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Yes Virginia dreams do come true. By now, I suspect that you have heard about Susan Boyle
and the 20,000,000 plus views her youtube video has received since last Saturday. Jo , of Majority of Two, has a similiar post and I would expect posts are crossing with bloggers everywhere.
Susan, a middle-aged never been kissed unemployed church volunteer from an impressive family of musical talent has delivered the unexpected. Susan has the voice of an angel and an incredible musical range of talent.
Without a doubt the listener can see she is a talented singer . Susan was gracious in the face of judge and audience reactions that almost amounted to sneers for her physical appearance that did not jive with expectations.
Susan's success is rewarding to my mentality of God Bless the Underdog!
I love Horatio Alger type stories where people succeed, in spite of adversity, to achieve their dreams. I applaud situations where a person exceeds expectations in spite of all odds.
Have you watched the video? I invite your reactions and your thoughts on what are the messages for each of us in this phenomena. I have watched the video 10 or 12 times and spent the first several times in tears.
It is not just the beauty of the performance. That is evident. It is the beauty of being real. I salute Susan for being who she is and allowing her talent to shine through and apparently not feeling the urgency for a beauty make over in order to do it.
It is the reminder that in our youth obsessed society realness can in evidence without apology. I do not mean that I in any way object to anyone putting themselves forward in the best light they see fit. I support every individual's right to do so. I do find it sad and limiting when anyone is judged primarily by looks and age.
For me, the tears I experienced in the viewing of this performance are about refusal to give up on dreams. This refusal in spite of life wearing us all down just in the living of it. What are your thoughts, feelings or reactions? You are invited to share whatever touched base with you.
53 comments:
I actually read about her in the paper today. I just hope they don't change her and she is able to keep her natural self.
Doesn't this prove beauty comes from within?
I felt the same as you, Linda. Through my tears, I admired Susan for never, ever, ever giving up on her dreams. I wouldn't even mind at all if she got herself spruced up some....hell, I would!
But I love her fierce spirit in this youth-worshipping world we live in. Once you hit 50, it's like the world turns off a light switch and you're fumbling around in darkness, invisible.
Okay, I'm rambling! Ha! Love you and your blog. Hugs & Blessings to you from wet and wild Louisiana today!!!
I watched her on TV last weekend (I'm a fan 'Britain's Got Talent') and she was exceptional. A real gem. I've also watched her several times since as a number of bloggy friends have posted or commented on Susan Boyle. Every time I listen to her... it brings a tear to my eye... because it takes real courage and humility 'to be oneself' and pursue the dream in spite of the cynics and doubters.
this story is staggering on so many levels; I will be reflecting in it for a time...
for now, I am reminded that there is so much in people and all I have to do is learn to wait and suspend my assumptions and expectations and lean into the wonder that unfolds...
Inspiration thy name is Susan!
This is indeed a beautiful story! I think that most of my sadness or grief over this story is the result of people looking at someone who is not a runway model, and assuming that she is incompetent! What kind of a society do we live in that believes only the beautiful people deserve to be blessed with talent? I think that she is far, far more beautiful than all of those who misjudged her, Simon Cowell included!
Thanks for posting this - we need to look at it every few days to help us with our humility!
Hi Lovely,
yes i watched it for the 1st time last night and was also moved to tears. I too love tales of underdogs acieving at great odds. It was wonderfully moving. Also rendered speechless by the fact that she had never been kissed! And laughed at her aside 'Thats not an advert!'
Thank you for reminding us of the possibilities in life.
Have a lovely weekend.
Selchie.)))
Wow. Just wow. Proud of her and wow.
Linda - I have watched this several times, always with tears. My tears are not only for the beauty of a voice of angels but for the inner beauty that allows this gracious woman to stand up in spite of all the jeers. They are also tears of shame that we live in a world obsessed with physical beauty, the least important part of a person's being.
Susan Boyle is a lesson for all of us. A lesson in judgment and pre-conceived notions. I put up a blog about her, too, a few days ago. I had tears also as thousands upon thousands of us have had listening to her. Her other song, Cry Me a River is as beautiful.
She has found her dream, with an innocent determination.
Hi being British I saw the programme, it was outstanding, and it goes to show NEVER NEVER give up on your dream, however big, however small, Whether she wins or not she MUST have a future in the singing world. It brought tears to my eyes, I saw the show tonight there was nothing to compare with Susan.
Thanks for putting it on your blog,
Also thanks for calling in on mine.
Yvonne.
Oh, I am so glad you posted this. My husband showed me the video of her singing on youtube yesterday afternoon, and I cried.(He warned me I would) :) What a wonderful story.
Thank you for all of your support. Your comments on my blog have meant a great deal to me. :-)
I cried.
xx
I cried too.
Linda, I saw it first on here (the blogs) and I also thought Hurray for the Underdog.
And then I though, all us alkies were considered underdogs, if not by everyone else--at least by ourselves.
And LOOK at me!. What was hopeless--and should have been buried--many years ago, is now a Happy, comparatively peaceful, sober member of society. Amen
I actually listened to her tonight Linda when i got home from work. I had been reading about her in the papers and had to see what all the hype was about.
She was just great and good on her. I just hope that fame and fortune dont change her as she seems such a lovely woman.
I must have watched the clip a dozen times, and I know nothing about singing nor do I ever watch these type of shows. I hope she goes far!
At the same time, I'm amazed by how stupid we've all become - everyone seems amazed that someone who is *not* a 20 year old blonde can still, nonetheless, sing.
Allison
I've heard alot about this woman. I truly wish I could hear her. Your post I believe hits the nail on the head. There is beauty to be found if one is patient enough to see beyond the surface. I applaud her for believing in herself enough to put herself out there.
Even though I couldn't hear it, I did watch the segment. I was amazed how quickly the snickers turned to awe. (Hugs)Indigo
When that girl sings she's stunningly beautiful...one of my fav songs...I really believe that we can all sing (ditto be creative)...
The first time I watched this, I watched the entire thing, listened to the judges reactions, then I burst into tears. For me... I think it was because I know that everyone has something beautiful inside of them but, in some, that beauty is overlooked due to superficial reasons.
Thanks for sharing this in your blog. I hope Susan Boyle ends up winning BGT and fulfilling her dreams. ~♥~
Couldn't agree more with your 7th Paragraph in the post. It was great to see her shut them all up as they were about to condem her for her plain and homely looks.All the best- LL
Oh yes, Linda! this is an exceptionally beautiful fairy-tale come true story. Her voice is stunning! I cried when I saw the video after having been sent by a friend!
amazing! Thanks for the great share!
~ Calli
and oh my can she sing; "Cry Me A River." WOW!
Thanks for posting this, Linda. It is a beautiful example of the triumph of the human spirit. Gottta love an underdog! Go Susan! At least She displayed manners and dignity, unlike some around her.xx♥
Linda-I'm afraid I can't do you -tube on my pathetically slow dial-up. took ten minutes to get the comment page up. But I have read about Ms. Boyle and heard the song on radio programs. Yes, very moving and very beautiful.
But what if she had not sang beautifully? what if the notes were missed and broken? Would Simon's eye-rolling then have been warranted? would we all have snickered along watching the train wreck? Her singing beautifully is not who she is or what makes her beautiful. I wish she had sang like shit and we all would have loved her anyway, knowing other reasons. I appreciate what you are saying and agree whole-heartidly, cheering along. but I can't help wondering if our ways aren't somehow flawed in our appreciation. Good post. Thanks! ~rick
Wonderful to see that she touched so many hearts with her story.
she is beautiful and has a beautiful voice!
I love this post Linda! So powerful and inspirational! I will be honest though, I did think about her appearance, but, honestly, I didn't put that together with her ability to sing. I'm sure most of us, at some point, have been judged by our appearance. It's really sad that we humans don't take a look at the inside first, before we make any judgements. There are many beautiful singers out there that can't actually carry a tune to save their life!!! LOL
take care my friend, and thanx for sharing,
Julian :)
It's wonderful when someone is recognized for their skill and ability. I wish it wasn't such a surprise to us all when it happens, but then there's a reason for that, isn't there?
She's a role model for me. A reminder that I only need to be Susan. No pretenses.
what an amazing reminder not to judge a book by its cover - especially to those who believe they are worthy of judging others.
What a clever title! Saw this video too! There are now more meanings to the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover."
Thank you for sharing this post.
Z
The video was fantastic; very uplifting. She's wonderful.
The first time I saw this performance, I was stunned by her beautiful gift. She is surrounded by grace..
Whatever is good about us, we must have the courage to bring it forth...the world wants beauty!
Lyn
Such an inspiration!
YOU GOT ONE DARN COOL BLOG HERE MY FRIEND..KEEP IT GOING.
So many comments you have recieved already if mine gets lost in the crowd it's okay. I just wanted to add my voice of praise for the woman. She stunned me and the judges and the audience with her singing and her personality. For someone who has lived for so long without getting the break she knew she deserved until that momnet, there wasn't a trace of resentment, anger or regret in her. That impressed me. DB
Nice voice. Why would people think an ordinary looking 47 year old woman couldn't sing?
Isn't it a wonderful story!? I hope she wins the final competition. Then the whole world can stand up and cheer!
I agree 100 % ! her singing voice is lovely as is her beautiful spirit.
Strange.. i have been thinking about Susan B these last 2 days too..
while i am so concerned abt getting some new wrinkles..here is this woman who is amazing if only you look beyond and beneath..
She is a wonderful woman of great talent.
I wish her all the best.
-FringeGirl
I DREAMED A DREAM:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If you have a dream in mind
I urge you to take heed.
No matter how long you have to wait
You CAN and WILL succeed.
If you saw Britain Got Talent,
And the entrance of Susan Boyle.
Although she had a cheeky personality
The audience certainly went off the boil>
But than she began to sing,
The judges and audience likewise.
Suddenly sat up
Looks of admiration in their eyes.
Her performance was perfection,
Movivated by her dream,
Whether she wins or not,
That Saturday she reigned supreme.
Copyright Yvonne Lewis.2009:
Then you must like Paul Potts too.
He sang to the thunderous applause and standing ovation of the full rendition of Giacomo Puccini's "Nessun Dorma". I was standing clapping (infront of the TV too..)
Hard hearted 'lil 'ol me, who didn't even cry during Titanic, bawled like a baby!
Hiya,
I have a little blog love for you on today's 'what is our definition of a survivor?' post. Come stop by when you have a chance :)
~L
This was a much needed and uplifitng expirence when I frist saw it... amazing voice and amazing once in a life time expierence.
I cried too, Linda - I saw Susan on TV in that first episode of BGTalent.
This is the epitome of what I believe in - 'Stick your neck out for your dreams!' and never give up.
It was hard to watch the judges, and everyone else, laugh and make fun of her..solely on their reaction to her appearance. How could a plain Jane, over the hill, frumpy woman have a nice voice? Isn't it sad.
We are all guilty of this behavior - maybe not with Susan Boyle...but somewhere along the line we have judged someone on their looks alone.
Wouldn't it be fantastic, if we, as a people, could give our fellow human beings a chance - without listening to their song first.
yup, she is something else, that susan boyle... way to go!
Dear Linda,
Thanks for yet again an inspiring post. I was quietly admire Susan when I was watching the youtube post.
I have been so busy lately with various little things. I hope you're well. Please take very good care.
Christine
Oh Yeah, Go, Susan, Go! She is an
inspiration to late bloomers everywhere!
I have her linked on my site too. Hey Linda thank you for always visting my site and the kind words that you leave me. It means so much to me. It's the funniest thing to me that brides send me emails thanking me but I'm not sure why they don't write on the blog. ummm any ideas?
I hope the late bloomer remains in bloom! :)
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