Good morning!

Okay, so I’m going to be blogging about Eve Ensler again. I know…I know…I have already honored her as a Wonderful Woman of the World. But this girl deserves to be recognized again and again for her efforts and support of all women around the globe.

Ensler’s newest venture? “Emotional Creature” based on her book, “I am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life Of Girls Around The World”. The focus is on what Ensler calls your “girl cell” – embracing your inner girl. She declares that there is a “girl cell” in all of us – yes men too – a cell that we have all been taught to suppress.

Here’s a TED talk Ensler did a few years ago talking passionately about the “girl cell”:

After successful workshops in Johannesburg and Paris (Ruth did you and the girls see?), Ensler’s world premier is right here in my backyard, at the Berkeley Rep. Aren’t we lucky!

Berkeley Rep is proud to present the world premiere of a powerful new play from Tony Award–winner Eve Ensler. Staged by Obie Award–winning director Jo Bonney and performed by a talented ensemble of young women, Emotional Creature is made up of a original monologues and irresistable songs about and for girls. Placing their stories squarely center stage, it gives full expression to their secret voices and innermost thoughts, highlighting the diversity and commonality of the issues they face.

The show started a few days ago and runs through July 15th. This is a show you do not want to miss. I certainly won’t.

And just in case you want to read more, here’s a write up from our local newspaper:

Eve Ensler fires up the ‘girl cell’ in ‘Creature’

Your “girl cell” may need some charging, andEve Ensler is here to help you.

The celebrated author, activist and performer is probably most famous for making the world a safer place for the word “vagina” through her phenomenally successful show “The Vagina Monologues.” Now she’s back with a new show, and it’s all about the girl cell in everyone – men and women.

“We are living in a world that is so bifurcated,” Ensler says. “We don’t trust the heart, we don’t trust the head. Ninety percent of the world is in great hardship, there’s too much violence to women, and it’s time to come to a new place. This new place requires that part of ourselves that is passionate and compassionate, intuitive and emotional. And revolutionary. That part of us is what I call the girl cell. It’s the capacity to be more than we think we are and the ability to connect to others beyond ourselves.”

The new show, “Emotional Creature,” has its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre and is inspired by Ensler’s best-selling 2010 book “I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World.” This time around, Ensler is not the one onstage. Jo Bonney directs six young women delivering original monologues and performing music by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and choreography by Luam.

The show arrives in the Bay Area after successful workshops in Johannesburg and Paris, and Ensler says the decision to include music and dance happened organically.

“We met Charl in South Africa, and he’s so brilliant and talented,” she says on the phone from Berkeley before heading into a rehearsal. “It just reflects the way girls communicate, to go from spoken word to conversation to song to dance. This is my first time writing songs, and it’s so much fun. To turn words into music is thrilling, and the melodies express emotion in a way that’s new for me. In my dreams I’ve always wanted to be a rock ‘n’ roll singer. This is the closest I will ever get.”

Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues” was a huge hit in San Francisco, running for months in 2001 and 2002 with various shorter reprises over the years. “I always knew the Bay Area was vagina friendly,” Ensler says with a laugh. She laughs a lot in conversation. On this day, perhaps her good mood is heightened because it’s her 59th birthday. Or it could be, as she puts it, her “gratitude for being alive.”

Her short haircut is the only visible evidence of her battle with cancer, which she says was gruesome, and physically and emotionally the most challenging thing she’s been through.

“It’s so true that when you face mortality, everything is more precious,” Ensler says. “It’s like the end of ‘Our Town.’ Let’s recognize life while we’re living it. We need to live our lives more consciously. Wow, look at that gorgeous fabric. Look at that beautiful sky. It’s all because you realize life is so perishable and how easily you could not be here. You move toward what matters because there’s not time for petty things. I hope everyone doesn’t have to go to the edge of death to open their hearts like this. I think art can take you there.”

A catalyst for change wherever she goes, Ensler says she keeps coming back to theater as a primary medium for her message because when it works, there’s nothing more powerful. Through “The Vagina Monologues” and V-Day events worldwide, Ensler estimates that she has helped raise more than $80 million to prevent violence against women since 1996.

“Theater is so present,” she says. “It’s a collaboration between audience and performers, happening right there, and that’s a provocative, dangerous thing. I saw this happen over and over with ‘Vagina Monologues.’ This alchemy happens in the theater, and the show enters people’s bodies, and it changes you. Something changes. You’re inspired and driven to be more than yourself, to be your real self. I don’t know anyplace that has the power of the theater.”

Ensler sees humanity heading in one of two directions at this moment: one where the human race evolves and flourishes, and one – this is the direction she sees us heading now – where we destroy the planet.

“I want girl energy to spread around the world,” Ensler says. “That girl cell must be powerful if we’re all told to ignore it, to suppress it, to change it. But if we tap into that part of ourselves, the more loving, the more resisting, the more compassionate, the more heart-opening part, we have the capacity to create compassionate revolution. We can be fierce and loving at the same time. We need to be.”

Emotional Creature: By Eve Ensler. Directed by Jo Bonney. In previews. Opens Friday. Through July 15. Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. $14.50-$73 (subject to change). (510) 647-2949.www.berkeleyrep.org.

*G*I*R*L*C*E*L*L*

Readers: Here’s to trusting our hearts and our heads, and to being more passionate and compassionate and embracing that “girl cell” in all of us.

Hey ZL: Well, I didn’t expect the monitor to be violent toward the kids, as yes, she probably would get fired. But I am glad that she began to stick up for herself against those horrible kids. Have a great weekend!

That goes for all my readers too! Gay Pride is this weekend – Have fun and be safe for all of you participating in the festivities!

xoxo

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

So, on this morning while perusing the net I found a few articles that I enjoyed reading. I also decided to pop on over the the White House website and see what was going on. Obama had just finished his speech at the Arlington National Cemetery. Looking around I discovered Obama’s Weekly Address. Hmm…It has been a really long time since I posted the president’s Weekly Address. So long that I forgot he did this every week.  It was a wonderful reminder as I always found his Weekly Address to be so inspiring. “Why not today?”, I thought. So here it is:

Readers: I HOPE that while you’re taking the day off and celebrating with your friends and family in what ever manner, you take a moment to honor our troops who loved their country enough to sacrifice their lives, in order to serve and protect us and our country. I am grateful for all that our soldiers do, and continue to do to protect us. My heart goes out to the families who are feeling the loss of their loved ones.

If you want to see what more is on Obama’s agenda today or watch the live videos of the events he will be attending, click here.

Marilyn, Cecilia, Anna Of Guam, Xylia: Thanks for the sweet compliments. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Pray for Peace & Love fully…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

Although I do not come from a religious family, we still usually celebrate Easter together, as a time to just enjoy being with each other. But for months now a new and dear friend has been excited over planning Passover and invited me to attend a Seder at her home – something she hasn’t done in ten years.

So, last night I attended my first Jewish Seder. Well, really it was my first formal Seder. About 10 years ago, I was designing in Indonesia, and the owner of the company I was working with was Jewish. He wanted to celebrate Passover so we did a “mini seder” (If I may call it that), at the Four Seasons Hotel in Ubud with another co-worker who was also Jewish.

It was a fun and interesting experience then, and even more so now to experience a Seder in its entirety. I really enjoyed the discussion and questions that arose, and as each person read through the stories, we sang and followed along in the Haggadah (the Seder guidebook).

With the “four” glasses of wine that is supposedly enjoyed by each person throughout the seder, I now understand why there was at least bottle of wine for every two people at this huge beautiful table for twenty. Now for some “four” glasses of wine may be okay, but for this girl, one is about my limit. So, I can safely say, this girl filled her glass “four” times, but each time it was only a quarter full. :)

Besides, all the good food, which I thoroughly enjoyed, what was my favorite dessert of the evening? Well first and foremost, the best flourless chocolate cake. A close second was the Matzo crunch: chocolate and caramel covered Matzo.  Got to love it.

That is my “mini” version of my first “formal” Seder. All I have time for this morning. But, if you want to share, I’d love to hear about your passover experience. Is there anything special or traditional that makes Passover especially wonderful for you and your family? Blog me.

Happy Passover!

If you are celebrating Easter today, please do not dye or buy any Easter Bunnies. I just read that Gov. Rick Scott of Florida approved an agricultural bill allowing the artificially dying of animals.

Rick Scott Approves Artificially Dyeing Of Animals

Florida Governor Rick Scott just approved an agricultural bill, which permits animals to be dyed neon green and dayglo pink.

But don’t dip any live Easter peeps into dye just yet — the bill legalizing such Technicolor pets doesn’t go into effect until July 1.

Florida Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, snuck Amendment 303390, repealing a 45-year-old ban on artificially dying or coloring certain animals or fowl, onto HB Bill 1197, which revises certain agriculture codes in the state. Her amendment also permits chicks to be sold before they are 4 weeks old.

Florida Senate Democratic Minority Leader Nan Rich, who tried to block the amendment, said the original ban was to ensure “that we don’t have a lot of adorable ducks, rabbits and chickens that are given away at Easter time and look so cute, and then 2 or 3 or 4 months later nobody wants them.”

Bogdanoff maintained that she was just looking out for the rights of dog groomers, who should be able to compete in shows and parades.

Animal rights groups petitioned Scott to veto the bill.

“Humane societies are overflowing with these animals after Easter every year,” Don Anthony of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida told the New York Times. “This law has protected thousands of animals from neglect and abuse, and it shouldn’t be lifted on the whim of one dog groomer who wants to dye poodles purple.”

While groups like the Humane Society hold that the practice results in discarded pets and undue stress for the fowl, experts say the practice really has no lasting harm for the birds as long as the dye used is nontoxic.

To achieve unnaturally bright colors, eggs are either injected with a dye before the chicks are born or newborns are sprayed with a colored mist. In both cases, the neon green and dayglo pink feathers eventually grow out as adult feathers grow in.

Watch the below videos of artificially dyed cats, dogs, chickens, and bunnies.

*******

Do we have nothing better to legislate? This is just silly and completely cruel to not only rabbits but any other animal. Please make it a fun and safe Easter for all.

Anything that you share with your Family that makes easter Special for you? Blog me.

Happy Easter!

Peace & Love…

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

“Though she be but little, she be fierce.” – William Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream 

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Happy New Year!

I HOPE that everyone had a fantastic celebration last night!

So…what is the mood this morning?  I woke up feeling introspective…wondering what lies ahead for me in this new year. What do I want to create for myself, for my relationship, for this country…for this world. What responsibility do I have to myself, to others? What influence do I have that I can draw on to make this world a better place for all?

So many questions that I was inspired to pull a Rune. I went and got my Book Of Runes by Ralph Blum, and my little bag of Runes. Now some of you might think that pulling a Rune is stupid or silly, but I have found that when I need guidance, I consult the Book Of Runes. If you are not familiar with Runes, here is a brief description:

You are holding something very special: a part of the ancient past and, perhaps, a part of your future.

Based on a tradition over one thousand years old, this contemporary Oracle has established itself as a remarkable aid in practical decision making. When first published in 1983, R. Buckminster Fuller said: “What a wonderful thing to have done-midwife the rebirth of an ancient oracle.” 

A huge success with over 700,000 copies sold, The Book of Runes has proved itself to be a modern classic. For this, the tenth anniversary of the work, Ralph H. Blum has expanded and refined the runic system, making the Runes the most profoundly useful self-help tool of our era.

And every time the perfect Rune presents itself to me when I put my hand in the bag. However this time was a little different. The first Rune that I pulled I thought was for the question that I posed, but after I pulled it, and read it, I was confused. This particular Rune didn’t seem to suit my question but felt more appropriate to me personally. So I opened up my Rune book and found a chapter called “Runic Override”. In brief this means that the Rune tuned into a more specific issue, something I am possibly avoiding or something I am not consciously aware of.  This made me smile because it was so right on. I knew this particular Rune was meant for me.

So I pulled again and this time my question was more straight forward: I wanted to know “what Obama needs to do to turn this country around, and make it better for all, now and when he wins 2012“.  I put my hand in my little Rune bag and pulled out this Rune:

I went to the front of the book to find out what Rune it was, and where I could find what it meant. This Rune is called “Dagaz” and when I opened the book to the corresponding page, my mouth dropped open and again I smiled.

Dagaz means “Breakthrough Transformation day”.

As I began to read my pulse began to race. Once again, the Runes were right on. And as I read I took on a “world” view, instead of a “self” view since it pertains to all of us and not necessarily Obama personally.

Here is the final Rune belonging to the Cycle of Initiation. Drawing Dagaz marks a major shift or breakthrough in the process of self-change, a complete transformation in attitude – a 180-degree turn. For some the transition is so radical that they no longer continue to live the ordinary life in the ordinary way. 

Because the timing is right, the outcome is assured although not, from the present vantage point, predictable. In each life there comes at least one moment which if recognized and seized, transforms the course of that life forever. Rely, therefore on radical trust, even though the moment may call for you to leap empty-handed into the void. With this Rune your Warrior Nature reveals itself. 

If Dagaz is followed by the Blank Rune, the magnitude of transformation might be so total as to portend a death, the successful conclusion to your passage.

Note: I did pull a second Rune and it wasn’t a Blank Rune.

A major period of achievement and prosperity is often introduced by this Rune. The darkness is behind you; daylight has come. However, as always you are reminded not to collapse yourself into the future or to behave recklessly in your new situation. A lot of hard work can be involved in a time of transformation. Undertake to do it joyfully.

The second Rune I pulled was Berkano, and again I smiled.

Berkano means Growth Rebirth A Birch Tree

Another of the Cycle Runes, Berkana denotes a form of fertility that fosters growth both symbolically and actually. The growth may occur in affairs of the world, family matters, one’s relationship to one’s Self or to the Divine.

A Rune that leads to blossoming and ripening, Berkana is concerned with the flow of being into their new forms. It’s action is gentle, penetrating, and pervasive.

What is called for here is going into things deeply, with care and awareness. First disperse resistance, then accomplish the work. For this to happen, your will must be clear and controlled, your motives correct. And dark corners should be cleansed, this must be carried out diligently and sometimes with expert help. Modesty, patience, fairness and generosity are called for here. once resistance is dispersed and ratification carried out and seen to hold firm, then, through steadfastness and rigth attitude, the blossoming can occur.

So I pulled this Rune as it is shown above. However this particular Rune also has a “reverse” (where if pulled “reverse” would look like a backward “B”) Even thought I pulled it as shown, it is a good idea to read the “reverse” as well just to keep aware of the unseen aspects that might impede movement, or to keep in touch with the unseen side of nature.

Reversed: Events or more likely aspects of character interfere with the growth of new life. You may feel dismay at failing to take right action. But rather than dismay, what is called for is diligence. Examine what has occurred, your role in it, your needs, the needs of others. Are you placing your wants before the needs of others? Strip away until you can identify the obstacles to growth in this situation. Then penetrating gently, imitate the wind. 

You may be required to fertilize the ground again, but through correct preparation growth is assured. 

*****

Readers: What do you think of the Runes that I pulled? Thoughts? Opinions? Blog me.

And have a wonderful day enjoying the first day of the year! May it bring all the joy, HOPE, love, good health, prosperity, and whatever else you wish for yourself, your loved ones, the world.

Once again, I am grateful for your presence here. And I look forward to another year…some of the same same…and some so very different and exciting.

Peace & love….from me. 

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

If you love my blog and my writes, please make a donation via PayPal, credit card, or e-check, please click the “Donate” button below. (Please only donations from those readers within the United States. – International readers please see my “Donate” page)

Or if you would like to send a check via snail mail, please make checks payable to “Michelle Moquin”, and send to:

Michelle Moquin PO Box 29235 San Francisco, Ca. 94129

Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2012

" Politics, god, Life, News, Music, Family, Personal, Travel, Random, Photography, Religion, Aliens, Art, Entertainment, Food, Books, Thoughts, Media, Culture, Love, Sex, Poetry, Prose, Friends, Technology, Humor, Health, Writing, Events, Movies, Sports, Video, Christianity, Atheist, Blogging, History, Work, Education, Business, Fashion, Barack Obama, People, Internet, Relationships, Faith, Photos, Videos, Hillary Clinton, School, Reviews, God, TV, Philosophy, Fun, Science, Environment, Design, The Page, Rants, Pictures, Church, Blog, Nature, Marketing, Television, Democrats, Parenting, Miscellaneous, Current Events, Film, Spirituality, Obama, Musings, Home, Human Rights, Society, Comedy, Me, Random Thoughts, Research, Government, Election 2008, Baseball, Opinion, Recipes, Children, Iraq, Funny, Women, Economics, America, Misc, Commentary, John McCain, Reflections, All, Celebrities, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Theology, Linux, Kids, Games, World, India, Literature, China, Ramblings, Fitness, Money, Review, War, Articles, Economy, Journal, Quotes, NBA, Crime, Anime, Islam, 2008, Stories, Prayer, Diary, Jesus, Buddha, Muslim, Israel, Europe, Links, Marriage, Fiction, American Idol, Software, Leadership, Pop culture, Rants, Video Games, Republicans, Updates, Political, Football, Healing, Blogs, Shopping, USA, Class, Matrix, Course, Work, Web 2.0, My Life, Psychology, Gay, Happiness, Advertising, Field Hockey, Hip-hop, sex, fucking, ass, Soccer, sox"

Good morning!

I don’t know about you, but when Michael Jackson first sang “Man In The Mirror”, I broke out in tears from his inspirational words. Little did I know then that he was not the writer of the song that so moved me every time I heard it. Don’t get me wrong, the fact that he didn’t write it doesn’t change my views of how he sings it…how he makes me feel when he belts out the words – I still thinks Michael sings it amazingly – his energy is like no other.

But…my new love is for the original writer. I had the pleasure of meeting her and witnessing her wonderfulness during an 11.11.11 transformational celebration that I attended during a BraveHeart Women’s conference last weekend. It was then that I learned who actually wrote this uplifting song.  Her name? Siedah Garrett.

A triple threat singer, songwriter and performer, Siedah has written for a diverse selection of recording artists from Aretha Franklin to Al Jarreau, from The Korrs to Vanessa Williams, and from Barry White to Amy Grant. Siedah’s songs are featured on hit albums such as Quincy Jones’ Back On The Block and Paula Abdul’s Forever Your Girl. Siedah is probably best know for co-writing Michael Jackson’s worldwide hit, “Man In The Mirror.”

As a vocalist, she not only dueted with Jackson on the hit single “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” but she has also sung with a wide array of acts including Johnnie Mathis, Patti Austin, Quincy Jones, The Pointer Sisters, The Commodores, Kenny Loggins, Chaka Kahn and others.

As a member of London’s acclaimed neo-funk Brand New Heavies, Siedah co-wrote over half of the group’s album Shelter, which sold over a million copies in the United Kingdom.

From the start, Siedah’s new self titled album seemed to possess a life all its own. When the singer-songwriter decided to return to the recording studio, several of her highly regarded peers enthusiastically offered their services, just to be part of the project.

“I’m very proud of that fact that I cut the tracks live with the band, and what you hear is real and organic,” Siedah says. “Before I started recording, I put together a core band that would give consistency throughout the album, and allow me to perform my songs live.

“The result of this approach is an album that connects the dots between danceable rock ‘n’ roll, intelligent pop and pumped-up R&B.

Siedah relishes its rock-pop thrust, noting that “the general feel of this record is uplifting, truthful and revealing.” With its unforgettable songs, thought-provoking lyrics and earthy performances, this new album demonstrates Siedah’s gift for artistic reinvention. SIEDAH is the latest evolutionary step in a distinguished musical career.

I am posting a video of her tribute to Michael Jackson, where she sings “Man In The Mirror” backed by the Agape International Choir.

Michael, you are, and will forever be the thread of velvety voice, so intricately woven into the fabric of the soundtrack of my life. Your music, talent, heart and soul has touched every cell of my being.  More than enough to last a lifetime. You are magic. And I will miss you. May your vibrant soul rest in eternal peace. You changed my life, and for that I will love you forever.

 Siedah

AKA “Miss Gayree”

Readers: This girl deserves all the kudos one can give. She is truly talented, and her talent goes far beyond “The Man In The Mirror”. The concert that she performed for BraveHeart Women, was so uplifting, her passion so addictive, her moves and smile, so wide and intoxicating. And that is just her presence.  I could go on and on – I just couldn’t get enough of her.

Please do peruse Garrett’s website where you can hear more of her music.  Although I encourage you to watch her if you can, as she is truly amazing…she is inspiration in action.

Love her as much as I do? Blog me.

If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change. 

~Siedah Garrett

Peace & Love

Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.

Gratefully your blog host,

michelle

Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)

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Thank you for your loyal support!

All content on this site are property of Michelle Moquin © copyright 2008-2011

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