The Fountain of Youth, described as 'A mythical spring that is said to restore the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.'  

Where is this magical fountain and is it possible to bottle up enough of its mystery and power to last a lifetime?  Will one drink be enough or will it wear off after a period of time?  I believe without a shadow of a doubt if this fountain truly existed the curiosity from within would prompt one to embark upon a a mission to find it and jump right in.  You know, just to see what happens.

As daydreamy as that sounds, it really makes you think.

With so many changes all around us, what reason would we have to believe that our minds and bodies are exempt from it all?  We cautiously step through life making our way through the ups and downs, the opinions of others and becoming more conscious as time goes on, yet we tip-toe through aging as if we are somehow going to dodge Father Time.  Coming to a realization that the pressures of the world are a reality and no longer something our parents were saying to frighten us.  ​

Let's take a step backwards to the days when you felt as if time was forever on your side.  When you truly believed you were invincible and there was nothing that could stop you from doing whatever you desired.  Days that turned into weeks, that gracefully became months, that flowed into years filled with no worries of aging.  No covering of grey hairs.  No calorie counting or carb control.  No fear of the unknown and no reason not to believe that these moments of youth would not last forever.  

So it begins, the never-ending chase to restore what we once were.  Society and social media play a huge part in the way we respond to and handle change.  It is never strange hearing a person say how they want to look and feel, it's the process in which we take to achieve it.  Drastic measures, enhanced appearances and flawed notions just to feel better about one's self and fit into a box that most definitely isn't one sized fits all.  I do it, you do it, who says it's right, wrong, or indifferent.  Perhaps it's just the course of life and we are simply going through the motions while attempting to age gracefully.  

From a visual perspective, the majority of us are aware of what makes us feel alive.  The style in which we choose to wear our hair.  The types of clothes we buy, the jewelry we adore and the way we feel when we see the reflection in the mirror.   There is not one single being who has to be you, except you.  As a die-hard believer in doing what makes you happy, I support change.  I encourage healthy growth in finding the essence of what makes you tick.  Not your partner, or the love of your life, just you.  It's likely no surprise that I am a huge supporter in fairytales and anything mythical in nature.  

​So, if by any chance you want to take this journey in finding a certain magical fountain, count me in.  I buy amazing road trip snacks, and I don't mind taking a late night dip or two.  Whatever it takes to tighten up a few things here and there.  

Remember, you are as young as you feel and believe you are in your dreams.  ​

​~AJ 

It takes a certain drive and determination to be great at what you do.  Gifted and talented on levels we can’t begin to imagine, Erick Walls plays his hand at all things music and he delivers a striking beat that we want to hear over and over again.  A multi-instrumentalist, Grammy award-winning, Emmy nominated songwriter, producer, and powerhouse in the grand world of music, he got his start at a very early age playing in his father’s church.  With faith as his foundation, he has taken his childhood passions and dreams and turned them into his reality.  Erick has a musical resume that runs deep working with some of the most powerful names in the industry.  As a founding member of the international recording Alt-Rock duo, Black Waat3r, Erick shows us his true love for everything that is the creation and art of music.  To love music is to know it has the power to create something very magical, a combination of beautiful melodies meeting for the first time to deliver lasting memories.  It’s easy to strive for something, however, when you truly want it there is nothing that will keep you from achieving it!  Without further adieu, pull up a chair, get cozy and dive into this open and amazing conversation with a true MVP in the music world. 

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina you developed a taste for music at an early age by playing in your father’s church.  As a multi-instrumentalist, you are an MVP in many aspects.  Talented on the guitar, bass, drums, and piano you can switch gears without skipping a beat.  Would you credit the time spent playing in the church as what shaped you musically, and what is your fondest memory from that time in your life? 
My early musical education came from being around my late father, George Walls, who was a gospel singer, recording artist, and preacher.  All my earliest memories are of watching him release and going with him to the studio, church, and everywhere else.

I vividly remember being very young and realizing how special being surrounded by music was!

My fondest memory of that time was performing on stage with him and his group when I was around six years old.  I actually have it on Beta video tape somewhere in the archives.

The life of a musician seems to move quite fast at times and your resume truly tells a story in itself.  Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.  From Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, The Black-Eyed Peas, Shirley Caesar, Rihanna, Usher, and the list really does go on and on.  How do you remain grounded and focused working with such an eclectic array of talented musicians?  
My faith foundation is my absolute anchor.  Navigating the music business is tough and has many challenges.  My understanding is that God allows us to be in possession of our gifts, we don’t own them.  We’re simply vessels.  Good stewardship over the gifts yield returns and sustainment.  The Bible states “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 KJV, and basically knowing that allows for me to feel like I belong in every room I might find myself in.
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Music is always and forever a vibe.  A connection that is both personal, and memorable.  With poetic and infectious energy, Susan Carol is entering the music scene smoking hot.  She has a voice that makes you sit up and pay attention to truly immerse yourself into the experience of her sultry and captivating voice.  Raised singing in her family’s church choir, music was and still is a huge part of her life.  Changing the game one freestyle at a time, you will fall into her care-free and classically perfect Neo-soul trance.  Come along, because this is a ride you surely don’t want to miss.

I believe that music is one of the truest forms of love and expression.  Tell us a bit about your background and how your musical journey began?
My dad was a pastor so I was raised singing in my family’s church.  My whole family was musically inclined in some way, so music always played a huge part in my life. The REAL musical journey or artistry that you guys see today, started in 2010 when I went away to college. I really found my voice and writing style in those years. That’s when I decided to start
performing and releasing music, essentially becoming Susan Carol - The Artist.

Your freestyle sessions are addictive.  I am certain I watched nearly all of them. You are giving classic, care-free, Neo-soul with a slightly raspy and sultry voice and it’s insanely infectious.  How does it feel when you are completely uninhibited and in your zone of creativity?
Thank you so much, I love that you love what I do! I love it! – When I’m in that creative space, I feel an extraordinary amount of liberation. That’s when I’m the most vulnerable and real. In that space, I can truly express my feelings without judgment and transform them into something beautiful to give to the world.
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Uvalde Texas, a small town with a population of a little over 15,000 and predominantly Hispanic is located in the South Texas region approximately 50 miles east of the United States-Mexico border and sits at the crossroads of the nation's two longest highways, U.S. 83 and U.S. 90.  These highways go from Canada to Mexico and Florida to California.  Honey from Uvalde hives was well known across the country and Uvalde was named the honey capital.  A small town of citizens who dream big and take pride in their community. [1]

For most, routines are part of the norm.  Hit the snooze on the alarm just enough times so you aren't late starting the chores of the morning.  Crawl out of bed, wake the kids, make breakfast, get them off to school and start your day to accomplish all the things you need to before it's time to pick up the kids from school or meet them at the bus stop.  Hearing their voices, feeling the warmth of their hugs and the coolness of their wet kisses on your cheek is at times the only things you need to make everything right in the world.  

How does one go about preparing themselves to pick up the pieces after such a horrible tragedy?  Why does the same nightmare keep happening all over again and how do we begin to fix this problem?  ​

You've found your perfect home.  The location is ideal for many reasons.  Close to family, a 20-minute commute to the office which isn't that bad considering the rise in gas prices, and you are close to shopping which is your favorite past-time!  The price could have been better, but you truly got a great bargain so complaining will do you no good, and besides, no one is gonna listen anyway.  The only thing left to do is start packing to prepare for your grand adventure.

If only it were that easy!  In most stories there is often a 'but' somewhere just waiting to jump out and yell, surprise!  If 'caption this' was an option it would most certainly be UGH!  

Moving into a new home is one of the most exciting adventures.  It's a blank canvas for new beginnings, crafty ideas, and a heaping pile of DIY projects that are brewing in your mind.  As you begin to visualize your space, both inside and outside of your home, there will be many ideas.  Some will allow you to add just the right amount of appeal, however, they might not be too friendly for the budget you have set aside.  Other ideas look nice but you aren't quite sold on what you are seeing.  Trust me, if you have to look at it more than 5 times to convince yourself this is the one, you won't be happy with the end result.  So, back to the drawing board you go in hopes of finding the perfect solution that will not only be easy on the eyes, but allow you to remain inside the boundaries of your budget, and a project that is well within the possibilities of doing it yourself.  ​

Late nights and early mornings.  There is something about the anticipation that keeps me awake.  Reminiscent of that little kid who was invited to the birthday party and picked out their outfit weeks prior because they were so excited.  Keeps me wondering and eager to embrace the inevitable.  That is, greeting of friends, familiar places, and the smells of what I used to call home.  

It's been a while since I have traveled.  I grew fearful of what society told me to be afraid of and in the midst of that I stopped living, just a bit.  Being at this altitude there is a certain freedom that comes along with it.  A certain frame of mind and an escape into my imagination.  That is a wondrous place to be.  If you know me, then you know.

Life has shown me so many things. While I travel from one side of the world to another I miss the new place I call home already, but I cannot wait to embrace the familiar memories.  The best friend, the dog who truly loves me and the energy that I will soak up like a sponge in a never ending stream.  

I realize that I have missed this.  All of it.  Well, this is just the beginning.  I'm flying high and enjoying this journey and taking all of you along with me.

​So...pack your bags and let's go!

​~AJ ✈️

I decided to join along in protecting my mental health today and especially every Friday!  Holding my middle finger up high for any of the BS that we all might encounter from time to time!  Take notes, this is major!

• Fuck Liars
• Fuck Narcissists
• Fuck Non-Support
• Fuck Jedi Mind Tricks
• Fuck Bad Energy
• Fuck Bullies
• Fuck Ignorance
• Fuck Unacknowledged Feelings
• Fuck Rudeness
• Fuck Horrible Food
• Fuck Bad Service
• Fuck Backstabbers
• Fuck Two-Faced Friends
• Fuck Bad Hairdressers
• Fuck Not Knowing Your Worth
• Fuck Allowing Second Chances When They Didn't Deserve The First
• Fuck Sunburns
• Fuck People Who Look At You Strange Because of Your Tattoos
• Fuck Diets
• Fuck Anything That Get's In The Way of Your Peace

​
Fuck it Friday is in full effect with no apologies, so let's go!!!

~AJ #FuckItFriday

As I take the time to sit here and write this post, it all feels different.  I can't recall the moment it changed, but it did and I'm beyond thankful for that turning moment in my life.  

I've been running on fumes all week.  Early mornings and late nights.  Busy with my 9-5 and busy with challenging and pushing myself to dig deep and really get into my favorite past-time.  It's not that I have been slacking, it's quite the opposite.  I make it a point to create something every month, without the pressure of feeling as if I need to beat someone else to the finish line. It's a personal and attainable goal that makes me happy as a writer and creator.  At the end of the day that is what truly matters.

​​With a mind busier than the strongest working bee, I have been hitting the keyboard as if it was going to turn into a sea of mud at the stroke of midnight and my words would be forever lost.  I love the late-night thoughts, the hustle, and the feeling of clicking publish on yet another story, another tale, another FYI on gardening to-do's and not's, and giving another accolade to someone who has inspired me or maybe even the world.
​

​When I made my mind up that I was going to do what felt good, I created my website.  It was hard work, but it was simple, a tad generic, and all mine!  I spent quite a bit of time researching apps and fonts and making it feel like a breath of fresh air.  I know I have accomplished that, with a few minor tweaks here and there.  I also put a huge chunk of time into asking others for support.  A text here or there saying hey read my work.  Or perhaps in the midst of a conversation throwing in a subtle or not so subtle reminder that I have a website, and I, and it are amazing.  

As I said in my very first sentence, I can't recall the moment, but the purpose changed.  I am no longer consumed with those texts, or conversations asking for a comment here and there.  I am not embarrassed to allow my thoughts to flow freely, nor am I asking for permission to go for all that I know I deserve.  Don't misunderstand, I will always share my work where it's appreciated and without a doubt I want my work to be adored.  I have high hopes as I should.  I know there are times when I have made someone's morning a little brighter or offered midday inspiration and perhaps a thoughtful gesture because of something I have written.  

Evolving is a process that develops gradually and I thank God and this oh so amazing universe for walking with me along the way.

~AJ 💫

Music serves as the backdrop of our lives in so many ways.  It is our solace in times of need, our energy when we feel that urge to get up and dance, and a head-shaking, feel it deep in your heart and down in your soul type of vibe that keeps us coming back over and over again to the hits that capture our attention and leave a lasting impression.  

R&B/Soul singer & songwriter Meli’sa Morgan does just that with her amazingly beautiful voice.  A legend is putting it mildly.  She got her start at a very early age singing in the Starlets of Corona gospel choir in Queens, New York and that shaped the foundation of what was to come for a very successful singing career.  Releasing her cover version of Prince’s “Do Me Baby” in 1985, the song topped the Billboard charts at #1 for 4 weeks.  Writing hit songs that you know very well; Do You Still Love Me, Fools Paradise, Good Love, and her latest song, “Footprints Of An Angel” which is currently #1 for 2 weeks on the BCFM Soul Charts & #3 on the UK Soul Charts.  A platinum award-winning songwriter who has worked with Whitney Houston, Freddie Jackson, Chaka Khan and so many more.  Fiercely talented, gifted, and unforgettable.

Her personality and spirit match her voice and that’s simply beautiful.  She proves the magic and love for music are here to stay, and we are here to listen!

Born and raised in Queens, New York, you sang in a gospel choir, called the Starlets of Corona. Many singers and songwriters have given credit to their start in the church as the foundation for what was to come.  Tell us about your childhood and how your experiences molded and prepared you for the music industry.
I loved being raised in Queens, NY.  It was during the time when the neighborhood was a real neighborhood.  Everyone knew each other, we all went to the same school.  We visited each other homes.  We knew their parents, they knew my parents.  A great time to be a kid.

Moments worthy of celebration.  Graduating from high school.  Landing that seemingly perfect new job.  An engagement of two souls in love.  The birth of a new baby.  Or perhaps, the purchase of your dream home.  What are a few moments you recall that have gone down in history as the reason the party hats were pulled out of storage and the save the date announcements were sent?  

If you took time to reflect, you would be surprised how long that list would be. 

I'm a true fan of firsts.  There is something about knowing this amazing feat has never been accomplished and it serves as a healthy reminder that just about anything is possible.  I say just because there are limits, however, if you don't try and push yourself you will never know and realize the full potential that is within and just waiting to get out.

Time and energy are as important as peace and purpose.  I vowed to stop watching the news about 7 years ago.  It brought no joy into my life and it was full of much anguish and turmoil.  Doing more harm than good to my mental state and something told me that needed to be protected. I begin to refocus my energy on more important topics, and before I knew it my outlook on life, in general, began to change.  

It goes without saying if you had eyes and ears you couldn't help but notice the hearings of Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.  In what would at times be a very heated exchange, it seemed unfair and unnecessary that her character was on trial in such a probing and unforgiving way.  One of the questions asked, "How does one human being do so much, so extraordinarily well?"  I wanted to put on my cape, jump in to protect her, and shield her character from the unknown, the doubters, the questions, and the evaluations.  I don't have that power just yet, so I closed my eyes tight, and prayed, I hoped and I wished for history to enter the world yet again.  This time in the form of a strong black woman with a message to bring and the background to back it all.   
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