I can hardly believe that at the close of this day, we will have been blessed to see yet another year! I haven't been able to catch my breath since this year began. I took "Applications", asked the question "Can I Get That?" and professed how love had me "Wide" open and feeling like I could "Touch the Sky". Like most of us, 2011 was filled with peaks and valleys, but for me I thank God that I can proudly say, more peaks than valleys.
Some eluded to the idea that perhaps I should have had a more "successful" album....More critically acclaimed....less "fairytale" theme for "Love Infinity"......more of a presence within certain circles, one might expect my "acceptance" in. Without hesitation I can say that, myself, the Tobin Blakes Group, did what I was told was the impossible....all with God's guidance every step of the way.
To have sold more than the 5 anticipated copies(to family) of "Love Infinity", for me, a victory was already won. My music was featured in over 138 countries; "Free" remained on the charts for 19 weeks at #1 in the Netherlands (still currently have two songs on Danceteria! Phat 50 chart); 13 weeks on the UK Soul Chart; my music being heard daily on DirecTV and select Airlines; playing at venues with appreciative audiences; fulfilling my childhood dream of performing at the legendary Roxy; and so many other blessings along the way....All in less than a year. What made the 2011-small victories so sweet, it was from blood, sweat and lots of tears. In the long line of Indie Soul Artists there was ....."No cuts, no buts....not a single coconut"! lol and I wouldn't change a thing. Just the pure diligence of my team. A team of 3. God, Darla (Tobin-Blakes) and myself. All of this from someone who isn't marketable, not pretty enough, skinny enough....and no one would ever listen to my music because of those things (as my previous management said so many times, years ago). The overwhelming support that we have received from those that stopped by my facebook page and/or twitter to let me know that something on my album touched them means so much. Which reminds me of my trip to Atlanta for the ISMS this past summer. A guy at the conference, while on his turn at the mic to acknowledge his love for Avery Sunshine (a panelist), turns to me, by name and starts to sing "Free". I was then reminded of why I made the choice to share my passion with the masses. For "Charles" and others like him that identify with my music in some way.
I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hurtful at times to not see the support manifest in tangible ways from some people that mattered most. In spite of that, I usher in the new year embracing the feeling that the impossible truly does mean "I'm-possible". I'm a firm believer that without adversity one may not appreciate what's been achieved. Sure, had the deal I signed at 17 actually panned out, maybe I'd be further along or it could have led me down an unguided path?? You never know, but I do know is that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. This moment right now is "Everything I ever wanted" and more. I don't know what 2012 will bring, but if it's even half of what 2011 was, it is going to be a another phenomenal year!
I don't do resolutions (certainly haven't done them very well in the past) so let's just call it a pledge or goal. One of my goals going into 2012 is to take care of me.....not as if to say that I'll abandon my love and desire to help others, but I need to make sure I give enough to myself in order to have a sufficient balance to be able to give to others.
As the clock strikes midnight, remember to continue to let YOUR light shine......."everywhere I go, all in my home, Jesus gave it to me.....and I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine..... let it shine"
Happy New Year, Lovelies!
~Teri
Nuggets that I've used, learned and/or lived by this year:
To have sold more than the 5 anticipated copies(to family) of "Love Infinity", for me, a victory was already won. My music was featured in over 138 countries; "Free" remained on the charts for 19 weeks at #1 in the Netherlands (still currently have two songs on Danceteria! Phat 50 chart); 13 weeks on the UK Soul Chart; my music being heard daily on DirecTV and select Airlines; playing at venues with appreciative audiences; fulfilling my childhood dream of performing at the legendary Roxy; and so many other blessings along the way....All in less than a year. What made the 2011-small victories so sweet, it was from blood, sweat and lots of tears. In the long line of Indie Soul Artists there was ....."No cuts, no buts....not a single coconut"! lol and I wouldn't change a thing. Just the pure diligence of my team. A team of 3. God, Darla (Tobin-Blakes) and myself. All of this from someone who isn't marketable, not pretty enough, skinny enough....and no one would ever listen to my music because of those things (as my previous management said so many times, years ago). The overwhelming support that we have received from those that stopped by my facebook page and/or twitter to let me know that something on my album touched them means so much. Which reminds me of my trip to Atlanta for the ISMS this past summer. A guy at the conference, while on his turn at the mic to acknowledge his love for Avery Sunshine (a panelist), turns to me, by name and starts to sing "Free". I was then reminded of why I made the choice to share my passion with the masses. For "Charles" and others like him that identify with my music in some way.
I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hurtful at times to not see the support manifest in tangible ways from some people that mattered most. In spite of that, I usher in the new year embracing the feeling that the impossible truly does mean "I'm-possible". I'm a firm believer that without adversity one may not appreciate what's been achieved. Sure, had the deal I signed at 17 actually panned out, maybe I'd be further along or it could have led me down an unguided path?? You never know, but I do know is that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. This moment right now is "Everything I ever wanted" and more. I don't know what 2012 will bring, but if it's even half of what 2011 was, it is going to be a another phenomenal year!
I don't do resolutions (certainly haven't done them very well in the past) so let's just call it a pledge or goal. One of my goals going into 2012 is to take care of me.....not as if to say that I'll abandon my love and desire to help others, but I need to make sure I give enough to myself in order to have a sufficient balance to be able to give to others.
As the clock strikes midnight, remember to continue to let YOUR light shine......."everywhere I go, all in my home, Jesus gave it to me.....and I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine..... let it shine"
Happy New Year, Lovelies!
~Teri
Nuggets that I've used, learned and/or lived by this year:
"If someone withdraws more than they deposit in your bank(spiritually/emotionally)....it's time to close that personal account"
"People will proclaim your failures and whisper your victories"
"Be ready so you don't have to get ready"
"Be ready so you don't have to get ready"
"Don't talk about it....be about it"
"Love is the answer"
