A Brief Pause

My goodness, it sure has been a long time since I last spoke with you :-) Due to a variety of reasons (I won't bore you the details), blogging at YIR will be on hold for a while. Maybe I'll be gone a month, maybe longer. But fret not dear readers, I won't be gone forever. And when I do return, I intend to have made well worth the wait!!! As always, thanks for your continued support and patience.

Wednesday's Woman: Jayme L. Alilaw

I'm super excited to bring you today's Wednesday's Woman because I know that you will be as equally impressed by this young dynamo as I am!!! She is a talented vocalist, Masters degree candidate, veteran, volunteer, and if all of that wasn't enough, she's a mother as well. And I'd say all of this even if we didn't share (phonetically speaking - I spell mine differently) the same middle name LOL! I can get tired just thinking of what her schedule must look like.

Today's leading lady sat down to answer a few questions for the YIR audience about her influences, vision, role as a mother and legacy maker, and a servicewoman to her country. I'm pleased to introduce to you the uber talented mezzo-soprano and California State University graduate student Jayme L. Alilaw!!

Continue ruminating...

Stop Trying

Last year while watching a Joyce Meyer podcast, I realized I needed to stop trying to do things in my life. I'll explain.

Whenever there was a task to be done wherein I either didn't know whether or not I'd be successful or I simply didn't want to be bothered with it at that moment, I'd say, "I'll try." This left plenty of wiggle room and a shelter from accountability. Watching Joyce instruct her audience to "just stop trying and just do it" seemed extremely empowering.

However, learning something and thinking it makes sense, still doesn't make it a personal conviction. I literally told myself, "I'm going to try to stop trying and just do it!" I'm fully aware of the oxymoronic logic there. But, at the time that seemed reasonable enough.

Continue ruminating...

Tribeca Film Festival 2010

The Tribeca Film Festival is well underway at various venues throughout the city. I was fortunate enough to attend premiere screenings for two interesting character driven movies.

On Sunday, I checked out "Cairo Time" starring Patricia Clarkson. Although we've all seen Ms. Clarkson in countless movies, this one marks the first time she has played the romantic lead (I was stunned when I first learned this as well). Patricia plays the part of Juliette, a woman who goes to Egypt to visit her United Nations employed husband for a long-awaited vacation. When he is unable to join her, he sends his former security advisor Tareq, a charming and handsome Egyptian who provides protection, guidance, and assistance in this isolating foreign land. There is crazy chemistry brewing between the two and a too-close-for-comfort friendship develops.

Glamazon and TT strolling the red carpet before the movie

The scene inside the BMCC Tribeca PAC theater before the start of the movie

The director, Ruba Nadda, introducing the film's stars and producers

Next up, was last night's premiere of "Legacy" starring Idris Elba, Eamonn Walker, and Monique Gabriela Curnen.

"Legacy" is about a former Black Ops soldier, played by Idris, who is sent on a mission to capture an arms dealer, but finds himself beaten and tortured. When he learns that the operation was a mission in fultility, he returns to the U.S. to with plans to rectify the situation.

The singular setting of a dingy Brooklyn hotel room sets the backdrop for one of the most riveting performances I've seen from Idris. As a man deeply wounded, (emotionally, mentally, and physically) he fully embodies the character and transforms into something other than the cocky and swaggerific Brit we've come to love.

Idris Elba and Thomas Ikimi

After the movie, the cast and director answered some audience questions. The Nigerian born director, Thomas Ikimi, is smart, funny, and passionate about filmmaking. His desire to bring back the fundamentals of good cinema is to be applauded because, unfortunately, it's not all that common these days.

If I had to describe this movie in one phrase, I would say, "I Am Legend meets the direction of Alfred Hitchcock."

The Tribeca Film Festival runs through May 2. If you are in the NYC area, do yourself a favor and check out a screening or two. For all others, the festival is an annual affair so, be prepared to be here next year:-)

The Quads and Yale

This brilliant set of African-American quads from Danbury, CT have made history by being the first set of quadruplets to be admitted to Yale. The siblings (Martina, Ray, Carol, and Kenny Crouch) had their pick of Ivy League and top tier schools including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Tufts, Wesleyan, and NYU, but ultimately settled on Yale because of its "down to earth" atmosphere and a generous financial aid packet.

These kids should be celebrated for their hard work and the example they'll be setting for thousands of other minority students. Instead of desiring to be rappers, video vixens, or pro atheletes, these four have set their sights higher.

With the cost of tuition steadily rising, they weren't dismayed and neither did they tell themselves to dream smaller. In general, there is nothing wrong with applying to local state schools or going to a community college. However, too many of our Ivy League ready students do so because they become overwhelmed by the prospects of the college application process and the exhorbant costs.

We have a responsiblity as parents, aunts, uncles, mentors, friends, and even neighbors to help out those coming after us. And if that includes helping them navigate the college admissions process so they can soar among the elite minds of this nation, then so be it!!!

A friend of mine, The Chi-Town Stepper, has come up with ways to teach kids to "dream out loud, often, and together". I'd also add to dream BIG, WAY BIG!!!! Let's make the Crouch story the rule and not the exception!!!

Read more about them at The New York Times.

Cupcake Heaven

I really believe my life might be complete if I purchase this t-shirt. It's being sold on Etsy in the Dressing On the Side shop.

These cupcakes are topped with edible butterflies. Need I say more?!?!

**All cupcake items were originally found on one of my regular blog reads, The Kitchn.

Toni Childs Is Back

Well not really Toni Childs. Jill Marie Jones was one of my favorite actresses to watch weekly on the UPN hit show Girlfriends. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the show therefore, no explanations are needed. Starting tomorrow night, Miss. Jones will play the lead of the series within a series entitled Gillian In Georgia.

The mini mini-series will air during the commercial breaks of TBS' Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns. Jill plays a Big City fashionista who visits her sister down south and gets sort of stuck there helping her through an injury. It begins tomorrow night, April 28, at 8:00pm. You can find out more about the show's premise and cast here.

You know, I was literally just having this conversation last night with the Chi-Town Stepper and Momma Stepper about Black actresses and the lack of opportunities for them. We'd discussed the fact that there are people who are out there creating roles for themselves no matter how large or small of a stage they get to play on. Tyler P. has truly opened a door and is continuing to create opportunities for others. Regardless of the thoughts on the quality of the content, he isn't beholden to anyone else's whims about whether or not he and the people he employ deserve a seat at the Hollywood table. I suppose that's something to cheer about!!!

Owa Owa Jill Marie is back!!!

White Void

In a previous posting, I mentioned how I had not previously invested in any way into making my apartment a home. However, after realizing that my home should be a reflection of me and it's where I spend the most important time, I'd decided to commit to this project.

I have now officially gotten into the swing of things with the apartment redesign. I've decided to take it one room at a time, only buying what I really love and want to live with for the next couple of years, and piece by piece as that's what my budget allows for. In case you're wondering, the bedroom is the first room to see a change. I hope to be able to show you pictures in a couple of weeks.

Being a renter put some limitations on what I can do. Most notably, painting is an issue. While I want a colorful and vibrant home, I don't want the hassle of painting the walls now and then repainting them when it is time to leave. So, I shall be leaving the walls white!!!!

While appealing to my laziness (don't want to repaint), my thriftiness (don't want to pay for painting), and my impatience (no time investment needed if they are left as is), the idea of leaving the walls white didn't really appeal to my creative passionate side.

Also, I believe wall color greatly affects the mood of the place. I was thinking white walls, no matter what else was done in the rooms, would leave the place feeling too spare and therefore, boring. But I couldn't be further from the truth.

Leaving the walls white can look crisp, glamorous, organized, modern or retro, and serve as the perfect backdrop for accessories and furnishings! Here are a few inspirational rooms with white walls.

Continue ruminating...

All The Single Ladies

In church on Sunday we had a fabulous message delivered by guest pastor Phil Pringle of the Christian City Church International entitled "7 Elements of Faith". It was a wonderful message and he is indeed an entertaining man of faith. While his message was insightful and engaging, there was one crossroads in the morning where he inspired a few say what now's or at the very least some shady side eyes. I don't recall now why he asked, but at some point in the service he requested that all the single people stand (please know that I can't utter the phrase single ladies without wanting to wave my hands about). That seemed a simple enough request. But was it?

Apparently, not! Upon his initial request no one stood (including me). After some lighthearted teasing from him and another request, we all stood. Some of us (yep, including me) sheepishly looked around to see who else was standing. For me, it wasn't that I was scanning the room for candidates so much as I was truly nervous about standing and putting my single status on blast. Por que?

Continue ruminating...

The Silver Fox Makes History

Today is the 65th birthday for The Silver Fox. This is awesome. I'm so excited!!!! He's excited!!! We're all excited!!!! It's great when God gives you another year, but this is especially memorable and noteworthy because my grandfather and my dad's older brothers all passed away before reaching the age of 65. He was nervous he wouldn't see it. With heart disease being something that had done a large portion of the male members of his family in, The Silver Fox is an anomaly around this family tree. Even his younger brothers have had strokes or heart attacks. He hasn't had either!!

I love my dad and I tell him every time I talk to him. But today I told him I was proud of him. He has flaws like everyone else, but he's always there when I need him. Here's to 65 more years (I like to shoot for the stars) Daddy!!!!!!!! And yes, he's been silver since I was born:-)

Shopping in Service Merchandise

Backyard with my Favorite Person

Dancing in the man room with my Childhood Loan Officer

Note: They both think they shine on the dance floor ;-0

Dropping me off in Houston, TX for a summer internship at Six Flags

Family vacation at Universal Stuidos

Wedding of a family friend. I forgot what role the Favorite Person played as that would explain the dress Oh! Crochet braids and Shirley Temple spirals. God bless the '90s.

Time To Be Thankful

I confess to feeling like a sucker today! And why do I feel like a sucker do you ask? Well, because my last blog entry was 3 weeks ago and it was such a personal victory, that I thought "surely I should have followed it up with something really cool,"right? Right? Well, I didn't. And while I'm not proud of that, I shall carry on.

Truth of the matter is, I hadn't felt very inspired to write anything. Not that I was upset, I just wasn't inspired. Then, today I recalled that I hadn't done a gratitude post in quite sometime. When I first started this blog, gratitude was (in addition to developing the regular habit of writing) one of my main reasons for doing so. I wanted to challenge myself to find reasons to be thankful everyday or at the very least a couple of times each week give intentional thought to the vast reasons I had to be more appreciative of my life. So here goes:

• I finally kicked my apartment redesign into gear and have found some really cute things. I'm tackling the project one room at a time and will reveal photos of each room as they are completed. The bedroom is first. 
• After trying to sell my dining table on Craigslist, I was informed of a family who had lost everything in a fire and so, I donated the table to them. And since donating the table, I have all sorts of room to dance around my apartment (the table was too large for the space). Is it really necessary to have a dining table? I really don't want to lose the square footage again te he he!
• Life Revolution Coaching, LLC is a registered business in the state of New York with a federal EIN, and it's own business banking account! May seem small to some, but it's a tangible manifestation of a long personal process. 
• I aced my Foundational Coaching exam and am expecting the certificate any day now!!! Owa Owa!!! I still have several more courses to take, but I'm well on my way to certification!! 
• The Songbird was entered into the Classical Writer Hall of Fame (I think that's the proper title)!!! She has been laboring (in love) for quite sometime to pursue her passion so, I'm pleased to acknowledge this accomplishment with her. 
• I just started working with a new coaching client and I'm pretty excited about the direction I think she is headed!! 
• The Tator Tot and The Boys all enjoyed their Easter gifts from TT Tracey:-) Who is the world's best aunt? Who? Say it louder please!!! Yep, that's right...ME!!! 
• Provision is continually being provided even when I'm certain I didn't deserve it. And even when I think I did, I probably still didn't. But oh so thankful anyway!! 
• I FINALLY went out and bought some yarn for my first knitting project. That's right folks, knitting!! And, Cajun Spice didn't throw me a side eye mean enough to be felt over the phone!!!! 
• I'm thankful that I'm comfortable enough with myself and my Source to honestly share my process with folks. I'm not perfect. I do make mistakes, but I've learned a lot and I'm trying to use that wisdom to help others. 
• IT'S SPRING!!!!
• There are many more reasons I can think of, but I believe best of all is that while I started this entry feeling a little not so great, I'm ending on a high note. Just by simply typing reasons I've had to be thankful over the past couple of weeks, it's pepped me up from my sourpuss mood today!!! 

*Photos via a new design blog I'm stalking Design Fabulous

Blogiversary

Do you know what today is? It's my blogiversary...(sung in the tune of Tony!Toni!Tone!'s "Anniversary"). I'm pretty excited about this!!! I actually counted down the days this week until I could make this post!

Exactly a year ago today and around this exact time, I began the journey of blogging. It started out simply as a way to get me more focused on the continual act of writing. For someone who had dreamed for years of being a writer, I wasn't getting much writing done. It's been an interesting experience to say the least.

While I value simply being able to have an outlet for my thoughts, I also write to share those thoughts with others. I've long felt I could communicate better through my writing than with verbalizing my interests, concerns, annoyances, etc.

I'm thankful for the people who have continued to follow me throughout the year, the comments left by readers, and even the admonishments when I wasn't updating often enough (F. Beans, Favorite Person, Chi-Town Stepper, and Bronx Bomber are counted as my most vocal admonishers).

Although it started out as simply a creative outlet, it has grown into something more. Since the inception of this blog, I have fully realized my purpose in life and how to better use my gifts, talents, abilities, and resources in bringing that purpose to reality. As those who know me personally can attest, I am now a life coach!! And this blog now serves as a means for me to allow visitors and potential clients to see my personal spiritual process, struggles, and achievements, as well as the things and people I care about most.

It's not easy to put yourself out there and be completely transparent (even a seemingly simple entry is revealing something personal about me) because you never know how people will receive you. I don't know from one entry to the next if someone thought it was complete crap or if they sincerely enjoyed it. I believe this blog to be the most vulnerable form of expression I've exhibited in my life thus far. I'm extremely transparent and vulnerable with the people closest to me but this is different.

Different because as long as I can remember, I've felt misunderstood by most, accepted by a small few, and my biggest desire was to validate that I had been endowed with some form of talent. This blog forces me to come to terms with all of that. In fact, I get emotional writing about it now.

On a lighter note, I enjoy and feel fortunate to have someplace to release steam, share laughs, shake my head at the world, and wait expectantly for what's ahead. Over the next year, there will be more changes to the layout and content. I hope you'll continue to join me on this journey.

This has been stuck in my head all afternoon. There's actually a rather humorous story about this song and why I'm only now able as an adult to listen to it since I was semi-scarred by it in high school SMH! LOL!

Spring Fling

This past weekend NYC got its first taste of spring and I couldn't have been more excited!!!! In addition to being happy that there was a break in cold weather (it was short-lived as I'm freezing today), it was a totally indulgent weekend for me. Indulgent because instead of doing something productive before playtime, I opted to play all weekend!
 
Friday night: 
In search of sheets at Century 21, I came up empty handed. That was in the home department...In ladies' shoes on the other hand, I scored these babies which I gladly broke out on Saturday...

 Me waiting to get my brows done at Bloomies Sat. afternoon

Saturday:
I had every intention of going to the laundromat and possibly prepping the bedroom for painting, but never happened. I ended up meeting with The Stormy One and heading down to the Meatpacking District where we had a blast.

First, we went over to the Hotel Gansevoort for afternoon cocktails and snacks where we were met by a couple of The Stormy One's friends.

We even ran into a beautiful bride and groom and a random bouquet of airborne balloons.

Then it was off to check out some contemporary/pop art at French artist Mr. Brainwash's "Icons" exhibit. The work is Warhol-inspired and completely crazy!!!! I sooo enjoyed walking through the gallery space.

Healthcare Hero!

After my eyes had been visually stimulated, it was time to tempt my tummy with some grub from The Standard Grill, a restaurant of the Standard Hotel. I ordered the Organic Berkshire Pork Chop with Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Shallots, and Bacon (yummy tummy oh yeah). The Stormy One had the Creekstone Farm New York Strip with Crispy Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Aioli (she seemed to be pleased te he he).

With our hungry satiated, we headed uptown to meet up with Miss Scorsese at Cafe Lalo for dessert. We laughed while The Stormy caused trouble for the clearly flustered waitress.

S

Per usual, Cafe Lalo had a packed house

Sunday:
After church, Chi-Town Stepper and I made the now traditional Sunday stop at Tonnie's in Harlem for cupcakes. But this time, not for myself (Ok I bought and ate 2 before making it down the block). The main purpose of my stop was to pick up a couple of cupcakes for a friend's bday.

The 3 of us headed to the Upper Westside to check out "Our Family Wedding" (trust me, you can wait until the dvd comes out) and then grabbed burgers (turkey w/ mushrooms for me, beef for them) at a spot on Columbus Ave.

And that my friends, was my weekend void of anything remotely responsible in terms of productivity. But I welcomed in spring with open arms!!!!!

Family Design

I'm so excited, almost excited enough to call up Time Warner and get cable again!! HGTV has a new show, Home Rules, that combines two of my all-time favorite things: life coaching and interior design!!!!!

Back when I had cable (it's been a year now since I last had a cable box), I sat motionless after church on Sundays for countless unproductive hours just drooling over homes on HGTV (shameful I know), meticulously taking mental notes for my own redesign projects. I would love to meet Candice Olson of Divine Design and possibly have a room decorated by her:-)  Home Rules is hosted by former WNBA star Fran Harris.

Fran works to put the function back in the show's dysfunctional families' lives. Simultaneously while redesigning their entire house, she also works with the families about hidden, or not so hidden, reasons for the clutter and imbalance in their homes. I love it!!!

Fran was an elite athlete for over 20 years and has been coaching for over 15 years. She has dubbed herself America's No Excuses Coach because she doesn't tolerate excuses in her life or her clients' lives. She says complacency is the biggest issue she sees. People are just following the status quo. The spaces aren't the most imaginative I've seen, but I just love the concept of someone really trying to tackle the issues within the families on a deeper level as they get a fresh outlook on their homes as well. Yes, if Hulu doesn't air episodes of this series, I'll have to seriously consider making that call to Time Warner.

Below are some before and after pics from a family home she redesigned. Designing hearts and homes, what could be better? Homes Rules premieres March 15 at 9/8c on HGTV. Check your local listings for the channel.

Family Room Before

Family Room After

Little Girls' Room Before

Little Girls' Room After

Wednesday's Woman: Dana S. Santiago

Today's Wednesday's Woman is Dana S. Santiago. Dana is an event planning professional who has coordinated and helped execute events for Haper's Bazaar magazine, The Artist's Empowerment Coalition, and The Source Magazine to name a few. She has assisted athletes, music artists, publishing execs, fashion houses, brides, and others bring their event visions to life. She ensures that her events move beyond simply being parties, rather they are unforgettable experiences. Dana is also a budding entrepreneur as she and a business partner have started their own event services firm.

I chatted with her about what it's like to manage it all. Let's ruminate...

Oops She Did It Again...Or Did She?

At the beginning of the Obama era I was as pleased as punch when I learned of all the whip smart, beautiful, and stylish women joining his team. For a person who isn't easily star struck, I am a bit googley over Ms. Susan Rice. She totally rocks! But oh how I wish this were a chance for me to wax on about Ms. Rice. Nope. Naw dog. It ain't so. I shake my head, purse my lips and throw a mean side eye toward the mess that is the Desiree Rogers scandal. She has indeed become history's most famous Social Secretary and that turns out, isn't a good thing!

Continue ruminating...

Welcome Back

Last week, Mr. Fix It emailed me this clip upon my return from vacation and I thought it apropos to the blog as my absence has been noted by several and I've also missed you guys! So, welcome back to us all:-)

Technical Difficulties

Hi Folks!!!

While I'm pleased to report that I'm traveling the southern region of our fine country visiting an assortment of family members, it saddens me to say that due technology difficulties and time constraints, posting will be halted until next Wednesday. I hope you all have found ways large and small to live abundantly and authentically!!!

Talking To Boys

This afternoon, I called my 3 nephews who are 11 and 13 (there's a set of twins in the mix) to remind them that I'd be in Atlanta next weekend to visit them. We always have interesting exchanges. Here is but a taste:

• Upon learning that I'm still wearing an afro, the 13 yr old says, "An afro? Hmm...You still doing that?" I tell him yes and tell him I'm sure he sees women in ATL with naturals. His response, "No, not really. Can't you straighten it anymore?....I like to see women with straight hair because it's pretty." I tell him this isn't the only form of pretty and that he shouldn't buy into the stereotype of beauty. "Aw man. I'm not stereotyping. I'm just saying straight hair looks better. I like women with straight hair is all I'm saying."
• One of the 11 yr old twins asks, "What was the last video game you played Auntie?" When I tell him it was a Sega Genesis, he says, "A Sega? A what? Isn't that like from the 80's?" Actually young man, it is very much so a game from the 90's. "Well, what sort of game did you play on it?" I tell him Sonic the Hedgehog. "Sonic, yeah I remember him back in the days. There are new games now." Thanks mister, I wasn't aware. Insert side eye here!
• Same 11 y.o. "Auntie, I've started a journal and I'm going to have it published one day!" I congratulate him and he begins to read some of his entries to me. He had an entry in which he mentions Rihanna and I ask if he likes her. "Not really. I think she's pretty, but she can't sing worth a lick. But I sure like looking at her. She has a nice body." Yeeeeppppp...
• Same 11 y.o. once again (the other twin doesn't offer as much good material as this one and his older brother) sheds light on things for me. "You don't have cable? Then what do you do?" This is after learning that I haven't seen the music video for the Black Eye Peas' song he is referencing because I don't have cable nor do I really listen to the radio much. "Read? What you reading like that? Have you ever even heard of the BEPs Auntie? (Yes I have) Well, I need you to get some cable!" 

Kids, gotta love 'em!! 

Beans and Biscuits

For the past 2 years, I've been on a rather intense journey to get myself in alignment with what I consider to be God's plan for me. Deeming this period of life one that requires immense concentration, I've sometimes left myself blind to the things going on with people I'm not intimately close with. Two such people would be Beans and Biscuits*.

Continue ruminating...