These Moments

There was this moment today, while driving home from work. The thick white fluffy clouds above crowded together over Ocean Beach. A picture of an embrace as they came together huddled near the warmth from the sun above. Against the backdrop of a cloudy and rainy sky, the sun broke through some of these clouds shining its brilliant rays on the houses below. It was true beauty and I was given a chance to witness it. I'm thankful for this moment.

A Merry Little EP

Merry Christmas from me and my friend Drew. Enjoy!

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"

"O Holy Night"

"O Come O Come Emmanuel"

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

"Silent Night"

Living Room Songs

On December 18, 2010, I experienced one of the most unforgetable moments I've experienced in San Diego. I was able to watch this group of musicians sing and dance together at the Feeding the Soul CD Release Party. What a great memory that I will not soon forget.

As they sang they allowed the audience to sit in and watch as if watching from their own personal living rooms. We watched an intimate moment between friends. Each talented person that night had their own story to tell through their songs. For those of us who listened, we journeyed into their lives and got to see the love they had for each other. And the bond they will have for years to come.

I have had the privilege to get to know some of them and have found that, along with their craft, they are also a sincere group of people willing to serve others. These are great people with big hearts, amazing voices, and giving spirits.

The song below is one of the many songs performed during the evening. It grabbed my heart and I am grateful for its words and comfort to the enslaved. Those of us fighting for freedom and have seen firsthand the emotional struggles it brings, know that songs like this encourage others to stand up and fight as well. It opens our eyes and breaks our hearts in ways that cause us to act.

You can purchase a copy of the Feeding the Soul CD here. Can't wait till Volume 2 comes out!

(Photos by Natalie Warr)

Dear Mel...

Dear Mel,

Thank you. Somehow these words seem to lack the amount of emotion, humbled gratitude, and enriched soul that is behind them. I came to San Diego to pursue my passion, to change who I was into someone who was working for a greater good, and to see the lives of the women I work with restored and renewed. And in the process I met you. I met a woman who shared another passion of mine, music. I came into your world with such excitement, an outsider looking in, and quietly watching your friends join you for every opportunity to love you and support you. I remember thinking, “I want her life.”

A life filled with music, events and changing the world through the help of a little spoon flooding over with hearts. As I got to know you I saw your dedication to encouraging others and witty personality come through in every moment; never being disrupted by judging thoughts or negative energy. In San Francisco I always felt a little lost in the crowds. My love for the beautiful city was of family, a few solid friends and the richness and culture that came from that city.

But here, I’m no longer lost. I am remembered, invited and welcomed. You have been part of my happiness. With tears of gratitude I write this to build you up and encourage you for being who you are and choosing to accept all people no matter who they are. From the moment we met I felt a connection with you and saw a sincerity in you that I admired.

As I watched your community come together for a night to celebrate you, Vallie and Cat, I realized that you are part of a large and beautiful family. And you have let me sit in and see glimpses of this family work, sing and eat together. Thank you for the opportunity to no longer feel like an outsider in your world. We have our own moments now that we will share together for years to come. We have laughed many times in the past months and you have believed in me enough to share Feeding The Soul with me. We shared the Freedom Awards together, chowed down on cheesecake at the Living Room and sent e-mails back and forth that had me laughing out loud at work. I am honored to have met you and sincerely grateful for you embracing all my colors and encouraging me to continue the work I am doing in San Diego.

Friend, I pray you find strength in all you do and take refuge in your family, community and friends when you go through hard times. Allow us to build you up and bless you when we can. I write this not solely to you, but to those who read it to see what a wonderful example of love you are.

Katy thinks you’re a “firework” and so do I.

Lissie - When I'm Alone (Live)

I am a firework!

Love Love Love

Sushi Love

I like this.

I like this stage in my life where I am continually being challenged and broken down and raised up and blessed. Sometimes I think “How can I experience joy when I am daily worrying that I won’t be able to pay my bills or my rent?” And then it happens, you bless me. You call me and encourage me with your words. You surprise me with a free meal. You hug me. You invite me to coffee. Then I think, “How can I not experience joy when love is freely poured out in so many ways?”

The other night I was able to plan a date with one of the girls in our program at GenerateHope. I called her and ask her what type of food she’d enjoy having. “Sushi!” she exclaimed, “I’ve only had sushi from Target.” So we headed downtown for some sushi and conversation. Unaware of what to order I ordered us four rolls of different varieties to give her a taste of all the wonderful selections out there. First roll – bite, swallow, smile. This was good. Next roll – bite, swallow, smile. Good. Third roll – bite, swallow, cringe. Fourth roll – bite, gag, cringe, shake, spit out. This was not good.

Unfortunately I didn’t realize that by her saying she had tried sushi she meant California rolls only and the thought of raw fish actually freaked her out. As she sat there making gagging noises and trying not to throw up I couldn’t help but smile. This may seem cruel but this beautiful girl was trying to be so grown up and eat sushi like those she saw on television or in the movies.

Thankfully she didn’t throw up any yellowtail but she announced that she was done with sushi and she “wasn’t a fan.” I tried to make up for this with Mochi ice cream. This wasn’t for her either.

Afterwards we headed over to see Alysse Fischer and Dawn Mitschele sing out their stories and their experiences. Both have amazing voices and we were both excited to be there. My date for the night mentioned other musicians she had heard about and we enjoyed sharing our favorite artists and genres. As we left for the evening I was thankful to have been able to spend my Friday night with someone so amazing and excited to learn about food, music and life.

On the car ride there she exclaimed “This has been the best day ever!” She had gotten a call back for a second interview at a job, won the prize at school for a math activity and was now going on a date with me she said. She has been through a lot and yet, here she is, telling me that she is happy, that things were going well for her.

How can I not feel joy in this life when love is all around me? Today I am thankful to be alive and thankful for people in my life who make living in this stage of life wonderful.

I like you.