Happy 2009... 2008 The Year of Reality

Happy 2009... Glad to see you

It's 5 hours and counting and I am elated with glee that a new year is ushering. I must say that lessons learned, friendships lost, friendships restored and opportunities missed and secured all made 2008... a year of growth and reflection.

Can't say that I will miss you. Go on with your bad self.

It was the year that I actually admitted that after giving birth to my daughter that I experienced some form of postpartum depression. Yes, I am far from perfect.

2008 made me actualize many things ...

1) the completion of my book, "You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins ~ A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide For Those On A Budget." The baby is a healthy 108 pages of do-it-yourself PR advice, getting TOP media folks to notice your product and increasing one's revenue stream. Pick up your copy in January at all outlets and especially - www.karentaylorbass.com. This is 7 years in the making --- a check off my list.

2) my office space in downtown Hempstead, LI, the empowerment zone

3) getting involved in the PTA -- this requires a lot of time and commitment

4) creation of my successful radio show on Blogtalk -- www.blogtalkradio.com//Caviar--Chitterling

5) admitting i am not superwoman, human with scars

6) taking the strong pill and being the 'PR Expert'

7) writing a check to the Obama campaign

8) giving my biological dad a chance to know me

9) being published in The Network Journal, Black Enterprise and the NY Daily News

*most importantly, appreciating and loving my husband and kids-- one of the purest gifts from God

things i wasn't proud of in 2008...

1) not realizing that I had bouts of postpartum depression (sooner)
2) being short fused with friends
3) settling... just because.

Well, its time to eat dinner and be thankful for all the new insights.

Here's to a blessed, prosperous and healthy 2009. Hear me ROAR.


Peace & Much Love,

Karen

Kudos To TV1- Debarge Mania Continues

DeBarge.

Bunny, Mark, Randy, James, Eldra, Chico and the list goes on and on...

Let me say for this entry I will be the ultimate groupie.

I remember their big night at Radio City Music Hall in New York, I was in the 10th row with my girls, 17 years old, a fly cutie from Queens, knew all the words and it was the ultimate love at first sight.

The picture you see is how I will always remember The Debarge Family -- a young, talented, gifted family that SANG lovely.

Have you heard lyrics so pure in "A Dream?" Long live Bunny Debarge -- you wrote some bad lyrics.

I was channel surfing this past weekend, stumbled upon, "Unsung," a behind -the- music type program on my favorite family/group -- DeBarge. Tears of joy and sadness streaming from inside of me. My husband saw me revert to a 17 year old school girl screaming and singing to the TV. What a great feeling? Pure.

As I watched the program I kept thinking what happened? Why the demons?

All I can say is during my tenure as a publicist -- I have worked with many artists battling demons. I can't pretend to understand, I have never been there. I can say that it's tough watching talented people spiral out of control.

It's sad to say this, however, the music industry has never made a point of intervention until their respective bottom-line is compromised. They must do better.

The Debarge Family story is very commonplace in black America. Talented and gifted people not reaching their potential. Drugs and more drugs.

Why don't we have a better coping mechanism for entertainers? I learned watching "Unsung," that El Debarge was the sole family member that stayed away from drugs until the stress mounted and became too much. Who protects the artists? I can tell you from experience that the artists are sold to the highest bidder by their family, friends, lawyers, executives, etc. Everyone wants to be associated with fame, success and money -- no one wants to be around the strung out artists. I ask you, who will protect the entertainers?

Check out this great fan site - www.debargenetwork.com.

I am going to write a letter to El Debarge (no, i don't know him), who was recently arrested for drug possession, vandalism and domestic violence AND let him know that there is a space for real talent. No worries about ageism ... just sing like you did at Radio City Music Hall.

I missed the first half hour and must say TV-One can you please tell a sister when you are running these shows so I can spread the word?