Tuesday, October 22, 2013

thoughts of live music?

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Every once in a while, I find myself listening to music from UCLA's Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) performances. I was listening to one of the CDs while driving to work today. It brings back countless fond memories of the times that Cindy, Carla and I spent participating in PCN.

One specific memory is from PCN 1997. Cindy was still in high school, and it may have been the first PCN she had ever attended. Our whole family attended since it was my last PCN, and Carla was also participating in it.

I have a vivid memory of all of us gathering together near the stage after the performance, just talking about how we enjoyed the evening. I said that I was a big fan of the music, especially since all the music - not just for the dances but for the original songs as well - were performed by the live PCN orchestra comprised of UCLA students and Samahang members.

Upon hearing this, Cindy was both surprised and impressed. I think she even said, "Really?? All the music was live?!" wearing a wide-eyed, wide-mouthed "Wow!?" expression on her face.

We all had a good laugh, wondering how she didn't notice that the music had been performed live. It was one of those rare instances when she didn't pick up on something right away. So it's fun to think that although Cindy was routinely brilliant, even she had an occasional goofy moment.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

thoughts of many talents

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

The list of Cindy's many talents is endless. Different blog entries have described her skills in sports, baking, arts and crafts, board games, and flower arranging, to name a few.

Earlier this week, when Ava went to get her hair cut, it reminded me that Cindy was also skilled in cutting hair. I only recall her doing it a few times, including trimming my own long hair, yet - as with anything she tried - she was good at it.

When thinking about her many talents, I feel so grateful that I always had a front row seat to witness her in action; and to benefit from and admire all her gifts. 

I realize now that Cyn was blessed with the gift of being able to pick up anything that she tried. I even remember a time when my sisters and I joked around saying that if the occasion ever arose when someone was needed to... say... fly a helicopter... at a moment's notice...

Cyn would more than likely reply saying, "Oh, oh ok. Sure. I've never done it before, but ya, I'll figure it out." And she'd be right. Cindy would always come through.