Idea for a special gift in honor of Michelle

[Jenny]

First, if you haven't already done so, please contribute to the Messages for Michelle from MKF (http://pub1.ezboard.com/fmichellekwanforumletscongratulatemichelle.showMes sage?topicID=72.topic) thread since that will be MKF's primary congratulations/thank you gift for Michelle. :)

After that project is complete, I hope some of you will join me in this idea for an additional gift for Michelle.

Last year, we collectively purchased ruby earrings for Michelle, which I hope she has enjoyed...maybe one of these days we'll actually see her wear them! ;) . (Side note: I think there was a misconception about that gift in regards to it's cost, so in case anyone in the "Kwan Camp" is reading this, I want to assure them that it was mostly adults who participated in that project--contributing on average $5 or $10--and none of Michelle's fans were encouraged to spend money on such an extravagant gift if they couldn't afford it). Based on the response to that project, everyone who contributed was more than happy to share a few dollars to get something nice for Michelle (I even had to prevent several people from giving too much!!), but that said, I have a completely different idea for this year which won't cost anyone anything and which I think will be equally special and meaningful.

My idea is to create a compilation CD in honor of Michelle. Music is obviously very important to Michelle, so I think this is something she would really enjoy. My idea is not to use songs that Michelle has skated to in the past nor to use songs that we want Michelle to skate to in the future. Rather, we should select songs that either make us think of Michelle, define Michelle, or inspire us like Michelle. Now, that in itself is a nice idea, but what we can do to make it even more unique/special is something I did for a similar gift that we used at my brother's fiance's bridal shower. For that project, we wanted to use a mix of love songs and favorite songs of the couple, but to tie it all together I had the idea of having the first letter of the song title spell out "Kelly's Bridal Shower." Here is a picture of the back of the CD that we ultimately created:
www.mscnet.com/jenny/mkf/cd.jpg (http://www.mscnet.com/jenny/mkf/cd.jpg)

For our Michelle project, I was thinking we could spell out "Congrats, Michelle" or "We love you, Michelle" or "To Michelle, Love MKF" or something along those lines. Please let me know which of those phrases you prefer or if you have any other ideas for what it could spell out (the CD can hold about 75 minutes of music which means we can use from 15-18 songs, depending on their length -- so keep that in mind when thinking of any alternate phrases).

For the selection of the music itself, I think it should be a mix of all styles. This would reflect both the variety of Michelle's moods as well as the variety of her fans. Once we determine the phrase that we're going to use, people can post song suggestions here based on the letters in the phrase. Once there are at least 5 suggestions for a particular letter, I will post a poll with the top songs for that letter, and everyone can vote. That way, everyone will really be able to contribute to this project.

Anyway, I hope my idea makes sense to everyone (I'm not sure if I explained it very clearly!!). Please let me know what you think about it!!!

Personally, I'm leaning towards "To Michelle, Love MKF" for the phrase, and just to throw out some initial ideas for the songs, I'll post a few of mine below:

M -- "Michelle" by the Beatles or "My Girl" by the Temptations

I -- "Imagine" by John Lennon or "Independant Woman" by Destiny's Child

C -- "Change The World" by Eric Clapton or "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and The Papas

H -- "Hero" by Mariah Carey

Those are just a few ideas so you can get a better idea of what I'm talking about. I know with the wonderful people on this forum we can all come up with something really wonderful for Michelle!

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Edit -- I forgot to add that the other CD I made for the bridal shower was a huge hit!! :D <!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

[Googoo]

How did you get the idea that the Kwan camp thinks we spent too much or something? :p
Anyway I think the CD is a great idea! :) :)
"To Michelle, Love MKF" I love it!
It would cost money to get the songs right? Or are you planning to use Napster (if it still exists ;) )

[Jenny]

Thanks, Googoo! The thing about the Kwan camp is nothing concrete... I got an email a while back that sort of alluded to that, but the information was like 2nd or 3rd-hand, so I'm not totally sure if that's true or not, but I thought I'd clear that up just in case. I've also heard from several different people that Michelle was very touched by our gift, so no worries.

Glad you like the CD idea! I was wondering if there would be an issue with the songs, but I think if they are from everyone's own personal music libraries, it's OK, right? I mean, it's not like we're creating something for sale or profitting from it in any way. I'm hoping that between all of us (everyone who chooses to participate in this), we won't have a problem finding the songs we want because someone is bound to own the CD, but yeah, I suppose we could always use Napster if it comes to that.

[Beth2000]

I love your idea Jenny!!! It is totally cool!! I really think Michelle will love it too.

[NancyNC]

This is exactly the type of idea I was hoping someone would have! Now I just have to start thinking of possible songs to suggest...

[NancyNC]

How about Ode to Joy for one of the "o"'s? She certainly radiated that joy in her long program (not to mention the joy she brings to all of us).

[Buttercup]

Awesome idea...I'm putting on my thinking cap right now and will get back to you!

[violin1]

For her beatiful ice prescence, in Her SOBTS Worlds costume.

[Valerie]

OMG Jenny, you read my mind!!!!!! My dad told me to send a CD of the songs I thought would be great, and I was going to send it for her birthday. But this is perfect Jenny, jsut perfect.

OK, I have a lot of suggestions, but I actually have to go find the names of the songs lol.

Jenny, can I suggest for the phrase:

U
N
D
A
U
N
T
E
D

C
O
U
R
A
G
E

???????

[SkateFan007]

I have to agree, that is an awesome idea that will definitely catch Michelle's attention :) I really like the "To Michelle From MKF" one, but here's another idea, "Our Golden Girl." We should start thinking of some good songs now...

[Jenny]

NancyNC -- I think "Ode to Joy" would be great!
Other "O" songs that I thought of are "One Moment In Time" by Whitney Houston, "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, "Over The Rainbow" by Judy Garland, "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder, "One Song Glory" from "Rent," or even "Oops!...I Did It Again" by Britney Spears.

violin1 -- What kind of painting do you do? We're going to need some kind of cover design for this CD project, so do you think you might be interesting in painting something that could be scanned and printed out for the cover?

Valerie -- Now I'm torn because I really like "To Michelle, Love MKF" but I also like "Undaunted Courage" a lot too! Hmm... I can't decide! I guess we'll have to see what the majority wants. Maybe if we come up with lots and lots of songs we can make both -- a double CD set, LOL!

[Jenny]

SkateFan007 -- That would be a nice phrase to use as well! At the rate we're going, we're gonna have an entire MK Music box set!!! Feel free to start brainstorming different songs, but it might change depending on what phrase we ultimately decide on since we don't know for sure what letters we'll need.

[Valerie]

Would it be possible to make as many CDs as needed. What I mean is, if everyone suggests a song or a piece of music, 1 CD is not going to be enough, and you certainly don't want to leave anyone out. Would it be possible to make as many as needed?

Also, are we spliting the cost like last year? I am willing to pay.

[Valerie]

My other idol is Hong Kong actress and singer Flora Chan. For her birthday several years ago, some of her fans made a CD of her most memorable moments in acting I believe, or something like that. Anyway, here is a picture of Flora holding the CD.

Page 44, and on my laptop monitor/screen, it comes up as the second picture from the right on the second row. See her holding it?
winn511.tripod.com/main.html (http://winn511.tripod.com/main.html)

I don't know anything about making CDs, but perhaps you can even add pictures like that one Flora is holding on the actual CD?

[NancyNC]

"Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole? I know, it's not "modern", but it's a classic...

I hope we get our songs fast, because I'm currently unable to think about anything other than song titles that match letters of the phrases. :b

[MoonKitty]

I think that the song "Thank You" by Dido would be appropriate for our girl. The lyrics are something like this:
"I want to thank you
for giving me the best day of my life
And oh, just to be with you is having the best day of my life"
Anyway, I think that would be a great song for Michelle's CD.
MoonKitty

[Valerie]

I don't know what everyone was thinking, but we were all talking about giving Danny the Father of the Year award in MKF chat the other night. I think someone suggested a plaque of some sort, but I am still brainstorming. I got a card for Danny that is a perfect way of saying thanks though.

[Jenny]

Valerie -- The idea isn't for everyone to get a song that they personally suggest on the CD. With so many members of MKF, that would probably take up a 100 CD's!!! The idea is that once we get our phrase, various people will suggest songs that start with each letter. Then, everyone will vote on the one song for each letter that they like best or feel is most appropriate for Michelle, and in that way, everyone will be able to contribute to the project, even if they weren't the one to think of the particular song in the first place. Does that make more sense?

As far as cost, blank CD's are rather cheap, so I don't mind paying for that. Plus, I already have the program for printing out the CD cover and stuff, so I don't think anyone needs to pay anything for this project. Oh, and we can definitely include photos of Michelle on the CD itself like the one those people made for Flora Chan.

NancyNC -- I love that song!!! If we end up using "Undaunted Courage" for our phrase that would be a great chouce for one if the U's. That's perfect since the idea is to mix up the classic tunes like that with the songs of today. :)

Moonkitty -- I love that song too, and I agree that it's very appropriate for the CD. Great ideas, everyone!!

[Jenny]

I think the Danny "Father of the Year" idea is great... especially about getting him a toolkit, lol. But I think we should keep that project seperate from this one. Whoever thought of it is welcome to start a new thread about it!!

[Kwan4Gold2002]

I would like to suggest "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz for the wilder, sexier side of MK, its a strong song about a tempting beautiful girl, MK indeed:)

[skatingfan]

How about MIRACULOUS KWAN

for the K part of course Korngold violin concerto (second movement)

[Mordecai71]

I love this idea! As far as the message, they are all great! I have a list of songs that make me think of Michelle when we get to that point. Let me know what I can do!

[kjesse]

Great Idea. You guys impress the heck out of me.

[iceskatefan]

I love this idea!!! If we go with a phrase using an "O" I would like to suggest "Orinaco Flow" by Enya. (Or any other song by her). I have always thought that if Michelle skated to one of her songs it would be so awesome!!! *sigh*
Anyway...I love your idea, and I am really glad that I can be a part of this!!!
I wasn't around last year...and have always wished that I could something special for MK.
Thanks!

[Forever for Michelle]

Wow! That is such a great idea! Everyone is coming up with the greatest suggestions! Thanks! Well...I don't know...trying to think of songs!

Oh...maybe "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. I know it doesn't include "Michelle Kwan" in it...but still! We could mention that she is one of our favorite things!! :D I love the idea of "Michelle" by the Beatles and "Thankyou" by Dido and all of the others too!

Valerie - Flora Chan is very pretty! :)

[Jenny]

Everyone's contributions are great -- keep them coming!!
One thing I want to clear up is that it seems like a few people are picking music that they wish Michelle would skate to, but if you read my initial post, that's not really what we're looking for. I guess we could have some of those if the reason you want her to skate to a particular song/piece is because it makes you think of her or describes her in some way, but I don't want to go overboard with songs like that. The CD is supposed to be fun/inspirational music for Michelle to listen to and enjoy -- possibly even to take her mind off skating for once, rather than pressuring her to skate to it!!

Also, we'll be listing the music by title, so the Korngold violin concerto could only be used for "V" not "K" (it would be listed as "Violin Concerto" by Korngold).

One last thing -- I like the song "American Woman" too, but I think we should probably avoid songs that are associated with another skater. I might have to eliminate my own suggestion of "Imagine" for the same reason (I can't remember who skated to it, but I'm pretty sure somebody has!).

[Terri]

I think it's a great idea.

[andycat]

Jenny:

This is an even more special gift then last year's since it's so personal and heartfelt!

I think she'll love it!

I'll put on my thinking cap for some unique and older selections to include with the newer ones...don't laugh at the few that have come to mind now - I'm reaching way back to the days of vinyl records! They are:

M - "More Than a Woman" by the Bee Gees(a disco song from "Saturday Night Fever" lol I'm really showing my age, huh!)

I - "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly

I - "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder

C - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" by Lauren Hill

C - "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang

F - "Freedom" by George Michael

It's too bad there's no "S" anywhere so we could use "Simply the Best" by Tina Turner!

[IzzyS]

I love the idea! I have some ideas about songs, but I'm not sure what the titles are so I'll have to look them up. I think Michelle would love this idea, too.

BTW, I thought the ruby earrings would go perfect with the SOTBS costume she wore at Worlds!! A little fashion hint ;)

[Sharon]

Cool idea Jenny. I can't think of anything offhand, except "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. I'll keep thinking :) .

[Jenny]

Great songs, everyone... I guess though, that we really need to finalize which phrase we're using so we don't waste time thinking of songs that we aren't able to use in the end (if the first letter of the title isn't in the phrase).

Please vote in this poll to help us decide:

MK CD Project: Which Phrase should we use? (http://pub1.ezboard.com/fmichellekwanforumletscongratulatemichelle.showMes sage?topicID=76.topic)

[Scrubs9]

May I suggest a song that always makes me think of Michelle, The Way You Look Tonight, by Tony Bennet. I think this song captures Michelle in her skating perfectly. I always think of her when I hear it and I always try to listen to it before Michelle skates (as a way to calm me down, which never really works anyway!)

All in all, a wonderful heartfelt idea that I'm sure MK will enjoy!

Scrubs:^)
(who is happy to show off her new keepership!)

[scheherazade]

Ok, if we use "Undaunted Courage" (pleeeeeeeease everyone? ;) ), I call for the song "Great Beyond" by REM...it's from the Man on the Moon Soundtrack...the lyrics go something like "I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs...(some other lyrics...)...I'm breaking through, I'm bending spoons, I'm keeping flowers in full bloom..." and it goes on. If you guys don't vote on it, that's ok, I just think it represents her struggle this season and how she overcame all the obstacles to get to the top!

[Kwan4Gold2002]

I had no idea someone else skated to it, who??

Anyways, i have thought it over and have other suggestions for music that makes me think of Michelle:

Michelle by the Beatles should be on there, but i am sure she would already have that song since she was named after it

So here are my suggestions, sorry if the titles don't fit! I am not sure which one you have decided on
VERY IMPORTANT IS THIS ONE!
"One Voice" (this is by a little kid, 8 years old, i can't for the life of me remember his name, but someone must have heard it, it is about the world's problems, and how a guy throws away his gun...) because it is the sweetest song, and maybe Michelle is that voice, I LOVE THIS SONG!

"Angel of Mine" by Monica because Michelle is my Angel

"I will survive" by Gloria Gaynor because everyone loves that song, it makes you want to dance, and Michelle has survived a lot in the world of skating:)

Please let us know the chosen songs in the end!!:)

[Valerie]

special-- was that "Go the Distance"??????

[smileyllama]

if you need a:
J: Joy Luck Club soundtrack
or more specific:
E: Escape from Guilin
S: Story of the Swan

I'd love to have her hear these songs!!!!
Let me know if you need any of these mp3s... :D

[jkovner]

I really like UNDAUNTED COURAGE a lot!!

[IzzyS]

How about "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. Whenever I hear that song, I think of Michelle.

I think "Michelle" by the Beatles is an absolute must.

Valerie, I love the idea of "Go the Distance" if that is the name.

Elgar fans, what about "Salut d'Amour"? It's my dream to someday learn to play it on my violin (but I have to practice more than once a decade).

[AYS]

"Unforgettable" is such a spectacular idea!

[michellesmom]

OK, since "Michelle" by the Beatles is absolutely a must, and there's no "M" in Undaunted Courage, how about "MK--Undaunted Courage".

[Jenny]

Kwan4Gold2002 -- Tara Lipinski skated to "American Woman" for SOI.

Along those same lines, "Go The Distance" is another song that has been skated to before, so I'd be wary of using that one too (even though it's a great song!). I think Paul Wylie was the first to skate to that, and I still think of him whenever I hear that song!

Personally, I don't think "MK--Undaunted Courage" would look good on the CD. I'm thinking that unless one of the other phrases comes from behind to win the poll, "Michelle" by the Beatles probably isn't going to make it on there. But that's OK... we'll just have to all put on our thinking caps and think of some other great songs to use. (and using "Michelle" might have been too cliche anyway).

[Kwan4Gold2002]

duh! i had no idea...sorry for the mix-up:)

I prefer Undaunted Courage btw, and i agree that Michelle by the beatles is probably too cliche, plus like i said i am willing to bet that she has that song or has heard many a time considering she was named after it.

[Munchkin2000]

I love Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance" as well. It's my theme song, and the lyrics fit Michelle perfectly.

Billy Gilman sang "One Voice." I also love this song.

[Shallah]

A baroque version of Michelle by the beatles: web02.hnh.com/scripts/new...e=8.555010 (http://web02.hnh.com/scripts/newreleases/naxos_cat.asp?item_code=8.555010) - it is track 18 & you need windows media to listen to is...

[GynouV]

"My Girl" (Is it by The Temptations?} You know the song that goes:
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl...."

for the letter M.

Count me in for "I hope you dance" by L. Womack.

I'll be back tomorrow with more.

[michellesmom]

My daughter was also named after the Beatles' song, and she and I never get tired of listening to it.

[Jenny]

I hope everyone will continue to think of great songs for Michelle... Obviously, not every song will be able to be used, so I hope no one is hurt/offended about that. It looks like the phrase is going to be "Undaunted Courage," so that already eliminates "I Hope You Dance," "Michelle, " "My Girl," and any other songs who's first letter isn't U, N, D, A, T, E, C, O, R, or G.

Still, keep up the great work everyone!

[andycat]

Yea! I'm glad that phrase won!!! I will start thinking of songs, immediately!

[Kwans Apprentice]

Well, I can't complain too much since I LOVE (emphasis here) that motto, the only regret I have is that I was hoping we could put "L.A. Woman" on the CD, which is the song ABC used in the background of one of those "mini-specials" they did on Michelle and her going to school in UCLA. I thought "L.A. Woman" might be a cute addition, but no L in Undaunted Courage.

As for songs that are possible, one song that I would love to have on the CD is "One Moment In Time" which was the theme to the 1994 or 1992 Olympics by Whitney Houston. I think the lyrics would be very fitting for Michelle's quest for the gold medal. Here are some of the very inspirational lyrics:

Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown

I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet I faced the pain
I rise and fall yet through it all
This much remains

I want one moment in time
Where I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment in time
I will feel
I will feel eternity

Sorry I wrote so much, it's just that those lyrics mean a lot to me, and they certainly do remind me of Michelle and her Undaunted Courage

[HazyRigby]

I was thinking that a good song for a "D" would be "Don't Dream it's Over" by Cutting Crew because I, for one, hope that she doesn't turn pro after 2002, no matter what happens.

Anything by Sarah Brightman would be great. All of her music is so beautiful and lyrical that it always make me think of Michelle. Might I suggest "Eden" or "Only an Ocean Away"?

[skates_1998]

Another vote for "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston for the "O"!! I think that song is a perfect one to be on the CD for Michelle, and it is definitely inspirational just to listen to it. :) Thanks for posting the lyrics earlier.

[Demetri165]

I think the Miraculous Kwan is great! The song "River" by Jonni Mitchell is great and reminds me of Michelle and her skating! The lyrics even talk about skating. Demetri

[KathyAiau]

This would be a great gift.
Here are a few ideas:
Beatles song, Michelle-but a Cello Version- Title called Cello Submarine by the Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic.
George Winston-Skating from his Linus & Lucy Album
Aaron Copland- Fanfare for the Common Man
IMAX Everest Soundtrack
Hope you can use the above music

[FlashOBlue]

Where do we stand on the CD project? Can it be given to Michelle along with the medal?