A COUNTDOWN OF BLESSINGS ✨️💖

Countdowns like these

On New Year's Eve and Everyday.😊

Count Your Blessings,

Name them One by One.✨️

And you will be Singing,

As the days go by.🎶

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS ✨️💖

- Guy Penrod (Gaither Music TV)

WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS ✨️💖

 

While we need to be 'Thankful' for all of life's 'Countless Blessings' every single day; the last day of the year, is kind of like a 'Reminder' to us, to 'Always Have a Grateful Heart'.✨️💖

(Pictures on Gratitude, that I have found in various places on the Internet, over the years.)

OUR JJ CHRISTMAS STAR 🌟🎄🎶

 

(A FB Memory from last year. This show happened on 30th December '2023.)

The 'Jukebox Jammies Special 'LIVE' Edition, happened at the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana on 30th December '2023. 

It saw Carlton Braganza re-creating a few of those JJ moments, as he sang lots of songs, that so many people who were there, have enjoyed listening to him sing, for the last three and a half years on JJ.😊🎶

Listening to Carlton singing on stage, is completely different from listening to him through a screen. 

Like everyone who came for the show, I was also happy to be there, to experience the 'Magic', that so many people around the world have loved.✨️❤️

A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE JJ FAMILY ✨️💖

For those of us who used to listen to 'Jukebox Jammies' online, every single day, a few years ago; waiting for an entire year, for Carlton Braganza to do a 'Live' show in Mumbai, feels like a really, really long time.🎶

Of course, when that event happens at 'Christmas Time', we couldn't be happier.😊 We meet all the Bombay JJ Friends quite often, at various Music events, but at this time of the year, many of the other JJ people, from different parts of the world, also come 'Home for the Holidays'.💕 

So, it was great to see lots and lots of familiar JJ faces, at the Bandra Gymkhana on Saturday, the 28th of December '2024, at the 'Neighbourhood Winter Festival'.❄️☃️

Everyone was there to listen to that one very 'Gifted Singer', who made so many, many people, all over the world 'Smile', during a time, when there really wasn't a lot to be happy about...and each one of us will 'Always Remember those Joyful Times', with 'Gratitude in our Hearts.'✨️❤️

No doubt, we always wish, that we didn't have to wait for so long, to listen to Carlton singing 'Live' again; but I guess, he made up for that long wait, by singing literally 'Non-Stop', for almost four hours, even though he must have most definitely been quite exhausted, by the end of it, considering that when Carlton sings on stage, his performances also include a lot of 'Exercise'.😄

I have no idea how, he had the energy to even stand after that, or to sing again the next day; but everyone who was there, didn't want to miss a single minute of it, although it was quite late, by the time the never ending 'Last Songs' finally ended.

I guess, that's what a very hectic and tiring December, is always like for a Performer; and we are 'Truly Grateful for the Music'.🤗💖

The Live Recording of the entire evening was posted on Carlton's YT page, a few days after the show. So, I'm adding that video to this post.

Carlton Braganza sang non-stop for close to four hours, which is definitely not easy to do.✨️🎶 

JJ Friends especially, from other cities and different parts of the world, who couldn't be there that day, might enjoy this.

I'm sure many of us here in Bombay, who were at the show that night, will also go back and listen to this video often. 😊

BRINGING GOA TO IC 😊❤️

When you've been listening to a few singers regularly, for four long years, they automatically become 'Special'. Many, many people, all over the world, feel that close bond, with Tammy and Roy from Goa.😊❤️

Their music takes us back in time, to days and songs that we all remember fondly. That is why, whenever they perform anywhere, lots and lots of music lovers just turn up at their shows.🎶

The number of people who follow them online, is pretty large in IC too, and that was quite evident by the massive crowd that was at the 'Christmas Street Festival' on 26th December '2024. Of course, there were also lots of regular Tammy and Roy listeners, who had come from outside IC too.💕

In addition to that though, there were many curious by-standers from around Borivali. Initially drawn into that street, by the lights and the music, many of them just ended up staying around listening to the songs, for a long time.

I'm sure that a lot of those people must've gone home and checked out who this Tammy and Roy are, because from the happy smiles on their faces, you could tell, that even first time listeners, had a good time there.😊🎶

MOST WONDERFUL TIME - FOR WHOM? 😢

 

WHEN A DISTRESSED MIND RAMBLES...✍️

The Christmas Week is the 'worst week of the year' for me every year, for the last 15 years, ever since my Dad passed away on this day, 28th December '2009; and it has only become an even more difficult time, over the last 6 years. I try to keep my mind busy and occupied with 'Joyful Christmas Music' for the most of December; and I succeed to a large extent.🎄🎶

But the moment, Christmas Day draws closer, my very restless mind does a complete U-Turn on me. It just goes completely 'Still' and absolutely 'Numb'. Recurring 'Flashbacks' aplenty, which just go round and round in circles, through my mind, constantly.

- To add to that, those 'Happy Family Pictures', and photographs of elaborate 'Christmas Lunches', that just about everyone posts on Christmas Day, are the most distressing things ever; because all of those things, are just 'Memories' for me now. Things I will never get a chance to do again, with 'My Own Family', ever.😢

- I avoid meeting my extended Family at this time, because I have enough Memories of my own, floating around my head, and I really don't want to be reminded of more, when I talk to them.

But this year, instead of Family, I unexpectedly ended up meeting old Friends, who knew my Parents. Their Questions and Reminiscing, took me back to those days in December '2009, all over again.💔

- I saw a few Christmas sweets in the shop the other day, and I picked up a couple of them, (even though I don't really eat a lot of sweets), just for the sake of some 'Christmas Nostalgia'.

But the moment I came home and opened those containers, just seeing the 'shapes' of the Milk Toffee and Marzipans, made me cry. My Mum used to make enough sweets, to distribute to the entire neighbourhood.

These sweets which I bought, were made out of the same 'mould' that my Mum used to make her sweets in. So just looking at them, transported me back in time, to those times of helping her make these sweets. It's crazy how the tiniest connection like that, brought out a flood of tears.😢

- How do you explain 'Pain' like this to anyone? No one would really understand the 'Magnitude and Intensity' of it.💔

- 'Countdowns' for me now, are counting how many years have gone by, since each loved one has been gone. Counting down from One Birthday or Wedding Anniversary in Heaven, and One Death Anniversary, to another. Grandparents, Parents, a Sibling, Aunts, Uncles and a Cousin too. 

There was a time when I would remember everyone's Birthdays. Now, with all these additional dates, of those who have gone away to remember, I've kind of stopped making the effort, to remember days of those who are still here, except for a few, which are stuck in my memory bank.🤷🏻‍♀️

- This year however, a few of 'My Favourite People' just happened to be around, to sing a few songs for us during this week. I don't know how the dates of both their shows, just magically happened to be during this particular week; but the fact that they did, definitely made me 'Smile'.😊 

Those events may be 'Just Another Show' to them. One among many others, in a long list of December events and parties. For me though, it means so much more. It's not just one of those many, many events. 

Instead, it's a 'Comfort' to know, that those who 'Uplifted' me, during the years when I needed it most, through the songs they sang and the stories they told, are 'Somewhere Close By', at this time of the year. To hear their Voices, singing a few songs again, just like they used to do, is a 'Better Medicine' for an aching heart and disturbed soul, than anything could ever be.❤️‍🩹

So Very Gratefully, to these 'Special Friends Like Family' I say, 'Thank You for the Music'.😊🎶

'You'll Never Know' how it magically works, to calm a very distressed and chaotic mind, during a 'supposedly beautiful' week like this.✨️💖

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! 🌟🎄

 

A Winnie the Pooh Christmas wish to everyone!🌟🎄🎅❄️☃️✨️💖

(Pooh and Piglet pictures that I have found on the Internet over the years. Just posted them because I think they're so sweet.)😊

I'M KEEPING YOU FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS ✨️💖

 

(Pictures and verses that I've found in various places on the Internet and shared over the years, at this time.) 

Even though I try to 'Smile' a little more every day, all year round, it's just so much more difficult to do that, around this time, because every little thing brings back a million memories.😢

For my Family in Heaven.✨️

Always Loved! Forever Missed!💖

MIDNIGHT MUSINGS ✍️

 

In the still of the night,

Little stars twinkle bright;✨️

The moon strolls along,

Saying, 'Write me a song!'✍️

When all around is calm,

By the window, sways a palm;🌴

The gentle caress of the breeze,

Coaxing, 'Just fall asleep please!'😴

No chill in the air, it's warm,

So different from the norm;❄️

The mind like an overflowing cup,

Thinking, 'Can't explain, what's up!'.🤔

(Just some random verses, written two years ago on this day, 23rd December '2022.)

LET THERE BE PEACE 🌟🕊

 

I discovered this song a couple of weeks ago, but I waited till the 4th Sunday of Advent to share it. 

It's a great Christmas Song about Peace, Hope, Love and Joy - All the things that the season is about.🌟🕊

Found three lovely versions of the song. In fact, when the One Voice Children's Choir shared this song a few weeks back, I went and listened to Carrie Underwood's original version, and I liked it more. Also discovered an audio version of the song. So, am posting that too.

LET THERE BE PEACE 🕊

- Carrie Underwood

- The One Voice Children's Choir 🎄🎶

- Carrie Underwood (Audio Version) 🎶

(Videos shared from different YT pages.)

NOT LIKE THE ONES, WE USED TO KNOW 🎄🎶❄️☃️

 

Was looking for new Christmas songs today, that singers have released in the last few weeks. Found these two duets.

Two completely different emotions expressed in both the songs. Absolutely right for a post, at this time of the year, because Christmas most definitely isn't the same, for everybody.

For so many of us, 'Christmas, just like the ones we used to know', doesn't exist anymore. That kind of 'Holly Jolly Christmas' we once knew as kids, sadly only remains in our 'Memories' now.☹️

KID AT CHRISTMAS 🎄🎶☃️

- Calum Scott and Christina Perri

Christmas makes so many of us think of the 'Things we used to do', with the only people who really mattered; because as time goes by, 'Memories are all we have to cling to'.😢

MAYBE THIS CHRISTMAS 🎄🎶❄️

- Michael Buble and Carly Pearce

Over a period of time, some of us just get used to not doing Christmas, the way everyone does. We gradually do some of the fun things again, as the years pass by; but then after that, there's more comfort in withdrawing to our own silent corner. At least, that's the way I do it, even if it's much quieter there.

THAT'S CHRISTMAS TO ME 🎄🎶

- Pentatonix

I have loved this Pentatonix Christmas Song, from the first time that I listened to it, a few years ago. I like the video they made too, because it has the childhood pictures and nostalgic home videos, of all the singers in the group, when they were younger. 

This is one song, that I listen to every year at Christmas Time, because it's such a 'Feel Good Song', even though all of the things they're singing about, only remain 'Cherished Memories' for me now.✨️💖

(Videos shared from various YT pages.)

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE ✨️🕊

 

December has always been a difficult month for me. The most wonderful time of the year, is a month of 'mixed feelings and emotions' for me. Yes, I fill it up with the happy sound, of the Christmas Carols I love; but that's mostly to drown out the sound of 'ambulance sirens', that ring louder than Christmas bells, in my ears and in my head, during this month.😢 

There are a multitude of 'Happy Memories' made with my parents, that are associated with this month. Those Carols are just my way, of 'Staying Connected' to those memories, and to fill up the empty void, left in my heart, since they've been gone.🎄🎶❤️‍🩹

I think, that lots of people, who miss their 'Family in Heaven' at Christmas Time, would have similar experiences, at this time of the year.💔

Fifteen years ago, on 28th December' 2009, my Dad passed away, after being sick for just 6 days, during the Christmas Week. That was the first time ever, that I sat inside an ambulance, twice in one week, with its 'loud siren', ringing in my ears. 

That sound of 'ambulance sirens' almost haunted me, for a couple of years, after he died. Those haunting feelings, came back during the pandemic, when the sound of 'ringing sirens' went on and on, all day and night, for almost two years.

I have overcome those uneasy feelings, created by that sound, now...But I have observed, that every December, probably because of the cold weather, and the fluctuations it causes in people's health conditions, the sound of ambulance sirens, is heard more often, than other months of the year.

Last year, on this day, my Dad's oldest brother also passed away. So, that added one more loss in the Family, during this month.😒

But That's Life...Everything and Everyone, one day goes away. Nothing is permanent, and No One remains a part of our lives, Forever.🤷🏻‍♀️

On days like these, I am always reminded of the words of this hymn. I remember asking my friends in the Choir, to sing this hymn at both my Dad and Mum's funeral Masses.

In this past year, both my Dad's brothers have passed away, just eight months apart.😢 

I shared this hymn with my cousins, and they sang it, at both my Uncles Funerals also.🎶

These two verses are not in the song I've posted; but I think they are very meaningful, and actually very appropriate as a Funeral Hymn.

'There's a time, There's a time

Both for sowing and for reaping,

There's a time.

Time for losing, Time for gain

Time for joy and Time for pain,

Every purpose under heaven, has a Time.

There are times, There are days,

Weeks and months, we cannot understand God's ways;

If for years we fail to scan

What is His Eternal Plan,

We'll remember that He Can, All the Time'.✨️💖

LIVING IN THE MOMENT ✍️

(I found this old FB post today, written on this day three years ago, on 13th December '2021. I enjoyed reading all the beautiful comments, from friends and family, on this post again.)

'Life-Altering Decisions' are often extremely difficult to make; even when it is something you've been contemplating, for a very, very long time.🤔 

It's tougher when your 'Mind and Heart', are travelling in two completely opposite directions. (I think that's a chronic illness, that I suffer from all the time.)😄

You wonder who you should listen to; or whether you may regret the step you've taken, at some later point. 

You pray for Guidance, that you may not do the wrong thing.

...but more than anything, you wish your 'Best Friend' was still around, to tell you what to do.😔 

Of course, if she was, everything would have been smooth sailing, in the first place, anyway.😢 

Miss You Every Minute of Every Day Mum!🤗✨️❤

(Reading that old post today, made me write this new one, to add to it.)✍️

In May' 2022, I left the only place of work I ever knew, with the heaviest heart ever.😢 

But it was a decision, that I had been pondering over, for almost three years before that; and I only stuck around for those two additional years, because I did not want to leave the Institution (that I considered my 'Second Home' for two decades), in the lurch, during those Lockdown times. 

Only I know though, how much I struggled through, those mind-boggling changes in Technology, and everything else that we Teachers had to learn, at the speed of lightning, when Teaching went online, during those years. I truly went absolutely 'Crazy', in addition to struggling and trying to deal with, the 'Complete Isolation, Social Distancing and Coping with Grief and Loneliness', all at the same time. To say I was 'Absolutely Overwhelmed and Almost Drowning', would be an Understatement.🤦‍♀️

But once, those turbulent times were over, I simply couldn't delay my decision any longer. I guess, those two years, just took my 'Stress Levels' even higher, than it had been, right through my mum's long illness, and after her passing away, just a year before the pandemic.

I seriously needed some much required 'Peace of Mind', and long overdue 'Rest and Relaxation', with time to myself, in which I had absolutely 'Nothing to do, think of or worry about'.

In hindsight, it was the wisest decision I ever made; because so many of the health issues I had, all through my Life as a Teacher (which were actually an 'Occupational Hazard'), have slowly improved now.

I know that I kind of jumped into the swimming pool, without knowing how to swim at all, when I left DB; but I just had to. It was not because I didn't love the School or Teaching anymore, but mainly because, I was just too tired to swim anymore. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Lots of people, who knew how much I loved DB, the Kids and Teaching too, still don't understand why I did it; and it's actually, a very 'irritating repetitive question' from friends and family, that I am often forced to answer.🤦‍♀️

I guess, it was just something that I needed to do, for 'Me'.😊

...and yes, two and a half years later, I'm still not sure where I'm headed. I have lots of ideas, thoughts, plans and dreams in my mind; but my 'Grieving Broken Heart and Tired Soul', still lacks the Motivation, the Will, the Focus or the Desire, to do any of it...When I'm Ready, I eventually will. Just not as yet.😊

But life in general, is more at ease and relaxed now. I do little things that I love everyday, or I don't do anything at all, most of the time. I laze around a lot, without any schedule or deadline to worry about; and I procrastinate, like there's no tomorrow. (My Mum must be rolling in her grave everyday, seeing me like that.)😂

...But sometimes I think, that taking a 'Break From Life and it's Mad Rat-Race', and doing a whole lot of 'Nothing' for a long time, matters so much, to our Emotional, Mental and Physical well-being and health...Not everyone may agree, but it's what works for me.

The Future...Who knows!🤷🏻‍♀️

For many, many years now, I seriously just 'Live in the Moment' and Live my Life, 'One Day at a Time'. So, let's see where this seemingly 'Clueless and Pointless Journey' takes me.😊✍️

LIVING IN THE MOMENT 🎶

- Jason Mraz

FESTIVAL OF CHORAL MAGIC ✨️💖

 

(A FB Memory from this day, two years ago, on 12th December '2022.)

😊 Alfred D'Souza's glorious and melodious journey began in Chennai 50 years ago.

😊The Festival of Festival Music at the NCPA, began 39 years ago.

😊My journey of enjoying these beautiful Christmas concerts year after year, is probably 24 or 25 years long too; because this is one concert that I try not to miss every year.

Some beautiful moments that I remember from last night's show at the NCPA.

- The children of the 'Stop-Gaps Junior Choral Ensemble' singing 'Away from the Mistletoe'. Such a cute, cute song and the children's expressions were priceless.😂 

- Karen Vaswani's choir singing 'WFH (Work From Home) Santa'. I think that song got the most laughs from everyone in the auditorium. Every line was so hilarious. I loved it and I enjoyed the Konkani carol that 'The Victory Chorus Line' sang as well. With all the colourful props, that was a lot of fun too.👏👏👏

- Hearing the 62 year old Paranjoti Choir singing at the Festival for the very first time was awesome. I have friends in this choir. So, I have heard them at their own concerts on many occasions; but it was lovely to hear them sing at this Festival. Coomi Wadia is a legend; and the way they sing all their songs Acapella, with so much perfection, is just so admirable.

- The Stop-Gaps imitating Alfred in one of their songs was hilariously funny.😊 I think those who've been going for the concerts for years and who've heard stories of Alfred at their choir practices, laughed the loudest at that one.😂

- Avinash Grubb playing the Festival Overture to open the concert.

- One of the oldest members of 'In His Service' from Chennai, travelling all the way, despite having a physical difficulty in doing so, simply because his voice is still 'as strong as ever'. 

- The dazzling smile of Bosco Rodrigues (Faith and Harmony is always a Special Choir to listen to, more because Kevin and Bosco are a part of it).🤗💖

- Watching Dylan D'Souza, the Conductor of 'The Salvation Singers', being felicitated for his contribution to Music.👏👏👏

- Having so many dear friends and family, both in the audience as well as on stage.

- The various beautiful songs, picked by the different choirs and sung so harmoniously.

- So many wonderfully talented Musicians accompanying every choir😊🎶💕

...This post would get really long, if I went on, because there is always so much to love about every Stop-Gaps Christmas Concert.😊

Thank You for the Music, Alfred and the 'Stop-Gaps'. This is always 'The Most Special Christmas Concert' in Mumbai.✨️❤️

LAUGHING IN HARMONY 🎶😄

 

I'm sure anyone who has ever sung in a choir will identify with this one. Really funny!😂😂😂

This picture made everyone laugh, the first time that someone posted it on a group, a few years ago. Since then, whenever this memory comes up once a year, it still makes us smile.😄

STRANGERS WHO BECAME FAMILY ✨️❤️

 

(A post that I wrote, 3 years ago, on this day, 10th December '2021. These 'Happy FB Memories' always make me 'Smile'.)😊

2020-2021 has brought many new 'Special Friends' into my world, many of whom, have filled so many of our lives with Music.🎶💕

 I love this pic, from last night's show in Candolim, Goa, because of the wonderful people who are in it.😊

The 'Soul Fry Community' page was the first place, where I started listening to online music last year in 2020, during the lockdown. Thanks to Meldan D'Cunha and Glynis, I've heard and connected with so many, many talented singers, musicians and music lovers.😊 People that I knew of and had watched on stage before; but who I hadn't actually interacted with, have all become friends now, thanks to them.💕

Carlton Braganza, of course.😊 (Although, with that new look, I'm not a 100% convinced that the person in this pic is really him.)😂 I'm strangely glad the pandemic happened; because it made 'Jukebox Jammies' happen. I would never be able to really explain to anyone or to express sufficient 'Gratitude', for what that show has meant to me. Carlton and every Friend I made in the JJ Family, is just 'Super-Special'.💖 

Tammy and Roy D'Sa, who I've enjoyed listening to, so much as well, all through the last year.😊 I admire all the trouble they take, to prepare for every show, to constantly keep learning new songs, and to make people 'Happy' through music. Their popularity speaks volumes, about how much they are Loved, by people everywhere.😊💞

It was great, to see so many people who have made those difficult times in 2020 - 2021, 'Moments to Cherish and Remember', together in one place, last night. Thank you for the Music and for the countless 'Friends like Family', that you have brought into our lives. Lots of Love to all of you Always.✨️❤

A NIGHT ON BROADWAY 😊🎶

 

(This is a 5 year old post, that came up as a FB Memory today. Originally written on this day, 5 years ago, 8th December '2019.

I used to go for a lot of VAIPA (Vishaal Asrani Institute of Performing Arts) shows, back then. Vishaal Asrani and Jiji Subi stage lots of wonderful Productions, mostly at the Royal Opera House, both for kids and for everyone else too. I went for many of them, when my friends Delraaz and Zervaan Bunshah, used to be a part of their Productions. Happy Memories!)😊💕

The season finale of 'A Night on Broadway' by VAIPA, was so wonderful last night. Glad I finally made it for this one, after many months of wanting to watch the show.😊

A great selection of songs from Broadway, sung really, really well by all the performers. They picked so many, many songs to sing in one night, that you really leave the show happy and content, after getting a chance to listen to, so many different songs, from a variety of Broadway shows and Musicals.🎶

Sarosh Nanavaty is such an awesome singer. Vishaal Asrani was really amazing too; and my lovely friend Delraaz Bunshah, also sang her songs so beautifully.🤗 

The unexpected 'Finale' of a few songs by ABBA, was loved by everyone in the audience.💕 I have watched the ABBA tribute show, by this same group of singers as well. They are very good. 

If you enjoy 'Musical Theatre', watch our for the future events by VAIPA. I'm sure you will enjoy their shows.😊

HOW I WONDER!🤔

 

(A four line FB Memory, from 2 years ago, on this day. I wrote this on 7th December '2022, probably on a day when I was missing 'My Family', a little too much.😢)

Eyes that look up at the starry sky, 

Shimmering and Twinkling all night;✨️

Eyes that look down, on You and I,

Watching over, Glistening with delight.✍️