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!!

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 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;-)

Wonderful Gift from my Brother in Law!

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

NYC/Bklyn BlogMEET April 26th - U in?

Jewell is coming and Koffee Dyme's still here! So, can we get together for the Blog Photo Op of the YEAR? Jewell will be here & available to go for her much desired "slice" on Saturday, April 26th. She's stayin' in East New Yawk, so WHERE Bklyn AT? What's a must see spot for this photo op?

Eb? Lance? Ms. Lee? Ms. Behaving? Dejanae? N.Steven - can we get u to brang that testosterone across the GWB? LOL! LoveBabz - u trying to come down from CT? And how 'bout That Johnson Boy?

Who else is in the Tri-State area and lurkin'? Any one else visiting NYC that weekend? Did I miss anyone, if so - blame my head & not my heart!

Got ANTs in my Pants ... :-)

...And I need to DANCE! LOL! Okay, bear with me, Blog Family. I don't REALLY have ants in my pants - but I'm FEELIN' that antsy excitement that U feel when U know something real GOOOOD is 'bout to JUMP off! I TOLDJALL 2008 is gonna be GRRREAT!
FIRST lemme announce some of what's got me excited like:

1) The book project that I'm part of is having its Kick OFF event in St. Louis on February 23rd and I'm going to BE there (details will be posted on that site soon, I was told:-)! First time being PUBLISHED and First time going to ST. LOUIE! Woo HOOOO! Watch out Ashanti - Nelly's REAL girl is coming to TOWN! LOL!

2) The BOOK itself is going to be IN my manicured li'l fingers by my BIRTHDAY near the END of January (well ... I'll have a manicure by then, anyway;-). I guess, I should be excited about this FIRST - but, y'all know I love a party;-). LOL!

3) So MUCH seems to be poppin' off for fellow Bloggers, like: Mama Angelia is part of ZORA (which she announced over at Bloggers' Delight to Write)! Speakin' of ... THEY're having their First Readers' Choice Award for poetry. AND my Dear friend, Ced (who I knew back before blogging) & his Mrs. are starting a couple of biz ventures including his quietly launched editing site which is FLY AZZ HECK (I know that doesn't sound professional, but I'm excited for my Fam:-)! I hope I'm not "jumping the gun", Ced - but I couldn't hold it any longer;-)!

Whew! God is SO GOOD I gotta DANCE (even when I'm strugglin' ... like I still am in many ways ... but, I'm STILL gonna DANCE;-)!
* * *
Since I've been incognito most of this week from my own blog - I'm going to respond to the kind folx who've entertained my 2 previous "quick" questions here IN this post - saving u the time of clicking another link AND if u didn't leave a comment feel free to skip this part;-). As ALWAYS - I appreciate and adore EVERYone who takes the time to read my blog. AND extra HUGZ to those who take a minute to acknowledge my blog-thoughts by leaving comments, calling, emailing, texting, etc. :-)

Ced - not a morning person, huh? LOL! I know u're glad to be a civilian again;-). Since partial employment gives me SO much free time - I haven't figured out my sleep pattern since no job to structure it. I'm all over the place & for now - I'm COOL with IT! I'm so glad I could convince u to come outta MySpace for a bit & I hope it has helped!

Dave J - U only write at home, huh? Well - when do u get OUT - cuz U r one prolific CAT! ;-). But seriously, it's funny that u say that. I met Colson Whitehead at a book signing last year. When I asked him about writing colonies he said he prefers home to any other place.

FemiGog - I tend to be a night owl for the most part, too. But there are some mornings when I just wake up singing halleluyah;-). I need to get better about jotting notes through out the day though - but I'm so nosey I'm easily distracted;-). I'm not sure any more - blogging went from being therapeutic to being an addiction. LOL!

Miz - At the airports? Hmmm - I need to hang out with U more often - but as I told Femigog: nosey me wouldn't get much done - too busy watchin' the comings and goings;-). And your blog IS appropriately named - cuz it's LIVELY for the life of U;-).

Bro G - u write IN TRAFFIC?! Lawd, please be careful...a good friend of mine was recently in a car accident (she's fine - just shaken & slightly fractured nose). U seem to maintain integrity & creativity as far as I can see on your blog. I wish I had more time to dig into most of my fave bloggers' archives. Thanx - I'm trying to figure out my comfort zone - I know I'll get it -- or -- is this it? ;-)

Anali - U not a morning person, either huh? LOL! Finding time can be tricky. I have "plenty of time" now and I still "need" more! LOL! I love your intelligently eclectic mix of a blog - I tend to get hungry when I go there, too! It's been a wonderful experiment that I hope will last 4evah!

SulDog - I need one of those jobs where I can be on the internet while on the clock;-). In teaching - there's ALWAYS somebody crying for your attention. LOL! And THANK your wife for encouraging U to blog for me - u r a treat!

Nicole - U're right - writing in bed is NOT good for me ... sometimes I wish I could write in my sleep;-). I started blogging to clear my head before writing - then the blogging became the writing. LOL!

Lisa Q. - U r TOO funnee! Started off giving advice now you're getting it, huh? LOL! Don't worry 2008's gonna be great! I'm keeping u in my prayers (& please keep me in yours;-).

David - Cuz! And interesting archives, comments, politicizing, etc., they are:-).

Amn.eris - Hey Girl! I need YOUR job since u can do all that! U tellin' all that kinda biz? No wonder all your spots are invitation only (and uh...can i get an invite?;-). U going to the ABC Black tie? U singing in it? ;-)

Mega Rich - Ohhh! So, U used to be simply talking trash like Lance! LOL! Hmmmm, extinguishing demons??? I need to read more carefully;-).

Nina - WELCOME to my world:-). Hey - no time for guilt - we all know that time is limited (I'm STILL wondering how those folx who get hundreds of comments actually respond to them all - even if they ARE professional bloggers...sheesh;-). And congrats on the new baby - is this your first?

Brother All-Mi-T - an' whas'sonever yo' cuntree azz writes about U know we luvin' it;-).

Ms. Behaving - Happy New Year to U, too GrammaFlyAzz! Reading your blog helps me stay sane, too! ;-) U know I'm working out so I can BE in Carnivale in 2010 cuz of U;-).

Eb the Celeb - U go, Ms. CEO! Wow - U in that entertainment industry - my hat's off to u & your patience. I need to come thru your spot - do u post any of your poetry? Happy New Yr 2 u, too!

Diva!!! - even when u vent it's entertaining;-). LOL!

Mel - U do spread the spirit of God's love very well, too! Now, I'm not trying to convince U - but I have learned that The Creator wants us to enjoy abundance in many areas of our lives - so, if I were given an offer to earn money for doing what I do anyway - without dancing to someone else's tune - I would certainly tithe 10% of the income I gained. Thank U for the blessings - I need all that are bestowed upon me:-).

Zay!! - WELCOME and no worries, my good friend;-) I'm just glad to make you're acquaintance. U give an "ol' playette" like me hope that I, too will find REAL love/my soul-mate - regardless of my history;-). And WoW! U found a publisher through blogging? That's great! I know I'm excited to be part of the book project that came as a result of blogging, too:-).

*Going to add all the Newbies to my blog roll, now so I can check out YOUR spots!

HUGZ EveryBody!!

Click image for its source.