Landed safely in Tokyo and so honored to have the opportunity to perform with the Tokyo Symphony. No gimmicks..no controversy, nonsense.. public romances or anything driven by tabloid media to generate interest..just a veteran artist who continues to live my dreams – it’s in the music! Blessed and grateful.
Safely landed – time to relax unwind..good food a little wine..just cherishing the time!
Woke up, said my thanks to God and the universe for the continued blessings and gift of life and the opportunities to do what I love on my own terms – enjoying the view..coffee and reflections of how awesome it is to look out over Tokyo. Two wonderful children..great friends..my wonderful SRL mates who I miss on this trip but so happy to have them (Nate and Rosero) in my life and the love from true dedicated fans who lift me up daily.
Mixed Media by M. LA Girdam.. revealed this art of me spanning 3 decades of my solo career over a series of posts on Instagram. Phenomenal. He noted how I’d inspired him..which in turn inspires me – cycles of life.
Each of us has the ability to inspire and be inspired in many ways. As I’ve gotten older it’s a part of my music, choices and existence in entertainment – as a human being first and foremost that I really cherish. We are all echoes..be a good one.
I chose this photo to post in celebrating the birthday of my son because this moment in our lives mark another pivotal moment. Arie had never had a haircut..he was born with so much hair..a nice afro – it was so full it looked like a wig! Both of my children have a lot of hair. Lauren’s was in the middle of her back by age 4…same thing people would ask ‘is she wearing a wig?’ For the record..it isn’t true people of color..black people don’t grow hair.
I’d seen one boy with locks and thought it would be cool to do that to Arie’s hair. I started him with braids and then began the locking process. His locks received so much attention..strangers would want to touch it, cue Solange Knowles ‘Don’t Touch My Hair” because it is odd when strangers want to touch your hair, and even more a child. Arie would occasionally be teased by students..’do you wash it?’ Of course – it’s hair!
By the end of junior high, he’d had enough and I’d see them around the house. “What are you doing to your locks?” Arie was slowly cutting them – he was over them. He played AAU basketball and wanted to look more collegiate he said. I could tell he was ready for a change. There are moments in our lives no matter how young or old we are..change becomes necessary. We feel it, we know it. The thing is to embrace change – don’t fight it.
Cutting his hair prior to the start of high school was probably more emotional for me. Hair carries a lot of energy and I was so accustomed to seeing his lion mane. I saved some of them in a ziplock and then made an appointment for his first trip to the barbershop.
From that point, it seems time really flew as he became a young man..junior varsity and varsity hoopster..then college student off to NYC. His interest is business and finance. Arie is a hard worker too. Instilling a strong work ethic in both is something to be proud of.
We have to allow our children to grow and be who they want to be while giving them the proper tools and foundation while raising them. Cherish the moments at each stage, time goes fast.
I love both my children more than words can convey. Being their Mom is the jewel of my life. Keeps me grounded..even though they no longer live at home. I value our relationship, and the fact they keep teaching me things too.
I still can’t believe Arie can grow a beard!
Happy Birthday Arie!! I love you beyond the unigalagalala-unigalaxy!
Oct, 3, 1987 – “Don’t You Want Me” is the third single from singer Jody Watley’s eponymous debut album. The song was produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic-fame and written by Jody Watley, Franne Golde and David Paul Bryant.
“Don’t You Want Me” was one of the biggest crossover singles for the year 1987, reaching top ten on the Billboard pop and R&B charts and becoming a number-one dance club hit.
“Don’t You Want Me” landed in the Top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart the week of October 24, 1987, advancing from #56 to #40. The song reached #6 on December 19, 1987 and remained there for three consecutive weeks.
