Joss Stone :: Ask Joss

03.21.2011

Be Thankful

Here I am sat in my hotel room bed in Andorra watching the news. Couldn't stand sleeping in the camper van here, its much too cold for that. I’m working on getting a heater for moments like this!

It is absolutely stunning here.

There isn't much to do but ski and snow board, which is a lot of fun, I can imagine if you know what your doing. I tried my best but simply fell on my ass the second I clipped the skis to my boots.

I feel so so lucky. Lucky because of many things. The fact I can take this time to travel with no plan just going anywhere that I feel is so much fun. But more so today and everyday these past weeks I have felt extremely lucky to be born in England.

We have so much as do most countries in the western world. How dare we moan about our situation. I forget who it was but I remember watching a comedy show and one of the things this bloke said “That England have the poshest poor people in the world. I mean they have sky TV (Cable TV) for goodness sake!” And although we all laughed at the moment he cheekily tells this joke, it is actually true.

There are people in England that claim benefits because they are too nervous to work, so they claim their benefits for anxiety and never have to go out side there free home. A cab driver in Wales told me that people can claim incapacity benefit (note: alcoholism is a recognized illness), so 'we the people" have to pay not only for them to live out there entire lives but also to be totally trolleyed while there doing it. Hopefully this illustrates how well we are looked after.

What is going on?

Anyway, my point is we are lucky buggers. We get to vote, we might not always get what we want, but we still have a chance. These protesters in Libya have no chance to vote, they have to put up and shut up or as the world has seen the consequence for speaking out is death. So they will fight, and they will essentially sacrifice themselves for the generation after them, they are trying to make their world a better one. We take so much for granted. Yes we are in a recession in England and its not easy but imagine living on maybe 100 pounds a month and not having any kind of council house to demand.

Imagine running for your life on a daily basis because you want peace and fairness, dodging bullets, bombs and watching your loved ones blown to pieces. Now these people have a good right to moan a tad, don't you think? When I was a youngster my Nan would always say when I refused to eat a certain thing on my plate, what about the people in Africa that don't have any food? I didn't truly understand how much reality comes with that comment. Now I think about the young lady I met in Uganda who was found literally living on a huge pile of rubbish, sifting through it for anything to help her survive a bit longer and she was not the only one. The list goes on and on, there is so much hurt in the world, some people were just unlucky and born into a difficult life I guess.

I'm just saying I am grateful that we as a country are in a position to help those that need it. Its not fair to say everyone is taking the piss out of the system because there are people that literally cannot go to work and of course need that kind of help.

The same is true on a global level. We must reconsider our values and extend that helping hand to all nations who, through years of western colonialism, have remained in poverty while there precious resources have been exported yet none of the profits have been ploughed back to build functioning civil societies. For many years western governments have propped up hard line dictators and regimes in the Middle East to secure vital oil supplies, but the now the chickens are coming home to roost.

There is always hope and change is always possible.

Thank God we were born in a country that can provide as much care to our people as we do. For instance, the NHS … how can any one moan about free health care? But people do. We are lucky! Enough bitching and moaning people!

After watching all this going on in the world with Japan and New Zealand going through such turmoil, and hearing the stories of Paul’s experience when he was with the rebels in Libya, it just puts things into perspective.

Check out these amazing photos of the uprising in Lybia. Taken by my good friend Paul Conroy.

-xoxoxoxo
Joss

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an angel walking these lands

Hello angel, you've come among us from the heaven above. Thanks for the joy you give ... Be careful, this world clan ne very nasty and deceptive. The rebels in Lybia was not freedom fighters, but mercenari es bound to kill their own brothers on behalf of France band USA. The truth is not easily found, but it's the only thing that remains after all the lies have bene swept away. Alhoa.

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Posted by 2012-04-14 23:12:26

Your an insperation

Im not sure if you realy read the emails on your site from your fans, as so many insperations dont have time with all thats expected of them. But if you do, i just wanted to say thank you for being you. And not just your music, that i am truly mezmorized by, but also you strength,your beliefs,and your chilled spirit. You are a great role model for anyone, and i just wish everyone loved your type of music like i do so they could get the benefits that you as an insperation give out. You are my favorite of all time, and maybe one day i can be just like you. HAHA, that Sounds funny considering i am 27 years old and have 3 kids and have had to sacrifice many things just to put food on the table for my kids. You put my life in your lyrics, my mistakes have made me stronger and i am who i am. I will never let the small things bring me down. oh and on a crazed fan note. haha,It would be nice to get any singing tips from you.And yes i do sing your songs till my voice goes out trying to sing like you. I will find my own voice soon, and you have played the biggest part in helping know what kind of voice that will be. Thank you for being you! I hope you get this and know that you are making a differance. If not, then ill chill with you tomorow on youtube!

Posted by 2011-09-03 19:15:00

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Posted by 2011-09-02 22:37:44

Thank you!

Hi Joss, I listen to you sung with the biggest of soul for 1 year. You have a voice really magnificent and at once deeply moving as when you interpret " stalemate " for example. You widely deserved your success and I hope wholeheartedly that you will pursue this ascent towards the glory. I spend a very difficult period in these moment and the only way for me to wake up in the morning and go on is to listen to warming songs as yours. I even write songs, maybe one day you can sing one of mine. Thank you! I will be glad if one day I receive a mail of you.

Posted by 2011-09-01 04:27:42

Blown Away.

I only really came to your music a few days ago. So, the last few days I have done nothing but listen to all I could find from you, fantastic duets with soul legends, impeccable covers of soul and blues masterpieces and the best original music in years. I'm a guitar player and pretend to be a singer, and now I have a new and great motivation to get better and better at what I do. I'm going to eventually perform a duet with you, that's my goal. And this post was exactly the level headed, wise and rare view people have. Even more rare among celebrities and even more rare among young people....ps your blog about Solomon Burke just about brought a tear to my eye.-Benny

Posted by 2011-08-31 21:48:25

Visit

Hey Joss, come over to Czech Republic. ;) It's not that far. ;) Tom

Posted by 2011-08-26 03:40:05

Great

See you!! www.bandaradiola.com.br

Posted by 2011-08-21 11:41:37

Please come

Hi,I'm Alice and I'm using my mums e-mail.I'm 10 and I have all you records I have a dream that you will come to perth and I could get you to sign on a piece of paper.When I was little(6)I said that you would come to Perth the next day and I would see you the next day,but you didn't and my mum said I even cried.When is your birthday and where do you live cos I want to send you a letter.Anyway how do you reply. What's your e-mail.

Posted by 2011-08-21 01:08:48

hey

you should do a collaboration with Adele.. your voices are similar in a way but yet different.. just like mariah carey and whitney houston..

Posted by 2011-08-20 19:49:41

Concerto em Lisboa

Joss Stone, I really loved your concert,it was fantastic,one of the best i've ever seen in my live,so special.You sing so well,with that beautiful voice you have.You had a great connection with the audience and a very strong power of comunication.I hope you come back to lisbon,i really liked you. Kiss

Posted by 2011-08-14 19:36:34

please !!!!

come to argentina please !!!!! kisses :)

Posted by 2011-08-09 15:13:53

I still have my ROSE

4 years ago you steped off stage and handed me a Rose. I was the only one. The rest you though to the croud. Please come back to Seattle I need a new one! Seattle Misses you so bad!

Posted by 2011-08-09 00:58:02

Melissa Lalonde

I don't have an e-mail, my girlfriend allowed me to use hers. I love what you wrote, 'Be thankful' my thoughts; fix home before looking else where. Homeless people-given up!, beggars on the corner-lazy! Battered women, runaways, sexual abuse, police abusing power, good men losing children in courts, laws that don't make sense, giving to charities-no results! Another note, I grew up with soul music, love the greats and think that you are- thee one! after close to living fifty years, you stop me, hold my attention and captive. Thank you. One thing that I do not understand-the way you dress, doesn't match your voice or your depth. just a man.

Posted by 2011-08-08 13:16:46

Hi Joss, I first discovered and fell in love with your incredible voice on A.I. PERFORMING with Smokey Robinson. I loved that performance! I do have some valuable constructive criticism in watching some of your live shows that people close to you might not tell you. This is probably not the place to post even constructive criticism, so you can email me if you would like my insight. Rooting you on to being the best you can be Joss. I wish you much continued success!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent. KJ

Posted by 2011-08-07 09:51:29

new album

Joss Stone, your new album in incredible! I personally love Last one to know :) It would be great if i could have the chance to see you live over here in the UK!!

Posted by 2011-08-06 20:26:16

You are great!!

"last one to know" it's a great music. The concert in Portugal was amazing, I love it. I just want to thank you because you are sharing the most beautiful voice in the world!THANK'S!!!!

Posted by 2011-08-06 20:03:38

Hey Joss

hy joss!I just want to say that you were fantastic in Portugal at the "festival dos oceanos". I was there!!!! you are my favorite singer since ever and i'm 21 ahahah. one of my dreams is talk to you but mostly is to sing with you, I love to sing and i'm not bad(I think) ahaha by Joss you rock!!!

Posted by 2011-08-04 20:56:17

Somehow

Somehow Lady, we need the likes of the music makers of the world to touch our souls and tap our thoughts. You are in a position in your industry to bring a message of concious awareness. It seems you have the heart and gut for it. Keep hangin with the heavies. Tom Petty is a fine example of that. Dave Stuart played on an 80's Heartbreakers album. They backed Dylan in the 90's and backed Johnny Cash in early 2000's on his last album. Petty claims they are the band they are today, because of this.By the way Petty's not a bad song writer. Hah. I bet Daves got his number. LP1 is Pure Stone. I can't here enough of it. Now, you are on the right track. You look at ease and in control. Hang on like it's your own Newborn. And do what you can to better this world. Finally, in my opinion we haven't had a talent like yours since Etta James. Don't let anything in this world stop you. Anything. This weak you made me smile with Hope. Always be a Lady. Teddy

Posted by 2011-08-04 10:36:13

LOVE YOUU

HI JOSS, I love you, You are unique, your voice,your musics, your attitude, I love you because the person you are. On Saturday I saw you in Lisbon , and it was amazing! Now I am YOUR FAN! I LOVE YOU, YOU ARE GREAT, please come to PORTUGAL AGAIN! XOXOXO LY!

Posted by 2011-08-02 14:29:50

Coming to Dallas, Texas

I would really love to see ya at the "House of Blues" in Dallas, Texas. Do you have any future plans for Dallas, Texas? Never lose the soul as the soul is life & life is worth sharing!

Posted by 2011-07-31 11:28:20

Istanbul

Dear Joss! Thank you for coming to Istanbul. The concert was superb! Boat Yard is a hit! Please know, you are admired!

Posted by 2011-07-31 04:36:12

from your biguest fan

Hello Joss. I was at your show yesterday, and I can only say it was simply from another world. Your voice, your personality and your legs (ahahah). I have no words to describe how your songs affect my life and my way of seeing the world. PS: If you ever want to spend a quiet holiday advise you to try to Tavira. Beach of Europe's best and very nice people. Big kiss. Remains always so spectacular.

Posted by 2011-07-30 22:14:22

comeon!

hey Joss, you're sexy! Do you need a Boyfriend? Here I am!

Posted by 2011-07-30 09:12:54

Happiness

2 days ago, in Istanbul, she sang a song when she looked in to my eyes and finally she gave me a rose (only to me) and everybody watched this :))) Love U :)

Posted by 2011-07-30 07:09:12

please, concert in sao paulo

please, come to São Paulo, Brazil, around the Rock in Rio date, is easier for the fans that can't go to Rio, and there are a lot of people waiting for a concert here. thanks, and you and your music is the best thing in Rock in Rio 2011.

Posted by 2011-07-27 14:50:09

Beauty, Beauty, Beauty...

I was watching vh1 two weeks ago and suddenly the video of "Fell In Love With A Boy" appears, and really i was enthralled. I got up, went to the computer, i searched YouTube and i became a fan. You have a beautiful voice, you're beautiful, you have a style that I love. Well, I heard your last album and I really liked, especially the song "Karma". I hope you come soon to South America to listen live, I'm from Chile, greetings and good luck from Santiago.

Posted by 2011-07-27 02:48:59

you have a new fan :)

Hello!! I was in the concert last night in Antwerpen... You are amazing! I really enjoyed every song, you are a great singer, it´s easy to see that you are having fun at the same time you´re singing! THANKS!:)

Posted by 2011-07-27 02:12:15

my dearest joss stone, I know the whole world loves you, your talent, your voice, your look, and so do I, but... when I just listened to your new album, it made me very sad. I know you can do much, much better and I am sure you know. disregarding the songs, the arrangements and sounds are not very inspired. I've spent most of my life, working as a record executive / a&r manager, so I'm familiar with the music business. I'm sorry, but you have to decide, where you want to go. if you want to talk it over, let me know. but still I'm a great fan of yours. Good luck with whatever you do. regards

Posted by 2011-07-23 08:28:01

Ms Cleves and me.

I saw you tonight, here in Spain in The Tudors, performing Ana de Cleves. You are fantastic in this rol, and I disagree with Henry VIII because you are absolutely beautiful.

Posted by 2011-07-21 18:24:19

Fabulous

I've heard your new album. Very beautiful and I'm happy about your coolaboration whit Mick Jagger and the superheavy

Posted by 2011-07-18 08:17:26

L.O.V.E

Big sweet heart, gorgeous girl and the best music ever. Don´t let anyboby tell you what to do and to do it, just keep singing your songs and help the most people you can. BK

Posted by 2011-07-17 18:31:49

U r rare breed

Hi joss... Im from malaysia and loving ur music very much. U r the best! nway im moved by ur articles,which not many bother bout it. U have a big heart joss thats y u deserve all of it.. I would love to do what u did travel without any plans and just go with the flow. but not everybody have the chance joss.. nway, i fully understand ur concern over wt is happening in this world but pls dont buy wt news told u.. ppl in libya didnt protest over their leader but the system that is going againts the leader.. simply bcz the leader want to do something that against the 'system'. 95% of media is controlled by the elite group. try pakalert press.com.. u will see a clearer pics.. i hope more ppl are like u.. concern about things that really matters n not petty stuff.. i adore u joss n keep up with wtever u r doing.. will always support u.. nway.. im tried to buy ur cd here but malaysia is not listed in 1 of the option. pls help me.. tq have a great day joss... xoxo

Posted by 2011-07-14 00:22:46

Hi!

You should do a cd signing somewhere near Virgina,,, :)

Posted by 2011-07-13 21:37:07

I Want to preorder LP1...!!1

Hi...i'm from mexico..and i want to preorder you new album...but.i can't ..!!! how can i do it..?? or...i've to wait until the album'launch here?? ...oohh...i love u..joss...!!! u're the best.. smuak..!!!

Posted by 2011-07-12 21:28:02

Be Thankful—sounds like a great song!

Leave out the political crap, write what you know—emotions and feelings. If you would like to know more about governing read Thomas Sowell.) If your are truly independent, challenge the same liberal ideals that the entertainment industry has pushed for decades. I’ll just say, I love your music, and wish you the very best.

Posted by 2011-07-11 01:50:42

St Thomas

Come to St Thomas USVI!!

Posted by 2011-07-08 15:37:56

so right

you are absolutely right with it. all the people in the western world should think about their own situation. we are so lucky that everything to comfort our lives is provided without any question. I think that all the young people in north africa should be encouraged to force all the efforts to make their childrens life better.

Posted by 2011-03-31 10:02:15

yeah...There is always hope and change is always possible. but is so hard and sad!!many unfair things! but always appreciate everything you have and where we can help those in need! xxx

Posted by 2011-03-31 10:01:49

I agree

well said Joss...I,m polish but I live in Scotland for 3 years now (going to college here etc)and I always say that to people here that I don,t know how they can moan about anything...Life is so easy here_I'm just a bar staff and a student and I just took a mortgage for a house here!!I would never be able to do that at age 24 in Poland...and we earn there 4 times less money than here and prices are the same and sometimes maybe it's cheaper in Scotland...So I'm thankful everyday and please people do the same-look at the bright side of life:)peace and love

Posted by 2011-03-31 10:01:37

gratitude is healing

Im learning that gratitude is healing. Im learning that attitude is everything. Its so easy to take for granted all the good the things and people in our lives. Sometimes we dont even know that were doing it. Awareness is the key and being able to look at the amazing little things that make life so wonderful. For me a simple bowl of ice cream or being at the ocean is truly a blessing. I love life and I love myself. I am grateful for that. Its been a long journey to get to this place and I have a lot to learn but Im willing to do and Im grateful :) just on a side note Im a singer and Im grateful to have artists like you Joss who believe in MUSIC because what we have today on the radio most of it is garbage...Im grateful for artist who are creative and have integrity in all that that do :) love ya may you continue to be blessed

Posted by 2011-03-31 10:00:50

:-)

You are absolutely right! I am living in Poland, and I am also thankful for this. I have all I need and much more. There is one thing which we must do in exchange our fortune - we should doing as much as is possible good deeds :) I am very happy that beside you are wonderful singer you are great person :) Greetings :) PS sorry for my poor English :)

Posted by 2011-03-31 10:00:18

hi!

Hi Joss, how are you? I also love traveling.And travel aimlessly, it is good to get away ... eat well. we see fantastic places but also see different and hard realities that take us grateful for get what we get and want to do a contribute to change that difficult realities, and your music is a good way for it :) ... and like you said we also we enhances our home, our country. I am not from England, but I love it, the only problem is the weather... one day I´ll live in England for a while and obviously i´ll like to see you performing at mama stone´s (that I haven´t have a chance yet), but now I´m in Portugal finishing my studies.I do not know if you remember but I was the girl who gave you this summer a ring in the solomon´s burke concert... and a symbol of peace and love to put on a necklace, and I never ask you if you liked it ...? :) have fun and skiing a lot, PEACE & LOVE & JOSS`S SONGS

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:59:21

ms.

joss girl, u aint never lied! this is insane! those pictures were amazing!! scary, hard to understand, but amazing!! this world is so very sad. i suffer from anxiety and depression in the usa. i can't work...it is a very hard pill to swallow, as i always did work since age 16yrs. its very hard! but i dont have 1/2 as bad as lybia or japan right now. i am so grateful for my blessings!!

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:58:02

heroes

sooo sad... i just read the news that Mohamed Nabbus was killed a few days ago! he fought for PEACE R.I.P Mohamed Nabbus

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:57:44

Ms. Joss

Im super excited for the new album...I cant wait to hear what is said on it..LOVE your music...such feel good sounds...thank you

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:57:28

Me 2

How well said...

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:57:18

Another Truth...

You are a very special being... did you know that? Its because of people like you that others feel there is still hope in this world and they fight for what they believe. Remember this... when you're feeling alone, let down and blue, I want you to know this - There are others like you in this world, that see things differently and think differently... you are not alone. Thank you for being who you are. I wish you the best!

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:56:57

Hello. I see you have no tour scheduled. When you do decide to tour again, PLEASE come to Boston!!!

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:55:59

Tony

Just read your blogg Joss. What amazing wisdom and insite from such a lovely lady.I agree with all your sentiments,and just wish we could save the world. God bless.

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:55:25

Right

Hey Joss. You sure have a point. We have all the right to choose our leaders but they don't. So, that's really unfair and they are fighting for it... We want peace in the world, but we want rights too.. so, we are lucky to choose

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:54:14

gully

hey joss, just wanted to show u some love and i wanted to say THANK YOU for using your position to actually try and help the people of the world who are in real need. your tour is way overdue by the way, your music has helped me through some rough patches and would love to see you live for the first time! good luck in everything you do! (not that you need it)

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:53:14

Tangerine trees and marmalade skies

Yeah those are nice pictures indeed, I love the one in the beginning with all the photographers running for their lives. But for your discussion: It really puts you in perspective indeed, but humans are always in need of something more. I mean just look at the hierarchy of Maslow. I think by nature we are all in need to get to the top. Only those who see beyond their own needs and truly care about other people, see that we are quite lucky with what we have. Guess thats why as kids, we are complaining and always asking for more toys and not eating our food ^_^ Just because we don't have the ability yet to understand a world beyond ourself. Ugg anyways, good point of discussion joss! I hope it will make people more thankfull in life. love, ellen

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:52:11

So true! We all need to chill and be thankful for what we have . There's always someone worse of then you!

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:51:25

Rock in Rio 2011

Joss!! Come to Brazil in the Rock in Rio 2011 please, we love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxox Carol

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:49:20

Rock in Rio 2011

Come to Brazil please, we love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:49:12

yes

Here Here Joss.

Posted by 2011-03-31 09:27:14