Tag: fiction

This is NOT a story about song covers.

I’ll get to where I am going but It requires a pathway which can only be understood by someone with severe ADD. So, buckle your seatbelts, it will only be a little bumpy.

From the backseat, with her window rolled down, my youngest, her “raised with wolves,” hair in a braid from the night before and 800 flyaways in her face, asked me a question. In the most natural way her four year old brain could muster.

“Mom, is this the person that sings this song or is this a new person?” Our car rides usually include music and recent discussions have focused on whether the song is an original or a cover. A sign of the times I suppose.

I squinted at her in the rear view, smirking, more proud than I have ever been. I mean, first steps and word sounds are a big deal but processing if a song is an original at 4 years old……….

“Take My Breath Away.”

I am a music nut. I come from good stock. George and Shryl Bray, who I get to call my parents, have perfected the art of enjoying music. My first memories are centered around hearing classic songs, laughter and enjoyment.

This Spotify recommendation showed up yesterday and I give it an A+. Talented artists covering Neil Young songs. Please don’t get political. I don’t give a shit about what end of the rainbow someone stands on. Harvest was a great album.

Alright. I am ready to circle back to the task at hand now. Squirrel trip finished.

I asked her permission to “mention,” her in my blog.

I had been struggling the last few days on what to write.

After opening my mind and asking for clarity. I knew she would be the focus.

This picture was taken in the fall of 2014. I obtained my Real Estate license and graciously accepted the role of working as Victoria’s Marketing Director. I loved that job. I excitedly arrived early, always dressed up. The desk I was assigned to was intentionally placed across the small hallway. We were face to face on a daily basis.

In total, the distance was about 12 feet. Far enough away but close enough to the action.

When she assigned a task, she made contact with her ice blue eyes and explained the mission thoroughly. Her communication impeccable.

Since 2014, between the two of us, a lot of life has happened. Externally from Real Estate.

Those stories will stay between us for now. Victoria’s story isn’t mine to tell. But if you ever want to solve world problems at Far West, Jujis or Aldridge Gardens, I am game. All of those places slightly emulate what would be, a J’s Place vibe.

Marinating on the subject of covers, my brain wondered to the ABBA classic, Dancing Queen. To me, this song embodies Victoria. Because, if you are not in the know, she also competes in ballroom dancing. This dancing diva also owns and operates a studio in Midland. She is not just a Real Estate magnate.

Researching, I stumbled upon Kelly Clarkson performing a decent slow rendition, think “Beautiful Disaster” vibes. It is worth taking the time to listen. However, there is not a notable copy cat.

Main thought of this entry:

There will never be a cover of Victoria.

There may be a false prophet or two but there will never be one to speak of, one that makes any real waves.

As I reflect on my journey with Victoria over the past 11 years, I think about her prevailing qualities, what draws me to her and what makes her a true friend.

1:) She is honest. Always. And you know it. I don’t know about y’all but I appreciate some damn honesty.

2:) She is a teacher. She loves hard. She believes in you. She keeps up with you.

3:) She is a shark. I learned from the best. Yes, there were times where I was put in my place. I am so grateful for those moments. Looking back, I would not have become the business woman I am today had it not been for her brutal, consistent honesty.

She taught me to play to win, we are 100% commission in this business.

Remember who pays your bills. (Looks hard at self in mirror.)

4:) She has epic taste. A true classic and class act. From day one I have been spending hard earned cash sifting through her designer clothing and posh accessories that did not make it to The RealReal. The collections are on point. Elegant. Pure Victoria.

• In 2015 I recall wearing a dress I found at Cavenders to a Fashion show at Julian Gold. She complimented it heavily and I revealed its original home. She said to NEVER tell anyone and it looked very expensive. It was $19. I always appreciated that advise. Never give away too much. Yet here I am spilling my entire life on a blog. Thanks https://www.instagram.com/brenebrown/ . That feeling of raw vulnerability though, whew GAME CHANGER!

5:) She shows no fear. If VP has any, she hides it well. Like the Nike slogan, she “just does it.” She is that friend, that if you will get to know and allow into your life, will empower you, build you up and shine a light for you in your dark times.

6:) Phenomenal gift giver. For all occasions. Nothing fancy. Just a small token to know she is thinking about you. Isn’t that what we all want, to be thought about and appreciated?

These six reasons are mine alone. Others will have a completely different list.

I try to incorporate a theme in these posts, hoping they help someone in any kind of way.

This post’s prevailing perception? Always be grateful to the hand that feeds you. Remember where you came from. As younger musicians cover classics, they wouldn’t have that chance had there not been an original.

Victoria has raised phenomenal Agents and Brokers. She groomed us. Shaped us.

We have journeyed on our own crusades. Victoria continues to lead her own empire, as no one else will do a better job. I will continue to maintain a friendship built on respect and honesty with Victoria. Just like the desk placement, it has and will always been intentional. Be that friend.

Peace- J.