Dear Andre,
Hullo again.
This will be short and to the point.
I am very sad this week, as my mother has died, I am able to derive great comfort from watching one or other of your DVDs when ever I feel particularly vulnerable. I particularly love your Gala Performance, as I love the Tirol Rock, and the antics you fellows get up to while you waited for the ladies to return after doing The Clog Dance. The ladies do the Tirol Rock so well and it always brings a smile to my face. Thank you once again for all the joy and pleasure you bring to those of us who love you.
God Bless.
With affection,
Susan.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Mum/Kate/Grandma.
It is with deep sadness I 'put pen to paper' and write this posting.
Although it is part of the cycle of life, none of us relish the task of realizing that our parents have died. I have heard it said, one never fully comes to terms with not having someone like a parent to turn to for advice. This however, is the case for me and my family this week.
Our mother. mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, died on Wednesday morning. She had had a stroke in October last year, and recently had been rapidly declining.It is a blessed release for her, and no one would wish her to be kept alive by artificial means. She certainly did not want that.
Mum was a brilliant academic/scholar, and had several degrees. She was also a teacher. She started training as a Primary school teacher when her youngest child started school. She did it all by correspondence while looking after a family and helping on the farm.
She was transferred to Bordertown Primary School, where she taught for many years. She had resigned from teaching when she was approached to fill in at the local high school a few times. The Principal obviously realized she had great talent, and she finished up teaching full time at the high school. This led to her needing extra qualifications, and she started a Bachelor of Arts degree, again by correspondence, while still looking after a family and the farm with Dad.
She and her youngest child moved to Adelaide in 1970 and mum taught part time and finished her degree with part time study at Uni.
Mum had served in the W.R.A.A.F during the second world war, as a stenogropher and radar operator.
I was reminded today by my mother's youngest sister, (not that I needed reminding) just how kind and generous Mum & Dad were. They would always help others worse off than themselves, even though they had very little money. Mum used to buy clothes and shoes for the poorer children. I suppose that was when she was teaching, I am not sure, but it did jog my memory. They frequently put a box of groceries together for some poor creature, out of their own larder. We kids never felt deprived and would never think to complain. We would have been scolded sverely if we had.
Mum travelled extensively around the world, and was with one of the first groups of tourists who were allowed in to China. She had travelled around Europe and the UK. A lot of the time she travelled alone, something that makes people think twice these days. She had a blast.
She definately lived life to the full.
She had lots of friends and loved her family very much. We are going to miss her greatly. I certainly will miss our games of Scrabble, as I could beat her quite often. Not a small achievement given her vast vocabulary and understanding of words.
Rest in peace Darling Marmy.
Although it is part of the cycle of life, none of us relish the task of realizing that our parents have died. I have heard it said, one never fully comes to terms with not having someone like a parent to turn to for advice. This however, is the case for me and my family this week.
Our mother. mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, died on Wednesday morning. She had had a stroke in October last year, and recently had been rapidly declining.It is a blessed release for her, and no one would wish her to be kept alive by artificial means. She certainly did not want that.
Mum was a brilliant academic/scholar, and had several degrees. She was also a teacher. She started training as a Primary school teacher when her youngest child started school. She did it all by correspondence while looking after a family and helping on the farm.
She was transferred to Bordertown Primary School, where she taught for many years. She had resigned from teaching when she was approached to fill in at the local high school a few times. The Principal obviously realized she had great talent, and she finished up teaching full time at the high school. This led to her needing extra qualifications, and she started a Bachelor of Arts degree, again by correspondence, while still looking after a family and the farm with Dad.
She and her youngest child moved to Adelaide in 1970 and mum taught part time and finished her degree with part time study at Uni.
Mum had served in the W.R.A.A.F during the second world war, as a stenogropher and radar operator.
I was reminded today by my mother's youngest sister, (not that I needed reminding) just how kind and generous Mum & Dad were. They would always help others worse off than themselves, even though they had very little money. Mum used to buy clothes and shoes for the poorer children. I suppose that was when she was teaching, I am not sure, but it did jog my memory. They frequently put a box of groceries together for some poor creature, out of their own larder. We kids never felt deprived and would never think to complain. We would have been scolded sverely if we had.
Mum travelled extensively around the world, and was with one of the first groups of tourists who were allowed in to China. She had travelled around Europe and the UK. A lot of the time she travelled alone, something that makes people think twice these days. She had a blast.
She definately lived life to the full.
She had lots of friends and loved her family very much. We are going to miss her greatly. I certainly will miss our games of Scrabble, as I could beat her quite often. Not a small achievement given her vast vocabulary and understanding of words.
Rest in peace Darling Marmy.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu III
Dear Andre,
Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
X X X X
Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
X X X X
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Another day shot to ....
There goes anothe day in my humdrum existence. Grocery shopping etc. I did some other shopping this time. Credit card is looking a bit sorry for itself, though not too much. I have needed a black blouse for ages, and I somehow lost one of my favourite nighties when I came home from hospital last year. I bought another one the same. I dunno where it could have gone as I was not in hospital long enough to require someone to do my washing. Ah, well, such is life.
My mate Sue came around last night as she had been to Naracoorte with her son. She was like a kid when they know or have something you don;t. You know the sort of thing. 'I know something you don't know'. She had bought a 4DVD set of Andre Rieu music and an interview with him. Now, I am what is colloquially known as an Andre 'tragic', and I did not think she was that enamoured.Sue was not brought up with classical music or any refinememts, so I am surprised she likes this music.Sue was like a kid whose birthday and Christmas had come together. It was very funny to see. She had some of the DVDs I was hoping to get, and she said there were only two left. Naturally, I was in like a shot first thing this morning and purchased a set. It turns out, this is a limited edition so I was lucky to get them. Sue is a real mate in things of this nature. If she knows I like something, she will let me know about it. If I can afford it, I will buy it.
We went to our favourite watering hole and had lunch as usual. Neville had Porterhouse steak, I had a large bowl of chicken and corn soup. It was quite nice except for the slight greasyness. It was only $3.00 cheaper than Neville's steak! I had a cup of tea as well. That certainly was NOT value for money. The cup was so small, and, at $3.50 not a lot of it. I thought they would have brought me a pot of tea.
I had been up before dawn this morning, and rang my sister in Britain. Consequently, I was tired and slept all the way home. Not very comfortable, and I woke up every time my mouth dropped open. Not a pretty sight I am sure.
My mate Sue came around last night as she had been to Naracoorte with her son. She was like a kid when they know or have something you don;t. You know the sort of thing. 'I know something you don't know'. She had bought a 4DVD set of Andre Rieu music and an interview with him. Now, I am what is colloquially known as an Andre 'tragic', and I did not think she was that enamoured.Sue was not brought up with classical music or any refinememts, so I am surprised she likes this music.Sue was like a kid whose birthday and Christmas had come together. It was very funny to see. She had some of the DVDs I was hoping to get, and she said there were only two left. Naturally, I was in like a shot first thing this morning and purchased a set. It turns out, this is a limited edition so I was lucky to get them. Sue is a real mate in things of this nature. If she knows I like something, she will let me know about it. If I can afford it, I will buy it.
We went to our favourite watering hole and had lunch as usual. Neville had Porterhouse steak, I had a large bowl of chicken and corn soup. It was quite nice except for the slight greasyness. It was only $3.00 cheaper than Neville's steak! I had a cup of tea as well. That certainly was NOT value for money. The cup was so small, and, at $3.50 not a lot of it. I thought they would have brought me a pot of tea.
I had been up before dawn this morning, and rang my sister in Britain. Consequently, I was tired and slept all the way home. Not very comfortable, and I woke up every time my mouth dropped open. Not a pretty sight I am sure.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu II
Dear Andre,
Hullo again.
I first wrote to you in May. I was warned you probably would not reply and, so far, that is the case. However, it is not going to dampen my enthusiasm for your music whether on DVD or CD, as I love watching your concerts. It is the only way I will ever be able to see them, as I have very poor eyesight and even if I were to get front row seats, I would still miss so much of what was happening on stage. This way, I can 'go to one of your concerts' any time I choose, and not miss a thing. I also have the amazing luxury of watching them over and over again. I get fresh enjoyment every time I watch them. If it is possible to wear out a DVD, I certainly will! I think my DVD laser will wear out first though. I am able to watch them on my computer LCD screen and using the head phones, I do not disturb my husband.
I was very pleased to read that Marjorie is coming with you to Australia. I know she is terrified of flying, so she obviously loves you very much to put her fears aside to do this for you. I hope she has a great time here.
I recently bought your CD set of The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies. I was thrilled to discover some of my particular favourites on there. Romance. (The Gadfly), The Swan, The Annen Polka, to name a few. There are plenty of 'real' classical pieces too, which prove that you are NOT wasting you training or talent. Enough for the purists to be going on with.
I watch one or other of your DVDs every day, if possible, and feel deprived if I can't. Thank you Andre and the JSO for all the wonderful music and funny antics which give so much pleasure to those of us who love you. I am starting to get to know the orchestra members by name because I look up everything I can about you all. I think Ruud Merx is a great chap. He is a brilliant trombonist and sooo funny. Keep up the good work, you all do a terrific job. I was sorry to read the Carla and Carmen are to leave soon. I will mis them.
Best of luck for your future, and safe travel,
With affection.
Susan.
X X X X X X
Hullo again.
I first wrote to you in May. I was warned you probably would not reply and, so far, that is the case. However, it is not going to dampen my enthusiasm for your music whether on DVD or CD, as I love watching your concerts. It is the only way I will ever be able to see them, as I have very poor eyesight and even if I were to get front row seats, I would still miss so much of what was happening on stage. This way, I can 'go to one of your concerts' any time I choose, and not miss a thing. I also have the amazing luxury of watching them over and over again. I get fresh enjoyment every time I watch them. If it is possible to wear out a DVD, I certainly will! I think my DVD laser will wear out first though. I am able to watch them on my computer LCD screen and using the head phones, I do not disturb my husband.
I was very pleased to read that Marjorie is coming with you to Australia. I know she is terrified of flying, so she obviously loves you very much to put her fears aside to do this for you. I hope she has a great time here.
I recently bought your CD set of The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies. I was thrilled to discover some of my particular favourites on there. Romance. (The Gadfly), The Swan, The Annen Polka, to name a few. There are plenty of 'real' classical pieces too, which prove that you are NOT wasting you training or talent. Enough for the purists to be going on with.
I watch one or other of your DVDs every day, if possible, and feel deprived if I can't. Thank you Andre and the JSO for all the wonderful music and funny antics which give so much pleasure to those of us who love you. I am starting to get to know the orchestra members by name because I look up everything I can about you all. I think Ruud Merx is a great chap. He is a brilliant trombonist and sooo funny. Keep up the good work, you all do a terrific job. I was sorry to read the Carla and Carmen are to leave soon. I will mis them.
Best of luck for your future, and safe travel,
With affection.
Susan.
X X X X X X
Monday, July 07, 2008
Nude Child 'Art'
There is a report in The Australian newspaper today, about the photo of a six year old girl on the cover of an art magazine. Some artist organization has said that KMart's catalogues are more offensive. They also said it is inapproriate for Kevin Rudd to comment. I presume they mean, on art. Kevin Rudd is a free agent, just like anyone else, and is therefore permitted to comment on what ever he so chooses. Kevin Rudd, as our leader, has the resposibility of the safeguarding of our children from any kind of exploitation. It is all very well for these people to critcize Kevin Rudd, but, why can't they be specific in the crticism of the KMart catalogues? What on earth can they find that is offensive in those?
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