Reflections: Memories Of Big Sur...

Reflections: Memories Of Big Sur...

Several years ago, before I got married and raised a family, my husband to be took me on a memorable road trip to the magnificent Big Sur area in California. It is a 90 miles spectacular  coastline from the Carmel River south to the San Carpoforo Creek, in the Central Coast of California where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The terrain is breathtaking and the winding highway 1 along the coastline would captivate and stun you. On our trip, my first to California, we made sure to drive the length of Big Sur, stopping at various spots to either enjoy the ocean, dipping our feet in the roiling water and walking the fairly rocky beach, or to take pictures of the stunning views.  There is a certain pulsating strength you feel around Big Sur; the sheer size and wide open beauty is mesmerizing and, perhaps for some, overwhelming. Over many years, the area became a major attraction to writers and artists, including at one point, as per Wikipedia, Robinson Jeffers, Henry Miller, Edward Weston, Richard Brautigan, Hunter S. Thompson, Emile Norman, and Jack Kerouac. It remains a popular tourist attraction to many.

“Memory: a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.” Pierce Harris

Reflections: Memories Of Big Sur... Nepenthe Restaurant...

Reflections: Memories Of Big Sur... Bixby Creek bridge

Before our trip, we had consulted with friends who suggested we enjoy a meal at the famous Nepenthe Restaurant; a former cabin lodge set high on a hill overlooking the Big Sur coastline and the Pacific ocean. I remember being quite struck by the beauty of the ocean from our high point that it was difficult to focus on the meal we had. I know it included seafood and salad, but my heart was drawn to the ocean and that slice of coastline calling my name. We stayed at the Esalen Institute which was the Big Sur Hot Springs for several months before it became the Esalen Institute. Our quarters were elegant but simple and the food was an organic, vegetarian feast. What I loved about our stay at Esalen was the chance to enjoy the hot spring tubs perched on the side of the mountain, overlooking the ocean below… The entire experience of being outdoors in a hot tub, feeling the breeze of the ocean and the occasional spray of ocean water was surreal.  The ocean views were also truly amazing while crossing Bixby Creek bridge.  More below.

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves.” Andre Gide

Reflections: Memories Of Big Sur... Big Sur seasons...

As Aldous Huxley said, “Every man’s memory is his private literature.” My memory of Big Sur was triggered by a picture I saw online that reminded me that nature is not only magnificent but powerful too. To drive the span of the coastline is a riveting experience worth taking; the road zigs and zags, dips and turns while the ocean, a fairly treacherous drop down from the road above, beckons. I haven’t been back to travel the full span of the coastline in years and would love to visit it again. I would definitely include it on my list of best places to visit in nature. What about you? What are your thoughts? Where, in nature, have you visited that remains a fond memory? Where’s your best place to go enjoy nature? When did you last visit it? Do share! Thank you.

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Plinky: What’s the best place to get outside and enjoy nature?

Positive Motivation Tip: Memories of good times in the past help us stay focused on being happy in the present…

Related articles

• Perfect Picnic Spot in Big Sur (thecentralcoasttraveler.com)
• A Trip Along the Central Coast: Day 4, Big Sur River Inn Review (thecentralcoasttraveler.com)
• Big Sur, Big Gardens (faroutflora.com)
• Highway 1 South Of Big Sur Remains Closed Due To Rockslide (sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com)
• big sur (shisomama.wordpress.com)
• Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, California (triptographer.wordpress.com)
• Big Sur Part III: Day 3 (A Long Drive on Highway One) (skkalsi.wordpress.com)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Big Sur, Big Sur Coastline, Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur seasons, via Wikipedia and/or via Flickr Nepenthe Restaurant via Igougo.com

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... A sunset in Knysna, South Africa

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... Sunset on Mars

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and why? Yesterday, I posted some pictures I took of the setting sun and it got me thinking about all the beautiful things we see in nature; the beauty in the world around us – sunset,  dawn, dusk, northern lights, the ocean, flora and fauna. I thought I’d share a few I found. Just pictures and accompanying quotes.

“It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination.” Henry David Thoreau

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... Dawn

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... Dusk

Dawn and dusk are magical times… We are drawn to their magic; some say they offer us the perfect balance of time for creative endeavors. What lies ahead?

“The only words that ever satisfied me as describing Nature are the terms used in fairy books, charm, spell, enchantment. They express the arbitrariness of the fact and its mystery.” G. K. Chesterton

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... Northern lights... aurora borealis

Musings: The Beauty In Nature... aurora borealis

Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are one of Nature’s exquisite gifts of color. The mystical, swirling, changing colors beckon us to stop and reflect on the ever changing seasons of life. On a side note, PostaDay2012/PostaWeek2012 are here. WooHoo! More below.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.”  Anne Frank

Musings: The Beauty Of Nature... Flora

Musings: The Beauty Of Nature... The Atlantic Ocean at rest.

Plant life is so varied that I often wonder how botanists remember all those names… so much beauty, so much variety. Do you have a favorite flora? And what about the magnificence of the ocean?

“It is not the language of painters but the language of nature which one should listen to. . . . The feeling for the things themselves, for reality, is more important than the feeling for pictures.”  Vincent Van Gogh

Musings: The Beauty Of Nature... Fauna... Elk

Musings: The Beauty Of Nature... A snowflake

All forms of life are precious;  human life, animal life, plant life and even the life of things that remain unknown… If we destroy our planet, we destroy the beauty in nature. Ultimately, we destroy ourselves.

♥What are your thoughts? What do you love about nature? What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and why? How does it make you feel? Do share! Thank you.

This post was inspired by a prompt from SoulPancake: What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and why?

Positive Motivation Tip: Nature offers us her gifts daily; we take, enjoy, use and share them. Sometimes, we must stop to praise and thank her.

Related articles

• The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights in Britain (telegraph.co.uk)
• Musings: How Do You Embrace Change? (eof737.wordpress.com)
• Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset… (eof737.wordpress.com)
• Aurora Borealis – a haiku string (syntheticvisions.wordpress.com)
• Stunning photos of Aurora (antiworldnews.wordpress.com)
• Beautiful Nature: Earthflight – Scarlet Macaws Feed on Clay Licks (talesfromthelou.wordpress.com)
• Inspiration: What We See In Trees… (eof737.wordpress.com)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos A Sunset, Sunset on Mars, Dawn, Dusk, Northern Lights, Polarlicht, Atlantic Ocean, Flora, Fauna – Elk, Snowflake, via Wikipedia Or via Flickr

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

“Come, my friends,
‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.”
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I took a drive today on the highway… The roads were quite busy with traffic, but what caught my attention was the beauty of the setting sun… It made me look, wonder, and appreciate the fact that I can see and enjoy the setting sun in peace. I can sit in a car, camera at hand, as a passenger, take pictures of  the magnificent display of colors in the sky, and enjoy nature’s gift to man. The wonder of a sunset.

“Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever.” Horace Mann

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

“Once I saw a chimpanzee
gaze at a particularly beautiful sunset
for a full 15 minutes,
watching the changing colors [and then]
retire to the forest without picking a pawpaw for supper.” Adriaan Kortlandt

As I took pictures of the setting sun flashing by my car, I marveled at the beautiful, changing range of colors; glorious golds, reds, orange, and shimmering silver touched with frothy cream. Imagine a world where the sun neither rose nor set… What would we do if all we had was darkness and gloom? I am grateful for the wonder of a sunset. And you? More below…

“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.” G. K. Chesterton

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

Inspiration: The Wonder Of A Sunset...

“We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”  John McCrae

How do you view the setting sun? As the signifier of a day well spent? A sign that the end is nigh? Perhaps, we see it as another momentous reminder of the splendid, grace filled moments in our lives. That we can pause and cherish the wonder of a sunset is a simple act that isn’t so simple… for there are others for whom the sun will never rise or set. Count your blessings. I am grateful for the sundown and the assurance of good to come.  What are your thoughts? How do you view sunsets? Do you ever sit and watch the sun go down? What are your impressions of a setting sun? Do share! Thank you.

Positive Motivation Tip: Do not let the sun set on a tiff with your loved ones and others. Embrace your differences.

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection And/Or via Wikipedia or via Flickr

Related articles

• Journal For Poetry Challenge#7 08,01,2012 (willowdot21.wordpress.com)
• In Flanders Field (petiteinthecity.com)
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Sunset… (eof737.wordpress.com)
• Armistice Day 1918: The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month (towriteistowrite.wordpress.com)

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

Reflections: Happiness Is Life As A Lounging Cat... Our happy cat...

Reflections: Happiness Is Life As A Lounging Cat...

Pinkle Purr By A. A. Milne
Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
A little black nothing of feet and fur;
And by and by, when his eyes came through,
He saw his mother, the big Tattoo.
And all that he learned he learned from her,
“I’ll ask my mother,” says Pinkle Purr.
Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
A ridiculous kitten with silky fur.
And little black Pinkle grew and grew
Till he got as big as the big Tattoo.
And all he did he did with her.
“Two friends together,” says Pinkle Purr.
Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
An adventurous cat in a coat of fur.
And whenever he thought of a thing to do,
He didn’t much bother about Tattoo.
For he knows it’s nothing to do with her,
So “See you later,” says Pinkle Purr.
Tattoo was the mother of Pinkle Purr,
An enormous leopard with coal-black fur.
A little brown kitten that’s nearly new
Is now playing games with its big Tattoo…
And Pink looks lazily down at her:
“Dear little Tat,” says Pinkle Purr

What do you risk for the possibility of happiness? I was watching our family cat, Tangy, at play today and, as he tossed the elastic band he had snatched from me in the air, he playfully jumped up to catch it. He seemed quite happy with what would appear as mindless play to some, and sheer boredom city to others. He did this over and over again, then came over to where I was sitting in the living room, climbed up on the sofa next to me, purred, rubbed his furry body against my arm, then calmly curled up and went to sleep. No whining, no bitching about what nots, no kvetching about life with only a rubber band for entertainment. He is a happy cat. His simple life and a chance to play was enough.  It got me thinking about the complexities we bring to this business of finding and maintaining happiness.  Can we ever be content with our version of ___ (fill in the joyful item) a rubber band?

“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be.” Marcel Pagnol

Reflections: Happiness Is Life As A Lounging Cat...

Reflections: Happiness Is Life As A Lounging Cat...

What Fulfills Your Internal Drive for Happiness? As far as Tangy is concerned, all he needs is his food, playthings, someone to scratch his back, his clean litter box, lots of nooks and crannies, and boxes and bags to lounge in, and he is as happy as a well fed kitty. Perhaps, there is much to learn from our household pets. I know we’ve heard about their unwavering love ad nauseum, and how they remember the little things that matter to us. But what about us and what we’ve gained from them on the subject of contentment and happiness? The only time Tangy ever complains is when he has to sit in his travel box for a visit to the vet.

Oh yes, he meows loudly when it’s time to eat, but I’m not convinced he is unhappy over that because, sometimes, he’ll meow, we’ll add food to his bowl, he’ll walk up and check out the goods, then saunter off as if confirming that we passed the food request test… I suspect his internal drive has been fulfilled. The day we picked him up and brought him home from the animal shelter was a joyful day for all of us. Tangy climbed up on our rocking chair, purred happily for a short moment, then curled up and went to sleep. What about us? Can we be fulfilled by simple things that don’t have to be replaced by other things in the span of a few minutes? More below.

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” Aristotle

Reflections: Happiness Is Life As A Lounging Cat...

Happiness by Raymond Carver
So early it’s still almost dark out.
I’m near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren’t saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other’s arm.
It’s early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.
They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn’t enter into this.
Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.

I think because we humans have so many  unfulfilled expectations, we tend to limit ourselves to just a few ways of seeing the world, thereby limiting the doors that could open us up to new experiences and other possibilities. If we could learn to go with the flow and not sweat the small stuff, our lives would be a tad easier. What irking matter can we let go of today? What rubber band can we toss in the air and catch playfully as we shift our thinking and embrace the happiness that is ours to enjoy? What are your thoughts? What fulfills your happy side? What do you believe about your right t be happy? What would you risk for sake of enjoying many, many happy moments?  Do share! Thank you.

This post was inspired by two prompts from SoulPancake: What Fulfills Your Internal Drive for Happiness? And What do you have faith in? What do you risk for the possibility of happiness?

Positive Motivation Tip: Happiness is who we are not what we do… If we can enjoy a simple thing and be happy, we can learn to find that happiness in complex things. Go meet your joy.

Related articles

• Happiness is a – Cat? (gwendolynndedanaan.wordpress.com)
• 19 Quirky Cat Habitats – These Feline Homes are the Purr-fect Pet Accessory (TrendHunter.com) (trendhunter.com)
• Purr Research (nancyhdoyle.com)
• C-Challenge Cat Empress (creativityaroused.wordpress.com)
• Cat Personalities (flickrcomments.wordpress.com)
• Cats Rule? (dfconsultants.wordpress.com)
• GIF: The Big Cat Theory (icanhascheezburger.com)
• Tangy: A Day In The Life Of An Indolent Cat… (eof737.wordpress.com)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection. Or via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Chocolate fondant - Molten Lava Cake.

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Chocolate Fudge cake

Ingredients/Recipe: Molten Lava Cake via FoodNetwork.com
6 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate
2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 large eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Grease 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Melt the chocolates and butter in the microwave, or in a double boiler. Add the flour and sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in the eggs and yolks until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and orange liqueur. Divide the batter evenly among the custard cups. Place in the oven and bake for 14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center will be runny. Run a knife around the edges to loosen and invert onto dessert plates.

Happy Chocolate Cake Day! Did you know today, January 27, 2012, is National Chocolate cake day? I had no idea until my dear friend, Diahann, suggested I take a look at some of the cakes and recipes flying around the internet. I have to confess that even though I have a deadly sweet tooth, and love chocolate, ice cream, rhubarb pie and all manner of cakes, chocolate cake is not one of my favorite desserts.

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Chocolate cake with Hazelnuts

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Rose Cake.

Musings: National Chocolate Day... Sacher torte

I’ve enjoyed a chocolate hazelnut mousse cake that was to die for, ate a few lava molten chocolate cakes that made my heart sing, and even tried a few Black Forest cakes that would make your head spin. However, I love lemon cake, pineapple upside down cake, pecan and apple pies, and even the pedestrian pound cake.  Nevertheless, I’m a foodie/dessert lover, and I’m delighted to know that the delicious chocolate cake has its own special, divinely designated day of honor.

“I am not strict vegan, because I’m a hedonist pig. If I see a big chocolate cake that is made with eggs, I’ll have it.” Grace Slick

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day… Flourless cake with berries

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... German Chocolate cake

Discovery of Chocolate by Dr Baker and Mr Hannon: In the mill they ground cocoa beans between huge millstones to make thick syrup. The chocolate syrup was poured into molds to make ‘cakes’ of chocolate. These were meant to be grated and mixed with hot water to make a chocolate beverage.

As you might have imagined, once I heard about the special Chocolate cake day, I immediately went in search of details on the origin of this American tradition; I found nothing about the actual day but found plenty on the origin of chocolate and cake making in the USA. For starters, Harvard trained Dr. James Baker and John Hannon, an Irish immigrant and chocolate maker/mill owner, are credited with discovering how to make chocolate by grinding cocoa beans between two milestones and using the grinds to make treats including chocolate cake; by 1764 chocolate cake became part of the historical landscape.

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Chocolate cake with icing

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Garash cake...

In 1828, Conrad van Houten from the Netherlands learned how to extract cocoa fat from cacao liquor and convert it to a solid and powder which made cooking with chocolate easier. Sometime later, Austrian chef Franz Sacher created a unique dessert for Austria’s Prince Mettermich. It was named the Sacher torte. He spread apricot jam between layers of dense chocolate cake, served it up and voila! a new dessert was born. As interest in chocolate cake-making grew, many women experimented in their kitchens, creating and sharing chocolate cake recipes with each other. By the late 1920s – mid 30s, The Duff Company of Pittsburgh, introduced Devil’s food chocolate cake mixes.

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Varieties of chocolate..

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Devil's Food cake

During the same period, Duncan Hines and General Mills introduced cake mixes that revolutionized the cake making process. Their mixes helped cut the preparation and baking time almost in half. Pillsbury made the process even easier when, in 1948, it created the first instant cake mix. Today, cake-making is ubiquitous and we enjoy it without much thought to its genesis. Enjoy the pictures of chocolate cakes. I’ll add another recipe or two below. More below.

“Your face makes my soul want to eat chocolate pudding!” Andy Milonakis

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Layered and frosted Chocolate cake

Musings: National Chocolate Cake Day... Black forest gateau

Ingredients/Recipe: For Milk-Chocolate-Frosted Layer Cake Via Huffington Post
1 1/4 cup(s) cake flour
1/4 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
2 stick(s) unsalted butter
1/2 cup(s) whole milk
6 large eggs, separated
1 cup(s) sugar
pinch(s) of salt
1 1/2 cup(s) heavy cream
1 1/2 pound(s) milk chocolate, finely chopped
Shaved milk chocolate, for garnish optional
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Butter and flour two 9-inch-square cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the cake flour, cocoa and baking powder. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in the milk over low heat. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Whisk in the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Add the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
3. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat at medium-high speed until the whites are stiff and glossy. Fold the beaten whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25 minutes, until the cakes are springy and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Transfer the cakes to a rack and let cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream on top. Let stand for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let the frosting stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to spread, about 1 hour.
5. Turn the cakes out of the pans and put one layer on a plate. Top with 1 cup of the frosting, spreading it to the edge. Top with the second layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Let the cake stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

When I was in college, I used to make blueberry muffins/cake and even baked the occasional banana and chocolate chip cake. In recent years, I’ve focused on making crumbles and cookies for the kids, not cake. I might try it again. See/check out a couple of recipes from other bloggers below.  ♥What are your thoughts?  Did you know today is National Chocolate cake day? Do you like chocolate cake? If yes, what’s your favorite chocolate cake?  Do share! ♥Happy ♥New ♥Year ♥To ♥You! Thank you.

Positive Motivation Tip:  If you can have your cake and eat it, then enjoy the moment.

Related articles

• Chocolate Cake Day (shecooksandheeats.wordpress.com)
• It’s national chocolate cake day! (eatocracy.cnn.com)
• Chocolate Cake Day is today. (budgetcouponcooking.wordpress.com)
• Happy Choclolate Cake Day!!! (mizfoofytayl.wordpress.com)
• Recipe of The Day: Chocolate Lava Cake (mhoffmann2670.wordpress.com)
• Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! 22 Decadent chocolate cake recipes (examiner.com)
• FOOD JOURNAL – Sugar-free Flour-less Chocolate Mousse Cake and Lavazza Coffee (beautyqueenweightloss.wordpress.com)
• Gluten-Free Cake Pops for your Superbowl party (timesunion.com)
• January 27 (beatcancer2010.wordpress.com)
• Lite Chocolate Cake (nishaamit.wordpress.com)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Molten Lava Cake, Chocolate with Hazelnuts, Chocolate cake with white icing, Layered Chocolate cake, German Chocolate Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake with berries, German fudge cake, Rose Cake, Black Forest cake, Devil’s Food cake, Sachertorte, via Wikipedia Or via Flickr

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

On Music: At Last And More... Etta James. RIP

Etta James – At Last

Etta James – At Last Lyrics via RomanticLyrics.com
At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh, yeah, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you

And I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last…
Do you have songs that make you stop and smile or perhaps, cry? When the mind is restless, nerves frayed, and the body tired, a little music or perhaps a lot of great music helps us settle back into our groove again. Etta James gave us great music. Etta was a dynamic and powerful singer who didn’t hesitate to speak her mind when she saw fit. She was as passionate about her tumultuous life as she was about her music, and in her autobiography, “Rage to Survive,” she shared parts of her darkest hours. Even though she started her career singing gospel songs in church, her musical range covered a number of genres from rhythm & blues, to jazz and pop. Etta left this world on Friday; leukemia-related complications took her from us all. She was 73 years old. RIP Etta…

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato

On Music: At Last And More... Ella Fitzgerald in 1947

Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) by Cole Porter – Ella Fitzgerald singing Let’s Do It…

Last night, I watched the Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni and Marion Cotillard. It’s a complex story about a young couple, who travel to Paris, and have their lives transformed; especially the man who happens to be a writer. No spoilers here. What I loved about the movie, aside from all the great artists/creatives who show up, was the music – Let’s Do It by Cole Porter, performed at one of the parties in Paris. Enjoy Ella’s version above. A little nostalgia goes a long way…

“Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.” Thomas Carlyle

On Music: At Last And More... Ernest Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin – Below The Bassline – Live in NYC November 2010

Sometimes, words don’t do justice to our articulation of the beauty of a musical piece. We just have to listen to it and delve deep into the magic. I love this piece… Jazz guitarist, Ernest Ranglin’s music will calm your heart and soothe your soul… so divine. I believe Marsha of Inside Journeys introduced me to this one.. Enjoy! More below.

“A note of music gains significance from the silence on either side.” Anne Morrow Lindberg

On Music: At Last And More...Yeh Dooriyan movie wallpaper.

Yeh Dooriyan song – Love Aaj Kal Movie (Love These Days)

Yeh Dooriyan translated lyrics via Superhindi.com
These distances
The distance of paths
Distance between our eyes
Distance between companions
May all the distances vanish
Why someone is close
Why someone is far
Nobody knows…

Am I moving closer or apart?
I don’t know where I am
There was a time
You were with me even on empty streets
Sometimes, even after meeting you, my heart was not content
Sometimes, just like now, this also happened
That I met you in everyone
This distance makes me closer to you
The distance is suffering
Distance is longing
May all the distances vanish…

Didn’t I tell you?
Without you, I don’t want to live
Even unknowingly, I don’t want any distance from you
Only the distance remains
It tells and echoes
That our Love blossom
This distance between us should vanish
Distance feels strange
Distance should be gone
May all the distances vanish…
Lyrics by Irshad Kamil

This is a bitter sweet song about love and all its complications; especially of the long distance kind. It is from a beautiful movie of the same name, and it makes me wistful whenever I hear it… I’ve added the translated lyrics for your enjoyment. Have a blessed weekend you all! What are your thoughts? Do you have songs that make you stop and smile? What music calls you tonight? What songs are on your current playlist that you repeat again and again? Do share! Thank you.

Positive Motivation Tip: Music is the bridge we cross from sadness to joy and all the places in between… embrace it!

Related articles

• Farewell Etta James (juiapte.wordpress.com)
• Etta James (thecandyshoppe.wordpress.com)
• Beyonce on Etta James: ‘This is a huge loss’ (laobserved.com)
• Etta James Dies at 73 | Etta James, RIP : Just Jared (thehiltonburnellfiles.wordpress.com)
• The Death of a Legend: Etta James (1939-2012) (grizzlybomb.com)
• Music Monday-Etta James “At Last” (dickstersrandomthoughts.com)
• Melissa Polinar feat. Matt Cusson “At Last” An ETTA JAMES tribute (cover) (filipinofestival.wordpress.com)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Etta James, Ella Fitsgerald, Ernest Ranglin, Yeh Dooriyan Wallpaper, via Wikipedia or via Flickr

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet