I love when I read really great news. Such was the case last week on two different days. There are a feww books that played a major part in my upbringing. They altered me in some way. Those books stayed with me from the moment I finished them. Omar Tyree's "Flyy Girl" is one of those books. It has to be one of my favorite books growing up. It was released when I was a freshmen in high school. I was enthralled with this book. The main character Tracy was like so many girls I knew. She was a relatable character. I always pulled for her while reading it. I've read this book at least 8 times. I was very excited to read that it has been greenlit for a film. It's a wonderful story that all young girls need to know. Tyree has written two follow-up books about Tracy as an adult. I am curious to see what the powers that be are going to do with this material. Cannot wait to see this book brought to life on a big screen.
Another book I love is Zane's "Addicted." It is being made into a movie by Lionsgate. Boris Kodjoe and Sharon Leal are already attached to star in this film. If you are unfamiliar with Zane's work, you need to get into her. She is a Black woman who writes erotica for and about Black and Brown folks. Her books like "Nervous," "Skyscrapper," "Sex Chronicles," and "The Sisters of APF," are all great erotica novels. I am very curious to see how much of the sex scenes will make the movie. They are essentially a character in all of her books. "Addicted" is about a married woman who has a severe and dangerous sex addiction. Her life is truly page turning. This has the potential to be a huge hit. I will be there early to see this one. As a reader, I am always cautious of my favorite books being turned into movies. I am, however, optimistic. I am always excited to see Black people on the big screen, especially when the material is good.
There is just something about this time of year. The smell of hot cocoa, the warmth of the heater. Scarves, coats and boots are staples. I love to dress for the coolness. It doesn't get too cold here by truly cold standards. But, it's always cold enough for me. I have a ridiculous amount of tights, gloves and scarves. They are usually affordable and available every where. I always buy them. It inspires me to write. Inspires me to dream a little bit more. The Fall just has that affect on me.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved books. And by extension, libraries. I can't remember exactly when this started. But I knew from an early age that books were my thing. My parents read to me daily. I was reading on my own before I even started kindergarten. I was very impressed by the worlds that were created in books. My imagination loved that.
The library has always been a place of great joy for me. I was the kid who preferred a good book to just about anything. I could go to the library and get lost in the rows and rows of the books. I would sometimes finish an entire book in one trip to the library. I would always leave with 5 or 6 books. You know that scene in "Beauty & the Beast" when the Beast gives Belle the library? That one scene made it my favorite Disney movie.
Even know, books still a huge role in my life. I love to see pictures of exquisite libraries and all of the books. I definitely want to have my own library in my house. Reading is very important. Whether it's the classics or the greats or the downright awful ones, they all matter. I think its one if the best gifts we are given in this world. I know everyone doesn't love to read as much as I do. But, there's so much to discover inside the pages of every book. Libraries are one of my favorite places because they house all of the great writers and great books. How can you go wrong with that?
I'm a self proclaimed night owl. It's true. I am more content with the nightfall. Since college, I've gotten more done at night. But there is something to be said about early morning. Like before the sun comes up. It's a very sexy time of the day. I got to thinking about the reasons why I've grown to love the early morning. It's something new. But I think I like it.
Before the world really wakes up and when one can only barely see the sun peeking over the horizon is the best part of the day. I love the way the room is bathed in darkness with small areas of sunlight sneak in. My voice has this slight huskiness in it that I find very sexy. Only in the early morning. I try not to turn on the lights. I'm comfortable in it. In the morning is the perfect time for many things. This topic came to me just this morning. So I felt like sharing my new found love of it. These songs fall in that category as well. Enjoy your mornings!
I love a great love song. The right melody with the right lyrics laid carefully on top of it is a wonderful thing. It is happiness personified to my ears. And, whether I'm in love or not, an awesome love song will always be acknowledged. there is just something about them that makes me feel hopeful and happy from the first note. In a world filled with raunchy, simple, and verbally abusive music, a song about love is rare. A great song about love is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Love songs have the ability to touch us all. I think the reason is that we all want love, have love, need love and/or want to stay optimistic about love. That is an undeniable trait in all humans. We crave love. We crave the intimacy. I think a person who can intelligently evoke those emotions through any medium of writing are special. It takes a lot to tap into those emotions and evoke a response from people. Writers do that. It is our basic foundation. Love songs make the world a happier, cheerful place. I can be an emotional woman at times. A wonderful song will definitely take me there.
What makes a perfect love song to you? Is it about the lyrics or the melody? Or does it have more to do with the artist singing the song? I think it's a combination of the first two. The artist is always an after thought to me. I am usually to caught up in the words to notice the artist. After hearing a really beautiful song the other day, I wanted to share a few of my favorite love songs. I hope that you will share your favorites with me as well.
"kidnap poem"
by Nikki Giovanni
ever been kidnapped
by a poet
if i were a poet
i'd kidnap you
put you in my phrases and meter
you to jones beach
or maybe coney island
or maybe just to my house
lyric you in lilacs
dash you in the rain
blend into the beach
to complement my see
play the lyre for you
ode you with my love song
anything to win you
wrap you in the red Black green
show you off to mama
yeah if i were a poet
i'd kidnap you
"Woman" Nikki Giovanni
she wanted to be a blade
of grass amid the fields
but he wouldn't agree
to be the dandelion
she wanted to be a robin singing
through the leaves
but he refused to be
her tree
she spun herself into a web
and looking for a place to rest
turned to him
but he stood straight
declining to be her corner
she tried to be a book
but he wouldn't read
she turned herself into a bulb
but he wouldn't let her grow
she decided to become
a woman
and though he still refused
to be a man
she decided it was all
right
06) "The Coldest Winter Ever" - Sister Souljah
05) "Flyy Girl" - Omar Tyree
04) "The Red Tent" - Anita Diamant
03) "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"
02) "The Enormous Egg" - Oliver Butterworth
01) "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" - Dr. Seuss
My favorite spot has always been my Momma Louise's house. Ever since I was a little girl, her house was the place where we all met up. From the porch to her backyard, I have memories attached to every inch of her house. I even lived with her for a year prior to Hurricane Katrina. The house that sits @ #9 will always hold a special place in my heart.
My favorite birthday would have to be my 21st. My birthday is December 14th and it was really cold. I had a family party with cake and ice cream. Which was an event all its own. My friends and I celebrated at Harrah's casino. I used my birthday money to gamble and I won a few dollars. We had some drinks and ate at the buffet. We clowned all night. We didn't make it home til the sun came up. The night was literally amazing. Great way to bring in the official adult birthday.
Choosing my favorite memory was a hard one. It was summer 2003 on a warm summer August night in New Orleans. My friends and I were gathered at this little dive bar in the city to wish our girl farewell. She was moving to another city for a job. The drinks were flowing and the music was blasting. The entire group was enjoying the night. We then ended up @ the House of Blues for more music, drinking and dancing. Our night ended @ the Trolley Stop for breakfast. It was an incredible night. It was also the last night we spent with Shauna. I wouldn't go into that. But, this memory sticks out in my mind.
There are a few reoccuring themes in my life.
* I love music and poetry and words.
* I love basketball and football and fun.
* I'm a huge Jay-Z fan.
* I'm big on family and friendship.
* Trust, loyalty & love are a must in my life.
* I'm, apparently, a romantic, just not hopeless.
* I like art, tattoos, and colorful items.
* I'm a Sex and the City and The Wire fanatic as well. I live for these shows...years after they've gone off the air. I'm a loyal viewer via dvd.
* I love the colors blue, yellow, purple, and grey.
* I like puzzles.
* I like the dark.
I'm sure I'll be adding onto this list as I go.
