My Perfect World

I remember Robbie asking this leading question a long time ago:

"In your perfect world..." (Where would you be in a few years?)

Robbie has been the studio manager at several different locations where I've worked over the years, and remains a studio manager and a good friend (family, really) today. Robbie's question itself makes you define your goals. By answering it, you create the pathway for your dreams and goals to come true. You are saying it out loud, envisioning your future, taking the first step toward realizing those intentions.

Eddie Fluellen, Me, Nate Hughes

Nate Hughes

Me, Amelia Rose, Lanise Hughes, Steve Arrington

Me, Mark Love Gonsalves, Amelia Rose, Randall Bostick

Me, Mark Love Gonsalves

Levi Ruffin, Me

The last couple of weeks have felt like that perfect world for me. First, I performed in Las Vegas as a part of Rick James's Original Stone City Band. Words can scarcely describe how special and poignant that was for me. I started out on the music scene in Buffalo with so many of his musicians as my mentors. I was brought up, so to speak, in the musical family that lived and breathed his sound. It felt like home to be there with his band.

When I arrived back in Buffalo after that show, I was in what feels like my home away from home too. It was the studio - with Robbie, Russ, Joey and Paul. We recorded lead vocals on two tracks for what will be my second album. It was perfect.

Joey Diggs, Me, Paul Anthony, Russ

I'm positively basking in gratitude for all of my musical mentors and the amazing opportunity to work with them. So many people I cherish - all in a couple of weeks.

Sometimes... gratitude just overfloweth.

Have a most Blessed week! xo

Namaste,
T

"To Everything... There Is A Season"

I'm torn. I want to tell you all about how I flew to Las Vegas and had a fantastic time performing with Rick James's Original Stone City Band. The problem is that this earthly world lost my sweet, Great Aunt Josephine and the legendary Aretha Franklin this week as well.

Just back from my travels last night, I came to the coffee shop to sit and write this today. First I looked up funeral arrangements. Aunt Josephine's funeral was this morning and I'm sorry to say I missed it.

An Angel Feather at Rehearsal

I think I'll wait until next week to share the show details with you. Right now - I'm going to have some quiet time and reflection.

A tremendous "thank you" to all of those who came before us and helped guide our path. May we pass on the kindness and inspiration with Love and appreciation.

Namaste,
T

Don't Look Back

This is all I have this week. I saw it on an inspirational poster in a shop. There was no author that I could find. It really stuck with me.

Rehearsals this week in preparation for the big show! I've been working hard and there's more of that this week.

Blessed week to you!

Namaste,
T

#TeenaMarie

xoxo

Listen

There we were in the backyard. He kept saying, "Truck! Truck!" I said that I didn't see a truck anywhere, but ok - truck. Then he said, "Listen."

WHAT??? I didn't even know he could say the word "listen" - and he used it correctly in the appropriate context! I listened. Sure enough, there was the sound of a truck on the road nearby. I could hardly believe it. We spent some time listening and identifying sounds.

Shortly afterwards, we took a trip to the library, where the librarian showed us a puzzle with different vehicles (truck, airplane, helicopter, ambulance, etc.). When you put a puzzle piece in correctly, it makes the corresponding sound. While still at the library, the noon whistle went off at a nearby fire station. He exclaimed, "SIREN!" :)

I guess this week is about listening. Thanks Zachary, for reminding Mommy to listen. Lead the way, kid. xo

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; 

they listen with the intent to reply."

- Stephen R. Covey

Blessed week to you!

Namaste,
T