Jazzy

Last night a friend and I attended a Jazz Festival. He hopped in my car right before I pulled into the parking structure as I was thinking of how I want to attend a comedy show at the Brea Improv again, which was located right across the street. I was wearing my heels and got so excited walking down the stairs that I practically flew down about 4 of them after I missed one. We laughed and made our way into the crowd.

The stage was huge and there were a ton of white seats with people sitting, waiting for the show to start. We found our chairs and the music began playing. I was stunned. The music was so tasty, instruments diverse, and the musicians just seemed like they were having the most wonderful time! The energy from the stage most definitely rubbed off on the crowd and soon enough, the majority of people who were seated were crowded together on the dance floor. 

I noticed the event was sponsored by "Total Woman Day & Spa" & ironically received a text from my cousin when I read that. I text her back, "Hey, have you ever been to the Brea Jazz Festival and is your new gym Total Woman day & spa?". Her- "Yeah it is!!! Aw damn! I've always wanted to go to that! How is it??" Me- "Its so awesome!!! You should come for sure!... Fridays & Saturdays" Her- "O wooo wooo!!! Let's go!!!"

I watched everyone light up with brilliancy on the floor and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the ability to attend such an event. It reminded me of when I was staying in a small town in Italy when there was a city get together. Everyone dressed up like the characters on "Grease" and they held an American festival that is put on every year. The jazz festival reminded me of celebrations from the Italian-American event with an entirely different atmosphere, but same type of appeal; Unity, acceptance & dancing among joyful people.

Xx Suzie Sateri

Here is a little sample of what the music was like thx to my friend who went with me for looking it up! Sorry about having to tilt your head in the beginning... ;) I hope you enjoy!
http://youtu.be/yKL3UmKdb8M

Casa of URM

I drove into a neighborhood I had frequented before in Downtown LA for shopping and such. Just a few blocks from the shopping areas, I followed directions into streets filled with homeless people. The sidewalks were lined with people of all sorts... some laying on the ground & some walking, while other groups stood and chatted among themselves. I thought of them in the hot weather and remembered a paper I read about how there is a group of people who go out on the streets to pass out water when it is over 80 degrees outside. I felt thankful.

I pulled into the parking structure and was warmly greeted by my new buddy (a former homeless man). He had opened a spot for me by moving his own car out of the way & made me smile huge. I was on my way in. I walked into the building that had become already somewhat familiar to me visually when I was greeted by a homeless younger woman in the lobby. She told me she liked my hair, which I'd pulled loosely into a side french braid. She said she used to be a hair dresser.

Does she know she's more than qualified to give & be complimented?

I thanked her and made my way to the bathroom. When I walked back to check in with some kind people at the office, she greeted me again. "You know, you should work at Disneyland or something" she said. I looked at her with a puzzled grin. "Really? You think so? Why do you say that?" I asked. "Because you're really nice and smiley and it just seems like you could work there." She responded. I giggled, "Thank you so much. You are too cute." I said.

I wonder about her.. How she got to where she was and what she is doing now. I closed my eyes as I walked into the office and envisioned her as a hair dresser, laughing and visiting with ladies who want to feel beautiful just as we all do. I prayed.

Xx Suzie
Love this song. 
http://youtu.be/H67uEgRZs2Y

Light so Pretty

She faked a smile as he approached her as she'd grown accustomed to doing all night
"Hey" "Hey"
Small talk as usual
Conversation continued as the lights twinkled above the mingling crowd
Her fake smile turned real

They grew closer and she opened up, requiring the same from him
The wound bled and time spread
They moved on ahead
We need each other

Time and place made for us
Give life, breathe easy
Promises to live by

Pretenders
Pretend
The crowd rolls on
Finding place in this human race

Throwing pitches, catching balls
People passing by in malls
Self expression illuminating the soul

Xx Suzie

"Lighters" - Piano Cover
http://youtu.be/N6DM_J5gN6A

Smile! You look beautiful!

:D

Dear Friend,

Open Road

Thank you.

Uninterrupted Harmony