Susanne Amberg Schneeweis

The Power of Voice  - Susanne Amberg Schneeweis                           by Nigel A. JAMES

The first thing we see when meeting a person is sound! Speech is more visible than anything else. It not only has powers which are far greater than looks, it is a way to our characters, too. The way that we speak is the one first impression that counts! And, when meeting Susanne Amberg Schneeweis in person, I was happy. For, she was just as I thought her to be! My first impressions had been right. They had come from the radio and they were her voice. And, the way she spoke had the quality of magic.

And, her life has been magic as well. Realizing her destiny, she followed a path of singing and speaking, but, as time went on, it was teaching that took centre stage. Voice, she says, is one of the things we all have in common, and by training it we can alter our lives. A clear strong voice not only provides for clarity of understanding, but, makes for happiness, too.

But, the secret of voice lies in our breathing. The second thing which we all have in common. Breathing is life. And, it is from there that all energy flows. And correct breathing, says Susanne Amberg Schneeweis, is something that everyone can not only master, but should! And, she knows what she's talking about. She has been passing on the magic of sound for a very long time, and, having just passed 70, has no intention of stopping. And her schedule is not only full, but impressive as well.

Not only does Susanne Amberg Schneeweis teach at the VHS in Vienna, she also provides tuition in her very own studio. And, there is more. She has written some very amazing books. One of them being, Singing Makes Happy.

But, all in all, it's her passing on of her gifts that's impressive. And, her greatest talent of all is the showing that these talents of breathing speaking and singing rest in us all! All we have to do is open our eyes, enjoy the sounds we are seeing, and learn how to breath as we should! And then, whatever you do, your life will take off! Happiness is then guaranteed!

For full info, please google Susanne Amberg Schneeweis!

 

Paula Korhonen - A very special very Finish Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are a big part of Christmas. They turn our flats and our houses into places of Christmassy peace and goodwill. And, bringing home a tree is the same as inviting a good friend to stay. Without them, Christmas would not be the same. Together, we adorn our trees with candles and balls and other beautiful things; and, around them we lay brightly wrapped gifts and enjoy the singing of nice Christmas songs. Our trees then become a very big part of our meaning of Christmas. A family occasion.

But, there is one Christmas tree that is different. It's in Finland and belongs to Paula Korhonen. And, Paula's Christmas tree is not only decorated with balls, candles, and chains, it's covered with family history as well. And, this is a tradition that goes back a very long way.

The decorations on Paula's tree were made not only by herself, but her grandmother, her mother, her daughter, and, now, even her granddaughter as well. And, these decorations were all made at school and all very simple.

And, this wonderful collection shows not only bright decorations, it shows changes as well.

The first decorations, made by Paula's grandmother, were made out of cardboard and ribbons, then, along the way came bottle-tops, silver paper, matchsticks, and everything else one can think of as well. And, interestingly, the last decorations to arrive started life as aluminium capsules for coffee. Now, they are beautiful stars. Industrial rubbish had become very colourful. Finland, like the rest of the world, is changing as well.

But, hopefully, Paula Korhonen's family tradition won't change at all. This Christmassy Finnish family tradition is not only unique, it's also a chain that connects generations.

And, this is something you could do, too. Trees will always be part of our Christmas. Why not make your Christmas tree a family tree, too? Your grandchildren's children, I'm sure, will not only be thankful, but happy to pass on this tradition to their children as well.

Christmas has always been family. And, Paula Korhonen is keeping a tradition alive that has been in her family for a very long time. Decorations that have come in from the past and are on their way into the future as well. Christmas trees are beautiful things – they are the past, the present and future of Christmas.

Paula Korhonen and a Finish Family Tradition.