Happy New Year!

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What better way to celebrate the arrival of 2013 than with these two photos of a talented and brave little girl. Her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner in front of thousands made my heart sing with hope for the future.

Saturday evening, as one of a very small group of Portland Trail Blazers' season ticket holders, I got to enter the Rose Garden Arena 30 minutes early and take a seat court side, during the team's shoot around. Nearby the Blazer stunt team worked out. And in the midst of all that activity, this little girl rehearsed the national anthem. She sang beautifully, unperturbed. Once she had finished, lots of people applauded.

 

Just before the basketball game began, from my seat on the front row of the upper bowl, I took this photo with my iPhone as she sang to the crowd. Loud cheering and clapping broke out as she finished that last note.