studio635

It's A Love "Thing"

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:58:00 -0400

It seems like I'm only posting every five months now. Don't know why, and really, who cares? I'm just feeling bloggy again, that's all.

Right now, I'm sitting at work, sore from yesterday's staff bowling outing, watching wine videos and reading wine articles online. (I don't remember exactly the last time I bowled, but it's been way too long.)

Wine's my new "thing," my latest interest. It's good to have a "thing," especially a new "thing." I've had other "things," but this one's not tied to my job or business aspirations, or something I'm doing for my health or spiritual wellbeing. (Not that those aren't good things.) It's not something that I feel I "should" do, so the joy won't be stripped of it after six months because of my frustrations of not being better at it. I believe this is love, people. The real thing. It's been almost nine months, and the feeling's still strong.

I've always liked wine, but never really got into it. Like most people, I was pretty intimidated by it. All I knew was Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and White Zinfandel, and not very well. I wasn't big on the reds. Maybe they were just too much for my untrained palate. That's changing now, though. I'm actually very proud of my progress in wine appreciation.

Now that I have something interesting to blog about, I'll be checking in more often. And that's a great thing.

Treat Her Like A Queen

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:51:00 -0400

Like almost everyone, I can't help thinking about all the Rihanna/Chris Brown drama going on in the media and everywhere else lately.

As I was walking to the train from work last night a song popped into my head that speaks to the issue of "domestic" violence so clearly. It's called Treat You Like A Queen, by Rahsaan Patterson, from his Love In Stereo CD.

Click on the icon to play, and please, listen to the words.

Friendship Train

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:44:00 -0400

Here's a tribute to Barack Obama and his family that my sister put together last week.

Click here or on the image to listen. (It's a great song, so turn up the sound.)

Babyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:43:00 -0400

I'm getting back in the mood to blog again. What that really means is that there's actually something new to talk about.

The best thing so far has been the birth of my BFF's new baby girl. Her name is Simunyé Lior Read Berry. Her first name is a South African/Zulu word meaning "we are one," or "we are together." Her middle name is a Hebrew word meaning "my light," or "God's gift of light." This works well since her mom is half black/half Jewish.

I was honored to meet Simunyé less than two hours after she was born, even though I felt like I knew her long before since I watched her mommy's tummy grow and felt her moving around in there as she grew inside.

Although other friends/family members have had kids, this is the first pregnancy I followed from the beginning. I really appreciate my relationship with my friend, Yaël (my baby mama), and her husband, Darien (my baby daddy), and that they've allowed me to be a part of their lives, especially for this most important experience—the birth of their first child.

Not to be biased (yeah right), but she's just about the cutest baby ever! She was just a little over five pounds at birth, and she's still quite small. It's been amazing watching her adjust to life on the outside, and everyone adjusting to her being here.

I look forward to watching this little soul grow up and become the woman she is destined to be.

Tomorrow's Another Day

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 3 Mar 2008 21:42:00 -0500

I just came from watching Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle discuss his latest book, A New Earth, on her first live online class. I only got to see the first 10 minutes of it, as my poor wireless connection became stretched beyond its limits and could no longer compete with the onslaught of viewers logged on to this historic event. After a series of intermittent stalls and pauses, the video just stopped altogether. And trying to get back on was impossible, so I just gave up and logged out.

I worked really hard to prepare for this. I set my computer up just as was instructed in the pre-class emails and downloaded a particular viewer called Move that was going to stream everything. I also downloaded the Worksheet for Chapter 1, re-read the chapter, digging much deeper into it than I had the first time, and proceeded to fill out all but one of the questions. (I felt like I needed more time with it.) And I made sure I was online 30 minutes before time (even though they said 15).

I was almost too prepared for this. In fact, I probably was (not with all the things I did, as they were required, but emotionally). This was the first selection from Oprah’s Book Club that I actually read, and the first time I participated in any of the online stuff, so I really wanted to be there with it. And I was.

When Oprah came on and welcomed us to the class, I was so aware and impressed by the knowledge that thousands of people just like me were plugged in to their computers and looking at the exact same thing I was. It was historical. And I was a part of it, even for a little while. So as disappointed as I was to miss the rest of the conversation tonight, as well as the calls and emails people will be making, I take comfort in knowing that I can download the entire webcast from Oprah’s site tomorrow and watch it as many times as I want.

Everybody Neti Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:52:00 -0500

In keeping with my quest for perfect health I’ve started the ancient Indian practice of neti, aka nasal washing, nasal irrigation, or (my personal favorite) nasal douching. It’s where you use a specially designed “pot” filled with warm salt water to clean out your nasal passages.

I’ve known about this practice for quite a while, maybe a couple of years, and desired to buy a neti pot, but procrastination (as usual) got the better of me. It wasn’t until I saw Dr. Oz on the Oprah show describing the practice in detail, and heard some of the testimonies from the audience, that I finally decided to purchase one.

Neti pots come in different shapes and sizes, but the basic design is the same. As the picture shows, there’s a bowl with a spout that’s inserted into your nostril. I ordered mine from the Himalayan Institute. I love their design because it reminds me of Aladdin’s lamp (which I’m sure was the idea). I got the starter kit which includes the neti pot, a jar of salt, and a bottle of herbal wash that you add to the water for extra health benefits.

It took a little getting used to, but I’ve pretty much got the hang of it (it’s been about 3 weeks now). I told some folks about it and they seem at least curious if not completely interested. My sister ordered hers right away though. I’m very anxious to hear what her first experience is like.

For those with any kind of sinus problems or allergies, like me, I highly recommend it. So far, so good. The real test is when allergy season comes around…and it’s not that far off.

FYI: If you want to get a preview of what the neti craze is about, check out these vids on YouTube.

Resolutions for Life

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:14:00 -0500

I’ll be going back to work in exactly two weeks. In the time that I’ve been home recovering, I’ve been focusing on rest and healing (which was the goal) and as far as I’m concerned, mission accomplished.

Another goal was to begin a wellness program that includes meditation, exercise, and healthy eating. I’ve also been doing a lot of reading of health and spiritually-themed books. The thing is, there are just so many good things to get into. As I start one thing, I find something else to get into. Then the next thing comes along and takes my attention from what I was just doing. I’m like a kid in a candy store with all this. It’s great, but my biggest concern is that I’ll end up dropping it all when I go back to work. I know I shouldn’t be afraid of this, but this has always been my pattern. I get real fired up about something, then lose interest after something more pressing or engaging comes along.

My resolution this time is to maintain all the good things I’ve started. This isn’t about quitting smoking or losing weight, noble pursuits that they are (not to mention that I could stand to lose a few), it’s about developing lifelong practices, things that will sustain me in this life and beyond. As a spiritual being, there’s nothing more important than my spiritual life. So regardless of how demanding my job is, or how tired or distracted I get, I always have to bring myself back to center. I’ve got to find that place within myself and check in on a regular basis, otherwise what’s the point? It has to be different now. My life depends on it.

So at a time when people are beginning to slide off of their New Year’s resolutions, I’m resolving to reconnect with myself on a deeper level—a higher level—for life.

Big Gurls Need Love Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:04:00 -0500

Sometimes I get emails from Universal Music Group promoting new releases. I haven't received one for quite a while, and the one I got yesterday I found in my junk folder. What made me check it out was the link to the new Erykah Badu single, Honey. After seeing that vid, which was very cute, btw, there was one by John Legend that I looked at. It was a live performance of his song, Slow Dance. I've got to share it because I just loved the sister he was dancing with at the end. Did she represent or what?! I just loved that fact that out of all the women in that audience, they chose her. YOU GO GURRRL!!

Reflections On A Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:26:00 -0500

I just posted to my New Word blog after almost 2 years. It felt really good to do. It somehow made me feel like I've found a piece of myself that I'd let go of (but then that's been happening a lot these days).

I've been on leave from my job since the end of December recuperating from surgery, so I've had lots of time to think and reflect on what it all means to me. I still have a few weeks left so I decided to revisit some of the things I put aside once I started working full time. The easiest thing to look at was the blogs—not just mine, but others' as well.

My old blog bud, Modigli, is posting again. She'd shut down her blog for a few months, but decided to bring it back, which I'm real happy about. I always enjoyed reading her stuff.

I didn't realize how much I missed all this until I started reading through New Word. I guess you need to get away from something for a while to have a real appreciation for it. I read that thing all the way from the first post to the last and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I actually look forward to going back and digging through the links in some of the posts. (Who knew you could learn from your own stuff?!)

I guess I'll have to go back and read through this one as well. Maybe I'll even start posting more. Hey why not? I've got nothing but time (at least for the next 3 weeks).

I'm Baaack!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:38:00 -0400

It's the end of September and my first post for 2007. It's not like nothing was going on, it's just that I didn't feel like blogging. I didn't really feel like anything I had to say was very important or profound, so why bother? I even considered deleting the entire blog and starting over. Then I reconsidered it. Now I'm starting over—without actually starting over.

What actually inspired me to post is this video I saw of singer/guitarist, Raul Midón. As I was getting the info for his upcoming show at the Highline Ballroom, I saw this video of him on their website and had to post it. This guy is A-MAZING!! I can't wait to see him live. There are more vids of him on YouTube, so check him out.

Now if I can just find someone to go with me. :-)

(Also, check out his website and MySpace.)

Looking Forward to Next Year

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 15:53:00 -0500

It almost seems silly to do a "year in review" since I've only posted a few times this year, but I figured, since this will be my last post for 2006, why not?

The biggest thing to happen this year has been getting my job at MNN in May, and adjusting to life as a working person. After that was my trip to San Jose, CA for the BlogHer conference in July. Since then, it's been pretty routine. Although there've been a few changes, it's mostly been more about personal growth and revelation, just figuring out where I'm going and what I want to do next.

For 2007, I'd like to get back into my online life more, and finish/continue so much of what I started in 2005. Since I began working I pretty much abandoned my blogs and websites—just left them hanging. It was just too much to try and devote myself to everything all at once. Something had to give, and unfortunately, it was my blogs. I mostly regret not keeping up with The New Media Collective, but I'm looking forward to getting that going again next year. I'm also looking forward to starting my podcast, The Collective Conscience. I've been thinking about it for a long time now, and am definitely going to make that happen.

I actually got a head start with a show I did for J.W. Richard's Mandrake Society Radio to celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa (Kuumba), which is today (you can check it out here). I was so stoked listening to it this morning! Although there are things I could definitely change, I'm very proud of it, as it's my very first podcast. It's really got me psyched to get mine up and running.

For anyone who might read this, I wish for you (as for myself) all the best for 2007. We deserve it!

6 Months & Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:38:00 -0500

Yesterday marked my 6-month anniversary at MNN, which signals the end of my probationary period, and the activation of all my benefits. Since I didn't get fired, I figure they consider me useful on some level. And from what I understand, there will be an evaluation and possible pay raise, which will be most useful to me.

Going to work everyday doesn't seem as strange as it once did, which I believe means that I'm over that initial adjustment period. Being a work-a-day person isn't nearly as constricting as I thought it'd be (having money is actually quite freeing, to say the least).

The people I've met at MNN have helped make my transition quite smooth as well. Although I'm cool with everyone, I've gotten particularly close to some, especially Stefanie. Even though she's quite a few years my junior, we've managed to become pretty good buds, which is pretty cool.

In addition to my milestone at work, I'll also be celebrating my birthday next week. I'm so thankful for how things have been going that I have nothing whatsoever to complain about. I guess they're right about things becoming clearer in your 40's. You just don't care what other people think so much anymore, which, I believe, is how it always should be.
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Check out MNN's latest creation—a music video featuring some of the producers and staff. While I watched them shoot it, I didn't feel well enough to participate (although I probably would have wiggled out of it anyway).

click here to download

Celebrating Women Filmmakers of Color

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 22:33:00 -0500

Last night after work I went to the closing ceremony of the African American Women In Cinema Film Festival. I wish I could have seen some of the films this year, but my work schedule didn't allow it.

AAWIC's founder, Terra Reneé, had a vision of showcasing women filmmakers of color, and has done an amazing job of it despite lots of setbacks. This year, Wal-Mart got on board as a sponsor with their Voices of Color Film Series. There were also lots of other high profile sponsors which really made a difference in the whole look and feel of the event. The changes were glaringly apparent from even last year.

Being honored this year were a few well-known actresses including Nia Long, Daphne Maxwell Reid, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Elise Neal. It was cool to see how appreciative and moved they were to be acknowledged in this way. The fact is, no matter how "known" they are, or how long they've been at it, women of color in the entertainment industry continue to struggle for decent roles and never quite get their just due. Good, bad, or otherwise, it's just great to have a venue where these deserving women can be recognized and applauded.

Although AAWIC still has a lot of growing to do, it's been amazing to see the development of this organization over the last five years since I originally became involved. I started out as a volunteer for two years, dropped out of sight for two, then hooked up with them again last year. This is their ninth year doing this and was their biggest ever. Although I wasn't able to really be involved much this year, I'm glad to be back on board with them and really look forward to celebrating their 10th anniversary with them next year.

Serendipity at S.O.B.'s

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:49:00 -0400

It's amazing how things work sometimes. I didn't want to go by myself to see Floetry, but it was the best thing that could have happened.

As the Universe would have it, I couldn't get a single soul to go with me last night. I thought I had a couple of takers, but they fell through, so I went alone. I was a little anxious about selling the ticket, but it turned out fine. There was a guy waiting outside to do the exact same thing, so at least I had company. After a short wait, two women came up to the door. It appeared as if they were being turned away, so I asked if they needed tickets. They said yes, and both I and the guy, who also had a single ticket, sold them ours on the spot. I was just relieved to be rid of that ticket. It was like a weight had been lifted off me. Now I could enjoy the show. My only beef was that the show was standing only. Not my idea of a good time.

Now for Part Two. After finding a good place to stand, I looked down and saw a woman I know named Roz, whom I'd met last year through another friend at another show. She happened to be one of the promoters that evening, so not only did I see Floetry, I ended up in the VIP section—sitting (although I did end up standing most of the time dancing anyway), drinking free Alizé (which was not the best thing I could have done after just being sick). I also got "backstage" to meet them afterwards, which probably never would have happened if my original plans went through.

Small world that it is, I also ran into Verinia, a woman I met last year through the African American Women In Cinema Organization, who just "happened" to be working with Roz that night, so I went from going alone to having a few people to hang with. Pretty cool.

So Far, A Good Day

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:21:00 -0400

Today's my first day back at work after a nasty bout of what I originally thought was food poisoning, but instead was more than likely some kind of stomach virus. I'm sure the days old sushi I ate didn't help, but considering that my mom got the same thing the next day and she didn't eat what I ate, that would pretty much kill the food poisoning theory. Thankfully, hers wasn't half as bad as mine, and she recovered a lot quicker.

It's been good seeing everyone again after a week. I actually got a few hugs from people, which is always nice. You don't realize how much you're missed until you're gone. So far, I feel pretty good. I got some much needed rest, even though I didn't feel well for most of the time. I'm definitely going to take it easy with the food until I'm sure everything's cool.

One thing I'm really looking forward to is checking out the R&B duo, Floetry, tonight at S.O.B.'s. I've been wanting to see them for the last two years, but either the timing was bad, or I was broke (or both), so this time I was bound and determined not to miss them again. Unfortunately, my co-worker/friend, Stefanie, cancelled on me at the last minute, so now I've got an extra ticket to get rid of. She offered to still pay for it, but I'd much rather get someone else to go. If that doesn't work I could still try and sell it at the club—this way everyone wins (although I'd rather not go alone).

Maysa Rocked B.B. King's

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sat, 9 Sep 2006 12:44:00 -0400

In my effort to make up for years without a real social life, I've started checking out some concerts. I've always loved live music, but since the money was short, I could only get to the free stuff most of the time. Now that I've got a real job, I can actually pay to see some of my favorite artists. The only catch is that I've got a schedule now, so I've got to work around it. I'll still miss some shows, but I'll catch enough to keep myself happy.

I finally got to check out B.B. King's Blues Club on 42nd Street. A lot of people I liked have played there, but I've always missed them. This time I got to see one of my favorite smooth jazz vocalists, Maysa Leak, live and in person—and she didn't disappoint. I've loved Maysa for years as the lead singer for the British jazz-funk band, Incognito, and as a solo artist, so I was stoked to see her perform live.

I also got the chance to hang out with a couple of my young co-workers and introduce them to her music. With all the half-assed, over-produced "singers" out there now, they need to be able to know and appreciate real music, and real "sangers," when they hear them.

The Carmen Chiles Band did a rock-based set as the opening act, which was cool enough. What I liked most was that it was fronted by a young sister who played acoustic guitar. Maysa, who came with a band including two female background singers and a 19-year old drumming phenom, brought the house down with cuts from her solo projects, including my favorite, Can We Change The World (which she said she wrote in 15 minutes after witnessing the deplorable way hotel workers were treated in Indonesia while on tour with Incognito), a few R&B standards, and the Incognito hit, Deep Waters (another favorite), which she did as an encore performance.

I'm totally looking forward to the next show, wherever it may be. Now that I'm on B.B. King's email list, there won't be too many I'll miss.

BlogHer Pics (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 9 Aug 2006 11:46:00 -0400

Me & my new bud, Laurie @ Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

Still getting caught up since BlogHer, but kind of slow at it. (But then I'm not too swift with most things.) I finally started uploading the pics I took to Flickr. It seems that's what most people are doing. If you go to Flickr and do searches for either BlogHer, BlogHer '06, or BlogHer 2006, you'll see what most everyone with a camera caught in and around the conference. I even typed in my name and some pics of me showed up as well, which was kinda cool. (A little eerie, but cool.)

I've had a Flickr account for over a year, but never uploaded any personal photos. I've always just used it as a repository for stuff that went up on my Blogger blogs (before Blogger let you upload photos), or other stuff—that I learned later was against Flickr policy (no porn, I promise).

Anyway, here's the link if you'd like to check them out. It's still a work in progress as there are only a few up now.

I Heart BlogHer

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 1 Aug 2006 19:41:00 -0400

I was going to write a post titled, "BlogHer Bound," before my trip to California for the BlogHer Conference, but I was way too stressed to sit and write anything at that time. I've actually been terrible about writing anything consistently here, and as for my other blogs, fugedaboudit! (But that's nothing new). What makes it so much more shameful this time is that I was due to be on a panel talking about one of them, which only added to the stress since I hadn't posted to it in 2 months.

The overwhelming feelings of undeservedness and unpreparedness (considering that the Conference was paying for my trip), the fear of public speaking (did you know most people would rather be dead?), my period (which showed up unexpectedly), not to mention, the less-than-perfect pedicure that I PAID for (you really can't tell from a distance, but that's not the point).

Despite all the anxiety, everything turned out as well as everyone said it would—maybe even better. For now, all I'll say is that BlogHer rocked! (And I NEVER use that term.)

Stay tuned. More to come. (I promise.)

Is Backdating Cheating?

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 11:50:00 -0400

I'll admit it. I'm a backdater. In order not to have missing months on my blog, I'll backdate posts to keep things consistent. Sometimes I'll feel guilty about it, because it does feel like I'm cheating, but when I see all those months lined up in a row, one after the other, it gives me such a warm, tingly feeling inside.

That's one of the cool things about blogging. You can post for whatever date you want, not necessarily what the actual date is. The only catch, as I've recently discovered, is that if you have an RSS feed, your entry will still record for the actual date posted. So anyone subscribing to your blog will see the real date of entry in their newsreader. All you can hope is that they're not paying that much attention.

You can't have it all, I guess. At least I can feel good knowing the list of months in my sidebar are complete and gap-free.

My Sister the Reverend

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:31:00 -0400

My sis, Jen (on the right), with her partner Jackie.

My sister, Jennifer, graduated from seminary yesterday. (The One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, to be exact.) I've been teasing her for weeks calling her "Reverend" Jennifer, which she's still not used to hearing. She doesn't actually plan to be a preacher, although she is good for a lecture when she gets ready. :-) She really wants to do life coaching, running a spiritual center, which I think is pretty cool.

I've never attended a seminary graduation before, so it was a nice experience. They had the ceremony at the famed Riverside Church here in NYC, which is huge, so I had to struggle to see without my glasses (which I hadn't yet replaced after falling apart in my hands a few weeks ago). Otherwise, the ceremony was beautiful. The church was practically full with family, friends, and well-wishers, which made the event that much more festive.

I love the whole Interfaith thing, in that it embraces many different cultures and traditions without the whole "religious" thing. It's all about embracing the Creator, and living a life of consciousness and love for all beings. As far as I'm concerned, it don't get much better than that!

I look forward to seeing what's next for Jen. She really went through a lot to do this, and I'm extremely happy for her milestone.

Take 6 @ The Bluenote

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:00:00 -0400

To celebrate my sister's graduation from seminary, I took her to the legendary Bluenote Jazz Club to see acapella vocal group, Take 6, last night for the Father's Day show. It's been many years since I've seen them in person, and was ecstatic to learn they would be in town.

When I first learned about the show in the Village Voice, I knew I wanted tickets, and it just made sense to take Jen with me, since her graduation was only a week later. What made it extra cool was that I was able to take her backstage to meet them after the show, since I knew some of them from college. She still hasn't stopped talking about that, or the fact that we were sitting close enough to touch the stage. It was great seeing the guys again. They sounded, and looked, as good as ever (even though the years are starting to tell on us all). :-)

I'm glad I was finally able to do something like that for her. She really deserved it. And so did I.

Hangin' with blip

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 26 May 2006 20:44:00 -0400

I've got a little over an hour left before quittin' time, and I figured I'd give an update. Last night I got to meet some NYC videobloggers at a get-together the blip.tv crew were having. Since Ryanne & Jay left for San Francisco in March there really haven't been regular vlogger meetups (at least none that I know of), so it's been awhile since I've seen some folk. Yesterday, Jonny Goldstein stopped by MNN so that was a pleasant surprise. Turns out, he produces a show here.

I really enjoyed myself, despite being reprimanded by a bouncer at the door for wearing sneakers (turns out I wasn't the only one wearing them), and the $9 Heinekin (which they insisted had to be in a glass).

It was cool meeting Mike from blip.tv, Clark from ZipZapZop, and Monika from Becoming A Nurse. It was also great seeing Peter from Mefeedia and his lady, Maria, again, as well as Charles (thanks for the invite) and Dina from blip.tv. Thankfully, I didn't have to come in till 12 today, or I'd never have been able to hang as late as I did.

Everything's Everything!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 12 May 2006 13:16:00 -0400

I really wanted to get something up here before now. I've just got way too much stuff going on to keep up these days. Right now I'm sitting at my new job at MNN (yes, I got the job!) with a bad case of laryngitis. I've been sick all week, which sucks for my first week at work. What makes it worse is that I was sick just a couple of weeks ago. Just when I thought I was getting over it, WHAM! I get hit all over again. Between the sickness and the long hours (13 between work and commute each day), I've barely been functional. (Thank God for drugs—and a 4-day schedule.) ;-)

So far, so good on the job. There's always that adjustment period, but the people are great and there's always something different going on here, which keeps it interesting. I look forward to feeling better and being really able to get my feet wet.

Right now, there's a quiet moment, so I figured now's as good a time to post. As far as the blogosphere is concerned, it's going to be a challenge juggling everything. I've got to implement some serious time management techniques to keep it all going. I don't doubt that it'll all work out. If I can get a real job—with benefits—after basically being unemployed for 20 years, then anything's possible!

It's My Blogiversary!!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 4 Apr 2006 11:12:00 -0400

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO MEEEEEE!

On April 4, 2005, studio635 was born and set me off in a direction that won't be changing anytime soon (see first post). Life in the blogosphere has been quite a ride—much more up than down. It's given me a sense of purpose I never had, and a few new friends to go along with it. It's improved my writing, I read a lot more, and has allowed me to put all my skills and abilities to use in this wonderful environment. I've also been able to help others get their message out, which is an added bonus.

During the course of this year I've created 6 blogs (yes, 6) which have all been gratifying and satisfying, but my shining hour came with the development of The New Media Collective. It's only been 2 months, but it's already having an impact. A few days ago I was actually invited to speak on a panel at the BlogHer conference in California in July to talk about it. Unreal! I never saw myself as a public speaker, but life seems to have other plans for me. Speaking of which, I also have a job interview today at the public access station here in NYC, which also came about through one of my vlogger buds (thanks Jay).

All I can say is that blogging's been very, very good to me this year, and the way it looks right now, it can only get better (once the money comes).

Giving Is Its Own Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:42:00 -0500

There have been many times where I've questioned this whole blog thing, mostly right here on this blog. Why do I do it? Is it really important? Is it taking up too much of my time? Does anybody care about this but me? Then I get a response to one of my posts that completely validates and reinforces my involvement and commitment to the blogosphere.

A couple of days ago, I made a post to my New Word blog about a book that was recently published by my friend GA's company, WD Publishers. The author, Carl Horner, who I'll be meeting next week when he comes to NYC, has been on a mission decrying the plight of bullying going on in schools around the country through his novel, A Hole In The Wind.

As much as I believe that this is an important topic, I really only offered to post about it to help my friend GA get some play for his publishing company. I also figured I'd finally have something to add to New Word, which hasn't seen any action in two months. In the process, I realized I was doing something pretty good. By talking about Carl and his book I was providing awareness for an important issue. I was providing a service. What really sealed it was the response I got from Carl Horner himself, via phone and email.

Here's an excerpt from that correspondence:

I marvel at your writing talent. Eternal gratitude to you for evoking the spirit of my book.

How cool is that?! That was definitely worth the time, and more than enough to keep me going with this thing a little longer.