Watch This: "The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari"

 If you have not seen this excellent documentary about the deadly 2019 volcanic eruption in New Zealand, please do so! I have seen it described as "gripping" and that was certainly true for me.  Don't know if you know this but I am all about books and films about true stories from real life, and especially those that show the bravery and resilience of people during (and after) a traumatic experience. I say "during" and "after" because after such a life altering experience as being on an island during a volcano eruption, for those who survive, the effects are lingering, not just physical but psychological.  

The documentary is by Rory Kennedy. Perhaps you might remember her name, she is the youngest child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy.  After seeing the documentary, I read a magazine article where she was interviewed. One of the things that she said was that she chose to tell the story only through the views of those who were there.  I can't tell you how many times I have watched documentaries where some "expert" comes on and tells us every single detail of the science behind the event.  I just want to say, "Never mind that, just let us hear from the actual PEOPLE who lived through it!" This film does just that and what is more, if you watch this and are not absolutely overwhelmed by the courage of those who survived and the rescuers...well, you just will, I know you will. I pray for those who lost loved ones and for continued strength for those who survived and for those who were involved in the rescue.

If you are not able to view this in your part of the world just now, please make a note of it for the future.  I want to say more about it, but of course, I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it.

Perhaps you know of couples who have met on dating apps and wonder if any of them are successful? The couple that survived the volcano in this film met in such a way. They were on their honeymoon cruise when they did this shore excursion to the island of Whakaari in New Zealand. Such an amazing couple! I am sure you will think so too, their love shines through for all to see.

The song that I have to go with this post is one that I also hope you will listen to carefully.  You might be tempted to sing along but please, make sure you listen to the harmonies! They are amazing. By the way, you all know that I am big fan of Glen Campbell, Sadly, he died a few years back.  This video is a medley of him singing with David Gates. (Remember the group "Bread"?) It is from a show on the BBC in 1975. Note the expression of great respect on the face of Glen Campbell when they begin singing. Now, after listening to the song, I am glad to say that David Gates is still married to his high school sweetheart, married since 1959! Of course, they didn't meet on a dating app but that doesn't mean that you can't find true love online! 

Peace and harmony, my friends. Love always!

Baby It's You

 

All of you must know of the recent passing of a great songwriter, Burt Bacharach. I thought that I knew of all his songs but one that really surprised me was "Baby, It's You".   The Shirelles and The Beatles both did this song but it was the single by the group called Smith that I remember.  I had no idea that it was a Burt Bacharach song! 

The lovely singer was Gayle McCormick. Sadly, she passed away in 2016.  What a great song! Does anyone else remember it?

The song was a hit for Smith in 1967, if anyone can remember those long-ago days!

Hope you are all keeping well, my friends!  It is a cold, grey day here in Georgia! We are promised 40MPH wind gusts with a cold rain.  I would type more but my fingers are too cold! LOL!  BRRR....take care!

Because All Men Are Brothers

 My goodness, you all know after my last post I had to look up the person who wrote the lyrics to "On Top of Old Spaghetti"! The words are by Tom Glazer (1914-2003) and although that particular song was very popular (it was in the charts for 9 weeks in 1963), he also came to feel a bit chagrinned at its success, much as Mr. Burgess did with his "Purple Cow" poem.  (You have to read my last post!)  You may read more about Tom Glazer just here.)  I do hope you will read about him! 

The wonderful thing about good lyricists to me...they might not write music, but they know a good melody when they hear one and have no qualms about writing words to a song even if it is a well-known one.  Listen to the following song, Tom Glazer wrote the lyrics in 1948 and it is set to Bach's "Passion Chorale", which Bach adapted from a melody by Hans Leo Hussler (1564-1612.) -

 "Because All Men Are Brothers". 

Isn't it something that the man who wrote "On Top of Spaghetti" also wrote "Because All Men Are Brothers"?  I hope you were able to listen to the song and to hear the words.  (I gave you two videos!)

The amaryllis is a nice flower at this time of year!