The Arts
Music, Poetry, Movies, Painting & Sculpture
All of these arts have inspired people to live better lives for
Themselves
Others
The Common Good
Below are some works of art which have inspired me over the years.
What are some works of art which inspire you?
Share Your Thoughts
SPRING IS THE SEASON OF HOPE AND JOY
Though all of us experience ups and downs in our lives,
I frequently remember the song “April Showers” which was very popular
When I was a kid. It has always helped me accept and cope with the negatives of life,
and then be ready to enjoy the many good things in my life.
Though April Showers May Come Your Way
… Life is not a highway strewn with flowers
Still, it holds a goodly share of bliss
When the sun gives way to April showers
Here's the point you should never miss
… Though April showers may come your way
They bring the flowers that bloom in May
So if it's raining, have no regrets
Because it isn't raining rain, you know
It's raining violets
… And when you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a bluebird, and listening for his song
Whenever April showers come along
Written by Louis Silvers
The Arts Bring Hope and Help:
“WE ARE THE WORLD”
Click on this link to watch the 7 minute video: U.S.A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AjkUyX0rVw
One of the readers of the monthly Hope newsletter sent me an email with a link to a video which she thought would be fun and interesting to see and hear. Here are some words from her email: “Dear Bob, You may remember this song from the 80’s. Last night Jim and I watched an amazing documentary on Netflix about how they pulled it off in one all-nighter after the (AMA) American Music Awards they had all attended. It was the brainchild of Lionel Ritchie. With so many stars, they were actually writing the music as they went. Nostalgic and fun to watch. We could use a little of this spirit.” Another monthly Hope Newsletter reader sent me an email suggesting that I include this video in a Hope Newsletter. So, in response to their requests, I am including it in this Newsletter.
This performance was put together to raise funds help address the famine issues in Ethiopia and other African countries in the 1980’s. Raising funds to help fight the famine also helped some African countries to become more democratic in their constitutions and laws.
As I watched this seven minute video, I recognized some of the performers. But just to jog your memories, here is a list of the performers in the video:
Soloists: Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles.
Chorus: Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Mario Cipollina, Johnny Colla, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bill Gibson, Chris Hayes, Sean Hopper, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Smokey Robinson.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I wanted to include some music appropriate for the season. There are many religious-themed pieces of music which are focused on being grateful for the beauty and goodness around us. But as I searched for a non-religious, Thanksgiving song, I came across This Thanksgiving Day written and performed by Ben Rector. I thought you might enjoy it. To see and listen to the song, click on this link: Bing Videos
Wonderful World of Sunsets
Beauty inspires us to be hopeful. Here is a link to a Facebook collection 0f pictures called the Wonderful World of Sunsets: (20+) Facebook And here are two examples of the beautiful pictures on the Facebook page. Give it a look.
Remembering a Good Friend
A very good friend of mine, with whom who I worked for over 25 years, recently died. He was a source of hope for me and many other people. He was generous with his time in helping me and many others to grow professionally. He served the communities and organizations he was actively part of giving his time and financial support. He was also an accomplished musician playing the violin in a symphony orchestra. And he did it all with a “quirky” sense of humor. Below is a lively, 6 ½ minute violin concerto which I am sure he played at various concerts over the years. Enjoy!
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
One of our website readers suggested adding “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin to The Arts section of the Hope From Bottom Up website. This is the 99th Anniversary of the creation of this beautiful piece of music. Gershwin modeled it after the subway sounds he heard as a kid in NY. Click on this link to hear some subway sounds in a New York subway. https://pixabay.com/videos/subway-brooklyn-new-york-city-4541/
Here are two versions of Rhapsody in Blue.
Rhapsody in Blue Debut | Rhapsody In Blue | Warner Archive - YouTube 6 minute version with Robert Alda playing the role of George Gershwin from the film “Rhapsody in Blue
George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, New York 1924 Version - Jerzy Maksymiuk and Daniel Vnukowski - YouTube Full Rhapsody in Blue 19 minutes
SPRING IS THE SEASON OF HOPE AND JOY
AND TO CELEBRATE SPRING, LISTEN & WATCH BEETHOVEN’S ODE TO JOY!
https://youtu.be/87qT5BOl2XU
I love the change of seasons. Each season has its own beauty. And as seasons change, it reminds us that the mix of change and sameness in the world around us is a good thing. We enjoy the beauty of the past and present and look forward to beauty in the future.
Click on this link for some music appropriate to the winter season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcXSm51UI5M
As a precursor to the first night of Hanukkah, which fell on December 18, 2022, Brooklyn artist Allison Garber, in the spirit of John Atkinson's "Art of the Christmas Tree," created her own rendition, illustrating how famous artists might interpret a menorah!
The song “9 to 5” written and sung by Dolly Parton and the movie “9 to 5” starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin became an anthem for working women in the 1980's uniting women together under one battle cry for fair working conditions. Dabney Coleman was the bad boss.
Here is a link to a video of the song: Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 - YouTube ENJOY!
BEAUTY INSPIRES HOPE & JOY