Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics – Week 14

Posted on October 15, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

After a long break, here’s are my latest musings on life, love, and politics.

Sometimes we need to be quiet. We waste a lot of energy filling the space up with our critiques of others and our feelings of how they do things. If we exchanged the time we spend focusing on others and what they do and applied it to ourselves, there’s no telling what we could do.
Our desires can overrule our frame of mind, judgment–really our lives. What we deem as commitment and sacrifice could really be selfishness in disguise. It’s the “I’m-going-to-do-what-I-want-to-do-no-matter-what” syndrome. While we’re working to achieve our dreams, we must be careful that we don’t push away and alienate the people who’ve been there for us every step of the way.
One of the reasons I believe Zombies are so popular is because of how close our lives relate or resemble theirs. So many of us are like the living dead (or the “undead”). We work ourselves and worry ourselves to death. We’re scared to live the lives we desire. Complacency brainwashes us. We’re like machines on autopilot. Can we really say we’re alive when we’re living a robotic existence? Can we really say we’re alive when our zest and joy for life is constantly in retreat?
Placing expectations on leaders that are impossible to sustain is foolish. Leaders have limited power. Leaders can only go so far if their teams, governing bodies, and/or constituents are unwilling to work with them. The battle is a losing game without the support of the people. How soon we forget, support and accountability go both ways.
The stronghold of anger can be deadly if not channeled into positive energy. Anger is the worst motivator for change that results from vindictive, vengeful, and envious behavior. Sure, actions resulting in anger may bring you relief. But the relief is temporary. We must not succumb to anger’s dictatorship. Redirect its path into something truly uplifting and positive.
Some of the President’s harshest critics and opponents can come together when the threat of war is looming. However, when issues that directly impact the livelihood of the people are at the forefront, there’s a standoff. They stall. Start pointing fingers. They play politics and prevent necessary legislation from moving forward. How comforting it is to know where our elected officials allegiance lies.
No relationship, whether business or personal, can thrive without trust.

Until next time… Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

***Image courtesy of Charles Koch’s website.

Welcome to the New Buddahdesmond.com!

Posted on October 10, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Hello All!

I’m so happy to share the new and improved buddahdesmond.com! For over the last year, I’ve been managing (or trying to manage) two blogs and one website. I do not, I repeat, DO NOT recommend it. It was a real challenge. As my schedule became more and more demanding, it became harder and harder to keep each space updated. I knew this wasn’t sustainable. I needed a space where my blog (formerly BuddahDesmond’s Place) could be fully integrated with my website. Thankfully, this need has been fulfilled! Ah, the convenience of being able to update everything in one place… AMEN!

Mad love and major shout out to my friend and fellow RIT Alum, Maia Roberts (http://maiaroberts.com/), for doing such a FAB job redesigning the site! We’ll be making a few minor updates in the coming weeks.

Now that you’re here, please take a moment and check out all the site has to offer. Let me know your thoughts. And if so moved, feel free to comment on and share the blog posts!

Thank you for your support!

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings,
BuddahDesmond

Vote MUSED Magazine Online for Best LGBT Blog of 2013!

Posted on October 10, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

It’s with great excitement that I announce that MUSED Magazine Online is a finalist for Best LGBT Blog 2013 for the Black Weblog Awards! MUSED is a pioneering “digital destination for lifestyle, entertainment & culture for modern black gay men. MUSED serves as a collective of experiences and issues we care about” (see About MUSED). Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness for our community and provide reliable, relevant, interactive, and engaging content for its readers. MUSED is the only weekly online magazine for black gay men.

MUSED offers such wide-ranging perspectives on issues that matter to black gay men. It’s substantive. And truly in a class by itself. I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute to such a valuable, significant online resource. I look forward to contributing more in the future!

To cast your vote for MUSED Magazine Online, please go to: http://blackweblogawards.wufoo.com/forms/2013-final-ballot-copy/.

Congrats to the entire MUSED family on this wonderful achievement!

Spirit Women

Posted on September 6, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of Synthia SAINT JAMES.

Spirit women,
Singing songs for the world,
Baring gifts for our hearts and souls;
Moving nations,
Changing minds,
Fueling enough power to shift our place in time.

Spirit women,
Rich with love, wisdom, and experience;
Exposing your scars,
Standing in strength,
Encouraging forgiveness,
And enlightening minds on the importance of letting go—
so our souls can be free.

Spirit women,
Natural humanitarians;
We’re grateful for you and your gifts.
We’ve found blessings in your blessings,
And relish in the deep connections we share with you.

Spirit women—
When we honor you we honor ourselves
And our collective beauty.

Spirit women—
We celebrate you eternally.

The DL Chronicles Returns is Another Triumph for Gossett and LeNear

Posted on August 30, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of 2 Cents Productions.

SWERV Magazine recently sponsored the DC premier screening of The DL Chronicles Returns: Episode Thomas. The film is another triumphant work from the ever-talented, award-winning filmmakers Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear.

The DL Chronicles Returns premiered to a packed theatre at DC’s Navy Memorial. Fans have been anticipating the return of this groundbreaking film series for a few years. The DL Chronicles made history when it appeared on Here! TV, as it was the first television series to the depict stories about gay and bisexual men of color living on the DL (down-low). Winner of the 2008 GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Television Movie or Mini-Series,” The DL Chronicles was heralded by critics and fans alike for painting realistic portraits that challenged the notions and stereotypes of the DL phenomenon.

The screening began with the The Chadwick Journals. Originally released in late 2011, The Chadwick Journals is a four-part web miniseries which “centers on The DL Chronicles’ narrator, Chadwick Williams, in the beginning of his research into men who lead double lives” (2 Cents Productions). Aside from providing deeper insights into the lives of men of color on the DL, this winsome miniseries unveils the painful motivation behind Williams’ research (which will ultimately lead to his healing and that of many others).

Promptly following The Chadwick Journals was The DL Chronicles Returns: Episode Thomas. Episode Thomas is the story of a man “who has not experienced love in a way he truly desires. After a tragic, life-changing event, he falls in love with someone who’s come to assist him” (MUSED). Not to give too much away, Thomas’ brooding outlook soon changes once he embraces his truth, opens up, and allows real, unconditional love to come into his life. Gabriel Arthur Corbin (as Thomas), Johanny Paulino, DeLaRosa Rivera, and Damien Toofeek Raven (as Chadwick Williams) all star in the film.

Image courtesy of 2 Cents Productions.

Beautifully shot and directed, The DL Chronicles Returns: Episode Thomas is exemplary. The writing, acting, and quality of the production continue to set Gossett and LeNear apart from their peers. This factor was consistently praised by members of the audience during the Q & A which followed the screening. The Q & A was facilitated by the engaging, spirited, funny, and legendary Rayceen Pendarvis. Pendarvis called Gossett and LeNear leaders, and commended them for being authentic and letting their light shine.

Gossett and LeNear are empowering themselves and our community by using their art to tell our stories. Ours are stories that are rarely acknowledged or praised. Make no mistake—our lives, our voices, our truth have value. As Pendarvis said, “Everyone needs to see [The DL Chronicles Returns] because our stories are so worthy!”

Do yourself a favor and check out The DL Chronicles Returns when it comes to your city. And be sure to spread the word. Quality projects such as The DL Chronicles Returns deserve our support.

For more information, go to: http://www.theofficialdlchronicles.com/ | http://2centsprods.com/.

Our Love Continues to Grow for Swing Out Sister

Posted on August 22, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of Quest Music.

I appreciate my family for instilling such a deep love and respect for music. Our taste in music is os a wide-ranging and eclectic. We listen to everything. One group that my family has loved for nearly 30 years is Swing Out Sister.

It was 1987 when we found ourselves transfixed with Swing Out Sister’s first two singles “Breakout” and “Twilight World,” from their debut album It’s Better To Travel. I was 5 at the time. We became diehards overnight. We played It’s Better To Travel so much the CD started to skip incessantly (much to our chagrin). If it wasn’t for the CD cleaner, that album would not have made it into the 90s and beyond.

In July, we had the chance to see Swing Out Sister play to a sold-out audience at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. It was a night that we will cherish forever. Here in the U.S., fans have been waiting for a Swing Out Sister tour for quite some time. The North American dates for their 2010 tour were canceled due to the eruption of an Icelandic volcano. As a result, which flights were grounded for several weeks throughout Europe. Luckily, nothing could keep Swing Out Sister away from their fans any longer.

Image courtesy of Band On The Wall.

Swing Out Sister is the kind of musical ensemble that sound superb in the studio, but even more live. The presentation, energy, and musicianship is astounding. Their musical arrangements are some of the best you’ll here anywhere. Because they continually reinterpret their hits, their music has a refreshing, ingenious quality. Within these reinterpretations you hear many of Swing Out Sister’s influences—the sounds of Motown, Burt Bacharach, Phil Spector, Donny Hathaway, Donald Byrd, The 5th Dimension, and The Delfonics (amongst others). Sometimes they’ll weave the melodies of some of their influences’ songs into their own tunes. The result is a sweet, lush melding of Pop, R&B/Soul, Jazz, Latin, and Funk. Some might call it Sophisticated Pop. It’s familiar yet very unique.

Corinne Drewery, the lead singer/songwriter, looked and sounded flawless. Her voice is like velvet, warm and seductive. She remains one of the most stylish women in the industry. Andy Connell, pianist/keyboardist/songwriter and the Swing Out Sister band played to the hilt. They played selections from just about every album in their catalog, with hits and fan favorites such as: “Incomplete Without You,” “Notgonnachange,” “You On My Mind,” “La La Means I Love You,” “Stone Soul Picnic,” “Am I The Same Girl,” “Everyday Crime,” “Breakout” and “Twilight World.”

Image courtesy of NY Daily News.

Swing Out Sister took us to a musical wonderland, somewhere deep in the night. And we didn’t want the night to end. Much like their song “Love Won’t Let You Down,” Swing Out Sister won’t let you down either.

Happy Birthday Maysa!

Posted on August 17, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Maysa has been a musical fixture in my family since the early 90s. Growing up I remember many weekends waking to the sounds of Incognito and Maysa’s solo music. Nothing beats waking up to music, especially when it nurtures your soul. Songs like “Deep Water,” “Still A Friend Of Mine,” “What About Our Love,” “Sexy,” “All My Life,” “Got To Be Strong,” “Center Of The Sun,” “J.F.S,” and “Shade Of Blue” have a special place in heart because they represent a time when music became such a strong force in my life. Come to think of it, Maysa’s music has been nurturing my soul for 20 years now. There’s something about it that just enraptures you immediately. And her voice, instantly recognizable, takes you away.

Maysa’s most recent release, “Blue Velvet Soul” is her tenth solo album and is a perfect description of her music. Her music is smooth yet powerful, soulful, lush, hypnotic, ethereal, and eclectic. There’s a warmth and intensity to it that keeps you in sync, yearning for more. Maysa’s voice, a beautiful, distinctive instrument, is much the same. She’s a singer’s singer and one of the best in the industry today. She, like Nancy Wilson, Angela Bofill, and Phyllis Hyman, is a uniquely gifted song stylist and interpreter. She’s able to use music to connect with her audience on a much deeper level. There’s an endless love of her art that flows through her music. You cannot help but be touched by it, especially when you experience her live.

Maysa realizes the power of music and the role she plays as a singer-songwriter-producer. She says, “I am a storyteller, a counselor and a friend that helps others through the good times and bad through my music. It’s important for me to connect with the audience because it’s my God given job.” And she does it, effortlessly, with each album and every performance. Every ounce of her heart and soul goes into her music. There’s nothing phony or contrived about it. It’s honest, authentic music. And it’s a testament to her 20+ years in the industry and the love and loyalty of her fans and peers.

Happy Birthday Maysa! May there be many more years of life, love, prosperity, and enchanting music! We thank you for blessing us for so many years with your amazing gifts. Here’s to you!

Until Then…

Posted on August 15, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

When you’re screaming out
And the one you need the most still doesn’t hear you—
Your voice continues to blare and wail like a trumpet;
Hopeful that one day your tune will be heard, loved, and understood.

When you’re giving the monologue your all
And the audience from which you thrive doesn’t see you—
You don’t leave the stage; the drama continues to pour from you—
Hopeful that one day your act will be seen, acknowledged, and reviewed.

When you’re fighting against injustice
And the opposition turns the other cheek—
You don’t stop the movement; the message is a relentless battle cry—
Hopeful that one day your fight will lead to equality, freedom, and justice.

When I couldn’t reach you
I gave every tactic equal opportunity for the chance of change.
I sought your love and approval at life’s every whim.
Even when disappointed or rejected—optimism persisted— 
Hopeful that one day you would come around.

Well, it’s been years—
And you still haven’t come around.
I’ve all but given up.
Hope remains everything but strong.
Guess it’s time now that I finally move on.

If you want to be in my life,
You’ll make it known.
But until then…

Happy 8th Blogiversary to BuddahDesmond’s Place!

Posted on August 6, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

BuddahDesmond’s Place is now 8 years old! It’s almost hard to believe I’ve been blogging for nearly 10 years. I was in undergrad when I first started reading blogs. But I didn’t get serious about creating my own blog until the summer of 2005. I was inspired by Trent Jackson, Frank Leon Roberts, Clay Cane, Keith Boykin, Frederick Smith, and Rashid Darden (to name a few). I was taken away by this new medium of expression and the fact that it afforded new ways of sharing ideas and perspectives, fostering creativity, and building community. At that point I knew I had to give blogging a try. And that’s when my blog, then titled “BuddahDesmond’s Rapture,” came into fruition.

My blog serves as a symbol of my appreciation for the arts and entertainment. It’s also a place where I share my experiences and commentary on life, love, relationships, politics, and social issues. As the years progressed, I’ve always tried to find ways to keep it fresh. The 101 Days Project; Weekly Musings on Life, Love, and Politics; Influences; Tributes; event reviews and author inspiration posts have continued push the blog into new bounds and challenge my skills as a writer. It’s my mission to keep pushing myself and my platform as much as I can.

I thank you for all of the support over the years. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blog as much as I’ve enjoyed creating the posts! Feel free to check out and comment on some of the posts I’ve highlighted from the past year in the “Related Posts” section.

Until next time… Peace, Love, and Many Blessings, BuddahDesmond!

Still NO Answers in the Marco McMillian Case – Latest on MUSED

Posted on August 1, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Image courtesy of NY Daily News.

It’s been five months since Marco McMillian’s death and so many questions remain unanswered. McMillian, 34, was a black, gay rising politician in Clarksdale, MS whose body was found beaten, burned, and unclothed on a Mississippi River levee on February 27. Race, political corruption, and a hate crime motivated by sexual orientation have all fed into the speculation surrounding McMillian’s death. Lawrence Reed, 22, confessed to the murder and is currently in police custody at the Coahoma County jail. McMillian’s family, their community, and the NBJC (to name a few) have all called for a federal investigation into McMillian’s death. For more information, read the article on MUSED.

MUSED Magazine Online is a pioneering “digital destination for lifestyle, entertainment & culture for modern black gay men. MUSED serves as a collective of experiences and issues we care about” (see About MUSED). Its mission is to raise the level of consciousness for our community and provide reliable, relevant, interactive, and engaging content for its readers. MUSED is the only weekly online magazine for black gay men.

Major thanks and props to Drew-Shane Daniels and the MUSED family for featuring the article!

Follow MUSED on: Facebook | Twitter

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Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!

~ BuddahDesmond

Buddah Desmond

Author of Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics

Author Archives: BuddahDesmond611