2008 Will Be Great: As I Continue to Spread My Wings

There are a mere eleven days left in 2007. This past year has been wonderfully full of learning and seed planting for me. Often times, harvesting the best life-crops is rough: lots of rock-hard thought patterns and debris to be worked around, over and out as I prepare the ground work.

I've come out of my writer's shell and been blessed to join a new book project. I've spent time with some incredible authors (both established and budding) who encourage and inspire me to keep-a comin' on as Brother Sterling Brown did. Proudly, there is substance building in my first novel, featuring Reyna - who you'll meet in the new book project. God willing that first novel will be birthed/published by Fall 2008. I have developed an educational work book and workshop for parents who need assistance in selecting schools then helping their children through school once enrolled. That website will be launched in early 2008. Slowly, I am learning prosperity principles and that networking is a noble skill. I have made some incredible contacts with others who are life-long entrepreneurs who welcome me to their "fold" as long as they see that I'm about my hustle, too. I have read many truly inspirational books (including the one pictured above: The Bond) which have helped me understand myself better, as well as, my place in the world. I feel my relationships are getting richer as a result.

All of this growth and development was going on as I entered into my second year of partial employment. This partial employment experience has taught me that I really will be alright despite the chaos thrown at me by the world. This year of partial employment snatched the controlling reins from my grip as I was forced to accept the blessings offered and to trust as folx (too many to list here, for now:-) have stepped in to support me in a myriad of ways (thanx to them I haven't lost an ounce;-). This year's self reflection has revealed that I need to return to the independent school world to continue to grow where I was rooted.

May ALL of us take flight in what I trust will be a GREAT 2008 filled with Love, Life and Dancing in the Prosperity of Our Blessings!

Click images for sources.

Write Now I'm Digging...

* The recent post over at Dave J's spot.
*Parable of The Sower - by Octavia Butler.
*Parable of the Talents (sequel to Parable of the Sower) - by Octavia Butler.

* Gwendolyn Brooks' A Black Wedding Song:

This love is a rich cry over
the deviltries and the death.
A weapon-song. Keep it strong.

Keep it strong.
Keep it logic and magic and lightning and muscle.

Strong hand in strong hand, stride to

the Assault that is promised you (knowing
no armor assaults a pudding or a mush.)

Here is your Wedding Day.
Here is your launch.

Come to your Wedding Song.

For you
I wish the kindness that romps or sorrows along.
Or kneels.
I wish you the daily forgiveness of each other.
For war comes in from the World
and puzzles a darling duet -
tangles tongues,
tears hearts, mashes minds;
there will be the need to forgive.

I wish you jewels of Black love.
Come to your Wedding Song.

I MUST See This Movie

I've GOT to see: The Great Debaters. And I think everyone else should, too.
And I'm glad to learn that this is one HBCU that has not closed its doors - even though I'd never heard of the school until I heard about the movie. Wiley College: maybe the movie will garner more support for them.

Please Help Those Less Fortunate than U this Season

While I encourage us all to help others less fortunate at ANY time of the year, this season it is most important, I think. This is an intensely emotional time of year. There have been studies that abuse (to self & to others) increases at this time of year, deaths increase at this time of year and depression certainly increases. It's a combination of the decrease in sunlight hours and the holidays. While you may be helping others less fortunate by donating to charities or spending time at hospitals, shelters, etc. Please consider checking out SulDog's Blog and supporting a Boston Family cause in anyway that you can. Thanx!

Enjoy this and EVERY Season...

Took a moment to look around the Blog-o-sphere a bit today and lots of holiday topics. Not that I'm a "Grinch" (okay, some may think otherwise;-), but the only thing I like about this commercially hyped season is all the pretty lights (especially since the short days kinda drag on me). I am delighted that this season my family has taken the pressure off of spending (great for me & my employment situation;-). Only the family babies will get gifts - while the adults get ... toasted! CHEERS!

Enjoy your Holiday Spirits responsibly! PLEASE ... No drinking and driving:
1) You'll waste a daYum good drink when u hit a pothole or swerve away from the other drunks bad drivers.
2) I want to see all of my Blog-Folk in the New Year - cuz 2008's gonna be GREAT!

Here's wishing U & your loved ones the BEST no matter what or how U choose to celebrate.

Click on image for source.

We Don't Always Know How Blessed We Are

Peeped in on CortGee today and learned the unfortunate news that comedian extra-ordinaire: Rasheed has passed away ( I hope they keep his myspace page up which is where I linked his name to - it has his baby flix & then some). A THIRTY-SIX year OLD Brother suffered a HEART-attack! WTF?! I don't care WHAT he was or was NOT doing ... how U gonna suffer a Heart ATTACK at 36? Come ON FOLX - take HEED & take CARE! Prayers go out to Rasheed's Family. I just feel blessed that I actually experienced this Brother Live & in Person with Rob Stapleton at the Laugh Lounge when my Moma & Nephew came to NYC to visit me a couple of years ago! U know I like to show folx a good time! Enjoy this clip I found of him being interviewed:

Let de Ridm Guide U - CAP's PlayList

My newest interest is a NY born Trinidadian drummer/conga player/percussionist. AND I hail proudly from the Nation's Capital = home of dat Go Go Beat! Here in this modern day Babel, known as NYC, I find meself amongst dese Islanders (PuertoRiCAN, DominiCAN, JamaiCAN, TriniDADDY-an, etc. ;-)...

What de Lawd tryin' ta beat intuh a Gurl lak me? Hmmmm... well, unteeel ah figure it out ... let de rhydim sway...

Enjoy the new songlist I compiled (it's in progress & being built up slowly:-).
FYI about the list/artists:
Do I really need to explain Chuck Brown - GodFather of Funk and Rare Essence? ;-)
Frankie Beverly is an honorary Washingtonian:-).
Meshell Ndegeocello was raised in DC & used to play in the Go-Go Band Rare Essence;-).
TimbaLand & Cee-Lo have southern roots and I'll Be Around clearly has that Go-Go groove.
In case you're wondering how Chris Brown made the list - he's from the county next to my grandmother's home county - so, Chris, "Boo" - - u have a fan fo' lyf since u rep proudly from Tappahannock, VA. Gots to love my Virginia Southern survivors' Roots;-).
Anthony Hamilton - How can I not love a Southern Gentleman & fellow Aquarian who sings about cornbread, fish AND collard greens;-)?
Stephanie Mills - If you're old enough to remember her on Broadway in The Wiz (even if u didn't witness her live...I was too young to travel like that - but I was there in spirit;-), you KNOW why she's on this & should be on EVERY playlist;-).
Johnny Mathis - The relative after whom I was named had so many of his albums & played them so frequently when we visited -- my sisters & I literally believed that she was married to him. We laughed about that recently, and we all continue to love his voice.
Jill Scott's a Philly girl - lots of DC connections there (at least in my family:-) ... and the funny thing - Philly & DC Black Folk are more similar than B'more & DC folk and they're only 30 minutes apart -- what's up with that?

I don't have any answers either...so, let's just groove;-)

It's called SELF esteem

So, y'all know I'm been busy making my dreams come to life off-line which is why u don't see me around the blog-sphere as much. I try to check in to various spots when I get a "minute". I peeked in on The LoZone today and her post featured the voice of one of my favorite entertainers. I was inspired to find & post my favorite of his sketches. I often feel like I shouldn't be laughing - but this Brother spits truth in this clip. Hope U enjoy as much as I do (Note: contains profanity for u sensitive types & those underage;-):

Wow....

Denzel did a great job portraying this character, in my opinion...but, what was it like to live the life of The Black American Gangster? Funny how the movie doesn't use Black for this Notorious Citizen - as if he were the only American Gangster....any other time...oh well...that's another discussion. Check out the clips over at Eddie Griffin's spot: GangLand Documentary.

The Multifaceted Many Faces of Me

I guess this post is inspired by Sistah Kiki but written with my newest interest in mind, since I encourage him to read my blog. Kiki jokes (i think:-) about her multiple personalities. But the truth is we all have multiplicities. I want him to get to know me and I want to get to know him. Sometimes peeling back another person's layers is...um...a challenge. Maybe this post will help him to understand me a bit bettah (and may clear up some things for those who think they know me;-). I hear men say they love the "newness" provided by multiple women - I say I'm all the women any one man will ever need & be able to handle;-).

CapCity is a wonderful conundrum:
Hard as nails
Sweet as pie
A Hood girl (well, when I came of age we were 'Round the Way girls;-)
Sheltered/Daddy's Girl
Well educated
Has a lot to learn ;-)
Loyal
Will Drop U like a Hot 'tata
Avid Reader
Budding Writer
Baptist/Walking Closer to God
Spiritual/embracing & learning many faiths

A Grown Azz Woman
A Big Azz Baby
Funny az Heck
Serious as all get out
Lets a lot of shyt slide
Don't take much shyt
Patient
Hate to repeat myself
Urban born & raised
Country azz Hayl;-)
Creative
Stumped by simple concepts ... sometimes
Very Private
Extremely Outgoing
Shy...welll...hesitant in some areas;-)
Quite Confident
A Leader
Willing to Follow
Quiet
Will talk ya 2 deaf;-)
Can throw down in the kitchen
Love living in restaurant "central" (NYC has the best!;-)
Like to laze around
Love to get up & at it!
Morning person
Night Owl
Tom Boyish
Girly Girl

Fly azz Hayl;-)
Will schlump around/B a Plain "Jane"
Have little interest in sports
Loves live events (including sports;-)
Like the coziness of home
Love to be out on the town!
Courageous
Afraid ... to trust others
HATES wrestling
ENJOYS boxing/kickboxing/martial arts;-)
Fiercely Independent
Willing to be submissive (in God's sense of that word/concept;-)
Health conscious
Love to get my eat & drank ON! ;-)
Hate to pack
Love to Travel
Hate to Shop
Love fly gear;-)
Thrifty
Have expensive taste

...and there are still more layers to fold back;-)

Nostalgic...NOT

Wow. My Mom slapped me "skrait" back to reality and out of that nostalgia that I had slipped into while I was "home" for my Thanxgiving visit.

I had a much needed wonderful time with family and friends this past weekend. I mean: the food was plentiful and delicious (& since most of my family is vegetarian or health conscious - I could stay "on track", for the most part;-), I got my drink on, boogie on AND flirt on (with my girls on Friday night). One of my good friends has returned from the ATL to DC to teach at our favorite school where we met, because as she says, "They're one of the only private schools that really gets it".

As I absorbed all of that love and information my "heart" wheels started spinning and the thought came to mind: Maybe I should return to DC, too. I'll be surrounded by folks who love me and no doubt, I could easily slip into a well paying gig at my favorite school. So, I took the chance to see what my family thought of that idea as we sat around "kickin' it". I could barely form the question, "Should I move ba--??"

My mother spat out a resounding, "NO!"

Well --- I guess that's settled. LOL!

But, join me as I groove with Ahmad anyway:

Giving Thanx by Giving In

I am ... part of a larger continuum.
I am ... "sent" dreams by The Creator that fit ME & my purpose for BEING.
I am ... given willfulness so that I can actively participate in making those dreams into realities.
I am ... Giving in and Giving thanx by
-- working towards the following Dreams that were sent to Me:

*Take great care of this temple/body I've been loaned for Earth Wear.
- Fuel with good & healthy foods
- Stretch it out & exercise its muscles
- Keep it hydrated & rested
*Write Daily
*Promote and Market my Dreams: Plant the Seeds to Bear the Fruit of The Creator
*Learn to "dance" with this strong willed Brother who has opened his heart to me.

**Wishing U all a Safe & Plentiful Season of Thanx!

*click image for source & info. on De La Vega - renown Artist/Activist in Spanish Harlem.

Cross Blog Post

A Wonderful Day in my Neighborhood. <<-- Click to read about a wonderful day I observed.

*the image depicts a wonderful day in my life, in my neighborhood: My Father (in orange shirt) with my sister & her sons. We ALL enjoyed a wonderful day at a Bronx beach.

Hang on!

Hanging on in this ride of life is sometimes all we can hope for!



It may get rough in spots...by MANNNNNN what a BLAST!

Exciting NEWS! My first published fiction piece:-)

I am sooo Delighted to ANNOUNCE:
A writers' project that I was invited to join is ready to publish its first book!
This will be my fiction publishing debut.
When you click on the cover image below you will get to a site where you can enjoy excerpts that will make you hungry for more;-).

Thanx in advance for pre-ordering your copies today!
When you order before November 30th you will
gain complimentary admission to a launch party of your choice.
January or February 2008 book parties are being planned in:
Atlanta, GA
Washington, DC
St. Louis, MO

Pre-ordered books will be shipped out in December 2007.

Ramblings from my lock box...

i think i've been in my box too long....here are some ramblings floating thru my head:

Ced the entertainer was the funniest "king" of comedy when he joked about how he "wished a MFrkah would..."
Sometimes, i wish i could just:
...be a baby mama & not worry about the consequences.... (I'd have kids & mother's day would be a special occasion just for me, too!...like the rest of "his"[my exes' - yes plural exes;-)] baby mamas - they're plural, too!)
...marry the next jokah who says I'm beautiful....(I'd be married .... & probably divorced like the rest of "them"...)
...be a happy slave/employee for the ego-maniacs who paid me handsomely...(I'd be paid -or- at least i think so...)
....those are all the things that supposedly "anyone" could want...*smirk*

*** "sadly"....I'm not wired that way. Try as I might, I can't SETTLE for less ... than The GREATNESS that the CREATOR has laid out for me. Lawd, Give me the strength to hang in here for the amazing life-path that you lead me on. I look around and see others married, with kids and PAYD....now whether they're happy or not is debatable.....

Now, I don't want U to think that I'm having a pity party....but as I had a wonderful brunch with a dear friend today we LAUGHED & LAUGHED about the (above) BS that gets 'applauded' in the "good ol' US of A."

As Brother Langston Hughes said in Life is Fine: "You may hear me holler and you may hear me cry, but i'll be dog sweet baby if you'll see me....."

...and you all wonder why I've crawled into a box...(hear the Geoffrey Holder laugh as I re-enter)...... HA HA HA ha hhhaaaaaaa.....I am ENJOYING this life outside of the internet & hope you are, too. OOhhhh, cuz when I return....oh, it's gonna BE JUICY - er!!!

hugz....see u in December....i think....

Where in the City is CAP?

Several have asked what I'm doing in hiding.

Here it is:

*Seeking employment -- when did it take this long (2 months & counting) to simply find a salaried J.O.B. where I have no desire to battle with supervisors' egos past quitting time? Give me a shout if you know anyone who wants a receptionist, admin. asst. or any other position filled that an educator/developing writer can handle without too much emotional output. How do I tell an employer nicely that I just want to cover my living expenses and go home to my books after giving them 8 hours of me (or did I already do that by posting it on this blog;-)?

*Writing, Writing & WRITING. Several different projects going on at once and this job search is getting in the way. LOL! Check out a new li'l spot & motivator I found: NaNoWriMo. Oh, yea - Reading, too - but that seems to be synonymous with Writing. LOL!

Climbing back into my lock-box, now...whew! Who knew this could be so all consuming? ;-)

*click image for source - female escape artist

NO SHOPPING Thurs - Sat. Nov. 1-3rd!!! We CAN IMPACT economy!

Please Do NOT Shop Thursday thru Saturday (Nov. 1, 2nd or 3rd) in honor of National Black Out Day (Nov. 2nd). Get off that shopping train for a minute. Give your wallet a break and send a message that OUR money is important to the economy. No ONLINE shopping either;-).

Click HERE for one article explaining National Black Out Day. There are others if you care to google it;-).

...I now return to my previously scheduled hiatus... and below is further inspiration for me to stay focused;-)


*click top image (taken during 2003 NYC Black out) for source.

**STAY TUNED...when I return (in about a month) - it's going to be on a WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL.....

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders - FINALE

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom, vol. 21
The Grand Finale of Wisdoms!

This post offers a sampling of the many family wisdoms & witticisms that I was blessed to grow up with. They're finally starting to make sense to me & now, I can Dig It:

"I'm not your friend. I'm your mother."

"We don't send you to that school to make friends. We send you there to get an education."
~ Ma

"Advice: Wise men don't need it and fools won't heed it."

"Please and Thank you, Please and Thank you..." (reinforcing most important
words in English language).

"Learn to do it the correct way then you can lean or put your arm out the window." (when teaching me to drive, of course;-)
~ Daddy

"Better to be quiet and thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt."

"Every knock is a boost!"
~ Great Aunt, Martha - R.I.P.

"I wanna be buried on my side. My friends can come and see my smiling face and my enemies can go around and kiss my Black azzz!"
~ Great Uncle, Popeye - R.I.P.

"Be what you gonna be."
~ Great Uncle, William - R.I.P.

"I'll bet you read them signs from now on!"
~ Eldest Nephew, at the age of 4 or 5 (as I grumbled about a parking ticket;-)

I CHOOSE to...

... BECOME MY OWN DREAM!
I've discovered the REAL Secret to success. Simply BE...
I'm inspired by many of you, but feeling that last kick in the butt that I needed from Sistah Kiki's recent post .

It's time for me to stop talking 'bout it and be about it. I've hinted at it before, but now I am on a serious one woman crusade to live the BEST life through my efforts.

*I Choose to EAT healthy options!
No longer complain about health issues. If I "know" that bad health is hereditary because terrible eating habits were passed down then I simply choose to break those slave mentality chains.

*I Choose to INGEST healthy images!
I won't complain about racism and other injustices - I simply no longer support the networks or let the suggested media hyped shyt into my head.

*I Choose to DO healthy ACTIVities!!
As my nephew liked to sing when he was three: I got to MOVE it! MOVE it!

All that to say - I've sat at this computer and interacted on the internet long enough. I've been blogging just over a year, now. And love y'all as I do - it's time for me to make a REAL change - not just take a li'l break like I've tried in the past. I'm gonna pull a Jac, or Dan and be GHOST for a good while!

Please, do NOT think the above are judgments on how you choose to live or decisions you choose to make. I'm posting this so each day that I'm drawn back to this blog-o-sphere - when I peek in here I'll have a glaring reminder to GET up off my azzz and make my life ALL that I want it to BE! No excuses and NO regrets!!

So, for now, I'm going to have a nice, tall, frosty glass of ... my own advice;-). Aaaaaahhhhhhh!

*** Of course, I'll be back at some point & will continue to attend blogger gatherings. First, I've got some LIVING to "catch up on".


HUGZ!!

*click on image for source.

We interrupt Wed. Wisdom for a bit of fun: Throwing Caution & "good sense" to the WIND

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind....or so some songwriter said! Here lately, I have been having an AB.So.LUTE. Flirtatious BLAST during most of my weekends! Do I care that I have been "funky blind" during the flirtatious interludes? Do I care that the Brothers did NOT find my inebriated flirtations S.E.X.Y. or Attractive? HELLL to the NAWWW! My actions and pure bliss had NOTHING to DO with THEM (it's ALL about MEE, dammit!!;-)! Do I care that they'll talk about me negatively...maybe a li'l bit, but NOT really. LOLOLOL;-). I won't end up on any YouTube video moments of Girlz Gone Wild or Pole Dancing like the chick in the following clip, so I'm "guit".



But, I must say I feel as if I've been flying. Maybe I was too restrained during my college years and early twenties, so maybe I'm living out some delayed fantasies. Let me clue ya in. Maybe, I'm "too old" to be acting like this but it is TRULY hilarious to me - especially since no one is getting hurt. Here are is one example:

Went to dinner with some girl friends recently (well, a girl friend and her friend). Gentlemen proceeded to buy us drinks. Caution: Free Liquor will get ya EVERY time! LOL!

I knew I needed to "walk it off", so we left that restaurant/bar to head to a lounge/bar four blocks away. The air and walk felt great, but I was still "tipsy" & flirtatious! Flirted w/ the door man at the bar/lounge when he said he needed to frisk us. "Bring it ON! Can I frisk U back?" It must be awful to be a bouncer after midnight. LOL! We go in. My girls find seats. I know I need to keep standing and dancing to gauge my level of intoxication (see? I'm not that drunk afterall. I'm just "nice". Ha Haaaaa!). I dance with two short brothers. I'm 5'5" and one of them I had to look down at, doesn't matter that I was wearing my fly stacked heels (that only takes me up to 5'8")!

First shortie was a well dressed "Rog" from What's Happening who my girls were clowning when we first walked in. But, I don't tend to join in on "joanin'" on brothers and will dance with anyone. So, we get our boogie on. I excuse myself after the songs to go to the ladies. Whew! Finally, this alcohol is working its way out of my system. When I return, well dressed "Rog" offers me a drink, I order water. I'm drunk, not stupid;-). Then the second shorty asks me to dance (this one I should've said NO to). He smells like last week's cigarettes and keeps telling me he's in love and has found his wife in me. I repeatedly tell him: "It's just a dance, Bruh. Enjoy it for what it is." Again, I'm drunk - not stupid -or- blind.

Then, Lo & Behold, Tall, Sexy, Caramel with a chocolate coating strolls in and I ask how much he charges for his body guard services. LOL! I figure: what the hell! He and I flirt, talk smack, kick the willy bobo and what have u. I don't know what the hell led upto his desire to pick me up (Refuse to admit I'm drunk, but I'm not really that sober, either;-). Maybe he needed to flex his musKles and show all that he could lift a "healthy" girl! I indulged his need to flex & thought it hilarious when he attempted to lift me at the bar! My girls were "appalled". "How could u let that man lift you up? U don't even know him!" Exactly, if I knew him he wouldn't be lifting me at a public venue while I'm fully dressed in jeans and all!

Strength in Vulnerability

I get it. Not sure if I'm ready to practice it, yet. But, I finally get it. I finally understand the strength that lies within vulnerability. I understand that the "strong", independent women who didn't need nobody who I have grown up surrounded by were actually afraid of being vulnerable. We have been afraid to trust the strength that is in vulnerability. I went to see Tyler Perry's newest movie, Why Did I Get Married. It was an entertaining movie. I most appreciate the fact that it sparked some real conversation with a close friend about a key aspect in relationships: vulnerability.

Generally, going into relationships I'm "looking for" honesty, commitment, financial sense, blahde, blah... After watching and discussing the various aspects of those four or five movie relationships I was made aware of the fact that I have only allowed myself to truly open up and be completely vulnerable to ONE man in my romantic past. Wow...it was a revelation to know how guarded I really have been in the past. In the discussion with my good friend, I realized that being vulnerable will not lead to catastrophe - even if the individual with whom I'm vulnerable does not appreciate me or all that I give. The worst that can happen is they fuck up my credit, spend all of my life's savings, take all of my earthly belongings including a few "cookies";-). But, those are material objects that Do Not Define me. I can always recuperate material gains. But, love, passion, faith - those cannot be gained without the vulnerable action of stepping into God's flow with another fallible human being. I already know what it's like to be broke financially. I even know what it's like to be broken hearted and to fly solo for years. Now, I want to know what it's like to fly in tandem. Creator, I'm not sure what you're planning for me, but I. think. I'm. ready. May The Creator bless you in your relationships. Thanks for "listening".

*click on image to enlarge and for source.

A Voluntary Public Service announcement:-)

One of my favorite blogs is: Encourage a Brotha (now: BlackMaleAppreciation.com). I never see any comments on their posts - but I love their content. They give a sistah like me, HOPE! One of their articles (which I pray everyone will read) focuses on the Three Doctors, who have written a new book about making peace with their fathers! There is much positive going ON - despite what the media is promoting! So, I ask, if we can spread the Jena 6 news can we spread something to uplift us and bring a SMILE to our faces, please? Thanx!

Check out the link below:
http://blackmaleappreciation.com/2007/10/12/three-black-doctors-work-on-daddies/


Enjoy this beautiful interview of three professional Black men BY a professional Black man:

What do U do when U find yourself alone?

There was a question on another blog about whether you can live without sex. Now, technically mammals only need water, air and food to live. But, the responses were such that most did not believe it possible to live without sex. So, I want to take that question a step further.

IF you find yourself without a partner, what do you do?
Instead of CAN you live without sex, I ask: How do you live without sex?

Addendum after responding to several comments:
I guess what I'm really asking is - If you don't have a partner that you adore - do you deal with Mr./Mrs. Right NOW?

Okay - I'm puttin' my bi'ness out here: I never in my post-teen years IMAGINED that I would experience such a drought as I am now. This is clearly God's way of making me slow my role. I wasn't a SUPER freak - but I was SUPER picky. I was one of those sistahs who enjoyed the company of a Brother ... critically. In my head: if I could "get" this Brother then surely, I could trade up for a better model? Yea, it was what it was. No lie: I was that kind of sistah. So, now I am given puh-lenty of time to really evaluate myself. I'm not gonna lie, this ish ain't NO JOKE! Now, I know that I had it ALL wrong - I'm not supposed to make the decision: that's The Creator's job. He knows all that I need & He implanted me with these desires. Loaard, knows I hope I've learned my lesson and when the next GOOD, FINE to me, Brother comes into my life I will appreciate all that he IS and all that he offers. In Jesus' name I pray!

*click on image to enlarge and for its source.

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom, vol. 20

Come in, set a spell and give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

"...It was like having a secret pregnancy and miscarriage every week."
~ laments of a frustrated, young housewife in Alice Munro's Cortes Island.

Alice Munro's excerpts appear in the following book. I was blessed with the gift of this book from my Dad who gives me much enCOURAGEment (click on image to read more about the book):

Favor to ask on behalf of my fave living author:-)

Before I give up all the details about my fabulously fun & mad-venturous weekend at Ms. Bev's PJ party I am asking for a favor! There is a Romance Author's Poll and we BevLanders want Ms. B's book Topaz to win! Please vote that Topaz is your favorite romance novel, too! Even if you haven't read it - trust me, once you DO - we're confident that it WILL be one of your faves;-)

Here are two of our reasons:
1) We love all of her books, but think it'll be best (& not watered down) if we focus on ONE title, it's the tenth year anniversary of that book AND besides the rules state only one book per author (they probably know i'll list ALL of Ms. B's books;-)

2) The Hero, Dix Wildhorse is probably the most "fought" over of Ms. B's characters. LOL!

So, please take a moment to help us & our favorite living author!
Please Click on All About Romance and list Topaz as your favorite Bev Jenkins novel. No need to add others if you don't want, but you can list upto 100 of your faves AFTER Topaz;-).

On Behalf of Ms. B and all of her fans - THANK U in advance!

Click the image below for an excerpt & more information about Topaz;-).



P.S. If any of you are blessed to be living in the Chicago area here's a treat for ya:

Beverly Jenkins and Francis Ray will be in town Friday and Saturday, October 12
and 13, 2007.

On Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Books Ink.
1835 W. 103rd St.
(773) 445-9984

On Saturday, from 2-4 p.m.
Borders
2210 W. 95th St.
(773) 445-5471
www.bordersstores.com

*BJ PJ party photo taken by an Angel;-)

Something New

Posting this early cuz I'm 'bout to hit the road for the weekend. When U get a chance, check out the New Kidz on the Block: Bloggers Delight! U won't be disappointed;-).

Have a wonderful, longgggg weekend!
I'm going to have a lovely time filled with romance!

At a romance novel PJ Party (For Ms. Bev Jenkins, of course;-). Ha Haaaaa! Gotcha!


*click image for its source.

Spontaneous 3am brain-splosion...

Stumbling, in search of ... me
Out there
Under, over...peering, digging
Living ... near or far?

Moments away or miles apart
At some point
Two hearts
Embrace.

CAPaige 2007

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom, vol. 19

Come in, set a spell and give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

There is NO Failure,
Only Divine ReDirection!
~ Chin-Ning Chu

I discovered her wonderfully divine gem of a book: Do Less, Achieve More!
If you don't have time to read the entire thing - stop by your nearest book store and open up to page 92! Click on the image below to get to her website:
AND HAPPY Birthday SHOUT to MizREPRESENT (who is destined to Achieve MORE;-)!

Feel Joy! My kinda "Bling"

Went to Sistah JMW's & got all fired up about my Golden Freedom. So, I'm sharing it here! Today calls for a Double Scoop of the Best Friend I never met;-).




Those who "know" me, know my fave part of the Golden video: kids driving! I.Love. IT!!!!

A Bit of Sunday Gospel

Enjoy this beautifully uplifting song:

Funky Fresh FreeStyle Fridays!

Get yo' boogie ON over at the Rich House - 'Most E'ery Friday!


*click image for its source

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom, vol. 18

Come in, set a spell and give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

“Genuine forgiveness does not deny anger but faces it head-on.”

~ Alice Miller

In light of yesterday's post, this is my goal and prayer. The ability to forgive and move on is an extraordinary feeling! Living Well truly is the best revenge;-).
I discovered this wonderful li'l gem of a book that I highly suggest (click on the image to get more information):

How would U feel?

The logical side of my brain says, "Let it go." And for the most part, I think I have. But, every so often, like a passing bad scent, a memory is evoked that "calls up" this unpleasant experience.

This is a true story. If you were on this trip and are reading this I hope you can understand just how hurt I was behind this. I'm not writing about this to call anyone out, but to get it out of me - hopefully, once and for all. I tend to be Happy Go Lucky, but on those rare occasions when my feelings do get hurt I am more puzzled than anything.

About four or five years ago some friends and I planned this fabulous trip to Jamaica! We were fairly frequent visitors of the island because it is so beautiful and not too expensive (at least, those were my reasons;-). We became comfortable ignoring the pleas to braid our hair, purchase ganja, or any number of items being forcefully sold, so we could really enjoy the sun, beaches, food, and wonderful people. But, what made this particular trip fabulous is the fact that it was our first trip back to Jamaica since I'd moved to NYC, so we were going to meet at our resort. That minor fact, made me feel extra grown and sexy! I had visions of me as Angela Bassett/Stella;-). We were even treating ourselves and staying at one of the newest and highly acclaimed resorts completed in MoBay that year!

Generally, I like to make my own travel plans, but one of our girls assured me that her travel agent could handle it. The flight was more expensive than I expected to pay, but in the spirit of the trip, I was going with the flow. "Everyt'ing would be irie!"

I arrived in Jamaica in the evening. Initially, that bothered me because I like to arrive at vacations as early in the day as possible and leave from the location as late as possible. That pattern of travel makes me feel as if I've earned extra vacation days. But again, "everyt'ing was irie!" As my plane landed I enjoyed some of the most beautiful colors I've ever witnessed naturally. The sky was shades of blue with streaks of deep lavenders and fuschias. There were also distant flashes of lightening and I love watching lightening storms, especially, since we were safely on the ground. I sent up thanks to the heavens for this evening flight that allowed me to witness such wonders.

I was shuttled to the resort, left my bags with the front desk, asked them to point me to their bar and just as I envisioned: my girls had secured a spot and the party was on! The rest of the stay was uneventfully cool. I did my best to take full advantage of the sun, the spa services and the delicious drinks;-). There was some tension in our group, but what do you expect when so many women travel together? This one wants to go to this place, that one wants to take that tour, etc. I was going with the flow, cuz "everyt'ing was irie."

Then we left to return to the States...maybe if we had different flights this would not have been an issue. But, I walked toward the long line for coach and my girls all head toward First Class, so I started thinking that maybe they had to ship something and they are walking past the First Class station. I notice that a couple of my girls got really busy looking in their purses or fiddling with their packages. And the one who made the travel arrangements began to "fast talk" me: we'll just tell them that you're with us and you need to change your ticket. I. felt. like. crap. I had been duped, hoodwinked, bamboozled and I stood there at the counter with "my girls" and was made to feel like they were doing me a "favor" by "attempting" to upgrade the ticket of their nanny, or maid or some shyt! The fact that I was dumbfounded and speechless made me really look like I was a non-English (or any intelligible language) speaking 'servant'. The ticket agent did allow me to board with First Class, saving me further embarrassment of walking to the back of that long azzzz line, but DAYUM.

I was too hurt to cry. I didn't even know what to say. I talked it over with one mutual friend a week after I returned home. It was suggested that I speak to my "best" friend of the group, ask her why no one told me that tickets were being up graded to First Class. Why wasn't I given that option? I may not be "paid" yet, but I've got good credit! I don't generally like confrontations. I tried to sound casual when I asked my "girl" what was up with the travel arrangements? It was "brushed off" quickly: "Oh, you know how So&So is." And that was the end of it - the conversation changed. No apologies or explanation for the fact that I was IN JAMAICA with these chicks for SEVEN days and NOT one of them could give me a head's up. Heck, I could've upgraded from the hotel, or something! At the very least, I wouldn't have stood there like BooBoo the DaYum fool.

I know it was years ago, but every time I get a reminding 'whiff' of that trip, my stomach aches slightly all over again. Needless to say, that is not one of the trips we recount fondly, nor have I ever let anyone else make my travel arrangements. Of course, it also crosses my mind that the reason my flight ticket was so expensive was because I paid for their DAYUM First Class Tickets. It should not cost that much to get from NYC to Jamaica round trip. NYC is dayum near a Jamaican annex!

I do hope that if I've ever hurt anyone's feelings who I consider dear to me, I would be woman enough to apologize if they asked me why I did it. Sadly, it has cooled my relationship with those sistahs. Or maybe I had done something that changed our relationship without my knowing it before the trip? If so, why didn't anyone say anything?

So, tell me, how would U feel?

Staying focused on the Road to Success

Last week's list:
*Arise by 6am, SunShine;-) - this was kinda rough, succeeded once!
*Read goals daily & Write daily lists - perfect way to start the day! Successfully done!
*Go thru all mail - sort, file & shred as needed. - this rolls over to this week.
*Organize home office. - Proudly ordered organizing "tools" - will complete this week once they're delivered.
*Complete and submit application for NY Public Schools. Successfully DONE!!
*In bed by 10pm EST (Sun. - Thurs. - rest up, Sweetie;-) - this was rough, succeeded twice, but the night owl in me fought hard;-)

Here's what's keeping me busy this week:
* Get into bed by 11pm (Sun. -Thurs.) - more realistic;-).
* Rise & Shine by 6:30am;-).
*Continue the winning habit of writing daily lists.
*Network and post the information to begin sales of my educational workbook.
*Write 2 hours each day.
*Complete last week's roll over items.


*click on image for source - great looking photography school!

Light & Lively Friday: Funny Driving Memories

It's been an emotionally draining week for me (Jena 6 AND personal stuff - WHEW!) So, it's time for some FUN!!

Now, anyone who's been reading my blog for a minute knows that I Love. To. Drive! I was reminded of these stories and thought I should share them here in blog land after seeing T-Dawg's ADORABLE, Baby-Girl behind the wheel. Enjoy!

Long Trips:
My Dad & I were talking and laughing recently about my passion for driving as a youngstah. My Daddy was holding down several jobs, so that my Moma could be a house-wife & full time mommy. His between-jobs gig was driving a cab. When he would get home in the evening I'd be waiting impatiently at the door, or on the porch if the weather was good. As soon as he got out of the taxi, I would brush past him, mumble my greetings 'cause I had places to go and he was slowing me down! I would jump into that taxi and DRIVE, DRIVE, DRIVE! I couldn't have been older than six or seven because I needed to sit on my left leg to see over the steering wheel (needed the right leg to stretch down to the pedals, DUH!;-).

Now, a casual observer may have giggled at the li'l fuzzy haired girl with pig tails in the stationary taxi going "nowhere". But, aaaahhhhh, if they were in the car with me they would've driven all over DC, maybe as far as Richmond, VA, or Baltimore, MD depending on where my fancy took me and the amount of time I had. See? In my head, I literally drove to specific places. I adjusted the mirrors so that I could see behind me. And I didn't just haphazardly turn the steering wheel back and forth like an amateur. I put on my signal when I "reached intersections" and carefully turned hand over hand until I needed to straighten the car. Sometimes, I drove with one hand and put my arm out the window to catch the breeze "on the road". Then when I "arrived", I would parallel park "expertly", putting my arm over the back seat, looking behind me - just like my Daddy "taught" me. I'd always arrive back home in time to join the family for dinner;-).

I'm ready, now:
So, after all my "years" of driving practice I was finally tall enough to see over the steering wheel and reach the pedals with both feet. Surely, my Dad would let me take her on the road, now!
"Hey, Daddy? Can I drive?" I approached him one day when I must have been ten or so.
"When you get a li'l older I'll take you out, so you can drive." was his response. Cool, I was patient. I'd be older soon. I must've waited years (probably... weeks;-) until I approached him again.

While I waited I continued to practice, this time while the car was moving. My sisters argued for the front seat, but my position of choice was directly behind my Dad so that I could see the mirrors. I had a large plastic bowl top that was about the size of a steering wheel. I would "put" my back seat gears into 'drive' as we pulled off. I hand over hand turned when we turned corners. I put the gear into 'reverse' while parking and threw her into 'park' when I was done. Ahhh! I was more than ready to hit the road. Besides, I was older now.

"Hey Daddy." I approached him grinning, confident this time. "Remember you said I could drive when I got older?" I wasn't aware that his expression was holding in laughter. "Well, I'm ready." Boy, did I pout when he said I still wasn't old enough. How old ya gotta be anyway? Sixteen?! Why, I'll be married with kids of my own by then!

* * *
Now, gon' and have a FABULOUS weekend!
Here's wishing U all the chance to take a wonderful drive;-)

Kill your TV ...before it kills U

As I stated over at T. Stephens spot, TV is today's Trojan Horse (before it was known as a prophylactic or software, a Trojan Horse was a decoy "gift" / war tactic used to destroy a nation).

Why today's rant against TV?
If the fact that the following got little to NO media coverage is not reason enough:
*Jena 6
*Megan Williams
*Unjust acts in your area that go unnoticed (how many of our children are in jail for some pettiness? how many more need to go?)


Then is the following good enough reason to at least ease UP off a li'l TV?
*more time to follow a dream of yours - instead of watching other's dreams come true.
*more time to spend with your loved ones - including yourself.

I'm not the only one to feel this way. Check out:
http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/

Here's to wishing us ALL a more fulfilling REAL Life as active participants!

*click image for its source.

Wednesday Wisdom - Jena Six Dedication

I've been quietly observing the blogs and internet attention of the six young men being unjustly charged in Jena, Louisiana. The Jena 6 is another painful reminder to me of the historical struggle of my people here in the "United" States. I get so frustrated because similar incidents happen too often! I've also felt I wanted to DO more than sign petitions and can't afford to send donations to every cause that I feel strongly about. Besides, sending money doesn't really give me a sense that I've done anything. I happened to be in my car during the Michael Baisden show when he played this song dedicated to the Jena Six (by Jasiri X) and announced that on Thursday, Sept. 20th we should all wear Black in support of the Jena Six. Now, wearing Black (and "dressing" my blog in Black) gives me something to DO, especially since I am unable to attend the rally in Jena on Thursday.
Can you imagine an entire nation in BLACK on the same day? I'm looking forward to it.

Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.
~ Aristotle

My prayers go out to all of my people who have been and continue to be treated unjustly by this "United" States "justice" system.

Click to read more about the Jena 6.

Staying on track

Putting some of my "bidness" out here, so that every time I log on, I'll have a reminder of what I need to focus on. This will also curb my blogging appetite. LOL!

If u don't "see" me, here's what's keeping me busy this week (will update my lists each week:-):

*Arise by 6am, SunShine;-)
*Read goals daily & Write daily lists - perfect way to start the day!
*Go thru all mail - sort, file & shred as needed.
*Organize home office.
*Complete and submit application for NY Public Schools.
*In bed by 10pm EST (Sun. - Thurs. - rest up, Sweetie;-)

*click on image for source - great looking photography school!

Tagged by a Tennis Pro;-)

Sistah Edagowa tagged me, so I'll kinda play along.

This game of tag involves disclosing 8 things about yourself & linking to the tagger. That much I can handle.

1. I LOVE to READ!!
2. I've never bought a TV & refuse to pay for TV services (cable, satellite, etc.).
3. I prefer dancing or active play to working out - double-dutch or real tag, anyone?
4. I love expressing myself: writing, conversation, drawing, pottery, cooking & ;-).
5. I am thankful for my health, strength and beauty (inner & outer). Thanx Ma & Daddy for good genes & home training!
6. I hate chores & cleaning and am proud when I get them done!
7. I love it that walking into my home is like walking into a warm embrace.
8. I LOVE the fact that most of the time I see my "glass" as 3/4 full;-).

If you're reading this & like it - TAG, you're IT!
*click on image for its source.

Next Friday - BE there NYers;-)

Next Friday, September 21st - Organized Noise is urging all NYC Bloggers to gather for another meetNgreet! If interested - ask ON or leave a comment here indicating as much & we'll disclose the bat-cave;-).

I'm excited!

*click image for source

Pull Back Action's necessary!

**First, Let me wish my Muslim & Hebrew readers a Happy Holiday season (Ramadan & Rosh Hashanah/YomKippur, respectively).
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When you were a child did you ever have the joy of playing with toy cars with pull back action? Do you ever have the opportunity now, as an adult, to join kids who still find joy in those cars? If you did, then return with me to those 'thrilling days of yesteryear'. If you didn't, then come go with me and live vicariously;-).

As a young girl, I was proud of the fact that I could make the best engine roaring sound in the back of my throat as my male cousins and I pretended to shift gears in our respective race cars. I am still proud that I can make that sound...though, now my "engine" purrs softly more often than she roars (but ... I digress;-). We competed over cars that we saw as we drove, uh, I mean rode with the rest of our family. "That's my car!" was the scream we'd release whenever we saw a sports car or a muscle car. We were serious! My heart would actually ache if my cousins claimed a sunshine yellow 'Vette, a fierce purple GTO, or a hot red Spider before I saw it! I had as many toy cars as I had dolls. Race tracks were cool, too. My eldest sister had a wicked, realistic 007 race track that I was too young to operate. But, I spent many gleeful hours salivating as I watched the cars fly through tunnels, past miniature trees and twisting around sharp mountain curves! Yet, with all of that...my favorites were the cars with the pull back action.

Cars with pull back action needed no batteries and were free to go as far as you could wind them up. Of course, the more you pulled it back the faster and farther the car could go! But, the pull back action required a special touch. You had to be careful not to pull it back too far or the mechanism would break and the car would get stuck.

This year in my life has taken me back to those days of pulling back. I've been blessed to have the opportunity to step off the fast track and really listen to myself. There were times when I thought I was stuck. I didn't understand it. But, The Creator reminded me that I never focused with worry on the pull back as a child car fanatic. I simply delighted in the fast forward result. Instead of fretting when a car broke, I became better at listening to my cars so that I wouldn't damage the replacements. He assures me that all my mechanisms still work and I am merely down shifting as I gear up. I can't wait to screech into the new curves, roll out then zoom around life's mountains. I'm not sure how fast or how far I'll go, yet - but I am SO READY to ROAARRR Forward! What a thrilling ride this life is! It's great to remember what made us smile as children;-).

Hey, I hope u can keep up! Haaa Haaaaa! I'll try to take periodic pit stops and update ya here on Blog Boulevard;-).

Vrrrroooom! Vrrrrooooooom! Sccccrrrreeeeeeeech!

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 18:3, KJV

*click images for source & to find out where you can get the toy cars when u click top photo!

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders

Today I am observing a "moment" of silence in honor & respect for the losses suffered on Sept. 11, 2001. See yesterday's post for a wise scripture. Thank you.

Stronger & better than ever - six years later

I mark my anniversary of living in NYC with today; the monumental day on which the most tragic event occurred in my lifetime. I moved here a month prior to the unfortunate loss (almost to the day). My heart and prayers go out to all of us - because we have all been affected in some way.

"Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year and it shall bring forth fruit..." Liviticus 25:21 KJV


*click on image for source.

A reasonable request:-)

Inspired by a bit of banter Brother Sojourner and I had:

I don't have unreasonable standards. I just have ideal for me standards;-). The ideal for me Brother can go from the White House to the Out-house (if u don't know what an Out-house is - no need to apply. LOL!). If I can't take you to my church, the neighborhood where I grew up, functions for my job, or on my book tours then we are probably not compatible;-).

My favorite female MC of all time eloquently explains one side of my ideal Brother for ya!

Help Me, again:-)

I'm going really public with this fitness thing & even joined members of my church in efforts to get fit. Check it out: CAP's Challenge!

THANX!

*click image for source

Lovely Labor of Reading

This is inspired by posts at Jali's House (on early memories of reading), and Organized Noise's spot (on Labor of Love). I have always been fascinated by the people who did not "like" to read. Now, I understand if individuals don't know how to read. I'd gladly help them get over that challenge. But to know how to read and not like it?! I look at those people as anomalies. What exactly is that ailment: not liking to read? Where did they catch it from? Is it curable? If I could get paid to lay around and READ all day I would be in heaven!! So, if you know of any available positions like that give me a holla!

Whenever I took on a new tutoring client, I started with a "getting to know you chat" with the child's parents. Inevitably, the parent complained that the child was having trouble in school because they didn't like to read and their eyes would roll to the heavens. I would ask simply, "Do you or your spouse like to read?" It always took ALL of my energy not to laugh at the parent's reactions which ranged from: "What the hell are you asking me that for?" to "You're here to straighten out my child, not me!" Of course, these reactions were purely communicated telepathically through body language, but they may as well have said it aloud, because it was SO clear! LOL!

I don't really remember NOT knowing how to read...yea, I have memories of stumbling on new and bigger words, but I don't recall learning to read as clearly as I recall learning to write in cursive. Cursive looked like a secret language that only my sisters & other big kids knew...but that's another topic.

I love to hear my mother tell me how good I was as a child and easy to deal with as long as there were books around. She could go grocery shopping with ease because she sat me at the book aisle and I was there when she finished (this was in the hood - where no one wants an extra mouth to feed, so child snatching was not rampant. LOL!).

I ask U - how could u NOT like to read???

*click image for its source.