justochi: Ochi's Journal

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

Well life is a funny thing and people keep me rolling. I am glad I was created as I am. I'm not very tall, I wasn't born rich and I love women! Whew! My life has made me a determined person. I've learned not to give up no matter what people say or do. Though I really don't like a beat down I can take a punch and will if I have to.

I say that because these days it seems I'm taking quite a few punches. I've been told not once, not twice but countless times now to give up, pack it in and move on. I am talking about my music. Several so called "well meaning" people have told me they love my voice, my creativity and style but why bother singing gay and lesbian music? They say the world, society, the mainstream and even same gender loving people are not ready for openly lesbian lyrics. It's too soon! Meanwhile they say I'll go broke and end up homeless and suicidal. They tell me court the all might DOLLAR and think about my future.

I am thinking about my future and the future of all gay and lesbian people. We need to feel normal all the time. We need to feel loved, respected, visible, and protected all the time wherever we are. Not just in our homes or in our clubs. I refuse to be confined to weekend freedom. That's not free. I like eating in a restuarant and hearing lesbian music. Why not? I hear all other types of music. We all like to see images of ourselves positively portrayed in society. We deserve no less. So I'll continue to openly and defiantly play, make, write and sing lesbian music. If my own community is afraid of me and if the mainstream preaches against me I won't stop. As long as one other person other than me wants to hear it I'm gonna keep on churning it out.

It's cold, it's wet and it's getting old. I am so over all this snow! I love Colorado but I can so completely live without anymore cold and snow. Snow is beautiful and makes lovely pictures. Since I'm a go with the flow kind of person, I will make the best of this weather. I've shoveled and gotten my exercise on, I've rescued several stranded motorist, played with my dogs, taught my son how to drive in the snow, and now I'll video tape so you can share in the moment with me.

Today is my mother's birthday, my little friend Kasey (11), and my beloved deceased friend Mrs. Robinson.

Well I'm blessed to have made it thru yet another year. I'm blessed to still have friends, family and precious business associates. Many did not make it this year. I am blessed to survive a bad cold, a serious colon cleanse, 4 know it all teenagers, with puberty, George Bush and a failing economy, an accident prone dog, one sneaky dog, another failed relationship, (don't ask) and the "so called" random checks that happen each and every time I fly.

All in all it's been a very good year. I look forward to 2007 and all the new, exciting people I shall meet and places I shall go. I look forward to sharing my new album now in the works. I look forward to many more performances and the opportunity to entertain and share with others. I hope and pray that I learn more and more about the recording business and that I am able to pay forward and share all I learn with other women and youth who would like to venture down this well traveled road.

Inclusion I bid a fun farewell to 2006. It has truely been great to me and I go into 2007 with a prayerful, energetic, hopeful, positive attitude. Remember, how we start is how we finish. What you put in you get back. See you in 2007, peace and hair grease.


Ochi

WOW! That's who I feel about the Herland Women. They are a wonderful, delightful bunch of people. Very warm hearted and generous as heck! They are truely a performers dream. The venue was pleasant and hassle free. I can't wait to perform there again.

Well I'm about to head out for the airport. I am excited and very nervous. The Chicago gig was a great opportunity to get mentally prepared for Oklahoma. I look forward to meeting new people and seeing new places. I also am excited and a bit on edge when I realized I shall be performing my CD for the first time. So keep me in your prayers and send all the warm wishes you can.

It's off to my favorite city, Chicago! Ya know there are places and people that leave a stain on your brain and blotch on your heart. Chicago is such a place. They have crazy, mad love for a sistah and I have the same feelings for them. I really appreciate all the love and support they send me. They are an artist dream. So you know I've got to give them my all and then some.

Well I am in the midst of show preparations. I am quite excited since I've never been to Oklahoma for more than the time it took to fill my gas tank and use the restroom.

So far I've met several wonderful people online that I hope to meet and greet face to face. Now that I've abandoned the idea of finding Ms. Right I can focus more on my music and developing a dynamic show. Since I'm putting all that sexual energy into my show it should be off the chain.

I'm certainly looking forward to sharing my music with the women of Herland in Oklahoma.

Well friends the love thing didn't work out like I/we all hoped it would but I met wonderful people and enjoyed a vacation. I even snuck a little bit of business in while I was away.

I was able to introduce more people to the Gatekeeper sound and networked with several creative, talented, professional women.

So maybe love wasn't in the cards but I don't think I missed a thing.

Well I am gearing up for the release of my new CD. Thanks to all the love and support I know it will be successful. I am also beginning rehearsals for upcoming shows and the CD release party. It will be a smash, I hope to see you there.

TO ME BEING BORN SAME GENDER LOVING IS A BLESSING. NOT AN OBSTACLE TO BE OVERCOME AS SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BELIEVE. FOR ME BEING BORN FEMALE, BLACK, SHORT, AND SAME GENDER LOVING HAS BLESSED ME TO BE THE PERSON I AM. REMOVING ANY ONE OF THESE COMPONENTS WOULD DRAMATICALLY ALTER MY PRECEPTIONS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES. THIS WOULD EFFECT MY CRAFT. I ENJOY MY CURRENT INSIGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND DYSFUNCTIONS. MY PASSIONS COME FROM A GOOD PLACE INSIDE ME, THEY ARE PAST MEMORIES, PRESENT HAPPENINGS, AND ADVENTURES WAITING TO BE WRITTEN AND SUNG. I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME AS I ENCOUNTER NEW DISCOVERIES ALONG THE WAY.