This past week, marked the 25th anniversary of Selena's classic album  'Dreaming of You,’   I have to admit I’m still surprised at the life it’s taken on since I wrote it with my dear friend and collaborator Tom Snow in 1989.    

I wrote this a couple of years ago and cannot think of a better way to celebrate my Dad than to repost. Being Shelly Golde’s daughter has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. My Dad was always so loving and supportive of me and I still feel that unconditional love and support today and every day. He gave me the consistent message that I could do anything and be anything I wanted and he never made me feel that my gender would be a hindrance to achieving my dreams and aspirations.  

Almost everyone has a woman in their history who has made a difference in their life. I have many, but the one who comes to mind is my teacher,Mrs. Hildegarde Ruben, a kindergarten teacher for forty years.Mrs. Ruben was larger than life and touched so many. A warm, magical woman with a dark olive complexion, big brown eyes and long, black, shiny hair that she wore in a chignon. She dressed in colorful bohemian attire and hoop earrings and I thought she looked like a Flamenco dancer.  Not only was Mrs. Ruben a superior teacher, but an accomplished pianist and magnificent painter, water colors being her favorite. She had a deep passion for all the arts. She read us books, poems and nursery rhymes and taught us how to draw and paint. We’d sing and dance and accompany her with maracas, bells, triangles and tambourines while she played the piano. She encouraged us to express ourselves with no limitations.

When I was writing songs, I never imagined I’d be designing clothes and have an online brand. It all started with the pants. Plato was right when he said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  I could never find the perfect black pants, so I decided to make them on my own.  

“I’ve been isolating.” That’s what my friend said to me the other day. “That’s why I stopped by. I could tell you were in isolation mode.” I answered.   We ended up having a wonderful couple of hours of conversation, some laughs, some tears and some great coffee cake and tea!   It was just as good for me, as it was for my friend.

Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday! It’s a day that’s all about spreading love and kindness, something I try to do everyday. On Valentine’s Day, though, I like to do something extra special.   For many years I’ve passed around “Love Fortunes,” chocolate dipped fortune cookies that are individually wrapped. Anyone who crosses my path gets one. UPS drivers, car attendants, postmen, servers, homeless people, children, cashiers, doctors, dentists, teachers, street cleaners, building attendants. The list goes on…

Here are some inspirational thoughts that are good for all seasons. As my grandmother used to say, “A little inspiration never hurt anyone!” I’ll start with one of my favorites.  . Not to spoil the ending, but everything’s going to be alright…

Spring breathes new life into the world around us!   Take a deep breath, Hold for 3 - 5 seconds, Close your eyes,  Let your breath out slowly, Think of something wonderful, SMILE! Repeat as often as possible!

My friend Steven says, "Do something you're afraid of everyday." With that in mind I took a hike in Franklin Canyon this week, one that I've never taken alone. Part of me wanted to turn back, I picked up a stick in case a coyote or snake crossed my path, highly improbable, but that's where my mind went and I continued on. There were a few super steep moments and I was leaning back to keep from sliding or falling, but I made it and I’m so glad I pushed myself  

Kindness The most valuable Gift you will Ever give someone.   Smile At Everyone You See Today Listen With Your Heart Thank Someone Give Someone a Compliment Offer a Hug Be Tolerant Visit a Sick Friend Send a Care Package Donate Something Leave a Note For Someone Pay For a Stranger’s Coffee Donate a Book To Your Local Library  

In a world focused on giving, the gift of receiving is not often talked about or understood. Many people aren’t even sure what it means to be a good receiver, that is, to accept love and kindness with grace rather than discomfort.  Some believe the opposite of giving is taking, which has a much more negative connotation than receiving. Have you ever heard someone say, “Can’t you take a compliment?” It’s not taking, it’s receiving!  The beauty of receiving happens when you are able to accept a compliment or any gift with gratitude — without any need to explain, return the compliment, change the subject, or divert attention away from yourself. 

With the holidays upon us I thought I'd share a lyric to a song I wrote with my dear friend and award-winning songwriter Tom Snow. Enjoy your holiday and spread love and kindness! I Wish Everyday Was Christmas Everytime This time of year I feel the magic come over me People's hearts