We stepped back on stage on May 10th after a month+ of studio work, administration work on the album, bla bla bla. I must admit, I was as nervous as heck. Sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach...the whole kit. But after the first 5 minutes on stage, I was back at home and it was good.

I was quite blessed with the month off. I met so many people in the music industry. I even had lunch with a world renowned Diva who stopped by Montreal. She heard the work that we do and said that we were on the right path. I cannot describe the feeling I have inside with such an acknowledgement. Gives me strength and the will to keep on keeping on.

Then at a moment when I felt unsure, I receive a phone call from one of Montreal's living jazz legends. He wanted to congratulate me and the band on the launch of our 3rd album. I had a long talk with him, about my insecurities, about my fears and wishes, and, about wanting to do this right not just for me but for the guys in the band. We all worked so hard, we were oh-so-patient, we kept getting hit by life time and time again, but we continued on. His wise words, "Do you feel it is right? Then it is. You've managed to do it all on your own. It's hard, it's costly, it's lonely but it is all yours. So now, breathe. Like a mother who is about to give birth, breathe in deep and give birth. Share your gift and never stop doing so because you owe it to us."

WOW.

Our 3rd album. I have the boxes of CDs under my stairs, I've mailed hard copies to radio stations all over the world. I've been receiving some congratulatory emails, confirmations that airplay has begun and some who are wondering when they will receive theirs. Canada Post has them and will surely bring them to your doorstep. Media interviews have begun to promote the launch. There is something different about it this time around. I cannot pin point it. It feels like the first time...but even more. I don't know if it's good or bad, but I go with the flow. There is a new familiarity about it. I am careful and somewhat scared.

This 3rd album is not about me. It's about the collaborations with the guys, the guest artists Guy Bélanger...the honor of having Shun Kikuta on a tune. Goodness! My head hasn't spinning since Shun accepted to collaborate a few years ago.

I catch myself stopping to inhale deeply and exhale slowly.

May 28th is coming fast.

I've turned a page.

And again...

I catch myself stopping to inhale deeply and exhale slowly.