Music Is. My Passion.

Okay, I've gotten my thoughts aligned and I'm under no pressure...


On my drive to the valley today, I was listening to some original snippets that I have recorded on my cellphone. I was thinking about how music moves me. Literally. I just love it and I'm like LL Cool J "can't live without my radio."

R&B is my first love. Hip-Hop/Rap doesn't fall far behind. Jazz is my adult preference. Pop is fun and I stay as current as I can to keep up with what my children like listening to. Gospel Sundays always and if I'm really feeling a particular artist, at the beginning of my day during the week sometimes. I'm not very familiar with country, rock or heavy metal, but good music is good music so if I hear something "good" that falls into one of those genres, so be it. It's still all good!


One can tell a lot about the mood that I'm in by the sounds of the tunes I play. Every Friday and Saturday night I want to hear club jams. I imagine that I'm at a club tearing the floor up. Most of the time, that's enough partying for me, but sometimes I really do get out and "take the night." ;)

I dance. I sing. I write. When I feel like it. I'm actually pretty shy when the spotlight is on me, so I usually stay away from it. I've found some ways to express my musical talents though. I joined the choir at church. In fact, earlier this year I even sang a solo in front of the entire congregation.

As far as the dancing goes... I'm doing my best to get back on the fitness track so that I can actually bust the moves that I envision in my mind. Laughing out loud. There are abstract moments that I have when I just dance. No particular style, I simply feel the music and let my body go.

I've been writing. Just like the snippets on my cellphone, I have a manila folder with pieces of songs, poetry and miscellaneous notations. One of these golden days I will get it all organized and completed (hopefully). In the meanwhile I'll continue on my journey of listening to music from those who love creating, performing and sharing it. Thank you music: I LOVE YOU!!! :)

This blog is helping to develop my inner being.


I agree with the saying that "music is a universal language and it brings people together."

First Things. First!

I'm not having it today...

Last night, I spoke about feeling under pressure with writing my blog on yesterday because it was near the end of the day. Let's try to fix this. I still have things "to do" and a lunch visit with my mentor at 11:30 a.m. I must get my hike in and it'd be awesome to get those 2-3 laps in at the park, before lunch.

Time management is an area where I can improve immensely. I hurry at the last minute. Preparing myself in a reasonable amount of time before hand has never been my "thing." Although, the few times that I have proved to be helpful.

So, here I am today. Making an honest attempt to manage my time accordingly while accomplishing all the "things" that I plan "to do." I really need to wrap it up quickly this morning. Time is ticking...

I'm really not liking this either. Rushing myself through this blog. It doesn't feel like I've eliminated the feeling of being under pressure here...

Pardon me, please. I'm off to get my thoughts in order. I'm everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. This may not be the last that you read from me today, but it also might!

Everyday belongs to GOD. I thank HIM for each!

Go Girl! To Myself.

I really prefer to get my blog up much earlier than this...

A girl has got to do what she has to. I had prior obligations that I was committed to, which caused a little delay within my schedule today. It's really okay though. I'm learning to stop bullying myself.

If there were any day that I wanted to take off from blogging, it'd been today. Simply because I'm not in the same mood as I was earlier. Not good or bad. Just, but I feel under pressure and this blogspot is not where I want to feel any pressure about anything.

I'm looking at the time and I keep telling myself "I'll get this posted before midnight." Big deal, right? It really is and I'm only distracting myself unnecessarily.

ATTENTION!!! At ease... ;)

This blog is the one of the few things that I currently do for myself on a regular basis. I used to get professional massages some years ago when I could afford it. I only do my hair and get my nails done for special occasions these days. So much of what I used to do for personal pleasure has become a simple memory. I'm making room for new experiences and remembering that I do matter... to myself (as well).

What I value over any material thing is time and making the most/best of it -will always be my mission. Just having the ability to be and do is exciting enough. "I can" encourage myself to do anything at anytime no matter what.

Andrea Monique Lampkin was here today. Go girl!

My Time? Your Time.

Why do I feel like I'm late getting to my blog today? Laughing out loud!

I'll tell you why. It's because I've become comfortable getting it posted by the afternoon. The bottom line for me is that I do it -daily (M-F).

Today, my day got ahead of me. I knew that I had an appointment at 11a.m. and it was important to me to get some fitness in beforehand. If not before, it just wouldn't get done. I did it!

I made an unexpected stop at Target to pick up some household items and some new CDs. Afterwards, I sat in the car text-messaging with a friend for about 15 minutes. With just over 2 hours before my scheduled appointment, I still made the decision to make that climb (twice).

Well, I was late to my appointment. How late? For me to know and you to wonder... laughing out loud! The point is that I was late. Was the business handled? Yes. No one made a big deal about my tardiness either. I suppose it could've been a big deal if someone wanted to create an issue with me about it. Was I lucky? No.

"I am BLESSED and highly favored." :)

After my hike, I had the nerve to make another stop at CVS before going home to get ready for the appointment. I witnessed something. The line was a little long and there was only one cashier working. I was the 3rd person standing in line and even though I had somewhere that I needed to be shortly, I didn't feel anxious at all. What I was thinking was... "boy, are they short staffed? Bet I could get hired here (if I wanted) or folks must be on lunch," when I hear a man say to the woman who was  making a purchase, "you move slow, you're young, you should be moving faster than that."

I looked at the woman who I thought he was talking to and she was staring at him with the same disbelief. She said, "excuse me? You don't know what's going on with people, I have a brain injury. I'm lucky to be alive. I'm moving the best that I can..." Do you know this man still had the audacity to wave his hand at her in an attempt to hush her (shut her down) anyway? The nerve!

It was none of my business, but I could not stand quietly witnessing that. I blurted out "you tell him. GOD BLESS you ma'am." He never turned around to see who said it, but I know that he realized his error when I chimed in. I felt impelled to speak out in her favor. I can't explain why, but I had her back at that moment without thinking twice about any consequence. The man did say sorry to the woman as she walked out of the store.

When I think about time I smile. People stress over it. I have too, but it's in my nature (ask anyone who knows me) to flow with time. I keep up with it the best that I can. I'm just glad to have it and I do well not allowing people's expectations about time define my character and/or abilities.

Unless it's a flight, a make or break circumstance, someone who just wont bend that I need for some reason or someone who needs me, a situation or a call for action that demands my prompt attention, just know: I'll show up... in time! 


There's something that I live by: FAITH! I expect others to have it in me. 

Take Inventory. It's time.

How much junk are you holding on to unnecessarily?

There's a lot that I have to assess before I can properly eliminate the "junk" from my life permanently. I've accumulated a lawn bag size of paperwork that I'll need to sift through. I'm sure that most of it is trash, but I want to make sure that it is before I throw away anything for good.

It's unfortunate that I'm needing to "do away" with people in my life that I've been holding onto for way too long. Those that are a part of my inner circle I've known for 10-years or more with the exception of one, whom I've known since 2002. Time to let one go... for the last time (same one).

It's been said and I'm sure that you've heard "you can't take everyone with you." It's a bit sad when you realize this. When the boundaries of respect have been crossed within a friendship time and time again, what do you do? Communication is helpful, but when is enough -enough? That depends on you. Well, in my case it depends on me. The truth is that I don't desire to hold onto the history that this friend and I share.

ENOUGH!

As I bask in my freedom to be, I welcome new adventures and experiences. Some, I'll have the privilege of sharing with my friends. Some, I'll have to go-it alone and/or with new people who may remain in my life for a period of time. I'm cool with that!

I've been exercising fairly regularly for the past few weeks and physically, I can see the "junk" vacating from my body. Makes me wonder why I even allowed the "junk" to get into my system and live within me for this long. Because I am seeing results and feeling lighter on my feet, there's really no turning back now.

I'm becoming more serious about my life than I've ever been in my adulthood. I'd like to call it a "mature-serious." Allow me to clarify. Being "mature-serious" means (to me) that I am accountable for my every action and fully aware of the "things" that I do. This influences me to be proactive in a positive and productive fashion. Taking the first step may be the most difficult move for us to make, but once we take that initial step it's easier moving forward.

Today, I say take that step to remove the weight that you've been holding onto, whether it's the excess fat in pounds, accumulated paperwork that's unorganized, and/or draining friendships that are stunting your growth. Fear not the outcome. Welcome the space for replacement or for it to be newly filled!


GOD is the only unchanging absolute presence that we ALL need to keep!

Take Time. To Reflect.

On yesterday, I was thinking about the day that I began my blog. Today is my 15th post and my third week at it. Some interesting things are happening to me since I've been writing. When I set-up the blog, I had no idea what I'd be writing about, how long it would be, or how often I'd do it...

Structure is taking place all on its own. Well, not exactly. GOD is in control at all times and there is something to be noted here. I'm subscribed to Daily Bible Quotes and I read my horoscope almost daily. Lately, I've been blogging before checking my emails and I'm finding that on some days, my thoughts are in tune with the quotes I read.

I can hardly believe that the theme of my blog is in sync with the Daily Bible Quotes on some days. It does make sense though. My path feels validated when this happens. Even on a few random Facebook postings, I can feel GOD speaking through the positive statements written by folks and it tickles me inside when I've blogged about something similar.

How am I able to relate while I write without having any prior knowledge about the Bible quote of the day or what someone has posted as their status on Facebook?

I'm spiritually tapped in. Really, I am.

Personal development is something that I'll always be interested in. I have an improving state of mind. Yes, somethings in life should be left untouched and as is, but so many other things require growth and action is needed to see them flourish. We can just consider my blogging as a cleanse. I'm gradually getting all the "junk" out of my system in the most fulfilling, honest and professional manner, that I'm capable of expressing.

So, I have read all of my previous blogs. I like how I know exactly where I was, what I was thinking, and what influenced my topic for the day when read each blog. Somedays, I felt really great. Others, I remember what I was going through and where my thoughts were. I'm glad that I've found an enjoyable way to reflect on my feelings and a healthy way to deal with them.

This has become such a justice in my life. I'm so passionate about my blog now, that I can't allow anything to prevent me from writing it. I wont allow any distractions because I realize this is something that I need. If I can only adopt this attitude in some other areas in my life...

One thing. One day. At a time. Is progress! 

Relax. Live Calm.

I'm in a very relaxed mood today. I awoke hearing my daughters arguing with one another and I yelled out to them, that I didn't want to hear that madness. Growing up, my mother had some creative ways with getting me out of the bed in the morning. Imagine being dowsed with cold water while your dreaming peacefully and waking up to a bass-filled holler as an introduction to the beginning of a new day...

To this day, I cannot rest or relax peacefully in my mothers home.

Thank GOD I'm grown! I have choices that I can now exercise freely. Daily screaming and yelling doesn't exist in my life anymore. Some days are challenging and feel less than satisfactory. On these days, I am not my best self, but I know that I'm not perfect so it's okay. Life is becoming much more enjoyable and easier to handle as I deal with the day at hand, hence "one day at a time and by the moment" is the best way for me to live.

I've told people that I goofed around in my 20s and that I'm just now beginning to "get it." Well, that's not completely true. I think I "got it" before I even hit 18, but I was yet a woman. Societies time clock used to bother me. It's fairly easy feeling like I'm not where I'm supposed to be. Knowing that I could've earned my bachelor's degree before I turned 25-years old is simply information that I can share with my children.

About 2 months before I graduated this year, I was stressed out. Mostly because I knew that the end was near and other's expectations of me. All our lives, we're told to finish school by earning our high school diplomas and to seek higher education (college) so that we are well prepared to establish a career that's fulfilling. This (they said) is what most people in our society view as success.

So what if the path above was not yours? It's okay.

We all have choices. Unhappy people have chosen to be unhappy whether they realize it or not. Once we realize all the things that are not in our control, the days get better. I am naturally hyper and sometimes it is quite difficult for me to calm myself, but I know how.

I know what triggers stressful feelings within me: Unhappy people. Of course, there are other things that attempt to disrupt my calm state, but being around unhappy people bothers me the most. I like to feel good and I want everyone near me to feel the same. I'm not in control of that though. All I can do is try and on most days, I'm willing...

If I were able to afford it, I'd get a professional massage once weekly (at least). My mind may be at ease, but my muscles are tight. It's okay because I've been working on being more consistent with physical fitness. Soreness, tightness and fatigue come with the territory. I'll just stretch it out. That works!

Calm is cool. No anxiety! Just relax. Choose to!

PRAY to learn how, if you're having trouble doing so...