The Market at Santa Monica Place. Mmm Mmm GOOD!

So, I took a couple quick trips to check out The Market at Santa Monica Place. One with my bestie and one with my mom. Thank God I have foodies in my life that would understand my excitement! I love food. I love trying different things, cooking, discovering cool items and expanding my knowledge. All good things to me. So, I had been waiting for The Market to open for months. So I had to taste, buy...and take pictures. LOL

30 Days Later...

I’ve been working very hard at changing my habits and lifestyle for the better. For years, I seem to have always been fighting an uphill battle in my life. 2 steps forward, 2 steps back with pit stop of good times along the way. I think a lot of us do that. I think its survival. We take what comes our way and find ways to cope. For me, I had developed the habit of shutting myself down. Doing what I had to, to get things done, then holing up in my bedroom in front of the TV…or going out so I could be away. Nothing wrong with either, but I realized a few months ago that I had stopped being actively in control of the life I led. Mine was a life of defense. And as long as I didn’t take control, what happened in my life would remain the same.

The Beautiful One...

Yeah, so I've seen PRINCE. 3 times. Have you seen PRINCE? It's kind of funny what it's turned into now. Have you or haven't you. And how many times have you gone? But, I look at it a little differently. I study. The show, the business and, the part a lot of people don't see, the politics of the business. No doubt about it, Prince is one of the most amazing performers I've ever seen live. And each of the 3 shows I've been too have been different. Jazz arrangements on some songs, a long section on The Purple One on BASS last week, and different songs each time I've been. I had forgotten in listening to the recorded music how AMAZING A GUITAR PLAYER Prince really is. Watching him play has been nothing short of astonishing. It's also great to hear him sing the songs he's written for other people. My personal favorite has been "Shhhh..." the song he wrote for Tevin Campbell. I've always loved the song, but Prince's version laid me out...

But, Prince also has an integrity that will not allow for BS in his business or shows. If it isn't right, heads will roll. Some people think he's sensitive and strange, but you don't reach that level of success of talent by worrying about how people feel about your standards or decisions.

By last night, Prince walked on stage yelling that he was now paid and free of contracts. He was celebrating and making a statement. Only time will tell how things with Prince and concert promoters wash out...and which cities he does next, if any. But, this 21 Night Stand has been amazing! And it's not over yet. If you haven't seen Prince yet, do it! But watch Ticketmaster's ass...they're up to some trickery.

And of course, I've taken some pictures...