Life, Love, Dancing...forgive this interruption

We interrupt this regularly scheduled program to bring U a special "announcement". Life, Love & Dancing will return to its regularly scheduled time next week...

I have been blessed by a surprise family visit! In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to cherish the times with our loved ones! HUGZ!

*For those who have yet to be pulled into the flow - feel free to enjoy this time to catch up:
Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 3 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 4 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 5 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 6 of Life, Love and Dancing.

*click on image for its source.

I love Petey Greene!

I'm delighted that the "media" is drawing attention to this man with the movie Talk to Me. I know many who did NOT grow up in The District during his time will not understand our (native Washingtonian) affinity...but U don't need to understand. Just KNOW that WE Love Petey Greene! I'm going to see the movie at some point - but hope Hollyweird doesn't screw his image up completely. I hope they portray that he was a driving force in our city. I'm delighted that Petey's female side-kick is being portrayed by a native of the area (Taraji P. Henson), though she may be too young to have much memory of or appreciation for Petey.

*Warning: All negative comments about him WILL be deleted & you all know I don't usually care - but I will NOT tolerate ya bad mouthin' my Man, Petey! Get beyond his "colloquialisms" and actually listen to the wisdom this man kicks! Most have only viewed his watermelon eating clip & even THAT is filled with pearls of wisdom. Sadly, according to Don Cheadle's interview, few of his shows were archived. Too bad we as children did not know we should have been video taping this sage street philosopher. Though I'm not a huge fan of TV, I am thankful that I have memories of sitting around with my family enjoying Petey Greene's show! Ha! It WAS Petey Greene's Washington! So, "sit back, relax, put ya foots up on the hassock" and enjoy a mere taste of history;-)

Barack Obama update, pt 2

I wasn't at this one, but stay tuned...there WILL be dinners at the Big House when he's Prez;-)...
The Ben Affleck interview gives me a new respect for the man despite his Jug-Head resemblance. Listening to him speak so articulately reminded me of the political aspirations I recall hearing that he has...

It would be an interesting "experiment" to see what kind of impact voters of Color have if EVERY person of Color voted for Obama. I realize many think that the US isn't ready to end it's reign of white male supremacy...still, it would be interesting....
Love Barack Obama as I DO, I'm preparing myself to survive regardless of who's in da Big House 'cause that's what MY People have ALWAYS done. For Living we were BORN...

Hugz 4 me!

This post was weirdly inspired by Sistah JMW's post on compulsions. I've learned that I am the polar opposite of my girl, JMW:-). JMW's home is probably spot-less, neat and orderly. I, on the other hand have learned to celebrate when I complete ANY thing that is on my To-Do list, especially if it involves chores or any other undesirable task.

I used to think that I should strive to be more like those "go getters" around me who 'got things done'! They keep lists, they check them twice and they are productive members of our society. I applaud those people. I used to want to BE one of those people. Every time I promised myself that "by golly" I also had what it takes to BE one of those productive members of society - I would write extensive lists and journal entries promising to get on "the good foot" and pull myself "up by my own boot straps". Half way through my 'go getter' week I was worn OUT! I just couldn't keep UP with me!

Then I went to a reading where my s-hero, Nikki Giovanni was speaking. When the words came out of her mouth that she wants to get applause every time she cleans a corner, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. She is truly a kindred spirit. Nikki Giovanni said that she calls up her family members for them to come and celebrate if she sweeps or mops a mere corner of her kitchen! That's MY kind of Girl!

So, I'm sending out Big Hugz to MEEEEEE for:
*Sorting through most of my papers (down from 6 bags to approximately 1 bag) that I started earlier this month.
*Keeping my home neat & clean since my mom came to help me get it together five weeks ago (including the nitty gritty stuff that I strongly dislike dealing with like kitchen & bathroom corners).

I've come to the conclusion that I am NOT Lazy ... I am an ARTIST who needs mulling and piddling time to allow my ideas to marinate and come into being. I need time to read and process what I've read. I need time to day dream and ponder so that I can get my ideas out in the fashion that they want to come forth.

And Hugz to all U artists who read & support my blog - even if it means putting off some "meaningful" task;-)!

*click on the image for its source.

Friends Weigh In

Can this be True? Friends cause obesity?
None of my friends were 'fluffy' originally. Recently we all started to put on a bit of extra. Now, I'm determined to turn this cycle around; despite the fact that we could use aging as an excuse. I gotta put a STOP. to. THIS. encroachment!

But, check out the article on: MSN/Newsweek.
Whatcha think? Is this another load of crap? Will friends start to sue each other as many are those fast-food places for "making" them eat?

*click image for its source.

Please Pray for Me

Heaven Help me and my newest dilemma!

I am ending a year of respite away from the only career I have ever known up to this point in life: Teaching. I have taught all levels of grade school: from 3 year olds in day camps to seniors in high school. I have even taught other teachers a few courses or seminars.

Here's my dilemma - my savings and alternative re$ources are running low. I am in need of a new salaried position until my writing, motivational speaking/coaching career takes hold and prospers! Now, if I could simply go in teach the kids and go home - I would LOVE to return to teaching. But, I am dreading this need to return to:
1) BS administrators who don't leave u the heck alone! U hired me - let me do what I do - especially since I'm not paid the salary of an attorney or doctor to take on your ISSUES (most of which are personal)!
2) Parents who can't handle the one, two or three bad azz kids that they spawned - but gonna get up in MY face because they don't think I'm handling a classroom FULL the way they think I should!? BeeeeACH Puh-leeeeze! When your kids are flawless - THEN we can talk. Otherwise, STEP OFF!!

Now, don't get me wrong - my many years of teaching were not ENTIRELY & solely filled with the above two challenges - but those are the two reasons I'm dragging my feet on sending out my resume and making the necessary calls.

I could not have lasted in teaching as long as I did without the love and support of the few "soldiers" around me who cheered me on directly or through their own example! So, I must send out BIG Hugz to the many GREAT & supportive administrators, teachers, students and parents I've met in my years of teaching. My overall most supportive teaching environment was in DC at my alma mater. I swear if I could commute from DC to NYC I would hop back to that school in a Heart BEAT! In the years that I've taught in NYC I've met supportive and encouraging individuals, for which I'm so thankful. There was ONE overall supportive NYC school where I taught in an All-Boy environment for the first & only time. I'd return to them if a full-time position opened up. So, why am I "allowing" the bad to out-weigh the good? Well that leads to...

Another dilemma I'm having is - Do I have to go back to teaching simply because I need immediate income? What other positions can a teacher transfer her skills to? If u have suggestions please also leave a few leads.

Thanks in advance for any support and information you can offer.

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders:-)

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom vol. 13
I'm in need of real, every day wisdoms, wonders and good news! To that end...

First, give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche (this is one of my favorite philosophers...so, expect more quotes from his collection;-).

Now, Share with us a recent blessing you have experienced!

Life, Love, Dancing...an excerpt - pt 6

It's Tuesday and I'm still on track!

Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 3 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 4 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 5 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Now, enjoy part 6:

Dang it! I had hoped that I would have parked and changed out of my clunky, comfy driving shoes before Paul saw me. I wanted to be transformed back into sexy by the time he saw me again. Yes, I'm a firm believer that shoes make the woman. I assumed since we met in a casual setting that we'd continue that way for this first date. I wore black jeans and black fitted v-neck short-sleeved shirt with a collar. My shoes would be the pièce de résistance of my outfit! In addition to being nervous, I felt slightly under dressed when Paul stepped off the curb and flagged me down. He wore black leather square toed slip ons, black slacks and, a cream colored button down short sleeved shirt with black flecked designs that flowed over his broad physique in a flattering way. Oh well! It's Saturday, I just look like a woman who picked her man up from work at his part-time weekend gig. Why do I always need to make up these scenarios in my head, anyway? No one cares that I'm in jeans and he's in slacks. Breathe, Girl! I remind myself. I smile shyly when Paul gets into the car and leans over to kiss me on the cheek.
"How are you, Mama?" I love the endearments of the Latino culture.
I gush in spite of my nerves. "Good. You? How has your day been, so far?"
I pull back into the flow of traffic. My nerves are banging around in full force and I barely hear his reply.
At the light, Paul points "Turn left here. Maybe we can find parking."
Everyone and their abuela is out. I chuckle at my own Spanglish joke in my head but say aloud. "You can tell the Puerto Rican day parade is tomorrow. Every body's out!"
"It's like this the whole week. The celebration is more than the weekend."
I glance quickly at him, "Do you go to the parade?"
"Sometimes."
"I've never been in the five years I've lived here. The few Puerto Rican friends I have say it's more for the youngsters, now. So, I don't know anyone to go with and I don't think it's the place for a single woman." My anxiety causes me to babble on.
Paul has comfortably draped his arm around the back of my bucket seat. Why does he always look at me so intently? "You're right. It would not be a good idea for a beautiful woman to be alone at the parade."
Darn it! We are approaching a red light at the top of a steep hill. You would think I just learned to drive stick shift last week instead of about twenty-five years ago. I give more gas without letting off the clutch enough and rev the engine too high when the light turns green because I am afraid the car will choke out and cut off. For a woman who is proud of her driving skills the embarrassment of that would kill me instantly. As it is, my nervous inability to smoothly pull forward has me rattled and irritated. I really just want to be parked and on solid ground. I really want him to stop observing me so closely. I really just want to be at home, alone, again… but not… really. Breathe. It's okay.
"I rarely drive such steep hills since I moved here." I giggle uneasily. I am so relieved when we turn the corner of a level street where a wonderful, legal parking space opens up.

Paul gets out and walks around to open my door. He waits patiently as I secure the ankle straps of my three-inch wedged heel Nine West peep-toe sandals. Okay, I'm back on top of my game. Sexy shoes work wonders for a girl's sense of confidence! He reaches for my hand as I remotely locked the car doors and we head across the street. Despite the flutter-flies roiling in my gut I suddenly feel … at ease. The flutter-flies take on a playful tickling instead of their earlier pin-prickly tension. Hand in hand with Paul, strolling amongst the Latin rhythms blasting from competing sources, surrounded by the various tones, voices and Spanglish conversations this… feels…good. My soul begins to float and swirl again as my body relaxed into the fluid guidance of Paul.

# # #

I reveled in Paul's "old school" mannerisms and gestures. It has been years since a man has walked on the curbside of the sidewalk intentionally. Each time we crossed a street Paul put his hand gently at the base of my spine as he stepped around behind me. His understanding of maintaining physical contact damn near made me swoon. I literally saw very little around us because I was caught up in the rapture of being treated as a real lady should be. Paul guided my steps like an expert dance partner. Anyone watching us would have thought we were in sync and had communicated where we were going in advance. His fingers on my waist pressed almost imperceptibly indicating for me to turn into the restaurant of choice. The maître d' smiled brightly and greeted us in Spanish as he slid two menus from the host's station.
"Solamente Dos?" He asked holding up two fingers.
I simply smiled and through my body language deferred to Paul who kept his hand at my waist as we followed the maître d' through the restaurant and up a flight of stairs. We entered one grand room and he turned to us to determine if this were fine. Paul voiced his desire to be in the next chamber.
Once seated, a waitress who gave off a sincerely warm vibe came to introduce herself and take our drink orders. She also spoke entirely in Spanish and I listened carefully, but did very little responding verbally. Although my undeveloped Spanish caught the gist of her spiel, I was grateful for Paul's gracious interpretation. He ordered a bottle of wine, which she quickly returned with before we could get a good look at the menu.
As we sat sipping on the smooth red wine Paul asked if I saw anything that caught my eye on the menu.
It was too soon for the wine to take effect but I suddenly felt absolutely relaxed.
"Hmmmm…what do you suggest? What have you had that you like best?"
Paul went on to describe a few dishes, but I found myself distracted again by the sultry setting and there wasn't even any rain involved. What the heck was going on? Is it possible that I was caught up in the whole sexy, Latino experience that's overly hyped? No, can't be; I certainly am not easily influenced by stereotypical propaganda. Besides, Paul was not the first Hispanic Brother that I'd dated. But he certainly was the smoothest Brother I'd dated in quite some time, Hispanic or not.
When he finished explaining the menu I asked him to make the decision.
"You know what I won't eat, so you surprise me while I go wash my hands."
A look crossed Paul's face that I had not noticed before. I looked at him closely and had to smile as I realized he was actually … unsure of himself at this moment.
I slid my hand over his as I stood up, "I'm sure I'll love what ever you choose."


*Click on photo for its source.

A "quiet" Birthday Shout to my heart & eldest nephew. I love U dearly & pray that The Creator continues to watch over U!

Thanx 4 another Award:-)

I'm honored that Andrew of The Abyss would award me the:


According to what I could understand of the rules I'm supposed to pass this award onto five others! I'm so awful at selections because I was always that last kid waiting to be chosen on teams...but, i'll do my best...
SO, If the definition of schmooze is (according to freedictionary.com):

"To converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.

v.tr."

Then the following have the power of schmooze:
1) Shai - she drew me to this whole blog-o-sphere by posting about her blog interactions on Ms. B's site.
2) Keshi - She's that funny Indian/Sri Lankan, fashion-conscious chica from "Down Undah" who keeps the bloggers chatting...with hundreds of comments each post!
3) Dezel - he gets out & really connects at vineyards & wine events. My mouth waters every time I visit his highly professional blog:-).
4) Kiki - she's down to earth and doin' her thang as she gets her own business off the ground - that's inspirational schmoozing:-).
5) Jac - his blog is a window to his soul AND the world that he has pulled in with his charm & warm spirit:-).

I hope u enjoy those bloggers as much as I do!

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders:-)

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom vol. 12
I'm in need of real, every day wisdoms, wonders and good news! To that end...

First, give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11: 1; New Testament of The Holy Bible; NKJV

Now, Share with us a recent blessing you have experienced!

Life, Love, Dancing...an excerpt - pt 5

Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 3 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 4 of Life, Love and Dancing.

So, It's TUESDAY and I am back on schedule!
Enjoy part 5!

Time takes on a weird elasticity when most of your life is lived singularly. Workdays seem to drag out endlessly. Free days fly quickly, especially those beautiful, summer days without humidity when you want to be awake from sun up to sun up. You know, those brightly sunny days with fat, fluffy clouds in the sky and low-humidity when you wish that your home had a retractable roof, because there's much to be done, but you don't want to be dressed to do it and much of it requires you be inside to complete it anyway. Thanks to the wonderful weather, I actually lost track of time after exchanging information with Paul. I don't even know if he waited the suggested time frame of three days to call me. Maybe I even forgot that he was real. It was such a dreamy, almost scripted meeting, that just maybe my memory thought I had seen a movie instead of actually met an intriguing man. I went about the business of tending to my life of putting off chores that I hated, writing lists of things I needed to do because writing the list felt better than completing the necessary tasks. Finally disgusted with myself, I tackled what I thought would be the most difficult thing on the list and I was right.

My head was sticking in the oven when my phone rang. Always glad to have an excuse to stop a chore I thought, "I'll just check the caller ID then return the call later."
It wasn't a movie. I really had met a guy and he was calling me, now.

"Hello?"
"Hey, Cameron. How are you?"
"Fine."
"Did I catch you at a bad time?"
I didn't mean to sound robotic, but I am a strange mix of out going and shy. "Uh, no, not really."
"Not really? What does that mean?"
"Well, I'm in the middle of cleaning my oven. But, I can take a break to talk."
"Cool. I was wondering when you would have some time for us to meet up again."
Dammit, here's the end of the fairytale. Now, I'll get to know all the things I don't want to know about him and he'll start to see me for who I really am…not. I'm not that sexy party girl who flirted on the dance floor and floated romantically in the rain with you, Paul.
"Uh, I'm pretty flexible. What works for you?" I wonder if he can hear how nonchalant I'm not feeling.
"Well, how about lunch in the city? Tomorrow work for you?"
"Yea, tomorrow would be perfect for lunch. I hope a late lunch is good, like 2pm?"
"I can make that work. What do you like to eat?"
"I don't eat meat, but do eat seafood from time to time. So, any place is good as long as I can get veggies and seafood." And a strong alcoholic beverage is always good, but I kept that to myself.
"That shouldn't be too hard." Paul chuckled and my paranoia kicked in and wondered if he could hear my nervousness. "Well, I'm not going to keep you from your oven any longer. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"Me, too! I look forward to seeing you again." I am relieved that the conversation is over and hope my enthusiasm didn't sound too forced.
I climb back into the oven and let out curses that it's more difficult to clean than even I'd imagined. Crap! I need to take the bottom shelf out, so I get one of the few tools I own and unscrew the bottom of the oven and pull it out. Am I making this more difficult than it needs to be? I wonder as I expose the heat coil - or the thing that looks like it should be called a heat coil because that's where the flames shoot out when the oven is turned on.

# # #

It is noon on Saturday and I have not begun to prepare for the day ahead with Paul. I have spent the morning doing other things on the list because I abandoned the oven project and left its guts hanging out. Thirty minutes into it the grime only seemed to move from one side of the oven to the opposite side. I'd get back to it. I wasn't expecting anyone else to come here anyway. There were clothes to be sorted and washed, papers to be sorted, filed or shredded, books to be read and stories to be written. I had plenty to keep me busy. I didn't need nor have time for the drama of a man in my life right now. What was I thinking when I told Paul that I could meet him today?

"Did I catch you before you left?" Paul sounded out of breathe on the other end of the line.
"Yea, what's up? Everything okay?" I tried to sound concerned as I prayed he was backing out, and then it wouldn't be my fault this time.
"I'm fine, but unfortunately can't make it at 2, like I thought I could."
"Well, that's okay. We can reschedule for another day." Whew!
"If you don't mind can we make it later today, like at 4:30 or 5? Does that work for you?"
Dang IT! I have to get dressed and come out into the world after all? "Oh, yea. Okay. Where should I meet you?"
"Is the West Side okay? Like, around 110th and Broadway? There are plenty of restaurants there for us to choose from."

# # #

It's my turn to make the 'I'm running late phone call.' What is it about first dates that give me more dread than exciting anticipation like they used to? Have I been disappointed that often? Technically, I've had a storybook life of relationships. Sure they all ended, hence my need to continue dating. But, storybooks all end while the getting's good, right? Most of my relationships ended on high notes, even if the fact that they ended did leave a sour taste in my heart. I can proudly say, if I run into any of my exes I can be cordial when I say, "Hello." Well, except for the one sexy bastard whose memory continues to sting a bit, when I see him from a distance I cross the street or pretend I don't see him, Fucker!

As I drive cross-town through Central Park, I realize I could have taken a more direct route to the West Side of The City. In addition to enjoying the ride through the park, I'm "dragging my feet." I'll get there when I get there. Maybe he'll have an attitude and this meeting can end quickly, in a huff! Then, I can return to my safe world as an independent woman.

"Hi? Paul?" I speak loudly into my cell's speaker phone.
"Yea?" He responds.
"Traffic's worse than I thought. So, I'm running a li'l later than planned." That's the beauty of New York's senseless traffic. It makes for a great excuse and who knows if it's true or not. I could very well turn a corner and be stuck in a deadlock, regardless of the fact that I am flowing smoothly, now.
"That's cool because I'm still stuck Uptown, myself. Would you mind coming up to Washington Heights? I know a great place to eat, here."
Oh, Lord. What now? See? This is how they do; get you to set out for one place and then end up luring you elsewhere. What is his deal, anyway?
"Sure! No problem."
I make a mental note of the cross streets he gives and turn north onto Broadway.

*click on image to enlarge and get its source.

Emotional Pimpin'

This was inspired by a discussion on Miz's Spot!

SOME times, women think differently than men expect for us to think (surprised, i know:-). And SOME times, we even FEEL differently than men anticipate. Yea, I know this information BLOWS you all away. But here is where it gets GOOD:

NEVER, EVER should a man make the mistake of ASSuming that just because we ADORE his company and talk to him all hours into the night, or because we laugh at ALL of his jokes, or - heaven HELP us: praise him for how he PUT it DOWN "last night" - that we have fallen head ovah heels to the point of NO return IN LOVE. As a Woman with some experience under my belt I have learned that I can CHOOSE to Fall in LOVE. I can allow myself to enjoy the flow - but when I catch on that "the flow" is being tampered with - I've GOT to GO! Despite what may seem like a contradiction - I continue to believe in Soul Mates, but I also think there are charlatans posing as my Soul Mate. So, while I'm keeping my heart "open" to my Soul Mate, I'm keeping my eyes, ears and good sense "open" to f%$kery and emotional pimpin'.

Here's a condensed version of some Pimp-Juice that a Man-Child of God tried to serve me several months back (I have a li'l distance, so I can write about it nicely now;-):
We met at a business seminar - so, we had a common goal, which was to improve our business savvy. A couple of months after meeting at the seminar we saw each other at a networking event and struck up a conversation. The vibe was GrrrreAT! Well, we kicked the willy-bobo, exchanged numbers and in my head there was a "connection". We'd talk for HOURS on the phone and he said he wanted my voice to be the first and last he heard in the day. So, I'm "zooming" cuz Brother Man is feeding me all that my soul needs to hear.

BUT, I'm experienced enough to know that all that glitters is not gold, no matter how much I allow myself to relish in its shine. So, I wait until we actually spend more time together before I ask the "hard" questions. Experience has taught me to ask the real hard questions in person - so, I can look you straight in the eye. When I asked about his living situation, he revealed that he was living with his baby's mama. I asked, "So, what is my purpose in your life?" He stammered a bit and attempted a futile Jedi Mind Trick, "What, with you it's all or nothing?"
As my elders have said, "I didn't get this old without learning a thing or two along the way."
I looked him square in the eye and asked, "How would YOU have it? What exactly are we having anyway, the all or the nothing?"
"I thought we were developing a friendship."
"Okay, but we are not teens. We know our intentions when we start ANY relationship. So, what are your intentions? What is the purpose of you holding my hand as we stroll, what is the purpose of you calling me first thing each morning and last thing each evening, if you are living with a woman and have no intention of developing any intimacy with me?"
"So, I guess that needs to end, huh?"
In my head, I'm like - Ya THINK, Clown? But my closer walk with God kicked in: "That would be best. I don't hold hands or talk first thing in the morning with buddies or males who I'm "just friends" with."

Yea, my "li'l feelings" were bruised because I had hoped that our "connection" was mutual and on a deeper level than apparently it was for him. Then I became quite angered by the fact that he'd wasted my Blessedly Limited Time and he KNEW from jump-street that he had no intentions of developing anything of true substance. He was riding along, pimping the "groove" that I was feeling, betting that there would be some type of "reward" for him - even if only a reprieve from his usual routine. So, his short-sightedness cost him a friendship AND possible business advocate.

Brothers, PuhLeeze end the emotional pimping, or at least - be aware of who you use it on. We are not ALL so easily pimped. But, if you don't stop, that's cool too - because I'm a firm believer that God does NOT like ugly and what goes around comes back around.
Ain't cha heard? Pimpin' Ain't Easy! Take Heed:
*Warning: song contains some language that may be offensive

Yes, all of this could apply to Female Emotional Pimps, too. But I don't get intimately involved with females, so those who have been pimped by women, feel free to share your comments.
*click on photo for its source

Regeneration: Rising from My Ashes

I stated on July 10th that I will be focussed on My Regeneration. The Creator awoke me again this morning which is a signal that He's not through with me, yet!

Many things on my list may sound simple, but it's simplicity which challenges me greatly:

5 Specific Tasks to Complete in order to reach divine Health & Wealth for this coming week:
1. Sort & Organize my papers (3 bags done this week, approximately 3 more to go).
2. Write out each debt (then maintain regular bill paying routine twice monthly).
3. Get up by 7am each morning and sit quietly - give Thanx for another opportunity to Get it Write.
4. Practice my Ten for Ten exercise routine each day.
5. Write a daily To Do list and adhere to it!

Reading through my Runner's Blog I found renewed motivation about Will Smith & Ali and hope it motivates U, too!

I do appreciate any and all support that U care to offer. Next Saturday, I look forward to posting my successful adherence to my ACTIVE self-regeneration!

BlogPicking - How?

How do U pick which Blogs to visit & stick around to read 'em?

So many Blogs & so little time!
Is it the referrals?
Do u simply search blog themes?
Do u stay if u like the topics, lay out, comments, "vibe"?
What keeps u going back to blogs?

While you're mulling over that response, if you've never been - U have GOT to saunter over to Keshi's Spot to see where she's having her Holiday. U will NOT F$%ing believe it! LOL!

*click image for source

Life, Love, Dancing...an excerpt - pt 4

Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 3 of Life, Love and Dancing.
I stated that I would try to post on Tuesdays, and today's Thursday. I'll get it right soon - but until then ... Enjoy part 4:

Paul reached in front of me to push out the entrance door. The door was huge and ornately carved dark wood, which reached to the top of the cathedral ceiling. It gave me the feeling of being a very little girl leaving a cavern and the air felt delicious. It was drizzling outside, but I didn't worry about getting drenched since my car was only about twenty or thirty paces away from the door. And though my hair was blown straight, I wasn't too concerned about the effects of rain because it was pulled tightly back into a high ponytail. My hair would remain straight as long as we didn't get caught in a downpour.

Maybe it was the romance I associated with rainy nights and shiny slick streets in the city. Maybe it was the fact that it had been too long since time with a man made me swirl delightfully. Maybe it was the fact that it had been over six months since I'd had a man focused on me. Maybe it was because it had been over a year since I'd been intimate, really intimate with a man. I'm not sure what the reason, but I no longer really heard what Paul was saying. I know he spoke and I responded. I know at some point our cell phones came out and numbers were entered. But I was embraced by the sensuality of it all: his smooth voice, his caramel skin tone, the depths of his gaze as he stared into my eyes, the drizzling rain, my awareness of the fact that Paul would be seeing all the junk in my car, the fact that he opened my door for me once I remotely unlocked the door. We didn't want to part immediately, so I stood outside in the drizzle looking up at him while smooth bass sounds flowed from his lips to my soul. He placed his hand at the small of my back to lead me out of the rain that started to increase. We stood under the overhang of the office building that my car was parked in front of. I smiled up at him and my face begin to tire because it wasn't used to this workout of yearning. He grinned down at me easily. I was pretty sure this was Paul's usual ending to most evenings. Paul looked like the type of man who always "got the girl". At this moment, I did not care. I simply relished in the fact that I was the girl of choice right here right now and I think I began to hear string filled theme music. Okay, I really do need to get out more, but for now I pulled myself back into the reality at hand. I had a thirty-minute drive ahead of me northward to The Bronx then I had to find parking. I began my prayers to the parking gods as Paul shut my door behind me and waved as he ran out of the rain and back to the lounge. If I never heard from him again, I have trained myself to completely appreciate each tender morsel of life, love and the dance. I pulled away from the curb without one ounce of regret or that familiar painful longing. But the memory of our time rode home with me, as did his lingering scented hug. And my smile kept me company on this ride to The Bronx.

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders:-)

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom vol. 11
I'm in need of real, every day wisdoms, wonders and good news! To that end...

First, give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Now, Share with us a blessing you've experienced recently.

Regeneration & Accountability - Intro.

I am Stepping out on Faith of a New Level!

Soon, I am going to list some of my major Goals and periodic updates. Any readers who care to - feel free to keep me honest and encourage me to work towards them or offer tips:-).

1) Health - return to my Physical Side for specifics as I take better care of God's Rent-a-Temple;-)

1a) Eat to Live! Ingest primarily life sustaining foods & cut down on all toxins = according to Oprah the white foods (processed sugars, breads, rice, etc.). Time to retrain my thinking and change my habits! Good times can be had with naturally healthy options: Fruits, Veggies, Sparkling waters & ciders. I'll have to see if Sistah Anali has any wonderfully healthy desserts for me;-)

1b) Keep it Movin'! I love to Dance! I need to make it my business to do so more often - whether it's turning up the tunes at home, or going out to "cut a rug"! I also enjoyed learning about me as I took up running - will return to that, too! And I've started a Ten for Ten list = I want to be a "perfect 10" so I've listed ten exercises for working all body areas. I'll start out with one rep of all ten, working up to ten reps of ten each. Pray for me;-).

2) Wealth

2a) Retrain My Words & Self-Talk. Brother Andrew Morrison is my unofficial mentor who has reminded me that our God is an awesome God of Abundance. Just look at the fact that one tiny apple seed has the potential to bear an orchard!

2b) Do What I Love and the Abundance will flow! I love to play with words: poems, prose and even talking. I need to continue to write, read, network and navigate this writing field. I love to share what I know through teaching as well as learning from those whom I teach. I need to return to that arena as well as seek out other avenues with a flexible schedule and salary.

*click on image for its source.

Hips:-)

"Met" An Xcentric Pryncess over at Brother T. Stephens' blog-spot today.
I thanked her for turning me onto this WONDERFUL Lucille Clifton Poem, which I just HAD to share here:

Homage to My Hips

these hips are big hips.
they need space to move around in.
they don't fit into little petty places.
these hips are free hips.
they don't like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them to put a spell on a man and spin him like a top

---Lucille Clifton

Check out Ms. Clifton reading this by clicking HEAR:-)

Life, Love, Dancing...an excerpt - pt 3

Here is the link to part 1 of Life, Love and Dancing.
Here is the link to part 2 of Life, Love and Dancing.
I will try to post sections each Tuesday - last week's holiday threw my schedule off a bit, so forgive me and Enjoy part 3:


"Want a drink?" He looked down at me with those intoxicating eyes.
I stopped swirling enough to answer, "No thanks. I've reached my limit. I could use a glass of water, though."
He smiled, nodded, got up and stepped to the bar.
I leaned my head back against the leather and scanned the crowd. My vanilla skin toned friend walked around to help clear tables. He was always considerate and professional. I have watched many give similar types of parties and they could careless that empty glasses stacked up. I guess that most reasoned that it was the wait-staff's responsibility.

Paul returned with my water and his own glass of brown liquid. We tapped glasses before we took sips.
"So, I carry myself like someone from the Bible?" He referred back to my earlier comment.
"Yea, something about you. Some would say you have an old soul."
He chuckled, "I've heard that before. I wanted to say something to you earlier but didn't want to disrespect your people."
I glanced around at "my people". My chocolate friend was bopping his head to the grooves with his eyes closed and a beer bottle in his hand. My vanilla toned friend was talking to the female bartender.
"They're cool. Malcolm, the light skinned one and I have known each other for over ten years from back in DC. I just met his cousin, Tre when we bumped into each other again here two years ago." I decided not to tell him that Malcolm is married. If Paul is in my life long enough, he'll find out all the specifics he needs to know.
"Huh, a DC girl. How you like New York?"
"I love it. I have the best of both worlds now."
"How's that?"
"I was raised in the best city to grow up Black, now I live in the best city to be creative. What about you, where you from?"
"Right here, baby." Paul's dark eyes sparkled. Because of his soft inflection, I wasn't sure if Paul meant baby as an endearing term for me already or if he was simply ending that sentence as most native New Yorkers do.
"Where's your family from?" I have learned in my few years as a New Yorker that most New York residents have strong ties to other countries, no matter how many generations have lived on The New York soil. Paul was clearly a Latino Brother. I also have learned to never assume which Hispanic region one is from if you detect Hispanic origin.
"Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. And your family?"
"DC and Virginia. No, I'm not Puerto Rican, as most think I am."
"Yes, I also thought that. What is your family's cultural background?"
I smiled as I wondered if he spoke so proper and formal sounding all of the time, "Negras Americanas." I attempted in my bit of rusty Spanish. I have trained myself to say Black American or African American proudly. Here in the city of a million cultures I initially would answer "Just African American." or "Just Black." Surrounded by so many cultures I felt as if I were not exotic enough. Paul's smile widened and I further explained. "Yep, I'm a descendant of the great American slave. I have the same mix as you, but my European ancestors didn't speak Spanish."
Malcolm walked by and I seized the opportunity to introduce them. Paul half-way stood as they slapped palms and entwisted fingers then he returned to his sitting position as their hands slid apart.

I stifled a yawn. Paul noticed, "Tired?"
I grinned at him sheepishly, "Yes, it's way past my bedtime. I need to head home."
"Well, let me go to the men's room then I'll walk you out."
"Gracia-" I smiled up at him as he rose from his seat.

I leaned over to Malcolm who had returned to our corner vantage point, "What time is it?"
He checked his PDA, "Almost Three."
"Good Lawd. I need to get home."
"You gonna be alright?"
"Yea, Paul's gonna walk me to my car. I'll text you as soon as I get home safely, alone."
Malcolm laughed, "You're grown. Full grown."
"Yea, I know and this is still New York. Land of the crazies."
I noticed Paul standing near the bar waiting as I said my good byes. I waved into the smoker's room to the regulars, hugged the DJ, Tre and Malcolm before joining Paul to exit.

*click on image for its source.

Still on that Hip-Hop Shhh;-)

His Name is D-Nice....and his new dimension is photography!

Check out D-nice's Visual Journey. The Old School Hip-Hop heads are taking their game to another level. Can the "youngstahs" keep up?

P.S. - the link leads to an entry w/ a recent photo of my "boo", Heavy D. Enjoy.

*Click on the photo for its source.

Ced made me do this...

After the Hip-hop discussion over at Ced's I had to look up MC Lyte & I found this treasure! I LOVVVVE the voice of this SISTAH. Sistah Lyte, I will ALWAYS love U! Thanx for this tribute 2 us, your fans. Then enjoy one of her newest grooves!

Wednesday Wisdoms & Wonders:-)

Welcome Back for Wednesday Wisdom vol. 10
I'm in need of real, every day wisdoms, wonders and good news! To that end...

First, give us your take on the wisdom U dig in the selection:

“No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger that its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise”

Marian Anderson

Now, share with us a blessing U have enjoyed recently & enjoy a safe Fourth of July!