Woman of Interest: Susan Boyle

When the world serves you lemons...

For more information on Ms. Boyle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_boyle

The 11th Hour...

...is always the hardest to endure...hold on dear comrades...I am speaking to myself as much as I am to you...may the force be with you ;-)

Woman of Interest: Bette Davis

Simply the best...

Gotta find my CORNER OF THE SKY...

Seu Jorge: NO WORDS...JUST LOOK & LISTEN...YUM!

30 somethin, Rich and Foolish: A Placeholder for Rage

The topic of this entry: 50 Cent...

I will leave it at that...I don't trust myself to write this piece now because I know I am going to go all the way in. Therefore, I am going to chill out for now. Still, I need to hold myself accountable and shame myself in to finishing what I've started. Here's the reference:

http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__video/archive/2009/11/12/22026038.aspx

Feel free to look it over until I can get my mind right.

Deal?

Woman of Interest: Patricia J. Williams

(photo courtesy of of www.drexel.edu)

Inspiration comes to me from the darnedest places...music...books...films...everyday life...presentations by Law professors!

I have know of my Woman of Interest for the week, Patricia J. Williams for years. I knew she was a prominent legal scholar and recipient of the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship. However, it was not until last week that I had the honor of witnessing her genius in person. I went to a panel discussion about the work of Édouard Glissant at my alma mater, NYU. What an amazing evening...I fell in love over and over again with everyone in the room. But Ms. Williams really struck me with her elegant speech, humility and grace. While everyone else on the all-male panel decided to take a more prepared academic approach to their presentation, Ms. Williams just told a story...one which made an impression on everyone in the room. Surely I could go on and on about my geek crush on this amazing woman, but alas I will allow you to find your own way to her greatness!

For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_J._Williams

This Is It!: A Revelation

Nothing much to say but...if I am not willing to work as hard as MJ did in rehearsal for his O2 run...then I should probably stop doing WHATEVER it is I think I am doing right now...be it academia, music, business or any other endeavor. MJ was a genius but pushed himself to the max and did so not just for himself, but the world. The film "This Is It" was for me an eye-opener...a revelation.

What shall I conquer now with this new found enthusiasm and zest?!?!! 2nd album? advance degree? a family? thriving business? peace? balance?

First and foremost, MJ was focused...thus, FOCUS IS MY CURRENT FOCUS! ;-)

"Who Am I Anyway?"

This is what I go through and how I feel each and everyday (at work, school, personal life, etc.)...



...Life is really one long audition for me...and I keep getting cut...yet I keep coming back to the line.

If I give up, what else can I do? Life goes on whether I participate or not...so for me...there is no other alternative but to keep getting back to that line...LIFE...here goes!

Rio2016: A view from the favella

So I am super excited because I have decided to embark on a new research project today. Over the next several days, months and maybe even years I would like to look at how the preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro impacts the poor people (particularly youth) of Brazil. Back in 2004 or 2005, I wrote a piece on the Juvenile Justice System in Brazil. I am now wondering how the Brazilian authorities urgent need to clean-up the crime ridden streets of Rio before the games might effect the poor youth of Brazil. My project will also focus on other related topics such as: the meaning behind the Olympic sponsor village as a global village and the opening ceremony performance as a cultural artifact. In looking at these and other themes, I am wondering what it means for Brazilians to have the whole world watching them more closely as a result of these games coming there for the first time. What will this new view of the world from their window mean for the local people of Rio?

There's already tons of controversy surrounding the crime issues in the city. Check out this article and pay special attention to the title. The media loves this stuff...let the games begin!

Woman of Interest: Paula Kelly

Hey y'all...I know it has been a minute since I've shared a "Woman of Interest" with you. So without further adieu, it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce the incomparable: Paula Kelly.

She is a singer, dancer and actress...a black beauty...and another woman I want to be when I grow up. I could go on and on about this immense talent...but I can show you better than I can tell you. Check her out in action with another fierce lady: Chita Rivera (love her!) in "Sweet Charity":



For more information on Paula Kelly, click here.

Can I have a moment?

Life feels so arbitrary yet blah today...it is becoming more and more clear that nothing is as it seems. BUT I am not going to carry on in this direction as it will only make me sound like one of those bratty and ungrateful cosmopolitan elites...soo..

I just have a word of advice for my fellow academic enthusiasts...the more you use your brain the more you will ponder randomness ad nasueam...tis not a great thing if you have other stuff to do like work, music and...well...living life, in general. The kind of inquiry that I am engaged in at present must be for young folks or perhaps the independently wealthy...I am trying to keep the lights on and the Frigidaire full! How do I do that while at the same time wrestle with ideas promulgated by a bunch of fellows who have not been with us in centuries (and would likely have me working the fields)!?!?!?!?!

ONE DAY IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE...for now I will just do my best MARGO CHANNING and act like it does! ;-)

NOBODY TOLD ME THE ROAD WOULD BE EASY...

BALANCE...MY FAVORITE WORD THAT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT...

I have been struggling to balance my day job, music career, academic work and personal life for the past several weeks. I am afraid that if I don't give up something, I will be horrible at everything...or at the very least mediocre which is such a bad word! I've already seen how it has affected my music. I need to find a way to devote much more time to it. But how?

These are the days when I understand people's desire to hit the MEGA MILLIONS. I am sure that it would cause more trouble than its worth but for me it is an attractive alternative right now!

I am running out of VERBS...I am doing so much.

That's all...just sharing.

I SHOULD BE READING...

The biggest problem I have now that I am back in Grad School is that no matter what I am doing I feel like I should be reading something instead. I can be on the train, eating dinner, sitting in a church...doesn't matter. The first thought that comes into my mind is, "I should really be somewhere reading." What's worse is that once I start reading I always think that I should have picked a better location at which to do the reading...for better concentration, ya know? This obsession comes with the fact that between two seminars at two hours a pop each week, I am responsible for reading and responding critically to well over 500-600 pages of dense theory every week. And kids...my brain is old and not as malleable as it once was. The ironic thing is that when it was fresh and new, I could care less about academics. Ugh...so here I am...a self-proclaimed professional student...once again new to this thing...trying to figure out a way to get it right. Any ideas? Let me know...Gotta go...I should probably be reading now...

Back to School Time...

Why do I feel like a 2nd grader eagerly anticipating the coming of a new school year? Only my 2nd 1st day of school but exciting nonetheless...new pens, new paper, new biscuit Thom McCann (sp?) shoes...can't get enough of em! Except now I am 33 not 7 and have already been to many different schools and have a couple of degrees, to boot.

Why now? Why this time is it such an exciting proposition for me?

This is a time like no other in the world, in the US, in NYC, in my life personally. Obama is president, the economy is down, people are bugging, and I am excited to put on my Wonder Woman costume and get to work. I WANT TO START REALLY LIVING AND THRIVING...Sure I have already had a pretty full life: moving to NY at 17, going to NYU, working in the music business, touring with my favorite musical, traveling to Europe and Japan, releasing an album, getting my Master's degree...I aint complaining over here. BUT I am convinced that I have not done enough and I have to get my tail moving on my real purpose in life...which I must confess is not 100% clear yet. I do know that it will involve empowering women and girls, through scholarship, activism, and the arts. Pretty broad I know...so I've go to remember that if this is a life long journey I've got to prepare myself for the long haul...it's not just about what's in front of me. What's more...it aint about me!

God has given me multiple gifts to cultivate and allow to grow so that I can use them to uplift his people. Funny thing is...I am going into a field and studying with a bunch of people who mostly deny the existence of God. What a challenge I have before me! I am sooooooooo up for it though.

Next tuesday is my first day...I wonder what I should expect...I think I will buy some new black flats for the occasion. Pray my strength! ;-)

Why aren't you married? Are you at least thinking about it?

"It's not good for a woman to be alone."

If this question applies to you or has been asked of you...please feel free to weigh in with comments. I am keeping this one simple and with little explanation. I will tell you why a little later! ;-)

Woman of Interest: Marian Wright Edelman

Hi kids...sorry it's been a minute. I have been running in and out of town! My last trip to Little Rock is actually the inspiration for this post. I spent 4 days with some really great youth and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since. So in honor of my new found love for young people (LOL! Just kidding...I always love the kids!)...my Woman of Interest for this week is none other than Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and CEO of The Children's Defense Fund.

Working with, fellowshipping amongst, and advocating on behalf of some beautiful young people between the ages of 12-18 this past week has been such a blessing to me. I must admit that many of them seemed to be a little rough around the edges when I first encountered them....I wasn't sure how the weekend was going to go. However, once we were able to create a safe, creative, and open environment for them and gave them the opportunity to express themselves freely, their world completely opened up. Suddenly, these broken and guarded teens were smiling and happy young men and women ready to get to work! They lit up the faces of all of the adult volunteers by the end of the week and inspired us all to do bigger and greater things on their behalf.

No one exemplifies this call to service or advocates on behalf of children more or greater than Mrs. Edelman. I've read about her quite a bit over the years but I really got to know her work through the influence of one of my bffs who works for CDF in Texas. In addition to starting the CDF which she founded as a voice for poor, minority and disabled children in 1973, Mrs. Edelman was an accomplished civil rights lawyer who was the first African American admitted to the Mississippi Bar. In essence, she has been an activist for the marginalized and forgotten in every aspect of her career and life. Mrs. Edelman is the real deal y'all...she's another woman I want to be when I grow up! ;-)

For more information, click here.

"Service is the rent each of us pays for living. The only thing that lasts is what is shared with others." - MWE

Woman of Interest: Dr. Regina Benjamin

It brings me great pleasure to introduce you to my "Woman of Interest" for today and this week: Dr. Regina Benjamin.

This morning President Barack Obama announced Dr. Benjamin as his nominee for Surgeon General of the United States (CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta declined the nomination a few months ago). Dr. Benjamin is not only an accomplished and highly regarded physician and administrator, but a strong advocate for human rights. She runs a nonprofit medical clinic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama (which she founded) and became the first African-American woman on the American Medical Association's board of trustees when she was elected to the post in 1995.

Dr. Benjamin is truly the real deal!

For more information on Dr. Regina Benjamin, please click here.

A Day of Remembrance for MJ...

I am reminded by witnessing the outpour of love for MJ that you never know who you might touch with your gifts. You cannot let the haters and naysayers run you out of the game. Artistry is service to a dying world.
In life and in death, MJ has inspired me to carry out my God-given calling even when others try to make me feel less than...even when it hurts...even when I feel like giving up.
Only God can judge me...the same goes for Michael. May his soul rest in peace.

Michael Jackson
1958-2009

Woman of Interest: Phyllis Hyman (In Remembrance)

Phyllis Hyman
July 6, 1949 — June 30, 1995

Her beauty was beyond belief...her voice was so rich and her personality larger than life...to know her music was to love her.

I became a fan of Ms. Hyman as a sophomore in high school when my drama teacher showed me a clip of her singing "It Don't Mean a Thing" in the Broadway musical, Sophisticated Ladies (plus I found out that she was originally from my hometown, Pittsburgh!). Ever since that day her beautifully rich alto tone has haunted me. Along with greats like Sarah Vaughan and Anita Baker, her artistry is something that I have aspired to because all four of us possessed one similar gift: a strong lower register (as well as some nifty highs). Now if only I can get mine to sound half as glorious as Phyllis'... Unfortunately, all that talent did not help her bouts with depression and extreme sadness. I wish she knew how much she was and still is loved.

Make it your business to learn more about this American treasure and her music. For more information, click here. As a gift to her memory, purchase some of her music today. :-)

Our Little Girls: Where's the Outrage?

For the past few days, we've seen black community leaders rally around the Jackson family in their time of bereavement. Surely MJ will be missed so we understand their concern for the family and fans worldwide. We've also heard that some of them (along with a popular musician and executive) made it their business to have Chris Brown excluded from the BET Awards ceremony which was held in Los Angeles this past weekend. This is possibly a more debatable point. Sure Chris Brown was dead wrong...but I sense a bit of hypocrisy was even involved in that decision...but more on that later. Also in regard to the BET Awards, I want to know who thought it was okay to allow a half dozen pre-teen girls dance on stage with Lil Weezy and crew during their "We Like Girls" performance? WHAT MESSAGE OUR WE SENDING? Has anyone paid attention to any of the lyrics? I refuse to reprint any of them here but let's just say they would make your mama faint. Unbelievable...I say all this to say that I love a good Weezy or Drake song as much as the next girl in the club BUT where do we draw the line of decency and stand for what is right? I can't let this one pass...where's the outrage (check the below out at minute 3:35)? TALK TO ME?!!?!?!

Woman of Interest: What About Tamar?

So...I woke up this morning with a theological chip on my shoulder. I asked myself, "What about Tamar?" Who is Tamar you ask? She is a biblical character, daughter of the infamous King David. There are actually a few Tamars in the Bible but Wikipedia eloquently makes the distinction "for the rape victim, see..." And that's just it...Tamar's claim to fame in the Good Book is "Tamar: daughter of David and rape victim." I guess it is important for me to include that she was raped by David's son...yes her brother!
I am often amazed by how provocative the Bible can be. Sometimes the stories and parables read more like an episode of the "Young & the Restless" circa 1989 than a sacred text. But that's what makes it the most important manuscript of them all: its cultural relevancy. I mean who needs a Harlequin book when you've got the Old Testament? That being said, I don't often hear holistic commentary on issues involving women in the Bible. Through much teaching you may be lead to believe that women are just ancillary pieces to the puzzle (with the exception of Eve!). However, when you read the text for yourself you may find that a woman completely drives a particular story. Case in point: I've been in discussions about the Tamar rape where people focus mostly on the strained relationship between her brother's Absalom and Annon. I agree that this relationship is an integral part of the story but by the end of the conversation I always find myself blurting out, "But what about Tamar?"
This theological quandary still rings true in my heart when dealing with issues in modern society. I mean do we ever stop to think, "I wonder how Anita Hill is doing since the Clarence Thomas thing? Has Monica Lewinsky been able to live a normal life since Bill? Will OJ Simpson's daughter with Nicole ever be able to maintain healthy relationships with men?" How many times have you heard a story about a family tragedy or the fall of a dynasty with little to no mention of the womenfolk involved?
I wrote this piece today because I want to now confess publicly one of my newly discovered missions in life: to empower the Tamars of the world to change their lives and those of other women and children around them through education and the arts. It is surely a daunting mission but one that I am finally ready to accept.
But more on this later...
For more information about Tamar, you can reference 2 Samuel 13.

Long live the King...in our hearts and minds...MJ 1958-2009

Looking in my mirror
Took me by surprise
I can't help but see you
Running often through my mind
Helpless like a baby
Sensual disguise
I can't help but love you
It is getting better all the time

I can't help it if I wanted to
I wouldn't help it even if I could
I can't help it if I wanted to
I wouldn't help it, no

excerpt from MJ's tune,"I Can't Help It" Written and composed by Stevie Wonder and Susaye Greene.



Thursday, June 25th...my life was changed forever...I can't help it MJ...I can't sleep...when I close my eyes...your face is all I see...may you rest in peace...a peace that man/woman never allowed you to get here on earth...you gave us your life and shared with us all of your many gifts andd for that we will love you forever...

Woman of Interest: Zahra Rahnavard

(pic source: news.yahoo.com)
I try to keep up with the news both local and abroad because I think it is important. Especially in the sporadic and volatile times we live in right now. I've really been trying to keep up with the information coming in about the situation in Iran with the election and subsequent protests. However, I don't feel like I know enough about all parties involved to take a strong "cyberstance" like many of my other peeps. I don't know that much about Mousavi so I can't say whether he is a worthy alternative to your boy A or not. However, I have been reading up on Mousavi's wife and she seems pretty awesome.

Dr. Zahra Rahnavard is a PhD toting artist, educator, leader, and women's rights activist. She was very active in her husband's presidential campaign (ala Michelle Obama) which is pretty unprecedented in that region of the world. Mousavi and Rahnavard have also been known to show their affection for each other in public by holding hands in the streets (which is said to be frowned upon in the Muslim world). Now I don't know THAT much about her but I am pleased with what she represents for the oppressed women of Iran and in countries all over the world.

For more information on Dr. Rahnavard, click here.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because...

WHY MY HEART SMILED THIS MORNING...

I often find myself on a subway packed with rowdy 6th graders headed to a field trip on my morning commute and I am far too often tempted to scream on them like I was their mama! They cannot seem to sit still and talk at a normal level to save their lives. Even worse is the scene I see some afternoons outside of my office building which is a block away from two or three NYC Public High Schools. I usually find myself witnessing the sad state of affairs surrounding our young people; huge crowds of teenagers who are lost, with no direction no consideration for ANYONE including themselves. I am sometimes so angry that it scares me.
BUT this morning was different. My heart was made glad on my commute into work when I saw a full row of Black and Latino boys on the train sitting quietly...reading...intensely. I literally almost cried. I snuck a picture (I called it "The Young Cornels")...I had to capture the moment so that when I see another group of BeBes I have a memory...some hope...a glimmer of possibility to get me through.
Why is this such an anomaly in this day and age? I will do whatever I can to make sure that this is something I see everyday...maybe not in everyone...but this MUST become the RULE and not the EXCEPTION. Any ideas?

Meet Job's Daughter...

I sent a tweet out today that simply said:" I believe that writers are direct descendants of Job." Not sure why. Well...actually I do. I was reading a Chronicle of Higher Learning piece on college student writing and the internet. At the same time, I was listening to the NY Times Book Review podcast. The guest was bestselling author, James Irving who said that it often takes close to a year between the time that he gets the idea (usually the last line) for a new book and when he writes the first sentence. What patience!?!!?!? It made me think of my own process and how impatient and unforgiving of myself I can be at times.

Job is a historical figure who I think about quite a bit. Every time I read his story, I get something else out of it which I can then apply to my own life. He is widely known as one of the most patient men to ever walk the face of the earth. He also endured longsuffering and affliction in defense of what he believed in. He lost everything yet stood firm on the promise that his latter days would be greater (well...he had a "moment" but he was still human!). The story of Job always causes me to reflect on my life as an "artist".

I am always striving to get better, do more...and the journey gets lonely. Although I know loads of artists and people in general who are going through what I am going through...it never feels like that in the low moments. In these moments, I feel like I am at the bottom of a well...screaming at the top of my lungs...every once and awhile someone will pass and stick their head down to see where the sound is coming from...but they don't see me but instead see their own reflection in the water...not realizing that there is a woman down in there...somewhere.

BUT then I think of Job...he lost his family, his wealth, his health...everything...yet still he was faithful and God blessed him tremendously in the end. I ask myself, "Can you go on knowing that this desert moment that you are experiencing may go on for quite some time?" I rest on the thought and come to the same conclusion that my spiritual forefather came to in his prayer to God: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

Secret to World Peace and Harmony...Let Women Rock!

Yo...an undeniable fact is that when women are given the space and place to rock (by rock I mean do what they do and do it well), the world becomes a better place and humanity is at its best.

I have always been inspired by women (famous and not so famous) who just go for it...whatever that means for their lives. However, recently the opportunity to watch women really ROCK what they do has infused my heart with so much pride, joy, and inspiration that I am overwhelmed with new ideas and dreams that I am looking forward to ROCKING in due time.

Every time Michelle Obama steps off of a plane or walks down the hallways of the White House we look on in awe of her because she is totally ROCKING 1st ladyhood. When Beyonce steps on stage some of us hate but others of us recognize the tradition she carries on in the spirit of women like Tina Turner who give audiences 150% every single night. If you have ever had the good sense to read a Toni Morrison book (Beloved being my fav), when you are done not only are you amazed by the work itself but have to recognize the amazing woman behind it.

Lately, two very good friends of mine have combined efforts to create a collective of two known as Dlaila. Dlaila = Key (http://ladyplum.wordpress.com/) + Jini (http://jinita.wordpress.com/). Now individually these women are super fantastic talents and beautiful people. BUT together they REALLY ROCK...and they are just getting started. Check them out and you will see what I mean: http://dlaila.wordpress.com/

Jini has two AMAZING daughters who are just in their preteens and they are already ROCKING IT...AND HARD AND HOW! Jauhara is a crazy fresh visual artist and musician and Chandani is ridiculously gifted writer and singer (among other things). These girls bring me so much hope for the future...WOO HOO! They make me want to have a little girl or two. :-)

Check out the below for a small gallery tour of some of Hara's work. When Chandani allows me access to some of her written work, I will share that with you as well.

So people...I beseech you...instill the gift of ROCK into the hearts and minds of little girls. They don't know the power that they have...I forget all the time so I get it...I do. Tell them that if they choose to sing, or cook, or dance, or write, or nurse, or mother, or police, or profess, or confess, or sweep, or whatever to ROCK ALL THE WAY OUT. The human race is depending on them. ;-)

short gallerie tour from dlaila and company on Vimeo.

The Real Housewives of NJ: A Critical Analysis

Oh My Lawd! Those RHNJ women are scary...the scariest yet. What they think is cute and classy is so...not. I cannot believe that they are just a few miles over the bridge from New York because they could not be more different then my NY girls.

I will say that the show can be entertaining at times. All of the RH casts have been in some way or another. However, this one is the most dysfunctional...at least it seems so based on what we get to see. These girls spend so much time in the plastic surgeons chair, tanning bed, and hair colorist salon that I am sure I would not recognize them in a picture from their high school yearbook. The only one that looks normal and has any damn sense is the self-proclaimed matriarch Caroline (I think that is her name). She's textbook Italian mom with a little money. I like her. Her sister Dina pisses me off because she acts like she's better than this other woman Danielle but she's just as "meshuganah". The other two have "Stepford" tendencies but I can almost handle them. Overall, they all could use a little Jesus in their lives. I can't really make my final judgment because the juicy episode where the girl Teresa turns over the dinner table and curses the kids out doesn't air until next week. STAY TUNED...

I really appreciated the RHNY because those women were REAL. Jill Zarin rocks! I don't care what anyone says. That heifer is who she says she is...unapologetically. The dynamic between her and Ramona was a classic NY girl love/hate friendship. Perhaps it is just because I live in NY but that show just felt so much more relateable. Even more so than RHAtlanta which had all of the black women. I got that one and enjoyed it but NY was more my speed.

Bethany was like the girl I went to college with who is so ambitious but is having a hard time finding a man because she feels like she has to be two different women...split in two. I can totally understand where she is...EXCEPT she needs to eat because the Skinny girl thing is starting to get out of hand. The Countess was at her best when she had her unexpected bouts with "down-to earthness". I think life is starting to humble her a bit. To the one who is married to the gay man I say, "you like it, I love it." They seem happy in a strange way. Leave them be! My only suggestion for the show's producers would be to ship that Kelly off to NJ before she gets her behind kicked in NY! Can you say nightmare?

So Mr. Bravo...what's next? The Real Housewives of Pittsburgh? "What are yinz doing?" Holla at your girl...

Live * Work * Create - a photo essay

Subject: Kendra Ross and the side wall of Brooklyn Industries on 5th Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn, June 8, 2009
Photographer: Ji Ni (c) 2009

The Winner Stands Alone : My comments on the book by Paulo Coelho

The Winner Stands Alone : My comments on the book by Paulo Coelho

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In the wrong place at the right time...

As you may well know, I am an independent recording artist and performer which means I am a professional artist with a day job (for now)! Sometimes this bugs the crap out of me because the time I spend sitting at this desk making my corporation money is time I should be using to perfect my craft(s). HOWEVER...I often wake up and remember that being broke aint cute...especially after 25...okay 30! The truth of the matter is that this job has been a blessing for the most part. Since I've been here I received my first master's degree (working on my 2nd towards a PhD right now)and released my debut album. SO...it hasn't really stopped me from pursuing my dreams at all. BUT...days like this...when I am sitting on 8 hour conference calls...I want to run away! ARGH! For me this may not be the right place in my mind but it is where I am supposed to be right now...we will see what happens.
This is me sitting at my desk listening to a presentation being made by some European consultants to our LA office...HE HE:

Where's DMX when you need him?

Y'all gon' make me lose my mind up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me go all out up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me act a FOOL up in HERE, up in here
Y'all gon' make me lose my cool up in here, up in here
-DMX "Party Up"

I feel you dawg...it has been one of them dayz! fo rilla!

What a Man Sounds Like When He Sings...

One thing I often think about as a vocalist is how there is a shortage of great male singers in popular music. Well...not male but MAN! Sure, there are a few adolescent, whining boys to choose from...and I won't name any names. But take a second and think about the first time you heard Sam Cooke or Donnie Hathaway sing...WOO HOO! When is the last time you heard a man and got that loving feeling? Can't remember right? Our boy Maxwell is on his way back to rescue us from the manless landscape of music and I can't wait (he's looking really good these days too) BUT if you REALLY want to hear what a man sounds like when he opens his mouth to sing, check out this one right here: Kurt Elling.

There are times when I listen to Kurt's music and a tear comes to my eye. If you could set the warmth and love of a real man to music, this is what it would sound like. I know it sounds weird but I feel safe and loved when I listen to him sing; even if only in that moment. It is unbelievable.
I listened to him on the subway this morning (after giving him a rest for a few months because I was totally od-ing) and it felt like I was hearing him for the first time again. I had an A-HA moment! LOL!
Elling has created quite a few albums for Blue Note and one for Concord AND he has another one to be released on Concord later this month featuring the music of Hartman and Coltrane...YIPPIE! For more information, go to his site (you won't be disappointed!): http://www.kurtelling.com

I DO NOT HEART KINDLES!!!!

Perhaps I will have a change of heart at some point but for now, I am vehemently opposed to Kindles. Why would I want to read a book in the form of an over-priced Speak N' Spell? I LOVE books...the smell of them, feel of them, the struggle to keep them bound and in one piece. Everytime I see someone on the subway reading from a Kindle with their bourgois green leather case and their nose high in the air I want to go post-crazio on them and pull their nose off! It honestly makes me want to puke! Yes...I admit it...I am an intellectual, cosmopolitian elitest New York snob. I HEART BOOKS...SUE ME!
I am going to regret this post in a couple of years when I am on the beach in Trinidad reading the latest Coehlo book on my Kindle but until then.....

Me at 33...

Don't look so bad, but I'm not at all what I thought I'd be. Perpetually single...not poor but barely middle class....performing sometimes, but sitting at a desk most of the time...somewhat successful but not terribly. Don't get me wrong, I live a good life...but I KNOW that I am not living my best possible life and that's what's killing me...33 has to be a good year for reinvention, right? Being the "JESUS WALK" year and all...I need to be made anew. I am strong but afraid too.

Brooklynites...run for the hills!

I must say that this past weekend had a classic Brooklyn,early summer vibe. DanceAfrica at BAM, a leisurely afternoon in Prospect Park, brunch at Lulus, more food, fun, friends and family...doesn't get much better than that. However, my fab BK weekend was almost thwarted by these two little boys...I know hard to believe, right? So cute and innocent looking, huh? My behind! These kids were trying to take me and my crew out with water balloons. Talk about bold..they walked right up on our blanket and were plotting and scheming out loud in front of us. To add insult to injury, they threatened to take our lunch if we did anything to stop them from throwing their balloons. Now I have got to give it to these kids...they had gi-normous nerve but are a bit suicidal, RIGHT!!?!?!!? I guess they didn't get the memo about black girls, hair care, and unexpected bouts with water...that ish don't mix! These little boys almost got their feelings hurt until their parents came running over, horrified about what that they suspected was about to happen: their bad ass kids throwing balloons at a group of black folks and then getting their tails whooped! I DO NOT MESS WITH PEOPLE'S KIDS! I had to share this...hilarious! LOL!

In Treatment...ARGH!

This is my confession for the week...

I've got to stop watching that damn "In Treatment" (HBO)! Don't get me wrong it is a great show. Great scripts, amazing cast...just smart TV. BUT it is literally driving me mad.

I watch one of those episodes where Paul really goes in with one of his patients and I suddenly feel that I need to run to the nearest therapist. All of a sudden a ton of stuff comes up into my psyche that has me questioning my sanity and the meaning of life.

At first, I thought I was just overreacting and getting caught up in the fanfare of great TV. However, I am on the 3rd or 4th week of the 2nd season and I am once again feeling this way.

Each character on the show seems to shine a light on one of my personality flaws.

Mia reminds me that I put up walls and am afraid to be really vulnerable with anyone
April reminds me that I gotta let the superwoman thing go because everyone needs help. It doesn't mean I am weak or selfish
Oliver and his wacky fam make me more afraid of marriage and having kids because I realize how much we can affect other people who we love and love us; especially our children
Walter reminds me that no matter how much I achieve I may never be satisfied. Also, that I am always so freakin anxiety ridden and if I don't chill out...I am gonna cause myself more harm than good
Paul's sessions with Gina reminds me that NO ONE HAS THIS LIFE THING FIGURED OUT! He's the therapist and he's just as screwed up (if not more) than his patients.

Where does all this realization get me? Deeper into self-deprecation and disappointment! Like, "Why did I need to know this again?"

What more can I say except that I think it is time to find a therapist that my insurance covers! Inquire within...

Ode to Earth Day

Dear Earth, my Earth
You've been so good to me
Much better than I've been to you
Much better than I've been to myself

Even when I trash and mistreat you
You find it in your heart to keep me alive
You give and give and give
While I just take and take

I know you are strong and may have been built to last
But you too can only take so much abuse
Everybody and everything needs a little love
And that includes you

In observance of your special day
I am going to vow to treat you better
I will remember the Biblical charge to
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

I am going to be the best darn Earthling that I can be
Even as a New Yorker and cosmopolitan elite
You deserve better and the truth of the matter is
If I don't do something quick...

That may be it
For you
And for me
So dear Earth, my Earth...

Let's fall in love

Lent Season...Rock on!

As you can see, I haven't had much to blog about these days...well I have but I've sort of just been too much of a bum to actually do it. I made a declaration the other day to all of my closest friends that though it seems like I am this hardworking "g", I am really just a slacker with favor.

By now (March 2009), I was supposed to write a lot more, get in the gym, clean and redo my apartment, prepare for grad school, start another album...and a lot more. Perhaps I just set crazy insurmountable goals for myself. Who knows? One thing is for sure, in this Lent season I have definitely been a lot more all on the ball than I was at the top of the New Year ('s resolution!). I joined a cool gym (heading there in a few minutes), wrote a groovy song, booked some great out of town gigs, applied to grad school, half cleaned my room...lil tings a gwan...big tings soon come...

Hang in there kids...

I am including this photo that I swiped from one of my favorite blogs because it provides me with a great deal of inspiration. A little street art courtesy of the streets of New York...enjoy!

Full Circle...2009

I am so behind on my blog grind...for real...I fell off! Anyway, I am here now so I'll seize the moment to say...2009 looks very promising to me but not without hard work and a united front.

I've been bumping into people that I was friends with in college lately and I am learning that this is not without purpose. God has a plan for us...we've all got work to do. We didn't get our world class education for nuthin (I say that with my tongue slightly grazing my cheek). God didn't put Obama in office just as a symbol and Forte was not released from prison just because....WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO!

There are minds that must be opened...wounds that must healed...babies that must be saved...families that must be brought together...bridges to be rebuilt. We've been empowered in so many ways and we can't let all the isms (particularly that material one...does more damage then sex- and race- in many ways!) knock us off our game, ya heard?

We've got to find a space where our gifts can be used and get in where we fit in. I am really trying to live up to this call. I've applied to Grad School, started writing some new material, and been finding ways to mentor young women of color...but I can do so much more. It's not just time, resources, and will...it's my responsibility.

This is a call to service...if all who CAN...accept it...we are all going to win.