Said you'd be the one to see the way
I never dreamed you'd leave in summer
But now I find my love has gone away
Why didn't you stay?
-Stevie Wonder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tkXVJoNH_U
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