Share This With a Friend

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Possibilities in the New Year

"Madonna of the Rocks" Leonardo da Vinci, detail





“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson ~


As we come to the close of this year, and in light of the turmoil and hardships that so many have faced in war torn countries and with down turned economies, it seemed appropriate for me to revisit a post that I wrote in 2010 about a musically gifted young child, Rhema Marvane and her story of loss, survival and amazing grace in the face of adversity.

This young eight-year old and her music provided me with inspiration and a belief in a better tomorrow when I needed it the most. My hope is that her music will do the same for you - even if just for a few fleeting moments.

Many thanks to sarah7cktc’s Youtube Channel for this marvelous recording of “The Prayer” with lyrics - sung by Rhema Marvanne.

Wishing you a peaceful New Year filled with hope for a better tomorrow and unlimited positive possibilities.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Wishing each of you a joyous holiday season


"Music, being identical with Heaven, isn't a thing of momentary thrills, or even hourly ones: it's a condition of eternity."  - Gustav Holst -

One of the finest choral groups in the world is the famous Choir of King's College in Cambridge, England.

Considered the most accomplished representation of the British choral tradition, the choir was established by King Henry VI, founder of King’s College, Cambridge in 1441.

The choir, composed of some of the most outstanding young scholars in England, sings daily in the college’s chapel and over the years has toured and established a wonderful repertoire and an extensive discography of recordings.

Each year, the choir’s “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” is broadcast around the globe on Christmas Eve with rebroadcasts through National Public Radio stations on Christmas Day.

For your holiday enjoyment, the following video, which is comprised of all 16 members of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge provides an exquisite representation of their talent as they sing Gustav Holst’s, “In the Bleak Midwinter.”

May you and yours enjoy a most beautiful and peaceful holiday.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

One night of peace on earth…


On December 24, 1914, a miracle of sorts took place on a field in Belgium. It happened just five months after the outbreak of World War I , and on that bitter cold night, men who were foes in battle became gentlemen who refused to fight.

Perhaps this legacy might be repeated and become long lasting in our lifetimes.

This is the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. It is something to think about during these long, dark nights of winter.