Kermit & Miss Piggy Are Finally Getting Married (Would You Wait 40 Years?)

Hold up.  Wait.  Stop the press.  It just got real.... 

The adorable, sweet, soft-spoken Kermit the Frog and the one & only, the O.D. (Original Diva), the fearless and always fabulous Miss Piggy are FINALLY getting married! 

After a 40-year courtship, Miss Piggy has apparently snagged her longtime boo.  Word on the street is their wedding will take place in the new movie, "Muppets Most Wanted."  I haven't seen the movie yet, so I can't confirm it.  The gossip folks say Miss Piggy reached out to Vivienne Westwood recently and asked the designer to create a wedding gown for her.  Hmmm.... Sounds like somebody's walking down the aisle to me!

Listen.  If it IS true, I'll be the first to congratulate them.  Because duh, I love love!   

But, if I can be honest for a sec....  *sips tea*  I love Miss Piggy and all, but I don't know if I would have waited 40 years to marry the love of my life.  I mean, the first thought that comes to my mind is,'What took so damn long?'  But hey, I'm a Virgo and I'm impatient, so there's that.  

I understand people wanting to make sure they're ready for marriage.  But, 40 years?  Geez.  

In reality, there's no blueprint that outlines the appropriate time to date someone before you become engaged and then enter into a marriage.  There's no right or wrong answer.  It's a personal decision based on a lot of factors.  I get it.

Miss Piggy and Kermit's love clearly has no expiration date.  But, let's be real.  They're muppets.  They could have waited another 20 years and no big deal!    

But, would you wait 40 years for love?  Would you wait 3 months? Two years?  Indefinitely?  

Love is amazing, weird and beautiful.  It's one hell of a drug.  And yes, it will make you do some crazy things.  #neversaynever

Say No to Yes People.....

You can totally tell when a celebrity has a team of "yes" people working for/with them.  I'm not calling anybody out, but you've seen these celebs go bat crazy in media interviews, right?  You've watched their performances at awards shows and thought..."What the !$@% was that?!"  And you've raised an eyebrow at some of their questionable career choices.  

It's natural to want people around you who are supportive and positive.  I get that.  Trust me, I get it!  However--and this is a big however, if your squad consists of a bunch of "yes" people, be careful.  "Yes" people will try to convince you that average is good enough. They'll have you believing that mediocrity is the norm.  They're uncomfortable with telling you the truth.  "Yes" people will have you out here looking...foolish. 

Having supportive and positive folks in your circle is a must!  Make sure you have genuine people who have your best interest at heart also.  People who will tell you the brutal, honest truth when everyone else is stroking your ego.  People who aren't afraid to tell you flat out, "Dude, you're f***king up."  People who will look you square in your eyes and say, "I disagree with you and here's why...."

I recently finished a major project and shared it with a close friend/mentor for feedback. This friend is wickedly talented and very successful.  I respect his opinion and I know he cares about me.  After reviewing my work, he gave it a 7.5 out of 10.  Ugh!  My heart sank.  It was tough to hear, but you know what?  He was right.  

I carefully reviewed his feedback, examined my work and made some adjustments.  And now?  My project is much better and scheduled to launch this summer (Yes!).   

Anywho...the moral of the story is this: Be cautious of folks who only tell you what you want to hear ("Yes" people).  Be open to constructive criticism.  Be 'OK' with being wrong sometimes and make changes if necessary.  And always surround yourself with people who will push you to be your best.  

THIS is Girl Power!

Printing this on 5,000 t-shirts:



The wink at the end though....  #priceless

These Two... Ossie & Ruby (Happy Valentine's Day)

I've always loved these two....

Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.  Their love, talent, chemistry and commitment to their community and each other remains unparalleled.  When I think about love & relationships, they always come to mind.  

Their union lasted 56 years (Ossie died in 2005).  Can you imagine loving someone...sharing this journey of life with your soul mate for almost 60 years?  On their time together, Miss Ruby has said, "That we arrived at fifty years together is due as much to luck as to love, and a talent for knowing, when we stumble, where to fall, and how to get up again."

Thinking about them today... 

#HappyValentinesDay

Public Service Announcement: If You Think I'm Writing About You, I Am

I'm a writer (duh), so I get inspiration from everything - EVERYTHING.  I watch people.  I listen.  I pay attention to details (I'm a Virgo too), and I read anything I can get my hands on.  Those things fuel my imagination.  They ignite my energy to create.  Did I mention....I'm a writer. 

If you're my friend, an associate and or even a stranger I've passed on the street, please know that I'll write about you. I will and I do!  Now, I'll never abuse your personal trust.  No way would I ever do that. I won't share your name or any personal, irrelevant details.  But I'll write about something you said or how you made me feel.  I'll write about a situation or a conversation.  In fact, conversations with family and friends have inspired some of my favorite posts. 

So yeah.  If you think I'm writing about you...I totally am.  

Pic Of The Week (Girl Power)

The Golden Globes aired last night.  Actress Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) shut it down in a gorgeous Ralph Lauren ensemble.  Talk about Girl Power!  Whew.  Gah.  Gorgeous.

Tie Tuesday (Earvin "Magic" Johnson)

He's one of the biggest athletes of all times.  His skills on the basketball court have cemented him as a legend - no question about that.  But his legacy will be what he's done off of the court. 

Magic Johnson is the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that has a net worth of $700 million.  He's also part-owner of the LA Dodgers and has several other enterprises including Magic Workforce Solutions, Sodexo Magic Food Service, Magic Airport Holdings and ASPiRE TV.

The five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer recently launched his "Friends of Magic" project in Chicago.  The goal: To help at-risk students, including dropouts, graduate from school.  It gives them a second chance.  

As he wiped away tears during the announcement event, Magic said, "I've been so blessed in life. I'm trying to give back to the same community I grew up in."

Magic Johnson's Bridgescape Academy contracts with the Chicago Public Schools to help dropouts complete their graduation. 

Tie Tuesday (Jay-Z)

I've always loved Jay-Z, the rapper.  But Jay-Z, the business (not businessman)?  Whew!  I'm not sure about you, but he inspires the heck out of me.  He grew up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, but today at age 43 he's reportedly worth nearly $500 million. 

With stakes in the Barclays Center, Roc Nation Sports, Budweiser Select (Co-brand director), Carol's Daughter (He knows what women like) and Rocawear (He sold it, but still has stake in the company), Jay-Z has literally gone from a street corner to a big, beautiful corner office.   

                                                              " I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."  -Jay-Z

Pic Of The Day: Be Encouraged!

That's one of my BFF's on the horse below.  Isn't that a great picture?  

LJ Holloway is one of the most memorable people you'll ever meet in your life....super smart, fearless and heeeeelarious!  

This picture of her is especially meaningful for me.  Several years ago, LJ was diagnosed with a brain tumor and in 2010, she couldn't walk or talk.  But look at her now!!  Look. At. Her.  She's happy, healthy and living her life to the fullest!  (And quite fashionable if I must say so myself.) :)  

I'm inspired by LJ's courage.  I'm in awe of her strength and motivated by her tenacity. #Blessed      

LJ Holloway

To learn more about LJ Holloway and her book, "What To Do When Life Hands You A Devastating Diagnosis," go to http://ljholloway.info/

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?)    

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!!! 

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



Women's History Month Spotlight: Fannie Lou Hamer

March is National Women's History Month!  Time to shine the spotlight on a few of my favorite ladybugs.  One of my all-time favorite ladies in history is Fannie Lou Hamer.  It really bothers me that people don't know her.  Her story is amazing.  As my momma says...she was something else.

About Fannie Lou Hamer (1917 - 1977)

• Born in Montgomery County, Mississippi, she was the granddaughter of a slave and the youngest of 20 children.
• At age six, she began helping her parents in the cotton fields.

• By the time she was twelve, she was forced to drop out of school and work full time to help support her family.
• In 1962, she'd had enough of sharecropping. Leaving her house in Ruleville, MS she and 17 others took a bus to the courthouse in Indianola, the county seat, to register to vote.
• After being jailed and brutally beaten for trying to vote, she
  began working on welfare and voter registration programs for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

• Her most famous quote: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."
• She became the Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, attending the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in that capacity.
• Prior to her death, she was inducted into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as an honorary member.

PINK PSA (Public Service Announcement) - MLK Day

It's MLK Day!  Take a minute to reflect & remember... 

It's a great time to reflect on Dr. King's vision, sacrifices and contributions to our country. His fight for human rights and his influential voice throughout the civil rights movement produced monumental changes. 

I don't think any other American has made an impact on this country like Dr. King.  I'm reminded of him daily. He's everywhere.  His thoughts, his words, his dreams....they're still here. 

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Just Say No (Confessions of a Former People Pleaser)

Hi! My name is Stephanie and I’m a former people pleaser. In my case, being a people pleaser didn’t just happen overnight.  I was born that way…it’s how I came into the world.  It’s how God made me.  And for a really long time (too long actually), I thought it was just “the way I am.”

I’m the oldest of five, so helping others and doing for others is second nature to me. I’ve always been the easy-going type (easy to get along with and positive), and I genuinely want everyone around me to be happy and content.  Classic traits of a people pleaser!  *Sidenote: Believe it or not, most people who have the “disease to please” are women.  Think about it…

I thought…saying no to someone made me less empathetic, less caring (less of a woman, maybe?) and slightly self-absorbed.  For years, I let “friends” drift in and out of my life as they pleased.  Only reconnecting with me when they wanted or needed something… I have to shake my head sometimes when I think about the woman I use to be.  I even laugh about it sometimes because at the end of the day, being a people pleaser is 100% preventable.  And I take full responsibility for not getting off the yes treadmill sooner.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with pleasing people.  For me, helping someone or making someone smile unexpectedly or just being a positive influence in someone’s life is priceless. The problem arises when the need to please others consistently trump our own needs and wants. 

The light bulb finally came on for me. I had to learn to say no (politely, of course). It’s what I call the ‘yes’ diet. It’s not about stopping the pleasing altogether, it’s about being more aware and in tune with myself and my feelings.  It’s about doing more of what I want to do and less of what others think I should do.

It takes a lot of courage to say no sometimes.  It’s not always the easiest thing.  It can be uncomfortable, but it’s something I know I have to do.  It's not about being insensitive, selfish or unkind. Not at all!  For me it's pretty simple: Each "No" is a small step towards becoming a better "Me".  And I'm cool with that..... 

  

Smart Chicks Wear Stilettos!

A male friend recently said to me: Chicks who wear red lipstick and stilettos look good, but usually have little substance. Huh?  Now, I proudly confess…I’m a girly girl (sticks out chest).  I love to shop, wear stilettos, buy make-up, bake cookies and anything else that screams GIRL! And yes, I love the color pink! I thank LJC (Lord Jesus Christ) daily for making me a woman.  *Side Note: He really outdid himself when he made us women. Yes He did.*  But that’s just one side of me.  And like most women, I have many sides. 

Like any other red-blooded American girl, I love a good shoe sale at Nordstrom’s. But I get equally excited about a town hall meeting with my Congressman; even more hyped about teaching a class full of 6^th graders on Junior Achievement day.  I love pedicures, but on any given Saturday, you’ll find me at my neighborhood Barnes & Noble with a good book and an even better caramel macchiato.  Get the picture?  

So guys, don’t let the stilettos and red (or pink) lipstick fool you!  Take a sec to get to know a woman.  Don’t judge a book by its cover. Take time to learn what’s inside. You just might be surprised by what you find.                                               

                          ** Famous Smart Chicks Who Rock Stilettos **

Madonna, Pop Culture Icon
Kimora Lee Simmons, Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Top Model, etc.
Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Invesments, LLC
Angelina Jolie, Philanthropist, Actress
Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing
Candace Bushnell, Best-selling Author (Sex and the City, etc.)
Dr. Lisa Masterson, Women’s Healthcare Pioneer (featured on The Doctors)
Judge Glenda Hatchett, TV Personality, Author, Philanthropist
Sarah Jessica Parker, Hollywood Power-Player

Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing