Congratulations, Brandin Jay!

Creativity runs in my family. My cousin, Natarsha Garcia, is the founder of a performing arts school in Atlanta, where she discovers and nurtures the talents of young future stars. One of her brightest stars is her own son, Brandin Jenkins, who is appearing in the role of Junior in the upcoming Martin Lawrence movie Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins. Everybody is in this movie: Martin, Mo'Nique, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Nicole Ari Parker, James Earl Jones. Wow. Way to kick off an acting career.

But there's even more to this kid! Brandin is also a rising singer/songwriter. Check out his work on his MySpace page. And watch for more from this talented triple-threat.

Some People Just Get Everything!

Variety is reporting that Tyra Banks has inked an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. to develop scripted shows, reality programs and direct-to-DVD projects. She also signed a series development deal with the CW and has restructured her Bankable Productions staff.

Glad to see her doing her thing, but I also have to admit that I'm just a wee bit envious! I'd love to pitch and develop some projects too. Gimme one day in the life of Tyra (minus the modeling and photo shoots, of course)...

I know, I know, I'm whining again!

Models: The Ultimate Top Model Casting T-Shirt

How many wannabe models will show up at the next ANTM castings wearing t-shirts or hoodies with this logo across the chest or back? Lots, I hope. That's why I created it!

Pick up yours today at WordCanvas.com. Logo appears on various affordably-priced products.

The Strength of Kendra

I'm putting the finishing touches on what will most likely be my most important young adult work ever. Considering the range of emotions I experienced while writing K My Name Is Kendra, I doubt I can do this again. Y'all know I suffer from bouts of depression In Real Life. Hard to take on the drama of a book character too!

Sadly, Kendra's story, though fictional, is not a new one. Statistics show that African-American girls ages 12-18 are more likely than all other youths to be victims of violent crimes against their bodies. That violence very often leads to depression, promiscuity, drug abuse, suicide and incarceration. Even more often, the cycle continues.

Our girls are in crisis and it breaks my heart to talk to girls like Kendra--real live girls--who have experienced the same atrocities against their bodies (and subsequently their spirits) that my character did in this book.

But at least there is dialog. And though it's difficult to listen to these all-too-common heartbreaking expressions, doing so is healing. Most especially when accompanied by professional help from a counselor or therapist. Without such help, this breakdown of spirit is carried into womanhood and is made perpetual.

It won't be easy, but I look forward to reaching as many at-risk girls as possible once the book is released in January.

Maybe I'll meet you.

Another FEMA Scandal

What exactly were these people thinking when they pulled this particular scam? Setting up a fake press conference to address the Southern Cali fire issues?

I'm constantly in awe of the foolishness of some people. What will be even more interesting, however, is to see which, if any, heads will roll for this insulting stunt.

Thank Goodness For Artists Like Anthony Hamilton

I was just in the car, running the streets of the suburban community in which I now live in Northern Virginia (back in the day I'd be rollin' five-deep down Jerome Avenue in the Bronx on a night like this...*sigh* I miss the ghetto sometimes), and I tried, really tried, to listen to the radio.

Two songs in, I'm reaching over to twist the knob into the OFF position because my ears are being assaulted by some R. Kelly song about a freak and her booty up in the club. Not for nothing, but isn't every other song by R. Kelly about that same thing?

I'm just asking.

Anyway, as soon as I step through the door of my mother's home, I pop in Anthony's Ain't Nobody Worryin' CD and exhale deeply, relaxing in the lyrical and vocally-relevant journey that is the music of this soulful virtuoso.

All is right again in the universe.

So They Really Do Use This Stuff In Real Life

I'm sitting here watching one of my new favorite shows: Numb3rs, starring Rob Morrow and David Krumholtz. [Not too sad that I'm home alone on a Friday night. I don't even bother dating anymore. The only men asking me out are not good for me.] I am absolutely intrigued by the application of mathematics to criminology. Okay, so once they launch into formulas and numerology, I'm lost. Still, it's impressive.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't also mention the chocolatey-goodness that is actor Alimi Ballard, who I think looks like a slightly taller and more filled-out version of Sean Patrick Thomas.

Yet another reason to tune in.

Why?

With all the shampoo, conditioner, soap in the world--and a stockpile of money to purchase any and all of it at will...

This look--out in public and even after an arrest...just why?

Diggin' This Site: Telltalepress.com

This is the perfect little gift for writers. Tell Tale Press sells colorful stationery products that actually do, well, tell a tale. Each greeting card has the beginning of a story that you can then complete as part of a writing contest. Very creative writing prompt.

I purchased my set a couple of years ago, but I've never given one away. They're too cute!

More Girl Power

The words on this t-shirt (another personal quote of mine) fit my mission of empowerment:

I walk tall...and it has nothing to do

with the height of my heels

You can pick yours up today at WordCanvas.com. And don't worry, it's available in various colors and styles (pink just shows up best here).

Plus-Size Never Looked So Pretty

That's the title of an article I found on the AOL homepage today. The subtitle was "Tips to Hide That Pesky Bit of Pudge".

Cool.

So I read the article. And I gotta say, it says absolutely nothing about how to hide what I've got going on around my waistline! Yes, I've lost lots of weight (kudos to NutriSystem, Congestive Heart Failure, Type II Diabetes and the resulting threat on my life for the part they played in my choice to drop a few LB's...yeah!), but this spare tire I'm rockin' around my waist just doesn't factor in to the whole just accessorize with a super-wide belt philosophy.

Note to Mommy: my black clothes are my best friend because they are flattering and streamlining, according to this article. Okay, so I guess I can take their advice and venture beyond that one color and add more chocolatey browns, charcoal grays and olive greens this season. And more jackets like that camel-colored suede piece I picked up at the Avenue last year. You like that one, no?

Now if only I can find one good "strategically-placed oversized clutch purse" to "chicly camouflage" my quote-unquote tummy troubles as I get back in slimdown mode.

Brandy Is Back In the Studio

Eurweb.com is reporting that singer Brandy is back in the studio. I'm so glad to hear that. She's always been one of my favorite artists, from way back in the day, and I've missed her music. Do your thing, girl...

I can't say that without also saying this: my heart goes out to all the people affected by the terrible vehicular tragedy involving Brandy, which claimed the life of a mother my own age. I feel for her family, her children especially. But I also feel for Brandy, because to live with the knowledge that you may have caused the death of someone--though an accident--is also heartwrenching.

News: Arson Suspected in the California Fires

I had a feeling they'd come to this conclusion. Wow at the damage one twisted person can do.

ANTM: The Fab Five

Is it five or six models that end up going overseas to some exotic location as the competition begins to wind down? I'll pick my Top Five now: Bianca, Heather, Lisa, Jenah and Saleisha. If it's six that travel, I'd have to add Sarah as the sixth.

As for who I think will be in the final episode? Kinda too early too tell, but I think it will be Heather, Bianca and Saleisha. Who will battle on the runway? I think it'll come down to Heather and Bianca. The winner? I can't call it yet...

Ding Dong, Ebony's Gone!

So the buzz all over the ANTM message board at cwtv.com is that many viewers think Tyra was mean to Ebony last night for throwing away the modeling opportunity given to her. And throw it away she did!

If you didn't see it, Ebony was in the bottom two, which is just where she wanted to be (and truly where she belonged). She told her fellow housemates even before stepping into panel that she wanted to go home. It came across in her interaction with Mr. Jay and in her pictures (did you peep the snarl in her closeup?). It came across from the moment she stepped into panel. And it came across when the judges were critiquing her pictures. In fact, I think she was purposely even more off-putting than usual (as if that were even possible)because she wanted to tick them off and be sent home. It backfired though, because Tyra chose her to stay over Ambreal.

And then it happened.

This is where I'm in defense of Tyra. Now, I don't remember her exact words at the moment (I'm not in a TIVO household anymore so I couldn't play it back, but I will watch the episode online later), but I do recall that Tyra did check Miss Ebony and called her a quitter. Some viewers thought that was rude. But here's the thing: I don't believe Tyra would've come that hard if Ebony hadn't been so funky all along (and let's not act like she hasn't been) and if she hadn't been so flippant in the way she announced that she just didn't want to be there anymore. Sometimes it's the way a person says something that works either for or against them. The end result probably would've been the same, but Tyra's response would most likely have been different. In fact, think back to Cycle 7 when one of the twins (I can't recall which one) expressed her doubts at being in the competition. Yes, she was sent home, but Tyra was wayyyyyyy nicer about dismissing her. You see? Tone and attitude truly make a difference.

I will say this for Ebony, though. She was woman enough to take herself out of the race before it went any further; before the opportunity was taken away from another model who really wanted to be there.

Drama.

Kindred the Family Soul

Please tell me you're down with this powerful husband/wife duo. If not, you really want to be. Listening to Aja and Fatin sing (both on their CD and onstage) is a musical experience like few others.

Visit kindredthefamilysoul.com with your speakers in the ON position.

I Want This Tee

This is not one of my tees, but I'm diggin' it deeply because I HEART ?UESTLOVE too (if you don't know who he is then shame on you), so I'm street-teaming it (unofficially).

I stood behind him once at the 930 Club in DC. Floetry was onstage and my manager had brought me in through the back door. I was right next to the speakers and a guy with a big ol' afro was standing just below the stage. His hands were dug down deep in his pockets, and he was barely moving...except for the rhythmic bounce of his head. He turned at one point, I caught his profile, and it was then that I realized I was just feet away from a musical genius.

Ah...

Diggin' This Site: Meetup.com

Great place to search for and create in-person meetups with people who share your various interests.

Need A Stylish Way to Carry Your Rhymes To and From the Studio?

This messenger bag features a line ("you bring the beat, I'll bring the flow") from "The Micness", a little diddy I co-wrote and recorded with a local producer a couple of years ago. I think it's the perfect gift for the aspiring lyricist/songwriter in your life.

Buy it online at WordCanvas.com for just $29.99.

How to Score a Get-Out-Of-General-Population-Free Card

What do you do when you begin to serve a sentence at Rikers and you quickly realize that each woman around you is ten times the hardcore thug you only thought (and wanted people to believe) you were? Befriend at least one fellow inmate, stage a scuffle in the yard, and get your poseur behind out of General Population (and into punitive segregation for as long as possible) as quickly as you can without losing face.

You can't tell me that's not what went down here. And to be honest, if I were Foxy Brown, I would've done the same thing. There's a big difference between throwing a cell phone at a complaining neighbor and trying to throw a punch at Big Wanda and her crew.

Note to Ms. Brown: Don't forget to have your manager write and send the check to that inmate's family in return for her role as Punk Inmate No. 2 in your little cellblock "play".

Is That Terrence Howard Pushing the 2007 Camry XLE V6?

I'm not sure (and the question has probably been asked and answered ten thousand times already), but is that actor Terrence Howard's voice on the new Camry commercial? It's meant to be a sexy and seductive spot, and I think the advertisers certainly accomplished what they set out to do. A beautiful African-American model/actress to appeal to the fellas, and the mellifluous tones of TH's voice to catch the attention of the ladies.

I know I'm sold!

Once Lost, Now Found: Tres Personajes

The news of the recovery of this painting by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, which was stolen twenty years ago, is all over the internet and television. Apparently, a Manhattan woman saw the piece lying in trash along a street. She says she doesn't know anything about art, but that it just didn't seem right to her that a piece like this should be discarded. It's now in the capable hands of the Sotheby's auction house (my cousin works there, btw).

The woman is being awarded a $15K finder's fee and a percentage of the sale of the artwork, which is expected to fetch up to ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

Wow.

Think Pink When It Comes to Your Dreams

I've put my personal quote ("dreams only die when you let other people kill them") on a t-shirt! It's available for sale at WordCanvas.com. Stop by there today to cop yours for just $27.00.

Also available in Lemon, White and Light Blue

What Do You Do When You Can't Sleep?

You write. That's what I'm doing right now. It's 1:30AM in the morning, and I can't sleep. I hate laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, so I'm staying up to write until I get so tired that I can no longer sit upright.

That's the luxury of being in bad health, semi-reclusive and out on Disability. No two days are alike. No two nights are alike, for that matter. Oh yes, I've got The Life (she said, her words dripping with sarcasm).

Good lord, I hate this path I'm currently walking. Some way, somehow, I have to figure out how to get off Disability and write full-time. Some way somehow...

My I.Q.

In an earlier post, I wrote about feeling dumb. I'm kind of obsessed with it at the moment, so I took one of those online I.Q. tests. My score was 127. I could swear it used to be higher.

Hm, I'll have to give some attention to this...

Another Rene Dickerson Work

Love this painting too! It's so different from what I'm used to seeing come out of Rene's studio. I'll have to ask the name of the gallery where it's hanging.

Artist Rene Dickerson

I'm both a fan and a personal friend of renowned artist Rene Dickerson and his wife, Linda. As close as we are, however, I'm never fully aware of what he's working on, of course.

So every now and then, if I can't actually get over to his home, I'll check in at his website to see what he's selling/sold. This piece above, entitled "Sarafina", made me gasp! I'm so in love with this painting. His website says it's been sold to a private collector, so I'm a little bummed about that because I would've loved to have seen it in person before it was sold (just to look...I could never actually afford to buy), especially the 23-carat gold accents that adorn her hair.

He and Linda have invited me to dinner this week. Hope he'll let me take a peek at what he's working on!

America's Next Top Model

I'm a Top Model fan. I'm not sure why, really. Well, maybe it's because I like to see people realize their dreams. Maybe it's because I like to see those who have become successful make it possible for other people to realize their own successes. Or maybe it's because I like a little drama (as long as it's not my drama). Because there is always drama on ANTM.

But this comment is not really about that, per se. There are professional bloggers who will give you a scene-by-scene commentary on the show. No, the point of this post is that I think it's time for ANTM to switch it up a bit.

I say that because, each and every cycle, there are a couple of models who are dismissed too early. A couple who should be allowed to develop a little more before they get the boot. And then there are those who should be dismissed early but aren't.

So I'm pitching an idea to the producers. [Well, not officially. But I am going to write it here and perhaps someone will stumble upon this post and pass it along to the right people.]

Next cycle, why not allow all thirteen girls to stay through the first three photo shoots? At the first panel, the judges would deliberate as usual and grade the girls on their performance (but not reveal the results to the girls or the viewing audience). Same process for the second panel, which means the models leave both times not knowing where they stand or whether they will be among the three that will be dismissed all at once at the third panel.

Ha! Now that's entertainment.

This Cape Is FIRE!

I'm diggin' this cape worn by Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia.

Jill Is Back in Full Effect

I have yet to cop Jill Scott's new album, but I am sooooo feeling the first single "Hate On Me"! The title most definitely says it all.

The Hidden Beach family of musicians (and this time I use that term in all seriousness) are just too awesome...

Writer's Block on Girlfriends

I was just over at the CW website checking out the storylines for this week's shows. I'm really looking forward to Girlfriends. This week, Maya, who has become my favorite character (probably because she's an author) begins ducking her publisher when she experiences Writer's Block and is unable to complete her third book. It should be pretty hilarious because I just noticed that this episode is written by Mark Alton Brown and Dee LaDuke, both of whom penned several episodes of the witty southern belle comedy Designing Women. I'm already smiling.

Meanwhile, I know a little something about Writer's Block. I'm blocked right now, as a matter of fact, and the only good thing to come of it is that I'm able to turn my attention back to blogging while I try to figure out what's going on with the characters of my new fiction project--the long-overdue second story in the Scenes From the Indigo Lounge series that I began as part of the Amazon Shorts program over at Amazon.com. Hopefully soon, I'll figure out where I want to go with the story and pick up writing it again.

This Is What I Want...in RUBY RED

I keep getting these emails about the Dell Inspiron 1720 and I've decided that it is most definitely the machine I need to continue my work. Of course, I am the cliche struggling writer, so I can't afford it!

I priced it out, in fact, and with all the system details, accessories and software, it comes to about $3200 (yikes). But at least a laser printer is included, which is great because I print thousands of manuscript and script pages per year and I hate slow office machines that slow down my productivity when I'm on a roll.

So I've decided to start selling off stuff I own (brand new stuff that I bought, but is still boxed), stuff I've created (such as my tee-shirt line at my site WordCanvas.com), stuff on Ebay (my user ID there is kamichijackson) and stuff from my giftshop to get the money for it.

That being said, watch this column for links to things I'll be putting up for sale. And support a sista!

Salt-N-Pepa

I like this show! It's nice to see the ladies working out their issues. Finally, we learn what happened to their musical partnership, and ultimately their friendship. Who knew Salt was dealing with bulimia and depression? Poor thing. She obviously felt that there wasn't anyone she could confide in, for whatever reason. It's sad that she suffered alone.

I get what Pep is saying too, though. She felt abandoned, confused, hurt at the way her girl ended their partnership and dropped their friendship. I would've been angry too. But at least now she knows why things went down the way they did. And now, hopefully, they can heal from this.

The funniest part of the first episode? When they ended up performing at Salt's church (instead of Shaq's event--a birthday, I think it was) and Pep forgot where she was and did a little move that Salt had to check her on with a quick pat on the behind to keep her from droppin' it. The audience laughed about it and Pepa shook it off, but I'm thinkin' it's gonna get old real quick if Pep has to keep giving in to Salt's demands. My call? That they will stop living in the past and come to accept each other as they both are now as grown women, and mend their friendship. But also that Salt will realize that their lifestyles are toooooo different and she'll eventually bail again unless Pepa is willing to do some sort of Christian rap (which I don't see happening). Who knows.

Meanwhile, I caught a part of their interview on Tyra. Spin looks beautiful and she was rockin' that yellow gold eyeshadow. Congratulations to her on all her personal and professional successes as well!

Diggin' This Site: Encarta.com

I swear, there are days I feel that I'm just getting dumber and dumber.

Why, I don't know. I mean, I'm well-read. I write alot, so my mind is constantly active. I engage in stimulating conversation with friends, family and strangers.

Still, I feel downright stupid at times. So I've gotten into the habit of visiting the Encarta section of msn.com lately, and I take their little quizzes to test my knowledge of things taught to me way back in the day, as well as learn new things based on my current interests as an adult. It's not much, I know, but it helps. At least until I can afford to take some online courses I've had my eye on.

Try it!

Diggin' This Site: Shelfari.com

Have you joined Shelfari yet? If you're a booklover, then you'll want to check out this growing community of readers around the globe. Stop by there today, become a member, build your profile, add titles to your shelf, and start connecting to bookworms just like you!

The Ignorance of Some People

I recently read at EURweb.com that veteran producer Debra Martin Chase has made a deal with author Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez to adapt her book The Dirty Girls Social Club to the big screen. Now, I've never read this book so I don't know what it's about. But I'm always glad to see an author's work taken to the next level.

The sad part of it is that Ms. V-R's joy was diminished a bit because of some of the comments made in response to the deal. It seems some EURweb readers felt Ms. M-C had sold out because she, as a prominent African-American, had taken on a project that actually (gasp) featured non-African-American characters.

Um, what's the problem?

In this day and age, are we (some of us) really hatin' on each other because one of us chooses to step outside our immediate culture to conduct business? Are we really that ignorant? And exactly how far does the ignorance extend? Should we no longer read books by non-African-American authors? What about television? Are we supposed to turn away from shows that don't feature black characters or that weren't penned by black writers? What kind of sense does that make?

I swear, we are our own worst enemies sometimes. Too many times. Let's move on, shall we? And as for you, Alisa V-R, write on, hermana! Write on.

If the Publishing Industry Was Like the Music Industry

I get frustrated sometimes that musical artists (and in some cases, I use that term really really loosely) get so much glory for their creative expressions. It makes me wish sometimes that I'd taken that record deal I was offered on my last day of high school back in June 1987 rather than pursue this writing thing. Before I let the years slip by. Before I gained all this weight. Before my dreams began to die. Before, well, just before Life took me over.

I mean, I walked right into the deal. My choir teacher played a song I'd recorded over the loudspeaker in dedication to my graduating class. I remember running from homeroom in embarrassment, because I hadn't yet fully accepted my gift at that time. Next thing I know, a man claiming to be a producer breaks through the growing crowd of people now surrounding me. He asks my name, tells me he wants to give me a deal, put me in the studio, make me a star, et cetera. I take his card to be polite, and then he gets swallowed up by the crowd and he's gone. I don't even remember his face; couldn't tell you what he looked like. I just know that it wasn't until later that day that I learned that he truly was a producer who was in the building visiting my choir teacher at the very moment my song played over the loudspeaker. He'd heard me sing for less than three minutes and he knew that he wanted to give me a deal. Just like that.

What if the publishing industry was like that? What if it was possible, as a complete unknown, to get a book deal based on the talent a writer exhibits in a two-page prose piece or a short story? If that was the case, I feel sure I'd have a deal by now!

Oh well, time will bring me closer to my dreams.

Why Did I Get Married?

I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait to! I've said before how much I enjoy Tyler Perry's movies. From what I hear, this doesn't disappoint (unlike his television series, House of Payne, which I admit is improving, but is a long way from being there). With such a stellar cast, how can it go wrong (just look at the box office figures)? I'm sure I'll have a lot to say about it once I've seen it some time this week or next weekend.

In the meantime, I continue to be in awe of the journey this man has taken to get to where he is today. It's inspiring to those of us who have yet to arrive, but are strolling the path to our own individual successes.

Congratulations, Tyler!

Some Days It's Just Like THIS!

I had to post this picture of my three-year-old niece Jaz because I think it's just too funny.

Let me start by saying that my baby is a straight thug. Whew the temper on this child sometimes! This particular day, my sister had told Jaz to go upstairs to her room and lay down for a nap because the child was out-of-her-mind tired and acting like a little mad woman. Jaz, of course, was not happy about this and complained (read: screamed and cried) all the way the up the stairs. Eventually, the screaming stopped, and my sister went about her business. At some point, she started up the stairs and saw this:

The child was so tired that she'd fallen asleep on the top step.

Some days it's just like that!

When Your Own Words Come Back to Kick Ya in the...Butt

I just rediscovered this blog of mine that I'd started sometime last year. Back then, I was certain I'd keep up with it everyday, but I lost interest in it very early on.

And then I somehow came across a post I'd written (just below) about letting out the artist in you. I realized as I re-read my own words that I haven't been living by them and I felt like I needed to re-post them to remind myself of why it is that I continue to struggle in my efforts to make this writing thing work: it is whom I am.

I am writing. Writing is me.

And every single time I try to push it to the side or walk away from it altogether, I feel a piece of myself fade. I feel choked in my spirit. But when I pick up my pen again and put it to paper, I breathe. In and out, in and out. And I am alive.

If only I could make a living at this. Catch the attention of the right (checking-writing decision-making) literary people.

Perhaps soon.

The Artist In You (Re-Posted)

People are going to laugh at you. People are going to criticize you (especially those who always talk about how they're gonna do this and they're gonna do that...but never follow through and envy you because you do). People may even hate on you and belittle your skills.

Don't let them discourage you.

I'm convinced that there are those who exist simply to tear you down. Their sole purpose in life seems to be to keep their foot on your neck so you can't get up. To chip away at your self-esteem because, deep down inside, they lack their own. Sad. But sadder? They don't even get it.

Do your thing.

Are you a writer? Then write! Do you sing? Then demonstrate your micness! Are you an artist? Then create beautiful things.

There will always be Haters. Shake them off and press on.