Death of Beloved Actor Robin Williams Prompts Music Video for "My Love Will Lift You Up"

Hi Everyone,

The shocking death this week of Robin Williams, one of the world's most beloved comedic actors, prompted me to create this music video.  I wrote the song for friends who got married in 2013, but had not made a video for it until now.

The song mirrors what all of us are charged to do for those in need. Lift them up. I hope that my song conveys to my husband, children, parents, family and friends that I am here for them always.  Be it depression or some other illness, all of us must support our loved ones and get them the help they need.

"My Love Will Lift You Up" by Melissa Hager, 2013

In the times when strength has left you
I will carry on the fight
Have the arms that will uphold you
All the days of my life

Refrain
Be the comforter you need
Get you through times of strife
I'll be there to lift you up.
My love will lift you up.

As the darkness overtakes you
I will be your guiding light
Have the eyes that will adore you
All the days of my life

Refrain

If the storm clouds gather 'round you
In the middle of the night
I will be there to protect you
All the days of my life

Refrain
Be the comforter you need
Get you through times of strife
I'll be there to lift you up.
My love will lift you up.

The song was recorded at Top Heavy Productions in August 2013.  Performed by The Hager Bunch: Barrett Hager, guitar; Allison Hager, background vocals; Melissa Hager, lead vocals. All photographs and video were taken by me (Melissa Hager) - the storm footage on Tuesday night, August 12, a day after Robin's death.  The storm clouds were amazing and I knew some of that footage had to represent the ones in the song.

If you or anyone you know is thinking of suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK  at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  This too shall pass and you don't want to miss the sunshine in tomorrow.

Peace and ciao for now!
Melissa

"Black Gold"

Hi There!

It's been a while since I last posted, but I have a new videoetry to share.  It is a bit graphic as I was compelled to write about the cruelty this poor hippo endured at the hand of poachers.  According to The Weather Channel, poaching of black rhino has increased a great deal because of healing powers associated with its horn.  Grab a Tylenol people!

Or Viagara!  My research says that is a myth anyway.

I first saw this video by Marc Braeckman on The Weather Channel.  Would love to know what he was thinking - did he realize how profound it was to be able to have a rhino survive this dilemma?

I don't know if you can "enjoy" this video, but I feel this poor guy survived to walk to a road so he could be videoed.  So that the world can look in the face and see what greed can do.  

Watch the video, "Black Gold" here .

Ciao for now!

Mel

"Diamonds" Music Video on Videoetry

Hi Everyone!

It's over and Alexandra Patsavas didn't ask to put my song on the Breaking Dawn, Part 2 soundtrack (LOL!).  The Twilight series of books by Stephenie Meyer (and subsequent movies ) have been extremely enjoyable!  And made me write a song, so I put the music video on Videoetry.  

Sorry Videoetry followers who are used to my poetry and video music.  I wrote this for the Eclipse movie with a dream of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart singing a duet.  Alas, it will remain a fantasy. :( 

In case there are other TwiHards who would like to help, the Forks Branch of the North Olympic Library System is in need of a roof!  They were awesome to chat with folks in my library a couple of weeks ago to talk about how Twilight has affected the Forks community.  I plan to help them out.  Hope you will, too.

Have a wonderful Christmas season!  The Hager Bunch Christmas video will be out soon.

Mel

BoonePratt's Word Cypher Contest Gives Me A Mention

Hi All!

I have been a terrible blogger - terrible everything lately - with my summer in overdrive!  Ahh, with the cooler weather and fall colors beginning to peep through, maybe I can get back in the swing of things.  I've missed my videoetries!

Had to share my excitement about a word cypher I entered on BoonePratt's site that snagged me an honorable mention.  Actually, he talked about my entry and was even singing my tune, and that means more than winning in my book.  Check it out!

BoonePratt's Word Cypher Winners and Honorable Mention (Me!)

And for the video, here you go -

 

 

Ciao for now!

Melissa





"Chat With Sam" Gets A Reboot!

I know you have to be laughing if you have followed my Videoetry blog for awhile.  I have relaunched my featured video for today not once, twice, but THREE times since its inception.  There's a song in there somewhere.  Right, Commodores?

It all began when I saw Barrie Howard perform as Mark Twain last weekend.  I was so inspired from "meeting" my idol, that I had to relaunch this videoetry. I created it from photographs I took while in Santa Fe, NM. 

With my former videoetry incarnations about Samuel Clemens, Youtube had busted my hump over copyright use.  This relaunch has not only my poem and photographs, but I also wrote the song that is performed by my good friend, Joseph Hasty. 

Hope you enjoy "Chat With Sam". 

Please remember, I would be glad to utilize your poetry, photographs, video, or song in subsequent videoetries.  Collaboration is awesome!

Ciao for now!
Mel

“Winter Myst” – Misty Fog Covers Secrets Hidden Underneath

Hi All!

Did you miss me? 

My goodness, I have been a busy beaver lately. If you’re not aware, I have a new Youtube channel with  partner, Sean Rutkowski, called Slider Cat Adventures.   It’s been keeping me busy, as well as life in general!  Be sure to check out Slider Cat Adventures at www.youtube.com/slidercatadventures.

Today’s videoetry was created from photographs I had been holding for a couple of months.  I took the photos at sunrise off of my deck when a heavy fog covered the valley.  And there I was stuck about what to write regarding them.

Then I met someone recently who touched me with a story of an embattled youth, a youth scarred by abuse.  You always know there is more to the people you meet than what is shown on the outside.  Hence, the metaphor of the mist that covers what is underneath – for good and for bad.

Hope you enjoy it.  Click here to view "Winter Myst".

Ciao for now!
Melissa

Happy Holidays From Videoetry!

Merry Christmas, All!

The holidays are barreling down on us and I couldn't let them pass without sending my card to you.  It contains a compilation of shots I have taken in my home and in my community.  There is also a song I recorded with my son. 

May your holidays be peaceful, merry, and bright!  Happy New Year, too!

Hope you enjoy "Merry Christmas From Videoetry"

Ciao for now!
Mel