Leaving with us this musical treasure, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the giant man with the little ukulele and an angelic voice, passed away on June 26, 1997. This Spadecaller video presentation honors the man and his music. Aloha!

In Loving Memory

Thoughts

The song "What a wonderful World" by Loui Armstrong lifts my spirits whenever I listen to it. I was sent an e-mail requesting that I say the words IT IS A WONDERFUL WORLD when I read or heard anything negative. That was not an easy thing for me to do as it was a difficult week so I wrote Wonderful World on my hand and said the words whenever I needed them. I wasn't really in tune with the words so I decided to, as they say "FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT" and was reminded of the beautiful song by Loui Armstrong. (I named one of my children after him.)

The e-mail read

It is a Wonderful World
Hold the ideal vision for our world’s economic stability and harmony among all beings.

Your thoughts matter.

I began my story about my time spent in Syria with a heart full of love for its people, culture, history, art and spirituality. They embraced my children and I and I have been so saddened by the turmoil and grief of the Syrian people. I am continuing my story in honour of the wonderful people I met and lived with and pray for peace.

A SONG FOR SYRIA

AMAZING GRACE sung by Paul Robeson

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

written by John Newton

Fairuz sings for the Palestinian People