I was reading this month’s Harvard Business Review.  They did a spotlight on happiness in their Jan/Feb issue – and one of the articles (Positive Intelligence by Shawn Achor) tells about an experiment where participants were asked to pick one activity (of 5 available ones) and practice them daily. 

After three weeks, people were significantly better and they’d created a routine that some chose to continue past the experiment! 

Here are the five choices. 

1. write down three things you’re grateful for
2. write a positive message to someone in your social support network.
3. meditate at your desk for 2 minutes.
4. exercise for 10 minutes.
5. take 2 minutes to describe in a journal the most meaningful experience of the past 24 hours.

Well I’ve been on my workout now for two days.  (whoop) So I’m going to ambitiously try to do all 5 activities daily.  Hey, at least I know I’ll do one! 

Three things I’m grateful for:

1. Family – I was a little down this weekend, so I drove up to Philadelphia where my sister and brother-in-law watched movies with me and hung out.  My sis and I met up with my mom too and we hung out.  My aunt and grandma prayed with me annnnnd I got to see the latest family baby, Amanda Zarah.  Good times.

2. Music – I’ve been listening to the mixed versions of my upcoming album and I feel so blessed to have made three albums.  A lot of people sing and write, but to be able to make a project is such an experience and I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to find people in my life that support my music and believe in it. GO GET IT— 2.14.2012

3. Health – In yoga today I felt a little out of practice.  But it wasn’t long ago that I was doing 4 days at Bikram Yoga, REGULARLY so I know I’ll get back in the hang of it.  I’m just so grateful that I have the good health to pursue these workouts. 

See ya tomorrow! 

love,

madia

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]So my next show is at Ben’s Next Door and I’m rather excited. 

madia @ Ben’s Next Door
Tuesday, January 10
9- 10:30 pm
1213 U St. Northwest,
Washington, DC 20009

Ben’s has a great tradition of supporting the artist community on U Street.  The venue offers an intimate and fun setting where diners can listen to the sounds of artists like Kenny Wesley, Levi Stephens, Tamika Love Jones, and the list goes on and on.  Their artist in residence Mr. W. Ellington Felton is really tied into the community and he works hard to bring talent to Ben’s and make music and the artist available to the local community. 

Thanks to Chairman’s Reserve is also in order.  They faithfully sponsor Ben’s Next Door Tuesday performances and support with attendance.  I’ve seen Clyde Davis there myself and he comes out and brings folks. 

When I practice with Zach Cutler (Guitar) and Boogie (Percussion) – we’ll fine tune and make any necessary changes.  The set list covers songs from all three albums. 

I am changing up the songs I’ll be covering because I’d like to show some different vocal qualities and I’m just in this kind of mood. 

Set List

• You
• Come Over
• Almost Doesn’t Count (COVER)
• Love Like Mine
• I Should Be Your Girl
• Sweet Misery (COVER)
• No More
• Who You Made Me
• Runaway LoveHer
• Beautiful Surprise (COVER)
• This Love

Cover Ideas
Beautiful Surprise (India Arie) –
The Love I Never Had (Mary J Blige) –
Almost Doesn’t Count (Brandy) –
Sweet Misery (Amel Larrieux) –

Not that it’s a huge deal but the operation is getting a little more streamlined in anticipation of my new album release on 2/14/12 – Go Get It.  We can now accept credit cards so bring ‘em on! 

Would love to hear your thoughts on covers and would love to see your face in that place on Tuesday.  CDs are $10 and hugs are ON THE HOUSE. 

love,

madia

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>> This was an open letter to my family and friends announcing that my new album will be out in three weeks.  Figured I’d post it here as well!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

I can’t wait until I get to say what I’m grateful for this year, because after 5 years – I’m breaking my musical silence.  My third album is three weeks away from launch and I am so happy and grateful to have it finished. 

Here’s where you come in. 

1.     If you know of any holiday parties that need a performance, I’m there.  It can be with a five piece band or just yours truly with a mic and an amp. 

2.     Join the mailing list (http://eepurl.com/hiKLI) if you’d like to receive musical updates from me.  I’m not spamming anyone. 

3.     Talk to me on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/lovemadia)

4.     Talk to me on Facebook!  I’ll take an encouraging word.  Whatever you got!  (http://www.facebook.com/lovemadia)

5.     Go on iTunes or Amazon and rate the first two albums.  Those look kinda thin so it would be good to have some ratings. 

Thanks for being there from the start.

Always,

madia

madiamusic@gmail.com

www.lovemadia.com

<p>Madia sings Truthfully (originally performed by Brandy) from madia logan on Vimeo.</p>

So, I’ve started singing a lot.  I’m singing some of my older songs, and some covers in preparation for the stage.  I’d like to do some performances when the album is ready and that means being stage ready.  Let me know what you think about this one and if you have suggestions for other songs!

love,

madia