For The Good Times

Have you ever awakened with a song running around in your head without a particular reason?

I had that happen this morning.  "Don't be sad, I know it's over," were the first words that popped into my head this morning.  Crazy.  "There's no need to watch the bridges as they're burning..." and so on...I think the line that struck me hardest was "make believe you love me one more time...for the good times."

I think we can all relate to those "good times" and those "bad times."  No matter where you are in your life right now, I'm sure you can remember those "good times."  Wouldn't be amazing if you could remember only those, and forget those "bad times."  Then again, I am sure that those "bad times" are sometimes the points in life where we grow the most.

If life were always easy I don't think we could relate to the struggles going on the the world around us.  I would certainly like to see more Love in this world, wouldn't you?  With war, shootings, bombings and all sorts of angst and fighting going on around us all the times, sometimes the "good times" are hard to appreciate.

Do you remember your first crush?  Do you remember how devastating it seemed when it was over?  But, looking back I'm sure you would agree that it was just a tiny bump in the road.  There are lots of bumps in the road on this journey we call life...some little and some HUGE!  The trick is to learn how to survive and thrive in spite of those bumps.

The bumps never really get easier, but I do think that we learn different ways to cope with them as we age.  I'm not saying you will never get knocked down, never grieve, never hurt.  You will.  But, with reflection and effort and maybe a few hugs from friends you will get up and run again.  You will have more good times.

One thing that is really important here is to say that YOU need to reach out and hug someone today.  Under those smiles we all wear in public are sometimes terribly broken hearts, and just one kind word, smile or hug can help another person over a bad moment or even a bad day.  You see, we tend to get so wrapped up in our own troubles that we forget the struggles of those around us.

I am looking forward to some more good times, but I am sure there will be that balance of bad times to go along with them.  I'm looking forward to love again.  It's been a long time coming, but I'm sure that it will return.  Find someone to share the good times with, because with a friend and lover at your side the good times are elevated to new highs.

I've always said that without the really bad times, you can not experience the really good times to the fullest...I still believe that.  So, HERE'S TO THE GOOD TIMES!!!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Endorphins, Accapella and Ogden!

We made a last minute decision this afternoon to attend ACappellastock - their tenth anniversary concert here in Ogden.  The concert was held at the Amphitheater across the street from the Ben Lomond Hotel where we are staying.

This turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made!  WOW!  It was the first time I have ever attended an all vocal concert and these people were the most amazing Vocal musicians I have ever heard! 

We heard from four different groups, and an amazing Emcee - Paul Sperrazza!  We laughed, cried and clapped our way through the entire evening.  For anyone who wants to check out Paul Sperrazza, and I recommend you do, he can be found at www.spazbox.com and www.fearlessperforming101.com.  This guy was just a ball of fire and oh so much fun!

The FIX, from Provo, Utah came up next and performed an amazing series of music.  They are all blue-collar workers by day, but serious musicians by night.  Wow.

The local boys, TMinus5,  is responsible for putting this thing together every year for the past ten years, and they are amazing also!  Kudos to them for all the hard work it takes to put an event like this together as well as perform.  Wow, another reason to love Ogden, like there weren't already enough!  They asked tonight how many of the thousands of people in attendance would enjoy a Christmas Concert...the roar of the crowd was an overwhelming YES! 

Cadence came in from Toronto, Canada - minus their Bass singer who was kept behind by Customs officials there...geesh.  One of the guys from TMinus5 filled in and did a great job.  They are four harmonious voices which fill the air with all kinds of bebop standards and more.  They are a true vocal band.  Amazing.

Each group brought their own style and excitement to the stage, but I think NOTA was the group that blew me completely away.  They are six male vocalists from Puerto Rico and have sung together for over 15 years in different A Capella groups.  They are a unique vocal band and their amazing vocal capabilities rocked the house! In 2009 they gained international popularity after winning the first season of NBC's hit musical competition THE SING-OFF.  We loved them.

I bounced around my seat all night, clapping and singing and laughing out loud at the antics of the various groups and entertainers.  I think I produced more endorphins tonight than I usually do running a 5K!

Speaking of that, I have always believed that music can move people in ways that nothing else can.  A tender love song, or a hymn or a piece of music from one's childhood can reach inside and bring you to tears, your knees or dancing on your feet in a minute! 

Once again, Ogden has given us another reason to love it, to stay and to call it our home. I am already planning to attend next year when ACapellastock occurs in the Amphitheater!  Join me there if you can, you won't be disappointed and you will certainly produce some much needed endorphins!

PEACE - LOVE & JOY

Linda