Pink Skies

When we have sunny days like today, I try my best to become present to my natural surroundings. I look at the grass, the trees, the sky and just try to take in and really appreciate it. I love the different colors of the world. It can be so picturesque at times. Mother Nature is truly an artist. A case in point was the sunset we had last night. My sister and I were walking on the marina boardwalk. There were many different types of boats docked in the bay. People sat in their boats. eating and/or drinking with family and friends. Being that it was part of three day holiday weekend for many, there was no question that people's moods were light and relaxed. Many couples strolled along. hand in hand, or sat on the benches overlooking the water. When the sun started to set, people stopped took notice and couldn't help but comment, "wow, look at that sky!" In a matter of minutes, the landscape above our heads was turning colors. From a calming blue to an iridescent pink. People were using their cameras to take pictures of the skyline. It was gorgeous and breathtaking. I truly love pink skies. To me it is one of Mother Nature's most beautiful works of art.

Lighten Up and Laugh!

I'm in the midst of watching MadTV. To me laughter is so important for the mind and soul. If I'm home, I usually try to watch some kind of comedy show right before I go to bed. I used to watch the news and then realized that the bad news was affecting my sleep and my psyche. Now, I just tune into the Daily Show, the Colbert Show, Letterman or Leno and then go to sleep with a smile on my face. I also love hanging out with people that make me laugh. Having a sense of humor, especially during trying times, is so important. It reminds you to lighten up and enjoy the good in life. Remember, a smile goes a long way and doesn't cost a thing!

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Is Your Character Showing?

I was reading a book today and there was a great quote in it by the author, C. Hickland. She writes, "crisis doesn't build character, it reveals it. " How true is that! When we're faced with a challenge or crisis, it's up to us to decide how we're going to react to that challenge or the crisis at hand. Let's say a close family member discovers he or she has cancer. He or she is going to need you during this time of crisis. How do you react? Do you make excuses and retreat? Do you welcome the opportunity to help? What about those of you who have lost jobs? So many people are in crisis as a result of corporate cutbacks. But once again, during these difficult times, the character of a person is tested and revealed. You do have a choice. You can lose all hope and just stay in bed all day. Or you cau stay motivated and keep looking for or create your own opportunities.

I myself have been through my share of crisis'. I have dealt with people close to me having cancer. I have dealt with people close to me losing their jobs. I have dealt with divorce. But all in all, these challenges revealed so much about the importance of having inner strength and a strong sense of faith. A crisis can be a blessing in disguise.

One Door Closes, Another Opens (Most of the Time)

I was a little upset to learn that one of my current guitar players has decided to move to Key West. Can you blame him? No. I would love to move to Key West, or maybe not. Maybe it's too laid back for me. Being a high energy Gemini, I think living in New York suits me best. Anyway, back to the original point (another Gemini trait; sometimes digresses from original thought). I felt sad that Ralph was leaving because we have been playing and performing together for over a year (when it comes to band situations, that's considered a long term relationship) and I liked his style. As soon as he told me, I panicked a bit. Who is going to replace him! Within a day, I placed in ad in Craigslist (not for erotic services!) but only got a few replies. I was surprised at that. Was it because my musician's ad read "no egos, heavy drinkers or druggies!" Was that an oxymoron? Were my standards too high? I finally contacted one of the interested parties. We auditioned Joe on Thursday. Brian, my other guitarist, and I were pleasantly surprised by Joe's technical ability. Joe played tastefully and harmonized well. Right off the bat, we knew it was a good fit. How lucky for me that I only had to audition one musician! Yes, my friends, a perfect example of how one door closes but another opens. Believe me, when it comes to band members,sometimes it can be more like a revolving door because musicians can come and go...Even in personal relationships. One person may shut the door in your face or you may shut the door on his or her face. But it doesn't mean another door won't ever open. Unless of course, you've locked it up! So keep an open mind, an open heart and an open door. You never know what's waiting on the other side!

Sorting Through the Rubble in Relationships

Relationships are learning grounds for growth. Unfortunately, these grounds offer a lot of rubble that we are forced to sort through. We throw stones at our partners or build stone walls around our hearts. We step and we stumble. We fall on our knees and cry out. Tears flow easily as our hearts are broken and shredded to pieces. Yes, intimate relationships can get ugly. They can be toxic to our bodies and souls. But even through pain and disappointment, they can teach us about our capacity to love ourselves and others and how to learn how to forgive.

No matter what, love is a gift that we must share with someone who appreciates and cherishes it. We're not meant to be partnered with someone that cast dark shadows. We want to be partnered with someone who brings light to our lives. And yes, sometimes it's not so easy to find that but when we do, it's a treasure to have and hold.

Artist on the Album

I spent the day today working on my CD cover with my creative designer. It was my third trip to his home office in Brooklyn. It's definitely a little challenging trying to come up with "packaging" that will be appealing to the eye. The cover plays a big part in marketing. It has to be unique, intriguing and show the artist in the best light. It has to motivate the passerby to pick it up and look at it. It also has to give an idea as to what kind of music is inside the package. I'm happy with what we designed. Hopefully, other people will like it enough to want to take the CD home!