Ochi: OCHI'S NOTES

Helllllo,

Well I've been busy with summer school but also 3 new videos in the works for both older and new songs.  It's taking so long because I have to round up women.  Yeah, that is fun but also frustrating.  You know I'm picky.  I want to find all the right people, with just the right look that represents my mindset.  I finally got my first video released and I hope everyone is watching and loving it.  I can't stay here long today, I have test and homework coming out of every hole in my body.  I have so many good songs just waiting to be heard.  I'm having a ball and so will you.  There's a new line dance with video and some dance cuts to get crunk to.

Stay tuned for more coming very soon.  I hope you like it and continue to come by.  Also, keep buying this is the only way I can keep churning out what you like.  This is my employment.  I keep it affordable to help us both.

Helllllo,

Well I've been busy with summer school but also 3 new videos in the works for both older and new songs.  It's taking so long because I have to round up women.  Yeah, that is fun but also frustrating.  You know I'm picky.  I want to find all the right people, with just the right look that represents my mindset.  I finally got my first video released and I hope everyone is watching and loving it.  I can't stay here long today, I have test and homework coming out of every hole in my body.  I have so many good songs just waiting to be heard.  I'm having a ball and so will you.  There's a new line dance with video and some dance cuts to get crunk to.

Stay tuned for more coming very soon.  I hope you like it and continue to come by.  Also, keep buying this is the only way I can keep churning out what you like.  This is my employment.  I keep it affordable to help us both.

Today I woke up to the loveliest of days.  I was sleepy, (just didn't get enough) I went to school and had and even better day.  I'm not rich, my house is still in foreclosure, and I'm happy.  I am single but I'm not lonely.  I like my own company.  Does that mean I want to be single for life? NO!  We all need to learn to appreciate self and time alone.  It's important and it's not a bad thing.  If more people learned to relish their own company perhaps there would be fewer heartbreaks.  Not because we don't get into relationships but because we are more cautious.  We would be more patient and much more discriminating.  

Far too many people feel desperate and just jump into anything even when they know it's the wrong thing to do. So family enjoy your time, feel good about being alone. Find comfort in other interest and channel that sexual energy.  Dance, write, go to the gym, create and reinvent your life.  Corporations change mid-stream when things don't work for them all the time.  Why can't people do the same thing?  Imagine yourself to be a product that isn't selling or at least not selling very well.  What do they do in the business world?  They repackage the product, (change your hair, style, get a style etc.) they change the product name (Kentucky Fried Chicken - KFC), they add more to the menu, (get a hobby and become more interesting), they do market research to see what works and what doesn't (don't ask people who lie to you), and finally they fake it until they make it.  Yeah that's the big one.  They lie until we consumers believe that mess and buy into it. lol So believe you are fabulous, behave in a fabulous manner, associate with people who think you are fabulous, and you will become fabulous.  Don't be fake, pretentious, or and idiot.  Don't be caught up in materialism, greed, or shallow. That's not fabulous.  Be spiritual, intelligent, fun loving, kind hearted, considerate, and free thinking.  That is fabulous. 

Well it just doesn't seem to ever stop.  I must have a "kick me" sign on my back.  If this wasn't so darn annoying it would be funny.  Ok it still is funny.  I can't do anything but laugh these days.  Just when I manage to get over one hurdle another pops up.  I think I have chosen the wrong career.  I should make infomericals on how to over come challenges with a smile and plenty of style.  This is so frustrating.  

Ok, over the last few months I have survived family problems, a health scare, poverty, academic derailment, a career slow down, and now this my landlord let his house go into foreclosure!  What the heck!  That was after the ceiling caved in because the water heater feel through it. lol Come on it's funny and you know it!  Who could be stressed?  It's too much, too close together, to take life seriously.  So send me positive energy, pray for me, and keep buy the music, I most definitely appreciate the support.  Though it seems bad and yes it is, I am fine.  My spirits aren't down.  I know that things will work out as always in my favor.  My crying and whining won't make a difference.  It only makes me stronger and a heck of a lot more determined.  I will survive and I will be successful and happy.  Thanks to all of you and your prayers and well wishes.

Well, first I can't believe it's been since February since my last letter.  That's not even right!  I swore I've been keeping up with my blogging or whatever this is.  Ok now that I've looked over things guess what.  I have certainly not been writing.  I've really had a bad semester.  I've suffered from family related drama, zealous teachers, lazy teachers, and fellow students that just don't care. Everything has been an uphill struggle and yet I have been blessed at every turn to not just make it through but to also do so in style, with a smile on my face.  I said it before and I will say it again.  Things are often not as they appear.  Things may appear bad but in fact be very good.  So yes I'm glad I have lived without, I'm glad I've been broke, had not electricity at times, no gas, and so much more. From my stresses have come new insights, lyrics, and inner strength.  When there was nothing for me to learn my children have benefited greatly.  Kids need to experience poverty to learn resilience, creativity, and appreciation.  This generation is so ungrateful and has a serious sense of entitlement. I don't need to tell you all that and that's not why I am here.

I have done it!  Today I am uploading my first 2 songs of the album.  I hope you like them.  I really enjoyed making them.  I tried to leave it all on the studio floor.  So please listen, buy, and refer your friends.  I need the funds to complete the entire album. lol  Well, I'm off to do my thing love you all.

Ochi

Well Hey Folks,

Wow I'm impressed with me, I'm back and it's the next month rather than several months later.  That's not bad eh?  Well as I type my head is nodding like a basketball and oh man can I dribble! lol I'm tired but I am determined to keep up with my emails, vblogs, and updates.  This is a relationship and for those of you who know me or have spoken to me, you know I value all relationships.  A good relationship is a two way street where everyone puts in according to their ability.  That being said I have to write to you no matter what. So here's the no matter what part. lol

You know they say if some people didn't have bad luck they'd have no luck at all.  lol Well I'm glad I don't believe in luck or this would certainly apply to me.  As if I need one more catastrophy in my life my kitchen and living room ceiling caved in. Yes! Hit the daggum floor! My water heater is in the attic and it was leaking - old rusty, past it's prime.  I informed the landlord long before it came to this but he ignored it and I refused to go into the attic.  It is cramped, might contain large critters, and filled with nails from the shingles that would end up stabbing me in the back.  So I deferred to my gender on this one and allowed him to play his role of "landlord and man". lol Great timing huh?  You bet!  Well He's slowly but surely getting it done.  I was out of water 24 hrs, no hot water 48 hrs, and no ceiling 5 days.  I confined my aid to clean up and I'm not shamed to tell it.  Sometimes it's important to know when "to do" and when "not to do".  This was a not moment. lol  

I'm in the studio and loving every minute accept I'm allergic to cats and the engineer owns several.  :o(   You will love what I've been working on.  Cindy of Smiley Face Recording has done a fantastic job, and so has G1 from New Ground Collabo.  I love working with other women.  I look forward to working one day with the likes of Tracy Chapman, Sweet Honey, Toshi Reagon, Doria Roberts, and many more.  They are all fantastic women and I really respect their work.  

Well that's it for me family.  I'm beyond sleepy.  I know I should proof this but seriously, I'm too tired.  So please forgive any errors and I will fix them later.  I'll post the videos as soon as I finish my class projects.  I'm home schooling my youngest (16 - 11th grade) and that has added to my already stretched load.

Keep me in your prayers, thoughts, and dreams and I shall do the same.  I know it's because of all of you that I stay encouraged and am able to do what I do.  Thanks so much.

the new year is here,

the new year is here

whether lesbian, gay, 

questioning or queer

2010 is definitely

our year!

come out, stay out

 hang out

don't bug out

new music is coming

new songs for my friends

i've been writing and 

fighting, i refuse to give in

the missions beyond me

plus ya'll kick my butt

you'll love all the tunes

every line, every cut

you'll dance, you'll laugh

you'll party without end

so a little more patience

i ask now from you

you know how life is

it'll do what it do

so on dancers,

fly prancers, 

my name ain't saint nick

i'm no easter bunny,

nope no leprechaun tricks

i'm ochi

just me

so thanks for your patience

your waits not in vain

you'll be glad you hung in

now go tell all your friends

ochi is coming 

in 2010

Well it's another year almost in the books and I've begun my ritual of reflecting over my life and the years events.  It's certainly been a heck of a ride this year but especially the last 4 months.  School has taken it's toll but I guess that is to be expected when I'm within months of my graduation. I am glad this part of my academic journey is almost done because I'm really looking forward to the next part.  Once I'm done it's on to audio engineering school.  No more waiting around for engineers for me.  Nope it will be about controlling my own destiny.  That will feel good.  It's about darn time too.  Once I am certified and competent then it's on to either film school Masters of Art or a Masters in Music.  Once audio engineering is done I will begin recording and releasing so many CD's it won't be funny.  Most of the music and lyrics are done.  Just no one I can trust to do what they say and say what they do. Isn't that how life is?

Well my first reflection is no lights again.  Darn it!  This student life is getting quite old.  I gotta tell ya I really don't like all this poverty.  Once my career is where I want it to be I really plan on working on the lives of impoverished people.  There has to be a better way.  My first mission is that of energy.  How to help people become less energy dependent.  Well that's it for me now.  Gotta run but good to talk to you all.  Keep the faith and know the music you love really is coming.

Happy Birthday To Me 

Another day less another dolla

being broke makes me wanna holla

doing what I do, still not done

running and gunning

no time for fun

no love life

no wife

a friend would be nice

still music comes first

so back to my verse

ups and downs but i don't frown

got it in my head many are dead

i'm still here, reason for cheer

kids all healthy, so am i

when i need i have

once i stashed

cash upon cash

material things never last

now time i savor

simple pleasures i favor

a minimalist before 

now even more

to fifty i've made it

it's not what thought

it's better it's worse

i don't need a nurse

no diapers for me

i'm grateful to have 

my limbs, mind, and my teeth

stress free lifes blessed me

no aliments, no grey

now you know why

happy birthday to me.

Hey Family,

Well I'm a senior and it's about darn time.  I should be completed with the first round of studies by hopefully August of this year.  Then I begin audio engineer classes which will really help to reduce my dependency on others.  Ladies if any of you are serious about making music then I would recommend going to school and learning as much as possible about audio, management, and promotions.  The more you know the less control you have to give up.  

It's been a real roller coaster ride but over all as I've said many times, I am so happy.  Change comes whether we like it or not so learn to be a part of the change.  Going with the flow isn't always the best thing.  Sometimes we get swept to places we don't want to be.  So instead be in front of change not behind it.  Navigate your own waters and plot your destiny.  It will feel much better.  Monitor the climate and don't spend your life reacting but being proactive.  

Well sister's that's it for me today.  Love yourselves, love your families, and love life.  Remember, before you do someone else, be sure to do you.  If you won't who will?  If not now when?

 

Ochi

Tonight I watched a documentary about sleep disorders and I really wanted to scream. With all their degrees and years of experience no one has ever realized some of us don't have a disorder, we're just out of order.

I'm a creature of the night. I don't sleep at night because it's not natural to me. I've been this way all my life from childhood. I am one of millions of people that have been wrongfully diagnosed as having insomnia or some other sleep malfunction. While some people do have a disorder there are many of us that are simply night people in the world of day people and unfortunately we night owls don't run the world. If society would be more accepting of us and accommodate us we'd all be much happier and more productive. Let me sleep past 7:30 a.m. Is that too much to ask? I guess so.

I Believe we need to revisit the way society is organized and become more flexible.  There needs to be more 24 hr businesses.  I love working the night shift.  Like we now have 24 hr shopping we need banks, laundromats, doctors offices, and more.  That would open up more employment as well as allowing for the differences of others within this society.  So I vote to expand our services to at least midnight to 2 a.m. in some cases.  That would be so cool.  Ok vote for me in the next election and I'll make that change.  

 

This has been a public service announcement.  Well it's past my bedtime.  I'm gonna try and get some needed sleep.  lol Deprivation is a killer.

Well as I sit and type no matter what is going on in my life I have to tell you that life is wonderful. We often get upset when life throws us a curve ball. The only thing that should ever make us upset is when we are not ready for that curve ball. Obstacles demonstrate our flexibility, agility, and preparedness. Since there's nothing we can do about it we need to be ready as much as possible at all times. After doing our best we must sit back and enjoy the ride. So today my word is - "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"!

Well the month of July is coming to a rapid end. That's neither good nor bad it simply is what it is. Meanwhile in between time I'm diligently rehearsing, learning the lyrics to all the new songs, and going over lyrics of older songs. I'm enhancing the tracks of older songs to make them even better and hitting the gym each and everyday. I won't rest until I'm back on stage doing what I love the most.

You know when it's not one thing it's another. My mother and her friends would lovingly call this the devil. I call it just wrong! Ok I have basically done my part and am still waiting for my CD to be completed by the engineer. I am not frustrated because I believe that things happen for a reason. I have no idea what that could be but I know it's a doozy and I won't be upset when things are revealed. Glitches like this have served me well and saved me from many a bad fate.

Meanwhile I'm sure everyone is wondering what the heck is going on. It's legal issues and engineers. That's all I can say. Please continue to be supportive, save your money, and be patient. We are almost there.

Hello and thank you for stopping by. It's finally happening and you get to be a part of it. June '09 my new album, "Bare Essence" comes out. I will post the first single from the album within a few days for free downloading. After 7 days it will be removed. So don't delay!

This album is about my Houston escapade. How I came to be here, what life is like for me here, my thoughts of events here, and around the world. At some point in our lives we have all been stripped down to our bare essence. It can be as a result of a relationship, financial crisis, a death, or an illness. That point is often a defining moment, a reflective moment, a moment that has the potential to alter our very path. This is my “moment” in time and I have shared it with you my fans in what will be a 2 album summary of my life and experiences.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.

Hello all you wonderful people. Thank you for your friendship and uplifting conversations. I'm about to end another semester and you know by now if you've talked to my any length that my life though I only go home and to school is far from boring.

I moved to a new house March 14th to get away from a crazy landlord only to find another cracked pot. lol after paying my rent, deposit, and signing the lease I came home this monday to find a notice taped to my door from the city saying my house is being sold in a tax lien sale. this butt whole didn't pay his taxes! people who plan on buying his house have come by all week. the sale is scheduled for may 5th. can u believe this?

Now thank the creator that i have the mind that i do, otherwise somebody would've been killed. lolol i immediately knelt down and gave thanks for finding out sooner rather than later. lolol hey that's a blessing. then i called silly landlord told him he needed to handle his business and i did so without screaming, cursing, panic, or tears. so with these types of things happening all around me and almost regularly that's why family i'm so distant, busy, and flat out low on patience. i don't have time for the mundane l like i used to (ok when was that? hmmm not my life) anyway.

So why did this happen? I needed a wake up call. I am now back on track. I have 10 - 15 songs going on this new album that will be coming out very, very, soon now. I began laying the tracks this past friday. I will schedule my first show next month for Oct. this year. i need to give myself time to learn the new songs. yes all new songs. i am now awake and moving with vengeance to get this project done. lol don't feel sorry or angry. things that seem bad are often blessings well disguised. lolololol so pray for insight. pray that the songs and music are good and that sales, shows, merchandise, etc take off.


Thanks ladies. You know I'll post a same soon.

your girl,

ochi

p.s. no i'm no moving i just told this silly man to handle his business and do the right thing. then i looked at him like i was his mama. lol he knew that look and got to shaking and baking.

Well thanks to everyone who hold me up in prayer, warm wishes, and burns candles. I really appreciate the thoughts and encouragement. Clearly it's working folks so don't stop now. Progress is being made by leaps and bounds. I hope to have all sorts of good, no great news to tell u very, very soon. I can say I've written several dozen songs by now. I haven't composed any music for them all yet but it's coming. I am even working on a couple of music videos to accompany these new tracks.

Meanwhile my youngest son graduates this year from high school. He has done a phenominal job in school and has landed a full ride scholarship. Whew! One less worry for mom. My youngest daughter has a 4.0 so far since 8th grade and I ain't mad at her. My 2 elder children well they need extra prayers. I am very proud of them both. They need extra prayers and meditation because they've both learned that being on your own is no joke. Hopefully, they will learn to communicate better. I hope they will learn when it's appropriate to ask for help and then how to accept it when given. The biggest lesson I hope they learn is remember to use their upbringing. They won't go wrong. As I've been living here even as an adult I've had to fall back on some old life lessons several times.

Well it's tax day and guess what? You know it, I'm amongst those who hasn't gotten hers turned in. So I'm off to the races. Have a good one.

What the heck ya'll I'm sitting here trying to study and the TV in the student lounge is on and I hear all these dissatisfied people over the economy. Where the heck were these people during the Bush/Cheney administration? They weren't outraged then or now. Why aren't the calling for Bush and Cheney's head? Cowards!!!

Hello All,

Well this year is rapidly coming to an end. I hope it's been filled with challenges you were able to meet and exceed. I hope you have lived your life as if each day was your last and that you took time to savor each and every minute. I hope you have loved long and deeply. I hope your joy was unmeasured and that when you laughed you lost your breath. For those of us who may be blessed to see the next year let us go into it with honesty, sincerity, kindness, patience, and the enthusiasm of a child. Let us extend open hands of friendship to all we meet. Let random acts of kindness be the order of your day. If someone hugs you hold them just a little bit long and a little bit tighter. When it comes to finances don't spend your last dollar, save it. Don't shop as often instead take a free walk in a park. Use your credit cards less and your "get out of debt" option more. It's okay to stop participating in those things that stress us out, that bind our hands, and limit our freedoms. Debt is one of those things. It is okay to be without. You won't die.
For those mischievous souls amongst us who reeked havoc in the lives of so many. Stop your mess making you have done enough damage. Instead of reading minds, emails, and text messages, try reading a book. You are putting your talents to waste. building brings more joy than destruction.

Do I sound 49? Well I should have some sort of wisdom to pass on. I've only said things we all know but need reminding of from time to time.

Finally, before I forget, women who identify themselves as lesbian or same gender loving, be that. If you are a woman who passes or portrays yourself as a "boi, stud, dude, etc" you are not a lesbian. If you are attracted to a woman who passes for a man, if that woman won't let you touch her, if she only has sex with you with a strap on, and she refer to her female genitalia as "my dick", then you "fem" are also not lesbian. You both are living a lie. You are supporting the ideas by the religious right and you are hurting our community. Stop making society look funny at the rest of us who enjoy being female and loving other females. You are extremist and you know what I am saying is true. If not then why are so many of you butch and ultra fem women coming up pregnant?
Thank you and have a happy new year.

Is it me you guys or have we been blessed to see several major events within our lifetime that many of us thought would never have happened. Before we enter a new year let's think about all the major changes over the last 20 years. Remember I have gone through menopause so I may not recall them all.

Within my lifetime, Nelson Mandela was released from prison, apartheid ended, the Berlin wall came down, North Korean opened it's borders to the south, and the United States elected it's first black person to the presidency. Hopefully, the next thing we will see within our lifetime is justice and all those individuals and businesses who have crippled the economy will see serious jail time and be forced to repay the country.

We might all get alone one day.

Wow! Ya'll I had no idea. Texas weather ain't no joke. OMG. Who the heck knew. I was so not prepared for what just happened. I tell you what, I won't ever be caught like this again.

We didn't have a generator, no battery operated radio, lousy cell phone batteries, and no real tools. Never again. It is my plan to get a generator, my chain saw, and other survival gear.

I've never been in a place where a natural disaster brought out the worse in so many folks before. Houston is indeed a different place. Red, yellow, black, and white folks just behaved badly. I was so happy to see people who used courtesy, people who thought of someone other than self. I was about to throw in the towel on Houston. All I can say in fairness to the Houstonians is that of the foolishness I saw much of it came from outsiders not native to Houston.

We still have no electricity. It's been 2 weeks now for us, we lost power with Gustav. We are the hardest hit. Please keep everyone in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts. Other than being without, electricity we haven't suffered too much. That may change in a few days as the temperature begins to rise. We've been enjoying 75 degree weather but the heat and humidity are on the way back. Then things will get ugly. Go look at the photos and be amazed like we were. I still can't believe this storm was supposedly minor.

FINALLY! It's here my video blog The Road to Success provides chronological documentation of my efforts to establish my out music career. You a will be edu-tained as you view my daily struggles, rehearsals, and triumphs of making lesbian oriented music. You will see student life from a 40+ lesbian perspective. The frustrations of single parenting as an out performer, and so much more.

Ya know folks it wasn't so long ago in the history of this country that people of color weren't allowed to live in a certain neighborhoods because of skin color. There were white only drinking fountains, entryways, cafeterias, and we won't talk about job discrimination. In 2008 we can live, eat, play, and go to school where our credit/income will allow and yet the world is no better off. I believe the problem wasn't where we lived but how we lived. While we fought for the right to live next to the Jones we forgot to learn how to live with one another. Our parents struggled often working 2 jobs so that we could have more. They wanted to give us what they never had. They were continuing in the tradition they believed of their parents who worked and struggled to provide them with a better life. I'm sitting here in the Tavis Smiley School of Communication building at Texas Southern University and I realize as I people watch that I need to be more vocal about my thoughts. Our grandparents and great grandparents weren't clear in their communications to their children and as a result several key pieces were lost in translation. They were fighting and working to give us a better life. Their idea of a better life meant the ability to protect their children from hurt, harm, and ignorance. Our great grandparents and grandparents didn't want their children to be absentee parents like they were forced to be. Many of them traveled far from home and lived with the families they worked for to earn a living. Often our grandmothers raised other people's children leaving their own children to be raised by others or even worse to raise themselves. So the more they spoke of was "more of them and their time, influence, love, and care". Unfortunately, our parents and people today took that "more" to mean things - game systems, clothing, toys, and food. Resulting in selfishness and sense of entitlement. We are a greedy, wasteful, and unappreciative society. Our lives are measured by what we have rather than how we live. Our parents wanted us look up to them, to honor them and know their accomplishments. That leads to respect of them and our ancestry. Today in 2008 many encourage their children to look up to athletes, musicians, religious leaders, and or famous icons. They ignore the love, sacrifice, and accomplishments of parents now. This generation born from the 80's on is a sorry generation. They lack guidance, morality, cultural awareness, purpose, accountability, responsibility, spiritual connectedness, knowledge/education, and common sense. Many have stopped teaching and now these are the people who will be left to care for us in our old age. Selfish, greedy, uneducated people who don't care anything for the elder, infants, lame, or disabled.

It's never too late to change folks. Love your children enough to teach them right from wrong. Stop trying to be their friends and be a darn good parent. Give them discipline, structure, and continuity. Stick to your word! Talk to your children, no teacher should know them better than you the parent. In doing so you might learn that your children are not differnt at all. They are frighten kids desperate for adult supervision. Stop letting hypercritically ministers and misinformed psychologist tell you that something is wrong with your same gender loving children. They are not sick, unless you their parents are sick. They are a reflection of you and the environment in which you raise them. Homosexuality isn't the illness - ignorance and hatred is the problem.

We have allowed coporate greed to manipulate us as people. West Virginians and any other group of people who want to focus more on race or gender, while we all stand apart as a nation we'll all go down together as fools. Different people can want the same things in life. Different people can work and live together. Different isn't weird, sick or dangerous it's VARIETY.

Yes lawd I made it! Well ya'll another semester in the bucket. I am so glad to be in school but I'm happier at the end of each and every semester. Whew! It couldn't have ended sooner. My grades are all good I worked hard for whatever I got. No cheating for me. If I failed then that's just means work even harder next time. All in all I made the honor roll this semester and received a school scholarship so I guess I'm doing well academically.

Now lets talk about life in Houston. OMG! What the heck is going on in this place. The south is truly stuck in a time warp. Will someone tell these fools that the world is "going to hell in a basket" and we all need to pull together and stop it before it's too late! They are so busy oppressing the innocent and less fortunate down here they don't realize how we are all in this quagmire together! African/Black, European, Mexican, Asian, and First Nation Peoples of the renamed Americas. If you are not one of few elite in control then you too will be and are being screwed! oooops did I say that? lol Heck yeah I said it and I meant it too. Why are we allowing the minority to dictate to us the majority? The worse part is they are not doing anything in our best interest. Stupid laws like; credit checks to get a job. Whose business is that? Bad credit no job. What the...ya'll sure wanna know what it takes to make me curse. Well nothing so stop wasting your time. Anyway, how the heck can a person better their financial situation without employment? What lamebrain idiot thought up that one? Probably the same idtiot who privatized prisons. You know soon indebtedness will become a jailable offense. Don't laugh once upon a time in Europe lest ye forget. Well that's it for me. I'm trying to live life, raise my kids and become an artist my fans can and will be proud of. Just think you can say you knew me when.

Well guess what folks I made the Texas Southern University Honor Roll. Aren't you all impressed! I know some of you thought this was gonna be a party situation here but now you see how serious I am.

Last month I went to Denver to secure my things and see old family and friends. Wow the city really changed. Entire malls just gone. Denver was soooooo cold. I can't imagine I ever lived there and liked it. That's what happens when people don't know better. Just kidding Denver family. It was 18 hours of pure pleasure. I took my two youngest children with me. We worked and worked like Hebrew slaves along with Luis and 2 wonderful people who were passing by, the job got done!

I can't just move forward without telling you all about the blessing we received in the form of assistance. These two wonderful people, who just moved to Denver from the East Coast were riding by on a bike. (One bike let me add.) Saw how hard the kids and I were working and asked if we would like some assistance. They spoke no english and well my espanglish leaves much to be desired. Thank God for Luis whom I called and he translated their message. They just wanted to help. Not for money, food, or any compensation. They just felt for us and had nothing to do. Well my mama didn't raise no fool! I took those kind folks up on their offer and as they blessed me I attempted in turn to bless them. Unknown to me they had no furniture in their new apartment. That was so not the case when we left. We gave them the majority of what we had. Why? Well from where I stood it was the only right thing to do. I told you my mama didn't raise no fool. Sometimes people can be greedy and selfish. My family came to love and appreciate that family. That didn't know our circumstances and we didn't know theirs. We didn't need to know either. Right is right and wrong is a character flaw. My only regret was that I couldn't do more, especially once I learned of their need.

Random acts of kindness should not be so random. Think about it. How much better would our lives and this world be if kindness were a regular occurrence?

Much love cyber family,
Ochi

Hello and howdy do! I am alive and well. First thank you all so much for the prayers, encouragement, and positive energy. I know for a fact that all my success comes from the support that I receive from you all on a daily basis. Positive vibes go a long way. In the words of Obama, "YES WE CAN". I am working even harder these days to reach my goals. I haven't taken out even a moment to play. Am I over doing it? NOPE! Too many people are depending on me and I have so much great music that I can't wait to share with you all. Therefore, I am frantically working trying to get all the edits, mixes, mastering and re-mastering done. What can I say I love my fans and you all deserve the absolute best! I hate half doing things. I want to deliver clever, smooth, melodious madness. lolol

Now as for my personal life. Well that's a short sentence. I'll get one soon enough. So ladies - keep your dance cards clear and ready. lolol

Houston has great weather. While my family and friends in Denver were freezing, we were debating on whether or not to use the AC. lolol shhhh stop laughing.

Well it's back to the grind stone. Play for me will come when I take the stage to perform all this new music and see all your gorgeous faces.