Jazz article: “Trudy Pitts: Extraordinary Pianist & Master of the Hammond B-3” by Pheralyn Dove

Jazz article: “Trudy Pitts: Extraordinary Pianist & Master of the Hammond B-3” by Pheralyn Dove

Vernal Equinox 2012 – Running and Writing

Hello Friends,
How are you? It’s been way too long but finally I am back. I promise to do better with keeping you posted going forward. Happy Spring! The cherry blossoms are in bloom! I just love this glorious time of year. Everything in nature is new and burgeoning. To celebrate, (and to make up for never getting around to writing 2012 New Year’s Resolutions) I have embarked on a project of re-commitment, renewal and reinvention. A barely perceptible, low-grade lull I had been experiencing has miraculously lifted. I feel revived, invigorated. I am emerging from my cocoon, slowing coming out, opening up, becoming the real me, envisioning self-actualization, meditating on my true essence: the Lady Dove Redux, the Pheralyn Divine.

Encouraging evidence abounds as my angels float around, whispering in my ear, sitting on my shoulder, guiding my thoughts and actions. Early mornings find me on the jogging trail, training for September’s half-marathon and November’s full marathon. Oh how good it feels to be running, running, running! Evenings and late nights I am consumed with writing and chipping away at various creative projects. Throughout the week, I give myself over to personal, professional, and volunteer ventures I am so humbled to be associated with. This semester marks my 15th year as a writing instructor in Temple University’s Pan African Studies Community Education Program. What an honor! I am so thankful, so grateful, truly in awe of the confidence the Creator has placed in me to pursue my dreams and accomplish goals on this earth plane.

Recently I went to an exhilarating performance by the dynamic vocalist, Simone, the only child of Nina Simone. She did not disappoint. I’ll be writing more about that amazing experience in the days ahead. Next weekend I’m going to see the fabulous Angelique Kidjo. So I’m looking forward to writing about that as well. Here in Philadelphia, an inspirational Peace Mural Project featuring Haiku poetry is underway. Sister Sonia Sanchez, the prolific poet, professor and activist is very much involved. I will keep you updated about the Peace Mural Project, as well as Sister Sonia’s upcoming reading at the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m.

I trust this first day of Spring finds everyone in a positive, peaceful, productive mode. Stay encouraged! Be energized! Embrace the spirit of gratitude! Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings Always.

The Journey Continues

“Gratitude as a
Perpetual state of life
Nourishes the soul.” – Haiku by Lady Dove

As I look at the snow outside my window here on the East Coast, I’m savoring memories of strolling through fertile vineyards in Napa Valley last fall. As I contemplate the travels behind me, I am exhilarated about the possibilities ahead. Signs of inspiration are all around, encouraging me to embrace life and all that I love, urging me to cultivate and share my unique gifts, talents and abilities. This exuberance feels ageless, weightless - timeless – like falling in love, or discovering your true purpose in life. When I started this blog, I held this false notion that when I woke up in 2011 everything would be fresh and new, and there’d be a brand new me, completely transformed in every aspect. But now I truly realize it’s not so much the destination as it is the journey, taking it all in, step by step, allowing faith to lead me to my destiny. It’s about seeking out and reveling in being in my element, being in my most positive and productive flow – whether it’s spending time with my loved-ones, writing, performing spoken word, jogging, or hooking up my favorite outfits, like the one I’m wearing here while touring the Napa Valley. So yes, when I consider it all, I am eternally grateful, as I continue on this path of living in a state of perpetual gratitude.

Jacket: “Our Place” on Spring Garden Street
Blouse: “Gwen’s Alcove” on Maplewood Mall
Belt: Nine West
Scarf – Gifted
Bag – Melie Bianco
Slacks – “Top of the Hill” in Wynnewood
Hoop earrings – Gifted
Necklace – Thrifted
Bracelet- Gifted

Angel Over My Shoulder

The year has flown by so fast! Like you, I've had challenges and triumphs. Through it all, I continue to stay encouraged. When I started this blog back in January, I had all these fantasies about documenting amazing changes I was imagining. I looked forward to an incredible year of transformation in all aspects of my life. I pledged to take you on an odyssey of hope and fulfillment. But now that the year’s just about over, I realize the transformation I dream about is only getting started. So instead of drawing up a score card listing what I accomplished or did not accomplish in 2010, I’m affirming that the journey itself is the biggest blessing. I realize that living in a state of perpetual gratitude is the light and motivation that drives me. I realize being thankful is the key to my success. I realize living and breathing and moving forward with positive thoughts is a driving force that cannot be measured or gauged. One of the most affirmative outward expressions I took this year was to create a writing space in my home that honors the literary artist I know lives deep in my spiritual essence. I believe this painting of an angel, which is a treasured gift, is so appropriate in my “magic room.” She floats just over my shoulder while I’m writing, constantly reminding me of the miracle my life is. May her inspiration spread to your world too! Peace & Blessings Always.

Perpetual State of Gratitude

As a distance runner I am aware of the reality that sometimes you plod along and sometimes you float. Today, I floated. I felt the sensation that my body was running. I wasn’t running; my body was running for me. A perfectly effortless peaceful state of Zen passed through me as I pounded the asphalt, one foot after another, one breath after the next. First I spotted a butterfly and as my eyes followed it fluttering by, I saw a robin red breast perched low on a nearby branch. I looked down and my neighbor’s garden filled with pink and white impatiens greeted me with cheer and encouragement as I whizzed by. What a welcoming affirmation to the start of a new day.
Here’s a photo of me last Fall at the finish line of the Half-Marathon in Philadelphia. This year I’m training for the Philadelphia Marathon, with a goal of finishing in less than four hours. Yes, a four hour marathon is mine! Wish me luck. Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings Always.

A Sanguine & Winding Road

As the journey continues, I look forward. I think back. I’m the traveler on the road, seeing my destination before me, thinking about how far I’ve come. Thinking about how this journey is me; the road is me: I am gradually finding my way. When I think about food, I realize food is my friend on this journey, not an enemy to take blame, or a weakness to avoid. Food comforts, nourishes, soothes, satisfies. I love food, absolutely adore it. I love to cook and eat and entertain.
Yet as I reach this phase of my life – this juncture in the journey – I realize I am willing to love my food in a way so that my food can love me back. I realize I am willing to lower my caloric intake, eat a higher quality of food and exercise consistently in order to achieve the balance my soul is craving.
Now that I have come out of denial and owned up to all the weight I’ve gained, I can’t blame it on food or the aging process, as much as I acknowledge that the added weight represents an imbalance – an emotional imbalance - an intellectual disconnect.
So as I travel along this journey, I’m checking the compass, making sure I’m pointed in the right direction. The focus is on finding my center, reaching an effortless state of equilibrium. Interestingly, this trip is actually a journey of the mind. The road stretching out before me is a journey toward more love, complete acceptance. And that place is ultimately deep down inside. This journey is moving me along the path, taking me toward a place where I make better choices in my mind about how I want to live my life. As the journey continues, I remain ever so thankful, triumphant and confident I will reach the desired destination very soon, and that point of destination is a state of perfectly balanced health and fulfillment. Yes, as the journey continues I remain optimistic and happy this road I’m on keeps me spiraling upward on a path of perpetual gratitude. Asante Sana. Peace and Blessings Always.

Summer Solstice - 2K10 Turning Point

Well, here we are. School’s out. It’s hot. The flowers are in full bloom. Today’s the official beginning of summer. Today’s the day that gives us more daylight than any other day of the year. The Summer Solstice also marks the end of the mid-year point - the shift to the final months of the year. Once our brief summer season is over, it’s back to school, and before you know it, the holidays will be here. So if there is anything you want to accomplish during 2010, now’s the time to do it. Now is the time to hunker down so you’ll meet your goals by year’s end. What are some of your heart’s desires? Close your eyes for a moment and meditate on what it is that you really want. Determine that you will stay the course. Remain positive that you will achieve your goals. For me, it’s all about transformation. Dream career. Dream salary. Dream health and fitness. Dream destinations. Dream life. The journey continues. I’m pursuing my passions as I revel in my dreams. Yes: dreams, aspirations, prayers and affirmations. Blessings during the Summer Solstice.