Blogdangit

Just Peeking In

Hello everyone. There's nothing much going on today. I'm in a small studio session right now. Actually the artist is writing to a track - so I'm just hanging out here while she's doing her thing.

A couple days ago, I went on and two strand twisted my nappy hair just to see if I could do it! My arms were tired from all that tedious detail. Earlier today, I unraveled them which is called the 'twist out' look. I love it! A friend from Cali told me how to do it.  I never knew exactly how they did that. I'd been a perm girl too long - See how behind time I am!

Everything else is everything. Y'all check me out in my music world and get at me if I can musically assist you.

Until next time...

P.S. I may post some pictures of the hair-do in a later post.

Music, No Meat and Nappy

Friends, and family --- Yes, it's been a while! I've got to do better and I will!:) Thanks for being kind enough to send me emails and make phone calls to tell me how I'm slipping on the blog.  It's not that I don't think about you all over here. It's the new routine in my life… Music or in simpler words – The Arts, which mentally and physically keeps me busy with promoting, networking, making music, making new connections, going through the bull-crap of people trying to lure you into something you clearly know to stay away from. There are some characters out there in the music industry! I'm so glad I'm a grown azz woman and recognize game.  There are too many lame opportunists! How are you going to do something for me when you haven't done something for yourself? Negroes pleeeeeease!

Okay now I shall play catch up:  Remember a few blogs back, I told y'all my family was having a moment with life. That's still a reality. But as I said before, we all we got! And love has everything to do with it.

Remember my laptop issue? I had the motherboard replaced and it came back with similar problems that worsened. After several discussions with HP, they had me to reinstall drivers, etc. Just a few nights ago, the screen went blank and non-responsive as it did originally and they walked me through some steps to get it back up. Some hours later, I received an email that they've created a BIOS UPDATE for several HP laptop models. Mine is included.  So I've got to send it in again and this update comes with a 24 month warranty.

Okay let's see what else? March 26, 2008 was my last day eating meat! No more animal flesh for me! It's been a long time coming, and for some reason it has been easy to do. Of course we all know the contamination taking place these days with the meat handling process. I've also done lengthy research on what meat does to the body, and this is the ultimate reason I decided to let it go.  I have not gotten away from meat products like egg, milk, butter, and cheese. (I'd like to eventually – but I aint that big of a girl just yet! – Baby steps….) As I'm allergic to shellfish, I've been eating mostly salmon and flounder, and lots of vegetables. I love fresh or frozen vegetables, and will also add alternate fish such as snapper, tilapia, etc. If anybody has any tips to pass along -- please I'd love to hear them.

Okay, let's see what else… Oh, I know: Last week, I removed my extended twists braids and cut out the very few nips of perm left and am now 100% nappy. And NAPPY IT IS! What have I done?!:)  April will be one year that no chemicals have touched my hair. I am now wearing the natural out and about. Yeah chile, I wore it to the club… to the store….  I've been conditioning it like crazy because I've had that extended hair in for a long time. But being tender-headed and all – I've got issues. Help!  I think I'm going to do the two strand  twists after I get my hair adjusted to its new doo.  Of course I won't leave them in -- I just want that look after you untwist them out. Any other helpful nappy hair-do suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the length here folks.  But there it is. Thanks for being patient with me.

Ya'll check me out at my music page… www.myspace.com/inkbutterproductions , or my poetry music page at www.myspace.com/poetrytracks where I'm offering music for poets for only $75!

Peace, love and hair grease… or something like that! ;)

Lady Tha ProducHer SoulTalk Radio Interview

Thanks to everyone who listened to the show yesterday! If you missed it, check it out here...

To hear the music with more clarity visit my MySpace page.

It’s Okay! Haters Are Supposed to Be!

The term 'haters' have become such a strong relevant word. Its use is common among us all. As most of us know what it means, we are often disturbed at the fact we are engaged with them. But did you know this world wouldn't be the same if they didn't exist. Let me explain:

Do you know haters are designed to be who they are? Let's define them... They are people who are against you for every reason or no reason at all -- knowingly and unknowingly! Yep that's right, they can unknowingly defy you and stab all those knife marks in your back, and still giggle grins in your face. It's because they are designed to be and assigned to you. It took some maturing for me to understand this.

If you remember the movie Ake.ela.h and the B.ee, remember the words on the plaque on the wall? Remember how she was afraid to let her TRUE light shine because some of her friends envied her? They talked about her and didn't want to be friends because she was gifted. And she didn't want to be who SHE was designed to be because she felt it was bringing her friends against her. Do you also remember how when she decided to let HER LIGHT shine, she'd began to illuminate light to others, even her enemies which she brought closer to her?

When you are a light, the dark skies will try to cover your shine. However light is brighter than dark, and those clouds soon start to move away. Feel me? Haters are a part of the plan. We can try and avoid them, but my friend; they will find you -- WHY? Because they were supposed to!

Haters can be our healers if we take them as they were prescribed to us by Life. They are who we are not! They are to make us strong, progressive and eager to achieve regardless. They are the strife in our destiny. They are the 'pain' before the 'gain.' But we have to recognize the importance of this, or they will also destroy us which is primarily their mission.

Haters do different things to deter us from our path. So who's stronger? Who's weaker? Who's influenced by the issue? Who's not? Who will prevail? Who will let them take you down? And then who has won?!

Yeah this not about a race, it's about endurance. It's about being made aware that haters are simply stepping stones to reach the other side of whatever mission we're on.

Remember we have to always respect people for who they are... yes even the haters. To entertain their trivial behavior leaves them laughing in the trenches. They love it! Silence is a very LOUD word. Believe that! It is heard very clearly. Haters love all that racket and loudness except when it's spelled S-I-L-E-N-C-E!

Being humble is so necessary as well. Remember how Jill Scott endured her recent feat? She was stunned by the aggressive public remarks; however, she chose to infuse her creativeness to get her message across. That was her healing as life prescribed, and heck need I say more about her album and her progression since?! She's on FIRE!

Please do recognize the real and don't be a fool! However, remain focused on achieving your goals, and remember the stepping stones. (You gotta get across somehow, right?!)

More importantly, there's a difference in a hater and an individual who's there to bring wisdom and insight. When an individual understands our achievements and our flaws and are there to assist us in being stronger and better; this is definitely someone who is on our side. We have to know the difference.

Laptop Bluez Again

Good Sunday to everyone. I'm sitting near a window staring out at such a gorgeous day. For a couple days my left eye has been sore, and today it is swollen. I'm not sure what happened to it. I wear contacts, and maybe I got dirt in it or something. So it looks like glasses all day today. I don't usually wear them out, but a sista can't see without somEin' in/on my eye. :)

Remember my HP laptop I had repaired just recently? (The display went blank and nonresponsive) Well I got it back a few days ago after they replaced the motherboard. Now… every time I turn it on, the display settings have to be reset, and in some cases, the desktop disappears and the screen goes blank. I talked with HP online a couple days ago and we got disconnected. I will get with them again today. My warranty expires on the unit around the end of this month; so I've got to get it back in to them especially if there are still problems. Although I was able to remove my important files before repair, they didn't reformat my drive or reset the computer to its original state. I was actually surprised they didn't have to do that. That may be all I need to do to reinstall all drivers. But I'll let them determine that.

I will say this though – HP has the BEST customer service. Initially when I spoke with them about the laptop, we went through the troubleshooting and they determined it was possibly the motherboard. A couple days later, they overnight(ed) me a box with padding and instructions on how to return the unit -- and even required a signature. They were courteous, prompt and kept me in the know during the whole process. They called me when the expected date of return was going to be delayed due to the part being out of stock. They emailed me once the unit was shipped out along with its expected date of return which was the next day. It was well-packed and again required signature. Just the other day when we got disconnected, the chat tech sent me an email indicating what all had transpired and apologized for the disconnection. That kind of service makes me want to stay in the HP family.

Everything else is still everything. Until next time friends and fam…

 

Family

Last Saturday I drove downtown to take pictures and browse (you'll find a few throughout this post). Downtown Baton Rouge is steadily on the rise, as at one time it was deader than a door knob. There are now lots of development and renovation as the city develops into a nice attraction. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. I captured really nice shots of the Mississippi as the sun reflected upon it. It's amazing to look at this river and know I've crossed it many times in several states. It's such a majestic moment.

I walked along the train tracks, walked past the very old and now renovated distinguished and elegant Hilton Hotel. I met a photographer and his wife along the levee. They were eating boiled crawfish and shrimp. We had nice conversation while the seasoned aroma of the crawfish had me craving. The hubby has some of his work in a local gallery. The wife seems very artistic as well. They were good people. I saw a few more folks eating crawfish. (It's that time of season again!) There were several people who were walking, jogging, riding bikes or just sitting along the levee.

As I became hungry, I stopped at a Po Boy shop and had a shrimp Po boy (yeah shrimp- I know) and a Co.ors Li.ght. As I sat there, I talked with the owners and learned a lot about the history of their business. They've been there for over 20 years and I never knew they existed. I left there and continued to look for interesting views to capture. I finally settled in at a coffee shop, and ordered a coffee and began to write this blog. I stayed in there until the coffee shop closed which was around 8pm. I tried to pack up and leave, but the closers told me I could stay while they were cleaning up. Wasn't that nice of them?! Sadly I never posted the blog until I rewrote it today.

When I go on sprees such as the downtown venture -- I enjoy spending time to think and absorb my thoughts. As I'm a good listener when other folks are mentally infused with life's way of dealing the cards, I am not one to comfortably share those 'types' of thoughts when I endure them. I've never been able to. I honestly don't know how to handle certain things. When things sadden me or put me in a position where it hurts badly, I get lost in myself in dealing with it. Basically I become very distant in my feelings. Some would say it's almost like avoidance and I know that's not good.

Life is not playin' fair with my family from several angles and it hurts. Family is all we got. It's who we are. It's how we exist. When we hurt, we all hurt. When we are happy, we all are happy. It's always comforting to know my family is safe and content, even when they are many miles away. I love them dearly and it's always good to know everything is alright. It's even easy to get caught up in taking that for granted. But when life makes its unpredictable 'rounds, it is times like these I wish I could take away the 'pain' and bring back the happiness we all once endured, even from many miles away. As I remain distant in my thoughts, I will never lose faith and hope. It's just hard.

Last Saturday was necessary.

 

Until next time…

In Need of Immediate Relief

Hi friends. I am soooooo working on staying up on this blog. It will be done! For the past few days I've suffered severe knee pain. If you dig back in the archives, you'll see where I've had an ongoing issue. About a month ago, I slipped and fell in wet grass at my cousin's dorm and I landed directly on my left knee – which is now the worst of both knees. A few days after the fall, the pain was extremely unbearable. I could hardly get in and out of my car, or in and out of bed. I made plans to go see my doctor, and NEVER did. I had already visited him a few weeks before to get more injections, so I wasn't ready for him again. I have a few friends which tell me they don't understand how I endure pain the way I do as I'm not quick to get to the doctor, but eventually I do! Believe that!

So now, and ever since the fall, my left knee is very painful. I seriously can't take it anymore. Because I spend a lot of time sitting in the studio, overall, both knees are worse. The type of work I did before most definitely kept a sistah moving. And even moving about excessively also kept me in pain. Over a year ago, my doctor instructed that I do both but with moderation while balancing walking and sitting which worked out even though I was a bit hard-headed at times. I'm just not a keep-still person (isn't there a name for that?!) unless I am doing something of interest, and in my eyes NOW, that would be my arts. Other than that, I gotta keep moving.

So with trying to relieve these knees of pain and stiffness (my athletic years have REALLY caught up with me -- if you ever hear my knees pop it would freak you out), I've first called my doctor and made an appointment to hopefully get some immediate relief and of course x-rays and advice, and secondly, because I've slacked off tremendously with my routine treadmill exercise and walking, I'm slowly starting back. Of course, I'll consult with my doctor first just in case I've incurred injury to my left knee from the fall. I HOPE he doesn't send me to therapy again. I aint got time for that! And more importantly, maybe he'll think it is time for surgery since he's put me off for so long. Forget age – it's time to NOT feel the pain anymore.

 

Hustlin’

Since 11/9 (hmm - never looked at it that way), I've been hustling and grinding it out in this studio. I mean I've been putting in anywhere from 12-18 hours a day. I've begun to incorporate extra effort and determination in my daily ritual.

I've found the internet to be my most lucrative avenue because I can produce music, transfer tracks, record and mix-down projects without meeting a client face to face -- and my ultimate goal is to ensure they are completely satisfied. So that alone takes drive and commitment.

I've become so strong-forced with desire to succeed at this, that I'm comfortable with not hanging out as much I used to, or not talking on the phone (which I didn't do much anyway) or finding I'd rather be in the studio creating or networking most of the time. I'm at the point that whenever I'm in here, I'm productive. (Even if I'm just working on my writing projects) And now as things are picking up, there's always something to work on.

I used to consider this work habit as a selfish act which bothered me somehow -- but I had to lose that thought because nothing is gained when it's not earned. Labor is what brings the fruit. So the hustle is on…

I believe God placed me in this time. He created the talents within me, and when he makes demands that it's time to utilize them to the fullest and for me to stop playin' – I've got to do just that.

So, family and friends, if you're reading this and are somewhat affected by my lack of communication, let me say it's not you. It's me! It's a new way of life for me now, and what I need more than anything is for you to continue to be the true person you are as I'm being lead by God to bring this to fruition.

Until next time …

Track Aint Working

I'm here in the studio, and NEEDED to take a break. The track I am working on is just not coming together. It beeez that way sometimes… The drums AINT working with the sample, or the sample AINT working with the drums. I really feel like doing one of my off the dome pieces. You know that straight no-digging-in-crates-for-sample-stuff type of music.

I am so quick to delete whatever's not working for me. Another producer brought to light that what I may call garbage may be a banger to someone else. My thought = Whatever! 'Cause I got to be somewhere in the middle of feeling it. Ya know!

We as artists and producers need several elements to get into that creative zone. All I need is alone time. I sometimes refer to it as brain-time. I may add a glass of wine, or a daiquiri, but it's not a requirement. I mostly need my moment of no distractions to fully focus on what I'm hearing and what I'm doing. I've created some really nice tracks with nothing but me. I've heard some folk say how they have to smoke to relax and create. Whatever your hustle dawg -- it's not me, and never have been. I've never been interested! (heck naw I aint no goodie-two-shoes – I went through that crap during peer pressure in school!)

With all that said, writing relieves my mind. Always have. I can sit here and talk to y'all and not hear you talk back, and be well in spirit with that. But I have to feel like we're connected – like you are actually reading and feeling me. Sort of like I've reached out to you, and you've reached back, even when and if you don't agree.

So thank you for allowing me this moment to talk to you. I'm glaring over at my keyboard and now ready to try it again – hopefully, this time I'll bring it on home.

Peace & Light my readers…

Laptop Blues Again

Hello friends.

A few days ago, my HP laptop that I purchased less than a year ago would not wake up from the night before. I locked the screen as I left it unattended while the computer eventually went to sleep. What happened between then and the next day, I've no clue. I troubleshot the obvious conditions and still nothing. I contacted HP via live chat and they basically walked me through the same things again. Still nothing! During the latter part of the conversation after giving up my serial and purchase date etc, my tech told me it's strongly possible that the motherboard had crashed.

I've been doing much better with backing up since I've had a couple of failures in the past which I have lost data. My last backup was on December 27, 2007, which is not that bad. And honestly, I was getting ready to do a current backup the day of the failure because I'd acquired several pictures and had created a few graphic designs since then. I'm glad I do have my writing projects backed up on a memory stick. :)

I still hope they don't have to reformat my drive when changing out the motherboard. From my speculation, they shouldn't have to. I'm waiting for them to send me the RA and a box to return the laptop, and was going to put a note in it asking please not to reformat the drive. (Yeah right huh?) I'm going to contact them again online and make the same request. :) Whut?!

I even thought about pulling the drive out of the computer and install it in a enclosure kit and save all the contents to an external drive -- then reformat the hard drive. The tech even suggested I remove the hard drive and remove any content that I didn't want destroyed. He even sent me a link to a place where I could purchase an enclosure -- but of course I already have one. I should have saved the conversation, 'cause I'm thinking I may void the warranty if I tamper with the drive. So there it is – Laptop Blues. Lady's without her baby. I'd be sick if I didn't have this baby (studio desktop) although I try to stick strictly to recording on this one.

I'm still grinding with this music thing. Ya'll check my MySpace music page and hit ya gurl up if you're looking for tracks.

Peace and luv and light…

Talent Shows

As the heading states: I'm referring to 'talent shows' as a business, group or persons having one, two, or more persons on their squad who basically have no talent and it's ruining the whole concept. And everybody in the click is talking so loud about how they are the shit, that nobody can hear or see the lack of talents displayed. And if the lack of talent is recognized, the truth is not revealed because of protecting long-term friendships whether they are intimate lovers or close acquaintances. This is clearly evident that business and personal affairs don't mix!!!

If your folks are not talented enough to carry you and the group or business, then there needs to be a cut-off point. But you have to recognize that. If your friendship or relationship has grown that much where you can't make the right business decision with them, then perhaps they are not best for the business, or you are not serious about this industry of entertainment.

It's always easy to encourage by telling the truth. If you feel perhaps they need conditioning and or re-assessment with what they call a gift, then we as open ears and eyes should give them that. Be honest. It may hurt at first, but there's no way it's not going to help them later on.

I've watched the wanna be's and the gonna be's. I've seen knuckle-heads say they're hot, and depending on and dancing to the rhythm of their own drums while hyping themselves and juggling between each other for ^5's. That's cool, but you've got to come outside your circle and connect with a group of true supporters. (Real ears and non-biased opinions)

Perhaps I want to see the best in everyone, and for everyone to succeed. But we all know that's not possible. As producers, artists and business leaders, we all need support. I'm not talking about your fans or dawgs that hang out with you in the studio -- but a group of people who support your movement and are true fans of your talent. We can sit around all day and talk jive about how we're the hottest shit to hit the streets, but what happens when you got to prove it. And in that case, if you're good, it will reveal itself. People talk, and people listen.

Check yourselves and your group of talents you're working with, and sit down and have the talk if you need to. Evaluate the circumstances and the situations. Keep it real with your peoples, and by all means remain humble! There are too many arrogant players on the field. Be the one to stand out by doing business and making music that makes others brag about you.

Keep risin…

Tha ProducHer

Breakfast

Picture this… waking up to an egg scramble dish including sausage and cheese, and homemade skillet coffee cake with ingredients such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, and it even had a homemade streusel. I'm not talking boxed or pre-made stuff! And there was a pot of fresh coffee to wash it all down.

Where did this all come from, and how is it that I can easily be spoiled by this type of thing? My lil' cousin Evan prepared this meal. She's made the eggs before and garnished them with parsley. What blew me away was the coffee cake. I don't even know how to make coffee cake. The food was good!

I am very proud of her and didn't realize she had such talent. As you all know I enjoy cooking, and she comes from a slew of family folks who also love to cook.

So… I guess she get it from her people…

Having a Moment

Hello friends. At this very moment I am sipping on a glass of Pinot Grigio by Sutter Home. GOOD STUFF! I'm sitting here actually thinking about the contents of the writing projects I'm working on. I'm also thinking about how I sooooooooooooo miss my friends, co-workers, and acquaintances along the highways and byways of this great country. I miss the snow storms and white outs and temps so cold, it became an advisory to expose skin for more than 30 minutes. I miss the airports and delays and shuttles and short term parking in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, New York, Memphis, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Denver, and Omaha. I'm sure I've missed a few. I miss the cities and countries and mountains and hills, and people of different cultures, race and structure. I miss the Maine lobster in Maine, the walks along Manhattan and the somber feeling of the atmosphere one year after the towers fell. I miss the country roads and the farms and strangers taking me in their homes and cooking me steak dinners and seeing tractor pulls for the first time. I miss hearing high school children talk about feeding the chickens every morning and milking the cows before school. (much admirable to see young people so disciplined)

I miss the sand storms, and the thunderstorms just outside my hotel window as the winds blew so hard it hailed golf balls. I miss the Cajun cooking in the hotels feeding staff of two or three because they had never had the taste of Louisiana – while being over a thousand miles from Cajun land (home). I miss having to wear the long winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf and waterproof shoes just to go to the grocery store.

I miss the visits to the Mall of America, the stroll along Virginia Beach and staring at the huge Nova Scotia cruise ship just before it sailed to sea as it sat on the Atlantic Ocean. I miss the interstates 55, 65, 40, 95, 85, 44, 35, 10 west, 70 and 80, to name a few.

I've only scratched the surface here. There are so many memories and I am grateful and blessed to have endured the wonderful experience of these things and more during my travels. Always being an adventurous type, this just makes me proud to have traveled thus far.

If you're new to my blog, please dig through the archives and travel back with me as I took you there.

I realize now that I was creating history. I didn't realize the importance of the experience until now when it hit me that I've… been places and have seen life's wonders through many things. I'm honored. I know it was planned and here I am. As that chapter has closed, the livelihood of the experience is forever embedded in my soul.

I'm also thinking about the here and now. How I'm indulging in the arts. How I'm connecting to another chapter in my life. How I'm reaching out to find the ultimate purpose of my well-being. I believe it all plays a part of my existence. And again, I'm thankful.

I think I'm just having a moment. There's never enough time in a day to absorb it all.

3am

Good morning friends. I napped for a few hours and now wide and awake and accompanied with a one-year old. That would be my niece A'Naiya. I think I could go back to sleep, but uhm, she's not having it right now. As I type this post, she's physically standing on top of my extra large CD book which holds like over 300 CD's. I'm telling you the girl's alert and ready for the day. I just had her on my lap and she peed all over me through her Pamper and PJ's… okay. Hmmm… Yeah right… me too! So gotta take care of that… we'll be right back.

Okay! Back… I'm sitting at my desk thinking about daylight and the few errands I need to run later. I do have several things to do in the studio as well. Y'all hit me up at my music page to check out my latest creations. I think I'm going to go read other blogs now to be enlightened, encouraged, fulfilled, and simply to be… entertained.