Who Put the Song into Chopin? For all Music Lovers…Voice and Piano

When I spent time in Ukraine, I was most impressed with the love of music that surrounds Kiev and the people of this part of Europe. I sat in on music lessons for young adults at the Kiev School of Music. Their talents were incredible.   Walk the streets and one will hear music coming from windows. The opera that I attended was probably the most beautiful that I have ever seen.

Who are the great composers whose music still lives long after their deaths?   One of them is Chopin.  His life was not a long one.  Born in 1810 and  being ill for some time, he died at the age of 39.  A virtuoso of the piano. He was  considered the “poet of the piano” and one of the great Romantic musicians.

Frederic Chopin, Polish Composer

The video that I have included in this writing is one on the life of Chopin and a young, modern man, James Rhodes, who set out to find information on the man whose music he loves to play.   He wanted to know who influenced him and who put the song into Chopin.  He needed to understand the background of this great Polish composer.   This took him not only to Warsaw, Poland, but to Paris.

Russian rule in Poland changed Chopin’s life forever…never able to return, but filling his life and music with his memories of and his love for Warsaw.   It is hard to imagine we are talking about Chopin as a very young man, much like James Rhodes.   Chopin composed at the age of seven and wrote piano concertos at 17;  fell in love at 19 but love was a hard part of his life.  James Rhodes also  feels that finding love is often difficult for most musicians…as it was for Chopin.   From 1837 to 1847 he carried on a relationship with the French writer Amantine Dupin, Baroness Dudevant, who wrote under the male pseudonym George Sand.  She even dressed at times like a man. This writer spent a winter in Majorca at an abandoned Carthusian monastery which she describes in one of her books. Chopin was ill with tuberculosis at this time and she left him before his death. One can still visit the monastery today.

George Sand, Author at the age of 34

At age 21, Chopin  went to Paris which was the cultural center of the world.  He reached out to this “music paradise”and especially to those who sang for operas.     He supported himself financially by sales of his compositions and as a piano teacher.

This video is about finding and living your passion.   Reaching our dreams often takes research as history teaches it to us.   How does history effect our own lives?    Can we learn lessons from those who have already lived?

In music…instruments are often connected.   Chopin found his inspiration for the piano from the human voice.   The composer finds his own style.  In the case of Chopin, his was one of delicate touch.   He played late into the evening and sometimes the people in the saloons would hear him, knowing his great talent.  “Fingers seemed to be brushed by an angel’s wing”  as one writer expresses.

Set aside time to see this entire documentary…at least 30 minutes.  I do not expect that all readers will have an interest, but for those who do have a passion for music…this is my written gift to you.   Enjoy!

VIDEO OF JAMES RHODES AND THE LIFE OF CHOPIN

N. Boyer Publishes 3rd Children’s Book

"Hi I'm Red a character in Nanny's Bird Book"

We are happy to announce the publishing of our 3rd children’s book called  Nanny’s Bird Book.   Photographed in Sarasota Jungle Gardens and in the wetlands of central Florida, we believe that it is a great book to help children learn  the beauty of nature and the wonderful world God has made.
Preview Nanny’s Bird Book

Sick of Debating? A Perspective

One may think enough is enough….whether our political leanings are Democrat or Republican…conservative or liberal.   We are tired of hearing the “party line”…the talking points.   One may be ready to toss it out the window and look for something new.  If this is our thinking during this sometimes tiring hash and rehash bombardment of our senses, then we better rethink what freedom is all about.

It is our right to choose.

It is our privilege to decide.

It is our obligation to vote….less we forget what living without would be all about.   It has not been too many years ago that oppression was a stark reality.   If you are sick of it all….get over it.  It could be much worse.

Life is NOT LIMITED

It’s a new year and we wonder where things or time will take us. Life is not limited. We do not know the path or the road we may take. A new avenue may be opened to us.   We could choose the busy life or perhaps take the “path less traveled”.   The challenge may be to select something that we have never sought before.

I love the movie Julie and Julia and all the actors who played in it. Maybe because part of the story is about a blogger (writer)…and I am a blogger….but mostly because it portrays real life and the search to find one’s place in life.  Talents that we don’t know we have can be found. Triumphs in one’s accomplishments can be felt and become a source of growth and joy.  Often historical figures, old and new, give us the insight and inspiration for this new journey.   Also we learn that mistakes happen and can often be fixed or made right.   God has a plan and we must not be afraid to reach out to something new.

Below is a clip from the movie and the real life young “Julie”. For all the cooks, who read Boyer Writes, I have also included at the end, Julia Child’s favorite and most famous recipe

VIDEO “LIFE IS NOT LIMITED”

_______________

Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients

• One 6-ounce piece of chunk bacon
• 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pounds lean stewing beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups red wine, young and full-bodied (like Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone or Burgundy)
• 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups brown beef stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cloves mashed garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• A crumbled bay leaf
• 18 to 24 white onions, small
• 3 1/2 tablespoons butter
• Herb bouquet (4 parsley sprigs, one-half bay leaf, one-quarter teaspoon thyme, tied in cheesecloth)
• 1 pound mushrooms, fresh and quartered

Cooking Directions

Remove bacon rind and cut into lardons (sticks 1/4-inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and lardons for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts water. Drain and dry.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Sauté lardons in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a flameproof casserole over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon.

Dry beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Heat fat in casserole until almost smoking. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and sauté until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the lardons.

In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the excess fat.

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes.

Toss the meat again and return to oven for 4 minutes (this browns the flour and coves the meat with a light crust).

Remove casserole and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Stir in wine and 2 to 3 cups stock, just enough so that the meat is barely covered.

Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs and bacon rind. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove.

Cover casserole and set in lower third of oven. Regulate heat so that liquid simmers very slowly for 3 to 4 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with one and one-half tablespoons of the oil until bubbling in a skillet.

Add onions and sauté over moderate heat for about 10 minutes, rolling them so they will brown as evenly as possible. Be careful not to break their skins. You cannot expect them to brown uniformly.

Add 1/2 cup of the stock, salt and pepper to taste and the herb bouquet.

Cover and simmer slowly for 40 to 50 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but hold their shape, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove herb bouquet and set onions aside.

Wipe out skillet and heat remaining oil and butter over high heat. As soon as you see butter has begun to subside, indicating it is hot enough, add mushrooms.

Toss and shake pan for 4 to 5 minutes. As soon as they have begun to brown lightly, remove from heat.

When the meat is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan.

Wash out the casserole and return the beef and lardons to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms on top.

Skim fat off sauce in saucepan. Simmer sauce for a minute or 2, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly.

If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons stock. Taste carefully for seasoning.

Pour sauce over meat and vegetables. Cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times.

Serve in casserole, or arrange stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles or rice, and decorated with parsley.

Children’s Books called NANNY’S BOOKS now published

Thank you for helping me celebrate 200 writings over the last two years.  My stats tell me that over 25,000 people have logged into Boyer Writes.  We are grateful for all those throughout the world who love our blog.

Now we are asking you to help us with a new venture in 2012.   I am publishing some of my writings and will also have a children’s series called  NANNY’S BOOKS.  As you know, my real name is Nancy, but my twin grandchildren call me “Nanny”…thus the title.

Each of these NANNY BOOKS deals with a “teachable moment” between parent, grandparent and child.   Nanny’s “Work” Book deals with responsibility.   Nanny’s Monster Book talks about unfounded fears that children may have.   The use of characters such as dogs, squirrels, cats and birds photographed by N. Boyer help tell the stories.  To preview these books, go to these links and then forward this writing to those you know who have children.   It will be appreciated.   After previewing, click “buy” symbol if you want to purchase.

Link to Nanny’s “Work” Book preview. 

Link to Nanny’s Monster Book preview

NANNY'S "WORK" BOOK about responsibility

NANNY'S MONSTER BOOK dealing with childhood fears

200 writings CELEBRATION !

In Celebration of 200 writings

Saturday, Jan 21, 2012  Of all the writings in the past two years, the one that has been clicked on and written about the most is the writing about SS General Hans Kammler.  I had people writing from South America saying they could do research in a museum there and another reader who said his grandfather had some involvement in this mysterious situation.  Another had papers with the actual handwriting of the General.   Perhaps we all just love a good mystery.   I have included a link below that will give you the full writing (posted in Feb. 2010).  Maybe you will  have an idea why it generated such interest.  If so, send me a comment.  

( Reader comments are at the end of the writing…for your entertainment. ) 
    SS General Hans Kammler
Friday, Jan. 20, 2012    Recently the movie came out called “War Horse”.  This video is taken from a previous writing about a real American horse (Mongolian breed) who served in the Korean War.
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012    Some words and video taken from :Uplifting and DelightfulPosted on February 11, 2011It occurred to me recently how important it is for our mental health to watch and to listen to things that are uplifting, delightful or inspiring.    We can become bogged down in the media overload that gives our minds and hearts a feeling of depression, hopelessness, and regret… amidst world calamity.  Not that this is unimportant, for it is…especially to those who are living through oppression and difficulties.   None the less, life needs a balance…..
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012     Our wonderful moonTuesday, Jan. 17, 2012   Mt. Fuji and the beautiful maple trees as photographed by N. Boyer     (See more photography by Boyer by clicking on the abstract picture at right.)  Enjoy these beautiful slides with music. Turn on the sound.  
Monday, Jan. 16, 2012  Individuality and the    “The Finger Print of God”
Video Sunday Jan.15, 2012

A CELEBRATION OF 200 WRITINGSThank you from Nancy Boyer, author of Boyer WritesIn 2009, I began a new venture….blogging.   It was the beginning of becoming a writer, artist, designer, photographer, and most of all….the kindling of a new appreciation for  great music, history, and those ordinary and extra-ordinary people who make up our world.   My goal was to inspire; to challenge and to open up our thinking.   It is my prayer that this has been accomplished.A I look  back on  my 200 writings,  it is hard to choose my favorite.  At the right of this page is a listing of categories that may help you to find your favorite subject and revisit some of  the writings that have now spanned over two years.I have  decided that the videos and pictures that were included have added much to making the writings come to life.  Hearing the great orchestras of the world or the voices that can only be God given is a gift and technology has made this possible.We live in a world with great unrest and turmoil.   We must from time to time rest our souls and see the beauty that is all around us.  My writings may never have recognition as  great writers in history, but they can be meaningful to those who are seeking something to challenge them to a better life and to their own  importance in life.Especially recommended (under the category of Great Composers and the title “Courage and The New World“) is one of my personal favorites.   As I listened to the music video, I found myself caught up in the beauty of this music born from the grief and loss in his life…and his reaching forth to a new life in America.  Antonin Dvorak filled his soul as he penned  The New World  symphony  music.   I will also share with you a part of this writing that challenges each of us that there is much to find …to live…and to make ourselves an instrument of its truth:These words  by Dvorák  say  it best:“The Music of the People is like a rare and lovely flower, growing amidst encroaching weeds.  Thousands pass it…while others trample it under foot.Thus the chances are that it will perish before it is seen….by the discriminating spirit who will prize it above all else.The fact that no one has yet arisen to make the most of it…does not prove that nothing is there. “At this 200 celebration, I would love to hear from you and know who is following the writings, as you are able to do so.    My email is:   howey126@hotmail.com   You can also click on  “Leave a comment” seen at the end of the writing.  I will look forward to hearing from you.  If you are not on our notification list of new writings, leave your email and we will be glad to add it.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Forrest Gump and PEAS AND CARROTS

It takes a long time to develop a relationship….sometimes years.   We  live the ups and downs of the person  we care about.  There is a special union that only we know…or the other person knows.  Sometimes we don’t even know why there is that special connection.  We only know that there is.  It may be like “Peas and Carrots” as the line says in the movie, Forrest Gump.

Just as in this film, the person we love sometimes leaves and has a rough go of it.  The decisions made may even  cost a life; ruin a life or shorten a life.   Sickness and sadness may follow. We can do nothing about it, but to always care and to  love.

Life is strange this way.  That special bond, whether that of a father to a son or daughter; a mother to a child, a lover to a lover may seem to be broken, but life has a way of changing what we know today.   It may not be the same tomorrow.

Releasing the bird that we want to hold so close is the only way to ever have it come back.  That decision is not always easy.  We want to feel the feathers in the hand…to touch the heat of its body and yet there is the tug to get away and to be free.  We have to release it. 

The peas may be separated from the carrots, but they will always have a way of naturally going together.  Maybe they will go in the same dish…or maybe they won’t.  Regardless, while they were together, they were good.

In Forrest Gump, Jenny, as a child, never wanted  to go home.  Forrest did not understand why this was…but she knew.  Years later, she picked up the rocks to throw at the house representing  the person who had caused her so much misery and pain.  That abuse had sent her into a life of searching and into drugs and bad relationships.   As she hurled the rocks at her house of memories, the famous line is spoken:   “Sometimes there is just not enough rocks!”    When life hurts, we want to lash back and in despair and in hope…see what it has done to us.   Life will go on.   We have to give it a chance to correct itself.

Whatever the ending, there will always be some things and some people who brought beauty into our lives.   We have to remember those times.  They are the “peas and carrots” that have been a part of who we are.  Don’t try to separate them or understand them…just take them for what they are.

The Heros of 2011 : The EOD Soldier – Disarming Explosive Materials

The young men who risk their lives are not normally faces that we see in the news.  They are the men who strap on the equipment; take a deep breath, and do the job.   Their worst enemy are those who would make the IED’s that come from a simple ingredient: calcium ammonium nitrate.   Those who sell it; those who trade it; those who know how to make it are the silent murders of fine young military men and civilians: men, women and children around the world.

WHO ARE THESE MEN WITH EXPERTISE AND THE BRAVERY TO DISMANTLE THESE DEVICES?

They are men who have trained to be an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Soldiers are the Army’s preeminent tactical and technical explosives experts. They are Warriors who are properly trained, equipped, and integrated to attack, defeat, and exploit unexploded ordnance (UXO), improvised explosive devices (IED), chemical, biological, and nuclear ordnance and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). EOD Warriors are the culmination of the best tactical and technical training the Army and civilian academia can provide. They are prepared to perform missions in support of Army units worldwide, across all operational environments.

EOD Specialists perform duties locating, identifying, rendering safe and disposing of foreign and domestic conventional, biological, chemical, or nuclear ordnance and IEDs; WMDs and large vehicle bombs; they conduct intelligence gathering operations on first seen ordnance and IEDs, and support very important persons (VIP) missions for the U.S. Secret Service, State Department and other Federal agencies. Some of  the duties as an EOD Specialist may include:

• Research and identify ordnance using EOD technical publications
• Explosively disposing of hazardous ordnance
• Prepare and maintain EOD tools, equipment and vehicles
• Assist in the preparation and use of advance robotics
• Assist the EOD Team Leader in performing all actions required to safely mitigate ordnance explosive hazards
• Assist in the training of Soldiers in IED awareness”

US Navy Diver: Explosive Ordnance Disposal

3rd Marines 3rd Battalion Disarming bomb

Recently a video was made of their bravery.  It says it all.  Boyer Writes salutes these brave, dedicated men who have  saved the lives, limbs and futures of many of our  soldiers in harm’s way.

May this New Year 2012  be a  Happier One, especially for those families who lost loved ones  via the IED and those  in hospitals trying to recover from this deadly obstacle hidden on the roads; in the ditches; in towns and villages, or under water.   Even though little known or seen, they deserve the title of “hero” for 2011       WATCH  VIDEO

FLORIDA WETLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Wetlands of Florida

Florida Wetland Photography is our special Gallery for the New Year.   During the month of January, any print or canvas ordered in the Florida Wetlands Category will have a price reduction along with free shipping.      See all  photography and much more at our website:  Photography by Boyer at Boyer Gifts

Cyress Trees in the Florida Wetlands

Leadership DOES make a Difference

I was impressed by  a video and several  news articles that I saw during the Christmas holidays.  I think they speak for themselves.  Leadership is extremely important to a nation and to the world.  Political correctness has mired us down in the lack of ability to speak in faith and in truth.

Christmas was not a happy place for those who walked to  church in Nigeria …only to worship, not to be murdered.   In this place that was supposed to be a place of peace came the ugly reality of those who would wipe out peace.    Christians around the world are under attack.  This is the truth of persecution that has always been a part of the Christian faith throughout history.   Taking up one’s cross is exactly that.   It was never expected to be easy.   However, one needs to call it what it is and be unafraid to speak for faith and truth.

Christmas Day  in Nigeria …..Five Christian Churches bombed

Christian Church bombed

“A string of bombs struck churches in five Nigerian cities Sunday, leaving dozens dead and wounded on the holiday, authorities and witnesses said.

The blasts mark the second holiday season that bombs have hit Christian houses of worship in the west African nation. In a statement issued late Tuesday, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called the bombings “a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians.”

   (The following news article on leadership to protect a nation)

“Nigeria lacks competent leaders to tackle its security problems”, a former military ruler said on Monday, following Christmas Day bomb attacks on churches by Islamist militants that killed more than two dozen people.

Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner who lost the last presidential election in April to incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, said in a statement in a Nigerian daily that the government was slow to respond and had shown indifference to the bombings.

The Boko Haram Islamist sect, which aims to impose sharia law across Africa’s most populous country, claimed responsibility for three church bombings, the second Christmas in a row it has caused carnage at Christian houses of worship.

Security forces also blamed the sect for two explosions in the north and fear is growing that Boko Haram is trying to ignite a sectarian civil war in a country split evenly between Christians and Muslims who for the most part co-exist in peace.

“How on earth would the Vatican and the British authorities speak before the Nigerian government on attacks within Nigeria that have led to the deaths of our citizens?” Buhari said in the statement published by Punch newspaper.

“This is clearly a failure of leadership at a time the government needs to assure the people of the capacity to guarantee the safety of lives and property,” Buhari said.”

Yes, leadership is most important.   Perhaps we all need to listen again  to an inspirational message  from our President to the people of the United States of America ….a former President.