Dear Shane

Dear Shane

Here's an oldie, but a goodie from my first album, Let the Girl Sing (released in 2006). I hope you enjoy it! :-) 

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Just got home from a short, 3 day cruise to the Bahamas with my honey. We had an amazing time and it was a MUCH needed getaway. We drove down to Miami on Thursday and sailed out of the Port of Miami this past Friday. The whole experience was amazing and I'm so grateful that we were able to get 'away from it all' for a few days.

One of the best parts of the entire weekend was when we watched the movie 'Jeff, Who Lives at Home' in our hotel room Thursday night. The movie stars Jason Segel (from 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall') and Ed Helms (from 'the Hangover') and I can honestly say this is one of the best movies I've seen in ages! I loved every single minute of it. The acting is top notch as is the story, the writing, etc, etc. I don't want to say too much about the film - you just have to watch it for yourself. It's AMAZING! :-)

love, Love, LOVE it!! - http://www.JeffWhoLivesAtHome.com/

Please check it out when you have a chance!!

Love always,
~Jen

More Mraz

Right now, I'm up a little late, watching an incredible video of Jason Mraz performing with the outstanding Mona Tavakoli (from Raining Jane). This video is just a small part of a live performance they recorded in London not long ago. I am, in a word, completely and utterly, mesmerized. I'm loving EVERY minute of it!!

I'm a studio girl. :-) Meaning, musically speaking, my favorite place to be in this world is in the recording studio (specifically with Frank Starchak as my producer).  I love to write. I love to create. And, more than anything, I love to bring in the 'bare bones' of a song and I love to let that song tell me everything that it wants to be.

I used to perform in front of live audiences - A LOT - and I still love doing that from time to time. But where I truly 'shine' is in the studio. It makes my heart sing to breathe a little bit of life into a brand new song. I love the feeling of not quite knowing where the song wants to go. I love stepping back and just letting it be whatever it wants to be whenever it 'grows up' - if it even chooses to grow up at all. Some songs just want to be left alone - maybe just a little guitar and vocal. And that's okay too. Not every song needs to be some fully produced 'masterpiece.' Sometimes the masterpiece is in just allowing something that wants to be heard - to be heard. I love writing about things that people are afraid to talk about. Things that sometimes make people feel uncomfortable.  I love being completely vulnerable with my music. I love taking an idea and then running with it, hanging on until its completion, then completely letting go.

And now, in both my life outside the studio and in my music, I'm learning to let go even more. I'm grateful for the learning and for all the blessings in my life. And the music - I'm so grateful for all the music in my life.

Thanks for listening. And thanks for helping me find - myself.

And thank you Jason and Mona - for Everything... 

Much much love always,
~Jen

Another day, another dream

Sitting at home after a lovely day spent at Deltona Records. Today's session was with Adrian Tristan Sutton and, of course, the incredible Frank Starchak. Adrian and I sang another beautiful song together for Steve Lawson. Steve's songs are both inspirational and uplifting. Today I left the studio feeling completely transformed. I love working with Frank, Steve and Adrian. The chemistry we all have together is exciting - and, as always, I am completely 'at home' in the studio.

The session today was another huge success and I'm so grateful to have the honor of working with such talented, giving and loving people. Singing is my 'job' although it certainly never feels like work, especially on days like today! :-)

So, tonight I'll go to bed filled with all the many things I am most grateful for in this world - and at the top of my list this evening is the gift of being able to do what I love (singing and recording) and being able to share it with such incredible people. I truly am blessed...I hope this blog finds you feeling just as blessed in your corner of the world.

With love always,
~Jen

Acupuncture

Have been feeling just a bit un-balanced and un-centered lately. Lots of changes going on in the Universe at this point - with the changes in the lives of those I love the most being the most challenging to deal with these days. One thing that is a HUGE help to me is my weekly acupuncture session with Stephanie Irzyk at New Direction in Altamonte Springs. (http://newdirectionnaturalmedicine.com/) Stephanie is amazing and every acupuncture session I have with her leaves me feeling more and more relaxed, balanced and centered.

Meditation is another thing that is a huge help to me. I've been an 'off and on' meditator for over two years, but over the past few weeks, I've gotten back into it seriously (meaning - on a daily basis) and it's already made a major difference in my life.

And finally, walking - every day - is helping me to remember to stay connected and grounded. There's just something about being out in nature, watching the eagles soar high above the trees, feeling the sun warm on my skin, breathing in all the fresh air - it all helps to remind me what's 'real' and really important in this life.

Sending you lots of peace, love and harmony on this glorious day of all that is...

Love always,
~Jen

Jen's Blog: Music brings me HOME...

Jen's Blog: Music brings me HOME...: Dear Jason Mraz - I'm not sure that you'll ever read this, but I'm finding it a 'must' to write to you anyway. I just bought your new albu...

Music brings me HOME...

Dear Jason Mraz -

I'm not sure that you'll ever read this, but I'm finding it a 'must' to write to you anyway. I just bought your new album, 'Love is a Four Letter Word' and, as usual, I'm finding myself at every song and every turn. I've loved you and your music for what seems like for ever and I'm very grateful for some new music from you. :-)

I'm overjoyed to report that my incredible fiance, Tim, is taking me to see you perform live in Tampa in August, just a few short months from now - and I'm excited! He knows what a huge fan of yours I am and he and I are both excited that I'll be sharing your terrific music with him. He's about to get an education and I'm about to share something I have a HUGE passion for.

I feel you on a deep level and, as always, your music and your message both move me. As a songwriter myself, I'm grateful for your message and your inspiration. As a matter of fact, you and your new music have inspired me so much, it's time to go and do a bit of writing of my own.

Thank you for reminding me of our 'ONE-ness' and our 'Same-ness.' You rock - and you're the best! Much love to you!! !

Love always,
~Jen