How do you plan to celebrate the new year? Counting down the days, hours and minutes to the coming year has always been fun and intriguing for me. Here in the United States in 2012, the focus is on the fiscal cliff, an imaginary visual describing the state of our finances. According to our government, Americans will not be holding onto the edge of the cliff anymore in 2013, but heading out into the wild blue yonder of the bottomless pit, like Wylie Coyote. Frankly, self-employed people like me have already gone over that cliff and all I can report is that most of you looking over the edge should simply hope for the best. There are millions of us out here already, still tumbling aimlessly, so you won’t be alone.
But wait . . . there is hope! I came across a listing of New Year’s Eve traditions that sound interesting and may provide a different angle on how we are wishing the new year will bring a better life. Superstition-schmooperstition, so what? Why not try something different? First, don’t forget to download your copy of Single 101’s 101 New Year’s Resolutions, available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Single-101-Years-Resolutions-ebook/dp/B006RY6IP4. Let’s take the leap together!
Good luck and best wishes for love, happiness, good health and prosperity in the coming year . . . Celeste
Global Trends and Traditions:
Eat 12 Grapes
In many cultures around the world it is good luck to eat 12 grapes for each time the clock strikes at midnight.
Hallow Out an Egg
Fill hallowed out egg shells with confetti. At the stroke of midnight, gently smash them releasing a shower of confetti.
Toss Coins Into the Air
Tossing coins into the air could be symbolic of throwing caution to the wind to see where your booty lands, but many believe it can inspire good fortune.
Sing!
Whether you consider yourself a vocalist or not, sing loud and clear!
Anoint Your Friends With Water
Water is the symbol of renewal and rebirth, so think of a fun way to sprinkle your guests. It could be pouring a small amount of water from a glass on someone's head or spraying each other with water bottles.
Throw Confetti
Make use of the basket from your paper shredder or rip apart your discarded Christmas wrapping paper, toss and be merry.
Release Your Wishes into the Sky
Write your wishes for the new year on a Chinese lantern and release it into the air at the stroke of midnight.
Chase Your Blues Away
Jot down something you weren't happy about the previous year on a piece of paper, toss it into the fire or tear it up. Maybe if we all wrote down our discontent for our congressional representatives, we could change Washington with the power of pen and fire.
Jump Into the Air
Embrace the new year with energy and joy, just don’t jump farther than you’re afraid to fall. You don’t want to spend the new year in the hospital.
Share a Secret
Whisper a secret or wish that you have to a friend or a total stranger at the stroke of midnight.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
To Play or Not to Play
In recent weeks, there has been a deluge of articles, advice columns, radio and television interviews and panel discussions on infidelity, due to the General Petraeus scandal in the United States. Having invested in 38 years of marriage, Petraeus threw caution to the wind, having an affair with a woman he had employed to write his biography.
You may be asking still how Petraeus, the director of the CIA, kept his affair concealed for so long and if he actually believed he could be successful in this kind of deception. Inevitably, America and the rest of the world became privy to a plethora of graphic details regarding the relationship with his mistress that we didn’t really need to know.
On HealthGuidance.org, Elizabeth Danish began her November article, “Dating A Married Man” with stark reality, that a wise woman never dates a married man. She states that if you are searching for a life-long commitment, you are sabotaging your own success by snaring another woman’s husband.
Are You Simply His Toy?
Once a boy is tired of playing with a toy, he abandons or throws it away. If you’ve run a comparison, you’ve most probably found that the cons out-weigh the pros when it comes to having an intimate relationship with a married man. Danish also brings home the point that a cheating man is the one in control of the relationship. He sees an affair as something that is romantically and sexually thrilling. It makes his life once again exhilarating and full of passion. Some men who cheat often have reinvigorated intimacy with their wives, according to Danish, in an attempt to cover their tracks, thus double dipping, if you will, between wives and mistresses.
Advantage- the Cheating Man
As long as he remains in his marriage, his priorities will be his family, as it should be. However, his mistress and best kept secret will be alone on Thanksgiving, Christmas and if it’s that important to her, Valentine’s Day. He will attempt to spend time with her before or after the holidays, to make up for not sharing in the celebrations.
Finally, Elizabeth Danish asks, “What was your goal when you started the relationship with him?” It is likely that you wanted to have a lasting relationship with someone who is mature and sensitive. If you reconsider the goal, is it really achievable?
Cheaters who Cheat and the Fools who Fall for Them
Stephany Alexandre, author of the book “The Cheat Sheet”, leads you over to the dark side and into the secret lives of philanderers by giving first-hand accounts of cheating stories. Alexandre says the cheating experts know how to justify their acts, handle guilt, cope with double lives, and juggle the search for commitment with outside gratification. What are some of the signs that say he’s cheating on you? Ariana Huffington, Editor of The Huffington Post states, ‘texting is the new lipstick on the collar’.
Single 101’s take . . .
Men who pursue extra-marital affairs develop a confidence that they will never get caught, especially when they meet all of their responsibilities as a husband, a father and bread winner. The majority of cheating spouses do get away with cheating on their mates. In one study, 70% of married women and 54% of married men had no idea their spouse was involved in an affair.
No matter how deep you have fallen for a married man, it is best to pull back and wait to see if he is serious about ending his marriage. If it ends in divorce, give yourself plenty of time to see if his love for you, (if that exists) is strong enough for him to emotionally invest in a real relationship with you. The emotional cost of waiting, if he’s worth it, cancels out the shock and hurt you would experience if he cuts off the affair, due to the demands of keeping his marriage together and his infidelity unknown. Time will reveal true love. In some cases, does absence makes the heart grow fonder?
After publishing Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single, I met a woman who had made a personal commitment to living out the rest of her life as a single person. She had finally freed herself of relationships that left her feeling empty and filled with disappointment. After several years, she adapted well to flying solo. If she was introduced to a man, especially someone who was also single, she looked beyond any element that would create attraction or interest. Her goal was to enjoy a life filled with true friendships where she never had to deal with a jealous spouse or boyfriend anymore.
That Unexplainable Spark
Unsuspecting to fall, she was swept off her feet by a married man who initially dropped hints of having an unsatisfactory marriage for many years and stating that it was over. As the single girl and the man grew closer, they began sharing their attraction toward each other.
In her late fifties, she does not consider herself to be desirable and have anything to physically offer a man. Self-esteem is not an issue for her within the protective walls of living independently. She has dealt with a crippling disability for many years and disturbed by the opinion of many men and women that a man will sleep with ‘anything’. However, she stepped over the threshold that she was determined never to cross and set herself up for the possibility of being disenchanted, alone and ashamed of being an ‘anything’.
She imagines what the future would be like if she were to become the next woman he cheats on, yet she cares for him so much, she cannot bring herself to label him as a cheater. As much as we try to fight or ignore it, there is unrelenting power in attraction for the right or wrong reasons. When your feelings are so strong for someone, you are blind to the realities of deception. The need to be as close as possible to someone can overpower the risk of deeply hurting others who may become affected.
Statistics show that an extremely low percentage of these affairs develop into actual committed relationships. So, do we protect ourselves and try to prevent emotional pain or do we take a chance, follow our instinct that craves intimacy, hoping that our actions may lead to real love and happiness?
To quote the lyrics from Train’s “Drive By”- “on the up-side to a downward spiral, my love for you went viral and I loved you every mile you drove away.”
"To Play or Not to Play" will appear in January of 2013 on Cupid's Pulse.
Visit: http://CupidsPulse.com
You may be asking still how Petraeus, the director of the CIA, kept his affair concealed for so long and if he actually believed he could be successful in this kind of deception. Inevitably, America and the rest of the world became privy to a plethora of graphic details regarding the relationship with his mistress that we didn’t really need to know.
On HealthGuidance.org, Elizabeth Danish began her November article, “Dating A Married Man” with stark reality, that a wise woman never dates a married man. She states that if you are searching for a life-long commitment, you are sabotaging your own success by snaring another woman’s husband.
Are You Simply His Toy?
Once a boy is tired of playing with a toy, he abandons or throws it away. If you’ve run a comparison, you’ve most probably found that the cons out-weigh the pros when it comes to having an intimate relationship with a married man. Danish also brings home the point that a cheating man is the one in control of the relationship. He sees an affair as something that is romantically and sexually thrilling. It makes his life once again exhilarating and full of passion. Some men who cheat often have reinvigorated intimacy with their wives, according to Danish, in an attempt to cover their tracks, thus double dipping, if you will, between wives and mistresses.
Advantage- the Cheating Man
As long as he remains in his marriage, his priorities will be his family, as it should be. However, his mistress and best kept secret will be alone on Thanksgiving, Christmas and if it’s that important to her, Valentine’s Day. He will attempt to spend time with her before or after the holidays, to make up for not sharing in the celebrations.
Finally, Elizabeth Danish asks, “What was your goal when you started the relationship with him?” It is likely that you wanted to have a lasting relationship with someone who is mature and sensitive. If you reconsider the goal, is it really achievable?
Cheaters who Cheat and the Fools who Fall for Them
Stephany Alexandre, author of the book “The Cheat Sheet”, leads you over to the dark side and into the secret lives of philanderers by giving first-hand accounts of cheating stories. Alexandre says the cheating experts know how to justify their acts, handle guilt, cope with double lives, and juggle the search for commitment with outside gratification. What are some of the signs that say he’s cheating on you? Ariana Huffington, Editor of The Huffington Post states, ‘texting is the new lipstick on the collar’.
Single 101’s take . . .
Men who pursue extra-marital affairs develop a confidence that they will never get caught, especially when they meet all of their responsibilities as a husband, a father and bread winner. The majority of cheating spouses do get away with cheating on their mates. In one study, 70% of married women and 54% of married men had no idea their spouse was involved in an affair.
No matter how deep you have fallen for a married man, it is best to pull back and wait to see if he is serious about ending his marriage. If it ends in divorce, give yourself plenty of time to see if his love for you, (if that exists) is strong enough for him to emotionally invest in a real relationship with you. The emotional cost of waiting, if he’s worth it, cancels out the shock and hurt you would experience if he cuts off the affair, due to the demands of keeping his marriage together and his infidelity unknown. Time will reveal true love. In some cases, does absence makes the heart grow fonder?
After publishing Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single, I met a woman who had made a personal commitment to living out the rest of her life as a single person. She had finally freed herself of relationships that left her feeling empty and filled with disappointment. After several years, she adapted well to flying solo. If she was introduced to a man, especially someone who was also single, she looked beyond any element that would create attraction or interest. Her goal was to enjoy a life filled with true friendships where she never had to deal with a jealous spouse or boyfriend anymore.
That Unexplainable Spark
Unsuspecting to fall, she was swept off her feet by a married man who initially dropped hints of having an unsatisfactory marriage for many years and stating that it was over. As the single girl and the man grew closer, they began sharing their attraction toward each other.
In her late fifties, she does not consider herself to be desirable and have anything to physically offer a man. Self-esteem is not an issue for her within the protective walls of living independently. She has dealt with a crippling disability for many years and disturbed by the opinion of many men and women that a man will sleep with ‘anything’. However, she stepped over the threshold that she was determined never to cross and set herself up for the possibility of being disenchanted, alone and ashamed of being an ‘anything’.
She imagines what the future would be like if she were to become the next woman he cheats on, yet she cares for him so much, she cannot bring herself to label him as a cheater. As much as we try to fight or ignore it, there is unrelenting power in attraction for the right or wrong reasons. When your feelings are so strong for someone, you are blind to the realities of deception. The need to be as close as possible to someone can overpower the risk of deeply hurting others who may become affected.
Statistics show that an extremely low percentage of these affairs develop into actual committed relationships. So, do we protect ourselves and try to prevent emotional pain or do we take a chance, follow our instinct that craves intimacy, hoping that our actions may lead to real love and happiness?
To quote the lyrics from Train’s “Drive By”- “on the up-side to a downward spiral, my love for you went viral and I loved you every mile you drove away.”
"To Play or Not to Play" will appear in January of 2013 on Cupid's Pulse.
Visit: http://CupidsPulse.com
Saturday, November 24, 2012
What the Single 101 Nation is All About
Emma Johnson, Editor of The Motley Fool, posted the following article on
DailyFinance.com, dated November 23, 2012.
"No Man, More Money: Five Women Who Thrived After Divorce"
This 45 year-old mother of two teenagers, Huma Gruaz lives in Chicago where she runs the public relations agency Alpaytac, which bills $2.5 million annually and employs 22 people -- including many single mothers. She divorced in 2000.
Life before divorce: After a successful advertising career in Europe, this native of Turkey married and moved to an affluent Chicago suburb where she raised her children in a large home with a pool. "When my marriage fell apart, it was the scariest thing in the world because I had no work experience in the U.S.," Gruaz says. "I was a suburban mom driving my kids around to playgroups and cooking meals and helping with homework."
Life after divorce: With just enough child support to pay her rent, Gruaz volunteered to work for free at a PR agency. In 2004, she launched her own firm, which has won multiple awards and now has offices in three cities. Gruaz earned an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 2008. Today, her personal income is three to four times that of what her now ex-husband earned when they were married.
Philosophy: "I lived a pristine American story, and it was hard to walk away. When I left I barely had enough money to buy food. But through my experiences I became a better, more mature person. And the ride has been enriching and I've had some incredible relationships along the way."
Huma Hruaz is a shining example of what the Single 101 Nation is all about.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/23/no-man-more-money-five-women-who-thrived-after-divorce/#photo-1
Happy Thanksgiving!
Celeste
"No Man, More Money: Five Women Who Thrived After Divorce"
This 45 year-old mother of two teenagers, Huma Gruaz lives in Chicago where she runs the public relations agency Alpaytac, which bills $2.5 million annually and employs 22 people -- including many single mothers. She divorced in 2000.
Life before divorce: After a successful advertising career in Europe, this native of Turkey married and moved to an affluent Chicago suburb where she raised her children in a large home with a pool. "When my marriage fell apart, it was the scariest thing in the world because I had no work experience in the U.S.," Gruaz says. "I was a suburban mom driving my kids around to playgroups and cooking meals and helping with homework."
Life after divorce: With just enough child support to pay her rent, Gruaz volunteered to work for free at a PR agency. In 2004, she launched her own firm, which has won multiple awards and now has offices in three cities. Gruaz earned an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management in 2008. Today, her personal income is three to four times that of what her now ex-husband earned when they were married.
Philosophy: "I lived a pristine American story, and it was hard to walk away. When I left I barely had enough money to buy food. But through my experiences I became a better, more mature person. And the ride has been enriching and I've had some incredible relationships along the way."
Huma Hruaz is a shining example of what the Single 101 Nation is all about.
Single 101 Reason #24- 'never be afraid to go it alone'
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/23/no-man-more-money-five-women-who-thrived-after-divorce/#photo-1
Happy Thanksgiving!
Celeste
Friday, October 5, 2012
Has It Really Been Fifty Years?
Fifty years ago, we were rushing home every day after school to watch
American Bandstand, hosted by Dick Clark. Chubby Checker inspired the world
with a new dance and number one tune, "The Twist". John F. Kennedy was President
of the United States, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the
earth and we were introduced to Mr. Bond. One-half of a century ago, I was in second grade with no stress or cares,
except to wonder if I'd have a part in the school Christmas play and if my
grades would meet my parents' expectations.
Every Sunday night, families across the U.S. gathered around their black
and white televisions at 8:00 pm to watch the Ed Sullivan Show. Little did we
know who Sullivan would introduce to audiences in the states one year later. In
England, John, Paul, George and Ringo were recording track after track of a new
sound that would revolutionize the music industry. The world would nickname
them "The Fab Four" before they even set foot on American soil.
October 5, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of "Love Me Do,"
The Beatles' first single. Written by Lennon and McCartney, it begins with that
signature harmonica lick. Maybe you'll dust off that old "Introducing the
Beatles" album, download the single to your iPhone or simply hear it playing in
your head.
Peace and love to all Beatles fans here, there and everywhere!
Celeste
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Single Parenting and Going Green
Most of us are becoming more conscious of
what we feed our children, a new baby, as well as ourselves. The Green Movement
and how we treat our planet is a step in the right direction, however, it will
raise your food expenses a few notches. With well thought-out meal planning
and more awareness of where to buy, especially local, it's a greener world for
your wallet. Here are a few tips for getting started with
an organic lifestyle:
One Step at a Time
Going green doesn't mean going crazy for every organic item you find at the market. On produce, this is the perfect time to enjoy the harvest from your local growers. Still, wash everything thoroughly when you get home. If you're not making your own baby food for your newborn, jarred foods like bananas, mangoes and oranges are good. In many ways, you can start out with a mix of organic and conventional.
Organic is wise when it comes to dairy, meat
and poultry. Animals raised on factory-style farms are loaded with antibiotics
and hormones. This keeps them healthy, but is not necessarily safe when passed
on to the consumer.
Do Your Homework
Shop around for the best deals that conform
with your budget. Many high-end markets are making high-end profits with
organic foods. Low-end stores offer most of the same green brands for less, but
be selective and know what you're buying. Some of the major department store
chains across the United States are offering organic products, but Trader Joe's
is becoming the place that most green consumers recommend. Check out http://TraderJoes.com for a location near you.
Again, pay close attention to what you are purchasing before you place it into
your shopping cart. Look for the USDA organic seal, which means that what
you're buying has been certified as an organic product, after in-depth
testing.
Keep it Local
Some of the very best in organic foods are available right there in your own back yard. It's the closest thing to strolling through the garden and picking the tomatoes yourself. If you've ever tasted fruits and vegetables right off the vine, you know what I mean. Take advantage of what is in season. The savings from the soil to your table really add up and there are no middle-men or distribution costs included. You may even try tilling up your own garden. Don't be afraid to dig your hands into the soil and enjoy the thrill of watching the seeds grow. You can do it!Simplicity is Key
You may be accustomed to pre-packaged and processed food and snacks that have become a staple in your diet for most of your life. It might be time for a change and change is good, especially if it prolongs your life and keeps you and your family healthy. Think of it this way- more calories, more sugar and more salt add up to more dollars you have to spend. Why do we have to spend more money to do possible damage to our hearts? Think grains and vegetables first, meat and poultry second. Soy products, such as milk and yogurt are heart-smart nutritional goodness for our bodies.Get to Know Your Grower
Many organic foods and products are now putting the growers information on the label. You can find their code on the product you buy and visit their website to learn exactly where your food is grown, right down to the latitude-longitude location. Kind of like your green GPS link.Monday, July 30, 2012
Flying Solo Publishing and Songs For Charlie Music is proud to announce a new release from singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee Celeste Friedman:
"I Saw God Down on Hollywood Boulevard"
Now available on CDBaby http://CDbaby.com/cd/celestefriedman3
and in iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-saw-god-down-on-hollywood/id548471692
"striking and poignant"
"sings like an omen"
"foreboding and very telling of the critical state of our world"
Whether you choose to believe the prophets from the Bible or not, some say that we are now witnessing their premonitions. Over-population and global warming are just the tip of the iceberg.
Throughout the centuries, there have been claims made by people in different parts of the world that the Virgin Mary has appeared to them. A remarkable list of miracles, cures and interventions are attributed to Her. Each year, an estimated 10 million visit the Basilica in Mexico City, the most visited Catholic church in the world, 2nd to The Vatican and the site of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 9, 1531. Including Fatima, and several other global locations, the Virgin Mary's apparition last appeared in Banneaux, Belgium in 1933.
If God, Jesus, Mary and the Holy Spirit all came together to make their presence known now or in the near future, how would we react? Should it ever happen, will we be ready?
c. 2012 Songs For Charlie Music, BMI
http://SongsForCharlieMusic.com
"sings like an omen"
"foreboding and very telling of the critical state of our world"
Whether you choose to believe the prophets from the Bible or not, some say that we are now witnessing their premonitions. Over-population and global warming are just the tip of the iceberg.
Throughout the centuries, there have been claims made by people in different parts of the world that the Virgin Mary has appeared to them. A remarkable list of miracles, cures and interventions are attributed to Her. Each year, an estimated 10 million visit the Basilica in Mexico City, the most visited Catholic church in the world, 2nd to The Vatican and the site of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 9, 1531. Including Fatima, and several other global locations, the Virgin Mary's apparition last appeared in Banneaux, Belgium in 1933.
If God, Jesus, Mary and the Holy Spirit all came together to make their presence known now or in the near future, how would we react? Should it ever happen, will we be ready?
c. 2012 Songs For Charlie Music, BMI
http://SongsForCharlieMusic.com
Friday, June 22, 2012
Latest Release in Single 101 Series
Flying Solo Publishing is proud to announce the latest release in the
Single 101 series from Celeste Friedman.
Single 101: 101 Music Industry Resources and More on Twitter!
For musicians and songwriters who connect with Twitter, this eBook has 101
plus links to music industry experts.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Happiness and The Single Life
Tracy McMillen, TV writer and contributor to the Huffington Post, published
a blog on June 12, 2012, titled "Single Women Can't Really Be Happy". When I
saw the heading, it ruffled my feathers at first. Reading further, she states,
"eventually, most women I know want to be partnered."
I agree with her findings, but find it very sad. We enter this world alone
and leave it in the same way. It stands to reason that we truly live when we
love, however, that doesn't have to mean that we must be loved by a man or woman
as our life's partner. Reason #63 in my book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to
Celebrate Being Single" is "You are Not Desperate to Find a Mate."
Secondly, I'm saddened by the fact that articles and blogs like Ms. McMillen's get published because the media loves to spread bad news, negative energy and gossip. Last on the list to make it past the gatekeeper of a magazine or newspaper is a positive story. The Single 101 Nation is all about independence and celebrating the freedom of choice to be single.
It used to seem as though
our mothers, grandmothers and aunts were pressuring us to depend upon a man.
Now, our society via the media wants to shut us in a closet until we come out
begging not to be alone.
Well, guess what? That's not going to happen.
Dear Tracy McMillen,
You could have at least changed your heading to:
"Can Single Women Really Be Happy?"
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Welcome Europe to the Single 101 Nation
Flying Solo Publishing proudly announces the release of Celeste's book,
"Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" in several European
markets, including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and Britain, in addition to
Amazon.co.uk
Purchase a copy for you and a friend on Amazon.com or download in seconds
to your Kindle!
Friday, April 13, 2012
From Southampton to the Depths of the Sea
A musician, composer and performer myself, I salute the brave orchestra members who played until the end after midnight on April 14, 1912, (one-hundred years ago), on board The Titanic. This is just part of their story . . .
Pianist W. Theodore Ronald Brailey, age 24 of London, and cellist Roger Bricoux, age 20 of Lille, France had previously served together on the Cunard steamer Carpathia before signing on with the White Star Line. On April 10, 1912, embarquing from Southampton, Brailey and Bricoux joined cellists Percy Cornelius Taylor, age 32 of London and John Wesley Woodward, age 32 of Oxfordshire; bass violist John Frederick Preston Clarke, age 30 of Liverpool; violinists Georges Alexandre Krins, age 23 of Belgium, John Law Hume, age 29 of Dumfries and Wallace Hartley, age 33 of Dewsbury. Wallace Henry Hartley was also the bandmaster and no stranger to the sea and cruise ships who hired entertainers.
They had all been acquired by C.W. and F.N. Black, a booking agency located in London. Musicians engaged on such ships as the Lusitania, Oceanic and Carpathia would be paid when the White Star Line would pay the agency. Until 1912, musicians were paid 6 pounds and 10 shillings a month plus a monthly uniform allowance of 10 shillings. Then the rates were cut to 4 pounds a month with no uniform allowance. Each man hired to perform on the Titanic was registered on the same ticket: 250654 with accommodations in cabin E, second class.
The Worchester Evening Gazette published an article on the Titanic’s perilous voyage, quoting survivor Miss Hilda Slater . . .
“The orchestra played until the last. From the moment the vessel struck, or as soon as the members of the orchestra could be collected, there was a steady round of lively airs. It did much to keep up the spirits of everyone and probably served as much as the efforts of the officers trying to prevent panic."
Other survivors from the lifeboats recalled seeing the musicians standing in knee-deep water and hearing their performance echo into the night air of ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘Song d’Autumne’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee', just moments before the great ship was swallowed.
Many often wonder what went through the minds of these courageous and noble musicians. In 1910, Georges Krins entered as first violin at Le Trianon Lyrique in Paris. After that, he traveled to London and played 2 years at the Ritz Hotel until March 1912. The following month, he was recruited by C.W. & F.N. Black in Liverpool to play on the Titanic, while serving as bandmaster of the Trio String Orchestra playing near the Café Français.
The body of John "Jock" Law Hume, was recovered wearing his uniform jacket with green facing and vest, a purple muffler and light raincoat. John Clarke had a crucifix tucked into his uniform pocket and wore a grey muffler and grey overcoat. Wallace Hartley had been a choirboy at the Bethel Independent Methodist Church in Lancashire, where they also held his funeral. He had worked on the Cunard Liner Mauretania before leaving to become bandmaster on the Titanic and planned to return to his fiancée in Yorkshire. John Wesley Woodward joined the White Star Line in 1909 with his first voyage being to Jamaica. He made a number of journeys across the Atlantic, and three across the Mediterranean.
Aforementioned, the bodies of three of the eight band members, Clarke, Hartley and Hume were eventually recovered. The other five were lost to the depths of the icy Atlantic or if recovered, unidentified. May their souls and songs play on forever.
Nearer My God to Thee
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone
Yet in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
There let my way appear steps unto heaven
All that Thou sendest me in mercy given
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
Words: Sarah Adams, 1841. Music: Lowell Mason, 1856
Pianist W. Theodore Ronald Brailey, age 24 of London, and cellist Roger Bricoux, age 20 of Lille, France had previously served together on the Cunard steamer Carpathia before signing on with the White Star Line. On April 10, 1912, embarquing from Southampton, Brailey and Bricoux joined cellists Percy Cornelius Taylor, age 32 of London and John Wesley Woodward, age 32 of Oxfordshire; bass violist John Frederick Preston Clarke, age 30 of Liverpool; violinists Georges Alexandre Krins, age 23 of Belgium, John Law Hume, age 29 of Dumfries and Wallace Hartley, age 33 of Dewsbury. Wallace Henry Hartley was also the bandmaster and no stranger to the sea and cruise ships who hired entertainers.
They had all been acquired by C.W. and F.N. Black, a booking agency located in London. Musicians engaged on such ships as the Lusitania, Oceanic and Carpathia would be paid when the White Star Line would pay the agency. Until 1912, musicians were paid 6 pounds and 10 shillings a month plus a monthly uniform allowance of 10 shillings. Then the rates were cut to 4 pounds a month with no uniform allowance. Each man hired to perform on the Titanic was registered on the same ticket: 250654 with accommodations in cabin E, second class.
The Worchester Evening Gazette published an article on the Titanic’s perilous voyage, quoting survivor Miss Hilda Slater . . .
“The orchestra played until the last. From the moment the vessel struck, or as soon as the members of the orchestra could be collected, there was a steady round of lively airs. It did much to keep up the spirits of everyone and probably served as much as the efforts of the officers trying to prevent panic."
Other survivors from the lifeboats recalled seeing the musicians standing in knee-deep water and hearing their performance echo into the night air of ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘Song d’Autumne’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee', just moments before the great ship was swallowed.
Many often wonder what went through the minds of these courageous and noble musicians. In 1910, Georges Krins entered as first violin at Le Trianon Lyrique in Paris. After that, he traveled to London and played 2 years at the Ritz Hotel until March 1912. The following month, he was recruited by C.W. & F.N. Black in Liverpool to play on the Titanic, while serving as bandmaster of the Trio String Orchestra playing near the Café Français.
The body of John "Jock" Law Hume, was recovered wearing his uniform jacket with green facing and vest, a purple muffler and light raincoat. John Clarke had a crucifix tucked into his uniform pocket and wore a grey muffler and grey overcoat. Wallace Hartley had been a choirboy at the Bethel Independent Methodist Church in Lancashire, where they also held his funeral. He had worked on the Cunard Liner Mauretania before leaving to become bandmaster on the Titanic and planned to return to his fiancée in Yorkshire. John Wesley Woodward joined the White Star Line in 1909 with his first voyage being to Jamaica. He made a number of journeys across the Atlantic, and three across the Mediterranean.
Aforementioned, the bodies of three of the eight band members, Clarke, Hartley and Hume were eventually recovered. The other five were lost to the depths of the icy Atlantic or if recovered, unidentified. May their souls and songs play on forever.
Nearer My God to Thee
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone
Yet in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
There let my way appear steps unto heaven
All that Thou sendest me in mercy given
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
Words: Sarah Adams, 1841. Music: Lowell Mason, 1856
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