Sharing time with friends and loved ones is the simplest gift to give to yourself and others. These relationships sometimes go in cycles. Sometimes family and friends become estranged. If you have anger towards someone but you know that deep down it stems from them being a less than perfect person to you (i.e. a schmuck) - try to remember the love. Sometimes we may have been the jerk in the situation. Well, just be honest. Don't make an excuse, own it, say "I screwed up" and "I am truly sorry." …
Getting out of the funk.
Sometimes our particular circumstances make us retreat and hide. Life's bullshit can make you grumpy and depressed. I have learned that it's the simple things that can lead you out of this darkness. If you are feeling down and out, just reach out, get amongst other people and reclaim your joy. Do what you have to to do to take of business in baby steps. Don't get overwhelmed by the icky stuff and don't get stuck in your head. You need room to breathe! Keep the faith. Keep it moving forward! …
Nina Simone & Me.
I'm getting into Nina-mode. Taking on this show is a challenge on some levels (logistically, financially) but it is also the easiest thing I have ever done. Many have questioned my choice to bring the band with me to my show in Atlanta. Why not pick up musicians in Atlanta? The answer is simple: I want a certain level of comfort and ease on stage because I want to be totally free of worry. I need to have my guys (The Shivers) behind me because they know me and will guarantee the best …
Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones
I started this post as a lament after hearing some awful gossip. A longtime close friend said unkind things about me and it hurt my feelings. Apparently, this friend took issue with my Gofundme campaign last year and my financial problems of the past few years. I had an inkling that that may have been the issue but refused to believe it. It shook me. I had been trying to reach out to this person in the past and there was always an excuse, a rational explanation as to why we were no longer close …
Moving forward, taking chances with the solo show! (I have a title!)
After my last blog of self-reflection and bemoaning over my lack of action in showbiz at my advanced age of 54 years, I have decided to submit my one woman show in a solo festival. If I make the cut it will be produced, mounted and given all the bells and whistles (production, stage managing, marketing, a theater) that I have only dreamed about. It will become a reality! And it is kinda scary, but not too scary. I feel good about the work. I have a great team: Arlene Malinowski (the Empress of …