Word for Word.

I'm moving!

2010-03-04T16:51:00.001-05:00

I don't have many blog readers here (that I know of--some of you may be stealthily stalking me lol) & in order to make good with a new years resolution I made to follow thru with things, I'm moving. I've made a leap to Squarespace.com. On this new site, I will feature my own personal blog, insights, thoughts, fictional short stories (maybe even a few non-fiction), poetry & professional published articles. It will be almost like an online profolio, only a tad more personal.

I'm not sure if this move will actually work or if I'll come crawling back to blogspot with my tail between my legs, but there's only one way to find out & that's to try. Want to come with me to the new digs? www.rhapso-DY.com

Keep in mind that it's a work in progress. Oh, & I'm an artist & I'm sensitive about my shiz. Thanks for rocking with me & now, thanks for moving with me! Let's grow together!

Playing the Victim

2010-02-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

I've always been the type to blame people for things--my own reactions to circumstances. I think people, definitely myself, forget that WE control our own emotions because we control our thoughts. My finger pointing is a testament to a horrible habit of playing the victim. This all didn't occur to me until after a few interactions with my mom & this one dude that has tried to date me since 06.

My mom: She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, maybe 10 or 12 years ago she took that diagnosis as a death threat. She stopped working, having hobbies & basically stopped contributing joy to her own life. My brothers, sisters & I all watched, sad for her, but understanding that she had a battle to endure. Too bad my momma didn't want to fight. What I didn't know back then, that I have certainly learned now was that my momma didn't teach her kids a valuable lesson in resiliency & perserverance--two things I suffer with trying to hold on to. My mom never really had goals & dreams, so it was up to me to dream of getting out of the small town life that I grew up in.

She taught us how to give up & ask for sympathy. Growing up poor because my mom couldn't & refused to work, around friends with hard working moms & both parents always garnered sympathy from my friends & after a while, it was what I was used to. I started seeking it out. I'd complain to my friends, hoping for that "wow, I don't know how you deal with that" look on their faces. Most of the time, my friends fed into it. "Aww poor Dani." It's not a strange thing for your friends to feel sorry for you or bad about your circumstances, but constantly make sure they are patting your back with an obligatory frown, pasted on their lips just for you--means you enjoy the role of victim.

And that was me. Seeking sympathy so I could get some sympathy, sit comfortably in the victim's seat & point fingers at all those who did me wrong. This is especially apparent in my dating. To the one man that observant & man rnough to point itt out to me--thank you.

The guy: He & I had a first date that went pretty well. He tried hard to get some once he dropped me off back home, but I wasn't giving him that much of myself on the first date. I guess he was pissed about that & wanted to make sure he played me out.

He asked me out the very next night to a fancy dinner at some swanky NYC restuarant. I was SO excited. I was fresh from NC & was dying for a romantic NYC date. I got all dolled up & waited & waited & waited. He didn't show up. He didn't call. And of course he didn't pick up his phone. He stood me up. Three years later, I'm over being stood up, but I realize I held on to that feeling & he's tried to make that up to me, realizing he was wrong, but I resented him. One day, when I guess he was tired of trying to make it up to me, he said, "You're so determined to label every man 'no good.' Not everyone is out to get you!"

Cut me open & squeeze a lemon in the wound--it STUNG. But I swallowed it. He was right. Yeah, there were a ton of times where men did bad things to me, but I was beginning to play the victim, whine & complain to my friends about it & point the finger at all of them--labeling them no good.

So that brings me to this. I've never really participated in lent, but the idea of it, inspires me. Giving something up for 40 days that you are comfortable with--something you enjoy. At least that's how other people explain it. It's definitely a challenge. I've decided to give up complaining. Complaints are meant for a sympathetic reaction. So, not only will not complaining help me break out of my victim role, but it will teach me how to be more grateful. I'm moving onward & upward in 2010!

Man Whores & A Woman Scorned

2010-02-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

I was on Facebook the other day, randomly (if you know me, you know I don't fancy FB) & I was kinda shocked to see my chat window blinking. When I clicked, I was a little confused to see that it was a happy couple (girl kissing boy on cheek) trying to get my attention with a simple, "Hey." I recognized the fella in the photo--Justin. He & I went to college together. I don't know who he is now, but back then, Justin was a typical college cutie. You know the type--girls standing in line just to be noticed by him, always the one on the yard with all eyes on him--he was definitely desired & he knew it. He was definitely cocky. An underclassmen with seniors after him.

Admittedly, I was one of those girls that desired him. It's been a few years since we met & I can't really recall how we met, although, I think it was through FB (when it first came out). Either way, Justin had somehow caught wind that I gave head like my life & my grade depended on it. Hey, don't judge--I'm sure we all had our slutty college days. Well, being that Justin was such a cutie & I was so desperate to have a hottie in my bed, we hooked up. And that, was basically that. From what I remember it was a one time thing.

I would see Justin around campus, all hugged up with a top model wannabe chick & he wouldn't even glance my way. Back then, that lack of attention would send my thoughts reeling into--"Am I not good enough for him? I'm too big for him, so he's embarassed. Maybe I should have had sex with him--that would have kept him." --Yeah, typical lost girl with daddy issues & trying to find love, tangled in sheets in dark dorm rooms.

When Justin told me through Facebook the other day that he didn't really remember who I was & I had to remind him that we hooked up. After his memory was sufficiently jogged, he was all chitter chatter. But not about, how I was these days or what I was up to--Justin wanted to know if I wanted to watch him jack off on camera because thinking about the head I'd given him some 6 years ago made him hard.I can't front like I wasn't a little flattered. I my mind, I shamefully pat myself on the back, but I was also a little hurt.

I used to treat myself like the sideline chick back in the day because any attention was good attention to me. But, now that I am in my roaring 20's, I'm grown & definitely not the sideline chick anymore. So the fact that he would think that I was actually willing to watch him pleasure himself on webcam, while he chats with me through FB with his girl's picture in clear view--made me want to set him up.

I figured I could get a few screen shots of him doing that, with our chat box open & confront his girlfriend with the evidence. Should I take it upon myself to get his busted? Or should I just mind my own business & write Justin off as yet another untrustable man? See, it's things like this that make me bitter about men. I try my best not to be a man-hater, but these dudes seems to always find their way to me. I strongly believe in you get what you put out there, but I don't feel like I put anything out there to attract these fools. He still lives in NC & wanted to know when I would be home next. He also asked me if I was dating anyone. I told him no one in particular, but I am dating more women these days. Of course he took that information & handled like any BOY would--he asked for a threesome. (NOT even with his own GF!)

Personally, I feel worse for his girlfriend. I'm certain I'm not the only woman he reached out to, to get his rocks off. I asked about her & he told me that they were good. Wow, men are very srange creatures. I really hope I can stop meeting or reacquainting myself with these losers. I really don't need to be anymore jaded about men.

Lonely vs. Independent

2010-01-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

The other night, I attended a Sade album listening party. Of course I was looking forward to it because--who doesn't love Sade? I went alone, which is usually no biggie to me because over the last couple of years, I've gotten used to being alone, going places alone & spending time alone. I've always enjoyed my own independence. So, I checked my coat, turned the corner, walked in & immediately was face-to-face with industry moves & shakers who I used to schmooze with when I first moved to NYC. You know, back when I was bright-eyed & bushy-tailed & armed with naitvete, ready for this concrete jungle to eat me alive.

I had fallen out of networking because I came across so many people that were insincere with contacting you. They'd tell you how awesome you are, promise dinner, drinks or whatever & you never hear from them again. It's like being in failed relationships over & over again--you become jaded. With this new year, I decided I would make an effort to change. I would grasp at some of that same bright-eyed-ness that I used to have & look at the world with my rose-colored glasses.

I went in with the intention of networking, only to just not feel like it once I was there. Maybe some liquid courage could help? So, off to the bar. Instantly, I started making jokes with this girl next to me, while I waited on the bartender. "Ok," I thought. "Maybe the social Danielle is back!" That little ray of sunshine didn't last long. Once I got my drinks, I walked around, smiling at folks & just clammed up. I went to sit alone at some booth & tried to make myself go chat. I was successful a few times for a few short chats, but nothing in-depth.

So, back to the bar I go. More drinks should loosen me up, right? Wrong! It only made me sad & I started thinking. Sometimes thinking can be my worst enemy. As I sat in my solitude in the middle of a NYC nightclub (a dream for most), playing Words with Friends on my iPhone. The more I played, the lonelier & sadder I got. That's when my girl Vintage Vandalizm aka Jasmin, texted me. She had been going thru somethings & I reached out to her earlier to make sure she was ok. She hit me up to thank me for caring. That's what opened up the flood gates. I let her know what was in my heart.

I was LONELY & it wasn't even on some needing a lover type stuff. I needed friends. Isn't it crazy that someone that has always been so social & appears to always be in a mood for parlaying ends up being a lonely loner? I've realized that I was & always have been independent--able to stand on my own without faltering, always apprearing strong & confident. But, truth is, I was always lonely & hurting. Jasmin & I spoke for a while back & forth & she let me know that she was working on a blog that I definitely needed to read. That's where her post "Meanings" comes into play & the reason for this blog. A response/reference.

READ JASMIN'S POST, HERE.

This girl is very similar to me, internally. That very night that I was explaining to her how I was feeling, she was in the process of writing this blog because of how she felt the previous weekend. We're both extremely independent & hold high standards for our friends because we're both great friends. Whenever someone did something to let me down, oh boy--disappointment doesn't even begin to cover it. That led me to distancing myself from people because I got so tired of being disappointed by them. I was convinced that people sucked & I was better off alone.

If the loneliness didn't fill my heart with so much heavy weight, I would have continued living this way. During the last few months of 09 & up til now, I allowed myself to make more connections with people & just put myself out there to develop friendships. Sure, I've been let down by some of these people, but I'm learning not to make it black & white, either you is or you ain't. I'm learning to give people room for error because honestly, when have I ever not messed up or let someone down?

However, old habits die hard. I am so used to being alone, that it comforts me, but at the same time, tortures me. There will be times where I'm asked to hang out, go to this cool spot, take this cool class & without thinking, I decline. Sometimes, I force myself to go & while I'm out, convince myself that being home alone would be much better. What am I doing to myself? It would be different if I enjoyed my alone time & that was that. But to be so conflicted about it makes me crazy.

Take tonight for example. I was supposed to be hitting up a bar & having a few drinks with some old coworkers--these people I have not seen since this summer. You think I'd be excited to catch up with all of them, but I used any old excuse I could to "get out of it." Although I did have to interview someone for YRB at 5pm, the interview was over 10 minutes til 6. I knew everyone was meeting at 6, but I still needed to get home & change--so I just scrapped those plans altogether. Basically acting as if I couldn't show up an hour into the get together. Now, instead of having a night of drinks with some cool people, chatting, laughing & going home with a smile on my face, I'm sitting here writing this blog about it & going to go home, straigh-faced, sit on my bed & watch TV alone until I pass out.

Unlike Jasmin, my loneliness isn't only because of people letting me down, it's because of me constantly letting myself down. I'm the kind of girl that is saddened by being loney, but when people call to hang out, I find reasons not to. I wonder what it is that I can do to make myself back into the social butterfly I used to be before moving here. Crazy as it seems, my move to NYC killed me socially & I moved here hoping for the exact opposite.

In order to fix this, at first, I am going to have to force myself in the beginning, to hang out with people that actually want to hang out with me. I've got to get myself out of the habit of being alone because I was the one that got myself IN that habit. I've got to get out of my antisocial cave. Or maybe the truth is, I can't do it alone? I always expect to do things alone because of being so independent & being used to handling things by myself. So maybe all I need is a helping hand? Jasmin's blog states that she held the key to her cage this entire time. If I'm holding the key, I have no clue how to use it.

It's Christmas Time in the Country

2009-12-29T15:14:00.011-05:00

I went home for Christmas, neice, nephew & sister in tow. We had an incredible time with our little country family. Christmas has definitely lost its luster as the years have gone by. I remember the excitement in going to bed on Christmas eve, not being able to sleep knowing your new favorite toys were under the tree, but trying your best to sleep because you never wanted Santa to catch you peeking. All of those butterflies faded just as quickly as my belief in Santa, the older I got.

I've always tried to hold on to the mysticism of Christmas, but truth be told, it's for children. People forget the "real meaning," and to be quite honest, so have I. Although, I did drown deep in the feelings of being surrounded by family. If you know anything about my family, that's a job within itself. Everyone was on their best behavior though, so we all enjoyed ourselves. What a relief! Here are some of the photos I snapped!

Christmas Eve--my sister Dawndria's frying up some sweet potato jacks. They were soooo good!

Here's mom making another batch of the sweet potato jacks. Yes, she makes her own dough & yes she makes a huge mess everytime!

Meanwhile, all the kids were in the living room, raising hell!

Oh & my mom surprised me with one of my favorite foods--RIBS! Usually we starve our way through Christmas Eve, cooking. This time, she provided a little snack. :-) YUM!

My sis tearing her ribs UP!

Along with cake comes frosting. Makayla & Denayah are fighting over the frosting container. haha! I was never a frosting girl, I liked licking the cake batter from the spoon & bowl when I was little.

They were so happy to be done with the cooking!

As soon as I finished icing the Milky Way cake, I had to finish stuffing stockings & wrapping presents. What a long night!

Pausing from wrapping to take a pic with Dawndria. We're smiling so dang bright LOL!

I loved this pic of Baby Steph. How cute is this boy?!

Finally finished wrapping!

Christmas morning breakfast. Yes, that's a Pepsi on the table. Momma raised us on that. SMH

Momma's opening her Temptation Christmas album. She lost it some years ago & was so delighted to have it back.

Oh & the money had her tickled PINK!

The kids FINALLY opened their gifts.

My neice Azariah got mostly boys toys--that's just her.

Kayla didn't look too happy about her doll. She'd better be, it was from me!

Baby Steph opened his big wheel & promptly climbed on the box. LOL

We finally got to meet Damien Jr., my brother's (who passed away) only son. This was an incredible moment for our family.

Most of momma's grandkids.

Dawndria & Damien look the same age. She's 27 & he's 11. LOL She's so tiny!

I'm hugging him so tight! LOL Sorry Damien! I was so happy to see him.

More presents being opened.

Kayla STILL not looking too happy.

RJ's 13, so he's too cool to be happy.

How cute is Jalen in these specs!?

Of course we had to take some time out for dancing. Az & Kayla doing the "Jerk?"

Denayah didn't want to be outshined.

More jerking.

My little mini me posing for the camera, as usual.

Denayah fell in LOVE with Kayla. She wouldn't let her our of her sight.

Ambia (my brother Ben's first child) opening her gifts. FINALLY a happy kid!

Of course we had to go visit Grandma. It was a little too hard to get a good pic with Baby Steph being angry because we wouldnt let him play with all the decorations Grandma had up.

My girl Valerie. We've been friends since the 6th grade! Look at her lil man Tim--so adorable!

Of course JoJo didn't want to be left out. How can you resist a smile like that?!

So cute!

TIm Burton at the MOMA

2009-12-29T14:00:00.010-05:00

Art is amazing because it's all about perception. Some people manage to think so far out of the box, they leave us all behind in a confused stupor. However, some artists are so in tuned with their imaginations, they take us on a journey with them & we get to see the world through their eyes. Those people to me art true artists. Tim Burton is one of those people. He's managed to have a career in art that goes beyond painting & sculptures. He's mainstream & that's a diffcult feat for most artists. We've seen his work in movies (Beetlejuice, Batman Returns & Pee-wee Big Adventure to name drop some.)

Taking photos at the MOMA isn't illegal, but they didn't allow it in the Tim Burton exhibit, so my iPhone & I had to work around the restriction. I got yelled at a few times by a few self-righteous bouncer types, but I managed to snap a few pics. In case you guys can't make it to the exhibit before it's done, check these out! It'll be going on until April 26, 2010, so you have time! :-)

Hometown Glory

2009-12-08T10:59:00.009-05:00

I went home for Thanksgiving this year & that's kind of a big deal, because usually, I don't go because my sister can't afford it. She has two children & traveling with kids is never cheap. With trying to make her ends meet on a daily basis, raising two kids solo in BK, going home for the holidays was never an option for her. It would always make me feel guilty for leaving her behind.

This year was supposed to be special. My mom's birthday is the day after Thanksgiving & she's been in & out of the hospital quite a few times this year. My brother wanted to make sure we celebrated her 58th year of life. It was lovely.

I was hiding out at my oldest sister's house with my two adorable nieces--Azariah & Makayla.

This is the night I surprised my mom. She was mad that I was in Rocky Mount for a few days without her knowing. LOL

Couldn't be home without seeing Grandma. PS, she's 93!

My niece is convinced that she's not as cute as she is. She's got quite the dark skin complex. I'm working on her self esteem.

My little mini-me Kayla presenting her Thanksgiving song to us.

My nephew Jalen being his super silly self.

My nieces wanted to see how far they could stretch my genie pants--those are pillows!

The girls were having a blast with grandma's wigs!

I'm so sure she's going to end up being an actress. She's so good with her face.

Momma on her bday. The dress was a gift from me--I knew her hazel eyes would look amazing in it.

I had to get her out of the house so my siblings couuld set up her surprise bday party--so we went to try on some wigs :-)

I think I might start doing the wig thing. It costs less than going to the salon & you can switch your look up whenever you want! I loved this one on her!

I was trying to convince her t go longer. Even with closed eyes, she's so cute!

Another blinking shot lol

She ended up LOVING this one & got it. I told her she looks young in it.

She loved her new look!

Same hairstyles, but hers was cheaper. Will I be rocking wigs soon?

Back to the house for her surprise bday lunch. She told me she felt so special. I cried LOL

Mom's new TV. Swanky.

The bday cake. :)

Happy tears.

My neice is obsessed with high heeled shoes & my sister finally got her her own pair (kitten heels)

Right after Thanksgiving, I had to put up the Christmas decorations. Momma wastes no time.

Her little tree. Cute, huh?

Last stop, Grandma's. How cute is she?!

I would have taken a lot more photos of the fam, but they aren't really all that fond of photos. What can you do? :-) I'll get more over Christmas though. And no guilty feelings this time around because my sister is coming too!!! This Christmas will be a very special Christmas!

Latest Interview: The Clipse

2009-11-15T16:09:00.003-05:00

Virginia Is For Grindin'

It’s very well-known that Virginia is for lovers—lovers of music, lovers of hip hop. With talent like Timbaland, Missy & Pharell all hailing from the loving state, it’s no wonder why two of VA’s finest—Malice & Pusha—are not only filling those big shoes, but using said shoes to walk along their own path to greatness. It was a chance meeting between Malice & Pharell that lead them into a flourishing musical relationship. Already friends with Pusha, Pharell heard a rhyme that Pusha wrote one day & The Clipse were born. It took them a minute to gain some mainstream success, but once listeners caught on to their hit single, “Grindin’,” The Clipse were in heavy rotation by hip hoppers with an affinity for lyricism & minimalism. Click here to read the entire article.

Random Photos from Random Parties & What Not

2009-11-05T15:58:00.008-05:00

This was earlier this summer at a party called: Party Like A Pinup

This is me trying to dress like one :)

Gabby LOVES takin' pics with these weird ass angles.

My legs look yummy! :)

Don't really know this guy. He just really wanted as pic with me *shrugs* I was wearing my Harem pants that night & I have no idea where they are now! :(

LOL @ Jake trying to keep his eyes open

More Pics from the Fabulous Party Like a Pinup Event

This was during the summer & I am happy to say that my legs are much less cottage cheesey.

Yes, they're real. :) & No, that is not Marvin Gaye. Or is it?

Emotional Baggage Weighing You Down?

2009-11-03T11:13:00.005-05:00

Baggage. People carry around so much with them on a daily basis. Some people know it & some schlep it with them everywhere they go without even realizing it. It's very hard to move on from a past love(s), like(s) or infatuation if your heart was 100% true with that person. Sure, breakups are hard & often times we're left bitter & disliking, sometimes hating the ex, but those feelings are still there. Essentially because love & hate are cut from the same cloth--one that isn't easily ripped ot torn.

Even when you are so sure deep within you that you're ready to move on, feelings linger. I had a conversation with a potential boo yesterday & I was asked the infamous question, "Tell me about your last relationship." Oh Lord! Here we go! My last relationship is difficult to explain in a short & sweet statement. It has history, complications, friendship, homosexuality & all kinds of red tape wrapped up in it. I didn't really want to talk about it to him because having to divulge all of that to somene that doesn't really know you, takes a lot of understanding. Nine times out of ten, people aren't understanding.

But, I told him the story from start to finish, leaving out parts that were too deep to disclose. I couldn't really explain the reason we broke up because, well, I didn't understand it myself. Especially when she started that conversation with something like, "I couldn't even ask for more in this relationship." He wanted to go back farther than her. Those "relationships" were even harder to talk about because they were never really relationships at all. They were flings, friends with benefits & beneifts without the friends. I get this all the time, but he was surprised because I am, "way too beautiful inside & out to not have any committed relationships in my past." He asks me why.

I have no answer for him. Shoot, I don't know. It's not like I was going around saying I didn't want to be in a relationship. The only thing I could say was that I may have given the ice cream away for free too much & no one wanted to buy the truck. I was never a slut, but when I really liked someone, they didn't have to work hard for it. :( I hate admitting that, but that cannot be the reason why committed relationships hid from me in the past.

He then asked what type of things do I like for my significant other to do for me. I thought I would have a list of things, but when I opened my mouth, it shocked me that I had nothing. Not one single idea. Hmm. Why?-because I have never had a significant other do anything romantic or thoughful for me. Ever. Well one dude bought me flowers once. lol But, I thought back to all the romantic things I've done for lovers--elaborate meals, gifts that took lots of thought, seeing something that I knew that he/she would like & getting it for them just so I could see them smile, lap dances, notes, poems--I'm a simple kind of romantic, but it has never been reciprocated. I never noticed until he asked me that. He started making suggestions of things he wants to do for me.

My automatic reaction was telling him that he didn't have to. He countered my argument, telling me that he knows he doesn't have to, but as a woman that he's into, I need to know I'm special to him. He tells me I would never be unappreciated. I didn't even know how to act. I had to almost force myself to believe him. Damn baggage. I remember when I used to assume the best in everyone. Constant disappointments lead me to another path. Guilty until proven innocent. I don't like this morphed way of thinking. I'd rather be a bright-eyed optimist. At least then, I could view the world & my love life with rose colored glasses, like I used to & each time I dusted myself off to try again, they slate would be clean, instead of cloudy because of the previous person.

It's a defensive action--trying your best to protect your own heart. Which is 100% understandable, but in order to completely move on, you must let go. If you hold on to your hurt, you're not only holding on to something that is over, but you're making it less possible to actually move on. It's a learning process for me, especially since I had no clue I was holding on. Now that I'm clued in, I look forward dropping all that baggage.

So, I went to an art show.

2009-10-29T17:48:00.007-05:00

Black Girls ROCK!

2009-10-21T17:04:00.016-05:00

Last Saturday, I was blessed enough to cover AND attend the Fourth Annual Black Girls Rock Awards. I covered last year for Honeymag.com & this year, I'd like to think I took a step up, covering for NY Daily News. I am not new to covering red carpets, but every situation is unique. Most times, there's hardly enough time to think, much less snap your own personal pics--but I managed to snap a few during the carpet & I took some during the actual ceremony.

Here's a cute moment I caught. Raven-Symone & Janelle Monae trying to snap a shot for Twitter, maybe? Janelle hasn't tweeted in weeks (edit: Janelle is back to tweeting) & I've never looked for Raven there.

I couldn't get enough of Janelle. She's so lovely in this candid shot with (stylist) June Ambrose & DJ Beverly Bond (creator of BGR).

Here's a better shot of DJ Beverly Bond. She's so beautiful inside & out!

June Ambrose loved me & I loved her right back! She's got great energy!

Janelle was so great with the press. She took time to speak with all of us. We appreciate that Janelle!

I've interviewed Anthony Hamilton before & he actually remembered me. Those are the moments that make me happy :) & yes, he is that little.

Time completely went on lunch break when this woman walked through the door. Dr. Sonia Sanchez is one of my many heroes!

Which is why I had my new-found friend snap some pics while I interviewed her. I needed to be able to go back to this moment over & over again!

She told me that I looked "jazzy" & kept calling me, "my young sista." I've been pretty blessed during my career thus far, but this is one of my defining moments, for sure! She was so loving! I told her that I wanted to keep in touch & she gave me her physical address. I thought that was so cute. She also doesn't live too far from me. I feel a new mentor coming on!

Me & the VERY sexy Columbus Short--who showed up saucy. I sniffed & asked him was her drunk. He asked if I could tell. I said, not really. Not as much as I can smell it. I should have took advantage of him! :-P

Sound the trumpets! Naomi Campbell's in the building! I was sad that I didn't get an interview with her, but what do you expect from the cell phone chucking model?

I figured I should share the entire glimpse of Naomi that I experienced.

Of course Naomi arrived as the show was starting. This dancer opened it up for us.

She was incredible!

She definitely got everyone in the right mood to celebrate black women that rock!

The hosts--Regina King & Tracee Ellis Ross were awesome together! Regina usually hosts alone. but this year Tracee joined her--adding all kinds of comedic gold.

Dr. Mehret Mandefro--a White House Fellow & creator or TruthAIDS was honored with the first award--Community Service. She's such an inspiration. Check more of her story out here.

Here's Regina & Tracee (out of the frame) doing the Naomi Campbell walk, preparing to welcome her to the stage. Work Regina!

Bethann Hardison, former model, Naomi's manager & Dwyane Wayne's(Kadeem Hardison) momma introduced Naomi.

Here's Naomi giving her speech. I still don't think of her as human.

More Naomi.

This was after she tossed her phone into the crowd. KIDDING! Or am I?

No, your eyes do not deceive you. That is DJ Spinderella! She was awarded the DJ Jazzy Joyce award, in which DJ Jazzy Joyce & DJ Cocoa Chanel were there to give it to her.

Imagine my surprise when my mentor was invited on stage with this entertainment lawyer dude who I can't remember to save my life right now...

They presented the AMAZING Iyanla Vanzant with the Shot Caller award.

Iyanla gave a core-shaking speech about how when she was pregnant with her son at 16 years old, living in the projects, on welfare--that she was considered a menace to society. She sure showed all her her doubters. You never know your purpose in life, if you don't work towards SOMETHING.

Melanie Fiona performed & completely rocked the crowd. This girl can BLOW!

And she's real easy on the eyes :)

Janelle Monae was then brought on stage & gave one of the best speeches ever! She spoke about children in Africa that don't have the option of making their dreams come true & what she plans on doing to help.

The, lil Anthony Hamilton was given with the Soul Brother award. He's a bit of an underdog in the industry & it's unfortunate because he's one of the most talented vocalists we have!

A shy DJ Beverly Bond gives thanks to everyone involved with the success of her event & introduces girls from her program.

The girls sing & spit some poetry. I wish I was this amazing when I was 15! (some of them a lil younger/older)

This girl right here is going to be a poetic force to be reckoned with, if she isn't already.

This one was dressed way too grown for her age, but when she spoke--it didn't matter. Ok, so yeah it did. She's too big for her britches! LOL

Here's Jackie Reid, introducing...

Raven-Symone--who was honored as Young, Gifted & Black. She deserves it! Her physical comedy is unmatched by any other black woman of our generation.

Then, Dr. Sonia Sanchez took the stage & no one cared that her speech was by far the longest. We just wanted to hang on to her every word!

She's got such a beautiful spirit of freedom. You could learn a lifetime of information from her in one conversation.

I kept thinking the man sitting in front of me was Doug E. Fresh, but then I was like, why would be he sitting here?

Well, it was him & it was his job to introduce Queen Latifah so that she could receive her Rock Star award.

Instead, he ROCKED the crowd with all those songs that make you go, "oooooooh!" from the 70's to the present. No one rocks a mic like Doug E. Fresh!

Queen came out giving props to Doug E. because that was the "best introduction" she's ever had!

Her speech brought tears. She touched on the issue of protecting our young girls from molestations & things of that nature & showing them that they can be more than what society things that can be.

She was absolutely GLOWING!

Next up--Catherine Malandrino & Andre Harrell honoring Mary J. Blige with the Icon award.

Even though Mary dissed the press, there is no doubt that she deserves this award!

She also reiterated Queen's speech & said that Janelle Monae is exactly the type of person she wants to turn the industry over to when she leaves it.

To end the show, Janelle takes the stage. She was the night's sweetheart.

She gives us a James Brown-esque acoustic performance of "Sincerely Jane."

Good call Diddy. This girl is the future of REAL music.

And with that, she show was over & what a show it was. Let's hope next year I'm covering for an even bigger publication!

Free Concerts Make Life So Much Better!

2009-10-15T12:21:00.007-05:00

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I get to go to these amazing industry parties, networking & schmooze amongst the fabulous, have free cocktails & sometimes food, & if I'm really lucky--free entertainment. NYC, you do incredible things to me every now & again. I remember now, why I love you so much! This kind of thing would never happen in NC.

After meeting my new friend, Christian & having countless Henny cocktails with him, a bouncer invited the both of us inside this "D" shaped cutout in the stage. I wanted a front row seat, so I happily accepted. First to hit the stage was the legendary Roots crew! They were amazing!

I mean, just look at Black Thought!

Don't shoot me, but I've never taken the time nor had the interest to learn anything about the rest of the Roots. (You know, outside of Black Thought & Questlove). However, dude with the Tuba was rockin' out!

Black Thought got more comfortable & started takin' it off! Well, just the leather. I was hopign he would do like they do on TV & throw it, but it didn't happen.

I was trying to get a nice shot of Quest, but this is all I got. I couldn't focus with all the feature performers that kept showing up. I have better pics of himon my iPhone though.

Tuba dude again. He & guitar guy had the most energy, for sure!

Then, Common comes out--all the women near me (including myself) LOST it.

I was the only person that was excited when Bilal came out.

Then, out comes Q-Tip. I actually got a chance to see Tip this past summer, but it was a nice surprise. We even jammed out to Bonita Applebum together. Really! I actually found a vid of it on You Tube.

P.S. That's me in the red hat. :)

Just look at this man! How could you not want a piece? I mean, love his music.

Q-Tip, right before or after our moment together. He killed it!

Yo, everyone went NUTSSSSSS when Queen came out!

Then she showed us why she was the Queen. She sang, she rapped, she freestyled, threw in some reggae--this woman is an artist!

I've been to some amazing concerts, but this one had to be one of the most minimal, but high energy & star-studded shows I've seen in a while. And I didn't pay not one penny. You've gotta love NYC, right?

Heartbreak(up)

2009-10-10T18:41:00.008-05:00

I hardly ever title my pieces. I'm not even sure if this title will stand, but I needed something to title this blog with! I hope you like/understand/comment. :) It's catharsis for me & I should def write poems more often than I do. Enjoy.

We thrived in the freedom of our friendship

Flirty smiles morphed into full laughs

Heads tited back, mouths open--

There was delight in our infidelities

The whispered apologies on our lips

were hushed by our own mouths filled with sweet nothings

I held each & every nothing in a locket around my heart

It was sentimental to me because it was all you'd ever given me that wasn't soaked in pain

I clung to every promise that passed those parted pink lips

Devoured the morsels of lies like my just desserts

Because I just deserved to have someone who loves me

Like you do

Like I thought you did

Like you made me believe you did

Leading me right into the thick of love

with no compass or North Star

to guide me safely home

where I sit alone...in the dark

& between shuddering sobs, I reach--

Hands blindly patting the walls, searching

for that switch you used to turn your heart off

Instead, I find your discarded crown

The one I struggled to hold high atop your head

because you refused to wear it on your own

I needed you to be royalty, robed in purple...noble

because that's how I treated you

You were always more than a Queen to me

You were the entire castle...a Kingdom

What a royal flush you turned out to be

But I clung to the perpetual pain you presented me with

Rocking back & forth, like a pendulum

& I hung on, pretending it didn't hurt

Gripping tight, knuckles white

Face pale, sweat shining like diamonds...

Except, it's worth nothing.
Worthless.

The way I saw it, nothing could be worth more

Which is why I compromised everything within me, for you.

I was too busy giggling about your previous chick's insecurities & insanities--
Those secrets you shared about her that should have been silenced

But I listened, too preoccupied in you that I never realized

you weren't to be trusted

I just wrapped all of that in the butterflies you gave me & called it love

Thinking a pretty package could conceal what was real

Maybe I wouldn't have held on so tight, white knuckles & all if you didn't make me all those promises

Premises built on a shaky foundation--

We were destined for failure & I believe you knew that

& used that--

I was pawned in your strategic game of love.

Checkmate. I guess.

I sound bitter as all hell in this piece, but truth be told it's been a few months in the making & at this point--to that love--I'm over it. I'm over the agonizing pain of it. I realized the stupidity that I was succumbing to by being in that relationship. I'm not even mad at said person, I still love this person & always will. Love isn't immature--no matter how irrational it makes you feel at times. And in my own journey through emotional growth, I've learned that even the bad ones teach you something. Lesson learned.

I've Got A Love Jones For Nia Long!

2009-10-10T17:14:00.006-05:00

MY NIA LONG INTERVIEW

Last year, a friend of mine gave me tickets to a fashion show at Bryant Park's Fashion Week. I've never been one that was into fashion, but I wanted to see what the hooplah was all about, so I took the tickets. Boy was I happy I did! There was so much excitement in the tents, but also so many wannabes (which is what usually keeps me away from that world.) I got to the show & found out that I was FRONT ROW. For those of you that don't know, front row is usually reserved for big deals. & boy did I feel like one!

I sat & patiently waited for the show to start and noticed a few famous reality show faces in the crowd. Of course people were asking for autographs and pictures with the reality stars. I didn't make any moves to do that, until Nia Long walked in & sat directly across from me. As a journalist, I get to meet celebrities all the time, interview them, connect with them--so I try my best to remain unphased--or at least try not to be starstruck.

That's a hard task to do when you've loved someone from afar for YEARS. I have been a fan of Nia's since she was on Guiding Light. Love Jones is also my favorite movie of all time! So, I sat there and composed myself, waiting for an opening in the limitless requests for pictures with her and autographs. Then, there was one. I walked over to her, introduced myself & told her that I work for Honey & that I wanted to include her in Honey's relaunch. (At that time, Honey was working hard a recreating their presence). Nia was a Honey covergirl back in the day before Honey folded, so I knew she would be excited about being a part of the new & improved Honey.

I was right. She gave me her publicist's info, we shook hands again & that was that. It took some time to get the interview, but once I did--Nia reached out to me personally. (Which means I have her phone number--you couldn't have told a 14 year old Danielle that she would one day chop it up with her favorite actress or even possess her number!) We conducted the interview over a couple of days and built up a bit of a repore. She's so refreshing.

Well, I then gave the finished product to Honey & they let it collect dust on the shelf, printing stories on Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz & whoever else they decided was better than Nia Long. An entire year later, (the present) Nia starts getting recognition for her role in Chris Rock's "Good Hair" & I notice that she is on ESSENCE'S November cover. I tweet about it and inquire in a sarcastic way if Honey';s going to use the interview I did on Nia.

The very next day, I get an email from the features editor, saying they want to print the story & need to me resend. I kindly oblige because that's what I was waiting on, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't the least bit peeved about it. Even though I have been there from the beginning of Honey's relaunch (helping them with focus groups, meetings, whatever they needed), I feel like they treat me like just another writer. And that, I am not. I bring them stories, featuring A-listers and I support them like you wouldn't believe. You would think that they'd give me some recognition or at least a position at the magazine.

Then, on twitter, I noticed that TheYBF.com was featuring my interview on their site. I got no individual credit, (not even a shoutout on Twitter) however when you clicked on the link for the interview & it took you to Honey's site, my name is there. I guess I should be grateful for that?

I am all about paying my dues, but I believe I have at this point. How do you know when it's time to move on? How do you know you're being used in a freelance situation, rather that utilized? Should I just suck it up & be gratfeul that I am a working journalist with incredible clips?

Blood Manor NYC

2009-10-04T15:30:00.010-05:00

It's October folks. Already! So you know what that means, break out the sweaters, candy corn, and Halloween costumes! Here in NYC, there are whispered rumors about which Halloween party is going to be the best and what slutty costume is going to be the most seen. Truth be told, we host one of the largest Halloween celebrations that there is--the Halloween Parade in the village--not to mention the various costumes parties from the Bronx the Brooklyn.

One of my favorite parts of Halloween--other than free candy--is haunted houses. I love being scared out of my wits! NYC offers up Blood Manor for those brave enough to walk from one spooky scene to the next. A week or so ago, Blood Manor hosted their preview night--a chance for the media to get a taste of their ghoulish maze. Of course yours truly couldn't pass that up. I was also allowed to take pics, so enjoy. Don't be scared!

The goblins outside Blood Manor were allowed to heckle & heckle they did.

This was the first site upon enterting Blood Manor. I love when bloody people get in my face & scream at me.

Aww, marriage!

She was not happy about us being there. Love the hair color though! ;)

I don't really remember this guy. I was just trying to snap pics without getting harassed too much.

Not only did he not give a rat's ass about his makeup, but he actually wanted to pose for this pic. Smh.

Some crazy Dr. action going on here. Some of the rooms in the house were actually designed by some of the same designers as the Saw series. It showed!

Careful! Mary's off her meds!!!

So is this guy! Look at the commitment to his role in this pic!

This pig chick really looks like some spooky shiz from Saw. This room had countless bloody pigs hanging from the ceiling. I could hardly get out of there.

This scary reptilian lady was whipping snakes & screaming...

See, screaming & all up in my face. They aren't allowed to touch, but...

She for sure whipped my BFF with a snake. Look at his welt!

Now this little guy wasn't even scary. Not because he was little, but because of the lame stuff he'd yell on the megaphone. "Hey baby!" --uhmm, I'm supposed to be scared, right?

She was shouting out obscene sexual favors & requests. Dirty broad! This is actually a fierce picture of her zombie ass!

Who doesn't want to see an undead cross dressing stripper? Work that pole!

Don't really remember him, but I didn't want him near me.

I don't know how I got this shot, but I thought it was hilarious.

Sometimes they'd get sooooo close!

Freddy's always been someone I try to avoid. Ugh, he's my biggest nightmare.

These people just kept shouting at us. I don't know what this room was about, but I didn't like it one bit.

See how close they come? They aren't allowed to touch, but they can get just close enough.

Some type of bondage situation. I didn't stay long enough to find out.

...And that was because of this guy.

This bloody mess kept touching me with his instrument & I couldn't really do anything about it because there was something scary crawling around on the floor & I was scared to run.

So things got a little brighter with this guy, but that didn't mean it wasn't equally as scary. He's the guy that handed out the 3-D glasses. Yes, Blood Manor went 3D on us.

I wish my camera took 3D pics. The way they did the paint made it super scary & fun.

She thought so too.

She played a fun game with everyone that came through her hallway. Yeah...lots of fun. o_O

My BFF posing with one of the ghouls.

Another surprise around the corner. I don't like it when they do that in the hallways. I'm trying to mosey from room to room & BAM...up runs this crazy clown.

More hallway creepers. Remember we had on 3D glasses. So we could see her face coming towards us, but not her body. That was a great effect!

Ok, it's almost over. This clown just collected glasses & directed us into the next room. But we were hestitant because it was wayyyy to calm & quiet in the other room.

We convinced the people behind us to go in with us & lo & behold--a chainsaw comes out. I never screamed so loud!

That was the end of Blood Manor and in my opinion, it's worth the walk to 11th avenue. Blood Manor is located inside the M2 Lounge at 542 West 27th Street (btw 10th & 11th avenues). It is open now on Sundays-Thursdays from 7:30-12:00 am, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30-2:00 am, Tuesday Oct 27th-Thursday Oct 29th 7:30-1 am until November 7th. So even if you don't make it before Halloween, you have some time after. Tickets are $25 & up. Make sure you check out www.bloodmanor.com for more info!

I Want to be EVIL!

2009-10-03T17:32:00.003-05:00

My girl Jazzy Baby--who's pretty much an online success for being fab, an exibitionist, designer, artist, model--she's the Renaissance Pin-Up. I just made that up & I like it. Well, she posted this video up of herself lip-syncing Eartha Kitt's "Evil" on her blog & I loved it so much, I decided to share.

Enjoy! & if you want to check her out, do so at www.vintagevandalizm.com. Tell her Danielle sent you! ;)

MIKE SHOREY-Changing Rhythm and Blues to Realness and Brooklyn

2009-09-25T18:39:00.003-05:00

Mike Shorey-Changing Rhythm & Blues to Realness & Brooklyn
Back in the day R&B music wasn’t even called R&B—it was soul. It was Motown. It was classic before it even paid its dues. These days, our R&B crooners tend to lack creativity, singing the highest praises of a woman’s curves, sex and there’s so many “ooh ooh baby please,” I’ve lost count. Yeah, Marvin used to beg to get it on, comparing the appeasement of his manhood to being sanctified, but he didn’t let the world down when he showed compassion about the issues of that time—asking, “What’s going on?”

What I’d really like to know is, where is our Marvin? What soulful vocals are going to take the torch that’s been dangling midair since Marvin let it go? Even though I go hard for R. Kelly, he’s lost me almost amongst his Pied Piper, golden-haired, golden showered mystique. I also love Ne-Yo’s multifaceted talents, but sometimes he fails to give himself hits. However, he’s one of the closest vocalists to singing outside the box with songs that wonder if his ex ever thinks of him anymore or songs that explain how he doesn’t want to go to bed being mad at his girl. I feel you Ne-Yo, but who’s going to dig deeper and give our generation a crash course in what’s going on?

Mike Shorey may just be our knight in shining armor, coming to rescue us from the begging and pleading of today’s R&B and bring us safely into the real world and what’s going on out on the streets today, but with a hip hop twist. It was that same twist caught the ear of lyrical storyteller Fabolous and gained Mike public attention on a few of his tracks.

I recently got a chance to catch up to Mike, because—let’s face it—it’s been a while. And the last time we did hear from him, he was lacing hooks and backing Fab up, urging, “Baby Don’t Go.” Well, we didn’t go anywhere, but he did. Where’s he been?—Working on new material, a label and just trying to come back as hard as possible with hits that will remind us that R&B can be as real and as raw as hip hop.
-Danielle Young

Where have you been?
[laughs] Everywhere. I’ve been all over the place—Atlanta for a couple years, just working on my music, honing my craft.

I’ve heard rumors about an album coming...
Yeah, I’m working on it right now. I’m not too sure on the features yet. I want the people to focus on me. I’m being greedy right now—not too many features. There might be a couple.

Personally I feel as though R&B is missing something. There are a lot of copy cats out there and it’s losing a lot of the rhythm and blues that makes it what it is. What do you feel like you are going to bring to R&B that hasn’t been brought?
The realness. I’m going to keep it real with y’all. I’m from the streets. I grew up in the hood—Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I’ve been through a lot of situations, trying to feed my family and make money. I feel like a lot of people can relate to that situation. I noticed that—besides R. Kelly—a lot of R&B artists hardly ever touch those topics. A lot of R&B dudes out here are just doing love songs, we all know that that’s not what it’s all about. I speak on the realness—real situations that we go through—personal issues and all of that.

Do you feel you paint pictures and tell stories like lyricists do?
Definitely. I can tell a story. I focus a lot on wordplay which is mainly a hip hop thing. Rappers are known for their word play and R&B singers are only recognized for their vocal ability, which I have too. That’s the difference between me and them. My wordplay is crazy too.

How did you get your start in the music industry?
To be honest with you. I would consider myself one of the lucky ones. I was singing in the neighborhood. I would sing for my friends, girls around the way and I ended up linking up with dudes that knew Fab’s manager. I never did too many shows or anything like that. I was nice.

Do you feel that that may have stunted your growth as a singer?

Probably. I think that it contributed to that. I didn’t get a chance to experience the grind like a lot of ther artists do. I got a quick shot. That’s why I took so much time off. I needed to really learn the business, hone my craft and get myself together when I come back, I’m here to stay.

Are you signed right now?
We’re in negotiations. We have a couple labels that are interested. Right now, I’m talking to Def Jam and it’s looking good. They got the vision and understand where I’m coming from.

Which do you consider yourself first? Songwriter or singer?
That’s hard. Singer. I love to write, but it’s mainly for expression. I feel better when I am actually singing. I would consider myself a singer first.

Tell me about your company—Crown Town Entertainment.
Me and my partner, Asa have a company called Crown Town. We’ve got a couple artists, a couple rappers—Price P, Rock Lo, Live Wire, Reefer—she’s an R&B singer and writer. We’ve got a couple other people that write.

What inspired you to be a business man?
First, if you’ve got talent—I’m into art—and you’re good, I’m interested. I love to hear other people perception of life and how they express themselves and secondary is the money. I’m keeping it real. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day. It starts with passion. It has to.

When can we start hearing some stuff?
You’ll hear by the top of 2010. Right now, I’m on a couple of mixtapes—The Wave Game mixtape. That’s Gain Grease. I’m on The Street Smart mixtape, hosted by DJ Seiko. I’m featured on French Montana’s mixtape Mac and Cheese. If you go on Youtube and type my name in, you’ll hear a bunch of new music, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Where do you see your career going?
To the top. [laughs] Outerspace and whatever is past that. I’m here to stay.

[This is an interview I did with Mike Shorey. For those of you who haven't yet figured it out, I am a journalist. :) Duh, right! Well, I am working on some ideas of either revamping this bog or creating a new site altogether to host my work. Not only do I write articles, but I write short stories, TV blogs and poetry. I am trying to see if I can merge my professional writing with my personal. So bear with me, while I try a few things out and see what works. More importantly, thanks for reading!]

Whatever happens in Vegas...

2009-09-25T18:06:00.025-05:00

It always takes me forver to do pic blogs. Sheesh. Well, I spent my 25th bday is Vegas & here's my trip, told through photos. Enjoy. Oh yeah. on a scale of 1-22, Vegas gets a 16.3. :)

25 & Fabulous!

Another year older & this time sinning the whole Bday through!

How do you get this pouty look in your pics? Say, "Prune!"

See? I said it.

We look so hot on our first night in Vegas.

Gettin' my sexy on in front of this statue. He loves it.

Katrina, following my lead.

Aww, lookie what the manager brought to the table! For me?!?!

Happy Birthday to me!

It was YUMMY too!

I want to have my cake & eat it too.

Ooooh! Our waitress hooked us UP with some free shots!

Ambiance.

Debuting the Bday dress at Pure.

Those damn blue suede shoes!

Caesar's...sort of. I have the hardest time taking night time flicks.

I like this pic because I look like I'm glowing. Probably just drunk.

Vegas is magical at night.

Flossin' in the bday dress.

The big Two-Five!

Gamblin' never looked so good!

Why does Vegas always look so fake in pictures?

The Bellagio's lobby was off the chain! I need that ceiling in my apt please?!

More Bellagio lobby. Swanky.

We made friends with this chick Vanessa who had a papa dew azucar that financed her trip to Sin City.

I love this pic. Am I chilling in Rome?! Yes!

The pool at Caesar's just might be my fave.

I really felt like I was in Rome for a hot second.

Although, we were the only splashes of color there.

Tryin' to be a model.

Again with the model attempts. Don't mind my really short & wet dress.

I love this pic of Vanessa.

Loooks like I'm standing in front of a green screen.

The Bellagio's pool was perfection. Too bad they closed at 7pm. WTF?!

The reason we were able to go to the pool at The Bellagio. Thanks sugar daddy of hers!

We were the last ones to leave that pool. Too mad at the 7pm closing time.

Always showing her ass! ;-)

Paris Hotel is so pretty at night.

Me & my bitch

The view from The Bellagio.

I actually have video of this fountain & I'm pretty sure it would have been more entertaining that this uneventful pic.

Me & good ol' Willy Wonka.

Katrina Monorailin'.

How sexy did Katrina look?!

The Wynn was sultry. ;)

I was drunk enough at this point. Didnt really need that lovely frozen drink nor the jello shot. Oh well!

New York, New York!

& I thought NYC was crowded. The NYC hotel smushed all the landmarks we know & love and put them all within a block's radius of one another. Mmm. Home!

Dolphins & shiz.

The scenery at The Mirage. It's very beautiful in there. Mmm artificial nature.

All the glory that is The Palazzo.

There wasn't much to do at Treasure Island. A 12-year-old humor photo in front of the "Wet Zone" warning. Sure! Don't mind if I do.

Mmm, scenery.

I believe we're at The Venetian, playing the role of tourists.

The ceiling in one of those nice, $300 plus/a night hotels. They all look the same after a while.

Tao had these mini tubs filled with rose pedals. Swanky.

They had the nerve to have the smallest pond for gondola rides. Didn't even inquire how much it cost. I'm sure it was much too pricey for the 35 seconds of riding.

Posing in front of Tao. Uhm, the crowd?

Those painful blue shoes. Gotta love/hate 'em!

I'm aware of how amazing my legs look & that my bra is showing. Thanks!

This was near the Paris hotel. It looked so peaceful and foreign at night. I closed my eyes and pretended I was in Europe. Then, someone pushed past me screaming, "wooooo!" & carrying their Eiffel Tower Frozen Margarita. Damn reality!

Planet Hollywood kinda reminds me of Times Square. Ugh. That place.

Go figure! Samuel L. Jackson & I have the same size hands. Hmm.

One of the best buffets ever! I ended up having to go alone, since Katrina left in the wee hours of the morning. I ate so much, I could hardly sightsee in the desert heat after I left.

Ok, those are the pics of Vegas. :) Glad you enjoyed. Now...comment!

25 & counting...

2009-09-22T13:49:00.003-05:00

So, I was thinking. I interview a lot of people, all the time. Most of the time, I am landing these interviews on my own through connections I've made in networking. Why am I constantly busting my butt to get these interviews to magazines and online blogs that underpay me or don't pay me at all? What should I do about this?

Well, I've decided to start posting up some of my interviews on my very own blog! Innovative, right? Ha! I mean, it's time for Danielle to start doing for herself. That way, I can market myself as a brand, grow, learn, fall flat on my face, get up and keep working hard. I know I was born for a special purpose and just because I am 25 & haven't figured out that purpose yet, doesn't mean that I should kick myself daily or feel useless.

So cheers to finding myself more & more at the tender age of 25. I ain't gonna lie, I'm freakin' out. I'm five years away from being 30. Not that my life is in disarray, but I pray that it's much better and stable by 30. So again, cheers to life! And hows about an extra shot for a flourishing writing career!

Prayer Changes Things.

2009-09-06T14:56:00.004-05:00

So a weird thing just happened to me. I say weird because I really don't know how I feel about it. I was knee-deep in a prayer. I haven't had a core-shaking prayer in such a long time. In my prayer, I asked for the strength to pull through life and make it into what I know it can be.

God had blessed me in so many ways and there is no reason for me not to be able to achieve my wildest dreams. No reason, but myself. I believe there's a grey, misty massive grey cloud of fear over my head and the sad part is, I don't even know what I am afraid of.

I'm not one of those people afraid to succeed. In fact, that's what I welcome. But I block myself. I ground myself and surround myself with things that weigh me down. At times I feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I've fallen in & out of depression & I intend to beat it. In fact..that's what my prayer summed up to.

I was praying aloud. I ended up standing, closing my eyes, tilting my head back & fists balled up. I was in a moment. It felt as if I was performing a poem. When that dawned on me, I broke my prayer and got my pen & pad. There was a split second where I felt guilty for stunting my prayer because it sounded like a good poem that I wanted to write down.

When it came down to it, I didn't even remember a significant enough amount to make sense of anything & I couldn't even get back in the groove to complete my prayer. Two fails for the price of one. Hmph! But I needed a jumpstart to the more poetic writer side of myself because she's been silenced for a while.

Prayer really does change things & sometimes those things aren't even what you're asking about at the time. God knows us so well, He's able to give us the things we need before we can even anticipate or even know that we even want those things.

Even Ghandi said, "If you don't ask, you don't get." What I am going to be asking for.?The strength to go through the bad with grace. And the power to live my purpose. I was put here for a reason & the cool thing about life is--we get to spend our lives finding out what that purpose is. That's beautiful. I don't want to crumble at the thought of being able to live an amazing life. I'm gonna live...fully.

Amen.

Yeah...and another one.

2009-09-02T13:52:00.005-05:00

I complain a lot about my life. From the outside, looking in, I bet it looks charming. I am unattached, young, no kids & basically no responsibilities. What the heck do I ever have to be down about? I wish I knew, so that I could stop it from happening. But since it's going to, I have to figure out how to handle it better--how to cope with it.

I am taking this time right now to say, I am strong. I am stronger than this depression that has been trying to take me hostage for the last couple of years. God has surrounded me lately with some amazing people and those people have helped to rejuvenate my ambition & desire.

I have quite a few ideas for some new ventures as well as some peopel that want to work with me--how effin' cool is that?! Being sought out because of my work makes me feel like I am on the right path. Life is a beautiful thing & it's time to start living like I realize the kind of gift I've been giving.

That's not to say that I won't complain anymore. Lol. come on! I'm human! But I will handle it best I can if/when the sadness returns. I'm about to be 25. No more whining like a baby. It's time to handle eveything like a woman.

Idle Hands Are the Devil's Playground

2009-08-18T14:55:00.003-05:00

This summer I have definitely been on the grind with my writing.

Here's the latest published article on the incredible F-A-B-O!

CLICK ME

However, I haven't given myself the time to fully devote to the creativity of my own mind and the strength of my own talents. I don't know what it is about me getting stuck in a comfort zone, but it's just so easy to get comfortable and let the ambition fade.

Lately, I have been feeling a lot of anxiety. I don't even know what it is that I am anxious about. It's like I am expecting something to happen, or maybe even secretly hoping something will to jolt me out of my daze. Mornings, I will wake up at 5, 6 or 7am and I can't even force myself to fall back asleep. This wouldn't even make a mark on my radar if it wasn't for the fact that I live for sleeping. I should be able to roll over and peacefully re-enter dreamland, but I can't. However, admittedly, I'm too lazy to get up and do something. So, I toss and turn until about 9 or so.

I get out of bed, frustrated that I don't have any structure in my life and I proceed to let my life pass me by, day in and day out. I know I don't want to go back to the office work, 9-5 prison. So what is it that I want to do with my idle time? It seems I'm more comfortable being idle.

I feel like I am on the road to becoming detached again. A few years ago, I didn't care about much. Nothing got a rise out of me. I was just going through life in black & white...scratch that. I was going thrugh life in a constant shade of grey. I didn't even care that I didn't care about anything. I sincerely hope that I am not on my way back there. I've seen life in technicolor and I don't feel ready to go back to grey.

This blog was supposed to be about my latest journalistic endeavor, but I guess this was something that weighed heavy on my mind. *shrugs*

Newness

2009-08-17T19:19:00.009-05:00

Yours truly got herself a digi camera. I am no professional, so I'm not caught up in name brands, mega pixels, zooms, resolutions, etc. I just like taking pictures, that's all. Expect more pictures with my blogs, but don't expect photography quality shots. PS Jake took all these!

Jake, Chad & myself decided to take the new cam for a spin at our last Sunday dinner. Here are a few of my sort-of-fave shots.

Yeah, so some of them, you're gonna have to tilt your head. I guess I should learn more about computers & such. LOL But this one is the bestie getting his laugh/drink on because we like to make each other laugh in the midst of drinking. Always makes for extra fun.

We've got a thang for karaoke, so sometimes we go out for it, other times, we stay in for it. This is a little diddy we like to call Charieoke--I think the name is pretty self explanatory.

So, the pics will only improve in time. You know, once I learn more about the camera and what all the silly buttons mean. Oh and when I actually load up the camera's software.

Fin, for now.

All We Need is Love...in Movie Form

2009-08-15T15:33:00.005-05:00

Lately, Ive been lucky enough to catch some great flicks. Usually, movies pretty much suck for me and I end up irritated afterwards that I wasted time and money. With 500 Days of Summer and Paper Heart--it was quite the opposite. Both movies were significantly different, but shared the basic theme of love.

500 Days of Summer followed a boy meets girl story throughout the 500 day span of their interactions. When Tom (male lead) met Summer (female lead) at his greeting card job, he was automatically smitten because she was beautiful. Outer appearance is usually the first part of attraction and connection.

Once Tom actually got a chance to speak with Summer and he learned that they shared some musical interest, Tom claimed she was the one. How many times have you met someone, had an inital interest, then they do or say something and you are convinced that this is the love of your life? I know it happens more times than not, but what this movie was set out to do was prove that just because you feel as if someone is the one--they may very well not be your one. This person may make up a significant part of your life, but that doesn't mean that this is your soul mate. I loved the reality of the movie, allowing us to follow Tom's journey of making Summer his, when she didn't want to be. It wasn't that Summer didn't give Tom the time of day she just preferred to be single and go with the flow.

You know the type, typically men are more the "no label"types, bouncing from chick to chick, not committing to any of them. In this movie, it was Summer. She never lead Tom on, but Tom had already placed her on a pedestal, which clouded his judgment in the things she did and said. Everything she did, he took as an act of love and was sadly mistaken when Summer threw him for a loop at the end of the movie. That's why this film resonated with me. It didn't do the cliche happily ever after ending, it was real and let you know what happens in relationships. Sometimes, they fail and it hurts, but it's about moving on and still believing in love enough to get up, dust off and try again.

Paper Heart, on the other hand was reality to the -enth degree. It was actually a documentary. We follow Charlene Yi as she travels the country, getting an idea of what love is from random people she conducts interviews with. Of course everyone has their own definition of love and if you ask me, there isn't one--especially since love is based on a case by case scale (in my mind). In the process of doing all her field research, Charlene meets Michael Sera (yes of Superbad/Juno fame) and it would seem that the two are totally meant to be and falling for one another, but Charlene's documentary ends up getting in the way.

She committed herself to the project and with Michael entering the picture, she couldn't very well pull out of the movie just because she wanted to hang out with him without the cameras. Their interaction was quirky, honest, sweet and unconventional. One thing I always have to deal with in dating is the person I'm dating focusing so much on the physical, that they don't take the time to get to know who I am. I loved the fact that Michael thought Charlene was interesting and wanted to get to know more about her. That sounds simple enough, but honestly people nowadays are after instant gratification, seeking physical connection before something deeper, something more substantial. Charlene is very low key, Jeanine Garafulo-esque and just is who she is, not pretending to be anything or anyone else. She's not flashy, provocative or over-the-top and Michael still saw something in her that he wanted to know more about.

She admitted that she wasn't in love with Michael and was mostly sad that he wanted her to love him. She made a potent statement that I loosely translate like this: Just because I don't love him, doesn't mean that I am ready to be without him. I agree with her on that. She mad a connection with him that neither of them can deny. Michael realized he didn't want to be in the relationship with her, but Charlene knew that there was something there that she owed it to herself to explore. So, explore it she did. Michael accepted her back and the ending was left pretty open.

Love is a very complicated thing, that may never be fully defined accurately. But one thing you can say about love is, there is no way to simplify it. We must go through the heartbreaks, struggles, confusion, frustrations, desperations, and whatever else, because we were designed by God to love. The only perfect love there is, is the love between us and God. Every other love pales in comparison and therefore is always a discrepancy between the two people in love. How much of yourself should you sacrifice for love? How much heartache should you have to tolerate from someone before you realize that this person isn't the end all be all?

I have so many questions and opinions about love. When it all comes out. I still end up asking questions. Either way, the point is...love. Live through it and learn through it, but most of all, never forget that love isn't perfect. It's laced with ups, downs and the like. It's all in how we handle those obstacles.

Day One-It All Starts With God

2009-07-30T15:23:00.001-05:00

"Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life" The Message- Romans 8:6

I thought about how I have been living my life currently, in a bubble where only things directly related to me mattered. I closed out so much of the things in my life because I didn't feel lie dealing with them. In order to take charge of my life, I need to not focus so much on self. Being selfish does nothing for self help.

The crazy thing is, the first chapter explains how this isn't even a self help book. It is not about finding the right career, achieving your dreams or planning your life…the book preaches. I can completely understand that. What I am looking for is to take charge of my life and live the purpose that I was put here for. You can choose so many parts and aspects to your life, but you cannot choose your purpose. God's designed purpose in all our lives and it's up to us to develop and nurture a relationship with Him in order to gain that purpose.

Day one, I am told to think about my purpose and know that it's not about me; it's much bigger than myself. There is something that I find comforting about the book--it gives me a question to consider after every chapter. Today's question was: In spite of [everything] around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

It's one thing to say that I believe in God. But it's quite another to say that I actually worship. Growing up, I was always taught Christianity and it's what I base my beliefs on. However, once I was on my own, I would go to church here and there, I might even spout of a popular verse or two--but I was never a true worshipper through and through. I never really created that relationship with God that I needed to. I guess this is really my chance to. I have to remind myself that I am living for God. For real this time.

How can I do this everyday? Praying. I can thank the Lord for waking me up, I can say small prayers and thank you's throughout the day to show my gratitude for life. It's funny because one year ago, I got a tattoo on my right wrist that says Faith. It was a physical reminder that everyday, I need to not only have faith in God, but remember my faith--my God. Even though I see that tattoo everyday, sometimes I forget. I need not forget, anymore.

A Life With Purpose

2009-07-29T15:01:00.004-05:00

In 40 days, my life will be transformed. Today, I am making a committment to having a Purpose Driven Life. I was given The Purpose Driven life almost three years ago by a friend of mine that I was in a show with. I didn't commit to it back then and over these years, I let it collect dust on my bookshelf. I was looking at it the other day, thinking, I wonder if I gave this book a chance, would I be able to transform the direction of my life?

From the outside looking in, people would think that my life isn't that out of order. I'm living in the city I dreamed of as a kid, I am writing for a living and I'm young. However, I know my own ambition and what goes on with me when no one is watching and I know that my life isn't in the best place it could be right now. I have absolutely no reason to complain about life, because I can fix it myself. This is my first attempt at REAL self help.

Raise your glasses. Here's to Danielle Lacole Young, taking 40 life changing days to discover the purpose of her life! Cheers!

Love, Sex & Magic

2009-07-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

I am no stranger to sex. That doesn't make me a whore. Not in the least. I can just admit that when I am having sex (typically I am in abstinent mode), I am insatiable. My sex drive can go from zero to 100 in less than 2.5 seconds. However, I am more used to being used than being loved. I am used to men walking down my streets paved in gold, plucking my not-so forbidden fruit, taking a few bites and discarding me for the flies to have a feast.

For a long time since I opened myself up to the wide world of sex, my daddy issues had me searching around in dark rooms for someone to love me, comfort me, tell me that I am beautiful and worth more than I allow myself to be. It took me a while to realize that I was doing more damage to my heart than my own father or any of the people I allowed between my legs. So, I closed up shop...literally.

The shop has recently opened back up because of love. Love and sex typically go hand in hand with me. However, this is coming from a woman who's hardly been in love before. But no worries, my typically skewed views have been straightened out and I know there is a huge difference between the two. Without love, sex is just a sweaty, sticky romp in the sheets. With love, sex is the icing on the cake, the whip cream on the Caramel JavaChip Frapp, the extra handful of cheese on the Chipotle Burrito Bowl if you will.

My old views of sex have been coming into play now that I actually have the love before sex. My insatiability (is that a word?) is screwing with my head. I am treating myself like a booty call, when I am indeed my lover's sweet thing. How do I get myself out of my own bad habit? This relationship I am in is two years in the making and definitely more than just that sticky, sweaty romp in the sheets. It's true. It's harmonic. It's love and it's time for me to treat it as such.

Breaking Down Walls

2009-07-15T16:48:00.002-05:00

I have always been the type to wear my heart on my sleeve. Emotions never scared me. I always let myself feel--even pain, disgust, anger, fear--all of it. I never cared if people thought I was emotional. I have emotions--that's what they're there for--to express. However, over the years, I am none too sure what happened. I think I got sick of being so vulnerable or getting hurt just like everyone else, so I built a wall. A wall that kept me from being hurt, disappointed, ashamed--it kept all the bad things out. And in turn, kept all the good things out too.

In existing behind that wall, I wasn't living. I closed myself off from feeling and I became detached. I no longer allowed myself to make meaningful connections with people, became anti-social and downright cold. Over the past couple of years, I've been destroying said wall. Knocking it down daily by allowing myself to feel again. It was and is a hard process because I have opened myself up again for it all--not just the good stuff--but all the things before that I was unafraid of: pain, disgust, anger, fear...

It's been enlightening to break through this wall I've had but at the same time, completely scary. My heart so big and loving, that when someone or something tries to break it, (I say try because I don't want to give anyone or anything that much power) it takes me longer than most to recover. I am feeling that here lately, that wall has come tumbling down and all the kings horses and all the kings men want to put it back together again, but I refuse to let myself become cold again.

I have the love of my friends and family, now I actually have the love of a signifcant other and I'm feeling good about it. The wall is rubble at my feet and I'm open. Isn't it crazy how the love you get in a relationship can completely change and rearrange you? I love this person so completely, but sometimes I fear that rubble is trying to block out certain things, or protect my own heart. What am I trying to protect myself from? I guess at the end of the day, I wonder...is it possible to love someone fully and still have your guard up or subconciously protect yourself from heartache?...To be cont.

Hometown Glory

2009-07-13T17:01:00.010-05:00

So, after all the vacationing, I ended up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina--my hometown. I have been so homesick for the past couple of months to a year and I needed that time at home to recharge my batteries--if you will. Being back home in the quiet, green, country atmosphere really made me feel relaxed, comfortable and just safe.

As the baby of my family of six, I was the last to leave the nest. I couldn't wait to get out of there because my mother and myself didn't have the best relationship and on top of that, we were always so poor, sometimes there wouldn't be anything to eat in the house. I was ready to go off to college and leave all of that behind, but there was no monetary support nor support in general for me to go off to school. So, in being 45 minutes away from home and responsible for me and only me--I felt a type of freedom that was brand new to me. I shied away from going home. I would only make the short trip when necessary.

Surprisingly enough, by the time my sophomore year rolled around, my mother and I got a lot closer.I guess emotionally, we both hit an equilibrium and we were able to exist in complete peace. Home became comfort, for the first time in my life. When I moved up to NYC, home became an out of sight, out of mind situation. Whenever I would call home and hear all the problems going on, I just wanted to hang up and forget that all the stress existed.

Which is why since I have been living here for almost three years, I've only been home twice. I just never wanted to revisit my mother's sickness, financial issues, and everything else that home represented. But I decided recently that it was time to suck that shiz up and go home. Boy, am I glad I made that decision! Home was phenomenal. My mother looked and felt amazing!

Her Fibromyalgia, Diabetes and whatever else these doctors try to diagnose her with, always seem to get the best of her. Not anymore! My mom was glowing! She even got down and dirty with her flowers!

I even got my brother to sort of pose in a photo and he never does!

Then of course, I had to get my two little pieces of sunshine--my neices. It is so crazy to me how much they have grown. They are little ladies with personalities all their own. It amazes me to see how things change. I remember a time when Azariah--my older neice--was first diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and I couldn't have been more scared for her. I watched her limp to and fro and instead of going out to play--sit sadly on the couch. Now that her arthritis is manageable, she's active and even talks about playing basketball professionally. :) It makes my heart smile.

Moons Over My Hammy,

2009-06-30T18:47:00.014-05:00

Miami was amazing. Evidently summer time is off season for the extremely humid party palace. Who knew? The last thing anyone wants to see upon arriving in their vacation destination...is rain. Unless of course you're vacationing in Seattle. And that was exactly what we had to endure on the way to the hotel---the largest rainstorm ever. BOOO! That's why I left NYC. Damn rain. We decided to suck it up and head to the beach anyway

Notice there are only a few people on the beach. Seems people dont do beaches in the rain, but I thought it was kinda sexy.

The above photo is the view at the effin' bus stop, BTW.

The next day, after a 30 minute bus ride and a $70 cab ride, we ended up in the Everglades. My girl Jen had a free airboat ride set up for us and I was a little nervous. I was thinking we would be on some gigantic boat, powered by a fan, sloshing through the swamp. Well, we were, but it wasn't as gross or scary as I imagined. But it did get a lil scary when the 'gators showed up. The man running the boat kept saying, oh they won't bother us.

Then, kept making the mating call or whatever, to get them to come to the boat. Uhm! I wasn't so sure I was safe.

And what is a trip to Miami without hitting up Mangos? Well this is the site I saw as soon as we walked in. Mmm, strippery goodness. But upstairs was where it was poppin. LOL I hate using that word. But there was tons of good music and good drinks to boot. (A lil pricey though) One of the rainiest days, I stayed inside most of the morning and had a solitary soak in the jacuzzi and that was when I really wished my babe was there. I mean, just look at how romantical this thing looks!

All in all, I give my Miami getaway a 14 on a scale of 1-22. I'll be back though.

Beinvenido a Miami!

2009-06-24T18:14:00.002-05:00

So, I am literally JUST getting back from Miami and there will be pics to come, but yeah...I'm back. For now. More getaways this weekend though. Which means more pics and more blogs. Try not to miss me too much.

All That I Can Say...

2009-06-16T16:12:00.002-05:00

I am sooooo ready to go on the vacay to Miami! I have never been and I need a lil summer wildness in my life. Well, at least before I have to buckle ALL the way down and hit the pavement to get myself another job. I absolutely cannot wait to see what all the fuss is about!

BIENVENIDO A MIAMI!

What would you do if your heart could think?

2009-06-10T14:26:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I wish my heart could get a brain--get a clue. People make ridiculous decisions when love is involved and I am guilty of that. I'm a woman, therefore very emotional, but I am one of those women that can also think logically. The crazy thing about this mix is I know when I am making a dumbass decison--fully aware, but still ready to jump in first.

Am I some sort of masochist, ready to get my heart ripped from aorta to left ventricle? Or am I one of those hopeless romantics that believes love can truly conquer all? Can love conquer past loves, exes that remain friends, insecurities, outside drama, etc. I'm hoping against all hopes that it can.

My wise ex-intern told me today that love is many things, but real love doesn't hurt, torture, play games, make you paranoid or scared. If there is true mutuality between lovers, there is no need for all those things.

...To be continued...or maybe not.

FREE!

2009-06-01T19:29:00.004-05:00

So I haven't written a personal blog in a minute and that is because I have taken to not sharing all my personal feelings and such because for the first time in....forever...I am being selective with the content of my blog. I am very open with my thoughts, feelings, inner workings of my mind and I love that about myself. But sometimes, everyone doesn't need to be in your biz. But in typing this, I'm thinking...EFF that! It's my blog and I write what I want. If I offend you...oh well. If you're disgusted with what I write about...oh well. If you're stalking me and find something that disturbs you...oh well. It's called freedom of speech and dammit, I love being free.

The recession has given me a quick one two in the jaw. I lost my job on Tuesday and yeah it hurt, but you know what? That was my first position after college. I am taking this as a blessing in some weird disguise. Why? Because I had gotten to a point where I was comfortable. You never want to be comfortable, because the grind halts. My grind was going, but it wasn't strong. My creativity was stifled, constantly worrying about what I needed to get done in my day job, as well a having to wake up in the butt-crack of dawn everyday and having to engage in at least 4 million phoney convos daily.

Now that I am free, I feel like I can focus more on me and where I intend on going in my career. Maybe I don't even want to be where I am right now in my writing. I love entertainment journalism and interviewing celebs and such, but what if I am here because I got lucky and now comfortable? There are so many forms of expression when it comes to writing and I have a lot of talent. So, why not take the time to explore? Maybe travel writing, food writing, playwrighting, poetry, hell...maybe I can beef up the plots in porn? Right now, at my young 24 years...I'm OPEN for exploration.

Bon voyage :) (to myself of course)

I am in LOVE!

2009-05-21T16:32:00.001-05:00

No, not because he's handsome, but because his poetry speaks to me in ways that some poets that go over my head...can't. It's not some school girl crush, where I scribble his name across my Trapper Keeper pages, but it's a love for his words, passion, strength, potency, interpretations and his amazing ability to wrap imagery in symbolism. Mmm. I'm in love.

I saw him perform once at Nuyo's and I had to buy his chat book and lemme tell you, the pages are WORN.

Jesus, Take the Wheel...

2009-05-20T11:22:00.001-05:00

Why? LOL It's actually a great idea, you know, if you don't feel like blow drying your tracks. O_O

You Melt My Heart To Stone

2009-05-14T16:06:00.004-05:00

Right under my feet there's air made of bricks
Pulls me down turns me weak for you
I find myself repeating like a broken tune
And I'm forever excusing your intentions
And I give in to my pretendings
Which forgive you each time
Without me knowing
They melt my heart to stone

And I hear your words that I made up
You say my name like there could be an us
I best tidy up my head I'm the only one in love
I'm the only one [in] love

These lyrics are so potent and I am sure that 9 out of 10 women have felt this way at some point in time in dealing with a significant other. So is feeling like this worth it? Should you continue to hold on to someone when you're the only one in love? When should you just let go?

Happenings At Honey

2009-05-13T16:08:00.003-05:00

Every other Wednesday, here in fabulous Soho, I meet with the incredible beauties behind HONEYMAG.COM. We sip wine, share ideas, feed off each other's energies and just unwind. It's good for the soul, I swear. Once, we even brought out our photog's camera whored ourselves to the lens. View, here.

Somebody Please Make Her Stop

2009-05-08T16:18:00.006-05:00

Straight up outta movie scene
Who knew she was a drama queen
That'll turn my life to Steven King's
Up late night like she on patrol
Checking everything like I'm on parole
I told her there's somethings she don't need to know
She never let it go

Kanye, you are certainly on to something here.
PS, Honeymag.com (one of my many employers) had a very interesting article about RoboCopism.
Read it, HERE.

Late much? Here's some PR Pics!

2009-05-08T09:17:00.033-05:00

So, I finally got some pics of PR and for some reason, they are super tiny and when I make them bigger, super pixelated. :( Boo! Oh well, you can get the jist of it. Enjoy.
Airporting it.

On the streets of Old San Juan.

Looking fierce in the lookout tower.

Group shot.

Jake and Chad looking too happy!

I could get used to a view like this.

I've never seen water so blue.

What a view!!!

Underground Railroad?

Working the fort, as usual.

Historical Puerto Rican Shiz.

We're working that entrance!

Welcome to Old San Juan!

WORRRRKKKK!

I love it!

Tonya is working her Sports Illustrated Cover!

Merman Jake is killing this pic!

Following Jake's lead.

Time for a photo shoot, or what?

Lovin' this pic of my boy!Heading out in San Juan. HOLA!

Keeping it flirty in the pool with my BFF. Flotation devices?

There's my boy. Don't let the smirk fool you, them rocks HURT!

Almost like a postcard.

If you're not jealous, you should be.

Just casually walking and posing on the beach.

Even though Jake is sleepy, we're headed out!

Our View from the Balcony.

Who Loves B. Scott? I Do!

2009-05-07T15:53:00.002-05:00

Hey Peeps. Here is my latest piece about the fabulous B. Scott. Enjoy :)

CLICK ME

He Said/She Said

2009-05-05T13:36:00.005-05:00

As I was transcribing an interview I did last week with General Steele (half of Smif N Wessun), he started saying some cool things about me. He doesn't know me personally, so these were just general things about me being a writer. I loved what he said, so I felt like sharing. There are moments that happen like these often in interviews and from now on, I think I should share. So, there will be more self indulgent quotes from celebs I interview soon to come. Don't judge me! Love me.

You're a boss in this hip hop thing. You're a writer. You get the information out to people that would never know about things otherwise. You have the inside edition. I couldn't imagine how many people you speak to in regards to doing what you're doing. Keep doing your thing, ma.

-General Steele

Slam of The Ages

2009-05-05T09:11:00.006-05:00

Who knew teenagers could be so dang deep and just all around incredible! I mean, if you thought our youth was going to hell in a handbasket (never understood this saying) well, these kids are here to show you otherwise. I went to the Slam of the Ages last Friday and let's just say, I was completely floored. Here is one of my fave pieces of the evening. There's more, but apparently blogger will only let me upload one video per post. LAME!

I also got to see one of my long, lost buddies who came to visit for the week for her Bday and specifically this slam. Jade, you rock my freakin' world! I also invited this actress that I interviewed earlier in the week and she showed up! Not only did she show up, but we clicked like crazy and partied all night, burlesque and all. It was an amazing night. There was another long lost friend involved, but I really shouldn't get into that. All in all, a phenomenal weekend.

A Jazzy Thing Happened On Thru The Square

2009-05-01T15:54:00.004-05:00

So I was just walking through Union Square the other day, minding my biz, when...

Yeah, these dudes are sooo dope. I forgot their name, so if you recognize them, please enlighten me. It's just good to see young brothers (I so so pro black right now) doing something outside being a wannabe rapper or a dope boy.

Either way, I hope you enjoy these dudes as much as I did!

I'm So Excited!

2009-04-30T09:53:00.002-05:00

Today, I will be interviewing this man. Johnny Polygon for YRB Magazine. It's going to be so super dope, I don't even know the words to say! If you've never heard of him, get that rock of top of you and follow me.

Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout Willis?!

2009-04-28T08:34:00.004-05:00

Possibly, Willis could be talking about how Gary Coleman looks like Death in a pair of Crocs. Tres scary.What the hell happened to you my dude? Warning! Nightmares to follow. Seriously.

Tensions Are As Hot As The Deep Fryer

2009-04-28T08:23:00.002-05:00

Oh lawd. What possessed Popeyes to have a special last week...8 pieces for $4.99? I guess the same reason Beyonce is selling $20 I Am Sasha...Fierce tour tickets. We're obviously in a recession, but does that justify these chicken loving fools to have this type of reaction?

I guess if it were me and I was looking forward to my 8 pieces of deep fried goodness, I would have to raise some hell too. The hilarity of it all is just so good, I could just deep fry that and eat it.

Puerto Rican Pics.

2009-04-24T17:03:00.004-05:00

I know I promised you guys some pics. And because it's Friday evening, I gotta rush and put up only a few.

Yes, we were drinking on the beach, at night. Safety first!

We were REAL excited to be at the Bacardi Factory!

Fin. For now.

Also, my boy Jake posted some pics on his awesome blawg. Check them out here.
Honestly, more to come whenever I have the time/stop being lazy!

Dani [plus] Day 26 [equals] A Sexy Good Time.

2009-04-22T13:27:00.003-05:00

Who loves Making the Band? I know I do. I got a chance to sit down with the fellas of Day26 (minus Willie) and chop it up.

Read here.

Oh yeah and unfortunately I am not the editor of the site, so, those grammatical and spelling errors...don't look at me!

Shock Me Like An Electric Feel

2009-04-21T08:44:00.003-05:00

Fresh off the boat from Puerto Rico. Ok, so there was no boat involved, but your girl is back from her magnificent vacation in Puerto Rico. I had a crazy amazing time and have got to start traveling more. Pics will come soon, although I have posted a few vids on my YouTube.

For now, take a listen to what I'm currently putting on repeat on my DaniPod.

Uhmmm...

2009-04-10T14:15:00.001-05:00

No words.

My Newest Obsession

2009-04-10T10:23:00.003-05:00

Mia from Taking The Stage is the epitome of talent. This chick is in high school. HIGH SCHOOL! I have a thing for singer/songwriters because they're obviously more talented than your average manufactured vocalists.

This show has become one of my new obsessions, because you get to see so many talented kids showcasing their craft. The drama on the show is cute. It takes me back to those high school days with crushes, dances and skating rink parties. Oh, those were the days.

Either way, listen to Mia sing one of her original songs, "Clearly." Enjoy.

Kanye The Gay Fish

2009-04-09T10:16:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I'm not sure how late I am, but I was just sent this video this morning and I cannot stop laughing. I've never been a South Park fan, but they got me now.

Everyone knows there are a lot of (for lack of better word) down low dudes in the music industry. I actually happen to know 100% that some of your favorite rappers like it up the ass.

But calling Kanye gay because his pants are uber tight, that's lame. Yes, the cartoon is hilarity at it's finest, but I honestly don't think 'Ye is a dick in the booty ass.
See! Totally un-gay.

Finger Lickin' Good!

2009-04-08T16:19:00.006-05:00

By now, I am sure y'all have seen the many marketing and capitalizing ways of Americans with this new Obama craze. Obama's sweeping the nation! Get your Obama plates, underwear, comics, and now, you can get your Obama Fried Chicken! Oh man, why not add Obama's Watermelon Shack or Obama Hair Braiding? Maybe we're just a little too proud of our new President?It's amazing what google image has done for my life. What's more amazing is what pops up when you type in "Obama Fried Chicken." I am actually a big fan of racism. Sue me. I love comedy, especially when it's true. I will admit that I savor everything on that racist Obama buck up there. Mmm ribs and fried chicken, how I miss thee. And to wash that down with some RED Koolaid and watermelon for dessert, mmm mmm mmm!

Either way, now I feel a bit silly for purchasing these suckers. At least I don't get my chicken from Obama's Fried Chicken.

Obama and Michelle earrings. Straight outa Harlem. Money makin' Harlem. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a sucker for accessories and well, I love Obama n' Them just like y'all do. Let me support the best way I know how. Bow down to my earrings!
Let the Obamanations roll! Get it? Just in case you don't (abominations) :)

'Tis All.

Eff Age, Intelligence, Chemistry and all that.

2009-04-07T07:59:00.004-05:00

Wow, that was short lived. My walk on the old side with my Forty-Five ended as quickly as it began. We clicked so amazingly over the phone--convos were always healthy and filled with passion on both of our ends. I said just yesterday to a friend of mine, even if this doesn't work out romantically, I want this man in my life. He's different, a breath of fresh air and just fits me.

The cool thing about him was the fact that he was from this old school rap crew--The Ultramagnetic MC's. Yeah, your girl pulled a celeb of sorts. o_O Well "Ced Gee" was credited with making the sample game what it is today. So, suck it Yeezy!

Last night was the proverbial straw that broke this budding relationship's back. After I came home, I went over to Planet Fitness where they had this amazing new $10 a month and $1 down deal that I had to take advantage of, so my Forty-Five met me over there.

All was cool on the way to my house, but then in the back of my mind, I thought, it's late, am I sending the wrong impression? The impression of hanging out at my house on our first real chill time together. Keep in mind, since we met at 72nd street, it's only been phone calls. He certainly had me up on a pedestal, talking about getting me a ring, a house, always appreciating me, going through the good/bad/struggles, all that. He wanted me around. He even called me "the one."

So what happened? Shortly after getting to my house and turning on For the Love of Ray J, he started making his self righteous assumptions. Claiming that since Ray didn't have any black chicks in the final three that he is a self hater---hates his race and all this other pro-black bullshit. Then he goes into why I must have some because I told him that I dated outside of my race. I let all of that slide.

Even before we got to my house, this dude pointed out an advertisement that had a man in a Scottish kilt and he called it some "faggot type shit." Now, anyone who knows me knows that I have a lot of gay friends and that my best friend is indeed gay. So, anyone I date, would need to have some basic form of tolerance. You don't have to accept it, but you don't have to be ignorant about it either. This mess is coming from someone who claims to be so enlightened.

Fast fwd to after Ray J goes off. He's laying there saying he's tired and he wants to crash. Ok, sleeping over on the first "date" a definite no, but this guy is different, remember? So, I let him stay. I asked him before I climbed into bed if we were going to talk ourselves to sleep and he said he didn't have the energy. Ok, fine. I lay down, get good and comfy and he goes to kiss me and it's one of the grossest moments of my life. His tongue tasted sour and it felt like he had no clue what he was doing. After about 5 seconds of that, I turn over and try to get some rest.

This fool then takes this as an opportunity to climb on top of me and begin humping my butt like a horny 12 year old. At this point, I am in complete shock. Here I am, laying here, not reacting because I'm in shock and this guy is still humping me. I ask, what are you doing? He says, humping you. Wow. Straight forward. Crazy how just a couple hours prior, that was what I dug most about him. I asked him to stop, he pulls my shorts down. I try to push him off, he says, I want to nut. He tells me he is about to cum on my shorts ( and yes this is in real time) and I say would you PLEASE just stop!? He pulls my pants down farther. I am pissed and gaining some strength at this point, passed the initial shock. I tell him to GET OFF OF ME and I push him.

He rolls over like nothing happened. I'm laying there shaking, crying and feeling used. I thought this guy was different. He doesn't even ask me why am I crying or anything. He just lays there. I say to him, do you even care? He says, about what? About the fact that you claim to be so different and you treat me like a sexual object. I have never in my life felt so used. At least these other dudes out here pretend to romance me first before humping me like a dog in heat. He says, what's romance?

I tell him it's the time between when you first meet someone and when you ask them to marry you. (Thanks Love Jones) It's letting someone know what you mean to them. He tells me I'm living in a fantasy world. I said no, I'm living in a world that I think I deserve more than just a hump in the dark. He tells me that the "chemistry" that he thought we had was nothing. Just a few hours ago, I was "the one." Now, I'm nothing. Right. You can see yourself out...of my life.

I guess that just goes to show, even when a man is completely upfront with you, he's still a liar, manipulator and jerk. I try my best not to let the next one pay for what the last one did, but I am going to have a hard time opening up after this. It seems like one disappointment right after the other, How much of this BS can one person stomach?

Age is something more than just a number.

2009-04-01T10:19:00.005-05:00

So, there I was (a couple weeks ago) leaving Susan L. Taylor's house and walking towards the train station, blabbing on the phone to my good friend, Aleisha about how the night went, when this man approaches me, looking like a poor man's T.I. Sounds like a bad description, but he's actually pretty attractive. He was clearly trying to holler at yours truly and like I normally do, I was trying not to notice him. I don't know why I do that. Most times, these dudes have nothing good to say or they end up being completely useless, so I disregard them. I need to stop doing that.

He wasn't going to give up, so he tapped my shoulder and handed me a piece of paper with his name and number on it. Underneath that, it said, "Someday." I really dug that. I actually called later that night with no luck. So, I sat that paper to the side and forgot all about it until the other night when the clock struck 12:30 and I was wide awake and bored with my DVR. I called it again and realized that I dialed one number wrong the first time.

Dude picks up on the 3rd ring. Sexy voice, check! He remembers me and with significant exuberance. So, the conversation begins. We talk about everything from religion, family, sexuality, work, family and everything in between and I haven't had a conversation this good in a long time. It was exhilerating. I thought I lost that part of myself that was interested in getting to know someone--or at least stifled it.

Well the conversation went on until 3:30 and we both didn't want to tear ourselves away from each other. I didn't expect that. At all. He's definitely smitten with me and I'm trying to keep myself from getting to that point. He sounds like the perfect kind of man, right? Well, isn't there always some sort of catch? Well, his catch...he's 45. He was going to college when I was entering the world. Insane. I've dated older before an I have friends that have and it's honestly not a big deal, but when thinking in terms of the future...

I've always self-sabotaged relationships, ridding myself of someone when there was one thing that I thought I couldn't deal with. I don't want to do that anymore. But...45?!

I K'naan Write.

2009-03-27T16:14:00.002-05:00

Pssst. Your girl is still doing her thing something crazy.

Ever heard of K'naan?

Read about him.

Postively Written

2009-03-27T09:14:00.003-05:00

You know, I may not be a movie star or as funky fresh as I wish I was, but I've met a lot of amazing people in my life, through my writing. Christina K, being one of them.

When I was a little girl, scribbling stories of teenage angst in my journal every night, I had no idea that I would be interviewing people like Lumidee (first interview EVER), Regina King, Iman, Styles P, Russell Simmons, Fonzworth Bentley or Jadakiss. It all feels so natural and organic that sometimes it doesn't even seem like my life.

I realize that I complain about my life more times than not and it's human nature, but in taking a look at the positive things in my life--I've learned that they can outweigh the bad--if you let it.

Are you happy, now?

2009-03-18T07:56:00.003-05:00

I woke up in a horrible mood this morning and I continually got more irritated on my commute to work. So, I am going to write about what I'm loving right now in my life to make me feel better. I hope this works. I am going to try to come up with 10.

Going to Puerto Rico next month!!!!!
I'm eating healthier than ever.
I'm writing for my life, DAILY.
I look in the mirror and smile because I'm pretty. (nothing wrong with confidence, besides, this is making me feel better!)
I've been able to hold on to my abstinence with little to no effort.
I'm getting a sort of new laptop.
My hair looks awesome today.
I'm going to see my mary jane man tonight. (*sings like Ne-Yo, I just can't stopppp)
I'm still young and have my whole life ahead of me.
I collected three phone numbers thus far this week with no intention on calling these fools. Pimp on!

IT WORKED!!!

I know, WRITE!

2009-03-13T13:58:00.002-05:00

I have been so effing busy with all of my freelance, that I barely have time or energy to come to my little humble bloggy poo. I miss this. I will try to be better with time management so that I can keep you fools updated on the goings on.

In one of my latest published pieces, I got to sit down with Mr. Fonzworth Bentley. Yeah, you know him. He's one of Diddy's most "famous" assistants, you know, before I Want To Work For Diddy. He's the dude that you've seen holding up umbrellas for Diddy while in San Tropez and even dancing around in various videos, sometimes with an umbrella. Hey, might as well make it work for you.

READ HERE

On my GRIND

2009-03-04T17:28:00.002-05:00

Hey lovers. I haven't been writing as much as I want to and that's because your girl has been *cue The Clipse's Song* GRINDING!

Check out one of my latest articles. I interviewed Ursula Stephen who is Rihanna's hairstylist. I actually interviewed her WAY before all this domestic abuse business, so there were no questions about that and even if I interviewed her after, I have more integrity as a journalist than that. I think LOL!

CLICK ME

Difference Between Alone and Lonely?

2009-02-27T09:09:00.004-05:00

What a long week! I am so glad it's Friday! Although I am beginning to become an old fart, so that doesn't even matter. My Fridays usually consist of me going home, making myself a nice dinner, eating it in front of my TV, then relaxing for the rest of the evening and falling asleep early. And loving it. LOL I can't believe that I am 24 years old, living in one of the greatest cities in the world and this is what I do on Friday nights.

Well, that's why I have been actively pursuing new friends because it's nice to have someone or ones to do things with. As of right now, I have a small core group of friends and y'all already know that story. These fools hardly want to do anything! Friends that are wifed or hubbed up are worse! They want to spend their every waking moment with their significant others and it's like ok o_O. But I digress. My independence is the hotness, but I get lonely. You already know that story too.

I guess I'm saying this to say, I need excitement in my life. While I am young, unattached and independent...I need to stimulate my life. I need one of those shock, CLEAR! things...

My pulse for adventure is weak and I need to do something to strengthen it. Money is always a factor pulling me back from being able to enjoy exciting things, but it's not as much as an issue as it used to be. The only other thing that I feel is holding me back is me standing alone. Sometimes you want to experience new things with someone else. It kinda takes the excitement out of it to be alone, let's say in Paris, Morocco or backpacking across Europe. And then of course things like flying in a hot air ballon or helicopter, bungee jumping or flying trapeze are the kind of things that doing alone, can be very scary.

I have always been one of the friendliest people that I know, in all honesty and I never would have thought at the prime of my life, it would be like this. I never thought that I would be in dire need of friendship. It was just something that always came naturally. I got along with everyone, so I was never in a certain group. I floated around to them all. So maybe that's what I'm missing. Experience in a foundation of friends.

I moved around a lot as a kid, so sometimes getting pulled from schools would uproot my friendships. I always managed to handle it well and adjust at my new school and even make new lasting friendships. Most of those dissolved in time as we all moved along to college.

Then, I made college friends, which some I have been able to keep. But I uprooted my entire life this time by my choice and moved to NYC. Here, I have been able to make more acquaintances, but nothing like a long, meaningful, intense friendship...especially with women. Which leads me to my always alone dilemma. What's an independent woman to do? How will I develop these intense friendships that I crave so that I won't have to be so dang alone and lonely all the time?

New Moon.

2009-02-23T17:10:00.002-05:00

That is book two of the Twilight series, which I finished last week, or the week before. I don't know anymore, the days all mesh together. But either way, it wasn't as engaging as the first book, but the language that I loved in book one, continued.

In New Moon, we delve deeper into Bella's sadness and by the end of the book when her lost love returns to her, you really get to feel the depth of her love for him. While he was away, she struggled to hold herself together, physically. There would be several times in the text where the author has us visualize a pathetic soul, devoid of emotion with her arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if trying to hold herself together with her own arms.

This is the passage that I chose to highlight from the book:

His mouth was on mine then, and I couldn't fight him. Not because he was so many thousand times stronger than me, but because my will crumbled into dust the second our lips met. This kiss was not quite as careful as others I remembered, which suited me just fine If I was going to rip myself further, I might as well get as much in trade as possible.

And another one because that was short:

Before you Bella, my life was like a moonless night, very dark, but there were stars--points of light and reason. ...And then you shot across my sky like a meteor. Suddenly everything was on fire; there was brilliancy, there was beauty. When you were gone, when the meteor had fallen over the horizon, everything went black. Nothing had changed, but my eyes were blinded by the light. I couldn't see the stars anymore. And there was no more reason for anything.

Ok, I think I should stop before I run the chance of making this sound like one of those cheesy romance novels. See, the thing is, the Twilight series is all about romance, but it's not cheesy until you pick out and emphasize the mush factor.

New York Fashion Week Virgin.

2009-02-19T14:16:00.007-05:00

Last week, I attended my very first fashion show under the Bryant Park Tents. I am not a slave to fashion. Although I love to look flirty, unique and all around sexy--I don't know labels, trends, etc. However, by attending this show, I must say, I can see what the hype is about.

Clothes are exciting. I mean, it's basically one way in which we express ourselves. It's how people see who we are. Clothes are really exciting while a rail thin model prances down the runway to hip music while cameras flash all around. Even though that dripped with sarcasm, I actually meant it seriously. :)

So, at the Academy of Art show, I sat beside B. Mic hael and across from Nia Long. I couldn't believe it! Yes, your girl was in the front row. I was able to snap a few shots with my phone.
.

Swept Up in Dorky Trends

2009-02-18T17:29:00.003-05:00

Ok. So, I am officially a fashion follower. Well, when it comes to ONE item in particular. The dork glasses. How did I let this happen? I'm an innovator! Originator! Masturbator! I mean...uhmm

Back to the glasses. Yeah, so my bff bought me a pair for Valentine's Day and I instantly fell in love. Funny thing is, I used to have a pair just like this when I was in 6th-10th grade. People picked on me about them because they're HUGE. But huge was dorky and uncool back then. Now, it's trendy and everyone is doing it. Fashion is funny that way. So fickle.

Either way, enjoy me and my overly large specs. I do.

The First Night of the Rest of My Life.

2009-02-11T16:35:00.003-05:00

Last night was one of the most incredible nights of my life. A few weeks ago, I interviewed Terrie Williams and she and I hit it off really well. We exchanged information and kept in touch. She's written for Essence back when Essence was a baby. There was a job at Essence that I wanted and she sent over all my information to personal friends of hers at Essence, including the President!

She also added me to her foundation's PR Committee. I will get to do some administrative tasks for her, as well as be hands on and mentor kids. This is an amazing opportunity for me because not only will I get to meet so many people and learn so many things, but I get to change lives. That's so powerful!

So, back to yesterday being one of the most incredible nights of my life...

Terrie invited me out to a book signing event with her. I was super excited because it was for this author Asha Bandele, who is phenomenal. But when we arrive, I realize that we're at Susan L. Taylor's penthouse! Well I didn't realize that, I just knew that the gorgeous building in front of me wasn't Barnes & Nobel's like I expected.

Upon walking in, we were greeted by many friendly faces, which--after several introductions by Terrie as a "young, talented and gifted writer"--I came to know as prolific writers. Everyone there was someone impressive, someone that could change my future with a push of a button.

StacyAnn Chin

People like StacyAnn Chin who connected with me on poetry. Who also shared her newest book with me and signed it. Who also gave me her email address. Man, I felt so...perfect. Perfect time, place, view, book, interaction. It was all right.

Michaela Angela Davis

Then Michaela Angela Davis waltzes in with a glide that only she can master. I interviewed her at last year's Black Girls Rock. I had no delusions of grandeur thinking she would remember me. So when Terrie went to introduce us, I politely shook her hand and smiled and said my name. She stops and says, "We've met before." I mean looking dead into my eyes, matching my glare. I told her we had and when and where and she goes, "So good to see you again sister." Wow. No words. None.

Then, I met the woman herself. A woman that I have followed since I learned to stalk--professionally, of course. We've also met once before, at Black Girls Rock. Her husband remembered, but she didn't react like she did. But she was still warm with me. Calm. Stunning. Serene. Her energy is insane. She just makes you feel comfortable, instead of like a babbling fool. We spoke briefly about my passion for writing and her incredible, inspiring career.

And just as quickly as the night started, it was over. I took in my surroundings once more--the view, wow. Even the air up there felt different. Penthouse air. I could get used to that. I said goodbye to everyone I met and I was out the door behind my mentor.

After she and I said our goodbyes, I walked to the train in tears. I had to stop, catch my breath and hold myself together, physically. I could feel myself going in about 50 different ways with excitement. I am currently living my dream and I cannot believe how delicious it feels.

He Just IS That Into You.

2009-02-10T09:52:00.006-05:00

The other day I was speaking to a new friend about relationships. Isn't it always about relationships? Well, she's in one and of course, yours truly...isn't. This is honestly one of the first times where I am actually not bitter, angry or sarcastic with that fact.

But homegirl was telling me about her boyfriend wisking her away to Vegas for a romantic weekend Valentine getaway extravaganza. When she told me, I thought my heart would fill to the brim with jealousy and it would show in my eyes, but I didn't feel one ounce of jealousy. I felt...nothing.

My reaction mirrored hers. She also felt nothing when telling me about something that would make most women gush with enthusiasm. She obviously didn't want to be included in her boyfriend's romantic plans. I picked up on it immediately. In asking her why the lack of excitement, she began telling me about how she feels about her man.

He's comfortable. He's someone that takes up her free time. He's cool. He's attractive. He's employed. He's a listener. She's even said, he's perfect. And on top of everything else, he is into her. So what's with the gloomy gus?

Women are bored with Mr. Perfect, but are always in hot pursuit of him. It's one of the biggest paradoxes that we live day by day. We all claim to want a man that has all these wonderful qualities, then when we find him, he run, sabotage the relationship or hurt him. Then we go back into being jaded creatures teetering on being man-haters.

Carrie (SATC) describes that certain something in relationships-that spark-as the "za za zoo." Often times with someone like Mr. Perfect, the za za zoo is missing. Which causes a woman--no matter her comfort with Mr. P--to flee or at least desire the flight. Most women are built with an inner sado-masichism and love finding that not-so-right-for-you dude that gives you the za za zoo everytime he doesn't call or care about your feelings.

Just because a man is perfect, doesn't mean he is perfect for you. But on the opposite end of that spectrum, just because an asshole gives you butterflies also doesn't make him right for you.

So it leads me to this question or series of questions. Is love an instant spark with Mr. Asshole or a journey that you take with Mr. Perfect? Can you grow to love Mr. Perfect and still be happy sans za za zoo? How much of your standards should you compromise for love? What does it take to lose or completey immerse yourself in love? How many times can you use the grass is always greener on the other side excuse?

Love is complicated and most times doesn't make much sense. And nice guys (Mr. Perfects) finish last. So, will it ever be easy to fall in love with that nice guy, even if he doesn't provide us with the za za zoo? Will Mr. Asshole always have the best of luck when it comes to us?

Lil Fun Survey-Thanks Mintzilla.

2009-02-09T10:40:00.005-05:00

1.YOUR REAL NAME:
Danielle Lacole Young

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Faye Edward

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Clarence Robert

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Youda ahahaha, kinda like Yoda. That's funny.

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Gold Leopard. Sounds more like a porn name.

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Lacole Winston Salem.

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Purple Pineapple Juice

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Dang hehehe!

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip

10.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
N/A 148th Street

11. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Lady Church hahaha the irony.

12.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Danizzle

13.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name)
Aulaleung (i kinda love it)

14.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Champ

15. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Chance Snickers hahaha loves it!