last we spoke, i was pissed off.
turns out - it was a combination of things
coldness being a serious factor.
after typing out some hate mail,
jive and i made our way to town
with a hand drawn map from our favorite
brown lizard, steve larkin.
he's cool. he has this dance that he does on stage
so hilarious. his joints hits the off beats of the song
making him look quite the maniac. its diabolical
so we eat at kfc - 4 pounds
thank god. i have something in my stomach besides
the meds for my freekn toothache (which if you are
wondering is still very much hammering in my head).
after we are done, and still shivering, i talk jive
into seating at a cafe so i can down some coffee (s)
he agrees. we find door 72 which is real plush with
neo soul and wood everywhere. music is brilliant
(damn, ive been over here too long already) and i
take two americanos clean up with cream and crazy
sugar and jive nurses a peppermint tea.
i dont do peppermint. but we sit there, for a while
because we have atleast an hour and a half til the show
and we talk about everything. from the future of
jam on it -- to other things.
before we know it, its time to go - so i rush to the
restroom before we take that walk up the road (not block
though they are just the same in difference) and we step to it.
make it to the zodiac - its huge. they have just finished setting up
and things are looking nice. the crowd filters in
within the hour and people plop their nice dresses on the
dirty black floor (its a huge rave club - still nice, but the
floor, son?)and await the beginning of the evening.
we rock out. jive is damn near falling asleep.
hell i have enough espresso in my system to stay awake
for 10 more hours. im nice! we watch the slam, which turns
into something unusual. there was a cat that was actually
pretty good, and somehow he timed over? which i dont believe,
cause kats got up there with 2 minute disserations and still
didnt time out. so with that his 27.1 became a 26.1 and the winner
a sista (very nice i must add) rocks a poem that is definitely
subpar to the abovementioned and she walks away with a 28 something.
jive and i argue about affirmative action and i agree with him
on this one. unfortunately, i dont think she won on her merit -
but because they felt bad. "the only black woman," hell "black person
in a slam - so she must win". no matter. she was gracious, as well
as the dude that i thought should've won. and it was a good night overall.
afterwards, we rocked another set - which i cut totally short
cause it was a long night...dammit and jive closed the bil
before we headed to the kebab (prounounced KEY BABE) and steve,
the man of the oxford, picked up the tab like the gentleman he is.
we headed back to his crib (which is a damn MANSION. and im am
not exagerrating) which has so many rooms that we kept getting
lost. they also have a detached HUMAN size dollhouse built for
the owners doll house collection. ?? wha... exactly. they have a
which is generated by fire -- its crazy natural. ahem, or as natural
as natural can be in this situation.
they have hammocks and wood surrounding everything - very much a scary movie
setting. so jive and i knew to run separate ways if we heard the killer
in the bushes. cause you know what happens to the black couple in
the movies...
within the hour, we finish our kebabs and call a taxi before
hugging steve and saying farewell. we head to the coach station.
buses leave every hour and we wanted to make it back before our
host left for work the next morning. overall: gangsta nite. tiring
but gangsta, nonetheless.
next stop: london/brixton
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
manchester, part 3
no long posts.
this was an alright show
the venue was gorgeous
the audience was even doper
the hotel bed was fabulous
and i rocked out like i just didnt get off a coach
freezing and all...
otherwise, things are good
here in oxford.
that's right
another long coach ride
made it all the way thru birmingham
where i had a short layover
though some man tried to take my bag
claiming it was his - i said, NO.
he came back by grabbing my arm
before his elder companion was like, OH I FOUND IT
dipshits...
im in a pissy mood. maybe it's because i havent eaten since yesterday
or maybe its the secrets... who knows
this was an alright show
the venue was gorgeous
the audience was even doper
the hotel bed was fabulous
and i rocked out like i just didnt get off a coach
freezing and all...
otherwise, things are good
here in oxford.
that's right
another long coach ride
made it all the way thru birmingham
where i had a short layover
though some man tried to take my bag
claiming it was his - i said, NO.
he came back by grabbing my arm
before his elder companion was like, OH I FOUND IT
dipshits...
im in a pissy mood. maybe it's because i havent eaten since yesterday
or maybe its the secrets... who knows
Sunday, October 02, 2005
91 steps in Central London, part 3
this is how many steps i have to climb to get to my host's front door.
it is painful and breathless and invigorating at the same time.
last nite, we all went to the poetry cafe to check out the cellar. hosted
by our favorite irishman NIALL. it was a bit wet after a quick shower that afternoon
but otherwise, just brisk wind to remind us that winter was near.
we hopped the 38 bus and headed into tottenham court road to meet with our
host for coffee before the mic sign up sheet opened. the bus system they have in effect is hilarious. you jump on the open-ended entrance at the tail of the bus. and pay whenever the dude that takes the money remembers to ask you for it. he didnt ask us, so we saved a pound twenty. we ge to our meeting place (yup. starbucks) and after the much needed (and expensive 8 pounds including the nasty panini i ordered) white chocolate mocha (w/soya) we headed to the cafe. there was a bit of hustle and bustle - which is always a great sign for poets trying to sell there product.
NIALL already had his features set in stone, but allowed us free entry and a lengthy open mic slot. to show appreciation to the cafe (also because i walked into the bldg with my starbucks cup) i decided to patronize the bartender and order a glass of water. 1 pound. he replied - but you can get a whole bottle of water for 1 pound 75. im like - that's whassup. then he pops open the tap of the water and waits for me to fish my pockets for coins. when i give him 2 pounds. he laughs and says - i said 3 pounds 75. im stuck. i give him his stinking coins, take my change and head to the table holding jive and agnes in a huff. i sit there for atleast 20 minutes, mad that i got played for almost 4 pounds (which equates to about 8 american dollars) until i couldnt take it anymore and headed downstairs. jive kept saying take it back, as did agnes. but i couldnt do it. took it as a lesson learned and waited for the poetry to begin.
during the evening there was a heckler by the name of Luke Skywalker "something" -- he was a damn mess. yelling at people while they performed and then when the audience looked at him - he would gush "my apologies". i think agnes said she thought he had tourettes - but i knew it was a hoax. homeboy wanted attention. so when my name was called - he started again, and i had to stop and look him dead in his face like WHAT? (anyone from NYC or OAKLAND - hell, anybody with a violent bone in their body knows what that means). and he quieted down enough for me to finish my small set.
fast forward. he finally gets called to the stage - but not before he yells at the crowd, tells jokes that only he (and jive poetic) find funny, and upsets the host so much that NIALL gives him a refund, snatches the microphone and invites him to leave - immediately. now that was priceless.
afterwards we make our way back to central london, stomachs growling and full of laughter, we stop at a bodega (they call them newsagents) and i grab some chips, soda and beef jerky. another 5 pounds. we board a bus and wait our stop to arrive swiftly. unfortunately, the dude taking coins is on patrol. so i start checking my pockets for fare and realize i just spent the remainder of my coins on the snacks. jive purchased half of the soda and realized he as well was outta loot. they don't do change and here we are -- at the top of the double decker, stuck!
that's when agness yells "JIVE!" and we say, uh excuse me, or something another and jump down the stairs of the double decker to find agnes already on the sidewalk waiting for our exit. we laugh, because this is our second bus ride for free and head to the chinese restaurant to celebrate our hunger.
chinese restaurants are so much different here. in london, they seat you - even if it's well after midnite (which it was). in brooklyn. the plexiglass doors and bulletproof windows separate you from the chinese food workers. you have to order your food in numbers (gimme the number 2 or 2 wings and fried rice special for 2 bucks). in london, they make it fresh. we feasted on lo mein and prawns, special fried rice extra chicken and kung po prawns and prawns and black pepper sauce.
the food was considerably good - or we were just crazy hungry. the tab arrived and we shoveled out 10 pounds a piece.
so by the end of the night, i am upset with myself for spending all that money - but definitely happy with the company of food and friends. no matter, i will stay home the next day eating leftover chips and coffee.
next stop manchester
it is painful and breathless and invigorating at the same time.
last nite, we all went to the poetry cafe to check out the cellar. hosted
by our favorite irishman NIALL. it was a bit wet after a quick shower that afternoon
but otherwise, just brisk wind to remind us that winter was near.
we hopped the 38 bus and headed into tottenham court road to meet with our
host for coffee before the mic sign up sheet opened. the bus system they have in effect is hilarious. you jump on the open-ended entrance at the tail of the bus. and pay whenever the dude that takes the money remembers to ask you for it. he didnt ask us, so we saved a pound twenty. we ge to our meeting place (yup. starbucks) and after the much needed (and expensive 8 pounds including the nasty panini i ordered) white chocolate mocha (w/soya) we headed to the cafe. there was a bit of hustle and bustle - which is always a great sign for poets trying to sell there product.
NIALL already had his features set in stone, but allowed us free entry and a lengthy open mic slot. to show appreciation to the cafe (also because i walked into the bldg with my starbucks cup) i decided to patronize the bartender and order a glass of water. 1 pound. he replied - but you can get a whole bottle of water for 1 pound 75. im like - that's whassup. then he pops open the tap of the water and waits for me to fish my pockets for coins. when i give him 2 pounds. he laughs and says - i said 3 pounds 75. im stuck. i give him his stinking coins, take my change and head to the table holding jive and agnes in a huff. i sit there for atleast 20 minutes, mad that i got played for almost 4 pounds (which equates to about 8 american dollars) until i couldnt take it anymore and headed downstairs. jive kept saying take it back, as did agnes. but i couldnt do it. took it as a lesson learned and waited for the poetry to begin.
during the evening there was a heckler by the name of Luke Skywalker "something" -- he was a damn mess. yelling at people while they performed and then when the audience looked at him - he would gush "my apologies". i think agnes said she thought he had tourettes - but i knew it was a hoax. homeboy wanted attention. so when my name was called - he started again, and i had to stop and look him dead in his face like WHAT? (anyone from NYC or OAKLAND - hell, anybody with a violent bone in their body knows what that means). and he quieted down enough for me to finish my small set.
fast forward. he finally gets called to the stage - but not before he yells at the crowd, tells jokes that only he (and jive poetic) find funny, and upsets the host so much that NIALL gives him a refund, snatches the microphone and invites him to leave - immediately. now that was priceless.
afterwards we make our way back to central london, stomachs growling and full of laughter, we stop at a bodega (they call them newsagents) and i grab some chips, soda and beef jerky. another 5 pounds. we board a bus and wait our stop to arrive swiftly. unfortunately, the dude taking coins is on patrol. so i start checking my pockets for fare and realize i just spent the remainder of my coins on the snacks. jive purchased half of the soda and realized he as well was outta loot. they don't do change and here we are -- at the top of the double decker, stuck!
that's when agness yells "JIVE!" and we say, uh excuse me, or something another and jump down the stairs of the double decker to find agnes already on the sidewalk waiting for our exit. we laugh, because this is our second bus ride for free and head to the chinese restaurant to celebrate our hunger.
chinese restaurants are so much different here. in london, they seat you - even if it's well after midnite (which it was). in brooklyn. the plexiglass doors and bulletproof windows separate you from the chinese food workers. you have to order your food in numbers (gimme the number 2 or 2 wings and fried rice special for 2 bucks). in london, they make it fresh. we feasted on lo mein and prawns, special fried rice extra chicken and kung po prawns and prawns and black pepper sauce.
the food was considerably good - or we were just crazy hungry. the tab arrived and we shoveled out 10 pounds a piece.
so by the end of the night, i am upset with myself for spending all that money - but definitely happy with the company of food and friends. no matter, i will stay home the next day eating leftover chips and coffee.
next stop manchester
Saturday, October 01, 2005
NEW HOST: NUYORICAN POETS CAFE
hi, that would be me. :)
my start date is Oct 18th, once i return from overseas. if you want an invite to a hot night at the magical mecca of poetry (in NYC, of course) get at me on the email.
see ya soon.
www.nuyorican.org
my start date is Oct 18th, once i return from overseas. if you want an invite to a hot night at the magical mecca of poetry (in NYC, of course) get at me on the email.
see ya soon.
www.nuyorican.org
london - shaw theatre - part 2
the night was a success. i sold out of books, drank coffee (though it not starbucks - thanks for trying Marie) and met a lot of beautiful people.
my set consisted of old favorites and a couple of new joints rarely seen in the states. when i come to the UK, i am daring. i feel like - you can try anything atleast once here. so i do. and its always an incredible response which prepares me for the states, i guess.
anyway - the rest of the night included:
Skorpio full of beatboxing and laughter.
boogieman - homie from nyc (by way of bklyn) is on the bill this year. he's one of the few male poets that can eloquently speak of love with senstivity pouring out of his soul (yes, cliche - but i so mean it).
zena edwards - this woman is ill with the instruments, fa real. she is always a treat to witness. she was on the very first bill back in 2003 (with jive, taalam, ainsley, jerry quickly and myself) and has way of making the room become a garden of sound.
urbanspirit - he is a new writer through flipped eye publishing and definitely a jokester. i think he had a joke to share every 2 minutes. which is a record! very nice, though i didnt get to peep his set. im sure he was fire.
and of course jive. who is exactly who is as - most of the time. pure fire.
marie my long lost london friend was in effect. mixing up the music quite nicely for the intro's and nii hosted with a felt cowboy hat. i reserve the right to clown him on a later date. the night was good though. next stop: poetry cafe
my set consisted of old favorites and a couple of new joints rarely seen in the states. when i come to the UK, i am daring. i feel like - you can try anything atleast once here. so i do. and its always an incredible response which prepares me for the states, i guess.
anyway - the rest of the night included:
Skorpio full of beatboxing and laughter.
boogieman - homie from nyc (by way of bklyn) is on the bill this year. he's one of the few male poets that can eloquently speak of love with senstivity pouring out of his soul (yes, cliche - but i so mean it).
zena edwards - this woman is ill with the instruments, fa real. she is always a treat to witness. she was on the very first bill back in 2003 (with jive, taalam, ainsley, jerry quickly and myself) and has way of making the room become a garden of sound.
urbanspirit - he is a new writer through flipped eye publishing and definitely a jokester. i think he had a joke to share every 2 minutes. which is a record! very nice, though i didnt get to peep his set. im sure he was fire.
and of course jive. who is exactly who is as - most of the time. pure fire.
marie my long lost london friend was in effect. mixing up the music quite nicely for the intro's and nii hosted with a felt cowboy hat. i reserve the right to clown him on a later date. the night was good though. next stop: poetry cafe
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Kanye Conspiracy - false alarm
Sent: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 10:00:01 -0400
Subject: Re: A Message from Consumer Relations 010615027A
A Message from Consumer Relations 010615027A
Dear Tara,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us about our relationship with
Kanye West. We'd like to confirm that our relationship with Kanye has not
changed. Our marketing plans are continuing, and we appreciate the
opportunity to clarify the situation.
All the best,
Suzanne Gooley
Consumer Relations Representative
consumerrelations@cr.pepsi.com
010615027A
Subject: Re: A Message from Consumer Relations 010615027A
A Message from Consumer Relations 010615027A
Dear Tara,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us about our relationship with
Kanye West. We'd like to confirm that our relationship with Kanye has not
changed. Our marketing plans are continuing, and we appreciate the
opportunity to clarify the situation.
All the best,
Suzanne Gooley
Consumer Relations Representative
consumerrelations@cr.pepsi.com
010615027A
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Kanye West dropped from PEPSI
Kanye West, former spokesperson for Pepsi, has since
lost his endorsement deal with the soft drink giant
due to his publicized remarks regarding the
mishandling of the Katrina evacuees/victims. I mean
if you're like me...just SICK and TIRED of being black
in America and being mishandled, then do something.
Our parents and their parent's SHUT DOWN an entire bus
system during the Civil Rights era by CHOOSING to do
something. Here is your opportunity.
I'm calling a boycott on ALL Pepsi pr oducts. If they
want to drop Kanye, how about we DROP them! And as
much as I love a good Pepsi and a bag of Fritos, I'm
not buying another Pepsi including any of their family
products (see link below) until a formal apology is
given and a donation is rendered to the Red Cross (or
a similar organization) in the sum of the amount o
Kanye's contract with Pepsi.
If you're committed to doing something to tell not
just Pepsi but the world
(including the Associated Press for that racist
caption) that there is
power in the Black community, then pass this along.
Because there's POWER
in numbers.
Sincerely,
Shondell Towns- Boycott Organizer
Pepsi Products:
Pepsi/Frito Lay/Gatorade/Tropicana/Quaker
lost his endorsement deal with the soft drink giant
due to his publicized remarks regarding the
mishandling of the Katrina evacuees/victims. I mean
if you're like me...just SICK and TIRED of being black
in America and being mishandled, then do something.
Our parents and their parent's SHUT DOWN an entire bus
system during the Civil Rights era by CHOOSING to do
something. Here is your opportunity.
I'm calling a boycott on ALL Pepsi pr oducts. If they
want to drop Kanye, how about we DROP them! And as
much as I love a good Pepsi and a bag of Fritos, I'm
not buying another Pepsi including any of their family
products (see link below) until a formal apology is
given and a donation is rendered to the Red Cross (or
a similar organization) in the sum of the amount o
Kanye's contract with Pepsi.
If you're committed to doing something to tell not
just Pepsi but the world
(including the Associated Press for that racist
caption) that there is
power in the Black community, then pass this along.
Because there's POWER
in numbers.
Sincerely,
Shondell Towns- Boycott Organizer
Pepsi Products:
Pepsi/Frito Lay/Gatorade/Tropicana/Quaker
Monday, September 26, 2005
i like
sloppy joes
ultimate fighting matches
bowling
iced tea (not real tea bags, though)
waffles with peaches on top
driving stick shift
reading books anywhere
watching movies 2 at a time
playing doorbell ditch
ultimate fighting matches
bowling
iced tea (not real tea bags, though)
waffles with peaches on top
driving stick shift
reading books anywhere
watching movies 2 at a time
playing doorbell ditch
Sunday, September 25, 2005
brokenhearted
there is never a moment
that you will be able to possess
completely
you wont be able to save yourself
or your heart
only your memories
he will leave you
she will leave you
with pictures and pets
and nothing more than a selfish grin
"i told you so" sneer in the wind
and the heart wont grow fonder
wont think of the bigger picture
it will hurt
and bleed burgundy pain
shining through the chagrin
spilling on your lapel
staining the picture perfect idea
that this shyt works out
it dont
not until you have hurt so long
your teeth vibrate
and your tears sting the skin
maybe then
you will find something substantial
enough
to ease the pain
and hide the scars that only appear
in the light
that you will be able to possess
completely
you wont be able to save yourself
or your heart
only your memories
he will leave you
she will leave you
with pictures and pets
and nothing more than a selfish grin
"i told you so" sneer in the wind
and the heart wont grow fonder
wont think of the bigger picture
it will hurt
and bleed burgundy pain
shining through the chagrin
spilling on your lapel
staining the picture perfect idea
that this shyt works out
it dont
not until you have hurt so long
your teeth vibrate
and your tears sting the skin
maybe then
you will find something substantial
enough
to ease the pain
and hide the scars that only appear
in the light
Friday, September 23, 2005
so i leave for overseas in less than a week.
i will be touring manchester, london, oxford and visiting PARIS as a gift to myself.
looking forward to it. just trying to figure out how to bring the maximum strength tylenol (big case) with having customs bug out over me. maybe just throw open my mouth so they can see the absess? hmm. who knows
i will be staying with my co-author of a book of poems (released next year exclusively in the UK) agnes, she is dope. and strong. and beautiful and write her BRITISH ASS OFF! check out her book WOMAN (www.flippedeye.com) it is one of my favorites!
and i will get to see our friends in Oxford and Manchester. i realized last year (when i was trying to move there for a year) that while i could've endured the bad food ratio, i couldn't do it for too long. i still will look for a chateau to rent in Paris. that is my dream. to find a beautiful space for the summer, take amari, give her a crash course in language and people -- write a body of work that is fukn amazing and come home to the busy hustle and bustle, with a newfound undertstanding of me.
all that said. i need:
batteries (for the digi camera)
otherwise, the tour is looking pretty good. i have 5 shows at the 4 different big theatres (seating 300 and over) and a couple of days off. which is unusual for me. when i go overseas, i try to work everyday (if not two gigs a night). last october i went and worked 28 days out of 31. when i wasnt working, (which obviously wasnt often) i was on a coach headed to my destination. and i was double-booked on some nights! believe me, i forgot my name during that stint. so i decided, i will try the tourist role (thought i hate spending money when im working) and visit PARIS as i promised myself years ago. take in a broadway show (i wanna see where the bolly show really started) and hopefully get back before they cut off the cable. that reinstalltion fee sucks.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
depression sets in...
im not really depressed. just tired.
still finishing bios and amari's homework, and my 3rd draft for our writer's group.
i will be renting workspace as of oct. looking forward to that. need the regulated work schedule and space so i can get my life together. 3 books of poetry, 1 novel, 1 - how-to and another set of family memoirs is heavy in bed-stuy, yo.
read why dont'cha!?
new ish:
kung fu high school - ryan gattis
asphalt - carl hancock rux
down these mean streets - piri thomas
nappy edges (poetry) - nztoke shange
life of letters - zora neale hurston
in a minute
unhappy in bklyn
for now
still finishing bios and amari's homework, and my 3rd draft for our writer's group.
i will be renting workspace as of oct. looking forward to that. need the regulated work schedule and space so i can get my life together. 3 books of poetry, 1 novel, 1 - how-to and another set of family memoirs is heavy in bed-stuy, yo.
read why dont'cha!?
new ish:
kung fu high school - ryan gattis
asphalt - carl hancock rux
down these mean streets - piri thomas
nappy edges (poetry) - nztoke shange
life of letters - zora neale hurston
in a minute
unhappy in bklyn
for now
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
meme from d. smith! music from the year i graduated high school... and more!
1. The Sign, Ace Of Base
i sorta remember this one. what was i doing then? hell who knows
2. I Swear, All-4-One
these cats confused the hell outta me! they had two different boy groups put out a video with the exact same song (same vocals) and then they picked the less attractive ones to carry on with this horrible name. ick
3. I'll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men
yup. i remembered this one. hell. still do. had a thang for the lead singer. he was short and stocky. i like my men that way. rarely date them though -- wonder why? maybe if they would've sang this damn song to me it would've been on and CRACKING! lol
4. The Power Of Love, Celine Dion
she can sign her ass off. though my grandmother liked her more than me. only time i heard this bad boy was when she played it at the house or when i was channel surfing.
5. Hero, Mariah Carey
loved mariah like cooked food then - hated the song. knew it was a ploy at that Whitney "beleive the children are our future" crap. nobody believes in the children. everybody sucks! sorry - i had a flashback of teaching in the NY Public School System
7. Breathe Again, Toni Braxton
dope song. remember when she had shemar moore in the video. just to set the record straight he was born on april 20th (yup - my bday) and hes from oakland. can u say kismet muthasucka?
8. All For Love, Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
9. All That She Wants, Ace Of Base
sorta remembered this during Kennedy's High School Homecoming. we made fun of the kids that danced like Carlton from Fresh Prince.
10. Don't Turn Around, Ace Of Base
still laughing at their expense. though, i honestly liked this one in the confines of my own home.
11. Bump N' Grind, R. Kelly
loved this song. i had many a hump on the dance floor to this tune. i dont remember his name - but it was new year's. and he was holding onto my ass like he would fall off he didn't. and i pretended that his lil' hard thing was sexy and not annoying.
12. Again, Janet Jackson
i practiced every dance move this chica put onto video. i had the dances down like whoa. watch out now!
13. I'll Remember, Madonna
14. Whatta Man, Salt-N-Pepa
this was the jam! whatta man whatta man whatta man, what a mighty good man!!! remember Pac in this joint? and i actually thought Treach was sexy till i met him years later at a club in New York City. his drunken stupor told me he wasn't whatta man, but whatta drunk. whatta lush. whatta bust. go sit down somewhere.
16. Without You / Never Forget You, Mariah Carey
17. You Mean The World To Me, Toni Braxton
oooooh baby, baby, baby, baby, babbbbby! cause you mean so much to me!
19. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Prince Symbol
dominque dawes killed this video. and prince was not so bad hisself. at the moment this came out -- i wanted to be the most beautiful girl in the world. but he was too busy talking to that singer chick and pissing me off. i remember that well.
20. Fantastic Voyage, Coolio
loved this. yea, i know. its wack. but i was cali pride bursting through my pores. sue me!
22. Regulate, Warren G and Nate Dogg
mount up! this was hilarious. the video, the boys at my school that wanted to be nate dogg. yes!
24. Back and Forth, Aaliyah
so i was already rocking the do-rag and locs. it was courtesy of BOSS. but she made it more feminine. i fell head over heels learning the rock back n forth dance!
26. When Can I See You, Babyface
cute. sad. we were fighting alot during this song. me and myhigh school sweatheart. i ran over his foot with the car. then he chased me down to apologize. very wuthering heights.
28. So Much In Love, All-4-One
29. Shoop, Salt-N-Pepa
girls what's my weakness? men! ok this was kindergarten rap. but it was salt and pepa with spinderella! yea
30. Any Time, Any Place / And On And On, Janet Jackson
31. Shine, Collective Soul
34. All I Wanna Do, Sheryl Crow
35. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, Crash Test Dummies
36. Can We Talk, Tevin Campbell
love this one. back then, i thought flannel vests were really cool. bought myself two of them. wanted to cut my hair like the chick in the video. had my schoolfriend yvonne cut it in her mother's kitchen, cause i couldnt afford to go to the salon. it looked like someone put a bowl on my head and cut, then feathered it. niiice
37. Funkdafied, Da Brat
she sounded like a dope
38. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), Meat Loaf
didnt remember this til the dr pepper commerical. then i thought it was great!
39. Gangsta Lean, Drs
so i gotta tell this story. the dudes that sang this were from the capitol of cali (sacramento) and we were at the pool hall when one of the dudes from this group walked in. and we were like "hey" and he was like "eh" and we were like "you are that dude from DRS! sing the song!" and he was like "in that gangsta lean! that gangsta..." and he tried to make a grand exit out of the side door, when the door jam and his face smashed into the glass plate "leannnnnn" he crumbled. before smirking, blushing and shuffling outta the main entrance.
42. Whoomp! (There It Is), Tag Team
it was too close to WHOOT there it is. i was confused and refused to participate in any of this crap until it was echoed at the Arco Arena during a Kings home game.
44. Stroke You Up, Changing Faces
loved them.
45. I'm Ready, Tevin Campbell
loved this.
46. 100% Pure Love, Crystal Waters
learned to do house moves to this one!
47. Anytime You Need A Friend, Mariah Carey
48. Because Of Love, Janet Jackson
52. Gin And Juice, Snoop Doggy Dogg
this was when house parties were popp'n like fish grease. my boyfriend and i cut a patch of grass clean with this snoop tune. Dre was back in business and Cali moral was up at an all-time high!
53. Never Lie, Immature
55. Getto Jam, Domino
is he singing. is he rapping? is it sapping or r'singing? kept a party moving nonetheless. but after two songs (that sound suspiciously alike, where is he?"
56. Endless Love, Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
57. I Miss You w/ Aaron Hall
he lost his wife in the video! she died during birth of their child and he replaced her with two rockwielers? then i found out he was a deadbeat dad and a women beater. that's just great fukn mr hall! ruin the fantasy that i've had since 12th grade you fukn' fuk!
58, Understanding, Xscape
hip hop dressed sopranos. they were the wierdest looking group of girls! i thought they were a gang called UGLEE. liked the song though. and the 4 remixes that followed.
59. This D.J., Warren G
60. Cry For You, Jodeci
every man after this song was released, had a chance if he could just sing like K-Ci and looked like DeVante. ok. if his nane was DeVante or anything with a "D" that ended with "te" had a chance!
61. Keep Ya Head Up, 2Pac
RIP - felt like the man that supported the degradation of women had finally seen errors in his ways. then he released i get around. i danced to that song too. call me feminist interrupted!
62. Who Am I (What's My Name?), Snoop Doggy Dogg
64. Your Body's Callin', R. Kelly
65. Tootsee Roll, 69 Boyz
ha! did this dance so hard, cat's thought i made it up! lol visited my sister in baltimore, md when she was attending Morgan State University and turned out that damn party! what? to the left to the left, now slide, slide, dip baby, dip!
66. I Can See Clearly Now, Jimmy Cliff
beautiful. this made me think of elevators and shopping in the produce isle of Bel-Air.
67. Never Keeping Secrets, Babyface
yea. that's what they say after they get caught! this is what was playing when i found out about the ex calling my boyfriend. i stepped to her and she replied "we are like brother's and sisters!" i replied. "so you believe in incest?"
68. Crazy, Aerosmith
i loved this video! alicia silverstone was in the video with Liv and i was trying to figure out if she was gay or having a bad day getting over the asshole. i hated MTV for blurring out the middle finger scene. damn them!
70. At Your Best (You Are Love), Aaliyah
one of the few well executed remakes.
74. Groove Thang, Zhane
they were bald. they were beautiful. they could sing. i felt pretty again.
78. Anything, SWV
this joint made the crowd erupt. no fail. loved to hear it. loved the remix. listened to this album well into my sophmore year at Cosumnes River College.
81. Flava In Ya Ear, Craig Mack
what? hip hop has a new sound. it's called more than funky fresh - it's now DOPE.
82. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah
who you calling a ....?
83. Prayer For The Dying, Seal
he's such a wierd looking dude. i mean really. but once he let them dreads go - the structure of his face is incredibly beautiful.
84. Secret, Madonna
88. Got Me Waiting, Heavy D and The Boyz '
i loved how he was the best dancer. his big ass was moving like whoa. he made big men sexy to me. fa real!
93. Back In The Day, Ahmad
when i was young im not a kid anymore... still a classic
96. Always In My Heart, Tevin Campbell
97. What Is Love, Haddaway
98. And Our Feelings, Babyface
99. Bop Gun (One Nation), Ice Cube
100. I Wanna Be Down, Brandy
cute. perfectly innocent. and i wanted to be down too! i bought a flowered skirt and a jean vest dammit. i already was rocking braids -- but chunky box braids!? niccee
i sorta remember this one. what was i doing then? hell who knows
2. I Swear, All-4-One
these cats confused the hell outta me! they had two different boy groups put out a video with the exact same song (same vocals) and then they picked the less attractive ones to carry on with this horrible name. ick
3. I'll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men
yup. i remembered this one. hell. still do. had a thang for the lead singer. he was short and stocky. i like my men that way. rarely date them though -- wonder why? maybe if they would've sang this damn song to me it would've been on and CRACKING! lol
4. The Power Of Love, Celine Dion
she can sign her ass off. though my grandmother liked her more than me. only time i heard this bad boy was when she played it at the house or when i was channel surfing.
5. Hero, Mariah Carey
loved mariah like cooked food then - hated the song. knew it was a ploy at that Whitney "beleive the children are our future" crap. nobody believes in the children. everybody sucks! sorry - i had a flashback of teaching in the NY Public School System
7. Breathe Again, Toni Braxton
dope song. remember when she had shemar moore in the video. just to set the record straight he was born on april 20th (yup - my bday) and hes from oakland. can u say kismet muthasucka?
8. All For Love, Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
9. All That She Wants, Ace Of Base
sorta remembered this during Kennedy's High School Homecoming. we made fun of the kids that danced like Carlton from Fresh Prince.
10. Don't Turn Around, Ace Of Base
still laughing at their expense. though, i honestly liked this one in the confines of my own home.
11. Bump N' Grind, R. Kelly
loved this song. i had many a hump on the dance floor to this tune. i dont remember his name - but it was new year's. and he was holding onto my ass like he would fall off he didn't. and i pretended that his lil' hard thing was sexy and not annoying.
12. Again, Janet Jackson
i practiced every dance move this chica put onto video. i had the dances down like whoa. watch out now!
13. I'll Remember, Madonna
14. Whatta Man, Salt-N-Pepa
this was the jam! whatta man whatta man whatta man, what a mighty good man!!! remember Pac in this joint? and i actually thought Treach was sexy till i met him years later at a club in New York City. his drunken stupor told me he wasn't whatta man, but whatta drunk. whatta lush. whatta bust. go sit down somewhere.
16. Without You / Never Forget You, Mariah Carey
17. You Mean The World To Me, Toni Braxton
oooooh baby, baby, baby, baby, babbbbby! cause you mean so much to me!
19. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Prince Symbol
dominque dawes killed this video. and prince was not so bad hisself. at the moment this came out -- i wanted to be the most beautiful girl in the world. but he was too busy talking to that singer chick and pissing me off. i remember that well.
20. Fantastic Voyage, Coolio
loved this. yea, i know. its wack. but i was cali pride bursting through my pores. sue me!
22. Regulate, Warren G and Nate Dogg
mount up! this was hilarious. the video, the boys at my school that wanted to be nate dogg. yes!
24. Back and Forth, Aaliyah
so i was already rocking the do-rag and locs. it was courtesy of BOSS. but she made it more feminine. i fell head over heels learning the rock back n forth dance!
26. When Can I See You, Babyface
cute. sad. we were fighting alot during this song. me and myhigh school sweatheart. i ran over his foot with the car. then he chased me down to apologize. very wuthering heights.
28. So Much In Love, All-4-One
29. Shoop, Salt-N-Pepa
girls what's my weakness? men! ok this was kindergarten rap. but it was salt and pepa with spinderella! yea
30. Any Time, Any Place / And On And On, Janet Jackson
31. Shine, Collective Soul
34. All I Wanna Do, Sheryl Crow
35. Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, Crash Test Dummies
36. Can We Talk, Tevin Campbell
love this one. back then, i thought flannel vests were really cool. bought myself two of them. wanted to cut my hair like the chick in the video. had my schoolfriend yvonne cut it in her mother's kitchen, cause i couldnt afford to go to the salon. it looked like someone put a bowl on my head and cut, then feathered it. niiice
37. Funkdafied, Da Brat
she sounded like a dope
38. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), Meat Loaf
didnt remember this til the dr pepper commerical. then i thought it was great!
39. Gangsta Lean, Drs
so i gotta tell this story. the dudes that sang this were from the capitol of cali (sacramento) and we were at the pool hall when one of the dudes from this group walked in. and we were like "hey" and he was like "eh" and we were like "you are that dude from DRS! sing the song!" and he was like "in that gangsta lean! that gangsta..." and he tried to make a grand exit out of the side door, when the door jam and his face smashed into the glass plate "leannnnnn" he crumbled. before smirking, blushing and shuffling outta the main entrance.
42. Whoomp! (There It Is), Tag Team
it was too close to WHOOT there it is. i was confused and refused to participate in any of this crap until it was echoed at the Arco Arena during a Kings home game.
44. Stroke You Up, Changing Faces
loved them.
45. I'm Ready, Tevin Campbell
loved this.
46. 100% Pure Love, Crystal Waters
learned to do house moves to this one!
47. Anytime You Need A Friend, Mariah Carey
48. Because Of Love, Janet Jackson
52. Gin And Juice, Snoop Doggy Dogg
this was when house parties were popp'n like fish grease. my boyfriend and i cut a patch of grass clean with this snoop tune. Dre was back in business and Cali moral was up at an all-time high!
53. Never Lie, Immature
55. Getto Jam, Domino
is he singing. is he rapping? is it sapping or r'singing? kept a party moving nonetheless. but after two songs (that sound suspiciously alike, where is he?"
56. Endless Love, Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
57. I Miss You w/ Aaron Hall
he lost his wife in the video! she died during birth of their child and he replaced her with two rockwielers? then i found out he was a deadbeat dad and a women beater. that's just great fukn mr hall! ruin the fantasy that i've had since 12th grade you fukn' fuk!
58, Understanding, Xscape
hip hop dressed sopranos. they were the wierdest looking group of girls! i thought they were a gang called UGLEE. liked the song though. and the 4 remixes that followed.
59. This D.J., Warren G
60. Cry For You, Jodeci
every man after this song was released, had a chance if he could just sing like K-Ci and looked like DeVante. ok. if his nane was DeVante or anything with a "D" that ended with "te" had a chance!
61. Keep Ya Head Up, 2Pac
RIP - felt like the man that supported the degradation of women had finally seen errors in his ways. then he released i get around. i danced to that song too. call me feminist interrupted!
62. Who Am I (What's My Name?), Snoop Doggy Dogg
64. Your Body's Callin', R. Kelly
65. Tootsee Roll, 69 Boyz
ha! did this dance so hard, cat's thought i made it up! lol visited my sister in baltimore, md when she was attending Morgan State University and turned out that damn party! what? to the left to the left, now slide, slide, dip baby, dip!
66. I Can See Clearly Now, Jimmy Cliff
beautiful. this made me think of elevators and shopping in the produce isle of Bel-Air.
67. Never Keeping Secrets, Babyface
yea. that's what they say after they get caught! this is what was playing when i found out about the ex calling my boyfriend. i stepped to her and she replied "we are like brother's and sisters!" i replied. "so you believe in incest?"
68. Crazy, Aerosmith
i loved this video! alicia silverstone was in the video with Liv and i was trying to figure out if she was gay or having a bad day getting over the asshole. i hated MTV for blurring out the middle finger scene. damn them!
70. At Your Best (You Are Love), Aaliyah
one of the few well executed remakes.
74. Groove Thang, Zhane
they were bald. they were beautiful. they could sing. i felt pretty again.
78. Anything, SWV
this joint made the crowd erupt. no fail. loved to hear it. loved the remix. listened to this album well into my sophmore year at Cosumnes River College.
81. Flava In Ya Ear, Craig Mack
what? hip hop has a new sound. it's called more than funky fresh - it's now DOPE.
82. U.N.I.T.Y., Queen Latifah
who you calling a ....?
83. Prayer For The Dying, Seal
he's such a wierd looking dude. i mean really. but once he let them dreads go - the structure of his face is incredibly beautiful.
84. Secret, Madonna
88. Got Me Waiting, Heavy D and The Boyz '
i loved how he was the best dancer. his big ass was moving like whoa. he made big men sexy to me. fa real!
93. Back In The Day, Ahmad
when i was young im not a kid anymore... still a classic
96. Always In My Heart, Tevin Campbell
97. What Is Love, Haddaway
98. And Our Feelings, Babyface
99. Bop Gun (One Nation), Ice Cube
100. I Wanna Be Down, Brandy
cute. perfectly innocent. and i wanted to be down too! i bought a flowered skirt and a jean vest dammit. i already was rocking braids -- but chunky box braids!? niccee
Monday, September 19, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
nina simone and the tragedy that is my house
i packed the most obscenely big luggage bag of clothes for the katrina releif victims. then i made amari take all the toys and leap frog *which she never uses* and put them in a box. we found several brand new barbies, still in the box (if you are coming to her b-day party - she doesn't do barbies!?) and when chance and laila came to pick them up, with her 2 year old twins in tow. we were ready.
felt good to give something more than just money to the victims. i mean, you never know where that money is going -- so atleast that new jacket i brought at sears will look fly on someone (and its reversible, what?!). i wouldnt even let myself think twice about it. just folded it neatly into the bag and kept it moving.
all that packing got me prepared to write my homage to nina simone. i have been commissioned to write a poem inspired by soul singers. two years ago i was assigned donny hathaway (which aint bad - cause i love him like cooked food dammit!) and this year i was given the choice of any two soul singers i liked! ha -- bad idea for me. i love them all: etta james, etta jones (yes she's dope. check out don't go to strangers.), otis redding, donny, stevie, minnie riperton, marvin gaye, teddy pendegrass, billie holiday (though she is more blues-y)... the list goes on. so i broke it down to the two singers that made me extremely happy upon hearing. first it was otis redding and bill withers. i once listened to dreams to remember like 8 times in a row. it was disgusting - but his voice is so rich and painful that i swore if i didnt understand exactly what the hell was going on, i'd die. maybe not that dramatic - but im a writer dammit. what do you want? everything to me is do a die...i presume i've adopted the bed-stuy mantra too easily. but bill "hit women" withers had me at "use me". i watched on new year's 1999 as D'Angelo did a rendition of it on tv and that was it. i had to know who sang that damn song. it was infectious.
so those were my choices. until i remembered the importance of nina simone. i named my daughter after listening to her song "the other woman" - which i was so living through. it was then that i decided not to commit a felony. sounds lame to you - but great to the 3 - 5 i could've spent behind bars had i not cop'd her greatest hits cd.
felt good to give something more than just money to the victims. i mean, you never know where that money is going -- so atleast that new jacket i brought at sears will look fly on someone (and its reversible, what?!). i wouldnt even let myself think twice about it. just folded it neatly into the bag and kept it moving.
all that packing got me prepared to write my homage to nina simone. i have been commissioned to write a poem inspired by soul singers. two years ago i was assigned donny hathaway (which aint bad - cause i love him like cooked food dammit!) and this year i was given the choice of any two soul singers i liked! ha -- bad idea for me. i love them all: etta james, etta jones (yes she's dope. check out don't go to strangers.), otis redding, donny, stevie, minnie riperton, marvin gaye, teddy pendegrass, billie holiday (though she is more blues-y)... the list goes on. so i broke it down to the two singers that made me extremely happy upon hearing. first it was otis redding and bill withers. i once listened to dreams to remember like 8 times in a row. it was disgusting - but his voice is so rich and painful that i swore if i didnt understand exactly what the hell was going on, i'd die. maybe not that dramatic - but im a writer dammit. what do you want? everything to me is do a die...i presume i've adopted the bed-stuy mantra too easily. but bill "hit women" withers had me at "use me". i watched on new year's 1999 as D'Angelo did a rendition of it on tv and that was it. i had to know who sang that damn song. it was infectious.
so those were my choices. until i remembered the importance of nina simone. i named my daughter after listening to her song "the other woman" - which i was so living through. it was then that i decided not to commit a felony. sounds lame to you - but great to the 3 - 5 i could've spent behind bars had i not cop'd her greatest hits cd.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
shall we dance
i think i like the original (japanese) version better. though i gotta thing for richard gere
;)
;)
Friday, September 16, 2005
last nite
was beautiful.
i will write about it after i finish my proposal. we got sponsorship from current tv
how gangsta is that?
jam on it -- the new staple for poetry in NYC
nice :)
i will write about it after i finish my proposal. we got sponsorship from current tv
how gangsta is that?
jam on it -- the new staple for poetry in NYC
nice :)
Thursday, September 15, 2005
my answers... refer below if you wanna join in!
1) definitely kathy. after the blackface shyt with ted danza, i keep whoopi atleast 10 feet from me.
2)tupac of course. im from oakland. and how can you deny mackavelli?
3)red hot chilli peppers - of course
4)this a tie. but if i had to choose, i guess jewell. as i know more of her stuff...
5)alicia keys, duh. joss is cute. have both her albums - but there are no remakes remaking alicia's careeer.
6)jennifer aniston - though jolie is hotter, i have to nurture the broken hearted!
7)the rock DUH. dwayne had me at "do u smell what the rock is cooking!"
8)chris rock - the political genius of this man is incredible.
9)jayne cortez - nikki is dope. but jayne happens to remind me of the poets that may not be huge on the scene but obviously influenced those that are.
10)miles davis - though i hate womenbeaters, his music is incredible. wish he would've only played instruments with those hands.
11)sylvia plata - im so open off of this woman. i wish i couldve whooped ted hughes' ass for her pain.
12)immortal technique - personal friend. im so biased. besides - what other artist do you know that told DeF Jam to eat a dik over creative rights? niice1
3) norah jones - she's like a really comfortable sweater. fits perfectly always feels nice
14) nina simone - this one was the hardest. but nina stopped me from killing a muthasuka. and my daughter bears her name because of it
15) Jason Statham - hello! have you seen his abs? even when he isnt showing off the pecks, he has me laughing so hard in snatch, that i forgot that i didnt undetstand a word that brad pitt was saying "proper fuk?"
16) jessica simpson - i like the dumb blonde routine. i dunno whats wrong with me.
17) nationals 2005 (abq, definitely. i was homeless 2003 and finding out how fukd up the politics of slam poetry can really be (i.e., we dont like you - so fuk you and lets act like we dont know you. and good luck on feending for yourself out there with the serial rapist! now let me go write another single mother poem. i want 30's tonite i said. 30s!
18) poetry book - im a sucker for books. there are very few people that can create a beautifully produced cd.
19) the streetz - love saul. but the streets is my infatuation! "today i have achieved absolutely NIL"... the accent, the story lines - brilliant
20) corona with lime - though martini's can knock me on my ass. i love the comfort of a corona. and so many tricks with the bottle!
21) adolf hitler - though they were both fukd up - he was definitely honest ab. i guess i still have a problem with that day off courtesy of the other killer. besides, adolf and i share the same birthday. talk about creepy.
22) harpoon - i just like how the word rolls of my tongue
23) michael moore - i would so have his kids. the reporting, the sarcism, the realism. he is what americans need to hear when they think suburbia is just like any other place in the world. yea, right bitches
24) bill oreily - gotta love to hate a man who can throw stones while living in a glass mansion. ludacris is bad - nothing to say about the osbournes, and now - let's get some extra sexual harrassment ass on the side. its good for politics
25) jamaica - thats where my grandmother is from. i have never been. want to feel the sand beneath my feet and know it was a part of me before i ever touched it.
26) american's next top model- this show is the bomb! where else can you see really pretty girls go fukn bizarko thinking they arent as pretty as they really are? my fukn grammar school story! feel my pain tricks!
27) michelle rodriguez - i like ass kicking. sides. eva is dope - but she had the worst characters starting out. all about the benjamins? nuff said
28) hot wings - any time any place. im down to do a hot wings eat of rachel mckibbins. what the fuk? what? reservoir is right aroudn the corner muthasucka! yea, its nothing but space and opportunity! lmao
29) eiffel tower - probably cause i've never been.
30) spit - definitely spitting.
2)tupac of course. im from oakland. and how can you deny mackavelli?
3)red hot chilli peppers - of course
4)this a tie. but if i had to choose, i guess jewell. as i know more of her stuff...
5)alicia keys, duh. joss is cute. have both her albums - but there are no remakes remaking alicia's careeer.
6)jennifer aniston - though jolie is hotter, i have to nurture the broken hearted!
7)the rock DUH. dwayne had me at "do u smell what the rock is cooking!"
8)chris rock - the political genius of this man is incredible.
9)jayne cortez - nikki is dope. but jayne happens to remind me of the poets that may not be huge on the scene but obviously influenced those that are.
10)miles davis - though i hate womenbeaters, his music is incredible. wish he would've only played instruments with those hands.
11)sylvia plata - im so open off of this woman. i wish i couldve whooped ted hughes' ass for her pain.
12)immortal technique - personal friend. im so biased. besides - what other artist do you know that told DeF Jam to eat a dik over creative rights? niice1
3) norah jones - she's like a really comfortable sweater. fits perfectly always feels nice
14) nina simone - this one was the hardest. but nina stopped me from killing a muthasuka. and my daughter bears her name because of it
15) Jason Statham - hello! have you seen his abs? even when he isnt showing off the pecks, he has me laughing so hard in snatch, that i forgot that i didnt undetstand a word that brad pitt was saying "proper fuk?"
16) jessica simpson - i like the dumb blonde routine. i dunno whats wrong with me.
17) nationals 2005 (abq, definitely. i was homeless 2003 and finding out how fukd up the politics of slam poetry can really be (i.e., we dont like you - so fuk you and lets act like we dont know you. and good luck on feending for yourself out there with the serial rapist! now let me go write another single mother poem. i want 30's tonite i said. 30s!
18) poetry book - im a sucker for books. there are very few people that can create a beautifully produced cd.
19) the streetz - love saul. but the streets is my infatuation! "today i have achieved absolutely NIL"... the accent, the story lines - brilliant
20) corona with lime - though martini's can knock me on my ass. i love the comfort of a corona. and so many tricks with the bottle!
21) adolf hitler - though they were both fukd up - he was definitely honest ab. i guess i still have a problem with that day off courtesy of the other killer. besides, adolf and i share the same birthday. talk about creepy.
22) harpoon - i just like how the word rolls of my tongue
23) michael moore - i would so have his kids. the reporting, the sarcism, the realism. he is what americans need to hear when they think suburbia is just like any other place in the world. yea, right bitches
24) bill oreily - gotta love to hate a man who can throw stones while living in a glass mansion. ludacris is bad - nothing to say about the osbournes, and now - let's get some extra sexual harrassment ass on the side. its good for politics
25) jamaica - thats where my grandmother is from. i have never been. want to feel the sand beneath my feet and know it was a part of me before i ever touched it.
26) american's next top model- this show is the bomb! where else can you see really pretty girls go fukn bizarko thinking they arent as pretty as they really are? my fukn grammar school story! feel my pain tricks!
27) michelle rodriguez - i like ass kicking. sides. eva is dope - but she had the worst characters starting out. all about the benjamins? nuff said
28) hot wings - any time any place. im down to do a hot wings eat of rachel mckibbins. what the fuk? what? reservoir is right aroudn the corner muthasucka! yea, its nothing but space and opportunity! lmao
29) eiffel tower - probably cause i've never been.
30) spit - definitely spitting.
for my bloggers that love making choices!
1)whoopi goldberg or kathy griffin?
2)dmx or tupac?
3)green day or red hot chilli peppers?
4)fiona apple or jewel?
5)joss stone or alicia keys?
6)angelina jolie or jennifer aniston?
7)the rock or vin diesel?
8)chris rock or chris tucker?
9)nikki giovanni or jayne cortez?
10)miles davis or charlie parker?
11)sylvia plata or rita dove?
12)sage francis or immortal technique
13) sarah mclaughlin or norah jones
14) nina simone or etta james?
15) clive owen (sin city, closer) or Jason Statham (transporter, snatch)?
16) jessica simpson or jessica rabbit?
17) nationals 2003 (chicago) or nationals 2005 (abq)?
18) poetry book or poetry cd?
19) the streetz or saul williams?
20) apple martini or corona with lime?
21) adolf hitler or christopher columbus?
22) gun or harpoon?
23) michael moore or bill maher?
24) rush limbaugh or bill oreily?
25) jamaica or puerto rico?
26) american's next top model or american idol?
27) michelle rodriguez or eva mendes?
28) hot wings or bbq ribs?
29) empire state building or the eiffel tower?
30) spit or swallow?
2)dmx or tupac?
3)green day or red hot chilli peppers?
4)fiona apple or jewel?
5)joss stone or alicia keys?
6)angelina jolie or jennifer aniston?
7)the rock or vin diesel?
8)chris rock or chris tucker?
9)nikki giovanni or jayne cortez?
10)miles davis or charlie parker?
11)sylvia plata or rita dove?
12)sage francis or immortal technique
13) sarah mclaughlin or norah jones
14) nina simone or etta james?
15) clive owen (sin city, closer) or Jason Statham (transporter, snatch)?
16) jessica simpson or jessica rabbit?
17) nationals 2003 (chicago) or nationals 2005 (abq)?
18) poetry book or poetry cd?
19) the streetz or saul williams?
20) apple martini or corona with lime?
21) adolf hitler or christopher columbus?
22) gun or harpoon?
23) michael moore or bill maher?
24) rush limbaugh or bill oreily?
25) jamaica or puerto rico?
26) american's next top model or american idol?
27) michelle rodriguez or eva mendes?
28) hot wings or bbq ribs?
29) empire state building or the eiffel tower?
30) spit or swallow?
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
knock, knock
where is everyone?
what did you dream of last nite?
i dreamt of nothing. but i wished i would've dreamed of pretty flowers, like the color purple, a field of them surrounding me, and my toothache walking away in the distance with my cable and phone bills.
hmmmm. the life of a grown up is hard
what did you dream of last nite?
i dreamt of nothing. but i wished i would've dreamed of pretty flowers, like the color purple, a field of them surrounding me, and my toothache walking away in the distance with my cable and phone bills.
hmmmm. the life of a grown up is hard
Monday, September 12, 2005
jam love...nice! keep 'em coming!
both [shows] were a brilliant display of poetry at its finest, both shows were HILARIOUS, i enjoy the humor tremendously
as long as you keep on bringing orginal acts like you have been doing there shouldnt be a problem. the performances all have a different quality and they all bring something special to the show. it seems as if your show is a (better) prequel to def poetry jam, only without the corny celebrity guest appearances that cant write for shit.
all the poets SHINE with this peaceful aura, evvveerryybbooddyyy there is amazingly beautiful, and the poets are clearly professionals at what they do! they have been doing this for years and know how to work an audience and it shows.
good stuff, man. inspiring, really.
--lucy (attended jam on it aug & sept)
as long as you keep on bringing orginal acts like you have been doing there shouldnt be a problem. the performances all have a different quality and they all bring something special to the show. it seems as if your show is a (better) prequel to def poetry jam, only without the corny celebrity guest appearances that cant write for shit.
all the poets SHINE with this peaceful aura, evvveerryybbooddyyy there is amazingly beautiful, and the poets are clearly professionals at what they do! they have been doing this for years and know how to work an audience and it shows.
good stuff, man. inspiring, really.
--lucy (attended jam on it aug & sept)
Sunday, September 11, 2005
how sweet it is
jam on it -- another SOLD OUT SHOW!
the lineup was crazy!
samantha raheem, big mike, ainsley burrows and rives!
they all ripped it - in half. jive kicked his new erotic sensation: suspended animation and i worked with scraps for the soul (food). then we had the most beautiful openers including Urban Word's own Elizabeth Acevedo. YO she's only 17 and pure fire, trust me! then we had my people's all the way from Miami (for a wedding and still rep'n) will da real one! how gangsta was it? just as the fire department that was called - as not only was it crazy, it was crazy hot! we were also blessed with MONA from the baton rogue poetry scene, who was there to visit, but enlightened us of the NOLA status. she described the tragedy with more horror than newspapers and tv could allow. it was painful. and real. and we pulled an auction together for her just to send some dough home with this sista. cause she was in the trenches, and needed to know NY cares.
it was an incredible night. it really was. i sound like a maniac, i know. but it was so dope - i wanted to start all over again just to experience it like the first time. lol
much love to all ya'll that came out -- especially my favorite college student in the whole world, ms AJA and ALL OF SARAH LAWRENCE college! they rep'd so hard and picked up chairs before and after -- it was beautiful. our video department (yea, JAM ON IT is doing it big kid) ENZO & ASKIA, much love for all the hard work! fa real! ms COURT for helping when we needed it the most. we also had my girl AMANDA DIVA rep'n -- definitely a sista of the pen. NATHAN P of NUYORICAN fame and so many others in the building. and i've fallen numb -- need more sleep, i'm sure. will get back to you
cuddle more
mo
the lineup was crazy!
samantha raheem, big mike, ainsley burrows and rives!
they all ripped it - in half. jive kicked his new erotic sensation: suspended animation and i worked with scraps for the soul (food). then we had the most beautiful openers including Urban Word's own Elizabeth Acevedo. YO she's only 17 and pure fire, trust me! then we had my people's all the way from Miami (for a wedding and still rep'n) will da real one! how gangsta was it? just as the fire department that was called - as not only was it crazy, it was crazy hot! we were also blessed with MONA from the baton rogue poetry scene, who was there to visit, but enlightened us of the NOLA status. she described the tragedy with more horror than newspapers and tv could allow. it was painful. and real. and we pulled an auction together for her just to send some dough home with this sista. cause she was in the trenches, and needed to know NY cares.
it was an incredible night. it really was. i sound like a maniac, i know. but it was so dope - i wanted to start all over again just to experience it like the first time. lol
much love to all ya'll that came out -- especially my favorite college student in the whole world, ms AJA and ALL OF SARAH LAWRENCE college! they rep'd so hard and picked up chairs before and after -- it was beautiful. our video department (yea, JAM ON IT is doing it big kid) ENZO & ASKIA, much love for all the hard work! fa real! ms COURT for helping when we needed it the most. we also had my girl AMANDA DIVA rep'n -- definitely a sista of the pen. NATHAN P of NUYORICAN fame and so many others in the building. and i've fallen numb -- need more sleep, i'm sure. will get back to you
cuddle more
mo
Friday, September 09, 2005
how things shine ugly under the sun
"we can all agree that George W. Bush is not good when it comes to crisis" -- bill maher
"let's talk about the president's mother, and its obvious the moron doesn't fall far from the tree" -- bill maher
"she's a douche bag" -- george carlin
here, here to HBO's bill maher slot!
writing exercise:
personify a tragedy of any lifetime.
its time to move mountains.
"let's talk about the president's mother, and its obvious the moron doesn't fall far from the tree" -- bill maher
"she's a douche bag" -- george carlin
here, here to HBO's bill maher slot!
writing exercise:
personify a tragedy of any lifetime.
its time to move mountains.
tomorrow
can't WAIT
the show is here... it's here i say!
and guess what, we've already planned the next two!
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE THERE!
and i have great sponsor news -- can you say TV?
you want more? come back
the show is here... it's here i say!
and guess what, we've already planned the next two!
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE THERE!
and i have great sponsor news -- can you say TV?
you want more? come back
Thursday, September 08, 2005
little black book
watching the movie. didnt realize how parallel that is to life.
i know for a fact -- it isn't as psychotic as the movie makes it seem. atleast, i should hope not.
but my question is: when is it too much?
when you listen to your mate's phone conversations? i think so
when you spy on someone -- that's the same thing as stalking! not cool
checking someone's voicemail? not good either.
but, let's be honest for a second. have you ever gotten so wrapped up in the need to know WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON that you slipped? checked the lover's palm pilot? went thru the pants pockets to check for mysterious phone numbers?
have you ever wanted to know what your lover really was like when your eyes weren't caressing their every feature in pure adoration and naivete?
or were you the lucky one? knew them like the back of your hand and trusted that they would never sully your comittement with illicit behaviour and questionable friendships/relationships.
did you have it so good that your loved one could stay up late, talking on the phone to the opposite sex -- or better yet, they call your house late at night, innocent and questioning your loved ones whereabouts -- and you still believe they were the ends all to be'z all. could do no wrong. dammit! that's your man (or woman) and she would never lie to you! or play you for BOBO the fool.
that said. the movie is a bit extreme. but definitely understandable. here is her guy. telling her one thing. but living a totally different life on the side which includes: ex-girlfriends (that are still in love with him), really good friends (that are girls) that are really not in love them - just still loves them, however, current had kgirlfriend has no knowledge that said relationships even exist!
and they wonder why love makes you crazy!
ed note: love isn't bad. people who don't respect love are!
bklyn livewire
i know for a fact -- it isn't as psychotic as the movie makes it seem. atleast, i should hope not.
but my question is: when is it too much?
when you listen to your mate's phone conversations? i think so
when you spy on someone -- that's the same thing as stalking! not cool
checking someone's voicemail? not good either.
but, let's be honest for a second. have you ever gotten so wrapped up in the need to know WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON that you slipped? checked the lover's palm pilot? went thru the pants pockets to check for mysterious phone numbers?
have you ever wanted to know what your lover really was like when your eyes weren't caressing their every feature in pure adoration and naivete?
or were you the lucky one? knew them like the back of your hand and trusted that they would never sully your comittement with illicit behaviour and questionable friendships/relationships.
did you have it so good that your loved one could stay up late, talking on the phone to the opposite sex -- or better yet, they call your house late at night, innocent and questioning your loved ones whereabouts -- and you still believe they were the ends all to be'z all. could do no wrong. dammit! that's your man (or woman) and she would never lie to you! or play you for BOBO the fool.
that said. the movie is a bit extreme. but definitely understandable. here is her guy. telling her one thing. but living a totally different life on the side which includes: ex-girlfriends (that are still in love with him), really good friends (that are girls) that are really not in love them - just still loves them, however, current had kgirlfriend has no knowledge that said relationships even exist!
and they wonder why love makes you crazy!
ed note: love isn't bad. people who don't respect love are!
bklyn livewire
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
5 things that i love about bklyn
i. you can always count on the touch football gang that the kids are having outside your front door. and you can always bet that they will miss a catch and it land atop your hooptie.
ii. the trains smell like freedom. freedom. and piss and body odor. but the idea -- that the freedom from that hell will release you upon your stop is truly, ahem, refreshing.
iii. people can be mean as hell. but atleast you know what the hell they think of you ahead of time!
iv. you can actually eat anything in the world -- right here in the biggest borough (people wise). cheesecake - juniors, french toast - mike's, beef patty - golden krust, chicken wings & fries - any chinese food spot on any corner, bbq beef ribs - soul food kitchen, pechuga de pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken dammit) - clinton (well thats right outside of bklyn, but im claiming it dammit!
v. the bootleg dude can be found at your flatbush intersection or the hair shop. that's right 3 cd's for 5 bucks! what? question is - do you carry mahogany browne's album? lol
ii. the trains smell like freedom. freedom. and piss and body odor. but the idea -- that the freedom from that hell will release you upon your stop is truly, ahem, refreshing.
iii. people can be mean as hell. but atleast you know what the hell they think of you ahead of time!
iv. you can actually eat anything in the world -- right here in the biggest borough (people wise). cheesecake - juniors, french toast - mike's, beef patty - golden krust, chicken wings & fries - any chinese food spot on any corner, bbq beef ribs - soul food kitchen, pechuga de pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken dammit) - clinton (well thats right outside of bklyn, but im claiming it dammit!
v. the bootleg dude can be found at your flatbush intersection or the hair shop. that's right 3 cd's for 5 bucks! what? question is - do you carry mahogany browne's album? lol
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
dear barbara bush
after reading your comment about "Things Working Out "Very Well" for Poor Evacuees from New Orleans" i almost choked. then i laughed. a really good heartfelt bellow of a laugh. because it all made sense. how dumb your son is. how fucked in the head your husband is. how they can even exist as if there is no one dying everday because of their choices.
and your privilege astonishes me. how you sit so pretty and dainty and without blood on your palms - just neat white gloves - somehow ignoring your hand in all of this. you should've told him Barb. when he was sleeping. when he was brushing his teeth. when he was shaving. you should have warned him across the breakfast table. or during tea. when you were walking thru customs or headed to a dinner party with the neighbors. Barb, as a woman and a mother it is your birthrite to protect the children. all of them. even that idiot son of yours. i mean, when he went AWOL, i'm sure you were there to comfort him, right?
instead, you laugh. like a beast is rumbling in your belly. how do you sleep? better yet, how do you dream without the nightmares tearing open your soul and feasting on the nothingness that roots your family tree? and when you laughed mother bush. added to an already asinine comment - "What I’m hearing is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality."And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this--this (she chuckles slightly) is working very well for them." -- i thought the world would open from the bottom and swallow you whole. atleast, i know that's what you wished would have happened. to think your hospitality was genuine was the biggest mistake, you cannot buy your way into heaven Barb, only hell. and by the look of things, your family will be treated well there.
sincerely,
m.l. browne
and your privilege astonishes me. how you sit so pretty and dainty and without blood on your palms - just neat white gloves - somehow ignoring your hand in all of this. you should've told him Barb. when he was sleeping. when he was brushing his teeth. when he was shaving. you should have warned him across the breakfast table. or during tea. when you were walking thru customs or headed to a dinner party with the neighbors. Barb, as a woman and a mother it is your birthrite to protect the children. all of them. even that idiot son of yours. i mean, when he went AWOL, i'm sure you were there to comfort him, right?
instead, you laugh. like a beast is rumbling in your belly. how do you sleep? better yet, how do you dream without the nightmares tearing open your soul and feasting on the nothingness that roots your family tree? and when you laughed mother bush. added to an already asinine comment - "What I’m hearing is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality."And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this--this (she chuckles slightly) is working very well for them." -- i thought the world would open from the bottom and swallow you whole. atleast, i know that's what you wished would have happened. to think your hospitality was genuine was the biggest mistake, you cannot buy your way into heaven Barb, only hell. and by the look of things, your family will be treated well there.
sincerely,
m.l. browne
Monday, September 05, 2005
its monday
hmmmmm
i think i am concocting the next masterpiece.
it has to do with strings, bells, political platform and tv production...
i think i am concocting the next masterpiece.
it has to do with strings, bells, political platform and tv production...
condo RIZ speaks
HURRICANE HELL: THE REFUGEES: RICE: BUSH DIDN'T ABANDON BLACKS
AMERICAN Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday defended President Bush against accusations of racism in the Louisiana rescue effort.
On Friday during a charity telethon, rap star Kanye West said: "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The Rev Jesse Jackson has also lashed out at the Bush administration, saying: "There's a historical indifference to the pain of poor people and black people."
Rice said: "That Americans would somehow in a colour-affected way decide who to help and who not to help, I just don't believe it. Nobody, especially the president, would have left people unattended on the basis of race."
AMERICAN Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday defended President Bush against accusations of racism in the Louisiana rescue effort.
On Friday during a charity telethon, rap star Kanye West said: "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The Rev Jesse Jackson has also lashed out at the Bush administration, saying: "There's a historical indifference to the pain of poor people and black people."
Rice said: "That Americans would somehow in a colour-affected way decide who to help and who not to help, I just don't believe it. Nobody, especially the president, would have left people unattended on the basis of race."
Sunday, September 04, 2005
sick...
i am nursing a cold
j got the sniffles now -- this sucks
though the chicken noodle soup was quite good
j got the sniffles now -- this sucks
though the chicken noodle soup was quite good
Friday, September 02, 2005
katrina and other matters of the heart
yoooo!
beautiful outside. even though my allergies are kicking my butt!
we have a bbq to attend tomorrow -- at big mike's in Jersey!
that'll be fun!
with all the death and destruction right now - i think we need that moment to
breath
watching all the horror about new orleans. i was just there 4 weeks ago... it's so surreal
i was looking at the sno globe i bought when visiting new orleans...i can't even imagine how these mothers are feeding their children. there is no drinkable water. this is what a 3rd world country
deals with everyday, j says. he' s right.
i have some assignments to finish.
gotta finish this poem for the Katrina Relief show at Sarah Lawrence. my youth mentor, aja is heading it. i'm so proud of her. she has a warrior spirit. pure fire. and love.
live in babylon
beautiful outside. even though my allergies are kicking my butt!
we have a bbq to attend tomorrow -- at big mike's in Jersey!
that'll be fun!
with all the death and destruction right now - i think we need that moment to
breath
watching all the horror about new orleans. i was just there 4 weeks ago... it's so surreal
i was looking at the sno globe i bought when visiting new orleans...i can't even imagine how these mothers are feeding their children. there is no drinkable water. this is what a 3rd world country
deals with everyday, j says. he' s right.
i have some assignments to finish.
gotta finish this poem for the Katrina Relief show at Sarah Lawrence. my youth mentor, aja is heading it. i'm so proud of her. she has a warrior spirit. pure fire. and love.
live in babylon
10 TICKETS
ive been working and running and flying everywhere. but this is important
get these last 10 tickets ya'll!
this show will pop like fish grease -- as did the last joint!
see ya soon!
www.jamonitpoetry.com
you can buy the tickets there! cya soon
m
get these last 10 tickets ya'll!
this show will pop like fish grease -- as did the last joint!
see ya soon!
www.jamonitpoetry.com
you can buy the tickets there! cya soon
m
Monday, August 29, 2005
windy city
too much to say. too little time
so imma keep it gutter!
- show in milwaukee @ taboo
-missed amari more than i knew. she's taller than me. well almost
-good to hang with the fam
-great to hang with my poetry fam in arkansas (love ya sonya, marcell, mike, whoppeecat, doug and all thos poets from little rock!)
will come back when kinko's ain't charging an arm and a leg -- and the kids aren't in the car
pantin' like wild wolves.
live from CHI-town, on her way to MILWAUKEE, missing BKLYN baddd
so imma keep it gutter!
- show in milwaukee @ taboo
-missed amari more than i knew. she's taller than me. well almost
-good to hang with the fam
-great to hang with my poetry fam in arkansas (love ya sonya, marcell, mike, whoppeecat, doug and all thos poets from little rock!)
will come back when kinko's ain't charging an arm and a leg -- and the kids aren't in the car
pantin' like wild wolves.
live from CHI-town, on her way to MILWAUKEE, missing BKLYN baddd
Saturday, August 27, 2005
ARKANSAS & MIKE MCGEE
touched down in little rock around 10pm. 2 and a half hours (you know a sista loves to speed on a highway) and i finally turn into my hotel.
woke up, braided my hair then decided to take a walk thru fayetteville, arkansas.
went to the farmers market, book shopping and to pick up coffee and a bagel
made it back to the hotel in time to see mike mcgee smoking a cig in the front
we converse about poetry rockstars and the fallbacks of touring
5 things i've learned in the last 13 hours:
it's ok to buy books when touring. where else can you find the autobiography of leroi jones (amiri barake), pearl cleage and james weldon johnson for less than 30 bucks??
it is needed. conversations between poets and thinkers. writers and activists. to know you are not alone. MCGEE RULES
nextel still works whenever the hell it wants too. how's that for a new freekn phone?
buying clothes from the "URBAN" store may not be a good idea. though the shirt is very flyy (cause it is) remember that you can get the same shirt in LA (where the owner shops for her store) at a discounted price.
its ok to call home. especially when someone is waiting for you.
woke up, braided my hair then decided to take a walk thru fayetteville, arkansas.
went to the farmers market, book shopping and to pick up coffee and a bagel
made it back to the hotel in time to see mike mcgee smoking a cig in the front
we converse about poetry rockstars and the fallbacks of touring
5 things i've learned in the last 13 hours:
it's ok to buy books when touring. where else can you find the autobiography of leroi jones (amiri barake), pearl cleage and james weldon johnson for less than 30 bucks??
it is needed. conversations between poets and thinkers. writers and activists. to know you are not alone. MCGEE RULES
nextel still works whenever the hell it wants too. how's that for a new freekn phone?
buying clothes from the "URBAN" store may not be a good idea. though the shirt is very flyy (cause it is) remember that you can get the same shirt in LA (where the owner shops for her store) at a discounted price.
its ok to call home. especially when someone is waiting for you.
Friday, August 26, 2005
pop my collar like the fonz
woke up late!
dammit -- didn't get a chance to move the car (but someone had mercy
cause i didnt get a ticket!! yay)
no time for color copies or phys therapy appointment.
just time to kiss my man while he sleeps and remind a friend...
liveMIK -- you gotta shake them haters, ma.
they wait for your strut to stagger so they can bite your essence
and wear it like a mink.
trust me. i've lived thru it.
they want to be you sooo bad - they start talking like you, writing like you, hell - probably dressing like you. that's if you let 'em.
remember they can imitate excellence - but can they re-create genuis?
dammit -- didn't get a chance to move the car (but someone had mercy
cause i didnt get a ticket!! yay)
no time for color copies or phys therapy appointment.
just time to kiss my man while he sleeps and remind a friend...
liveMIK -- you gotta shake them haters, ma.
they wait for your strut to stagger so they can bite your essence
and wear it like a mink.
trust me. i've lived thru it.
they want to be you sooo bad - they start talking like you, writing like you, hell - probably dressing like you. that's if you let 'em.
remember they can imitate excellence - but can they re-create genuis?
wrong with right
something is wrong
i can feel it
im not too happy these days with people
whats the difference, you ask...? i dont know. now it kinda resonates with me.
i hope im just PMSn
as usual drama lingers
every fiber of me is like: don't start no shyt won't be no shyt
i wish people would read the signs
still dealing with the slam team sabatoge
ugh -- reminder that people can really be asses
all in the name of what?
there it goes again - my brain vibrating to the world:
dont start no shyt, wont be no shyt!
that goes for you too!
i can feel it
im not too happy these days with people
whats the difference, you ask...? i dont know. now it kinda resonates with me.
i hope im just PMSn
as usual drama lingers
every fiber of me is like: don't start no shyt won't be no shyt
i wish people would read the signs
still dealing with the slam team sabatoge
ugh -- reminder that people can really be asses
all in the name of what?
there it goes again - my brain vibrating to the world:
dont start no shyt, wont be no shyt!
that goes for you too!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
mos def and baby mommas
so there she is -- ms mos def. he married her after meeting her in the club. within 72 hours - they were happily ever after...
speaking of baby mama's (well i wasn't just yet - but ya know): i wonder what mos def's baby moms is thinking right now?
have you listened to his last album -- J hip'd me to the infidelity references so i wonder. were they working on their relationship? or was he just a no show in that category?
wonder if she ever knew he would turn from Dante to mos def in all his genuisness leave her in the dust. with grammy nominations in one hand & this new chick in the other...
just wondering. i mean. who am i? besides a vindictive, male hating, writer broad?!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
damn...
cant go back to sleep
gotta clean up now, i guess
i've kept the kitchen clean (which is HUGE for me)
but my room still has luggage from the 3 week stint, before the week away in new mexico -- booo..
gotta do the laundry. not now - but right now.
need to reserve a rental car -- IMMEDIATELY
i am stuck watching the child star biographies on AE and searching for blogs that don't exist
waiting for the world to stop moving - ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
but i will mail out those tickets (10 orders just this morning!!)
no you can't be mad at that!
gotta clean up now, i guess
i've kept the kitchen clean (which is HUGE for me)
but my room still has luggage from the 3 week stint, before the week away in new mexico -- booo..
gotta do the laundry. not now - but right now.
need to reserve a rental car -- IMMEDIATELY
i am stuck watching the child star biographies on AE and searching for blogs that don't exist
waiting for the world to stop moving - ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
but i will mail out those tickets (10 orders just this morning!!)
no you can't be mad at that!
no sleep til brooklyn
thought it was just a song... stayed up til 6am this morning... i need to get back right with my sleeping habits. amari is home soon and her school schedule will kick my ass if i don't!
going back to bed...dammit
going back to bed...dammit
30 TICKETS LEFT, JAM ON IT -- SEPT 10, 2005!
www.jamonitpoetry.com
das right. jive and i have taken it ova... next stop - ya hood! lol
check out the site! where we feature the newest lineup of the poetry circuts hottest artists!
we only have 30 tickets left of the 120 seater theatre!
www.jamonitpoetry.com
if you are asking yourself why you should check - don't! just check it out!
come enjoy a night full of POETRY ROCKSTARS!
if you were wondering how you could buy your ticket any sooner -- here's ya chance!
so what are you waiting on?
www.jamonitpoetry.com
das right. jive and i have taken it ova... next stop - ya hood! lol
check out the site! where we feature the newest lineup of the poetry circuts hottest artists!
we only have 30 tickets left of the 120 seater theatre!
www.jamonitpoetry.com
if you are asking yourself why you should check - don't! just check it out!
come enjoy a night full of POETRY ROCKSTARS!
if you were wondering how you could buy your ticket any sooner -- here's ya chance!
so what are you waiting on?
www.jamonitpoetry.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
diggin'
charmed the tv show is the best!
i have no idea what i am working on these days -- lets just say STUFF... sigh...
i have coffee meetins all day... also reading andrea gibson's material. she sent me a package of her poetry -- her writing is so heavy. i love her ish!
talked to one of my absolute favorite londoners! agnes - my co-author in the upcoming book of poetry, is awaiting my arrival in October. we will have a ball. i can't wait to see her. she is also feeling the heel of the world's sneaker - so i will be the friend that she deserves. knock it off track and help her dust off. i love her
amari comes home on friday! well - i have a slam in arkansas, then i take a plane to chicago to pick her up. where we will hang out at the theme park with my neice and nephew before i have a show in milwaukee. then we will come home! yeaaaa
gotta run some errands. see ya soon
poetry bites...hard & sometimes - it leaves a mark
i have no idea what i am working on these days -- lets just say STUFF... sigh...
i have coffee meetins all day... also reading andrea gibson's material. she sent me a package of her poetry -- her writing is so heavy. i love her ish!
talked to one of my absolute favorite londoners! agnes - my co-author in the upcoming book of poetry, is awaiting my arrival in October. we will have a ball. i can't wait to see her. she is also feeling the heel of the world's sneaker - so i will be the friend that she deserves. knock it off track and help her dust off. i love her
amari comes home on friday! well - i have a slam in arkansas, then i take a plane to chicago to pick her up. where we will hang out at the theme park with my neice and nephew before i have a show in milwaukee. then we will come home! yeaaaa
gotta run some errands. see ya soon
poetry bites...hard & sometimes - it leaves a mark
Monday, August 22, 2005
life before now...
i was talking to someone about my life -- before this poetry thang. and i think that i have one of the luckiest lives ever. really. i mean, i was kidnapped by my father as a ploy to control my mother when i was a couple of years old. we stayed in oklahama for almost 6 months. when he returned me to my mother, she was at work (some federal bank) and demanded for her to leave with us immediately. she was too slow, cause he hit her. again. that was the last memory i have of my father. the police cornering him down the stairs of some back entrance. him telling me to walk fast. my mother crying. me singing. and then -- i don't really remember to much of him after that.
i know i saw him every now and then. like when i was 12. he slapped me in the face for interrupting him while he was talking to his friend. i wasn't trying to be disrespectful -- i just wanted to show him how smart i was. i mean damn. i hadn't seen him in almost 10 years! next time i saw him it was at my high school graduation. i was 18. not really concerned if he saw how intelligent i had become. he was visibly struggling with being a free man and addicted to drugs. he would land back in prison on some type of violation within 6 months. and the last time i saw him -- my daughter was 6 months old. i asked him to hold her so i could take a picture of them together. i knew then it would probably be the last time i saw him alive. and the last time amari would be able to see her grandfather at all. that was 7 years ago.
the men i date almost NEVER resemble him. my father. i know that people have that complex. women date men like their fathers or maybe alot of men because they didn't have their father. but me -- i date men who are NOTHING LIKE HIM. if they even chew like him or walk like him -- it's a wrap! i'm also quit violent. i have never hit a man -- but i'm always ready to swing them thangs. my mother was beaten. severely. my father's mother dealt with that bullshit from my grandfather until she stabbed him in the leg with a fork. calmed his ass down -- but not his attitude. he would keep that fire in him until he passed from cancer. it was crazy, cause i never saw that while he held me close. i thought he was HEAVEN. but i know he was hell on earth when it came to my grandma. and i just don't know why. my maternal grandmother had it a lil' different. she dealt with verbal and emotional abuse. and she was a trooper. she held down the entire family. got me and my sister and my brother and my mother into school. talked my grandfather (who remained her best friend even after they divorced) into going back to school. she was just the dopest. i think i have her spirit.
i tend to want to help EVERYONE. especially whomever i am dating. and it can be hard. amari's father -- the ass that he is -- benefited from this immensely. i did everything from helping him with his financial aid papers to transporting him from one job to the second job! but i believed in him. all because he was EVERYTHING that my father WASN'T. or so i thought!
my father was a womanizer --- he wasn't faithful *found that part out when amari was 3 months old!
my father was hardly there for me growing up --- he is only there when i make it convenient for him to do so (i.e., buy airline ticket, call constantly, etc).
and the list goes on. i thought he was a good guy. and i found out he was human. like everyone else. problem is -- i got a problem with liars. a big problem. my father was good for telling me one thing and doing another. it happened enough that i gained a complex with people saying something and doing something totally different. even now. i SPAZ out if someone says one thing and does the total opposite. i'm like "BE HONEST ASSHOLE". we aren't kids - there is no PUNISHMENT or TIME OUT. be a freekn adult! i can trace it back to the last childhood memory of my father.
i was 12. and we were at my grandparent's house. my father was downstairs getting high with a cousin. i wandered in the room, trying to be nosey -- ya know, doing what young kids do. and caught them. i ran upstairs to tell my grandpa - thinking it was nothing huge... as i had never actually SEEN him getting high. but after my grandfather went OFF and tossed my father out of the house -- i knew i had messed up. i kept saying sorry and my father brushed it off. said, "hey. don't worry. i'm just going to the store. i will be back. what do you want?"
i asked for an orange soda. and then i didn't see him again until my high school graduation. it wasn't until i reached my mid-twenties that i realized i was deeply affected. besides steering clear of men that even remotely resembled my father - i also refused to drink orange soda.
go figure...
i know i saw him every now and then. like when i was 12. he slapped me in the face for interrupting him while he was talking to his friend. i wasn't trying to be disrespectful -- i just wanted to show him how smart i was. i mean damn. i hadn't seen him in almost 10 years! next time i saw him it was at my high school graduation. i was 18. not really concerned if he saw how intelligent i had become. he was visibly struggling with being a free man and addicted to drugs. he would land back in prison on some type of violation within 6 months. and the last time i saw him -- my daughter was 6 months old. i asked him to hold her so i could take a picture of them together. i knew then it would probably be the last time i saw him alive. and the last time amari would be able to see her grandfather at all. that was 7 years ago.
the men i date almost NEVER resemble him. my father. i know that people have that complex. women date men like their fathers or maybe alot of men because they didn't have their father. but me -- i date men who are NOTHING LIKE HIM. if they even chew like him or walk like him -- it's a wrap! i'm also quit violent. i have never hit a man -- but i'm always ready to swing them thangs. my mother was beaten. severely. my father's mother dealt with that bullshit from my grandfather until she stabbed him in the leg with a fork. calmed his ass down -- but not his attitude. he would keep that fire in him until he passed from cancer. it was crazy, cause i never saw that while he held me close. i thought he was HEAVEN. but i know he was hell on earth when it came to my grandma. and i just don't know why. my maternal grandmother had it a lil' different. she dealt with verbal and emotional abuse. and she was a trooper. she held down the entire family. got me and my sister and my brother and my mother into school. talked my grandfather (who remained her best friend even after they divorced) into going back to school. she was just the dopest. i think i have her spirit.
i tend to want to help EVERYONE. especially whomever i am dating. and it can be hard. amari's father -- the ass that he is -- benefited from this immensely. i did everything from helping him with his financial aid papers to transporting him from one job to the second job! but i believed in him. all because he was EVERYTHING that my father WASN'T. or so i thought!
my father was a womanizer --- he wasn't faithful *found that part out when amari was 3 months old!
my father was hardly there for me growing up --- he is only there when i make it convenient for him to do so (i.e., buy airline ticket, call constantly, etc).
and the list goes on. i thought he was a good guy. and i found out he was human. like everyone else. problem is -- i got a problem with liars. a big problem. my father was good for telling me one thing and doing another. it happened enough that i gained a complex with people saying something and doing something totally different. even now. i SPAZ out if someone says one thing and does the total opposite. i'm like "BE HONEST ASSHOLE". we aren't kids - there is no PUNISHMENT or TIME OUT. be a freekn adult! i can trace it back to the last childhood memory of my father.
i was 12. and we were at my grandparent's house. my father was downstairs getting high with a cousin. i wandered in the room, trying to be nosey -- ya know, doing what young kids do. and caught them. i ran upstairs to tell my grandpa - thinking it was nothing huge... as i had never actually SEEN him getting high. but after my grandfather went OFF and tossed my father out of the house -- i knew i had messed up. i kept saying sorry and my father brushed it off. said, "hey. don't worry. i'm just going to the store. i will be back. what do you want?"
i asked for an orange soda. and then i didn't see him again until my high school graduation. it wasn't until i reached my mid-twenties that i realized i was deeply affected. besides steering clear of men that even remotely resembled my father - i also refused to drink orange soda.
go figure...
Sunday, August 21, 2005
texas poker, feline furniture, coin collections & babymaking
texas poker & feline furniture -- a memo to the anonymous blog posters/posers
dear YOU:
i dig that you are hustling, word. but if i were that interested in your website and/or products - i would google your ass. please do not post on my blog as if you have insight to what the hell i am going thru! it's not cool. really. i have cats. two of those feline rat-killers. i love them for taking care of the mice - but on most occasions - but im not buying NO furniture dammit. i live in brooklyn. where the smallest apartment available is synonymous with COZY. and the most i know about poker - is watching annie duke whoop a man outta 2 million dollars on ESPN. and ya know what MR/MS ANONYMOUS --that's all i wanna know. i don't collect coins cause NYC is the land of extortionists - so i have to save those quarters for parking meters and public telephones that don't work! please, don't make me ask you again - don't post ads on my baby(baby being blog). as i take care of her - constantly, and i'd hate to have to repay the favor. i mean, two wrongs don't make a right...right?
your truly.
mahogany l. browne
now...back to my shyt!
babymaking:
so my best friend since high school - stephanie a., aka steph dawg - is having her first CHILD!
yeaaaaa! she is 4 months pregnant and i couldnt be more happier for her. she worked at the governer's office for the capital of california, she quit to go back to law school -- she is dope. so the fact that she is having a lil' one ----- it just rocks!
dear YOU:
i dig that you are hustling, word. but if i were that interested in your website and/or products - i would google your ass. please do not post on my blog as if you have insight to what the hell i am going thru! it's not cool. really. i have cats. two of those feline rat-killers. i love them for taking care of the mice - but on most occasions - but im not buying NO furniture dammit. i live in brooklyn. where the smallest apartment available is synonymous with COZY. and the most i know about poker - is watching annie duke whoop a man outta 2 million dollars on ESPN. and ya know what MR/MS ANONYMOUS --that's all i wanna know. i don't collect coins cause NYC is the land of extortionists - so i have to save those quarters for parking meters and public telephones that don't work! please, don't make me ask you again - don't post ads on my baby(baby being blog). as i take care of her - constantly, and i'd hate to have to repay the favor. i mean, two wrongs don't make a right...right?
your truly.
mahogany l. browne
now...back to my shyt!
babymaking:
so my best friend since high school - stephanie a., aka steph dawg - is having her first CHILD!
yeaaaaa! she is 4 months pregnant and i couldnt be more happier for her. she worked at the governer's office for the capital of california, she quit to go back to law school -- she is dope. so the fact that she is having a lil' one ----- it just rocks!
Friday, August 19, 2005
to do: 8/19/05
-finish writing assignment - only 2 to go
-update my email list
-send out mass email re: SEPT 10th show
-fax expense sheet to the great state of texas!
-check into new theatre for more seating
-watch million dollar baby (for the 3rd time in 2 days)
-unbraid my hair
-wash my clothes
-finish the most heartbreaking poem i have ever wrote (more on that later)
-stay off of livejournal and blogspots...dammit!
-view new house (cross fingers all the way)
-clean kitchen
-pick up mail
-get directions to chicopee, ma for the gumbo gig tonite
-say i love you. no really. i do
-go snuggle before i have to complete this long ass list...
-update my email list
-send out mass email re: SEPT 10th show
-fax expense sheet to the great state of texas!
-check into new theatre for more seating
-watch million dollar baby (for the 3rd time in 2 days)
-unbraid my hair
-wash my clothes
-finish the most heartbreaking poem i have ever wrote (more on that later)
-stay off of livejournal and blogspots...dammit!
-view new house (cross fingers all the way)
-clean kitchen
-pick up mail
-get directions to chicopee, ma for the gumbo gig tonite
-say i love you. no really. i do
-go snuggle before i have to complete this long ass list...
Thursday, August 18, 2005
why am i...
so excited?
- i bought dvd's: constantine, closer, sin city, be cool & million dollar baby last nite. YES!
- i just relocated my postcard book by keba armand konte! nice
- we have an incredible line up for sept 10th, then we sketched out another incredible show for oct 22nd! can you smell change poetry? ummmm
- house hunting keeps me hopeful
- im getting a puppy today. the guy said no - but im getting it ANYWAY! no its not a puggle (my 3rd favorite) no it's not a bulldog (my 2nd fav) no it's not an Am Staffie (which is my all time fav)
... it's a pit bull. all white with pink noise and blue eyes... awwwwwwwwwww
- ready for my album to come be birthed. the cocoon process is almost complete!
- im still euphoric over the nationals. it was so incredible.
- i bought dvd's: constantine, closer, sin city, be cool & million dollar baby last nite. YES!
- i just relocated my postcard book by keba armand konte! nice
- we have an incredible line up for sept 10th, then we sketched out another incredible show for oct 22nd! can you smell change poetry? ummmm
- house hunting keeps me hopeful
- im getting a puppy today. the guy said no - but im getting it ANYWAY! no its not a puggle (my 3rd favorite) no it's not a bulldog (my 2nd fav) no it's not an Am Staffie (which is my all time fav)
... it's a pit bull. all white with pink noise and blue eyes... awwwwwwwwwww
- ready for my album to come be birthed. the cocoon process is almost complete!
- im still euphoric over the nationals. it was so incredible.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
so im back
working like a madwoman.
sept 10th's show is coming together MAGNIFICANTLY!
featuring:
Rives (HBO Def Jam)
Big Mike (Of Nuyorican fame)
Samantha Raheem (Juliard Instructor & Poet)
& Ainsley Burrows (International Poetry Recording Artist).
same place (358 West 44th Street -- 8/9th Ave)
same time (10pm SHARP!)
same price ($15 -- but if you get to me soon, i have $10 tickets!!)
must go back to work.
...something beautiful is coming to it's final stages
new work is bursting from my fingertips
and love is still so present - my stomach aches
c ya soon my lovelies
sept 10th's show is coming together MAGNIFICANTLY!
featuring:
Rives (HBO Def Jam)
Big Mike (Of Nuyorican fame)
Samantha Raheem (Juliard Instructor & Poet)
& Ainsley Burrows (International Poetry Recording Artist).
same place (358 West 44th Street -- 8/9th Ave)
same time (10pm SHARP!)
same price ($15 -- but if you get to me soon, i have $10 tickets!!)
must go back to work.
...something beautiful is coming to it's final stages
new work is bursting from my fingertips
and love is still so present - my stomach aches
c ya soon my lovelies
untitled 1091
its between the light and dark
side of things
hidden in shadows
and prisms of laughter
only cut wrists and the like
swoon me with your smile
if you want to know how pain taste
feel it through
each silent plea
warn my love of your intention
i know thy honor is of fairy tale dimensions
but we are of another time
where moments passed are simply
gas erupted into space
never repeating the posture of lightening
only threatening to return when we least expect it
worry me a reason
grab my attention with the idea
wish me a promise that this stands ...still
though i know you've readied for our demise
as i washed in the milk of redemption
soaked away the grit of a lost love
rinse
repeat
and pray
...still
no one has ever rest in my bones
like you
so scrape away my marrow
find room in my warm spaces
feel the blood that runs
thru this heart
that beats like you -- steady and ever questioning
but don't leave before
the sun breaths a ray
shallows the darkened path
with light
bright
and loud
colors colliding
unrehearsed
like
children
side of things
hidden in shadows
and prisms of laughter
only cut wrists and the like
swoon me with your smile
if you want to know how pain taste
feel it through
each silent plea
warn my love of your intention
i know thy honor is of fairy tale dimensions
but we are of another time
where moments passed are simply
gas erupted into space
never repeating the posture of lightening
only threatening to return when we least expect it
worry me a reason
grab my attention with the idea
wish me a promise that this stands ...still
though i know you've readied for our demise
as i washed in the milk of redemption
soaked away the grit of a lost love
rinse
repeat
and pray
...still
no one has ever rest in my bones
like you
so scrape away my marrow
find room in my warm spaces
feel the blood that runs
thru this heart
that beats like you -- steady and ever questioning
but don't leave before
the sun breaths a ray
shallows the darkened path
with light
bright
and loud
colors colliding
unrehearsed
like
children
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
woke up late. 'round 1245pm. he's still sleep. teasing me to taste the slumber for just a bit longer. had to check on the nps ish... that woke my ass up. real quick. if u wanna know about that -- you gotta check the other blog. word... think i will head back to sleep - before i go to my phys therapy appointment. we will talk again soon.
pinky swear
pinky swear
...spaces...
i was crazy inspired this past week -- regardless of the bullshit that tainted our team's advancement and unity. (how ironic)... however, the expierience was of once in a lifetime. every poet should get to hang out with over 300 poets, toured around the city like the rockstars that we are! and the ego's are so there -- just like high school. but the bigger picture hosts a kalediscope of incredible thinkers and performers and writers. and if we had not experience the bad how would we know how good it can be.
happy to be back in nyc
the rain is kinda welcoming -- cause the heat in this apartment can be too draining. but i am home. for now
happy to be back in nyc
the rain is kinda welcoming -- cause the heat in this apartment can be too draining. but i am home. for now
Thursday, August 11, 2005
a quickie!
tues:
we get here in new mexico
our travels were pretty eventless - lucky us
almost everyone outside of our flight was delayed
courtesy of thunderstorms, etc
chilling - practicing - greeting friendly poets
like i aint seen em in years...
wed:
the poets are in full bloom
love out to: CHRISTA BELL (who i SOOOOOO hate right now, cause she is bothering the SHYT outta me),
corrina bain, sonya renee, queen sheba, big mike, andrew tyree, brady, ovi, jive, roger, tai, dammit -- i've lost count by now: will, ZORK, JARED, KA, janean, mr guinn, vocab, rac, rockbaby, joaquin, twainflow, rob, shihan... no more just yet. but understand we have 75 teams (including france) rep'n this year... our bout against miami & st. louis & noraz & corpus christi... we pull first DAMN. but the last round i pull out single muva song... we walk away with a win. NICE
thurs:
all this free continental breakfast can wear on ya...still coming off the win high. was told i had the highest score of our bout. then i see the scores that the person at the bout told me were off... by a point. so i am the second highest of the bout. but we still got our 1. no worries... gotta go practice and get ready for the african american showcase... in a minute
we get here in new mexico
our travels were pretty eventless - lucky us
almost everyone outside of our flight was delayed
courtesy of thunderstorms, etc
chilling - practicing - greeting friendly poets
like i aint seen em in years...
wed:
the poets are in full bloom
love out to: CHRISTA BELL (who i SOOOOOO hate right now, cause she is bothering the SHYT outta me),
corrina bain, sonya renee, queen sheba, big mike, andrew tyree, brady, ovi, jive, roger, tai, dammit -- i've lost count by now: will, ZORK, JARED, KA, janean, mr guinn, vocab, rac, rockbaby, joaquin, twainflow, rob, shihan... no more just yet. but understand we have 75 teams (including france) rep'n this year... our bout against miami & st. louis & noraz & corpus christi... we pull first DAMN. but the last round i pull out single muva song... we walk away with a win. NICE
thurs:
all this free continental breakfast can wear on ya...still coming off the win high. was told i had the highest score of our bout. then i see the scores that the person at the bout told me were off... by a point. so i am the second highest of the bout. but we still got our 1. no worries... gotta go practice and get ready for the african american showcase... in a minute
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
and we're off...
new mexico hold on to ya britches! a town full of poets (almost 1000 haiku-writing, coffee-drinking, chain-smoking, shyt talking literary genuises!)
i'm taking jive to his lift off now. it's 4:20am and his flight leaves soon.
my flight doesn't leave til 9am... but i have to be there by 7am...
just finished packing. tooth is aching -- but i am already to be done with this
i wish everyone luck!
i'm taking jive to his lift off now. it's 4:20am and his flight leaves soon.
my flight doesn't leave til 9am... but i have to be there by 7am...
just finished packing. tooth is aching -- but i am already to be done with this
i wish everyone luck!
Monday, August 08, 2005
success!
it was sooo dope!
im tired cause i went to the bklyn
picnic again. it's every sunday.
just music and food and beautiful people
performing
capoeria
and talking...
went to practice -- no one was there -- so i came home.
check out the jam on it blog for the details of the show.
im tired still... but heavenly... word
im tired cause i went to the bklyn
picnic again. it's every sunday.
just music and food and beautiful people
performing
capoeria
and talking...
went to practice -- no one was there -- so i came home.
check out the jam on it blog for the details of the show.
im tired still... but heavenly... word
Saturday, August 06, 2005
tag - i'm it -- dammit 13!
cause i can never pass these damn things up...
Five songs I'll always love:
vision of love
knocking the boots
as we lay
anything by sade
i will die for you
what was I doing ....
10 years ago:
trying to graduate from high school and driving my grandmother crazy!
5 years ago:
moving to new york, driving my grandmother crazy, raising an incredible lil girl alone.
1 year ago:
missing my grandmother. raising said maniacal child, living in new york and being in love.
Yesterday:
working on projects: writing and producing.
Today:
resting for said projects. checking on incredible child who is now driving my grandmother crazy.
Tomorrow:
producing a helluva show -- and dreaming about the next big project. praying for grandmother and lil girl in between.
5 snacks I enjoy:
sunflower seeds (dont hate!)
m&m peanuts
jelly belly jelly beans
mr goodbar
cap n crunch cereal
5 bands i like:
roots
maze
damn... i don't know if rappers count as bands?
5 things I would do with $100,000,000:
buy a house
pay for amari's college tuition
pay for my grandmother's vacation
pay for my neice and nephew's tuition
start my non-profit for young women
5 locations to run away to:
paris
bklyn
jamaica
oakland
canada
5 things I wish I could wear:
french lingerie
stilettos (freekn broken ankle)
anything from my senior year of high school
cleats to bed
a fireman's uniform
5 Movies:
color purple
usual suspects
napoleon dynamite
blade I, II & III -- oops, i think i went over huh!?
5 biggest joys at the moment:
birth of my daughter
birth of my first album
birth of my first book
my first published piece of journalistic work
my first standing ovation
5 toys:
spongebob anything
my laptop (and everything that comes with it)
pacman plug-in
and my ahem, adult toys... lol
i tag: jive, matthew & christa
Five songs I'll always love:
vision of love
knocking the boots
as we lay
anything by sade
i will die for you
what was I doing ....
10 years ago:
trying to graduate from high school and driving my grandmother crazy!
5 years ago:
moving to new york, driving my grandmother crazy, raising an incredible lil girl alone.
1 year ago:
missing my grandmother. raising said maniacal child, living in new york and being in love.
Yesterday:
working on projects: writing and producing.
Today:
resting for said projects. checking on incredible child who is now driving my grandmother crazy.
Tomorrow:
producing a helluva show -- and dreaming about the next big project. praying for grandmother and lil girl in between.
5 snacks I enjoy:
sunflower seeds (dont hate!)
m&m peanuts
jelly belly jelly beans
mr goodbar
cap n crunch cereal
5 bands i like:
roots
maze
damn... i don't know if rappers count as bands?
5 things I would do with $100,000,000:
buy a house
pay for amari's college tuition
pay for my grandmother's vacation
pay for my neice and nephew's tuition
start my non-profit for young women
5 locations to run away to:
paris
bklyn
jamaica
oakland
canada
5 things I wish I could wear:
french lingerie
stilettos (freekn broken ankle)
anything from my senior year of high school
cleats to bed
a fireman's uniform
5 Movies:
color purple
usual suspects
napoleon dynamite
blade I, II & III -- oops, i think i went over huh!?
5 biggest joys at the moment:
birth of my daughter
birth of my first album
birth of my first book
my first published piece of journalistic work
my first standing ovation
5 toys:
spongebob anything
my laptop (and everything that comes with it)
pacman plug-in
and my ahem, adult toys... lol
i tag: jive, matthew & christa
almost there...
so we are working our ASTERISKS off.
ready for the show.
gonna be gangsta!
taalam, roger, celena and sonya renee!
cya there?!
358 W. 44th Street (8th Ave)
and if you missed this one... you really missed it. but no worries. next one is SEPT 10th. get ya tickets now!
POETRY ROCKSTARS! featuring:
flowmentalz (HBO)
big mike (southern fried 2nd place & Nuyorican Team 2005)
ainsley burrows (internationally known)
and a special guest! stay tuned to see who!
tell ya bout the show tomorrow nite -- maybe sunday...!
m
ready for the show.
gonna be gangsta!
taalam, roger, celena and sonya renee!
cya there?!
358 W. 44th Street (8th Ave)
and if you missed this one... you really missed it. but no worries. next one is SEPT 10th. get ya tickets now!
POETRY ROCKSTARS! featuring:
flowmentalz (HBO)
big mike (southern fried 2nd place & Nuyorican Team 2005)
ainsley burrows (internationally known)
and a special guest! stay tuned to see who!
tell ya bout the show tomorrow nite -- maybe sunday...!
m
Thursday, August 04, 2005
things to do list
get hair braided
get a pedicure
email webmaster
check email
mail bills
go to Nextel Repair (again)
finish compiling the poems for ...something beautiful recording
turn off the TV
buy some pillows for the Aug 6th show. we have officially OVER SOLD the theatre. (i.e., some people goin' sit on the floor with them damn pillows!)
get ready for my meeting with the lawyer
email my editors for extension :( i soo suck.
say sorry. if i have ever hurt you, i apologize.
get a pedicure
email webmaster
check email
mail bills
go to Nextel Repair (again)
finish compiling the poems for ...something beautiful recording
turn off the TV
buy some pillows for the Aug 6th show. we have officially OVER SOLD the theatre. (i.e., some people goin' sit on the floor with them damn pillows!)
get ready for my meeting with the lawyer
email my editors for extension :( i soo suck.
say sorry. if i have ever hurt you, i apologize.
ding dong!
ok
last nite -- was fukn amazing! if you need a lil' ghetto fabulous to remind you that you rock stages -- go to Taste Lounge. they brought me in moved two young unsuspecting men from a table and seated me and jive's sis. i brought her with me cause i thought the new college grad would want to party. she is an incredible writer (it runs in the family) and she did her thizzle on the mic. also my girl jocelyn from bad boy was in the house -- she surprised me. it's been a minute since we got to hang so it was great to see her. once i got on stage, i found myself threatening the loud patrons at one point (i.e., i'm real sensitive. if you make me feel bad about my performance i will have to throw a chair at you! lol or telling all the ladies that we will have a cagney and lacey support group afterwards. meet in the parking lot with black turtlenecks and bricks for child support enforcement!) its fun -- hype as hell, the dj is on point. that's all i have to say about that!
went to the doctor today. looks like i have an extra operation to intervene with this toe curling... which sucks ass! no matter. i still rocks the brand new pumas and stroll like i got a purpose. CAUSE I DO!
went to the shop for our show after the doctor's appointment. i wanted to go home, but J gave me a list and i had to pull my part of the load. so while im gathering the accrutrements (sp) i run into a sista that looks at my shirt and says I love that! (its says i love black people). we get to talkin and she's like -- are you from buffalo? or atlanta? and im looking at her like -- i know her. then it clicks! we met in atlanta at the apache over a year ago. she bought the cd and went to college with jive! so im like -- hey, what are you doing here? turns out -- she's getting her grad study on at NYU. invited her to the show, cause we got crazy emotional, just catching up (in the middle of the peanut butter, jelly and cereal aisle!). but i invited her to the show. gave her my last comp, as she just moved to brooklyn two days ago! how bout that?! she said brooklyn was calling her. and this morning she felt like she was finally home. i said, that's the pull it has on people. especially creative ass hustla's! we thrive on the planet of brooklyn!
as far as the boot camp... thanks for the IM beatrice. good to know ya'll watching out for me! but i'm almost finished...damn near. but my brooklyn apartment is too small and too full of books and heat! it's just too hot to think. so i am going to the movies! i will wait in the starbucks nearby until showtime (with the lovely air conditioner) and finish what i have left.
ps -- thanks for the call KIM, we will catch up at nationals! new mexico, look out. it's on and poppin! lol :o
pps -- ding dong the witch is dead.
last nite -- was fukn amazing! if you need a lil' ghetto fabulous to remind you that you rock stages -- go to Taste Lounge. they brought me in moved two young unsuspecting men from a table and seated me and jive's sis. i brought her with me cause i thought the new college grad would want to party. she is an incredible writer (it runs in the family) and she did her thizzle on the mic. also my girl jocelyn from bad boy was in the house -- she surprised me. it's been a minute since we got to hang so it was great to see her. once i got on stage, i found myself threatening the loud patrons at one point (i.e., i'm real sensitive. if you make me feel bad about my performance i will have to throw a chair at you! lol or telling all the ladies that we will have a cagney and lacey support group afterwards. meet in the parking lot with black turtlenecks and bricks for child support enforcement!) its fun -- hype as hell, the dj is on point. that's all i have to say about that!
went to the doctor today. looks like i have an extra operation to intervene with this toe curling... which sucks ass! no matter. i still rocks the brand new pumas and stroll like i got a purpose. CAUSE I DO!
went to the shop for our show after the doctor's appointment. i wanted to go home, but J gave me a list and i had to pull my part of the load. so while im gathering the accrutrements (sp) i run into a sista that looks at my shirt and says I love that! (its says i love black people). we get to talkin and she's like -- are you from buffalo? or atlanta? and im looking at her like -- i know her. then it clicks! we met in atlanta at the apache over a year ago. she bought the cd and went to college with jive! so im like -- hey, what are you doing here? turns out -- she's getting her grad study on at NYU. invited her to the show, cause we got crazy emotional, just catching up (in the middle of the peanut butter, jelly and cereal aisle!). but i invited her to the show. gave her my last comp, as she just moved to brooklyn two days ago! how bout that?! she said brooklyn was calling her. and this morning she felt like she was finally home. i said, that's the pull it has on people. especially creative ass hustla's! we thrive on the planet of brooklyn!
as far as the boot camp... thanks for the IM beatrice. good to know ya'll watching out for me! but i'm almost finished...damn near. but my brooklyn apartment is too small and too full of books and heat! it's just too hot to think. so i am going to the movies! i will wait in the starbucks nearby until showtime (with the lovely air conditioner) and finish what i have left.
ps -- thanks for the call KIM, we will catch up at nationals! new mexico, look out. it's on and poppin! lol :o
pps -- ding dong the witch is dead.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
midnight oil
worked til 2 this morning
back on the grind
finished two of the 4 bullets
let's see what kinda rabbit i can pull
out of this hat in the last 14 hours!
back on the grind
finished two of the 4 bullets
let's see what kinda rabbit i can pull
out of this hat in the last 14 hours!
Monday, August 01, 2005
...exasperation
still no time, however a huge pain of a toothache is trip hop'n the entire side of my right face!
yea for me
yea for me
Sunday, July 31, 2005
writer's boot camp
got 3 group pieces that need editing
1 poem that needs to be memorized
4 articles due last week
and not enough: energy, filanges or time to finish them.
1 poem that needs to be memorized
4 articles due last week
and not enough: energy, filanges or time to finish them.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
hulk hogan, poetry and all things holy
the mighty mighty hulk hogan
ok. so i admit it. im watching hulk's reality show -- he is kinda bitch-like! he sets up his son to get in an argument with the son's 15 year old girlfriend, all because he wants more attention... can u say HUH?
poetry
we talked about it all nite. it's a bit disheartening to see the process. but that's how it goes. i know for a fact you have to fall out of like with it to fall deeper in love with it. we'll just hope nationals saves the day with this one. that and our show: JAM ON IT -- next saturday AUG 6th. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. uhh - did i say this show was sold out? niiiice!
team slam
we have a going away party for central nj slam team. it's at our slammaster's house. and all i can say is where's the bbq SON?! will tell you how it all pans out in 2 and 2!
ok. so i admit it. im watching hulk's reality show -- he is kinda bitch-like! he sets up his son to get in an argument with the son's 15 year old girlfriend, all because he wants more attention... can u say HUH?
poetry
we talked about it all nite. it's a bit disheartening to see the process. but that's how it goes. i know for a fact you have to fall out of like with it to fall deeper in love with it. we'll just hope nationals saves the day with this one. that and our show: JAM ON IT -- next saturday AUG 6th. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. SOLD OUT. uhh - did i say this show was sold out? niiiice!
team slam
we have a going away party for central nj slam team. it's at our slammaster's house. and all i can say is where's the bbq SON?! will tell you how it all pans out in 2 and 2!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
nobody does it like AUSTIN!
so now im in austin. in my plush ass hotel room. acting bougie like a mutha -- peering at the ants below me. lol
last we talked i was in corpus christi. it was here that drove on the beach (yes DROVE) for almost 2 miles. i learned to fly a kite, stepped in the Texas gulf and prayed. it was so beautiful. will show the pics - i promise.
afterwards, i went to san antonio -- they have the closest thing to a Texan Nuyorican ever. the spot is known as house of the hecklers to natives, but as Puro Slam to us other folk. cats had me shook to even rock there. i was warned they will yell at you during your slam. talk over you. make you cry and invite you out to fight afterwards.
none of this happened...not to me anyway. it was fly as hell! beautiful people. vocab picked me up from the bus station and jo, kim and bryan met me at the spot to escort me back to austin. very flyy indeed.
next day was the conference. since i didnt get into kim's crib until 3 something (cause homegirl lives in HUTTO - i say it like puttwo with an H?) got up fresh and early like 8 and headed to the conference. i asked for specific poets to accompany me in the substance abuse conference presentation. and i must say - we ripped dat bytch apart! people were sneaking into the conference room, as they were told we were too full and they weren't allowed to sign up. puhleez!
you know me, you know i don't give a damn. so we had chairs on the makeshift stage, people sitting on the stairs and it was gorgeous! there were so supportive and happy to be there and alive, that i felt like giving them my product for free. but i didnt cmon, now?! lol
after that 3 hour session we got some grub at the cheesecake factory, then had to get in the obligatory nap. i hit ego's that night as a special guest. this is where i witnessed my first MOONING ON STAGE (courtesy of Big Poppa E's bright ass). whoa///
right after i rocked on stage, i had to young blond haired southern college frat boys come up to me and thank me til my hand went numb. i was more surprised at the color line poetry crossed - and that's some powerful shyt to swallow.
left for neo souldier's new spot Antonio's which was on fire as soon as i stepped in the door. booked for double features is hard and here i was -- rocking 4 different sets in the same day. with the limp! holla lmao - but it was so worth it. my people's kevin (who dates ms. bell's lil sista small ass world!) was in the spot - we rocked together twice in LA so it was good to see him traveling and prosperous. this white boy got more soul than a little. trust dat! and i get to hobble on stage for the last time in Austin. so i think i just poured it out on stage like water. i left hobbling after 3 poems with a standing ovation.
i love austin... it's like a warm sweatshirt that never fades and is always fitted, comfortable and in style. and i'm so very lucky that austin loves me back! i get to go bowling tonite ya'll! wish me and the ankle luck. then i'm headed back to nyc to recouperate and get ready for the nationals in new mexico (aug 9 - 14)!
love ya like cooked food -- dat's right: collard greens, sweet cornbread, candied yams and mac n cheese.
last we talked i was in corpus christi. it was here that drove on the beach (yes DROVE) for almost 2 miles. i learned to fly a kite, stepped in the Texas gulf and prayed. it was so beautiful. will show the pics - i promise.
afterwards, i went to san antonio -- they have the closest thing to a Texan Nuyorican ever. the spot is known as house of the hecklers to natives, but as Puro Slam to us other folk. cats had me shook to even rock there. i was warned they will yell at you during your slam. talk over you. make you cry and invite you out to fight afterwards.
none of this happened...not to me anyway. it was fly as hell! beautiful people. vocab picked me up from the bus station and jo, kim and bryan met me at the spot to escort me back to austin. very flyy indeed.
next day was the conference. since i didnt get into kim's crib until 3 something (cause homegirl lives in HUTTO - i say it like puttwo with an H?) got up fresh and early like 8 and headed to the conference. i asked for specific poets to accompany me in the substance abuse conference presentation. and i must say - we ripped dat bytch apart! people were sneaking into the conference room, as they were told we were too full and they weren't allowed to sign up. puhleez!
you know me, you know i don't give a damn. so we had chairs on the makeshift stage, people sitting on the stairs and it was gorgeous! there were so supportive and happy to be there and alive, that i felt like giving them my product for free. but i didnt cmon, now?! lol
after that 3 hour session we got some grub at the cheesecake factory, then had to get in the obligatory nap. i hit ego's that night as a special guest. this is where i witnessed my first MOONING ON STAGE (courtesy of Big Poppa E's bright ass). whoa///
right after i rocked on stage, i had to young blond haired southern college frat boys come up to me and thank me til my hand went numb. i was more surprised at the color line poetry crossed - and that's some powerful shyt to swallow.
left for neo souldier's new spot Antonio's which was on fire as soon as i stepped in the door. booked for double features is hard and here i was -- rocking 4 different sets in the same day. with the limp! holla lmao - but it was so worth it. my people's kevin (who dates ms. bell's lil sista small ass world!) was in the spot - we rocked together twice in LA so it was good to see him traveling and prosperous. this white boy got more soul than a little. trust dat! and i get to hobble on stage for the last time in Austin. so i think i just poured it out on stage like water. i left hobbling after 3 poems with a standing ovation.
i love austin... it's like a warm sweatshirt that never fades and is always fitted, comfortable and in style. and i'm so very lucky that austin loves me back! i get to go bowling tonite ya'll! wish me and the ankle luck. then i'm headed back to nyc to recouperate and get ready for the nationals in new mexico (aug 9 - 14)!
love ya like cooked food -- dat's right: collard greens, sweet cornbread, candied yams and mac n cheese.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
denver to dallas & back down...to corpus christi
it's been a long time - i shouldn't have left you -- without a funky blog to step to! give it up for RAKIM! even when im trying to be corny with a side of cool - his lyrics bring me thru. :)
whassup web fam. i feel like it's been a minute. my bad. just didn't have internet access during the weekend. let me 'xplain
sat:
after we checked into the embassy suites (crazy beautiful, crazy expensive)
after jive and fish walked through the doors and my world is so much better
after i realized how much i missed j walking in all shaved and beautiful...
after we head to the theatre just in time to rock an impromptu "dress rehearsal"
after we grab a bucket of hot wings (about 50) and movies from blockbuster
after breakfast (for free) i'm talking freshly made mushroom and cheese omelette
with a crazy buffet - that i just couldn't eat (unlike fish and jive)
after we have a poetry workshop - with a turnout of a WHOPPING 8 (love to the seattle slam team & who's this?)
after all dat -- we head to the theatre for our show
about 10 minutes late
why: because fish is starving -- so chipotle for everyone!
it's this mexican grill that is the truth, yo!
fish gets pork, chicken and steak something or other
jive gets some steak and chicken joint
i rock a chicken burrito - jessica eats something while driving
(crazily) to the theatre - now 25 minutes late
we sit and listen to a funky ass band call VEGAS WITCHCRAFT
niiiice
my girl, catherine from the spot, is there and the show
is a blast
i get a standing ovation
and leave the stage - prepared for jive to trump me
it's our ritual. we feed off each other's energy
there is a much better crowd than the night before.
and we rip it so hard - that we are ready for the reggae club
no such luck. jive and i head back to braid him up before he heads back to NYC
and i pack for dallas
sun:
i fell asleep on the plane before it even took off
tired as hell
can't feel my ankle so well
this life is serious
i finally make it to dallas
my phone has been on the blitz since seattle
now -- it can't hold a phone call for more than 5 minutes
if im lucky enough to get the call
mr guinn hits me to let me know he is 20 minutes away
i'm like -- whatever. sleep still crowds my space
but i trek over to the baggage claim
damn near dragging my bag of product - which has yet to lighten enough for me to walk
semi-normal
i make it to grab one piece of luggage, just to find out they lost the other
it's a box full of my books, sent from the publisher
it's a slight glitch in my matrix as i have a show in less than 5 hours
and only about 30 books.
i'm over it already
make my claim, head to meet mr guinn and meet the texas sun
ick. its so hot i forgot my damn name!
i try to buy a pair of slip ons for the benefit of rocking on stage
without the ankle brace, as in that beautifully lost bag -- is my new pair
of black leather slip on sandals. that doesn't work out... whateva
decide on eating and just sleepin' until the show
mr. guinn takes me to the motel 6
it is one of the wackest rooms i've ever seen:
-- the bathroom smells like old mop water
-- the bedspread has cigaretter burns all through it
-- the remote is missing
-- and the damn HBO channel is NOT working
i don't have the strength to call mr. guinn back and tell him the deal
so i lay - with my scarf and jacket under me
and sleep until 7
waking up to espn's poker tournament - my new fav -
i "wash" up get dressed and wait for my ride
a fellow Buckie (she taught me that ya'll) as she loves starbucks too!
we make it to 5th Ave and it's so beautiful
the two men running it are young brothers
with incredbible hospitality and the room is packed
after an extended open mic
i sit on the chair and try to evoke something
from my still fatigued body
it works. the crowd is electric with laughter
and i walk away with another standing ovation
afterwards, we head to downtown dallas
to catch the regional slam for Texas
just in time to say goodbye, i get to hug:
marcell murphy - houston, joaquin - dallas, rock baby - dallas, aj of ft worth, janene of ft worth and camisole is in the house! nice. stefan is also there, he is my ride and host for the next city
before long we are heading back to my rank motel where mr. guinn refuses to settle for just anything. he rushes to the front desk and explains to them with such conviction - i got shivers.
he argued "sir, do you know who this is? how can we as Texans offer anything below standard to such greatness?"
ok maybe not all dat - but he got me another room! lol and it was clean. and had a remote. and i watched my girl LADY LUCK aka ANNIE DUKE win 2 million dolla's while whopping those men'ses ass on the poker table
way to end an incredible evening
mon:
my lost luggage arrived in my sleep. yea! then stefan, gwynne and emily (corpus christi slam team) scoop me by noon and we are off on our 6 hour journey to CC. it takes us almost 7 and a half hours, as we took the scenic route. filled with the most beautiful lakes i've ever seen - i let my body fall in and out of consciousness as stefan plays his jazz collection. we eat dairy queen burgers - which are like BANGING with a blizzard ice cream and later - some junk food to finish the trip. i take pictures (like a tourist) of an alien spaceship burger stand -- will surely post later -- and before long we drive into the surprisingly big beach city of CC. we make it to the venue @ 730pm. the sign up list started at 7pm, so we are just in time. i open the set (odd) and hope the starbucks that stefan treated me to won't wear off. it feels like the most draining experience ever - next to childbirth, but not as painful. but its so fufilling. the audience is beautiful. and very energetic. after the slam, which i am a judge -- nice!, i follow with a closing set and soon sell out of books. during the course of the evening Tammi (fellow mother and teacher) and i giggle like girls as we sit and listen to Chuck, a slammer, read his Tweeter piece. it goes: my girl has a tweeter and i really love to eat her. i give him a 9.5 outta respect! lol
we retire after stefan has won (with a jazz poem, dedicated to me, which turns to some ice cream/sex/freak poem YOWSER!) and head back to his crib. tammi offers to bring breakfast and wine and i lean against the window watching the houses and stars blend again.
Friday, July 22, 2005
here i am!
At the Say Word Poetry & Theatre Festival in Denver, Colorado
Jive and Fish Vargas (both bloggers) are on their way to meet me. i cam a day early so that i could do a workshop with my favorite Catherine Thornhill. the theme was changing the perception that people have of you into the perception that you have of yourself. very emotional. and guess what -- i did my fist painting! lol
j knows, i bought paints and a canvas almost 2 years ago -- but i was so afraid that i would mess it up that i refused to paint anything. and now, i think i am ready! so i will create my first painting and post it. but remember -- i am a writer for a reason, dammit! :)
so we went to a spot called brussards last nite -- which was wierd. lol seriously, i think being up since 6am that morning and trying to work off of coffee alone was a bad idea. but we had to promote for the festival, so sometimes you just gotta shake it off - nahmeen?
i was lucky though - i got to see my sis Basheba Earth (emcee, fashion designer, mother -- www.urbanearth.net ) and as usually she knows exactly what i'm going thru. she is my couture designer for when i tour -- so when i jump on stage i am always rocking something original! :) we sat and just absorbed each other while the babies ate vegatarian dinner and her man Drew, supportive as hell, maintained the peace. she is the most calming woman ever -- i can't wait to get her back up to NYC (where she cultivated her artistry) for an exclusive gig.
anyway. that's enough gushing. im headed to an interview at denver's radio station. i promise ya'll this is so healthy! this feelin' of light and love and positive energy. after my argument with amari's father (which i try to steer clear of) -- i need it. and i though about writing about it right here. but the negativity is so wack -- i'm thinking what for? ya know?
loving you with smiles and stanzas
(cali-bklyn girl somewhere in aurora, colorado)
Jive and Fish Vargas (both bloggers) are on their way to meet me. i cam a day early so that i could do a workshop with my favorite Catherine Thornhill. the theme was changing the perception that people have of you into the perception that you have of yourself. very emotional. and guess what -- i did my fist painting! lol
j knows, i bought paints and a canvas almost 2 years ago -- but i was so afraid that i would mess it up that i refused to paint anything. and now, i think i am ready! so i will create my first painting and post it. but remember -- i am a writer for a reason, dammit! :)
so we went to a spot called brussards last nite -- which was wierd. lol seriously, i think being up since 6am that morning and trying to work off of coffee alone was a bad idea. but we had to promote for the festival, so sometimes you just gotta shake it off - nahmeen?
i was lucky though - i got to see my sis Basheba Earth (emcee, fashion designer, mother -- www.urbanearth.net ) and as usually she knows exactly what i'm going thru. she is my couture designer for when i tour -- so when i jump on stage i am always rocking something original! :) we sat and just absorbed each other while the babies ate vegatarian dinner and her man Drew, supportive as hell, maintained the peace. she is the most calming woman ever -- i can't wait to get her back up to NYC (where she cultivated her artistry) for an exclusive gig.
anyway. that's enough gushing. im headed to an interview at denver's radio station. i promise ya'll this is so healthy! this feelin' of light and love and positive energy. after my argument with amari's father (which i try to steer clear of) -- i need it. and i though about writing about it right here. but the negativity is so wack -- i'm thinking what for? ya know?
loving you with smiles and stanzas
(cali-bklyn girl somewhere in aurora, colorado)
10 things to do in seattle before you die in Denver
1 -- watch constatine with seattle slam team (it is the absolute BOMB)
2 -- eat the hottest, spicest and most tastiest homemade chicken enchiladas (from scratch) courtesy of seattle's slammaster better half (this burning tongue is thanks to you init!)
3 -- listen to Christa Bell sing all of Stevie Wonder's songs -- yup. every last one of them!
4 -- talk to daemond about the intake of milk (about half a gallon a day -- WHOA!)
5 -- fall in love with the most comfortable bean bag
6 -- watch the seattle slam team gush over the cherry, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies (again, init with the save ya'll!)
7 -- realize daemond is right. trader joe's peanut butter cups are SO much better than Reese's
8 -- walk into the Seattle Airport and greet the 200 hundred people waiting in the same airline ticket counter as you
9 -- talk to Christa on the phone once she realizes you are really gone! and she can't tell you the following phrases without the same impact: "Im a writer I need space. Go get a life/ Give me my keys back!/ Walk up and down these hills on a broke ankle/ We can watch Princess Bride -- or Vanity Fair. Everything else sucks/ I am so humble"
10 -- figure out 10 more things to do so you can go back and be so inspired in Seattle
2 -- eat the hottest, spicest and most tastiest homemade chicken enchiladas (from scratch) courtesy of seattle's slammaster better half (this burning tongue is thanks to you init!)
3 -- listen to Christa Bell sing all of Stevie Wonder's songs -- yup. every last one of them!
4 -- talk to daemond about the intake of milk (about half a gallon a day -- WHOA!)
5 -- fall in love with the most comfortable bean bag
6 -- watch the seattle slam team gush over the cherry, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies (again, init with the save ya'll!)
7 -- realize daemond is right. trader joe's peanut butter cups are SO much better than Reese's
8 -- walk into the Seattle Airport and greet the 200 hundred people waiting in the same airline ticket counter as you
9 -- talk to Christa on the phone once she realizes you are really gone! and she can't tell you the following phrases without the same impact: "Im a writer I need space. Go get a life/ Give me my keys back!/ Walk up and down these hills on a broke ankle/ We can watch Princess Bride -- or Vanity Fair. Everything else sucks/ I am so humble"
10 -- figure out 10 more things to do so you can go back and be so inspired in Seattle
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
seattle rocks!
last nite at the mirabua room over 80 people came to the slam.
and i, mahogany l. browne, tried to rock a hole in that stage - ya heard?!
it was ssoooooooo fun!
they were full of energy (and liquor) which made my set electric! lol
afterwards i got nothing but love and book sales to prove it. i received the most
beautiful compliments that i had to pinch myself to assure it was i
that wasn't dreaming! even the offer to suck my toes (awkward) made me gasp
before i offered my cd to take home with them instead... lol
poetry has these phenomenal nights that just make you realize there is NOTHING
more profound or important than making someone's skin goosebump in anticipation for the truth. it's nights like last night that keep poets scrounging for the next fix -- the next hit.
it's addictive! and the poetry from the slammers were breathtaking! christa killed it and the young man that came in second (rylie (sp)) was damn near perfection! matthew ripped and roberto came with the most intense perspective of love -beginner's love - through a young man's eyes.
afterwards, the slam team took me to eat the best appetizers ever! we shared plates of beef ribs, hot wings, salmon quesidillas, chicken strips and fries. i even got to ride on back of the butch scooter (will show you a pix of that experience soon! LOL). overall -- seattle rocks.
next stop denver
loving this penned life
mahogany (from an incredible view of the pier on Bell & 1st in Belltown @ Christa Bell's house)
and i, mahogany l. browne, tried to rock a hole in that stage - ya heard?!
it was ssoooooooo fun!
they were full of energy (and liquor) which made my set electric! lol
afterwards i got nothing but love and book sales to prove it. i received the most
beautiful compliments that i had to pinch myself to assure it was i
that wasn't dreaming! even the offer to suck my toes (awkward) made me gasp
before i offered my cd to take home with them instead... lol
poetry has these phenomenal nights that just make you realize there is NOTHING
more profound or important than making someone's skin goosebump in anticipation for the truth. it's nights like last night that keep poets scrounging for the next fix -- the next hit.
it's addictive! and the poetry from the slammers were breathtaking! christa killed it and the young man that came in second (rylie (sp)) was damn near perfection! matthew ripped and roberto came with the most intense perspective of love -beginner's love - through a young man's eyes.
afterwards, the slam team took me to eat the best appetizers ever! we shared plates of beef ribs, hot wings, salmon quesidillas, chicken strips and fries. i even got to ride on back of the butch scooter (will show you a pix of that experience soon! LOL). overall -- seattle rocks.
next stop denver
loving this penned life
mahogany (from an incredible view of the pier on Bell & 1st in Belltown @ Christa Bell's house)
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
seattle #2
talking to j. went to the bank. beautiful show at seattle center. limo ride back to christa's studio. fell for starbucks all over again. chilled at the beach with piece and akira -- got a suntan. show tonite at wallingford... must rest a bit.
in a minute
in a minute
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
untitled 3091
the way
you look
is deafening
dimples blow my knees to
marbles spilled
rolling outwards
ready for the world to clean me up
lick my wounds soldier
tell me i taste like forever
on a sunday with nothing but
here on your lips
tell me the barking dogs
are just a signal to the gods that we've made it
hold my laughter in your palms
fistfuls of my happiness
promise you won't let go
the golden arch of my bend won't let up
if you tell me
you are home
deployed the idea of separate households
let's nomad this soil
says you
and i pack my bags
willingly
trust is sitting next to the panties
that you picked out just for me
and i am sitting on the wish
only praying for your happiness in return
you look
is deafening
dimples blow my knees to
marbles spilled
rolling outwards
ready for the world to clean me up
lick my wounds soldier
tell me i taste like forever
on a sunday with nothing but
here on your lips
tell me the barking dogs
are just a signal to the gods that we've made it
hold my laughter in your palms
fistfuls of my happiness
promise you won't let go
the golden arch of my bend won't let up
if you tell me
you are home
deployed the idea of separate households
let's nomad this soil
says you
and i pack my bags
willingly
trust is sitting next to the panties
that you picked out just for me
and i am sitting on the wish
only praying for your happiness in return
the death of poetry -- oakland style
went to this spot last nite in east oakland (well not really east, but whatever) and it was like a community based event. which was dope -- but the poetry was lacking... one cat jumped on the mic (in a room filled with kids) and rap'd about bustin' nuts on a bitches face and rubbing it in like lotion. i walked out after that. had catch my breath. then i went on stage about two persons later and ripped Single Mother's Song like my life depended on it! afterwards, homeboy got up and said he did this for his kids. for the little ones -- i'm like fa real?? definitely hoping the pen can take a soul out the street -- but when you ain't trynna take your mind out the street, then what?
seattle bound (8am tomorrow morning)
in a minute...
seattle bound (8am tomorrow morning)
in a minute...
Thursday, July 14, 2005
big things...
my cousin (the fashion designer) is working with one of my best friends on a new line. im excited for them!
my neice is graduating from junior high school
and we are going to the bahamas - just because...
that is all
my neice is graduating from junior high school
and we are going to the bahamas - just because...
that is all
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
love is stronger than pride...
j is right about this one.
with the day being as beautiful as it is outside - i dont know how i feel. but i feel something.
my family is kinda draining. i think my biggest problem is not focusing on shyt while it happens
and then dealing with all of it at once. it can be a bit overwhelming. i leave on sat so i am just trying to hold it together. taking pictures of everyone and everything - will post them on the site once i get back to bklyn.
ahhh bklyn. i miss it. i think if i could pack up certain things about bklyn i would. tuck it in my backpack and have a piece of it on me always.
love
i love love. i do. ive been thinking alot about it. meeting people who cant find it -- havent been able to feel it under their skin in years. i feel for them. its such a void - that feeling. knowing you have so much in you to give and no one worthy to give it to. but id rather wait to love the right one than love someone who wont know what to do with it once they got it.
la vida loca
this crazy life of mine. things are well. ready to hit the stages even with the swollen ankle. ready to let go of a couple of these pounds too! lol ready for something else. i was talkin to my girl bea, who is starting her workshops for overweight teens. she asked me what i wanted in life -- was this what i really wanted. and it is. everything about it hurts and helps me at the same time. once i can focus on what i need -- i take all the precautions to make it materialize. hell, i even go out of my way to do things that may seem extra, but i feel, it helps me understand my position even more.
forgiveness
still trying. not ready. my heart just ain't ready. my formula for getting over ish - still working on it... any suggestions? lol
cali girl dreaming of bklyn boy...still
with the day being as beautiful as it is outside - i dont know how i feel. but i feel something.
my family is kinda draining. i think my biggest problem is not focusing on shyt while it happens
and then dealing with all of it at once. it can be a bit overwhelming. i leave on sat so i am just trying to hold it together. taking pictures of everyone and everything - will post them on the site once i get back to bklyn.
ahhh bklyn. i miss it. i think if i could pack up certain things about bklyn i would. tuck it in my backpack and have a piece of it on me always.
love
i love love. i do. ive been thinking alot about it. meeting people who cant find it -- havent been able to feel it under their skin in years. i feel for them. its such a void - that feeling. knowing you have so much in you to give and no one worthy to give it to. but id rather wait to love the right one than love someone who wont know what to do with it once they got it.
la vida loca
this crazy life of mine. things are well. ready to hit the stages even with the swollen ankle. ready to let go of a couple of these pounds too! lol ready for something else. i was talkin to my girl bea, who is starting her workshops for overweight teens. she asked me what i wanted in life -- was this what i really wanted. and it is. everything about it hurts and helps me at the same time. once i can focus on what i need -- i take all the precautions to make it materialize. hell, i even go out of my way to do things that may seem extra, but i feel, it helps me understand my position even more.
forgiveness
still trying. not ready. my heart just ain't ready. my formula for getting over ish - still working on it... any suggestions? lol
cali girl dreaming of bklyn boy...still
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
i know...
where it all begins.
where it starts - the process - the cycle.
now how to end this -- is beyond me...
*outlook on life as i know it
where it starts - the process - the cycle.
now how to end this -- is beyond me...
*outlook on life as i know it
Monday, July 11, 2005
oakland
im here. visiting my grandmother... finalizing ish for the summer for amari. and just relaxing.
i didnt realize i had such a LOUD family... that is until i start talking loudly in the kitchen and everyone looks as if its normal. lol we are so not normal. but they are mine.
had so much fun in san diego with my sis. i didnt even wanna leave. but now that im here -- it cool. its kinda hot. and nikki's baby (my fourteen year old cousin) trey, is adorable. i held him until he went to sleep - then i went to sleep - then i woke up in a sweat, cause you know babies sweat they butt of sleeping! lol he's six months and already i can see the world being terribly hard for him. he's blessed though, my grandmother - his great-grandmother and his grandmother (my uncle's ex-wife) have him under their wings. i just hope the world is a bit brighter when he can distinguish the colors from one another.
in a minute...
i didnt realize i had such a LOUD family... that is until i start talking loudly in the kitchen and everyone looks as if its normal. lol we are so not normal. but they are mine.
had so much fun in san diego with my sis. i didnt even wanna leave. but now that im here -- it cool. its kinda hot. and nikki's baby (my fourteen year old cousin) trey, is adorable. i held him until he went to sleep - then i went to sleep - then i woke up in a sweat, cause you know babies sweat they butt of sleeping! lol he's six months and already i can see the world being terribly hard for him. he's blessed though, my grandmother - his great-grandmother and his grandmother (my uncle's ex-wife) have him under their wings. i just hope the world is a bit brighter when he can distinguish the colors from one another.
in a minute...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
.jpg)