Sunday evening [02/08/2026] after I got home from Church, I was on Smule just exploring different singers I follow. One in particular, Julieanne Black Reel from Ireland, released a song titled Opened Up The Sky back in 2021. She uploaded it to Smule and left it open as a duet since 2023. I came across the song that very evening and said to myself, "I wanna try it." This is my legit first time singing this song at all, Never sang this song before, ever, until said day. Let me be clear tho, this is different than singing a duet with someone on a popular radio song neither partner owns. This is her original. Related? Of course. But there's an intricacy that often gets overlooked. Although she says "Do whatever comes natural," I also acknowledge the need to be calculated because again, this IS an original of hers. In a matter of split moments, I have to decide in real time How much of my own embellishments to insert, when/where to insert them and when/where to refrain. When to bring forth my own stylistic dynamic, and when to match hers, as the goal is to sing with her, not to show off in an attempt to outshine her. This is a rare earmark of a singer's true humility nowadays in a world of competitive singing. Hope you enjoy, and of course, check out the official release when you can.

Today we’re celebrating a milestone and an invitation. The 109-day, 2,300‑mile Walk For Peace has reached the Lincoln Memorial, yet its true journey is just beginning in each of us. Over 109 days and 2,300 miles, the monks of the Walk For Peace carried a simple but powerful message across the country: peace, unity, and mindful action in every step. Their journey culminated in a heartfelt Peace Gathering and Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., followed by a gentle Loving‑Kindness Meditation Session at George Washington University that invited everyone to pause, breathe, and remember what truly matters. What began as a physical pilgrimage is now a living practice. The walk may have ended on the map, but it continues wherever we choose awareness over autopilot, compassion over reactivity, and love over fear. Let’s make this our shared mantra for the days ahead: ✨ “Today is going to be my peaceful day.” ✨ Each time we move through the world with loving‑kindness, presence, and an open heart, we send quiet ripples of peace into our families, our communities, and the wider world. To honor this moment, enjoy this beautiful tribute video weaving together: ✨ A moving poem by @Mark Lawrence The Peaceful Path ✨ A soulful musical rendering of the poem ✨ His serene meditation‑inspired art at the beginning and end of the video 💖 Share it this video and post forward. Share peace. Let’s keep walking this joyful path together, step by mindful step. Be well. Be blessed. 🙏