It’s time for my annual recap blog once again.
2025 was both hard and a blessing at the same time. I was accepted into the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Central Florida. The first semester was grueling as I juggled both teaching middle and high school students at CCA and attending classes at UCF. My final critique was stressful, but my stage experience kicked in at the last second, and I was able to represent my work with ease. The subjects of my work made it even easier as I defended my thesis idea, which included my soulmate and his fellow 9/11 first responders, paying homage to my mother, and house music. The response was positive, but the next three years will be challenging. Time will tell. Four of my pieces were leased by Cushman & Wakefield, so thankfully, it didn't affect my work.
I didn’t have much time to promote music or art, so everything was pretty much on autopilot. Thank God for all the producers and DJs who kept me in the mix on the dancefloor. The creative new uses of my vocals help keep me relevant, and I deeply appreciate it. Dave Lee of Z Records, Hodge of Fabric, and Seamus of Defected made 2025 a musically successful year for me with several top 100 #1 chart positions. Mind you, that's musically, not monetary. Unfortunately, the mechanical and synchronization royalty rates are so low that most creators still can’t earn a living wage.
With that said, I will continue to create all that I can and share my experiences with those who will benefit the most. The goal is to explore every God given talent I have been blessed with and give it my all. Music has been my life, and art is the hidden gem embedded in my soul.
Teaching has become a joy I never knew I would find. My students are awesome, and I feel honored to teach them. Funny fact: they found me on the internet, even after I hadn't used my full name for three years. It’s hilarious to hear them say, “Hey, Miss C, Meh, Meh, Meh, Memories.” One student says he is my biggest fan. (My heart just melts; thank God he was already an “A” student)
We exhibited twice at Pancakes and Booze 2025 and sold pieces at both events. Thank you to the organizers and patrons.
It was exciting for my 9/11 piece to win Best of Show at the Apopka Fall and Foliage Art Festival in April. This was our first outdoor art fest, and it felt great to sell a few pieces as well.
Thank you to the town of Mount Dora, FL, for inviting me to sing for Juneteenth. The folks came out and had fun. Just when I thought I was a jazz singer, some house heads recognized me and had me singing house.
I enjoyed the group in Lake Mary, FL, where I did a private jazz concert. I hope to do more shows like that in the future.
The new year will see an effort to bridge my music and art during the development of my thesis. I want to thank everyone who has been instrumental in the process so far. The internet can portray a very different impression of my reality. Your memories will be most important to me. Please remember that not all that glitters is gold, and the grass is not always greener on the other side.
As I conclude, my heart goes out to my friends and family who lost loved ones this year. If I could, I would take away the pain. But all I can do is pray and send my utmost love and support.
May God bless each of you in the new year. Thank you.