Back down memory lane...

Chanteur moi
Chicago, 1998

"I stumbled on this photograph, it kinda made me laugh.

It took me way back, back down memory lane."

- Minnie Riperton, 1979.

I've really been getting into Throwback Thursdays on Facebook. It's been so much fun to dig out and rediscover photos of my children, my mother as a child, Mr. Gorgeous and I in high school…Mom's gotten into the spirit too. The other day she dug into her hidden photo treasure trove and gave me the photos in this post - talk about a walk down memory lane!

Singing was my first love - from the moment my mother took me to the Pump Room and put me on stage (I was 10 years old). Though I had been listening to it literally from birth, in my early teens Mom formerly introduced me to Jazz - when she gave me the cd - Ella in Rome (1958). It was love at first note ;-} In my early 20s I formed a Jazz Trio, took my act on the road and never looked back. With them, many others and solo I performed in Chicago, New York, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy and France. I recorded movie soundtracks and sang back up for whomever would hire me. I sang in English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Renaissance Femme

Then, in the fall of 2000 in Paris I parlayed my way onto the stage at Le Bilboquet. After two songs, the owner offered me a permanent gig, asked me to stay. I was going to say yes. I wanted to say yes. But that night Mr. Gorgeous and I learned that our first child was on his way. My choice was made. A life on the road or family? Oui, for me there was only one a choice. I don't regret my decision. But I know that every facet of my current artistic life: my blog, photography, jewelry, and writing are all children of my first love. Still, I cherish those moments. What a wonderful walk down memory lane.

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple