Beautiful day yesterday and very appreciative of the outpouring of love, well wishes that flooded my various social media pages with tags of love. Above are a sampling of some. It was also a reminder of some wonderful people I’ve been fortunate to meet through music and how it connects us in our lives and some of what we go through.
Life is a gift each day and I try not to get caught in time. The quote “it’s not the years of life but life in your years” resonates very much with me – and I hope it does with you too.
Live each moment and embrace the journey not confining yourself to boxes or (mis)perceptions is what I’m about.
Love to all and thanks again – here’s to more adventures!
Remembering my Dad Rev. John Watley Jr. on his birthday, charismatic, forward thinking, a great storyteller, a showman in the pulpit with his sermons, great hats, tailored suits, often flamboyant, always read the morning newspaper, loved all people, had a smile that lit up a room..I got a lot from him – and thinking of many of the pearls of wisdom he instilled in me (only the strong survive, it’s not what others think of you it’s what you think of yourself, always have your own, especially money ..” and so much more. Though he passed away decades ago – not a single day goes by where I don’t think of him and miss him. His church members would always give us birthday cakes when I was little – mine would be coconut, his German chocolate, since our birthdays are a day a part. The memories and love live on for eternity.
I miss you Dad – Love, your Princess (church members called me Princess Jody), your ‘Star’ — which is what my Dad always said I would be, he was my first believer
I have no photos of us together because at one point my parents lost all possessions in storage so the couple of photos I have of him I cherish. #Aquarius Rest Peacefully Always ✨as well to my GodfatherJackie Wilson dear friend of my Dad – the first person to bring me onstage and also claim I had something special.
People are always ready to put others in a box based on gender, age, race, economics, sexuality, job, career, body size, skin tone and so on .. define yourself for yourself no matter what. Defy all of it. Embrace who you are and just live life forget all of that – just live!
My “Playlists” will continue to evolve. It’s also a discovery for me with clips like this one from renowned choreographer Brian Friedman that I’d never see,
Navigating life and career. Ended 2018 having to make a difficult business decision after a year of contemplation and coming to terms with hard realizations. There are times in life personally and professionally in order to continue to grow, it’s necessary to make changes, and allow others to do the same. In the tough decisions especially for entrepreneurs or those with whom you’ve had a close relationship and the lines may have been blurred it’s even harder it will be taken personally when it’s not. Business is business and it’s wise to always keep that in mind.
Often the only person who can see a vision is you, it’s not a cold hearted thing, it’s the ongoing evolution of being and willingness to step out of comfort zones- not everyone is going to be on that same page or path. Never one to shy away from my instincts is something to never fear or avoid – no matter how difficult. Stay stagnant, rigid and stuck – or keep pushing for new levels. You never know until you try and do is also one of my life mantras.
Being able to be close to home to be there and present for my ailing Mom continues to be a priority in the midst of the music, just as it was when I was raising my daughter and son. I’ve cut back on some travel and concerts such as putting off shows in Glasgow and Manchester to make sure I’m never too far away. The process continues to push me into an even more reflective mode about life in general. One of the things my Mom has said when talking to one of her doctors on a bad day and through pain that really resonates “..no matter what, I’m happy to still be here..fighting..” – words to live by.
If you see that I’m coming to your city – don’t miss it. As an artist never been one to do a ton of dates to begin with it’s always a quality over quantity always – that keeps it fun. 2019 will include select dates, some of the schedule has had to be revised, always an experience of good vibes, memories, creating new ones and inspiration.
Stay tuned for info on upcoming new music projects as well!
