Not Feeling Blue About...

... Rakesh Satyal's fabulous and fun novel, Blue Boy. The girls and I discussed our March book last week over Indian food at Kiran, coincidentally the name of the book's protagonist (unfortunately, the restaurant fare was not as delightful as the book--my opinion only). While Publisher's Weekly had this to say:

Satyal's lovely coming-of-age debut charts an Indian-American boy's transformation from mere mortal to Krishnaji, the blue-skinned Hindu deity. Twelve-year-old Kiran Sharma's a bit of an outcast: he likes ballet and playing with his mother's makeup. He also reveres his Indian heritage and convinces himself that the reason he's having trouble fitting in is because he's actually the 10th reincarnation of Krishnaji. He plans to come out to the world at the 1992 Martin Van Buren Elementary School talent show, and much of the book revels in his comical preparations as he creates his costume, plays the flute and practices his dance moves to a Whitney Houston song. But as the performance approaches, something strange happens: Kiran's skin begins to turn blue. Satyal writes with a graceful ease, finding new humor in common awkward pre-teen moments and giving readers a delightful and lively young protagonist.

(May)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

book club had this to say:
V: "This book was too precious; and I just loved all of the 80s references."
K: "When he mentioned Poochie?! Too awesome. This book was so cute. I loved everything except for one corny part: the fact that Kiran's skin was actually turning blue."
In unison: "Not necessary, it's true. But everything else was great!"
R: "I could totally envision his talent show costume."
V: "I over-identified with some of his situations, I'm just saying..."

OK, of course our discussion went deeper than that--we're not entirely superficial, geez. We appreciated how the author tied religion in with how Kiran ritualized his secret make-up applications; how Kiran's mother fought with herself when she encouraged Kiran's dancing even though she felt it might be indulging in her son's homosexuality (although it was never spoken of or hinted at); how Kiran and his father's tense relationship was always loving during the last moments of their church service, once again alluding to the idea of ritual. Because I highly recommend Blue Boy, I don't want to divulge any "spoilers," so I'm not going to go into further detail about this coming-of-age story, only to say that Satyal covers so many important/relevant issues in such a unique and thoughtful way, that I believe everyone can read this book and take something special away from it. This book was definitely a winner!

Our April book selection is Of Bees and Mist, by Erick Setiawan. So far one of my book club friends is over-identifying with some of the characters' situations, which could be good or bad. I'm curious and am therefore starting tonight (I know I'm behind, but only because I had to finish another book first--I'll discuss this one in another post later).

God, I love books!

My New Workout Challenge

One of the Most Beautiful Songs

Rave Reviews

Last weekend the new (and dare I say improved?) book club met to discuss Isabel Allende's Daughter of Fortune over scrumptious Chilean delights at Pomaire. Que rico! We all verily enjoyed the book and Allende's super capable storytelling ways. The world of characters she created were engrossing and wholly identifiable; the settings of mid-1800s Chile and California was palpable; her descriptions never faltered. What seemed like a love story gone wrong actually turned out to be a tribute to freedom in all its splendid forms and how we are apt to fight for them. I must say, I loved this book. Allende never ceases to amaze me with her talents. I can't wait to sink my teeth into her newest book, Island Beneath the Sea, as soon as I get the chance.

The March book is Blue Boy, by Rakesh Satyal. Publisher's Weekly said:

"Satyal's lovely coming-of-age debut charts an Indian-American boy's transformation from mere mortal to Krishnaji, the blue-skinned Hindu deity. Twelve-year-old Kiran Sharma's a bit of an outcast: he likes ballet and playing with his mother's makeup. He also reveres his Indian heritage and convinces himself that the reason he's having trouble fitting in is because he's actually the 10th reincarnation of Krishnaji. He plans to come out to the world at the 1992 Martin Van Buren Elementary School talent show, and much of the book revels in his comical preparations as he creates his costume, plays the flute and practices his dance moves to a Whitney Houston song. But as the performance approaches, something strange happens: Kiran's skin begins to turn blue. Satyal writes with a graceful ease, finding new humor in common awkward pre-teen moments and giving readers a delightful and lively young protagonist." (May)

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I'm eagerly awaiting my copy in the mail. In the meantime, I've recently finished Cammie McGovern's debut novel, The Art of Seeing. A lovely, heartfelt read about the relationship between two sisters and how they view themselves in each other's eyes. I'm thinking of revisiting this book one day by submitting this to the book club one month. I feel the need to discuss this one.

Women Rule

This past weekend I finished reading Michelle Moran's Nefertiti, and what a pleasure it was. This historical fiction novel obliterated the bad taste Mistress of the Sun left in my mouth. Moran richly described ancient Egypt, the characters were so well thought and developed, the story was captivating, engrossing and entertaining, as well as informative. As soon as I get the chance, seeing as how I have stacks of books yet unread on my book shelves, I plan on reading the sequel, The Heretic Queen. And if the second installment is just as good then I will be a Michelle Moran fan and read all of her historical fiction novels of which she has quite a few.

While I wait for my book club book to come in the mail (yes, I'm slacking), The Art of Seeing is my current read. So far so good. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, happy Valentine's Day (not that I'm a fan of this Hallmark holiday, but I do appreciate the sentiment)! (Lady Antebellum's song "Need You Now" won a bunch of awards at last night's Grammy Awards. I think it was a sign. Le sigh.)

My New Club/Stripper Pole Song ;)

A New Skincare Recipe

Our Moms

I heard Staceyann Chin on Def Poetry one night years ago and started looking into her poetry and writings. Last week I began following her on Twitter: @staceyannchin. I came across this haiku (a form of poetry I love, as many who follow me might already know) today and felt compelled to post it (even though the ethnicity is reversed):

Haiku for my mother

Chinaman left her
black child in her flat belly
rockstone in her heart

My mom's been staying with me since October while her new apartment gets renovated; she moves out tomorrow. Although my happiness knows no end to the news that I get my space back, I'm going to miss the routine we so easily fell into together. She has been through everything, knows almost everything, and is my everything. And despite the fact that I see my mother everyday, that she gets on my nerves, that I cherish my personal space and privacy, I'll miss her. Does that make any sense?! haha

Glad That's Over

I finally finished Mistress of the Sun, and I am too happy that ordeal is over. This book had so much potential and completely lost its way--I'm so disappointed in Gulland for creating such spineless female characters and for focusing on the inconsequential. Mistress was based on an actual historical figure, therefore it should have been that much greater for that little fact. This experience has completely dissuaded me from reading any more books by Gulland--shoddy writing should and will not be supported by yours truly.

On a happier note, our February book for the new book club has been voted upon and the winner is Isabel Allende's Daughter of Fortune. I might have read this book years ago, but can't remember; either way, I can't wait to pick it up. That is of course, after I finish Nefertiti, by Michelle Moran, in order to compensate for the horrible taste in my mouth left over from badly written historical fiction. Nefertiti should do the trick (as I've been told by Racquel who's read both books back-to-back as well). As usual, you can see my updated list of reading material in the right navigation; they're all quick links for your easy reference.

Happy reading and have a lovely weekend, my friends. Besitos!

V

The New Format

Since a couple of the ladies from the original NYC Book Gang and I are going to continue reading together, I've put together a new format that seems very agreeable to us all: we will each be picking a book per month, on ABC rotation, and will also orchestrate the venue and meeting date. I think this will make things more interactive and get participation at 100% (even though this wasn't a problem with them, which is why we're doing this ourselves). In retrospect, maybe the group should have been handled like this from the beginning; however, I thought that I was making it easier for everyone by coordinating everything myself. Was it all taken for granted, were people just not interested anymore, or is everyone just going in a different direction? I don't know, and even though I'll miss the original collective, I'm looking forward to starting anew.

I can't wait to see what the inaugural book is going to be, especially since I can't seem to finish Mistress of the Sun. I'm not saying it's bad per se, just a really tedious read.

My New Makeup Mission

The End of An Affair

Last night was the final book club gathering. We had a lovely time, but I believe my idea has served its purpose for making new friends and exploring our new home. We briefly discussed our December book over gourmet grilled cheese sammies (part of the theme besides candy) and sinfully delicious desserts. Back on my diet as of today, haha. Two of the original--and only consistent participants--and I will continue to read together and dish, but by no means will any of us part ways and never see each other again. I will still host movie nights and I'm sure we'll all include each other in our own activities and outings. Also, my "Recent Reads" section will continue to be updated on a regular basis.

All's well that ends well.

New Year, Better Life

I'm not into the whole "new year, new you" mentality; I prefer to think of "better you" than completely new. Let's be realistic: no one sticks to resolutions and far-reaching goals anyway, right? So I'm going to keep on making the same improvements I vowed to make last year. 2010 was grand and I stuck to my list for the most part, therefore this year can only get better by my estimations. Saving more money (not spending so carelessly), investing that saved money wisely, healthier living, all that good stuff.

These past few days I've already started achieving some of my five-year plan goals: I signed up for spin instructor certification and will have that squared away next weekend--so excited about that! I've bought a photography package so I can finally get my headshots (on last year's to-do list). I've renewed my gym membership and have been already been taking dance classes at Alvin Ailey (LOVING it there) and am planning on adding ballet back into my repetoire. I'm planning on being able to make clothes--or at least hem my jeans and fix buttons--so I've signed up for sewing classes. I'm also trying to be more patient and tolerant toward others. All of this should lead to a better me, yes?

Being this proactive, which is better than I was during years' past, I can only believe that 2011 will be promising.

Oh! Check out my skydiving video that I've finally uploaded on my youtube channel here.

December Book & Goings-On

The book club's December book is The Sugar Queen, by Sarah Addison Allen. This should make for some lighter holiday reading after all the serious books we've done. I'm looking forward to it almost as much as I am looking forward to eating delicious Indian food next week while we discuss Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth, our November book. I've already picked the venue and can't wait to feast.

Meanwhile, let me expound on the dangers of signing up for "daily deal" website email notifications. In the past couple of months my bank account has been seriously depleted as a result of trying to "save" money on deals for things I probably don't need but feel/think/have-convinced-myself I should have in order to enrich my life. However, I'm enjoying all my purchases so much that I can't stop!

I should be a smart and talented bombshell by the end of January, ha!

Recaps

Book Club discussed The Island, by Victoria Hislop, and what a flop that was. None of us recommend that to anyone unless you're a glutton for punishment. The November book was Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth (which I confess to not have even started yet) and I'm excited to talk about this over some delicious Indian food. I've been totally preoccupied with finishing up Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series; the final book is The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I am trying to hurry as fast as I can so I can see the movie before it leaves theaters. That sums up the reading portion.

The trip to Chicago for Turkey Day was so melodramatic, Joy Luck Club has nothing on my family! That's all I'm going to say about that... Boy am I glad to be back in NY, even though I'm not alone yet. To quote Shakespeare, "Aye me!" "I am Fortune's fool."

I want To Jump Out of a Plane

...and I did! It was one of the most amazing "pinch me" moments of my life. I couldn't have given myself a better birthday present, and recommend everyone to try it. It was so exhilarating that I want to go as many times as I have to in order to get certified to do solo jumps. Jumping tandem is great and all, but now I'm ready to really fly!

Life is beautiful and the view from the top is grand.

October Book

For those of you following my book club: the October book is The Island, by Victoria Hislop.

We are going to be meeting next week to discuss The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say about it. I, for one, loved it, and have already started reading the second installment in the series: The Girl Who Played With Fire. I will be going to see the original Swedish movie versions of the books right away before they leave theaters; I hear they're amazing and super intense!

Our Song, Mayhaps...?

He said: "Feeling so Lady Antebellum 4 u right now," and I get it. I so get it.

Sigh.

I can't believe I'm feeling like this. :D

Recaps

Nashville was too much fun for words! We bought tons of cowboy boots, drank JD like fish drink water, fell in love with country music and have decided to repeat this fun every year in a new southern hot spot. Good times.

The August book for book club was 19th Wife, which we'll be discussing next week, and no, I will not be doing a theme-based venue for this one, lol.

The September book is the highly acclaimed international phenomenon The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson. I can't wait to sink my teeth into this book tomorrow.

Went to see a few interesting movies: Takers (purely for the eye candy), The American (which I loved), and Mao's Last Dancer (pretty good).

It's officially football season, so I'm very happy, not to mention in need of a couple of good bets for an adrenaline rush. ;)

Exercising, dating, shopping, exploring and loving life!

Going To the 'Ville

So friggin' excited today. Why? Because I'm meeting up with one of my best friends for a mini-vacay in Nashville this afternoon! We haven't been on a trip together in almost ten years, and that was the only trip we'd ever taken together until now. We see each other briefly whenever I visit Chicago, but a few hours here and there always seems so choppy and never enough. Not being one for girl trips, Ana is the only person with whom I've felt comfortable even contemplating travel (there's only one other person I'm comfortable with, besides dear ol' mom, and she's my other besty in Chicago). We've already planned things to do, see and eat, and can't wait to get into trouble, southern style! This is going to be so much fun. Yay.

Literary Cleanse

I received an email from someone who is no longer in my life yet wants to stay connected with me...to keep tabs on the goings-on in my life? I don't know. Creepy. I really can't stand this person anymore and wish I could purge him completely. Since I can't erase my memories, all I can do is vent.

Green Tea

In the forest of my soul I picked leaves at first light.
Infatuated by your lust I succumbed.
At midday I basked in the rays of your lies.
Your free radicals oxidized my heart and turned it to rust.
If only I had the antioxidants I needed to resist you then.
My once verdant leaves dried in the heat of my anger.
You chopped them up with curses.
They brewed in my blood and I let them steep till dusk; it’s strong enough now.
I take one long swallow and wait for the bitterness to subside.
I sit on the throne and piss your toxins out.

©2005 Vicky Therese Davis

What People Call Me

Insomniac

Maya Angelou

There are some nights when
sleep plays coy,
aloof and disdainful.
And all the wiles
that I employ to win
its service to my side
are useless as wounded pride,
and much more painful.

Seeing Me Naked

I'm sharing my book review of Liza Palmer's Seeing Me Naked, my book club selection for June. I really appreciated how she ended each chapter with a not-too-heavy introspective insight, and didn't rush the ending.

I was surprised, in a good way. I enjoyed this book tremendously, even if it wasn't super original. This is the first chick lit book I've ever read that didn't have any characters that annoyed me. The first person narrative wasn't distracting (a la Bitter Is the New Black), but rather refreshing and smart. I connected with everyone, the story, and the author. This was also the first chick lit book I found to be intelligent and sophisticated, in writing style, choice of character background, and "little details" that amount to a lot when all is said and read, rather than the usual shallow banter and thought processes of equally shallow and self-absorbed (in the wrong, irritating, and oblivious way) characters. Classy. I'm a new few fan of Liza Palmer.

Shed it All

I had several interesting and enlightening conversations this weekend, most of them at this one fabulous rooftop house party (thanks again, Guambi and Danae) in Park Slope. We covered everything from racism, self-hatred within one's own race, relationship problems successful women face, pregnancy issues for singles and married women, gay relationship quandaries, how one's location affects all of the above, all the way to working out and the Kardashians. I was once again reminded that we just have to let all these societal pressures, self-inflicted criticisms, and other people's hang-ups, fall by the wayside and just celebrate who we are. Inside and out.

I Am What I Am (from La Cage Aux Folles)

I am what I am
I am my own special creation.
So come take a look,
Give me the hook or the ovation.
It's my world that I want to take a little pride in,
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in.
Life's not worth a damn,
'Til you can say, "Hey world, I am what I am."
I am what I am,
I don't want praise, I don't want pity.
I bang my own drum,
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty.
And so what, if I love each feather and each spangle,
Why not try to see things from a diff'rent angle?
Your life is a sham 'til you can shout out loud
I am what I am!
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses.
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces.
There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit;
One life, so it's time to open up your closet.
Life's not worth a damn 'til you can say,
"Hey world, I am what I am!"

Books & Books

Book Club is meeting at AmyRuth's to discuss The Help tonight (you know how I like to have themed outings), and I absolutely cannot wait! This novel was so provocative, I have to put it on the same short list as Wench, another group favorite from a couple months past. I already know there will be a lot for us to talk about and debate.

This month's book selection is quite a departure: The Piano Teacher, by Janice Y.K. Lee. The setting is Hong Kong pre- and post- WW2. I just started it last night and it seems promising thus far. I hope it doesn't disappoint. Either way, the food we'll eat for this discussion will be sure to please all our palates. I'm already doing the recon on venues, hehe.

Recently discarded on my own time was James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's, a fluff piece that doesn't deserve shelf space in my personal library--it was donated within an hour of my finishing it. This was one book that really did deserve to be in the bargain bin at B&N. James Patterson will not be getting a second chance outta me!

My Fortune Cookie

I can't help it: I had to post my fortune cookie saying. Although its packaging is rather banal, the depth of the message resounds.

"Many a false step is made by standing still."

This couldn't be further from the truth, and I must keep this message at the forefront of my mind whenever I feel myself becoming complacent in accomplishing my goals (which I have been as of late--thanks, trashy reality TV!). I guess this is just the universe telling me to snap out of it!

Book Club

A recent jaunt with a couple of the Book Club ladies at Lady Mendl's for afternoon tea.

The March book for Book Club was Skinny Dip, which was funny and witty, but not the greatest read; good entertainment, but not enthused to pick up another of the author's books any time soon,

This month, we are reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, which is showing a lot of promise thus far.

Spring Cleaning

It's almost spring, and that means it's "spring cleaning" time! I've out my closet on a diet and refuse to buy myself anything--unless it's something super spectacular, of course. Everyday when I get home from work I go through my dresser drawers, closets and sweater shelves to see what I can donate. Last week I filled 4 Hefty trash bags full of clothing, although beautiful, that I will never even miss. Just last night I filled yet another one, well on my way to purging myself of everything unnecessary. Not only do I do this new exercise at night, I do it whenever I'm getting dressed to go somewhere: If I don't like how I look when I'm trying things on, I put those things in the bag. This not only cleanses my wardrobe, it gives me a sense of relief and purification. I suggest every clothes horse to do this and see how it makes her feel.

My edited closets thank me, and so does my bank account!

February Book

wench \'wench\ n. from Middle English "wenchel," 1 a: a girl, maid, young woman; a female child.

This is the title of my book club's February selection by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Wench is Perkins-Valdez's daring debut novel. Provocative, insightful, endearing and courageous, this is one of the best debuts I've ever read, if not the best. Wench follows the stories of four slave women who are mistresses to their white slaveholders, but Lizzie is the protagonist with/through whom most of this book is revealed. I'm not going to delve too much into the meat of this lovely novel because I don't want to disclose too much and spoil it. As you can tell, I've already read it; this was such an entertaining and compelling story that I breezed through it in two days! I can hardly wait to discuss this with the rest of the group (I already know Racquel loved it, too).

My Daily Love Horoscope

Today my love horoscope is so accurate, I had to post it here. Real talk, it's so accurate, I almost don't want to post it...here it is anyway:

"This is a time period, Libra, where things of a romantic nature are not always as they seem, so you want to pay special attention to what is happening in your romantic experiences. This is a time where whether you are single or attached, illusions and delusions can wear the mask of true inspiration, so thread your way among them to the truth and don't fall for the first fantasy that comes to mind. Romantic possibilities may evaporate as quickly as they appear, and that is for the best -- better to let them go than seize on what will not support you. Yes, you will know which opportunities to forgo, and which ones to pay attention to, so pay attention to the universal signs and you will be more than happy you did."

10 To Do in 2010

Not a resolutions list, but a list of things I want to accomplish by year end (in no particular order):

1) Get professional headshots
2) Get a casting agent in order to launch my career as an extra
3) Become fluent in either French or Spanish
4) Lose even more weight
5) Invest more money into securing a positive financial future for myself (2009 was a good start)
6) Donate clothes to the less fortunate
7) Control my spending
8) Gain more upper body strength
9) Show my mom that I really do appreciate her
10) Advance my professional career

January Book

I just tallied the votes for the January book, and the winner is What Is the What, by Dave Eggers. I heard it's an excellent book, and have high hopes for it after having read his first novel (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius) several years back.

After my mini-rant on Bitter Is the New Black, I completely forgot to mention how much I loved A Father's Law, the newly published work of Richard Wright. This book/manuscript lingered in my mind long after I finished reading. The characters were so real I felt like I could sink my teeth into them, their problems so poignant that I couldn't help but contemplate them as if they were my own. This is surely a book I will revisit from time to time in the future. I highly recommend this treasure of a book.

Getting it all in in 2010

Happy new year, folks!

A lot happened in 2009: good, great, and bad. It was tiring, educational, challenging, fun, sad, exciting; 2009 taxed all of my emotions. However, I accomplished what I needed to spiritually, financially and professionally; I've tied up all the loose ends that needed tying, and gotten rid of all the toxic/negative/unnecessary/life-sucking people in my life (voluntarily and involuntarily--people who know me well know what I'm talking about). I'm glad it's all over and am ready to dive into this new year with both feet perfectly arched, haha! Wide awake, I am receptive to what the universe has to tell me; my heart and mind are open to new challenges and experiences, new love, new friends, more great books, lots of fabulous outings and pictures as I continue to explore my new host city, strengthening bonds with my family and close friends, and any new opportunities thrown my way.

So I have two mottos I'm following:
"I'm getting it all in in 2010" and "Better choices in men in 2010." I plan to follow both to the letter. ;)

V

PS: Bitter is the New Black was one of the suckiest, most annoying books I've ever read, and that's saying a lot. This book gave the chick-lit genre a bad name (and girls from Chicago--please believe, we're not all like that). I'm now reading My Cousin Rachel, by Daphne DuMaurier. I have to have something more intellectual to get that drivel out of my head.

North River & the December Book

North River, my book club's November book, did not disappoint. It was raw and gritty, yet soft and sweet at the same time. The protagonist's experiences and thoughts on love, forgiveness, acceptance, and compassion were beautiful. The use of New York's Lower East Side, the Meatpacking District, and Little Italy as characters was palpable: I saw the North River and felt the wind coming off it, smelled its brackishness. I could smell and taste Angela's simple Italian meals; I lived vicariously through Carlito's experiences on his first train ride, his first hot dog, his first plate of spaghetti, his trip to Coney Island. I recognized Pete Hamill's understanding of and love for New York in how he was able to capture its ugliness, beauty, prejudice, and senses of unity/community in little ways and big. Overall, this was a very well-written novel, not rushed, but not drawn out unnecessarily; descriptive yet to the point--just like New York. Kudos to Hamill.

The December book is going to be quite a departure from the more serious and "heavy" books we've been reading; it's called Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass, Or, Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office
This should be nice and light reading for the holiday month. i hope we all enjoy it. Happy reading!

*** PS: I just finished reading Peony in Love, by Lisa See--much better than Shanghai Girls, but still not as good as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I also happened upon A Father's Law, by the legendary Richard Wright, in the Bargain Books section of B&N. I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

Sonia

Haiku

we are sudden stars

you and i exploding in

our blue black skins

Written by Sonia Sanchez

October & November Books

The October book for the online book club followers was Fortune's Rocks, by Anita Shreve. We'll be discussing it in person next week, and I can't wait--I am so loving this book! Apologies for the late post.

The November book is North River, by Pete Hamill.

Details about both books can be viewed by clicking the titles in the side navigation. Happy reading!

My Last Day @ 30

As my 30th year in this world comes to an end, I've been doing a lot of introspection at The Sanctuary. This has been a tumultuous, unpredictable, exciting, heart-breaking and heart-mending year. On this last day, I am filled with a melancholic happiness--as much of an oxymoron as that is: for having said goodbye to things and people (one person in particular) and places that have occupied special places in my heart for a very long time, I feel a great loss; meanwhile I feel utter contentment for what my life has become as a result. Playing "catch up" after moving to New York didn't take as long as I was dreadfully expecting; I'm proud to say I am making up for lost time and catching up to where I believe I should be rather quickly.

30 has definitely been a wake-up call for me in more ways than one. The universe showed me the signs and told me I needed to get my life in order by the time I reached 30, the "I am officially a grown-up" year, and I obediently listened, no matter how deleterious I felt this new journey might be. As Oprah said once, "Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it." That is exactly what I have done and strive to do for the rest of my life; I believe I am the better for it and will continue to improve from 31 on.

Forgot Again!!!

The September book is Gentlemen and Players, by Joanne Harris.
So far, I'm really liking how twisted and sinister it is... :)

Backlog of Books

I've received complaints from people following my book club selections online. I apologize for my slippage. Here's what we have read over the past few months:

Midnight's Children: A Novel, Salman Rushdie
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz (highly recommended and loved by all)
Shanghai Girls, Lisa See

And we have just started reading our August choice, Sag Harbor, by Colson Whitehead.
And for those who aren't very observant, I DO update the "Books I've Recently Read" section on the right navigation of this page. This list includes what I read outside of the book club selections, as well.

Happy reading to all of my online members!

Friday's Child

Friday's child.....Hard luck is her brother
Friday's child.....Her sister's misery
Friday's child.....Her daddy they call hard times
Friday's child.....That's me

Friday's child.....Born a little ugly
Friday's child.... Good looks passed her by..oh
Friday's child.....Makes something look like nothing
Friday's child.....Am I..ya

Friday's child.....Never climbed no mountain
Friday's child.....She ain't even gonna tray..oh
Friday's child.....Whom they'll forget to bury
Friday's child.....Am I

Things Come Together

As I prepare for my move and bring all the things from my former life in Miami to my new grown-up life in NYC, it's come to my realization that even though things can completely fall apart, there's always a way to bring them back together. It's not like this is a newsflash, or something I just learned: this is just something that I'm experiencing in a whole new way.

On the outside, I always look like everything is fine and dandy; I never really want people to think otherwise--it's no one's business but my own. However, there are instances when I feel that sharing my experiences and circumstances with others might help those who feel like things have fallen apart for them. So, I will share this:

My life was a wreck and it was all my fault. I screwed things up horribly and have been suffering the consequences silently for a long time. Only by taking a few steps back am I able to say that things are now coming up roses. Yes, they are still seedlings, but I can already smell their sweet scent. Because of the life I've led, no one can truly understand how nervous/excited/happy/scared I am to ride this new wave; none of it matters though, I am jumping in and savoring the splash.

Remember

Remember
by Christina Rosetti

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Oh, Canada!

I was watching commercials for the first time in quite a while, and saw a Canadian tourism ad that bothered the crap out of me. It was of a man filming the melting of a beautiful ice cap; off-screen you hear the man whooping and cheering as he watches. Does he, not to mention the ignoramuses who approved this commercial, not realize that he was filming the destruction of out planet?!? That melting ice caps and glaciers are a sign of all the stress and damage the human race has inflicted on the Earth? How is this a good advertisement for anything, let alone stand for a tourist attraction?

People can be really stupid sometimes.

Walking for Me & You

Saturday morning, after a late night flight from Vegas, I participated in the Revlon Run/Walk Against Cancer 5K that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. I again, want to thank everyone for their show of support through their words of encouragement and their donations.

I didn't think that I would get emotional, but seeing the huge turnout of people (men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds, totaling over 40,000 people) enthusiastically walking and running from Times Square through Central Park was so moving. As my mom and I walked together, we noticed that on some people's backs were homemade signs saying things such as: "I'm a Survivor: 13 Years," "In Memory of...," "In Support of...", and I couldn't help but think of all the women in my life or women with whom I've come in contact over the years, who have all been affected by breast cancer. As I walked and looked at groups of women crying, holding hands in solidarity, hugging each other and reaching out to one another, I got more and more choked up. I began thinking of my grandmother who died and I almost lost it right there on 7th Avenue; my aunt who is a survivor with both of her breasts removed and never batted an eyelash, and all of my friends' mothers who have been diagnosed and/or treated for breast cancer. I walked for them, the memory of them, and in support of them and every woman out there. I am considered a high risk candidate for breast cancer, so I was walking for myself, too.

Listening to Ciara, Jessicas Alba and Biel, Jennifer Connelly and Jimmy Fallon all speak on the subject and how they've been affected by cancer in women, made me want to get up there and speak on it, too! While I was watching them, a group of women came and stood by me, all with t-shirts that read: "Can't We At Least Get Early Detection?" I went up to them and told them that I liked their shirts; their response was to hug me. Again, I almost burst into tears--they were all already crying. But you could see the strength in their eyes and feel the determination in their hearts to make a difference.

If we could all be strong together, what a difference we could really make.

City Harvest-Giving Back & Being Grateful

Wednesday night my mother and I went to a charity event for an organization called City Harvest. This 25 year old group of volunteers and workers rescue food from markets, hotels, restaurants, etc., to feed the hungry all over New York. I was so touched by the giving spirits of the people who founded and run this project that I feel compelled to volunteer whatever time I have to this noble cause. Only $1.40 can feed a person for a week; that's cheaper than a train ride. So I figure, the more I walk, the more transportation money I save that can feed a hungry child or an elderly person who can't feed him/her -self. I won't miss that money, and I'll be better off for having "sacrificed" it. And that's just one of many things I plan to do to help the people involved, which include such notables as Rachel Ray, Eric Ripert, American Express, Credit Suisse, DKNY, and all the "little people" who aren't famous that make this all possible.

A man who is a truck driver shared his life story with us, telling us how he was homeless 20 years ago and was in soup kitchen lines, wondering how he was going to feed his family. A worker at the kitchen, part of City Harvest, suggested that he could work with them since he was jobless, had no place to go, and could use the help. Fast forward 20 years, and this man has a steady job, can feed himself and his family, and is helping others in their time of need. What could be better or feel more rewarding than that? Listening to him and seeing all the people who need aid, makes me feel so grateful for everything I have. I wrote not too long ago to complain about not having my own place--now I feel like a fool. Sometimes it takes occasions like this dinner to put things into perspective. I am one of the lucky ones, and I know that. I will not take for granted; rather I will give back as a token of my thanks to the universe.

People now more than ever, need to band together to help those who can't help themselves. These number will continue to climb as the recession in this country continues to lay workers off of jobs they've held for years, as more and more people can't afford the houses they live in; as graduates come out of college and into a workforce that can't accommodate them, and as senior citizens can't afford to retire because they no longer have pensions and/or not enough social security with which to sustain a peaceable life, we must lend a hand whenever we are able. I vow to do my part, give up the superficial outings and purchases to uplift the rest of my community. I urge you to do the same.

Volunteer here.

Book Club Books

I've been asked a few times to keep posting the books my book club has been reading, but I keep forgetting to. We just finished reading The Way to Paradise, by Mario Vargas-Llosa, which was one of the best takes on historical fiction I have ever read. There was an overall consensus that it was a great read when my girls discussed it two nights ago at a delicious Peruvian restaurant I frequent in NYC called Pio Pio.

The April book is Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. I'm one-third of the way through this book, and so far I'm enjoying it; it's fantastical, philosophical, witty and fun. I can't wait for everyone else to read it so we can delve into deep conversations about this one. Each of our beliefs, philosophies, and views on life itself will be revealed, I predict.

So there you have it, my avid readers. Enjoy!

Women Against Cancer

I recently signed up to do a 5k from Times Square to Central Park for the Revlon Run/Walk: Women Against Cancer and am so excited. It's on May 2nd, and I've decided to run it--well my run is really a "wog," but we don't need to be technical here. ;)

For those in the NYC area, please come out and support this worthy cause, or sponsor me! I'd greatly appreciate it. Just click here to donate on my fund raising page. I just hope the weather's nice; if it starts raining or is cold however, then maybe I'll finish in record time!

Calling a Spade a Spade

A very educated and cool girlfriend of mine in Miami (which is hard to come by) posted a funny, insightful note today about how sensitive certain words, slang, and phrases have become since Obama became our president. Race has always been a hot topic, but now that we have a black man in office, everyone seems to be a bit more careful with their word choice. Here's what Dianna wrote today:

I can't help but laugh when I hear public figures tap dance around certain terms that they would not hesitate to use if Obama was white. This learned gentleman was trying to explain the possibilities for negotiations with Iran on Diane Reem this morning and he actually stuttered out the following:

"...that's something they (Iran) never received with the Bush administration, and that's something they've gotten in sp....uh, great quantities, from the Obama administration."

Talk about quick thinking! The word he wanted was SPADES, the idiom for which is "in spades": To a considerable degree: They had financial trouble in spades.

The definition of the word spade itself however, causes concern:
Spade 2 (spd) n.1. Games
a. A black, leaf-shaped figure on certain playing cards.
b. A playing card with this figure.
c. also spades (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The suit of cards represented by this figure.
2. Offensive slang used as a disparaging term for a Black person.

He obviously realized very quickly that might not be the best choice...it's so silly that this kind of panic has to happen at all, but I suppose I'd rather have them err on the side of polite and respectful. Plus, it's kinda entertaining to hear them scramble to recover. :)

I agree, Dianna. A lot about this topic has been cropping up as of late; there are subtle hints all over the media. 30 Rock, a show I watch religiously, jokes about it all the time. For example, when Alec Baldwin's character was dating Salma Hayek, who was acting as a Puerto Rican nurse, he was stumbling for the "right thing" to call her, as if Puerto Rican sounded derogatory somehow. There are other instances they portray that I see a lot in real life, like non-black people not knowing what to call black people. They stutter and stumble, confused and conflicted about whether to say "African-American," or "Afro-American," as if "Black" might somehow be offensive. So long as I don't here colored, nigger, or negro coming out of a non-black person's mouth, I'm cool. But no one knows what to call each other anymore. I say, let's just call a spade a spade, haha! (spoken from a Chinegro, a Blasian, an Amerasian who can basically say whatever she wants without negative repercussion--I'm considered race-neutral...I think...wait, is there such a thing?)

Too Close for Comfort

I've finally made the transition from SoBe to NYC, and have been living with my mom. We're pretty close: we work together, eat together, shop together, travel together, etc., and now we live together in her one-bedroom apartment. I appreciate our relationship, our newfound closeness, and everything she's done for me--she's the best. All that said, I feel like a child again, or at least a teenager who thinks she's grown (as all teenagers feel). The only problem is I AM GROWN. After living on my own for years in a large apartment all to myself for the most part, I am now sharing a space 1/2 the size, I've given up 1/2 my wardrobe, 1/2 of my tv-watching time--and anybody who knows me knows I need my tv time--and all of my "me" time. To top it all off, we now share the same accountant! I'm a very private person who only tells people just enough information, and now I feel like I've been forced to be completely transparent. I'm very uncomfortable with this arrangement, yet at the same time, I do appreciate her assistance in the "Get Vicky's Life Together Project." I feel like I"m stuck between a rock and a hard place: I want to be close, but I don't want to be too close. Having a talk with her about it might blow up in my face and make what looks like a good situation bad, it might hurt her feelings, and it will definitely make me look the insensitive a-hole I've been accused of being my entire life.

I think I just need my own place and my own tv. Then I can shut up about the whole friggin' thing. Except for the accountant...

Kinda Sorta Freaking Out

I just found out that I'm going to be an official New Yorker for real! I knew it was going to happen eventually, but now that the time has come, I have such bittersweet feelings about it all. I'm ready, but I'm not; I'm excited, yet wanting to stall a bit longer; ready to move, but am hesitant at the same time. These mixed emotions have been keeping me up at night even more than usual, and my mind refuses to give me any peace. TV has become one of my only temorary escapes, but my eyes hurt! I'm ready for everything to be over, or not change at all. This whole situation is killing me and renewing me simultaneously. I wish I could just wake up from all of this, but I never fell asleep in the first place...

Th Gunmother Was No Fairy

We finally met to discuss The Fairy Gunmother the other night, and the consensus was that the book was anti-climactic, confusing, and that a lot of the humor probably got lost in translation (the book was originally written in French). There were too many characters to keep track of, and hence too many back stories to follow, albeit the back stories were fun to read and added depth to the characters and made some them more memorable than others. I know this book is part of a 4 book series, but I don't believe I will be reading any more of them. Je suis desoleil, M. Pennac.

I do look forward to discussing Paradise in a couple of weeks, though. This is another challenging book that I hope the rest of the group is prepared to delve into. Similar to Fairy, there are lots of characters, but at least the honorable Ms. Morrison gave each on their own chapter, even though all the characters overlap into each other's stories. Her thoughts and plots are so deep, I'm just hoping too much won't go over my head and lead to a bland and unfocused group chat...

February Book

We haven't met to discuss Fairy Gunmother yet, but we've already voted on this month's book, which I am happy to announce, is Paradise, by one of my favorite authors of all time, Toni Morrison. I will keep you posted on our discussions, for I appreciate everyone who is emailing and calling me to say how glad they are that I'm back into blogging. So with this welcomed pressure, I will be diligent. Thanks!

For Every Step Forward...

...there's always someone or something that puts us two steps back. In this case, it's baker Ted Kefalinos at his bakery called Lafayette French Pastry in The Village, NYC, who for some reason, thought making "Drunken Negro Cookies" a good idea. You can read the disturbing article here.

With all the wonderful sentiments of hope, pride, and togetherness so much of the country felt during the inauguration of President Obama, there is still a large faction out there that refuse to accept "progress." When I hear random comments like references of the inauguration as the "iniggeration," and I see t-shirts that say, "Nigger, it's called the WHITE house," I am made all too aware of the work that still needs to be done. Will racism ever be truly eradicated? I think not, but it's a nice concept.

Hit Counters

I'm a little peeved that my hit counter for this site failed me. I was finally up to 2655 views, and had to get a new one. So now it looks like I'm a newbie and/or nobody likes me. This really sucks.

I'm through venting now...other than this little snafu, this has been an unbelievable day!

New year, new president, renewed hope!

More on this special day later...

NYC Book Club Rocks!

Last night, my book club met for our first meeting of 2009. As usual, we had a great time, and my spirited members had much to discuss about the December 2008 book of the month, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, by Eva Rice. Opinions varied across the board as to liking or disliking it; I was one of the naysayers. This book completely fell short of all my expectations for character development, storyline, plot (or lack thereof), and good ending (once again, or lack thereof). As I stated last night at our British venue, Pound and Pence in lower Manhattan, "If a book doesn't end well, then it's not a good book. If you like a book up until the ending--and you don't like how it ends--it's not a good book." Thanks, Toni for seconding me on that!

A few of the ladies kept saying how they enjoyed "Secrets," but kept asking questions or discussing topics within the book that revealed flaws to all of us. A couple of the highlights were noted by Krisha (pleasantly and quietly opinionated) and Marnie (a fiery one) who noted that they enjoyed when Rice narrated the banalities of everyday life; how she would randomly write about the little nuances in the characters' behavior that made them real and/or mroe special. We all agreed that that kind of writing is what makes for an enjoyable read.

However, there were some more complex issues raised as well. For example, Racquel, one of the most wonderfully opinionated women in the group, asked: "Why is it that strong women and/or promiscuous women always get punished in the end with death or some kind of disease (AIDS, cancer)?" She then drew parallels to SATC, all of which were very true. This is quite an interesting issue that I will have to address in an essay one day, but until then, much obliged to Racquel for searing this on my brain.

So, in the end, who truly liked the book? I think less people did than before we talked about it...

I'm curious to discover the opinions of our January book, Fairy Gunmother, by Daniel Pennac, one book of a French series that has been translated into English. It's gotten fantastic reviews the world over, but has yet to reckon with the eyes and minds of this fiesty group of ladies! Stay tuned...

New Year's Resolution

I know, I suck. I haven't posted anything here in almost a year. So I resolve to be more attentive and responsible to my blog this year.

In the meantime, I know some really great, artsy, funky, creatively cool peeps who formed a group a while back called Kinky Notti. Check out their music and their blog: Kinky Notti . Super nice!

February Book

I was going to dissolve the book club, but was encouraged to keep it going. Thanks for the support, everyone! The February book is The Darwin Conspiracy, by John Darnton. I am very curious to see how this book unfolds, and really hope its author doesn't say anything to refute Darwin (I'd like to continue believing his theories). However, as with all books, I would like The Darwin Conspiracy to originate new thoughts and perspectives. I can't wait to hear people's opinions on this choice!

Not a Love for Me

I've got to say how disappointed I was in our December book, The Love Wife, by Gish Jen. I had such high hopes for reading a book about merging cultures (namely Chinese and Amercian) because I am of that amalgam. The characters, the writing style, Gish Jen in general, were short of the mark. It read like an Amy Tan wannabe and that description is an insult to the highly revered Tan.

OK, just had to get that off my chest!

December Book

I know I haven't posted in a while, but for those that have actually been reading with my group, and I appreciate your participation, the december book is The Love Wife, by Gish Jen. Enjoy!

Jena 6 to Lead Panel @ Summit in Washington, D.C.

Jena Six Students to Lead Panel at Summit in Washington, DC

Singer Angie Stone, and the Jena Six students are participating in the Children's Defense Fund Summit Tuesday Night. CDF Event at Howard University will focus on America's "Cradle to Prison Pipeline" Tuesday, September 25, the evening session of the Children's Defense Fund's (CDF) national Cradle to Prison Pipeline Summit at Howard University.

Stone will take part in a panel discussion on "Transforming Popular Culture into a Positive Force to help Dismantle the Cradle to Prison Pipeline." Following that, students Robert Bailey and Theo Shaw, two of the"Jena Six" will join others involved in the case for a panel discussion on"Endangered Black Males: Racial Injustice and the Pipeline."

Bailey, Shawand, and four other Black high school students in Jena, Louisiana, known widely as the "Jena Six," have been unjustly charged with adult felony charges for allegedly participating in a school fight. Both events will take place in Howard University's Cramton Auditorium. The panel will be part of a larger summit to address America's Cradleto Prison Pipeline crisis and its devastating impact on children, youth, and their families, particularly within the Black and Latino communities. A full summit agenda can be viewed at the website below. For more information on CDF's Cradle toPrison Pipeline Initiative visit http://www.childrensdefense.org/cradletoprison.

September Book

I know, I know, I've totally negelcted this blog. So, here's a brief update:

The August book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was enjoyed by all who read it. We felt it was superbly written, and agreed it was quite homo-erotic, which is OK... Oscar Wilde was extremely ahead of his time and this, his only novel, proves thus.

The September book is A Mighty Heart, by Mariane Pearl. Mrs. Pearl is the widow of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal journalist who was kidnapped and beheaded in Afghanistan. So far, I think it a little corny, but well written and moving. We'll see if that changes and if the rest of those who read it think about it.

Until then..!

Augsut Book

The verdict is in: The book selection for the month of August is, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. He is one of the wittiest and biting classic writers that I've ever read. For those who are unfamiliar with this legendary man, he wrote The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband, among others. He has so many quotables, I'm sure if you read him, you'll agree. He was a man too ahead of the times for his own good, and I admire his spirit greatly.

Happy reading!

Was it Independence Day for You?

Whenever July 4th rolls around and I really think about what the day means, as I shared with you last year. This year, the CEO of iZania.com (an interactive marketplace for African-Americans) has sent a public message about this debatable day. I thought I'd post it and see what you think about it.

Independence Day -- The Cost of Freedom

I recently read an article about research facilitated by The Ohio State University's Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, titled, Whites Underestimate the Cost of Being
Black. The basic observation of the research by Phil Mazzocco is "While there has been progress in making racial conditions in American more equal, there's clearly a lot more work to be done," he said. "Blacks and whites are not experiencing the same America." As we approach this Independence Day, I began to ponder the "cost of being Black."

Independence has a very different meaning for African Americans, and that leaves many of us ambivalent as we watch the fireworks and hear the marching bands and see the parades celebrating our nation's independence. Freedom for Black Americans came more than 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, and still is characterized by huge gaps in the fruits of independence.

Looking back on our own independence, and evaluating our progress, we are not far removed from the indignities observed by Frederick Douglass, in his Independence Day Speech on the fourth of July 1852. At that point in the history of our nation - he made this observation:

"At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed. Oh! had I the ability, and could I reach the nation's ear, I would today pour out a fiery stream of biting ridicule, blasting reproach, withering sarcasm, and stern rebuke. For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake. The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be denounced."

“The costs of being black in our society are very well documented," Mazzocco said. "Blacks have significantly lower income and wealth, higher levels of poverty, and even shorter life spans, among many other disparities, compared to whites."

While whites may underestimate the cost, most Blacks are not far removed from the sentiments expressed by Frederick Douglass. As we celebrate along with our fellow citizens, we must continue to advance, in spite of the costs. It is important to recognize that, while emancipation was officially announced in 1863, we are still paying a higher cost of being Black in America.

For me, this makes my freedom more precious, and provides the motivation to continue the struggle for equality. My vote is more precious. My education is more valuable to me. I appreciate the progress that my parents and grandparents made - as well as my own progress -- because I had to work harder for it. I have a greater commitment to work for the progress of others, because Frederick Douglass also taught us that "power concedes nothing without a demand."

Do we have something to celebrate on this Independence Day? Yes, we do. We are not experiencing the same America, but this nation is just as much ours as it is anyone else's. So I encourage you to enjoy the celebration. Just don't forget the cost.

Roger Madison

CEO, iZania.com

I think that was pretty well stated, do you?

Summer Fun

I was just reading my July issue of Glamour Magazine (with Katherine Heigl on the cover), and came across a cute list of things to do to put you in a good mood (July is peak happiness month, after all, duh). I'd like to share them with all of you who do not subscribe to gloss mags and don't know what you're missing...

30 Things to Put You in an Instant Good Mood

1. Google your first head-over-heels summer love. Consider sending him and email.
2. Get rid of some unhappiness: Let go of a grudge, forgive a slight, unload a worry.
3. Give dark nail polish the summer off. Yes, it's edgy, but nothing compares to looking down at 10 pretty pastels.
4. See The Bourne Ultimatum just for brainy Matty D's biceps
5. Eat plenty of pink: lemonade, grapefruit, champagne, frosting.
6. Run an ice cube all over him. Or if there's no him, you.
7. Marco? Polo!
8. Use your sexy walk. Take all catcalls as compliments.
9. Open drawer. Insert BlackBerry. Close drawer. Walk away.
10. Skip makeup for a day and call it your new nude look.
11. Sit in front of a freezing cold air conditioner in a darkened room and have an all day screening of winter movies like Doctor Zhivago, Never Cry Wolf, March of the Penguins.
12. Plant something. Watch it grow. Eat it with a nice vinaigrette.
13. Spend 15 minutes browsing for sandals at zappos.com, which has--no joke--338 pairs under $40.
14. Naked sleeping, naked TV watching, naked iPod updating, naked tub scrubbing...need we go on?
15. Download the singsongy ice cream truck jingle as your ringtone (for as long as you can stand it). Just search for "download ice cream truck ringtone"--it actually works!
16. Give the kid a whole dollar for the lemonade.
17. Dip your feet in a cool, crisp body of water (yes, a blowup pool counts).
18. Order the 2 1/2 pound lobster. Of course you can finish it!
19. Bikram sex. As in hot, sweaty, intense.
20. "Don't worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing gonna be alright." Repeat anytime you need a Bob Marley moment.
21. Make sangria (check out mixdrinx.com). Wine-soaked fruit: Does it get any better?
*22. Get a dog. Do it! You know you want to.
23. Put a pair of sunglasses on a baby strictly for your own enjoyment.
24. Entertain your fellow drivers by singing out loud to the radio with the windows down. Also, make "air waves" with your hands.
25. Add fresh mint to all cold beverages.
26. Price a quickie weekend trip to Vegas. Yeah, it's hotter 'n hell there, but the fun is all indoors.
**27. Be barefoot more often than is socially appropriate.
28. Hit the pool or beach at sundown, when all the crowds have gone. Have yourself a lovely solo swim.
29. Celebrate Take Your Sundress to Work Day. Wear an office-y little sweater, but know that underneath it you have the day off.
30. Turn 360 degrees and identify five things around you that are making your life beautiful right now.

*I am anti this item. Why would I want to take care of a smelly dog in the summer and have to walk it in this crazy heat and humidity?!?
**I think this is highly unsanitary. I do not recommend this item, either.

Albeit, some of the list items seem corny and kooky, I think that's what makes a person happy sometimes. A little corniness might just be what it takes to get you out of whatever rut is bogging you down. Have fun!

Book Club

My girlfriend, Trish, who I met in a book club I still belong to, is our book club coordinator, until now. Due to a new job and hectic schedule, she has passed on the torch to yours truly. I think I will be quite capable at my new role, and have already started coordinating my first gathering. I am always encouraging people to read, read more often, and/or join our book club (which is in Miami). Some people are on our list who read the books from wherever they are in the country; they just don't participate in the discussions. Rather, they use our list and monthly selection to do some reading on their own.

All that said, I have decided to post our monthly selections here every time a vote takes place. I encourage you to join online and share your thoughts and questions of our books with me. I will even bring them up to my group when we meet. Our next vote takes place early in the new week, so I will be posting our August book here later in the week.

Are you game?

(I'm hoping it's going to be a book I already own. Last thing I need is to buy another book to add to the piles of still unread books lying around the house!)

Anti-Age?

Gotta get something off of my chest right quick (as is said in Chicago): I am so sick of the anti-aging campaigns that are saturating the market! There is no such this as not aging; you can prolong a youthful appearance, but you cannot stop this totally normal and natural progression. So, get over it! Embrace yourself at any age and celebrate it by living a healthy life that will keep you looking youthful for a longer period of time. Just please, please, stop this anti-aging crap!

Sunflower

The sunflower is one of my favorite flowers, although technically, it is a weed. I think that's what makes me appreciate it even more. Weeds are considered undesirable, ugly, and are treated like pests when they pop up in one's grass, or struggle through cracks in the concrete. Weeds are strong, sometimes beautiful, taken for granted, and pulled from the root in order to prevent anymore from growing. Sunflowers are the only weeds that are left to grow to enormous heights and are even cultivated and nurtured on farms. They stand majestically in fields and follow the sun as it passes in the sky, a wondrous thing and quite symbolic if you internalize these actions as I have.

Sunflower

In a field of wild sunflowers,
I sway among the stalks in the wind
and follow the sun as it passes.
My body dances to an inner rhythm
and I am a wild flower, too.
Dew saturates my skin, leaving
an iridescent sheen as I bloom
under the daystar’s warming rays.
Let the bees come and pollinate,
so that they might spread my love
to those wanting.

During the summer of my life,
I will dance under the sky,
lifting my head in thanks
to the splendor of my field.

And though autumn will come,
I will dance in the wind till my
end; for I will return in the spring.
Yes, maybe in a different form, yet
‘twill be a resurrection under the sun
nonetheless.

©2005 Vicky T. Davis

Dreams Ablaze

Every once in a while, do you get the eerie feeling that all your efforts are for naught? Like you can actually see your dreams crashing and burning right in front of you? Today is one of those days for me, when everything seems fruitless. Despair is winning the war today... Here's a tanka I wrote the last time sentiment defeated logic:

#8 (Cigar Smoke)

I puffed a cigar,
blew the heat from my insides.
My essence felt weightless
as the blood in my veins slowed.
“There go my dreams,” I sensed.

C. 2006 Vicky Therese Davis

VIP List or Racism

I purposely didn't post anything regarding Black History Month in February because frankly, I don't celebrate or acknowledge it. I will, however, post something I've been meaning to address for a while now about the blatant racism that is exhibited at nightclubs all over the country. Countless times I've seen people of color being turned away from the petty tyrants who guard the velvet rope because they were "outside their element" and made the club look bad in terms of image. Why should anyone be made to feel sub-par just to listen to good music, have a couple of drinks, and dance? Either the bouncers make people they don't like wait for hours in line, or act like they don't exist. These people are trying to spend money in these establishments and are getting humiliated and turned away.

I refuse to let anyone treat me so horribly and only patronize venues where I don't have to feel humiliated. Until people realize their self-worth, these brutes will wield their "power" over them. Why give them such control? Not only is this behavior racist, discriminatory, and tyrannical, it's bad business. I have copied the following letter, written by a black woman last year, that perfectly describes this experience. Once you read this, I hope you will realize that these atrocities are getting out of hand and will not stop until we take back the power we've relinquished.

On Saturday, August 12, my husband, soror and I had the displeasure of visiting Transit Nightclub. We were there supposedly as VIP guests of a friend for his birthday. His evite instructed us to mention his name at the front of the door and we would be admitted entry, free of charge into the club. We arrived shortly after 11PM and that is where the melee began. Let me preface all of this by saying, I don't take use of the race card lightly and am annoyed at people when they blame the ills of their life on being an African American. I am aware that racism exists, but I haven't experienced blatant racism since my time in Nashville as a college student.

We waited in line to enter the club, once we reached the front of the line; my husband was told that he couldn't enter because he had on sandals. We had on sandals, almost every woman that entered had on sandals, and so we were quite surprised when he said this. My husband had on a starched button down shirt, some jeans and dressy sandals- not $5 flip-flops, leather sandals he had purchased in Europe.

We questioned the doorman and he stated that men couldn't wear sandals in this club nor any other club in Chicago. I knew this was a lie because we've been to several clubs in Chicago and were admitted to all of them without incident. As we were talking to the doorman, another guest of our friend was told he couldn't get in because he had on a polo style shirt. I went into the club and to let our friend know that we'd be leaving and he was holding a conversation with one of the employees, where they stated that sandals were a liability issue because you could cut your foot on glass. If that were the case, why were women allowed to wear sandals? I informed our friend that we would be leaving and attempted to talk to the employee about his policy.

I left the club and again, since we had driven 50 miles to get there, attempted to talk some sense into the doorman. As I was talking to him, I noticed several Caucasian and Indian people entering the club, not only did they have on polo shirts, some had on plain white t-shirts, gym shoes and other garments that were not nearly as neat and professional as my husband. When I pointed this out to the doorman, he came up with a myriad of excuses, like they were repeat customers or their shirts didn't have stripes really a bunch of unreasonable excuses. At this time, it became apparent to me that the difference between these patrons and us was our skin color.

I explained to the doorman that I understand there is a certain element in Chicago that you want to keep out of your club. Trust me, I've seen many good clubs close because the wrong type of people started coming and fights, shoot outs and stampedes were the result. However, I explained that clearly we weren't those people and it was quite obvious that we weren't gaining admission because we were black.

At this point, another employee approached us and told us that no one cares that we aren't getting in. He also informed us to tell all of our friends so that they wouldn't come to the club because we weren't wanted there. He informed us that it was a private club and if they wanted to refuse admission to anyone for anything that they were within their legal rights to do so. My husband was angry by these remarks and told the employee to please step away from us so that we could wait on our car from valet (it wasn't as polite as this, but the essence of his message). The employee then told my husband that he would stomp him like an ant and that he wished he would try to hit him so that he could beat him to a pulp. He went on with a barrage of other threatening statements until his coworkers asked him to step inside.

This was a horrible incident and honestly, I think I had gotten comfortable in my little suburban life and had turned a blind eye to these types of incidents. It was a slap in the face and honestly, in addition to being angry, my feelings were very hurt. However, this caused me to think about other clubs in Chicago. The trend right now is to say you have to be on the "VIP" list to gain entry into clubs and lounges (Rednofive, Le Passage, Slicks, Transit, Bella, Sugar, etc). The reality of the situation is the VIP list is an excuse to exclude certain people. These people can be African American and typically are, they can be some other minority, they could even simply be unattractive people that don't fit into the image of the club. A columnist in Chicago even wrote how one Chicago establishment made African American patrons wait in line to gain entry, while countless Caucasian people walked in.

I went to Metromix.com to read the reviews on Transit and another woman, who seemed to be African American, had a similar experience. It is appalling and absurd, that in 2006, in a city as metropolitan as Chicago, that racism is still blatantly used to exclude minorities from clubs. Socioeconomic status doesn't preclude you from experiencing blatant racism, I am aware of that. However, I was silly enough to think that my friends and I, with all of our degrees and careers, would be sheltered to some extent. Silly me.


[Submitted by Jennifer Lee-Gilbert via CityAlert.com Message Board (http://www.cityalert.com/cgi-bin/YaBB/YaBB.pl?board=nightlife)]

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I pulled my calf muscle almost two weeks ago; this is my first injury ever. I've been pretty upbeat about things until today. I'm usually a very active person, and this is a very hard pill for me to swallow. I'm officially sick of TV, and this is the first time I ever thought I'd be able to say this, but, I'm sick of reading! It's come to the point where the thought of reading or even writing makes me sick. My creative juices have dried, and I have a serious case of cabin fever. All I want to do is go for a walk, and I can't even do that.

I know this isn't an original thought or feeling, but I'm going to say it anyway: You never know how good you have it until it gets taken away from you. I feel like I've taken mobility for granted. After I heal from this mishap, I don't think I'll ever take for granted the gift of mobility.