This has been a damn good month let me tell you. I can't help but smile, hence the ever so subtle emoji.Life was just getting so good in general; health, wealth (spiritually and financially), I got certain things that I wanted, plenty of what I needed and for the most part things have been on the up and up, of which I am so abundantly grateful for. My main goal was to sell books and cards of which I met! These products of mine are subject to peak seasons such as Valentine's Day so one must capitalize #BossMoves.
One of my cards was not even sold through my custom service, it was through reading the poem of an exclusive card that I made for the upcoming special edition of I'm All In, as part of my performance and a lady liked the card so much that she wanted to buy it on the spot. Although I was reluctant to depart from that beautiful unique design, I knew that it would make her happy to have it which is the whole reason why I began making cards in the first place and she was a paying customer so I obliged. I put a lot into that card so it pleased me a great deal when the audience oooo'd and ahhh'd upon reveal. I also had to brush off my shoulders in pride when another lady pointed out how much she loved the presentation of my card sale when I presented it with a gift bag that I handmade the ribbons for. Presentation is everything and the appreciation from others makes it all worth-it.
It was that same event where two grown men were fighting (a friendly argument) over who could buy the last copy I had of my book. It blows my mind when I see or hear of people getting possessive or excited over my creations, it's unbelievable, humbling and pleasing all at the same time. I remember feeling this way when a fellow Poet told me a couple years ago that after shortly buying my book she borrowed it to a friend but her friend wouldn't give it back. That's the sh*t! For me to hear but not for her of course lol.
I performed at a new show in Hampstead and unbeknownst to me, Hampstead is a very artsy vibrant area of which I shall make more use of it in the future. It was that same event where a mature woman (older and graceful) said to me "You're a young Shakespeare" OH SH*T! Excuse my repeated profanity for anyone that's offended but I will always express myself in an authentic way. Can you imagine being given such a compliment!? I mean that's HUGE, she didn't compare me to just anyone or someone more contemporary to better suit my generation, she compared me to SHAKESPEARE. And I'll stress that she is of a certain age therefore, she has lived and has clearly heard many poets and read plenty poetry yet feels that I'm worthy to be compared to such a legend.
Those words had me smiling all afternoon, much like that Maya Angelou comparison I got last year from performing at Beyond Words. I wish I recorded them saying so (both times). I also wish I had a picture of me performing at the Victorian inspired Hampstead venue with the piano in the background. I hate missing out on the opportunity to capture the moment with a nice backdrop or pleasant memory in general. Kmt.
[Photography by Aleksandra Wozniak]
This month has really been full of surprises, eclectic events some pre-planned some unprompted, performing to very different crowds each time and meeting new people- lovely people might I add. One charming fellow Artist, I think he was a Singer from Scotland if not Ireland, let me know that I had to change the picture on my flyers. I believe his words were "What (the woman) I just saw up there (on stage) is not what I see here. There's no sassiness, you're gorgeous but you're picture looks like you're at home eating cookies in your PJ's!" Well. That was quite the statement. Had me laughing hysterically as I could not believe he was so blunt, but then again many people get shocked at the things that I say and respond with the same laughter sometimes.
Although I disagree with how the picture looks, I do agree that it doesn't match up with my image today as it was taken a long time ago regardless of the fact that I haven't changed much physically. Even though I'm photogenic and have even been with agencies off and on since I was eleven, all till now I struggle with profile pics and pictures of me in general (especially for the public) hence my lack of uploads online. What was really nice was the way this moment took place, the Host had just announced that we've reached the end of the show then this Singer as well as female Singer, came to sit with me at my table to say Hi and introduce themselves which was very nice. I love it when Artists are social and interact with each other like that.
[Photography by Aleksandra Wozniak]
We all spoke about each other's performances, exchanged business cards which was flyers in my case and subsequently focused on my inappropriate photo. The female Singer who also could not help but to laugh, tried to convey his message in a more polite way and concurred by saying "You're picture does not look as sophisticated as you do in person." I completely understood where they were coming from and much appreciated the advice from one, or should I say two, Artist(s) to another. I'd hate to go on thinking something is good and well when it's not. Constructive criticism is necessary.
They spoke, I listened and have since changed the profile pic on my flyer! One of the many nice things that the female Singer said about my performance was "English is not my first language so it was hard for me to understand everything but I just loved listening to the sound of your voice." Yet another sweet compliment that warmed my heart. It really is amazing that you do not know how good you are making people feel as you are performing to them, whether they fully comprehend or not. It's great that the connection between you and the audience is still there regardless of language barriers.
From Black Heroes Soul Café, I met a Musician who was releasing his latest single Are You A Slave and hosting a private screening of his music video the following night. We both appreciated each other's work, got into an in depth discussion about the industry and politics which led to an invite for me to perform at his private event in Docklands. It's funny how so much of my bookings in the past came from spontaneous sightings or conversations, but that does validate their interest so I am not complaining at all. The screening was a very pleasant, intimate, entertaining affair at an ideal venue- as someone who runs an event company I am extremely fussy about venues and this one fit the bill perfectly.
There were some familiar faces present, as well as community leaders and industry folk including Judith Jacobs who I met on my book tour in 2016. The event just so happened to be the debut of live shows hosted by DJ Elayne who unexpectedly interviewed me on camera, thank goodness I was dressed for the occasion although I am one to be 'camera ready' most of the time anyway ;-)
Despite having to rush between locations of a double booking I'm very glad I went to that one as it was very positive and uplifting. For the footage that was recorded throughout the evening with interviews and all, I am sure it will be available between YouTube and Facebook within the next few months. I'll add links when I can. Additionally, Noel McKoy (the Musician) has launched a crowdfund for his upcoming album so you can check that out for more information.
I returned to Once Upon A Mic again which would make it my third appearance now much like with City Link Up. I love small consistent events like those that have their dedicated audience and passionate Poets & Artists eager to share their creativity for the sake of doing so. It's nice. I particularly liked that way Math Jones (their new Host and fellow Poet) introduced me by saying something about me being one of the most "classy" or "glamorous" he knows, wish I could remember verbatim but it was some adjective to that effect, emphasizing on how I carry myself. Either way his kind words were much appreciated. I noticed three girls recording me that night which always makes me blush or feel uneasy but I know it's a good thing when people want to record your performance....then again people also want to record you when you do something embarrassing so I may just retract that last statement and say; I know that they were recording for a good reason lol.
There's been so much love in more ways than one I am so here for it! I continue to meet some of the most fabulous people in regard to both customers and those I network with. A few of my last minute open mic appearances led to features. Not all of this month's progression was poetry related by the way, what really made me feel elated (wasn't meant to rhyme) was all the production opportunities that have been coming my way from last month till now. My media production work has taken a back seat to my publishing, performing and other business for the sake of preference, convenience and opportunity but I am extremely excited about these production projects. I'm getting my feet wet again and ready to dive!
The past 4-5 weeks have been full of progress and positivity with very little to complain about so I just have plenty to smile about, look back and grin, look forward and beam.
@LK_ReelDeevah
