tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944051817953875272024-03-05T10:43:35.117-08:00Faith Groovin'I'll be sharing updates & news on my groovy music adventures - everything from the most recent "interesting" tv/movie sessions (hey like Battlestar Galactica to Forgetting Sarah Marshall this year in '08) to new artist projects, songs in the making & all that fun creative stuff! Thanks for reading & listening :) I couldn't do what I do without ya!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-68635981725458679502012-02-14T23:02:00.000-08:002012-02-14T23:18:35.213-08:00Rubbing elbows, connecting hearts w/ Jim Carrey, Eckhart Tolle & More :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422117_10150605156698908_805323907_9204893_153223027_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 443px; height: 227px;" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422117_10150605156698908_805323907_9204893_153223027_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On Feb 4, 2012 at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, I got to rub elbows and more importantly connect heart-to-heart with beautiful folks passionate about having movies, music, media & more carry messages of positivity & transformation!<br /><br /><br /><br />Founded by John Raatz & honorary founders Eckhart Tolle & Jim Carrey, the Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment http://gatecommunity.org launched their 2nd public event that day. It started with a daytime event focused on story-telling - how to tell compelling stories of transformation that are just as entertaining as they are inspirational. The evening event featured a long-list of best-selling spiritual authors to actors & more Hollywood folks & creative artists from all disciplines! You can see here: http://gatecommunity.org/gate2<br /><br /><br /><br />I was honored to be a fly-girl for the beautiful artist, Ash Ruiz, who wrote the theme song for the event "Only a New Seed Will Yield a New Crop" with Gardner Cole (co-writer of Madonna's "Open Your Heart" & my song "Write the Story") We were joined by my rockin' artist friend Ali Handal on Guitar & sound healer Christo Pellani on percussion & the bright shiny Terra Bundance on vocals.<br /><br /><img style="width: 497px; height: 324px;" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422977_10150605157778908_805323907_9204899_998057922_n.jpg" /><br /><br />Below are some highlights from that evening. If GATE speaks to your heart, please consider joining our movement of transformational change! http://gatecommunity.org<br /><br /><br /><br />ECKHART & HIS CUTE SMILE<br /><br />Right before the show started, I ran into the VIP room (with lotsa healthy yummies to eat) to use the bathroom one more time. In the tight hallway by the bathroom, I saw John Raatz (the amazing visionary behind GATE) & we both gave each other a loving but quick hello as I was rushing not to be late & he was busy escorting Eckhart. As I was going to close the door, Eckhart walked by, popped his head in for a second & gave me the sweetest joy-filled smile I'd ever seen. I closed the door laughing thinking this was my first perfect interaction with Eckhart :) His book Power of Now has meant so much to me as those of you know who have heard my song entitled just that. Somehow he is soooo present that a simple smile has such a powerful impact. It was the sweetness that tickled my heart – thank you Eckhart!<br /><br /><br />ANNIE LENNOX – CALLING OUT ALL THE FEMINISTS<br /><br />Though we artists dreamed of singing the big finale “Imagine” with the awe-inspiring Annie Lennox, we had to settle for her personal message on video – but that was still very cool to hear her passion for GATE. She called out to all the women & said we needed to reclaim the word “Feminist” and not shy away from it. I know I am one of those women that shy away from any word that incites separation, but I believe she was speaking from her heart about other women standing up with purpose to support our fellow women around the world who are being persecuted, mistreated & devalued. I’m definitely a supporter of all that & more!<br /><br /><br /><br />JIM IMPERSONATES ECKHART, ECKHART IMPERSONATES JIM<br /><br />I have never ever been to an event that was so packed with talent, insight & passion for positive change especially Hollywood – not to mention how long the event actually took. It wasn’t till past midnight that Jim Carrey hit the stage. The funny thing is he came out as they introduced Eckhart Tolle. Jim glided to Eckhart’s chair & took his seat ready to dispense insight at the microphone.<br /><br /><img style="width: 547px; height: 363px;" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/402713_10150605159858908_805323907_9204918_323870971_n.jpg" /><br /><br />Just then, Eckhart Tolle enters the stage & does a goofy “Jim Carrey-esque” gesture as he comes to reclaim his seat & get Jim Carrey off the stage. Eckhart gets started & says that Jim had been teaching him many different faces, faces of ego as he started to make funny faces at us. It was 1am & so we were all delirious & the fun just escalated from there. Unlike Eckhart’s videos where he is just so zen, still & somewhat serious, this evening Eckhart joked often…like this being his first time doing a gig at 1am or after a dog in the audience let out a weird shrill, he said “Oh a midnight vampire….(we all laugh…and then he continues) that’s okay – they need to hear this too”<br /><br />THE VIOLIN THAT MADE ME CRY<br /><br />The tiny power-house, transformational music artist Lili Hayden brought the house down & broke open hearts as she did mine that evening. Following the rockin’ rich sound of Eric Lumiere, Lili started with a very vulnerable vocal intro & then let her violin talk, wail, & more. Her body undulated, her passion oozed from her instrument, the rock band followed every rise & fall, and she quickened more & more & more & more till your heart couldn’t take it any more…I swear it was a musical orgasm & Lili left it all there on the stage. Surprising to me, tears began to fall at the sheer passion, fire & love that her music set into the ethers & into our hearts! Just awesome :) She is sweet too – she sat in a row in front of me & she turned around to mime to me how much she enjoyed my singing & I mimed back to her that she broke my heart open!<br /><br /><br /><br />I COULD’VE GOOSED JIM CARREY<br /><br />Jim gets us all cracking up as he acknowledges these unappreciated flowers on the stage. He goes on to plant his face into the flower pot for 5-10min as he continues his talk. Amongst the laughs, he shares a really important point to all the creative folk…make sure our transformational works of art are entertaining & fun & something people just want to watch because it feels good. Great point!<br /><br />After he spoke, we were in the wings backstage waiting to go out to do “Imagine” as the big finale. I remember being so excited as I saw him go to his seat in the audience earlier & now there he was standing right next to me, well his back to me chatting with John & other stage crew. I thought I should really say “hi” & how much I love his work, but of course the polite Asian in me said don’t bother the man. So instead I spend the rest of the time thinking – oh his butt is right there, I could goose him! Don’t ask me why, but that’s where my silly mind went…I promise it was an innocent thing or more like the prankster in me coming out. The good news, I did NOT goose Jim Carrey! The better news, next time I will say “hi” face to face :)<br /><br /><br /><br />ALL THE PEEPS<br /><br />We were well into the program when they announced that there was still a crowd of folks circling the block wanting to come in! So awesome – music artists, filmmakers, writers, visual artists, poets, authors, producers, teachers, watchers/consumers/fans of transformational entertainment, & so many more bright empowered folks were in attendance like their staff led by David Langer & all these other beautiful ones I got to hug & connect/reconnect with…the irreverently loving & lovable Dannion Brinkley, the ever-joy-filled visionary Barbara Marx Hubbard (I told her “Barbara you’re getting younger & younger” and she said “Yes Faith I’m going backwards :) ”),Carla Johnston - a dear friend/producer of upcoming transformational film "The Truth," Kathy Ryan – a sweet fan & incredible yoga teacher now using my music in her DVD, the oh so warm yet cool Wade & Baba from Funkamentalz, the radiant reporter Leela Vox and my new hommie from my hood new thought artist Kelly Corsino & her sweetie John Rozenburg, of course my Ali (Handal) & her hubby Andrew Goldenhersch with those magic fingers that entertained all as they entered!<br />MARIANNE WILLIAMSON TELLS IT LIKE IT IS…<br /><br />I got in a quick squeeze with Marianne during the first break. She invited me to one of her Monday night sharings & I got to tell her about baby Kai. It was a brief reconnection, but still so nice. It’s sad but I can’t remember the last conference or event we did together – it’s been too long. Anyway, she was on fire that night! She honored & celebrated GATE and all the folks who showed up and then called Hollywood on its stuff….the violence, the disturbing images that we send out into the world especially the Middle East that seem to step upon their very cultural beliefs. For a second, it felt like a really rally speech & a call-to-arms as she got everybody up on their feet. Marianne reminded us the road would not be easy (though I personally think we can always alter things by setting our intention & even more showing up in the flow of grace & ease), to hold the course, stand strong & see our mission through!<br /><br /><br /><br />SHARING THE NIGHT WITH MY BOYS<br /><br /><img style="width: 398px; height: 264px;" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/422582_10150608012928908_805323907_9213489_26764928_n.jpg" /><br /><br />This was the first night we left Baby Kai with our nannies, so I shared the night with my other boys…that’s my darling husband Nolan and my best music buddies, Harold Payne & Gerald White. This event meant so much to my heart as does GATE & its whole mission, so it really warmed my heart to have dear friends there to share this evening of amazing inspiration & just holding hands with my hubby as we watched it all unfold was just the best!<br /><br /><br /><br />GATE was kind in gifting me some seats as typical me, who is excited about stuff like this, started promoting the event & organization to everyone I could. Anyway, it was the neatest to see all the chairs with names of Eckhart, Jim Carrey, Jean Houston, Marianne Williamson, Edward James Olmos, Gary Zukav, etc. Then my name AND Gerald & Harold’s name…poor Nolan was a “guest” Harold leaned over early in the evening & said “Hey, I think we’re sitting in front of Don Miguel Ruiz (a very loving man & teacher to so many)” They moved him closer to the front row shortly after that.<br /><br /><br />MY PRINCE MOMENT, ONE OF MY FAV MOMENTS<br /><br />So I honestly do not listen to a lot of music (shhh don’t tell anyone). However, I do LOVE LOVE LOVE Prince! No he wasn’t at the event but he inspired one of the fav moments of that night. On our first rehearsal, Ash brought a track of Ali’s rockin’ guitar part. There was a funky breakdown section & organically we just both started doing a “huh” grunt & move every four beats (like how Prince would). Then we’d say two times “huh, huh”. Then three times “huh, huh, huh” and so on. How excited I was when Ash actually included as part of our performance. Look at the pics below & you can see my joy! What a highlight to work, play, co-create & serve with Ash who is all about just opening his heart & being in his joy onstage – it was such an organic, pure, real, fun performance & sharing from our hearts to the audience!<br /><br />LOUIE ANDERSON<br /><br />Louie was really a highlight of the evening - totally funny, not trying too hard, just real & loving :) The best was watching him backstage sitting in his director's chair laughing his butt off during Jim Carrey's sharing! Sweet sweet man & funnier than I've ever heard him!<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to all the sweet photographers/friends who captured the magic of the evening: Kelly Corsino, Nolan Hee, Terra Bundance, H20 Water with Intention, & Ali HandalFaithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-18468462923098626032011-06-14T13:00:00.000-07:002011-06-14T13:00:23.152-07:00http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Faith-s-eNews--Baby-Kai--6-19-Denver---5-Deal--New-Album--U-CAN-Sight-Sing.html?soid=1101457427717&aid=NHyJIVUG3Ak<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Faith-s-eNews--Baby-Kai--6-19-Denver---5-Deal--New-Album--U-CAN-Sight-Sing.html?soid=1101457427717&aid=NHyJIVUG3Ak">http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Faith-s-eNews--Baby-Kai--6-19-Denver---5-Deal--New-Album--U-CAN-Sight-Sing.html?soid=1101457427717&aid=NHyJIVUG3Ak</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-70232196718882576852011-02-28T14:40:00.000-08:002011-02-28T14:43:13.436-08:00My latest Video eNewsCheck out the latest news from seeing my baby bump, hearing a baby song, talking on Egypt & the role of women, 3/5 Aloha Goddess Luncheon, Hawaii 5-0 connection, 3/12 New Thought Music Festival & more! <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Video-eNews--Baby-Bump-Song-Reading--3-5-Goddess-Luncheon--Hawaii-5-0--Egpyt---more-.html?soid=1101457427717&aid=iP8pD4H7qLA">click here to read more</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-43625597185308804732011-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:002011-02-15T11:16:18.336-08:00Feb eNews - New Thought Music Fest, Aloha Goddess Luncheon & More<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Vday-Video--Baby-Update--3-12-New-Thought-Music-Fest--Aloha-Goddess-Luncheon.html?soid=1101457427717&aid=IPBllhLxKTA">Here's link to my Feb eNews :) Enjoy!</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-32286089281106285372011-02-14T09:45:00.000-08:002011-02-14T09:45:56.169-08:00Happy Valentines from My Heart to Yours<a href="http://animoto.com/play/nYsbvxCQ0sI2T3VyVyClLw">Happy Valentines from My Heart to Yours</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-51359976545565958192010-09-07T11:25:00.000-07:002010-09-07T11:27:32.778-07:00Aloha!<br /><br />Here's a link to my Sept Video eNews:<br /><a href="http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?NTk0MjY0_3706246">http://app.talkfusion.com/fusion2/view.asp?NTk0MjY0_3706246</a><br /><br />My sharing includes: an Oprah update, my new book/cd + my upcoming Aloha Goddess Retreat<br /><br />Enjoy - it's the first of more video sharings to come!<br /><br />Hugs & love,<br /><br />FaithFaithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-59148471194524732982010-05-05T17:15:00.000-07:002010-05-07T12:30:31.641-07:00How I Became a Veggie Head & Raw-at-heart<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://topmomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Au-Lac-.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 337px;" src="http://topmomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Au-Lac-.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >So how does a meat-eating local girl from the islands becoming a veggie head & raw-at-heart?</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Well this is my brief story mostly to share tips with those of you interested in exploring new territory in your eating adventures.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Again I’m just a newbie but since you asked here I go – the first part is my backstory into becoming a vegetarian & then exploring raw living foods, and the second part (which you can so just jump too) is practical tips/ideas/references.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:78%;" >thnx to TopMomBlog.com for this pic of my fav raw dish ever from www.Aulac.com</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So <b style="">I’ve always loved animals</b>!<br />As a kid, I had a dog named Prince, 10 guinea pigs named Stardust, Moonglow, Comet & more plus a nameless mynah bird, and yet there was always this disconnect that the food I ate used to be living, breathing critters once.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">On a trip to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> I even got to witness my Gramps & other relatives slay our dinner – a piggy & a goat crying on the side knowing he was next.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I had to carry the pig’s head in a big silver bowl to my Grandma.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Can you believe by the time it was cooked & served all pretty on the dining room table, I conveniently forgot all about the slaying part & dug into the delicious pork adobo dish?! [disclaimer:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">this is so about my own personal experience, not a judgment on meat-eaters or veggie heads]</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />As I’ve grow in my own spiritual practice & my knowing in the oneness of all life, I’ve always wanted to be vegetarian but knew I would not undertake that switch until it could be done with grace, peace & all that good stuff.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s the point of becoming a vegetarian or making any big change if it’s done with negativity, judgment, stifling rigidity & all that not so fun stuff?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So I patiently waited for that perfect moment to present itself & it did in Jan 2009.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Somehow I started the year not eating any meat, not as a conscious decision or anything, it just happened that way.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I love the mystery/synchronicity of the internet – it’s certainly been a big part of some of the most life-changing connections I’ve had in my life (that’ll be another story).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Anyway, on a website or email somewhere I read about something called <b style="">The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle</b> <a href="http://worldpeacediet.org/">http://worldpeacediet.org</a>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The title intrigued me deeply while my more shallow sarcastic side said “C’mon a world peace diet?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">What a cheesy concept?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Puhleeeeze!”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The lil’ kid in me always open to possibility won out the skeptic & I downloaded the eBook & began reading it.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Did you know all these folks were vegetarian:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Pythagoras, Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mahatma Gandhi (hey where are all the ladies)?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Also one of the lines I liked from the World Peace Diet <i style="">“It’s funny how we want transformation without having to change</i>.<i style="">”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />It’s been a while now since I read it but I do remember feeling pummeled by loads of information as the book continued.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes I felt angst maybe even anger coming from the author why we NEED to be vegetarian.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">However within this heavy-handed commentary on the seeming wrongs of being a meat-eater, some insights that I resonated with began to emerge.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Ideas like…</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">the disconnect between living breathing animals we see & appreciate out there, and the chicken mcnugget on our plate that we take in here (I’m pointing at my belly)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">the way we unconsciously move through this beautiful act we call eating/feeding our body necessary nutrients & “fuel” to do all that we do in life (we eat on the run, don’t make time to acknowledge/appreciate the food, etc.)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">the environmental, spiritual, physical, even emotional impact of eating animals</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />It also reminded me of a related aha moment that happened at a HUB event in late 2008 One of the speakers/HUB member Michael Beckwith said <i style="">we do not love in general, we love in specific</i> – </span><span style="font-size:100%;">meaning if I say I am loving or I am peaceful, then this should be reflected in all areas of my life, including my dinner plate. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I finally realized my own personal disconnect.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I had written songs on peace, a whole album about my passion for living everyday peace & sharing this message - knowing this is truly the only way our planet will experience true peace, one person at a time.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">And yet here I was eating everyday, unconscious of or maybe in denial of what it takes to get some yummy sushi or my island fav, kalbi (Korean short ribs) on my plate.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s not to say that there are not more conscious/sacred ways that cultures have approached getting their meat, but let’s face it – most if not all the of the meat we consume come to us from factories/companies whose main focus is not on health & wholeness for consumers or the animals.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If that were the case, I might have to re-consider this whole vegetarian thing.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Honestly it is not set in stone for me.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This might sound silly, but I have even questioned eating plants or any living thing.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So that would leave me with air & I think there actually are breatharians(?) – let’s not go there </span><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">:)<br /><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let’s just say <b style="">I felt compelled to bring my eating into alignment with my core values</b>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So that’s how I became vegetarian & I did it cold turkey - except for one slip up in January when I was starving after a Sunday church gig & ate some pasta at a farmer’s market & didn’t know there was meat in it.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank God for my hubbby, Nolan, who said, “Don’t freak out honey.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You didn’t know.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">So that’s been <b style="">my mantra around being vegetarian: not to freak out</b>, not to have it be some rigid thing in my mind and yet another thing to judge myself by.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">With this more graceful approach, I’ve never gone back to meat.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">By Feb 2009, I don’t remember what exactly brought me to eating raw foods (probably an article/ website online), but Nolan & I signed up to receive a week’s worth of raw vegan foods from <b style=""><a href="http://www.rawvolution.com/">www.Rawvolution.com</a></b> to give it a shot. We committed to doing it for two weeks, so this meant no meats of any kind, no dairy or eggs, and all uncooked, unprocessed & organic veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I continued into a 3<sup>rd</sup> week at about 90% raw.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This experience surely helped me to commit to a vegetarian lifestyle.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">It was challenging given that even salads were not a common part of our diet.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I must say it was a joyfest for my tastebuds – so much that it was sometimes overload for me because of all the different flavors I had never experienced before & the intensity of those flavors.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In that short time we experienced superhero nail strength, energy boost & I noticed my hands were not shaky as they always had been.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In fact I didn’t really know my hands were shaky until I recognized how stable they were after going raw.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Plus of course about 5-6lbs of weightloss.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For Lent this year (2010), inspired by Nolan, we committed to <b style="">46 days of raw vegan living foods</b>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">During that time we found soooo many more awesome raw food choices, restaurants, snacks & so on.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Some folks may love the bold, hard-core nature of the Rawvolution menu, but for us to make it through what we thought was going to be a long-ass time</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, we sought out all the yummiest raw foods we could find which is what led to my list of favs below.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I’ll also include references to other websites & folks that have a way deeper understanding of raw food & that can answer all your questions.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We did not experience the same superhero nail strength like before, but here were other experiences we had:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">feeling lighter (in all ways)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">more connected with life & nature</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">great weight-loss (Nolan 15lbs, me 12lbs)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">more energy for me</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">my complexion was more smooth & clear (I’ve had acne since I was a kid)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">our skin felt baby smooth all over (even like our heels & elbows) </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">less energy & more sleepy for Nolan at times</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">de-tox at the ending for Nolan</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">certainly more awareness/appreciation for food, eating & our bodies</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;">time slowed down, felt more flowy & relaxed</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">So on Easter we completed our 46 day raw adventure & the funny thing is the hardest part for me was that final day, dreading my old life or old mental battles around food thinking should I eat that?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I could, but do I? & blah blah blah.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Driven by my old-school mentality of “let’s party” & “celebrate” because we did accomplish 46 days raw, I had a not so good pasta dish, then a soy chai latte at the airport in <st1:city st="on">Calgary</st1:city> & ended with a veggie Papa John’s pizza at night in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Long Beach</st1:place></st1:city>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">My body rebelled & I was down for two days with a froggy voice, congestion & the yuckies.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The bottom line for me is<b style="">:<span style=""> </span>what I think, how I feel & what I believe around my food choices is as important as the actual food choices</b>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I remain a veggie-head & raw-at-heart with about an 80% raw diet.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The sweetest thing is my mind is in agreement & above all, I’ve committed to having peace, grace & even fun be a part of my experience around food.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This keeps the tummy & the soul happy!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Peaceful eating to you…make time to enjoy, celebrate & appreciate the foods that fuel our vibrant lives :)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">FAV RAW FOODS /DRINKS</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ablsolute FAV Raw Restaurant:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">AULAC. We love Fried Chicks, Curried Rice,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Da bowl,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Humanese soup (ask for it to be blended), & Blueberry smoothie <a href="http://www.aulac.com/">http://www.aulac.com</a><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"> Fountain Valley</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>) (</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Easy & Yummy BREAKFAST DRINK to start each morning: Juice organic oranges, blend with ice, banana, & a handful spinach (Thanks to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Siena</st1:city></st1:place> from <a href="http://www.makenamusic.com/">www.makenamusic.com</a> – she has a raw cookbook coming out soon w/ amazing recipes!)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Simple extras to make SALADS Super: Organic Broccoli/Carrot slaw from Trader Joe’s, Pine nuts & Avocado (I bring these two on the road with me to dress up salads)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chocolate Shake & Cheesecake from <a href="http://www.planetraw.com/">http://www.planetraw.com</a> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Santa Monica</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Coconut water – fresh & cut open at Whole Foods</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Kale shake & raw tacos at <a href="http://www.sunpowernatural.com/">http://www.sunpowernatural.com</a> (near Universal Studios in southern CA)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Siena</st1:place></st1:city>’s homemade fudge – contact her for this & more recipes/advice at <a href="http://www.makenamusic.com/">www.makenamusic.com</a></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Raw chocolate coconut fudge <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.awesomefoods.com">www.awesomefoods.com</a> (2<sup>nd</sup> to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Siena</st1:city></st1:place>’s homemade fudge)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cheesecakes from <a href="http://earthcafetogo.com/onlinestore">http://earthcafetogo.com/onlinestore</a> (boxed - sold at Whole Foods & other stores that carry raw food or order online) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pizza, Burger, Tuna w/ salad from <a href="http://www.goodtogorestaurants.com/">http://www.goodtogorestaurants.com</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">(<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Huntington Beach</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Bliss Mix</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.royalhimalayan.com/berriesnuts.htm">http://www.royalhimalayan.com/berriesnuts.htm</a> (order online or make your own mix)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Raw chocolate covered nuts & raisins from Gone Nuts at Whole Foods or order online</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://livesuperfoods.com/snacks/LIV006.html?Screen=USL&Code=LIV006">http://livesuperfoods.com/snacks/LIV006.html?Screen=USL&Code=LIV006</a></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Best “sandwich” & chips <a href="http://www.greeneryrawcafe.com/">http://www.greeneryrawcafe.com</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">(<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">San Diego</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">CA</st1:state></st1:place>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Raw Tokyo Salad at <a href="http://www.mothersmarket.com/">http://www.mothersmarket.com</a> (in southern <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chips, salsa & guacamole & more <a href="http://www.gorawcafe.com/">http://www.gorawcafe.com</a> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Las Vegas</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">NV</st1:state></st1:place>)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ginger Snaps from <a href="http://www.goraw.com/">http://www.goraw.com</a> also sold at Whole Foods</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cheesy Kale Chips <a href="http://www.blessingsaliveandradiantfoods.com/kaleinkrunch.html">http://www.blessingsaliveandradiantfoods.com/kaleinkrunch.html</a> also sold at Mother’s Market (<a href="http://www.mothersmarket.com/">www.mothersmarket.com</a>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >MORE RESOURCES</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">if you google “raw” you’ll find many sites, these are just some personal folks/friends I’ve met along the way</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/how-to-become-a-vegetarian-the-easy-way/"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/how-to-become-a-vegetarian-the-easy-way/">http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/how-to-become-a-vegetarian-the-easy-way/</a></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.pamsterling.com/"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.pamsterling.com/">http://www.pamsterling.com</a> – receive a free info packet about becoming raw when you sign-up for her enews & watch her youtube videos for making quick raw meals</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Contact Siena Lee at <a href="http://www.makenamusic.com/">www.makenamusic.com</a> so she can let you know when her recipe book is done or listen in to her ongoing GirlMeetsGirl podcast with Toast Tajiri</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/">http://www.meetup.com</a> – search for vegetarian or raw groups in your area</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rawinspirations"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rawinspirations">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rawinspirations</a> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">- Laura Fox, Raw Food radio show</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.thetravelingvegetarian.tv/category/blog"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.thetravelingvegetarian.tv/category/blog">http://www.thetravelingvegetarian.tv/category/blog</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">– blog from music artist/vegan & a new friend from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nashville</st1:place></st1:city></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.vegetarianhealthinstitute.com/"><br /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.vegetarianhealthinstitute.com/">http://www.vegetarianhealthinstitute.com</a></span> </p>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-57749451728732759132009-12-16T19:32:00.000-08:002009-12-18T00:10:18.027-08:00New Thought @ 2009 Parliament of World Religions<span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4192135900_f7cb2bc1d2_o.jpg" /> <span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;" ><br />[pic above by Steve Rohrbach of Agape Int'l Choir w/ us Village Choir People @ the Sacred Music Concert - <strong><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59axTIql1QM">SHORT VIDEO CLIP</a></span></strong> see more <a href="http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=8&sn=16">videos here</a>]</span><br /><div><a href="http://i.pbase.com/o2/40/555540/1/120062070.PIrNVvZg.AgapeInternationalChoir.jpg"></a><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>11/30 MONDAY</strong> - <strong>LAX 2 Syndney 2 Melbourne on V Australia</strong><br /><br />*Fun dance songs (that I don’t know) thump away as I wait in the V Australia line. Then right as I approach the friendly, gorgeous blond agent, my fav “Unwritten” by Natasha Beddingfield fills the airwaves…good omen for the trip </span></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Anytime I need a pick-me-up on the 14 hr flight, I head for the bathroom & get a fix of bumpin’ dance music </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Did you know if you order special vegetarian meal, they serve you first?! Yay! </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*On int’l flights, it’s movie/tv/game time w/ a feast of goodies to choose from. Passed on Harry Potter’s latest movie & instead found myself totally taken in by The Cove, a documentary on what’s happening with sweet dolphins in a hidden town of Taiji, Japan. Amazing to hear the story of Ric O’Barry, who helped launch the multi-billion dollar dolphin industry as Flipper’s capturer & coach & has now committed his life to freeing every single dolphin in captivity.<br /><br /><strong>12/1 TUESDAY</strong> <strong>- The Tuesday that never was…</strong><br />This day somehow disappeared as we traveled to the “land down under” (ooh they played this song often in the bathroom)<br /><br /><strong>12/2 WEDNESDAY</strong> - <strong>New Thought Pre-Conference bringing together Unity, Centers for Spiritual Living, Divine Science, Foundation for Better Living, ANTN & more (see <a href="http://www.kindnesskrusade.org/whats-happening">videos here</a>)<br /></strong><br />*In Sydney – wow, the guy arranging the luggage as they drop onto the conveyer belt in Customs is so GQ’d out w/ full suit & tie & nice smile </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*No tip jar in sight at the coffee shop at the airport or anywhere I’ve seen in Sydney & Melbourne. I’ve heard folks get paid better here so don’t count as much on tips. </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Once in Melbourne, I SkyBus it to the city, meet a Fleetwood Mac fan from Tasmania on the bus in town for their concert, she tells me where to get off & I roll my luggage past shopping complexes & impeccably dressed Aussiess to my sheek, mini-hotel room @ the Pensione on Spencer (great rate – my roomie & I split $115 per night) </span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*I freshen up for a minute & run, run, run to the pre-conference @ the convention center <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4192139404_e6a2f1336e_m.jpg" /> just in time for the ending of Michael Beckwith’s meditation. Yay I made it in time to sing “God Is…” backed by the fab AGNT music director <strong>Doug Lebow</strong> to 250+ new thought folks from around the globe including all our fab leaders.[Pictured below thanks to Steve Rohrbach: <strong>James Trapp, Kathy Hearn, Michael Beckwith, Barbara King, Kenn Gordon, Mary Tumpkin</strong> & many more] </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /><img src="http://ct3.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982371.foLkGlt0.jpg" /> <img src="http://ct3.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982372.t0kgWZZB.jpg" /> <img src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982373.6uDZIhYd.jpg" /> <img src="http://ct3.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982370.o05g9LVv.jpg" /> <img src="http://ic2.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982386.4MgCUffZ.jpg" /> <img src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t3/40/555540/4/119982387.NuG1BRsL.jpg" /><br /></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*On the walk home, loving the Yarra River & bridge that I’ll cross everyday + I spot the flashing lights of the Crown Casino across the street – my mom taught me well (she’s from Hawaii & Vegas is their mecca)<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/4192138254_c26f1f7553_m.jpg" /><br /></span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Seems like I elulded mr. jet lag – I feel great the whole day/evening. Thank you universe! </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>12/3 THURSDAY</strong> <strong>- Opening evening ceremony for the World Parliament of Religions which happens only every 5 years</strong>. (Last time it was in Barcelona. Melbourne was probably chosen this year because of its green facilities at the Convention Ctr & the so user-friendly transportation system)<br /><br />*Morning walk along the Yarra River – art at every turn some including pinwheels (pic below by Megan Stanek), lotsa eclectic bridges, black swans, large golden bees on top of a building, stopped for an Egg McMuffin & watched a cool falling leaf do perfect summersaults on its entire way down.<br /><img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs043.snc3/13047_218518582564_711827564_4253557_7665753_n.jpg" /></span></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*The highlight among highlights of my morning walk – stepping into the most beautiful cathedral I’ve seen, St. Paul’s on Swanston then hearing an all girls choir rehearse Christmas songs, being led to my Melbourne angel via a shiny golden angel mosaic near the sanctuary, and a prayer said in that very cathedral by Pope John Paul II as he knelt at a prayer station: <em>God our Father, you have made us to be one and sent your son Jesus to be our light. Bring together in truth the separated Christians that we all may be one and the world believe in the light of your love. Amen.</em> </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Opening ceremony: Lotsa dignitaries, about five thousand folks in attendance, Aboriginal shaman and the Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir welcome us. I love the global fusion! I don’t so love the formal speeches, the slow pace, or the music (just a personal thing, y’know) but appreciate their heart of sharing. I poop out early & head home. I end the night in our curtain-less, door-less shower & end up showering the entire bathroom and myself. I’m in bed by 9pm.<br />[Pic - official logo for 2009 Parliament of World Religions]<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4151236993_4de7d0368b_m.jpg" /> </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/">Parliament of World Religions</a><br /><br /><strong>12/4 FRIDAY</strong> <strong>- First official day of break-out sessions @ the Parliament</strong><br /><br />*My first session was the Spiritual Practice of Yoga – we do poses while singing Sanskrit chants at the same time. Kinda like rubbing your tummy & head at the same time. </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*There's a big turn out at our first New Thought panel with delicious music by Lisa Ferraro & Ericka Luckett (pic below by Steve Rohrbach)<br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4191426231_03f803b233_m.jpg" /><br />*Lunch with awesome teen, Alex Eisenhart, @ Automatic overlooking the river.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4191377695_2b5c70bf7f.jpg" /><br />We chat all bubbly like two teens except for I’m like not a teen, but I feel like one (does that count?) He reads me his list of Aussie sayings that he got from his local cousins + a few others I learned:<br /><em>How you going - how are you doing?<br />No Worries - you’re welcome, not a problem<br />Take away - to-go, take-out<br />Pop it away/down/etc. -Put it away/down/etc.<br />parking lot-car park<br />tough guy-muzza<br />"z"-zed<br />cool/awesome-grouse<br />that's sick (in the good way)-that's the cootes<br />college-university<br />delicious-beautiful<br />tea with milk-white tea<br />downtown-in the city<br />Movie Theatre-cinema<br />mall-plaza<br /></em></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Learn a chant 10min before a Divine Feminine presentation by friend/Gather the Women co-founder, Kathe Schaaf http://www.womenattheparliament.blogspot.com/ I lead the chant & an impromptu dance (the moves help me remember the words) to close the session (pic below by Steve Rohrbach):<br /><em>We all come from the mother<br />And to her we shall return<br />Like a drop of rain<br />Flowing to the ocean</em> </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4191460253_e278aa92fa.jpg" /><br /></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*At the Divine Feminine presentation, connect with Valerie Kaur, a young beautiful Seik woman. She has a degree in divinity, is finishing law school, promoting her film Divided We Fallhttp://www.dwf-film.com/, and is a presenter at this session. We share briefly about our spiritual paths & as different as they seem in practice, the core principles are undeniably the same. I laugh “I’m a Seik” & she smiles “I’m New Thought”! </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*At the same presentation, I hear about a religion new to me called Urantia that shares New Thought’s principles of oneness. They believe Jesus not only came on a mission to earth but that his work was meant to impact many worlds/planets as well. I was intrigued. I have to find out more. </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Community Night ~ Parliament attendees take buses to party with different faith communities. I choose to go meet the local new thought community at Unity of Melbourne where I’m to sing on Sunday. The bus ride is super fun – my lil’ group are the loud silly ones. I sit with a very bubbly lady named Honey, a sweet quiet lady from Christian Science who wanted to find out more about our faith, and Laura from Samoa who claimed no particular religion & just loved serving wherever she was needed from Christian service projects to relief missions of other faiths. The highlight that evening: aboriginal healer Jeremy Donovan (pic by Graeme Sharrock).<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/4192185604_1670f059e0_m.jpg" /><br />His didgeridoo droned while other seeming voices spoke /chanted over it. It was amazing – something I’ve never heard before from this instrument. He’s so passionate about sharing the power of his Aborigine culture! The Indian food was mmm mmm good too!<br /><br /><strong>12/5 SATURDAY</strong> <strong>- My first performance w/ the Agape Int’l Choir</strong><br /><br />*Go on another gorgeous morning walk along the river, then go to a session on spiritual teacher/artist Sri Chinmoy. I’m blown away by his creativity: over 17,000 songs, 50,000 poems, drawing/painting millions of “soul birds,” 700 concerts! Wow! If I could do just a pinky’s worth of the art he did, it would be awesome! He’s my inspiration to write, dance, sing, paint everyday!!! </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*I walk by a dedicated man (I saw him take his mask off) everyday at the front of the Convention Ctr Exhibit hall (pictured below), plus peaceful protestors that I beam love & gratitude too (one group whose sign says: <em>Trust NO Religion - Trust only Jesus </em>and another group: <em>All Religion is a Delusion. Think for Yourself</em>)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4191374159_99d8cb9674.jpg" /><br /><br />*Discover yummy, delicious, fresh food at the nearby Crown Casino ($3 overflowing greek salad) + free drink! And like a good girl, I “tithe” to the Casino with a few spins here & there on their slot machines. Most machines will only take dollar coins. They have an interesting feature of “taking your win” or “gambling your win” once you hit a money-making pull.<br />*Following a surprisingly conservative/traditional Samoan choir (I’m used to them rockin’ out in Hawaii), we (Agape Int’l Choir along w/ us Village People Choir as Rickie called us) get our divine groove on in one of the larger break-out rooms w/ hundreds in the audience. Rickie calls me forward, since I’m kinda in the back (everybody was so excited to sing, be seen & all that good stuff). Anyway, I jump forward & get to do a verse on “My God is So Good to Me” I open my mouth & out comes… “In my time of transformation” – the choir sings “God is so good” & I seriously have one of those gospel/spirit-take-me-over moments wailing “IN MY TIME OF TRANSFORMATION…” It was super fun to let my spiritual groove hang full out!<br />*I end the night with fun, heart-to-heart time with Patricia Bass (awesome Rev. from Unity of Overland Park). I bring her to the posh lounge/bar at the Crown Casino – we get our own plush circular rocking chairs overlooking a view of the city. We sip on Sprite & mineral water (I know what party animals, huh?). We chat about décor, babies, to what’s next in both our ministries! We both agree it’s time to level up & be bigger & of more service than we’ve ever been before.<br /><br /><strong>12/6 SUNDAY</strong> <strong>- Performances @ Unity of Melbourne & the Parliament’s Sacred Music Concert</strong><br /><br />*Get to know Big John, our awesome driver to Unity of Melbourne – he shares his story of finding Unity teachings & his move from corporate world to freedom in pursuing his own passions in the finance world. We don’t miss a single stadium or sport arena on our drive out since Big John is dad to two pro football (yknow, soccer) players. </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Unity of Melbourne is filled with ministers & attendees from the Parliament. The Christmas tree is aglow with the backdrop of light colored panes in pastel greens, blues, lavenders & pinks. Sr. Minister, Rev Bill, hosts the entire day with humor & Aussie love & plays a mean organ & piano :) Doug Lebow & I rock out with the energetic crowd on “Coming Together,” then prep the talk with “Called to Be” (me on piano & Doug on guitar), bring it to the heart with “God Is…” and end with “Colors of Praise” with the lyrics on screen so everyone sings on the chorus. Sweet talk by Rev. Julie Montague out of Whiterock, B.C. in Canada (also the new chair of the Assoc. of Unity Churches). We are not about miracles, she says, because that would mean we think these beautiful moments of synchronicity are rare & unexpected. Julie goes on…No – we’re about DEMONSTRATION baby (I added the baby). That means, we are about demonstrating daily thru our practice, our way of being & our resulting experiences the everyday magic that is our life! Yay! </span></div><div></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Mmmm find some delicious vegetarian sushi at the food court before our big performance tonight at the Sacred Music Concert </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*We rehearse thru all the songs Rickie might choose from. We get all squishy on the risers, trying to find space to do the moves & groove! With a few “Hey Tim, can we…” (Tim is Rickie’s awesome music assistant), we move the platforms around enough to give us all the space we need. Then we wait & wait backstage in our room. I scrounge for food for Doug Lebow as he runs to his hotel room to get his bass (since he only brought his guitar). So fun to see how excited all the ministers are – just like me, it’s our first time to experience the Agape Int’l Choir from the inside perspective. With colorful silk garb flowing, we take to the stage – the woman to my right is nervous & needs lil’ “you can do it” hug. The curtain opens & we begin to share the heart of New Thought teachings thru music. The divine groove is infectious & by the end of “We Let it Be” everyone – from Sieks to Muslims & everyone in between is on their feet and if not on their feet, like some of the Buddhists Monks & Nuns, they’re swaying from side to side in their seats, clapping their hands. After this high, Rickie goes immediately into our final song “See the Best of Life” (I think that’s the title) and a few of the Revs behind me begin crying & tears of joy flow as we end our first unified sharing of our inclusive teaching of love from new thought with the world! It was glorious to say the least.<br />[Pic by Ray Messner of Rickie BB] <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4162467553_eab7bedf80.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>12/7 MONDAY - Rainforest, Beach, then Youth @ the Parliament</strong><br /><br />*My roomie, Megan Stanek (the beautiful on-site coordinator from AGNT for all us New Thought folks), and I take a bus out of the city to board Puffing Billy & take a train ride thru the forest in the scenic Dandenong Mountain Range. We stop first to have tea & scones at a rest stop while a laughing kookaburra watches & cockatoos & other fun birdies fly by (pics below by Megan Stanek).<br /><br /><img src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs043.snc3/13047_234731142564_711827564_4342129_3910106_n.jpg" /><br /><img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs043.snc3/13047_234731202564_711827564_4342135_7154218_n.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs063.snc3/13047_234731292564_711827564_4342145_3373430_n.jpg" /><br />*Once I’m back to Melbourne, I head to St. Kilda beach with Kyra Beahr (vibrant founding Rev from Unity of Divine Love in Chandler, AZ). We walk the beach, share our year’s highlights & lessons and intention for the new year. We make our way to Acland street lined with boutiques & cafes. We order sweet treats & lattes, pet all the fluffy doggies that go by, then head into a boutique & buy matching diva wear blouses (Kyra gets white, I get it in black) + black sex leggings. We head back to the convention center on a sugar high & shopping bags in hand.<br />*The evening session featured amazing youth artists & speakers. Aside from the Sacred Music Concert, this was truly my favorite general session! A standout among the amazing presenters is Hugh Evans //www.hughevans.com.au committed to ending poverty in our lifetime. His passion attracted support from stars like Bono to Pearl Jam & has led to awesome results like the Australian government upping their foreign aid to needy countries. The night ends with joy & giggle-filled dancing up at the youth café! So neat seeing all the bubbly Japanese teens, the tall African youth, young-loving older folks (like me haha), and the rest of the multi-cultural mosh pit that danced on & on, did high-kicks, grooved in a circle, & connected at a heart level by partying on the dance floor!<br />[pic by Ray Messner of Hugh Evans]<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/4165422581_62528f3518.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>12/8 TUESDAY</strong> <strong>- Hooky day</strong><br /><br />*With umbrellas in hand, Doug Lebow & I make it thru the rainy city, jump on the FREE (ooh I like that) city tram to Victoria Market Place (great deals, souvenir shopping, yummy vegan café, thai foot massage, exotic deli, long lines at the doughnut bus, music & more) </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Attend a Classical Indian Dance class but sneak out during the “pretend you’re sad & longing for your lover” exercise </span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Sneak into a packed room playing the film, Compassion Rising. When the lights turn on, find out I’ve been right next to composer/teacher Michael Stillwater. He then films lil’ clips of me for his film “In Search of the Great Song” – an amazing project helping people to find their own song Watch out for it (www.innerharmony.com)<br /><br /><strong>12/9 WEDNESDAY</strong> <strong>- Sing “Stand Together” & experience the Dalai Lama</strong><br /><br />*As part of our last New Thought presentation (featuring Rev. Mary Omwake to Keith Cox, Peggy Price & more), I perform “Stand Together” (which I wrote with Harold Payne for AGNT’s 2008 Awakened World Conference) with Doug Lebow & more new thought singers that surprise the audience by coming up during the 2nd chorus. We end the very upbeat panel with my sing-along “Coming Together” </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4191428849_a7f71797bf.jpg" /><br /><br />*I go through security with my Melbourne buddies (Megan & Doug pic above) to see the Dalai Lama at our closing session. He is as funny & warm as Mary Morrissey (my friend & former facilitator for talks w/ the Dalai Lama) has told me in the past. His Holiness loves his gift from Aborigine leader, Auntie Joy who presents him with a leafy floral arrangement & a skinned fur. The Dalai Lama giggles “…oh it’s living…warm” After settling down, he says he is so happy to be joining us, to see our unity as people of different faiths ,then challenges us now to take this into action, in our everyday lives. Hi Holiness shares with such love, calmness all while cameras flash continuously as he speaks. We are all blessed by his participation! [Pic below - thnx Ray Messner]<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4170736413_67dc9926f2.jpg" /><br /></span></div></div></div><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*End our last evening with a free city Tram tour w/ my roomie & meet up with Doug and have the most fab Rocket Salad @ the Holiday Inn (Doug’s hotel) A wee bit jealous of Doug ~ our entire room is the size of his extended bathroom area. No worries, though, as Aussies would say - Megan & I did super in our cozy settings :)<br /><br /><strong>12/10 THURSDAY</strong> <strong>- Last day & more airport running</strong></span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*Last minute shopping @ the Victoria Market Place where I find the Thai foot massage place, the much talked about Feng-shui store, eat another delicious veggie Indian meal while listening to the soothing flute sounds of a Peruvian band playing outdoors. </span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*I help my roomie drag her luggages a few blocks to the train station, in time to take my final walk (for now) along the Yarra River. I sit on the rocks at the edge of river at Batman Park & thank the city & my Oz angles for making it such a special trip. I vow to come back with Nolan & maybe even my family from Hawaii. </span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*I re-connect w/ lotsa Parliament attendees at my gate waiting for our Melbourne flight to Sydney. So fun – we have our own lil’ Parliament at Gate 31 with two young reporters from Muslim Today in Chicago, a Monk Nun now on her way to Vietnam to lead a large women’s leadership conference, a spunky mom & daughter duo from Agape & a few ladies from around the country that sang with me as part of the extended Agape Choir. It was super to hear everyone’s experiences & feedback on the Parliament. Meanwhile, I saw guys playing different video games in our gate areas – Simpsons pinball & Daytona car racing. </span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*We are delayed so late that they have to hold our flight in Sydney (heading to L.A.) for over an hour as we use our golden passes to fly through customs then run, run, run to the gate to our comfy middle aisle seats. I get to watch the ending of “Strictly Ballroom” which I started on my flight to Australia, “Mao’s Last Dancer” (awesome!) “Star Trek” (I saw it once before), and finally Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal” which of course I miss the romantic, climactic ending as we land (I’ll have to rent it again). I exit the plane super excited to see my honey & super antsy to find out how “The Proposal” ended </span><br /><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >*My evening ends doing show & tell with Nolan on our time apart and snuggling on the couch sharing all the highlights, pictures, souvenirs, stories & more! Can’t wait to create new memories in my fav city of Melbourne on my next visit…wanna join me?! Contact me at <a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/">www.faithrivera.com</a> <a href="mailto:aloha@faithrivera.com">aloha@faithrivera.com</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/faithrivera">www.facebook.com/faithrivera</a> Thanks for reading & sharing in this experience :)</span><br /><br /><br />MORE BLOGS TO CHECK OUT<br /><a href="http://newthoughtnewsservice.blogspot.com">http://newthoughtnewsservice.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.womenattheparliament.blogspot.com/">http://www.womenattheparliament.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.kindnesskrusade.org/whats-happening/">http://www.kindnesskrusade.org/whats-happening/</a><br /><a href="http://blog.enlightennext.org/tag/parliament-of-the-worlds-religions/">http://blog.enlightennext.org/tag/parliament-of-the-worlds-religions/</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-40835712444041024892009-06-08T11:06:00.000-07:002009-06-08T11:15:10.666-07:002009 "I Am Power" Songwriter's SummitBack in 1996, my hubby, Nolan & I launched our record label <em>Lil’ Girl Creations</em> with no clue, but lotsa “how-to” books & a simple mission statement to inspire & empower through music. The universe has surprised us time & again with opportunities to do just that, like this past April when I was called to Clearwater, Florida for 3 days of writing with some of the most amazing new thought/positive music songwriters in the country. With the beach across the street, in a cool reality-tv-ish 8-bedroom home, we wrote in pairs – songs on prosperity & body-image for the roll-out of a revolutionary self-empowerment program called <a href="http://www.iampower.com/">I Am Power</a>!<br /><br />It was truly a gift & an honor to be a part of this songwriters summit! The songs created from our time together have continued to inspire & empower me personally each day – so I can’t wait to share them with all of you & millions around the world. Here are highlights from my time with these awesome songwriters in the order of our writing sessions….<br /><br /><a href="http://www.haroldpayne.com/">Harold Payne</a> two of the cutest, sing-along-a-ble affirmation chants I wrote on the trip "I'm Making Money & It Feels So Good" (aka The Moolah Song) & "I'm Beautiful" plus his "break-in" into the beach house to get his luggage (haha - only funny because he did get his luggage, of course)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.davidrothmusic.com/">David Roth</a> most easy, flowing writing session that resulted in my first & only weight-loss song to date “Gone”, that I love! and also our prosperity song "Here & Now" that's a lil' weird, or better word, refreshing & cool to me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/RichardMekdeci">Richard Mekdeci</a> the first Latin/dance song I've ever co-written that I can really see people jammin' too on the dance floor - called "Let It Out." I love the lyrics he brought to the verses about having greater power, love, dreams etc. still yet to express. I feel so empowered/powerful singing this song & even debuting it with Richard in Clearwater in May!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.karentaylorgood.com/">Karen Taylor Good</a> crying while we wrote the lyric to "Now I Can Love Myself," totally healing for us & for our no-longer ugly kid selves we were dragging along with us, also my first disco-ish co-write with "Gotta Dance" that has some sweet changes in the chorus. Fell more in love with the Diva I'm happy to say :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.janastanfield.com/">Jana Stanfield</a> first song I've partially co-written taking a gorgeous walk on the beach - yay. It's called "Twinkle, Twinkle Superstar" about loving the uniqueness of who you are. Learned about the power of less is more & simplicity & focus when writing lyrics. Thanks Jana for this insight! Plus loved her truly loving, intentional ways :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.suekriley.com/">Sue K. Riley</a> last co-write at our songwriters summit, probably the most fun or giddy session I had as we struggled for lyrics on the oh, so punchy, estrogen oozing ditty, "Super," a wee bit dance/disco-ish again & forced Sue to use her deep warm middle/low voice that she has still yet to love (we'll love it for her till she figures out how cool it is)<br /><br />And more general highlights…<br /><br />**<a href="http://www.wildersidepublishing.com/">Matt Wilder</a> rockin’ Nashville producer who boldly came to capture audio of our just-born creations. He’s a consumate pro & easy-going flow even in his makeshift mobile recording bedroom & even when yours truly unplugged the hard-drive losing probably 2 hours of work. Whoops my bad…even with that, Matt left with some great stuff & has done some sweet productions of our songs already!<br /><br />**Rapping a Karen/Jana/Sue song, <em>“I love my body ,I am a hottie”</em> to a bumpin’ rhythm track ala Pussy Cat Dolls. How could I not help my sistah songwriters out especially after Karen says to me “Faith, we’re old & white!” I guess they needed my chocolate, 30sih vibe?! Haha<br /><br />**Stunning walks on the beach – almost two or more a day. I’ve never seen soooo many beautiful seashells on a seashore before J I even got to “rescue” a stranded starfish with a blessing & a toss out to the ocean.<br /><br />Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.iampower.com/">www.IAmPower.com</a> to find out more about their launch & the release of this empowering music- tell them Faith sent you :)Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-73919505800540598372009-04-14T17:15:00.000-07:002009-04-16T15:36:46.406-07:00Millions hear "Beauty of You" on George Noory's Coast to Coast AM Radio ShowSo excited to share news on the largest radio airplay I've received to date...<br /><br /><br /><br />=======<br /><br /><br /><br />On April 5, 2009, music by indy artist Faith Rivera was featured on popular radio show Coast to Coast AM hosted by George Noory. Millions of Coast to Coast AM listeners were introduced to Rivera's upbeat pop song "Beauty of You" along side bumper music by mainstream artists like Santana, U2, Nirvana & more. <a href="http://beta.coasttocoastam.com/show/2009/04/05">http://beta.coasttocoastam.com/show/2009/04/05</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Rivera was one of the first singer/songwriters to be featured by Noory in an ongoing first Sunday of the month program to highlight music by emerging artists.<br /><br /><br /><br />Coast to Coast AM producer, Tom Danheiser, and Noory met Rivera at the 2012 Quantum Leap Conference in Burbank this March & even joined her onstage for her performance. Following the end of Rivera's set, Noory announced to Rivera & the excited crowd that he would be using her music soon on Coast to Coast - giving this emerging artist the largest radio airplay she has received to date.<br /><br /><br /><br />**Listen/buy "Beauty of You" on I-Tunes or on Rivera's album "Faithgroove" available at <a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/">http://www.faithrivera.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />**Listen to the 4/5/09 Coast to Coast AM show at: <a href="http://beta.coasttocoastam.com/show/2009/04/05">http://beta.coasttocoastam.com/show/2009/04/05</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-73485132222992808132009-01-14T22:39:00.000-08:002009-01-14T23:23:27.100-08:00Jan '09 Music Updates<strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">New Album </span><a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/fr/RaiseMeUp.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">RAISE ME UP </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">now available on I-Tunes</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>NEW SONGS selected for Autism Awareness Compilation CD</strong><br /><em>"What I Learned"</em> a new co-write with my fav producer <strong>Ted Jacobs</strong> & writer <strong>Ken Klar </strong>featuring fab young singer, <strong>Olivia Gellar</strong> and <em>"You Are My Teacher"</em> co-written with <strong>Harold Payne</strong> both chosen for the forthcoming compilation CD for the Autism Awareness Festival by </span></span><a href="http://harmonizingwithhumanity.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">http://harmonizingwithhumanity.com/</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><strong>RAISE ME UP</strong> <strong>review by Jim Brenholts in Jan/Feb issue of Awareness Magazine</strong><br /><em>"The [songs] mentioned below are exceptional & make this a valuable CD"</em><br /><em>[Amazing Grace] "It smokes"</em><br /><em>[All You Need is Love] "A landmark recording"</em><br /><em>[What a Wonderful World] "Her subtle rendition wraps its arms aorund the song and makes it her own"</em><br /><em>[Ave Maria] "Faith does it brilliantly"</em><br /><br /><strong><em>KUMBAYA & GOD IS...</em> released on <a href="http://www.milehichurch.org/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=MUS-MHL7&reference=/cgi-bin/shopper.exe%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dmusic%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DTemplates%5CMH_SearchResult.html">Mile-Hi Live 7 album</a></strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">-------------</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>RECENT USES</strong><br />**Ryan Gill from First Church Unity in Nashville rocks out on an upbeat group version of <em>“Standing as One”</em><br /><br />**John Gilmore, Minister from Open Heart Spiritual Center in Memphis writes about<br />"<em>God Is…</em> " It is one of the most asked about and requested songs. Every time we play it, we have people wanting to know more. "<br /><br />**"Colors of Praise" at Unity of Phoenix<br /><br />**Spiritual & Religious Alliance for Hope (SARAH) uses "Colors of Praise" & "Peace Jam" in recent video presentations<br /><br />**Rev. Shari Franklin featured songs from the new album <strong><a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/fr/RaiseMeUp.html">Raise Me Up</a></strong> at the New Year's Eve Service at Unity of Mesa </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">-------------<br /><br /><strong>WANTED:</strong> </span><a href="http://faithgroove.blogspot.com/2008/12/wanted-your-groovy-tracks-to-empower.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Your Groovy Tracks to Empower "High-Risk" Teens to "High Hopes"</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.milehichurch.org/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=MUS-MHL7&reference=/cgi-bin/shopper.exe%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dmusic%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DTemplates%5CMH_SearchResult.html"></a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-58878741506993909722009-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:002009-01-14T11:44:26.230-08:00Ambassador for Peace<em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Just got word that I've been selected as an Ambassador for Peace for the Performing & Fine Artists for World Peace (PFAWP). So cool & such an honor! Thank you PFAWP & I promise that I'll take your message of peace & compassion on all my travels :)</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">See the press release below...</span></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ambassador for Peace</span><br /><br />Award winning songwriter <strong>Faith Rivera</strong> has been designated as an<strong> Ambassador for Peace</strong> for the <em>Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace</em>. (PFAWP) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">(PFAWP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization created in 1986 on the island of Kaua'i. Their mission is to integrate the arts into the community to affect positive change. They promote the use of visual and performing arts to address social, environmental and cultural issues. These include the protection of the environment and natural resources, the promotion of cultural understanding through artistic exchanges, support for human rights and indigenous peoples rights and support for the treatment and prevention of substance abuse and addiction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In 1987 the PFAWP received the <strong>Peace Messenger Award</strong> from the United Nations. Through this recognition they have established a network with national and international organizations.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">As an Ambassador for Peace, Faith Rivera will be a representative of the PFAWP. In this capacity she will continue to share the message of understanding and compassion that she has promoted through her music for many years. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">She joins the music group Kumanu and songwriters Mikuak Rai and Bolo as the first Ambassadors for Peace for the PFAWP. For more information, please call 808-985-8725 or e-mail: </span><a title="blocked::mailto:artpeace@hawaiiantel.net" href="mailto:artpeace@hawaiiantel.net"><span style="font-family:georgia;">artpeace@hawaiiantel.net</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a title="blocked::http://www.artistsandpeace.org/" href="http://www.artistsandpeace.org/"><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.artistsandpeace.org</span></a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-64690973698553215122008-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:002008-12-16T15:15:58.032-08:00Wanted: Your Groovy Tracks to Empower "High-Risk" Teens to "High Hopes"Earlier this December, I had an amazing time at Pahoa High on the Big Island with “at-risk” teens. Many of them come from broken homes and live with challenges like substance abuse, domestic violence, or parents/family in jail, if not, incarceration themselves. After talking with them openly & really hearing their heart, I see them as “high hopes” rather than “high risk,” as Jack Canfield has said. I shared “Beauty of You” with them & one of the girls was overcome with emotion & just buried her head in her arms. Another boy told me later that the song made him feel funny. I asked, “Did it make you feel sick?” And he said “no” – it gave him “chicken skin” (island pidgin for “goosebumps”). They are not used to hearing messages that they are beautiful & powerful. I don’t think anyone has ever told them to shine their light, to bring their gifts & talents forward. I knew in that moment that music could be an empowering force in their life.<br /><br />So, I’m asking all you artist/producer friends of mine if you’d like to donate a groovy track, just instrumental with a bumpin’ groove/beat (like current music they’d listen too), for them to create raps to, for them to free-style or free-flow with their own lyrics. My idea was to give them a CD filled with tracks for them to express themselves through rap & song. We could also title our songs with a theme – something to inspire the rap…maybe titles like “If I Could Change the World” or “My Gift to Give” (about their talents & skills) or “My Dream” Remember, we want to give them tracks that have the same feel/production of songs they dig already - i.e. today r&b, dance, even reggae (or island "jawaiian" that's popular in Hawaii)<br /><br />If you’re interested in donating a track, please forward me:<br />*Link to the song or email MP3 to <a href="mailto:faithgroover@hotmail.com">faithgroover@hotmail.com</a><br />*Writer & Publisher Information (i.e. Faith Rivera/Lil’ Girl Creations)<br />*Name & contact info (email addy & website)<br /><br />For anyone interested in funding this project (the manufacturing cost), please feel free to email me as well with your contact info. I’m just putting this project together now. I’m not sure where it might lead, but know it is an awesome first step in supporting these youth to be all that they can be & a wonderful resource for the amazing teachers that dedicate their lives to enriching the youth.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!!!<br /><br />Faith<br /><a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/">http://www.faithrivera.com/</a>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-47796914957986646902008-12-16T14:45:00.000-08:002008-12-16T14:57:54.782-08:00Resources for Singers, Songwriters, Artists, Music Folks<strong>Jan-Feb 2009 Thursdays in Santa Monica, CA<br />Private Voice Lessons & Music Consultations<br /></strong>Until now, I have offered private sessions only on the road & have been honored to support the growth of singers, songwriters, & indy artists around the country. Next Jan & Feb, I’ll be available on Thursdays in the Santa Monica area for those of you in the southern California area that want to spend some time together on your music making. <a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/fr/Consultations.html">Visit here to see </a>what specific areas I can support you in (from vocal performance to songwriting to gigging, recording, marketing your CD & more). Your music matters & I’m grateful for the opportunity to help you in bringing more of that brilliance into the world! Book your session now for a $5 savings off these rates: $40-<a href="http://www.ccnow.com/cgi-local/cart.cgi?lilgirlfaith_LGC1_www.faithrivera.com/fr/Consultations.html">30min</a>, $75-<a href="http://www.ccnow.com/cgi-local/cart.cgi?lilgirlfaith_LGC2_www.faithrivera.com/fr/Consultations.html">60min</a>.<br /><br />I strongly encourage those of you that are more advanced in singing to study with my own vocal coach, Gerald White. <a href="http://www.music1on1.com/">Visit his site </a>to book a lesson with him in Santa Monica.<br /><br />Some of you on the road have also asked for a way to continue sessions with me, so I’ll be offering phone sessions as well on these Thursdays. Again you can <a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/fr/Consultations.html">get more info & book your slot online.</a><br /><br />Below are more music news/resources:<br /><br /><strong>**Jan 3rd Los Angeles Workshop</strong><br />with Bob Baker <a href="http://bob-baker.com/buzz/music-workshops.html">How to Beat the Recession, Reach Your Creative Goals, and Thrive in 2009</a><br /><br /><strong>**Congrats to Tia Carrere & my co-writer, Daniel Ho for their Grammy Nomination<br /></strong>Daniel’s won like 3 Grammy’s in recent years & there’s no one more deserving with the hours, the heart, the intention he puts in his music! If you’re a NARAS member, please consider their awesome music during the voting process. I’m waiting for Daniel to win a Grammy for a sweet song we write together…c’mon!!!! haha <a href="http://danielho.com/ikenaGrammy.html">http://danielho.com/ikenaGrammy.html</a><br /><br /><strong>**2009 Empower Posi Music Awards</strong><br />I can’t thank EmpowerMA enough for the impact they have had in my life & in my career! Submit your songs today <a href="http://www.empowerma.com/posiawards">http://www.empowerma.com/posiawards</a><br /><br /><strong>**Imagine…You singing in Italy!!! (amateur choral singers wanted)<br /></strong>From Holly Phares on my email list: <a title="blocked::http://www.umbrians erenades.com/" href="http://www.umbrianserenades.com/" target="_blank">www.umbrianserenades.com</a> "<em>It's a summer choral/cultural program in Umbria, Italy that my dearest friend and colleague have designed and successfully run for three seasons over in stunning Italia for three amazing summers! If you know of any enthusiastic and talented amateur choral singers who love travel (unique and "off the beaten path"!), send them our way!" </em><br /><em></em><br /><strong>**If you create and/or enjoy uplifting, positive music, visit: <a href="http://www.harmonizingwithhumanity.com/">www.harmonizingwithhumanity.com</a> & <a href="http://www.positivemusicassociation.com/">www.positivemusicassociation.com</a> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>**If you want to input all your gig dates, songs, etc. just once and put up a cool widget w/ all that info, visit: <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/">www.reverbnation.com</a> </strong>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-82135915309525289002008-11-11T08:41:00.000-08:002008-11-11T08:50:02.267-08:00Press Release for RAISE ME UP (New CD)<span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">YES WE CAN! </span></em></span><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Music for a New Inspired World</span></em><br /></span><strong>RAISE ME UP</strong><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Nov 2008 / Lil’ Girl Creations</span><br />New Album Release by Positive Music Artist, <strong>Faith Rivera</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />After the historic vote on Nov 4th, it is clear that there is a vibrant movement for a different, more loving world that works for everyone. Now more than ever, people are ready to roll up their sleeves, open their hearts, bring their brilliance forward and serve the greater good!<br /><br />If this inspired time has at all moved you, then <strong>‘Raise Me Up’</strong>, the newest album release from Emmy-winning Singer/Songwriter, <strong>Faith Rivera</strong>, is the music for you. It is an album that reflects the hope and the vision that has swept America and stirred every heart.<br /><br />‘Raise Me Up’ is filled with some of the most uplifting songs of our time like “<strong>What a Wonderful World</strong>,” “<strong>All You Need is Love</strong>,” “<strong>You Raise Me Up</strong>” to “<strong>Amazing Grace</strong>.”<br /><br />Like the youthful approach of President Obama’s campaign, there is a pop freshness and musical vigor that drives these new versions of classic songs. This upbeat posi-pop album flows with head-boppin’ grooves, exciting arrangements and Rivera’s stunning vocals; a cross between Norah Jones’ intimate delivery, Kelly Clarkson’s boldness and Mariah Carey’s soul-filled approach.<br /><br />Born and raised in Hawaii, Rivera’s stylish pop albums have always had that warm, welcoming, aloha-vibe and ‘Raise Me Up’ is no exception. This highly-awarded Filipina artist brings a “mixed-plate” approach to her latest eclectic pop release, choosing songs that her Mom has always wanted her to record like “<strong>Ave Maria</strong>” and “<strong>Wind Beneath My Wings</strong>” to Rivera’s own childhood favorites like Queen’s “<strong>Don’t Stop Me Now</strong>” and “<strong>This Little Light of Mine</strong>.”<br /><br />With the partnership of producer Ted Jacobs, together they breathe new life into these songs with colorful arrangements and unexpected grooves. The album is rounded out by “<strong>Holy Now</strong>,” a poignant pop/rock song written by Peter Mayer and a toe-tappin’ acoustic original by Rivera entitled “<strong>Thing Called Life</strong>.”<br /><br />Prior to this release, you have heard Rivera’s original music on TV and Film including her Emmy-winning song “<strong>Forever Near</strong>” on the show <strong>Passions</strong>. She has sung with artists like <strong>Luther Vandross, Sheila E., Neil Young</strong>, and on <strong>World Peace One’s theme song “Give Your Love”</strong> with singers <strong>Al Jarreau, Brian Mcknight,</strong> and others stars calling for an end to all war.<br /><br />Earlier this year, Rivera was featured on the soundtrack for the hit film <strong>Forgetting Sarah Marshall </strong>with “<strong>These Boots are Made for Walking</strong>” sung in Hawaiian. She continues to travel the country as a <strong>Positive Music Artist</strong> sharing empowering songs and dynamic performances at conferences to concert halls, churches to living rooms.<br /><br />Wherever and whenever her groovy conscious music can be an inspiring support, she is there to fuel this wave of new-found, peace-driven activism! Rivera’s full calendar and music clips can be found at her website.<br /><br />If you want to make any day, a day with wings - be elevated by ‘Raise Me Up’ now available for purchase at <a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/">www.faithrivera.com</a>. Digital downloads are coming soon to I-Tunes, Rhapsody and many more.<br /><br />========<br /><br />For information, interviews, & reviews, contact NOLAN HEE <br />nolan@faithrivera.com (310) 712-3946<br /><br />For bookings & guest appearances contact CHRIS FLETCHER<br />ccmusic@pacbell.net (818) 376-1380<br /><br />###Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-76554190660769461462008-11-04T18:18:00.000-08:002008-11-04T18:36:48.000-08:00New CD is here - ALBUM NOTES<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsrDYTLn0WHYh88XV9BKWLLt-me5f5Dh-9pYpMHiR2pyE7dUSZS8NyjbyFvBPzkT1oJo0AWSKUeaJvDDqnTlOfVoOjxAnS8QYEsXGsJYJLnRmdKaqnZ3D7VclRp24QI91IhQqoHw7_uc/s1600-h/RaiseMeUp+Cat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264995136887790562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsrDYTLn0WHYh88XV9BKWLLt-me5f5Dh-9pYpMHiR2pyE7dUSZS8NyjbyFvBPzkT1oJo0AWSKUeaJvDDqnTlOfVoOjxAnS8QYEsXGsJYJLnRmdKaqnZ3D7VclRp24QI91IhQqoHw7_uc/s200/RaiseMeUp+Cat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">11/4/08 - As if this wasn't a special enough day already, the Fed-ex guy made my day by finally delivering 2000 units of my new CD, Raise Me Up! 100+ of them are going out in the next couple days to you patient fans & friends! Thank you again for your support :) Can't wait to hear what y'all think of our latest creation...let us know!</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;color:#cc6600;"><--------this is a pic of the lucky ukulele cat from the album cover</span></div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Below are some ALBUM NOTES on the songs that I could not fit onto the CD. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">You can also hear a few new clips on the jukebox player on my </span><a href="http://faithgroove.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">blog page</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> or my homepage at </span><a href="http://www.faithrivera.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.faithrivera.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Enjoy & see you in the skies!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Love,</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Faith</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">==========</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">RAISE ME UP - Album Notes</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#1) The album opens with a starry night, crickets singing, & a soft wash of music as AMAZING GRACE begins. The 1st soothing verse ends...then the acoustic guitar kicks in & this traditional lost&found song takes on a new rockin' life. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#2) A baby tinkle on the ivories opens ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. The lush groove & vocals are hypnotic as we're reminded of the most powerful force in the universe. Duh...LOVE!</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#3) If you've ever been uncomfy with the limits of your religious or spiritual beliefs - this is YOUR song. HOLY NOW is the song I wish I wrote. It is a heart-opening gem by Peter Mayer that simply says - "Everything is holy now. Everything's a miracle." Expect simple yet profound lyrics, rockin' guitars & a funky jam at the end.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#4) The electronic dance groove kicks in & you know this ain't your typical THIS LITTLE LITGHT OF MINE. It's an empowering, updated version with this Chinese proverb as the bridge: "When there's light in the soul, there is beauty in the person. When there's beauty in the person, there is harmony in the home. When there's harmony in the home, there is honor is the nation. When there's honor in the nation, there is PEACE in the world!"</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#5) Dedicated to my mom & dad WIND BENEATH MY WINGS done with a lilting R&B groove ala Alicia Keyes . One of the most intimate & authentic vocal performances I've ever recorded.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#6) Gorgeous acoustic guitar starts this sweet, soulful version of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD driven with a juicy bed of percussion/hand drum.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#7) Soaring melody & vocals (even a bazouki) over a bubbling bed of rhythm on my version of YOU RAISE ME UP. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#8) A lonely rhodes sets the tone for this warm, ambient, jazz rendition of Schubert's AVE MARIA with some reharmonization by yours truly.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#9) Finger-snaps kick in this fun, acoustic, bluegrass-ish song THING CALLED LIFE. It's my only original on the album.<br /></div></span><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">(#10) This was the toughest song on the album to record: Freddie Mercury's DON'T STOP ME NOW. The backing vocals ala Queen's version - saved the day. Expect a fun mix between a driving dance groove & an empowering Sheryl Crow swing.</span> </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-30296712204936001072008-10-25T08:15:00.000-07:002008-10-25T08:17:52.975-07:00CDs Almost Done! Yay!As of 10/24, we got word that "Raise Me Up" is now in packaging mode. <br /><br />They are due to be shipped out to us between 10/27-10/30 which means hopefully we'll be mailing CDs out to y'all by early November.<br /><br />Thank YOU for your amazing patience & ongoing support for my 6th CD release - totally cool to know my music is such a fun, empowering part of your lives :)<br /><br />Shine on!!!Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-57486362994621790092008-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:002008-10-25T08:15:25.802-07:00"Don't Stop Me Now" Stopping the New CD<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWX4-yy9bIRvEtDSAk3qWLqfGKmaNzqIWKaWqQRolSATfynB12edbG58g_rnNlSEBMfwldwWDLlO-hBjCymHnQwaOwSsUN8Kfv33lbvG4K7nGw0FD9XUb44j3-WsquX5w-EE3PCoFizg/s1600-h/Cover+Demo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261109890598904706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWX4-yy9bIRvEtDSAk3qWLqfGKmaNzqIWKaWqQRolSATfynB12edbG58g_rnNlSEBMfwldwWDLlO-hBjCymHnQwaOwSsUN8Kfv33lbvG4K7nGw0FD9XUb44j3-WsquX5w-EE3PCoFizg/s200/Cover+Demo.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Soooo “Raise Me Up” is still not here, I’m sorry to say. We’ve run into some delays with getting some licenses in place. It’s funny how “Don’t Stop Me Now” – one of my fav rockin’ upbeat songs from Queen, has seemingly been stoppin’ us from the get-go.<br /><br />It was the one of the toughest songs to figure out on the album, to find a way to do it fresh & still get that Freddie Mercury magic. It went from dance club feel to Sheryl Crow vibe to sometimes lame-feeling (at least to me & Teddy, my producer) to whatever it is now (man I hope you guys think it’s cool!)<br /><br />Well at these final stages, it is the only song we are having problems with or more positively said, we are having an opportunity to practice patience as Nolan does his best to get a mechanical license from the publishers. So please pray with me…”Oh dear publisher gods, please stop the stopping of “Don’t Stop Me Now” & give to us the cherished mechanical license so that we may pay you & be on with it to share this colorful cover album with the world, so that all may be lifted up. Amen!”<br /><br />Thank YOU for your patience & we’re intending to mail out all your sweet pre-orders in late October.<br /><br />For now, enjoy Freddie’s original version of “Don’t Stop Me Now”<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58CJih1iYC0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58CJih1iYC0</a> <br /><br />And if you really want (for those of you that have pre-ordered), <a href="mailto:aloha@faithrivera.com">email me </a>to get an MP3 of a song or two from the new album to enjoy in the meantime.</div>Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-58110888884940958912008-09-05T19:14:00.000-07:002008-10-25T08:53:19.233-07:009/5 New Album UpdateJust got through mixing yesterday with Francis Buckley, who is a grammy-winning engineer/mixer from Alanis to the recent American Idol series & now, me :) Sounds fab - now just waiting to get it mastered & have the cd artwork from stuartsilversteindesign team finish up the graphics/. As always I can promise it will be fresh, eclectic & uplifting!!! Thanks for caring 'bout the music :)Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794405181795387527.post-87070862944995650022008-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:002008-10-25T08:55:14.549-07:00See/hear me & friends on Neil Young move: CSNY/Deja VuLast year I had the fun honor of being in a choir on Neil Young's grammy-nominated "Living with War" album. Just heard from a friend that footage of our recording session plus some fun pans & close-ups are featured on Neil's new movie CSNY/Deja Vu. Can't wait to see it myself :)Faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06781698969481017313noreply@blogger.com0