The best part about friendship is supporting dreams and witnessing the transformations as those long discussed

I sat on the side of the dark bar, a little nervous but ready. Ready to perform. I've always been a singer. But that night another beautiful songstress caught m eye. Well, my ear rather. The atmosphere was loud, full of party goers, supporter, and rap hopefuls. Executives from a record company I can't recall were there scouting talent. We were both among the hopefuls. She approached the stage, a little timid at first. With each note and her eyes closed she finished her song. The crowd never quieted but I was all ears. We were the only two singers inside that Auburn, Alabama bar. And just like any other singer, you recognize talent when you hear it. During the judges critique they whispered something about song choice and stage presence. Clearly, they hadn't heard the same angelic voice I'd just heard. And by the looks her supporters were giving, they also agreed with me.




 Fast forward ten plus years to this past Sunday. That same beautiful voice and now my close friend and former choir mate, Ingrid Woode, headlined at Jazz @ The House, presented at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Augusta, Georgia. Ingrid, who is backed by her talented band; the Woode Tribe Orchestra, packed the house and had the crowd screaming for more. As an accomplished and classically trained musician Ingrid Woode is soon to be a household name. With accolades that include working with two of music's most talented Grammy Awars winning artist: Queen Latifah and Lalah Hathaway, two independent albums Two Weak's Notice, and Going Live in Five with Ingrid Woode and the Woode Tribe Orchestra, there's no limit to what accomplishments lie ahead. It's amazing watching someone grow and fulfill their dreams. Her drive and tenacity to live a fulfilled life through her artistry is awe-spiring.





Style Notes

Shirt: Target 2X, Skirt: Thrifted size 16, Belt: Ross, Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction size 7.5, Bag: Steve Madden

 Hey there! Well I guess we can officially say that the holiday season is here. And I've never been happier about it. It's been quite a long time since I've been excited about the holiday season. Due to personal  reasons,  they have always been foreshadowed by previous life events. However, this year I'm so amped about spending time with family, a brand new year, as well as my up coming birthday in January.

Family:

I spent this past weekend with my grandmother in Savannah. I had dinner with family of course and did a little shopping but the time spent with family was by far my favorite. Seeing my older and younger cousins was great. Finally, I was able to spend time with my older cousins since I was always too young to hang. My spirits were so high because of the good times I rarely had time for pictures. Although I did manage to get in a few.

 The one thing that was truly needed was time alone with my grandmother. I can't remember the last time it was only us two in the house alone. I listened to he reminisce about times past. Learning about her childhood, first love and other life lessons was awesome. Our talks were the best, I'm so glad I had the bright I idea to record our sessions. I will always have those stories.

Fun:

Savannah streets are always littered with tourist. Since it's my second home, I've never really  done the tourist thing. With its weeping moss, cobble stone streets, and distinct southern history, I decided to take a walk down River Street. There I ran into some awesome singers belting out tunes like My Girl and Just my Imagination. A little ways down I walked into my favorite childhood candy store Savannah's Candy Kitchen. I loved it when my mother would take me there. Of course the free praline is always a good reason to go. And the weather was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better Saturday.  Looking forward to Christmas time.


Photos:

Touring River Street.

Visiting family. Their so cute!

Playing in grandma's jewelry