Victor Borge with Auntie Mary.

We went up to see Auntie Mary a few weekends ago. The boys generally like to go up there. She is always ready for us. There's popcorn made and drinks chilled. Kade and I went down to the pool for a bit while Kai and Auntie Mary talked. When we got back from the pool, she mentioned she had saved a few things for us to watch with her. Up comes Victor Borge. One of my all time favorites. The boys say they don't want to watch, at first. Then slowly they both come into the room and enjoy this show with us. Here is one of their favorite parts...and one that I would have to listen to it over and over to actually follow the whole story.



I love that they heard great music artistically interpreted.

I remember

the very first time we did this. My brother sang, I think Beth did, too. Definitely McKee. What a great time and wonderful music we made a long time ago.

We are home...

but first: I came home and Jeff sent me to you tube.

OK.

Whatever.

Then I listened.

Listen from 1:36 to 4:25. I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.

Now Susan Boyle has changed my life. I have listened to this too many times to count. It inspires me to follow my dream. Talent like this that touches your soul. Silent to most of us for the 36 years she's been singing...

Go listen. Then come back. I may have stopped listening to her long enough to write about our awesome trip.

Dream you dreams.

Thanks, Susan, for sharing your incredible talent.

Listen HERE.

I found a place that let me embed it, so here it is. Once again, start from minute 1:36. And turn off the music on the side bar...

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

Kade's new favorite music video

Just had to share. He very much likes this one!



In fact, he just came over to see : "Who was playing my video." He especially likes the rockin' part close to the end.

Christmas, 2008

Blogging about the Holiday is just going to have to be mostly via these. Enjoy!

Remember to pause the music on the side bar...as these have sound.

First we have the one of the family and our home. The music is from "Christmas Day in the Morning" sung by the Cambridge Singers and directed by John Rutter. This is Jeff's favorite Carol.


Christmas 2008 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

This video was from the camera:


The boys cruisin' on the flying turtles from Beachbum on Vimeo.


This one has the music of the Rippingtons. The song is called Garden of Babylon.


Kade and his zero gravity car from Beachbum on Vimeo.

We also had a *great* time with the family. Rob and Paula had us all over to their home. We enjoyed playing the wii : Rock Band and Naruto. We saw all Robs kids, the Zs were there, Auntie Mary, Paula's Mom and Charlie's Mom. A full house! We caught up on the talking and visiting. Charlie and Rob played their music for a bit. Charlie was also kind enough to play a bit of tin whistle with me. Kade was enamored with the puppy...no shock there! We had a fabulous meal and enjoyed ourselves muchly.

That's the news so far...Merry, merry!

Straight No Chaser 12 Days

I just wanted to share this, because it is cool!



12 Days of Christmas started yesterday...merry, merry!

My Brother's Christmas gift...

Wanted to share with you. Here are his own hands...
Remember to pause the music on the side bar.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Go appreciate your loved ones...




PS: You can get his CD from him directly, if you wish. Just comment on the blog and I'll get the information to you. Not too late for spreading the Holiday cheer.

My Bro has a CD...that is perfect for this time of year.

Andrew J. Shelden
On Christmas Night
© 2002 Andrew J. Shelden (783707634722)

CD price: $9.99
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.


An eclectic blending of traditional holiday tunes with jazz/new age improvisational stylings. Alternating between moments of playful whimsy and ethereal beauty, between somber majesty to exuberant joytracks


1 God Rest You Merry, Gents
2 Light Snow
3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Away in a Manger
4 O Come, O Come Immanuel
5 On Christmas Night
6 The First Noel
7 What Child Is This?
8 Jingle Bells
9 Here We Come A-Wassailing
10 Deck the Hall
11 Of The Father's Love Begotten
12 We Three Kingstry this

Andrew J. Shelden is a classically trained, jazz-influenced pianist, organist and composer. He also plays double bass, percussion, tin whistles and bagpipes. He began serving as organist for local churches at the age of twelve. Andrew studied music at the College of the Siskiyous and at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music before completing his Bachelor of the Arts at Southern Oregon University. Andrew has been guest organist in churches from Ventura to Seattle and as far east as Denver and has played by invitation at the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, CA and has toured northern Europe, performing in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia as well as Scotland and Ireland. He has been composing music since before he could play. His compositions range from jazz and new age arrangements of Christmas carols and other piano solos to full orchestral pieces in Classical, Romantic and Baroque mode, as well as his own blend of Neo-Classical, Jazz and 20th Century styles. Andrew's work includes organ concert pieces, a Christmas cantata, a piano concerto and a Concerto for Irish Pennywhistle and Chamber Orchestra, in addition to dozens of pieces for solo piano and Celtic-flavored pieces and a musical comedy-adventure about pirates. Andrew serves as Director of Music Ministries and Organist at First United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia and has served as Staff Accompanist at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, CA, where he taught and created courses in Music.

To read why Andrew Shelden is "George Winston on steroids," check out a review of this CD on ChristmasReviews.com.

What the papers have said about Andrew and his performances:

"emotionally charged....incredible depth and breadth of tone and color... ...subtleties and power.......substantial classical chops and...a heaping helping of jazz and improvisational skills. The result is a blending of classical and jazz elements for interesting arrangements, complete with a wink and a smile...."
Siskiyou Daily News

"...haunting...sentimental....fiery...original...fun....delightful selections....a real crowd pleaser...."
Pioneer Press

".... accomplished...."
Medford Mail Tribune

"..free and open....Shelden's arrangements evoke a diverse range of tone, texture and emotion. ...rollicking...haunting...a delight to the ear."
Mt. Shasta Herald


YOU TOO can hear samples of this CD here...

Odetta...another voice I shall miss

First, put the music on the side bar on pause. Then come back and listen...



I'm sure you'd recognize her as the one who recorded "This Little Light of Mine".

Thank you, Odetta, for letting your light shine for us.