Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Come out to Train of Thought tonight for special guest Lil Brian! Train of Thought is not just an open mic night, we like to think of it as an open mic experience. Anyone is welcome to step up to our mic, which means you never know what kind of show its going to be. Poets, musicians, singers, beat boxers, rappers, writers, comedians, hip-hop mc's, and dreamers they could all be in the mix! Visit www.trainofthoughtsd.com for more info. We Got you!
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Zen of Transformers
People My People,
It's hard for me to pull myself up from a nap if it's a home. Very hard. Even on cold days something warm in the air pins me to the mattress. However, on my daily car nap on lunches I can bounce right up scared I'm going to oversleep and not make it to a place I don't want to be in the first place. I'm starting to see that life is all about motivations. We are constantly being pulled by different things to be different people for different reasons and it can definitely weigh on a person. However, we will bend over backwards to not be late for work, wear the right things when we are there, get all the work done that they ask us to. But when it comes to ourselves or family/friends, it seems like everyone, including ourselves are wearing a t-shirt saying, "I can wait till tomorrow". Sad state of affairs that is. Don't know why I started out this way, I'm not depressed or anything. Maybe feeling a lot on my plate again? Maybe I have a lot on my plate and I'm questioning why did I even come to this restaurant? Why did I even choose this dish? I hate liver. Who even eats liver anymore?
I once heard it explained this way. Life is like getting a credit card with an unlimited balance. You go to the mall and pick out a hideous lime green Elvis rug, pink shag carpet lampcovers, zebra print wallpaper, pretty much everything that makes you vomit a little in your mouth. You get home, look at your purchases and realize, I never wanted any of this crap. When people say they want a lot of money, what they are really saying is they want time to do what they want. Because really once they get the money the first thing they want to do is use it to sit on the beach and do nothing (which you can do right now for free). So in this metaphor, and in life, time is money, money is time and if you are like me you have little of both. So here is my suggestion. Let's have a garage sale! We may not be able to get rid of everything all at once, but perhaps we can do away with at least one time killer. One suggestion presented to me is eliminate the frequency that you read and respond to emails, texts. With the invention of smartphones it is now possible to instantly know everything. But sometimes, too many choices and too much information can actually cause more stress. Try going down to checking and responding to three times a day. Especially emails. Emails can definitely wait. Too much news can be a spirit killer as well, so try to skip it sometimes when you channel surf or go on Yahoo. Believe me, as someone who never opens the paper, or watches the news, anything newsworthy you will find out quick. When Anna Nicole Smith died, I found out within ten minutes of her death without being on my phone while standing in line at a store. See, it even works for information you don't want to hear. Give it a try, and so will I. I'm a huge iPhone user/abuser.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
One thing I'm happy to put on my plate is my engagement! Very excited about that. Crazy thing is that my parents are getting remarried to each other as well after being divorced for 17 years. So both my parents and I are planning our wedding together. Not having it together but we are both in the planning stages and its kinda strange. But I'm loving it. It's also very challenging. The symbol for pre-marital counseling should be a sharp shovel digging out bones from a closet. You start uncovering issues you didn't even know you had. But as you know my friends, I'm all about self discovering. That's why I dedicate so much of my blog to what I have been learning vs what I have been doing or where I'm playing. You can go to my website or facebook for that. I want you to know the real me, my thoughts, fears, what I'm excited about, etc...And marriage is the biggest and best thing on my plate.
I do have a few cool gigs coming up so check my site. And I'm starting to get back in the studio again working on a free mixtape for all of you with some local producers. I have a few more things that will come out even before that but I'll keep that under wraps 'til they are done. My weekly show "Train of Thought" was on the cover of the SD Reader! Check out the article here. So much talent in SD.
Fiesta Del Sol is coming up August 13th and 14th. We are still looking for volunteers. This is a great event that empowers the community and gives them resources at the same time we party like rockstars. And did I mention its free? I'm in charge of one of the stages so you know its gonna be poppin' (that means it's gonna be great if you are not versed in Hip-hop). Let me know if you want to help serve your community. Its not too late.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Sorry I have been away for so long, been getting engaged, traveling to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia, and living as fully as I can. But I never forgot you. I thought of you today. I was watching the new Transformers movie, (pretty good by the way), and the power went out. The manager comes out and says the power is out in the whole mall and it'll be a few minutes and they will get it back up. "How many minutes exactly" the guy with the Buddhist beads around his wrists and his toddler brother's tight shirt on said. "three to five minutes." Was the reply. Three minutes later I hear an alarm and baby T yells out, "its been three minutes!" and storms out to yell at the manager. We can hear him in the lobby from where we sat. About three more minutes pass and we are up and running. About an hour later it goes out again. To my right I can hear the Buddhists beads shaking violently. The manager comes in again and says they are working on it, and it should be another couple of minutes. He offered us refund and a free pass if we want to leave now. Otherwise we can watch the rest and still get a pass but no refund. Many stay, many storm out mad. The total combined time we are out of power was approx. 10 min. To those who stormed out, it ruined their life and they have to watch the first half over. I came out satisfied with the movie and a free pass for something the theatre had no control over.
That is when I thought of you, the challenge then is this. For a 24 hr period, think of my movie experience and anything that would normally annoy you, take the time to be patient for a minute or ten or whatever. Just for that day do not rush anything. Let things come as they may. Do not fight the now. This includes annoying people. Just smile and let them be annoying. It will almost be funny to you. Let me know how it works out for you.
Until Then
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
It's hard for me to pull myself up from a nap if it's a home. Very hard. Even on cold days something warm in the air pins me to the mattress. However, on my daily car nap on lunches I can bounce right up scared I'm going to oversleep and not make it to a place I don't want to be in the first place. I'm starting to see that life is all about motivations. We are constantly being pulled by different things to be different people for different reasons and it can definitely weigh on a person. However, we will bend over backwards to not be late for work, wear the right things when we are there, get all the work done that they ask us to. But when it comes to ourselves or family/friends, it seems like everyone, including ourselves are wearing a t-shirt saying, "I can wait till tomorrow". Sad state of affairs that is. Don't know why I started out this way, I'm not depressed or anything. Maybe feeling a lot on my plate again? Maybe I have a lot on my plate and I'm questioning why did I even come to this restaurant? Why did I even choose this dish? I hate liver. Who even eats liver anymore?
I once heard it explained this way. Life is like getting a credit card with an unlimited balance. You go to the mall and pick out a hideous lime green Elvis rug, pink shag carpet lampcovers, zebra print wallpaper, pretty much everything that makes you vomit a little in your mouth. You get home, look at your purchases and realize, I never wanted any of this crap. When people say they want a lot of money, what they are really saying is they want time to do what they want. Because really once they get the money the first thing they want to do is use it to sit on the beach and do nothing (which you can do right now for free). So in this metaphor, and in life, time is money, money is time and if you are like me you have little of both. So here is my suggestion. Let's have a garage sale! We may not be able to get rid of everything all at once, but perhaps we can do away with at least one time killer. One suggestion presented to me is eliminate the frequency that you read and respond to emails, texts. With the invention of smartphones it is now possible to instantly know everything. But sometimes, too many choices and too much information can actually cause more stress. Try going down to checking and responding to three times a day. Especially emails. Emails can definitely wait. Too much news can be a spirit killer as well, so try to skip it sometimes when you channel surf or go on Yahoo. Believe me, as someone who never opens the paper, or watches the news, anything newsworthy you will find out quick. When Anna Nicole Smith died, I found out within ten minutes of her death without being on my phone while standing in line at a store. See, it even works for information you don't want to hear. Give it a try, and so will I. I'm a huge iPhone user/abuser.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
One thing I'm happy to put on my plate is my engagement! Very excited about that. Crazy thing is that my parents are getting remarried to each other as well after being divorced for 17 years. So both my parents and I are planning our wedding together. Not having it together but we are both in the planning stages and its kinda strange. But I'm loving it. It's also very challenging. The symbol for pre-marital counseling should be a sharp shovel digging out bones from a closet. You start uncovering issues you didn't even know you had. But as you know my friends, I'm all about self discovering. That's why I dedicate so much of my blog to what I have been learning vs what I have been doing or where I'm playing. You can go to my website or facebook for that. I want you to know the real me, my thoughts, fears, what I'm excited about, etc...And marriage is the biggest and best thing on my plate.
I do have a few cool gigs coming up so check my site. And I'm starting to get back in the studio again working on a free mixtape for all of you with some local producers. I have a few more things that will come out even before that but I'll keep that under wraps 'til they are done. My weekly show "Train of Thought" was on the cover of the SD Reader! Check out the article here. So much talent in SD.
Fiesta Del Sol is coming up August 13th and 14th. We are still looking for volunteers. This is a great event that empowers the community and gives them resources at the same time we party like rockstars. And did I mention its free? I'm in charge of one of the stages so you know its gonna be poppin' (that means it's gonna be great if you are not versed in Hip-hop). Let me know if you want to help serve your community. Its not too late.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Sorry I have been away for so long, been getting engaged, traveling to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia, and living as fully as I can. But I never forgot you. I thought of you today. I was watching the new Transformers movie, (pretty good by the way), and the power went out. The manager comes out and says the power is out in the whole mall and it'll be a few minutes and they will get it back up. "How many minutes exactly" the guy with the Buddhist beads around his wrists and his toddler brother's tight shirt on said. "three to five minutes." Was the reply. Three minutes later I hear an alarm and baby T yells out, "its been three minutes!" and storms out to yell at the manager. We can hear him in the lobby from where we sat. About three more minutes pass and we are up and running. About an hour later it goes out again. To my right I can hear the Buddhists beads shaking violently. The manager comes in again and says they are working on it, and it should be another couple of minutes. He offered us refund and a free pass if we want to leave now. Otherwise we can watch the rest and still get a pass but no refund. Many stay, many storm out mad. The total combined time we are out of power was approx. 10 min. To those who stormed out, it ruined their life and they have to watch the first half over. I came out satisfied with the movie and a free pass for something the theatre had no control over.
That is when I thought of you, the challenge then is this. For a 24 hr period, think of my movie experience and anything that would normally annoy you, take the time to be patient for a minute or ten or whatever. Just for that day do not rush anything. Let things come as they may. Do not fight the now. This includes annoying people. Just smile and let them be annoying. It will almost be funny to you. Let me know how it works out for you.
Until Then
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Petition for a Peace Treaty
People My People,
Welcome back to my life, glad you could join me. It’s 11:21 pm and I’m waiting for a phone call from an online radio station for an interview. Perfect time for my weekly reflection, this would be the part of the movie that it would flashback to a poor childhood. Someone telling me, “No one wants to hear you speak boy!” Cut to a montage of me writing, holding down my seasickness in the Navy, then rocking my first open mic, first slam, first bar, first festival, first poetry workshop I ran, to starting Train of Thought. And mixed in with that a whole lot of trails and tears.
A good friend and talented artist told me today that if his band doesn’t hit their album sales goals they are giving up music. I was sad to hear that. Even sadder that I understood and couldn’t blame him. He’s newly married and rap sometimes has to give way to responsibility. At what point does passion give way to having a stable position? When does what you believe you were made for become a little less important than the person you believe you were made for? I’m asking these questions but I really don’t have the answer. As I move into the afternoon of my life these choices swarm around me, poking, prodding. Is life about the people we serve or the people we love?
…I’m back, just got done with the interview, went well. He messed up and got me speaking about the things I love. Almost couldn’t get me off the air! Funny thing is the radio host is also one who is a family man, going to school to work in medicine, but loves the arts. Medicine is steady; art is walking on Jell-O in high heels. The interesting thing is even in the Great Depression people still went to shows, still paid for movies. Needed an escape. I truly believe one is not more important than the other. And as for dreams vs. family, perhaps I’m naïve, but I don’t think they have to always be at war. Draft a peace treaty, stick with it. Take a moment to come up with creative solutions. Get your family involved with those decisions. I believe if they love you they will be happy to compromise. If your dream is about the betterment of people, which I think all dreams are (even if you are entertaining them from the stage), then giving a little bit is better than giving up everything. I’m not saying the people I mentioned before are doing that I’m just saying in general.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Things are still going well. Album is still selling, I’m still doing shows and Train of Thought is still my favorite part of the week. Please come out and support me, Dave Booda, Elaine Faye tonight at RAW (make sure you say you are coming for me, I still got tickets to sell.) I promise you will not be disappointed. After tonight my life will change dramatically. Stay tuned to the next email for details…. (Insert evil laugh here)
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE
Give your dream away. That is the challenge for this week. So many people keep who they are and what they want to be so close to their chest that it silently suffocates them. This week your challenge is to tell one person what one of your dreams are AND ask if they have any ideas on how to make that happen. Pick someone you love and trust. If you have no one, hit me up, I’d love to hear from you. Your dream is a manifestation of the gift you have been given. And gifts are meant to be given. Do not hold in your dream or gift. Share it with someone who will hold you accountable. It’s the first step.
Until Then
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
Monday, April 25, 2011
"Train of Thought" is an interactive open mic showcase where artists are heard & everyone is like family...you know, play-cousins!! Check us out at http://ping.fm/WLH5K
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A Beautiful Death
People My People,
I am happy to report. I am still alive! I know some of you may have been worried. So Renee and I were watching some movie or something where the character had cancer, or something I forget what they had, and I turn to her and for some reason asked her if she was afraid to die. I won't reveal her answer but the question itself begged me to answer as well. We are immensely desensitized to death. For most of us our reflex upon hearing about it is, "man that's terrible...can you pass the dinner rolls." And I'm in the same boat, I react the same. It would be a nice thought to think that we are all enlightened and realize that we are only spirits going on to another realm, another adventure. But the truth of the matter is that we don't ever think about it. We don't want to acknowledge it. When really the realization of our death could really be our greatest gift. Cancer could be the greatest thing God ever gave us.
I know that sounds a bit crazy, but bear with me for a second. I'm kind of thinking out loud here. Again, I never pre-plan what I'm going to write in these things exactly. I just verbally vomit and smile at the beautiful mess. On another show I was watching, (ok, it was Battlestar Galactica...but it's really good writing! Check it out on Netflix) a reporter asked the president who was dying of cancer, "how long do you have left to live?" her reply was, "how long do you have left to live?" I love it!
I recently performed for a young woman's birthday party. She saw me at another show and asked if I would do her party. It was a small gathering of friends and family. Over the phone before the show she said that 9 years ago she was diagnosed with Lupus and that she was told she had two years to live max. Obviously her spirit was stronger than science, but I remember thinking and telling her, what a beautiful gift to have a countdown, to make everything worth it, only to get an even bigger gift at the end and realize you have more time. Another friend a few years back was told by a doctor that she had to quit smoking and to laugh more to reduce stress in order to cure her illness. That's kinda great. That's like a license for fun. 007 and Flava Flav all rolled into one! (Maybe I went too far with that one)
A lot of people ask how God can allow all this death and destruction to happen. What I see are a lot of chances to make life matter. All life, all the time. This may be a bit off or perhaps you have heard this stuff a bunch of times before, but after you read this take a moment to think about death. About you not being here. Really think about it. That right now may be minutes before you go. Then ask yourself, what can I do today to make it all matter.
More Happenings
We still need volunteers of all walks and talents for Fiesta Del Sol (San Diego's Largest Latino Family Festival) over 75,000 in over a weekend in August last year, this year we are getting bigger and better. Next meeting Thursday, April 14th. Let me know if you’re down. This year's dates for Fiesta are Aug 12-13th
Train of Thought has joined up with RAW: San Diego and I will be featuring at their showcase along with Dave Booda and Elaine Faye at the prestigious IVY Nightclub on Apr 28th. So RAW is a showcase of talent with photography, music, fashion design, performance arts and more. Happens once a month. Tickets are only $10.00 (less than the price of a movie). Click on the link above to find more info or to purchase tickets. I need to sell at least 20 to support this great event! Even if you can't make it, grab a ticket to support your boy. It will be an amazing show! Make sure you select that you are supporting Gill Sotu.
This Weeks Challenge:
Recently in one of my lapses of realization of how beautiful and short this life is. I had the good notion to make myself a "Get Right Playlist"; in my iTunes I put all the songs that instantly put me in a good mood. That makes me want to sing out loud off key, dance like I shouldn't, you get the drift. Make yourself a "Get Right Playlist" now this is different than a workout song list, or a favorite's playlist. These are songs that just really bring you back to what you love about life. Music is amazing medicine. Let me know what your number one "Get Right" song is. I want to add it to my list and blast it at a train of thought or elevated. I'll give you mine, although #1 changes from time to time. This is for my old school hip hop heads.
"Everything is Gonna Be Alright" - Father MC (get it on iTunes, it'll cheer you up every time)
I have attached a link to download, "Moment's in Time" it seems fitting given this week's subject.
Until then,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
http://www.trainofthoughtsd.com
http://www.gillsotu.com
______________________________________________________________
To download the track "Moments In Time" for free, go to http://gillsotu.com/dl and enter the code bvjc-dk5p
I am happy to report. I am still alive! I know some of you may have been worried. So Renee and I were watching some movie or something where the character had cancer, or something I forget what they had, and I turn to her and for some reason asked her if she was afraid to die. I won't reveal her answer but the question itself begged me to answer as well. We are immensely desensitized to death. For most of us our reflex upon hearing about it is, "man that's terrible...can you pass the dinner rolls." And I'm in the same boat, I react the same. It would be a nice thought to think that we are all enlightened and realize that we are only spirits going on to another realm, another adventure. But the truth of the matter is that we don't ever think about it. We don't want to acknowledge it. When really the realization of our death could really be our greatest gift. Cancer could be the greatest thing God ever gave us.
I know that sounds a bit crazy, but bear with me for a second. I'm kind of thinking out loud here. Again, I never pre-plan what I'm going to write in these things exactly. I just verbally vomit and smile at the beautiful mess. On another show I was watching, (ok, it was Battlestar Galactica...but it's really good writing! Check it out on Netflix) a reporter asked the president who was dying of cancer, "how long do you have left to live?" her reply was, "how long do you have left to live?" I love it!
I recently performed for a young woman's birthday party. She saw me at another show and asked if I would do her party. It was a small gathering of friends and family. Over the phone before the show she said that 9 years ago she was diagnosed with Lupus and that she was told she had two years to live max. Obviously her spirit was stronger than science, but I remember thinking and telling her, what a beautiful gift to have a countdown, to make everything worth it, only to get an even bigger gift at the end and realize you have more time. Another friend a few years back was told by a doctor that she had to quit smoking and to laugh more to reduce stress in order to cure her illness. That's kinda great. That's like a license for fun. 007 and Flava Flav all rolled into one! (Maybe I went too far with that one)
A lot of people ask how God can allow all this death and destruction to happen. What I see are a lot of chances to make life matter. All life, all the time. This may be a bit off or perhaps you have heard this stuff a bunch of times before, but after you read this take a moment to think about death. About you not being here. Really think about it. That right now may be minutes before you go. Then ask yourself, what can I do today to make it all matter.
More Happenings
We still need volunteers of all walks and talents for Fiesta Del Sol (San Diego's Largest Latino Family Festival) over 75,000 in over a weekend in August last year, this year we are getting bigger and better. Next meeting Thursday, April 14th. Let me know if you’re down. This year's dates for Fiesta are Aug 12-13th
Train of Thought has joined up with RAW: San Diego and I will be featuring at their showcase along with Dave Booda and Elaine Faye at the prestigious IVY Nightclub on Apr 28th. So RAW is a showcase of talent with photography, music, fashion design, performance arts and more. Happens once a month. Tickets are only $10.00 (less than the price of a movie). Click on the link above to find more info or to purchase tickets. I need to sell at least 20 to support this great event! Even if you can't make it, grab a ticket to support your boy. It will be an amazing show! Make sure you select that you are supporting Gill Sotu.
This Weeks Challenge:
Recently in one of my lapses of realization of how beautiful and short this life is. I had the good notion to make myself a "Get Right Playlist"; in my iTunes I put all the songs that instantly put me in a good mood. That makes me want to sing out loud off key, dance like I shouldn't, you get the drift. Make yourself a "Get Right Playlist" now this is different than a workout song list, or a favorite's playlist. These are songs that just really bring you back to what you love about life. Music is amazing medicine. Let me know what your number one "Get Right" song is. I want to add it to my list and blast it at a train of thought or elevated. I'll give you mine, although #1 changes from time to time. This is for my old school hip hop heads.
"Everything is Gonna Be Alright" - Father MC (get it on iTunes, it'll cheer you up every time)
I have attached a link to download, "Moment's in Time" it seems fitting given this week's subject.
Until then,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
http://www.trainofthoughtsd.com
http://www.gillsotu.com
______________________________________________________________
To download the track "Moments In Time" for free, go to http://gillsotu.com/dl and enter the code bvjc-dk5p
______________________________________________________________
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Alert: Sweat The Small Stuff!
People my people,
So, I have come to another revelation. Like always, this one came as a series of events that led up to the final smack over the head and I think I’m finally starting to get it. So I won’t be upset if you glaze over this and months later it finally hits you as well.
Tonight I went to Benihana’s. I pity the fool who hasn’t signed up for their $30.00 free birthday meal cause the “ish” is scrumptious. If you don’t know what goes on here is a quick synopsis. You sit like eight to a table around a metal slab (or grill or whatever the call it), while a chef slices and dices and flips knives and shrimp as he cooks the food in minutes right in front of you. The place is so popular that it was completely packed on a Monday night. As a promoter all night I’m thinking of reasons that it stays so packed. Short story long, the manager comes at the end of evening and asks, “How did you enjoy the show?” And it hit me, it wasn’t just the food or nice atmosphere, it really was a show. And that is what they label it after every meal. Even while you sit in the lobby there is a picture of their sign that reads “America’s Favorite Restaurant”. At Train of Thought we call our open mic an “Experience”. So my revelation came two fold:
1) How we really see ourselves is what the world will know and experience us. So if we dress fancy, talk fancy, and smell fancy, but really hate ourselves, then good people will tend to think you’re a bit of a tool and other people who hate themselves will cling around, hoping to learn how to fake it like you. That being said I feel it’s important to define our own story. Write it how we want it to be told. Is your life a long journey or an experience? Are the people close to you your friends or are they your family? Is it a job or your career? How you internally define things/people will determine how you interact with them.
2) Sweat the small stuff. I’m sure you have all heard the saving or have read the book, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” I have come to realize that it is really our everyday decisions that make up the whole of our lives. The 15 min of practice you got in. The stairs instead of the elevator, the office sweets you pass, the writing a blog not knowing who will actually read it when all you want to do is watch reruns of the Cosby Show. Every percent we improve…we improve, and they can never take that away from you.
More Happenings
We still need volunteers of all walks and talents for Fiesta Del Sol (San Diego’s Largest Latino Family Festival) over 75,000 in over a weekend in August last year, this year we are getting bigger and better. Next meeting Thursday, April 14th. Let me know if you’re down.
I am very excited to announce that I will be playing the House of Blues this Wednesday. In my 30+ years I have not even been in a House of Blues before so to sing and do some spoken word man, I’m geeked! I’ll be playing a set with the phenomenal Summer Mencher.
Also in the works, I may be joining an amazing Latin fusion band that plays all over Diego. If our schedules work out right it’s a go. That’s right your boy is going to be singing and rapping in English AND Spanish! It will be a great opportunity and learning experience. I’ll keep you posted.
This Weeks Challenge:
I’ve said a lot today so this one will be short and sweet. In the low part of one of your days this week, find a mirror and wink at yourself. That’s it. It’s weird but it works. It kinda lifts things. If that doesn’t work do it twice. It’s nearly impossible to wink at yourself and not feel a little more confident, or at least the good kind of silly. Try it, hit me back, and tell me what happens.
These next few weeks features at TOT are some of the best we have ever had. Please don’t miss out, I feel sorry for anyone who does.
Until then,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
So, I have come to another revelation. Like always, this one came as a series of events that led up to the final smack over the head and I think I’m finally starting to get it. So I won’t be upset if you glaze over this and months later it finally hits you as well.
Tonight I went to Benihana’s. I pity the fool who hasn’t signed up for their $30.00 free birthday meal cause the “ish” is scrumptious. If you don’t know what goes on here is a quick synopsis. You sit like eight to a table around a metal slab (or grill or whatever the call it), while a chef slices and dices and flips knives and shrimp as he cooks the food in minutes right in front of you. The place is so popular that it was completely packed on a Monday night. As a promoter all night I’m thinking of reasons that it stays so packed. Short story long, the manager comes at the end of evening and asks, “How did you enjoy the show?” And it hit me, it wasn’t just the food or nice atmosphere, it really was a show. And that is what they label it after every meal. Even while you sit in the lobby there is a picture of their sign that reads “America’s Favorite Restaurant”. At Train of Thought we call our open mic an “Experience”. So my revelation came two fold:
1) How we really see ourselves is what the world will know and experience us. So if we dress fancy, talk fancy, and smell fancy, but really hate ourselves, then good people will tend to think you’re a bit of a tool and other people who hate themselves will cling around, hoping to learn how to fake it like you. That being said I feel it’s important to define our own story. Write it how we want it to be told. Is your life a long journey or an experience? Are the people close to you your friends or are they your family? Is it a job or your career? How you internally define things/people will determine how you interact with them.
2) Sweat the small stuff. I’m sure you have all heard the saving or have read the book, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” I have come to realize that it is really our everyday decisions that make up the whole of our lives. The 15 min of practice you got in. The stairs instead of the elevator, the office sweets you pass, the writing a blog not knowing who will actually read it when all you want to do is watch reruns of the Cosby Show. Every percent we improve…we improve, and they can never take that away from you.
More Happenings
We still need volunteers of all walks and talents for Fiesta Del Sol (San Diego’s Largest Latino Family Festival) over 75,000 in over a weekend in August last year, this year we are getting bigger and better. Next meeting Thursday, April 14th. Let me know if you’re down.
I am very excited to announce that I will be playing the House of Blues this Wednesday. In my 30+ years I have not even been in a House of Blues before so to sing and do some spoken word man, I’m geeked! I’ll be playing a set with the phenomenal Summer Mencher.
Also in the works, I may be joining an amazing Latin fusion band that plays all over Diego. If our schedules work out right it’s a go. That’s right your boy is going to be singing and rapping in English AND Spanish! It will be a great opportunity and learning experience. I’ll keep you posted.
This Weeks Challenge:
I’ve said a lot today so this one will be short and sweet. In the low part of one of your days this week, find a mirror and wink at yourself. That’s it. It’s weird but it works. It kinda lifts things. If that doesn’t work do it twice. It’s nearly impossible to wink at yourself and not feel a little more confident, or at least the good kind of silly. Try it, hit me back, and tell me what happens.
These next few weeks features at TOT are some of the best we have ever had. Please don’t miss out, I feel sorry for anyone who does.
Until then,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
How to stop crime and other revelations
People my people,
I’m so glad to be out from being buried in business. So far since we have last spoke we have had some great shows at TOT and our numbers are growing. I had the privilege of hearing some of the greatest minds/speakers this world has to offer. From Colin Powell (he was good) to Rudy Giovanni (kind of a tool), to Bill Cosby (he was great), to Joe Montana (better at football then motivational speaking) as well as some other speakers you probably have and have not heard of. One guy said something pretty profound, he said, “We will not solve the crime problem until we solve the father problem” I could write an entire blog on that alone.
What was sad was that it only cost 2.00 dollars to hear these speakers and I hardly could get anyone to go with me. It’s amazing how much stock we put in knowing the stats, bios, discography of so many people, and so little into our own lives. In fact I can tell you who starred in pretty much any movie in the last 30 years but can’t tell you what the current interest on my credit card. Sad, I know. But I have a feeling I’m not alone. But we G.R.I.N.D (Get Ready It’s A New Day) and start again. That’s the beauty of world that was created for us.
I also was able to run a very successful day at Indie Fest. Train of Thought had it’s own stage! What an honor. It’s supposed to be the largest independent music festival in California. Just 3 years here in San Diego and I’ve met so many wonderful and talented people. We met a lot of up and coming artists and promoters, we are gonna connect SD arts and music if it kills me.
More Happenings
Don’t know if I told you this but I am part of the Executive Team (aka the A Team) for Fiesta Del Sol, San Diego’s largest Latino Family Festival. I’m proudly hosting the community stage and overseeing all of the entertainment of the festival. Last year over 2 days we had over 75,000 people. We are looking for all types of volunteers. Hit me up if you are interested. Be a part of something bigger than you. Be a part of community.
On A Personal Note:
Recently I went through one of my feeling sorry for myself spells that we all get. I know enough about myself to get my head out of that space. So I sang, took a shower, prayed, meditated, and what came of it was this week’s challenge:
Often when we are drowning, there are no visible life preservers, no director to yell cut. Some have their faith (which I lean on), others feel they have no one. Regardless, this is what helped me this time. Don’t hesitate. Make a list of all of your achievements, large and small. If it was baking your first cake or winning a high school race. You are not in competition with anyone else’s achievements but yourselves. Email it to yourself, place it where you can pull it out on quick notice to remind you of how beautiful you are. Because you are. And if you are really brave, send it to me and ill return the favor, and if ever we get down we can remind one another.
Until then ,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
I’m so glad to be out from being buried in business. So far since we have last spoke we have had some great shows at TOT and our numbers are growing. I had the privilege of hearing some of the greatest minds/speakers this world has to offer. From Colin Powell (he was good) to Rudy Giovanni (kind of a tool), to Bill Cosby (he was great), to Joe Montana (better at football then motivational speaking) as well as some other speakers you probably have and have not heard of. One guy said something pretty profound, he said, “We will not solve the crime problem until we solve the father problem” I could write an entire blog on that alone.
What was sad was that it only cost 2.00 dollars to hear these speakers and I hardly could get anyone to go with me. It’s amazing how much stock we put in knowing the stats, bios, discography of so many people, and so little into our own lives. In fact I can tell you who starred in pretty much any movie in the last 30 years but can’t tell you what the current interest on my credit card. Sad, I know. But I have a feeling I’m not alone. But we G.R.I.N.D (Get Ready It’s A New Day) and start again. That’s the beauty of world that was created for us.
I also was able to run a very successful day at Indie Fest. Train of Thought had it’s own stage! What an honor. It’s supposed to be the largest independent music festival in California. Just 3 years here in San Diego and I’ve met so many wonderful and talented people. We met a lot of up and coming artists and promoters, we are gonna connect SD arts and music if it kills me.
More Happenings
Don’t know if I told you this but I am part of the Executive Team (aka the A Team) for Fiesta Del Sol, San Diego’s largest Latino Family Festival. I’m proudly hosting the community stage and overseeing all of the entertainment of the festival. Last year over 2 days we had over 75,000 people. We are looking for all types of volunteers. Hit me up if you are interested. Be a part of something bigger than you. Be a part of community.
On A Personal Note:
Recently I went through one of my feeling sorry for myself spells that we all get. I know enough about myself to get my head out of that space. So I sang, took a shower, prayed, meditated, and what came of it was this week’s challenge:
Often when we are drowning, there are no visible life preservers, no director to yell cut. Some have their faith (which I lean on), others feel they have no one. Regardless, this is what helped me this time. Don’t hesitate. Make a list of all of your achievements, large and small. If it was baking your first cake or winning a high school race. You are not in competition with anyone else’s achievements but yourselves. Email it to yourself, place it where you can pull it out on quick notice to remind you of how beautiful you are. Because you are. And if you are really brave, send it to me and ill return the favor, and if ever we get down we can remind one another.
Until then ,
Be now
Remember The Light
Gill Sotu
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
www.gillsotu.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
One step closer to Cosby...
It’s been a long time; I shouldn’t have left you…
Hello family, sorry for the hiatus, black history month combined with my birthday festivities kept a brotha busy. But you were never forgotten. Like a beautiful song hook you can’t get out of your head I think of all of you often. I love to sing you off key. I think of how WE can come together to create an US so that we can realize we were always just one I multiplied. There are many people on this same path. A great deal I have come to know and work with. A lot of you showed up for either the birthday dinner or party or both. Most sent birthday wishes. I want to take this time to tell you all how bright it is; my world with you in it. Sounds corny I know. But I have no other way to say it. I check my Facebook, look around TOT, see you dancing to what I’m spinning at Elevated, performing at my parties, sending me letters of appreciation…Man, you make this place brighter for me.
Well some of you are interested in what’s been happening. Well I’m being offered to host some new shows other than TOT. Debating on how much energy I really have. Don’t know if I told you but we have our own stage at Indie Fest on March 12. It’s going to be giant, and I am so proud TOT will be a part of it. Likewise we are at Fiesta Del Sol, the largest Latino family festival in San Diego. Why they have a black man on the board and one of the chairmen of a committee is beyond me…BUT it’s such a fun gig and we made it happen last year so I’m down. Speaking of dope Latin happenings I am playing with Todo Mundo (a fresh Latin fusion band). I’m jumping in on their set again. Catch us this Weds. March 12th for details for this and other shows I’m playing click here.
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:
A few things happened these last few weeks that prompted this challenge. A poetic mentor of mine recently said he has been reading my blog and was very proud of what I was doing and the openness and honesty of what I write. I was honored. This was combined with the fact that recently Netflix put the Cosby Show on their streamed inventory and my girl and I have been having a Cosby-thon, and I’m going to see him speak live. It got me thinking about mentors. Used to be a boy/gal would take an apprenticeship or learn a trade from father/mother or some type of master. But now fathers are coming up missing, and mothers are working too hard to mentor anything. So now we back to Cosby. His character, one of America’s role models. But is he the only one?
I challenge you this week to discover someone who inspires you in some way and ask him/her this: What is the most important lesson you have learned that makes you so good at… (Fill in the blank).
There are masters and mentors in all of us, in some way shape or form. That is the way the divinity inside of us works. Don’t be afraid. It will grow you.
Back to singing off key…
Until then, Be now
Remember the Light
Gill
Hello family, sorry for the hiatus, black history month combined with my birthday festivities kept a brotha busy. But you were never forgotten. Like a beautiful song hook you can’t get out of your head I think of all of you often. I love to sing you off key. I think of how WE can come together to create an US so that we can realize we were always just one I multiplied. There are many people on this same path. A great deal I have come to know and work with. A lot of you showed up for either the birthday dinner or party or both. Most sent birthday wishes. I want to take this time to tell you all how bright it is; my world with you in it. Sounds corny I know. But I have no other way to say it. I check my Facebook, look around TOT, see you dancing to what I’m spinning at Elevated, performing at my parties, sending me letters of appreciation…Man, you make this place brighter for me.
Well some of you are interested in what’s been happening. Well I’m being offered to host some new shows other than TOT. Debating on how much energy I really have. Don’t know if I told you but we have our own stage at Indie Fest on March 12. It’s going to be giant, and I am so proud TOT will be a part of it. Likewise we are at Fiesta Del Sol, the largest Latino family festival in San Diego. Why they have a black man on the board and one of the chairmen of a committee is beyond me…BUT it’s such a fun gig and we made it happen last year so I’m down. Speaking of dope Latin happenings I am playing with Todo Mundo (a fresh Latin fusion band). I’m jumping in on their set again. Catch us this Weds. March 12th for details for this and other shows I’m playing click here.
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:
A few things happened these last few weeks that prompted this challenge. A poetic mentor of mine recently said he has been reading my blog and was very proud of what I was doing and the openness and honesty of what I write. I was honored. This was combined with the fact that recently Netflix put the Cosby Show on their streamed inventory and my girl and I have been having a Cosby-thon, and I’m going to see him speak live. It got me thinking about mentors. Used to be a boy/gal would take an apprenticeship or learn a trade from father/mother or some type of master. But now fathers are coming up missing, and mothers are working too hard to mentor anything. So now we back to Cosby. His character, one of America’s role models. But is he the only one?
I challenge you this week to discover someone who inspires you in some way and ask him/her this: What is the most important lesson you have learned that makes you so good at… (Fill in the blank).
There are masters and mentors in all of us, in some way shape or form. That is the way the divinity inside of us works. Don’t be afraid. It will grow you.
Back to singing off key…
Until then, Be now
Remember the Light
Gill
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Expected: 500 Days of Summer
“Love is not to be found in someone else, but in ourselves; we simply awaken it. But in order to do that, we need the other person. The universe only makes sense when we have someone to share our feelings with.” ~Paulo Coelho ~ ELEVEN MINUTES
Love, today is supposed to be full of it. How's that working out for you? Has traffic flowed smoothly for you? Everyone stopped texting on the road and let you in their lane? Did your eye stay away from that nasty office clock telling you that the day is far from over? It doesn't matter if what you thought Valentine’s Day should have been didn't quite work out. We are creatures of expectations. Learned not inherited. There is a beautiful scene in the movie 500 Days of Summer (I recommend it) where the main character is invited to a party by his ex (awkward). They’re supposed to be friends now. Well the screen is cut in half and on one side is what he expected/hoped would happen and the other what actually happened. So ultimately it was the same scene played two different ways at the same time. How many times has the movie in your head rang false?
In my action/romance/drama/comedy life that I made up in my own head I’m already a famous musician/actor with a wife, kids, dog, and a talking parakeet that only says hilarious things for comic relief or tells me when someone talks behind my back. But the reality of my situation here, now, is beautiful, a beautiful struggle. I can’t wait to tell my kids about the mixtapes my girl and I exchanged this valentines that cost us nothing but time. Wait, I’m projecting into the future again. Man, this is hard. What I meant to say is I’m enjoying now. And although I have big big dreams for the future that includes all of you, I look around and there are a lot of amazing and talented people around me. In you I have found love that has always been inside me. So to all of you reading this and to all that has touched my life I say to you, Happy Valentine’s Day. I’d get you all a card, but instead you truly have my heart.
You’re Challenge For The Week:
Tomorrow (or today), see how present you can be for one whole day. Anytime you start to feel like someone or something isn’t living up to what you “expected” imagine the closing credits rolling on that film and that you are finished with that movie. Let it go, laugh about it, shrug your shoulders and let what was was and what is is. I often try to notice my breathing, since it the source of everything and the most present thing about you. Try it for a day and get back to me. I’m interested in hearing the results. Believe me when I say I slip into expectation mode all the time. So I’m not going to say it’s going to be easy. But they say if you can get even a small % better day by day, eventually you will be better than you ever knew.
On A Personal Note:
Playing a lot of shows this month, make sure you check my calendar; I’m all over the place. And it’s my birthday. And true to form I am throwing another BBQ/Party. If you know me well and didn’t get an invite, holla at your boy, I may not have all of your information. You do not want to miss this one.
The book is coming along quite well. Jerrica and I are so wonderfully different in our style and approach but we work so well together. I think what we put together is going to be unlike anything you have seen. We were just getting excited putting together the first draft! We hoping for a May release but keep your fingers crossed. And then onto the MixTape for DJ Gill Sotu…the people have asked, and I will deliver, eventually. Oh and I’m going to be involved in a huge project with the owner of my record label Cixi Digital Records. It’s going to be a game changer. No, seriously. I’m keeping this one close to the vest cause I don’t want someone stealing this idea. 2011 is our year ya’ll.
In honor of Valentine's Day, here is a small present, hope you enjoy it. Join us for a special Train of Thought for a special love theme show! www.trainofthoughtsd.com
UNTITLED
He yelled
She cried
He laughed
And she danced
He gambled
She starved
He leaves
She waits
He slept
And she took a breath
Be careful
when you pick your gods
They may just turn out
to be men
Love, today is supposed to be full of it. How's that working out for you? Has traffic flowed smoothly for you? Everyone stopped texting on the road and let you in their lane? Did your eye stay away from that nasty office clock telling you that the day is far from over? It doesn't matter if what you thought Valentine’s Day should have been didn't quite work out. We are creatures of expectations. Learned not inherited. There is a beautiful scene in the movie 500 Days of Summer (I recommend it) where the main character is invited to a party by his ex (awkward). They’re supposed to be friends now. Well the screen is cut in half and on one side is what he expected/hoped would happen and the other what actually happened. So ultimately it was the same scene played two different ways at the same time. How many times has the movie in your head rang false?
In my action/romance/drama/comedy life that I made up in my own head I’m already a famous musician/actor with a wife, kids, dog, and a talking parakeet that only says hilarious things for comic relief or tells me when someone talks behind my back. But the reality of my situation here, now, is beautiful, a beautiful struggle. I can’t wait to tell my kids about the mixtapes my girl and I exchanged this valentines that cost us nothing but time. Wait, I’m projecting into the future again. Man, this is hard. What I meant to say is I’m enjoying now. And although I have big big dreams for the future that includes all of you, I look around and there are a lot of amazing and talented people around me. In you I have found love that has always been inside me. So to all of you reading this and to all that has touched my life I say to you, Happy Valentine’s Day. I’d get you all a card, but instead you truly have my heart.
You’re Challenge For The Week:
Tomorrow (or today), see how present you can be for one whole day. Anytime you start to feel like someone or something isn’t living up to what you “expected” imagine the closing credits rolling on that film and that you are finished with that movie. Let it go, laugh about it, shrug your shoulders and let what was was and what is is. I often try to notice my breathing, since it the source of everything and the most present thing about you. Try it for a day and get back to me. I’m interested in hearing the results. Believe me when I say I slip into expectation mode all the time. So I’m not going to say it’s going to be easy. But they say if you can get even a small % better day by day, eventually you will be better than you ever knew.
On A Personal Note:
Playing a lot of shows this month, make sure you check my calendar; I’m all over the place. And it’s my birthday. And true to form I am throwing another BBQ/Party. If you know me well and didn’t get an invite, holla at your boy, I may not have all of your information. You do not want to miss this one.
The book is coming along quite well. Jerrica and I are so wonderfully different in our style and approach but we work so well together. I think what we put together is going to be unlike anything you have seen. We were just getting excited putting together the first draft! We hoping for a May release but keep your fingers crossed. And then onto the MixTape for DJ Gill Sotu…the people have asked, and I will deliver, eventually. Oh and I’m going to be involved in a huge project with the owner of my record label Cixi Digital Records. It’s going to be a game changer. No, seriously. I’m keeping this one close to the vest cause I don’t want someone stealing this idea. 2011 is our year ya’ll.
In honor of Valentine's Day, here is a small present, hope you enjoy it. Join us for a special Train of Thought for a special love theme show! www.trainofthoughtsd.com
UNTITLED
He yelled
She cried
He laughed
And she danced
He gambled
She starved
He leaves
She waits
He slept
And she took a breath
Be careful
when you pick your gods
They may just turn out
to be men
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Paradise Of Strangers
ALERT!
There seems to be an epidemic going around, perhaps on mist of the current state of illness that is also getting passed from folk to folk. In this modern day of flying machines and words, pictures and sound travelling invisiblly from one box to another around the world, it seems that nothing is impossible. That maybe true, but for something to live, something else often parishes. i think in this case, in our case, what is dying is the word NO.
What happened to NO you might ask? Well it seems a lot of good people became so worried about being KNOWN as good people they hurt themselves in the process of pleasing others. They become sick, broke, lonely, resentful, angery, over promising and under delivering GOOD people. What good is doing something nice for a person if you are going to resent them for asking you anyway? If someone asks you to do something for them, like (and im just throwing this out there) going to gillsotu.com and buying a copy of my new cd, if not for you then as a gift for someone who needs good music in their life...you have the option to decline. Not lie, not exaggerate, as to why you dont want to. Not even elaborate as to why you cant. Just a good old fashion "No, thank you."
When did we get so scared to tell our truth? When did we decide that we were so despicable that no one would appreciate the real us. It may be shocking to the reciever of that NO, but aren't you a little tired of living the life someone else wants you to? Now dont get me wrong. there will be and should be lots of occasions you do something for someone you love when you don't want to. Such is life, such is love. But i know there are times when you really got stuck or dragged something out because you were scarred to be you. It is ok to be a loving as well as an honest person. im saying this to myself as well as to all of you. I get asked to do so many shows and events and charities and "business opportunites" and although id like to entertain them all, i simply cannot. So lets be each other's support group and learn to be happy being honest, and not always see it as a bad thing.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR THE WEEK:
Give that person you have been putting off the answer you have kept in your heart for a long time. whether it is a no or a yes, but be honest. dont hesitate, don't wait for the perfect opportunity. If this doesn't apply to you, pick someone that means something to you, tell them something honest that you have been wanting to say (hopefully its good).
This week, try to catch yourself telling small lies and/or exaggerations. correct yourself instantly. I haven't mastered this skill in myself, i am only aware of the problem. i will be with you brothers and sisters. be well.
On A Personal Note:
Valentine's day is approaching, a lot of people really hate this holiday. Usually it is ones who are alone or hate giving gifts in the first place. (im not judging, im just sort of validating you. i understand) i am indifferent about it, but i like doing nice things for the one i love. What sort of bothers me is that so many people need an official date to do something nice. But for those alone or those with someone and still lonely, this poem is for you. it is from a free write called Paradise of Strangers. It goes back to being honest. the scene in the poem is a couple who walks into a party at the verge of breaking up but pretend everything is ok. Lying for the sake of lying because we dont want to be pitied. but at the same time we are dying inside. That is why i call it the Paradise of Strangers. Sometimes when you are tired of being you, meeting strangers is the greatest thing. you get to reinvent yourself everytime. So here it is:
PS...So you gonna buy that CD right?
Until then, be now
Gill
Paradise of Strangers
In a paradise of strangers we are silent/
They mask our shame/
They laugh above our insecurities/
We hide comfortably amongst the people who don’t give a damn about us/
Its been so long I can’t remember,
is this what we said our love was gonna be/
We run into the conversations of others for a distraction of who we are/
Water to the dehydrated
With you I feel I am king of a desert
Ruler of isolation/
Your indifference is a silent sun, beating upon me/
And I’ve been lost so long I really cant remember,
Is this what we said our love was going to be?/
I can’t help but to watch you trying/
Standing amongst the strangers
Holding a flashlight above your head/
A fake shine
The rumor is everything between us is fine/
And as I leave you claim I am not feeling well
Another mirage in my desert
I put on my crown
And walk out into nothing
There seems to be an epidemic going around, perhaps on mist of the current state of illness that is also getting passed from folk to folk. In this modern day of flying machines and words, pictures and sound travelling invisiblly from one box to another around the world, it seems that nothing is impossible. That maybe true, but for something to live, something else often parishes. i think in this case, in our case, what is dying is the word NO.
What happened to NO you might ask? Well it seems a lot of good people became so worried about being KNOWN as good people they hurt themselves in the process of pleasing others. They become sick, broke, lonely, resentful, angery, over promising and under delivering GOOD people. What good is doing something nice for a person if you are going to resent them for asking you anyway? If someone asks you to do something for them, like (and im just throwing this out there) going to gillsotu.com and buying a copy of my new cd, if not for you then as a gift for someone who needs good music in their life...you have the option to decline. Not lie, not exaggerate, as to why you dont want to. Not even elaborate as to why you cant. Just a good old fashion "No, thank you."
When did we get so scared to tell our truth? When did we decide that we were so despicable that no one would appreciate the real us. It may be shocking to the reciever of that NO, but aren't you a little tired of living the life someone else wants you to? Now dont get me wrong. there will be and should be lots of occasions you do something for someone you love when you don't want to. Such is life, such is love. But i know there are times when you really got stuck or dragged something out because you were scarred to be you. It is ok to be a loving as well as an honest person. im saying this to myself as well as to all of you. I get asked to do so many shows and events and charities and "business opportunites" and although id like to entertain them all, i simply cannot. So lets be each other's support group and learn to be happy being honest, and not always see it as a bad thing.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR THE WEEK:
Give that person you have been putting off the answer you have kept in your heart for a long time. whether it is a no or a yes, but be honest. dont hesitate, don't wait for the perfect opportunity. If this doesn't apply to you, pick someone that means something to you, tell them something honest that you have been wanting to say (hopefully its good).
This week, try to catch yourself telling small lies and/or exaggerations. correct yourself instantly. I haven't mastered this skill in myself, i am only aware of the problem. i will be with you brothers and sisters. be well.
On A Personal Note:
Valentine's day is approaching, a lot of people really hate this holiday. Usually it is ones who are alone or hate giving gifts in the first place. (im not judging, im just sort of validating you. i understand) i am indifferent about it, but i like doing nice things for the one i love. What sort of bothers me is that so many people need an official date to do something nice. But for those alone or those with someone and still lonely, this poem is for you. it is from a free write called Paradise of Strangers. It goes back to being honest. the scene in the poem is a couple who walks into a party at the verge of breaking up but pretend everything is ok. Lying for the sake of lying because we dont want to be pitied. but at the same time we are dying inside. That is why i call it the Paradise of Strangers. Sometimes when you are tired of being you, meeting strangers is the greatest thing. you get to reinvent yourself everytime. So here it is:
PS...So you gonna buy that CD right?
Until then, be now
Gill
Paradise of Strangers
In a paradise of strangers we are silent/
They mask our shame/
They laugh above our insecurities/
We hide comfortably amongst the people who don’t give a damn about us/
Its been so long I can’t remember,
is this what we said our love was gonna be/
We run into the conversations of others for a distraction of who we are/
Water to the dehydrated
With you I feel I am king of a desert
Ruler of isolation/
Your indifference is a silent sun, beating upon me/
And I’ve been lost so long I really cant remember,
Is this what we said our love was going to be?/
I can’t help but to watch you trying/
Standing amongst the strangers
Holding a flashlight above your head/
A fake shine
The rumor is everything between us is fine/
And as I leave you claim I am not feeling well
Another mirage in my desert
I put on my crown
And walk out into nothing
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Spoken Word, Imaginary Mothers, and DeLoreans
A Little Known Fact About Me,
I am notorious for talking to myself. At least the people in my head know that i am notorious for talking to myself. Come on ya'll whose with me? Nobody?
When i was a kid and would come home late, i knew i was walking toward a whuppin'. On the path home during those days the wind would slice against my skin a little colder, the sky could never quite find its truest blue, and i would find myself carrying on a conversation with my imaginary version of my mother. It went a little deeper than what you would think, i would actually speak both roles (hers and mine) out loud. I made her cunning. Able to predict my every rebuttal. Before i realized it im doing spoken word on the side of the road. Now this was the days before cell phones were so small they can fit in the change poket of your jeans. So me speaking to myself on the side of the rode definetly made an impression to onlookers.
But i can honestly say, that's where i honed my skills, i rapped, sang, beatbox, made up stories, and argued with my imaginary mother, emotions and all, walking Ventura Road, Oxnard Blvd, Channel Islands, Saviors rd, everywhere. I worked out problems, ran away from home temporarily (long story), everything. From elementary till my senior year, 80% of where i wanted to go i walked, for hours at a time i would walk, and because of that and who i became you are reading this now. I thank you for that.
I'm in San Diego now. I drive most places. really have no one to answer to and no reason to make up conversations and stories except to share with you so that i don't lose that child in me. Sometimes now, i make up conversations on what i would tell the teenage me if i could. If i found a Delorean and could shoot back in time, what would that conversation be like. What would i ask 50 year old Gill if i could go in the opposite direction? I have no regrets. Life has been good to me. But i would have some interesting things to say to 12 year old Gill.
Here is your challenge if you choose to accept it:
Set your alarm for 10 minutes. close your eyes and have an imaginary conversation with the the 2021 version of you. Let him or her speak frankly to you. I know a lot of people give you advice. It's on talk shows, internet, movies. Just this once, listen to what you have to tell yourself. I think we have always had the answers. Often we are just afraid to listen.
these challenges come strictly from spirit. I have no clue as to what im going to write when i sit down monday nights. I didn't even know that i was going to start offering weekly challenges. i just know this is for you. Don't ask me how i know, i just do. So do it! ha ha!
On Another Note:
Its a month of love, black history, and my birthday. Is there no greater month than feburary? Because of that, im going to include a very sexy/romantic song for you. It's off my album Flawed American Male. It's called "I Can't Imagine" and its featuring none other than the legendary Kevin Sandbloom (pictured above). I feel so blessed to have worked with him. He is simply amazing and has a voice like no other. This is the perfect gift to give to someone you love. And since i love you all equally, i present this to you. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Until Then,
Be Now
Gill
For show schedule, booking, and free downloads go to:
www.gillsotu.com
Train of Thought Open Mic Experience
Every Tuesday Night
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
I am notorious for talking to myself. At least the people in my head know that i am notorious for talking to myself. Come on ya'll whose with me? Nobody?
When i was a kid and would come home late, i knew i was walking toward a whuppin'. On the path home during those days the wind would slice against my skin a little colder, the sky could never quite find its truest blue, and i would find myself carrying on a conversation with my imaginary version of my mother. It went a little deeper than what you would think, i would actually speak both roles (hers and mine) out loud. I made her cunning. Able to predict my every rebuttal. Before i realized it im doing spoken word on the side of the road. Now this was the days before cell phones were so small they can fit in the change poket of your jeans. So me speaking to myself on the side of the rode definetly made an impression to onlookers.
But i can honestly say, that's where i honed my skills, i rapped, sang, beatbox, made up stories, and argued with my imaginary mother, emotions and all, walking Ventura Road, Oxnard Blvd, Channel Islands, Saviors rd, everywhere. I worked out problems, ran away from home temporarily (long story), everything. From elementary till my senior year, 80% of where i wanted to go i walked, for hours at a time i would walk, and because of that and who i became you are reading this now. I thank you for that.
I'm in San Diego now. I drive most places. really have no one to answer to and no reason to make up conversations and stories except to share with you so that i don't lose that child in me. Sometimes now, i make up conversations on what i would tell the teenage me if i could. If i found a Delorean and could shoot back in time, what would that conversation be like. What would i ask 50 year old Gill if i could go in the opposite direction? I have no regrets. Life has been good to me. But i would have some interesting things to say to 12 year old Gill.
Here is your challenge if you choose to accept it:
Set your alarm for 10 minutes. close your eyes and have an imaginary conversation with the the 2021 version of you. Let him or her speak frankly to you. I know a lot of people give you advice. It's on talk shows, internet, movies. Just this once, listen to what you have to tell yourself. I think we have always had the answers. Often we are just afraid to listen.
these challenges come strictly from spirit. I have no clue as to what im going to write when i sit down monday nights. I didn't even know that i was going to start offering weekly challenges. i just know this is for you. Don't ask me how i know, i just do. So do it! ha ha!
On Another Note:
Its a month of love, black history, and my birthday. Is there no greater month than feburary? Because of that, im going to include a very sexy/romantic song for you. It's off my album Flawed American Male. It's called "I Can't Imagine" and its featuring none other than the legendary Kevin Sandbloom (pictured above). I feel so blessed to have worked with him. He is simply amazing and has a voice like no other. This is the perfect gift to give to someone you love. And since i love you all equally, i present this to you. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!
Until Then,
Be Now
Gill
For show schedule, booking, and free downloads go to:
www.gillsotu.com
Train of Thought Open Mic Experience
Every Tuesday Night
www.trainofthoughtsd.com
Racing Shadows (a tortoise tale)
What's Good Family,
It's me again, sorry i missed last week. i have good reason, MLK Day! My favorite performance of the year, and the start of my busi-ness. Mad love to all that book me, but its funny how i get really popular around MLK and Black History Month. Actually it's not so funny, either I'm just that good or we don't have enough black men saying things of substance. Perhaps both. The interesting thing is that if you actually speak to someone from the "hood" or has hood mentality, most of them are quite brilliant and aware of what is going on around them. So why don't we hear more from them, us, me, (young black men and women). Maybe it's like the interlude on Blackstar's album states, "even my conditioning has been conditioned" And all we care about is how we external sucess. Or it could be not enough of us are listening.
Recently i have reading Jay-z's autobiography. As a man born into hip-hop, as well as being a DJ and emcee, i thought i had a good grasp on what it means to be a part of its culture. But to hear it from his level and perspective, i realized there is a lot i missed. Especially how hip-hop it has changed us all, even those of us who don't listen to it.
And that brings us around full circle again. What Dr. King was about, why i go out all the time, performing for change or free just to be heard. Why i use the acronym S.O.T.U (Soundtrack of The Unheard) to define who i am. Why i often feel i am constantly running, racing against the acomplishments of those who have come before me, racing shadows. What this is all about is that people just want to be heard. To know that they have voice. Knowing that if the powers that be can't hear them individually, then we will let our music speak for us. We will play it at intersection and through parking lots. That loud consistent thump is passion unfocused. Reaching out to anyone who will listen, will you listen, we are showing you what you have been so curious about, will you really listen?
Here is your challenge for the week:
Discover what your soundtrack is, the music that truly defines you. Share your favorites with someone who doesn't know them and explain why they mean so much to you. Why that music says what you have been trying to for so long. Then take a radical step and listen as they share theirs. I mean, if you have to go running, racing against time, people, choices, shadows...at least do it to good music!
On Another Note:
Jerrica and I are almost done with the first draft of our book together. its gonna be a beast!! Uber-excited. Creativity has been pouring out of me lately, get ready for new joints soon.
I'm also gearing up to release a DJ mix-tape. Ya'll have been asking for it so im gonna come through. book first of course. And finally train of thought has been kicking off with a blast. Every tuesday im excited to see what's gonna happen! Dope undiscovered talent? Someone hilarously horrible? Whatever it is we always making it fun and fresh. join us: www.trainofthoughtsd.com
On A Personal Note:
I had some amazing shows this week. One in Ojai, where they treated me like royalty, and the other at the San Diego Jewish Academy, where they treated me like a rockstar. I am very touched that a $10 dollar a week for lunch a day kid from Oxnard would be accepted so enthusiastically. It goes to show you how much you can touch someone and not even know it. i didnt grow up thinking i was going to be a performer. i always wanted to play the background. God had other plans for me, im just glad i shut up and listened. Thanks for the hugs and love, and for those kids who came up for a second round of hugs, a double thank you to you. You say i inspire you, you have no idea how much the opposite is true.
Until then, be now
Remember the Light
Gill
Tell a friend to join in on our little talks, and write back id love to hear from you.
www.gillsotu.com
It's me again, sorry i missed last week. i have good reason, MLK Day! My favorite performance of the year, and the start of my busi-ness. Mad love to all that book me, but its funny how i get really popular around MLK and Black History Month. Actually it's not so funny, either I'm just that good or we don't have enough black men saying things of substance. Perhaps both. The interesting thing is that if you actually speak to someone from the "hood" or has hood mentality, most of them are quite brilliant and aware of what is going on around them. So why don't we hear more from them, us, me, (young black men and women). Maybe it's like the interlude on Blackstar's album states, "even my conditioning has been conditioned" And all we care about is how we external sucess. Or it could be not enough of us are listening.
Recently i have reading Jay-z's autobiography. As a man born into hip-hop, as well as being a DJ and emcee, i thought i had a good grasp on what it means to be a part of its culture. But to hear it from his level and perspective, i realized there is a lot i missed. Especially how hip-hop it has changed us all, even those of us who don't listen to it.
And that brings us around full circle again. What Dr. King was about, why i go out all the time, performing for change or free just to be heard. Why i use the acronym S.O.T.U (Soundtrack of The Unheard) to define who i am. Why i often feel i am constantly running, racing against the acomplishments of those who have come before me, racing shadows. What this is all about is that people just want to be heard. To know that they have voice. Knowing that if the powers that be can't hear them individually, then we will let our music speak for us. We will play it at intersection and through parking lots. That loud consistent thump is passion unfocused. Reaching out to anyone who will listen, will you listen, we are showing you what you have been so curious about, will you really listen?
Here is your challenge for the week:
Discover what your soundtrack is, the music that truly defines you. Share your favorites with someone who doesn't know them and explain why they mean so much to you. Why that music says what you have been trying to for so long. Then take a radical step and listen as they share theirs. I mean, if you have to go running, racing against time, people, choices, shadows...at least do it to good music!
On Another Note:
Jerrica and I are almost done with the first draft of our book together. its gonna be a beast!! Uber-excited. Creativity has been pouring out of me lately, get ready for new joints soon.
I'm also gearing up to release a DJ mix-tape. Ya'll have been asking for it so im gonna come through. book first of course. And finally train of thought has been kicking off with a blast. Every tuesday im excited to see what's gonna happen! Dope undiscovered talent? Someone hilarously horrible? Whatever it is we always making it fun and fresh. join us: www.trainofthoughtsd.com
On A Personal Note:
I had some amazing shows this week. One in Ojai, where they treated me like royalty, and the other at the San Diego Jewish Academy, where they treated me like a rockstar. I am very touched that a $10 dollar a week for lunch a day kid from Oxnard would be accepted so enthusiastically. It goes to show you how much you can touch someone and not even know it. i didnt grow up thinking i was going to be a performer. i always wanted to play the background. God had other plans for me, im just glad i shut up and listened. Thanks for the hugs and love, and for those kids who came up for a second round of hugs, a double thank you to you. You say i inspire you, you have no idea how much the opposite is true.
Until then, be now
Remember the Light
Gill
Tell a friend to join in on our little talks, and write back id love to hear from you.
www.gillsotu.com
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