My many fascinations, passions, and thoughts on everything from music and entertainment to life, love, relationships, and social issues. Anything goes in BuddahDesmond's Place. Enjoy!
Always in a jazzy mood, I thought I'd share a jazz performance I did at Twins Jazz in DC about two years ago. This was part of the finale performance for a Jazz Vocal Workshop, led by the extraordinary Chris Grasso, I participated in for 8 weeks. Backed by The Chris Grasso Trio, I sang "When Your Lover Is Gone," "Lush Life," and "Sometimes I'm Happy."
I had a blast participating in the workshop and performing (always). I look forward to participating in the workshop again some time in the future. If you're in the DC Metro Area, I highly recommend it.
I had to be about 11 or 12 when I discovered the the Original Decca Masters Billie Holiday compilation album. My mother and I were at my grandmother's house for the weekend. I was on the search for some good music. For this, I could always depend on my grandmother's collection of cassette tapes, LPs, and CDs. She had music from the 1930s up to present day. Around this time I was really digging jazz. Much to my delight, I came across this Billie Holiday album. I remember my mouth was agape upon seeing the album cover. I was floored by Billie Holiday's beauty. She had to be one of the most stunning women I'd ever seen. Couldn't say I'd heard (or remembered hearing) much of her music at the time. So you know I was dying to put the CD in for a spin. I don't think anything could've prepared me for the experience.
The Original Decca Masters album changed my life. After one listening, my whole perspective about music had changed. My appreciation and love for music grew exponentially. As a music fanatic, singer, and lyricist (even then), it widened my interests and expanded my knowledge. After hearing Billie Holiday's voice I knew why she was considered one of the best vocalists ever. The timbre of her voice, the way she'd bend notes and sing behind the beat, her sense of rhythm, swing, timing, and phrasing--she had it all (and then some). In her voice I could hear the influences of her favorite singers, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and Bessie Smith. Yet her style was extraordinarily distinct. From her (and a few other vocalists), I learned how to truly get inside of a song and make it believable. With Billie Holiday, there was no doubt that she knew what she was singing about it. She felt it. And you, as a listener, couldn't help but feel it too.
In remembering Billie Holiday and her voice, singer Annie Ross said, "There's a whole life in that voice." Listen to songs like "Solitude," "You're My Thrill," "Good Bless The Child," "Keeps On Rainin'," "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do," "Lover Man (Where Can He Be)," and "Good Morning Heartache" and that life unveils itself. In fact, you'll be able to glean something new and different each time you listen to her music. This is why Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan (amongst others) remain the blueprint for song (of any genre), period.
After hearing the Original Decca Masters album, I devoured as much as I could about Billie Holiday. Books, documentaries, videos, music, you name it. She was one of the best and I committed myself to learning as much about her as I could. I thought it sad her passing so early. But the richness of the legacy she left behind is eternal. Her influence is limitless, boundless. Billie Holiday will forever be one of my favorite vocalists.
Richard Blanco made history on Monday, January 21, 2013 by being the first Latino (Cuban American), openly gay, and youngest inaugural poet.Blanco, also a Civil Engineer and teacher, got into writing poetry later in life. In an interview on the PBS News Hour, Blanco says, "...after I graduated from engineering, I started, as I say,
doodling around with poetry, fooling around with poetry, then went to a
creative writing course at a community college, at Miami-Dade Community
College. And then the one thing led to another. And as they say, the
rest is history."
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always—home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country—all of us—
facing the stars
hope—a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it—together. ~ Richard Blanco, "One Today" (2013)
Blanco's work is noted for its descriptiveness, beautiful imagery, and its discussion of identity, culture, inclusion, and place in society. His inaugural poem "One Today," is one of unity and highlights the connection that we Americans share. Regardless of background, class, religion, sexual orientation, education, race, ethnicity, we're all in this together. We must not let the often underhanded and divisive tactics of political, social, and religious figures and organizations paint a different picture. We are one. And Blanco's "One Today," is a beautiful example of this and the ties that bind us together.
Richard Blanco's works of poetry include: City of a Hundred Fires (1998), Nowhere But Here (2004), Directions to the Beach of the Dead (2005), and Looking for the Gulf Motel (2012).
Greetings all! Here's the latest round of weekly musings:
It's hard having faith in a system that's broken. Or if not completely broken, a system in need of major rehab. While there may be people in positions working to fix the system, resistance, backbiting, partisanship, and corruption prevent change from taking shape. One day... Just maybe one day this won't be the case.
I hope I never get to the point where my personal interests take precedence over all, especially when they are to the detriment of those around me. Sometimes you need to take a step back and think about the short-term and long-term impact of what you do and the effects it may have on others.
When only you and those like you are winning, everyone else loses. We can't win when self-serving and party-serving interests take precedence over the needs and interests of the larger society. Until we get back to "WE THE PEOPLE," everything will fail.
There's an "unwritten" code or script in life that many of us follow. Within this code or script lies expectations about the type of life we should live, how and where we get educated, the field of work we go into, who we love/marry, the type of community we live in, etc. Now there's nothing wrong with following this code/script...as long as it provides you with the life you truly want. The big "Oops!" or "WTF!" moment for many of us comes when we realize that following the code/script hasn't fulfilled us (at all). A gaping, persistent void will figure prominently until we feed our souls what it's been missing and revive the dreams that died on the way to PC, cookie cutter living.
College isn't for everyone. Marriage isn't for everyone. Having children or parenting isn't for everyone. Corporate America isn't for everyone. Christianity isn't for everyone. Everything isn't for everybody. Just because it's working for you doesn't give you the right to force it on to others or expect everyone else to do as you do. Just live and let be.
Confidence is a light that shines through. When it's peaking, everyone can see it. There's a certain assurance and glow about you. Everyone can see it, feel it when it's dim too. Oh, the difficulty trying to convince others of anything when you don't have the confidence or belief in yourself.
You cannot fully embrace/accept the love you need/want or be able to successfully sustain any romantic relationships unless you truly love yourself. The inability to love yourself makes it virtually impossible to love anyone else (at least in the way they need or deserve to be loved).
Mind
racing, Can’t seem to concentrate, Trying to go to sleep. But worries keep you awake Night after night You’d think one would grow
tired, But other people’s problems Have you ignoring your own
desire. Get a grip—it’s not that
serious.
You’re
living for everyone else but yourself, When you should be concerned
with you and no one else, Steadily letting matters of
your concern slide. As each day passes you keep
looking for a place to hide. It must stop—it’s not that
serious.
The
drama goes wherever you go Whatever you do, other
people’s problems and issues always seem to follow. You have yet to realize the
power you hold. You won’t say, “Fuck it!” And “No!” in your eyes is
too bold. If you’re in the line for
people pleasing know that it’s career suicide. When it’s all said and done And you’ve got a problem, People are hard to find. Then you’re screwed—and that’s
serious.
There’s
nothing wrong with being kind, But what about your peace of
mind? It’s a sad tale when you can
solve everyone else’s problems but your own. You’ve got to know when to let
go, Because being tired is
enough. Being tired—from other people
and their drama—is beyond too much. Get it together. Other people and their
issues—they’re not that serious. You and your well-being—now that’s serious.
I have always been reinventing myself...I like to challenge myself and keep it interesting. I like evolution. It is part of my journey as an artist. ~ Jody Watley, 2012, More Magazine
I cannot recall when I first heard Jody Watley's music. But I know that I've been a fan nearly all my life. There's something about Watley that's always moved and fascinated me. She's a multi-talented, intelligent, knockout beauty who's always been at the top of her game. Whether it was dancing on Soul Train, being an original member of Shalamar, or being a solo artist, Watley has always stood out from the rest as a trailblazing, trendsetting phenom in music, video, style, fashion, and dance.
Watley was never one to follow the pack. She charted a path that has consistently set her apart from her peers and the musical trends of the day. You can play each of Watley's albums in succession and be astounded by the freshness, uniqueness, passion, and most importantly, the artistic growth. She gets better with each project. Easily fusing and moving between the lines of pop, r&b/soul, funk, jazz, dance, and electronica, she continues to defy categorization.
Watley's art has been fueled by substance, innovation, and evolution, not be record sales. She's also been involved in every aspect of her career. I remember being even more inspired by Watley after discovering her fifth studio album Affection (and subsequent albums Saturday Night Experience, Midnight Lounge, and The Makeover) was released on her own label Avitone Recordings (in 1995). Leaving the major record label system behind, Watley had even greater control over the direction of her career.
Ever the pioneer, Watley was one of the first artists to (successfully) cross-market music and fashion (via celebrity campaign ads and appearances in several high-profile fashion magazines), the first African American woman (and musician) to release a million-selling video (1990's Dance To Fitness), and the first African American to play Rizzo in the musical Grease on Broadway (in 1995).
The cover of Jody Watley's 1987 self-titled debut solo album.
I’m not a trained dancer, singer nor writer – I do them all from my soul
with my own distinct feel and style much like an improvisational jazz
musician. There is a joy in dancing no matter the style. I’ve always
loved it and always will – watching and doing. ~ Jody Watley, 2012, JodyWatley.net
There's no denying how dynamic Watley is as a performer. All of the elements—music, style, fashion, and dance—come together in a way that is extraordinarily effortless. Even from her days on Soul Train—from her fashion sense to her dancing—she just had it. Speaking of her dancing, I have a running joke with friend and author Trent Jackson that Watley's been voguing since 1978 (see Watley doing a waacking freestyle dance).
This joke grew out of my frustration that she (and other artists)
didn't (always) seem to get credit for pushing the creative boundaries
of music, video, dance, and fashion (as the praise always seemed to go
to other artists of the day). Judging from recent accolades,
appearances, and media features, the praise is coming back around.
With her recent collaboration on French Horn Rebellion's single "Cold Enough," the forthcoming release of "Nightlife" (featuring Gerald Brown, formerly lead singer of Shalamar), the first single from her tenth studio album Chameleon, and appearances on the Soul Train Cruise and the Essence Music Festival, 2013 is destined to be a major year for Jody Watley. And it should be. So here's to Jody Watley...still a thrill after all these years!
Jody Watley Albums: Jody Watley (1987), Larger Than Life (1989), Affairs Of The Heart (1991), Intimacy (1993), Affection (1995), Flower (1998), Saturday Night Experience, Vol. 1 (1999), Midnight Lounge (2001), and The Makeover (2006).
Jazz isn’t just one type of music, it’s an umbrella that covers the
history of black people from African drumming to field hollers and the
blues... In the sense that I also try to reflect the fullness of the black
experience, I’m very much a jazz poet. ~ Jayne Cortez, 1997, The Weekly Journal
On December 28, 2012, the world lost Jayne Cortez, a masterful, fiery poet, performer, and activist. Ms. Cortez, who's often referred to as an Avant-Garde or Jazz poet, came to prominence during the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Her work is visceral, varied and rich, pulling from jazz, blues, the written tradition, the African/African-American oral tradition, jazz, blues, and the colloquy of social and political protest. "Meant for the ear even more than for the eye, her words combine a hurtling immediacy with an incantatory orality," Margalit Fox of The New York Times said when describing her work.
Collectively, she produced nearly two dozen volumes of poetry and recordings, many of which were recorded with her band the Firespitters. Some of her volumes of poetry include: Scarifications (1973), Firespitter (1982), Poetic Magnetic: Poems from Everywhere Drums & Maintain Control (1991), and The Beautiful Book (2007); some of her recordings include: Unsubmissive Blues (1979), There It Is (1982), Taking the Blues Back Home (1994) and Find Your Own Voice: Poetry and Music, 1982-2003 (2004). She founded the Watts Repertory Theater Company, Bola Press, and co-founded the Organization of Women Writers of Africa (OWWA). Ms. Cortez was the recipient of the American Book Award, Langston Hughes Award, and International African Festival Award (amongst others).
Though Jayne Cortez is no longer with us, her authentic style and voice will continue to incite, inspire, teach, and uplift for many generations to come.
To learn more about Jayne Cortez, please go to her official website and check out her passionate, intense performance from the "Artists On The Cutting Edge" Series in the video below. (Warning: The beginning of the video contains flashing elements.)
You preserved your heart
The way a doctor would to save a patient's life,
So that it would be mine—eternally.
It's an out-of-this-world union
That will sparkle and shine long after we've gone.
Destined for its own place in the universe,
It's totally divine.
We are lovers—
In spirit, body, soul, heart, and mind.
The new year is here! And with it comes the chance to start anew. Time for reflection and introspection. The opportunity to take inventory, evaluate, and re-evaluate where you are, where you're going, where you'd like to be, and what you need to do to get there. It's goal-setting time or recognition time for goals you've achieved.
If it didn't work in 2012, don't bring it into 2013. If it created a lot of drama in 2012, abolish it and look for ways to alleviate/avoid it altogether in 2013. If you didn't like it or wanted to change it in 2012, 2013 is the best time to get started. Instead of making resolutions, commit to life or lifestyle changes. But be realistic. If you're doing it because it sounds good or because you're seeking approval from others, you probably won't be committed to it beyond the first few weeks or months of the year. Let it be something meaningful. Let it be something you truly want to do. If it's something that benefits the community, environment, or larger society—all the more better.
Looking back on 2012, three of my biggest accomplishments were 1) successfully completing my MBA, 2) my partner and I celebrating our first year of marriage, and 3) publishing my first volume of poetry Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. 2012 afforded me the opportunity to form deeper bonds with family and friends. I was able to network, connect, and learn from so many people in various stages of their careers in the arts and other fields. I was able to devote more time to my passions (the arts, cooking/baking, etc.). I got back into my fitness regime and stuck with it for most of the year (at least until my academic life took over in the latter months of the year). While I didn't reach all of my fitness goals in 2012, I will continue on with them in 2013. Another blessing was hearing the news that my mother, who is a three-time cancer survivor, is 100% cancer free. How relieved we all were to receive this news. We hope and pray mom's cancer remission.
There were many struggles in 2012, but I'm not going to harp on them. I'm leaving them behind but taking the lessons and wisdom forward. I will be more patient. Will place more trust in my intuition and the voice within. I will continue to work to maintain my cool, my calm when situations are heated (approaching these situations with a level-head versus a hot-head is always preferred). I will give myself more credit and kudos for my accomplishments, skills, talents, and abilities (leaving self-doubt in the dust). I will stop forsaking my well-being for the betterment of other things (institutions, organizations) and people (self-neglect doesn't lead to progression or growth).
In 2013 my (general) goals are: 1) looking for, participating in, and/or creating opportunities to promote my work and myself as an artist (and aspiring renaissance man), prayerfully opportunities that will challenge and strengthen me creatively, socially, mentally, and personally, 2) being proactive and taking the necessary steps for optimal health, 3) doing more to give back to the community, 4) spending more time with family, friends, and godchildren, 5) building stronger connections with fans, followers, peers, and those I admire in the arts, and 6) and hopefully taking a real vacation.
Before closing out, I'd like to take this moment to say from the basement floor of my heart THANK YOU to the readers/followers/supporters/fans for your ongoing love, praise, constructive criticism, and support. For this, I am extremely humbled, grateful, and blessed.
I wish you and your families an amazing 2013! Let it be filled with love, joy, harmony, good health, and prosperity!
Chrisette Michele never ceases to bewilder, beguile or amaze. In a post about three years, I said she was one of this generation's best vocalists. She continues to lives us to this year after year. Always channeling the best of her soul and her emotions into music with the versatility that pleasingly boggles the mind and pushes boundaries. Her most recent mixtape, Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation, carries on in this tradition.
Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation is "a dedication to the artistic vision inspired by Audrey Hepburn and the #RichHipster movement." The nine-track mixtape features Robert Glasper, Kenneth Whalum, 2 Chainz, Nello Luchi, Wale, Dunson, Bilal, Guitar Slayer, Lem Payne, and Fogo. Audrey Hepburn is both classic and modern in terms of sound and style and has a laidback groove that makes for pleasing, easy listening. It's soulful cool. Hip-Hop cool. Jazzy cool. Funky cool. Classy cool. Sassy cool. Sultry cool. It's everything we've come to love about about Michele (and maybe more).
While the mixtape is enjoyable in its entirety, personal favorites include "Can The Cool Be Loved" featuring Bilal and Dunson, "Charades" featuring 2 Chainz, "Pray Me Well" featuring Robert Glasper, "Rich Hipster" featuring Wale, and "My Fair Lady" featuring Guitar Slayer. Audrey Hepburn is an excellent treat to tie us fans over until the release of her next studio album.
And speaking of her next studio album, I, like many fans, was so happy to come across another unexpected treat online a few weeks ago in "Better," the title track from Michele's next album. Featured on the recent Motown Music Sampler Vol. 1, Michele continues to dazzle us vocally, lyrically, and musically on "Better." On this soul-stirring, mid-tempo R&B tune, Michele sings about the search for love and how "love's gotta make me feel better" because "getting to love's got me losing my mind." It's honest music that many will be able to relate to. "Better" is powerful enough to resonate with fans the same way "Blame It On Me," "Epiphany," "Love Is You," "Goodbye Game," and "If I Had My Way" did.
What I love (or one of the things I love) most about Chrisette Michele is that she's a risk taker. She's not afraid to do what moves her and to share what she's going through. She enjoys breaking outside of the box. Boxes and categorization can limit our growth and progress. They also can hinder our ability to see ourselves (and others) in totality (seeing, appreciating, celebrating, and respecting all we bring to the table). We've got to be free, especially when we wish to be our most creative, authentic selves. That's the plane Michele is on. And as revealed in her recent Singersroom interview, you can see, feel, and hear a deeper faith, strength, and confidence in Michele both personally and musically. From Audrey Hepburn to Better and beyond, there's no stopping the force that is Chrisette Michele.
Download Chrisette Michele's mixtape Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation from the Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes site.
On this platform of peace, we can create a language To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.
At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ Into the great religions of the world. We jubilate the precious advent of trust. We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope. All the earth's tribes loosen their voices To celebrate the promise of Peace.
While Christmas has come and gone, the message in Maya Angelou's "Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem" is one for all seasons. Angelou's poem, with its vivid imagery and hopeful, moving tone, is one of community, inclusion, and harmony.
Angelou highlights the wonder and beauty of the holiday season and the universal feelings of trust, hope, kindness, forgiveness, and peace that overcome us this time of year. Given these times of social and political unrest, there is an urging for the spirit of the holiday season to extend beyond this brief period. There is a dire need for amazing peace all year round. What better time than now to commit ourselves to "[celebrating] the promise of Peace" today and everyday?
Maya Angelou's "Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem" can be read in full on Oprah.com.
We are all so blessed. Blessed in ways beyond measure and comparison. The gift of life, love, health, prosperity, the pursuit of happiness, family, and friends are just some of our blessings. At times we forget (or take for granted) just how blessed we are. We may block blessings with our bemoaning and complaining. The better thing to do is take action to make things better.
As author and spiritual activist Marianne Williamson states, "We should complain less and bless more." If we're in a position to bless someone, especially those who may be less fortunate, we should do it selflessly. And we shouldn't reserve these acts for only a season. We should strive to commit ourselves to these acts every chance we get. That way the season of kindness, caring, giving, and blessings extends throughout the year. This will be one of my goals moving into 2013 and beyond.
I hope and pray that you and yours have a wonderful, happy, and safe holiday season! Be grateful. Be thankful. Be encouraged. Enjoy!
Not sure there's a harder sell than making others believe in something when you don't believe in it yourself. Persuasion/buy-in often fails without conviction, confidence, and universal appeal.
The more you accumulate in this life, the harder you're going to have to work to maintain it. So many of us are out here living lives we don't want to live and working ourselves into an early dirt nap each day just to maintain things we don't need. When our world suddenly changes and all these "things" we've accumulated go to the waysides, then what? "Things" don't make us. But they will break us if we place more value in them than living a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.
There's something about the simple life that becomes more and more appealing the older I get. I'm striving for it. A simple life doesn't mean a boring life. It means living within your means. It means striving for a stress-free/drama-free life. It means living to truly love yourself and not looking for value and esteem in superficial and materialistic things. The simple life means being happy and content. It means counting on your joy through it all and having success on your own terms. The simple life means balance.
Change is inevitable. There's nothing any of us can do to stop change. We may be able to place roadblocks in its way or try to prolong the shelf-life of the traditional ways of yesteryear. But change will eventually take shape and form just the way destiny intended. Governing bodies, institutions, organizations and people have all been forced to change with the times. Our modern world is no different. Embrace it!
Maybe some, not all, of us forget that celebrities and public officials are human too. They're everyday people with more high-profile occupations. Putting the obvious differences aside, they have the same basic needs as us and often experience the same things we do. (Don't let the "celebrity life" fool you into thinking otherwise.) So it makes no sense that we put them on pedestals so high even they can't compete with themselves. And then we want to shame, blaspheme, and condemn them when they do things that we don't agree with. Our society gets kicks out of building people up and tearing them down. Just think about how it would feel if their shoes were on our feet.
I imagine if love were a tangible commodity that it would sell out each time it hit the shelves. Marketing campaigns would be out of this world. Businesses would face fierce competition year after year, as the industry and consumers would determine who creates and sells love the best. I figure love as a commodity would always be trendy, never going out of style. Because it's something everybody wants. Sadly, we fail to realize that love is always in our midst.
I've been getting behind the groove of Teena Marie's catalog quite a bit lately. Hard to believe it's been almost two years since her death. Like many, I was shocked and saddened by her passing. Having been touched by her music for so long, it's a loss that I, like many I'm sure, still have yet to get over. Much to my surprise, I discovered Teena Marie's final album, Beautiful, will be released on January 15, 2013! Teena Marie was in the process of finalizing her 14th album just before she died. Composer/bassist Doug Grigsby, Marie's longtime musical director, co-produced the project and Alia Rose, Marie's daughter, oversaw the completion of the project. Alia performs on three songs, a cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love," "Rare Breed," and "Sweet Tooth" (both of which she co-wrote along with the title track). According to Urban Bridgez Entertainment, Beautiful, "with its intimations of death, was a difficult one for Alia, with her mom seemingly prescient about her destiny..." Alia said, "If you listen to the lyrics, it’s almost as if she was making that
transition to the spiritual world as the record was being made, which is
incredible...It’s like we’re going on this journey with
her." One can only imagine what it's like losing your mother and going into the studio to finish what would be her final album. Alia said it was a "a very dark and emotional time for her," but she knew she was the only one who could finalize her mother's album. She said she "almost didn’t want to finish [Beautiful] because [she] knew it would be the last time [she'd] get to work on it." As perfectly stated by Urban Bridgez Entertainment, "Beautiful is a mother’s gift to her daughter, who returns the gesture
the only way she knows how, by completing it. The end result is a true
labor of love." The first single, "Luv Letter," is classic Lady T—soulful, passionate, and funky. The song is a tribute to Alia Rose's father, who was a postman, and pays homage to The Marvelettes and Stevie Wonder, specifically his hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." The single was sent to radio in November and is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. If you haven't heard it yet, check it out on Soul Tracks or Urban Bridgez Entertainment. Beautiful is a bittersweet opus that I'm sure will add to Marie's iconic, awe-inspiring, poetic, and rich musical legacy. The album is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
Good morn or evening friends
Here's your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to every-body
What I'm about to say
Could mean the world's disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain
It's that
Love's in need of love today
Don't delay
Send yours in right away
Hate's goin' round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far
~ "Love's In Need Of Love Today," Stevie Wonder, Songs In The Key of Life (1976)
There was a certain point after hearing about the tragedy in Newtown, CT on Friday, December 14, 2012 that the tears couldn't help but fall. I was stricken with an unsettling sadness, worry, and horror. Immediately, I wondered how and why something like this could happen (again)? What was it in the shooter's life that brought on a period of acute psychosis such as this? And how long will it take the people of Newtown (and the neighboring areas) to get back to some sense of normalcy, especially those families suffering from the loss of those they loved?
While I may never completely understand the situation, what I do know is that many of us are troubled... So much so that we're slipping through the tracks. We're either blind-sighted to the warning signs or ignore them altogether. Looming in our room is a pink elephant which continues to be neglected—mental illness. Never something to be passed off, mental illness—when properly diagnosed and treated—can be effectively managed. But when will we give mental illness the same kind of attention we give other illnesses in this society? How many more acts of senseless, inconceivable of violence and rage must we endure before the change we need occurs? How many more innocent people need to die before we decide to take the appropriate preventative measures?
In a society such as ours, it should never be easier to get our hands on ammo than it is to seek help for mental illness (or any other medical condition). If the laws that govern us don't change, our days will continue to be disturbed by events such as those in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO.
I will continue to pray for the victim's families, the town of Newtown, CT, and our nation. Hopefully we can all pull together, stop playing politics, drop the sensationalism and exploitative tactics, and take action.
One thing I know for sure is the human spirit is resilient. No matter what the tragedy, we will heal. Better days will come. If we let love, peace, and harmony reign, we will prevail.
Maya Angelou's poetry didn't hit me immediately when my mother and I went to see John Singleton's Poetic Justice during the summer of 1993. It would be one year later (after seeing the film several times on cable) when Angelou's poetry moved me in ways that were like revelations. I was 12 then. At that point, I was writing song lyrics mostly. Hadn't given much thought to writing poetry. But there was something about Angelou's poetry (in particular the poems featured in Poetic Justice — "Alone," "Phenomenal Woman," and "In A Time" to name a few) that spoke to me and gave me an even deeper appreciation for the world of arts and letters. Shortly thereafter, I used my allowance to get a paperback copy of Maya Angelou's Poems. I committed myself to reading it (and occasionally reciting and memorizing selected poems from it) everyday for months. Angleou's poetry speaks about the human condition in a language that is universal. Her work often has a consciousness that is (always) socially, politically, culturally, and historically relevant. The sincerity and candor of her words continue to draw me in. The lighthearted, comedic tone of poems like "Seven Women's Blessed Assurance" (from I Shall Not Be Moved) consumed me with laughter and delight. With poems like "Still I Rise," "Amazing Peace," "On The Pulse of Morning," "Human Family," "Mother - A Cradle To Hold Me," and "Our Grandmothers," Angelou has left me with a hefty sense of pride and a better understanding, love, and respect for the human race and our shared experiences. To say that Maya Angelou's work has been a source of inspiration and influence would be an understatement. Angelou's writing (along with a few others) fueled my fascination with the human condition and my desire to write about it in a unique yet relatable (and at times, unconventional) way. While it was never my desire to write like or copy Angelou, if my writing can (one day) have the slightest feeling, impact, and influence of her writing—that would truly be amazing. Check out the following snippets from Poetic Justice featuring Angelou's "Alone" and "Phenomenal Woman" (as voiced by the character Justice, played by Janet Jackson).
As part of ongoing promotion for my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics, I'm happy to announce that I'll be appearing on the Black Authors Network Radio Show on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 8:30PM (EST). The Black Authors Network Radio Show is hosted by Ella Curry,
who's also the show producer and founder of EDC Creations. The
interview will be approximately 30 minutes. You have the option of listening/participating over the phone or online (on the Blog Talk Radio website). Interview details are below:
Black Authors Network Radio Show Details
Wednesday, December 10, 2012 at 8:30pm EST The Call-in Number for this show is: (646) 200-0402
If you're a registered chatter of Blog Talk Radio already, you'll have the opportunity to win free books and other gifts.
If
you wish to join the conversation over the phone, please remember to
mute your computer speakers before dialing in (as there may be feedback
otherwise).
I
hope you'll be able to listen and/or join in. If not, the show will be
available for download one hour after the show ends. The
show runs from 8PM-10PM, so the download should be available around
11PM. You'll be able to download the show from the Black Authors Network iTunes page or from the Black Authors Network Blog Talk Radio page (direct show link: http://bit.ly/Zu5QXd). Feel free to check out either page to listen to previous shows.
I'm excited and look forward to the interview and connecting with current and prospective readers/fans. Please spread the word! And if you haven't already, pick up copy of Prevail. It's available at iUniverse, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other retailers.
Well grades have been posted. I earned a 4.0 this semester. The MBA is officially done! To say that I'm elated would be an understatement. Traveling down the road that brought me here was far from easy. But I didn't give up. Further proof of the fruits that faith, determination, diligence, and commitment can can bring you.
Before I move on to the next thing, I'm going to take some to reflect and bask in the glory of this moment. It's something I've often neglected to do after major milestones in my life. I usually just keep it moving... Going forward with little or no breaks. Like a maniac of sorts. But recently, I've committed myself to taking it easy and truly living in the moment (especially after major life events like these).
But you know what else it's time to do? It's time to CELEBRATE!
Let's get right to it...the latest weekly musings!
While there are times when we won't always be up and happy, it's during the times we're down when we should empower ourselves with hope. If we can't find it within ourselves, look to the inspirational and uplifting journeys of others who made it through. This may be just what we need to hold fast and securely to our hope.
When our elected officials are unable to compromise on bills that impact the very people they represent and they let their personal interests impact their ability to fight for what's right, you have to wonder who they're really standing for? Do they forget why they're in office? Do they forget they stand for all and not just the people and organizations they keep in their back pockets?
I have to admit that I've often been caught off guard and amazed by the level of hatred, intolerance, and ignorance expressed in comments to political news articles in the weeks following the election. I probably shouldn't be. But one thing's for sure—this nation is not as progressive as it's oft proclaimed. There's still a long, LONG way to go.
Loving someone is easy. Maintaining a relationship with them—not so much. What should keep the relationship strong are the very things which brought you together. This, along with the desire and willingness to see the relationship (and each other) prosper and grow.
Sometimes we have to ask people what they want (outright). Forget the guessing games. If we were mind readers we'd be in a different realm. We're able to proceed confidently when we all have an understanding of the purpose and mission of why we're here. Otherwise it's bullshit. When time and money are at stake, bullshit deserves no seat at the table. Unless it's a bullshit convention, bullshit should never be allowed a seat at any table.
It's a shame (for others) when you do your best to give people what they want (and then some) and it's still not good enough. No matter how good it is they're never satisfied. What strength and fortitude it takes to deal with this on a regular basis (especially if it's at work or at home). Realize it's not always you, sometimes (or a lot of times) it's them. Just don't let it ruin your confidence or self-esteem. Don't let it change you. Don't let it stress you out. It's all part of the process of learning how to work and deal with people.
.jpg)
