Wednesday 22 June 2011

Have you got talent?

Belgian Cafe - Eastbourne Pier in the background
That talent show – personally it is one I do not watch .. there are too many negatives, but as with all stories of talent ... surprising gems emerge.  This surely has to be one of them.

I follow BK’s “Symphony of Love” blog as I love connecting with people around the world and BK lives in Singapore, but spends quite a lot of time in Malaysia ... so sometimes I can follow him on his tours, while his blog is inspirational.

To quote BK:
Just saw a video of a talent competition from Korea and there is this man who had lived in the street alone for about 10 years, from a young age, selling gums and energy drinks for a living. And yet he moved on bravely; just doing what he likes to do – sing.


He not only sings, he touches the hearts of the audiences and the judges. A lot of times, it takes someone like him to remind us of how fortunate we have been and how we may have taken a lot of things for granted.


Quoting something from John Gokongwei, Jr., “The important thing to know is that life will always deal us a few bad cards. But we have to play those cards the best we can. And we can play to win!” 


No matter how hard life may be for you right now. Continue to move forward courageously with faith that one day all will get better; it will surely get better!


It is the same thing; no matter what our situation is today, we can always choose to do the best with the situation and we can play it to win.

A thatched country pub, 
near Braunton, North Devon
This is the link – BK has the video embedded into her post – if you wish to go there .. but do please come back and let me know if you felt the same way that I did ... ie I felt I needed to share and was just bowled over.


Where’s your hidden talent?  This is just such an extraordinary video – and just check that judge’s face – I hate to think what Simon Cowell’s face would be like!  Not pretty!


Let me know your thoughts ..... You Tube: Korea's Got Talent (It is 8 minutes - but seriously this is so well worth it ....)


Joylene Butler who lives on that magnificently named island – Cluculz Lake, British Columbia ... always fascinates me that name!  Joylene has a winter/spring bet – when will the lake be completely frozen, and by what date will it completely thaw ... one of those seemingly endless questions!


By the way this link is for her blog – takes you to a recent article by Katherine Swarts – a good one on Social Networking for the Business Writer ... check it out ...


... as well as this link where Joylene blows her own trumpet .... well: two authors blow that trumpet for her with reviews of her new book “Broken But Not Dead” – definitely seems like a good read.


Sharnfold Farm Shop
Joylene has sweetly awarded me The Irrestibly Sweet Blog Award .. I’m seriously concerned I’m becoming a sweetie .... you know my mother called me that the other day – I’m sure she’s never called me that EVER in my life?!  “Sweetie” ...... me?!  Thanks Joylene all the same – always appreciate the awards, though am no good at complying with ‘dem rules and reg’lashuns!


I’ve had some friends here for Eastbourne tennis .. they stayed in a B and B, theoretically leaving me free to do my thing, visit my Ma, and catch up in the evenings.  I was the chauffeur as Jan broke her neck a long time ago and now struggles to walk ...


All was well organised – except for the wondrous English weather ... which stopped us all in our tracks ... the first day .. we had to go off and get socks, vests etc!!  Then just after 6.00 pm – please come and fetch us – we are FREEZING ... and off to the pub we went! – long pub!

Friday – it just rained ... no tennis at all.  So we had breakfast, shopped, visited a Farm Shop, got some fresh fish for supper ... went to another pub – can you see the link here?!


Cask Beers
Lunch for two was Beer and Rose Wine ... nibbles to keep the wolf at bay ... whitebait and chips, scampi and chips ... tonic for the chauffeur!  I left them in the pub and went supper shopping.  Brought them back here ... no we’re fine, warm enough ...  you go off to visit your Ma and we’ll see you in an hour or two.  Fine ...

... we’re freezing ... let’s go to a pub!!!  It is summer in England – and my windows are just open, but they told me they were warm enough before I went to Mum’s ... I said to myself .. we’ll see ....... !

So to another pub for supper we went ... we’d had lunch, but still .... then to the B and B to drop stuff off, back to previous night’s pub ... because they didn’t want to spend the latter part of the evening in a ‘dingy’ B and B ... I then came home!!


Marine Pub - covered garden
Saturday – hooray, it wasn’t raining ... they took a taxi to the tennis ... and they had a good day – still mighty cold ... so at 6.30 they’d had enough ...  then they came here and had more booze, as did I this time!, and a fairly simple supper ... with some good natter.


I’ve known Laurel for over 25 years and ‘of Jan’  .. but she was married and lived out on the mines at that stage.  About 15 years ago I’d meet up with them both in London, and Jan has since remarried and they spend half their life here and half in Cape Town ... last year was a bad year for us both – so we never caught up.  Long standing friends, with lots of mutual contacts from my days in Johannesburg, the squash scene, while working for Edgars and the Chamber of Mines.


Christmas Lights at Marine Pub!
The Marine Pub has visitors from all over the place – I, who live in this humble town, knew absolutely nothing about its claim to fame .. and good food ... 1,000 Christmas baubles, and 18,000 twinkling lights ... well I might take a look this year.  Doesn’t it look incredible – this comes from The Sun – a newspaper I don’t read!


So to whet your appetite ...  Old Sussex sausages with chips or mash; good old fashioned pie, chips and veg; Cod, mushy peas and chips ... all very tasty.  Pints of beer, some wine and just good old tonic water for the chauffeur!

Moules Mariniere
Belgian Cafe – moules mariniere – selected from the over 50 recipes, garlic bread and more beer and more wine ... I know – tonic water for the old girl chauffeur ...

Our supper here ... nibbles –olives various, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, pork scratching, prawns ... then fresh sea trout – that was delicious, with spinach and broad beans, asparagus, and new potatoes, followed by raspberries and Cornish cream ... and champers, which we all rather like!

Then I made sure they left town on Sunday! .. via the Fish Shack – where you can get fresh fish (but no beer!) ... which they took with them ... they followed me so I could direct them to the west onto the road to  Chichester, via Lewes, Brighton and on ...

Dear Mr Postman - such is life in Eastbourne once in a blue moon; My mother has been awake for some of the time and enjoys the tennis, and my stories of times in pubs!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

77 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A wonderful post Hilary, enjoyed the video, I used to be able to play the piano until I gave it up after completing my family.....a thing I regret as I believe it was a talent from The Good Lord Above.
I too can play the tabourine......no not in the Sally Army, but got up on stage in Ireland with my friend to play along with an Irish singer.....we both wished their was a trap door as we failed miserably.

Loved your post , most enjoyable to read.
Yvonne.

Betsy Wuebker said...

Hi Hilary - Rain and the pub, sounds like northern Minnesota! Well, what we're doing anyway. Love the photo of the moules mariniere, and looks like you're having a well-deserved outing or four with friends to catch up. Time in the pub is never wasted. :)

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,
My goodness, yet another interesting and informative posting. An awful lot of info here and my out of sorts, what time zone am I in, state of being, is struggling to get back to a semblance of a routine in blogland.
Anyhow, I note that Joylene has bestowed that award upon your good self. Thoroughly deserved.
Now then, have I got talent? Well, I seem to have a talent for leaving nonsensical comments. Apologies, after spending five weeks in British Columbia, yes the same BC that Joylene resides in, I'm experiencing lingering jet lag.
All the best to you, Hilary.
In kindness, Gary :)

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I love reading your blog posts, Hilary. I'm so glad you like the award. You treat it any way you like. Cheers!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Yvonne .. isn't the video so good - a real rags to .. I hope riches story - and what can be achieved with talent.

You've mentioned the piano a few times .. perhaps a purchase of a piano to tinkle on would be a good idea? Being on stage would finish me off .. so I admire you giving it a go!

Wonderful to see you .. lets hope our weather warms up for the weekend?!

@ Betsy .. you're right time well spent - we had some good old natters of times past and present - and it was very good to see them.

@ Gary .. I know I'd spotted you'd returned - you must have had a fantastic time - though travelling back is always the worst!

British Columbia is beautiful .. and thanks re the award - obviously a different part of BC to Joylene.

Looking forward to seeing and reading your comments once again .. when you're back up and running.

@ Joylene .. pleasure - many thanks for the award .. your two posts are good ones - so I hope others will read.

Thanks so much Yvonne, Betsy, Gary and Joylene .. lovely to hear from you .. enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary

Symphony of Love said...

Hi Hilary, thank you for the link up and the post. I hope that post could somehow inspire some to rethink the situation they are going through. Some time we just thought we are going through the worst things or situations but when we put things into perspective, it usually isn't as bad as we think.

Anonymous said...

Hello Sweetie, nope I don't watch the talent shoes, they make me cringe. I wish the summer would return (without the hayfever)as all tjhis cold and rain does feel like autumn, dosn't it? :O)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ BK - many thanks appreciate that you let me share ..

The video is quite extraordinary .. and so do I - it brings life right home to us - those that have ... and how we really should not be moaning about anything.

I hope every commenter and reader enjoys it .. PLEASE WATCH the video everyone!!

@ Madeleine .. well you send that nasty wind along the coast! Looks like we might get lucky this weekend - how long for ...? It's been miserable for 6 weeks or so - thank goodness I don't suffer from hayfever & hope you don't get a repeat visit ...

Me neither - like you they make me cringe - but this performance is very well worth watching.

Cheers to you both - BK and Madeleine .. have good rest of the weeks .. Hilary

Rosalind Adam said...

It sounds like you had a lovely time with those friends. Perhaps it's a good thing for your liver that you were the nominated driver. That's my lot in life but then I don't drink anyway.

How lovely that your Mum called you 'Sweetie'. I do hope she's keeping comfortable.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ros - thanks and as you can see Blogger eventually worked last night! They know how to enjoy themselves!! We had fun together .. and you're right .. my liver is definitely better without their lifestyle!

Terrible 'sweetie' .. usually it's "Hallo Darling" - sweetie was just such a shock! Perhaps she calls the staff that - I haven't got to ask .. must do!

She seems to be fine and thankfully comfortable .. many thanks - Hilary

MorningAJ said...

I've just watched the video and now I'm in floods of tears. What a wonderful young man! I suspect all he needs are a couple of lessons and he really could have a future based on his talent. He certainly deserves success.

As for your wonderful menu of dishes from the south coast.... I'm jealous!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Morning AJ .. yes I was too - just completely taken aback .. such an amazing story with that wonderful voice. Isn't it wonderful to find someone who can motivate themselves to sing so fantastically .. from that completely horrific start in life ..

I'll try and find out from BK what happens to him ..

Well the blue moon has come and gone for food for a while! But I had fun while they were here .. lots of fish that I love ..

Great to see you - thanks for the wonderful comment .. Hilary

Ellie Garratt said...

I'm speechless. Even though TV talent programmes such as these are often manipulated to garner higher audience rates, you can tell that Sung-bung Chi is completely genuine, and I couldn't help but be moved by his story.

Here's the English translation of what he sang (from Ennio Morricone's film score for The Mission):

In my fantasy I see a just world,
Where everyone lives in peace and honesty.
I dream of souls that are always free
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

In my fantasy I see a bright world
Where each night there is less darkness.
I dream of spirits that are always free,
Like the clouds that float

In my fantasy exists a warm wind,
That blows into the city, like a friend.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like the clouds that float
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

Ellie Garratt

Talli Roland said...

I want summer to come back again! Then again, Wimbledon is on, so it's the rainy reason. :)

I love the amazing stories that come out of such shows although I agree, generally there's so much negativity. It's good to see something positive.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ellie .. wasn't it staggeringly amazing .. and yes that's what I thought just true to who he was and is ..

Thanks for posting this translation - I didn't even know where the score came from - not the brightest musically! 'cept for raw talent!

Such appropriate words too .. gosh Sung-bung Chi could have written those. Beautiful.

Thanks Ellie so much for taking the trouble .. I'm glad these words are sitting on my blog - much appreciated.

Cheers and give us something to think about .. 'I dream of souls that are always free, ...'

Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Talli - Wimbledon, Queens and Eastbourne .. and rain - they go together so well. Tt does look as though the weekend might be warmer .. and thus drier - lets hope so!

I love the positive that comes out too - just can't sit through the rest of the drivel!! Happy to see something as wonderful as Sung-bung Chi sing - when someone else highlights it .. thanks to BK.

Cheers it's sunny here now ?! Hilary

Unknown said...

I have to say this, I've seen X Factor and the Talent shows and that Korean show is the most calmest audience I've ever seen. I think if this was another Boyle or Gamu, they audiences would have still have just sat and clapped. But, the singing was amazing for a boy without lessons. It shows what passion can do.

I was reading your blog post in the morning but all your talk about the lovely food left me hungry. Now I must go find myself some breakfast.

Gail said...

The video of the young singer is inspiring and fantastic!

I could not reply to your comment on my blog. Blogger seems to have corrected the picture problem.

For you question about the King snake, they are good snakes, not poisonous. They catch rodents and even poison snakes. We try to leave them in peace, unless they are eating our chicken eggs.

Your blog is very inspiring.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Clarissa - glad you clicked through and watched - as you say .. it's so worth listening to. I totally agree - shows you what passion can do.

Sorry .. can you get a lovely spicy filled tortilla easily?

Thanks for coming by - good to see you .. and hope things are even more settled and unpacked now? Cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Gail .. that video was truly inspirational, as you saw.

I've commented again and on the previous post .. don't know if you can reply at all?

The picture problem was a brief hiatus, while Blogger was on standby or something .. worked when I gave it half an hour or so ..

Thanks re the King snake info ..

Delighted you like the look of the blog - many thanks - Hilary

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary -

Love your posts! They're like watching the early TV variety shows - a bit of something for everyone. :)

While you're freezing, we're hot and sticky.

Blessings,
Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. many thanks - a tv variety show .. now there's a thought!

Yes - it's just so windy .. that makes it feel 'so cold' .. not sure I'd like hot and sticky either ..

Cheers Hilary

Joanne said...

I love that photo of the Marine Pub. It must be wonderful to stop in at Christmas time, so festive you can't help but get into the spirit of the season. And just think, Christmas is only 6 short months away!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joanne .. well I will definitely go down in 6 months' time .. can't believe it'll be Christmas Eve tomorrow!! Having not been before .. a complete exciting new experience to behold!

We had a great time though .. despite no lights for now! Cheers Hilary

Susan Scheid said...

Ah, God bless the pubs! (I have now unembedded the comment form at Prufrock's--thanks for visiting. I will have further on Rimbaud and look forward to what you might write on that as well.) It was good to take a break for many reasons, not the least of which I'm really savoring catching up. Thinking of all those great pub savories as I write . . .

She Who Walks With Buddha said...

Such an inspirational video. I admit, I very rarely watch reality tv, but sometimes something good shines through in those programs.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I just listened to Sung-Bong on Korea's Got Talent and was amazed! What an inspirational story about a young boy who practically raised himself on the street, and sings like an angel. I hope he has the success that he deserves. Thanks Hilary! Julie

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan .. thanks for unembedding the comment box! I'm not sure when I'll get to do the post - but Patti Smith and Rimbaud will tie in .. your post on Patti Smith was interesting.

Have fun catching up - and don't get distracted by too many pub visits! Good to see you.

@ She Who .. many thanks - it is inspirational isn't it .. good to see you.

@ Julie .. glad you had a chance to watch .. a very good listen before bedtime! I sure hope he has success too - deserves everything and I do hope he'll continue to be nurtured and looked after.

Perhaps we'll see him sometime ..

Lovely seeing you Susan after your travels, and SWWWB, and Julie - beautiful voice with some good reminders. Cheers - Hilary

Paula RC said...

Well, Hilary I'm sitting in a house I never thought I would own after my first marriage fell apart and I was left alone with my son who was five, and no job. While my son was growing up I worked day and night to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. They were tough times, but nothing like the times that young man went through or how many other people live the world over. I've been very luck, and met a wonderful man who loves my son and I. I now live the life I never believed was possible but always hope I could. I cried when I heard the passion in that young man's voice... It was truely beautiful and the language barrier fell away... Wow I wish him all the joy the world can give him and all the other sad and lonely people the world over.

Thank you for sharing it with us. Best wishes to your Mum and your good self, I'm off to see my mum today.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jarmara .. many thanks for commenting - it sounds as though indeed you have been fortunate. You've done the best for your son, and you've met a wonderful man and live comfortably .. it's so good to hear.

You are so right that his humble passion is amazing - he's not trying to prove a point .. he just has a very special gift and to come out of the gutter as he has done is truly inspirational.

Yes - if only the world could come together and let every person have happiness and peace.

Pleasure - just so glad you appreciated the post - and thank you re my Mama .. I hope you enjoy your visit with your mother and the shopping and gossip with her old friends!

Many thanks .. Hilary

Manzanita said...

Oh what fun.... ah pubbing we will go
with old friends. The food descriptions and pictures are giving me a powerful hunger.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Manzanita .. so good to see you - yes we had fun! Good friends and just an entertaining time catching up .. let alone all the food!

Thanks so much - Hilary

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Congratualtions for the award. Your blog is definately irresistably sweet. It has shown me so many different angles of life's sweetness that I have started focusing on good things in life and even when I see the sad side of life I am finding hope in some way or the other. For eg. this video. The young man had had a hard life. I am hoping that he wins.
Thanks for the good wishes for the newborn and for our family. That is very kind of you to leave a wonderful comment on my blog.
Cheers,
Munir

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Munir .. many thanks - it is so much better to full of the positives of life .. you're so right.

Sung-Bung Chi does have such a superb voice and, like you, I long hope his good fortune continues.

Your little one has made a great entry into the world .. a happy bouncing one & that's what counts.

Pleasure .. glad all is well .. cheers to you - Hilary

Anonymous said...

The Marine Pub looks like a lot of fun. Although it may cause flashbacks with all those lights. Hope they have dart boards in there.

And its fun to pub hop. Haven't done that in many years. Used to do it with friends. Hit five or six in a long night. Those were fun days.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Stephen .. yes - the Marine pub was a great find .. why someone from Cape Town has to tell me about a pub in Eastbourne I have no idea!!

I have a horrible feeling that dart boards may be out for Health and Safety .. ?!

It certainly was a fun day .. but a whole day - thank goodness I was the chauffeur!

Good to see you - haven't we all been there pubbing along the river - cheers Hilary

Anonymous said...

Hi, Hilary. It's like feasting on everything that's wonderful and beautiful in the world when I come over here! Aren't we blessed to have such wonderful food and restaurants and beautiful scenery in our lives?

I think, thanks to you and our friend Richard Hughes, that the commenting window is slowly but surely being changed to accommodate those who are having that trouble with Blogger. BTW, I've given up on the Networked Blog thingy. My friend is still working on it, but something is screwy about it for me. You know you can always find me on my Blogger blog; I'll always come up on your blogroll through that. And I'll know where to find YOU! I never want to lose you!!
Ann Best, Memoir Author

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ann good to see you .. everyone enjoys good food, if possible with good views but most certainly with excellent company and old friends .. love seeing them.

I hope the Blogger comment functions properly soon .. but the grapevine obviously has to work to inform everyone.

I'm here and you're there .. so we definitely can keep in touch .. I doubt we'll lose contact - somehow!

Have a good weekend .. and a big hug to Jen - cheers Hilary

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilary. I enjoy following Joylene's blog, as I enjoy following yours. CONGRATS on your award! Have a wonderful weekend!

M. Reka said...

A beautiful post Hilary, I enjoyed the video very much, I love playing the piano!
All the best
Marinela

Short Poems

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susanne .. many thanks - Joylene's book sounds so interesting and I love that lake of hers! Hope your weekend is happy too ...

@ Marinela .. talented lady - playing the piano and writing poems .. do you put your poetry to music?

That video is exceptional isn't it .. just an amazing young man ..

Good to see you both - Hilary

quilthexle said...

Thanks for the reminder - we love pub food !! Always delicious (at least were we had our meals). And "lager and lime" once gave my husband a good laugh ;-)) because I did not realize that "lime" meant just a splash of syrup ... and so I had some (in Germany, you can have your beer combined with lemon soda, which means - only half the alcohol ...) and after I had some "lager and lime ... well, DH thought I was behaving a bit funny ;-))
Take care,
Frauke

Anonymous said...

What a post, Hilary! I am still sniffling over the young Korean lad. Wow.

Now for my claim to fame. Does it impress you that I have been to Cluculz Lake a few times? Plus I've been by it a number of times. That is great country where wildlife is free to live its life.

Sounds like your visitors gave you a good excuse to shake out the umbrella. The whole scene sounded most enjoyable!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Frauke .. of course Eastbourne is home for you! Good to see you. I can imagine a pint of lager and lime would make you a little tiddly! Glad he laughed .. and you enjoyed it.

Good to see you here - your quilts always look exquisite in the photos!

@ Amy .. that chap certainly shows us what can be done .. beautiful voice.

Oh yes - Cluculz Lake .. now you impress me! It just sounds such a fantastic place .. and I'm so pleased to hear the wildlife is free - that's what I always think of Canada .. huge tracts of land where animals can 'be themselves'.

Your photo on your header looks superb and I'd always imagined your countryside must be amazing too.

Old friends and we had a great time! We certainly did a lot of shaking ... of all sorts ..

Thanks Frauke and Amy - lovely seeing you both here .. enjoy Sunday .. warming up here finally! Cheers Hilary

Helen Ginger said...

Amazing post Hilary. I really wish I could see in person the Marine Pub. The picture just makes me go, Wow!

Now, I'm off to go watch the video.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Helen .. come on over! I'm into pubbing now!!

Am sure you'll have enjoyed the video - it's fantastic ..

Great to see you .. cheers Hilary

Glynis Peters said...

So pleased your mum is OK with your pubbing and enjoying the tennis.

The talent of that young man is amazing as was this post. Thank you for sharing, Hilary.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Glynis .. many thanks .. Mum is just pleased to see me when I appear! Though always asks when .. but I come and go when it suits me - pubbing allowing!!

So pleased you enjoyed the video - his talent is extraordinary .. I'm sure we'll see him here sometime.

Good to see you - Hilary

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the links, Hilary! Will have to check them out. I like what you said about continuing forward and not losing heart. I think our attitude toward things is one of our best allies.

Congrats on your award! Joylene is a sweetheart. I am thinking I need to read her new book when it comes out. :)

Lovely post! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Karen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Karen .. staying positive is so essential - but when you're in that child's position .. that is amazing - but children are full of hope - aren't they?

Joylene is a delight .. and I agree her book sounds extremely interesting ..

Thanks - you too have a good week - especially with the next chapter brewing ... Hilary

Theresa Milstein said...

That Marine Pub picture is amazing! Wow!

Congratulations on your award. I think you seem sweet from your posts, but I can see how you might not see yourself that way!

I have no hidden talent.

I know this poor girl. She's 16, and she constantly puts up You Tube videos of herself singing. She's off-key, and not so great. It's her dream to become a singer. I hope she never auditions for one of those shows because she'll be crushed.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Theresa .. thanks - the Marine Pub seems to be ticking the right box for everyone!

Thank you - how right you are .. but wonderful everyone thinks of me as 'sweet'!

The video I put up is of a guy .. and he has the most amazing voice - I think there must be a spoof one going around - this chap is the real deal.

Good story for your students .. what others do through adversity ..

Cheers and do hope things pick up your end .. all the best Hilary

Golden Eagle said...

I don't really watch talent shows; I'll check them out here and there if I find something interesting about one of the contestants, thgou. Thanks for the link to the Korea's Got Talent!

Congratulations on the award!

WOW at that picture of the Marine Pub. They're really decked out in Christmas decorations. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Golden Eagle .. I don't watch them either .. but this particular entry is extremely moving .. but only realised when I watched!

Thanks re the award .. and the pub - I think I'd better check them out this Christmas!

Good to see you - thanks for coming by .. Hilary

Patricia said...

wow a great weekend and good sharing here - definitely time well spent.
With summer schedules, I ended up with both book groups back to back nights - with good food and fabulous conversations...the following morning I got up and the blood pressure was way normal and the weight had gone down

Good friends and conversation no matter where are very healthy indeed.

Thanks for sharing the talent and the lovely food pics!Glad to hear that you mum enjoys hearing about friends too...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Patricia .. yes it was a fun time and good to see them down here.

Glad you had a good time with your visitors, book groups etc .. and the lovely food I can imagine you serving up. Looks like it's the way to live?!

As you say .. good friends and family and conversation .. are the best for ones health.

Good to see you here - and thanks for thoughts re my Mama .. cheers Hilary

Sara said...

Hilary,

I enjoyed all of this post, but must confess my favorite part was you telling us about the visit of your friends. It's amazing to have such a long shared friendship:~)

I also, as usual, enjoyed your sharing of the food. Friends and food...a perfect mix for me. Thanks!

Patsy said...

I'm a fan of talent - any talent however weird is sooo much better than being a 'celebrity' without a skill other than self prpmotion.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sara .. yeah .. thanks - it was just about getting together and having a ball as we used to .. I have a few older! But we still relate so well .. it's wonderful.

I know - I'm afraid food and friends .. always great together ..

I hope perhaps you watched the video - it's worth it!

Great to see you back though ..

@ Patsy .. lovely to see you here .. this guy has talent - well the sort I'd love to have .. as well as the humility that goes with it ..

It is an amazing story .. well worth the watch ..

Thanks to you both .. good to see you .. cheers Hilary

Connie Arnold said...

I love visiting your blog, Hilary! You always have so much packed into each post, so full of wonderful things and new information. Thanks for sharing!

Theresa Milstein said...

Hilary, I finally watched the video. Amazing! I hope he does well. What an unreal story.

MTeacress said...

That Sharnfold Farm Shop looks inviting. Too bad it rained so much, but it's a good thing there are so many places to get warm. ;)

Arlee Bird said...

I do watch the U.S. talent shows sometimes after they get past the silly audition segments. There is some very fine talent, but there is also a lot of silly fluff. But it does go to show that there are a lot of very talented people in the world.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Connie .. wonderful comment - thank you! Just delighted to hear you that you enjoy visiting .. it's a pleasure.

@ Theresa .. isn't it fantastic - so pleased you came back .. and like you I hope he does well especially after such an unfortunate start to life .. his achievements are incredible.

@ Michelle .. Sharnfold Farm Shop is a lovely place to visit, buy from and also have a walk around.

Rain ... well it gave us time together that we wouldn't have had otherwise - one advantage for old friends!

@ Arlee .. you're right there is some incredible talent - and you particularly are able to see that creative skill ... and know the amount of work that's put in.

This young man just has the most wonderful voice - learn his craft from listening to other singers at a concert hall, while sleeping on the street and scavenging ...

Good to see you all .. thanks Connie, Theresa for coming back, Michelle and Lee .. enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary

Davina said...

Congrats on the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award, sweet Hilary ;-)

I clicked through to watch that Korea's Got Talent video. Wow. What an incredible voice this guy has. Truly a rags to riches story in the making I bet. Very inspiring and hard not to be moved when listening.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Davina .. good to see you here .. the award is irrestibly lovely ...

Glad you clicked through - it's an amazing situation and just wonderful he's been found ... so humble, yet so emotive - as you say real rags to riches.

So worth listening to .. and pleased to read you enjoyed it .. cheers Hilary

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

A well deserved blog award Hilary!

And an interesting post full of wonderful snippets. Edgars and Chamber of Mines are two names that are very familiar to me!

The Talent story reminds me of one of our Bafana Bafana soccer players - he was a homeless street kid kicking a ball around in one of the squatter camps around Jo'burg when he was spotted and went on to become an international player (can't remember his name, just the story). There was a poignant note in that he was off form during the World Cup 2010 and in an interview said he is so worried about ending up back on the streets that the pressure is sometimes too great. Shame. Talent has a high price.
Judy, South Africa

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. been having Blogger problems (again) .. back on line now though. Thanks re the award ..

Yes - I thought you might recognise a couple of names!

Your Bafana Bafana soccer player reminds me of the Slumdog Millionaire (Bombay Millionaire film) scenario .. I think those kids are back where they were ..

A very challenging situation .. how do they keep some money, without scammers taking it from them - when they have no basic education of life beyond their immediate slums or squatter camps .. they need a really philanthropic mentor to look after them ..

Talent in those situations certainly has a high price .. and many of the lottery winners here are now back where they were .. Sad - but life.

Great to see you .. thinking of you and the family this weekend .. cheers Hilary

nutschell said...

hey Hilary!
I've given you a BLOG AWARD and you can drop by anytime you're free to get it. Hopefully it helps to brighten up your day. :)
warm regards,
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nutschell - thank you so much .. I'll be over to collect - you had such a wonderful tour of England .. it was fun following you around .. enjoy your memories and all those wonderful stories ... you too have a fun 4th July weekend .. Hilary

Misha Gerrick said...

Nice post. I think it's always important to play with the card's we've been dealt. If you give up immediately, you're 100% guaranteed to lose...

:-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Misha .. you're so right we need to make the most of what we've got .. and never give up.

Good to see you here - thanks for coming by .. enjoy the weekend .. Hilary

Anonymous said...

I have no talent at all and I don't care to watch fellow talentless people make fools out of their selves on TV. My wife has all the talent in our family and she loves to watch those kinda shows :-)

Ebenyado said...

I can't agree any better with this magnificent post.Truly there is the need of making use of what we posses.Life is full of ups and downs.So giving up is never a wise decision.Hope u good.I just dropped another bomb of a poem on my blog so come check it out, comment and share with friends.Good day.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ron - love your avatar! I totally agree with .. well not that you have no talent! Anyone who can create a blog with over 1,000 followers .. has to be 'quite clever!'

The Korean chap is amazingly talented - one of the few extremely humble people, who really do deserve to succeed in life - he has strived to exist, let alone sing ..

@ Ebendy .. thanks for your comment - yes we should make use of what we've got .. and never give up ..

Thanks Ron and Ebendy .. good to see you both .. Hilary

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Oh My goodness, Hilary, you should have warned me that I needed a box of kleenex when watching the video. What an extraordinaire young man. I loved the video and the story. What an inspiration!

Thanks for sharing with us, Hilary. And I am glad you had a great time with friends.

Doris

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Doris .. so pleased you got here to see the video - exactly as you say 'what a story' and definitely an inspiration ..

Yes - it was lovely seeing Laurel and Jan again and doing a catch up .. the rain may have done us a favour in some ways, as we could spend more together. Fun - but exhausting time!

Cheers for now and enjoy the week ahead .. Hilary