Like any vocation (or life, for that matter), The Queen's reign has been punctuated by both low and high points. Here are some of the most memorable moments over her 60 years on the throne.
Photos are courtesy of The Daily Mail, London Telegraph, Getty Images, Corbis, Zimbio, Reuters, LNP, Rex Features, and Press Association.
The music is "Walking to Shoot" by Patrick Doyle and the Third Movement Allegro from the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 6 in B flat major. A larger screen version of this video can be viewed here.
The Queen may be many things, but insiders all say that she's a woman with a wicked sense of humour. A gifted mimic, well-known for her enjoyment of minor mishaps at public events (and lively games of charades), she is known to enjoy the lighter side of life. For someone in her late 80s who has been stuck in the same job for 60 years (with no prospect of retirement), I suspect a sense of humour is a necessary thing.
Photos are courtesy of The Daily Mail, London Telegraph, Getty Images, Corbis, Zimbio, Freaking News, Rex Features, and Press Association.
The music used here is the Finale from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens; Click here to see a larger screen version of the video.
I find it amazing to think about how much the world has changed since the Queen began her reign 60 years ago. The Queen has been criticized at times for remaining too traditional or old fashioned, but I think she has shown considerable adaptability to technological and social change. Is she in tune with modern times? Perhaps not completely... but she certainly is relevant and remaining relevant over 60 years is an amazing accomplishment.
The music is one of Jeff's favourite retro techno tracks- it seemed rather fitting for our part retro part modern Queen. Click here for a larger screen version.
Photos are courtesy of The Daily Mail, London Telegraph, Getty Images, Corbis, Zimbio, The Sun, Camera Press, Rex Features, Margaret Rhodes, the Earl of Snowdon, Reuters, and Press Association.
Because I'm behind on my Jubilee celebration posts and the actual event is happening this coming weekend, this week is going to be Jubilee week! Each day, we'll look at another aspect of the Queen's life and reign in build up to her big celebration.
We're going pick up where we left off, with Prince Philip. Family is clearly important to these two, and while their family has had more than their share of soap opera moments, they seem to be a pretty tight bunch. Beyond being monarch, we've seen glimpses of the Queen as a daughter, sister, wive, mother, grandmother, and now great-grandmother. I think it's a big part of who she is.
Here is a short but very sweet film clip of the Queen, in 1992, taking her grandchildren riding at Balmoral.
And here's some of the rest of the Queen's family. The music used in this video is Waltz No. 1 (Nunley's Carousel) by Billy Joel. A larger screen version can be seen here.
Each year, Pentecost Sunday comes 50 days after Easter Sunday, (hence its name) and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension. Dr. Timothy Larsen, professor at Wheaton College, explains, "Pentecost is the day that the church was born. Jesus had ascended, but he sent the Spirit so that believers could have the comfort, guidance, and empowerment of God's presence."
To celebrate Pentecost today, Jeff and I have each chosen a piece of new Pentecost music that we really like. You'll notice our choices convey our very different tastes in music style, but I think this contrast makes life and worship interesting (hear that, Music Pastors?! When all church music sounds the same, that is NOT a good thing!). Just click on each song title to hear it.
Jeff's pick- a medieval inspired composition, Come, Holy Spiritby Christopher Tye
When speaking has ceased and the room has grown still, When solitude creeps over valley and hill, The Spirit of God finds a place to alight And puts our vain fears and our trembling to flight.
O Spirit of God, fill the earth with Your joy, Give voice to our song that our praise may employ Your well-spring of peace to fill ev'ry bare space With sweet notes of gladness and fair tones of grace.
When clamor and noise fill the world with their sounds, When harmony flees and loud tumult abounds, The Spirit of God is not driven away; He quiets our heart and forever will stay.
O Spirit of God, rising lighter than air, Lift high to the Lord all the weight of our prayers, No burden we carry is ever unknown; No friend of the Spirit is ever alone.
Looking at the Queen's life and accomplishments over the past 60 years, it's impossible to not include Prince Philip.... he's just always at her side. While none of us will ever know the true state of their relationship, they certainly seem to have a silent language between them and have shared more time together than most couples. Queen Elizabeth has said, on several occasions, that Britain owes Prince Philip a greater debt than anyone realizes for the amount of work he has done on behalf of the country... and while he does seem like a cantankerous fellow more often than not, they obviously have something very special between them. I think it's quite sweet.
UPDATE: A few of you have asked about the music in this video. It's "Waltz of My Heart" by British composer Ivor Novello.
After a weekend of busy projects, we've needed a quiet week around here. This post is late getting up today, but shows the true view of my garden this morning.
