Author Archives: BuddahDesmond611

Day 91: Happy Birthday Michael Joseph Jackson

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Image courtesy of the Eurweb site.

Today would’ve been icon Michael Joseph Jackson’s 54th birthday.  It’s been over 3 years since his untimely passing.  His presence and influence are just as strong now as they were before.  Jackson was a supremely talented being that blazed trails and inspired generations of fans and stars alike.  With each release, he delved deeper and deeper into himself.  He bared his soul, opened his heart, and provided us with what many would consider the soundtrack of our lives.  His albums went beyond music and entertainment.  They were events—monumental, genre-bending, shape-shifting events.  I don’t know how many fits I had in the record store as a child because I wanted latest Michael Jackson album.  

Aside from Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, and Jody Watley, his music shaped much of my childhood and young adulthood and love of the arts.  Jackson’s (along with the aforementioned artists) videos changed the game, revolutionizing the visual presentation of musical artists (with everything from fashion, style, choreography, overall stage presence, special effects, and cinematography to name a few).  I, like many I’m sure, would break my neck to see Jackson’s music videos.  Glued to the screen, I was totally in awe of the sheer talent, artistry, and ingeniousness of it all.  Still to this day, I can’t help but be pulled in completely whenever one of his videos comes on TV or one of his songs is played on the radio.  The feeling, the soul, the spirit just goes right through you.  

Jackson gave so much of himself to us through his art and philanthropic efforts.  It’s unfortunate that he had to go out the way he did.  But he was called home.  He fulfilled his destiny.  But the legacy he left behind will be cherished for decades to come. 

So today, let’s celebrate the icon that Michael Joseph Jackson was/is.  The King lives on!!!

Also check out, Day 1: MJ’s This Is It and Day 58: In Remembrance – MJJ (Repost).

Day 90: Kindred The Family Soul – Sticking With You

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For the last 10 years, Kindred The Family Soul has been making heartfelt, soulful music.  Their music touches the core, speaking frankly, openly, and honestly about life, love, and relationships. Often compared to Ashford & Simpson, Kindred The Family Soul write songs that get down to the heart of the matter in an accessible way.  Their most recent album, Love Has No Recession, continues in this vein.  But aside from their signature love songs, Love Has No Recession, has some poignant tunes about the social and political ills of the day.  Overall, it’s a solid album which conceptually, musically, lyrically, and vocally makes it timeless.  Check out one of the singles from the album, “Sticking With You,” which is a sweet confession of true love and devotion.

Day 89: Infinite Ways to Get to the Ultimate Spiritual Destination

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While watching one of two The Best of The Oprah Winfrey Show episodes on OWN today, I was astounded by how small-minded we can be. This episode featured best-selling authors Betty Eadie and Sophy Burnham. The topic was spiritual beliefs, specifically how to get closer to God and what questions we would ask if God were physically here with us in this moment.  When the discussion shifted to our path to God, some of the audience members adamantly believed that the only path to God was through Jesus.  They could not fathom the notion that we all have different paths.  And though different, these paths still lead us to the same place—to God.  One part of me says, “Of course.  How could you not believe this, especially if this is the only path you were exposed to?”  But the other part of me says, “How small of you to think your way is the only way.  There are multiple ways, multiple paths to get to the ultimate destination.”  

When it comes to our beliefs, there’s a comfort in what’s familiar.  There’s also a sense of complacency because we do not question anything.  We don’t challenge ourselves.  And we easily welcome those in who believe and feel the same way we do.  When someone or something challenges what we believe, we get defensive and, often, are not as receptive or open to other possibilities (as was the case with a certain audience member on this best-of episode who tried to read—and I do mean READ—Oprah the riot act, but Oprah wasn’t having it).  

In our lives, we all follow different paths to get to the ultimate destination (to God).  Our life experiences are what can bring us closer to or take us away from God.  While our paths may be different, we still get to the same destination.  For me, the obvious example of this is the beltway.  The beltway is composed of several different intercounty and interstate highways that connect at various junctions.  These junctions help get us to our respective destinations.  Often times, many of us are going to the same destination but we take a different route.  Though the route taken and the time of arrival may be different, we all still reach the same destination.  And as most who’ve traveled on the beltway will probably testify, it helps to know alternate routes to get to your destinations.  We get into problems when we’re only open to taking one path.  And if we can’t get beyond this one path, we don’t have to wonder why change and different results continue to elude us. 

Spirituality tells us that we each have our own unique relationship with God.  Let no man tell you different.  The responsibility to maintain and nurture this relationship falls on us.  Religion, on the other hand, is a tool that we can use to help manage our relationship with God.  What we call God or what religion we follow is insignificant, since so many of our principles, values, and beliefs are universal.  It’s about being connected to a spirit, a being greater than ourselves—and letting that spirit guide and direct us.  But it’s our choice whether we want to accept it.  We don’t have to.  And that doesn’t make us any better or worse than the other.  Just be flexible, open, and accepting of the fact that there are several paths available for us in this life.  And remember, while our path or walk may be different—the ultimate destination is universal and always the same.

Day 88: Alicia Keys, a Girl On Fire

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Image courtesy of Alicia Keys/Instagram site.
I have arrived at a place in myself that I am comfortable being exactly who I am in this moment and sharing it with no reservations. ~ Alicia Keys (2012)
The wait for the the next Alicia Keys album is almost over.  After nearly three years since the release of her last studio album, The Element of Freedom.  Keys announced that she was working on her fifth studio album entitled, Girl On Fire.  This week, Keys unveiled the artwork for the album.  And the results are simply stunning.  The cover features Keys with an expression and pose that exudes power, confidence, sass, attitude, edginess, fierceness, and sexiness.  It’s Keys like you’ve never seen her before.

The cover also implies that we’re going to hear Keys like we’ve never heard her before.  While her music has always come from a place that’s personal and introspective, Girl On Fire seemingly looks to take her music several steps deeper.  Immediately, I sense this album will be a snapshot of the evolution of Keys—the woman and the artist.

According to a recent post on her website, she has freed herself from the things that were holding her back.  Keys says,
Girl on Fire is about new beginnings, new perspectives and fresh starts… stripping away all the bad energy in your life and taking full control of the reigns and how you want to live. There is something really empowering about finding yourself and your own inner strength.
Essentially, Girl On Fire aims to be the embodiment of Keys’ strength, fearlessness, braveness, and freedom.  It’s honest, soulful music.  It’s the type of music that tends to be quite substantial and resonates deeply with the audience.  I have high hopes that Girl On Fire will be exactly just that.

Girl On Fire will be released 11/27/2012.

Day 87: Earl Grey de la Creme (Pearl Fine Teas)

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Image courtesy of Pearl Fine Teas site.
I’ve been a lifelong lover of tea (and coffee).  I fell in love with tea at a very early age, probably around 4 or 5 (which explains a lot…lol).  There’s something so comforting about tea.  It warms you up, soothes your soul, and brings you a sense of calm.  To me, there’s nothing better than toasted sourdough bread (or a nice pastry) with an ample cup of tea after a long, hard day at work.

Black tea has always been a favorite of mine, especially Earl Grey tea.  For finer teas, the rich, savory flavor sticks with you even after consumption.  A particular favorite of mine is Earl Grey de la Creme (pictured above) from Pearl Fine Teas.  It’s a smooth, luscious twist on a classic black tea.  Earl Grey De La Creme is composed of black tea leaves, oil of Bergamot, and touches of vanilla.  All come together to give this tea its creamy taste, which makes for a delightful, unforgettable drinking experience.  I love it sweetened with a little agave nectar or honey.  Haven’t had it with cream yet, but will soon.  Because the tea is so flavorful, I’m sure it’s just as lovely by itself.  

I came across Pearl Fine Teas while attending The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show a few years ago during one of its stops in DC.  Always open to trying new things (especially when tea is involved), I gave them a go and was taken immediately.  I fell in love with the Earl Grey de la Creme, along with the Rooibos Lemon Cream and the Jasmine Yin Hao (green tea).
 
So for you tea lovers out there please check out Pearl Fine Teas.  I think I’m going to have a cup right now. 🙂


Day 86: Gone Too Soon (from Prevail)

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In a society that claims to value individual freedoms—it’s a shame that people are (still) ridiculed for simply being themselves.  There’s no reason that anyone should have to hide or live a lie because they fear being ostracized, hurt, or even killed.  It’s unacceptable.  We’ve lost too many due to the hateful, intolerant ways of others in this world.  It must end.  In tribute to those we’ve lost, here’s “Gone Too Soon,” a poem from the “Life” section of my book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.

Gone Too Soon

Battling,
Fighting with the world everyday,
Trying to stand firm on ground that changes like DC metro area weather,
Not knowing when it’s safe to be you, or when it’s best to retreat:
It’s safer on the inside—sometimes.

The golden era ended quicker than you could comprehend.
And you were thrust upon the audacity of disgust and hatred
From people you thought were your friends,
People you thought were your family,
People who said they loved you but you just can’t seem to trust.
You’ve walked a line that many people claim they can handle but couldn’t, even if humanity depended on it.
It’s a line that you don’t want to walk.
It’s a line that often runs faster than the speed of sound and light, with a soundtrack that repeats daily.
And you’re tired of hearing it.

Living in a world where people get high off of ridicule and bullying,
One is left numb,
Not wanting to deal.
The help you need never arrives when you need it.
It always comes too late.
You push and push,
And push and push.
And you keep pushing,
But the force always seems to kill your spirit.
It was at first a temporary thing,
But the period of death began to outlast the periods of rebirth.

There’s a lot that you can and have dealt with,
But it’s the pain and its lasting effects
That cut you down to nubs,
The hurt practically defying man’s comprehension of depth.
If you could only find relief,
A sweet release from it all…
If only…
If…

The inner light quickly fades.
Time halts,
And you succumb to a place
Where your spirit will forever reign.
You’ll be safe from harm and healed
From a lifetime of pain.
If only it didn’t have to come to this.
If only…
If…
You’d still be here.

If only…
If…

You could’ve been saved.

© 2012 BuddahDesmond

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

Day 85: You’ve Got It Now (No Excuses)

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No excuses now.
The room to spread—space to grow is there now.
You didn’t have to ask for it this time;
Fell into your hands—
     Like a blessing.
You’ve been ripe for a while.
It’s time to bear the fruit of the burning desire
     And willingness that lies within you.
Be your best self.
Do your best work.
The opportunities will be endless.
You’ve got it now.

Day 84: Inspiration from Toni Morrison

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Image courtesy of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards site.

People say to write about what you know… I’m here to tell you, no one wants to read that, ’cause you don’t know anything… So write about something you don’t know. And don’t be scared, ever. ~ Toni Morrison, USA Today

We find comfort in writing about the things we are most comfortable with—those things we find most familiar.  While there’s nothing wrong with it, one has to wonder—where’s the challenge?  Where’s the risk?  In the long term, what’s the growth potential for you as a writer?  What will the audience truly learn or gain from you in the process? 

It’s so easy to get caught up into the formulas for writing, especially if they’ve brought you a fair amount of success.  It’s safer that way, isn’t it?  But as creative individuals—we thrive when we’re challenged.  We thrive when we’re put to the test.  We thrive when we let go of our inhibitions, take on the unknown, and, without over-thinking, simply create that which fuels our souls. 

You learn more about yourself, others, and the world when you step outside of the realm you call home.  Get unsafe.  Move beyond the known.  Embrace the unknown.  Be inspired by the unknown. There’s no telling what magnificence may come about.

Day 83: Can’t Make You Try

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You can’t even give a little bit.
You won’t even try.
You fail to do anything that you think is going to challenge your ego.
You’re afraid of compromise for fear of losing yourself.
God forbid you should ever have to change.
But compromise is the key to keeping the scales in relationships balanced.
You can’t be the tyrannical controller and think you won’t get checked,
or think that I’m just supposed to go along with it.

You shouldn’t have to brand yourself differently to make our relationship work.
We have to accept each other as we are;
Else, our problems are much larger than we both can see.
I’m willing to make it work,

But if you aren’t—there’s nothing I can do to make you save our union.
It’s better to be selfish when you’re alone.
And we both know we can do better than that.

So if by now you haven’t changed your mind,
then consider these parting words:
Can’t deny I won’t be sad,
but I’ll get over it; 
and you will too.
I’ll just wish you well
And I sincerely hope and pray that you find whatever you’ve been looking for
Cause it obviously isn’t with me.
 

Day 82: Get Over It

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Get over the fact that no one will ever be the same.
Get over the fact that there are multiple umbrellas, and everything and everybody will 
     never live only under one.
Get over the fact that most people have no desire to (and will never) reside in the same 
     space, because complacency is equivalent to death.

Acceptance, change, growth, and progress are pertinent and inevitable.
Let it be!