Braille.... Paid Dues and still crusing

Hello hello.  The last two weeks were so crazy I never had enough time to write a blog.  The first thing I want to talk about is the Paid Dues show I performed at in Denver, CO.  There was also a second Paid Dues event planned for Berkely, CA but it got canceled at the last minute.  The Denver show was amazing!!!!  DeLa Soul was headlining this concert and they were definitely one of my favorite groups when I was growing up.  This was the third time I opened for them and their live show still blows me away.  There are very few groups I can watch that make me feel like I want to step up my game.  They are still one of my favorites.  I run into Trugoy from the group and gave him a copy of "The IV Edition".  Hopefully he'll get a chance to check it out.

The first artist I ran into during the event was Sage Francis.  I wasn't sure if he would remember me but we met about 9 years ago when I was 17.  He did remember and he was a little surprised to see my name starting to pop up again.  I've been making music non stop since last time I saw him, but I guess my name didn't really start buzzing again until after this new record dropped.  It's been an exciting process!!!  Other artists I was able to meet and give CDs to include Murs, Yak Ballz, Gift of Gab, Double-O of Kidz in the Hall and 9th Wonder.  My encounter with 9th Wonder was dope because we did a song together 5 years ago but this was the first time we met in person.  Apparently I was one of the first artists to pay 9th Wonder for a beat...(we did our song together before he worked with Jay-Z).  9th asked me if I had a laptop with me and after he performed we met backstage and he put 10 beats onto my computer.  Murs, Supernatural, Scratch (of the Roots), and many others were in the room while this was happening.  It was a dope Hiphop moment and a couple of those beats will probably end up on my next album.

There is one last story I want to share from Paid Dues.  When it was my turn to perform I wasn't sure how the response would be.  Many people in the crowd had never heard of me.  The show ended up going really well, a lot of people bought "The IV Edition" that night and I also handed out free copies of other Hiphop IS Music titles to spread the vibe around.  At one point, I was going to the parking lot to get more flyers and I met a guy working the door.  His name was JD I believe and we would have small conversions whenever I would run to my car.  I don't usually share these kind of stories because it's personal between me and the individual - but JD talked with me about how he had fallen away from God and how he was inspired that night to start serving God again.  I was so amazed that even in the midst of one of the biggest Hiphop shows I've ever done - God could still use me and remind me why he has brought me to the places he has.  The bible says if a shepherd has 100 sheep and one of them gets lost then the shepherd will leave the other 99 together to go find the one who was lost.  This summer has been all about shining light, being an encouragement to the communities I visit and trying to find a few lost sheep along the way.  My next blog will talk all about the Warped Tour!!!!  Gabriella is still smiling every day on the road.

Nikki...from LA

So we are in LA again! We passed through here at the beginning of our tour...It feels good to be back on the west coast. I love it! I feel like I do not write blogs enough. Time passes so quickly it seems. We are starting what we are calling "The second leg" of our tour. Bryan and one of his best friends Othello are on the Warped Tour. Im excited for this part of the tour because Othello and his wife Rebekah and their son Asa are traveling with us! We are all together in our van! Rebekah is a super cool girl! We get along really well...we have so much in common and have very similar personalities. Thats really a plus because when you are basically living in a van with someone its always good to get along haha. We all just met up today. They flew in from Michigan, and we drove here from Denver, CO. So much has happened since I last wrote. For one, Gabriella and I flew back to Oregon for my soon to be sister in laws bridal shower! It was such a nice visit. Gabriella LOVES her  "mi-ma" and "poo-pa" and they are pretty much obsessed with her! It was hard saying good bye. When I was there it was a little shocking. I had been on tour for almost 2 months. On a hectic schedule and staying in hotels and different cities every night. Then suddenly I was back home where everything was familiar. After the first day home felt normal again, and seeing Gabriella enjoy her grandparents and vise versa was great!!! I saw my grandpa while I was there ... he used to be a traveling salesman, he took my grandma and their 5 kids with him. so he totally understands what we have been doing, when I saw him he asked me how things were going. I said "really well" he asked if I was getting tired of the road, I took a second to think about it and I answered honestly "no" then he said to me "traveling gets in your blood doesn't it?" When he said that I knew exactly what he meant, because it really does! I am so thankful I am able to experience so many different places and people while I am able to do so. And to do it together with my family is an absolute blessing.

        I was driving today and we went through Vegas, it appeared out of no where, it was all desert then there was LAS VEGAS! I have been to Vegas a few times before. There is something about that city! All the different colors and flashy buildings. I can see why it is so appealing to people. The sad truth is that alot of crazy/horrible things go on there. Today we saw a bill board that straight up was asking if girls wanted to "make a dirty movie" for "500 bucks" It was awful. When you see the true side of Vegas you know why its called Sin City. We also stayed in Denver, CO for a bit. And discovered some really good places to eat and get coffee at. Its hilarious Bryan and I have our "spots" in almost every city we visit. When you eat out so often finding a good place sticks in your mind. This second leg of the tour is going to be crazy! Mostly because we are on someone elses schedule. When Bryan books a tour he can control how far apart shows are etc. But the Warped Tour is different, they let you know when to be there and when you perform each day. Its going to take some getting used to! Luckily I will have Rebekah with me ! So there will be someone else going through what I am! Even though it will be different I think its going to be a good experience for us all. I am looking forward to meeting new people and Bryan is excited to get exposed to new audiences! I will write again soon!  

Nikki...From Michigan

Hi everyone...

   We have been in Michigan for the last few days. I have been having a Blast here. We are staying with Othello and Rebekah, some of our best friends. Its nice being around a couple you have so much in common with. So the guys have been writing some new songs and recording (having a super fun time :) they also have some local shows in the area, its cool that they are able to perform together after so long. 

  Othello and Bekah had a baby boy about 7 weeks ago. His name is Asa. Gabriella loves to look at him and point while saying "baby baby!" then she lets me know he has a nose, mouth, eyes and feet. She really enjoys pointing out those things on babies, its so cute. 

  In about a week we are going to be leaving on tour with Othello, Rebekah and Asa. The guys are going to be on the warped tour. We are really excited but we know it will be challenging. The schedule is pretty intense. And I know we will be tired. I also know we are going to make some life long memories. Its so cool we have the opportunity to tour like this while our kids are young. Before the warped tour Bryan has 2 paid dues festivals he has to fly out to, so while he is doing those, I am flying home with Gabriella to Oregon for my soon to be sister in laws wedding shower. Im really excited to be visiting home, it will be really nice to see my parents and brother. Gabriella and my mom are best friends so I know Gabriella will be very happy to see her! My parents have not seen her for about 2 months. She has grown so much and developed such a personality in that time. I am excited for them to be able just to watch her to the hilarious things she does :) The only sad thing about taking Gabriella to see her grandparents is taking her away from them again. I just feel horrible, I almost feel like I am teasing her or something. The good things is as long as she is with mommy and daddy she is content. Im crossing my fingers she does not get mad at me for taking her away from "mi-ma" and "poo-pa"  :) 

   I have been really tired lately, I dont know if its because we have been at one place for so long and my body is just not used to that, or if I am not getting enough sleep. We have been staying up super late each night watching Lost. Othello got Bryan and I hooked! Its an amazing show, the writing is super intense. Luckily he has the DVD's so we are able to watch episode after episode. I have to say the Office is still my favorite show though... :) I will write again soon! Right now I am baby sitting Asa, and he is waking up!!! good bye! 

Braille....from Michigan

What's up ya'll.  A quick entry while I'm in the studio working on new Lightheaded material.  I've really been enjoying time with the family.  We had an incredible concert in New York with the Youth Explosion team.  After that we spent a weekend in Baltimore - shouts to Trey and his family for the great hospitality.  I rocked three shows in one day, starting with a sunday morning service and ending with a jam in the basement of a fancy hotel.  I originally had a Saturday night concert that got canceled, so with the help of some friends I was able to rally together three last minute gigs.  Pretty fresh.  After a successful weekend, we went to Washington D.C. and celebrated with a visit to the National Zoo.  Gabriella liked the monkeys and lions (kitty cats) but her favorite part was playing inside the giant pizza playground.  haha.  We stayed at another incredible hotel and I want to officially give props to www.priceline.com.  If William Shatner (sp?) every decides to retire from their promotional campaign then I will gladly take on the job.  haha.  Staying in 4 and 5 star hotels for under $150 is really fresh.  Right now I'm in Michigan, chilling with Othello and getting ready for the warped tour.  During our preparations for the road we are also finding time to record new Lightheaded songs and watch season 1 and 2 of the TV show LOST.  That show is crazy.  I never followed it before but I've been enjoying watching it on DVD.  Oh, and notice the picture of Gabriella wearing Nikki's shoes.  She has been doing that a lot lately and it's hilarious.

Im BACK! ... Nikki from New York

Oh my gosh! I feel like I have not written a blog in forever! Well, I guess that because i haven't. I stayed with some family in PA for almost 10 days. It was a blast. Gabriella and me got some good down time and got to spend some quality time with family that i hardly ever see.  I told Bryan that i have been avoiding writing a blog since i got back because I feel like i have to much to write and i wont be able to remember it all..or I might go over board and tell you every detail and then the blog would just get boring. All in all i decided not to worry about it and just write how i feel. 

  I ran into a bit of bad luck right before i met back up with Bryan in New York. First my luggage was overweight so i had to take out a bunch of clothes and shoes making my carry ons extra heavy.  I missed my flight, and was a nervous wreck! Then was on a stand by flight. They called my name and as I was stepping onto the plane i heard my name again...turns out the lady who was missing her flight decided to show up extra late so i had to come back and wait even longer for another flight. After all that i finally got to New York and Bryan had lots of surprises for me! He booked the Grand Hyatt on 42nd and Lexington Down town Manhattan. For 2 nights! He also got me delicious pizza which i ate in bed. I pretty much laid in bed for the rest of the day because i was so worn out from my travels to the city, as was Gabriella. We love being in New York , for many reasons. The sounds of the city, all the culture, the food, the convenience and the history. And of course the music scene! After a couple days of relaxation we headed to Queens. Bryan did a performance for one of the largest youth groups in New York. The experience was great. We fell in love with this church. The people were amazing and the youth inspiring. It was the first time that i could see myself living in New York having a foundation in this church. Its in the back of our minds, but only God knows the future :) While we were in the city we got to meet up with a couple more friends such as Bryan's manager Mike.  he is hilarious and we all get along so well...we went out to dinner at an outdoor spot .. the weather was perfect! the food delicious, it was a memorable night. 

 From New York we headed to Baltimore and again met some life long friends. One of Bryan's friends opened his house to us. Him and his wife have 2 little girls. One is 2 years old so her and Gabriella got to play for about 3 days. Gabriella is getting better at being social. For along time she would just avoid kids her age, but this time she actually opened up and played. So tonight we are in Washington DC . And its actually somewhere i have never been before!! I was excited to visit and see the sights! We took Gabriella to the National Zoo..and she loved it .. in her own way .. randomly running in circles and being in a jolly mood hehe. We are staying at a hotel called the Palomar, its a Kinton hotel and i have to say its the coolest place i have ever stayed, its technically in Virginia since DC is so small, we crossed the border in about 10 min from where we were. This hotel is gorgeous. the way they explain it is "art in motion" and that's exactly how it feels. Every detail is covered from a nic nak on a table to a light fixture everything is unique and artistic. The colors are calming , dark and robust. A down feather comforter makes the bed a dream to sleep in. If you are ever in this area, i highly recommend this hotel!  Its about 12:20 so I think i need to get some sleep. We have about a 9 hour drive to Michigan where we meet up with Othello and Rebekah and their new baby Asa! We are so stoked to meet him...i will write soon...:)