Good Guys Wear Black

It's been a long time. I shouldn't have left you. I have been so busy maintaining all that I have going on that some things had to take a back seat. TLA Writes happened to be one those things, but I'm not going to make it a habit. Updating this blog is one of the things that makes me happy. Its like talking to a friend that can't respond. Not that I don't like the benefits of back and forth conversation, but you get my drift. I just thought up a plan that would let me have a regular posting schedule, so I'll test it out and we'll see what happens.

This has been an incredible week for news. On September 20th the Jena 6 protest march brought thousands of people from all over the country to the court house steps in Jena, Louisiana. As I sat at my desk dressed in my solidarity black listening to the live broadcast, the positive energy of the movement penetrated me through the airwaves. Although there were a few ignorant folks who weren't too supportive, that didn't dampen the spirit of the march for me. I was proud. The attention didn't get Mychal Bell released, but the somewhat limited national media coverage has proven to be a boon to the cause. Hopefully, this case won't disappear into the "whatever happened with that case" file. It's not too late to show your support. Sign the petition to the justice department or the governor of Louisiana. This site has letters already written for you and after you complete one you to can make a donation to the defense fund. Shouts to Michael Baisden, Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, and Mos Def for representing for the cause. Respect.

What did get plenty o' coverage was that fool OJ. Does anyone else think OJ kicked in the door and got straight gangsta on some mofos? If you don't know, read part of the transcript. We all know Orenthal has unresolved anger management issues, but kickin' in the door to lay the smack down on some audio taping thieves seems a little fishy. I'm not saying OJ was right to do what he allegedly did, but I don't think too many people dealing in stolen items want their business transactions on TMZ for the world to hear. Yeah, he shouldn't have been there but just like the Hip Hop police you best believe OJ has some brothers in blue watching him too. Good luck with that O. Johnnie C. can't get you out of this one.

I pitched a few story ideas to XXL last week and I'm waiting to hear back. I sent, they replied. They asked for more details. I gave them. Now the waiting game begins. My editor said be patient, so that's what I'm going to do. I did some final edits on another one of my shorts, so this week I'll look for a literary magazine to submit to and see what happens. I learned a while ago that a big part of the writing game, once your done with a piece, you spend time waiting to see if your work is publish worthy. I get confirmation that I am when I see a piece that I've written up on AllHipHop.com. More projects are coming, but I have to stay mum on them for now. Networking pays off. Trust me.

In the meantime, I'll have to keep figuring out new ways to keep my composure while spending eight hours a day, five days a week, working with someone I don't quite gel with. The day job has served me well by giving me a short commute, allowing me to meet some nice people, and helping me pay some bills. Now its time to move on and my eyes are definitely open. Hopefully, I'll keep getting more and more paid writing assignments and that will lead to bigger and better creative adventures for me.

Speaking of adventures, I'm about to embark on a huge one tomorrow. I'm talking HUGE. So huge that when I went out to dinner tonight my family ordered a sparkler on my desert to celebrate. I'll fill you in with details in two weeks, but if all goes well, this could prove to be that big thing that I predicted was coming in my last post. I'm a visionary in case you didn't know.

Congrats to Steph & Jim on bringing their third little person into the world, and my life, last Friday. You've got some fantastic parents Liam, so consider yourself blessed.

Aight, I'm out. My Mama's here and I need some hugs. Nothing like in person motherly love to get me through the week. Until next time, ladies get your Million Woman March reunion crew together and make it happen. Can you believe its been 10 years? And just so you know, I wasn't kidding about this t-shirt. Help a sista out. The holidays are just around the corner.

Sign O' The Times

What a week, what a week. Shaunie & Shaq are breaking up, Pavarotti passed away, Foxy got sentenced to a year at Rikers, and microwaved Orville Redenbacher is straight makin' folks sick. It wasn't a stretch for me to believe that synthetic butter flavored popcorn kernels held captive in a bag with a six month shelf life could lead to illness. After all these are the days of e coli tainted spinach and hormone filled cows. It was only a matter of time before something as simple as dried corn kernels got included on the list of harmful chemically enhanced food items. I'm sad for you popcorn imbibers of the world, but cheer up. Once the Whole Foods merger is complete, you'll be able to get your organic shop on at a store near you. Say goodbye to cheap corn and hello to pricey organic delicacies. To eat is human, to go organic is divine. Whatever. I'm still going to eat Twizzlers.

I was happy to see that the number of people heading down for the Jena Six Rally for Peace and Justice is increasing by the minute. Mark my words, this rally is going to be a historical civil rights event. I'm talking March on Washington proportions. If you can go, get on the bus. Carpool. Fly down. Take the kids too. And if you can't be there in person, be there in spirit and sign the petition. Erascism while fighting the power. Uplift the race. Do the right thing. Let's make everyone who has fought for civil rights proud and show the world how the originators did it. No justice, no peace.

Speaking of pride, anyone catch this video on BET yet? One night I was flipping channels and caught the tail end of something I thought was a joke. Actually, its a message that needs to be heard, but we all know presentation is half the battle when trying to make a statement to the masses. Although I didn't have a problem with the message, perhaps a cartoon image of a booty shakin' woman of color with the word 'book' on her butt may not have been the way to go. Although the brother that came up with the lyrics & music (not the animation, thank BET for that) defended his intentions on CNN, it may have fallen on deaf ears. Claiming to send a positive message while asking folks to "read a motherf**kin' book" kind of killed it for me. The message was meaty for sure, but don't put filet mignon on a garbage can lid and tell me its really good for me. Its all about presentation. Yeah I get that controversy breeds conversation and word of mouth can generate income. But for those of us that appreciate receiving our subliminal visual lectures sans stereotypical negative imagery, step it up BET. After all you said it best--"we gots to do better".

I wish I could tell you the name of my new short. It turned out so well I was really proud of myself. You know its true the more you write, the better you get. Let me revise that statement. The more I write, the better I get. I finished up an interview this week that should be up soon. I have one more waiting in the wings, but I think I'll have to go with Plan B on that and give it to another source. I can't wait forever to hear back from a mag after I've pitched an idea. Although my week was hectic, I managed to send out eight queries so we'll see what happens with that. I need to stay focused so that I can make a career change soon. Going in to work has become more of a personal challenge than I ever imagined it could be, so somethings gotta give. Spending my days with a person that reads aloud, fights personal drama via the phonelines daily, and constantly calls the help desk to receive one on one instruction on how to work "this darn computer", is not the move. I keep getting this feeling that something big is in store. I feel like Tony when he sang Something's Coming from West Side Story. Time always tells, so I have to listen for when it starts talking.

I finally unloaded the last of my CD's into a new rack I bought. Of course I got in reminisce DJ mode and had to play things I hadn't heard in a while. I decided to take out my Adriana Evans CD and blast it while I ran errands. 'Love Is All Around' was my cut! I wonder whats up with her now. Right now I have Common's Finding Forever and the Superfly soundtrack in heavy rotation. Curtis Mayfield had one of those voices that just got me me. Donny Hathaway too. I guess that's why I always have one or the other in my car at all times. When I click track seven on The Donny Hathaway Collection or track five on the Superfly soundtrack, whatever is going on good becomes better and anything heavy on my mind becomes lighter. Good music does that for me. What about you?

Last night I watched most of Justin Timberlake's Labor Day concert at the Garden on HBO. I have to give it to Justin, he put on a great show. Visually, he took it another level, the dancers were fantastic, and the band was fire. I was even more pleased with Jus to see he has an ear for good singers when I caught multiple glimpses of Denosh from Makin' Da Band on stage as one of his background singers. She has a lot of talent and I was glad to see she didn't stop despite not making da band. Diddy's loss was Justin's gain. He's scheduled to perform at the VMA's tonight although I'm not sure if I'll watch it today or one of the other 12 times it airs. Nonetheless, I'm sure I'll see it.

Oh yeah, I need to answer the question posed on my last post. For those just tuning in I asked, "What would you attempt if you knew you couldn't fail?" My answer is EVERYTHING. If I have nothing to lose, why not try it all? Duh.

Well I'm off to get my magazine fix. I got my new XXL, Vibe, and Time Out New York yesterday. Its like early Christmas several times a month thanks to you Mr. Mailman. Postal workers bring joy. Stop laughing. They do. Really.

How Ya Feelin?

Hey you. The one reading these words. Admit it, you like what you read but don't know how to express it. Let me offer a suggestion. Tell a friend. Forward the link to my page to everyone in your address book. Or leave me a comment every time you read. Better yet, do both. I'm trying to create some traffic up in here!

Have a nice long Labor Day weekend. Get some BBQ. Watch some movies. Sleep late. Do you.

Little of this, Some of that

Did ya miss me? I missed you. I missed you so much I stayed up late last night thinking I should have updated. I felt really bad because I didn't. It seemed as if something was missing in my life. I knew what it was, but was powerless to do anything about it. I put it off. I slacked. I procrastinated. Only losers procrastinate. That's what I was last night. A loser. I suck.

Sike.

Actually, I had lots of running around to do yesterday. By the time I got home, I was too tired and fried in the brain to type anything. So I showered, finished reading this months Black Enterprise magazine, listened to my #1 muse spit his educational presentation flow, and yo voy a la cama. (para todos mis hermanos y hermanas Latinos) For the rest of ya'll, that translates to I went to bed.

Speaking of magazines, I love them. Not a ride or die sort of love, but a great appreciation kind of love. I wouldn't say I was a magazine addict, but someone else might. Which is fine. I don't think having twelve (yeah I said 12!) subscriptions is a sign of addiction at all. I do read each and every one cover to cover, so I'm not wasting money. Its all about the info baby. All about the info. Now what I may be willing to admit to is perhaps having somewhat of a compulsion for information. All kinds too. But I'm picky with my info. For example, I don't care anything about work gossip. Not too concerned about the sports world either. (Well the dog fighting NFL dude story did have my attention off and on--I digress) On the other hand when I hear that Barack has a plan for New Orleans, that jail ain't treatin' Foxy too good, or that its almost time for the annual Philadelphia Cocktail Competition, my internal 'must know more' circuitry starts going bananas and the pop culture aficionado that lives inside of me just can't stop until it feels fully informed. Its a harmless cross to bear and I tend to use most of the info power I get for good writing & interesting conversation rather than spreading massive doses of negativity and hateration. Innocent enough right? Besides, I'd rather be TLA than this guy. Then I really might get accused of using my powers in a, shall we say 'aggressive' manner. If I were him, I might think I was really heading in troubles direction. Not the kind of trouble that chases balding white men, but the kind of trouble that comes along with tapping ones feet in mens room stalls all willi manilli. (My old supervisor used to say willi manilli when he really meant to willy nilly)) Not that there is anything wrong with being a bald toe tappin' white man, but the mens room isn't where I would have choosen to flex those skills. Imagine if the Nicholas Brothers had done that. Oh, the scandal.

Well on the writing tip, I got a reject letter today from Ebony. I ain't mad at them though. It was really brief but quite encouraging. My story idea didn't get rejected for any reason other than "a large backlog of previously scheduled stories". Didn't that seem reassuring? I thought so. So much so that I already have my next query letter to Ms. Ebony lady in an envelope waiting to be mailed tomorrow. I'm not playing. Being in Ebony--what?! (For full effect say the what like Dave Chappelle says it) If you don't know I can't tell you.

My girl Phish sent me an update about Shaquanda Cotton today. I did read about this case when it happened and thankfully she was eventually released. The sad thing was it didn't surprise me. After all, this is the country where a nine year old can catch a case and Bishops beat down wives. Its a good thing Stevie Wonder is on tour because hates goin' round breakin' many hearts. Loves in need to love today ya'll.

I know one thing, I am waiting on Kanye and Jill to drop. One of my peeps from Allhiphop.com went to the listening session for Kanye's Graduation CD. Me thinks the hype will be equivalent to the product. Check out the review for yourself. I don't need to read any reviews for Jill's The Real Thing because whatever she puts out I'm getting it. She has Mary J. status in my book--she can sing no wrong.

Well I said I wouldn't be a computer hog this evening, so let me get on off of here. My Mom is coming for a visit tomorrow and her room needs a little tidying up. Before I click that X, let me leave you with a question. And yes, its as serious as cancer. (Does anyone else think of Rakim lyrics when someone says they have a question?)

I was out for lunch the other day and saw the most amazing card. It was so amazing that after I checked out I had to go back to the card section to make sure I had the words in correct order so I could share them with you. On the cover of this tiny black 5 x 5 card was the most incredible question in radiant white letters. 'What would you attempt if you knew you couldn't fail?' Mull that over and let me know by leaving a comment. I'd love to hear from you. Maybe on my next post, I'll tell you what I came up with.

Chase a Dream, Catch a Dream

Whats good?! These two simple words are something people throw out to gage how well you are doing and living. The beauty of the question is that if you asked 100 different people, you'd probably get 100 different answers. Whats good with you, might not be good with for me. And vice versa for that matter. Everyone defines their own version of whats good. Material things can be good. Money can definitely be good. Hmph, even a hot meal can be whats good depending on the day.

Whats good with me you wonder? So many things, but if you really want a direct answer, dream fulfillment comes to the front of my third eye right now. Through my work as a writer, I get the pleasure of meeting so many different people that are living their dreams in their chosen fields. Last night I had an interview with someone so inspiring. I met someone who reconfirmed perseverance does pay. There is a reward for staying focused. Sometimes (most times) sacrifices must be made, but sacrifices are the necessary element that it takes to make dreams come true. And right now, that's what I'm all about. Making my dreams come true.

I'm not a big believer in coincidences; however, I am a big believer in all things happening for a reason. Perhaps initially the lesson or reasons can't be seen for the things that are happening, but if you really stop to think about it, it is usually revealed eventually. Last night was confirmation for me that pursuing my dreams of being the ultimate literay hustler is what I am supposed to be doing. The feeling that comes from fully realizing a destiny is overwhelming. It lets me know that God, family, and friends are right when they tell me I can make it. When they tell me I have a talent and gift for words that should be shared. All of what I do, what I dream, and what I am to be is meant to be. I know it because the more I do what I love, the more I am rewarded. Even in discouraging moments, something lets me know, don't stop. Don't stop. Keep going. Its going to happen. When you are doing what you are meant to be doing, it feels so right. It flows. It dips and rises, but it still feels right as if it were predestined. That's where I am right now. I'm following my destiny. Finally. Don't knock my hustle.

Its takes faith to follow a destiny. Support, love, and encouragement are also in the mix, but faith is the biggest for me. I couldn't do this without the love and support of my #1 muse. I couldn't do it without the love and support I get from my Mom, Dad, Imani, Reg, Kiki, George, Tom, Gwyn, Mic, Shelly, Lakisha, and Steph D. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and for that I am truly thankful. Its my time and I'm going for it full force. The great thing about this pursuit is the inspirations just keep coming. Special thanks and shout out to Uncle O from Power 99. Through my brief conversation with you last night, you helped to confirm that dreams do AND can come true. Thanks my brother. I hope we can work together in the future. I have a feeling we will.

Are you doing what you love? Are you fulfilling your destiny? Have you found your passion? Not sure? Take a look at your life and ask yourself this. Do you wake up ready to do that thing that you love every day? Could you do it with no pay? Or do you wake up wanting to call in sick and dream about what you should be doing? Dreams can come true. You just gotta make it happen.

I'm almost done with my short and I'm so happy I went with my gut on this one. The words are just flowing and my muse is loving it. In the next few weeks, be on the lookout for my interviews with Eric Roberson and Uncle O. Check out his CD, The Uncle O All Stars or pick it up at your local Best Buy. I'm also in negotiations for a big deal with a label to do some work and that's pretty exciting. I'm back to the day job on Monday. I ain't too mad about it because a sista does have bills to pay. But I know the day job isn't the dream career. So while I'm G.O.O.D. (Thanks for the acronym Kanye) I'm doing what I gotta do. Are you? Go for it. Your life is calling.

How I'm Livin'

I'm going to be kind of busy today. I need to do some research for tomorrows interview, formulate some questions for it, work on my short, and try to keep calm all at the same time. Can I do it? Yes I can! I feel so motivated today. I'm Richard Simmons with hair. I'm Mary Poppins with a tan. I'm Sinclair from Living Single. I'm Mountain Dew. Ever wake up feeling like that? All bubbly and stuff? Yesterday I got a lot of love from friends and I really needed it. As rough as the day could have been, the phone calls and emails I got made it better than I could have expected it to be. Thanks for your comments about the last post too. It lets me know they are being read (BTW-keep spreading the word about my blog) but more importantly that my words provoked thought. Thank you.

Being off in the summer means many things. One of them is that I get to watch as much mindless television as I want when time permits. Some people listen to the radio while they clean. Me? I keep a little Jerry or Maury on for my background noise/ignorance when I write in the mornings. Today's episode is about fat kids. How can a child be two years old and weigh 68 pounds you ask? By having 23 cups of chocolate milk, unlimited cookies, all the Hostess cakes they want, and devouring whole pizzas that's how! Now I know sometimes it can be a medical condition that blows kids up, but these kids ain't sick. Mommy is loving them with food. Love good. Loving with food? Not so good. Be careful Mommy, you don't want them posting here. Its a hard knock life for fat kids.

Usually, when I'm done writing and don't have any plans, I like to watch TLC 's A Baby Story, follow it up with some Cheaters, and end the day with the boys in blue on Cops. I don't know what it is about Cops that I love so much. Just cop shows period--Dallas Swat, The First 48, and Dog The Bounty Hunter(well he isn't really a cop, but he is cop like since he does cuff people). I respect what they do; however, since I often have difficulty with the way they do it, actually seeing 5-0 in action helps me keep it all in perspective.

Has anyone noticed how much more the Jena 6 case has been in the media? Michael Baisden has been talking about it a lot on his radio show lately too. Yesterday he asked listeners, "Why is it so hard to get black folks together to fight for justice?" I don't know Mike. All I know is Don Imus calling sistas nappy headed ho's got much play. Three nooses on a tree? Nada mas. Wanna get involved? Its not hard. Just go here, sign the petition, or make a donation, or forward the site to everyone in your address book, and spread the word. Fight the power.

Sometimes when I get new music I just listen to the same songs over and over. Lately its been Eric Roberson's The Vault 1.5. Tracks 1,2,3,7, & 8 are my favorites. I had the pleasure of meeting him for dinner a few weeks ago and it was one of the best interviews I've done so far. Very down to earth and open. Even though I asked a lot of questions, so did he. Sometimes it seemed as if we were old friends. If you like your singers to have a voice that combines itself with phenomenal lyrics, check him out. You won't be disappointed.

I kind of hate to keep talking about Foxy Brown, but she did go to jail today. Have ya'll been praying? Sometimes people have to learn things the hard way, and maybe this is hers. Who knows? On the upside, my latest interview with super producer Dame Grease is up. One thing I've noticed when interviewing folks with a connection to Hip Hop is they all have a passion for it. Without it, they aren't sure what they would be doing. It might seem like a 'deep' thing to say, but that's what Hip Hop does to folks. It incites passion and sparks creativity. Yeah it has become a billion dollar business too, but some figure out a way to balance the passion along with the business.

Aight good people, I've got stuff to do. Take it light, do it right.

Hug A Tree

I once heard love being described as "a many splintered thing". For as solid as a tree can be, throughout all the years it can grow and survive, even in the harshest of conditions, it thrives. It protects. Its leaves grow, briefly brightening the world with a kaleidoscope of color, only to cascade to the earth with a whirl. After the leaves have disappeared, what remains standing strong? Who endures? The tree.

The quote came to mind this morning because my love is experiencing some splinters. Our foundation, our wood--Its not smooth right now. My tree is blowing and bucking against the jarring wind. Its crying leaves are falling around me. As I move in the opposite direction of the wind, my love, my tree, is poking me with its splinters. The tree is rattling. The leaves are falling. Wind chases me. I can see them all, the colors being memories, spread around me like the train of my wedding dress. Spinning around, I can see visions of the future that I'd hoped would return in Spring. Spring came and went. Summer is almost at its end. Time for the leaves to start there annual shedding. Right now, I want to be the tree. I need to stand tall. I want to embrace the wind and let it know I will remain. But the wind refuses to calm, so I loosen my grip. I can't save the fallen leaves. I will remain the tree that longs to catch the wind. The combination of wind and tree can create damage. But they can also spread seeds & leaves that bring new life and multiply love.

Thank God I can write and feel some sense of relief. I followed up with a few folks and have an interview scheduled for Thursday with one of Philly's top radio personalities. Don't you wonder which one? I'll give you a hint. Its someone from this station. This ought to be good.

One thing that I need to constantly remind myself of is a lot of this writing game involves putting your best out there and not necessarily getting the results you would expect when you give your best. Sometimes its best to step back (aka the weekend), regroup, and keep pushin' forward. Progress comes slow and fast. But as long as its coming, you learn to move when it moves whatever the pace, and press on. So I press.

After perusing today's news I saw a few things. The "Queen of Mean" passed away yesterday, Foxy Brown got in more trouble, and Michael Vick is going to plead guilty. I knew I couldn't let an alleged dog killer story be the last thing I read before getting back to my short story. I came across this article, and that confirmed no matter how much negativity is going on in the world, somewhere, somehow, the balance of positivity is always happening. Sometimes you just have to seek it out.