Looking Ahead with Hope

December 31, 2021 by still a dreamer

As 2021 begins to fade in the rearview mirror, we look ahead … with hope, bright dreams, imaginings of life just being easier. These are hardly new feelings.

We are weary; these have been long, heavy years, but it seems it is in the human spirit to hope. Even in the darkest days, we have been encouraged, shared courage with others, and have been lifted by so many things.

One of the things that has lifted me this past year – all my life, really – has been music. I can’t imagine what life would be without it. I have been watching this video again lately, and thought to share the wonder of this performance with you as daylight begins to fade in my little part of the world.

Almost everyone knows Josh Groban. The female of the duet is known largely as a pop singer, lately a talk-show host. What many people don’t know is that Kelly Clarkson’s training is in classical opera, and you will hear that towards the end of this unforgettable song from Phantom of the Opera. Happy New Year.

Posted in Art, Authors, Creativity, Holidays, Inspiration, Life, Music | Tagged All I Ask of You, brighter times, Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson, musical, New Year, opera, Phantom of the Opera | 11 Comments

11 Responses

on December 31, 2021 at 5:00 pm Kitty

Thank you! Hard not to feel more hopeful listening to this. I agree, music—all the arts—fortify and lift the spirit. We’re not alone, nor are we the first to face challenging times.

Peace and great joy to you and all your beloveds, Jeanne. I’m so grateful for your spirit, gifts, and enthusiasm in the world!

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- on December 31, 2021 at 7:20 pm still a dreamer
  
  And you know I wish the same for you and your family, Kitty. We’ll keep doing what we do, staying strong, and the sun will keep shining, even if behind the clouds at times. Grateful to you, too. ❤️
  
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on December 31, 2021 at 7:21 pm Lavinia Ross

Wishing you a healthy and happy new year, Jeanne! That is beautiful music. Here is another one for the season from Dougie MacLean.

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- on January 1, 2022 at 3:12 pm still a dreamer
  
  What a beautiful version of Auld Lang Syne – thank you. There’s still nothing like an acoustic guitar. Just calms the heart and soul. May our hearts all be lighter in 2022 and filled with music!
  
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on December 31, 2021 at 10:59 pm Becky Ross Michael

Wow…such voices!

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- on January 1, 2022 at 3:14 pm still a dreamer
  
  Right? I’ve always known Kelly (and Josh) could sing, but then I heard what she could really do – I have an even higher respect for her! Happy New Year, Becky!
  
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  - on January 1, 2022 at 10:18 pm Becky Ross Michael
    
    Absolutely! Same to you, Jeanne.
    
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on January 2, 2022 at 12:09 pm Andrea Stephenson

We all need a little hope after some difficult years. But I always do hope that better is to come and I wish that for you too!

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- on January 2, 2022 at 7:03 pm still a dreamer
  
  Me, too. There seems to be an incurable optimist in me, for which I am very grateful, and even though she does get quashed down from time to time. 🙂 I happily accept your wishes!!
  
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on January 14, 2022 at 1:32 pm Bespoke Traveler

Thank you for sharing the hope and the music. Wishing you a happy new year. May it continue to be one in which we find the courage to encourage one another on to love and care for the world.

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- on January 14, 2022 at 2:58 pm still a dreamer
  
  Thank you so much and the same to you. I couldn’t have said that better!! We’re always hoping for a better and kinder world.
  
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