I'm going to try this NANOWrimo thing...

I guess November is the "jump-start" month: Clocks get turned back the first weekend of November (or is that Fall forward - I always get that confused;-), the New York Marathon is the first Sunday of November, Obama will get elected U.S. President in November;-), most of us will enjoy two or three days off from work to sit around & eat in November... it's just a busy month!

Now, I'm going to add this NANOWrimo thing to my list of things to do in November. Have U ever heard of Nanowrimo? I can't recall who turned me onto it - but in the month of November there's this organization that encourages every writer to churn out 50K words = a novel in a month! The website is: Nanowrimo.org. It's a national organization that has regional chapters. The NYC chapter is having their kick off tomorrow! I'm going to stop through, meet some fellow NYC writers & see what this thing is all about. I'm determined to get my novel (novella?) out of me before my birthday, so this should help make it interesting!

So, what's new with U?

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Am I too Sexy 4 ya?

Lately (when I'm not working, reading, commuting, writing, working, flirting, commuting, dating, working, etc.), I've been looking 'round blog-land again. You know, making it around to the regulars who visit me - cuz I don't have time to branch out & get addicted to new folk. What I've noticed is: I get plenty of "hits" according to that meter thang, but I get very few comments or followers in comparison to others I peek in on.

Now, most of U regulars know I'm kind of like a nutty professor who does her own thang with little regard to what will draw the crowd. But, my curiosity is peaked & I'd love to hear what you think the reason for my low comment-age.

Am I too sexy, too "light-skinneded", too serious, too all over the place in my topic choices, too infrequent in my posting, .... ???

Trust me - I don't offend easily. I'm not asking because I'm insecure - I doubt I'll change because of any answers;-) ... I'm just honestly curious.

I guess I'm also asking because in the real world I often hear: "You're cool for a light-skinned sistah." Sadly, I DO know that many of my sistahs of the lighter hue don't carry themselves in a personable manner - so, I don't even get offended by the observation. But, I am wondering if skin tone affects my blog-world, too. I guess this is also on my mind since the country's "hyped" about the affects of Race on the Election. What about Intra-Racism - have we grown past that yet? Are we making ANY progress? What say U?

Thanx in advance for taking the time to comment honestly.

Are U Serious!? Get OVER the Race thang PEOPLE!!

After hearing about that assassination attempt on Brother Obama's life I could use a li'l humor. Sadly, I'm not surprised. Most Black folk who I know are not surprised because there's an undercurrent in white America that's resistant to change, but we'll keep praying for them. I wanted to do a re-post, but YouTube took down my favorites, so this'll have to do.

Warnings:
1) Not to be viewed around kids nor at work.
2) The visuals are crazy wobbly, but the sound is great. I guess, the "videographer" was laughin' too hard;-)

...How very Saxy HE iz....

He stepped into the darkened, crowded space and lit it up with his energy.
He uncased his sax, smiled then blew his soul all over us at the restaurant's bar.
He re-cased his sax, smiled then blew his heart and sweet ear-gasms all over me ... and only me.

Night & Day he makes love to me by warming up with his sax.
I watch with eager anticipation as he undresses her, slides his nimble fingers over her buttons causing her to sing his blues, jazz and funk.

After gently tucking her away I slip into her place -- in his embrace.
We relish in sweet mind-sex (and I don't mind sex;-).
We undress each other then his strong fingers press my buttons -- causing me to sang his blues, jazz, funk and my joy!

His musical notes spill all over my paiges.
We shout praises to the heavens 'cause our prayers have been answered.
We are so ready for this arranged marriage of our love & creativity
... that has been arranged by The Creator...

C.A.Paige © 2008



To my trained poets: These are simply poetic thoughts of mine which I needed to express. I have no idea what poetic form it fits...

My drink of choice these days... is supposed to be good 4 the heart;-)

Submissions Now Being Accepted for BDelight, vol 2.

If you thought the first volume was on fiyah - wait until you see what's in store for the second! ALL Authors & Poets: Click HERE to read the submission guidelines, so you can "step up to the mic" and be part of history!!





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...Mr. Levi Stubbs.... U'll always be in my heart

This man: Levi Stubbs, along with Calvin Lockhart & Bernie Casey are my biggest "crushes" as far as "stars" are concerned. Yea, Will Smith, Idris, Chris Brown & those fellas are cute -- but Levi Stubbs ... well, that foine man's voice touches me to my SOUL! I would've gladly been his "child-bride";-). You passed on one week ago today... Rest in Peace Mr. Stubbs. Thank you for the joy you sang!

This clip... Does my Heart good....

Thanks Brother Plez for sharing this! I can't seem to embed it, but Click HERE for a heart-warming video of a 106 year old Sistah voting!

...On Moving....NOPE! Think I'll stay awhile longer...

Last Wednesday I was feeling the need to shake things up and make a drastic change, maybe even move to a new location.

As I suspected, that feeling passed ... probably because:

I got some rest
-or-
The crisp Autumn air fills my lungs each morning
-or-
The leaves are showing off their brilliance up here in da Boogie down
-or-
The variety of places for a vegetarian to eat here are incomparable
-or-
The country is just a few minutes drive outside these city limits
-or-
I've been enjoying new-found flirtations along my commute
-or-
I enjoyed a trip "home" to DC and loved ones encouraged me to keep "hustle-in'"
-or-
He actually called me back & says he wants to see me, take me out & cook me dinner even...
-or-

...** contented SIGH** .... All of the above ... and then some;-)

Plus - I will begin to research a new home in this area! Must haves: closer parking AND a balcony or rooftop deck....

Is Education Still Important to Parents?

Just returned from an amazingly emotional weekend. I attended my ....th High School Reunion from one of DC's top independent schools AND the retirement party of two sistahs who headed the scholarship foundation who financed a great deal of that education. Talk about surreal!

My parents were both considered "blue collar" level workers before they retired. They felt the education of their children was important enough to sacrifice for. My grade school education was probably the single, most expensive investment my parents ever made (I proudly paid my own college loans;-). Even if most of the actual funding came from scholarships and grants, my parents sacrificed their time and energy to apply, get and keep me there until graduation!

Do "working" parents still make those kinds of sacrifices for their children's education? I knew of some folk who were blessed with amazing positions that paid upwards of $75K and when I discussed the independent school option the response was: "That's too expensive!" As I watched their young children with cell phones, every electronic gadget and designer labelled clothing, I said, "Yea, you have a point. Education is so expensive these days."

Do me a favor - if you have a minute. Check out the site below then let me know if it sounds like it's over the top, or if those sound like viable tips that you appreciate as a parent:

http://www.schools2choose.com/

Thanx!!

Me: Reading on a Harlem Roof-top!

This was one high-energy evening! Thanx again for all the luv, support & encouragement on Saturday, Oct. 11th!

... On Moving, I think I want to... But Not Sure Where...

Not sure why I'm feelin'... this... need to move on... to get out.

Maybe because:

I'm coming down from my fabulous weekend "high"
-or-
It's "that time of month" (I know...tmi;-)
-or-
Wall Street is here
-or-
So much Eye Candy & So Little Brain Food
-or-
I've been here for seven years (...isn't that when "the itch" starts?)
-or-
The full moon just rose high into the sky & it's so beautiful...
-or-
Several dear friends are considering relocating
-or-
So much fighting & so little to fight for
-or-
I'm a country girl at heart
-or-
I need a real, tropical, sun-drenched, vacation ... far, very far away
-or-
I need to be loved slowly, intensely, honestly and often;-)
-or-
I need a nap
-or-
I need to complete my own novel
-or-
*SIGH*

... a combination of it all...

This clip from the BD Celebration needs no editing...

Besides, I'm too excited & exhausted to edit this piece. Special thanx to R.J. Leippert for taking the role as videographer so seriously that very little editing needs to be done! Sistah Miz, U pulled this one out the hidden treasury and I am so proud to call U a partner! Hugz to ya all.

Thank U is insufficient...

...but I can't say it enough. The messages of praise, encouragement & support that have been left for me on facebook, twitter, my voice mail, and my email is truly, truly awe-inspiring. The physical & spiritual attendees & energies surrounding us at the Grand Finale Celebration for Bloggers' Delight, vol. 1 have filled me with such joy.

Although it's inadequate: Thank U!

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Thanx Eb & Dejanae for these images...

Until I download from my cameras here's what Eb the Celeb & Dejanae (above;-) posted! Thanx 2 my Li'l Sistahs of Blogland! SMOOCHEZ;-)!










A special shout out & Hug to my Brother from another mother: RJL, for taking his job as videographer (using the Flips) so seriously! Can't wait to look over all that footage!!

The NYC Book Celebration was FABULOUS!!

It was so wonderful to read under the stars, over-looking the Hudson river as the Autumn breezes caressed us! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support our first collection of short stories.

Bloggers came through and showed much luv:

Sheletha, Lance - the infamous Non-Blogger, Organized Noise, Eb the Celeb, Ali of Ali'sZay, Bougie Negro, Dejanae, BrooklynGirl, ShellyShell.

A special thanks to Troy Johnson, President of AALBC for coming out!

A extra big, ol' country hug to my gurl, Miz for treating us listeners to her beautiful voice in song! She had us all spellbound!

We couldn't have asked for a better NYC celebration:-)

Photos & videos will follow very soon!!

Musing on ... conversations....verbal dances

It's no secret that I love to talk. I'm proud that I've also become a better listener & observer of cues.

According to FreeDictionary.com:
The spoken exchange of thoughts, opinions, and feelings; talk.

According to Wikipedia:
Conversations are the ideal form of communication in some respects, since they allow people with different views of a topic to learn from each other. A speech, on the other hand, is an oral presentation by one person directed at a group.

Those engaging in conversation naturally relate the other speaker's statements to themselves, and insert themselves (or some degree of relation to themselves, ranging from the replier's opinions or points to actual stories about themselves) into their replies. For a successful conversation, the partners must achieve a workable balance of contributions. A successful conversation includes mutually interesting connections between the speakers or things that the speakers know. For this to happen, those engaging in conversation must find a topic on which they both can relate to in some sense.

As I think back on some of my most exciting conversations I've observed the following have kept me engaged & wanting to talk forEVER to the individuals:

We connected in unspoken ways. They read my signals - often better than I could have ever "read" myself. The conversation made me think & ponder on what I am doing with my own life/self. I laughed! I may have even cried. I reminisced and kept thinking forward toward a hopeful future. The individuals were passionate about life! We spoke with respect to each other, not speaking down to the other. We enjoyed the company and the meeting of the minds. We could disagree and keep the flow moving.

Great conversations are like dancing: you move joyfully together. Even if you accidentally step on each others' toes, you apologize and keep it moving!

I have a question to you who are reading this:
How do you keep your conversation engaging? Do you enjoy conversations (I must remember that there are those who prefer not to dance;-)?

As Stephanie says: Don't Be Afraid! Keep on Dancin'! Nonstop, now!


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