Happy Mother’s Day

I dedicate this rose to the memory of my mother and to all mothers. My Mother’s Day was pretty nice. I made a few phone calls, went to brunch with friends, did a little music shopping, and took a nice nap. Hope you had a great day!
Gratitude
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the cards, love, phone calls, emails, and expressions over the past few weeks. My family and I are very appreciative. Our mom will always be in our hearts. Much love and many blessings to all of you.
My mom and me

My mom and I took this photo in June 2007 at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Chicago after we went to see The Color Purple. It was definitely a fun day and one of our last fun outings. Today, 01/29/2008, my mom passed after battling with lung cancer. Thank you for all your love and prayers.
My big brother is special…

My big brother celebrated his birthday yesterday and I got too sleepy to post anything last night. My brother has a special (crazy) love for animals. In the photo above, the family dog, Trekkie, celebrated his 14th birthday in grand style. After all these years, even Trekkie understands the tradition and happily cooperates for at […]
This little guy is getting married today…

This little guy came into my life when I was 13. It was a great honor to be an uncle at such a young age. This photo was taken during a visit when we lived in West Virginia. He was almost a year old and we totally bonded. We played, laughed, I changed his diaper, […]
She is still the life of the party….

My niece is just as adorable and full of energy today as she was when she was born 25 years ago on this date. Surprisingly, she actually wants to go to here for her birthday. I keep a big stash of photos for just the right occasion and this one is perfect. Notice that she […]
Rochester 2004
These photos are from my recent adventures in Rochester, New York over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. My mom and I were there for my brother’s surprise 50th birthday party. The sign is from the lounge where the party was hosted. My brother had the pleasure of wearing the hat and cap shown above for […]
The Birthday Roundup…
I thank everyone who made my 40th birthday a very special day. Whether, it was lunch, dinner, a phone call, a card, a blog entry or a comment, I am very grateful for you being in my life and sharing this moment. My birthday was restful and fun. We went to The View for drinks […]
4 x 10 = 40

“May all your storms be weathered and all that’s good, get better. Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.” The Thoughts Praise God! Today, I am 40 and very proud of it. My life has been very blessed and the blessings just keep coming. There will always be unfinished dreams but as long […]
My Dad and Me…..

If you have traveling along with me on my web journey over the past 8 months or so, you know that my dad was a major influence in my musical tastes. When I was home recently, I was browsing through his record collection with new eyes. As I learn more about music, I recognize more […]
Happy Birthday, Big Bro!

Much love, many blessings, and happy birthday wishes to my big brother who has shaped and guided my path all through the years. Your lil’ bro, j-notes
Happy Mother’s Day!

I wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, to all the mom’s that have been mom’s to me, and to all the mom’s that give me inspiration. Have a blessed and wonderful day!!!
Joyful! Joyful!

I know I am a little late getting my greeting out but I have been busy the last few days just getting ready for Christmas. I rested most of the morning and return calls this afternoon. I am debating on driving to Sacramento for dinner or just making lasagna and clicking the remote at home. […]
Remembering My Dad – My Jazz Inspiration

I start this December 12 off a little different than I would any other day. I start by saying my morning prayers and afterwards I play the classic 1961 Duke Ellington and Count Basie album “First Time! The Count Meets The Duke” and a wonderful flood of memories of my father rushes over me. To […]