Cherish The Day…
About halfway through each year, I usually find myself evaluating what I refer to as my “progress on the path” – a spiritual, mental, and physical check of how I’m doing on my individual journey, and what I’m contributing (good and bad) to those closest to me and to the world at large. It’s always a daunting and humbling process, but if you want to leave this planet knowing you’ve made a positive contribution wherever possible, I think it’s vitally important to do this sort of introspective check-up. My recent 40th birthday has made this process more meaningful, because in recent years, it’s become much less about me and my desires and more about the needs of my family.
When I started PlanetSoul.com in January 2007, I did it to promote the indie soul artists who I love and respect immensely, and expand on the SoulTalk audio interviews that I’d been doing since 2005. Unfortunately, the endless hours and energy required to manage and maintain the website, interviews, net radio station, artist submissions, eStore, contests, the weekly 2-hour local radio show, MySpace profile, etc. and then promote it all meant very little of me was left for my husband and two young children. As much as I loved the music and having a vehicle like PlanetSoul to promote it, days quickly turned into weeks and months of not existing in the present and enjoying my primary gig as a wife and mom, but instead constantly working to maintain it all. And the fact that the time I was putting into the site wasn’t contributing to my family financially made matters worse. Of course, I didn’t create PlanetSoul for the money, but I also didn’t anticipate the costs required to develop and maintain it and the lack of revenue it ultimately generated.
So I’ve had to make the difficult but necessary decision to entirely refocus my energy on my family and put PlanetSoul.com on hiatus. Consequently, I’m now a familiar fixture at my kids’ elementary school, both as volunteer and substitute teacher. In the Fall, I’ll be looking into a new career as an elementary school teacher and spending some time volunteering for the Obama campaign (yes we can 
). I’m excited about this new chapter and how it will benefit my family. And who knows? Perhaps I’ll hip some kids and voters to a little indie soul.
As I prepare to leave for a vacation with my three favorite people (see above ) this week and go “offline,” I wanted to take an opportunity to thank all of the indie soul artists, radio, media, and website folks, promoters, publicists, managers, and others who’ve put their hearts (and in most cases, their money) into this indie soul movement, and have provided so much encouragement, support, and inspiration to me as I tried my best, like them, to promote and share this music we all love. Thanks a million to Craig Chapman, Chai Footman, Detrel Howell, Pam Nichols, Chris Rizik, George Littlejohn, Selina Robinson, Elsa Lathan, Silawn Lewis, Mike Kitchen, Brandon Felton, DJ Sean Sax, Soul Jones, Son of Soul, John Dean, SOBO Magazine, Jodine Dorce, Francis Jaye, Drake Phifer, Terry Bello, the PlanetBloggers, my online fam (Pink Room Fam at lalahhathaway.com, Rahsaaniacs at Rahsaan Patterson’s Yahoo! Group, the ERFs at ericrobersonmusic.com, eVangelists at vanhunt.com, Bravebirds at blisslife.com), and of course, artists like Rahsaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, Eric Roberson, Van Hunt, Adriana Evans, Angela Johnson, and countless others who inspire so many with their one-two punch of artistry and hustle in an industry and economy that’s endlessly challenging. (Sidebar: please check out SoulTracks.com’s fantastic new article on indie success and PlanetSoul.com’s new SoulTalk interview with indie soul artist on the rise Ra-Re Valverde.)
Thanks again to all who continue to create, support, and promote the music – the world is better because of your contributions and passion.
I’d like to end this lil’ diatribe with a classic from Sade – an artist/goddess I’ve been missing something terrible lately . This groove right here completely describes how I’m feeling at the moment, and hopefully, how I’ll feel for the next 40 years.
Please take some time this Summer to savor the sweetness and warmth of the season and may we all remember to Cherish The Day…every day.
With love & gratitude from my soul,
-D.
xoxoxoxo
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Deb,
I have enjoyed listening in to your interviews from time to time. I appreciate all of your efforts to promote the indie artist community. As a fan of many independent musicians your website was a source of vital information.
All the best to you in the next season of you life. Blessing and peace to you and your family.
Cheers,
DocP
Comment by DocP — June 24, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Deb – Deb – Debbie Deb
I know that we speak every now and then but I can’t tell you how I’ve missed chatting, dumping and laughing with you. Knowing what your true focus was left me to leave you to that — the fam — remember that flurry of messages I left on every # I had for you?
Continue to follow your heart, your desires and accomplish those goals. You’ve made a mark that no one can ever erase. It’s been a delight working alongside you and calling you my SisterSaaniac — but more importantly, knowing that you are forever my FRIEND!
Hugs!
Comment by Trel — June 24, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
ps — I hope “40″ looks that good on me
Comment by Trel — June 24, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
Deb,
You truly did a great job on Planetsoul! But there just isn’t enough hours in the day…and your family has to come first.
Thanks for including me as one of the bloggers over here… I am just sorry I didn’t have the time to post as much as I would have liked and to have been able to help more…
Enjoy your holiday!!!
Keep In Touch,
Greg
Comment by Son Of Soul — June 25, 2008 @ 4:48 am
Dear Deb!
With the warmest heartfelt appreciation I can muster…I send Ur way! Knowing first hand the sacrifices that go along with the commitment of running a business…while trying to maintain your family…I too know about the struggles that go along with such things.
Personally, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done & for your passion, drive & fire. But also for you taking a chance on me & writing such a wonderful piece on me! You have no idea how much I needed that “Shot Of Love” in the arm!
In any event Deb, I pray & wish you continued success & blessings for U & “Yours”. May you all be surrounded with all of the…”LIGHT & LOVE” your hearts can hold!
Love U Dearly,
Bobby~*
~oNe~
P.S. “The Movement Will Be Televised!”
“BARACK THA’ VOTE”
Comment by Bobby~bZo!~Cavaness — June 25, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Dear Deborah,
I would like to wish you & your family all the best for the future and good luck in your new career. Being here in London, I’ve enjoyed logging onto planetsoul.com for the information on the indie soul scene. Along with soultracks.com, your site has been a good source of information.
Take care
Comment by Mike Welsh — June 25, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Deb!!! Talk about bittersweet!! We’ll miss you, but know that you are still in the fight for the underground
. Also, I know that stuff like family and things is what it’s really all about. As you move forward to your life’s next chapter, I hope that serendipity, faith, and love carry you far. Let’s make a concerted effort to check in on each other from time to time. I wish you and your family the best. sincerely, drake
Comment by drake — June 25, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Hey Deb,
I have been thinking of you and how much I have missed seeing you around town. I was looking at some video footage of the afterparty you and Sandy were at for Jody Watley and Rahsaan. We had such a good ole time that night!!
Let me know where I can send you copies and I will make sure I get them to you.
You only live once so live life to the fullest, and watch your family blossom with your love and support by their side. We will all be here as long as God grants us breath one day at a time to keep in touch. You know where we are–just holla so we can hear you!
Much love and respect to you for following your heart and mind.
Abundant Blessings,
Pam
Comment by Sista Suga — June 25, 2008 @ 11:57 pm
Dear Deb:
! I admire your decision to focus on what really matters at this time in your life. I have also created a site that promotes independent artists (mspotonline.com). As you know, maintaining an engaging site requires a tremendous amount of time and effort. To this end, I have refocused my goals and how I approach anything I do. It is good to know there are people like me who re-analyze their “progress on the path.” Thank you for sharing. I wish you the best of luck in your spiritual, mental and physical life!
I want to first commend you on your decision to transition into the next phase of your life with fortitude and gratitude as your pillars. Secondly, I want to say you look really good for 40
Blessings,
Maureen
mspotonline.com
Comment by Maureen — June 28, 2008 @ 1:31 am
Deb, first let me commend you for even trying. I have been in this business for almost 15 years now and 1000 people talk vs. 1 person doing. So for that I commend you. It is a hard hard business. Running a site is a radical crusade that can only sometimes compare to Don Quixote chasing windmills (may have to blog about that one LOL).
My respect for donning the amour and making the charge.
Where ever you are on the Planet keep it Soulful.
God bless you and your family!
PS I agree YES WE CAN!!
The Soulful CEO 4DaSoul.com
Comment by Darren Monroe — June 28, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Deb, I have just read this and had to stop by and wish you love and happiness in all you do.
You will be missed and thanks for all your work to help keep soul alive, I have admired your work greatly.
Family however and finance come first. it must be hard not doing something which has been your love, passion, enjoyment and part of your life for so long, but soul is always with you..it’s in the heart and will remain with you on your new ventures.
Those children will have one dedicated Elementary Teacher..
Take care & much P&L to you. Life begins…
TC
Comment by TC — July 1, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Deb,
You work, talent and skill in this soul movement can not be measured. You sacrificed plenty and you worked tirelessly. I thank you! I appreciate all of our talks, pick me ups and brainstorms.
You won’t be missed because I know that you will still be around. Planetsoul.com will be missed for feeding our souls with good music daily.
I can’t thank you enough for being you and I still look forward to our work together and our work for the Obama campaign.
Jodine
Comment by Jodine — July 4, 2008 @ 11:56 am
DEb, I can totally relate to what you are saying! I also have a daytime gig….I know how you feel about this music as I feel the same way! I feel like one of the warriors is down, but you will get up again. We will keep the movement going until you come back, but just know this is a battle and we know you got our backs in spirit! You did an incredible job for these artists and you are appreciated! Enjoy your family and new life walk, Peace and blessings frances
Comment by Frances Jaye — July 29, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
DEb, I can totally relate to what you are saying! I also have a daytime gig….I know how you feel about this music as I feel the same way! I feel like one of the warriors is down, but you will get up again. We will keep the movement going until you come back, but just know this is a battle and we know you got our backs in spirit! You did an incredible job for these artists and you are appreciated! Enjoy your family and new life walk, Peace and blessings frances
Comment by Frances Jaye — July 29, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
Just discovered you and now you are gone. Too bad. Looks like a great site. Being from the old school soul, it is nice to see the tradition continues. This is where R&B/Urban Contemporary music needs to be. As a parent, having been there, done that, i can appreciate the need to be with the kids and family. The Soul will be with you, always!
Comment by Steve — September 25, 2008 @ 12:05 pm