Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Letter From the Editor - Winter

 Hello Café Readers,

Hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  Here's to a happy, healthy, prosperous 2021.  

Here is a great issue to keep you entertained for a bit, and trying something new this time around too, check out the interview with the Curly Girls, it's a recorded interview.

As always, send in submissions to holidaycafe.nicole@gmail.com thank you.  Check out our Facebook group page too, if you get a minute.

Stay warm and healthy and I will see you back here in the spring.


Nicole

The Curly Girls - Interview

When I do one of my interviews for the Cafe', I usually plot and plan and email my interviewee a few questions and wait for them to send them back to me.  From there I develop what I am going to write for the opening paragraphs of the interview.  

But hey, this is 2020 and I am switching things up a little bit.  I recorded a video chat with The Curly Girls.  It was so much fun and I am thinking about interviewing them again for the Spring Issue, see what great tips they can give us.

The Curly Girls was created by Gina Michak and Ann Marie Railing in May 2019. We didn’t think we were ‘creating something’ as much as we just really like wine & desserts. And desserts and wine.



You can find the Curly Girls here --> Facebook 
Ann Marie's Instagram
From Gina's Kitchen --> Website
or if you have a question for the Curly Girls --> Email


Nicole Leckenby - Co-founder of the Holiday Cafe, soccer mom, dancer, councilwoman and author of children's books.  Enjoys interviewing people and writing stories.

James Johnson III - Interview

Photo credit: Nadine Sherman


It’s interesting how life can have meaningful coincidental moments and you don’t even realize it until later on. I was introduced to James thru my husband Chris, but when we would run into each other it would be at a drum clinic, or when scouting wedding venues. The places were coincidental with not much time to have a full conversation. I knew  James is a drummer, but I never had the opportunity to see him play. 

I took a Jazz history class at the University of Pittsburgh. The class was taught by Dr. Suzuki. You will hear her occasionally on Pittsburgh’s Jazz station WZUM 101.1. Chris has a love for Jazz and he taught me the fundamentals. However, Dr. Suzuki brought Jazz to life and I was able to see and hear the power and meaning behind the genre. I knew Pittsburgh had a big Jazz scene at one time, but after learning everything she taught me, it made me frustrated that I missed out on the initial heyday. The good news is that Jazz scene continues to shine in Pittsburgh. 

Dr. Suzuki invited musicians to come and play live for her students. James was one of the guest musicians. I was excited to finally see him play. I was captivated by his performance and I knew I had to interview him. 

1) How did you find your love for music?

My love of music was sparked by my parents. I was also constantly surrounded by some very influential musicians that were in and out of my life from the early age of three. These experiences made it easy for me to fall in love with music and had a huge impact on me.

2) If you were trapped on a desert island what five drums or music books would you bring with you?

The books I would like to be stranded with on an island would be...Keith Copeland/ Creative Coordination, Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone & John Riley/The Art Of Bop Drumming

3) What is the best piece of advice you can give to an aspiring musician?

•Find a good teacher •Practice • Go hear live music. Listen, play, and expose yourself to a lot of different styles of music. Know what the risk is when striving to become a full-time artist/musician. Have fun and love it!

4) Describe one of your most memorable gigs?

There are many but, the most recent memorable gig would be the Glenn Zaleski Japan tour in 2018 which lasted ten days. It was my first time there and I had enough downtime to do some exploring which is fun when visiting new places!

5) Do you have any projects in the works that you would like to talk about?

I’m currently just writing a bunch of music and spending a lot of time in the studio. I’m hoping to release something by February of 2021


Find James on Instagram


Natalie Belin is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry.  She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.


The Dolphins at Monkey Mia

She dreamed of swimming with dolphins. That’s all fifteen-year-old Tamara wanted from her family’s four-week tour of Australia. Her parents kept that promise, but it created a few challenges. 

Tam had learned about dolphins in her ninth-grade biology class. She promptly fell in love with these intelligent sea mammals. In her view, swimming with them would be fair compensation for enduring long hours of visits with her parents’ many friends in half a dozen cities across Australia. 

Their cross-country journey from Sydney, on the east coast, ended in the western port city of Perth. There the family learned dolphins gathered occasionally in a lagoon near a tiny resort community called Monkey Mia, a two-day trek up the west coast. The downside: there was no guarantee any dolphins would be at the famous marine park when they arrived. 

Unfazed, Tam and her family headed off on a grueling 550-mile trip north to Monkey Mia hoping for a much-anticipated but uncertain rendezvous with dolphins. They were accompanied by the family they’d been visiting in Perth. Each family of four travelled in a Toyota Land Cruiser their hosts had affectionately nicknamed “Whoopee’s”. They quickly learned the painful reason for that term of dubious endearment.

The road was little more than two parallel ruts in bare dirt left by the wheels of earlier vehicles. At first glance the ruts appeared shallow. The travelers discovered those ruts were axel-deep in places and filled with powdery red dust that allowed their vehicles to often become high centered without warning. Suffocating clouds of the fine dust infiltrated nose, eyes, mouth, ears and food, and permeated sweat-soaked clothing.

Their hosts reassured Tam’s family the weather would break soon. It did. The next day the leading edge of a weather system caught up with the two-vehicle convoy. It solved the dust problem but created another. Keeping dry took second place to extracting one Land Cruiser and then the other from mud holes in the primitive road. 

The travelers arrived at the Monkey Mia wildlife refuge on the second day, all of them mindful they faced a four-hour drive back over a rain-soaked road to the nearest accommodation. 

Tam and her family dismounted and ran for the lagoon.

“Wow!” said a wildlife conservation officer who would serve as their host. “Are you in luck! I saw some dorsal fins out there,” the officer added squinting into the sun through binoculars. They were on a slight rise of land overlooking the iridescent water of a lagoon half the size of a football field. 

Tam and her family hurriedly donned their swimsuits and rushed to the lagoon. Tam was first into the water; her dream was coming true! 

She waded out in the clear water over shimmering white sand until the water was above her waist.

“Look!” her mother said quietly, not wanting to frighten the dolphins she’d spotted swimming into the lagoon.

“Look!” her mother called again, more loudly this time, her voice propelled by the excitement also gripping her daughter. 

Tam peered down into the water. Swimming toward her was an adult dolphin. Beside it was a baby, possibly just a few weeks old. It stayed close to the adult, obviously its mother.  

The sight propelled shivers of excitement through Tam’s body. 

Wow! she though. Oh wow! This is awesome!  

She glanced over at her family, smiling and waving with excitement from the edge of the lagoon. Even her pesky 12-year-old brother seemed excited. 

This has got to be the best day of my life! she thought.  

And then her day got even better. A second adult entered the lagoon and swam up to her. It nudged the hand she was holding out just above the surface of the water. Tam returned the gesture, touching the dolphin’s nose. Expecting it to shy away, she was surprised when the dolphin remained still. 

Tam waded around the big marine mammal, cautiously at first, and then moving closer. She gently ran her hand up the top of dolphin’s nose to its head and then stroked the soft skin along its back to the dorsal fin. The dolphin remained still, seeming to enjoy the attention, and the affection towards it Tam was felling. She began swimming alongside, patting and rubbing its back and sides, barely able to believe her good fortune. 

Maybe it’s feeling my love, she thought. She had no doubt this was so. 

Tam watched as the mother dolphin and her baby swam around the lagoon, approaching other visitors in the water. All three dolphins swam among the legs of their human visitors, circling around, allowing their gray streamlined bodies to be stroked and patted. Tam’s family and the others applauded, expressing the joy she was certain those three magnificent dolphins were sensing and were returning to their human observers.  

Tam overheard one of the wildlife officials tell the spectators their tracking program indicated the second dolphin may be the other adult’s sister, thus the baby’s aunt.   

Much too soon, Tam heard her father call out that it was time to go. He reminded her they had a long drive ahead of them. 

Moments later, as if the dolphins had heard that call, the three made a last tour of the lagoon and headed out to sea. 

As Tam and the crowd watched in awe, the two adult dolphins breached, leaping high into the air bidding them farewell.

The best day of Tam’s life had just got even better!

#


 


James Osborne is the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller, THE ULTIMATE THREAT. His varied career includes investigative journalist, college teacher, corporate executive, business owner, army officer, and writer/editor.    Osborne’s latest novel, SECRET SHEPHERD, is the sequel to THE MAIDSTONE CONSPIRACY, named Best Contemporary Fiction Novel of 2015 by a global competition based in London, UK. Samples of his work can be found at www.amazon.com/author/jamesosborne.


Interview - Matt DeReno


I have known Matt easily for a good decade.  Working together, writing for various blog sites.  It was fun work.  That is actually how this site started.  While life got busy and we don't write together anymore, I am happy to have this chance to interview him on the release of his first novel.  It is a huge accomplishment.  


 1. Tell me a little about yourself?

Matt De Reno is the publisher of Scratch Writing Press, an imprint of Scratch Wring, Inc. Matt is also the author of the Midas Protocol, a sci-fi thriller series, and writes many of the blogs from scratch postings which you can find on his website, ScratchWriting.com.

Author of The Midas Protocol, Matt, has a history degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and has worked at Carnegie Mellon University, IBM, and consulted at other technology companies. He lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, daughter, and son. If you would like to get in touch with Matt, have coffee with the guy, buy him a beer, or have other inquiries, please make the first contact with him. You can email Matt at matt.dereno@scratchingwriting.com.   


2. Tell me a little about the novel you just published?


The Midas Protocol: Midas Files Book One is a thriller novel in line with the X-Files type of science fiction. It is heavy on character development and is the first in a series of at least three books. I won't say it is a trilogy because then if you add a book or two or some spinoff story, you break the trilogy concept. But it is undoubtedly a trilogy.







3. You were working on the book for years. What was the inspiration to start it and to finally put the finishing touches on it?


I don't think I initially had the confidence to finish it, and so while I talked about it for years, I never quite got around to finishing it. And, isn't that true for most aspiring authors? However, a friend asked me to help ghostwrite his novel, and it was during that process that I asked myself, "If I can do this for somebody else, why not do it for myself?" That motivated me to get it finished finally.

The inspiration to start it came from my childhood love of reading Alexander Dumas of the Three Musketeers Fame. In particular, I loved  The Count of Monte Cristo, which I loved as a young reader. The Midas Protocol attempts to emulate some of that thriller romanticism in the story.

To tell the full story, I initially imagined the Midas Protocol to be a thriller only story. However, after watching the Twilight vampire movies with my daughter when she was younger, I was flabbergasted about how bad they were. It was then, I thought, heck, why not put a vampire in my story and have at it. So, I converted one of my bad guys to a vampire. Later, as I rewrote the story, he became more of an alien than a vampire, though there are some similarities to vampires as this character eats two human beings in the Midas Protocol.  Toward the end, this villain takes on more of a Marvel comic evil guy villain and less vampire.


4. What is your writing process like?

Typically, I try to get up early to maximize my creativity, which seems to be at an all-time high when I am making that first pot of coffee.  This schedule usually gives me a good hour or so before anyone else is up, or I start getting bombarded with work emails from professional job and other inquiries.  


5. You also write for several blog sites in your spare time; what is the most fun site you ever wrote?

I wrote many blog articles for a guy in Los Angeles way back in the late 2000s. When I was writing for this guy, I loved writing satire, movie reviews, crazy conspiracy, and Haunted Houses' stories. I have since repurposed some of those articles with fresh updates for my blogs today, CoolFilmz and The Funny Newz, which are microblogs on my main website, ScratchWriting.com.


 6.  Where do you find the inspiration for these stories?

I think other books that I have loved inspire me much, and therefore I look for ways to emulate them with my little wrinkles or unique takes on a subject.


 7. What is the essential part of writing the story, in your opinion?

Putting your heart into it and writing the story that you want to write. I am convinced there is a market for the result of any story where you put your blood, sweat, and tears into it.


 8.  What do you think makes a good story?


There needs to be absolute completeness in terms of logic and attention to the small details. Admittedly, this is not always easy to achieve, and it is more of a journey of self-improvement as a writer. However, if you aspire toward wholeness and attention to story detail, then your book will benefit as a result.


9.  I know writing is your hobby, how do you make the time to write?


 Sometimes you have to rob Peter to pay Paul. That is to say, finding the time to write is more about prioritizing creativity over time wasters or things that can be done anytime. You can certainly include social media on that list of time wasters. It is a gift to write, and to me, that sometimes takes precedence over something more mundane like painting the garage floor, which I finally got around to doing last month.


10.  What advice do you have for our young writing friends out there?


Follow your dreams and don't be afraid to write whatever you want. You can't edit a blank page, and all writers were young once and had the same feelings, fears, and aspirations. Writing is accessible to all. Don't let a mean English teacher tell you otherwise. The most important thing to do is to start writing and writing from the heart. That is it.


 11. How can writers connect with you?


 Check out my website at www.ScratchWriting.com. There you can sign up for the newsletter and read my blogs, and get updates on my books. Also, fans can connect on Facebook and Twitter.


Nicole Leckenby - Co-founder of the Holiday Cafe, soccer mom, dancer, councilwoman and author of children's books.  Enjoys interviewing people and writing stories.

Why don't we talk about things?

 When I turned 40 a few years back, my uterus started rebelling against me.  In all honesty, I am not really sure my uterus ever really liked me, since I was a teen, but we tolerated each other.  I was getting multiple periods a month and it was awful.  I went to my gynecologist and she put me on birth control pills.  Something I hadn't been on for almost a decade.  

With my history of my aneurysm she thought that this was the best option at the time to control the issues


I was having.  It worked like a charm, for three years I was period free and doing great - until my blood pressure started going ridiculously high.  My blood pressure has always been really low, so this was a new concern for me.

My doctor suggested I get off the pills and see if that helps to get my blood pressure under control.  I wasn't really excited about what I knew was going to happen once I was off the pill and getting monthly visits.

So for a few months each time I got my period, it was a little worse.  I was constantly contacting my doctors and saying this CANNOT be normal.   Too reminiscent of my aneurysm I ended up going to the emergency room Halloween day.  The last place I wanted to go, especially now, is the ER.  

I also knew I was going to have to get an IV if I went to the ER and I cannot do needles well at all.  Like there are giant tears.  I can't help it, I have been poked and prodded too many times that I just can't deal with this anymore.  

My hemoglobin was at a 12 when I entered the ER and when I finally left the next day it was an 8 one point away from needing a blood transfusion.  So what was wrong with me, you might be asking yourself... I was diagnosed with being pre-menopausal.  Oh the joys of being a woman.

Did you know these things were possible? I mean I knew about hot flashes because everyone and there mother talks about the hot flashes but why does no one talk about the bleeding that can happen?  

After my brief stint in the emergency room, where I was admitted overnight and completely missed trick-or-treating, I had a follow-up appointment with the gynecologist.  I was presented with several options, and I chose to get a hot water ablation.  

If I were to get the uterus removed, it would not be as simple of a procedure as it should be, again, thanks to that aneurism.  The ablation was no picnic either, but it was the best option for me, I believe.

December 12th I went into the hospital, was given another IV, I was good up until that point.  They gave me one heck of a dose of twilight meds because I remember getting rolled into the operating room and that is pretty much it, three hours later I woke up.  

Now, the things that could have gone wrong had me scared out of my mind.  My uterus could have pierced with the tool, the water solution that they used could have gone out and spread infection, or the hose could have broken and basically burned all my girl parts. And they wondered why my blood pressure was 171/92 when they took it pre-surgery.

My EKG was excellent and I wasn't pregnant (why I was given a pregnancy test is beyond me - that's a whole other post).  

I got home and slept almost all day.  I sent a few emails and text messages and who knows if I was very coherent in them, again whatever I was given for twilight, I believe there were some miscalculations from my height and weight and the dosage.

The pain was pretty intense that first day, and the over the counter pain medications weren't doing much to ease it.  I tried using a weighted blanket and laying scrunched into a ball.  But the next day, way less pain and feeling better each day.

I am still anemic from everything that happened in October and hopefully my numbers will be back to normal soon.

Why am I saying all this??  Well, in the off chance that someone who is reading this is going through the same thing and wondering what is wrong or if it is normal.  We need to start talking more, discussing the things that are wrong with us so we know if it could be something normal or if something is seriously wrong.  Granted, the amount of blood I was loosing, I was going to the hospital regardless if it was normal or not.  Also, make sure to talk to your doctors and make sure they actually are listening to your concerns not just fluffing you off.  

Nicole Leckenby - Co-founder of the Holiday Cafe, soccer mom, dancer, councilwoman and author of children's books.  Enjoys interviewing people and writing stories.


Musings for Moms - Bullying

 I have written about bullying a few times in MFM but the problems never seem to go away... and if I have


to be honest, it seems like 2020 has brought out the absolute worst in some people.  Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of awesome people out there in the world but man oh man, there are some real pieces of work too.  Did people forget their manners during lockdown or did people just forget how to veil their true colors?

The sad fact is that social media has helped the bully with his or her bullying ways more so today than in the past.  I mean you post one little thing on social and it will spread like wildfire.  Back in the 80s and 90s when I was in school such things didn't exist.  If you wanted to bully someone, you would be using a landline phone to call other people to spread the rumors.  Sometimes those phones were rotary dials too... they were the worst.  Sure there were bullies in schools and whatnot, but it didn't seem as bad back then.

I digress... 

So is the answer keeping kids off of social media?  How do you keep say a high schooler off of social media?  YOU WILL RUIN THEIR LIFE!!!  No, that's not the answer... because they will figure out a way regardless.  Teenagers are resourceful that way.  My son has a cell phone and he has facebook, but here are the rules that went along with that... I know all the passwords and he can only friend family members. I trust my son won't do something stupid, but I just want to make sure of that and my sure no one else is doing something stupid to him. He mostly wanted to get facebook for the videos because the YouTube ones weren't enough.  

Sure the teens are sneaky today, having faux accounts or secret accounts, but if you do a few checks on their phones you will be able to see all their hidden pages.  Is it a privacy issue?  Probably, but who is paying that cell phone bill? 

I am not going to go into all the specifics of bullying we all know it isn't right and those of us that think it is ok, well chances are they are a bully themselves and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree... 

Just keep an open dialog with your children, make sure they are doing ok.  If you notice something isn't right with their behavior, ask them about it.   If they won't talk to you, remind them of all the people in their life that they can talk to, not just teachers and school administration, neighbors, other family members, coaches, etc.  

For reference, here is the previous article I wrote about bullying - that list the signs if your child is being bullied or IF your child IS the bully ...  and there was this one too... 



Thursday, October 1, 2020

Letter from the Editor - Fall 2020

 Hello Everyone, 

I can't believe that we are already heading into fall... there are a lot of things I can't believe right now, it's been a crazy six months and the ride is still going. 

 Here is a little something to hopefully breakup the day for everyone... a new issue of the Holiday Cafe. 

Take a break from your day and check it out. 

We are now taking submissions for the Winter Issue... email me at holidaycafe.nicole@gmail.com with your submissions.

 I hope everyone has been staying safe and keeping healthy... and continues to do so.  

 Have a great holiday season and I will see you in January 2021. 

 Nicole

Songwriter

Flannery O’Connor said that when people asked her why she was a writer she’d reply, “Because I’m good at it.” What I wouldn’t give to have that kind of confidence! And if anybody ever asks me why I try to write songs, I hope I’m brave enough to say, “Because I’m good at it!” Notice I had to stick the “try” in “try to write songs.” Luckily, nobody asks. 

Actually, one person asks me why I write songs, and that person is me. But it is always part of a longer questions like, “Why do you write songs instead of using the weapons of mass destruction necessary to kill the mold behind the washer and dryer that threaten to destroy your families source of clean clothes? Don’t you care if your wife and children have smelly clothes?” 

 The offer is tempting. If I go work on the mold, I don’t have to deal with the other things in the basement I’d rather not deal with. Such as my song notebook, heavy and fat because I save all of my rough drafts. Why? Because I’m good at saving things. The notebook always wants another verse. My guitar case says, “Open up, a song isn’t finished without a cool riff.” Then the mic stand says, “That melody is lame, better learn a Bob Dylan song instead.” It makes me want to head upstairs. 

If only I had an ounce of Flannery O’Connor’s confidence, I could just push through. I try to convince myself of that. Then again, I didn’t have Robert Lowell, Robert Penn Warren, Caroline Gordon, and Robert and Sally Fitzgerald telling me I was a good writer. Who wouldn’t have confidence if the top literary minds of their day praised their work? But that was after O’Connor got to the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. You don’t just end up at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop by making a wrong turn on the way to Atlanta. She knew she was good before she got there. I imagine one day she looked down at what she had written and said, “Wow. That’s legit.” Then she showed it to her friends, family, and/or teacher and they said, “Wow. That’s legit.” 

She was also of the school that you either have it or you don’t. If you don’t, God has some other plan for you. But I still entertain doubts that I’m on the wrong side of “it.” Why do I need external affirmation of my songwriting – every day? I’ve been doing this for a long time. 

Then I read this quote from St. Theresa of Avila, “Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one.”

It reminded me of an interview I did with the local bluegrass legend Mac Martin several years ago. He told me that the best thing that ever happened to him was having a family and a day job that prevented him from touring. Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs were professionals, but in order to remain “professional” they had to alter their sound to stay with the times. Martin played local gigs and did whatever he wanted. In the process, he stayed true to his original sound and long after Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs were gone, bluegrass purists flocked to him for his authentic sound. He was more famous in his 70s and 80s than ever. 

Everything passes quickly, so I better get working on those new songs, and the mold too.  

Mark Sullivan is the guitarist in The Deep Roots.

Musings from Moms - Persistence

I have been sharing this every year on Facebook - because knowing yourself, your body, well enough to know there is
something wrong is so very important... Be persistent with your doctors - if you aren't feeling right, keep pushing until you get an answer... October is a bittersweet month for me, and surprisingly this has nothing to do with the weather. As many of you know the journey I had post-Liam was not the norm. For the months of August and September 2009 doctors were trying to figure out what was wrong with me, you know, once they actually realized I wasn’t making up my condition and believed that there was something indeed wrong. It all came to a head in October 2009. I was rushed to the ER, for the third time, my arms were bruised and battered from the number of IVs and blood samples the nurses were taking from me. My fingers were so sore from them doing that finger prick test. Veins were collapsing and they weren’t sure if they would be able to get yet another IV in. They were saying that they might have to put an IV in my foot if they couldn't get it in my arms. If you know me, then you know I have the biggest fear of needles, this whole processes was torture for me and to this day, I am worse than ever when I have to get a blood draw. I was stitched in places that should not be stitched (without properly being numbed first). I’m pretty sure everyone in Oakland heard my cries and profanities when that was happening. Finally, several days after that horrific event, I was in the hospital and went to the bathroom, and nearly blacked out. I managed to pull that emergency cord that is conviently located in the patient bathrooms beforehand. When I was lying on the bathroom floor and a crash team was called to my room, and rushed off to surgery (first angiogram) it was determined that I had a cervical aneurysm (which apparently is highly uncommon). Two days during this entire battle were the scariest for me… the first time was when I was taken to the hospital – I thought I was going to die that night – home alone with Liam – the bleeding wouldn’t stop and I didn’t have a phone with me to call anyone for help. The second was during that first angiogram (the second was done two days later to ensure the first one worked). The nurses were actually squeezing bags of blood into my body because my blood count was so low (8 transfusions in all). After the foam(they didn't use a coil) was in place my blood pressure bottomed out… there is nothing worse than hearing a doctor say – the procedure is done why is her pressure still going down. I was in the hospital so long that I was able to sample everything on Magee’s menu several times (I am still a little pissed that they never did get those grape Popsicle during my entire stay). I missed Liam more than anything and I fought my hardest to get out of that hospital and get back to him. Now, October is a good month – Colin was born on the 17th. Thank God, nothing happened after his birth. We took all the precautions before he was born. I will however, never be able to forget all the things I went through. So why am I telling all of this? It’s simple really – know your body – when something isn’t right with you… tell your doctor… when they don’t listen – keep telling them… no one knows you better than you do. All the tests I was given at first told me I was perfectly fine – but I knew I wasn’t. Be persistent and make them listen to you… I however don’t recommend blacking out in front of your nurse in the bathroom. This will only make them lay you down on the floor of said bathroom and call the crash team in…

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

It's Halloween

I am happy to announce that my second children's Book It's Halloween was released on September 29th. 

Last year my mom and I created our first children’s book together. We enjoyed working together on that project that we did another. 

Today, It’s Halloween is now available for purchase on Amazon 

It’s Halloween is about a little boy who is very excited about it being the month of October and trick or treating.  It is full of fun rhymes and illustrations. 

For every book purchased $1.00 will go to the Young Adult Survivors United charity. YASU is an organization created to help survivors/co-survivors to cope and thrive from the emotional, social, and financial stresses under professional guidance and with peers who understand and can relate. Thank you for your support. 

I also want to give a special shout out to The Many Colors of Natalie who featured me as their October artist of the month - be sure to check out the site - and the blog tab too!

Remember to get your copy today and remember to leave a review!

Thursday, September 17, 2020

The Mixus Brother’s new EP

Trying something new on the Cafe - here is a sampling of the Mixus Brothers music. Their latest album called The Lonesome Gods is being released in 3 Chapters consisting of 4 songs each. It was released in August 2020.

Interview: Hayley Dunhoff

Photo Credit: https://www.constellationsandcompany.com/ 

When I first met Hayley, I admired her for how Zen and soft-spoken she is. I promise you I am neither of the two. Even if I switched to decaf coffee it would not make a difference! I always look forward to interacting with Hayley! She invites me into her world with the great stories that are shared. I can assure you Hayley is a very dynamic, diverse, brilliant, beautiful, and talented artist. Hayley’s music is genuine and authentic as well. Her sound is not comprised which makes it refreshing and enjoyable. Her collaboration with Josh Carns, The Hayley & Josh Album, is a mixture of soul, jazz, pop, and indie music. 

1) Hayley, tell us about yourself (you are so dynamic and diverse)! 

If I were to describe myself to someone that didn’t know me. I’d say I’m out-going, friendly, musical, and motivated. I always strive to better myself and those around me. I live to inspire and help others. Whither it be through natural medicine, yoga, music, song, dance, art, or food. I have accumulated a couple certifications over the years. I am a 300-hour RYT Yoga Instructor, Certified Herbalist, Certified in Reiki healing- Level 1, Forest skills certification, Lifeguard Certified, Cosmetologist. At the beginning of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic I started teaching Yoga and playing music online through Zoom to create an income to support myself, and my family. After the lockdown I started working with my Dad to help him with the family furniture business, at Weiss Furniture in Latrobe PA. I was born in Latrobe PA, grew up in Israel and came back to the states to study art and music in college, and start a new life of my own. I’ve been preforming since I was 10 years old. I started singing, dancing, and acting lessons at a young age. I always liked to make people happy through song and dance. When I was younger in middle school growing up, I always wanted to be on Broadway. So, I dabbled in some musicals and acting classes along with vocal lessons. At the age of 13 I moved to Israel with my family, and started to learn the language Hebrew. I learned the language through music, movies, and reading. I would take a song in Hebrew and translate it to English. That was one of the best ways I’d say a person could learn a new language. At the age of 15, my Dad bought me my first guitar after seeing the Foo Fighters live in concert in Pittsburgh. My older brother had bought me a ticket to see them, and I was so inspired after that moment that I decided to pursue music. At the age of 15 I lost my vision in my left eye, because of a rare autoimmune disease, called NMO, illness similar to MS. Which altered my life completely. From the age 15-19 I was in and out of the hospital for it. Singing and playing guitar was a huge therapy for me at that time, and music still is to this day. After I picked up the guitar, I started writing songs, singing, and playing music in a local a-cappella group and song/dance group in high school in Israel. All throughout my life I played in several different bands in Israel and in America. The first real band I was in where we played out live, was a band called “The Native Eskimos” we were a Singer songwriter duo. It was me and the lead singer of Habatat (Ryan Woods). I had been studying liberal arts in college in PA, and thought it would be fun to make some music with friends. In 2014, I decided to move to Asheville North Carolina, to study natural medicine and healing. There I made friends with lots of musicians, and I started a band called “Halo and the suns” I wrote a lot of the music and lyrics in that band, and we played all around the town. I formed that band while I was studying herbal medicine and learning natural healing, at a school called the “Appalacia School Of holistic healing” in Asheville North Carolina, where I got my first herbal medicine certification, and studied forest stills (how to survive off the land). I didn’t record any of the music from those bands, but I wish I had to have captured those moments. 

2) What inspired you to be a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter? 

 I was most inspired while living in Asheville, I saw multiple inspiring bands in concert including “Rising Appalachia”, “Michael Franti”, “leftover salmon”, “Nahko and medicine for the people”, “Moe.”, and many other local inspiring bands. They all inspired me deeply to pursue music as my career and dream. Living there I went to a lot of open mics, busked on the streets (played music for tips & fun), went to poetry gatherings, funk music parties, spiritual gatherings, and I met so many inspiring artists and healers! Was a great time in my life. I am grateful for those memories, experiences, and all the many cool inspiring people I have met along the way. 

3) Define your musical background? 

I’d say my musical background I get from being around so many different inspiring and wonderful musicians my whole life. I originally started playing the piano when I was 12 years old, then I picked up the guitar when I was 15, and basically taught myself and used YouTube to learn how to play guitar. My brother was always an inspiration to me for playing music, because he also played guitar. My whole family, my mother, and my father have always been big supporters of me and my music. In middle school I loved singing in the choir and in musicals. In high school I performed in small holiday shows and in musicals, plus talent shows, and local music groups. I’ve auditioned for the voice of Israel twice. I auditioned for the voice in America once, and I also auditioned for American idol this past year. I always thought auditions were fun, and a good experience. They are a good way to meet new people, they can give you drive, ambition, and a cool way to meet different musicians & artists. I never got into any of the shows, but I’m happy I didn’t because then I would’ve never pursued my 2 albums and single. My grandfather played the accordion, the guitar, the drums, and he sang. My mother always said that I get my musical ability from my grandfather. While living in Israel I went to a high school for music and art, I went to several music and art festivals that inspired me to preform my music and become vegetarian. When I was about 19 to about 23, I started going to a lot of American music festivals to see bands like the Allman brothers, Twiddle, Nahko, Trever Hall, John Mayer, Slightly Stoopid, Soja, Susan Tedeschi, and the Tedeschi trucks band. Classic rock and roll always had a big hold on my heart, and inspired my drive for music. I love all types of music, and I feel that I’m not music prejudiced. John Mayer has also been a big inspiration for me throughout my life. I think I’ve seen him perform six times now. The first time I saw him perform was with the grateful dead - Dead and Company, and it changed my life. Last year I went to Woodstock with the Derek Woods Band. It was also really inspiring to be there. At that time, I was also going to college for art and music at WCCC in Youngwood, PA. 

4) Tell us about Hayley & Josh? Where did you meet Josh? How did the collaboration happen?

Hayley & Josh - is a RnB, Soul, Jazz, POP, Singer songwriter music group. We started preforming our music together in 2018. In 2019 we created our first song together called “Valley of Diamonds by Hayley Dailey”. We released our new album “The Hayley & Josh Album” on 6.20.20 during the 2020 pandemic. Josh and I met in 2012 at the Old main cafe in Latrobe PA, at a “Derek Woods Band” concert. We were friends for years, but never really hung out or played music together until I asked Josh to perform at my CD release party in 2017. Josh also helped format and play guitar on a lot of the songs on the album “Hummingbird by Hayley Dailey”. In 2017 after the release of my album Josh and I started hanging out all the time. We were inseparable. We started writing and preforming a lot of music together. After a couple months it just felt natural for us to be together. 

5) You are spiritual and you have experienced a lot at a young age. If you were to give future women a piece of advice what would it be? 

If I were to give future women a piece of advice, I would say to stop caring about people’s approval, and about what others think of you. I would tell them to always express themselves, and be themselves no matter what! Life is too short to get stuck on drama, stress, anxiety, and sadness. I feel like it’s important to live for the moment, but never forget your past and where you came from. To always spread love, light, and kindness to family, friends, and those around you. Substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs are just handicaps on one’s natural abilities. They enable you from growing to your full potential as an artist, musician, or a person. And to always “Move forward! No looking back words”- quote from our new song- “Be Strong: by Hayley & Josh”. 

6) You have a solo album called “Hummingbird” please tell us about it. 

In 2017 I produced and released my first full length album with 9 Songs on it, called “Hummingbird by Hayley Dailey”. Josh played the guitar on most of the songs on that album. I preformed the guitar chords, sang and wrote all the lyrics for the songs, and melodies to the songs. I wrote the songs from 2015-2017 while travel from Asheville, NC to Pittsburgh PA. Traveling and finding love inspired me the most while creating that album. Dave Edward “Bongo Dave” recoded the last song on the album with me in 2015 called “MaMa Gaia”. It was the first song that inspired me to crest the album “Hummingbird”. I wrote the lyrics and Dave helped with the melody over time it evolved into two versions on the 2017“Hummingbird” album, when josh and I started preforming the song together. It’s a very spiritual song for me about protecting the earth, and how the earth is asking for our help, and it spur job to protect it against global warming. It has a lot of Native American influences in the song, with Native American flute music in it. “Hummingbird” to me is an album about my self-exploration and letting go of past traumas. This was my first ever solo music project that I created on my own. Josh and Daniel Blake helped me mostly in the recording process to make the music beautiful. Josh also helped me make the songs into actual songs. I am grateful for everyone that helped me with that album and made it possible. The artwork on the “Hummingbird-by Hayley Dailey” album was a collaboration between three different artists. The cover was a painting done by my Mexican friend I met in Israel, Aditi Magic, words and formatting by my good friend Jeff Donato, and the inside artwork was create led by an artist I met at Pyro De Mayo Festival at Nelsons Ledges in Ohio. 

7) You and Josh just had an album drop called “The Hayley & Josh Album” please tell us about it. Where can we get it? 

“The Hayley & Josh Album” It is an 11-song full length album created and produced by Joshua Carns and myself Hayley Dunhoff (Hayley Dailey). Josh composed the album , played guitar, some digital drums, and bass on all of the songs, Chris Belin played the drums set on most of the songs, Joe Scheller played the saxophone, Daniel Blake played the keys/ mixed and mastered the album, and I sang the songs and wrote most of the lyrics. Josh and I wrote a lot of the lyrics together as well, and Daniel Blake also helped us with some of the writing process. Daniel Blake has truly inspired us and helped us tremendously throughout our musical journey. He also helped me mix/master/& record “Hummingbird” in 2017. “The Hayley & Josh Album” to me is a combination of story’s and memories about life, love, struggle, strength, and standing up for what you believe in. It’s an album about belief, inspiration, and finding your own strength. You can find our album on iTunes, Amazon music, Spotify, YouTube, and all platforms you can find music. Look up “Hayley Dailey Hummingbird”, “Valley of Diamonds Single by Hayley Dailey”, and check out our new 2020 album “The Hayley & Josh album”. Photo credit: Nicky Angelo Photography Natalie is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry. She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

An Interview with The Satin Hearts

*** Editors Note: I am reposting this interview from 2014 because recently one of the founding members of the Satin Hearts passed away. I saw the band perform live a few times and they were gracious enough to do this interview for the Cafe. Fran was always intrigued, maybe, with the Cafe site... when I would see him he would ask about it. RIP Fran, you will be missed.***

For this month’s interview we chatted with local band, The Satin Hearts. An eclectic rock n roll band with members who have been entertaining the greater Pittsburgh area for nearly 20 years – the band is comprised of singer Marcy Eustice, guitarist Fran Rifugiato, bassist Jim Capp and drummer Chris Belin. The band began with Marcy and Fran (who teamed up previously in the band Strange Brew) and then expanded to add on the talents of Jim and Chris. While the band spends time entertaining the masses in the ‘Burgh – they’re expanding and now seeing air time on radio stations all over the United States. Here’s a little more info on this exciting band.

Question 1-So what is new with The Satin Hearts?

FRAN- Two things. The first is that we are working on a new CD of original songs. We think it will be our best one yet. We do some covers at local gigs, but our CD`s have always included all original songs. The second big news, at least from my end, is that I am considering buying a guitar tuner so that I can play in tune with our bassist !

MARCY - The biggest news on my end is Fran considering splurging for a tuner. Although I don't believe it’s totally necessary. If Jim and Fran are out of tune with each other I will just pick a key that is closest to the middle. Occasionally I've been known to pick a random key that's nowhere near the key the band is playing the song in, but I still sing in perfect pitch in the random key. Now that's what I call talent! [just kidding!]

CHRIS - Recently I've been using different drum sets for shows, due to stage size, volume specifics, sound preferences, etc. The sets have been very sparkly-looking (green, blue, and possibly red someday soon) so finding shirts to match the set I use for a gig has been a fun task. As the wise Jim Capp once said "Always look your best".

Question 2- The Satin Hearts have been playing bluesy rock n roll around Pittsburgh on a regular basis for almost two decades. What motivates the band to keep gigging?

JIM – For me, it has always been the sheer pleasure of playing the bass, and doing it in front of a crowd. I love the sound and feel of the bottom end and when I hit the right notes, it sounds even better. And, when we all end a song at the same time, we get bonus points.

CHRIS - Even though we've been around the block many times as a group, I never get tired of performing live and recording music with this crew. I'm still as excited as I was on my first gig with them! The song list is always varied and the crowd responds extremely well with both covers and originals. We always conduct ourselves in a professional manner and go above and beyond what the crowd, promoter or club owner expects of us. Even with all that being said, we can pretty much play any tune from our list at any time, in any scenario, which is rare for a band in this area.

Question 3-What is the craziest thing a fan ever did at a show?

FRAN - Someone tried to steal Marcy`s lyric book...it didn`t end well….

MARCY-The craziest thing that happened at a show was when a guy with a long blond crew cut came up to us and said he just got out of the penitentiary and he's gonna party till they take him back. Then proceeded to dump alcohol on his head then lit his hair on fire!

JIM – We get some crazy dancers. I wish I could capture them on video, but my hands are kind of tied up with plucking my strings. And then there is the occasional $100 tip. That’s crazy, but strongly encouraged.

CHRIS- We played at Moundsville State Penitentiary on my birthday a few years back and all the inmates serenaded me with "Happy Birthday" on a set break. Surreal.

Question 4- What can people expect at a show, how can they find out where you are playing, and where can they buy a CD?

JIM – Our set list is pretty interesting, from Johnny Cash to Blondie to Canned Heat. If you don’t like one song, you’ll like the next. And actually, some of our originals go over the best.

CHRIS- People can expect to have a good time. They'll see a band who won't play at uncomfortable volumes and who'll play a catchy, wide variety of songs. Some songs they will know, some they won't. Regardless the band will keep them interested and entertained.

FRAN-Our schedule is on our website www.thesatinhearts.com and our CDs can be bought on our website or wherever fine music is sold.

MARCY- Or check Chris`s website which is always has our latest dates www.chrisbelindrums.com

Find out more about The Satin Hearts: On the web: http://www.thesatinhearts.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesatinhearts

Gwen O'Brien works full time at RMU, works full time as a wife, works full time as a mom, works full time as a dog mom and occasionally finds time to write or edit or both. She resides in McDonald and enjoys reading and donuts when she's not working.

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Letter from the Editor - Summer Issue

Hi Cafe'ers

Hope everyone is staying healthy during this time.  

We have a good issue this time around.  A lot of great stuff in here.

As always, we are always in need of content - so don't be shy and submit today --> just drop me an email  holidaycafe.nicole@gmail.com

See you in the Fall

Nicole 

Musings for Moms - Covid

When we were first told to stay at home, it was for two weeks, then it became a month and now here we are three months later.

Thankfully, some of the restrictions have lifted, while others have stayed in place.  During those first few weeks, it was hard to juggle everything and worry about going out to the grocery store and bringing back this sickness and infecting the entire family.

My boys, they have held it together better than most, and I am thankful for their resiliency during all of this.  Online schooling was not always the easiest thing for us to get through, but we managed 12 weeks of online remote learning.  I truly hope that they will be able to go back to school in the fall.  I mean going to their actual schools.  Kids need to be around other kids, and can learn so much more in a classroom environment.  If they have to do some in-class and some remote, fine... whatever to keep the kids safe and healthy.  

Sure, they are on their devices way too much, but they also get outside and ride their bikes and swim.  My youngest learned how to ride a bike without training wheels during all of this.  So I guess that is something.  And we take walks around the block.  

I know my sleep schedule is all messed up, and when I return to work (in office - not at home) it's going to be an adjustment... like that last day of summer before school starts.  

Stay healthy everyone.


Nicole Leckenby is the co-founder/editor of The Holiday Cafe. She works full-time at the University of Pittsburgh and she has two amazing boys at home that keep her busy, along with a whole host of other things.  Check out her website leckenby3.wixsite.com/nicoleleckenby




Evan Dean Band - Interview

The Evan Dean Band puts on a fantastic live show, I have seen them perform live and on live video feeds for the past few years now.  I also have the pleasure of family being in the band (ok, so my family makes up like half the band), kinda cool right?!

They are a great group of people, and I was able to talk with Evan Dean briefly for a little interview.  Check it out, then go check them out!


1. Tell our audience about the Evan Dean Band? When did it begin? What kind of music do you play?
The Evan Dean Band began in 2015 in tis current iteration: Joe Cipollone- Keys, Vocals, Steve Dunn- Bass, Chris Belin- Drums, Natalie Belin- Percussion
We play Classic Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul, and Classic Country . We have a very eclectic playlist. It’s common for us to go from the Rolling Stones to Otis Redding to Johnny Cash to Chris Stapleton to Muddy Waters. 

2. When did you begin playing music? What instruments do you play? 
I began singing in the church choir at age 5. I’ve always been a singer. My mom said I came out singing… or was that screaming? In any case, I’ve always loved singing and when I was an awkward teenager, it was the only thing I liked about myself. I played violin and piano before guitar. But on the last day of 7th grade I broke my ankle and I decided that I would spend my summer learning the guitar. I was 13. From then on I was hooked on the instrument and I’ve never been able to put it down.

3. Who are your musical influences?
I have a very wide range of musical influences. Ask me on any day and you’ll get a different answer. But overall, I try not to write like any particular artist. I just try to get out what I hear in my head. I try to tell a good story, or paint a picture with my lyrics. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Marcus King Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Allman Brothers, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Wood Brothers, T-Bone Walker, Howlin Wolf. 
Evan Dean Band, Picture taken by N. Leckenby

4. Where are your favorite places to perform? 
We love playing outdoor festivals, community days, and private parties. We’re still playing a few despite the pandemic and we’re really looking forward to the Pleasant Hills Community Day on August 8th.

5. What is my inspiration for writing music? 
Most of the time I write about my own pain. I’m trying to process it and get another perspective on it. Writing about joy is harder, but “Southwind” was one of the first songs about joy and hope that I ever wrote and really liked. Sometimes I like to tell a story that’s totally made up but expresses something I’m feeling or a truth I see; The “Nitty Gritty” is an example of that kind of song.

6. The best way to get the most up to date info on the Evan Dean Band is at our website: www.EvanDeanBand.com. On our facebook page you can find our gig events, crazy pics, fan videos, etc: www.facebook.com/evandeanband. If you just want to see videos of my solo acoustic and the band go to my YouTube page: www.youtube/evandean31.


Nicole Leckenby is the co-founder/editor of The Holiday Cafe. She works full-time at the University of Pittsburgh and she has two amazing boys at home that keep her busy, along with a whole host of other things.  Check out her website leckenby3.wixsite.com/nicoleleckenby

Elephant



Painting By Pittsburgh Artist - Mary Dunn

Mary has been an artist since the age of 11.  She paints mostly in acrylic and takes commission work.  

Additionally, Mary has a  YouTube Channel where she provides free art lessons in acrylic and art journaling.

Mary has a BS in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Public Management.  

Recently, Mary illustrated a book, Summer Vacation by Nicole Leckenby.  She is working on her next illustrated book that should be completed around October, 2020.  Mary has also illustrated another book, The Many Colors of Natalie, by Natalie Belin.  Both books can be purchased on Amazon.



Friday, June 26, 2020

Grief


a raven pecks your heart   takes wing  
returns and returns

a brick thrown through your soul’s window with 
a note attached   I’ll never let go

a corner you round at the intersection of Heartbreak 
and What You Thought You’d Overcome

a sea of rage at the course of life

a God who turned his back   or never was

the keen of what forever means

songs you can’t listen to anymore

half a sandwich molding in her fridge

friends that don’t understand

a teacup half empty on his sink deck

that private language you shared

jokes no one else can get 

a shape in a crowd that must be he

a car she’s driving

a crib sans a future

an instrument  silent   on a music stand

a home that’s become a house

a sweater limp in a closet

a world of poor and empty



Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Atlanta Review, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, I-70 Review, The Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere.Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Atlanta Review, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, I-70 Review, The Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere.Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in 

Waiting Room Again


The lady with three kids
in the corner of the room yells:
“You want your ass warm?
I’ll beat your ass in front of anyone.
Don’t think I won’t!” She
screams as much for us
as for her doomed offspring.
This fleshy prodigy producer
should have taken a Do Not Reproduce 
pledge, but no luck. “I’ll beat your ass,”
she bawls again, and I find us another 
place to sit, far away from this 
impresario of abuse.

Judy has to get another injection
for the relentless pain in her hips and back.
Her cane keeps a mordant rhythm while 
we move to our new seats only to hear
the lady in the wheelchair by the fish tank
loudly proclaim, “What matters
is that you’re saved. The water 
doesn’t mean a thing. You’re saved
what’s important!” 

They take Judy for her injection and 
I jam plastic buds into my ear canals, 
hoping that Khachaturian will save me
from whaling fanatics and frantic
ferocious Medusas. When Judy returns
we go to lunch at the Regent Square Café.
I have bacon and eggs, she French toast.
The injection doesn’t work, her pain returns,
but the food is good, and the drive back 
made marvelous by the green/yellow gleam 
of sycamores that line our route home.


Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Atlanta Review, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, I-70 Review, The Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere.Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Atlanta Review, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, I-70 Review, The Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere.Charlie Brice is a retired psychoanalyst and is the author of Flashcuts Out of Chaos (2016), Mnemosyne’s Hand (2018), and An Accident of Blood (2019), all from WordTech Editions. His poetry has been nominated for the Best of Net anthology and twice for a Pushcart Prize and has appeared in The Atlanta Review, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, I-70 Review, The Paterson Literary Review, and elsewhere.

Charlie Brice Interview

1.  Tell our viewers a little about yourself.  How did you get into writing?

For years I didn’t know whether I wanted to be a musician (I played drums in a terrific soul band) or a writer, but when my mother got me a Royal portable typewriter in 1966, I sat down and typed out five poems, or at least what I thought were poems in those days. I’d only recently began reading poetry, especially e.e. cummings (still a huge favorite). My heroes in high school were The Beatles, James Brown, and Ernest Hemingway. In college I became a philosophy major. Then my heroes were Nietzsche, Spinoza, and Bob Dylan. This was during the Viet Nam War. I became a conscientious objector and was assigned to Denver General Hospital where I became passionately interested in psychology (I was an orderly on the Psychiatric ward) and where I became passionate with a cute intern in psychiatry, Judy Alexander. The passion never let up! Judy and I have been married for 45 years! We moved from Denver to Pittsburgh where I got my Ph.D. in psychology and practiced as a psychologist and psychoanalyst for 35 years. What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist I hear your readers asking: about $35 an hour (hardy har har). I also love to tell people that Judy drugs ‘em and I help ‘em get over it (but Judy doesn’t find that funny—also hardy har har!). Anyway, I wrote a bunch of papers in my field (I was especially interested in how the relational philosophy of Martin Buber could be applied to psychoanalysis). But around 2007, I started writing fiction. I got a few things published, but discovered that I loved writing poetry. I’ve been published now in over 150 journals, so I guess I found my niche. 

2.  Tell our viewers a little about book that was just released.

An Accident of Blood (WordTech Editions, 2019) is my third book and it was released almost a year ago. Some have seen it as a poetic memoir, but that was never my intention. True, the first section of the book deals with growing up in Cheyenne, Wyoming in the fifties and sixties, and the trials of living with alcoholic parents, but there are sections of the book that deal with political issues, Ekphrasis, nature, psychology, contemporary friendships, literary figures, philosophical issues, and even the art of poetry itself. There’s a lot of satire as well.

3.  What was the inspiration for the book?

In antediluvian days of yore, I took an English course in college. The professor, Bernie Beaver, said something I never forgot. He insisted that “anything can be a poem.” I’ve found this to be true over and over again and it’s probably why I’ve never faced any serious bout of writer’s block. Whenever I think my creative juices have dried up, I simply look around me, read a few lines out of a novel or history book—any book—even the newspaper, sit down and write. In other words, life itself inspires me. I seem to never run out of material. For example, the title poem, “Accidents of Blood,” came from reading a Facebook posting of a friend of mine who is a cowboy in Wyoming. We don’t agree on anything. He’s a right-wing evangelical Trump supporter and I’m a lefty atheist pinko. But my friend Bill described the decline and eventual death of his most beloved horse in such a way that his pain and suffering became dramatically present in my own life. The poem almost wrote itself. All that is to say that I’m constantly inspired by the world around me.



4.  Will you be out promoting the book, if so, where will you be?

I love to do readings and, up until this month, I’ve averaged a reading a month since the publication of my first book, Flashcuts Out of Chaos in 2016. In these days of COVID in person readings have disappeared. I have done a few readings on line and, if you search for me on Youtube, you’ll see me reading poems. I’m especially happy with the reading that’s entitled, “Charlie Brice: Hello Cooped-up World.” My friend, the poet Jeff Kass, wanted to have a series in which poets read their work and talk about their process that he could show to his high school creative writing classes. I loved making that video. You can find it here. I read several poems from Accidents of Blood in that video. I also recently read on Zoom for the C.C. Mellor Library here in Pittsburgh. That recording should be up soon at http://ccmellorlibrary.org/. If you search “Charlie Brice” on YouTube, you find a couple more recordings of me reading my work. Finally, if you check my Facebook page, you’ll see more about possible upcoming readings on line. https://www.facebook.com/charlie.brice


5.  Where can our viewers find your book?

The book is at Amazon and you can also get a signed copy from me. Send me an email at Charlie.brice@gmail.com and I’ll get one out to you for $21 (which includes shipping costs).

6.  Where can we find you on social media? 



Nicole Leckenby is the co-founder/editor of The Holiday Cafe. She works full-time at the University of Pittsburgh and she has two amazing boys at home that keep her busy, along with a whole host of other things.  Check out her website leckenby3.wixsite.com/nicoleleckenby

Abstract Theory - Interview



Abstract Theory

 
                                                        Photo credit: Shyan Montuoro

I promise you I will never forget April 16, 2019! Matt Calvetti hosted “The Get-Together” in Lawrenceville, which was a unique opportunity for a few local Pittsburgh artists to showcase their musical talents & artistic skills.  I was networking and selling fine art throughout the event. Whenever Abstract Theory started performing that’s when I stopped dead in my tracks! They had my full attention and nothing else mattered! They were high energy, captivating, no messing around, passionate, obviously talented, and unique! That’s when I realized there is rare opportunities for me to hear local Pittsburgh Hip Hop performers. I am thirty-five years old and I literally can count one other time! One! Which makes me ask why? What can be done to make sure Pittsburgh is giving musicians a proper future? With that being said enjoy the following interview with Abstract Theory!


1. Can you tell us about your background (where your love of music started, how did Abstract Theory begin)?

Louie: My love for music started with my father. When I was four or five, he bought me a keyboard for my bedroom. I set it right in front of the window and play it, terribly and as loud as possible, with the window open. We used to live in the projects so If some of the kids from around walked by I'd scream "Hey, listen to my music". I began playing terribly and as loud as possible. When I thought the song sounded done, I'd look, and no one would be standing there. I laugh quietly to myself when I tell that story cause now people pay to hear me play. I love it. Being so young and knowing I wanted people to hear what I had to say and express musically is a joy to look back on.

Troy: I grew up in Great Neck NY and I feel like my love of music started with my parents. My parents always played music like Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead and I love both of those bands, but my world changed when I discovered hip hop. I spent days on end learning rhymes, watching music videos, and interviews. I think being from NY also really influenced me since that is the birthplace of hip hop. 

As for Abstract Theory, we began after meeting through a mutual friend. We literally met freestyled together once and the rest is history.

2. Where do you think the Hip Hop scene is headed in Pittsburgh? 

Louie: I think the Hip Hop scene in Pittsburgh could/is only going to go up from here. But to be honest, it's nowhere near where it should be. That's why we've been working so hard and collaborating with as many creatives as possible to bring it into the proper lighting, so to speak. I know Troy and I speak on this often, but Hip Hop isn't a genre of music it's a culture and a way of life. It's something you live and stand by. Hip Hop is about community and building a path for future generations to lay steppingstones. As far as I see there's no clear end to Hip Hop, almost like a consistently loading video game scenery while walking through an rpg world.

Troy: It’s so hard to say. To start off with there are only about 5 emcees in the city I actually respect. Most “hip hop artists’ aren’t doing the culture justice so by default the culture doesn’t have a proper future. Most rappers are JUST rappers. They aren’t embodying hip hop. Hip hop is a lifestyle, it’s a being, it’s a vibration, it’s who you are at your core. Millvale music fest didn’t even have a hip hop/rap stage last year and hip hop statistically is the BIGGEST genre in the world. I think that speaks volumes on how the city views what we do and the culture we’re apart of. The only rap acts featured last year were the politically safe choices in the city. Hip hop only has a future if it’s nurtured properly. OGs and people like Louie and I need to teach and the young need to study. This culture is founded on peace, unity, and self-betterment. Right now, almost all of what I hear is drugs, material items, and disrespect towards our women.

3. Who are your most influential emcees?


Louie: There's too many for so many reasons, especially the earlier emcees because everyone has their own style, so to speak. Back in the day if you were caught jockin' someone’s style, you'd get the beat down, no if ands or buts about it. Nowadays, everyone sounds the same, everyone has the same autotune, the same look, the same flow, very few are out here doing something creative and different. But out of a list of 10, I'd have to say
1) MF Doom 2) DAS EFX 3) Mac Miller 4) Joey Bada$$ 5) Big L 6) Eminem 7) Isaiah Rashad 8) Mos Def 9) Biggie Smalls 10) Digable Planets

Troy: Slug of Atmosphere (the king, the goat, Rhymesayers is the best label in hip hop PERIOD), Black Thought, Common, Kendrick Lamar, and DMX


4. What do you want your audience to get out of your lyrics?

Louie: I want them to be able to connect, relate, and find solace somehow some way. Or be able to find a new friend just because their fans of us and they start their friendship through that.

Troy: I want them to understand that it is up to them to take charge of their own life. Society will not hold your hand and there are evil forces that wish to suppress us. Take matters into your own hands. Work hard, read, travel, grow, laugh, meditate, eat healthy, and most of all experience as much as possible.
Photo credit: Pat Bruener


5. I know that you recently did a European Tour!!! Can you describe what that opportunity was like?

Louie: The tour in the Netherlands was amazing. But it left me feeling almost empty inside because I knew I didn't reach my final goal or full potential yet. 

Troy: The tour was incredible. We made so many fans and had so many genuine interactions. We played for a minimum of 500 people a night at sold out shows. When you’re preceding a legend, it can be hard to captivate a seasoned audience, but we did and that felt amazing. We even got the cosign from KRS One and his whole team which was a dream come true. To me that was the ultimate sign that we’re on the right path and will be soon be legends in this culture. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Photo credit: Pat Bruener


6. Tell us some of your favorite experiences performing live?

Louie: One of my favorites is the first time I performed live with Troy. We actually performed for a few hundred students at PSU. We got to perform our first song we wrote together and a few others. Because that moment was so enjoyable and the crowd payed attention, if I get nervous, I usually think back to that performance. Another is probably one huge tie between the shows in the Netherlands. The people there are extremely humble with an alacrity to learn about you and from you. It makes me feel like I am beginning to reach others and connect with the world. 

Troy: Waaaaaaaay back in the day, eons ago, year 1 of us performing in the city. We played Art All Night, and, in the crowd, there were like 12 middle-high school kids vibing. I jumped in the crowd during one song to rock with them. Louie and I took a photo with them afterwards. There was one show on the KRS One tour where I freestyled with KRS on stage and he gave me props. Under the Bridge Festival which is a grassroots festival I threw with Louie that garnered over 500 people. We headlined since we put it on and just seeing how many people came out to support was incredible. Lastly literally anytime the crowd sings along with us I lose my shit.


7. Any information on any upcoming music from Abstract Theory? Where can our readers find out more information about you guys? (social media)?

Louie: We've been working on a ton of music. We have an album for you and quite a few singles between the two of us that we can't wait to release. We have also been stepping up our game on the merchandise side of things. From lunchboxes to yoga pants we got some amazing designs for the world. We've also been closely working with some of our favorite creatives in Pittsburgh to collaborate on merchandise. Every month or so we will be collaborating with another creative to put out some dope exclusive merchandise in our Digital Pop Up Shop, all of which are only available for FOUR hours each drop. Personally, I'm a fan of having something not many people have, so we wanted to create that idea around our merchandise. You can find the digital pop up shop on our website abstracttheory.net. If the store isn't open, you can find info on when it opens again.

Troy: New project is in the works now, tons of solo work from each of us, when COVID is over the greatest events Pittsburgh ever done seen (laughing maniacally). You can find all of our updates on Instagram @abstracttheoryofficial and you can check out our music on all streaming services by searching Abstract Theory. 


Natalie is the author of The Many Colors of Natalie, a book of poetry.  She holds an associates degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Pastry Arts and in her spare time is an artist and percussionist.