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Have You Seen This? Climbing without limbs
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Doing hard things is just a part of life, but this video reminds us we can do in fact do them. - photo by John Clyde


THE MOUNTAIN When I woke up this morning and heard my kids get out of bed, I rolled over, looked at my wife and said, "I can't do this today." Then a little later, I saw this video and realized I just need to suck it up. Being a dad is easy as long as you remember all the fun stuff that comes with it.

This video of Kyle Maynard is both inspiring and motivating. Kyle was born with no legs past his knees and no arms past his elbows, but this didn't stop him from playing football, wrestling, and practicing jiu-jitsu.

One day as an adult, Maynard was competing in a cross-fit competition yes, you read that right and he decided he wanted to give mountain climbing a go. As Maynard explains, it was excruciatingly difficult, but according to him well worth it.

Maynard has now reached the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Aconcagua with more summits in his sights.

Watch the video, get inspired and then pass it on. Tomorrow morning I plan on waking up with a better attitude.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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