Serene Sunday Silence

Where did the weekend go? I feel like I just got off Friday evening, but it is already after 5PM on Sunday. Wow...time flies when you are having fun! I hope your weekend was as enriching as mine. :)

As you know, music is a integral part of my existence, but today I find myself encapsulated in serene Sunday silence. Sometimes, we need to hang up the headphones, put down our pens, turn off our phones, and disconnect from electronic devices (well....I am blogging right now, but I will unplug later). We need silence to hear our inner voices. I know it sounds corny, but its true.

Everyday, we are out and about on our "daily grind". We live in a society where constant stimulation and entertainment is not only encouraged, but is a social norm. We have to take time to slow down and allow our thoughts to catch up with us!

I often feel like life "happens" to me and all I have time to do is react to its predicaments. Do you feel the same way? I would guess that you do. Instead of participating in a mental and physical pursuit of our rapidly changing  lives, let's slow down and take time to figure out how we are truly operating in this world. Are we pursing worthwhile ventures? Are we making the most out of our days? And, most importantly, are we taking the time to absorb and appreciate our blessings?

Just take 10 minutes this afternoon and immerse yourself in serene Sunday silence. Clear "to-do" lists from your mind, dismiss your agenda, and just let your mind wander. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life and dream of your future. Don't write anything down, just think!

Then, just breathe. No thoughts, just breathing. I promise, you will feel like a brand new person. You may even fall asleep...but it is okay. If your life is a hectic as mine, you could use the nap anyway....

You never know...you may learn something new about yourself. But, you can't hear yourself when you are always connected to the world.

Serenity and Silence,

-T. Amour

T. Amour's Poetry Session #1

I have been cheating on poetry with music lately. Sort of. Music and poetry often go hand in hand because lyrics are vocal poetry, so the affair is not newsworthy.


One of my favorite poems of all time is derived from the movie "Love Jones". Released in 1997, this movie depicted the thrilling (and often) confusing world of love between a gifted male writer and a beautiful photographer. Music, poetry, and striking photography are huge staples in the overall theme of the film. Of course, this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME! I watch it at least once a month and I still laugh, cry, and smile as though I have never seen "Love Jones" before.


If you have not seen it, please do so. The cast is African-American, but the story line, characters, emotions, and savory music/poetry are universal. This is not, I REPEAT, is not your typical romantic drama. And, the soundtrack is astounding. What a treat :)


At the end of the movie, the main female character, Nina, goes back to an upscale nightclub where she met her love interest and reads a poem that sums up her lingering feelings for him. I want to share this with you. Read it several times to absorb the strong currents of passion in the writing. In real life, this poem was penned by Sonia Sanchez (whom I love, adore, and admire).


"It is the color of light,
the shape of sound high in the evergreens, 
It lies suspended in hills, a blue line in a red sky, I am looking at sound.
I am hearing the brightness of high bluffs and almond trees, 
I am tasting the wilderness of lakes, rivers, and streams caught in an angle in song. 
I'm remembering the water that glows in the dawn, the motion tumbled in earth,  life hidden in mounds. 
I am dancing a bright beam of light. I am remembering... love." -Sonia Sanchez.


*All rights reserved to Sonia Sanchez, the original author of this poem.*


I'm not sure how this poem makes you feel. For me, the words leap off my computer screen and bathe my bedroom in sharp, sexy imagery. Love, TRUE LOVE, is embodied in these words. Love is strong, bright, sharp, delightful, tasty, and brilliant. Sanchez compares love to nature's most astounding portraits, giving the world's greatest emotion a face. 


Love poetry, Love Music, Love Life (and Love Jones),


-T. Amour

Feel-Good Friday 04/27

It's FRRRRRRIIIIDDDAAAAYYY! We are still above ground, so GET HAPPY!! Remember, we choose how we feel and life is as awesome as you make it (see my previous posts)!


This week's Feel-Good Friday list is a gumbo of genres. When I say I love music, I truly love music. I can find value, inspiration, honesty, and significance in any genre of music. Here is a taste of my soundtrack today at work and home!


Play around on YouTube and find my list of songs. You won't regret it...you may even head over to iTunes and buy them :)

• "Goin' Back to Memphis" - Soledad Brothers. 
• "Many Shades of Black" - The Raconteurs *sidenote, Adele did a remake to this. Although I love Adele dearly, this version rocks much harder*
• "Mr. Radio" - Chrisette Michele
• "Sabotage" - Wale  *nice rap tune with live instruments in the background*
• David Guetta feat. Avicii "Sunshine" *cool instrumental that reflects Avicii signature sound more...may have to school you all on him in a future post*

As I put my weekend warrior hat on and prepare to make the most of my time off, I hope you do the same. Time is continually progressive, so follow suit!!  I'll catch up to ya on Sunday morning...

Be an equal opportunity listener,

-T. Amour

5 Great Songs by Songz

Happy Wednesday! Today, I'm rockin' to and writin' about Trey Songz! When you read the title of my post, I am sure one of three thoughts come to mind:

#1 Yes! I love Trey Songz.

#2 Really? I can't stand Trey Songz.

#3 Who the heck is Trey Songz?

First, I will clarify things for people who fall into the #3 category. Trey Songz (real name: Tremaine Aldon Neverson) is a rapper turned R&B singer who came on the scene with his debut album, entitiled Gotta Make It, in 2005. His breakthrough album, Ready, dominated 2009 and cemented Trey's status as a modern day sex symbol. The album's standout single, "I Invented Sex", became the first #1 single for Trey on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. *If you have not heard this song, you have been living under a rock. I don't care who you are or what kind of music you like, this song was INESCAPABLE in 2009.*

Since 2009, Trey has continued to capitalize on his success with a follow up album, "Passion, Pain, and Pleasure",  successful tours, mixtapes, and a strong following via his fan club, Trey's Angels, and various social media sites. Currently, Trey is preparing for the release of his 5th studio album, appropriately titled "Chapter V".

This post actually has the #2 thinker in mind. I wanted to select a few songs (both popular and unfamiliar) to showcase his versatility. This is by no means an exhaustive list of his music catalog, just a sneak peek. I know that #1 thinkers, like myself, will appreciate it, so I am not worried about us :)

Why am I in the #1 category? It's not because he is attractive (although he is) or because he sings "baby-making music" (because, contrary to popular belief, he is a versatile artist). I like Trey Songz because of how he carries himself in the entertainment industry as a man. He's not all over tabloids, he's not caught up in a bunch of drama, and he's not "dating" someone new every 5 seconds. He is a businessman who is focused on building a brand and I respect him for it. 

*hops off soapbox* Aight, let's get down to the music...Hope it puts a smile on your face! 

5) "Set of Wings" -On this track, Trey mourns the real-life loss of a loved one. His sentimental and spiritual side is showcased through lyrics such as "The Lord done opened up heaven's doors for you. Walk on through." He looks to the Bible for comfort and understanding in a difficult time. If you have ever lost anyone close to you, this song gathers your feelings and displays them in a 3 minute lamentation.

4) "Can't Be Friends" -Ever tried to make a friendship something "more"...only to discover it was a terrible idea? Yeah, me too. This standout track from the "Passion, Pain, and Pleasure" era samples "Bibo No Aozora" by Japanese composer "Ryuichi Sakamoto" and has one of Trey's best vocal performances.

3) "Flatline" - Trey (temporarily) ditches his ladies' man persona and shows his saccharine side on this song. His voice soars over the pop-rock influenced beat. For those who don't know, he is heavily influenced by artists outside the R&B/Hip-Hop world and often branches out into different genres on his albums.

2) "Black Roses" Once again, Trey rejects the genre/subject matter box the industry tries to position him in, goes for a Maroon 5 sound, and succeeds. His falsetto conveys a woeful tale of a love gone wrong. 

1) "One Love" - This is hands down my favorite song from "Ready". I want this song to be played at my wedding. And the "live" version (the official video) is EVERYTHING. *DISCLAIMER: I OWN NO RIGHTS TO THIS VIDEO OR SONG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE RESPECTIVE OWNER(S)*

Even after hearing this list, you may not want to join #teamsongz, but perhaps you will have a different perspective on Mr. Songz. There may be a part 2 in the future.....stay tuned.

One Love,

-T. Amour

*I took this pic when he was on Usher's OMG tour in December 2010 *

Visualize Your Victory and Validate Your Visions

Today is a perfect day (yes, those days DO happen sometimes). I'm at home on a rainy Sunday morning with a huge cup of coffee and a fresh bowl of fruit. My family and friends are alive and blessed. And, at this very moment, I am spending time doing something I love: writing!

There is a song dancing inside of me this morning, giving me the strength I need to dive into my week with boldness, confidence, and courage. This song is one of my choice weapons when I begin to doubt in my ability to attain and surpass my goals.

"Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence instructs us to encourage ourselves, even though our circumstances may look grim. From the beginning, the lyrics are poignant and resonate in my spirit:

"Sometimes you have to encourage yourself,
Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test.
And no matter how you feel,
speak the word and you will be healed
Speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord."

In short, we have to be our biggest fans on Earth. There will always be someone who will try to discourage our dreams, rob us of joy, and diminish our accomplishments! If we know this to be a general truth, then why should we willingly play on the opposing team and prematurely stunt our own growth? Last time I checked, no one roots for the team playing against their favorite team!!

Visualize your victory and validate your visions! It is your responsibility to speak blessings into your life. There is a reason the term "self-esteem" exists as opposed to "others-esteem". You can have hundreds of people who believe in your talents and potential, but until you look in the mirror and recognize the strengths others see in you, your life will not change.

Do you need more encouragement? No worries, God has your back! But, the game remains the same. Others can pray for you until they are blue in the face, but He wants to hear your voice and your petitions from YOUR own mouth. If you honestly believe in Him, then you know He dwells WITHIN YOU!!! Do you get it? Do you see how it all comes back to you?!?!

I feel better than I did when I started this post! As "Encourage Yourself" says, "When I minister to you, I minister to myself." Speaking to you speaks to me :)

Blessings and Breakthroughs,

- T. Amour

Feel-Good Friday Music - 04/20

Friday, you have arrived! For me, Friday nights are a time for relaxation and meditation. After a hectic week, nothing compares to sitting on my comfy couch and recollecting my thoughts. These few hours are a reclusive respite between an arduous work week and my "weekend warrior" lifestyle.

If you ever decide to take a Friday night and chill, here is a short list of funky yet mellow tunes to shift your mental state into pure bliss and sequester you from the obstreperous world around you.

• "Big Lost" by Diplo
• "Chain Reaction" by The Crusaders
• "Seconds of Pleasure" by Van Hunt
• "Mercy, Mercy Me" by Marvin Gaye (In honor of Earth Day)
• "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
• "Movin' On Down The Line" Raphael Saadiq (a genius)

No links this time, I want you to slow down for an hour, seek these phenomenal songs and artists out on YouTube, and let the music take over! NO ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING!!!  :)

Look for a new list of songs every week...comment and let me know what you think about my choices!

Have a peaceful, restful, and fulfilling weekend!

Happy Feel-Good Friday,

T. Amour

Esperanza's Faith in Mankind

I woke up and drove to work this morning with a severe case of the "Mondays". I had a gut feeling today would not be smooth sailing. Boy, was I right. Today was a quintessential Monday indeed. In order to keep my sanity, I knew I needed the right music to get me through the day.

Thank God for Esperanza Spalding! Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Esperanza is a jazz bassist and singer who won the Grammy award for Best New Artist in 2011 over "King of the Teens" Justin Bieber. Almost instantly after her win, she was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter. Some people had no idea who she was. 

But I did. And I knew the Grammy Awards got it right with this choice. Uncompromising, intelligent, prodigal, and armed with chilling vocals, if you have not heard her greatness, do yourself a favor. Treat your mind, ears, and heart to her artistry. Did I also mention that in 2005, around age 20, she was hired by Berklee College of Music as an instructor? Amazing....

Today, I wanted (no, NEEDED) to hear Spalding's "Espera", from her 2008 CD, Esperanza. A seamless blend of her soaring, spectacular contralto vocals and a smoky, smooth jazz composition highlighted with Lady Esperanza's superb skills on the bass, "Espera" will put your mind at ease immediately.

Aside from her vocal and musical talent, her sharpness and insightful writing style is showcased on "Espera". She boldly wears her heart on her sleeve, confessing that even though she believed there was "no hope for a bright tomorrow", she still has "FAITH IN MANKIND"

I am sure her sentiments reflect ours. In the workplace and in society in general, we find it hard to trust virtually anyone. The world seems to be filled with liars, thieves, murderers, and other unsavory characters. However, we can not live our lives clothed in paranoia and fear. 

We have to have faith. Faith that every person in the world is not out to "get us". Faith that some people actually are who they say they are. Faith in true love, true friendship, and true teamwork. Faith in ourselves. Faith that no matter what has happened to us, we can forgive and move forward. And, faith that traumatic experiences can be used to build us up and not just destroy us. 

Esperanza states, "the path to peace is endless" but she won't give up. Will you?

Listen here: Esperanza Spalding - "Espera"

Have faith and prosper,

-T. Amour

You Are What You Think

A thought before bed (about 10:45PM EST)

"A man is what he thinks about all day long." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

In other words, if you think your life sucks and you are a loser, then it does and you are. And, if you meditate and feed on negativity all day long, then those thoughts are going to resonate in your actions!!! Any ability to appreciate the positive aspects of your life will be defeated by your negative mindset. 

But, just maybe, if you speak uplifting words of life into your personal atmosphere, then you will be able to truly have a better day. Will it change your situation immediately? No. When I wake up tomorrow morning, I will still have to go to my desk job. I am thankful for my source of income, but it is not my dream. I am confident my life is going to change, but I am realistic and understand that change takes time.

If the only thought I have on my mind all day is "I don't want to be at this job", then I will wake up Monday-Friday dreading work and "live for the weekend". However, if I look at my job as a temporary situation and learn to use the skills and experience I am gaining in the project management field to launch a career as a writer/business owner, then I won't feel like I am wasting my time! Did I mention this is easier said than done? Training your mind to be optimistic is a continual process!

Change begins on the inside. We have to visualize the future we want for ourselves, and then TAKE ACTION and make our move! Optimistic thinking will not make your life perfect, but you will surely enjoy it more!

Think success, See success, then BE success,

-T. Amour

A Smile Looks Good on YOU :)

Thoughts on....

Kirk Franklin "I Smile" (C) 2011 Verity Gospel Music Group, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment 

I believe in God. I am willing to make this statement and deal with the reactions, both positive and negative, that come with it. Anyway, today is Sunday, and my song of choice today is both spiritual and soulful ("I Smile" has an interesting interpolation of Scarface feat. 2Pac "Smile"). The "Hypeman of Gospel", better known as Kirk Franklin, declares that we ALL (no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, or if you are on a journey at all) look soooo much better when we "Smile". We all have trying days (weeks, months, etc....) when life rattles us, throws us on the ground, and kicks us while we are down. It is hard to see a silver lining in the situation we are in. But, Kirk lets us know that all things are temporary and we will be better on the backside of our trials.

We cannot control outside influences in our lives, but we DO choose how we react to them! Will you waste time looking and feeling defeated over every setback or disappointment in your life? Or, will you CHOOSE happiness and open yourself up to the lessons learned in your trials?

I want you to choose happiness, joy, love, and positive thinking. And, if you do believe in God, know His promises are true and He is indeed working on your behalf! Our lives are only as fulfilling as we imagine them to be. And, Kirk affirms my desires for your life with this statement at the end of the song...

"I just want you to be happy...I want you to have joy, cause can't nobody take that away from you."

 Chin up and show teeth,

- T. Amour

The Makings of Me!

Who am I? Professionally, I work in project management, spending 40+ hours a week in a cubicle doing mundane tasks. But, outside of work hours, I take full advantage of my passions - poetry and music. The daughter of a gospel musician and an avid (yet unpublished) poet, I love to immerse myself in various genres of music and I appreciate poets (both past and present) with eclectic writing styles and social views. My opinions and commentary about music, artists, writers are simply my thoughts. I want to share all the songs that comprise the soundtrack of my life with you. I want to share the words that move me, inspire me, challenge me as a writer and a person. I want you to love poetry, love music, and love life outside the daily grind!

 

- T. Amour