The coming and going during these past two-three weeks has actually taken my focus away from this "condition" I have been enduring. A cold, the flu or walking pneumonia, as my sister suggests, what ever it is, doesn't really matter. I have been busy, it's been an intense month, anyway. I am alive!

Since the end of November, I have prepared for an audition with InnerSoul. I made it to the audition on a Tuesday night in late November and the very next morning, I received the wonderful news. I was in. I am now part of this incredible band and my life couldn't be better. I am smiling. I performed with InnerSoul for the first time on Friday, December 15 at the Rancho Murieta Country Club. Maybe some day I will tell the story. All I can say now is that I am happy to be a part of such an incredible team of musicians- artists. Genuine people with genuine gifts from heaven: Bill Meyer- Guitar; Al Alvarado, Drums, Anthony Maynard- Lead Vocals and Guitar; Rey Jugo- Keyboards; Marla Major- Lead Vocals; Oliver Camilo- Percussions; Mel Burton- bass; Ralph Gorden- Sax and of course, me singing my Latin heart out. We are performing again on New Year's Eve at the Hilton Hotel in Sacramento.

Despite the challenges, I can feel the blessings pouring down on me. Who said I can't have it all? If people only knew and believed that there is indeed enough in the Universe for everyone... that there can be balance in our life. Thank you, David Childerley for your precious time, your care and generosity!

And speaking of artists, it is my pleasure to share with you this incredible drawing by my beloved Saul, my dear friend/boyfriend/husband of 10 years. I suppose he was inspired by my first performance with InnerSoul, he truly knows nothing makes me feel as wonderful as singing. Add a group of musicians like the ones I just introduced and the result is pure magic. Is this what I look like to him? Yikes! Enjoy this beatiful drawing.

O.K. so I'm sick. I started feeling a bit odd during this past week, then I came down with a horrible flu. I completely lost my voice. Saul brought from the Co-op a few goodies to help me feel better. Among other things, he brought "Throat Comfort" by Yogi Tea. It was a nice suprise because this is a tea particularly good for singers and public speakers. Hmm... so I open the box and printed in the interior I found this beautiful poem. Enjoy! And visit their web page: http://www.yogitea.com/

Oh my soul
you come and you go
Through the paths
of time and space.

In useless play
you'll not find the way
So set yourself free and go.

Sing such a song
with all your light
You will never
have to sing again.

Love such a one
with all your heart
You will never have to love again.

Walk such a path
with all your faith
You will never have to wander again.

Going on!

Lots happening in my life. Work at the YWCA's Encore Plus Program; rehearsals; up-coming live performances; poetry featured readings at La Raza Galería Posada with my dear colleagues and friends from Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol; salsa lessons by Fahad from salsasacramento.com. And- what could be the music project of my life! I will update you as stuff happens.

For now, I'd like to share some pictures I took at a park near my house in Sacramento.





Back in the game. Sacramento, CA

Yo

Picture by Saul Escobedo, Mamulique, N.L.

Hello everyone.

To inaugurate my blog, I want to share this video that Saul and I made a few weeks ago. The text comes directly from a poem I wrote and published back in 2001 titled "Cuelgo a mi Cristo". The text was published in Explicación de Textos Literarios, Literary Magazine published by Dr. Fausto Avendaño at Sac State. I am happy to say this video has over 6,000 views on youtube.com. Be sure to check my link (Cuelgo a mi Cristo (video). Saúl's link (Cuelgo a mi cristo) has about 700 views.



Soon enough, I will begin to share a bit of what my life looks like on this side of the border (Texas, USA). After my long absence from this country, almost 8 years invested in a fabulous life in Monterrey, México I am back to pick up where I left off - well, sort of- start from zero or whatever and continue with my work in literature and music aside from making a living. Gotta keep the dreams flowing.

I feel different here I suppose. It wasn't easy coming back and besides, I had never, ever lived anywhere for as long as I lived in Monterrey. But I remember what I was like when I left and look at how much I've changed and I realize it was all worth it.

Now... trying to blend into this absorbing system, complying with a license for this and that, looking for work while I continue to fulfill my need of expression is a major challenge. I look forward to the day when things and life will be balanced again (have they ever been?). In the interim, this is my very own, personal train to the outside world, without having to cross my front door.

As Mike Dooley says "Thoughts become things... choose the good ones". I urge you to choose your thoughts carefully and make the most out of life :)

Thank you for being here.