Focus on positivity and achieve your dreams
Updated: Mar 4, 2019
Black History is important to recognize and celebrate not just in February, but at all times. We must acknowledge and respect equal civil rights for everyone. —Dione Taylor
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. —Seneca
Thoughts on Black History Month
Black History is important to recognize and celebrate not just in February but at all times because it really is about acknowledging and respecting equal civil rights for everyone. As a Canadian I am extremely grateful to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We live in a country where we are free to be our true selves.
William Still is the father of the Underground Railroad. He was an educated abolitionist who kept detailed records of all the people he helped to escape to freedom. He was also one of the first generation blacks who were ‘born free’ meaning, not born into slavery. Still is the inspiration for my album “Born Free.” I recognize that I am here today because of the bravery and foresight of people like William Still. —D.T.
Positivity
By Michèle Newton Your whole day can change just by choosing to wear a positive attitude
Wear it loud and proud as you make your way through your day
And your life as your energy attracts like and more of the same.
Positivity radiates from everything about you
The sun is shining and so are you,
It’s snowing out so go out and snowshoe
It’s raining, but doesn’t stop the fun, the laughs, the joy
Of living life, with those you love around you
Celebrate this gift of positivity by shining
your light from within. By sharing
your positive outlook on life, love and the future.
Is there enough positivity to go around?
I’ll know for sure when someday,
instead of frowns all I see are smiles.
Who is dione
Music has always been an important and integral part of Dione Taylor's life. A pastor's daughter from Saskatchewan, she was born and raised in a family she describes as "really connected to the gift of song”. Her parents were keen enough to recognize Dione’s artistic potential at a very young age and as a result she began organ lessons when she was 4 years old. When she wasn’t practicing at home or listening to music she was playing or singing at church.
Having first burst onto the music scene with her Juno nominated debut album "Open Your Eyes", Dione's career trajectory has been truly remarkable. With performances at festivals and concert theatres across the United States, Canada and Asia for audiences that have included the President of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II, Dione has made a worthy name for herself as one of this country's most talented musicians and singers. Dione was nominated for a Gemini Award for her rendition of Oscar Peterson's "Hymn to Freedom," which she performed alongside Oliver Jones at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. She is also the recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award Mentorship Program.
Work hard, focus on positivity, learn to be present and live in the moment. We don’t know how long we have on this earth so when you get the opportunity to make your mark, be ready—Dione
How about Role Models?
Growing up in Saskatchewan, Dione’s most influential role models are found very close to her home and her heart in her parents: Pastor Sylvester Taylor and Pam Taylor in Regina
The music: Dione’s album ‘Born Free’ is a tribute to the music she heard and felt growing up in Saskatchewan. “It’s why I call it the #PrairieBlues. It’s my gospel truth.”
“If you’ve never been to a Pentecostal/Apostolic (gospel) church I would highly recommend it! The music, the dancing, the singing are off the chain. It really is all about surrendering to that raw, emotional, pure energy.”
Seeing and feeling the world outside of boxes is Dione’s inspiration for being an artist.
"The ‘regular’ world likes to separate people and categorize us into easily identifiable boxes but at the end of the day we are all human beings made of body, soul and spirit. "
"The future is now! We have access to so much information right now that we really can achieve anything that we put our minds to."
I always say: Go Big or Go Home! Also, go and see the movie “Black Panther” with your family. It’s so inspiring. —Dione
Photo by Michèle Newton (Five Points Theatre,Barrie, ON - February 28, 2018 )