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Showing posts from May 11, 2010

Magical Moment 102, "A View of Central Park"

I thought I'd post an old article after walking today in the park. "A View of Central Park" by Elizabeth Grimes, written for JVH Media Group If you’re a New Yorker, you’re familiar with the breath taking view of lush, rolling hills sprinkled with crystal ponds and shady trees, all framed by the concrete silhouette of the Big Apple’s city skyline. Central Park , opened in 1859, is home to nearly twenty-five million visitors per year and covers an astounding 843 acres in the midst of one of the busiest metropolises in the country. The park is open year round and debate is up for when the best time to visit is. Some claim the fall colors are unsurpassable, while others prefer greenery and the company of ducks and geese in the spring months. The answer to which of the four seasons is the best time to visit, however, is any of them. Or better yet, all of them. Each season provides an array of scenery and activities to suit the entire family. With the easy, comfortable

Magical Moment 101, "Me and Ray"

Willie Nelson named his guitar Paul. They’d been everywhere together, through rough and rocky travels in cities across the nation (where they received their education… sing along if you know it…). So I thought I should name my keyboard. My weighted, 88-key, silver Yamaha (and stand) was a graduation/commissioning present from my Grandma Valencia, one of my biggest supporters. Its first home was in the tiny basement apartment below my Grandma Daugherty that I shared with my best friend. I wrote some of my very first songs inside those pink walls (yes, pink) with that keyboard. Its second home was El Paso, TX where after a long day of class (and other military related headaches), I pounded out my frustrations on the keys. Next it was Fayetteville, NC, where it aided me in the Soldier Show audition and tons of military banquets and events. Now we’re planted in NJ and together we make regular trips into Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s a heavy keyboard, not very convenient to carry. But I’

Magical Moment 100, "One Hundred"

Today is my 100th blog. I began writing “One Magical Moment Per Day,” to turn my attention away from the things in my life that I saw as failure. Writing this forced me every day, to search for something positive and inspiring, no matter how sad, angry, or hopeless I felt while pursing my dream of becoming a musician and performer. I didn’t know how long this blog would last when I wrote " Magical Moment 1 ." I remember being surprised that I was in the thirties, then fifties, and now the triple digits. One thing is certain, I would not have made it to a 100 blogs, or made it 6½ months in NYC without support and encouragement from others. I cannot express the gratefulness I feel when I read a comment at the end of my blog, or see “like” under the facebook link. I would have given up long ago if not for my ever supportive grandmas, sisters, parents, husband, friends, and family. Sometimes I look for encouragement in quotes, and have shared some of my favorites below. But the

Magical Moment 99, "In the Booth, Without Excuse"

I was dreading my upcoming recording session after the last session (in my opinion) went terrible. I grew frustrated and disheartened as I tried to force myself to sound a certain way but never achieved the desired outcome. Eventually, after about 3 hours of work, we ended up scratching the entire session. I went home that night upset and with an aching throat. I play once a week for a tedious musical theatre class for children. I sit behind the keyboard, plunking out the same melody over and over while watching the minute hand inch around the clock. But last week, the monotony broke when a guest instructor led the class. She coached and molded the children with ease, holding their interest…and mine. And when the children moaned that something couldn’t be sung the way it should, she asked them a question, “Is this something you really want to do? Sing on stage?” The kids all nodded yes. “The successful ones don’t make excuses, they just find a way to do it.” I felt as though I was o

Magical Moment 98, "A New Route"

Midway through my predictable run route (down the Boulevard 2½ miles and back up 2½ miles), I wondered what would happen if I took a left instead of a right. When I laced up my shoes this morning, I wasn’t in the mood to break my usual mold, or run harder or longer than normal, but I suddenly felt energetic, ambitious, and curious. I made twists and turns, keeping track of the unfamiliar streets I was on. Suddenly I found myself at the foot of a tremendous hill, so steep that the sidewalk turned to stairs with a handrail to keep pedestrians safe. I rolled my eyes and decided to just attack the thing. Panting and exhausted, I made it to the top. I was welcomed with a breath taking view of the Empire State building and surrounding New York City skyline. It sat like the proverbial “city on a hill,” framed by lush, green trees, and a perfect sunrise. Of all the months I’ve lived here and ran the same route, I’ve never seen such a clear shot of the city. Now I have a new regular run rout

Magical Moment 97, "Try A Little Tenderness"

Ok, so I post videos when I'm pressed for time or experiencing writer's block (in case you haven't noticed). But the thing is, I won't post a video unless it's something I'm absolutely proud of. So here is another song from the Montauk Club in Brooklyn. "Try A Little Tenderness" is one of my favorite songs. I love to hear Michael Buble croon it, or Three Dog Night groove it. I recently added it to my repertoire and discovered I love to play it as well. Not to mention, it's loaded with great advice for some of the more clueless guys out there. Hope you enjoy.

Magical Moment 96, "Venice in my Dreams"

Ever since I saw the movie, “ Only You ” with Marissa Tomei (love her!) when I was in sixth or seventh grade, I’ve been aching to go to Venice. I sift through Starving Artist paint sales searching for the perfect Venetian, framed scene of gondola, water, sunset, and romantic, brick buildings to fill that blank wall I’ve been saving in my living room. Still haven’t found the right one yet. I have tour books that tell me where and when to visit, shop, eat, and stay. Cliché or not, I don’t care. I want to ride in a gondola, eat lunch al fresco, and buy a pair of genuine, Italian leather shoes. Of course now, I’m almost terrified to really go. If Venice didn’t live up to my expectations, I would be crushed. I’ve heard people say it’s not worth it. The water smells and the streets are narrow. I imagine Venice is much like New York City, in the way that some people see beauty and originality in every nook and cranny of the city, while others see garbage, crowds, and endless construction.