Thursday, September 22, 2011

To do list

1. Finish songs
2. Define Set List/Research artist set lists
3. Keys
4. Charts
5. Practice CD
6. Research Clubs
7. Research musicians
8. Set date
9. Start promoting show

Monday, August 15, 2011

meditation and inspiration

Last night I attended my mentor Vickie Natale's show at Feinstein's. It confirmed why God put her in my path...

Vickie is an incredible artist, not to mention an incredible person. Watching her performance taught me some things about myself. I've been trying to figure out the origin of my innermost fears while I perform or even when I try to improvise with other artists/musicians... What is it that holds me back and prevents me from letting go?
Well, I saw Vickie be herself, funny, charming, and natural. No gimmicks. And really really enjoying herself. Letting herself go and being absorbed by her music. She was running around, being silly, and not being self-conscious or afraid to make fun of herself.

Yes, that's it! I'm AFRAID of making fun of myself, of screwing up, of not being perfect, of falling on stage, yes, when I wear heels I am so scared to fall, I let all these things get in my head because I don't want to look stupid.

I'm kinda shy and having the spontaneous, charming stage presence is really hard work for me. So how do I achieve just being. Just BEING. Letting go of my inhibitions and telling my brain to shut up. Really find myself and let the music take me? Stop worrying about what the musicians are doing, what I look like, if I look too fat, too silly, too sweaty...UGH.

I guess that is the challenge. I have recognized the fear. Now how do I work on getting rid of it?


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

8/10/11

Back from a long week vacation in Texas and Louisiana. Many wonderful memories were created with family and some of my closest friends. Now I'm back in NYC to focus on my short-term goals (both personal and professional).
I wanted to start doing live shows this summer, but it looks like everything that's come my way has delayed the process. In the meantime I have to get my voice in shape again and really immerse myself in the music.
Back to writing and getting the songs together for a live show. I'm anxious to sing live again and I know my followers are too.
Getting physically fit for the photo shoot. Looking for a professional make-up artist/hair stylist, ideas for my artistic "look", wardrobe, jewelry...phew! A bit overwhelmed.

Opportunities to sing again keep coming up, I feel like I'm so rusty and old, but I just need to focus and keep a positive attitude to get back on track. The more I do it, the better I will be.






Thursday, June 16, 2011

Stepping it up!

So those who know me have seen my struggle with weight loss since I was a child. In the last 5 years I have lost 75 pounds and I still have about 20-30 to lose. I am doing great with my Weight Watchers lifestyle and I love it! My fitness routine is good, but now that my schedule will allow me for more days of activity, I need to challenge myself even more.

 I have a specific goal to reach my ideal weight this summer, and I can do it in the next 3 months.
I also need to get ready for a photo shoot, so this adds more pressure since I have to do it in this specific time frame.

Today, I start an additional strength training workout. I will do this 3 times a week in addition to my regular cardio classes and jogging.

May the force be with me! A little prayer, energy drink, and determination...
I need peer support more than ever. I KNOW I CAN DO IT!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Blah

It's been one of those weeks. I have been physically and mentally exhausted. Haven't gone to the gym and haven't slept right. Today I must go to my spinning class so I can get back on track. I guess I'm allowed to have one of those weeks once in a while. My mind is trying to defeat me, my mood is not getting better, and my hormones are raging.

 I need a goal this week.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Homework

I've made significant progress since I started my voice lessons with Vickie. Letting go of fears, insecurities, and anything that blocks my creativity...
Building calluses on my fingertips has been a bit painful, but I'm managing because I'm determined to master playing and singing at the same time.
This week's homework assignments:
•incorporate vocal exercises 8-12 and practice losening up my jaw!
•work on riffs for ending "si tu no estas" (original)and write out chart with chords
•research "open mic" venues
•continue to prepare songs to perform with guitar accompaniment
•complete another song from my 21 potential original songs

Oh yeah, go to work, raise a child, be a loving wife, and work out/ eat right, pray and meditate...geez!