Last Minute Scrambling for Hercules @ the High

[Suga Lane's Banana Republic cashmere sweater & Encore jeans provided by http://stores.ebay.com/abbyessie]

Um Hummmm Hercules... Well once again the family made it out for a last minute scramble to grab some culture at the High Museum. I told myself the last time I happened to make it through there [the Dutch Masters] that next time I would opt to come during a weekday, long before the ending of an exhibit. I envisioned I'd walk through empty exhibit halls, admiring priceless pieces with a hint of selfish abandon. No, I didn't want to fight the crowds we were exposed to many months ago, on the last day of the Dutch Masters. Twenty people crowded around a tiny painting. The crowd suffocating the beautiful realism of the period's still life paintings, while the art instilled awe and reverence. [And me thinking that nobody paints like that today or knows how or has the time to]. Peeking around that person's head, while trying not to step on that person's foot. Basking in the urgency that presents itself in the face of impending loss. Yes, losing the chance to see that s*&% without purchasing a plane ticket. Of course the plus of going with the crowds is the high energy and excitement and the people watching. Anyway.. today, my mom made sure that 3 generations were gonna get some culture - The Art of the Louvre's Tuileries Garden exhibit! While we were waiting in traffic on 85, two hours prior to the museum close, it was clear that it would be easier to catch it now than to make a quick trip to France. The kids in the family, all iphoned and earpieced up in high energy chatter, even paused a moment to glance at the exhibit, I think.  Well, I most enjoyed the post-impressionist paintings My sister expected more statutes, but we both agreed Hercules was "interesting". I reflected on how the upcoming "Hercules" movie with Kellan Lutz was one I may actually go to the theater to see. And that's saying something, because I rarely venture off to the theater, but after seeing him in "Arena" recently on Netflix, I must say that's a nice piece of ... man. Um Hum. And I'm not into beefy muscular types, they usually scare me. I usually wonder to myself, well what if they're on steroids or some weird muscle builder that affects their brain and I say something they don't like and they get mad and... Nah I usually prefer the tall skinny weaker types that I can beat in an arm wrestling contest. Hehe, but Kellan you're the exception, protect me any day bay-bay

Luv for the Toilet Paparazzi

So with our home renovations, we've recently reached that point in our "this old house" episode where we've replaced two of our toilets. These were albeit original to the house and slow moving water guzzling low sitting little buddies. Yea! so we picked up some energy efficient extra height slim from Lowes and set out the old ones for any garbage rummagers.  They still are workable, just not for us. Recycling is laudable and plausible. I live by this belief and even make a nice business of recycling both new and vintage clothing and furnishings http://stores.ebay.com/abbyessie. Anyway, one of my 'too close for comfort' paparazzi / HOA members chose to take a shot of these cast offs in an effort to send yet another aggravating HOA letter. Yeah, my stalker HOA loves sending harassing letters, about just about anything, at least once a month. I'm soooo lucky. Geez get a life wilya. Here's an excerpt:

"Yesterday [you] placed two toilets in [your] driveway thinking that the [city] trash would pick them up.  As you can see from the pictures they did not.  I need you to remove these immediately from your driveway.  Please make other arrangements to dispose of them.  With this email I am letting you know that the Association will assert self-help and you will be assessed the charges if the association removes these toilets.

Regards

[HOA & property management]"

Fun Night Out @ The Georgia Entertainment Awards

[Suga Lane's Casadei dress provided by Abby Essie Boutique http://stores.ebay.com/abbyessie]

When I received a last minute invitation to the 2nd Annual Georgia Entertainment Gala, I was hesitant. I really hadn't gone out in a while and wasn't sure if I was in the mood to go anywhere. All I do is work, between my antique business and renovating my home. Since I've gained a bit of weight, I didn't know what I was going to wear. The question was, "What dress could I squeeze into, with my 15 or so extra pounds?". Luckily, my mom was on hand to zip me up, because it was a struggle...

The event was held @ The Georgia World Congress Center and well attended. There was some sort of 20s theme going on, which some party goers bought into - the feathered headgear and drop waist gowns. The beautiful Atlanta crowd proved a glittering display of all types... ah, entertainers ie. actors, models, media types, all dressed to the nines. Two drinks were included with your ticket, but we soon found out there was only vodka with a choice of 2 juices... so the bar was lacking. The hor d'oeuvres consisted of three renditions of cake: vanilla cake pops, red-velvet cake pops and sheet cake... I got what I thought was chocolate covered strawberries, only to be disgusted by the gluten infested insides. They had wine, but had ran out by the time I realized they had it. The vodka was also gone. They didn't have no drinks or nuthin' to eat, so I's bout' ready to go [notice triple negative]. The hosts were cool, but the teleprompter, not. The hosts were Tyler Lepley and Abigail Spencer. Some actor off of Tyler Perry's "The Haves and Have Nots" [never seen it or heard of it, but he was cute so I'll check it out]. The guy was funny,  even with the technical difficulties, but the girl was kind of dry.

Highlights:
1. The Young Artist Award - Maggie Jones (super cute)
2. The Georgia Interactive Award - Brian Michael-Cox,
3. One of the winners of the GA Highlight Award winners, Xernona Clayton (Trumpet Awards Founder & Civil Rights Activist)
4. One of the winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Georgia  Entertainment - Laura Turner Seydel (Environmentalist, Very Inspiring speech)
5. Prince Impersonator (I missed his performance, but heard he was great... I was out of the auditorium with most of the audience, looking for food or drinks)
6. Several pretty decent djs

Longtime Friend Mz. Phyllis Visits Abby Essie

I got a chance to do an impromptu stylist session with Mrs. Phyllis Young the other day. She and her family are one of my family's most longtime friends ie. she's like an aunt. She is a kind and faithful Christian woman, who has won a tough fight against the big "C". She is happy, healthy, and lookin' good! She is definitely a fashionista who knows what she will and won't wear. I had to really be on my game. She wanted some pants for work and she knew the exact size. I found her a a pair of flat front Charter Club black khakis and they fit her perfectly. Then I said "Well you need a top to go with that" and oh that opened up a can of worms. She shook her head at all that I was talkin' about ~ no stripes, no animal print, no bling, no short-sleeves [ it is fall] etc. When all seemed lost, I sifted through the silks and asked "what about silk?' she brightened up and said " what about that pink one?" Well there it was a pale pink silky Gap tunic top with white polka dots. She tried it on, it fit and oh what a lovely color on her! Gorgeous, bringing out some beautiful peach and pink tones in her cheeks. Me and my assistant felt like the this top could use a cool belt. I chose a wide wavy studded leather belt and we were too surprised when Mz. P agreed! [Look out for an in depth interview w/ Mz. P in the near future!]

Mz. P in Gap tunic top, Charter Club pants, studded black belt, Vintage Avon pink ribbon charm bracelet.
We absolutely LUV Mz. P and are so happy she stopped by www.abbyessie.com

Suga Lane Stoppin' thru a Local Hotspot

I luv the chance to wear multiple outfits in one evening! After the event at Saks, my assistant wanted to hit up a local spot in the Atlanta suburbs....yes I said the suburbs. This is a hot Latino deal, so you know I had to change out of my demure low-key vintage number,  see below ~~~~ haha to a more dance ready getup.

Above: Suga Lane [earlier in evening] w/ Robert Verdi @ Saks

soft lens?

Suga Lane assistant -Young Flow in Ralph Lauren pink dress shirt, Levi's Dark denim hightop sneakers

                                                        Young Flow lookin' handsome

We checked out Purple Rain nightclub, which was a bit one-sided in the male - female department. Lots of guys, not many girls.... a hint to the single ladies. I considered getting a hookah for my assistant to try out, but it wasn't really worth the hassle since I really didn't want to partake after the Saks festivities, and there was just 2 of us. Maybe we'll come back someday with a group. We did enjoy some key lime pie from their kitchen, which was awwlright. It looked good, excellent pretty gourmet type presentation, tasted ok... anyway we finished it ~~~ we don't be wastin' no food round here - really. 

Suga Lane in One Clothing gold ruche stretch mini-dress and Vero Cuomo black boots. [Clothing provided by www.abbyessie.com ]

Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show

When I heard about the Oscar de la Renta Spring Childrenswear trunk show, I immediately thought about checking it out for my little princess. Me and my peeps headed out to a plush address in Buckhead to check out these fabulous kiddie couture samples. The photos didn't even do these duds justice.  I especially loved the tailored sailor shorts and the multi-color exotic print! My sis was in favor of a deep watercolor print with rich purple and gold hues, which by the way comes in womens sizes also...hum I'll keep that in mind. Did someone say matching mommy & daughter outfits?

Lil' princess is the real boss [in Gymboree dress, Baby Gap blouse]

Suga checkin' out the kiddie couture

Sis in Hand-Embroidered Mexican Dress 

Suga Lane in Vintage 'Mavinette' dress w/ Melian boots, and Native American earrings
Suga Lane & Lil Princess's clothing provided by www.abbyessie.com

Suga Lane No Luvin' on Dave FM

Yeah I am single..... but I really don't have time for no shenanigans - I am toooo busy. I am so happy to have had the chance to give a lil' for youth diabetes, my sister took me out to the event at the Park Tavern. Thanks sis' you know the babes are close to my heart! After I picked up my lunch tix for four from DragonFly salon, I emailed Mara to introduce myself. Hum I communicated that "I'm a mom. environmentalist, curator of vintage fashion, songwriter .... I've done some different things - been a teacher, a catastrophe insurance adjuster in the gulf [u.s.] ...and yeah I am single and ready to mingle" ....and of all the things to talk about .... we only got a chance to discuss my lack of luvin'! Our interview was the last radio free lunch and quite an emotional day around there. My family had some yummy lunch. 

Suga comments on her lack of dates

lol

Sis lookin' so cute

Suga Lane & Mara Davis in the 92.9 Dave FM studios

She is too cool, great vibe - hope to hang again soon!
[Suga Lane's clothing provided by www.abbyessie.com]

Topping the Week off at Saks Event w/ Robert Verdi - stylist to the stars [like Eva Longoria]

What a fun & busy week! Lunch at Dave FM, the Oscar De La Renta Childrens' Spring Collection trunk Show and meeting "stylist to the stars" Robert Verdi at Saks 5th Ave.! Too much fun!

  

Suga Lane w/ Robert Verdi - stylist to the stars

He is such a cutie!

We had a great time at the event at Saks on Wednesday Sept 27th, beautiful models in varying designer threads, tasty cocktails - which the bartender divulged to include grand marnier, peach shnapps, lemonade, and I think vodka... tasty ...and of course stylist Robert Verdi - who liked my boots and maybe he liked my dress - I'm not sure. We [me and my assistant] missed the fashion show, but did arrive in time to see some of the models and enjoy ourselves. Mr. Verdi made a name dropping comment as to his scarf - which was this gorgeous black and white deal with a skulls motif -- anyway it was given to him by the late Alexander McQueen before he died. Spooky? Maybe huh, but nonetheless an attention grabber of a piece. I wasn't so sure about his shirt... hum what was that - plaid or checks? Maybe I really didn't get a good look.... because my assistant had a differing opinion, commenting  "oh yeah he had a really cool shirt". So maybe I missed something.  It was probably his big smile that sidetracked me from a thorough inspection of his gear.

   

some really cool shoes a gal at event was rockin'

Robert Verdi's really cool shoes

Suga Lane is wearing Vintage Custom dress w/ Melian boots, and bracelet of her own design 

clothing provided by www.abbyessie.com

Happy Holidays to All! I wish you and your families a happy and prosperous new year! I've been in deep clean up mode for this latter part of 2011. My home had a bit of a plumbing leak a few months back which really caused quite an upheaval. I had to go threw and throw out a lot of boxes and stuff in my garage which was quite time consuming... and revealing. I hadn't realized how stuff I no longer needed was taking up so much needed space. I'm very excited at what the future will bring! As we enter a new year I hope we all can move along with a wonderful sense of optimism and hope!

Alaina aka Suga Lane

Here's your link!

We've got 50 more FREE Downloads for Fans as a Thank-You for all your encouragement and support! Get "RIDE IT- Changin' Lanes" HERE":

FREE DOWNLOAD FOR FANS

xoxo
Suga Lane

Thanks Street-Teamers 4 Ca$h!

A Big Thank You to Street Teamers who've signed up for Ca$h! Here's link to submission form for any new street teamers who want to get in on on this opportunity

http://form.jotform.com/form/10070536467

Also form is on my site http://sugalane.com

Thanks Again!
xoxo
Suga Lane

Exclusive FREE Download on Bandcamp - 1st 50 Fans -

I've got my Bandcamp page hooked up with FREE Downloads of Ride It - Changin' Lanes! It's really cool because on bandcamp, you can download different types of files like wav. aff etc - So check it out!

http://sugalane.bandcamp.com

xoxo
Suga Lane

Show Tomorrow Yay!

I'm trying to hydrate for tmw already! It's gonna be a big party and I want to have all the fun I can! Thanks to my friends helping out, let's go easy on all that food and drink huh! Make sure to visit the Suga Lane Music booth and let us know what you think about what we're doing....in other words smiles, gifts, and even emails - show us luv! I've been working hard to bring you that hot new stuff and I'll perform a sampling of a few songs LIVE tmw afternoon - not sure what time - I've been advised around 3, 4 or so.... Anyway the doors to car show open at 11 and close 8pm so come out and enjoy yourselves

A few spots for artists and vendors

For submissions, Hit me up at sugalane@yahoo.com

SEEKING Hot Dancers for Corona & Digital Dope Show ! ASAP- Female / Male

Seeking 2-4 dancers for August 2011 show! This will be another huge concert and car show - sponsored by Corona, Digital Dope and more - so bring your A game.  This show will require back-up dancing and those chosen will hopefully move on to be a permanent part of Suga Lane Music! Sexiness and showmanship is important! Interested in Male and Female, age -  open - prefer those with choreography skills and ability to interpret and move to several genres. I love great personalities and strong work ethics ie. hard workers! Please no drama or druggies!

1] Make a video of you dancing to 1 or more tracks from: http://soundcloud.com/sugalane

2] Post a link to your video audition on facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145129612229930 

3] After video review, selected dancers will be invited to audition in person for Suga Lane Music. Thanks and good luck!

xoxo - Suga Lane

Beware of Spooky Strangers

Hey People - whether you're an Artist/Performer or not, be careful and safe out there in both cyberworld and in person. Remember there are those ppl, with no good intentions, who prey upon us. Stay alert, ask questions, require recommendations, do background checks, go to meetings and appointments with an assistant or bodyguard, carry protection/weaponry, etc.... whatever you need to do to keep yourself safe.

Lots of Beefcake Action...

So...we all are inundated with the effects of global warming...from the extreme weather to the bleak predictions for our grandchildrens'grandchildren.  Some of us feel a pressure to make a few changes, maybe recycle something or whatever we can come up with. Others sit back and say 'oh life is short anyway'... it'll work it's way out....'they'll be living on some other planet [hopefully]' - I considered that last one myself. Every little thing we do is making some carbon footprint, huh. I volunteered once at a recycling plant...dirty and busy. I even got some cool stuff hehe. It can be a job in itself just to find out where and how you can recycle many things. After my enlightenment as a volunteer, I attempted to recycle EVERYTHING that would normally go in the trash. Ah, that was ridiculous with all the cans, boxes, bottles, etc. I had more in the recycling bin, than in the trash. It was quite a responsibility, so I reverted back to recycling in moderation. I guess they get most of what is usable out of the garbage, anyway...and somebody recycles it.

But, who would think that a visit to the local recycling plant would yield so many fine specimens of men. I was a bit caught off guard by the local beefcake up in there. Sure, the majority are recycling for much needed cash, not because they are treehuggers ...but you have to give them credit for putting such efforts toward our environmental future. From young to old, short to tall, every ethnicity, language, in khakis or dirty jeans... I gotta give a shout out to the recyclers. There were only a handful of women. Hey Ladies, let's not be shy! Join the fun. Yeah, so that old refrigerator or ugh scrap metal, ain't your thing. Get your neighbor, boyfriend, brother, or even girlfriend to lend a hand and make it happen!

xoxo
Suga

http://soundcloud.com/sugalane/cries-r-broken-ma

Checking Out Fresh Graphics

If you or someone you know might have some ideas for fresh graphics for an EP cover, let me know. You can just comment and post sample. I'm thinking about a new look for the cover for Ride It Remix. Thanx ...

xoxo
Suga

Some Clutter Keeps Calling....

So my mind feels a little mushy after working through the math required of tax forms. One minute I'm on a it, getting it done... this form, then that one, then oops, oh I missed that line...redo. Anyway, between snacking on fruit and frozen pizza, I lost any inspiration to finish this s%&% "stuff" and now it's really becoming quite a drag.

As 2011 gets cranked up, I know a lot of us are clearing out the clutter in our lives. It's such a great feeling to get rid of junk. Whether you need to clear your closet, your garage, your desk, your colon...or your heart - don't be scared, go for it. I gathered up a ridiculous amount of stuff for donation. I was so embarrassed when I realized exactly how much stuff I had sitting around unused and useless. I had enough for my own little thrift store. Ridiculous. Just stuff wasting space. I reflect on the possibility that there's someone out there who can use some of the stuff I'm holding hostage here. Some items are easier to get rid of than others. Some may talk back or put up a little fight..or even continue to call you, or email.... but find peace in knowing that when you clear out the things that no longer serve you and your purpose, you're actually making space for something new and better. Also, once those blockages are gone, you can have a clear view of the stuff you really want to use.

Starving Artists and Nickels

So as an update to my CD Baby rant/review, I did seek out and find where my song "Ride It-Changin' Lanes" was hiding amongst the digital distribution companies. As an independent artist, serious about perfecting the art of songwriting, I am like Bambi wandering through the woods of distribution looking for food. I did locate my debut single on several sites. I had no idea they had it up a few months ago [check "review of CD Baby"]. Anyway as an excuse to rejoice [or lament, depends on how you look at it] there was a financial report of my first nickel earned from a few ppl streaming the song at Zune and Rhapsody in December 2010. Cool,... I think. Well, the song's 7 streams on those 2 sites = .05, you do the math. I can't speak for all songwriters and/or recording artists, but for me, I write songs because I have something to say deep down and I'd like to touch someone somewhere. Maybe make you laugh, maybe make you cry, maybe make you feel a little sexy. ..And even though I am a struggling single mom, and a nickel won't buy the baby formula or diapers, one of the greatest payments for me came to me like this: I was out at a local spot [this past summer], checking out some tunes, incognito, and a girl comes up to me in the bathroom and says hi. I didn't recognize her at first b/c she'd changed her hair, then she started singing this song. It was a song she'd heard me working on with her bf, a local producer. She said how she loved that song and she had a special sparkle in her eyes as she sang it. She asked me to sing it for her friends...I declined, I hadn't heard it in a while and it was late hehe, I didn't want to scare them...but anyhow, that is what makes it all worthwhile.

ITunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ride-it-single/id395357899

CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sugalane1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ride-It/dp/B004581N2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294728323&sr=8-1

Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Suga+Lane/Ride+It

Zune: http://social.zune.net/search.aspx?keyword=suga%2520lane

Rhapsody: http://www.rhapsody.com/suga-lane

Emusic: http://www.emusic.com/search.html?mode=x&QT=suga+lane

Napster: http://music.napster.com/artist.htm?id=13377634