Brrrrrrrrrr

It’s been chilly in LA the last few days. There’s been a wind chill in the air that reminds me of the mid-west. It’s that bone chilling wind that puts me in the mood for hot soup. A friend of mine gave me a big pot of soup she made because she was going out of town. I had a bowl of it tonight and it was really good and made me feel warm inside.

I’ve been wearing a scarf and hat and lots of warm layers. I usually wear a light weight scarf because I find that keeping my neck warm is good for my singing voice. I also stay healthier when I don’t get a chill in my body and having my neck warm helps with that. After living in Colorado, I know how to dress for the cold. I learned that really well.

It may sound funny to people who are living in cold winter climates to know I’m talking about a 60 degree day, but in the Valley where I live it gets to be over 100 degrees for part of the summer, and any temperature under 75 degrees has me wearing jackets. I’m a little spoiled and I like it that way. Give me an Indian summer any day.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

A&R Meeting

I was in the studio with my producer, Robert Eibach, working on tracks for “Don’t Ask Me Why” and “Bright Blue Skies”. After our session was over, we sat down for an A&R meeting. When I was visiting my family, they told me very emphatically that they thought I should have their favorite love songs that I’ve written on my new album.

So I asked Robert if we could talk about their suggestions and feedback. My family tells me what they like. I played Robert my 2 love songs that my family loves the most and 1 love song that I feel is a strong song of mine. I also played him a song that I wrote with my family when I was 12 years old. My family played music together when I was young.

Robert agreed that having the love songs on my album would make the album better. He also liked the song my family wrote together. He said that was the song that stuck in his head the most. I don’t know if that’s because it was the last song I played for him or not, but I trust Robert’s advice on things. It is a song people like a lot when I perform it live.

Blessings!
Laura

If you have any A&R questions, you can find Robert in my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

White Teeth

When I was in Tucson with my family, my mom looked at me one day in the way only a mother can and then brought out whitening strips for my teeth. She loves me very much and has always given me pointers and tips on how to take care of what I’ve got so I’ll stay in great shape. I love my mom for that. And she’s given me good advice.

She taught me how to place the goopy strips across my teeth and then talked to me while they were making my teeth white. Sitting for a half hour with strips on my teeth is now something I’m doing once a day. The package says to do it twice a day, but my mom told me to do it once a day so I’m listening to my mom. She knows me better than the box.

We also had some girl time with my sister and shared make-up tips. I learned a few cool things from some make-up artists when I did infomercials and got to show my sister and mom how to do the Hollywood make-up style I sport these days. There’s something about doing that stuff with my mom and my sister that makes my life complete.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out the photos at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

What's On The Inside

I heard someone talking about how material things didn’t make him feel better inside even though on the outside he had everything. He said that until he was able to find a spiritual way of giving there was never enough of anything to make him happy or feel okay inside even though he was looking good on the outside with material stuff.

A few people I know came to mind when he was talking. I know someone that has a great looking life on the outside, but on the inside he’s more than a mess. That isn’t to say that working to be able to buy nice things doesn’t bring in a sense of accomplishment to someone or that having a wealthy lifestyle doesn’t give someone comforts.

He was saying that for him, just having the material stuff didn’t make him happy. When he found a way of living that made him feel good about himself it wasn’t about the material outside stuff. It was about helping other people and continually doing things for others. That was what made him feel good. That was what changed how he lived his life.

Blessings!
Laura

You can hear my song “Courage” at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Home Sweet Home

I got back from Tucson and it’s great to be back with my cat, Macey. When I first walked in the door I found her in her favorite place to chill and picked her up. Then I fed her some food and we got to spend some much needed time together. She’s very happy to have her mommy back home with her. She is the cutest little girl.

My friend, Maureen, took care of Macey for me while I was gone. It was nice to have such a great babysitter for her. It helped me relax more knowing that my baby was in good hands. This was the first time I’d left town since I got Macey so it was important to me to make sure that she would have everything she needed to be happy.

It feels good to take it easy after traveling with my guitar today. 2 airports and 2 airplane rides put me in the mood for ordering dinner to be delivered. It’s my special indulgence. I pre-board when I fly with my guitar so I can put it in the overhead bin without disturbing people. It’s more considerate to do that so people don’t have a case close to their heads.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Green Valley Pecans

Down in Green Valley, Arizona the largest pecan grove spreads out along a 9 mile by 1 mile stretch of land. The trees are beautiful and pretty big. I never thought much about pecan trees before I saw the trees when we were driving on the road next to the farm. Most of the leaves were golden yellow. The colors of the leaves reminded me of the trees in the mid-west in the fall. Nature is so amazing.

My brother-in-law told me a little bit about the farm. Today we went to their store so I could buy pecans to bring home with me. Fresh pecans from the farm sounded like a good thing. They had chocolate covered pecans, turtles (which they called Camel Backs), honey roasted pecans, toffee and pralines with pecans, and plain pecans. I was surprised they didn’t have pecan pie. It was fun to buy gifts there.

It’s always nice when I can get something that’s locally grown when I go somewhere. The energy brings me back to basics and that simplicity is something I really like to enjoy. I love the luxury of modern living I have at home. The convenience of my lifestyle is something I’m very grateful for. When I mix that with the flavors of other places I get a warm feeling inside that makes me smile. I love to smile.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I can say that I enjoyed having a day to relax, not wear any make-up and eat great food. I did have pumpkin ice cream pie and that was wonderful. The sugar rush afterward made me sleepy, but it tasted so good. I love the holiday. It was really fun to celebrate my birthday today, too. Two of my closest friends also share my birthday so it was fun to sing Happy Birthday to us on the phone.

I haven’t been out of town for Thanksgiving in years. I usually avoid traveling during holidays because of the crowds. This was a great year to be out of town. The weather in Tucson has been exceptionally beautiful and I love the desert when it’s warm not hot. It’s been nice to spend time with my family and catch up in person. My nephew is 4 ½ now and seeing him has been a real joy.

Holidays are so different for me now then how they were for me when I was younger. I can see how much I’ve changed over the years and that‘s a good thing. I am truly grateful for what I have in my life and what I do. The love I experience with my family, friends and people I meet is such a gift. My family got into a discussion about the meaning of life. I don’t know what it means, but I know what I like.

Blessings!
Laura

Shoot me an email if you’d like to get my weekly newsletter at:
Laura@LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Watching Madonna

The Madonna concert was on TV and it was great to see her perform. She really puts on a dynamic, energetic show. It helps that she has a huge budget to have magnificent lighting, hire incredible dancers, and a creative team that makes any group of songs entertaining to watch. It was also cool to see her play guitar. She is a one of a kind type of artist. There is only one Madonna and no one does things quite like her.

It’s important for an artist to have their own style in how they do things that makes them identifiable and unique. Even if an artist reminds someone of another artist, it’s important that every artist express their true voice and vision. Madonna is a master of expression. Whether or not you like her or what she does, no one can argue about how well she does what she does. She’s the real deal and isn’t afraid to let anyone know it.

I think that’s what I respect the most about Madonna. I’m not like her in what I’m here to do artistically but the one thing that I get from her is that being true to myself in my craft is more important than anything else. That is what will give me the endurance and strength to continue to create at the level I need to and persevere no matter what. I have to do what I do whether anyone likes it or not and I’m doing it.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Airport Travel

I flew out to Tucson from the Burbank airport. When I checked my guitar they needed to open the case because my guitar has a pick up in it. They see electronics in their scanners so they needed to make sure I wasn’t carrying any explosives. My guitar is named Rosie Hitler, but I don’t think I have a terrorist vibe. It did make me happy to know that the airport security people are checking everything. I like being safe.

I decided to get a bottle of Smart Water when I got in the terminal. I didn’t feel very smart when the cashier told me it cost $3.25. I suddenly felt dumb for some reason. Next time I’m going to look for something a little more hip if I’m going to have to over pay for it. The concession people must love the increase in business since the new age of terrorism has shown up in our lives. They have a built in customer base.

When we got to Las Vegas, the only place to eat was a snack bar with a Taco Bell. I got a banana. It’s been awhile since I’ve eaten any fast food and I wasn’t up for it. I did see a man eating a sandwich he had brought with him on the plane and I was wishing I had brought something to eat from home. His sandwich was wrapped in aluminum foil. I’ll have to try that on my way home. I did meet some nice people though.

Blessings!
Laura

Shoot me an email to sign up my weekly newsletter at:
Laura@LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Packing

I’m flying out to Tucson to see my family for my birthday and Thanksgiving. It’s not the same planning for a flight as it used to be. I can’t bring water with me into the airport. I understand, but it’s something new that I have to adjust to. I’m used to bringing water and food with me when I travel. I like what I like and now I’ll get to try something new.

I remember when people started putting poison into bottles and Halloween candy back when I was a kid. That’s why everything now has special seals on packaging. What’s interesting to me is that the manufacturers had the new packaging on the shelves really fast after that started going on. Hmmm. Quick response or planned transition?

Everyone needs to make a living. I found it interesting when I was chemically injured to learn that the chemical companies whose products caused headaches also owned the companies that made asprin. They make billions of dollars giving people headaches and then giving them something to take for it. That’s pretty brilliant: A little sick but brilliant.

Blessings!
Laura

Send me an email to sign up for my weekly newsletter at:
Laura@LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Light of the Soul

There’s something really magical about the Light of the Soul. Usually I can see that in a person when they’re smiling and happy depending on the person and the circumstance. People who are gentle beings tend to have a strong Soul connection in how they live. There’s a peace that resides in gentleness. It’s a calming force that is subtle in its power.

That’s what makes gentle men, (or as modern language refers to them, gentlemen), so attractive. Men sometimes underestimate the power gentleness holds. The more I live my truth, the more I find that gentle nature grow in me. I have no need to be anything but at peace with what is happening because in my Soul, my truth knows where I am and why.

The best part about connecting to the Light in my Soul is that when I do that I no longer have to figure anything out. Everything I need comes to me exactly when it’s needed and it’s very clear what needs to be done as things unfold. It’s a much easier frame of mind for me to live in and I’m much easier to deal with. It’s a lot more fun than being in fear.

Blessings!
Laura

You can hear my song “Courage” at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

CAP Theater

There are times when being an artist in LA is extraordinary because I get to share a stage with incredibly talented people. The show at CAP Theater was amazing. There were a lot of acts on the bill. Comedian/writer/singer, Doc Jones was the MC for the night and also ran the spot light. He has a monkey song that is really nasty funny.

Aside from having a great time playing for the audience it was so much fun to be in the audience to hear Debra Wilson sing standards, Jennifer Day do a couple of numbers, Vito rapping, another Spanish rapper duo, Little Tim and Felicia rap it up, and finally Day, a Christian rapper with a great vibe, hip rhyme and an Eminem kind of ride to his gate.

My friend, Mickey, said that it’s always different when he comes to CAP. I know my set is usually evolving and changes from show to show. Lonny Stevens and Alex Wilde provide a great space for artists to perform. They’ve been wonderful to me and I truly appreciate them working with me so much. It’s special to have such great friends!

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Vocal Exercises

It was suggested to me that I do vocal exercises everyday. It’s not a habit I’m used to so I’ve been doing a couple of things that are easy for me to start with. My vocal coach, April Diamond, had told me to do lip rolls to strengthen my abdominal muscles if I only did one thing, so I’ve been doing those. They make me smile when I do them.

Today, I started doing some of the “ah” exercises again that she gave me. For some reason I’m not very inspired by them but I’m working on being more inspired. Using the techniques that April showed me increased my range quite a bit and I know that if I practice the exercises more my voice will get stronger. So I’m committed to doing more.

In a way it reminds me of any other kind of exercise. It takes me some time to get in the habit of doing it and when I’m first starting out, I need to take it easy so my body can adapt to the new routine. The trick for me is to find an approach to it so I like doing the vocal exercises everyday. I guess I’ll have to look at it like brushing my teeth.

Blessings!
Laura

You can find April Diamond in my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Days

Someone told me that life is like a roll of toilet paper. When the roll is new it seems like the sheets take more time to come off and as the roll gets smaller, they come off really fast. He said that days in our lives are like that. When we’re little a day is a long time and as we get older the days seem to go by faster. I thought that was a funny comparison.

I do find that every year I’m amazed at how fast the year has gone by. But really there are a lot of days that seem to last a long time for me. I think there’s a place in the moment where time doesn’t really exist and when I can live in that space I experience a peace that is wonderful because I don’t feel any need to rush what I’m doing.

Eckhart Tolle writes a lot about living in the now and being in that space. The truth for me is that there will always be more for me to do even after I’ve worked all day. And sometimes I don’t end up doing what I thought I was going to be doing. And some how it all works out the way it’s supposed to. Life is a mystery and maybe that’s the point.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Strategy

I was talking to a guy who had a big shiner on his eye. He was kind of embarrassed about it but he told me how it happened. Apparently he had a room-mate who was kind of a problem and had a bad temper. The room-mate came home, drunk or on drugs or something, and picked a fight with this guy. The guy just let the room-mate hit him.

Because this guy didn’t fight back or do anything to hurt the room-mate, the room-mate went to jail and got evicted. The guy told me that if he had hit the room-mate then he would have also wound up in prison. That was news to me, but I guess this guy has gotten into fights and went to prison before. I didn’t ask him a lot of questions.

Sometimes I just listen to people tell me things because there’s usually a piece of information they’re giving me that I need to hear for some reason. The guy told me that he needs to stay away from people like that. That sounded like a good idea. I know for me I find I have an easier time when I’m around people who are happy and nice.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out the happy people I know at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Vocal Editing

Robert Eibach and I were back in the studio working on lead vocals for a couple of songs. Getting the vocal right is such a meticulous process. Everything is very exact on the computer. It’s a great luxury having technology to use today. I had made a comment about that with Robert and he told me about a recent tape project he had to splice to edit.

I guess when someone is producing records they have to be able to do just about anything. I don’t ask a lot of questions about what Robert is doing when he’s working on tracks. As long as he knows how to use the gear we’re in good shape. I’m glad I don’t have to learn much about the stuff Robert knows how to do. Being an artist is enough.

We’re both going out of town to see our families for Thanksgiving, so we won’t meet up back in the studio until after the holiday. It will be nice to get out of town for a short vacation. Even though I love living in LA and what I do here, I’m ready for a break. A change of scenery, climate and routine will be a good thing for a few days.

Blessings!
Laura

If you have any recording questions you can find Robert in my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Spiritual Jewelry

My friend came over to meet my cat, Macey, and was wearing a really cool ring she just got. The ring is part of the Shankari Collection. Shankari is a woman who lives in Bali and has about 50 artisans working with her on her property. Every morning they all meditate for an hour to clear their energy and set their intention for creating the pieces.

That sounded intriguing to me so we went to the website, www.shankari.com, so she could show me the spiritual line of my kind of bling that Shankari designs. A lot of the jewelry is designed for balance with other things like release from fear of the future, spirituality and strength, passion, healing and love, and even astral travel.

I learned that the pink topaz I wear is helping me manifest my heart’s desire and the tourmaline in my ring brings me self-confidence and balance. That was cool to find out. I like it when things I enjoy are actually good for me. The site has a list of stones and what they mean. You can even hear a recording about 33 energies there. Cosmic!

Blessings!
Laura

Listen to my song, “Courage” at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

The Simple Solution

The power went out for a moment and after that my DSL line wouldn’t connect. I remember when I lived in Boulder, CO, I had a mentor who helped me with my music. His name is Ward. He moved a few times and then I left town, so we haven’t been in touch for a number of years. He taught me some valuable lessons.

His first choice to address a problem with gear was to turn something off and re-start it. His second choice was to change chords. To him the simple solution was the best place to start. When my computer isn’t working right, I usually turn it off and re-start it. A lot of people I know use that approach. It reminds me of what Ward taught me.

When I keep my approach simple I seem to do better. Then I can ask myself simple questions to stay on track. “Am I being helpful?” is a good question for me to consider. Usually if I’m being helpful I’m on track. Then I’m a part of making something work well. That not only feels good, it allows me to accomplish more.

Blessings!
Laura

Do you know any of my friends? Check out:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Vitamin Water

My producer, Robert Eibach, was the first person I ever saw drinking Vitamin Water. I thought it came in pretty colors. I never had a desire to try it until I was getting over food poisoning this week. I also never looked at the ingredients. After a day of sipping on Coca-Cola, I needed something else to drink, so I tried it. And I was glad I did.

It tastes good and it doesn’t have corn syrup in it, so that’s a plus. It’s a nice change from the carbonation in soda. It’s even refreshing. So I’ve been drinking Vitamin Water now and I like it. I’m still adjusting to drinking bright colored water. It doesn’t list any artificial ingredients and says it’s all natural so I’m not sure what gives it the color.

Regular water is still good and I’m drinking that. The nutrients in Vitamin Water are good. I’m not back to taking any supplements since I had food poisoning, so it’s nice to be getting some vitamins in the water I’m drinking. I’ve been eating Chinese food. For some reason I like having Chinese food after being sick. It’s good stuff.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my friends at:
www.mypace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Vocal Sweetening

My producer, Robert Eibach, and I were in the studio tonight sweetening the vocal track for my song “Don’t Ask Me Why”. It becomes more apparent to me when I work with Robert how little I know about what I’m doing musically with my music. For example, I don’t know what the notes are in my melodies, they just sound right for the melody.

I don’t know what all of the chords are in my songs and I usually don’t know what key I’m in, although some musicians that I’ve played with have told me so I know some of them now. Robert told me that some of the notes I use in my songs don’t make sense musically but they work. I guess there’s an advantage to not knowing the rules.

It’s really cool to hear how nice my voice sounds after a track is sweetened. I’m excited to work with the recordings when they’re done so I can learn to sing my songs in a new way. When I’m playing my music, I’m concentrating on a lot of things in addition to singing like playing the guitar right, keeping rhythm, and engaging with the audience.

Blessings!
Laura

If you have any recording needs, you can find Robert in my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Balancing Sides

When I got certified in basic mediation with the LA County Bar Association I learned a lot more than I realized and find that I use that training more than just about anything else I ever went to school for other than reading and writing. The skills of mediation are something I use everyday when I’m working with people and completing projects.

When 2 sides are in the process of reaching an agreement, in order to do that each side gives something up. Mediation isn’t about winning it’s about seeing the whole picture from both sides. Mediation is about understanding why both parties got into the situation in the first place and staying focused on resolving that goal even when life happens.

With a mediation mindset I’m listening to people. When things happen that seem contrary to what I showed up for in the first place that usually requires an effort on my part to clarify my communication with the people involved. Sometimes I’m the one with experience and sometimes I’m not. I have to be realistic about my position with theirs.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out the friends I’ve made at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Coca-Cola & Steamed Rice

After getting food poisoning earlier this week I haven’t had any desire for eating food. I’ve been sipping Coca-Cola and drinking water for the last couple of days. Today I was able to eat some steamed rice. I even was able to drink a bottle of Vitamin Water. That took about 3 ½ hours. My body is insisting on this regimen now.

It’s fascinating to me to not be eating regularly. That’s my typical M.O. Usually I’m a grazer and eat throughout the day. Not big meals usually, but every 2 or 3 hours I eat something. It’s wild to me that it takes me a whole day to get through a bottle of Coca-Cola and after eating about 3 tablespoons of rice I’m definitely done eating.

I got together with a friend and she said I looked really good considering how sick I was. That’s probably because I’ve dropped some weight. My bone structure is seriously defined in my face when I’m on the thin side. My jeans are baggier than they were just a few days ago. My body is de-toxing and I don’t know when I’ll start eating regular food.

Blessings!
Laura

Check out my artist page at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Bass & Percussion

We were in the studio last night with Eddie Rouse and Scott Riedle. Eddie recorded congo and bongo parts for 3 songs and Scott laid down some really awesome bass parts for 4 songs. It’s cool to watch my producer, Robert Eibach setting things up for different instruments. He knows how to get the right sound for things.

I was a little tired from having had food poisoning the night before. I think I got some of that bad lettuce from the store. Yesterday I stuck to water and coca-cola. I’m not in the mood for food yet but maybe by tomorrow I’ll eat something. The last time I had food poisoning it was from Thai food and I wound up in the hospital. That was wild.

It’s amazing how much bass adds to a song. It seemed to bring everything together once the bass was in. There’s something about having a foundation for the groove. Scott is also really creative with the parts he plays. He’s got a lot of heart in what he puts into music. I’m lucky to be working with so many talented people. My record is blessed.

Blessings!
Laura

You can find Robert Eibach in my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

The Knitting Factory

Sheena Metal emailed me today to see if my schedule was open to play a show at The Knitting Factory so I went down and played a show. It was really fun. I had never been to The Knitting Factory before. It’s a cool club that has 3 rooms with stages. Everyone who worked there was really nice. Now I know why bands and artists like to play the club.

Another solo artist named, Chuck Wagon, played a great country/acoustic set after I did. He has some very creative songs. I asked him if little dogs like to run after him when he told me his last name. I guess you had to have seen the commercials to get that. I would have stayed for more bands, but I have a new cat and was anxious to get home to her.

I remember last year there were a couple of women at my shows knitting while I performed. That was different. And now I’ve played at The Knitting Factory. I’ve come full circle. If you knit and would like to bring the scarves and sweaters you’re working on to my gigs, feel free. It’s great to have a creative vibe expressing itself in all forms.

Blessings!
Laura

You can sign up for my weekly newsletter at:
http://www.LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Macey The Cat

I went to the Cat Fair where cats that have been rescued are available for adoption. My friend, Natalie, does cat rescue and told me that they had some really nice kitties. I was looking for a young adult cat because baby kittens need more time and training than I am able to provide. Kittens are cute, but a young adult is more my speed.

When I arrived, Natalie showed me an Abyssinian cat named, Abby. Abby is about 4 yrs. old and really beautiful. She looked like a small puma mountain lion to me and had an amazing face. She is also incredibly strong and pretty big. She is all muscle. I read that Abyssinians like to knock over things from high places. Not a good match for me.

Then a woman came in with a 7 month old female cat in a basket, the kind people use for Easter baskets. This cat was so docile and sweet and so pretty. She has a grey/brown mask and shell with black marbling, a black “W” on her forehead, with white paws, a white belly and white on the bottom of her face. I brought her home and named her Macey.

Blessings!
Laura

You can sign up for my weekly newsletter at:
http://www.LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Tea

I met my friend, Kathy, for tea today. It was really nice to catch up over a cup of warm tea. I can understand why tea is so important in many cultures. It’s soothing for me. We were at a coffee shop in Toluca Lake, CA called Priscilla’s. We used to meet there a lot and would go for a walk in the neighborhood. We’re going to start doing that again.

I go more for plain teas, like green tea, chamomile, and peppermint. There are some really fancy teas I’ve seen at restaurants. There was one tea that came in buds like balls and opened up like flowers when the buds were steeped in hot water. It was pretty to look at. Yerba Mate tea is also a tea I drink sometimes. There are even rituals for drinking that.

I used to be a coffee drinker, but I found that I do better without it. I get wired and irritable when I’m on coffee. It affects me in a funky way. Chocolate agrees with me. I still love the smell of coffee and being in coffee shops. They’re fun places to hang out. I used to sing in some coffee shops in Tucson, AZ. Those were great gigs.

Blessings!
Laura

You can sign up for my newsletter at:
http://www.LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Editing Tracks

We were in the studio editing tracks for the album. My producer, Robert Eibach, was getting 4 songs ready for a session we have next week with a bass player and a Latin percussionist on Tuesday night. It’s pretty amazing how spoiled I am now having Robert making everything sound just right. Raw tracks are just not what they used to be to me.

Scott Riedle, my ex-husband, is recording bass on all the songs. Scott likes me to refer to him as my friend now. He is a great friend and a very talented musician. We fell in love playing music together so it’s awesome that he’s playing on my record. He’s also a great guitar player and can even make magic on the keys so we may get him to do some of that.

Eddie Rouse, percussionist/actor/photographer and all around great guy, is coming in to add some groovy Latin rhythm to my songs. He’s recorded on a lot of albums that Robert has produced. Robert played me some of his work today and I knew my songs needed to have his energy with them. Everything just comes together the way it’s supposed to.

Blessings!
Laura

If you’d like to check out Robert’s stuff, he’s one of my top friends at:
www.myspace.com/lauracohnmusic
Where Music Meets Artistry

Honesty

I’m finding that people appreciate honesty. I know I do when I’m dealing with someone. There’s a deep feeling of comfort that I feel when I am being honest and when someone is being honest with me. I can feel when someone is being dishonest with me and it gives me a creepy feeling inside. I become very demanding and irritable when that happens.

I’m one of those people who believe in people, trust people and have an open heart when I show up somewhere. There’s a spiritual law that says you are only supposed to trust in God, so I’ve incorporated that into trusting God in people. We all have a Divine Spark inside of us. That’s what gives us our purpose, our motivation and inspiration.

Most people that I encountered are doing their best to do the right thing, what ever they were taught the right thing is supposed to be. I find that people are really caring given the opportunity and most people are gracious and amazing when they have an open heart. Honesty is connected to truth and truth soothes the soul in any situation.

Blessings!
Laura

Get gig info on the homepage at:
http://www.LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry

Loving Every Aspect

My friend, Sharon Plache, (the founder of Peace Flags By Kids) was telling me that our emotions are the fuel that manifest our goals. The words we choose are activated by how we feel when we say them. She pointed out to me that when I use the word “want”, “wanting” tells the Universe that I don’t have something so I’m creating not having it.

She also took me through a series of statements to get to the emotions that are driving the direction my life is going in. The ultimate statement that gave me the best feeling and helped me clear out negative feelings was this…”I am loving every aspect of my creation”. That statement allows me to embrace what I have and appreciate it fully.

I felt a movement of energy inside when I said it and a great feeling of happiness came in that makes my smile huge inside and out. So now in the morning I say that and I say it during the day. The cool part is, since I started doing that, I am loving every aspect of my creation, I’m enjoying the people in my life more and great things are happening!

Blessings!
Laura

Get gig information on the home page at:
http://www.LauraCohnMusic.com
Where Music Meets Artistry