The Patranila Project

Pinterest is the new black!

2012-01-29T19:02:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have yet another obsession because Pinterest is as good as everyone says it is. I'm a very visual person and Pinterest is great for organizing ideas visually. Designed primarily for photos but supportive of video also, Pinterest is where it's at for sharing your image passion. Are you on? If so, leave a note with your link in the comments!! xoP

Pariah, The Movie

2011-12-29T16:33:00.000-05:00

The buzz on this film has been brewing since its screening at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and now Pariah is available in select cities across the country. I don't usually post about films I haven't yet seen, but I'm doing it this time because I landed the voiceover for the trailer and I'm so excited! You see, most (if not all) trailers use male voices to sing the critics' praises for a film, but this time the producers went with a woman's voice and that woman is MEEEEE!! Woo hoo! Take a listen. And go see the movie!

xoP

Fall Foliage

2011-12-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

It's Friday!! Have a great weekend!

Just For Fun - Pummelvision

2011-11-19T13:08:00.001-05:00

I found a new toy and its name is Pummelvision. Check it out:

If you make one (or several) of your own, please share!

xoP

Red Carpet Recap - 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards®

2011-09-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

Award season is in full swing and as you may know, I don't watch awards shows but I do watch the Red Carpet so here's who caught my eye at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

I like to start things off with my favorite and this year, the award goes to character actor Alan Cumming (The Good Wife, X-Men) for best dressed male.

Alan Cumming

Cumming got ripped for being a little too over-the-top but he made me giggle and aren't we sick of the same black tuxedos (and an occasional purple one) strolling the carpet year after year? Kudos to you Alan!

On to the contenders in the best dressed actress category. In no particular order are:

Aubrey Plaza

Christine Baranski

Claire Danes

Connie Britton

Evan Rachel Wood

Heidi Klum

Jane Krakowski

Kristen Wiig

Lena Headey

Nina Dobrev

Rashida Jones

Julia Stiles

Sofia Vergara

My favorites are Nina Dobrev, Christine Baranski, Heidi Klum and the unpopular Lena Headey. I'm going out on a limb and calling Lena Headey my absolute favorite. I love the mysterious, edginess of this body conscious look that's sexy without showing a bit of skin below the neck. Fantastic!

Lena Headey (Game of Thrones)

Now, for the Terrible Two! Gwyneth Paltrow and, oh dear God, Paz de la Huerta. Ladies what are we thinking? Not good, not good!

Gwyneth Paltrow

Paz de la Huerta

That's it for me for the Emmy's. Did I miss anyone? Do tell. Who's your favorite?

xoP

Treacherous Tuesday - Just Kidding

2011-08-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

In honor of the quake felt round the world, well ok, felt in NYC - I give you His Royal Highness ~ Prince!

Housequake!

Amy, Amy, Amy

2011-07-23T16:34:00.000-04:00

Amy Winehouse
14 September 1983 - 23 July 2010

The news of her death has saddened me in a way that I had not predicted. Of course, I watched along with the rest of the world as this deeply gifted and deeply troubled artist unraveled. We all saw her sinking and seemingly wallowing in a pit where her personal demons traveled along with her like a bad friend you can't shake. And though many of us anticipated this tragic end to her life, I always held a deep and abiding hope that she would pull herself together and save her own life. Sadly, this was not to be.

I found Amy's music at a time of great personal turmoil. Devastated by the end of a relationship, cowed by what I perceived to be an insurmountable stall of my career, displaced from my home and unsure of who I was or how I would continue living, Amy's first album, Frank, became my touchstone. A place where I could be with my heartbreak, rage, fear and sadness and mix it all in with some small kernel of hope that things wouldn't always be so God-awful. It was the winter of 2006 and no one knew who Amy Winehouse was. She was my own personal treasure trove. The piano and the chord progressions in the jazz-influenced You Sent Me Flying were like little bits of heaven to me. I took her everywhere I went.

As winter turned to spring and I put the pieces of my life back together, having grown new parts of me where others had withered, I recalled the lessons I'd learned from my time spent with Ms. Winehouse. First, that there were indeed artists making music that spoke to me and my experience and maybe there was still a place for someone like me in an industry full of popcorn and bubblegum. She had it all: soul, irreverence, courage and of course, that voice. But most importantly, I had learned that things in your life can be terrible and you can still be okay. Okay enough to write about it, to sing about it, to lay your soul bare and live to tell the tale. There would always the other side and you would most certainly be changed. Sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. This was my Amy Winehouse experience. I loved her fiercely.

When her life took it's dreadful turn and story after story broke about her drug use, her tumultuous relationship, and her declining health I had to look away. I couldn't bear to see her that way. Today I understand that I had pinned a lot of hope for my own redemption to my hope for hers and with each piece of terrible news, both seemed more unlikely.

And so it is with a heavy heart and a deep sadness that I bid farewell to a gifted singer, a woman who helped to save my life and a kindred spirit. I will miss you. Rest in sweet relief my dear Amy.

Inspiration

2011-07-15T23:25:00.001-04:00

I found this Ira Glass quote on Curvy In The City tonight. It's much needed inspiration at a time when I am damn near un-inspirable.

The View From Here

2011-07-05T01:41:00.000-04:00

~ Independence Day 2011 ~

New Beginnings

2011-07-03T10:28:00.000-04:00

I've always been conscious of the "journey factor" in my life. Well, maybe not always but I do have a tattoo that is a testament to my journey attitude over the years. I believe that life, with all its joys and horrors, is a continuous, ever evolving creation. One of my favorite phrases is "I'm working on it." Often uttered with equal parts hope and frustration. Many have asked if I ever finish anything and my answer is an unequivocal "sometimes."

I live(d) in a constant Pursuit of Perfection, certain that one day I will have done everything I intended in exactly the manner prescribed by those who prescribe such things at which point my life will be perfectly complete. Trouble is, the pursuit of perfection pre-disposes one to always be on a journey, to be striving. I’m not knocking the strive but who wants to be striving all the damned time. I want to get there already. The lack of logic in my past reasoning was not readily apparent to me. I wasn't always so smart. As you can imagine, I was thoroughly exasperated from attempting to launch my ambitions from an impossible platform. I was on a fool's errand.

Never one to enjoy looking like (or being) a fool, I have come up with a new plan. My life is, and always has been, a work in progress whether I've liked it or not. Having matured and mellowed, I'm discovering the wisdom in embracing what is while consciously intending and moving toward what I want. My motto and approach is one of kaizen, the Japanese term for continuous improvement.

My challenge in writing this blog will be to resist my deep-seated urge to write only after I’ve figured it all out.

Welcome to The Patranila Project.

Rapture

2011-06-12T12:32:00.000-04:00

Photo by Allyoulleverneedd

Going Green in the Process (of Beauty)

2011-04-23T22:17:00.000-04:00

Last week I discovered Zoya Nail Polish and I know it's not new to market, but it's new to me. The colors are the BEST and it's green! And by green, I mean it's free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and camphor. Right now I'm wearing Kelly on my fingers and Indigo on my toes! Yummers!

Check their website for info on their polish exchange program.

This is Kelly!

First signs of spring

2011-04-11T10:28:00.002-04:00

Now just waiting on the sunshine!

Crochet Heaven

2011-04-10T14:59:00.000-04:00

I found this little gem after a shoot on the Brooklyn Bridge. Have you ever seen anything like it?

I'm doing the IndieGoGo

2011-04-08T12:00:00.002-04:00

AMERICAN CANDY Does The GoGo and so do I!! I love producing this show and I'm so excited to be on this journey to get our talented crew on TV. We shot our pilot in front of a live studio audience and now we're tying up all the loose ends. Check out our IndieGoGo campaign and show your support for Crackalicious Sketch Comedy. Cause we're Smarter Than Your Average Sketch!

xoP

UPDATE!!

Our IndieGoGo campaign is complete and I'm so happy to report that we raised $2,250 in contributions. This money will help offset the cost of the pilot production and will fund subsequent recording sessions and video shoots. Thank you to everyone who contributed and everyone who continues to support AMERICAN CANDY!!

Sunset in New York

2011-04-08T00:57:00.001-04:00

View from the Telenext offices in midtown. Former corporate home of As The World Turns. I'm feeling nostalgic.

Love, Sex, Dating & Drama

2011-03-21T11:00:00.001-04:00

Hey Beautiful!!

I'm so excited to be a guest on the Season 2 premiere of Abiola on LSD: Love, Sex, Dating & Drama!! Joining me are comedian Paul Case and American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson.

Abiola and I talk sex, vibrators and all things AMERICAN CANDY! It's a great hour of scandalous fun so watch and comment. For the time challenged, my interview starts at around 38 minutes in. Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments below!!

xoP

Gingerbread!!

2011-03-21T01:02:00.002-04:00

My new toy! LOVE!

It's here!

2011-02-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

The long-awaited and much ballyhood Nexus S has arrived and I'm posting this entry from said device!! Woo hoo!

More later!

What I Want For Christmas

2010-12-13T17:13:00.013-05:00

It's DECADENT DECEMBER!!! And for all of us girls who are Single and Childless in the City, that means one thing and one thing only ... SHOPPING!!!! And massages, mani/pedis, pricey blowouts and all manner of self-indulgence!! This year, I've made my drool list and I can't wait to see what Santa (and American Express) brings me.

Here goes!

As you may know, I've been a die-hard BlackBerry fan for many years but I'm officially done. I still love my CrackBerry and I maintain my addict status but I'm on Step 2 of a 12-step program and I'm ready to move on to My #1 Indulgence ....

The Nexus S

The December 16th launch date snuck up on me and I'm hoping for an early visit from Blitzen or Rudolph or one of those boys because I have zero patience and it's simply impossible for me to wait until the 25th. It's the first Android phone to ship with the yummy Gingerbread preinstalled and I can't wait to get my hot little hands on it. Click here for a list of features and to get one of your very own.

Next up, the Nook Color

I hadn't been paying much attention to the eReader/tablet offerings mostly because I've been too consumed with watching TV to read many books but I'm back on the book wagon and I love the Nook Color. It's purdy!

Which brings me to #3 on my list ...

Google TV!!!

The Internet and all things digital on a big beautiful TV. Need I say more? Take the tour.

And for those moments when I want to capture the world around me, there's the ...

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

It's perfect for the budding photog in me and will serve as a great distraction when I'm faced with doing things I don't really want to do. Woo Hoo!!!

And finally, because no self-respecting Christmas list would be complete without a little bling, we have the Elsa Peretti Bone cuff in silver available at Tiffany & Co. It comes in silver, gold and ruthenium (whatever that is) and is designed for either the left or right wrist. I adore this bracelet and I sometimes imagine it will give me super powers like Wonder Woman's bracelets did!

So that's it for my Decadent December Christmas Wish List 2010. I'm picking up my tree this week and waiting to hear the sleigh bells!! What's on your list this year?

My First Flip!

2010-12-07T23:26:00.006-05:00

I've got a new toy!! And this one may be the best yet...

Do you Flip?

Katie Makkai - Pretty

2010-11-28T06:14:00.001-05:00

I'm not usually a big fan of poetry or slams but this is just amazing! Enjoy!

Lately

2010-10-24T14:15:00.002-04:00

Apparently, I've been too busy watching TV to post since Sex and the City 2!! Man!

Just kidding. I have been watching TV - Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries for starters but I've also been working my little fanny off with AMERICAN CANDY (my sketch comedy troupe) and The Play's The Thing (my web series). Soon I'll get on a better blogging schedule. Ah who am I kidding? I won't. Talk to you soon though!

Sex And The City 2 !!

2010-05-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

As you may have already heard I, like millions of other women, am completely obsessed with all things Sex And The City! And tonight I get to hang with my girls and talk about nothing but SATC on Shovio.com!

Tune in tonight at 10PM EDT to Abiola Abrams' Sex And The City Online Movie Party and chat LIVE with us on the air. If you don't know, Shovio is like old school talk radio with a twist: you can watch too!! Check out Episode 2 where Abiola reveals some of the shady details of our movie going experience with Sex And The City 1.

In true groupie fashion, I will be wearing my Manolos and carrying my SATC/Carrie Bradshaw swag! See you at the show people and holla so I'll know you're watching!!

AMERICAN CANDY: Smokin' Aces!! Comes to Gotham

2010-05-18T20:51:00.005-04:00

I'm soooo excited to return to Gotham Comedy Club with my sketch comedy troupe AMERICAN CANDY for our 10th show "Smokin' Aces!!" And yes, you guessed it Smokin' Aces refers to our Number Ones, the best of the best! So for all the folks who love our sometimes off-color sketches and songs like Jesus Was A Hot Boy, You're A Whore or Family Wrestling Federation, Smokin' Aces is absolutely the show to see. We've been having such a great time preparing for this show, it doesn't feel like work at all. These are photos from one of our rehearsals. That's AC Jermyn on my right, the show's choreographer and Hollie Harper, the show's creator and creative director. Sometimes I can't believe how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such talented and hard working women.

If you're in town, stop by Gotham on May 20th at 8:15PM. You'll be really glad you did!!

Flashback Friday: Patranila Jefferson

2010-05-07T11:00:00.003-04:00

That's right, today I'm doing a look back at some of the work I've done over the years. Truth time - I was trolling YouTube a few days ago and realized there's a ton of stuff that I don't have copies of. To that end, I'm linking to some of them here so I'll have them and you can see them too. Enjoy!

SPRING!!

2010-05-03T20:54:00.007-04:00

I was trolling my favorite blogs and came across this photo of Candace Bushnell's latest "The Carrie Diaries" which chronicles Carrie's life before Sex and the City begins. Isn't this the best book cover you've ever seen?! It's just delicious!!

Image by jen ramos of MadebyGirl.

Of course I went right over to bn.com and bought a copy. I love books and I adore Sex and the City (already have a date planned with my BFF for the opening of SATC 2 on May 27th) and in true groupie fashion, I'll be wearing my Manolos while carrying this book and a copy of Carrie Bradshaw's first book "Sex and the City." You remember, the book that was a collection of her columns? Yes I have an actual copy because I worked on the show for the episode that was Carrie's book release party!!! And no, we weren't supposed to take the props but come on! Can you see me walking out of there without one? I think not.

Image by patranila

So while I've been waiting for my most anticipated film of the year, I've been doing lots of work on career building, life building and all that good stuff. To that end, this blog will undergo major changes in the very near future to reflect all the wonderful changes in my life. I won't spill now but please stay tuned as all will be revealed in due time. In the meantime, have a wonderful spring and I'll talk to you soon!

xop

A Good Giggle

2010-02-25T01:02:00.001-05:00

"Look at me..."

I gotta have it!

2010-02-14T11:21:00.004-05:00

I was flipping through my Google Reader and came across this genius MacBook case called BookBook by Twelve South. It's the best thing I've seen all year. As many of you know, I am simply and deeply in love with my MacBook Pro and it physically pains me to leave her at home. Thus, I'm always carting her EVERYWHERE! At a mere four and half pounds, she's an easy burden to bear and I want her to have a full and well-rounded life. Until recently, I didn't think anything of taking her to Starbies for my afternoon Mocha and a magazine, or to rehearsal or to the local Dunkin' Donuts for a 30 grams o' fat bowtie, but friends and family alike have begun making cautionary comments. Things like, "are you sure you should take it with you?" and "be careful with it." ???!!!

First off, she's not an IT, she's a SHE and isn't stealing someone's laptop akin to stealing someone's child?? I mean, I never think of it as a crime of opportunity, like "oh there's a computer on the table, let me pick that up and slip it into my bag." Just as I imagine most people don't go around thinking "oh there's a cute kid in that stroller, let me roll her out of here and into my waiting car." Children and laptops are personal and valuable, something you make from scratch that changes your life forever. But now they've got me worried and I'm not a worrier damn it! And those vibrant, ubiquitous, neoprene soft cases are no help because everyone knows there's a Mac in there.

Enter the BookBook.

Sweet camouflage, great style and a touch of old-world charm. Carrying your Mac in this case can make you look like you read more than Star Magazine.

Functional too because you don't have to take your baby out of the case to do a little Mac-ing.

I haven't seen a better case than this but if you have, please drop a line and let me know! As for now, I'm sold!!

A Year in Pictures

2010-02-07T02:51:00.001-05:00

Behind the scenes at the Obama White House. Enjoy!

Sketch Comedy is my life!

2010-01-17T02:06:00.007-05:00

Hey Beautiful!

I've been away from my deeply missed blog for a few months because I've been happily kidnapped by the juggernaut that is AMERICAN CANDY! For those of you who haven't heard, AMERICAN CANDY is the fastest rising sketch comedy show in New York. And just like jet planes leaving the earth's gravity field, it takes a lot of energy to get this brilliant machine off the ground. In addition to acting and singing in the show, I recently signed on as a producer and it has been an amazing experience so far. I'm so excited about where we're going. Our first performance since the "producer" development was AMERICAN CANDY: Welcome to the 80s! held at the Irondale Center in Ft. Greene. In a word, the show was incredible!! Here's some coverage by Nando Rodriguez of nandoism.com. Let me know what you think and if you want up-to-the-minute news on AMERICAN CANDY, follow us on Twitter (@AMERICANCANDYtv) and become our Fan on Facebook.

AMERICAN CANDY Comes to Gotham

2009-11-03T10:00:00.004-05:00

Last week marked my debut performance at The Gotham Comedy Club with my sketch comedy troupe, AMERICAN CANDY, and I had a blast. Here are a few pics from the show.

Back stage before the show.

"Kids These Days"

"Kiki and Jane"

"The Rom Com Control"

Stay tuned for more & follow AMERICAN CANDY on Twitter www.twitter.com/American_Candy for news on upcoming shows.

Autumn in New York

2009-11-01T01:21:00.003-04:00

Or what I would like to imagine my autumn in NY will be. Found some lovely pictures, thought I'd share. Just yummy.

Flashback Friday: Candi Staton

2009-09-11T12:10:00.004-04:00

Totally having a 70s disco/soul groove thang today! iTunes finally got on board with some classics I want to hear and I bought Candi's Victim and When You Wake Up Tomorrow. Already in my library is my all time Staton FAVE Young Hearts Run Free!! It was the theme song at my Grown Ass Woman Birthday Bash a few years ago.

Hope you enjoy!

Flashback Friday: Whitney Houston

2009-09-04T13:29:00.003-04:00

In honor of the voice we used to know and love. Here's Whitney singing her classic "I Will Always Love You." I sincerely hope she can make it back to greatness, she had the best voice of our time.

First One Hundred - Checkpoints: Bravo, Charlie and Delta

2009-08-29T14:43:00.012-04:00

I'm happy to say there are many, many things poppin' this summer and hence, I've been totally remiss in my First One Hundred Days Checkpoint posts. You know how it is, sometimes a girl's life gets in the way of a girl's blogging.

Since my last update:

I've recorded the classic tune Ebb Tide for the soundtrack of the film "The Yakuza and The Mermaid" which will hit theaters in 2010. As soon as the mix is completed, I'll post a snippet for your listening pleasure. ;-)

In the studio.

I've made my way back to the stage performing with the new sketch comedy troupe American Candy. Crackalicious!

With AC troupe member, Ron DeSuze.

I've dipped my toe back into the producer game and signed on to produce a reality web series for Hollie Harper's Playgroup. The series chronicles the journey of new acting students as they learn what it really takes to be an actor. It's a tremendous amount of work and I'm having a ball. Last week we invited guest directors Pete Chatmon, Randall Dottin and Samad Davis to work with the students and the footage is sure to make for amazing TV. This week, we begin editing...

Director, Pete Chatmon.

The Playgroup

I bought my very first Mac and redesigned my workspace. My life will never be the same.

Isn't she gorgeous!

And I've not had a single day off in about two months. I haven't even had a moment to schedule a spa day that my co-workers gifted me for my birthday over two months ago. What's up with that? Soon come, soon come. Anyway, I've gotta go to work now and I'm running late. Talk to ya later!!

Style Quiz - Sleek New Earth

2009-08-16T01:53:00.005-04:00

So it's 2am and I found this style quiz on Franki Durbin's Life in a Venti Cup. I figured since I'm not doing anything special, I'll take the quiz too. I think it's quite accurate. My current apartment has the same vibe. What's your interior style?

Sleek New Earth

You love the outdoors and bring

them into your living environment.

You consider the technological

side of your space.

You bring trends that complement

your lifestyle into your home.

Flashback Friday: CeCe Winans

2009-08-14T12:47:00.003-04:00

Every now and again I get in a gospel mood and today is one of those days. CeCe has one of the best voices EVER and I love her rendition of I Surrender All.

This is a long video but worth it! Oh yeah, Whitney's in here too...

Yo!

2009-08-12T11:59:00.003-04:00

This was making the rounds on FriendFeed yesterday. Love it!

Talented Tuesday

2009-08-11T12:33:00.003-04:00

I don't know what it is, but the stars must be aligned to get some message across to me today. And, in true pay-it-forward style, this is for you too...

Steve's Plea

2009-08-11T11:26:00.005-04:00

I was trolling my Google Reader this morning, easing my way into a late-start day and I came across this FB posting from one of my dear friends. It is perhaps one of the clearest and most succinct pleas for living the life you really want to live that I've ever heard (or read). Steve Jobs gave the Commencement Address at Stanford a few years ago and in case you missed it, I'm including it below. Hell, even if you caught it the first time around, it's well worth a second or third read. The simplicity of his message is... beautifully brilliant.

Text of Steve Jobs' Commencement address (2005)

Posted using ShareThis

My Garden Blooms

2009-08-03T11:46:00.004-04:00

This is what it looked like in the very beginning. I thought the white blooms would be my favorite but I'm loving the pink.

So Beautiful

2009-08-03T02:37:00.004-04:00

I came across these photos from the NY Times on MadeByGirl and this home is so gorgeous I could weep. I LOVE lofts and this one is breathtaking. Living spaces like this one always make me feel as if anything is possible. If only... Or should I say, I can't wait until...

I'm a Mom!

2009-07-23T12:35:00.006-04:00

And like all new moms, I'm completely obsessed with my new baby. And here she is...

I've been planning for her arrival for such a long time, I can hardly believe she's here. She was born on Sunday, July 19 (that makes her a Cancer like her mom) weighing 4 lbs 5 oz and measuring 13". I know, she's really tiny. I was stunned when I first saw her how small she really was because there's been so much build up and anticipation of her arrival. And she has really filled up my life. I want to take her everywhere with me but alas, I cannot. Like all new mothers I've experienced some serious separation anxiety and I've installed all manner of new security measures around the house to keep her out of harm's way.

They say that you love your kids but you also fall in love with them. Well, it's 100% true. I am deeply in love with her and I can't imagine what I ever did before she came into my life. (Sniff, sniff.)

First One Hundred - Checkpoint: Alpha

2009-07-12T12:16:00.025-04:00

It's been 12 days since the start of my First One Hundred Days Life Challenge and I'm happy to report that I've been having a grand old time so far. I've made some progress at My Oasis in Harlem, namely getting rid of three boxes of books, weeding out old clothes and lingerie (mostly gifts from former lovers) and making major strides with my Fire Escape Garden Project. By major, I mean

starting it.

before

raw materials

on it's way...

The Depot was out of those holders you use to hang the flower boxes from the railing so I'll be making another trip there soon for those and more dirt because as you can see, I have more planting to do.

My Birthday/New Year's Soiree

My birthday is July 1, smack dab in the middle of the year and, as you may have heard, I celebrate for the entire month of July. On the first, I had some of my nearest and dearest over to The Oasis for champagne and cupcakes. It was a really good night...

Maisha, Zuyapa, Abiola and Me

Maisha, Zuyapa, Hollie, Abiola and The Birthday Girl

Maisha, Zuyapa, Abiola, Hollie and Kristal

... And then there was the 4th ...

Spent the day in Brooklyn with the girls grubbing at Habana Outpost, shooting an impromptu photo session in Ft. Greene Park (pics to follow), hanging at a random Beer Lounge in Prospect Heights and partying at the Brooklyn Museum's First Saturday Event. Caution: the video you're about to see is, umm... a little rowdy and raucous.

There have also been a couple of dinners (at The 21 Club and Scarpetta in the Meatpacking District) with a few more in the works.

Summer is my favorite season and it's been pretty damned good so far!!

It's New Year's Eve -- Again

2009-06-30T13:35:00.005-04:00

Happy New Year!! To me that is. Tomorrow is MY BIRTHDAY and I feel incredibly fortunate to have a birthday that's smack dab in the middle of the year. I get to start over twice a year. Yippee!!

A couple of weeks ago, I read on Life in a Venti Cup about Franki's week-long recharge plan and was really excited to join her to see how much my life could change in a week if I made a few minor tweaks. It seemed like a lot of fun and my desire for the quick fix kicked right in. I wrote to Franki and told her I was on board. I was all prepared to give up time drainers like TV (she went cold turkey but I was only prepared to give up daytime watching) and addictive computer games to immerse myself in all the challenges at hand.

Then, I had another thought. Instead of jumping in with both feet before checking for barracuda, I decided to take a different approach. Hence, I've been using the last two weeks to think about what I really want to accomplish in this coming year. And rather than tackling a week-long challenge, I'm take a page from the Presidential Playbook and planning My First 100 Days. Monumental, yes. Significantly harder, no question. But with an upside that could completely overhaul my continued existence on the planet. These are the things that really get me excited. So, just for fun and a little accountability, I'm sharing with you a brief smattering of the things on my 100 Days List and I'll keep you posted on how it's all going...

In no particular order:

1. Get rid of every unnecessary item in my home.

2. Go on a real vacation.

3. Apply for a pistol permit.

4. Begin sailing lessons.

5. Write two songs for Crazy Black Chicks, The Movie.

6. Practice more patience, more gratitude and less complaining.

Some stuff on my list is not closed-ended or quantifiable (like the complaining thing) but will nonetheless have a tremendous impact on my daily breath.

Tomorrow begins my Act II. In popular film story structure, Act II is where all the complications, road blocks and challenges arise to keep the Hero from achieving her heart's desire. This is where she must prove how badly she really wants what she's been dreaming of. Look out world, I've got some proving to do!

One More Reason to Heart Barack

2009-05-11T17:22:00.003-04:00

He's damned funny!

Check out his address at the White House Correpsondents' Association Dinner. Video courtesy of the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/09/full-video-obamas-white-h_n_201264.html

Flashback Friday - Teena Marie

2009-04-24T10:00:00.002-04:00

All hail the return of Flashback Friday! FF has been on hiatus since YouTube kept crashing my Firefox app but now I'm on Google Chrome and all has been restored.

This week's selection is the incomparable Teena Marie singing a live version of If I Were A Bell and if her soaring soprano solo was not enough, Lady T doubles up and sings pieces of her second lead at the end of the tune. Nobody does it better. Love her to pieces! This performance combines my two favorite things, a great voice and a lone piano. Enjoy!

UPDATE: And with her passing we all miss her very much. Rest In Peace soul sister.

I'm an Ingrid

2009-04-21T00:14:00.003-04:00

Spent a little time trolling for new blogs today and came across this cute, little, two-question quiz on Fab Obsessed. It always amazes me how accurate these things can be. As it turns out, I'm an Ingrid. Which icon are you?

Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me

* Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.

* Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.

* Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.

* Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.

* Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid

* my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level

* my ability to establish warm connections with people

* admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life

* my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor

* being unique and being seen as unique by others

* having aesthetic sensibilities

* being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

* experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair

* feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved

* feeling guilty when I disappoint people

* feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me

* expecting too much from myself and life

* fearing being abandoned

* obsessing over resentments

* longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often

* have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games

* are very sensitive

* feel that they don't fit in

* believe they are missing something that other people have

* attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.

* become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood

* feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents

* help their children become who they really are

* support their children's creativity and originality

* are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings

* are sometimes overly critical or overly protective

* are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Life Couldn't Be Better!!

2009-03-27T10:12:00.005-04:00

Spring has officially sprung and I'm so excited I can barely stand it!! Today is the first 65-degree, sunny in NYC day of the season and it couldn't have happened at a better time. You see, March 27, 2009 is the day I'm giving birth. Birth? Yes birth. Not to a real live human baby but to my long-gestating screenplay Crazy Black Chicks!! The American Theatre of Harlem has chosen Crazy Black Chicks (written by yours truly & Abiola Abrams) as a featured script in their Comedy Reading Series and it's going to be FABULOUS!! The particulars:

Crazy Black Chicks, the story of two women, a serious thespian and her beef patty heiress roomie, who make a pact to get famous in 30 days or bust. We follow their hilarious journey as they prove they'll do ANYTHING to make their dreams come true.

American Theatre of Harlem

The South Oxford Space

138 South Oxford Street

Brooklyn, NY 11217

8PM, The Great Room

The cast is amazing and we've been having a ball in rehearsal and I just know it's going to be a wonderful night. You can visit our Facebook Page for a complete list of the players and to RSVP for the event. I hope to see you there. I'll be tweeting all the behind the scenes brouhaha and I'll post select video and pics in the coming days.

So excited!! AAAAHHHHHH!!!

President Obama on Leno!!!

2009-03-20T10:44:00.003-04:00

My obsession continues as Mr. Obama continues his history-making crusade by being the first sitting President to appear on a late-night talk show. He's so amazing I can't stand it. Watch and enjoy!!

Breakthrough Screening Tonight

2009-03-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

Get your tickets here! Get. Your. Tickets. Here. Just kidding I don't sell tickets but my film Breakthrough (directed by Celia C. Peters) is screening tonight at the 5th Annual Community Film Festival presented by the American Theatre of Harlem and Cultures Collide.

Breakthrough is the story of two cousins at odds over a painful secret. Is blood thicker than water? Or can they both be dangerous?

Trailer for Breakthrough, a short film by Celia C. Peters

The program begins at 7pm and Breakthrough is the second film of the evening so be on time my lovelies. Here are the particulars:

American Theatre of Harlem
The South Oxford Space
138 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.857.2783
www.americantheatreofharlem.org

Check their website for the complete schedule and please let me know if you make it. Have a great weekend!

Who Does She Think She Is?

2009-03-06T15:16:00.004-05:00

Seems like a must-see for artists and artist lovers.

Dr. Cornel West

2009-03-05T09:08:00.003-05:00

I found this over at veaux this morning and I had to post it before I started my day. West is, as always, profound and on time.

I Met Deepak!!

2009-03-02T14:13:00.003-05:00

It was Valentine's Day and there he was sitting at a table in China Grill, casually having dinner with a friend. Of course, once I realized it was him I started hyperventilating a bit but I was certainly able to compose myself enough to go over and speak to him. He was incredibly open and generous and after I blabbered on and on about how his work has affected my life, he let me (and my friend Abiola) take a photo with him. THEN he asked

for our contact info so he could send us both a gift. WHAAA!!! Can you imagine?!!?!?! That gift arrived a few days later in the mail. Abiola had to remind to check my mail, via Twitter no less, because I never do but when I did, there was a package with three books: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimension of Your Life, and Power, Freedom and Grace. The Seven Laws have been a part of my daily life for several years now and I've just started The Book of Secrets.

Wowza!

On Growing Up

2009-02-11T17:11:00.016-05:00

As you know I've become obsessed with all things Presidential since Mr. Obama's election and inauguration and to that end I've become an avid reader of the White House Blog. Today there is a post about the First Lady's visit to Howard University where she addresses the age-old question, "What are you going to do when you grow up?" This is a question I ask myself all the time. Even though I'm well past the age of consent, I've only recently begun to feel like a grownup and trust me, it is a work in progress. Most days I feel like a full-fledged adult but I still have many moments when I'd like to crawl into my mom's bed and watch TV with her. (Not that we did that much when I was a kid because she didn't have time or the inclination to watch much TV and she doesn't even own a TV now but you get my meaning.)

Anyway, Mrs. Obama told Howard's students that she still doesn't have the answer to that question and she's 45 years old. The First Lady, I believe, was speaking more to the point of the transient nature of the answer than to the asking itself or even about being/feeling like a grownup. She talked about doing the best you can within your given circumstances which resonated with me a great deal because I'm the person who feels she needs to be prepared for any and every eventuality. This, of course, is impossible and does indeed stop me from doing many things that I'd love to do. The trouble is, I weight each decision with all the possibilities and implications for the future instead of allowing them to be for this moment. Ah, the pressures of a desire to be perfect. Silly girl!

I have accepted that I may never fully feel like a grownup and maybe, just maybe, that's not such a bad thing.

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Growing up

First Lady Michelle Obama visited Howard University today, where she assured a crowd of college students that hey, it's ok if you're not sure exactly what you want to do with your life.

"The question that I hate most that we ask of young people is, 'What are you going to be when you grow up?' And the truth is, I still don't know, and I'm 45 years old," she said. "All I know is that it's important for you to be true to yourselves, not to worry too much about what other people are going to think or make of your choices, because everyone will question what you do and tell you you should've done it the other way."

Read the full remarks here.

White House photos 2/11/09 by Joyce N. Boghosian

MBBL Episode 2: The One with the Sparkly Dress

2009-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time coming but I've finally completed Episode 2 of MBBL and I'm super excited to share it with you! This is a behind-the-scenes look at a film I shot last year called The Yakuza and The Mermaid. It's really special to me because it marks my singing debut (on film that is). Egads! As you know, singing is my first-est love so combining my love of singing and my passion for moviemaking is just about the cat's pajamas.

Special thanks to my camera operators Jayson Hayes and Shari Berman, my editor Kristal Mosely and, of course, Yakuza's director Chris Benker for allowing me to disrupt his set with my little side project. He moans about it but I think he secretly enjoys the added stress I bring to his life. Shh...don't tell him I said that.

If you're so inclined, check out Episode 1.

Wish Fulfillment

2009-02-09T17:29:00.004-05:00

My life has been all work and very little play lately but this is how I imagine I'd like to awake on a random Thursday morning. Sigh...

image courtesy William Waldron via {this is glamorous}

A Quick Update

2009-02-05T19:19:00.012-05:00

Earlier this week I wrote about my adventures this past January and I mentioned living vicariously through my friend Ingrid who's vacationing in Brazil...until March. To be fair, she's not really on vacation, per se. She and her hubby are simply traveling for the year. Ahem. Well, no sooner than I'd posted that missive, Miss Ingrid sent me some snapshots from the current leg of her trip. This is the view from her suite in Florianopolis.

Nice, huh? What I wouldn't give.

Where would you like to be right now?

What If: A Meditation

2009-02-05T18:52:00.006-05:00

A couple of days ago, my friend Mary sent this brief mediation to me and I found it so timely that I sent it to my nearest and dearest. Now, I'd like to share it with you.

Letting Go of Worry

What if we knew for certain that everything we're worried about today will work out fine?

What if...we had a guarantee that the problem bothering us would be worked out in the most perfect way, and at the best possible time? Furthermore, what if we knew that three years from now we'd be grateful for that problem and its solution?

What if...we knew that even our worst fear would work out for the best?

What if... we had a guarantee that everything that's happening, and has happened, in our life was meant to be, planned just for us, and in our best interest?

What if...we had a guarantee that the people we love are experiencing exactly what they need in order to become who they're intended to become? Further, what if we had a guarantee that others can be responsible for themselves, and we don't have to control or take responsibility for them?

What if...we knew the future was going to be good, and we would have an abundance of resources and guidance to handle whatever comes our way?

What if...we knew everything was okay, and we didn't have to worry about a thing? What would we do then?

We'd be free to let go and enjoy life.

Today, I will know that I don't have to worry, I will do it with the understanding that I am choosing to worry and it is not necessary.

The First 31

2009-01-31T16:59:00.021-05:00

One down, eleven to go. 2009 blew in on a strong wind (of change, of course) and I must admit, I've been blown hither and yon ever since. I can't believe the month of January is on it's way out and it didn't look anything like I thought it would. With the exception of the giddy anticipation of President Obama's Inauguration, I have been broadsided by my life in many ways. Some good, some not so good.

First, it was my plan to bring in the New Year perfecting my winter tan on a sunny beach in the tropics like this one...

...but I've had to settle for living vicariously through my friend Ingrid who is sunning herself on the shores of Brazil at this very moment (and will be doing so until mid March). Damn the economy!

Then I thought I'd be able to ease into the year with a few days of reflection, visualizing and planning. Every year, well almost every year, I do the exercises in Jinny Ditzler's book, Your Best Year Yet!

With answers to ten in-depth questions I get to summarize my previous year by noting my accomplishments and disappointments, identify my main focus for the coming year, pick my Top 10 Goals and plan it all out in as much detail as I can stand. I have to say, in the years that I've neglected my Best Year Yet Plan, things have gone easily awry. Enter 2008. But that's a conversation for another time. So far, I've answered the questions, but the planning has been a little lacking. Mostly because I've been working, a lot. This is not a complaint by any means and I'm happy to say I've been working steadily toward my goals but whenever I don't have things clearly delineated on paper, I feel a little off-center.

Nonetheless, progress prevails. I met with a talent manager who's interested in reading a screenplay I've written (yay!), I landed an interview with an agent I've been stalking for months (he thought I was funny), I booked a few more voiceover gigs and I've landed a recurring role on As The World Turns (whoppee!). I couldn't really ask for a better month.

I've also become obsessed with all things Presidential. I'm now subscribed to the White House blog, I'm DVRing "On Board Air Force One" on the National Geographic Channel and I'm often glued to CNN aka The Barack Obama Show. Good stuff.

In the midst of all this, I have managed to keep my apartment clean, get a much-needed mani/pedi, kiss a couple of boys and trip down the stairs nearly breaking my foot. I'm taking the stairs incident as a sign from the Universe to slow down. So this weekend, I'm holed up at home with my throbbing foot catching up on all my blog reading. Fun!

How is this year shaping up for you?

Hail to the Chief!!

2009-01-20T11:30:00.005-05:00

"Finally, it has happened to me, right in front of my face and I'm just so excited"...or so the lyrics (kind of) go to CeCe Peniston's classic "Finally". It's been a long time coming but by God is it right on time. Mr. Obama takes the oath of office in this moment and the pride, joy and awe I feel in the face of his triumph is indescribable. A major hurdle has been cleared with impeccable grace, style and a healthy swagger.

I've charted some of my own personal moments on this journey to the White House and I'd love to hear about or see some of yours.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

When I was growing up, one of my most treasured family traditions was all the kids piling in my mom's car and driving around searching for the best Christmas light decorations. There was one block that was our all-time favorite because every house on the street participated in an all-out decorating competition. People would travel from all five boroughs to walk down this street that had every square inch decorated with flying sleds with Santa and his reindeers, nativity scenes, snowflakes, toy soldiers and EVERYTHING. All the trees were ablaze in white light and it was the most magical experience of my year.

That block is no longer lit up like it was when I was a kid but these images of a house and tree-lined street in Dyker Heights remind me of it.

And these two are representative of some of my favorite Christmas decorations now that I'm all grown up. Well, sort of.

Macy's Herald Square

Cartier, Fifth Avenue

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!

Best Dresses of 2008

2008-12-23T18:53:00.014-05:00

I LOVE to get dressed up for a great evening out but when I can't do that, I love to look at pictures of other people who are all dolled up and looking fine. Here are some of the best dresses from industry fetes and functions. I can't decide which is my favorite. What's yours?

Thandie Newton in Chanel.

Cynthia Nixon looking better than I've ever seen her look.

Oprah: buxom and bodacious. Love it!

Jurnee Smollett

Kyra Sedgwick

Olivia Wilde

Jane Krakowski at the Emmy Awards.

Mariska Hargitay at the Emmys.

And the uber-talented Tina Fey.

I've Been...

2008-12-22T15:19:00.031-05:00

I'm so excited! This is my first tag, granted by DaVida Chanel. I am officially on vacation this week but I'm thrilled to post from my mental vacation on the big island of Hawaii.

Here are my six things:

1. I just now completed my Letter to Santa and I hope he gets it in time. I know it's late, but hey, I'm a procrastinator. On my list this year: a plate of gingerbread cookies, which I'm pretty sure I'll get; a new MacBook which I really, really need; a new BlackBerry Storm which I just gotta have (I just gotta!) and one miracle (non-specified).

2. I'm a General Hospital Junkie and I make no apologies for said junkie status. I am however, in danger of boycotting the show if the executive producer (Jill Farren Phelps) and the head writer (Bob Guza) don't fix this debacle with my favorite character, Jason Morgan, and his lady love Elizabeth Webber. I am neither above nor beyond sending nasty letters to the Gower Studios in LA. I'll do it, you know I will.

This is Jason:

and the family he should have

3. My friend Nick just turned me on to LatinoReview.com where I have watched the trailer for the upcoming Terminator movie like a zillion times! I am a bit of a sci-fi geek and I LOVE Christian Bale. Yummers!!

4. I can't wait for the new year to begin. Big plans for 2009!

5. My alter ego's name is Sugar Britches. More on SB later.

6. I have been in a weird vortex of technological malfunction for the better part of this year. After I poured a grande, non-fat, with whip Mocha into my laptop, my iPod (the only source of all my music in the world) went on the fritz. I was able, with much hand-wringing, to retrieve the music from said iPod only to discover that my loaner computer will not recognize the discs. My loaner computer is prone to random and annoying blue screen errors and my favorite browser, Firefox, crashes all the time for no reason at all and no one can tell me how to fix it. Any wonder why I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of 2009?

I am dying to know more about these folks and thus am tagging:

1. Karla at Confessions of a Former Hot Girl,

2. Jennifer at MadeByGirl,

3. Jean at StyleObserver,

4. Franki at Life in a Venti Cup,

5. Jen at Writeous Chicks, and

6. Twanna at Funky Brown Chick.

These are the rules for tagging:

Mention the rules on your blog. Tell six quirky, yet unspectacular details about yourself. Tag six others and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they've been tagged.

Cheers!

{tagged! image courtesy luckys blog}

I am lovin' Polyvore

2008-12-18T22:46:00.005-05:00

I was browsing one of my fave blogs, MadeByGirl, and came across Jennifer's foray into the world of Polyvore which is a web-based application for mixing and matching images from anywhere on the web. You can create collages based on fashion, interiors, or just images that you love. It's so much fun and totally addictive. It functions as a great inspiration board. I feel like I could be the next Rachel Zoe. Ha!! This is my first outfit. I just registered under Patranila so you can add me to your community if you'd like. And remember you've been warned...it's addictive.

Work Gear #1 by Patranila

George Bush - The Artful Dodger

2008-12-16T13:00:00.010-05:00

President Bush showed extraordinary agility and quick-as-a-cat reflexes when dodging the Iraqi Shoe Thrower. It's almost as if he's a man accustomed to having things hurled at his head.

Flashback Friday - Jodeci

2008-12-12T13:49:00.004-05:00

I came across this video recently and a whole heap of memories flooded back for me and I'm sure they will for you too. Sit back and relax as K-Ci, Jo Jo, DeVante Swing and Mr. Dalvin perform their signature track, "Come and Talk to Me."

Beauty and the Bedroom

2008-12-08T10:00:00.003-05:00

Since it seems that I spend a great deal of time trolling the internet in search of a beautiful and brilliant life (I don't know that this is at all an effective strategy) I do have the occasion to come across some really lovely things. I think living a beautifully brilliant life starts with having a beautifully brilliant home.

Now most people say that home is where the hearth is and that the kitchen is the center of a vibrant and satisfying home life. I tend to disagree. As a single girl in the city who, like Carrie Bradshaw, uses her oven for shoe storage, I'm a firm believer that the center of my home is my bedroom. One day, when I get a digital camera that works, I'll post some photos of my silver and white masterpiece but until then, take a gander at these beauties.

don't remember where I found this one. sorry.

photo courtesy: bhg

Give Us Money, We Are Pretty

2008-12-07T22:45:00.003-05:00

photo courtesy of: ambushuu

I love this! And I'm thinking about joining them soon. Couldn't hurt.

Flashback Friday - Tina Turner

2008-12-05T10:00:00.005-05:00

I was a little bitty girl when my mom introduced me to Tina Turner. Tina, my mom's favorite, was unapologetically wild and wildly talented. My favorite combination in a singer and, well, just about everything. Just as I did with Aretha Franklin, I would lock myself in my room and belt out Tina tunes to my mirror. And when I grew up (a little) and was dating a music producer, we kind of referred to ourselves as Ike and Tina--without the abuse, of course.

Anyway, today's Flashback is Ike and Tina with their famous cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary. And since Tina is still packing stadiums with throngs of fans, I've included a bonus of a more recent performance of Tina without, um, Ike. Soak it in!

Sarkozy Hearts Obama

2008-12-04T13:49:00.005-05:00

Last night while contending with a bout of mild insomnia, I came across this article in the current issue of Variety about French President Nicolas Sarkozy who is prepping his campaign for France's 2012 election by studying Mr. Obama's run here in the States. Sarkozy has hired advertising executive Christophe Lambert to make his campaign a Hollywood-style showcase. According to Mr. Lambert, "Obama applies the rules of cinema to politics, his campaign was a political superproduction about a hero who embodies the promise of a new America."

This got me to thinking. Is there someone I can hire to run my life like a Hollywood-style showcase? And just what would that entail? What story would I cast myself in and just what type of heroine would I be? I wonder.... I'll let you know when I come up with something and in the meantime, if anyone would like to volunteer for the job, just comment below and I'll get right back to you.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996545.html?categoryid=1019&cs=1&query=sarkozy

Flashback Friday - Patti Labelle

2008-11-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I usually reserve these posts for music flashbacks but I couldn't resist this scene from one of my fave shows, A Different World. Since it's the day after Thanksgiving and we've all had our fill of our own families, this seems the perfect reminder that everyone's family has their, quirks, shall we say... enjoy!

Gobble Gobble!!

2008-11-27T16:19:00.007-05:00

Ahh Thanksgiving. A time for family, good will and of course, thankfulness. With so much turmoil and unrest in our world, I believe it's more important than ever to stay mindful of and be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I belong to a group of women (affectionately known as Power Girls) who write and send Gratitude Lists each day. It's such a joy to write my own list but even more so to read the lists of others in which I'm often reminded of the little things that I tend to forget to be grateful for. Simple stuff like "another day to take on" or "wonderful, blissful alone time." This is the list I sent today:

My life.
My family.
My friends.
Sweet potato pie! Yum--mee!!
My sister-in-law who is doing the heavy lifting this year.
Spending the day and last night with my nephew cooking his favorite things.
Being in the awesome position of guiding a young life.
A life full of choices.
Freedom.
My Oasis in Harlem.
Grat Lists and Grat Girls.

I always breathe a little easier and smile a little wider after I've written a list.

My nephew, Lonnie

stayed with me last night and we cooked some of his favorite foods:

corn bread, macaroni and cheese

and my favorite, sweet potato pie(s).

So far, I've eaten an entire pie by myself. Partly because Lonnie doesn't like sweet potatoes but mostly because I eat sweet potato pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner when I make them. He doesn't really like orange food at all which I think stems from a carrot overdose he experienced as a baby. Nevertheless, he's one of my favorite people on the planet so I can overlook the fact that he doesn't share my sweet potato passion.

Right now I have to get myself dressed and get Lonnie off the sofa where he's glued to the TV watching Drake & Josh's Bromantic Thanksgiving Weekend on The N.

Have a wonderful holiday!!

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Flashback Friday - Michael Jackson

2008-11-21T13:04:00.004-05:00

I went to a party for Ford Lifestyle last night at High Bar and the DJ was spinning some classic Michael Jackson in the middle of a great set so naturally, I have MJ on the brain today. This is Masterful Michael at his best performing The Way You Make Me Feel at the 1988 Grammy Awards. Enjoy!

Nine Fun Facts About Me

2008-11-19T10:00:00.007-05:00

I triple heart New York.
I always wanted to be a race car driver.
I don’t really believe I’m going to die. Ever. I've been building a strong case for being carried up to the heavens on a cloud like Elijah.
I have four brothers and three sisters yet I feel like an only child a lot of the time.
I double heart Jason Morgan.
My favorite book is Atlas Shrugged.
I don’t like to leave the house on Mondays. I inherited this from my mother.
Twilight is my favorite time of day.
I have a star named for me in the International Star Registry. “Baby Patranila” is in the Andromeda constellation and her coordinates are RA 0h10m 31sd 36^o31’.

What to do, what to do?

2008-11-17T22:19:00.012-05:00

Like millions of other Americans, I had been (im)patiently waiting for the release of the super hyped, super fast BlackBerry Bold. I did my research, collected pictures (see sidebar) and sussed out service plans and rates. I endured delayed release dates and the knowledge that BB users in other countries (like Canada!!) already had the device. I was all set to go and I was even prepared to switch to AT&T whose service is sketchy at best and with whom I have a long-standing grudge; the details of which I won't bore you with right now but I will say that it involved a memo, a monkey and Whitney Houston.

Still, I was willing to let bygones be bygones and ditch my long-held T-Mobile service for Rollover minutes and the best Smartphone on the market. That is until Research in Motion (RIM) introduced the BlackBerry Storm on the Verizon network and threw my world off kilter.

At first I didn't seriously consider the Storm (pictured above) because it's a touch screen device and I don't really care for touch screens, I like the tactile sensation of pressing actual buttons. Then I discovered the Storm has a simulated "click" sound and feel when using the QWERTY "keypad." Serious game changer. On top of which it's on the Verizon network which has the best coverage ever.

What to do?? I had my heart set on the Bold because I really want the actual keyboard and the Rollover minutes but the Storm/Verizon option has a bigger display, a better camera and no personal (read AT&T) baggage.

Thoughts? Insider information? Anybody?

I am, however, taking heart because at least I'm not in the President-elect's shoes. As reported in the NY Times, Barack has to give up his beloved BlackBerry when he takes office in January. I know he really wants to be President but dude, bummer.

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life...

2008-11-10T18:33:00.009-05:00

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." - President-elect Barack Obama

It's been six days since Barack Obama won the Presidency and it's taken me this long to get my head on straight. I'll be the first to admit that my world has been knocked off its axis in the best way possible and damn it if I scarcely know who I am anymore. Shock and awe are the only words I have to describe my feelings about this stunning success, his and ours.

It's the strangest thing, I don't know a single person who actually thought, truly believed, that we'd see a black man elected President of the United States in our lifetime. And I'm a young woman. My friends are young. And so are their friends. Even the most die hard Obama supporters were completely prepared for our Charlie Brown moment when Lucy would wait until the last moment to pull the football away and we'd wind up on our backs, looking up at the sky and wondering what the hell just happened. At the very least, we just knew it would be a tooth and nail battle to the end, our army of attorneys waiting in the wings to challenge some lame ass Republican antic or another. Then, CNN projects a winner at 11:22 pm. What?! I had to read the caption four times before my heart registered what my eyes were seeing. And it wasn't a squeaker either. Obama trounces McCain, as the NY Post gleefully reported and in that moment, the world was a brand new place.

Well, now what?

I don't really know. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been struggling to process the enormity and significance of this huge win but what I do know, is that the bar has been raised. Really high. And I can't help but question just what the hell I've been doing with my life. OK, in all fairness, I'm not a complete slacker or really a slacker at all. I'm out there, making noise, pursuing the dream, doing the damned thing but I had to ask myself: "Really? Are you really doing it?" Then I realized, it's less about what I'm doing and more about how I'm doing it. Am I really living the 'balls to the wall' large life I dream for myself in the grandest way possible or am I playing it safe, going through the motions, protecting myself from what I perceive to be inevitable disappointment? Turns out that I am indeed guilty of living beneath my capability.

A few weeks ago I received a message from my higher self that called for greater courage, a broader vision, innovation and creativity. A tall order indeed but nothing I can't handle right? I mean, I'm smart, capable, creative, tenacious--so what's the trouble bubble? Trouble is my ambition had run headlong into the brick walls of rejection so many times that I'd been slowly downgrading my dreams because I got tired of peeling myself off those walls and I simply contented myself with occupying less space.

Well bump that! Thanks to Mr. Obama and his vision for himself and our nation, millions of us are reminded that anything is indeed possible. Five years ago, no one outside of Illinois knew what a Barack Obama was. At the Democratic National Convention in 2004, before he made his now legendary speech, people wearing Obama stickers and buttons were mistakenly thought to be supporters of the state of Alabama. Today he is President-elect and on January 20, 2009 he will be sworn in as the 44th President of these here United States.

Where will you be in five years?

As for me, I am re-examining, re-evaluating, re-jiggering, giving myself some time to reinvent and then we shall see....

In the immortal words of Ms. Nina Simone: "Birds flying high, you know how I feel...it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, and I'm feeling good."

Obama Ashe

2008-11-03T10:42:00.005-05:00

I received the following email from my dear friend Abiola last night and in an effort to continue doing my part to ensure that our nation makes the decision that will put us back on the road to greatness as a people, I am sharing it with you. It's been a very long fight and these last hours are the most important. Our words and our thoughts have tremendous power to affect the realities in our lives, and by extension, our world. If you agree, please repost widely.

Obama – Ashé

This message is addressed to all the supporters of Barack Obama for president who believe that words have power:

I keep hearing from Obama supporters, "I'm so scared…" or, "I am worried that…." Please understand – we need to be very careful about the words we use! Think of the sheer number of people across the globe who want to see Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. Now is the time to take responsibility for our speaking and for the energy that we are bringing to this goal. This will make a critical difference.

Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks writes, "Words are spells in our mouths." Hip Hop teaches, "Word is bond." The book of John says, "The Word becomes flesh." And, in Yoruban culture, the word "ashé" is used powerfully to seal a declaration – not to mean "let it be so" as a future wish; rather the actual saying of "ashé" makes it so, accomplishes what precedes it, creates the vibration in the cosmos that makes it fact, truth, complete, done.

We can clearly affect the outcome of the election by how we cast our votes. Yet we can effect the election by being intentional about the outcome. We must make sure the words we use will produce the results we wish to see in Tuesday's election. As cynical as some people say they are, if hundreds of thousands – if millions – of people around the world repeated, mantra-like, for the next two days, "Barack Obama IS President of the United States, NOW," how would that intentionality rearrange the molecules and energy of the universe?

For the next two days, I invite you to hold Barack Obama as President – as of now, this moment, right now, now – now – he IS President and is taking office on January 20, 2009, at noon. Avoid giving energy to other concerns – they are distractions other people have introduced to shift us from focusing our power. Live into the truth of Obama as our President, completely, with every breath, with every thought, with every fiber of your being. No fear. No hesitation. No doubt. President Obama – ASHÉ!

This has been a Weapon of Mass Instruction™ © 2008 Daniel Banks, DNAWORKS

Follow That Cupcake

2008-11-02T18:45:00.002-05:00

Huge dessert lover that I am, I'm always on the lookout for a new sweet treat. (Though, of course, there have been precious few sweet treats since I started my new eating program but we're not talking about that right now. Okay. Jeez.) Anyway, a few days ago I received a completely unrelated email from my friend Todd who blithely remarked about this traveling cupcake business he recently started.

Traveling cupcakes?!?! What you say?

Introducing, The Cupcake Truck! A GENIUS idea that puts a spin on that familiar chant of youngsters everywhere, "The Ice Cream Man is Coming!" Now, The Cupcake Man is Coming and I'm certain that young ones, and old ones alike, will be yelling in the streets!

This two-man team bakes fresh cupcakes daily and sets out delivering yummy little cakes in the neighborhood. You can check out their blog to find out where they'll be parked on any given day so all you lucky New Haveners can stop by and stock up. Right now the Cupcake Truck is only cruising the streets of New Haven, CT but I'm working diligently to get them to expand their reach and venture down to the fair city of New York. Come on guys, gas prices are coming down, really they are.

Until then, I'll sigh longingly and wait patiently for my own personal delivery. Hint, hint: Todd, this means you.

Flashback Friday - Babyface

2008-10-31T14:37:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween to all you Goblins and Ghouls!!

Today's choice for Flashback Friday is the incomparable Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds singing his classic, Whip Appeal. I came across this vid on YouTube when I was looking for some musical inspiration and a FLOOD of memories came back to me. I remember when this album was released, I immediately zeroed in on this tune and played it forever, way before the release of the single. That very first "whatever you want" affected me in places that I won't speak about in mixed company but, tell me, where were you when you first heard it?

Oh, and I usually embed vids so you don't have to leave me to listen but those futhamuckers at SonyBMG won't let me embed. Dang it!! Oh well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtbhFA3XSPI

MBBL Episode 1: The One with the Photo Shoot

2008-10-28T13:43:00.009-04:00

Hello Beautiful One!!

I am super excited to launch the first in a series of behind the scenes videos here at Beautifully Brilliant. This is a photo shoot I did earlier this year with my friend and visionary photographer, Kristin Anderson. It's a very quick glimpse into the beautiful toiling present in my daily life. LOL! I hope you like... Oh! And a special shout out to Patrick Reis, videographer extraordinaire and my homie Kristal Mosely, editrix!

Flashback Friday - Aretha Franklin

2008-10-24T10:00:00.003-04:00

The Queen of Soul

When I was a wee little girl I used to park myself in front of my mom's mirror and belt out Aretha Franklin tunes like nobody's business. Armed with my microphone/hairbrush, I had no idea what I was singing about but you couldn't tell me I wasn't killin it.

Today, Aretha is the reason why I sing...

It's a conspiracy

2008-10-22T14:30:00.004-04:00

I'm convinced. The world is conspiring to ruin my new eating program and it's only been 36 hours.

I was doing just fine yesterday while at home: eating salad, eating almonds, drinking water. Then, I had to go to work. No big deal right? I've started a new job in a restaurant in midtown and although restaurants can be dangerous places for people on a restricted eating plan, I had it all figured out. I ate before I left home, I was working a really short shift (observing in the kitchen) and I wasn't hungry at all. Everything was going swimmingly until the chef insisted that I start tasting the dishes as they were completed. Immediately, I get a little anxious. But it was ok, we started out with some salad tastings which was totally in line with my plan. Great. Then we moved on to the appetizers. Still I'm ok cause it's tuna, a little grilled shrimp, which did come with a forkful of spinach linguini, not perfectly following the plan but it's not the end of the world.

Another hour goes by and I'm cruising along, naming the dishes, learning the sauces, easy breezy. Then Chef is struck with the brilliant idea that I should also sample some desserts. OK now we have a problem. Next to breakfast, dessert is my favorite meal of the day and I couldn't very well tell him that I couldn't taste his confectionery delights because I'm on the new Marine Diet, er Eating Program. He, of course, proceeded to feed me Chocolate Sushi, a Hazelnut Chocolate Torte with a blackberry and orange creme sauce and something called a Chocolate Seduction which I can't even begin to describe. Needless to say, Day 1 was a bust.

On to Day 2. This morning, I had a booking for a voiceover gig with Tiffany & Co. Yay work!! Right? Not so fast. My call was for 10AM which is considered to be, at least in my voiceover universe, the crack of dawn. I don't even like to talk to people before noon much less record my voice for all eternity, so there's lots of prep work I have to do in a short period of time to be ready to go on tape at 10. This rushed prep sometimes produces a problem of its own, notably what we call "mouth noise." I won't go into the details of this "condition" but it is easily solved by eating a few bites of a tart apple. Simple enough except that I'm not supposed to have fruit on my new eating plan! What's a girl to do? I know you're thinking, "so what, it's a few bites of an apple, a little bit of dessert, it won't kill ya!" I know, I know. But the symbolism, the implication, the timing...

I ask you, conspiracy or is this just the universe testing me to see how badly I really want to follow my plan? Hmmm...

Trimming the Fat

2008-10-21T10:52:00.008-04:00

Today I'm starting a new eating program. I'm not calling it a diet because diet is a four-letter word and I've never in my life been able to stick to one. So, why on Tuesday? Why not Tuesday? It's just as good a day as any other and special things rarely happen on Tuesday so I thought I'd give Tuesday a new ranking in the weekly order. Just kidding. I'm starting today for a couple of reasons. First, yesterday was the first opportunity I had to shop for this new eating program so I wasn't ready before today. Secondly, I told my Ride or Die (RoD) partner, Ingrid, about this new eating program almost two weeks ago and we agreed to do it together. She's been doing it for over a week already and that makes me look like a huge slacker. Can't have that.

I decided to make this life change because I felt it was time to get a handle on all the excess in my life. At a time when our nation is riddled with excess debt, bailouts and the like, I figured this is as good a time as any to do a little belt tightening. Phase One is food. After this I plan to tackle my clothes, my paperwork and possibly a few "friends" that I no longer find useful or fun. Lastly, I'm toying with the idea of shorning my locks and going with a much shorter do. The jury is still out on those last two though.

So, back to the new eating plan. It's intense. Unofficially developed by a former Marine (I heart Marines!!) and very effective at creating a lean body. The idea is a 3/4 split. For four days a week you follow the plan and the other three you can eat as you like. Within reason. This is the part that appealed to me most because it's like having cheat days built right in. What could be better? During your four days on, you need to do a fairly drastic calorie reduction (1000 to be exact) and eliminate refined sugars from your diet. Start the day with oatmeal and some protein, have two protein shakes throughout the day and a big salad with chicken (or fish if you prefer) for dinner. You can eat all the veggies you want during the day and drink lots and lots of water. It's also recommended that you do at least 30 minutes of cardio on each of the four days to get your heart rate up. And that's it.

Now let me say that I will NOT be restricting to 1000 calories a day. I wouldn't have enough energy to blink with that amount of food so I'll be coming in around 1200-1300 and since I can't abide oatmeal, I'll be substituting Cheerios instead. Yay Cheerios!! I've recently become obsessed with dry Cheerios and I now understand why mothers of toddlers always carry little Ziplock bags of them for their kids. Cheerios are the perfect little snack and I now carry little Ziplock bags for myself. When strangers give me the crazy one eye, I pretend that I had them in my bag for my child who is with her nanny. Of course I don't have any kids but they don't know that. I digress. Aside from the calorie restriction I think the toughest part of this will be not having any fruit or fruit juice for those four days. And of course, the no bread insanity. This could send me screaming out into the night but I am willing to make the sacrifice for a trimmer me.

So. I'm gonna check-in in a couple of days and let you know how it's going. I bet that Ingrid has already lost five pounds. Man, I gotta get on the treadmill!!

Holy Smokes Batman!!

2008-10-17T15:12:00.003-04:00

OK, this one really got me. ROTFLMAO! So funny, so timely and more than a little frightening that some things never change.

Flashback Friday - James Brown

2008-10-17T13:06:00.005-04:00

Today is not only Flashback Friday, it's also Two-fer Friday!! Aren't you thrilled? While trolling YouTube I came across two incredible video recordings of James Brown's classic, It's a Man's World. The first is a crazy unlikely but nevertheless brilliant collaboration with Luciano Pavarotti. The second, is one of the best covers of this tune I've ever heard done by one Miss Christina Aguilera. Christina is the real deal and one of the great voices of her generation. Love her!!

Check 'em out and let me know what you think!

Beauty on a Budget

2008-10-12T10:45:00.003-04:00

These are flowers I bought myself because I thought me and my place could use a little cheering up. Total cost: Eight dollars and sixty-seven cents!! Hope they cheer you too!!

Flashback Friday - Stephanie Mills

2008-10-10T13:01:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about home. Specifically, how great it is but also how far away from it I've had to travel in order to lead the life that I really want. And how far have I still to go? Maybe the answer is found somewhere in today's Flashback.

Please settle in as the legendary Stephanie Mills shuts it down with a live rendition of "Home." Stephanie, of course, originated the role of Dorothy in the Tony Award winning musical "The Wiz" based on "The Wizard of Oz" but done with a lot more soul. Check it out!

Unstoppable Mann

2008-10-08T22:15:00.012-04:00

Hello Beautiful One! Here's one for the Brilliant Files. Last night I went to an event sponsored by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) which is one of the three actor's unions here in Hollywood East. AFTRA provides these free events to their members in an effort to help us striving actors build better careers. I haven't been attending many of these events lately as I have discovered that the old saying is quite true, you get what you pay for. Last night was a huge exception to that rule.

Monroe Mann, founder of Unstoppable Artists and author of several books including Guerilla Networking (with Jay Conrad Levinson) and The Theatrical Juggernaut - The Psyche of the Star, gave a kick-ass presentation entitled Make Your Own Break/Be Your Own Manager (MYOB/BYOM). His message was very simple: stop chasing the industry. Instead, spend all your resources becoming the artist that the industry is clamoring to meet. And you do this by becoming an entreprenuer, the CEO of the corporation that is your career.

For two hours, Mr. Mann expended more of his boundless energy on our small but completely enthralled group than most people (including me) expend in an entire week. He was so infectious that I was up until 4am sending emails, revising my vision and planning the remainder of my week. Now, if you know me at all, you know that there are few things more important to me than sleep so 4am is pushing it. Hard.

Still, I was captivated. There were so many shimmering jewels of information and expanded points of view in his presentation I could go on forever but Mann's concept of Synergistic DiversificationTM was the most appealing to me. Like many artists, I am a jack of all trades. I want to do everything and I do mean everything. The big problem with doing everything is that by giving my energy to so many different projects, I get completely overwhelmed. And when I'm overwhelmed, I'm much more likely to do nothing. Except watch General Hospital. (More on GH later.) Mann's Synergistic Diversification credo espouses the art of ensuring that all of your projects feed or enhance the other projects in your portfolio. That way, you're always serving your vision or your master plan. Of course, one must have mapped out what that master plan is but you get the picture.

If this sounds like a love letter to Monroe Mann and Unstoppable Artists, it is. His "no rules, no excuses, no regrets" approach to life is brilliant and I love it!

20 Things To Treasure in Autumn

2008-10-05T02:54:00.007-04:00

I came across a wonderful list at The Inspired Room and I couldn't resist doing a list of my own. I like autumn (it's my second favorite season) but I love summer and parting is always such sweet sorrow. So in the spirit of embracing the present moment, here's my list of autumn favorites.

Snuggly sweaters with my favorite jeans that are long enough to allow me my one summertime holdover, flip flops.

Homemade sweet potato pie.

A crackling fire in a stone fireplace.

Driving north to see the changing foliage.

Childhood memories of family trips to Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Warm apple cider.

Apple picking.

An abundance of good hair days.

Crisp breezes.

Warm apple pie a la mode.

The beginning of the school year.

Carving pumpkins with my nephew.

Cozy socks around the house.

My extra fluffy down comforter.

Hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Halloween costumes.

Leisurely walks in Central Park.

Thanksgiving dinner with my family.

Quality movie releases.

Fall TV.

If you're so inspired, go ahead and create a list of your own. Link back to this post and be sure to link to Melissa's post using Mr. Linky. I've never done this Mr. Linky thing but I'm gonna give it a shot.

Flashback Friday - Luther Vandross

2008-10-03T17:37:00.005-04:00

Hello Beautiful One,

Welcome to the launch of Flashback Friday! A brief glimpse at some of music's greats from a bygone era. Today's pick is the iconic Luther Vandross singing A Change is Gonna Come. I chose this classic tune, made famous by the legendary Sam Cooke, because the winds of change are blowing in my life as well as in our nation and I truly believe that we are likely on the verge of going under or bursting through into something new and amazing. I'm betting on the latter and I hope you are too. Enjoy!

eyes wide open

2008-10-01T22:41:00.013-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to finding love and keeping love, I'm often at cross purposes. My feelings run the gamut from an intense longing to find that guy which drives me to accept all invitations (save the ones from the toothless, gin-soaked guy on my corner) to a quiet ambivalence which can leave me happily on my sofa with my DVR, a pint of Haagen Dazs and a big spoon.

Much has been written on the subject and I'm fairly certain I've read nearly all of it; to little avail. Until now. In this month's O Magazine, novelist and therapist Amy Bloom has written the best article on relationships I have ever read. Her perspective is fresh and her advice is so simple you'll wonder why no one has said this before. Brilliant.

why i'm here...

2008-10-01T16:04:00.006-04:00

Quite simply and a bit selfishly, this expression is my latest effort to organize my life. But more importantly, I’m showing up on these pages to inspire myself to keep striving for and believing in what I want my life to be.

In the coming moments, months and millennia, I will cobble together the disparate elements that I believe give rise to a beautiful and brilliant life. It all comes down to pursuing my passions and risking everything I hold dear, in order that they may hold me.

My life and what you experience here may not always be beautiful and most certainly will not always be brilliant but it will always be mine. I hope you’ll join me on this marvelous journey because I have to say, it can get damn lonely around here sometimes and a girl can use all the friends she can get her finely manicured hands on!

Here’s to the continuous discovery of the beauty and brilliance in us all. Cheers!