No Matter- A Poem
This is a poem my boyfriend and I wrote together.
I am strong,
and I know That “this” is supposed to be,
No matter the days,
No matter the hours,
or the distance,
We will prevail,
I am not wrong,
and I know that this will one day become relief,
Counting seconds,
Tallying minutes,
Marking miles,
and filling sails.
Destiny Has Called
The 1st time I went to Washington State, it felt like home and that was about 15 years ago. I never stopped talking about it and always wanted to go back. I did go back; last week. I need to explain some things before I go any further with this.
I’ve never been lucky in love. I was always disappointed and frustrated. I would cry myself and my soul to sleep many nights and I would dream about that right person for me. The one who would “get me”, the one who would just know me and love me for who I am. Someone who would be in sync with me at every movement; at every point. He would look into my eyes and see my soul and my future- vice versa. He would be not only my lover, but my best friend,cheerleader, supporter and my guide. He would make me laugh and also accept my silliness. This love encompasses everything and you feel whole and at peace. The exact feeling is indescribable.
I have now found that now. Perhaps we already knew before we met again after so long. He was in my life before, but we hardly knew each other then. I think these 12-13 years of growing and having our experiences made us for “this” at this time. I suppose we don’t really know why this has happened now, but it has. This is more/extra of a reason why I’m moving to Washington. Not only because I love it there and when I landed, a voice told me “You are home” but also because I found true love.
I realized other things as well. Lately, in this past year, I felt that I needed a change- something new. I had an epiphany and thought that I needed to leave Ohio. Things like not finding a job yet, not getting certain things for my room I need, writing again and reconnecting with him among other various things have made me realize that these signs were here and I wasn’t noticing them at the time.
I am taking actions now so I can move to Washington. I started applying for jobs, made some contacts and now the Universe knows of my plans. I’m manifesting my desires so they can become a reality. If I had one wish right now, I wish that I would come into a large sum of money so I can just take off with my cats into his arms now. But, until then, I will keep plugging away, anxiously waiting to see him with open arms and begin my new life.
Love,
Misty
Sounds Of Comfort-Bringing Back Memories
A friend on Twitter mentioned something and it compelled me to write about it. Growing up, I was pretty much an only child. I have an older half brother, but he lived with his mother, so I didn’t see him much. My younger brother wasn’t born until I was almost 15. I was alone a lot; when my parents were married, dad worked either 2nd or 3rd shift so I didn’t get to see him until the weekends (and when I did see him, I didn’t leave his side) and my mom, well, to be honest she really wasn’t there emotionally for me. I sought refuge in my room and my play-set in the backyard that dad built for me himself. It was under a big tree next to the field that let to a small creek in the back. He hung a tire for me from that tree and the set had a balcony on the top and I could slide down a PVC pipe down from it. I remember always being afraid of going down the slide because it was so high up; but I always managed to do it anyway and was so proud of myself afterwards. I also had a swing that I would swing on for hours and make up songs. I think I made up those songs so I could feel comforted. I would always go to my grandpa’s backyard right next door and play in the tool shed; I felt it was like my house and then I would go and sit underneath a big tree in his yard and watch the crop duster spray the fields. Then, eventually, I would venture back to the creek and walk along it to my uncle’s yard and sit on the bridge he made and then I would walk into the cornfields and take some baby corn to eat; it tasted so sweet. I would also visit grandpa Barney on occasion because he would always give me a sweet treat of some sort but I wouldn’t stay long because, well, he was the grumpy type. (RIP grandpa, I always know you meant well) Please, don’t feel any bit sorry for me; I also had my Great Aunt Mattie who took care of me often. (I miss you everyday)
But, at night, when I was in my room seeking solace and when I rested my head on my pillow and fall asleep I would hear the furnace kick on and it would make me smile. It would wake me up, but for some reason, the sound comforted me, made me feel safe and I always went back to sleep. Even now, in the winter, when I hear the furnace, I smile. Maybe because even then, as a child, I knew everything would be alright eventually and I have to remind myself that now everything will be alright. I think as a child I knew more than I thought I did.
*My play set dad built for me was torn down about 10 years ago and I admit I cried when I saw it was gone…
My friend @Resarrection posted this: “The sound of the furnace reminds me of the night we lit the pilot & laying on the floor in the hall talking & laughing. Makes me smile.” & “I know exactly what you mean, makes me feel safe & warm, makes it feel like ‘home’.”
Thanks Resa, I thought I was the only one who felt that and it brought back memories.
Misty
Paying It Forward By “Healing”: An Interview With Musician Josh Charles
Josh Charles is a remarkable man and musician. He is an inspiration to others; more should pay it forward for the greater good. Josh is giving back to the community of New Orleans. Download the single “Healing Time” on iTunes or Amazon and 100% of the proceeds go to The Preservation Resource Center (PRC) of New Orleans to help rebuild, restore, and preserve the architectural history and historic neighborhoods that support the local culture and character of New Orleans. As stated in an article in the Huffington Post by 2morrowknight, Josh stated that ” I’m trying to do my part to give back to the city of New Orleans which has given me so much as an artist.”
Read more at: Huffington Post
Josh began playing at an early age. He began playing piano at the age of 8 and he started playing guitar at 13. He was classically trained and spent summers at band camp. His piano playing can be linked back to blend of New Orleans music and gospel styles. You feel at peace when you listen to him play; a part of you can go back in time and feel his soulful music enter your heart and you can’t help but move along with the notes.
Josh Charles is also teaching a master class at Steinway Music Hall in NYC on the how to play New Orleans /Boogie Woogie Piano even if you’re never played. It is Saturday, October 10th from 3-5 PM; all beginners are welcome. If interested, please contact him: masterclass@joshcharlesmusic
You are on Twitter; have you found that spreading your music and message has been helped by it?
I am thankful that I found Twitter. I was just telling Gavin DeGraw last night that I find Twitter to be my favorite way to communicate with fans. It’s amazing, in real-time you can share personal thoughts, pics,vids,music and I really enjoy interacting with people. When I’m on tour, I meet people from Twitter and I’m so appreciative for their support. Twitter is also how I stay connected to everyone. There is so much great content on Twitter and I feel so lucky to have so many great tweeps who help me out – I must name some here: @buzzedition,@alyssa_milano @collective_soul ,@jason_pollock @_stevewoods @kevin_desoto @kim @lorimoreno @krystynchong –the list goes on and on but I feel very lucky to be considered worthwhile among tweeps. In short, I love TWITTER..
You have said you are a “wandering nomad” and you feel a kinship to New Orleans. Do you see yourself moving back there soon?
At some point, I would love to move to New Orleans for Take 2. I love the city with all my heart and soul.
You started playing in blues clubs when you were a teenager. Do you have any crazy stories from playing in clubs at such a young age?
My first job was at a blues joint in KC. It was on a 100 year old beat up piano with jagged keys and missing notes- I would bleed from the sharp edges and playing so hard. I had no microphone and it was a 4 hour a night rowdy blues and boogie woogie gig.
What makes you want to get up every day? What inspires you?
I love being able to share my music with the world. Knowing that it’s helping make a difference in people’s lives is a very powerful thought. I take it very seriously and work very hard on my craft.
You recently met Smokey Robinson; please tell us of that experience. How does it feel to meet other remarkable musicians?
One of the nicest, most gracious and caring guys on this planet. He fills the room with joy and it’s an honor. I”ve been so fortunate to meet amazing people and musicians. Just recently, I shared an afternoon with Allen Toussaint playing piano and singing songs and it was a highlight of my musical life. I mean it’s Allen Toussaint!
If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Wow just one? I’d love to have spent a day with Ray Charles 🙂
“Healing Time” is eligible for Grammy’s in the following categories: Best New Artist, Song of the Year and Record of the Year. That is incredible; how does it make you feel to be recognized in that way?
It’s an honor! Healing Time has tremendous potential to make a difference in people’s lives and help rebuild New Orleans. I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to download the song and pay it forward.
To learn more about Josh Charles and his cause, please visit his web page:
http://joshcharlesmusic.com/home/
Follow Josh Charles on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/joshcharles
Become a fan on his Facebook Page:
“Bad Things” With Jace Everett
Photo Courtesy of jaceeverett.com
You have heard Jace Everett’s voice. HBO’s huge success, True Blood, has his song “Bad Things” as the opening title theme. It’s his sexy, sultry voice that you can’t help sing along with or tap your foot to when you sit down to watch it on Sunday nights.
Jace is just more than one song of a hit TV show. His talent is evident. His deep, sweltering, expressive music turns you on, grabs you and doesn’t let go. When you listen, you can relate and take the stroll with him along his emotional memories.
Jace, when did you realize you made it in the music business? What was your defining moment?
Have I made it? I’ve been making my living with music for over 10 years. In a sense that’s “making it”. But this business is really about tenacity. You go up and down like a see-saw for years only to find when you look back that the only thing that’s amazing is that you’re still doing it! My defining moment is every day I get up and do it again.
When did you 1st start singing and realize it is what you wanted to do with your life? How did you prove to others that you will be successful?
I started singing in public when I was 12. I always knew this was what I wanted. I don’t really worry about proving things to other people. It’s enough to prove it to myself.
Which singers do you emulate?
All of them! Big influences on my actual singing are Bono, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, Joe Cocker, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. Different songs call for different kinds of singing. Those are the guys I rip off most often though!
Your song, “Bad Things” is the open title song for the show True Blood; how did that come about? Did you have any idea how big this show was going to be and how has the success of it impacted your music and life?
Alan Ball discovered the song on iTunes and thought it was a good fit. Turns out he was right. The show has been a huge shot in the arm for me.
I have listened to your new album, Red Revelations and it is filled with dark, bluesy, arousing goodness. What was your focus for this album?
I wanted to synthesize all my different influences into a fresh sound. Outlaw country, rock and roll, blues, torch songs, the whole shebang.
How would you personally categorize your music? More Rockabilly than country? More like blues than rock? All of them?
Yeah, I leave that up to the marketing guys. My music is just that; my music.
You like whiskey like I do, what is your favorite kind?
Jamesons Irish
What do you do to unwind from a crazy day?
See above!
What is your “Bad Thing” or habit?
Too many to list.
I would love to see you do a duet with Chris Isaak; perhaps go on his show, The Chris Isaak Hour because you remind me so much of him. Could that be a possibility?
Chris is a far better singer than I am. Beautiful falsetto. Very Orbison. A lot of folks assume the “Bad Things” was a take-off on “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing”, but it wasn’t. I’m certainly a fan of his and there’s obviously some rockabilly in my music, but Chris does a really unique and great thing that’s quite different from me. I’d be delighted to work with him. Never know.
Can we expect a nationwide tour soon? I would love to see you in Columbus, Ohio.
We’ll see how sales go. It takes money to make it, but I’m on the West coast a lot this year as well as some UK shows. 2010 should be busy.
Please, give me one crazy story from a show.
I remember playing a small club back in the 1990’s when the power went out. Turns out the manager of another act had pulled the plug in the middle of my set! I was young and full of rage. I picked up a monitor and threw it across the stage at the guy. The power returned pretty quickly.
How do you prepare for a show?
Quietly with about 15 minutes of silence in a room by myself.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in your career?
Never surrender, never quit, and don’t believe everything you hear; the bad or the good.
You have been nominated for Spike TV’s Scream Song of the Year; how does that make you feel?
Amused.
To vote for him, please go here:
http://www.spike.com/event/scream2009/page/vote/category/33121
To know even more about Jace; to see where he will be playing and to buy his album RED REVELATIONS, visit his website:
Follow him on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/jaceeverett
Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/jaceeverett
Misty's Musings 