So I'm sitting in the park one day last week, when on my smartphone I noticed a recommendation on my YouTube feed: A Special Performance of "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog.
I thought it ironic because it's a song I've always loved, but haven't heard it in many years. I believe the last time I heard it was when I was living in Orlando, Florida and a friend of mine and I went to a small recording studio located in the downtown Church Street District, and recorded that song. She recorded it in one booth, and recorded it in the other. And, oh how I wish I still had my copies of those cassette tapes because from what I remembered, the recordings turned out really well. My friend had a smooth, beautiful voice, but was shy about singing onstage in public. So, every so often we would get together at this studio and record songs. Some of them we sang as a single, and others we sang as duets. As I recall, the price was $10.00 per recording, which included two rehearsals before you actually recorded it. We would often go in there after work with $30.00 each (our tip money) and come out with three or four cassettes. The women who owned the recording studio took a liking to us and would frequently allow my friend and I to record extra songs for free. The whole experience was so much fun because it really made you feel like a recording artist.
I thought it ironic because it's a song I've always loved, but haven't heard it in many years. I believe the last time I heard it was when I was living in Orlando, Florida and a friend of mine and I went to a small recording studio located in the downtown Church Street District, and recorded that song. She recorded it in one booth, and recorded it in the other. And, oh how I wish I still had my copies of those cassette tapes because from what I remembered, the recordings turned out really well. My friend had a smooth, beautiful voice, but was shy about singing onstage in public. So, every so often we would get together at this studio and record songs. Some of them we sang as a single, and others we sang as duets. As I recall, the price was $10.00 per recording, which included two rehearsals before you actually recorded it. We would often go in there after work with $30.00 each (our tip money) and come out with three or four cassettes. The women who owned the recording studio took a liking to us and would frequently allow my friend and I to record extra songs for free. The whole experience was so much fun because it really made you feel like a recording artist.
Anyway, back to my story...
When I spotted the song on my smartphone, I immediately listened to it. And let me tell you, midway through I realized that I was sitting there in tears. I couldn't help myself. I'm one of those people who can be moved by the simplest of things and have no problem allowing my emotions to be felt. I'm Italian, for God's sake! I can sometimes just look at a sweet, little baby sitting in a stroller and get teary-eyed because babies are the most precious things. I adore them.
Rainbow Connection is one of those songs that goes straight to your heart. It's such an innocent and touching song. And for me, there is also something spiritual about it.
I sat there and listened to it THREE times.
And I'm sure anyone who was walking by me at that moment probably thought I was delirious--a grown man sitting on a park bench, crying and wiping his eyes with a Bounty paper towel sheet.
After the third time, I collected myself and walked home.
Now, here is the beautiful synchronicity of this story.
As I was walking down a street several blocks away, I turned my head to the right and saw this drawing which was done by a child, taped to a store window.
Amazing, hu?...
Today, I would like to share this song with you because I think we all could use some rainbow magic right now.
"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection...the lovers, the dreamers, and me."
When you have time, please take a moment to enjoy this clip to the end. And notice how sweet, pure, and simple Kermit delivers the song, yet it's so powerful. You actually begin to forget that he's a puppet...
When I spotted the song on my smartphone, I immediately listened to it. And let me tell you, midway through I realized that I was sitting there in tears. I couldn't help myself. I'm one of those people who can be moved by the simplest of things and have no problem allowing my emotions to be felt. I'm Italian, for God's sake! I can sometimes just look at a sweet, little baby sitting in a stroller and get teary-eyed because babies are the most precious things. I adore them.
Rainbow Connection is one of those songs that goes straight to your heart. It's such an innocent and touching song. And for me, there is also something spiritual about it.
I sat there and listened to it THREE times.
And I'm sure anyone who was walking by me at that moment probably thought I was delirious--a grown man sitting on a park bench, crying and wiping his eyes with a Bounty paper towel sheet.
After the third time, I collected myself and walked home.
Now, here is the beautiful synchronicity of this story.
As I was walking down a street several blocks away, I turned my head to the right and saw this drawing which was done by a child, taped to a store window.
Amazing, hu?...
Today, I would like to share this song with you because I think we all could use some rainbow magic right now.
"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection...the lovers, the dreamers, and me."
When you have time, please take a moment to enjoy this clip to the end. And notice how sweet, pure, and simple Kermit delivers the song, yet it's so powerful. You actually begin to forget that he's a puppet...
Wishing you a magical week, y'all!
Oh Ron, what a beautiful post! I smiled when I got to the part where you spotted the rainbow drawing in the window. I love the "Rainbow Connect" and much like you, it touches my heart anytime I hear it. I laughed at the end when Kermit reached down and turned the video off. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this today, Ron. You're right, we all can use some rainbow magic. x
Ron, do you know what really funny? When I was in high school, I sang the "Rainbow Connection" in a musical we did for the holidays. I have no idea what that song as to do with Christmas, but my music teacher decided to put it in the show. We performed the show two times and had so much fun. You're right about the song, it's such a simple song but it's got so much heart. And don't feel odd about crying because I've seen my husband cry when he hears it. I think it has that affect on people because the song connects you to the child that is still within all of us. It's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteAnd how about you finding that drawing on the store window? Synchronicity indeed!
Sweet post, Ron. And I wish you still had those cassette tapes too because I would love to hear you sing. xo
Well, thank goodness you carry a roll of Bounty paper towels with you! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteOk, first, how COOL that you did recordings like that with a friend. Omg, I would have loved doing that when I was younger. I think my voice is not as good as it was, so I'd probably hate hearing myself now. But I'd still get a kick out of just doing it.
I love that such a special song popped up for you like that. There are certain songs that make me cry, no matter how often I hear them, so I totally understand. And amazing that you saw the rainbow picture right afterwards! A God whisper, as one of my friends says.
Not sure if I ever told you, but Middle Child has always been obsessed with Jim Henson. She's full of facts and trivia on him and his muppets. He was such a creative man and the world truly lost out when he died too young.
Well, Bounty is the "quicker picker upper," so I'm sure it made fast work of those tears, Ron. I would venture a guess that you aren't the only person to ever sit on a park bench crying. Hell, you probably weren't even the only one that day!
ReplyDeleteSeeing that rainbow coloring after? Wow...that gave me goosebumps.
Have a most excellent rainbow of a day!
I can see why you'd cry over this lovely song, Ron! It's not just because you're Italian, my friend, that you're emotional -- it's more due, I think, to you being a creative, sensitive soul. I haven't known you forever, of course, but from what I've seen, all your careers have played to creativity as your strong suit -- doing makeup, stage and theater, photography. Why, as I was listening to Kermit sing, my eye wandered across the page to your Pixel Art Store photos -- golly, those are stunning. You could have been a professional photographer and a very successful one -- there's still time, should you tire of what you're doing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a day-brightener today! Virtual hugs today! xx
Hey there Candice!
ReplyDeleteI smiled too when I spotted that rainbow drawing! I immediately took two photos with my smartphone. Isn't it something how I saw it right after I heard the song?!?
HA! Yes, isn't that adorable? I LOVE that he was filming himself. Too cute!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Glad you enjoyed. Have a magical week!
X
OMG, Elaine....thank you SO MUCH for sharing that story. It was faaaaaaaabulous!!!! Although it's technically a Christmas song, I think it's one of those songs that works well with the holiday because it's so sweet and magical! Hey, when you sang it, did you wear a Kermit costume?
ReplyDelete"And don't feel odd about crying because I've seen my husband cry when he hears it. I think it has that affect on people because the song connects you to the child that is still within all of us."
You know you're so right, it DOES connect you to the child within us. I never thought of it that way, but it does make you feel childlike!
Damn, I think got rid of those cassette tapes when I was packing to move to NYC two years ago and was getting rid of stuff. Drats!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a wonderful week!
X
"Well, thank goodness you carry a roll of Bounty paper towels with you! LOL!!!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHA! NO, I didn't have a whole roll with me that day, I had a single sheet that I took from home because I ran out of tissues that I usually carry in my backpack, but ran out. And thank god I had the paper towel because I don't know what I would have wiped my eyes with.
"Ok, first, how COOL that you did recordings like that with a friend. Omg, I would have loved doing that when I was younger. I think my voice is not as good as it was, so I'd probably hate hearing myself now. But I'd still get a kick out of just doing it.
I know, wasn't that cool? The recording studio was located in downtown Orlando at Church Street Station (an old train station) that was pretty much a tourist attraction for visitors. And that's why I think they set up a recording studio, so that people could go in a make cassette recordings. It was small studio that had two recording booths, and another booth that that technician sat in. I wonder if it's still there?
Hey, I didn't know you sang? That is so cool! You and I should get together and cut an album. We could do it via Zoom. LOL!
"A God whisper, as one of my friends says."
Yes, I believe in those. I read a book many years ago entitled: "God Winks," and it was about that very thing.
Wasn't Jim Henson a GENIUS? I agree, he died way too young.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend. Enjoyed your comment!
Have a magical week!
X
OMG Mark, you comment make me HOWL with laugher!
ReplyDelete"a quicker picker upper"
Bhwhahahahahaha! I didn't even think of that, but you're right!
"Seeing that rainbow coloring after? Wow...that gave me goosebumps."
Isn't that the coolest thing? I stood there for a few seconds and thought, "Am I REALLY looking at rainbow??!?" I quickly took two pictures with my cell phone and luckily one of the came out.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous day and week!
X to you and Tara
Hello there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you're right. We creative-types are quite sensitive. I guess that's why I enjoyed acting to so much, because it was a way of expressing all kinds of feelings and emotions.
" I haven't known you forever, of course, but from what I've seen, all your careers have played to creativity as your strong suit -- doing makeup, stage and theater, photography. "
You are right about that too! When I look at all the different careers that I've had, they have all been something to do with creativity AND have all been stepping stones that led me to the next, and the next, and the next. Yup, I'm definitely more left-brain.
Thank you, I started that Pixel Art Store last year. It's been a great place to connect with other photographers. I've also entered a few of my photos in contests.
I'm one of those people who enjoys doing a lot of different things. Even acting, as much as I loved it, after 20-something years, I knew there were other things I wanted to try. My passion comes from LEARNING things. I like to learn and grow.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet and supportive words, my friend. Have a magical week!
X
Hey, Ron, such a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you one bit for tearing up at this song. It's about hope and trying to find a place in this world. The song is so touching--how could you not cry!?
And now we're in the middle of this awful pandemic, our emotions are really strained.
Of course, I'm a member of Weepers' Anonymous do I definitely know how you feel.
I love how you saw that rainbow drawing just after listening to the song. That's pure magic!
By the way, I like how you use a Bounty paper towel. I got through so many tissues during a sad movie, maybe I go straight for the big guns!
Take care, buddy, and keep looking for that rainbow connection!
This was a great post, Ron, and we really like Frogs (can't you tell by our blog title?) Kermit did this beautifully and no matter what your age, it's always a moving song of hope. I had not thought of it in quite awhile so it was enjoyable to hear it (and to see Kermit as well).
ReplyDeleteFYI, I am also Italian (100% FBI) on both sides of my family. We of Italian descent are always somewhat more emotional. Possibly that's why you shed a few tears when hearing this tune again. Funny to see Kermit turn it off at the end of the tune. Jim Henson did die way too young. He was such a creative genius.
I'm not sure that seeing the rainbow was pure coincidence, more than kismet.
Ron, I seriously think it's a "guy thing" because I'm the same way. If my girlfriend and I are watching a movie that has a sad or touching scene, I start to cry. She on the other hand, is not nearly as emotional as I. We have this running joke that I'm the girl in the relationship and she's the boy. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI am big fan of the Muppets. Jim Henson what such a talented man. His gift was (what you pointed out) that you forgot you were watching puppets, they seemed real.
What cool story about seeing the rainbow after hearing the song. I love when moments in life happen like that. I always take it as a sign.
Great post, dude!
OMG Matt, your comment about you and your girlfriend made me laugh! That is so cute! And you may be right about that because I know quite a few men who are very sensitive and get all mushy about certain things. And I've also met women that are not as outward with their emotions.
ReplyDelete"I am big fan of the Muppets. Jim Henson what such a talented man. His gift was (what you pointed out) that you forgot you were watching puppets, they seemed real."
Wasn't he a genius? And way ahead of his time because he made puppets REALLY stand out, by becoming like human characters in a script. I love the two old guys Statler and Waldorf. They were so funny!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you magical week!
X
Aw...thank you, Rob!
ReplyDeleteYes, you're so right...the song is about hope and trying to find a place in this world. And you're also right about feeling all emotional during this pandemic because yesterday while I was sitting in the park, I got all emotionally just watching all the people in the park that were so incredibly happy to finally be outside again, enjoying the weather, nature, and just being around other people. It was so touching.
"By the way, I like how you use a Bounty paper towel. I got through so many tissues during a sad movie, maybe I go straight for the big guns!"
HAHAHAHAHA! You know, I don't normally use Bounty because I buy the cheaper paper towels. However, with the shortage of paper towels and toilet paper, that was the only brand I found in Target. And I have to say, it really is a much higher quality towel than the ones I normally get. I usually get which ever brand is on sale.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaabulously magical week!
X
OMG, that's right..it just this second dawned on me about the title of your blog! That is so cool! See!...this is all connecting somehow. Kermit the frog, the song, the rainbow, and your blog!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the song so sweet and moving? I too hadn't thought about or even heard it in years. But when I did, I immediately felt how I felt when I first heard it.
You're ITALIAN?!?!? That is so NEAT!!!! And me too, both sides of my family. My mother was from the North, my father was from the South. Italian people are very passionate about things. Nothing is ever halfway either. It's all or nothing. I LOVE being Italian!
He did died too young, didn't he? But man, he sure accomplished so much and left his unforgettable imprint on this world.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you a faaaabulous week!
Ciao!
X
Awww - I love this story.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed, Fiona! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a fabulous week!
X
I'm her YIN and she's my YANG. LOL!
ReplyDeleteOMG Matt. that it hilarious!
ReplyDeleteWell, it sounds like you and she are the perfect match!
Oh my God, I adore this song. You're right, so innocent and hopeful. And who doesn't like Kermit? And how wonderful that you saw the drawing after hearing the song! Magic.
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were little I had a CD of children's songs by Kenny Loggins that we listened to eleventy bazillion times. Thought you might like to hear his version:
https://youtu.be/Qzm251m5-_E
Okay, first I have to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing the link. OMG...that version was so BEEEEEEAUTIFUL! And once again, I cried. HA! I always loved Kenny Loggins, but never knew he recorded that?!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Rainbow Connection such a special song? And it's timeless because no matter when you listen to it, it always has the same effect.
Thanks again for sharing the link, my friend. And thanks for stopping by, Hope you're having an awesome week!
X
Oh Ron, what a sweet post! I actually got all teary eyed just from reading this. And then when I watched the clip, I got MORE teary eyed LOL! I love The Muppets. When I was a kid, I always watched it. My favorites where Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Fozzie. He was so cute! I've seen The Muppet movies too.
ReplyDeleteI think it's incredible how you spotted that drawing on the window right after you heard the song. I got chills when I read that.
Rainbow Connection is such a beautiful song, both the words and the melody. And the way Kermit sings it, just goes right to your heart.
Hope you're having a wonderful week, Ron. xo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteAren't The Muppet movies GREAT? I've seen them as well. And yes...Fozzie Bear is sooooo CUTE! He's probably my favorite Muppet. But that's probably because I love bears. I used to collect them and put them all over my bed.
I'll tell ya', when I saw that rainbow drawing on the window, I stopped dead in my tracks and thought, "OH...MY...GOD!" I love when things like that happen.
Paul Williams did such an amazing job composing that song. He'll be remember for that song forever and ever!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a faaaaaabulous week!
X
Ron, I used to have a Kermit the Frog puppet when I was growing up that was my most cherished toy. I was (and still am) a major fan of The Muppets. I think The Muppets are universal when it comes to age or gender. Everyone loves them!
ReplyDeleteGreat clip! And I must confess that I too get watery eyes when I listen to this song.
Hey Daniel, so nice to see you again!
ReplyDelete"I think The Muppets are universal when it comes to age or gender. Everyone loves them!"
I agree! The Muppets are ageless and timeless.
I don't care how many times I listen to that song, my eyes get the "waterworks" LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Always so nice to see your comments! Have a great rest of your week!
X
I remember that song. *smile* And, yes, wonderful synchronicity! Wow.
ReplyDeleteHow neat to have gotten to do those recordings with your friend. And what a great price, even back then. I have noooo talent for singing... none... like you'd hold your bleeding ears if I tried to belt something out. I haven't a clue how I got into the chorus of a few high school productions. For Grease, the tryout song was 'We Go Together' ... how did I ever manage rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong ... sweet jesus I had good grades otherwise, so they must said okay but made a note to keep me in the back. LOL
Thank you for Kermit and the lovely rainbow drawing.
Hope you're enjoying a great week, friend! xo
Helllllloooooooooo Mary!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know, can you believe how inexpensive those recorders were?
". I have noooo talent for singing... none... like you'd hold your bleeding ears if I tried to belt something out. "
HAHAHHAHAHA! That's okay because you have SO MANY other talents it doesn't matter about singing.
"Grease, the tryout song was 'We Go Together' ... how did I ever manage rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong ... sweet jesus I had good grades otherwise, so they must said okay but made a note to keep me in the back. LOL'
OMG...that cracked me up! By the way, I LOVE Grease! That was the very first Broadway musical I ever saw in NYC, so it holds special memories for me. I also loved the movie version.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're enjoying a faaaaaaaabulous week!
X
Whaaaat? Kermit is a puppet? No way. I've always loved that song so thank you for bringing a smile to my face and some sweet memories of my kids watching Sesame Street when they were wee ones. The only thing that would have made your walk more perfect would have been to see a rainbow in the sky too. Here's to more magic in our lives. X
ReplyDelete" The only thing that would have made your walk more perfect would have been to see a rainbow in the sky too."
ReplyDeleteOMG Lisa, it's sooooooooo ironic you said that because about two weeks before all this happened with me hearing the song and seeing the rainbow drawing, I looked out my apartment window one afternoon after it rained and saw a gorgeous rainbow over the city. I quickly grabbed my camera and took three shots, but unfortunately the way the sun was hitting the sky between the buildings, the rainbow in my photographs was not visible.
Bummer! :(
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you much magic!
X