Had a photo shoot today with the AMAZING John Gress. I was so nervous. What to bring? What to wear? Will I have enough energy to come across on film? Will I look like crap? But John is such a dear and so patient and enthusiastic- all was well. And I had a blast. Thanks to Lovely Marcus, make-up/hair/wardrobe/BFF Brayzill Stevenson or none of this would have happened! Here's a sample of one look. (untouched) Can't wait to post the final images!! Onward to new branding, new images, new …
Souls.
I have decided to live in kindness and love today. I have witnessed words of anger, fear, intolerance and ignorance. I have been forced to reevaluate friendships based on my friends adherence to views that are diametrically opposed to my own. I try to see it from their side but I can't help feeling shock and disappointment. I do not want to end friendships based on politics but this season is about more than public policy, it's about Human Nature and decency. Was their bigotry some latent part …
This New Administration is Wearing Me Out! (and it’s only been a week!)
The never-ending crazy coming from Washington is driving me nuts! The collective emotions brought on by the actions of this administration is stressful: Fear, disgust, horror, anger, outrage, shock - it goes on and on. I hope that we all remain diligent and never succumb to acceptance and resignation. Fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. Together we can weather this storm. But Lawdy, it's exhausting and it's only been a week!! …
Bringing My Nina Simone Show back to Chicago. Monday, November 7th
I first performed my Nina Simone tribute in January 2013 at City Winery Chicago. We sold out. It was my first performance there and my first ticketed sold out show. and now after sold out shows in NYC and Atlanta, I am bringing it back home. The show has evolved. I have evolved as a performer and as a person. Singing Nina Simone's music is quite like coming home for me. And performing her protest songs during these times, on the night before the election, well, it's just crazy Kismet don't you …
Step Out of the Comfort Zone!
Stepping out of the comfort zone. It's scary. But often, it is the only way to move forward. Sometimes it involves taking a risk: leaving a job that doesn't fulfill you but pays the bills; taking on a new venture of any kind; leaving a partner; taking a chance on love when you've been single and content-ish for ages "who needs the pain?;" performing new music; writing your book; re-arranging furniture; changing the color of your walls - it's all about going for what you want and not letting fear …