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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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Ice Cream & Mush
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( I Wrote this about a week and a half ago for my friends and family page. I thought I'd share it with you as well. and Im proud to announce that Im in my 5th month now. Yay!)
So the last time I blogged was like, forever-ago.
I feel like my brain has been mushified, so pardon me if began to ramble.
The main reason for my brains "mushification" is that I am 4 & 3/4 months pregnant. "3/4" because Im already doing the countdown.... If I could could slip into a nice comfortable coma until the Baby arrives, I would be content.
Oh, dont get me wrong, I am excited to be a Mommy again. Even the newborn obstacles arent scaring me; the sleepless nights, diaper duty, breastfeeding, etc.
Bring it on.
Because those are all things that happen OUTSIDE of my body.
Having been so proud of being able to maintain my size 2 body for the past 4 years has been somewhat of a personal accomplishment. I followed a strict diet, eating what I know worked with my body, excercised religously, and for the first time, finally felt in tune with myself.
Even my mentality has changed. I'm not skiddish, or easily dissappointed. My self worth isn't dependant on how others make me feel, whether my husband is acting right or how many friends call when I'm feeling blue.
Nothing like baking a baby to remind you of how out of control you really are!
My sense of smell has gone haywire. I could easily replace the k-9 unit at the police department, if my energy level wasnt below zero. And if I could hold down Kibble. But I bet if I think about it long enough, I might start to crave it.
I did a prenatal pilates workout for the first time yesterday, determined to remind this Baby whos Boss. But when I went to reach for my toes, a foreign set of thighs loomed at me. It even took a second for me to realize that, those sausage-y looking bearings belonged to me!
After weeks of only being able to hold down baby food and ice, I am finally able to hold down solid food. And figuring out what Baby wants to eat is proving quite difficult. And totally out of the ordinary!
Majesty, my seven year old, is enjoying her newfound freedom. Since I've been all but glued to my bed, shes been making the most out of Her summer vacation by riding her bike (without training wheels!), digging for "Dinosaur bones" with her neighborhood friends, aqnd starting water fights. I'm sure that shes' ticking someone off, but since no one has come to complain at my doorstep yet, I'm encouraging her to live her "Life Wide Open"...just don't track it across my carpet!
Well, tonite, I've enjoyed a dinner of Shrimp with Lobster sauce, followed by a Reeses cup concrete mixer ( another form of a DQ"blizzard"). This is as close to normal as it gets for me lately, and I am determined to enjoy it!
Majesty is sitting next to me enjoying a bowl of Ice Cream as well, just relaxing, watching an old movie. She just asked me if its ok for me to eat Ice Cream while I'm pregnant. I said " I think its ok, why?" She said , rather non-chalantly, that she just doesn't want me to throw up on her.
How thoughtful.
Good night all, Holler soon. |
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Currently
playing
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Rock Band Special Edition
Release date: 2008-06-22
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6 Year old Lemons?
Current mood:  optimistic
..TR>
( This is actually e-newsletter I send out weekly to hundreds of subscribers in my website. If you'd like this sent to you as well, shoot us a line at teaoftheweek@monikabourgeois.com, Ok? )
Monika Bourgeois'
"Tea of the Week"
As you enter your week-end, Monika invites you to have a moment with one of these random "Tried and True" teas. An ode to the song "Cup of Tea*", the singer-songwriter does the taste test, and offers Her opinion on the best!
(See my new Red Hair ? :0)
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..TR>
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Pick of the Week:
"I LOVe LEMON"..
(photo: Monika & daughter Majesty Grace)
O.k., I'm going to "Flip-Modes" on you.
Tea time this week was inspired by Bigelows "I Love Lemon" tea.
Before I even tried it, I selected it as this editions winner. Not because of its flavor, but because of its name.
You see, this week, my daughter began behaving a little differently. My usual "sweet as equal" six year old was taken over by a strange sour-puss. ..
Request to pick up toys, study spelling words or pick up after a crafting project were responded to with complaints, sighs of aggravation & occasionally a deaf ear.
I was tempted to buy a book on "Sign Language" and wack her with it. "Can you Hear me Now?" ..
The little girl who is usually "the reason why I SING!" was becoming "the reason why I SCREAM!". She was feeling a bit brave, testing her limits to see how far she can go before reaching troubled waters.
Funny thing is, theres a very tiny part of me thats actually enjoying this. If shes' going to put someone to the test, I'd rather she be comfortable enough to try it with me. I don't take it personally.
Maybe because I know I put my husband through this routine at least once a month. Or maybe because I'm confident that no matter how "Unfair" she says it is, I'm giving her the best that I've got. Which will probably never include a $500 tree house mansion. She better call "Paul Bunion" and "Get to Choppin'!"
Its one of those 'When life gives you Lemons' scenarios. Which is why I picked "I Love Lemons" tea.
Tart enough to make you twitch. Sweet enough to forgive and power through to the end.
You gotta try this one. -singer-songwriter
Monika Bourgeois
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9:41 AM
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Saturday, March 01, 2008
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9 Months
Current mood:  blessed
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( this is a Repost from May. It has officially been 9 months since this prophecy.... My Life has been in flip mode since this day...Not just material increase, which is usually an outward evidence of Blessings, but Spirtiually, Emotinally, Physically, Professionally, and Financially.
My family and I moved from a 1 bedroom apartment that was serving as our studio/living room/ office/ to a Sprawling Luxury Townhome w/cathedral ceilings, FULLY FURNISHED!!! We didn't have to Purchase a single piece, All of our Money stood still while Rich Mahogany and Cherry wood bedroom and Living room furniture was brought to us.
Royalty checks were coming in, and I would forget to take them to the Bank..simply because there was'nt a pressing need.
Artist whom I've been trying to get songs to for YEARS, suddenly ready to record MY songs.
My Husband..now my teammate..and thats a shout all in itself.
Theres so much more..but you get the picture.When God does a thing....
(
LOL..the very last day of this (9 Month period) Gospel Music Channel called to ask me if I would Repesent them and Speak for their Round Table Luncheons. Just out of the Blue.
(Previous Blog Below originally posted May 28th)
My neck has been stiff since last Monday.
What does that have to do with the rest of this blog?
Possibly nothing. Possibly Everything.
My home church was having "Pentecost Week-end".
Guest speakers, extra services, you know the whole celebratory shebang.
It was the first time in a while that I was really excited about going to all the extra services.I'm just kind of a homebody if I'm not working.
Honestly, I just feel if God is going to do something awesome, He will do something awesome.
Whether its in a Church service or at a Stoplight .
Thats just me though.
Anywhoo.
Pastor Joel Brooks came in from Kalamazoo on Saturday night ( Michigan just follows me EVERYWHERE!!) But He was very funny and enlightening.
Because my Mother currently attends His church ( and she was in Chi-town for the week-end) she joined me in service and we were able to connect 2 degrees' of seperation after service. That was pretty cool beans.
Sunday Evening Bishop Tudor Bismark spoke.
This is where my whole " God will be Awesome Anyway.." Theory comes in.
Halfway into His message, Bishop Bismark stops the message and says "Is there anyone in here by the name of Monique..Monica..Monique..Moniqua ?"
So I ( being "Monika") walked up to the front .
( Now, lay aside any presumptions that because I'm on liner notes that He just "knew me". Because He did'nt. O.k. Continue.)
He said " Monika, the Lord spoke to me in a Dream this afternoon. He said there would be a woman in the service , He called you by name ( I'm going to paraphrase, ok?)
" You were dropped ( in infancy or as a baby). And you were damaged.
But the Lord is going to restore everything back to you that was with held because of that. Within in the next 9 months, He is going to Blow your Mind..
Then he told my Husband, Marcus "Do you belong to this Woman?...You take care of this Woman,You better Love this woman, You better Honor this Woman, This is a Woman of Destiny......."
Later in the service, He said
"Monika....In this dream..I saw you, You were a baby You had been dropped and you were crying.....you were crying...wearing a purple Garment.... you have never been able to walk in your Royal Gifts.....but He is now setting you to be the prophetic prototype for Women in this Room....."
( It was all I could do from screaming "SHUT - UP!!!")
The good shut up people, the good shut up...
Many people are unaware that My twin and I were abandoned for almost 4 years when we were younger. (Hence" being dropped")
My relationship with God as my Father I believed was developed out of direct necessity for Guidance and Comfort.
Thats a Necessity.
As Necessary as food and water.
Clothing and Shelter.
Mother & Father.
Although I've been blessed to have figured out , cultivate, walk in my gift as a singer/songwriter, my fear of abandonment is something I wrestle with daily.
Its something that sometimes wakes me, sometimes breaks me.
I know that the Lord can and does guide me in life, in love and my career, but there was so much I've had to learn the hard way.
Things I should have learned when I was younger, but did'nt have the resource to dip into.
Sure, Books and schooling are helpful, but there are things you can only get from Mother and Father.
Oh, Hes' is an awesome God. This I know.
Bishop Bismark also remarked " Monika, Go get your Money ! Remember the 10%".
HaHaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Anybody know the zip code to Harare, Africa?
See, God is just awesome, anyway....
blessings,
monika bourgeois
*UPDATE*
Listen to the Excerpt in its entirety (a little over 4 minutes) at
www.Myspace.com/MonikaBourgeois
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Currently
watching
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Monk - Season One
Release date: 15 June, 2004
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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Monika and Gospel Music Channel
Current mood:  adventurous
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
Check out Monikas' Profile on the Front Page of Gospel Music Channels website www.GospelMusicChannel.com.
Want an opportunity o be a part of the Fast Growing 24/7 Network COMPLETELY Devoted to Faith Music?
Be an Ambassador and Show them Whos' Boss !!!
www.GospelMusicChannel.com
continued blessings.
monika
Monika and Her Music
www.monikabourgeois.com
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Currently
reading
:
The Penny: A Novel
By
Joyce Meyer
Release date: 12 June, 2007
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1:24 PM
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Sunday, February 17, 2008
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Free Style
Current mood:  awake
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
Free STyle
Websters Dictionary:
Free: enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another
Style: 2 a: a distinctive manner of expression
In general, having the ability to "FreeStyle" has always been thought of as an applaudable skill when pertaining to the Arts: Drawing (more commonly known as "FreeHand"), Rapping ( gotta love a Good Battle!), Singer-Songwriters ( otherwise known as Flow..) Dancers, Skaters, etc.
But when it comes to applying the word "Freestyle" to living, does that term have a "Welcome Home!" in our comfortable lives?
I've recently undergone a transformation with my Social Skills.
Basically I've gone from around "0%" Social Caterpillar, safely living in my Thickly lined, "No I don't want to go to the party or go hang out, Leave me alone" Cocoon, to"100%" "Social Butterfly: Party at my House or Yours?!"
Now before you go getting any "Oh No, Another one bit the Dust" ideas. Let me explain.
I used to live in "Fearstyle." Safely tucked away in my writers studio, as quiet as it was kept, sometimes it was an excuse not to go out. If I stayed in my own little corner, I could avoid interacting with someone who may potentially hurt me. And in my mind...EVERYBODY had the potential to cut me too shreds.
Although professing a faith filled life, it was mostly a faith in my own little corner. How was I supposed to be light if I only came out to work, grocery shop, and perform? You know how Will Smiths character in "I AM SAM" lost the ability to socialize, perfecting his "Shrek" Impersonations? I laughed so hard in the Theatre because I could totally relate. Then I made a mental note: "Do Not Laugh loudly in a Quiet Theatre."
So about a year ago, I decided (for sanitys' sake) to start venturing out into unchartered territory.
First things first. I had to deal with why I became a Hermit at age 23 in the first place.
So I joined a class. Actually, it was a 12 step program. No, not Alanon. it was a class geared towards dealing with hurts of the past. The classwas recommended by my Therapist, (Ok, FIRST I went to a Certified Therapist, THEN I went to the class...I'm coming clean!), and I purposed in my heart that I was going to see it through.
At first I was Afraid, ( I was Petrified..ok..I quit).
I mean, going into a room full of Women I've never met and sharing all my bagagge was NO easy task. I don't think I spoke for the first 3 classes. Then I decided to Let Go and Let God.
How was I to show my daughter the true meaning of a Strong Woman of Faith, if I continued to shy away from social events? How was I ever going to be able to further my career as a songwriter, as a singer, if my relational & business skills were hampered by the fears of a 13 year old girl?
Even after only recently releasing my cd, "From the mind of a Christian Girl", the album just confirmed my suspicions that I'm capable of writing songs from the surface, without venturing to deep.
I knew that it must be Gods will for me to Totally be Free. That 13 year old Girl who continued to show up and haunt me, had to die. Because there I was, at every hardship, reverting back to her. And that is no way to live.
Having originally accepted Christ as my saviour at the age of 13, it was time for me to be Born again. Not because I'd fallen off the Bandwagon, but because I needed to become the Woman He intended for me to be.
John 10:10
10 The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
I'd heard this scripture many times before, and of course I thought that I'd gotten it downpat. But, through thorough investigation of my circumstance, I was not living an "Abundant" Life. I didn't even have real, tangible friends! I was a "Text Message" Queen!
So, I powered through my 12-step meeting, trying my hardest to follow all the rules and submit to authority. (The Class Counselor pointed that out to me, I think on that 3rd Class when I was'nt allowed to leave without "sharing with the group." )
After our official graduation ( which took almost 13 weeks..of sharing,.) it was time for me to spread my wings.
....To be Continued....
"From the Mind of a Christian Girl"
cd available now
www.MonikaBourgeois.com
(also available in Itunes)
2:58 PM
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Sunday, November 04, 2007
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
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Sing the Song, ANNA MAE!!
..>
| .:: From the Mind of a Christian Girl ::. |
| Body: |
Monika Bourgeois cd': "From the Mind of a Christian Girl" is available for purchase.
You can order your full length Cd at www.MonikaBourgeois.com,
or on her artist profile at myspace.com/SingNika.
(Cd downloads also available in Itunes, Rhapsody & Napster & More)
Song Titles include:
1. Addicted
2. The Runner
3. Overwhelmed ( Featuring Marcus Terry on Sax)
4. Sweetest Evidence (Feat. Majesty Grace)
5. Must Be
6. Ha Ha La La
7. Not Here
8. Subject To Change
9. Cup of Tea
10. Confession
11. Woman of God
12. Overwhelmed Instrumental (Feat. Vincent Wiley/ Piano)
*Bonus Track
13. New Orleans is Coming
"Thank you for your downloading my radio singles, especially "Woman of God". I put a lot of love, tears , time & heart into this cd, Literally!"
Monikas' been working the independant artist scene for a few years now. She says shes unapologetic when it comes to songwriting for more famous "Artist".
"Its all the same job to me, really. I put as much effort into Singing as much as I do Songwriting.
Writing for other Artist is really a joy to me, and I hope to continue to write songs that others will enjoy recording. Its their Album, they can choose whomever & whatever songs they want. So, theres no greater honor, in my book, than to have written something so well that another Artist counts it worthy enough to embrace it and release on their own project.
As much as I push my catalog, when someone calls and says " I want to record one of your songs", its still stuns me. I know its silly, but really, it does. In myself I'm thinking " Oh, man, I hope this isn't a mistake. Maybe they've got me confused with another Songwriter..LOL!"
Monikas CD "From the Mind of a Christian Girl" afforded her the opportunity to work with her Husband, Saxaphonist turned music producer, Marcus "Terry" Moore.
"My Husband turned into my hero for this project. Ya'll almost got an a'capella cd! I can sing the whole song to you, front and Back, arrange mix and engineer vocals. But when it comes to playing, I'm a sad, sad sight !
My husband really threw himself into unchartered territory; spreading his music production wings. And he did a wonderful, wonderful Job.
Even if He did turn into a Diva at times!
He's gonna get me for this, but ya'll he was mean!! He'd put me out the studio, ( MY own studio!). He would make fun of my scratch demos and tell me "Not to EVER touch the piano again."
He'd say " Monika Bourgeois, ALL I WANT TO HEAR IS YOUR VOICE ON THAT DEMO and NOTHING ELSE!!! NO BELLS, NO HARMONICA, NO DRUMS..Just SING THE SONG ANNA MAE!!"
But I'm sometimes a Diva too, so I didn't care! I was on a mission. And after all we've been through as Husband & Wife, this was a piece of cake.
God put us together & for that reason we won't part.
So, mission accomplished.
Other credits include Derwin Davis & Vincent Wiley for their wonderful production skills on Addicted, Overwhelmed & Woman of God.
From the Mind of a Christian Girl
CD Now available.
Check www.monikabourgeois.com to order your copy!
Cd also available in Itunes, Real Rhapsody, & Napster & More. | ..>
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Currently
listening
:
The Essential Winans Family Collection
By
Winans
Release date: 11 October, 2005
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2:43 PM
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6 Comments - 4 Kudos
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Friday, August 24, 2007
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Monday, May 28, 2007
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Stiff Neck Monika Bourgeois & Bishop Tudor Bismark
Category: Religion and Philosophy
My neck has been stiff since last Monday.
What does that have to do with the rest of this blog?
Possibly nothing. Possibly Everything.
My home church was having "Pentecost Week-end".
Guest speakers, extra services, you know the whole celebratory shebang.
It was the first time in a while that I was really excited about going to all the extra services.I'm just kind of a homebody if I'm not working.
Honestly, I just feel if God is going to do something awesome, He will do something awesome.
Whether its in a Church service or at a Stoplight .
Thats just me though.
Anywhoo.
Pastor Joel Brooks came in from Kalamazoo on Saturday night ( Michigan just follows me EVERYWHERE!!) But He was very funny and enlightening.
Because my Mother currently attends His church ( and she was in Chi-town for the week-end) she joined me in service and we were able to connect 2 degrees' of seperation after service. That was pretty cool beans.
Sunday Evening Bishop Tudor Bismark spoke.
This is where my whole " God will be Awesome Anyway.." Theory comes in.
Halfway into His message, Bishop Bismark stops the message and says "Is there anyone in here by the name of Monique..Monica..Monique..Moniqua ?"
So I ( being "Monika") walked up to the front .
( Now, lay aside any presumptions that because I'm on liner notes that He just "knew me". Because He did'nt. O.k. Continue.)
He said " Monika, the Lord spoke to me in a Dream this afternoon. He said there would be a woman in the service , He called you by name ( I'm going to paraphrase, ok?)
" You were dropped ( in infancy or as a baby). And you were damaged.
But the Lord is going to restore everything back to you that was with held because of that. Within in the next 9 months, He is going to Blow your Mind..
Then he told my Husband, Marcus "Do you belong to this Woman?...You take care of this Woman,You better Love this woman, You better Honor this Woman, This is a Woman of Destiny......."
Later in the service, He said
"Monika....In this dream..I saw you, You were a baby You had been dropped and you were crying.....you were crying...wearing a purple Garment.... you have never been able to walk in your Royal Gifts.....but He is now setting you to be the prophetic prototype for Women in this Room....."
( It was all I could do from screaming "SHUT - UP!!!")
The good shut up people, the good shut up...
Many people are unaware that My twin and I were abandoned for almost 4 years when we were younger. (Hence" being dropped")
My relationship with God as my Father I believed was developed out of direct necessity for Guidance and Comfort.
Thats a Necessity.
As Necessary as food and water.
Clothing and Shelter.
Mother & Father.
Although I've been blessed to have figured out , cultivate, walk in my gift as a singer/songwriter, my fear of abandonment is something I wrestle with daily.
Its something that sometimes wakes me, sometimes breaks me.
I know that the Lord can and does guide me in life, in love and my career, but there was so much I've had to learn the hard way.
Things I should have learned when I was younger, but did'nt have the resource to dip into.
Sure, Books and schooling are helpful, but there are things you can only get from Mother and Father.
Oh, Hes' is an awesome God. This I know.
Bishop Bismark also remarked " Monika, Go get your Money ! Remember the 10%".
HaHaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Anybody know the zip code to Harare, Africa?
See, God is just awesome, anyway....
blessings,
monika bourgeois
*UPDATE*
Listen to the Excerpt in its entirety (a little over 4 minutes) at
www.Myspace.com/MonikaBourgeois
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Currently
listening
:
Introducing Ayiesha Woods
By
Ayiesha Woods
Release date: 06 June, 2006
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6:06 PM
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22 Comments - 15 Kudos
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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creative