Alexis Vear

Part 1

I am by the Sea, and since I can remember, the sea has always played a big part in my life. I’ve learned a lot from the sea. I long to be in the water, by the water, all the time….. It feeds my soul in some mysterious way…… and it is a true metaphor to me, for life. I often write about the sea in songs.

I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis is an area absent of water, except the white(dirty) River, and a reservoir called Geist. When I was a child, Geist was owned by the water company, accept for one tiny parcel of land, that was owned by the Indianapolis Sailing Club. Every weekend my mom and dad would race their sailboat, and for 5-7 hours I would play hide and seek in the shipyard, make bottle boats, or hide in the ladies room and draw pictures until my parents returned to their dock. My dad was from Morehead City, NC and I knew he needed to sail. He worked so hard during the week, and when we would drive to the club, I would see this twinkle in his eye, that just made me know that the world was good!!!

When I was about 12, my mom got the flue, and I had to be the second mate. My dad and I were in first place in this particular race. It was an unbelievable day, and I was just sooo excited because my dad liked to win, and he was in heaven, Towards the last hour of the race, a storm blew in! Things got REALLY exciting. We were about to win, and needed to make a jibe. I couldn’t get the jib up, so my father asked me to take his place ,and take over the rudder while he put the jib up. He said “Now, When I yell turn port, You turn port”…. He got the jib up and yelled “Turn Port” and of course my dyslexia and anxiety got my mind all mixed up, and I turned starboard, and he flew off the boat. He was screaming, I was screaming, and fortunately this all happened close to this little island, so I ran the boat ashore, and my dad was able to get back on the boat. We ended up coming in last. He was actually pretty cool about the whole thing. Didn’t really say much……. But I was just so bummed out for letting him down.

After I got over my disappointment, I continued to sail. I had become pretty good at sailing, and I actually won the Junior Regatta. Sailing is like writing a song. If you don’t think, and you just feel the wind……..guiding the sails becomes natural. But if you start trying to manipulate the wind….. You just better watch out…….. cause the wind’s got a mind of it’s own…..and it will let you know what’s up!!! Stay tuned later this week for Part 2, in a three part series……….All about what the wind and Sea mean to me! 😆

Peace Out, Lex

Sunday, February 14, 2010

For You On Valentine’s Day!!!
Hey…….  I just recorded this song in my Kitchen Studio called “Love Is A Lot Of Work”  for all of you on Valentine’s Day…….  Hope You enjoy!!!

[youtube width=”560″ height=”340″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlBJ3YJY-Y[/youtube]

Peace Out,
Lex

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hooty Hoot Hoo.... The Owls Watching You!

Current mood:  intense
Next week, I will be posting a video with a song I wrote, called “Eyes On The Back Of My Head”.  It was written this past fall, after enduring a very difficult year.  It is the first song I have ever written when I was angry……..  So I am out of my comfort zone sharing it!  To me though, being a singer/songwriter is not about being comfortable…..  It’s about a responsibility to share words and visions that flow through me, the best that I can.  So in the next week, it will be shared…..
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The song was inspired by an owl in my backyard that kept watching me through my windows.  It is said by the Indians, that if you continually see an owl, that you are going to be all knowing about your life and others, and will know when anyone or anything is deceiving you.  During this time, I started seeing things in my life that broke my heart……and this song was written.   I’m not angry anymore ….  But through it all I learned the meaning of trusting my self, and now I trust myself, more than anyone else.   There is silver in that lining for sure…..
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Assumptions are made about me, and my positive attitude all the time.  I’m aware that some uninformed people think I have my head in the clouds.  I make the choice to see the silver lining because I refuse to be bitter and angry about the horrors in this life, and spread that kind of energy.  I read a quote that said “Hope means nothing without action”…  So as a Woman, I take action by writing songs about what I see, hopefully allowing others to see those things through my heart.  I have friends that have died, friends that have lost children, battled cancer, lost husbands, and suffered heartbreak.  As a 16 year old girl, I volunteered in the inner city for 2 years and watched 13 year old girls followed by their pimp, children who wore un matching shredded shoes, just to barely cover their feet, and little ones as young as 4 who would come to hang out with me, because they were terrified to be at home.  I got lost in China, and will never forget the horrors I saw.  I personally have a grandfather, and godfather that killed themselves.  I could spend hours listing the horrors I’ve seen, and could spend my life consumed by the sadness.  I refuse to allow this to happen. I won’t allow myself to become bitter, and lose my zest for life….. and I laugh in the face of THAT destructive energy, and hope my songs will make a difference in some way.
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I have this special room in my house filled with vanilla and lavender candles. I go to this room to sit in silence, and clear my thoughts!  Every time I walk by the room, I smell the candles and I get this warm peaceful feeling inside of me.  I can’t explain it, other than it makes me know that I am alive, and well, and ready for what is on my path.  In this room hangs a picture that I painted of some incredible musicians, and when the room is dark, accept for the light of the candles, the picture glows and takes on a 3-D effect, and it is just the coolest thing ever.   I am thankful for this life.  I am thankful I can write songs, and I am thankful that people want to listen……..  for it means my message was received, and hope transcends!!!….
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Attached is the picture I painted of the Owl that kept visiting me.  Hope you enjoy my angry song :0)…..  The picture will be for sale on my ebay store shortly…….  Thanks for stopping by……  Check back next week if you want to hear the song!….

Oh….  and on April 16th, I will be singing at Eddies Attic at benefit for suicide prevention with many other performers!  I know this organization could use your support, so come to the show if you can.  I would love to see you!

Currently listening:
Blacklisted (Original Recording Remastered)
By Neko Case
Release date: 2007-11-06

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Current mood: Mysterious
Hope the end of your year is SUPER and next year is even better.  Check out the attached link to see exactly what I’m wishing for!  Thanks for reading my blogs and supporting my music this year……  Can’t wait to enjoy 2010 together!  YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  Happy New Year!

[youtube width=”560″ height=”340″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6gqC-5sdAk[/youtube]

Love,
Lex

Currently listening:
Secret Garden
By Bruce Springsteen
Release date: 1995-05-30

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Surprise
Current mood:  thankful
Merry Christmas!!!   If you’ve read any of my blogs, then you’ll know how hard I’ve been working to play that guitar with a steady rythm! I’ve attached my little Holiday miracle of being able to play and sing my FAVORITE Christmas song.  Hope you enjoy!!  Wishing you the best Holiday Season in the world, full of your own miracles, unfathomable Love, and tons of tons of light!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrwgmp_As9s&feature=player_embedded

Love,
Lex

Currently listening:
Anthology: Through the Years
By Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Release date: 2000-10-31
Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Love
Current mood:  determined
Love….  LOve….. LOVE. Being the Holiday season I wanted to write a blog about LOVE. I LOVE, LOVE!!!  I’m not talking about the kind that people try to buy, or sell, or the kind that is used to deceive.  Those things AREN’T love….. but I’m amazed at how many people have gotten confused along the road of life, and think love plays a part in all of that.

I’m talking about the kind of LOVE that is beautiful and pure.  The kind of love that would never let a child suffer, a man or woman die sad or alone.  The kind that would never allow POWER to be more important than PURPOSE.  The kind that everyone knows would never hurt another being, no matter what!!!  Most importantly, the kind that gives us the strength to forgive ourselves, and others for the acts committed in moments, when truth is lost.  Finally, the kind that gives, but wants nothing in return!!!

When I was a little girl, I found it fascinating that old people often looked so sad, or mad. I was blown away by what would happen if I just shot them a smile.  I would imagine sending them a box of love as I smiled, and LO and BEHOLD, these OLD elders would light up like a christmas tree!  I was around 4 years old visiting my great grandma in the nursing home, when I decided I would spend my life sending that secret box of love through my smile.

Many times over the last 4 years, people have questioned my love of LOVE.  I always sign my name Love, Lex.  Several people have told me to change my signature, because they believe some will think I’m coming from a different place than I am.  It makes me sad that when you come from a place of peace,hope, and love, it can be twisted into all kinds of untrue things.  I know who I am, and where I’m coming from!  I know it is a whole lot better to Love with an open heart, than to live in fear of others misconceptions!

I am wishing you a wonderful Holiday season, full of beautiful and honest love, that is bountiful and hurts know one, but EMPOWERS all!  Peace and Hope to you, everyday of your life!

Me when I was little!

LOVE,
LEX  :0)

Webster’s defines love in 8b as…….”The feeling of benevolence, kindness, or brotherhood towards others”.  Wouldn’t it be something if the world could embrace that! Thanks for visiting!

Currently listening:
Wilco (The Album)
By Wilco
Release date: 2009-06-30

Sunday, September 06, 2009

The Black Crow

The Black Crow that died on my trellis

Current mood:  enlightened
Category: Music
Several nights this week, I walked under the light of the full moon, listening to the sounds of all the creatures. There is something so incredible about walking in the moonlight. I imagine that when there was no electricity, how excited people must have been to get the giant flashlight turned on every month.

Crazy things have been happening to me. In my last blog, I wrote about a Bear siting. I’ve had lots of other animal sightings. Fortunatly, I’ve had several witness’ with many of the visits. Thank goodness, because if not, I would have thought I had gone CooCoo for CoCo Puffs. In the spring, I kept having this one particular wild winged beast perched in different places in my yard watching me. One time I opened my bedroom blinds, and there it was, GIANT eyed……looking right at me through the window……and it flew up to the next branch and continued staring. I googled the superstition of this animal giving me a stair-down, and the Native Americans had the best explanation. Then my friend told me about a book called Animal Speaks. The Book has been very insightful. It says that if you continually see a certain animal in your life, the Universe is trying to tell you something. Another kind of spotlight, like the moon, shining down from the heavens to lead the way.

Two weeks ago I had the most unbelievable siting of all. It involved a Black Crow. The Natives said this was wonderful luck. With this particular siting, I was a little freaked as the black crow had gone to the other side, but left himself hanging in a position I could not miss, on a road in my yard to a special place I write songs. I ended up asking one of my spiritual gurus in Atlanta for her take on this crows misfortune. She said that the crow was INDEED good luck, and it was sent to remind me to focus on my spirit, not on my physical body, and that my life was about to give birth to something great.

I do sense the guru is right! At my last show on August 29th, I lost my stage fright going into the second verse of the first song, I actually played along with my guitarist on a fast song, and it sounded terrific. Then on Friday I met with a new guitarist I am going to be working with. I felt something amazing in the room, that was just indescribable. Then yesterday, I wrote another blues song, and the guitar sounded incredible, with an awesome rhythm beating away behind those strings. It has felt like I’ve entered into a new dimension musically.

With all these realizations, information, illuminations, and transformations….. I just can’t wait to see what kind of new music I give birth too. I’ve decided to tell that body of mine to chill out, and go with the flow…. Ya Know! I am just so thankful for the light of the moon, reminding me to pay attention to all the spotlights that lead the way in this life. Until we meet again, I hope your spirit SOARS. Thank You so much for stopping by. If you get a chance……. go listen to my song “Singing To The Moon”, in my music player. I wrote that song 18 years ago, when my music was a big secret. Funny how now it’s one of the major spotlight’s of my life.

Make sure to scroll down to check out the pics.

Love,
Lex

PS: One more thing….. my daughter thinks I should go on tour with the Black Crows to have this all make sense. If you know them….. please tell them I would love to open for them, and settle my babies confusion!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Bears, Honey, and The Blues
Current mood:  blank
Early yesterday morning, a giant black bear jogged across the road in front of my car… I have never seen a wild one in my life…. and there it was…. right before my eyes!!!!!! I’m real into Native American symbolism. In the book Animal Speak, they say that if you see a bear, “you must go within to awaken the power, but only by bringing it out into the open, and applying it, will the honey of life be tasted.”

I thought summer was going to be a bummer, because my dream of going on tour did not happen……but after a month of quiet meditation, and observing lots of artist performances, I am real excited about what my future holds!!! After returning home from a 20 hour 2 day road trip….. I decided to upload several songs from my live performances.

Mathew Smith is the incredible guitarist backing me, on “I Need Water” and “Gone, Gone, Gone”, both with hands and voice. At the beginning of the year, my goal was to work with lots of musicians, but after working with him, I actually forgot about the goal I had set. I was just blown away by his skill, professionalism, and dedication to music. He has encouraged me to play my guitar publicly, given me confidence when it lacked, and helped me to achieve things I never imagined I could… You can check out his music at www.myspace.com/number99 . I hope we continue to work together in different capacities for many many years to come…..

To me there is nothing better than singing live….. The energy I feel from the people that come to listen, just overwhelms me…. I am usually sick to my stomach before a show…. and then during the show, this thing happens where part of the time I am singing, and thinking about it, and then all the sudden I am detached watching myself and will think things like “how in the world did I just hit that note”, and “I wonder how long it will be held”….. and I have this little conversation with myself and then I plop back into thinking about the song again…. It is strange, but when it is over, I just feel this peace I can’t explain!!!!!!!!!

There are several things I would like to do this fall. I would like to get back in the studio to record my new songs. One of my new favorites is called “Tribute To The Blues”. I can’t wait to share that song with you. It was inspired by a spectacular blues guitarist in Atlanta, who introduced me to the most beautiful chords my fingers have ever played!!!! Also, I would love to be hired to help stumped musicians. Sometimes artist get stuck in this dry spell, and I have this ability to put others thoughts into words, and help them get unstuck…… and it is sooooooooo much fun to write with someone else!!!!!!!!! Please contact me if you are interested in helping me accomplish either of these goals!!!!!!

Lastly, I am getting ready to fulfill the goal set at the beginning of the year. I have a performance on August 29th at 10:00pm @ Smith’s in the Atlanta room. Mathew was already booked, so I had to set out on the journey to find new people to work with. This is very exciting for me, but I am scared to death!!!!! All is cool though, because the things that scare me the most with this music, usually bring me the greatest reward!!!!!!!!

I hope you love the new Live songs…… and I hope that you and I can both taste and enjoy that sweet honey of life………

Love,
Lex

Currently listening:
Now It’s Tomorrow
By Randall Bramblett
Release date: 2008-08-19