Ochi: OCHI'S NOTES

Hello, hello,

Well I just wanted to let you all know that I am working overtime on several projects. First you know there's a new pilot coming out called, "Lovers & Friends". Look for it this season on Logo. My music, "I Like What I Like", will be the theme song for the show. So, I'm working on that, 3 new cd's, my newsletter, my podcast, and my video blog. Whew! Are you tired because I am and nothing is even completed yet.

As far as the new cd's go I'm releasing singles first then the entire album. Honey the music is hot if I must say so myself. Why am I so slow? Well, it's because you all deserve the very best and nothing less. Don't forget I'm still a mother first too. Kids/family then music. No I have no personal life. As soon as this music is completed I plan to come out and play. When I do, no woman will be safe. lolol Oh I do crack myself up. See you real soon ladies.

Smoochies and hugs.

Happy New Year & Harambee everyone.

The Holiday season is upon us and I hope as you all rush about that you remember to focus on the things that are really important to your emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural well being. Having money is great but having your health is more important. Being in a relationship hey sounds good right? Being in a healthy, loving, mutually respectful relationship filled with trust, even better. Try giving love this year rather than gifts. It's cheaper and the effects are far greater.

Life is what we make it rather than only focus on self let's reach out to someone else this coming hear. Giving feels good. Just remember never do more for someone else than they are willing to do for themselves. Giving until it hurts you is silly.

Ok that's my words of wisdom. I hope they've helped someone. Be safe, have fun, be considerate in your celebrations.

Well, I'm done! Yes! It was truly an experience family. Ok let's see where to begin? going back to school at age 47, with four kids, and 2 dogs is a trip! Oh a girl was just frazzled. I was running between studying, grocery shopping, laundry, and PTA meetings to my own classes. Most nights I was fortunate to get to bed by 11 a.m. but couldn't fall asleep until 2 or 3 a.m. Other nights which are the majority I fell to sleep by 11 a.m. and was up for the night by 3:30 a.m. So, being Ochi, I attempted to utilize that quiet time for studying and meditation. Somehow, I've managed to get good grades. On most days I'm tired and but I've overall been happy.

I love the weather I've had to use the A/C on several occassions.

I made it! Another birthday is now in the record books. It was so wonderful. I spent the day with my dad and that was a first in 48 years. What a wonderful way to spend the day. I don't know how I'll top next year. Maybe I'll be on tour. One can only hope.

Then I spent Thanksgiving which I normally don't celebrate with my new family. I ate far too much and smiled every opportunity I got. I love these people Ya'll. they look like me, they have many of my traits , I don't know I could get used to having a family.

School is moving right along. One good teacher and the rest well TSU needs prayer and fasting. shhh stop laughing. I'm holding my own with the young folks. I miss performing and recording though and I can't wait to get back to it. As time allows I promise to update my sites more. I know, I know I've been slipping.

By the way b/4 I go, you all could have told a girl about the Texas fleas! They are no joke. This is such a different world down here. Heat, bugs, floods, now I see why this is the bible belt. They are getting whipped. lolol Yes! Come on doesn't this place sound like the new testament?

Wow! Now that I finally exhaled I've gotta tell you all the air is at times foul. Houston is a real city and all this time I thought Denver was city living. In fact Denver is just a small town with a city attitude. You know what? I prefer that. I don't like this city living. the government is corrupt but says it is the "average joe" that has criminal activity. They attempt to instill fear in us against our neighbors but it's the authorities that I worry the most about.

I came to Houston to do a job. School and music and that's what I'm going to do. I hope Houston is ready. It's about to get down and dirty, then with the ancestors help I'm outta here. It's hot ya'll.

Whew! What a journey! We are all settled into our new lives and making the transition. Living in a place alone without kids is one thing. Living in a place on a temporary basis is another thing. Making a transition with 2 dogs, 3 kids and a mini trailer. Well that's another thing. It's more final. I've held off getting my plates, license and anything that would signify this as being permenant. Just fear let's be real. Houston is very different from Denver. Denver was pretending to be a city. You know what I like it that way too.

I've begun working on the new CD. You all are going to love it. I'm really taking my time and I have learned so much along the way. I will certainly pass the knowledge I've gained on to you my precious friends/family.

Well with the wind in our faces we're off. I can't to reach Texas. The highway is open, traffic light. At times it's breezy, cloudy, but the sun burns away the clouds here and there. My heart is full and so is my gas tank as we make our way south to the home of my birthplace. I feel like a salmon swimming upstream. Who ever thought I out of all people would be making this journey? Certainly not I and yet I can't wait.

Thanks for the scooter Darryl & Rodney. Now that I'm a biker I'll certainly fine a babe now. lol See ya later De & Terri. Where the heck are you Fran? Wauneda, Vee it's been real, it's been fun, it's been real fun. Vanessa you know you are my road dog. Robin...Robin hey. Nana Yo, I'm so glad I was here to share in your process with Tio. Modupe and congrats. I will never look at white again. Janell, Nyna, Ajala, Asiya, Keyan, Faatima, Mehyar, Nasrine, Mani, Rahim, Raneesha, Saeeda, Menelik, Ratu, Malebo, DeeJay, Javier, Jordon, Ms. Ampry my sistah, the Zions big & small, Umarah, Amonrah, Jesse, Menlo, and Kalimah just to name a few. I will miss you all. I love you folks.
Tona & Melody I don't think I know the right words so I might have to create some. Thank you ladies for the shelter, love, friendship, sistahood, and spirituality that you shared with us. What a wonderful 2 months it has been. We'll see ya'll in Texas.

THIS IS A CONSUMER ALERT TO ALL MUSICIANS AND ARTIST IN COLORADO LOOKING FOR A RECORDING COMPANY!

As some of you know one of the biggest challenges for me was finding a good engineer to mix and master my CD's. I was willing to pay whatever to whomever in order to produce a quality product. In my efforts to produce a CD that met industry standards I spoke to several, well-established artist about who they might suggest. I combed the yellow pages, and interviewed several studios until I finally found Dub Media a local Colorado based company. I was impressed about what I heard and what I saw. It was all a scam folks.

At the time I knew very little about engineering and mastering so I trusted DubMedia. I spent somewhere around $900 - $1500.00 for complete and utter CARP! It was an ENGINEERING JOKE! How these folks sleep at night much less call them professional is way beyond me. Let's begin with what was wrong with my CD.

1. No vocals were ever doubled
2. Very little to no panning was used.
3. The volume was too low!
4. The wrong versions were put on the finished product.
5. The entire project took far too long. 3 - 5 months.
6. There is background sound in the finished product of some of the tracks.
7. Track length for Radio airplay
Now someone might ask why in the world would a sane, reasonable person pay for such CARP? Well it was simple. In reference to the industry standards I was not aware of basic practices like doubling of tracks or using reverb etc. I didn't know what it meant to master a CD. I had no idea "then" what mastering involved. So I trusted these people. When I heard things that I didn't like or had problems with I was told that was the best that could be done with what they were given. Not true. I was very open and proactive whenever I was directed to a problem. When the engineer said something needed to be re-recorded I was quick to do so. If he said delete a portion of the song due to technical problems, flow, or whatever I agreed. I was never told that Radio station format and time lengths. The just smiled in my face and took my hard earned money.

My CD has been met with mixed reviews. The reviewers love the content but slam the engineering and all have been quick to say get the CD redone, bad engineering is holding me back. It's great had I done it myself as a non-professional but not one person could believe I paid "so called professionals" for what I have.

That's why I am going to school to learn this myself so that no other woman will be ripped off like I was. That's the exact reason Gatekeeper Productions was formed. In the meantime there are wonderful, professional female engineers like G1 of New Ground Collabo.

She has been a Godsend and inspiration and savior to me. The new CD is much better when it comes to engineering. It meets industry standards. I am also in the process of re-master...No! It was never truly mastered so I will master the previous CD, entitled Just Ochi. It will be re-released in August of this year.

Thank you for your purchase and or your plans to purchase. We appreciate your sticking it out with us through our growth and development.

As for DubMedia JUST SAY NO!

Well I'm ready for the road trip of my dreams. We're counting down to our departure. Not sure what or who we will encounter on one hand then again, we know what to expect.

We know we'll meet new friends, connect with old friends and family. We'll discover new places to hang out. We'll become enriched by cultural, political, and historical sites. We'll make big money, buy a house with a large yard for our dogs. Oh my gosh! How could I forget? I'll meet wonderful women and have lunch! I'll go on a date to the movies or maybe a walk in the park!

Ok I was dreaming on that last part. lolo What I'll really do is go to school, come home make dinner for the kids, play with my pups, write new music and practice for future performances. I'll complete my new cartoon that will be out around the first of the new year and maybe get some traveling in and visit my son in school. Yeah that's more like my life huh? lolol The dream was nice while it lasted. What can I say I work, work, and then work some more.

Wow! I've been to several pride celebrations but Colorado Springs took the cake. With the Rocky Mountains providing a beautiful back drop I was in Gaytopia. Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs is a small park which creates much deception. The event had a wonderful turnout. I had a wonderful performance but the stage belonged to God-dess and She.

My day began as usual before a show. Nervous! I was all excited barely slept the night before! I couldn't sleep and refused to eat. All I wanted to do was hit the highway. Remember people what you put out into the universe is very important. I put out nervous energy thinking the worse would happen and it did.
1. My drum broke just before I went on stage. I opened my bag to find the head busted. DARN!

2. There was a problem with the audio CD. WWWWHHHHAT!

3. I got lost.

With all that going you would think the day was a total wash. NOT! I had a ball. I had a successful back up plan. The show was good and I will certainly do the springs again.

As a performer one of the joys and realities of live performances are the glitches. There is no such thing as a show without them. That is part of the thrill/challenge of performing live. The main thing for any performer but especially those new to the game to remember is "glitches happen". The best way to deal with them is to remain calm, level headed and smile. Having a "stank" attitude never helps a bad situation. Having a positive attitude is the best balance for a glitch. That and a back up plan. Always have a back up plan for those unexpected moments.

Well for those who didn't believe I would ever do it, I've moved out of my house with my 3 kids and my tenant has moved in. I've still got some maintenance repairs to finish at my house before I can move on. I'm one person and I can only do so much. lolol

We're living out of suitcases as we wait to begin the newest chapter of our existence. We are definately moving to Houston. Pray I can find gigs, friends, and a place to live. Isn't this exciting? I can't believe it's June already. wow! July is just around the corner and so begins my summer gig schedule. I hope to see u at a stage near me as they say.

Ok somebody should have stopped me before I got so far involved. Ya'll this is some really hard work. I'm so overwhelmed, and so tired. Yet, I have to do what I have to do. Denver has been nice but it's just time to move on. I hope I have as much fun in Texas as I've had here. I hope the people open their hearts, minds and lawd knows open their wallets. lol A woman has little mouths to feed and I do like to get my dress on.

Ok but seriously, it's important when a person decides to move for their art/craft. That means I'm serious and very determined. So I hope I'll be blessed and have my efforts rewarded. Otherwise, somebody about to get a new roommate with kids. lololololol

See this work is making me crazy.

Wow! Did we have fun this past Friday! Thanks Micro Business Development for the opportunity to perform. The kids and I truely had fun and will definately miss Denver when the time comes for us to move on. It's been real, it's been fun, it's been real fun.

We have learned here, grown here, and loved here. We will keep everyone here in our hearts and prayers and hope they will all do the same here.

Well folks the time has come where I must leave. I've decided after making denver my home for 37 years now I need to move on. For personal and professional reasons I am relocating to Texas.

At this time I am not 100% sure of which city in Texas but I like Austin because of it's numerous venues for an upcoming, artist to show case her talents.

Wherever I am I know that you will all wish me well. I hope to see those of you living in Texas at various events. I will still travel the United States and the world providing good, quality, fun entertainment.

I'll be back and forth visiting Colorado often since my mother is here and I still have shows here. I just need to be someplace where I can perform every week.

Hi folks,

Just a quick note for those of you anxieous to see me in florida this summer. I'm sorry I had to cancel my appearance. Unfortunately, the festival was cancelled due to ticket sales. Once again the declining economy has effected yet another small, independent production.

Many of us are sorry and very disappointed that the festival has been cancelled but hopefully all of us will be in a better place financially by 2008. I wish the producers, the volunteers and all attendees good fortune. I hope to perform for you in 2008.

Much Love,
Ochi

Well life is a funny thing and people keep me rolling. I am glad I was created as I am. I'm not very tall, I wasn't born rich and I love women! Whew! My life has made me a determined person. I've learned not to give up no matter what people say or do. Though I really don't like a beat down I can take a punch and will if I have to.

I say that because these days it seems I'm taking quite a few punches. I've been told not once, not twice but countless times now to give up, pack it in and move on. I am talking about my music. Several so called "well meaning" people have told me they love my voice, my creativity and style but why bother singing gay and lesbian music? They say the world, society, the mainstream and even same gender loving people are not ready for openly lesbian lyrics. It's too soon! Meanwhile they say I'll go broke and end up homeless and suicidal. They tell me court the all might DOLLAR and think about my future.

I am thinking about my future and the future of all gay and lesbian people. We need to feel normal all the time. We need to feel loved, respected, visible, and protected all the time wherever we are. Not just in our homes or in our clubs. I refuse to be confined to weekend freedom. That's not free. I like eating in a restuarant and hearing lesbian music. Why not? I hear all other types of music. We all like to see images of ourselves positively portrayed in society. We deserve no less. So I'll continue to openly and defiantly play, make, write and sing lesbian music. If my own community is afraid of me and if the mainstream preaches against me I won't stop. As long as one other person other than me wants to hear it I'm gonna keep on churning it out.

It's cold, it's wet and it's getting old. I am so over all this snow! I love Colorado but I can so completely live without anymore cold and snow. Snow is beautiful and makes lovely pictures. Since I'm a go with the flow kind of person, I will make the best of this weather. I've shoveled and gotten my exercise on, I've rescued several stranded motorist, played with my dogs, taught my son how to drive in the snow, and now I'll video tape so you can share in the moment with me.

Today is my mother's birthday, my little friend Kasey (11), and my beloved deceased friend Mrs. Robinson.

Well I'm blessed to have made it thru yet another year. I'm blessed to still have friends, family and precious business associates. Many did not make it this year. I am blessed to survive a bad cold, a serious colon cleanse, 4 know it all teenagers, with puberty, George Bush and a failing economy, an accident prone dog, one sneaky dog, another failed relationship, (don't ask) and the "so called" random checks that happen each and every time I fly.

All in all it's been a very good year. I look forward to 2007 and all the new, exciting people I shall meet and places I shall go. I look forward to sharing my new album now in the works. I look forward to many more performances and the opportunity to entertain and share with others. I hope and pray that I learn more and more about the recording business and that I am able to pay forward and share all I learn with other women and youth who would like to venture down this well traveled road.

Inclusion I bid a fun farewell to 2006. It has truely been great to me and I go into 2007 with a prayerful, energetic, hopeful, positive attitude. Remember, how we start is how we finish. What you put in you get back. See you in 2007, peace and hair grease.


Ochi

WOW! That's who I feel about the Herland Women. They are a wonderful, delightful bunch of people. Very warm hearted and generous as heck! They are truely a performers dream. The venue was pleasant and hassle free. I can't wait to perform there again.

Well I'm about to head out for the airport. I am excited and very nervous. The Chicago gig was a great opportunity to get mentally prepared for Oklahoma. I look forward to meeting new people and seeing new places. I also am excited and a bit on edge when I realized I shall be performing my CD for the first time. So keep me in your prayers and send all the warm wishes you can.

It's off to my favorite city, Chicago! Ya know there are places and people that leave a stain on your brain and blotch on your heart. Chicago is such a place. They have crazy, mad love for a sistah and I have the same feelings for them. I really appreciate all the love and support they send me. They are an artist dream. So you know I've got to give them my all and then some.

Well I am in the midst of show preparations. I am quite excited since I've never been to Oklahoma for more than the time it took to fill my gas tank and use the restroom.

So far I've met several wonderful people online that I hope to meet and greet face to face. Now that I've abandoned the idea of finding Ms. Right I can focus more on my music and developing a dynamic show. Since I'm putting all that sexual energy into my show it should be off the chain.

I'm certainly looking forward to sharing my music with the women of Herland in Oklahoma.

Well friends the love thing didn't work out like I/we all hoped it would but I met wonderful people and enjoyed a vacation. I even snuck a little bit of business in while I was away.

I was able to introduce more people to the Gatekeeper sound and networked with several creative, talented, professional women.

So maybe love wasn't in the cards but I don't think I missed a thing.

Well I am gearing up for the release of my new CD. Thanks to all the love and support I know it will be successful. I am also beginning rehearsals for upcoming shows and the CD release party. It will be a smash, I hope to see you there.

TO ME BEING BORN SAME GENDER LOVING IS A BLESSING. NOT AN OBSTACLE TO BE OVERCOME AS SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BELIEVE. FOR ME BEING BORN FEMALE, BLACK, SHORT, AND SAME GENDER LOVING HAS BLESSED ME TO BE THE PERSON I AM. REMOVING ANY ONE OF THESE COMPONENTS WOULD DRAMATICALLY ALTER MY PRECEPTIONS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES. THIS WOULD EFFECT MY CRAFT. I ENJOY MY CURRENT INSIGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND DYSFUNCTIONS. MY PASSIONS COME FROM A GOOD PLACE INSIDE ME, THEY ARE PAST MEMORIES, PRESENT HAPPENINGS, AND ADVENTURES WAITING TO BE WRITTEN AND SUNG. I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME AS I ENCOUNTER NEW DISCOVERIES ALONG THE WAY.