Say what you need to say.....

Ok, so this isn't jazz, but these lyrics are so very profound. This is 'Say' from the movie, "The Bucket List."
Take a listen....

Letter to my Love...

Recently I have been faced with the thoughts of what it is I'm truly looking for in a man with whom I desire to share my life....whether as my husband or as my companion. I was a rather late bloomer in the relationship category, only within the last 5 years having embarked on this journey of dating. Poor self esteem and body image kept me bound, unable to love myself and certainly not able to really consider loving someone else. The experiences I am now having as a woman in my 30s, are those that most people had some 20 years ago. I seriously have been behind the curve. I dealt with depression and all the challenges of wondering 'Why?' Its just been within the last few years that I have begun to feel comfortable in my skin. I lost 50 pounds a few years ago (only now to have gained it back) and when this happened, it seemed to have opened doors I never knew existed in regards to the opposite sex. Some good, some not so good. I made mistakes. I encountered some real jerks. But, I did come in contact with a few men who really knew how to treat a woman, respectfully and gentlemanly....chivalry is definitely not out of style! You understand that life is full of choices, and you can either make those choices out of wisdom or out of feeling. Feelings get you in trouble almost every time! Judge all things and have it settled in your heart and mind what you WON'T allow. If you remain too 'open-minded' you just might let something or someone in you were not expecting and do not want. Your love and affection are priceless gifts that should not be squandered on a man who will never know how to appreciate them.

I wrote this note once to a man in my life and it has now become the standard by which I judge all others. I had it tucked away, but sometimes its good just to REMEMBER, so you can refocus and continue moving forward in confidence and steadfastness.

"...i just want you to know these things...how much i truly appreciate you, our friendship, what we share, how you treat me, the way you care about me....you talk freely and openly with me, you don't play me, you don't mess with my emotions, you don't make unrealistic expectations and plans, you say what you mean and you mean what you say. You empower me and encourage me, you ask tough questions and you challenge me...you cause me to think differently...you support me and listen to me....and you help me be better and do better. i don't know what i did to deserve such a friend, such a lover, as you, but I am so very thankful...so truly blessed."

Supreme Love....

This song has been heavy on my mind this week. The title itself gives you an indication as to what your mind should be contemplating. The first track on the album is called 'Acknowledgment.' The first step towards comprehension...acknowledgment. Take a listen...

Expression...

These are flowers along the edge of my Aunt Lylah's house...SO pretty!

(poem written 6.11.06)

to write is to give your thoughts a voice~ expression.

its an opening up of your soul, a releasing of your deepest thoughts, opinions, desires~

its imagination. its experience. its love. its life. its being the person hidden deep down inside,

without fear. its speaking in a language only those with a trained ear can hear and eyes to see can appreciate and understand. its an awareness to never settle but always pressing to go higher and never looking back. to give love, to share love. the love within you for life and being and doing and seeing.

Perspective....

The photo above is my hometown, Bremen, Indiana. I snapped this on my flight home to surprise my parents last week. I just happened to look down about 10 minutes out of South Bend and it was the most perfect timing! I realized I could see the Sunnyside Park pool and tennis courts, and the softball diamond where I played so many summers. With my eyes, I followed IN-106 to 331 and could see my Aunt & Uncle's home just outside of town. It was amazing! Ahhh, perspective.....

Perspective

(poem written 5.26.06)

We are what we behold~

At least that's what I've been told.

What consumes your mind?

What eats up your time?

Is it really all worthwhile,

or just worthy of the trash pile?

Time is of the essence.

There's no guarantee of tomorrow,

let alone the next minute.

Life is funny, situations and circumstances correcting our perspective.

The seemingly gigantic obstacles are mere flecks of dust in the grand scheme.

We must find what's important and keep that in view,

Because each day we're given God makes all things new.

Reminiscing.....

Reminisce

(poem written 6.7.06)

Michigan in the Fall

Red brown orange yellow

colors galore

crisp afternoon air

the smell of burning leaves

reminders of times spent with no worries at all

football games

sock hops

first crushes

and study hall

reminiscing of adolescent times when I couldn't even drive to the mall.

life changes

priorities rearranged

memories fade

bodies age

but specific moments in time remain imbedded in our minds...

to recall and relive the sublime.

Momma & Daddy

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride.
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving but this,
In which there is no I or you,
So intimate that your hand on my chest is my hand,
So intimate that when I fall asleep, it is your eyes that close.

Sonnet XVII
~ Pablo Neruda

Janine Gilbert-Carter

Janine Gilbert-Carter, songstress extraordinaire (in my opinion!), will be embarking on an Italian Tour, October 26th through November 11th. She will be traveling to Torino, Italy, sponsored by Centro Jazz Torino as a part of their 19th Edition of the Blues all Femminile. Accompanying her will be, Eric Byrd on piano, Wes 'Sugar' Biles on bass, Jeff Neal on drums, and Brian Settles on sax. This will be Janine's first trip to Italy and the masses will be blown away by her rich, bluesy, and soulful voice, but will also be mesmerized by her gift to swing! I just wish I could go along on this trip! I have gotten to know Janine over the last couple of years, and we are actually neighbors (she lives on the 11th floor and I live on the 6th floor in the same building!) I have seen her perform many, many times, and each time is just like the first time all over again. I NEVER get tired of hearing her sing. Never. For more info on the tour, you can go to www.janinecarter.com or www.centrojazztorino.it

Janine Gilbert-Carter singing Stormy Monday