Category: Videos

  • 12/23 Winter Wonderland, Andy Williams

    ‘Winter Wonderland’ performed by Andy Williams and his brothers

    Wonderful, happy and joyful. I remember watching Andy William’s Christmas Shows when I was a child. It was part of our Christmas tradition for years. Loved finding and sharing this jewel with you.

    Andy Williams and the Williams’ Brothers, Song: Winter Wonderland, DVD TV Special re-release: Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows. Recently aired November 28 – December 13, 2008 on PBS. The quartet performs holiday classics including, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ as well as many other songs. A DVD of the show is available at andywilliams.com. ‘Winter Wonderland’ words and music by Dick Smith & Felix Bernard, copyright 1934.

    ‘Winter Wonderland’ lyrics by Richard B. Smith (1901-1935) born in Pennsylvania. Music composed by Felix Bernard (1897-1944) born in Brooklyn, NY.  The song first sung by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians (1934) was an instant HydeParkWinterWonderland ornamentsuccess. The song has become a Holiday tradition. You can read more about the it at Hymns and Carols.

    London, England is having a ‘Winter Wonderland’ event in Hyde Park, November 22, 2008 through January 4, 2009. A festive celebration of the Holidays you can find out more at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

    Have a wonderful winter and a joyous Holiday!

     

    Andy Williams Andy Williams given name, Howard Andrew “Andy” Williams, born December 3, 1927, in Wall Lake, Iowa is a music icon. His first singing performance was in a children’s choir at the local Presbyterian Church. In the late 1930’s he formed a quartet with his three older brothers Bob, Don and Dick. They sang together until Andy went solo in 1952. The rest is history. You can read more at andywilliams.com or wikipedia.

    Photo of the ornament is from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

    ~Bonnee

  • 12/22 Ha Nerot, Happy Hannukah

    Ha Nerot sung by Chava Rachel Saban

    Happy and filled with Light, a wonderful tribute to Hannukah.  Enjoy the Holy Lights of the menhora dancing to this joyful song!

    Chava Rachel Saban, Song: Ha Nerot, album: Don’t Give Up (2008), video by: Daniel Jacob Pearson

     

    hanukkah litesHa-nerot hallalu  is an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), which is a reminder of the sacred nature of the Hannukah lights. It is said after the candles are lit. Photo from history.com.

    Hannukah (Heb. Judaism, Dedication) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of Judah the Maccabee, religious freedom and the ‘miracle of holy oil’ and celebrates the power of God. Hannukah begins at sundown the previous day and lasts for 8 days. This year it is celebrated 12/22 to 12/29.

    Happy Hannukah! May your life be filled with miracles everyday.

     

    Chava Rachel Saban says about herself,

    “I was a junior in Yale college, pursuing a literature degree along with a musical career as a classical violinist, when a wheel flew off the car i was driving. the car flipped, i was knocked unconscious, and had my first spiritual awakening. i clearly experienced the next world, and felt the presence of a friend who had passed away. i heard a heavenly sound; the sound of myself playing the violin. it was the sweetest sound in the world. i began to realize that this sound was inside of me, the song of my soul. i began to realize that i had a soul. I began to sing in order to heal myself.”

    I wasn’t able to find much about Chava Rachel Saban. Her webpage wasn’t loading this morning 12/22. I linked her name to it in hopes it works again soon.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/20 Let it Snow, Emilie-Claire Barlow

    ‘Let it Snow’ performed by Emilie-Claire Barlow

    Jazzy, swinging and fun. Wonderful! Found this jewel yesterday on Youtube. Right now many places are covered in snow, ice or cold rain… the weather outside is indeed frightful. So let’s stay inside… happy, warm and dry. Make some hot chocolate or mulled cider, wrap up in a blanket, surrounded by family and friends or alone with a wonderful book. Or even better, in quiet communion with God… giving thanks for all the blessings showered upon us in every moment. Thank you beloved Creator for your blessing of snow. It’s sooooo beautiful!!!!!

    Emilie-Claire Barlow, song: Let it Snow, Album: Winter Wonderland (2006), Label: Empress Music Group Inc, Video: Clip from Canada AM (CTV).

    ‘Let it Snow’ also known as ‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!was written by Sammy Cahn and composed by Jule Styne in 1945. It is one of the most popular songs of all-time . Was first recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1946 and went to number one the following year.

    Luxor Las Vegas snow 12-17-08 by Ethan Miller12/17/08 Let it Snow… in Las Vegas, Nevada? The Luxor is covered with snow in a rare storm which blanketed the city with 3.6″. Photo by Ethan Miller/ Getty Images North America. You can see more photos of the Vegas snow by Ethan at zimbo.com. A lovely gift for the Holidays.

    Have a warm, dry, happy day and a Blessed Holiday!

     

    Emilie-Claire Barlow Emilie-Claire Barlow born June 6, 1976 in Canada is a jazz singer and actress. She began singing at age seven, spent 5 years at Etobicoke School of the Arts, then continued her studies at Humber College. While at Humber she formed a jazz quartet and performed around Toronto. In 1998 she released her first CD: Emilie-Claire Barlow – SINGS. You can read her blog or learn more at emilieclairebarlow.com or myspace emilieclairebarlow.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/18 The 12 Days Of Christmas, John Denver

    ‘The 12 Days Of Christmas’ John Denver & The Muppets

    Wonderful, happy and fun! I love this clever rendition, makes me laugh and smile. Used to watch the Muppets’ Christmas specials every year, so is a walk down memory lane for me. Hope you enjoy it.

    John Denver, Song: The 12 Days of Christmas, TV special: A Christmas Together with John Denver and The Muppets (1979). Nominated for an Emmy and winner of the Director’s Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety. If you’d like to own a copy on DVD you can buy it at missedmovies.com. Words: vary widely, Music: Traditional English, 18th Century carol.

     Christmas Bling photo by Light. ©Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved.

    ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ is traditionally attributed to England but may have a French origin. Date of first performance is unknown, however it was sung as early as 16th century in Europe and Scandinavia. The chant  may have had it’s origins as a ‘memory and forfeits’ game where the person who forgets the verse has to pay penalty of a kiss or sweet.

    The actual 12 days of Christmas are usually December 26 through January 6 in England. Sometimes Christmas Day is included as one of the 12 days, sometimes not.  Most often the 12 days are attributed to the twelve days from the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) to the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6, or the Twelfth Day). You can learn more about the song at Hymns and Carols of Christmas or wikipedia.

     

    Leather bag by Bonnee Klein Gilligan       My 12 Days of Christmas – This year the Holidays are very tight financially so I decided to make all my gifts and pamper myself while I’m at it. Went to a local art gallery, saw a lovely leather bag I would have loved to buy. Its’ cost $1,500. Rather then grumbling about the price, it inspired me to create my own and one for a friend too. Mine is still in the works, photo right is the other one.

    This year my Christmas will be filled with wonderful treats, songs, love and things which make me smile. Just for fun, wrote about my inexpensive indulgences to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. It goes something like this…

    • On the first day of Christmas, I made this gift for me, a handmade leather satchel
    • On the second day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel
    • On the third day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fourth day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fifth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the sixth day of Christmas, I’ll make this just for me, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave this gift to me, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eighth day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the ninth day of Christmas I made a treat for me, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the tenth day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eleventh day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the twelfth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, twelve lovely flowers, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel  

    Have a wonderful Holiday! May your days be filled with treasures!

     

    John Denver John Denver given name Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.  (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), born in Roswell, New Mexico was a singer, songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian.  At eleven he was given his grandmother’s guitar, took guitar lessons and joined the boy’s choir. At twenty he pursued his dream career and the rest is history. You can read more about him at: johndenver.com or wikipedia.

    The photo above left of Christmas Bling is by Light. Light Traveler (August 1946 – July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler’s gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/16 Joy to the World, John Tesh

    ‘Joy to the World’ preformed by John Tesh

    Upbeat, rockin’ and fun Christmas song. Brings more joy to the world. Great instrumental performance!

    John Tesh, song: ‘Joy to the World’, album: Christmas Worship (2003),  label: Garden City Music. Video: 2005 PBS TV special Christmas in Positano, Italy.

    Joy to the worldThe original ‘Joy to the World’ hymn was written in 1692 by Isaac Watts at age 18. He wanted to add some depth to the Anglican hymns of the day. The hymn was published in 1719. One hundred years later in 1848 the words were set to music by Lowell Mason. He called the song ‘Antioch’ after Antioch, Syria the first place the term Christian was utilized. It is said he was inspired by Handel’s ‘Messiah’. You can find out more about ‘Joy to the World’ at: Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

    Have a Happy Joy Filled day and Holiday Season.

     

    John-Tesh John Frank Tesh born July 9, 1952 in Garden City, New York. At age 6 he began playing piano and trumpet and studied with teachers from the Juilliard School of music. He was named to the New York State Symphonic Orchestra in high school. In 1970 he graduated from North Carolina State University where he studied communications and music. John is a pianist, composer and national radio and television personality. He was a long time host of Entertainment Tonight. He also plays guitar, sax, keyboard and sings.  You can read more at his websites: www.tesh.com, www.myspace.com/thejohnteshradioshow and  www.myspace.com/johnteshalive.

    I found the spectacular image called ‘Joy to the World’ at: Central Coast Conservatorium there are no credits given.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan