What stopped me?

I was looking back at how few posts I have actually been submitting during the month of November and I am appalled.   I was so ready to conquer the blogging world again this month at its outset, but that got derailed by my baby getting sick, then myself, then the hubby.  I actually have been accomplishing a lot and really looking forward to what the very near future holds.

I finally recorded a couple of videos of personal live performances of You Grant Wish, a capella, and my rendition of ‘If I Could” with some accompaniment music.  My hubby figured out how to get “If I Could” up on YouTube, but I haven’t had a chance to figure out how to input it into my website.  Babysteps…I’ve gotta keep telling myself that i just need to take babysteps when I do things.  I have no nanny, so its just me, so things takes a little longer to get done, so that I can still spend quality time with the family.

I am so excited because the hubby expressed his interest in producing some music for me.  He is excellent at making beats.  So stayed tuned for where this all leads.  We are looking into the cost of putting together a home based studio, and also planning to take some classes on studio engineering and producing, etc… You know I am excited about the possibility of being able to complete a song without waiting to try to get some studio time.  I also can’t wait to see what my baby girl does when she is surrounded by music as she grows up.

First Day of the last 30 days

Today was absolutely beautiful outside.  80 degrees in the Valley.  I was singing up a storm at the house and was pretty happy to find out that day light savings was over and we had all gained an extra hour of sleep.  The baby had gotten up alittle later than usualy, which was great, but again, she didn’t sleep that fantastically through the night.  She’s definitely teething, growing all four qudrants of her first molars at the same time.  So after being up with her by myself, the hubby came and relieved me and gave me an extra hour and half to sleep.  I had originally planned to go to church with my Mom, to the church that we grew up in, but that didn’t happen.  We had watched Bishop T.D. Jakes earlier in the morning and had started to watch Joel Osteen, but I had seen that sermon before.

Well, I ended up singing like crazy today, belting out “If I Could”, several times, before calling it quits and letting my voice rest.  The baby was so tired that she fell asleep in my arms while while I was singing…that’s crazy…she must have been really tired.  Her sleep time finaly gave me a chance to wash my face and comb my hair.  Wow, the things mommies do…I was looking ragedy for real.  But finally got it together. 

I also had the opportunity to speak with my best friend.  I am so proud of her.  She is on a mission to lose weight and she is doing it.  We were talking about her weight loss cerimony.  She wants to have a “memorial service” for her fat clothes.  Something only “girlfriend’s can relate to”…I love the idea.  Of course I’ll be singing. 

Well, i’m back to blogging like crazy and I really am going to get some videos done.  I saw a girl on YouTube who just video taped herself a capella who totally inspired me.   So, I’ve charged my Flip camera and am I definitely going to tape myself tomorrow, Monday, Novemebr 2nd.  You read it, so I am accountable to you regarding this committment.  Nichole Ayanna, signing out!

The 2nd Day of the Rest of Your Life…

Nichole Ayanna here…Maybe I am being a little dramatic with the title to this post.  This is the 2nd day of the 90 day challenge where I am have committed to posting on my blog or on You tube everyday for the next 90 days.  My posts will be about anything that help to improve my life with regards to living a healthy lifestyle, growing with my music, my family life and my spiritual wellbeing.  I want you to do it too and let me about your progress along the way.

Yesterday went ok with getting the baby to sleep a little earlier.  It is going to have to be a gradual process but I got her to fall asleep an extra 45 minutes earlier than she regularly does. Of course I have 2 other issues too, the fact that she is still nursing and that she is the bed with my husband and me…crazy isn’t it.  So I am actually working on all three issues.  If you have any suggestions I am all ears.

I chose some new songs to learn by great black female singers,  too.  I am preparing to perform for a launch party for my sister’s new mobile pampering day spa which will be in October.  She will have massage therapists, teeth whitening, yoga sessions and me performing.  Once I get the date confirmed I will definitely blog about it. 

I also was invited to participate in the Las Vegas Girl Festival, where a lot of female artists/ musicians and artisans perform or display their artwork for about 2 weeks in October.  I’m putting my band together for both shows so, if you are in the Los Angeles area and can play some great R&B, neo soul, and hiphop, let’s see if we can get together and put the show together.  Also, you’ve gotta be down to travel to Vegas. 

Next on my list to do is to practice, practice, practice.  It’s been a little hard to get my practicing in but I will practice in my car, or anywhere I get a free moment to myself.  I’ll upload a practice session on YouTube so you can see what I’m talkin’ about.  I’ll be back tomorrow for more updates…

Music Mama – How to Be A Successful Indie Artist and a Mom

There are so many of my friends now, who are singers, songwriters, and musicians who are also mothers of young children. We all talk about continuing to make our livelihood with our passions for music, but how do we juggle the working in the music business without the long days, months, or even years on the road, away from our kids?

Many of us are turning to our local markets for tour dates, and performing on the weekends, taping our shows, then airing the performances via YouTube. We also connect the video to our individual websites. So, our fans that we have developed around the globe can still get a taste of our live performances. Here are some of the steps these Music Mamas are taking to keep their dreams alive and still be great moms.

1. Scheduling productive tasks and Every Day iInclude some “me” time in there mommies.
2. Write your 30-60-90 day, 1-3-5 year goals.
3. Perform at least once a month.
4. Build a website to showcase your music. If you can do it yourself use www.homestead.com or www.vistaprint.com on top of your myspace page.
5. Start a blog about you and your music. Sign up for www.thenicheblogger.com to learn how.
6. Video tape your performances or your recording in the studio and post on YouTube and your website.
7. Sell your music online using www.Tunecore.com and www.CdBaby.com
8. Read and sing to your children almost every night.
9. Include a date night each week with your significant other.
10. Always be your authentic self and don’t overwhelm yourself. You can still take baby steps to reach that milestone.
Tags: Authentic Self, Baby Steps, Dreams, Globe, Homestead, Indie Artist, Live Performances, Livelihood, Local Markets, Mama, Milestone, Mom, Music Business, Musicians, Passions, Productive Tasks, Showcase, Singers, Singers Songwriters, Songwriters, Tour Dates, Video Tape, Youtube
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