Author Archives: BuddahDesmond611

Time for Change: Love’s In Need Of Love Today

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Good morn or evening friends
Here’s your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to every-body
What I’m about to say
Could mean the world’s disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain

It’s that
Love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
Send yours in right away
Hate’s goin’ round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it’s gone too far

~ “Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” Stevie Wonder, Songs In The Key of Life (1976)

There was a certain point after hearing about the tragedy in Newtown, CT on Friday, December 14, 2012 that the tears couldn’t help but fall.  I was stricken with an unsettling sadness, worry, and horror.  Immediately, I wondered how and why something like this could happen (again)?  What was it in the shooter’s life that brought on a period of acute psychosis such as this?  And how long will it take the people of Newtown (and the neighboring areas) to get back to some sense of normalcy, especially those families suffering from the loss of those they loved?

While I may never completely understand the situation, what I do know is that many of us are troubled…  So much so that we’re slipping through the tracks.  We’re either blind-sighted to the warning signs or ignore them altogether.  Looming in our room is a pink elephant which continues to be neglected—mental illness.  Never something to be passed off, mental illness—when properly diagnosed and treated—can be effectively managed.  But when will we give mental illness the same kind of attention we give other illnesses in this society?  How many more acts of senseless, inconceivable of violence and rage must we endure before the change we need occurs?  How many more innocent people need to die before we decide to take the appropriate preventative measures?

In a society such as ours, it should never be easier to get our hands on ammo than it is to seek help for mental illness (or any other medical condition).  If the laws that govern us don’t change, our days will continue to be disturbed by events such as those in Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO. 

I will continue to pray for the victim’s families, the town of Newtown, CT, and our nation.  Hopefully we can all pull together, stop playing politics, drop the sensationalism and exploitative tactics, and take action.

One thing I know for sure is the human spirit is resilient.  No matter what the tragedy, we will heal.  Better days will come.  If we let love, peace, and harmony reign, we will prevail.

Influences: Maya Angelou and Her Poetry in "Poetic Justice"

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Maya Angelou’s poetry didn’t hit me immediately when my mother and I went to see John Singleton’s Poetic Justice during the summer of 1993.  It would be one year later (after seeing the film several times on cable) when Angelou’s poetry moved me in ways that were like revelations.  I was 12 then.  At that point, I was writing song lyrics mostly.  Hadn’t given much thought to writing poetry.  But there was something about Angelou’s poetry (in particular the poems featured in Poetic Justice — “Alone,” “Phenomenal Woman,” and “In A Time” to name a few) that spoke to me and gave me an even deeper appreciation for the world of arts and letters.  Shortly thereafter, I used my allowance to get a paperback copy of Maya Angelou’s Poems.  I committed myself to reading it (and occasionally reciting and memorizing selected poems from it) everyday for months.

Angleou’s poetry speaks about the human condition in a language that is universal.  Her work often has a consciousness that is (always) socially, politically, culturally, and historically relevant.  The sincerity and candor of her words continue to draw me in.  The lighthearted, comedic tone of poems like “Seven Women’s Blessed Assurance” (from I Shall Not Be Moved) consumed me with laughter and delight.  With poems like “Still I Rise,” “Amazing Peace,” “On The Pulse of Morning,” “Human Family,”  “Mother – A Cradle To Hold Me,” and “Our Grandmothers,” Angelou has left me with a hefty sense of pride and a better understanding, love, and respect for the human race and our shared experiences.

To say that Maya Angelou’s work has been a source of inspiration and influence would be an understatement.  Angelou’s writing (along with a few others) fueled my fascination with the human condition and my desire to write about it in a unique yet relatable (and at times, unconventional) way.  While it was never my desire to write like or copy Angelou, if my writing can (one day) have the slightest feeling, impact, and influence of her writing—that would truly be amazing.

Check out the following snippets from Poetic Justice featuring Angelou’s “Alone” and “Phenomenal Woman” (as voiced by the character Justice, played by Janet Jackson).

BuddahDesmond to Appear on Black Authors Network Radio Show on 12/10/12 at 8:30PM EST

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Image courtesy of the EDC Creations site.
As part of ongoing promotion for my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics, I’m happy to announce that I’ll be appearing on the Black Authors Network Radio Show on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 8:30PM (EST).  The Black Authors Network Radio Show is hosted by Ella Curry, who’s also the show producer and founder of EDC Creations.  The interview will be approximately 30 minutes.  You have the option of listening/participating over the phone or online (on the Blog Talk Radio website).  Interview details are below:
Black Authors Network Radio Show Details
Wednesday, December 10, 2012 at 8:30pm EST
The Call-in Number for this show is:  (646) 200-0402
If you’re a registered chatter of Blog Talk Radio already, you’ll have the opportunity to win free books and other gifts. 

If you wish to join the conversation over the phone, please remember to mute your computer speakers before dialing in (as there may be feedback otherwise). 

I hope you’ll be able to listen and/or join in. If not, the show will be available for download one hour after the show ends.  The show runs from 8PM-10PM, so the download should be available around 11PM.  You’ll be able to download the show from the Black Authors Network iTunes page or from the Black Authors Network Blog Talk Radio page (direct show link: http://bit.ly/Zu5QXd).  Feel free to check out either page to listen to previous shows.
I’m excited and look forward to the interview and connecting with current and prospective readers/fans.  Please spread the word!  And if you haven’t already, pick up copy of Prevail. It’s available at iUniverse, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other retailers.

Thank you for your continued love and support!

Until next time…

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings,

BuddahDesmond

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It’s Time To Celebrate

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Well grades have been posted. I earned a 4.0 this semester.  The MBA is officially done! To say that I’m elated would be an understatement. Traveling down the road that brought me here was far from easy. But I didn’t give up. Further proof of the fruits that faith, determination, diligence, and commitment can can bring you.

Before I move on to the next thing, I’m going to take some to reflect and bask in the glory of this moment. It’s something I’ve often neglected to do after major milestones in my life. I usually just keep it moving… Going forward with little or no breaks. Like a maniac of sorts. But recently, I’ve committed myself to taking it easy and truly living in the moment (especially after major life events like these).

But you know what else it’s time to do? It’s time to CELEBRATE!

Until next time…

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings,

BuddahDesmond

Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics – Week 6

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Let’s get right to it…the latest weekly musings!

  1. While there are times when we won’t always be up and happy, it’s during the times we’re down when we should empower ourselves with hope. If we can’t find it within ourselves, look to the inspirational and uplifting journeys of others who made it through. This may be just what we need to hold fast and securely to our hope.

  2. When our elected officials are unable to compromise on bills that impact the very people they represent and they let their personal interests impact their ability to fight for what’s right, you have to wonder who they’re really standing for? Do they forget why they’re in office? Do they forget they stand for all and not just the people and organizations they keep in their back pockets?

  3. I have to admit that I’ve often been caught off guard and amazed by the level of hatred, intolerance, and ignorance expressed in comments to political news articles in the weeks following the election. I probably shouldn’t be. But one thing’s for sure—this nation is not as progressive as it’s oft proclaimed.  There’s still a long, LONG way to go.

  4. Loving someone is easy. Maintaining a relationship with them—not so much. What should keep the relationship strong are the very things which brought you together. This, along with the desire and willingness to see the relationship (and each other) prosper and grow.

  5. Sometimes we have to ask people what they want (outright). Forget the guessing games. If we were mind readers we’d be in a different realm. We’re able to proceed confidently when we all have an understanding of the purpose and mission of why we’re here. Otherwise it’s bullshit.  When time and money are at stake, bullshit deserves no seat at the table. Unless it’s a bullshit convention, bullshit should never be allowed a seat at any table.

  6. It’s a shame (for others) when you do your best to give people what they want (and then some) and it’s still not good enough.  No matter how good it is they’re never satisfied. What strength and fortitude it takes to deal with this on a regular basis (especially if it’s at work or at home). Realize it’s not always you, sometimes (or a lot of times) it’s them. Just don’t let it ruin your confidence or self-esteem. Don’t let it change you. Don’t let it stress you out. It’s all part of the process of learning how to work and deal with people.

The Power Of Your Words (from Prevail)

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You’ve got the power to influence the masses;
You’ve got the power to make change.
You’ve got the power to make a difference in someone’s life,
So don’t underestimate the power of your words.

Someone is always listening;
You’ve got to be responsible for what you put out there.
People are looking up to you.
They admire you,
Respect you,
Want to be just like you.
So encourage them,
Inspire them,
Uplift them,
‘Cause if anyone’s gotta take it to the street,
It better be for a damn good reason.

Set an example,
And never underestimate the power of your words.       

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.    

Related Post:
101 Days Project: Prevail

Inspiration from Ray Bradbury

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Image courtesy of Fox Nation.
You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance. ~ Ray Bradbury

Oh, the wisdom in the late, renowned writer Ray Bradbury’s words.  As writers, we can easily get tripped up by rejection and caught up by acceptance.  Rejection can limit our progress (if we let it).  Acceptance can inflate our ego (unnecessarily).  We should take them in stride, never allowing either to motivate or denigrate us.

In the creative world, or in life period, we cannot get around rejection.  Many of us fear it.  Some crippled by it even.  For something with such a subjective (temporary) existence, why do we give it so much power?  And for acceptance, why do we let it go to our heads?

We write because we’re moved to write.  We write because there’s something that lives within us, something innate, that we must share.  We write because there are stories that only we can tell.  We write because our lives depend on it.  Therefore, nothing—rejection, acceptance, or something otherwise—should prevent us from doing what we love to do.

Mary Wells – Something New

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Greetings!  My apologies for the lack of posts this week.  I got sick the day after Thanksgiving and have been resting as much as possible.  Much to my surprise while resting and browsing on Amazon, I discovered a forthcoming 2-CD compilation from the iconic Mary Wells entitled, Something New: Motown Lost & Found.  The official release date is 12.04.12 (just in time for the holidays).  Something New is the perfect gift for Motown music lovers, Mary Wells fans, or simply connoisseurs of classic music.

Image courtesy of Longshot’s Blog.

Something New features stereo mixes (for the first time) of 47 rare tunes written and produced by Smokey Robinson, Holland Dozier Holland, Berry Gordy, Mickey Stevenson, and Sylvester Potts (of The Contours) to name a few.  23 of the collection’s tunes went unheard until now.  Included in these gems are duets with Marvin Gaye; sides Wells recorded for an unfinished standards album; superb tunes Motown was gearing towards the AC (adult contemporary) market, some of which featuring The Four Tops on background vocals; “Your Loss, My Gain,” a b-side to Wells’ single “You Lost The Sweetest Boy” and the track which inspired the collection’s title “This Is Something New.”

The remaining are 24 tunes Motown released on a variety of collections after Wells’ departure from the label in 1964.  Some of which were included on the 1966 Vintage Stock album, 1993’s Looking Back, Marvin Gaye’s first boxed set, and several other rarities albums.  I don’t know about you, but I’m sold!

Image courtesy of the Soul Walking site.

In the last two years, I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with Mary Wells.  My lovefest with The Queen of Motown was spearheaded after learning more about her life and career through TVOne’s Unsung series.  Like many, I swept away by her sweet, seductive, soulful, and emotive contralto.  No one can sell a song like Mary Wells.  Each song—a performance like no other—illustrated a different glimpse into her unique artistry.

Between 1961 (beginning with the self-penned “Bye Bye Baby”) and 1982 (“Gigolo,” her final hit), Wells scored nearly 20 top 50 hit singles between the R&B, Pop, and Disco/Dance charts.  While most of her music is infectious, it was the Smokey Robinson-penned tunes that are most affecting and brought out Wells finest performances.  These songs include “Two Lovers,” “You Beat Me To The Punch,” “The One Who Really Loves You,” “What’s Easy For Two Is So Hard For One,” and  one of my all-time favorites,”When I’m Gone” (featured on Something New).

Wells’ music was moderately successful in the period following her departure from Motown.  She recorded for a number of labels, but none of theme seemed to be well-suited in giving her music the attention and promotion it deserved.  A resurgence in the 1980s led to Wells becoming an immensely popular touring artist.  In 1989, Wells was recognized for her musical legacy as one of the first Pioneer Awards’ recipients from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

 Image courtesy of the WikiMusicGuide site.

Wells career was cut short in 1990 after being diagnosed with laryngeal cancer.  Without proceeds from record sales or touring, cancer treatment took a tremendous toll on her finances.  Fortunately she was able to maintain treatment and stay afloat through financial support from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and fellow artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Springsteen (to name a few).  Wells also received an undisclosed six-figure settlement from a lawsuit against Motown for lost and unpaid royalties from her recordings.  After a brief remission, her cancer returned in the summer of 1991. Sadly, Wells died on July 26, 1992. 

Wells was fighter till the end.  Her spirit, no matter how great the setbacks in her life were, never seemed to diminish.  Wells—like Florence Ballard and Tammi Terrell—was a beautiful and remarkably talented and gifted singer who life ended too soon.  But thankfully, her artistry and soul will forever transcend space and time in the musical legacy she left behind.
 

To learn more about Mary Wells, check out the full episode of TVOne’s Unsung on the SoulTracks site.  Also check out the latest biography by Peter Bejaminson entitled Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown’s First Superstar.  Benjaminson is also the author of The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Pear & Walnut Upside-Down Cake I baked for Thanksgiving 2012
 
I’m so grateful to be surrounded by a wonderful support system of family and friends who keep me grounded, love and support me unconditionally.  I’m so thankful that I can share my days, be it good or bad, with the love of my life.  I’m so grateful to have another day of life.  Life is a gift we unwrap each day we open our eyes.  God willing, I look forward to many more years of this gift.  
For all of the little things and the many blessings that continue to come my way, I’m so thankful.  I celebrate Thanksgiving not only today, but every day.  Because as long as I’m living, there will always be something to be thankful for.  
Hope you all have a beautiful, happy, and safe Thanksgiving–today and everyday!  
Peace, Love, and Many Blessings! ~ BuddahDesmond

A Dear Shout Out

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This goes out to all who have been my supporters,
To all those who helped and continue to help keep me grounded.

Thank you for the love.
Thank you for your care.
Thank you for simply being there to lend your ear, your heart, and your spirit.

I appreciate every single thing you’ve done for me.
For only words may never suffice to convey how much you inspire me,
how grateful I am to have you in my life, and how much I’ll always love you.

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

From Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.

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