"Weeping Willow": Artist, David Patterson. A gift from my dear friends KDN & Gus Langlais.

I was flipping through the radio station on my way to work today and stopped when I heard a conversation on Z100 about a contestant on American Idol who was eliminated and didn’t handle it very well. The Radio Hosts went back and forth about how intensely the contestant reacted and whether or not he was too invested in his dream. They argued about whether or not a 16 year old should be so invested in his/her dream; so much so that their world literally crumbles when someone rejects him/her. Should the contestant have subjected himself to the type of scrutiny and potential disappointment that comes with auditioning for a show like American Idol? They played a sound bite of Simon Cowell flippantly eliminating the contestant while also comforting him with the words “there is nothing wrong with you”. The contestant began to cry and you could hear the pain and confusion in his heart and mind…after-all he was told by the most controversial judge that he didn’t do anything wrong. He was far too emotional to realize that even though he was being eliminated from the show, no one person could ever take away his gift and his desire to pursue and live out his dream.

Well, I could certainly relate to this young man. I also tried out for American Idol, made it to the 2^nd round of auditions, and performed for the executive producers. I was told “…great look, beautiful voice, but too serious.” I’ll always remember how confused and devastated I was at that very moment.

Sure, I cried after my audition. I was extremely hurt and slightly discouraged. I felt so vulnerable and my mind forced me to relive that moment over and over and over again. I must have heard the phrase “great look, beautiful voice, but too serious” echoing in my head for a full year after my audition.

But you know what, the experience made me even more serious. Serious about continuing to sing; serious about practicing and getting better; serious about finding my identity; serious about learning how to write songs better; serious about how to get my music heard; serious about becoming fully independent; serious about creating and putting out my own album by any means necessary; serious about not relying on anyone or anything to define my destiny.  Now don’t get me wrong folks. I didn’t just pull out the superwoman suit with a great big S on my chest. Oh no-sir-ee! I cried worse than an infant baby cry quite a few times along the journey…LOL. Oh yes! I’m women enough to admit it. Sometimes when you are so passionate about something and care about it so much that you don’t have the words to express it….you just cry.

So let it out. Cry! It’s okay. You are a young man with so much time to keep on working towards your dream. Never let anyone make you feel like you can’t do it and don’t let anyone stop you from trying. People aren’t always going to offer affirmations or even validate you. Affirm yourself! Know that you are strong, talented and capable. You may experience future disappointments along the way but don’t let it break you. Bask in the light of your own faith. Be confident and always willing to learn! Your opportunity to live your dream will always be possible as long as it lives inside of you.

Ahhhh V-Day…not to be confused with D-Day, although well….ok…I’ll just leave it at that…LOL. Break out the chocolates and roses. The holiday of love and romance is here! Flower retailers, chocolate makers, card stores and restaurants are all stocked up and ready to rake in the dough. Couples all over the world are making plans to out-do last year’s festivities.

Some single folks may be getting a tad bit annoyed every time “Valentine’s Day” is even mentioned. Let’s face it…Valentine’s Day is much more fun when you have someone to share it with. Some are completely rejecting it all together with the belief that February 14th is just another day on the calendar and nothing more; that we don’t need a contrived holiday to justify love in our lives.

Say it with me now….Ahhhh V-Day. Well, no matter where you stand, V-Day doesn’t have to be D-Day. Love can expressed in various ways. Let V-Day be a simple reminder to acknowledge the important people in your life and most of all, let true love find its way to you.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I would like to share a song I wrote called “Number One”.  When I wrote “Number One”, I thought about what I believe love should really be: supportive, romantic and unconditional. I decided to combine my lyrics with the music of one of my favorite Grammy Award winning artists, Maxwell. “Number One” was recorded to Track #4 off of Maxwell’s album Embrya, “Drown Deep: Hula.”

“Number One” is now available as a FREE download here.

For my people who just got out of a relationship or who have chosen to say good-bye to love for the moment or who are simply over it, I have not forgotten you. I dedicate my newly released single, “It’s Over, I’m Gone”, off of my debut album “Walk With Me”. “It’s Over, I’m Gone” is a declaration of self respect and inner strength. When people don’t meet you half way in a relationship (be it romantic, business or in friendship), you have to love yourself enough to walk away once and for all. In any situation in life where there is no reciprocity especially when you find yourself giving your all, don’t be afraid to let go.

“It’s Over, I’m Gone” is now available for ONLY .99 Cents on iTunes and CD Baby.

Cheers & Love Always,

Rae

While February has been officially declared the month to commemorate black history, I’m proud to acknowledge that one month could never fully capture a history so rich, resilient, vibrant and powerful.  Black History is American History! There is no shortage of successful leaders who are paving the way for generations to follow and carve out their own destiny.  There is no shortage of inspirational figures in education, business, medicine, engineering, politics, art, music and entertainment.  

We must not forget that Black History extends much further into the community than just the figures that have made it to the history books. It is the history of our parents and forefathers who worked hard in their native countries and/or in the United States to make a better life for their children and grandchildren. It is the story of our brothers and sisters who against all odds, achieved success in ways that our parents or caretakers could only dream of.  It is also the story of our challenges and even failures that shape who we are and what we are striving to become.

As we continue to acknowledge and celebrate Black History this month, let us be reminded that Black History is more than what is written in the history books.  We are living our history. Let’s make each day count!