Honey Bees, 

What a remarkable and deeply humbling season these past two months have been.

April and May unfolded like pages from a story I could never have fully written myself — filled with music, literature, radio, international recognition, heartfelt encounters, and beautiful reminders that purpose often blooms all at once.

In April, Voices of Care officially released on April 2nd, allowing me the honor of becoming a collaborating author in a project rooted in compassion, humanity, and shared voices. Then, only weeks later, another deeply personal chapter arrived with the release of  another collaborative works, Lanterns In The Dark, on April 23rd.

To witness Lanterns In The Dark rise into the Top 10 bestselling rankings within its category — eventually reaching #6 — was both emotional and surreal. Every message, every purchase, every photograph shared by readers holding the book reminded me that stories truly do matter.
 

Then came one of the most touching moments of all.
 

During The Black Box Sessions on April 19th — a concert I designed in honor of National Poetry Month — many of my Honey Bees arrived carrying copies of my books for me to sign. Some had already supported Voices of Care, while others purchased Lanterns In The Dark before or after the performance. What began as a concert unexpectedly became my very first book signing.

It was one of those rare moments where every part of my artistic world seemed to merge together at once:

music,

poetry,

storytelling,

community,

and love.

April also brought a beautiful international honor through Habaka’s Bee Hive. On April 30th, I had the privilege of participating in this year’s International Jazz Day celebration out of Europe hosted by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. Among twelve DJs featured during the 24-hour musical marathon, I was honored to be the only female DJ and the only American represented.

Another unforgettable highlight was welcoming a Billboard-charting sponsored artist onto Habaka’s Bee Hive for a special interview now featured on my YouTube channel, @habakakfj11 Moments like these continue to remind me how powerful conversation, music, and connection can be across borders and cultures.

And then, yesterday, another unexpected blessing arrived from Italy.

I was sent a photograph showing that one of my images has been included in an exhibition in Italy — a moment that deeply moved me. To know that my image, spirit, and artistic journey continue to resonate internationally reminds me how connected art truly is across music, literature, photography, and human experience. (Photography by:  Alessio Veronesi) 

Italy has long held a sacred place in my heart and artistic evolution. From performing abroad to becoming known as “The Panther of Cremona, Italy the country has continuously embraced my voice and creative expression in ways I will forever cherish.

To now see myself represented visually within an exhibition space feels symbolic — almost like another chapter quietly unfolding in the story God has been writing through my life.

Sometimes we think our work only reaches people through one avenue — a song, a stage, a book, or a radio interview. But art has a way of traveling beyond what we can imagine.

This season has reminded me that creativity leaves echoes.

And for every listener, reader, supporter, Honey Bee, friend, and soul who continues walking this journey beside me — thank you, God bless you, and stay real sweet. Hugs

The lanterns continue to glow brighter.

— Habaka KFJ

Music Sweet As Tupelo Honey

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