Thursday, January 16, 2014

Vivace

Vivace is a Latin term in music meaning “in a brisk, lively manner”.  Some dance tunes would be considered “vivace” in style.  If a band played a fast foxtrot, that would be considered a ‘vivace” tempo. 

If, after writing my blog I get a reward of going to the movie, I think I would try very hard to write my blog at vivace speed. 

If I had a three o’clock flight to Nashville, and it was 2PM in Edmonds, I would drive like a “vivace” daredevil to get to the airport on time.

Let your speed match your need.

Within reason, of course.

P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time


Monday, January 13, 2014

Sforzando

Sforzando in music means “suddenly or strongly”. 

I suppose you could have a sforzando moment on Halloween night if someone jumped out from behind a bush and scared the bejesus out of you. 

It could also happen if you were in an airplane and without warning the engines died, but let’s not dwell on that one. 

One of my favorite techniques in choral conducting is to ask for a “sforzando piano”.  That means I’m asking for a very strong attack on a note and then the music dies down immediately to piano or pianissimo.  That would be like being scared out of one’s wits and then the one doing the scaring would immediately take off her mask and you would find instead your Mom.

Some Mom’s do that to their kids, or so I’m told.

Sforzando!  For emphasis.
  
P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time


Friday, January 10, 2014

The Rest

In music, the rest is just as important as a string of eighth notes, or a crescendo.  It allows one to pause, just for a moment.  It is as musical as any other note, symbol, or instrument.  So, a pause can be a good thing.

And so, the pauses in life.  That is why park benches are made.  And comfortable chairs in a shopping mall.  That is a key reason to sleep at night. 

Don’t’ rush past the pauses of life.

Sometimes it is a beautiful person who catches your eye.
Perhaps it is an extreme waterfall, or an ocean view to take your breath away.

Perhaps it is a lovely scarf that you simply stop and gaze upon. 

Remember to note “the rest” as you do today.  

It keeps the rest of life in perspective and it adds to the music.


P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time


Monday, January 06, 2014

Got Poise?

Poise
     Posture
          Stand Tall

How about you?  Got poise?

Here’s a gentle reminder. 

“For poise, walk with the knowledge 
that you never walk alone”

You Never Walk Alone!  What a comforting thought.  I have found helping hands at every turn in my life when in need.  Family, friends, and neighbors have always helped when the call goes out. 

You are never alone.  You are surrounded with helping hands also.  Reach out.  Allow others to help, and then become the one who helps others in need.

Ultimately, you never walk alone, for HE is always by your side.

Stand tall.  Be encouraged.
  
P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time


Friday, January 03, 2014

My Attractive Parts

I love beauty – beauty in landscape, in mountains, and beauty in people.  I even want to be beautiful, or attractive, as is the proper politically correct way. 

I want attractive lips.  I want to speak words of hope and encouragement to you.  I want to see you light up simply because I found something in you worthy of acknowledgement.  Perhaps it is a character trait, or a talent yet undiscovered.  Maybe it is a kind and gentle nature you have never recognized before. 

If my attractive part can connect with your attractive part, we will have created something really spectacular – a spark of two human beings living in harmony on this planet.

Now that would be something.

P Michael Biggs
Offering Up-Moments
One Moment at a Time