Birds flying high

You know how I feel

Sun in the sky

You know how I feel

Breeze driftin’ on by

You know how I feel

It’s a new dawn

It’s a new day

It’s a new life

For me

And I’m feeling good.”

Nina Simone ~ Feeling Good


So, how’s it going people!? I know we’re only a month in but how has 2025 decided to greet you so far? For me it’s been a mixed bag of feelings and emotions, I can’t lie!

I’m going to save the finer details for another blog because quite frankly it’s long and A LOT. People have said I should write a book and to be fair, the shit that keeps flowing my way could potentially create a good few bestsellers, but I’ll bide my time for now, and will give this particular topic some time to digest; so instead I’ll focus on what’s got me through it. 

I’ve mentioned previously that I’m in semi-hibernation mode. I know we’re supposed to be appreciative of every season and all of the elements, and that I am, but I don’t revel in all of them, and I don’t necessarily want to experience some of them for more than brief periods of time.

I’m not sure if I’d quite define myself as an empath, but I do have the ability to feel deeply on various levels. For example, you know when it’s said you have secondhand emotions for people like joy and embarrassment, well I get those too, but I also get secondhand cold! I see people out there with their bare body parts exposed and I swear it gives me the shivers, and please don’t let me see toes out as mine start protesting in sympathy.

I call them the ‘Special Gene’ crew. It’s one that appears to be lacking in the majority of my and similar skin folk, therefore denying us of their ability to not feel the cold. I guess we’re all blessed in different ways, so I’m counting mine.

Despite the cold downside, I’m grateful for the fact that I’m capable of being in tune with my feelings and the emotions they bring. It’s allowed me to handle certain circumstances in a familiar way, but with a new twist.

There will be times in life where you can literally be sitting at home, sipping water and minding your own sweet business, and yet some ish will attempt to disturb your peace and send your blood pressure on the up. Your penchant for an expletive springing to the forefront of your mind and mouth. This is when I call on my old pals, choice ‘erbs and choice tunes – my go to, to see me through!

I’ve been able to feel a tune from as far back as I can remember. Music has been a constant source of comfort and joy and, despite not being blessed with musical talents myself, (I mean bar the xylophone playing Little Donkey at Chalvey First School, the recorder, triangle and tambourine; oh and a stint in the choir and car concerts!), I can FULLY appreciate the beauty in it!

Have you ever had an experience so profound it changes your whole way of thinking and perspective? Well, when I say I had me a moment, that I did, and it’s resulted in a go to glimmer, but one like no other.

Full explanation pending, but it left my senses supercharged, and I feel like I was gifted a song to remind me of said time, because honestly, it has a magic ability to soothe my soul and remind me that it’s all good. This isn’t where it ends and brighter days are ahead  – be it in this life or the next. Keep on going, growing and glowing, and know that you are loved and supported.

Yes, as unbelievable as it sounds, hearing it triggers the glimmer memory on a deep enough level to change my whole mood and mindset, and I wish more folk had the ability to do so because the world would be a far, far better place with a soulful tune and a bit of bass!

I’m not expecting many to get it, and I give zero fucks about what people think or how they see me. I’ve done been classed as a druggie for my weed habit so might as well go full hippy mode, and I’d rather be misjudged and happy. Their opinion is not my problem, but I am now in a position where I can somewhat deal with mine, and I ain’t hurting nobody, in fact it’s doing wonders.

My daughter asked me why I play the same songs all the time*, and I told her to allow me because unbeknownst to the populace it’s potentially saving lives – well, at the very least being cussed out to kingdom come. 

Spotify can testify! For my yearly wrap up I played this tune some 496 times, and I still ain’t tired of it yet!**

It will never get old and I’ve probably played it another 100 times since. The relevant people know it’s to be played at my funeral, and I want everyone who’s able on their feet and bussin’ at least a 2 step, hip sway or head bop! Know that I’ll be in my feels and my spirit will be with you.💫

R.I.P Laurell Phillip. Condolences to your family and well done for the strength, courage and amazing range of vocals performed during her celebration of life. It was beautiful to witness and she will be remembered fondly.

R.I.P Raphael Fitzroy Bridges, Calvin Richardson and all those who have lost their lives recently

*It’s not completely true. I do listen to more recent stuff but you can’t beat a classic, right!?

**Bravo and thankh you Kentphonik for the delight that is Sunday Showers!💫😍

Find The Groove To Help You Improve, Stay Blessed & #CelebrateLife

The Queenage Years

“I am blessed

I am blessed

Every day of my life

I am blessed

When I wake up in the morning

And I lay my head to rest

Every day of my life I am blessed.”

I Am Blessed ~ Mr Vegas

Apologies, I was supposed to check in way sooner and say so much in between, but it’s been them ones where you blink and suddenly the days have turned to weeks, and before you know it you’re being wished a Happy New Year!*😅

Believe me, I’m not complaining though! The time has not been spent idly! I made a decision back in June to go with my gut intuition and leave my job to do something new. If you follow me on socials you’ll know that it hasn’t been easy; but I’m a diehard believer in where there’s life there’s hope! 

I’ve been working on raising the levels that drive me. I know it might not look much now, but if I continue to focus and put in the work one step at a time, NuDawn’s D’lights will be tickling fancies all over the place! But that’s just one aspect, and if I’m completely honest it’s the one of the least importance to me in regard to what drives me.

I say that about the financial side. I love what I do, but I’m not a fan of dealing with the money side and the different ways they try to take what you’ve earned, or how it changes people’s perspective and attitude. Again, a mountain to be climbed with baby steps, time, focus and a lot of breath work!

I have no doubt that in time, and under the right circumstances my little seedling will flourish. Just like life, I understand that for most things there are varying degrees to it – different levels of obtainability.

Well, one is happy to report that my other levels have been raised sufficiently enough to counteract the financial negativity, cementing that what’s for me will never miss me.

Without attempting to sound totally woo-woo and repetitive, I’m still struggling to put into words the journey that has brought me to this point in my life, but as I sit here skinning teet’ at a beat and feeling the tune whilst I type, I know that I’ll be forever grateful for accepting the key to setting my soul free to be.💫

I feel like I’ve been fine tuned, and 2024 was the reset button. Bring forth the Queenage years! I’m ready to pin my crown firmly in place and grow with the flow! Now, that’s not to say I’m now a paragon of sweetness and light – almost, but not quite! I’m human and have me my moments, as I’m sure my family would love to attest to; but they’d be lying if they said they didn’t notice a shift for the better in me also.

Giving mahoosive love and thankhs to all who showed me love, celebrated and showered me with gifts for my 50th Earthday!😍

It was a last minute affair with long lasting memories. Apologies to all who I forgot to invite! Please know it wasn’t intentional, more menopausal! Special mention to my surprise guest from foreign, Janeypie, and my once in a lifetime makeover courtesy of my beautiful niece Sinead.**

And last, but never, ever least, my husband Chris, and daughters Isis and Sadé.

Y’all know I’m more than happy to spill the majority of my beans to you, but not everything will be spoken on. Certain things I won’t discuss or divulge for the sake of honouring privacy, love and respect of my family; but I can say this much, like most others out there, we have our ups and downs, and inevitably we won’t always see eye to eye.

A few of my prayers were answered, and I hope the flow continues. I want you all to know that I’m beyond happy with the way the year ended for us!

I’ve had a lot of great times and connected with a lot of wonderful people. One of the most beautifullest things in the world is the ability to find your tribe, connect and vibe! 2024 showed me next levels, new heights and, as if I don’t already feel enough, the ability to feel more intensely. It can be a blessing and a curse, but that’s where doing the work comes into play.

Roll on 2025! I’m open and ready to receive whatever you’ve got to give. I’m comfortable with a little because I know how far it can take you. For now, I’m still in semi hibernation mode, but it’s in preparation for things to spring forth!

A NuDawn is rising, and you can either bask in the light or run for shade, but the only way is up – no matter how many grey clouds may appear along the way.

I am sincerely thankhful for the life that I’ve had and continue to live and celebrate it accordingly, and know that I am blessed; every day of my imperfect, topsy-turvy, bittersweet, black sheep, ever loving life – I am blessed!💫

R.I.P Simon Payne. A beautifully talented soul who blessed us with his presence, albeit too briefly. Sending love and light to all of the family, and apologies for not being able to attend the funeral.🙏🏾

R.I.P to all who have lost their lives recently.

*I’m still not buying now as the new year! The more you look into it, the more it makes sense that the months are all wrong and it’s in Spring, but I’ll leave that topic for another day!😅

**50 years without ever wearing make up – well, actually there was a time back in ‘92 when my friends sister tried it once. It got removed in a heartbeat without ever seeing the cold light of day. Let’s just say I gave Casper the ghost a run for his money and I’m thankhful we had no social media because I woulda been a whole meme!🤣

I popped outside to grab something from the house and actually felt like I’d been slapped in the face. What a piece of cold!🥶 I was so comfy in my space I forgot it was wintering outside. I literally zoned out, and it made me appreciate how privileged I am to be able to do so.🙏🏾 

It’s A NuDawn ~ Rise & Shine! Stay Blessed & #CelebrateLife