Valerie Michele Oliver

This is a poem for people whose love is in the blues. Tom Waits did a album called "Blue Valentine," and the song by that name inspired this poem.

LYRICS: There is nothing I won't do, I've you just let me make love with you. There is nothing I won't say, to be certain I can have my way. All my life, I've been waiting for a natural high, Oh, my darling. All my life. When you walk out through my door, I know that you be back for more. When our time moves too fast, I pray that it will last and last. All my life, I never want to say goodbye, Oh, my darling. All my life. During moments when I am sad, I wrap my arms around the fun we have. During moments when I am low, I surrender to our spirit's glow. All my life, is devoted to our amazing light, Oh, my darling. All my life. Thanks to my wonderful crew on this demo! Executive Producer: Chris White, Sr. Producer: Gerrod White. Arranger: Gerrod White. Musicians: Gerrod White, Piano; Chris White III, Drums; Quinell Brown, Bass.

There are many books to read in 2009 to increase spiritual health and fitness. Here is a personal list of the Top 10 books to read for spiritual fitness and health in the 2009 New Year.

Neil and Val continue their conversation. How did Neil meet his wife, Nita, who is also a producer and songwriter? What are some of his favorite venues for playing in the Hudson Valley? What brought him to Orange County, and specifically to Newburgh, NY? Why does Neil try to play with as many musicians as possible? What's his favorite sound and least favorite sound? Listen in for the answers and more surprises.

James Kulisek, Orange County Legislator, grew up in the park with his family. Jim shares his childhood memories: the thrill he got grabbing peacock feathers from the birds in cages there, being the "king of the hill" on top of the large rocks, admiring the vast tulip garden, and more. He tells Val how the park is used these days, and his wishes for the future.

Jean McGrane, City Manager of Newburgh, NY shares her memories with Val at the 110th Anniversary of Downing Park about how parks have been her touchstones in urban areas throughout her life. Jean hopes people will see the park as a "jewel" in the crown of Newburgh, and spend days creating memories in it.

Val talks to David Schuyler, historian and author of "Apostle of Taste," a biography of the life of A.J. Downing, at the 110th Anniversary of Downing Park. David served as the guest speaker. Listen to the inside scoop on the challenges faced by the architects, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, designers of New York's Central Park., and how they got the park named after their mentor.

Co-chair Keith Nieto speaks with Val at the 110th Anniversary of Downing Park in Newburgh, NY in 2007 in an environment reminiscent of an enchanted evening at Tavern-on-the-Green in Central Park. Keith talks about why Andrew Jackson Downing was chosen as the recipient, the special guests, and why he's not wearing his red, white, and blue high-top sneakers.

Aquanetta Wright takes a moment to talk with Val during the premiere week of the Newburgh Jazz Series in Orange County, New York. The Series launched in 2007 and is annually held at the historic Newburgh waterfront. She shares her experiences as the producer of an annual jazz event, and her vision to provide creative opportunities for artists in the city.

Val interviews Neil Alexander, a powerhouse in the independent music industry. Neil is a musician; composer; producer; arranger; recording engineer; educator; former keyboardist for the Pink Floyd tribute band, The Machine; and the leader of his own band, NAIL. He talks about his career, his music (rock, electronica, jazz, fusion, and more), and shares some definitions and practical advice concerning the music industry.

Join Val at the Style Awards in Newburgh, New York. She interviews the folks who won the award in 2006 and 2007 about their definition of style, and what led to their winning the award. Keith, the founder of the awards, gives his take on style, and what led to his honoring those who have it in the city.

Brian Burke returned to his childhood dream after he retired: showing and watching movies in his independent movie theater in the city of Newburgh, NY. He talks about his journey, the life and business of owning a movie theater, and how his love for films contributed to a romance that led to marriage.

Val interviewed Gerardo after his opening exhibit, "Romancing the Gods" in Newburgh, NY. Viewing his art and having a conversation with him is like being Alice who follows the rabbit down the hole in a tree to discover a vast wonderland. Gerardo's world is filled with Orishas & Hindu spirituality. Visit a clip of the exhibit at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR3DoWW8YbI. Email Gerardo for art purchases or exhibitions at: grand297@mac.com.

Val interviewed Elisa during the last week of her show at the Van Brunt Gallery in Beacon, NY. She is a international recognized artist, gallery owner, and curator who is a vital resource to the arts and culture. Elisa talks about the media in which she creates, her inspirations, the difference between an installation and exhibit, and her role as an art curator.

Interview with Mary Ann G. Neuman at her "Somebody's Sister" photography exhibition in Cornwall, NY. Mary Ann talks about how her early religious instruction, interest in sociology, and love of photography has lead to a humanitarian career that involves all three. Email Mary Ann about her photos at: magneuman@hvc.rr.com.

Val interviewed Judi Silvano at a performing arts school where she teaches music to children. Judi shares some of her life achievements, experiences, and values as a woman singer, composer, and producer in the international music industry. Visit Judi's Web site at: judisilvano.com. Check out a video clip by Val at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CmfpohM04o.

A Mother's Day poem written to honor my Aunt Lucille who has loved & inspired me my whole life. She gave up her dream to be an actress to provide for her family. Her spirituality & love for Mary, the Queen of Angels is just awesome! Thanks, Teal.

A poem about a constructive way to channel anger.

A meditation written for Self-love.

This is a quiz about the celebrities who are regulars or have appeared on the show throughout the years. Test your knowledge about them.

This article explores how categorizing people by race is based on diseased thinking and behavior. How this practice began and one possible solution is offered.

This article describes how independent filmmakers and producers use posters, DVD & CD packaging to secure financing, crew, distribution & sales for their movies.

This is the sildeshow that accompanies the interview article of the same name to illustrate it. It contains posters, DVD and CD designs created to market independent films. Go to the author's CP Page to access the interview with indie film producers.

This is the slide show that accompany's a project for students who need a photo concepts project fot their photography, graphic design, or editorial portfolio. This is a great project to show off mutliple skills.

This is a project for students who need a photo concepts project fot their photography, graphic design, or editorial portfolio. This is a great project to show off mutliple skills.

Select a movie with a logotype or typography title that reflects the energy, personality, and spirit of the film, and re-create the title as if you were hired to create the poster. Your movie title must be equally as suitable to the original title or better.

Read and follow the project assignment instructions. Go to my CP page & select "Movie Title Design Project Assignment." Here you can view two examples created by two students in my Typography II class.

This is a fairly comprehensive list from A-Z of movie and television celebrites whose early careers began on soap operas.

Here are some movie quotes for people who do not fit into society's norm, walk to the beat of a different drummer, or simply hope for a brighter future because they are or feel different.

Dr. Tung's REJUV is a therapeutic dental massage oil that provides excellent gum care & oral pain relieving results.

Which ABC daytime soap celebrities are from your home town or the place you now call home?

This is an article highlighting films that feature Heath Ledger.

This article provides tried-and-true tips for emergency roadside assistance calls to make the response process smoother.

This article lists American films featuring elections and other political themes from the 1930s to 2000s.

What's a person to do who can't even spare a dime on a gift? Lots. There are plenty of priceless gifts no amount of money can buy. This article describes a few with tremendous value.

Pryor Jr. takes the old Ray Charles standard "Georgia on My Mind" and makes it his own.

Seeger leading the audience in a song.

Pete Seeger: "I have made so many mistakes in my life, I'm not sure about anything."

AN INTERVIEW WITH LANDSCAPE AND PLEIN AIR WORLD EXHIBIT VIPS A group exhibition inaugurating a world art tour from the International Plein Air Painters (IPAP) and Landscape Artists International (LAI) had its official opening on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at The Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Newburgh, NY. Val wandered into the museum and spoke with two main movers and shakers for the event: J.R. Baldini (executive director and IPAP founder), and Linda Richichi, the tour director, who is a Newburgh, NY resident. The tour runs until July 21, 2007. Learn more about the tour from this web site: http://www.l-a-i.com/World_Tour/karpeles.html

Many professionals in our country find themselves among that population called the unemployed. What are the issues facing people who can''t find a job? What effect does this have in the long-term after months of searching? This first article is about procrastination.

In "The Dolls", a seemingly simple, ordinary task like buying a birthday present for a child becomes a disturbing inner journey into a woman's past, her present, and a glimmer of hope for the future. "The Dolls" is tough, but honest and real.

Racism causes medical and emotional trauma for automobile accident victim in Georgia that occurred in 1979. Is the same thing possible in health care today? Could a moment of consciousness save a life?

In "Gifts," what could have been a festive dinner at a Latin restaurant with an attractive new friend turns muy malo when some unfortunate words are spoken. Will the relationship end in Bah! Humbug, or will the spirit of the holiday prevail?

Have you ever purchased a CD solely based on the cover design? This article covers why CD design is important and how to get one produced that attracts buyers, or music professionals to produce, publish or distribute one's music.