Seize The Day!

Make the most of the present moment! This seems to be my mind set, at this particular time. 

When I think of a couple of months ago and how I was working hard at getting myself out there again as a Singer-SongWriter-Guitarist and to finally after more than four years, go and gig and to look at where we are now in this current pandemic, it shakes me to my core, to think how our expectations and life can change within such a short time!

This is why I decided I needed to change my thinking and my focus and start living outside of my comfort zone. Hence, me starting to do more online shares of my music and also starting an online store, selling not only my own music, instrumental music and ringtones but also that of other musicians that have music they could sell online. This business will be launched soon and I am excited that it will create opportunities for us all.

As musicians we always need to evolve and keep growing with the times. I have found some applications that look very promising with regards to creating your own backing tracks and I am planning to use them as well. One of them is Soundtrap and the other for making ringtones called Ringtone Maker by Star Apps. I will keep you posted on using both! 

Concerning doing live video streams, there is too much. I have been looking at Zoom for now. Soundcheck on Wednesday with Ray Melo, who is hosting a Concert on Friday. My first live online performance and I am so looking forward to it. I will post the event soon and hope you will join us and have a good time with us and other artists who will join in. 

Keep on encouraging one another, build each other up and give when you are lead to in your hearts. This is how we are stronger together! 

Please visit my website and happy listening. 

Http://www.rubywestsa.com 

Birthday Bash Special!

Birthdays are meant to celebrate with family & friends! They make the world just so much more special and without them life is without color. I am blessed to have people in my life who care about me and make effort to show me on my Birthday that they love me. My daughter Sonja has baked me the most delicious Angelfood Cake... and I know this because I ate the little bit left on the side of the cake tin! Who doesn't do that still? After all it's not just kids who love doing that?

To celebrate my Birthday with me, I have decided to make my songs available for $0.99!

Pop on over to my online store in ReverbNation and buy your favorite track. 

I am also having an ad campaign at the moment for one of my favorite songs, "Time Keeps Ticking." A true love song for all you romantic lovebirds out there. You know as the song goes... "words don't say it all, cause I see by the way you smile at me... " Let's keep on showing that love in our everyday walk of life and make every moment count with those we love and care about. 

Http://www.rubywestsa.com 

Happy listening! 

Ruby

What a Rude Awakening!

What a rude awakening! Today was just one of those days I had too much energy and had to get everything done in one day. I don't know about you guys but for me, Sundays are usually my lazy days. So, naturally, this came as quite a shock to my now coming-down-to-earth-state-of-mind. Sitting here watching, Jessica Jones (don't know if I'll continue...) with my daughter, Sonja, and finally easing into relaxation time. Time: just after 9pm, a cuppa tea, and a warm blankie and all! I gotta say my Home Executive Life, revolves around family, friends, my furbabies, my dog, maintaining health & hygiene equilibrium in all four corners of our little part of the Western hemisphere, called "home" and of course my music.

Now as I am easing into my episode, our Gingi, Janvier, comes dashing in through the window with a surprise for me, juggles it through the air like some circus act, and gives it a final malet-like blow, preparing it for chow-down time. Well, needless to say,  I was not interested in picking any "leftovers" up and tossing it out and over the fence, into the field. Fortunately for me, no morsel was left...phew!

Family life, with pets, included can be quite challenging at times. Whether it's throwing out those dead mice your adorable furbabies didn't care for or sort out battles on the home front. You know that saying: "Home is where the heart is," is, in essence, my life slogan and where I believe life should start and end for each new day. Making our homes not just a house to live in but a place where we can lay our head on someone's shoulder, be available to listen and care and add value to one another's lives.

Through my everyday life and music, I have been able to express my heart to my family, friends, neighbors, online fans, and supporters. They have all inspired me to be someone who can and want to continue to make a difference. We can be the change we want to see around us happening. Leading by example in love, starting where it counts the most: our homes!

Please have a listen to my song, "You Made a Promise" online at the following link: 

https://www.reverbnation.com/rubywestSA/song/31857240-you-made-a-promise

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Today was one of those days where I could see the funny side to just about everything. A type of child-like giddiness came over me and  I wasn't sure if it was because I could maybe have a good sense of humor or because I was running on survival mode cause I hadn't slept well the night before. Either way, my mom and I had a lovely time when I took her shopping. With queues everywhere and people looking quite fed up, I couldn't help myself when I politely asked some ladies standing in the one queue, if this is where you queue to grow patience cause you certainly needed it!

 I was reminded of my childhood and how I was a mostly cheery child with a heart to always helpful and make the most of every situation. Even now I only have short moments of being depressed over things that might have not gone the way I anticipated. Of course, as adults, our level of responsibilities change all of that and that could become more important than anything else and we could end up losing the value of the actual journey of our lives than the destination. 

So, when I look at my family and friends and how important they are to me, I am constantly reminded through them of having just that in mind or else I would lose my joy. 

They have also been a part of my journey as a singer-songwriter-guitarist too and through the years each one has had an influence, a part to play in my growth as the artist I am today. I realize more and more that our value system should have people, family, friends, and neighbors right up there at the top of that priority list or we will end up with nothing at all that is worthwhile. 

We have a wonderful privilege to share in each others' joys and sorrows and to walk the extra mile. Ever cheering one another on in this life, to keep dreaming and hoping for the good. Living for the next tomorrow filled with that cloud with a silver lining!

I am also thankful for you as my readers and those who would take an interest in my dream. I can now offer my music fans and supporters an opportunity to buy my music online. Please click on the link provided and listen, like and share my page with your friends and family. Music has the power to uplift and help us to look at things in a more positive way. 

Happy listening!

https://www.reverbnation.com/rubywestSA/song/29383362-runaway-cowboy

Ruby West hits the no 1spot on ReverbNation !

Having a no1 spot again after a couple of years is such a privilege. I want to thank all my listeners and supporters for making that possible. 

During this lockdown period in SA, I have been trying to stay positive as well as creative. Family sticking together, caring for one another, loving, giving and remembering to not just think of our selves has inspired me also to get on with singing, playing guitar, writing songs, cooking, baking, doing gardening and just staying creative. I am sure all you creative peeps out there know what I am saying! 

How we share our lives, even if it is online can make hard times easier to go through. We have so much to be thankful for and also to be a blessing to all around us. 

Writing my songs and giving them to others to listen to serves as an expression of a part of me and could help others in ways I haven't thought of.

After writing a song and listening back to it has made me rethink and delve deeper into my own life. Working through unresolved issues in relationships with friends, family, partners... Music is a gift that keeps on giving if we will let it in to penetrate and change. My music, I believe has helped me to stay positive. I hope my songs will do just that for you. Hope is always a reality no matter what! 

I have released some songs and am excited to announce that they will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Google... And more sites. 

I also have a week Ad Campaign running on websites to promote my song "Runaway Cowboy." It is available to purchase on CD Baby and if you'd like to listen to it, please click the link provided. Happy listening and stay safe! 

Http://www.reverbnation.com/rubywestSA