I haven’t written a blog in awhile, manly due to lots of life changes, lack of motivation, neglect.. terrible things to admit to everyone let alone myself – I’d call it a lack of inspiration at most.

But losing my companion Che the other week I feel moved to express my feelings. I got Che at 8 weeks old, so she was my baby. I’m still trying to get over her, as she was always there for me, in terms of comfort, security and friendship. And I miss her terribly.

Finding her lying underneath her favourite tree was heartbreaking for me and I was overcome by a feeling of helplessness, sadness and also guilt. I really hoped she wasn’t in any pain. I’m not sure what the cause of her death was, but she did look somewhat peaceful. Her ears were perked up as if she was on alert, her eyes and mouth open. When she failed to respond to my calls, my heart just sank as I approached her and the realisation that she wasn’t breathing just hit me like a tonne of bricks.

There’s this empty space now with her gone, no more greetings from the gate in the evenings, no dog to feed the bones and leftovers to, no sound of her huge horse-like feet on the porch, no dog looking at me through the sliding door to come inside, no more barking (especially at the annoying cats next door), no dog to play ball with and run around the yard with. All these things about her and the routine, I’m now having to adjust and it feels strange. I’m not sure if anyone really can relate to the grief, unless they too of course own dogs. But with her death being so sudden, and her not having any symptoms or showing any signs of being ill – that is why I think it’s been also hard to come to terms with her death. One day she is running around the backyard, the next day she’s lying lifeless under the tree.

I really would love another dog to fill the void in her absence but I’m going to give it sometime before I do. Puppies and dogs are hard work. You have to invest a lot of time in training and looking after them. So when the time is right, hopefully I can get another dog to look after and train to look after our family.

Anyways, this blog is dedicated to my wonderful dog Che. She was such a beautiful, loyal companion. If there’s a doggie heaven I hope she’s there playing in the Purple Rain. RIP my girl Che, thank you for being a good and devoted friend, you brought me lots of happiness in the 8 years I had you.

Or lets just say – songs I could tolerate via radio play this year

Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi – Beautiful People

Bruno Mars – It Will Rain

Beyoncé – Love On Top

Rihanna – We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris

Nicki Minaj – Super Bass

Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra)

Lady Gaga – Born This Way

Rihanna – Cheers (Drink To That)

OneRepublic – Good Life

Pitbull – Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

David Guetta – Where Them Girls At ft. Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida

Flo Rida – Good Feeling

Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

Bruno Mars – The Lazy Song

Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks

Beyoncé – Party ft. J. Cole

Six60 – Don’t Forget Your Roots

Bad Meets Evil – Lighters ft. Bruno Mars

Lady Gaga – The Edge Of Glory

Nicki Minaj – Moment 4 Life

Kanye West – All Of The Lights ft. Rihanna, Kid Cudi

Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor ft. Pitbull

I have been playing this song on repeat for the last couple of weeks – besides the fact it’s on the Twilight Soundtrack (barf) I just love it.
I love it because it is one of those songs you can just sing like you’re about to cry. I’d recommend this song for a long drive by the countryside alone so noone can see your facials when you sing it out loud when you’re driving. (Not that I actually do that *shifty eyes*).

Anyways I purchased the song on ITunes a few weeks back and I was anticipating what the music video would be like. Since it dropped today I wanted to share it on my blog as it is hot and fresh out the kitchen!

So here’s my video of the week by Hawaiian born Filipino singer, song writer and record producer Bruno Mars.

Enjoy and have a great weekend – perhaps a drive by the countryside isn’t too bad a suggestion after all.

My Music Video of the Week is from the 1978 movie The Wiz – “Ease on Down the Road”

I wasn’t even born when The Wiz came out and only watched it in my early teens when it aired on television.
Those that know me, know that i am one of the biggest fans of Michael Jackson – Look even this mosaic I made proves it.

I have his all his music in my digital catalogue and have been slowly purchasing his movies/music video dvd sets over the last couple of years – also I love Diana Ross too!

Anyways, this is a good song to mark the end of another working week – Ease on down the road towards a great freaking weekend folks

“You got the swag sauce, you dripping swaggoo, oh”

Because I love music and music videos so much I decided to create a regular “Video of the week” type blog post to feature on my bloggy blog! There will be more types of blogs like this to come so whilst I’m concentrating on writing longer posts  I can always put out quick ones about my music tastes, interests, quotes of the week, photos etc.

I decided on doing a music video of the week blog first as I am a music fiend. Also with being the visual person that I am I get alot of my inspiration from popular culture, music videos, lyrics, photography and the like. So here’s goes, my Music Video pick of the Week is:

Beyoncé – Party ft. J. Cole

I like the music video and song because for me it’s a real summer song! BBQ’s, Caravans, Parties… The music video reminds me of the ideal Kiwi summer which is fast approaching. My jandals are now sock free with this glorious weather we’ve been having lately, we’re getting more hours of daylight to actually do stuff now it’s great and I can finally get a tan on my feet!

So do you like the music video? Are you feeling this song? And before i forget, can anyone explain what Swaggoo is?

Following the success of its debut last year, The MIXER 2 Concert returns with promises of an extravaganza of musical talent!

In partnership with Southside Arts Festival, Niu FM brings to the stage the soulful voices of RIA and Rosita Vai along with K.One, Dei Hamo, Tyson Tyler, Pieter T and many many more. Due to popular demand we also bring back Anonymouz & The Hypnotics and reggae heavy weights Three Houses Down!

Headlining the MIXER is SPAWNBREEZIE – with hits  ‘I’m in Love’,'Don’t Let Go’ and ‘If It’s You!’

This show sold out last year, so get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale NOW!

WHEN: Friday 28 October, 7pm – 10.30pm
WHERE: TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
PRICE: Gold $30, Silver $20 (booking and service fee may apply)
BOOKINGS: ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET (0800 484 2538)

CREATIVE NETWORKING
When: 7pm-10pm, 3 November
Where: Fresh Gallery Otara
Price: $10 per person
Bookings: Fresh Gallery Otara: 09 271 6019 or Faculty of Creative Arts, Manukau Institute of Technology: 09 968 8765
Website: http://www.manukau.ac.nz
Twitter: @Fresh274

The Open Mic Eastside is a great, fun night for encouraging and nurturing the potential in local and up and coming artists in a postive and supportive atmosphere.

A structured format is provided with the backing of experienced organisers and live audio engineering to receptive audience in Uxbridge Centre’s inspiring art gallery. The night is open to singer/songwriters, poets, comedians, musicisans and all kinds of performance artists (i.e freestylers, hip hop, rappers, dancers etc). Come and enjoy a great creative night out and support your local emerging artists. Gold coin entry. Performers please email to book a spot.

When: 7:30-10:340pm, Saturday 5 Novemeber
Where: Uxbridge Creative Centre
Price: Gold coin entry
Booking/Enquiries openmiceastside@gmail.com
Website www.uxbridge.org.nz

Celebrating Urban Culture in South Auckland

For the third year running the 2011 Southside Gig offers an intense collaboration of music, dance, graf art and DJ showcase celebrating urban culture in South Auckland.

In partnership with The Palace Dance Studio, the Hip Hop Collaboration will take place once again featuring a guest performance by members of ABDC Crew, Street Kingdom.
Dance icon, Tight Eyez will also be there to judge the hottest hip hop competition in Aotearoa!

Kings of Style Graf Art battle takes place again so spend some time watching some amazing art evolve throughout the day.

Southside Gig introduces its new DJ showcase working alongside DJCXL, comprising of some of the hottest DJ’s on the music scene.
Check out Erakah’s Natural music video featuring K-One and DJCXL

All battles are by invitation only. Registrations for workshops will be taken on the day. All ages and levels welcome. Numbers are limited so be quick!

Programme:

• 9am-5pm: Kings of Style Graf Art Battle – FREE
• 9.30am-10am: Hip Hop Workshop Registrations
• 10.30am-12pm: Hip Hop Workshop – FREE
• 2pm-3.30pm: Hip Hop Collaboration Prelim Show – $10
• 4pm-6pm: DJ Showcase – FREE
• 7pm-9pm: Southside Gig Finale Show featuring Hip Hop Collaboration, DJ showcase and special guest performance by members of ABDC Street Kingdom – $10

Also find out how you can be into WIN a grafart wall! Details on the website.

For music enthusiasts and lovers!  The Mixer 2 concert returns for a second time with a great line up of musical talent.
In partnership with Niu FM, Southside Arts Festival brings to the stage the soulful voices of RIA and Rosita Vai along with K One, Tyson Tyler, Pieter T, DJCXL and many more with the headline act to be revealed this Friday (15th October!)
Due to popular demand returning back  to perform is Three Houses Down and Anonymouz & the Hypnotics.
The show was a sellout last year, so make sure you don’t miss out. The good folks at Southside Arts Festival are also giving you the opportunity to WIN tickets and it’s super easy to enter to.

WIN a double pass to The Mixer 2 Concert!
Simply answer the following question to be into WIN a double pass to the Concert Q: Name three artists performing in this years show?
Email your answer by 12 October to: southsideartsfestival@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
There are 20 double passes up for grabs so don’t miss out!

When: 7pm-10.30pm, Friday 28 October
Where: TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
Price: Gold $30, Silver $20. (Booking and service fee may apply)
Bookings: www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 Ticket (0800 484 2538).