Ochi: RAMBLIN'

FINALLY! It's here my video blog The Road to Success provides chronological documentation of my efforts to establish my out music career. You a will be edu-tained as you view my daily struggles, rehearsals, and triumphs of making lesbian oriented music. You will see student life from a 40+ lesbian perspective. The frustrations of single parenting as an out performer, and so much more.

Ya know folks it wasn't so long ago in the history of this country that people of color weren't allowed to live in a certain neighborhoods because of skin color. There were white only drinking fountains, entryways, cafeterias, and we won't talk about job discrimination. In 2008 we can live, eat, play, and go to school where our credit/income will allow and yet the world is no better off. I believe the problem wasn't where we lived but how we lived. While we fought for the right to live next to the Jones we forgot to learn how to live with one another. Our parents struggled often working 2 jobs so that we could have more. They wanted to give us what they never had. They were continuing in the tradition they believed of their parents who worked and struggled to provide them with a better life. I'm sitting here in the Tavis Smiley School of Communication building at Texas Southern University and I realize as I people watch that I need to be more vocal about my thoughts. Our grandparents and great grandparents weren't clear in their communications to their children and as a result several key pieces were lost in translation. They were fighting and working to give us a better life. Their idea of a better life meant the ability to protect their children from hurt, harm, and ignorance. Our great grandparents and grandparents didn't want their children to be absentee parents like they were forced to be. Many of them traveled far from home and lived with the families they worked for to earn a living. Often our grandmothers raised other people's children leaving their own children to be raised by others or even worse to raise themselves. So the more they spoke of was "more of them and their time, influence, love, and care". Unfortunately, our parents and people today took that "more" to mean things - game systems, clothing, toys, and food. Resulting in selfishness and sense of entitlement. We are a greedy, wasteful, and unappreciative society. Our lives are measured by what we have rather than how we live. Our parents wanted us look up to them, to honor them and know their accomplishments. That leads to respect of them and our ancestry. Today in 2008 many encourage their children to look up to athletes, musicians, religious leaders, and or famous icons. They ignore the love, sacrifice, and accomplishments of parents now. This generation born from the 80's on is a sorry generation. They lack guidance, morality, cultural awareness, purpose, accountability, responsibility, spiritual connectedness, knowledge/education, and common sense. Many have stopped teaching and now these are the people who will be left to care for us in our old age. Selfish, greedy, uneducated people who don't care anything for the elder, infants, lame, or disabled.

It's never too late to change folks. Love your children enough to teach them right from wrong. Stop trying to be their friends and be a darn good parent. Give them discipline, structure, and continuity. Stick to your word! Talk to your children, no teacher should know them better than you the parent. In doing so you might learn that your children are not differnt at all. They are frighten kids desperate for adult supervision. Stop letting hypercritically ministers and misinformed psychologist tell you that something is wrong with your same gender loving children. They are not sick, unless you their parents are sick. They are a reflection of you and the environment in which you raise them. Homosexuality isn't the illness - ignorance and hatred is the problem.

We have allowed coporate greed to manipulate us as people. West Virginians and any other group of people who want to focus more on race or gender, while we all stand apart as a nation we'll all go down together as fools. Different people can want the same things in life. Different people can work and live together. Different isn't weird, sick or dangerous it's VARIETY.

Yes lawd I made it! Well ya'll another semester in the bucket. I am so glad to be in school but I'm happier at the end of each and every semester. Whew! It couldn't have ended sooner. My grades are all good I worked hard for whatever I got. No cheating for me. If I failed then that's just means work even harder next time. All in all I made the honor roll this semester and received a school scholarship so I guess I'm doing well academically.

Now lets talk about life in Houston. OMG! What the heck is going on in this place. The south is truly stuck in a time warp. Will someone tell these fools that the world is "going to hell in a basket" and we all need to pull together and stop it before it's too late! They are so busy oppressing the innocent and less fortunate down here they don't realize how we are all in this quagmire together! African/Black, European, Mexican, Asian, and First Nation Peoples of the renamed Americas. If you are not one of few elite in control then you too will be and are being screwed! oooops did I say that? lol Heck yeah I said it and I meant it too. Why are we allowing the minority to dictate to us the majority? The worse part is they are not doing anything in our best interest. Stupid laws like; credit checks to get a job. Whose business is that? Bad credit no job. What the...ya'll sure wanna know what it takes to make me curse. Well nothing so stop wasting your time. Anyway, how the heck can a person better their financial situation without employment? What lamebrain idiot thought up that one? Probably the same idtiot who privatized prisons. You know soon indebtedness will become a jailable offense. Don't laugh once upon a time in Europe lest ye forget. Well that's it for me. I'm trying to live life, raise my kids and become an artist my fans can and will be proud of. Just think you can say you knew me when.

Well guess what folks I made the Texas Southern University Honor Roll. Aren't you all impressed! I know some of you thought this was gonna be a party situation here but now you see how serious I am.

Last month I went to Denver to secure my things and see old family and friends. Wow the city really changed. Entire malls just gone. Denver was soooooo cold. I can't imagine I ever lived there and liked it. That's what happens when people don't know better. Just kidding Denver family. It was 18 hours of pure pleasure. I took my two youngest children with me. We worked and worked like Hebrew slaves along with Luis and 2 wonderful people who were passing by, the job got done!

I can't just move forward without telling you all about the blessing we received in the form of assistance. These two wonderful people, who just moved to Denver from the East Coast were riding by on a bike. (One bike let me add.) Saw how hard the kids and I were working and asked if we would like some assistance. They spoke no english and well my espanglish leaves much to be desired. Thank God for Luis whom I called and he translated their message. They just wanted to help. Not for money, food, or any compensation. They just felt for us and had nothing to do. Well my mama didn't raise no fool! I took those kind folks up on their offer and as they blessed me I attempted in turn to bless them. Unknown to me they had no furniture in their new apartment. That was so not the case when we left. We gave them the majority of what we had. Why? Well from where I stood it was the only right thing to do. I told you my mama didn't raise no fool. Sometimes people can be greedy and selfish. My family came to love and appreciate that family. That didn't know our circumstances and we didn't know theirs. We didn't need to know either. Right is right and wrong is a character flaw. My only regret was that I couldn't do more, especially once I learned of their need.

Random acts of kindness should not be so random. Think about it. How much better would our lives and this world be if kindness were a regular occurrence?

Much love cyber family,
Ochi

Hello and howdy do! I am alive and well. First thank you all so much for the prayers, encouragement, and positive energy. I know for a fact that all my success comes from the support that I receive from you all on a daily basis. Positive vibes go a long way. In the words of Obama, "YES WE CAN". I am working even harder these days to reach my goals. I haven't taken out even a moment to play. Am I over doing it? NOPE! Too many people are depending on me and I have so much great music that I can't wait to share with you all. Therefore, I am frantically working trying to get all the edits, mixes, mastering and re-mastering done. What can I say I love my fans and you all deserve the absolute best! I hate half doing things. I want to deliver clever, smooth, melodious madness. lolol

Now as for my personal life. Well that's a short sentence. I'll get one soon enough. So ladies - keep your dance cards clear and ready. lolol

Houston has great weather. While my family and friends in Denver were freezing, we were debating on whether or not to use the AC. lolol shhhh stop laughing.

Well it's back to the grind stone. Play for me will come when I take the stage to perform all this new music and see all your gorgeous faces.

Hello, hello,

Well I just wanted to let you all know that I am working overtime on several projects. First you know there's a new pilot coming out called, "Lovers & Friends". Look for it this season on Logo. My music, "I Like What I Like", will be the theme song for the show. So, I'm working on that, 3 new cd's, my newsletter, my podcast, and my video blog. Whew! Are you tired because I am and nothing is even completed yet.

As far as the new cd's go I'm releasing singles first then the entire album. Honey the music is hot if I must say so myself. Why am I so slow? Well, it's because you all deserve the very best and nothing less. Don't forget I'm still a mother first too. Kids/family then music. No I have no personal life. As soon as this music is completed I plan to come out and play. When I do, no woman will be safe. lolol Oh I do crack myself up. See you real soon ladies.

Smoochies and hugs.

Happy New Year & Harambee everyone.

The Holiday season is upon us and I hope as you all rush about that you remember to focus on the things that are really important to your emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural well being. Having money is great but having your health is more important. Being in a relationship hey sounds good right? Being in a healthy, loving, mutually respectful relationship filled with trust, even better. Try giving love this year rather than gifts. It's cheaper and the effects are far greater.

Life is what we make it rather than only focus on self let's reach out to someone else this coming hear. Giving feels good. Just remember never do more for someone else than they are willing to do for themselves. Giving until it hurts you is silly.

Ok that's my words of wisdom. I hope they've helped someone. Be safe, have fun, be considerate in your celebrations.

Well, I'm done! Yes! It was truly an experience family. Ok let's see where to begin? going back to school at age 47, with four kids, and 2 dogs is a trip! Oh a girl was just frazzled. I was running between studying, grocery shopping, laundry, and PTA meetings to my own classes. Most nights I was fortunate to get to bed by 11 a.m. but couldn't fall asleep until 2 or 3 a.m. Other nights which are the majority I fell to sleep by 11 a.m. and was up for the night by 3:30 a.m. So, being Ochi, I attempted to utilize that quiet time for studying and meditation. Somehow, I've managed to get good grades. On most days I'm tired and but I've overall been happy.

I love the weather I've had to use the A/C on several occassions.

I made it! Another birthday is now in the record books. It was so wonderful. I spent the day with my dad and that was a first in 48 years. What a wonderful way to spend the day. I don't know how I'll top next year. Maybe I'll be on tour. One can only hope.

Then I spent Thanksgiving which I normally don't celebrate with my new family. I ate far too much and smiled every opportunity I got. I love these people Ya'll. they look like me, they have many of my traits , I don't know I could get used to having a family.

School is moving right along. One good teacher and the rest well TSU needs prayer and fasting. shhh stop laughing. I'm holding my own with the young folks. I miss performing and recording though and I can't wait to get back to it. As time allows I promise to update my sites more. I know, I know I've been slipping.

By the way b/4 I go, you all could have told a girl about the Texas fleas! They are no joke. This is such a different world down here. Heat, bugs, floods, now I see why this is the bible belt. They are getting whipped. lolol Yes! Come on doesn't this place sound like the new testament?

Wow! Now that I finally exhaled I've gotta tell you all the air is at times foul. Houston is a real city and all this time I thought Denver was city living. In fact Denver is just a small town with a city attitude. You know what? I prefer that. I don't like this city living. the government is corrupt but says it is the "average joe" that has criminal activity. They attempt to instill fear in us against our neighbors but it's the authorities that I worry the most about.

I came to Houston to do a job. School and music and that's what I'm going to do. I hope Houston is ready. It's about to get down and dirty, then with the ancestors help I'm outta here. It's hot ya'll.

Whew! What a journey! We are all settled into our new lives and making the transition. Living in a place alone without kids is one thing. Living in a place on a temporary basis is another thing. Making a transition with 2 dogs, 3 kids and a mini trailer. Well that's another thing. It's more final. I've held off getting my plates, license and anything that would signify this as being permenant. Just fear let's be real. Houston is very different from Denver. Denver was pretending to be a city. You know what I like it that way too.

I've begun working on the new CD. You all are going to love it. I'm really taking my time and I have learned so much along the way. I will certainly pass the knowledge I've gained on to you my precious friends/family.

Well with the wind in our faces we're off. I can't to reach Texas. The highway is open, traffic light. At times it's breezy, cloudy, but the sun burns away the clouds here and there. My heart is full and so is my gas tank as we make our way south to the home of my birthplace. I feel like a salmon swimming upstream. Who ever thought I out of all people would be making this journey? Certainly not I and yet I can't wait.

Thanks for the scooter Darryl & Rodney. Now that I'm a biker I'll certainly fine a babe now. lol See ya later De & Terri. Where the heck are you Fran? Wauneda, Vee it's been real, it's been fun, it's been real fun. Vanessa you know you are my road dog. Robin...Robin hey. Nana Yo, I'm so glad I was here to share in your process with Tio. Modupe and congrats. I will never look at white again. Janell, Nyna, Ajala, Asiya, Keyan, Faatima, Mehyar, Nasrine, Mani, Rahim, Raneesha, Saeeda, Menelik, Ratu, Malebo, DeeJay, Javier, Jordon, Ms. Ampry my sistah, the Zions big & small, Umarah, Amonrah, Jesse, Menlo, and Kalimah just to name a few. I will miss you all. I love you folks.
Tona & Melody I don't think I know the right words so I might have to create some. Thank you ladies for the shelter, love, friendship, sistahood, and spirituality that you shared with us. What a wonderful 2 months it has been. We'll see ya'll in Texas.

THIS IS A CONSUMER ALERT TO ALL MUSICIANS AND ARTIST IN COLORADO LOOKING FOR A RECORDING COMPANY!

As some of you know one of the biggest challenges for me was finding a good engineer to mix and master my CD's. I was willing to pay whatever to whomever in order to produce a quality product. In my efforts to produce a CD that met industry standards I spoke to several, well-established artist about who they might suggest. I combed the yellow pages, and interviewed several studios until I finally found Dub Media a local Colorado based company. I was impressed about what I heard and what I saw. It was all a scam folks.

At the time I knew very little about engineering and mastering so I trusted DubMedia. I spent somewhere around $900 - $1500.00 for complete and utter CARP! It was an ENGINEERING JOKE! How these folks sleep at night much less call them professional is way beyond me. Let's begin with what was wrong with my CD.

1. No vocals were ever doubled
2. Very little to no panning was used.
3. The volume was too low!
4. The wrong versions were put on the finished product.
5. The entire project took far too long. 3 - 5 months.
6. There is background sound in the finished product of some of the tracks.
7. Track length for Radio airplay
Now someone might ask why in the world would a sane, reasonable person pay for such CARP? Well it was simple. In reference to the industry standards I was not aware of basic practices like doubling of tracks or using reverb etc. I didn't know what it meant to master a CD. I had no idea "then" what mastering involved. So I trusted these people. When I heard things that I didn't like or had problems with I was told that was the best that could be done with what they were given. Not true. I was very open and proactive whenever I was directed to a problem. When the engineer said something needed to be re-recorded I was quick to do so. If he said delete a portion of the song due to technical problems, flow, or whatever I agreed. I was never told that Radio station format and time lengths. The just smiled in my face and took my hard earned money.

My CD has been met with mixed reviews. The reviewers love the content but slam the engineering and all have been quick to say get the CD redone, bad engineering is holding me back. It's great had I done it myself as a non-professional but not one person could believe I paid "so called professionals" for what I have.

That's why I am going to school to learn this myself so that no other woman will be ripped off like I was. That's the exact reason Gatekeeper Productions was formed. In the meantime there are wonderful, professional female engineers like G1 of New Ground Collabo.

She has been a Godsend and inspiration and savior to me. The new CD is much better when it comes to engineering. It meets industry standards. I am also in the process of re-master...No! It was never truly mastered so I will master the previous CD, entitled Just Ochi. It will be re-released in August of this year.

Thank you for your purchase and or your plans to purchase. We appreciate your sticking it out with us through our growth and development.

As for DubMedia JUST SAY NO!

Well I'm ready for the road trip of my dreams. We're counting down to our departure. Not sure what or who we will encounter on one hand then again, we know what to expect.

We know we'll meet new friends, connect with old friends and family. We'll discover new places to hang out. We'll become enriched by cultural, political, and historical sites. We'll make big money, buy a house with a large yard for our dogs. Oh my gosh! How could I forget? I'll meet wonderful women and have lunch! I'll go on a date to the movies or maybe a walk in the park!

Ok I was dreaming on that last part. lolo What I'll really do is go to school, come home make dinner for the kids, play with my pups, write new music and practice for future performances. I'll complete my new cartoon that will be out around the first of the new year and maybe get some traveling in and visit my son in school. Yeah that's more like my life huh? lolol The dream was nice while it lasted. What can I say I work, work, and then work some more.

Wow! I've been to several pride celebrations but Colorado Springs took the cake. With the Rocky Mountains providing a beautiful back drop I was in Gaytopia. Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs is a small park which creates much deception. The event had a wonderful turnout. I had a wonderful performance but the stage belonged to God-dess and She.

My day began as usual before a show. Nervous! I was all excited barely slept the night before! I couldn't sleep and refused to eat. All I wanted to do was hit the highway. Remember people what you put out into the universe is very important. I put out nervous energy thinking the worse would happen and it did.
1. My drum broke just before I went on stage. I opened my bag to find the head busted. DARN!

2. There was a problem with the audio CD. WWWWHHHHAT!

3. I got lost.

With all that going you would think the day was a total wash. NOT! I had a ball. I had a successful back up plan. The show was good and I will certainly do the springs again.

As a performer one of the joys and realities of live performances are the glitches. There is no such thing as a show without them. That is part of the thrill/challenge of performing live. The main thing for any performer but especially those new to the game to remember is "glitches happen". The best way to deal with them is to remain calm, level headed and smile. Having a "stank" attitude never helps a bad situation. Having a positive attitude is the best balance for a glitch. That and a back up plan. Always have a back up plan for those unexpected moments.

Well for those who didn't believe I would ever do it, I've moved out of my house with my 3 kids and my tenant has moved in. I've still got some maintenance repairs to finish at my house before I can move on. I'm one person and I can only do so much. lolol

We're living out of suitcases as we wait to begin the newest chapter of our existence. We are definately moving to Houston. Pray I can find gigs, friends, and a place to live. Isn't this exciting? I can't believe it's June already. wow! July is just around the corner and so begins my summer gig schedule. I hope to see u at a stage near me as they say.

Ok somebody should have stopped me before I got so far involved. Ya'll this is some really hard work. I'm so overwhelmed, and so tired. Yet, I have to do what I have to do. Denver has been nice but it's just time to move on. I hope I have as much fun in Texas as I've had here. I hope the people open their hearts, minds and lawd knows open their wallets. lol A woman has little mouths to feed and I do like to get my dress on.

Ok but seriously, it's important when a person decides to move for their art/craft. That means I'm serious and very determined. So I hope I'll be blessed and have my efforts rewarded. Otherwise, somebody about to get a new roommate with kids. lololololol

See this work is making me crazy.

Wow! Did we have fun this past Friday! Thanks Micro Business Development for the opportunity to perform. The kids and I truely had fun and will definately miss Denver when the time comes for us to move on. It's been real, it's been fun, it's been real fun.

We have learned here, grown here, and loved here. We will keep everyone here in our hearts and prayers and hope they will all do the same here.

Well folks the time has come where I must leave. I've decided after making denver my home for 37 years now I need to move on. For personal and professional reasons I am relocating to Texas.

At this time I am not 100% sure of which city in Texas but I like Austin because of it's numerous venues for an upcoming, artist to show case her talents.

Wherever I am I know that you will all wish me well. I hope to see those of you living in Texas at various events. I will still travel the United States and the world providing good, quality, fun entertainment.

I'll be back and forth visiting Colorado often since my mother is here and I still have shows here. I just need to be someplace where I can perform every week.

Hi folks,

Just a quick note for those of you anxieous to see me in florida this summer. I'm sorry I had to cancel my appearance. Unfortunately, the festival was cancelled due to ticket sales. Once again the declining economy has effected yet another small, independent production.

Many of us are sorry and very disappointed that the festival has been cancelled but hopefully all of us will be in a better place financially by 2008. I wish the producers, the volunteers and all attendees good fortune. I hope to perform for you in 2008.

Much Love,
Ochi