Collards and Cornbread

I want something good to eat. I would like to sit down at a dinner table with family and friends and just have a decent meal. The only problem with that is I can't because I have been working everyday. Don't get me wrong. I am happy to have a job. Thankful to God and more than gratefu
l to not have to file unemployment.( Lord knows who came up with those figures). Anyway, I am getting very tired. Just exhausted and I am more than willing to help out but, damn. I have no time for anything. And everyone says " Well the money is great. " I retort " I can't spend it if I'm dead." Money isn't everything. Quality of life is so much more important to me. Since losing my mom, even more so. I want to be able to live each day, happily like it's my last. I'm not asking for wine and song and parties. Just a chance to relax and do what I want to do. Time to see my dad. Chat with my family and friends. Spend quality time with them. I joined the Eastern Star organization so I could really do some work in the community. How can I if I can't attend half of the functions? GOD GRANT ME SERENTIY... PATIENCE... I know and this too shall pass. Right now I am willing to settle for a good meal. Collards and Cornbread...yeah!!!!

Thank God It's Friday

- Hey, put a smile on your face
things are coming your way
Out there somewhere tonight-


Here are some of my old school fav's, If we have to pick a "crooner" this week. You know Luther has to be the man. I saw this concert and I couldn't get enough of Luther (still can't)...



Here are some more of my favs you're going to have to get on your feet for some of these, so press pause on my usual jams and... Work it JT, Work IT!!!...












Have a great weekend, Stay Blessed!

Waiting

My promise, my pledge....To take better care of my baby when she comes home. To listen to her more and to believe her when she tells me she isn't feeling well, I promise to go back to getting regular check-ups and stop taking for granted that she will continue to be there( even if I don't treat her as well as I should)I will appreciate her more.

The thing about having repairs on the car that burns me up is the waiting. Waiting for calls, waiting for parts,waiting for rides, I'm so sick of it. I NEED my vehicle. Yes I want it too, but I really need it and I know, I'm the reason the car is in the shop in the first place but, I still want it like yesterday! I really, really dislike depending on others to get me from point A to B. Whether, it be private or a commercial vehicle I CANT STAND waiting!(You all know public transportation is out!)

In other news my sister in all her wonderfulness will be 31 tomorrow. Am I going to rag her...of course ! 11 years ago you would have thought I was turning 108. She told me constantly how OLD I was, so now it's my turn. I know she will counter with, " You will always be older than me", but right now that's not my point.

I have decided to stop watching Supernanny. It raises my blood pressure too high. It's just ridiculous to me how far these parents let their children get out of hand.


Coolness... I took this quiz: What Is The Soundtrack Of Your life?
And it came back as...

Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World



Stay Blessed people!

Touch Me In The Morning

Rosemarie tagged Me


Da Rulez!



Link the person who tagged you.
Mention the rules in your blog.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

Here goes:

1. I cannot stand when people call my home and do not say hello. Rather they say " Is such and such there?" after I say hello. This really burns me up and I correct them each time.

2. I am absolutely pertrified of all bugs. Flying , crawling , creeping, slithering it doesn't matter. The only things I want moving in my home should be human.

3. I really can sing and wish I would have done more with it.

4. Years of never going to the bathroom in public have weakened my bladder. (Is this too too much info)

5.I don't curse as much since I left my job. ( I think this is a good thing)

6. I love to hear men sing in Tenor but when they speak I prefer baritone.


I'm tagging:
Tiki
Blu
Lyre
Minerva
Littlewoedy
Superstarnic

Come Sail Away With Me

My cruise was wonderful guys! Too short and I already want to go again. I decided to wear my hair in braids and that turned out to be the best choice with all the running I had to do. We sailed from San Pedro to San Diego, Catalina Island and Ensenda, Mexico. Catalina looked absolutely beautiful. I didn't quite make it too the Island ( because your gurl was partying til' the wee hours of the morning) but when I got up and looked across the ocean it filmed very well.

I sailed on Royal Carri bean, and to tell the truth the crew was on point. We didn't have to do anything but enjoy ourselves. These people were amazing. Considering they work for six to eight months straight,without a day off, I was blown away. The food was delicious and I am so sure I ate too much of it.Most of us enjoyed ourselves. Of course there is always one and that one happened to be traveling with us. It's illegal to throw anyone overboard so, being I waited much too long to take this vacation I would not allow her to steal my joy. She was just a miserable person and we avoided her like the plague.

The only complaint we had was a certain foul odor in the hallways to our rooms. Once we did it was taken care of. Again the crew was on point, Unfortunately there were no men. Okay there were men but they worked for the cruise line and could not fratonize with the guest, although we tried!. There were other men too, the ones I hung out with. But they wanted nothing to do with me or any other woman. I just don't know what it is about me. I'm a magnet.I think it's my boobies. The other men were taken, and there women had the don't even look this way stare. No problem girlfriend. oh, I forgot about the grandpa crew, one was actually sleeping during dinner. Okaaaay...So I live and I learn. Although the staff was wonderful this is not the party, SINGLE crowd I was looking for but all in all I had a blast. Pics coming soon... Thanking my God for a safe journey. Stay Blessed!

Bad Mamma Jamma

I'm just praying I can get to my ship. They way these airlines are shutting down or being grounded it's damn near a crap shoot. First I had to get over my fear of cruising, because I cannot swim. But I figured if I ever wanted to get anywhere I would have fly to and/or Cruise to these beautiful places I want to see. So I'm being adventurous, but believe me I will be aware of the closes lifeboat to my room. God forbid that I need them, but your gurl will be prepared. Now, the airlines want to act a fool. I will be leaving the day before so it really shouldn't be a problem. I'm taking this much needed mini cruise. I figure if I can make it for 5 days then, the next time I will shoot for the seven, I still want to go to Ochos Rios, don't know why, I just want to go. I've been trying to plan outfits for my cruise. You guys know a sis has to coordinate. I'm excited, I'm just thinking about the weather it's really going to be hot but, I was told on the ship it can be breezy. So I am packing a little bit of everything. The only problem with this is space in the cabin. I've been told and read from previous cruisers that the space is limited. So I can't fall in the joint with nine pieces of luggage. I'm also told you can't bring an iron. What is that about? I have the cutest travel, steam iron I wanted to pack. So my plight remains, how do I get all of the outfits I want to wear including FORMAL WEAR, plus shoes and accessories into two bags? Lawwd, I don't see it, so I need you to help me.

The next dilemma is my hair. I want to wear my own because it's going to be hot, but then I quickly reminded myself how my own hair acts. I don't want to be an outcast on this cruise. Have people asking my friends, "What's up with your girls head?" Have people pointing and laughing at me. No, that would not be cool. I could go with a half wig and then at least half of my head would get some air but then I would have to fiddle with my hair at some point. Which leads me to braids.The only problems I see here are getting them done.( I have a big head yall). But I am definitely leaning this way. I think this will be the easiest and the best way to keep my Bad Mamma Jamma going.

I'm just excited so forgive my rambling on, you guys know I have tell you all about it! Stay Blessed!

You Know and I Know

My post recently haven't been the most uplifting post. I know. Thank you for still coming while I went through my little funk. .... So ,I have been trying to put a spin on the energy. Looking at the bright side, knowing that my circumstances could be so much worst.So this post is about praise and song and letting God do his thing, that he has already planned.

As long as I can remember music has been the vessel that I chose to soothe my spirit. This post is titled after BeBe&Cece Winans track from their Different Lifestyles album, The words hit home for me and helped me to remember that no matter what my God has my back.

I found these gems today on You tube. The first one I was really happy to see again It's a clip from a show that aired in the 80's Called Sisters in the Name of Love. My original tape of this show was mistakenly erased.



And this is just because it's Ms. Holiday and her voice.( This is not And I am Telling You)






How can you not feel good after listening to these?

If I Had My Way

Yesterday while I was listening to the Steve Harvey show,Chrisette Michelle-If I had my way was on . She sang this song and others live. This young woman can blow,sang, tear it up, rip it.This little sis(23) did things with her voice yesterday before 9 am than I can do all year. She did it so well, she impressed me so much with her vocal rnage and skills that I went and bought this album, sorry cd today. I only do that for Anita.If you are in the mood for a little Billie, Etta mixed with a little Aretha, Gladys and a heap of new school do yourself a favor.
Now you know this woman does not disappoint. Oh, by the way, in you are in NY she is playing Ms. Sophia, Sophia( such a pretty name) in the Color Purple on Broadway. Now her single Angel is very good. But Disrespectful w/MJB and Back in the day are on fire!...

I love music. You guys must know this by now. I love to hear talented people doing their thing. I don't care which genre you fall under as long as you are good. I've been dancing all morning. I better get some work done. Stay blessed!

Just Because

I got this one fromRosemarie and I promise I won't tag anyone.But, you can participate if you like.

Pick a singer/band and answer only using song titles:

My choice : Anita Baker



Are you male or female: You're the Best Thing Yet)Female, Of course!

I broke the rules for this one...I know.

Describe yourself:Priceless

Your best piece of advice: Ain't no need to worry

Describe your current relationship: Been So Long

Describe your last relationship: Wrong Man

Describe your last crush: Baby

Say something to someone you have a crush on:You Bring Me Joy


Say something to an ex: Sometimes I wonder why


Say something to someone who hurt you severely: Watch Your Step

How do you feel right now: Good Enough

Me, Myself and I

Wow!! I've come up in the world because I have finally been tagged!LOL I have to post the rules so here goes...

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.



2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.



3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.



4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.



5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
HERE GO'S!







1) I like to sing and go to Karaoke often.

2)I have written 2 novels and I'm currently working on my third.Hopefully, I will publish at least one of them this year.

3)I hate thongs!

4)I am terrified of bugs, rodents, basically anything that moves that isn't human( and some of them!).

5)As a teenager I watched my brother and sister while my parents worked. Once when I was supposed to be watching them, my sister was climbing a fence and I was running my mouth.She scratched her face on one of the sharp ends at the top of the fence,leaving a scar. I told my mother the cat did it.( that poor kitty) Thank God she couldn't really talk. It was years before I told my mom how she really got that scar. Sorry sis!.

6) I always wanted children, but never had any.

7) I read at least four books a month.

8) I have a secret crush on Anthony Anderson ( Tell anyone and i will deny, deny, deny!)


Tiki tagged me so, Now I am tagging you guys!

Rosemarie
Lyre
jenell
Shedeep
Nikki
Blu
tanyetta
work

Thank God It's...

Is there anyone else looking forward to the weekend as much as I am? I thought I'd end the week on a cheerful note! This is borrowed from my girl Ope' on Myspace.

If Your Life Was a Movie…..what's playing???????
Let's say there was a movie about your life.
What would be the opening credits song?

Plus……

Choose One Scenario

If they showed footage from you in

A) childhood or

B) teen years or

C) early 20's

You can name up to four songs…

what would be the songs playing

and what would the actor playing you have on?

To top it all off….

Who would be playing you?

What would the name of the movie be?


My answers were...

Opening Credits…

Mahogany's Theme….Diana Ross

Teenage Moments Scenes….

Bad Girls- Donna summers

Gonna Take a miracle…..Denise Williams

Time will reveal…..DeBarge

Let's Dance to the drummer's beat- …. Herm Edwards

Attire

Izod Shirts layered ,Tale Lords,my name chain/ my Nikes with the white stripe ( a must have)and my Sheepskin. Hair feathered, and big. Dag, that took me back!

Leading Actress

Jill Marie Jones ( Toni from Girlfriends)

Title

The Reason Why I Sing


End Credits

I am changing... Jennifer Holiday ... I added this one.

What's your take?
Have a great weekend everyone!

Let the Music Play- repost

Being the music lover that I am I borrowed this idea from Mahogany- !
4. I'll write A Song For You-Earth, Wind and Fire
Phillip, Phillip, Phillip. I watched this man sing this song in concert. He hit a note even higher than the recorded version and I thought to myself. I love this man. I love all EWF but this song really does something to me.

5. Guilty Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb
I love this song. Always have. " It ought be illegal..Make it a crime to be lonely or sad"

6.AS- Stevie Wonder
Stevie is partying on this song. Working his magic the only way he can. Mary and George Michael took at crack at it too. They did their thing. But hey...It's Stevie. It took awhile but I finally realized that the name of the song was not Always.

7.Together Again- Janet Jackson
This is such an uplifting , happy song. Although I heard it was dedicated to some of her friends that have passed on. I watched Janet perform this song on her HBO special I think she jumped the entire time. What I wouldn't give for stamina like that.

8. In A Sentimental Mood- Duke Ellington/John Coltrane
Any question on this one? Slow groove not one word ( jazz people) and you are making them up in your own mind. Takes me there every time.

9.SuperStar( Till You Come Back To Me)- Luther Vandross
I thank God that was I able to see with my own eyes the talent this man posessed.There are so many songs, I love by Luther. This song however with it's piano and flutes, the way he winds you down in the intro before he begins to tell his story... awesome. " Don't you remember you told me you love me baaby!" Lawd!!!

10. Daydreaming- Aretha Franklin
The Queen rocked this one for me. Back up saaaanging her into the verse. She comes in cool " He's the kind of guy..." Damn, effortless. Natural. Whew!!!

11. You Love Me- Jill Scott ( Hidden Beach track)
I watched this sister sing this song on Oprah, she bought tears to my eyes. Talent Raw. Now back to the song. If you have not heard this cut...get out from under that rock...and run to get it.

12. You Remind Me- Mary J
Another artist that I truly love. If I had to choose just one it would be this one. She came on strong..blazing. Had me bopping my head at home, work, stoplights. I didn't care. Still don't.

13. You Are My Friend- Patti LaBelle
This song empowers me. When I am down and thinking . Damn Life sucks. I put on this song. " The thought of you helps me carry on, when I feel all hope is gone" Everyone should have someone in there life that this sentiment rings true for. Ms Patti, yeah I've got to have this one. Amazing.

14. 1,4,3- Musiq
Talk about a brotha who can saaaaaaaang. It was a toss up between this one and love. This song I like because he was creative with it. "..listen to his notes. I love it. There aren't many more ways in words that I can say...broke it down to 143"

15.Everywhere-Jahiem
It's another sad song I know, but I feel his pain/comfort. His is singing to his mom. nice melody. smooth.

16. Waiting- Deniece Williams
Yeah, I went back. But Niecy put her thing down here. I think she may have been going through some things on this Album. Yes, I said Album. But notes, crazy notes, singing for real.

17. Neither one of Us Gladys Knight and the Pips
Strong, from the gut. Listen to the piano playing before she says" It's sad to think.. Telling this man how much loves him, but knows she's gotta go. " We just won't let it die" Have you been there?"Farewell my love,goodbye" Farewell is a mighty long time...she is done. Ok? Gladys is twisting the hell out of the scales, in this song. Keep up!The Pips in the background steady,complimentary and precise.

18. Candy- Cameo
Dom,dom, dom...< href="rhythmandwords.blogspot.com">

It Just Gets Better With Time...

I'm 40 , Four score... I don't feel any particular way. I'm still the same person I was yesterday. It's just saying it out loud. I remember when my parents were 40. How old I thought they were, they weren't,I know that now. I'm 40 yes, but I am much stronger than I was when I turned thirty. I know so much more than I did then. I'm still no ones wife. I may never be again. I'm still no ones mother,yet. But I'm so much more. When I dropped to my knees,last night I thanked God for all of the blessings he has given me. I thanked him for surrounding me with love. I thanked him for my families health, for good friends. For allowing me to be here this long. Today I'm having a "surprise" birthday party. I have to get off here and practice my faces.I'm in a good place. BLESSED!!! I'm 40, I'm fine and I'm fabulous!

Love...

It was a beautiful day. It was a beautiful service. Marcel touched so many lives. Not only her immediate family, but extended family , friends, associates. There was such an outpouring of love for her today. People were coming straight from work to show their final respects. People were going to work late. So many had such beautiful words to express what her life meant to them. The funeral precession was at LEAST a mile long. I know she is looking down from heaven, be proud my sister. Well done, well done... May you rest in peace.

I Love Music

Being the music lover that I am I borrowed this idea from Mahogany- rhythmandwords.blogspot.com Being I am NEVER tagged. (You guys really need to get with it. I'll respond!) I had to tag myself. She had some pretty good music on her list. I will return to read more. So this is my list Of 25 Songs that I cannot live without. I mean if I had to pick songs to listen to for the rest of my life. This would be the list.( In no particular order) Hey...It's Friday I just got paid and I ain't got *!%* to do...


1. I Am Changing- originally performed by Jennifer Holiday in Dreamgirls This song has always touched me dearly. I sang this song at my high school graduation. I did well. But when Ms. Holiday sings this song you feel every word. You hear the pain and sorrow connected with the situation she has been through. For those who have not seen Dreamgirls on Broadway I will not spoil the upcoming plot for the movie...

2. Our Love Is Here To Stay Ella Fitzgerald
Have you heard this song? Talking about twisting a note. Ms. Ella was a master, don't try to sing along, just enjoy the ride.

3.Sometimes I Wonder Why Anita Baker
At her very best. " but when I lee aaaaaaayin your arms child it's easy pretending" Listen to this piano solo and the bass! Just draws you in and holds you there until she finishes belting out the last note...And your sitting there saying damn...I hate you so much right now!!LOL

4. I'll write A Song For You-Earth, Wind and Fire
Phillip, Phillip, Phillip. I watched this man sing this song in concert. He hit a note even higher than the recorded version and I thought to myself. I love this man. I love all EWF but this song really does something to me.

5. Guilty Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb
I love this song. Always have. " <It ought be illegal..Make it a crime to be lonely or sad">

6.AS- Stevie Wonder
Stevie is partying on this song. Working his magic the only way he can. Mary and George Michael took at crack at it too. They did their thing. But hey...It's Stevie. It took awhile but I finally realized that the name of the song was not Always.

7.Together Again- Janet Jackson
This is such an uplifting , happy song. Although I heard it was dedicated to some of her friends that have passed on. I watched Janet perform this song on her HBO special I think she jumped the entire time. What I wouldn't give for stamina like that.

8. In A Sentimental Mood- Duke Ellington/John Coltrane
Any question on this one? Slow groove not one word ( jazz people) and you are making them up in your own mind. Takes me there every time.

9.SuperStar( Till You Come Back To Me)- Luther Vandross
I thank God that was I able to see with my own eyes the talent this man posessed.There are so many songs, I love by Luther. This song however with it's piano and flutes, the way he winds you down in the intro before he begins to tell his story... awesome. " Don't you remember you told me you love me baaby!" Lawd!!!

10. Daydreaming- Aretha Franklin
The Queen rocked this one for me. Back up saaaanging her into the verse. She comes in cool " He's the kind of guy..." Damn, effortless. Natural. Whew!!!

11. You Love Me- Jill Scott ( Hidden Beach track)
I watched this sister sing this song on Oprah, she bought tears to my eyes. Talent Raw. Now back to the song. If you have not heard this cut...get out from under that rock...and run to get it.

12. You Remind Me- Mary J
Another artist that I truly love. If I had to choose just one it would be this one. She came on strong..blazing. Had me bopping my head at home, work, stoplights. I didn't care. Still don't.

13. You Are My Friend- Patti LaBelle
This song empowers me. When I am down and thinking . Damn Life sucks. I put on this song. " The thought of you helps me carry on, when I feel all hope is gone" Everyone should have someone in there life that this sentiment rings true for. Ms Patti, yeah I've got to have this one. Amazing.

14. 1,4,3- Musiq
Talk about a brotha who can saaaaaaaang. It was a toss up between this one and love. This song I like because he was creative with it. "..listen to his notes. I love it. There aren't many more ways in words that I can say...broke it down to 143"

15.Everywhere-Jahiem
It's another sad song I know, but I feel his pain/comfort. His is singing to his mom. nice melody. smooth.

16. Waiting- Deniece Williams
Yeah, I went back. But Niecy put her thing down here. I think she may have been going through some things on this Album. Yes, I said Album. But notes, crazy notes, singing for real.

17. Neither one of Us Gladys Knight and the Pips
Strong, from the gut. Listen to the piano playing before she says" It's sad to think Telling this man how much loves him, but knows she's gotta go. " We just won't let it die" Have you been there?"Farewell my love,goodbye" Farewell is a mighty long time...she is done. Ok? Gladys is twisting the hell out of the scales, in this song. Keep up!The Pips in the background steady,complimentary and precise.

18. Candy- Cameo
Dom,dom, dom...< beginning beats ( work with me) Every body to the floor before he sings the first note.this was the cut back in the day. And I still get my wiggle/rock with it on!

19. Whole Town Laughing At Me- Teddy Pendergrass
Teddy will grab your attention won't he? I love the raspiness of his voice in this song more than others. Or maybe it's just the message of the song. You messed up buddy and now we all know it." Silly fool , how'd you lose such a good thing"?

20 Just My Imagination- Temptations
This is music y'all.....Listen to the musical intro,Everybody sing with the (Otis) background..Whooooo " Each day through my window.."

21. This Will Be- Natalie Cole
Another... just happy song for me. From begininning to end. Ms Natlie is working those vocals. ( you know that's where to find her music right? )A Vocalist." From now on, from now on baby."

22. Let's Dance to the Drummers Beat- I don't know
But you forgot about this one huh? Right now, I do not wish to search through all my CD's to find out who is responsible for the ultimate dance song. But if you know , let me know...

23. Atomic Dog_ George Clinton and Parliment-funkadelic
One Nation indeed under a groove...but, " This is the story of a famous dog.."
Who was sitting? Who? come on!This song is still it.

24.Adore- Prince
Man I could only chose one...so this is my fav" Burn all my clothes, Smash up my ride...Well, maybe not the ride but ah..." This man puts it down on so me many songs.
And Finally...

25. Open Up My Heart- Yolanda Adams
True songstress with immeasurable talent. A gift but this song touches my heart in so many ways. I NEED this one.

Can I have 50 songs?...LOL. If your are reading you've been tagged!

Day One

Wow... I was more than a little determined to get this going. I am happy to report the problem did not lie within me.... but the site! I had so much to say...and now that I'm here, I'm blank. So I will have to return. "Can't you feel a brand new day?" I have "Wiz" moments...