May not get headlines,but it is possible to be an artist in a crazy biz-remain grounded and raise intelligent empowered young adults as well. I’m proud to celebrate my second college graduate, the first being my daughter Lauren. Education, focus, hard work and responsibility are values instilled in both of my children early on as their mother and primary care giver.
Not all show business people are wild and crazy and as well not all children of parents in show business thirst for the limelight or paths of their parents. It’s important and not always easy to empower our children to excel and grow in their own light. Thank you to my daughter for being such a great big sister and for setting a great example early on to focus and get the work done.
Congrats to the college grads of 2018 including my own son Arie who graduated this weekend from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. To all parents, single or divorced Moms making it happen no matter what, to the positive siblings and to all fulfilling goals on life’s journey – salute!
Posted on my social media pages yesterday for his birthday!
Today is a blessed day in my life – the birth of my son Arie, the best son in the world to me!
Arie is one of the lights in my life along with his sister Lauren. They both continue to enrich my life. I’m so proud of the young man he has become and the man I know he will continue to be.
Due to the fact people take my posts for their own agendas, this is probably last time I’ll post learning again the most important people and events in our lives should remain private.
Inspired by my children, life and peace of mind in a crazy world – and hopefully a reminder to cherish the home environments we create and what we take into the world as well as those around us. These are snapshots small glimpses into my life away from music. When my son was born, I did stop traveling as much and really chose to stay vibrant creatively with various projects, and selective dates and of course probably sacrificing what others may feel as a need to always be in the spotlight. That’s never been my driving force. Looking back, and now that both my daughter Lauren and my son Arie are young adults – I don’t regret at all being present in their lives, being carpool Mom, sports Mom, etc. Time is always moving and you can’t get it back so choose wisely. I’m happy of the choices I’ve made placing my priorities on being there. It’s a blessing to be a songwriter and to have the luxury to make that choice..not all artists or parents do. We’re all doing the best we can..however in pursuing career, job and work goals never forget to create a life – an atmosphere of love, joy, fun, laughter and so forth. Those moments carry you through the more challenging times.
Visuals by Ray Easmon. Part 2 will arrive soon, with more of a performance vibe..this song is very special to me and I feel very important at this time in the world. We can’t control the politicians, and uncertainty that looms..however we can control how we live day to day in our own lives and we energy we give off to those around us.
“Sanctuary” EP available now at all digital outlets such as iTunes. To those who complain that good music isn’t being made anymore – I disagree. It may not make headlines, fuel the gossip blogs or top the charts – but it is here and I’m proud to continue to write and record it. It’s in the music!
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!
My son Arie celebrated his 22nd birthday October 17. It’s always a time of celebration and reflection for me, as his Mom as well. Away from the spotlight, my priority when they were growing up was to be present in their lives. I’m still present and involved though that role has changed an morphed into something different since both are young adults now. It’s not easy to be the child of someone the public knows. I’ve shielded them from the public wanting them to maintain their anonymity, keep them grounded, validated and confident in who they are. However, I’m like most proud Mom’s – sometimes you just want to brag a bit of how awesome your children are and how much you love them. I asked his permission before posting to ask if it was OK for me to share on my social media pages – he said yes. He is the best son in the world. I’m so proud of how responsible and solid of a young man he is, loving, kind hearted, funny, hard working, intelligent and handsome of course. I miss his presence being home – but proud that he is in college in New York studying business laying the groundwork to fulfill his ambitions, dreams and personal happiness in a city he’s always loved. He’s also held a part time job since high school – which is something instilled in both children, a strong work ethic. I miss dressing up for Halloween, playing action heroes, and so much more from when he was little – my favorite guy in the world. I don’t miss getting him off of World of Warcraft to do homework in junior high! Now, we FaceTime, text, share funny memes, and talk nearly every day. I cherish our relationship and bond. I am inspired by my son Arie and my daughter Lauren.
Here’s to Arie – the best son in the universe!! I was there for his 21st (pictured in collage) and can’t wait to see him next week when I travel to New York for a visit and belated birthday celebration.
