Stories from St. Maarten, January 2010

What a whirlwind month. As some of you know, St. Maarten was my first Caribbean adventure. She's my first love. On top of loving the mountains and the gorgeous, transparent velvety-blue waters surrounding her, I have made friends there that have made a lasting impression. There are friends that I've made that have lived on the island for at least three years, as long as I have been enjoying this lifestyle. Then there are friends that live elsewhere in the states or Canada or Holland – that have also become friends over the past three years, visiting the island that has captured their hearts as well time & time again.

I started the month as I always do – with some folks that have become dear friends over the years; MY Jersey Boys and Larry & Janice. They are always in St. Maarten the first few weeks of January – at least, for the three years I've been there. They are a fun-loving bunch that always brings energy to the room! And the room needs energy! Every once in a while I have to remind my audience that they are out having a good time. But I never have to remind them. This group brings it every time. I just adore having them there with me! It's like family, or framily, as I've heard it referenced as of late. Framily. I've got lots of them from all over the world now...and I'm excited to be visiting even more of the world in 2010 & 2011 :) Anyway, back to St. Maarten.

The weeks went by rather quickly, as they tend to do when you're having a good time. Maurice, my favorite singing bartender, was sounding amazing as ever! He's been so busy running his Caribbean Superstar competition but he still found time to hang with me. He's someone that has become a good friend, not just my boss/manager. Plus he makes some mean drinks and we sing some sweet duets and we've chugged more than a few beers together, as usual (Friends in Low Places…just wait till I finish this glass). For those of you that know, he truly is a talented singer and it's always my pleasure to perform with him.

Near the end of the month, I was told that Joey Fatone & Lance Bass from N'Sync, as well as Robert Iler, the actor that played AJ Soprano on The Soprano's, were all going to be partying at the Soprano's Piano Bar with me. It was Joey's birthday, along with a few of his friends, so they were going to party in St. Maarten & appear at the nightclub across the street, Tantra.

I quickly learned an N'Sync song (those that know me well know that song choice would not have been at the top of my list of tunes to learn) and Dick in a Box, just in case Justin happened to show up (we were given about a 50% chance of Justin attending). Sure enough, I ended up playing “Bye, Bye, Bye” while Jamie, Scott, Rob & Ron sang to Joe & Lance. It worked out just perfectly…except that I got a little tipsy and sprained my ankle falling out of my 4” heels.

Ok, so I've taken to wearing really cute shoes at work. I like them, I like how they look & I like how I feel. I'm not a total “pro-ho” (thanks for that term, Carrie) but I'm pretty good in my heels. However, I usually know better and change into more appropriate dancing shoes for me, especially when I go dancing at 3am after I've already worked a 5-hour shift at the bar. Not this time. I twisted/sprained my ankle with only 2 days left on the island. Needless to say, I took it easy and nursed myself for the last couple of days, sitting on the beach with a bag of ice wrapped around my foot…going in the ocean (because I swear, the ocean cures EVERYTHING from mosquito bites to sinus infections to sprained ankles) and swimming with all but my left foot…sporting a Crown Royale bag of ice at the bar on my last night in town.

In any case, I limped through the airport with Joe & Lance & Carrie and Lisa & Scott & DJ Ruckus…..and it was all worth it. It was a wonderful month indeed.

For those that are curious, I still made good money, despite this continuing recession at home. Somehow, I'm going where the money is and people are generous enough to place some of it in my hands. Thank you for helping me make my living by supporting live music and independently recorded music as well.

I can't help but believe that this path I'm on is the right one. I'm working where there's work…and they happen to be incredible places with incredible people.

For those that I just met, thanks for being a part of SXM 2010! For those that I've known for years, I'll see you again in January 2011 (just signed the contracts).

Thanks again, SXM. I'll be back. You know I will.