What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Rebirth of Slick" - Digable Planets
What I am reading now: "Substitute Me" - Lori L. Tharps
This is one of those songs I like but feel like I shouldn't. Enjoy.
Peace!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Savannah Reunion
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Remember the Time" - Michael Jackson
What I am reading now: "Getting to Happy" - Terry McMillan
This Labor Day weekend I met up with Elaine Johnson Farrar. All through middle and high school, Elaine and I were what the kids today call BFFs. (Best Friends Forever). This means we talked on the phone everyday, navigated the terrain of high school life and hung out at each other's house. We knew each other's secrets and all of our dreams. But as is sometimes prone to happen, life gets in the way. We haven't really talked or seen each other since the summer after high school. But through the magic of Facebook, we found each other again. So, this weekend, we decided to met in Savannah, GA.
Driving down I realized that it's been over twenty years since I've seen my friend. I can't help but wonder, how much has she changed? The last time we hung out we were kids with big dreams. Now we are adults knocking down 40 years old. People change over time, right?
I arrive at the bed and breakfast that Elaine found for our visit. The Park Avenue Manor is simply lovely. Elaine hasn't arrived yet so I get a tour of the home by the gracious host and I am immediately made to feel at home with the offer of brownies and sherry and freedom to use the parlors and courtyard at any time. I have chosen the Savannah Room and I am transported back in time when all homes had hardwood floors and big picture windows. I relax in my room until I hear a car door outside and go to the window to get a glimpse of my friend.
She looks exactly as I remembered. Her heart-shaped face and petite frame are the same. The hair, a twist of natural curls, is new but accents her grown woman style.
As I wait for her to settle in, I wonder will we have that same chemistry? Conversations over the phone were easy. Face to face will be the true test. Would we be able to connect the way we once did as kids?
I open the door and we hug like long lost sisters. All reservations vanish as we slip back into the rhythm of long time friends. We have established no set time table so the weekend is open to possibilities. We stroll and explore the historic streets of Savannah and get updated. We talk about family and jobs and adventures that have taken place in the space of our lives. Relearn each others likes and dislikes. Lay the foundation for trust to grow anew. And by the end of a weekend that went by too fast, I am glad that I came. I am glad I found my friend.
We make plans to make this an annual event. My BFF is back and we have the next twenty plus years to create new memories.
What I am reading now: "Getting to Happy" - Terry McMillan
This Labor Day weekend I met up with Elaine Johnson Farrar. All through middle and high school, Elaine and I were what the kids today call BFFs. (Best Friends Forever). This means we talked on the phone everyday, navigated the terrain of high school life and hung out at each other's house. We knew each other's secrets and all of our dreams. But as is sometimes prone to happen, life gets in the way. We haven't really talked or seen each other since the summer after high school. But through the magic of Facebook, we found each other again. So, this weekend, we decided to met in Savannah, GA.
Driving down I realized that it's been over twenty years since I've seen my friend. I can't help but wonder, how much has she changed? The last time we hung out we were kids with big dreams. Now we are adults knocking down 40 years old. People change over time, right?
I arrive at the bed and breakfast that Elaine found for our visit. The Park Avenue Manor is simply lovely. Elaine hasn't arrived yet so I get a tour of the home by the gracious host and I am immediately made to feel at home with the offer of brownies and sherry and freedom to use the parlors and courtyard at any time. I have chosen the Savannah Room and I am transported back in time when all homes had hardwood floors and big picture windows. I relax in my room until I hear a car door outside and go to the window to get a glimpse of my friend.
She looks exactly as I remembered. Her heart-shaped face and petite frame are the same. The hair, a twist of natural curls, is new but accents her grown woman style.
As I wait for her to settle in, I wonder will we have that same chemistry? Conversations over the phone were easy. Face to face will be the true test. Would we be able to connect the way we once did as kids?
I open the door and we hug like long lost sisters. All reservations vanish as we slip back into the rhythm of long time friends. We have established no set time table so the weekend is open to possibilities. We stroll and explore the historic streets of Savannah and get updated. We talk about family and jobs and adventures that have taken place in the space of our lives. Relearn each others likes and dislikes. Lay the foundation for trust to grow anew. And by the end of a weekend that went by too fast, I am glad that I came. I am glad I found my friend.
We make plans to make this an annual event. My BFF is back and we have the next twenty plus years to create new memories.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
When Relatives Aren't Relavant
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "The One" - Mary J Blige
What I am reading now: "An Inconvenient Friend" - Rhonda McKnight
My aunt passed this weekend. Dad's sister. And though I feel sympathy for my cousins that will miss their mother and my father that can no longer call his sister, the lost is not a personal one for me. Should I feel bad that I don't feel bad?
When we were young, my sister and I spent a lot of time at our aunt's house. She kept us while our parents worked. Dad was stationed out of town and mom worked the 3-11 shift. I have memories of playing with my second cousins, walking to the neighborhood convenience store and praying that it didn't storm. My aunt was old school. Whenever a thunderstorm came through, appliances were unplugged, lights were turned off and everyone had to lay down. Even if it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon and you weren't close to being sleepy. I remember the home cooked meals and not being allowed to sit on the plastic covered living room furniture.
But once I reached the age of 12-13, we were allowed to stay at home. Visits to my aunt's house became less and less. As an adult, the relationship was reduced to speaking at the random family function. Two polite strangers related by blood. Neither one of us taking the time to build a relationship. So, although I mourn the lost of her life, it's hard to miss the relationship that we didn't have.
What I am reading now: "An Inconvenient Friend" - Rhonda McKnight
My aunt passed this weekend. Dad's sister. And though I feel sympathy for my cousins that will miss their mother and my father that can no longer call his sister, the lost is not a personal one for me. Should I feel bad that I don't feel bad?
When we were young, my sister and I spent a lot of time at our aunt's house. She kept us while our parents worked. Dad was stationed out of town and mom worked the 3-11 shift. I have memories of playing with my second cousins, walking to the neighborhood convenience store and praying that it didn't storm. My aunt was old school. Whenever a thunderstorm came through, appliances were unplugged, lights were turned off and everyone had to lay down. Even if it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon and you weren't close to being sleepy. I remember the home cooked meals and not being allowed to sit on the plastic covered living room furniture.
But once I reached the age of 12-13, we were allowed to stay at home. Visits to my aunt's house became less and less. As an adult, the relationship was reduced to speaking at the random family function. Two polite strangers related by blood. Neither one of us taking the time to build a relationship. So, although I mourn the lost of her life, it's hard to miss the relationship that we didn't have.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Book Review - Wench
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Fury" - Prince
What I am reading now: Just finished "Fly Away Home"
Okay, I finished "Wench" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez a few weeks ago. Here is my review:
Wench is a novel set in pre Civil War Ohio which tells the story of four slave women (Lizzie, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu) who travel with their masters to the Tawawa House. It is an open secret that the women come from different planations to "vacation" with their masters in the cottages behind the House. The women seem to have accepted their fate, some even profess to love their masters, until a new woman Mawu, brings up the possibility of freedom. The Tawawa House is situated in free terrritory. But are the women emotionally and psychologically strong enough to leave everything (family and friends) behind for a chance at freedom?
Wench is a beautifully and realistically told story about an overlooked aspect of slavery, the black mistresses that are forced into another level of bondage to their white masters.
I give this book 5 bookmarks out of 5. Read this book.
Next up, I'll compare this book to "The Help".
What I am reading now: Just finished "Fly Away Home"
Okay, I finished "Wench" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez a few weeks ago. Here is my review:
Wench is a novel set in pre Civil War Ohio which tells the story of four slave women (Lizzie, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu) who travel with their masters to the Tawawa House. It is an open secret that the women come from different planations to "vacation" with their masters in the cottages behind the House. The women seem to have accepted their fate, some even profess to love their masters, until a new woman Mawu, brings up the possibility of freedom. The Tawawa House is situated in free terrritory. But are the women emotionally and psychologically strong enough to leave everything (family and friends) behind for a chance at freedom?
Wench is a beautifully and realistically told story about an overlooked aspect of slavery, the black mistresses that are forced into another level of bondage to their white masters.
I give this book 5 bookmarks out of 5. Read this book.
Next up, I'll compare this book to "The Help".
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I Write Like
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "One More Night" - Phil Collins
What I am reading now: "Fly Away Home" - Jennifer Weiner
Tried out this new program that analyzes your text and shows who you write like. Don't know who this is but it was fun to do.
What I am reading now: "Fly Away Home" - Jennifer Weiner
Tried out this new program that analyzes your text and shows who you write like. Don't know who this is but it was fun to do.
Friday, July 9, 2010
NBA Free Agency Thoughts
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "We Need a Resolution" - Aaliyah
What I am reading now: "Searching for Tina Turner" - Jacqueline E. Luckett
Of course, the NBA free agency frenzy has come to a startling conclusion with Lebron's announcement that he is joining the Miami Heat. Fans went crazy in both Miami and Cleveland with jersey burning and pronouncements of doom. I believe Lebron can play wherever he wants, he is a free agent, but he could have handled the announcement with more class. If he had heart, he would have spoken to the Cavs owner directly and tell him first before he told the world. And Lebron had the nerve to look surprised at the negative feedback.
I always thought Lebron was an over hyped spoiled athlete that was given too much too soon. The man hasn't won anything in the pros (okay, two MVPs) and was crowned a "King". To go on national television and turn his back on his hometown team was just wrong. Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, took it a step further when he basically went all "Color Purple" on Bron-Bron and did the "'til you do right by me" curse.
This all makes entertaining theatre but the games are won or lost on the court. Will the Miami Heat be a threat to my Lakers? Of the big three, we have a counter. Artest can check Lebron, Kobe takes Wade, and Gasol will handle Bosh. Based on whoever the Heat can get to feel out the rest of their roster, I still like my Lakers to prevail in June. I am looking forward to the upcoming NBA season!
What I am reading now: "Searching for Tina Turner" - Jacqueline E. Luckett
Of course, the NBA free agency frenzy has come to a startling conclusion with Lebron's announcement that he is joining the Miami Heat. Fans went crazy in both Miami and Cleveland with jersey burning and pronouncements of doom. I believe Lebron can play wherever he wants, he is a free agent, but he could have handled the announcement with more class. If he had heart, he would have spoken to the Cavs owner directly and tell him first before he told the world. And Lebron had the nerve to look surprised at the negative feedback.
I always thought Lebron was an over hyped spoiled athlete that was given too much too soon. The man hasn't won anything in the pros (okay, two MVPs) and was crowned a "King". To go on national television and turn his back on his hometown team was just wrong. Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert, took it a step further when he basically went all "Color Purple" on Bron-Bron and did the "'til you do right by me" curse.
This all makes entertaining theatre but the games are won or lost on the court. Will the Miami Heat be a threat to my Lakers? Of the big three, we have a counter. Artest can check Lebron, Kobe takes Wade, and Gasol will handle Bosh. Based on whoever the Heat can get to feel out the rest of their roster, I still like my Lakers to prevail in June. I am looking forward to the upcoming NBA season!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Networking
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "We Need a Resolution" - Aaliyah
In an effort to network on the web with other writers, I came across the website http://www.shewrites.com/
Seems as if they have a lot of valuable resources to writers, regardless of skill level or publishing status. Maybe I'll make a connection. On the novel progress, I have gotten back on a regular writing schedule after my attempt to work two full-time jobs. I realized that I am too old for that. All I had time for was to sleep. Being in a state of constant work left no time for the creative mind to kick in. Trying to do better.
In an effort to network on the web with other writers, I came across the website http://www.shewrites.com/
Seems as if they have a lot of valuable resources to writers, regardless of skill level or publishing status. Maybe I'll make a connection. On the novel progress, I have gotten back on a regular writing schedule after my attempt to work two full-time jobs. I realized that I am too old for that. All I had time for was to sleep. Being in a state of constant work left no time for the creative mind to kick in. Trying to do better.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The State of Black Publishing
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/25/AR2010062504125.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Ring My Bell" - Anita Ward
As an inspiring published author, this is case for concern.
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Ring My Bell" - Anita Ward
As an inspiring published author, this is case for concern.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Summer Reading List
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Words" - Anthony David & India Arie
Here is a list of excellent books to take on your summer vacation. I have read all of them and none of them would be a bad pick. Enjoy!
Perfect Peace - Daniel Black
From Cape Town with Love - Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, and Steven Barnes
Heard It All Before - Michele Grant
Glorious - Bernice McFadden
Sins of the Mother - Victoria Christopher Murray
Till You Hear From Me - Pearl Cleage
Wench - Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Say You're One of Them - Uwem Akpan
Known to Evil - Walter Mosley
The Dying Ground - Nichelle Tramble
Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It - J.D. Mason
Upcoming titles to look out for:
Getting to Happy - Terry McMillan
Tempted by Trouble - Eric Jerome Dickey
Love, Honor and Betray - Kimberla Lawson Roby
Torn Between Two Lovers - Carl Weber
Holy Rollers - ReShonda Tate Billingsley
I need to start doing some book reviews for all of these books. Stay tuned!
Here is a list of excellent books to take on your summer vacation. I have read all of them and none of them would be a bad pick. Enjoy!
Perfect Peace - Daniel Black
From Cape Town with Love - Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, and Steven Barnes
Heard It All Before - Michele Grant
Glorious - Bernice McFadden
Sins of the Mother - Victoria Christopher Murray
Till You Hear From Me - Pearl Cleage
Wench - Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Say You're One of Them - Uwem Akpan
Known to Evil - Walter Mosley
The Dying Ground - Nichelle Tramble
Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It - J.D. Mason
Upcoming titles to look out for:
Getting to Happy - Terry McMillan
Tempted by Trouble - Eric Jerome Dickey
Love, Honor and Betray - Kimberla Lawson Roby
Torn Between Two Lovers - Carl Weber
Holy Rollers - ReShonda Tate Billingsley
I need to start doing some book reviews for all of these books. Stay tuned!
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Repeat
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Champion" - Ron Artest
Tough grind but my beloved Lakers are on top once again. Listen and enjoy:
Tough grind but my beloved Lakers are on top once again. Listen and enjoy:
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Why I Love Bookstores
What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Bang Bang" - Melonie Fiona
Today I found myself with some free time. Weekends are mostly spent with the family, running errands, etc. I dropped the girls off at the hair dresser and had some time to myself. And where did I go? Straight to the book store. I told myself I really needed to pick up the new copy of Kimberla Lawson Roby's book. Checked that off the list. But I spent an hour in there just browsing the shelves. And then it hit me. I had to call my sister and discuss. I love bookstores because I dream of seeing my own book displayed there.
I have got to finish this book. I can see the life I want for myself. I can't give up on the dream now.
Peace.
Today I found myself with some free time. Weekends are mostly spent with the family, running errands, etc. I dropped the girls off at the hair dresser and had some time to myself. And where did I go? Straight to the book store. I told myself I really needed to pick up the new copy of Kimberla Lawson Roby's book. Checked that off the list. But I spent an hour in there just browsing the shelves. And then it hit me. I had to call my sister and discuss. I love bookstores because I dream of seeing my own book displayed there.
I have got to finish this book. I can see the life I want for myself. I can't give up on the dream now.
Peace.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)