So I’m not going to give away much other than to say, I’m finally back in the studio recording a brand new CD that will be out in 2011. I’m excited about it because I have grown in so many areas musically and now through this project I’m using creativity I never trusted myself to use before. I’ve also written every song on the album so you will catch a glimpse into my heart on this one. I’m in the studio literally every week and I’m enjoying every minute of it…tired and all LOL.

For all of you who constantly ask me when I’m coming out with a CD or performing, it’s all coming! My primary focus is completing this project, but I will be performing at a few place throughout the remainder of this year. I will keep you posted on those performances. Otherwise I won’t do another major concert until the spring or summer of 2011.

This CD is only ONE major thing I’m working on, sorry but the rest I’m not at liberty to share.

Okay I gotta get back to the grind…check you out real soon. Keep an out for me and remember, the quiet ones always come out hitting hard! Much love to you.

I realize that through rejection, builds strength and character and rejection is simply my garment of humility. I also know that He keeps pushing me because where I’m supposed to be is literally within my reach. 

Someone really close to my heart told me recently that God blocks certain things that we may want for a reason. Just think about all of the things that were blocked to save or protect us. What if some things weren’t blocked? Wow! I already know what my circumstance would be…not a pretty picture I promise you that much.

Basically I’m just saying that I have to keep pushing no matter how things seem around me. In the midst of pushing I am also finding more favor. So I encourage you too…keep pushing because hard work will eventually pay off. Just remember this though, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path! Absolutely!

Operation PUSH!!!!!

I’m not a political person and never have been other than voting and staying current with things that can and do affect my life and my loved ones. I have never been one to really debate certain topics and I’m not about to do it now. However, I just want to know what you think about the Pastor’s decision to do something that can have a serious negative impact on him personally and on our nation. We already know that if the Pastor goes through with it, some how or another Obama will get blamed, as always, for something he has no control over. I caught a glimpse of an article online with Obama urging the Florida Pastor not to do something so careless.

Again, I’m not debating anything, but the Pastor seems to believe that this is his Constitutional right to burn something so sacred to the Muslim nation. Now he claims to be a Christian so would he take kindly to someone burning the Bible? Or better yet, burning down his church where he worships God? I think not. I guess one “good” thing is, at least he’s not saying that God told him to burn the Koran. He’s doing this on his own free will with members of his church and community joining in.

My question is to you, do you feel his actions are correct? Do you feel he has the right to take matters into his own hands like this? First and foremost, I think he is doing an act that will only cause more destruction. Freedom of speech and freedom to express one’s liberal rights are one thing, but to knowingly do something that is destructive, is simply a time bomb waiting to explode.

Please tell me your thoughts. I’m curious as to what you think. Leave it here or on my FB site.

Growing up in church and reaching adulthood, I came to understand the importance of being happy for others who are being blessed. Just this week alone I have heard wonderful news from a few close friends receiving new jobs, promotions, financial increases etc. and it was like I was the one receiving such wonderful blessings.

Rejoice with those who do rejoice and who are blessed. When the enthusiasm for someone else’s rewards is sincere from you to them, it should only encourage you to know that your time is coming soon too. I already know that what is coming my way is going to blow my mind to the point that only God can do. Naw I’m not getting all spiritual on ya, I just can’t help but to acknowledge where ALL my blessings come from and the blessings of the ones dear to me.

So to those of you that I know of and don’t know of who are receiving great things in your life, I rejoice with you in your increase. Congratulations!!!!!! 

Have a great weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather because guess what? Summer is almost over

Even though you may work hard every single day and the evidence of your labor has not yet manifest itself, does not mean that it won’t. Circumstance will change but cannot change without patience and hard work no matter how things may seem. Make sense? In other words, as my brother reminded me this morning, learn to be content where you are because where you are is not where you will always be. Mental note, being content and being stagnant are two completely different things. Be content BUT do not become stagnant.

Your diligence will indeed pay off and make room for you and your gifts. In God’s timing it shall come to pass. This may not always be an easy path to follow, but it works because God knows what’s best for us all. Funny thing is, this is probably more for me than for anyone else. I’m learning to encourage myself.

I have focused so much on circumstance that I lost sight of the bigger picture. It doesn’t mean that I stopped pushing forward or praying until something happens, it just means that I’ve become anxious in my own time and impatient with God’s time. I see that, eventually all that has been promised to me will be. I have to continue to do what I need to do to move forward and the doors of blessings and opportunities will open wide for me. I can no longer focus on circumstance (a temporary state of events or mind).

My loved ones and even my enemies will be blessed with and by what God has prepared and planned for me. So I say the same to you, forget about where you are or what you don’t have (a true test of faith and one that tries to test my faith daily). Remember where you’re going and whose and who you are - God’s greatest creation.  

Blessings to you. Look out for another post on every Thursday and Tuesday. Until…

Today I’m faced with sadness in heart that not every friend will remain in my life for always. It’s hard to imagine that differences of opinions or disagreements would cause up close and personal to now be, distant and silent. I too realize that some things are just too difficult for me to deal with and believe me, I wish they weren’t.  I also understand that love doesn’t have to change, but the interactions have to in order for me and the “friends” I have lost to remain happy.

Pruning season is far from easy, but it can be very necessary. I’m just so grateful that healing eventually does take place in the heart, the mind and the soul.

For those friends I have lost, I love you still. Some things aren’t meant to last forever. That is truly a hard lesson to swallow especially when it comes to those you love, but now at this stage in my life…I finally get it!

Operation P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)

The story is dear to my heart even though it’s fiction. Throughout my existence I have come close to ending my life because of personal struggles and not loving myself AT ALL. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, my body frame, my hair…just basically I wasn’t too fond of ME. Also being a Pentecostal preacher’s kid I have seen how many people get treated because of their differences. I’ve seen people hurt over their sexuality, not having on the right attire, not smelling their best etc. and it was hurtful seeing it come from “Christian Church folks”.

I’m not saying that all churches or church goers are bad people, but we can be some of the worse ones to inflict uncessary pain on others different from us. I have to say though, I’m grateful that I never witnessed that cruelty from my father who is still an active pastor and bishop. His compassion, understanding and love showed me how I wanted to be. He stood, and still does, firm on his beliefs but he never judged. He simply showed love without it being mistaken for condoning bad or unfamiliar behaviors.

As a result of wanting to end my life on more than two occasions and being hurt from church folks, I had to literally turn to my only source of help, God. Now today I can say that I’m growing and happy even though I’m still healing and learning. I have favor over my life that I never thought possible to have. This is what prompted me to write, Self Rigteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). We all just need to learn to show compassion and love at all times. There is life and death in your tongue so watch what you say to and about people.

Well that’s enough of the serious stuff, again please read the story and spread the word to others about it. Also leave me a comment to tell me what you think. Feel free to ask me questions about it as well.

Below is just a taste of Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). Enjoy!

S-Factor

An S-Factor Short: Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks)

by admin on May.17, 2010, under S-Factor 

SILENT Turmoil 

I keep staring at the bottle of sleeping pills next to my bed and the only thing I can hear at a steady rhythm is my heart even though the television volume is up. I’ve been sitting here at the side edge of my bed for about an hour, smelling the aroma of straight Hennessey that I poured in a greenish blue cocktail glass. While remaining emotionless, I pick up my wallet to look at my driver’s license to observe how different the person in the photo is from the person contemplating taking a final breath. The state of Massachusetts is written across the top portion of the plastic ID in blue writing and my name is typed in black as, Prestine, April D. As soon as I realize that the same day I took that license picture was another day of unanswered questions and depression, I took a large gulp from the glass. I squeeze my eyes tightly together and when I open them, a tear slides down my cheek. I’m not exactly sure why since I haven’t been able to cry for weeks. Liquor is the only logical reason why water has seeped through my tear ducts. 

As I sit here I begin looking at the pill bottle again and decide to pour its contents on the nightstand. From the looks of it there are at least fifteen white pills in front of me that appear to be a permanent remedy for my soul’s pain. One by one I begin popping them in my mouth, chasing them down my scratchy throat with Hennessey. I have relived this day repeatedly in my head, but I honestly didn’t think it would come. I figured that it would always be a vision in my mind that I would be too scared to really follow through with. Well I was wrong …

Please take the time to log onto trealee.com, click on S~Factor, register and that’s it! Let me know what you think of the story and share it with your friends. It is my plan to grow this site into a launching pad for other aspiring poets, singers, writers etc. to show what you can do. I will keep you updated on that as we get closer to developing the “Artist Showcase” of S~Factor.

So again, take the time to check out S~Factor and read, Meantime…, the first of many to come. I’m already working on the next one which will really make you say “Oh no she didn’t!” Until…enjoy!

I had the pleasure and opportunity to appear on Urban Update (Channel 7 affliation), to promote the March 21st concert for Haiti as well as perform. It was my first time on a major television show at my favorite News Station, Channel 7. I had a ball. I’m also grateful for having such great people on the show with me who are all sponsors and supporters of the concert. Thank you so much to JoHonda Rogers (DST), Janet Williams (AKA), and Chris Charlot (Tamboo) and big ups to Brian Clarke (producer of Urban Update) and Alberto Vasallo (Urban Update host). We had a ball today and from my “mouth” to yours, the Channel 7 crew members are soooooooo friendly. Hey Adam! Not that he’s going to read this blog LOL.

I’m expecting only great things to transpire from this Urban Update show and for the Haiti relief concert. Please, please, please come out and support the event. The flyer is on my website under my blog and I will keep you posted on the Urban Update show and when it will air.

It’s Friday and I can’t wait to get my weekend started after such a splendid day. We’re only going up from here!!!

Well you guessed it…I absolutely hate snow. I’m not one who gets all caught up in the beauty of it or who wants to take pictures of it or make snow angels, I’m the one who wants the snow gone. My biggest obstacle is, I can’t escape the snow since I live in snow central, New England. So what’s a girl to do? Move or just bear it? I’m still here so I guess I’m trying to bear it

Calgon, take me away to the warmest climate possible where the beaches are covered with warm sand that flows between my toes. Take me to a place where shorts and a tank top seem too much for the hot sun beaming down on my skin. Take me to a place where the sweetest drink cools my mouth with every sip and makes me just a little nice, not too much though. I want to relax and enjoy the warm breeze while watching the waves from the crystal blue water sway back and forth. What a wonderful sight to see…but why the heck am I still here? I guess the Calgon thing only works for television commercials. Awww fiddle sticks…

Oh well back to reality…enjoy the snow and be safe!