ok…this blog has nothing to do with me or my music. This is about a serious issue that many women…and men…battle…breast cancer. This is in honor of a friend’s sister that passed away this year after a long fight with this disease.

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both women AND men, although male breast cancer is rare.

Yes men…you can get breast cancer too. Don’t think just because you don’t have “boobs” you cannot get breast cancer. Each year, about 2,000 men in this country learn they have breast cancer.

Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2010:

New cases: 207,090 (female); 1,970 (male)
Deaths: 39,840 (female); 390 (male)

You might think these numbers are low but they are too high considering early detection can cut these numbers down tremendously. Early detection is important so do what you can by noting any breast changes. This includes any changes to your nipples, breast pigmentation, increase in size, and lumps or masses in your breasts and arm pits.

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. So, please visit The National Cancer Institute to learn everything you need to know about this silent killer.

Please support research so that we can find a cure. Visit the Charles Burch Breast Cancer Foundation and join the global Breast Cancer Movement and help saves lives.

Support the Breast Cancer Movement. - jai Moi

Love yourself, know your body and feel your own boobies ladies. Guys do the same…rub on that chest

peace, blessings and continued good health,
jai Moi

Ok….so it is 2:26 am. I was sleep but I can’t sleep now. So I’m sitting here typing up this blog on my cell knowing I won’t post it until tomorrow. But if I don’t do it now, it won’t get done cause it’s going to be another one of those days.

I just have a lot on my mind these days and so much to do. If only I could steal a couple of hours each day or stop time long enough to just …breathe… Sometimes it feels like I am running on fumes.

I posted a status on Facebook a few days ago and it just said “…patience…”. Sometimes I have to remind myself that
1) I am not superwoman. I cannot do it all no matter how much I try.
2) I cannot control the actions of others no matter how much I’d like to. And
3) Everything will fall into place within due time.

I guess I was a little disappointed because my band practice was cancelled and I did not have control over the situation. And I thought back at the times I had to push back a project and I got off the schedule I had created… So I will continue to develop my patience and work diligently to do my part.

It is hard when you want something so much that you can taste it. It’s like – right in your grasp yet so far away. ….All a part of being an independent artist. I should be soooo used to this now. But I am not. So please be patient with me as I continue to grow and work on and getting this train rolling. Because once it gets its fuel, its going to be hard to stop. ;). Now you understand why I call this blog “the journey of an indie-soul songstress”? Lol. It is definitely that … A journey. It’s a mixture of fun, passion, sweat, frustration, excitement, fear, courage, joy, highs and lows — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! :-D. I L-OVE what I do.

Ok. I think that was medicinal because now I am finally feeling like I can fall to sleep.

Sweet dreams….until next time..

Last week was a lot to take in! I wanted to blog while things were actually taking place so that you could feel the energy that I was feeling…but I was just exhausted!!

A fellow artist friend told me about this dope opportunity to be in the newly formed “Triangle Voices” choir singing backgrounds at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) for the sneak preview of the Broadway play “The Lion King” last Monday. It was wonderful…such an enriching experience! Not only did I get to meet a couple of cool artists in the area and artists that are actually on Broadway, but I also had the opportunity to see some of what goes on behind the scenes for such a huge production and see the staff work their magic. “The Lion King” is going to be a PHENOMENAL production so make sure you check it out when it is officially released in January 2011 at DPAC in Durham, NC.

Friday and Saturday, I participated in the MoSoul Poetry Festival. I am a closet poet…definitely not a spoken word artist. But it was nice to participate in an event like this. Not only did it push me out of my comfort zone, but I met some cool people AND I got to work with kids. That was my favorite part! The teens at Folk Community Center in Greensboro, NC are awesome! That was really the highlight of my week! I was teamed up with spoken word artist LB (Lyrically Blessed) and musician/spoken word artist/singer Lizh. The kids loved it! The entire group of us (9 total) hit up the library next cipher style…then had a very intriguing and jaw-dropping dinner/showcase at The Grub (wow) … and finally – Midnight Poetry. All of that was Friday. Saturday was the actual festival. It was H-O-T…not just because I was outside in the scorching sun but it lit a fire within my spirit! When I got home Saturday night, I passed out! I mean for real! I went to sleep as soon as my head hit my pillow.

After ALL of that, which does not include a meeting I had with the fabulous singer/songwriter/musician Alexi that Tuesday, I felt like I was bathed in musical notes. I still have this orgasmic looking glow! Woo! LOL

Update time….

I am back in full force with a top-notch FULL band. Drums, percussions, keyboards, guitars, bass, trumpet…awwww yea…and these peeps are sizzling hot! They don’t play!! So make sure you check us out! I may have a few surprises up my sleeve … ha…watch out now!

I still have my date scheduled in Niles, OH. So if you are in the area, PLEASE make sure you come out and support a sista and hear about Derrick Oliver’s book, “Now What”. He’s also working on a new book but I’ll let you hear about it from him. His book is eye-opening and definitely a must-read. What a gifted author!

My EP, Vocally Yours, will be released in August 2010!!