Insomniac Ramblings - All Black Errythang...

Today, I saw a little white girl wearing the first Black Disney Princess on her t-shirt. 


Trivial, right? No - amazingly huge.


I remember when I was little - how long it always took to find a brown doll in the stores. One that actually looked pretty and had decent hair to comb. I'd get even more excited if she had an afro - and that took years to find. 


It's still funny that I told her I liked her shirt, and she ran to hide behind her mom. Cute! 


Anyway - today sparks Black History Month, and I wonder what I've done to contribute to our legacy as Black people. 24, soon to be college graduate, no kids, living on her own. I think I've done pretty well thus far. I have a passion for helping others and making a change in the world - that is my calling in life. 


It saddens me to see so many young Black kids getting bamboozled into their depiction of the American Dream. Expensive clothes, bags, shoes - and not a pot to piss in. Working just to provide these things, never trying to progress. I fear that this will become the norm for my successors. Girls growing up without fathers, boys being raised by mothers alone. This is not what I want to see for my people. It doesn't matter the ethnicity, this seems to be the plight of the Black race. 

On the bright side of things - I know plenty of young men and ladies my age who are out here doing it. Working two jobs, going to school - anything to make it happen. Those who decide to take alternate routes are starting businesses and making something out of themselves. The dope game and prostitution just ain't what they used to be. 


We've got to take it upon ourselves to make a mark in this world. Not everyone can be Diddy or Russel Simmons - but what about following your dreams? What about opening that black skincare store you've always wanted? The youth center your city needs? Or like myself, the Audiology clinics in underprivileged neighborhoods across the country. The world! 


Mine aren't questions - they're answers waiting to happen. 


People may doubt you and talk you down - but most of those people will be individuals who have never seen their dreams come to life. People who were afraid to fail, afraid to look silly - never realizing how silly they truly look. Don't become them. It's a new millennium - nothing has to stop you from achieving your goals.


 No excuses. No retreat, no surrender. 


Let the nay-sayers eat your dust, for the road to success is paved with lots of haters... 


This month, I will chronicle many aspects of the Black experience; black hair, black skin, black life. All Black Errythang. Hope you enjoy, maybe even participate :) 


Oooh, and Black Men. Yum... 

Real Talk...

I have these days when I feel the urge to be candid. Can I kick it with y'all for a second?


I've lost quite a few friends over the years, and I see this as a part of life; a transitional process if you will. Some of those friends I still hold very dear to me, because I learned valuable lessons from each of them. Every so often, I encounter people in my life that really make a mark and impact me in a major way. I thought this person was one of them. Somehow, though - word has come to me from a complete stranger with whom I happen to have mutual friends - that this person has been talking about me. Why? I wish I knew. 


That's not the shocker to me, the real surprise is that what is being said is extremely untrue. I just don't want to compromise anyone's friendship by saying what I feel. So, I won't. It's not a rumor that affects my life in ANY sort of way, because I know exactly who said it and why. BUT - morally, I feel fake if I continue to spend time with this person. Break bread with them, sip drinks. Which means I have to distance myself - change it to acquaintances, and less of friends. It's so sad, because at one time I genuinely looked up to this person and thought they were so real. As an adult, I now realize that even the wisest of human beings shares faults with the most ignorant. Lesson learned, and now we move forward. 


Pretty sure you'll read this - not so sure you'll understand. Not my cross to bear. That is all. 

Olivia - "Walk Away" ((Video))

The sad thing about this is, there are so many women of various ages and ethnicities who endure domestic violence every day. For us to be known as such a strong and sassy race, we as Black women need to have support systems that will take us out of these lifestyles. Olivia really made a nice move with this song, reminds me of Eve's "Love Is Blind" concept. All my ladies out there, take heed. If he will hit you - he will kill you...


Olivia - "Walk Away" 

D'Angelo Live in Paris 2012 ((Video))

The Brown Sugar I remember... 

You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger D'Angelo fan than I. Voodoo is one of my all time favorite albums of any artist, dead or alive. So, when I saw that the elusive D'Angelo was performing in Paris - you know I had to share this with the world. I am on a search frenzy right now! If I can get my hands on some tickets to see him perform - I tell you I will travel ANYWHERE!! 


According to Kevin Liles (famous manager of many R&B acts), D'Angelo is almost finished with a 2012 release. No one will state when, album info, title - but I don't even care. The simple fact that he's coming back out after twelve years has the hairs on my arms standing up. Not to mention - he is teaming up with Questlove of Philly's own Roots clan, and Q-Tip. 


I don't know what to do with myself! 


I'll tell you what, though. If they can get him and Ms. Badu on stage together, I will absolutely die. Icing on the cake - Ms. Hill. Black Jesus, please make this happen! 


Trust and believe I will keep you guys posted on any findings I encounter, but I will declare that my neo-soul binge has begun once again... 





Read More Here... 

My Life in Photos: Movie Night - "Contraband"

Took the family out for dinner and a movie. I was so glad to get G and her brothers in such a lovely setting - they really deserve it.

Contraband was a great movie Mark Wahlberg is one of my favorite actors for sure. His aura is so sexy.

I can never do those blogger outfit pics, cuz I rarely remember where any of my clothes came from. The shoes were a great catch at Sawgrass Mills this weekend. I won't even tell you how much they cost - but I did pay $7 for the pants. I love sales! 

Chunky and Alvin 

Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants - and the boys were finally able to get a taste of the fine fare. Granted, they both ordered the most standard items on the menu. Baby steps, lol

My choice - red beet salad (arugala,candied pecans, apples and goat cheese) with Crab bites. No meat, week three! Mint green tea, to help burn the calories... 

This weekend was full of surprises, but we always have to thank God for life. I was certain we were going to be seriously injured in that car crash, and my life didn't even flash before my eyes. Sometimes, that's all it takes to wake us up. Sometimes - we need more... 


Appreciate Life -and Life will appreciate you... 

Frank Ocean - "Voodoo"

We don't know if this is the official title - but who cares? Wonder when the next EP is coming out, I'm having anxiety from Nostalgia.


The bass undertone with the vocals definitely adds the signature creepy element that we've grown to love from Frank Ocean. The beat change is super sexy. Anticipation...














Frank Ocean - "Voodoo" 

Black Jesus Has Done It Again...

What started as a great day turned into such a scary evening. All we wanted to do was meet up with a friend for dinner...

Instead, we ended up getting hit from behind by some crazy guy in an F150. Man, I tell you - God is real. 

Still a bit shaken, since we were on the highway when this happened - it seems so unreal! I always wonder how a car ends up facing the other direction on the highway. I know now.

Count your blessings, friends...

Product Review - Morning Glory - Gro-Protect Solutions...

As we all know, I have been cutting my hair and growing it out for almost a year now. Finally, I've gotten bored with my hair and wearing the same few styles as it finally grows out evenly - so I decided to get a weave put in. While the back of my hair has grown enough to be braided, I decided to trim it one last time, and put it away for safe keeping. I've been watching videos on this Morning Glory product for a while - and finally decided to seek it out and give it a try...






First off, it is expensive! But, if your weaves last a long time, or if you have short hair - it goes a long way. I first coated my hair with spritz and brushed it down, blow dried it til it was hard - then applied the Gro-Protect. Blow dried it again, and voila!! My hair is hard as a rock! Hard, but flexible - unlike hair gel. It smells incredible, too. 

Before...

The purpose of Gro-Protect is to create a barrier over the hair, which allows for healthy application of glue-on weaves. Many of us ladies know the aftermath of a glued on weave. I have ripped out plenty of hair trying to remove it - which is why I avoided weaves during my grow out phase of this haircut. Now that I've discovered the wonders - bring on the hair!! My hair grows so nicely when I don't have to bother it with pulling and tugging every day. I tried a wig, but I am afraid they will fly off! 


Now - I'll put it to the test. Let's see how long it can hold up with gym sessions, wrapping, school, hats, work - the elements. This might be the best hair purchase I have made all year... 

After...

Red Tails...

The typical blogger outfit pic. American Apparel Tee by Threadless. 535 Jeggings by Levi's. Jordan Playoff XIII's by Nike. 

Red Tails was an incredible film, actually surpassed my expectations. Definitely  a movie for everyone, George Lucas put his soul into a great movie. 

Despite the fact that I accidentally ate Pigeon - it was a great evening. And the pigeon was delicious! 

Just One of Them Days...

So, today - I had a moment. I haven't felt this crummy in a very, very long time. 


I was driving home from work, and I just started crying. Gentle at first, then a steady stream - then damn near hysterical. I had to slow down and grab a tissue at one point. I could hear myself saying, "Why the hell am I crying?" 


But I know exactly why.


It just sucks when people make you feel a certain type of way. I have put a lot of faith in the human race, only to be disappointed by many of them. This time, I really hope my intuition is correct - I really, really, really don't want to have to walk away...

Make It Alright...

I am typing, lol 

I realized today that I have a complex.  


I am afraid of love. 


It's strange, because I embrace it so much - but there's something deep inside of me that fears it immensely. As much as I'd like to find the words to explain it, I don't know if I can.


I've been surrounded by love all my life. My parents have been married since before I was born, and even though they're going through their things - they still treat each other with love and respect - despite it all. My grandparents were married for centuries. I was one of the few kids I knew who had parents who were still together - much less married!


Okay, so I'm not afraid of love - I'm scared of being in love. 


Because I thought I had that before, and it was all a part of this superficial vortex that I was sucked into. The shiny things, the trips, the pacifiers. After a while, it all gets old - and when they all faded away all that was left was  - nothing.  I don't want to feel that again. The things that I've gone through over the past few years alarmed me - and woke me up to the reality I existed in. I had to escape. Regroup. Be alone. Until. Him... 


So - what happens now? 


I sit in purgatory. Not sure whether to go all in, or retreat. I feel like it's right, but sometimes, life is all about timing... 

See? I really don't have all the answers, lol 

The Sultry Voice Behind the Signature Mayback Music Drop...

Driving to work today, Angela Yee from NY's Power 105.1 finally got this thought out my head. "Who says 'Maybach Music' in all Rick Ross' songs?" Turns out, it's model Jessica Gomes and she's been talking about getting paid for her services. Apparently, she wasn't getting paid at all. Who knew? 


She's not suing or anything - but I guess when she realized the fun moment at a studio session turned into a musical sensation, she figured she'd cash in. 


Now, don't get it twisted - Jessica's no starving model. She's been featured in many print ads and photo shoots, including the world famous Sports Illustrated Magazine. But when you're rockin' with Rick Ross - of course you wouldn't mind getting a little off the MMG plate. Let's see what happens.


And yes, I do say "Mmmaybach Music" when the songs play, lol. 


My next challenge - Who says "Ooh la la, Bangladesh?" 


Peep Jessica below... 

Insomniac Ramblings...

I'm overdue for a trip out of town - it's been three weeks...

I love the Five Heartbeats.

I get the munchies at random times. Like this one. A milkshake and apple pie would be nice.

"Two wrongs don't make a right..." 

I want to graduate already.  wtf. 

I have a few friends I need to nip in the bud, but I don't wanna. :( 

I wonder if anyone else sleeps like me; one hand around my neck, one in between my legs. :-/

Sometimes - I don't have the answers.

Wonder how long I'll have to wait...

Winter Lovin'

My love will always be warm and cozy,
No matter how the winter may be
One hand in your pocket, passersby are so nosy
But I'll wait, just in case - they might see. 
As we trod our way home, footsteps crunch in the snow
Feet are slipping, so you don't try to rush me
Anticipation grows greater, this you already know
I'll just melt as soon as you touch me.
Step inside of my home, and come in from the cold
It is here we shall weather the storm
It's not hot chicken soup, like the myths we've been told
I've got something else to keep us both warm
Slide into my velvet jacket, so soft and so smooth
It is there you will find the best heat.
It will hold you so tight, made to hug and to soothe
And fits snug, warms up fast every time bodies meet.
So, stay here for the night, as the winter wind blows
You can sleep once the the salt melts the snow.
But for now, we will dance with this warm winter coat
How it feels - no one else is to know...

Time After Time...

Random Feelings of the Day...


   I don't care what happens to us. How many arguments we have, how far we live from each other. We are always together. In the way we laugh, the way we dress - the phrases we say to ourselves (in public, in front of other people). They just don't get it. They never will. Late night drives to Denny's, Parking Lot Pimpin' after the movies. I love my family with every inch of my being. And in those times of need - they are the first line of defense against a broken heart. I don't know anybody else who I'm certain will leave work, tie their hair up and get the brass knuckles out for me. I would stop a bullet for them. And they know it. 


No matter what we're going through, how it happened, where when or why - we are always there. Clairvoyantly; like clockwork - we just seem to know when another is in distress. It's funny, because we are becoming our parents more and more each day, and I have learned to appreciate the nuances. I love you guys. Each of you for a different reason - all of you from the same heart. I know I can't tag everyone in this post today - but I'm certain each of you will get that Spidey-Sense and read it anyway. That's how God programmed us. Remember that when you feel a tear in your eye. One of us, somewhere else - is probably crying, too... 

Simpler times...

Lover's Lane...

You ever just want to take a walk, while the sun goes down - holding hands as the moon peeks its head from behind the clouds?


Nah, me either... 

Can I...

Can I sit a little closer? 
Enjoy the scent of your cologne as the music plays slow
Can I laugh at your jokes?
Touch your arm so gently while the lights flicker low
Can I gaze into your eyes?
Hanging lightly to your every word
Can I have another drink?
Smiling quietly at the phrase I thought I heard.


Can I take you home? 


The question isn't Can I - but May I? 

"Stay Schemin'" - Common's Responds to Drake...

POW POW POW!

The problem with diss tracks is that when you do subliminals - you never know if that target is going to bust back. Common was ready for this one, and I love  the punch lines. This right here is what Hip Hop is about. 


Common remains one of my alltime favorites. Don't let the handsome face fool you...

Closure...

You,


It was sort of funny seeing you last night - I couldn't help but smile. I sort of expected to walk up to you and just start talking, but clearly that wasn't the way things were supposed to happen. I still don't know what I did wrong, but I respect your choice in life. You look good. 
    {{Lol, that's one of those things people say when they haven't seen someone in a while. Protocol, I guess.}} 


I see we're still following each other on Twitter, still "friends" on Facebook. And I wonder why this is so. Since it's obvious that we will never be friends again. I thought about deleting you - but then I wondered what purpose it would serve. All I've ever wanted to do is see you succeed. That fact hasn't changed. I hope you're doing well. I'm doing wonderful. 


Anyway, this is my closure. In the back of my mind, I secretly hoped we would actually talk about what happened. In the front of my mind - I knew it wouldn't come true. Ironically enough, "Loyalty is all I know". Never deviated from that, never will. But it's over now. I'll always remember the good times we had. If I saw you stranded on the side of the road - I'd still stop and help you...


God speed. Take care.

Shxt Black Girls Say ((Video))

I literally laughed til I cried. It should have been titled "Shit Hoodrats Say," But I do pat my head when it itches, forgetting I don't have a weave... 


"They ask me, 'do you ever get nervous?" And I say, hell yeahh, hell yeahh..."

Teyana Taylor - Back on the Rise?

I remember how hype we were when Teyana first got on the scene, we just love to see girls from NY making it happen. She had a few underground hits, my favorite being "Color Me Pink." We anticipated her videos and new songs, and then somehow - she got lost in the sauce. Instead of becoming an R&B sensation, she turned into a Hip Hop socialite; at every fashion show and party. 


After her Marvin's Room remake last year, and the sexy video with Omarion, I really thought she was coming back. It seems now, that she was warming us up for her return. Two singles with reputable rappers in one week sounds pretty good to me. Let's hear what happens next...

Teyana with Drake

Teyana Taylor feat. Wale - "Make Your Move"
   - Very Neptunes-esque, and I dig it. Shout out to her mini Michael Jackson reference @ 3:22 ;) I caught that...




Teyana Taylor feat. Jadakiss - "Rock With Me"
Catchy Middle Eastern melody in the background, a potential club banger?

Francis & The Lights - "Darling, It's Alright"

I miss my best friend. He put me on to F&TL last year and I have  been in love with them ever since. Their instrumentals and sound effects are like none other. Drake's "Karaoke?" Yeah, that's them. So, this song - is to him. Whenever you're ready, bro - I'll be here. 

The Weeknd - "Outside"

Oh, how I love thee...


These songs are heartbreak/heartache/lust/love in musical translation...