so, when was the last time you assessed your personal value? I believe its important to know what you bring to the proverbial table when entering new relationships, considering dating, or just need a pick-me-up. So, with that in mind, here is the short list of my soul's assets.
i know what makes me valuable: being in the world but not of the world. learning to do yard work over the years. A conscience that is clear. having the best interests of others in mind. putting myself second. not leading others towards their demise. knowing how to be a good friend. knowing what unconditional love really is. finding peace and joy in simple things. basking in the presence of God around and through me. Knowing what is appropriate. Vocabulary. Kindness. Vision. getting to work early almost every day. creating unique bonds with others. helping to save the lives of my friends. seeking spiritual ONEness. Being honest. having a heart that is ready to love. Being sexually conservative. Being the kind of guy who can capture a woman with conversation. Having an impeccable sense of style. breakdancing. cutting a rug w/ jay electronica @ the mos def show. Not being satisfied with fast money, women, or cars. Being favored by God. Knowing how to cook a decent meal. being happy to be a Black man in america. being in touch with my emotions. being kind. being sensitive to the needs of others. sensible humility. a supportive non-dysfunctional family. For being well on my way towards manhood...
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Gucci Glasses Half Full
some of the best rap I've heard is like straight conversation. in this mixtape classik, pharrell and gucci mane shine, talk about the woman who can get it all... snappin'!
gucci doesn't really spit verses, but I like abstract song formats. pharrell is subtle, at his best, and coasting with a sincerely masculine vibrato. listen close. (anything to keep you blushing)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Shots of Hate
okay, I don't drink hateraid ... I sip from time to time. You know, to get a little buzz. Anyway, today's topic is: things I hate.
1. Young "Hipsters" - nearly everything that is hip today is a rehash of what's been artistic since the 80s and 90s. The point of being hip is to be "hip" to new styles... even retro styles can be made unique witha touch of, that's right, CREATIVITY! Freak the style by thinking about what's hot but not copying what's seen in a video or on the racks. Ex: Screen print tees are hot... rock a custom Tee from your imagination or from a funky retailer with your name on the back with a number - create a "jersey tee" with the front side still in style! *If u want to be extra fresh wear classic garments ex: a vintage clip-on tie from a thrift store will crush a new button down shirt! Oh yeah, and your music is poo. (do we sound like our parents yet?)
2. Bodies in the Street: why is it that a dead Iraqi, Afghan, or Haitian will be shown on American Media but dead Americans won't? Pick your global disaster where there is loss of life by brown skinned / non white people and during the first "shock and awe" hours of media coverage, and there is bound to be someone's brother, sister, mother, uncle, or second cousin twice-removed's body shown with no respect. I'll take it a step further... remember Hurricane Katrina? I remember seeing bodies in the street, on the sidewalk, and on bridges. Now, I don't know the last time I EVER saw a dead white person on TV... non-fiction rebuttles need only apply! As if brown skinned people deserve less respect - even in death!??- SMH.
3. FOX "News"
4. Pat Robertson - God don't like ugly and you have have no alabi
5. Sammy Sosa - not a good look...playa.
6. Mark McGwire - After admitting to using steroids during his "record-breaking" 1998 baseball season, St.Louis Cardinals fans welcomed him as their new batting coach. Even more frustrating was comissioner Bud Selig's statment regarding the incident, "I am pleased that Mark McGwire has confronted his use of performance-enhancing substances as a player. Being truthful is always the correct course of action, which is why I had commissioned Senator George Mitchell to conduct his investigation. This statement of contrition, I believe, will make Mark's re-entry into the game much smoother and easier," Selig said. I can't imagine a worse time to show compassion. Had, the player been lets say, Sammy Sosa... do you think Selig would have been so supportive? Shame on you Mark!
7.Wallflowers: If you paid to get in, why aren't you dancing?
8."Obamanations": Is it just me or is our 44th getting the 3rd degree from every angle? I mean imagine if the 43rd was actually criticized at the same level as Obama. Haters never rest till the best get down.
9.Twitter
10.Dirty Socks - not only are they a ses pool for athletes foot, the're just nasty.
1. Young "Hipsters" - nearly everything that is hip today is a rehash of what's been artistic since the 80s and 90s. The point of being hip is to be "hip" to new styles... even retro styles can be made unique witha touch of, that's right, CREATIVITY! Freak the style by thinking about what's hot but not copying what's seen in a video or on the racks. Ex: Screen print tees are hot... rock a custom Tee from your imagination or from a funky retailer with your name on the back with a number - create a "jersey tee" with the front side still in style! *If u want to be extra fresh wear classic garments ex: a vintage clip-on tie from a thrift store will crush a new button down shirt! Oh yeah, and your music is poo. (do we sound like our parents yet?)
2. Bodies in the Street: why is it that a dead Iraqi, Afghan, or Haitian will be shown on American Media but dead Americans won't? Pick your global disaster where there is loss of life by brown skinned / non white people and during the first "shock and awe" hours of media coverage, and there is bound to be someone's brother, sister, mother, uncle, or second cousin twice-removed's body shown with no respect. I'll take it a step further... remember Hurricane Katrina? I remember seeing bodies in the street, on the sidewalk, and on bridges. Now, I don't know the last time I EVER saw a dead white person on TV... non-fiction rebuttles need only apply! As if brown skinned people deserve less respect - even in death!??- SMH.
3. FOX "News"
4. Pat Robertson - God don't like ugly and you have have no alabi
5. Sammy Sosa - not a good look...playa.
6. Mark McGwire - After admitting to using steroids during his "record-breaking" 1998 baseball season, St.Louis Cardinals fans welcomed him as their new batting coach. Even more frustrating was comissioner Bud Selig's statment regarding the incident, "I am pleased that Mark McGwire has confronted his use of performance-enhancing substances as a player. Being truthful is always the correct course of action, which is why I had commissioned Senator George Mitchell to conduct his investigation. This statement of contrition, I believe, will make Mark's re-entry into the game much smoother and easier," Selig said. I can't imagine a worse time to show compassion. Had, the player been lets say, Sammy Sosa... do you think Selig would have been so supportive? Shame on you Mark!
7.Wallflowers: If you paid to get in, why aren't you dancing?
8."Obamanations": Is it just me or is our 44th getting the 3rd degree from every angle? I mean imagine if the 43rd was actually criticized at the same level as Obama. Haters never rest till the best get down.
9.Twitter
10.Dirty Socks - not only are they a ses pool for athletes foot, the're just nasty.
Friday, January 8, 2010
sapphire tea
gorgeous mourning
arctic air blanketing the sky invisible
coating of cool
miles of blue
distant starglow of you
dusting lashes, branches anew.
vision of winter
glaze surfaced pools
looking glasses, patches blacktop icecapades
when it was goodie for an early minute
detroit was saved
ohm infinitum
arctic air blanketing the sky invisible
coating of cool
miles of blue
distant starglow of you
dusting lashes, branches anew.
vision of winter
glaze surfaced pools
looking glasses, patches blacktop icecapades
when it was goodie for an early minute
detroit was saved
ohm infinitum
Monday, December 21, 2009
Deck Your Halls
Seems like I just got used to writing "09" at work and here we are in the midst of the 2009 Holiday season. This year has been especially trying for many of us who struggle through, "the worst recession since,..." you know the rest. President Barack Obama has his hands full with health care, "his" war(s), the economy, and a Nobel Peace prize to embody through like actions. We were astounded to hear about Michael Jackson's 50 concerts in London to be his final career curtain call. Equally astounding was his death and ever-controversial report of a drug overdose from a cocktail of pain-killers and possible malpractice.
Without attempting a "wrap-up" like Virginia rapper Skills, I'll focus on another missing entity from this December's march towards Christmas and New Years celebrations: THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT.
This past weekend kicked off holiday parties and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Here, at the 2010 tailgate, I enjoyed a rousing night of twerking at Atlanta's ever jumpin Central Station Sports Bar. It had been over a year since I stepped foot in this smoky, slang-stained, and liquor splattered night-spot. No fights, dim lights, and a thick, southern-fried atmosphere set the scene for a delightful trip to my younger days attending winter parties in the A where body-heat replaced leather coats and scarves. I even waited in line! Once inside, my coat, more like wooly a layer of fat, came off and I made my rounds doing "the freak," the wop, and shaking my head to the days passed when music wasn't so vulgar I couldn't find the perfect beat to dance solo. I got home about 6am. And I have to thank my hood ambassador Fly, for serving as the impetus for my unlikely yet, refreshingly funky outing.
Everyday is a holiday... and Winters in the A remind me of the Nike Pavilion and other youthful places of delight.
Flipping the page, I sported a collared shirt and slacks at the Latin themed holiday party of the Jarvii. Lauren and Steve are two of my good friends who never disappoint during holiday seasons. More settled in their Buckhead apartment, seven floors above the shoppers, they pulled out all the culinary stops to serve us with excellent music, great company, and delectable food for their guests!
LBJ's homemade salsa was an instant hit and set the stage for more gourmet treats to emerge from their busy kitchen. The music was on-point. A mix of spicy salsa (no pun intended) music and DJ Jazzy Jeff's definitive guide to house music provided the perfect ambiance to groove. Party planners take note! Music and food can turn a regular party to a festive themed party, adding a splash to your entertaining in future holiday seasons.
The Jarvis event was the perfect fit as the sun set over the emerging Buckhead skyline from their magnificent enclosed sun room balcony.
Togetherness, in its many forms are what I'm speaking on today. While retail reports come in offering meager numbers, job-market stability has us all queasy, and travel plans are thwarted because of budget cuts or inclimate weather, we still find reasons to get together and celebrate the joy of good company. Family and friends may not have time to meet during the busy work weeks; holidays provide some much needed breaks from work and a reason to congregate.
This year, while enjoying your egg nog, look around and bask in your surroundings! You've made it another year and are hopefully around happy friends and family. And if that isn't enough, remember the reason for this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus - possibly humanity's best friend.
The gift of giving remains a strong theme for many who seek to embody the bright glow of Christmas lights...may this season be a time to celebrate the birth of your friendships... a lasting testament to surviving another twelve month year.
Without attempting a "wrap-up" like Virginia rapper Skills, I'll focus on another missing entity from this December's march towards Christmas and New Years celebrations: THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT.
This past weekend kicked off holiday parties and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Here, at the 2010 tailgate, I enjoyed a rousing night of twerking at Atlanta's ever jumpin Central Station Sports Bar. It had been over a year since I stepped foot in this smoky, slang-stained, and liquor splattered night-spot. No fights, dim lights, and a thick, southern-fried atmosphere set the scene for a delightful trip to my younger days attending winter parties in the A where body-heat replaced leather coats and scarves. I even waited in line! Once inside, my coat, more like wooly a layer of fat, came off and I made my rounds doing "the freak," the wop, and shaking my head to the days passed when music wasn't so vulgar I couldn't find the perfect beat to dance solo. I got home about 6am. And I have to thank my hood ambassador Fly, for serving as the impetus for my unlikely yet, refreshingly funky outing.
Everyday is a holiday... and Winters in the A remind me of the Nike Pavilion and other youthful places of delight.
Flipping the page, I sported a collared shirt and slacks at the Latin themed holiday party of the Jarvii. Lauren and Steve are two of my good friends who never disappoint during holiday seasons. More settled in their Buckhead apartment, seven floors above the shoppers, they pulled out all the culinary stops to serve us with excellent music, great company, and delectable food for their guests!
LBJ's homemade salsa was an instant hit and set the stage for more gourmet treats to emerge from their busy kitchen. The music was on-point. A mix of spicy salsa (no pun intended) music and DJ Jazzy Jeff's definitive guide to house music provided the perfect ambiance to groove. Party planners take note! Music and food can turn a regular party to a festive themed party, adding a splash to your entertaining in future holiday seasons.
The Jarvis event was the perfect fit as the sun set over the emerging Buckhead skyline from their magnificent enclosed sun room balcony.
Togetherness, in its many forms are what I'm speaking on today. While retail reports come in offering meager numbers, job-market stability has us all queasy, and travel plans are thwarted because of budget cuts or inclimate weather, we still find reasons to get together and celebrate the joy of good company. Family and friends may not have time to meet during the busy work weeks; holidays provide some much needed breaks from work and a reason to congregate.
This year, while enjoying your egg nog, look around and bask in your surroundings! You've made it another year and are hopefully around happy friends and family. And if that isn't enough, remember the reason for this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus - possibly humanity's best friend.
The gift of giving remains a strong theme for many who seek to embody the bright glow of Christmas lights...may this season be a time to celebrate the birth of your friendships... a lasting testament to surviving another twelve month year.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Santos - that coming sun
We patiently await your arrival. You are the product of one of the universal miracles... if even for a short time, there was love. And you are the child of that mix of surprise, sun, and smiles. Your father is my best friend since childhood. We used to play outdoors: climbing trees, jumping from high places, exploring music videos, and for kicks, karate.
Your dad loves the sistas... He left his indelible smile with them and in return many women have some lasting love for Mr.T
I would not call myself envious, but curious as to what its like being so free. Your daddy runs free, like a lone wolf or a falcon in flight. As a matter of fact, there is a hawk who showed up at our mention. We were standing in his mother's driveway, discussing life -as we often do- and T brings up the hawk... then in a clearing between many large pines, circles the hawk. After a few loops as if to say, I AM HERE WITH YOU... it flies off into denser forest, and remains unseen. We share many moments like this. You are a moment unfolding in time. I remember a deer as well...
I was there when T met your mother... Somewhat a catalyst, our lives are entangled and I could not help but notice your mother's beauty as well... for she wore her hair in twists and sported a cute hoodie. T went after her, I admired - as i often do- and wondered if I'd see her again. That was a difference between us. See, I give sistas back to the cosmos... with the meditation that those who are good for me, I will see again. Tony leaps head first into the fleeting moment. He claws to seize some remnant of Life's harmonious fusion of humanity and opportunity. Tony, is a type A.
It is the day after what we call "Thanksgiving." I hope you learn the true story of this blood soaked, tear jerked, and pox infested holiday. Our nation buries many of its shameful acts in "proclamations" and public "apologies." All-the-while, history remains taught in its least interesting, accurate, and provocative forms.
History is everything we have done...the past dimension... and to be aware of today is to acknowledge that if notions of evil from an unkind word, to assault, to murder, genocide, abuse, etc exist today, then they always have existed. The Powerful corrupt, enraged women sought revenge, and people have generally f-ed up. So, in looking back, it can't be just a string of random events in the history books, right?
Santos, you already have a story. You are part of mine. I make my own way for you as "God-Father," "Uncle," "Fam." When you are ready for this world... we are ready for you. May you be fed with the Bread of Life, that you might know and find truth, love, light, and joy.
In closing, one day you will pass the Universal Torch of Consciousness to another, this is my only request... serve our future well, as we prepare a way for you.
-delano
Your dad loves the sistas... He left his indelible smile with them and in return many women have some lasting love for Mr.T
I would not call myself envious, but curious as to what its like being so free. Your daddy runs free, like a lone wolf or a falcon in flight. As a matter of fact, there is a hawk who showed up at our mention. We were standing in his mother's driveway, discussing life -as we often do- and T brings up the hawk... then in a clearing between many large pines, circles the hawk. After a few loops as if to say, I AM HERE WITH YOU... it flies off into denser forest, and remains unseen. We share many moments like this. You are a moment unfolding in time. I remember a deer as well...
I was there when T met your mother... Somewhat a catalyst, our lives are entangled and I could not help but notice your mother's beauty as well... for she wore her hair in twists and sported a cute hoodie. T went after her, I admired - as i often do- and wondered if I'd see her again. That was a difference between us. See, I give sistas back to the cosmos... with the meditation that those who are good for me, I will see again. Tony leaps head first into the fleeting moment. He claws to seize some remnant of Life's harmonious fusion of humanity and opportunity. Tony, is a type A.
It is the day after what we call "Thanksgiving." I hope you learn the true story of this blood soaked, tear jerked, and pox infested holiday. Our nation buries many of its shameful acts in "proclamations" and public "apologies." All-the-while, history remains taught in its least interesting, accurate, and provocative forms.
History is everything we have done...the past dimension... and to be aware of today is to acknowledge that if notions of evil from an unkind word, to assault, to murder, genocide, abuse, etc exist today, then they always have existed. The Powerful corrupt, enraged women sought revenge, and people have generally f-ed up. So, in looking back, it can't be just a string of random events in the history books, right?
Santos, you already have a story. You are part of mine. I make my own way for you as "God-Father," "Uncle," "Fam." When you are ready for this world... we are ready for you. May you be fed with the Bread of Life, that you might know and find truth, love, light, and joy.
In closing, one day you will pass the Universal Torch of Consciousness to another, this is my only request... serve our future well, as we prepare a way for you.
-delano
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