Xavierism

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football!

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football! from Xavierism on Vimeo.

Proud to be Latino

***Random Play
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Salvador: Aware
*Nichole Nordeman: Woven & Spun
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Paolo Nutini: Sunny Side Up

Like so many other Hispanics, I was glued to the television so I could watch CNN's Soledad O'brien's Latino in America. I was watching this show along with many of my Latino Brothers and Sisters. Thanks to the social network power of Twitter, we were able to share in real time. Actually, most shared their thoughts while I sat back and watched the show.

From what I gathered so many Hispanics felt that their similar Life history wasn't revealed within any of the stories shared. While I did agree with this take, I also felt that the show didn't take me on a journey of any sorts. Yes, it shared life stories about those that struggled to find a place within our American society but I wanted to feel the human interest element about every day Hispanics coping with every day life. 

I was expecting to watch a story about a single young Latina woman raising her children on her own and working a full time job. To share her powerful story...an every day struggle that women of all colours can relate and understand. I know so many of these Hispanic women. These woman can't even enjoy a time out because she has to deal with Life in the moment. Stories about Mothers that thank God that their teenage sons return home at the end of the day for fear of gangs and it's 'dark alley'. This was far from what I expected. It seems as though I had a whole show playing in my head and it was nothing like the segment I watched on CNN.

I know numerous Hispanic people that could be considered mentors for our young youth. Many that would inspire those of all ages. I wanted to watch stories that would have me cheering for my brothers and sisters as I would a football game. I wanted to be proud of our those that were part of Soledad's story. Instead, I was left feeling as though I watched a bad movie and kept asking myself, "Was that it?"

I was blessed to be born into an amazing family. I grew up to believe that Education was the key. What I learned early on was that Education also came in the form of every day Life's experiences. Since I was a young child, I knew I was gay. I didn't know the 'what' or 'why' details but I knew I was different from most of the boys. I can remember being ridiculed for 'being different'. I now know that these feelings caused me to be an emotional eater and the main reason for being overweight during those years. I was up to 250 when graduated high school. I am so thankful for my Catholic faith. Yes, I am very thankful that my Buelita raised me to believe in Angels and Saints. Because of her, I believe my Faith in God, helped me through so many dark moments.

After battles with Cancer, I believe that I am here for a reason. I'm here to share, inspire, and be inspired. Latinos, like every colour and nationality, we want to be respected. We are more than just a maid, gardener, or gang member on a TV show. Maybe I do have more stories to share...

Final thought? I want thank those Latinos that have inspired me throughout my Life. I want to thank those Latinos/Latinas of today that inspire me to be a better person tomorrow. I'm proud to be surrounded by so many Brothers and Sisters that are doing just that. I'm one of 51 million Latinos in American. I'm proud to be Latino.

    Current Music: Laura Marie's In Code

Current Mood: Proud

The Clinton Exit

Hillary Clinton gave an incredible speech. I'm glad she didn't give this speech last week. She deserved to go out on her own terms rather than take lead from the Media and others. It's such a damn shame she will not be the Democrat's nominee this coming election. It's time to support Oprahama.

A Little Somethin' Somethin' About An Upcoming Gig

Terra Naomi's Say It's Possible Playing In The Background on Private Practice.

***Random Play
*Terra Naomi: Under The Influence
*Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction
*David D'Alessio: Songs To Undress Your Ego
*Luthea Salom: Sunbeam Surrounded By Winter
*Allison Sattinger: VOX
*Jon McLaughlin: Indiana

I've been looking forward to sharing this bit of good news. I landed a great gig for Phoenix music lovers! On Saturday, December 15th @ 7:30pm, at The Big Fish Pub, Joe Firstman, LA singer/ songwriter and band leader of Carson Daly's show,Last Call with Carson Daly, will headline a great showcase. Other musicians on bill: Angie Stevens, voted Denver's best singer/ songwriter for 2007; LA's very own Sacha Sacket and Tony Lucca. I'm still working on a local acoustic musician to open as well as a local band to be added to the line up. I'll be working with a few radio stations concerning promo and free ticket giveaways. If you're from Phoenix, be shure to mark your calendar: DECEMBER 15th/7:30pm @ The Big Fish Pub. Boo-Yah!!!!

Over the weekend, I watched last week's episode of Private Practice. The episode tugged at my heart strings. It didn't help that Terra Naomi's song played during the climactic scene at the end. Oh, Terra...you are incredible!

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

Current Music: Terra Naomi's I'm Happy
Current Mood: Rejuvenated

Emotionally Grounded & Spiritually High

***Random Play
*Skye: Mind How You Go
*Tara Leigh Cobble: Here's To Hindsight
*Maria Long: Here Without You
*Edie Carey: Another Kind of Fire
*Jann Arden: Self Titled CD
*Judith Owen: Here

Last week, I learned a big lesson about business. I had an uncomfortable situation with a client. From the get go, I pandered around with this client and  knew eventually I was destine to be the victim of the black widow. This bite carried quite a sting. I went against my gut instincts. The sixth sense of intuition is powerful...and I won't let it down next time. When inner convictions are screaming so loudly inside to the point that there's no escape, I won't deny myself.

I've been so busy with work. My clients are keeping me busy. Plus, I have a few benefits, event planning, & music projects that I'm quite excite about. To be accepted as a PR & promotions consultant is one thing. To be hired for a specific project because they like the work I'm doing with a mutual client or dealings on another project makes me feel as though I'm headed in the right direction.

One of my favourite television shows is ABC's Grey's Anatomy. I always forget to zap the show on to DVR...but luckily I was flipping the channels just in time to watch a great scene. The scene involved a highlight moment for so many characters. The music used for this particular scene is from Skye's debut solo project, Mind How You Go. Skye was the singer for the group, Morcheeba. Anyway, the song was perfect for this particular scene. So whether you're a fan of the show or not, fan of Skye's or not, watch the clip. Maybe you'll connect with the show and/or Skye.

Day by day, when I felt somewhat cocky and confident, I always felt in control of matters. Last week, I was reminded that I am not in control of matters, personal or business related, that make up the bigger picture of life. God and angels reminded me that I am not in control of even the simplest of matters. I am not the one that has the final say with matters in my own life. Basically, I am happy that I was reminded. I needed to be brought down and feel grounded again. Once again, I feel emotionally grounded & spiritually high!

Enjoy the Moments!

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

CURRENT MUSIC: SKYE's What's Wrong With Me
CURRENT MOOD: Peaceful & Content

Pre-Oscar Night Thoughts

Rodan and I sharing a moment at Good Hurt in West Lost Angeles.

I'm ready to enjoy a night of Hollywood joy with my main man, Rodan. We have been cleaning the house and doing laundry for most of the weekend. We've planned a nice Pork roast and dessert for dinner...along with wine & martinis. I'm looking forward to our "date".

My sentimental Oscar favourites? Little Miss Sunshine for Best Picture, Peter O'Toole for Best Actor, and Helen Mirren for Best Actress. I can't decided which actress I'd prefer to win Best Supporting Actress. It's a three way tie between Abigal Breslin, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Hudson.

During my recent trip to LA/Hollywood, I was driving to a meeting and got lost. I found myself at the intersection of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Once I knew where I was, I found my way back.  I must admit, I enjoyed the detour.

Like many of you, I love movies. I owe so many thanks to those that are in the movie industry. It's so nice to be able to come home and pop in a DVD and relive moments of my favourite movies.  Love or hate Hollywood...but I am thankful that Hollywood exists. Good or bad...it's magic lives in my heart.

Time to get ready for The Oscars!

Enjoy the Moment!

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

Music & Joy Without Martinis!

Edie Carey

***Random Play
*Edie Carey: Another Kind of Ending
*Jerzee Monét: Love & War
*Harry Connick, Jr.: Only You
*India.Arie: Testimony: Vol. 1,  Life & Relationship
*John Mayer: Continuum
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday

Monday morning arrived far too quickly. I've already had a cup of coffee. I must admit that I greeted the morning sounds of the cty with sincere happiness. I had a great weekend.

Friday evening, I spent the late evening with Laura & Alicia at  Cafe Boa. My favourite local band, Ten Dollar Outfit, provided the musical entertainment for the evening. It was great catching up with Laura. We became friends thanks to LiveJournal. I get to see both of these chicas this Friday. Laura is a member of Hung Dynasty and they're playing a gig at Chaser's in Scottdale. The Dorsets, another local band, will be sharing the stage with Hung Dynasty...so mark your calendars, people! Be at Chaser's this Friday evening!

Ten Dollar Outfit, has a new Live CD out! It'll be soon be on sale at CDBaby.com. In my opinion, they're by far Phoenix's best band. It's only a matter of time before an A&R rep "discovers" this trio.

Saturday evening, Edie Carey, performed a gig at Mama Java's Coffee house. Since we had to be at a few other places & parties, we stopped in before the gig began so I could purchase her new CD. I was hoping to say hi to her but she wasn't available. Edie's new CD is truly a gem. Her voice, songs, and lyrics, are exquisite. I've always loved her delicate voice. For all the folksy music lovers, this is a definite artist & CD for your collection. We were then on our way to celebrate holday cheer with friends.

After cleaning the house yesterday afternoon, we decided to chill and enjoy the Christmas movies featured on  TCM. Anything with Barbara Stanwyck is a perfect way to spend an evening. She'll always have a special place in my heart. I love all of her movies but Stella Dallas will forever be my fave Barbara Stanwyck film. I didn't feel that great later in the evening and crawled into bed early.

I feel fabulous this morning. I'm looking forward to my workout today. Can't believe I feel that way about exercise! I ate very well this past weekend. I didn't binge or eat too much. Considering all the fun things we did this weekend, I am proud of myself. I'm on a mission.

I am finally happy to say that our Christmas cards are on their way. I feel bad for mailing them so late this year. What I love most about writing Christmas cards is the moments of reflection I have for each person as I write their card out. For many, I'm thankful that we share a great friendship and bond. Many, I've lost touch with but are still special. Others, I'm not shure what to think. I hardly ever hear from a few. I did come across a few on my address book that really shouldn't be on there anymore. If I don't make an attempt to keep the friendship intact, I'd never hear from certain people. So I simply deleted those individuals. I'm looking forward to this Christmas. I've been given so much joy. I'm blessed.

On with the day! Have a great week, Everyone! 

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

CURRENT MUSIC: EDIE CAREY's The Night
CURRENT MOOD: Bouncy

A Windy Day

***Random Play
*Sade: Lovers Rock
*Josh Wilson: Shake The Shadow
*Morley: Days like These
*AM: Troubled Times
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Judith Owen: Here

I love windy days. My Buelita used to love the wind. She would always remind me that with the wind, one could feel God's presence. One of the memories that stands out about my Buelita took place on a windy day. She said, "Long after I'm gone and when you experience windy days, take a moment and think about me. Close your eyes and you'll feel me through the breeze. I know God will grant me that wish."

I enjoyed my workout at the gym. There were only a handful of people. I felt as though I had the whole place to myself. I worked on a few pieces of equipment that I wouldn't normally do because I'm far too embarrassed to make an ass of myself in front of others. Overall, I had a great work out. I've lost a total of 40 pounds. Thanksgiving did set me back by one pound...but it's off now. I'm doing my best to stay on program so that I can splurge at my fave place on First Friday.

Since I've been home this evening, I've heard the wind chimes make their heavenly sounds.  Each time they chime, I can't help but think about my Buelita. So today, I have felt my beloved Buelita close to me. Throughout the day, so many wonderful memories have replayed over and over in my mind.

For the record, I tape the episodes of Judge Judy. I get a thrill out of stupid people. On a recent show, Judge Judy had the audience laughing with this line, "I don't know where I heard it or if I read it, but it goes something like this, 'Don't teach a pig to sing. It doesn't work and it annoys the pig!" More so this year than any recent year, I'm learning the lesson of that line. There's only so much you can do for someone. At the end of the day, they're in control of their own lives. I'm proud of myself for understanding that it's not healthy to have certain people in my life. We've each heard it say that it's never that easy...but really...why do we make things harder on ourselves? Human emotions are much like optical illusions during vulnerable moments. All this emotion from a Judge Judy episode...it happen!

*I feel so sorry for the American troops that are caught in the middle of Iraq's Civil War. Yes, it's a Civil War! I hope the democrat leadership can smack sense into this administration.

For the past few days, Phoenix has been prepared for it's first wintery night. Temperatures will be near 32 degrees. Soon as I arrived home, I brought the plants in.    The house is lit with tealight candles.  Here I sit wearing comfy sweats and my favourite sweater.  It finally feels like the start of the holiday season.

Time to work on my Christmas cards. I am sipping on a hot cup of Mango tea. The music is  playing. The birds are sleeping. The house is filled with love.

Thank God for windy days.

CURRENT MUSIC: JUDITH OWEN's I Go To Sleep
CURRENT MOOD: Thankful, Melancholy, & Blessed