Long Time, No Posts

I really do miss posting on my blog. I've been thinking about it a little lately. Hopefully I'll start doing more. Last year was amazing and so busy and I was glad to live it rather than write it down. This year hasn't been so amazing but we'll see.

I went to a great music gig on Saturday so perhaps I'll blog about it in the next few days.

Cheers

Happy New Year!

Here's to another year of dreaming, in whatever form in comes, good music, the best friends, and more blessings from God!



Auld Lang Syne
Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Last Post of 2009~A Year Of Dreams

I really didn't know what to expect from 2009. And now, at the very end of 2009, I can see that there is no way I could have expected what this year brought me.

2009 was a year of great sadness and great joy.

My uncle died on Easter. My mum's oldest friend died in November. But, even in the depths of sorrow, God is with me and there is always His Light shining. And it was shining.

The great joys came throughout the year and carried me through. For me, 2009 will always be remembered as the Year of Dreams.

In this year of Dreams, which sounds cheese-y but is the truth, I became friends with some of the loveliest people ever and helped promote the fledgling careers of 3 very talented and lovely English singer/songwriters, Bobby Long, Marcus Foster, and Sam Bradley. This new vocation gave me such a wonderful purpose. I traveled to Texas to meet my new friends, the boys, and see some fabulous live music. I also traveled several times to Portland, Seattle, and even Vancouver, BC, to help promote and to see shows, to see friends & family. It was amazing. I have never really traveled by myself, nor taken on such responsibilities. I have grown up a lot this year, which is a very good thing. I have learned life lessons and made an impact and have found something that I adore doing.

I have also had fabulous times with dearest old friends, including my Twinnie!, playing 10 Words, watching dazzling movies, and much more.

I could go on and on, but I have spent more than enough time on the computer this year. My song of the year is Bobby's "Being A Mockingbird." Go listen.

"I don't know where I am headed to, but at least I know where I've been . . ."

• Bobby Long, "A Passing Tale"
  

Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.

---William Shakespeare, the Tempest,
Act IV, Scene i, Lines 148-157

Happy Christmas!

Luke 2:1-20

"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord."

Marcus Foster IN Seattle!

I'm really excited that one of my favorite boys, Marcus Foster, will actually be performing in Seattle! When he finally posted the tour dates I was really glad to see he wasn't missing our corner of the country. He will be in Seattle on 7 December, at the Vera Project, and in Vancouver, BC, the following night, supported by Blue Roses at both venues.

I have been blessed to see Marcus perform live 3 times (and 1 other time when he played a bit of guitar for Sam Bradley) and I will never forget it. He's the most amazing live performer I have ever seen. I can't really describe why, though. Perhaps because he just puts it all out there on stage and never stops moving or using his voice and the guitar in different ways. Just phenomenal. He's also a lovely guy.

Marcus will be at the Vera Project in Seattle, a non-profit, all ages performing arts place which supports children's music programs. Tickets are ONLY $9 for an unbelievable night of music. Please come and invite all your friends who live in the Seattle area. Honestly, Marcus is unbelievable. Please come. More details HERE and tickets on sale HERE.

Please visit Marcus' MySpace to hear songs, watch videos, see pictures, and more.

Here's a video of one of my favorite live-performed songs, taken by my friend Tara (I was there!!!):

Bobby Long returns to Seattle!!

One of my favorite, favorite, favorite singer/songwriters, Bobby Long, is returning to Seattle on 19 November and I cannot wait! He'll be performing at El Corazon, an all ages show. Tickets are $15 and available HERE.

Bobby's a very talented singer/songwriter/musician and his lyrics are more like poetry than most music today. That's one of my favorite things about his music. He tells stories with his songs and the passion and intensity of his love for music always comes through. I have seen him live 6 times and I don't think any number of live performances will ever be enough. Plus, he's an absolute sweetheart with a fabulous sense of humor.

Please come see Bobby Long live at El Corazon in Seattle, 19 November 2009. Seattle local Christina Cramer is one of the opening acts. More details HERE.

Visit Bobby's MySpace for more information, to listen to songs, and more!

Seriously, COME!!! He's AMAZING.

Here's a video of one of my favorites, taken by my friend Evie, the first time I saw Bobby perform live:

Happy Birthday, Bobby!!!

Today's the birthday of one of my favorite singer/songwriter/musicians and a very lovely person, Bobby Long. I fell in love with Bobby's music at the end of last year. His lyrics are like poetry, like Keats, and often one has to think and sort of "claim" the meaning for oneself. Bobby's an amazing guitarist and, on his Dangerous Summer Tour the last few months, only got better and better. I am in awe of his abilities and his talent and his passionate intensity on stage. This is not to mention that he is an incredibly sweet guy with an hilarious sense of humor. I am blessed to be a fan of his and to have his music to listen to every day and to have spent some time with him. If you haven't yet, please visit his MySpace and listen to some of his music. He's got a gorgeous whiskey voice and you can't stop listening.

Happy Birthday, Bobby!!
I hope you avoid sharks, rashes, and mafia men!!

Love you like cheese, Bobby!! xx

I'm Addicted . . .

. . . to this video/medley.


"Penance Fire Blues" has always been one of my favorite Bobby Long songs, especially live. He's begun adding "In My Time of Dyin'" on to the end and it blows me away. Especially this live version.

The video's absolutely gorgeous as well and you can't look away from that passion and intensity. Watch it and tell me you aren't a fan of someone who can sing/play music like that.

Bobby's amazing. You should see him live . . .

And come visit us at The Land of Dreamers to learn a lot more about Bobby!

Remembering 9/11: 8 Years Later

I cannot believe it has been 8 years since the events of 9/11/01. What a horrible day. I still remember it so vividly. It is seared into my memory. The way so many of our fellow Americans were murdered. The way the Twin Towers fell. The hole in the Pentagon, symbol of our military might, and that crater in the field in Pennsylvania.

Those terrorist attacks were an act of war, not a crime, and we should continue to treat them that way. I am so thankful for our military, who keep us safe by dealing with the bad guys (and they are the bad guys) in far off lands, away from their families. We haven't had a terrorist attack on our homeland in 8 years, thanks to President Bush and our military. I am so thankful for that. On 9/11/01, I thought we would be attacked and attacked and attacked. I woke every morning for ages after that wondering if we would be attacked again. I remember how all planes were grounded for at least 3 days and the skies were so silent. But, when planes started flying again, they all sounded SOOOO close and loud and I always looked up expecting to see one crashing. That's now how we live in the United States. We are blessed that way. And I want us to stay that way. And I want the world to be that way. But it doesn't become that way through talking, talking, talking. That's what got us to 9/11.

So today I remember all who were murdered, all who died saving lives, all who fought the good fight, all who mourn still, all who stand up and fight, and, especially Barbara Olson, who was one of my favorite political commentators and was on the flight that hit the Pentagon.

A couple of years ago I participated in the 2,996 Tribute, where bloggers were given someone who died on 9/11 to write about. I keep reposting my tribute, to Betty Ann Ong, Flight Attendant, Flight 11, every year.

This is my tribute to Betty Ann Ong. Please read it and remember Betty and the other victims/heroes of 9/11. God bless us all.

___________________________________________________

This is dedicated in Memory of Betty Ong and in Honor of the Ong Family. May God bless you all.


2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers
will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Today, September 11, 2006, I remember Betty Ong, Flight Attendant, American Airlines, Flight 11.


On September 11, 2001, Betty Ong was just doing her job . . . a job she loved. She was a flight attendant for American Airlines, on Flight 11, which was going from Boston, Massachusetts, to Los Angeles, California. Betty had been with American for 14 years and loved her job and

was a tireless worker. Whenever she worked a late night flight, she would never sit down and relax. Even when passengers were sleeping, she would walk down the aisles and softly talk to the passengers who were awake and provide blankets to those who were asleep. It would not be unusual to find Betty caring for a passenger's baby while their parent's rested. (Source)

She was a people person and it was safe to say people loved her too.

Betty didn't start out life as a flight attendant. She was born in San Francisco, California, on February 5, 1956 to a family with four children. Betty and her siblings grew up in Chinatown and she attended George Washington High School (Source).

She had a special place in her heart for children and senior citizens:

She paid special attention to them whenever they were aboard a flight she was working. On many occasions, Betty would drive a half hour from her home, into Boston, to have lunch and take walks with senior citizens. She shared stories about her far away travels with the neighboring children and often had trinkets to give them. (Source)

Betty's loving personality made her a perfect candidate to be a flight attendant:

She was feminine, very humorous, very caring, and she loved people," said Cathie Ong, [Betty's sister]. "She saw the humor and loved to bring out the humor. And she just loved to laugh. She had this habit, when she laughed, it was just very distinct. She would slap her knees when she would laugh, yet on the plane she was very professional."

Passengers and crew members loved Ms. Ong, 45. "She made everybody feel like they knew her right away," Cathie Ong said. "She had a knack for making people feel at ease. But if you were out of line with her, she wouldn't hesitate to put you in place. She was tough when she had to be." (Source)

On September 11, 2001, Betty showed just how tough she could be.

At about 8:20am on that day, Betty managed to get a call through to a woman named Nydia Gonzalez at the American Airlines Reservation center. It was one of, if not the first, calls with information about the hijackings. She stayed on the line for 23 minutes. (Michelle Malkin has a post up about Flight 11, here, which has a lot about Betty's role that day.)

Betty didn't panic. She calmly and professionally relayed information from the passengers and other members of the crew of Flight 11.

After Ong's description of the scene on board, Gonzalez and a second call-taker asked Ong what seat she was in.

Ong identified herself and her seat number, and said, "OK, our number one got stabbed, our purser is stabbed. Nobody knows who stabbed who, and we can't even get up to business class right now because nobody can breathe." (Source)

Betty's bravery and serenity under pressure helped alert the authorities to the terror that was about to unfold. Her call helped air controllers to decide to ground planes.

Ong calmly told ground staff there were possibly four hijackers of Middle Eastern extraction on board.

Ong also reported on the carnage taking place -- the First Class galley attendant, stabbed; the purser, stabbed. The terrorists also slashed the throat of a passenger, who was bleeding profusely. The hijackers locked themselves in the cockpit.

Amid the mid-air horror, Ong remained cool. She identified the seats the terrorists had occupied, enabling the FBI to learn the hijackers' passport details.

Fifteen minutes after Ong first alerted the world to what was happening, the big Boeing suddenly lurched, tilting wildly. She said the pilots were probably no longer flying the airplane. The 767 approached Manhattan, flying ever lower.

Still on the line, Ong said in a composed voice: "Pray for us. Pray for us."

Seconds later the line went dead.

Her ground contact asked: "What's going on, Betty? Betty, talk to me. Are you there? Betty?" (Source)

Betty Ann Ong was only 45 when her life was ended, much to young. She has so much left to do.

Only a portion of Betty's call was recorded. A small segment was played for the 9/11 Commission and Betty's family in January 2004.

"She was outstanding, under those circumstances," Cathie Ong said. "It's hard for us all to imagine ever being in those shoes. My family and I, we cried. She was just exemplary in her performance, her attitude and everything. "

"She was very take-charge, and we were very proud of her. She was very calm." (Source)

The audio from that four minute portion of Betty's call can be heard here (The transcript can be found there too).

Betty Ann Ong was a Hero on September 11, 2001. She made a choice not to passively accept her fate and did her best to save the Crew and Passengers of Flight 11.

Betty Ong will never be forgotten.

Of course, Betty was a lot more than a victim of 9/11:

She was the youngest of four siblings, a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was warm, caring, thoughtful, and considerate, always thinking of others before herself. Gifted with a sense of humor, Betty had a knack for making people feel comfortable and putting them at ease. She had a smile about her that could light up a room and lift up a spirit. She could feed laughter to anyone's heart. (Source)

Betty's brother Harry paid tribute to her with this poem:

Dear Bee:

I don't know fully why you left us
I don't know fully when you left us
I don't know fully how you left us
But I do know that I miss you so very much

I do know that you left us doing the job you loved best
I do know you left us fighting to the very end
And I do know you did your job most heroically

Oh how I wish I could turn the clock back to make things whole again
This is so much like a dream
I never expected to write you this letter..
Let alone a letter like this for you before me

Each day I wake up waiting for you to call or I.M. me just to say "Hello"
I go over and over the moments we shared together and wish we could share even more
And now as I slowly wake up each day, I realize that I can only talk to you in my heart and know that you are here in spirit

I whisper a little "hello" when I walk by your picture each day
Bee, I will never really say goodbye to you
because you are forever in my heart and soul
Bee, I just want to say I'm so very proud of you
And I really miss you so

Your loving brother, Harry
Source

In honor of Betty, her family has established the Betty Ong Foundation:

a not for profit public charity, [it] was established to continue her legacy. The advocacy of the Betty Ann Ong Foundation serves to educate children to the positive benefits of lifelong physical activity and healthy eating habits and to provide opportunities for children to experience the great outdoors so that they can grow to become healthy, strong and productive individuals.

Betty's memory will live through the Foundation's work for the advocacy of children and to give recognition to heroic flight attendants who continue to work hard to keep the passengers safe in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

You can pay further tribute to Betty Ong at one of the following sites:

September 11 Victims
Remember September 11
9-11 Heroes
Living Tribute

In Memory of Betty Ong and All Who Died on September 11, 2001.

May we NEVER Forget.

I know I will never.

Sam Bradley's EP is AMAZING!

So, last week, I planned to post new Sam Bradley EP posters every day, but I ended up going to Seattle with my cousin.

Saturday was a big day for one of my favorite musicians, Sam Bradley; It was his 23rd birthday (Happy Birthday, Sammy!) and the release of his first ever EP. I got mine as soon as the download was open. And I LOVE it.


Sam's EP can be found at www.SamBradley.com. Six amazing songs and a beautiful, bittersweet video (his 1st official video). I HIGHLY recommend it. Only $10.00 at the link!

The songs are:
1. Sea Blue (the song in his first video)
2. Eugene/You-Gan (love the sound!)
3. Derek (this is the song from which we at The Land of Dreamers got our name. So special to us. Thank you, Sam!!!)
4. Pretty Boy (such a fabulous sound)
5. Passport (hahaha, oh, Sam)
6. It Begins (this one gets stuck in my head)

Please go have a listen and tell everyone you know about Sam Bradley. He's an amazing singer/songwriter and a lovely, friendly person, as well.

I was blessed to finally meet Sam this past summer in Dallas, Texas. He gave me the biggest hug ever. When you talk to Sam you know he's listening because he has this intense stare focused only on you. He's hilarious. He's talented. He's adorable. And he's going to be big. So get the EP now and you'll be able to say "Remember when . . ."

You should go RIGHT NOW to www.SamBradley.com and get Sam's EP. Then go to Sam's MySpace and become friends with him. And don't forget to follow him on Twitter at @samueltwitt1. He's hilarious.

10 Days Until Sam Bradley's EP!

Only 10 more days until Sam Bradley's 23rd birthday AND the release of his first EP! I am so excited. I bought my presale Sam Bradley dog-tag thing when I was in Texas. There were only 200 available, but you can get the EP at www.SamBradley.com on 29 August (make sure you wish Sam a very happy birthday that day, as well!). Don't miss it!!

4 More Days until BOBBY LONG!!!

Ok, so I just got back from the most amazing trip to Dallas & Austin to see Bobby Long, Marcus Foster, Sam Bradley, and my Land of Dreamer Friends. I don't have time to write anything about it, though, because I'm leaving Saturday to go to Portland & Seattle to see Bobby again.

I'm the Washington, Oregon, & Idaho Regional Leader for the LoD ST and Bobby Long's Seattle show is only 4 days away!

We still want to sell as many tickets as possible! So please tell everyone you know who lives in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Here is the info, as approved by Phil Taylor, Bobby's manager. Please respost it on your blogs, your Facebooks, etc. Thank you!

Singer - Songwriter Bobby Long Comes to Seattle for one night only!

UK Singer/Songwriter Bobby Long will be embarking on his first major U.S. tour on July 26 in N.Y.C. Bobby first came to national attention for co-writing "Let Me Sign" for the film "Twilight". Although Bobby Long became known due to the movie's success, his music speaks for itself and is winning new fans all over the world. Bobby has recently topped the ITUNES Charts with his 1st single "Left to Lie" which charted at number 8. Bobby Long played a three city sold out tour of taste maker shows in April this year, during which he recorded his new single "Being A Mockingbird" at Arlene's Grocery NYC.

Check out www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong

The Seattle show is expected to sell out, so buy now or get there very early!

Bobby Long will be playing Seattle on Monday August 10,
at the El Corazon
109 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle Wa, 98109
8:00p.m.
$15 advance tickets www.ticketswest.com

Pre-sale tickets www.elcorazonseattle.com
All Ages/Bar with ID

Bobby has 3 singles on iTunes right now: "Left to Lie," "Being A Mockingbird-Live from Arlene's NYC," and "The Bounty of Mary Jane." Go buy, buy for your friends, & tell everyone!

Song sung by Pattinson in Twilight helps launch Bobby Long's career | OnTheRedCarpet.com Entertainment News

My dear favorite boy, Bobby Long!!

Song sung by Pattinson in Twilight helps launch Bobby Long's career | OnTheRedCarpet.com Entertainment News

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Happy Birthday, Harry!!

Today is also Harry Potter's birthday! If he were a living being, he would be 28 years old!

Happy Birthday, Harry!

Celebrate by reading a Harry Potter novel, watching an HP movie, and having a Harry Potter Party!

For more information on Harry Potter, visit:
J.K. Rowling's Official Website
Mugglenet.com (You can find out what a Muggle is, if you don't already know)
Or any of the other HP sites on my sidebar.

TexFest09!

Right now I'm leaving on a jet plane, bound for Dallas, Texas, for what we at the Land of Dreamers are calling TexFest09! We're a group of fans who help promote & support English singer/songwriter boys Bobby Long, Marcus Foster, and Sam Bradley. They are amazing and we have an amazing time telling people about them.

All 3 are in Dallas for TwiCon, since they co-wrote songs that appeared on the Twilight Soundtrack, sung by their pal, and have some shows at other venues there and in Austin, so we decided it would be absolutely fabulous to all convene and meet & greet!

I can't believe I get to go! My lovely cousin gave me her frequent flyer miles and is letting me stay at her house in Austin! Such a miracle. I'm so grateful to her and to God. This is a dream trip.

I will be at Marcus' & Bobby's shows at Poor David's Pub tonight. Then, Saturday night is the coolest thing ever: Bobby, Marcus, & Sam all at Poor David's Pub. Sunday, we drive to Austin, where we will see Bobby & Marcus play again at Room 710 (Incidentally, their shows are the last shows at Room 710, which is closing.) Monday night, Sam plays at Stubbs BBQ. Tuesday afternoon, I fly home . . . exhausted, I am sure, and happy as ever!

I will be sure to post pictures & videos when I get home & get some sleep. This is going to be such a trip!

I'm actually very excited & quite nervous at this point. I haven't flown in about 7 years and this is my first big trip by myself (yes, at age 28). But, I cannot wait to meet all my fabulous LoD girls & Marcus, Bobby, & Sam. They are such sweethearts & truly gifted.

Please come visit us at the Land of Dreamers, visit the Boys at their MySpaces, and listen to some exquisite music! I'm very proud to be a Land of Dreamers member & support these Boys.

Instruction and E.P release date!!!! Video by Sam Bradley - MySpace Video

Yay! News from Sam Bradley about his upcoming EP, where/how to buy it, when it will be out, and we get to see his new haircut, finally! Go watch! Instruction and E.P release date!!!! Video by Sam Bradley - MySpace Video

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American Indie's Feature Interview: Bobby Long (And A Contest At the End!)

Absolutely awesome little interview with Bobby Long by our friend Sheena at the always amazing American Indie.

Sheena got to spend a few minutes with Bobby after his unannounced 3-song "gig" at The Library earlier this week and, as always, Bobby didn't disappoint!

They talked about his thoughts on the upcoming "Dangerous Summer Tour," the only person Bobby says he'd cover, how he would one-up Marcus Foster, and more! Sheena also wrote about the songs Bobby played that night and shared some fabulous pictures of Bobby.

Oh, yes, mustn't forget: go leave a comment on the interview and you could (with drinks on Sheena, Melanie, and Amy, from AI)!

So, go read visit the Land of Dreamers and read "Five Minutes and Three Songs with Bobby Long" and show Sheena & AI lots of love for covering the Boys!

Then, tweet & post the link to this post like crazy so people can stop by this LJ & read our awesome posts before heading over to American Indie!

Photo used with permission from Sheena Carmichael and American Indie.
Do not use, copy, alter or print without the express permission of the blogger.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince tonight!!!

Tonight we're going to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at the midnight showing! I'm so excited!!! I won't be home to write more about it until way early in the morning (but probably tomorrow!).

Are you going? What scene are you most looking forward to?

I am FREAKING excited!

Earlier Amanda Bell of the Twilight Examiner posted a message from Bobby Long's manager Phil Taylor which included dates for Bobby's October-December US Tour! There aren't many venues listed yet, but the cities are there. INCLUDING SEATTLE, Portland, & Vancouver!!!!

Go check them out HERE!!!

One Month Until Bobby Long's Seattle Show!

Those of you who know me know I am a huge fan of English singer/songwriter/musician Bobby Long. You might also know Bobby's coming on tour this summer and his Seattle show is only one month from today!!!

I am the Street Team leader for the Washington & Idaho Land of Dreamers, so this show is a big deal to me & I want to do all I can to help Bobby sell it out!

So, I'm posting the show info! Please come! Tell your friends! And repost if you want to!

Singer - Songwriter Bobby Long Comes to Seattle for one night only!

UK Singer/Songwriter Bobby Long will be embarking on his first major U.S. tour on July 26 in N.Y.C. Bobby first came to national attention for co-writing "Let Me Sign" for the film "Twilight". Although Bobby Long became known due to the movie's success, his music speaks for itself and is winning new fans all over the world. Bobby has recently topped the ITUNES Charts with his 1st single "Left to Lie" which charted at number 8. Bobby Long played a three city sold out tour of taste maker shows in April this year, during which he recorded his new single "Being A Mockingbird" at Arlene's Grocery NYC.

Check out www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong

The Seattle show is expected to sell out, so buy now or get there very early!

Bobby Long will be playing Seattle on Monday August 10,
at the El Corazon
109 Eastlake Ave E
Seattle Wa, 98109
8:00p.m.
$15 advance tickets

Pre-sale tickets www.elcorazonseattle.com
All Ages/Bar with ID

Bobby has 3 singles on iTunes right now: "Left to Lie," "Being A Mockingbird-Live from Arlene's NYC," and "The Bounty of Mary Jane." Go buy, buy for your friends, & tell everyone!