David Archuleta and the Law of Compensation
Posted by bluesky4home on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Dear Mr. David Archuleta, aka Elder;
Was watching you sing on you tube the other day (what is it with ALL the you tube vids? Like… when do you get anything DONE?), and I said to myself: “That guy really likes to sing. Maybe he should consider making a career out of it. Or something. You know, pursue some op-tions.”
A friend of mine told me to put a bug in your ear. Heh, much as I would like to be able to do that… you know, per-form that little function… I am not planning on a trip to Chile any time soon. And bugs are not known for their reliable ability to communicate understandably, they being a more “proceed with caution” messenger service.
Flexing my knuckles and facing my keyboard therefore, I proceed in presenting a case:
1.
So the angels (“good fairies”?) deemed it wise to give you a warped vocal chord? It seems there have been some com-pen-sa-tor-y measures taken. Consider for instance, that your face is remarkably symmetrical. Remarkably. In fact, remarks have been made. Just sayin’. And please, who sees a vocal chord, anyway?
2.
Short in the “tall” division? True. You are short, small, little. I get it.
But, I get the suspicion, watching some of these vids, that if you like, open your mouth and sing – you know – with feeling, there is a good possibility that peeps are not going to notice anyone else in the room anyway. You should try it. Maybe stand on a table, or somethin’. You know, just to get the hang of it.
3.
Funny breathing?
Hey, everybody needs a “signature”, something that people can re-cognize. I wouldn’t worry about it. They do keep oxygen tanks in public places, ya know. In fact, I’ve seen peeps in the audiences being supplied with oxygen. So, it’s covered.
(Besides, although it doesn’t seem to be you’re thing, there are those that like a little heavy breathing.)
All in all, I think you might have a chance. You got this – you know – this big heart. They aren’t going to know what to do with that, true. It doesn’t really market, per se, but a handicap? Look at it this way kid, having something they can’t package means “no limits”. I like the sound of that.
This “bug” comes to you more or less anonymously, from a faithful viewer.
Go for it. Just sayin’.
“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”
Henry David Thoreau
54 Responses to “David Archuleta and the Law of Compensation”
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marlie7 said
bluesky: Awesome – funny – excellent satire. This made my morning! My favorite: “But, I get the suspicion, watching some of these vids, that if you like, open your mouth and sing – you know – with feeling, there is a good possibility that peeps are not going to notice anyone else in the room anyway. You should try it. Maybe stand on a table, or somethin’. You know, just to get the hang of it.”
Thank you!
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MT said
Bluesky,
Love this! As Marlie said, so awesome and funny. LOL at “there are those that like a little heavy breathing.” haha
And this line, ” Look at it this way kid, having something they can’t package means “no limits”. I like the sound of that.”
I like the sound of that, too. I don’t want him put in a box where they can close the lid. The sky’s the limit. You show ’em, David!
♫ Happy Birthday Bebeeee!!!! ♫ I hope you have a wonderful, happy, fun-filled day! ♥
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cq#DA2014 said
Loved reading your fun article Bluesky. .
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SandyBeaches said
Bluesky, I love the quotes!! Thank you for the good read, it caught my imagination for certain!
“Happy Birthday” Lady In Red….from the Voice Unplugged.
Here is something in your name! If David did a cover of this, the audience would be dressed in red for certain! Have a special day!
http://vimeo.com/m/42374677
SB
SB
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SandyBeaches said
Sorry, about the faux pas!
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ncgirlmarylee said
“Consider for instance, that your face is remarkably symmetrical. Remarkably. In fact, remarks have been made” <– lol yes, I can relate to that! Love this..thanks Bluesky ☺
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Abrra said
Bluesky!
I love how you have shown us that David does not fit any mold for what is deemed required for star quality. He is so very unique and possesses just the right stuff!
On another happy note 🙂
Abrra
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Angelica said
Bebe,
To yooouuuuu!!!
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jans11 said
Happy birthday Bebe!!! Hope today is all you want it to be!♥
Great post, Bluesky! I am amazed at what that little vocal chord does, every time I hear him sing! Thank you, Angels! Even though David is lacking in height, there is no way that a person can miss him with that big alluminating smile and his great big voice that doesn’t even need any music! 🙂
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ronaleem said
Bluesky:
I love your article, but I wish it had more examples of the law of compensation!
My favorite: “Short in the ‘tall’ division? True. You are short, small, little. I get it.”
But isn’t David 10 feet tall, with a robust stature? Oh, wait. Yes, he is–in his extraordinary spirit! Hard to miss that “tallness” in him, when it’s so obvious.
As so frequently happens to me when examining some quality of David’s, I see his example as the principle which I should apply to my own life. In this case of compensation, I see his humility to accept what has been given him as the principle, and his ability to make “lemonade” out of the situation the compensation. I imagine not everyone has that ability, but David stands as an example—a cheerful and optimistic example–of what’s possible.
I don’t think we can love that guy enough!
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bluesky4home said
Hey!
Angelica.. thanks for the great pic and the quotes. You always come up with the best. I especially liked the Mothers Day picture.
Marlie, MT, Cq, Sandybeaches – you all are my inspiration. I love your humor and fun ways.
Ncgirlmarylee: Yes, we have noticed. I look forward to many more “remarks” on his remarkable-ness. For instance: those eyebrows in #8. Should be illegal.
Abrra – great B-day card. Love it!! Happy Birthday to YOU, Bebereader. You are one that pulls us together and holds on.
Jans11: I agree, “Thank you, Angles!!”. They knew what they were doing, alright.
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ronaleem said
SB: Belated Happy Birthday! I love your “Lady in Red” tribute to Bebe. This little trip back to 1986 makes me glad that fashion has moved on. Do you suppose David’s clothing will ever look like it belongs to a specific era? Or are his t-shirts—graphic, striped, or plain–timeless and undatable?
Bebe: Happy Birthday to you! You’re 23, aren’t you? I hope your day was great and that you ate your share of ice cream and cake!
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bluesky4home said
Ronaleem:
No worries. I did it as an experiment. And you brought it homeChristmas with even more examples. Good job!
(it is true, I could go on and on… I was afraid to over-do it. maybe another time. So.. for this time, I open it up to all of you: what are his compensations for…. Erm… guess it is a little hard to think up some “weaknesses” with those side pics staring at me. Red shirt givin’ me the stare: I say, “What? Me? I wasn’t going to say anything!”)
(Blue/grey shirt and his compassionate look: Me, “Ya, I am sure you would like me ((or try to)) whatever I said.”)
(Christmas scarf with “party eyes”: I must reply, “Sure. I would much rather go caroling to some shut-ins. *sigh* Where do I sign up?”)
Anyway… you can see why my list was short.
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bluesky4home said
My computer did a funny thing. That first sentence was supposed to be: And you brought it home with even more examples. Good job!
*sign out* (*_*)
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bebereader said
Bluesky,
Loved your letter to Mr. David Archuleta, aka Elder to ‘go for it’. I hope he takes your suggestion to make a career out of singing and I hope he does it soon! The world as we know it will never be the same! 😉
Thank you , thank you for the birthday wishes. Had a great day topped off by a delicious Italian dinner, serenaded by beautiful music from the restaurant speakers. All in one hour I heard “Love Song”, “Crazy”, “The Riddle”, “Apologize” and “Bubbly”. Whatever I do, wherever I go, David is with me.
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betsy said
Bluesky- I like the way you present your case. 🙂 Please never stop writing.
Happy Birthday, Bebe!! Hope your day was lovely, like you. ❤
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tawna21 said
Happy Birthday, Bebe!! You deserve the best! 🙂
Abrra, does the drool mark on the baby’s dress mean anything? 🙂 🙂
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Abrra said
Tawna
She might have been watching a video of David 🙂
Abrra
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tawna21 said
Bluesky.. you’ve made me laugh out loud at the end of a long, hot day of travel. I needed that. Dang! it’s hot in south western Utah!!
‘short in the tall division’ LOL! there are those of us that relate well to this… however, some of us don’t have the singing ability to mask this syndrome.. fortunately, David does. Oh yes, it doesn’t hurt that his face is ‘remarkably symmetrical’.
Bluesky… puh-leeze never quit writing! I looove it! {hearts}
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bebereader said
#18 Abrra’s right; I noticed that my cheeks are kinda flushed too! LOL
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stenocruiser said
Bluesky — A brilliantly clever article — and such fun! Loved and enjoyed it thoroughly — thanks!
Bebe — Happy Birthday to you — so glad to hear you had a wonderful day and a lovely dinner out. Did you round it off with that ‘wow’ episode of Nashville tonight or maybe DVR’d it?
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tawna21 said
Abrra and Bebe, that’s what I figured 🙂
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bebereader said
I watched it, steno! Wow is right! Whew! One more to go.
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tawna21 said
Best wishes to all our Texas friends. I truly hope that the tornados aren’t affecting any of you. ❤
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bebereader said
Ditto what Tawna said.
Sky, please let us know you’re okay. Heard about your weather on TV tonight.
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Angelica said
Bluesky,
Thanks for a fun post on how very well compensated David has been for anything missing. His one vocal chord gives his voice a sound like no other. The fight to sing despite that limitation was a refining fire and in those ashes the Voice was born. When he takes the stage, being “short in the tall division” does not even factor. He owns that space with his presence and as you say, “peeps are not gonna notice anyone else..”
In terms of character he is a giant of a man. And besides, who of us could handle all that remarkable symmetrical-ness stacked any higher?
About the picture, I wanted to give an old rugged cross feel, not in a messianic way, placing him level with Christ, but only to show that he has had his crosses to bear and has borne them with well, and with a grace and optimism I envy.
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skydancer1x said
Bluesky♥love your article! You truly have a wonderful way with words, such a fun read!
Love #1
“So the angels (“good fairies”?) deemed it wise to give you a warped vocal chord? It seems there have been some com-pen-sa-tor-y measures taken. Consider for instance, that your face is remarkably symmetrical. Remarkably. In fact, remarks have been made. Just sayin’. And please, who sees a vocal chord, anyway?” ♥ haha
I sure am missing that symmetrical face….just sayin’♥
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEBE! you are loved!♥ Hope you had a wonderful day! 39,right?? :)) (posting this at 11:54 my time so its still your birthday here!!)
and thanks for the shout out to Texas♥ Got pretty wild around here this evening,but we were lucky, some close neighboring counties had major damage from tornadoes that touched down
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djafan said
bluesky, you never cease to amaze me. Love your compensations 🙂
“All in all, I think you might have a chance. You got this – you know – this big heart. They aren’t going to know what to do with that, true. It doesn’t really market, per se, but a handicap? Look at it this way kid, having something they can’t package means “no limits”. I like the sound of that.”
No limits indeed. And the best is yet to come.
Angelica, I love your artwork. Just had to watch the video it came from.
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djafan said
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEBE!!!!
Hope you had a wondrous day 🙂
And what’s been my go to video for the bday song sung by the master himself!
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Lynnella said
Love this article Bluesky. As a female missionary at the Training Center put it, he is tiny, he is beautiful. In other words, size really doesn’t matter. He has the heart of a giant, and the voice to go with it.
Lynnella
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bluesky4home said
Bebereader & Betsy ((hugs & waves)) And… another big HB to you, Bebe!!
Tawna21: Hot? Um hum, I used to live in Moab. ^_^
Stenocruiser: I always love to hear what you have to say. Please keep coming back… love you!
26 Angelica…
“About the picture, I wanted to give an old rugged cross feel, not in a messianic way, placing him level with Christ, but only to show that he has had his crosses to bear and has borne them with well, and with a grace and optimism I envy.”
Ha, ha! I was right! The first time I looked at the picture you chose to put up on top, I said to myself, “She didn’t!”. So I did not say anything about it in case it really was a “subconscious” thing. I should have known better! You are as eloquent with art as you are with words.
Skydancer: Yeh – “Tiger” symmetry got nothin’ on DA.
Djafan: I was hoping for the vid. Thanks!
Lynnella: Yes, indeedy!
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Abrra said
When I look at the video and the “artistic” image Angelica made, I can see David the pastor tending his flock from his pulpit ( table). So the cross ( window frame) in the background is most believable. 🙂
Abrra
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poof said
Hi Bluesky,
Always appreciate anything you write.
I would like to comment on the size issue. I am not seeing why David has to “compensate” for being small, tiny or short. It seems to me this is a no issue. He is a beautiful (one might say Gorgeous) human being inside and out. His size has no impact on this. This is just one of the descriptors of his body. Perhaps in a different era, size had some impact. I don’t see it any longer. I am weary of the stigma put on being small. My father was almost exactly David’s size. I never knew a more perfect human being .
So hope I haven’t offended anyone!!!
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MT said
Sky,
Thanks for letting us know you’re ok. ♥ Relieved to hear it.
30. Lynella
Love that whole comment!
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Abrra said
Who wants to join me for American Idol season 12 finale? I’ll be in Unplugged at 8pm ET
http://www.livestream.com/thevoiceunplugged
Abrra
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bluesky4home said
No worries, Poof! No offense taken. ^_^
I was making fun of my self, not anyone else. And… Frank Sinatra has been described as: 5′ 6.9″, 5′ 7″, and 5′ 8″, which only goes to show that no one notices how tall people really are when they are in thrall to a Voice.
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bebereader said
Thanks again for the birthday wishes and song!j {{{{hugs}}}}}
Sky, That was a nasty storm! Glad you’re okay. 🙂
Although I don’t watch Idol anymore, I’m going to Unplugged to see what David’s doing.
http://www.livestream.com/thevoiceunplugged
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poof said
🙂 Bluesky 🙂
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ronaleem said
Although I’ve learned a lot about David (and loved every minute!), I still have pockets of confusion in my mind.
Could someone please clarify two things for me?
First, what is the current condition of the vocal cord that was paralyzed? Did it return to normal? Is it still paralyzed? Or is it functioning, but weak? I am totally confused by this because he sings so well. And am I to understand that the audible breaths when he sings are because of the condition of this vocal cord?
Also, there are many pictures of David wearing a scarf. I remember reading that it was to keep his throat warm when he was on “voice rest.” What is voice rest? Are the scarves actually serving the function of keeping his throat warm, or were they the fashion statement of a teenager?
I KNOW somebody out there has the answer! Thanks.
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marlie7 said
Rona – I’ll answer as best I can – I’m sure others will be more precise.
The vocal chord in question is now “wrapped around” the other chord and so is supported by the strong one. It seems that I remember reading that it works now because of that.
Early during David’s tour days (his own first tour, when he was singing 17 songs in a set for the first time in his life), his voice wasn’t as used to being used for that long. He did have vocal rest a lot between venues. And he did wear a scarf to keep his throat warm. Later, as his voice strengthened, he rarely seemed to do a vocal rest, although he might have and just didn’t talk about it (no pun intended). And the scarves did become a fashion statement. So both answers are correct.
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Abrra said
Vocal rest= no talking
David explains the vocal chord thing in his book. 🙂
Abrra
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pocoelsy said
Bluesky
What a fun post :), love what you said aobut his face “face is remarkably symmetrical. Remarkably. In fact, remarks have been made.” he has the nicest face and everything on his face falls in it’s place oh so precisely haha I dunno know howelse to explain it..not too long – too wide – too big the whole face is “just right” …like drawing/ painting!!! gorgeous !!
I never notice about his height lol if there’s an issue!! the voice and charractor made up for it like you said!! 5’7 -5’9 consider an average height for my part of the world anyway, my hubby’s only 5’5 and I love him to bits 😀
About his vocal chords Ronaleem !! just like Marlie said and may I add, I came across a few people when I took my mom for a check up at a hospital!! I took an interest in them (because of David) and talk to them most of them had a really hard time talking the sound barely came out of their mount!! some have had it longer than the others but most of them said the same thing about been doing therapies this and that and it could only get better a little bit, so David’s case is really extra ordinary..downright miracle !! if you ask me.
Love the lead pic that goes with the post, the “dimple” ❤
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pocoelsyforarchie said
Bebe
Happy belated BirthDay, wishing you the best in everything 🙂
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emifriend said
Happy Birthday Bebebereaderwwriter! I am glad you were born!
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fenfan said
Happy birthday Bebe. May all your years be filled with David concerts and VIPs!
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bluesky4home said
Pocoelsy
Glad you liked the post! I actually will be coming to somewhat “your part of the world” in about a month. The “short” thing? Totally “tongue in cheek”. I am one of 8 siblings and the only one that stayed shorter than our mother. I am 5′ 5″. I was called “shorty” most of my teenage years. Then my husband and I moved to the midwest for a time. For the first time in my life, I was asked: “Could you get that for me? The shelf is too high!” So I was in my 20s before I discovered that not all people are the same average height!
As Angelica said, we all have those things for which we must “compensate”. The trick is to have the courage to look for the compensations, even when it can seem that all that lies ahead is emptiness. I believe they are there…. for all of us. DA is a gift just in himself: he makes looking for compensations seem the natural way of things. And we are all grateful that he does and did.
Teachers come in all sizes.
bluesky
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Lynnella said
I remember when David presented an award on, I believe, the Teen Choice Awards, and was teamed up with John Cena, the pro wrestler. They did the height and weight thing like for a wrestling match. John Cena 6’3″, 220lbs., or something like that, and David Archuleta 5’6″, 140lbs. It was so funny, but what really impressed me was David didn’t seem intimidated at all, and he got the loudest cheers and screams from the girls. Sorry to say it, but in today’s world, looks trump size. Not that size should win, but it’s a sad commentary on today’s values that looks are that important, but they are, at least in celeb status. John Cena is handsome, but David is so precious and approachable. He’s the kid next door that would give you a hand if you need help. He’s so kind and good, and good looking, that people, especially girls, can’t help themselves. They just fall in love with him. I feel like the lady who said she loved him for his person. I do, too. He’s the embodiment of everything good in this world. I’ll just be glad when he’s back in our part of it.
Lynnella
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djafan said
Lynnella,
“He’s the embodiment of everything good in this world. I’ll just be glad when he’s back in our part of it.”
Beautifully said ♥
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bebereader said
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ronaleem said
Marlie: Thanks for the info about David’s vocal cord and scarves. Because you’ve been there since the beginning, I’m glad to hear about this from a first-hand witness. It never crossed my mind that David had had no experience singing for extended periods of time. Boy, he was so young and had such a sense of responsibility even then about doing his absolute best!
Abrra: Thanks for your input on these questions. I do own the book, but I’ve lent it out and haven’t had a chance to check your reference. Also, as an avowed David fan afflicted with ODD, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve read the book only one time up to this point, so I don’t remember everything that’s in it.
Poco: I love the conclusion you came to after your visit with patients who had vocal cord problems: that the fact David’s voice healed is a miracle. I have to agree with you, and then add that although his voice experienced the physical miracle, the results of that miraculous healing have extended to numerous people he doesn’t even know—his fans.
Bluesky: “DA is a gift just in himself: he makes looking for compensations seem the natural way of things.” Yes. Just another example of David’s ability to lead by example.
Lynella: “He’s the embodiment of everything good in this world. I’ll just be glad when he’s back in our part of it. “ Yes and yes!
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angelofdja said
Been out of the loop!
Happy Belated Birthday Bebe! I’m glad to hear you had a wonderful dinner and a relaxing evening for your special day!
Bluesky, I love how you write! Thanks for your humor on this otherwise crazy day!
As for Davids smaller physique, I’ve always believed it’s the “little” things that matter! And didn’t someone say there’s dynamite in small packages? He certainly owns a dynamite personality! LOL! 🙂
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SandyBeaches said
I really appreciate this comment so much…a nice one for the left sidebar!! A trending comment!
“Lynella: “He’s the embodiment of everything good in this world. I’ll just be glad when he’s back in our part of it. “
SB
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jans11 said
Well, I’m back in KC now..had a good time in Nashville. ♥
On the “short” topic….size like age is only a number. it’s what’s inside that matters! My dad was only 5’5 and his mom was 4’11. They were really great people to me and I loved them so much. Grandma lived to be 102 yrs old! On my 50th bd grandma sent me a card and told me that I was half way there! 🙂 If true I still have a few yrs! 😉 I am only 5′ tall and my husband was 5’7 about the same size of David, but he sure couldn’t sing like him! 🙂 David may be pint size, but he is still “dynamite”!!!!!!! Love that big voice and big heart he has!! I also cannot wait for him to be back in our “world”! Missing him a lot today. ♥
#2014DA
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bebereader said
New article ————>>>>>>
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