Four Quarters

I might use today to say something about Leap Year if I actually knew what its purpose was. I’m refusing to use what little time I have to research it, so that pitiful mention is all you’ll be getting from me.

I will close out February with today’s posting, and since I haven’t exactly awaken on the correct side of the bed this morning, I will keep this one brief. No need to drag you down with me.

So here we go. February is over, and we are rapidly approaching the end of 2012’s first quarter. First quarter. As of March 31^st, a fourth of the year will be done. One fourth: gone. I made the decision in January that I would accomplish one thing each month. Just one. As long as I continue to achieve positive gains then I am on the right track. At the end of the year I will be able to look at 2012 and smile at the twelve buildings I managed to leap. So, as promised, here’s a recap of my February:

1) URBAN LEGENDS

I participated as a featured poet in another installment of Urban Legends, and I presented a new work as well. That’s a plus, because I haven’t been doing much writing in the way of poetry lately, so it felt great to have a new piece to share.

2) THE BLACK HISTORY OF POLITICS

I co-directed this piece with author, Justin Key, as a part of a Black History Month celebration at his church. The play was produced as a function of the church’s youth department, and everyone involved did an excellent job. For the most part, we were working with non-actors, and it brought such a smile to my face to see everyone rise to the occasion. Just an awesome experience!

Since Leap Year is gifting me an extra day, I will spend my time tomorrow planning. Getting things in order and in gear so that my first quarter goes out with a bang. The year only has four quarters, guys (hence ‘quarter’), so we have to do all we can to make each one count for something. Otherwise you’re left with just another twelve months, and I don’t know a single soul that can afford to keep letting 12 months of unaccomplishment go by. Certainly not me.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Exact Same 24 Hours

Well this is the last Friday in February, which lets me know that 2012 is not only in full swing, but she’s moving on whether I like it or not. Whether I accomplish or not… Whether I succeed or not… Whether I stay focused or not, her focus remains the same, and all she gives a rip about is pushing forward. Having the sun rise one more day. That’s her one and only goal. Time. What a precious commodity. It’s one of the few things that we use that we can never get back. They don’t sell it in bulk at Costco so there’s no way to stock up on it. And it’s one of the few things that each of us has the exact same amounts of. In a single day we are each given twenty-four hours. Not a penny more and not a dime less. Twenty-four hours. You may have more money than me, more clothes than me, more friends than me, more technology gadgets than I’ve ever seen… Someone may be a more skilled musician than you, a better painter than you will ever be, or they may be a master chef without even trying… But none of that matters because the bigger question has nothing to do with the things you have or the skills you’ve been blessed with – the bigger question is: “How did you spend your time?” What did you do with the twenty-four hours that you were given today? What do you have to show for it? Anything? You reached a new level on Madden NFL? You bleached your bathrooms so that the floors are now clean enough to eat of off? And, please, understand me well – if I sound at all preachy, I’m only preaching to myself. This is where my thoughts lie every Jan-Mar and every Oct-Dec. For six months out of every year, I am ultra-consumed with the notion of running out of time. Call me crazy, but it’s important for me to leave a footprint on this earth when I’m gone. I refuse to not be remembered, and I refuse to not leave a lasting legacy (of some kind). Those are not options for me, and I understand that time is definitely of the essence. So I try to be as diligent and focused as possible to make certain I’m doing my part, ‘cause 2012 is telling me that she’s waiting on no man.

So today, my thoughts drift to “What have I accomplished in February 2012?” And I have answers for you, but I’ll save that for next week’s blog. To anyone reading today, I suppose the take-away messages should be “you still have time” and “the year is still young.” Whatever goals or resolutions you laid out for yourself on Jan 1^st are still very achievable if you’re interested in achieving them. Use this weekend to do a little mental house-keeping, if you will. Get refocused, rededicated and reenergized, because we each have the exact same twenty-four hours. What are you going to do with yours?

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Today I type with pride as I seem to be back on shed-ule. Yes, I said shed-ule. I’m a snobby Brit in my head and it comes out in my speech from time to time. Don’t judge me.

OK, so there is lots going on. Never mind that I’m a bit out of sorts because they are re-flooring the kitchen/dining area in my apartment. Why out of sorts? Well because that area is home to my computer and work desk. So it’s been moved, disconnected, and placed elsewhere until the work is complete. And I’m such a dedicated writer (stretching it a bit, I know) that today I blog to you from a friend’s PC (I’m a PC). Forgive me for piling on the unrelated info, but I just wanted someone out there to know that I’m going the extra mile today.

Moving on…I had a great meeting with Catherine Hooper yesterday, and now the ball is in my court to write up a script for this Rihanna pitch video we’re trying to do. If I can pull this off, and actually get the thing done, it’s actually gonna’ be pretty cute. Funny even. So to all those sending me good vibes, please keep it up as I’ll be needing an extra dose or two this week.

I’m beginning to feel the noose tighten around my neck a bit… This is the final rehearsal week for the Black History Month tribute show to be held at Justin Key’s church this coming Sunday. Translation: we’re down to the wire, tying up loose ends, trying to complete these last minute tasks, and feeling the pre-show panic. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. Jaimyon Parker has brought me on board for a new project he’s developing (that is really kick-a$$), and I’m helping him out with some of the preliminary details. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. I’m waking up everyday and going to work, not necessarily with a smile on my face, but I’m going. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. And I’m trying out this new thing in 2012 where I actually make an earnest attempt to have a social life. Meanwhile I have to prepare for Barbados. I’m even going so far as to try this thing where you “enjoy the moment.” Hahahaa!! Hahahaa!! Now doesn’t that just sound like a crock?!? I know. I thought only crazy, lazy, unambitious, procrastinators “enjoyed the moment.” I’ve always believed it to be such a care-free, irresponsible way to live, but I’m slowly taking baby-steps to change that methodology. And, personally, I think it’s about the hardest thing I’ve ever tackled. It just goes against everything I believe in, and everything I’ve been taught. I’ve always been a “plan for tomorrow” kind of gal, and never a “live for today” person. God no. The phrase alone makes me want to slap some sense into someone. (I told you this is hard for me.) But I’m trying. I’m making slow attempts, and I’m giving it a whirl. I am so out of my comfort zone that it makes me want to spit, but onward and upward I go. Ya’ll keep your fingers and toes crossed for me on this one!

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Back to Life

Hello, fellow reader. So it happened…I broke my posting ritual, and interestingly enough it seems as if only one person noticed so I’m writing today’s blog directly to her. I won’t call her by name, but she wrote to me and begged that I blog soon. OK – well maybe she didn’t beg, but she did call me out for not blogging. And, yes, it felt good. It felt good to know that there is a seemingly faithful reader (or two) out there.

Alright, alright. Enough about that. Before I get started here, just want to mention that URBAN LEGENDS had a wonderful show this past Sunday night. It was unfortunately the same day that Whitney Houston was pronounced dead (may she rest in peace) and the night of the Grammy’s. We were competing with a lot, but it was a great show nonetheless. I’m looking forward to our April installment.

STEPPING ON A FEW TOES? Well we’re rocking and rolling! I was introduced to a fantastic contact at The Rare Woman. They are an organization that is speaking out about abuse and helping women heal from the damage that abusive pasts cause. The organization also has a radio show that I will be featured on in March just before heading out to Barbados. In addition, they are speaking about the possibility of hosting a performance so that I can share my story with their group. Very, very exciting. This is definitely the kind of thing I want to be doing with STEPPING ON A FEW TOES, and I am thrilled to be having this conversation with The Rare Woman.

Let’s see…what else…OH! I met another individual last week that gave me some fantastic marketing ideas for the show. Oh my gosh! I’m not even sure how the conversation got started, but this guy had some awesome ideas, and I’m going to try my hardest to implement them both. They will both require a bit of work – different kinds of work, but I think the first idea he gave me I can try to get to work on asap. The other is a bit more creative, and will require me to create some partnerships of sorts. I know, I know. “Why the secrets, Jasmynne?!” And it’s not that I’m trying to keep things under lock and key with a zipped lip, I just haven’t had time to really explore the ideas myself and I want to be able to do that before I go blabbing about something that may or may not even work. I’m confident they will, but I want to do my research first. Fair enough?

OK, Purple Lady (she knows who she is)! Onward and upward we move! I believe I mentioned that I’m co-directing a play with Justin Key this month. The show is a part of a Black History Month tribute that his church is doing. Rehearsals have been going well, and I’m looking forward to February 26th to see the finished product, ‘cause it’s gonna’ be funny!

Again, my apologies for missing a post. I was experiencing technical difficulties with my computer, but I am now back to life.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Preparing to Set Sail

As mid-month makes its way in, I’m thinking not about Valentine’s Day, but about my upcoming travels. Barbados in March and Hawaii in April. Who do I think I am, right? For a person that has done little to no traveling since 2005, I’m really doing it up in 2012. I was just informed that my host hotel in Barbados will be the lovely Divi Southwinds (http://www.diviresorts.com/resorts/southwinds/index.html) you see in the photo here. And, yes, I am very excited.

There is still much to do, however. My biggest hurdle will be figuring out the most safe and economic way to ship my costumes and props. Mind you, I’m not trying to get mirrors, chairs, and baskets from one side of the world to the other. I will only be traveling with the essentials. All the bulky items I can get once I’m there, but the costumes and wardrobe boxes/closets are a must. For the wardrobe boxes/closets I’m looking for one of those specialized shipping containers that are often used for trade shows and such. A sturdy plastic rectangular-shaped box or case of sorts. Looks like one site is calling it an Expo Transport Case. Whatever the name – I’m gonna’ need one. Then there is the situation of the luggage. Airlines have gotten so ridiculous about the size, weight, and number of checked bags allowed that it’s gonna’ be tricky. I’ll be going with my standard luggage, in addition to the show’s costumes – and that’s a doozie… Soooooo it’s gonna’ take a little work and maneuvering on my end, but I think I’m up to it. However, if anyone is actually reading this post and has some ideas on shipping I’d love to hear from you. Shoot Noelle an email at soft_noelle@yahoo.com. We can take all the suggestions we can get.

Other than shipping and learning my lines, I’ve also got to make certain I’m well stocked on promo materials. One doesn’t go to a different city let alone another country without sufficient promo materials for all the new friend you’re sure to make. And then of course, there’s Rihanna. The good girl gone bad. I’ve not forgotten about you Ri Ri….you’ll be hearing from me soon.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

Show Me the Money (pretty please)

I’m not about to talk your ear off today. I had two great meetings over the weekend and the take-away from them both was: STEPPING ON A FEW TOES needs funding. The show is a solid body of work that is spreading its wings and is ready to soar. The only thing stopping the show from being all it can be? Money. That’s it. So I’m switching gears, changing my focus, and directing my all my energies to seeking sponsorship for the show. This sponsorship can come in any number of forms: government grants, personal checks, or backing from specialty groups. I will be looking into it all. No dollar bill is off limits. So if you’re reading this and you or someone you know is a philanthropist that’s searching for a worthwhile cause, let’s talk. Let’s seriously talk. By hook or by crook, the message of STEPPING ON A FEW TOES will be heard by millions. I just need a little help getting there. So to everyone that has spoken to me about the unlimited possibilities of this show I ask you to either write a check or start brainstorming on how we can turn these possibilities into reality. In a nutshell: show me the money.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.

I Double-Dog Dare You

I wish I had the time to write something worthwhile today, but I honestly don’t. I think I’ve been on a mini siesta since the show (because I needed one), and my productivity has suffered because of it. But I managed to slap some sense into myself today by way of a great meeting with a new contact. My amazing friend and colleague, Justin Key, introduced me to a gentleman that has the power to catapult my career into a new dimension, and I got excited – and when I’m excited, I get productive! (Thank God.) So Rip Van Winkle has awaken and is now ready to play the game again in a serious way. February is here and 2012 ain’t stoppin’ for nobody. I don’t know about you, but I’ve vowed to get a piece of the pie she’s serving this year. Plain and simple. A friend and I made the commitment to each other to accomplish one thing a month. ONE thing. Come on, man. You mean to tell me you can’t commit to doing ONE thing?? Of course you can. One, single thing. By the end of the year there will be a list of twelve accomplishments that you can be proud of, and you literally did it one month at a time. That’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it. January? A successful run of STEPPING ON A FEW TOES. And what’s on tap for February? Well, it could be any number of things. Justin Key and I are directing a play he wrote this month. The show is on February 26th, and it will be my life for the next few weeks. That’s not to say I can’t squeeze in another accomplishment (or two). Today is February 3rd, and the month is young. I don’t put any limits on God, because I have no idea what She has in store for me (of course God is a woman – duh!). I just do the work, and stay open to the world of possibility that is before me. So I dare you to take this challenge with me. I dare you to commit to accomplishing one thing every month this year – I dare you. Actually, I double-dog dare you.

My name is Jasmynne Shaye, and this is me STEPPING ON A FEW TOES.