Thanks Esquire for a beautiful & impressively deep highlight reel from Red Hot’s 30 years of making music, raising awareness to fight AIDS + promote Harm Reduction!!
Jody Watley – “After You,Who” Video Still. Red Hot & Blue
I’m proud to be a part of such a monumental and important project and moment in history- there were few artists at the time willing to speak on the subject of HIV & AIDS.. even fewer was black artists. My label didn’t want me to do it because they thought my participation would give the impression that I was either gay and or had the virus. Some things are worth fighting to be a part of and for me this was one and creatively I got to do jazz!
And just like that summer transitions to fall. It’s been a blurring of one season onto the next in this pandemic. No concerts or travel since February has really been an adjustment. No travel hustle and bustle, no concerts and adoring supporters enjoying the music, no hanging out grabbing dinner after show and all of the social interaction that comes with tours and putting on shows. My heart had dropped a little with each 0 miles and hotel points earned notification. Winter, Spring, Summer .. now here we are. I miss it all and being onstage – but what can we do under these circumstances? So many out of work .. even our favorite family restaurant Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Beverly Hills has shuttered for good as summer ended. We can’t do anything beyond finding other ways to stay creative, productive, motivated and healthy. This season is one for even greater reflection-it is the season of change.
Autumn Equinox Blessings : As we transition into this new season – may we be like trees shedding dead leaves from it’s branches and let things go that are no longer serving our well being-making room for new blessings and growth like the leaves falling away for continued transformation in the ever changing flow of life.
Meatless Monday – though salads are great every day! Do something good for your mind, body and spirit each day .. as well as the environment. Health is wealth. I usually make my own dressing too, no hidden calories. I have some edamame in this mixture organic mixed greens salad for a bit of protein, roasted corn as summer comes to an end too .. black beans are good with this one as well. I added almonds rather than croutons.
My Go To Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing :
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oul
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or orange juice, or pomegranate juice
1 tablespoon fresh crushed garlic (optional) – I love garlic and it’s good for you! No fresh garlic? You can substitute with garlic powder.
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
1 teaspoon dried or fresh parley- you can also use cilantro to change up recipe and depending on what you’re pairing it with
1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
Fresh cracked pepper or a course grind.
In small bowl whisk together all ingredients, you can also use your food processor.
Use a measuring spoon to drizzle on salad as you wish and depending on size of your salad. If you keep these items handy you can always whip together a cute and healthy vinaigrette dressing.
An inspirational message and honey turmeric tea in my favorite mug I was in heaven when I saw these leopard print napkins at the store – had to get! It’s the little things in life that can bring the greatest joy!
