Singing Sundays - Happy birthday Richard!

It comes as no surprise that my first post for Singing Sundays goes to my friend Richard Turner.   

Richard and I have an interesting "how did you two meet" story.  We lived in the same apartment complex while studying at Temple University but didn't know it for months.  I used to pass him on campus almost every day (personally, I thought he was the most handsome guy at Temple & was looking for an opportunity to get to know him).  One evening, as fate would have it, I realized that we lived in the same building: we struck up a conversation, exchanged contact information, and became friends.

For most of the time that I studied at Temple University, I worked for the office of Development and Alumni Affairs for Temple University's College of Education (I studied classical voice & opera).  About 3-4 times a year, my office hosted an event called Fireside Chats where Dr. Bill Cosby would discuss various facets of urban education to College of Education students.  In time, I learned that Richard was a teacher at a neighborhood school: he had a passion for urban education, so I invited him to attend one of the events as my guest. 

Richard with Bill Cosby

The event was more like a round-table discussion on Urban Education with Dr. Cosby as the mediator.  For about 2 hours, we sat and listed to these surburbanites discuss their methods of reaching children in the classroom - seriously, we both wanted to poke our eyes out with a rusty fork.  I could sense Richard's restlessness, so when the moment came, Richard stood up and proceeded to give a REAL account of what teaching in an urban setting is like.

The moment Bill Cosby fell in love with Richard!

Me in the background - I was so proud of him!

Richard was a hit!  Everyone with some sort of title in the College of Education was interested in getting to know him!  My boss received numerous requests from schools, departments, organizations, etc. about Richard Turner, but he turned down almost all of the opportunities because of his educational responsibilities.  One evening, my boss informed me that Dr. Cosby had invited myself and Richard to a business dinner where we met Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, her assistant, my boss and her Assistant Director Tiffany Tavarez, and others.  

We left from dinner and had a drink on South St. All in all, we had a great time, not only with each other, but with notable educators in Philadelphia.

So, in the spirit of great memories, I'm dedicating my first "Singing Sundays" blog to my old friend Richard Turner.  As the saying goes, there are people that come into your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime....you, my friend, are a dear that holds an incredibly special and a lifetime place in my heart.  Happy birthday to you and as always, I wish for you success, love, light, and happiness!

Here's something special just for you :-)

Music Mondays - My Band, Soul F/X

Wanted: A 60's wig and a tambourine.

So today, I just finished my rehearsal with my band.  I don't know if I told you, but I recently joined a band with my two friends Kenny Pitt and Zahmu Sankofa.  We're a soul/ funk/ pop cover band with A# Productions out of Huntington Valley.  Today, we decided to have a small rehearsal because we just got word that we have a gig (my first one) on August 27th, which means mama has some work to do.

For the upcoming gig, we're covering songs by Martha & the Vandellas, Alicia Keys, Sylvester, Beyonce', The Four Tops, and other great (soul) artists.  I'm so excited to perform with the guys - we have so much fun at our rehearsals!

Here are a couple of the songs that we're performing:

Above: CeCe Peniston "Finally"

Above: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles "Tracks of My Tears"

Above: The Emotions "Best of My Love"

What do you think?

You like earrings?

Here's a couple of earrings that I've been working on:

Above: Strawberries and Cream Earrings

Above: Purple Coral Seashell Earrings

Above: Key Lime Pie Earrings

What do you think?

My little blog! I haven't forgotten about you!!

So much has happened in the land of Diva-In-Training Designs!  I have 2 new business partners that have taught me SO much about owning a business (thanks Jim and Sandy!)  It feels so good having support from people that believe in my dream to design!

Over the past 2 months, I have designed a line of Urban Furry Leg Covers in an assortment of colors. Most recently, I’m designing jewelry such as earrings and possibly swimsuits in the near future. 

So stay tuned to all my latest designs from Diva-In-Training Designs! 

Handmade Scarf in Rustic Red and Cream

My latest item for sale: Handmade Men's Scarf in Rustic Red & Cream

New item listed today

New item listed today.  Here are the pictures:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65540419/autumn-leaves-beret-with-large-bow

The Phoenix Rising

Maybe I should be a bit more honest and forthcoming with my friends, family, and friends that I haven't met yet....

In the summer of 2010 I received a scholarship to participate in the Germantown Institute for Vocal Arts program.  The program was a 2-week summer intensive workshop resulting in a final recital.  I was introduced to the operas of Verdi, the cantatas of J.S. Bach, and the songs of Gabriel Faure.  I appreciated the opportunity to participate in such an organized program: my desire to learn classical music was rejuvenated as the instructors tuned, developed, and worked with the instrument that God gave me rather than turning it into something that THEY wanted to hear. 

Despite all that I received, I should have passed on the grand gesture. 

Regardless of how wonderful and affordable it was, choosing this option resulting in my academic failure.  Turns out that I needed 3 credits to continue to receive my financial aid for the following academic school year - the summer workshop occurred at the same time as the 2nd session of summer school began and none of my professors were willing to allow me to miss 2 weeks of class.

Long story short, I had to take this semester off. Bummer, considering that I'm just 3 semesters away from graduating and the only courses that I have left have to be taken in succession (if I miss this spring 2011, I won't be able to take any other classes until 2012).  I owe lots of money for summer semester that I now have to pay out of pocket before I can continue my education at Temple University.

I don't think I took the news well.  I probably buried my real feelings about the disappointing news somewhere that only God can see, because at the same time I opened Diva-In-Training Designs.  The goal was to sell my crocheted items and get myself out of debt, but I'm finding that it's become much more than just that.  I'm learning how much I enjoy creating and networking, meeting others and developing an earning using the skills that God has given me thus far.

That's where you come in.

The support you give, the purchases you make, the times you share with my business with others, the investments you make into me, are actually helping not only my business but also my career and my future.  I never planned to be in this predicament, but hopefully I can dig myself out without having to result to anything immoral or just flat-out giving up. 

www.divaintrainingdesigns.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/divaintrainingdesigns
www.twitter.com/_divaintraining

Motivation: The Perfect Dress

My dress for my senior recital!  This dress makes me want to learn every aria that Handel, Rachmaninoff, Puccini, and Verdi ever wrote for soprano!  It costs a pretty penny, too; I'm going to have to sell a lot of items to pay for this beauty!

Etsy.com Treasury!

My item was featured in another member's collection on Etsy.com again!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d1e8c1054a26d916ca1334f/a-treasury-for-all-time?index=3