Well, Raphael was bringing on the heat last night. KJLH Radio and MySpace had a listening party for him last night at Hollywood & Highland, here in Los Angeles, CA.
Oh my goodness, his performance was off the hook! His latest album entitled,"The Way I See It" is now one of my favorites.
Please take a moment and listen for yourself.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=69995997
I have been a fan of his since the days of Tony! Toni! Toné! Remember the song - It Feels Good!? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOl6pYXNzig
Then Raphael and a few other really good talent formed a group called
Lucy Pearl back in the late '90's, w/ Dawn Robinson(formerly of En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (formerly of A Tribe Called Quest). To this very day, I still love and play the song by Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight (http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=33077157 ) - Did you ever listen to the strings and the horns on this song?...
Well, he didn't stop there. For the past few years he's been performing solo, and he keeps putting out a great sound. Last night he was doing his thing, and it was really good...
Raphael Saadiq has done it again!
C
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
You Know What Words Can Do
My Mother is forever quoting the movie,
" The Great Debators" - The part when Forrest Whitaker's character, Dr. Farmer, is talking to Denzel Washington's character, Melvin B. Tolson, at a Sunday afternoon dinner party at Dr. Farmer's home. He and Tolson get into a heated conversation over whether or not Tolson is a good influence on Dr. Farmer's son. The conversation progresses, and at a pivitol point, Dr. Farmer jokingly says, " You know what words can do!" to Melvin Tolson.
It's true. If you ever think about it. Words can hurt or heal. It's just that simple. I remember distinctly reading somewhere in the Bible that " the power of life and death are in the tongue".
Be careful what you say to people. Once it's said, you can't retract it. Can't erase the hurt. I don't care how hard you try. So, think before you speak. Really. Life is so precious, and too short to go around spitting out things that hurt instead of heal one another. Of course, this is my opinion...
Until next time....Carla
" The Great Debators" - The part when Forrest Whitaker's character, Dr. Farmer, is talking to Denzel Washington's character, Melvin B. Tolson, at a Sunday afternoon dinner party at Dr. Farmer's home. He and Tolson get into a heated conversation over whether or not Tolson is a good influence on Dr. Farmer's son. The conversation progresses, and at a pivitol point, Dr. Farmer jokingly says, " You know what words can do!" to Melvin Tolson.
It's true. If you ever think about it. Words can hurt or heal. It's just that simple. I remember distinctly reading somewhere in the Bible that " the power of life and death are in the tongue".
Be careful what you say to people. Once it's said, you can't retract it. Can't erase the hurt. I don't care how hard you try. So, think before you speak. Really. Life is so precious, and too short to go around spitting out things that hurt instead of heal one another. Of course, this is my opinion...
Until next time....Carla
Saturday, August 2, 2008
DESIDERATA - found in Old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1692; author unkown.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant - they, too, have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others, you made become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements, as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble - it is a real possessions in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people strive for high ideals. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it transcends time and space.
Take kindly to the counsel of years, while gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with imaginings; many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
Your are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, there is no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with yourself, as a god in your own right and do not confuse spirituality with supernatural.
Whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant - they, too, have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others, you made become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements, as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble - it is a real possessions in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people strive for high ideals. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it transcends time and space.
Take kindly to the counsel of years, while gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with imaginings; many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
Your are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, there is no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with yourself, as a god in your own right and do not confuse spirituality with supernatural.
Whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hancock - the Movie, starring Will Smith
This past week just flew by, but what made it so enjoyable was going to see the movie, "Hancock", starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron.
Val and Jimmy called from Philly and said, " Sissy, you've got to go see the movie "Hancock". It was so good. As a matter of fact, I didn't want it to end!"
So, what did I do?
I called my Mother in San Francisco, CA and said, " Mother, I just got off of the phone will Val and Jimmy, and they said that the movie "Hancock" was great! We've got to go see it.
She said, " Okay, great. I'll be the judge of that."
You see, my Mother is the movie aficionado of the family. She's seen it all - so she thought. Well, I then called my Aunt KellyRose and we hopped in the car and headed to AMC Magic Johnson's Theater and saw the film.
http://losangeles.mrmovietimes.com/movie-theaters/AMC-Magic-Johnson-Crenshaw-15.html
It was excellent! ( Okay, so my family loves film)
Got home, called my Mother, and to my surprise, she gave the film two thumbs up. YES!
So, do your self a favor and get out of this hot sun and slip into a nice cool movie theater, and see the film "Hancock" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/.
Let me know what you think....
Until next time....
C
Val and Jimmy called from Philly and said, " Sissy, you've got to go see the movie "Hancock". It was so good. As a matter of fact, I didn't want it to end!"
So, what did I do?
I called my Mother in San Francisco, CA and said, " Mother, I just got off of the phone will Val and Jimmy, and they said that the movie "Hancock" was great! We've got to go see it.
She said, " Okay, great. I'll be the judge of that."
You see, my Mother is the movie aficionado of the family. She's seen it all - so she thought. Well, I then called my Aunt KellyRose and we hopped in the car and headed to AMC Magic Johnson's Theater and saw the film.
http://losangeles.mrmovietimes.com/movie-theaters/AMC-Magic-Johnson-Crenshaw-15.html
It was excellent! ( Okay, so my family loves film)
Got home, called my Mother, and to my surprise, she gave the film two thumbs up. YES!
So, do your self a favor and get out of this hot sun and slip into a nice cool movie theater, and see the film "Hancock" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/.
Let me know what you think....
Until next time....
C
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday Morning
It's another beautiful sunny day in Southern California. Today is one of those days where you roll out of bed, hop in the shower and put on some shorts and flip-flops and head to The Original Pancake House on Pacific Coast Highway. http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/index.html Since breakfast is my favorite meal, I think that's what I'll do!
Enjoy your Sunday....
Enjoy your Sunday....
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
To Our Future - Evans/Montgomery Family
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| Rhoda Terry, Valerie Edmonson and Moi, Celebrating Becky's earning a Masters Degree in Library Science, from the University of Maryland |
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| Becky earned her Masters in Library Science from the University of Maryland We are SO proud of her! |
Rebecca earned a Masters Degree in Library Science.
It was so nice to celebrate the graduation of someone so dear to me. Rebecca, the first born child of my Aunt Arketia and LaRue,
graduated from the University of Maryland, on Friday, May 23rd.
We could say she was focused on education because her Aunt Gladys put a book under everyone's nose the second that any of us could lift our heads up(3-6 months old). Or, we could say it was because she spent many days out on campus at SFSU with her cousin(moi), who thought that Rebecca was her child, and loved her and her sister as such; it could have been her cousins Al-T & Valerie & Jimmy, who had driven them to school, helped with homework, and Jimmy who moved Becky from Dorm room to Apt., making sure that Becky knew that she could come and crash at their home when ever she wanted to. Or it was also Aunt Caroline and cousins Rechia, Rhonda and Rhoda, who picked them up as often as they could, and made sure that they spent Christmas Holidays with them. Kay-Kay, the baby girl of the family, and Rhoda's lovely daughter, makes everyone's heart happy - so Kay-Kay helped too. Malisa, Rebecca's baby sister, has a son named Brandon, and he too, made sure that Rebecca stayed on task - how? By loving his Auntie sooo much. Brandon and Malisa, you both made a difference.
I chose to believe it was a combination of all of the above - We are family!
It was the kind of occasion that made all of our hearts glad. We felt so blessed by Jehovah to gather together for a happy occasion.
I sat there and cried - again( I did the same when she earned her undergraduate degree from Morgan State Univ. 2 years earlier). Rebecca knows me so well until she knew that I'd been crying tears of joy. Why? Because she brings me and my family joy. There were three generations of us there, ranging from 5-65 years of age.
After the graduation, we had dinner at a fabulous restaurant called Clyde's of Columbia, MD. http://www.clydes.com/main/index.cfm No two Clyde's are the same; at the Clyde's of Columbia, MD., they have a room called the Library. It was perfect! Since Rebecca earned her Masters in Library Science, we reserved - you guessed it - the Library Room, where a party of 30 fit nicely!
Oh, it was so nice. Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ernest drove up from Louisiana for the occasion, and loved the atmosphere.Quite a few of her co-workers showed up - I mean, her manager and at least 6 co-workers, and each had nothing but wonderful things to say about Rebecca's personality and work ethics. I held back the tears this time because we'd already embarrassed her enough by chanting our African Tribal cheer when we made a toast to her over dinner. Just think, 3 generations ago, our Grand Parents worked hard and paved the way for us, all of us. Their hands were rough so that we could have soft hands. So if you can, those of you reading this, take a moment and step back and assess how your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins ( thanks Val and Jimmy for your hospitality) and those who are not physically related to you, have loved and nurtured you, and have made sacrifices and choices so that you could achieve more.
Then, after thanking God for who you are, give them a hand.
It was the kind of occasion that made all of our hearts glad. We felt so blessed by Jehovah to gather together for a happy occasion.
I sat there and cried - again( I did the same when she earned her undergraduate degree from Morgan State Univ. 2 years earlier). Rebecca knows me so well until she knew that I'd been crying tears of joy. Why? Because she brings me and my family joy. There were three generations of us there, ranging from 5-65 years of age.
After the graduation, we had dinner at a fabulous restaurant called Clyde's of Columbia, MD. http://www.clydes.com/main/index.cfm No two Clyde's are the same; at the Clyde's of Columbia, MD., they have a room called the Library. It was perfect! Since Rebecca earned her Masters in Library Science, we reserved - you guessed it - the Library Room, where a party of 30 fit nicely!
Oh, it was so nice. Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ernest drove up from Louisiana for the occasion, and loved the atmosphere.Quite a few of her co-workers showed up - I mean, her manager and at least 6 co-workers, and each had nothing but wonderful things to say about Rebecca's personality and work ethics. I held back the tears this time because we'd already embarrassed her enough by chanting our African Tribal cheer when we made a toast to her over dinner. Just think, 3 generations ago, our Grand Parents worked hard and paved the way for us, all of us. Their hands were rough so that we could have soft hands. So if you can, those of you reading this, take a moment and step back and assess how your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins ( thanks Val and Jimmy for your hospitality) and those who are not physically related to you, have loved and nurtured you, and have made sacrifices and choices so that you could achieve more.
Then, after thanking God for who you are, give them a hand.
Friday, April 4, 2008
A Day of Reflection
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was sacrificed on this day April 4, 1968, at 6:01pm.
There are a variety of reasons why this man died, but the premise is better summarized in a parable.
Two men are given the task of running a race where the Grand Prize is justice, equality, financial stability and advancement. The race had begun, but only one of the men running the race was literally held back for 100 years, while the other men were allowed to take off, dashing towards the finish line, where the people who sponsored the race, and different sections of the audience were simply appalled over the fact the second runner up got to the finish line and actually completed the race. The second runner up knew that the odds were against him when he set out to run the race, but his very life and that of others depended on the completion of the race. Some of the people in the audience saw that the race was in the first runner's favor, and start to boo when the second runner up had the nerve to continue running! Although the first runner ran and completed the race years before the second runner up, for some reason, some of the members of the audience were so disturbed by the second runner up even showing up at the finish line, until they set out for the tracking field, and stoned the second runner up to death. Why? Because the second runner up was too dark and wanted equality. The second runner up also complained about running a race that was geared towards the first man winning. Sections of the audience thought that the second runner up had a lot of nerve and that he should have felt lucky to even be in the race - never mind the outcome. Some in the audience wanted to know why the second runner up even wanted to run in the race, knowing that he was being held back and the odds of winning were clearly against him. Well, the second runner up ran the race because he felt that he had a chance to change the outcome, despite the odds. There were several members in the audience - red, yellow, white and brown, that supported and cheered the second runner on, despite the odds.
The second runner up kept running, building up momentum because he could see the finish line and believed that there was power in completion.
So goes the story of what happened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If you really think about it, Dr. King Jr., was a God fearing, family man that believed in practicing what he preached. His desire to have clean water, provide a decent living environment for his wife and children, proper education for his children and equal opportunities for growth and advancement for every American, along with the right to worship God in a safe place - is what he non-violently fought and died for.
Pure and simple.
We've come a long way in America thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Reverend Abernathy and others that laid the foundation for black, red, yellow, white and brown people to have the opportunity to walk down the street, sit at a restaurant shoulder to shoulder, attend theatre, sitting side by side or even travel throughout this beautiful country - and not worry about race/creed/religion being the determining factor.
The late Yolanda King had welcomed me into her home here in Los Angeles, CA and shared some of the most rare and precious photos taken of the four generations of men that she came from. It was an amazing journey through decades of passed down generations of knowledge, integrity and wisdom. Yes, Yolanda King helped pave the way through her active participation in spreading the word via a play entitled " Achieving THE DREAM". It was magnificent. Linda Hopkins was amazing as a guest vocalist, adding so much emotion to her song. "Achieving THE DREAM" was very inclusive. Emphasizing the thoughts of the late Prophet Ghandi. The play, "Achieving THE DREAM", really made one visualize the importance of world peace.
Donzaleigh Abernathy shared her Dad's story with me one late afternoon up at Dawn Sutherland's lovely home here in Los Angeles,CA. We laughed, talked about fine jewelry, and cried over the loss of family. You too Donzaleigh, have made sacrifices and have proven to work diligently towards a better, more beautiful America.
Thank you Coretta Scott King, Reverend Ralph and Juanita Abernathy, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, and the entire Kennedy Family, James Peck, John Lewis, A. Phillip Randolph, The Freedom Riders, Dr. Elizabeth Parent, Glen and Helen Smiley, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Nathan Hare and Dr. Julia Hare, Dr. Richard King, Dr. Asa and Pat Hilliard III, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Dominique DiPrima, Gladys Evans, Bertha Sims - Rankins, Dorothy Sims, Theresa and Reverend Gideon Evans, Herman and Bobby Horn, Janice Tolbert, Walter and Bernadine Towns, James Zwerg, Vernon Johns, Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Reverend Bennett, Albert Thomas Jr.( who at 40 yrs old, was the first Black man to stand up to the blatant miss treatment of Black men at the Clorox Corp., in Oakland, CA) and James and Valerie Edmonson Jr., of Helena Arkansas, and his nephews, Dr. Percy Bland, and the late Byron Bland of Helena Arkansas, who recently earned a PhD at the age of 42, and passed shortly there after. Byron Bland was a fine example of achieving the American dream via higher education, that Dr. King Jr. spoke of. Yes, these men and women, along with a host of others, stepped up to the helms and clearly driving through racial hatred, political opposition and even death. This was done so that people of color can sleep, eat and work in a country that provides so many opportunities to achieve the American Dream!
I'm grateful to live in a time and age where racial tolerance and cultural acceptance is taught to our children.
We are living during a period of time where change is inevitable.
Either get with it, or it will steam roll right past you like a Pullman Sleeper Car.
Please read the book "Partners to History" written by Donzaleigh Abernathy, Forward written by the late John F. Kennedy Jr.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780609609149
There are a variety of reasons why this man died, but the premise is better summarized in a parable.
Two men are given the task of running a race where the Grand Prize is justice, equality, financial stability and advancement. The race had begun, but only one of the men running the race was literally held back for 100 years, while the other men were allowed to take off, dashing towards the finish line, where the people who sponsored the race, and different sections of the audience were simply appalled over the fact the second runner up got to the finish line and actually completed the race. The second runner up knew that the odds were against him when he set out to run the race, but his very life and that of others depended on the completion of the race. Some of the people in the audience saw that the race was in the first runner's favor, and start to boo when the second runner up had the nerve to continue running! Although the first runner ran and completed the race years before the second runner up, for some reason, some of the members of the audience were so disturbed by the second runner up even showing up at the finish line, until they set out for the tracking field, and stoned the second runner up to death. Why? Because the second runner up was too dark and wanted equality. The second runner up also complained about running a race that was geared towards the first man winning. Sections of the audience thought that the second runner up had a lot of nerve and that he should have felt lucky to even be in the race - never mind the outcome. Some in the audience wanted to know why the second runner up even wanted to run in the race, knowing that he was being held back and the odds of winning were clearly against him. Well, the second runner up ran the race because he felt that he had a chance to change the outcome, despite the odds. There were several members in the audience - red, yellow, white and brown, that supported and cheered the second runner on, despite the odds.
The second runner up kept running, building up momentum because he could see the finish line and believed that there was power in completion.
So goes the story of what happened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If you really think about it, Dr. King Jr., was a God fearing, family man that believed in practicing what he preached. His desire to have clean water, provide a decent living environment for his wife and children, proper education for his children and equal opportunities for growth and advancement for every American, along with the right to worship God in a safe place - is what he non-violently fought and died for.
Pure and simple.
We've come a long way in America thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Reverend Abernathy and others that laid the foundation for black, red, yellow, white and brown people to have the opportunity to walk down the street, sit at a restaurant shoulder to shoulder, attend theatre, sitting side by side or even travel throughout this beautiful country - and not worry about race/creed/religion being the determining factor.
The late Yolanda King had welcomed me into her home here in Los Angeles, CA and shared some of the most rare and precious photos taken of the four generations of men that she came from. It was an amazing journey through decades of passed down generations of knowledge, integrity and wisdom. Yes, Yolanda King helped pave the way through her active participation in spreading the word via a play entitled " Achieving THE DREAM". It was magnificent. Linda Hopkins was amazing as a guest vocalist, adding so much emotion to her song. "Achieving THE DREAM" was very inclusive. Emphasizing the thoughts of the late Prophet Ghandi. The play, "Achieving THE DREAM", really made one visualize the importance of world peace.
Donzaleigh Abernathy shared her Dad's story with me one late afternoon up at Dawn Sutherland's lovely home here in Los Angeles,CA. We laughed, talked about fine jewelry, and cried over the loss of family. You too Donzaleigh, have made sacrifices and have proven to work diligently towards a better, more beautiful America.
Thank you Coretta Scott King, Reverend Ralph and Juanita Abernathy, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, and the entire Kennedy Family, James Peck, John Lewis, A. Phillip Randolph, The Freedom Riders, Dr. Elizabeth Parent, Glen and Helen Smiley, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Nathan Hare and Dr. Julia Hare, Dr. Richard King, Dr. Asa and Pat Hilliard III, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Dominique DiPrima, Gladys Evans, Bertha Sims - Rankins, Dorothy Sims, Theresa and Reverend Gideon Evans, Herman and Bobby Horn, Janice Tolbert, Walter and Bernadine Towns, James Zwerg, Vernon Johns, Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Reverend Bennett, Albert Thomas Jr.( who at 40 yrs old, was the first Black man to stand up to the blatant miss treatment of Black men at the Clorox Corp., in Oakland, CA) and James and Valerie Edmonson Jr., of Helena Arkansas, and his nephews, Dr. Percy Bland, and the late Byron Bland of Helena Arkansas, who recently earned a PhD at the age of 42, and passed shortly there after. Byron Bland was a fine example of achieving the American dream via higher education, that Dr. King Jr. spoke of. Yes, these men and women, along with a host of others, stepped up to the helms and clearly driving through racial hatred, political opposition and even death. This was done so that people of color can sleep, eat and work in a country that provides so many opportunities to achieve the American Dream!
I'm grateful to live in a time and age where racial tolerance and cultural acceptance is taught to our children.
We are living during a period of time where change is inevitable.
Either get with it, or it will steam roll right past you like a Pullman Sleeper Car.
Please read the book "Partners to History" written by Donzaleigh Abernathy, Forward written by the late John F. Kennedy Jr.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780609609149
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