But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing for ever and ever. ~Psalm 52:8
Next year will mark the 50th birthday of Danny's Martin acoustic guitar. As you can tell by the wear and tear on the body, this instrument has been well loved and well played throughout its many years. Danny's first real gig after graduating from high school was actually singing and playing in various hotel lounges, mostly throughout Florida. His repertoire of songs from the '70s is vast, collected and saved in two giant-sized loose-leaf binders with plastic page protectors.
Some of you will recall how special his two boys, Giovanni and Nicco, made their dad's 70th birthday last December. Not only did they gift him with a refurbished Gretsch electric guitar like the one he played while on the tour circuit, but also gave him a gorgeous set of gold strings for his Martin, which is the only guitar he plays at church.
Alas, just like any other strings, the gold ones wear out with use and must be replaced.
Danny can't bring himself to just throw them away, and comes up with the brilliant idea to use them, along with some old guitar picks and sheet music, to create a shadow box for each of his guys. We make the trek to Michael's last week for the needed supplies, and these photos show the marvelous results.
Just as Nicco and Giovanni are as different as night and day, Danny makes each shadow box with a unique design. Giovanni and his wife, Hope, are in town this past weekend, so he is the first to choose the one he prefers. Honestly, it fits his personality perfectly! Anyone want to take a guess as to which one he takes with him? Go ahead! There's no penalty for a wrong answer.
I've come to realize over the years we've been together that when Danny sets his mind to accomplishing a task or project, he is determined to finish it. What a great quality that is! And what he's done here for his boys will be a lasting reminder of the love he has for them in the past, in the now, and forever.
And this reminds me of how much our heavenly Father loves each one of us, uniquely and forever.
Amen!
Dearest Martha,
ReplyDeleteThat is special for having that Martin acoustic guitar for 49 years already!
My Pieter would have loved having his accordion, which stayed behind with his ex and adopted daughter but they never ever offered that to him...
The framing is very special and makes indeed some great gift for his sons.
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, the guitar is so very special to Danny. I'm so sorry that your Pieter couldn't have his accordion with him for so many years; that must have been difficult for him. I'm so glad that Danny's project turned out so successfully.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Finally I found him one similar after 29 years... It meant so much to him. But we cannot change the hearts of some people, only God in the end will judge.
DeleteI'm pleading the 5th on who picked what since i don't know the boys. However, i can see what Danny has done will be a lasting tribute to him for the boys. I am reminded of a song we sang this past Sunday-one I requested since it is one of my favorites- 'You're a good good Father/It's who you are/And I'm loved by You/It's who I am." I am thankful for a good, good Father who loves without end and unconditionally.
ReplyDeleteBill, that is a song that Danny and I have played in church many, many times, and it's one of my favorites! I thank our Good, Good Father every single day, and I know you do, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a cool thing for the boys to do for their father.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was so cool, too, Glynn.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What great gifts on both sides!
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly, Diana.
DeleteLove and blessings!
A lovely tribute to Danny.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a HEARTfelt tribute, these shadowboxes!
ReplyDeleteOh, how Tom would love to peruse Danny's collection of sheet music. That decade produced some of the best music, didn't it?
PS - Having lived and played around Florida's gulfcoast municipalities large and small, now I'm wondering whereabouts Danny entertained. Those were the days!
Thanks so much for your kind words here, Myra! Yes, that was the best decade for music, hands down. Wouldn't it be great if Tom and Danny could share their music and knowledge with each other. Those singing gigs happened long before Danny and I met, but I do know he spent time in Ft. Lauderdale among others. He was even booked at a Howard Johnson's for a time. I know you remember those hotel/motels - LOL!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I played among many others at: Bananas in Coconut Grove, Holiday Inn at Las Olas and AIA (Where the Boys are), Howard Johnson's in Lauderdale-by-the-sea for 3 years, Dania, Bayshore Whale and Sail in Miami, a hotel on AIA in Miami, Holiday Inn Estero Island, in Ft Myers, the Jolly Rodger on Ft Lauderdale Beach, Witches Brew in Naples some club at Oakland and the Intercoastal where Roy Clark borrowed my acoustic, Daytona beach, Orlando, St Simons Isl, Jekyll Isl., New Orleans, Hammond LA and on and on. I'd be happy to share the music I have retyped with Tom.
DeleteI'm one of those guys who loves music, especially the kind of music that owners of Martin guitars tend to be producing, but God was apparently running low on the array of gifts that contribute to talent in that area and thought the world would continue to be just fine if I didn't get any. I do have a guitar, and I love it. But for the musical well-being of those I care about, I tend to keep it a private thing.
ReplyDeleteAs always, we are so blessed to be able to share another one of those inspiring and uplifting personal glimpses into your and Danny's lives. In a week where we're going to be challenged on many levels, having a quiet moment to reflect on the powerful impact that music has had on our lives has been a breath of fresh air. It makes me want to go upstairs to my office, take my Yahama guitar off its rack, close the door, and serenade myself for a while. It won't entertain anyone, but it will add to the smiles your post brought with it. God bless you and Danny for sharing more than words.
Once again, Ron, your wonderful words of affirmation warms my heart, and as Danny always reads my posts, I'll make sure he sees your comment. Yes, music is so soothing and healing both to play and to listen to. And it doesn't matter whether your talents are vast or limited, when you enjoy strumming the guitar, go for it! It is a source of refreshment for our souls, that's for sure.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Hi Martha Jane, I have always loved playing the guitar, my friend and I went out into the streets playing the guitar and singing songs which God had given us to write, also taking out leaflets with scripture and poems. I would love to hear Danny singing if you have a recording of it.
ReplyDeleteI love knowing that about you, Brenda - that's such a powerful witness to others, using the gifts of music and writing that God has given to you! Danny did put out a few recordings recently, but after some comments by folks he'd never heard of on social media, I believe he made them private/friends only. If he ever decides to put some out on YouTube, I'll be sure to let you know.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Here is a link to some of my recordings:
ReplyDeletehttps://soundcloud.com/danny-orlando-355102553
Thanks, honey, for sharing this link where my readers can listen to you!
DeleteThose shadow boxes are an amazing gift and remembrance for the boys. I won't try to guess since I don't know them but I know they will each treasure the gift. Brilliant!! xo
ReplyDeleteYes, I know they will both treasure these gifts from their dad, Terri. I think they are amazing, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a super sweet gift they will always treasure❤️
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Martha
It certainly is such a special gift for both of the boys.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha! What a neat idea to give Danny's sons! And a 50 year old Martin! Wow! That's invaluable. I would love to own a Martin one day. God bless you and Danny always.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind comment here, Cheryl! Danny truly does treasure his Martin and wouldn't trade it for the world. I hope you can own one yourself at some point as much as you love to play guitar and sing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks so much for your compliment of Danny here, Debby.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
What thoughtful gifts--the gold guitar strings and the shadow boxes. Kudos to Danny and his sons!
ReplyDeleteMartha Jane: This is such a neat idea. I can't fathom which son chose which shadow box. But, I believe they will treasure their choice for a long, long time. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift idea! I know Danny's sons will treasure those shadowboxes forever! I know I would if I were them. I would love to hear you and Danny sing sometime. I can imagine it is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove the shadow boxes and hearing about Danny's guitar and music playing through the years. I'm fond of many songs from the 70's-those are my favorite memories from middle and high school. God bless.
ReplyDeleteKaren Friday
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