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.

Insight: Wear Your Passion

(spotted via thisisnecole)

Insight: Black is Beautiful

It just is.

Soul Food: Chrisette Michele is "For Freedom Not For Beauty"

"For Freedom Not For Beauty"

//Excerpt [read full poem here]
"--Sometimes a flower grows when no ones watching.
Sometimes a bird sings and no one hears.
There’s a meadow no one runs on and a cloud no one names.

And what would the sky be with out the sun?
What would the earth be with out its rose?
They’d still be the sky and the Earth.

So perhaps there is a peace in becoming.
Perhaps the meaning is in the experience and not the sight.
Maybe a flower grows because it suffocates under ground.

Whether or not she is always noticed, beauty must become.

She doesn’t look for an eye.
She doesn’t listen for a voice.
She just becomes,
For Freedom Not For Beauty"

Beautiful words by Chrisette. I think people are afraid to go out and take risks, even with their own hair. But, it's just hair and it will grow back. So, when I discovered that she cut her hair I wasn't asking questions. Who cares why---really!? It's her decision and she made it for her own purposes, and in her case---FREEDOM.

one of my recent tweets: "#ifyoureallyknewme U would kno that im a NEW found believer tht HAIR IS JUST HAIR! Its not that serious! Cut it.Shave it. Be Fierce & Do u!"

Soul Food: Don't Put A Period...

"---keep pushing for the goals that you want to attain. Sometimes its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but that’s because the tunnel has some sharp turns in it. But, when your finished shifting through lifes unavoidable delays, there is light at the end of that tunnel. Don’t put a period where GOD has only put a comma."

hijacked from: Kareem Taylor Speaks

Soul Food: "Dreaming of Flying"

What I admire most about some celebrities is that they don't forget the concept that is inspiration and what it does to the spirit...Constantly sending the message of following your dreams, to essentially see the bigger picture. And to fight to be in that picture, when it's all said and done. I really, really love that.

Diddy is a man of many titles but, every time I check his Twitter, or see him on television, he is always pushing. For progress, for betterment, for the initial "impossible".

He inspires many, including me.

The screenshot [above] is what I spotted on his very own, Diddy Blog. It made me smile. Sometimes I miss being a kid, and wish that I NEVER lose that side of me. Children have a vision that fades with time. They view everything differently. Very creative, very hopeful, and extremely imaginative. It looks like they are flying doesn't it?

Another insightful piece from his blog:

"What has happened before is over now. Let go of the blame. Let go of the resentment. Feel the goodness that already lives in you. Feel the goodness that lives in life's best possibilities. "

-Ralph Marston

Click here to read more.

I NEEDED this today. I thought maybe you did too.

Insight - Des'ree: "You Gotta Be"

I just finished up my sophomore year in college and I must admit, It has been the most stressful-toughest-thrilling-rewarding semester ever. And all though my emotions contradict, it is true. I was challenged every day. Some challenges I stood up to defeat and overcome, and some, I'm still dealing with today.

But, as I was in the car earlier, feeling all of these emotions of achievement and defeat, the radio randomly switches to another station. Now, mind you it has been "switching" by itself all day (I don't know what's up with that) and I would usually turn it back to the previous station. But, this time that it switched, I heard this song playing & I let it play out...

//[Des'ree - "You Gotta Be"]


... & somehow I felt like it was a sign to keep pushing and not give up. And, as the old saying goes, "You can only go up from here". And I believe that. Now, I don't know who reads this blog or whether you visit often or not. It doesn't matter. I just wanted to post this for anyone that needs that encouragement.

Besides, we all need a little bit of....

...and I'm trying to find mine.

-until next time.

Insight: "--It Will Change Your Life"

...I've been on a major hiatus as you can see. Sophomore year in college REALLY kills any inspiration there is.

But, I can say that this entire sophomore year has been a growth process. I have acomplished a lot within two semesters. I feel like my outlook on a lot of different things has changed, and in a sense I have grown out of my shell by stepping out and doing things around campus. It truly does make a difference when you stop looking at the picture of what everybody else is doing, and you create your own masterpiece....

Yesterday, I read something on another site that stood out to me, and made a lot of sense.

"If You Don't Like Your Life, Change The People In Your Life...And It Will Change Your Life." - Tyrese from here.

I don't mean to jack the post but, I realized this year what a difference it makes to be around and completely inhale positivity from your environment. When people are around you doing great things, whether it's academically or another way, it really does affect you. And THIS year it has made a positive impact on me.

You have to have a great inner-circle that is on the same track to success and growth, and betterment or there will be no development otherwise.

--Just sayin.

What's Your Take On: Inter-Racial Relationships?

The other night at dinner with my mom, I spotted a inter-racial couple that I had not seen before. It was an Asian woman and an African-American man. It made me smile. We often think of the typical inter-racial relationships (i.e.: African American & Caucasian) but, we fail to forget that inter-racial anything is far from typical anyways. I love it personally. It's beautiful, but I understand not everyone feels the same.

What do you think, and why?

Would you ever date someone outside of your race?

Words of Encouragement

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."~ Nora Roberts

so, let's make today a very productive one.

I hope everyone is well!!

-im off

Nate Robinson + 41 Pts, No Biggie

This guy above moved me simply because up until Jan 1st he was being benched for 14 games over an incident that happened w/ his agent && trade rumours. But, when the Knicks played the Hawks (Jan 1st) all of a sudden he comes and plays his game and kills it! Alone, "In 38 minutes of run Robinson scored 41 points, dropped eight dimes, and grabbed six rebounds", leading his time in scoring to pull a 112-108 win over the Hawks.

Idk about you, but to say he was practically riding wood for a month, and he does this is AMAZING! In his interview after the game (which I caught on NBAtv), he told the reporters how he just kept staying focused & ready. In addition to thanking his family for believing in him, He spoke on how he kept running bleachers to stay fit, && that "down for what ever" mindset definitely did him well. [It's what the league expected Tracy Mcgrady to do but, that's another story for another blog.] You gotta stay ready man, && the opportunity will present it self. Nate is proof!

"I wanna thank God for this great game he knws I've been wait n! He answered my wishes ! Word aapp! " (Via's Nate's official twitter)

(Article source: Hoopsworld)

Don't Take It Personal...

Ok, when I get extremely bored, I like to go on Plinky, pick a few prompts, && answer.

Here I Go....Time to get a lil' personal :)

List your favorite alternatives to saying 'no.'
This is my favorite..."ummmhhmmmmmmmm nuhh" from my Wife & Kids [You have to watch the show to understand, lol.]

If you had to wear one color for the entire year, Which one would you pick?
Probably the color grey. I would say black but, I think that's a bit too much. Grey is just right.

Are you a MAC or a PC?
Definitely a PC, No question.

Name something that makes you wish you were a kid again?
When I think of my old Barbie Jeep && when school consisted of multiplication and recess.

You get to start a charity. What is it?
Oh joy b/c I really do want to start one eventually. I want to start a foundation for broken families, especially for the kids. I want them to be able to feel loved (b/c having parents divorce is a tough thing to process, I know) and I want them to continue to pursue their goals. I want to form a safe haven & place where they can be motivated and to continue living life...it will def. be in the works.

Offer a couple of money saving tips.
Why, I would love to ;) 1st off saving money isn't difficult to do, especially if you have money coming in on the regular but, this can also make it that much more difficult. It takes a focused mindset to plan ahead & you have to decide early what you TRULY want out of life. Once you figure that out, you save for that. I think one should have at least 2 accounts, one for spending and one for saving. When I was in HS, I would put 1/2 of my check into my savings & 1/2 into my checking/spending. Also, just because it's in your 'spending' account, doesn't mean "buy everything". Once again, it's all about choices. When you shop be realistic. Every time I go shopping the sales associate will try to get me to take advantage of a buy one (reg. price) + get one 1/2 off sale. But, I only get what I need to get. Yes, it may be a great sale but, you are still dishing out extra cash, just on a marked off product. Same thing in Footlocker. How many shoe cleaners, shoe stuffers, and socks do I really need?! That $2.99 adds up! So, to sum this up: Separate between what you want & what things you really need. Definitely treat yourself every now and then but, be wise about it.

What makes you tick?
People that are loud. People that HATE on each other.

Name something that's inappropriately named.
The "wife beater". Why oh why?!

During which decade of the 20th century do you wish you'd grown up?
The late 70's so I could've at least lived the 80's && experience the 90's 4real. I was born in 89(late Dec) so I would've got whip lash had I even taken a glimpse at the 80's && the 90's was cool but, I wish I was older to remember it all.

What store do you wish you had in your town?
Forever 21. Hands down. B/c I simple LOVE that store!!

--Done for now.

Erykah Badu's EMEK Poster Art

For some reason, I've been on what I'd like to call an "Erykah Badu high" for the past week. && I came across these & wanted to share them. You may have seen them, but regardless, the message of female empowerment remains loud & clear.

All of these were created by the artist EMEK, who created these for her album, New Amerykah, as well as the back drop for her tours.

The amount of detail on each piece is incredible.

Visit his official site here for more incredible artwork.

Just beautiful.

"The Style's In The Message", as they would say...

---Yep. You read right, && read it again & again b/c these pieces done by the brand dangerousNegro speak for themselves.

Browsing a post done by Miss Dimplez here, "I got put on" to these designs.

&& You gotta love what they stand for, esp. the first one.

These two designs below are dope as well.

[24/7. 365]I can't count how many times I have said & heard that "Black History Month is EVERDAY". The top design reads exactly that!

[Takin' Over]I LOVE this so much! Check the fist in the center of the flag.

*Also notice the Eye of Horus[protection] && what looks like an ankh[life/balance] constructing the eye as well. Thanks to my Art History course, I recognize these Egyptian symbols. Dope shiii-!

My favorite of all the pieces was this shirt (below) that reads "Educated BLACK Woman"! In the words of 2Pac, "It's time to start makin' changes"...and this shirt is where WE should start.

The prices for these designs start as low as $18.00 and can be bought in wide a range of colorways & messages right here at their on-line store.

The brand is dangerousNegro.

Get yours today && spread the word!!

Inspiration: Julie Greenwald, COO of Atlantic Records

While in the hair salon this past weekend, I picked up Elle magazine and discovered an interesting article on Julie Greenwald, whom prior to this year's VH-1 Hip Hop awards I did not know. Dubbed the most "powerful woman in the industry" by Elle, the article reveals a typical day of Greenwald. It's a very interesting read, if you haven't read it. Though the article was published June 2009, there is much to be learned from it.

[Greenwald(left) aside Kevin Liles]

//EXCERPT: "Greenwald is dressed down in a vintage ripped Cheap Trick T-shirt, skintight jeans, and Lanvin pumps. She has a street-tough New York accent and a rapid-fire speech pattern sprinkled with yos and dopes, a holdover from her ’90s stint as an up-and-coming executive at the independent hip-hop label Def Jam. Although she’s not a household name herself, Greenwald has spent her 17-year career as consigliere to some of the giants of contemporary music."
[I love the description of her outfit. Not too much but, just enough]

[Who is she?] She started off with Lyor Cohen && Russel Simmons with the original Def Jam Records dabbling in whatever she could get her hands on. She worked with artists such as LL Cool J, Run DMC (of course), & Public Enemy. And ever since then has been calling her own shots having being promoted recently to COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Atlantic Records.

//She's making moves...

What kept me interested to read the entire article was b/c it wasn't typical, and really focused on what makes her different.

I found it interesting that among the many distinct things in her office, including black and white pictures of her children, there was also a 'giant sheet of loose-leaf paper designed to look like a high school homework assignment' repeatedly stating "I'm still a good person", a mantra that keeps her motivated in the tough music industry.

Other Interesting Highlights of the interview:
1) Jay-Z listed her as "Cool Jules" in his pager in the '90s
2) She flies Economy, instead of First Class to save money
3) She comes from a Jewish background & always gave back to her community
4) Understands the music industry isn't what it used to be and believes ring-tones count as being "successful", contrary to others beliefs
5) Supported DMX with his raw music back in the day && initiated his tour w/ Onyx
6) Has been in the industry for 17 years && is still progressing

...She's just an all around positive image that we need to see. It doesn't matter what color you are, gender, nationality, or your background. If you're making moves like Julie, that says something about your character.

(Click here to read the article "Record Breaker" from Elle magazine, June 2009)

Insight: "The Truth, In Line"

* Took this from my FB && decided to post. It has a lot of underlying messages underneath. Read closely.

"The Truth, In Line" [written by me, August 2008]

I'm in line, hopefully up next,
Cuz see I got places to go, and things to do,
Easy got in and out, why can't I be that lucky?,
Despair and Hopeless are right behind her, man I should have got in that line,
I got Pressure behind me, and he's breathing heavy down my back,
I turn around to see Desperation, but he's selling happiness, I want to find my own,
I hear my number called finally, but Sacrifice left everything she had and got there before I did,
When, I finally reached the front of the line, Obstacle and Doubt stood in my face and told me "No!",
And Penny had the nerve to tell me I wasn't worthy, told me I was useless,
But as I was leaving, having not achieved what I had hoped for,
I realized, I had gotten so much,
Meanwhile, Easy got called out of her name,
Pressure was removed for harrassment,
and Strength came struttin into line,
Desperation left without a dime, even after selling away his goods,
Sacrifice left without her companion Respect,
and me, well I left with Respect, after I saw the Truth.


Explanation: I have gone through life, hearing about how people have experienced so much more than me. And at times, I go looking for that fun, that fun that everybody is having, whatever that may be. But people can be careless and lose themselves in what they do easily. I choose not to. I'm not sacrificing myself for that. I'm not that gurl. I don't want anything temporary, as some people do what ever. I may have come this far empty handed but I damn sure haven't lost myself nor my respect through this journey we call Life. WE ALL WILL FACE THESE ISSUES, its simply how you cope with them that defines you.

Insight: Be Extraordinary

I read a lot of blogs weekly. Every now & then I hit up JD's personal blog, Global14.com. He usually stays up to the fashion game & new music from Oceans 7 [his group or something like that]. But, he always takes time to drop some knowledge for the people.

Here is his 'Quote Of The Day', which I like:


“We must overcome the notion that we must be regular…it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.”
-Uta Hagen

[So very true.]

(Header from: Source)