UrbanMamaSong

Endings and New Beginnings

2013-08-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

Over the past 7 years this space, this blog has been one where I've shared aspects of my journey and growth as a mother and musician with you. But now it is time for change. This summer I have been a series of endings and new beginnings. With both comes fear--terror even. This feeling that the new and unknown will swallow us whole and that we'll have nothing to grab onto, nothing to hold us as we move into those strange and scary spaces. But I am learning better. I am learning that staying in or with anything too long, when you know it's time to move on or time for it to change forms or end, is detrimental to your health, your life and your creativity. We did not come here to play small or force our life energy into structures that it has grown beyond.

That being said, at the end of the month, I will be taking this site down. You will still be able to find me and my work on the web, but this site has run its course and is time for it to come to a close. I am thankful to all of you who have come to this site, who have left comments and who have looked me up from time to time. I hope that you will continue to support me in whatever way you feel inspired to.

I am excited about the new journey that I am embarking upon in my music. I am working on new material with a new direction and vision for my music. Most importantly, I am not fighting with the voice in my head that says I am not good enough (well not as much:)

In September, I will be unveiling my new website and this new and exciting project that I am co-creating. I will also share ways that you can be involved and contribute your brilliance and insights.

In the meantime:

Please go and subscribe to my youtube channel
Follow me on twitter
Like me on Facebook or go to my splash page at the other parked site and sign up for newsletter.

Oh, and if you're interested in my musings on life in general, check out my blog The Vibrant Mama!

Thank you for all your love and support!

Soon,
GaBrilla

Long time...

2013-05-31T11:35:00.003-04:00

Wow, it has been almost three months since I last posted anything here. A lot has been happening, but sadly I have failed to keep you all informed on what I've been up to. A lot of time has been going into my other blog/website, The Vibrant Mama. I have been busy with the development of my business that goes by the same name. I won't go too much into that here, but it you are interested in knowing more about that, please feel free to go visit my site.

I have been contemplating taking this site down and creating another one that reflects where I am creatively. I have been working on music, but I have also been doing a LOT of writing and cooking, as well as building an organization and visiting some exciting places that inspire me. Those parts are also part of my creative life and my mothering life. I want to share those parts of myself with you as well.
I feel like this space may have served its purpose and its time to move on. But I want you to come with me. I will not leave without letting you know. Stay tuned for more news on that.

As for music, I would say that things have been slow, but things are where they are. I have been in my closet studio office space working out some harmonies and have plans to get in the studio to record my next EP, but that's all for right now. Currently I am doing a lot of writing. I'm actually revising, expanding and re-releasing my e-book, The Vibrant Mamafesto, set to be re-released June 21!

In the meantime, I am lending my music to spaces that feed me. Speaking of which, next week I have the privilege and delight of performing at and participating in a gathering of wonderful women. I am so excited. Woman-centered spaces are spaces I've always loved being a part of.

What new thing is happening in your create life?

Busking Adventures and Pushing Past Fear

2013-02-27T17:57:00.002-05:00

(me at South Station in Boston)

Earlier this week, I went to an open mic in Cambridge. I had been talking about going to this open mic for the longest time. But fear kept me from going. Being a mama, I can find many (justifiable) reasons—having children, being tired, not wanting to drive that much, to bail on my musical dreams. But fear kept me from going. Plain and simple. I realize now that all these reasons I use to keep me from stepping fully into my music and the path of being a singer/songwriter are based in fear. Fear is not something we like to be in touch with, which is why it sometimes manifests itself in ways that bring keeps us far away from the realization of our dreams. Procrastination, avoidance and sometimes envy are ways that fear shows its face in our creative lives. We fear the rejection of such a tender and precious part of ourselves.

On some level, this path requires that I be out, engaging the world and sharing my music. I love it actually, which is the paradox. The very thing I love can conjure up so much fear in me. So, I’m learning to move anyway. I'm learning to be aware that fear (not lack of talent or all the other critical things I sometimes say to myself) is keeping me from rehearsing or pursing a performance opportunity or writing a song with another artist. And when I bring awareness to it, I don’t have to be paralyzed by it. I can look at my fear (not with scorn—which is my unconscious response to it) and remind myself that I safe and that the fear will pass. And it does.

Another way I made a bold step through my fears was to begin busking. For those of you not familiar with the term, "busking" is simply street performing. You know those musicians you see singing or playing as walkers pass them by? Yes that’s what I'm doing. I am busking at the T stations around Boston (which I had to get a permit to do). I was so afraid of…well, I can’t really say. Maybe I was just afraid of being afraid and my fear causing me to mess up and people start booing me or something crazy like that. The stuff that usually never happens.

Once I set up, got my sound right, I started singing. Nothing earth shattering happened. I sang someone dropped a buck in my box, people began to turn around and just give a look or nod or slight smile, I was able to ease into it. I was able to relax into my songs and just be. In many ways, it was like wasn’t there, which is interesting. Once my sista, Nisha arrived with her Cajon, we were on fire!

The fear of what could happen (but didn’t) FAR outweighed what actually happened. I am learning to release expectations and be with what's happening. I know that some people have experiences with busking that aren’t as good. But for a first timer, it was very encouraging and I intend to go back next week and the following week. I don't know how it will turn out, but I'm going to show up. I’m going to sing. I’m going to share and I’m going to do and give my best. I’m going to keep moving forward, scared or not.

In what ways are you ready to leap in your own life? I hope to see you at the T!

Song of the Week- Week 2: "On love"

2012-08-20T11:18:00.001-04:00

Today's song is about love. It not about romantic love. I enjoy romance, but this song is about the aspects of love that require work, reconciliation, reflection and transformation. Enjoy!
On love-snippet by GaBrilla BallardAs always, your comments and feedback are welcomed.

Lovingly,
GaBrilla

Song of The Week: Week 1

2012-08-13T11:00:00.004-04:00

Last week, I had a conversation about songwriting with my husband that made a huge impression on me. I have been suffering from "writer's block" for a while now. Although I have been performing and collaborating with other musicians, I haven't written a song in almost two years. That's a long time. I thought on some level I didn't really have anything to say in a way that was impactful. I told myself I didn't have the energy, time or support. And frankly, I thought I didn't have anything to write about. Yes, I was drowning in my own sob story of why it was so hard to write songs.

Then my husband told me, "write about your life... about what you are dealing with and working through." I thought, "who wants to hear about me being a stay-at-home mama trying to create meaningful work for herself and building community." But then I thought about it. That IS what I write about it on my other blog. I wrote an e-book about it, so why can't I write songs about it? It became very clear. As soon as we returned home, I got a little pocket notebook I had recently bought and started jotting down ideas. Ideas which resulted in the song I am sharing with you today in addition to lyrics for other songs.

With that said, I am pushing myself to write a song a week. I am not marrying myself to any formula. Only that I write and record a song per week. I plan to share snippets of each song here each week and to make the song available for purchase the following week. I'm still not sure how long I will write a song per week. But I wanna strive for 3 months, which is a total of about 12 songs or more depending on how inspired I feel.

Today's snippet comes from a song I wrote called, "This Choice I've Made" which is about the difficulties we are facing as a family and how it impacts me emotionally. It is about the paradoxof going through a hard time, yet still being able to be grateful in the midst of it all. I played around with my cajon and since I LOVE harmony, I added those too!This Choice I've Made (snippet) by GaBrilla Ballard

Your feedback and comments are welcomed.

Beyond the open mic: Part 1

2012-07-16T14:38:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I've posted anything new. I have been in a state of visioning and planning with my music. At this point in my journey as a singer/songwriter, I have been performing for more than 10 years. With that much time under my belt, I have experienced joys, challenges, fears, disappointments and some revelations about the next steps I should take. That being said, I am approaching this next phase of this journey with an open mind.

With this open mind, I am writing this series called, "Beyond the Open Mic." I plan to share with you where I go, what I do and how I feel about it--musically that is. As a singer-songwriter tapping into a new market (and a new market can be a place where you've performed before but have not performed in a long time), I feel it is time for me to avail ourselves to different performance opportunities, spaces and experiences. I feel blessed to be in this unique position. I have been in New England for almost 3 years now, but I have not really gotten my feet wet in the rich music scene here. Part of it is insecurity, the other is time. Now I am ready--scared, but ready!

This past weekend, I received my permit to perform at train stations here in Boston. (sorry for the blurry pic)

I am both excited and extremely nervous. Busking is not a traditional performing experience by any stretch of the imagination. For some, it is a lifestyle, but for me I am scared out of myt mind. I am sure this experience will push me and season me in ways that the "safety" of a venue can not. I also plan to perform at Farmer's markets as well as at cafes and other "traditional" singer-songwriter spaces (park, garden parties, living rooms, etc).

In pursuit of this non-traditional path, there are a few things I need: A Busking amp (plus chords)(for my vocals and guitar) A cart to tote everything around in. That's pretty much it.

Click here to view my wish list with all the items!

Here is where YOU come in!

To help me cover the cost of my amp and the other miscellaneous supplies, I am asking that if you don't already have one of my albums that you purchase one or two or more, by clicking here.

I also wrote an ebook at my other site. Print copies are available for $10.00.

I am also accepting small donations or $5.00 or more towards my street performing expenses. Please click here to donate:
Just so you know what I am up to, here's a little snippet of one of my current musical projects. Here, I am accompanied by Nisha Purushotham on percussion and Sarvenaz on cello at Art is Life Itself.
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Changes

2012-04-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

If you have looked in the sidebar, you probably have noticed the button for my new site, www.thevibrantmama.com. This blog will now be a space where I share my music, music events, music reflections and all things music. Urbanmamasong has been a space that has held many ideas and thoughts and I hope that those of you who are subscribed will continue to read my musical musings.

If you are interested in reading about adventures and insights in mamahood, as well as to access workbooks, workshops, books, e-course and other goodies, come on over to The Vibrant Mama. We would love to see you there.

As for my music. Things are picking up. I played at an open mic the week before last and plan to play again this week. I am connecting with a cellist tomorrow. I hope that goes well and we can build a trio with this amazing sista percussionist I know. More on that later.

I hope this find you well.

Changes coming soon...

2012-04-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

I have been on the fence for a little while about what to do with the direction of this blog. When I began writing about balancing music and mamahood, I was doing more music. The past year, much of my focus has been on being mama. Now I as I'm entering my life as a musician again and working on creating different ways of interacting with you, my friends and supporters, I have decided to make some changes here on my blog.

Urban Mamamsong will now be the space where I write mostly about music, post videos--it will basically be my primary music site until I have another build. This has been my main platform for almost 7 years and I just can't just let it go. But it will be transformed.

From time to time I will write about some aspects of motherhood, but much of that content will be on another site that I am building called, The Vibrant Mama. I gave a little bit of an introduction to the Vibrant Mama a couple of months ago, but soon I will announce it official launch.

In the next month or so, I will be transforming this website to be reflective of what's going on with me musically. Please sign up for my music newsletter to receive updates on shows, videos, free downloads, etc.

Thank you all for your continued love and support.

Love and light,
GaBrilla

Checking in

2012-03-18T06:32:00.002-04:00

It is 6:30 AM on a Sunday morning. I am usually asleep at this time but about an hour ago our 13-month old woke up in a mild coughing fit. The last two night's sleep has been interrupted by the same sort of gagging cough, so she and I have spent a good chunk of the wee morning hours in the bathroom with the shower running to steam things up a bit. Steam and some badger balm goes a long way. It has gotten a lot better. There’s nothing that can rattle me more than our children being ill. But I give thanks that we feed them well and they usually bounce back pretty quickly after a bout with an illness.

This past month has been transitional, hectic and inspiring. In the last month, my family moved out of our only home since moving to Boston and I launched a 30-Day challenge. The Vibrant Mama 30-day challenge taught me a lot about myself and my capacity to see a self-initiated thing through. I was inspired to do it and I did it. In the middle of a move. When I was tired out of my mind, I did it. It was as much of a challenge for me as it were for those of you who participated. I am deeply thankful for those of who opened those challenges everyday. You truly feed me.

In two days I will be launching “The Vibrant Mama 21-Day Spring Challenge” while working on launching my first e-course in May! I am so excited. It has been a long time coming, but I am ready. If you are interested in signing up for the challenge, sign up here.

I plan to be more frequent and broad with my posts. I do a lot of writing, which I love, but I would like to give you a little bit more of a window into my life, via photos and videos. Stay tuned. Please leave comments and please subscribe.

Love, light and vibrance!

2012!!!

2012-01-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Wow 2012 is here! 2011 was a FULL year for my family and me. It was more full on the family end, than on the music and creative end, but all good nonetheless. In 2011, we:

o Welcomed the newest member of our family, Sayida Mudrika Ballard-Thakore

o I left my job to pursue my music and creative dreams full time.

o My husband found an amazing job that he loves.

o Our son completed a full year at his school.

o I debuted my band, The Bloodline, in Boston

o My husband was hospitalized for his back

o The Urban Mamasong Project moved into our first space.

o My husband and I launched Just Eats.

o I started crocheting again

o Our home started feeling like home

o I played cajon publically for the first time (more of that coming soon)

o I collaborated with an amazing musician

o We said goodbye to our dog of 14 years.

As I enter 2012, I am entering with the intention of performing more; collaborating more and creating/co-creating unique ways of sharing my music with the world. I welcome your comments, ideas and feedback on how I/we as artists can best share what comes through us.

Some of my creative goals

o Perform at open mics weekly

o Write songs or beginning of songs weekly

o House Concerts!!!

o Blogging her more often

o Release new music!!!

o Perform in Canada

What are some of your creative goals for the new year?

Video clip from Saturday's show

2011-09-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

As promised, I have uploaded a video clip of from Saturday night's show at Peña Rebelde. My husband, Maanav Thakore is on the cajon and played bass on some other songs as well. We hope to see you at the next show. Enjoy!

A must-have for artists, musicians and other independent business folk

2011-09-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

Saturday night I sold CD's at my show. Usually, I accept only cash and maybe checks (but not usually), but Saturday night I was able to accept Credit/debit cards because of this genius little device called "Square".

I can't say enough about this little plug-in. It's easy to use, convenient and the percentage that "Square" takes is very small (2.75%). In the past I've used other methods, which take a long time and take more money."Square" is also green--no paper involved. The customers sign with their finger and you can either text or email their receipt. The only downside was that I had to swipe cards a few times before it would read, but overall it works pretty well.

I highly recommend "Square" for artists, musicians and independent business folk who want to sell their merchandise, but don't have those expensive credit card machines and don't want to have to mail in your receipts to get your money.

How a mama gets ready for a gig

2011-09-10T20:18:00.001-04:00

1. Wake up at 9 AM to get ready to bring 6-year-old to a 10:00 birthday party
2. Take 7-month-old and 6-year-old to party so husband can rehearse music I recorded the night before
3. Enjoy myself at party with other cool parents from 6-year-old's school
4. Leave party
5. Return home
6. Nurse and change 7-month-old
7. Eat
8. Label CD's while 7-month-old sits beside me
9. Pick up screaming 7-month-old
10. Rehearse with husband for an hour with 7 -month-old strapped to my back and 6-year-old watching TV in the living room
11. Shower
12. Get dressed
13. Get must-takes for show: guitar, cajon, mailing list, capo, batteries, phone, cash, pens
14. Pump milk for 7-month-old
15. Pack diaper bag
16. Yell at 6-year-old to get his shoes on
17. Apologize to 6-year-old for yelling at him
18. Watch husband load car
19. Put kids in car seats
20. Forget milk in fridge
21. Sends husband back inside to get milk ( a serious must have)
22. Small talk with neighbor
23. Call in-laws
24. Drive to in-laws
25. Review set list in car
26. Remember to get something to eat
27. Do lip drills( I warmed up earlier)
28. Make mental note to create marketing schedule for future gigs
29. Blog from the car (husband driving)
30. Listen to Coultraine ( non John Coltrane) in the car
31. Get stuck behind someone driving 40 mph on the interstate
32. Arrive at in-laws
33. Catch up with in-laws
34. 7-month-old shows off her crawling skills
35. Drive to venue
36. Set up for sound check
37. Contemplate getting veggie fried rice from Gourmet Dumpling House
38. Decide to wait until after gig
39. Sound check
40. Set up CD table
41. Hide away to quiet pre-performance gitters.

Pictures and a video this coming week! Time to go sing!

Friday Link Love

2011-08-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

(photo by GB)

Artistry:

A serious must have in the collection.
For writers.

Motherhood:

School’s starting soon. Here’s some great lunch ideas
I laughed out loud
Be Positive

Wellness:

Bless others
Well put
A Great Resource

Love:

What love means to a child
I LOVE this human being.
Say YES!

Enjoy your day!

Stuff you might like

2011-08-23T09:30:00.001-04:00

Beginning this today, I will weekly post "stuff" (books, products, websites and places) that I like that I think you might like as well in the areas of artistry, motherhood, wellness, and love. If you have a product, book or website that you would like me to consider posting, feel free to let me know in the comment section. Enjoy!

Green toys “My first stacker”

Long before our daughter was old enough to start playing with toys, I decided to buy them. I heard about Green Toys from writer A. Breeze Harper through her blog. She bought her young son a toy truck by the same company. Green Toys makes all of their toys from recycled milk jugs. We have been limiting the amount of plastic toys that Sayida has, so this was a great find.

Super Natural Every Day:

I stumbled upon Heidi Swanson’s website after hearing about her book from many blogs that I read. I have to say that I am in love with her site and her book. It has delicious and healthy recipes that don’t require you being in the kitchen all day. I highly recommend it.

Playful Learning:

Omer has been home the past few weeks and I have been wanting to incorporate more activities into his day to get him prepared for school. I have been highly awaiting this book. It is chock full of activities that allow children to explore in ways that allow them to engage their whole selves. I am glad to have it as a part of our ever growing book collection.

Street Etiquette

This is a website about men’s style, but I LOVE what their doing. This is partly because there’s something about men’s clothes that I simply love. I grab a lot of ideas from here and put a nice twist on my own outfits.

Enjoy your day!

Friday Link Love

2011-08-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

(Photo by GaBrilla Ballard)

On Artisty:

For those of your looking for music for your projects, this looks like a great resource

Ever inspired by this man
Always a favorite of mine:

Motherhood:

Trying to master the science of this with our little one.
During last school year, I would leave little notes for Omer in his lunchbox, so really love this idea.
I still can't get over this.

Wellness:

A great way to start your day.
Smile to your insides.

and Love:

What are the deeper questions you must ask? And answer?
Get closer to go deeper.
I was deeply moved and uplifted by reading this.

What extraordinary thing will you do today?

Enjoy your weekend!

Mamas making moves: Georgia Anne Muldrow

2011-06-02T12:52:00.001-04:00

FULL SCREEN
The Sounds of VTech / Georgia Anne Muldrow Remix: Untitled/Fantastic

Updates and news

2011-04-27T22:27:00.004-04:00

It has been over a month since I last posted on my blog. My family and I have been getting into a rhythm with Sayida. She is now 3 months old and just as plump and playful as she wants to be. It is amazing how so quickly you adjust to a new presence in your life. It’s hard to imagine what life was like without them.

This time off has given me time to put energy into both supporting Sayida and in bringing parts of my vision into the world. I have been re-writing my e-book, The Urban Mamasong Mamafesto: 12 Motivating practices for mamas who want to live their creative dreams, designing an e-course and website based on the e-book, which will launch in June and developing workshops designed to support mamas in bringing their dreams to light. I am very excited about this and hope that you will come along for this exciting journey.

Another bit of exciting news-- instead of performing at the Mamapalooza Festival (as I had thought), I will performing and presenting at the M.O.M. Conference on May 25 at the Marymount Manhattan College. I will record a snippet from the presentation and upload it later this month.

I hope this finds you well.

GaBrilla

Motivational Mondays: Will we get there?

2011-01-17T11:12:00.002-05:00

21 fifteen-minute practices on journey back to my music

2011-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Twenty-one 15-minute practices on journey back to music

In honoring my commitment to reconnect with my music, I have decided to create a list of twenty-one 15-minute musical practices for 21 days to assist me in getting back into the habit of working on and connecting with my music daily. 15 minutes-- minimum. I will put on the timer and go. If I go over 15 minutes—that’s fine, but I must do a no less than 15 minutes. Thursdays will be the days when I share what’s going on with my music. Here is the list of some of the practices. I have crossed out what I have done so far. Enjoy.

1. ~~Playing instrumentals for 3 or 4 of my songs~~

2. Play one song repeatedly

3. Sing 3 songs acapella

4. Sing 3 songs with music

5. ~~Breathing exercises~~

6. Play three new chords

7. Find a quote that I like and improvise with it

8. Play a different instrument

9. Play scales

10. Being learning a new song

11. Record a song

12. Hum

13. Write new lyrics to I’ve already written

14. Create a new melody from chords of a song you’ve written

15. Play a different instrument (whether I know how to play it or not- we have a bass, guitar and piano in our home)

16. Work on an old song htat I never finished writing

17. Revise an old song

18. Sing one of my favorite songs by another artist

19. Write a rap

20. Sing/improv an affirmation

21. Begin learning a song in another language

*If you are in trying to reconnect with your music or music in general, feel free to use this list or add to it. Leave your suggestions in the comments please.

100 things for 2011

2011-01-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

I have been reading and inspired by many people who are writing their lists of intentions and wishes for 2011. I think it’s fun and gets our imagination and dreaming muscles pumping.

I have decided to write a list of my own dreams and wishes for the New Year—however big or small. The key is to dream. This list is an adaptation from the “100 things before I die” list that I am working on.

Here are the first 50 items of my list. I plan to have both lists finished by my birthday (January 24th)

My 100 things for 2011
1. Visit New Orleans with my family
2. Give birth naturally
3. Yoga practice daily (class or home)
4. Meditate for 5 minutes min per day
5. Read a book per month
6. Go to a concert/play
7. Mindfulness practices daily
8. Record a new album
9. Launch e-course
10. Re-write and release my book
11. Teach a workshop
12. Learn to knit a scarf
13. Crochet a handbag
14. Make a dress
15. Write 100 blog posts for urbanmamasong
16. Take a road trip
17. Make a trip to Canada
18. Re-launch Urban Mamasong website
19. Go on a retreat with my husband
20. Go on a retreat with sista friends
21. Launch a book/music tour
22. Begin doing work that I LOVE and am called to do
23. Start coaching business
24. Make money doing what I love!
25. Create online community with other amazing women
26. Cultivate community
27. Attend a conference
28. Perform at a festival
29. Collaborate and perform with a percussionist
30. Journal daily
31. Launch Urban mamasong Café
32. Begin singing and performing
33. Devote time daily to music craft
34. Submit writings for publication
35. Host a fundraising house party
36. Attend a NACA workshop
37. Complete one painting a month
38. Launch a 21-day songwriting marathon
39. Learn how to use an MPC2000
40. Create two addition streams of income
41. Write daily
42. Family meals daily
43. Go camping with my family
44. Get in amazing shape
45. Purchase a bike
46. Drink two liters of water a day
47. Go to sleep by 11:00 PM
48. Begin drinking green smoothies daily
49. Increase live food intake by 50%
50. Start composting

How about you start a list of your own-- What are the 100 things that you would like to accomplish/ see/ experience this year? To take it a step further, what are the 100 things that you would like to do before you die? Go ahead, Dream BIG!

Motivational Monday: Vision Boards

2011-01-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

Maanav and I spend the evening on New Year's day creating our vision boards for 2011. I am pretty much done, although I could add TONS more. I did not get a chance to do one for 2010, so creating one this year was fun and grounding. 2011 holds so many BIG and exciting things. I am so excited about this year!

Here are a few pics of my vision board thus far.

What is your vision for the new year? What intentions are you setting?

Have a great week and an AMAZING year!!!

What I am working on...

2010-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of re-writing my book “The Urban Mamasong Mamafesto.” I released it this past year as an e-book, and because of the wonderful support and feedback that I have received from my community and friends, I have decided to return to the writing pad to revise, expand and release it as a print pocket book in the Spring--maybe sooner. If you are interested in contributing to the completion, printing and distribution of this book, please look for the chipin widget in the right column of my blog to contribute to this project.

In addition to the book, I am completing the development of an e-course “So, you want to live your creative dream...” an eight week e-course for mamas and women who are interested in getting the necessary motivation and tools to get their creative projects off the ground. More details will be available on the e-course very soon.

2011 looks to be a very exciting year—new baby coming in February, new book shortly thereafter, e-course in the works and tons of blogs and sharing (including giveaways!!!)

I hope this finds you well and that you continue to visit here and be inspired to do the work that you love and are called to do.

Much love,

GaBrilla

Some Products I am really enjoying right now...

2010-12-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

Omer has been having bad dreams lately and we have been trying a few things to help him feel more comfortable going to sleep. In addition to visualizations that Maanav has been doing with him, music has been one of the things that has been a useful tool for him. While at the store, I found Putumayo's African Dreamland

Omer really enjoys it. The music is both soothing and beautiful. I plan to upload it to my Iphone and listen to it as I go relax at night.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

I am moving into the 8th month of my pregnancy and getting myself mentally prepared for birth. Ina May Gaskin has been a woman who has been in my consciousness( and the consciousness of millions of women committed to natural birth) for a long time regarding natural childbirth. Her book "Spiritual Midwifery" has been a bible among my friends who have had their children at home and in the hospital. I am not planning a home birth this pregnancy, but this book is an amazing primer for anyone interested in being affirmed in listening to your bodies and in being reminded that women's bodies do know how to birth. I love it!

So many beautfiul blessings!!!

2010-11-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, My husband and I publicly shared our love, commitment and dedication to sharing our life journeys with each other in a small and intimate family-centered ceremony. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Before we became married, I wondered if I would feel different after being married--I do. I am unable to describe what those feelings are right now, but they are big and I feel full and deeply grateful for sharing my life with a person who is deeply loving, kind, honest and generous.

Here are some pictures from our joyous and beautiful day. I feel truly grateful!

Things are now beginning to normalize and return to a natural pace. Yesterday, I stayed home half day from work to take care of Omer who is fighting a cold. I feel like I am trying to catch one myself. My husband is faithfully using his neti pot, so things seem to be blowing over him (maybe I should use it too !)

I plan to blog more frequently than I have--at least once a week until I can free up more time to blog more. There is SO much going on right now personally and creatively. I have a couple of gigs coming up that I plan to update you on. Life is beautiful.

I hope this finds you well.