Susan Boyle - A Dream Came Dream

Since last Saturday when Susan Boyle performed on Britain’s Got Talent her audition has been viewed over 30 million times on you tube and other websites. This has made Susan Boyle an internet sensation. But who is she? Well to start with she’s a single, unemployed, 47 year old woman who lives with her cat, Pebbles, in a small village in Scotland. The youngest of nine children she had learning difficulties after being deprived of oxygen at birth. Bullied as a child she had many challenges to overcome.

How did she become such a phenomenon? Backstage before her performance she declared, “I’m going to make that audience rock.” When Susan first came onto the stage the three judges as well as the audience looked skeptical and were even snickering at her. After all Susan was very plain looking even frumpy. When Simon Cowell asked who she wanted to be as successful as she cheekily answered Elaine Paige, only the First Lady of British Musical Theatre! The camera shows Simon, whose record label has had over 70 #1 hits in the UK and the USA, disrespectfully rolling his eyes and the other two judges looking equally disapproving.

Then Susan Boyle started to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. From the opening note everyone was completely enthralled. It took just eight words into the song for the screaming to start and for the audience to rise to their feet clapping loudly and enthusiastically. That magical voice so natural and haunting was a thing of beauty. Not only was the audience no longer snickering but many had tears in their eyes.

The first judge, Piers Morgan, said that this was the biggest surprise he had ever experienced in three years doing the show. He proclaimed that Susan’s incredible performance was stunning and he gave her the “biggest yes I have ever given anyone”. Indeed, no one was laughing now. Amanda Holden, the second judge, said it was a major wake-up call for them after being so cynical. She added that she felt privileged to have heard her sing. Finally, Simon who was all smiles during her performance declared that Susan could return to her village with her head held high as she was advancing to the next round of the talent show. Backstage after she performed Susan said she felt “bloody fantastic”. At that point she was crying overcome with emotion and perhaps realizing just how far she had come.

Later in interviews Susan Boyle revealed that she had taken care of her 91 year old mother who died in 2007 and that her mother’s dying wish was that Susan make something of her life. It was her mother’s wish that gave her the courage to compete in the talent search. Now this self proclaimed “never had a boy-friend, never been kissed” woman is beloved by millions and most certainly will get a recording contract. I know I’ll be right there ready to buy her first CD. Seldom does such a feel good, heart-warming story emerge in this day and age. The millions of people who have responded to her realize how very real this woman is. Susan Boyle is an amazing tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Opening Day and the Amazing Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Today at Fenway Park the Boston Red Sox began their 109th baseball season. The opening ceremonies were wonderful with the Boston Pops and the Tanglewood Chorus performing a rousing National Anthem. This was followed by a fly over by the 104th Fighter Wing. In a unique twist all the Sox players were introduced while coming out of the stands high-fiving the fans. The ceremonial first pitch featured newly elected Hall of Famer and former Red Sox left-fielder Jim Rice and the inestimable Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The courage of this very brave man who is battling brain cancer is an inspiration.

Ted rode in from the outfield in a golf cart and then walked to the mound. That first pitch went from Senator Kennedy to Jim Rice and you just had to see it. Ted peered in as though looking for a sign from Rice. Then all smiles Senator Kennedy threw that first pitch. Just as back in 1912 his grandfather John ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald “Royal Rooter” and Mayor of Boston had thrown the very first pitch ever at the then new Fenway Park. Ted then joined family members including his wife, Vicky, his son Patrick and his niece Caroline to watch the game. All that remained was for the ageless Johnny Pesky to say, “Play Ball” and the season would begin.

Oh and the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. It could not have been scripted any better with Beckett’s great pitching performance striking out 10 and giving up only 1 run and 2 hits, homers from Petey and Tek and a save from Paps – good times

Honoring Saint Joseph

The husband of Mary and the guardian of Jesus was a quiet man even mysterious. But he was nevertheless a “silent witness” during the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Joseph lived his life as a carpenter. Betrothed to Mary until he learned she was with child. Wanting to quietly divorce himself from her he was convinced in a dream to trust in God and go forward with marriage plans. He then cared for Mary as a loving husband and supported her and the child Jesus. At the age of twelve when Jesus was temporarily 'lost' in the Temple one can only imagine the anxiety and fear Joseph must have felt.

There is so little known about the life of this man of faith. During the three years of Jesus’s public life we hear nothing of Joseph. Was he deceased? If not then why wasn’t he at the foot of the cross with his wife Mary, Mary of Magdala and the apostle John? Maybe he was and it just wasn’t recorded. I find myself wondering about some of these things today.

Joseph did live his life in the background. From what we know he was a simple, humble and faithful man. There is an order of nuns in Boston named for St. Joseph. I was fortunate enough to be taught by them for most of my academic life and then to actually teach as one of them for several years. Today, March 19th, is the feast day of Saint Joseph and so I honor him and ponder how remarkable his life must have been. Peace…

Image of the Holy Family is by Raphael (1406).

Fleetwood Mac Rocks Boston - March 11, 2009

All right so I’m somewhat of a ‘fanatic’ when it comes to Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks. But the Fleetwood Mac Unleashed concert last night in Boston was something special. It ranked right up there with other unforgettable Mac Moments. Namely, the first time I saw and heard the Stevie Nicks-Lindsey Buckingham incarnation of the band on stage. That was when LB, after a ten year hiatus, returned to the band for The Dance Tour in 1997. Also, the concerts I saw at London’s Earl's Court in November of 2003 were another dream come true for me. To actually see the partly British band on their home turf during the Say You Will Tour - does it get any better!?!

The band has not toured in five years and without a new album, yet, decided to just hit the road and have some fun. Well the fans are the ones having the fun squared. Mick, John, Lindsey and Stevie have never sounded better doing their many hits as well as some other gems. Stevie’s song “Storms “ from the Tusk album had not been performed in concert before and was a real treat. “But never have I been a blue, calm sea; I have always been a storm.” – perfection! It was beyond wonderful to hear my two favorite Stevie songs “Sara” and Gold Dust Woman”. Then there was my favorite Lindsey song “I’m So Afraid” which brought the house down. I could go on and on…

The closing song of the encore was Stevie’s classic “Silver Springs” and with the amazing energy between Stevie and Lindsey it was both a real highlight and a dramatic ending to a concert for the ages. Thank you Fleetwood Mac for the joy that is your music!

PS I took the accompanying photo on November 30, 2003 in London at Earl's Court as Stevie and Lindsey performed "Landslide".

A Sort of First Anniversary

Today marks roughly the first anniversary of this blog. I say roughly because the actual date of Ash Wednesday varies from year to year. It started a little over one year ago due to a need to really release some emotions felt when my much loved car was almost towed, and continues today with the need to digest last night’s speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. The intelligence and charisma of this man both inspire and encourage me. Here are some of the points made last evening which particularly thrilled me:

Accountability="Nobody messes with Joe!"
CEO's=that party of padding your paycheck with tax payer's money is over...
“It's not about helping banks; it's about helping people.”
"Slowly but surely confidence will return and our economy will recover."
Dropping out of high school=quitting on yourself and your country!
"Countries who out teach us today will out compete us tomorrow."
Our goal should be a complete and competitive education for every child.
The country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century.
We who invented solar energy have fallen behind Germany and Japan in producing it.
"Healthcare reform can not, must not, will not wait another year."
Living our values makes us safer and stronger and=no torture.
We can again be a nation seeing ‘promise amid peril’.

Twenty-five percent of what I focused on refers to education. Not surprising since I spent 36 years as an educator. Realistically,only time will tell if this President who defines the ‘audacity of hope’ did indeed deliver last night, “Something worthy to be remembered.”

Some of the Rich History of Dorchester

Abraham Lincoln was born on this date, February 12th, 200 years ago. Tuesday I had the unique opportunity to experience some of the rich history of my hometown Dorchester, Massachusetts. The Second Church of Dorchester located in Codman Square had an exhibit of memorabilia from 1864 relating to the re-election campaign of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th and for many our most revered president. The Church recently found evidence of President Lincoln’s popularity with the local townsfolk. During those dark days of the Civil War when the coming election results seemed far from certain, money was raised and a banner was commissioned to show support for Mr. Lincoln in his bid for re-election.

This muslin banner with the words Lincoln and Johnson was hung across Washington Street near Melville Avenue. A second banner with the words: “The Union:It must and shall be Preserved.” was suspended across the road as well. To actually see this banner and to imagine the fears so many people had about the survival of our nation during the Civil War was mind blowing. The exhibit included photos of the 54 Dorchester residents and members of that Church who enlisted in the Union Army including 15 who were killed during the War, many at Gettysburg. After examining the photos I felt a certain awe and gratitude.

Another artifact I particularly appreciated was a copy of the Gettysburg Address complete with words crossed out and editing done by President Lincoln. That brilliant piece of writing, I recall having to memorize parts of it in school, reverberates even more today. “The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, while it can never forget what they did here.” Little did President Lincoln know how much his words would be remembered, memorized and appreciated all these many years later.

In 1848 Abraham Lincoln actually visited Dorchester giving a speech in Lower Mills supporting presidential candidate, Zachary Taylor. Lincoln was at that time a Whig congressman from Illinois. He was in Massachusetts for 11 days delivering 12 speeches in 9 towns. With his imposing height and his way with words, Lincoln left a strong impression on the locals.

So when President Lincoln had a difficult re-election campaign in 1864, it is not surprising that those Dorchester residents of long ago would so enthusiastically support the candidacy of this remarkable man. With a sense of Dorchester Pride I salute them.

Bellarmine House - Cohasset, MA

November 6, 2008

Last week-end I had the opportunity to ‘get away’ with over twenty friends. We all belong to a small faith community called the People of the Promise. We started our journey at the Paulist Center in Boston and have been celebrating Mass together for over thirty-six years.

Every Autumn we try to go on a retreat at this amazing Jesuit property with spectacular views on the Atlantic Ocean. It is always a time of renewal. The quiet reflection, the animated conversations, the meaningful sharing all contribute to a joyful, peaceful experience. I cannot forget the fun-filled ‘happy hours’ or the delicious meals we enjoy together with everyone contributing their specialties.

This year we were guided by the words of St. Paul and his instructions in the form of letters written to the early Christians. Emphasis was on the power of God’s love, the gifts of the Spirit, and the hope of reconciliation. A new understanding of reconciliation as reconnecting with the broken parts of ourselves and others emerged.

Our priest shared this thought about God:
You loved us into being like a mother. You walk with us as a friend. You are able to accomplish in us far more than we can ask, imagine, or dream possible…

The luxury of being able to get away, to appreciate the stillness, to be thankful for the friendships and to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God was not lost on me.