Heroes and Villains: What If

I believe that villains and “bad guys” are born in darkness, the same places where heroes are cr...

Capital Letter: Always Put YOU First

I wrote a song called “Capital Letter.” It was about putting someone else first. However...

The Journey Continues: Widening the Road

Leaders, role models, mentors, and friends come and go, just like students and music venues. To me, ...

 

Heroes and Villains: What If

May 16, 2013 in QueenEarth

I believe that villains and “bad guys” are born in darkness, the same places where heroes are created. Heroes find their way out and stay in the light. We could all be very lost without folks to lead the way. Many of my blog posts start as prompts for my writing students. In my classroom,  I notice, too often, folks are afraid to answer questions, to be wrong, to think. So many don’t want to get involved with their writing and their own voice. I think that we, as a culture, have grown to be afraid of speaking up or helping out. We are afraid of failing so much that we don’t try, and furthermore, we stop ourselves from seeing success. That failure to make an attempt is the antithesis of enlightenment. This is all ironic, to me, in a culture that worships super heroes.

So many of our modern day heroes are fictional characters, in colorful costumes in 3D and Blu Ray. As someone who often spends a large portion of time in imagination land, I know we need our heroes. Creativity and writing allow my students to see themselves thriving when they take time to pretend and play with ideas about the things they want to do, the people they want to be, the people who have helped, and hurt, their progress. Seeing is believing.

“Imagine if you made your own way . . .”

 

My song “What If” was written in one of the darkest periods of my life. I had no voice, no motivation, and, I thought, no one that would care about me if I disappeared. Writing saved my life and I had to save myself in order to be here and find the words to help others. I had to ask myself,

“What if you just did?”

I need my voice. To sing. To write. To draw in a listener at a market who needs my words that morning. Why don’t we all speak up and take a chance when it is presented? The first time I sang “What If” at a major show in Baltimore, I was joined by Ooh of Brownfish. He and I had an enlightening conversation about following our hearts towards music, wanting to give back to our communities, and staying the course. He was the first person to jump into a “What If” cypher. If you have my album QueenEarth & Friends, you know what I mean. Ooh is inspiring because he is true to himself, aware of his strengths and his skills, and he wants to help others stay on the right path. He joins me on stage on Saturday May 18, 2013 with his partner in rhyme Jahiti (https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/?fref=ts). Both of them are heroes in the education and music communities of Baltimore.

Ooh is inspiring because he is true to himself, aware of his strengths and his skills, and he wants to help others stay on the right path. He joins me on stage on Saturday May 18, 2013 with his partner in rhyme Jahiti (https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/?fref=ts). Both of them are heroes in the education and music community of Baltimore.

Ooh is inspiring because he is true to himself, aware of his strengths and his skills, and he wants to help others stay on the right path. He joins me on stage on Saturday May 18, 2013 with his partner in rhyme Jahiti (https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/?fref=ts). Both of them are heroes in the education and music community of Baltimore.

I’ve always adored Superman. He is the ultimate “good guy” in my eyes. He is a writer, for the Daily Planet, and he speaks for justice. I carry him with my at all times, my Superman wallet in my pocket or bag. I carry his outlook with me at all times. My kryptonite is oppressive silence. When we do get the nerve to speak, so many of us ask for “things.” That’s okay. Things are not always concrete. They can be intangible. Often, when those things are right in our faces, we turn away, thinking we are not deserving and often assuming that something is too good to be true. What if someone told you that you could be a hero? What if you were gifted with a moment to change the course of your life or the life of someone else? For the better? Heroes are not passive. They may have been in their past, but it takes ONE big moment to change everything. Heroes never stop looking for that moment. Seizing opportunities, for good or bad, can make one powerful. Why are we afraid to be the captains of our own destinies?

CREATIVITY ALTAR ( A place where I can look at my heroes and dreams)

CREATIVITY ALTAR ( A place where I can look at my heroes and dreams)

Real life “bad guys” have secret underground lairs and dungeons. Once trapped in a basement by a neighborhood villain, Amanda Berry is a real life victim. One man, Charles Ramsey, decided to investigate and help out when he felt like something was wrong. He could have ignored that feeling. I wouldn’t have the impetus to write this blog, those women would still be trapped, and a “bad guy” would be getting away with a heinous crime, spending each moment ruining someone else’s life. “Bad Guys” are also always looking for their moment to act. Those who are afraid are fearing being the “bad guy” when they challenge behavior that many have come to normalize. More people, especially men, need to not be afraid of speaking up when rape culture’s lexicon and domestic violence jokes are allowed to permeate our streets, our conversations, and our attitudes. The Boston bombings reminded us that there are “bad guys” among us, duplicitous folks walking our streets and secretly hoping to do harm to innocent bystanders. Hate is an ugly disease. Heroes work to stop its spread.

Tomorrow, on my 31st birthday, my brother will receive his Masters. Earlier this month, he was a hero for stopping someone from committing more crimes.  http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/847147_Lancaster-police-officer-tells-how-he-tackled-auto-theft-suspect.html You can watch this interview. He says that he was only fortunate that someone took that photo.

My brother tackling a suspect! Watch the interview! http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/847147_Lancaster-police-officer-tells-how-he-tackled-auto-theft-suspect.html

My brother tackling a suspect! Watch the interview! http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/847147_Lancaster-police-officer-tells-how-he-tackled-auto-theft-suspect.html

He was doing what many people do everyday, in many places. He doesn’t feel special or want any recognition. He chose his job because he wanted to help people and he wanted to stop “bad guys” from further injustices. I hope there are as many heroes as he believes there are. Ask anyone who knows me. I love my brother, and we share a special bond. We are not twins, but people often say we look alike. My brother played football in high school and college. He was never a straight A student. He has the unfortunate curse of being a large black man in America. Ironically, he was often bullied in middle school for being such a gentle spirit. He is far from being a “bad guy.”

Just yesterday, I met a man online who lost his voice to MS and would not be silenced. His “bad guy” came in the form of an illness and he refused to be silenced. He created an alter ego, DJ Rockbot when MS took away his voice. Mad props for making a way! One of my wishes for 2013 was to have more online radio. RockBot liked my submission and now I’ll be in rotation on his show (http://s2.voscast.com:8020/  ). He is a new hero on my list, and perhaps many new artists will find that he is helping them to further fulfill their dreams. I could’ve been waiting around for someone to find my music . . .

“What if you just did?”

When real life starts to look like scary scenes from the movies, I can only hope that there are an abundance of real life heroes to stop it all. Without Superman and Batman to look up to, would my brother have saved the day? My brother is a hero, like many policeman and firefighters. We have certainly witnessed their heroism these past few weeks and overall, found a new appreciation since 9/11. Charles Ramsey saved several lives by thinking, inquiring, and following his gut. Ooh and Jahiti are community leaders because they want to help young people in places where they are mirrored by folks with similar experiences and identities. It’s nice to know that with so much social justice work to do, as a nation, a black man can be a seen as hero, not a criminal. It’s even better to know that someone may follow in a heroes footsteps.

If a little boy or girl grows up with a dream of being like a hero from her favorite childhood adventure or from a real life triumph, imagine what they can do with that real life goal of saving the day. Imagine all the people they can help. Imagine if they help someone who grows up to pay it forward. Perhaps there would be no more bad guys. We wouldn’t NEED any heroes, and we could all focus on continuing to be good and better people, on a better planet than we inherited, with a bright future, without fear of being victims. That is heroism in its finest realm. Imagine, a little bit of time to ponder and play can go a long way. We can all be strong and powerful and enlightened. We have to look for helpers and heroes, yet we can’t wait around for them to appear. We have to find what calls us to action and make heroic changes within ourselves. Sometimes folks are looking for us to lead the way.

 

 

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Capital Letter: Always Put YOU First

April 11, 2013 in QueenEarth

I wrote a song called “Capital Letter.” It was about putting someone else first. However naive, innocent, or catchy the tune, in the end, my heart was broken and I lost myself in so much of my decision making. That was long ago. Now, even alongside my current and most fulfilling relationships, I’ve learned to date myself. Every creativity book, I’ve ever read speaks about the importance of putting “you” ,aka me, on my to-do list. I am in love with creativity because it calls me to love myself. It is also teaching me to love my surroundings and my world, to love my community. I think about balance, input and output. This applies to reading and writing, eating and exercising, ideas to concrete manifestation like songs, and recipes. I like to get it all out. All of these things are on my list when I think of ways to spend quality time with myself. I’m learning that I might have a little more time than others because I do not work in a traditional 9-5 occupation. It’s joyous :)

I can read a book, write a blog (like right now), eat a nutritious or not so nutritious meal, take myself on a hike when the temperature is finally letting me go outside in a long sleeved t-shirt, spend some time working on a new melody that has been stuck in my head, open my cupboards and have a little courage to try something different. I’m learning that little challenges, even my boring to-do list of tasky errands ’round the beltway, they are all important. Simply by doing them, I am showing myself that I “can.”

Some of the time, I need to make connections with others. My partner and I are learning the importance of time and what it means to be a part of a family and community. We make connections and value the time that we get to spend with ourselves, with each other, with our family, our colleagues, complete strangers. My friend calls these connections breadcrumbs. We are all walking this life and intersecting with the trails of others, sometimes alone and sometimes with others. I’m am picking up a trail or even creating my own by continuing to “do.”

Perhaps I am leaving my mark, simply by putting a letter in the mailbox. Motivation and productivity are often the umbrella terms for this concept of which I speak, but I like to think of my day as a display of input and output. Money comes in and out. Music comes in and out. Calories come in and out. Pain comes in and out. Happiness. Love. Wisdom. Lessons. Perhaps this is all lessons and application.

 

What is that thing that you want to get done? Start with yourself. I’m finding I have more time and space for others when I have taken time to do the things that are on my list and in my head. My partner and I are learning that our schedules are different and we are becoming more complimentary as we learn how to navigate life together. There are things that she needs and there are things that I need. Some of them are done in tandem and others, we choose to do independently. We are two people who can stand on our own, and don’t need each other. Love isn’t about wants and needs. We are even stronger when we stand together. My partner and I. My community. My world, however far that extends. Our world. I’m learning that we can be stronger individuals by knowing ourselves. Like my song “Capital Letter” , I think I understand all the ways that I can mean it when I say, “Always put you first.”

My partner was one of many who got me a creativity/art set for Christmas! I can wait to make something!

My partner was one of many who got me a creativity/art set for Christmas! I can’t wait to make something!

Capital Letter – QueenEarth feat. Emsea Water – Watch a video of my song!

 

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The Journey Continues: Widening the Road

March 29, 2013 in QueenEarth

Leaders, role models, mentors, and friends come and go, just like students and music venues. To me, they are all on roads that I may be following, even for a short amount of time. What about me? Where am I headed and who do I follow? Perhaps those answers have been in my reach and I am only, now, mature enough to recognize them. Recently, one of my most successful friends posted a message on my Facebook wall. “Your posts are some of the only ones on Facebook that I enjoy reading. I feel like a jackass using the word “inspirational,” but… they really are. Love you, so proud of you, and thankful that we’ve stayed in touch all these years!” She has no idea how much she has inspired me to follow my dream of being a successful educator and musician, a creative professional. I need to call her. The truth is, I search for positive and inspirational quotes to share because lately it seems, life is presenting me with some difficult challenges. I’m torn between grabbing a “real” job and chasing my dreams. I used to jump for every opportunity that came my way. I’m learning to ask the right questions and learn when something is worth my time and if I and my services are valued by an employer, client, or student. I have made some great connections.

havemercy

I’ve never seen my name on a Marquee. Have Mercy on 3/28 was about a community coming together. I am thankful.

My heart is so focused on my goal, and I’m learning enough to know that I’m not too far from finding what I’m looking for. What does distance look like? I’ve been job and gig searching for a long time, for QueenEarth and my “real” self, not in cartoon form. Jobs seem to come and go. Sometimes, enrollment at schools is low. Venues close. Promoters change their focus. I’m committed to finding a dependable job that respects my professional approach to my music and is clearly on my intended route. For me, these aren’t just gigs anymore. My career path lies in a field of education, music, and creativity. I want to teach in a classroom. I want to design classes and events that encourage lifelong learning and collaboration. I care about social justice. I want to support the local leaders, artists, and educators in my community. I want to build a stronger personal and professional network. I also dream that one day, with all of my connections and relationships, hard work and experiences, I won’t have to work for anyone else. I’m not unmotivated, lazy, or stupid. I’m smarter about my own worth. Like anyone else, there are times I have to do “stuff” that I don’t want to do. That “stuff” happens less and less.

“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” -
― Thomas Jefferson

032013193252

Talk about unprecedented? Chelsea, my new student, doesn’t own a guitar yet, but she won’t let that stop her from learning. She made a guitar neck out of cardboard and string, so she can practice her finger exercises. Amazing. I’ve been working with her group, New Lens Media. These youth are making their mark by documenting social justice issues in their own community! http://www.newlens.info/

 Four years ago, I didn’t know myself or where I was headed to even have the nerve to add other people to my fantasies, to imagine life outside of my apartment. The monotony in my days was depressing and I found myself refreshing Facebook every five minutes out of boredom, and I wasn’t being inspirational to anyone. I was uninspired. I had no direction. Now, I can see into my future. I see music, education, and creativity being the means by which I feed myself and my family. I see a wedding and kids and traveling, in no particular order. For the first time in my life, I can see those things. Every morning that I wake up walking the right path, I am a step closer to those visions. Reality means never giving up on the future I’ve envisioned, always being present to my earthly responsibilities, and learning to evolve and adapt.

I recognize that I’m being unconventional and making huge sacrifices. What if I’m wrong? What if this doesn’t happen? What if it does? For me, this sacrifice is short term. Life will not be like this “forever”, but I’m also doing a lot more than praying that it will all work out the way it does in my head. I still work. I will never stop this search. I believe in this dream and I want to watch it manifest into reality. My friend who loves my Facebook posts, she sees that I am growing. I know I am. I feel brave and powerful and I’m preparing for my future now, making smart decisions and building a foundation for a life brighter than I could ever imagine. One day soon, I may work for, or with, someone else, but they will understand my call and see me as an asset to their vision and a valuable member of their team. I was not destined to be a “worker bee” and fill my day with tasks that someone else doesn’t want to do. May we all have purpose. My call is greater and my decision has never been, only, about me.

In my future, I don’t see myself struggling and missing opportunities. More and more, I’m taking more chances and my options are bountiful. The road is widening. In my future, I see prosperity. I see happiness. I’ve spent much of my life having to say “no” to things because of money or lack thereof. Instead of saying no, I’d rather ask “when?” , and put it in my calendar. I should have told my friend, “I’m proud of you too.” I will. Jessica is a writer and she is “living the dream.” This woman is an author or several successful novels, a mother, a wife, a dedicated runner, and she lives in a beautiful home. To me, it looks like she “has it all” and she seems to balance her career, a happy relationship, family, and a lifelong love affair with her art. She has no idea how she inspires me. I think about how happy she seems, how much she is surrounded by people, myself included, who support her art (http://jessicawarman.com/) . She reciprocates. I’ve been watching her grow. There are so many like us. I am proud to know us. I know it is hard to find our path when we are blazing our own trail, but we are not alone. This is a movement for many. People are watching. Who do you follow?

http://www.queenearth.com/queenearthfriends/

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Still Coming Out . . . In Photographs!

March 5, 2013 in QueenEarth

As QueenEarth, I can’t really hide. I’m on stages. I’m finally getting used to photographs and pictures. Even my business card cartoon is a caricature of me with shorter hair and a lucky hat from a season passed. She bears a resemblance to my aging countenance, and in reality, I have new wrinkles and blemishes. I remember when I abhorred photographs. I’d see a girl on a computer screen or in a picture and I was 70% likely to make a negative comment about her, myself, either outloud or in my head. For a long time, I didn’t like the way that I looked.

At Ye Olde Alpha

At my favorite bar in Wheeling, WV. My first set of locs circa 2007.

When did I start liking to look at myself? I’m not talking about vanity. I was alive before FB and when FB came around, this distaste only got worse :( Pictures of me were appearing all too often and I could look at them everyday and feel the same negativity. Whether or not Facebook and marketing materials are in the equation, frequently seen and mass produced instances of business cards, posters, and flyers, I had to reach a point where I was okay with, proud of, accepting, comfortable with, embracing, and loving myself. In order to be okay with the exposure, whether through photographs or at shows, I had to be okay with myself, inside and out. Being more than okay is the goal.

At my first photo shoot, I was shocked to see so many good pictures. I think I picked the right ones for the album artwork. Working with Eyeni Photography was the best way to get initiated into professional photography.

The second photo shoot was taken with my former roommate and good friend Mark Petinga. These are the last fancy solo photo shoot pics of QueenEarth (http://www.queenearth.com/about/photos/). I cried before we shot those pictures. I didn’t like the way I looked before the shoot. My jeans were too tight and the tears damaged my makeup. I don’t know if you can tell. I think the photos came out well.

Writing is like photography. It gives me a glimpse of myself at a given moment, in a season. My clothes and my ponderings all capture me, enveloped in the right cardigan or the wrong jeans, or leather bound, eternally. Some of my discomfort was about size and other times, if was about my clothes. I always had a favorite hoody or t-shirt, but I will undoubtedly come to a place where I outgrow the apparel. The shirt would will get too big or too small, or it will fade, or i’ll find something nicer to replace it. And sometimes, clothes last for many seasons and I get to remix my look. I was stunned when someone asked me to come to NYC and do a fashion photo shoot. I went to NYC to shoot for a boi magazine. The images never emerged, but I came home with a few souvenirs.

 

Finally, I’m approaching the finish line with my album. I’ve been looking for a photographer. When I think of my own images, some of them are flashbulb memories, forever cemented in my psyche. Other times, I look at myself and I don’t recognize the girl in the photo. That happens less and less, the more and more that I come out. I’m making happy memories and moments that I want to remember. I am emerging to myself and to a world where I am surrounded by love, from myself and others.

NOH8 Photo Shoot for The Love Movement!

NOH8 Photo Shoot for The Love Movement! I’m working with some of these folks again on March 30. https://www.facebook.com/events/420349504721350/?ref=ts&fref=ts

I’m finding my niche in the GLBT community. I don’t have to wear a sign, but I’m pretty sure people know that I’m queer. I shouldn’t have to hide it. I love my gender bending soft dom unlabelable boi-ish swag. I’ve learned to love myself. It’s not just about my sexuality. As QueenEarth, I realize my gifts in music and education. I know when I am using them. When I am, I feel closer to being whole. That is the difference between me and the last “girl in the photo” that I didn’t recognize. Today, I am a woman and I am confident about my desires, for life and my relationships, personal and professional. I don’t have too many “things” that are missing. If I don’t have them, I can finally see them and I know I am walking towards them. Today, I guess it’s okay if I do not recognize the “girl in the photo”, but I should not “hate” her. I know she is just a work in progress. I am learning how to be open and nurturing with myself, teaching myself to be a better student of life. To record my mistakes and my victories, my questions and dreams. In writing. In photographs.

I want to capture this season because I feel like I am shedding a cocoon and realizing my full potential. I don’t know if it comes with age or experience. I also know that at some point, I’ll see another photograph of a woman I do not recognize, or write another song about my confusion and uncertainty, or put on a shirt that doesn’t fit the way it used to . . .  That is okay. Without these photos and lyrics, how would I ever know who I was? Who I am? Who I want to be? Aren’t we always coming out?

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QueenEarth, Janice B, Brooks Long & The Mad Dog No Good at the Creative Alliance! 3/28

March 1, 2013 in QueenEarth

 

Have Mercy

Have Mercy

 

 

 

 

 

From acoustic folk to electric funk, three talented, emerging singer-songwriters share their songs. They also share musicians! All three are backed up by a full ensemble with percussion, bass and keys. QueenEarth shares folksy acoustic storytelling. Janice B. offers smooth, harmony filled soul. Brooks Long amps it up with his original neo-funk and trio The Mad Dog No Good. A portion of the proceeds benefits Musicians of Mercy! Join the Facebook event! https://www.facebook.com/events/144271515722657/?ref=ts&fref=ts
#havemercyPhotography by Jazzy Studios

Tickets: $15, $10 mbrs
@ Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Avenue)
8 – 10pm
All Ages

 

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Changing Coasts! QueenEarth to San Francisco!

February 3, 2013 in QueenEarth

My friends on both coasts were smack talking on FB all night. I’m from Pittsburgh, but on Superbowl Sunday night in 2013, I had to root for Baltimore. That is definitely a first. Speaking of new stuff, I’m trying to play for a bigger audience. That means getting spots on online radio and trying to do some road shows. I want to bring Bmore to San Fran! I’m hoping to play at the 43rd San Francisco Pride Celebration! Post on their wall to request QueenEarth. http://rvrb.fm/V6cB5l Check out my FB page to see my other submission inquiries (www.facebook.com/themsqueenearth). I’d love your support via a post on a FB wall.

GO STEELERS!

Speaking of change, my hair is growing so fast! Check out this photo from Winter 2011. GO STEELERS!

QueenEarth & Friends, the event, is changing. We’re definitely not an open mic, but I certainly wouldn’t call it closed. I guess we’re making our own lane or widening the road. All performers are welcome! It is turning into somewhat of an open playing format. In addition to featuring, the “& Friends” band for the night can also be the house band and accompany the performers. We’ll also have a limited open mic list. I may even add a spotlight artist during the break. These are all possibilities. I struggle with rules and definitions, but part of creating means to make ideas manifest into concrete representations. It also means that I should not be afraid of change.

Come enjoy our creation at Terra Cafe! Our featured artists change every month. For February, the “& Friends” are J Pope and Funk Friday! We’re calling all Goucher family, dope emcees, scat cats, and beatboxers to Terra for this awesome show! It’s gonna be a Gopher Hole Reunion. https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Check out this throwback video of me and J Pope! Who knows? We might do an acoustic set!

Change is inevitable. Life reminds me that nothing is permanent. I’ve been thinking about the changes in my journey while I maintain stability on my path and awareness of my direction. I know I am walking an ever changing road. Life says I must press on.  I am finding purpose in my steps and looking forward to making progress. On the other hand, I ask myself, what are the things and who are the people that I want to keep around? I love my circle and I realize that my relationships will change, yet I intend to maintain my personal and professional connections! I’m also committed to keeping music in my life! I will continue to surround myself with creativity. All of this discovering is urging me to inquire with new venues and branch out. Wherever I go, I will not forget my purpose.

My final push for change this month? I’ve changed my website. I’m transitioning into my full cartoon creation. That means you can look forward to some more QueenEarth Coloring pages :) I’m still human, but I’m upgrading my status with some slick website modifications. For creativity, lessons, bookings, education, and shows please visit www.queenearth.com! Live. Laugh. Love.

QE

 

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My Songwriter’s Journey: Adult Contemporary

January 16, 2013 in QueenEarth

In grad school, I was surrounded by folks who wanted to talk about spiritually and purpose. When I think about my “old job” I remember my first semester at my first real job and how I knew, from the beginning, that it wasn’t a good “fit”. Thought not all bad, most of my feelings about my ill fitting employment were further reinforced. I felt silenced, unsupported, and like the work I did, I felt like didn’t matter. I got the work done because someone else didn’t want to do it. I could be “fired up” with projects that circled around my passions, but I’m not sure how much they mattered to my boss or his boss, or her boss, as long as those things got done. Someone could check my job off of their list. So was my list full or empty? Soul empty? I also guess, looking back, that I had to make my work matter. To me, it did. I did.

 

Putting down the headphones for one my my last recordings sessions with Mo Rece at Stinkiface Music. We have been working together for over 5 years. To date, other than my first guitar, this is my longest musical relationship :)

Putting down the headphones for one my my last recordings sessions with Mo Rece at Stinkiface Music. We have been working together for over 5 years. To date, other than my first guitar, this is my longest musical relationship :)

Moving on isn’t always the worst thing in the world, especially when we realize that something isn’t fitting. If I’m smart, I should take those lessons with me. I should hold on to the skills. I grow bigger, smarter, and looking to find new challenges. Some will try to stop me. I even try to stop myself. I’ve learned, advice should only be taken to heart when it is from someone who has given me their presence and attention, and most importantly, their communication. Without that, without giving themselves an opportunity to know and see me, their input doesn’t matter. They will never understand why I do what I do. I have to learn, and keep reminding myself, to be that person for myself. I have to know my worth. I’ve walked away from many jobs and I miss some more than others, but more than the job, I miss the students. I can see their faces. I’ve stayed at jobs for my students. I had to realize that there are more, other, and different people who can hear my message. I had to forgive myself for being so angry when it was time to move on. I see myself in so many of my students. At some time, I believe we all feel refreshed and excited about learning. Our enthusiasm forces us to share, with others, all that we know. There are so many people who can use my gifts. I am called to teach and to learn.

 

In my past, so many misunderstood me. I was trying to figure things out for myself, decipher why things didn’t “fit” anymore. Isn’t that what we’re all supposed to do? Ask ourselves where we stand? As a songwriter, I have to make sure my story is heard. Being silenced is my kryponite. When I am not writing it all down, I often feel lost. I am never lost when I’m doing work that feeds my passions. Never when I look back through my journal and read my past entries. Writing holds my strength. I write down the places that I want to see, the way my album will look. I write about traveling. I write my fears. I conquer them. When I’m working with my calling, I never question why or how. Education. Music. Creativity.

 

At Stinkiface, listening to some final mixes of the album!

At Stinkiface Studios, listening to some final mixes of the album!

Epiphanies come like light switches. These experiences spawn creativity. My partner, she reminds me to stay in the light, no matter how bad things get. When she looks into my eyes, I truly believe she sees my heart and knows that I am a good person, my intentions are all pointed toward fulfilling my ultimate desire, which is to be happy and be in control, to stay in the light. I want to be the same source of support for her. I’ll not let anyone or anything take me back to where I was when I started this journey. I’m watching an era end, and another begin, and I’m fortunate to document it all. This era started the day I choose not to accept a job and decided to begin my life’s work. That was an epiphany. That was me turning on a light. I made friends. I lost friends. Many of them became strangers. Today, some of my closest friends and the people that I see most often and intimately, are the ones who knew me way back then. My partner has watched me come so far. The night we met, I had holes in my jeans . . . There is no sense in going back to darkness. It’d be like pretending all those struggles and work didn’t matter, like they were gone, all the things that challenged me, all the lessons that made me smarter, all the hurdles and labyrinths I had to circumvent. If I stumble or fall into darkness, I am the only one who can turn the lights back on. Those “things” will still be there. I’ve a better chance of navigating successfully when my eyes are open. I need the light. How fortunate to have true friends that can guide, whether I ask for help or not.

 

What does this have to do with music? I will be finishing the recording of Adult Contemporary with many folks from the place where the last chapter ended. Whether they know it or not, they’ve walked with me. We’ve come such a long way and are symbolically ending an era. This is all appropriate and synchronistic. I can feel that I am redefining myself and more than that, I want to make sure I tell the stories that got me thought those challenges. One song, originally appearing on my first recording Extended4Play, is, like me, in a brand new form. “How Do You Know When You’re Finished” has been reconstructed and will be just a preview of what’s to come. I am proud to be in the final stages of production. I cannot wait for you to hear it. For that chapter in my life, this song is my benediction and my processional.

 

Why Adult Contemporary? Isn’t that what we hear in the speakers when we’re shopping? Playing in the elevator? Sure. Why can’t that be me? Why can’t my song be the one stuck in your head? Why can’t my words be the ones that tell your story? More than that, to me, the title speaks to growth and unprecedented direction, far from the usual and predictable. I’ve never been one to rack up accomplishments for the sake of my naysayers. This album is dedicated to anyone who knows what it feels like to conquer, to grow, to reach atonement.

 

 

 

 

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QE & Friends is a Movement!

January 4, 2013 in QueenEarth

QueenEarth & Friends has always been about a movement. In 2012, we became an album, an event, and a professional network. I like to “big up” my friends in my educational, musical, and creative networks. In honor of networking, I’ll be doing more sharing of my business/professional network in my FB group! You be able to find a tutor, audio engineer, or a jewelry maker. A photographer, a principal, an author. An after school workshop guru, a bass player, and a vocal coach. I been sharing my network info via QueenEarth & Friends! Join if you have “stuff” to share! I’m actually looking for a photographer and some press! E-mail me at QueenEarth@QueenEarth.com if you’re interested in collaborating in 2013.

Speaking of networks . . . Here is a photo of my unexpected performance at the Baltimore Songwriters' Association Holiday Party 2012. What a great network. BTW, the guitar belongs to Rob Hinkal of ilyAIMY (http://www.ilyaimy.com/). He is a BAWSS! I was flattered to play his axe. I think he also took the photograph.

Speaking of networks . . . Here is a photo of my unexpected performance at the Baltimore Songwriters’ Association Holiday Party 2012. What a great group.
BTW, the guitar belongs to Rob Hinkal of ilyAIMY (http://www.ilyaimy.com/). He is a BAWSS! I was flattered to play his axe. I think he also took the photograph.

January brings our 1 yr. Anniversary Show!! January 19, 2013 we celebrate one year of our show, and we’re gonna do it in our Pjs. It’s a January Pajama Jammy Jam! Power couple Adeke Rose, Poet aka Karen Crawley-Buckholtz and bassman/vocalist David Buckholtz are bringing spoken word and love songs all night. It will be sexy, so why not wear our Pjs? Also, It’s Shana Buckholtz’s birthday (their daughter and the genius behind the QE Friends artwork)! With all that madness, one must ask, can QE Friends be too sexy??? Ponder it and check out the event! https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/

I’ve met quite a few folks who are asking about guitar lessons. Why not give yourself, or someone else, the gift of music? I always enjoy new students. In 2013, you’ll have 2 options for QueenEarth instruction. I give private lessons in guitar and creativity, and I teach classes at CCBC! Find more details on my website! http://www.queenearth.com/2012/12/guitar-lessons-private-lessons-and-ccbc-spring-2013/

Most don’t know, but I listen to a lot of country music. Lately, I’m really into The Band Perry and Carrie Underwood. I’m also a huge fan of Darius Rucker, esp on this side of Hootie and the Blowfish. I’ve been enjoying the brilliant songwriting and the simple chords that are thickened up with beautiful background vocals and great lead singing. It’s all soul music to me. Right now, this is my favorite song to sing :) http://youtu.be/UZwyw3Oj-kQ

Stinkiface Studios for some recording . . . Spaceman, Dan Sam, Santendrix. (Mo Rece is behind the curtain)

Stinkiface Studios for some recording . . . Spaceman, Dan Sam, Santendrix. (Mo Rece is behind the curtain)

I’m also working on some new material and some folks say, it sounds a little country. You can decide when you hear the recordings, whenever they manifest. And finally, speaking of recording . . . I guess you’ll have to wait to hear more about it.
Live. Laugh. Love.

 

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Guitar Lessons: Private Lessons and CCBC Spring 2013

December 11, 2012 in QueenEarth

 

I’ve met quite a few folks who are asking about guitar lessons. Why not give yourself, or someone else, the gift of music? I always enjoy new students. In 2013, you’ll have 2 options for QueenEarth instruction. I give private lessons in guitar and creativity, and I teach classes at CCBC!

OPTION 1

As far as private lessons, I’m booking for Winter Session, January 2 – January 25, 2013 and Spring 2013. We can have regularly scheduled lessons or you can book your sessions however you like. I will teach you how to play basic melodies for popular hits, write your own songs, discover new chords, and enjoy your journey as a musician. For guitar, you may take your lessons online or “on the ground.” You may also want to do a hybrid course. For these students, we would begin meeting in person and over time, we would transition to online meetings via Skype.I also teach creativity http://www.queenearth.com/queenearth-guitar-lessons/queenearth-creativity-workshops/. Questions about any of it? Please, fill out my survey for more info. http://www.queenearth.com/queenearth-music-workshops-interest-survey-and-questionnaire/


OPTION 2

I’m also teaching guitar at CCBC Catonsville in Spring 2013. I’ll teach you to play guitar, even if you don’t read music. It is a great way to get started and enjoy practicing while actually making music. Total Cost: $79. Bring a guitar to class. Wednesdays, 8 weeks, February 20 – April 17. 7:30-8:30pm. The class is ART 614. Register online at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed/reg.html.

Let me know if you’d like to squeeze in a few sessions while you unwind from the holidays, or start your new year with music! Enjoy this holiday season. Live. Laugh. Love.

 

 

 

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Happy Holiday Heroes from QueenEarth!!

December 1, 2012 in QueenEarth

Happy December!

As I approach the one year anniversary of QueenEarth & Friends, I’m in deep thought about all of the folks who have touched my life. I always ask my students to write about their heroes and villains. I decided to do it for myself and I wrote about the folks who have been influential in my life. Take a look at my December blog and read up about my heroes! http://www.queenearth.com/2012/11/heroes-and-villains-my-heros-journey/. I can name a long list of positive and negative teachers, in life and in the classroom. More than this past year, and more than my life in Baltimore, there are so many people who have helped me to get to where I am today.

Speaking of helpers, get ready for the last QueenEarth & Friends show of 2012. December 15 will be poetry, emcees, acoustic guitars, and wordplay. Slick Vic Low and Poet Rebecca Dupas will bring their dope lyrics to my show and I am so excited! They are two of my favorite wordsmiths in the DMV. You should be there! Facebook has all the info! If you missed QE & Friends in November, peep the info about the next show! It’s our last party in 2012! https://www.facebook.com/events/517971141563435/?ref=ts&fref=ts Don’t forget to bring your BOGO postcards. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read up to find out how you can get your hands on half price admission to a QE show with my eco friendly advertising! http://www.queenearth.com/2012/10/lessons-from-the-garden/

 

Eco-friendly also means supporting local vendors, up cycling, and reusing. Come do some holiday shopping! You’ll get local soaps, crafts, jewelry, food, and folks. I play at the Last Chance Holiday Craft Show December 8 from 2-4pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/170172516461698/ What a great way to continue my movement and reconnect with some of my friends from the summer farmer’s markets! Come join us! For a full list of show and events, visit http://www.queenearth.com/calendar-of-shows/.

As I mature as a performer and an educator, I’m beginning to see how much I/we can also influence people. From my students to members of my audience, I’m trying to be more aware of the messages that I’m sending. In 2013, I’m really examining what it means to be QueenEarth, what it means to be one person on a planet of many, what it means to make better choices for our future on this Earth. I have an opportunity to help others on their journeys and maybe do it through a song or a lesson plan about heroes and villains. Perhaps, I can change the world. I realize that big strides can also be made with itty bitty baby steps. One person, one song, one postcard, one day, one show at a time. I am blessed to have my voice. I love my worldwide QueenEarth & Friends, the people, the event, and the music. Take a listen to OUR album! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/queenearth-friends-live-acoustic/id580300302 Thank you all. Follow us. Tell a friend. Live. Laugh. Love.
QueenEarth

 

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queenearth@queenearth.com

 

 

www.queenearth.com
Education/Music/Creativity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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