"Create your day in advance by thinking the way you want it to go, and you will create your life intentionally."
-unknown

I was walking across 125th Street this afternoonand realized today just so happened to be the day of the memorial service at the Apollo for the Godfather of Soul and the hardest working man in show business, James Brown. I did not go to 125 Street to honor his memory, I really did have an errand to do in the area, but I thought, "okay, I'll send good thoughts." As I got closer to the Apollo, the crowds were getting heavier, there were helicopters overhead, police everywhere and barricades for crowd control. Entrepreneurs lined the streets hawking their wares...James Brown t-shirts, buttons and bootleg music CDs. Everyone was trying to make a buck, trying to entice me into buying something. I've always enjoyed his music although I don't own any of his CDs and I wouldn't call myself a fan, but how can you not feel like getting up off your butt and dance when you hear "I Feel Good?"

Last year I went to Madison Square Garden for a Gwen Stefani concert with several of my girlfriends. The Black Eyed Peas were the opening act. Now if you haven't been to a concert recently, it's never just the the opening act and the headliner..there are always "special guests." I've seen the BEPs open for several music artists over the last few years and I do enjoy their music and watching them perform. They have such joy and energy during their performances. So last year, I'm at this concert watching the BEPs perform when out walks Justin Timberlake. Yes, I like Justin Timberlake, get over it. Anyway, JT is doing his thing, dancing, singing along with and providing backup vocals up the BEPS. Then out walks James Brown...JAMES BROWN! I can't believe it! I'm actually watching James Brown perform in Madison Square Garden! How cool is that? As I said, I've never been a "fan" but here I am, watching a legend, a music icon. I couldn't help but feel this was a special moment to remember.

So today I'm trying to get past the Apollo on the opposite side of the street, surrounded by "I Feel Good," souvenirs, James Brown impersonators, wild outfits and everyone else in New York City celebrating his life and music. I couldn't help but think again, this will be another special moment to remember. Life gets more interesting everyday. I'm excited to think about what tomorrow will bring....

As always,
TOO