<p>Good morning everyone!</p><p>I hope that all of you had a nice long weekend! I've had quite the musical weekend. Before I embark on a discussion of that, I wanted to chat about a thought that came to my mind this morning as I ambled to the bus. </p><p>Growing up, I've always loved cheesy sad love songs. In fact the Carpenters was my choice of music as an early teenager as my friends listened to the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson. I love Madonna and MJ as well but the Carpenters love songs appealed to the romantic in me. I'd always accepted love songs for what it is but I never thought about it until I am older that most love songs are not really about being in love and being happy. The best love songs are sad songs about heartbreak. Now... being the "analytical thinker" that I am who is always trying to figure out "why" and "how" things work the way they do, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about this. The funny thing is that thinking about it didn't gave me the question to my question. It was life experiences that gave me the answer to my question. I am sure to many of you, this is probably a "no-brainer". I can be obtuse sometimes hahaha.... When I am happy and feeling wondrously content, I usually find myself simply basking in the "glow" of the happiness. Most of those times, it never occurs to me to "write" about things. However, when I am feeling blue, I find myself frequently falling into the introspective mode where I am inspired to write. Lyrics to new songs that I've yet to make into songs, blogs, short stories meant for no one else but myself. All of it a reflection of feelings. I've got quite a collection... Maybe it's because depression is in some ways a more powerful emotion than happiness. There is a beauty in depression. There is a quote by Bob Dylan that reflects that sentiment perfectly: </p><p><img alt="Picture" src="http://animatedgifimages.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/7/2/13729324/9116240_orig.jpg" /></p><p> </p><p>It's wonderful to feel and be alive!</p><p>Now that I've expressed my deep thought for the day, I want to chat a little about my weekend musical activities.</p><ol><li>Friday, I accompanied my buddy Maria Moncada to see Parker Scott perform his show "A Tribute to Matthew Shepard" at the Metropolitan Room. Parker has a beautiful voice, quite operatic in nature. </li><li>Saturday, I saw my friend Robin Kradles' performance of "ICONS- A tribute to the Women Who Inspired Me". Robin is no doubt, as always, glamorous from beginning to end! I've come to know Robin's "alter-ego" Richard in my time as a cabaret artist and he had become one of my dear friends. This performance was the best I've seem from Robin and I highly recommend that you check it out if you haven't.</li><li>Last night, I had the pleasure of being a videographer for a fantastic show at the Metropolitan Room (yes, I am also a videographer... I did mentioned that I am a jack of all trades no? hahaha). Bobbie Horowitz, my cabaret mommy hosted "Great Song Writers: Up Close". What a wonderful evening of music shared with friends, a wonderful selection of song writers: John Meyer, Ervin Drake and Jerry Livingston and an equally wonderful selection of great performers: John Gabriel, Stacy Sullivan, Adam Shapiro, Rosemary Loar, David S. Sloane, Marissa Moulder... just to name a few, with musical accompaniment by Bill Zeffiro and Sean Harkness...Quite a show! Great job</li></ol><p>So, after a very long weekend of running around, I am back to reality check. Back at work, back with my thinking cap on to tackle my week. I have a reward at the end of today waiting for me! Another wonderful class with Lennie and Steven for my Arrangement Experience class! If you are free, come see us on November 3 at Don't Tell Mama! It's going to be a blast! As usual, I am the artist for the flyer, which I will leave you with until next time! xoxo</p><p><img alt="" src="http://www.vistaprint.com/plt/lp.aspx?alt_doc_id=1TP6N-F2A90-6Y0&hash=701ad4&width=750&trace=st2516844" width="750" /></p>
