A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...03-28-03..."Mozart Lover"

Dutchess and Billie

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   I can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

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TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett.
MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17.
BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,
dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony
BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx
MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law
BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

      

GROUP 9A: TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog. MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son. BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son. BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset); WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

                     

It continues to amaze me how many rich and talented people are on FR. We all have such full lives, I find that we have a tendency to "sneak in our freeping," migrating to familiar and friendly sites. When one considers that FR is now over 100,000 strong, each site is like a favorite restaurant, prayer group, tavern or town hall. Many of us pass each night without ever meeting. I say this because I had only "happened upon" MozartLover visited the Finest last month. I was immediately drawn to her because of her love for music. As I'm a "closet pianist" I just had to get to know her better. And what a joy it has been.

Please join me in welcoming MozartLover, today's FR FINEST!

MozartLover

Although MozartLover signed up in March, 2000 she actually lurked on FR for more than a year, finding the site via the Drudge Report.

I quickly became addicted to what was then called the "USA vs. Clinton" thread, now known as "America The Right Way". I met a wonderful group of people there, many of whom are still daily posters to the thread; I felt "at home" immediately.

ML's screen name reflects her love of music and especially her respect for and appreciation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She says she would rather play Mozart than any other classical composer.

Packers Fan Extroidinaire

ML graduated from St. Norbert College near Greenbay. She is a diehard Packers fan and one wonders if she chose this particular school given that they live on that campus during training camp. She and Mr. ML actually were married on campus during football training and actually got Bart Starr, then head coach, to sign their guest book during the reception.

Bart Starr, Packers Head Coach, signing guest book during wedding reception.

To this day, according to her ATRW friends, ML is convinced that the Packers are destined to win the Super Bowl.

Family Life

ML is married and the mother of three children, two in college, one college graduate. One son just signed up for the National Guard this past Monday morning...Says ML...a proud moment for the family

Family outing picking out the perfect Christmas Tree

ML and her husband homeschooled for seven years, starting when the kids were in 4th, 7th & 9th grades respectively. There were several reasons,including lack of discipline in the schools, a desire to foster religious principles, and the fact that they did not feel that the schools were adequately dealing with some issues which they felt strongly about.

We were not "pioneers", at least not in this area of the country, but on the other hand homeschooling was not as widely accepted 10 years ago as it is now. Luckily we had VERY strong support from both my family and my husband's; in fact my mother-in-law taught my daughter sewing as part of our curriculum, and father-in-law gave my younger son a chance to play his drums to accompany his Grandpa playing the accordion in several happy & fun "practice" sessions.

Politics then....

As a younger person ML says she was quite liberal and that it wasn't until Iran-Contra then she started changing her way of thinking.

This was largely due to Oliver North and his oft-repeated professions of undying loyalty to his President and his country. These were new & strange concepts to me (really!!) and I took them to heart.

And now....

One of the biggest thrills I've had as a freeper was meeting George W. Bush at a rally in Green Bay during the 2000 campaign, and shaking his hand. I also attended a Cheney rally, and when GW decided to do one more swing through Northeastern Wisconsin the day before the election and held another rally here in town, I was there. I saw him a third time in 2001, on Labor Day, when he gave a speech at the airport. Of course this was just days before 9/11 and one of his last public appearances before that tragic day.

Music, Her Great Passion
and Gift to Many

ML solo performance the day before her college graduation

Music has been at the center of her life since..........forever. She started piano lessons at age 5, and continued them through college. Currently she has 30 piano students, plays piano/organ at two churches, does piano accompanying for various events at several area high schools, and is heavily involved in music theater.

Right now I am music directing a children's theater production of "Jack And The Beanstalk", and I just finished a short run of "Les Miserables" at a local parochial high school. I have, since high school, been involved in the production of over 50 musicals, at the high school, college, and community theater level.

Teaching and Performing...
...in Her Own Words

Although it will never make me rich, I love what I do. I love the fact that I am able to both teach and perform.

My 30 piano students range in age from 5 to 65. Most of them are between 7 and 12 years old. I enjoy the one-on-one situation much more than classroom teaching, which I have also done. I love being able to share music and my love of it with these kids.

Some of them are very serious about their music and have great potential. Others take lessons just "for fun" and to have the ability to play a few familiar tunes for their family and friends. Doesn't matter to me; I make an attempt to get to know each student on their level and address their individual learning style.

One of the nicest compliments I've ever received was from a student's mom, who told a friend that "Mary makes each student feel as if they are her FAVORITE student." I loved that.:)

One of the greatest joys I experience as a musician is the coming together with another person, often a total stranger, a singer or clarinet player or whatever, and playing through a piece of music with them for the very first time. It is just SO COOL to make music with someone new; it drives home the whole idea of music being a "universal language"; something that we each can draw on, from our experience and learning and practicing, and share together.

Every now & then I feel that I should get a "real" job with "normal" hours and "steady" pay.:) But then I realize that doing something I love is worth a LOT; and it helps to have a patient, long-suffering husband (who BTW loves to cook!)

Comments from a FR Friend

There are many on the ATRW site who have glowing things to say about MozartLover...I think Kayak sums it up beautifully when she says:

"Creative, loyal, patriotic, caring, talented ... there are so many words that can be used to describe this lovely lady with a delightful sense of humor and a quick wit. She is truly one of FR's Finest and it is a real privilege to count her among my dearest FR friends."

Mozart Lover, it's time to stand up and
TAKE A BOW,
for you really are one of FR's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 03-24-03 Hall of Fame #3 03-25-03 deadhead 03-26-03 Who is Jimmy Valentine? 03-27-03 JohnHuang2 Essay

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[dutchess]

Thanks for the bump and stopping by today!

[MozartLover]

Heehee.........thanks, MK.:)

[MozartLover]

FYI I am able to open.......and enjoy.........the music files now.:)

Hmmmm..........this is an interesting version of "Ode T0 Joy".......I like, I like!!!!!!!

[MozartLover]

Techno wizzes.......yeah, right.:)

Cough-cough.

SO glad you are here today!!!!!!!

[daisyscarlett]

[daisyscarlett]

Okay, time for tea. I'll poor....

[daisyscarlett]

What a fun and productive day...four vintage Barbies at a thrift store-that is awesome. (I collect compo dolls-used to love the old French and German ones but phooey on them-no more-will concentrate now on American dolls)

The T=Tshckovsky(?sp) 3rd piano concerto...The movie Shine is very good and even better is the sound track which I went out and bought immediately-if CD's could get worn out, this one would be.

I am glad you are having a nice day here.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

My pleasure Mam. You all are so awesome..and I'm sure you are affording comfort for troops that stop in to browse.

THANK YOU!!

[dutchess]

LOL! You have flipped! Not surprised, I knew it was only a matter of time.

Oh but Thin Man...she might have flipped but YOU HAVE SLIPPED....I posted the wrong date in the heading...it was 03-29-03 until around 3:00 p.m. today when I caught it and the every gracious AdminModerator fixed it! Now don't go combing through the thread...I've found a few more typos...chalk those us to me being a newbie...you must lower you're expectations until I have a few months under my belt LOL (pretty please.....I'll send you some cookies....)

[dutchess]

Thanks for stopping by today both of you. You certainly have a fun cheesehead hanging out over at the ATRW thread! Have enjoyed getting to know her!

[dutchess]

Thanks for stopping over and "playing with us today". ML is a very special freeper.

[MozartLover]

How about some chocolate cake with that tea?:)

[dutchess]

My pleasure Mam. You all are so awesome..and I'm sure you are affording comfort for troops that stop in to browse

Oh...that is so special for you to say...my 80 year old democrat leaning parents...(and WW2 Dad Marine) now lurk here because they want to see what their "baby girl" is posting. Dad never talked much about the war etc. but some of these threads, particularly the Ladtx essays, Aqua and Daisy's patriot music ones have really opened him up! It's neat to see.

Thanks for your service to our country and tons of prayers being sent to our military men, women and their families.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Our honor.

And BUMPING this comment by you: "tons of prayers being sent to our military men, women and their families."

[GailA]

That's my hand writing EVERY DAY..thank GOD for letting the typewriter then the computer be invented.

Health up date..can't say I'm feeling any better. Trip to the dentist this morning said it was NOT my teeth, but a sinus/ear infection. Came away with Amoxacilin.....hope that kicks in soon. Can't hardly hear a thing due to the loud ringing in my ears and my teeth still hurt like heck on the left side.

[Billie]

Just lemon for me - no sugar. :)

[dutchess]

Mary...I'm going to need to check out...this is pretty timely, we have weekend friends coming in to....tonight...go to a local HS production of The Music Man (our "dog sitter" plays the mom)...tomorrow going to the traveling Broadway show...Jesus Christ Superstar. I fell in love with the music to that in my youth and my all time favorite pound on the piano song when I'm down and feeling "martyr-ish" is "Gethsemane". Hubby can always tell I'm in a funk if I start playing that LOL.

Just truly enjoyed profiling you today...Billie was a wonderful help, as well as Aqua and the rest of my lovely sistahs!

Enjoy the rest of your day ML. Don't be a stranger! (and I sent your pictures back today thanks for the stamped self addressed envelope...you must know me!)

[MozartLover]

Thank you for everything, dutchess!

Enjoy your weekend!

We saw "Music Man" not long after 9/11. It was a great experience; such a wonderful, all-American musical. At the end they dropped a HUGE American flag and the audience went nuts; then the entire cast came out and played "76 trombones" on.......well..........trombones.:)

Very uplifting and inspiring.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this special day.:)

[Aquamarine]

You're doing a great job with the music (and graphics)today Aqua. Sorry I didn't get the Mozart picture sent...lost it somewhere in cyberspace! Looking forward to my "lessons"

Thank you, can't tell you how much I enjoyed doing it. I'm a big fan of Classical music. I like Mozart but my favorite is Chopin....just thought of a new screen name....heh!

Just let me know when you have time for a lesson.

[Aquamarine]

So glad you were able to hear that one. You should be able to hear all but the first one (Mozart!). That was the only one that required Real Player.