EXCERPT #2: Sample Story

Backstory: Three years have passed. Indya is out celebrating with friends when she gets a call from an old friend.

"EXCERPT #2"

JADE

Noooo, what?! You didn’t tell me you and Jason are getting married?! I’m so happy for you!

JORDAN

Yeah, y’all are my idols. As soon as I get me a decent man---LORD!

LEIGH

Thank you seriously. Jason and I have been together for almost 7 years now. I can honestly say at 22 years, I have found the love of my life. Anything he needs, I got his back. And he has mine.

INDYA

Wow, that’s beautiful Leigh. I knew you would be the first. I always said you would be. {takes a sip of wine}

LEIGH

Oh stop, you all thought my ass was Tina…

Excerpt #1: Sample Story

Sometimes I write. I have a lot of short stories like this that need to be finished. I have never posted any until now. 

 FYI: There is some backstory to the excerpt, much of which has been excluded from the excerpt. In short, Indya is the main character. Throughout the story, the reader experiences Indya's growth as she ages. In this particular excerpt, Indya attends a mixer during college orientation with a few friends and becomes re-aquainted with a new friend, Kent.

"EXCERPT #1"

Jordan

Hey, have you all heard from Leigh? She said she was going to get dressed but, it’s been like 30 minutes.

Leigh

{coming out of her room}

I’m finally ready. Had to repaint my nails. All that moving fucked ‘em up.

#TheFix: RHOA - "Too Late to Apollo-GIZE"

I have been getting my weekly television fix with "Scandal" on Thursday and of course..."The Real Housewives of Atlanta" simply better known as #RHOA on Sunday.

We are only 5 episodes in but, let me just say that I have been getting my L I F E.

It's obvious the only star on the show who doesn't seem to be going through it is NeNe Leakes. But, after a horrible divorce and restart with Greg, she definitely deserves it. It's her season.

The other cast members are going through it something serious.

For starters...
1. Porsha, Porsha, Porsha: She's currently in the process of divorcing her husband + Living with her mother. Despite frequent talks of moving out and visiting open houses...we all know she's not making moves anytime soon. I mean if your mother was making you pancakes everyday and gave up her Masters' Bedroom...would you? Yeah, I probably would. I hope this entire season is not wasted on her divorce with Cordell. Stop EMPOWERING the man. Live your life woman.

2. Cynthia: She recently had surgery for Fibroids and seems to be recovering well. We just saw her with her daughter Noel and new boyfriend, Arthur. Too cute! Her story line is fairly calm--which is a much needed balance in the show.

3. Kenya: First, did NeNe come for her or what?

#SoulFuel: AMBITION

They say if you want to change your altitude, you start with your attitude. Alter the way you think, who you're hanging around, and start making active progress. The internet is full of inspiration and I found my #soulfuel via Nate Robinson. His entire situation is incredible because he's fighting odds against him with his size and constant move each year. I recently discovered his YouTube Channel: "State of Nate". Check it out if you have time. Despite the funny dude that he is--he's just as family oriented, which is refreshing to see. But, when it's time to work, he does just that. 

Motivation is a funny thing. For me, It comes in various forms. From a child's laughter to remind me to let go and live a little. To reading an article on the come up in someone's career. It doesn't necessarily have to be MY GOAL. It's the fact that someone is PASSIONATE enough to make changes...to move mountains in their life. The goal is relative but, the hustle to achieve the goal will ALWAYS resonate. And, this clip below motivated me. Maybe it will do the same for you. 


For more of the "State of Nate" series, click here.

21 Facts You Didn't Know About "The Cosby Show"

Everyone loves a good family on television. My favorite television family, like many others, is the "The Cosby Show". Who can get enough of  Cliff and his daily antics? He was nearly as bad as "the children". I came across an article over at Buzzfeed on the "21 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About the Cosby Show". Below are some of my favorite picks:

1. The role of Sondra was almost played by a 21-year-old Whitney Houston.

2. Rudy was originally going to be a son, but casting a boy proved too difficult, so they let girls audition.

3. Carl Anthony Payne II, who played Theo’s friend Walter “Cockroach” Bradley, was fired from the show in the fourth season for refusing to cut his hair.

4. Raven-Symoné originally auditioned for Bill Cosby’s Ghost Dad, but she was too young for the part. Cosby liked her so much, he gave her a role on his TV show.

5. Sondra’s twins, Winnie and Nelson Tibideaux, are named for Winnie Mandela and Nelson Mandela.

Catch all 21 facts here.

your parents.

the reason why you are here. yet the same ones you refused to drop you off in front of school—because your friends would see you.

the reason why you go as hard you do. to give back everything they provided for you as a child and still manage to do.

the reason you respect elders. and still the reason you respond with  a yes ma’am or no sir–at least in my case.

your parents—you don’t choose them. but you are sure grateful to have them now, more than ever.

how crazy and nearly estranged they seemed to you. to one minute fuss about your misbehavior and “show out” in front of your friends to turn back around and say “I still love you but…you have to do better” or something to that effect. the look on your face.

it’s funny how you didn’t want them around but, when things go bad there they are one call away. one prayer away from getting you out of  ’the worst day ever’.

your parents. that when you ask them how their day went–it went just fine.

your parents hardly complaining and never letting up.

be grateful. for. your parents.

New Music: Kelly x Tinie Tempah x J.Cole x Drake

Kelly Rowland feat. Lonny Bereal - "Favor"...cute track!

Tinie Tempah - "Did It On Em" (Nicki Minaj Cover) ...hmmmm.

J.Cole - "See It To Believe" ...nuff said.

Drake x Rick Ross x Lil Wayne - "I'm On One" ...nuff said.

DJ Ski Beatz, the Mastermind behind "Reasonable Doubt" Speaks

Hip-Hop Classics like "This Is It" (Luchini), "Politics As Usual" and "Dead Presidents" don't come out of thin air. And if you recall the last two songs are on Jay's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, a must have in your music collection. Much credit is due to Jigga Man himself but, CREDIT must be given to the mastermind behind the production. And, that is (DJ) Ski Beatz. In an interview, he speaks on how the music industry almost jaded his vision in the 90's and how he's back at it with two new titles: rapper and producer. I enjoyed this interview....Good Stuff.

Watch below:

“I got jaded through the industry and I started changing my music up, I got lost for a minute,” he calls. “Like, ‘Oh shit, what the fuck am i doing? Who am I? Where’s my music going? I’m not on top. Am I supposed to be on top?’ …Then I just broke down and stopped.” - DJ Ski Beatz

Soul Food: Marvin Gaye - "I Want You"

...it's good for the soul. Press Play.

Insight: Wear Your Passion

(spotted via thisisnecole)

I Despise Your Fly, Eve

Eve visited 106 & Park just last week with a FIERCE pair of Phillipp Plein leggings to let it be known that she was in the building.

Go 'head E-V-E!

Model Covers Josephine Baker in Tush Magazine

Model Rose Cordero covers the LEGENDARY entertainer Josephine Baker in Tush Magazine.

I LOVE IT.

Braxton Family Values Confirmed for NEW Season in 2012

Pictured: Tamar, Towanda, Toni, Trina, & Traci

The Braxtons are 5 sisters WE love to watch! They keep it real and are always exciting whether they're on tour with Toni or trying to configure Tamar's singing career. There is a NEVER a dull moment & WEtv gets the picture as they have confirmed this week on a 2nd season of "Braxton Family Values".

“We all hoped people could relate to our family dynamic and are thrilled with the positive response we have received. We are all very much looking forward to bringing you another eventful season of Braxton Family Values.” - Toni

The show airs on WEtv each Tuesday at 8pm!

Jeremih: Look At Me Now (Remix) Video

It seems as if a lot of artists, especially singers, want to jump on Chris Brown's hit "Look At Now". Da Brat & Trey Songz have both put their spin on the track and have gotten favorable reviews. R&B singer Jeremih released his version of the song a while ago but, recently put out a video for his remix. Check it out below:

What Do You Think??

A Man of His Word: Lloyd Tattoos Pencil on Leg

Like many of the stars today, Lloyd is no stranger to ink. In a recent visit to Hot 97.5, he got a tattoo at the station to match VJ/Air personality Lady G. Lloyd's is of a pencil and Lady G has a pencil sharpener.

To each his own. I'll take school supplies over an ice-cream (Gucci) any day.

Watch the video below:

Insight: Black is Beautiful

It just is.

Big Sean - "I Do It"

Tag lines? Any rapper that's anybody has one. From Rick Ross dating all the way back to Biggie, tag lines are a certified stamp of identity and Big Sean is no different. Anyone that's been on Sean before "My Last" dropped, you already know he has a few of his own, and his 2nd single from his debut album, Finally Famous, proves that!

//Big Sean's Second Single - "I Do It"

//Big Sean discusses the origins of the single, "I Do It"

Kelly Reveals NEW Album Title...

I know for sure I am not the only one relieved that Ms. Kelly has a CERTIFIED hit with "Motivation". It's about time she gets the recognition she deserves, IMO! In an interview with Billboard this week, she announced the name and origin of her album title, Here I Am.

"I was talking to my product manager," recalls Rowland, who's currently working in Los Angeles. "I said I wanted people to know that this is the record, the sound I¹ve been working toward... that here I am. And she said,that's the title. It just connected with my heart and the music as well. It stands for everything I've gone through and thought about for this record as a woman. It's very strong."

Her first single, "Motivation", is currently #3 on the Billboard countdown. Get 'em Kelly!

Late Night Ramble..."It's A Different World"

Tonight is my last night at home before I begin the new semester. I decided to throw on a good dvd and relax. Originally, it was going to be House Party 3 but, I went with watching A Different World instead. And, it made sense since I'm going back to college tomorrow. I finally opened up my disc-set which I received Christmas last year and it's definitely become one of my favorite new shows.

In little over a week, I will be returning back to class as a Junior. Time truly has a mind of it's own, I can't believe it's been two full years since I graduated High School. I learned a lot Freshman and especially Sophomore year. This year will be even more challenging, I'm sure. But, I honestly believe it will be one of the best.

So, this is no special note. I just hope for the best this year, and if you are in my same shoes, good luck to you too!! Let's get it!!

Wiz Khalifa x Honey Magazine

Wiz Khalifa was featured on the August cover of Honey Magazine.

Here are some of the shots:

I love him. That's all I gotta say.

Make sure to head over to Honey Mag to watch the interview.

ALSO, the third season of "DayToday" premiered today. "DayToday" are just videos he records of himself during the day--simply stated. You know...making music, foolin around, chillin & most importantly getting faded.

[First Episode of Season Three "DayToday"] --and once again he looks good.