I believe life's greatest challenge is learning the art of detachment.
Detachment doesn't mean not caring. It means going beyond your everyday crutches.
Seeing through my carefully crafted so-called reality.
The veil of smoke over our eyes is the ego, it is the cloud that dims the Light of truth.
I wonder what is so difficult about staying still and experiencing the love and light that is continuously shining on us?
Do you have to be a monk or a spiritual guru hermit-type to ascend to this ideal state of being? How can a regular human being immersed in society achieve enlightenment?

I am often weary of obsessing over myself and my immediate surroundings.
As hard as I try to stay focussed on the big picture, it invariably comes back to me, me, me.
At least I understand one principle: everything that I feel and perceive comes from me, my reaction to events and my emotional state belong to me.
The answers are from the inside out.

There are those who say that the task at hand is getting back to the Centre and being aware of what we are destined to become.
I tend to agree.
It is much easier to rant and rave about the world going to shit rather than tend to the painful truth inside myself.
I like to call it "fine-tuning".
Our existence has been compared to music since ancient times.
When the true soul vibrations we emit reach out and touch someone, then change has begun.
Then life is in movement and serving its purpose.
The more we resonate with each other the more universal equilibrium is attained.

If I am silent, I will hear the sound so deep within and begin to feel the rhythm.
When I silence the ego, I hear the music.

"I may know the Word, but not say it. I may know the Truth, but not face it…"
-Natalie Merchant

Josée

My dad's birthday today. My brother's was yesterday.

The whole famdamly was reunited at mom and dad's in St. Albert, AB.
I'm homesick. Need some of that dry, crisp air and crystal blue sky.
Could also use a dose of Albertan humour and the good old boys/ lo-down home attitude. Yeah, I know, get over it.

I have some truly amazing days here in the nation's capital mind you. I even have moments of grace.
I asked a friend what his definition of a moment of grace would be.
It's when you tap into the connection between you and the divine, he said. It's beyond the intellectual realm and closer to divine essence. Clarity. Peace. Ahhh
I'm a 'moment of grace' addict myself. I can't get enough. I want the recipe but there just ain't no way to know how to capture one.
We can only prepare for those moments by keeping the channels free and open. By having a strong and humble mind as well as tremendous flexibility .
I am only starting to grasp some of what is going on around and between and through us.
We all need one another. The messages are being transmitted all the time.

Let's tap in.

Josée

God bless America! It's a hot spell here in the nation's capital; if we were smart we'd do like the Africans or the Mexicans and have long naps in the middle of the day.
But no, the relentless task at hand commands constant brain activity leading to burnout.

Yes, this is a period of reflection.I am asking myself the questions that anyone in midlife crisis would ask. The beauty of aging is getting to know one's self, realizing that all the episodes in one's life have a purpose and trusting that you will find your way through it all.

Life is difficult. Yeah so? Get over it… Meanwhile, my children are growing up and looking to me for guidance. The lesson or the example I'd like to give is to always live to the fullest and be true.
And when I die, I would like my kids to describe me as 'inspirational'.

Other than that, I went to see Daniel Lanois in concert at Major Hill's Park and he's just like the rest of us artists. I wanted to hear "Whole lotta love to give", oh well, fireworks were amazing
and the walk back to Quebec across the bridge was real nice, there were tons of people on the streets, everyone festive and enjoying Canada Day.

God bless Canada!

Josée

Well folks, here it is, my new website. Welcome one and all. When you're done touring, drop a few lines in the guestbook, let me know how you like it.
The site was created by "Jack of all trades", Luc Beaulac (yes, the same guy from the album). I assisted him by simply nodding my head in approval of his artistic endeavours. Oh well, what can I say, life's tough ;)
I also had a wonderful wizard of words, Lara Mainville, write up a captivating biography. Even I was impressed with myself, after reading it. Great ego-booster. It is a blessing to work with such talented artists.

Life is good. I must always remind myself to take the time to appreciate what I have. There is much to be grateful for. I live in a free country where war is something you watch on TV. When I step outside, I can breathe in the fresh spring air and catch a glimpse of pussy willows while listening to the birds.
I am surrounded by beautiful people and great opportunities.

God bless

Josée

Hello my dear fans. I apologize for the delay. I'm sure you've all been anxiously awaiting this second page from my journal..:)
I received comments in regards to my first page. Some thought it a little too... "forward" I guess. Maybe I'll keep things more civilized.

Here's the latest:
My CD should be ready for manufacturing within a week or two. I'm sure you will enjoy the shot we took for the cover. The piano in that shot is the same one I played on for the album. It's beeauutiful.

Now, it's time to prepare the CD release. I have many grand ideas; a cathedral ceiling venue with blue velvet curtains, lots of bubbly and hors-d'oeuvres. I have visions of people lounging around on comfy couches, schmoozing and chilling out.
Then, suddenly, the music fades, the curtains slowly part, I slip out and saunter over to the waiting ebony grand piano, wearing a long black gown with a slit all the way down the back. Smooooth as silk,..aaahh

The next time I write, I'll tell you all about it.
In the meantime, hold on to your dreams.

Josée

So after a period of bitter creative drought, that plunged me into a painful self-doubting and questioning mode, I came back to the piano. I can remember times when I would look at my instrument and want to kick it in the keys. Nothing more frustrating than the yearning to play but everything sounds like shit.

So I read "The Artist's Way", did the exercises, and started listening to Clarissa Pinkola Este tapes on how to rekindle the "Creative Fire".
Anyway, la-di-da. I was lost, oh yeah.

Years later, I sit and play, feel and trust.
Go with the ebb and the flow. What is, just is. So there.
Soon, you'll be able to hear some stuff and look at some live shots.

If you want to reach me, just click on contact.
Soon,

Josée