That Calamitous Event (Short Story)

 

It was a calamitous event. She no longer was able to wing it like she used to after her driving episode. It was not that long ago that she fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into her fear of driving. It was almost impossible for her to see beyond the storm that pushed her will away from the driver’s seat.

Every time she tried, emotions welled into her eyes again. She was riddled with heartache and just couldn’t be loosed of it.

On the anniversary of her accident every year, she would rehash the memories and bring back to life, that tender moment that left her courage paralyzed. She became steeped in confusion and was there in the moment once again walking through the chaos of nearly totaled memories. Her mind was like a wide 5K movie screen in a theater that holds a million and ten people.

She realized that that things we put our time into is the energy that we inject into the world we currently live in. To move beyond that which was once, we must at some point get out of our own heads. No longer was she going to let her accident be the fuel that kept her grounded to fear. It could not have been that paralyzing if it was in yesterday’s world and we are here in the now moment.

And that is when her vision became aligned with the courageous being she was custom created to be. She was no longer stuck in the illusions of yesterday; she was blooming her life through and rising into the sun above the noise. She was once again driving amongst the under the influencers, crazy bicyclist that don't care and the pedestrians who think the roads belong to them. But at the end of the day, that was what made life sweet and she was just motoring through.

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I am a singer and writer and enjoy the art of putting pen to paper to come up with ideas to stretch and bring to life.  I have an auuthor’s page on Amazon and  I invite you to check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Jeannot/e/B076N7XYC6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1614261295&sr=8-2

Perhaps you might find interest in one of the books that I was blessed to self-publish. Thank you so much for your time and have a fantastic day.

Peace and blessings. 

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#14DaysofLitLove Join the 2-week writing challenge!

https://christiewrightwild.lpages.co/14daysoflitlove/ 

R is For Relflecting on 2018

It’s the end of the year and there is no denying that in just a couple of days, 2019 will officially launch. As the days wind down and before we come to the collective conclusion of the year at hand, I thought it would be cool to reflect on 2018 as a way to celebrate the small little wins.

Is it me or have the days run out of patience as they seem to go by faster and faster the older I get?

It feels like yesterday when we were all singing the Prince Anthem, “1999” and coming into the year 2000 and now it is about to be 2019. Am I the only one who feels moment by moment crying out for my attention only for the experience to speed on by at breakneck speeds? I will say that I have been wearing my seatbelt, but I can’t help but to feel the whiplash of time that keeps ticking. But thank God I can feel it because there are many who have not made it to this point and to be here in the land of the living, still, is a blessing that I can own up to.

2018

In 2018, New York had one of the chilliest and longest winters I can ever remember. As the cold slipped out of the year’s clutches, the warm weather harnessed feelings of jumping into the ocean’s waters more than I’d ever been motivated to feel the sand under my feet on hot summer nights in my whole life.

Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Small Band

Once the latest school year was set in motion, it’s been working hard toward constant building and guiding the next generation of musically creative, young singers beyond the gates of their high school days and into their lushly orchestrated futures. Hopefully in their tomorrow, they will make a mark on the world with their aural charisma when you will bop your heads to their music echoing through your ears someday. They definitely have enormous potential.

With my mentor, Wayne Holmes

There were days where I harnessed melancholy moments where I delved deep into the heartfelt blues that made me want to cry me a river and I felt stripped bare emotionally. 

I lost a few people that were close to me including my mentor, Wayne Holmes, who was willing to share his mark of genius with me while he was alive. He pushed me into singing and helped to break me out of my shell. Losing him and the others that affected my life that went on to be with the Lord, felt like needle sharp thorns piercing at my heart. 

I used my gift of singing far into the night on many of the days I was graced to see; some days even the point of exhaustion. But I carried on with this level of ambition and spunk that has not left me yet. If you ever listened to me sing or were witness to a live performance, then you heard the sound of striving. Even when I felt intimidated by the roaring stadium sized collections of critics and naysayers, I still had faith in my own story because I know who I am and I have passion as deep as a river that makes me sparkle with a burst of energy and enthusiasm whenever a mic is in my hand.

2018 Dr Mary Umolu Jazzy Jazz Festival

How blessed I am that God opened doors to opportunities to sing on stages this year that I never thought I would see like with the New Rochelle Jazz Orchestra or at Citifield where I got to dance with and sing to John Starks or having the opportunity to remake the old Whitney Houston classic, “Love Will Save the Day,” and seeing my name on a vinyl record for the first time. You can check out the tune here: 

These were some of the many pieces de resistance of my 2018.

Some days I experienced dramatic bursts of aggravation because of all the pressures I felt from my own impatience with petty little things and acknowledged stubbornness that often seemed to go on autopilot. Back in the days, I would get liquored up to soothe my troubles, but I can crackle with excitement that on January 1, 2019, I will be five years alcohol-free because of a resolution I made back when 2014 kicked into high gear.  Hopefully I can do the same in the coming year as I attempt once again to rekindle a healthier lifestyle habit, on purpose.

First Sunset of 2018

And then there were times throughout 2018 where earnest expressions of joy, enthusiasm and love bloomed like a wildflower. But there was always hope peering from behind the door that gave me a blast of energy to link to the reality of it all and I am most thankful for the improvisational spirits of all those who were willing to dream right alongside me.  

As I recount my experiences, there were more good than bad, and I am thankful for it all. And as we go onto greater things in the coming 2019, all I can say is that I hope it is colorful, lively and luminous. I have an optimistic outlook and look forward to seizing the days of the new year as they come. I also hope to work towards improving myself consistently so I can build more quality into my own being which will require round the clock care which I hope I can maintain so I can experience the distant rewards before me.

I can’t believe that the year has come and gone so quickly, but before the sun of 2018 descends, I wish to you, immeasurable joy in the new year. I hope it greets you with its charming personality and keeps you feeling spiritually uplifted until the morning light of 2020. 

Savor every blessing as the year rolls along. I hope you accomplish many things and are so busy climbing up the ladder that you are able to not dwell too much on the daily frustrations or the temper of the times. Enjoy the confines of 2019.

Y is for Youtube.com/sj1and0

As we cluster together, I want to invite you to see me in my essence. With my feet firmly planted on earth, I come to you in hope that you might take the time to water my seed of destiny a bit. May I invite you to drift into the arms of my video feed on Youtube to watch at least one video+, and hopefully subscribe to my channel at http://www.youtube.com/sj1and0 .

I think I have flourished a lot since I put up my first video and it is great to see my own growth and transformation. 

I have original videos on there. I have cover songs performed in a live setting on there and lots of other things. I have band videos on there.

Maybe I can get your undivided attention for at least one minute and maybe you can take me at full value and check me out.  My Youtube channel is sj1and0 and I not only post but also watch lots of cool videos as well. Let’s vibe, if you don’t mind.

https://youtu.be/NjjRlsX8aH8

So! Are you on Youtube? I’d love to catch a glimpse of who you are. What is your Youtube channel? Can we follow each other? Hope so! Drop me your handle.

Alright then, hope that this post invokes good thoughts that knock on the doorstep of your mind. Have a great day. Peace and love everybody! 

The Best Part of My Day

“Little hinges swing big doors.” – David Hooper

The best part of my day is…

Photo by David A Powell

When I get around my students and these young people 

keep me grounded and sane. I come to their table and they 

encourage me with their warmth and their talent. Their 

company is graceful, engaging and captivating. 

Photo by David A Powell

They are like these 

unrecognized giants in my 

life that deserve a reservoir 

of goodness. 

They energize me. They inspire me to want to know more so 

that I can do better in trying to give them more knowledge 

that they can apply to their own lives and journeys. I never 

expected that you could learn so much through sharing your 

wealth of wisdom and experience. I actually give myself 

homework when I am around them; especially because I do 

not know so much about music. I am just a singer and was 

never really a student of music; though I would acknowledge 

the artists I listen to as my teachers. I only took one formal 

class series at Jazz Mobile which was over a three month 

span of time. I can say, the more I want to give them, the 

more research I do to find what I need to share with them for 

vocal health and for help with their music.  

Photo by David A Powell

Thunderous acclaim is definitely suitable for how they propel 

me with sheer confidence. They truly bless my life in every 

way. 

This post was inspired by a writing prompt by Mamakat. So 

in the spirit of sharing my favorite part of day, please share 

with me yours. 

Pow Profiling

David A Powell Photography

It was the first Tuesday of my summer musical residency at Maliblu Oyster Bar in Lido Beach, NY and I did not know what to expect except that I would be sharing the stage with one of the best keyboardists in NYC who happened to be a mentor of mine named Wayne Holmes. It was going to be a duet and we were going to get through each set, sparking ideas based on the mood of the crowd and the night as it evolved.

I was thrilled beyond belief at the music, and the atmosphere. Imagine! All the positive feelings that can be experienced when you follow your passion.

The First Night

In light of the scorching weather that lied ahead of us, I gambled on the idea that maybe the two of us could both wear white and red to be on common ground. And we did!  

David A Powell Photography

A friend of mine, a great photographer that showcases his photographic genius all over social media named David A Powell decided to tag along and he took some of the most amazing shots of the event including both my Facebook Page and Twitter profile pictures that are currently featured on both pages. You must check out more of his photography works on Facebook here:  

https://www.facebook.com/david.a.powell.90/media_set?set=a.10208609402185126.1073742483.1611784835&type=3

More Music

Melodiaz Creation Old Flyer

On the third week, things up a bit and I was joined by a guitarist, Clyde Bermingham and a keyboardist, Traviso Milner. I guess you might consider me bragging a bit, but to have played with such amazing talent as what they showed me, leaves me in such a festive state of being. I am boasting about it because I can’t help but to celebrate the fact that the best of my summer days was surrounded by music.

I must say that the Maliblu sessions that happened each and every Tuesday were awesome and as the summer comes to an unofficial end, so does my love affair with playing on their awesome stage after eight fantastic weeks, as Maliblu is really more of a cool, summer hangout spot.

The Last Night

The last night ended a little differently than I had expected. I was joined by Melvin Palmer on guitar, Traviso Milner on keys, Carolyn Cole on Congas and a host of their phenomenal musicians like saxophonist Marc Narcisse, vocalist Deboralynne Cole, keyboardist Vince Coleman and more who stopped by, jammed with us and had me fighting back tears at how beautiful everything sounded. I felt like I was being showered with love and it was awesome.

Vince Coleman Pics

Now, I am taking an attentive gaze at the future. I am realizing that it is the tiny leaps you take every day that generates joy within. I am excited and looking forward to the sizzles of tomorrow.

Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend everyone and play it safe; especially if you are wukking up the parkway on Labor Day. Break out the flag and your water and make sure you keep watch of your surroundings including your distance from the float. Representing Ayiti to the fullest. How about you?  

Oh P.S. Just in case you were interested in visiting those social media pages I wast ellign you about to see the profile pic and more, here are the links:

Facebook  . . . http://www.facebook.com/jnotemusic

Twitter . . .  http://www.twitter.com/musiqal1

My Website . . . http://www.jnotemusic.com

Enjoy!

K is for Killing Sounds That I Listen to Most

MamaKat added as one of her writing prompts to list the top most played songs in my playlist and when I took a look at the tunes that made up this list, it made me think of all the musicians and singers that put these songs together, the many times I have listened to them and how I came to love the music and also wondered about the experiences that these artists lived to be able to put all of themselves into these tunes. What wonderful songs! 

My top ten are:

1.       Get Up by Amel Larrieux

·      I just love Amel Larrieux. Her voice is da bomb and I love listening to any song that she has sung; whether it is with Groove Theory or her solo stuff. She sings and I listen to the words she has written; awesome writer. She sings and I sing along and imitate her style. She sings and I exercise my voice. I love what she can do vocally and I like her music a lot.

2.       I’ve Got a Right to Sing the Blues by Billie Holliday

·       Awesome song and awesome spin on it. I like Billie’s style. She was such a unique singer and has a great voice. Out of all the songs I have heard jazz greats sing, she has a different way of putting it and it is really nice to the ears. This song is new to my playlist but somehow is there as number two in my top ten most played list on my ITunes

3.       Bye Bye Blackbird by Carmen McRae

·         I have loved this song for a long time and I love the way that Carmen sings it. I have heard a few different versions of this song but Carmen’s spin on it is my favorite. Great standard from 1926 by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon. I love listening to it and I love singing it as a cover. Carmen’s way of expressing is really great. She is an excellent singer and I love her voice and the way that she carries any tune.

4.       Blue N Boogie by Dizzy Gillespie

·     Dizzy is one of my favorite jazz musicians of all time and I love everything that he plays. This song from 1944 is nice because it is jazz and funky at the same time. I like the rhythm. It is becoming weird to me though that most of the songs that are in my top 10 most played list were created decades before I was even born. But . . .

5.       Alone Together by Ella Fitzgerald

·         The director of the Medgar Evers Jazz Ensemble which I am a member of, was playing this song on his trumpet and I fell in love with it. I think since I heard him play it, I have listened to Ella’s version about 150 times. Great tune. Ella is just the quintessential singer and I love her vocal style.

6.       La Vie En Rose by Madeleine Peyroux

·         I love, love, love Madeleine Peyroux and I think this is one of my favorites not only because I appreciate her singing but because I am trying to learn the song and get a better grasp of French and she sings a great version of this song first rendered by Edith Piaf.

7.       He Looked Beyond My Faults by Vanessa Bell Armstrong

·         Vanessa Bell Armstrong has such a powerful gift. I used to hear a choir member sing this song at church and I always loved it but never knew that Vanessa Bell Armstrong sang a rendition of it until the other day when I was asked to sing it for a beautiful couple’s aunt who just recently passed away. Great song to listen to on any day however. Very encouraging and beautiful.  Such an inspiring tune and the way that Vanessa Bell Armstrong sings is refreshing.

  I Wish You Knew by Mariah Carey

·         I have always been a Mariah fan and I think I have every single album she has ever made and can sing every song on each and every one of them word for word. Her songs used to be about 90% of my repertory in the past. I think I have listened to her most over the course of my life.  I love her voice and her music and I love singing along with her material. This song is a great song. I love the way it progresses and the beautiful way that she expressed the lyrics. She is such a great songwriter.

           Bohemia After Dark by Clark Terry

·      Amazing tune. Clark Terry plays the life out of his horn. He is so very talented and this song offers such a beautiful listen.

Ooh by Stephanie Jeannot

·         This is a new song I recently penned and I have been listening to it over and over again because I like it and am trying to see if there is anywhere in the song where I can make improvements.  But when it is complete and up to standard, I cannot wait to share it.  

Married to "The Sound of Music"

"Jazz music is America's past and its potential, summed up and sanctified and accessible to anybody who learns to listen to, feel, and understand it. The music can connect us to our earlier selves and to our better selves-to-come. It can remind us of where we fit on the time line of human achievement, an ultimate value of art.” – Wynton Marsalis

Something New

There is no truer statement than this. As a music lover, sometimes you connect to songs and genres of music without even realizing it until you find out where the song comes from.

I have been in the process of trying to gain more strength in my piano playing, referencing books of sheet music and trying to play while reading, which is not easy.

I have come to a point where I have begun doing research on music, trying to find out more about jazz and within the process, I got a sheet music book of Ragtime songs. The book consists of over 20 tunes that were popular during that era by some of the most famous ragtime musicians of that day and time.



Something Borrowed

I am not sure if this applies to all young people, but I know that when I was a little girl, the sound of the ice cream truck during the summertime would draw my attention and caused me to be uneasy because I wanted some of the tasty treats offered. Even if I did not run to the truck, the music was sonorous and delightful. Until today, I remember it and have tried to repeat the phrases of the nameless song that used to call attention to children, on my keyboard, still not knowing much about the song except for what it sounded like. And then, I opened up the Ragtime piano charts book, started with the first page and when I began to play the song, to my surprise there it was.

The title of the song is “The Entertainer” which was written by the King of Ragtime also known as Scott Joplin in 1902. How interesting to find that after decades of first hearing a song and loving it without even knowing anything about the content of its music, that  I'd come to realize I enjoyed Ragtime music all my life. This could possibly be why when “Ragtime” was in the theatres in NYC, I had been with desire to see it. Though I never have, I am grateful to have a book featuring songs of this type that I can use in my own unique way.

Check out more about "the Entertainer" here:

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Entertainer_(rag)

The Best of Scott Joplin on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFeF_yFtssk

Something Blue


By unique I mean, I have kid sized hands that I have to stretch more than most people to play with both hands. My left hand has been underutilized and it feels like lifting weights trying to get it into piano playing mode.

Yet, I practice until my left hand is sore and my fingers are blue and numb. Hopefully I will get better at it, but for now, coming to more of an understanding of music is wonderful and helps me to value the art more than I ever considered.

Strange to be married to a simple sound of music without even knowing how much it has affected you as a person. And that's when you realize how influential music really is.  

The idea of being a musician and lover of what I do, makes my heart leap!