For Your Christmas Viewing Pleasure...

As much as I love Christmas music, I also love Christmas movies and specials!  There are a few that I just can’t miss every year.  They can be divided into three categories:  movies, short specials, and special TV episodes.  First, I’ll start with the movies.

The Gathering – This is a very non-traditional Christmas movie that was made for TV back in 1977.  It stars Ed Asner as a successful businessman who is estranged from his wife and four grown children…and finds out that he is dying.  He wants to “take care of unfinished business” but doesn’t have enough time.  His wife (wonderfully played by Maureen Stapleton) suggests a Family Reunion Gathering so that the kids will come to him, being none the wiser of his condition…but WILL they come?  One thing I love about this movie is, while the fact that he’s dying is a major plot point, they really don’t go on about it; you never even find out what specifically is wrong with him!  It also is very, very light on the schmaltz; it’s sweet without being sticky.  It’s a little dated (one of the sons is a Vietnam draft dodger) but that doesn’t hurt its charm.

The Nativity Story – This movie is a gorgeously filmed depiction of the story of Mary and Joseph: how they meet and become betrothed, the visiting Angels, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and, of course, their trip to Bethlehem for the census.  Heavily speculated, the characters are all charming and human.  The relationship between Joseph and Mary grows naturally.  Also, the Three Magi are an absolute hoot!

A Christmas Story – “You’ll shoot your eye out!” “Fra-JILL-lay,” “Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra…” “I can’t put my arms down!” Bunny suit.  B-B gun.  Orphan Annie secret decoder ring.  Visit to Santa.  Nostalgia upon nostalgia, without a slow spot in the run.  Nothing but fun.

It’s a Wonderful Life – Who doesn’t know the story of noble, humble George Bailey at the end of his rope and hope?  What can be said about this movie that hasn’t been said endless times in endless articles and blogs?  And yet, I always manage to find SOMETHING new every year.

Next, the specials:

A Charlie Brown Christmas – While not the BEST-drawn cartoon, it has more heart and soul than most modern releases.  Linus’ recitation never fails to give me chills and makes my heart leap…”That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey – This one can be considered a mix of Dumbo and Rudolph: Nestor is a donkey born with abnormally large ears and is unmercifully tormented because of it, but finds his role in life when he is chosen to bear a very special person on their journey.  The words, “Ears, Nestor,” never fail to bring me to tears.

The Little Drummer Boy – From the people who brought you “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and the aforementioned “Nestor,” this is the story of Aaron, the orphan who hates all people and travels with just his drum and three animals, until he is forced to face his anger and hurt by facing the One who heals.

Bill & Opus: A Wish for Wings that Work – From the mind that brought you the comic strips “Bloom County” and “Outland” brings the story of Opus the Penguin and his wish for flight.  It’s hilarious and heart-warming.   Side note: Robin Williams voices – uncredited – a lovelorn kiwi.

A lot of television series had special Holiday episodes, and there are a few that we have either recorded or purchased for repeated viewing.

7^th Heaven – In this 6^th season episode, Simon Camden’s fiancée and a friend are staying with the Camdens as the family celebrates by giving their time to others.  This episode touches upon Santa, the Birth of Christ, AND the legend of St. Nicholas.

Walker, Texas Ranger – A gang steals a bunch of collectible toys that were donated to a church, severely injuring the Pastor in the process.  A former gang member who attends this church seeks revenge.  There is also a young couple expecting their first child; their names are Jose and Maria.  Yeah, subtle, but enjoyable just the same.

Sue Thomas F.B. Eye – The Team is charged with trying to solve a rash of robberies being done by someone in a Santa suit.  Meanwhile, Bobby ends up facing a pretty reporter with a huge chip on her shoulder and an ax to grind, and Sue dreads a visit from her overly-controlling mother (and sweet, understanding father).  Sue singing & signing “Silent Night” is beautiful.

The Monkees – The guys are hired to “babysit” a young boy who is older than his years and extremely cynical.  They try to help him find his Christmas Spirit.  You will never hear the song “Deck the Halls” the same way again!  They also sing a gorgeous a capella piece, “Riu Chiu”.

Gilligan’s Island – This 1^st-season episode is a combination Holiday episode and “flashback”, as Gilligan makes a Christmas wish that they would be rescued while they remember their first day on the island.  It has a cute little “twist” ending.

Merry Christmas, and happy viewing!

Hark! The Angels Sing! Christmas Songs.

Music has always been an important part of my life, but I love Christmas music in particular.  I love it so much that I actually limit myself so that I don’t run the risk of getting sick of it.  I don’t listen to it except for between the day after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.   Admittedly, I’m more of a fan of true CHRISTMAS (as in Birth of Christ) songs than Santa songs.  I also like some versions better than others.  Here are a few of my all-time favorites, in no particular order.

“Hark the Angels/Carol of the Bells” by SheDaisy – While their entire “Brand New Year” album is easily my favorite full-length Christmas recording, and picking just one is a chore (I HAVE to give an “Honorable Mention” to “Jingle Bells”…you’ll never listen to the song the same way again), this medley is sheer perfection.  While not a fan of rap, the rap in the center by guest vocalist Toby McKeehan of dcTalk is incredible in its power.

“It Was a Starry Night” (Traditional) – This is a gorgeous duet, which I had never heard before being picked to sing it with one of my favorite people, my daughter’s Godmother.  I was also very pregnant with our second daughter.  However, I never felt more beautiful and had no trouble hitting the high notes.  It’s a memory I treasure; I only wish someone had recorded it.  I found out later that I actually have a copy of the song (on a “Daily Bread” Christmas CD that I don’t even remember where or when I got it)! 

“A Strange Way To Save the World” by 4Him – This is a sweet and unique song, told from Joseph’s perspective.  When he asks, “Why me?  Why him?  Why Her?  Why here?”  you know he’s not complaining…merely overwhelmed.  The vocals and tune add a poignancy to a man given a great task, and is willing to do it, but is just wondering…

“Mary, Did You Know?” by Kathy Mattea – This song is beloved in its many, many versions.  Just about everyone has recorded it (with mixed results).  Kathy Mattea’s beautiful country alto keeps it simple, but no less effective (although I have to give an “Honorable Mention” to Mark Lowry’s version, with its powerful harmony in the bridge; it gives me chills every time).  Like with SheDaisy, Mattea’s “Good News” album is a must-hear every year.

“They Saw a King” by Teea Goans – If you haven’t heard Teea sing, you’re missing out on so much.  While she’s “old country”, she’s not super-twangy.  Her voice is as clear as a country stream, and her dynamics are perfection.  This is an original song, written by Larry Gatlin, and it’s gorgeous.

“The Christmas Guest” by Johnny Cash – This is more of a spoken-word piece, but I’m a sucker for story-songs, and the story combined with the deep, clear voice of the Man in Black never fails to bring me to tears…particularly the ending.  I actually read this out loud to an audience once, but had to draft my daughter to read the last part because I knew I’d be too busy sobbing.

“Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth” by Bing & Bowie – Who doesn’t know this song, with its combination of beautiful, distinctive vocals and wave of nostalgia?  My love for this song wasn’t lessened by learning the fact that Mr. Bowie actually hates the song “Little Drummer Boy” and so did the “Peace On Earth” bit instead.

“O Holy Night” (Traditional) – I have no fewer than 6 versions, by as diverse artists as Debby Boone to violinist Taylor Davis.  I sang this, a cappella, at a work Christmas party years ago, and it’s been kind of special to me ever since.

“Silent Night” (Traditional) – I have 8 versions of this one, including one by the Jingle Cats!  I won't spoil it by explaining; look them up.  A particular favorite is "Silent Night (Lord of My Life)” by Lady Antebellum.  I absolutely love closing Christmas Eve service with this one, sung by candlelight.

“Thistlehair the Christmas Bear” by Alabama – Once again, my love for story songs brings in this adorable Christmas fable about a teddy bear who wishes to spread the Good News to all the boys and girls.  The “La-La-La” child chorus at the end is simply adorable.

I’m also not above the occasional Novelty Song:  “12 Days of Christmas” by Straight No Chaser; “Snoopy’s Christmas” by the Royal Guardsmen; “Here’s Your Sign Christmas” by Bill Engvall; “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas” by Jeff Foxworthy; “Twist of the Magi” by SheDaisy (I’m telling you; their album is awesome); and the old traditional, “The 12 Pains of Christmas” by Bob Rivers”.

A few other "Honorable Mentions":  "Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill; "Time For Me To Come Home" by Blake Shelton (and his mother!); "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé; "Holy Lamb of God" by the Integrity Worship Singers; and, last but not least, "Shiny Christmas" by...ME!

Oh, Say Can You Sing...

I'm feeling a little grumpy about this.

My older daughter loves watching NASCAR.  She's been a fan since she was a baby.  She will sit and watch every race.  While the race is on, she'll do her nails, work on homework, do crafts, whatever...all the while paying attention to the race.  I don't mind that.

At the beginning of every race, they have an Invocation and the singing of the National Anthem.  When it starts, she will call me into the living room and we'll stand & bow our heads during the Invocation, then put our hands over our hearts for the singing of the National Anthem.  I don't mind that, either.

It's the actual singing of the Anthem that makes me grumpy.

Some of them will sing it straight, or close enough.  Sometimes a person can't help a natural vocal slide on a note.  Some of them are nervous and a little shaky, some of them full of confidence.  Sometimes a cappella, sometimes with full instrumental.  I actually enjoy those.   (I LOVE the strictly instrumental ones!)

Some of them sing it like a combination of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, adding notes all over the place, doing full octave jumps where there usually isn't one (most notably on the "land of the free" line).  I don't like those, but at least they're consistent.

It's the "inbetweeners" that drive me crazy.

They will start the song straight.  Very little embellishments.  Strong, yet subtle.  Then, all of a sudden, they hit the "bombs bursting in air" and they start feeling their oats.  Then their inner Diva comes into play and they're all over the map, vocal-wise.  After this, there are a few guarantees:

• "That our flag was still there" will go up instead of down;
• "Banner yet wave"...the "wave" will do just that...wave all over the place;
• "The land of the free"...do they REALLY have to jump an octave (or two) for "Free"?  What's worse; most of them who do it, really can't, and it comes out screechy.

Those were bad enough.  Lately, however, there is a whole new level added:  repeating "of the brave" in various different styles!  It's fine when you have a wonderful vocal quartet when one singer is holding the "brave" and the other three add an echo "of the brave", but a soloist tacking it on?  It normally comes out pretty bad.

I really wish that more people would see the honor that singing the National Anthem is at an event, and make it more about the Song and the Event...and less about their vocal prowess.

For the record, I HAVE sung the National Anthem at an event.  Solo.  A cappella.  I sang it straight.  I knew it wasn't about me.

The Good, The Bad, And the Educated

For no reason that I can really think of, lately I’ve been thinking of some of the teachers I’ve had in the past.  Although I really didn’t enjoy school, it wasn’t because of the teachers or the classes.  As a matter of fact, I can only really think of a few teachers, whom shall remain nameless, that ever gave me any problems, for instance:

• ·     My middle school science teacher, who was also the administrator for all of the Audio/Visual equipment; he spent more time out of the classroom taking care of OTHER classes’ needs.

• ·     I had a substitute in one of my high school English classes (covering a maternity leave) who didn’t like me and a friend of mine.  Although I was struck down with Mononucleosis and was out of school for a month, she refused to take that into consideration during research papers.  How she thought I was going to do a research paper when I was flat on my back, so sick I could barely THINK, and this was years before home computers were in just about every home.  We didn’t even have a set of encyclopedias.   Even though she said I could do an interview – which I thought I rocked – she still flunked me for the quarter.

• ·     My high school science teacher flat-out refused to pronounce OR spell my last name correctly, even though I corrected him every single time.

• ·     I won’t even get into my high-school chorus instructor.

That said, I really feel the need to give a “shout-out” to some of my favorite teachers, the ones who come to mind when I think of true educators from my childhood…in no particular order.  

• My first-grade teacher, Miss Richards, was a lovely woman, warm and fun.  She noticed that I was a good reader and let me attend a 3rd-grade reading class, taught by the wonderful Mrs. Lukas.  Both of them were encouraging and challenging at the same time.  I ended up in the hospital near the end of the school year, and they both came to see me together, bearing my favorite book from my reading class, “Hubert’s Hair-Raising Adventure”.  I still have it, with their inscription on the inside front cover.

• While I only had her for a month-and-a-half, I DO remember the teacher I had for second grade after we moved.  She welcomed me with open arms, even though I was shy and scared; and every day during snack she would pull out a record player and records.  Every time I hear the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man” I think of her.

• Miss Jean, my elementary school music teacher from grades 3-6 was a beautiful young blonde woman who encouraged me to find my voice.  She convinced me – actually, she DRAFTED me – into the school chorus even though I was only in 3^rd grade and one had to be in 4^th, 5^th or 6^th to join.  I was in the school chorus every single year since, right up to senior year.

• My middle school music teacher, Mr. Hackney, was actually a neighbor!  He lived at the end of my street and would always greet me when I was walking to a friend’s house.  He was an accomplished musician; I’ll never forget being at the beach and seeing him in the big band!

•  Mr. Jonathan Shailor!  *sigh*  Putting aside the fact that I had the most insane crush on him, he was also a wonderful teacher.  His skilled direction allowed me to play the part of Viola in “Twelfth Night” – including a sword scene – even though I was (and am) terrified of swords.  He allowed me to cry on his shoulder the day I found out that a dear friend had committed suicide.  He had the hardest time finding a project for me to go beyond my comfort zone (when it came to performing, there WAS no “beyond”); he settled for writing an absolutely hilarious parody piece for me to deliver as a singing telegram to the vice principal in the main hall during the busiest time of day.  I could go on…

• I’ll cap it off with a man who, while he wasn’t a teacher, I still learned a lot from: my high school principal, Stanley “Stan the Man” Stoncius.  Professionally, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for him.  I worked one period a day in his office, assisting the secretaries or working the in-house switchboard.  Knowing that I was interested in following the field of administration, he would often give me jobs and tasks more fitting an actual secretary than a student-volunteer.  At graduation, he even told me to use him as a WORK reference!

To all of my friends and family who work in the wonderful field of education, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You KNOW that there are kids out there who will think as fondly of you as I do about these wonderful people…some of the people who made me what I am today.

If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On, Give Me Excess of It

I'm ripping off...er, I mean borrowing, my title from my favorite Shakespearian play, "Twelfth Night".  For me, music is the food for my soul.  So much of my life is connected with music.

Like most people, certain landmarks are touched by certain songs, or some songs bring back a memory.  Here are some of my favorites:

• "Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat & Tears.  I remember I was about 4 and one of my siblings telling me to listen VERY carefully during the fade-out of that song, and being thrilled to hear the calliope.
• "Day By Day" and "By My Side" from Godspell.  We bought the soundtrack album for our mother, as the first song was a favorite of hers at the time.  The second one I sang with my oldest sister frequently while she played the guitar.  I totally put my love of singing in harmony with that song.
• "Feeling Stronger Every Day" by Chicago and "Shambala" by Three Dog Night.  Ah, summer of 1973.  The family got to spend an entire week at the beach!  I remember having a "pet" seaweed, and my baby brother slept in a drawer that was pulled out to make a little crib for him.  I also remember the outdoor shower...when I hated showers at the time.
• "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" by Elton John.  His remake of the Beatles song came out when I was in the throes of my Paint-By-Numbers phase...and I can still smell the oil paints when I hear it.
• "Rubberband Man" by the Spinners.  Every New Year's Eve I would have my little transistor radio tuned to the Top 100 Countdown.  For some reason I remember exactly where I was when this song came on the 1976 countdown - I was making myself a little dinner - even though I don't remember what number it was.
• "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac.  My High School graduation song, where I actually had a small and final victory over one teacher who was constantly "butting heads" with me.  Long story.
• "Hold Me", also by Fleetwood Mac.  This was the "Our Song" for me and my husband; he arranged to have it playing when he proposed.
• "We Belong" by Pat Benatar.  While my husband and I were dating, we actually broke up at one point.  The ball was in my court, and I prayed for guidance in making my decision as to whether we should get back together or not...when this came on the radio.
• "Invincible", again, by Pat Benatar; "Room To Move" by Animotion; "Survivor" by Collin Raye.  These songs represent various hard times we had and each gave us strength.
• "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder.  While the song was released in 1976, it automatically brings 2002 to mind.  We hadn't heard the song in YEARS.  However, soon after we found out that our first baby was going to be a girl, we started hearing it everywhere: on the radio, in the stores, even at a restaurant we ate at!
• "That Don't Impress Me Much" by Shania Twain.  I was asked if I wanted music when I was in the hospital while our first daughter was being born.  I didn't know that was an option!  Naturally, I said yes, so they put on the radio.  The moment she was born this was the song that was playing.
• "The Warrior Is a Child" by Twila Paris.  Lesson learned: I brought a CD to have played for our second daughter's birth, and this is the song that was on during her arrival.
• "Muddy Water" by Trace Adkins and "Letter From God" by Teea Goans.  These were the songs that each of our daughters, respectively, chose to have played during their baptisms. 

There are so very more, as I can pretty much connect a song to every memory, feeling or event.