Words truly can’t explain, but it’s said that a picture says a thousand words and it’s clear what this picture says. Courtesy © of Joe Cascio.
Category Archives: life
DAY 175 GRAMMY CHASE: NIGHT OF GMA
DAY 170 GRAMMY CHASE: DOC – FUNKY
I was recently having a conversation with a young man that I’m beginning to mentor and he was listing some of his favorite rappers and who he thinks is better than the other. He was saying how J. Cole is better than Drake and how Lil Wayne is hot, but he really isn’t feeling like he is dope for what he says, but that there is a lot of hype behind him. I brought some current rappers and even admitted that I don’t own one single Jay-Z album which is a shame, but honestly more of a jealous competitive decision to never buy and sit with one of the 10 or more classic albums, NUMBER 1 albums that he’s dropped.
Then we went further into the conversation and I brought up the fact that for a Southern rapper, Ludacris can give any upstate or east coast rapper a run for their money. One of the things we both agreed on was the fact that Luda had a dope voice and was very distinguishable. I then pointed out that I heard and saw with my own ears and eyes, in an interview with Luda, that he has insurance coverage on his voice as it is his means of living, which I thought was brilliant. Now, seeing as how my mentee is only 18, I figured that he wouldn’t remember one of the dopest rappers to ever touch the mic from the West Coast, originally by way of Texas, the D.O.C., so I thought to post this for him, because in light of Ludacris’ voice insurance, I only wish that such an option was considered so many years ago when the D.O.C. lost the complete range and full use of his original voice due to a near fatal accident, also making me think about how fortunate Kanye West is as well in surviving his accident. So, Jordan, this song is for you bro. DiG!
DAY 79 GRAMMY CHASE: PERFECT ANGEL
Day 79, another beautiful day here in Buffalo and another day of thanks for all of the mercies bestowed. Today, I was feeling like hearing some throwbacks from the 70′s and 80′s, and for some reason, “Loving You,” kept playing over and over in my head, so I had to touch it, although its not Grammy related, but surely Grammy-worthy. Nonetheless, the real lesson today is about gratitude and love.
Minnie Riperton. I don’t need to elaborate much further, for if you watch and listen to the song above, that is her signature song and voice, to which no one should be unfamiliar with. She transitioned from an earthly angel to a perfect angel at the age of 31, but left us a wonderful catalogue to cherish. Thank you Minnie! If you haven’t seen the mini-documentary on TV1 Unsung, its definitely worth watching, but very sad. I ask you all to appreciate those near and dear and repair what is broken with loved ones immediately, with all pride aside.
STEVIE WONDERS Tribute Song – Perfect Angel
RIDE FOR CANCER
I have a good friend of mine whom I haven’t seen in a while, but through another friend I was told that his mother was very ill from Cancer. Not really able to find the words or actions of encouragement, I feel frozen and unsure of what my next step should be. Of course I could call, as emails and phone texts aren’t what a friend would send to a friend in need. So, while I contemplated what to do or say I received an email from an associate of my sister’s, our friend Carmel, regarding how she annually participates in the Riding for Cancer to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research and it was just a great time to get it the email considering what my buddy is dealing with in seeing after his mom. So, Thanks Carmel for reminding me just how important it is for support in numbers and to have action prevail over doubt and second guessing efforts in how to help someone affected by Cancer. In reading this post if you would be so kind as to donate in small or in as large as you can to enable Carmel RIDE RIDE RIDE, as this year she is riding for a her brother. You can read all about her story and efforts and donate here.
God Bless and Thanks.
Peace
DAY 50 GRAMMY CHASE: EVERY LITTLE STEP
Day 50, a renewed sense of everything around me. Thankful for my new pair of eyes. Grateful! Isn’t it interesting how we as humans may have disagreements with each other, friends, family or whatever, but the minute tragedy appears or seems to be looming, it’s like a ice cold shower of awakening? At THAT moment you notice your faults and start to playback your regrets. Not soon after, when things blow over or what was presumed as danger passes, we fall RIGHT back into our habits. How soon we forget. For too many years we’ve been conditioned to live and plan for the future, meanwhile we entertain the cliche’ that “no one is promised tomorrow.” So why then do we plan for something that isn’t certain. Why aren’t we conditioning ourselves to live in the present, for THIS very moment is all that we DO have. Your present predicts your future, so the more success we find and create in the present moments, we’ll enjoy the seeds of the positive actions, words and thoughts we planted. May your “Every little step” be ordered in Grace and Mercy!
Bobby Brown – 32nd Grammy Awards (1989) – Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male (Every Little Step)
Did you notice the similarity of this video to that of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies?”
DAY 47 GRAMMY CHASE: CRYING OVER GRAPES
Anita Baker: “Giving You the Best that I Got” – Best R&B song and Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female (2 Grammy’s in 1989)
The youtube video is lackluster, but the music is soul-touching!!
Day 47 began with early morning soccer practice (9am) at the SportsPlex in North Tonawanda. I printed directions from Mapquest and basically relied on directions on how to get lost, turning a 20 mile drive into to a 45 minute trip around the fringe of the city. NICE!! Two kids asking the all too familiar question, “When are we going to be there?” NIIICE!
Directions: 290w to NY-425 N/Twin Cities Memorial Hwy….Well, unfortunately I NEVER even saw such an exit or sign. If I’d just gone with my instincts I would have taken a much more certain route, as I later learned that the exit I should have been taking was Colvin. We made it to practice 30 minutes late and to my surprise the youngest child decides, “I’m not practicing today. I don’t feel like it.” Neither the coach or myself could convince him otherwise and by that time I was so frustrated after damn near driving the distance that it would take to reach Rochester, but never even left the city.
After practice we had a much shorter trip home and it was near lunch time. I made sandwiches and plated up some grapes for the boys as well. The older child began CRYING over having to eat grapes. I commented sarcastically on how fortunate he must be that he can turn down fruit or food in general, meanwhile children plagued by hunger would claw for grapes. That’s when it occurred to me, despite the challenges that come along with parenting, all that I can do is “Give it the Best that I Got.”
DAY 44 GRAMMY CHASE: GOAL!
Day 44. Without much to report on the end of Grammy related finds, I am happy to share a video of my oldest son playing one of his favorite sports. Over the years we’ve become involved with various soccer leagues and on the weekends we look forward to Soccer Saturday!! Watching my son today was fulfilling for us all, as he’s always played in leagues with older children where he was the younger by 2 -3 years, which makes a big difference in the level of competition. It was very frustrating for him as well as for us to see him try so hard and exert so much effort game after game and not quite get the reward or the goal or sometimes the win. He felt like quitting many times and doubted himself as well. He’s always had the tools and the skills, but he didn’t always use them to his advantage until the “on” switch was flicked. His goal was to get the GOAL!. Be the best. A lesson I TOO must take to heart about my goals. Despite my own frustrations and obstacles, I mustn’t stop shooting to make a goal. The more grass stains the better.
DAY 43 GRAMMY CHASE: COMMUNITY
Day 43 was spent lecturing and doing rhyme and beat demonstrations at Waterfront Elementary School in Downtown Buffalo. One of the things I love to do most is to interact and inspire the youth. I had 3 incredible sessions with students ranging from 6 – 8 grade of various backgrounds and ethnicities. I was somewhat embarrassed in one incident as I often engage the students by asking them direct questions regarding their hobbies, interests etc. So I ask one young lady if she had a hobby or anything that she like to do or was good at. Without saying anything, she shyly looked at her friend beside her with a blushing smile, which I read as her being bashful about her sharing her interests. So I asked, “Why are you looking at her? Does she know something about YOU that YOU don’t?” The class replied in unison, “She doesn’t speak any English.”….hmmm…
Well, I easily recovered but I did wish that I was able to speak her language or that she was able to understand what I was saying. Overall, the visit was a great success and I positively affected many students in encouraging them to Dream and muster enough passion to actually see it through to manifestation. It’s always the small things that make the most impacting and lasting impressions on me. God Bless!
DAY 40 GRAMMY CHASE: HERO
Day 40 and things are looking waaay better in contrast with yesterday. Today, my oldest son was home with a weak stomach, which the average parent would tend to think it might be a bad thing, but this day was exactly what both of us needed. We truly enjoyed each others time and bonded closer than any dad or parent could desire. We had a very productive, pleasant, playful daddy and son day. We were able to speak with each other one on one about school, homework, science, drawing, respect, dreams and some other little things in between. What warmed my heart the most was how for the first time ever, (which is hard to believe but I think its accurate,) I was able to take him hour by hour through a typical day for me. I showed him everything that I had on my plate and even got some of his input for the graphic work that I’m completing for the album “Good Morning Amy.” He was also delighted when he saw his name written in the credits for singing on the second to last song on the album. I’d like for this moment of understanding, trust and fun to last forever, but seeing as how kids are kids and parents are “always wrong and know absolutely nothing,” I’ll settle for this little locket of time.
In closing, my son and I visited KC Kratt’s photography studio at the Tri-Main building to sit in on my mom’s photo shoot. I won’t go into details, but lets just say we’re be seeing her beautiful face in a very special and upscale magazine. So, in all, the theme of today was noticing the “hero” in our loved ones. My son still sees me as his hero and I still see the hero in my mom.
This song is called “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler, for which she won the Best Record of the Year at the 1990 Grammy Awards. In our sons bedroom, they twist the nob on a music box each night that plays this song.
DAY 20 GRAMMY CHASE: THE DIP
Day 20 of the Grammy Chase just got a little bit harder. I didn’t obey the rules this morning. I woke up at 3am like clockwork, only to walk from the Din where I crashed last night to go “back” to sleep in my bed. It threw my morning off as well as my spirit and I’m paying for it with unwanted feelings of doubt, self esteem, direction and a gumbo pot of other ingredients that could make a day not so desiring. This is a part of the territory in being an artist, an entrepreneur, a person with a vision and dreams. I welcome those of you that think you have the stomach to travel straight when presented with a fork in the road. I’ve come so far, accomplished so much yet so little in comparison to my true hearts desires. If you thought that “Freedom” and “Financial Freedom” were a package deal sold together and an easier road, keep your job! I guess what I’m going through is called “The Dip.”
We’ve all experienced projects that begin as fun and interesting, but then quickly turn to drudgery. That’s when you might wonder if you are in a temporary slump, or if the original goal is no longer worth pursuing. Seth Godin calls this phenomenon, “The Dip.” – quote from Management Consulting News Interview
One of my favorite authors and inspirations is Seth Godin, who’s first book was given to me by another inspiration and friend of mine, Karen Spaulding. Ever since reading “The Purple Cow” in 2005 at time my wife and I were starting our first “brick and mortar” business, I’ve been paying attention to every word that Seth suggests. The advise below couldn’t have come at a better time.
Seth Godin: “Don’t find the biggest Dip. Find the biggest Dip you can make it through. And then do it again. Success is a series of Dips, navigated.”
Full Interview
I think this Dip may be what I’ve needed all along. May you recognize your “Dip” and make it through.
PS: Amanda, sorry I missed you last time. Big Hugs to you! xoxo
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