My Weapon of Choice is Love

Art by James Earl Fraser

I have been going out of my way to post positive messages in recent months, mainly due to the fact, 1. it is how I truly feel and 2. because our society is screaming for a change. The world is forever changing all around us and with that change comes a few bumps and growing pains along the way.

I have been extremely emotional watching the world around me. All of the ups and down and quite honestly it is a bit exasperating at times. Where have our scruples gone?

What better time to seek positive reinforcements than Thanksgiving. As an American this is my favorite holiday as it has no political or religious connotations but simply a day to celebrate ones blessings. It is a day of family and friendships to come together under one roof and say thank you for being in my life and for all the good each individual brings. I guess one can argue the politics behind Thanksgiving but I'm going to focus on the word THANKS.

Black Friday is an American day of indulgence and tradition that has been going on my entire lifetime. I'm all for great deals and saving money and the start of my most favorite time of the year. But when it is at the expense of our integrity then I have to say, don't you think it is about time we step back and evaluate our behavior? I cannot be the only person in America that finds a large majority of people's behavior totally unacceptable on this day.

Where has our camaraderie gone? We are a nation of brotherhood and I believe it is time we all start acting as such once again. We rise and fall as one and at the moment we seem to have been in a decline for quite some time. We need to band together and start picking ourselves up. We have been living in an obvious, "EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF" society and it is not getting us anywhere.


It is time for a change. Let's make this day our starting point, no more pointing fingers and no more looking back. No more hate slinging, typically created through lies and stereotypes. Please stop the madness. It is time to trudge forward ride out these growing pains and come out the other side better and stronger.

The only way this can be a reality is if we start building our communities again. It takes a village, let us build that influential village based on truth and positivity. This does not have to be as difficult as it has been. Our lives do not have to be a struggle. If we help each other, we all win, no one is left behind.

Living in poor economic times is affecting a large majority. But if we work together to rebuild then the sound economic changes that take place will benefit us as a whole, not only a select few. Imagine a world with no poverty and the benefits that would come from such a profound reality. Soon there would be a decline in crime because there would be no reason for people to perform such acts of desperation. This decline of compassion was a gradual thing and I realize rising up from our fall will take a gradual climb.

Today, as a nation, our time is now. As a citizen I feel it is my duty to begin and be the voice that starts by saying thank you to those in my life whom have influenced me for the good. I want to thank those I have wronged that saw it in their heart to forgive and I want to have the grace to truly forgive and forget any one who seeks my forgiveness. We are a country of opportunity let us also be one nation of peace, freedom and compassion.

I understand there were many who fought for those freedoms. This is my fight. Instead of fighting fire with fire my weapon of choice is love; I'm fighting for love with LOVE and I'm graciously asking you to join me in this battle.

Anything worth fighting for never comes easy, it is well past the time to roll our sleeves up and put in the work. I believe it will be worth the effort. This is a task that some may say is a failure and is a pointless waste of time. Do not allow our mistakes to taint our intentions, when we fail we must try again and not stop until the destination is reached.

Let the Revolution Begin

We're living in a pretty chaotic society at the moment. It feels like it is every man for themselves. I do believe we are starting to make a turn, after all it was a long time getting to this state, I imagine it will take some time to relearn simple basics of giving to our fellow man and loving everyone equally.

It is not a simple task to survive in the economic times we are facing at the moment. It is easy to get wrapped in your own woes that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet and every one is pointing fingers instead of taking action for change. Most people are working 2 jobs to pay their bills, we are sleeping less, aging faster and becoming pretty damn grumpy in the process.

We need to step outside of ourselves and start reflecting on the good. Change a thought in order to make a change. It is understandably intimidating to look around and see so much poverty and turmoil become so prevalent. But one voice can make a difference. If you have reached only one person it is almost inevitable that person will feel compelled to return the favor for another.

The thing is we all have one life, one world and one ultimate love, happiness. This emotion is so easy to spread and share starting with a simple smile or gesture of kindness. It is not difficult and does not cost one penny. It starts the chain reaction that leads to bigger and even more fulfilling gestures.

When we are surrounded by bad news, irritability and greed you can feel it trickle down and create an intense feeling of anguish and pain. There is no reason why we cannot use the same technique but in the opposite direction.   

Isn't it about time we start a revolution of love and kindness and what better month to start than the month of Thanksgiving. Remember to count your blessings especially when it feels you have none. Remember to love one another especially the ones whom have wronged you. Remember to give when you have it to give because you never know when you may be the one who needs it in return. Do not turn your back on a stranger, for that stranger may soon become your best friend.

I want to love and be loved and I'm asking you to try it, let's all put ourselves second, stop living the motto, do it to others before they do it to you and start living the way it was meant to be by doing onto others as you would do onto yourself. We are all one big family and there are no borders, tolerance is key. Think before you proceed, the end reaction should result in a beautiful change.

Happy Halloween

Photo taken by R. Hosking

The holiday season is quickly moving in upon us. I personally love this time of the year. From Halloween on, I enjoy decorating my house, watching the leaves change colors all around me, feeling the cool air as it changes before my eyes.

I have not posted in awhile because I have been busy with tour dates, writing, my day job and all the grinds we all deal with daily. For me my schedule is always the busiest the first part of the year and by October I'm wrapping things up and looking forward to a couple months reprieve during the holiday season. This is when I start booking shows for the following spring and summer, promote my music and submit for different opportunities, I guess our jobs are never done.

However, reflection is a huge part of a creative person's life. I always say write what you know, but if you miss out on living then there simply is not a lot to write about. This time of the year feeds me and helps me prepare for the next season to come. I enjoy catching up with friends and family I was unable to see during the busy times.

This year has been quite a year for me. I have had numerous opportunities in TV/Films for my songs and my career is really starting to move. I have been truly blessed. I also recently bought a new home that I am so very proud of, I never realized four walls could make a girl so happy. It is my sanctuary and I truly admire my little corner of the world. It feeds me in so many creative ways; I do bleieve these walls could be my muse. I am always grateful to my muse and love to give back through my art.

From my house to yours, Happy Halloween :o)

I want to wish everyone a Happy and safe Halloween. I am hoping to start back on posting more regularly during these slower months. I do hope you enjoy the read, if so please stop by, say hi and share my blog with your friends and family.

Believe

There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence especially in the creative world. Art is

Photo taken by R. Hosking, Mexico

extremely subjective so what may be a masterpiece to you may not be felt by others. But having said that I'm challenging all you creative types to let go and start believing in yourself. 

There is one thing to be humble, and I feel confidently that humbleness is best shown when you are able to always have an open mind to new things and experiences. Once we believe we have learned it all and reached the top then we are cheating ourselves from new skills and that leaves us vulnerable for arrogance to rear its ugly face. 

However, be confident in what you do know. There is nothing more attracting than some one who exudes confidence in a humble way. These are emotions that cannot be faked and for the most part are often personality traits. But as I have said before everything is a learned skill and we can retrain our brains to open itself to new discoveries. 

Sometimes when I cannot think of something to write, I go for a jog to distract my brain in order to tease it into thinking of something different, it always works. I am no runner by any stretch of the word however, if I was closed off to that skill I may not have been able to improve the skills that I'm well versed in at the moment.  We improve and learn everyday do not miss out on opportunities for growth.

All things are interconnected no matter how big or small. Our creativity is generated by the things that surround us. Always believe if you cannot do something today in time you will learn. Believe that you have natural given talents that if honed they can be something great and unique. Believe in yourself because there is always a time when others will not. Thrive off criticism as constructive not defensively. Absolutely listen closely when someone says you do not have what it takes. These words are the best words anyone could hear, because for me, when it is said, it simply makes me try even harder.

If you cannot believe in yourself it makes it difficult for anyone else to get on board. No one promotes you better than you, don't be afraid of saying graciously who you are and what you do, and always be open minded to those who can help along the way. 

Change a Thought to Make a Change

Negativity can hinder our creative selves. Studies show we are living in a time where incivility

in our society is on the rise. When 95% of Americans think we have a civility problem, those percentages are staggering and serves only to destroy the inspiration to create a positive environment. 

You do not have to be an artist to benefit from creativity in the workforce or everyday living. All walks of life can use creative outlets to better their work environments and in return make positive changes in our lives as a whole.

Thinking outside of the box while living in a society with an evident crisis is crucial to making changes for the better. An eye for an eye attitude is only aggravating our situation and creating a vicious cycle of violence and resentment.
  
Someone soon needs to be the one voice that is willing to make a difference. We are in desperate need for that person or people, willing to rise above and be the bigger man. Stop the cycle of madness and trying to change someone's mind to suit your own. We can learn from each other if we shut up and listen instead of interrupting and arguing. Cruel behavior has become an accepted reality that should never be acceptable. 

Recognizing the difference between opinions and facts is an excellent start. Cutting out certain elements of the truth to create a new truth is what I call a lie. These creative lies are paraded in our news and media as truth. We live in an age of technology but our intelligence is being stifled by volumes and volumes of lies and ignorance. We need to use the technology to serve us, through integrity and creative intuitiveness. 

Some view fighting back and raising arms as their sign of displaying their strength. It takes a stronger heart to walk away or stand by and take the abuse until it ends. Creatively speaking it seems likely to me that most aggressors thrive on reaction of others, they will soon tire and find another victim if you choose not to fight back. If all their victims fall short on presenting a fight soon they have nothing left to argue and silence falls across the land.

That may be my imaginative heart running away with me, but it doesn't seem completely impossible, does it?

It is more difficult to be polite these days than it is to be cruel. When did the tables turn and being bad was appropriate and being good was a sign of weakness and failure. Our societal moral values have changed and need desperately to be revised.

Being polite feels good, when a stranger smiles at me on the street I have a compulsion to smile back instantly. It is proven any act is always reciprocated by a similar reaction. We have a responsibility and it takes a village. Lets start putting more beauty into the world, through our actions, artistry and psyche.

It takes a willingness to change a thought in order to make a change. Let's get creative and put our heads together to find new ways to inspire positivity.

Permission to Relax

Photo taken by R.Hosking, Portland ME

We live in an incredibly fast paced society. As a creative person our work never ends. We are always on the look out for a new opportunity, keeping our eyes and ears open for new inspiration and endlessly creating something bigger than before.

Creativity in my mind is a pursuit to be better and never stop growing and continuously topping each project. There will always be another mountain, our job is to discover how to climb it efficiently and effectively in order to get others on board with us through this crazy ride. Creativity is a rush and catalyst to our rise and fall. But the energy it takes to keep the momentum going is exhausting.

I do not know any other way to create a moderate living doing what I love other than endlessly pursuing it at all costs. That is a pretty bold statement, however, anyone who has lived it understands and anyone who knows some one in the business knows the sacrifices are dear to the ones around us as much as it is for ourselves. It takes a certain personality to give up so much for our creative outlets. We may potentially be insane but I like to call it dedicated. If we are lucky we find and migrate to those who understand us, or are patient with us, either way often times it is a lonely road for all parties involved. 

There comes a point for anyone at certain times in our lives where we need reflection. We need to give ourselves permission to relax. I may be wound up tighter than most and I'm a bit of a control freak, these are personality flaws that are detrimental to creativity. The irony is, I'm always preaching work work work, the harder you work the luckier you get. But if you work yourself to the limits then the creativity dies because you have no fuel to be inspired.

We need to remember who helped us along the way, we need to understand no one accomplishes anything with out the assistance of another. Always wear your gratitude on your sleeve, and be sure to enjoy the time with loved ones before they have moved on to sunnier shores. Where is the joy in triumphs if you have no one to share your joy?

I'm a bit of a recluse and really enjoy my quiet moments, reflecting and simply being still, mainly

Photo taken by R. Hosking, Peaks Island, ME

because my line of work requires at times, constant interaction and networking. Being on the road, meeting new people is an exciting part of my work. There is nothing wrong with that, but I often forget to count my blessings if I do not set this time aside for reflection. One can only truly appreciate God's gifts when we are quiet and humbled. When I go back into the world and surround myself with my friends and loved ones when I'm relaxed, that is when I truly appreciate what each individual has to offer. I become elated in the glory and the creativity is a gift from the muse, a thank you for keeping my temple clean and sturdy.

I know I repeat myself often in the pages of this blog, but sometimes these concepts are so simple they can be easily missed without repeatedly reminding ourselves. Today I'm giving myself permission to relax and reflect. I want to thank my creator for making me who I am. In return I will rest so I may be able to create with gratitude and conviction.

My Soul is Already Sold

When I write, I write what is on my mind, hoping to reach others that might feel like I do.

When I create songs, I do not write for myself, I write what I think others want to hear. Ultimately as an artist I have a deep inner vault of different thoughts or ideas. My brain is always observing, always creating, if I do not find a way to release it, I start feeling chaotic and cluttered.

My art comes from my highs and lows. It is the catharsis to my recovery or the calming to my excitement. My adrenaline races through my veins when I create, it is a new birth of a new child.

I am celebrating my third CD release, My Soul is Already Sold. I'm very proud of this body work and elated to share it with all of you. I can only hope you find the solace it provided me. I pray you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. The music was produced by Scott Neubert at Smash Recording Studio in Nashville, TN. His talent helped make my vision come alive. It is a rootsy mix of Americana and Folk coming from my rawest, truest perspective. A journey to redefine who I am and who I want to become as an artist.

It is on sale now at CD Baby for download only, the actual release to be coming soon. This speaks of another chapter in my life. I wanted to share my art with my fellow readers, because as I pour my soul out on these pages, I have done the same in the studio while recording these songs.

 

I ask with a humble heart that you may listen and enjoy my new creation. Please take the time and leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I'm currently on the road promoting it and meeting new people and visiting old friends. It has been a collection of emotions I can't wait to share with you all soon. Visit my website and come see me if I'm playing in a town near you.