Inspiration Person of the Month-- Sheryl Crow

Although not a personal friend (yet), the inspirational person for the moth of July is world renowned singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who shares many common interests with Margaret. Both women, contemporaries in age, are single working mothers of boys. Sheryl, like Margaret, was a public school music teacher before embarking on her full time career as a singer-songwriter. In addition, both women are animal lovers, dog and horse owners as well as environmental advocates. Furthermore, both women have overcome personal struggles and challenges, although different in nature.

Due to the common threads that the two songwriters share, Sheryl has been a big source of inspiration to Margaret, especially during the last few years. As inspiration, Margaret regularly listened to Sheryl’s introspective “Wildflower” album on route to the studio when laying down her vocal parts for her “Bricks in the Wall” album. Margaret and the Growing Azalea Music/Azalea Blossom staff are looking forward to hearing Sheryl in concert when she performs at Saratoga Performing Arts center later this month.

Inspiration Place of the Month -- Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, NY is the inspirational place for the month of July. Margaret was first introduced to Saratoga when she was a student of the New York State Summer School of the Arts where she performed on flute and piccolo in the orchestra as well as in chamber ensembles on the lawn of SPAC, preceding Philadelphia Orchestra Concerts. Located in upstate New York, about half an hour north of the state capital of Albany, Saratoga is home to a wide array of cultural and recreational events during the summer, in addition to two popular events--First Night Saratoga and the “Dance Flurry” during the winter months. The town itself is quaint and charming yet affords the possibilities of a larger city. A variety of upscale chain retail stores, fashionable boutiques and fine restaurants dot the street. In addition, Saratoga is home to the National Museum of Dance, an acclaimed children’s museum, and host to several small venues where live folk, blues and jazz can be heard on any given night. Another main attraction beginning at the end of July is the famed Saratoga racetrack. There are also many fine educational institutions in Saratoga including Skidmore College, which is famous for its liberal arts curriculum and beautiful campus. Just outside Saratoga’s downtown area lies the Saratoga Spa State Park, which is not only home to the world famous mineral fountains, but also to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), where a diverse variety of cultural performances take place during the course of the summer. After the Freihoffer Jazz Festival at the end of June, the New York City Ballet moves in for its residency during the month of July, which is followed by the Philadelphia Orchestra’s residency during August. In addition, concerts of pop and rock artists and bands  (including Sheryl Crow) are scheduled throughout the summer. If you will be visiting Saratoga this summer, plan on making a stop at Borders Books and Music, where you can find Margaret’s CDs in the local artist section of the store. Then consider stopping in at the Thai Sushi Garden for a delectable dinner. If you are feeling decadent, go visit Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop for a mouth- watering dessert. Then--if you still have room--you can stop by Shades of Green for a healthy snack to bring with you when you head up to SPAC for an enjoyable evening of cultural entertainment under the stars.

Inspiration Person for January -- “Docky” (William) Reese

         As a tribute to his life, the “Inspiration person of the month” column honors Docky Reese for the month of January. Born William Reese to Louise and Professor William Reese on June 1st, 1955, Docky was one of Margaret's closest friends and inspirations for thirteen years. A graduate of Bard College and an avid writer, Docky was the inspiration behind Margaret's instrumental composition “In the Direction of Home” found on the  'On the Threshold of Change” CD. In addition to his work as a research assistant to his father, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Albany in New York State, Docky developed his own philosophy, “Singularity”, based on the premise that we are all connected as One Universal Soul. A bit of a recluse, Docky was an avid environmentalist and would ride his bicycle (almost) everywhere that he needed to go, not only for exercise, but to help protect the Earth's Ozone Layer.
         Docky was also very musically inclined. In addition to his early studies in violin and piano, Docky taught himself several musical instruments in his adult life including the cello, clarinet, oboe and guitar. He also took lessons in piano tuning so that he could tune his family's piano. In addition, he was a very appreciate audience member of good music and an avid fan of Margaret's music, in particular.
         Docky shared Margaret’s interest in intellect-provoking games such as chess and scrabble as well as her love and appreciation for the nature. Some of the activities that Dock shared with Margaret (and her son Julian) included hiking, canoeing, and sledding.
         One of the qualities about Docky that made him so inspirational was keen sense of integrity. Docky would always follow, without deviance, all the principles that he truly valued including his strict diet of (mostly) thermos-cooked organic foods, and a regimented schedule including work, exercise, and meditation. He also stuck up for causes in which he believed including the opposition of a building development. Everything that Docky did, he did with 300% effort.
         Docky passed away on September 9th, 2007 at the age of fifty-two. He is survived by his father, his two sisters, a niece, a nephew, and three “God- children”, and a few close friends. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him and will remain forever engraved in our memories and in our hearts.

The Meher Center -- Boathouse

Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This wildlife preserve and spiritual retreat dedicated to the Indian Master, Meher Baba, is located 500 beautiful acres of woods and lakes bordering the Atlantic Ocean. For information about Meher Baba and the Center, please call 843- 272-5777.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Lagunitas, California. Located in West Marin County, California, approximately one hour north of San Francisco, Samuel P. Taylor Park contains trails of rolling hills and redwood forests. It is open to the public for day use and for camping. Group and equestrian camping is also available. For information, call the ranger station at 415-488-9897 or see  www.openspacecouncil.org/camp/Taylor

Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness, California. Also located in west Marin County, this national park consists of hundreds of miles of wildlife including several beaches, woods and tide pools. There are three visitors’ stations and lighthouse with perfect views for whale watching season. Programs include tours and guided nature walks. Backpacking with a permit is also available. For information, please call the headquarters at 415-669-1250 or see www.pointreyes.net

Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This wildlife preserve and spiritual retreat dedicated to the Indian Master, Meher Baba, is located on 500 beautiful acres of woods and lakes bordering the Atlantic Ocean. For information about Meher Baba and the Center, please call 843- 272-5777 or see www.Mehercenter.org

Thomas and Muriella ~ Born on March 9th in California, 1999, these two beautiful bunnies were favorites in Margaret’s household until their passing. Muriella, the daring female, disappeared in October 2002. Thomas, the very social bunny that was as soft as velvet and as big as a dog (really!) and even thought himself as a dog, passed away suddenly on July fourth, 2003. Like all of our animal friends who have since departed, we miss them terribly.

Jessie (w/ Romeo) ~ A boy cat named after a favorite female student in Arizona, Jessie was rescued and adopted by Margaret in San Francisco, California a week after the big Earth Quake in 1989. Jessie lived with Margaret and family until his passing in November 2002.  

Catherine Furey, aka "Nana", who was a long-time family friend and adopted relative. Having been a main caretaker for Margaret since she was one years old, Nana played an integral part in her physical development and spiritual development , as well. A born Irish woman and devout Catholic until the end, Nana was instrumental in introducing Margaret to prayer at an early age. Nana use to love to hear the Irish tunes and especially "Danny Boy" which Margaret gratefully had the opportunity to play for her on her flute two days before her passing at the age of 110.God Bless her! 

Julian Song Jacobs

The incentive for "on the Threshold of Change" was the birth of her son, Julian Song Jacobs, born in Marin County, California on December 28, 2003. A budding violinist and nature enthusiast, Julian continues to be definitely one of the biggest inspirations and loves in Margaret's life. Julian, who will be a fourth grader at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School in Greenville next fall, is an avid reader and a very creative writer. He is, in fact, the author of several self -published fictional stories including "Herbie and the Haunted House" and "Herbie's Great Adventures". He is also an accomplished violinist and a drummer as well as a talented artist. His artwork has been represented in the all district art show in Greenville, New York, for the past three consecutive years. Julian's other activities include horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, and skiing. His special interests include the Moai of Easter Island, the Long Island Railroad, and dinosaurs. He is fond of all animals, especially hamsters, horses, dogs, cats, turtles, and tropical fish. Julian hopes to pursue a career in archeology or paleontology in the future while continuing his focus on music and art. Julian currently resides with his Mother and their menagerie in their old farmhouse in upstate New York.

Katharina Forbes Dunlop - (Aunt Bengie)

Born July 14th, 1892 in Sussex County England, Katharina Forbes Dunlop was the oldest of three girls. She had a long and inspired career both as a writer and as an educator. Katharina's inspiration for writing poetry and short stories not only came from her mother who was herself a writer and an artist, but also from her encounters with the British author Joseph Conrad . The stories she has of making rice pudding for Mr. Conrad and other tales can be found in her book "Winchelsea Memories" which is based on her childhood growing up in the quaint village by the English Channel in Sussex county, England Miss Dunlop not only taught English in the prestigious Queens Gate Academy in London, but also served as the headmistress of Stocks, the Oldest girls boarding school in England. In 1972 she sold the school to Victor Lownes who, along with his wife Marilyn developed a friendship that lasted the rest of her life . Even after selling her school, this remarkable lady continued tutoring English and Latin privately in her London flat until the age of 97. In her later years, a scholarship was established in her name to help further the career of a young woman in the arts.

Margaret's beloved Great Aunt , known affectionately to family members as "Aunt Bengie" and to most of the world as "KFD", was a few months shy of 101 years old when she passed away on March 15, 1993. Margaret has many fond memories of times they spent together during Margaret's many visits to England. which included many outings to the theatre in London together. She also made the trip to America to attend Margaret's high school graduation at the age of 87. She was not only a great source of inspiration to Margaret but also to her "girls" as she affectionately called her former pupils and to everyone else who had the blessing of knowing her. She shared Margaret's passion and interest in people, good literature (especially novels by Elizabeth Goudge), the arts, and anything intrinsically beautiful.