Where is Beyonce?

Hey Good People!

I am back from Florida. I missed New York! In less than 24 hours my niece Shadae reminded me of why I love being home! When I am away and return home or she just had not seen me in awhile she asks a lot of questions. There was just question I could not answer...

"Where did you go?" Florida

"What is in the suitcase?" Clothes

"Can I come with you to you room? Yes

"Why do you have two mirrors? Because I like mirrors

"Can I read your magazine?" Yes

There was silence for a few minutes. She was enjoying reading (translation- looking at the pictures) my copy of the latest Essence magazine. Then here came the next conversation:

"Auntie Sandrawa?" Yes

"Where is Beyonce?" Huh?

She was looking at a picture of Beyonce in an ad for some perfume.

"Where is Beyonce?" I don't know

Well that answer was not good enough.

"But I need to see Beyonce!" For what?

"I just need to see her!" Why?

"Cause!" Cause what?

"I want to!" Well I don't know where she is.

She sighed, clearly disappointed. She continued looking at the magazine. Then she said:

"Where is Grandma?" Downstairs.

She hopped off the bed and started down the stairs with the magazine. Now it was my turn to ask the question.

"Where are you going Shadae?"

"I am going to ask Grandma to help me find Beyonce! See you later!"

The Power of 10 for the Hair

Hey Good People!

For the past three days I have been in Florida. In short - it is hot and humid: words not good for maintaining a sharp hairstyle. A couple of days ago, my friend Natalie told me about a product that she has been using that has been an agent of change and fighter of the bad hair day monster!

She shared it with me and I am delighted to share it with you. It is called It's a 10 Ten - Miracle Leave In Product. I took the product with me to the doobie shop on Friday and used it for the first time. I am happy to say that my hair has held up in this Florida weather!

It's a 10 Ten - Miracle Leave In Product is an amazingly new product on the professional salon market that does 10 things instantly:

1.) Repairs dry damaged hair

2.) Adds shine

3.) Smoothes & controls frizz

4.) Seals & protects hair color

5.) Detangles

6.) Prevents split ends

7.) Stops hair breakage

8.) Creates Silkiness

9.) Enhances natural body

10.) Flat iron spray & thermal protector

10 snaps up for this product! Try it...it is the 10 wonder of the beauty world!

Take Heed to the Signs...

Hey Good People!

I am writing you from sunny Florida. The weather is beautiful! I am enjoying my time, especially the relaxed conversations. The one that sticks out the most is about listening into our internal voice and trusting your gut. The truth is told by this voice, it knows right from wrong, it can led you to victory or defeat. I guess as I am getting older I am learning to rely on the voice much more.

I have heard stories over the past fews days that if they had listen to the voice it could have saved a lot of heart aches, prevented personal financial disasters and saved relationships.

What was also refreshing was to hear the other side of the story of how paying attention to the signs led to loving relationships, career advancements and spiritual fulfillment.

If we would just slow down long enough and listen, the voice has alot to say. It would provide clarity to the signs and help you make the decisions to better suit you. When you are a better you, those around you will be better too. And if they don't adjust to the better you then they will bounce up out of your space because there will be no room for them.

But you know what, sometimes the sign is clear as day-right in front of your face. Just pay attention. When it says, "NO DIVING", guess what you should do? Right- don't dive!

Simple.

Now if you have the burning desire to dive- find some place where diving is allowed. Just read the sign-find the one that says "FINEST DIVING SKILLS WELCOMED!"

Summer Memories

Hey Good People!

How was your weekend? Mine was good. I spent the time chilling at home on Saturday. Today my friend Michelle and I had brunch at a nice restaurant in New Rochelle.

After brunch I came home and just taking inventory of what I did this summer. I did a lot. But what I was most proud of was my garden. When I bouthgt my house nearly two years ago I was "challenged" in the green thumb area. Flowers were dying left and right. It would be pretty and colorful for a hot minute and then poof... DEAD!

But not any more. I got the hang of it with the help of my neighbors seven year grandson. Look, I will take all the help I can get!

I am glad that I did. I took this photo to add to my summer memories. Pretty isn't it?

I will gladly help you next year- I will ask my neighbor if her grandson can come along.

Loving...Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight

It is raining here in the NYC area. It is chilly so I needed something to make me warm. Hazelnut coffee hit the spot. As I was making the coffee, this song came on the radio and I just started jamming in the kitchen. I was dancing with the sugar and milk. You could not tell me that I was not Jennifer singing my behind off!
Even after the song went off I was still swaying my hips and hummning. That was the longest damn cup of coffee to make. You know a song is good when you still dancing to it after six commercials come on and then something like your mom calling you from upstairs to turn on the damn kettle!

Just Playing...

You know a staycation can work wonders. I really liked staying home for a week cleaning and re-arranging things. I went through my photo collection to organize it by date. (This is about the 400th time I tried to do this). Organizing my photos meant opening up the memory chest. I had some good memories. Family events, hanging out with my friends and plenty of wedding shots - the bridesmaid, never the bride.

I had a fun time being in and going to weddings. I had a GREAT time at my friend Monika's wedding in North Carolina. The wedding was beautiful but the real fun was just a few days before. From 'losing' a dress at the cleaners and leaving a dress on the plane as it flew overnight to California then back to North Carolina to nearly cussing out the wedding planner! Yes, it was fun. The love Monika and Chris shared and continue to share was such an inspiration. They are such a good couple.

Well at the bachelorette party, I was clowning around. We had to act out what we thought Monika and Chris would be doing in the next six months. Well as you can see...I said she was going to be happily pregnant! (And not with stuff pillows as I was for five minutes during the hilarious scene.

Well needless to say I don't think it was six months...more like 10. Little Bailey arrived and now they are on baby number two. Congrats you two!

Discipline...Start Them Young...

I love this picture. This is one of my little cousins in Jamaica. I was so amazed when I saw her washing - she was so serious about it. In this photo, she is three years old going on 30! She is washing her great-grandmother's (my grand aunt) under garmets. It is something she did everyday. That little girl LOVED her great grandma. She passed away recently. This photo, for me, represents love, respect and discipline. You can see it all in her eyes.

Just so you know, I felt like a slacker after watching her....I grabbed my own bucket and got my washing on!

They Sent the Wrong One to Cooking School!...

Hey Good People!

Check out the stove!

Some of you may know that my younger sister Claudia is a chef. But everyday I remind my mother and my entire family that they sent the wrong one to cooking school. I should have been the one throwing on the apron, banging the pots around and breaking a dish or two (or three!).


I got skills in the kitchen! Give me some Ramen Noodles (3 for $2!) and I can present you a gourmet meal with the random stuff in the cabinets. My girls from SHU can tell you. Well, first they may crack the jokes about my BBQ chicken (my classic dish - I always make it!). When they get past that - they will vouch for my extensive cooking skills. No recipe book! No Johnson & Wales degree (no dis to my sister)! Just straight up natural ability.


I learned how to cook in Jamaica when I was 8 years old. My grandmother taught me. I did not learn on a traditional stove. We cooked with heated rocks and burning wood. On my recent trip back there earlier this year I was so excited to cook again outside - like I was eight. My grandmother is no longer with us - but I tell you, she was there with me in spirit seasoning the chicken and helping me make the fire.


If you have ever had the great pleasure of enjoying my cooking, say thanks to my grandmother for being the best teacher in the world!

That is me frying some chicken - skills baby! (Jamaica, 2008)

Political Observation to Share

Hey Good People!

Goldie Taylor wrote a thought provoking political observation on EbonyJet.com. I was so moved when I read this - I thought to share this with you!

Excerpt

A Woman's Worth
We've come a long way baby
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
By Goldie Taylor

I have been a mother all of my adult life. A single working mother. I put off dating, took menial jobs far beneath my qualifications and baked my share of ginger bread cookies for PTA Night, all so that three incredible children could have better. I chose their lives over mine. I don't have to tell you that it wasn't easy. Unfortunately, my story, our story, is not unique.

We slept in cars, bought groceries with food stamps and prayed for a better day. When that wasn't enough, I put myself through school at Emory University and took a part-time job as a staff writer at the Atlanta Journal Constitution. That was over a decade ago.

Along the way, things got better. I've been an executive at two Fortune 500 companies and a practice director at two multinational public relations firms. Today, I own an advertising agency and I've authored two novels. A third and fourth are on the way, God willing. All of this was possible because somebody laid a brick or two on the road for me.

A few weeks ago, I woke in tears. It was my 40th birthday and certainly not a time for sadness. Rather, I cried in joy because for the first time I realized and could embrace the value of the struggle. The bright little girl, who once cried in my arms because we didn't know where we were going to live, was headed off to Brown University. The small boy who had been the "man of the house" far too soon was now truly a man. And the tiny, angelic baby who had come to this world precious and innocent just 15 months after him was now a 16 year old girl headed out to her first job interview.

For all of this, maybe I should be proud of a woman like Sarah Palin. Maybe, just maybe, I should be rejoicing in John McCain's selected running mate.

But I'm not.



Click here to read more on EbonyJet.com

A Great Read...The January Girl

Hey Good People!

Let me just get right down to it...have you read, The January Girl? It is such a great read. I was on vacation from work recently and I took a long overdue trip to the book store. I was in search of 'something', I did not know what I wanted to read but I was thirsty for a good book! I picked up Goldie Taylor's book, The January Girl because the title caught me and the description was intriguing. I am so delighted that I did. What a great read! I started to read it in the bookstore and before I knew it - 45 minutes had passed. I was so into the book!

When I finished the book, I felt I had to share it with you. But I took it one step further - I reached out to Goldie Taylor. Thought you might like to hear more from her because I surely did.

I know you will enjoy this book as much I did. Don't forget to share this with others!

Interview: Author Goldie Taylor - The January Girl

Where are you from?
I am originally from East St. Louis, Illinois, although I have lived in Atlanta for most of last 23 years.

Tell us your latest news – specifically about one of your books that will become a feature film?
In My Father’s House was optioned for film two years ago. The process has been slow and coming, but it’s on God’s time. Of that, I am sure. Meanwhile, I have completed a third manuscript, COME SUNDAY. I’m so very excited about the story, which is told from the perspective of a 19 year old heroin addict.

When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing out of anger more than anything else. Life wasn’t giving me what I thought I deserved, so I began writing my way out of that circumstance—literally. But the truth is, I’ve been an avid storyteller my entire life. I am a former journalist.

Who or what has influenced your writing?
They say the best fiction is non-fiction. The people and things that inhabit my life are my greatest source of influence. But more than that, I am influenced by the world as I think it should be. My works tends to be more about me righting (or writing) that world.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

My writing tends to carry a number of religious or spiritual themes. I suppose this has a lot to do with my life in our family church and also with my personal struggle to faith. For so many years, I was at war with God (if that’s even possible). My characters, as a result, also wrestle with a Higher Power or Truth.

What inspired you to write The January Girl?
The January Girl is as much about me as it is about my sister-friends. I wanted to write about imperfect love and put some of my own heartbreak on the table. Perfection lies in imperfection. So I took several very imperfect people and walked them on a journey together. Thandy (the lead character) is a close to me as any I have created.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That love is the only perfect thing.

How much of the book is realistic?
More than I’d like to admit.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I plead the fifth. (Can you do that in an interview?)

What books have most influenced your life most?
Rick Bragg writes about his life and his family. We couldn’t be more different. (He’s white and I’m black, for starters). But there was so much authenticity. I thought, “now if I can get to that truth, I’d be in heaven.” The truth is the kind of writing, as Bragg will tell you, is painful. The books are Ava’s Man, All of But the Shouting, and The Prince of Frogtown.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Eric Jerome Dickey and I are great friends. He has a home in Atlanta. When he’s in town (and neither of us is working) we get together for lunch. I could listen to him talk all day. I’ve learned more about this business from him than almost anyone.

Are there entities outside of your family that support your career?
I am a member of the Atlanta Writer’s Club and plan to attend a literary colony in late October. There was a time when I leaned on friends to help me edit, but that’s asking a lot. So instead, I’ve turned to professional development. My writing is my craft. My commitment to myself and my readers is to get better with every line.

What book are you reading now?
Slavery by Another Name by Douglas Blackmon (my former colleague at the Atlanta Journal Constitution). It deserves a Pulitzer Award.

Are you listening to any music that is inspiring you right now?
Not really, my music tastes are eclectic.

Did you learn anything from writing “The January Girl” and what was it?
To everything there is a season. I wish I were more like Thandy.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
COME SUNDAY is about a 19 year old heroin addict who has been murdered. She tells her story from the other side of the grave. Who killed her? How did her mother grieve? What took her to that final moment?

This blog, I Don’t Mind Sharing, is all about sharing information about anything. Do you have a something you would like to share with the readers?
Want to write a book? Start by keeping a journal. Write every day. For me, I do three pages (long hand) every morning about the first thing that comes to mind. It’s an amazing release and a wonderful way to walk your path to Truth.

The Right Song...Jazmine Sullivan- Need U Bad

Hey good people,

I am on vacation (at home) and I am catching up on some things like mail, bills and organizing the songs on my iPOD. I grew up with music. No I am not a singer, DJ, rapper - I am a born fan. I am the fan that can listen to any type of music - as long as the lyrics and the beat align to my heartbeat and stir my soul. Music that can allow me to feel what I want at that moment. Love. Sadness. Happiness. I just love the feeling of putting on the "mood" music and I can sit in my favorite spot, lean back with my eyes closes and just groove to the beat. There is nothing like a song that says EXACTLY what you want, EXACTLY what you feel.

You want an example. Check out this song by Jazmine Sullivan. Push play. Sit back and close your eyes and just groove. Feel me?

Enjoy!

Here's to my Labor Day Stay-cation

I thought you might need something to help you along this holiday weekend. I am staying home but my stay-cation is going to be great! I have memories of previous vacations to last me until America's pockets get better.

I took this picture in Negril, Jamaica. Beautiful...huh? Exactly what I thought when I say it. I have this picture framed in my bathroom. I smile each time I look at it. While I am staying in NY for the holiday, my thoughts are in Jamaica.

Enjoy your weekend.

First Breeze of Summer is HOT!

Greetings good people!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the opening night of "The First Breeze of Summer" at the Signature Theatre in NYC. I told you about it in an earlier post. There were a number of people there including Star Jones (seated behind me to my left) and Lynne Whitfield was seated right next to me! George C. Wolfe was there and so was Lou Meyers - affectionately known as Mr. Gaines from a Different World.

I must tell you, you have to see it. The show has been extended for another week, until October 5th, 2008. Not just because my friends are in it - Crystal, Brandon and Jason - but because this play is in short, GREAT! A memorable piece by award winning playwright, Leslie Lee, a wonderful cast and a fabulous director. You know a performance is great when you can share with the characters all of their emotions - joy, happiness, sadness sorrow and just a plain ole, 'damn, that's tough'.

The cast of "The First Breeze of Summer"

It was great to see be in the presence of Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Leslie Uggams, YaYa DaCosta, Brandon, Jason and Crystal - a wonderful mix of legacy and the future. I am so proud of my people! You should see this play too and I assure you that you will be happy that you did.

Need tickets? Click here.

Check out the story about Brandon and Jason

Me and Crystal, Opening Night After Party, NYC

I Need a Cracker...

Shadae Richards, 3 (2008)

Hey Good People!

On occasion, I play the favorite Auntie Sandra to a number of nieces, nephews (and sometimes little cousins who think I am their aunt to!). There is one in particular that works "Auntie Sandrawa" (very unique greeting...sounds like Sand-JWAH..I don't know...it is just different). Her name, Shadae and she just turned three years old. Among the many workings she puts on me, the one that I have to share is the cracker conversation.

On my way home from watching the movie, Sex and the City, (Sidebar -for someone who never (I mean never) watched the series, I loved the movie!), I got a call from my mom that "The Girls" were staying the night - Candace 9, Cierra 6 and Shadae 3. That should just tell you the story right there!

When I got home it was about 11 pm, the house was quiet and dark. I thought to myself, they are sleeping. Great, I will be "auntie" in the morning. I did my usual routine before retreating to room (up two long flights of stairs) - I got a tall glass of Kool-Aid and a bottle of water. Just as I was turning around to shut off the light a little girl says, "Hi Auntie Sandrawa". Shoot, it is her. I thought I was in the clear.

"Can I have a cracker?"

Easy. I gave her two crackers and she followed me up stairs. My mom's room is on the second floor. I thought she was going to dart into grandma's room. Nope. She was right on the heel of my foot. Then another one joined her out of no where.

"Auntie Sandra, can I sleep with you too?" Too? It dawned on me that Shadae had invited herself to sleep in my room and Cierra was just asking to join the party. What could I say? At least she asked. Shadae lives off of assumptions.

"Sure - where is Candace?" I asked Cierra.

She replies, "Sleeping with Grandma."

Ok, I thought, I can deal with just the two. We went up the second flight of stairs. Cierra jumped in my bed and was knocked out in a flash. I couldn't wait to do the same. I put my Kool-Aid and water on the nightstand as I began the second routine for the night - getting ready for bed.

All the while, Shadae is finishing up her crackers. I changed into my pj's really quick. I was tired and sleep was calling me. Shadae then begins the memorable conversation as I was washing my face.

"Auntie Sandrawa, I need another cracker."

Splashing water on my face, I said "No, you just had some." Splash, splash, splash.

Shadae - "But I need it."

Me - "No." (I thought I was stern!?)

Shade - "I really need it."

This girl is crazy. She was asking me to down two flights of stairs, get some little crackers, go back up the stairs and push my heart rate up?!

Me - "No - you will get it in the morning"

(In disbelief) Shadae - "Not the morning, I need it now!"

She don't know who she is dealing with.

Me - "Little girl, go to bed."

Shadae - "I'm not tired".

Hold up...she has lost her mind. I was not going to argue with a three year old. I picked her up and put her in the bed with the Dora doll she left in my room from her last visit. She looked at me and said, "You are not being fair".

Over a cracker? I put her under the covers next to her sister and said, "You will thank me for this lesson later. Go to bed and not another word."

Sista girl was mad at me! I turned on the TV to calm my nerves. She was wide awake. I told her three times to go to bed and she replies each time, "I'm NOT tired". Attitude, attitude I made a note to tell on her in the morning! Yes, I will tell on a three year old!

About fifteen minutes later, she started again, in a sleepy tone.

Shade - "Auntie Sandrawa?"

Me - "Yes"

Shadae - "Dora's tired".

Me - Well put her to sleep.

She thought she was slick. Instead of admitting that she was tired, she put it on Dora. Next thing you know, old girl was knocked out and had the nerve to snore! It was a long night. They were kicking the hell out of me as they tossed and turned the whole night. Uggh!!!

As daylight broke, Shadae woke me up with several taps. Stared dead in my face and said, " Auntie Sandrawa? I need a cracker. Its the morning!"

Showtime - Birthday Brings Back Memories

Hey Good People,

Last Friday, August 15th was my birthday. (You respond - "Happy Belated Birthday" and I say, "Thank You"). I got a number of text messages, voicemail messages and live phone calls from friends singing off key (I know they meant well - but they could have put it in a text!).

Anyway, I got a text from a friend that said, "It's Showtime....Happy Birthday." I bust out laughing when I read that.

I played basketball in high school - I was NICE! On a rare occasion the boys and the girls team was playing a double header. The gymnasium was packed. It was our high school version of a sold out concert at Madison Square Garden. We even had cheerleaders (well they were warming up to get ready for the guys - they would shout out a cheer every once in awhile for our game!). Well for some reason, I was on the money this day. We were playing some really tall and big amazon girls from I think it was Garden City. It was said we were the underdogs...the score did not say so! We were up by at least ten points.

Off of a missed shot, my cousin rebounded (there were five of us on the team..go figure) the ball and handed it off to the point guard. Our point had a wicked handled. I ran down the right wing - closest to the bench of the visiting team and set up for a three point shot. Got it - all net.

Same scenerio but this time the point guard went down the left wing and I trailed behind and set up at the top of the key. As a great point guard can do - she set me up for another three-point shot. "SICCCCKKK". Got it- the ball kissed the net. The crowd was going wild! My head was gassed up!

We were in sync - back to back assists for a three pointer. Three times is a charm! This time I ran down the left wing - to the corner set up for another three. The crowd is behind me screaming and cheering. My point guard dished of a nice pass as she barrelled into the paint. The next thing you know, the crowd yells, "It's Showtime", the shot left my hand "SICCCKKK". I turned around and said, "At the mother%*$&)@^ Apollo".

The crowd lost it. The gym was wild. The next thing you know I hear my Coach B called for a sub for "24". That was me. I wore number 24. I ran up to the coach and said in utter disbelief, "Coach, why are you subbing me? I am on fire." She responded in such a cool fashion, "Well drink some water and cool you a@@ down - you are about to start a ruckus in here."

The crowd booed the coach!

Everytime I hear "It's Showtime" - it brings back the crowd in my head!

(that is me in the picture - check out the form!)