July Thanksgiving

Whew chile, I really be doin too much...

Long Post Alert:

This month has been truly spectacular for me as a musician and, even though it's not over yet, I need to put this out here in the world before I forget.

Not working at MATC, from July 1st thru August somethin, kinda worried me. I got a bit anxious because I got use to collecting a paycheck over the last nine months and I didn't have very many shows lined up. The hustler in me wouldn't let me worry too long before jumping into action 😉💪🏾

One of the first things I did my first week off was meditate on how absolutely grateful I am for the strength and ability to do what I love. It was only a couple years ago I was battling severe health issues that required an emergency surgery. #womenshealthmatters After the surgery I gained strength and vitality I hadn't felt in over a decade! Acknowledging what I went thru and where I am today only brings tears of joy.

The other very important thing I did was start a book I've been eyeing for months. I started listening to Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz on Audible at the start of my day and it completely got me focused. Applying pressure to negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy has returned to me the drive I had in my 20s. There are so many gems in the book! For me, it's about retraining the mind in order to combat the trauma my family and I faced last year. If we can change our thoughts, we can literally change our lives!

The book, along with spending quality time envisioning what I want for my life, has been incredible. The sermons preached and service rendered at UGHOP has anchored me in a way I didn't think possible some years ago.

I went from a hand full of shows to gigging multiple times a week in July and, as of today, August is nearly booked to capacity.

Now to the part where I get to thank people...

July 8th thru the 10th was my band's first weekend music extravaganza. Brian Morrison, Nathan Sales, South Milwaukee Farmers Market committee, 8900 Bar & Bistro at the Four Points Sheridan Browndeer, Crumbles Confectionery, Natasha Jewels and the entire Jewels Caribbean Restaurant family and staff, Venice Williams/Alice's Garden, Hannah Johnson-Breimier, Cheri Johnson, Ben Sadek, Deon Sartin, Palet Catering & the Roberson Family, Mark Yencheske, Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, Pa Selo & Kojo Reggae Band, Paul Burk, Latrece and Montreal from the Sherman Phoenix show, Darrell Pate and last but definitely not least, my amazing parents and babygirl along with the gentlemen of Shuga Blu; Quincy Holloway, Cody Becht, Demetrus Ford, Tommy Gallagher, Stuart Greenbaum, Derrick Greyhound McDowell, Michael Sodnik, Josh Wilke and my newest friend, David Anthony... my heart is continually giving thanks for you and your support. My life was pretty jacked up in my 20s and 30s,,, you make it so much better 🙌🏽

I've got to also give huge thanks to my family for coming to my shows. It's been so wonderful seeing familiar faces in the crowd, especially since I played almost 10 years and saw No One I recognized 🥲 Cousins Sheila, Toi, Isaiah, Scott, Ruby, Jeanne, Mia, Lil Bit, Erica, Dhysen, Nesia, Uncle Joe, bestie Jo Jo Joanna 😄 and the homies Eric Carter and family, and students from MATC - your faces lit me up like little lightening bugs in the summer time! When I see my people dancing, laughing and wiggling in their seats, it makes it all worth it. There's a weight I carry as a lady musician but watching you all feel the magic lightens my load every single time. To all of our new followers, welcome to the family! #shugababiesforlife

I'm almost done...

Being a musician, especially a lady musician, I've felt left out, disrespected, undervalued and misunderstood. This industry will eat you alive if you let it. The comrades I've been blessed to have are just as important as my band mates. Steph Lippert, Evan Christian, Valerie Benton, Craig Tate, Forrest Mckenzie, Marlon Roberson, Isaiah Lewis, Jermaine Rideout, Tori Yocum, Steve Peplin, Robbi Heighway, Liz Wallace, Hal Miller, Janet OMahoney, Joe Jordan, Uncle Darryl Thomas, Killa Joe, Milliyon, KC Sizzle... I love you forever.

Until next time ☮🕊🌸🦋❤