What Am I Up To?

Hey All,

A few new things going on in my life. Well, 2 big ones to be exact.

1. I'm in a relationship now!!! YAY! I won't give too many details cuz this is the internet and it's none of your business really (lol), but his name is Mark, I met him at church and we are doing just great (since July 11th or 12th, depending on which one of us you ask). That's all I'm saying on my boo status.

2. I'm working on an album. I know that I've been hinting at this for awhile, but I'm actually doing it. I've been in the studio all summer and Encounter at the Well is coming along. I will release the cd later this year with a worship concert. In the meantime, you can learn more about the status of the album as well as donate by going to the album's blogsite. There are pictures as well as a video and more info about what I'm doing and the vision for my ministry.

Doing this album has been a difficult experience for several reasons:
1. I've never done this before and I'm learning as I go.
2. I fully intend to pay for studio time, band, backup vocalists, cd duplication, mixing & mastering. That stuff is costly.
3. In order to put out a quality cd, you need to spend enough time in the studio recording and producing and fixing things and directing the background vocalists and the list goes on and on. I'm still working full time and have several other commitments (not to mention this is the craziest summer ever for me w/ 2 weddings, a new boyfriend, a church choir concert to prep for, a trip to NY, etc.)

On the other hand, it's been rewarding for several reasons:
1. Several friends from church have pitched in their time, expertise and talents. People are actually really excited about this project, which helps keep me going.
2. My music is starting to get heard and respected. I'll be singing one of my songs at the H.O.P.E.'s House concert coming up soon.
3. I'm learning my stregnths and limitations. I didn't think I could do this, but w/ a LOT of help from Jesus and friends, things are coming together.

What do I need? Prayer and money. Take your pick or choose both. I've set up a Paypal donation link on the album's blogsite if you want to give any amount.

New York, New York - The City of Dreams

(Me @ Central Park)

Here are pictures of New York. I had a lot of fun. But there are too many people and it's too expensive for my taste. Lots of interesting things to see and hear, though. I WISH I could tell all of the subway stories.

Rockefeller Center

Left: I LOVE the brick buildings in NY / Right: Me on the Big Piano @ FAO Schwartz

Me w/ my funnel cake at Coney Island. Coney Island is pretty ghetto, by the way. Not what I was expecting.

Subway Performances: We saw LOTS of those. People are just SO willing to share their gifts w/ subway riders....and get money for it, of course. I was serenaded by a flute player, bucket drummers, singers, and even an accordian player.

Statue of Liberty: Probably the coolest statue I've ever paid to see.

The Big Apple

I'm in New York on vacation right now, so this won't be long.  But I had a little time, so I thought I'd drop a quick update and say "hi."

I've been in NY since Sunday (for about 4 days) and I've seen a bunch of stuff - Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center (including 30 Rock), Times Square, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Harlem, Coney Island, the Financial District (including the bull - same bull statue they show in "Hitch") and walked on the Brooklyn Bridge.  I've ridden the subway and taken the bus all over the place, but I've also done A LOT of walking.  My legs are so sore it's not even funny.  I'm going to need a massage when I get back.  However, the upside to that is I can eat whatever I want because I'm walking it off everyday.  LOVELY!

I get back on Sunday night, so I'll upload pictures as soon as I can.

Next Update:  Album status, new blog site for the album and ways you can contribute.