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Showing posts from March 18, 2011

Magical Moment 413, "Opening Night"

For a performer, there is no greater feeling of anticipation and excitement than in those moments before "show time." I am fortunate to be part of the debut show by Nathan Lucrezio, "Unheard." A short 2 weeks ago, I received a phone call out of the blue from someone I worked with a year and a half ago on my very f irst New York City gig . They needed a last minute replacement pianist for a new musical and there was no written sheet music - and only 2 weeks until opening night.  I spent the next several days transcribing music and chords from recordings and watching the hands of the musical's composer, Lucrezio, play the songs for me. In typical show business fashion, everything came together at the last minute, with our first and only complete run through finishing 2 hours before curtain. Opening night was a success. The audience was pleased. Eddie my dedicated fan and honest critic, had nothing negative to say and found himself tapping his foot along with the

Magical Moment 412, "Harry's Got the Right Idea"

To celebrate the new spring season, I thought about taking Joy for a good, long run today, but then I looked outside. Hello white snow flakes. Welcome back. Instead, I ran on the treadmill where it was warm. When I looked outside later, I realized Harry the squirrel (named by my neighbor) had a very similar idea. Spring, you deceptive little thing. " Forget it. I'm staying underneath the tree where it's still spring! " -Harry

Magical Moment 411, "The Entertainer"

Yet another video from the  Play Me, I'm Yours  project in New York City last summer. I am lucky enough to be involved with the planning of  this  year's 88 pianos throughout the 5 boroughs sponsored by the charity organization,  Sing for Hope . This video was taken at City Hall Park in Manhattan and was pretty early on in our exhausting hunt for all 69 pianos. Enjoy the video and take a moment to check out  Sing for Hope 's website! To see other videos from the project, click  here . Sing for Hope also does bedside performances at local hospitals: A Dose of Song A Message of Song

Magical Moment 410, "Come Spring"

An man once said in the frustration of the winter season, "I get so angry at the snow. It kills the plants and leaves my trees bare." His wife reminded him, "The trees are bare, but they haven't been  killed  by the snow. All the moisture is giving them the strength they need to bloom again come spring." And spring has come! Awake, thou wintry earth - Fling off thy sadness! Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth Your ancient gladness! ~Thomas Blackburn,  "An Easter Hymn"

Magical Moment 409, "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears"

The museum at Ellis Island is filled with photographs, stories, facts, and written interviews of the historic days when immigrants to the U.S passed through the "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears." I've been there a number of times now and am always struck by something new and fascinating. I can't get enough of the stories, some joyful, some heartbreaking. Thousands of people were sent back to their homelands after the excruciating voyage because they were deemed unfit for labor, a burden to society, or illegal in some way. There are stories of translators who hated to see immigrants deported, and so they would translate to the officials in a way that might keep them here. Over 300 babies were born on Ellis Island. Many people reunited with their families here after years, decades of separation.  However, this short paragraph, transcribed for a particular exhibit, remains my absolute favorite part of the entire museum. This time, I remembered to take a picture so I could s

Magical Moment 408, "Shadows"

Those of you with an over active imagination, take one step forward. It's a curse and a blessing, am I right? It can be fun, creative, inspiring, and productive. When I was a little girl, I don't often remember complaining that I was bored. I played queen and slave with my sister, and never minded one bit that I was always the slave. That made a better story line anyway. I never got bored in school because even though I wasn't listening a lick to the teacher, I had plenty of doodles to keep me occupied in my spiral notebook. And all that diligent note-taking in Sunday morning sermons? Well, I wrote some of my best break up songs during that preaching. On the other hand, my sister now feels guilty about forcing me to be the slave so many years ago. She thinks it affected my self esteem. My grades, I've always had to make an extra effort to stay focused in school. And church, well, I know what my priority  should  be there. It's like trying to control a beast. Some p

Magical Moment 407, "A Suitable Frame"

Everyone knows that the picture frame can make or break a photo you wish to display. We spent a day on Long Island. First at Theodore Roosevelt's home, then at the north shore, then down to Fire Island. I picked up a few decorating tips to share: Whether your taste is rugged or not, a plain wooden frame goes a long way. Sometimes simple is best. This ocean blue mat is all that's needed to frame this lovely swan. Day moons make beautiful pictures. You'll find that a forrest green colored frame offsets the blue nicely. Next time on Elizabeth's Home Decorating Tips: how to choose a wall color. :)