Rhapsosummer-funnin-it!
Current mood: adventurous

So I'm feeling kinda proud of myself this summer...I like to be out and about no doubt...but when it's this hoooooot...uh uh! But yours truly has opted to brave the heated elements for the sake of fun and festivities and I'm glad I did!

A while back i performed for a friend's new concert series: The Message Music Concert Series. All good, positive music, positive peoples...and I sported my NEW positive 'N' word shirt from www.thenewnword.com. Mine is NURTURE...cause that what I do! (even for the fools that don't deserve it! sigh...moving on). Larry Who-I-Am Dixon hosts with the other half of his hip-hop group Society Park...flow is sickness!
      

Then I convinced myself that staying up waaay late on a weeknight was a stellar idea! just because jill scott's drummer Spanky was having a bday party and Musiq and Jill were supposed to be there...they were...but my feet in those high heels coulda cared less! Check out the same vibe, flow spot er'vy Thursday at Philly Livepod in Philly hosted by John Barber!
     

So E1 convinces part of the crew that Broad Street for one of the Welcome to America events was THE place to be (i.e. 'Chicken!!' - see past blog). So we oblige...we see 3.5 minutes of the actual music performances and then go set ourselves down at Bliss for people watching and sips. We saw lots of bad outfits, plenty of nice cars, weird couple parings and a few 'nice views'...
     

only to have it all disrupted by one very very drunk (though seemingly nice) woman, who could only mutter in half sentences and cry intermittently...the crew finally came to the conclusion that some dude had done her real wrong...wrong enough to have her walking down a very public street wasted beyond knowledge of her social security number. After failed attempts to have her drink water, we hailed her a cab, stuck her inside, gave the cabbie her addy from her license and number to call in case...well in case she was worse than we thought. Lesson to all of us...let no man/person get you so far gone that you lose your Self...AND have the kind of friends that would never let that be an option anyway!


One of my favorite pastimes is sitting in the park, near water and/or with a view...I have my favorite spots but on this day a friend and I decided to hang out, eat sushi and daydream about condos...ok I did the bulk of the dreaming about condos ;-)
      

Tet has the best parties! Tet's party is also the place where I finally, officially broke my 'no-chicken' fast...i couldn't help it! they were grillin' it soooo good! anywho...chicken is back on my plate! but only once a week now...(no comment from the 'Jusce peanut gallery')
      

So how do you know when you and your friends have officially lost it? I dunno, maybe when they are willing to sit in the rain to see a performer they've all seen before (plus some they don't even know) just because it's the fourth of july and it's free and we had good seats. But John Legend gave a great show...still wearing semi-sheer linen i see...but a good show nonetheless...the singing i mean!
      

I love lyrics! i love lyrics so much i did a show called For the Love of Lyrics (check it out!) hosted by Mr. Fab Ronnie Way and Lyn Brown. I could kick myself for laughing instead of taping more of Ronnie's Big Mac song a la Lennie Williams...darn! Anywho other poets were hype...including one in particular who told ALL the business in her erotic-style poem...that wouldn't have been so bad...except for the fact that I was sitting next to my Pastor who came to see the show...uh...he he...(big thanks to Adeana, Joe and friends for coming out to support!)

Philadelphia has got to have one of the coolest mayors who just happens to know how to party! With a lot o' help from his staff, Mayor Nutter is hosting a series of concerts around the city called the Music Movement Concert Series. I was fortunate to help kick off the first one opening up for Kindred and PJ Morton. (thanks e1!)
     
Folks were hanging out! I'm talking comfortable! Wait...is that the living room couch pillow he's laying on?! sigh...oh well, fun is fun!
   

Random shout out to folks studying for the bar! I have sacrificed one of my close friends to its grip...what is it about that darn test that literally turns people out?! Anywho...for all of those studying for the bar.....what am I talking about?! if they are they definitely aren't reading my blog lol! So shout out to other folks who lost their friends for the summer to Bar Prep! GOOD LUCK ANNIE!

Oh new spot new spot! ok so last blog i talked about the crew fave spot...and honestly it was all about the Chicken carafe and the patio seating...but THEN we discovered that a friend took over ownership of a cool neighborhood spot...sooo we had to go give our welcome riiiight?! We have plans to hang out there no less than once a week...and when the kitchen re-opens, even better! Favorite nite: Wednesday when our friend DJ Dan spins gooood music! See you at Leroy's west philadelphians! But don't take our seats (back tables, front right).
   

Ok...now, yes...I am a poet and a singer...i do both...and every once in a while I think about giving one or the other up...for random reasons...but then of course i come to my senses because this is what i do! but then other times...i have to think hard and long about why i do this...last week I attended Philly Youth Slam Team fundraiser and almost changed my professional title to background spoon percussionist and hum-along-er. These young folks are SICK! ohmygoodness! inspiration for true! 2007 Champs for a reason!
     

I don't remember what day we got ourselves into this event...all i know is there was food and an all-you-can-eat ice cream fair (i.e. d*mn the 6-day workout!)...let's just say...me and dairy aren't friends...but i reaaaally like ice cream....so for $5 they hand you a spoon and let you meet your demise!! i'm talking hundreds of us packed under a tent eating cups of ice cream in a matter of minutes and just stacking the next cup on top...the gluttony was ridiculous...i ate every flavor they displayed...except for the scary purple one...
      
no one seemed to notice the rain...the buckets and buckets of rain...who cares?! we got all the ice cream in the world and a tent covering us...and e1 has an umbrella...don't you?...or maybe NOT...and now the tummy aches are setting in b/c the too-much-all-you-can-eat ice cream and the rain is not letting up...but thanks to Francesco...we have a plan b......
     
LMAO!

Oh! come check out my next performance at the Big Giveback in the Nicetown park! Two nights of live music and tons of artists! I'm performing night one! See you there!

support the Black Women's Art Fest in Philly (coming July 30 - Aug 3)

Big OH! look my co-worker's (delores) daughter (ebony) had her new baby!! Welcome Sanai! Aunt Erica plans to kidnap you in the near future! Don't tell mommy! I can't imagine what you real-life parents feel if i fell in love with a baby that's not even mine you all must be a mess at first sight of your own! congrats to all the new mommies and daddies out there!

Local Philly folks check out 'Mike Robinson presents...' on Comcast channel 80 where i co-host a local news show with Mike...good topics and good info...not boring at all...if i may say so myself!

check out this month's new episode of The Feel Good Flow - 'Walking Away...Letting Go' - playing now on Soul Sanctuary Radio (also on iTunes podcast - FREE)

As always, if you are reading this and not a subscriber to my monthly newsletter where you get the real good info...then uh...can you please subscribe? Check out past issues HERE....then click on the subscribe link...come on! you'll like it!

Sign up for RhapsodE's Email Newsletter

ok ok last shameless plug! check out photographer Kamia! she's good with the lighting ya'll! We were at Ryva's monthly Friday (now Saturday) event and it was daaaark outside and she still brought the light and caught some great shots of folks having fun! Next time come have fun with us! I'll tell you when!

    

So what's everyone else up to for the summer? Let me know!! Especially if it's Philly-DC-NYC local...I'm ret' ta' go!!

peace
Rhapsosummer-funnin'-it!

Currently listening : Somewhere In Between By Russell Taylor

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RhapsodE performances this week!
Current mood: busy
Category: Music

If you are ready for a great time COME AND HANG OUT THIS WEEK!!

 

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Blog Abundant!
Current mood: hopeful

What happens when you wait like 5 months to blog?! you end up wanting to blog about er'thing that has happened to you in those five months...but then you don't because you realize as much as folks like reading about your almost-fab life...they don't really want to read that much about your almost-fab life...fine then! but what if i put lots o' piiiiictuuures?!

LOL...anywho I have been a busy bee lately...but then again I've found some time to go sit down somewhere too...you know redefine my definition of success. And lucky I did because otherwise I was not far off from having a sho' nuf mariah carey does trl meets lauryn hill dressed funny in public moment! tank u lawdt for that not happening!

Currently listening : Left By Eric Roberson Release date: 2007-06-26

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Rhaps in NYC for TWO SHOWS!!!
Current mood: busy

TWO SHOWS, TWO NIGHTS, TWO STYLES.....ONE WOMAN

RHAPS THE POETESS

RHAPS THE SONGTRESS

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT BOTH SHOWS!!!
IT WILL BE SOOOOOO WORTH IT!!

Rhaps/E

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Blog Random - episode ??
Current mood: sassy

hey all!!

ok one of the new years resolutions i made was to do a better job connecting with my myspace fam and friends...i check my own myspace, emails and accept friends...but i am way past due to responding to the more-than-appreciated comments and emails i get, and i sorely underuse the bulletins (which look a lot like a less organized 'craigs list' i.e. intimidating). So excuses aside, please forgive me for my lack of myspacery and bulletinage and reponsiveliness and accept this picture-filled update blog as my sincerest apologation!

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So last update blog i left off with my big bday partay and such...now that i think about it, i did't have candles on the cake, thus i didn't make a wish...so in an effort to make up for that...this is what i would have wished for: more travel, more performing, more moolah, and more times with friends and fam...i.e. ABUNDANCE!

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Anywho! i had a great time at the Clef Club for Speak To Me's "This One's for the Ladies" Myself, Shanielle Gabriel and Rebecca Dupas i think did right by the ladies! be sure to check out their work too!!

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you know what's fun?! random trips to NYC...if you remember past blogs i've ended up in fuuun places just randomly deciding "you know, i wanna be in NYC today" - me and friend annie decided brunch in harlem is the thing to do...just because...and then stopping along the way to take innocent-looking pics just because it's fall, it's a park, it's harlem and it's fall...

so then i went back this past weekend - specifically to have fun times for superbowl...but first ended up in Central Park...oh boy CP on a nice day!! It was a lovely picture taking day...frisbee throwing, couples hugging, roasted almonds, me and friends walking...

but then...THIS GUY!! ooooh whatchu know about "Pimp My Bike??"

catch him there on nice weather weekend days to buy his house music cds (4 for $20 eh? )...now answer me this...for a dude whose "hustle" is unlabeled burned cds in central park...he must have a helluva dental plan with grillz on whitewash bling like that!  i'm just sayin! my friends swear he's a lawyer by day and just does this as a "side hustle" lol

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so i decided to "unleash the fro" as a friend calls it...i tried to explain to another friend "fro etiquette" since the very first thing folks want to do to the fro is....you got it...put their hands all on it!! and anyone who has "different" hair knows the agony of having folks ignore the fact that tho' the hair on your head stands out a good 4 inches, it is still in fact, a part of your body and technically that means you are touching me without permission. Now for folks who have *permission* to go perusing...there is still a way to do so...my rule...if'n you touchin' the fro..just make sure you put it back in place! lol

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oooh so i came across some things to add to
"Rhaps' Favorite Things" List:

1. i've done a few interviews over the past few months and folks are always asking who inspires me...i always come to a pause because i wonder what they mean by "inspire" and if i say who will they then assume that i'm trying to creatively BE like them or will they understand that when i say inspire i mean artists who inspire me to keep going, keep pressing, go with the flow, and write it out, work it out, sing it out, cry it out, get on stage and show the heezy out...if that's what they mean, then in that case...lately i've been inspired by:

2. i really like watching love and relationship reality shows (minus Flavor of Love or anything close...ick!)...but i've been watching the following show since episode 1 Fat Man Scoop ("got a $20 bill throw ya' hands up) and his wife Shonda crack me up!!...not for children...definitely grown up conversation...but fun nonetheless...congrats on their new MTV home...www.manandwife.tv

3. From one poet to another, this woman can write about it all, and it's always exactly what we're thinking!! sing it with me erykah badu style "'cause she's cleevaaaah!" - Ms.Tina Davina Blog Diva  poetic musings are a must read!Definitely makes you want to write it out write it out...

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ok one thing i really need to do a  better job promoting on myspace is my podcast The Feel Good Flow...most importantly because i need to get the word out that i'm taking music submissions...being an independent artists myself i understand the importance of getting heard!

send me the good stuff at feelgoodflow@gmail.com or mail CDs to Feel Good Flow c/o Spoke Inward, LLC, P.O. Box 28669, Philadelphia, PA 19151-0669

I prefer CDs since the way my show works is i pick a theme and play music in that theme...how fun is that? the more music you send the more likely it is able to fit in one of my show themes. Catch this month's show "For the Love of Music" - songs about lovin' muuusic! on Soul Sanctuary Radio...also broadcasting new episodes the 3rd Friday of each month on 4DaSoul Radio as part of the Suite Spot lineup...catch up on past episodes by subscribing to Soul Sanctuary Radio on iTunes for free...catch my show and other great music by the musical miss Stef Renee and other DJs!

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ok shameless plug 2...if you're not reading this as part of my monthly newsletter update then stop missing all the real good stuff and subscribe to my online newsletter...i have a quite a few sections where i promote other artists, and other news and info that you may be able to connect to....

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ok that's all for now...gotta remember my new year's resolution is to take better care of my myspace...check...um just be patient with me...it's only February!!

Be well!
Rhaps/E

Currently listening : Lost and Found By Ledisi Release date: 28 August, 2007

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YES WE CAN!!!
Current mood: optimistic

Look...I can't tell you who to vote for...or think for a moment that my charm can convince you otherwise...

but like so many...i'm inspired...

it's Super Tuesday and to me...this is the real Superbowl folks!

Change is the only thing that is constant...well that and love and the sun coming up each day, and my obsession with chocolate chip cookies...

But today......I want Change!!

YES WE CAN!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fZHou18Cdk

Currently listening : A Change Is Gonna Come By Leela James Release date: 21 June, 2005

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Cities 4 - 7 and stuff in between (aka: WHEW!)
Current mood: sleepy

I had so hoped to blog much early, one city at a time about er'thing going on my way...but er...um...that was a little ambitious considering how sometimes my schedule involved getting into town from one place, waking to work and leaving for another place that evening.

It seems appropriate then that the first real moment i get to recap is the day before Thanksgiving looking forward to a 4-5 day break! Whew! A friend told me I should be out kickin' it tonight for the biggest kick it nite of the year! uh yeah ok, been doin' that...I'll make up for it this weekend!

Luckily everything I've been up to is not all that much of a blur! lol

City 4 - Los Angeles - Where everyone is a star!

I headed out to L.A. to work with a college friend on his first independent film short. Exciting for me since I look forward to the chance to get some on-screen experience! I really want to begin doing commercials and film. I realize that performing and acting on stage is different from displaying similar concepts on screen. Plus a chance to support another artist in working on their "demo" is my pleasure. I still remember being at the same point creatively (and returning there with each new experience) and want to support others' creativity and potential. And I had a great time! The guys working on the film were fun, and every once in a while Malik (producer - check him out in my top 1,000!) actually laughed at my jokes! Amazing how something that comes out on film as 15 minutes takes about 2 days to film...but you really learn to appreciate the process...Malik acted in the film and produced, Aaron worked the cam, and me as the other character. No hints on the "what" it's about, I'll leave that to the creative talents of the producer but I'll keep you in the loop. But in the meantime you can check out the pics!

Out and about in LA included a necessary trip to the highly overrated, but ever-necessary tourist stop at Roscoes Chicken and Waffles where I caught a glimpse of Magic Johnson having a meeting. I would have a pic but Malik made me promise to act "Hollywood" in the face of any celebrity! hmmph! Anywho shopping, filming, eating and a comedy club later and LA seems like a cool space to be. But the highlight?!! I mean besides the filming :-) was 1) the hike up Runyan Canyon (ooowwww-ch) with a beautiful but foggy view of what seemed like all of Hollywood (shout out to the overachievers running up and down that joint!). I prayed on the way up and thanked the Creator on the way down! lol and 2) thanks to a very gracious Stefan, a Cali homes tour. Just enough for me to wrap my imagination around! The cost of living in Cali and homebuying is a hot-high-priced-mess! but once you're standing in a Hollywood hills home, looking out onto the coming sunset, well $1.7 mil doesn't seem like much to pay. We all agreed to stay true to our collective grinds so that one day soon, we can throw fly parties in our thus selected Cali abode. Malik and I took pics of our future Encino location...which happens to be the same spot! Uh yeah son! whoever gets there first! bring it! lol

City 5 Washington D.C. - Acoustic means quiet?!

I arrived back to Philly in time to catch about 4 hours of sleep, wake, go to work and get on the road to D.C. Biiig shout out to Chris and Koot from SidebySol for stepping up and making the trip a success! Considering how 48 hours before Chris came to the rescue i had NO musicians! ah! Overall the set was fantabulous! I realize I really like the intimacy of an acoustic set. My D.C. friends came to support and surprisely there were a few LA visiting folks sitting in too. I am learning that every show cannot be perfect, but that just b/c some things don't go as planned shouldn't ruin the whole momentum. After a great set and energy from the crowd I was later informed that I was "too loud". Part of me was frustrated b/c i want nothing more than to please the audience, promoters and myself, so to hear that one among them may have been less then satisfied was a bit disappointing. But then I thought: there was a time when the idea of me singing, let alone singing out loud from my "depths" would have been out of the question, so if now I'm being accused of being "too big" "too much" lol well then...great! lol Much of the feedback I received from showcases have been to stop holding back and let go b/c there is so much more within me...I know I had a great response from those who attended the set, a new piece derived from just groovin with the band on stage, and the most vocally comfortable I've ever been on stage....I have to admit that I took the "criticism" with a bit of pride, I didn't focus on the small size of the crowd, nor did I beat myself up too bad for the shoulda couldas when it came to advertising...no instead I focused on the feedback: I was "too loud'...with that, I laughed, smiled, stood up a little straighter and said to myself "good, great even...finally."

City 6 - In my own backyard...

It's funny that I have a chance to perform at the same place where I work. Even more exciting to do so opening up for a legendary musician such as Gerald Veasley! I can't wait to put the video onto YouTube at some point! But in the meantime it was one of the best performances I feel I've given! and what a great feeling. Only downside was having friends miss much or all of it because, though aestetically wonderful, Swarthmore is not the easiest campus to get around! sigh...the chocolate chip cookies afterwards made it a little better! lol Big thanks to Brian, Troy and Tim for making the music sound BANGIN! lol

City 7 - It's my Birthday *cough*hack*sniff*ick* show!

I couldn't believe it, the travel started to catch up to me! and beginning Friday morning the voice started to leave, slowly but surely and no amount of tea was bringing it back! By the time I get to the Clef Club to kick it with the Speak to Me fam, my voice is all in the key of A...nothing more nothing less! but all i can think about is what a "real" artist would do...how there was no turning back and if all i can sing is A, then A is all I'll sing for each and every song and I'll give the last bit of whatever I got, missed notes and all...and that seemed to work. Right up until the mic started cutting in and out and the sound man had the nerve to shrug when I pointed the mic as if to say "my bad!"...thanks sound man...but again...another lesson in charm and persistence! *cough*ack*ick* siiigh

It's My Birthd....(!!!)

Who says you can't party just b/c you lose your voice?! Probably killing the last good vocal chord I possessed I risked it all for my big bday night....the pics really speak for themselves but i realized a few things in prepping for the party and actually having it...such as:

1. you can fit a whole helluva lot in a corolla! don't sleep! lol
2. curb checking comes with serious repercussions (r.i.p. shiny wheel cover)
3. rsvps were intended to be replied to in advance folks, not the day of lol
4. being superwoman is highly overrated...ask for help, save a nerve
5. i CAN cook! lol...i'm just sayin'! being a bachelorette with little reason to go all out and you start to wonder...
6. music can make or break the party...in my case the party was made! (thanks al!)
7. an easy diet killer: birthday cake!
8. birthday toasts and good friends = priceless

WHEW! ok so I'm sitting still for the next few days! In the spirit of the positive side of Thanksgiving...I am tremendously grateful for all the travel opps, the great performances, the new folks I've met, the sincerity and support of family and friends, all of you who read my blogs (i mean you don't respond all the time, but at least you read them right?! lol) and all the experiences, lessons and moments that have been intentionally designed to bring me to this point in life...I am soooo grateful!

Enjoy your holiday!
Many blessings!

RhapsodE

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City 3 - NYC and Travel Confessions...
Current mood: busy

ok....gotta make this fast...packing for L.A....about an hour into my Red Bull buzz and still don't know how i'm getting to the airport! ahhh!

anywho...quick recap....NYC at The Shrine was greeeeaaaat! Shouts out to Marco for the opportunity! loved it, loved the space, the vibe, the folks, the chips and guacomole...yeah all that! Tried out a new song of mine too...went over well! hung out with a couple of NYC friends (hey Annie...hey Matt)...shook hands, smiled, sold CDs, ooh ran into Maya Acuzena - great artist check her out...did interview for TV show Chillin' and Grillin'...yeah you read it right! lol...paid the tab and got back on the road...zzzzzzz

Got back to Philly by 1am...woke up at 8am went to work....worked....left work to sit in on teen talk show taping (they are awesome by the way)...went back to work...worked late...ran last minute errands...ran home...worked on promo...fell asleep at the computer...woke up 9am doh!...late for work...skipped morning errands...went to work...multitasked my arse off....left work...went to rehearsal....niiiice....ran more errands...stopped for Red Bull....lost a compromise...pouted...multiple text convos later...now packing...well now writing this blog and thinking about packing...

but excited about going to L.A. - going to support a film project that a friend is working on so we're going to try this acting thing and see what happens yeah?...and in the off time hopefully I will get to see more of cali...

but i must confess...about this traveling thing...this being an independent artist and traveling and managing life at the same time thing...this living right in the midst of the moment seeing all the possibilities...almost but not quite there thing...yeah....this is not for the weak of heart...i've asked myself many-a-time "what are you thinking?!"...but i must admit...even though i know i get back at the am on wednesday...go to work...leave work...go to DC...leave the next am...go back to work....go to rehearsal...go home...sleep...get up and get ready for another big show....get up...teach workshop to students...steal some sleep...go back to NYC on sunday...come back in the am....I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD...although i would drink more Red Bull...and say my prayers more consistently...and take my vitamins...and take a 5 minute cry break...lol...but I'll take it all...because i know those before me who really wanted it did nothing less...and i know that those who are on their way, want it just as bad as me...and because i believe what i have to say, sing and speak should be heard...and because i'm grateful....

confessions though...

- staying healthy during travel is rough...and the airport Cinnabon and Starbucks are making things hard!!

- airport wireless is a setup! arrgh!

- i can wear the same outfit in each city and get away with it...as long as no one takes pics...lol

- i miss hanging out with my friends

- i missed the alice smith concert in philly tonight :-(

- this Red Bull is serious!!

- staying at my parents' house is better than a bed and breakfast! my dad asked not only WHAT i wanted for breakfast but WHEN i wanted it? wha-?! yeah!...I was two seconds from asking if'n he had any grey poupon too! lol

- almost out of CDs!! yikes!

- tired of the dang liquid regulation at the airport!! reenactment: "wait you mean to tell me i can't take my tube of toothpaste with 1oz of paste left in it because it's in a 7oz tube?! bah!

- not cool...taxicab drivers that watch you practically fall down the stairs with luggage but don't help...

- cool...neighbors that feed the cat while you're away (thanks paury and mike) 

- not cool...my text messaging amount since i've been away...sitting in the middle plane seat and fighting over the armrest!...missing fun events...driving back from a gig the night of...missing my favorite programs like Heroes! arrgh...

- cool...frequent flyer miles...meeting cool arse folk!...selling CDs...text messages from mom...my publicist! (thank you mucho!! you are fierce chile! lol)...texts from friends...all of these awesome opportunities...sharing the blessing...red bull.....

and all of you for reading!! see you out and about! PLEASE check out the performance list...shows coming up in DC, Swarthmore and Philly!!

hugs and peace
RhapsodE

p.s. i am doing my best to keep up with friend requests and messages...please forgive me...will answer each and everyone as soon as possible!!

Currently listening : California Here I Come By Bill Evans Release date: 14 September, 2004

8:57 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

City 2 - Kansas City
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Friends

yaaaawn!