http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:39:35 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=790671  Whew! Just typing the title made me wanna go take a nap!  Peace friends and fam, 2011 has been just as exciting as I imagined it to be. Last November I had this tingling, this excitement, this energy pulsating through my mind, body and soul- sorta kinda like it did when I still believed in Santa Claus and couldn't wait for Christmas Day. That's how I felt and still feel about 2011. I predict Peace, Power, and Prosperity for 2011. It's time-don't you feel it?!  I'm so excited to be back in the Atlanta area, working on the "One Woman" show, the soundtrack, and the new album. Hey- by the way- I would love it if you would leave suggestions as to the title of a song, or even the title of the album. I'll go through the suggestions and who knows...I may even have a contest. The person whose title of a song receives the most votes will when a CD! Antywho, I digress. I'm looking forward to sharing updates periodically via videologs, of the progress of the play and the albums. Stay in touch by becoming a fan on my website or becoming a part of my street team. Your help is invaluable, as I am an Indie artist. If you love my music, and want to hear more of it, tell a friend, tell all of your friends to stop by my website and purchase the CD, "I Dream".  I will have product in "Moods Records" in March. More outlets coming soon. You can still purchase here as well as on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and CD Baby. The 'One Woman" show - we're looking at Mid April or either early May (check back periodically for the exact date).  I'm working with Grammy Award winning producer, Kevin Deane, and the incredible and amazing Herb Middleton on my second album! I am so Grateful, so amazed at how this all came about. Will tell you that story later. In the mean time and between time, know that the full production of "Diva: A Tribute to Nina Simone", will still take place. We are just taking advantage of creative juices with the "One Woman" show.  Stay tuned!!! Peace  O   Peace friends and fam,
2011 has been just as exciting as I imagined it to be. Last November I had this tingling, this excitement, this energy pulsating through my mind, body and soul- sorta kinda like it did when I still believed in Santa Claus and couldn't wait for Christmas Day. That's how I felt and still feel about 2011. I predict Peace, Power, and Prosperity for 2011. It's time-don't you feel it?! 
I'm so excited to be back in the Atlanta area, working on the "One Woman" show, the soundtrack, and the new album. Hey- by the way- I would love it if you would leave suggestions as to the title of a song, or even the title of the album. I'll go through the suggestions and who knows...I may even have a contest. The person whose title of a song receives the most votes will when a CD!
Antywho, I digress. I'm looking forward to sharing updates periodically via videologs, of the progress of the play and the albums. Stay in touch by becoming a fan on my website or becoming a part of my street team. Your help is invaluable, as I am an Indie artist. If you love my music, and want to hear more of it, tell a friend, tell all of your friends to stop by my website and purchase the CD, "I Dream".  I will have product in "Moods Records" in March. More outlets coming soon. You can still purchase here as well as on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and CD Baby.

The 'One Woman" show - we're looking at Mid April or either early May (check back periodically for the exact date). 
I'm working with Grammy Award winning producer, Kevin Deane, and the incredible and amazing Herb Middleton on my second album! I am so Grateful, so amazed at how this all came about. Will tell you that story later. In the mean time and between time, know that the full production of "Diva: A Tribute to Nina Simone", will still take place. We are just taking advantage of creative juices with the "One Woman" show. 

Stay tuned!!!
Peace 
O



 

]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:39:35 GMT 80483DFB80E9B6D0EF5DD2AD41A3FF3F http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=621558  It's been an incredible year and I am so thankful for all of the people and places that I have had the opportunity to experience along the way. At the end of 2009, I told myself that 2010 was going to be off the chain-and it was! I started the year of with a 3 week promo tour in the UK, then on to Paris where I returned to come in first place each time at the Sankofa Soul Contest. I then was given the opportunity to gig in Paris where I received so much love it was quite overwhelming. I'd written a play paying homage to Dr. Nina Simone the year before, and was requested to do a Reading of the play during her estates 10 tribute. I've had the opportunity to share my music, and also my love for writing this year. After a trip to Los Angeles, I was added as a screen writer on an Indie Film! I have also begun writing a feature film that I will go into production next year. I returned home for personal reasons to find my friends and loved one's receiving me with open arms. It felt and feels good to be back near my roots. I was away for 3 years. The time away brought me clarity of purpose, joy, pain, laughter, tears, love, broken heart, opportunity and blessings. It was truly a time of sacrifice and personal growth. I wouldn't change anything if I could, because each second helped shape and mold me into the woman I am today.  I would like to thank all of you have supported me by purchasing my product, attending performances, lending your hand your ear, and time and sacrifice. I would like to publically thank my mommy (Tina Mason)for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself, my stepfather, (Poppa-G George Mason) I am speechless to express my gratitude for your love and support, my father, (Eddie Joe Brooks), for giving me the gift of life, talent, and that smile of yours...oh -and that auto mechanic! lol, my stepmother (Jan Brooks) for being that kickstand by my father's side, my baby girl's Makayla, Kameelah, and Yazmeen- you are the reason I do all that I do, my sister's Lashonda Forbes (for all the home cooked meals lol, but seriously), Dana, and my baby sister Keedah, and my baby brother Austin,  for their support and encouragement, my Aunt Ann, Angela Naturally Fly Walker, Nikki Wade the Diva, my Cousin Levar Pickens,(photography), Andrick Anderson videographer and director of my music video. Christopher George for his love and hospitality while I was in the UK, and DJ Niceness for his kindness and always having my back! Mike Ashley- good looking out while I was in the UK- can't wait to return. I would like to thank Min. Sharrieff Muhammad,William Muhammad, Charles and Jaqueline Muhammad, Yusuf Otway, and Marie Muhammad for their spiritual guidance and friendship from near and far. Please forgive me if I didn't mention your name specifically. Know that I am truly thankful for all who have crossed my path, this year and throughout my life.  I am looking forward to all of the amazing people and experiences 2011 will bring. It's going to be big!!! Keep your eyes open for more projects, plays and productions,  Iberia of Luminocity Entertainment, Bria (an amazing actress), and Davia Fenton- her voice will make you melt! Remember to "Focus on your purpose, Not your Distractions". Peace
I returned home for personal reasons to find my friends and loved one's receiving me with open arms. It felt and feels good to be back near my roots. I was away for 3 years. The time away brought me clarity of purpose, joy, pain, laughter, tears, love, broken heart, opportunity and blessings. It was truly a time of sacrifice and personal growth. I wouldn't change anything if I could, because each second helped shape and mold me into the woman I am today. 

I would like to thank all of you have supported me by purchasing my product, attending performances, lending your hand your ear, and time and sacrifice. I would like to publically thank my mommy (Tina Mason)for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself, my stepfather, (Poppa-G George Mason) I am speechless to express my gratitude for your love and support, my father, (Eddie Joe Brooks), for giving me the gift of life, talent, and that smile of yours...oh -and that auto mechanic! lol, my stepmother (Jan Brooks) for being that kickstand by my father's side, my baby girl's Makayla, Kameelah, and Yazmeen- you are the reason I do all that I do, my sister's Lashonda Forbes (for all the home cooked meals lol, but seriously), Dana, and my baby sister Keedah, and my baby brother Austin,  for their support and encouragement, my Aunt Ann, Angela Naturally Fly Walker, Nikki Wade the Diva, my Cousin Levar Pickens,(photography), Andrick Anderson videographer and director of my music video. Christopher George for his love and hospitality while I was in the UK, and DJ Niceness for his kindness and always having my back! Mike Ashley- good looking out while I was in the UK- can't wait to return. I would like to thank Min. Sharrieff Muhammad,William Muhammad, Charles and Jaqueline Muhammad, Yusuf Otway, and Marie Muhammad for their spiritual guidance and friendship from near and far.


Please forgive me if I didn't mention your name specifically. Know that I am truly thankful for all who have crossed my path, this year and throughout my life.  I am looking forward to all of the amazing people and experiences 2011 will bring. It's going to be big!!! Keep your eyes open for more projects, plays and productions,  Iberia of Luminocity Entertainment, Bria (an amazing actress), and Davia Fenton- her voice will make you melt!
Remember to "Focus on your purpose, Not your Distractions".
Peace
]]> Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:02:50 GMT D20B2B1C066CBD87A32777FD05108DEF http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=75128 The journey continues...I just confirmed two gigs, one in NYC at the Sugar Bar and the other is a contest in Paris, France in the Sankofa Soul Contest. I am so excited about both events. I have never performed in NYC nor Paris! Hmmm, how am I feeling inside. It has been a long ride people, and on certain days I would just sit and wonder why was I doing this? Why place myself in the center of ridicule, being told that, "your music is super but we're looking for you know- Beyonce' or Rihanna."  This can become daunting and even heartbreaking as I try to take the gifts that have been given to me and make an honest living. All I desire is to put something out into the universe that makes people feel, feel good, think about a past or future situation, encourage, inspire, make laugh, make you wanna hold someone and earn a living doing it.  With your help I can keep going, honestly without your help- I'ma keep going LOL, but your help would be appreciated! :) How can you help you may ask? Tell a friend, download my album, and if economic times are a little hard (trust i overstand) download one or two, but please tell someone about the site and encourage them to download some music. I want to come to a venue Near You!  Go to your favorite venue and request me- who knows they just might reach out to me and I could be in Madrid, Chicago, the Netherlands, Japan, or Jackson Miss.!!! Take care and stay blessed! O Hmmm, how am I feeling inside. It has been a long ride people, and on certain days I would just sit and wonder why was I doing this? Why place myself in the center of ridicule, being told that, "your music is super but we're looking for you know- Beyonce' or Rihanna."  This can become daunting and even heartbreaking as I try to take the gifts that have been given to me and make an honest living. All I desire is to put something out into the universe that makes people feel, feel good, think about a past or future situation, encourage, inspire, make laugh, make you wanna hold someone and earn a living doing it.  With your help I can keep going, honestly without your help- I'ma keep going LOL, but your help would be appreciated! :)
How can you help you may ask? Tell a friend, download my album, and if economic times are a little hard (trust i overstand) download one or two, but please tell someone about the site and encourage them to download some music.
I want to come to a venue Near You!  Go to your favorite venue and request me- who knows they just might reach out to me and I could be in Madrid, Chicago, the Netherlands, Japan, or Jackson Miss.!!!
Take care and stay blessed!
O]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:56:15 GMT 822582614026F4A9CEF40CD1F635BF7B http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=41138 ...and everything was going pretty good til I was getting off the bus in Chicago. The bruh who'd been sitting next to me since Indianapolis- the one who shared only 3 or 4 sentences with,mostly about a book "The Ruins of Empires" by Volney-Under his breath he says," I've been wanting to get under that blanket with u the whole trip. And just so u know- I have a long one, and when we go inside, we can go into the bathroom and do the damn thing". Wow- that's all I managed to say. Cuz in my mind, I was wondering was it the score from the football game that was on in the bus terminal that we commented about, or was it the brief conversation when he asked me where the author was from and I stated, "France"; that would make him think I would be interested in sex with him! OMG! I don't even know your damn name !!!! It's really hard sometimes to not end up in an orange jump suit sitting in county jail. I am so glad I have my music, and my faith. Don't worrybeloved- these last few men that I have encountered have not caused me to look at the beauty of you and forget that the majority of you are GREAT descendants from HE who created WE!!! That's why I still write songs like, "I Just Wanna Be With You"- You Rock!!!!
Wow- that's all I managed to say. Cuz in my mind, I was wondering was it the score from the football game that was on in the bus terminal that we commented about, or was it the brief conversation when he asked me where the author was from and I stated, "France"; that would make him think I would be interested in sex with him! OMG! I don't even know your damn name !!!!

It's really hard sometimes to not end up in an orange jump suit sitting in county jail. I am so glad I have my music, and my faith. Don't worrybeloved- these last few men that I have encountered have not caused me to look at the beauty of you and forget that the majority of you are GREAT descendants from HE who created WE!!! That's why I still write songs like, "I Just Wanna Be With You"- You Rock!!!!


]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 18:49:13 GMT 500B8F296EB8535D06DD1375A51EB3F6 http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=41137 So the song says- "If you like it then u shoulda put a ring on it". And if he did, how long would it last. Not to sound pessimistic or anything, but we ofttimes come to the table with unrealistic expectations created by images we see on t.v. and in movies. If we didn't have examples of how men and women should behave in a healthy relationship we should take a step back and ask ourselves- What kind of spirit do I desire my mate to have and reflect that. What should his/her emotional, financial, physical attributes be and do I reflect that? Our lists can grow long, but our patience with ourselves and others tends to be short. Until we have stood in the mirror and become that which we ask for... I had this person tell me they needed their mate to have a good job, a car, be financial stable, have their own place, etc...They didn't have any of those things- Hmmmmmm Work on you- and just becuz u have a good job, a car and your own place, savings/a great investment portfolio does not put u in the clear. Are you a good listener? Do you know how to communicate effectively? I was recently told that I don't communicate effectively when I'm speaking. I had to take a look at myself, and I found that to be true. I'm a much better communictor when I'm writing. So if I need to address a serious matter, I will put it in writing first, read it and then re-read it to make sure that I am saying what I truly mean. I know that can be hard in the middle of a conversation, so I am learning to take a few more moments to gather my words before speaking. We can all improve ourselves in someway. Go take a look in your closet. Do you have things stuffed away, hidden so deep that you forgot you had it? Does it still serve a purpose in your life? Was there ever a need for it? Go to your car. Can you put full wardrobes together from the trunk of your car cuz your always on the move? Slow down beloved. It's not that serious. Learn to take deep breaths and release. Have you ever watched a baby breathe? They breathe from their abdomen. You can see their little bellies rise and fall. As we become older we tend take shallow breaths. We are so tense that we are not allowing the proper amount of oxygen to flow to our organs. What do you use your refrigerator and stove for? Storeage space? Eat more meals that you have prepared from real food- you know the kind that didn't come in a box or the kind that can't be prepared in seconds with the push of a button. Everyone is talking about going green and that's a good thing, but what good is it to take care of the Earth and not take care of yourself? When we're in love- we tend to give that person our all. We have to make sure we are balanced in our actions. I've been their and if you've ever been in love- you've been there too. You give and give and give and give, until you're exhausted. That is not how to balance being invollved with another person. We should balance our lives like we would our check books so your heart won't end up with Insufficient Funds! You can't take out and not have anything put in. Don't stop pampering yourself, getting together and calling your friends periodically. Don't stop having your quiet time, and for all that is good- don't make that other person become your EVERYTHING! How unfair is it to make someone else YOUR EVERYTHING! Everything, Everything (Kat Williams)LOL. That's a whole lot of pressure don't u think? Now- I'm going to step away from my computer, re-read this blog, and try to live it! BE well and remember to focus on your purpose- not your distractions! So the song says- "If you like it then u shoulda put a ring on it". And if he did, how long would it last. Not to sound pessimistic or anything, but we ofttimes come to the table with unrealistic expectations created by images we see on t.v. and in movies.
If we didn't have examples of how men and women should behave in a healthy relationship we should take a step back and ask ourselves- What kind of spirit do I desire my mate to have and reflect that. What should his/her emotional, financial, physical attributes be and do I reflect that?
Our lists can grow long, but our patience with ourselves and others tends to be short. Until we have stood in the mirror and become that which we ask for... I had this person tell me they needed their mate to have a good job, a car, be financial stable, have their own place, etc...They didn't have any of those things- Hmmmmmm
Work on you- and just becuz u have a good job, a car and your own place, savings/a great investment portfolio does not put u in the clear. Are you a good listener? Do you know how to communicate effectively? I was recently told that I don't communicate effectively when I'm speaking. I had to take a look at myself, and I found that to be true. I'm a much better communictor when I'm writing. So if I need to address a serious matter, I will put it in writing first, read it and then re-read it to make sure that I am saying what I truly mean. I know that can be hard in the middle of a conversation, so I am learning to take a few more moments to gather my words before speaking. We can all improve ourselves in someway.
Go take a look in your closet. Do you have things stuffed away, hidden so deep that you forgot you had it? Does it still serve a purpose in your life? Was there ever a need for it?
Go to your car. Can you put full wardrobes together from the trunk of your car cuz your always on the move? Slow down beloved. It's not that serious. Learn to take deep breaths and release. Have you ever watched a baby breathe? They breathe from their abdomen. You can see their little bellies rise and fall. As we become older we tend take shallow breaths. We are so tense that we are not allowing the proper amount of oxygen to flow to our organs.

What do you use your refrigerator and stove for? Storeage space? Eat more meals that you have prepared from real food- you know the kind that didn't come in a box or the kind that can't be prepared in seconds with the push of a button. Everyone is talking about going green and that's a good thing, but what good is it to take care of the Earth and not take care of yourself?
When we're in love- we tend to give that person our all. We have to make sure we are balanced in our actions. I've been their and if you've ever been in love- you've been there too. You give and give and give and give, until you're exhausted. That is not how to balance being invollved with another person. We should balance our lives like we would our check books so your heart won't end up with Insufficient Funds! You can't take out and not have anything put in. Don't stop pampering yourself, getting together and calling your friends periodically. Don't stop having your quiet time, and for all that is good- don't make that other person become your EVERYTHING! How unfair is it to make someone else YOUR EVERYTHING! Everything, Everything (Kat Williams)LOL. That's a whole lot of pressure don't u think?
Now- I'm going to step away from my computer, re-read this blog, and try to live it!
BE well and remember to focus on your purpose- not your distractions!

]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:40:00 GMT 7E7A9EC8024D88E63B7BD2F62DE7738D http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=35784 Haven't blogged in a minute. Been grindin so hard seems like the only sleep I'm getting is when I'm walkin. But I'm not complaining I'm Dream Chasing. Chasing the possibilities that dreams really can come true. I get outta breath sometimes and have to stop to take a pause for the cause. Whew Deep breath, inhale - aww hell - forgot to email, call or check my calendar again. Oh well, crack of dawn is peeking thru again. God-willing there will be another day. To continue chasing my dreams. Judge Ito side bar: I once met a dream weaver, some called her a beautician. :) I'm reading "The Lenin Anthology" by Robert C.Tucker Haven't blogged in a minute.
Been grindin so hard
seems like the only sleep I'm getting is when I'm walkin.
But I'm not complaining
I'm Dream Chasing.
Chasing the possibilities that dreams really can come true.
I get outta breath sometimes and have to stop to take a pause for the cause.
Whew
Deep breath,
inhale
- aww hell
- forgot to email,
call or check my calendar again.
Oh well, crack of dawn is peeking thru again.
God-willing there will be another day. To continue chasing my dreams.
Judge Ito side bar: I once met a dream weaver, some called her a beautician. :)
I'm reading "The Lenin Anthology" by Robert C.Tucker ]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:50:00 GMT 1F348C6B3E45800B66A9F113774A1988 http://ozaraode.com/insideode.cfm?feature=611157&postid=41139 I did a taping for a reality show on tbs yesterday. it was quite exciting. and as I sat there watching the other segments being taped- I couldn't help but to think about what I've desired and how I've envisioned my life and lifestyle and life expectancy...(i plan to live til im 120) and it just keeps revealging itself to me...the truth is Nothing can prepare you for what the Universe has to offer u- but U! Knowing what U want, what U need, and that U are what either makes or breaks U! my life is one big "actuality show". which simply means I write the script, produce, and star in my world- good bad or indifferent the response from others may very, but I AM that I AM. I AM what THE CREATOR placed in my dna. so I AM a perfect me. Constantly evolving into a greater me. The beautiful aspect of this is- we all r! we r all perfect as us! so u do u and i'll do me and we can have the most beautiful life we can figurativley imagine! if ur watchin cnn or bbc or listening to npr an panicking- ur giving ur energy to the wrong source. our lives were meant to be lived abundantly. pleaure pain growth and elevation. come out of this world's way of negative thinking. accept your own and be yourself. peaceful. beautiful. kind. funny. giving. talented. happy. The choice is ours. so what's your actuality look and feel like? ]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:50:00 GMT ABF65AC70C18978EA29DF92FC4354793