Magical Moment 232, "I Don't Really Know Any Beethoven"

When Eddie and I lived in North Carolina, we discovered Friday night jazz at Cypress Bend Vineyards, a picturesque vineyard in the green farmlands of Wagram, NC. Every other Friday evening, they set up a quaint tent by the patio, complete with a stage, dance floor, and intimate five-piece band that performed jazz standards while guests enjoyed music, food, and wine.

We went the first time at the referral of my former Army supervisor, the same one who encouraged me to audition for the Army Soldier Show. It turned out that he and the owner of the vineyard were old friends. I was happy to see that upon our first visit to jazz night, my former supervisor was there as well, and I secretly hoped that he would talk the owner into letting me play a few songs at some point during the night.

My wish came true when the owner and lead singer had a short, private conversation, then approached me and asked if I’d like to play during their 10-minute break between sets. I happily agreed, as I usually jump at any chance to play anywhere. Though I was unprepared, I knew just what I would play and I sat at our table, anxiously waiting for the current set to end.

Finally, when the band announced they would be back in a few minutes, I made my way up the plywood steps to the piano. I suppose I must look and dress about as conservatively as possible because as I walked by one of the band members I heard him tease, “You gonna play us some Beethoven, honey?” Rather than confronting or acknowledging him in anyway, I went on as if I hadn’t even heard him.

Still battling stage fright, I never looked out at the audience, but I felt the energy rise as I began to play the St Louis Blues boogie-woogie with my left hand. Soon people rose from their seats, pulling their partners to the dance floor. Some even approached the stage to watch my hands as I played. My spirits soared as I finished and received generous applause. I went on to play for the rest of the break and left the stage exhilarated as the regular band took their place.

After that night, I went back several times and the band recognized me and asked if I would play during their breaks again. I did, and often the drummer and bass both stayed to play with me. I also got several independent gigs from the exposure. At that time, Eddie and I were contemplating our move to NY, and that first Friday night at Cypress Bend is when I really believed that I needed to just go for it. I’m glad I did.

Magical Moment 625, "Thailand - the Elephants"

Needless to say, my favorite part of our Thailand vacation, was our week long volunteering at Elephant Nature Park ! The logging industry was banned in Thailand in 1989, leaving thousands of elephants unemployed. These elephants are now used for tourism. You may have heard of elephant shows featuring the animals playing soccer or painting pictures with their trunks. They are no doubt amazing to watch, but the sad truth is that these elephants have gone through a series of torture and abuse to "break their spirit" by their trainers. This short clip is very hard to watch, but it will give you an idea of what the elephants in captivity in the country of Thailand go through. The only elephants in Thailand who do not endure this, are the very few baby elephants who are first generation born in "safe captivity" at places like Elephant Nature Park. Every other elephant at this park has been brutally abused. Some have been blinded by their owners, le...

Magical Moment 620, "Lilac Garden"

Eddie and I visited the Lilac Gardens at Ringwood Manor in New Jersey, a pristine and beautiful state park with 8 species of lilacs and several varieties within. We went on a rainy afternoon, which turned out perfect because the rain stopped for us when we got there, and began again as soon as we left. It also decorated the plants with gorgeous rain drops, adding to their beauty. And now for a quick game of "Where's Elizabeth?" And "Where's Eddie?" ~~Have a great weekend! ~~

Magical Moment 280, "The Eleventh Hour"

The Veterans Day Parade, NYC On July 29, 2001 , five exceptional men were honored by the President of the United States for their remarkable military service. They were involved in a top secret mission that required unfathomable intelligence and as a result, literally won a battle which was instrumental in winning the war. Not the war that was happening in 2001, not even the Gulf War. It was World War II, and they were the Navajo Code Talkers who were largely responsible for winning the bloody battle of Okinawa. The only problem with the ceremony was that just 5 remained of the original 29. Our country was too late in thanking the other 24, and nearly too late in thanking those 5 men. On March 10, 2010, three hundred women won the Congressional Gold medal for their outstanding war service. Unfortunately, 800 received the award posthumously. These were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II, who devoted themselves to flying military aircraft like the B-26 and B-...

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