A Powerful Story of Dreams Dreamed and Lost
Recently Ivette and I went to see the movie Florence Foster Jenkins. What a powerful story of youthful dreams dreamed and lost. One of the most intriguing artists of the 20th century, according to Wikipedia: "Florence Foster Jenkins, born Nascina Florence Foster (July 19, 1868 – November 26, 1944), was an American socialite and amateur soprano who was known and mocked for her flamboyant performance costumes and notably poor singing ability."
"They say Cole Porter had to bang his cane into his foot in order not to laugh out loud when she sang. She was that bad." Nevertheless, Porter rarely missed a recital." [17] What could possibly cause a noted composer and songwriter like Porter to rarely miss one of Jenkins recitals? I believe it's the power of a dream that refuses to die. Though most who listened and laughed at her performances never really knew the details of her background, the fact remains, At the age of 76, Jenkins yielded to public demand, and booked Carnegie Hall. Tickets for the event sold out weeks in advance while an estimated 2,000 people were turned away at the door.[17]
Like Florence, everyone of us is created with a purpose, As my friend Roddy Galbraith says, "'There is an internal version of yourself, fully equipped with unique gifts talents and passions. This true version of yourself can either be suppressed, starved and ignored or nurtured and given the freedom to grow. The choice is yours." Roddy goes on to say, "Your gift is that divine spark that you were born with. It is that certain something that you were created to live out and be. Your gift is connected to your purpose, your passion and ultimately your ability to live a fulfilled life. It is all wrapped up in your big 'why'."
"Florence said she first became aware of her lifelong passion for public performance when she was seven years old". A talented pianist, she performed in her youth as “Little Miss Foster”,[8] and gave a recital at the White House during the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes.[5] I won't ruin the story for you in case you decide to see the movie, it's currently playing in theaters. But I believe we can all identify, even if only partially, with Florence's Creative Process. It's a powerful story of how youthful dreams come to life, linger awhile and die. But Florence refused to let her dream die! Only when you understand her unique story can you begin to appreciate her courage. The courage to do the seemingly impossible and in her case, totally incredible! Really. I mean how many performers have booked Carnegie Hall, filled it and turned 2,000 people away at the door?
I think something supernatural happens when we embrace our dreams and refuse to let them die.
No matter how ill-equipped we deem ourselves or how inexperienced we are, none of us is good when we first attempt to live our dreams. And of course this adds fuel to the fires of self-judgment and eventually giving up on our dreams. Les Brown says, “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry our their dream.”
They say that when it comes to public performances, "No one pays for average". For certain Florence wasn't average, she was bad! And the irony of her story is that she never got good. But why were her audiences so willing to pay for bad! How does this happen? Were people actually paying for an evening of comedy entertainment instead of, as she billed herself, coloratura soprano (elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody, especially in operatic singing by a soprano)? And what if this was an elaborate prank on the part of the audience, is it possible that something else was happening here? Were Florence's dreams, desires and drives actually God given? To appreciate this, you'll have to read Wikipedia's article at: Florence Foster Jenkins to see what obstacles she had to overcome to see her life-long desire realized. Like audiences everywhere, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
I think something supernatural happens when we embrace our dreams and refuse to let them die. Someone has said, "The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." Actually I believe you can take the words The whole universe and replace them with God, the creator of the whole universe. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
When setting out to live your dream - Expect God to do the Unexpected!
Stay Connected to Your Creative Power!
"Florence said she first became aware of her lifelong passion for public performance when she was seven years old". A talented pianist, she performed in her youth as “Little Miss Foster”,[8] and gave a recital at the White House during the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes.[5] I won't ruin the story for you in case you decide to see the movie, it's currently playing in theaters. But I believe we can all identify, even if only partially, with Florence's Creative Process. It's a powerful story of how youthful dreams come to life, linger awhile and die. But Florence refused to let her dream die! Only when you understand her unique story can you begin to appreciate her courage. The courage to do the seemingly impossible and in her case, totally incredible! Really. I mean how many performers have booked Carnegie Hall, filled it and turned 2,000 people away at the door?
I think something supernatural happens when we embrace our dreams and refuse to let them die.
No matter how ill-equipped we deem ourselves or how inexperienced we are, none of us is good when we first attempt to live our dreams. And of course this adds fuel to the fires of self-judgment and eventually giving up on our dreams. Les Brown says, “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry our their dream.”
They say that when it comes to public performances, "No one pays for average". For certain Florence wasn't average, she was bad! And the irony of her story is that she never got good. But why were her audiences so willing to pay for bad! How does this happen? Were people actually paying for an evening of comedy entertainment instead of, as she billed herself, coloratura soprano (elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody, especially in operatic singing by a soprano)? And what if this was an elaborate prank on the part of the audience, is it possible that something else was happening here? Were Florence's dreams, desires and drives actually God given? To appreciate this, you'll have to read Wikipedia's article at: Florence Foster Jenkins to see what obstacles she had to overcome to see her life-long desire realized. Like audiences everywhere, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
I think something supernatural happens when we embrace our dreams and refuse to let them die. Someone has said, "The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." Actually I believe you can take the words The whole universe and replace them with God, the creator of the whole universe. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
When setting out to live your dream - Expect God to do the Unexpected!
Stay Connected to Your Creative Power!
The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/apjabdu179896.html
1 comment:
Great blog Dave!!
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