Mini-reunion :)

Norman and Susan arrived 2 nights ago to an anxiously awaiting adoring audience. haha.
Not sure if the dogs remember them, but Lucas and Olivia were not shy at all and in fact dance when Norman came in and immediately picked up my guitar. :)

Here's John talking with his hands haha.

And Olivia copying Susan doing the back-bend.

Olivia slept with Norman the first night---it was surprising how quickly they warmed up to him, seeing as it's been a year since they've seen Norman. Plus, Olivia typically only likes girls!

Everyone wants his attention--even Shmoopy.

Susan was crazy enough to go for a run in Houston TX mid-day...and felt like she was going to die! This pic was before that though...she was showing her handstanding abilities and almost fell on Tyrone lol. Look at those muscles!

The kids invading Susan's room...which is what we call the guest room anyway (it's easier for the kids to know what room I'm talking about, since when she came to visit last time, she used that leafy comforter lol)

Olivia loves Norman :)

Most Adorable Video

I was trying to practice tonight but kept getting interrupted by these two kiddos...Lucas was trying to mess me up by pulling on the guitar and I got mad, then he whimpered and said , "I just trying help you mama". And I felt bad...so I asked him to sing with me...and he did! I played his favorite song from when he was a baby...:

Susan and Norman come tomorrow! they are so excited--every time the dogs bark Olivia says, "theyre here!" lol.

Bookface

So most of you already know probably, but I gave in to the powers of facebook strictly for networking music gigs. If you'd like to access my FB it is: www.facebook.com/samanthafoxlivemusic 

 If not, well, here's a new video of a song I learned today from the movie "closer" soundtrack. I haven't seen the movie but I like this song and thought it was suitable for me. It's not perfect...hopefully will be by monday night, but I had already neglected L & O enough so this one had to suffice :) Any requests or suggestions are always welcome; *if* this becomes regular I will always be needing to update my list. Thanks!

I am woman

I am really trying to de-frump myself since I want to perform more often and also because I just want to be more feminine. I bought some dresses the other day and wanted to show them. This one I almost didn't try on because I didn't think it would look good on me. It's apparently designed by Jessica Simpson, and was originally $98...I thought it was really cute, and love the pockets. Was on sale for $30...and I feel kinda guilty, but the cashier evidently forgot to scan this because I wasn't charged for it..so it was free:

 And this one, I thought looked better than it does here...I mean, I like it alright, but it seems to make my silhouette look like this: | |....which I guess is an improvement over this: ( )...but what I really want is obviously this: ) (  haha. 

 This one wasn't free though. I hope to find reasons to wear them. i.e. gigs. what do you think? So far I only really really like the skirt I wore to the first job, because it really shapes you in the right way and you don't have to fidget with it at all. They had a dark green one just like it...probably should get it.  


 The next thing is shoes, that are cute, and wearable for hours...I hate shoe shopping.

And here is my princess with her new gear lol. She loves it! It's all broken now of course :)

New Toys :)

We took the kids to toys r' us today because they are the only place that carries these dern things the kids beg for:

They sing the song, and Olivia comes to me all gently and cutely says, "mommy I love you....i wanna dreamlite! I wanna butterfly dreamlite!" and Lucas says, "I wanna doggy dreamlite daddy!"


   We looked all through the store and couldn't find them--we didn't want to order them because a friend told us hers took forever and they were back-ordered. So we bought them these toys on sale and they are awesome to play with!
    We got Olivia this beachhouse thing, made of cardboard, but it's fairly sturdy. She loves it and Lucas even played with her nicely a little while...before becoming the 'evil brother' and throwing furniture out lol.

She didn't want to smile for me but then she was trying to make herself with her hands...lol

And then I caught a natural smile :)

 (Video to come soon)

And Lucas got this marble maze tower thing. It's not exactly easy to put together, and sometimes doesn't fit exactly right, plus the little balls that came with it are not heavy enough, or perfectly round. But it's still worth it and I had fun building with them. I made a pretty cool one and recorded it...gonna put the videos up soon...

 No TV....and they played nicely for a while before fighting over balls. lol.  

 Lucas really concentrated quietly on what was going on. :)

 So happy they got new toys. They even hugged :)

Today they were playing a game where Lucas was Olivia's daddy, and we named her Cecilee. I love it when they pretend things :)Working on the videos.

Other

Here's a gross pic of what I found from Tyrone a few mornings after the fourth of July, when I told you all he stole Olivia's corn dog and swallowed it whole. Hey, it's gross, but I was happy to find it and not have to take him to an expensive vet appointment for a bowel obstruction.

Since I am trying to find outfits that look nice for gigs, I tried on these shoes the other day, but of course didn't buy them. It's hard for me to buy things we don't really need...but after looking back at this pic, I want them! Believe me I never enjoy shoes or even want to buy any, but these are like barbie shoes!

This was our 'family game night' last week when we tried to play 'Sorry' with the kids. It was fun for them :) but John and I were thinking, "when are we goin back to Kansas City for our annual HOGO game night? We need some real games like cities & knights and Puerto Rico! lol. So Shawna, thanksgiving ?? :)

And this is just a cute pic I took of Olivia after her bath...she looked so cute and I haven't been taking pics...I was trying to get her to smile for a pic for grandmama and Grandma Hodge, and she was trying hard not to but started laughing...thats why her mouth is all puckered up :)

And the good news for today: I am stupid.. That's all. 


No, but I'm stupid because all this time I have been complaining about the camera being broke, so I wasn't using it and we were about to get a new one today. Then I realized I had accidentally pressed some button that turns off the display lol. So we won't need a new one for a while :)


 And one more random tidbit--some advice from my allergist: one of the biggest tips to prevent illness especially when you have kids, is to sanitize your phone regularly!

Color Time :)

For the past month or so, we've been having color time here. It's now something I look forward to as much as them. It really is therapeutic for me when I need to calm down lol. But they enjoy it until Olivia gets bored of it and bothers Lucas.

First we send daddy txt pics of our work:

 Then we hang them up:

And if I don't immediately put the crayons up, someone colors the couch or walls...today I touched up the wall on the stairs Lucas colored...he apologized for it though. Fun to paint a wall a few months after painting this whole dang house lol.

RELIEF!

Me & Tony Austin owner of Cafe du Bois

This morning was pretty scary...I was progressively nervous about the gig tonight, and made myself nauseous...I even took some pepto!  I was supposed to have my OBGYN appt for my adrenal/estrogen issue, but when I showed up, the dr had an emergency delivery so I left....I was frustrated because I had waited a month for this appt, but you can't always predict deliveries so I should've been less mad...I didn't even bother re-scheduling...

Me while I was still nauseous and nervous, just before taking the kids to Alexandra's :)

Anyway, last night I packed up most of the car with my equipment. I played with the kids, made pizza and colored with them. Even took a little nap with them. Then I got up around 3pm and started feeling nervous and queasy again lol. Soon after I started getting fixing my hair and face, and John was so sweet. He got up (he's working nights this week) and got the kids ready to go to Alexandra's (my friend/impromptu babysitter!) and he packed their drinks, Olivia's pull-ups and her blankie. He packed the rest of my equipment in the car too. He was very supportive of me especially since I was so nervous. 


    It had been clear all day, until around 5pm it was getting cloudy and rainy. I dropped the kids off and they were immediately having fun with Alexandra's boys, and Julie her 10 yr old half-sister----she's so sweet with Olivia. I got to the restaurant early, and met some of the staff. I hauled all my equipment in, while wearing my heels lol. This is a feat (haha pun intended) for me because I rarely wear high heels and am clumsy. I set up my stuff and offered to play a song so the owner could gauge my volume. That's when I turned on the amp and it began buzzing....I knew I couldn't play it like that, so I fiddled with it to no avail. Ovations don't have a very full sound acoustically because the body is fairly shallow. I decided to play acoustically but sing in the PA. He said the volume was good, and that when people came in the dining room the sound would be better absorbed so I could be a little louder.
 

   He then had to attend a meeting for an hour, so I set up my ipod to the PA and played some tunes while I looked around at the art, and watched the staff pretty-up the dining tables. Here are my little ads they made:

I began to calm down and feel more confident. So I tried plugging in my guitar to my PA system (don't know why I never did that) and it sounded even better! I adjusted the volume/tone levels and got some time to practice before anyone showed up for dinner. It was scary when the first couple arrived, so I mainly just played the chords of songs without singing. Then another couple came in and the owner and his wife, and the co-owner and his daughter came. I felt more pressure, but decided to quietly sing some songs. I didn't go in any real order, just randomly picking songs that weren't too loud. About half-way through, I took a 15 minute break, and checked in on my kids---who were doing great!

    During my break the owner came up and said he loved it! He said my "star quality" totally fits with the style of the restaurant and the volume level was perfect. He said he loves the 'crispness' of my sound :) He then said he'd have me back on monday the 30th if I want! I was so flattered and immediately said Yes. He even bumped up my pay to $150 :) He said he would love to have me get together with the other 2 guitar guys he has---and I've seen their videos--they are awesome. I think that would be great!

   After that validation I was ready to get back in and really sing. One of the couples asked me over to their table and requested some artists, that I promised to try when they come back on the 30th :) Another couple happened to be big fans of the BeeGees :) and enjoyed when I played "Love You Inside & Out". So there weren't a lot of people there, but the few that were, stayed the entire night, and I got to interact with them more when they were finished eating. (And boy did their food look good!)

    Another one they really liked was "Ugly Girl" because it's so funny. Here was my setlist, although some songs I just played on the guitar:
-Meditation
-Destiny
-Til There Was You
-Too Far Gone
-Ugly Girl
-Guess I'm Doin Fine
-That's Alright Mama
-For No One
-Ain't No Sunshine
-Here There and Everywhere
-She
-Lovefool/I Will Survive
-Dindi
-Smooth Operator
-Jezebel
-Lost Cause
-What You Won't Do For Love
-Make it Wit Chu
-I'll Know
-Today
-Oh You Pretty Things
-Good Morning
-Shattered Dreams/Promises Promises
-Long As I Can See the Light
-Two More Bottles of Wine
-Ugly Girl
-Girl From Ipanema
-Light My Fire
-Love You Inside & Out

  I think that was it but I played one or two twice. I ended up playing a little later, but was having so much fun. There were some other songs I chose not to do but I might switch it up some next time. This was a great first time, and the people were so welcoming and fun. I didn't notice til after I got home, that one of my tips was a $100 :) !! I was so ecstatic that I got another job, and possibly the beginning of a 'following' :). I may just have to get a facebook for "Samantha Fox"...just scared to step into that mess...lol

  I am very happy with my purchase of this Fender Passport PA system--I played my IPOD tracks on breaks, hooked up my mic and guitar (since there are 4 inputs) and all of them sounded clear. So easy and portable too! I'm ready to do this again!

  Well thanks for everyone's well-wishes and support! I had a wonderful night, and to top it off, I picked up the kids who didn't want to leave--they were playing hide and seek with Alexandra and her sisters! They were pretty well-behaved and had their favorite--chinese noodles. They are worn out and sleeping in their beds now, but knowing they had fun was the cherry on top. Thank you so much Alexandra I owe you!

AND she gave me their leftover chinese food...I was starving...so you can bet I scarfed that down as soon as I got home. The dogs didn't make messes, everyone's sleeping. John txted me that he is proud of me :) Gonna have some of my jewish wine (thanks Shawna lol) , a hot bath, and read me some C.S. Lewis. Very happy and grateful! Looking forward to more jobs!

Oh! and Susan and Norman should be here for the 30th, so who knows...maybe Norman will babysit and Susan, John and Alexandra can join me :)

What to wear

I know there is only one day left, but I still haven't really put together an outfit. I was never really fashionable, but for the past few years I realized while clothes shopping was depressing, it was also fairly simple; usually everything was too small, so finally when something was too big, I considered that a win and bought it depending on the price (i'm cheap).  I'm fairly low maintenance; never had my nails done, don't regularly get my hair done (and if I do get it cut, it's usually a cheap salon), and I don't fit in any cute shoes, nor can my flat feet handle many. I only recently started shaving regularly lol. So I am not a girly-girl. But since having lost weight, I actually find things that are really big on me and I actually find stuff that is flattering...or at least in my 'skinny' mirror, and before the fabric stretches out etc. So I bought a few items recently and am trying to put an outfit together that will look nice for tomorrow's performance.

    First I got these shoes for $10 on sale...they are actually comfortable and feel secure since the top strap thing holds my feet in. I was having a hard time finding anything that went with the shoes...but was thinking this:

John took this with his phone before leaving for work...our camera is sorta screwed up. I liked this skirt because it holds everything in and is long enough for me. Also the color is kinda cool like burnt sienna-ish color. Looked 70's ish. My hair and makeup wasn't done so that's why my face is cut off lol. 

I didn't realize how weird it is to feel feminine or dress up again. I actually don't feel huge in this, other than my height of course. But I wanted an excuse to wear heels/wedges :) I don't know what else would look good together that I have, but I really don't want to wuss out and wear jeans or t-shirt or flip flops,and I want to look professional too...who knows, I might get other jobs out of it. 

I am semi-nervous about the heels because I can be clumsy, and I will be having to carry my heavy amp, heavy PA system, mic stand, guitar stand, chair, fliers, etc. I might even change shoes before idk. Wish I had a roadie lol. 

Let me know what you guys think before tomorrow night if you can..

Hoping this clear weather stays around for another day....

Pole Dancing

My sister Susan showed me this video she found to be inspiring. And it is! Isn't this awesome? I even liked the song choice. That girl is so strong and yet doesn't look masculine. Now that's a dancer I would tip. I don't even understand how she is moving in some of it! Like she's swimming in air. Mesmerizing to watch.

Do it Susan! buy a pole!

This Excites Me :)

.
The owners made these ads to put on their FB and on little cards at each table. I feel so special!

I went into the Cafe after spin last night to check out the place and see another live performer. She was a great singer---she usually has a band with her, but since the room is fairly small and needs to be quiet, she used a P.A. and karaoke-like tracks from a laptop. I got to meet the owner and have a glass of wine. It was nice to meet him and go over what I will do. I am more nervous though because now that I realize how small and intimate the setting is, I am really not supposed to overpower dinner conversation....so I have had to tailor my setlist for that. I will probably have the mic and amp real low and pull back when I have to really push to hit notes. But more than anything I am hoping that we have clear skies on thursday so I can play outside on the patio, where the volume (and perhaps tempo) of the songs won't matter so much. I am not sure i'm the right fit for this restaurant, but I'm so appreciative that someone is giving me a chance. Since it's my very first 'gig' I am already worried about so many things, so now knowing I need to keep my volume a little low is just one more hesitation. But as the owner said, we'll have to play by ear and see how the audience reacts. I had also planned more interaction with customers, but I realize the ambience is more to highlight the food and dining experience, not primarily live entertainment. I hope to represent the restaurant's class and character and entertain guests. Wish me luck!

Russian Girls

Dinesh D'Souza

I forgot about this guy..back when I was an avid reader of all books political (before giving birth lol) I read his book "What's So Great About America" and some of "Letters to a Young Conservative". Very smart guy. Gonna see his movie.

I got a gig!

I am posting on here, since my music blog hasn't been as active (but it's posted on there too)---just a reminder to anyone in the area, I'd LOVE it if you could stop by and support me in my first performance! If you're available on Thursday night, July 19th check out Cafe du Bois in beautiful Kingwood TX--they have an extensive menu of delicious continental cuisine, from steaks, seafood, delicious salads, a unique selection of soups, and any kind of wine or liquor you could ask for.

I'm going alone since John work's nights, and my friend is babysitting--so please stop in if only for a few songs :)

I'll be playing from 6:30pm-9:30pm on the 19th, on the patio, weather permitting (or in the dining room). Thanks for all the support from my long distance family and friends, and to my selfless & patient friend Alexandra who offered to entertain L & O; you'll be with me in my nerve-wracked heart!~

Angels

I just saw this article and thought I'd share. It was uplifting to think about...hope it does the same for you.
 http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/fbi-agent-i-saw-angels-at-flight-93-crash-site/

Which Song(s)?

Learned 3 new songs to add to the playlist I might play, when I might book a gig, since the owner of Mojo's might call tomorrow. Mighty ain't it? If you'd be so kind as to comment on whether they should be included or not, I'd appreciate it--don't worry, you can comment anonymously so I won't know who to take it personally from lol.

"She"- Gram Parsons cover (I learned by listening to both Norah Jones' and Emmylou's versions) Thanks for the recommendation mom :)

"Good Morning" Norah Jones' cover. Recommended by Iris--Thanks Iris!

 

"Lovefool/I Will Survive" Cardigans & Gloria Gaynor cover--inspired by my high school talent show band with my sister Susan, and also inspired by my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Pindar lol. 

4th of July

I promised the kids we'd go see fireworks but I am unfamiliar with this area still so I didn't know exactly where to go. Lucas kept whining to go to Kemah, which was close to our last place...but about an hr from our current home. I decided to drive to Kingwood which is a nearby city. There are some really nice restaurants on the water and a bunch of boats too--I thought maybe they'd be setting of fireworks so I parked and got a blanket out for us to sit on.

We waited a little while and finally someone told me I needed to drive further up to see them. By the time I was heading in the right direction, there had been a car accident that caused a traffic jam. We were stuck for a while so at the nearest chance I made a u-turn and headed home. Lucas kept adamantly saying "no, we are not going home yet. 5 more minutes!" which has became his mantra....5 more minutes!

  Ironically, when we got back, there were neighbors setting off cool fireworks---i didn't know these were legal here! So we parked and sat in our trunk to watch. We were so close the noise scared Olivia, who clung to me like a koala the whole time. Lucas thoroughly enjoyed it though. Shmoopy our neurotic dog will never be the same...he's been panting nervously, won't go outside and then sneaks upstairs where they arent allowed, and pees or hides...i hate him! He's been locked up in the laundry rm nightly now. He's so dumb...he lets all these bugs in the house because he takes forever hesitating getting his fat furry butt over the 3 inch step coming in from the backyard...but jumps up a flight of stairs easily....I want to get rid of him, but my guilt won't let me....and the other one....stole olivia's corn dog and swallowed the stick whole...don't know how that's gonna come out!