Michael Dunn, killer of Jordan Davis, was found guilty on 4 of the 5 charges. What he wasn't convicted of was murdering Jordan Davis. That charge was ruled a mistrial. This means that Dunn can be (and most likely will be) retried on the murder charge. He will be sentenced next month. I am happy that he was found guilty on the other four charges. I am, however, not satisfied. Jordan Davis should not be dead. Davis should be celebrating his 19th birthday tomorrow. The picture above is of Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, embracing Lucia McBath, mother of Jordan Davis. This must end. It has to. It is like open season on young Black boys. My heart is still heavy for Davis' parents, Lucy and Ron. This is a series case of a miscarriage of justice. Being Black is not a reason to be dead, playing rap music loud isn't a reason either, and neither is wearing a hoodie and carrying tea and Skittles. I am so afraid for all the little brown boys and girls in my family and in the world. This is a horrible way to live. We need to feel and be free. We deserve and demand justice for Jordan and Trayvon and Johnathan and Renisha and every other unknown murdered Black person. Justice for Jordan!
JoJo is a singer I have liked since her first single. She appeared on the scene as a cute teeny bopper soul singer. She released two studio albums and a few mixtapes. I really fell for her voice when she did this cover of SWV's "Weak" on her debut cd "JoJo" in 2004. As a Valentine's Day gift to her fans, she tweeted the #LOVEJO EP yesterday. JoJo has been through hell trying to get off her former label Blackground Records. She was locked into a horrible contract. When she wanted out, they refused and also wouldn't put out any new music. So, she went the mixtape/free music route. Her voice has always been amazing to me. She is only 23 and her voice keeps getting better. She finally got her release and is now signed to Atlantic Records. She is currently working on her third studio album. I know it will be dope. This is just something to hold her fans over until it's ready. Get into JoJo and her cover of Anita Baker's "Caught Up In The Rapture."
Happy Valentine's Day!! If you are in love, it could be the best day ever. If you aren't, it could be the worst. I decided that just because the entire world is covered in red hearts, flowers and chocolate, it doesn't diminish me. I am single. I think that's the first time I have written that. It feels odd but it is true. I am not really celebrating the day but I am also not knocking those that are. I did look back on my last few Valentine's. A few were really good, last year not so much. You can check them out here : 2013, 2012, & 2011. Hope you guys are enjoying this lovely Friday. Love is a beautiful thing. If you have it in your life, embrace it. Happy Valentine's Day :-)
"The Devil Wears Prada" is one of my favorite books and movies. Miranda Priestley is a horrible character that I could not hate. I loved her. The book was a favorite that I reread constantly. When the movie came out, I couldn't get to a theater quick enough. Ms. Meryl Streep embodied Miranda Priestley. I was always a fan of hers but this role made me a stan. Streep was e-very-thing in this film. I loved Andy and Emily was well. The book and movie are all time favorites in my world. I own both. I also will watch the movie every single time I catch it on tv. It's that good to me. So, hen I heard that there would be a sequel, I was ecstatic. "Return Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" was the titled and I couldn't wait to get into it.
"Revenge Wears Prada" picks up a decade after "The Devil Wears Prada" ends. Andy and Emily are shockingly best friends and business partners. Their unlikely friendship is the basis of this book. They are the owners of a posh wedding magazine that is in the vein of "Runway." It's the magazine that is run by Miranda Priestley in TDWP" that Andy and Emily first met. Their lives are totally different now. There are husbands and babies and lives totally devoid of the horror that was Miranda. Things are going great until Miranda slyly walks back into their lives. Andy is adamantly against her while Emily is all for letting her back in. The journey that takes place is wild. The book is a great read. I love catching up with old characters that I love. I loved it. I do think it would make an awesome movie. If you were a fan of the first book, then this is a book you need to read. "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns" was amazing.
The mixtape Nicki is back! And, I couldn't be happier. Nicki dropped a new track and visual for "Lookin Ass N***a." The song will be featured on the Young Money compilation cd "Rise of an Empire" dues out March 11th and her solo cd "The Pink Print." The track is hard hitting and full of tough talk. I love when Nicki just raps, no gimmicks. The girl can flow. I've said that since I first heard her. I hope this is the direction she goes in for her new cd. I love it. Get into it.
Two years ago, Whitney Houston's death shocked the world. I distinctly remember being a little girl singing into my hair brush to Whitney Houston songs. I loved her music and her dresses and the fact that she was a brown girl like me. Even as a kid, I knew how special Whitney was. I grew up to her music. I used to live for her videos as well. Whitney was ours. There was something so classy about her to me. It is hard to believe that she is gone, that it has been two years since her shocking death. I wrote this two years ago about her funeral. I remember watching it and still being in disbelief.
I am so saddened by her passing still. Listening to her music today has been melancholy. Whitney will always represent my carefree childhood. There isn't a song from her first few albums that I do not know. She was always played in my house. My cousins and I were always singing her songs. So, on the day that she passed two years ago, I decided to celebrate her life through her music. There will never be another Whitney. There couldn't be. She was one of a kind. Still love her voice. Rest easy, Ms. Houston.
I am a music snob. I like what I like and there is nothing wrong for that. I also judge folks (slightly) on their music tastes. I love to hear music from new acts. Such was the case the first time I heard of Kanye West. The song was "Home" and I was sold. I knew of Kanye by way of an old Chicago friend who passed me a cd with underground Ye tracks. I also started to hear about him producing for Jay. A decade ago, one of my favorite albums was released. "The College Dropout" became the soundtrack of my life in 2004. There was nothing I listened to more than this cd that year. It was so fresh and different and real. I loved everything about it. Kanye gained a new fan in me. I loved his voice and tone and lyrics. His production was top notch. Dude was just golden. I am very picky when it comes to what rappers I listen to and support. The number is small. Kanye did not have any problem making the cut. I would play the cd constantly. "Spaceship" is still one of my favorite songs ever. I remember the day like it was yesterday.
I also remember the first time I saw Kanye in concert. He was the opening act for Usher's "Confession" tour. I was more excited to see Ye than Usher. This was the rapper who I had been blasting for months. I stood up during Ye's whole set, rapped along to ever song. My cousin was amazed cause she barely knew who he was. She was there strictly for Usher. That was one of the best concerts I've ever attended. I've seen Ye every single time he's been to New Orleans, except for the Yeezus tour. Ten years ago, Kanye gained a fan in me. Now, I may not have loved his latest efforts but I am still a fan. The man is a musical genius. I love his producer side as much as his rapper side. "The College Dropout" will always be classic in my book. It was definitive in my life. I woke up to it and went to sleep to it. I cannot recall any other project that came out that year that I rocked with harder. There was a hunger and about TCD era Ye. He is still dope. I am still a fan. "The College Dropout" turned ten today. Where did the time go?! Happy Birthday, "The College Dropout."
I do not have a Vine account. I don't even know what the app or website truly look like. But, these gems have graced my Twitter timeline more than once. Whenever I am having a day where I desperately need a pick me up, any of these do the trick. "Do it for the vine. I ain't gon do it" has to be my new favorite. Get into them. If you have faves, please share them with me. Happy Sunday people!
How fast do you read? Do you know? If not, you can find out by taking this test on the Staples website. I know that I read extremely fast. I have for as long as I can remember. My Mother has called me "speed reader" since I was a kid. Case in point, I have finished 4 books ("A Belle in Brooklyn," "Project Chick 2," "Revenge Wears Prada," & "The Happiness Project") in four days just this week alone. I am a voracious reader. I love words and stories and books. They are just my thing. So, I could not resist taking this test. The first time, I scored a 681. The second time, a 827. I am very proud of my results and not at all surprised. I took it twice because the first passage was from a book I love and I felt like it was two easy. The second passage is from a book I've never picked up in my life. Great fun for this bibliophile.
Jordan Davis' killer is finally on trial. It started this past Thursday. This case happened on the heels of the Trayvon Martinmurder. I've written about Davis' murder before here and here. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Being Black is not a reason to be shot and killed. I am just praying that the Davis' family gets the justice and peace that was not afforded to Sybrina and Tracy. We want justice for Jordan. Let's put cold blooded killers where they belong: behind bars. #JusticeForJordan
I have been searching for motivation and inspiration since the beginning of the year. It's the reason I read and reviewed "The Happiness Project" and started my Gratitude Jar. I decided that 2014 was going to be the year of positivity in my life and I truly believe that when you ask the universe for things, the universe delivers. Since I have adapted this way of thinking and being, things have been looking up. I could not have asked for more when Jia tweeted about her new venture, "With Love, Jia." I was intrigued so I signed up. Yesterday, I received the first official love letter, "Love Letter I: Focusing on the Positives in 5." It was the first thing I saw that morning and I needed it. The love letter focused on something we all can identify with: self doubt. The way we can rattle off ten things we dislike or would change about ourselves. I loved the way it was written. Jia has a way with words. The newsletter called for the reader to write down 5 things they love about themselves physically and emotional/mental things. This wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but I did it. I wanted to share them here:
The five physical things I love about myself:
I love my pale legs. I am constantly teased about the color of them but I love everything about them.
I love my cheeks on my face. When I am really happy, my cheeks are so full and my eyes become very slanted. I love it though. My cheeks are fat and cute.
I am so in love with my natural hair. Whether it's a braid out or a bantu knot out, I love it. And, when my hair is perfect, you really cannot tell me anything. At all.
The three beauty marks on my right thumb, wrist and arm. I call them the Holy Trinity. I just really love them.
Last but certainly not least, I LOVE my boobs! They are amazing. Love, love, love them.
The five mental/emotional things I love about myself:
I am a great listener. I don't just listen until it's time for me to talk. I listen so I can help.
I give great advice. My family and friends always tell me this.
I love the way my mind works. I am intelligent and I am a thinker. I like to figure things out for myself. I truly like myself. I have no problem being alone because I am never lonely. I enjoy my own company.
I love my relationship with music. The way I hear it and interpret the lyrics.
I love the way I can lose myself in a book. I am a reader. It's my thing.
Life can be pretty hard. I know I can be tough on myself. I don't know one person who couldn't use more inspiration and motivation. It is something everyone can benefit from. On New Year's Eve, I simply decided that I was going to be happy, no ifs, ands or buts. Everything I am thinking, doing, pursuing has to fall into the happiness category for me. Jia's newsletter helps me with that. This newsletter can be that for you as well. The first love letter asked us to share it so, I decided this blog post would be the perfect avenue to do just that. If this sounds like something that you need, join in. You can sign up via the website. You can also follow the movement via Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Get into "With Love, Jia" today!!!
On this week's episode of "Being Mary Jane," Mary Jane asked her date Sean a great date question. "What did your ex teach you?" While that was my favorite scene from the episode, it made me think. I'm a 34 year old woman who has been on love twice and been in a few other relationships. What have I learned thus far is that I've been taught some incredible lessons. I want to focus only on the positive things I've been taught by the two men I've loved. The more I think about it, the more evident their impact on my life is. It's funny the little things you pick up along this journey called life. The people you meet and have in your life leave pieces of themselves with you when they leave. I am also very interested in what any of my exes responses would be to this question. I hope that they have learned something great from knowing me.
My first love taught me a few things. I was very self conscious as a 14 year old. He would compliment every inch of me. I was a very serious kid. He taught me to not be so serious and to laugh more. We did that a lot. He taught me all about football because he played. Up until then, I was strictly a basketball girl. We were kids with big dreams. We both wanted more than the neighborhood we grew up in. He taught me about being comfortable with voicing my dreams. I would tell him everything and vice versa. In hindsight, neither of us knew a thing back then. We are pretty clueless while trying to find our way through our teenage years. We grew up together. I am thankful for that love at that time. In that moment, it was innocent and pure and right. I actually never thought I would look back and think of KG in a positive light.
The love of my life taught me the most. He taught me what love truly is. I never knew that I could ever love someone with my entire heart. He broaden my horizons on the way I see things and the way I evaluate them. He taught me about complete communication in a relationship. We talked everything put before it became a problem. With him, I was no longer a hot head. We didn't argue. I'll always say this was my first real adult relationship. Spiritually, he has been the most influential person in my life. We would discuss the Bible in great detail and religion and spirituality. He fed that part of me. Because of him, I've read books I never would have, watched movies outside of my normal box, watched shows I never even heard of. He taught me compassion. No matter what happened in the end, I cannot forget all the goodness that I received because of and through him. I am not too far removed from this love with KB to reflect fully. But, these things are self evident and true. He loved me in a way that I never knew possible. I am thankful for that.
My favorite uncle once told me "If you aren't learning something from your mate and them from you, leave. Because that isn't a healthy relationship for either of you." I've always kept that in the back of my mind. I hope that I've taught my exes something as well. Things that have made them better, more rounded men. Things that years from now will make them smile if I happen to cross their minds. Through life, we meet people who change us in small or big ways by the things they teach us. They become a part of us and our journey. It's amazing how that happens. What has an ex taught you?
I cannot recall how I first heard of Demetria L. Lucas. I didn't know her real name at that moment. She was just "A Belle in Brooklyn." She is a relationship expert, a blogger, journalist, an author and now a reality tv star on Bravo's "Blood, Sweat, and Heels." I've been following her for some time now on Twitter. She gives great advice via her ask.fm page and she tweets interesting things daily. I feel like I know her and I like her. I've been wanting to read her debut novel "A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl For Advice on Living Your Best Single Life" for some time now. But, I have an enormous to be read list and stack. But, I was in the library last weekend and couldn't pass it up. I dived right into. From the opening paragraph, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. I could not put it down. I needed to know more about these men and the dating scene in New York. I finished it in a day and a half.
I kinda live tweeted some of my favorite parts of the book. This book is one woman's dating journey. I love Lucas' take on men and dating. I love the way she paints the pictures. I felt like I knew all of the characters in her book. Her voice and tone are very distinct. I love an author that makes me feel like I am right in the center of their literary world. Lucas does this effortlessly. The setting of her book is mostly New York with trips to DC and L.A. The men are different and varied. She dispenses real life advice for single women about men and dating. I learned a lot from reading this book. There was one paragraph that hit me like a ton of bricks. I've included it below. It was like a ton of bricks fell on my head. I was deeply invested in her dating tales, especially those involving Greg. "A Belle in Brooklyn" was an easy, fun read. I loved it. Lucas will be releasing her second book, "Don't Waste Your Pretty:The Go-to Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love" this year. I cannot wait to read it.
I'm sitting here listening to Spotify radio while reading. This song comes on and my heart drops. "Almost" has been one of my favorite Tamia song since the day I first heard it. I love Tamia. She is, in my opinion, one of the most slept on great singers of my lifetime. She is that dope to me. Anyway, back to this song. The lyrics have always pulled at my heart. But, tonight, they made me super sad. I know exactly why. How can you not get sad about almost having it all? That's exactly how I'm feeling as I type this. Tamia gets it. The song has been on repeat for 23 minutes and 14 seconds. Don't judge me. Get into these lyrics/
"Can you tell me How can one miss what she's never had How could I reminisce when there is no past How could I have memories of being happy with you boy Could someone tell me how can this be How could my mind pull up incidents Recall dates and times that never happened How could we celebrate a love that's to late And how could I really mean the words I'm bout to say
[Chorus] I missed the times that we almost shared I miss the love that was almost there I miss the times that we use to kiss At least in my dreams Just let me take my time and reminisce I miss the times that we never had What happened to us we were almost there Whoever said it's impossible to miss when you never had Never almost had you
I cannot believe I let you go Or what I should say I should've grabbed you up and never let you go I should've went out with you I should've made you my boo boy Yes that's one time I should've broke the rules I should've went on a date Should've found a way to escape Should've turned a almost into If it happened now its to late How could I celebrate a love that wasn't real And if it didn't happen why does my heart feel..."
Belize is one of the places on my list that I don't know a whole lot about. But, from the pictures I've seen and the articles I've read it deserves to be on my list. It is a gorgeous place. I want to be anywhere that is near or surrounded by water. I would love to just walk along the beaches in Belize while taking in the bluest water I've ever seen. There is an incredible zoo there which is a must see. Belize is known for its restaurants and scenery. Just absolutely breathtaking. I am quite enamored with it. Belize is a new entry on my list. Must make it there ASAPtually. I have to.
#Blackgirlsinredlipstick was a topic on Tumblr a while back. Until a few years ago, it was not a shade I purchased. I am just getting into red lippie's. I had to fight all those stigma's I've heard all my life about dark skin and red lips and that only loose women wear red lipstick. Red lipstick just never seemed like something a brown skinned girl such as myself should wear. Shaking all of this off, I decided to step out on faith. I am in the habit of putting on red lipstick just to clean the house. I wear it doing random things to make myself more comfortable with the idea. I take pictures of myself in red lipstick for the same reason. I just feel happier, lighter and more fierce when I have on red lipstick. It does something to my attitude and ego. I can't fully explain it, it's just a feeling.
It isn't about how others think I look in it or what they think about me. This is about me accepting myself in everything. So, if I want to wear a red lippie, then damn it I will. And, I will be fierce doing so because nothing is sexier than intelligence and confidence. I happen to possess both by the boat loads. Since I am a red lip novice, buying the right shade of red for a brown girl was a task. I spent at least 45 minutes in Target agonizing over two shades. I purchased two different shades from two different companies. One was a "Oh hell no" and I had to give it to my cousin who is two shades lighter than me. But, the second was a total win. It was the Kate Moss line by Rimmel. The shade has no name, just a number: 107. It is a berry red that compliments my skin tone. I desperately needed it for my brother's red and black color themed birthday party almost two years ago. Since then, I've worn it sporadically.
I'm getting more comfortable with shades of red adorning my lips. Just last night, I was hit with another red lippie dilemma. My cousin's all white bridal shower also called for everyone to wear red lipstick. I needed a new shade. I instantly knew that Revlon's Colorblast in Fire was a win. I loved that it was a lipstick and a gloss all in one. I loved it so much that I wore it again today. I am really digging the way it looks on me. It is very glossy which I am always looking for. This is how this Black girl learned to embrace a red lipstick for the greater good. Here's hoping you guys find your perfect shade as well.
I'm being haunted in my dreams. That is the only way to describe it. I keep dreaming of this little brown girl with jet black hair. She is adorable and in my dreams, she is mine. I think this is my biological clock ticking. I hate it. Especially since I am quite sure that motherhood is no longer an option for me. It's sad but it is what it is. However, in my dreams, my little girl is the best thing ever.
The library is still my favorite places. Going there today to recenter myself. I need a little clarity and insight. Oh and desperately need some new books. I have a list and so far, it's 26 books long. o_O I'm thinking 8 is a good number to start with. I cannot wait to go. Now, if only I could get out of bed and get moving.
I haven't watched one basketball game this season. I'm divided. My Celtics aren't the same team. The Nets stole my 2 favorite players. I don't know who to watch. It's quite sad.
I really hate hospitals. Despise them. Been in them too much in the last week. I don't know why they freak me out so much.
For the first time in a long time, I no longer hurt. My entire body used to hurt as well as my heart. I don't feel like that broken woman anymore. I laugh and mean it. I smile and I feel it. I breathe easier. Life feels lighter. I have prayed constantly for this feeling. I'm still not 100% back to my old self. But, I feel closer today than I have for a while. Thank you, God. I needed this more than anyone could ever know.
If you do me wrong in any way, shape, or form, don't expect me to forgive and forget. Depending on the person, I will forgive. But, if you aren't in that tiny number, forgetting your transgression is something I won't do. For me, you no longer exist. Do not hit me up on some "hey stranger" ish because I do not operate like that. When I am 100% done with you, I am done. There is no coming back. I don't know why this is so hard for people to get.
I am not really that excited about the Superbowl. I don't really care for either team. But, I do want the Seahawks to win. Doubt that I'll even watch the game though. I am just kinda over sports right now. Maybe next season will be better for me and my Saints!
Is it February 27th yet? Is it time for "Scandal" yet? This break has been waaayyy too long. I miss my favorite show.
I am so over White people and their blatant racism and cultural appropriations. I wish they all would stop. Stop their insensitive and ignorant fuckery. I simply cannot take it. This week alone, there was bs at the Grammy's, Trayvon Martin's killer signing up to do "Celebrity Boxing," a white girl writing an article for Jane about a Black woman being in her yoga class, that below average white rapper instagramming an apology text to Kendrick Lamar, John Boehner sitting behind the President with skin the color and texture of burnt orange leather, and Madonna wearing a grill. Those are just the things I can recall off the top of my head. White people, stop it. Go home, you're drunk.
