Ochi: Ochi's Journal

I don't know why but each and every year during this time I am so excited to end one chapter and begin the next. Partly I think it's because I truly appreciate my life and am glad to have made it to the next year with my health and mind in tact.  (I know some say the last line is debatable. lol) For those of us lucky enough to have love in your lives hold on to it.  Those of us trying to find love keep your eyes and hearts open, love is coming.  Until then celebrate with those who found it because joy is contagious. 

The year is rapidly coming to a close.  I can't speak for you but for me, this year passed so quickly.  It was filled with so many unexpected moments.  I still haven't caught my breath.  Just to recap, the year began with me facing extreme poverty, living with a lonely, sex crazed, loved starved roommate who attempted to pressure, harass, and intimidate me into having sex with her.  I was bless to leave that most uncomfortable situation with pride, dignity, and virtues in tact much to her disappointment.  From there I lived with a family member who wasn't much better. Her issue she thought she was getting a live-in running buddy and couldn't understand I had to work 3 jobs just to make ends meet.  In April of this year all that changed when I gave in to the voice inside me, walked out on faith and received yet another blessing.  I found a home within my income bracket and from there the blessings continued to come.  I went to Tanzania this year.  Yes me the person with absolutely no money went to Africa with $40.00 in my pocket.  The trip was paid for through scholarships and grants.  I won't elaborate any further on my whirlwind of a year.  I just said all this to say when things look their darkest, when hope seems loss, don't give up, don't give in.  Maintain your faith, don't get lazy keep moving forward even if you only move 1 inch.  Forward progress is forward progress.  Don't give in to self doubt, don't believe that your problems are insurmountable.  Things change when we are active participants.  

So have a Happy New Year and move forward into your power and have a great life.  You can do whatever your set your mind to.  It may take time and more energy than you realized and that's okay because you are worth it.

OMG!  To say I traveled across several states to Malibu, California and had a good time would be an understatement.  I had a fantastic time.  I found my mojo, my ashe', my ying to my yang.  My spirit was reunited with the drum.  BLU is so many different things to so many people.  I found something inside of me that I didn't know was missing.  I believed that chapter of my life was over, that I was meant to move on.  In fact what it meant was that my relationship to the drum needed to change as did my associations around drumming.  With that I am reborn.

I was blessed to make new friends, connect with old friends, and work on my beloved film project - Code Switching 101, I Am Who I am.  No matter how many people I interview I am always guaranteed to get a fresh perspective. The ladies of BLU did not fail to deliver.   I hope more women attend BLU.  Retreats give one the opportunity to be away from home, away from distractions, and life.  It is our "ME" time.  There is nothing magical in that.  The reality is most of us don't have "ME" time but some think we do.  BLU allows us to be alone with like minded people, people in our age group, ethnic group, who are in various stages of their growth, and development.  That factor alone makes the experience seem like a miracle.  

I hope many more women will attend next year especially those women who previously attended when it was Sistahfest.  I hope those women will return and see the name has changed, our friends have gotten older, and Sistahfest now BLU has changed as a result of the experience but in a positive way.  Sometimes we need to be shaken up and thrown off our axis in order to fight for what we want and appreciate what we have.  They/we fought, we grew from in and we survived.  It's time to come back home ladies the long wait is over.

Well I'm beginning the final leg of this chapter/journey.  I'm by far not done.  I have so far to go and grow.  I enjoyed a trying year.  Yes I enjoyed it.  There's something about shining through conflict.  The icing on the cake was my trip to Tanzania.  That was truly a blessing that I almost missed.  Since I still have beyond limited funds a trip anywhere but especially overseas seemed a joke and completely out of the question.  You know my mantra.  I prayed about it, then set to work doing everything I could to make it happen leaving the impossible to my creator and ancestors.  Obviously my method worked because I just returned from a 21 day trip that included Dubai, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.  

Am I bragging? Heck no!!  This is a testimony to perseverance, dedication, faith, and patience.  I have learned in my 51 years the difference between selfishness and self-centered.  To be selfish is actually a good thing.  It means to take care of self.  To handing our person needs, to make sure we are the best we can be for ourselves and those who love and need us.  To be self centered is completely different.  It means to think only of self.  It is the opposite of being considerate.  It means others don't matter and your own person needs come often at the expense and well being of others.  So be selfish and not self-centered.  

Thank you for your prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes.  Also, thank you for your patronage.  When you support my music and my vision you support your own freedoms as well.  Each one of us is a stepping stone for another.  We are pavers on the path of success.  Have a great month.

Well it really happened.  I just returned from a 21 day trip overseas where I went to Dubai, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. I am still sitting in complete awe.  Is it just me?  Last year I was struggling and am still struggling (though I must admit my ancestors let me do so in style. lol That's the power of prayer folks.)  I went from no job to employed, no home of my own and staying with roommates proved to be hazardous to my spirit and it killed my dog.  I stayed the course with help from all of you, my family and faith.  (Faith based on actual evidence) Look what happened.  I was able to take a trip through my wonderful school Texas Southern University.    Yes, yes, you know the photos are coming and they videos too.  I have been one busy woman.  So stay tuned and thank you so much for all the prayers.  I truly needed that vacation after all the trials life put me through.  I/we here are praying for all of you out there.  You are not alone, you have friends and we care.  We don't have to know your name or your circumstances to send out positive energy and light for you.  Each day I pray for all those in need who read these blogs and are on my list.  

Have a beautiful day, week, month, and year.  Holla back when you can.

Wow!  It's July time is passing so quickly.  Soon It will be August and I'll be back in school full-time 24/7.  The funny thing is I say that like I'm not in school now. lol I am but summer school is a completely different animal. Everyone is more relaxed and I'm glad!  So since my last letter in June this is what I've experienced.

Incident #1 - This week I was cursed out twice by total strangers.  Please note the key word at the end of the sentence - strangers.  Let me tell you these folks were strange too.  It was not in person but on facebook.  You should have known right? lol Well anyway, I committed on a photo of a baby being held incorrectly (only the arms were visible and I thought they were my daughters arms. lol oooops).  Thinking I knew the person holding the baby I wrote and said that she needed to support the babies neck.  The infant was very young, too young to hold up his own head.  Well the mother and person actually holding the baby wrote back and cursed me out.  She wanted to know what business of mine was it and why was I even on her page.  In fact I wasn't on her page she was posted on my daughter's page.  

Incident #2 - The next situation was a blog posting that a person in my friends put up.  She wanted everyone to weigh in on a question.  Why do studs strap on and some wear their appendages 24/7?  Many women wrote in was various opinions.  I wrote in too and a woman took offense to what I said and cursed me out.  I began my reply with a joke.  Remember the commercial, "I've fallen and I can't get up"?  Well I said they strapped on and can't get'em off. lol I thought it was cute.  I went on to say, "do they think they are fooling anyone and I wonder if they try to pee from them."  After my silly jokes I became more serious and offered my personal thoughts on the matter, followed by information I've gained through my working on the documentary, and historical information into why and how role playing first began.  Obviously I hit a nerve for one woman because she replied to my post and said don't think you know me.  How dare I basically try to analyze her or think I even know her. lol What the heck!!!?????  She thought I was judging her.

So here's my thought for the month.  No I judge no one but I do question.  Yes I question everything and everybody.  If you think you can tell me something idiotic and I'm just supposed to sit back and shut up? Then you are solely mistaken.  I think we should all examine the language we use let's not judge but by all means let's question.  That's it for me today.  Have a great day, week, month.  lol You never know when I'll be back.  Hey life, it happens.

BTW, please pray for my mother she is ill.  Thanks family

Well it's the end of the month and as far as my parenting a high school teen, I'm officially done!  It feels so darn good to reach such a joyous milestone.  The prom went off without a hitch, the graduation was fantastic, we had a small intimate gathering of family, and the finale was her 18th birthday.  Life is good.

When we last spoke I was suffering through several real life issues; the government's attack on my finances for a debt I didn't owe, which led to homelessness, (I was forced to live with roommates), the threat of bankruptcy, and joblessness.  That was a very trying time in my/our lives but we managed to pull through with style and a smile.  I am very glad to say the entire mess enabled me to teach my daughter such valuable life lessons.  She learned the power of "we", how faith actually works (it should never be blind), and the need for self sufficiency.  I wouldn't change this past year for anything.  It was nothing but blessing after blessing in disguise.  It seemed that we were struggling and experiencing bad luck. NOT!  Losing our car, being forced to live with unkind roommates, and an empty bank account, and the death of our beloved dog.  These things were all blessings.  We learned what we are made of.  We were brought closer together.  The entire time I wanted to write this blog to remind everyone here that life is all about how we chose to see it.  Often if we slow down and cool off we learn that things are not as they appear.  My grandfather taught me that there is something good in everything one just has to look for it.  Most time we are too busy feeling sorry for ourselves, we are too wrapped up in anger, or self doubt to find the true meaning.

Now it's time for me to begin the steady process of really building my career.  I'm still a mother with responsibilities but in some ways they are very limited.  She's not a baby, she's a mature young lady.  Not an adult not completely ready for life yet.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you are ready to continue this journey on the road of success.  It's been a great ride so far.

Hello,

Just a quick note.  I've uploaded a new track in time for pride.  Happy Pride everyone.  I'm still working but as I've said before this year is about my daughter who just had her prom and yes she was gorgeous.  Once she graduates and gets into school it's all about my work.  You will love the new track.  Ya'll get a dance in for me too.

It's a New Year and I hoped things would be different but clearly that was a pipe dream.  There are over 300 days left so I'm optimistic but for real friends I'm getting my butt kicked.  Between life and the federal government 2011 didn't start so nice for me.  Ok just a bit about what I've been going through.

What idiot or should I say slick jerk had the bright idea to use credit scores to determine employment worthiness?  This is the latest in scams designed to derail the American public.  It's not fair, not good business, and is nothing more than "economic profiling", a new form of racial profiling, and the latest method of destroying the family.  This is no accident, it's a deliberate capitalist plot!  Think I'm wrong?  Look around it's the perfect plan because credit effects everyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.  People who once believed they were out of harms reach are now finding themselves slaves to the dollar like all the rest of us.  They too are nothing more than numbers, dollars, and cents.  

I was a full-time student posed to graduate and finally get my long overdue degree and continue with my career and plans to reinvent myself when suddenly!  I've been accused of defaulting on a student loan to a school I never attended.  This school in Colorado RMCAD illegally took funds in my name even though I was not a student.  Now the task to prove I was never a student is completely on me.  They don't have to do anything but stay quiet and they get to wrongfully keep the funds and be unjustly enriched.  How screwed up is that?  Will they every be prosecuted? NO!  The government is  taking me the innocent victim through the ringer.  I've been terminated from my job, can't get other jobs because of credit and the wrongful default.  I'm battling the potential possibility of homelessness, depression, and buying a trench coat.  

What's wrong with us Americans?  We allow so much blatant government and corporate wrong doing go unchecked but scream to high heaven over football coaches we think need to be fired because they didn't produce a winning season.  What about our local and federal government?  What about 8 years of Bush's failed presidential tenancy?  Then the democrats & republicans have failed us for years and what do we do? Absolutely nothing.  Well most of us do nothing.  Some people like them or not formed the "Tea Party".  Called them ignorant, misguided, or political vandals but at least they are taking matters into their own hands.  WE need to stop waiting until we are victims to become vocal and mobile because by then it's far too late!

Anyway, I won't be graduating this semester, I had to put my dog to sleep, I just bought a new car then lost my job, my mother is ill, and I am facing homelessness and a nervous breakdown.  Ok wait I'm not facing a nervous breakdown.  I was being dramatic but it could and would've happened if I didn't have a strong spiritual connection.  Even still how much is one person supposed to take?  Enough is enough!  

Ok that was me venting and keeping you up to date with my life.  Believe it or not I'm in surprisingly good spirits, my health is good, and I am filled with contempt for the federal government but hope for my future.  How? lol Shh that's my secret and it doesn't involve liquids, rocks, powder, or a bump on the head. lol Well family thanks for listening.  I hope your year has begun better than mine.  Just because it's started poorly doesn't mean it will end the same. Hugs & kisses keep me in your thoughts, prayers and meditations and I will keep you all in mine.

Ochi

Today I received so many text messages, emails, tweets, and voice mails wishing me a happy thanksgiving day. That seems so nice until it's put into perspective. There are 364 other days of the year and not many people if anyone sent me an, "I'm glad to have you in my life," message or any daily thanks until now.  Is this the only time we think about our blessing?  I hope not.  I am thankful each and everyday of my life.  I say so each day to the people who see me or talk to me over the phone.  I never let the sun go down without me saying and showing my gratitude over being here another day.  

As for this day well I can't get excited over a holiday that commemorates the slaughter of millions of indigenous people.  I'm not thankful for the white supremacist, capitalist celebration this day officially represents.

Well it's several weeks later and life is still doing to me what it does.  I take my punches like everyone else and I keep on truckin' as we used to say back in the late 70's early 80's.  The government still thinks I'm in default so, I'm in limbo as far as school is concerned.  I found a job hopefully but don't hold your breath.  I am still smiling and obviously life if good because I haven't lost one pound and that's weird especially since I'm a vegan. lol Then again I've never seen a skinny rabbit, sheep, or cow and they all eat vegetables. lol What the heck was I thinking.  Guess they breast aren't going anywhere this year either. lolol  It's a good think i like having them around.

I really like my video projects they are keeping me motivated and hopefully preparing me for grad school yes I've decided to attend.  Now to decide where I shall go next.  Who knows perhaps I shall turn up in your backyard.  Maybe I shall fall in love and move close to my sweetheart.  NOT!  I'm too broke and far too busy for a sweetheart. Besides, do they make those anymore - sweetheart? lol Good night family and my the creator bless you all.

Well hopefully this will be my last semester.  I hope to graduate in December with a BA in Communications.  Notice I said "hope".  Right about now it's a crap shoot.  The Department of Education thinks I am in default from something in 1985 and 1991.  1981 is not my account and the '91 was dropped and I never attended classes.  The school never returned the funds.  The short, my life is being held up for some silly mess at the 11th hour.  

I could choose to be negative and look at this entire situation as life picking on me or I could and do choose to see this as an opportunity to do other things in meantime such as; work even harder on music, script writing, workout, find a job and well you get the picture.  It's just not worth my time to worry about things I cannot change.  For me it's all about being proactive and doing what I can to help me.  I don't want to fall into a state of depression, become ill, or just be down about something I personally have nothing to do with and no matter what can't change.  I have to trust the universe that other people will do their jobs and I have to do my part.  I have made all the necessary calls, sent out every email, snail mail, and done any and everything possible.  Now I'm moving on to other things that I need to do in my life.  So often when problems strike we get bogged down and become so absorbed that other things fall by the away side. Then we have even more problems to contend with because we let so much go.  I don't know about you but I  hate being overwhelmed.

If you've been following my career and my blogs then you know I am working on a documentary about gender identity and role playing.  It's entitle, "Code Switching 101"  It's a 3 part series the first being, "I Am Who I Am." That's where each person interviewed self identifies and tells briefly a bit about their life and how they came to their decision. Phase 2 is a panel discussion involving both butch and fems.  Phase 3 well that's still a secrete so stay tuned.  

Well thanks for dropping by.  Feel free to leave comments and let me know how you are and what's going on in your life.  Keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I will do the same for you.  Till next our text cross. 

Helllllo,

Well I've been busy with summer school but also 3 new videos in the works for both older and new songs.  It's taking so long because I have to round up women.  Yeah, that is fun but also frustrating.  You know I'm picky.  I want to find all the right people, with just the right look that represents my mindset.  I finally got my first video released and I hope everyone is watching and loving it.  I can't stay here long today, I have test and homework coming out of every hole in my body.  I have so many good songs just waiting to be heard.  I'm having a ball and so will you.  There's a new line dance with video and some dance cuts to get crunk to.

Stay tuned for more coming very soon.  I hope you like it and continue to come by.  Also, keep buying this is the only way I can keep churning out what you like.  This is my employment.  I keep it affordable to help us both.

Today I woke up to the loveliest of days.  I was sleepy, (just didn't get enough) I went to school and had and even better day.  I'm not rich, my house is still in foreclosure, and I'm happy.  I am single but I'm not lonely.  I like my own company.  Does that mean I want to be single for life? NO!  We all need to learn to appreciate self and time alone.  It's important and it's not a bad thing.  If more people learned to relish their own company perhaps there would be fewer heartbreaks.  Not because we don't get into relationships but because we are more cautious.  We would be more patient and much more discriminating.  

Far too many people feel desperate and just jump into anything even when they know it's the wrong thing to do. So family enjoy your time, feel good about being alone. Find comfort in other interest and channel that sexual energy.  Dance, write, go to the gym, create and reinvent your life.  Corporations change mid-stream when things don't work for them all the time.  Why can't people do the same thing?  Imagine yourself to be a product that isn't selling or at least not selling very well.  What do they do in the business world?  They repackage the product, (change your hair, style, get a style etc.) they change the product name (Kentucky Fried Chicken - KFC), they add more to the menu, (get a hobby and become more interesting), they do market research to see what works and what doesn't (don't ask people who lie to you), and finally they fake it until they make it.  Yeah that's the big one.  They lie until we consumers believe that mess and buy into it. lol So believe you are fabulous, behave in a fabulous manner, associate with people who think you are fabulous, and you will become fabulous.  Don't be fake, pretentious, or and idiot.  Don't be caught up in materialism, greed, or shallow. That's not fabulous.  Be spiritual, intelligent, fun loving, kind hearted, considerate, and free thinking.  That is fabulous. 

Well it just doesn't seem to ever stop.  I must have a "kick me" sign on my back.  If this wasn't so darn annoying it would be funny.  Ok it still is funny.  I can't do anything but laugh these days.  Just when I manage to get over one hurdle another pops up.  I think I have chosen the wrong career.  I should make infomericals on how to over come challenges with a smile and plenty of style.  This is so frustrating.  

Ok, over the last few months I have survived family problems, a health scare, poverty, academic derailment, a career slow down, and now this my landlord let his house go into foreclosure!  What the heck!  That was after the ceiling caved in because the water heater feel through it. lol Come on it's funny and you know it!  Who could be stressed?  It's too much, too close together, to take life seriously.  So send me positive energy, pray for me, and keep buy the music, I most definitely appreciate the support.  Though it seems bad and yes it is, I am fine.  My spirits aren't down.  I know that things will work out as always in my favor.  My crying and whining won't make a difference.  It only makes me stronger and a heck of a lot more determined.  I will survive and I will be successful and happy.  Thanks to all of you and your prayers and well wishes.

Well, first I can't believe it's been since February since my last letter.  That's not even right!  I swore I've been keeping up with my blogging or whatever this is.  Ok now that I've looked over things guess what.  I have certainly not been writing.  I've really had a bad semester.  I've suffered from family related drama, zealous teachers, lazy teachers, and fellow students that just don't care. Everything has been an uphill struggle and yet I have been blessed at every turn to not just make it through but to also do so in style, with a smile on my face.  I said it before and I will say it again.  Things are often not as they appear.  Things may appear bad but in fact be very good.  So yes I'm glad I have lived without, I'm glad I've been broke, had not electricity at times, no gas, and so much more. From my stresses have come new insights, lyrics, and inner strength.  When there was nothing for me to learn my children have benefited greatly.  Kids need to experience poverty to learn resilience, creativity, and appreciation.  This generation is so ungrateful and has a serious sense of entitlement. I don't need to tell you all that and that's not why I am here.

I have done it!  Today I am uploading my first 2 songs of the album.  I hope you like them.  I really enjoyed making them.  I tried to leave it all on the studio floor.  So please listen, buy, and refer your friends.  I need the funds to complete the entire album. lol  Well, I'm off to do my thing love you all.

Ochi

Well Hey Folks,

Wow I'm impressed with me, I'm back and it's the next month rather than several months later.  That's not bad eh?  Well as I type my head is nodding like a basketball and oh man can I dribble! lol I'm tired but I am determined to keep up with my emails, vblogs, and updates.  This is a relationship and for those of you who know me or have spoken to me, you know I value all relationships.  A good relationship is a two way street where everyone puts in according to their ability.  That being said I have to write to you no matter what. So here's the no matter what part. lol

You know they say if some people didn't have bad luck they'd have no luck at all.  lol Well I'm glad I don't believe in luck or this would certainly apply to me.  As if I need one more catastrophy in my life my kitchen and living room ceiling caved in. Yes! Hit the daggum floor! My water heater is in the attic and it was leaking - old rusty, past it's prime.  I informed the landlord long before it came to this but he ignored it and I refused to go into the attic.  It is cramped, might contain large critters, and filled with nails from the shingles that would end up stabbing me in the back.  So I deferred to my gender on this one and allowed him to play his role of "landlord and man". lol Great timing huh?  You bet!  Well He's slowly but surely getting it done.  I was out of water 24 hrs, no hot water 48 hrs, and no ceiling 5 days.  I confined my aid to clean up and I'm not shamed to tell it.  Sometimes it's important to know when "to do" and when "not to do".  This was a not moment. lol  

I'm in the studio and loving every minute accept I'm allergic to cats and the engineer owns several.  :o(   You will love what I've been working on.  Cindy of Smiley Face Recording has done a fantastic job, and so has G1 from New Ground Collabo.  I love working with other women.  I look forward to working one day with the likes of Tracy Chapman, Sweet Honey, Toshi Reagon, Doria Roberts, and many more.  They are all fantastic women and I really respect their work.  

Well that's it for me family.  I'm beyond sleepy.  I know I should proof this but seriously, I'm too tired.  So please forgive any errors and I will fix them later.  I'll post the videos as soon as I finish my class projects.  I'm home schooling my youngest (16 - 11th grade) and that has added to my already stretched load.

Keep me in your prayers, thoughts, and dreams and I shall do the same.  I know it's because of all of you that I stay encouraged and am able to do what I do.  Thanks so much.

the new year is here,

the new year is here

whether lesbian, gay, 

questioning or queer

2010 is definitely

our year!

come out, stay out

 hang out

don't bug out

new music is coming

new songs for my friends

i've been writing and 

fighting, i refuse to give in

the missions beyond me

plus ya'll kick my butt

you'll love all the tunes

every line, every cut

you'll dance, you'll laugh

you'll party without end

so a little more patience

i ask now from you

you know how life is

it'll do what it do

so on dancers,

fly prancers, 

my name ain't saint nick

i'm no easter bunny,

nope no leprechaun tricks

i'm ochi

just me

so thanks for your patience

your waits not in vain

you'll be glad you hung in

now go tell all your friends

ochi is coming 

in 2010

Well it's another year almost in the books and I've begun my ritual of reflecting over my life and the years events.  It's certainly been a heck of a ride this year but especially the last 4 months.  School has taken it's toll but I guess that is to be expected when I'm within months of my graduation. I am glad this part of my academic journey is almost done because I'm really looking forward to the next part.  Once I'm done it's on to audio engineering school.  No more waiting around for engineers for me.  Nope it will be about controlling my own destiny.  That will feel good.  It's about darn time too.  Once I am certified and competent then it's on to either film school Masters of Art or a Masters in Music.  Once audio engineering is done I will begin recording and releasing so many CD's it won't be funny.  Most of the music and lyrics are done.  Just no one I can trust to do what they say and say what they do. Isn't that how life is?

Well my first reflection is no lights again.  Darn it!  This student life is getting quite old.  I gotta tell ya I really don't like all this poverty.  Once my career is where I want it to be I really plan on working on the lives of impoverished people.  There has to be a better way.  My first mission is that of energy.  How to help people become less energy dependent.  Well that's it for me now.  Gotta run but good to talk to you all.  Keep the faith and know the music you love really is coming.

Happy Birthday To Me 

Another day less another dolla

being broke makes me wanna holla

doing what I do, still not done

running and gunning

no time for fun

no love life

no wife

a friend would be nice

still music comes first

so back to my verse

ups and downs but i don't frown

got it in my head many are dead

i'm still here, reason for cheer

kids all healthy, so am i

when i need i have

once i stashed

cash upon cash

material things never last

now time i savor

simple pleasures i favor

a minimalist before 

now even more

to fifty i've made it

it's not what thought

it's better it's worse

i don't need a nurse

no diapers for me

i'm grateful to have 

my limbs, mind, and my teeth

stress free lifes blessed me

no aliments, no grey

now you know why

happy birthday to me.

Hey Family,

Well I'm a senior and it's about darn time.  I should be completed with the first round of studies by hopefully August of this year.  Then I begin audio engineer classes which will really help to reduce my dependency on others.  Ladies if any of you are serious about making music then I would recommend going to school and learning as much as possible about audio, management, and promotions.  The more you know the less control you have to give up.  

It's been a real roller coaster ride but over all as I've said many times, I am so happy.  Change comes whether we like it or not so learn to be a part of the change.  Going with the flow isn't always the best thing.  Sometimes we get swept to places we don't want to be.  So instead be in front of change not behind it.  Navigate your own waters and plot your destiny.  It will feel much better.  Monitor the climate and don't spend your life reacting but being proactive.  

Well sister's that's it for me today.  Love yourselves, love your families, and love life.  Remember, before you do someone else, be sure to do you.  If you won't who will?  If not now when?

 

Ochi

Tonight I watched a documentary about sleep disorders and I really wanted to scream. With all their degrees and years of experience no one has ever realized some of us don't have a disorder, we're just out of order.

I'm a creature of the night. I don't sleep at night because it's not natural to me. I've been this way all my life from childhood. I am one of millions of people that have been wrongfully diagnosed as having insomnia or some other sleep malfunction. While some people do have a disorder there are many of us that are simply night people in the world of day people and unfortunately we night owls don't run the world. If society would be more accepting of us and accommodate us we'd all be much happier and more productive. Let me sleep past 7:30 a.m. Is that too much to ask? I guess so.

I Believe we need to revisit the way society is organized and become more flexible.  There needs to be more 24 hr businesses.  I love working the night shift.  Like we now have 24 hr shopping we need banks, laundromats, doctors offices, and more.  That would open up more employment as well as allowing for the differences of others within this society.  So I vote to expand our services to at least midnight to 2 a.m. in some cases.  That would be so cool.  Ok vote for me in the next election and I'll make that change.  

 

This has been a public service announcement.  Well it's past my bedtime.  I'm gonna try and get some needed sleep.  lol Deprivation is a killer.

Well as I sit and type no matter what is going on in my life I have to tell you that life is wonderful. We often get upset when life throws us a curve ball. The only thing that should ever make us upset is when we are not ready for that curve ball. Obstacles demonstrate our flexibility, agility, and preparedness. Since there's nothing we can do about it we need to be ready as much as possible at all times. After doing our best we must sit back and enjoy the ride. So today my word is - "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"!

Well the month of July is coming to a rapid end. That's neither good nor bad it simply is what it is. Meanwhile in between time I'm diligently rehearsing, learning the lyrics to all the new songs, and going over lyrics of older songs. I'm enhancing the tracks of older songs to make them even better and hitting the gym each and everyday. I won't rest until I'm back on stage doing what I love the most.

You know when it's not one thing it's another. My mother and her friends would lovingly call this the devil. I call it just wrong! Ok I have basically done my part and am still waiting for my CD to be completed by the engineer. I am not frustrated because I believe that things happen for a reason. I have no idea what that could be but I know it's a doozy and I won't be upset when things are revealed. Glitches like this have served me well and saved me from many a bad fate.

Meanwhile I'm sure everyone is wondering what the heck is going on. It's legal issues and engineers. That's all I can say. Please continue to be supportive, save your money, and be patient. We are almost there.

Hello and thank you for stopping by. It's finally happening and you get to be a part of it. June '09 my new album, "Bare Essence" comes out. I will post the first single from the album within a few days for free downloading. After 7 days it will be removed. So don't delay!

This album is about my Houston escapade. How I came to be here, what life is like for me here, my thoughts of events here, and around the world. At some point in our lives we have all been stripped down to our bare essence. It can be as a result of a relationship, financial crisis, a death, or an illness. That point is often a defining moment, a reflective moment, a moment that has the potential to alter our very path. This is my “moment” in time and I have shared it with you my fans in what will be a 2 album summary of my life and experiences.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.