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Showing posts from July, 2010

Magical moment 177, "Take Out Pizza and Joy"

Joy and I walked through the wide, open lawn outside our apartments. With gardens in full bloom and lush trees providing shelter from the summer sun, it was a picturesque scene. On this lazy Saturday afternoon, we walked by 2 older ladies relaxing in the shade, passing time with conversation and take out pizza from the Italian restaurant across the street. They each sported their own shade of white hair and were clearly enthralled in each other’s friendly company. One of the ladies spotted Joy and gasped with pleasure. “Oh! I haven’t seen one of those dogs in ages. ” She exclaimed to her friend. Overhearing her remark, I changed our course from left to right, so they could get a better look at my pride and Joy. I smiled as we approached and it was clear they longed to pet her. I cut through the grass towards their two white lawn chairs and smiled widely as they oozed over Joy. Joy, bursting with excitement, rolled happily onto her back, exposing her tummy for bountiful scratches f

Magical Moment 176, "Sophie's Choice"

Never seen the movie, but I get the distinct feeling that it’s centered around a heart wrenching decision. Like choosing between vision and sight. Curing cancer or Alzheimer’s. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Oh the humanity. It’s how I felt today in my very first pre-production meeting with Modern Vintage Recordings when deciding which of my songs to record. I only get 5. Rather than recording an entire album, like I originally hoped, circumstance will only allow me to record an EP (Electronic Package). An EP is a collection of about 5 tracks that are professionally and lovingly recorded with the utmost and esteemed professionalism, then used as a tool to promote the artist’s reputation and popularity in the music community. Hopefully this will allow me to book shows in NYC, radio interviews, and music reviews with local bloggers. As a relatively new artist on the NYC music scene, we decided this would be the smartest way to go, and in the future, the rest of my album will follow.

Magical Moment 175, "Record of a Sneeze"

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. I learned that in second grade and never gave it another thought. But today, I learned that he held patents for thousands of other inventions and employed over 10,000 people in his company that literally did nothing but continuously invent stuff. Thomas Edison National Park in West Orange, NJ is the location of his enormous “invention factory,” complete with a chemistry lab, blacksmith shop, and supply house stocked with every material imaginable from seashells to cows feet. There, he and his thousands of inventor employees, spent day after day dreaming, experimenting, and building. It’s the spot of the very first motion picture house where Edison made the movie, “Record of a Sneeze.” It’s also where he bellowed the nursery rhyme, “Mary had a Little Lamb” into the first, crude tinfoil sound recording device. As we walked through the museum, I learned that he worked tirelessly on his ideas, sometimes 90-100 hours a week. He is famous for quotes

Magical Moment 174, "Be Your Own Hero"

A few days ago, my sister Regina told me about an idea that's been rolling around in her head for a while. She thought it would make a great blog, so I asked if she wanted to guest write on mine. As I read this, I felt so proud of all she's done and I know that she will be an inspiration to many. Most of all, to her two boys. Go here to see more of her own blog,   She Lives in the Light . "Be Your Own Hero" by Regina Teague I grew up thinking I needed to be rescued. Everyone needs a hero, right? I didn’t really have a hero growing up. Oh, but I wanted the fairy tale. I wanted the knight in shining armor, four kids, a big house on a beautifully landscaped acreage, complete with a white picket fence. I would stay home with my four children and be the mom who made the best chocolate chip cookies and have them fresh out of the oven when they got home from school.   No joke. Seems idealistic, but I tried with all my might to create it. Well, as it turns out, life isn’t

Magical Moment 173, "St Louis Blues"

This is one of my "safe songs." When I'm at a piano, deer in the headlights, eyes watching, and ears listening, there are always a few songs I can turn to to feel safe and confident. Safe songs include, among many others, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline, "Fly Me to the Moon" by Sinatra, and "Summertime" by Gershwin. St Louis Blues is one of them as well. I can play it with my eyes shut and it always sounds good. The amazing Mr Capps showed me how to play this kind of boogie-woogie and I'll be forever grateful to him. One of the best compliments I ever got from a stranger after I played this song was, "You could play that in New Orleans." So here it is, like warm milk before bedtime, a broke in pair of jeans, or a phone conversation with an old friend. One of my favorites, St Louis Blues.

Magical Moment 172, "My Little Nerd"

Today at the dog park, I discovered that Joy does not play well with others. She’s not aggressive, mean, standoffish, or even shy. She’s downright terrified of other dogs. When we put her in the “small dog” pen, she was the largest of all the chihuahuas, terriers, and poodles, yet she darted in fear if one of them came too close. We tried to show her it was okay, playing with the other dogs and coaxing her to fetch the tennis ball. But as I watched her interact with the other dogs who were playfully wrestling and chasing each other, I felt like I was looking in on an awkward child trying to fit in at recess. Eventually, she worked up some nerve to follow the other dogs as they ran from one end of the fence to the other, but as soon as they noticed her, she backed off and walked away. The funny thing is, she melts in sheer happiness and trust when a complete stranger offers to pet her belly, basking in the interaction. We decided to leave the dog park after watching of our little adole

Magical Moment 171, "Blue Haven"

It’s raining the kind of rain that makes you feel trapped and casts a dreary shadow on everything. It’s the kind of rain that makes Joy and the apartment smell like a wet dog when she’s only been outside for a minute. It’s the kind that makes the neighborhood weirdo seem all the more creepy because he’s standing outside in it, watching people scurry about. It’s the kind that conjures up unpredictable wind and tosses branches and debris all over the unsuspecting sidewalk and streets. Inevitably, sirens follow to aid victims caught in the storm. It’s the kind of rain that makes me fumble through the front closet in search of the one illusive flashlight among cardboard boxes and forgotten junk, in case the lights go out. It’s the kind of rain that traps me inside, like a prisoner. And though the rain continues, and will through tomorrow, we’re safe inside a fortress made of wood and plaster. The thin glass windows that separate us from the torrential storm suddenly seem six feet thick an

Magical Moment 170, "Taylor"

Yesterday, I discovered that Michaels Arts and Crafts is one of the coolest stores ever. We stopped by so Eddie could pick up some paint supplies and wound up shopping for hours. I walked up and down each aisle grabbing at random items thinking, I should learn to knit or Ethan would love that train puzzle!  I made a mental list of to-do projects, including but not limited to: make my own jewelry, learn basic wood-working skills, and hand-craft my own decorative holiday wreathes. To make matters worse, they were having a major clearance sale and I decided to go ahead and start my Christmas shopping. As I made my way through the store, working my way from hand-carrying a few items, to using a store basket, to exchanging that for a cart, I thought about the things that can spark a child’s creativity (and a grown adult’s too apparently). I felt something under my foot as I took a step forward and realized it was a stray children’s book. When I bent down to pick it up and put it back in

Magical Moment 169, "Summer Slum"

So, I’ve been going through the “summer slum.” That’s when everyone is on vacation and busy with other things, so they don’t need to hire a musician for holiday parties or elementary school programs (which happens to make up 90% of my paying gigs). I’ve been searching craigslist under the “talent” category for something that says, “Piano Player Needed for Beach Party” or “Major Record Label Ready to Sign the First Person to Respond to this Add Who Has Green Eyes.” So far, I’ve had zero luck. But that hasn’t stopped me from my nearly neurotic diligence in finding work. While most people these days are addicted to social media – facebook, myspace, and twitter – I seem to be addicted to the online want-ads (okay okay, Scrabble games on facebook too). I mean, you should see the job ads I have to sift through. These are NOT made up (keep in mind this is New York City)… -Nail Model -Young Japanese Girl for Commercial - Seeking Fit Female for Fun & Sexy picture - cleavage needed -Wome

Magical Moment 168, "A Little Sweat"

This morning I sat on the couch, drinking coffee and debating for an hour whether or not to go for a run. I had fallen out of my routine after vacation a few weeks ago and dreaded the thought of conditioning myself back into shape. It was 8 am, and already insanely hot outside. Usually when that happens, I console myself by saying that I’ll wake up earlier the next morning to get a good run in. It’s been nearly an entire year since I got out of the Army and to me, it’s a small accomplishment that I’ve been able to keep up running on my own for so long. Despite my absolute disdain for anything athletic, I really enjoy the benefits and peace of mind that I get from running. As difficult as it is to put my tennis shoes on in the morning and fight the weather, whatever time of year it may be, I know that I’ll feel better for the rest of the day if I force myself to do it. And Joy will be much better behaved if she gets her run in too. She’s gotten in the habit of running frenzied circle

Magical Moment 167, "Claire De Lune"

This is a video of me playing one of only two classical songs that I know. I forced myself to learn Claire De Lune for a wedding a few years ago and have struggled to retain it in my repertoire ever since. However, the most entertain part of this video is the "fan" towards the end of the song. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. This was at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Enjoy. More photos from Sing for Hope 's Play Me, I'm Yours Project, click here . To see videos, click here .

Magical Moment 166, "Fireflies"

As fascinating as a star, or the lights on Christmas Eve. As comforting as a doll, covered in threadbare weave. As frenzied as the marbles, scattered across the ground. As rare of a treat, as when the ice cream truck comes ‘round. A homemade lamp, a glass jar, the glowing bug swirls. A priceless ring, made with love, by grandpa for his girls. Never was there a fonder moment seen through a child’s eyes, Than the captivating magic and wonder of the fireflies.

Magical Moment 165, "World Mission Foundation Benefit"

This is another piece I played at Lincoln Center for a World Mission Foundation benefit concert, which raised $2,500 for AIDS/HIV funding. The director, Kevin Marin, asked specifically for a Jewish song and as luck would have it, I knew this piece from a Holocaust Remembrance Observance from my Army days. The song, a Jewish lullaby, is beautiful yet haunting, as it was heard among concentration camps during WWII. I apologize that the first few seconds are cut off. You can also see my video camera in the reflection - I had to get creative to get the clip from the professionally recorded DVD. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the performance.

Magical Moment 164, "Sunday Morning"

Early Sunday morning, I walked with Joy to get a coffee before the unbearable heat set in. I walked past the neighbor’s garden, rich with color and vibrant beauty. The grass was freshly cut, and as green as it was at the peak of spring. The rising sun cast an orange haze against the gray, empty pavement and row of seemingly deserted buildings. No cars lined up for blocks past the corner intersection. There was no crowd across the street waiting impatiently for the New York City bus to take them into work. I didn’t even have to wait to order my coffee at Dunkin Doughnuts. I smiled at the thought. Living in the most densely populated area in the country, right next to the city that never sleeps, I saw that maybe on Sunday, it at least rests.

Magical Moment 163, "Can't Buy Me Talent"

This was an article I wrote for JVH Media Group for their online music magazine. If only I could take my own advice, eh? At least I sound like I know what I'm talking about. "Can't Buy Me Talent" by Elizabeth Grimes It was a simpler time for the music industry back in the 1940s and 1950s. Crooners like Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Elvis had to have one thing. Talent. A voice that dazzled in every setting, and a stage presence that entranced the audience were the only necessary ingredients needed to create a star. I guess that’s why they call it “the good old days.” Not that today’s artists don’t have talent and stage presence. Some of them surely must. But have you ever wondered why your favorite singer sounds amazing on the album yet so different when you fork out the 200 bucks for concert tickets? I can think of a few reasons: vocal stacking (for added power), vocal auto-tune (it’s exactly what it sounds like – automatically tuning the v

Magical Moment 162, "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen"

In the mail today, I finally received the DVD for a performance I did last month at Clark Studio Theatre in Lincoln Center. It was a benefit concert for the World Mission Foundation , which raises money to prevent and treat AIDS/HIV. The benefit, which was directed by Kevin Marin, was a success, raising $2,500 for the Foundation. I was asked to play a mix of well-known and original selections. One piece I particularly enjoyed learning and playing was "Beir Mir Bist Du Shoen," originally recorded by the Andrews Sisters. Surprisingly, I had never heard the song before, but since then I've added it to the "favorite" category in my repertoire. For this performance, I was surprisingly composed for how nervous I was. Normally, when I am that nervous, I have trouble getting any sound to come out at all. Someone told me that if I can control my breath and voice after 30 seconds of intense cardio, I could control it when I'm extremely nervous. I think they were ri

Magical Moment 161, "Optimistic Gamble"

I’ve never put so much as a quarter into a slot machine or purchased a lottery ticket. Once I played poker with skittles. I try my best to plan ahead, be prepared, and make informed decisions. But soon, I’ll make one of the biggest gambles of my life. There are no guarantees, just nail biting, forehead perspiration, and silent prayer. I’m about to dive, head first into creating an album with Modern Vintage Recordings . It’s a total investment of time, heart, soul, and money. And while I have full confidence in the creative team that will help give life to my songs, I know that nothing is a sure thing. It is said that only about one in twenty independent artists who finance their own album, distribution, and publicity will gain enough momentum to have a successful music career when it’s all said and done. I do not like these odds. But when my dad told me without hesitation that I was one in a million, I began to think that maybe it could happen. After all, doors have opened thus far, l

Magical Moment 160, "Sunburst"

Yesterday, my husband was hard at work like I'd never seen him before. A few years ago, I bought him a painting easel to fuel his creativity, however it has rarely been used since. But yesterday, he sat on his wooden, swivel stool for hours, creating in silence. I wanted to look over his shoulder. I wanted to ask him how it was going. I wanted to know what he was painting. But I stopped myself short, understanding how those seemingly harmless actions can hinder someone who is "on a roll." Late into the evening, he finally lifted the small, square canvas from the 3-legged easel and reluctantly handed it to me. "I painted this for you. You can name it," he said simply, unenthused, and waiting nervously for my reaction. I immediately smiled with admiration at the array of blended colors and texture. It was a true piece of art. A star so full of beaming light, it couldn't be contained by just one snap shot. Even the largest telescope in the world couldn&#

Magical Moment 159, "Open Mic Night"

Magical Moment 158, "A Four AM Reminder"

The other day, I drove my parents and little sister to La Guardia airport after their week long visit to the Big Apple. It was 4:30 in the morning and we were all exhausted. We rode mostly in silence through the dark, deserted streets of New Jersey, Manhattan, and Queens. The only noise came from the radio that was at half volume playing Madonna’s “Ray of Light,” a popular 90s song that reminded me of my high school days. I suddenly thought of the one person who wasn’t there, my older sister Regina. The early car ride, dark morning, and song took me directly back to Regina and I's high school paper route. I laugh to myself every time I think about those days. I scarcely remember doing it. I suppose because I was in such a sleepy stuper most of the time. I do remember that music though. The good thing about being in a car at 4 in the morning, is radio stations don’t play commercials. So at least we got uninterrupted Alanis Morsette, Backstreet Boys, and Ace of Base. There was one

Magical Moment 157, "The Boys I Love"

What I love most about this short video is not the fact that my two nephews, who I love more than life, are adorably banging on the piano with no rhyme or reason, although that is super cute. I watched it over and over and saw the same thing clearer each time. Zach can scarcely contain the pure, exuberant joy and happiness that uncontrollably overflows from his tiny, butterball body. He’s happy because he’s sitting next to his big brother who he loves and wants to be just like. He’s happy because his big brother is smiling and playing with him. He’s happy because he is in his Papaw and Granny’s house, a safe and comfortable place in his small world. And I believe he is happy because he is creating the funny sound that’s coming from that big, brown box. All is right in his world right now. And although I am not there in person to applaud after the boys’ musical masterpiece is complete, I'm happy to at least witness those moments of total joy in the lives of the 2 little boys I l

Magical Moment 156, "My Debut in Time Square"

The first time I saw the lights of Times Square in the heart of Manhattan, my jaw dropped in disbelief. My eyes wandered to the sky as I searched for the top of buildings that seemed to go on and on forever. I was surrounded by theaters, restaurants, music, cars, and people. There is almost no use in attempting to describe what I saw, because there is nothing I could say that would do it justice. I felt like an insignificant ant, swarming in the midst of hundreds of other ants, with skyscrapers for blades of grass that sprang up from the ground, and pavement for dirt. I was so pleased to see that 2 pianos had been placed in Times Square for the Play Me, I'm Yours project. As I sat down to play, I remember thinking how absolutely surreal it was that I was there. In the Big Apple. Doing what I love. I hope in my future, there are many more moments of that feeling. To see more photos from Play Me, I'm Yours, click here . To see more videos, click here .

Magical Moment 155, "Gaga for Erica"

Today I woke up at 4 am, walked for blocks, and stood in line for 5 hours to watch a concert in the pouring rain. My little sister, Erica, and I were squished like sardines in a crowd of over 18,000 hoping to catch a glimpse of the fabulous Lady Gaga. And on top of everything, we wore blue and purple wigs all over Manhattan just for the occasion. I told Erica months ago that Lady Gaga would be playing Rockefeller Center the Friday she was in town and to my surprise, she was hell bent on going. When all was said and done, we ended up behind the stage, across the street, and around the corner for the duration of the performance. I snapped one very fuzzy picture of the entertainer from a half-mile away. And even the enormous Today Show sound system and speakers didn’t have enough juice to pump adequate volume as far back as we were. Yet, we stayed for hours. And when it rained, no, down poured, we still stayed. Through pushy rude crowds, cranky children, and stuffy humid weather, we

Magical Moment 154, "Jackson Heights"

There were so many wonderful moments during the " Play Me, I'm Yours " project throughout New York City. I just have to post a few of my favorites. This was in Queens at the Jackson Heights Post Office. The song, "You Want Me," is not one of my favorite songs that I've written, yet I always get positive feedback and I do love to play it. I only got the courage to sing at the pianos a few times and this was one of them. Enjoy the video. To see more photos from Play Me, I'm Yours, click here . To see more videos, click here .

Magical moment 153, "A Day of Critters"

Today, two things happened to me that never before, and probably never will happen again. First, I hand fed a group of baby swans, and second, I was kissed on the cheek by a sea lion. As my family and I drove through Long Island, we decided to stop at a beautiful, old cemetery to read some of the dates on the tombstones, which went all the way back to the 1600s. As we took in the history and scenery, I noticed a small, picturesque pond with a mother swan and her 6 babies swimming peacefully through the reflective water. I immediately reached for the Ritz crackers that were shoved in the back of the car and raced to the pond in hopes that a few crumbs would reach the babies. I tossed a few handfuls out and soon their interest sparked. Before I knew it, the small, fuzzy birds inched closer and closer to me. Soon they were on the grass a few feet in front of me. I decided to see just how brave they would get and lured them in close enough to take a cracker from my hand. I was thrilled to

Magical Moment 152, "Summertime"

Sing for Hope's ' Play Me, I'm Yours ' project is officially over. I watched the movers roll away a brown, upright piano from Stone Street and thought about the 2 weeks it had spent outdoors in the elements with only a plastic tarp for shelter. I thought about the endless hours we spent walking through the 5 boroughs, searching for each of the 60 pianos as we baked in the heat, yet the pianos never got relief from the sun. One thing I know for certain as I tend to my sunburn and wipe the dripping sweat from my forehead, it is summertime! And this was a great way to kick off the season. Enjoy this clip, "Summertime," from one of the Central Park pianos. To see my photos from our piano hunt, click here . To see more videos, click here .

Magical moment 151, "Sweet Secret Moment"

Some of the best moments are the ones accidentally seen. I was the only person in the world to witness this one. A mother was trying desperately to entertain her young toddler and distract him from the heat as they waited outside for the fireworks show to begin. She sang to him, played games, and did everything in her power to get him to interact with her, and distract him from the excruciating boredom and fatigue. The little boy was only about a year old, with wide, brown eyes, and black eyelashes that reached up to his thick eyebrows. He didn’t speak. He only stared at his mother with a questioning look on his small, round face. “Donde esta Ricardo?” His mother asked in a high pitched, playful voice. “Where is he? Donde esta Ricardo?” Still, the boy showed no sign of interest in the game. She persisted however, coaxing him to play along. “Donde esta Ricardo?” Eventually, the mother gave up on the one-sided game and with a shrug of her shoulders, she turned around to tend to her ol

Magical Moment 150, "A Few Priceless Moments"

Today we plan to fight the crowds, the heat, and the traffic, all to catch an unobstructed view of the magnificent fireworks show put on by Macy’s Department Store over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey. This is our first 4th of July in this area and will be vastly different than the home town parades and celebrations that I'm used to in Nebraska. I wouldn't miss fireworks for the world though. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been fascinated with them, and thought, "This must be what real magic looks like." After doing our research on the subject, we learned that in order to have a fighting chance at claiming a good piece of ground, we should arrive no later than 4 pm for the 9 pm show. There will be no funnel cake stands, ferris wheels, or arts and crafts booths to entertain us while we wait in the stifling heat and humidity. Instead we’ve packed a cooler full of picnic food, a blanket, a radio, and board games. Eddie and I went through a si

Magical Moment 149, "Cold Cold Heart in Brooklyn"

Brooklyn Bridge Park was another jewel we found on our journey to play 60 pianos in the 5 boroughs. We discovered several locations with a beautiful view of the water, the Manhattan skyline, and the Statue of Liberty. This particular spot was even more special because of the by stander who encouraged me to keep playing song after song, even though I had only intended to play one, then move on to the next piano. I also thought that the artist who painted this piano put a lot of time and care into their design. I wish I had gotten the name of the painter. Anyways, enjoy this clip of "Cold Cold Heart" (boogie-woogie style) and the lovely view caught on camera by Eddie.

Magical Moment 148, "One Piece at a Time"

In preparation for my family’s upcoming visit, I’ve been de-cluttering our cramped apartment to make room for three extra people for a week. This involved a great deal of sorting, vacuuming, and shoving random junk into the hot, hard-to-get-to attic. Along the way were many exclamations of, “Oh, there that is!” and, “I thought we lost that in the move.” Eddie re-discovered one of his Christmas gifts from 2 years ago - a do it yourself stepping stone creation kit. You poor cement into a hexagon-shaped mold and then craft a design using pieces of broken, colored glass. I bought him this in North Carolina when we had a house, yard, and garden, but we never got around to constructing the lawn ornament. Instead it was lost in the shuffle along with other back-shelf items when we moved to New Jersey. Today of all days, we decided to tackle the job and sat outside mixing and pouring cement. We brain stormed ideas of what the design should be, deciding between a generic pattern or something

Magical Moment 147, "Gantry Plaza State Park"

I've posted "Sparrow" before. It's one of my favorite songs that I've written. As I was touring pianos for Sing for Hope's Play Me, I'm Yours project in New York City, I soon found that after several dozen pianos, my performing repertoire of well-known songs was running low! I resorted to singing a few of my own and I'm glad I did. This location in Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens was so beautiful. Eddie did a great job capturing the surroundings as camera man. Hope you enjoy. "Sparrow" words and music by Elizabeth Grimes, Copyright 2009