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Teri had excellent ideas for novels and short stories. She started several but completed only one. Reading it this morning brought me to tears. Here it is:
Aug 26 2012
Hopes and Wishes
Some people say she appears only at Christmas. In truth, she is always around. Maybe Christmas is the time of year when so many lights shine that it is the only time people take notice of her. She comes as an answer to those who need her. She answers a longing of the lost and hopeless. She survives for those who have a sincere desire to wish happiness on others, the loving father at the altar as he gives his daughter away, The long lost lovers miles apart searching the heavens for answers. The lonely girl looking for love.
She isn't an Angel, a Fairy or Sprite. She is a Twinkle. Her appearance is different each time she comes to help. She is invisible to most people or maybe people are just too wrapped up in their own lives to notice her. She can't blame people for not noticing her since many people speak with tears in their eyes as they make their innermost feelings known. The feelings that only she knows. In truth she figures most people who make those heartfelt wishes are so consumed with sadness that many can't really believe there is help available. Whatever the reasons are, she likes being tiny and small, no bigger than a tiny spark. She loves the work she gets to do as she helps so many people all around the world, from one end of the earth to the other. No matter what language, no matter how big or small, adult or toddler, if the words are spoken or just a simple thought. All people great and small have a need for love and happiness. Twinkle answers all from the simple to the complex.
So next time you look to the sky and think a special wish or you see the sparkle of water glistening and playfully throw a coin into a fountain, remember Twinkle is watching and working for you.
By Teri Thompson
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That was a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. I can tell your wife was a wonderful person and I am sorry for your loss.
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Teri was indeed a wonderful person. She also had a beautiful smile. Here is my favorite picture of Teri, her senior class photo from 1980. She's been gone only five days and it seems more like five years. I miss her and I will always love her. Always.
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My wife has been gone for seven days now and it feels more like seven years. I miss her more every day. This poem was sent to me yesterday by a family member. I cried when I read it – but I've been crying at almost everything for the past seven days. A friend of hers had received this poem from a friend after losing her daughter a few years ago. It's tear-inducing but it's also comforting. I'm sharing it here in the hope it will be a comfort to everyone who has lost a close family member – which is probably all of us.
Remember Me
To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated.
But to the happy, I am at peace.
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea, remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty, remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity, remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
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Conditions now require discipline and fortitude. It ain't easy. For some, music can help ease the angst, if only for a while. Here are some new sounds, and with the rest of Reminiscences, can add to the relief.
Yusef Lateef
Like It Is (ends at 7:33)
https://youtu.be/MAxdTSc_fts
The Legend...
John Coltrane
Equinox
https://youtu.be/9Zyr0IDaRXQ
Andrea Motis. Joan Chamorro & Scott Hamilton
Meditacao
https://youtu.be/Vunw1SurRVc
Fourplay
Westchester Lady
https://youtu.be/INowlo9-6vE
Ronnie Laws & Pressure
Always There (don't miss this)
https://youtu.be/aiHLQWUq0hI
The Crusaders
Street Life
https://youtu.be/IpMN3DYgTP8
I've seen Chucito and his father Chucho Valdes live. This video captures Chuchito's energy which is never at the expense of exceptional musicianship. They are superb pianists. None better in the genre they inhabit and beyond.
Chucito Valdes
https://youtu.be/B92hHO1Qlck
Chucho Valdes
Descarga Cubano
https://youtu.be/r3hL0iQNaEM
Chucho Valdes
Lorena's Tango
https://youtu.be/8JiryNScLFc
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Marion Black
Who Knows
https://youtu.be/ChH_eisaf2E
The same song done by a great band.
Quantic Soul Orchestra
Who Knows
https://youtu.be/cg-DeYTGRnI
Mambisimo Big Band
Sofrito
https://youtu.be/Zup7rmDj6fE
An accomplished drummer demonstrating her skill that's fun to watch.
Taylor Moore
Oye Como Va
https://youtu.be/EEmCsYaaK6Q
Kandace Springs w/David Sanborn
Love Got In The Way
https://youtu.be/a2kqizaV06I
Malo
Neno
https://youtu.be/DJr-vk8flh8
One of the most interesting musical series on YouTube is Daryl's House. It provides great music and some glimpses of musician interaction and Hall's virtuosity.
Diane Birch (with a funny intro)
Fools (3/22/24 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/4B4Qajfe7KQ
8/1/21
She deserves more exposure.
Diane Birch
Nothing But A Miracle (3/22/24 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/nOBC-8F7Veo
Diane Birch
Don't Wait Up (3/22/24 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/Ba5KJEDMe90
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I began developing an interest in Japan and its history, customs, films, food and more in my teens. While never ignoring its flaws, I was drawn to many things I found attractive. The Japanese film industry, for example, is known and praised for its many brilliant directors and their masterpieces.
I have been considering learning some of the language recently but know that it, and especially Kanji, present formidable challenges.
There are a few posts with Japanese artists/music in Reminiscences, but I thought it was time for a more extensive review of Japan's offerings.
A popular band with a superb cover of a Crusaders' classic.
Tokyo Groove Jyoshi
Put It Where You Want It
https://youtu.be/j9IFThAljnE
Rise Up
https://youtu.be/gyEvuMZYzR8
A cover of a Tower Of Power classic
What's Hip (with a traditional Japanese samisen)
https://youtu.be/g46tXWxtsfY
What A Difference A Day Makes
https://youtu.be/FNLaVmPpI7k
Foxy
https://youtu.be/feQWsn5ZBjc
A lovely folk song
Lullaby Of Takeda
https://youtu.be/B27yQMuTHWc
Finding exceptional new musical talent motivates me to continue my passion to be surprised. This talent is a stunning discovery. She is already being praised as the best female drummer in the world.
The more than amazing, Senri Kawaguchi.
Wupatki
https://youtu.be/snMfDjmEcNM
After watching this many times, it must be said that this is one of the most breathtaking musical performances I have ever seen.
Happy
https://youtu.be/mTyU1D1tFPM
A solid band with Senri Kawaguchi
Lover Come Back To Me (1/10/24 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/2eIeMPhXhSQ
Beautiful traditional music
Sakura
https://youtu.be/AK51LblcEOw
Japanese Flute
https://youtu.be/nxM74MwhukE
Something in case you're hungry
https://youtu.be/sC5AWm9FAIw
BTW, being relentlessly skeptical and doing your own research rather than accepting propaganda will always reduce your risk of becoming a parrot.
The Samurai legend
https://youtu.be/oJqbh-tjJVE
あなたが音楽を楽しんだことを願っ います
anata ga ongaku wo tanoshin da koto wo negatto te i masu
1/13/23
A lot of truth in these comments.
Japan / U.S.
https://youtu.be/xjHxRwwPinc
1/13/24
Something that's fun from Japan.
This prankster has an awareness, especially with children, and a playful sensibility that makes his gentle actions better than those who are now copying his antics.
Samurai Prank
https://youtu.be/k5lXZIOdp3c
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Some more great sounds. Ms. Springs is also in another post on this page.
Kandace Springs
Run Your Race
https://youtu.be/5cU44fIuODc
A song also done by others here.
Kandace Springs
I Put A Spell On You
https://youtu.be/iQLXvO8uFTQ
A singer with an instantly recognizable voice who was also a very talented pianist. This is her unique version of this timeless song.
Nina Simone
Summertime
https://youtu.be/jM_Nb6dpnys
When you think you know a lot about something and then come scross a new find it can be humbling. Many have that reaction when seeing Dorothy Donegan. She was, without hyperbole, one of the best jazz pianists ever – and a playful one on occasion, too.
Dorothy Donegan
Smile/Misty
https://youtu.be/PTXlhXnzjYE
Something a little different.
Four Women
https://youtu.be/7R_Qk1AN5S4
The Dukes of September
Lowdown
https://youtu.be/zIgq9WatLWM
Rob Thomas/Daryl Hall
I Heard It Through The Grapevine (3/22/24 link repaired)
https://youtu.be/xcA-sSnLMog
Leon Russell
This Masquerade
https://youtu.be/WVtYNbFAxrY