Hello All. Tis I, Anj.
In this issue:
1. John Legend: Friend Or Foe?
2. What do Romanians, a bug net and Anj have in common?
Well, well well – its summer already?! I’ve been so busy I would have barely noticed it had arrived if it weren’t for the onslaught of shoobies that have already come to the shore; clogging up our circles, feeding the seagulls and asking what a “jimmie” is at Khors Brothers (the answer btw is a chocolate, oblong sprinkle that adds sugary delight to your ice cream cone). Ah yes, gotta love the shoobs. And truly, despite my poking fun, we do :)
John Legend: Friend Or Foe?
So first off, I need to apologize for keeping everyone in the dark regarding the John Legend Contest that happened back in March. But I want to thank ALL OF YOU for your unbelievable response in helping me win the contest on Ourstage.com! I had over 6,000 votes and came in first place out of hundreds of entries. This is a truly wonderful feather in my cap to know so many people loved my song, but YOUR hard-work and support is what touched my heart the most.
Unfortunately, winning the contest on Ourstage and getting to perform with John Legend were not guaranteed. I had to wait a month before hearing about John’s decision, and sadly, he didn’t pick me! For whatever reason he just didn’t dig my version of his song, so…. it’s a no-go for performing on stage with him. However, Ourstage is going to be doing a “feature blog” on my success, and hey - I’ll see John at the top and thank him for keeping my dreams out of reach. He’s made me want them that much more!!
What do Romania, a bug net and Anj have in common?
Hmmm, this is quite a riddle isn’t it? Well, the answer is – they’re all part of my trip this summer to volunteer abroad in Eastern Europe! Yep, that’s right! So you’re probably wondering, what brought this on? Well, truth be told – even the most truly devoted artist can get emotionally clogged by the vanity, lies and insincerity of the music industry after a while. So in an effort to decompress, gain perspective, and help children who need affection as much as they do education, I’ll be traveling this July to work and live in an orphanage in the village of Valea Screzzi, Romania. But I need YOUR HELP to make it happen!
To my surprise, I have quickly learned that volunteer work costs more than one’s time, it costs money too. I have to pay a “volunteer placement fee” that pays for medical insurance, vaccinations, room and board, orientation, pre-departure training, and transportation to and from the airport. (Volunteers are also responsible for their airfare). To try and offset these costs, I am trying to raise $3,000. This money will not only be helping to fund my work there, but also go towards purchasing clothes, toys, and games to ship over to the children.
Donations are safe, secure, 100% TAX DEDUCTABLE, and can be made right on the site. If just 60 people make a 50 dollar donation, we can reach the goal! Please help me really make a difference this summer by finding it in your heart to make a donation.
Happy Summer!
Grace and Peace,
Anj
P.S. – as for the giant bug net, that’s for my sanity while I’m sleeping. Do you have any idea how big the mosquitoes get in Romania?