2010 is here and there's no turning back! Each day I try to find the words to encourage myself -- not scripture, just true thoughts coming from within me that keep the motivational factor alive. Today's thought was: 'I am determined & driven!' 2009 was a year of exploration: a year to get back into doing things I'd sworn I would never do wholeheartedly (artist management, public relations, begging in the most subtle way to have someone to accept an artist you work with and absolutely believe in); a year to reflect on projects you no longer enjoy being involved with to the fullness of your heart -- seeking evolution; a year to take life's reality when it comes to family and illness into full perspective; a year to look at how you spend the bulk of your day -- and determine if you are truly happy. The bottom line -- are you happy where you are? And if the answer is a resounding No! What do you plan to do about it to make it better?
As 2009 faded, my mother was in the hospital, I wasn't happy with the prognosis (or lack thereof) and I wanted to focus on the changes I needed to make in 2010. My affinity for social media outlets: twitter and facebook had grown immensely! Both, providing an opportunity to not only connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests, but to interact with musicians who mean more than the world to me.
Time for me to smile and truly have joy behind each smile. Most importantly, I continue to pray to God for guidance with each step I intend to take.
* * *2009: A reflection!
Music & Affiliations
Always excited about opportunities to meet new artists or those that I love and respect, and to experience a live performance. 2009 was a great year for all of that: (in no particular order other than what comes to mind)
Monica Blaire
Yahzarah
Eric Roberson & DMo
PJ Morton
Naturally 7
Yahzarah & Ra-Re Valverde
Sy Smith
Mint Condition
Maxwell
Trina Broussard
Ndambi
Bobby Brown
Foreign Exchange
-- meeting Caron Wheeler, Najee and Angie Stone -- having Calvin Richardson create a drop for our company, moments to cherish eternally.
The event that holds the most special spot in my heart took place in April 2009: the ONUTSS Tribute to Luther Vandross at the Blue Note. A live venture that I'm sure means as much to Pam as it did for me, which brought so much talent under one roof: Kim Davis, KiKi Hawkins, Lady Tess, Alex Marcelo, Kelvyn Bell, Daru Jones, Kenny Wesley, Bradd Marquis, Gordon Chambers and V. Oh and our hostess who took the room by storm, Lorenda Robinson! From this union came a bond that I could never have imagined and smile so proudly whenever I think about it -- the opportunity to work with Bradd Marquis and V on an even more intimate level (co-management, booking rep, publicist, confidante, homie, consultant, travel agent *ha* and friend).
Motivation for me comes with denial, watching others make unwarranted strides or outside pressure. People may demand of you what you truly are not willing to give. The simplest requests can take the most time to complete because they present so much more of an emotional challenge than anything else. There are irons in the fire that I cannot or am not willing to divulge just yet, but there are opportunities that have been presented to me that can evolve into so much more -- and for that, I am eternally grateful.
(People often see in you what you may not immediately see in yourself.)
2010 ~ let's go!
Another 4:30am evening/morning comes to a close...
Peace & Blessings one and all
