Posting these three songs together, just because I often like listening to songs, that have a similar theme or thought process. It's something I used to do constantly, back at DB, when I had to look for 'Theme Based Songs', for every Assembly, Annual Day or other events.
I guess, looking for songs that share a 'Common Theme', has gradually become a habit, over the years. Now, it just happens automatically, and I sometimes don't even realise, how I pick out songs, that have kind of similar lyrics or thoughts, almost all the time.✨️✍️
...and of course, I also do love these three Songs and Singers. All Favourites of mine.❤️
THE NEARNESS OF YOU ðķ
- Norah Jones
I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE ðķ
- Rod Stewart
CLOSE TO YOU
- The Carpenters
(The videos have been uploaded by different people on YT.)
...I used to really love these trees full of 'May Flowers', as a child.ðģ
We're all patiently waiting for those rain clouds, to bring us that long awaited respite, from the intense heat. The humidity, is definitely draining out a lot of energy from most of us; and making us quite grumpy and irritable, isn't it?ðĪ
Earlier today, this is one thing that made me 'Smile'. It's something that I used to really like about the month of May, when I was younger.ð
I spotted this tree, full of 'May Flowers', from the window of a friend's home; and because it was so close by, I spent a large part of the time, that I was there, just looking out at the tree and those bright red flowers. It made me think of the years when I was in school; and when there used to be a lot of these trees around, in my building compound, on my school campus, and everywhere really.
Over the years, I sadly don't see as many of these Gulmohar trees, as there used to be before.ðĪ
But it's wonderful, how something as simple as a tree full of 'May Flowers', can be linked to 'Happy Childhood Memories'.✨️ I'm so glad I could spend some quiet moments, just gazing at those colours of 'Red and Green', before the month of May draws to a close.️❤️
'Because you don't know, what it means to me'.ðķ
Those words from the well-known 'Queen' song, often play in my head, automatically. I guess, like most unforgettable songs, a few lines just stay with you; and you're reminded of them, just 'out of the blue', at different moments in life.✨️
I heard another song yesterday, which had almost the same title; but this one is an 'Original', by that wonderful musician and Choir Conductor, Mimosa Almeida Pinto. Sung by 'The Sassy Songbirds', with a lovely video too; it's such a sweet song. I guess the photographs in the video, make it even more 'Special'.ð And the saxophone accompaniment by Jarryd Rodrigues, also adds so much to the song.ð·
I have heard 'The Sassy Songbirds' singing, on a number of occasions. All accomplished performers individually, they came together and formed this lovely little quartet, just a little before the pandemic. So, at that time, we got to hear them sing as a group, mostly through all their online songs and shows that they posted, together with other performers.
Once the pandemic was over, we got quite a few opportunities to hear them singing 'Live', at various venues around Mumbai...And just a few days ago, I got a chance to be there, for their very first performance, at the 'Prithvi Theatre'.
It was an awesome show, where the wonderful Ella Atai, Marie Paul and Mimosa Pinto, (accompanied by Mimosa on Piano, Leander Pinto on drums, and by the legend Louiz Banks too, for a couple of songs) sang so many 'All-Time Jazz and Swing Favourites'.
The wonderful harmonies, were arranged by Mimosa. Their selection included many, many 'much-loved Jazz tunes; and by adding 'harmony' to them, they just made those everlasting songs, sound even better. Everyone who was there, enjoyed every minute of the performance. It was a 'Full House', even though it was a Sunday morning show.ð
They sang a few of their Original songs too, that day, which I also enjoyed. This one was my favourite. I loved the lyrics of the song; and so, looked for it online, when I got home.
How true this is for so many or us; and not just during the pandemic, when this song was composed, but every single day, even now.
Music is like the 'Love of Our Life'.ð It's 'Something Special', that 'keeps us company' when we're 'All Alone, On Our Own'; and it's the one thing, that we would never want anyone, to take away from our lives, because 'people would really never know, how much it means to us'.ðķ
A singer, whose songs used to be popular among the soldiers, during World War II, because she did many music concerts for them, just happens to have the names, of one of my oldest friends and me, in her name.ð
Since my friend celebrates her birthday today, it made me think, that it's a good day, to post a couple of Vera Lynn songs.ð
I heard a song called 'Far Away Places' today, that Vera Lynn has also recorded; but since the Bing Crosby version is better, I will share a couple of other lovely songs, that she has sung.
THERE'LL BE BLUEBIRDS OVER THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER ðķ
Though she was born in 1917, Vera Lynn died very recently in 2020, at the age of 103. It's so amazing that she lived such a long life, and shared so many beautiful songs with the world, during her lifetime.
WE'LL MEET AGAIN ðķ
I love the Stories behind the Songs. So, am also sharing this video, about how her memory is being kept alive, by re-recording and enhancing some of her songs, with additional orchestration.
KEEP SMILING THROUGH ððķ
(The videos are from different pages, uploaded by others on YT.)
Seeing an overdose of wedding posts, always takes me back in time, to when I was in my 20's.
Back then, like every other girl, I hoped to find 'The One', who was made 'Just for Me'. I had 'Dreams' too, and the 'Eternal Romantic' in me, enjoyed the beautiful 'Love Songs', whenever I heard them on the Music Channels, on the Radio, or at Wedding Receptions.ððķ
But I also ran away from the dreaded 'Marriage' topic, like it was the plague.ð I would often lash out at my parents, whenever they brought it up; and would get really irritated at relatives, whenever they asked, 'So when are you getting Married?'ð
My mum of course, didn't give up. I was never really a 'Social Butterfly', even though I had lots of friends. Going out and Partying (where you get a chance to meet new people), wasn't really my favourite thing.
I guess, my mother knew that I was quite 'Hopeless', when it came to finding someone, on my own.ð So, she put up these ads in random places, (sometimes without even letting me know); and even when I was extremely reluctant, she made me meet 'prospective husbands', that I didn't really want to.ðĪŠ
The very 'forced' nature of this entire 'Arranged Marriage' process, used to irritate me terribly. Match-maker aunties, thought I was being 'Too Choosey', because I found some fault or the other, with all their recommendations.ðĪĶ♀️
It wasn't really because I thought, that these guys weren't good enough for me. Most of them, probably were 'Nice Boys', like those aunties claimed, (as if they had lived with them, and knew everything about them). Oh how much I detested that phrase 'He is a Nice Boy', back then.ðð
But to me, this whole system was so 'flawed'. I could just never understand the concept, of making a decision to spend a lifetime, with some random person, after only meeting them a few times.ðĪ·ðŧ♀️
In the next decade of my life though, when I was in my 30's, life took a drastic turn. My Dad passed away very unexpectedly, when I was just 30 (after being sick and in hospital, for only six days), during the Christmas week in 2009.
Seven months later, my mum was diagnosed with her first Cancer. The nine years that followed, turned me into a very stressed out 'Caregiver', who was always scared and anxious, that one morning I would wake up, and my Mum would be gone too.ðĒ
So, in those nine years, through her two Cancers and other illnesses, life was all about Doctors, Hospitals, Operations, Medicines, Chemotherapy Sessions, Overnight Hospital stays, Hospital Cafeteria Food; and of course, trying to magically juggle, an extremely tedious and demanding job as well. 'Sleepless nights' became a routine for me. If it wasn't to finish my school work; it was staying up, because of the side effects of the chemotherapy, night after night.
Towards the last year and a half of that journey, (because her second Cancer was too invasive and spread more rapidly), I was literally functioning on 'auto-pilot', not just at my work-place; but through 'Life' in general. I was kind of 'Sleep-Walking' through every day and night, by the time the doctors said, that nothing more could be done, and it was now only 'Palliative Care'.ð
So, in the midst of all of that, the dreaded topic called 'Marriage', just flew out of the window, and was completely forgotten, during those years. There was just no space or time, to even think about it.
Both my parents died so young, that I didn't even get a chance to ask them, what their 'Wedding Special' was. Each time I hear people talking, about the song played during the 'First Dance' at their wedding, I wish my parents were still around, for me to ask them questions like these. I tried asking my Aunts recently, if any of them remembered. Sadly, no one does.ð
But, since a friend talked about 'Wedding Specials' today, I thought of three beautiful songs that I love. And since this post, ended up being quite a sad and reflective one; I thought I would share some wonderfully meaningful songs, to change and lighten the mood.
Not everybody is lucky or blessed enough to find their 'Soulmate'; but everyone can enjoy the melodious 'Love Songs', born out of someone else's 'Love Story'.✨️❤️
WHERE DO I BEGIN (LOVE STORY) ðķ
- Andy Williams
(A Lyric Video that I found online, of an all-time favourite Song.)
I DO ðķ
- Mark Wills
This was the Wedding Special, at a cousin's wedding. I loved it from the first moment, that I heard the words of the song.
I remember them practising the steps at their home, for quite a few days before the wedding. Those were happy times, when the whole family was in Mysore (where they used to stay), for a couple of weeks.
This song was their 'Wedding Song'; but for me, it also brings back, those unforgettable memories, of everyone being together.ðð
I WANNA GROW OLD WITH YOU ðķ
- Westlife
(I think this animated Lyric Video uploaded by someone, is so sweet.)ð
'Happy Ever After' only happens in 'Movies and Fairy Tales'; but even if that is not a part of my reality, I still do love the beautiful songs, written about other people's 'Happy Ever After'.ð
'Pentecost Sunday' is a good day to listen to some beautiful songs about the 'Holy Spirit'.ðĨð
HOLY SPIRIT, RAIN DOWN ðķ
- Heritage Singers
One of the many genres of music that I enjoy listening to, is 'Gospel Music'.ð
SWEET SWEET SPIRIT ðķ
- Gaither Vocal Band and Friends
Having sung in various Choirs for many, many years of my life, I really enjoy hearing and singing 'Choral Arrangements and Harmonies'.
A lot of singers and groups that sing 'Gospel Songs', are really, really good. Most of them are just as passionate about Music, as any other musicians, who sing the more popular Music...and quite a large number of them, are almost as well known and loved, across the world, as performers who sing other genres of Music.ðķ
Gospel Music is listened to, by numerous people everywhere; because it is always very 'Uplifting and Comforting'.ð
I guess, that could also be a reason why, a lot of 'non-Gospel' artists and performers, have also turned to singing religious and spiritual songs, at some point of time or the other, during their musical journey.
I'm glad they did, because it gave us, so many more great songs to listen to.
I listen to lots of different kinds of Music; and 'Gospel Music' is definitely one of my favourite genres.ð
I also think, that 'Church Music' has been the 'Starting Point' for many, many singers and musicians; because quite a few performers, first started out, singing in their local Church Choirs, and then later on in life, explored and pursued other genres of Music, when they decided to take up singing professionally.ðĪðķ
I've seen that among my countless musician friends too. I guess, those Choirs that so many of us have sung in, as children and youth, have almost been like an informal 'training ground', to discover what our vocal chords can do.✨️❤️
Most Songwriters, Singers and Musicians, don't even know, what a 'Special Gift' they have been blessed with. Through the songs they write, sing or play, they 'Reach Out and Touch' thousands and thousands of people, across the world, 'One Song at a Time'.ðķ
The best part, is that they don't even realise, the 'Effect' they have on people everywhere, or the 'Impact' they make on individuals, most of whom, they don't really know, or who they haven't ever met before.ð
Music 'Uplifts' those who've almost given up in Life, and are just existing, from one moment to the next, because they have to.
A Song can 'Comfort' the lonely and those who feel orphaned, left out or abandoned.
Like a beautiful sunflower, Music can 'Brighten the Day', for those whose hearts and lives, are full of sadness and gloom.ðž
It appears like a 'Ray of Light', at the end of a dark tunnel, for people who are completely lost.
The words of a very Meaningful Song, can almost be like a 'Colourful Rainbow of Hope', to someone who is hopelessly weary, exhausted and absolutely drained out, emotionally.ð
Even for people, who 'live in a world of their own', disconnected from the world, due to grief, emotional issues or degenerative age-related illnesses; Music can 'Make Connections' in their mind and heart, like nothing else can.ð
There is something extremely 'Magical' about Music. It can 'Achieve the Impossible' and do things, that even modern 'Medicine', with all its advancements, can't really do for people.
There is no Drug better than 'Music', when it comes to improving 'Emotional and Mental Health'. I know this, because I've been a 'Confirmed Addict', ever since I was a child; and because Music has 'Kept me Company', through some of life's toughest struggles and loneliest days, and continues to 'Hold My Hand', even today.✨️❤️
Medicines and Doctors are sometimes necessary, to help cure people from sicknesses and illnesses. However, those can only take care of the physical symptoms, of any disease.
The Unseen, Unspoken, Unexpressed 'Emotional Wounds and Hurt Feelings', that life's many complex and complicated experiences, inflict on a person's Mind, Heart and Soul; can only be reached and soothed, by 'Melody, Harmony and Rhythm', by Music and Lyrics.ðķ✍️
I was reminded of this song yesterday. It is another song, that I learnt during my 'Singing Classes' in school. I remember hearing the Jim Reeves version of the song, played at home too, when I was younger.
But, I heard another beautiful duet, sung by Daniel O'Donnell and Mary Duff, last night. I loved the harmony; and so, I thought I would post this version of the song today.ðð
I wonder why 'Singing Teachers' teach this very sad song, to little children in school.ðĪ
I remember learning this song way back in my 'School Singing Classes'. As I listened to this version of the song today, I heard the singer Daniel O'Donnell mention, that he also learnt this song, as a child.
So, I guess in many parts of the world, this very melancholic song, about a 'Blind Orphan Child', is strangely taught to little kids. Probably because, it has a simple and easy to learn melody; or maybe, the message that the song conveys, has a very valuable lesson, that young children could be taught, through a song.ðķ
This song, somehow means more to me now, in recent years, than it did before...and often, during this month of May, when my parents celebrated their 'Wedding Anniversary', or just whenever I think of them and miss them, a little more than other days actually; this song starts playing in my mind, almost on its own. I guess it's because, I 'Feel their Absence', at certain times and in some situations, even more.
A couple of months ago, someone said to me, "But you have lots of friends, don't you? I'm sure you 'Talk to them', and 'Share how you Feel' with them, often."
In response to that, I only smiled.ð
I guess, that's the main problem.ðĪ·ðŧ♀️
When over a period of years, you consciously choose to 'push the whole world away', and live in the safety of your 'own cocoon', away from the 'ceaseless questioning' and (maybe genuine) but often inquisitive 'concern' of others.
When you only make 'occasional brief appearances', at places and times, that you choose to.
...Everyone conveniently presumes, that 'You Have Someone Else', who is 'Always Around'.
Family thinks you have Friends,
Friends think you have Family.
Cousins think you have Colleagues,
Colleagues think you have Cousins.
Parishioners think you have Neighbours,
Neighbours think you have Parishioners.
...Everybody constantly assures you that 'We're always there'; but everyone also just concludes, that 'someone else must be there'.ð
Of course, a few occasionally check in, to see if you're doing alright; but because you've chosen to be 'distant and keep to yourself' for a long time, the frequency at which everyone asks, gradually reduces.
I'm not complaining; because I also always stay away, since I prefer not to intrude on, or to be a 'dampner' on other people's joyful moments, by going for an occasion, and then not participating in all the 'Fun'.
And I also know, that in this world, where almost everyone lives a very stressful, constantly busy life; the primary focus of every person is always, 'Their Own'.
Sadly, what I've realised, is that the only people who are truly 'Your Own', or who 'You Truly Belong To', are your 'Own Immediate Family'.✨️
Everyone else, has their own children, their own parents, their own husband or wife, their own siblings, their own somebody; and even if you are 'Close Friends or even Extended Family', you still always come 'After Them' to everyone, no matter how close you may be.
...and that is the 'Harsh Reality of Life', which you only realise, when you lose your 'Own Family'.
Just like the song, in a sense, you do feel completely 'Orphaned', and a lot like 'Nobody's Child', when the only people who were really 'Your Own', and the ones that you truly 'Belonged To', journey on to the next life.ðĒ
...and even if your loved ones, often make attempts to 'Re-connect', or to 'Include You', in the things they do together; you still choose to stay away. They often, don't understand your reasons, and probably think that you're being unreasonably aloof, for way too long.
I guess, most people (even family and friends), only realise how you really feel, when they experience emotions like 'Loss, Emptiness and Loneliness', themselves.
Every person finds 'their own way', to deal and cope with 'Grief'. What works for one person, may not work for someone else; because each of us is created differently, and we are all unique. So, no method or technique is right or wrong.
Some people, choose to get over how they feel and to 'Drown Out the Sorrow', by mixing and mingling constantly, or by burying themselves in their work. Others, prefer to become more 'Reclusive'; and stay in their own 'quiet corner'.
To the more reclusive ones, even happy things like picnics, parties and holidays, are constant harsh and painful 'Reminders', of the way 'Life used to be', when your 'Happy Family Portrait' was Complete. So, they choose to remain in their lonely, yet safe shell; because seeing others in their family, with each of their own parents or kids, just painfully reminds them, of what is 'missing', in their own life.ð
An old school friend, who is a Psychologist and a Counsellor, used to read some of my posts; and she once asked me, if I would speak about the things I write in my posts, at a session for people dealing with 'Grief'. She felt, that my sharings, might help so many others, to try and make sense, of the feelings of 'Loss and Emptiness', that they were dealing with.
Of course, I refused; because 'Talking about what I feel' with actual people, even close Friends and Family; has never been something that comes easily to me. I could probably 'Write a Book', or maybe even 'Ten Volumes', filled with my deepest feelings and emotions; but those same 'Words', would just lie buried within, if I had to actually talk to someone, face to face.
That's probably the reason why, I'll forever feel like 'Nobody's Child', even though I have many, many Friends and Family members, who are 'Genuinely Concerned' and who 'Care'.❤️
...That 'Emptiness and that Vacant Space', will still remain; because the 'Words', that flow like an overflowing river, when I write it all down; refuse to make an appearance, and prefer to hide in the dark shadows of my heart, whenever there is a living, breathing human being, in front of me, with whom to 'Share'.ðĪ✍️
One of many, many songs, that I used to hear my Dad singing at family parties, when I was growing up (Although I remember him singing this song, at a much faster pace, than this slow rhythm.)
He used to sing a lot of these old songs so often, that I think I unconsciously picked them up over the years, without anyone ever teaching me these songs.
PRETEND ðķ
- Nat King Cole
Some of the countless songs, that I remember him singing, just off the top of my head - Pretend, Invisible Tears, Blueberry Hill, Paper Roses, Diana, Help me make it through the night, and the list could go on and on...
INVISIBLE TEARS ðķ
- Dean Martin
I literally still have this drawer full of his audio cassettes, with so many of these old songs. So, I'm guessing these songs must've been played a lot at home, constantly; in addition to him singing them, at every family party.
BLUEBERRY HILL ðķ
- Fats Domino
Like I often do, I was thinking today, of the many, many sing-song sessions, at family get-togethers and parties.ð I think, without really trying to, I learnt lots and lots of old songs, on occasions such as these, when I was growing up.ð
PAPER ROSES ðķ
- Marie Osmond
Between my Grandfather (mum's dad), my Dad, my Godfather (The three awesome singers in the family), and all the other Uncles and Aunts who enjoyed music too; and thanks to those Pop-Hits books, we were never short of songs to sing. So, long before YouTube and the Internet came along, my 'Music Education' had already begun.ðķð
Later of course, these sing-along traditions have carried on, at our many choir parties and picnics; where we enjoyed singing together, with everyone adding some harmony here and there and making it more enjoyable. We've kept lots of people's neighbours awake and entertained, at some of these gatherings too. Good memories!ð
All these happy memories, are probably why, over the years, these tunes have just stuck in my memory, and why they make me feel so nostalgic, anytime I hear anyone else singing them anywhere. No doubt, the singers who sing these old songs today, all sing them really well; but when I hear these songs, I can actually hear my Dad's voice in my head, as they transport me back in time.✨️❤️
The children we teach in school, change a lot (especially in the way they look), from the time they are teenagers, to when they are grown young men. That's why, very often, it is difficult for us teachers to recognise them, when we suddenly meet them, after a gap of more than a decade or two.
Just yesterday, I bumped into a student who passed out of DB, way back in 2012. So, that's twelve years ago. I look exactly the same, except for the grey hair. So, he recognised me instantly; and his first question was, 'Miss, do you remember me?'ðĪ
Now, while the children we teach grow up, as the years go by; we teachers, kind of stay exactly the same. So, it's much easier for them to identify us, than it is for us, to place them. I didn't recognise him for a little while, because he is now 'all grown up', and looks very different; but of course, once he told me his name and which Batch he was in, it was easier for me, to remember who he was.
The most unbelievable thing, is that even though we initially struggle to place the 'now grown up' boy; once we identify the child, we can immediately remember lots of other little things about them too, including which 'House' they were in as well.
Since we've taught innumerable students over the years, it's sometimes difficult for us, to remember instantly. But, as soon as that connection is made in our memory, we can almost see the image of that child, in his school uniform, complete with the colour of his 'House Tie', flashing in our mind's eye.ð
What made me feel really 'Special' during this brief encounter though, was the way in which he introduced me to his elder sister, with so much joy and pride saying, "This was my English Teacher in school."ð
What he said next, absolutely made my day. He said, "Miss, I took your advice, and didn't follow the path that everyone takes, in college. I chose a different subject, that I enjoyed; and today, I have a great job abroad, because of that."ð
An unexpected chance encounter, with an ex-student that I haven't seen, ever since he passed out of Class 10, twelve long years ago; lifted the spirits of his old teacher, with just that one sentence. To know that children, 'valued my words of advice', enough to make important 'career choices and decisions', based on something I once said, in the classroom; just made me feel on 'Top of the world'. I walked out from there, feeling 'So Grateful'.✨️
Every once in a while, a child that I had taught years ago, walks back into my life, just like that; probably to remind me once again, that I 'Made a Difference' to his life, in some small way. Nothing could make a Teacher feel better, than unexpected experiences like these. A tiny moment like this one, brings that 'Smile' right back, at least for a little while.❤️
(The song I've shared with this post, 'In this Moment', is one of my favourite songs about Teachers'; because it is so meaningful. The 'Moments', that we teachers spend with the kids in school, may not last forever. But the 'Impact' we make on their lives, most definitely does 'STAY' with them, as long as they live.ðķ
It's so awesome, when one day, completely 'out of the blue'; they come back, and tell you that.
Also, now that I think about it, this reminder came to me on 'Mother's Day'. Probably just a coincidence, but a happy coincidence; since I consider my Mother, to be the 'Best Teacher' I ever had.ð
There's no one in the world, that I miss more than her, every single minute of every day. I guess, Mom's somehow always know, exactly the right 'MOM'ent, when we need a 'Pick-Me-Up'.)ðĪ
(A friend shared her version of this song earlier today; and I thought the words were so beautiful. I went and looked for the song, so that I could listen to the original; just like I always do, whenever I like a song that anyone sings.
This video of the song is one of the many, uploaded by somebody on YT.)
There are a few songs, that are just closer to my heart than others...and even though, many of them are picturised as 'Love Songs', to me they are songs that remind me, of my own loved ones, who are 'Somewhere up there, in those Blue Skies'.❤️
Like the sky meeting the sea at the horizon, is only an illusion; these songs help me live in my own little bubble, where I like to believe that maybe, 'My Angels' are looking down on me and watching over me everyday.ðĪ
Till the tick-tocking within, doesn't finally stop,
The lessons continue...
Exactly like they did, at the start.
Books
Media
People
Life
They come to us, from just about anywhere,
Through countless 'Educators', along the way.
Formal Education, is only the beginning;ðĐð
But we imbibe, a whole lot more...
From 'Our Experiences' everyday.ðĪ·♀️
A little while back, I was thinking about, how we constantly keep learning something new, at almost every single moment of our lives. From the day, we come into being, even when we're still a tiny collection of developing cells in the womb, we're probably listening, feeling, sensing and learning. When we do eventually make our presence felt on this planet, with a very grand entrance, screaming and yelling at the top of our lungs; our journey of constantly absorbing everything around us, just like a sponge, continues.
...and even though our life, may take us in several different directions along the way; that limitless memory bank in our brain, just keeps soaking it all in and keeping it there forever, in that extremely intelligent storehouse, that we call 'the human mind'.
With the amount of information it collects during a single lifetime, one would imagine, that our minds would have to be quite a disorganised and chaotic mess, with innumerable flashes of experiences and memories piled on, one on top of the other in a heap.ðĪ
Somehow though, that ever expanding database, always seems to function with clockwork precision; and it often leaves us in awe, at the way in which it suddenly makes connections and brings to mind little things, even from way back when, that we wouldn't even believe, it would still remember.
Paperwork in any work-place or even in a home, requires to be alphabetically arranged, well-labelled and filed away, either physically or digitally; for us to go back and find it again, when required.
Strangely, that filing system in our brain is so efficient, that it knows exactly where each pocket of information is stored; and it takes us back to just the right page, at exactly the right time, whenever we need it, almost in a flash. The human mind is probably one of the most fascinating things in the world and its capacity to assimilate and comprehend, is absolutely unbelievable.✨️
Till a couple of years ago, I didn't really step out of an educational institution, right from the time I was admitted into the nursery section, as a child. From school, to college, to University, to B.Ed. College, and then full circle, back to school, I've spent four decades of my life, in an atmosphere of 'Formal Education'.
So, I've constantly been learning, every single day; whether it was as a student, in the first two decades - sitting in a classroom, listening to my own teachers, and then, studying to do well in an exam; or as a teacher myself, during the next two decades - reading up tons of new content everyday, to try and appear, just a little more knowledgeable than the over-smart millennials, who always seemed to know everything.ð
But the relatively crazier 'Adventure of Life' has taught me far more, than what I could ever learn from books, or even through the know-it-all, internet search engines. I learn something new every minute of every day, on this journey.
I guess for all of us, till the day, that heart of ours gets too tired to tick-tock anymore, our constantly evolving mind will keep teaching us lessons, because the 'Learning Truly Never Stops'.️✍️
(Wrote this on FB last year on this day, 11th May'23. These 'FB Memories' sure do remind me of lots of nice things, that I've written and then forgotten about.)ð
I was blessed with the 'Gift of a Mother's Love', for just 38 years of my life...and I find myself longing for it every single day, since she went away.
Those warm hugs, that shoulder to cry on, her words of advice about anything and everything, those knowing looks (because she always knew something was off, even before I could tell her), that unforgettable taste of her cooking and baking, and most of all, that 'Hand to Hold', which constantly assured me, 'I'm There'. I could list out an endless number of things, that I miss about my mother.ðĒ
She was the only 'Best Friend' I ever had...and no one, would ever be able to replace her.✨️❤️
Since 'Mother's Day' is celebrated across the world during this week, I thought I would post three lovely and very meaningful songs, with beautiful words, that I like. They're simple songs, but I love them; because they are 'very real' and express feelings that come 'straight from the heart'.✍️
HAND TO HOLD ðķ
- JJ Heller
A MOTHER'S LOVE ðķ
- Jim Brickman
(Sung by the children of the 'One Voice Children's Choir.)
It's so wonderful how we connect with different people, for different reasons.ð
Nalini Sorensen is a writer that I have followed for a few years, who writes books for children. We share a love for writing, creativity, music and have a lot of common friends too...But, the one thing that has connected us, more than all those reasons, is a shared feeling of loss and emptiness, when you lose people who are very dear to you.ðĒ
How beautifully Nalini has expressed her sense of loss in this little piece, which she wrote in response to the word-prompt 'password'. As I read this, I thought about how every person, who has loved and lost someone dear to them, would be able to identify with this so much.
How just about anything and everything, becomes a new and ever-changing 'password' to take you back in time, and re-live moments and memories; and yet, unlike other passwords, it cannot really unlock all the pain and anguish.
Writing can be extremely therapeutic. I'm glad to have friends with shared life experiences like these, that show us how so many people, have similar struggles; and how we all find our own little ways to try and cope with grief.✨️❤
(Had shared this post on FB, 2 years ago, on this day, 9th May' 2022. I had asked Nalini Sorensen, if I could share her poem that day, and she agreed.
This came up as a FB memory today, and so, I just thought I should save it here as well; as a beautiful reminder, of how losing a loved one or two, makes all of us feel exactly the same.)
Just happened to stumble upon this medley of songs today. I haven't heard this singer or these musicians from Thailand before; but all the five songs in this medley, are 'Long Time Favourites' of mine. So I thought, that I would save this video here, which will enable me to listen to it again later, whenever I want to.ððķ
Friends who like these songs, will enjoy listening to this video too, especially because of the great music and the instruments, played by all the musicians, accompanying the singer.✨️❤️
(FLY ME TO THE MOON / AUTUMN LEAVES / MISTY / JUST THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT / L.O.V.E.) ðķ
I discovered the joy of 'acapella singing', during my years at St.Xavier's College. There were a couple of groups in college, that participated in many of the Inter-College events back then. One or two of those groups were much Senior to us, and one of the groups was made up of my own friends. They were all pretty amazing.❤️
When I was in the Junior College, I even took part in one of those 'Inter-College Group Singing' events; and then, in the next few years, I enjoyed cheering my friends on from the audience, instead. Those are truly some unforgettable 'Musical Memories', that will stay with me forever.ðķ
I loved spending most of the time (when I was not in the classroom), at their practice sessions. They practiced in some very unexpected, quiet nooks and corners of the college; and I would enjoy being around, just listening to them. In fact, I found some really unknown spaces in college (that I didn't even know existed), under those 'Harry Potter like old staircases', where they used to practice sometimes, because of the great acoustics there.ð
My love for 'acapella singing' has remained unchanged, to this day; (and even close to three decades later), I still listen to a number of groups that post videos online. Last night, I discovered this really awesome group called 'Highline Vocal Jazz'. Their harmonies are just something else. I normally share two or three videos in one post; but this time, I'm going to share four. Just because, I can't decide which songs I like more and which ones to leave out.ð
HOW HIGH THE MOON ðķ
ALL OF ME ðķ
THE NEARNESS OF YOU ðķ
I WALK WITH MUSIC ðķ
This one isn't acapella; but I liked the song. So, I had to share it too.ð
All of these arrangements are pretty spectacular. Not sure if they arrange these themselves, or if they sing the arrangements written by other musicians; but either way, they sound really fabulous. I'm sure friends who enjoy Choral Singing, and listening to songs sung in harmony, will love these videos.ð
(P.S. A few hours after posting this, I just checked the description written for each of these videos on YT, because I was curious to know who writes their harmonies; and I discovered, that one of the five singers, Jared Graveley has written all these four arrangements, which is really great.ð)
Those of us who were born at a time, when 'Black and White' movies were still around, know what a difference 'Colour Televisions' made to our viewing experience.
Although, there is a very 'old-world, classic and nostalgic charm', to Black and White photographs and films; 'Colour' just changed everything. It made us see the world, in all its wonderful and varied shades and hues.
Music also always adds 'Colour and Brightness' to our World. So, am sharing two of my favourite songs about 'Colours', that I thought of earlier today.ðķ
'Paint with all the Colours of the Wind' is a beautiful song, from the Disney film 'Pocahontas', sung by Vanessa Williams. It's a song with a thought-provoking message as well, and I have used it a couple of times, when I was back at DB, to highlight 'Nature and Environmental Conservation' based themes. ðð
COLOURS OF THE WIND
- Vanessa Williams (Pocahontas - Disney)
'Counting Colours in the Rainbow' is also a very sweet song, which I learnt when I was a child, probably in one of my 'Singing Classes' at school. The simplicity of the words and the melody, have stayed with me, over the years. Each time I hear it, the song just makes me 'Smile', maybe because it takes me back to my childhood days.✨️ð
COUNTING COLOURS IN THE RAINBOW
- Nina and Frederik
(Found these videos of the songs, uploaded by different people on YT.)
Discovered this lovely duet by Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson, a couple of years ago; and I loved it. They have changed a few of the lyrics in the original song, to incorporate some of the titles of their songs; which I thought was really sweet.ð
I love the way they've made this Lyric Video too. It's such a meaningful song about 'Friendship and Love'; and even if you're not lucky enough to have anyone to sing it for (because the only one 'Best Friend' you ever had, is somewhere up there, in those Blue Skies), it's still a great song to listen to.ðķ
I'D WANT IT TO BE YOU (Song Lyrics)
- Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson
Time has a way of changing everything
That goes for almost anything but us;
Always have and I always will remain
Words from a heart that you can trust.
While others come and go
You can always know I'm here for you
Whenever you might need me.
Sometimes, if you're lucky
You find that certain someone
You can always count on to be true;
If I had the choice of only one friend in this world
You know that I'd want it to be you.
You're still kind of crazy
After all these years,
You'll always be that funny girl to me;
Season to season we'll always have a reason
To be the best of friends that we can be.
Someone you can turn to, every minute of the day
Warm memories to hold on to, that will never fade away.
Sometimes, if you're lucky
You find that certain someone
You can always count on to be true;
If I had the choice of only one friend in this world
You know that I'd want it to be you.
You're like the sweet familiar song,
A good book when I'm alone,
A cup of coffee when I'm cold,
A country road that leads me home.
Sometimes, if you're lucky
You find that certain someone
You can always count on to be true;
If I had the choice of only one friend in this world
You know that I'd want it to be you.
When I get on the road again
You'll be always on my mind;
We'll stay the way we were forever true,
There's no one in this world that's been a better friend to me,
If there is one Singer, whose songs were like the 'Background Score' to so many of our lives, during our childhood, it has to be Jim Reeves. Almost every home has his 'audio cassettes' and they were just played repeatedly, over and over again, all the time; so often, that those Songs and that amazing 'low voice', just stayed with many, many of us.
The moment I hear a Jim Reeves song anywhere, it automatically transports me back in time; and countless 'Memories' come flooding back, instantly. It makes me think of my 'Parents and Grandparents', who probably introduced me to these songs, right at the time when I was a baby in the cradle. Sometimes I think, that I was probably listening to these old songs, even when I was still inside my mother's womb; since they were just playing at home, 'constantly'. That may be the reason why, I'm so fond of them. They remind me of 'Special People', who aren't with me anymore.✨️
MOONLIGHT AND ROSES (Song Lyrics)
'Moonlight and Roses bring wonderful Memories of you
My heart reposes in beautiful thoughts so true
June light discloses Love's golden dreams sparkling anew
Moonlight and Roses bring Memories of you'.ðķð
Carlton Braganza has sung many, many lovely Jim Reeves tunes on Jukebox Jammies, over a span of four years; and each time he sings one of those special melodies, it is absolutely 'Nostalgic'. Carlton's voice sounds great singing any song; but I think, the Jim Reeves songs, just sound really good, when he sings them. I Love a lot of his songs, and it is extremely difficult to pick, which ones I like more than others; but since I can't post all the songs at once, I'm sharing just three of my favourites today.
YOU'LL NEVER KNOW (Song Lyrics)
You'll never know just how much I love you
You'll never know just how much I care
And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you
You ought to know, for haven't I told you so
A million or more times.
You went away and my heart went with you
I speak your name in my every prayer
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
I swear I don't know how
You'll never know if you don't know now. ðķ
The magic of any Jim Reeves song, is in those 'low notes'. They sound quite 'magical' when Carlton sings them too.
We'll never get to hear the real Jim Reeves sing for us; but I'm glad we have Carlton Braganza to remind us of his songs, every time he sings one of them on JJ.ð
WE THANK THEE (Song Lyrics)
We thank Thee each morning for a newborn day
Where we may work the fields of new mown hay
We thank Thee for the sunshine
And the air that we breathe
Oh Lord, We Thank Thee.
We thank Thee for the rivers that run all day
We thank Thee for the little birds that sing away
We thank Thee for the trees
And the deep blue sea
Oh Lord, We Thank Thee.
Oh yes we thank Thee Lord
For every flower that blooms
Birds that sing, fish that swim
And the light of the moon
We thank Thee every day
As we kneel and pray
That we were born with eyes
To see these things.
We thank Thee for the fields
Where the clovers grow
We thank Thee for the pastures
Where the cattle may roam
We thank Thee for Thy love so pure and free
Oh Lord, We Thank Thee.❤️
Like I always do, I went to look through 'Old Photographs', a few days ago. My parent's Wedding Album is one of those very old 'musical albums', which has a tiny key that you can wind up, on the inside of the front cover. Once you wind it up, it plays a simple little tune, while you look through the photographs.
I had gone back to look at this album, after a really long time. So, I wasn't sure if it still worked. But I wound it a few times; and 46 years later, it magically, still works perfectly.ð
The first thought that came to my mind, as I listened to it play that melody, is how it had strangely 'outlived the couple', whose 'Cherished Memories', of the beginning of their life together, it held on every page.
That's the 'Story of Life'! It may not always end in 'Happily Ever After' for everyone; but it goes on and continues anyway, with or without all the people in it.ðĪ·
I've lived practically my entire life, with a whole bunch of 'Whys?' and 'What Ifs?', constantly doing the Samba and the Tango, in my mind.ðĪ
I was brought up in a Family, that always had a strong Faith, 'no matter what' trials and difficulties may come our way.
I may not be as 'Prayerful' or as sincere and dedicated to 'Serving the Community and Reaching out with my Time and Presence', all the time, as both my parents used to be; but I did learn to 'Trust and Thank God' for his numerous 'Blessings' everyday, from them.
So,
Even though there are many, many times when I really cannot understand 'God's Plan' for my Life,
Even when I have absolutely 'No Clue' why I was the only one left behind,
Even when I have no idea, what the next chapter in 'My Story' is going to be,
I like to 'Believe', that maybe there is a 'Blessing' in all of these uncertainties.
Who knows?ðĪ·
BLESSINGS
- Laura Story
(Song Lyrics)
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet Love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have Faith to Believe
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if the thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
When friends betray us
And when darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if the thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?ðĪ
(Also sharing another Lyric Video of the same song, uploaded by someone on YT.)
