Hattie
Hattie
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Hathaway Inspiration

Posted about 5 years ago
This morning my grandmother was feeling down because her finances are low and her health is getting bad, and she basically doesn’t want to ask for help. As she was listing her litany of problems to me, I realized there wasn’t much that I could say to alleviate her worries. I just listened, but felt like I offered little solace.Anyway, I got online and started searching for “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway to post for you wonderful MOGgers (however, I’m not that computer savvy, so I have probably danced around a process that is quite simple). I went to You Tube and Rhino Records (CrashPryor often uses Rhino Record links to spread the word about good music, so I figured they’d have everything including Hathaway).You Tube had no clips (that I could find) of Hathaway singing “This Christmas.” I didn’t want to close it out without hearing Hathaway’s dynamic voice, so I clicked on the first video. It happened to be a recording of Hathaway performing “Put Your Hands in the Hands.” I started tearing up and realized it was exactly what my grandmother needed to hear, so I hustled her in to sit down and watch. By the end of the song, she felt more inspired to, as Hathaway says in the song, “do what you have to do.” I didn’t have words of encouragement for her, but Donny Hathaway did and that, I guess, is the power of music.So, this link (http://www.rhino.com/store/ProductDetail.lasso?Number=71519) has samples of both “This Christmas,” my all-time favorite Christmas song, and “Put Your Hands in the Hands.” Even if you’re not religious in anyway, Hathaway singing religious-imbued tunes just makes you feel good. Also, there’s a sample of “He’s Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother,” another great song.Fellow MOGgers enjoy, and when you get irritated with elderly shoppers, drivers, and relatives this holiday season, just remember that they are still dealing with heavy issues and need inspiration, too. However, I don’t suggest blaring “This Christmas” out your car stereo as you speed past them; spontaneous loud sounds tend to freak them out.Peace, Love, & Sooouulll Train,Hattie
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Comments (7)

  1. CrashPryor
    CrashPryor says ...on the Don Cornelius Tip: that's solid, mama...
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  2. ciaran
    ciaran says Thanks Hat - Mr Hathaway is always worth a moment of anyone's time.. As the wonderful Ms Winehouse sings; Cos there’s nothing, nothing you can teach me That I can’t learn, from Mister Hathaway
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  3. Hattie
    Hattie says You know it, CP. Ciaran, I'm having the hardest time tracking any of her music down (the old fashion way, of course), so it looks like I'm going to have to order her latest CD online (and wait for it to arrive).
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  4. lemontwist
    lemontwist says This morning my grandmother was feeling down because her finances are low and her health is getting bad, and she basically doesn’t want to ask for help. As she was listing her litany of problems to me, I realized there wasn’t much that I could say to alleviate her worries. I just listened, but felt like I offered little solace. Sometimes lending an ear is one of the best things you can do. :)
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  5. mutterimieli
    mutterimieli says Kudos to you Hattie for loving and trying to understand your Grandmother. You're right, there are so many people out there that don't have patience for the elderly, some of my family are like that. I love Donny Hathaway and was excited to picked up "A Donny Hathaway Collection" for $8 at Best Buy.
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  6. ciaran
    ciaran says Hat - it'll be worth it. Both albums are fantastic. The 1st has more of a smoky jazz-bar feel, but with modern beats, and her amazing vocals - singing about her life (getting drunk, two timing her boyfriend, etc..) The 2nd is more of a 60s girl group sound (but with modern beats!) and her amazing vocals - singing about her life (getting drunk, you can probably guess the rest!) A true star, or what we in the UK would call a national treasure in the making...
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006
  7. Hattie
    Hattie says Lemontwist-- Thanks for the sound and sage words. I am a listener, but typically I can't express myself verbally as well as I do in writing, so I often wonder how much good I'm doing those who have that kind of confidence in me. Mutterimieli-- Thanks to you, too, for the encouragement. I used to be so close to my grandmother when I was kid; in fact, I wanted to be just like her, but growing up with a grandparent can be hard (learning that they're not superheroes, watching them deteriorate, and generally being impatient with them as a result of the first two reasons). However, being away from her for 5 months (the longest that I've ever lived far enough away from my family not to see them at least every couple of weekends or so) makes me appreciate her so much more. Be an example to everyone else in your family (and if anything, make them feel guilty through your actions towards the elderly folks in your family) to make them take stock of how precious these people are to us. We forget it way too often. Ciaran—Thanks for the advice. I've got a friend whose family has a record store (lots of imports), so when I go visit the Dallas/Ft. Worth area after Christmas, I'll likely pick it up there (getting great music and helping out a mom-and-pop record shop); can't go wrong there).
    Permalink posted 12/21/2006

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