Virtual Experience
Eat & Exercise
I must confess I am still trying to figure out this conundrum of caloric intake and exercise as I am still fighting to shed my welcome back to the USA weight. Now that I am on the heels of Thanksgiving and Christmas I had better figure it out fast because my palate is already ready to taste my mother’s tender turkey, delicious seafood stuffing, and kickin’ cabbage and collard greens. I may have to dust off my pan and make my rendition of over the rainbow macaroni and cheese. Does cooking constitute exercise? 🙂
While in New York I did a whole lot of walking which made the meal enjoyed at Serefina, “a whimsical Italian experience” well worth it! If you are ever in the area you too will be singing its praises.
Pray
“There is nothing the devil is selling that can even compare to what God is giving.”– Rev. Matthew Watley
I grew up signing a song in church that captures this quote, “You can’t be God’s giving no matter how you try. And just as shore as you are living and the Lord is in heaven on high. The more you give, the more He gives to you but keep on giving because it’s really true that you can’t beat God’s giving, no matter how you try.” My life is a true testament to God’s limitless giving. No not every day is a walk in the park but every day I have His gifts of grace, mercy, and love.
Love
I have enjoyed spending time with family and friends and I do love the fact that I can still keep in touch with my frolleagues abroad. While touring sites in DC I saw a few families from India and smiled as I heard the familiar tongue and admired their beautiful sarees. Another thing I love about living in the Washington, DC area is the availability to experience any culture. If I ever have a hankering for buttered nan and chicken tikka it is only a few minutes away.
Teach
I guess I could summarize my fall activities as those that exhibit me falling in love with the performing arts all over again. I grew up singing in the choir, playing the piano and clarinet, and performing in a few plays for which I hope the pictures never surface. 🙂 Being that New York is only a four-hour train ride away, I took a Saturday to tour the streets of NYC and check out the play Motown. It was most definitely a wonderful production that captures both your mind, body, and soul as you sway to such hits as, “My Girl,” “You’re All I Need To Get By,” “War/What’s Going On,””I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save,” “Reach Out And Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” “Happy Birthday/Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” “Can I Close The Door (On Love),” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The cast captivates you as you learn the history of Motown.
As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & the Jackson 5, the Marvelettes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lionel Richie & the Commodores, Teena Marie, their music communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society, around the world, touching all people of all ages and races.
Source: http://www.motownmuseum.org/
In 2009 Motown celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary and here are some interesting facts I learned:
• Motown founder Berry Gordy was once a professional boxer before the US army draft for the Korean War put paid to his fighting ambition. In 1959 he created Motown with a loan from his father.
• Motown was the first record label to run its own ‘charm school’ for artists who were taught how to perform.
• In 1966 Berry Gordy refused to sign the Jackson Five because he didn’t want to work with any more children. It was Gladys Knight who persuaded him to change his mind a year later.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1104205/10-things-knew–Motown.html#ixzz2kH5Z6fwf