Hello everyone!
Well, the inaugural tour of Celtic Woman's Songs From The Heart wrapped up last night in Salt Lake City. It began in mid-February in Roanoke, Virginia. Weather could have prevented that from happening as snow was frequent and heavy.
I had the great blessing of having been able to go to Ireland to see the show recorded last summer. That too could have been a wash due to weather the first night. Funny but it seems these little rays of sunshine like to bring Irish weather with them. Perhaps a little Celtic Woman could cure drought in your area?! Anyway, back to it. The show I saw in Ireland was brilliant and so many of the avid supporters of this ensemble were very happy at what would now be preserved forever. David Downes is the creative spirit and genius behind each and every show. A one off night in the Helix late in 2004 has turned into a phenomenon. One could say they have never looked back yet they have if for no other reason than to see what an amazing journey it has been. Once more David has sought with this new show to take the audience on an emotional roller coaster. His endeavors have always been to give you something really big at times and intimate at others. He and this marvelous troupe of artists have never failed to do just that. OK, some are critical because it is a "show" with choreography and lights and glitz and such. So? I don't hear those criticisms of Riverdance or Lord Of The Dance. While it is a professionally packaged show it is also very much a personal one and there is no shortage of individual expression. Each night is subtly different from the other and is based upon the audience reactions and support as well as the mood of each artist involved. I have now attended 45 Celtic Woman shows and have never been disappointed in a performance.
So, what does this new show give you? Well, some twists on what you may see on TV or the DVD. You will not see Oh America in the touring show as the show is meant to travel the world. Song would not work elsewhere. You will also not see Pie Jesu even though it is in the program. You will not see Alex performing True Colors. Instead you will be treated to a beautiful song that fits her style and voice perfectly called My Heart Was Home Again. I found it incredibly moving and it is interspersed with the marvelous pipe playing of Tommy Martin. You will not see Slumber My Darling as the slow piece in Máiréad Nesbitt's slow/fast combo. Instead you are treated to one of the most stunning slow airs performed by anyone and that is her rendition of Last Rose Fantasia. That piece is led in by a lovely guitar solo by the amazing Des Moore. You also have new addition Anthony Byrne who is a world renown bagpipe player. He is very well represented in a lovely Irish piece that Chloe Agnew sings called Galway Bay. Then he will make an appearance through the audience later for Amazing Grace which is followed by the vocalists of the group singing it. This piece has been done so many times yet I have never heard a more beautiful rendition. It gets me very emotional to be sure. One other new addition is a coupled song that is Songs From The Heart. It begins with a slow and melancholy song called Walking The Night sung as a duet between Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe. Really beautiful and again very moving. Then Tommy transitions on pipes to an upbeat song called Give Me Your Hand. That song is a duet with Lisa Kelly and Chloe Agnew. The other two girls join in later and it ends on a very high note. All in one song David takes you from intimate and a bit sad to huge and joyful.
These artists are on the road the greatest part of every year. They spend that time on long road trips nearly every night in buses. Living in hotel rooms and away from home and family for months on end. They are supported by a great road crew. The scheduling is not all that well done and never really has been. That adds to fuel costs and travel stress and can shorten after show paid meet & greets as well as the artists' sleep cycles. Yet, when I saw the show in Spokane the other night they were as fresh and full of life as they were at the opener in Roanoke. The only difference is that the show is more polished now and nearly second nature to the folks performing it. One cannot appreciate the grind of such tours unless you experience it yourself. No artist or group in entertainment has toured more in the past five years than Celtic Woman. I doubt the artists are paid in a tour near what some of the sleazy pop divas get in a week. Yet there they are every night. Why? Well, it is what their fantastic drummer Ray Fean once said to some forum folks, "This is just what we do". They would be doing this at home on the street or in pubs for far less. It is simply what they were each born to do, and while they do need to make a living, I have never gotten the impression from any of them that it is about money.
So, what are the highlights of the show? Well, there are really a steady stream of them. But for me each solo or ensemble piece has a special place.
Alex Sharpe has grown on me so much since filling in for the then pregnant Lisa Kelly back in 2008. Her theatrical background is evident in her performances. Her eyes will grab you and the voice hold you. She does a great duet with marvelous percussionist Nick Bailey for the cover You'll Be In My Heart. By the way, it is his great percussion band, Extreme Rhythm, that you see on the DVD pounding away. But for Alex, the new song My Heart Was Home Again is a signature piece.
Chloe Agnew has grown up while with Celtic Woman having started at age 15 and now nearing 21. Her voice has gone from sweet and childlike to full and with great depth and power. She too has transitioned and is effectively the spokesperson for the group. Not only on stage and in interviews but also at the after show meetings Chloe steps in instantly to say what others may have difficulty saying. Chloe's rendition of Galway Bay brings across both pride and protest of the Irish nation. She also does the cover song When You Believe and belts it out better than anyone. In my book she owns the song now. On stage she is ever bubbly and full of life. How can she not charm?
Lisa Kelly has been there from day one and it helps when you are married to the CEO. Regardless of that she would still be there as David has found in her his voice and muse. Her signature piece, The Voice, is not in the show. It has been replaced by one from an American composer called The Moon's a Harsh Mistress. It is a very emotional piece accompanied with piano and with Máiréad on violin. It does not have the soaring long high notes of The Voice but is a worthy addition. She also does the cover Fields Of Gold and I sure like it much better than the individuals who did it before. Lisa is ever expressive and frequently interactive from the stage and a real delight and fan favorite for a great many.
Lynn Hilary comes off as a bit shy and demur. Well, be careful of the quiet ones! She does a pure vocals rendition of the Irish piece My Lagan Love which is sung with choir backing. That choir is shown off more than once in this new show and is excellent. No better showcase for that than the above mentioned piece. Lynn also does a song called Dulaman which is sung entirely in Irish and accompanied by Ray and Nick. It is a fun piece and Lynn's introduction to it shows her to be really very funny. That is another great addition to this show, and that are the verbal introductions that the girls make now and then to a song. They have to know that many of us could listen to them speak forever. I joke about handing them each a phone book to recite!
The ensemble pieces are marvelous. Nil Se'n La is a really fun frolic. Only thing that would make it better is to have them in their ceili dresses and barefoot. Non C'e Piu is a song set to Dworak's World Symphony. It leaves the room breathless until time to applaud and quite often in a standing position. Gorgeous. They continue with tradition as well doing You Raise Me Up. They added the second verse and it really is a group signature. The Call is another song that has every element in play including Máiréad's marvelous violin intro to it. Mo Ghile Mear still wraps up the second act and serves as the basis for the show finale. It is another one of those huge show moments that leaves you wanting more. That finale has been even more jazzed up by the full band jamming during part of it. Even the poker faced but excellent Eoghan O'Neill has fun with this one.
One last mention goes to what many of us see as the focal point of the show. She is the driving force, the one who sets the tone, the one I hear most frequent comments about at intermission and at the end of the show. Oh yes I pay very close attention to what folks are saying. The one I speak about of course is that feisty fairy with a fiddle, Máiréad Nesbitt. Certainly the externals are extremely important here as the costume and physical presence grab immediate attention. No one does what she does the way she does it though. She is an accomplished artist of the first order and this the latest in a series of great things she has been involved with. Yet while with Celtic Woman she also found time to do the music for the Tinker Bell movies and also a brilliant performance in Switzerland this past January where she and brother Karl were showcased. Máiréad makes a signature piece out of everything she does. Whether it is the saucy Coast Of Galicia with its Latin sway, Granuaile's Dance with its never ending energy, her slow fast combo of Last Rose and The Mason's Apron, or accompaniment in ensemble pieces, Máiréad is the heart and soul of the ensemble. It simply could not exist without her or attract the large audiences it does in my opinion. She is constantly interactive with her artist friends on stage and with her audience. Even when in the shadows she is part of the music and interacting in subtle ways. Some of what she does by necessity must be choreographed, yet the major input on that comes from her as she knows how a given piece will effect her movement. And my does she move! She does so at risk of injury and she has sustained them in the past yet has never missed a show from them. A consummate professional and performer, gifted artist, and yet as warm and genuine a person as you'll ever meet.
So, the spring tour ends and yet another one in the states from mid-July to mid-September looms. Then a short tour in Australia comes in late October. They have waited a long time for them in Oz and they will not be disappointed with the show that comes to them. This is a marvelous creation that will entertain, enchant, amuse at times, and take you on a really amazing two hour ride. It is well worth seeing in person and I certainly plan to attend many more of these shows. It never gets old. Until next time have a great summer.
All the best, Scott
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Happy birthday Máiréad
Well, the dust (pixie dust that is) has settled on yet another birthday for the amazing Máiréad Nesbitt. This incredible professional, artist, and delightful woman has enchanted countless thousands in her career and does so with each passing show. In that time she has perhaps passed in the chronological calendar but she is younger now than when she started with Celtic Woman. Her passion, energy, talent, and never ending generosity in spirit simply moves forward and sweeps all before it gathering up hearts like a beautiful bouquet.
Last year her forum gave her the gift of a lovely, emerald green fiddle bow. Green to match her eyes and her isle and as a reminder of the living thing music becomes in her gracious care. She did her forum a huge honor and used it in both the final shows at Red Rocks that wrapped up the spring 2009 tour. This year her forum gave her a video DVD birthday card with the well wishes and creations of several forum members. At the end of it was a birthday wish recorded in December 2009 in Cleveland by former Celtic Woman artist Orlagh Fallon. Just another special moment to share with Máiréad. But the best gift I could think of to give to her from myself and from her forum was to find a way to make her experience on stage the other night memorable. So, I had planned this for a very long time and put it in place from the moment I entered the venue. I began passing out cards created by a forum member with her website and forum site on them and letting everyone know they were here on a very special night. I did not know if anyone would cooperate and if I would be standing there alone at the appropriate moment. Had that been the case I would have done the performance alone but that was not the case. At the right time late in the second act it began and one by one a large section of the audience of 2500 or so joined me in singing happy birthday to her then most of the place gave her an ovation. It was something I had always wanted to give her. It was personal yet very public and I am grateful to the folks in St. Petersburg for joining me. The looks on her face and that of the others on stage were moments I so wish had been captured in pictures. In the aftermath of that she referred to the event in a Twitter post which was very sweet. Prior to that she had put up a very kind blog that had so many lovely parts to it and was so very kind and supportive. It has been such an amazing time for her and it was my goal to give her the most special of moments out of genuine love and respect. She is like no other and is deserving of all the accolades, awards, and support we can give her.
She is most kind in her generous spirit of giving and I encourage all who read this to support her charity of choice, Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped as well as another one in her friend Darragh who will be working in the rebuilding of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Please treat yourself to a Celtic Woman performance by this consummate performer and splendid artist who is the very best at what she does and unique in the way she does it.
To you, Máiréad, may you know a great many more birthdays. May they all be special ones surrounded by those who love and cherish you. May the years be healthy, safe, productive, and kind as they progress. May your mind, body, and spirit be forever young. May the gift that lives in you continue to inspire and uplift and those blessings return to you tenfold. Happy birthday, Máiréad.
Le gra, Scott
Last year her forum gave her the gift of a lovely, emerald green fiddle bow. Green to match her eyes and her isle and as a reminder of the living thing music becomes in her gracious care. She did her forum a huge honor and used it in both the final shows at Red Rocks that wrapped up the spring 2009 tour. This year her forum gave her a video DVD birthday card with the well wishes and creations of several forum members. At the end of it was a birthday wish recorded in December 2009 in Cleveland by former Celtic Woman artist Orlagh Fallon. Just another special moment to share with Máiréad. But the best gift I could think of to give to her from myself and from her forum was to find a way to make her experience on stage the other night memorable. So, I had planned this for a very long time and put it in place from the moment I entered the venue. I began passing out cards created by a forum member with her website and forum site on them and letting everyone know they were here on a very special night. I did not know if anyone would cooperate and if I would be standing there alone at the appropriate moment. Had that been the case I would have done the performance alone but that was not the case. At the right time late in the second act it began and one by one a large section of the audience of 2500 or so joined me in singing happy birthday to her then most of the place gave her an ovation. It was something I had always wanted to give her. It was personal yet very public and I am grateful to the folks in St. Petersburg for joining me. The looks on her face and that of the others on stage were moments I so wish had been captured in pictures. In the aftermath of that she referred to the event in a Twitter post which was very sweet. Prior to that she had put up a very kind blog that had so many lovely parts to it and was so very kind and supportive. It has been such an amazing time for her and it was my goal to give her the most special of moments out of genuine love and respect. She is like no other and is deserving of all the accolades, awards, and support we can give her.
She is most kind in her generous spirit of giving and I encourage all who read this to support her charity of choice, Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped as well as another one in her friend Darragh who will be working in the rebuilding of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Please treat yourself to a Celtic Woman performance by this consummate performer and splendid artist who is the very best at what she does and unique in the way she does it.
To you, Máiréad, may you know a great many more birthdays. May they all be special ones surrounded by those who love and cherish you. May the years be healthy, safe, productive, and kind as they progress. May your mind, body, and spirit be forever young. May the gift that lives in you continue to inspire and uplift and those blessings return to you tenfold. Happy birthday, Máiréad.
Le gra, Scott
Monday, March 22, 2010
My nation died last night
It is with profound sorrow that I mourn the death of a nation. A nation that was conceived in we the people. A nation that once held truth to be self evident. a nation that could look at itself rightfully as different and a shining city on a hill. We were the envy of the world, proud, free, and strong. we held firm to our values and beliefs and they made us stronger.
Last night at the hands of a ruling elite who think they no better than the rest of us, the dreams of our founding fathers were dashed. All of them are millionaires yet they talk like they are one of the regular people. Don't get me wrong, I am not into class warfare. But when the wealthy elite talk against the wealthy elite in an effort to fool us into thinking they stand with the common people when they do not, I am not impressed. Those we sent to DC have become arrogant and look down at the people as incapable of running their own lives. Perhaps in some ways they are right because it is they who created the deplorable "education" system that has created a mass ignorance of both history and our founding documents. They have dumbed down sufficient Americans now that they can convince them of nearly anything. So many have become what one talk show host has called, sheeple. Baaaaahhhhhh. Well, last night we were all fleeced.
Many I know bought into the lie that government can do health care better. Show me the evidence? Name for me the last program that government put into place that ran well and was successful. Government is a mass of red tape where nothing gets done except at an enormous cost. They told us that this would take the money out of the health care system and make it affordable. Really? What just happened is the same thing as mandating you have liability insurance on your car. Did the cost of that insurance come down? No, it went up as people have no choice if they want to drive. Is the money now going to be out of health care? Well 1/3 of doctors say they will quit under this new plan. Not exactly the money we thought would be taken out of it. Take a look at stocks of both insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies in the aftermath of this vote. They backed this whole thing. Now if the money was going to be taken out of it don't you think they would have been against the bill? No, because now they are assured of millions more paying who previously did not.
There is precedent for what happened late last night. what other unpopular things have passed the halls of Congress in the dead of night? The Federal Reserve Act which put all money in the hands of bankers. The Income tax and its payroll deduction aspects did so as well while America slept. Fully 1/6 of the nation's economy will now be added to government control. Private section jobs continue to decline in this country. The only growth sector is government and health related industries. The latter will now be effectively part of government now too.
So what gave the elite leftists in DC the idea they could do this with impunity? A couple examples. When the banks were failing at the end of the previous administration congress had the bright idea of bailing them out and taking nominal control. Polls showed over 90% of the American public against it. They did it anyway. when the auto manufacturers of this country were about to go under congress again stepped in to bail them out. The people did not want it. Same for the airlines after 9/11. So what message have they been sending us? We are going to do what we want whether you like it or not. Are there consequences to that? Well, there should be but while many were sleeping they have been busy Gerrymandering districts to make them safe for themselves. Then they give themselves a pay raise every year. Can you do that? Will any if them have to live by the system they just created? Nope. Just us rabble out here.
Can they pay for this? No. The revenue stream has shrunk due to the loss of jobs and the many who are under employed. Many others have simply fallen off the radar screen as they could not survive if they had to pay all the taxes. So what are they doing in DC to pay for all this spending? Printing more money. It will become increasingly worthless as they print more. Our debt to other nations climbs and soon the dollar may no longer be the currency of international trade which will further devalue it. Hyper inflation kicks in and soon you can't pay for anything.
Do the people running the show in DC see all this? Yes, but they aren't going to tell you that. Would a group of people actually set about to destroy their own nation on purpose? Yes. Want to know how? Read The Communist Manifesto and see just how accurate this past few decades has been in following that path.
Ladies and gentlemen your new "health care" system is not about health. It is about power and control. Is the current system perfect? Not in the least. Frankly, it is not in the best interest of the medical industry, and that is what it is, to cure anything. The money is made in treating you, not curing you. In a similar way is it in the government's best interest to educate all of us? Not in their minds it isn't. If you are truly educated you can think for yourself and be independent. Our government does not want people who think for themselves. They want people you believe what they are told by their propagandists in the traditional media. Do they want you independent? No, they want dependents who will do what they are told. So are there still good doctors and teachers who aren't part of all of that? Sure, there are lots of well meaning folks. But the longer they remain in the system and the more indoctrinated they are in government schools, the fewer there are of them.
I have watched this socialized medicine thing in action, if you want to call it that. Trust me, while your out of pocket expense will be low, your insurance will be higher as will your taxes. In addition, your quality and promptness of care will diminish. You will be placed by a bureaucrat, not an doctor on a waiting list for testing and then again for treatment. Only government prescribed treatment. It may be as you get older and therefor less productive as a taxpayer that you will be lower on the list for testing and treatment. I witnessed that first hand in Australia. Oh well, he died, it wasn't his turn yet for the heart surgery he needed. Think I'm wrong? Wait and see. After all these elitists believe in population control anyway. That at both ends of life for the yet to be born and the elderly. They are merchants of death and the people put them there.
So, a very long novel here as I mourn the death of the U.S.A. as I knew it. For us now we have a choice to let it stand or take our country and constitution back at the ballot box. What will you do? Will you stand up for your freedom or just let it go. When they raid your bank account to force you to pay for something you don't want will that be enough? Sadly, by the time that happens it will be too late. We were given a great gift by our founders in the constitution and declaration of independence. We are told today those are archaic and "living" documents open to reinterpretation. When words no longer mean what they did when written then the rule of law itself is dead. We have very little time to take our nation back. Get out and vote and throw out every incumbent who refuses to maintain their oath to protect, uphold, and defend the constitution. That will be nearly all of them.
We must do this peacefully and at the ballot box or face far worse as the nation continues to sink into the abyss. Please pray for our nation and her people, and please stand up and be counted and do something about it. God bless you each and God bless the United States.
Peace, Scott/moscapoet
Last night at the hands of a ruling elite who think they no better than the rest of us, the dreams of our founding fathers were dashed. All of them are millionaires yet they talk like they are one of the regular people. Don't get me wrong, I am not into class warfare. But when the wealthy elite talk against the wealthy elite in an effort to fool us into thinking they stand with the common people when they do not, I am not impressed. Those we sent to DC have become arrogant and look down at the people as incapable of running their own lives. Perhaps in some ways they are right because it is they who created the deplorable "education" system that has created a mass ignorance of both history and our founding documents. They have dumbed down sufficient Americans now that they can convince them of nearly anything. So many have become what one talk show host has called, sheeple. Baaaaahhhhhh. Well, last night we were all fleeced.
Many I know bought into the lie that government can do health care better. Show me the evidence? Name for me the last program that government put into place that ran well and was successful. Government is a mass of red tape where nothing gets done except at an enormous cost. They told us that this would take the money out of the health care system and make it affordable. Really? What just happened is the same thing as mandating you have liability insurance on your car. Did the cost of that insurance come down? No, it went up as people have no choice if they want to drive. Is the money now going to be out of health care? Well 1/3 of doctors say they will quit under this new plan. Not exactly the money we thought would be taken out of it. Take a look at stocks of both insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies in the aftermath of this vote. They backed this whole thing. Now if the money was going to be taken out of it don't you think they would have been against the bill? No, because now they are assured of millions more paying who previously did not.
There is precedent for what happened late last night. what other unpopular things have passed the halls of Congress in the dead of night? The Federal Reserve Act which put all money in the hands of bankers. The Income tax and its payroll deduction aspects did so as well while America slept. Fully 1/6 of the nation's economy will now be added to government control. Private section jobs continue to decline in this country. The only growth sector is government and health related industries. The latter will now be effectively part of government now too.
So what gave the elite leftists in DC the idea they could do this with impunity? A couple examples. When the banks were failing at the end of the previous administration congress had the bright idea of bailing them out and taking nominal control. Polls showed over 90% of the American public against it. They did it anyway. when the auto manufacturers of this country were about to go under congress again stepped in to bail them out. The people did not want it. Same for the airlines after 9/11. So what message have they been sending us? We are going to do what we want whether you like it or not. Are there consequences to that? Well, there should be but while many were sleeping they have been busy Gerrymandering districts to make them safe for themselves. Then they give themselves a pay raise every year. Can you do that? Will any if them have to live by the system they just created? Nope. Just us rabble out here.
Can they pay for this? No. The revenue stream has shrunk due to the loss of jobs and the many who are under employed. Many others have simply fallen off the radar screen as they could not survive if they had to pay all the taxes. So what are they doing in DC to pay for all this spending? Printing more money. It will become increasingly worthless as they print more. Our debt to other nations climbs and soon the dollar may no longer be the currency of international trade which will further devalue it. Hyper inflation kicks in and soon you can't pay for anything.
Do the people running the show in DC see all this? Yes, but they aren't going to tell you that. Would a group of people actually set about to destroy their own nation on purpose? Yes. Want to know how? Read The Communist Manifesto and see just how accurate this past few decades has been in following that path.
Ladies and gentlemen your new "health care" system is not about health. It is about power and control. Is the current system perfect? Not in the least. Frankly, it is not in the best interest of the medical industry, and that is what it is, to cure anything. The money is made in treating you, not curing you. In a similar way is it in the government's best interest to educate all of us? Not in their minds it isn't. If you are truly educated you can think for yourself and be independent. Our government does not want people who think for themselves. They want people you believe what they are told by their propagandists in the traditional media. Do they want you independent? No, they want dependents who will do what they are told. So are there still good doctors and teachers who aren't part of all of that? Sure, there are lots of well meaning folks. But the longer they remain in the system and the more indoctrinated they are in government schools, the fewer there are of them.
I have watched this socialized medicine thing in action, if you want to call it that. Trust me, while your out of pocket expense will be low, your insurance will be higher as will your taxes. In addition, your quality and promptness of care will diminish. You will be placed by a bureaucrat, not an doctor on a waiting list for testing and then again for treatment. Only government prescribed treatment. It may be as you get older and therefor less productive as a taxpayer that you will be lower on the list for testing and treatment. I witnessed that first hand in Australia. Oh well, he died, it wasn't his turn yet for the heart surgery he needed. Think I'm wrong? Wait and see. After all these elitists believe in population control anyway. That at both ends of life for the yet to be born and the elderly. They are merchants of death and the people put them there.
So, a very long novel here as I mourn the death of the U.S.A. as I knew it. For us now we have a choice to let it stand or take our country and constitution back at the ballot box. What will you do? Will you stand up for your freedom or just let it go. When they raid your bank account to force you to pay for something you don't want will that be enough? Sadly, by the time that happens it will be too late. We were given a great gift by our founders in the constitution and declaration of independence. We are told today those are archaic and "living" documents open to reinterpretation. When words no longer mean what they did when written then the rule of law itself is dead. We have very little time to take our nation back. Get out and vote and throw out every incumbent who refuses to maintain their oath to protect, uphold, and defend the constitution. That will be nearly all of them.
We must do this peacefully and at the ballot box or face far worse as the nation continues to sink into the abyss. Please pray for our nation and her people, and please stand up and be counted and do something about it. God bless you each and God bless the United States.
Peace, Scott/moscapoet
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Let the wolves eat the sheep
OK, been awhile. Lots to say but best not to say it. Lots to think but been told it is wrong to think it. Evil flourishes when the good do nothing. We are told we are our brother's keeper so it is that some defend the innocent victims of those who attempt to cause harm to them. Yet we are told to look the other way. In so doing others down the road will be victimized.
When the first victim of a rapist refuses to press charges how many more will be victims of the man's violence? When millions of unborn are slaughtered every year should we just meekly sit by and say nothing about it? When radicals threaten innocent children in a far away land should we just look the other way and let it happen without saying a word?
What are the lessons learned in silence? How many Jews went to their death in Nazi Germany when good people looked the other way and said nothing? How many were saved by people willing to stand up and risk death or persecution by harboring the innocent? Does a shepherd watch the wolf eat the sheep or does he poke at the wolf with his staff and defend his flock?
There is no Gospel without the law. In fact there is no need for Gospel without the law. By like token if we strictly look at the law and ignore the Gospel then we are in a hopeless state. One without the other does not work. People, including myself, need to know the state they are in. They need to know the consequences of staying in that state. Then they need to be forgiven and embraced and loved. I know the state I am in. I know the consequences of remaining in that state. I choose by the Grace of God to not remain there.
So, an earlier blog has been removed along with the comments that went with it. It is a message of forgiveness that I do so. We shall see if the hate ends or if it simply sends a signal for the wolves to go after the sheep. My staff is ready.
May His peace always be yours, Moscapoet
When the first victim of a rapist refuses to press charges how many more will be victims of the man's violence? When millions of unborn are slaughtered every year should we just meekly sit by and say nothing about it? When radicals threaten innocent children in a far away land should we just look the other way and let it happen without saying a word?
What are the lessons learned in silence? How many Jews went to their death in Nazi Germany when good people looked the other way and said nothing? How many were saved by people willing to stand up and risk death or persecution by harboring the innocent? Does a shepherd watch the wolf eat the sheep or does he poke at the wolf with his staff and defend his flock?
There is no Gospel without the law. In fact there is no need for Gospel without the law. By like token if we strictly look at the law and ignore the Gospel then we are in a hopeless state. One without the other does not work. People, including myself, need to know the state they are in. They need to know the consequences of staying in that state. Then they need to be forgiven and embraced and loved. I know the state I am in. I know the consequences of remaining in that state. I choose by the Grace of God to not remain there.
So, an earlier blog has been removed along with the comments that went with it. It is a message of forgiveness that I do so. We shall see if the hate ends or if it simply sends a signal for the wolves to go after the sheep. My staff is ready.
May His peace always be yours, Moscapoet
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Twas a sweet night in Wilkes-Barre
A new twist on a timeless classic. Just thinking about the year that has been. Enjoy.
Twas a sweet night in Wilkes-Barre, and in this fine place
there was wonderful music full of beauty and grace.
The venue was buzzing that most special night
as one night from Heaven became a forum's delight.
Down go the lights and hush goes the crowd
as a form appears in a brightly lit cloud.
The haunting tune drifted and weaved 'mongst the seats,
and all sat there spellbound in her musical treats.
Then came four more angels to light up the room,
and no one who was there could feel a second's more gloom.
Sing Chloe and Lisa. Sing Alex and Lynn.
Play on pixie fiddler. Oh what a beautiful din.
Ray and Nick pounded the beat and became one with their drums.
If any of us tried that we'd sure be all thumbs.
Des and Eoghan plucked strings like in ages gone by,
and Tommy played pipes with such beauty you'd cry.
Out comes a choir with the rest of the throng,
and soon the whole venue was full up with song.
With smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes
the place glowed like sunlight as spirits did rise.
Then came those sweet moments when Chloe saw Kim,
and all felt the rapture like a beautiful hymn.
Chloe winked and waved and blew Kim a kiss.
That's one precious girl who would know Heaven's bliss.
So who are the angels that ran off with our hearts?
Well they're five Irish lasses from far away parts.
But this night they're ours in one gracious gift
as their souls and ours would dip, merge, and drift.
Yes Chloe we know that when you believe
not a thing you can't have what e'er you conceive.
You proved it that night with the smile on Kim's face,
and proved it all the more in your voice touched with lace.
Lisa came singing through fields of gold
as we went one by one into her heart's gentle hold.
In the blessings I'm touched as the voice takes me higher,
while she sings through the night in this heavenly choir.
Then what do my still bouncing eyes dare to see
but a fawnlike Lynn floating by singing to me.
One seaweed seller would win your fair hand
while dear Carolina gives us reason to stand.
Then a flash of blue comes drifting by.
Could it be lady Alex has captured my eye?
Yes it must be. That's her crystalline voice.
I'm swept up and cradled, and haven't a choice.
Spinning and twirling, and leaping about
comes a high flying fiddler with a hoot and a shout.
She kept us all breathless in airs sweet and low,
then flung us 'round madly in her rapid notes flow.
Now we are gathered to await who we'll meet.
The right two tonight would make this dream complete.
Here then comes Chloe with Mairead by her side.
Oh now what a thrill, what a beautiful ride.
Oh moscapoet, oh Dwight, oh Dave and fur face.
Oh John and Ralph, and Scott T's hearts will race.
Oh MrPeabody, Jim and Don, Tony too.
Oh Walter and Wickie can you believe this is true?
Smiles are abundant and tears flow in streams
as so many tonight have the night of their dreams.
So now we part with mem'ries not few
to gather next year for MaireadFest two.
c 2009 Scott Manke aka moscapoet
Twas a sweet night in Wilkes-Barre, and in this fine place
there was wonderful music full of beauty and grace.
The venue was buzzing that most special night
as one night from Heaven became a forum's delight.
Down go the lights and hush goes the crowd
as a form appears in a brightly lit cloud.
The haunting tune drifted and weaved 'mongst the seats,
and all sat there spellbound in her musical treats.
Then came four more angels to light up the room,
and no one who was there could feel a second's more gloom.
Sing Chloe and Lisa. Sing Alex and Lynn.
Play on pixie fiddler. Oh what a beautiful din.
Ray and Nick pounded the beat and became one with their drums.
If any of us tried that we'd sure be all thumbs.
Des and Eoghan plucked strings like in ages gone by,
and Tommy played pipes with such beauty you'd cry.
Out comes a choir with the rest of the throng,
and soon the whole venue was full up with song.
With smiles on our faces and tears in our eyes
the place glowed like sunlight as spirits did rise.
Then came those sweet moments when Chloe saw Kim,
and all felt the rapture like a beautiful hymn.
Chloe winked and waved and blew Kim a kiss.
That's one precious girl who would know Heaven's bliss.
So who are the angels that ran off with our hearts?
Well they're five Irish lasses from far away parts.
But this night they're ours in one gracious gift
as their souls and ours would dip, merge, and drift.
Yes Chloe we know that when you believe
not a thing you can't have what e'er you conceive.
You proved it that night with the smile on Kim's face,
and proved it all the more in your voice touched with lace.
Lisa came singing through fields of gold
as we went one by one into her heart's gentle hold.
In the blessings I'm touched as the voice takes me higher,
while she sings through the night in this heavenly choir.
Then what do my still bouncing eyes dare to see
but a fawnlike Lynn floating by singing to me.
One seaweed seller would win your fair hand
while dear Carolina gives us reason to stand.
Then a flash of blue comes drifting by.
Could it be lady Alex has captured my eye?
Yes it must be. That's her crystalline voice.
I'm swept up and cradled, and haven't a choice.
Spinning and twirling, and leaping about
comes a high flying fiddler with a hoot and a shout.
She kept us all breathless in airs sweet and low,
then flung us 'round madly in her rapid notes flow.
Now we are gathered to await who we'll meet.
The right two tonight would make this dream complete.
Here then comes Chloe with Mairead by her side.
Oh now what a thrill, what a beautiful ride.
Oh moscapoet, oh Dwight, oh Dave and fur face.
Oh John and Ralph, and Scott T's hearts will race.
Oh MrPeabody, Jim and Don, Tony too.
Oh Walter and Wickie can you believe this is true?
Smiles are abundant and tears flow in streams
as so many tonight have the night of their dreams.
So now we part with mem'ries not few
to gather next year for MaireadFest two.
c 2009 Scott Manke aka moscapoet
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Christmas poem
Hello everyone!
I hope you are having a most joyous Hanukkah or advent season and will have a very special Christmas. Here is a poem I wrote back in 2008. No matter what your current state perhaps you'll look at this poem and know there are those who have it worse. If you have love, you have it all. God loves you.
SANTA LEFT ME LOVE
1) My daddy has gone far away,
and my mommy cries every night.
The bullies pick on me at school
'cause my old clothes just don't look right.
Our house is cold and dark sometimes,
and I'm hungry most ev'ry day.
But I'm happy 'cause it's Christmas.
Maybe Daddy's on Santa's sleigh.
2) The people at church brought a tree,
and a nice man brought us some food.
I decorated with popcorn.
Now my mommy's in a good mood.
Some people were singing carols,
and the snow was falling all night.
So this Christmas isn't so bad.
Baby Jesus made it alright.
R) No toys were left in my stocking.
No candy or fruit from the store.
But Santa left me love last night,
and that's really a whole lot more.
c 2008 Scott Manke aka moscapoet
I hope you are having a most joyous Hanukkah or advent season and will have a very special Christmas. Here is a poem I wrote back in 2008. No matter what your current state perhaps you'll look at this poem and know there are those who have it worse. If you have love, you have it all. God loves you.
SANTA LEFT ME LOVE
1) My daddy has gone far away,
and my mommy cries every night.
The bullies pick on me at school
'cause my old clothes just don't look right.
Our house is cold and dark sometimes,
and I'm hungry most ev'ry day.
But I'm happy 'cause it's Christmas.
Maybe Daddy's on Santa's sleigh.
2) The people at church brought a tree,
and a nice man brought us some food.
I decorated with popcorn.
Now my mommy's in a good mood.
Some people were singing carols,
and the snow was falling all night.
So this Christmas isn't so bad.
Baby Jesus made it alright.
R) No toys were left in my stocking.
No candy or fruit from the store.
But Santa left me love last night,
and that's really a whole lot more.
c 2008 Scott Manke aka moscapoet
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Support Mairead in the IMA awards
Hello!
Well, just a brief one here this time. I'll have a year in retrospect in a few weeks.
For now, please visit the following site: http://irishmusicawards.com/ and join the forum there. Once you do that you may vote in the IMA awards. Up for those awards for best fiddler is Mairead Nesbitt and rightfully so. While much of her recent work is not in the traditional vein, some is, and we all know she can do trad with the best of them. Please tell your family, friends and co-workers to check out Mairead, join the IMA forum and vote for her. I would love to be there in January and see her handed this award.
In addition to Mairead, Orlagh Fallon is up for several awards including best harpist. She has a wonderful repertoire of traditional pieces both on harp and vocals that place her at or near the top of this genre in my book. I was just in Cleveland for her solo show and it was a wonderful mix of Irish and English, vocals and harp. She was incredibly kind with her time and comments after the show as well. The artists we love so much deserve your support while with Celtic Woman and beyond.
Lisa Kelly and Celtic Woman are also in the slate of nominees so please vote for them as well. These folks have more than earned any awards they can receive, and if we can help them win those we should do so. Please also respond when these artists post a blog. I know Lisa, Chloe, and Mairead all have those and post when time allows.
Finally, just a brief thank you to all the forum folks who have been so kind in their support of the Mairead forum as well as myself and Olivia. My thanks as well to Mairead for her kind and continued support of her forum. That kindness translated into a $2000 check to Oxfam in her name from quite a few members of her forum. May you each have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Dia dhuit, Scott
Well, just a brief one here this time. I'll have a year in retrospect in a few weeks.
For now, please visit the following site: http://irishmusicawards.com/ and join the forum there. Once you do that you may vote in the IMA awards. Up for those awards for best fiddler is Mairead Nesbitt and rightfully so. While much of her recent work is not in the traditional vein, some is, and we all know she can do trad with the best of them. Please tell your family, friends and co-workers to check out Mairead, join the IMA forum and vote for her. I would love to be there in January and see her handed this award.
In addition to Mairead, Orlagh Fallon is up for several awards including best harpist. She has a wonderful repertoire of traditional pieces both on harp and vocals that place her at or near the top of this genre in my book. I was just in Cleveland for her solo show and it was a wonderful mix of Irish and English, vocals and harp. She was incredibly kind with her time and comments after the show as well. The artists we love so much deserve your support while with Celtic Woman and beyond.
Lisa Kelly and Celtic Woman are also in the slate of nominees so please vote for them as well. These folks have more than earned any awards they can receive, and if we can help them win those we should do so. Please also respond when these artists post a blog. I know Lisa, Chloe, and Mairead all have those and post when time allows.
Finally, just a brief thank you to all the forum folks who have been so kind in their support of the Mairead forum as well as myself and Olivia. My thanks as well to Mairead for her kind and continued support of her forum. That kindness translated into a $2000 check to Oxfam in her name from quite a few members of her forum. May you each have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year.
Dia dhuit, Scott
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