A NEW SEASON.

NOW. I had the good pleasure of being in Grant Park when history was made. Let me lay out the night for you in a few quick sentences as I know some of you may be tired of hearing about it (NOT I!)...so, I live in downtown Chicago and after work, there was a hum of hope and anticipation over chicago. As I walked to Grant Park, it was around 70 degrees, there were thousands of hopeful people making their way to bars, parties, different parts of Grant park, big screens everywhere so that travelers wouldn't miss out on any updates, the flashing lights from the stage that had Barack's name all over it were in the background as people moved like ants on a mission (I am speaking from the perspective of not being in the main part of Grant Park). Once I got to my standing spot, I actually thanked God that I wasn't in the main part because it would have been more crowded. Where I was had a great personal space room and a great view of the big screen. Hallelujah.

We all know that the moment CNN displayed a "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!.....BARACK OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT", the crowd went wild. Some laughed, others clapped, others smiled, still others reflected, and other yelled and screamed. Then came the "YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!" chant and we were off. The whole world at that point was trying to call home which meant no one could get through on their phone lines, but nonetheless, we had each other to celebrate with. Perfect strangers came together like old friends and everyone beamed. We just beamed with pride.

I have to give it to McCain, he made a pretty decent concession speech. And as Obama took the stage, chills came over my body and we all cheered. There are no words that can encapsulate his extreme humility and accomplishment in that one moment. THEN (and this is secretly, my favorite part!) his family came out. God only knows how to create such a PULCHRITUDINOUS family ( I had to use that word...it's my favorite word).

NOW. Michelle Obama is a whole different story. Especially for me, as a young African-American woman. Her beauty radiates in so many directions that one doesn't know what to do with oneself. All I have to say about her is: the next day, I put on my best work clothes, put on my stilletos, put on my make up and walked into work representing myself in such a proud and confident manner that I thought I didn't have in me. She helped to bring it out of me (judge me if you will, but everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere/someone). A friend told me that NOW black women are vogue because of her.

Well, I mean...have you looked at her lately? With that unique, everyday beauty that is not glorified much..with her real woman figure (real women definitely have curves), her beautiful Michelle Obama smile with it's hint of crookedness (very slight)....all of that makes such a beautiful role model for all of us.
NOW. Because of Michelle, GBKs and the like can look up, be encourage, and aspire.

NOW. Because of Barack, black men have a chance to enhance their image which has been misunderstood (by both blacks and non blacks). Yes, beautiful black men, YOU CAN DO IT! whatever it is...

NOW. Because of Barack and Michelle, Black MARRIAGE and BLACK LOVE can begin to move to higher heights in from the outside perception (others looking in) as well as the inside perception (us looking at ourselves and determining what it should be like).

NOW. Because of the Obamas. Black family can begin to move to higher heights as well. MAN Oh MAN. Nothing can stop a strong, positive, God fearing Black family. Nothing.

Whew...I am going to come off of my soap box because I have a tuna casserole to check, but all of this rambling to say: IT IS INDEED A NEW DAY. In soooooo many respects. I haven't even scratched the surface in this blog.

TO everyone out there, like Esther in the Bible, why wouldn't Barack step into office during such a time as this?

With GOD, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

And MOM, I know you see this from where you are. YOUR EFFORTS have NOT been in vain. You were there before Michelle Obama, teaching me how a black woman should conduct herself and her business. I love you and miss you as always. MY heart will never stop bleeding for you, but TODAY is also a new day. And I am seeing the hope that you have given me, rise up in me again.

Much love.

NY! NY!

I had a blast this past weekend.

I went to NY with my Gospel Choir and we visited a church in Harlem, 2 schools, a Jewish Community Center, and Lincoln Center was the last stop. Amen.

I had a great time debuting my demo songs at Jazz@ Lincoln Center! Now onto finishing my album!

My choir is dolng big things. big things. If only you could see us. Well...I guess you can...
go to Waltcunningham.net and there will be a list of our performance appearances.

Our goal is sing music of hope, faith, and inspiration. Plain and simple. Plain and simple.

I realize that my blogs have become less catchy and I apologize for that...I'll hit you up with better posts soon.

But in the meantime, go to Waltcunningham.net!!!! :0)

The Secret Life...

My goodness..."The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd totally just rocked my socks.

It all started on an unusually warm Friday night in September, when my best friend and I went to go see "A Family That Preys". Now...I love Tyler Perry, but that movie detracted from my life. HOWEVER, Lou and I got to see a trailer for the movie "The Secret Life of Bees"....we both became very excited. I, because my celebrity crush (Nate Parker from "The Great Debaters") is in it, and Lou, because it is one of her favorite books of all time. She turns to me and says "we have to read this book"....only to say, about a month and some later, I am a pridefully joined the group of women who call this book one of their favorite books of all time. Great read. And what I really liked was the great one-liners sprinkled throughout the book. I want to encourage you guys to read this book BEFORE seeing the movie. I know, I know....the temptation is strong, but be strong! Indulge in a Penguin Classic, will ya? Just to make me happy and then jump on the Hollywood bandwagon. Now, I am not saying that the movie won't be good...for I am about to go pay $11.00 to go see it....I am banking on it to be a pleasurable experience. HOWEVER, I know that there is nothing like a good book. Amen for GREAT WRITING. Just what I needed in this crazy world of economic downturn, incompetent presidents, and just hatred in many realms of society. This book speaks to the wonder of love and the power of love. Call it a chick book/flick...call it what you want. But I am better for having read it. Amen.

Shout out to Sue Monk Kidd for a great classic.

My Debut

I should be reading "The Secret Life of Bees" right now...but I felt compelled to write a blog.

So. In about a week, I will be debuting myself as a solo artist at Lincoln Center (Oct 28th). I am excited. A few years back, I promised myself that I wouldn't go down this road which would lead to disappointment. But God had other plans. Now, I am not saying that He wants to make me a superstar, but He definitely wants me to sing. And to this, I say "Ok God- Use me." Easier said than done. Nonetheless, it will be done.

Sometimes I think about how harmonies and great lyrics and beautiful voices can make my heart skip a beat. Nothing else can do that--except for true love (and I haven't experienced that yet!). If I took away ALL of the fears about people's judgment of my art and my gift, I could honestly say that singing is the love of my life. I used to think that being a musician is nothing compared to being a doctor, a professor, or a CEO. But one day, I woke up and God was telling me this: "they all need you. Doctors, professors, and CEOs need music"...now, they don't need me per say, but music is something that everyone needs. I rarely meet a soul that does not let music into a very sensitive part of themselves because of its capacity to enlighten, bring joy, bring tear, and bring healing. God wants to use me and I cannot fight it anymore.

I heard my demo on Saturday morning and there was nothing that could have brought more joy to my heart (other than falling in love and/or seeing my mother again). But alas, he is waking me up....God is waking up this droopy Blackbird that has been singing in the dead of night for too long.

It's time to take my chance.

Home Sweet Home

On Friday, October 3rd, I went home.

Home to me is Brooklyn, NY. However, home has taken on a double meaning. It also means Chicago. I flew into LaGuardia Airport and NY felt like what Chicago felt like to me when I lived in Brooklyn. Roles have not only overlapped, but reversed as well. Strange.

After a few minutes of analyzing this, I was back to normal (never been good at adjustments). Now, the reason I was home was to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. We had a nice party for him at the house and I was again flooded by the feeling of "man, I have sooo many great friends in NY! I miss seeing them all the time!" We had a blast! My dad's party was open to everyone so my friends were able to come and boy oh boy did we make a night of it. If you recall, my pre-Chicago posts are all about my friends.

If you take nothing from this, just remember to always have a great core group of friends.

As you can see, there isn't really much to this post, but to say to my friends: I love you guys.

Thanks for making home feel like home.

BK fo' life :0)

ChiTown Livin'

I must start out by apologizing for leaving this blog to a very boring existence for a number of weeks (I couldn't bear to count).

Where do I start?

Okay....it all started with a more than 12 hour wait in LaGuardia Airport as I was flying stand by and there were showers in Chicago which caused numerous flight cancellations and thus minimizing my chances of getting a free seat on the planes that left every hour...trying times...

BUT ALAS!!! I made it to Chicago by midnight on Saturday, July 19, 2008 (I got to ride first class). A momentous occasion that merited many "Thank You, Father"s and "Never again will I fly stand by"s...but the point is...I made it.

Since then..this is what has happened:
-I had my first all day corporate interview
-I got my first corporate job offer ever
-I had my very first wedding gig
-I got to see what a typical day at Careerbuilder.com for an employee looks like (enticed me for a minute..but no)
-I wrote a song about being stuck in LaGuardia (stay tuned for its youtube appearance)
-I sailed on a friend of a friend's boat on Lake Michigan and got to see Chicago in its awesome pulchritude during the most delicate hours of the Chicago's crepuscule
-I shopped for the first time at Costco (a very overwhelmingly pleasurable experience)
-I joined an amazing church
-I joined a high quality gym
-I met Kindred the Family Soul
-I met MC Lyte
-I was asked out on a date by Wyclef Jean's cousin
-I bought my very first Hawaiian Breeze fan
-I became addicted to the Showtime show..."Weeds"...go figure...and isn't Conrad freakin' gorgeous?
-I went to Lincoln Park's free conservatory and zoo (don't knock a day at the zoo- fun for ALL ages...no matter how many times you've been)
-I bought a new ipod
-I rode the El(evated) for the first time by myself (this is what the native Chicagoans call the train...whatever...)

Yea...just a glimpse into my 2 weeks of ChiTown livin'. More interesting things to come. I hope.

Stay smooth...

Grown Up in NYC

As I prepare to make the big move from the Big Apple to the Windy City, the Big Apple is perhaps showing Chicago for what it may be, just wind. Until now, I have not been able to enjoy NYC as a 21 year old. Well, thank God for friends and a whetted appetite for a more mature hang out scene. Needless to say, my girls and I have hit up a few clubbing scenes in the NYC and we have never left disappointed! There is something about the excitement as one peruses the colorful aisles of stores such as Forever 21 for a great clubbing outfit. Or is the realization that one can host tails at one's house before going out without a guilty bone in one's body? Hmmm...perhaps it is the strategic planning of how to push all cosmetics, comfortable shoes, a cell phone, and a wallet into a very small and fashionable purse? No, I'd say it is the feeling one gets when she steps into that club with her stilletos on, her girls by her side, a drink on the horizon (try the "Incredible Hulk"--it hits the spot), the engulfing nature of the music, and the possibility of meeting some very interesting dance partners.

Ladies Night.

There could be nothing better than a group of best friends playing policeman over each other so as to prevent an unwanted dance partner (key strategies: rotating your dancing circle, a slight disgusted look on your face, or boldly telling a guy that your best friend is not interested. plain and simple).....BUT they also know when you want to indulge a partner and then leave you to your own tango. Words cannot do justice for such an experience with such discerning ladies.

In the end, your girls had your back enough to take a great picture of you and the greatest dance partner you have ever encountered. These pictures end up on facebook, which genuinely bring a smile to your face (as well as a multitude of hilarious comments) as you realize how blessed you are to have your.....( and I will only allow myself to write this once).... ride or die chicks (don't judge me).

Amen.

May every girl be so blessed to have a best friend, a dance partner, a police(wo)man, a drinking partner, a shoe/bag watcher, a bathroom buddy, and a hype girl all in a couple of girls that you choose to go out with....for ladies night.

Big ups: Anike, Karen, and Destiny.
Absentee big ups: Jessie, Louisa, and Aimee.

Thank you for being my police(wo)men.

And thank you, NYC.

Kurt Elling...be still my foolish heart!

Nothing can be better than a summer Sunday evening experience that consists of a nice, cool, dark NY jazz club (re: Birdland), a crab cake sandwich, some bubbly black cherry soda, and the smooth sultriness of Kurt Elling's voice. He is the ideal to a developing musician (re: ME!). He walks on to the stage with a mischievous smirk as he plans to seduce all of his listeners into a love that will end up being unrequited because well folks... he's married and has a kid (I know...I cried too).
It was my pleasure to hear my absolute favorite Kurt Elling piece which consists of questions that can only be answered by the wonders of God....How did smoke learn how to fly? Where to birds go off to die? Why does coal sleep in darkness? Do dreams live in apart-ness? Is a number forever? Where's the soul of the water? How old is Old November? No one here can remember. If I die, where does time go? Do the bees feel vertigo? To get love is there potion? Or is love only motion?

Really? Really? Be still my foolish heart! Kurt Elling is the reason why I still listen to jazz. He embodies all that I have ever wanted in a male voice. His range is ridiculous, his timbre is stone cold rugged (yet clear), his lyrics make you dream, and his presence is that of your favorite/coolest uncle.

I can only dream to be that great. Too bad he didn't remember me when I went up to him and tried to jog his memory of having sung for him a little more than a year ago in a masterclass he conducted at Dartmouth. Honestly, I was a little disappointed, but then I remembered: He's Kurt Elling! Everyone who hears his voice falls in love with him and that is why it took me like 15 minutes to get a chance to speak to him. He's not going to remember little ole me...but one day he may. And on that day, my foolish heart will stand still.

Blackbird With the Blackberry

As my padre was telling me a story, I drifted into a fantasy world which ended with a very profound question that needed immediate attention: Was I due for an upgrade on my phone plan? I apologized to my padre for not paying attention and I explained to him the depth of my question and he said the most magical words known to my little tympanic membranes (well...pinnas to be exact): you should get a blackberry. Now, surprisingly, that had never crossed my mind. But once the words escaped his mouth, I was on a mission. Needless to say, 24 hours later, I am the proud owner of a new pink blackberry pearl. Some might ask: what does she need a blackberry for? She's only going to be a musician, not a businesswoman. And my answer is: I need a blackberry because my padre is telling me to grow up (take that). And musicians are business people as well--don't sleep on us. Blessing the world with our talents is a BIG business. All this to say that the blackbird is happy with her blackberry. She shall sing in the dead of night...and check her email at the same time.

Moses Was Special/Yahweh is My Middle C

I always knew that Moses was a special guy. I guess I am not the only one, but there has always been something about Moses that jumped out at me. More than David, more than Abraham, more than Isaac, more than Jacob, and more than the disciples. Moses and I have a special connection probably because I have felt like Moses throughout college, or the fact that facebook's "what Biblical Character Are You" application said I was a Moses, or maybe that "The King of Egypt" is one of my favorite movies. I don't know, but I woke up and started reading Max Lucado's "Traveling Light" and he writes that Jesus never told Abraham and others his real name, which is "Yahweh". However, God told Moses that his name was "Yahweh". Every other Biblical personality that I know of called God by his title such as "El Shaddai" or "El Olyon" or "El Olam", while Moses knew God by His name: Yahweh. Isn't that something. Moses was special. He was the underdog, insecure, anxious, and hopeless, YET God chose him to do a mighty work. God can use ANYONE!!!! Moses is my hero. As I go into the real world wondering if I am up to what I have been chosen to do, I will remember Moses.

Now...onto the idea that is on the right of my title's slash: Yahweh is My Middle C. Max Lucado is speaking the truth. This phrase means that God is an unchanging God. And Max phrased it in a musician's terminology--just my cup of tea. God is My Middle C.
"That's middle C! It was middle C yesterday; it will be middle C tomorrow; it will be middle C a thousand years from now. The tenor upstairs sings flat. The piano across the hall is out of tune, but my friend, that is middle C." (Lucado, pg. 15). God is just like that and it is a simple phenomenon that we tend to forget when life's storms hit us and disorient us. God is always the same--there are countless scriptures that say that. I take this to heart because life continues to change for me whether it is the death of a loved one, graduation, my move to Chicago, my new music career, etc--through all of that, God is that unchanging middle C. Amen.

Corporate Recruiting? YIKES!!!!

So, it's been about 2 weeks since graduation and I have applied to a multitude of jobs over the Internet. All seemed hopeless until I checked my email tonight and found some responses from 3 corporations I have sent my resume to. A bit scary, I must say. I am planning on pursuing music next year. Not business. However, I need a job and I am always ready to expand my skill set. Who said music didn't involve business? It is just a scary thing to realize that 2 seemingly opposing worlds are tugging at your time and dedication for the upcoming months. Shooot....my school didn't even have a business major. I am a liberal arts musician trying to find some employment....but who said I couldn't try my hand at some business? Everyday I realize that this upcoming year is going to be a whirlpool of new opportunities. May God give me the strength to continue to indulge my adventurous heart and state of mind. This world is mine!

(Let's see if I feel this way tomorrow...)

life lessons

I woke up to a life lesson this morning. I know you expect me to tell you, but the life lesson is not so much important as the fact that it was a life lesson (I sound a little bit like McCain, huh?). Literally, five minutes after opening my eyes, my padre was ready to supply his daughter with a life lesson. Sometimes I forget that although I am a Dartmouth graduate (with honors) and have persevered this year's emotional and life altering tornadoes, I know everything. Boy did I get off my high horse this morning. It is always a blessing to have someone to humble you even if it is a little bit embarrassing. Better my padre than a friend who doesn't want to talk to me ever again. Better my padre than my boss, right? and for this I am tremendously grateful. What would life be if we knew everything? There would be no time to sit back and reflect...and then write a blog about it : ) My life is beginning to unfold and the carpet is rolling into a new doorway, a new city, a new focus, a new career, a new list of life lessons. and for this I am tremendously grateful. During my morning of reflection, I came across another life lesson in a book my older brother gave me for graduation: Letters to a Young Poet.

Being an artist means, not reckoning and counting, but ripening like the tree which does not force its sap and stands confident in the storms of spring without the fear that after them may come no summer. It does come. But it comes only to the patient, who are there as though eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly still and wide.

Thank you, Mr. Rainer Maria Rilke.

For you, I am grateful.

The -itis

That is...the tonsilitis. It sucks to have it and to go around sounding like Marge Simpson. Actually...sometimes it is pretty entertaining, but most of the time it is annoying. It is ironic that once I can totally set my mind upon my singing and writing of music, my tonsils decide to have a competition to see who can become the largest. I have never had swollen tonsils until now. I have to take these white, large pills every 12 hours. wonderful. Well...I guess better now than when I move to the Chi and actually have to put my throat to the test. But still...what about the simple appeal of singing along to the radio or in the shower. gone. or marge simpson style. whichever. Not to mention that my taking Bayer aspirin has resulted in simultaneous nose bleeds. sheesh. Can a girl enjoy her post-graduation week in style???? SHE SURE CAN!!!! I have been lounging and indulging my lazy endeavors. Not to mention a visit to the Cotton Club in Harlem last night with my best friend. I shall not be defeated by throat pain! Amen. Whether I sound like Marge Simpson or Tamia, I have the Itis or complete health, I have random nose bleed floods or clean shirts, I am having the time of my life. Best be sure. SOrry Ash- Would have loved to go see Kid Sister in Central Park with you today, but rest calls summons these sorry tonsils of mine. Hope you all are enjoying the simple things of life as well!

the first transitions

I'm home. I'm excited. After a FABULOUSLY HOT commencement day (I've been praying for good weather since the '07's graduation weather disaster), I am here with my diploma which is written completely in Latin. How sophisticated.

I got back to my house in Brooklyn at about 10pm after a graduation bbq in Vermont and went straight to sleep, satisfied.

I woke up the next morn and started my transition into adult life. To the normal eye, these transitions were pretty trivial. But to me, these transitional activities were M-A-J-O-R. Indeed.

First stop, Blitzmail: Change my college blitz account to a gmail account
Second stop, Facebook: Change student status to Alum status
Third stop, Facebook: Change my network to Chicago, IL
Fourth Stop, Still Facebook: Change contact email to my gmail account on my profile
Fifth Stop, Yep, you guessed it, Facebook: Add a "Work" section on my profile to describe my new life as a developing musician in the magical land of Chi-Town

Over the next few days, I will be opening up a new bank account with a bank that will better suit my traveling needs. Then, I will be cleaning up my room, throwing out my childhood unnecessaries, and packing for the Chi. All the while, working on the songs that have been stuck in my head. My creative juices now have full reign over my life! This should be a fun ride.

My summer of transitions has officially begun. Oh yea! I am going to try and continue to improve my driving skills so that I can (one day) take my test and officially have a license (all you people who are from outside of NYC, don't you dare judge).

Oh Adulthood.... or (a)-dolt-hood. Let us pray for the former.

Just so that didn't go over your head:

Main Entry:

dolt

Pronunciation:

\ˈdōlt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

probably akin to Old English dol foolish

Date:

1553

: a stupid person


It's a little play on words my dad always used to say.

"Blackbird Singing In The Dead of Night..."

BLACKBIRD by The Beatles
Blackbird singing in the dead of night / Take these broken wings and learn to fly/ All your life/ You were only waiting for this moment to arise/ Black bird singing in the dead of night/ Take these sunken eyes and learn to see/ all your life/ you were only waiting for this moment to be free/ Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night/ Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly Into the light of the dark black night/ Blackbird singing in the dead of night/ Take these broken wings and learn to fly / All your life/ You were only waiting for this moment to arise/ You were only waiting for this moment to arise/ You were only waiting for this moment to arise/

this song speaks my transition. I am trying out this blog thing because as I may not always be the first to say something, my mind and my fingers are always going...nothing can stop them...my mind and my fingers (and subsequently, my keyboard) live in such romantic harmony that I get jealous. Can I get a boyfriend first? As I sit on the cusp of graduating from Dartmouth College ('08!!!!), the blackbird inside of me yearns more and more to be free. I feel like Joseph in the Bible. God told him that he was destined to do great things. Correction- 75% feels like Joseph. The other 25% feels like major failure could be on the horizon. And when I write "major failure" I mean a sickening life of mediocrity. All my life, I have been waiting. As I sit here in the dark, in my messy dorm room full of half-packed boxes and piles of college junk that I will throw away, I am still waiting. Dear ole Dartmouth. How my wings have been broken. Dear ole Dartmouth. How my eyes have been sunken. On the cusp of graduation, I sit here waiting. The blackbird inside is slowly rising. It rises slowly because I tell it to wait. It asks, "wait for what?" and I reply "....i don't know". I don't know? I don't know? Is that the best I've got? Sure is. I don't know, but it sure is worth the wait...into the light of the dark black night...