“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”
-Seneca, mid-first century Roman philosopher
I've always liked this quote, and always attributed it (until just now) to Semisonic and their song, "Closing Time." The end of the year gives us a chance to review the things that have taken place and to see possibilities for the year to come. There are relationships and lives that have come to an end and others that are just beginning.
This year, I lost my Grandma Leah, as I shared with many of you on this list. What I haven't shared publicly until now is that there is a new life that is forming and that will be joining us in the coming year. Karen and I are expecting our first child, a baby boy, sometime in May. It is an exciting and intimidating time in our lives. The thought of being responsible for another human being puts everything into perspective.
There are so many things I am looking forward to sharing with my son. I know that in doing so, I will get to experience them again as though for the first time, through his eyes. It is a powerful reminder to me that I have so much to be grateful for. It is easy to become jaded and cynical and to think that life has lost its glow. But when I think of all the incredible experiences I want my son to have, I realize that this world is still a very magical place.
I am reminded of another quote... "Wonders never cease as long as you never cease to wonder," although I think that one is attributed to Ziggy (the cartoon strip character). No matter who said it originally, it is still very true. The way you look at life that determines how you experience it. I'll leave you with one last quote, this one from Albert Einstein:
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
In this season of miracles, I hope you choose to see life through the eyes of a child...
If you have not yet "liked" me on Facebook, I urge you to do so HERE. Thank you as always for your support!
In song,
Todd
ps. In other very exciting developments, my music is now being featured on Jewish Rock Radio, the first Jewish internet radio station in existence - the brainchild of my good friend and mentor, Rick Recht. Please visit the site and listen to the many extremely talented artists found there.
pps. Just for fun, I posted a version of U2's "With Or Without You" on YouTube. You can view it here. Let me know your thoughts, and if you have any requests for future covers, email me and let me know.
"'Bridging The Gap' wins Best Jewish Album of 2009 in the Just Plain Folks Music Awards!" — Just Plain Folks
"Todd's song "You and I" (peformed by saxophonist Michael Lington) reaches #2 on the Smooth Jazz Charts!" — Billboard
"I believe Todd is one of the rising stars in the contemporary music scene. His vocals are gorgeous as is his beautiful person and spirit. Temple Beth Avodah loves Todd Herzog." — Cantor Susan Glickman, Temple Beth Avodah
"Todd has the voice of an angel. His heart is pure, and he has a unique spirit that wanders into the soul and inspires all who are privileged to hear him." — Craig Taubman
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2 comments:
Hi Todd: Mazel Tov on the coming birth of your son. May he be healthy and a joy to you both. Thank you for sharing your message for the new year, and I wish to share mine with you:
It's that time of the year, again: time for love, peace, spreading the joy around. There are charities that help humans and animals in every possible way. There are festive celebrations for the holidays. And yet, there's something more.
I was thinking back over the past few years if there is one special thing that touched me in the most unique way, and I didn't have to think for long about it. It is the flash mob song and/or dance scene. It thrills me like nothing else! All of a sudden, people burst into song or start dancing. It usually starts with one or a few performers, and builds and builds with more and more coming on board to join in. It just lights up the faces of everybody watching, and many join in to participate even if they don't know the routine.
This is phenomenal to me, and I love it! Reaching out to so many through joy, spreading joy, what a wonderful way to make someone's day. What a beautiful way to show how people can come together and have fun, be creative, express themselves through the arts. It instills a feeling of unity, of hope, of love, of feeling alive and being so thankful for it.
I've watched dozens of flash mob routines from around the world where thousands of people participated, and the feeling of the performers and the reaction of the audience is always the same---surprise, pure joy and gratitude. Nothing is expected in return for the performance. Of course, I'm sure the performers hope the public will enjoy their show.
But there is more to this: it is the energy that it carries and spreads. It uplifts and lightens. It brings a bit of heaven to earth and for a few moments, people are in the NOW, forgetting their troubles, opening their hearts. This is truly a healing gift to our planet. The unexpected becomes a gift, and herein lies a great lesson in optimism and in what is right with humanity. Furthermore, it teaches us to remain open to the universe because gifts come in all forms, often when we least expect them.
May your new year be one of magical surprises filled with joy. And may you reach out, join with others to experience it, to touch others, and to spread it around.
Thank you, Nora. I appreciate the congrats, and thank you for sharing about the flash mob. I agree that it is inspiring to see people bursting out in song and dance in the midst of the everyday...
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