There are few who impact humanity in such a way that the world is literally changed by their contributions. Einstein, the Wright Brothers, Henry Ford — they all pale in comparison to the impact that Steve Jobs has had on society, world wide.
Jobs and Apple have certainly been a game changer and will continue to shape the way we live and learn well into this new millenium. But, Jobs’ contribution was not just iTunes, iPods, iPhones and iPads; he also exemplified the entreprenurial spirit and showed that vision coupled with determination brings innovation — and you don’t need a PhD to achieve it.
His commencement address to Stanford leaves a wonderful message for all of us…
Find what you love and DO IT! No matter how crazy, unconventional, out of the norm, or against other’s wishes…do what you love, love what you do.
Funny, but it seems that the apple is the one fruit that has a dramatic effect on the world…
* Eve’s bite of the first
* Newton’s noggin’ with the second
* Birth of The Beatles with the third
* and, the wonderful world of Steve Jobs with the fourth
Synonymous with tragedy, evil, sacrifice, loss, love and hope.
10 years ago, I was working at a large bank in Memphis and driving into the parking lot when I first “heard”. Never thought that we’d have that Pearl Harbor “moment” in my lifetime, but here it was and of course, I remember.
I actually spent my Sunday on the water in the boat with my husband and it was a glorious day. I just couldn’t watch the whole funeral again. However, this morning I saw this…
For me, THIS was the PERFECT tribute. Funny how a song written nearly 50 years ago in the wake of a different tragedy could so amply provide comfort all these years later and be so relevant. That’s what music is, no? A talisman that provides clarity of the emotion that allows people from all walks of life to experience the intention of the writer at the moment of hearing it.
Extrememly fitting that New Yorker Paul Simon delivered the most inspiring moment of “The Rememberance.” Carrie Fisher must be proud.
A few days ago, this photo came up on one of my old childhood friend’s Facebook (Thanks, Eddie!). Soon, I saw it re-posted on several other friends’ walls, as well. So, I guess you could say that this is the first stage of this thing going “viral” and here’s my contribution.
The beauty of this is that it is spot on. No matter if you’re Democrat or Republican; Black, White, or Hispanic; Catholic, Jew, Protestant or Muslim; it applies to YOU. I’ve wrestled over the last year with fear, despair, separation, and other paralyzing emotions that have stifled my life progress. I’ve done some great work in that year, but haven’t done some great life.
So, I’m going to take this manifesto, created by guys who truly wanted to live it, and try to live by it. Maybe you can find a little of what you’ve been looking for in it too. If so, pay it forward and share with your circle of friends and contacts.
For more information on the Holstee Manifesto, click here.
Through the hard work of concerned citizens (present & past), Guardian of the Oaks, TreesAcadiana, a generous property owner and artist George Rodrigue, the City Council was convinced to adopt an alternative that will allow the tree to remain in its current location as a link from past to present.
It has been thrilling to be a very small part of such a passionate cause and one that has such a connection to my own, personal history. $200,000 still needs to be raised to cover the cost of the alternative, so if you have always longed to have a Rodrigue print (signed & numbered), please purchase this one. All proceeds go to TreesAcadiana and the Youngsville Heritage Oak. Also, any monetary donation helps.
So, it’s finally a new year and I have resolved to start blogging again.
I could go into why I took a sabbatical, but wouldn’t want to bore folks with my trials and tribulations. Suffice it to say that 2010 had its ups & downs for me, just like everyone else. I did experience some major life changes in that I changed jobs (again) and we went through Dave’s Senior year of high school and his subsequent leaving for college. In between all of that, we have been trying to sell our house so that we can build our dream house “on the river”, but the economy and the Gulf Oil Spill created a frozen market with not a one offer in a year.
We’re hoping that the Spring of 2011 will bring a motivated buyer so that we can get on with our lives. Which brings me back to this blog. While I’ve decided to keep the name, the format will change somewhat. I’ll still delve into Music, but plan to include some other “features” that may or may not revolve around photography, sports, politics, home building, decorating, fishing, wine, and anything else that I have a burning desire to share here.
I hope that you will come by, read, and comment and I hope that 2011 brings the best on all fronts for everyone.
Mucho Congrats to the 2009 National Baseball Champion — the LSU Tigers!
The Freshman from Lafayette, Mikie Mahtook, turned the tide with a run-scoring double in the 6th and the Tigers never looked back, beating powerhouse Texas 11-4. Mahtook’s father, Mike, and his uncle, Robbie, both played football for LSU, creating a great legacy for the young Mahtook….particularly since Mike Mahtook died from a heart attack at 32, when Mikie was four and his twin sisters were only 2. No doubt, Big Mike was an angel in the outfield last night.
This is my Mother. Despite popular belief that I was hatched from some quasar during a particularly spectacular Libra Dragon season, I was actually conceived and deliveredthe normal way bytwo pretty great parents.
At 77, my Mother is in seriously good shape for her age. (And, if you need confirmation, just ask her. 😉 ) She’s been through polio at 2 years old, leaving her with a paralyzed left arm, her oldest child was found to be deaf at 9 months old, she had a major brain surgery in her early ’50s that would have killed a weaker person, and she watched her loving husband of 57 years suffer extreme pain for over ten years and die an agonizing death. She’s been rich, poor and in between, but she never lost faith nor wavered in her love of life….and of her children.
At an early age, she instilled a love of music in me that I’m eternally grateful for. My childhood was filled with wonderful harmonies and encouragement to sing and play musical instruments. I never did have the patience to master piano and guitar, but I was definitely given the opportunity. The house was always filled with tuneage growing up, either from the radio in my nursery (the ’60s version of white noise) or the actual “live” music with friends on Friday nights.
There are several songs that, for me, are forever linked to my mother.
All I Have to do is Dream, The Everly Brothers
Many times, in the car, driving around, I’d beg my mother to sing “Dream” with me. She taught me the harmonies and it is one of my favorite and most indelible memories of my mother.
Prisoner of Love, Billy Eckstine
A family favorite, Prisoner of Love still holds a special place in my heart. My Godmother, her daughter, my Mother and I all have sung this song 100 times — in four part harmony. Those times are among my favorite memories.
C C Rider, Elvis Presley
Another memory from those Friday night “jam sessions”, C C Rider seemed to be my Mother’s “riscque” song. Must say, she sang it with conviction.
A Good Man is Hard to Find
My Mother and Godmother actually worked out the Cajun French version of this…Et Bon Homme et Deur a Trouvier. I mastered both versions before my 13th birthday. To this day, it is Mr. D’s favorite song.
Whole Lotta Shakin’, Jerry Lee Lewis
My Mother adores piano and piano players. Since “The Killah” is from Ferriday, Louisiana, he is/was like a local god for the Cajun folks in the 50s and 60s.
I am her baby, the youngest of three. For years, I denied my obvious resemblance and now I’ve come to realize that it’s an honor. While she is the most aggravating person I have ever come across, she is also the most loving and endearing. She is passionate and caring, independent and sensitive. And, I’m sooooooo glad that she’s still here.
To my wonderful Mother and all the Mothers out there, I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Mother’s Day with the peace that you are loved unconditionally by your children.
Along the lines of the old adage of “judging a book by its cover”, the following performance shows that the cover doesn’t necessarily tell the story.
It appears that frumpella, Susan Boyle, who was once bullied and teased has suddenly been thrust into the British spotlight as an unlikely hero of those who certainly can identify with her. (Check out the number of views on that YouTube.)
Nearly 48, never been kissed and living with her cat, Pebbles, Susan strikes a blow for those who are not quite perfect on the outside but possess gigantic talent and beauty on the inside.
Sometimes, something falls out of the sky…more to come.
The World Ain’t Slowin’ Down, Ellis Paul
You gotta get gone
You gotta get going
Hey, the world ain\’t slowin\’ down
For no one
It’s a carnival calling out to you
And it sounds like a song
It hits you like scripture
You paint the picture
With colors squeezed from your hand
Weren’t you the kid
Who just climbed on a merry-go-round
Hey, look, the world ain’t slowin’ down
Music Maven 
