Author: Bonnee Klein Gilligan

12/30 You are Loved (Don't Give Up)

‘You are Loved’ performed live by Josh Groban

Lovely song of hope. I posted this today for all of those who are struggling. The Holidays often are a stretch, this year perhaps more. Know ‘you are loved’.

Josh Groban, Song: You are Loved (Don’t Give Up), Album: Awake (2006), Label: Reprise / WEA.

Love, love… loved!

Heart… again. There it is.

Reminders everywhere. Stones, trees, lakes, forests, clouds… Everywhere… God’s gift of love.

Remember.

You are Loved beloved… deeply, fully… always!

The wonderful photo above of a naturally occurring heart in a mangrove swamp is called ‘Heart in Voh’. It was taken by Yann Athus-Bertrand as he flew over Voh, New Caledoniea. You can see more of his amazing work at yannarthusbertrand2.org.

May the New Year bring you Love, Hope, Faith and Happiness on the wings of angels.

Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing “For Always” with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 30, 2008
12/29 Allah Knows, Zain Bhikha

‘Allah Knows’ by Zain Bhikha with Dawud Wharnsby

Beautiful, sweet and heartfelt. Brought tears, I feel a reaching out and God moving through words, voices, music and harmony… wow! Lovely!

Zain Bhikha with Dawud Wharnsby, Song: Allah Knows, Album: Allah Knows (2006), Label: Jamal Records, Video: Jamal Records.

Today is Al-Hijra, Islamic New Year the first day of Muharram.

What is… is not?

Imagine, create, stretch… become! What is… is not?

The eye fooled, the mind awed. Sweet believing. Breathless becoming. Why not?

Let’s fly…

~ inspired by this beautiful image.

The image above is a digital compilation of an existing volcanic crescent moon islet called Molokini off the coast of Maui, HI and a star island which was created. The moon alone is amazing, the star adds another dimension which stretches beyond. Awesome… I love it. It is not known who created this image you can find out more about it at Neddy’s Palaver.

May your Holidays be filled with Awe and Wonder!

Zain Bhikha born August 9, 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa is a singer/songwriter. At a young age he often would entertain his family and friends with songs. In 1994 he won a singing competition sponsored by the local station Radio 702. He recorded his first album called ‘A Way of Life’ in 1994. You can find out more, read news, watch videos and listen to and buy music at Zain’s official website zainbhikha.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 29, 2008
12/28 Ave Maria – Sumi Jo

‘Ave Maria’ Caccini sung by Sumi Jo

Sweet, clear, magnificent performance. I can feel her heart as she sings praise and worship to Divine Mother – Mary… Ave Maria. Glorious!

Sumi Jo, Song: Ave Maria, Album: Prayers (2001), Label: Erato (Warner Classic), Video: Warner. Composed by: Giulio Caccini. Giulio Caccini born Oct 8, 1551 in Tivoli, Italy died Dec 10, 1618 in Florence, Italy composed the music for Ave Maria around the end of the 16th century. You can read more about him at allmusic.com.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, a Roman Catholic celebration dedicated to the family of Jesus Christ and love they had for one another.

A Gift…

God painted pearlized rainbows in the sky. They danced with fire and with light. And although dark, they lit the night with this beautiful delight.

thank you Beloved God!

The stunning photo above of nacreous clouds was taken by James Guy, Oslo, Norway in Vigelands park (January 2008). You can see more of his beautiful photos at flickr.com.

Have a delightful day and a great New Year!

Sumi Jo born November 22, 1962 in Seoul, Korea is a lyric coloratura soprano. She started her studies of music at the age of 4 with piano lessons; adding voice at 6. Often she would spend eight hours a day practicing. In 1971 she enrolled at Sun Hwa Arts School majoring in piano and voice. Upon graduation she continued her musical studies at Seoul National University. While attending SNU she made her professional debut in several concerts at Korean Broadcasting System. Sumi Jo has 42 albums and many awards you can learn more at her official website josumi.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 28, 2008
12/27 Ding Dong Merrily On High

‘Ding Dong Merrily On High’ performed by Celtic Woman

Happy, joyous and celebratory. A wonderful rendition with a Celtic feel. Glorious!

Celtic Woman, Song: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Album: A Christmas Celebration (2006), Label: Manhattan Records. Performed live at A Christmas Celebration 2007 in Helix Center in Dublin, Ireland aired on PBS. Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934, Music: Brane de l’Official, from Thoinot Arbeau’s Orchesographie, (1588).

Today at 7:23 am EST is New Moon

Ding Dong Merrily On High was originally a dance tune that evolved to a carol. The the sixteenth century music was found in Piae Cantiones a collection of Finnish tunes. Woodward rehabilitated the tune with ‘Victorian era’ words in Latin and English. You can read more at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

The photo above right I call ‘God’s Holiday Decorations’.

The cold night sky, dotted with stars… snow covered evergreen… illuminated.

Majestic. Thank you again beloved Creator for your beauty… de-light-full. The photograph was taken by Ragnar & Einar Johnskås. You can see more of their great work at auroraborealis.vika.no.

Have a delightful Holiday. May you ring in the New Year with Joy, Peace and Wonder.

Celtic Woman was created by David Downes and Dave Kavanagh in 2004 and is composed of vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Since their formation the group has enjoyed overwhelming success. They have released 4 albums to date, toured worldwide and done numerous TV specials. Their CD ‘A New Journey’ was number 1 on the world Music Charts for 95 consecutive weeks. You can read more about them at their official website celticwoman.com.

~Bonnee

December 27, 2008
12/26 Yamoré, Happy Kwanzaa

‘Yamoré’ – Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, music video

Powerful, moving, sultry and poignant. Song about love and life by two African greats… wow… I love it. Magic!

Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, Song: Yamoré, Album: Moffou (2002), Recorded at Les Studios De La Seine, Paris, France between July 15 & December 14, 2001. Label: Decca. ‘Moffou’ was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album.

Kwanzaa, founded in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga is held December 26th thru January 1st. It is an African American celebration of family, community, commerce, responsibility, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is not religious or political, nor a replacement for Christmas; rather it honors roots and culture. It is celebrated by more then 18 million people worldwide.

The word Kwanzaa means, ‘first fruits of the harvest’ in Kiswahili (an African language). The celebration is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles) which are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). On December 31st the community cooporative Kwanzaa Karamu or Feast is held. To learn more visit tike.com

‘The Black Candle’ is a movie about Kwanzaa. In the movie it says,

Kwanzaa means access to your soul, to your people.

The beautiful, striking image above right of the Kwanzaa candles is a quilt by Kit Tossmann of Louisville, KY. It is featured in the 2007 Sacred Threads Gallery.

Happy Kwanzaa! Have a wonderful celebration.

Salif Keita born August 25, 1949 in Djoliba, Mali, Africa is a singer and songwriter. He is considered the Golden voice of Africa. He began his career in 1967 in the government sponsored Super Rail Band de Bamako. Then joined the group, Les Ambassadeurs in 1973 and fled Mali in the mid 70s because of political unrest. The name was changed to Les Ambassadeurs Internationales and they gained international acclaim. In 1977 Keita received a National Order award. He moved to Paris for a while then back to Mali in 2000 where he was inspired to create Moffou. You can learn more about Salif Keita at his official site at universalmusic.fr.

Cesária Évora born August 27, 1941 in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde is a singer. Her nickname is the ‘barefoot diva’ because she prefers performing without shoes. She is known internationally for morna (music and dance from Cape Verde) songs of sadness, sorrow and yearning. She met Eduardo (a sailor) at 16, who taught her the traditional Cape Verdean music coladeiras and mornas. She recorded her first album in Paris called La Diva Aux Pieds Nus (The Barefoot Diva) (1988). ‘Sodade‘ was her first international hit single. At age 47 she became an international star with the release of her album Perfumado. You can read more about her at cesaria-evora.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

December 26, 2008