Update 2026

I hope everyone reading this blog had wonderful holidays and that your new year is starting off in the direction you hoped. Wishing you health, happiness and fun in 2026!  I had wonderful holidays, celebrated with friends and family.  A relaxing end to a year that I am glad is over.  2025 will not been on my top ten list.  Staying positive, 2026 will be better. 

I really did enjoy performing with the band in December and thank you to the Paroisse St-Jean Baptiste in Roxton Falls for inviting me to sing some Christmas cheer!  I grew up listening to these songs and they always put me in a good mood.  You can check out the video on my YouTube channel.   Going to do this again next holiday season 2026!

I love the dancing scene, the cabaret, the costumes and all the productions that I have created and who knows, maybe one day they will intertwine. For now, I am content to see where things will go. 

I have not written in a while. When something unpredictable happens, you must deal with it.   Although I was motivated to write, there is only so much time in a week and when you are dealing with other priorities, time becomes an issue.  I hope I get to spend more time in 2026 writing; it clears my head.

Heading to Panama tomorrow! Looking forward to visiting with my husband, family and friends a new country and a new culture.  Zen, water & sunshine with a mix of music, dancing and fun.   Bringing my camera along, looking forward to the next memory on Femme Chakra Travels. 

That’s my update!  I wish you all a great end of January and hope to see you soon.  My motto this year: Be better, wiser, have fun and don’t overthink, be you!

I'm Back 2025!

Well, I’m back! I have been feeling a lack of motivation for a while and I think I need something new.  I opened this blog in 2010, and it has been at times, a great experience for me.  Some people are great at marketing themselves.  I admire the Twitters, the Instagramers, WhatsAppers, TikTokers and all the social platforms, I’m just not very good at it.  I’m a Facebooker and a You-Tuber at very best and I would not consider myself great at it.  Although I know that reading is not as popular as it once was, but I like writing.   Although I appreciate Facebook and YouTube for so many reasons, it does not let me express a story.  I miss being able to express myself properly.

Once I start talking, I never shup up but I figure if there are people that are interested in my knowledge, my ideas and getting to know me, then they can find me here.  Instead of wasting my time posting irrelevant stuff, why not take the time and be real. 

To all my wonderful French friends, I wish you could all read English.  I wish I wrote as well in French as I do in English, but I don’t.  I do not want writing to become a job, a responsibility or tedious and translating my feelings, thoughts and/or ideas it is just too hard. Maybe one day!  I do have the translate button if anyone wants to try it.

I want to post once a week and see where it will lead me. I want to find my discipline. I do hope you find it interesting but if you do not, that’s fine too.  I think I am interesting and maybe one day what I write may have a positive impact on someone else.  That would be wonderful!

As for my old posts, they are part of projects I worked on, things I did, my thoughts, shows I saw, artists I met, opinions, my music and parts of my life.  Please feel free to read them although they do not represent Anne-Marie in 2025.  I believe people do change; we can learn from our mistakes and grow.  With all my growth I am not the same person.  I’m stronger, wiser and I aim at being the best I can be.

Thanks for listening and please feel free to comment.  I would love to meet similar people that may have the same interests, ideas, or projects.  See you next week!

 

 

 

 

2020 The Covid Year

It took me a while to decide how I was going to start this blog as it has been so long since I have written that I did not want to start on a negative note.  That is a little hard as this year in particular has started out not like any of the others.  Myself and Franco Quebec Productions worked really hard in the last 2 years to produce and create a business that we thought would amount to something great this year.  We had bookings (weddings, corporate events, festivals) planned this summer as well as a 7 week run (14 shows) in Rougemont in September to promote the show Cabaret Pastiche. We had worked hard to promote our classes which in turn were also cancelled. Needless to say, we are rather disappointed that it did not work out.       

To all the artists that participated in the Cabaret Pastiche in February, we thank you for all your hard work.  That show in particular is on my list of one of the top ten shows I have done in my career.  It represented a small version of a grand plan that I believe would have led to the type of production I hope to one day achieve. If you missed it you can take a look at https://www.youtube.com/femmechakra . I know this year will be hard for all the artists that rely on their art to survive and I can only hope that you are all finding creative ways to keep busy as we all know that life without the arts is intolerable.  Be safe and my thoughts are with you. We are still working hard to promote and hopefully 2021 will be a very different year. 

On a positive note, the website for Franco Quebec Productions ( https://www.francoquebec.com/ ) is finally done! We are still looking for talent so if you are a band, duo, singer, dancer or have a distinct talent we want to hear from you.  We are hoping to evolve and promoting great talent is one our goals.  Please don`t hesitate to contact me femmechakra@gmail.com. 

Although 2020 did not start well I am grateful that I am healthy, safe and sane.  This is just another diversion from the route that I set sail a long time ago to journey.  Hopefully the rest of the year will be smooth sailing.  I wish you all good health, love and happiness.  I missed so many of you in the last few months that I cannot wait to finally see you.   

  

Starting the year off with a smile!

Hey everyone! I was going to start the year off by doing a video for my Montreal Art & Fitness, but life can get busy quickly, so I decided a blog would be the best way to start 2018!!!


I`m feeling lucky this year as like everyone else I try and make better decisions for the New Year by setting goals and trying to obtain them.  I really think it is easier when you have something that helps you to stay motivated.   On January 28th I will be performing for Les Productions Pierrette Dubois along side Jacques Vallée for a cabaret show.  I have not done the whole cabaret thing with dancers and costumes in a while, but I thought it would be a challenge to change it up a little this time by adding some of my original songs, some back vocals and some fun new cover songs.  Never would I have thought I would be doing Cher but I`m excited to try something new and it`s great that it is in January as it`s usually a very quiet time for artists.  The show is a bilingual show and Jacques is doing some of his originals as well as some French classics like Les Classels, Jeunesses D`Aujourd`hui and Nuit de Montréal.  It is really nice to be back in a group setting and working as a team.  The show is in Montreal and if you are interested please don`t hesitate to let me know, the tickets are $20.00.

The great thing about it is that I am training again and hopefully this will set the tone for the rest of the year.  I`m not sure if and/or when we will perform again along side but it`s definitely motivating. I am hoping to film the show and if all works out it should be up in February on My Music YouTube Channel.  A heads up to all the artists I worked with, all my shows are now on My Music channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabV75B6Jq_3mgSExrQIMBQ, check them out, it is super fun going down memory lane.

So that`s my update, I really do hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is starting the year on a positive note.  Again, I wanted to thank everyone that watched the latest interviews with local talent, it really was meant to help support and hopefully next September I can introduce you to a few new and creative hard-working artists.  Thank you for subscribing to My Montreal Art & Fitness  https://www.youtube.com/femmechakra and coming up, I am hoping to catch a few clips behind the scenes. 

I hope everyone has a great January, stay warm and see you in February!

My New Poetry & Short Story Book - A Life of Understanding

I am proud to announce that I finally published some of my poetry and short stories. Over the last few years, some of my friends have received my poems as gifts for special occasions as many of them are positive and in celebration of the many people that I cared for a great deal.

I started writing them when I was 11 years old and above each published story or poem is the year that they were written, over the years the writing changes a great deal in style and format. I was reluctant at first as a few of the poems are reminders of hard choices, pain and loss but I am who I am today because of those moments and decisions. It puts into perspective the girl I once was to the woman I strive to be.

I do hope some are motivational and / or people find a reflection in themselves having experienced or felt a certain circumstance or feeling. I`m grateful to have loved, cared and respected so many people and because of them, I was able to create these memories. With all it`s good and bad it does capture a piece of me.

If you would like to purchase a copy you can visit my website for all the links www.femmechakra.com.

The preview and soft cover are available on Blurb and/or you can purchase it on an E-reader at Amazon. Thank you in advance for the support and please do not hesitate to let me know what you think.

 

 

 

New Thoughts, New Ideas and a Positive Attitude

Life is full of ups and downs and some years carry more burdens and hardships than others. I have and always will be a person that strives at being positive. I believe that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel but sometimes taking a break, removing the clutter, re-evaluating directions can make a huge difference. When dramatic life changes occur, it is easier to just move ahead, not concentrate as it`s too hard to feel but in that midst, you can find that the experience will lead to new beginnings, new hope and clarity. That is what I am looking forward to for the rest of 2017.

 As an artist and one that is constantly changing, learning and evolving, I have been told numerous amount of times to pick one direction and go with that as a Master is someone that concentrates on one discipline as oppose to many. For me, that would not be possible. Life is meant to be an experience and although it would be much more lucrative to focus in one area, I love change. I am and have been throughout my life a professional dancer, choreographer, singer, producer and writer. Dr. K. Anders Ericsson of Florida State University, as well as other researchers, have found that it takes around 10 years or 10,000 hours of practice to master something. In that context by the time I am 60 I should have 5 master degrees..lol. My point being that I am always going to be a versatile artist as without Art, life would be intolerable.

On that note, I have been told that because I focus on many projects and different venues, people don`t really grasp what I have done, what I am doing and what are my projects. As I have never been good at self-promotion, I have not really put my work into perspective. Hence why I updated my website www.femmechakra.com. This will be my target website as it will be kept up to date. Presently you can listen and buy my music which has been a very long time coming, you can view some of my video productions from my YouTube Channel and get an idea of what I am currently doing. My social links are also available for those specific projects. In general, I am trying to make it as simple as possible to follow. Thanks to those that take the time to read, watch, listen and/or subscribe, I really do appreciate it. I could be a private artist but what fun is that if you can`t share it with someone.

I have a few new projects that I am currently working on that I will be sharing soon and I hope in the coming months to find some new and interesting ideas. Thanks again and if I don`t see some on you over the summer, I hope it is a great one. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind to us.

Missing Mom, FECU and Happy Mother`s Day!

It`s hard to believe it`s already been a little over a year since my mom passed away. I will never forget how the experience changed my life in so many ways. I`m sure it`s not the same for everyone as not everyone get`s to experience the closeness I had with my mom but at one point or another, if you ever truly love someone and lose them, it can be life altering. I miss her everyday. The phone calls that so frequently annoyed me when she was around. The bond that we had of understanding, accepting and caring. The laughs, the cries and the friendship. The one person that loved me unconditionally, was my biggest fan and that never judged me. Even in death she taught me so much. Never take life for granted as from one day to the next you never know what can happen and be sympathetic and caring when you hear that someone has lost someone as you should never forget how you once felt. I am so grateful that I got to spend so much time with her in her last years and although she is not here, her presence is constantly felt and remembered.

She would have been happy to know that I attended the fundraiser for the FECU, Foundation for the Education of the Children in Uganda. I find it unfortunate how in 2017 children still cannot pursue education. Whether it be here, Uganda or Internationally, all children should have the right to basic education. The FECU mission is to do just that, enable underprivileged children to pursue secondary education. Fr. David Kiyingi, a 24 year Montreal retired High School teacher was born in Uganda and has dedicated his efforts to address such issues. A huge thanks to Nada for inviting me and of course seeing all the old team from Dynamic Entertainment. The singer, Eddie Laudi, was absolutely wonderful. I love the 50`s classic and his charming vocal energy and style fit the occasion perfectly. I met some new and friendly people and spent time with familiar faces, had a great meal, entertainment and all for a good cause! If you would like to support or become a member of this foundation please contact Fr. David Kiyingi at 514-426-5593, (cell) 514-213-5778 or kiyingi.fr.david@gmail.com.

Although my mother is not here to celebrate I do have many people I care about that are doing their best at being the most fantastic mothers they can be. In that regards, I hope you all have a wonderful Mother`s Day as you all deserve it, big kisses!

My Fitness Journey, One Month Already!!!

Time really does pass fast. I started dancing (or training depending on what you call my work out) and it has already been a month. I know I should be disappointed that I managed to get myself into this mess again but I am still pretty proud of myself. Anybody that has stopped and started training again knows how much it can hurt and how hard it is to get back on the boat and start again. To all of those in this same boat, cheers to you! Yes it is smarter not to stop and start but it`s nice to know I can still manage to get back up once I fall.

I started my music channel last year and although I have loaded most of my songs I have not been doing too much in that category. I prefer right now to practice at home where only my neighbors can complain, lol. I sing and write all the time so although it`s nice to have a public, I enjoy it just as much in my own little bubble. However for years I have put up and taken down all my shows (which is almost as crazy as starting and stopping exercise ) this time I am putting up all of them. I started this week with My VHS Years which is pretty cool because although it makes me feel a tad older it reminds me of some pretty great years and performances. I still don`t completely understand how I managed to produce, film and pay for all my demos and yet never had the courage to keep them up. Was it a lack of self-confidence or fear of rejection, maybe but today I am just as proud of them as I am of my fitness choreographies, my interviews and all the work I have done on my channel. It won`t be appreciated by everybody but it`s nice to know that some enjoy it. You can listen and watch at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabV75B6Jq_3mgSExrQIMBQ,

I am not sure if it is because I am getting older or wiser but what I thought was important has changed and I am realizing that I have a deeper appreciation of the times spent with friends and family. A huge thanks to the ladies that dropped for dinner for my birthday, what a memorable night full of laughter, wine and good food. Next week you can catch a glimpse of that on My Montreal Art & Fitness, who knew that a night at home could be so much fun!

As for me, baby steps all the way! I hope everyone has a great week and on a final positive note, only 7 days left until Spring!

Happy Valentine`s Day!

I can`t believe it`s already February. To all of you that are happily in love and celebrating, I wish you all a very Happy Valentine`s Day. To those that have not found love this year, join the gang! We can celebrate together with a cheers for being independent and waiting for the real thing.

Besides starting the year off positive by taking my first solo vacation (catch it on Femme Chakra YouTube), I did make a new years resolution to start taking out the clutter. You see I am one of those people that like to jump on a project with enthusiasm, finish it as professionally, quickly and as best as I can. The problem with house and personnel clutter is that there never seems to be enough time to finish everything I want to do. So this year I decided I`m going to take baby steps and do a little week by week. Besides the relentless cleaning of going through way too many CD`s of pictures, music and videos as well as the bunch of crap I seemed to have accumulated in the last 6 years of living here, I have only scratched the surface. It will take time but I am positive, I got a lot accomplished and it really does feel great once you finish something you set your mind to do.

In regards to the arts, this month I`m going to start uploading my old shows on my music channel. I have my cover album up as well as some of my original songs but I want to put up my old shows. I honestly think that they are part of my journey, I am proud of them and I want to share some of my accomplishments. I promised myself last year that I would be an open book, they made me who I am today and I`m happy I got to experience them.

In regards to fitness, I can`t say 2016 was my best year. I am slowly getting back to eating healthier by wiping away some bad habits first and slowly I will get into the physical part. Albeit knowing how to eat properly and train properly, I am someone that mentally has to be motivated to jump back on the boat. It`s never healthy to stop and start but I am not one to judge on that behavior as I am the perfect example. Every time I stop I have to go through all the physical pain again, it really is a vicious cycle. Why stop then? It's still a question I ponder but I factor in that it's my mental state which in turn leads to a mix of bad habits, laziness and lack of motivation. The good thing is I have been up and down before and I am extremely resilient (Thanks Mom!). At first you don't succeed, try, try again!

So I am wishing you all a fabulous Happy Valentine`s. For those in love, be thankful you have someone that makes you happy and that is there for you. For those like me that are not, it`s still a happy occasion as once you know what love really is, you won`t settle for less than what you had. It`s worth the wait! Have a great day everyone and I will see you soon.


That Way for you - Written by Anne-Marie Taylor and Adamack Beats
One of the first songs I wrote years ago in 2010 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f6BzWB7DnU

Happy Birthday Mom!

To be honest I was a little scared to write this blog entry. This year has been an extremely difficult one to say the least and every time I tried to focus and become positive another blow would occur and I would fall again. I feel like if I mention trying to become positive I will jinx it and something else negative will come out of the woodwork. Silly I know but it`s not easy when life throws you curveballs and you keep missing the ball.

When you truly love someone death is one of the hardest emotional roller coasters you will ever be on, it plays on your mind constantly. Even when you think you are dealing with it the emotions come in waves and eat up your energy.

My mother was my ``go to person``, my confidant, my best friend and in the last 5 years my whole life revolved around her. Change is hard and starting over without her has been a challenge and not one that I have embraced. I feel if I do, I will be letting her go. Strange as that may seem, hanging onto the pain keeps her here with me.  Knowing my mother she would devastated with that mind set. She would want me to move forward, change, be strong and happy. She would say, ``you can`t live in the past, the present is all that matters``. After 5 months I understand now that that the pain will never fully go away and I am coming to terms with it but it still tears me up thinking of her. It is true that you can never fully understand it until you have lived it and I know I will never be the same person without her.

As it is the first time she won`t be here and I won`t be able to celebrate with her, I hope she knows how much she meant to me and how much I miss her. I hope I did enough when she was here for her to be proud. Happy Birthday Mom, I hope you are in a much better place, you are laughing, smiling and you are enjoying your time there. This is not good-bye only a graceful way to say that I will see you again one day. Love you always!

Life does continue and for me new projects are inevitable. I`m not sure what direction I will take but in the meantime I am enjoying playing with my camera with places I visit as well as my new hobby, jewellery making. For now that is enough for me. 

With everything that has happened, my mom and all the other misfortunes I am extremely grateful to learn that I am surrounded by great friends and family. Thanks to everyone that held my hand through the turmoil and I promise should the tables turn, I will be right there by your side. I hope everyone has a great summer!

Life Sucks Sometimes...

If there is something that I have learnt in the last 5 months is that life can really shoot some nasty curve balls when least expected. Experiences that rip your heart out and that you are forced to confront. I think the older I get, the more I realize how there are always these life changes that stay with you and that you never forget although the really painful ones have an impact and can alter the way you think about yourself and those surrounding you. The things that were once important don`t seem that important anymore; experiences that forever change our ideals.

Just when you think you will survive one disaster another hurricane creeps in and sweeps you up. The expression when it rains it pours feels more like it`s raining and a tsunami just hit. As I have always been a firm believer that the universe sends you as much as you can handle and that everything happens for a reason, I have to admit that it`s hard sometimes to stay positive within than reasoning. It`s easy to say but a lot harder to maintain faced with pain, hurt and frustration.

The thing about crossroads is that it always involves change and decisions. The feeling like you are driving and have come to a dead end where there is only right or left to go but you are uncertain which is the best direction, the questioning period. What should I do? Why is this happening? Questions that taunt you and that albeit other's opinions and support, you ultimately have to figure out on your own. If you have ever questioned the people surrounding you, it is at these times that you will see who is truly there for you and how you know you always stand by them. It's easy to be surrounded by people when life is good, it's another thing when people have to listen to your not so perfect life, complaints and hardships. That is when you realize your social crowd or network is not so big after all. There is a learning experience in everything that happens.

To say the least, so far this year has been a very trying and difficult time for me, life does suck sometimes. This is not a call for sympathy as everyone has there own battles and but rather an understanding and a grateful thank you for everyone that has been there and helped me through it. As I am a strong and independent person, this is just a difficult phase and I will not let it consume me. It's within the worst times of your life that you find your greatest strengths.

Jumping Back on the Boat

Maya Angelou wrote, "what you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain."

In the last few months there has been quite a bit of complaining, crying, ranting and raving so I wanted to take a minute and thank all my friends and family that were there to listen and support me. Considering I have always been an outgoing, hard working and dedicated individual, the turn of events in February left me drained, exhausted and heart broken. It really is hard loosing someone you love and it has left me humbled with a great sense of compassion for those dealing with the same situation. As many told me, in time, the pain will slowly subside and it will get easier. You never forget but slowly you can start to breathe again.

The arts for me is my gateway to happiness. Some find it in cooking, sports, training and/or anything that they find as a release to the everyday stress and anxiety. I haven`t felt much like socializing in the last few months so the solitude of working on music, practising vocals and writing has kept me sane. Starting my own music YouTube Channel has been that release. Will it ever be a success? Probably not but you don't write or sing for success, you do it because you love it and you hope that a few like and appreciate it. I have always been too insecure so this is also a way for me to grow, accepting yourself and all your flaws is really hard but exhilarating at the same time. When I turn 70 (if time permits) I want to look back and see what I accomplished as an artist and I want to remember those memories, experiences and people that led me to write and dedicate those songs, I find comfort in that. You can review all my songs at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabV75B6Jq_3mgSExrQIMBQ. Please subscribe if you can and thanks ahead of time for listening.

As for My Montreal Art and Fitness https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra, new things are coming up but I am not in a rush. I have lived in Quebec my entire life and albeit all the ranting and raving, I think Montreal is a great city with a lot to offer. I enjoy supporting local talent, seeing what is going on and trying new things. You can follow on my Google +, Facebook and Twitter.

As it has always been a relentless battle for me to stay fit and in shape, hence why I created My Montreal Art and Fitness, I have to admit, in the last few months, I have not been kind to my body. Although there should be no excuses as everyone has their demons, it is the truth. It will be hard to get back up and start again but I am confident I will. It all starts with a positive outlook and a little motivation to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully trying a few new dance classes and getting back to a healthy lifestyle will lead me to be inspired to work on other dance projects.

Although it has been an emotional 6 months with turbulence and tribulations, it is time to jump back on the boat. My mother taught me to be strong and resilient and for that I am grateful.

Again, thanks to those that support me, I truly do appreciate it and hope to see you soon xo.





　

It`s a New Year!

Hi everyone and welcome back to My Montreal Art and Fitness. Well it`s a New Year and I hope everyone had Happy Holidays.

Last year was a really great year for me. It is an amazing feeling when you set out to accomplish a goal and succeed. The idea behind My Montreal Art and Fitness was to get out there, try some fitness and dance classes, meet new artists, focus on creating and learning and I really did. I got to meet and got to know many great Montreal Artists, wrote, sang, danced, every time I set an idea, I just did it. My last video covers some of my favorite moments but you can review all the interviews on my YouTube and blog stories to get an idea of what I have done. I also released some of my old cover songs, some old shows and a new song I wrote. You can review my dance fitness routines that I choreographed, they are always fun if you are looking to dance around at home.

As this is a new year and although last year was really great, I want to focus on doing a little less but with more substance. This year I don`t have a set plan. I don`t want to post or create something because I have set a goal or a time frame.  I want to try new things and when I`m ready and if I feel like it, work on it. I want to take some time and focus on my music, I still have so many songs that I would love to share. As everyone knows by now, I am in constant need of motivation when it comes to fitness so I will definitely have to work on getting back to that.
 
This month, I decided to release my No! No! NO! song. Although it`s been on sale on Itunes forever, I kept posting it and deleting it.  I have always been insecure about my music so believe me this is progress. Most artists that I know feel the same way, we are never completely happy or satisfied with what we do and we are our own worst critic. I wrote it 5 years ago and at that time I wrote from the heart. Whether it be a dance tune or not, it still brings back certain memories that I will never forget and appreciate.

Recently I spoke to an old friend who reminded me that everything happens for a reason. The first show that I produced was at a small pub called Scotyz on the outskirts of Montreal in Greenfield Park. The dance and singing cover show was called Chakra and it was the first time I ever sang an original song which was called Mother America. It was a really great track written by some awesome Montreal talent. The video is quite old but the poet, the singers and the song has and forever will be a part of who I am and I also want to share that with you this month.

I do have a few other ideas but like I said, I`m going with the flow this year. My blog has a new section called ``My Montreal Thoughts`` which I plan on working at being honest about certain topics that touch me not only as an artist but as a person. I have a few ideas about health and fitness and I still would like to promote local talent as it`s important to me.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with laughter and love and hope this year is filled with great memories. Thanks for taking the time and do drop by again, as I am constantly trying new things, you never know what you may miss.

Thank you for a great year! October 31, 2014-2015

Well I did it! I made a promise to myself a year ago today. I opened My Montreal Art & Fitness because I had a passion for the Arts and I really believed that Montreal and it`s surroundings had some really great talent. One year ago today, I told myself I would try new things, meet new people, dance more, sing more, create more and I did, I achieved my goal.

I tried numerous amount of fitness and dance classes which I met interesting, dedicated and creative artists. I spoke with comedians, singers and dancers and got to discuss my love of dance. I performed live, visited new places, recorded in studio, did a live video and spent hours in front of a camera. I released shows I never thought I would, saw myself up close and personal and yet, stayed focused on my goal.

I spent time getting to know Montreal, Quebec and it`s surroundings. I saw shows, spoke to artists and met some outstanding teachers that have spent their whole lives dedicated to what they love. I got to meet genuine people that appreciated when I was there and saw people I had not seen in a long time.

All in all, not a bad year ;) I set out to try something different and I learned along the way, well worth my time and effort. The goal of my project was for one year. Learn, try, create and see what happens. Well I did it and i`m proud I did.

Here is a quick glance of some of the artists I wrote about and/or interviewed as well as my few favorite moments and memories of my 2015 artistic year. Although there were so many more, it would just be too long to put into a single video.

On that note, although I will be around, I`m going to take a hiatus. A time to reflect, disappear and try something different. See what I want to do, what I want to work towards and spend some time on relaxation. Goals don`t always work out the way you planned but in the long run, only those that try again, experience something new. Thank you for watching, reading and/or just following, it`s a great feeling to know appreciation. I strongly believe that you always pick yourself up and start again. In the long run, it`s not supposed to be about the goal but the enjoyment you got from doing what you love.

If you would like to catch up on the stories I wrote you can review my blog at http://femmechakra.blogspot.ca/ or take a look at my YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra . There is real talent in this city and i`m glad I got the chance to take part in it. Cheers and see you soon, I`ll be back!

End of the Summer 2015

I think I finally understand what people meant when they said that the older you get, the quicker the time flies.  In a blink of an eye, September is about to arrive.

Over the summer I spent a lot of time going over my old cover videos, shows and songs. I`m glad I took the time to once and for all post them.  What great memories I have! It`s awesome to remember the great nights and people that I have met throughout my journey.  To all that participated in the videos and made them possible, you will always be on my mind as I never forget those that support and help me to grow, thank you!  You can watch and listen to all of them at https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra.

I still can`t believe I have lived in Quebec my entire life and I had no idea the amount of events, places to see and the things there are to do.  Although I was probably the only one that thought it was an exciting project (lol), I learned this summer that Montreal is definitely the place to be.  YouTube was a great source for getting to know the city and some of the promotional videos were really great. The Just for Laughs promo video was fantastic; it really made me want to go next year.   Busy as usual this summer, although I learned a lot, I really did not get to experience any of it.  Any which way I definitely discovered a lot and knowing me the project will hopefully evolve into something one day. 

Amidst all the research, under my Playlist ``To visit in and around the Montreal Area``  I had wanted to introduce Rawdon, Quebec, a city that I love dearly.  Although there are many videos about the Dorwin falls in Rawdon, I could not find a video that featured all of the qualities that make it such a great and interesting city.  So with a camera in hand I set out to record and hopefully give you a glimpse, my final good-bye for the summer. It was fun! I can`t say I did the best job at editing (lol) but I`m learning. I did however, capture what I wanted to remember.  My grand-parents had a house right near Rawdon in Gratten Lake and they are some of best memories I have.  For me, nothing beats a day at the lake! You can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bMPrUXKcas. 

I will be back on YouTube on August 31, 2015 with what`s coming up in September.  I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and if you think I forgot to add any events or places don`t hesitate to let me know.  I hope to at least get to a few next summer!

 

Virtual Summer in Montreal

I`m one of those crazy artists that get`s excited about a project.

It`s amazing to me how I have lived here my entire life and never really paid any attention to the great things there are to do in Montreal in the summer. I really had no idea that by researching my own city I would come to love it even more. The diversity, the energy and cultural environment, it`s amazing. Although it`s virtual, (as if I could afford to visit all the shows, places and cities in Quebec all summer) it has definitely given me a new perspective of the place I grew up.

As for posting my music and shows, I`m going to be honest, it has taken me forever to finally decide to do so. Only those that truly know me understand that I have spent my entire life worrying way too much about what people think of me. I have repeatedly posted and deleted my music out of fear of ridicule, lack of self-confidence and the need for people to like me. It has been years of self-doubt and self-criticism. One day I hope to write about it, it would probably help a lot of young people understand how in our own thoughts we can become our own worst enemy.
 
I finally decided, who cares! When I get to 80 I will at least be able to remember what I have done. It`s a part of who I am, some will appreciate it and other`s won`t. I am an artist and that is something that I can`t stop being.  It`s the part of me that spends hours writing a new song, writing an article, researching, anything that my curiosity can imagine. The people I meet, the ideas, the excitement of doing a new project, what a rush! We are who we are and if I find a few that like what I do then I found people that appreciate me. Thank you for that! 

You can catch my YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra big hugs to those that subscribe!!!  

As I`m a jack of all trades, you never know what I will do but I will definitely be back in September for something new. Until then, I hope you enjoy!

To those that took the time to listen, watch and support, you light up my day!  To all the artists that took part in My Montreal Art and Fitness, whether it be the dancers, the instructors, comedians or the multi-talented, thank you for supporting me, I never forget those that made the time and were there for me. Montreal is full of talent!

Have a great summer!
 

About Fitness and Being a Better Version of Yourself

One of the biggest obstacles in my life has been my weight. For as long as I can remember I have travelled the scale from 115 pounds to 185 in the midst of 20 years. Up, down, down up, up and up, down and everything surrounding me weighing in on my bad habits and my attempts at balance. Whether it be lack of self-confidence, self-scrutiny or self-judgement, my weight has continuously determined a part of my self-worth. I could blame the media for demoralising women, blame men or even blame the metabolism of all those skinny people that can eat whatever they want and not gain anything . In that right, I could blame everyone else but myself.

Art has always played a significant role in my life. Dancing came first, then competitions, then singing, then performing, then recording, then producing, then writing. My entire life has been dedicated to being in the surrounding of very creative people. I love the Arts, creative people inspire me. For example, take a painting, it is a moment of someone`s life that is told by that person. You get to see a one second glimpse of what someone else is thinking in that moment. It`s captivating for me. Art makes me explode with creativity.

I strongly believe that motivation is one of the biggest contributions to being balanced. When I decided to start My Montreal Art and Fitness I knew that I wanted to promote Montreal artists but I also knew that it would be a challenge to keep up with the Fitness side of the idea. I`m a pretty lazy person when I get off track and any fitness requires a certain amount of dedication. I honestly don`t have enough time or money to be working out in a gym 7 days a week or taking 10 dance classes a week but I really do try and stay focused. Meeting people that are motivating and inspiring on a health level, people that teach and those that inspire me are the reasons I kept the Fitness side. At first you don`t succeed, try, try, again. Surround yourself with people that want you to succeed, learn from those that lead by example and don`t give up. I`ll learn slowly but surely and in the meantime, i`ll continue my journey to be a better version of me.

 

If ever you want to learn the choreographies, they are on my YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/femmechakra in my Playlists under ``Choreographies``.  It`s hard getting up and trying again but in the long run, once done, it really does feel great. I`m going to try and keep the choreographies going, try and add some diversity as well as some warm ups for those that are interested. These are really basic dances for people that need to get up their cardio, stretch and get slowly back into it and they are free. It`s that simple. Do the warm up, the Chacha Swing, Danse, El Merengazo and then We Want to Dance. Learn them. The steps are available on my Dance Movements if you are having trouble. Thanks to everyone that has taken the time and liked, it really is appreciated! Hope you all have a great spring (finally!!!).

Helping to support local artists on My Montreal Art and Fitness.  Follow on FACEBOOK , TWITTER, and GOOGLE + (Click on the name to follow and for updates!)

　

Thanks for listening

Wow, summer is almost over, it just flew by. From now on, the only place you will hear my music is at: http://www.reverbnation.com/femmechakra  Albeit I know bigger and better things are coming, I will always go back to writing and singing, it relieves my stress. Thanks for taking the time to listen, the comments and suggestions have been helpful.  I look forward to creating a new album one day, I will hopefully be, by then, happy with the result and have an album that I will feel proud to share :)  See you soon my friends and quoting Mary Engelbreit, ``If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.``

Saying Goodbye to Femme Chakra

Just letting everyone know that my Facebook page ``Femme Chakra``  will be closing soon. Any new projects that I will be working on will fall under Femme Chakra Productions. I have a few ideas and I will see in future if I re-open it.

As for my music, if I finish my new album, it will be by Anne-Marie Taylor. I think I remember Franco Taddeo (the comedian in case you did not know) saying "if your not a celebrity or a business, you don`t need a Facebook page", and I`m not. I write lyrics and melody because I love it, not because I actually believe it will ever make me any money (lol), and I`m good with that. I think once you realise that it`s supposed to be something you enjoy as opposed to a success, the pressure is reduced and it once again it becomes a passion. I can live with that. If I find a few people that enjoy my music along the way, even better.

I chose Femme Chakra as my artist name in 2002. I was reading 2 books at the time, `The Four Agreements`` by Don Miguel Ruiz and ``Your seven Energy Centers`` by Elizabeth Clare and Patricia Spadaro.  ``Chakras`` refer to 7 energy senses in the body. As I was producing my first show along side 6 other women, the name stuck. I still have both books and still appreciate what I got from reading them. I never thought I would keep the name for 12 years..lol. 

"Femmes" was the album title of my first cover album I did between 2007 and 2010. It had some of my favorite songs I sang at many shows. I still listen to it and remember some really great moments.

When I started writing, Femme Chakra seemed like a good idea. As I initially started the project to learn and grow, it became my own little artist world. My escape from the everyday. It's a big part of me, one I don't want to lose. Hopefully it will grow into something different in the next 10 years.
 
A big thanks to those that did support my little artist world. Life can be short and I never want to be that person that does not take the time to appreciate. You can listen to my old songs over the summer by clicking on my Reverbnation link below or you can see what's new on my website at www.femmechakra.com. (PC Only) Your thoughts are always appreciated. See you soon xxoo




http://www.reverbnation.com/femmechakra

Thanks for the help :)

Wow, what a long and harsh season! Winter at times can literally knock the wind out of you. 

Very glad to be moving on to bigger and better times. Although Mother Nature seems to have decided that Spring will be short, I am looking forward to the upcoming summer. For me, sometimes stepping back and analysing the situation proves more beneficial than trying to fight the inevitable.

I think the rest of 2014 will be a lot more positive with creative ideas and projects. After taking the time to review my own music, I think it`s time to get rid of some of the old stuff. I love writing music and as of date, I have more than 50 songs written down and stored. My songs on YouTube, Facebook and my Website will no longer be available (The only tune you can buy will be on Itunes, which will be No, No, No which is available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-no-no-single/id470286834 ). I have other plans for those channels. I want to concentrate on making my own original album, which will take time. The album will be under Anne-Marie Taylor instead of Femme Chakra although I am keeping the name for some of my other projects. I`m going to be posting a few songs in the next few weeks for trial purposes to see what my friends and family think. It`s the last time you will hear them until I finish the album so it would be appreciated that if you do like any of them, to take a minute and let me know. I write music because I love it but I also know it`s not everyone`s cup of tea. Honesty is also appreciated, I don`t need you to like it if you don`t. If you feel more comfortable, send me a private message. It would be great to pick a few songs that some of my friends like so that when the album will (one day..lol) be finished, I will remember those that helped me along my way. Thanks in advance :)

I`m writing quite a lot of fiction these days and keeping up with my Zumba choreographies. It`s a lot harder than most people think. Although there are a lot of choreographies available for me to copy and teach, I prefer to spend time and work on my own originality. I`m hoping by September to start teaching once a week or twice a week. Again, if you are interested, let me know, I may be able to arrange a class on the South Shore. Everyone is welcome.

The summer should be a busy one. Time to make up the dormant time. I`m looking forward to seeing some old friends and if all goes well, spending sometime in St-Anne-de-Bellevue. Please let me know if and when you may be in the area and hopefully we can meet up. It would be really nice to see some old friends. I wish everyone a great summer and hope it`s full of sunshine, I really think we are due.