Fireflies

Before you met me, I was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

Before you knew me I'd traveled 'round the world

I slept in castles

And fell in love

Because I was taught to dream

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture Tinker Bell

And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But I could always tell

I believe in fairy tales

And dreamer's dreams

Like bedsheet sails

And I believe in Peter Pan and miracles,

Anything I can to get by

And fireflies

Before I grew up, I saw you on a cloud

I could bless myself in your name

And pat you on your wings

And before I grew up, I heard you whisper so loud

Life is hard and so is love child,

Believe in all these things

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture Tinker Bell

And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But I could always tell

I believe in fairy tales

And dreamer's dreams

Like bedsheet sails

And I believe in Peter Pan

And miracles, anything I can to get by . . .

And fireflies

. . .Fireflies

Before you met me, I was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

And before you knew me I'd traveled 'round the world

And I slept in castles

And fell in love

Because I was taught to dream

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Artist/Band: Faith Hill

Lyrics for Song: Fireflies

Lyrics for Album: Fireflies

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy New Year to all my blog friends!

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

May all your dreams come true in 2007 and all the best in

health, wealth and success in whatever you do.

Enid

12/31/06

8:17 PM

The Letter that Never Came

I've mostly been hanging out with my family over the past couple of days. Our favorite home movie to watch at the moment is A Series of Unfortunate Events. This movie is centered around the lives of the three Baudelaire children who become orphaned at the very beginning and features Jim Carrey in the lead villanous role as Count Olaf. The Baudelaire chilren undergo a series of unfortunate events with only each other to hold onto. My favorite scene comes at the very end when they receive a letter (via snail mail) from their parents who have already perished in a fire.

*******************************************************

Dearest Children,

Since we have been abroad we have missed you all so much. Certain events have compelled us to extend our travels. One day, where you're older, you will learn all about the people we've befriended, and the dangers we have faced.

At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe us when we say there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events, may, in-fact, be the first steps of a journey.

We hope to have you back in our arms soon darlings, but in case this letter arrives before our return, know that we love you. It fills us with pride to know that no matter what happens in this life, that you three will take care of each other with kindness, and bravery, and selflessness as you always have.

And remember one thing my darlings and never forget it - that no matter where we are, know that as long as you have each other, you have your family, and you are home.

Your loving parents.

*********************************************

This scene is guaranteed to tug at your heart as the words hold such meaning and truth, not only for the three children, but indeed for all of us. In this coming year, I hope that each and everyone of your homes are filled with unity, love and hope and that families will stand together as one to face the events occurring daily.

A Time for Renewal and Rebirth

A time for reflection on the events that have transpired during 2006. For me, personally, it has been a year of ups and downs. More ups than downs. Certainly, I am in a good position when it comes to my own self validation and self worth. The downs have been triggered mostly by external factors, most of which are beyond my own control.

One only has to watch the news both locally and internationally, to know that we are a nation; nay, indeed, a world under siege. Life, as we know it, has been changed and our sense of peace and well-being has undergone a sowmehat rapid transformation.

For Christians the world over, Christmas is symbolized by the birth of the Baby Jesus. It is a time for renewed hope and rebirth. Some of the best experiences which occurred personally for me during this past year came about as the result of reaching out and helping others.

I have read many great blogs during this past year and become familiar with the many wonderful writers behind them. One great comment that I came across recently said..... "As long as you are wallowing in your own misery, you are living in a state of self-centredness. The antidote to any situation is to reach out and live in the spirit of service to your fellow human being. Focus on giving to others, and that hole in your soul will disappear. Live a life in faith - whatever faith you can muster - and you'll not be too affected by the world. Wear the world, in victory and defeat, like a loose garment."

St. Francis of Assisi wrote this wonderfully meaningful prayer which reads:

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds oneself.
It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.

It's Time to Rock with Rock 'n Roll Legend, RICK SPRINGFIELD

Sahara Aldridge with Rick Springfield

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"I have known 'Little Miss S' since she was 5 and she is a bright spark in this weary world and this planet NEEDS her. Please join us at the Show Me Center, December 8th for a powerful show for an even more powerful cause".--Rick Springfield, Rock & Roll Legend

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(Excerpted from Michael Manning's blog post of Wednesday, November 22, 2006)

Unlike my previous BLOGs, I'm going to share information to assist those of you who live "OUT OF STATE" who want to attend this "once in a lifetime" concert event. Also, I am also going to repeat information for those of you who live in and around Cincinnati, Ohio area who wish to join me on the custom Tour Bus I have leased--which is FREE, by the way. And the reason I'm posting this everyone, is because I received word that a woman in California read my BLOG POSTS here and she responded by booking a flight from California to Missouri! I presume she is flying into Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) and the Show Me Center advised me that she also wants to meet me, which is a privilege. Now, I realize that not everyone of you can do this. Many of you are married with children and heavy responsibilities. But I know you care deeply. There's still a way you can help and I'll share that here too in a moment.

I have leased a Tour Bus and assembled the components of this project to invite people who really love high octane Rock & Roll to join me. Many of you who are local have E-mailed me asking what local Radio and Television Stations they can tune in to listen and watch this story unfold. I'll also talk about how you can help even if you can't attend (and many of you live outside the US and want to help). So, let me just answer your FAQ's straight away:

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Q: I LIVE OUTSIDE THE US BUT WANT TO HELP SAHARA WIN HER BATTLE WITH CANCER. HOW CAN I HELP?
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Answer: All donations may be sent to: US Bank, Sahara HOOPS Aldridge "Slam Dunk Cancer" Fund, 325 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO. 63701 USA.
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Q: CAN I SEND A BRIEF "HELLO" AND A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SAHARA?
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Answer: You bet! Go to Sahara Aldridge's website at: http://www.saharaaldridge.blogspot.com/. Remember folks, that you are speaking to a 12 year old girl--so rather than get heavy--a simple word of encouragement is preferable and would be really cool!
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Q: I WANT TO ATTEND THIS AWESOME ROCK CONCERT BY RICK SPRINGFIELD, BUT I LIVE OUT OF STATE. HOW CAN I GET A TICKET AND DIRECTIONS FOR LAND OR AIR TRAVEL?
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Answer: Very Cool! First, get your ticket by contacting Ticketmaster by phone at (573) 651-5000. The Ticket levels are $25 & $35 and Premium Tickets at $200 include a Special Artists Reception with Rick Springfield. NOTE: "Out of State" people can also go online at: http://www.showmecenter.biz/ to book tickets. Once you are on the Show-Me Center website, click on Directions for auto travel from Illinois, Kentucky or Missouri. If you are flying to the event, I suggest that you contact airlines who service your city or town for assistance to Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI).
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Q: TELL ME HOW TO BOOK MY HOTEL ROOM?
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Answer: If you are "Out of State", just call the DRURY LODGE at (573) 334-7151 and mention the Code Word: "SHOW ME" for a $69 plus tax special discounted room rate. A free breakfast buffet is available as well.
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Q: I'M IN AND AROUND THE CINCINNATI AREA. I WANT TO GET A TICKET AND RESERVE A SEAT ON THAT GROOVY TOUR BUS THAT IS FREE. TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO! RICK SPRINGFIELD IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!
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Answer: You are awesome too! From our area, you need to call Ticketmaster at (573) 651-5000 and use the code name : "BUS" and mention The Rick Springfield Benefit Concert for Sahara Aldridge in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. We have 56 seats reserved in Section 103 Rows J-M. Tickets are $25 and $35. The Premium Artist Reception with Rick is $200. So there's a ticket to fit any budget! Next, if you are going on the Tour Bus, the way to book your DRURY LODGE room at the $69 plus tax discounted rate is slightly different from the "Out of State" people. Go online at www.druryhotels.com and Click On: "Book It Fast", Use this code: 262455 . Then proceed to book your room. Once you have a Confirmation Number, Email me at: michaelmanninginfo@GMail.com and provide me with the following: Your full name, Daytime and Evening Phone Number with Area Code, and your Hotel Confirmation Number. Remember people, WE STILL HAVE SEATS AVAILABLE! Don't get left behind! Act Now!!!. I will also be accepting "Stand-By" names for those who are otherwise willing to follow our bus by car. In the event that we have a "No Show", I will fill that seat with a "Stand By" person.

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Q: WHERE DO WE MEET THE BUS IN CINCINNATI ONCE WE ARE BOOKED?
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Answer: At 8:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 7th, 2006 our Tour Bus will pull up in front of The Westin Hotel located directly across the street from the newly-renovated Fountain Square in the center of downtown Cincinnati at 5th & Vine Streets! Macy's department store is catty-corner across the street (with the HUGE new Jumbo Screen TV on their roof). Parking is available at the Northern Fountain Square Garage on Vine Street, or at the 5th and Race Street Open Lot (next to the Millennium Hotel). I will endeavor to secure free parking. This is still underway. I will be carrying Mayor Mallory's Proclamation on board designating December 8, 2006 as "SAHARA ALDRIDGE DAY" in The City of Cincinnati! Isn't that a blast? We will depart promptly at 9:00 A.M. for Cape Girardeau, Missouri and arrive at 4:00 P.M. where Channel 12 Television will be awaiting our arrival at the DRURY LODGE to interview us! We will overnight at the hotel, then enjoy an Ultra-Groovy Breakfast Buffet the morning of the concert! The concert begins at 7:30 P.M. Those who have Premium Gold tickets to enjoy an Artist Reception with Rick Springfield will be driven to the meeting site by our Tour Bus. Our meeting point after the concert will be the bus so we can "overnight" back to Cincinnati. This is a Tour bus and the seats recline. "Overnighting" tours are common. The bus has three flat screen TV's, DVD and CD players and a restroom. Even our Driver is Groovy! Lakefront Lines is the largest Tour Bus operator in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. They have received the highest awards of safety and excellence from both The Department of Transportation and The Department of Defense. Our Tour bus is new. We will Rock!
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Q: I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THE CINCINNATI TELEVISION STATIONS COVER THIS STORY SO FAR? AND SECONDLY, IS THERE A RADIO STATION THAT I SHOULD STAY TUNED TO?
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Answer: YES! Tune in Radio Station WGRR 103.5 FM, Winner of "Adult Contemporary Station of the Year". This is where you will find interviews with Rick and all information related to the show and this Cincinnati-based project in the days ahead! WGRR 103.5 FM is THE "Official Radio Station" for "The Cincinnati Sahara Aldridge Express" Tour Bus Trip to The Rick Springfield Benefit Concert for Sahara.
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This is truly a unique Cincinnati story. The Cincinnati Police will be Escorting our bus out of the city limits as a "tip of the hat" to Sahara for making so much phenomenal progress! I continue to work on tying up some smaller details here while I remain available to Media.
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All of your Prayers, Good Wishes, E-mails, Mediations, Good Vibes sent through the Universe and Blogosphere are being felt and appreciated. Keep it up! And don't forget to say a brief hello to Sahara for a smile and encouragement!

All proceeds from ticket sales after expenses are paid will go to benefit Sahara and her family. Rick Springfield is playing the concert for free. For more information on the concert, visit www.showmecenter.biz or Michael Manning at: www.michaelmanning.tv.