Xavierism

Stuff Like That There...

Aly and Doug at Hobb Knobs in Phoenix from RODAN on Vimeo.

***Random Play

*Aly Tadros: Things Worth Keeping
*Sheila Kirsten Hughes: Perspectives
*Erin McCarley: Love, Save The Empty
*Ingrid Michaelson: Everybody
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Jennifer Knapp: The Way I Am

One can always feel added Hope at the beginning of each year. This year is no different. During the last few days of each December, I tell myself that I the beginning of January will lead me to a year of minimalist living. Okay, it's actually my version of minimalist living but it's a start, right? My goal during the early January clean up was to eliminate things that have no personal attachment and items will never be used again.

Local Phoenix blogger, Matthew Petro, wrote a great blog entry, Stuff Sucks. Title pretty much sums it up...but it is a great read. It had me thinking about certain things I've been holding on to but have no real valid reason for doing so. I decided it was time to get rid of much of that stuff this year. Holy cow...I've done just that! Yeppers, Xavier is junk free. Those that know me well and have been over to our house know that our place is very much organized. I'll admit that it's very much so thanks to me than Rodan.

I've never been one to hoard things but after watching a few episodes of A&E's Hoarders, it did light a fire under my fat butt to do something about the various items that needed to leave from this house. I'm convinced that a few of my friends are hoarders. You never really know how a person is until you've been to their apartment/condo/house. A person can appear to be all together but keep a messy and dirty home. I never understood that combination but thankful I'm not part of that mix and match batch.

All in all, I'm happy that our house is slowly coming together. We have a few house projects set for this Spring. We count our blessings and go forward. Advice: Get rid of your junk & stuff. There's no reason to hang on to things you'll never use again. Just do it!

Go Cowboys & Cardinals!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Aly Tadros' Paper Mache

Current Mood: Content & Hungry!

Thank you, 2009

Rodan & I by the window in our room at The Harlem Flophouse.

The beginning of 2009 started out strong. I felt grounded and in a great place for most of the first half of the year. During the summer, I learned a great deal about people and friendships. I kept finding myself contemplating a great quote by Miki Howard, "Everyone who says they're a friend doesn't mean they're your friend." This quote helped me out during the late 80's and early 90's...and again in 2009. I'm blessed to have such great friends in my inner circle.

I found myself really enjoying more time at home. I've always been a home body but this year I really tackled various home projects. I look forward to doing more around our home in the new year.

Yesterday was the anniversary of Buelita's death. Every day since then, her memories are a part of my daily blessings. Every time the wind chimes make a sound, I feel her spirit. I find it amazing how Love goes on and on.

Overall, I am thankful for the abundance of small blessings during a year when so many people around me were struggling. End of 2009 turned out to be the best part of the year: a trip to NYC! It was great to be back in NY. I keep reliving the memories from this last trip. The older I get, the more I am thankful for today. Thank you, 2009, for the lessons, added wisdom, and the joy & love. I'm back on solid ground!

Current Music: Shannon Brown's I Wont Lie

Current Mood: Loved, Thrilled, Happy, & Excited for 2010!

Short & Sweet

Clockwise: Stephanie, Toni, Mark, Kat, and Myself.

***Random Play
*Jaymay: Autumn Fallin'
*Nichole Nordeman: Woven & Spun
*Justin Young: All Attached
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Tracey Thorn: Out Of The Woods
*Dave Yaden: Bear Me Up

I was reading over old blog entries from 1998. I can't believe I was reading words and emotions from ten years ago. I could remember actually writing many of those entries. So many names of friends throughout those journal entries are still in my life. I'd be lost without my close circle of friends.

I have been looking forward to this week for many reasons. I'm thankful for the weekend. I enjoyed sharing time with Kat, one of my best and oldest friends. This past Monday afternoon, I decided to invite a few friends over for dinner. It turned out to be a great dinner party. We served a Pork roast, turkey balls, and a tasty Zucchini tart. For dessert, I made a Spiced Plum Gingerbread Cake. Conversation flowed like a rich wine. New friendships were made.

The house was painted. A new G3 Baracuda Pool Cleaner is doing it's job in the pool. It no longer looks like a swamp. Morning coffee with the birds by the pool will be enjoyable again.

The month of October has been rough. This month marks the anniversary of Buelita's death and Father's first Birthday since he passed away. I surrounded myself with love. I've wrapped myself around my faith. I'm more than okay. I'm truly blessed. Time for a slice of Spiced Plum Gingerbread cake.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Tracey Thorn's Raise The Roof
Current Mood: Contemplative and Loved

Little Things

 

***Random Play
*Terra Naomi: Under The Influence
*Luthea Salom: Sunbeam Surrounded By Winter
*Sia: Some People Have Real Problems
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Yale Naim & David Donatien: Self Title CD
*Allison Sattinger: VOX

The little things make me happy. I'm thrilled that the pool looks great & inviting. I love that my birds seem happy. I love watching my clothes dry out on the breeze catcher. I love that I've been reconnecting with certain friends. As busy as our lives get, it's such a joy to stop and reconnect with those that we love and care.

Vaseline. I love, love, love their Cocoa Butter Line. The Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion feels awesome as it penetrates the skin. Better yet is the Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter...a true joy! It that wasn't enough, the Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil is by far my fave of the line. I love how this product actually seems to give my skin a healthy glow. Yes, the little things in life make me happy! We had to make various adjustments to our air system and add a few changes around the house, it's been a cooler summer. The additions have shown to be working according to the electric bills.

Usually, I'm zooming here and there during my free time...but with gas prices as they are, I am happy to keep myself company at home. There are so many chores that can be done around the house...and one by one they're getting done. I haven't been online as much but I love updating my Twitter thoughts via my cell phone....another Simple Joy.

Mother gave me a Recipe Keeper. I am now able to keep all my recipes together. Yesterday, I enjoyed quiet time while I organized the binder. I realized that there are so many recipes that I would like to try. I hope to have various friends over for Autumn dinners. So if all goes well, I'll be sharing many recipes with you.

I'm in a good place right now. I've been meditating often and really listening to my inner voice. That part of me has a great deal to say...it's been screaming at me for some time. So I've enjoyed the quiet moments and truly gathering my thoughts together. During these times, the mirror and it's reflection becomes my best and worst friend.

It seems just yesterday we were ringing in The New Millennium. It's now 2008. I remember when my daily life was given a jolt thanks to the early coverage of The French Open and Wimbledon. Where did the early Summer go? The Olympics is just around the corner. More and more I feel the need to complete the items from my To Do List. A simple entry about the Little Things that currently make me happy. Regardless of what the status of the world is right now, I give thanks to the things that do bring Light to my spirit and soul. At the end of the day, I always remember to give thanks for today.

Current Music: Luthea Salom's Like A River
Current Mood: Blessed & Thankful

My Only Job In Life Is To Be Me...

Shannon Brown's I Won't Lie

***Random Play
*Melissa Polinar: Sound Vault Sessions
*Shannon Curtis: Boomerangs & Seesaws
*Judith Owen: Happy This Way
*Mozella: I Will
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Jennifer Vazquez: Bend

Sometimes the hardest part of writing a new post is the beginning. The first paragraph of thoughts seems to give me trouble from time to time. So many things come to mind and I wish I could introduce each of you to the collage of thoughts that are in need of an escape from my mind.

Last week was a very productive week. I feel thankful for the new people and clients that have entered my life. I'm thankful for the good friends that I have that have allowed me to share and vent about recent moments. I'm blessed to have family members and amazing friends that are authentic. For those of you that have such true souls and spirits in your life, thank them. Praise them. Remind them. Nothing worse than to have people in your life that only say the things you hope they say rather than the truth. So many people say the welcome and invite straight forward talk but it's those same individuals that will cause havoc and drama if you go against their make believe world. Communication is always and the foremost key to settling matters and differences. Yet cowards find a way to distribute negativity and shield themselves from their own doings. I was informed of a coward's words and negativity through exchanged messages to others and forward emails. I, for one, do not want such negativity in my life so it's best that I my distance from such particular  individuals. Terra Naomi wrote an absolutely honest blog post. She captured the core of my sentiments on this matter. Her words were definitely food for thought. Be honest, be true to one's self. If people can't handle the truth then there's no need to have such people in one's life.

March 7th's gig at Cooperstown went well. Sarah Vanell, Amber Norgaard, Sacha Sacket, and Jennifer Vazquez were amazing! Dani Coulter hosted the benefit concert and Annie Loyd, a dear friend running for US Congress, spoke to the crowd about social awareness. Shon and Lizzy of KWSS were present and broadcast the show live via radio and on the station's web site. Michael Mattingly of Perfect Timing Entertainment and I make a great team. So thank you to each of you that made this evening wonderful. The above mentioned are truly professionals in their prospective fields...so again, Thank you!

Shannon Curtis is an amazing LA singer/songwriter. I truly enjoyed her Phoenix gig. If you're not familiar with Shannon, please get acquainted with her intimate music. You will fall in love with her voice, lyrics, and style.

I'm quite disgusted with Florida's Democratic party and their decision not to seat those delegates at the Democratic National Convention. Yes, those at the top of the Democratic Party decided to make changes knowing that penalties could affect the state. It's not the every day citizens of Florida to blame. I would be so frustrated if my vote didn't matter. After the 2000 Presidential election, Florida must be permitted to voice itself.

Shannon Brown's I Won't Lie video?  This is one of my all time favourite Country songs. I remember when the song was released. I loved it and I was looking forward to Shannon's release of her first CD. Her label folded and she lost rights to the songs. Of course it happens all the time in the music industry but I was really bummed to hear that it happened to this particular singer/songwriter. As soon as I found out that the video was placed on YouTUbe, I knew I had to place it on a blog post.  I had so much more to write about but I'm HUNGRY! Until next time...

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Judith Owen's Cool Life
Current Mood: Hungry & Content

Thursday Morning Thoughts

***Random Play
*AM: Soul Variations
*Morley: Days Like These
*Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine
*Judith Owen: Happy This Way
*Julia Fordham: That's Life
*Kiff: You Can't Keep It Down

Worse part of the day is when I sit down and launch the browser and read the headlines on CNN. Today's headline: 14 US Troops Killed Over Last 48 Hours in Iraq.   According to the article, 3,454 US Personnel have died in Iraq. Those are numbers Bush & Cheney can't hide or deny. It's impossible to erase the death count of troops like the millions and millions of emails missing from the latest White House scandal.   

I'm beginning to feel the ground from underneath me.  It's a good feeling. I'm blessed to be surrounded by good friends and loving family members. This past weekend, I spent time gardening in the back yard. The plants look wonderful. Thanks, Jude, for the inspiration.

Little by little my office area is looking better. Considering I share the Arizona room with Kylie & Baby Ella, it's not too bad. Time to get a move on and start a productive day.
      

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: AM's Everybody's Jesus
Current Mood: Contemplative

A Quiet Night

Listen on Myspace

***Random Play
*American Catapult: Trees of Mystery
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Julie Loyd: The Waiting Room
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine
*Ernie Halter: Congress Hotel 

Here I sit in the dark enjoying a quiet moment at home. Rodan is still at work and the birds are sleep. I'm listening to the music of wonderful singer/songwriters that write about the positive goodness in every day life.

For the last few months, I've been busy on weekends thanks to music promotions & gigs. For the most part, I always looked forward to the weekend because I knew I had to be somewhere. Correction...I wanted to be at this or that gig.

This past weekend, American Catapult, a band from Glendora, CA, performed a few gigs here in Phoenix & Scottsdale. I like their studio CD but wasn't shure if they could live up to that sound. I was so impressed that they sounded "tight" on stage. Their sound and personality on stage is beyond awesome. Saturday night's gig was sweet since AC shared the bill with one of Phoenix's best bands, The Dorsets. If all goes well, The Dorsets will be sharing the stage with American Catapult at various gigs in LA & San Diego in the near future. I'm honoured to be working with such great bands, singer/songwriters.

Between the running around all weekend, Rodan and I installed added insulation in the attic. It's really not a tough job but it was 102 degrees when we began the work. It was something that needed to be done. It's only been a few days and already can tell that it's made a difference. I hope to see the same difference in the electric bill.

Sunday evenings are special around our house. Rodan and I plan out what movie or show we intend to watch over a home cooked meal & a bottle of wine. For the past few weekends, we haven't been able to do that because of our work & projects. This weekend, it's all about keeping our Sunday evening tradition alive.

The birds have been chipper & more playful than ever. Late afternoons, it sounds as though someone is being murdered in our house with all the yelling and screaming.  I'd be so lonely without their beautiful screams. 

A good friend came home to discover that their little dog could barely walk. After taking the dog to the vet, it turns out that it was abused. The dog's spine was damaged. I can't believe people would mistreat a poor little animal. Anyway, I hope your little angel is better, Cindy.

So much chaos in the world. Wars throughout this world. I feel such guilt at times because I'm able to turn the television off and not deal with all the mess at hand.  Yet, I can't help thinking of all the children that are tainted at such a young age.  Through reflections, I realized that my view of the big picture is beautiful. I'm able to offer faith & hope to those that have lost every strand of these special spiritual commodities. I had a heart to heart chat with God, angels, and saints this evening.  I look forward to tomorrow. I hope to wake up and thank God for another beautiful day.                     

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: LAURA MARIE's In Code
Current Mode: Relaxed

Weekend Affair By The Pool

Group pic with Coles Whalen, Angie Stevens, & Crissy.

***Random Play
*Lou Rhodes: Beloved One
*Julie Loyd: The Waiting Room
*Angie Stevens: Stand Up Girl 2
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine
*Raina Rose: The Prophet, The Panhandler, & The Moon

It's finally the weekend. I am looking forward to this weekend. These past few weeks have been jam packed with work, meetings, and music projects. For the past month, I've had singer/songwriters in town for various gigs and TV/radio spots. As much as I love what and how I help musicians, I need a break to physically rejuvenate.

Genevieve, Raina Rose, John Elliott, Adam Fallon, Isaac Johnson, Wensday, Amy Roberts, Julie Loyd, Coles Whalen, Angie Stevens, Shaun Barrowes, Colleen Grace, Matt Pavolaitis, Tiff Jimber, Amber Norgaard, Alden Powers, and Ben Roberts...thanks to each of you. I've enjoyed working with each of you...and I look forward to bigger & better things in future! Wow...what an impressive list of musicians. Yes, I'm the lucky & blessed one.

House projects are coming along. Breeze catcher will be going up this weekend. The pool was getting nasty. We thought that the pump was broken but turns out there is another filter that needs cleaning. Once we did that, the pump & filter began to work properly. We add all the chemicals needed to have a "healthy" pool. The pool is now ready for summer fun. Fabulous, eh? A few more house projects need to be completed before we can officially plan our first summer house/pool party.  I plan to enjoy a weekend affair by the pool. Care to join me?

The birds are doing well. Kylie had a bad moment last weekend. She loves playing with her coloured plastic letters.  Somehow, she managed to get a letter stuck in her throat and under her beak. When I realized it was stuck, I had to calm her down before it could be dislodged. Once I removed it, she was terrified of me. I believed that this was a one time thing and kept the letters in/on her cage. Next morning, the same thing happened. Now, Kylie wants nothing to do with me. She did this over a few months last year after her flight feathers were clipped. Until then, I do what I can to win back her love & trust. Since then, all the plastic letters have been removed from all of the bird cages.

Omar & Ella are doing well. Omar is Omar...filled with love, joy, and plucked feathers. Ella is a happy go lucky bird. She loves sunflower seeds and enjoys playing with the strips from her pinata.

I look around and realize that I'm filled with the goodness of life. I've got someone I love, a beautiful house, a family of feathered angels, good friends, supportive family members, an understanding mother, and in the words of Jann Arden, "A Good Mother."

To all the Mothers, I wish each of you a fabulous & loving Mother's Day. I'm thankful to have such a wonderful mother that is there for me every step and breath of my life. Thank you, Mother!

Pool time and dinner with good friends is a perfect weekend combo. Enjoy the weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: ANGIE STEVEN's Sleep Never Comes
Current Mood: Relaxed, Thankful, and Sangria Thirsty!

Pre-Happy Hour Moments

The Dorsets chillin' at the KPNX studio before their live segment.

***Random Play
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Amy Roberts: It Is
*Joss Stone: Introducing Joss Stone
*Jonny Lang: Turn Around
*Eliza Carthy: Rough Music
*Amy Winehouse: Back To Black

I have been so busy with work. I haven't had much time to catch up with my favourite blogs. I hope to have time over the weekend to enjoy a bit of online fun. Clients are keeping me on my toes. The music projects & promotions is boomin'! The hard work and results are paying off! I'm happy to say that I am now booking/working with another band out of LA, American Catapult.

This week, I had on various musicians (Whitney Steele, The Dorsets, and Ben Roberts) I work with on The Arizona Midday Show. Each one has received high praise from viewers. It brings me so much joy to see a singer/songwriter get excited about their first time performing on television. Yes, it's simply a local new show...but for a singer/songwriter it's more than just a spot. It's their moment to shine & share with local viewers what they have to offer to the musical world. 

Weight Loss. Yes, let's discuss my weight loss. First of all, I am still feeling fabulous at 166 pounds. I am still working out and running on a regular basis. I've added tennis workouts as well. It's of no surprise to know that certain friends and acquaintances are expecting me to gain back the weight within a few months. Things of such matters never remain a secret. Before the change in eating habits and lifestyle, I probably would have confronted these people. Now, I just laugh it off. It only fuels my desire to be and remain physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced. 

Just now, one of my best friends just called and shared the best gossip story of the day. Actually, it's not gossip...it's the truth about personal details of a mere/acquaintance. If only I could share. It has the perfect story line that one would read about on LiveJournal!

I'm happy about so  many things in my life. Our home is taking shape. House project after house project. Even the little things and additions makes us feel as though we' re accomplishing a great deal. I love when friends come over and they feel at home. I'm ready for the summer. I already bought my swimsuit. I feel a great summer up ahead.

Time to get a move on. Hope each of you has a great weekend. Enjoy Happy Hour all weekend long! Go out and support the local music scene in your city/town. There's great music out there that's waiting to be discovered by your ears & soul.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: ELIZA CARTHY's Upside Down
Current Mood: Chipper & Happy Hour Thirsty! 
        

Saturday Joy

***Random Play
*Maria Long: Here With Me
*Lelia Broussard: (lil●yah)
*Judith Owen: Here
*Tunde: Self Titled CD
*Genevieve: This Little Thing Called Life
*Ginny Owens: Long Way Home

I love waking up on a Saturday morning feeling as though every thing about the moment is as perfect as it should be. It was a beautiful moment. My partner sleeping next to me, Omar sleeping on Rodan's back. Huh? I'll explain. Omar, one of our Umbrella cockatoos,  suffers from separation anxiety. Each night, he sleeps on his perch in our room. After his morning breakfast, he climbs down the chains. The bells and whistles alert us that he's on his way. He'll prance to the side of bed and waits for one of us to pick him. He'll then nap on Rodan's back. This is a morning ritual. So as I was writing, this morning felt perfect.

This past week was quite busy. I'm learning to not allow my work to take over my home and family time. The birds are like kids. They need individual attention...especially Kylie. She is a rescued angel. She has lived through 7 years of emotional abuse. We never know what she'll be like from moment to moment. One moment she wants to love me like I'm the only person on earth that matters to me and the next moment I'm her worst rival. She has such personality and talks like a little old lady with a high pitch voice. Baby Ella is adapting nicely. She has bonded with Kylie. We have to watch them carefully when they're together because Kylie will pluck Ella's feathers. For the birds, eh?

Last night, I had the pleasure of being present at The Paisley Violin for an intimate gig by Christian singer and songwriter, Maria Long. She has a set of full on pipes! Between songs, she shared stories about her missionary years in the South Pacific and about her faith. I love when singers/songwriters share with the audience how songs "came" about. Of course, it's always fabulous to enjoy great music while eating delicious bistro faves. The Paisley Violin rocks!

*Blog of The Day: Showers and Sunflowers. I love Jude's out look on life. She's a Canadian rock chick and filled with postive goodness. This worlds needs more people like Jude. Please check out her blog when you have a free moment. Thanks!

I started private weight training sessions at the gym. Susan, the personal trainer, understands my goals and needs. I look forward to results. I've always feared most of the equipment at the gym for fear of making a complete fool of myself. Now I am able to work out properly and know I'm doing the best exercises for my body. I've lost a total of 46 pounds. Clothes are fitting better and better.

We plan to head out to a few places and get better ideas for our upcoming house projects. We'd like to tile the floor to the Arizona room. We've decided to make it the  Bird Lounge. I look forward to sharing pics about the progress.

Time to enjoy the day. I am so far behind with emails, MySpace messages, and returning phone calls to my fave people. I hope to catch up this weekend. Let the Saturady joy begin. Enjoy the weekend! 

*****CHEERS!*****

CURRENT MUSIC: MARIA LONG's Inside
CURRENT MOOD: Rejuvenated