In Memoriam...

"So long as there are men there will be wars." - Albert Einstein

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” - Albert Einstein

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” - John F. Kennedy

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ‘cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God Bless the USA.” - Lee Greenwood

“Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o’er, / Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, / Dream of battled fields no more. / Days of danger, nights of waking.” - Sir Walter Scott

“When we say, ‘War is over if you want it,’ we mean that if everyone demanded peace instead of another TV set, we’d have peace.” - John Lennon

“Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.” – Martin Luther

“In Memoriam”

With teary eye I thank you, Boy

For giving me your life,

And who am I to take you from

Your mother, son and wife?

With heavy heart I thank you, Miss

Your courage hired for pittance.

If honor earned be heaven’s price,

Be sure of your admittance!

To all we’ve lost, but Angels gained,

Who fly now free from chains,

Unburdened from this world of war,

Your light be not contained.

Our tribute then, could never be

The glory you deserve,

Our closest humble offering,

In liberty preserved.

-Tanya Diona

Blessed Memorial Day to you all.

Namaste,

T

Turning the Wheel

What a week!!!!

Let’s see…

I wrote a new song (with some help from my friends), went off on an adventure, fell and broke my butt (serious bruise, but I’m fine), got discouraged, got a dream job, was encouraged again, lost said dream job, stayed encouraged anyway, prayed for guidance, received guidance, had dogs groomed, met some beautiful new people, walked in the woods, smiled at the gorgeous sunset, learned how to play “Dragon City,” had vivid dreams, appreciated the pretty flowers and tree blossoms, felt Love, cleaned my car, got the oil changed, handled some business, felt the presence of Angels, worked hard, slept well, laughed much, redefined my goals, turned the wheel, and drove off into the sunset.

"Turning the Wheel"

"Turn the wheel" is what we say in our house when it's time to make a change.  We say this in reference to those instances when you may not know exactly where you're going, but you know that the path you're currently on isn't quite right.  That's when it's time to make a change or turn the wheel (even if it's just a little and even if you're not sure where the new direction will take you).  

There’s probably more, but I’d say it was a pretty full week!

This week will be filled with laughter, music and good friends.  :)  Doesn’t get much better than that!

xoxo!

Mother's Day, Continued

I know this will post the day AFTER Mother's Day, but still.  It will be a Mother's Day "long weekend" not only because mothers everywhere deserve it, but because I write this on Saturday, so that I can spend Sunday, without the interruption of blog writing, with my mom.  :)

This poem seems most appropriate, since she planted most of these flowers in my yard and because we'll be working outside on Mother's Day.  Thanks Mom.  Love You.

Love you too, Mom Graham.

Nature the gentlest mother is,

Impatient of no child,

The feeblest or the waywardest,

Her admonition mild

In forest and the hill

By traveller be heard, 

Restraining rampant squirrel

Or too impetuous bird.

How fair her conversation

A summer afternoon,

Her household her assembly;

And when the sun go down,

Her voice among the aisles

Incite the timid prayer

Of the minutest cricket,

The most unworthy flower.

When all the children sleep,

She turns as long away

As will suffice to light her lamps,

Then bending from the sky

With infinite affection

An infinter care,

her golden finger on her lip,

Wills silence everywhere.

Emily Dickinson

Happy Mother's Day to All!  You are appreciated and loved.

I love you TOO!

Don't show this pic Tan.  It has weeds.

Alright.  Time to go.

Reconnecting...

Last week was JAM PACKED with events.  My biggest challenge here was to understand how they all tied together.  I think I got it…

Friday began with a celebration of the life and legacy of one Kenneth W. Berry.  He was, and still is, an Inspirational Spirit who left an amazing legacy of which anyone would rightfully be proud.  It was truly a flock of Angels who gathered there in that church to honor him.

click here: "Kenneth W. Berry, city school employee, singer" - Obituary

I hadn't spoken to him recently, but remember him well.  I had the privilege of working with him for a short while many years ago.  At that time, I was an intense student of the art of entertaining.  We had performed together at a dinner club, where I had to really learn how to connect with the audience in an up-close and personal way.  Working with Kenny was such a valuable experience for me and I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from his wisdom and expertise, as his passion for music and people shined through from his heart - and from behind his microphone and keyboard on stage.

In attendance at his celebration were so many beautiful people whom I appreciate and love much more than they probably know.  Someone told me that Brian Freeman was having a show later that night at "The Tralf," and so I was led to remain in Buffalo, in order that I might attend.

In the six or seven hours there were to fill before the start of "Brian Freeman & Friends," I set out to reconnect with more friends, associates and loved ones.  I stopped in at "Leon Studio One" and spoke with Leon and my video/media guy Vincent.  I made calls to the studio, and to relatives, musicians, and many people with whom I haven't spoken in a while.  I had wonderful conversations with friends and associates and made plans to reconnect with them in the coming week.  

Before I knew it, it was 7:30 pm and time to head to The Tralf.  Before I even walked in the door I ran into more friends I hadn't seen in years.  Jim Bohm (trumpet) was also heading into the club at the same time, then there was Tom Barone busily scurrying around handling club business there (I hadn't seen him since my CD release show there a few years back).  I hugged them both and was so overjoyed to see them.

Once inside, my jaw dropped and my heart leapt in true excitement.  The place was packed!  I knew that this event was a personal endeavor of Brian's (friend and trumpet player who I worked with in "Taylor Made Jazz" and with whom I first learned to scat as we'd go back and forth in a version of "Mercy Mercy Me") and I was so happy that his event was such a raging success!  Marshall Badger was the musical director (friend and bandleader who hired me to sing in what was my first R&B band - "The Marshall Badger Band").  They filled the stage with singers and musicians (fifteen by my count) and proceeded to ROCK THE HOUSE!!!  I loved every minute and had a fabulous time reconnecting with genuinly beautiful people and friends in the audience.  We danced, laughed, reminisced and had a wonderful time.

"Brian Freeman & Friends" Friday, May 2, 2014 at The Tralf

With Jim Bohm

With Jeff Nixon, Joyce Wilson Nixon, Jim Bohm

With Brian Freeman

With Marshall Badger

More reconnection was to come the next day.  I'd spoken to my Uncle Pat earlier in the week and we had made plans to connect on Saturday.  When I called, he suggested that I come over and we could work on a woodworking project together.  He would teach me how to make a cutting board.

     "Do I get to use a power saw?" I asked.

     "Several," he replied.

     "Cool!"

WHAT A PERFECT END-CAP TO A WEEK FULL OF RECONNECTIONS!

We started with some blocks/strips of wood that my Uncle Tom had picked up in his travels…

My little cousin helped glue the pieces together and Uncle Pat began guiding me through the process of crafting what was to become my cutting board work of art.

Throughout the next two days, we worked, talked, ate, took pictures, and had the wonderful opportunity to catch up.  My Uncle Tom and Aunt Lisa (Pat's wife) were there and cousins stopped over as well.  We took breaks and ran out to the store.  Uncle Pat made pizza with his famous homemade dough. (Delicious!)  As we glued, planed, drilled, sawed and sanded the pieces of wood, as we laughed and told stories, through the work, warmth and fun, I was keenly aware that more was happening than just a woodworking project.  This was quality time.  This was family time.  I loved it!

The planer

The drill press

The band saw

The pig :)

Uncle Tom helped substantially with the final sanding (THANK GOD!) and I realized all that went into making a cutting board pig.  :)  Finally it was sanded to satisfaction, autographed and oiled.

First thing this morning, I found myself speaking to a friend of mine about freedom and choice, responsibility, life and relationships.  My mind drifted backward and forward, almost simultaneously.  I thought back to last week and my woodworking project and forward into this week with the knowledge and understanding of how time and the choices we make are what craft our final product - what will be the finished artwork of our own lives.  It's so amazing how everything connects.

A tremendous "Thank you" and "I love you" to all of the cast of Angels that were a part of this week's life journey for me.  You have taught me so much.  It is such a joy to reconnect with you and to realize connections through us all.  I love and appreciate you all - probably more than you know.  

Namaste!

Here's bidding you a week filled with joy and connectivity.

T