YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME 🎶
- Randy Newman
Another one of those very sweet Disney songs about Friendship.
When people are still listening to a song, even 30 years after it was composed, it means they wrote a good song.😊
(Song shared from a page on YT and the pictures are from the Disney page.)
The rainy season has just been endless, this year. Much longer than the usual 4 months. The unseasonal showers began in May, and we're almost in October; but it doesn't seem to have finished, pouring down on the earth. It almost feels like we've been sitting under a waterfall, non-stop for so many months.🌧☔️
While we're so 'Grateful', for a more than adequate supply of water, for the year ahead; we can't help smiling, every time the sun peeps out, from behind those gloomy clouds, which are still visible.🙏
But very soon, as the monsoon ends and the weather changes again, we'll be grumbling and complaining about the October heat.🌞
I guess, our human nature makes us behave like that.🤷🏻♀️ We forget to be 'Thankful for the many Blessings', which we receive in abundance, every single day.
The end of the rains, is usually the time, to look out for rainbows. I haven't seen one yet, this year. But I did think of two songs that talk about 'Rainbows', sung beautifully by Eva Cassidy.🌈
I've always loved the Disney songs. More than half the 'wonder and magic' of a Disney movie, is because of the memorable songs, in almost all their films. I have lots of favourites among them.😊
I found this lovely version, of one of the Disney songs that I like, today.
- Leslie Odom Jr. 🎶
Also sharing a duet of the same song.
- Kelly Clarkson and Cynthia Erivo 🎶
This is another lovely version of the same song, which I enjoy listening to, sung with an entire orchestra.
- Sara Bareilles 🎶
(Songs shared from various YT pages.)
The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy has been encouraging Choral Music for a few decades now, by giving different Choirs, an opportunity to sing at their various concerts. Lots of people, have always enjoyed the Stop-Gaps concerts, over the years.🎶
About six years back, they also began organising a 'Children's Choir Festival'. Every year, this event gives us a chance, to listen to the voices of children, blending together in harmony. The groups that participate, are from schools, parishes, and other choirs as well.
Listening to the children singing, some days ago, made me remember the time, when we used to also sing in groups at various school events, as kids. The difference though, is that while we would mostly just sing the melody and some simple seconds, back then; now, children are learning how to sing three and four part harmonies, at such a young age...and I think, that's so wonderful.👍
I love how so many schools especially, have gradually started introducing their students, to the joy of singing in harmony, by bringing in music teachers, who have the ability to train children, to sing different voice parts, in a choir.
A few of the choirs, that participated in this year's festival, had very tiny, young children; and I was really amazed at their ability to sing harmonies, so melodiously and effortlessly, even though they are so little. Hearing them sing so beautifully, made everyone who was there, smile.😊💕
The songs chosen were all related to this year's Theme - 'A Song for Peace'.🕊
The concert happened, just two days before the 'International Day of Peace'. So, the meaningful songs, also brought out that message of 'Peace', which is so relevant, at a time when so many places in the world, are being devastated by war and disharmony.🤍
Many years ago, a student of ours, took his own life, when he was in Class 10. He had been sitting in my classroom, earlier that morning; and in the evening, we received news that he was gone forever, just like that.😪
I will never forget what I felt on that day, and in the days and weeks after that. How much I wished, that I had spoken to him; if I had only known, what he was going through. How often I asked myself, why I hadn't been more observant, or noticed, any visible or invisible signs, or changes in his behaviour, which may have indicated, that he was troubled.
There have been a few other instances too; when I have known young people, who have taken this extreme step. And whenever, the person is someone you know, you always end up wishing, that you could have done something; just anything at all, to prevent them, from ending their life.🤷🏻♀️
Unfortunately, a lot of times, there are no visible signs of deep anguish, or of emotional distress or pain; because people can be extremely good at disguising, how they really feel, behind a cheerful face or talkative chatter.
Maybe the signs are there; but friends, family and people around a person like this, need to care and listen enough, to notice minor changes in behaviour, mannerisms, and to the things they say, or maybe don't even know, how to express.
But sadly, in this world of 'Over-Connection', people are more 'Disconnected', than ever before. Everyone is so caught up, in living their own lives; that no one really takes the time to notice, when someone begins to slowly fade away into the darkness, quietly.😔
I saw the poster below, a few days ago; and discovered that the International Association for Suicide Prevention, collaborates with the World Health Organisation and the World Federation for Mental Health, to observe a day every year, on the 10th of September, called 'World Suicide Prevention Day'.
So I thought, that I would write something about it today, just to create a little more awareness.✍️
I'm also sharing two songs, that speak about this.
LEAVE A LIGHT ON 🎶
(Talk away the dark)
- Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood
YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶
- One Voice Children's Choir
(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)
Seven years today, since that final farewell,
How quickly the days and months, have turned into years.😔
But at every step of the way, each minute of every day,
Your presence and affection, this daughter's heart longs for, through her tears.😪
Miss you Always and Forever.🤗❤️
A MOTHER'S LOVE ✨️💖🎶
- Jim Brickman (One Voice Children's Choir)
LULLABY (GOODNIGHT MY ANGEL) ✨️💖🎶
- Christina Perri
(Songs shared from different pages on YT.)
No one could ever take the place of a 'Mother', in the life of her 'Daughter'.😪
In a week, when there is an absolute fruit salad of a million flashbacks and questions, floating around in my mind; these lovely 'Mother-Daughter' songs, made me smile, for a little while.✨️💖
FOREVER MY LITTLE GIRL 🎶
A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER 🎶
A MOTHER LIKE YOU 🎶
(Songs shared from various pages on YT.)
Weeks like these, make me think of songs like these.😔
REMEMBER ME 🎶
- Coco (Disney)
WHEN YOU ARE GONE 🎶
- Jim Reeves
PLEASE REMEMBER 🎶
-LeAnn Rimes
(Songs shared from various pages on YT.)
The Stop-Gaps brought together many amazing choirs and performers, that we all enjoy listening to, in their Concert 'A Call to Peace', which happened at the Tata Theatre, NCPA yesterday.
'Bridging the World with Song' - That is what Alfred D'Souza and 'The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy' have been doing for many, many years, at every concert they do. Each Choir and Soloist who sang last night, chose very meaningful songs, that brought out the message of 'Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood'.🤍
In a world that is constantly tattered and torn by violence, disharmony, bloodshed, negativity, irrational thinking and the completely illogical loss of innocent lives; an evening like this, filled with melodious songs, that calm and soothe the heart and soul, is like 'A Rainbow of Hope'.🌈 🕊One that reminds all of us, who love music, that the joyous 'Melody, Harmony and Rhythm' of beautifully written songs, filled with positive thoughts, can truly 'Heal the World and make it a better place, for the entire human race'.🎶
It was wonderful to have a choir from Borivali 'Symphony Voices', conducted by Allan Rodrigues, performing in this concert also. They made us feel so proud, with their wonderful harmonious singing.👏👏👏
The best part about an evening like this, besides enjoying all the beautiful songs, sung by every choir and soloist, is getting an opportunity to hear many of my favourite choirs and singers on one evening, and to meet lots of music loving friends.
A chance to listen to lots of old friends, singing in, or accompanying various choirs, to hear some amazing soloists, to feel proud of a few ex-students who were performing, and to meet many, many friends, who were in the audience too; made last night, even more special.😊💕
The One Voice Children's Choir just shared this song, a few days ago on their YT page. I like this Choir and have been listening to their cover versions of songs, for many years.
COUNT ON ME 🎶
- One Voice Children's Choir
If you ever forget, how much you really mean to me,
Every day I will, remind you.
You can 'Count on Me', like 1 2 3
I'll Be There;
Cause that's what 'Friends' are supposed to do.😊💕
I'm also sharing the lyric video of the original song.
- Bruno Mars
(Video shared from the YT pages of the singer and choir.)
(Another memory from 3 years ago, written on this day, 28th August '2022.)
If you've not yet been for a Musical Production by 'The Vishaal Asrani Institute of Performing Arts' (VAIPA), you should keep a look out for their next show and make sure you don't miss it. I think they are just amazing, at the way in which they showcase an entire evening.
I made a last minute decision, to go for their show 'Legends and Divas' at the Royal Opera House today; and very happily ended up singing along with the performers, from the beginning to the end of the show.😊
It was a Tribute Concert to many, many different singers, both past and present, that almost everyone loves. Their song selection had many, many favourite songs; and you could hear lots of people in the auditorium joining in and singing too, which was so great. 😊🎶💕
I tried to keep a track of which singers and songs they had picked; but they packed so many awesome artists into the show, that after a point I stopped trying to remember.😂 Those of you who love music, see how many you can guess from the pictures.😊
A few people sitting behind me, were wondering whether there were 5 or 6 or more singers; because the 4 awesome performers changed so many costumes and wigs in that two hour show, that a lot of people must've thought there were more than just four people singing. Vishaal Asrani, Delraaz Bunshah, Sarosh Nanavaty and Sparsh Korde were simply amazing. 😊💕
The lovely backdrops, the great choreography and the lights only added, to making the show look as good as the singing sounded.
Mithil Shah is a really, really good host too; and whoever put together all the 'trivia' about each singer and the songs, did a really good job.
Jiji Subi, the Producer and Vishaal Asrani, the Director of the show; another awesome production.👏👏👏
(Was reminded of this old post today, written on this day, two years ago, on 28th August' 2023.)
I try not to miss a Stop-Gaps concert, because Alfred D'Souza has almost made it a habit, to bring together the 'Best of the Best' performers, choose the most wonderful songs, sing lovely harmonies and showcase every concert so well; that everyone sitting in the audience, enjoys every moment of the show, to their heart's content.😊
Yesterday's concert combined two genres that I really enjoy, Gospel and Broadway.❤️ So, it goes without saying; I was singing along, all evening; along with everyone at the Tata Theatre, NCPA.🎶
The song selection by the choirs and the individual performers, had a whole bunch of my favourite songs in it; and listening to so many of the artists, that I love and admire greatly, singing those songs so beautifully, was just 'Musical Magic'.✨️
Seeing so many familiar faces in the audience and meeting old friends, is also one reason why I love going for the Stop-Gaps shows. It always makes me happy.😊
Thank You Alfred D'Souza, the Stop-Gaps and every performer and musician, who kept us absolutely spell-bound with their melodious voices and amazing performances. Together, you all made last night's concert so special.👏👏👏
...and Happy 71st Birthday dear Alfred. What a way to celebrate your birthday!🎶❤️
I read a post last night, which shared an unbelievable experience, of a person who had to recently undergo a heart surgery, due to serious blocks, even though he had always been doing all the right things, to stay healthy, whether it was fitness, food or habits.
Thankfully, he discovered that something was wrong, in time; and could take corrective medical action immediately...and hopefully, he will now recover and get better slowly.🙏
But this is not the first time, that I have heard about a person, experiencing a 'completely unexpected thunderbolt' or 'health scare' like this, in their lives. One, that seemed to have appeared suddenly, out of nowhere.
A little less than 2 years ago, another friend, who was also just 50 years old, and was just as conscious about his health and fitness, had an almost similar experience.
Sadly, he wasn't as lucky; and passed away, just a few days, after tests revealed the blocks in his arteries. His condition couldn't be reversed, even after a medical procedure; to the complete shock and disbelief, of everyone who knew him.
He was another person, who had always been conscious about health and fitness; and yet, he couldn't prevent this from happening.
At times like these, when even doctors and heart surgeons, find it difficult to offer explanations, as to what could have caused such extreme health conditions, in people who actually seemed to consciously look after their health; it becomes difficult to understand, how these things could happen to anyone, without any warning.🤔
In my many years, of looking after sick parents; I have done extensive reading and research, about health related issues, food, nutrition and other similar topics. In the process, I have become more aware and learned a lot, about how lifestyle, stress, sleep, emotions, food, nutrition, gut health, and numerous other factors, are just as important as fitness and exercise, when we talk about overall health and well-being.
It's true that 'Death', can never be predicted, and it often comes without a warning. I've experienced that enough of times in my own life, to know that anything can happen to anyone, at anytime. Unexpected sicknesses and unforseen incidents, can cause people to just disappear from our lives forever, in a moment.😔
Very often, even when we think we are doing all the right things, we still experience 'health scares', even among young and healthy people. We try our best to take care of everything, that we think we know; but there is always so much, that we are not really aware of, that could be happening silently, on the inside, causing irreversible damage to our health.
Making little conscious and long term 'Lifestyle Changes', and focusing on our 'Emotional Well-Being', does make a difference to our health, to a large extent. I have discovered that for myself, over the last 10 or 15 years.
But at the same time, when you have watched so many people in your family die, you also become aware of the fact, that 'Death' is one thing, that we can never really predict. It could happen to any of us, at any time; and no one or nothing could stop it, even if we tried.
So, 'One Day at a Time.
One Moment at a Time.'
The only way to live this uncertain, unpredictable 'Life'. That's what my own experiences, have always taught me. This Life that we've been blessed with, is a Gift to us anyway. We just don't know, how long it will last.🤷🏻♀️✍️
A friend has been posting these old Ad films, over the last few days. I think, almost everyone in India used to watch these on Doordarshan, back when we were younger.
It was quite nostalgic to see these again. So, I thought I would share them here also.
FREEDOM RUN 🎶
With India's Sports men and women
MILE SUR MERA TUMHARA 🎶
Unity in Diversity
THE CADBURY DAIRY MILK AD 🎶
When Independence Day and Gokulashtami happen at the same time
(Videos uploaded by various people, on different YT pages.)
During the years when I was a student, I remember learning different 'Patriotic Songs' in school, in this month, for the 'Group Singing Competition' every year.
Besides that, we would also learn a few songs, from really old black and white films, for the flag hoisting function, held in our building.
Most of those songs, were written during the freedom struggle. So, the sentiments conveyed through the lyrics, really instill a feeling of patriotism for 'Mother India', whenever you sing them or hear them, even today.
In recent decades, there have been many songs in various movies and non-film albums, that have been dedicated to the nation. I like these two, most of all.
The first one is from Aamir Khan's TV show 'Satyameva Jayate'. Ram Sampath had composed many meaningful original songs, that were sung by different singers each week. I love it, because it truly evokes that patriotic feeling, whenever you listen to it.
BHARAT BHAGYA VIDHATA 🇮🇳 🎶
- Composed by Ram Sampath and sung by Shankar Mahadevan
The next song is one of my all-time favourite patriotic songs, by A.R. Rehman.
I remember, that back in college, when this song would play over the loudspeakers during 'Malhar' in Xavier's, which happened during this week; it just made you feel completely energised.
The entire campus would resound with this amazing tune, and there really was something so wonderful about this song, that I would love hearing it repeatedly, in those days.
MAA TUJHE SALAAM 🇮🇳 🎶
- A.R. Rehman
(Videos shared from different pages on YT.)
I enjoy listening to the Instrumental versions of songs that I like.
Since I know the songs, I can hear the lyrics in my mind too, as the musician plays the melody.
But it sounds lovely, when you listen to just a musical instrument playing a song, without anyone singing along.
I'm sharing two well-known songs today, played on the piano / keyboard, by Ben Fernandez from NZ.
FROM A DISTANCE 🎶
IMAGINE 🎶
(Videos shared from the YT page, Ben Fernandez Music.)
Gospel based songs offer so much Comfort and Strength. They bring a different kind of Peace and Calm, whenever we listen to them.🕊🤍
For me, Prayer is more like conversations with God, at anytime and anywhere; and listening to beautiful songs like these.🙏
STILL / BE STILL AND KNOW 🎶
- Don Moen
JUST PRAY 🙏🎶
- Shawna Edwards
(An old post, that I wrote on FB, 9 years ago on this day.
It's nice to read these 'Reflections about Life', that I had written a long time ago, once again, after a gap of many years.)
11th August '2016 ✍️
Life is full of many twists and turns along the way. Some of those, we are prepared for; but some crop up so unexpectedly, that they sometimes take us completely by surprise.
When these sudden turn of events are happy ones, they absolutely make our day; and we can't help but Smile, from ear to ear.
However occasionally, these unexpected twists, could result in a lot of sadness, hurt and pain.
Overcoming these hurdles, that come our way in life though, just takes a little bit of Acceptance, Forgiveness and the ability to Smile; even though we know, that it would have been better, if life had turned out differently.
Here's hoping, we are always prepared, to 'Expect the Unexpected' and are blest with the Gift of Acceptance, no matter how difficult the situation may be. ✍️
(These are a couple of quotes, that I had found online, during the pandemic. I posted them, 6 years ago on this day.
I had shared these, just as 'Motivational Thoughts' for myself, and for anyone else who may have needed it, at that very strange time, which everyone struggled to get through.
I guess, it's always thought-provoking to read quotes like these again, whenever you're reminded of them.) 🤔
11th August '2020
(Was reminded of this old post today. I found this song on this day, two years ago, and wrote this post, on the 10th of August '2023.
I loved it, because I identified with all the experiences, that people spoke about, in this video.)
These little sharings, interspersed with this lovely song, from those who have experienced how Cancer invades the lives, of not just the person, but their entire family; are what make this song, so much more meaningful.
It was very special to hear different people, speaking about their 'Support System' and the 'Care-Givers', who were always there, and who loved them through it all.✨️💖
I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT 🎶
- Martina McBride
I'm also sharing another song, which I discoved some time ago. It is composed by a musician, who writes scripture based Biblical songs, mostly for children. I like many of her songs; and this one, has such beautiful and comforting lyrics.
It somehow, also matches the previous song; as there is strength in knowing, that through every struggle in life, 'God Knows' what we are experiencing. 'He Knows exactly how we feel'; and He constantly accompanies us, on our journey.🙏🌈
HE KNOWS 🎶
- Shawna Edwards
(Videos shared from the YT pages of the singer and musician.)
GOODNESS OF GOD 🎶
- CeCe Winans
HE NEVER SLEEPS 🎶
- Don Moen
(Videos shared from the singer's YT pages.)
