Though I've been promising myself that I was going to be more active for months, last week gave me the incentive I needed to stop talkin' about it  and BE about it.

Two weeks ago,  I got a call from an old friend in need of my help. She has a group called "Sylk, Satin & Lace" and one of the members was going out of town. She wanted to know if I could fill in next week.  I vaguely remember the last time I performed in a "lounge"  and sung cover tunes, but it's been a while. (at least a year.) After my last gig, I'd vowed never to return to that level of entertainment again, especially not for 6 nights a week, 4 shows a night. I was also just bored with the whole scene and all the drama that goes along with it.

 

 But, though I'd gotten comfortable performing original songs with Jo and recording my own material, my heart was beginning to long for the high energy shows of my past. I love to perform! I love the dancing, the costume and wig changes the live band everything.  So the lure of performing "Dream Girl " and "Supreme"  material, was overwhelming.  Without hesitation (and a few questions,) I told her yes. 

The MD (musical director) starts emailing me the tracks and set lists for the upcoming shows. (yes plural.)  I looked over the set list. I knew a lot of the songs, but I wondered about choreography. Sylk assured me it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.

The first rehearsal was about 6 hours long. (I thought I was going to die!)  I hadn't worked that hard in a long time.  And while the combinations weren't that difficult, I was definitely out of shape!  I broke about 4 or 5 sweats. In the second rehearsal they introduced me to the "pussycat doll" song and choreography.  Okay, I haven't danced on chairs in high heels in at least 5 years, I was in a panic! (Cause honey, I am no longer the size 3 I used to be just two years ago! )  Now, I'm a size 7 which some women would love to be, but I've been "little" all my life so when people who haven't seen me in a while see me, they have something to say. (mostly good!) But chile that's a lot to be balancing on a chair! (WINK)

By the third rehearsal I realized that though I still looked good for my age, I needed to do some work.(They brought out the costumes!)  It wasn't that bad but I'll put it like this, I'm the second youngest in the group and in the worst shape.   I wanted to cry, though I only had myself to blame. 

I had to run out and get under garments to hold everything in it's proper place and make sure they didn't get more of a show than they paid for! 

Overall the show went off very well considering the time frame and If I say so myself, I didn't look half bad.  But I learned some valuable lessons.

 

1. Never let yourself go.

2. Working 5+ nights a week keeps you in shape and your chops up!

3. Next time ask more questions before I commit! 

4.Once a pro, always a PRO! (I'm still a Divah!) 

 

love & light

JL-Mo'Kha 

 

 

 

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things just happen in their own time. Originally, I intended to launch my new site on the first day of summer but the birth of this site has been like both of my children's births, unpredictable. In retrospect, there is beautiful semblance in the celebration of Independence day and the launch of my new website. Today, I declare my creative liberation!

 

It is my belief that as spiritual beings we are ever evolving, even in our deaths the subconscious or the "soul" continues to evolve. And even if this is incorrect, who could prove me wrong.  (lol)

Once again I have emerged from my cocoon, and while my power animal is still the dragonfly...I feel renewed and reborn. I hope the resilience of this new found spiritual empowerment is reflected on this site.

 

In the past, I would blog maybe twice a month.  Now that I have a permanent home my blogs will be more frequent.  I invite you to check back regularly, leave comments and especially your contact information.  I have so many exciting things in the works.

 

In the M-Lounge you will be able to read and listen to my newest projects.  There will also be excerpts from novels and short stories. You also be able to listen to preview tracks and watch video diaries.
 

In the BE-Cafe , I plan to post reviews of lounges, coffee houses and events in the las vegas area.  You will also be able to keep your eye on up and coming artists across the country and most certainly locally.  

 

For those of you who have been on this journey with me for a while, you know that my alter ego is a freelance photographer and graphic artist. (You also know, I'm not that good.) Once completed, check out I-Gallery and get a feel for my clumsy photographic expression. (If you're brave enough.) You can also see some "professional " photo shoots of myself.   Much later you'll be able to view my 'inner circle' and some retro photo flashbacks.

 

I am always open to positive and negative feed back,  as long as its given to perpetuate growth and uplift the creative experience.

 

"Reach beyond what your eyes can see."

 

EE,

JL-Mo'Kha