And the Sims 2 Loose...By a Knock-out

Hah,
I knew that if I reached out about my problem, ok addiction to the game, I would get some much needed help. No really, after a few days of that, I had enough. My addiction totally lies with my M box and my new found interest in myspace.com. Wow, how cool to network with so many people. It is also however very addicting, I must pay attention here. I am coming along with my little ditties. It seems I am not a very technical kind of girl. So, working with this thing is becoming a major challenge. Trying to get down this bounce to disk thing. I keep getting it wrong. Well, I'll just have to keep working on it and something will turn out. Going to see some live soul music this week. It promises to be a very vibing week. Cool. That's all for now unless.......Well yeah that's all for now...............

Paris is Burning!!!!

Hello, folks what's the news? Well the news is that Paris is burning, or at least the media will have you believe that. It's amazing how the with the right images you can really make things look really bad. My friends and family have been calling me and asking me if I am alright and if I am safe. Well I'll tell you although it is true that there are cars, buses, houses, and streets burning, I haven't been directly affected. It seems to be the age old story, new government politicians decide to make a mark and show their power. So to begin they start to clean up the "bad" neiborhoods, putting more cops on the street in the "ghettos". Which of course makes it hard for any drug dealer to make his dough. Of course, they get real angry about it , but they continue to work. But, as the weeks pass more and more cops are stopping people in the metro searching bags, and checking identification and stuff.... Then one day two teens (running from the police, so they thought) jump a fence, which has a huge sign on it that says Electricity Danger, and die of electrocution. So, the people say,"Enough is Enough". Now I am no expert and I can only give my interpretation of what's happening. I think that there are too many problems here. People are trying to survive, but at the sametime they make life hard for others. Here, in France the government takes care of a lot of people with monthly checks and so forth. Even those who come from other countries. But the problem is some of them take that money and buy dope, cut it, and then sell it. All the while creating the Ghetto that they have come to hate so much. It's like any large American city. People are afraid to walk after dark. Here I am being thrilled with the idea of walking to the store at night without worrying about any major altercations, and some young punks go and spoil it. Well, I guess I was seeing the signs. You know gangster rap is huge here just like in the U.S. Although this is NOT the cause, it's a sign that I noticed. The kids look and dress like the kids from my old neiborhoods. Not only that they want to really "live" the image of drug dealing, badass. On top of that they are truly suffering from racism and can't get jobs easily, so why not sell drugs.... Well the problem is that there are some real criminals and then those who just don't see another way. Whose got the answers? I am just wondering. I come from the ghettos of Detroit. I lived in a nice little house with my sisters and brother. And I did join a gang for all of 3 days. And even with all that I didn't become so angry that I hated the Man. I never felt like I couldn't get out. I was always interested in what was happening somewhere else. I guess that's why I wanted to travel. I kept thinking it's better some where else. But it's funny "the world is a ghetto", really everywhere. We all suffer. We all got issues. We all have seen teenage pregnancy, drug dealing, Breaking and entering, etc happen in our cities. Well, maybe not all of us, but a lot of us.

So, now the hoodlums have decided to wage war against the police. Keeping them busy by burning everything in sight. I personally think that that is a dumb thing to do. I mean you might be burning your homeboy's grandmother's car that she needs to get her meds. Or burning down the gym where kids in the hood play basketball. Where they gonna go now? I mean why burn the place where you live? Where is the pride? Now these fires have spread as far north as Germany, and even in the south of France. Now the city of Paris is under the watchful eyes of about 1,00 more police. All with big guns and black military looking busses and the likes. I hope things will calm down. It is very French to revolt, I mean this is the lad of revolution. So this spirit is in the people. If they don't like something they fight!!!!! I am sad to hear though that a few people, who have nothing to do with this have died. I mean a man walking down the street, minding his own business was attacked and beat to death. He was 60 and not a cop and just walking. Okay now that I have ranted on, I feel a little better. Things will get back to normal, so I hope. In the meantime, it's a heyday for poets and slammers and songwriters......Maybe in about two months the artists will all have their opinions documented for the history of Paris....or at least for the people of Paris.... Talk to you soon. When I can think straight....LOL

Attack of Sims 2...Let the Shame begin....

Hello fellow Friends,
I am here to talk about a weird thing happening to me now. I have become totally addicted to Sims 2 Nightlife in the course of two days of play. The problem comes from sitting at my computer and learning how to record on my M box. I look up and there's an extension pack to the regular Sims 2 that I play from time to time. Well just when I thought that my head would explode with all these technical things like how to successfully "bounce" a song, I decided ok a little break from this. So I installed the extension pack (like 3 times because I am so not computer saavy), and finally it works. When I looked up two and a half hours had just passed. I was like oh man..... I gotta stop this.


So, I start working on my little project again, when I get bored again. Back to the game. This time I spent like 3 and a half hours on it. I can't believe it. I am like a kid in this game. Creating my dream house. Singing Karioke, dancing with vampires, making an empire of buildings. Disocvering that I got quite an eye for some decorations and absolutely no taste when it comes to their clothes and stuff. How funny. Anyway, I don't know how these gamers do it. Play for weeks. My shoulders and finger tendons hurt like a mug. They're all cramped up. It's cold now in the house so my toes are frozen seems like. Lol....


And then today, what did I do? Well I played again of course. I learned how to put my own music in the game so now all the sims are dancing to my songs. That's so great for the ego...lol. Anyway, I am feeling terribly guilty for playing this game. I thought if I confessed and got a few comments, it would help me to quit. One step at a time. Maybe I should play Quake III, that'll make me forget. A little violence, what are we coming to? I am ashamed because I wonder if someone over 25 should play video games? Isn't there a law against that? Well I will keep breaking this law. I feel like I am 10 years old and I love it!!!!! Hooray, for the EA Games guys, my heroes. Well I better get back to my M box, technical things take time to learn. Maybe now I can purge myself from the game.....Momentarily that is. What's your vice?

Zap Mama.... in Paris

So I am back in Paris and I am quite tired and lethargic. I don't know why, but I am feeling soooo lazy. I get that in spells sometimes. When I am like that, I schedule myself lots of appointments and I go places. Because in my experience, when I do nothing ....I really do nothing. So as a part of getting out I went to a club called Tryptique in Paris. It was cool. I was hanging out with a couple of friends. We were there of course, because Zap Mama had a concert in Paris and then had there after party at the Tryptique. It was cool. I had forgotten how stylish everyone can be in Paris. I left for two moths, and when I came back I realized. Oh yeah the old t-shirt and any old jeans outfit doesn't quite work as well as in Texas. It's amazing really.

So as we are waiting patiently for the Zap Mama crew to get in we people watch. And boy I really either gotta figure out how to become stylish overnight or make my non stylish way my style. Well, I was never so into it before Paris. Suddenly I am obsessed. God, everytime I have to go to some function in Paris I start sweating. Oh shucks, what am I gonna wear? I stress out like you wouldn't believe. My head starts hurting, my heart starts beating faster and well I start thinking "well I don't really want to go..." Now I am telling you this is a terrible terrible feeling. Anyway, as we are talking about the passersby and their neat sense of fashion, there comes a crowd of about 10 people all dressed very different from the rest of us. Ahhhhh, my beloved Zap Mama. Not the original members, except for Marie, but indeed the energy was great. #

They walked passed us and then into the main room. Where they mounted the stage and proceeded to sing. I was like OMG they really are gonna perform again. I was thrilled. They jammed out for about 20 minutes. And I just want to say THANX ladies. I missed the real concert and this jam session totally made up for it. And I can tell you these women can sang!!!

So when it was done. I waited next to the stage to try to pass a card to Marie for a friend of mine. I met one of the other singers, who then invited me backstage. I was like "what?" backstage are you kidding. So I went backstage and talked to their manager about my friend the designer. Her name is Bisrat Negassi . Her stuff is really great so I didn't have a hard time selling her. So I got the contact for my´girlfriend and ended my night. Hitched a ride home with another friend because the metro stops running about 12:45. I am soooo poor that I can't even afford to pay attention. lol No taxi for me. It was a good night. And I am happy for that. I seem to have had some sadness in my heart. It's good to move around and visit friends when you are feeling likethatt. So this night was good for that.

Well, that's all for today. Hollar at a later date Peace........Song

Supa Dupa.......

Greetings!!!


What's up ya'll? Here I am again months later with just a few thoughts. I hear music. This journey is just full of surprises. I've been globe trotting between Atlanta, Houston, New York and of course Paris. Lot's of new artist that I am digging like this new cat Lyfe wow. I have written a few more songs and I am closer to the end of this part of the voyage. As usual so many things have happened since we last spoke...lol.

I have begun to work with a couple new musicians like Morris Pleasure. Now he is class and style smooth and just plain funky-jazzy. He's played with a lot of people Earth,Wind and Fire notably, and now he's on his journey as label owner, producer,writer and my new friend. Shout out to Lori, his wife, thanx for the hospitality. I spent time at their home in Atlanta. We jammed out together and even wrote a song. It's really cool to spend time with musicians, you see that you're not the only one from planet strange. I also work with this cat named Leroy from D.C. This cat is just pure funk. He's got a group out of San Francisco and they tour a lot in France and Cali.

I am discovering that music is really really everywhere. Not that I want to be too floatie or anything, but in these last couple of months I have begun too "let love shine" (a song on the albulm). And I'm telling you when you accept to be good to yourself; then you can see the possibilities. It may take me a little longer than December to finish this cd. There are a couple of other artists on the label who are recording now. So, I am in the meantime writing and preproducing some cool songs with the cats I spoke about earlier.

Still doing some cool stuff with the cats from Filet of Soul. They got a new project that I have been invited to join in on. It was really fun the time we spent recording. Those guys are really easy to work with. They're like little kids, they want to try everything. It's so much fun.
I went home to Houston to visit with the family. It's strange that I always go home in hurricane season.

It was so terrible what happened n New Orleans. I love that town. There is so much energy and music and life there. I used to drive every other weekend or so from Houston with my friend Heidi and Adrianna. We used to drink too much and stay up too late. Hanging out in the French quarter listening to blues and zydeco. We used to go to the pier before the sun would rise. It smelled so awfully and there was always a fog, but we loved it. Now the people who lived there are struggling to put it all back together. I mean loosing everything like old photos and documents and snick snac gifts and things seem trivial but mean a lot. It makes you appreciate your friends and family. I heard so many bad things about what happened there like in Gretna. Racism is still alive and kicking. It makes me sick to my stomach really. A lot of the people came here to Houston. I met a lot of New Orlean musicians out and about. I think that the Houston music scene is really gonna change and be heavily influenced by our new neighbors. How cool is that?

When I got to Houston, I found myself bracing for our own hurricane. It was neat actually (not the destruction) because my whole immediate family got together and taped up the windows, filled up jugs, filled up tubs, bought board games ,candles ,water, flashlights, batteries and so forth. We all huddled up in one apartment for like four or five days. We lost electricity for a moment, but other than that our neighborhood wasn't touched. My friend however, lost her house and of course had no insurance. She's left town a bit heartbroken and overwhelmed. She has to start all over. I feel so bad for her and others like her, who have children and animals.

Honestly, we were not well enough prepared. I mean we were 12 heartbeats in the same space of about 120 square feet. We should have had like a gallon of water per person per day. We were so far from that. And well the food we had would have lasted about 4 days, but if we were in the dark for longer we would have been up the creek.

We were gonna evacuate when the gas prices shot up so high it was unbelievable. I heard in Atlanta it got up to $5.60per gallon for one day. Anyway in Houston, the lines were so long and it was so hot outside. Needless to say we decided to stay and thank God because 2.7 million people did leave their homes. All around the same time. It was quite a performance to see that on TV. It was ridiculous. Coming back was no easy trick either.

While I was down in Houston I met another kid who makes some really cool songs. His name is Kanvas because music for him is like painting adding layers of colors that can always be changed with the stroke of the brush. He's got some very soulful acid jazz like vibe to his songs. Even the hip hop ones. He's also got a touch of blues in his heart, it's kinda funny from a kid of 22 years old. Anyway, I dig his stuff a lot so I wrote a couple of songs with him too. ..........So now I am back in Paris and I'll be in the studio all this week. I can't wait to hear what new child will be born. Peace to all............................

Catching up.......

Hello fellow friends, family, strangers, and what not.... How are you? It's been a long time been a longtime Been a long time Lonely, lonely, lonely , lonely, lonely time...... Well I have been running around and standing still for a little while. I tell you this music thing is weird.... for lack of a better word. It certainly has it's ups and downs. Like I said before, just to catch up on things, I will not be recording my second CD with Bayswater Records. It was a difficult period for me because this is the group of people that I started to grow with..musically. They were always there for me. In my corner, if you will. Now, that things have changed, I took some time to think about the next move. Or what my direction should be now. Or if I should just Give it all up.... Well, the latter idea was only a three second flash in the pan, Thank God!!


I could never, never, never, neva, just throw it all away just because I am afraid. That's right afraid of the unknown. Of working with people that you gotta get to know again. Of having to "prove" all over again that you are a viable artist... and then one day it clicked..Man this is a bunch of hooey.. You think to much gul... Now just sing and do yo thang the rest will handle itself.

So, I continued to write down little melodies and lyrics while thinking about the possibilities. I was offered a deal by some french rappers, who have started their own label, but the style is more R&B pop than soul. Then later another independent label out of London was interested, but they were interested in more of the acid jazz kinda thing. That isn't bad though I actually like that kind of music, but just for a song or two....... So, then I met some people from Copenhagen who are interested in the same things that I am interested in so..... We are talking about it. Looks like we will start the recording in September (just one month from now), and finish around December. That would be great.....

In the meantime, I have done a few things like back in March with a group called Filet of Soul. I sang as a guest on one song called If You Wanna Know. It was a great experience because we wrote, practiced and then recorded the song in 8 hours. A first for me. At least now I know that it is possible. We had a little concert for the release party of the albulm in April I think.... To see and hear just a bit of this concert click here, just have a little patience because it's in french, so you'll have to wait like 40 seconds before it begins. And yes that's Manu Katche on the drums. The project is two horn players named Alex Tassel and Guillaume Naturel, who invited many different people to sit in on different songs. It's a cool project presented by DJ CAM.


I also went to see a french singer named Veronique Sanson play in a place called L'Olympia Hall. It's like playing at Madison Square Gardens if you will. Not the same size, but a strong history. The place was beautiful, and after the concert I got a tour of the hall. I even got to go onstage and look at the place empty, as if I were singing. What a great feeling. Right then at that very moment I made a wish to sing there very soon... And do you know 3 months after I was told that I will be opening for the legendary Isaac Hayes at the.....you guessed it!! L'Olympia Hall....
Now that is synchronicity if ever .......

Speaking of synchronicity, I met up with an old friend from Texas in the metro in Paris. That was funny.... She's here doing her art and just soaking up the art here in Paris. She's been museum hoppin' as well as jazz bar hoppin'.... Now that's how one should see Paris, if you ask me. LOL.

Had a funny story for Berlin, but I don't think I am ready to quite laugh yet. Suffice it to say that gig didn't turn out how I imagined it would. However, we did see some beautiful things and people there so.............. Pictures later .........

Anyway, it's getting late here in sunny old Paris............. Think I'll put on Shirley Horn and chill out...............Peace.

I Know I know I know

Hello fellow friends I am sure you are all a little pissed with me. I am indeed pissed with myself. I started this blog with the intention of an update every month and I haven't been keeping my end of the bargain. To top things off I wrote this long blog and somehow deleted it. I suppose that the universe thought I should regroup my thoughts and try again. Either way I can't go back. I'll try to save as I go this time. Anyway, I think the last time I left off I was on my way to Texas to begin the recording of my second CD. The real recording because up until now I was just writing ideas and stuff. I never knew that a passion could take over you mind and body with such force that you forget to do the things that you did before without thinking.

Well , nothing happened like I planned which is often the case, and I will not be making this CD with Bayswater records. We had a great run together and I have learned quite a bit because of it. So I must say to Bayswater/AMP Records .....THANK YOU!

So now begins the next chapter in my book of my so called life. It's really rather unnerving to be 'alone' in this project. I should not say alone because I have help from quite a few of my friends, but I am talking more along the lines of a label. Or at least I thought that it would be. In fact, it's bushiness as usual. Still making music because I love to make music. It just feels good to sing.

So now that the original game plan has been changed I find myself deeply involved with every process in this evolving project. It's really cool. I have been experimenting with equipment that I wouldn't dare touch before. It's like I am a kid again lost in a huge candy store. It's so amazing. It's not like I want to join a band as a lead guitarist or something, but wouldn't it be cool to talk to musicians about a song idea and just play it to them? Yeah I think so, So I am gonna have fun experimenting and stuff.

In the meantime, I have started recording in a studio just outside of Paris in Normandy. It's pretty cool too because it's on the countryside and all. All these old French cats walk by and see this black girl with dreads walking around, they have to take a double take. It's so funny sometimes. But, when we go to the bar to have a glass of wine after, it's like we are the stars of the village. Suddenly the people want to know "what you recordin down there in the studio?". The guy that I am working with's name is Leroy. He's from D.C. and, is your typical I don't feel like being bothered unless it's business kinda brotha. His whole family is sweet. They puttin' it down in Alencon, France.

I am grateful for what I have already experienced since my time in Paris. I haven't left yet, but I have been doing a lot of reflection and I have come to the conclusion that I am definitely growing. I have learned quite a bit about myself, as I have lots a time alone with myself ...Writing. Also, one of the groups that I am in here is doing a farewell party of sorts. They have put on a concert series for the last two years and now they want to make a CD. I am truly happy for them. If you want to see some pictures of us as we say goodbye to La Scene then go here...... www.rimshotcrew.com and click play. You will see some of the French and not so French artists that we have worked with. Well that's all .........

***********************************************************
On another more dark note, I would like to send my prayers out to those who have recently lost their lives and the lives of their families in tsunami's, earthquakes, genocides, war, famine and disease. It seems we have a lot of work ahead of us to make this a better place. For my part I try to remain optimistic and hope that one day we will all wake up and do something. I start with my art, but one day I hope to do much more. Peace to you all..................

Feeling a little sick.....

Well I am back in Paris today. It's pretty wet, cold, and muggy. And to top it all off I have this pesky flu to contend with. But, I seemed to have been pulled to my computer to write something. I really don't what, so I am just gonna allow myself to babble. It's best that way. So I am listening to Rachell "mouth deep as a well" Farrell. I'm telling you every time I listen to one of her CD's I ask myself why do I continue as a singer. Not that I don't believe in my own talent, it's just that hers is sooo amazing. I mean when she sings, you can see her kidneys from the inside of her mouth. She has a range that just blows me away. And well it's good to hear her voice when you are sick and in Paris. Somehow everything is just fine.

So I got here about 4 or 5 days ago. (Can't remember now) I had a concert in a special events convention. It was pretty cool too. There was great wine and hors d'ouerves . There were lots of people and well it was generally cool. When I got to the hotel where we were staying (the band and everybody), I was completely floored. This was a four star hotel on the same street as the Eiffel Tower. Oh My God it was just beautiful. I wanted to stay all week. Great big ole tub, view to die for, and a great bar. I had a few glasses of Bordeaux red wine "1995" thank-you. It was just pure class. I was like ,"oh snap betta watch those ghetto tendencies". Anyone from the ghetto may know what I mean by that.

Then after that concert it was off to Bordeaux. Train to Bordeaux was great fun. The whole band was together and we made lots of noise at 8 in the morning. I am sure all the other passengers really appreciated us. Well you only live once so with that said, here is my official apology to all those people on the train ....."I'm so sorry to have been a thoughtless and inconsiderate neighboring passenger".... there all is good and right with the world now.
Bordeaux's concert was a bit smoky. There ought to be a law limiting each person to one cigarette an hour my God. Anyway, I saw some old friends while I was there. That was really cool. Music is really a universal connector in many many different situations. I tell you. I keep meeting people that I would not ordinarily meet much less talk to.

I had a great time to, while I was in the States. It was cool. I am just disappointed that not as many people voted in the end. It's a bit heartbreaking, but it's over now. Not that I am being a sore looser. It's just that I wish more of us (Americans) would pay attention to what's going on in the world, not just our neighborhoods. But, of course I know that I am asking for too much. Well I have two other events to attend to here in Paris then I'll be headed back to Texas to coninue to work on my CD. It's funny what life'll throw at you sometimes; a curveball, a foul, a cute man, well you know stuff like that. In any case I seem to be evolving because I look at things a little differently now. Not with so much despair as before. Maybe that's too much information, but it's the truth you know. I have now changed CD's and I'm listening to Amp Fiddler.... You are so deep ... Might I love ya ... Your vibrations touch my soul... Oh oh .....

Yeah that's what I love music that moves you that inspires you to be a greater you. So, even in the midst of all that is wrong in my world, I am inspired and I do have hope. It's gone get betta ya'll. And you know Mo betta make it Mo betta. Peace out....................

Time to Vote

I have been busy these last few weeks. I have been going places and listening to live music. I went to a music conference in Atlanta and I am going to Los Angeles. It's been very different to be home since my travels abroad. It seems that lots of people are interested in the things I have done over there. So, let me answer a few questions..... Yes, France was a great experience. Yes, I speak French as well as English. Yes, people are more political than we are. Yes, lots of people there think that Bush is a joke and ignorant. And yes they think the same thing about us in general. I hate that. I am always defending "us" to somebody. They are always saying things like we don't know the president of France or the Prime Minister of England or even where England can be found. They are always accusing us of being TV junkies. Money hungry corporate chasing fools, they call us. Okay, not everyone , but some people that I have had the honor of arguing with.

The people are surprised when I tell them that interracial relationships are still taboo here in the states. They gasp to know that a lynching happened just three years ago, and not 30 years ago in our past. I think that we should work hard to change these images for ourselves. It seems that we are behind. We need to open our minds and learn other languages. This is quickly changing into a real global market and well we all need to be ready for that. I mean we gotta start by voting. What's up with this 12 percent of our population votes? I don't get it. How can that be? I have met so many people who have told me that they have no intention to vote nor have they ever had an intention to vote. What's up with that? How can we change anything yet? When are we gonna wake up and smell the country in deep "shit"? Yes, I think that we have a lot of issues. Let's make health care an issue. How about everyone should be able to pay for a doctor... I mean I work hard and I can't even afford to pay one when I need to. What about dental care? What about the children? I could go on and on, but I am not the one running for office.

People we gotta go vote. Next week is our chance to be a part of history. Let's not blow it please I am begging. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box and say this. We need to educate our children better. Send them over seas to Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, somewhere where their minds will begin to open. You know I saw my own country in a different light when I went across seas. It really changed the way I think about many things that's for sure............

Back in good ole Texas

Been back in good ole Texas now for one week. Getting used to those temperatures and all. It's still soo hot now even though it's the end of the month. The flight was pretty usual, I flew on September 12th because the 11th was freaky.. Then of course my afterthought was that I was being pretty silly about all this superstition and what ifs and stuff. I kind of laughed uncomfortably to myself thinking "nah that didn't bother me".

I find that I am noticing to many negative things in the world. I want to get down to some positive vibes you know. So, I guess during my time here in Houston I am gonna do as many positive things as I can think of doing. So to begin, I am staying between my three sisters houses. It's pretty cool cause we all get together and sing old children's songs and laugh at each other. It's so funny because they all live like 5 to 10 minutes from each other. It's cool too because we all see each other and the children pretty often. I did a little Tae Bo with my youngest sister and well I felt bow tied after all that kikin and stuff. My God I felt like I ran 26 miles or somethin' One of my other sisters is pregnant for the first time and she's all giddy and excited and just brimming with the joy of A new life. She like calls me all the time talkin' bout "Song, you should see my stomach today". It's so funny. My other sister has decided to go back to college and take some courses and I think that's real cool. In any case we have all been bonding here in Houston, feeling like 10 year old kids again. I loved that.

But I tell you what it's so hot I just can't get over it. I had forgotten the heat and all the humidity. It makes you just want to get down and ...... Now ya'll betta git out the guttah.

Anyway, it's funny to be back in pop culture so much t.v. I love t.v. I used to watch all the time. But, now I think I just don't like the choices. I can't believe what people would do to be on TV. It's just plain mind boggling for me. I see that all the music channels play the same songs after a while. I see that there still are lots of commercials for losing weight and we have such high rates of obesity, even in my family. There are all these reality shows I am just amazed.

I wonder how many people really understand the issues in the upcoming election. It's not not like I even know all of the issues but I think it's pretty weird that MTV has to tell us to vote. We should just do it. We should feel obligated to do our part to make our country into what we would like them to be. But, once again I am living in my own little world of what if's. For the meantime I'm gonna just keep chillin' with my sisters and nieces and nephew and brother in laws. We are gonne keep on lovin' each other and holding each other up. Peace ya'll...........Song

Preparing the way

I have been writing a lot in my little jog book all kinds of really silly things. Flowers, butterflies, rainbows, and stuff like that. It's funny that I could think about stuff like that when we have some real issues in the world at present. I was horrified reading the papers on what happened in Russia. It brought me to tears. I really couldn't or wouldn't believe that there were actually children involved and then killed. And then we got these bombings just spreading like a cancer with no cure. Folks what are we gonna do? What can we do? I mean I'm thinking we are really about to turn into the ultimate Big Brother here because of all this. Does anyone out there worry about their privacy?

I am speaking on the privacy issue because I am annoyed by the whole flying thing. It's psychologically affecting me. I feel like everytime I go to an airport they want to check me first off. Do I look like a criminal? I go through about an hours worth of checks then I gotta get on the plane and hope everything will be alright. I mean how could a woman, today, get on a plane and then blow it up? I don't know, but it happened.

I know they are checking me for my own protection, I just can't help feeling like I am being singled out. (Paranoia at it's best) When will we ever be at peace in the world? Without trying to sound too mushy, I would like to see us try other ways to co-exist.

I love the new possibilities with technology and all, but there is also the other side. Beheadings and kidnapping filmed and put on the internet. We have definitely stepped into a new era and a whole different playing field. I am not ashamed to say that I am afraid for the future..........

Am I just claiming that the sky is falling? Maybe I am overacting. I am sure that people over the last few centuries others have always feared for the plight of the world. This cannot be a new thing. So, what again I ask, are we gonna do about it?

I am gonna keep writing and maybe some simple answer will just fall from the sky. Until then >I ask you..What are we gonna do?

Summer Heat

I was complaining about the fact that this summer was not exactly hot enough. Well I take that back now. I was recently in the south of France (Pau) and the heat was unbearable. It is a lovely town lots of nice views and things. I sang with the gospel group Voices of Praise. It was interesting for us to sing over there. The people were real nice and all. It was the last time that we played with the pianist Camelia. She just got signed to play and arrange for a musical here in Paris. She's real excited by that imagine a real contract.

After all that unbearable heat I decided to go down to Biarritz and Anglet-> the beach!!!! Well that was really nice. But, the water is definitely not for beginners I mean whoa!! The waves are sooo strong that if you are not familiar with these kinds of waves forget about it. It can be really dangerous. I was only about 2 feet into the water when the wave knocked me over. While I was trying to get up it knocked me over the other way and just when I thought I was safe.... Well I was knocked over again. This time face in sand no time to think just go. I still enjoyed myself though it's really the sound of the ocean that I need to hear. So, of course it was a trip worth taking. However, I did this last minute so finding a hotel room. Well you can just forget that too. My God I had luck that someone didn't show up for their room. I waited and then I had the cash in my hand. I paid for the room and slept rather well. It was cool.

Sooo London....

     Well I went to London this weekend and what a trip. Almost too much to write. I was trying to concentrate more on the atmosphere of London more than your usual "Big Ben" and "London Bridge" thing.  Well to be really frank about it, London is EXPENSIVE. That's right folks I kid you not. In fact it is the second most expensive city in the world next to Tokyo.  It was so hard to really enjoy everything because I'm on a real budget, so I have a more visual from the outside kinda view about it. I went along the Thames. That was cool..... No really I mean cool like  65 degrees cool. I was not prepared totally for that in the middle of July. I mean come on. Anyway, I went down to Piccadilly Circus and no I didn't see Marcus, but I saw someone with his guitar..... Strumming along and singing. There was a thing called the SOLDES which means a sale, but not just in one store.. ALL the stores!! I mean like 50 and 60 and 75 percent off. Well I got a couple of T-shirts, some books, and some soap! That's right, I went to this really cool place to buy just soap. It was nice. Went to the Saatchi Museum near the Eye of London where you can find the oddest pieces of art. (Not the oddest in the world mind you,but odd) The real highlight of my trip was seeing MeShell N'dgeocello play at the world famous Jazz Cafe (where I will one day play!) . It was a nice surprise also to see Goapele play after. I had no idea that she was gonna play some of her songs after the jazz set that MeShell had.  incidentally, I was pretty angry that people were yelling at her (MeShell) to sing during the concert. If they had read anything in any paper they would have known it was a jazz set. She's a bassist... Let the girl play!  Anyway, just my opinion. I also spent a lot of time in the underground subway system because apparently London is huge  and everything is far apart. Too far apart in fact to rent a car and drive it around without getting lost. So,  with maps in hand I tackled the bus and underground public transit system. Really different than Houston of course or Detroit or anything like that. You pay something like 16 dollars to ride around all day.  I of course, stayed in the Docklands, which is 35 minutes East of London. Then another 35 minutes to get downtown. Keep in mind that the last subway is at midnite for the Docklands. After that you have to take the night busses or the taxis. And this city is just full of people from everywhere. I mean you could hear any language at any given time all around you. Most of the staff people in restaurants and hotels and stands were from Spain, Portugal, Poland, German, African, Chinese, and Japanese. It was really something to see.

       On a different note, while reading a paper on the subway, I came across an article on Linda Ronstadt.  Apparently, she was "removed"  from the stage and out of her hotel room for dedicating a song to Michael Moore........... What are we coming to people? I thought we had free speech here. What's going on here?

     I even heard that Whoopi was fired because of her words and well we all know what happened to the Dixie Chicks.  I know we don't all have the same opinions but removing someone from the hotel and not allowing them to pack their own bags is straight  crap and it makes me ashamed to be American. The name of the place where she was kicked out is called  Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay. I think we should all do something to stop these unamerican ways. It's really embarassing. We have free speech as long as it's not about our presdient whom we like or dislike. Give me a break. We are in the land of the free right? ...... 

Back in Paris and today is their national holiday!!!!!! 14th of July

Hello Folks,
I must make this short because I don't have much time, but all is well here. Went to the most enchanting town of Carcassonne, France. I had a concert there for some of the special passers by. It was magical. I never experienced so many of my senses at the same time (if that makes any sense). Anywhoo, the trip there was a grueling 7 and a half hours long. We got there unloaded, ate, showered, and sang. Then we ate again, (I put on more lipstick) and we sang again. Everyone there gave us so much energy we couldn't really help but jump around and have a goodtime.

For the traveler's in the world I highly recommend going to Carcassonne especially when they are having festivals or huge concerts on the really magical large stage. You will be mystified I guarantee and the concert will probably rest in your head as the most beautiful one you've seen. No matter who's playing either. It's just that great.


For my French friends who stop by checkout the sight Carcassonne's Festival. We did the "off" for a kind of private thing. However, we got invited to do a normal set for the passersby. It was really cool. Bye,Song

Sweetness

Sweetness like kindness for no reason

Sweetness like like love

Sweetness like the feeling I get when I see you

Sweetness as the sun dips into the horizon

Sweetness like badass

Sweetness like silky notes in your ear

Sweetness like the time that passes me by

Sweetness like loving your neighbor

Sweetness like Grandma and Grandpa kissing

Sweetness like that time I ate ice cream at the park

Sweetness like smelling a flower

Sweetness like growing a year older

It's sweetness to be alive I should always remember the sweetness

Hangin out

Well my birthday is coming up. Trying to decide what I really want to do. Maybe a car trip on the coast of Spain? Or the southern borders of France. Yeah right, rich girl I am not.

I went out last night to see a band play here in Paris. It was great!!!! I danced and danced and drank beer. Yeah, I drank beer, and now I am crying because I don't really drink. Oh well that happens.

I am sittin' here now listening to Zap Mama the new one. I love that group. They are the best. It seems like they are finally gonna get some real attention in the states. I mean the masses will hear them. I think they deserve that!!! Finally got a guestbook on my website, so maybe some people will leave me a message when they stop by my site.

I wish I had money to put a good recording on my site. I tried to record with a mini disc and it didn't work well. The recording I have now is the first concert that I did with new songs. We were testing stuff out, so some stuff worked some stuff didn't. Anyway, that's the way it is. I will keep working until that changes. Doin my thing.


I am waiting with impatience for the film of Michael Moore to come to France. I have seen pictures of the lines of people outside of the cinemas, and I must say I am more than pleased. Not that I had anything to do with the film, but more because I am glad to see people respond. It's about time!! We seem to be sitting on our butts in the US. We don't fight anymore. Or at least us regular folk don't fight anymore. We just accept the way things are and basta! Anyway, that's how I feel today.

House of Live

Well .... Yesterday was real cool. Some people I haven't seen in awhile were there. Crystal came back (www.crystal-project.com tell her I sent ya') and sang a couple tunes. I tried out some new material and everyone was so cool about it. Thanks to all the people who are noticing the vocal progression. It's true the more you sing the better you get. I seem to have just a couple gigs a month. I hope to change that soon.

I am wrapping up the production in France and now preparing to go back to Texas and finish this CD. I can't wait. I am such a kid I swear. Anyway, today I left a message on the Hidden Beach guestbook because I just love Jill. Why, you ask? Well simply cause her voice is great and her lyrics remind me of stories in my own personal life, so voila.

I erased a negative comment the other day, and I shouldn't have. In fact the way to improve sometimes is to get feed back negative and positive. It's just so hard when you are broke to make the best packaging, so I am just sensitive. You know? I should probably correct that. So, when you have a comment leave it I won't erase any more. Just please try to be nice when you're telling me you don't like something. Cussing at me just don't cut it you know? Alright peace to all...Song

Last night's gig

Well it was quite interesting the concert last night. We were so concentrated on the concert that we are gonna do Sunday that we did not focus on the set for last night. Well all I can say is thank God!!! It went really well. People were dancing every time there was a song that was up tempo. The hard thing is most of my songs are medium tempo and on this kind of setup it's really difficult. But, I think it's a good school of singing. You are really naked and you are really close to the audience. So, of course, I was really worried. But, for nothing. Music is meant to be lived and felt. And last night that's exactly what I did. Lived it and felt it.

So L'Opus Cafe

So tonight I am gonna play again at the Opus cafe. The real problem is that I am not excited. Let me explain, first the sound system there leaves a lot to be imagined. It's beautiful and all but, there are two monitors and four little speakers, so there we are. On top of that I am doing covers, because I don't have time to work in my new songs. Well I am doing a few of my songs. Anyway, it's a great exercise and the people in Paris are real nice to me. I am so impatient to finish this albulm that I can scarcely think of nothing else. I'll let you guys know how it goes though. It should be just fine.

For all you cats who are in Paris come on out. If you feel like singing just let me know and I'll put you up. You know if we don't help each other out who will? Anyway, have a nice day.

P.S. Any ideas on what we can do to stop the deaths of innocent people don't hesitate to leave me a message. I am not an activist (not brave enough I guess), but I think I would like to put in some hours anyway, feel me?

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