Brother Slish's comment deserves POST status

Brother Mr. Slish commented on a post of Eb the Celeb's last week. It was THE. MOST. HONEST. & REAL. statement I've YET to hear ANY man utter! Thank U, Brother Slish for confirming ALL my thoughts on the subject of Men & Commitment (I deleted what was meant specifically for Eb & emboldened the point I've been trying to tell folk for years;-):

Mr.Slish said...

Listen to this old gangsta because I'm probably older than most of these cats..Men don't want to date a woman who behaves like a man..Not saying that you do but to say you date like one. You can think it but don't ever say it to a guy.

Men need to feel like men in a relationship. The fact that you're so cool and you watch sports is fantastic but don't let them know that until after you've made them work a little..If you act like you don't need to be wined and dined then they won't. You're lowering the bar for yourself by making it too easy for these boys calling themselves men.

Stop playing guessing games. If you like a dude let him know right away. The worst he could say is "I'm not feeling you." That ain't gonna kill you..If you keep playing the lets just kick it and see game. Eventually your psyche will be looking to dig your self a ditch to lay down in...

Now the biggest misnomer out there is that a woman can make a man commit..Not so.. He's already decided before meeting you. So in other words women just happen to be in the right place and the right time.

Take your time -- love will eventually find you. Can't force or put a timetable on it...

June 25, 2008 11:32 AM

*Click image for source.

Thankful Thursdays [6 of 50]

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

101) That I'm celebrating my Daddy's birthday with him TODAY!

102) That I celebrated my Mom's birthday with her in December;-).

103) We experienced a scare a couple of years back when my Mom's thyroid became hyperactive and she lost a ton of weight without trying - almost as if she were literally melting. Since that time, I made a vow to spend every birthday with them! I'm thankful that I've been able to keep that vow.

104) I am ETERNALLY thankful that my life has been filled with EASY lessons - at least physically. Men have been gentle with me, I've never been in any major brawls or beat downs ... I do not take that for granted. I have been trained to protect myself - but like my lifeguard training -- am thankful I've never needed it.

105) When I look around at the lives of others I know that I am extremely blessed! I may not have everything (or everyONE: mate, living grandparents, close knit extended family, etc.) I desire - but I am SO thankful for all the luxuries in life I DO have & all of the loving connections with folk that I DO experience (both parents, all siblings & nephews, close with some of my extended relatives, blessed with great friends, etc.).

106) I enjoy my NOWs and dwell not on the ... "it would be better if"s....

107) When I read my poetry & prose at gatherings I consciously experience myself slowing my breath & allowing myself to relish in the moment ... and enjoy the poem or prose again. When I read last Saturday at Organized Noise's event I actually "left" the room full of people looking at me during that last poem. Instead, I entered into the room where the poem took place in my own imagination and it felt good... I always experience that as a silent reader of others' works - that was the first time I experienced that while reading aloud from my own work.

108) Peace with my place in life. Knowing I have work to do and looking forward to that, too.

109) If I could break down all of the myriad of experiences that I had during that short seven months in The USN: Boot Camp, F.I.T. division, Separations, T.H.U. - each taught me so much about me & my relationships with others! Even as a "cog" in the human grinding military machine - connecting with people is still most important!! My people personality & sense of humor saved my life (& continues to save me as a "civilian";-)!

110) Hanging out with my sisters when we were young. We used to venture all OVAH DC! Hanging out on Georgia Avenue, on Wisconsin Avenue & M sts. in Georgetown, etc. And mannn, we used to walk everywhere like it was nothing: car or not - we were always on the move! Going to Go-Go's with them was fun, too. Those were good times!

111) Summer free concerts in the parks! DC ALWAYS had something going on for free! Lots of Go-Go Bands live (up at Emory Park, out in NorfEas' somewhere, or down on Southern Avenue;-). Free Jazz at Fort Dupont Park - with blankets, coolers filled with plenty to eat & drank;-).

112) FESTS & other outdoor events: RiverFest, Black Family Reunion on The Mall, Block parties, carnivals, etc.

113) Road trips with my crew! It was so live going from college to college: AggieFest, Step shows & games at Hampton, Norfolk State, JMU, Va. State, etc.

114) LABOR DAY '88 in Va. Beach!! It was on & crack-a-lackin'!! That ENTIRE WEEKEND was ONE NON-STOP parrrrTAYYYY! Whew! Even the riotous events of that Monday did not dampen the blassttt that we had that weekend! Man, we partied with the "up & coming" stars of that day: EPMD, Kid & Play, Heavy D, etc. & I DO mean partied WITH - they were in the crowds groovin' with us!

115) Cook - OUTS!! Food on the grill is da Balm diggity! Corn, grilled veggies, sKrimps, etc. with an ice cold brew, some jokahs with plenty of stories & laughs ... it don't get much bettah than that;-)

116) Have had picnics, gone to beaches & paddle boated in a cute li'l flirty dress with a sweetie

117) Amusement parks were the THANG in H.S. & College! Used to be fun to meet guys & ride the roller coaster with them, if they were cool we'd spend the rest of the time in the park with them.

118) Taking the subway to H.S. and flirting on the way to school! Meeting up with my girls, talkin' smack, etc. Would be early to meet them & still end up late for school - so busy socializing! LOL! We were glad we didn't have to wear uniforms to our private school - so, the boys didn't know where we went until we told them.

119) Sweet experience of my first boyfriend following me home from school and worked up his nerve to speak and get my number. He was the CUTEST!

120) I'm moving forward! My identity/ego isn't tied to a vehicle. I loved the MINI as much as I loved my: VW Bug, VW Fox, VW GTI. Each of those babies were special to me & provided great service and miles of smiles. Now, I'm excited to be CoROLLin':

Click onto image for source.

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].
Fifth Thankful Thursday [81-100]

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;-)!

Git 2 know U & Me: Hanging OUT in Harlem;-)

Reminder:
I'll be looking to meet more Bloggers/Lurkers at the following events/parties this week:

Thanx 4 callin' in Rich: Sunday, June 15th to my evening:
BTRadio Show on Confidence & Gettin' Comfy with Self!

1) Eb The Celeb's Co-Hosting monthly!
[My Bad for flaking out on your first one, Sis. I got NO excuse in July.]

Wednesday, June 18, you are invited to Kick Off Summer in Harlem.
@ Covo Tratoria
701 West 135th Street and 12th Ave
(212) 234-9573
Featuring happy hour food and drink specials from 7pm-12am.

2) Several Writers & Artists who also Blog will be meeting me & LoveBabz at Harlem's newest, much raved about wine bar: Nectar at about 8:30pm on Friday the 20th;-). Since LoveBabz'll be with me I'll probably be more prompt than usual. LOL! If u don't wanna chance missing us - leave your email addy in the comments & i'll send u my cell number (Don't wanna miss u again, Yellow Rebel;-).

3) Organized Noise is Doing a Great Deed!

Liquid Lyrics: Words Over Manhattan -- An intimate night of poetry and spoken word. Saturday, June 21, 2008 7-10pm. Rio Gallery II 583 Riverside Drive (135th Street) - 7th Floor, Harlem, New York 10031. Admission - $10

Where ELSE can U listen to/share your poetry, mingle and support a scholarship fund raiser? His alumni association is raising money to offset the cost of tuition for students (from New York) who are currently at Morgan State University. How cool is THAT? A party with a purpose;-). If u wanna be showcased - head over to Organized's spot & let him know. I'm sharing & hope to hear U, too;-).

Le's Get this Summer Started RIGHT!! ;-)

Thankful Thursdays [5 of 50]

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

81) I am thankful that I have a HILARIOUS sense of humor: I love laughing & like it when I can make others laugh. Laughter really does heal what ails me!

82) I don't take myself too seriously. Quick funny story that still cracked me & Miz UP as we recalled it when I was in da ATL:

At The RT convention I bunked with fellow authors: Miz & Jean. During the day the featured authors gave away so many treats & one of my faves was the lip balm cuz I hate dry lips. I assumed all of the balms were clear, so as we prepared for bed I just grabbed one & swiped it carelessly across my lips. But, it felt drier & thicker than lip balm should and I said aloud: "This don't feel like lip balm." Jean froze in place across the room, stared & responded slowly as one might to a mad-man: "Uhhh, it don't look like it, either. You may wanna check the mirror." I stepped into the bathroom & faced The Joker in the Mirror! As I wiped the fiery red "lip balm" off my lips, Miz calmly commented from the computer where she was working: "I was just hoping u wouldn't stab us in our sleep, Bride of Chucky." I know that may be one of those "u had to be there moments" - but if u have any imagination u can imagine how crazy I must have looked! LOL!

83) That I've been to see some of the funniest comedians EVAH, Live & in person: Richard Pryor (that was a New Year's Eve show to remember! R.I.P. Brothah), Mike Britt, Capone, Rob Stapleton, Paul Mooney, Rasheed (R.I.P. Bruh), Ced the Entertainer along with his host of up & coming comedians, Monique, to name a few. Only seen a few women comedians live & sadly I don't recall more of their names - but I would love to see this chica live: Vanessa Fraction.

84) I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I have some of THE funniest family members: from the babies to the elders! Sometimes I wish I could record our family gatherings - but then, it wouldn't be the same if folk knew they were "on".

85) Most of my friends are funny!

86) My college sweet-heart was a straight FOOL! Dayummm, I miss being with that lovable clown! Thinking about him still makes me smile. *Sigh* too bad going back has never been a good thing for me ...

87) That my prayer to work and become business partners with folk I actually enjoy hanging out with is coming true! My new j.o.b. I'm part of the coolest department! Where else do U start your job with hugz? LOL! And I'm excited about all the biz ventures I'm starting up. I read once that Chris Rock said for him that going to work was like going to hang out. I'm getting there! Whoever said don't mix business & pleasure was wrong!! Pleasure is serious business to me;-).

88) I have enjoyed some of the funniest moments at work while teaching! It's the hilarity of students that makes me keep returning to the class-room. Even during "hellish" dayz there is usually some hilarious episode. I attempt to jot down some of those moments because I think it'll be a great book. I love it when my students share in the laugh with me.

Another Quick funny story: I tend to be sarcastic and most of my students are aware of that, so they don't take it personal. This time it back-fired on me and all I could do was laugh. When teaching computers one of the routines I get my students into is to immediately begin to practice touch typing as the "dribble" into my class from various locations. They all had arrived and it was time for me to start the lesson. As I called their attention to the front I counted down. One student wanted to finish her typing level and called out: "One sec!" I sarcastically called back: "No! No more secs ... secONDS, no more seconds!" It was too late - they were in fourth grade hysterics!

89) I love private jokes and am thankful that I've enjoyed & continue to enjoy quite a few with my Daddy & my best friends! U know those jokes that someone else will unwittingly say a word that triggers giggles! I am always quick to share the inside joke so folk won't feel left out or think we're laughing at them. Generally, after being told about the inside joke the "new" person will roll their eyes or give that patronizing smile - which makes us laugh even more! LOL!

90) I like that I am pretty adventurous and brave. I did not always believe this, but I am thankful to BE as adventurous as I am.

91) I've mentioned this before briefly: Moving to NYC without having any family here and only knowing ONE other person/dear friend - is one of the brave things I've done. I am blessed with a loving community of friends (some are re-discovered from my past & some new to me;-).

92) Joining the US Navy was very brave for me - and it felt like a brave thing to do! Never knew that I would miss my family & friends so much until I could only call when I was allowed specific phone calls with time limits. I have a greater respect for those who sacrifice so much to serve this country I call home! I am not ashamed to admit that this Grown & Sexy Sistah cried herself to sleep for the first two weeks of boot camp. I had never been so homesick! I learned a great deal about me during that "short" time.

93) All I need is a credit card and a map and I will find my way anywhere in the USA if I tell someone I'll meet them "there". I've always liked maps - even as a little girl maps fascinated me. I helped my father read the map as he drove during family trips because "all those lines" frustrated everyone else. LOL!

94) I am thankful that I no longer have to be the center of attention. I can enjoy parties just by chillin' & watchin' others have a great time! But, I can easily step into that spot light if need be;-).

95) Thankfully, I've lived through some of the hilarious risks that are taken as a youngstah! Now, those risks (which I'll let your imagination run with) are simply experiences I can look back at and smile about - thankful I had them & lived to remember them (cuz some things are better left unsaid;-).

96) That someone created computers, the Internet & blogs (& opened it up for civilian use;-) so that I could expand my circle of friends and even improve my career! Blogging really has been an amazing phenomena for me!

97) To be alive and alert - experiencing all of the technological advances in my life time. When I think of the fact that my parents remember a world without television it's amazing how much has changed in a generation. Even I remember television with limited channels and that it ended at midnight or soon thereafter with the flag waving and the star spangled banner playing!

98) I've been taught (& absorbed this lesson) to be quiet inside. As delighted as I am by all of the technology I am blessed to sit quiet without sights or sounds each day to listen & communicate with my Maker.

99) Despite my frustration at being single - I am SOOO thankful that I'm really learning to observe couples with a critical eye and learn their "dance" moves. I'm in a very good place emotionally. I really do feel as if The Master is guiding me in the ways of loving Womanhood.

100) That I'm loving ME entirely: imperfections AND perfections. This may be one of my greatest life experiences: self acceptance.

The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].
Fourth Thankful Thursday [61-80].

$marter move$

It's no secret that I'm excited about my new position of employment! Before I begin to draw this new salary I've been prepping myself to make $marter decisions. I don't want to make the typical lotto winner's mistake of blowing e'ry last dime and going broke! LOL!

I recently learned about: ShopWiki.com. I was told that ShopWiki revolutionizes online shopping since it finds every store on the internet by crawling like Google. Traditional shopping sites will only show you stores that have PAID for placement, whereas ShopWiki will give a shopper everything that's online. For a shopper, this means they can find anything and everything for sale on the web at ShopWiki.com. More products from more stores means better deals and savings for me & u readers (doesn't it?;-)! I did a test drive by putting in the term Manolo Blahniks (the ladies will feel me on this;-). When I saw that there is a pair available for FOURTEEN DOLLARS I figured this site is well worth returning to! Just for fun I searched for Wii - though, I doubt I'll ever purchase one (then again if I plan to ever be social enough to get married I may have to! LOL!). While I am a bit skeptical about the fact that there's a console with five games available for ONE dollar - ShopWiki.com seems like a very cool site. I like the funky "floaters" as you scan the items which tell you the listings of the stores AND you can read or write reviews!

I am very excited about shopping again - but more excited about saving my ducket$!!

*click image for source.

A Few Random 'Musings...

• Mannn, I'm glad to be GLAD about going to work in a school again. Yea, I know this is a new gig & expect it will have its share of "bitch features" like every job - but it feels right & I'm excited! I went for a meeting yesterday and I felt like an exuberant school kid: getting new supplies, meeting new folk, hearing the initial low down on the up coming routine & taking notes. I really DO love being in the private school environment (had to clarify that after my year subbing in NYC's public schools. LOL!;-).
  


• I'm working on a book about my educational experiences where i'll lay it all out! Stay tuned;-).
  


• Living a long time is a wonderful blessing! I never understand folk who dislike celebrating more & more birthdays. I get better & more excited about all that I'm discovering about self with each passing, day, month & year!! It's too bad that aging has a negative connotation. In the voice of Katt Williams: U don't like aging? Aging is da Shyt! And to quote my eldest sister: "I don't tell my age cuz I don't want to embarrass U!" ;-).
  


• T-Dawg's not the only one who hang dries his clothes. My mama still does, too & I luv it. I'll do so again when/if I ever move to a home with a yard;-).


• Thanx to Sistah Nicole getting me undeniably riled into politics, my new motto is: Enjoy your life & BeCome your Dream! I did borrow the Become Your Dream part from De la Vega.


• I wish I had time to thoroughly read through the archives of all my fave bloggers. I wish I could read blogs while at the beach (without printing them out;-) - even with wireless I won't have my laptop exposed to all that sand & sun.
  


• I'm LOVING my new Header created by Sistah KoffeeDyme! Sometimes I just stare at it: it's so me - head in the clouds;-). I simply described that I'd like either moving clouds or water crashing on the shore - and her finished product "feels" as if she read my mind!


• As always, I had fun with my BTRadio segment. This segment has music, a great conversation with Rich (thanx 4 callin' in, Bruh!), gave several bloggers luv (as I DO;-), and it focuses on a topic that I feel is needed for sparking other conversations about self acceptance. I like this BTR thang over all - surprisingly, I get a li'l nervous cuz I never know who hears it or how I'm going to sound.
  

Thanx 2 the Li'l Harlem Mamacita;-)

Forgot to include this in my ATL travels story last Thursday. It's a funny experience I had when I got off the 6 train at 125th street & Lexington Ave.: Harlem, USA. I walked to the stop for the bus to LaGuardia Airport. Along came this li'l Baby Girl walkin' with her mom, wavin' & sangin' this li'l tune. The li'l girl could not have been more than 6 years old, if that. She was so into it she had a li'l hoppity type of walk-dance going and everything. I looked up at her mother who was watching me watch her daughter and we both burst out laughin'. I'd never heard the song before so I came home and googled it. I think the li'l girl was a prophetess who knew I would need this on my journey. Enjoy!

Note: 12Kyle & other sports fans will be proud to know that due to yesterday's lovely weather and the playoff game - I was detained at a local watering spot and unable to "make" my own BTRadio Show;-). SOOOOO, I rescheduled it for tonight LIVE at 9:30pm EST;-).

PlayStation has a new game for Father's Day

Thanx 2 my Main Apple Scrapple!

We may not celebrate "the man's" media hyped holidayz with consumerist fripperies, but no doubt I have MUCH luv for the best friend and truest Father I could ask for! Thanx, Daddy for alwayz having my best interest at heart, for being my greatest inspiration, source of support, and the one I can call to talk with for hours - always sure to get into encouraging, mind expanding conversations with plenty of good laughs!

Wishing a peaceful Father's Day Weekend to BlogLand!

Thankful Thursday (special edition): I've Recovered & Got Stories 2 Tell!

(Click image to see more over at The Rich House)

First, I gotta say: ALL eyez on Sistah Miz!
She certainly deserves the spot light cuz
Sis put it DOWN this past weekend
& showed us how it's done in da Durty!

My "party" started in the NYC's LaGuardia airport when my flight was delayed an hour and I headed to the bar;-). Seems I woke the sullen patrons when I asked the bartender: "Any Happy Hour specials?" One blond woman in a suit whose flight must've been really delayed said: "No ones happy at airport bars." I corrected her: "Everyone's happy, we're all escaping!" She wasn't buying it, but the Hispanic lookin' Sistah next to her glanced at me with a quiet grin. Anyway, I was happy as I stood there a moment trying to decide how much more happy I was trying to get & simply chose a frosty brew buzz. Sat down and the blond dude next to me introduced himself then proceeded to share some of his career & life story, which was genuinely interesting. I've never met a genetic engineer/chemist before. He shared fascinatingly frightening tidbits about scientific possibilities. Watching I AM LEGEND after meeting him gave the movie a new, ummm, reality. Bonus: he bought the second round;-).

Floated off the bar and headed to the gate in time for my smooth flight which landed at about 10:30pm. The flight attendants announced as we were landing: "Welcome to Atlanta. The temperature here is NINETY-FIVE DEGREEZ." Good lawd! Miz pulled up soon after I arrived and I noticed she was lookin' all cute - but I figured she'd come from somewhere else. She informed me that we'd at least stop at one of the local spots for a drink. Cool. Then she pulls up into the parking lot of Arizona's where ALL the Pretty People seemed to be hanging out! Brothers were in linen and Sistahs were sporting summery dresses or jeans & fly azz shoes! Oh HAYL nawl! I was wearing comfy travel gear: gym pants & sneakers. Yes, I did pull the quick change into jeans & heels in Miz's front seat! We laughed about charging anyone for a peek! Heyyyy, gon' make a li'l change while I'm her'! We chilled at the bar long enough to have a drink and appetizer then we moved outdoors to enjoy the live band! It felt good to be around fly Black Folk! The band even hit that Go-Go beat one time as if they knew I was in da house!

Miz & I were far from sleepy when we got to her beautiful home. She gave me the tour & it was imperative that we "christen" her new patio set! We changed into comfy gear & met at the kitchen where we poured wine and headed to the patio. I knew we had plenty to catch up on - but I didn't realize we'd pull an all nighter! It was 4am before we decided to call it "a night". I can't thank Miz enough for being the most gracious hostess. Not sure if I'd give up my bed and put my kids out for a weekend guest (I didn't feel too bad 'bout the kids, since she sent 'em to their Daddy's ... but to give up her bed!;-).

The next afternoon when I awoke it was so quiet I thought that Miz had gone out. After taking a shower I took my slightly grape-smashedness in to her kitchen to raid her fridge (u gotta feed da grape;-). I heard "her" coming from another room and hollered out, "Hey Girl!" not wanting her to shoot my azz leaning into her fridge. Around the corner comes Miz's daughter who jumped at the sight of me. I introduced myself and she calmed down but still seemed wary of the stranger in her moma's kitchen. Miz stumbled in and I let her know I was ready to raid her fridge. She too was hungry, so we got ourselves together and went to hang-over heaven: Waffle House - cheaper & less crowded than IHOP;-).

We had the Waffle House & it's staff all to ourselves since we'd just missed the brunch rush. The gentlemen were friendly and chatting it up which led the manager/franchise owner, Terence to purchase a copy of Bloggers Delight, vol. 1 and 52 Broad Street! Tha's the breakfast of champions;-)! Feeling much bettah with our bellies full, egos stroked & books sold - we rolled out of there knowing we needed to get it in gear since we had to load up the car and intended to stop by T-Dawg's New Shop: BrainCell before arriving early enough to set up for the book celebration. Unfortunately, Miz & I were talking so much we missed T-Dawg's exit and things in da ATL aren't "right around the corner", so we just had to keep it moving & hope that T-Dawg knew to blame our heads/ motor mouths & not our hearts;-).

When we got to The Grounds Coffee House another party was leaving out. Rather than sit in the car until they were done and use up Miz's gas to keep cool, I suggested we check out the lovely li'l boutique next door to the coffee shoppe! I asked if they had hair jewelry, dude at the counter said no, but my creativity kicked in and I asked to look closer at a bracelet which could double as a fly "scrunchy" and it did quite nicely. As clerk-dude searched for the price in a box of jewelry my nosiness paid off as I discovered the cutest SHOE necklace in the box he rifled through. With bracelet/hair jewelry & shoe necklace (see photo below;-) -- I was ready!

(Click on above image to get to Tony Oh's spot
for even more great shots)

I assisted Miz in setting up the tables & chairs as she desired while the musician/singer set up his equipment. I even enlisted the muscles of a coffee house patron to unload a box of books from Miz's trunk. As we were unloading and setting up Sistah Jali rolled up on us. We whooped, hugged & hollered like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years! Her energy is soooo cool & laid back! Soon after her arrival The Rich House came through with an entourage of wife & parents! All of them sweethearts - though Daddy Rich has devilment sparkling in his eyes;-). T-Dawg and Tony Ohhh slid up into the place just as smooth as only country men can be like a hug waiting to happen and I got my fill!

While waiting on the arrival of other folk - I made myself useful by pulling jokahs off the street. LOL! No, seriously - I was looking out into the heat for Sistah Jali when I noticed a brother walk toward the door with puzzlement on his face as if he couldn't believe his favorite coffee shop was closed to the public. I stepped out, invited him in, told him what we were doing and he bought a book! I even got all of the authors in attendance to sign it for him - which was a challenge because it was like interrupting mini reunions. Thanx Bruthah Alton for supporting our first volume of Bloggers' Delight.

After that it was like a wonderful whirlwind which brought in all sorts of family, friends and more blog-family!! It's a funny thing -- this learning to "perform" in the midst of having family reunions - cuz that's what these celebrations have all been! When Miz called me up to read, I was in the back of the shoppe and you would've thought she called me to be the next contestant on The Price is Right the way I ran up to the mic! LOL! Thankfully, I pulled it together enough to find my reading segment - even if I did ramble a bit while flipping through the book. Although, I get a bit nervous while reading - when I look out at the faces listening attentively - it's all LOVE and it feels so good!

After the readings and photo ops, I began to burn Go- Go music from my laptop for 12Kyle & Rich who had requested it. Since 12Kyle brought extra disks I kept burning for others who were interested in that DC sound;-). Of course, we couldn't let the party stop at the coffee house! This was da ATL - the party capital of da Durty! 12Kyle had to change into his Daddy-Cape, so he couldn't cut a rug with me - but I've got a rain check for next time! Several others also had to call it a night, so a few of us die-hards took it onto the Atlantic Center for a li'l eye candy, dranks & appetizers. It was only appropriate that we end our night in the nation's "shoe modeling" capital at a spot called: STRIP! LOL! I must add that the sistahs DO rock some serious shoes in da ATL!

U would've thought that after such a full day, Miz & I would hit our pillows as soon as we got back to her spot. But, u KNOW we had to end my stay with one more night on her lovely patio with the remainder of that wine we popped the night before. Yes, folk - I had a wonderful time in da ATL! My natural high couldn't even be brought down by the major delayed return to NYC! My delay was caused by expensive hair products which I refused to trash and checking my luggage caused me to miss my flight. Storms in the NYC area delayed the flight I boarded. God is still in the blessing business because my dear friend's fiancé had to work late and he works near La Guardia, so he was able to scoop me and drop me at my door on his way home! I know next time I go to the ATL that their baggage checkers don't play;-).

ATL wuz HOT & so were WE;-)!

(Click on image to enlarge)

Here's just a quick taste of the HOTNESS as History is Being MADE! It was 95 degrees when my flight touched down on Friday at 11PM (da ATL don't play;-)! THEN, Sistah MizRepresent put together THE HOTTEST Bloggers' Delight Book Celebration TO DATE! Enjoy this view until I can make it back with full, juicy details! MizRepresent & The Rich House have posted some details - so check their blogs 'til I can get it together. Had a challenging trip home - but I am SO thankful to The Creator that I am SAFE, that a "little" 12 hour delay was NUTHIN';-). Besides, I had such a great time & am so thankful for the blessing of this adventure called Bloggers' Delight that I only feel LUV! But, I am a li'l exhausted, so I'll HOLLA back in a bit;-)

As Gas Goes UP I Consider Going Down Undah! LOL!

So, while being driven 'round da ATL by Sistah Miz u know i took note of how much "cheaper" gas was in da Durty South: $3.98/4.15 range. Here in NYC the range starts at $4 (and tha's a deal!;-). Crazy, right? So, I checked world-wide gas prices and am thankful that we haven't reached the $6 & up that most pay abroad. Shooot, it may be easier to move to a teeny country, like New Zealand! LOL!! Hey, even if gas is $6 a gallon you'll get great "mileage" if the entire country's total land area is a mere 270,000 square kilometres (104,000 square miles)!

And don't get me started if The Obamas don't move into the Presidential Suites at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Fall. I may seriously consider emigrating Down Undah cuz this country under McShame (thanx 4 that, 12kyle;-) will be an unbearable resurgence of this present regime. Looks like I only need to live there for ten years in order to qualify for their guaranteed retirement at 65 and it's such a remote location I don't even think US bill collectors will come looking for me. LOL!

C U in Da ATL tomorrow!!

The Bloggers Delight Book Release Party III
The Grounds Coffeehouse @SkyLofts
898 Oak Street, Atlanta, GA.
Sat., June 7th: 7-10pm.

If you're in Ft. Lauderdale, FL show luv to Brother Zay here:
Location:African Research American Library and Cultural Center2650 Sistrunk BoulevardFort Lauderdale, FL 33311 US
When:Saturday, June 7, 12:00PM
Phone:866-230-5692
Email:xavierpjr@gmail.com

Thankful Thursdays [4 of 50]

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

61) THIS wonderful Head full of HAIR I've been blessed with!

62) One of my moma's gift to me on my fifth b'day was: NOT COMBING my hair. It's one of my most memorable child hood gifts! LOL! We used to tussle every TIME she had to comb my hair! The quality of the photo didn't scan so well - but u can see I'm the well dressed li'l girl with hair all over her head! LOL! I still recall that day vividly: I sat between my mother's knees in anguish as always: crying, fretting, whining. Then as if by some miracle my mother's knees released and she said, "Happy Birthday! It's your birthday!" Swwwweeeeetttt!

63) Having a sister who was a trained & excellent hair stylist! She used to hook me UP in the eighties with the flyest Asymmetrics! LOL! I was a hair trend setter: I had the ideas and that sister made them happen! Other girls had one V at the back - I layered mine into three V's. Then, I cut a V over one eye - wouldn't you know it - Prince chose that same style afterwards. One of the flyest cuts I had I admit I borrowed from the surfer dudez in college: I got my sister to shave ALL of my hair except for the left side which was eye length... you couldn't tell me I wasn't fierce! I'll have to scan more of my hair photos & show ya one day;-).

64) I also have a nice shaped head - if I ever have to go bald I will not be devastated. I'm presently blessed with lots of hair. I used to wear my hair extremely close in college. My hair is now the longest it's been since I was a child. When I decide to cut it off again, I plan to share the wealth & donate my hair for cancer patients' wigs.

65) The fact that my moma taught us that ALL hair is "good" hair! The statement: "You got GOOD HAIR!" - has always made me feel uncomfortable - and don't really like to have people fawn over my hair - but I do relish hair compliments and don't take them lightly because I am thankful for this blessed crown.

66) I have had some great head massages by loving men in my past. My head is a serious erogenous zone! Luv it when a man (who I'm diggin') plays in my hair.

67) That my head is "more than a hat/wig rack" - as my Daddy often encouraged: "Use your head for more than a hat rack!" I'm thankful that I enjoy a wide variety of books & authors for all age ranges: a mere FEW include = Victor Frankl, MOST Black Authors of the Renaissance & Civil Rights period (Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Angela Davis, etc.), Edgar Allen Poe, Judy Blume, Mildred Taylor, etc.

68) When I've been able to let my hair down & really cut UP - especially dancing! I love to dance & feel blessed that I can!

69) I enjoyed performing the viola in the DC Youth orchestra when I was in junior high school. Also, I've enjoyed reading my poetry & fiction in front of live audiences as an adult.

70) I've enjoyed so many wonderful, LIVE music performances: my two eldest nephews in the DC youth orchestra -- the eldest played the upright bass, and the younger continues to play the flute (looking forward to what the baby nephew will play/perform). Of course, I enjoyed - DC's Go-Go Bands: Chuck Brown, Rare Essence, Trouble Funk, E. U., JunkYard, etc. along with: Prince, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Gerald LaVert, Maxwell, Eric Roberson, Cassandra Wilson, Me'shell Ndegeocello, Atlantic Star, Midnight Starr, Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick, Anita Baker, Wynton Marsalis & his band, Abbey Lincoln & her amazing young band, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keyes, John Legend, The Temptations (the original when I was a wee child;-), Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Al Green, Maxi Priest, Brenda Russell, George Duke, Rachelle Farrell, Chaka Khan, Angela Bofill, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Roy Ayers, Diana Ross, Dee Dee Bridgewater, several symphony orchestra performances, and others I can't recall at the moment...

71) The health & strength that allows me to care for myself! Though I may not be an athlete & never have been physically competitive I was most proud when I successfully ran USN's Battle Stations as the culminating activity required to graduate boot camp in my early thirties. I felt like the tortoise who ran slow & steady that early morning!

72) Regardless of this embarrassing, frustrating medical issue that was the reason for my honorable discharge from the USN I continue to be grateful for God's easy way to keep me humble & motivated to take GOOD care of my health!

73) Despite my struggles to find clothing which fits my figure - I luv that I have inherited a figure that is a wonderful blend of both my parents: My father's slender upper body and my mother's ample lower half;-). No matter what my weight's fluctuation I have learned my figure is consistent in it's proportion.

74) Confidence in knowing that I am able to restore my strength & health through exercise and "aware" eating. This requires constant work and I understand now that there IS no quick fix: only consistency and commitment. Also blessed that I give myself less grief for being human and falling off track...yet firm enough to stay the course.

75) Ran an easy paced mile and a half with my Daddy! His encouragement was priceless.

76) Have run with each of my sisters! It was a great way to visit and motivate each other.

77) Gone for walks with my Moma! Her dogged determination is inspirational.

78) Enjoyed swimming with my Eldest nephew on many occasions. He's truly a water baby. Quick favorite swimming memory: He was hanging out with me when he was about 3 and my sister was scheduled to meet us at the pool that particular day: DC's Capital East for those familiar. My nephew never liked the baby pool and would whine & fret if we dared take him to it. After playing with him and teaching him to blow bubbles under water I begged him to sit on the edge of the pool and watch me swim one lap. He's an intelligent child who spoke in full sentences early, so I knew he understood me. I got to the other end of the pool and looked up expecting to wave to him. He was nowhere in sight! My heart raced as I swam my fastest back to the spot where I left him - thinking that I'd jump out of the pool and run to find him the locker rooms. I got back to that spot and he was under the water! I grabbed him up and he happily spewed water out like a li'l fountain and laughed while I recovered from my "heart attack"!

79) Watching my Middle nephew run like the wind! That child is truly built to run. Watching him run is like watching him breathe - so fluid and easy!

80) Dancing with the Baby nephew - he is the li'l dancing machine! Whenever we put on music he seems to lose the ability to control himself. Generally, he and his elder brother stick together: reserved and watchful in front of company. But, when music is on the baby comes into his own and his brother can't help nor stop him! LOL!


The First Thankful Thursday [1-20].
Second Thankful Thursday [21-40].
Third Thankful Thursday [41-60].

Pretty. Purrfect. Peace.

I. am. at. peace. in my prettiness.

Peace of mind takes piece of time.

I have arrived in this purrfect place...

Thanx 2 The Creator.

I'll meet U here.

Take a load off in this comfy chair.

Kick off your shoes.

Let me run your bath water while we

Sip spirits & explore depths of each other's psyche.

Look at me. Enjoy the view.

Look into me and enjoy that, too.

I love your heavy voice and the light-hearted words flowing from your intellectual muscle.

You are comfortable with me being pretty. purrfect. flawed. at peace.

I am comfortable with me being pretty. purrfectly flawed. at peace.

You are at ease with U: purrfect at presenting your purpose to purchase your help meet.

I am at ease with U: purrfectly honored at your efforts to acquire such a help meet as Me.

Let us move on from our former selves as we disrobe and pursue anew.

Let us knead and heal each other as we slip into new waters bubbling with anticipation.

Let us wash away the grime of past crimes caused by immature ignorance ingrained by society.

Look at me glowing. refreshed. pretty purrrfectly for U. at peace.

Look at U flowing luvingly with & into purrfect for U me. at peace.


~ C.A. Paige©June2008

***MUST NOTE that I AM TOO EXCITED for The Obama Family - now tha's all the politics I'm going to mention today;-)****

Blog Talk Radio Showwww! C U in ATL on Sat., June 7th

Sunday past I enjoyed my 5th segment of Blog Talk Radio! This is such a fun & funny phenomena! Sistah LoveBabz made an appearance this week & I luved it! She's so much fun to talk to! I shouted out all of the Bloggers I'm expecting to meet while I'm in da ATL this coming weekend: June 7th. Check it out by clicking on the arrow/triangle below. Enjoy!



Looking forward to meeting all my Durty Souf Blog Fam this weekend!!

If you're in da ATL C U here from 7-10pm:

The Grounds Coffeehouse @SkyLofts
898 Oak Street, Atlanta, GA.

If you're in Ft. Lauderdale, FL show luv to Brother Zay here:

Location:
African Research American Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 US

When:
Saturday, June 7, 12:00PM

Phone:
866-230-5692

Email:
xavierpjr@gmail.com

A li'l Katt Williams on Politics & shyt ... LOL!

Taking a Break from the vigilance of Fighting off F.E.A.R.S. Thought u could use a li'l humor this Monday Mornin':

Once is not enough! Get past the beginning of this next one where he tells one of the same jokes then u'll see why i had to post them both!

When I'm so blessed...

To be mated and bring child(ren) into this world I want my husband to photograph my progress - maybe not as slick as Anne Geddes (but then - who knows? I may be blessed with a photographer husband;-). I am inspired by her images!

Click Woman & Baby image to see more of Anne Geddes' work. I LUV it!

It may even be fun to photograph our intimate interactions as Ali's Zay does! Not yet sure if I'm that brave - but it's fun to consider;-). Click image (one of my faves of theirs) below to get to his site & read/see more of his work! I LUV it, also!