Disappeared for a year, now I’m back y’all! – In my LL Cool J voice.
Okay… So we’ll call this the “taking things to the next level and choosing a web host provider” post. At this very moment, I have a headache! I mean I really… REALLY, need Calgon to take me away and wash over me with a sea of bubbles! Man, I don’t know what’s worse? Trying to choose the best and effective web hosting… or purposely giving yourself paper cuts! Talk about headaches and confusion, there is simply just too many options to choose from when it comes to web hosting. I mean dreamhost, bluehost, hosthost, dreambluehost, blueivy.. host, bayoncehostajzbluedreamhost! WTH! I personally haven’t felt this flustered by choices, since I went to Washington DC for the 100th year Omega Psi Phi celebration, where the male/female ratio felt about 350:1, and I was a single little fish in an ocean of men, I mean DAWGS, barking for my attention! (And, that’s both literal & figuratively LOL 🙂 ). Talk about choices! So yes, I’ve been diligently working on the behind the scenes of a very informative lifestyle blog/vlog that will be launching this summer! (Name-TBA).
Outside of that I’ve been busy being and doing me. Quietly. Without disrupting others. Like a nice ol’ lady should.
As we speak, one of my sister/friends is texting me with questions about how to get started writing her first book. (Hi Tas!) Well, with all the resources we have at out fingertips these days, thankfully writing a book and getting it published is much less a tedious process than ever before. There are many resources at our fingertips to get us on our way. I think the hardest part is taking the time to sit down and write it. That has been an ongoing “mind rattling” thought that roams around my own head almost everyday. A thought which will only cease, after I’ve completed that task. See, as a kid… Wait! – insert the introspective self-reflective melancholy music here). Now lets resume… See, as a kid and even now, my passion has always been writing. Though I have translated that passion in many ways though out my life in the forms of hip hop, public speaking, song writing; the overall ‘theme’ is writing. I began journal-ing in my youth to release my teenage frustrations, using it as a place to be free, speak my mind, (and cuss like I wanted to but couldn’t do in front of my parents). Lol. Later,those frustrated themes became short stories, most of which i’ve kept to myself. But now I feel, that it’s the right and ripe time to share my thoughts, stories and interests, to whomever wishes to read them. Most important, I feel it’s time to release what’s been shelved inside, to whomever can relate (or not). Throughout my life, I’ve had some real bad and really good moments, moments that I feel I no longer need to keep to myself. And besides, you never know who could relate to your story. You might end up motivating or inspiring someone. #doublewin! So long short of it all, it Memoir time! – Heck it’s blog, vlog, album, and memoir time, since we’re keeping things real 🙂
So to all my fellow writers, there is no better time to pick up the pen, or open that word doc, than now. So I don’t know about you, but I see a lawn chair, a ice cold beverage and this laptop in my immediate future. Hello Summer!
I want to take a moment to shout out Ms. Vonetta Rhodes (aka my first friend, lol), for stopping me at the festival last weekend and encouraging me to return to my blog. This one is for you. Oh and by the way ‘Netta, I’m really sorry for punching you when we were 8… although I don’t remember, I think my childhood trauma defense mechanism must have blocked it out. I love you to pieces!
Feel free to come check me out on instragram: @iamindeedlove
Oh and if you’ve had good experience with a web host, please drop me a comment with your recommendation! I’d love that! 🙂
That’s a little rhyme that I made up for the next baby of mine. I can see up singing that on rainy days like today. I’ve always unintentionally made up songs for my children, mostly spontaneous relating to some situation that was happening at the moment. I guess it’s the emcee in me that stirs up these little freestyle nursery rhymes. But, for the record, they’ve always worked. Like the one for my daughter. “Winky’s bath song”. That song just happened one day when my daughter was an infant. I began singing that song one day to get her attention and keep her busy while in the tub. After a while, my daughter was so ………zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz………… (to be continued).
Trust me. I’m going somewhere with this. So today while doing my after work web surfing (for some reason it relaxes me), I stumbled onto a video about Earnestine Shepard, the Guiness Book of Records oldest competitive female body builder. I’ve read about her before, but could always learn more as her story is quite inspiring. She began weight training in her mid 50’s as her sister’s companion in an simple attempt to take better care of themselves. Her sister passed away a few years after, however in honor of her, Earnestine kept working out daily. When you see this wonderful lady, there can be no denying of her beauty. She has a glow that resonates from inside, out. She is drop dead gorgeous and naturally so.
As I learned more about Mrs. Shepard, other links and videos began to populate showing older women whom are still in shape. But one that stood out to me was “the ageless woman”, with a title like that, I had to click on it and see for myself. What I saw was the remarkably preserved Mrs. Annette Larkins. Her age would be very hard to guess if it were not for the mature way she speaks, her hair and outfits. Not that anything is wrong with that, she dresses age appropriate, speaks three languages, and with such grace, that it is the primary indicator to her age. But oh my her face! Her body… flawless! The 72 years young woman has definitely found the fountain of youth. She notes her vegan lifestyle as being the key to her life, and promotes eating raw foods and a healthy lifestyle, as attributions to her youthful appearance. I found her advice to be especially interesting, with her being from a family with a history of breast cancer and diabetes. Like Mrs. Shepard, Mrs. Larkins has been married for 54 years. Her husband whom did not follow her vegan or healthy living lifestyle, humorously stated how now wishes he had followed her path of healthy eating, as many people mistake his wife as being his daughter or grand-daughter! Lol. Looking at the couples, it’s plain to see that both Mr. Shepard & Mr. Larkins, have Hotties on their arms. Very blessed men, indeed.
These women are totally inspiring to me. I can only hope that I am able to be that Hottie on my husbands arm 20.. 30 years from now. And to be real honest, my husbands body is better than mine, and although he won’t admit it, I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. But I will give myself a little recognition that I am in pretty good shape. I hear it a lot, that I’m in shape, and I get a lot of oooh’s & ahhh’s when I tell people my age. So maybe I’m already on the path to my future hotness. At this point in my life, I
enjoying myself and appreciating myself much more than I’ve done in the past. To be happy and healthy, that’s what I’m striving for. And maybe someday, some little square glasses nerd will be blogging about me 🙂
For some true inspiration… Click the link at the top of this page… and … Check out Mrs. Earnestine Shepard in the video below…
Yaaaaaawn…. I’m up. Why? Heck if I know. To write this blog I guess. It’s been a while, but I’m not going to go into the whole sorry for being away so long spiel. Life happens. So, I’m opting to just open my laptop and write like I’ve never been gone.
I didn’t expect to be up writing at this hour, I actually set my alarm for 5am, so that I could get up an hour early and wash the conditioner (that I was too tired to rinse last night) out of my hair. But my body had other plans. So after waking up from the weirdest pee dream ever! I laid quietly in the dark wondering why the Jamaican lady was waiting outside of my stall when there was a room with about 42 empty ones of her choice to choose from. I wondered why she kept talking to me while I was trying to pee, causing me miss the toilet, pee upon the seat, which of course made the pee splash with some hitting the back of my leg. I yelled at the Jamaican lady as she slid her skinny fingers through the crack of the stall door. It was as if she was trying to get in the stall with me, but for what?? Anyhow, after that and being followed through a warehouse by some weird man as I searched for a sink to wash my hands… well, I woke up…. with a full bladder… Thankfully nice & dry.
I thought it was 5am. That’s my bodies natural wake up hour, where I wake up without an alarm. It happens almost everyday even when I don’t want it too. But today it’s early, maybe because I went to bed early, I was super tired. So, now I’m up. It’s too early to go washout my hair, because I’ll wake the entire house. But, I did sneak to the bathroom to pee however, because laying here with an on the verge of bursting bladder, is extremely uncomfortable and so not cute.
After returning, I laid here in the dark to ponder, some more. That’s when the little voice in my head said “Hey Indeed, you outta get your laptop and blog. You have no excuses. There’s nothing in your way”. Then the voice told me that I should not only blog now, but I should do it for 30 days straight! I thought to myself, that’s so typical of a strange voice in my head to say at 3:57 in the morning. It’s at the weirdest hours that the brain will tell the body the weirdest things to do without reason. I mean did the voice in my head talk this over with the rest of my body? Did it look into my mental to do list, before suggesting such a task? And for the next 30 days?!? I mean why 30, when everyone knows it only takes 21 days to make a habit. I don’t think the voice took any time at to do any research whatsoever regarding my life before wreck-lessly delegating task. But you know what? I’m up for the challenge. I’ll show you stupid voice in my head!! I’ll show you… who’s… bossss… yaaawwwwwn. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz OOPS! Sorry.
So.. Om. yeah. I guess you’ll be seeing more of me over the next month. I don’t know where this is going, but whatever let’s see what happens.
Okay. I’m going back to bed now. I hope that jamaican lady isn’t waiting for me still on the other side of my dreams, If so I’m gonna chase her all through that warehouse, and wrap her with a roll or toilet paper if I catch her. Good night, I mean morning… Whatever.
Goodbye July.. you flew right by! Kinda like the rest of the year. It’s going into the 8th month of the year, and I don’t… and I mean DON’T .. know where the time went.
I had been so focused in the beginning of the year on graduating, and moving; that I really got caught up with all that. Now that it’s over, well kinda (that’s another story), I am in a new sector of my life, in a little place I like to call… IN BETWEEN. In between what you ask, well, in between it all. School, work, home & life, yes I am in the middle of things. Not either a good or bad place to be, just there, somewhere. Well actually, it is a good thing, because it’s the place after completion, and just before new beginnings; and there is nothing wrong with that. I’m embracing the newness.
So I’m changing in other ways as well. I went back natural in may. I even took it a step further by rocking my new natural do in a rather funky fresh style. It’s called the Plug 2, affectionately named by my barber Damon and I. It’s an ode to a throwback era of hip hop, dedicated to my dear friend and one of
My “Plug 2” Haircut 🙂
my favorite emcees, Dave aka Plug 2 or Trugoy from De La Soul. It was inspired actually by the Potholes video where both Dave and Maseo rocked some abstract hybrid of a box cut/slope/natural twisty knotty hair style. Maseo rocked his with the ill Peace sign that was carved from his fade into the knotty parts of the hair itself. It was the first time I saw De La Soul and fell in love with these kids from Amityville. Anyhow, my haircut is a full shaven side in which the rest of my hair I twist into bantu knots; then release them on the second day into knotty spiral coils. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments (& stares too). Actually, looking back on the Potholes in my Lawn video, I began thinking my hairstyle resembles Plug 3 a bit more.. so maybe I should call it the Plug 23? I don’t know.
So then, to add a little more flavor to my hairstyle, I kept with the 90’s hip hop inspired theme and revisited the blonde patch of my youth, a la the rapper Kwame with the polkadots & blonde swirl. Yeah, so I had to rap one time for the mind with the blonde patch on the same left side that I rocked it as a teen. Midlife crisis?… some might say, but I won’t argue that. At least it’s a creative crisis. So yeah that’s my new do.. The Plug 23, Blonde Kwame emcee, nappy half-hawk with the shaved side. I almost did the peace sign, but there is some truth to having too much of a good thing.
Outside of that I’ve been resting up this summer so far. I was beat and whipped out from all the mental stresses of graduating, moving and relocating. It was tiring. So now that I’m rested, I’m ready to get started on the newness. But, first I gotta find whatever that newness is. I’m sure I will in the next week or so.
So, outside of, outside of that (not a typo); everyone is good. The family is good, the kids are good, hubby is good, I’m good.. and Life is Good! And that goes for the Nas Album “Life is Good”, well actually that’s Freaking Awesome. I drove down the street listening to the album when, I felt a tear drop from my eye, followed by more tears! Somewhere in the middle of the album, it brought me to tears! I was so moved, happy for and proud of Nas. As my FB Friend Marlando TrueLife put it “Nas is really in a special place lyrically right now”. He really is. He’s making it cool & Ok to be grown on the microphone, and that is sooooo needed right now. So yeah I’m feeling that.
Alright, I posted. Now let me get back in the bed to sleep. It’s 1:54am and beauty rest is needed. TTYL.
Hello! I thought that would be the best place to begin. Next I’m going to say HAPPY NEW YEAR! Although it’s 28 days into it, just take it for what’s it’s worth and lets move on, lol. Well, I’ve been busy and these days are flying right off the calendar it seems. And yesterday I just began the first day of classes of my last semester of college (…hops out the bed! does happy dance! returns to bed.. begins typing again…) Yes, so much has been going on and personally I have been in the midst of a spiritual breakthrough that in one word can only be described as… HAPPY! 😀
You know, I’m at that age/stage in life where I simply don’t give a damn about things that aren’t worth giving a damn about. I’m sure you understood that. I mean I just really don’t care anymore. Negative people… don’t care. Non-life threatening issues… don’t care. Ish that is out of my power to change… don’t care. Then to get real simple with it.. Facebook… don’t care. whatever that happened with so-n-so… don’t care. Oh and… remember back in the days ….. UGH! really don’t care! If it’s not pertaining to something optimistic and/or life enhancing; happy and pleasant; healthy and good for me, then I simply and wholeheartedly…. do not care. This, I must admit feels really good and is a great place to be. (I’m moving in permanently!)
I’m looking forward to the close of a few endeavors that are finally coming to a beautiful ending. I graduate in 4 months… My album is almost complete… The blogs are coming together… and I’ve finally blown the dust off my turntables and actually excited about getting reacquainted with my 1’s and 2’s again. I’ve even begun a book, a memoir of sort that I’m having fun creating. Everything is coming together, but most important I’ve come together finding peace within.
A belated new you…
So yeah I’ve been working on me. And my approach has simply been to do the things I love and to put my all into it. I’ve also been practicing following my own intuition and not being swayed. Meaning, I have been sticking to my guns even on the simplest of things and not allowing others (primarily family members) attempt to sway me by using their guilt, sarcasm, or any other sorts of persuasion techniques that may have worked for them in the past. No.. means NO! Get mad, so what… I don’t care (words to live happily by). And in the meantime, I’ve been off to myself joyfully doing me, totally shutting out any noise of fear, doubt or confusion, from those too afraid to “Do Them”. And it’s been working for me, wonderfully. Everyone has their own path to follow, so don’t bother me as I’m strolling alone mine.
As far as health, I’m joining the gym this week. More so for social reasons and to give me something to get out and do. I’ve been not only focused on physical health, but spiritual and psychological health as well. Although I have already done so, I’m taking even more time to invest in my own personal health and well being. I encourage everyone else to do so also. At the end of the day all you have is… YOU. If you don’t love yourself, why should anyone else want to. And having friends are great, but there’s nothing like being a friend to yourself. There’s so much to do in this big beautiful world, then sitting around miserable, but the power is in your own hand. So I’ve been enjoying exploring, learning and trying new things in and around my environment. There was so much that I was missing right here in front of my own nose. I recommend to anyone and everyone that reads this little blog of mine, to get out in your own space, open your eyes, look around and discover the things right in front of you, then go do something. Explore. Learn. Try something new. Get up, get motivated, get active, bring life back into your life. Add spice, zest, whatever you want… don’t just sit there and waste your precious gift of life away. Don’t take it for granted… live while you can 🙂
And on that note, I have things to do today… But by all means drop me a line and let me know WHAT’S NEW THAT YOUR DOING FOR YOU? Comment & Share, you never know who you may inspire by doing so. TTYL.
Your Friend,
Indeed
relax and chill.. take a deep breath or two… listen:
Semester’s almost over… WHEW! I can’t wait until this time next week when I can officially have my life back. Well at least for about a month. But each day I get closer to walking across that stage. I can see the finish line, I’m running, my feet are tired, but I will make it. With that said, I’ve been busy doing my last minute assignments before finals. I shot a short video last weekend for one of my film classes. I haven’t edited it yet, but did get a look at the footage and as a first not quite happy with it, at all. This is definitely a assignment, just to fulfill the requirement for class, as I felt a bit sabotaged by the professor we had this semester. Not to make a bunch of excuses, but not only was this not the assignment I wrote to film, it was rushed and compacted within a few hours to shoot. I hate when people scrutinize the ideas of others, especially when each person has their own artistic vision. But I’m more mad at myself for not following my own rules and conforming my idea & vision to an uncaring professor. Point is, if you don’t stand up for your own vision, don’t expect someone else to do so.. in the end he (the professor) gets paid and I’m left with a unwanted, unplanned project that does not properly truly reflect my creativity or abilities. But still I will share, once I finish editing it.
In other news, my outside creative life has been flourishing. I have been spending my time more wisely and trying out new things. Especially in the food department. I have taken more time to wholeheartedly create better versions of the foods I love to eat already. I remembered as a youth I loved cooking and making up things in the kitchen, so I recently tapped back into my inner-cook and began to come up with some really delicious things. And I’m just getting started.
Musically, the pen has been back to the pad again. I’ve been squeezing in a lyric or two here and there. I was however inspired by a beat from a instrumental CD given to me by “P the EMCEE aka. PRIME”, “P” is from Buffalo, NY and he nicely hit me with a few beat CD’s for me to listen and pick a few songs from for my album. I’ve had the beats since this summer, but this past week I took the opprotunity to really sit with them and fully listen to his production. All I have to say is.. “P” is a beast! He’s extra dope on the lyrics too and I’m looking forward to working with him. So from the album of like 16 beat, all of them dope, two just hit me in the heart and the lyrics started flowing instantly. I began writing on one yesterday and just finished up the second verse for it today. The song is called “Serve U”, well that ‘s the working title for now; and yes it’s about serving, spoiling and pleasing your man. Ladies, when did that ever go out of style? Well somewhere it did, when everyone got hardcore and nobody wanted to be considered.. dare I say.. SPRUNG! I don’t mind being SPRUNG, in fact I think it’s absolutely necessary! Everybody needs to go get SPRUNG and get off the hardcore, desensitized emotional BS! Yes, I said that. And more women need to get back into pleasing their man, and men pleasing their woman.. the world would be a much happier place. (But that’s another story).
Anyhow, in the meantime, between time… I’m posting photos of my delicious dishes below.. and I hope you all find something you like doing…. and do it! 🙂
Until next time. Much love & many blessings. Your friend…
Uuh! I love those lazy daze. Don’t wanna hear me say.. that it’s okay. Ouu, I love those lazy daze… I love those lazy.. da-ya-ze..
So what! I butchered the song. Yeah, yeah. Isin’t the art of singing songs to sing them wrong and making up your own meaning? Well, I absolutely love and adore J*DaVey and would never want to do any of their songs injustice, so I will post the corrected lyrics below. Anyhow, IT’S SNOWING!!! YEAAAAAAH!!! And it’s sooooooPRETTY! I love the first snow. It’s kinda like the first kiss, innocent & pure. It silences the neighborhood and brings peace and calm. No more hanging out on the stoop with the loud ass music of summer. Yes, I said that. Some people take things to the extreme, especially in the neighborHOOD. And my little Brooklyn spot with its thin wall, can feel like I’m living between two nightclubs, but that’s another story.
So anyhow, I’m all revved up for the new year! Yes, I said that too, the new year. It is quickly approaching. I’m already thinking of all the things that I did not do this year, but not in a bad way. I’m simply sliding it over to my next years plate, and getting an early jump on things. What are some things you didn’t accomplish this year, that you will next year? For me, I did not make it to pole dancing classes, (AGAIN!) and I did not stick to my workout regimen this year. So I’m figuring I can get an early start on next year by beginning now. Actually, this is the perfect time to begin getting in shape for spring. So yeah, I’m diving in right now… right after this last pop tart and cup of Peach Ginger tea, yum!
Also, today I’m taking this snowy, relaxing time to put together a short-term goals list; as per the request of my Fiance’(Hi handsome!). I needed to do it anyhow, but this way I’ll have someone to be accountable to, in helping me stay on track. So today I’m writing out my list called : Things I need to accomplish by graduation in may. Like..
1) the book i’m working on..
2) Finishing my album..
3) Getting my look and the first 2 video’s together off the album… (& I didn’t even mention school yet)
So yeah, there’s no real room for boredom, If I stay focused… which is such a hard task in itself. Anyhow, I’m not going to talk long today.. since its obvious now that I have a ton of other things that I need to do. But before I go… I’m going to leave you with these few words…
Time, it sings pretty things And doing whatever we please And Listening to the radio Wacthin’ all the people go around there Just feelin the breeze (breeze, breeze, breeze, breeze) Hot nights city lights And rhythmic the way that we breathe And blastin’ on your stereo Watchin’ all the people go around there Don’t want you to leave (LA) stay right here with meChorus: (hey-ay-ay) Lazy Daze Don’t wanna hear you say, that you cant stay babe Hey, I love my lazy daze-y Hey, I love my lazy daze-y Hey, ay, lazy daze Don’t wanna hear you say, that you cant stay baby Hey, I love my lazy daze-y Hey, I love my laze dazeCheck it out now Calm down Chillin out Throw a record on and that Spin it up, turn it out Till the break of dawn No work to do, me and you Can yall hear me? (oh ooh ooh ooh ay ay)Sit here, disappear Don’t move a muscle now Work to do, me and you (oh ooh ooh ooh oh oh) 2xSing it again yeah Lay ay ay, lazy daze Don’t wanna hear you say that you cant stay baby Hey I love my lazy daze-y Ay, I love my lazy daze-y (come on now) Hey hey, lazy daze Don’t wanna hear you say that you cant stay baby (2x’s) Yeah I love my lazy daze Yeah yeah I love my lazy daze (2x’s) Yeah yeah, Yeah yeah One more time I love my lazy dazeSay lazy daze yeahNow time it sings dirty things Something to think about me And we sing those incredible Making it so beautiful And around there, I’m so happy to be (in LA) Sittin here, crystal clear Making some from nothing maybe Me you can see it through Turn this into something Meanwhile you and I (ah ah) Feel the breeze Please, stay right here with me
There is so much going on in this head & body of mine. Things are changing. Thoughts are changing. Change is a good thing. I’m getting (older) better, and I’m cool with that. It’s not about aging.. it’s about how well you age is what I think. I mean if your 26 and you look as if you had a hard life, body seems in poor health and it’s obviously apparent that you are not caring for yourself, then what difference does it make how old/young you are. Same is for if your nearing 40 with a healthy body, mind, spirit and a positive outlook on life, well why should you feel ashamed of your age. I’m saying this because we as women tend to shun away from our age.. however if you look the bomb at 40, well why mind telling?
I see plenty of woman around new york city and other places that simply take good care of themselves. Some older, some younger than I, but all have the same beautiful healthy spirit, and that’s what counts most. So if your happy with yourself, healthy and love your body, spirit, life.. Well jump up and scream… I’M (insert age here) AND I LOVE IT!! I mean look at men, the older they get, if they know that they are fine, in great shape, happy and healthy; you can’t shut them up about telling how old they are. They tend to take the fine wine approach… I was born in 19??, I’m ?? year old, and look at me… I still got it! I hear men blabbing about themselves and such (even when they may not still have it, lol) but they are their best cheerleaders. So with that said, from now on I’m adopting that approach. I simply love the ooh’s and ahh’s when I tell my age… I’M 38 AND I LOVE IT!!!!!!
Now, being 38 not far from the big 40, which I’m actually looking forward to (happy to make it there, God willing); there are many changes I’m noticing. Like my taste buds.. when did I begin to get such a craving for veggies! I hated blueberries all my life but in the past 6 months, my smoothies taste hopeless without them. I even brought some blueberry ice-cream yesterday and my goodness, it was the BOMB! As far as physical changes, my skin is changing, more sensitive to things that never really bothered me & my hair is growing longer and quicker than before. Maybe since my eating habits are changing in a more healthy direction, maybe i’m experiencing the benefits of the increase in vitamins.
A healthier choice
But there are extra things that I have to do to now. Like I have to be more conscious of the changes happening to my body and my diet. Like Soda = PIMPLES. Pineapple = HEARTBURN. Extra hot salsa = well, um… GAS! Lol. 🙂 This summer I CRUSHED the Wegman’s doughnut & coffee section each time I visited Buffalo. But unlike the past where I may not have been visibly affected, I can visually see where each doughnut put it’s little mark on my midsection. NOT GOOD! And I have to work harder to get it off… UGH. But that’s the price to pay for extreme over indulgence. So yeah, it’s better to make wiser choices, but really it’s always been that way, now it’s just necessary.
I also feel a responsibility to be more earth-friendly. And a feeling of wanting to give back to the world in some sort of way. Find a charity to donate to, or volunteer time to. Heck a 5K walk even… something. I just feel more of a responsibility to giving back. So i’ll start off small, they let you guys know what i’ve come up with. In the meantime… let me know what your thinking, doing or any suggestions for me that you might have. I’m looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
Your Friend,
Indeed
Check out LMFAO “SEXY AND I KNOW IT” … A great mantra, lol. SMH, Just like men… You can’t help but laugh though 🙂
Hey everybody! Glad to be back. It’s been a while since my last post and man have I been busy!
The past 2 months have been filled with.. fun! I couldn’t have asked for (or planned for that matter) a better summer! It had everything a summer is supposed to have.. A road trip (check!). Relaxing with family (check!). Hanging out with friends (check!). And even a little romance, lol. I ate a ton of great food. And by the way, the fruits this summer were nothing less than, BANGING! I even got plenty, and I mean plenty of…. SLEEP. Who could ask for anything more?
I listened to some really good music and discovered new artist that were already out there, but that I hadn’t heard of. I became totally addicted to Noel Gourdin and must have played his song “Sorry” so much that my neighbors should know the lyrics verbatim. I watched Netflix and checked out old classics like “Mahogany” (one of my all-time favorites), “Manhattan”, “Buffalo 66” and plenty others.
Still looking good 🙂
While visiting back home for my ??th year high school reunion. I was pleased to see all the faces from years past. And unlikehow I imagined my ??th year High School reunion to be as a youth, I must say that we were a pretty good looking crowd! Actually it felt more like a family reunion filled with pleasant faces, smile and a genuine happiness to see each other once again. On the day before the reunion I treated myself to a mini-makeover at MACY’S on 34th street in Manhattan. And lucky me, I got one of the best make-up artist in the store! She did a beautiful job putting my look together, so good that when it was time to go to bed I didn’t want to wash my face! She really took her time in carefully showing me how to apply the makeup just as she had, and I managed to pull it off for the reunion, thankfully.
The Big Homies, Tone & Dennis
you better ask somebody!
Hanging out with family and friends was cool. Though I’m pretty low key when I visit back home, I always take time to do silly stuff with my children and hang out with a few close friends. My usual, lunch or dinner with one of my Bff’s Mimi at her restaurant “The Taste of Thai” which hands down has the best Thai food in buffalo. I hit up the Golden Nugget, lol, to hang out with buffalo’s finest (The Landon Crew) with my homeboy big Tone, Dennis, E, & Neil. I try to grab a cup of coffee & have a good convo with my homeboy Chris, then go around the way to check up on & get some knowledge from my old boxing trainer Dave B.
Omega Psi Phi 100th, DC
I copped the Canon T3i midway through the summer and have been having fun getting my photography on. I captured some really good flicks on my DC trip to the Omega Psi Phi 100th year Celebration.
And last but not least a chick is doing pretty good in the romance department. I guess it’s true what they say that when your not looking that’s it will come. So all and all it was a good summer. A very good summer Indeed 🙂
Check out the infectious song that had me buzzing all summer..Noel Gourdin “Sorry”.
“Stop telling so much about yourself.. people don’t deserve to know everything about you…” echos the familiar, protective, sometimes scolding, yet always loving words of my cousin Tyshica. Yeah, she’s right. I can delve a bit too into my personal at times. I just don’t have anything to hide, is my frame of thinking. But true enough it’s not that about hiding anything… it’s just that everyone should not be privy to know my business. I get it now cousin Tyshica, I have seen the light.
See, I am (was) the person that will tell you damn near “everything” from toe nail polish to hair weave, if you asked, lol. The person who strangers love walk up and start a conversation with in the grocery store. I don’t know why this occurs, but they seem extremely comfortable to walk right up and begin sharing their thoughts with me. So in return, I guess I do the same. Either way, cousin Tyshica is right, right, right, I don’t have to share everything. Somethings are better left unsaid and up to the imagination.
On the flip side, I do think my sharing some things, may be beneficial to others. I am told all the time by people, how my views and perspectives helped them through a rough patch here and there. To hear that makes me happy! That kind of sharing is O.K.. I would like to do more of that.
Now, the weird thing is, when it comes to doing it in the form of a blog or vlog, I get SUPER SHY about it, which makes no sense to me. I mean I have everything I need to damn near do my own video internet show if I wanted; filming, editing, music and all. I have some great ideas and things that I am working on in my personal life to improve myself too. I know that I am not the only person who desires to better improve their life, body, and overall well being. I get e-mails from women and friends on my FB all the time, who like those strangers in the grocery store, share their thoughts, troubles and ambitions with me. Somewhere in all of this, I think that I am supposed to be giving back, by showing my journey, my transition, as it may be an inspiration to others. Yet when it comes to stepping in front of that blasted camera and clicking record… I get the chills… That’s crazy, but true. Damn that paradoxical personality trait of mine!
So since we know that fear and doubts are simply obstacles in life set to hold you back, then we must break through them. And, I must break through this… So going forward, I am going to take my first baby steps into making this blog more interactive by sharing some of my thoughts, views and glimpses of my personal journey with you from a more visual aspect. And I hope that you too will continue to share, your comments, ideas, and updates about your growth throughout your transition as well. So like the old Jodeci song says.. “Come and talk to me… ” & Let me know how things are coming along for you. TTY L8TR 🙂
I just wanna be alone with you….There is nothing else I’d rather doooo…. (singing in my Tevin Campbell voice) 😮
Miss you!
Hey Guys! I missed you soooooooooo very much! Being away from my blog was rough, to say the least. It seems like every time I sit down to post lately, I’ve been… well.. interrupted! (Kinda like right now, sheesh!) But I be damned today if I don’t get this done, so phone on silent… doors closed and here we go! I really didn’t mean to stay away this long, but I have been very busy with school, finals and well just life. For a moment it felt like I would never get back to this. But I would never let that happen. Not at all! So here I am.
So first.. School. Well grades are coming in now and so far I have an A, 2 B’s and waiting on the last grade. Yeah me! I was thinking for a second… but, hold the applause… because sad news is that I got an INC, in one of my classes… ugggh! That means (according to Prof. Stickler aka stick it to you for missing/being late to my classes) that I will have to revise the work “he” feels that I need to… to satisfy what “he” feels as getting the “entire” point to screenwriting. Isn’t when you miss some of the point, called “you earned a C”? I would’ve been cool with that, but an INC, is a little over the top, I think. But this is NEW YORK CITY where everything is OVER THE TOP, so who am I to forget that. I’m not going to argue it. So lemons to lemonade, I’ll take it as an opportunity to strengthen my screenwriting skills. Maybe there is something I missed… (sigh).
Now as far as the rest of my life, I’m feeling really good in my creative department. The words are coming, the ideas are pouring and the energy behind it all is pushing forward forcefully. And, over the next few weeks this blog will be heavily updated with a lot of post that I have put recently together for you all. Also, we will soon be entering the world of vlog-ing (video blogging) here at INDEEDLOVE.ME as I get the face, all in the place. I was seriously dreading it at first, as I can be a bit shy (believe it or not) at times. But it’s necessary as some things are better said and heard. So yea, time to get the pimples gone and the makeup on point… Here we go…
Lastly, I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce you the new site http://www.grownandhiphop.org launching later this summer. It’s going to be awesome, and I have some dope interviews and interesting things for the adult Hip Hop lovers in us all. Gone are the days of having to dumb down your mind, to fit into the relms of teeny-bop Hip Hop… Now there’s a place to connect, share and build with other grown and sexy people just like you! So stay on the look out. I will keep you posted on it’s progress as we prepare to take it… LIVE!
In the meantime, I want to thank everyone that has been dropping by http://www.indeedlove.me & checking for new updates on the regular. I promise you from this point, I will keep this site going strong! B E Z for now.. kick it with y’all in a minute. One Love,
Ok if you have been on here lately, you’ll notice that there haven’t been any post. Well because…. I left my computer in BUFFALO!!! I went there to film 2 documentaries a few weeks back and took my computer and external hard-drive with me to get ahead of my work. I put it away to keep the kids and their friends away from my stuff. And, the rest is HER-STORY.
So I was all the way back home, when I reached into my laptop bag to discover… It’s not there! I could’ve screamed. There was no turning back, especially with these gas prices! So I had to wait it out. 😦
Now I’m at school, editing my documentaries for finals… lo & behold these computers have internet! YEAH!! So here I am letting you all know what the deal is.
Anyhow, I as usual, have been on my many adventures. Thankfully I have taken many flicks to post along with my blogs. So I will be bursting at the seams with newness… once I get my computer back that is. So for all those that’s been checking… A big THANK YOU 2 U. Keep checking back.
Finally! Whew! A break from it all! It’s funny how my body doesn’t know how to sit still and relax. I’m always ripping and running, so much so that when it’s time to chill, I find myself pacing the floors of my apartment looking for things to do. I just can’t sit still!! The night before last I had to literally turn off all the lights and force myself to fall asleep. I laid in the dark looking at the ceiling, until I eventually dozed off. I must practice some relaxation techniques, If anyone has any suggestions, please don’t be shy about sharing.
Outside of my that, I have been accomplishing some things. I’ve been experiencing a new “state of mind” I guess we can call it. It’s like I’ve hit some heightened level of consciousness, filled with new perspectives pertaining to my life, and just life in general. I guess I’m at that age where the things that seemed to matter, just don’t anymore; yet some things I never thought about now have high spots on my priority list. I heard that’s what happens in the wonderful world of “Thirty-something”. I guess MOM, was right.
On the creative tip, I’m feeling really good about the space that I have been in lately. Listening to music again and writing. I am seeing a new change in hip hop and happily so. It’s the bourgening of the 30+ emcee. Not just age wise, but topic and image as well. I noticing the embracing of maturation and the embodying of that maturity, creatively. Now that’s DOPE! (And about time!!!) I always hated the way that artist, dumb themselves down, or adopt a immature “look” to try to stay relevant. I feel that as other genres of music, hip hop should be able to be expressed and enjoyed at any stage of life. It’s that forever young, peter-panish mind state that has the whole genre EFFED UP! In no other genres of music do you find such idiotic limitations! Needless to say there are many artist, lovers, and fans of the hip hop art form, that share the same view. Thankfully.
On Facebook this week… (sounds like a soap opera re-cap, lol)… I ran across a post by one of my FB Friends, Rob. He was on a rant about the topic of “AGE-ISM in HIP HOP”. What he had to say resonated strongly with me. I wished there were more ears able to listen to what the brother had to say, so I posted it below…
“What’s on your mind Just to encourage everyone Speak life people, Proverbs 18:21 the tongue has the power of life and death. People everywhere need to stop telling people they are too old to sing, rap, do poetry or speak who made you GOD? Its a market for everyone If you want to speak economics. I wish many of the living legends would …be….still speaking or doing music because they seen a lot and many of them have.”– Ronald P. Boone Jr.
He went on…
“Age-ism in music? Age-ism is everywhere folks. In the work place, in sports and of course in hip hop or any form of music. We are an out with the OLD in with the NEW world. But as we go through life we realize NEWER isn’t always better. We find ourselves saying, “Back in the day, bah, bah, bah….” All young artists should route for old artist to have long careers. If you play them out, what kind of future do you have?”– Ronald P. Boone Jr.
I could not agree with him more on this! He’s so Right!!
For years I personally struggled with this very issue, as well as many of my artistic peers. In the genre of Hip Hop, many highly creative people who turn 30, regardless of skill or mass appeal seem to get casted off into Oblivian, simply due to age. Then the one’s who manage to remain, do so by denouncing their peer group, to shuck and jive for some snot nosed kids. This is totally not the way things should be.
Fortunately, The Roots, De La Soul, The Foreign Exchange, Nas, Andre 3000 and Q-Tip are just a few examples of the ever changing, growing, “MATURE” Emcee’s & Hip Hop groups, still around today. They reflect a small consensus, of what at this point (with the Hip Hop Culture itself being 30+) should be much much larger. But, I’m happy to announce that I see a change on the horizon. I think people and artist are finally waking up, and desiring to hear a wider array of views and topics in music. Happily so.
With that said, for quite some time now I have been exploring the topic of “ADULTS in Hip Hop”. And desired to create a platform to DISCUSS, EXPLORE and DISCOVER great music by creative adults of the Hip Hop Culture. Hence the birth ofGROWNANDHIPHOP.ORG.
Also, over the next few weeks I will be re-organizing this site http://www.indeedlove.me and separating the hip hop portion from here. When I created this blog, it was for the purposes of motivating and sharing from a more personal aspect of myself. So although hip hop is a major part of my life, it is simply “ONE” component of many that makes me up as a woman. Being so, I don’t want the topic of Hip Hop to overshadow my main objective and purpose of creating Indeedlove.me, which is to encourage everyone to simply live YOUR LIFE, doing the things that YOU LOVE… sharing with and helping others along the way.
THANKS FOR READING & STAY TUNED… subscribe & leave a comment too 🙂
Indeed❤
Check out this clip of Black Thought from THE ROOTS, discussing being a grown man in Hip Hop…. Enjoy.
It’s the first 75 degree day of the year! I woke up with excitement and anticipation. Pulled out my thinner skinny jeans, strappy floral slides, tunic and vest, and light weight leather. I swept my hair back, pinned it up. Put on my make-up (morning rush style) and headed to the door. I bounced down the stairs of my hallway, pulled open the door to greet the sunshine and ….. IT’S RAINING?!!!! LOL! Oh well.
The drive into the city went smoothly, no tailgaters, jerks or other. I arrived at school only an hour late, which is great for a Monday. No complaints. I stayed hopeful, and happily so. Because when I exited my first class anticipating wet sidewalks… lo and behold we have SUNSHINE!!! “YES!!”
That means time for lunch outside, feeling the light breeze kiss my face and the warm rays sooth my skin. Sitting here, relaxing, eating my lunch, while ear-hustling a nearby conversation of some college teens. (These ladies are pretty humorous might I add). It feels sooooo good to be outside after being cooped up in my apartment for the last few months. Spring break is on the horizon and I can finally feel my body begin to relax. Class was dismissed today, giving me this bit of unexpected free time to chill. The day is going great! With one exception, I guess…
Ooops! I dropped my sandwich right in my lap! LOL!! Ah well, everything can’t be perfect I guess. But still a great day, and I’m looking forward to many more just like this one. Enjoy your day and make the best of it!
Tty l8tr,
Indeed ❤
Check out this hip hop classic by the Biz Markie “Spring Again” (click on the link below).
Okay. At times I’m not the most ladylike. ( Lightening flashes! Crowds of people gasp in disbelief!) Hard to believe I know, but… Yes, it’s true. It has been heavily on my mind for quite some time now. And though I attempt to rid my behavior of those not so favorable “quirks” of mine; they tend to sneak back in when I’m not mindful. Now I’m not saying that I’m the worst, or not ladylike at all! But, I am admitting that there are some things that I could do a bit better on. Simply put, time for a little refining and fine tuning. One bad habit of mine that I thought was cool as a kid, but now I totally “hate” is speaking in HOMEBOY LINGO. OMG!!! I am such a victim of this terrible thing! Growing up “hip hop”, I was quite the B-Girl and tomboy. I had more than a handful of homeboys throughout high school. Many of whom I am still great friends with to this day! I feel fortunate to have such long standing friendships, but when I speak to them, my homegirl button is instantly pushed! Then, I immediately transform into heavy slang mode. And, I mean HEAAAAVY! I have so much in common with my homeboys; music, sports, etc.. So, one phone conversation with them really does a job on my etiquitte. I try to stay aware of it, but still fail miserably each time one of them call. If a man I was interested in were to hear me speak this way, I would be totally embarrassed. Big No-No! Also, lately I’ve been trying to pump the breaks literally on my little “Road” issues too. Which is terribly hard to do here in NY, where everyone drives like… om… well… JERKS! Consideration for the fellow driver is at 0% here. I mean it’s every man/woman for his/herself! I’ve been cut off, tailgated, flipped off, damn near side swiped or rear-ended. I’ve even had my parking spaces stolen as I was parking! Driving in this city is NOT for wimps, and I think that maybe i’ve adapted a little too well. I can really hang with the best… well, worst of ’em. And often resorts to my share of cussing fussing and then some. I’m composed for the most part but, have really lost it at times too. After a few episodes a couple weeks back, that ended with me hurling an bright orange caution cone, and throwing spring water bottle at a mouthy inconsiderate driver… I began to feel that I could use a little fine tuning in this area as well. Not saying that I’m about to be a “Road Wimp”, just saying that I will think about my being a lady a tad bit more before I react to someone else’s stupidity. So for the next few weeks my friends, I am vowing myself to be more delicate and mindful of my words and actions. I know the me that I like being, so I will try to stay focused on that. In the meantime, I looked up a few articles on “Becoming more ladylike” and ran across a couple good ones (see links below). If you think that you too could use a little refinement in the feminine department, please join me on this journey. 🙂 It can only enhance who you already are. Here’s the links: *NO MORE CURSING! Check out this little thought on being a potty mouth… *HOW TO BECOME MORE LADYLIKE. This was a well written little article that quickly covered the basics of being a lady. And this one too… A lady is a full-time JOB! COMMENT, And let me know what you think! With Etiquette, Indeed
Is it safe to come out now? For the past two days I have spent 90% of my time in the bed. I didn’t know a person could sleep so much. I was tired, so very very tired. I have been ripping and running for the past several weeks (months really) so I guess my body decided it was time to get some much-needed rest. The rain played its part as the soundtrack for sleep as the cold made my little runs outdoors very very short. Hey I thought it was spring? I really can’t tell.
Needless to say the sun is out, Shining brightly, through my bedroom window. Just when cabin fever set in and I began to feel like a hermit of sorts… A little bird tapped on my window, leaving a green twig on my sill al la Noah’s Ark style. Guess it’s safe to venture out.
So what to do in BK today? Well I woke up thinking about Red Velvet Cake again. I never made it over to B&N yesterday for my cupcake, so that’s definitely onthe list. I have tons of homework to complete too. So I think I’ll kill two twig leaving birds with one stone and cop a spot & B&N today and get my RVC and homework on. Sounds like a plan. So I’ll check you guys later.
Your Friend,
Indeed
What are you guys doing today? Drop a comment and let me know….
It felt like I would never make it back to my blog. But I’m back. I’m here and I’m sorry to keeping you all so long. So thanks to those of you who hit me up in person, on phone or on FB asking me “what the heck was up”? To put it simply… LIFE!! Yes many things have been going on in the personal world. But all is resolved and, well… so… Let’s GO!
Okay! This new year is flying by like weave on a windy day! I blinked my eye and it’s APRIL and that’s no Fool’s Joke! Well, I won’t complain, it’s just making me be more attentive to time and my use of it. Since we last talked I’ve done a few things. I’ve been some places and met some nice and interesting people. I ate some good food, had an AWESOME birthday!! (Getting older and wiser, but staying SEXY! Lol)
First off, in the mix is the creation of a new blog site, for the more, “Ahem” Mature Hip Hopper, set to launch later this Spring. I finally got up and running on the 1’s and 2’s (shout out to Spencer Blake of “The Spin Doctors” for the assistance – good-looking out Troop!). So yeah, been spinning no less than an hour a day, in serious Mix Master Ice practice mode! Ch-ch-chichaaahhh!! LOL.
Next, the video to my song “SUNRISE” is set to shoot on Saturday April 16th! Getting excited, can’t wait it’s going to be FUN! Thanks to DJ Kev Lar for jumping on board the project. My album L.H.P.V. is coming together and I’m happy with the way it’s turning out.
I’ve been getting back into mingle mode, hanging out a bit, getting comfortable with it all again. I stepped out wednesday night and checked out “SALUTETHE DJ” at Southpaw. A Brooklyn Bodega event, which featured DJ’s Rich Medina, Total Eclipse (of the X-Ecutioners) and DJ Maseo (De La Soul) my Big Brother from another mother, Love ya Chico! 🙂 It was a fun crowd. Nice turnout. Music was dope! Three Ice cold Heinekens! Bumped into Waajeed (Triple P), Litro, Crazy DJ Baazarro & DJ Wayneski (Beatminerz radio) and more. A very chill night – indeed. (Sorry no pics y’all.. this Iphone 4 flash is waaaay too bright in dark situations. At times like that I miss my blackberry 😦 )
Outside of that, lately I’ve been getting heavily acclimated to my hood. All UP, IN and THRU Brooklyn! My new daily addiction? Hitting up Trader Joe’s, 8am for the fresh organics. That store is ridiculously insane with the eats. Everything looks delicious! My goal is to try it all. It’s gonna take me a while, but I’m up for the challenge. So, If you happen to have one in your area, do make use of it by hitting it up for the best breakfast treats. My suggestion: FreshChocolate Chip Scones, Organic Egg Whites, Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Biscuits (they are to die for!!) and of course the cafe beverage of your choice. Then hit me back and tell me your thoughts.
Damn, I just made myself hungry… AGAIN. So I’ll catch you guys later. Bout to head out in the rain, hit the Barnes & Noble on Court St., grab a Red Velvet cupcake and spot of Tea from the little cafe upstairs.
Thanks for reading. The rest of the day is yours so make the best of it!
***You can check for more Brooklyn Bodega events at www.brooklynbodega.com **Also, for you daily fix of “Real Hip Hop music” Check out Crazy DJBaazarro, DJ WayneSkiand more Dope DJ’s on Beatminerz radio. Your not just confined to listening to the radio anymore peoples!! *Shout’s out to Waajeed, I’ll be waiting patiently for my beat 😀
Ok so today is the official Blog launch. (The re-re-re launch, lol). Everything is all set, finally. Whew! First of all I want to thank everyone that stopped by the site yesterday for the sneak peek! Big shouts out to Janitra, TonyRealz, Terrence Van Horn, Ike Nice and everyone else that sent well wishes and compliments.
DARE TO BEDIFFERENT
Now let’s begin… Todays challenge is simple.I want each of you to challenge yourself and do something different today. I don’t care what it is, whether it’s taking a new route to work, trying a different flavor shot in your latte, or changing up your workout. Just try one thing different today. And while your doing that different thing, take in that small moment, while thinking about other different things you could do with yourself, your life. Small steps lead to larger ones, so think of this little change as a tiny pebble on your road to great changes.
School is back in so I’m back to my regular routine, but today I’m going to try to shake things up a bit, somehow. I haven’t really decided what I’m going to do that’s different just yet, but the day is still early. So what i’m going to do is just be aware throughout my day and when that opportunity presents itself, I’m going to make the “different” choice. I’ll let you know what I came up with tomorrow. But in the meantime…
What little thing are YOU going to do different today? Drop me a comment and let me know… then hit me afterwards and tell me how it was.
Ok now back to the blog. I’ve put this pic here because I’m in the final stages of the testing grounds for this blog and getting it just the way I want. I have 3 days to make the final decision because I have to either renew or build from another format. Luckily I can create this style blog from either format, however this one doesn’t allow me to have my “tweets” linked to it, bummer! So that may be the founding factor in my switch. But either way that’s behind the scenes info, you all won’t notice a thing. Same location http://www.indeedlove.me and that’s really all that matters. I have a lot to post, but was becoming weary with the set up and all. So I’m happy that I found something that I can live with.
In the meantime, enjoy the pics of Lenny! That should keep you guys busy while I’m finishing up the site. LOL! Tty in a little while…
I want to thank everyone who stopped thru and checked out my page. I am still workingto get the look of it the way I like. I removed the last theme as it was becoming a headache to get it how I wanted. So since I have a lot going on in my little life right now, simplicity is a must. Henceforth the new look (for now at least, lol). Changed a few page titles, rearranged some things and added some new content. But there is still more to do and learn on my blogging journey.
So while your here, browsing please go check out the NEW Health and Beauty page for a startling discovery… & the New Lyrics to Grow page for a nostalgic take on quotes of wisdom. Then make sure to stop by regularly and visit The CAFE , She’s the DJ/I’m the Rapper and WildStyle Artwork; for great articles and more on everything from ESPRESSO BEANS, COOL THINGS… ART and Hip Hop.
Thanks again, for visiting my page. And bare with me through the transition.
It’s one of the few days I truly celebrate. Despite all the holidays, days of recognition and other. This is the day that I feel really matters above all. New Years Day! (Because I’m thankful to live to see another one).
In the days approaching I normally begin to get very reflective and introspective. I think of the months past while making small assessments of the things I’ve accomplished and things I would like to change about my life. I think about personal growth, spirituality, success other. And we’ll just say that it’s a very deep time for me. The week before, I write out my goals for the new year and glance over my last years goals to see what I have accomplished. This year I’m glad to say, I accomplished a lot. Thankfully.
My 2010 list of goals were fun and creative. It included taking a bunch of fun classes; de-cluttering my home and life; adopting a better health and beauty regimen and not allowing telephone dependent friends to zap my time and energy. Looking back I did everything on my list with the exception of two things. I’m still not bilingual Spanish/English (hablo espanol, pero no muy perfecta) and I never did make it to Pole Dancing Class, lol. But overall I’m happy with my accomplishments. Even this blog is a product of my last years goal list! So, this year my goals are kind of an expansion of last years goals. Just taking things to the next level.
This year, I’m becoming very focused on HEALTH. Healthy Spirit, Healthy Mind and Healthy Body. That’s what time it is. I’ve never even looked at the word “Healthy” quite in that manner that I do now.. HEALTHY = HEAL THY. Heal thy Spirit, Heal thy Mind and Heal thy Body… cool right! It makes a lot of sense to me. So that’s where I’m at mentally. And, In the words of one of my dearest real life and FB friend Tamisha… I’m getting it right, and keeping it tight for the 2011.
Next thing is simply expanding on things that I’ve already begun. From hobbies to business ventures. Investing in self is a priority. It’s sounds simple enough, but I know plenty of people with great hobbies and talents that never invest the money or business ethics behind their crafts to make them profitable. Myself having been one of them. And a goal without a plan is just a dream. So it’s time to turn dreams into reality. I’ve accomplished a few, like moving here to NY and returning to college for film. But now it’s time to pull out one or two more of those incomplete ideas of mine and get to work. The Djing and album is a given as I’ve been progressively working on them throughout the past few months. Happily things are coming along well. But I have another abandoned project that keeps nagging at my brain, year end and year out. So that’s on my list to complete this year if only to get the monkey off my back.
Next… Travel, travel, travel. Ok so I may not be able to see the entire world, but I promised myself that I will see some of it this year. You know, get my feet on some foreign soil. And Canada, doesn’t count! I’ve been brushing upon my spanish and I want to go to take a class in Spain. It’s a great opportunity offered by my school, so why not? There’s a lot of ways to get to see other places than cruise lines and vacation packages. Also, I have a friend in Austria that’s currently looking into Djing gigs for me there. She said they have a huge hip hop scene there. And, to visit another country while getting paid is always cool. So, I’ll keep you posted with how that goes.
And lastly, but surely not least, I’ve reached out to a few friends in real life and on FB, to create a small network of women who like myself have goals for self improvement. Primarily goals of health and beauty, and idea started by Tamisha and I, for the part of encouragement and accountability. I figured it would be cool to reach out to FB friends too, because regardless of if your trying to loose weight, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, we could all use a little support when trying to obtain our goals. And it feels good to know that your not going through your changes alone. So I would like to send a shout out to the homegirls Tamisha, Omanda, Vicky and Aisha the “Still #1 crew” lol. I wish you all much success in accomplishing all your goals in 2011. Now let’s get it poppin’ ladies!
So overall, this year and the years to come will all be about living my life to the fullest. Hey, we only get one shot at it. And at the end of the day I’d rather be reflecting on all the things I did while I had the chance, then what I should’ve done. It’s really that simple. I stumbled onto this article about the top 11 New Years Resolutions, check it out below… And what ever you choose to do this year… just do something!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! And many.. many… more…. Talk to you in a bit, I have some sugarless cream of wheat to make (yuck! No one said this was gonna be easy, lol)
The semester is OVER! WHEW! I’m beyond happy (for that at least). I feel so drained. I’ve been on the sofa for the past two days, recovering. No not sick, just felt like a battery that was drained and needed a severe recharge. So the sofa has been kinda like one of those recharging pads that you sit your cellphone on it to charge. Now that my light is out of the blinking red zone, slowly turning green again, I’m slowly coming around. I had to reevaluate the situation to see what went wrong. I mean, this was supposed to be my easy breezy semester, two days a week. So for me to be so drained, I definitely took a wrong turn, somewhere.
So while plastered to the sofa, I’ve had time to do some thinking (in between my snoring and rolling over). I’ve discovered that I’ve been spending an incredible amount of time on the train, running borough to borough. Some days 5 hours! At that rate I need to be getting paid part time by the MTA, than my paying them. This is a result of my not switching the kids school closer to home. You know not wanting to upset things by jumping them from school to school. But it is a headache, quickly becoming a nightmare with days beginning at 4:30 am and not ending until 10 or 11pm. Way too much. So, I’ve made provisions to have them schooled locally. This should save us a lot of time, and return our little family to a state of… normalcy. I’m looking forward to being able to sleep in until 6:30am, that’s like sleeping til noon at our house, lol. And, I look forward to my little crew, being able to have a regular school schedule, with some cool after-school activities. There is more to life than only doing homework. I think we’ll all be happier.
Now speaking of “Happiness“, I’ve been doing much fluctuating with my happiness factor. I don’t know what’s been wrong lately. I’m thinking its the holidays. Sigh. I hear that many people get theholidaybluesthis time of year. I’ve been one of them, i think. But then again, I really think I’ve just been drained, due to the above mentioned schedule. So I’m looking for a big spike in the happiness area of my life. I’m also making a valued effort to incorporate some new changes into my life to boost my overall joy factor. I’m curious to know, when you get down, blue, or just not feeling your best, what do you do to bring yourself out of that zone? What mantras, tricks, or rituals do you do, to snatch yourself from the clutches of depression, and back to your fun loving self? Please share. On behalf of myself and the rest of the us riddled with theEnd of the year blues, we would love to know.
Your friend,
Indeed
SIDENOTES: I have some cool things to share with you, that I learned this past semester. So over the next few weeks while I’m on winter break, I will post them. So make sure to check back often for updates. Also, it’s the end of the year (a very reflective time for people), so I will be doing a recap of my 2010 and goal setting for the new year. 2011 is going to be awesome!
OK. The road to self improvement is really not that bad, once you get the ball rolling. This morning I started off with a little meditation. The last time I meditated (kinda) was back in the summer time when I played a meditation game on my kids WII Sport. I scored high but not quite official meditation. Well for the past week I have, for whatever reason, been waking up super early like 2 or 3 AM. I don’t know what that’s all about. But, instead of forcing myself back to sleep this morning, I decided to stay awake and… meditate. I found a really nice piece of relaxing music on youtube that was the perfect jump start to my day. (Check the link below).
Over the past few days I have been making a conscious choice to be happier and simply have a better perspective about things. I began by smiling in the mirror, then holding the smile throughout the time while I was in the shower. I heard before that it’s impossible to frown and smile at the same time, and it truly is. And, it’s hard to be angry or upset while smiling, because smiling naturally promotes a better mood , almost instantly. So smiling is a great way to start your day.
I know that sitting still with your eyes closed, breathing, for 10 – 30 minutes; or even smiling alone in the shower may seem weird to some. But I say at least give it a try. It’s can’t be any weirder than walking around in a slump all day with a poor attitude and a frown upon your face. Yet I see that so much, on so many people, daily, as if that were the acceptable norm. To me now, that’s weird, that we’re o.k. with that.
Anyhow, all I want to say is, just try making the most of your day today. Regardless of what you see around you, try your best to smile. Maybe even take a minute or two to simply close your eyes and reconnect with yourself. You just might find that you’ll feel…. good.
To get your day started right, try a little motivation by clicking the link below.
Morning Meditation – Leave a comment and let me know if this worked for you
Ok so I just had a great conversation with my homeboy Shimy who gave me great insight into the direction of my blog today. I decided to hit him up because I respect his perspective on life and he has a very trendy blog that I like visiting on a regular (http://www.shimybalboa.com). Basically, he said to simply add content and watch it grow into what it will become. Nice….
That’s great wisdom as things seemingly change and advance over time. So with that said I’ll do just that. We also talked about using our blogs as tools to share and possibly inspire. And that’s what I set out to do with this blog.
When I was avidly using Facebook, I received a lot of messages and post from people telling my how they were inspired by pictures. It seems to them that I was living a beautiful care free life, and was at such peace. Well some of that is true, but what I really want everyone to know is what happened that lead me to this journey in the first place. And how you can begin a journey of your own. It’s simple just pick something to do and begin. (We’ll talk more about that later.)
In the meantime… My overall purpose of this blog is to use my experiences as a muse of sorts. To show what we can do if we only get out and try. I’ve spent the last few years in this state of self exploration, discovering new things about myself. And through this process I discovered the artist that I am now able to say I am. Although I had always been artistic, I was never bold enough, (even though others may claimed me to be), to call myself “an artist”. However, through my willingness to step out into unexplored territory, I discovered just that.
My wish for anyone reading this blog, is to just take a little time, a small moment, a tiny slice out of life, and find out the amazing things hiding inside you. Step out and don’t be afraid. Go out of your comfort zone; push through the walls of complacency; and find your true you. Instead of wasting life away on trivial things (and people), spend some of that precious time and energy where it matters most, with yourself. You never know what you just may find, inside, if only you try.
Check out my friend Shimy’s blog at http://www.shimybalboa.com, for the latest in New York City urban trends, music, fashion and Brooklyn style of course. Vroom Vroom….
This DIY (do it yourself) thing is really something! It’s taken me a few weeks to get this going but now were cooking with gas. Yeah I had to settle on this theme for now, because it’s easier to begin. But I will not give up! I will have the blog of my dreams!! But for now… baby steps.
The whole purpose of this blog is to have my little slice of life, my piece of real estate, my little tiny weeny, new york city crammed pint sized apartment, in this big scary internet world. My little place to come share my thoughts with you. HELLO!… Helloooo…. helloooo.. Is anyone out there…. out there…. out there???
Anyhow, I have a lot of personal discoveries to share about everything from art and music, to health and well being. But mostly, about finding yourself (myself) again. This is my journey to self re-discovery. And, I hope that through my thoughts and experiences you too may be inspired to begin on your own quest. Life is so short. There’s so much to do in so little time. But the first step is to simply put one foot in front of the other and… BEGIN.
Welcome to my page! It is currently UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
Life is like.. Cupcakes in Brooklyn 🙂
Thank you for visiting. As you can see this is a new beginning. I have a lot of thoughts and information I would like to share with you about my journey to self Re-discovery. So please check back soon for updates about Art, Cool things, Fashion, Music, Healthy living, Daily Motivation and more. Feel free to leave a comment or simply say “hello”. I look forward to hearing from you. And again, thanks for stopping by. Have a Beautiful day…Love ya!
A Woman of a Hip Hop Culture 