Tag Archives: Kitty (kittykam)

Kitty’s Kibbles ~ Little Bits of love

Il Volo shares their love in many different ways, not the least of which is sharing smiles..
Kibbles, is meant to be a different, lighter way to share those smiles here, with each other. Honoring their homelands a bit, and also tapping into a bit of “funny” seems like a perfect Il Volo way to bring us closer together, while still “SHARING THE LOVE”.

GIAN’S ITALY: is a Southern European country, a peninsula bordered on three sides, and shares borders with 4 other countries: France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It’s longest border is with Switzerland. It is home to 2 micro states, San Marino (25 sq miles), and Vatican City 108.7 acres. Vatican is the only nation in the world that can lock it’s own gates at night. It has it’s own phone company, radio and TV stations, money, and stamps: also it’s own Army, the historic Swiss Guard.
kitty gianDIDYOU KNOW? When McDonald’s opened in 1986 in Rome, food purists outside the restaurant gave away free spaghetti, to remind people of their cultural heritage!

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JUST FOR FUN: * Wordy definitions not found in any dictionary, but should be? *

WRINKLES: Something other people have, similar to my character lines.
BEAUTY PARLOR: A place where women curl up and dye.
ziti.biz

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SENIOR MUSINGS:

Commas save lives ie. let’s eat Grandma, or – let’s eat, Grandma!

Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL. (we won’t go any further,okay? Shhhh!)

Today, I was in a store that sells sunglasses, and only sunglasses. A young lady walks over to me and asks, “what brings you in today?”
I just looked at her, and I said, “I’m interested in buying a refrigerator.” She didn’t quite know how to respond. Am I getting to be that age?

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JUST FOR A SMILE: COMPUTER LADIES BEWARE:

“COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA”

The computer swallowed Grandma. Yes, honestly it’s true.
She pressed “control” and “enter”, and disappeared from view.
It devoured her completely, the thought just makes me squirm,
She must have caught a virus, or been eaten by a worm.
I’ve searched through the recycle bin, and files of every kind.
I’ve even used the Internet, but nothing did I find.
In desperation, I asked “Jeeves”, my searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative, not a thing was found “online”,
So, if inside your “inbox”, my Grandma you should see,
Please, “copy, “scan” and “paste” her, and send her back to me.

Author Unknown

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??? QUESTION: Ladies,

If you had 30 minutes to ask one of the guys a question, what would you ask, and who would you pick? CAREFUL MARIE!!

Can’t wait for your answers! Till next time, here’s something that always makes me smile……Gianluca Ginoble sings Sinatra

CIAO, Kitty

kitty gian 1

Words – by Kitty

How many of you have a dictionary in your home? How many of you actually use it? I do have one; copyright 1978. That’s probably how long ago I acquired it. It’s still in pristine condition, because I never used it. I thought, what good is it, unless you have to look up how to spell a word ( pre spell check.) Even then, it didn’t make sense to me because if you didn’t know how to spell the word in the first place, how could you find it in the darn book? How’s that for logic? Sounded pretty good to me! Well, that excuse held up for me until I found IL VOLO, and the “flight crew” and I began conversing with all of you. Maybe some of you, if you’ve read any of my previous articles, are aware that I have now found ” the confounded book” to be a useful companion. However, I was not expecting to find a very telling description of “THE IL VOLO STORY” hidden within the pages upon pages of what I considered to be just oodles and oodles of words. Oh well, live and learn, because as I began to gather my thoughts for today, some of those random “words” began to gather in my head. I kind of had an idea in mind, so I kept checking out the actual meanings, (according to WEBSTER), of those words that I wrote down. Once again, the archaic, previously useless book, came through. Twelve simple words, just twelve everyday simple words, but those twelve words have allowed me to set down on paper a short but concise account of three young men’s determined, beautiful story. A story far from being finished, and won’t be for a very long time, yet even now, stunningly impressive in it’s potential for making life even more beautiful than it already is. “The uplifting of hearts, creates pathways for compassion, followed by outbursts of love, and kindness.” KM There are none more equipped to lead in that effort today, especially for our youth, than are our boys of IL VOLO; and they have wasted no time in beginning to do that very thing. Even for ones so young themselves, they are no strangers to that love, or that kindness.kitty words

“Sometimes the things that we see with our eyes, though beautiful, 
are never quite as beautiful as the things we feel with our hearts,
but cannot begin to explain.” KM

The story is simple, as are the words, and yet incredible and heartwarming; as heartwarming as are these three young men. The story begins in Italy/Sicily; places oozing with ancient history, cultural traditions, close loving families, and spectacular beauty everywhere you look. Gianluca, Piero, and Ignazio were each INTRODUCED ( made aware of, or enabled to become familiar with ) to music very early on. It didn’t take very long for their families to become aware of the love for that music that had developed, but also, quite apparent was their remarkable vocal abilities. GIFTED – ( possessing great natural ability ) would be an understatement! Eventually, a WISH and a HOPE– ( a feeling that what one wants, will happen ) had emerged, to actually sing and become famous, just like the great singers they had come to appreciate: and as time went along, that wish, now became their DREAM – ( a series of thoughts, pictures or feelings that pass through the mind. A pleasant idea that one imagines. Something that takes on a possibility of becoming a reality.) Soon after they began to perform here and there, they realized that their abilities seemed to always fill a PURPOSE ( a use, a plan, or a reason for something; not by accident, but intentionally: with good results.) Those hearing their voices, their music, even noticing the ease with which they were able to touch hearts, all felt that they were surely fulfilling what was considered to be their DESTINY ( that which is bound to happen ), or maybe it was their FATE ( that which seems to make things happen the way they do, or a power that is suppose to settle ahead of time how things will happen, things that happen as though controlled.) SIDE NOTE: the FATES, were the three goddesses in GREEK and ROMAN myths who, supposedly, controlled human life: but if I may interject, my personal feeling is, and has always been, that IL Volo is a wonderful gift, sent by their, (and our) creator; to encourage us, strengthen our hope, and elevate our capacity to embrace love; whether we choose to share it, or receive it into our own lives. His gifts do come in many different ways, in different packagings, most times totally unexpected yet always bearing the same message: that we are all His children, each one, and therefore our needs will always be known, never to be forgotten; but also always delivered in HIS time. HIS timetable for IL VOLO, was six years ago: and the dream? Their dream has them knee deep into their reality.

As for IL VOLO today: no one can ever say that they have been sitting back, waiting for their dream, or destiny, or whatever, to come to them. Just the opposite is true. They are relentlessly ACTIVE( lively, quick, busy ), doing whatever they can to bring beauty, delight, and for sure their love, to the world in whatever way in which they have been enabled. They have consistently upheld the mission that they feel, no, that they know has been given them. Certainly, their willingness to LISTEN to advice, and to ACKNOWLEDGE all the support behind the scenes, is also an all important factor to success. There are wonderful people working along side them, who believe in them, and have great admiration for the way they have held fast in their choices of conduct within this incredible opportunity. I don’t expect that that will ever change. Yes, each has dreamed a like dream; but now; now they share it together, making a commitment to themselves, and to each other, to be true to the beauty of that dream: pursuing it with honor, honesty and diligence, while all the while listening to that ever present voice that abides within. They hear it, and they feel it deep in their hearts. With great pride and excellence, they are bringing it forward into the world, as it was meant to be. Oh, I did say there were twelve words didn’t I? Well, the last one is, of course, SUCCESS. Actually, this word has no definite meaning. It is considered an elusive, ambiguous term, loosely referring to the attainment of a good result. As should be, that meaning is reserved for IL VOLO to define for themselves, individually. For us though, it’s meaning has already, and undoubtedly, been defined; … but “cannot be explained! “

Just words? Hardly. I see now how words, their meaning and their application, can play out within the span of our lives; and our dreams. Twelve words only, but those twelve significant words are all it has taken to bring IL VOLO, so quickly to…. AWESOME! ………….and us,.. just as quickly to tears.

~Kitty

KITTY’S KIBBLES

New! KITTY’S KIBBLES:
a little of this, a little of that, and a little bit more; but still
“SHARING THE LOVE”, together!!
Who knows what it will be!

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OH MY GOODNESS! This struck me as hilarious, and provided me with my laugh for the day. The question was: What is the proper way to eat spaghetti? Here are some of the replies!

#1 with lots of tomato sauce.kitty spaghetti 3jpg
#2 with pesto and cheese.
Okay, right off the bat, I could tell this would be interesting! My intent was not in the culinary sense, but rather the proper etiquette for it’s consumption! Geezers! Let’s try again!

kitty spaghetti9#3 Lots of sauce.
#4 No, light on the sauce!

Oh, here we go again. Forget about your stomach, people, and pick up your utensils!

#5 What age group, are we talking, babies, kids, or adults?
Really? Just pick one!kitty spaghetti10
#6 In Italia, we use a spoon and a fork. Pick up some on the fork, then twirl it around in the bowl of the spoon. Then, use the fork to put it in your mouth.
#7 No,no, use the spoon to the mouth!
#8 Use just a fork, cut it into small enough pieces so it don’t dangle. You don’t want it hanging out your mouth. Too messy, doesn’t look nice!

kitty spaghetti7#9 Use a knife and a fork.
Oh boy, I could tell this one certainly wasn’t from Italy! Probably an American tourist. Pretty conspicuous! Hey we’re not eating steak here!

Well, this is the last one, thank goodness! And it’s my favorite. Diplomatic, simple, on point, and it came from one of our own!

#10 Any way you can get it in your mouth!kitty spaghetti11
Figures, don’t it? Thanks Marie! Just proves, humanness prevails even when it comes to spaghetti!! It’s not a beauty contest, but just don’t invite Martha! Pass the wipers, you know them thing-a-ma-jigs! Whew!

Till next time; Keep on practicing that Il Volo smile . Only you can perfect YOURS!

CIAO, Kitty

Hello Europe! We Are Il Volo – Kitty

Those guys

………..and now Europe awaits a more personal connection to these three very talented, personable young men that we have watched, and supported and loved through nigh on six years of dedication and sacrifice, simply doing what they love, and being who they have always been. Their willingness to show caring and kindness without reservation, is as beautiful as the music they bring. These last six months, have been a whirlwind of activity, non-stop, eventful, exciting, emotional and rewarding, as well as demanding and extremely tiring. Not just for them, but for every single person involved in any way, directly or indirectly. Things could not progress towards the goal without them. Of course, hats off to their wonderful families whose unconditional love for them continues to be the catalyst behind them, keeping watch, boosting their spirits, and telling them it’s okay to sometimes hurt. God has already blessed those families with these wonderful children, and I know he will continue to do so. The boys of Il Volo, I believe, are absolutely aware in their hearts, that any gift that has been, or will be given to them, is not just happenstance; but rather bestowed to them for a particular reason. A mission if you will. That mission appears to continually reveal itself in the faces of those whose hearts are stirred by, not just the music, but by the honesty, integrity, and ease with which it is presented.
s- sanremo awardSanremo and Eurovision both, in different ways, have definitely provided them a springboard towards success. People, who before, were not familiar with Il Volo, their music, their style, their unique ability to persuade emotion and invite tears of joy, are now anxious to experience love in it’s authenticity. It has been reported that nearly 200 million people watch the Eurovision, a reported 8% increase in viewers over last year. I have to think, that in my opinion and that of many others, Il Volos announced involvement in the contest this year had much to do with that increase of viewers! You have to give credit, where credit is due!

Life has changed drastically for them in the last 6 months, many many wonderful things have come forth; but with them, there are perhaps some things they wish were the same. All in all, they will adjust and still find a way to make it work: appreciating their life, and the expectation of a dream coming true. And as things develop, the young girls will watch, and wait, hoping just for a glance or maybe a hug; and we, we will remain being like mother hens, starting the day with our cup of coffee in hand and off to the computer to check on our chicks. I’m sure they will love me for saying that, but it’s true! Hey, we will take any Il Volo love we can get! One day, not so far away, they will be beyond the day that we can get by with saying things like that. Soooo, we just won’t tell them, okay? We do things like that all the time. It’s part of a grandma’s charm! Do you think that in 2009 as we watched 3 timid (except for Ignazio) young boys, that they could ever imagine that they would be where they are today, in such a short time, and causing such a commotion? I doubt it! Maybe someone told them, “wishes CAN come true, but it has to start with YOU!”.

Another great singer had this to say: Aretha Franklin – “Being a singer is a natural happygift. It means I’m using, to the highest degree possible, the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.” and……..
Reba Mcentire – “When on stage, I always try to take my audience through as many emotions as I possibly can. I want them to go from laughter to tears, be shocked and surprised, and walk out the door with a renewed sense of themselves — and maybe a smile.”

So, we toast to you, Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio, for your determination, your sacrifices, your kindness, and for the beauty that you bring to our world. God bless you, always.

What better way than with,…………….

SICILY SUNSETS:Kitty's Sicilian Sunset

2 cups Ice Cubes
1 cup Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
1 cup Orange juice
1 cup Cranberry juice
2 lemons – zested

Makes 4

Place ice in glass pitcher. Pour in the Prosecco, orange juice, cranberry juice; Stir.
Pour into champagne flutes, sprinkle with lemon zest to serve.
Lemon-Lime soda can be substituted for the Prosecco for a non-alcoholic version.

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Yesterday, I learned a new word, (at least new to me.) The word was MURMURATION: A collective noun, it comes from the word murmur; a low continuous, indistinct sound. A whispering or swooshing sound made by thousands, or perhaps even millions of beating wings–ie. a flock of Starlings. It’s considered to be one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. The action of each member directly influences the dynamic of the flock. Each movement is linked to the protection of the entire group. The goal is simple: survival and/or the success of the goal. Being curious, I found a video (several in fact), and I sat in awe watching this aerial display of Starlings in flight. I had lost all sense of time, and found myself completely detached from every outside place or concern, and was transported into the beauty and majesty of freeing calmness. The perfectness (my word), and precision was hard to fathom. Grouped together making one solid unit, they soared through the endless sky with ease and grace, creating hints of discernible creatures amid the feathery mist. They flew as a single being, possessing one soul, one consciousness with one goal; yet each playing a part for the whole. Smaller groups sometimes separated from the rest, to dance in a space of their own, yet always returning to the oneness.. Occasionally, they would swoop down in waves across the land below, picking up others invited to join their flight. Their numbers swelled, and the intensity grew. It was like living poetry to my soul. You know, much of the time we tend to take our world and it’s wonders for granted, but sometimes, it’s mysteries just have a way of leaving us humbled and breathless. My heart says, that’s the way it should stay……..! WAIT, have I still been talking about the murmuration, or am I now talking about Il Volo? No matter, either way, the description, in essence, would be the same. Star-lings in flight. BEAUTIFUL! Here’s the video for you to watch.  What do you see? Il Volo in motion? I’d like to know. Enjoy!

~~Kitty

Sometime’s Sugar; Sometime’s Salt ~ FROM THE OUTSIDE, but what the heck do I know? ~ by Kitty

a - Mexico fan club
Just like all of you, I love watching all the videos, seeing all the wonderful pictures, and reading the comments; but at the same time, I can’t keep myself from thinking about what they actually must go through behind the scenes. What is all fun and entertainment for us, has to be unbelievably demanding work, and repetition for them; along with the fun, of course. It’s easy for us to not take notice of the efforts put in, while we simply reap the benefits. So maybe, for just a moment, we can do them the honor of pausing, and peek into their everyday world; the big things, small things, and maybe even a few things that can get just a tad annoying, that may, and do, transpire within the building of a career, and the ongoing goal of making what is now their dream, become their reality. I think it would be appropriate if we begin, right were it all began, with an…………………….

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

t - 2.5If it were not for their families acknowledging the unmistakable potential in their sons, and their exposing them to childhood musical opportunities early on in an attempt to further judge the depth of their interest and capabilities, we may not, today, be blessed by the beauty of the gifts that each have been given. We thank them for the sacrifices they have made to make their sons dreams come true. Il Volo’s music brings so much joy to people all over the world, and perhaps, has even inspired a renewed sense of self worth within those who feel it has been lost. We have read so many comments that express just such experiences. The guys, we’ve noticed, seem never to miss an opportunity to express openly, their love and appreciation for their family’s support, encouragement, and above all, their continual expressions of pride; not only in what they have chosen to pursue, but how they have chosen to pursue it.

* Some of these things may seem petty, but all play a part towards the goal.*

#1 CARE OF THEIR VOICES

Yes, they do have amazing voices, but those voices must not be forced, overused, or be exposed to damaging environmental influences. Awareness is always needed; but in addition, it takes a disciplined routine of warm up vocal exercises daily, to train and strengthen so as not to stress. Can’t help but wonder what the people in the next room in the hotel might be thinking. Is that some kind of new wake up call?

#2 THE TRAVEL

DSCN0347- cropped marie
Oh my gosh! I get exhausted just trying to keep up. Do you wonder if they have ever run into themselves in their comings and goings? How do they deal with serious jet lag, lack of sleep, unfamiliar places, food, and customs; not to mention different languages? The hotels, restaurants, cars, trains, planes, and on and on; and by the way, just how many ways can you say, WHERE IS THE RESTROOM? Heaven forbid they say it wrong! I, would hesitate even saying HELLO, uhhh….. HI! These two aspects have to be the hardest, by far. Me, I don’t even want to think about it, “where’s the Dramamine and my translation book?

a - Pascara in tuxes!!

#3 APPEARANCE

Well, my opinion? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Their looks stand alone as perfect! There is however, all those pesky haircuts called for, to maintain or change a preference in the style; but they could always leave it natural, hint hint! C’mon Il Volo ladies, doesn’t that seem like something we might have some experience with? Oh, never mind! In addition, there’s probably someone telling them what to wear for every interview(video), every photo shoot, every guest appearance, and certainly every concert. I know they’ve heard,__ No no! You can’t wear that here! Protocol, Protocol! Or maybe,__ humm, should it be Brioni, or Armani, casual, or__ no no, elegant. Definitely elegant! Maybe that’s a good thing,… or not! Oh yes, and then there’s always the shoes! Love those shiny ones! No! you can’t wear tennies with a Tux! And what about all those trips for fittings? …. They must fit like a glove, don’t you know!….. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T SIT DOWN!!

I.V. FC Mexico. Il Volo - in the recording studio
I.V. FC Mexico.
Il Volo – in the recording studio

#4 THE MUSIC

The learning of new music, or the arrangement of such, is a constant, of course, and will always be. Whether personally, or professionally, it is who they are. They are perfectionists in their art, and we are grateful. Who is singing what, will it be classic or pop, and maybe, what do we want to project here, are all questions not uncommon in a recording studio, ……………..and some time later someone may look at the clock and say, “hey.,……, guess what! We forgot about lunch,…. again!“. That’s when we know just how much they truly love what they are doing, because we all know how much they love their Italian food. They have caused us to love it too. Not surprisingly, Piero has said, “music is everything, it’s like food or oxygen…..“, and I would say, it couldn’t be more obvious. Agreed?

#5 THE PERFORMANCE

a-Giovanna Rochi - Taormina Sicily
a-Giovanna Rochi – Taormina Sicily

All the decisions above have been made, and they arrive at the venue for pre-concert rehearsals and setup. Hours later, everything has been hooked up, turned up, or down as the case may be, and the orchestra begins to connect musically with the guys in what can be a very frustrating and lengthy session.
Also, the staging instructions are walked through,…. and you hear, “you stand there, you, here! No no, you stay here, and you,… move over there! Oh, and make sure you keep rotating so everyone can see you. Now, all of you, go up there. Okay, now move.” “Where are you going, your spotlight will be here!” “Oh no! Ignazio, quick, move into Piero’s spotlight, grrrrrr………..and don’t forget to SMILE! Remember when this actually happened ladies; and yes, we All smiled! Too funny, and memorable!

SORRY, I HAVE TO PAUSE HERE AND SAY, “WHEW! Is anyone else feeling the pressure, or is it just me? ——————— OKAY!!

It’s now 8:00 pm, and the guys are waiting for the orchestra to begin. On cue, they each, in turn, enter the stage at their appropriate line of the opening song, and all is well; except, there is one more thing that needs to be done, as with any performer. They need to begin to read their audience. The audience responses are, perhaps, the most influential element to a successful performance. I’m guessing, of course, but I would bet that while singing the remainder of their song, they glance around to faces, watching expressions, and body language; and there is a sort of silent communication that occurs between them, and their listeners. That gives them an early indication of how to flavor their performance. Do they want a fun and lighthearted show, or does it seem that they would prefer a more straightforward presentation of inspiring vocal content only? What the performer(s) will sense in those crucial moments, can sometimes set the tone for what will unfold later. The audience responses, or lack there of, can quickly redirect the flow of any event, from what was initially planned, to one that might require adjusting. So, being observant, and having the knack of spontaneity is what holds the key to a successful show. Are these guys able to pull off spontaneous? You’re kidding, right? Absolutely yes, and delightfully so! The music begins once again,……. and now there are three; on their own, feeling confident, audience responding, smiles on faces; but wait people, hold on, cause “Surrender” is on it’s way! YES!
a - aa from Nikon thru tablet - lightened
This has just been my way of shining a little bit of light, mixed with maybe a bit of humor, on some things we know that exist, but usually don’t bring to the forefront, as we express our love, amazement, and even our concerns, for three extremely impressive young men. The commitment, devotion, and honest dedication to the music itself, coupled with a genuine desire to share something of such beauty with others, seems to me to be of the utmost importance to them, within in their journey. Obtaining stardom is exciting, but from what I see, and feel, that is not the be all, end all. There is more to the dream. Personally, I see nothing but great things happening for them in their future; so while we watch, let’s just continue to savor the sweetness of the present!
s - grande amore6
Speaking of the present, the results of Sanremo were just what we expected, right? Needless to say, we could not be more proud of them, but then we always are, and always will be. As I watched all that was going on leading up to their presentation, I was impressed by their apparent lack of nervousness about being there, and competing. Instead, they seemed to be happy, and having a great time meeting everyone. When asked, they simply said that they were looking forward to learning, and just being able to enjoy the experience. What? You’ve got to be kidding, (I thought to myself). I’d be freaking out! Winning would be wonderful, they said, but they really would be okay regardless. As they stood waiting for the results to be announced, I really don’t think they expected to win. It was their opponent that visibly showed concern. Of course, their surprised reaction was priceless. It was in that moment that I realized that there was nothing regarding their preparedness that needed to be rehearsed; they knew their song, they were comfortable with it, and they delivered it with the same passion and intensity that they always have, (maybe just a tad more). Why should this be any different.

My point is, that it is their willing attitude concerning all the seemingly unimportant little things, that they accept, and have adopted as the norm; and there is no need for any last minute panic, because Il Volo is, who Il Volo is. Their music comes from a place inside of them; their heart, and yes, their very soul. They love what they do, and it shows; and that’s what they present, both on stage and in their life. It’s also why we respect and adore them. People keep saying that this win will bring about a drastic change in their lives. Yes, it will, and it has, that’s certainly understandable; but I have no doubt that they will adapt, as will we. Success, unfortunately, does not come without some degree of change; be it big, or the seemingly unimportant, and all have a purpose. They listen to, trust, and respect those around them, who are there to advise and guide. Has their dream now become their new reality, or will this new reality one day become their ultimate dream? Either way guys, we’ll dream together. Count on it. It will be our pleasure!

Blessings always, Kitty