Happy NEW Year to MEEE! B'EarthDay 2011!

Happy New Year to us ALL!


May the Bumpy Rides along Life's Road in 2011 & this New Decade elicit raucous laughter!

The TRUE AA ... Acceptance & Appreciation

I am balancing on a wobbly fence.
I am thankful that I tend to fall onto the rich, plush, grasses
instead of the dry rocks and dirt.
I. AM. Blessed!

click image for source

Googled Myself & Look What I Found!

Periodically, I search my name just to see... & I suggest we all do it because OTHERS will search YOU!

ANYwhoo - I found an old gem of mine: An article I wrote about A LOVE OF MY LIFE:
SAVION Glover! OHHH I just love that man - well, I've never met him - but the passion he exudes as he taps... whew!

Check out the article I wrote & let me know what U think!
Savion Rains As He Reigns



THANX in advance;-)

click image for source.

G.I.F.T.S from Kim Coles

I've signed up for Kim Coles' new empowerment newsletter & thought I'd share her GIFTs with my Blog readers (click on the picture below to read the workbook):



After you read &/or work through the book feel free to return w/ comments. I may do future posts on this (& other positive workings;-)

Thankful Thursdays [lucky 13 of 50]: Birthday 2009 Edition

This was originally posted on January 22, 2009. I decided to repost it because I LIKE it (& since this is my blog, I CAN;-). I also have made the executive decision NOT to take UP nor reSUME the task of adding MORE things to this list of all I'm thankful for (at least not EVERY Thursday as I had intended when I began this mission - maybe if I feel the need:-). But, as I re-read this specific list (with links to the other posts:-) I am reminded ONCE again, of how AMAZINGLY BLESSED I AM!

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

241) Health!


242) That I learned the lessons taught by my elders!




243) Parents who love me - often - more than they've loved themselves! (& I spent time with them both this past weekend:-)


244) That I have beautiful nephews & a brother in law (& I saw them all this past weekend:-).

245) Siblings who protected me through-out childhood (& I saw them all this past weekend:-).

246) That I'm a published author & literary producer - thanx 2 Blog-Land!

247) Great friends (too many to include their photos here - but U all know who U are;-)

248) I was blessed to hear the melodic voice of Brother Welford Jackson of Aylett, Va. Although, he was memorialized this past Friday, January 10th he will always be in my heart. Please rest in peace because YOU "won't have to cry no more."

249) My parents & life has exposed me to a vast range of people, places and characters which has broadened my life view!

246) Inspirational, dedicated teachers!

250) Students who kept me honest (& kept me laughing;-)!

251) Colleagues & Peers who are sincere & love our calling (even if not all the time;-).

252) I have always been blessed with a place of my own.

253) The Creator blessed me with a great many talents & appreciation for the talents of others.

254) The fact that I have lived through & been strengthened by some very hard lessons.

255) That I love to laugh & make others laugh!

256) Internet access - has blessed me in a variety of ways:-)

257) Facebook - has reconnected me to so many!

258) That I am given new opportunities to be the best me possible!

259) I have been blessed with great genes!

260) That for my 44th B'earth Day - I got the 44th President who looks like shades of ME (swagga & all;-). It was a blessing to BE THERE to witness it LIVE!



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].
Sixth Thankful Thursday [101-120]
Seventh Thankful Thursday [121- 140].
Eighth Thankful Thursday [141-160].
Ninth Thankful Thursday [161-180].
Tenth Thankful Thursday [181-200].
Eleventh Thankful Thursday [201-220].
Twelfth Thankful Thursday [221-240].

MORE Great Newz This 2009!

Another BlogFamily Member Welcomes a Beautiful Princess 2 The World!


ConGRATS Ali & Zay!

Click on image for Her Daddy's Info!

YAYYY! Some GOOD News In 2009:-)

In the midst of so much loss - The Creator reminds us that Life GOES ON!
I want to Honor a Blog-Sistah of ours who gave birth 2 a beautiful baby boy!

Sharon - U r my S-hero & a true Queen. U give us sistahs over 35 such inspiration!

Welcome to the World, Dear BabyBoy!

Born 9/28/09, weight: 7lbs 13 ounces, length: 21 1/4 inches. Mom and son are both spectacular!!!

*photo lifted from Sharon's facebook page, I hope that's alright:-). Just wanted to share him & your amazing-ness with the world! Click her name & Baby's photo to get to her blog!

So Thankful 2 Be Among The Living!!

There have been too many who have left this Earthly realm sooner than it seems necessary (including members of my family)! I may not BE The Creator (so, who am I to really say they "left too soon"?) - but, I will heed the lessons that are put around me BY The Creator!

For the remainder of this year (& prayerfully, from HERE ON) I vow to:

• Be Encouraged!
• Be SO THANKFUL that I do no complaining w/ these LIPS
  
& spend more time moving these HIPS to keep this EarthWear in TOP FORM!
• ACTIVELY LIVE & Enjoy THIS ONE chance I have on this earth!

I truly appreciate all who support my projects & endeavors!

Hugz 2 U ALL!!

All images used are property of CAPCity;-)

Relishing in the REST of THE SUMMER...

... and I hope U R, too! Enjoy the REST & RELAXATION of easy, breezy (often stormy;-) lazy summer dayz! See a HOT, FUN taste of my summer here:

Click here to Catch MORE episodes on my YouTube Channel & Subscribe;-)!

Inaugural Connections - one of many blessings

If you watched the Inaugural edition of my Melting Point reality show then you met the talented photo-journalist, Josh. Below is the photograph that he took of me for his One Word Project. Isn't it absolutely stunning?
Click on the image to see more of his work and learn about his One Word Project. Enjoy!

It's all about Dropping....

In 2009 I'm stepping into the light that is mine
.... by DROPPING:

... Excuses
... Guards
... Weight
... Restrictions on self
... Negativity

and gettin' funky as I reclaim my Swagga!



I never get tired of that groove!

*2009 my blog will focus on Swagga & Stepping into MY lightness of BEING*

2009 I'm Reclaiming what's mine: Swagga!!

Last Saturday I joined several seasoned sistah friends to provide comfort & healing for one who had just cleaned her home of a relationship. As the elders say - when you do good for others you get good in return. One of the sistahs READ me & I know that I needed to hear it. Some of you may be surprised to learn that my swagga has been teetering on stagga. But, I am thankful for new beginnings and opportunities to reclaim my swagga!

When I moved to NYC in 2001 The Creator had this amazing Sistah take me in until I could find my own place. She gently shared that I was hiding - although she used different terminology. As I posted on Sunday, three years ago I talked to this Brother Andrew Morrison at my church and he also gently shared his observation that I seemed to be hiding even though I am out in plain sight. In hindsight, Brother R. Fitzgerald said similar regarding why I'm a challenge for brothers - but I wasn't getting it. Well, the sistah who read me stated exactly how she observed me hiding out in the open - cuz I haven't been hearing the gentle nudgings of those before her. She stated: 1) that she could tell I had been hurt in past relationships and that it's time to let that go (I thought I had - but apparently not!;-). 2) Despite my training that good sistahs "don't" - it's okay to get to know more than one man at a time (just play safe!;-). And 3) She gave me specific actions for coming out of hiding (Thanx - I NEEDED that!)! Then I stopped by Clnmike's blog on Sunday and he's posted a Deal Breaker list that speaks loud & clear!

Ok, Creator - I GET it! I need to step out on faith in a different way than I have been. All of my cocky rantings have not been reflected in my actions toward myself. So, my mantra (& my actions) for 2009: Time to Step INTO the light that is MINE (no more shadow boxing)!!

I love the words to this song that reiterate my actions for 2009:

Click on image for source.

2009 Really IZ my year to SHINE!

The Creator has been speaking to yelling at me through some key folks since I was sent from DC on this quest here in NY. This Brother Andrew Morrison grabbed my attention three years ago at a seminar he offered at my NYC Home Church. Since The Creator brought Andrew into my life I have been stepping more & more into my light!

Thanx Andrew for all of your help, support & for mentioning me in this 11th Episode of your 16 Week Challenge Reality Show:


One of the best parts of Andrew's 16 Week Challenge reality show is his ability to bring people together! It's not too late to participate in more episodes while they are live. It's my year to shine - it can be yours, too!
Click on the link below & enjoy the connections!
www.16weekchallenge.com

Once Again I've Been Blessed!

No matter how many miracles I experience & witness I don't think I'll evah cease being in AWE of the greatness of The Creator! "Ask and it shall be given unto U." "U take one step & The Lawd will take two." Those are just a couple of quotes that have been drilled into my head by my elders, so I know it's true. However, I must share my latest amazement.
I've been reconnecting with folk on Facebook - primarily friends who I've lost touch with over the years & life's travels. One brother I knew back in high school who I've reconnected with: Chuck Byrd. He's an actor who has taken on the job of being my virtual fitness trainer! On Saturday the 6th, we hooked up because he was in NYC for a few hours to rehearse for a play he'll be in next Sunday the 14th. During his short time here he took me with him to meet Royale Watkins. They are part of a Facebook community who are all about positivity & self improvement. I ran my reality show idea by them and thanx to Chuck, Royale & his buddy, Lou I have begun my own fitness reality show which you can follow by subscribing to my YouTube Channel!

Also, if you're in NYC next Sunday and you're looking for great FREE entertainment - join me at Chuck's play/reading!
About the Play:

This family is set in contemporary Queens, NY at the home of Korina Davis. Her three adult children are visiting to celebrate their eldest brother release from prison. During the visit the family is challenged with a life and death situation which only the power of the mother’s love can resolve. Through good times and bad nothing is more powerful than a mother’s love. Most times you can feel it, chances are you can touch it, hopefully you can see it, you definitely can hear it but sometimes it is so strong you can smell it. SMELL THE POWER!

For further information call 212 353-1176 or visit newfederaltheatre.org

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Being A Blog-Star ... Thanx 2 Sistah Miz

Thanx 2 Sistah Miz I've been presented with the Blogging Star Award! Wowww. Is it possible that I'm speechless? LOL!
Well, I have to Thank The Creator who moved me to start blogging in the first place & sends such A'musing thoughts through my beautiful brain.

What 5 Bloggers Do I pass this award onto?
So hard to choose - I'd choose everyone on my blog-list, really. Even if I don't have the time to check them all now that I'm working full-time - U should try! Well, here goes:

The Jody - gotta luv my blog-admirer & AMAZING artist!
Who knew he saw me at that 70's party with my 'do 'froed out & was inspired to create these beautifully hip sistahs? ;-)
Kai C. - that li'l sistah there LOVES her some Michael Jackson & her poetry comes straight from the heart!

NewCed - Yea, it's personal - this Brother has been my voice of reason for YEARS!

Dejanae - Li'l Blog-Sis is cookin' up new flavas! Don't sleep!

BrooklynGirlPublishing - Ms. Lee iz da Hustle QUEEN, not to mention fly-azz she wanna be!

... A 'Musing Myself...

I took a quick trip 'round blog-land (left no comments: just lookin' thanx;-). Came back to my blog-home inspired to list a few Random Musings (ok, most inspired by 12Kyle, but there are others;-):

• Last weekend while hanging out we met Haywood Nelson (who's famous for his character Dwayne on What's Happening:-). He was really cool. Despite the drinks, I proudly refrained from saying: Hey Hey Hey Hey!

• Now that we have a Black President-elect with two young children: will more Black folk educate their kids in private schools? Will attitudes about education change much for Black folk?

• It's funny to me to hear different regions' & different cultures' opinions on the roles for men & women. Why do some men still think women need to cook & do all sorts of sexual favors to "hold onto" their man now-a-days? How many of those men who think that way are continuing in their roles as: the pursuer, fix-it man & protector of his domain?

• Someone asked what my specialty was and I responded: "I make a mean phone call!" LMAO!! Whew, I crax me UPP!
  

• Considering all the statistics about Blacks having the highest rate of preventable diseases that have been proven to be caused by foods we eat: Why are Black folk STILL EATING PORK, fried foods & putting sugar in & on everything from greens to rice to black-eyed peas? JESUS Help us learn from the error of our ways!!

• Would you rather be wanted or needed by your significant other?

• If your family decided to skip a Holiday due to the economy - which would U prefer to skip? Or how would U celebrate it differently to reduce expenses?

• I'm excited to connect with so many of my long "lost" friends & former students (now fellow alumni;-) via facebook. I'm proud of and happy for one of my former students/fellow alum: Demetrius Gross who is acting & appearing on Heroes. I've never watched it before, but I watched his episode. Check him out!

Happy ThanxGiving 2 ya!

Blessed Reflections...again

*This was originally posted on Oct 31st, 2006 - Wooow, how time flies! As my solo-flight seems to be drawing to a close I found this post perfect for the season of Thanksgiving & felt the need to share it again, including the two original comments. Besides, many of U may have missed it back when I was blog-green;-). And don't U just love this photo of me? It's one of my faves! LOL! Enjoy!

Reflections are such a blessing. I wish everyone of you, readers the blessings of truly loving and passionate experiences, which you can recall with vivid fondness.

If The Creator never sends another passion filled man into my heart I will die a grateful woman. Many of you will read this and wonder why such a young, vibrant woman as I am would even consider dying without another loving experience. I just want The Creator to know how thankful I am for the experiences I have had since my birth. First, I was blessed to be born to parents who loved me despite their own struggles to love themselves. My father is my best friend and I am eternally grateful for that blessing. My mother is a tough woman who has suffered much loss, resulting in struggles with herself. Nevertheless, I have always known that I was loved. Sometimes, being loved means being envied and hated for the love that others grant easily. Sometimes, being loved means feeling as if the love is undeserved, because I didn't understand what made me so special.

For years, sadly, I foolishly batted away the love that was thrust upon me, simply because I felt I was an unworthy recipient. Well, maybe not totally unworthy, but I felt there were others who deserved love, too (maybe even needed it more than I did, so I thought). I witnessed many others around me who reeally needed love, but didn't get it as easily as I. I send up apologies to those who tried to love me and were rudely, unjustly mistreated because of my ignorance. I did not realize that pushing love away from me would not send it to the people who were love-lacking. I did not realize that I deserved to be loved - just because...I AM one of The Creator's artworks that took time to develop. I deserve to be loved - just because. Regardless of the circumstances, my parents came together in love and I was a result of that rebellious risk and bond. I deserve to be loved - just because ... I AM loving and lovable.

I have experienced a quiet, romantic-love-slow year in which I have been able to reflect, rehash, and even flail about in frustration:-). In this year, I have especially missed the romance, love and tenderness that Black men would bestow upon me. In this year, I have reminisced on the true gifts and love blessings that I have received over the course of my years, many which I did not treat with the deserved reverence. In this romantic-love-slow year, I have fondly recalled the nuances and flirtations that I have been blessed with. Though, I may have been foolish on many levels, I am grateful that I enjoyed many of the courtship & sensational subtleties and flirtations before the onslaught of blatantly overt sexual promotion found in today's media. As I watch the "court-ship" of young people today, I often wonder if there is any chance that they may enjoy some of the delights and innocence as I did. I guess, truth be told, even before the sex-glut of the media, there was often some "fresh" boy who attempted to touch me inappropriately and made me feel as if this female body I was "trapped in" was an object that brought on unwanted attention. But, for the most part I was blessed with respectful overtures.

I can only hope that today's young women do still enjoy the attentions of honorable young men who truly appreciate them and all the glories of their femininity: mind, spirit and body. The memories of simply holding hands with my first love conjure stirrings within me to this day. When we held hands, we did so secretly - we thought. There was such intensity in those feather-light touches that the connection to his one hand set off sparks over my entire being. A mere look from him across a crowd would set my heart racing and render me speechless. The thought that such a handsome, smart, athletic boy found me worthy of so much of his attention was mind boggling and breath-taking.

I have to laugh as I reflect on my past, in frustration. My love life has been made up of the "stuff" of romance novels, and I took too much of it for granted. I have experienced some melodrama, but overall I have simply been the recipient of affection from many whom I had no idea how to reciprocate. I don't agree with women who bemoan the lack of good men, I am quiet during those conversations as I scream inside my head, "This is so unfair to the many who love us, yet we don't accept or understand them!" I have encountered my share of good, decent Brothers and turned them away because I was unable to appreciate them. Now, I'm praying that The Creator does sometimes send out second helpings:-). Old folks say that "The Lawd takes care of fools and babies." I'm praying that the old folk are right, again:-).

I must thank you, Creator. As frustrated as I have often found myself in this romantic-love-slow year, I have learned to recognize and appreciate the love that I get from family and friends. I have learned to recognize what I truly need in a romantic relationship. I have learned how to provide some of my emotional support, so that I won't overwhelm, nor suffocate the next Brother who enters into a romantic relationship with me. Yes, reflection is a wonderful blessing.

May we all enjoy this season of Thanxgiving - cuz, really Thanx Giving is Every Day! :-)

...Imagine...

Brother 12K asked me in his comment section:
"@ CapCity - If we all step our game up...just imagine where we'll be as a people."

I began to hear in my head - the various songs that have suggested we Imagine this world a better place: from Nas to The Beatles. Yes, the fact that AMERICANS came out in FULL force & voted en masse speaks volumes about the world we are all IMAGINING. Yes, we ALL have MUCH work to DO. As Brother T-Dawg commented at 12K's spot - we had no excuse before this election. But, I tell you what - this past election is motivation to do better & push a little harder, since it was an indication of how tired folk are of the same old rhetoric. So many people were out early, lined up, video taping & photographing at the polls that I don't think the trickery of 2000/2004 would have been possible.

So, now to answer Brother 12K's question - if we all step up our game where do I imagine we'll be as a people?

I imagine:
My own Life - Richer & Fuller:

• Physically - because I will step up my health & work out game.
• Financially - because I will step up my writing & business game.
• Emotionally - because I have stepped up my trust game.
• Mentally - because I will step up my studies game (languages, piano, etc.).

The World around me - Saner & more Accepting of Differences:

• The Middle East will settle its differences and those battles that have dated back to Biblical times will finally come to an end. Everything ends at some point, right?
• Africa will finally begin to heal from centuries of being robbed, pillaged & raped!
• Individuals of African Descent world-wide will begin to heal from centuries of being robbed, pillaged & raped!
• Tim Wise will become just another person who gets it, then takes action publicly AND privately.
  
• Xenophobia will die in usage and as a concept along with other obsolete terms such as oh, I don't know: wench, apothecary, and scuttlebutt.
• Education really will be the focus of EVERY school - then again, it may be cooler to go back to the days of home-schooling, because parents really need to spend more time with their OWN children! Besides, children learn best from their parents anyway! ;-) AND YES, when I'm blessed to be a parent I want to home school my children! There are better ways to educate and socialize our children than in a classroom filled with their own clue-less peers and one struggling (even if skillful as I am;-) adult. That one teacher to multiple same aged children is an awful model that needs to be revamped!! Bring back days of multi-generation interaction and learning!

What do U imagine the world will be like if we all step up our game?
click image for source.

...Being Ageless...

Age fascinates me. My family tends to age gracefully, unless of course individuals choose some hard hitting habits that wear the body down. I am thankful for my strong genes, because whenever I reveal my age I get the same reaction of shock (in spite of my tell-tale gray hair;-)! LOL! So, now I rarely reveal my age and finally understand my eldest sister's "philosophy": "I don't lie about my age cuz I'm ashamed, I just don't want to hurt your feelings." ;-). I was inspired by the centenarians that the media showed voting for Brother Obama, especially the able-bodied, clear thinking 106 year old sistah who was mentioned in his acceptance speech.

Recently, I was talking to a friend about the theories that our bodies are designed to live for a very long time as many did during Biblical times. There are scientists who continue to be dedicated to such research -- as I found at The Economist site. Which led me to wonder: what if we could live forever? What would I spend my life doing if I knew that I would be here at least until I was in my mid-hundreds? I've read several "bucket lists", but what about a how to spend the next couple of hundred years list? What can I imagine life will be like 100 or more years from today? We've heard those elders who recently voted say that they never imagined they'd live to see the day when there was a Brother on the ballot. What do you think will be your: I never thought I'd live to see...? What will you do with all that time on your hands if you knew you'd live well into your hundreds?

One of my age-dreams is to be included in Essence magazine's annual issue of Sistahs who defy their age! So, if any of you readers have the "hook up"... ;-)

Click image for source.

President Barack Obama: How Sweet The Sound!

After hearing of folks "horror" stories of how quietly they had to celebrate in their work places that BARACK OBAMA won the ELECTION in a LANDSLIDE ('specially since no trickery was used;-) - I am EXTRA thankful for my new place of employment! EVERYone (for the most part) was ecstatic by the results! I got more hugz last Wednesday from a variety of colleagues - most of whom I barely know, yet! Then I found this Chocolate News piece & David Allen Grier crax me UP, so I had to share!!

**Warning: Do NOT watch this at work (without earphones) or in front of children. Now, enjoy!