Sunday, January 27, 2008

Let's Hear It For The Boy

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Can't You See" - Total



Overwhelming for Obama




So, the Brother won South Carolina. I must admit, I was happy with the win since I did vote for him. I literally made up my mind on Thursday before the Saturday primary.

This year there is something you can like about all three Democratic hopefuls. I didn't get caught up in the sniping between Barak and Hillary during the debate in Myrtle Beach. I wasn't offended by Hillary's comments about MLK because taken in full context I didn't see anything wrong with the statement. She was simply making a case that while Martin and 'em did great work and paved the way for the civil rights movement, it took a President or government legislation to make the laws. (Although, she should know better than to say anything about Martin Luther da King. Black folks don't play that!)


Now I did think Bill took things a tad too far when he was campaigning for his wife. I can see why some people have such strong negative feelings about him. It's like he kept pointing out on the sly, "Hey people, this guy is black." But the key for me was actually a post I read by Lolita Files over at The Lo Zone. In her post entitled "Get to Know the Man" she has a video about Barak. I've included it here. Watch for yourself. And if your primary is coming up soon, make your choice.




Peace.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

When You're Pushed............

What's Playing on the iPod right now: Nothing. Downloading some new stuff.

This has been a rather busy week. Normally I can get some writing done during lunch and breaks. I was only able to manage a couple of days this week. But, I should have a word count to report next week. I was driving to pick up the girls and had to pull over. A conversation that needed to take place between my main character, Adrienne and her finance, Charles, came to me like an audio clip. Had to get it down on paper before I forgot.

Anyway, I was watching the game and saw that a new Rambo movie comes out tomorrow.




"When you're pushed, killing is easy......."

All I can say to this is: WTF?

Peace.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Is There Still Hope For the Dream?




What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Mercy, Mercy Me" - Marvin Gaye


I remember my father making my sisters and I sit in the living room and listen to the recording of the "I Have A Dream" speech. Before this country recognized the man's birthday as a holiday, my dad made us stop and recognize the impact of that speech.

Today I pause and wonder, "Have we realized the Dream that Martin eloquently spoke of that day." I think Mr. King would be sorely disappointed at all the wasted opportunities. Are you doing your part to make the Dream come true for future generations?

Remember the Dream, ya'll!

Peace.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Some Time Away



What's Playing on the iPod right now: "My Prerogative" - Bobby Brown



Spent the weekend with hubby in Hilton Head. Sometimes you just need to get away from the regular routine (and the kids) and just be. We made the drive down to the island on Friday. Of course, on Saturday it rained. This is the view from our balcony:



But we made the best of it. Stayed in and did what grown people do. And then when we had to leave, this is how pretty it was:


I had a nice, relaxing time though. On another note, I wasn't able to work on my novel but I did work out a scene. I don't know about other writers but my story is constantly in the back of my mind. Sometimes, whenever I get a quiet moment (in the shower, washing dishes, etc.) I can see a scene with extreme clarity. I have found that I have to stop immediately and write it down or it is lost. So, I did work a little. With the day off tomorrow, I hope to be able to get a lot accomplished.

Peace.


Thursday, January 17, 2008

Theme Songs

What's playing on the iPod right now: "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield


I believe that everyone should have a theme song. The song should capture an emotion or motivate you to live your best life. I think it's obvious that my song is the one playing right now. I found this song before the Pantene commercial. Actually, my kids kept singing the chorus and I thought it was catchy. I think they got it from Nickelodeon. Anyway, a quick Google search later and I had my new tune. The words capture where my head is at now and serves as motivation and prophecy. Some of the words are "I am unwritten, can't read my mind. I'm undefined. I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned." This song is an excellent metaphor for my calling as a writer. Just listen to the chorus: "Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find.....Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten." But don't just take my word for it. Listen for yourself and feel free to share your own personal theme song.



I think I mentioned in my first post that I am working on a novel. I have started a story tentatively titled, "Just Say I Do". I am 11,698 words and 6 chapters into it and I just realized that the direction is all wrong. Now I basically have to begin again. But I am not discouraged. Why? I was reading one of my favorite blogs by the author Tayari Jones. I learn so much from it. Anyway, on her November 5 & 7, 2007 post link she gave a pop quiz called The Wallet and the Road trip. It breaks down to say that being a writer is about making mistakes. The key to success is how you handle those mistakes. I plan to rewrite the story and keep you posted on where I am in the Word-O-Meter box.

On a side note, I am going to Hilton Head with the hubby for the Martin Luther 'tha King weekend. I might even try to post a few pictures when I return.

Peace.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

It Starts with a Single Word

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Should've Let You Go" - Keisha Cole

And so it begins. I'm going to let you in on a secret. I am a writer. It's true. Granted, you won't find anything with my name on it in Barnes & Noble, but I am a writer nonetheless. I have been studying this craft for a few years now and I have finally gotten to the place that I can actually say, "I am a writer." Do you know what qualifies me to make this claim? I simply write. Now, to get to the status of published author will take time, perseverance and a little luck. I invite you along for the journey.

What can you expect here? An update of my struggles to complete a novel, talk about music (old school R&B mostly), dealing with marriage and motherhood, discussions about the NBA, random thoughts and various topics. Basically, whatever issues are going on that day.

I hope you hang out with me.