You Know Talent When You See It!

I'm no Simon Cowell, but there are times in your life when you come across real talent, and even the untrained recognize it.  Several years ago, I had the pleasure of hearing Jackie Evancho sing before she became famous at the local Kean Idol talent contest.  When this pint-sized Pavarotti got up (I believe she was 8 at the time) and belted out Con te Partiro, goosebumps rose all over my body and tears came to my eyes.  Her talent was so extraordinary, I thought to myself, the hand of God is on her--she has been Divinely endowed. 

That is me in the black dress after handing Jackie Evancho (in yellow)  an award at the Kean Idol contest.  I stood in for my publisher that night who couldn't make it.

Much earlier in life, I also ran across another amazing talent.  My friend Marianne Krostyne made me a felt Christmas ornament in my junior year of high school that served as a gift tag for a present she had given me in a grab bag.  I don't remember what the gift was, but I remember that tag because I hang it on my Christmas tree every year.  It was painstakingly intricate and precisely beautiful.  It was apparent then that she was blessed with a special talent. 

This month as a writer and editor for Northern Connection magazine, I had the pleasure of interviewing her about her career as a theatrical costume creator.  Her work is exquisite.

I once told someone that I love to write because when I'm doing it, it feels like I'm tapping into the live wire of creation, which is God.  It is so energizing and profound. 

There are things that I have written and gone back and read years later that have amazed me that those words came from me they were so good. Clearly, they weren't from me.  They were Divinely inspired.  (The crappy passages were my work.)  Rush Limbaugh's tagline is "Talent on loan from God." That's what I feel about my writing.  Michelangelo's Creation of Adam springs to mind.  I feel like Adam reaching out and touching God.  It is the ultimate jolt.

Marianne and Jackie's work are awe-inspiring, and like all great works theirs resonate because of its beauty.  I don't know Jackie, but I do know Marianne and I'm sure she would agree that her talent is a gift from God. 

Read about Marianne in this month's edition on page 28 of the download.

http://www.swansonpublishing.com/northernconnectionmag/images/April12/Northern-Connection-april2012.pdf

The Kindle Has Been a Godsend

Hi Readers,

If you follow this blog or the one I do for Northern Connection magazine or read my column in the magazine, you know I often wondered whether I would like a Kindle.  As I mentioned, I bought one in January, and let me tell you it has been a godsend.  I injured my knee in a freak treadmill accident and pretty much spent a week resting my injured leg.  The great thing about the Kindle was that when I needed another book to keep myself occupied, I wasn't at the mercy of my caregivers.  I just browsed the Kindle Store and downloaded the next book I wanted to read.  For anyone who likes to read and who can't get to a bookstore the Kindle is a lifesaver. 

I'm also thinking that the Kindle would be great for senior citizens who can't get out to their local bookstore or who can't wait until the delivery person brings your next selection.  It is also great for seniors because you can adjust the text size.  Too bad my late Grandmother Gert passed away before the Kindle came on the scene.  She spent her last years on earth home bound and was an avid reader.  She ordered all her books from a book-of-the-month club.

I don't think the Kindle will totally replace traditional books, but it sure is a great device for those who love to read.