God Bless America Land That I Love

                                                      God Bless America Land That I Love

Today is a day to remember, reflect, hold, and hug the hearts of the families that lost their loved ones.  May we never forget how this horrible tragedy affected our beloved country. 

As I was walking the Halls of Miami Dade College North Campus, some students from the Government Association asked me if I would sign a wonderful piece of art that they presented to us. Today, my heart couldn't help but cry and mourn more today than 14 years ago.  I remember being at Cat Island in the Bahamas that day. It was a frightening sight watching the sky scrapers of the city being destroyed. I thought the world was coming to an end. What was happening? It was truly a shock. 

I can't help but be patriotic.  I was born in the Bronx, New York and raised there for the first 11 years of my life.  I love my country.  I am as American pie as I can be and because I view so many of my experiences through the lens of music, it helps me to process my feelings, today. So, I borrowed the lines that one of our greatest American composers, Mr. Irving Berlin, wrote 97 years ago and I say to my beloved country from the depths of my heart: 

God bless America... land that I love! 

But I want to go even further than this. Let's care for our country, let's fight for the freedom that was obtained, and  let's love our fellow countrymen with brotherly love. As Mr. Berlin stated in his song "America, My Home Sweet Home."

With Love, 

Lourdes Valentin

For bookings

www.lourdesvalentin.com

3052813372

Special Thanks to

Stephanie Nolasco / SGA President

Ari Contramestre / SGA Vice - President 

Trico Fullerton / SGA Treasurer 

#BeMDC  #MDCNorth  # MDCSharks  #SGANorthSGA

Back to School! Learning…an Ongoing Process in My Life

Back to School! Learning…an Ongoing Process in My Life

 

Learning is an ongoing process in my life. Discovering something new every day creates delight.  It awakens my brain’s potential and it makes me feel alive.

 

Our brains are capable of doing amazing things. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a leading neuroscientist whom I follow, tells us that the more we use our brains, the more intelligent we become. When using our brains in the field of our passions, it creates neuro-pathways to help us develop other areas where we may not be as strong.  Our brains are so fascinating!

 

This entire introduction is to just say, that I decided to go back to MDC, the college where I studied MUSIC… my passion and my calling. Walking through the corridors of the campus ignited a sense of love, excitement, and fulfillment that rushed into my heart with sweet memories that sang a joyful tune.  I loved every class I took… from performing, to music history.  Some of my classmates were perplexed and would ask me why I always smiled so much.  My response was, “I love what I’m studying! Everything fascinates me…from music theory to the life of all the musicians who created history for us.”  

 

So, here I am, back to school… back to improve and become a professional photographer.  I have been carrying a camera everywhere.  Since I started this blog, I’ve wanted my readers to not only experience the stories I’ve written, but I’ve also wanted to give them a peek into what I’m experiencing visually and photography is a great vehicle by which I can accomplish that.

 

Continuing the story of how the day unfolded…I was walking briskly, when I bumped into a very bubbly group that was carrying a cart with pizzas and other refreshments. They certainly caught my attention! I said to myself, “What a wonderful world"…these refreshments might be free!” So after I finished talking to the Dean, I went on a hunt to find this bubbly group.  I spotted them, and sure enough, I was right.  It was a welcoming activity for the students, so I had something to eat, and then I thought, “Let me go back to take some pictures and share the experience on my blog.” I went back to the group and I asked the leader if I could take some pictures and share them in my blog.  She was delighted by my request, which caused an instant connection and conversation. 

 

For a few minutes, Jezz told me that she was the Student Life Director and that they provided all the fun activities

for the college. I loved the name of the department! It’s what I am all about… creating life, joy, and thought-provoking songs that will enlighten possibilities for my audience. Meanwhile, the conversation continued and she asked me what I was studying.  I informed her that I had also been a music student at this campus, which led into an interesting opportunity. Her face lit up and she asked me about my music. Jezz said that Miami Dade has developed a culture of giving the students priority over any other musicians in the community, when they are getting ready to hire performers for an activity.  Life is full of surprises. Little did I know that my return to school would expand my horizons and places to play and most importantly, the opportunity to encourage students with the tangible evidence of using the skills I was taught to inspire the world with the gift of music.  

 

I was totally thrilled, and before I finish my story, I want to thank MDC for the scholarship they gave me, for it helped form the vocalist and music leader I am today. I also want to thank all the Professors in the Music Department.  They were more than amazing: Prof. Naggy,  Prof. Steel,  Prof. Douyon,  Prof Osorio, Prof.  Calle,  and Prof. Roitstein.  I can’t thank you enough for your love and the education you provided for me.  I am looking forward to painting and filling the campus with the hues and strokes of melodies I have created, and to expand my mind, this year, to capture in pictures, the future of the journey that is unfolding before my eyes.  

 

I invite you to open your mind, to learn something new, and make space in your life to learn more about something you love.  Come…let’s learn together.

With Love, 

Lourdes Valentin

For bookings

www.lourdesvalentin.com

3052813372

for more information on MDC

http://www.mdc.edu/north/

#BeMDC

My treasure from Heaven.

My Treasure From Heaven 

The Honoring Corner

Back in the small office of a little church at Lincoln Road in Miami Beach in the late ‘90’s, I found a beautiful treasure.  Little did I know that I would be able to keep this treasure and in fact, it will be with me forever.  You’re probably thinking, “What kind of treasure did you find?  Is it shiny and gold?  Is it full of sparkles?  My answer would be, “Yes!”  The treasure has a name and it is My Sweet Anna.

So, I met my friend and we started our journey as soul sisters by taking walks on the beach early in the morning and sharing about our lives.  We would always end our times with a sweet, short, prayer facing the deep blue ocean on South Beach. 

It was at that time that I discovered what an amazing and talented human being she is.  What could Anna possibly not do? From acting and teaching this art, to cooking a delicious soup that leaves you hungry for more, and my favorite… her Wakame salad.  She can organize everything with love and excellence, all the while, singing with all her heart.  She’s a professional massage therapist who can heal your soul, and she also produces great plays that make you laugh and cry. Her most precious talent, however, is her big, loving, heart.  

Thank you, sister, for loving me the way you do; for taking care of me at the hospital when I couldn’t move; for supporting me and helping me to see the pathway when I was blinded by fear; for taking time to share the love of art, music and film; for sharing your vinyl collection and your funny and cool stories of the great American singers of your time.  Today, my love for the Great American Songbook is there because of you.  But most of all, thank you for letting me be myself.   That shows your huge, unbelievable, beautiful, spirit and heart.  I am looking forward to more adventures in the days ahead. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, My sweet Anna.  The best is yet to come.

I’ve written all this to say, if you have a treasure like this, you are a very blessed person.  There is nothing more valuable in life than people who pour their lives out to shape and move yours. I am sure this could be the basis for me to write my next song.  But for now, I would sing with Carole King and James Taylor, “You’ve Got A Friend,” and tell you to “Lean on Me” with Mr. Bill Withers; when things go wrong, “That’s What Friends Are For,” while riding with Bacharach.  It almost redundant to say,  “I’ll Be There,” and one of my favorite friendship songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, “Let’s be people… people who need people…are the luckiest people in the world.”

So go shine your treasure or maybe find a new one.  I assure you that it will make your heart smile forever. 

With Love, 

Lourdes

A Little Girl Who Melted My Heart

A Little Girl Who Melted My Heart

Back in June, my sister was coming to Florida to take my two beautiful nieces to Disney World. I am a Peter Pan kind of a girl. I don't want to grow up. You mention Mickey Mouse and I am there! I'm a big fan of Mr. Walt Disney, a man who was an amazing visionary. Deciding not to take “no” for an answer, he believed in his little mouse, even though he was rejected and often ridiculed before Mickey became famous. 

The point of all this just sets the tone for my most recent discovery. A discovery that has inspired me to compose my latest song with artwork to go along with it, and it’s topped-off with beautiful photography. I can't wait to make a recording and share it with all of you.

Before I drove to meet my family in Orlando, Florida I spent the whole night packing, making sure that I had everything that I might need for the trip. I wanted to pack a small, but adequately planned bag because I didn't want to miss any possible outing I might take with them. So, with so much excitement, I packed my little truck and set out on my yellow brick road towards Disney World.  Little did I know that
I was going to obtain one of the most precious gifts that a human can receive… unconditional love from a seven-year-year-old little girl. Yes, my little niece rocked  my world and filled my heart.

I was running a little late and my sister was getting a bit anxious, but the minute I arrived, I saw their smiling faces and I got out of the car and my niece ran to give me a hug. She also wanted to help carry my bags into the hotel.  Her first words of love were, "Titi Luly, today is the best day of my life because you are with me." I was in shock! No one has ever said that to me and my soul was a little shaken and
a tear wanted to make its entrance, but I had just arrived…

From that moment on, she didn't leave my side. We walked hand-in-hand to every place.  She wanted me to be her partner on every ride at the park. We bathed in a gigantic pool that created a tsunami, swam with the sharks, and rode in the middle of the Himalayas. We shared every meal, she made my bed right next to hers, we played silly games and she even defended me when I couldn't do it myself.

One morning I got up early to have my usual conversations with my heavenly Father and she got up, too. So, we decided to be a little bit mischievous and escaped to have breakfast together. My sister got a bit upset, but my niece said, “Mommy, I'm just having breakfast out with my Titi Luly."  That was all it took to get my sister
to smile and move on with the day.

Back in March of 2014, one of pianists had given me my artistic nickname, which has since branded me as “Heaven's Girl”. But I was about to receive a new name given by my little girl. “Rataluli” was my new nickname and I also gave her a new nickname… “Panalini”. Both names were inspired by Pixar movies that we both love. Yes, we were creating together and there was so much laughter and fun. My life was full of giggles and also a bit of sadness, because she didn't want to let me go back home.  In order to create a little separation time, my sister started to ride with her as I was preparing to go back home later that night.

Driving back to Miami, my mind and my heart was flooded with so much love. I had experienced such unconditional love. As the days went by and I resumed my daily routine of work, I was about to experience something very unique.  It was that the love was still inside my heart and I realized how that little girl had broken down walls in the deepest parts of my soul and I received a very precious gift that will
always stay with me.

I want my life to be an adventure, so I'm continuously expecting something new every day. Now, I ask you, my precious reader, are you ready to receive unconditional love… and if you have experienced that, will you share it?  For sure, it tastes better than the most exquisite cuisine. Let's sprinkle each other with these amazing experiences.  I am sure life will taste better because of it.

With Love,
Lourdes Valentin

The beginning of something great !

I have wanted to write a blog for the longest time. I have journals and journals filled with experiences. I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start. I am hopeful, fearful, frustrated, and excited. I have many mixed emotions. Sometimes I feel a bit like the characters of “Inside Out”, Pixar's new movie. Sometimes I’m a bit sad, fearful, or even disgusted… but thank God a lot of joy still remains.

So, I am saying to myself, “How does this relate to what I do or what I want to accomplish in my lifetime?” Then I see a picture of the last chapter of my life and it becomes a bit more clear as I keep writing these words. I don't know if you can relate to me or if you may feel the same way I do. It evokes a scary sensation in opening up my heart and sharing with the world, as I want to hide my feelings and keep then inside the treasure of my heart. But deep inside, I am most certain that if I keep writing, the message and the purpose for which I was born will be revealed. I hope it will help you find your purpose as well.

My name is Lourdes Valentin and I am an artist in all senses of the word. I make my living through my singing and I love it. I love to write songs whether they be for my clients or myself. It's a joyful moment when a song is born, but the rush of love really comes when I see the song touching every part of a person and their loves ones. I also love to paint, photography, and cooking. I love nature and I love animals… especially my kitty cats. But, most of all, I love to connect with people. It is the biggest and most fulfilling part of my life.

I have various college degrees and as time has passed, I’ve become more and more determined to follow my true passions. I can no longer live pretending to do something that I am not passionate about… even when my life has looked very uncertain. My hope is that as I continue to write these stories, we can share our lives together.

So, again, I’m Lourdes Valentin… a simple girl with big dreams and I want to sprinkle your life with the most colorful ice-cream toppings I have, and I hope that you will, in turn, sprinkle me too!



With Love,
Lourdes