September 25, 2014

I’ve been wanting to begin my photography blog for quite some time now but I was struggling with writing the first one. What should be the first topic and what angle should I approach it from? This morning it became quite clear what this first blog should be, and it’s not about photography.

I caught the video below being aired this morning on NBC’s Today Show before I left for work. It appears to be an effort made by one of the hosts Hoda Kotb (I don’t watch morning news shows so I’m not sure who she is). There are four things I liked about this video. The first reason stands alone by it’s self and I don’t want to take away from it because without it I would not be able to discuss the following parts which are my thoughts about the music and the performers. It goes without saying that the children in the video are simply amazing!

1. The reason for making it the video in the first place is to bring awareness to childhood cancers. As a parent one of my most secret fears is the health of our children before, during and after they are born. We wonder as they grow who and what they will become as they progress through life. But unfortunately there are too many children who’s lives are diverted from that natural wonder and are directed into struggles for life its self.

About the music.

2. Blended songs seldom work well, but this one did and I happen to like both of the songs. They have blended Cyndi’s True Colors (I remember seeing that aired in the 80’s on a Patti Labelle Christmas Special) and Sara’s Brave. A song that I think will become an iconic song on it’s own.

3. I saw Cyndi Lauper in concert at the Virgina Beach Ampitheater when we lived in Chesapeake, VA during the 1990’s. She was the warmup artist for Tina Turner (what a show!). Cyndi was pregnant at the time and she performed while sitting on a stool. Cyndi was amazing. Yes there were thousands of people there but in truth, the way she performed and spoke, it was as if it was just me and her sitting in a room together…. and she played for me!

4. Sara Bareilles, simply put I like her stuff. Truly one of the few gifted and talented singer/songwriter’s of today. There just aren’t very many of these type of artist these days. It’s sad, as songwriters tell stories, and there just isn’t enough story telling anymore.

I think it is wonderful that these two amazing artist have teamed up with Hoda to bring awareness and to help raise money for not only these children, but for those who are yet to come. It is hoped that with research this can become something in the past.

If you can I urge you to help and to donate to any of the many centers that offer treatment and research for childhood cancers. There’s probably one near where you live. Take a moment to find one.

On another note, as you’ll see in the video, the kids are happy. That’s because Happiness is a choice no matter what we may face!

You can help by going here if you want to give directly to the effort Hoda has started.;