Ladies Love Lyrics: Anita Baker's "Talk To Me"

Anita Baker's voice & music are both timeless. She is perfection and classic. I love her. This morning while my AB Spotify radio channel played, this song came on and caught my attention. I've always liked it. But, it resonated today because of a current situation in my life. I'm not a big fan of people who shut down emotionally. It disturbs my spirit on so many levels. I cannot be there for you if you do not "Talk To Me." It;s that simple. I am frustrated but Anita worked it out for me. I've done my part, done the work. That's all I can do. And, now, I'm going to listen to Anita and vibe for a little while longer. Get into these classic lyrics below and song above. Enjoy!! 

"Ooh, baby, baby, baby

You stand all alone on your own
Please come inside from the storm
Stand where it's warm, I can see you're in need
Baby, please talk to me now

Swear nothin' is wrong, you're so strong
Baby don't hold this inside
Relax your pride let it go, set it free
My baby, talk to me now

What's wrong, wrong with you?
Why don't you tell me what you're going through, darlin'?
What's wrong, wrong with you?
Why don't you tell me what you're going through?
I can help you if you let me baby, yes I can

I understand, here's my hand
Why stand alone in the dark open up your heart
Let this go, set it free
Now my baby, talk to me now..."

Bible Talk

When you constantly see or hear something, you tend to take notice. This is what happened to me last year. I was bombarding with Bible verses from Romans 8. I kept seeing Romans 8:28 as well as 8:35. After seeing them for about a week, I had to go to my Bible and read them. Once I started reading, I remembered the chapter very well. In the past, I had an in-depth conversation about this specific chapter in Romans. I had someone explain this to me in great detail. It's a very interesting chapter in the Bible. I've spent countless moment thinking that I wasn't good enough for one reason or another. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." There is something about those words that fill me with so much hope.

Romans 8 has become a staple in my life. I read it often and early. It calms, centers and refocuses me. It makes me feel like I have a bigger purpose here in life. In the moments when I am doubting myself and feel at my lowest, I read it. There have always been verses that have stuck with me but this is different. I almost feel as though it was tailor made for me at this point in my life. I can say honestly that my faith has waivered a lot lately. It's so easy to get caught up in the "woe is me" life and I've been there far too long. But, the dark clouds have dissipated and I can see and feel the sun shining directly on me. I'm happier than I've been in a really long time. And, I know that prayer has a lot to do with it. I read Romans 8 more than any other chapter in the Bible in the last few months. It's helped me tremendously. I am so thankful for all the universe for conspiring to lead me to those particular words. 

Not The Right One

Last night I was watching BET's "The Game" while attempting to go to sleep. I wasn't feeling that well. And, while I would normally be all into the show, my mind was elsewhere. So, I was dvr'ing it to watch later. Until I heard Jason Pitts utter the words above. I felt like I had been shot. I sat straight up and had to rewind it because I didn't really know what led to such an honest and hurtful admission. I watched that scene at least three times. Watched as Chardonnay's heart broke and face cracked as her husband said those words to her. How could he?? How do you fall in love with a woman, marry her, plan your future with her, re-propose, give her a big fancy wedding only to humiliate her in front of everyone?? I will never understand the mindframe of a man who is supposedly in love with a woman doing anything to hurt her. Ever. 

But, then I got to thinking about this situation. If you really love someone, you should want the best for them. Even if that means that they aren't with you. I've spent a lot of time thinking since my last breakup about love. I've seriously doubted his love for me on many late nights. I felt as if he didn't love me enough to stay. And, for far too long, that thought killed me. It made me feel less than and not worthy of love because the man I loved left me. The absence of his love filled me with self-doubt. And, honestly, I haven't worked my way totally through it. Even after the breakup, he would (and still does) compliment me and I find it hard to believe him. Hearing that I'm a good woman or a great person or that I'm pretty or sexy or intelligent doesn't have the same appeal as it did before. But, then I had an epiphany. Whatever his reasons for leaving, whether I think they were credible or not, were his own. And, the reality is, he no longer thought I was the right woman for him. In hindsight, I'm thankful for him. Because it could've been worse. We could've been married with kids. This way, I was the only one hurt. I didn't think I would survive but I did. Getting back to "The Game," I hope this heartbreak for Chardonnay leads her to the man she is supposed to spend the rest of her life with. Hell, I hope the same thing for me as well. 

Thoughts of a Random Thinking Woman

• One week into #NoBareLips30 & I am still going strong. I am loving playing in my lipsticks and rocking them daily. I have about 20 new lipsticks which is more than enough for the moment. So, I won't be buying another for a minute, I swear.
• Being super critical of yourself is tiresome. It is a habit that I have decided must go in 2015. I need to cut myself some slack on a lot of things. I 
• It is very hard to not feel negatively towards anyone who see or hears #BlackLivesMatter and feels the need to interject with #AllLivesMatter. Because if you do not see why the first is relevant, you are so lost. Yes, all lives matter but the police are only executing Black people and leaving their blood and bodies on the streets for hours. I've lost respect for so many of my former classmates who have shown their true colors in the last few months on FB. But, it also helps cut my friends list down. I have no problem unfriending, deleting, unfollowing people I know in real life on social media. 
• Today has been a bad hair day. Isabella (my hair) is being unruly and rude. I do not like it. Bad hair days affect my mood in the worst way. 
• I started another blog. It's private and password protected. I need that space to get some things off my chest. I am purging. And, I do not need everyone knowing these particular thoughts. It feels great to get them out though. 
• My friends are hilarious. I cannot stop laughing at "pass the peas like we used to do" which is a quote from the show "Martin." It makes no sense but it has had me giggling for days. Laughter is chicken soup for the soul.

• Strangely enough, my sleeping patterns has improved tremendously. I am so thankful for that. I needed this.
• I am missing the old Kanye. Been listening to his entire catalogue (sans Yeezy because it sucks) all year. I am not a fan of his new song. The sentiment is cute, the lyrics are nice but the song is mediocre at best. I am concerned about the direction he is moving in musically. It makes me sad. 
• The moment you realize that your prayers have been answered and your feelings have changed is a great one. Especially because you know that without it, you would have been in line for more heartache. I am thankful.
• I hate to admit how scared I am about so many things. Especially my uncertain, cloudy future. I don't like this feeling. But, I do not know how to shake them. 
• I cannot remember the last time I was told I love you by a certain someone. I don't know why it's bothering me so much today. Because it really doesn't matter anymore. I used to think that love was a forever type of thing. I've learned that forever means different things to different folks. In the words of Jazmine Sullivan, "forever doesn't last too long these days."
• I want to go on a trip somewhere. Not an international one but to a city I've never been for a few days. I need a break from everyone and everything I know and am used to. 

Throw It In The Bag II

I have fallen head over heels for lipsticks. This is a new love. I cannot stop myself from buying a new one every single time I enter a store. It's my latest habit. I realized that I seem to buy shades in the purple, pink and burgundy family. I think they are my favorites because they look so good against my brown skin. I have been searching for this one lippie for months now. I finally found it last week. I was so happy, especially because I had 2 coupons which would be $7 off!! The shade is Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless. It is the most perfect shade of purple. I am in love with it. I am glad that I purchased 2 of these when I had the chance because the racist remarks of the CEO of Revlon means that I will not be supporting this brand any further. I am sickened by his stupid and ignorant words. That won't stop me from loving this lipstick though. Great purple shade for a brown skinned Black girl.  

Wet 'N Wild Cinnamon Spice is a lipstick I picked up on a whim. I wasn't sure if I was really going to like it. Plus, I had a coupon so it was cheap. Imagine my surprise when I really liked it. It has more of an orange undertone and I think it works well for me. 

NYC's Violet Shine is a pink lipstick that I have to get used to. It's a tad bit more metallic than I would like. I mixed it with a brown lipstick that I already had. It made a new shade that I liked more. Someone got this for me so I want to make sure I use it.

Maybelline's Brazen Berry is a lipstick that I had to hunt down for a while. I was so excited to find it. I thought it would be more purple on my lips but it's lilac in color for me. I still love it. This is definitely one of my absolute favorite shades. I always feel happy when I wear it. 

And, finally a new fave has to be Wet N' Wild's Cherry Bomb. I love it because it is a deep burgundy shade. It reminds me of NYC's Mahogany. I absolutely love the way it looks on me. I wear this at least once a week. It never fails to get me compliments. I promise that I won't purchase anymore lipsticks for a while. Well, with one exception, if I find the Wet 'N Wild's Sugar Plum Fairy, I have to buy it. Other than that, I am done for a while. I will wear and enjoy all the lippie's I've purchased over the last few months. What's your newest favorite lipstick? Tell me about it. What's in your makeup bag, ladies?

Ladies Love Lyrics: Erykah Badu "Green Eyes"

It's ten minutes long and could never be a single. But, Erykah Badu's "Green Eyes" is essentially three songs wrapped in one. The beat changes three times. The lyrics are intoxicating. This has been one of my favorite by Badu since "Mama's Gun" dropped. I was reminded of its brilliance when it played on my Spotify radio a few minutes ago. Great song that everyone can relate to. I love that it is so dope that you never realize that it is ten minutes long. Great piece by Badu. PErfect choice for my "Ladies Love Lyrics" posts. Get into the lyrics and video below. 

"My eyes are green

Cause I eat a lot of vegetables

It don't have nothing to do with your new friend

My eyes are green

Cause I eat a lot of vegetables

It don't have nothing to do with your new friend

I don't care, I swear

I'm too thru with you I am

You don't mean nothing to me

So go ahead and be with your friend

My eyes are green

Cause I eat a lot of vegetables

It don't have nothing to do with your new friend

My eyes are green

Cause I eat a lot of vegetables

It don't have nothing to do with your new friend

I'm insecure

But I can't help it

My mind says move on

My heart lags behind

But I don't love you any more

I'm so insecure

Never knew that love did this

Ooh, ooh

I can't remember the last time I felt this way

About somebody

You've done something to my mind

And I can't control it

But I don't love you any more

Yes I do, I think

Loving you is wrong baby

Ooh, ooh

La-di-da

Dum-dee-da-da

Dum-didi-da-da-da

Dum-didi-da-dum-di

I'm so confused

You tried to trick me yeah

Ooh, ooh, oh

Never knew that love could hurt like this

Never thought I would but I got dissed

Makes me feel so sad and hurt inside

Feel embarrased so I want to hide

Silly me I thought your love was true

Change my name to Silly E. Badu

Before I heal, it's gonna be a while

I know it's gonna be a while, chile

I hope it's not too late

Too late, too late, too late

Feeling insecure

Your love has got me sore

I don't want no more

Oh, oh

It's too late, oh, oh ooh, ooh

I'm sorry I love you

At first it was cool

You told me you loved me too, ooh

And then you lost your love

And then you lost your love

And then you lost your love

You wanted me to go away

But I can't go

See I can't leave, it's too late

I can't leave, it's too late

I can't leave, it's too late

I can't leave, it's too late

Just make love to me

Just one more time and then you'll see

I can't believe I made a desparate plea

Believe me yeah, ye-ah, no, oh

You see I can't leave, it's too late

I can't leave, it's too late

Don't you know, I can't leave, it's too late

Can't go no where, no

It's too late

It's too late

It's too late

It's too late yeah

Come on babe

Don't you want to be strong with me

You told me we could have a family

Want to run to me when you're down and low

But times get tough and there you go

Out the door, you wanna run again

Open your arms and you'll come back in

Wanna run cause you say your afraid, afraid

Never knew what a friendship was

Never knew how to really love

You can't be what I need you to

And I don't know why I fuck with you

I know our love will never be the same

But I can't stand the growing pains."

Colorful Epiphany

As I watched the night sky light up in colorful bursts of lights, I was filled with so much hope and happiness. It's been a really long time since I felt like this. I've never been one to believe in that whole "new year, new me" slogan that folks throw around. I simply always want to be working towards being a better version of the woman I was last year. I want to be more. That has always been my only real resolution. But, this felt different. Instead of getting down on myself about things/goals I haven't accomplished yet or people/things I've lost, I silently gave thanks for all the blessings in my life. I may not be in the position I ultimately desire but I'm still here. That means I still have time to get it all and more. That was the lesson the last few years taught me. There is no progression when I allow myself to wallow in the shade that disappointment brings. I finally feel like I am standing in the sun. 

I feel so much more like myself today than I have in a really long time. I am ready to make the moves necessary for me to truly live my life. I have no clue what is coming but I know it will be amazing. Because God said so. All the tears I've cried have been watering the seeds that were planted. I cannot wait to receive my bounty.What I want most is a life that is as colorful, bright and lively as the fireworks I witnessed that night. Simply put, I want to shine. And, I will. That is a promise I am making to myself for myself. It may not be what others expect it to be but it will be mine and it will be amazing. That's my word. I resolve to be the best version of myself. I am ready for 2015!

2015

🎉Happy New Year 🎉!! It is 2015 and I am ready to attack it. I am looking forward to achieving all my goals and having all my dreams come true. I have already claimed it. I plan on making it a standout year. 2015 will be a stellar chapter in the book of my life. I feel it deep in my soul. I want so much and deserve so much more. I am thankful for making it through to see this year. I know that there is greatness ahead for me. Whatever my path may be, I will take it with joy in my heart and a smile on my face. I hope the same for all of you. Happy New Year, beautiful people! Let's make 2015 everything that we want it to be!! 

My Movie Review: "Top Five"

Chris Rock's movie "Top Five" is easily one of my favorites from this year. I laughed from the opening until the closing credits. Chris Rock plays Andre Allen a once very hot comedian/actor who had it all and lost it all. He is on a comeback promo tour for his new serious movie. Because he is a comedian, no one wants to take him seriously. Coupled with the fact that he is embroiled in this high powered engagement with a reality tv star, it seems like Allen cannot win. Enter a New York Times critic to shake things up via a profile. I love the journey this movie takes us on. You get to see the highs and lows of celebrity. Chris Rock did a great job weaving this tale. I like that Allen is loosely based on himself but there is enough difference between the two to not get clouded by it. It is absolutely wonderful to see Rock in a role like this. I believe the world has been missing his brand of comedy.

I loved that this movie starred some of the dopest comedians. Cedric the Entertainer, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Pharoah, Leslie Jones, Adam Sandler, JB Smoove as well as Hassan Johnson (wee Bey Brice from "The Wire") Rosario Dawson, and Gabrielle Union. Everyone was great in this movie. But, I have to give all the props for surprise cameos to DMX. His scene was hilarious and unexpected. It was my single favorite standout moment in the film. This was the definition of a romantic comedy. I enjoyed it. I cannot wait for it to come out on dvd because I will be purchasing it. It's a must see movie in my opinion. Get into "Top Five."

Just Because I Felt Like It: J. Cole

J. Cole has had my attention since I first heard his mixtape. I've been a fan. But, there is something different about his mindset and music this time around. He has been visible in the Michael Brown/Ferguson protests. He's used his voice to give this cause some shine.  His new cd "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is so dope to me. I love the growth in his lyrics and his beat selection is great. During his promo run, he performed "Be Free" on David Letterman. Which is amazing for two reasons. This song is not on his new cd. It's the song he recorded after Brown was killed. It was such a raw performance. I loved it. I wish he would've included it on his new project. He followed that up with a very open and honest interview with Power 105's Angie Martinez. Both are videos you need to watch. J. Cole is amazing to me. He has solidified it with this project. Get into this. 

Merry, Merry

Merry Christmas to you!! Christmas is my favorite holiday. It has nothing to do with gifts though. I love the decorations, the music, and the lights. I love it all. I love seeing all of my family and spending time with them. I hope everyone has an amazing day and that you get to spend it with people you love and who love you right back. I hope you get your heart's desire. Merry Christmas from me to you!!

The List

There are so many things I want to work on in this my 35th year. I decided to come up with a list of things I will and will not be doing as a 35 year old Black woman. I want so many things out of life. But, I know the only way to get them is to work on this list of things. I am my own worst enemy. This is my life and I deserve the world so I'm going to get it. By any means necessary. Get into my list.

1. Talking down to myself. 
2. Second guessing myself.
3. No more word vomit. 
4. I'll no longer feel sorry for myself about one specific thing.
5. I won't compare my life/story to any other person.
6. I won't stay up late at night contemplating the universe.
7. I won't look back anymore. What's done is done.
8. Even if I'm having a bad hair day, I won't complain about my natural hair.
9. I won't get a relaxer (perm).
10. I will no longer say "I'm ok" or "I'm fine" when I am not. 
11. I won't hang onto the possibility of things. 
12. I will no longer pretend that I'm not feeling what I'm feeling.
13. I will no longer hide.
14. I won't pretend with anyone anymore. If I do not like you, sorry for you.
15. I will no longer compromise my feelings for anyone else.
16. I will not shed another tear over people/places/things that wouldn't do the same for me.
17. I will no longer write about my past.
18. *Things I will do* Laugh more.
19. Be more social and less active on social media.
20. Be more prayerful.
21. Read my Bible more.
22. Complain less.
23. Compliment people randomly.
24. Go to bed earlier so I can sleep more.
25. I will own every single thing that happens to me, for me, because of me. 
26. I will jump head first into the next big thing.
27. I will ask for what I want and go after everything I deserve.
28. I will smile and enjoy my life more.
29. Write something daily. 
30. I will step out on faith in all areas. 
31. Clean out my closets, literally and figuratively. 
32. Love me more. 
33. Appreciate and love on the people who came into my life and stayed.
34. I will exude my Black Girl Magic everywhere I go. 
35. I will be unapologetic about being myself in all arenas. 

My Movie Review: "Annie"

When I was a little girl, I fell in love with "Annie." Every single time it came on, I had to watch it. I tortured my parents with it. I knew every word and every song. My love for it has never gone away. Even now, I will still watch it any time I can catch. I own two dvd copies of the original "Annie." Suffice it to say, I am a FAN. Have been since the first time I saw it in 1982 as a 3 year old. It is my absolute favorite musical. As much as I loved the original, I did not care for the 1999 made-for-tv movie. It was just ok. When I first heard that Jay Z & Will & Jada Smith were redoing "Annie," I was over the moon excited. They had chosen Willow Smith to play "Annie" and I thought that was perfect. But, then a few years passed and I lost hope. Until Oscar nominated Quvenzhane' Wallis replaced Willow and the movie was a go. I knew that I would have to see this version. I was  excited for months.

"Annie" was released on Friday, December 19, 2014. The movie stars the aforementioned Wallis, as well as Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Rose Bryne. Jamie Foxx takes on the Daddy Warbucks role as tech savvy billionaire Will Stacks who is running for Mayor of New York City. Cameron Diaz is Ms. Hannigan and Bryne takes on the role of Stacks' assistant, Grace. This "Annie" keeps a lot of the original moments. But, this is an updated, 2014 version of it. The songs are all a little remixed. I did miss one of my favorite musical numbers though. It would be "We Got Annie." I really enjoyed this movie. Wallis was adorable as a street tough but sweet Annie. She lights up every scene she is in. I loved that the directors/producers/writers were able to still add a few twists to a story I hold so dear. Diaz as Ms. Hannigan is comedic gold to me. I loved Foxx as Stacks. This movie really made me anxious for another Foxx cd. The movie was really cute and very family friendly. I want to see it again and will be purchasing it when it is released on dvd. Must see for me. I cried more than once while watching it. Representation really matters. There is something very significant and important about Wallis, a Black girl playing "Annie" in 2014. Little Black girls need to see themselves on a screen in a positive light. And, Black women need to see their younger selves represented as well. It is necessary. At the end of the movie, the entire theater clapped. Everyone loved it. Get into "Annie."

Just Because I Felt Like It: Dope Interviews

I learned of Nicki Minaj by word of mouth a few years back. I instantly became a fan once I heard "Itty Bitty Piggy," "Go Hard," & "Still I Rise." Actually, "Still I Rise" is STILL one of my fave Nicki tracks. I knew she had it and she would be a big deal. Fast forward to the release of her third project aptly named "The Pinkprint," and I was more than right. I loved her debut "Pink Friday." I thought it was dope. I liked her second project "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" a lot less. Her features on everybody's songs made up for it though. But, "The Pinkprint" resonates with me. This album shows growth and maturity. It's the album of a 30+ woman who's been through some things. The album has an air of heartbreak to it, which is why I think I dig it so much. My favorite tracks are "Favorite," "I Lied," "Feeling Myself," "Want Som More," & "Get On Your Knees." I do not think that "Anaconda" fits the album nor did I like it. But, it's a solid project to me. 

What I am loving about this promo run are her interviews. Nicki has been so relatable in every one. Her best interviews have been with Angie Martinez on Power 105, Ebro on Hot 97, and Elliott Wilson's "CRWN" series. I had to include them here. Great material. I do not think I could be going through my first real heartbreak with the world watching. Nicki is handling it well. She said something that has stuck with me. "This breakup feels like a death" is something that I can identify with on so many levels. I do feel sorry for her because breakups suck and they are even worse when you're in love. I loved seeing this real side of her. Seeing her vulnerable makes her more relatable. I feel like this is the real Nicki on this project. I am glad to finally meet her. She has made me a renewed fan. Gone are the days of the crazy outfits, colorful wigs and "safe" pop records. "The Pinkprint" feels familiar in so many ways. Get into it and these dope Nicki Minaj interviews.  

It's My Hair: A Year In Review

The year is almost coming to a close. It has been a fabulous hair year for me. Going into my 3rd natural year, I decided to experiment a little bit more this year. I watched my hair grow longer which is a plus. But, since returning to my natural state, I've been moved by the volume (or bigness) of my hair as opposed to length. I am all about big hair these days. There is something to be said about the extra boost of confidence that I've gained since I changed my hair. I do not miss those days of getting a relaxer. But, I cannot lie, I miss the days of sitting in the hair salon and my old hair stylist. Haven't been to a shop in almost 4 years now. It has been the most interesting journey with me learning how to do my natural hair. It has gotten easier once I was fully natural. The transitioning stage was tough.

This year has been the easiest ons so far. I attribute it to the fact that I've gotten use to my hair now. I know what works for the most part and what doesn't. I dyed my hair this year for the first time in years. It came out great. I will be redoing it soon. I have had the most fun learning to love the hair that grows out of my head naturally. I have only had two moments when I contemplated returning to the relaxed life. They were both after failed twist outs. They were also very fleeting moments. I really just love the way my hair feels and looks. This has been the defining year for me and my hair. As you can tell by all the pictures, I've really enjoyed my hair. I've mastered the braid out, the wash n go, the bantu knot out and the blow out. In the following year, I will make it my business to master the two strand and three strand twists. I am looking forward to more growth, healthier hair and lots of width in my hair. Big hair or nothing in 2015. Hope every other naturalista has had a great 2014 hairwise as well.  Get into my hair 😇 🎉