words by gandhi

as the most soul-stirring voice that has yet to find its way into my ears, toni childs can take a few words and transform them into an electrifying event that evokes pure emotion on every level.

through her music, she will take you to those obscure places hidden beneath the surface without letting you know she is heading in that direction, while holding your hand just long enough to give you the courage to stay long after you have seen the darkness and felt the intensity of the unavoidable heartache sheltered inside your tiny house of hope, only to emerge with clarity and an overwhelming sense of love that fills up every inch of your being.

a few years ago, while teaching an expressive dance class, i choreographed a piece to her album, union, which turned out to be one of the most soulful, heart-opening experiences of my life that still holds the power to create little (and not so little) spiritual and emotional shifts every time i listen to the songs.

i’ve got to go now (the first song of hers i ever heard and one of the most powerful that she has performed) is about a woman, in love with an abusive alcoholic, who is yearning for the strength to leave and struggling with the process of letting go. hush opens pandora’s box, unleashing my deepest secrets every time i dance to it. let the rain come down, one of my favorites, is absolutely beautiful, asking for truth and the solace that follows. toni sings of love, pain, struggles and lessons that we all meet (sometimes with open arms) in this life.

rhonda lynn, a dear friend from san diego, came in town to visit for a couple of days last week. our time together came to a screeching halt all too quickly (as it always does) but not before we indulged in some music (the doobie brothers concert), a sweet little road trip & almost-too-sweet-to-eat birthday cake.

and a few things that made me smile:

my sweet baby girl