Xavierism

Crazy

I'm crazy for Eliza and I love her cover of Crazy. Just had to share...

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!

Eliza Rickman's 'Black Rose'

Bon tardi, Everyone! I just realized that I haven't updated my blog this month. So many great things are going on and look forward to sharing.  In the meantime, check out  performing Eliza Rickman'Black Rose'.

I'll do my best to update this evening. Life is filled with good stuff...just gotta look for the gems. Hope each of you is having a great Monday!

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

Current Music: Eliza Rickman's Black Rose
Current Mood: Chilled & Happy!

Late Night...

***Random Play
*Laure Marie: Drawn
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Dave Yaden: Bear Me Up
*Camille Bloom: Ten Thousand Miles
*Eliza Rickman: Gild The Lily
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday

I have so much to write about but at this moment, I simply want to share a small tidbit. I  reconnected with an old friend. I can't really even remember why we decided to no longer communicate with one another. It was over something stupid at the time but lately I've been thinking about her so I sent her a message today. It was a simple note that stated I wished her the best and if I said anything that offended or upset her, I was truly sorry. It was great to receive a response with her and we felt much the same way. If we become close again, that would be great. If not, I simply wanted her to know that I truly wished her the best in Life. Let's move on...

Rodan and I were honoured to have Atlanta Singer/songwriter Guyton Maurice stay with us while in town to perform gigs all around Phoenix and Phoenix Gay Pride. Guyton's CD is fabulous but I didn't really know how great he was till I actually witnessed his gift with my own eyes and ears. I look forward to working with Guyton in the future. He definitely needs to continue touring and branching out to the West Coast.

Rodan and I were able to slip away for a quick getaway to San Diego and Los Angeles. We always have a great time whenever we're in Cali. While in San Diego, we stayed at The Little Italy Inn. This beautiful Bed & Breakfast is blocks away from Little Italy District. We loved the spot. Our only complaint is that the rooms/beds come with Tempur-Pedic mattresses. I love a soft mattress. I felt as though I was sleeping on a hard wood floor! Next time, we'll take a Goose down Top Feather bed. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place to others. We're making plans to return soon.

We returned from trip feeling good about the memories made in San Diego and LA. Little did we know that Life would soon throw a curve ball. The day after we returned, Rodan found out that one of his best friends, Neilson, passed away. Neilson was a great guy. He was in a terrible car accident seventeen years ago that left him without the use of his legs. He needed a wheelchair to get around. Rodan says that he was in and out of hospitals for various surgeries. His body just gave out. I will always remember Neilson as being a very kind and loving soul. He will be missed.

The next day, I received word that a good friend of mine was nearing the last moments of Hospice. I spent a few hours with Jill and her family. About a month and half ago before she was placed in Hospice care, she shared stories about her children and husband. She told me that if for any reason she didn't defeat the Cancer, she wanted me to pass on the stories and messages to her family. I truly feel honoured to be one of Jill's personal Messengers. Prior to those few days, I believed that I some of the best moments of my life. I experienced Joy with my partner and good friends, Love with my Partner, and shared great conversations with God and Angels along the beaches in San Diego. Then the bad news hit. Regardless, I buckled up and realized that this was not about me but about Jill.

I cannot help but think about the time before my Father passed away. He was placed in Hospice care two days before he crossed over. I can recall sitting there helpless. My mind  suddenly wanted to race and remember the good times I shared with my Father.

My Father, Neilson, and Jill would want me to Live and Love. They now live in my Heart and Soul. As a Cancer survivor, I now Live for all those that lost their lives to Cancer. For loved ones, I continue Loving Life because I carry their passion. They all live within me so I must Live the best I can. 

Today, I let go of lost anger and gained a bit of wisdom. The person I saw in the mirror today was a slightly better image than the one of yesterday. I'd say I made the most of Today. I'll say it over and over again...I'm truly blessed.

Current Music: Camille Bloom's Empty
Current Mood: Loved & Blessed

Eliza Rickman

Bon dia, Readers! First of all, the past two weeks have been amazing. I will have to upload pics and write about the details. In the meantime, I'd like to share a video of an amazing LA singer/songwriter, Eliza Rickman. We caught her set at Crane's Tavern in Hollywood. It was great to spend time with my partner away from our everyday life. Time to go out and enjoy the beautiful day. I will update later this evening.

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

Love What I Do...

***After the gig at Hob Nobs Coffee House, Firemen from across the street invited Celia to pose in front of their Fire truck.

Bon dia! The last two weeks have been incredible! I've gained a few clients and event planning contracts. I always feel blessed to work with various non profit organizations. I always knew that hard work and determination would pay off but it's still an incredible feeling knowing that I am making things happen. 

Dave Yaden and Celia Chavez were in Phoenix last weekend to participate as entertainers at The Phoenix Film Festival along with a few added gigs. This week, ColesWhalen and Guyton Maurice are here to spread their music.  Last night, Coles and Guyton performed a great show to a tough crowd at The Grand Avenue Tavern. By the end of the night, the patrons embraced both touring artists along with local musicians Mike Ferraro and Nate Everingham. It's always a pleasure to work with incredible musicians that have no attitudes.

I love what I do...and thankful I connect with good people. Life doesn't get better than this. Enjoy the weekend!

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

Dave Yaden Performing at Phoenix Film Festival

Dave is smokin'!!!

Celia Chavez Performing at The Phoenix Film Festival

@CeliaChavez once again Performing at Phoenix Film Festival. on 12seconds.tv

Celia is an incredible singer/songwriter that performs with an electric guitar. She rawks!

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

Celica Chavez & Dave Yaden Performing in Phoenix!

 

Celia Chavez and Dave Yaden will be performing a series of gigs here in Phoenix. I submitted both to showcase their talents at The Phoenix Film Festival and thrilled to annouce that both were selected. Celia will be performing at the film festival this evening from 6:45 to 8pm. Dave will be performing tomorrow at the festival from 5 to 6:15pm.

Both will be performing at Hob Nobs Coffee House in downtown Phoenix tonight at 8pm and at Caffe Boa in Tempe tomorrow evening at 10pm.

Support these incredible singer/songwriters! See ya at their gigs!

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

Music To My Ears

***Random Play
*Morley: Seen
*Sarah MacLachlan: The Best of Sarah MacLachlan
*Corrinne May: Beautiful Seed
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Patsy Moore: The Most Private Confessions of Saint Clair

I'm finally feeling better after being down with a nasty cold for the past few days. No fun. Nothing like a cold to remind one's self that one is indeed human. I was on multitasking record pace when I realized I had to slow down. It was good to actually calm down and concentrate on me. I am most proud of myself for running four miles with ease this evening. I decided to skip an evening out with friends and enjoy private time with myself.

These past few weeks have taught me a great deal about business and personal relationships. I've learned a great deal from two life coaches. I've had to analyze certain matters that I've tossed aside. I love these two life coaches. It's like having therapists for one's business life and career. Once I decided to open myself to possibilities, I felt naked & exposed. The personal criticism comes rushing through and at times I'm overwhelmed by the smallest things. Funny how I can feel the added layers of thick skin. It's helped with how I face and deal with business decisions as well as business and personal relationships.  

Thank You. A Simple Thank you goes a long way. It's a shame that so many do not feel compelled to say, "Thank You". I do my best to say Thank you to those that deserve those words. I wanted certain people to know exactly how thankful I am...so I mailed out simple cards with a few words those special few.

As for the music promotions and bookings, things are great. I am working with various talented & gifted musicians: Coles Whalen, Sarah Slaton, Michael Mattingly, KaiserCartel, Guyton Maurice, Josh Damigo, Anamieke, Nate Everingham, Mike Ferraro, Richard Maxwell, Tiff Jimber, Amber Norgaard, Dave Yaden, Shaun Barrowes, Shelley Barratt, and Just Off Turner. I will definitely be sharing details about each musician's upcoming gigs and promo spots.

Coles Whalen toured through Phoenix with her Bass player, Kim O'Hara and Sarah Slaton. Kim put a video blog of their West coast travels so I thought I'd share with you. Coles Whalen...remember the name & voice! I look forward to her return in April. 

Time to change...I feel stinky from my run. Hope each of you has a great weekend!

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

Current Music: Morley's Possible
Current Mood: Calm