I have a shocking and difficult confession to make. I'll admit, I thought about never mentioning this to anyone, but then I thought, hey, I might not be alone, and maybe someone out there will find comfort in the fact that they're not alone either. If I can help someone out that way, then this is the right thing to do. So here it is:
I watch American Idol. Regularly. I don't actually call in to vote (much to my shame, perhaps), but what can I say except that I just find it incredibly relaxing after a long day to sit down and watch other people dig deep to find the best of their talents. And probably because I'm a writer and have gone through the submission/rejection/critique/revision process for years, I really, REALLY get what it's like for those kids to stand there and listen to Simon.
Anyway, once in a very blue moon something kind of extraordinary happens where talent aligns with the stars and magic happens. For me, one of those times was last Tuesday, during the performance of Over the Rainbow by Jason Castro, or "Dreadlock Boy", as my husband and I fondly refer to him, who actually hasn't been one of our favorites (sorry kid!) But I've happened to absolutely love that version of that song ever since I first heard it at the end of one of my favorite movies, FIFTY FIRST DATES.
So where is all this leading? Well, after Idol the other night, we Googled that version of the song to find out its origins, and discovered a really touching story about a remarkable artist, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole, a young man who isn't with us anymore but who by all appearances was loved by everyone who knew him, not to mention the entire state of Hawaii.
If you're having a not-so-good day, if your spirits could use a little boost, or if you'd just like a reason to smile right now, click on the link below. It's kind of sad, but a celebration, too.
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