Fantastic First Weekend of SUMMER '08!

Toldjall '08 would be great! Began the Summer of '08 with a FUN-TASTIC weekend!!

Started off by whizzin' down into HARLEM World on Friday at around 4pm-ish to pick up Sistah Babz from 125th street's Metro North station. First stop, a bite to eat at Strictly Roots vegetarian spot, where I had to ask old dude sitting on the curb politely if he'd mind my parking in front. He obliged by moving his feet;-). His crew began to ask questions about the MINI, while curb-sitter asked us to get him a burger. I wasn't mad at him: Strictly Roots' burgers are Da BALM!! LOL! They took owner-ship of Li'l Red by leaningall over her and inspecting her closely as Babz & I proceeded inside for a li'l something to take the edge off so we could enjoy our stroll through Harlem without the agitation brought on by belly-growls;-).

We cruised along 125th stopping in various stores that caught our attention as we headed toward our destination: Hue-Man BookStore. The weather brought everybody out and there was much to see! I felt like an owl as I tried to see everythang and e'rybody. Babz and I laughed about one water-selling entrepreneur who'd rigged up a mop handle to hold a bottle of water and a bucket to collect the money from the roof-top bus riders on double decker buses! I'm sure the Brother also had rigged up a noose in case any of those riders attempted to take his water without paying! LOL!

As we made our way back toward the car a brother in dark shades stepped in front of me. Now, I was being nosey, watching everything else, not paying him any real attention other than to step out of his way. But, he seemed to stumble and step in front of me again. I finally looked at him closely ready to snap on his azz when I realized it was a comedian that I have a secret crush on! I mentioned him on my list of comedians I'm thankful to have seen perform. Now, I've got a picture with: Capone! Can you tell I'm happy to be there? LOL!

Click on the flick to see a video of Capone in action: Warning - explicit language;-).

We put a li'l pep in our step because the skies were dark as if the heavens were going to pour down in force! The Weather Gods were with us:-). We drove down to 114th and 8th Avenue, found parking and made it into Melba's before the storm! Eb the Celeb blew in to that piece and the laughs began! That li'l chica-chic is hilarious and so full of energy!! Not to mention forgiving - it didn't even phase her that I didn't make it to Wednesday's Happy Hour. But, Eb knows I won't miss the next one now that I see she iz da TRUFF (not that i doubted it - but now I KNOW;-)!
My good friend, DKM joined us, we finished our appetizers and drinks then strolled a few blocks north to Nectar, Harlem's first wine bar (that I know of;-). Eb told us that wine wasn't her thing (... yet - she's still youthful & loving the head-kick of likker;-). That didn't stop her from taking notes on the selections that Beth brought to us. Big UPS to Nectar's own - Beth and Nigel: Beth was our guide (or sommelier;-) for the evening and Nigel brought us snacks as the night drew on. Nectar's is a cozy li'l spot that seems to draw ladies, couples on dates and gentlemen with a softer side. Eb cut out to join her party people ... maybe a bit too early as a young cutie did come in with a birthday celebration. He sat beside us and engaged in more conversation with us than he did his own party. I certainly enjoyed his testosterone inflected conversation;-). Howevah, I'm sure there were puh-lenty of cuties wherever Eb and her crew ended up;-).



On our way north to The Boogie Down, Babz asked if I were a morning person ... after getting home at 2am: Hayl Nawl! I was just glad she could entertain herself when I heard her "non-morning" self get up at 8 in THE MORNING! LOL!

I finally got up at 9:30ish since I didn't wanna sleep her time away;-). We got it together, had brunch at a local diner then headed to The City (as Manhattan is called in these pahts;-). We ended up hanging out in SoHo - popping into various shops, such as: Crate & Barrel, Kenneth Cole, Prada (I tried on a pair of masterpieces that I'll go back for when I'm able to spend $700 on ONE pair of shoes;-), and Room & Board. Eric of Room & Board told us about a nearby wine bar, when we asked where to go for refreshments;-). Of course, we had to venture over and try Vintage New York! Their fish sandwich was quite tasty on whole grain bread. The chips were a bit too oily, but I polished them off to counter the effects of the wine;-). I do have a suspicion that they're the same owners as the Harlem Vintage, so I'll have to investigate a bit more;-).

We floated back to the car, headed north on Hudson River parkway and arrived at Organized Noise's Fund Raiser - Liquid Lyrics: Words Over Manhattan at 135th & Riverside Drive by 8pm. I was SOOO excited that my girl E.J. was able to meet us there! She hung out with us Wicked Women: Babz & I on the lovely rooftop as we waited for the readings to begin. FYI: I discovered the Trattatoria where Eb the Celeb's Wednesday Happy Hours are held! It's located just below the overlook of O.N.'s selected location! What a coinky-dink!


Oh! Lance did call as we were heading north. He spoke to Babz & we're planning a day trip to CT at some point;-). Stay tuned for Brown Bloggers Take over CT. LOL!

Thanx again to Organized Noise for giving me the opportunity to showcase my works. Big Thanx to Sistah Camille who purchased a copy of my poetry booklet! It was fun to meet the other writers, too. In the group flick below from left to right: Organized Noise, Isaiah, me;-), Joseph & Tameka.


The only other blogger who made herself known to me was the mysterious-no-photos-please Blah, Blah, Blah. Was NICE meetin' ya & getting a hug, Sis! Hmmm, Organized Noise - u gotta do a bettah job of introducing bloggers - I see at your spot that SEVERAL others were in the house that I have yet to meet (& their profiles don't have photos - so, I couldn't pounce;-)! Learned that the one Brother who came out to the deck to talk to us is also a blogger: Will.

Of course, we had to have a night-cap;-). Babz and I met my girl, DKM and her man, RL at our local watering hole in da Bronx: F&J Pine (Wow! I just discovered they've got a working website, now - check it out;-)! ALL of our favorite bartenders & wait staff were in da House, so Babz got the full flavor of why we love that place! She even got her mack on with a PapiChulo!

As "they" say, all great things must come to an end. When Mama Babz gently called my name before 9am the next morning I knew she was ready to get home to her babies. I redeemed myself by going to church after dropping Sistah Babz off at the station. Glad I could be part of your first Blog-Meet weekend, Sistah Babz!

So, there U have it - my Fun-tastic Blogger Meet Weekend ... may this summer be FILLED with them;-)!