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LoDo's 30 Days of Thanks

Day 3: Thankful for my amazing parents

 

Growing up as a little kid, I never realized how lucky I was to have an amazing mother and father. Sure, I knew that some kids only had a mom or dad, and I knew that some had another guardian taking place of mom or dad.   

As I got older, I would hear my peers discuss their relationships with their parents and I realized I was one of the lucky one.  I'm very thankful that I was blessed with the most amazing parents one could ask for. They've taught me the lessons every child needs to learn: sacrifice, putting others before yourself, that true happiness doesn't come from money or material things but the time we spend with those we love, and what it means to be a partner in a relationship. 

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When my parents met each other, my father had a son and daughter and my mother had a son. After 2 years of dating they married and created their very own "Brady Bunch". Both being single parents, they welcomed each others' children with open arms and became "Mom and Dad" to everyone; our house was always open to all of our friends, and everyone was always welcomed into our home as family whether they were related or not. They are both school teachers, and continue to spread their knowledge and love to all of their students, making sure they all know they are important and cared for. 

3 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to make the difficult decision to undergo a mastectomy. Throughout her treatment and numerous doctors visits, her strength has shined through. My Dad was there by her side every step of the way, making sure she felt strong and beautiful. 

I could dedicate an entire blog to all the amazing things these two wonderful people have done. They're a true inspiration, not just to my siblings and me, but to everyone whose path they cross. Love you Pops & Susie Q!

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Clik here to view. #TBT "The Extended Fam Tour" with E-Turn & SPS and Mad Illz about a month ago

#TBT Check out LoDo's look back on the concert held at her parent's house in November of this past year. E-Turn & SPS, Mad Illz, & Workin Class put on an amazing concert on the Cape Coral stop of the Extended Fam Tour. 

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] LoDo's Exclusives: A chat with Toronto's own Lex Leosis about 10 months ago

Check out LoDo's latest interview for her artist exclusives series, this time checking back in with Toronto mc & hip hop artist (December Gang) Lex Leosis. Lex chats about her current project "The Snowstorm" and makes a special announcement....you heard it here first! 

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] Album of the day: Mute Speaker "Take Yourself Apart" about a year ago

Album of the Day: Mute Speaker Take Yourself Apart

Check out the hip hop album of the day from UK producer Mute Speaker, which features Chris Clarke, J-Thorn, Gajah, Express Fresh, BeOND, Capsize, Gel Roc & Pause.

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Clik here to view. #HipHop Song of the day: Dow Timo - Motion Picture about a year ago

[Hip Hop] Song of the day: Dow Timo's "Motion Picture"

Check out the song of the day from NY emcee Dow Timo "Motion Picture", on the cinematic beat from Beatbusta.

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] SOTD: KVBeats "You Know The Rules" about a year ago

[Hip Hop] Song of the Day: KVBeats "You Know The Rules"

Today's #SOTD comes from Ill Adrenaline Records' artist KVBeats and features Rashad (of Rashad & Confidence) & DJ Rob Swift. Check the link here to listen to "You Know The Rules".

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Clik here to view. [Electronica] MiHKAL - Live at CoSM about a year ago

[Listen] MiKHAL - Live at The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (12/21/13 Downtempo Mix)

Check out the mix of the day from MiKHAL. This Downtempo mix was performed live on 12/21/13, aka the Winter Solstice, at The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. Check the link here to listen to MiKHAL's dope mix (headphones on/subs up)! 

Today's Mix of the Day brought to you c/o our new Electronica contributor Brian Baer, follow him at soundcloud.com/brian-baer!

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Clik here to view. [Electronica] YYou x Grizzly Bear "Calls of Ricardo (Diplo remix)" about a year ago

[Electronica] Track of the Day: YYou x Grizzly Bear "Calls of Ricardo (Diplo remix)"

Check out the track of the day from New York EDM artist YYou. 

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] Album of the Day: Orrin "Nocturnal" about a year ago

[Hip Hop] Album of the Day: Orrin "Nocturnal"

Listen to the album of the day from New York hip hop artist Orrin, where he steps away from his boom bap roots to his suburb influenced album "Nocturnal".

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] Video of the Day: Jabee "Dreams" about a year ago

[Hip Hop] Video of the Day: Jabee "Dreams"

Watch the video of the day "Dreams" from Oklamhoma hip hop artist Jabee.

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Clik here to view. [Hip Hop] Video of the Day: Spacesuit Junkies x Roark Bailey "Sleep Alone" #hiphop #VOTD about a year ago

Hip Hop Video of the Day:
The Spacesuit Junkies x Roark Bailey "Sleep Alone"

Check out the Video of the Day featuring the homie SJayy aka Stevie Zenith and Plex Boogie of the Spacesuit Junkies. 

The Writer's Block Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Healing with music: a playlist to remember Chris Smith about a year ago

Healing With Music - a playlist to remember Smitty

It's hard to believe it's already been 2 months since my cousin passed. No matter the capacity that you knew Chris Smith, you probably know of the love he had for music. I've promised many of you that I would send out copies of the memorial playlist, and thanks to some good music and a look through old pictures, I found some motivation to get out of my "writer's block". Take a look/listen and enjoy memories of Chris, you are deeply loved and missed cousin. Forever Young...

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Clik here to view. Women & Hip Hop Series [Part 5]: Creating Solutions featuring Nadia Piet (The TIKA) & Mark Patton (#TheListening & Amplifher Media) about a year ago

LoDo's Women & Hip Hop Series: Part 5 - Creating Solutions

We've finally reached part 5 of LoDo's "Women and Hip Hop" series! In part 5, LoDo chats with Nadia Piet, owner and founder of The TIKA, and Mark Patton of Amplifiher Media and #TheListening. There's enough complaining in the world, it's time to be a solution. We discuss creating solutions to problems that female artists and fans have faced in the hip hop world and ways we can continue to expand on the positivity and empowerment that is embodied in hip hop!

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Clik here to view. Sports Stars & Rape Victim Blaming In Our Culture about a year ago

In light of the rape accusation against Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston that has become public knowledge  (details of the case which are still unclear) we've seen another wave of "victim blaming". With the various recent public rape cases including the Steubenville Ohio incident in 2012, we are missing an opportunity to have a serious about rape, victims, and our justice system. 

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Clik here to view. LoDo's Women and Hip Hop Series: Part 4, The Extinction of the Crew featuring pHoenix Pagliacci about a year ago

 LoDo returns with part 4 of her "Women and Hip Hop" series. LoDo chats with pHoenix Pagliacci and discusses the fallout of the crew, and how the lack of family bond has negatively impacted female artists. pHoenix shares some recent collaborations as well as who she's listening to and which dope females are keeping her on her toes.

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Clik here to view. 30 Days of Thanks: [Day 3] Parents about a year ago

30 Days of Thanks: [Day 3] It's November, and that means 30 days of giving thanks. On day 3, LoDo shares what she is thankful for: her amazing parents, Susan and Walter Donnelly

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Clik here to view. 30 Days of Thanks: [Day 2] My sisters, my ride or die chicks! about a year ago

30 Days of Thanks [Day 2]: It's November and 30 days of giving thanks. LoDo shares her daily piece of thanks, and on Day 2 she's thankful for all her "sisters". Through good and bad, they know the meaning of sisterhood and always remain "Ride or Die"!

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Clik here to view. 30 Days of Thanks [Day 1] Outlets that spread positivity and inspire us about a year ago

It's November, so it's time for 30 days of reflection and giving thanks! No matter the situation there's always something to be thankful for! Follow LoDo over the next 30 days as she shares what she's thankful for #SpreadJoy #BeThankful #30DaysOfThanks

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Clik here to view. The Best Reason To STOP Watching The News! [Videos] about a year ago

There is a war for your mind…

If you aren’t aware, might be time to take a look.

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Clik here to view. #TBT LoDo on Music – The Time Machine about 2 years ago

Music has many abilities, but it's best power is that of "time travel". LoDo reviews some tracks that bring her back in specific moments in time......where we're going, we don't need roads. 

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Clik here to view. Women and Hip Hop (Part 3): Major Labels, Major Control about 2 years ago

Part 3, Major Labels/Major Control, of LoDo's series on Women and Hip Hop. LoDo shares a continuation of her chat with Lex Leosis, along with an interview from mc/author/educator Charity Clay. 

a2J Artists New Workin Class!! Let it Ride (Feat. Chev)! about a month ago Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. The Class is back! [aToJ update] about a year ago

You don't have to keep wondering where the Jazz at....

Thinks have been a little quiet lately on ashytojazzy.com, but we've been hard at work. Lot's going on, check for new updates on releases coming soon from The Workin Class

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Clik here to view. #NewMusicFriday The Workin Class "Through The Storm" f. Nisha Nandez & Malik Diamond about a year ago

New Music Friday! The Workin Class "Through The Storm" ft Nisha Nandez & Malik Diamond

The Class got so much love for "All So Simple" & "Oath To The Money", so they decided to drop a new track featuring friends of wC Nisha Nandez & Malik Diamond! "Through The Storm", features a dope instrumental by Dree combined with a powerful N^2 hook with thought-provoking lyrics by Malik Diamond & Unknown. The combination is dope, but don't just take my word for it....click the play button and see for yourself!! (Available streaming free on soundcloud & also available as a free download).

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Clik here to view. NEW MUSIC from The Workin Class! "All So Simple" #ADAN about a year ago

New track from The Workin Class: "All So Simple" off their upcoming album American Dram/American Nightmare (ADAN)

Check out the first album single release from The Workin Class' upcoming album ADAN, "All So Simple", which features Texas singer Nisha Nandez.

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Clik here to view. #videooftheday Happy Halloween from the aToJ fam and The Workin Class! about a year ago

Happy Halloween from the aToJ fam and The Workin Class!!! Celebrate the anniversary of the release of "Two am" and Halloween by spinning this dope track at your Halloween party tonight! 

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Clik here to view. The new EP from The Workin Class "Daydream" available for FREE download (Orlando hip hop) about 2 years ago

The countdown has ended, and Daydream is finally here!!!!! The Workin Class have been working hard in the lab. aToJ is proud to present "Daydream", the sophomore EP from Orlando's hip hop duo The Workin Class. Workin Class uhh-up!!!!!! 

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Clik here to view. Ready to Daydream........ about 2 years ago

The countdown is underway, are you ready to #Daydream. The Workin Class uh up^^^^!!!!!!!!

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Clik here to view. New Single - Ponzi Scheme - Workin Class from Daydream EP about 2 years ago

Ponzi Scheme is the second single from The Workin Class EP ‘Daydream’ (out July 4th).  A look at the corrupt record industry, The Workin Class liken the record industry to a 'Ponzi Scheme'.  Check out the all new Lyric Video for Ponzi Scheme! 

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Clik here to view. NEW MUSIC: Orlando hip hop duo The Workin Class's upcoming EP Daydream about 2 years ago

Today marks 1 week until the release of Daydream, The Workin Class's sophomore EP, and to celebrate we've released the official tracklist! Check out the update to see the official tracklist, along with the dope album art (c/o the talented Noah Surratt). Is it July 4 yet? Cause I'm ready for the world to hear some new Workin Class!!!! wC^ aToJ^

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Clik here to view. Special announcement: Orlando hip hop about 2 years ago

A special announcement for The Workin Class's upcoming release "Daydream", the sophomore EP from the Orlando hip hop duo! Don't forget to cop the new EP, which will be available for FREE download at ashytojazzy.com on July 4!

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Clik here to view. JFK: The death of our greatest leader - 50 years later about a year ago

Music has many different powers, but it's ability to console and heal during painful and trying times is why I have always been drawn to it. On the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, LoDo takes a look at music and how it was used to heal and console those mourning the death of our greatest leader.

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Clik here to view. ATTENTION GUEST BLOGGERS! about 2 years ago

ATTENTION all bloggers, writers, artists, musicians, mc's, and conscious living advocates....

Looking to become a guest blogger or have your content featured? Click here for more info

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Clik here to view. NEW Official trailer for 10th annual "Rock The Bells" released with official lineup about 2 years ago

The Rock The Bells festival dropped a video trailer for the 2013 10th anniversary fest, click here to check it out....and let me warn you, looks super dope

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Clik here to view. Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) voluntarily force-fed in Guantanamo protest demonstration about 2 years ago

Yassin Bey (FKA Mos Def) participated in a demonstration against the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp force-feeding of detainees. Check out this (somewhat graphic and troubling) video that simulates an actual force-feeding process, and help spread the awareness of what's taking place. 

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Clik here to view. Jay-Z & Samsung promotional deal prompts the RIAA to change their policy about 2 years ago

Jay Z was right, the internet is the wild west and it's time to rewrite the rules. Check out how Jay Z's partnership with Samsung prompted a change in the rules and see the RIAA's response! Jay Z's new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, drops tomorrow. Happy 4th!

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Clik here to view. March Against Monsanto: a worldwide call for GMO labeling/banning and awareness about 2 years ago

Must-have information on the biotech giant "Monsanto", GMO labeling, and ways to making real change in the call for GMO labeling/banning and organic foods.

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Clik here to view. What is in my food: GMO's, GMO labeling, March against Monsanto, and the path to a healthy future about 2 years ago

This article sums up some of the basics that you need to know about GMO's, but most importantly ways to make a change for your health. I've had many people ask me questions lately about GMO's, "I see all the information but I don't know what to do about it". I put together a list of things you can do and resources for more information to make a positive change in your health and nutrition for you and your family. MAM, May 25 2013 EVERYWHERE!

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Clik here to view. TED Talks: "What Doctors Don't Know About The Drugs They Prescribe" about 2 years ago CISPA: farewell to online privacy? about 2 years ago Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. "Empowering Women with Raw Food" about 2 years ago

A great resource for healthy living and eating, along with a great discussion on the psychological effects of choosing the healthiest options for yourself.