dhuartson: Don't let anyone talk you out of spending $15 on a new hobby. That $50 will be the best $400 you ever spent.

This is not wrong.

Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World (At The BBC) YouTube video by LouisArmstrongVEVO

Happy Earth Day, fellow babies.

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The Creative Genius of Procrastination Most of us have been shamed out of procrastination, but it's essential to creativity. Here's how to reclaim it.

The 3rd post in my series on procrastination. Delightfully late!

The Creative Genius of Procrastination | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/on-e...

Episode 3: Can You Be an Off-Ramp for Everyone? YouTube video by Emotion Dynamics

There will be situations where you can't be an off-ramp, and it's important to face them and know where your edges are.

It's also important to hold a vision of yourself figuring things out one day. As the Tao de Ching says, "The glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall."

Episode 2: Your Empathy is Not for Sale YouTube video by Emotion Dynamics

In this time of end-stage capitalism, when everything is for sale -- our time and attention, our emotions, and our empathy -- it's important to know that we have a choice.

Here are some ideas about how to retrieve your empathy from the control of others. #TheOffRampProject

Welcome to Season 2 of The Off-Ramp Project YouTube video by Emotion Dynamics

In a time when our emotions, our empathy, and our loyalties are being manipulated constantly -- and when we're being pitted against each other for the benefit of the people in power -- how do we find our way back to ourselves and each other?

Welcome to Season 2 of The Off-Ramp Project.

Trans people have always existed and always will

No matter what any oppressive government or illegitimate Supreme Court tries to say, Trans people have always existed and always will.

We will keep fighting until we dismantle all systems of oppression that try to oppress people’s identities and control who they are.

Photo of a deep river at dusk with the words "Grief helps me mourn that which is gone forever and honor my losses. Grief is an essential part of love." ~ Karla McLaren, M.Ed.

Join us for the Sacred River of Grief -- our yearly online grief ritual at Empathy Academy. April 11th to April 26th, 2026.

Learn more here: empathyacademy.org/workshop/ent...

Colorful images with the text: Emotions are not noise to tune out. Emotions are data sending important signals.

Truth!

Ordered from the library, sir! Thanks!

The Healing Power of Grief and Ritual Your own emotions are the key to your healing

In this month's newsletter, I focus on how chaotic and dangerous times call forth deep emotions. And how we can access the deep healing genius that deep emotions contribute to our lives.

Also, there's a free gift (really free, not cheesy, lying internet free). Love from me!

Image for The Off-Ramp Project podcast with Karla McLaren, M.Ed. The logo has a congested, smog-filled highway on one side, and a verdant tropical forest on the other, with an off-ramp leading toward green spaces and blue skies.

In a time when our emotions, our empathy, and our loyalties are being manipulated constantly -- and when we're being pitted against each other for the benefit of people in power -- how do we find our way back to ourselves and each other?

How do we build off-ramps?

Season 2 starts in April.

Entering the Sacred River of Grief - empathyacademy Grief is a powerful, potent emotion that helps us mourn our losses and honor that which is gone forever. Grief is a vital part of love. We welcome you to an online grief ritual where we'll learn about...

Our yearly online grief ritual is coming up in April, and we invite you to an international ritual with one of our most profound and healing emotions.

Entering the Sacred River of Grief. April 11 to April 26 at Empathy Academy.

Text on a starry sky background: Why Bother? Because right now, there is someone out there with a wound in the exact shape of your words. ~ Sean Thomas Dougherty

In difficult times it sometimes feels like too freaking much. But it's in the difficult times that we find out who we are in this world.

If your art is calling to you, it may be the world that is waiting for your answer.

Pasquale Grasso - Solitude (Official Video) ft. Samara Joy YouTube video by PasqualeGrassoVEVO

The exquisite Samara Joy McClendon comes from a family of powerful gospel singers.

This recording when she was just 21 showcases a massive talent. Now, at 26, she's won 6 Grammys and is internationally celebrated. The future of jazz is in good shape and the past is honored.

#BlackHistoryMonth

ARETHA FRANKLIN SINGS "RESPECT" LIVE 1967! YouTube video by Historic Films Stock Footage Archive

The Queen!

Aretha Franklin grew up singing gospel at the church where her father was a minister.

Aretha's talent was massive even then, and she taught herself to play the piano by ear. Many musicians celebrated her piano playing as masterful and endlessly creative.

Respect!

#BlackHistoryMonth

Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come (Official Lyric Video) YouTube video by SamCookeVEVO

The King of Soul.

Sam Cooke left a legacy that is still breathtaking today.

Listen to his powerful civil rights anthem A Change Gonna Come. He was murdered a few weeks after recording it.

Sam Cooke has been called one of the most influential Soul artists of all time, yes.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Fats Waller - Ain't Misbehavin' (Audio) YouTube video by FatsWallerVEVO

Thomas "Fats" Waller was a jazz pianist and composer (of over 400 songs!) who helped to develop the Harlem Stride piano style that came from ragtime and eventually laid the foundation for much of modern jazz piano.

Here's one of his big hits, Ain't Misbehavin', written in 1929.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Buddy Guy and Big Mama Thornton • “Ball And Chain” • 1970 [Reelin' In The Years Archive] YouTube video by ReelinInTheYears66

Make way for a woman who kicked rock and roll into gear!

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was a powerful R&B singer and composer who sang Hound Dog first and wrote Ball and Chain. Didja know?

Big Mama Thornton was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Edwin Hawkins Oh happy day YouTube video by HeartbeatAustralia

Oh Happy Day!

Edwin Hawkins grew up in a gospel family band and was their keyboardist by the time he was seven.

His 1968 song, Oh Happy Day sold 2 million records in the US in just 2 months, and eventually charted in the top 5 across the world.

Thank you Edwin Hawkins!

#BlackHistoryMonth

This one hits hard.

Dizzy Gillespie en 1970 à la Maison de la Radio : "Sunshine" de Mike Longo YouTube video by France Musique

Bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz arrive!

John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was a trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger, and singer who helped create bebop along with Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, and Earl "Fatha" Hines (among others).

Dizzy was known as The Ambassador of Jazz.

#BlackHistoryMonth

Solomon Burke - "None Of Us Are Free" YouTube video by ANTI- Records

The first King of Soul, the Bishop of Soul, and the man who coined the term Soul Music. Solomon Burke (1940-2010).

Here, Solomon sings with the Sacred Grandfathers, the Blind Boys of Alabama. What a powerful delight.

#BlackHistoryMonth

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Al Green Love and Happiness Live Performance Video High Quality)[medium] YouTube video by APlusList

The Reverend Al Green!

Love and Happiness. I love this live version of the song because you can hear what a strong, rhythmic, and supple voice Al has. He's so comfortable on stage.

Al has won 11 Grammys and he's been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. Deserved, so deserved.

#BlackHistoryMonth

I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire-The Ink Spots YouTube video by renatikkio

They set the world on fire.

The Ink Spots came together in 1932 and went on to international fame in the 1930s and 1940s.

With their smooth and inventive 4-part harmonies, they helped to usher in the era of R&B, Doo-Wop, and Rock & Roll.

#BlackHistoryMonth

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Gong xi fa cai!

Marian Anderson "His Got The Whole World In His Hands" (1963) YouTube video by Gospel World

Marian Anderson. 1963 at the March on Washington.

Ignore the misspelled title and the strangely wrong subtitles. The crowd scenes are marvelous.

#BlackHistoryMonth

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BEVERLY GUITAR WATKINS YouTube video by xavbluesman

The Queen!!

Beverly "Guitar" Watkins was known as the Queen of the Blues; she played for over 70 years.

The best explanation of her style is her own:

“My style is real Lightnin’ Hopkins lowdown blues. I call it hard classic blues, stompin’ blues, railroad smokin’ blues.”

#BlackHistoryMonth

Gospel at Colonus - We Will Never Drive You Away.wmv YouTube video by williep50

Fellow babies; it's Sunday and time for gospel.

This is my favorite musical, hands down, and when I saw it live I had to go into the balcony so I could sing and dance freely!

The Gospel at Colonus. Magnificent Willie Rogers and the Soul Stirrers.

#BlackHistoryMonth

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My Funny Valentine YouTube video by Anita Baker - Topic

Happy Valentine's Day!

#BlackHistoryMonth

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