Django Unchained: A Love Story

First things first, I hate westerns.  Always have.  Probably, always will.  Second, I'm a huge Quentin Tarantino fan.  He is my kinda filmmaker.  Yes, he is.  Fearless, smart and an exceptional storyteller.  And finally, I have anxiety about seeing films that feature depictations of slavery.  If the portrayals are authentic, it can be very unsettling and painful to watch. 

Django (Jamie Foxx) and Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio)

I thought to myself, "How is THIS gonna work?"  Will I be able to give a fair assessment of a film that could very possibly make me want to get up and walk right out of the theater?  Can I do it? Will I do it?  Well, I did my best.... 

With Quentin Tarantino films, you really don't know what to expect.  Typically, there are lots of surprises, countless "Whoa, did that just happen?" moments and some LOL's sprinkled in there for entertainment purposes. 

The guy is unpredictable, so there's never a dull moment with his work.  By the time the credits roll, you're either speechless or you can't stop talking about what you've just experienced.  Either way, he will make an impression on you.  Django (the "D" is silent) Unchained is no exception. 

Listen.  With a name like Django, you gotta expect some bumps in the road.  But these bumps were just...more like boulders the size of New York!  Set in 1858, the movie is an explosive western with brutal shoot 'em up scenes and lots of blood & gore.  Pretty common in westerns, right?  The difference with Django is, it's a combination of different film genres. There are blaxpoitation components, and then you have the whole history angle.  And in the middle of all of THAT....there's a love story in there.

Django (Foxx) and Hildy (Kerry Washington)

Jamie Foxx is Django, a slave who agrees to partner with an abolitionist/bounty hunter to capture criminals (in exchange for his freedom).  The story becomes overly complex when their agreement takes them to the deep racist South to get Django's long-lost wife, a german speaking slave named Broomhilda (Hildy for short).  Django and Hildy.... *clutches my heart*  Did I mention this is a love story?  It is.     

The scenes are tense, long and entertaining. The actors bring their A-game (Leonardo DiCaprio? Whew!)  The movie soundtrack is an eclectic mix that includes everyone from Jim Croce to rapper Rick Ross.  But, be clear - not once did this film make me forget the brutality and horror of slavery.  It was almost too graphic at times.  But I watched closely because it was reality for my ancestors.  And as painful as it was for me, it is the truth.  The history of this country. 

Morally, the movie is a hot mess.  But it's also thought provoking, exciting, heartbreaking, appalling, annoying, violent and....pretty freakin' awesome.  Tarantino always keeps his audience on their toes.  He challenges us go to places that are uncomfortable, different and out of our element.  Yep, he is definitely my kinda filmmaker.  I still hate westerns though.

Awkward Conversation Of The Week....

Homeless Guy:  Hey!  Hey, girl. You got some extra change for me?  Fifty cent, a quarter...anything?

Me:  No, I'm so sorry, I don't.

Homeless Guy:  Come on, I know you got something!

Me:  I'm sorry, I really don't.

Homeless Guy:  Well, can I get your phone number then?

Me:  *blank stare*  No. No, you can't. 

Cold Weather Makes Me Feel Like This (Pic Of The Day)

He's a real life electric blanket.  All warm and cozy.  Boo is what they call him. :)

 

Top 10 Things I Learned At BronzeLens Film Festival

I attended the BronzeLens Film Festival for the first time recently in Atlanta.  'Tis was great!  I met some awesome people, learned lots of stuff and was totally inspired by some amazing films.  Here's a snapshot of my take-aways: 

1. Be nice. (Stephanie Allain, Roger Bobb and Reuben Cannon stressed this.)
   
   
2. Know the who, what and why of your project. (The 'pitch')
   
   
3. Submit your films to International Film Festivals.
   
   
4. Allot 30% (roughly) of your film budget for marketing.
   
   
5. Work with people who see the world the same way you do.  -Pearl Cleage
   
   
6. Know and understand copyright laws and distribution tactics.
   
   
7. Learn how to work around issues that get in your way.
   
   
8. Develop your audience. Develop your content.  Sell it to a network.
   
   
9. Identify your passion and be an expert in that.
   
   
10. Hope is not a strategy.

Me and Pearl Cleage 

Pic Of The Day: It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers! :) 

I'm Black & Blonde -- Deal With It

The title of the article read:  "The Implications & Ramifications of Being Black and Blonde."  I re-read it to make sure I wasn't being punk'd.  I read it out loud--just to make surrrre.  Yep--that's what it said, alright.

Here's an excerpt from the piece:

"African-American women should release the hold that blonde hair has had on us.  It's not a natural hair color.  It's not really a good look if you're over 30.  It's not particularly healthy for your hair."

I don't know where to begin with this one.  Release the "hold" on blonde hair?  Not a "natural" hair color?  Not a good look if you're over  *clears my throat*  30???  

Huh?  Woo Jesus.  I had to ask Him to hold my mule, my wig and all of my calls.

Me...as a blonde

So, I'm Black and blonde.  My natural hair color is a dark brown, but I've been an on-and-off again blonde for many years.  I enjoy it.  It fits me - right now, and it's fun.  Honestly, I didn't put a lot of thought into lightening my locks.  I didn't pray about it.  Didn't seek counseling.  I didn't look at a beautiful blue-eyed blonde woman and think, "Man, I wanna look like...her."  Nope.  None of that.  I was bored with my hair one day and the next day - *voilà*, I was a blonde!    

In full disclosure, let me point out that my hair has been every color on the market.  EVERY color, do you hear me?  Why? I get bored quickly and I like to try new things--in all areas of my life.  And as a Black woman, I don't put limitations on my life.  The world already puts us in these weird, inaccurate, silly boxes:

"Black women don't work-out."

"Black women aren't very approachable. They
 communicate differently."

"Black women can't/don't do.....THAT."   

And now, you're telling us we shouldn't rock blonde hair?  Blonde hair is reserved for certain types of "women" only?  Puh-lease.  Dumbest thing I've heard in a long time. Whew--where do people come up with this stuff??

The lesson here is this:  Make sure your self-esteem is in tact.  Especially if you're a Black woman.  I'm no Dr. Phil, but I have common sense.  These kinds of dysfunctional words/messages are designed to make women question their self-worth.  And listen.  It happens. Sometimes we lose sight of our worth.  But, we have to grab it back and hold on tight.

Learn to be comfortable with who you are (blonde, brunette or braids) and commit to living freely in that truth--no matter what others say/think about you.  Know who you are.  Know it.  Own it.  Embrace it.   *pause & repeat*   Know it.  Own it.  Embrace it.   *pause & repeat*   Know it. Own it.  Embrace it.  (Get the picture?)    

BEST Dog Halloween Costumes of 2012 (LOL!)

Know what I love?  Dogs.  Know what I love even more?  Dogs in costumes!  *giggle*


Harry Potter is in the building!



Granny and Little Red Riding Hood  *giggle*  :)

They look....scared. :)

Jedi.  Enough said.



I Dream of Jeannie!  LOL!

"We're definitely not in Kansas anymore." - Lion, Dorothy & Scarecrow



Lola, the Grouch :)

Boooooooooooooo!!!

Love Is Love: The Kappa Wedding Everybody's Talking About

I've said this before, but I'll say it again.  I love love.  Any form it...parent-child, brother-sister, girlfriend-boyfriend, BFF's, life partners, same gender unions....whatever!  I don't care. I love seeing people happy, healthy and full of life. 
    
The video below surfaced a few days ago. It's been the center of some heated dialogue (on & offline.)  It's a beautiful video, I might add.  It features two adorable young people on their wedding day.  It took place about a month ago on what looks like a perfect Fall day (Aren't Fall weddings the best?!).  The couple seems so happy and so in love.  Lots of family members and friends were there to celebrate.  So sweet.  Their wedding colors were red and white. The ambiance was absolutely gorgeous.  Warm, inviting and full of....love. I've watched it several times because it makes me smile.

The groom's name is Robert.  And the other groom's name?  Nathanael.  Oh yeah and get this: Besides the fact that Robert and Nathanael are both men, one of them belongs to one of the most popular African American fraternities in the world, Kappa Alpha Psi. #Nupe  Listen.  Two black gay men--a Kappa, getting married and proudly showcasing the ceremony to the world???  Trust me, that's brave.  Very brave.  I applaud their courage.        



Other than the YouTube video, I don't know much about Robert and Nathanael.  But what I do know is this - Every one of us deserves these kinds of moments.  We do.  We do!  No matter our race, occupation or sexual preferance.  We all deserve to be happy.  And let me get this out of the way - I'm not here to beat anyone over the head about equal rights.  Believe and support who and what you want, and I'll politely do the same.  (I love everybody by the way, and that's just how I roll.  Take it or leave it.)

I just wish more people could celebrate other people's joy.  Be happy that someone has found their life partner. That special person who makes them smile, gives them butterflies, makes their heart skip a beat.  That person who stands with them through life's peaks and valleys.  That person who's not only their soulmate, but their best friend. THAT, my friends is...dope.  Why not celebrate that?  
            
Final Thoughts:  At the end of the day, love who you love.  Everyone has preferences.  Do you to the fullest.  And...be happy.  Xoxo

Pic Of The Day: 50 Years and Counting!

Since we're in the middle of a heated political season, I wanted to shine the spotlight on one of my favorite political figures. Colin Powell and his wife, Alma on their wedding day....50 years ago!  #Yowza 

Top 10 Quotes From Blogalicious 2012

Blogalicious has GOT to be the dopest social media conference on the planet!  I mean, where can you meet cool a** people, perfect your line dancing swag (the Wobble AND Cupid Shuffle), learn gobs of info AND party all night with one of your all-time favorite rappers (Hint: 6 minutes, 6 minutes...)?!  

There's no way I can post everything I learned this year, so I compiled my top quotes from some of the speakers and attendees.  Take a look:  

1.  Before you start doing the WHAT, think about the WHY.  Start with the why.  -@corynnecorbett

2.  Never underestimate the power of an educated consumer.  -@EVPMoguldom 

3.  Be comfortable being uncomfortable.  That's the path to growth.  -@marioarmstrong 

4.  Ugly blogs hurt people.  Design matters.  Make the investment.  -@KatyBuckworth

5.  Be very, very nice to the little bloggers.  They'll be big one day. -@Latism  

6.  Don't let someone else dim your light because they don't know how to illuminate their own.  -@missloritv

7. Put a GPS on your money.  Know where your money is going at all times.  -@WellsFargo

8.  For bloggers - Don't be so focused on monetizing that you forget about storytelling.  Don't lose your      
     voice!

9.  Don't write in beige.  Bring your own flavor and personality to what you do.  -@marioarmstrong

10.  Once you identify who you are, it'll be easy to dream big and make those dreams manifest.  -    
       @harriettecole

Doug E. Fresh at Blogalicious 2012

Pic Of The Day: She's How Old?!?!?!

I kid you not, this woman was born in 1937.  I'm not so great with math, but that means she's *counting on my fingers*  75 years old!  Let me repeat that, so it can marinate and you can really understand what I just said.  She. Is. 75!  Her name is Ernestine Shepherd and she's the world's oldest competitive female bodybuilder.

And get this: She started working out at the tender age of 56.  I'm SO @&h#(&?+d&rf!dg?#er inspired!!! 

Girls Run The World & Rock The Vote!

DISCLAIMER -  I was born and raised in Florida.  Besides the weather, the beaches and Disney World, there's something else we're known for.  Politics.  It's deep rooted in the culture down there.  No matter your age, race, economic status, church affiliation...whatever!  If you reside in the Sunshine State, you're about that political life.  (And not just during a Presidential election season.)
                                       
I'm not an emotional person.  I don't anger easily.  I don't have a combative spirit.  And I'm very, very careful about picking my battles.  Which brings me to my next point...

I checked my Facebook page a few days ago.  It was late at night, but people were still online posting...and venting. Pretty common, right?  Well, something, or should I say someone caught my eye.  I'll call her "Kelly."  Kelly was frustrated and upset about the number of political posts on her timeline.  She was mad and totally "OVER IT." (Yep, she posted it in all caps).  Kelly wanted Facebook to return to that wonderful, blissful utopia that features snapshots of food, obnoxious quotes and sappy relationship updates.  Ahhhh...Facebook.  Gotta love it. :)

Any-who.  I'm always surprised to hear a person say they're not "into" politics.  Completely blown away and disappointed when I hear a woman say it.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Friend:  I don't like politics.  I don't get it.  I don't follow it.  

Me: * blank stare *

Friend: I hate politics....blah, blah, blah.

Me:  Girl, what?  Do you know that these politicians (mostly men) are out here making decisions about our reproductive rights?  Passing laws about our health care choices...  Hellllloooo - our issues are at stake!

Listen.  Beyonce says "Girls Run The World."  And I believe it.  As women, we've made some amazing strides over the last 20 years, but we have a long way to go.  And to get there, we have to be engaged in the political process.  We shouldn't be comfortable sitting on the sidelines.  We can't afford to "get over it."  We have to get into it.  

There's no question about it, this Presidential election will be a close race.  Will female voters be a key factor? Absolutely.  Our impact is critical and yes, we will play a pivotal role on November 6th.  

To women like Donna Brazile and Maria Shriver....and me, politics isn't some dry, boring, cold place reserved for older men in nice suits.  It's the freeway to empowerment.  It's a place where our thoughts and ideas can help change lives.   
So, the next time you hear a woman diss politics, talk to her about the candidates and the issues.  Help her understand.  And politely remind her of all the women and men who made sacrifices, so that we--women could have a seat at the table.  And then grab a microphone, turn up the video below and...Rock. Out. :)

  

Pic of The Day: If This Doesn't Make You Say Awwwwww

If THIS picture doesn't make you say "Awwwwww," then I don't know what else will!  Too friggin' cute! :)

Change Is A Good Thing: Sparkle 2012

1976

Ok so, I have a confession to make.  When I heard that Hollywood was set to remake the movie Sparkle, I was soooo disappointed. Jordin Sparks as Sparkle?  Whitney Houston as Effe?  I said to myself, self (I call myself 'self'), "Why would anyone want to touch that movie.  Like, why???"  Because...the original version of Sparkle is everything. EVERYTHING. 

It's my favorite movie of all time. I fell in love with it as a kid and I've been in love with it ever since. The story. The characters. The music. They should have called it "Unforgettable" because once you see it, you'll never, ever forget it. The original movie was released in 1976. Over 35 years later, here comes the remake....

Sparkle 2012.  Two-thumbs up!  Brava!  Yeeeessss!      

The remake vs. the original - are there similarities?  Sure.  Is the remake entertaining?  Absolutely.  But, this is a very different movie.  You'll see three sisters who want to sing.  An overprotective mother.  Conflict and consequences.  But, it is....different.  And like most remakes, this version isn't a soulless carbon copy.     

The 2012 story line isn't nearly as gritty as the original.  The characters are familiar, but more flawed and endearing. The music is so freakin' dope (R. Kelly produced the soundtrack)!  And yes, the ending is predictable.  But the road to get there had twists and turns that were layered, complex and full of surprises. 

2012

And Whitney?  One word:  Awesome.  (That being said though, I was totally not prepared in any way to hear her voice.)  Her version of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow?" Jesus. You could hear a pin drop in the theater.  Beautiful.    

As I write this post, I'm having a huge slice of humble pie. Silly me.  My expectations for this film were extremely low. I mean really, does Hollywood ever get it right when it comes to remakes?  Not often.  But, I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
 
This adaptation of the original Sparkle stands on its own. It's a refreshing bright light in a world that believes that reality TV "stars" and Madea are authentic representations of my community.  It's not perfect, but it is inspirational. And it's a great reminder that change is good, if it's in the right direction.  

You Wanna Date My Daughter? Fill Out This Application First

Listen.  I understand the special bond between Dads and their baby girls.  I know it's real.  I know that no boy/man that she brings home will ever be good enough for his sweet dumplin', precious lambchop, angel-face, puddin' pop.  And I know that her Daddy is the first man she'll ever love.  Very important relationship.  I get it.  

But, has it gotten so bad out here that Dads are resorting to this?!  An "Application For Permission To Date My Daughter."  Whoa.   

I love the "Explain what 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' means to you" section.  Sweet pre-teen Jesus.  What is this world coming to?  *giggle*

Up Close & Personal With Amber Bullock

Meet Amber Bullock.  She's beautiful, talented and she captured the hearts of millions as the 2011 Season 4 winner of BET's hit show Sunday Best.  Amber's debut CD, entitled Thank You was released in late 2011 on Mathew Knowles' Music World Gospel label and entered at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

Her signature jazz-infused, neo-soul style is in full effect on her sophomore project, So In Love, a collection of feel-good inspirational music released in July 2012.  A St. Louis native,  Amber partnered with producer PJ Morton on So In Love and describes their union as a "match made in heaven."         

THINKPink caught up with Amber during a recent visit to Atlanta.  She was in town to tape a live recording (she killed it by the way).  Check out the interview to find out more about Amber and her "feel good" music:

Your voice is amazing!  When did you know you had a gift, that your voice was special?  Thank You!  I've been singing all of my life. I don't ever remember my voice being special really, because I grew up around so many people with special gifts. I just blended in with them. 

A lot of people may look at you and think, Amber is very beautiful, she has a great voice, she's so talented, why doesn't she sing secular music? What would you say to those people?  I come from the church.  I'm a church girl.  I'm only singing what I know to sing.  I believe that gospel music is a genre worth fighting for.  I'm blessed to join the fight to keep gospel music alive. But, gospel music shouldn't be in a box.  Gospel means good news, it doesn't mean "churchy."  I'm not trying to give churchy music.  I'm trying to give good news music.      
      
What do you want the world to hear when they listen to your music?  My new CD, So In  Love features different kinds of music.  It features go-go, hip-hop, reggae, jazz, country and pop.  When people listen to it, I want them to feel like they've been on a perfect date.  I want people to feel good.  I want to bring back 'feel good' music.  Gospel music means good news, so I want to produce good news music that makes people feel good.   

Who are your biggest musical influences? I love PJ Morton. I also love Kirk Franklin, Brandy, Kiki Sheard and J. Moss. 

I believe in speaking things into existence.  So, when you win your first Grammy Award, who will you thank first?  God.  My parents, my daughter and her father. 


Follow Amber:
Twitter: @SingAmber
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/singamber
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/singamber/

The "N" Word...More People Need It In Their Life

Ohhhhhh, you thought I was talking about the other "N" word???  Nope. No sir, no ma'am, not here.  Not with this post (Maybe later).  I'm referring to the "N" word as in....NICE.  

First things first: Let me just say this.  Being nice is not a sign of weakness. Smiling doesn't mean you're soft or your "thug" levels are slowly dissolving.  Letting someone merge into traffic doesn't mean you're a wimpy, scary driver.  Giving someone a friendly compliment doesn't mean you want to marry him/her.  Not. At. All.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  It just means you're....nice.  And there's nothing wrong with that. 

I idolized my grandma growing up.  She'd sit with me for hours and give me THE best advice.  One of the greatest things she ever told me was to 'be nice.'  And in true "keep it real" fashion, she never added a lot of ingredients to those two simple words.  She was so sweet.  She'd say, "Be nice 'cuz you never know what someone is going through."  That's it!  Simple.  

She taught me a lot, but that stayed with me. I was always a nice kid.  Polite, mannerable and easy-going.  Not much has changed.  I'm still the same.   

I pity people who are hell bent on being mean.  Typically when someone is mean and nasty, other traits like 'vindictive,' 'arrogant,' 'rude,' and 'bitter' are a part of their twisted energy too.  What a sad, sad life.  Oh well. *shrugs*

Those folks don't stop me from being nice.  No friggin way!  It's in my DNA.  It's what my grandma taught me.  And it's a comfortable place for me.  If I'm mad about something (doesn't happen often), I won't become a horrible, ugly Cruella de Vil.  I'll most likely become quiet.  Extra quiet.  And if THAT happens?  Whew. :)  D  *Nice people often add a smiley icon after saying something slightly mean*

If you're a genuinely nice person, do me a favor and continue to be that way.  I bet you're smiling as you're reading this right now.  Nice people smile often...it's so easy for us!  And for those who choose to live a different kind of life?  Hey--If that brings you joy and contentment, I guess...  Just be sure to tell "Karma" I said Hi when you run into her.  She's a beyotch!

My Pic of The Day: "Does This Outfit Make Me Look Fat?"

Hi, I'm An Egg With No Bio (Twitter Woes)

I love Twitter.  I can't live without it.  Not for the obvious reasons you think, either.  See...I'm a bonafide, unapologetic, Grade A news junkie.  With Twitter, I can connect with reputable newsmakers anytime and anywhere I want.  Whew. Yes. That's incredibly dope to me.  #nerd

I love the cadence and speed of it too.  It moves fast.  Like, Danica Patrick fast!  Fact: Twitter broke the news about Michael Jackson's death, the Hudson River plane crash and Osama bin Laden's raid & death. THAT's how fast it works.  If you don't "get" it.  I advise you to get into it.  If you're in PR and you're not on Twitter....drop the "P" and the "R" from your job description, pack your stuff, do not pass Go and kindly....leave.  Yep, I went there. *files nails* 

Anyway, I digress....  So yeah, I love Twitter. 

Here's the problem.  *sigh*  You know the small area at the top of a person's/company's Twitter profile?  The area that should have a picture/image/logo and a description listed?  Yeah, that one.  I really want people to stop leaving that section blank. STOP.   

First of all, it's 2012.  We gotta move past the default "Twitter egg with no bio" purgatory place.  I mean, who wants to connect with an egg?!  Come. On!  Having an egg as a profile picture (with no bio) is equal to someone showing up to a Democratic dinner party wearing a Mitt Romney costume.  Awwwwkward.

And Eggheads...listen.  I won't follow you.  I won't talk to you.  I won't acknowledge you.  No. No. No.  Not gonna happen!  Not until you take a sec, upload a picture and create your bio.  My tip: Don't stress about it...keep it simple. Think about your interests, prioritize (business vs. personal) and remember key words (Twitter is a search engine.)  Click here to see mine.  If you need more help, hit me up.  Remember, I'm here for you. :)

Exhibit A

Pic Of The Day: SWAGALICIOUS!

If you ever need to show someone what "swag" means *sips smoothie*.....

You Might Be a Great Publicist/PR Professional If....

Real quick: In every working field, there are people who are just... *blank stare*  *yawn*  *files nails* at what they do. There are some who are actually pretty doggone good at what they're being paid to do.  And then, there are those who are just drop-dead amazing at their craft (i.e. Beyonce, Phil Jackson, Valerie Jarrett, Shonda Rhimes, etc.)  PR is no different.

If you're looking to hire a publicist, if you're a PR newbie or if you're evaluating your commitment to the field, here are some things to seriously think about....

Obvious Signs of a Great Publicist/PR Professional: 

• Great listeners (Listen with intent to understand)
  
  
• Exceptional writers
  
  
• Strategists who will roll up their sleeves & jump head first into their bag/toolbox of tactics
  
  
• News junkies
  
  
• Highly creative (Thinks outside of the box & has fun doing it)
  
  
• Great communicators (Can hold an engaging conversation with anybody)
  
  
• Can't (and shouldn't) live without social networks
  
  
• Attention to detail is insane...On a scale of 1-10, it's about a 25
  
  
• Understand that PR is NOT a 9-5 job

 

Marilyn Was a Poet And You Didn't Even Know It!

She's my all-time favorite muse.  I think about her a lot when I'm writing.  Visit my home and you'll see scandalous pictures of her sprinkled here & there.  It’s been 50 years since her death.  Fifty years!  And people are still intrigued with....her.

A lot of women believe that being pretty and passive is enough to get you what you want.  Not Marilyn (She & I are on a first name basis.) :-)  She was Hollywood's ulitimate sex symbol, goddess, icon, misunderstood diva, comic, genius and < insert whatever you choose to call her here >.  But, listen. *peers over sunglasses*  There was so much more to her than that.

Did you know that......

• She wasn't a dumb blonde.  She was a very savvy business woman.
• Her favorite colors were beige, black, white and red.

• She owned her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions.
• She washed her face 15 times a day, due to a fear of blemishes.

• She wrote poetry, but would never show it to anyone. (Yes, poetry)
• She wore a dress size of 14. (I almost fainted when I heard about this!)

• One of her favorite novels was the notoriously complicated Ulysses by James Joyce. (She read it aloud to herself because she loved the sound of it.)
• Her first studio name was *drum roll*….Carole Lind.  (Blah.  I like Marilyn way better.)

• Her favorite singers were Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
• She had a pet horse named….Ebony.  (Awwww….sweet!)

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure.  I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times, hard to handle.  But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."   -Marilyn Monroe

My Pic of The Day: THIS is Swag!

Listen.  If this isn't inspiration, I don't know what is!  My momma calls this lady, the "Queen" and I concur.  Chaka Khan is looking amaaaaazing these days, isn't she?!  She's 60 lbs lighter, 59 years old young and on the "10 Hot-o-Meter" scale, she's a 12!  




Chaka Khan



Sing To Your Mama...She'll Love it! (Happy Mother's Day!)

I think Mother's Day should be celebrated all year long.  Moms rock on sooo many levels, don't they?  Saying thank you, I love you, you're the best, you're my world, etc...doesn't seem like it's enough.

Sooooo.  *pauses & reflects*  This year I wanted to do something different.  Something daring.  Something meaningful. I love music (so does my Mama!), so I decided to sum up how I feel about my Mama with a special song....  **Clears Throat**  

*Sings*  Loooooving youuuuuuu!  Is eeeeasy cause you're beautifuuuuul....La la la la la.  La la la la la.  La la la la la laalaalaaalaa.....doo dooooo doo dooooo  *high note*  Aaaahhhaaaaahh!!  ♥

Love you Mama! (Your check is in the mail babe) :-)   HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

My Mama. With her cute, sweet self. 

LOL! It's Mother's Day!!

 In honor of Mom's alllll over the world... This LOL is on me. (You're Welcome)  :-)

Explain This To Me Please....

This woman is being mauled by a cheetah and her husband captures it all on film.  Somebody wanna explain to me why this man didn't put the camera down and help his wife???  Doesn't come to her rescue.  Not once.  Please explain this to me....  I'm listening.  *steeple fingers*

(FYI--She's ok... She received stitches for her injuries.)

The Virgo Woman...What You Need to Know

There's something to be said about astrology. Is it always true?  I don't think so.  But, it does give us a baseline to understand each other a little better. 

It's no secret, I'm a Virgo.  Hmmmm....what does THAT mean?  It means a lot actually.  And If you're so lucky to have a Virgo woman in your life (wink), there's some basic things I think you should know:

We're perfectionists.  It's true, we pursue perfection in everything we do.  That's a good and bad thing. It can be exhausting and causes us to be a little critical at times. Give us a minute...we're working on this one.  

We're a woman for all seasons.  We can change our mindset to adjust to even the most difficult situations of life. A strong woman. A versatile woman.

We're not as reserved as we appear to be.  A lot of people think Virgo women are shy *I shrug*, but the truth is, if you take a sec to get to know us, you'll see that we're quite entertaining...and charming. :)

We find humor in almost everything.  Our sense of humor is sharp, quick and smart.    

We are completely devoted and loyal.  Ever heard of a ride-or-die chick?  That's us!    

We're independent and free thinking.  Intellectual connections are very, very important to us. 

We're genuine.  Our motives are honest.  Never malicious.  Highly ethical and idealistic.

Singer, Pink = Virgo Woman

Famous Virgo Women:

Beyonce

Amy Winehouse
Raquel Welch

Nicole Richie

Lola Falana

Cameron Diaz

Jada Pinkett Smith
Shania Twain

Mother Theresa

Sanaa Lathan

LeAnn Rhimes

Anika Noni Rose

Sophia Loren

Selma Hayek

Joan Jett

Jennifer Hudson
Brooke Burke

Lauren Bacall

Cass Elliott

Gloria Estefan

Video of The Day: Chillin'

Over seven million views on YouTube.  I'm sure he (or she) is thinking... "Stupid humans. I'm just sitting here minding my business.  What's the big deal?  Get a life." :)

10 Reasons Why I Loved New Edition (Still Do!)

1. When I was growing up, there weren't a lot of boys on TV who looked like me. New Edition   
    caught my eye and well....the rest is history.

2. Bobby Brown - Ok, so...I know Bobby has had some issues. Who hasn't??  But, back in the
    day, Bobby was an amaaaazing entertainer!  New Edition was good, but I think Bobby made
    them great!

3. My mama and I would sing New Edition songs together. We both knew the lyrics to all of
     their hits. How dope is that??

4. Ummmm....have you seen the Candy Girl video??? I soooo wanted to be in that video! :)

5. Collectively, they were great.  But, Ralph Tresvant, Bell Biv Devoe and of course, Bobby

    Brown could rip it a-la-solo. 

6. I liked watching them grow up.  We were around the same age, so it felt like I knew them.  

    Like I really knew them.

7. They always seemed like regular dudes. Very humble beginnings. I can appreciate and
    I respect a "come-up" story.

8. I'm a sucker for good choreography.  Their tight steps really put them in a league of their
    own. So much that Beyonce paid homage to them in her 'Love on Top' video.  Dope.

9. If it weren't for New Edition, there'd be no New Kids on The Block, no Backstreet Boys, no

    Boyz II Men, no 'N Sync.... I could go on & on, but I'll stop here. 

10. They've been in the entertainment business for over 30 years...and they still got it!  You
      gotta give them props for that! :)