Everyday Celebrate

I spent almost seven months without a job. During those months I discovered a lot about myself and my loved ones. Writing lyrics and jamming out helped me to unleash the disappointment I had with my search. My friends were supportive and have always been without a doubt wonderful. There is so much that I love and appreciate. I respect the cycles of life and all the experiences ahead of me. I am not ever going to give a dream, not ever.
I've got a lot of living to do. My new job is the best job for me,now. I have been creating other things to explore and facing the challenges that I've conveniently put off. So, yes, I am finally going to take driving classes. More than likely I will be ready to be on the road when the rain starts. I foresee myself driving to places where the Sun shines.
Yay.

Hello Friends

I found a job! Things are going great and I'd love to share them with you. Stay tuned!

While we are in Capital Hill

It's not a secret to anyone that knows me how much I adore Capital Hill. When I moved to Seattle in 2004 I found the apartment of my dreams off of Broadway and grew out of ignorance under it's roof. I learned so many things from many people because I invited that change.
Nikki and Sara from The Vajra encouraged my passion for knowledge and healing. The Vajra is located off of Broadway East. I have had many wonderful conversations and learned a lot about essential oils and stones. Sara is a super talented henna artist with impeccable holistic knowledge. Nikki is a compassionate and positively patient woman with who gives tarot readings and is happy to share all her knowledge with you. Just ask and they can point you in the right direction; with candles, inscents, oils or stones. Have faith, don't be ashamed to ask for a little help, if there is something nagging you and you need to find a balance get a reading.
I usually hit up The Vajra after having pho at the Than Brothers which is next door. Service at the Than Bros. is swift, tasty and fulfilling. They don't play around. Walk in, take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. You are served a yummy cream puff before you ever get to order your pho. I am not a big fan of tripe but I've had the chicken, brisket and the veggie. Have some Ginseng tea or Iced coffee. So good.
The cream puff at Than Bros. is yummy and I like to have mine after I'm all done with my noodles. I've gotta tell you though, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and that little cream puff just doesn't do it for me. Dilettante Mocha Cafe's Dark Emphemere truffle sure does! Dilettante is on the same block, just a few feet away. If I were to choose a box of truffles for you I would choose Madame X, Dark Belgian Marzipan, Kahlua Truffle, Butter Pecan Toffee Rheingold, Cointreau, Hazelnut Gianduia and a few Oregon Hazelnuts. The Mocha Cafe has delicious cakes and other treats. I love the chocolate dipped ginger biscotti but give the Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse a try. The more you bring the merrier. It gives you the opportunity to all order something different and share :)
I'm sure it's a beautiful day out, just kidding, it's Seattle. But anyway, it could be and it is if you believe. It is Summer. After all the wonderful experiences indoors, a walk down Broadway would be nice. Head over to Volunteer Park. Volunteer Park is located on 1247 15th Ave. E. It has amazing views of the Sound, the mountains and downtown. A walk up 106 steps gets you to the top of the Water Tower observation deck to get some of these spectacular views. While you are walking these gorgeous paths, take a walk through the Conservatory and check out their collection of tropical plants. Admission is free. Volunteer Park is also the home of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The first Thursday is free. Regular suggested admission is $7 for adults and 12 & under is free.

Wow, there you have it. One of my favorite ways to spend my afternoon.

Here is a link to get you around Seattle. Take the bus.

King County Metro Trip Planner

Time for a nap.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I was listening to one of my most favorite albums ever, Houses of the Holy (by Led Zeppelin, if ya didn't know) and it reminded me of the rituals I've created that make me feel so comfortable and wonderful in my skin. Like putting on Rodrigo y Gabriela and having my first cup of Don Fransisco Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee while I cook breakfast in the morning. Going to the market to stock up on Sandalwood and Sweet Grass and checking out all my favorite places in my own preferred, particular fashion. This weekend I will devote my posts to a few of my favorite things in hopes of you going out and telling me about your experience with my faves.

One of the things that has always made me happy is to spend time in the park. Soaking in the warmth, the laughter and reading a few pages of my book. It's a little hard to concentrate when there is so much happiness happening. I just can't help but to stare with a smile and share all the wonderful energy.

In 2006 Cal Anderson Park was redesigned and transformed into one of the most beautiful parks in Capital Hill. I moved into the neighborhood when it was under construction and used to watch baseball games. It's a great place for the kids to play or cool off in the wading pool on those hot summer days. Take a soccer ball to kick around on the athletic field or take advantage of all the open space to sit, read or play some Frisbee. There is a QFC, Tully's and The Pita Pit is right up the street. It is located off of Broadway Ave on E. Pine and 11Th Ave. I'd recommend checking out The Hugo House across the street. It's a writer's retreat. The Richard Hugo House offers workshops and holds events featuring Local Writers.

http://www.hugohouse.org/

Downtown Seattle is such a good place to get lost. With all the great food, coffee and art, why not? Pike Place Market never lets me down. This all-embracing flavor of quality is a part of me and it couldn't have happened with out the people who represent the market and their yummy invitations.

Cinnamon Works has the most fabulous breads, cookies and cinnamon squares. My favorite is Zucchini bread but they have Carrot too. They have Snicker doodle cookies and Pumpkin too. Oh, yum, yum, yummy, yum, yum! Have a vegan, sugar free or a gluten free cookie, or maybe a muffin or a scone. One of these giants feeds two people. No Joke! It a great grab and go kind of joy. Cafe Vita is another treat you can find and this lovely waterfront bakery.

If you are down for a supreme sweet treat try Le Panier. This french bakery has a grand assortment of pastries; creamy, tart and melt in your mouth buttery. Mm mm... and they serve up a delicious Americano. Unlike Cinnamon works you can sit and enjoy your after lunch or dinner treat or just order up a baguette sandwich, they have lunch too! You may find a seat depending on how busy they are and they usually are. ; )

http://www.lepanier.com/

Enjoy the Weekend and please leave a comment if you have a recommendation for any of my readers. If you'd like me to suggest a fantasy tour of Seattle for you, I would be glad to do that. In fact, I will be including that in my blog next week.

Oh it's crazy! Crazy what?

Accomplishments, yes I have many. I am doing my best, really just doing what I want. So, yes, I am happy with what I have accomplished. Let's start with the crazy cool things I have done in the last 12 months. Learned how to start over, quit with the bad habits because really they don't equal happiness. No,no they don't! I have made great friends, I communicate in a positive way and have even created boundaries. Yup, boundaries are great, my friend. I started a project with a laptop producer and we have written, performed and encouraged each other to share music and have fun. When I get the chance, I network with other aspiring musicians and song-writers doing what ever I can to help even if it's just to listen. This is great, these are actually short-term goals I have accomplished. I wanted to include these methods as a way of life and learn from my mistakes. I can happily say I have. Go V! Rock on Goddess!!! There are also things that I can not change. That is crazy ewwl! It makes me sick to think that these things are not happening fast enough, not as quick as I'd like. But am I doing my best? I could do better. I will do better, while I am doing that I am going to pray, sing and go to school while I praise the Universe. Proudly accepting the fact I am living and I have the opportunity to do all these wonderful things.
Oh yes it is Crazy Cool!

Photo by Shaun Karry
Winter 2008

I Did It

Yes, it's true I did it, with some help of course. I accomplished one of my childhood dreams. I played my first show! I sang my lyrics and performed with one of my most fabulous & talented buddies in the World, Vin. Thank you Vin, you are great!
One of many to come, for sure. My friends came out to support the cause and show some love. I had a great time on stage. It was all so natural.We opened up with Oyo (Vin) performing Uncertainty. Sly was on the side giving me encouragement and reminding me to get the party started.Thanks, Sly. I did what I do best and got people to throw their hands up in the air and clap their hands.It felt great!The coolest thing to see was my head banging rocker friends hollering like the were at a metal show so I gave them a growl on 2 steps behind.LOL Fabulous!
I'd like to suggest to give a few bands a listen. The Second Scene had the pleasure of sharing the stage with two bands STILLSTAND and Veritas. Both bands just rocked out and had a good time which is what truly gets my attention. If you get a chance come out and see STILLSTAND and The Second Scene perform together again on the 13Th of June at La Cantina in Seattle.Thanks to all that made it and have a super fantastic week.

STILLSTAND
www.myspace.com/stillstandoperation

Veritas
www.myspace.com/veritasband

Oyo
www.myspace.com/oyoempire

Mextacy
www.myspace.com/mextacy008

The Helio Sequence- Keep Your Eyes Ahead 2008

The Pacific Northwest has some truly talented individuals rockin' out.That had a lot to do with where I wanted to live when I grew up. Hands down it had to be Seattle, Washington. I am certain I was not the only one who though the same.
Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel are The Helio Sequence from Beverton, Oregon, this two man group signed to Sub Pop found a special place in my heart. Now, I know I say this is my favorite song a lot, yeah, well it is, for the next five minutes like my boyfriend would say. No, seriously this album hooked me from beginning to end. Although I love all ten tracks on Keep Your Eyes Ahead. If you haven't given them a listen check out "Lately" and "Can't Say No". Check out their website because I know they are on tour with Keane, who is another favorite of mine. Don't be sorry like I was for missing out.
I would like to give a special thanks to KEXP's Song of the Day Podcast for introducing me to this lovely indie band and many other songs I am so fond of. Mom, you too. She bought the album for me and when we found out we both loved this band we talked and talked about it.Yes, thank you both!
Now go out and have a listen!

www.subpop.com/artists/the_helio_sequence

Staying In

I celebrate life everyday, blessed to be a female, to be loved, respected and decisive. Lately, I have been hard on myself. Sometimes I say negative things about my life that are not true. Why? Because sometimes I am uncomfortable and unable to deal with the natural rhythm of my life.I let myself think. Oh and you know, you can get carried away if you let yourself.
I do what I can to make things happen. Now, I just need to let them happen. I pray, I create, I worship and praise my Creator, my Moon ,and Prana. Growing up was rough. I had to learn all over again. I had to teach myself how to be a respected individual, be responsible and learn to be positive.Yes, it all began a few years back. So I am like a new born in my adult years.
Realizing the truth about people you care about can be difficult. My biggest and toughest struggle has been dealing with my father. I love him but I can't change him or anything he has done. I can't make it right for him or anyone else. I can only for me. But I can be your sunshine, I can do that.
I am growing older and some of the things that were important to me just aren't anymore. I no longer want to make anyone's problem my problems.But,I wanna help them stay strong and positive. It doesn't mean I love them any less but really, why do I want that energy. I am sensitive enough to begin with and I have been this way for as long as I can remember. I have worked on not being so much so,now. I can't believe I ever wanted to be in the first place. This must be because of my desire to want everything to work out, be okay, be alright.
I am only going to be me. A wonderful, positive, encouraging connoisseur of life. Tonight I am going to spend the holiday away from the bar. I am going to cook a traditional dish and have a glass of wine. I'm going to make a toast to you, Universe.

Hello Universe, I feel so much better and I must give thanks to Mother Nature and the Stinging Nettle for all their wonderful benefits. I had Nettle tea while I read my book last night. When I was done reading I meditated and gave thanks to all the wonderful herbs that were created under the Sun and the Moon for us to heal our bodies.I woke up without that awful cough that's been the center of my pain for the last few days. RELIEVED! It's amazing to have the joy you experience after a bad experience. You have a desire to conquer and make all the wrongs, right. You have a new attitude and a strong sense of passion to live a lovely life. Yay,I said I wanted to feel better sooner than later and I do! I do!

Another thing I love to do is share. It is my birth month and there is lots to check out. Here are a few shows happening in Seattle.


High Ceiling
May 1 2009 9:00P
SPRINGFEST Shelton, Washington


Vast Void
May 9 2009 9:00P
The Monkey Pub Seattle University District, Washington

Indecisive Rhythm
May 14 2009 9:00P
Ms. Rhythm’s Birthday Bash/Costume Party at the Funhouse w/Perfume, Ripspacer & All Bets On Death Seattle



I will have more for you to check out. My band is playing on the 16th. Details will be posted soon.

Have a great weekend!

An Afternoon in the Park with Mextacy

I decided to put a video together of my visit to Gasworks Park in 2008. Since I'm all blah n' stuff I checked out the remix option for videos on Photobucket and I think it's awesome! It was so fun and easy to use.Check it out.

This cough has got the best of me. The buzz in my head won't go away and I feel so sensitive. So vulnerable and receptive. Yuck! I'll feel better soon but I hope it's sooner than later.

Yesterday, I had a great time at practice. My friend really liked the new material we had as well as the some of the tunes she heard before with a new attitude. Vocal classes go a long way ;)She joined in on Damaged and harmonized with me.We are working on the chorus and the big blow out and the end of the song. FUN!
When were were done I stuck around after to check out the Metal band who shares our practice space with us, Hidden Casualties.They are also good Friends. Ben,their singer, just got back from Arizona. It was their first practice in 6 months. It was rockin'! When they were done Jared took Nell's place and got on the drums and Chris has his guitar strapped,Levi played his bass and I grabbed the mic.We jammed out and I got all metal. It was hardcore!!!

Wookie ba Nub

Okay, the title is ridiculous but it's ridiculously funny to me and sometimes life seems to be just that. I've had the opportunity to interview with a few cafes' while being sick and doing my best to not make it obvious. Thank the Lord I haven't had a cough attack or sneezing fest while speaking with these people.To be honest, there has been no chemistry with any of the hiring managers. No personality. Okay, too harsh? Whatever. It's important to have that with people you will be working with on a daily basis.

The interview I had yesterday was a Group Interview and for some weird reason I was nervous. I realized just how much is riding on me to get a job. The pressure was intense. I know I have lots to do and hey, I am doing it, giving it my absolute and complete attention. I have to bust out a list just to keep myself in check, jeez. Today I had to cancel an interview cause I missed my bus and realized what a disaster it would be if I was ever in that situation and actually on my way to work. Ah, ridiculous!

This morning I looked into financial aid, filled out my FASFA and called a few schools in the area. I found out what I need to do in order to get registered in classes for the Summer and the Fall quarter, it requires a trip to SCCC and some money and then a trip to HCC some money and then scheduling a time to meet with an Advisor. Have you caught on, yet. Yes, I am over it. I am defiantly looking forward to acquiring skills that are in demand. Coffee is too but I want to be and educated ex-barista with an AAS or an AAA and eventually get a BA or BS. I am working on being enrolled and wow just thinking of all the fun and studying puts me at ease. That's right, something to look forward to that I worked my butt off for, right on!

I've got practice today and I'm excited to see what my band mate has been working on. He went to LA this past weekend and is mega inspired. I've been working on a few ideas myself. We will have one of my good friends coming by to see what we've been working on. Once upon a time we talked about working together so we may wind up doing that. I decided against looking for back-up singers and just focus on finding someone to work with us as a band member, a singer-songwriter. I'd like to work someone as passionate as I am, who want to be a performer and play shows. This could be sweet. lol

Photo by Veronica Silva

Follow this link to see what Wookie ba Nub is all about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHiZ15x6Vt4

Starving Artist

Yeah now I definitely know what that means, a starving artist. Busy, busy, busy. Looking for a job is a job, no doubt. I've been auditioning back-up vocalists and guitarists as well. Like I said,busy. I've made new friends and my relationships are wonderful. The worst part about being jobless is no income and money can affect relationships especially when you have a debt with some one. I've kept my faith strong and I've communicated which is essential. That is all I can do. Let's not forget about praying. I'm doing that, too.

Okay, so, performances. Yes, I have some coming up. Oyo and I have decided on a name for our band. The Second Scene. In May we will be performing at the La Cantina Benefit with Veritas and a few other bands. In June we will be hosting a Dance Party for two nights at the Picking on the Hoh Festival campground where some of my favorite NW bands will be performing. High Ceiling ans Indecisive Rhythm will be there. In July we are organizing a show in Downtown Seattle and in August we will be playing with Disillusion at the Station 56 in Tacoma. We've been talking to other bands about booking show together so I am certain that we will have at least 2-3 shows a month for the Summer. This makes me happy.

Art : Vaginica by Shaun Karry

Having a Blast

How exciting?! I've been loving all the changes that have been taking place in my life and it's wonderful to recognize all the steps I have taken towards a more positive me. After I quit my job in January I was relieved. I no longer had to dread dealing with a boss who had no people or management skills nor did I have hold my breath or my tongue while she continued to change the prices with out any notice. Alright, yes, I was looking forward to finding a job that was well staffed, experienced and encouraged positive ethics.... I still am.

The job search continues. I really didn't think that I would still be unemployed as of today. I figured with the industry I have the best expertise in and the jobs I've been applying for would be the most in demand. Turns out that industry is hiring but the jobs that are readily available are the ones that have "themes". You know the ones I am talking about, "No experience needed must wear a bikini and be flirty" The Peepshow stands, that's what I call them. Although I am a beautiful Lady I would not ever work at these coffee stands, no thank you!

I almost couldn't deal with all this free time I've had. A few weeks ago, I felt like I was in a black hole because my efforts to find a job seemed useless. Forget that noise! I changed it up. You see, that is not all I have going for me. I have great friends and a Man in my life who give it to me straight. Lately I've been working hard on my success as a vocalist and songwriter. I just stepped it up and started working on that "To Do List" that I had not got the chance to work on for my music project. Things are coming together and my efforts to have a band and start performing within the next month are just around the corner.

So, even if I don't have a job working in a cafe sharing a smile and something new, I have music to share with the world and inspiration all around me.

The Sky Inspires Me

On this rock, I sit high

Embracing the Moon, the night,

where I listen to the echo of silence.

The energy is louder than the voices that once cluttered my mind.

I have fallen like the rain and drowned in emotions.

The joy to shine like the Sun has entered my Spirit,

reminding me it is I who has chosen my Destiny.

Our reflection conquers all.

Mextacy Recommends

I wanted to share some of my favorite Musicians with you. Some of these bands are unsigned, some are local (Seattle) and some well....they all make me smile.


Check them out! Then go to their show or buy an album for yourself or a Friend.



Mike Cardenas www. myspace. com/mikecardenas
Brown Dwarf and Illness are great songs! His version Sade, "By Your Side", lovely!


Diano Garcia www. myspace. com/dianogarcia
His Album "Turn it on" is available on itunes.

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground www. myspace. com/kaykayunderground
I first heard this Band in 2006, thanks to a friend. I've seen them perform a handful of times and it's amazing, every time! Fabulous!!!

Rob Benson www. myspace. com/treemind
Singer and Songwriter for Dept of Energy. If you are a KEXP listener then you have heard of them. If you live in Greater Seattle you've heard of him. They just released a CD.
Their show at the Tractor was packed and ROCKIN'! His shows usually are.

THANK YOU! Support Local Art and Music!


Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground

Breathing Dust, Being dust

An Astronomy Professor told me once that we all breathe the dust of all that have once lived. He emphasized on EVERYONE. Everyone on this Earth?! Wow! I breath the same air that everyone else has since the beginning of time.14, billion years of dust traveling around and around.

WHOA!

I've been told that God formed man from the dust on the ground, that I am made of star dust so it's enevitable, I am of the Heavens. That means I am a star. Which means you are, too.

How do I figure?

Well, at least one of my ancestors is a star. Right? If I am part of anything, why can't I claim to be that one thing instead of part this or that. You know, like how we classify race. We don't need to do that. No one needs to break it down, it's your choice. Because you always have a choice to say or do it a different way. I'll break it down my way.
So, I'll just say I'm a star.