FINAL: Grown Freakin' Friday: ADULT subject matter for those over 18

Summer's almost here and it's time for me to get out IN it in hopes of gittin' my own Grown Folk Freak on! LOL! Since this is my last month of partial freedom I'm wrapping up this weekly segment. Gotta gear down this blogging game and shift into higher gear in my real life. Most of my blog-regulars know I love to drive, so let's talk grown & sexy 'bout wheels & road trips! There's nothin' sexier than the curves on a road! I have wonderful memories in cars - from learning to drive stick shift with a crush, to taking long trips with a sweetie, to gettin' all hot & bothered in bucket seats, watching the sunrise at the beach, to... well, u get the picture! Care to share any of your Grown Freakin' Drivers' tales?

Speaking of Trips: I am looking forward to meeting more Blog-Family in da ATL NEXT Saturday: June 7th at Bloggers' Delight's 3rd Book Signing & Celebration! C U there!!

If you'll miss this weekly segment and are in need of more Grown Folk Talk - check out LoveBabz's newest spot created by yours truly to help her realize a dream;-). C U there, too!

Past Grown Folk discussions:
Shoe Models & industry folk: could U?
To Wait or Not to Wait?
Toe Curling Tips
Do Porn & Intimacy go together?
What is Porn & How do U feel about it?
How do U feel about Porn Enthusiasts?

*click image for source.

Thankful Thursdays [3 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

41) Jumped off the cliffs in Jamaica at Rick's Cafe during my first visit there!

42) Walked the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with my Dad, siblings & cousins.

43) Enjoyed fireworks, food & drinks with friends at South Street Seaport, NYC on July 4th, 2006!

44) This move to NYC - living in this fascinating & oft times crazy city!

45) Being born & raised in the Greatest Historically Black City evah: Chocolate City = The Nation's CAPital City: Washington, DC.

46) Attending college in Norfolk, VA - great parties, step shows, the beach, USN sailors & Marines, road trips...Mannn, I enjoyed my college days!

47) Graduated from college - such a blessing!

48) My college graduation party was da balm diggity: family & friends at really nice Chinese restaurant. We sang, drank & ate to our heart's content! Even the restaurant employees enjoyed the entertainment we provided! LOL!

49) Recall learning to cook food from scratch, especially: biscuits, cobblers and poached eggs with my Moma as a young child when I needed to stand on a chair to reach the table top & stove.

50) Cooking a full Thanksgiving Dinner with my mother's assistance in my NYC home.

51) My parents, two siblings and my eldest nephew traveled all the way to Great Lakes, IL to visit with me the weekend that I passed review/graduated from USN Boot Camp.

52) Befriended and continue to keep in touch with the dear friend who helped me maintain my equilibrium during those long days in USN's holding division (where we both waited for them to decide what to do with us;-).

53) Attending church with family/having a "family" church in DC & "down the country".

54) Finding a church home here in NYC.

55) Growing up in the U.S. South & all that's unique to it: Marching Bands (at parades and sporting events' half-times), Church home-comings with plenty of family, laughs & food, hugz when you encounter folk u know, saying hello/speaking when you pass by someone, real food at ALL parties, etc.

56) Growing up at a time where it was safe for me to venture out alone as a child to go play with my friends in the neighborhood - even if they were on the same block.

57) Being taken to nice restaurants by my parents when my siblings and I were young.

58) Feeling confident enough to go to nice restaurants alone when I was in high school.

59) Earning my own money from the time I was 16.

60) So blessed that I was able to manage and save my income enough to provide for me through most of my two years of partial employment. Thankful that The Creator provides me with supportive loved ones AND continues to teach me to manage His Gifts better and better -- be they financial, physical, emotional, etc.


The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].

Anali, Coltrane, Obama & Latin Americans

Some of U may know that I luv John Coltrane, Obama and Latin Americans (especialmente Los Hombres Suavemente;-). I add Anali to my list of luvs cuz she posts many things I luv including this new video (i have to limit my time at her spot cuz i gain a pound each time i visit - but this treat was calorie-free;-): Enjoy! I did!

After viewing this next one -- Why don't they just let The Obamas move into the Presidential Suites at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this summer? Then the girls can settle in & be ready for school in September!

Thanx again Anali for both of these videos!

Wonderful Gift from my Brother in Law!

Thanx to my Brother-in-law, Carlton for this wonderful video of the DC Book signing! Enjoy! Look forward to seeing U all in da ATL on June 7th for the 3rd BD, vol 1 celebration!!

BlueBe Not Afraid Mondays, IV

Welcome Back for the 4th installment of:

F &%k
E verything
A nd
R un
-or-
F ace
E verything
A nd
R ejoice

In honor of this Memorial Day - may all of our fears Rest In Peace! And Thank You to ALL the Brothers & Sisters who've fought for my freedoms - whether as a military soldier or "simply" a warrior for my Lawd!

Sometimes I have felt the need to: F.%&k E.verything A.nd R.un:
1. When a loved one is gravely ill and we know the end is very close.
2. As my parents age I often cringe -- terrified at the thought of living without them.
3. When watching others mourn a loss I don't know what to do or say.

I'm Proud when I have: F.aced E.verything A.nd R.ejoiced by taking action:
1. I've assisted many of my elders during their last days and was relieved to realized that just because their shells were crumbling - the essence of the person I knew & loved was still sparkling in their eyes and their whispers.
2. My Daddy engages me in conversations about it and I do trust that it will give me the strength I need when I least expect it.
3. I trust that sometimes just standing near a person in mourning offers some comfort.

Past Discussion(s) on this topic:
Clearing Cobwebs.
Faith to Get You Through.
Determined to Live Courageously!

*click on image for source.

Was Octavia Butler a prophet?

This article on survivalists leads me to believe that Octavia Butler was pretty much on target with her Parable of the Sower novel. Click on image to read more about Parable of the Sower.

Grown Freakin' Friday: ADULT subject matter for those over 18

I love shoes as much as the next shoe-holic and put an extra dip in my hip when wearing my flyest kix. Now, Brother 12kyle often references the shoe models of the ATL. Then Brother Rich explained to me the real impact of the ATL shoe models: many are indeed intelligent women using the shoe model industry to pay their way through college and establish a comfortable life whom men flocked to, influencing some men to leave their wives.

I'm not hating on sistahs who do what they feel is necessary to pay their way. I do wonder just how jaded one's going to become after spending time in such a career. I used to simply bartend and became disenchanted by some of what I witnessed in clubs, especially after hours. I can only imagine how tainted I would be after years as a shoe model. I don't ever think I'd develop a healthy relationship with any trust of men. I remember watching that cable show about the family who owned the porn business. The unmarried son had the hardest time finding women who could deal with him. He didn't want a stripper or performer, but when he met women who were not in the sex industry many became turned off by his business.

What say U? How would a career in the sex industry affect your relationships? If you've ever had such a career - how does it affect your intimate relationships?

Now, gone & strut your stuff on this long sexy weekend!

*click image for source.

Thankful Thursdays [2 of 50]

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

**Bonus Blessing for which I'm thankful: Yesterday I signed a contract for full time employment to begin in July! I'll be teaching & tech support again and I'm SO excited!! So thankful to be able to buy my own freedom;-)

21. My paternal Grand Daddy bought me a coat and had me try it on for him. I know he wanted to ensure that it fit, but in my very young mind he wanted me to model it for him. It was my favorite coat: faux fur collar, knee length green corduroy with a zip out lining that could be worn as a jacket by itself. My Grand Daddy passed when I was five - but that memory lives in my heart.

22. My paternal Gramma's chocolate chip cookies, spoon bread & lemon custard! That woman could throw down in the kitchen! I still can taste those three delicacies that she made in my memory! Oh, and the peach & pear preserves that she & my great aunts made were the perfect topping for her spoon bread. My Gramma passed when I was ten - and I am so thankful for all the memories I have of her!

23. Although my parents were born in DC, their parents were all from country areas of Virginia. I didn't always relish that fact - but now am thankful that I had the experience of bathing in a metal hip tub, pumping the water for the bath, using a slop-jar (nevah had the nerve to use that out house - when out doors - that's what woods are for;-). It's funny the unpleasant things that become treasured experiences! LOL! They helped me to really appreciate when that plumbing was installed!

24. Drive-in movies! Mannn, it used to be a supah-dupah treat when our parents bundled us in the car and headed to the drive in! Dressed in jammies, played on the playground before the movie started, the picnic Mama prepared, spread the blankets on top of the car to lay on & watch the show! Begging our parents for money to go to the concession stand only to return with dry-azz popcorn. lol!

25. Being an Aunt to three of the most beautiful young men I have ever met!

26. Being the youngest sister - it's developed characteristics and strength that I could not know that I would ever need.

27. The gifts that The Creator blessed me with so that I may A~muse myself: writing, reading, drawing and the ability to find comfort in uncomfortable times & settings.

28. The love for water and comfort I relish in when I swim.

29. The seven months spent in the U.S. Navy, the successful completion of boot camp and the blessed medical discharge just before this new [present] war-lovin' political administration got into office!

30. Although I never met my maternal grandparents, due to their early deaths -- I was blessed with their photos since I've become an adult! These are a rare treasure.

31. I was a lifeguard for a couple of summers and really living GOLDEN then;-)

32. My lifeguard course was SOOOO much fun and taught by DC's FOINEST! Goood Lawwd the memory of those Brothahs: All shapes, hues & heights of FOINE caramel chocolateness!!

33. Growing up in the hood with its treats that were hood-unique: the record truck, the bookmobile, the greens & vegetable truck, the candy lady & MY fave: The Watermelon man who came through on his truck sangin' his melody: "Watah Melon, get ya ice cold Waaatah Melon!!" while my buddy from up the street & I would follow in his wake dancin' & sangin' along with him! LOL!

34. Walking in the Summer rain barefoot - delicious!

35. Skiing with friends & colleagues - I love feeling the elements & the winter breeze flowing by. Some of the funny episodes that happened while skiing have been priceless, too!

36. Sledding, creating angels & snowball fights in the snow as a kid. Doesn't seem to snow as deeply or as often as it used to in DC.

37. Warming up inside after being out in the Winter elements: At ski lodge bar Hot Chocolate with that extra "splash", as a kid Mama's extra special Hot Chocolate with marshmallows as we lay our mittens & socks in the oven and cracked up if one got too crisp.

38. My first trip to the ocean beach was incredible. I was about ten or so, when my Daddy drove my siblings and I across the Chesapeake Bay bridge to Ocean City at night! The terror of that "noise" coming from the blackness caused me to have a tight grip on my Dad's hand. Then the draw of that frothiness that kept rolling up onto the shore...eventually we waded in and I have been in love with beaches ever since!!

39. My Daddy drove my siblings, my childhood best friend and I to visit with some of our relatives in "the country" during a snow storm when I was about 13 or 14. We arrived safely, went walking and playing in the snow with our cousins and my "crush" gave me a piggy back ride!

40. My country "crush" taught me to drive stick-shift when I was 16 and he was 18. ***Huge Sigh***

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].

Reallionaire

I have started reading this young brother's book and it inspires me. Initially, I was feeling a bit of Hator-bile rising in my throat - but once I told that devil to step back I could actually take IN what this young Brother has been chosen to teach! Enjoy this video clip and the first two exercises and steps he offers in his book: Reallionaire.

Exercise 1: What's in a Name?

Affirmation: I was put on earth to fulfill a purpose.

I only have to name it to achieve it.

Answer the following for yourself to reveal some things that may surprise you!

Given/Birth Name:

Named this because:

Given Name means:

Name of business:
I chose this name because:

Exercise 2: What can U learn from your environment?

Affirmation: Opportunities are everywhere. I can rise above any circumstance with hard work, integrity, faith and especially persistence.

Where r u now? Look at your surroundings & learn from them.

Step 1: Clear your immediate area of clutter -- real & emotional.

Step 2: Focus. Write goals & read each day.

Step 3: Be Positive & DO what needs to be done to reach your goals.

Step 4: Visualize - often

Step 5: Celebrate Every day! Tell yourself you're doing great & your proud of U!

Step 6: Create your "Grow my success" File. Write down daily (or weekly) successes & review each morning!

Now THAT's a Brothah fo' ya! Back up off my woman!

Did U see that smile that's NOT in his eyes? Michelle tried to laugh it off - but my boo 'Bama is a Ride or DIE, Brothah! U can call me out, u can call me whatcha want - but u brang my woman into it and it's ON!! Don't Play! Y'all can talk about my cutie Howdie Doodie Obama all u want - but HE IS the next president -- I don't care WHO in da house!

AND THENNN my 'boo (thanx 2 my DC Seoul Brutha 4 this one):

BlueBe Not Afraid Mondays, III

Welcome Back for the 3rd installment of:

F &%k
E verything
A nd
R un
-or-
F ace
E verything
A nd
R ejoice

Here lately, it's been seemingly "little", insidious things that I've been attempting to rid my soul-house of; like clearing out cobwebs. Cobwebs themselves aren't scary, but no "haunted" house is complete without them! It takes diligence and constant effort to keep our homes and minds clear of those cobwebs that seem to come "outta nowhere". What are the cobwebs you're fighting with? Here are a few of mine.

Sometimes I have felt the need to: F.%&k E.verything A.nd R.un:
1. I doubt that the stories I write are worthy of being published - especially when I read my favorite authors - the greats: Langston Hughes, Beverly Jenkins, etc.
2. After what felt like a comfortable and confident interview -- the fact that they didn't call me back immediately to beg me to work for them -- makes me wonder what I said or did to cause them to hesitate.

I'm Proud when I have: F.aced E.verything A.nd R.ejoiced by taking action:
1. Continue to write. Read journals of authors I admire and learn that they were also doubtful of their skill.
2. Pray and continue to know that The Creator really is placing me where I belong in this life. It is also important to make sure I am patient and remember who exactly is in control here.

Past Discussion(s) on this topic:
Faith to Get You Through.
Determined to Live Courageously!

*click image for source.

Grown Freakin' Friday: ADULT subject matter for those over 18

The weather's finally breakin' & folk are lookin' like they're feelin' sexy with the midriffs all out already. Me? I'm feeling pretty good about myself, too! Losing some of this "transition to NYC hit every amazing restaurant then fantastic must see & be seen @ bar/lounge" weight! LOL! So, I'm not fishing for compliments cuz "Mama" know she's turnin' a few heads. I've just always been curious about two types of people:

1) Those truly JAW-Dropping, Traffic-Stopping Gorgeous people who seem to flaunt it! While I feel blessed to be considered pretty, I do sometimes feel uncomfortable when men make a big deal out of it. I feel like I don't know how to respond, so I study those FABULOUS women who I witness walk into a room and literally cause a hush to fall. I admire those who continue on with their business - but I wonder what they're thinking. I cringe at those who expect the attention and bark orders or toss out insults to those who admire them.

2) Those who are horribly unattractive &/or obese who shamelessly present themselves in ill-fitting attire and demand attention. I don't mean to be cruel to any of God's Children, but we have to be real. Just because my thin friends wear an outfit does not mean it will be appealing on me! I think there is some benefit to being self-aware! I do believe that everyone has some appealing attributes ... I just don't understand the shameless who are nevah, evah self-conscious.

So, Are U too sexy for yourself? How Blessed do you feel in the sexiness department? Is your sex-appeal surface, physical -or- is it some aura you exude?

Past Grown Folk discussions:
To Wait or Not to Wait?
Toe Curling Tips
Do Porn & Intimacy go together?
What is Porn & How do U feel about it?
How do U feel about Porn Enthusiasts?

*click image for source.

Blessing of this Season

I love the Spring! I mean L.O.V.E! the Spring. Today one of my students came to me with her eyes red and a bit puffy. I had to send her to the nurse because her allergies were bothering her. Unfortunately, there was no humidifier in the classroom. The fact that it was warm in the room and we had to open the windows only seemed to make it worse. When I see others suffer with Spring allergies, I am thankful that's one issue I don't have! If you have such allergies, do humidifiers even help?

I cannot imagine dreading the onset of Spring. I am thankful that I can truly enjoy sitting outdoors, in the grass if I want or strolling in flower gardens. Being a DC Native, I used to feel really bad for friends who suffered allergies. DC is a lush, green city that was also built on swamp land, so folx with allergies dread the coming of Spring in DC! Last weekend I relished in the lushness during my visit. It rained most of the weekend, too. While a humidifier (or would a humidor be better?) may have helped with the humidity -- I thanked goodness for the versatility & elegance of the pony-tail! Frizzy hair is nothing compared to hot, itchy eyes and runny noses -- along with the other conditions endured by allergy sufferers. I think my mom even enjoyed our super-duper relaxed Mother's Day celebration: it rained the entire day and night, so we chilled like I haven't chilled in eons while visiting DC. It was the first day I didn't even leave my mother's yard! She said it's the most she's seen me since I moved to NYC seven years ago.

My heart goes out to those who endure the Spring!

Thankful Thursdays [1 of 50]

Sistah LoveBabz is working on her list of 1000 things she wants to do before she dies. That inspired me to do a spin on that list! I tend to be quite hard on myself if I don't reach goals that I've set. Now, I'm going to try listing 1000 things I'm thankful I have experienced in this Life of CAP!

The numbers are only there for accounting sake. The Blessings are not listed in any particular order. I just want to list ten each week for .... um, help me with the math, y'all ... 100 weeks...on second thought maybe I'll do twenty each week - yea, I think I can stick with this for about a year...we'll see. Here goes ...

Twenty of the 1000 Things I'm Thankful I've Experienced in My Lifetime:

1. GREAT laughs with my loved ones (God knows I have some HILARIOUS family)!
2. Long (3+ hour) talks with my Daddy!
3. Peace & a real understanding kinda luv with my Moma!
4. Coming to terms with the relationships I have with my siblings.
5. Hanging out in NYC -- bar hopping with my eldest nephew!!
6. Reuniting with a childhood friend & becoming closer than ever.
7. Great trips to the Caribbean with friends (Jamaica, Bermuda, & Bahamas).
8. Wonderful, life changing massages at Jackie's on The Reef in Negril, Jamaica!!
9. A well-rounded education at an alma mater I've grown to love!!
10. The opportunity to teach at that alma mater for eleven years!
11. Enjoyed staying on the tiny Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay while teaching & learning;-)
12. Partied in Puerto Rico while attending a teacher's conference;-)
13. Being completely and whole heartedly in love with the few men I've considered boyfriends & I still love them, truth be told.
14. Feeling completely loved by them ... despite our inability to communicate effectively...
15. The thrill of being made love to thoroughly, carefully and lovingly!
16. The rush of making love outdoors with the breezes caressing me simultaneously!
17. The joy of crushes before I knew the full extent of intimate passion.
18. The wonderfully, sweet and hilarious episode when I was a young teen and a BEAUTIFUL Chocolate Brother rendered me senseless by merely standing near me at a convenience store to the point where he had to count out the money in my hand to help me make the purchase.
19. I published several newspaper articles while in grade school.
20. I can say I'm a published fiction author!

New E-slang...

Thanx 2 Charles I learned a new acronym which I've already shortened to LIGAFF. Click on his name for the full story & read the comments to find out why i shortened it. LOL! So, tell me - do u know any new E-slang? Hip a sistah, if u will;-).

Is it just me?

This past weekend a dear friend had her birthday party in the V.I.P. section at a club in DC. Now, I do love to get my boogie on, but I rarely go to dance clubs, now. Generally, I frequent lounge-y type spots, bars, or smaller venues with a host of friends. But, I was looking forward to the evening since it's been so long since I've been clubbin' in DC. Welllllll, lemme tellya! If ya haven't been clubbin' and u can't get in for FREE - I hope to save u time AND money! LOL! WHY? WHY? WHY... Did the old men at the bar in the VIP section think they still had swagga? WHY? WHY? Why did they think I would be impressed by their beach properties and frat days of yesteryear? Yes, my friends that was the topic of conversation for the two old, azz men who swooped in on me early - as I arrived before most of our party guests (dayumm, i think i'll stick to being late! LOL)! THANK Gawd my girl's crew arrived and I could melt into our private party! While I danced with the friends I enjoyed a reunion with I looked around at the general crowd and wondered what the hayl had happened to the Beautiful People in my Beautiful City? Had we all moved away? DC was once known as Chocolate City, the Capital of the FOINEST Brothers & Sistahs!

If any of you continue to frequent clubs...please tell me that was a fluke night! LOL!


SPECIAL Invitation to NYC Bloggers from Organized Noise:
" ... I am inviting all bloggers who live or work in the New York City area to join me on Wednesday night afterwork for a meet and greet. It will be held at MIXX LOUNGE in Greenwich Village. The address is 84 7th Avenue South, a block away from the Christopher Street train station on the 1 train and 5 blocks from the West 4th Street train station on the "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", and "V" trains. Please pass the word to other bloggers in the area. "
*click image for source.

Tagged by a Fellow DC Native

Christoph J. tagged me & I left my answers at his spot - check 'em out when u get a minute!

BlueBe Not Afraid Mondays, II

Welcome Back for the 2nd installment of:

F &%k
E verything
A nd
R un
-or-
F ace
E verything
A nd
R ejoice

Now, if we claim we believe in a Higher Power - regardless of our Faith Base we really shouldn't fear ANYthing because we claim that we TRUST our Creator "has this", right? According to the Christian faith, on which I was raised:

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

I also like to read and talk to people about other faiths. One that fascinates me is Buddhism. The Buddhist practice of creating mandalas is awe inspiring. I found this on Wikipedia: "To symbolize impermanence (a central teaching of Buddhism), after days or weeks of creating the intricate pattern, the sand is brushed together and is usually placed in a body of running water to spread the blessings of the mandala." My mind translates that: If we realize how temporary everything is -- we have no time or energy for fear.

Sometimes I have felt the need to: F.%&k E.verything A.nd R.un:
1) When bills seem to overwhelm: more needing to go out than coming in...
2) When Mice & rodents are present cuz they give me the "willies".
3) When speaking in front of large audiences, which causes my heart to pound in my ears.

I'm Proud when I have: F.aced E.verything A.nd R.ejoiced by taking action:
1) Call, Write, Address those who are owed and discuss options & alternatives.
2) My Dad & I went to a pet store and faced rodent thang together. We spoke with one of the shopkeepers who helped us hold a gerbil, so I felt the tiny thing quaking in fear, itself. I still don't want to live with any, but I realize they're more afraid than I am. Now, rats -- especially here in NYC - u just gotta respect 'em. Though I did read the book Rats: History & Habitat to get a better perspective on them, too;-).
3) I know that I have to be prepared and generally need a page or book to hold in my hands to refer to when my mind goes blank;-). I admire those who can freestyle it -- one day I'm sure to get to that level of courage! Also attending ToastMasters meetings to improve on that!

What faith or beliefs do you use to get you through your fears?

Past Discussion(s) on this topic:
Determined to Live Courageously!

*Click image for source & cool blog about mandalas & the artist who creates them!

Grown Freakin' Friday: MALE responses ONLY: ADULT subject matter for those over 18

Taking a turn from porn cuz I have a question that came to mind when 12Kyle posted this scenario.

Now, 12kyle's married & a couple other of u male bloggers are married. So, I want to hear your "take" on the whole wait out the physical intimacy concept. Some say the wait 3 months rule is a mind game. Some say once the milk's been tested he'll no longer want the cow. U get the idea - the clichés run the gamut -- some for waiting others against it! Personally, I have no answer: I've tried the waiting: *looking 'round: still single*. I've thrown convention to the winds: *looking 'round...yep, still single*. I know the image says waiting is exciting anticipation, but how long is too long/too short and what's a Grown Woman with needs to do who prefers a stable long term relationship? Maybe u can help a sistah out, cuz when we had this discussion at church -- there were no good answers! Tha's another post cuz that was the funniest thing I've ever seen at church! LOL!

Ladies - if you're married or in a serious relationship - I only want to "hear" your MAN'S perspective. I may even delete female responses because this is not a debate. I simply want to know what Men honestly think (feel free to log in as anonymous;-). So, Sistahs let's let the Fellas SPEAK on IT! I may come up with a question for the Ladies later. FELLAs U always say U want us to hush up & LISTEN... we're ALL EARS;-).

P.S. To all the MOTHER's - HAPPY Freakin' Mother's day ;-) ... & to the rest of us: HAPPY Children of Freakin' Mothers DAY! I mean the freakin' in a good way, of course!

*click image for source.

Movies Revisted & Better choices;-)

So, I returned those sorry azz movies to the library today (that I posted about yesterday). Needing to get that "sour" taste outta my mouth - I perused the library's movie collection and found a coupla GEMS!!
1) Jazz Casuals' John Coltrane.
2) Buena Vista Social Club.

1) Let me tell ya, I love jazz - I'm no jazz know-it-all. I can't "name that tune" or artist just by hearing it (had an 'ex' quiz me when he learned that I enjoyed jazz ... *rolling eyes*). I just enjoy jazz. I like what I like! One of my favorite jazz artists is John Coltrane. 1) I think the man was fine as could be! ;-) 2) I enjoy hearing his music. So, when I saw this movie on the rack I POUNCED! It did NOT fail me! The opening piece shows my boo playing with smoke rolling upwards and I wondered, "Is he smoking a cigarette while playing?" Sure enough, when he took a break, he took a puff then put his cigarette out. Now, I'm not promoting smoking - but, I did think, "DAYUMMM, u know u good when u can play as well as he does AND smoke a cigarette!" I mean the brother's got to have some lungs to play as he does WHILE smoking! LOL!

If u are a jazz fan - u've got to check this collection out!

2) I'm trying to immerse myself a bit more into Spanish cuz I need to & want to become fluent. Plus, I LOVE what I've experienced of the Hispanic culture. I love seeing scenes of Cuba - which I hope to visit someday. This movie fed all those "needs". The old dudes looked like they were having such fun! I think I need a young Hispanic man with an old soul;-). LOL! I dated one - but he had too many women & not enough, uh other tools that I need in my life. But, he was a true sweetheart & that Brother knew how to romance a sistah - so, I totally understood why so many women loved him;-)!

If Hispanic culture and music interest u - this is definitely a must see!

*click on images for source.

Too Through Tuesday!

I really had no intention of posting today. But then I watched my THIRD SAD-AZZ, DEPRESSING AZZ supposed COMEDY! WTF? What are these reviewers and critics SMOKING?

I almost don't want to say the names of these movies cuz I don't in ANY way want this to be considered publicity or promotion. BUT these have GOT to be the THREE worst movies of ALL times! Crazy as it sounds I think they're considered classics or trend-setters for some reason. Maybe if u saw them u can help me understand the humor.

See? I've been in a funk lately. Generally, to help myself OUT of such a funk I closet myself away with comedies and laugh until I feel better. But, NO! These movies just ticked me OFF!
Here they are - & I'm not providing links cuz again this is not promotion:

1) Fight Club - I generally like boxing mixed with comedy. Feeds my aggression while making me laugh. I thought this would be similar to SNATCH (one of my all time faves with Brad Pitt).
It.Was.NOTHING.LIKE.Snatch.AND.in.NO.WAY.WAS.it.FUNNY!!

2) Celebrity - all I have to say is: Bad imitation of a Woody Allen film (& it was WRITTEN & DIRECTED by Woody Allen - tha's the funniest part OF the movie - is finding out he DID write & direct it! LOL! I just noticed that just now as I looked at the case looking for the main characters' name). My review: UGH!

3) Running with Scissors - my heart bleeds for Gabrielle Union as she does what she has to pay those Hollyweird bills...

Welll, the only thing good about watching those movies - i'm no longer feeling "blue", I'm PISSED and TOO THROUGH cuz this was some ol' BULLSHYT!! Or maybe I needed to be high to watch 'em...

And I KNOW I'm pissed cuz I haven't used the term "too through" since I left college back in the 80's... I think it was a Norfolk/Tidewater area slang term. LOL! Hey, u just gotta laugh at B.S...

BlueBe Not Afraid Mondays

Been talking to my Daddy & a coupla friends (including bloggers) on the topic of FEAR. I've recently learned two new ways to look at FEAR:

F &%k
E verything
A nd
R un
-or-
F ace
E verything
A nd
R ejoice

I realize that both are valid depending on the circumstances. Below (and each Monday until I exhaust this topic;-) - I'll list some examples of each in my experience;-). I will try to balance them out -- it is my life goal to overcome most of my fears & the things that make me hesitate in life. I want to live a courageous life because too often fears are crippling and limiting. I know a man who has such a fear of going above the first floor of a building. Do you know how many opportunities and life experiences I would miss if I stayed on the ground level of buildings in NEW YORK CITY? I wish him well, but I am driven to overcome fears that have the potential to keep me from enjoying a full life.

I know that some fears are instincts that help keep us safe - like fear of falling or the fear of a gun pointing in your direction. And I know most other fears are reactions to tragic experiences. However, I want to train myself to believe there is ABSOLUTELY nothing to fear! Even God is not be feared, but should be revered! An example of overcoming a serious "logical" fear: If a gun is pointed in my direction I want my instincts to kick in and an alternative to be realized - either I'll talk the gun pointer into turning the gun elsewhere, I'll run in a zig-zagged pattern, or something. But, I NEVAH evah want to be paralyzed by fear. I feel strongly about this - especially now that we, U.S. residents live under a fear-mongering presidential regime who gets its rox off by promoting fear.

Sometimes I have felt the need to: F.%&k E.verything A.nd R.un:
1. When I encounter barking dogs - especially big dogs.
2. When I encountered snakes - especially in college - needed to walk a wooded path.
3. Flying on airplanes makes my heart race.

I'm Proud when I have: F.aced E.verything A.nd R.ejoiced:
1. Encounter the dog owners & learn the dogs weren't as bad as I had initially thought. Now, it's the owners I watch.
2. Volunteered at the Nat'l Zoo in DC & learned about snakes - even handled a few.
3. When I fly I pull out my journal and write exactly what I'm feeling and EVERY time it's helped to calm my nerves - even through turbulence (besides, where am I going to run TO once I'm on the plane?;-).

What fears are U working to overcome?

*click image for source & info. on Edvard Munch.

LifeLock.com: Protect Your Identity

I've often joked that if any thief tapped into my accounts they would feel the urge to put money INTO them. While I like to still think that's true - I admit that this identity theft crap has me a bit concerned and somewhat angered! I am concerned because it's too easy for folk to get into my private affair$ and angered because it's too easy to get all into my bu$ine$$! After one of my girls got her identity stolen I immediately ran out and got a shredder, I check my bills closely and I sign the back of my cards: Ask for ID. But is that enough to lock in protection? You know I can count the times that a sales person asks for my ID, right? And then, what about paying at machines where no one is there to check an ID?

So, the other day I was listening to Michael Baisden and he urged his listeners to check their credit to make sure no one is tampering with it. He also mentioned and highly recommended the service: LifeLock.com. I admit, I'm still on the fence and need to check my credit reports - but I'll be doing it sooner rather than later. Cuz what really concerns me is not the fact that thieves will use my existing cards, these bonsofsitches will open new shyt using my name. Hey, if I can't go out and have a grand ol' time -- the credit bureaus bettah NOT let anyone else have a good time in my name! So, you may wanna check out what folk are saying about LifeLock in their reviews. I know I will be!

Grown Freakin' Friday: ADULT subject matter for those over 18

Last week, Brother Rich brought up a topic in the comments about capturing the mind of your seducee (yea, I just made up that word:-). So, I ask: If you had no porn alternatives to kick start that imagination and you had to capture your seducee by first engaging their mind ... what are some of your techniques?

What are some of the most stimulating conversations or interactions you've ever had where there were no blatant references to sex, but you began to think: "DAYUMMM! S/He's got me so open, I'd jump on him/her right here, right now!" I want to know what mentally got U going and they had no idea that U were all hot & bothered. I'll give an example: One of my most evocative memories involved absolutely no references to sex, but I -- whew! if he had taken this cow-girl by her horns -- I wouldn't have been able to stop him if I tried. I was on a long distance train ride with a dear friend. I rested my head on his shoulder as he read to me. He was so enthralled by what he read, the passion, his voice, the words and steady rhythm of the train...I'm telling you it was a lethal mix! That passing fancy was never acted upon, but it continues to be one of my greatest memories and the basis for many a fantasy! LOL!

I will tell you there's nothing sexier than a man who loves what he's doing! I'm going to give that one away, Rich. Maybe it'll help prime the pump;-).

Past Grown Folk discussions:
Toe Curling Tips
Do Porn & Intimacy go together?
What is Porn & How do U feel about it?
How do U feel about Porn Enthusiasts?

*click image for source.

Jus' a Coupla Thangs on My Mind....

I've been trying to avoid this Sean Bell & Nicole Paultre-Bell tragedy cuz I don't like being angry about things I can't do anything about. I'm a problem solver & solution seeker. So, I take this lesson from this young couple's tragedy: Get Married legally before the Ceremony. Since there was no license signed by Mr. Bell, Nicole has adopted his last name, but technically is not his wife/widow.

Then I found this video featuring one of my fave rap-artists: Busa' BUS! Now, I don't know the Brother personally, but his music always brangs a giggle to my lips and a wiggle to my hips;-). I have no idea how his new album sounds, so don't run out & buy it on my account - but I do like the title: Blessed ... and I'm digging this collaboration with Linkin Park: