Sharing life with a Gemini is a perpetual roller coaster ride. You laugh, you cry, you frown, you smile. You never know what mood you'll get. You duck, you dodge, you miss, you hit.
But for the world, I wouldn't trade my Gem. I birthed, I nurtured, I support..I love him. He always manages to make me smile. I love our conversations, they jump from place to place, traveling for miles and miles.
The others? I know their love for me is insane, but that Gemini? He'll do anything for me, try to cook, tuck me in, even take walks with me at night or in the rain.
Time moves. Seems like just yesterday when you made your debut. When you got here, I sang the good parts of "Thanks for My Child" to you. Now, you're making your own music..it's rhythmic and smooth, just like you. And your acting? Ingrained! Devin, I am SO damn proud of you!
The bond we share is unbreakable, immeasurable, rock solid tough. I made sure our fabric was woven throughout the years with sweat, tears, spiritual essence and ancestral crux.
So on this day, at this hour, his hour, I honor him. The continuum of my soul, my legacy, the Mercurial Twin. The Gemini-Cancer saga continues to spin. Our 24-year journey together has been unpredictable, like the weather. We'll endure all life's forces, our souls bound together.
Keep your balance as we prepare for many more years. You were created in my image, you're my son. I'm your Earth-Goddess Mommy Dearest!
A friend sent me the video above that used the sport of track to metaphorically explain the plight of black people in America. After I watched the animation, I looked at the comments underneath. Up to my post, everyone wholeheartedly agreed that the animation is on point.
I couldn't agree. That video, coupled with recent protests just sent me over the edge. Why are we are competing? This is our lives, not a race! When I see examples like this one, I have to ask myself, "What is it really saying?" My answer came as this:
In the video, "they" were building; so why don't we? Apparently, even as a culture, some people simply run from what they don't or can't understand instead of confronting it. In the 40s, blacks were prosperous because we had and held our own.
Yet in 2014, although we are way more advanced, we behave mentally like we are still slaves. We can have, be and do the same things as "them." So, why does it feel like we are sitting around waiting on the proverbial "white man" to give us what we can obtain for ourselves?
In fact, they did give us something. Freedom! But what have we done with our freedom, and what are we going to do with it moving forward? So far, we have mentally re-enslaved ourselves by blaming everything that is wrong within our communities on "them." Everything! Alternatively, we should be exercising and/or taking advantage of our unity, voting rights, educational and political opportunities and entrepreneurship.
And speaking of entrepreneurship, when we do own businesses, we offer very little support. We would rather go outside our communities to shop, eat, be entertained and worship, then talk negatively about the customer service and unfair prices instead of rallying together to teach each other business savvy.
Recently, we have been protesting and complaining about how black people are treated by the police and the government in this country. It is definitely time for some justice, power and diversity training, but not just for the police and the government. It is also time for some accountability training within the black community for our roles in some of this madness.
In the streets, we are protesting for the police to stop killing our black men and boys. And we should! But we also need to lift our voices in unison and encourage our black men to obey the law and take responsibility for their actions. Be leaders. It is time to reteach and reveal the importance of getting an education. And not just academically, but real-world education as well that comes through networking, relationship building and connections that can be made on college campuses.
Furthermore, it is time for us to quit complaining about police officers and the injustice they impose, and become police officers within our own communities so that there is representation for the culture policing our streets. But many of us cannot do that because we cannot pass the drug and aptitude tests required to gain employment. We expect better grocery stores, healthcare, schools and streets in our neighborhoods, but will not vote during mid-terms or primaries to make it happen. In this day and age, voting and coming together to change laws is the best chance we have at real change.
So yes, the video says a lot. All the variables that flash (genocide, wealth disparities, discrimination, poor schooling, underemployment, standardized testing, racial profiling, etc.) still hold true today. But they are true because we accept them as our truth. But we unequivocally do not have to.
In the animation, the black runner accepts defeat when she comes up against a brick wall. It is apparent that she is waiting on something or someone else to knock it down for her, much like it feels that we, as a culture, are doing today. When in fact, like our ancestors before us, what we should do is pick up sticks and rocks, make our own hammers, bust that bitch down and create our own opportunities.
Finally, to be clear, none of the racism and murders and injustice being imposed upon us is acceptable. It is just unclear to me why we are being bystanders, just watching another race design our destiny, hoping they will show some consideration and compassion when, in fact, we are the authors of our own stories. And only until we pick up our metaphoric pens and begin to write will we find peace.
Until next time,
Live What You Love! I Do!™
delmetria l. millener writer | educator | available
i write for the very reason i breathe...
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
LESSONS PLANNED: Okay, it's time for me to say it, ask it. While I unequivocally do not agree that Darren Wilson should go free, I can't help but wonder, what WILL we teach our children from this? Mike Brown absolutely should not have been shot as many times as he was, and definitely not murdered. But in the scheme of things, Mike Brown also should not have robbed that store in the first place. And, if he was in fact inside the police car trying to rifle the gun, what consequences from those actions will we teach our youth to expect?
Jordan Davis. Definitely should not have been killed for his musical expression. But would it have hurt at all to turn his music down when he pulled into the store, to show SOME semblance of upbringing,
like we were taught in the days of carrying boom boxes on our shoulders?
Finally, Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman is excrement for what he did to Trayvon. But what would have happened if immediately, when they first encountered each other, Trayvon said, "Hey, how ya doing?" It may not have changed a thing. But then, it may have.
To be clear, no one's child should be murdered. I have sons of my own and my daughter survived being shot in her chest, neck and face. All I know is, as a culture, isn't it past time to take accountability on ALL fronts? Not just impost it upon the aggressors, but the victims too? From my view, it just seems sometimes that we care when it's a little too late. #KnowPeace™
I just finished reading a post by a journalist named Wendy C. Thomas on All Digitocracy. I ain't mad at her. She did an excellent job of expressing how she feels as a black person, a black woman and a black woman in America. But what really made my ass want to sing a solo was a comment by someone posting as Jen that 90% of black people kill black people and that's what we should be concerned with.
Now, I don't go around badgering people in print because of their opinions, but this person said she was stating facts. From whom?! Is what I'd like to know.
But the post from the journalist, then the comment from Jen, all makes me wonder: was the movement for civil rights toward the right direction?
The part in Thomas's post about "hunted in their own country" disturbs me because this is not "our own country," no matter how free we "think" we are. It's theirs. And they've never wanted us here. Period. Separate but equal somehow seems a better balance to me. For us.
If separate but equal were the case, we would have been forced to have more black professionals (i.e., doctors, lawyers, judges, police offers, educators, inventors, scientists, researchers, leaders, politicians, lawmakers, etc.) and not depend on our counterparts to fill those roles both as leaders and motivators.
To that end, maybe, just maybe, black girls and women would appreciate the roundness of our asses and thighs, the fullness of our noses and lips, the kinkiness of our hair and the rhythmic sway of our hips, instead of spending so much, financially and emotionally, trying to emulate who we are not.
Maybe so much of our history wouldn't be lost or watered down, and our black children would of course know about Martin, but would also of course know about Bayard Rustin. They would know about Malcolm, no doubt. But no doubt also know Benjamin Banneker. They would definitely know about Parks, but also definitely know about Claudette Colvin. The Waltons, Kennedys and Rockefellers would be important too. But so would Madam C.J. Walker, what an ankh is and the fact that the first Chinese people were black. Yale, Harvard and Stanford would be impressive, but, first of all knowing what an HBCU is, then knowing what it feels like to have their rich histories flowing through our veins would be inspiring!
Black school children everywhere would also know, proudly I might add, that most of the household items that our counterparts use and improve upon today, were invented by blacks who were intelligent enough to develop products based on need. Maybe this knowledge would prompt them to invest in our own education, communities and businesses, instead of doing what we do today--spend our dollars in "their" communities, businesses and schools.
And finally, maybe a blog poster named Jen wouldn't offer statistics that are smoke screens and mirrors based on facts from whites, by whites. She should know the undocumented cases are never spotlighted, usually because they were imposed by whites. #TheStateOfOurNation #SignOfTheTimes #TheMeltingPotIsBoilingOver
Post Script: If Jan was as astute in her observations of Wendy as a professional as she was in her "facts" about black on black crime, she'd have noticed that although Wendy is a journalist, All Digitocracy did note that, "This piece first appeared on Wendi’s blog and is republished here with permission from the author.
Imagine driving along the coast in a convertible. The fresh air is crisp and blowing gently around your face. The sun is setting. It's the "golden time of day." Ahead you see a huge boulder that has tumbled off the rocky cliff. It's falling down..down..toward the road, fast. When you see it, you drive at top speed because you want to drive right under it so that it crushes you. Robin Williams probably felt the same way. Lost and alone in a world full of people.
Before his body was probably stiff, Robin Williams's death evoked pleas all over social media for humanity to take better care of ourselves and each other. But all the accountability in the world is no match for a cocktail of mental illness and drug abuse. It's impenetrable. Being there is awesomely commendable--people need that. But it's simply not enough to penetrate the root.
The Root: you're laughing with your family or friends, having an amazing day! All of a sudden, you call your mom a bitch and your grandmother and weak. You call the cops on them, but curse them because they have on dark blue uniforms instead of tan. Your words cut everybody deep because you blurt out secrets you've been told or expose insecurities of those you know are weak. An hour later, you're laughing again and have no clue why everyone else is crying or upset. You cozy up to a few of the people you've just masticated to the core. You don't remember a thing. When you're reminded by the very people you've hurt, you become depressed and lie in bed for days wondering who you are and why you do the things you do. One minute you're Shirley Temple-like, the next, you're Linda Blair during her exorcism. It's mental identity theft. A chemical imbalance in your brain. The beast that attacks your mind.
Let's do more to attack this beast at it's core. I challenge you. I DARE you. Let's change mental health legislation. One of the most difficult tasks I've ever had to face is trying to get mental health rehabilitation for someone who suffers mental illness. For four years, I relentlessly tried to get help. So far, the red tape is permanently sealing the box of hope.
All a mentally ill adult has to say is, "No, I don't have a problem," when asked if they want help, and that's that. Umm...they're mentally ill. What did you expect them to say? And for a mentally ill teen? Forget it! They call it puberty and drag out the process until they become adults. Despite a collection of medical, criminal and academic records as proof of mental, emotional, physical and social disarray, the movement for psychiatric balance is a long night of mental slavery.
The biggest fallacy is mental health clinics-- they're legalized trap houses. Someone who suffers a mental deficiency can go into a government-funded clinic, admit they need help, wait about eight to twelve hours, talk to a psychiatrist for five minutes, then receive prescriptions for a bag of pills, which might be the wrong dosage. Usually they are the wrong dosage.
While researching my upcoming book, "Identity Theft: Searching for Psychiatric Balance™," a psychiatrist told me mentally ill people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to subdue the mental chaos, and a social worker said their lives usually end tragically or too soon since they put themselves in dangerous situations trying to reach their mentally ill high (which is more potent that cocaine or crack) or calm it.
So please, let's be a shoulder, soother, confidant or BFF, but let's be MORE than that. It is imperative that we communicate with legislators. Find the right level of government to approach in your area. Write senators, aldermen, congressmen/congresswomen, mayors, even the President, to change minds (pun intended).
While fans contended with suffocating heat brought about when the air went out in the the AT&T Center in San Antonio, the Spurs contended with the Miami Heat and sizzled in a 110/95 victory.
Presumably, King James left the game due to the stifling temperature that is predicted to have reached above 90. Nevertheless, the Spurs remained focused on their goal to push past the Heat (pun intended) to take Game 1.
In a post-game interview with ESPN, Duncan explained how the Spurs played through their discomfort with success.
"It was significant -- definitely a factor," Duncan said. "Don't know what happened to LeBron, but I think all of us were feeling the heat and all of us are a little dehydrated."
In Game 1 against San Antonio, Miami got #spurred.
One day after speaking with my “business trustees” and “backers,” I was charting my business plans on my “Parking Lot” strategy worksheet, when it hit me. I’m a writer. Saying it was, in tandem, new and familiar and confusing. The forefront of my mind tried to convince. I know I’m a writer. The back of my mind fought back. When’s the last time you wrote?
Then, a funny thing happened. I pushed the “struggle with myself” out of my head long enough to refocus on the task at hand—serial entrepreneurship. I was reaching high on the 10th shelf of my book case for a reference book when the footstool on which I had always stood shook, and I fell—embarrassingly awkward and unnecessarily hard.
Freakishly, as I laid there baffled for at least 20 seconds, Starving Artists Find Food, the first book I wrote, fell off the bookshelf and landed directly onto my head. Twenty seconds later! True story.
Well, there’s a clue. So I opened the book and like magnetic attraction, my eyes zoomed in on a part I’d quoted from the Morgan Freeman movie, Along Came a Spider. “Do what you are.” It was Divine Intervention.
What’s Yours? Don’t you think it’s time you found out what you are? And do you?
This is too over-the-top. Off-the-mark comments about race and sexuality are almost a staple in the black community as a vehicle for comic relief. Rarely is it used to imply prejudice or bigotry against any culture/subculture.
Comparatively, from politicians to broadcasters across the board, our counterparts have gotten away with saying much worse. This is an unfortunate situation because now, instead of letting his easy sarcasm flow, Roland will probably need to meticulously guard every word he utters.
(They think you've gotten too big for your britches homie!)
I found my muse. It’s taken me on a boomerang journey to get to it, but I did. Now, the Universe has tilted me in your direction to let you know, you can too.
Over the next several weeks, this blog post will be given to you in five segments. The idea is to share with you my journey in pieces, instead of long, mundane content, so that you’ll be able to easily digest my notions and apply my experiences to some of yours. Who knows? You might reveal some “aha!” moments.
I also hope these small segments help you also stay focused on the goal: finding your muse so that you can live what you love like I do! Let me get started.
In 2011, I was a world wind of fire, spreading my ashes across multiple career ventures—charring them at best; never really burning my imprint onto anything. Some days, I wanted to consult. Others, I wanted to speak. I also wanted to coach. I wanted to teach. I even wanted to sing and dance again—two careers I’d long ago abandoned.
To get to it all, I rearranged my business strategies. I combined business concepts and merged business ventures. I was on a quest, my fire raging hotter. I talked it out with my business “trustees” and “backers” (people I trust; people who have my back). Some—tired of my changing tides—nodded and said, “Go for it!” (again). The realists said, “Girl, sit down.” And finally others asked profoundly, “You don’t write any more?” A statement—not a question that required an external answer.
Sound familiar? Can't wait to tell you what happened next...
Jason Davis and Candace "Mahogany" Miller kicked off Jazz 101: Jam Session at Buttons Restaurant in Addison, Texas on Sunday night to show off jazz in its purist form. The band, hosted by Candace "Mahogany" Miller, will perform and invite musicians on stage to jam.
This week, gifting us with music from Miles Davis' 1969 recording, "In a Silent Way," Jamil Byrom (drums), Jonathan Fisher (upright bass), Eric Willis (piano), Joseph Yusuf McCowan (congo drums) and bandleader, Jason Davis (alto sax), were true to form and proved, once again, what real jazz music is supposed to sound like.
Then there's vocals. Mahogany--where antithetically--raspy, raw passion and honey surrender to create the most sultry, soulful/jazz thunder on the planet. I would be remiss if I didn't note that, more than just singing, Mahogany's voice is a movement that vibrates to your very core. When she opens her mouth, her breath mists lyrics that marries the music effortlessly, and forces you to dance, sing along, groove or make love to..musical beauty. She. Can. Sang.
Early on, a vocalist and drummer joined them to jam. The restaurant, Buttons, was the perfect venue for tonight's jam session. The ambiance was an appropriate oxymoron of sports, food and live music that blended smoothly to create an eclectic warmth. Their skillfully quirky menu offered an abundance of pound-gaining dishes. However, the eclectic ambiance did not appeal to an eclectic palate that would probably appreciate meatless dishes besides salads.
Not a deal breaker.
Join the band and Mahogany each week at Buttons where they will be schooling folk every Sunday until, hopefully, the 1st of Never.
Up next week: Jazz Divas. Friend Jason Davis and Mahogany The Artist on Facebook for updates and schedules.
I know I need to post more regularly than I do. It's almost the end of the year and I haven't posted since July. One reason, information is coming at me so fast, it's hard to keep up. Technology is great. I love it more than the next guru or geek, but it's becoming overwhelmingly confusing...and not how to execute it, but what to access, buy, download or trust!
Oh well.
Instead of trying to catch up, I decided to do a recap of the year in areas that grabbed and held my attention, and that I feel compelled to comment on.
With any luck, I'll be more consistent in 2012. Or not. Daily, I drain my brain to produce words that make people...move. I hope my followers keep me accountable. Blogging has just not reached the top of my, "I'm on deadline" list.
Here's my non-assuming recap of living in 2011:
Politics: The rise and fall of Herman Cain (what was that?!) was more like the rise and fall of politics. I'm sure I share my opinion with other Black . . . other people, period. It's becoming comical.
Entertainment: Sports, fashion, celebrities and their baby daddies, baby names and baby bumps seemed to be world news all over the Inet. Is our society so caught up in entertainment that we forget to report/demand other more significant news? Let's do better in 2012.
Technology: Steve Jobs died. Sad. His legacy however, brilliant. I have an iPad. Haven't used it yet. Afraid to. Scared to get addicted. But I plan to (use it and become addicted). When I do, I'll let you know how I like it.
Also, I'm starting to get irritated with the information overload that's been plaguing my Inbox, phone, Wall, feed, etc. (I meant, my brain. See?) With so much coming toward me at once, it's difficult to keep up. Where's the app for what I need?! When I figure that out, I'll create it, then blog about how rich it made me. (Unless a two-year old develops it first.) Technology is not slowing down is it?
Social Media: Ironically, I think it's causing followers, fans, friends and links to become just the opposite: anti-social. Why would I attend college, networking events, a movie, concert; go out on a date; visit a library or museum, shop with friends, etc., when I can attend tele-classes and Webinars; watch homemade instructional videos and Netflix, join a tweet-up, stream, chat; go out on a virtual date, have phone interviews, telecommute..oh my! It's all at my finger tips..at home. #signofthetimes.
Health: Two words: natural wellness. Otherwise, you're dying to get well at the hands of pharmaceutical companies. Is it just me? I seem to have noticed people connecting with nature more, opting for yoga, walking, running and tai chi instead of machines in the gym. Also, more than ever, I'm seeing vegetarians surface and foods that cater to a meatless diet. Hobby? Or here to stay?
Weather: Scary.
Living: Is anyone really living? Or are you watching reality shows engaging in wishful thinking? Define living for yourself in 2012 and make sure that you do whatever it takes to Live What You Love! I Do!™
Despite being my uncle, this story is newsworthy because of the family dynamic of the bride. Rarely, in a large family do you find every sibling alive, well and doing fine. In my family, the Jones family, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
And we were all there. There are eight girls and four boys in the Jones family. All of them are still alive, in great health and doing well in spite of our grueling economy. Now, here’s the kicker. So are all of their spouses, children and grandchildren—except for two. My grandfather, the PINNACLE of our family, and tragically, one cousin is gone. But in the words of his two-year old daughter, he was there in our hearts.
So Uncle Earnest, Aunt Estelle and newly crowned Mrs. Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of THE most beautiful wedding I’ve attended in my life!
They say fairytales don’t come true. But on July 16, 2011, one most certainly did. The aesthetics were dynamic! I had never attended a wedding where lemons were the centerpiece, lemon-heads candy replaced mints and a candy bar was just as significant as the beverage bar. However, it so appropriately fit Amber’s personality: unique and refreshing, like lemonade on a lazy summer day.
The yellow made the atmosphere electric! It was lemony-fresh brought to life. But even more spectacular, you could actually feel the magic breezing through the air! Like a roller coaster ride, it was breathless!
My uncle was proud (looking off as the groom saluted his bride) and my aunt was moved. But Amber’s energy was powerful! At most weddings, brides are visibly nervous, but she was breathtaking! So much so, her future husband, Mark Taylor, was profoundly moved. She was simply, stunning! Mark was emotionally overwhelmed when he saw her; awed that the Queen that stood before him was about to matrimonially belong to him.
Amber, you took command of your day in the most “grown-woman” way possible. But your childlike innocence was in tact right up until you whispered, “I do.” Your day was flawless!
Aunt Estelle, you have an amazing daughter. Amber, you have extraordinary parents whose love clearly shows every time they look at you! A miracle happened that day at your wedding: not ONE Jones complained about ANYTHING!! EVERY regurgitation was pleasing. The only complaint I have is that the moments you walked down the aisle and danced with your dad didn’t last forever!
A wedding does not a marriage make. But Amber, I know your mom has equipped you with all the wife stuff it takes to make your marriage last. Add your personality and your dad’s shotgun to the mixture and I guarantee you have the recipe to keep your marriage as magical as your wedding day—until death do you part.
*Note: That's not a very good image of the couple and I don't yet have one of the entire Jones family. As soon as they are available, I will edit this post.
Please click on the title above or link below to read my latest story. Enjoy, then go mentor someone!
It doesn't have to be a young man. There are just as many young women in the world that need guidance too. And any color: black, white, Asian, Hispanic - kids are kids. And definitely any sexual preference. There are so many gay teens that need help these days against bullying, ridicule, low self-esteem and just plain rejection.
Being a mother has been the best experience of my life. My children are my world..the reason for my very being, happiness and yes, sometimes, my strife.
But the day you were born was more spectacular than most. It was the year Jordan faced Barkley and sad for them, the Suns lost.
My uncle "Mutt" had died and my parents were in Louisiana. In labor I waited three hours for their return, perming my hair and eating several bananas.
Mrs. Walters was with me and so were your god mom and dad. They kept me calm, made me laugh..easiest labor pains I ever had.
On the way to the hospital, I focused on the game. I loved my first son so much how could I possibly love you the same?
But when you freed yourself from my womb, immediately your smile at me, let me know I could love you too.
And since that day, you've never disappointed. I love all my children, but you're the one anointed: with artistry and dare, with humbleness and care. Your smile is contagious, your energy amazing and definitely your thoughts are outrageous!
I hope I've lived up to your standards. I hope you don't regret choosing me as your parent. I've given you my heart, your heart bears my soul. You're 18 now, I hope I've taught you enough life lessons to last until you're old.
Enjoy this day. You're now a grown man. Keep moving forward. I love you and if you ever need me, reach back, you'll feel my hand.
The Dallas Mavericks didn't let the Miami Heat beat them and their fans didn't let the Dallas heat beat them. I don't need to mention the details about the celebratory parade. The broadcast, radio and Internet news and sports stations have probably done that to death and will continue to do so for weeks to come.
There's nothing new I can report about the heat, the number of fans, the activities or the excitement of the parade. Today was an emotional, memorable day that will last for decades in the minds of the players, fans, coaches and powers that be. Even the "haters" didn't disappoint. On Facebook, I saw a post of a rising rapper who posted that he's tired of "seeing Mavs shirts." What if those were shirts promoting the release of his CD . . . I'm just saying.
Nevertheless, the confetti has fallen, the streets have been cleared, the lights in the American Airlines Center have been dimmed. It was simply a pleasure being a part of it all.
A funny thing though: whether you're a Mavericks fan or not, it appears that everyone on the Planet is elated for the Dallas Mavericks franchise. They are especially ecstatic for Kidd, the Jet and Dirk - the "old guys" by athletics standards - for finally making it to the top, and not only validating their skill as a team, but solidifying their place among champions.
Well done and Happy B(earth) Day Dirk. The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy...what a great present!
PS-Where were the Mavs dancers?! Did I miss them? Didn't see them much at all.
Since she began her career, there has been much debate about Beyonce's talent. I won't even touch on that because anyone that questions her innate skill is clearly doing their job. Hatin'.
What I want to address is a conversation I had recently with another writer who questioned her integrity as a role model for girls with her new cut and vid, "Run the World (Girls)." My writer-friend believes that Beyonce is lowering her standards by performing rather angrily in scantily-clad outfits and influencing "divaness" as the key to success.
On the contrary. Brilliantly, Beyonce is meeting young girls where they are. Today, young girls are aggressive, overly sexy and they curse like sailors. This song is a movement that speaks directly to Gen X girls and a lot of grown women today. Her message is a definitive challenge for girls to change their perception of what diva or tough means and go out and get degrees, have successful careers and let men be an accessory to you, not crutches to lean on for finances or to define their very being.
On their level, where they are, Beyonce tells girls that they have power, and to use that power in a way that it uplifts and glorifies them rather than diminishes them. When Beyonce says, "Make your check come at they neck," she's encouraging girls and women to break through glass ceilings and be on equal playing fields with men in their careers.
When she sings, "Boy you know you love it/How we're smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bare the children/Then get back to business," her energy is just as symbolic as her message to girls and women that men are more attracted to women who show strength and capability instead of those who show neediness and weakness and lose site of their identity.
For ages, women have been pillars of strength. Today, however, girls and grown women are allowing themselves to be defined by societal standards, or limitations, and have all but lost their sense of self. Uniquely, Beyonce has found a way to decipher the mindsets of most young girls and women today and translate encouragement in a language that is relevant to them, now. The girl is fierce!
I've been so busy with writing projects that I have not been updating my blog regularly like I should. But soon. Later this week, Beyonce is next. I am so sick and tired of people discounting this woman's brilliance and innate talent! I need to make a point!
Stay tuned...
In the meantime, enjoy this dynamic in-yo-face performance by the multi-skilled Beyonce!
Eleven countries join YouTube in Rihanna’s “S&M”video ban, yet some fans, including Perez Hilton, do not understand why people are getting in a tizzy about sex.
“It’s something that everyone does and yet people are embarrassed about it. You’d think she was showing her crotch in the video or something the way people are reacting.”
Her fans—or at least that one—is confused about what the real issue is. The problem is not sex at all, but Rihanna’s hypocrisy.
Last year, in a live interview with Diane Sawyer, Rihanna went on national television to set the record straight.
“I just didn’t realize how much of an impact I had on these girls’ lives until that happened.”
In 2006, Rihanna founded The BELIEVE Foundation. A foundation purportedly developed to inspire and protect children in need all over the world.
“Rihanna recognized the only way to secure the future of our world is to ensure the health and well-being of our future leaders.”
So, exactly what kind of an impact and security does she BELIEVE posing half naked on the cover of magazines and simulating sex on videos will have on the well-being of “these girls,” “our future leaders?”
To be clear, Rihanna does not want little girls to be victims of domestic violence, but she would rather have little girls all over the world, imitating you, throwing sex all over the place like candy from a float in a parade?
I’m guessing if that’s okay, in their impressionable minds, domestic violence would be okay as well. Just glamour it up . . . with someone else’s work, which by the way, is the topic of a lawsuit against Rihanna by famous fashion and celebrity photographer, David LaChapelle.
LaChapelle claims that images the pop star used in the S&M video are copies of his works. Sexting, banned videos, sexual innuendos, half-naked magazine covers. Piracy. Why not Rihanna?
delmetria millener is a freelance writer based in Texas. People keep hiring her so she must be "aight." Contact delmetria at thawriter@thawriter.biz.
Texas is making improvements toward sustainability all over the state in education, energy and the environment. Are you doing your part? Get Active. Go Green!
Education
Beginning in January, 2011, the University of Texas at Arlington will offer a Master of Science in Sustainability program in its downtown Dallas location. The one year, 36-hour program, targeted to attorneys, architects, government employees and educators, will focus on the green building (LEED) project, the Energy Star program and high-density development. Full story at UTA.
Environmental
Through a partnership between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the University of North Texas in Arlington, four air quality monitors will be installed in North Texas to check for pollution from gas drilling. Full story at TCEQ.
Energy
According to a recent report by the Dallas Morning News, electricity prices across Texas are finally below the national average. Now, you can shop for less expensive energy! Full story at Power to Choose.
Get Active. Go Green! with delmetria millener, a freelance writer based in Texas. Contact her at thawriter@thawriter.biz.
The holiday season is a time of love and happiness, joy and peace—a joining of family and friends, eating, celebration and sharing. However, for some people it can also be a time of depression and desolation. People who suffer from what experts refer to as "holiday depression" battle during the holidays with financial burdens, loneliness, unrealistic expectations, stress, fatigue, nostalgia, anxiety and other psychological factors.
But there are cures—natural cures—that not only help heal holiday depression, but prevent the disorder from returning each year. These natural remedies can also be used throughout the year anytime stress, anxiety or depression becomes an issue. These remedies are easy to pull off and do not require much preparation or activity.
To start, make sure you are eating an abundance of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking lemon and water. The sour flavor helps activate the liver which promotes natural healing. Be sure to include green, leafy vegetables like as a nice, big salad with olive oil dressing and drink plenty of water. A spinach salad with walnuts sounds great right about now!
Getting through holiday depression doesn’t stop with what you eat. How you dress, your activities and thought process can also play a part in your high or low mood. To that end, wear bright colors when the weather’s gloomy, volunteer and ease into the holidays with thoughts of helping and hearing other people’s stories—good or bad—because it will allow you to see how valuable your contributions are and that your situation is not always as bad as you think.
During the holidays, depending on your geography, the weather is cool and breezy. So, whenever you can, get outside and take a walk or run. Breathe deeply so the fresh air can generate more oxygen to clear your head.
One thing we all need to do is minimize expectations of family and friends, to avoid unnecessary stress and intensity. Realize that the season is not about what fits your family’s or friends’ image of you and how you’re living. Trying too hard to please or convince your family and friends that you “fit” in some category or image that they have of you can rapidly spiral you into depression
The holidays are the perfect season to catch up on your rest. Getting enough sleep is critical to ending holiday depression because when you’re awake many hours, the liver cannot regenerate like it’s designed to do during late hours.
By all means, avoid consuming too much sugar, refined carbohydrates and empty calorie snacks. Instead, snack on raw vegetables or eat healthy foods you have at home before going to a party so you won’t feel obligated to pile up on energy zapping foods.
Finally, herbs are also a natural way to heal depression. St. John’s Wart and lemon balm are just two of the hundreds of natural, already prepared products that will help restore your energy. A visit to your local, natural food store can help you find out what’s available.
Other Tips:
Take a warm shower with a cold rinse
Get lots of natural light
Laugh a lot to produce hormones that lift your mood
Exercise
Plan for next year
Write out at least 10 things you will accomplish in the new year; share with friends or family
Get Active. Go Green! with delmetria millener, a freelance writer based in Texas. Contact her at thawriter@thawriter.biz.
But for the world, I wouldn't trade my Gem. I birthed, I nurtured, I support..I love him. He always manages to make me smile. I love our conversations, they jump from place to place, traveling for miles and miles.
But for the world, I wouldn't trade my Gem. I birthed, I nurtured, I support..I love him. He always manages to make me smile. I love our conversations, they jump from place to place, traveling for miles and miles.
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