Official Blog of Daphne Shawn

Bring on the Jill!

2007-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

So I downloaded a sampler of Jill Scott's next CD named "The Real Thing" and I can't tell you how EXCITED I am to hear the full jammy. But for now my motto is "Crown Royal on ice...Crown Royal on ice..." Heyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! Keepin me cool during these summer months.

Can you believe it's August?

Sekou Sundiata is gone from us...

2007-07-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sekou Sundiata, an American griot, poet, performance artist and dreamer has died. I didn't know much about him or get the chance to see any of his pieces. And yet I got my hands on a piece of one of his latest works, 51st (dream) state. He actually passed on my birthday and somehow I believe I was meant to read these words and accept his offering. What a blessed gift...

(excerpt from 51st (dream) state by sekou sundiata)
What if we were Life
Or Liberty
Or the Pursuit of something new?
Between the rocks below
and the stars above
What if we were composed by Love?

And what if we could show
that what we dream is deeper than what we know?
Suppose if something does not live
in the world
that we long to see
then we make it ourselves
as we want it to be

What if we are Life
Or Liberty
and the Pursuit of something new?

And suppose the beautiful answer
asks the more beautiful question,
Why don't we get our hopes up too high?
What don't we get our hopes up to high?
High!

Rest in peace Sekou, you beautiful cosmic star.

The Challenge of Authenticity

2007-06-18T06:06:00.001-07:00

My mind races with thoughts on a daily basis and sometimes I have to slow down just to process the most prescient ones. Now I've been pondering authenticity and how hypocritical many of us can be with it. I might have to come back to this topic 'cause I had a late night last night and I'm still groggy.

But...I've often wondered why so many authority figures encourage young people to "just be themselves" and when they take this advice to heart, then they're told that they need to adjust and reposition themselves for whatever is most pleasing to the masses. No, I don't have empirical data for this, but it's something that I believe to be true.

Why can't we deal with each other on the real? And I mean, the REAL, real.

I met a young man recently who told me that he prefers to show people who he is before they show him who they are. And I have to admit that I admire this outlook on things. Because it seemed that he was trying to approach his relationships from a place of clear truth.

Even when dating, I suspect that many people put on fronts to attract their significant others and if things progress, then try to iron out the details of who they really are and where they're really coming from. But why is it so scary to be authentically and un-apologetically who we are?

I think the answer is complex. But it could very well be, that beyond the fear of rejection and the pain of being socially awkward, that many of us don't know who we are. That is, we haven't spent enough time with ourselves to feel solid in what we stand for, what we like, what makes us cringe or what we desire. It could also be that human beings are too multi-layered to ever have one static 'us' to even show people. We're different people at different times, depending on our moods, on the political climate, our family situations or even what goals we're striving for.

It's interesting to me to see some individuals who appear to be flashy and gregarious on the outside and note that there's someone extremely frightened or unsure beneath. Likewise, I've met people who appear to be extremely quiet and non-social, who are teeming with ideas and passions and causes beneath their surface.

I think part of this life's journey is to constantly uncover our layers.

I seek out friends and lovers who are authentic and real. Who don't need to deceive me so that I can be impressed. Who feel so comfortable in their skin that I have no choice but to be at ease around them.

Just my thoughts today...

Every Day Praise

2007-06-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

I've been working on something exciting that I'm not going to talk about yet because I want to save the surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But let me say that I'm thankful for my family and friends and the insight I glean from both parties. Some of the most inspiring and interesting people that I've met are also the ones from which I learn the most. I'm pretty sure this is not a coincidence. The other day I was talking to one of my friends who was getting excited about some of my latest developments and when I joked her about her gleeful response, she replied "I'm making a joyful noise!" And the Universe chimed in, "And you should do the same Daphne!". I realized suddenly how much I withhold my joy for fear of seeming out there. But then it dawned on me, that the people I'm afraid of seeming out of place around are the wrong people for me to have to deal with in the first place. Joy, bliss and unadulterated glee are our DEFAULT
emotions. But, if you're like me, working around people who make watching fire burn a most captivating sport, you forget this more than not. I haven't been making a joyful noise because I've been socialized to remain as quiet as possible. I haven't been making a joyful noise because of what people would think of me. I also haven't been making a joyful noise because some of the
individuals with whom I work don't make the time...joyful (if you know what I mean). But that stops NOW! Life is way too precious and way too short to be locked in a demure cocoon to be reserved for who knows when. Life is about passion and beauty and releasing the amazing feelings that emerge when you're engaged in creating a new.

I frequently read blackprof.com and there was an article (http://www.blackprof.com/archives/2007/06/african_american_male_tourists_1.html) pertaining to the "African-American Male Exodus to Brazil" and why African-American women should be angry. The article was referring to many men's (alleged) trips and side relationships with Brazilian women and alluded to the deterioration of those same men's American relationships. The comments went on and on and unsurprisingly began to get nasty. But my very FIRST reaction to the article was WHY? Why should I or any other African-American woman be angry about this? (Hasn't the media alluded to the fact that we're ALREADY angry?) If these men are happy with their new relationships, shouldn't they be released to do
as they please? Why do I need to be upset about something that has no bearings on who I am as a person or a lover? Phhhffft.

There are too many beautiful people, places and things in this life for me to experience and explore to even begin to be upset about something like this. And what does it say about a media and journalists who continue to dig this tripe from the landfills? If we spent more time focused on making a joyful noise and creating the world we want, we'd have less time to instigate issues such as the above.

My friend has reminded me that making a joyful noise is not relegated to a house of worship! Making a joyful noise is our birthright, part of our everyday
responsibility! So all i can say right now is - WOO HOO! I'M PUMPED UP, AMPED UP, FIRED UP AND FILLED UP! And if feels GGGGOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDD!

The Hog from Hell?

2007-05-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've known about people hunting animals for sport since childhood. But with this "kill" my definition of what constitutes an animal is under attack. In case you can't believe your eyes either, check out www.monsterpig.com and view more pictures that accompany the one to the left. An eleven year old shot this feral boar in the woods of Alabama. Several people have written into that sight to either congratulate the young man or admonish him for violating human rights.

In all honesty, I'm still too dumbfounded to be angry or excited. How could this boar have come to be? What in the HECK was this thing eating to get to be 1/2 a ton? And was it living alone?

Oh well, I guess there will be more barbecue for some one's Memorial Day!

Defining, Refining, Recreating

2007-05-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

So I've been meditating on what it means for me to be a woman in this world. Actually I'm at a point where I consider myself as going through rebirth because of all of the things that have happened in my life recently. But it's amusing when I consider that...
for the longest time during my teens I never felt like I belonged ANYWHERE. And for the most part I still feel that way. But instead of having constant anxiety about it, I'm smooth and cool with it. One of the books I've been reading states that "what you resist persists." So I'm all about taking things in stride and moving through and beyond them.

As a teenager, my peers considered me to be ugly (they told to me to my face, so this wasn't hearsay!) and nerdy and generally weird. And I'd have to say that many of my acquaintances feel the same, if I'm competent at all in reading body language. There were teen aged black boys who told me directly that I was way too dark for them to ever consider dating and other boys who would state that I was nice but...
I thought for a long time that if I could just change my hair, or wear different clothes or alter my body that I'd be appealing to "them" (whoever THEY were). But now I know that that race only moves in a vicious circle and even catching someone's attention ultimately means that you'll have to continue catching it as more and more things cause their eyes to wander.
I used to withhold my feelings and thoughts about things for fear of offending or seeming unintelligent. Of course, after having numerous people treat me as unintelligent anyways, I now can speak my mind when I feel it's warranted.

I wonder if I'm spiritually a nomad and really not meant to stay in one place or situation too long. I can't say that I've found a place where I instinctively belong. I'm just more secure in who I am while acknowledging that socially I'm still awkward and potentially unappealing.

If I were living in ancient Nubia, I'd say I was a daughter of Maat (the goddess of truth and justice). Part of what makes me cringe regularly is the amount of lying and deception so many engage in to raise their status or protect their desires. It literally makes my skin crawl. Lies about politics and the environment, the true nature of disease or even one's ability/non-ability to be faithful in relationships...it just seems that many of us don't know how to come to a place of truth and live there. Maybe that's another reason why I'm an oddball. I'll often voice openly what so many seek to hide. I believe AIDS is a disease created in a laboratory, I think the war in Iraq had nothing to do with weapons of mass destruction and I think that many people have no business being married because they haven't the slightest clue of what fidelity entails. See what I mean?

As a woman, I have felt and continue to feel the pressure from society to be perfect, to look beautiful and to attain the perfect weight. More men and boys than I'd like to admit have called me ugly right out on the streets. Some have told me how fat they think I am. Others have stated they think I look like a man. Fortunately for me, I'm at the point where I don't have to argue with anyone about their opinions of me. But I often wonder how these same men would react if I were to dissect their height (or lack thereof), their genitalia size or their overall attractiveness. Would they be able to walk along with no reaction or would they be the first ones ready to rip something apart? Me thinks it's the latter.

I've realized that I must connect with my femininity and sexuality on a level that remains independent of men's opinions. Because if not, I'll be devastated at every stop light.

I once had a cast member mail a weight loss ad to my home address while we were on tour. I didn't know this at the time, but knew that he was keeping a careful watch of me as if he were expecting me to react to something. As it turns out, we came back to the city for a brief period and I opened his letter. And then I knew why he was watching me so closely. He was waiting for me to break down in humiliation.

Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) I've become accustomed to such insults to the point that I have to shrug and ask myself "what else is new?"

I feel myself opening and moving in different ways and I'm thankful for ALL of my experiences and ALL of people's reactions to me. It only serves as a guidepost of where I need to go and those I need to leave behind.

Bring on the Spring

2007-04-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last week was the first true week of spring weather-wise and all of NYC breathed a sigh of relief. This past winter wasn't even that bad but due to unknown circumstances (global warming) things stayed warm through January and then turned brutal in February, March and too cold for my tastes for most of April.
I always welcome the warm weather because I can put my heavy coats in the closet and release the weight of winter.

I've got to seriously update my website…but all good things in due time. For those of you who don't know, I have a myspace page now (http://www.myspace.com/daphneshawnsings) where I've only posted one song. Rest assured that's not the only one I've working on and more will follow in the weeks and months to come.

Another blessing of spring is that it urges me to clean house in ALL areas of my life! I've realized that evaluating relationships and so-called friends is imperative for my future happiness and success. At heart I'm an optimist and would love to call everyone a friend, but alas that is not the case at this point in my life. But I do have ways of evaluating friends and one of them is whether or not I even feel good when I'm around them. Another is if they can give criticism constructively or if they take pleasure in cattily berating me. And lastly I also have to admit that friends that actually make an effort to keep in touch score higher points than those that drift in and out every six months or so. Why is this? Well as far as friendships are concerned the less I hear from you, the less inclined I am to care. And once I've stopped caring…let's say that it's a wrap for you.

Believe me, I don't say write these things as if people are clamoring down my door to be my friend. But I do realize how precious true friends are and refuse to waste valuable time on people who are nothing more than haters.

I'll be writing more now that spring is here (I promise). And as the music gets finished, I'll be sharing that as well.

Peace.
Daphne Shawn

End of the Year Blatherings

2006-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Wow! Can you believe that we're only days away from a brand new year? Thank Heaven for 2007! Don't know about you but the impending New Year's caused me to reflect and ponder and plan for better and bigger things than the year before. So I've been reviewing my life, career, relationship and spiritual goals. And trying to make sense of my place in this crazy wide world. For one thing, I want to live a cleaner life. No, I'm not a dirty person but the environment has been on my mind and I want to do my small part to help heal the planet when and where I can. Much more recycling, purchase of organic veggies, less use of plastic and planting a tree or two. Don't know how that last one will go down with the NY Parks Department but how mad could they actually get?

I also want to increase my circle of innovative and inspiring cohorts. 2007 is the time for moving and shaking and I need some powerful allies on my side. I've been reading alot about The Law of Attraction and I believe this is one of the keys to changing my life and the world around me. Life really does work from the inside out. That should be encouragement for all of us. Change is right at our very fingertips.

If you haven't seen the movie "Dreamgirls" GET THEE TO THE THEATRE! I know caps imply yelling, but in this case I have to shout. This movie is off the hook! I've only performed in the show once but I have to say that after watching this movie I felt like I'd been swept up in a magical hurricane of passion and music and peacock feather eyelashes with curly disco hair. Jennifer Hudson gets an A+ from me. She truly embodied the role of Effie with every slant of her eye, to the roll of her neck and especially in that powerhouse voice. Eddie Murphy let loose as James "Thunder" Early and Beyonce sang her heart out in "Listen", Deena's song of redemption. Shout out to Anika Noni Rose for bringing full life to the role of Lorrell and Jamie Foxx for his portrayal of a hungry and greedy Curtis. Absolute magic! Let's just say I think I have to purchase this DVD.

I have to lend my condolences to the family and friends of the late James Brown. My parents raved about this versatile, screaming, powerhouse dancer, singer and band leader with a fire that few possess! Thank you, thank you, thank you James Brown for entertaining us, leading us and inspiring us. "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)" is the song I associate with James and he brought the funk like no one else could. They had his viewing at the Apollo Theatre in NY today. I couldn't attend but my heart is with him and his people. I've seen some of the video from his early performances and there would be NO Michael Jackson, Prince or even Usher without the influence of this man. Hope you're dancing with the angels James. Their gain and our loss!

I want to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2007! This is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the birth of the impossible! Make every day, every moment count and never give up on your dreams!

Peace,

Daphne

My Two Cents on Michael Richards (Kramer)

2006-11-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

(http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/20/kramers-racist-tirade-caught-on-tape/)

Michael Richards' outburst at a couple of alleged hecklers at a comedy club in Southern California has made the news now such that everyone should be familiar with the story.
If you're not familiar with it, click on the link above and take a gander.

Anyways, I'm sad to say that I'm not surprised at Richards' outburst nor his subsequent statement that he's not a racist. Just like I'm not a black woman!

Richards is only a pitiful reminder of the true beliefs and intentions that some people hold in their hearts. They're secreted away so snugly in their psyche that when they burst forth from the seeming abyss, the individual spewing the words is just as surprised as his/her audience. Michael has gone on to apologize on the David Letterman show, to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, but instead of empty salves and balms I wish someone would ask him directly, why it is he truly believes that he's superior to black people. Some of his statements included telling the two audience members that "Fifty years ago we'd have had you strung up with a fork in your ass" and "When it's all over, I'll still be rich and you'll still be a nigger." Excuse me Grand Wizard? (Richards is one of the reasons I laugh when people say that racism is solely a trait of the South. Guess he's blown that theory wide open like the Grand Canyon.)

Needless to say, Michael has a lot of soul searching to do, but in my mind he's only one of thousands and possibly millions who need to discard their attitude of superiority toward black people. If your self esteem and self worth is only valid when you can snub your nose at someone then you're a sad, sorry individual indeed. If in anger you can only lash out at someone's appearance or ethnicity then you haven't truly defined what you're angry about.

I've had enough racist comments hurled at me to know how these audience members probably felt. But the truth of the matter is that just because certain people disparage black people doesn't mean that black people define themselves in this manner. Just because you may define black people as low on the totem pole doesn't mean that's how we view ourselves. Because in the end how we view ourselves and define ourselves is up to us. And you Michael Richards will never possess enough largesse for that.

The Ultimate Nike Mantra

2006-11-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

I promise not to keep ideas in my head, unfulfilled and full of promise - not to let these vague outlines of future actions give me false confidence and security in the abstract. Instead I will execute them quickly and faithfully so that I am again on the brink of the unknown, hoping that these ideas were not the last that would ever come to me from God knows where.

If you haven't heard of him (I'm late to the party myself) check out this cool site - www.zefrank.com.

It's the site of a writer, video blogger and creatin' fool Ze Frank and it's wondrous. He has committed to creating a daily video blog for a year (ends March 2007) and with whip-cracking intellectual appeal and off color humor he's won me over in just a day. Take a gander to his site and experience for yourself.

Am having a lull after so much family business and crazy life shifts. Ze has added an ounce of juice to my rechargeable brain batteries. Peace out!

The Power of Silence

2006-09-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

I had a tremendously relaxing and invigorating vacation in California recently. How did I know months ago that late August was the perfect time to escape Hurricane Ernesto and flee to the sunny beach in Santa Monica? There was plenty of sun, soothing water and biking/yoga/swimming/surfing for everyone. I met and connected with some very interesting people and saw Pyramid Lake for the first time (if you don't know, it's absolutely beautiful). Yes, I went on vacation by myself and while this might seem strange I find it obscenely liberating. A friend of mine told me she could never do that because she didn't think she'd have any fun. But what I never told her was that part of the fun, aside from visiting friends and making new ones are the moments that I get to spend alone with just me and my thoughts.

Some people find me to be anti-social, but I'm one of those people who has discovered that there is profound power in silence. All day long I have people calling and text messaging and asking and demanding and questioning. And I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't sometimes dream of telling people to shut it up already! Most of the talking that we do is not true communication but just some sort of insane back and forth blathering that seems to sooth our fear of silence. It seems to me that if people truly listened to one another that obsessive communication would not be necessary. When I get quiet and still I find that I can sort out all of things that have happened to me and what I need or want to do about them. I can viscerally "feel" my emotions and decide what I need to work on.

I'm coming to the end of a very challenging period in my life. And as usual (for me) I have to take time to sort out a new game plan and new life goals. I've made the mistake and keep making the mistake of sharing some of my plans with friends before I'm solid about them. Sometimes I can be hard-headed that way. But it struck me while on vacation that I don't need to tell anyone my plans. Most of the time, I'm discouraged from going through with them or told that I need to come to my senses. Maybe I'm even seeking some sort of validation. And none of that's necessary. It's wise to keep silent about our intentions and just put them into motion. There's no need to explain what we want to do in a lot of cases. That all becomes clear through our actions.

Shakespearean Love

2006-08-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

I'm out of town right now working on family affairs. It's hard and challenging in some respects...But that's life. Anyways, a film student friend of mine asked me an interesting question the other day. He wanted to know if I thought that Romeo and Juliet's love would have lasted had they not committed suicide (poor babies). And I immediately answered "Hell no." Are you kidding me? The intensity of their love was solely predicated on the fact that it could never last too long. I mean all of the pulled heart strings and moonlight poetry and heart draining glances. Who could keep that up for decades on end?

I was in a sarcastic mood. That's why I answered as such. Needless to say my friend got a good laugh out of it.

Cleaning Up Shop

2006-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ohhhh! I've been settling my deceased uncle's affairs and feel like I can see the end of the journey. I haven't written about it here but I lost my beloved uncle in 2004 and the pain was piercing. He passed away unexpectedly and that kept me in shock for a few months to say the least. It still feels creepy to walk into his house and not see him or hear him tell one of his internet jokes; he loved to find jokes on the internet. He also loved to cook turkey necks with broccoli and watch the LA Lakers throughout the NBA season. However as I clean out his house and my own apartment and I can literally feel my spirit and soul lifting. I've been writing so much that I'm surprised at the varying topics I've covered. I used to be one of those people who were extremely afraid of any periods of solitude but I've realized that these are the only times when we really get to tap into our spirits and realign with the paths we desire. I've also noticed that many of the insults that people hurled at me in school are coming back. The only difference now is that there is absolutely no sting. I actually silently laugh at sarcastic naysayers and their vicious comments. Do they think they've done damage? I found a wonderful article on manifesting in my file cabinet and I want to review it and reset my goals. I'm ready for a major life change; one that will affect me physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally. I've already set some of this in place. The future is filled with glorious possibilities and I'm ready to meet each and every one of them.

Constant Chaos

2006-07-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in utter disbelief that the conflict between Israel and Lebanon has escalated with such rapidity since Wednesday. But I'm even more astounded at the lack of influence that the UN and individual countries have to bring about a cease fire. The Middle East seems to always be a hotspot for violence, vengeance and the imprints of wars past. Oftentimes it seems that leaders and citizens would be confounded if true peace were ever to be established. When I see conflicts such as this Haifa "war" I wonder what someone like Ghandi would offer as a step towards peace. It seems that even when there is little warfare there is still no true peace because there's a lack of respect and understanding on all side. Are Ghandi's principals null and void in this age? I don't want to believe so.

I'm still working on my new songs and it's coming along but never as quickly as I want it to. Every project or event in my life definitely has it's own flow. I've learned that pushing an experience too quickly is just as detrimental as allowing it to float on endlessly. However, I plan to have a new project completed in the spring of 2007. I'm working on some performance dates in the Northeast and even overseas. Until next time!

In Honor of Summertime

2006-05-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know about a website called swimholes.org. Now, I know the weather seems dreary right now (at least in NYC) but summer will soon be here and we'll all be sipping on mochaccinos (or some coffee drink), blasting the AC and wondering where the cool breezes have gone. And in that vein, I believe natural swim holes might add some dutiful relief. There are swimming hole locations noted in the Southwest, California, the South and the Northeastern United States. The one pictured here is Havasu Falls in Arizona (near the Grand Canyon). The catch for several of them is that a bit of hiking may be required and of course, the more delicious sites will be frequented by several visitors. But I plan to check a couple out this summer. Being constantly surrounded by concrete gives me strong urges to make more contact with Mother Nature. And speaking of the lady Gaia, PLEASE try to do your part in recycling and conserving the resources that you use. I'm not on a soapbox here, but the fact that the Arctic glaciers are melting rapidly and parts of North America are experiencing desertification means dire consequences for all of us. I usually recycle papers and magazines, plastic bottles and such. But lately I'm wondering how stuff like batteries and old appliances can be best "recycled". I don't own a car at present, but electric seems the responsible choice. Anyways, enjoy the longer days and take care of our Mother. She's the only we've got!

Aaaah, (London and) Paris in the Springtime!

2006-04-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! Took a trip overseas recently to London and was able to manage a one-day trip to Paris. I was only gone 5 days so I'm already plotting my return trip (for a much longer stay). The flight to London was PACKED so I was a little uncomfortable having long legs and all. But once I landed, it was wonderful to be there! The weather was very un-London like so we had clear skies, warm sunshine and a moderate temperature. My first mistake was sleeping so much on the first day. I landed at 8am in the morning but my hotel room wasn't ready till 3pm, so I visited the Museum of London and then headed back to the room for a long siesta. And the awoke at 11pm rip raring to go, only to find that almost all of the pubs, delis, restaurants, whatever were closed. And being a New Yorker that's not even acceptable. But then I took in the sights and went photo crazy - Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, the London Bridge, the Tower of London. I'd read a little about some of the old city before I got there so it was interesting to walk in places where kings and queens once worshipped and were arrested. Since I'm from NYC the subway was a breeze and the people that I met were very friendly. And then I got to steal away to Paris. Aaaaaaah - it truly is as beautiful as people have written. The chunnel train only takes 2 hours 40 minutes from London. I was like a kid in the candy store only the sights were candy and my greedy hands were the button on my digital camera. The Arc du Triomphe is majestic (MUCH larger than any picture can portray). I saw the Place des Vosges, an old bath house, Notre Dame cathedral, the Isle de St. Louis, the Obelisque and of course the Louvre. Soooooooo many people were crowded around the Mona Lisa and I have to admit, I think it's a da Vince self portrait. That's why "she" seems to smile wryly. I was also fortunate enough to see the Venus de Milo, several Egyptian antiquities, and many more da Vinci paintings along with the first fortifications of the original Louvre palace. The opera house, the Trocadero, the Bastile tower - commanding monuments.

I didn't stay long enough so I ended up taking a pretty fast pace to squeeze in so many sights. But rest assured I will be back. A few Parisians stopped to converse with me but since I speak Spanish I couldn't talk with them. Have to correct that for next time. The only drawback is that the dollar is down right now, so everything there is expensive. But I was a sights whore this time so I wasn't worried about shopping and such.

Till next time!!!!!!

Whew! Got the Music Down

2006-03-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well, last night I recorded five original songs, things I've been working on since last year. I've seemed drained through the whole process but I must admit, I'm grateful to have worked with four wonderful musicians who are hard to snag cause they're always working. Of course I'll probably change my vocals.

But I'm excited nonetheless. It's funny, bringing any project to fruition takes a lot more energy and planning and effort than you imagine in the beginning. But it's nice to see things come alive!

Hopefully I can share at least one or two songs with all of the people who bought my first CD.

Ciao for now,
Daph

V for Vendetta

2006-03-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well…I HAD to go see V for Vendetta and as movies and thematic concepts go, I thought it was wonderful!!!!!!!!!!! I'm late to the game when it comes to the work of Alan Moore but after I got hooked on his graphic novel "From Hell", I figured there was no way I could miss out on the movie adaptation of another of his pieces. Although the mask is kind of creepy, it's a Guy Fawkes mask and fits integrally into the theme of the movie.

V is what the government would call a terrorist although he thinks of himself as a liberator. V opposes the totalitarian government of a futuristic England that sabotages its citizens, swiping them from their homes and testing them in the name of nuclear weaponry. Disfigured and having lost his true identity he takes on the role of the Everyman. A person who seeks to reclaim the dignity and hope that all of England's citizens seem to have lost. He happens upon Evey, an adult orphan whose parents were killed opposing the government and the two of them fight the regime by striking down those in the highest positions of power.

Of course, V has a contradictory trait of leaving roses on the bodies of his victims. A symbol of deadly love, maybe?

Anyways the movie mimics our current world governments to a tee. Maybe that's why the movie resonated with me in such a strong way. Check it out man!

B-Day Celebrations!

2006-03-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Alrighty! Last night I went to a birthday party for my friend Ilka Pinheiro at a restaurant called Edwards in Tribeca. Can I say I had a fabulous time? I didn't know anyone other than her there and I think that's what I liked best. I got to meet several of her classmates and friends. Most of them are artists like myself and it was wonderful to be surrounded by creative people who don't have the corporate stick stuck in their hindparts. Drinks were flowing and I actually at the rigatoni (which was delicious). Apparently Edwards is a happening place cause they just had the Sopranos' Premiere Party there. Who knew? Anyways I felt loads of positive energy. Maybe it's cause everyone was drinking, but for me it was because I was surrounded by so many people whose goals were similar to mine. I realized how long it's been since that's happened. Being an artist in New York (or any city for that matter) has long stretches of solitude when you've actually got to get the WORK done.

Met with Frank before all of this to go over everything that I'd need for the band's rehearsals next week. I've got loads of nervous energy (that I need to unload in a gym). But I'm excited nonetheless!

Later

Another Day in the City

2006-03-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I must admit that the last few days weather-wise have kept me in a tailspin. It's warm, spring is coming - no it's still winter and you better keep those short sleeves packed away. Of course I went out yesterday with a spring jacket on and the chill soaked right through my clothes. Ugh!

I'll be recording five of my original songs in a few weeks and I'm getting antsy and nervous. When you've created something, anything the process of watching it come to life can be a little surreal. The moments come and go in some sort of aggravated slow motion and you find yourself analyzing every moment trying to control the process. I'll be working with four players this time, great professionals and two whom I consider wonderful friends. Let me just say that professional musicians are magical to me; the way they amalgamate sound to create something beautiful and touching. First we have to rehearse and then it'll be off to the recording studio.

Reading a great thriller novel called "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. It's set at Hampden College in Vermont and revolves around a close-knit clan of Greek scholars who take their classical studies to the extreme until they cross the unseen line in the sand. Tartt's prose is beautiful and provocative and I can almost see the movie in my mind as the paragraphs unfold. It's amazing to me, though, how there are secrets that even she (the author) doesn't reveal in detail. Of course it's interesting that I'm reading this because I have a historical book at home that contains plenty of Greek passages that I would love to be able to translate. Might have to get someone to help me with that.

Anyhoo, it's another day in NYC. I'm craving constant warm weather and sunshine instead of this teaser weather we seem to be getting.

Talk to you soon!

The Official Welcome

2006-03-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone and Welcome to my blog.

It's been a while coming since I've been focusing on some family business for a while. You may or may not know me yet, but never-the-less I'm here! Here I'll be sharing my thoughts, concerns, blatherings and insights as they come to me. I'll also let you know what's new with my music and career. It's March here in NYC and I'm sooooooooo glad that we're on the cusp of spring. I've been writing like a mad puppy over the last year and it's interesting to review the music and words that have poured from my heart. Althought not my favorite season, spring always represents burgeoning beginnings and this is going to be my best year yet! I'm also a brand new auntie and I have yet to meet my little neice. That's all for now. Talk to you soon!

Daphne Shawn

A bit about Me

2006-02-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

A southern girl -- Daphne Shawn has been performing since before she could even talk. Since the age of three, she has been performing; first at home, then church and finally upon the stage. She's performed in such regional favorites as "Dreamgirls", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Big River" and "Showboat". She's studied the arias of Puccini, Mozart and Verdi. Yet Daphne Shawn refuses to limit herself. Not only does she act and sing, but she also writes. "I believe in possibilities and the need to challenge myself."

It's this need for growth that pushed Daphne to form her own production company, Sultry Siren Productions (2002). The first project to be completed will be a debut CD, "What It's All About", accompanying her cabaret show at Don't Tell Mama's in the fall. Future projects include the development of her screenplays "Pharaoh" and "Both Hands Down" to the big screen. Is she ambitious and gutsy? Absolutely! Does she want to wait for anyone's permission to move forward? Absolutely NOT!

Blog by Daphne Shawn

2006-02-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Please check back soon as I will be starting my blog soon.