^^Practical Magic^^

First off, BRAVO to the 1998 Film! I wouldn't of chosen anyone else to play the 2 sister witches Sally and Gillian than Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock! Still to this day, I continue to watch my DVD along with my Practical Magic music soundtrack with all the eclectic artists ranging from Faith Hill, Joni Mitchell to Stevie Nicks.

There's a whole new wave of today's teens who are starting to discover the film along with it's musical soundtrack and novel as well. This is one of my recommendations whenever I have a teen in my salon chair and 9 times out of 10, they watch the film and discover exactly what I loved about it in the first place, it's message of LOVE. 

So many of us block ourselves from wanting to fall in love due to having our own curse of never finding the ONE were meant for. Yet if we are to find the ONE, we'll be waiting until the other shoe falls off to really see the failure and recognize that there NEVER really was a true love meant for us. 

We see this happen to Sally, the oldest one of the sister witches who is determined to never fall in love in order not to experience the pain and suffering of a broken heart. As a little girl she casts a spell making up this person who isn't to faithfully exist no matter how humanly possible this being is actually able to be alive in true human form. The one thing Sally didn't count on was how much power she gave her spell (by power I mean STRENGTH). She focused on never wanting to feel the good side of LOVE that instead of straying it away, she actually called it that much closer to her, and in reality, she had to feel the reality of sorrow in order to understand TRUE LOVE. 

Sally also doesn't accept who she really is and whom she's meant to become within the family heritage. Her life was consumed by sorrow all because of a fateful curse that plagued the women of the family lineage. The curse being that if a man fell in love with an Owen's woman and she reciprocated the emotion, he was to die. Sally was put under a spell to find happiness by her two Witch Aunts whom only wanted to see her smile, yet never intended for Sally to love the man that had crossed her path...well, it didn't come out to be that way unfortunately. This is what strayed Sally from ever wanting to find LOVE in the first place, and before she knew it, months later, the spell she cast as a little girl came around full circle and in a form of a man she dreamt of to have been impossible. As much as he was for her, she resists until she fulfills and understands her inner self. To have him, she had to put in the work to LOVE and ACCEPT herself first before ever loving anyone else. It wasn't until then that she was able to break the curse.

Same goes for us in 2013, as we may question where our happiness lies and how come we haven't yet been fulfilled....well, it all relies in us on the inside. We must put in the work to make sure we have what is needed for the future, first and foremost, it's loving ourselves for WHO and WHAT we are. Without FAITH in ourselves, nothing will be of great force. A curse can only be as strong as your OWN will....face what is needed to make you WHOLE and FREE. 

In the end, 

It's all Practical Magic.

The INPUT never settles for ANYTHING less

Opinions happen to be discussed every moment we have a GOLDEN opportunity to open our minds and therefore...our mouths as well!

Anything from relationships, to friendships, to the way we live our lives and even down to what we put in our stomachs is constantly being the HOT TOPIC of conversation these days. Though if you really think about it most of the time we're only giving our own testimonials about what we think would be the best way out as well as the best solution. 

In reality only time will tell.

It also happens when we're wanting someone's input (a.k.a. an answer to solve our issues), usually no one's there to give it to us. Then of course when we're NOT looking for ANY input, the WORLD happens to make a production and explores every possible route for us to take while we're at ease once and for all. Of course, we couldn't ask for anything more and anything less. 

Regardless of the valued opinions that you get from those who truly love you or those who are just simply looking out for you, UNDERSTAND that it's ALWAYS in your best interest to SIT and LISTEN. The more you rebel against what's being shared, the more confusing it'll be to continue down a clear path knowing what doors should remain open and what doors should be closed. 

For those who have OPEN minds, OPINIONS are a based factor of LIFE...while those who are CLOSED minded will always take offense to what's being offered to them. Take great OFFENSE against those who won't tell you the TRUTH...those people are looking at you to fail in any way possible. They're INPUT simply states the lowest of hopes for you. 

Valued INPUT won't settle for anything less, and yet will have your best interest at heart. 

SIT and LISTEN 

Frustrated Fears Make Me Better

Frustrated Fears are the epicenter of it all...

When we know we're capable of doing the best we can,

We shy away for FEAR of going higher. 

Frustrated Fears make us deal with the emotions we long ago...

Swept under the rug, and are now coming to LIFE, 

And are ready to make their presence known.

Frustrated Fears are capable of becoming our worst nightmare,

Or our BEST comfort,

No matter the outcome, there's still a shiver in there somewhere.

We ask for help whenever we're in trouble and need a fast way out, yet we forget the foundation of what exactly is feeding that moment of desperation...FEAR.

Don't look at FEAR in the way it's normally seen by the rest of the world. Look at FEAR the best possible way you can, with INTELLIGENCE, UNDERSTANDING, and ABUNDANCE.

Let things come to fruition when it comes to your frustrations. It's OK to want to question your ability, though UNDERSTAND  that it's STRENGTH what's going to make you or break you. Rise up to the occasion and share with the world what it is that makes you UNDERSTAND, what it is that makes you WEEP, what it is that CONNECTS you, and what it is that makes you COME OUT as a standout individual.

Frustrating Fears are only words of intimidation...they have NO ability unless you give them the strength and mobility they DON'T deserve. 

It's not an easy task to turn it around, though I can promise you that by decreasing the value of fright will only make you better and help you strive and stand out for the right things. 

FEAR NO LONGER! 

GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT

As one CHAPTER in LIFE closes, 

a NEW one begins.

GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT happen simultaneously,

which is why at times shedding the last pieces of our skin allows for new skin to shine.

In May the "Busy Little Queen" chain turns 5 years old and were entering new territory very soon! Were eager to make a CHANGE for the better, and as many stones and boulders have been thrown our way, I being the head of it, am taking all of the bruising and turning it around. Some will continue to be a part of our journey, while others will leave to make room for the new upcoming  events. Quite frankly, all help and support is ALWAYS greatly appreciated and my 

ONLY concern is to make a difference, like in any industry the world has to offer.

Just like MUSIC helps me drive farther in LIFE,

 these following artists first and foremost know how they've always felt about their message and continue to break new ground, and POPULARITY is what they've received and accumulated rightfully through hard work and dedication.

Paula Deanda

Having released her debut album at age 15 in 2005, she's been hard at work wanting to stay true to her art and while personally as well as professionally growing into herself, now at the age of 23, she's going into the direction she's always wanted to go in...the one path that links her creative soul with her beating heart for MUSIC. Like any artist out there, she'll get her share of criticism, yet, she doesn't allow it to slip away and takes into consideration what is asked of her, which is to climb the ladder a bit HIGHER every time she takes a gamble on her music. Instead of making a second album that fills her vocals with empty promises, she's releasing herself piece by piece KNOWING how to deliver her message LOUD and CLEAR. The latest in her repertoire:

Shut Up & Love Me

Michele Vreeland
This Pop/Acoustic soul has been at it since her heart was delivered to this Earth! Michele released her debut EP album in 2008 with her voice haunting not only the ears of many, rather making the hairs on your arms stand up listening to her raw lyrical content. Vocal ability and harmonies are a must have when it comes to Michele, she's relating to the simple act of the soul when it comes to UNDERSTANDING and LOVING another human being. Infectious hooks that make you sing for hours after you've heard the Vreeland material make you want to explore more of this RAW and TALENTED voice that carries no other resemblance but to her OWN name. In 2013, Michele is ready to take on a new venture and a sound ALL of her own with her latest:

Like Most Girls Do

http://soundcloud.com/michelevreeland/like-most-girls-do

REIK

The talented Grammy winning trio have broken barriers in their genre of music within the Latin world and are now ready to take on some more new territory. Keeping their heartfelt guitar strings with powerful yet quiet strong vocals have made this band become more mainstream for the better without having to compromise their love formula of music. While touring the world non-stop from their Grammy nominated latest release PELIGRO, making new music with strong character filled videos along the way have only made REIK that much more desired for their 3 individual characters that make them a ray of light force not wanting to be messed with. As real as this trio of musicians are when it comes to the stage, they're characters don't end when the lights go out, for they continue to live with the musical fire that brought the 3 of them together since their debut album back in 2005. Their latest single riles up the musical world and strikes a chord with both American, Hispanic, as well as International audiences everywhere:

Con La Cara En Alto

We're all here to make a difference and continue to make our messages LOUD and CLEAR with 

GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT...no matter what our differences are, we are here to make the world a better place!

***REIK-Con La Cara En Alto 

& 

Paula Deanda-Shut Up & Love Me 

are BOTH available on iTunes***

~Sigh~

This has been a heavy month, especially with the news I heard today.

I understand now why March is always looked at with such a frown, there's so much transition and even when you read in between the lines, there's a lot to get through and understand.

Last week for 3 straight mornings I kept waking up between 4am-4:35am. I kept sensing something yet couldn't point my finger at what. Even while I was doing hair at one of my salons I kept having apparitions appear and actually scare me within seconds. Some of my clients would even ask me if everything was OK. Then yesterday as I was walking toward my apartment, I saw someone/something cross my window from the inside...was I scared??? A bit, yet I know that something was trying to get my attention, then as I was falling asleep I felt a male presence behind me...again, couldn't point my finger as ti who or what it was...

until today.

I received a voicemail from my Godmother (whom has been in my life since I was born to present day), informing me that my Godfather, her husband since they were late teens, had passed away last night at 8:10pm. I walked into my apartment last night by 8:30 pm...it was him whom I saw and felt. 

Hearing my Godmother's voice crack on the phone really made me feel her pain...she's had this man next to her bedside for all these years, and now she has to accept what LIFE has brought to her...I can't imagine what she's thinking at his point. My Godfather had been sick for years, yet, she knew how to handle him, and he would even slip away to get his cup of coffee everyday at 6 am from the Donut shop around the corner..he would tell me that it was his favorite. 

His memory was slipping and even up until the last time I saw him a couple months ago, he would address me as a friendly stranger, because the Erik he knew, was still 7 years old and 4 feet tall. He would even tell me to please say "hi" to 7 year old Erik the next time I saw him around. I remember a couple years ago I called him for Father's Day and he thought I was calling from a Credit Union...Ahahahahaha! I was laughing hard, yet I knew he was only going to get worse with time. 

My Godparents have taught me what LOVE, COMPASSION, and COMMUNICATION all are. They always wanted me to please check in with them when I had even 2 minutes to spare. I'm glad I listened and continued to accept and express what they had always instilled in me, especially towards them. I will TRULY and DEEPLY miss him with all my heart and NEVER look at coffee the same way ever again. 

FAITH comes in many forms, one of them is STRENGTH...I know my Godmother is being the rock as she normally is for her family as I type this, although now it's OUR turn to be that rock for her, and come Monday, I'll be there to support her as much as possible. 

Rudy Carranza, Godfather, may you now be at peace with GOD and hurt no more. You are now able to run and get as much coffee as you'd like, I'm sure GOD has plenty for you! THANK YOU for being in my LIFE and teaching me plenty to survive in this world. 

I LOVE YOU! 

Yours truly,

Your 7 year old Godson

<3

No Cure

Any of you out there watch the show SMASH?? 

If you haven't seen it, it's a MUST! I know I know, it's about a musical...though it deals deeper than just a musical, and it's NOT the adult GLEE, that's for sure! So much talent is on that show, especially one of my favorite runner-up "idols", Katherine McPhee. 

Now another great voice has emerged from the Broadway stage and is on the show as well on the Contemporary/Pop scene...her name...

Megan Hilty. 

"No Cure" is Megan's first single from her debut album "It Happens All the Time" that actually came out today. I was able to catch her perform this song on The View yesterday and of course the first thing I said BEFORE she started singing was, "Oh here goes a Broadway song!" WAS I EVER SO WRONG!!! Megan gave an AMAZING performance that left me breathless and wanting more from this new sound of hers. She gave so much heart and soul in the delivery of the song, all I could do was GASP in amazement!

This song actually deals with what EVERYONE has a fear of in LIFE and it's heartbreaking situations, the "What if's". It's hard to point the finger at what makes LIFE difficult and most times than not, it's a Labyrinth when were trying to find a solution and a way out. 

In "No Cure", a break-up has erupted and there seems to be a cloud of a mess that lingers so badly that even the human senses of sight, sound and feeling have been disturbed and a world of chaos surrounds this broken heart's dim world. 

Naturally she knows that there's a solution, yet, she's simply asking, 

"What if there's no cure?"

Ever been here?!....

Yeah me too!

 Usually happens when there seems to be a streak of bad luck on our side and things just go wrong left and right, then we just sit in a quiet room (our head space) and have a moment of 

"What if this is how it's going to be?!" 

When it comes to certain situations, there are "No Cure's" for them. We simply need to accept the WILL to move on with the best mind frame we have and start re-building what was once broken down. ONE might call it "giving up"...although "giving up" requires a CURE, and to find that CURE might take a while.  Now "Moving on" requires NO CURE, believe it or not, most times, that's the best option we have.

Next time you ask yourself "What if there's no cure?", weigh out the options and recognize you have the choice of there having to be a CURE or NOT...and that is OK.

"Girl from the Gutter"-->The Feeling and Release

For some reason I had thought I's already written about this song, looking back at all my entries, I guess I haven't yet, and it seems fitting for how many people are feeling these days, this one's for ALL of you!

"Girl from the Gutter" is that song that just hits your gut and soul when you listen to it! The artist, Kina Cosper, (whom I continue to admire to this day) really made an impact when she released this track and it's video back in the year 2000. Not only is the storyline of the song a great and empowering message, her delivery of the message is ON POINT! I'm very surprised with all these talent reality shows out there not one person has covered this song, it would for sure get them through to the next round of the competition if someone was to sing it just right!

This song contains FREEDOM, STRENGTH, INDEPENDENCE and SELF RELIANCE...all the qualities you receive when

 "turning the page" and "closing a chapter" in LIFE. 

We've all had that one person in our world that's made us believe we were "something" only to see we were nothing special to them. Having squeezed every positive ounce out of us, promised the world when all they left was everything in shambles, might I add the empty body that once possessed our glowing and alluring soul.

Once that person's left our realm, reality starts to kick in and slowly we start to realize what we lost in the battle of trying to impress someone else. Then we also start to find that empathy has nothing to do with healing unless we kick start the tears out of our eyes. After the "Good Cry", things out of nowhere start to look up and we see what the Universe truly has in store for us. 

In the song Kina mentions the following:

"Things are lookin' up for me now  

Seems like Karma's makin' its rounds 

Its my turn now, won't be held down no  

Karma's gonna visit you too  

You gotta pay for the things you put me through  

I hope you do, I hope you do, yeah, yeah"

I'm always telling people to NEVER wish bad on the one's who've done you wrong, because it's bad Karma for us...yet in a way, we know that Karma does have it's way and its time when it goes full circle, and whatever wrong and impure someone does to you, they'll get their own negativity, one way or another, no need to worry on that note. 

Now one of my favorite progressions of this song is the bridge where Kina sings the following empowerment:

"Needed to make me weak to help you feel stronger
I know y'all bitches think I'm somewhere dyin' inside
Oh yeah, poor Kina, she went home
She couldn't take it no longer
But I'm right here
I'm right here
I'm right here "

Pretty much it's saying, "What NOW?! I took you on now I can take ANYTHING!" In the end, it's our recovery that makes us NEW and EMPOWERED no matter the circumstance. 

Some of us it takes longer to recover, we may be left feeling like a "Girl from the Gutter", and instead of dreading the title, OWN it! As long as we make the progression to a better place, we'll be able to cross ANY bridge we come face to face with, there won't be ANYTHING to be scared of....that I know and promise you <3

Release!