JUNE 2008 GUESTBOOK
At Home With Andre Rieu
JUNE 2008 GUESTBOOK
Join Us and Share
with other AndreRieuFans.com
AndreRieuFans.com BLOG
Fans & Friends Around The World
Fans & Friends Around The World
Andre Rieu Fans and Friends: JUNE 2008 GUESTBOOK
I want to send good thoughts for a wonderful month of June! I hope everyone is geared up for a nice summertime, (for me, as long as it doesn't get too hot!
The summer flowers should be blooming nicely and the trees are their beautiful green colors.
May it be musical and happy for all of you. Take care everyone.
I loved this interview Andre did for Australia and the Ovation Channel.
Great Photo.
Can you imagine, interviewing André at his castle? How Divine!
Can anyone please give me the full name of a young blond boy who was introduced by Andre years ago with the name, I vaguely remember, Michael... And is obtaining a video of that concert available anywhere? My 85-year-old mother is asking if I can find that for her.
P.S. Please and thank you.
The June title, At Home With Andre Rieu. Would be nice! Hope someone can answer Nell's question. I'm afraid that was way before my time. Marlene, I'm just hoping for some dry weather. We are now in the 6th month, half a year gone already, isn't that kind of scary?
I think that interview was the best I have ever seen in Andre's home. The interviewer Mr. Schoefield was very professional and asked good questions, besides Andre looked ssoooooo good! I want to look at it again because I enjoyed it so much.
I have been going over all the concert DVD's that I have and cannot remember any little boy with blond hair. I know I am a newer fan (just about 3 years but 8 concerts (live) but I think I have every DVD that I know of, even the French concert and the New year concert from Trier. Shirley knows everything so if she does not know the answer I don't know who does. Hope you get some dry weather there Shirley. We were having a lot of rain but now we are drying out. We had one T-Storm day before yesterday. I know I am a little crazy but I love weather and t-storms. We had so many in Florida and I got so used to them and some were so loud that you thought a bomb hit the house. I really miss that kind of weather - nothing destructive - just a good thunderstorm. I just love to see them coming and would often stand on the lanai with my movie camera to try to catch some good lightning. Well I was a weather spotter and I was supposed to do that but most people don't go out of their way to watch them I guess. Hugs to all
Jeanine Ann, you made me smile, me, know everything"? Not in a million years, but don't tell that to Dan!
Prayer in Old Age, attributed to a Seventeenth Century Nun
"Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind from the recital of endless details-give me the wings to come to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and the talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so".
Well Shirley I know you as a wise and kind woman and very knowledgeable about a lot of things. That is why I said you know everything. I love that prayer. I am going to print it so I can say it every day. Thank you and many hugs to you.
Would it have been one of Marcel Felize's sons, probably the oldest one?
Hi Marilyn, I'll bet you are right. I remember that but I am trying to think of the concert. They carried their stools except for Glenn and were on the left side of the stage (looking at the stage). I will try to think of the concert. Hugs
I think the boy(s) were featured in several concerts. I seem to remember Glenn and Marcel doing Bolero, but there were other ones. I will try to remember them, too.
Just a quick guess as I am passing by in a hurry - nut I think that was the Maastricht concert in the square. But I have not checked it. Cheers
They played Volare with their father. Was it one of the Maastricht concerts?
Yes Virginia, they did play Volare with their father and it could be the Maastricht concert - Clyde seems to think it was Maastricht but I cannot remember but will check. Glen also played Bolero with his dad in the Berlin concert. Hugs
I must agree with you Jeanine Ann about the interview, it was brilliant. Leo Schofield is one of the best interviewers of people from the arts that I encounted. He is so professional in everything he does and obviously does a lot of research to add to the already extensive knowledge he carries around in his head. He has a weekly interview on Ovation and I would not miss him for anything. I particularly loved the bit in Andre's hothouse, they were like a couple of kids with new toys. So pleased you and Sally enjoyed it so much.
Can you help, I am trying to find the name of a pice of music I heard Anrde play in which there was a man playing on a blacksmiths anvil along side him. My grand daughter would like to know the name of this piece of music, can you help? Many thanks, Sylvia
Hi Sylvia, I know which song you mean. I always call it the anvil song but now I cannot remember the name. I will look through my CD's and try to find it (unless someone else knows the title) for you. Back later. Hugs
I am pretty sure this is called the Anvil Chorus.
Wendy
Cocoa,Florida
Sylvia, the name of the song you are looking for is Feast of Fire (Feuerfest) and is on the Schonbrunn DVD.
Nell, I know that Marcel Felize has three sons...one is Glen...and I just cannot remember the other two. I'm thinking that maybe one of these boys is one of the blond boys you are talking about.
Anyone out there remember their names? I know them...just can't think at this moment!
I think the three boys names are Glen, Dean and Colin
Thank you for the info Shirley. It's good to see another "Shirley" on here.
Hi Nell
the blond boy would be Marcel's son.. playing Bolero. it is on the DVD , that here in Europe is called 'La Vie Est Belle'.(meaning 'life is beautiful'. A live milennium concert from Berlin. One of my very favourites; only about a hour long, but some amayzing stuff.
I think one of the boys is named Colin.
Is there a video out there of the Platin Tenors singing "Nessun Dorma". I would love to hear it. and haven't been to the concerts in the East. Thanks, Marilyn
PLEASE PLEASE RESPOND. Over a year ago I received a letter in the mail from a lady in Australia who somehow found my name on a search for Andre fans. She has no email but we have corresponded since then. She is a lonely lady and her CD's and DVD's of Andre are her friends. I received a letter today from her. She has cancer and is having a terrible time with chemotherapy. Her words are "I am a very strong and positive person but Andre's music has made me a stronger person."
My request to you is to please write to her, it costs less than $1.00 to send a small card or letter. Her name is Wilma Cocking, 1/80 Donald Ave, Umina, NSW 2257, Australia. The alternative is that you can email a message to me that I promise I will print and mail. If you do not mind please include your name and snail mail address as I am sure she will reply to you.
She signed off the letter with the words - With Andre's music still ringing in my ears I remain your friend - I would truly like her to have many other friends.
Sincererly and respectfully, please reach out to Wilma.
Kind Regards,
Wendy Keighley
Cocoa, Florida
wjknine@aol.com
All email messages are welcome.
Thank you so much Wendy. I am going to send a card to her tomorrow. Is there anything else which would help her such as a DVD she does not have? Let me know when you can. I am sure everyone else here will be glad to write to her. Thanks for caring. Hugs to you
WILMA in Australia. Thanks to all of you that said you would be in touch with Wilma. One thing I forgot to mention was please cross post my previous message to any other list that I am not aware of, especially anyone in Australia. Thank you all for your kindness and help in reaching out to a friend I have never met on the other side of the world. Because of her love of Andre's music she is enduring this horrible battle, let us all help her fight it!
Kind Regards,
Wendy Keighley
Cocoa, Florida USA
And a special thanks to you also Wendy. Iremember when you first mentioned Wilma and I thought, at the time, what a wonderful, caring person you were, for reaching out to her. So you are very special yourself. and I hope that Wilma gets cards and letters from all over the world, and especially those in Australia who might not have known about her.
Thank you so much Wendy, I have been corresponding with Wilma. She is such a sweet lady and her sister is also ill also. Wendy, I think when you first mentioned her some of us did get in touch and I have not been sorry. she sends the loveliest cards, she's such a positive person.
Hello Wendy, nice to see you here again. Thanks for reminding me of Wilma. I've written to her several times in the past, but it's been a while. I still think of her often and know that I need to write her again. I will send her a letter very soon.
Do you know how many of André's cd's she has? I have asked her, but don't know if she ever answered me. I have extra copies of some and I would be very happy to send her whatever. She's a very nice lady and I've enjoyed knowing her.
Thanks for posting this information Wendy.
Take care.
Thanks for reminding us Wendy. I will get a card off to Wilma tomorrow.
I've got a FAN in an assisted living center in Oregon who might like to write Wilma, I'll ask her too.
Dear Wendy, Thank you for letting us know about this wonderful lady. I will be mailing her a letter and a special something extra today.
All my best and God bless
Bob Ruark (DJ BO
Oh that is great DJBob. I have a card ready and I am going to include the Trier concert because I don't think she would have that since it was never sold. Thank you DJ and God Bless you and Maria.
Thanks to Wendy for reminding us of this great lady. Hugs
Hello Everyone,
It's been several months since I've had the chance to post. I hope all is well with Sally, Shirley, and Jeanine Ann and all the wonderful people that frequent this fantastic fan site for our beloved Andre. My mother had cataract surgery on each eye and we have been nursing her back to decent eyesight (thanks to the good Lord). We are testing her vision by watching Andre on His Way to New York. All of the dialogue has to be read. She is doing well.
We all had an emotional setback last week when we had to have our beloved tom cat "Gray" put to sleep. I know so many of you have shared experiences regarding your beautiful pets. I hope they are all well. All this came about so suddenly. Within five days, he went from good health to deathly ill. It was easily the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I had just recently taken pictures of Gray in our kitchen (his favorite place). I had them enlarged and framed. It helps the grieving process. When you have these dear furry friends for eight years, they become part of the family. I've shed my tears and must move on. At least I know that my baby isn't suffering anymore.
On a happier note, I turned 40 on May 18th. It wasn't bad at all. I ran into a girl I graduated from high school with the day before and she told me "Haven't you heard, forty is the new thirty." I like that.
Does anyone have any information from Andre's recent concert at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana? I wanted to go and bring my parents, but they just weren't up to the trip. I hope to see Andre and his wonderful orchestra in person one day. They feel like family too. Just think how these wonderful people have enriched our lives. What a blessing!!!
Best Wishes and love to you all,
Macky Myers
Hammond, Louisiana
Hey Macky, missed you!I know about cataract surgery, had it done myself. she should soon be seeing much better.I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. I know many of us have been through it, in fact a friend just called today to tell me she had lost her Autumn, I loved her kitty too. In the last few months so many friends have lost their fur babies and it's just so hard, all we can do is cry with you. I don't know anything about the Cajun Dome, did you check out the May concerts page? Our wish is that you get to a concert. You are right about "family". No other group has ever felt that way to me before. BTW, we love you too, and give your mom a hug from all the Andre fans.
Hi, Macky. So sorry about your kitty. I have a "boy" who is almost 20. For the past year he has been blind, is extremely thin, gets disoriented, etc. But he still eats a lot, finds his litterbox, and likes to walk outside in the sun. I think that he will not be able to get up and down steps in the near future. When he first went blind, he was lost for a week, got hit by a car, and was found by a neighbor. He is still here a year later so I guess I'm supposed to just enjoy him and comfort him as much as I can. If he stops eating we'll know it's time. I have put two to sleep in the past and it's not easy, but I feel I know when the time is right. When he goes, I will have a 13 year old and a 3 year old. I will probably take in another stray about 5 years old or so. All have been strays. You love them but you know when it's time for them to go. By the way, I have had this one, Samson, since he was six months old so it will be a blow. No matter how prepared you think you are--- Will just have to play lots of Andre music.
I am sorry to hear of any ill kitty.
When my Dewey started to lose weight, I took him to the vet and started a series of Subcutaneous Fluids. At first we went every other week, then once a week and finally twice a week. It gave Dewey about 6 more months of good quality life, and gave me those 5 minutes more I kept praying for.
He has been gone over 10 years, and miss him to this day, I always will.
Virginia you cat has lived a long time, no doubt because you take such good care of him and give him lots of love. That is as good as any medicine. I am glad he can still enjoy the sunshine and you are a good Kitty Mommy to watch over him.
{{Macky}}
I pray your mother's eyes heal well, and with your help I am certain they will.
Oh, I am so very sorry to hear about Gray. May the hole in your heart be healed with precious memories of Gray. Honi, Dewey, Miss Kitty and Muffin must be playing with Gray right now as they wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge. He will still be with you, in your thoughts and heart.
40 is the new 30 and so is 50.. You are still young, you just have more wisdom than the first time around!
Hi Macky, I will pray for your mother so that her eyes heal soon. I am so sorry about Gray. My little Honi who was 17 had to be put to sleep in February. She developed breast cancer and we didn't even know it until we took her to the vet for her yearly shots. What a shock that was. That was in October and by February she got so bad and we knew it was time. She was getting pain and we did not want that. So I know what you are going through and I hope too that the empty place in your heart will be filled with peace, knowing that you will see him again. Like Sally said, he is playing with her kitties, Shirley's kitty and Honi.
I am so glad you are back with us and I hope you had a very happy belated Birthday. Wish I could say I just turned 40! Hugs to you
URGENT, please I need prayers for our best friend Judy. You might remember I told you back in December that Bob and Judy lost their Granddaughter and they finally determined that it was a heart attack. She was only 24. Well last night Judy had a major heart attack and is in bad shape. She is being kept in a medically induced coma so her heart can heal but there was major damage. Please say some prayers for Judy. We have known them for a long time and they are wonderful people. Thanks so much. Love and hugs
As I head to an early slumber, I have already said a prayer for Judy and will add her to my prayer list.
Thank you Sally, sleep tight. Love and hugs
This I will do.Prayers for Judy & Bob and their friends and family as well.
Thank you so much Shirley. I really appreciate it. Hugs and love to you
I too will add my prayers. Please say a prayer for my kitty Samson too. He is winding down but still eating. Your friends have had more than their share of bad luck. Don't you wonder why it seems to happen to "good" people?
Thank you so much Virginia. I do wonder that sometimes but I do know that God works in our lives. Please read DJBob's post from today. That he says is so true.
I will certainly add Samson to my prayer list and you also. I know how much he means to you and how much it hurts when we lose our pets. Take care Virginia. I am so glad I met you in Toronto. Hugs
Whooow. We just had an earthquake. going online to see what the scale of it was. It was a small one, little rumble and a blam.
WHOA! with your earthquakes and our tornados, maybe we should head for Maastricht!!!
I'm with you, will be packed in a minute!
Wait for me girls. We only had one tornado and one quake here but I don't need much of a reason to head for Maastricht. : )
Reason Enough! Plus we have all those wonderful other reasons.
== PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE REPORT ==
Version #2: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.
This is a computer-generated message. This event has not yet been reviewed by a seismologist.
A minor earthquake occurred at 7:29:04 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
The magnitude 3.9 event occurred 2 km (1 miles) SW of Green Valley, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 11 km ( 7 miles).
Green Valley is part of Fairfield. There is a fault in the Valley.
Basically, this earthquake was centered ... ... at my house!
Thank goodness it was a small quake!
Hey Sally,
Why is the Earthquake report written with Metric km predominant and miles in brackets. Is US. going metric ?? Genuine ???
I know the powers that be have wanted the US to go metric for years. I believe most of the scientific community uses metric but the rest of us 'normal' folk do not.
Those are genuine stats. I felt the quake and knew immediately what it was. Called my daughter who is visiting her grandparents in Vallejo, and she too felt it. She was at her grandparents when the Loma Prietaquake hit.
I have not heard of any damage, so that's the good news.
Was just looking at Gasoline prices in the US (don't ask me why). Spare a thought for us, in Brisbane today our Regular Gasoline has just hit $7.00 per gallon and diesel is $7.90 per gallon.
We buy it by the litre but I converted it for you. Gasoline is $1.65 per litre.
wow, that's interesting. I know that here in the US, we get off much cheaper than the European motorists.Also our prices from coast to coast differ. Here in the central states the prices are probably cheaper than the east or west. Right here where I live, the price for gas varies from 3.67-3.76 and the diesel is 4.47-4.59. Venezuela was about .14 cents a gallon, go figure! And Sally, I'm glad the earthquake was a small one. we were under another tornado watch last night, but worst part was north. I heard that the US, so far, has had 1200 tornados, this year already.
Well gosh Sally...step away from your house on those occasions!
Welcome back Macky. I'm happy that your mom is doing good, it will be nice when she can good again.
I'm so sorry about your kitty, it's soooo tough when we lose our babies. They need to stay with us forever...their lives are just too short. I could never understand why it has to be so unequal. My thoughts are with you.
Yes, André and the JSO has certainly enriched our lives, in more ways than one. It's music from the heart and makes so many happy. Hugs to all, take care everyone.
Well , since you started a discussion on the price of gasoline;
Here it is from Italy..
Gasoline & Disel are pretty much the same price now; disel used to be cheaper
1 litre = € 1.55 = AUS$ 2.48
= US $ 2.40
1 gallon = € 5.89 Aus$ 9.32
= US$ 9.13
Once upon a time there was a girl named Kim. She had many friends and family, yet at times she felt alone. She could not figure out this mystery. Why, in amidst the realm of many people she knew, places she had been, and things she held deeply to her, there seemed to be something missing. Hmmm... A Hole In Her Soul.
Kim would spend some days pondering over this space within her that felt so hollow. She decided to play detective and think back to when it all began. Kim was pretty young, at 43, so the stretch was not so great.
After a great deal of thinking, Kim remembered that pivotal moment when the hole introduced itself to her. It was when she was in Grade One. You see, Kim had a friend that she knew since toddler hood. They would play together at each others' homes, while their mothers visited each other.
When school started, Kim noticed her friend begin to change. No longer were they this close bond. Quite the opposite happened. Kim's friend became vain, snobbish, and refused to allow Kim to play certain games at recess or be part of girl's clubs during and after school.
One day at recess, Kim's "friend" decided that Kim was not allowed to play a certain game with the rest of the girls. Kim just walked away and sat down on the grass. She started crying.
Not long after, her teacher came up to her and knelt down beside her. Her teacher, Mrs. Parrington did not ask Kim why she was crying. Mrs. Parrington already knew. Her teacher said the Angel of Inner Talents visited her today and wanted her to relay a message to Kim.
"When alone, instead of being sad, be proud to stand tall and know you are an individual, capable of anything just because you are you".
That was the angel's message for Kim. Kim thought on this message and finally came to a conclusion: no matter where you go in life, sometimes people will agree with you and walk with you. Sometimes you will be alone in your values. That is okay because you still will always have one person, You.
After thinking and remembering all of this now at 43, Kim suddenly started to feel a change within. That hole in her soul started to fill up. She knelt down and asked the Angel that had appeared to Mrs. Parrington all those years ago to appear to her.
Suddenly, the Angel of Inner Talents appeared and said to Kim, "your soul is full, although at times seems empty. Remember, it is a perception that you and only you can decide. Full or empty. Remember to value all your inner talents and share them with all you know and to those yet to meet."
"The key in all of this Kim, is the more you give of your talents, the more your soul will feel full".
The angel left. Kim began a whole change of life, working on her inner talents. She shared all she had. From that day forward, Kim rarely had an empty feeling ever again. Oh, sure in times of loss of loved ones and sadness as such, Kim felt a little low in the soul. She just remedied this by using her Inner Talents.
By Grace
Hi Grace, beautiful story. I just love your stories because they always make me feel good and they remind me that I have such a good friend in you. Thank you again sweet friend. I hope to read many more stories. Love and hugs
Beautiful Grace. But what if Kim never finds her inner talents, or even believes she would have any at all?
Excellent question posed Shirley. This is what one would call a case of the "What If's". As in "What If" Kim never finds her inner talents or even believes she would have any at all?
You see Kim "does" believe she has Inner Talents because the Angel of Inner Talents told her she did. Kim believes in the Inner Talents Angel thus she believes in herself.
To put it into perspective in a realistic point of view. When people take time out of their daily lives to pray or meditate on their inner beings or souls, they will find their "Angels" of anything they want to overcome or succeed in. The "Angel" is a symbolic form of Emotional Quotient or EQ on the physical plane (1st, 2nd, or 3rd dimension known as the Ego Plane). It is also parallel on the spiritual plane (the 4th, 5th, 6th, to the nth degree Spiritual Plane)when overcoming spiritual turmoil such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, the list is endless and crosses over into the Ego Plane.
To put it into one phrase if someone or something tells you long enough that you are a certain type of person you will eventually believe it. It is like a form of subconscious hypnosis. The Law of Attraction is relevant: what you believe in and put out to the world will come back to you in a similar way.
Thanks for the feedback!
Love Much
Grace
xxoo
Angels as Explained by Children:
I only know the names of two angels: Hark and Harold.
--Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear
Halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are
Working on it.
--Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die.
Then you go to heaven, and then there's still the
Flight training to go through. And then you got to
Agree to wear those angel clothes.
--Matthew, 9
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God
Has to go do something else.
--Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not
Much good for science.
--Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy
Cows!!!
--Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you
Up to heaven. The main subject is where you went
Wrong before you got dead.
--Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and
Counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath,
Somewhere there's a tornado.
--Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy.
If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your
Window and leaves money under your
Pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north
For the winter.
--Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his
Son, who's a very good carpenter.
--Jared, 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear
Dresses and boys didn't go for it.
--Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got
A big head start on helping me while she was still
Down here on earth.
--Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal
Sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the
Animals get better, they help the child get over it.
--Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone
Is in love, they shoot arrows at them.
--Sarah, 7
Hi Shirley: I love these! Out of the mouths of babes! It is great to read that kids are active an aware of angels.
My idea for angel stories came from my mother. I noticed one day a year or so ago that she was collecting Angel Pins. I noticed that she had an "Angel Pin" for anything and everything. She had a pin of a Mother Angel to Volunteer Angel to Friendship Angel, etc.
I also noticed in certain stores that there were racks of these various Angel Pins. I looked at them and again I noticed that there seemed to be angels for just about anything and everything that a person has something connected with.
Bottom line: are there really angels for anything and everything and are they actually called these names? Who knows for sure. All I know is that the stories I write are for both adults and children to listen to and read help them. Feedback to me says "Thanks and you have made a difference in a positive way I view myself and the world".
In my opinion, anything that allows a person to come in contact with, allows them to rethink a negative aspect of life, and change it for the better, thus giving that person a better self esteem, ability to deal with situations in a better way, etc. is AOKAY.
That is the goal of my stories. To help the world and make it a little better place to be in while we are here.
Love Much
Grace
xxoo
Grace, I like the way you think. I always love your stories, always a great moral there. that's interesting about the angel pins, I only have a few pins, but ironically, I do collect angels. angels and bells.I remember reading a book, many years ago, written by Dale Evans, Angels Unaware. I think that even sometimes a pet can be an angel unaware. just my thinking.
I will keep Judy and Bob and their family in my prayers as well.
Thank you so much Kay. Hugs
My best to every one. In regards to the entries by Wendy about the wonderful lady in Australia and Jeanine's friend in the hospital in would like to write this entry which I would like to call "Divine Intervention"
As most of you know my wife and I were up north for a couple of weeks to visit friends and attend Andre's concert in Atlantic City. Ever time we go up to the Washington DC area we visit with very close friends we have known for many years and traveled with ofter.Both are in their late 80's and has one son and two daughters.
About two years ago their son who had his own small construction company was out of town with three of his helpers. While asleep one night the three helpers murdered him and took his truck and all his things. One was caught the other two have never been found. What was worse is their sons body have never been found!
His mother has been in severe depression ever since. While we were there this time we ask if she would like to come back with us to Florida to help change her surroundings and depression. Even with her two daughters asking her to go she said she could not.
The day before we were to leave to return to Florida she called us and said she would like to go back to Florida with us.
This is just the beginning. About four days after we got home one of her daughters called us and said a server tornado had hit their parents house and a hugh tree had fallen across what was their parents bed room. It was about the time of day they would have been taking a nap after lunch and from what they told us their parents would have been killed. (Her husband was staying at one the daughters that day).
The big question is this! Why was their son's life (who was only in his mid 30's and his whole life ahead of him and about to br married) taken and his grief stricken parents saved?
The only answer I can give is this: Only GOD knows. He can see the end from the beginning. As it says in the Bible "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and all He created was good" We as humans created in Gods inmage are limited by time and space. In this life we must face sorry, greif and some pain so that someday when God calls us home we can enjoy the joy and happines even more so than if we had not gone thru the sufferings here on earth!
All of you who are going thru either physical or mental pain and suffering are in my prayers and I belive some day we will all know the reason for our lives on this earth.
All my best to everyone and may GOD BLESS!
DJ Bob
Oh DJBob that a story of Divine intervention. I am reading it through my tears. I am so happy for your friends. Thank you Bob for this. I have been so worried and upset all day not knowing what will happen but I know that God is in charge of all our lives and He will do what is best for us. I feel very sorry for Judy's husband Bob also, they lost their granddaughter in December of a heart attack at 24. There was so much plaque on her heart that it just suddenly stopped one day at work and despite the fact that she was at work in a nursing home no one could save her. Now poor Bob must endure this. Thank you again. Love to you and Maria
Hi DJ Bob: I loved your item. I too do believe in "Divine Intervention" or "Miracles". Isn't it wonderful that even thought life seems hectic and out of order now these days, there is always the power of prayer and faith that keeps us positive and gets us through even the toughest of situations.
My sister Sally once said to me, "God never gives us more than we can handle". Well that is quite true. Wherever we are and whatever we do, God is always there.
Love To You and
Thanks for Your Item
I really appreciate it.
Grace
xxoo
Robert, all I can do is bow my head and say AMEN.
Hi everyone, you have been so kind with your prayers for my friend Judy so I want to give you an update that I just received. They took her off the heart machine but she is still not breathing on her own. Bob said she looked a little better but her blood pressure is still very low. She has two more arteries that are blocked but they cannot do anything about that for now. They want her to rest and they will keep checking her heart to be sure it is pumping the blood to the brain. The doctors will not do anything until Monday so we are hoping she will just continue to improve. She will need to make lifestyle changes also. They are practically raising their grandchild because the father is so lazy and just plays video games when he comes home from work. His mother does his laundry and cleans the house and Judy keeps the child and makes her meals (when she is not in school) and all of this is too much work for her and for Bob. Bob has a bad heart too. Judy is a hard worker but she has type 1 diabetes, can hardly walk because of a sore foot that will not heal but she hobbles around the house and does all this work for her grandchild. She is a very caring person. So thanks to all of you for your prayers, please keep them going for her. I appreciate it more than I can say.
As for Wilma, I am getting a package out to her on Monday with a card and the Trier, Germany concert since I am sure she will not have that. Anyone else who would like a copy please let me know and when I send my photo CD I will include that. It is such a great concert which has three songs by DJOtzi.
Love and hugs to all
Dear Friends,
It is hard to put into words the outpouring of love that I have felt this week as I opened your heartfelt messages for Wilma. I have translated many messages from Europe, and printed many from other parts of the world that will be in the mail to her tomorrow.
I had many questions about sending her CD’s and DVD’s this is the reply I had from Jann in Australia……. CD's are pretty much the same format all over the world. With DVD's, we use the PAL system here and in the USA they use NTSC. Most DVD players will play both because the majority of DVD players sold here are Region Free. Generally speaking Australia is Region 4 or 0.
So should you wish to send her a CD or DVD I am sure she will be thrilled. I know she has some, but I have no way of knowing what, but who can ever have too many! I am sure she will share any duplicates as she is only to happy to spread the word of the beautiful music we know and love.
So again thank you all. I apologize for not writing sooner, but we took delivery of a new puppy to become a Guide Dog for The Blind this week, she is a little black Labrador and our 11th pup to raise, so it has been pretty busy around here.
I am going to give Wilma’s address again just in case you do not have it.
Wilma Cocking,1/80 Donald Avenue, Umina, NSW 2257, Australia.
Thank you so much Web Masters for all that you have done to help Wilma.
In case there are any members that are just reading this, she is in Australia and is at this time battling cancer. I will repeat her words again. “I am a very positive and strong person but Andre’s music has made me so much stronger.”
My thanks again and kind regards to you all.
Wendy Keighley
Cocoa, Florida
Hi Wendy, I will be more than happy to send a card full of cheers to Wilma. I just have one slight question, on her forwarding is that 1/80 Donald Ave. or
1180, hope its not my eyes that are playing tricks on me. Thanks Wendy.
Thanks so much for caring, it is 1/80
that is one slash eight zero Donald Ave.
Kind regards,
Wendy
Hi Wendy, thanks so much for all you are doing for Wilma. I will have a card and CD ready to go tomorrow or Tuesday - sorry I meant DVD. I am so glad that you got such a good response to your request.
That is so nice Wendy that you raise these Lab pups for the blind. It is a wonderful thing to do. Do you raise more than one at a time? At what point do you hand them over to be trained by the Blind Assoc. That would be tough to give them up but it is for a very worthwhile cause. Good for you.
Hugs and love to you and your husband.
In response to questions about being a puppy walker. I am the Area Coordinator for The Guide Dog Foundation for The Blind in New York. We just received "Lucy" who is a black Labrador and our 11th pup to raise. We keep them for a year to 15 months, then, with many kleenex send them back to New York to be trained for guide dogs for the blind or perhaps another program for disabilities. Then you start all over with a new pup! A part of every puppy walkers heart always remains with the pup, but we are preparing a gift, the gift of second sight for a friend we have yet to know.
Wendy Keighley
Cocoa, Florida
That is a wonderful thing Wendy. I didn't realize that these pups were raised by families and then given back to the blind association. I can imagine that you get pretty attached to these sweet dogs. It is very commendable thing to do. I can understand the "many kleenex" remark. Hugs to you Wendy.
HELLO WENDY.MY NAME IS CONSTANCE .I WILL BE SENDING WILMA A CONCERT SCARF AS SOON AS I CAN GET THE PACKAGE BECAUSE I TREATED MYSELF TO ONE TOO.I FIGURED THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL BE SENDING HER CDS AND DVDS,ECT SO I WILL SEND HER A SCARF INSTEAD .DURING HER TREATMENTS SHE IS VULNERABLE TO COLDS AND THINGS THAT CAN SLOW DOWN PROGRESS AND MAKE IT HARD TO GET BACK. WITH LOVE FROM SOMEBODY WHO HAS SEEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUFFER FROM THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE .CONSTANCE OX
Hello Constance, in her last letter Wilma told me that it was Autumn but already she was feeling very cold so a scarf would be wonderful.
You are very kind.
Warm Regards,
Wendy
Cocoa, Florida
Jeanine Ann, I just read your request for prayers for your friend Judy. I will
pray for her and family thru my Special
Patron Saint Jude. I have been praying to him for many many years, and he seems to deliver those real special requests for our loved ones. He seems to always be there when needed. Plus, Shirley, The Prayer for the Aged was simply beautiful. I am going to make myself a copy, and take some copies to the news friends at the nursing homes, they so look forward to the least little things to help brightn their days
my mum was in this home and it simply is
so sad to see the great turn over in the
beautiful faces passing, when they still
had wonderful stories to share. God Bless All. Butterfly Kisses To All xoxox
Thank you Judith my sweet friend. I am sure St. Jude will come through for her. I appreciate your caring so very much and to all those who are praying for Judy. Hugs and kisses to you.
I am so proud to know each and every one of you. To see how we all come together when someone needs a kind word or deed. When Caring, Love & Prayer are all we have, we offer it freely.
This is The Beauty of Friendship
I'm always impressed in how people come together in times of trials and tribulations. When someone needs help, it appears, when we need a shoulder to cry on, we get one.
And I believe this beautiful sign that friends are our among our own personal Angels. Friends seem to always be there when you need them.
I'll be sending Wilma a nice little package as soon as I get it together.
Thank you Wendy, with all my heart, for being such a beautiful person. You truly are an Angel.
I am truly humbled by the kind and wonderful and generous responses that I have received to help Wilma
I call you all angels and friends,
With my sincerest good wishes and thanks to you all,
Wendy
Cocoa, Florida
Hi Sally, Judith, Jeanine Ann, Kati and everyone who remembers me ... I know first hand how wonderful everyone on this website can be. Your kindness and friendship shown to myself and my sister, Mavis when her husband passed away, was absolutely phenominal... and I can honestly say that I never feel alone when I visit you all thru this site... I live alone and at times feel very lonely, but you never fail to make me smile
Margaret Sansom sent me an email this morning detailing all the new Andre CD's and DVD's being made available in Australia before the end of the year ... I will keep you all posted on these new releases..... kisses and huge friendly hugs to you xxxx Always Les
I just put a note in the mail to Mavis .. and her sister too!
Hi Leslie,
I hope you and Mavis are doing fine. You are both always in my prayers. Did you enter the competition for the signed violin. What a treasure that would be. I know here in America we cannot enter because I tried. The first competition seemed to be open to everyone because I did enter. I kind of forget what the prize was. It may have been a trip to Vienna. I sure hope one of you nice girls win all the great prizes. You surely deserve it.
Have you heard anything about a new series of CD's called "Andre's Choice"? He said he would be releasing them this year. They are for Australia but I am hoping we will be able to order them here in America. There was either a CD or DVD released around Christmas last year, I think it was called "Andre On Holiday" or something like that. Do you know which one I am referring to and if so what was on it? I saw it on Ebay and thought about bidding on it but I am not sure if it is songs I already have on a Christmas CD or DVD. If it has anything on about your country, that would be nice to have.
Thanks again for your post and please take care of yourself my dear and give my love and hugs to Mavis. I sincerely hope she is doing better. It takes time. I forget, does she live near you or is she in another part of the country? Love and hugs to you both.
Hi Jeanine Ann .... I have a copy of "Andre on Holiday" where can I send you a copy???? Let me know your address
xxxxx les
Oh Les, you are a doll. Thank you so much. I will send my address via your email address if that is okay. I will send you my photo CD's and a German DVD which was never sold. Thank you again sweetie. Hugs to you
Hi
Grayeme
Wasn't sure whether you were the Grayeme I have been corresponding with, but when you mentioned Brisbane I guess it is you. I lived at Umina for a short while, so will be sending a card to Wendy. I have an 8 year old grandson who has cancer so I know what she is going through.
Marie
Sorry, I said I was sending a card to Wendy, but I meant Wilma.
Marie
The Magazine answers...
To drop a much-loved instrument is accident enough. But when it is a violin worth a cool million - and it's the tool of your trade as a virtuoso - it is unfortunate indeed.
This is the fate that befell David Garrett after performing in London in December. The German musician slipped down a flight of stairs and landed on his violin case, badly cracking the fiddle inside - a 1772 violin made by Giovanni Guadagnini, who called himself an "alumnus of Stradivarius".
A violin case acts like a skull, protecting what's inside. But if too badly shaken, the violin - like a brain - can be damaged.
"You have to very carefully make sure that the broken parts match up perfectly, so any slivers of wood that came loose are put into place," says David Morris, director of restorers J&A Beare, whose colleague in New York has seen the broken violin.
"There's a very famous Stradivarius cello that had its front replaced by a notable Spanish maker. That's the old way of restoration, to throw away the broken part and make your own replacement. Today we would piece it back together again from the original fragments."
"If you walked into our workshop today, it would look like the set of a film about a violin-maker from several hundred years ago," says Mr Morris. "But we also use ultra-violet light and endoscopes, which allow you to see inside and take photos, rather than take the top off the instrument."
He likens this to keyhole surgery - where once surgeons opened up a patient, some procedures are now possible via tiny incisions.
Crack'd side to side
The broken violin will take at least eight months to repair. "There are two major cracks on the top on the table where the f-holes are. And two went straight through the soundpost, which is always the bad spot to hit," Garrett says.
"There are three major cracks from the top to the bottom, as well as a couple of cracks on the side, which don't really affect the sound that much, but they look very ugly."
What makes repairing a violin so fiddly is its arched body. Once the broken fragments are eased back into place, the next step is to apply pressure so the glue holds.
"You can't let the pieces slip out of alignment. The restorer will take days and days and months and months on this," says Mr Morris.
"The soundpost is vulnerable as there is so much pressure on it from the weight of the bridge, which holds up the taut strings. I'd say 80% of violins today have a patch under the soundpost. It's a weak point," says Mr Morris.
And whereas joins were once smoothed then revarnished, today the aim is to disturb as little of the original varnish as possible. There has never been a conclusive answer as to what gives a Stradivarius its distinctive bright sound, but one widely-held theory emphasises the role of the varnish.
So can an extensively repaired violin still be claimed as a Guadagnini or Stradivarius?
"It depends how much has had to be replaced, rather than restored," says Mr Morris. "If someone has a liver transplant, who are they? A Stradivarius violin with one rib of the six replaced is still a Strad. That said, the necks of all Stradivariuses are relatively new as these wear out - and they are not intrinsic to the sound."
As for Garrett, he now plays a replacement Stradivarius supplied by Mr Morris's firm, but eagerly awaits the return of his patched-up Guadagnini.
WOW That is amazing!!!!
It will be a painstaking recovery. What patience the repairer/restorers must have!!!!
Thanks Jeanine Ann for finding the article and sharing with us.
That was so beautiful. I love the deep rich tone of his violin.
Grayeme, we will add your grandson to our prayer list too. And you as well, as it is difficult for the families too. I certainly pray our world gets softer soon.
Hello all,
I am recovering nicely from my medical adventure.
I just got Ande at Schöbrunn. I may just have a new favorite, replacing Homecoming.
I have a question. Andre introduces the dancers in the hall as Novices and Debutantes. Now we had debutantes in St. Louis (usually rather plain, dumpy girls whose Daddies' had more dollars than sense.) but what are Novices? The only novices I know of are in nunneries.
Also I doubt that Empress Sisi would go around with a simpering, Barbie Doll smile pasted on her face. I thought that Carla looked much more imperial as the Gypsy Princess.
Just some ramblings from
Grampa Mike
Hello Mike, I'm glad you are recovering.I'm not sure about your 'question", but I would assume, that in this case, the novices might be students from the Elmayer dance school. as for Sissi, honestly, I thought Suzan potrayed her very well. I liked her much better than Romy, in the movie.You are right about Carla. Her costume was magnificent, as is her voice.
I agree Shirley. I thought Suzan made a lovely Sissi and her voice is much suited for stage plays and musicals. It was terrific! Suzan gave me cute smile and wink in Milwaukee last year.
HI YOU ALL! THAT IS MY FAVORITE OF CARLA ALSO, THE HUNGARIAN DANCE AND SONG! KATI
I absolutely love anything that Carla and Suzan has done. They are both incredible gals and have voices of Angels. I agree that Suzan is perfect for the musicals and stage plays...she played a fantastic Empress Sisi.
Carla, with her beautiful soprano voice, anything she has sung is perfect.
I have to disagree somewhat. I thought the dancer Sisi was the best. She was animated and had a beautiful smile,
As you may have gathered, I am not a big fan of Ms. Eren. She certainly isn't the caliber of the magnificent Brazilians. It burns mu buns when they are relegated to back up a 2nd rate talent. Thw audio mixer had his hands full trying to keep them from over-riding Suzan in "I could have danced all night" (Homecoming.
I dearly love Carla. Her stage presence is outstanding. I love her :costume" pieces, And when she and Carmen link up in a duet - wow.
About the choir. I have seen from 4 to 7 members. Does André have a stable of talented sopranos that he selects from for a given tour? If so, I am jealous.
Grampa Mike
HELLO "MIKE" AND ALL;
I JUST FOUND THIS SITE AND AM SO PLEASED! 'ST. LOUIS' CAUGHT MY EYE AS IT WAS MY HOMETOWN! HAVE LIVED IN VIREGINIA MOST OF MY LFE AND LOVE THE GOOD PEOPLE HERE.
CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHERE I CAN SEND MEMENTOS OF THE JOHANN STRAUSS ORCHESTRA FROM THEIR VISIT HERE IN 1993? I MADE A GOOD FRIEND OF STEFAN PUNZI, A VIOLINIST WITH THE ORCHESTRA AND HE TOOK ME BACKSTAGE AND I MET EVERYONE, TOOK PICS AND HAVE ONE OF THE WHOLE ORCHESTRA, ETC. I WD LOVE TO SEND IT ALL TO ANDRE, AND TELL HIM WHAT STEFAN SAID ABOUT YOUNG ANDRE (18 AT THAT TIME, AND THE THINGS STEFAN TOLD ME ABOUT ANDRE AT THAT TIME! I WAS IN TOUCH WITH STEFAN UNTIL HE DIED IN 2003.
LAINE PRISCU COLI
Andre Rieu Studios
PO Box 1329
6201 BH , Maastricht
The Netherlands
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Lainee: What a fantastic treat & wonderful memory to have. Stefan sounds like so many of the JSO, kind & nice.
I've sent you a private email.
~Sally~
On Andre's Australian Website they are running a few competitions. One of the competitions requires you to say in 25 words or less "What do you love about Andre Rieu"?? You just can not do it in 25 words!!!
But to me.....My impressional years were the 50/60s, that is when I learnt to dance and tap my toe and move to music with a beat. The Waltz, Barn Dance, Gypsy Tap, Canadian Three Step, Valeeta and Quick Step just to name a few. I had already had a grounding in classical music from my school days, but it was not played anywhere in the country area's that I grew up in. Then I suffered a 30 year void as my music was replaced by the loud banging noises of the 70's to 90's. But then Andre changed all that, he brought back to me that toe tapping, body swaying music that I had loved as a youngster. Suddenly music was part of my life again in a very entertaining way. I love everything about the way Andre sends his message of love to his fans through his music. Mr Entertainer plus.
And a damn good bloke to go with it.
Ok then, thats my 159 words, like to hear yours !!
His music makes people happy. period.
I saw the contest about "What you love about André Rieu" in 25 words or less. There's so much to say about him, it's difficult trying to come up with only 25 words...or less.
I've decided that I would say...
"He makes beautiful music with his beautiful heart and soul".
It's not profound, but it says everything I want to say.
However, I can't decide whether the contest is for anyone, or just for Australians.
The headline of my story reads:
Mt Humphries (12,633' summit) A near fatal mishap AFTER success
I have nightmares, every night, since my successful climb on Monday, 10 June.......it's a long story, details will follow sometime this weekend.
And I'm making plans to make the climb again the first week in July.
My Return Headline Reads:
Stay on Terra Firma --- At Sea Level !!
Grayeme, I hope you win something! That signed violin would be nice, and the tickets would be good too!
Gosh, last week we had the Earthquake, now we have a 6 alarm fire near Travis Air Force Base. As soon as the fire is out, I am putting on Andre's music to celebrate and relax. (right now I am keeping the news on as this is near my house)
~Sally~
OMG, I'm gonna go watch CNN. Keep us posted.
Stay safe there Sally
Thanks. The fire is contained, (possibly out by now). Most of the other N. CA fires are contained or out. Sadly a Fire Chief was badly burned when the wind turned, but the good part of that news is he is expected to fully recover.
www.kcra.com
Northern CA has been on fire the last two days. Makes me wonder how/who is starting them.
The Vacaville fire burned a house to the ground, land and near Travis.
The Yolo & Sac County fires burn many acres.
Scary.
Dear Friends,
Thank you all for your kind words in the loss of my beloved old Gray cat. You have been a real encouragement and I appreciate it greatly.
I am SO EXCITED. When I checked my email this morning, I had a message from CarlaMafioletti.com. I opened it and there was a note that thanked me for my kind words and offered thanks. It was signed from Carla, Now I know these people are stars (at least to me they are) and they probably have "people" that respond to this sort of thing, but I prefer to think that Carla took time to read her website's guestbook and respond to fans that love her like we do. All of these wonderful musicians and singers seem to be very humble and friendly to the fans. Thank God they are not the Hollywood crowd.
I am just so excited about getting that message. I encourage all to visit her website. It is fairly new, although I left that message many weeks ago.
Hope everyone is healthy and happy. My prayers to all of you that have known trials in recent days. God's blessing to you all.
With warmest regards,
Macky
Macky, did you see her "Agenda". She is booked elswewhere when the Melbourne concerts are on. But then she has a bit of time until mid December. I also wrote to her and pleaded for her to make it to Brisbane. I hope it works.
I did too, I did too, I did too, I can't believe it, really. Within the hour, no joking. I got an email from Carla herself, Carla herself. Theres a downside her tho. Carla told me that Andre has not asked her to come to Australia as yet. She said she was so looking forward to coming to Australia and was keeping her fingers crossed that he would still ask her. I tell you, Mr Andre Rieu is gonna be in so much trouble if he don't ask her. I am so stoked, I will treasure it forever, she just so beautiful. Carla herself I say.!!! Really.
That's fantastic Grayeme!!! I think it was Carla herself too. If I remember correctly, Carla is travelling with a guitar group. She displayed a little of her guitar talents in the New Year's Eve in Punsch (Hanover) which is one of my favorite Andre DVD's.
She is the most gorgeous little fireball I have ever seen. What a voice!!!
Congratulations on you email. We will treasure it always.
Macky
DEAR MACKY, HI THIS IS CONSTANCE .I AGREE WITH WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT CARLA ON THE GUESTBOOK.SHE IS A SWEETIE PIE. I HAVE WRITEN TO HER MANY A TIME AND SHE HAS WROTE ME BACK. I HAVE NEVER MET HER. THERE ARE THREE WISHES THAT I HOPE COME TRUE
1. GET TICKETS WHEN ANDRE RIEU COMES TO CALIFORNIA(I DON'T CARE IF IT IS IN SAN FRANCISCO OR ANY WHERE ELSE.)SO I CAN HEAR HIS MUSIC AND ENJOY IT
2.MEET CARLA AND GIVE HER FLOWERS BECAUSE SHE IS A FLOWER HERSELF( SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND DELICATE JUST LIKE A FLOWER .SINGS LIKE A SONGBIRD.)
3.GET A E-MAIL FROM SUZAN BECAUSE I MADE AND SENT 2 NECKLACES TO HER AND TO CARLA .I GOT A E-MAIL THANK YOU FROM CARLA BUT NOT FROM SUZAN WHO IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES.
I HAVE TO GO TO WORK SO I WILL TALK TO YOU SOON
CONSTANCE OX
Hi all, Have not posted for a long time but have just spent an enjoyable 2 hours catching up with what everyone has been up to and enjoying all the Andre news.
Wow Sally what with earth quakes & fires you are leading an adventurous life at present - please take extra care!
Congratulations to Mr Chartreuse on conquering Mt. Humphries! Do be careful in July Bill.
Love & hugs to all Norma
Oh that was sweet!!! No long enough but sweet! : ) Thanks and hugs
Ahhhhh...that was so nice!
Such a smile!
KATHY SENDS THIS TO US
ANDRE ‘08 !
(If you don't see the Election 2008 video below, follow the above link)
27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000>
Oh I love this one Sally. I must admit I fell for it! Hugs
Isn't that a fun thing? You can put any name on it, but it looks cute saying André Riue '08 !
Yeah...geez, I fell for it too.
But I LOVED it!!!
hahaha...I was so excited to see André's name up there. Election '08...
Actually...he sure would get my vote!
does somebody of you get to the concert in Maastricht this year?. If yes! Which days. I can check my Agenda and maybe we can meet together.
René
Dear all
Unfortunately I won't to be able to be in Maastricht. My Agenda says, I must to Italy. Thanks in advance. Sorry.
Dear René, I was just going to send this to my Travel email list so it is good to know.
I hope Italy is a good trip for you.
Let's keep next year in mind where all of us traveling there can meet
Hi everyone, does anyone have any plans to go to Maastricht next year? I would love to go but want someone to travel with from U.S.A. to Amsterdam. I did ask someone but she has not committed yet. I have never been abroad before and would like to travel from either Phila. or D.C. I know some of us have talked about a group going in 2009. If we do decide to go we would need to make arrangements as far as tickets and hotel as soon as Andre announces the first concert. Flight plans can wait until the winter season because maybe we could get better rates. I don't know how that works. I know we can travel from Amsterdam to Maastricht by train and a lot of the girls are familiar with the train travel. I would love to see Andre's castle and there is a walking tour we can take of the city of Maastricht which will take us past Andre's home. There is so much to see there and I want to go while I still can. Clyde will not go because he does not want to travel abroad and it will be a lot cheaper for us if only one goes. Keep all this in mind and lets try to plan something. I know in 2010 Andre cannot use the Vrijthof so next year would be a good time to go. I must get a passport so I must start now to do that.
Rene, I am sorry you cannot make it to Maastricht this year but I hope your trip to Italy will be safe and productive for you. Hugs to all
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
My own father(dad), loved music and growing roses.
He had a favorite radio station for music, WMBH. when I asked what the letters meant, he said "where music brings happiness".
I have one rose my dad gave me, Tiffany, which always has one last bloom in the summer. always reminds me of Teun's LAST ROSE.
My dad also loved to dance, especially the waltz. he would have loved Andre's music.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.
Shirley my father loved music too. He was always listening to music especially Tenors (of that day) and he loved Perry Como when he first started out. My father loved to dance also and taught us kids to dance. I remember when we would go out to a dance my sister and I would stand on his shoes and he would take us around the room dancing. (one at a time) I think he would have loved Andre's music too but unfortunately he died at 49 - much too young. Hugs to all Dads from me.
HAPPY FATHER's DAY DADDY!
Including the one who flies me to the moon with his looks and his music andre.love you all constance
Hey Constance, how about to the moon, Pluto and back with his looks and music!!
Jeanine ann, as Eddie Fisher used to sing:
"Oh, my Papa, to me he was so wonderful,
Oh, my Papa, to me he was so good.
No one could be so gentle and so lovable,
Oh, my Papa, he always understood.
Gone are the days when he could take me on his knee
And with a smile he'd change my tears to laughter.
Oh, my Papa, so funny, so adorable,
Always the clown so funny in his way.
Oh, my Papa, to me he was so wonderful,
Deep in my heart I miss him so today".
I heard Gomer Pile sing that. Yes, Jim Nabors. What a gorgeous voice that man has. He made me cry singing this song.
I miss my Father. My Father loved to laugh and have a good time. Everyone was a friend. He was certain every person he met had to come over for dinner, dancing, music, cards, anything he could find in common. Give him 5 minutes with someone and he would have setup a date.
My Father would take me on his fishing trips with his buddies. I was his cribbage partner. He got a kick out of us winning and his friends telling people how Chick’s 6 year old daughter won the game.
Every other year, we’d go on a big vacation. I have been to all except the New England states. We would drive and tour for 4 weeks at a time. Hand in Hand, I walked the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and more. (My Dad laughed when I told him I just saw an “Ugly Big Horse” while we were in Wyoming. My Dad explained that the horse was a Moose!)
And I still can see my Father sitting at my piano. He and I playing a duet.
Happy Father’s Day Dad
Oh Shirley, that is my favorite song of Eddie Fisher. I have it on my play list and play it every now and there. That is one song he could really sing. Thank you for the words. Love and hugs
I was just thinking of those words to Oh, My Papa where he sings 'always the clown', reminds me of my father was such a clown at work and I cannot remember if it was once a week or what but each of the guys would cook lunch for the others and it was my father's turn and he was making spaghetti. So he drained the spaghetti over the comode and they all fell in and he quick scooped them out and served them. The guys never knew. I still laugh about that. He worked for Dewalt in the tool and die department. One of the nicest things he did was for my Prom when I was stood up by my date (jerk). I was all dressed up so my father took me. Wasn't that cool? Nice memories. Hugs
Awww, that's a Daddy who Loves his Little Girl
This afternoon, I took a siesta (little sleep) as is the custom here in Italy;
I had a dream;
I was at the concert in Maastricht, Andre started to play ‘Waltzing Matilda; (virtually violin solo)
As the chorus started, the whole audience stood up, and sang;
‘Waltzing with Andre,
Waltzing with Andre,
We are a waltzing with Andre today,
And we sing and we smile
As we listen to his violin,
We are a waltzing with Andre today’.
Well, shall we do it ? but how could we inform all the concert goers ?
Hi Adele, I just love that!! I wish my dreams were so nice. That reminds me of a song by Michael Crawford - "I Dreamed a Dream". He sings so nice and I loved him as the Phantom. But that song is in my violin book if I ever get to that point. (I will - just kidding) I am determined. But so many things we say can remind us of a song, that is how much music is a part of our lives. Hugs
BEAUTIFUL DREAMER(S)!
I'm so sorry I'm late. Working seven days a week.
I wish all of you wonderful fathers out there in this world a very Happy Father's Day!!! I hope it is a wonderful and fun day for you.
There are many kinds of fathers, but all are special in their own way.
Unfortunately I have lost my father, but I love him dearly and think of him everyday.
Have a very special day to all of you!
Have just read the July edition of Limelight".....We are releasing 9 new cds in July, called "André's Choice". They are music for weddings, for farewells, for marching, for romance and so on. And 3 cds will have as the cover paintings of my oldest son Marc....."
Thank you Margaret dear. I wonder if they will be available in the United States! I would love to have them with Marc's paintings and of course with Andre's handsome face on the covers! Keep us informed Margaret. Hugs to you
Hi Inge, I have been trying to e-mail yuo since Saturday morning and it keeps coming back. Our server said your server is not responding but they will keep trying! Maybe you need to call your server Inge! Sorry Sally but I have not other way to contact Inge!
Peggy
JEANINE,THANK YOU FOR WRITING BACK. I HOPE ANDRE COMES TO CALIFORNIA SOON SO I CAN SEE HIM AND WHAT I CALL THE 4 SWEET ANGELS(CARLA,SUZAN,CARMEN AND MIRUSIA.)I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE NEW SOPRANO.DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING?(I THINK HER NAME IS SANJI??) I GOT ONE OF MY FRIENDS INTERESTED (AND PROBABLY HOOKED ON HIM TOO.WE WILL HAVE TO SEE.) I LET HER BORROW MY ANDRE COLLECTION .I GOT HER ALL EXCITED CAN'T WAITE UNTIL I GET HOME FROM VACATION. THEN HER MOM AND DAD WERE INTRODUCED TO HIS MUSIC WHILE IN CANADA ON VACATION .HER MOM RAVED ABOUT HIS MUSIC.SHE SAID THE ALBUM WAS SO BEAUTIFUL THAT IT TOOK HER BREATHE AWAY.HER COUSINS HAD ANDRE IN TUSCANY .I AM STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES BUT I AM O .K. FOR NOW .CONSTANCE OX
DEAREST WENDY THE CONCERT SCARFS CAME YESTEDAY. I AM SO EXCITED BECAUSE I CAN SEND ONE TO WILMA. I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT THE OTHER SCARF BECAUSE I GOT TWO OF THEM THINKING I MIGHT BE ABLE TO GO TO A ANDRE CONCERT SOON BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO WAITE UNTIL HE COMES HERE IN 2009 OR 2010.IF YOU WOULD LIKE IT PLEASE E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR ADDRESS AND I WILL MAIL IT TO YOU.CONSTANCE
hey all,
Jeanine Ann the music is in the mail its about 40 pages of music if i find any more i will surly send them to you!
i will be going on vancation tommorrow until july 3rd so i will not be able to get to a computer, have a nice week every one!!! thanks
-Jeff
Hi my buddy Jeff! Thank you so very much! Have a great time on vacation. Hope you see this before you leave. Safe travels. Hugs
Gosh, if Jeff will be gone and Marlene will be too, who else is going on vacation or leaving town? I guess this is that time of year. hmmm, I should have gone to Maastricht after all! (in my dreams)
Hi Shirley, I am still here (for whatever that is worth : ) ) I wish too I would be in Maastricht. I just had four concerts and even I need another one! Watched the Trier concert yesterday but that is not like being there. That is a wonderful concert. I love the girls (Carmen, Suzan and Carla) singing "Carnival" and when Andre is playing the solo I just about go nuts (and I don't have far to go). Then three songs by DJOtzi - it is a real party!! The Joplin Pops sounds nice Shirley. May as well go. We have nothing right now around here. The Renaissance Faire comes this summer but that just means traffic backups from the turnpike. We are in the woods around Mount Gretna but only a mile from the turnpike and the road to our community gets really bad, cannot get in or out at certain times of the day. I guess that is why we don't go to the Faire but that is not our thing anyway. People come from everywhere for this thing, N.Y., N.J., Del. Md. Mass. Ohio, D.C.
Hugs
Almost forgot to update all of you on Judy. The last I heard which was yesterday she was doing better. All vital organs are functioning on their own. We almost lost her last week when her kidneys stopped and fluid was building in her lungs. Thankfully the staff was alert and took care of her. She is very weak though. Cannot lift her head from the pillow nor her arms. She took some solid food this week (soft) but the nurses or Bob must feed her. She is off all machines and hopefully we will stay that way. Bob said THANK YOU for the cards, he reads them to her every day and will keep them for when she goes home. She is still is ICU so we cannot send flowers to her and no one can see her except for Bob and Tommy her son. So we will keep the prayers going which we all thank you for. Hugs to all
Dear Jeannine, I am very happy to hear that Judy is doing a little better! She has been in my prayers. I, like you, could use another concert, but until then we have many great memories of the past couple of months. I hope Clyde and you are doing OK. Keep in touch, I am not planning to go anywhere for a while because our daughter should be having our first grandson in a few weeks!
All our best and may God bless!!
Bob & Maria
I know DJ and we are awaiting the big announcement! I am sure you will let us know. I am still copying my photo CD's so I have been busy and I have been so worried about Judy. I hope she is out of the woods by now. Thanks to you and all for the prayers. I really appreciate it. Give Maria and big hug for me.
Thanks Jeanine Ann, for the update on Judy. Will keep the prayers going!
We are all praying for Judy & her family. She is a special lady to have so many who love her, means she has given them love.
Hi Jeanine. I too am feeling concert deprived here in Oregon. I was wondering what the name of the Trier DVD
you are talking about. I don't have that one and it sounds good.
Hugs, Marilyn
Trier was never released as a DVD. It was shown on Television. In this concert we first saw the Roman Soldiers. It is a fun concert with good music.
Hi Marilyn, I have an extra one, I will send it to you. Email me with your postal addy. Hugs
weathergirl052@comcast.net
Shirley, That sounds like fun. We all need a concert and a good Pops concert would be grand.
This is an outdoor concert, held on "the oval" at the university. beautiful, green, gently rolling hills. everyone takes a picnic type meal, sitting on blankets or bring your own chairs. Just found out the program will feature music from "The Music Man", the "Superman Suite" and various other numbers. sounds good to me.
Aahhh the blanket and cold chicken and lemonade!!! Now where have I heard that before.
: )
Shirley, that sounds like so much fun with a good musical lineup. I would enjoy that concert too!
Hello All,
The more I watch the Schönbrunn DVD, the more I find.
The sequence where all the dancers enter the ballroom is wonderful, especially when they are all swaying back and forth waiting their time to dance.
I really liked the tall blonde on the far left of the first row. She seems very self-conscious, I assume because of her height. Girl there are people out thee who would kill for your extra centimeters. She is beautiful, elegant and graceful. I love her to pieces.
I approve of the additions to the choir - especially the brunette in the blue dress next to Judith (ah Judith - with the oh so expressive eyes). She really participates with Karl Moik in the Gasthaus or Bierstube or where ever they are. She is even singing with her mouth half full of food. My kind of girl.
Who/What is DJ Ötzi? I loved his presentation.
I've taken another look at Suzan. She has improved since "Homecoming." Added some power to her voice. She still needs to work on her enunciation. Her stage presence is wooden and mechanical. Get rid of that stupid, simpering grin and let us see a real smile..
Going to dinner tonight with my sons, their wonderful wives and all four grandchildren. Who could ask for a better, if belated, father's day gift?
Grampa Mike
Hi Grandpa Mike, I am putting DJ Otzi's web site here for you. It is a "rags to riches" story. You can find his videos on You Tube. Hugs
http://www.djotzi.net/
JEANINE AS SOON AS I HEAR SHE IS HOME I WILL SEND HER AN ANDRE RIEU TEDDY .I WENT TO MY OBG/YN YESTERDAY BECAUSE I WENT TO URGENT CARE LAST WEEK BECAUSE I THOUGHT MY CYST IN MY RIGHT OVARY WAS ACTING UP. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING SO I WENT TO MY OBG/YN AND SHE REFFERED ME TO A GASTRO DR.MORE POKES AND PRODES .OUCH !!CONSTANCE OX
Dear friends,
I just wanted you all to know that I actually spoke to Wilma in Australia for the first time last night. Her Grandson gave me the number, so I thought oh well, let us see what happens. She picked up the phone right way and we chatted for quite some time, it was as if we had known each other for years. She was not doing too well this week, she thought she may need a blood transfusion, but her levels came up and she did not need it. She has one more chemo session to go then a month after that starts radiation therapy.
She said she has been overwhelmed and cannot believe the cards, letters, and gifts she has received. She said the mail carrier has to knock on the door sometimes as her mailbox is full! She said it is hard to put into words the outpouring of love and prayers and caring of Andre fans all over the world. In addition, she said that she intends to reply to everyone but it may take her a while, as she is still weak. She wants also to say a big thank you to you all! I asked her about attending the Sydney concert, but she feels it may be too much for her and it is not an easy place for her to get to. I was so glad I called! I asked her about passing on her phone number and she said that was fine, so if you would like it please email me, wjknine@aol.com. It is 14 hours ahead of EST. I called at 8.00pm and that was 10.00am ‘tomorrow’ her time. I checked with Sprint before I called and was told it was 17 cents a minute, but I think all phone companies will vary.
However, it was worth every penny.
Again, it is Wilma Cocking 1/80 Donald Ave, Umina 2257, NSW, Australia.
So from the bottom of MY heart, thank you all for responding and caring.
My warmest regards to you all,
Wendy Keighley
Cocoa, Florida
Oh thank you so much Wendy. I am so glad you spoke with Wilma. I am so happy she is getting all these gifts. This is just one example of how good things can happen when ALL of Andre's fans get together and work for a common good. That is what we are all about, not just promoting Andre but helping his fans as well. You have begun a good thing Wendy and we can all learn from this and get together and help more fans like Wilma. There are lots of them out there, but we must all work together. Thanks for all you have done. I will email you for Wilma's phone number. She does not have email does she?
Hugs to you
Thank you for your reply, no Wilma does not have e-mail, she was able to access at one time for half an hour a month through her local library, but that did not work out for her. I am in touch occasionally with her Grandson via email.
Does anyone have the email link for Jann in Australia? For some reason my computer does not let me into her lovely website.
My best to you all for a good weekend,
Wendy,
Cocoa, Florida
Hi Wendy,
I just emailed you with the link. Let me know if you cannot get it. Hugs
HI WENDY, I THINK WILMA WILL BE VERY PLEASED AND SURPRISED HOW MANY CARING PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE! I HOPE, SHE GOT MY CARD! KATI
Jeanine Ann, I sent you an email a couple of days ago regarding Maastricht. Did you get it? I thought if you and Martha are going next year maybe we could stay in the same hotel, get tickets together etc. I would fly from Boston because of where I live. Anyway, check your email. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care. Virginia
Hi Virginia, I am sorry but I went all the way back to the beginning of the month and did not find anything. Did you use the weathergirl address? Could you please resend it. Thanks. Yes, that would be great to share hotel and get tickets together. We will be very new at this. Hugs
SALLY, HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO THIS TERRIBLE FIRE? THEY DID MENTION FAIRFIELD'S NAME. KATI
That is my valley on fire.
The valley has small hills surrounding it, and the hills were struck by lightning, starting a fire that is now at 3,000 acres with only 15% containment.
My daughter and I are going to Costco in a few minutes, so we will get a view of some of the fire. Costco sits in the valley, but closer to the highway, perhaps 1 mile from the burning.
We will pray that your valley is safe and all who live there. Take care Hugs
Hi, I used AndreRieuFans.com. I don't have the Weathergirl address. Do you have my email address? You can send me an email with your other address. It shows up as being sent. But I don't have the feature on that shows whether it was received. It's disturbing if you didn't get it because I can't trust my email. Anyway, I will send it to you when I hear from you. I lived in Antwerp for two years and used to go to Holland a lot on the weekends (many years ago). I have traveled a lot in Europe and some in South America amd Caribbean so have no problems getting around.
Cheers.
Oh I am sorry Virginia. We got a new server here and I have not set my AndreRieuFans email up as yet. Sorry. I will email you with my other email and will get this set up finally. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs
Are you safe from the fire? I certainly hope so!
Sorry to hear this Sally. I hope they
get it all contained so as to keep you safe and out of harm's way. Fire's are scary business. Stay safe and I will be praying for you. I wish I could send our rain your way to help put out the fires. Again, stay safe and keep us up-
dated. Hugs.
That is not clouds, that's SMOKE. The hills in the background are on FIRE. There is a Golden and sometime's Pink Haze.
Evacuations are now Ordered.
http://www.kcra.com/news/16676911/detail.html
OMG,I don't like the looks of that one bit! Please, please, please, stay safe.
STAY AWAY IF YOU CAN!! I HOPE, YOU DO HAVE A CHANCE, TAKE CARE! LET US KNOW! KATI
Hey, Sally. That's scary. Are you close enough to be evacuted at some point or is it too early to tell.
Stay safe. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
Fire - Rescued Horses (awww)
I'm always relieved when I see all the animals that are rescued from these disasters.And I wonder about all the wildlife that live in these wooded areas. How they might survive, if they do. another thing I wonder about.if a lot of these fires are caused by lightning, how do we have lightning and thunder with no rain? guess I need a lesson in weather.I notice they have fires in Ca.,Fla.,Arizona, Montana and Georgia. Wish they could all have some of this rain from the central states.
I'm trying to flesh out my Rieu DVD collection. There are two songs I must have. They are;
Meine herr Marquis
Victory with Bond.
Can someone kindly tell me which DVDs these appear upon?
Thanks you all,
Grampa Mike
You can see & hear Carla as a Peacock, ok..as a Maid in Mein Herr Marquis in both Songs From My Heart aka The Homecoming & Live From Vienna. I love her in that song.
I love anything that Carla sings!What a voice,a voice that could shatter a chandelier!
I have Homecoming and Schönbrunn in Vienna DVDs and can find Mein Herr Marquis in neither.
I guess I should have been more specific about Victory. I want the version with both André and Bond as in this clip froom YouTubeL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEL-4D8Bnas
Grampa Mike
Mike, Margaret is right about Bond, and you will find the Carla song on The Flying Dutchman, look for "the laughing song".
Grampa Mike. Mein Herr Marquis is also sung on the Live in Vienna DVD, in addition to the The Flying Dutchman.
Hi Mike. Sorry, I meant.. The Flying Dutchman
The Vienna DVD is the new one, Live in Vienna (My favorite venue. It’s beautiful!)
Sally, I sometimes wonder how anyone can keep all these cds and dvds straight! I'm not one for remembering where i last saw or heard a particular song. Her I've been looking for je t'aime and on the cds and dvds it's listed as I Love You. No wonder I get confused. DUH!
Shirley, I keep an inventory of every CD and DVD with every song listed so I know where a certain song is. I put the list in with some papers and now must find it : ) But it cannot be far. Hugs
Oh golly gee, Jeanine Ann.you are sooo organized. Well there are those who are and then there are those like me!
And those like me! OMG Jeanine Ann, you ARE organized. When I'm looking for a song, I just sit down and take all my cd's and go through them one by one. It has been known to take a while.
"I'd do so much, you'd be surprised...if I could just get organized!"
My husband used to quote that to me all the time.
I'm slowly reading everything that I have missed over the past 5 days. I haven't listened to any news, so I didn't know about Sally's fire!!
How's everything down your way now Sally? I hope the fire is under control, it's such beautiful country, I hate to see it burned, let alone all the people who have to leave.
My thoughts are with you Sally!
Just stay safe!!!!
IT IS SO GREAT TO HAVE A LOTS OF TIME ON YOUR HANDS, AND SO YOU DO HAVE TIME TO BE VERY ORGANIZED. IT DOES HELP US!
Well I must confess Piano that the newest DVD's like Live in Vienna and Waltzing Matilda are not on my list yet. I must update soon. Hugs
I DID NOT KNOW, THERE IS A DVD OUT IN WALTZING MATILDA, THOUGHT JUSTA CD!?
No, Waltzing Matilda is a CD. I should have clarified that. Sorry to get you hopeful but who knows, maybe someday they will make a DVD of W. Matilda. Hugs
Shirley, sometimes I remember the song by sound, so I know to look on a certain CD, but on the one I remember, the song title is not the same. So, it's back to looking at all of the CDs for the "right" title.
I'm not as organized on songs as Jeanine Ann. Wow. That's impressive.
SHIRLEY, YOU GET CONFUSED, BECAUSE, SOMETIMES THESE SONGS LISTED IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGE TITLES. SO, I GUESS, WE SHOULD BE MULTI LINGUAL?
Victory by Bond is on Silvestor Punsch (New Year's Eve Punsch)
Hi Jeanine Ann. I sent the emails to the other address. Hope you got them.
We'll be in touch soon.
Just watched a video clip from an Oprah Winfrey Show. It was about a man, who is in his forties. He is dying of pancreatic and liver cancer. He has three young children and a wife.
The amazing thing about this man, who has a PhD. in Engineering is that, instead of choosing to be grief stricken about his destiny, he has chosen to live the rest of his days (how many they are) to the fullest with FUN.
He put into perspective the things in life that we consider worrisome or important are insignificant. Instead of wasting time complaining or being negative, have FUN everyday as much as possible.
He also mentioned how to properly apologize. It is a three step program: 1) Acknowledge You Were Wrong 2) Say I Am Sorry 3) How Can We Make It Right (that is the most important step that people seem to leave out).
He teaches at a university in the U.S. and created his last lecture to be about death and his life.
He stated at the end of the lecture, this was not for the students, but for 3 people, his three children.
Try surfing You tube for this man. Use words such as Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Dying of Cancer. Hopefully you will find it and watch it.
Everyone here on the fan site have a great day. I know I am off to do many things.
Grace
Addendum to first June 24th blog. I almost forgot. The dying man said that Patience is the key to many things. Everything in this world is not evil. Some people are hard to reach but be patient and keep being kind.
Eventually, you will reach a common ground with people who were once untouchable. They may even turn out to be a friend. Be Patient.
Grace
PS: My parents always did say patience is a virtue. I will take it a step further and say it is a necessity!
Hello Grace, my husband was a minister. He was an amazing man. He knew more than I could ever fathom anyone knowing, it's like he was a walking encyclopedia. Any subject. If I needed to know something, all I had to do was ask him. And...he was always right.
I'm impressed that you wrote this story for your father. Very nice. But, as I was reading it, I felt that I'd heard it before, or similar.
We must always know in our hearts that there is "nothing new under the sun". Whether it be word for word, true story, or whether it be just that...a "story".
I believe that our positive thinking and our true spiritual nature picks up anything we hear that is as beautiful as this story and when we read it, it's like we've heard it before.
You must have been a very special daughter.
I too believe the world is more than we know, but I also believe that whatever is out there in the world...
it's ours... and we grow or not according to the "efforts" and "positive thinking" we put into our growth.
I'm replying to my own thing here...
The reason I said something about my husband (which I seem to have completely gotten off the track)...was because he used to tell me of stories like this. I'm not saying that it was exact...just that it sounded similar to one's that I have heard before. Thanks. Sorry for going into such a long explanation.
Once upon a time there was a man. He was just an ordinary, everyday chap that came from an average family, had a handful of average friends, married an average girl and had an average family of his own. He was content with his life. Even his average job was satisfactory.
As day by day went on and on, the average man noticed a slight yet average shift in his life.
The weather became different, his home life became out of control, his job became more competitive and he had to spend more time doing more work for less money. His wife was interested in different things than before. Even his kids were not talking to him the way they used to.
These fluctuations seemed at first to shock the man, then he became down right angry. He simply had to know the answers to the changes that were going on in HIS life.
One afternoon, he decided to have his average (and even that was stretching it) lunch in the park on a park bench.
An angel came and sat down beside the man. The angel introduced itself as the Angel of Self Empowerment. The man and the angel became engrossed in a deep, spiritual conversation. The man had many questions as to why his life was turning upside down. The angel said, "my dear sir, the world has always been changing around you and in you. You just have not noticed it for some reason until now". The man asked, "What now? Why at this particular point in time were his eyes opened to all this irregular occurrences?"
The angel said, "everyone goes through ups and downs in their lives. Some fear it and some face it. You have a choice. You can embrace it with dignity and courage, or you can run and hide."
The angel also said, "Bear in mind, that by facing any challenges or changes, you are becoming a more evolved person. You are becoming stronger, smarter, and not so average. You are unique."
The angel left and the man thought about it all. He finished his lunch and went back to work. From that moment on he kept a diary (that he bought on the way back from lunch) of each day and all the happenings, good or bad, in it. He thought about how he would respond to his life. He knew no matter how much he tried to stay average, the world was going to connect with him and change him, whether he liked it or not.
From that time forward, the man did become smarter, more interesting, more daring, more exciting to be around.
He noticed that his friends, family, co-workers and even strangers were just plain fun. He even noticed one huge change, some people in his life were leaving and not coming back. For every person who left, a new one ushered in.
The moral this man wrote in his diary was simply this, "Do not wait for others to notice you and change you. Walk forward and accept the changes with fun and laughter."
The End
xxoo
Very nice Grace! I enjoyed reading this. I've heard similar stories before and all were equally beautiful.
Thanks for the lovely compliment Marlene. I am glad you have heard stories like this before. I wrote this one for my father, who has since passed away. It was my father's day gift to him. He passed away October 30, 2006. Interestingly enough his birthday was October 1, 1927. Does that birth date of 1949 ring a bell with anyone?
As you said there have been similar stories written. I wonder, were they written, specifically thinking about my father? Maybe, as in the movie Ben Hur, "The World is More Than We Know".
Grace
xxoo
every night before I go to bed I pray for andre, carla, carmen,suzan and mirusia. That they are safe from harm and there health stays good .I also pray that you are safe and your health stays good because my health is not good at all .I stilll have one more dr. to go. constance ox
My thoughts and prayers are with you Constance. ♥♥♥♥♥ Hugs!
Dear Constance: I will say a prayer for you. You think of others and their cares. Thanks for being here and being a part of my life as well as others here.
Grace
xxoo
Thank you to all who are and are sending get well wishes .I do not see the gastro dr. until the 25th of august. constance ox
Hi Jeanine. I sent you my address via email. Please let me know if you don't get it. Thanks and happy music. Marilyn
Northern California Wildfire Overview
Current Situation: State and Federal firefighters continue to battle hundreds of wildfires throughout Northern California. Priority of firefighting effort is for the protection of life, property and natural resources. Fire activity remains high due to weather and fuel conditions.
Total Fires: 1,032
Acres: 132,235
Contained Fires: 232
Personnel Committed: 11,989
Resources Committed:
Fire Engines: 941
Hand Crews: 271
Dozers: 291
Water Tenders: 360
Helicopters: 42
Air Tankers: 6
Most of the fires were started by dry lightining strikes. The Wild Fire, the one in my valley they believe was man-made.
The "Wild" Fire - the fire in my valley:::
Wild Fire Incident Information: Last Updated:
June 26, 2008 7:30 am - FINAL UPDATEDate/Time Started: June 21, 2008 4:00 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
County: Napa Location: East of Napa and northwest of Fairfield
Acres Burned: 4,089 acres
Containment: 100% contained - 4,089 acres
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding has been destroyed.
Evacuations: All evacuations have been lifted, and all roads have been re-opened. Injuries: 1 Cause: Under Investigation
Cooperating Agencies: Suisun, Benecia, Dixon, Fairfield, Vacaville City, Cordelia, Montezuma FPD, CHP, Solano County, OES, Napa Co Fire, CDCR, CCC
Total Fire Personnel: 7 - This is the State Addition to the Local Suisun Valley Fire District & Fairfield/Suisun Fire Station Units & assisting cities.
Engines: 2 - This is the State Addition to the Local Suisun Valley Fire District & Fairfield/Suisun Fire Station Units & assisting cities.
Amsterdam: the day before!!
Hi everyone, if you go to Andre's website you will see photos of Andre's Palace being constructed for the weekend concerts. I hope they have a great concert for those 50,000 lucky fans! It should be very similar to Toronto to we will watch for the results from all the hard work that Andre, JSO and crew have been doing for all of us. I will be there in spirit as I am sure all of you will. Hugs
Isn't it amazing at all the work that goes on behind the scenes. If he didn't show us how things progress we might not really be aware when we were at the finished project. Who else do you know that carries a castle around the world?
The firefighters are the real heroes here. To think that someone would would start all this destruction, on purpose, is beyond my comprehension!
To everyone who is attending concerts in Amsterdam and Maastricht have a safe journey and a RIEU-lly wonderful time
Sally, we're getting a lot of smoke in my area of California too (I live east of Gilroy) but it's coming from the wild fires near Big Sur and the Santa Cruz mountains. I hope your area is safe now.
I can't wait to hear from those who are attending the Amsterdam and Maastricht concerts. What an exciting time for them! I'll be in my office watching the webcam...can't seem to get it to install on my computer at home. Like you, Jeanine, I'll be there in spirit and maybe some year in person.
WELL, EVERYBODY THE LONG WAIT IS OVER FOR ME, LONG WAIT THAT IS FOR MY WALTZING MATILDA! BEAUTIFUL CREATION!! BILL, IF YOU HAVE IT, AREN'T YOU STILL WALTZING?? YOU SAID, YOU KNOW WALTZ FORWARD ,BACKWARDS, SIDE WAYS, AND UPSIDE DOWN??? HAHAHA!! THIS ONE, CERTAINLY WILL MAKE YOU DANCE ALL DAY AND NIGHT. VERY BEAUTIFUL SELECTION OF THE SONGS, I DID WELCOME, ALL THE NEW PIECES ON THE CD AND MIRUSIA'S BEAUTIFUL VOICE. LOVE??, THIS IS WHAT THEY DO TALK ABOUT IT, IN THE LITTLE BOOKLET. HOW MANY PEOPLE HE COULD BE IN LOVE WITH AT THE SAME TIME? I THOUGHT, IT IS THE LOVE OF THE MUSIC. KATI
Yes for Andre it is the love of the music!! Isn't it a beautiful CD? I play it all the time. I must get Bill to teach me to waltz. We struggle here just to dance for Andre but really don't know how to do it right. Bill you must come to the East Coast!! Hugs
BILL, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE, GET TO THE EAST COAST FOR THE CONCERT, ALL THESE LADIES ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO DANCE WALTZ WITH THEM, I AM SURE, THEY WOULD WEAR YOU OUT ALL NIGHT!! I THINK, THE CONCERT COMES SOONER TO THE EAST THAN TO THE WEST, JUST THINK ABOUT, YOU COULD SHOW UP ALL YOU LEARNED! KATI
Hey Kati, The East has just had a whole slew of concerts this last Spring. It's our turn in the West. Marilyn
YES MARILYN, THAT SHOULD BE THE WAY, GO TO THE WEST FIRST, BUT DOES NOT WORK LIKE THAT. THEY DO START ALWAYS ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE US. SO, MAYBE MR. BILL WOULD LIKE TO DANCE EARLIER, THEREFOR HE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THE EAST, TO SHOW OFF HIS DANCING SKILLS! HAHAHA! KATI
WebMaster Sally!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the Limelight with the limited edition Andre Rieu Dvd i cant wait to watch it. I just got home from vacation and it was this first piece of mail that i opened when i saw it was from you! I love it so much! I wanted to order one but i did not know where. Thank you so much once agian!
your friend,
Jeff Rubino
Welcome back Jeff.Hope you had a nice vacation.
Welcome back Jeff my buddy. Hope you had a great time!!
Had a headache all day and then put Trier on and I swear it got better! Now I am just tired.
Good to have you back with us. Hugs
I heard that Marjorie will be flying to Australia to be with Andre over the four week period that he will be working there. This is a very big deal for Marjorie since she is subject to fear of flying (like me but I will do it). This must impress Andre very much because it will take her 15 days of flying in three hour internals to be with him. Good for Marjorie. True love I would say. Hugs
Hey Jeanine Ann,
I had a Great time! did u get the music i sent it to you by priority so you should have received it by now, i hope u will enjoy it!
thanks
-Jeff
You bet I did Jeff. I thought you would not be back until the 4th so I was going to email you but since you are here I want to thank you and tell everyone how nice it was of you to send all that Andre music to me. Now I must keep practicing until I can play some of the easier songs. They are great Jeff. I'm sure you can play these with ease. Thanks again. Hugs to you
I hope you are all having a nice Sunday. It's very hot here in the Pacific NW. Too hot for me.
Welcome back from your vacation Jeff! I hope you had a great time.
Well, just wanted to say hello. I have to get back to work. Take care and be safe with all the fireworks!
Hello Marlene, I was beginning to wonder where everyone is. It is warm and humid here 86 so that is not too bad. I am hoping for some T-storms because we could use the rain. It seems like on this side of the mountains the rain misses us. Of course so does the snow! That makes me happy and Clyde sad. He likes to use the snow blower and I hate it. I just stay in unless I am needed to help, esp. with the neighbors. But other than that winter is an inside time for me. So unlike Florida where I was out all the time.
I am missing Marianne. Has anyone heard from her? Wasn't she having hand surgery? I kind of lost track when we were in Florida and then I forgot until the other day I was thinking of her and now I am worried. She has not been on for a while. Hugs
Just a laid back Sunday for me. Was listening to some old Leroy Anderson tunes, on the radio. Today he would have been 100 yrs old.He had such beautiful music, 2 of my favorites, Blue Tango and Forgotten Dreams, and then of course, no Christmas complete without Sleigh Ride. I thought about mowing this afternoon, but the grass was still wet. Would love it if some of this rain would go to where it's needed! Yes, Marianne, I've missed her so much. MARIANNE, WHERE ARE YOU?! Seriously, we need to keep her in our prayers. It's like a big part of us is missing! So, Jeanine Ann, Marjorie going to Australia? That's wonderful, maybe she's never been? I'm sure Andre is happy. BTW, Marlene.. you work too hard!
Hi everyone. It has been very hot here and my fans have been going constantly for 2 days. My dogs and I have mostly been laying around trying not to move too much. I did manage to get together with a childhood friend that I hadn't seen since childhood - many years ago.
It was unbelievable to see her again.
She is on her way home to Calif. - to the San Joaquin valley that is filled with smoke from all the fires that are all over Calif. Today I just laid around drinking ice water and reading a fun dog-lover mystery. I think it is supposed to start cooling down, so am keeping my fingers crossed.. Have a great week.
Marilyn, I couldn't help but notice your childhood friend is from the San Joaquin Valley. Where in the Valley does she live? I live here in the "smokey" San Joaquin Valley too and the air quality is having a very bad effect on those with asthma and giving the rest of us headaches. I hope your friend can stay inside.
I'm happy for André that Marjorie will be with him in Australia. A month is a long time to be away from those you love and she must love him very much. Maybe this will help her overcome her fear of flying.
Hi Kay,
She lives in Los Banos. When I listened to our local weather report tonight (Eugene, Ore.), they said that the smoke from Calif. has reached the Willamette VAlley here in Ore., making
the skies kind of overcast. I don't think we have it as bad as Calif, tho, the air doesn't feel smokey with the particles, etc.
What a small world, Marilyn. I live in Los Banos too. Is she an André fan? I only know of one other person here in town who has ever been to his concert. Most here have not heard of him. Los Banos is not a large city...I may know her.
Jeanine Ann, I admire your courage to fly to Maastricht to see André perform in his hometown. It just shows how much determination you have as well as your love and appreciation for André and his music. I hope everything works out for you and that you have a wonderful experience. I'd love to go next year too since July 7, 2009 will be our 35th wedding anniversary and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than attending André's concert.
Yes Kay, I feel sorry for Marjorie that she has this fear of flying. I have the same thing but I am claustrophobic and I don't know if that is her problem. Probably is and that is very difficult to overcome. You just feel panic when you get in a closed area or even a larger area that you know you cannot get out of. I really took the bull by the horns so to speak when we lived in Florida and got in a small plane because I really wanted to be part of a search and rescue team which we trained for and did every week. I have never been on a commercial jet but next year when I try for Maastricht that will be another test, but I want to see Andre in his home town so badly that I am going to do it (provided that everything works out). But it takes real determination and I admire Marjorie for doing that. Can you imagine 15 days approx. to get there. At least with Maastricht it may be 12 or so hours depending on the airline and stops but once you get on that plane there is no turning back and that is very scary. But if one wants to do it badly enough it can be done and that is why I am going to do it. Just once in my life I must see Andre play in his home and see his Maastricht. That to me will be worth everything I will probably go through. I hope too that will help her overcome her fear. Hugs
Shirley, a piano named "Marlene"?? Interesting.
(on minor items anyway).
Well, we finally got a little cooler now. It was really oppressive yesterday and I had to be out in it a lot, it was almost too much. Earlier today it wasn't much better. But the thunderstorms came in a cooled things off nicely.
Jeanine Ann, I lived in Florida for a couple of years (not all at the same time) and I didn't care for the weather. Plant life was fabulous, and the oceans were also, that made it acceptable to a certain extent.
I too am wondering where Marianne is at. I've been thinking about her for some time now. I keep thinking we will get some message from her, but I haven't seen anything. I know she was having carpel tunnel issues with her wrists, I just hope she getting it taken care of and will be back here posting very soon. I miss her...she had so many nice stories and messages.
It's nice to know that Marjorie will be going to Australia with André. Of course I don't know why she is afraid of flying, but knowing she will be there is very nice.
I'm not super fond of flying. Have flown about 6 times. I would definitely go to Europe to see André, but I would have to take a very good, book or two with me to help me get through it. Flying over that ocean would be major with me.
I guess it's fears that cause us to build up these things where we don't or can't or won't. I watched too many "airport" movies I guess.
I always said (to myself) that if my family, husband, loved ones were with me, then I wouldn't mind if anything happened because then we would all go together. It's leaving those we love behind that makes it difficult.
Ok, enough on that. I just hope that Marjorie doesn't worry about it too much. It's not worth it because most of the time everything is perfect, and our worries are unfounded.
I guess I've written enough here. I haven't had much chance to be online lately, so when I do get the opportunity, then I tend to ramble.
Have a great week everyone, be safe and have a nice week of fireworks!
Jeanine Ann, you can do it. A direct flight from Boston to Amsterdam, for example, is 7 hours. You have dinner, put your head back and suddenly it's morning in Amsterdam. I am okay on shorter flights. Have no problem hopping on a plane to New York for instance. I don't have a very cooperative stomach so sometimes the longer flights bother me (but I did fly to Brazil a couple of years ago). As long as we're moving I'm pretty good. If I had been one of those people stuck in a snowstorm for 12 hours on the tarmack where they wouldn't even open the doors and the bathrooms didn't work, I think I would die. I think that was cruelty at its utmost and some heads should have rolled for making the decision. At least we're going in the summer so won't have to worry about that. I agree with you, I must go to Maastricht. Has Martha said she would go also?
Even without Andre, Maastricht is a beautiful city, but with him...it has to be done. Maybe we'll walk by his house and he'll say "The coffee's on, come in." I am posting this here because I am not quite sure about the email situation. I got one from you saying you were resending an email. But I didn't get anything else. As time goes on I will write you by snail mail if necessary some of my thoughts, etc. If you can read on the plane, that's a big help I think. I haven't checked it out and there's no sense to do it now, but if you feel you can't do the trip in one leg, a good option is Icelandic if they have good connections. You change in Iceland (and you certainly can't get lost in the airport; you'd probaby be one of two flights arriving and departing at that time). I have decided I am going to do it period. After we get the niece's wedding over I will spend some time thinking about it. I could say I can't afford it and need to save my money and keel over the next day. So, stay positive. Get some Dramamine or Bonine and go. Do you know how proud of yourself you will feel afterward? My mother was afraid to fly. She bit the bullet and came to visit me once when lived in NYC and after that, she was off visiting people. She had a great time. I was really nervous getting on the plane to Brazil. It didn't seem that long going down. Coming back seemed longer. But I did it and am very glad I did.
Hi Sally, Bill and all Andre Fans.
Thanks so much for the new birthday page,and thanks also for including my name. So interesting, I had a lovely birthday, was another year to enjoy Andre's music, and stay in touch with lovely friends..... Thanks a billion...
Nettie May Welton,,, from Colorado
Sally, we are getting smoke from your fires up here in the Northwest. We can't even see the hills around the area.
I sure hope they get all the fires under control soon. Such beautiful country, it's a shame that they are burning.
I wondered where our smoke was going. After hanging low for more than a week, it is starting, (only starting) to dissipate.
I hope you & Marilyn, Vernice, Marilyn B and everyone else up there gets very little of the smoke.
Say, Where does smoke go? After we all don't smell or see it…where is it? Is there a layer of smoke way up in the sky? Did the Sea swallow it? Hummm Trees process it? Where they heck does smoke go?
Beings there was so much smoke up here, I thought that I would be able to smell it, but I can't. Doesn't smoke smell?
Does the smell go away by the time it gets up here?
I just don't know where your smoke is going down there. Maybe the trees do process it. They "eat" carbon dioxide you know, then they let out the oxygen so we can breathe. I bet they are getting full.