The Wi"Z"ard of O"Z" for Isaiah

Oz, as you all know is where the tornado blew Dorothy to in the classic movie Wizard of Oz. Dorothy encounters trials and tribulations and meets friends along the way to assist her (and themselves) along the path, The Yellow Brick Road. The moral of the story as they find the Wizard is that the things you seek are inside you all along. You just need to believe in yourself.

Easier said than done sometimes.

This last 2 years, we've been honored to meet a young lady and her son who has a terminal illness. It's called Vanishing White Matter Disease. You can learn more about this disease on the website, http://ulf.org/vanishing-white-matter-disease . Their yellow brick road has been bumpy to put it mildly.

For my final A to Z Challenge post for 2015, I am dedicating this one to Isaiah and his mom, Bethany. Their journey has been extremely difficult as Isaiah is only 4 years old and is a daily inspiration to us with his constant smiles.

I believe in the power of prayer and my request to my fellow bloggers, family and friends, from all over the world is to please say one for them. Pray for peace, strength, healing and a cure for future generations. May Isaiah's story teach us all the importance of love and holding fast to the small moments in life.

Thank you and thanks for reading my blog this 2015 Challenge.

More Isaiah below:
http://fox4kc.com/?s=kcmo+fire+grants+make+a+wish

Update on Isaiah 6/28/16

https://www.facebook.com/FightliketheChamp/posts/821670967934436
Please continue to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Silly Bill

My dad was Bill. Not silly by any means, but always welcomed wherever he went. Talk about big shoes to fill.
Simply put, I. Was. Shy.
And things kept me from growing out of that stage as time progressed.

One of the biggest was my constant knee injuries. Everyone had a cure for me other than actual surgery. The suggestion I got from all experts was doing those "fabulous" leg lift exercises. We used items from canned vegies to sand bag weights. Ug. Still hate them and still suggested by my doctors when the legs give me trouble. Finally had my first surgery at age 24. My first knee dislocation was at age 9. You do the math if ya want.

After the knee issue came the silver caps on my two top front teeth. Yep, right there front and center. I was playing tag in our school gym and met up with a brick wall, my teeth being the center point of gravity. They did not survive, naturally. So for a few years, I was blessed with those shiny, obnoxious, dreaded caps. I rarely smiled for photos and limited my talking to strangers. I wonder how many polaroids exist of m silver teeth? I bet not one.

So since becoming a childcare provider, the one thing I have always been partial to is the shy kids, the ones with delays, just waiting for the skies to open up.

To young mothers out there, I'd like to tell you to let your children be the wall flowers, but take them to the social events. Give them a hobby they can excel in. Never shame them. Be a role model.

Yes, my dad was awesome! Thanks Bill Randall!

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Ashokan Farewell

Civil War Finery is the topic above, photos courtesy of Pinterest.

Ashokan Farewell is so pretty on the violin, but I'm giving it a shot on the banjo. Not my finest playing as I have a difficult time playing S-l-o-w. Not the nature of the banjo usually, but I did my best and hope you'll enjoy.
It's a song of the Civil War composed in 1982, not during the Civil War, by Jay Ungar according to my research. Some genuine songs of the Civil War years are:

• Battle Hymn of the Republic
• When Johnnie Comes Marching Home
• Dixie
• Glory, Glory Hallelujah
• The Girl I Left Behind Me

This song is often mistaken for a real song of the time with it's beautiful haunting melody. In fact, the first time I hear it, my daughter played it at a school song competition and the judge said it was played during the signing of the treaty at the end of the war as General R. E. Lee was leaving. Apparently, he Really got into the movie by Ken Burns. 

Check out some other A to Z blogs Here

Bulgar (Jewish Dance)

What makes you Dance?
Go ahead. Turn up the volume on your favorite song. Find a private space if you must. And dance.

My dad tried to teach me the 2-step. No matter how many beers he had, he knew I was doomed to failure. A disappointment for us both. I really, really wanted to learn.

But that didn't stop me from my sole personal moments of bursting out in dance.

On your worst days, there's nothing like blaring song and a dance around the room.

 

There's something therapeutic about Dance. It has many benefits.

 

 

I tell my daycare kids that it makes you Smart :)

 

 

 

It's linked to:

• Boosting memory
• Improved flexibility
• Stress reduction
• Diminishing depression
• Heart health
• Weight loss
• Improved balance
• Increased energy
• Healing
• Creating friendships

Well......I make friends with 2,3 & 4 year olds at least.

 





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Beatitudes of the Banjo

Beatitudes of the Banjo
Blessed is the banjo; the players who are mistaken for being eccentric.

Blessed is the banjo; the famous people like Earl Scruggs, Pete Seegar, Steve Martin, who made it Cool!

Blessed is the banjo: For the endless hours of practicing to get it just right even after being 'sent to your room for the noise'.

Blessed is the banjo: You can make any song banjo-friendly....just wait and see.

Blessed is the banjo: May the teachers all get to Heaven.

Blessed is the banjo: Your audience is awesome!

Blessed is the banjo: Your mothers and fathers are teaching babies a new language of Love.

Blessed is the banjo: Short fingernails are your fashion accessory.

Blessed is the banjo: It's the most original American Instrument.

Link to the AtoZ Challenge Here

No No Nook

I recently purchased a tablet for Nook thanks to some Christmas $$ generosity. Very pleased  for the most part. But did you know it's beyond my knowledge on how to actually learn a new song when using said tablet. Reason being, you can't see the whole page at once and so you're  constantly starting and stopping.  And imagine for a minute the finger speed of a 5-string banjoist trying to accomplish some sort of good sound from this situation. Nook, you fail!  Miserably.

So please reconsider purchasing a music book for your *$#×! Nook. FYI when you print it on your printer, it's  the same 2 inch size as your tablet.
Not funny.