Miss Know It All

Happy National Poetry Month!

2011-04-01T09:00:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited that today is the first day of National Poetry Month! As I have been working diligently to complete my second book of poetry, I am always inspired by the musings of others. I was speaking to an old friend not to long ago and they reminded me of a lovely poem by Langston Hughes entitled To Artina. This poem happens to be one of my favorites.

To Artina

I will take your heart.
I will take your soul out of your body
As though I were God.
I will not be satisfied
With the touch of your hand
Nor the sweet of your lips alone.
I will take your heart for mine.
I will take your soul.
I will be God when it comes to you.

To check out other poems that I go wild for stop by The Word Library, my new blog dedicated to my creative writing efforts as well as a place to honor brilliant creative's that I admire. Be sure to subscribe and follow, I want to know that you were there!

Do you have a favorite poem?

Miss Know It All

Monday Message...

2011-03-21T10:18:00.001-04:00

I love this song by Jill Scott this is one of my favorite Monday anthems. Be encouraged in your day today. Your pushing forward is helping someone else to do the same. ENJOY!

What's getting you through your day today?

Miss Know It All

I'm Loosin' It!

2011-03-10T13:36:00.005-05:00

I'm very excited so I will just cut to the chase...As I mentioned in my post I'm Coming Out I have made the commitment to "start a journey that will lead me to a tighter waistline and a healthier, happier lifestyle" well I joined Weight Watchers. My goal last week was to make sure that I "tracked" or wrote down every food item and drink that passed my lips. Surprisingly I did it. They say that "tracking" is the key to the success of the Weight Watchers program. And I WANT SUCCESS! So, I did it and I am proud to say that I LOST 6.6 pounds! Just four more pounds and I will have met my first goal of 10 pounds. Yaaay me! I even got to eat these!

Scrumptious sugar - free cupcakes! Imagine that. This week I will incorporate exercise and see how that works out. P90x here I come!

What are your tips, triumphs and tricks for weight loss success?

Miss Know It All

It's A New Dawn, A New Day...

2011-03-03T09:00:00.004-05:00

And I'm feeling goooood! Yes, I have given in to the call. Last Tuesday I decided to join Weight Watchers. I figured if I was going to do it why not do it with a group of people that have a similar goal to mines. My long term goal is to get my waistline back and to be as healthy as I possibly can. I am fortunate to not have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues, or diabetes, all which run in my family on both sides. Yikes!

I fell and hurt my knee last week and I'm almost all healed up but until then I will only be doing upper body workouts along with a daily ab routine. I invested in the monthly Weight Watchers membership so I can avoid as many excuses as possible about how my money is tied up and can't be spent on Weight Watchers meetings. The membership includes access to their on-line tools. Very cool for this part time techie and easy to use. I need all of the support that I can get.

Aside from joining Weight Watchers, I also have enlisted the mentorship of one of my besties.(Although I haven't asked her yet) She is my weight loss SHERO. Without extreme dieting or medical assistance she has lost weight and is keeping it off and enjoying it might I add! I think it will be nice to have someone that will be honest and helpful when I enlist her expertise. I can be quite stubborn at times and...well...most of the time she doesn't care (giggles). She would never say she doesn't care but I know her well enough to draw that assumption.

I'm excited, I am so looking forward to great results. My first day on this plan was yesterday and it wasn't bad. I tracked and ate very well. Please keep sending me your tips and healthy recipes.

Hearing from you is giving me joy! Thank you!!!

W.W. Goal for the week: Track what I eat and drink everyday.

1st Short term weight loss goal: 10lbs

1st Long term weight loss goal: 30lbs

How do you think I should reward myself for meeting my 1st short term goal?

Miss Know It All

I'm Coming Out!

2011-03-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

So, this past weekend while I was pretending like I was cleaning (wink), I came across this photo...

I know you're probably thinking, what a killer figure! This was my initial reaction as I crossed this photo a few years ago. This is actually a photo of a girl named Sintra Arunte Bronte. This Trinidadian beauty was commissioned by a Jamaican tourist company to create an eye catching poster for their company. Although this was released over 30 years ago, it's still a jaw dropper.

Anyhoo, as I dazed off into her whittled waistline I thought, I want that body! When I was...younger and was shaped like her I couldn't really appreciate it. But now, as an adult I can fully grasp all of its benefits. I still have a pretty shapely waistline but there is extra stuff hanging around it. Ewww. I have got to get this off! Sigh... I would love to see that waist on me one more time...

So, I will do it! I am committing today to start a journey that will lead me to a tighter waistline and a healthier, happier lifestyle. I would love to hear about what you have learned on your journey to a better you. Recipes, words of encouragement and support are all welcome. Please chime in by leaving a comment. What has worked for you?

Look out world, I'm coming out!

Miss Know It All

Congratulations Goddess!

2011-02-14T19:49:00.004-05:00

K.I.M is the proud winner of the Carol's Daughter Goddess Flower give - a - way! Thanks again for stopping by K.I.M you're going to love this new scent, I'm officially addicted to it! Also, an EXTRA special thank you to Saniyyah at Carol's Daughter for this wonderful opportunity! Thanks to all that participated. Check back often you never know what goodies may show up on this blog...

Miss Know It All

Hump Day 1: Computer Love...

2011-02-09T11:55:00.004-05:00

"I didn't realize that I was falling in love but I did. I love a man that I have never met in person. I know it's crazy but it seems that everyday we grow closer. It finally feels like I have found someone that I can talk to freely. He knows what to say at the right times and how he says it means the world to me. We are both in relationships but its not like we are trying to date each other we are just really good friends. Maybe one day we will meet or I may find someone "in - world" but for now I will enjoy this romance, I will enjoy my computer love."

Komputer Kathy
_______________________________

Oooo Miss K.K.!

I totally understand having someone to meet the emotional needs that your "in-world" beau may not be meeting however, just because he is filling up your empty spaces does not make this right. As long as you are in a relationship "in - world" the emotional affair that you are having is wrong. If the shoe was on the other foot would you be as understanding as you are assuming your boyfriend to be? Love is a funny thing and sacred thing, it shapes itself around are emotional needs and it can either shelter or choke the hell out of you! My advise is to save your neck! Either move on from the "in - world" relationship that you have or be a big girl and step back from the computer and love the one you're with. I would also look at those gaps that "cyber-boy" has been filling for you and take them to your boyfriend. My best guess is that he has no idea of what your current needs are. Also, be careful with whom you give your love to as well as who you take it from. All that glitters ain't gold!

Miss Know It All

**Have a burning question or concern on love, sex or relationships? email it to me at missknowitall.blog@gmail[dot]com. All entries will be kept anonymous. I can't wait to hear from you!

Don't End Up Dry On Valentine's Day

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to enter for the Give - A - Way! There's only a few days left before Valentines Day is here. This is what to do in case you forgot:

All you have to do is...

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Follow me on twitter @missknowitall

3. Like Me on Facebook: facebook.com/mymissknowitall

Do these things and you will be entered into a drawing to win the complete set which includes the Cleansing Cream. Names will be drawn during the Carol's DaughterValentine's Day event. Check back on my blog for the date.

But why stop here?!

For my Atlanta Know It All's if you visit the Carol's Daughter location at Lenox Square Mall in the month of February and mention Miss Know It All you will receive:

1. A FREE Goddess hand massage and;
2. 1 (one) entry into the drawing for the Goddess Trio Pack. Make a purchase on the day of your visit and it will count as 2 (two) entries on top of the other entries but you will receive a FREE gift! How awesome is that?!

Remember that you must mention MISS KNOW IT ALL to be entered in the drawing or to receive any of these benefits. The more you comment on my blog of tweet me the better you chance of winning!

Be sure to tell your friends! If they mention your name as a referral, heck, that'll gain you an entry as well! Check back often.

Just In Time For Valentine's Day...Aphrodisiacs Part 1

2011-02-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you but there are undoubtedly foods that are sexy enough to get me in the mood. Weather it's the smell, feel or taste, something is bound to get you in the mood. I'm not sure if it's a combination of chemistry, appearance, mental muscle (for me at least) and the right dish or if it's just the food alone. Here are a couple of aphrodisiacs to try out in time for Valentine's Day...

The World Is My Oyster!

"Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals."

I think I will go with the later. Here's a quick note to help you on your "aphrodisiac" oyster journey:

*How To Open An Oyster

Fresh oysters must be alive just before consumption. There is a simple criterion: oysters must be capable of closing the shell tightly. Any open oysters should be tapped on the shell: a live oyster will close up and is safe to eat. Oysters which are open and unresponsive are dead, and must be discarded. Some dead oysters, or oyster shells which are full of sand may also be closed, but they will make a distinctive noise when tapped: they are known as clackers for this reason.

Opening oysters requires skill, for live oysters, outside of the water, tend to shut themselves tightly with a powerful muscle thus sealing in their fluids. The generally used method for opening oysters is to use a special knife (called an oyster knife, a variant of a shucking knife), with a short and thick blade about 2 inches long.

The blade needs to be inserted (with some moderate force and vibration if necessary) at the hinge in the rear of the shell. with the blade inserted slightly you need to twist until a slight pop is heard/felt. Then the blade should be slid upward to cut the adductor muscle (which holds the shell closed). Inexperienced shuckers tend to apply excessive force, which may result in injuries if the blade slips. A heavy glove should always be worn: if you don't cut yourself with the knife you can just as easily cut yourself on the oyster shell itself, which can be razor sharp.

There is also a second way in, referred to as the sidedoor, which is about halfway along one side where the lips of the oyster widen so there is a slight indentation where a knife may successfully be inserted. This is generally a better way to open an oyster when it is a crumbler (i.e. one with a particularly soft shell either due to drills or the amount of calcium in the water). Either way, however, can be tricky when an oyster's shell is in such a poor condition."

Good luck with that one! It really sounds more technical than it is but, the instruction/advise is great all the same. Next we have the Avocado...

You're gonna get a kick outta this one!

"The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper."

I love avocado's as a compliment to any meal. Their dark texture, the roughness of their skin and the way that it glides into your mouth with its silken green meat. How can that not be sexy? Well, I tried to make it sound sexy at least.

Let me know what foods you think turns you on...

Miss Know It All

*brought to you by the hard working people at The Gourmet Sleuth

From Super Hero To Goddess...

2011-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Well...we made it to another fun filled, fabulous, February. I've always liked the month of February. It's like the holiday for the abundantly sensitive and her friends. Most people are focused on love. Who's gonna get it, who has it and why they are thankful for it. We plot and scheme, avoid some and become apparent to others all for one day, Valentine's Day! I must admit that somewhere in the holiday madness you will find me smiling amongst the chocolates and roses. And let face it ladies, when it comes to putting on the best for our mates we want EVERYTHING to be as close to perfect as possible.

So, I thought tho get us off on the good foot I would share with you the newest scent from Goddess Flower Collection by Carol's Daughter released just yesterday. It is lightly scented with a combination of White Orchid, Sweet Jasmine and Warm Vanilla. The scent is absolutely divine!

Yesterday after a long day at work and then coming home to my "Mommy duties", I was exhausted! I was so looking forward to that special bewitching hour that comes once the kids are gone to bed and there is no noise other than my own. That moment when you take that deep breath and it feels as if you didn't breathe all day. Well, last night while the babes slept soundly in their beds, I ran a shower as hot as I could stand and gave myself a well deserved treat. Yes! you guessed it Goddess Flower by Carol's Daughter!

After my spa like shower, I indulged in the Goddess Flower Shea Souffle.

Again, it smells great and the fluffy cream glided over my skin like it belonged there. The Carol's Daughter Goddess Flower Shea Souffle contains a non-sticky combo of: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil. Who can go wrong with all of that?! There are no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial coloring. Annnnd, did I mention that it kept my dry winter skin very moisturized and glowing? How great is that?!

After I was finished slathering that on I experienced the Goddess Flower Dry Oil Mist which has a blend of Shea Butter, the ever so popular Acai Berry and Aloe Leaf Extracts.

The smell is intoxicating!

I put a little of this on to compliment the Goddess Flower Shea Souffle. It came out in a fine mist and added a healthy glow to my once ashy legs and arms. And after I did that I felt like this...

And who doesn't need that before their big Valentine's Day event? Well, in efforts of you feeling as good as I do, I want to hook you Know It All's up! All you have to do is...

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Follow me on twitter @missknowitall

3. Like Me on Facebook: facebook.com/mymissknowitall

Do these things and you will be entered into a drawing to win the complete set which includes the Cleansing Cream. Names will be drawn during the Carol's Daughter Valentine's Day event. Check back on my blog for the date.

But why stop here?!

For my Atlanta Know It All's if you visit the Carol's Daughter location at Lenox Square Mall in the month of February and mention Miss Know It All you will receive:

1. A FREE Goddess hand massage and;

2. 1 (one) entry into the drawing for the Goddess Trio Pack. Make a purchase on the day of your visit and it will count as 2 (two) entries on top of the other entries but you will receive a FREE gift! How awesome is that?!

Remember that you must mention MISS KNOW IT ALL to be entered in the drawing or to receive any of these benefits. The more you comment on my blog of tweet me the better you chance of winning!

Be sure to tell your friends! If they mention your name as a referral, heck, that'll gain you an entry as well! Check back often. Who knows what you may find!

OMG! my skin still feels like silk (rubbing my skin excessively)! You gotta try this...

Miss Know It All

5 Things That I Know To Be True - 01/ 2011

2011-01-20T01:15:00.006-05:00

Although we are just mid- January, life continues to come my way at what seems to be light speed. Kids, work, writing, my family life, my personal life...I'm sure you get the picture. I haven't figured out the puzzle to this whole thing (yet) but I have acquired a few gems along the way. Here are my top 5 for this month...

1. Feed the dream and it will grow. No matter what your dream is, if it is something that you truly want you must be prepared to nurture it. However, you must maintain patience and dedication to see the growth and no one can feed your dream like you can.

2.I really am a Super Hero! I joke about it often but I have come to realize that I have superhuman gifts and abilities that are often overlooked or mistaken to the average person. For example, I can write a blog, cook dinner, help with homework, write a lesson plan, give or get advice from girlfriends on the phone and answer weird questions from children all at the same time! Know It All's, the legend of the cape is real.

3. I half to have magazines, music, a writing utensil and coffee. Period.

4. I AM... It is my job to fight for and maintain all of the details that make me a Know It All. I am here and productive and it's up to ME to to let the world know that I exist!

5. Everything WILL be alright! This is a hard one to grasp for me but as it turns out (most of the time) I'm still here...

What are the top 5 things that you learned this month?

Miss Know It All

Martin Luther King...Day?

2011-01-17T13:20:00.008-05:00

I wasn't going to post today. But as I sit in the comfy confines of my home and read all of the tributes, listened to the countless King sermons and speeches and counted the requests and invitations for community service today I thought...damn... one whole day. Is this all we are going to give? I actually was inspired to thought after reading the Brown Girl Excursion blog for the day. You should stop by and check out my inspiration. *Smile*. After marinating on the post and commenting I thought this is friggin pathetic! We have once again allowed society to dictate to us what and when we should celebrate, activate and appreciate. One day??!

Okay Know It All's...please tell me when something, anything as epic as freedom and equality got solved in a day? Did it take more than one person? What made/makes that person/group of people any different than you? Consistency, passion, desire, urgency?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a family man

He liked to hang out and have fun.

He was a thinker. Was he so different than you and I? He hurt, cried, got tired and felt disgust just as we do. He loved just as we do. He gave a LIFE TIME from the moment that he made the decision that if he didn't do something, anything that we would continue to suffer not only as a race but as the human race.

So, I guess that's what's got me thinking about waiting until one day in January to give myself and or my service(s) to others. It's crazy! Don't be fooled by what you have been told you should do. Or when you should do it. Step outside of that comfort zone and BE! DO! GO! SCREAM! FIGHT! I need you. The world needs you everyday. Just a little something. Decide where it starts for you and try it. I dare you! Just don't wait until next January...

*the scenes from this video may be graphic for young viewers. Please view at your own discretion*

Miss Know It All

Change Is Good. Right??

2011-01-14T16:04:00.005-05:00

Hey There,

Here at Miss Know It All I’m always trying to provide you with something you can hold onto (or unfortunately, I write nothing at all). So, in celebration of a great year of learning, growing and *ahem* knowing it all, I have some great things coming your way. Please make sure to subscribe to my posts, Like Me on Face Book and follow me @missknowitall on Twitter. Here is a snapshot of what’s to come:

Guests Posts: Hear from a variety of writer's, bloggers and Know It All's on topics that affect us as productive women, mother's, friend's and lover's. Yes, we are going to get juicy! (Click the Submission Information link to the left for information)
Meet Ups: Come out to join myself as well as other fab Know It All's as we party, think, dream, process and progress together.
Subscriber's Spotlight Series: All of my Know It All's are such fabulous people I would be remiss in my mission to enlighten if I didn't share their many talents and thoughts with you.
Ask the Know It All: A Question & Answers series that anonymously asks the stuff we REALLY want to know. Nothing is off limits! Please fill my In-Box with your questions. If I can't answer your question, I know the person that can! (submit your questions to missknowitall.blog@gmail.com)
Much, Much More...

I'm so excited to hear from ALL of you! Please check in and let me know how you are doing. And remember to tell a friend to tell a friend that Miss-Know It All (dot) (com) is where it's at!

Smiling,

Miss Know It All

It's The Gift That Keeps On Giving!

2010-12-29T16:00:00.001-05:00

It's not too late to buy those last minute gifts for your friends and loved one's. Or perhaps it's that special gift that you want to give yourself that says..."self, I love you!" I invite and encourage you to click the pretty pink button to the left of this blog that is marked PAYPAL and treat yourself or a loved one to my chapbook, Somewhere Round Midnight. This book is my first installation of thoughts on love, friendship and desire and has officially gone into its second printing! Please show your support by getting your copy today!

Miss Know It All

Mmmm. Thanksgiving Day!

2010-11-25T16:00:00.005-05:00

So many things to be thankful for as we begin the holiday season. Family, friends, good health and Scrabble! Best wishes to you and your family and I can't wait to hear from you soon.

Enjoy,

Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All Does the National Black Arts Festival

2010-07-16T16:54:00.005-04:00

Hello All! I'm so glad that it's Festival time again. The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) is one of the premier national and international celebrations of the art, music and culture of people of African descent. The mission of the NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.

Please join me at Centennial Park at the Children's Education Village on July 17, 2010 between 12pm and 1pm. I will be there welcoming blogger's to NBAF. Stop by and say hello, I would Love to see you!

Miss Know It All

Look Out World, Mama's Goin' Out!

2010-04-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Hey there ladies, one thing I know for sure is that I never really need an excuse for a night out. However, thanks to Maria Bailey, Host of Mom Talk Radio and author of "The Ultimate Mom Book" (HCI, 2009), as well as top Mom Websites, Newbaby.com, BlueSuiteMom.com and MomSelect.com we have the unique opportunity to gather at Gwinnett Place Mall for an evening of live demonstrations, makeovers, fashion shows, samplings of food and desserts, shopping incentives, giveaways and more!

On May 6, 2010, Please join me at Gwinnett Place Mall from 6 to 9 p.m. as I celebrate with other cool moms for this wonderful social networking opportunity. National Mom's Nite Out is just before the official Mother's Day holiday; born out of an idea that most moms are busy taking care of other mothers on Mother's Day. National Mom's Nite Out gives all moms an excuse to take the night off.

I don't know about you but I am in desperate need to enjoy a night out if for nothing more than good adult conversation. Spot me in the mall and receive a gift from Miss Know It All! Leave a comment below to let me know if you are coming out to par-tay!

**This is a FREE event sponsored by Mega Mart and Gwinnett Daily Post.

See Ya At the Gwinnett Place Mall...

Miss Know It All

RETHINKING WHAT MATTERS WITH BARE ESCENTUALS: GIVE AWAY!

2010-02-11T08:57:00.005-05:00

Girls get ready! Bare Escentuals is Rethinking What Matters and would like to get you in on the conversation.

If you haven't joined the "swirl n tap" revolution now is the time. Bare Escentuals, the mineral makeup pioneer, invites you to sound off and get more than skin deep with their new campaign, Rethink What Matters. Born from employees rethinking makeup itself, the beauty brand found that looking good is more than plastering ourselves with artificial gunk to cover our imperfections, but more about showin' off what you got!

I know, I have been guilty of it too. The self loathing that often accompanies our makeup application. The, "oh my skin looks awful" and "damn these dark circles under my eyes" days. The, "no one can see me without my makeup" moments. Uuggggh! It drives me crazy! Bare Escentuals invites us to challenge ourselves to have honest conversations with our girlfriends about what really matters. Every week at RethinkWhatMatters.com, a new discussion topic will be featured with five questions for you to answer and share with your girlfriends via email, Twitter and Facebook.

So, whats in it for you? FREE PRODUCT! Annnnd, for a few really lucky ladies, an even bigger reward will be given for all of the rethinking that you have been doing. Every week there will be goodies offered to a randomly selected group of people who answer the "Rethink" questions and share with their friends. At the end of nine weeks (3.26.10), one grand prize winner and two runner-ups will be chosen.

Today I have, 1 Flawless Definition Mascara that bareMinerals has provided specifically for this giveaway. All you have to do to enter is this:

Subscribe to my blog through email. If you are already have done so, forward my blog to a friend asking them to subscribe then leave a comment telling me that you have done so.

Once you have subscribed, leave a comment sharing what it is that you like about this campaign.

I will close this giveaway on Sunday, February 14, 2010, 11pm (EST). The winner will be announced on Monday the 15th.

Good Luck!

Miss Know It All

A Moment of Honesty...

2010-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

This year is already proving itself to be...well, interesting to say the least. Already I am having to make some tough decisions. Decisions that I should have made long ago. Like whether loving myself or loving someone else is more important. Sounds like an easy enough question I know. But when you are looking at an amazing love like the one I have had the privilege of experiencing, that question seems a little more difficult to answer. Don't get me wrong, I think that I am the bomb! Anyone that has had the pleasure of knowing me will tell you that I go through fazes when (LOL) I really do believe that. Thank God! Anyhoo, I believe part of making a lifetime commitment to someone is that sometimes our relationships require a little self sacrifice especially when its mutual. It's when it's not mutual that a problem arises. Or when a person decides that they are no longer willing to sacrifice because the cost is too great. But people, let me share something with you...ALL love has a price. I can't tell you what price you will pay for love in your life but it definitely costs! Some worth it and some you could have saved your breath for. But you and only you can make that decision for yourself.

I have lost great friends (male and female), family, jobs, my home, my health (mental and physical) and last but not least, what I believed to be the love of my life. Everything I have known for the last 18 years has been compromised. I have gone beyond my limits to revive these things. In my opinion, it was worth all of the sweat and tears behind it. But, what I have come to realize is that those things are gone and there is nothing that I can do about them. The great thing about all of them is that outside of love, it can all be either fixed or replaced.

If I can share anything about my experience with you its this, real unconditional love is out there. I have had it. It's wonderful and possible. And if you are at all a religious or spiritual person, don't let go of that. When I thought that God had left me for dead he showed up at the right time, his time and comforted me (well God and a few nights of handy prescriptions, lol). Don't be bitter it's not becoming of a real lady or gentleman. My grandma always says that you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar. And lastly if you are in a relationship that is not mentally and or physically abusive fight until you can't fight anymore. But remember that it has a cost!

I also want to say thank you to my friends and family that haven't left. I need you and love you. And will never forget that you have stood by me with a flashlight when I was in the dark. To my friends and family that have gone, I miss and love you. You remain a great part of who I am and who I will become.

I have a loooong road ahead of me and from what I hear I will come back to the light on my own one day. Until then I will keep running towards the end of the tunnel because I know that's where the light is supposed to be. LOL

Knowing EVERYTHING and NOTHING at the same time,

Miss Know It All

It's Been Awhile, But Baby...I'm Back!

2010-01-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

Okay so, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, & last but not least HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009 was definitely a tremendous treat, after all, I had the likes of you to share it with. And what a year it was! I'm excited to be with you yet once again. 2010 is going to be filled with many delights I'm sure. I have already discovered that 3D television is coming into our homes, that I can now start saving to go to space and that Mariah Carey LOVES champagne! I hope that your holiday was filled with joy and laughter. Here are some of my memories...

Mommy taught Taylor to make the perfect S'more. Mmmm,

The hanging of the key on the door for Santa to get in,

Awww. Taylor & Devyn, just happy to be together.

and finally...

Not just any gift, but, the unveiling of the Wii that they saved half of the money for. Mommy and Daddy paid for the other half. This moment was priceless because of the hard work they put into saving. To actually see it pay off was one of the best lessons in saving money that they have had. It actually worked!!

What was the highlight of your holiday?

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

What A Wacky Week!

2009-11-13T07:52:00.007-05:00

"Writing does not exclude the full life. It DEMANDS it." - Katherine Anne Porter

Its a good thing that our friend Katherine pointed out the demands of the writing life. If not, I might have ...i dunno, thought I was going CRAZY!! These are some of the things that happened in my life this week that will somehow add fuel to my writing fire.

1. I had a tooth removed and have been highly medicated every since,

2. Spent time in the classrooms of my eldest child. Ahhh, the joys of Middle School. Only to hear a student share that for Thanksgiving he was thankful that he knows who his father is. Another was thankful for Lil Wayne on all the rap songs that he likes.

3. I took another trip to the dentist for the kids check up, only for them to inform me that "bad patient" was written in my 6 year olds file. She ran around the office screaming, and foaming at the mouth during her last visit. Thank heavens we redeemed ourselves. She did fantastic!

4.Prepared for the big move...

5. And, threw in some reading for good measure.

I would through in the rest but I might scare you away!

What wacky things happened in your week?

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

Blessing the Boats...My Welcoming of the New Season

2009-11-04T00:07:00.010-05:00

Blessing the Boats by Lucille Clifton

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

I love that poem! This is what I tell myself as I welcome the timely/untimely change of fall. My life at this point is in need of change no matter how resistant I am to it. When I think about it, the changing of seasons is Gods gift to me, to everyone. It's like our personal permission slip to do what we want to do, be what and who we want to be and make no apologies for that change. We don't have to gobble up any trash that is fed to us, we don't have to cook up some nonsense excuse not to explode onto the world and claim the space that is cut out for us. For this season, this moment, this day is new and we can do whatever the hell we want with it! So, I gather up my worries, my illnesses, my heartache, and find all of the resistance that I can. I wrap it in disbelief, regret and fear. I gather all of the tears that I shed for the seasons past and I place all of those things in my life's metaphorical boat and I watch all of it sail away.

This is a choice. Not a promise but a journey. And at the end of the day all I can do is take life one step at a time until my next season. Wish me the best. Looks like its going to be an exciting ride. I'm glad that you are along with me.

What are some of the things that you would put in your metaphorical boat? Or, how do you honor the changing of the seasons?

Hugs Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

Coming Towards the End Of the Annual Breast Brigade

2009-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

While many of us girls were able to make it through another year, free of breast cancer, many of us were fighting and struggling to make sense of this untimely disease. Although its nothing that you can totally prepare for, one of the best things that we can do is to educate ourselves on breast care and to learn better ways to read and communicate what our bodies are telling us. On my personal journey here are some of the invaluable things that I have discovered.

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book was a godsend to me. It was like the bible of the breast books. It helped to answer the many questions I had about how to read a mammogram, self examination, over coming fear of results, what the results mean, and great questions that you should ask your doctor.

It was so cool to have a wonderful support team to get me through all of the rough spots. At times I was so down about my initial results that it really helped for me to have the people that mean the most to me by my side. (sniff, sniff) they were the BEST!

All hail the maker of the post surgical bra! After my surgery it was mandatory that I had great support for my breasts. In February 2009, I had a bi-lateral Lumpectomy (that means both breasts ladies), and I'm top heavy (that's BIG boobs) so comfort was an absolute must! Ouch!

Belief in God. For my experience, it was important for me to maintain faith in a higher power other than myself. Although, admittedly it was hard for me at times because I often battled with the, "why me's". Through constant prayer and once again my wonderful support system I pulled through just fine.

The beauty of the DVD! OMG! The time that I spent sitting, unable to move around alot, and in efforts to maintain my sanity (and everyone else's), I had tons of DVD's to keep me company. Not only did it curb my boredom but it offered many escapes into many different worlds other than my own (which by the way seemed sucky because of the pain and lack of movement). Comedies Rock at times like these!

Although this list is very limited, I hope that it gave some insight as to what helped to get me through my ordeal. By the way, as of September 2009 (my 6 month follow up), things are looking good. My mammogram showed no signs of concern! Woot Woot!

I encourage and challenge you to find out more information as to how you can best care for your ta-ta's. Knowing the status of your breast health is half the battle! Go for it!

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

And the Winner Is...

2009-10-28T00:00:00.002-04:00

Last week after posting "May the Breast Man Win!" I sent out a "bat signal" to my friends and SITStas asking them to do a variety of things to qualify to win a $25 American Express Gift Card! The reason for me doing the give-away originally was to encourage people to either purchace a bra for themselves or a loved one or to buy a bra to donate to the organization Support1000. I was so moved by his gesture (after I thought, "man, why didn't I think of that)that I wanted to make sure that I shared it with others.

Congratulations to a SUPER mom over at Foursons!

Please stop by to check out her awesome blog and to tell her Congrats. Thank you to all that participated.

If you had a random $25 to spend what would you blow it on?

Hugs, Kisses & Best Wishes,

Miss Know It All

May The Breast Man Win!

2009-10-22T16:48:00.013-04:00

Fantastic news! I was reading an article at the chicagotribune.com, and discovered a wonderful article by Dawn Reiss about a man, Oz du Soleil that has started an organization that "collects slightly used bras for underprivileged, lower income, girls and women." How awesome is that!! This do-gooder collects bras through his blog, support1000.blogspot.com and according to Reiss' article the initial goal of collecting 1,000 bras was met back in April and has now collected over 3,000 bras! The things that we take for granted. I often donate clothes for children and adults but it never crossed my mind to include the ol' overtheshoulderboulderholders. Every woman/girl needs them. Bras are definitely sure to be on my list when the holiday clothes drives come around.

To find out more information on this great cause or to make a donation, please click here or you can mail donations to...

Oz du Soleil

Support 1000

P.O. Box 412406
Chicago, IL 60641

Let's show our love and support by stopping by his blog and leaving a comment of encouragement.

Please leave a comment below to tell me what you think about the efforts of Oz du Soleil

Miss Know It All

Attention! Boobs Below - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-01T20:49:00.010-04:00

Did You REALLY think that I would flash my tata's on the Internet?

Well, at any rate I'm glad that you're here. For those of you that haven't been overwhelmed by the "pink brigade", I wanted to remind you that October is officially National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that there are a few of you self proclaimed breast experts out there so I'm going to ask that you humor me and challenge yourselves to learn something that you may not know about breast and how to love and care for them. Here are some fantastic things that you can do:

Give yourself a breast exam;

Schedule a mammogram with your doctor;

Have an in depth discussion with a friend or loved one about how they care for their breasts;

Donate to the organization of your choice for breast cancer research; (Here is mine!)

Buy Yoplait Yogurt, lick the pink lids and mail em in.

Breast Cancer is a topic that is very dear to me as I have been resisting cancer since I was 15 years old. I had my first lumpectomy when I was a sophomore in High School and my last bi- lateral lumpectomy in February of 2009. It has been a blessing that with the exception of God's grace, the consistent breast examinations, trips to the doctor, support from my family and friends and education that I have come this far in my journey. I encourage you to be active in your own health care as well as those you love.

Join me every Friday in the month of October as I explore all things breasts! It's sure to be a heavy TOPic!

Miss Know It All

Wisdom Wednesday

2009-09-30T14:12:00.008-04:00

Something to think about...

Whosoever sees You and doesn't smile,
whose jaw doesn't drop with awe,
whose qualities fail to increase in a thousand ways,
can only be the mortar and bricks of a prison. - Rumi

Everyday you are important and beautiful to all that encounter you and your life. Make certain that those that do have the privilege of being in your company leave you feeling renewed and encouraged.

What stain will you leave on the world this week?

Miss Know It All

Back To School!

2009-08-10T19:42:00.014-04:00

HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR!

I don't know about the rest of you mom's and dad's out there but this mommy knows for sure that today couldn't have come fast enough! The first day of school has surely come upon us. But for my household it wasn't just the first day of school but it was the first day of First Grade for Devyn and the first day of MIDDLE SCHOOL for Taylor. We were all excited to say the least. So, being the mommy that I am, I started the day off with camera in tow...as usual. WINK!

Here were some of the highlights of 2008-2009

Devyn being a big girl in kindergarten, loving being student of the month

Taylor blossomed in DC for her 5th grade end of year trip

(Taylor & Ms. Persons)

Taylor moving on to 6th grade

(Taylor, Grandma & Devyn)

FREE Chick-Fil-A meals if you dress up as cow. Needless to say, I was moooved.

As my life begins again with signed agendas, PTA/PTSA meetings and avoidance of boys at all

costs, I'm excited and proud of the school year to come. How was your first day of school?

Miss Know It All

Something to Hold On To

2009-08-01T15:06:00.010-04:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting the Literary Salon for the National Black Arts Festival. I started off the morning with a workshop on "Words and Pictures" A Cinematic Marriage with filmmaker Jonee' Ansa and his wife novelist Tina McElroy Ansa and then I finished off the evening with a tribute to E. Lynn Harris, author of Invisible Life in addition to ten other novels. So needless to say...I had a stellar day!

Through the National Black Arts Festival, I have had the opportunity to meet many people that I admire but I have been blessed to have found a friend in Tina McElroy Ansa and when I learned of E. Lynn's passing I thought of no other person to help me pull together a tribute.

I wish I could place into words the experience that was had by all that attended the event. But even if I could, I feel as if I would be violating a sacred place and time designated for his friends that loved and morned him together. But for those of us simply that adored his books, there was an intimate space that we were humbled at the opportunity to enter.

One of the key things that I pulled out of the whole affair was the consistent message that E. Lynn Harris, outside of being a gay black man...was indeed a hu-man above all things. He laughed, loved, hurt as we all do. But the thing that stuck with me the most is that he was giving without conviction. To his friends, fans and all that had the pleasure of meeting him. His nakedness as a writer allowed us to dream, to be and to stretch ourselves in ways that we never imagined. As I listened intently, I thought to myself, what a legacy. What an example of absolute humanness to encourage us all to live in this world. Despite of the everyday madness of life, our fears and our pain, we have been given the courage to own the right to be whoever and whatever you are and at the end of the day, when the lights are low and the only breath that you have is your own, you can sleep without worry because you to have something to hold on to. YOU...

I challenge you to consider your legacy. What stain will you leave on the world after you have long left this place? Weigh in with your comments, I can't wait to hear from you.

Holding on,

Miss Know It All

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-07-07T23:46:00.005-04:00

"Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more conveient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime" - W.E.B Du Bois

Miss Know It All

2009-07-04T14:07:00.008-04:00

We write songs about it, we celebrate, exploit and sensationalize it. But what does it really mean to be independent? And can it truly be achieved?

For me, independence is an interesting concept. Dictionary.com defines independence as,

"freedom from the control, influence, support, aid or the like, of others."

But having read this, I have to ask myself what that really means to me. As individuals we make hundreds of decisions everyday but, what makes our decisions different from the next persons? Are we truly not influenced by others when we make decisions for ourselves?

George Bernard Shaw said that"independence is middle class blasphemy. We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth." I look at my life and I know that there is definitely some truth to that. I am also however, trying to be optimistic that I can achieve that freedom in all aspects of my life.

My plan for independence is simple. I will show honesty, patience, courage and humility. I think that if I can do these things consistently that I will be rewarded accordingly. I will "write the lyrics to my own life...lip syncing is for sissies!"

What will you do to achieve or maintain your independence?

Miss Know It All

2009-06-09T23:07:00.003-04:00

Presenting Miss Know It All...

When I look at my life and my well laid out plans for it, one thing that life has taught me is that I am not in control. Not completely anyway. Everything that I profess to know is a huge part of the constant inconsistency of life. On my journey thus far, I have lived many dreams. I have been a perfect imperfection in the many arenas of life's big amusement park. I have been a music industry executive, a stay at home mom, a scholar, a wife, a mother, a published poet, a family planning counselor (yes, I can talk about sex all day although I’m not a doctor of any kind) , and believe it or not a super hero! All of the other things I will save for discovery on your life’s journey with Miss Know It All. Hang on, it could get bumpy!

2009-06-01T23:26:00.000-04:00

Contact Miss Know It All!

Have a question, wanna say hi or be featured on my blog?
missknowitall.blog@gmail.com

Need PR information, a guest blogger or have a request for me to speak at an event?
info.missknowitall@gmail.com

Ask Me, I Already Know!

Have a burning question or concern? Email Miss Know It All and I will be sure to tell you whatever I know about the subject and then some. Please know that all I have to lean on are my school of hard knocks degrees so there won't be anything but practical suggestions and advice given here. I can't wait to here from you!

She’s Gotta Have It!

2009-05-29T12:34:00.009-04:00

11 Things Every Woman Should Have

As I realize that I am a little behind on my spring cleaning, and that nothing would please me more than to be able to take an afternoon nap free of chores. I am snapped back to reality by the buzzing of my clothes dryer. It’s time to fold then put away clothes. *Sigh*. As I fold, and sip, then sip and fold, and dream of how nice it would be to have a house keeper. I started to come up with a list of things that I think every woman should have at all times…

(note to self: laundry is best done at cocktail hour)

1. A Side Hustle
At a time when lay-offs are on the rise, people are upside down on their mortgages,
and the price of gas and everything else that we can think of is steadily climbing, we as independent Miss's cannot afford to depend on anyone other than ourselves to keep the necessities in our lives going. For those of us that have significant others, please remember that although they do a spectacular job in holding down the fort, they need us to do our part so that they may shine at the moments that we need them to. Let’s step it up. Try turning a craft or a hobby into a marketable hustle.

2. A Little Black Book and or Great Bag of Bedroom Tricks
One thing that I know for sure is that if you are a “Single Miss”, a roster of “go-to” guys (a list of guys that you can “go-to” for the various needs of a Single Miss) is mandatory!
Whether it’s for a romantic dinner date, a movie buddy, an intelligent conversation or to fulfill that swinging from the chandelier fantasy, this book will come in handy. At this point whether you are a single or a Hitched Miss, the great bag of bedroom can be put to use. This mystery bag is good to spice things up or take things to another level. What’s in your bag is your business but remember to keep it save and fun! Click here for naughty suggestions.

3. Well Kept Feet and Hands
Need I say more? # 2 is definitely out of the window if you don’t keep up with your feet and hands. That means saying goodbye to chipped nail polish, cracked nails, dry calloused feet and ashy feet or hands. I use Vaseline on my feet after I shower/bathe and on most nights I moisturize my hands with a soft unscented lotion before I go to bed.

4. Nice Undergarments
Bras that don’t fit, passing “period panties” off for everyday underwear, holes and just plain ol’ boring undergarments have to go. Liberate yourself by investing in items that fit your personality and compliment your clothes. Finding bras that are both comfortable and sexy was a chore for me as a top heavy Miss so, I found peace at Intimacy. The bras are a tad on the pricey but are durable and fit like second skin without making you look like you have guns in your bras. Bang, bang! Not cute!

6. A Slimming Pair of Jeans
Dress em’ up or down, you can’t go wrong with a pair of jeans that accent your assssets. LOL

7. A Signature Lip Color
I wear various shades of stop in your tracks red. Choose a color for you that expresses your wild or serious side. Have fun with this one. Create a color and name it yourself at your local Prescriptives.

8. A Drink of Choice
When in a social setting, know what you like. Whether it alcoholic or non-alcoholic or a light or dark beverage, know what you want when it’s your turn to order. When I drink dark liquor I prefer the smooth taste of Jack Daniels. If I’m drinking light liquor I go to the refreshing taste of Vodka Gimlets. Both of my drinks choices sometimes strike up interesting conversations. What will your drink say about you?

9. A Great Piece of Jewelry
I love jewelry of all kinds. I can shop anywhere from Tiffany’s to Girl Props. Just remember that you wear the jewelry, the jewelry should never wear you.

10. A Good, Go-Get-Em’ Girl Attitude
Your attitude is the best thing that you have going. Attitude is like your personal customer service piece for your very own Miss, Inc. If you give bad customer service none of the other things listed will matter because no one will want to be around you. Project the best of who you are and it will become contagious!

11. A Glam Squad
Yes, you too are that fab! Pull together a tight list of people that you can count on for hair, nails, a make up artist for the the occasional make up/lashes application, someone or someplace that you can turn to for great fashion items and advice and last, but certainly not least a trainer. No matter what your size, every Miss must strive to be as healthy as she can. If you have a hard time putting your squad together. When you see a nice style or cut, outfit or whatever, ask who glammed em’ up. Any real Miss worth her salt won’t mind sharing this with you.

Well, I KNOW there are more things out there that a woman should have but unfortunately, I have to get back to my laundry. What are some of your must haves as a woman? The Miss’s of the world want to know!

Miss Know It All

A Time for Celebration!

2009-04-21T11:40:00.015-04:00

I did it! On April 11, 2009, I released my first collection of poetry entitled, Somewhere Round Midnight. The release party was held at The Feed Store in College Park, Georgia. It was an intimate gathering of family and friends, good food & GREAT cocktails! A very special thank you goes to all that came out to support and celebrate with me. Robert, who I adore for saying so many wonderful things about me that evening, Simone who worked wonders with my make-up, John Crooms for the wonderful photos, Patrick Witt, Manager of The Feed Store and Taylor & Devyn Wright my children for being awesome all night! Taylor even performed an original piece for the evening called “Success”. I can’t wait to do it all again! For more information on how to purchase copies of Somewhere Round Midnight please contact me at missknowitall.blog@gmail.com. Thanks again for all the love!

Miss Know It All

Happy New Year!!

2008-12-31T19:00:00.007-05:00

As I prepare to move forward into the New Year, I am spending a lot of time reflecting on a great part of what transpired in 2008. Now, I have to tell you that although I am spending time reflecting, I'm not harping on any one thing in particular. If I focus too much on what happened in the past, I am bound to run into some trouble in the future for lack of foresight. So with that said, I guess you could say that I'm more focused on making 2009 the best year for the best ME that I can be.

I thank all of the wonderful people that have come into my life and gotten cozy, for the women that have become like sisters to me and the men that have become like brothers to me, all of that love was needed to help me push forward through 2008. My family at the National Black Arts Festival...WOW! Kristin, Jamey, Christel, Shari (and family!) If i got specific it wouldn't be enough.

It has been quite sometime since I have made resolutions but, I think it's time. I think I am going to begin by working on not what I haven't accomplished but what I did find success in, asses those things and prepare to follow up and follow through to completion. I will build on that list and pepper it with new stuff to do that is obtainable for me.

Here are some things that I am going to start on...no order in particular...

participating in more poetry readings/open mics

selling my completed (yes, completed) chapbook of poetry

entering more poetry contests

pampering myself a little more (lol)

picking up a few consulting projects

All obtainable, all realistic. I would love to hear from you to see what you have pile on your plate of dreams and goals for 2009. Until then...

Be peace...be love,

Miss Know It All

HELP!!

2008-09-10T17:56:00.001-04:00

My eldest daughter, Taylor is running for Secretary of her elementary's Student Council. Anyone that knows me knows that I am extremely proud and excited. We are in great need of great creative ideas and slogans for our campaign. Please add your suggestions to the comment section at the end of this blog. Thanks! I will keep you posted on her success.

Taylor Turns 10!

2008-07-26T11:34:00.008-04:00

"Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing."
~Toni Morrison from Beloved

Happy Birhtday Lovie!!! Mommy loves you so very much and I thank you for being the inspiration & motivation for all of my days. You are a blessing in my life and you are one of the BEST big sisters that I have ever seen. I learn tons from you everyday. As you venture into the 5th grade, and begin your quest for the Principals List, remember that you were born from the heart of a lion and conceived by pure love. There is NOTHING in this world that you can't have with a little prayer a little courage a little confidence and pinch of faith!

Enjoy this moment...Hugs & Kisses,

Miss Know It All aka Mommy

The National Black Arts Festival Gala A Sure Hit!

2008-07-23T10:06:00.007-04:00

I have to say, things are shaping up at the National Black Arts Festival. We are half way through the 20th Anniversary celebration and it has been a blast. On July 19th NBAF held their annual gala in the Weiland Pavilion on the High Arts Museum campus and in one word I can sum it up for you...FAB! The event was produced by Atlanta's very own Judy Hanenkrat. The decor was perfectly platinum, the band was awesome, both the live and silent auctions were promising and the list of attendees was stellar...we had Lynne Whitfield, Dr. Cornell West, Wynton Marsalis, Samual L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Anna Maria Horsford, Andrew Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, artist Carrie Mae Weems and more...

Dr. Cornell West was the highlight of my evening as we danced quite a bit and talked even more. What a treat! Let's hope those pictures don't surface anytime soon! But I must say, the man know his P-Funk when he hears it and I will leave it at that!

Next in line is the opening of NBAF at the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Park. HUGE!

Miss Know It All

by the way... that fab photo of Dr. Cornell West, Lynne Whitfield and Sam L. Jackson is by my bud...Moses Robinson!

THE National Black Arts Festival

2008-07-15T17:02:00.004-04:00

It's Festival time and it is apparent in the faces of all of my co-workers and my family. As we put the final touches on things, I feel excited and quite privileged to be apart of such an important institution and to come in contact (on a regular bases) with such a wonderful group of people.

Okay, now that I'm finished with my shameless plug and I can really tell you what's causing a buzz...

1. We have so many great events to attend

2. I don't know what to wear

3. I have no time to get my hair done

4. My daughters 10th birthday is during the festival and there is NO way to take off!

5. Did I mention that I have nothing to wear!

I will try to check in periodically to give you the latest festival updates. Stay tuned, I'm sure there will be stories that you don't want to miss.

Miss Know It All

Post Birthday Blah, Blah

2008-07-09T11:40:00.009-04:00

"The walls we build around us to keep out the sadness also keep out the joy." Jim Rohn

FYI, I ended up having a WONDERFUL birthday. It was spontaneous, thoughtful and fun. Hubby made an effort to make me happy on MY day and that was important to me. The most imperative part of the success of the day is that I made peace with myself for the moment and put down expectations of myself and others and let the day flow, giving honor to God for waking me up that morning and letting me experience the gift of life, an experience that I have taken for granted on too many days, even when I don't think that I do.

The party continues for the rest of the week and through out the weekend. Any suggestions for cool things to do?

Miss Know It All

Yes! Happy Birthday to ME!!

2008-07-08T12:21:00.004-04:00

So midnight has come and gone and at that time I got neither a phone call from the love of my life nor did I achieve my gaol for a hangover (thank God!). I did however receive my first birthday call from an unexpected source and she rescued me from my own pity party and sat with me and laughed until I got sleepy. I think today might be a good day after all. Besides, I'm alive and have a second chance on life today.

1Peter 5:7

Stay tuned for the Post Birthday Report!

Miss Know It All

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME?!

2008-07-07T23:22:00.005-04:00

As I begin to reflect on my life in order to see where I have been in terms of trying to figure out where I am going, I feel a great sense of loss. Don't get me wrong, I have lived a wonderful life but I find myself wondering, is this it? Has the best already been given to me and I was too busy reveling in the awe of it all that I couldn't grasp all that was truly meant for me and at the same time hold on to it without some of it spilling out of my hands and melting onto the floor?

It's almost midnight in Atlanta, Georgia and for the first time that I can remember in quite sometime, I am alone on my birthdays eve. It may not seem like a big deal to many but tonight, this loneliness that I feel is meaning the world to me. That lack of that feeling like someone in this world is just as or more than excited about who you are and all of the hopes and dreams that you put into a single candled wish on your birthday.

Don't get me wrong, I love me and the intimate moments that I spend by myself and I do believe that if I can't be happy by myself then I won't be happy with anyone else but in all honesty, tonight, I'm missing those moments.

So at midnight, I will see what this new birth year brings. Perhaps a new attitude after a vodka induced sleep, a sweet phone call from the love of my life or maybe I'll just be hungover. At any rate, if Gods willing and the creek don't rise...I talk to you tomorrow.

Miss Know It All aka Birthday Girl

Super MOMMY to the Rescue!

2008-06-27T15:56:00.010-04:00

Okay, so I have two beautiful little girls, Taylor (91/2) and Devyn (5). And I'm realizing that sometimes being a mom takes a little EXTRA strength - a Super strength that comes from a place deep within and you never know exists until you need it.

I'm all for scuffs and scars, a little blood and Band-Aids but the stress that I have endured since last Thursday amazes even me.

The first injury belongs to Taylor. It was a classic really, girl takes bath, drops soap, leans in to pick it up and then *wham* she slips on the film, hits her pretty mouth on the soap dish and chips her beautiful front tooth. Yikes!! But there was no blood or discoloration(thank heavens) only the fragmented smile on an known to be all too sweet girl. Pride crushed, she couldn't believe it, her smile ruined. Thoughts of looking like "that" at summer camp filled her mind. She cried and cried. I looked on broken hearted and understanding and PROMISED that I would have it fixed FIRST thing in the morning. I didn't know how that was going to happen as I don't keep the schedule of a dentist but, what I did know as a mother looking at her little girl battling with vanity is that I HAD to get it fixed FIRST thing in the morning as PROMISED. Why did I promise? Simple...I'm a mommy. Super MOMMY!

Sure enough, the morning came, the dentist was called and we were off to the dentist and fixed up like new before round table camp talk at lunch. Her smile still as pretty and none the wiser this will be her summer secret that she shares with her friends at her discretion. That was on Friday...Super Cape hung up, chest deflated, back to being Mommy.

OMG, by Tuesday (Summer Camp Roller Skate Day) of this week, exhausted from the everyday trials of my life my co-workers and I sat down for a quiet lunch to laugh a little and reflect on all of the deeds done and not done for the day thus far when...*ring*. It was the facility that Taylor and her Summer Camp buddies were Roller Skating for the afternoon. "I don't mean to alarm you but Taylor has fallen and she hurt her arm pretty bad." Okay, I said. " The AMBULANCE is on their way..." WHAT???AMBULANCE???" I tried to be cool...the nausea was starting to settle in, and my mind was starting to scramble. Damn! I have to call Daddy. I knew that this would be a job for Super Mommy & Supper Daddy!

I can not explain to you the rush that overcame my body when I saw my baby's S-shaped arm with exposed bone and blood stained. OMG!! This was all I could think to say. Taylor however, is a trooper, she didn't scream or put on any big show of tears...my baby was cool. She took that fall like a champ and all around her were impressed. After immediate x-rays, surgery and a beautiful blue cast (that we have begun signing with silver Sharpie) and a night spent at the hospital that was surprisingly wonderful, Taylor is recovering great! A little pain here and there but she is doing just fine.

Before Supper Daddy & I could even send the Super Capes in to be dry cleaned, another call was received. Devyn ( the 5 year old) had been hit in the face with a plastic bucket during "Splash Day" at camp and had received a small gash just a smidgen form her eye.

Emotionally and physically spent, Super Cape on peroxide, Band- Aids and Neosporin in hand It was "fixed" and then kissed and I amazed myself at what a little ice-cream can do.

Until next time...up, up and away!

Miss Know It All aka Supper Mommy

It's National Black Arts Festival Time!

2008-06-23T12:30:00.005-04:00

July 18th-27th marks the 20th Anniversary for the National Black Arts Festival! As an employee of this fine institution I must say that things are VERY busy to say the least. With the move to our new location (Promenade II, Atlanta, GA) and the preparation for artists such as the wonderful Gladys Knight performing for our Living Legends Celebration and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra who is performing with THE Wynton Marsalis! We can barely contain ourselves from all of the excitement that this is causing. The love and thought that is put into this festival by all involved is amazing.

For you literary buffs we have the Atlanta Dialogues/Creatively Speaking series featuring Dr. Cornel West, Wynton Marsalis and visual artist Carrie Mae Weems (a MUST see by the way...at this years festival if I may) also participating in this year's series is Alice Walker and Judith Jamison chatting it up with Pearl Cleage.

There is embrace, the fine arts fair of the National Black Arts Festival held at Mason Murer Fine Art, the Children's Village, theater events, the Pan African Film Festival and more.

Executive Director, Stephanie Hughley always tells her staff that, "it's not about the work that we do (although it's important) but it's more about the people and the relationships that we make with the people." The connection that we provide with the community at large and the arts in its many forms by people of color from all over the world.

I hope that you will join us as we celebrate 20 years of art and culture, it is sure to be an event to remember!

Miss Know It All

Learning To Let Go or Blessing the Boats

2008-05-28T17:31:00.005-04:00

As I come to a NEW place in my life, I am discovering a lot of things. Not only about myself and the I wishIcouldof wouldofshouldof's and the whys but I am learning about real loss and what that means to me. I am learning about love and how is feels and how much of it am I willing to give on this journey. I am learning that it's not smart to travel with holes in your pockets because eventually you will loose all of your stuff...no matter how secure you think your stuff may be. A hole...is a hole. Security, maintenance, dedication and commitment. I'm thinking of all of these things. What does it all mean?

I have included in this post a poem by Lucille Clifton, Blessing the Boats. I guess at this time for me its a dedication of sorts to the things that I'm losing or the things that I feel that I have lost. A reason for quiet and contemplating...a reason to dig deep and find the light. Enjoy... Miss Know It All

blessing the boats

by Lucille Clifton
(at St. Mary's)

may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love your back may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that

Why Not Me? - Part Deux

2008-05-15T16:53:00.006-04:00

Okay...so I don't know if you remember but in March, I submitted a manuscript of poetry to Cave Canem. Well, I heard back from Cave Canem's Summer Retreat Selection Committee and unfortunately, I didn't make it in this year. I know, I know i couldn't believe it either! Just kidding. Cave Canem is a retreat for writers committed to the discovery and cultivation of new voices in African American poetry. The application process is very competitive and there are hundreds of applicants every year. The gift and the curse to the process is that fellows of the program are allowed to re-attend for a couple of summers after their initial experience. I'm not upset about the decision because at this point, I'm just happy that an organization of their caliber exists. It's kinda like when you were a kid and you fell off of your bike. It might have really hurt but , you rise up, dust yourself off and get back on for the next adventure.

The waiting time for the results was the hardest part but I used that creative energy for other creative projects that I had in mind. In my April 8th blog, 10 Things To Do When You're Not Feeling As Confident Or Creative As A Writer, I gave a list of suggestions for times like this. What I decided to do was:

Read a couple of books,
Participated in other writing projects,
Revised and completed un-finished projects.

I will continue to write and prepare for next years submission in the mean time. Thank you to everyone that sent me wonderful words of encouragement and remember,

"You are the only person on earth who can use your ability" - Zig Ziglar

Miss Know It All

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

2008-05-05T17:59:00.007-04:00

Cinco de Mayo, a great day of celebration for our Mexican friends and those of us that just want to celebrate to show support. Our independence or independence for all individuals is not only important but necessary. All that we take for granted, all that our grandparents and those before them fought for we celebrate and honor on days like this. So, even if your not Mexican but love the food...remember what this day is for. If you are looking for some more history or would just like to know how to make a kick-ass Margarita click here.

Keep your indulgences responsible... I like having you around,

Miss Know It All

Thee Days Down...Two More To Go!

2008-05-01T11:16:00.006-04:00

Happy May 1st everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged in a minute but I have been taking time to explore my life in all of its splendor, richness and lack thereof.

Well, last night, Family Movie Night, my kids and I decided to make pizza. The 5 year old made a delicious turkey peperoni pizza with a tomato base that oozed with creamy mozzarella (she just loves counting all of those circles). My lovely 9...excuse me 91/2 year old made a scrumptious vegetarian pizza. Sun-dried tomato pesto base, creamy mozzarella, a aromatic & nutty Parmesan cheese, pineapples, red onion, and get this...veggie chicken strips. WOW! It was so delicious, inexpensive and quick. These nights with my girls are important and a lot of fun. They are eating relatively healthy and they really enjoy taking pride in the end result.

Days like this reminds me of what my life is really about. Why I do what I do (work, write, live explore..) and why its important that I do it with such fever and confidence. They enjoy watching me grow and being a part of that world. I enjoy sharing. It opens up a dialogue that otherwise may not take place between homework and bedtime. Besides, having Chris Brown serenade us in the background added extra fun and opportunity too learn the newest dance crazes between the sprinkles of cheese and getting the pizzas in the oven.

What is your recipe for happiness and success? Is it taking time for your family as I have or is it a 30 minute Swedish massage to rejuvenate yourself? Try to make it a part of your weekly if not daily routine to take time for those moments that require very little of you but that mean a whole lot as to how you function and produce on a consistent bases.

Whatever it is that you do, I would love to hear about it. Please leave your comments in the comments section below this post.

Ciao,
Miss Know It All

I've Been In Cali Yall!

2008-04-23T21:37:00.011-04:00

Bright lights in the big city, great food, family, and friends, dreams and possibilities.

Hope floated in wide night skies, memories, breath and memories again. I don't remember feeling the sting of absence as a child as I played on the soft green grass that grew in Daddies yard, moments again passed...reminded me of my own children...waiting...hopeful, dreaming.

I thought of times more innocent than these of financial obligation, love and then love again. My mouth waters at the taste... love. Its bitter scent fills my nostrils and I choke...love.

Bags packed, good-byes said, pocketed for next time, kept hart warm and marinating for a re-birth of long awaited kisses from now southern lips. Different like spring-time...new.

Glad to be back feeling my way through this dry spring,

Miss Know It All

Something To Think About...

2008-04-17T15:49:00.018-04:00

The following quote is by Marianne Williamson from her book entitled A return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I, like many of you, first heard this quote in the movie Akeelah and the Bee featuring Lawrence Fishburn, Angela Bassett and Disney sensation Keke Palmer. Outside of the movie being fantastic as a whole, one of the most profound scenes is when Akeelah (Ke Ke Palmer) is having a tutoring session with her teacher (Larry...I mean Lawrence Fishburn) and he has her to recite the quote that was hanging on the wall. The quote stuck with me in a way that forces me to read it...and then read it again, to feel and think about me and the me that I aspire to be. What is holding me back and how much of that do I have control over.

There is a humbling truth to these words that makes me want to be the best me that I can be with an unwavering confidence and purpose that even I can't deny. As I shared this with my husband today I thought it might be something that everyone needs to read again.

Please leave me a comment by clicking on the comments link at the end of this blog and let me know if or how this makes you feel or has affected you.

Peace On That,
Miss Know It All

Happy Poetry Month! Poem # 3

2008-04-16T12:24:00.009-04:00

Miss Cotton Candy

Floating towards my lips
A sweet butterfly
ecstasy to my dull mouth.

I close my eyes
Drifting on her distant cloud
My tongue dressed in the juices
Of my mouths lady
Silently dancing behind my teeth.

My lips sealed
with the sweat of this rumba
Legs thick as molasses
I can not begin to speak.

Numbed by the rush of this confection
A tandem of her existence and mine
I smile at the thought of a life
Filled with stained tongues and tooth aches.

by A. Wright a.k.a Miss Know It All

Big Boi & the Atlanta Ballet Present the World Premier of ...BIG

2008-04-11T16:57:00.005-04:00

Antwan " Big Boi" Patton, the other half to Atlanta's dynamic duo Outkast, and the Atlanta Ballet premiered the show BIG last night at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Many questioned the marriage of the two art forms, hip-hop and ballet, but as usual Patton and company set the city on fire with the flair that Outkast has been known for and in that respect the crowd was not disappointed.

Big Boi definitely had support from his musically family. There was the "Star Kitty" herself, Joi (fantastically fabulous if I may add), Bad Boy artist Jonelle Monae (adorned in a white tutu and ballet slippers), the sensuous Sleepy Brown, Konkrete, Khujo Goodie (formerly of Atlanta's Goodie Mob), Scar, the poetic Big Rube and Rock D...just to mention a few.

Although it was not a perfect performance, the exquisite choreography of the Atlanta Ballet was present. The moves were rightly timed, the body symmetry was in line and most of all you could see that a good time was had by all. The bridging of live instrumentation, unconventional/experimental ballet and the vocal bravado of hip hop took audiences to a space that was once a figment of imagination caught in a dream.

This project, a brain-child of Dee Dee Murray, Big Boi and John McFall was a visionary statement and was... well...BIG! Last night there was yet another message not only sent to hip hop fans everywhere but to the community at large and that message was to get down or lay down, hip hop is here to stay and we will forever be re-inventing ourselves and forever be an impression on your minds and lips. Ultimately, I think the bigger question still remains...When you get that voice, what is it that you will say?

Marinate on that!
Miss Know It All

Book Sense: NEWS JUST IN

2008-04-10T12:31:00.011-04:00

Junot Diaz wins Pulitzer Prize for distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life for his wonderful work of fiction, The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Riverhead Books).

Things have never been easy for Oscar, a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. From his home in New Jersey, where he lives with his old-world mother and rebellious sister, Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien and, most of all, of finding love. But he may never get what he wants, thanks to the Fuku-the curse that has haunted the Oscar's family for generations, dooming them to prison, torture, tragic accidents, and, above all, ill-starred love. Oscar, still waiting for his first kiss, is just its most recent victim.

WOW! What a story. This is definitely a must read in my opinion. The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is rich with history and a familiar family presence. Diaz not only gives his readers context that we can relate to but he delivers the text in a way that continuously pulls us in and leaves us wanting more. Do you believe in Fuku? Weigh in by leaving a comment!

A great big hug to Jamey for letting me in on the scoop!
A huge shout out to my Dominican friends and family everywhere!

Check It Out,

Miss Know It All

Happy Poetry Month! Poem # 2

2008-04-09T14:15:00.007-04:00

On BeComing

Your words
like food to my soul
Soft and warm
Slinking towards my memory
Slow like caterpillars
Where heart and mind cocoon
Spinning puzzle pieces of mush.

Fluttering springs over my body
My heart aches
With every breath you breathe
With every word that spills
from your mouth
I digest and be
Come
Butter
fly
Soaring between the soft
Rise and fall of your chest.

By A. Wright a.k.a Miss Know It All

10 Things To Do When You're Not Feeling As Confident or Creative As A Writer...

2008-04-08T15:46:00.004-04:00

As Promised.

Join A Writer's Workshop-These are particularly good when I feel stuck or stagnated. Nothing like a good workshop to get the fire lit under your butt!
Take A Course-A writer's course or otherwise expand your knowledge base you just might surprise yourself with the results.
Explore other creative outlets-Photography, painting, drawing, scrap booking, gardening...
Go To An Arts Museum-Explore different time periods, take a pad for notes and see where the eye can take you.
Read A Book-Escape to unknown worlds through literature and be inspired by a character or place, a quote or emotion that you experience.
Read Up On Your Craft-Expand your current mindset or knowledge base. Find out different ways to take your writing to the next level.
Look Through Old Pictures-There's nothing like memories to get the creative juices flowing.
People Watch-Ride a train, plane, take a ride in your car and observe the life happening all around you.
Revise Or Complete Unfinished Projects-A moment away can often bring a fresh perspective to a project.
Involve Others In Your Creative Process-Invite your girlfriends over for conversation, see what's going on in their lives. Let them know that you are looking for inspiration. Great stuff can come out of these sessions!

BONUS: Start a Blog!!!

The most important thing to remember is that life is happening all around us. Enrich the world with your perspective. We are waiting to hear from you...

Keep Up the Good Work,

Miss Know It All

Happy Poetry Month! Poem #1

2008-04-07T15:11:00.004-04:00

The only thing missing

Amidst the stinging silence
Between us there lies the truth of our love.
Commitment and faith slips
through the spaces of our
Distance and we
Evolve into
Forever.
Giving all that we have yet
Having nothing at the same time.

I pray that the ends to this frayed rope
find us and we connect yet again.
Just one last kiss
Kissing one
Last
Moment hello and goodbye at the same time.
Never letting go of that moment
Opening up to the possibilities of new love from an old love
Putting the hurt and the pain away not
Questioning what could be or what could have been.

Real as this may seem
Some storms are made to nurture and grow things
Taking all and nothing into consideration and teaching us that
Vulnerability is a sacred and bare place. So I ask...
Will you grow there with me?

X-rayed promises gives
sight to normally unseen love and
Yesterday’s love is but a sleep away
our dreams are the
Zenith of all of loves realities.

So I ask of you
Will you go with me?

by A. Wright a.k.a Miss Know It All

Death of A King - April 4, 1968

2008-04-04T08:07:00.007-04:00

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we begin to celebrate the end of this week, Friday, let us not forget that for many of us another day, another week will come. And in this time we must remember that we have a POSITIVE purpose. Each and everyone of us. I believe that purpose varies from person to person and it is not a gift, a challenge, an opportunity or a possibility that is to be judged by anyone. Purpose is a determination...a fire if you will, that is to be sought and fulfilled. A burning destiny. Sometimes by any means necessary and other times purpose can be an act or acts that come and go quietly as the night and as lightly as the breath you breathe. But purpose by all means is a part of who you uniquely are.

Take a look at this excerpt from the conclusion of Dr. Kings speech entitled, Where Do We Go From Here?

Where Do We Go From Here
Southern Christian Leadership Conference Atlanta, Georgia16 August 1967

"I must confess, my friends, the road ahead will not always be smooth. There will still be rocky places of frustration and meandering points of bewilderment. There will be inevitable setbacks here and there. There will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair. Our dreams will sometimes be shattered and our ethereal hopes blasted. We may again with tear-drenched eyes have to stand before the bier of some courageous civil-rights worker whose life will be snuffed out by the dastardly acts of bloodthirsty mobs. Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future. And as we continue our charted course, we may gain consolation in the words so nobly left by that great black bard who was also a great freedom fighter of yesterday, James Weldon Johnson:

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod
Felt in the days
When hope unborn had died.
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place
For which our fathers sighed?
We have come over the way
That with tears hath been watered. We have come treading our paths
Through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last
Where the bright gleam
Of our bright star is cast.

Let this affirmation be our ringing cry. It will give us the courage to face the uncertainties of the future. It will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward the city of freedom. When our days become dreary with low hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.

Let us realize that William Cullen Bryant is right: "Truth crushed to earth will rise again." Let us go out realizing that the Bible is right: "Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." This is our hope for the future, and with this faith we will be able to sing in some not too distant tomorrow with a cosmic past tense, "We have overcome, we have overcome, deep in my heart, I did believe we would overcome."

To read the complete speech click here. What is your purpose?

Peace,

Miss know It All

Book Sense: Killing Johnny Fry

2008-04-02T12:09:00.019-04:00

Walter Mosley

"When Cordell Carmel catches his longtime girlfriend with another man, the act that he witnesses seems to dissolve all the boundaries he knows. In that instant, the calm existence of this middle-aged New York City man becomes something unrecognizable: he wants revenge, but also something more. This is the story of a man's dark, soulful, and sexual odyssey to uncover the powerful and sometimes disturbing connections that occur between people when life is lived without limits. " - Barnes & Noble.com

Killing Johnny Fry by Walter Mosley is one of the most mentally engaging books that I have read in quite some time. In his personally coined "sexistential" novel, Mosley leads his reader into a quiet and dark place that most of us dare not venture. A place locked deep in our inner most thoughts, a place that we call taboo.

Although the New York Times Book Review complimented this novel as "frankly pornographic", I could not help but to connect with the humanness in the experiences of the characters. The protagonist, Cordell Carmel, sets out on a whirlwind of self discovery that not only challenges him and everything that he thinks uniquely makes him Cordell but it in fact liberates him from himself and gives him the gift of new life.

Here is an excerpt from this book...

"I decided to kill Johnny Fry on a Wednesday, but it was a week before that I was given the reason. I'm almost embarrassed about my decision to take a life. It was so pedestrian really."

This quote is actually from the opening lines of the book. It left me engaged from the beginning and wanting to know more.

Although Mosley's text will be too rich for many palates, it will undeniably leave one's mind stained by the taste. Delicious!

Go Get It!

Miss Know It All

Tornado Hits Downtown Atlanta!

2008-03-17T11:41:00.005-04:00

These pictures are definitely enough to strike up a conversation about God and science, about prayers and the praying and about the reality of the strong and the weak and what your life is really about.

My husband and children were at the Hawks game when the storm hit. Hubby took the high road and got himself and the children to safety before the tornado planted its tail on Downtown Atlanta.

Driving to work this morning was eye opening. I work about 3-5 minutes from the CNN Center and to see the windows busted in the office buildings and hotels made me feel...well, that's just it. It gave me a feeling. I can't really describe what IT was but just a feeling. Maybe I'll call it thankfulness.

Why Not Me?

2008-03-13T22:10:00.004-04:00

Well, I did it. I finally finished a manuscript for the opportunity to become a fellow of the Cave Canem Summer Retreat (a retreat for writers committed to the discovery and cultivation of new voices in African American poetry). I have submitted before but this time I believe I have a manuscript that I am proud of. I have always known how excitingly competitive it is but that only gave me fuel for my fire. It only made me ask myself..."why not me?" and surprisingly I listen to that pesky inner voice and continue to ask myself the question of why not me?

It's not so much a matter of what if I get in or when, what matters most to my creative spirit is what I choose to do at those moments when I'm not feeling as confident or creative as the moment I did when I stuck the manuscript in the mail. Maybe I will think of ten great things that I can do and share them with you. Until next time...

Beware,

Miss Know It All

Soul Note # 1

2007-12-13T17:23:00.002-05:00

Who You?

Hey there light skinned
Where yo color at?

Did it run out of yo foul mouth
heavy with patois and southern drawl
turn the corner in full swagger and rest
firmly on a 40oz.?

Did it drip off the natural
Curl pattern in yo daddy’s hair
Run down the street
And snatch a purse?

Did your mother’s thin lips cut you on the ass
While you danced in the mirror to a fat ass hip hop beat?
“Yeah nigga yeah”

Did the brightness of everything you are
Bring you to this moment
Of self revolution and comfort
Teaching you about being
Everything that you are
And everything that you will become
All at the same time?

Hey light skinned
Hey
Just be you.

Miss Know It All

Happy National Poetry Month!

Monday Message...

I'm Loosin' It!

It's A New Dawn, A New Day...

I'm Coming Out!

Congratulations Goddess!

Hump Day 1: Computer Love...

Don't End Up Dry On Valentine's Day

Just In Time For Valentine's Day...Aphrodisiacs Part 1

From Super Hero To Goddess...

5 Things That I Know To Be True - 01/ 2011

Martin Luther King...Day?

Change Is Good. Right??

It's The Gift That Keeps On Giving!

Mmmm. Thanksgiving Day!

Miss Know It All Does the National Black Arts Festival

Look Out World, Mama's Goin' Out!

RETHINKING WHAT MATTERS WITH BARE ESCENTUALS: GIVE AWAY!

A Moment of Honesty...

It's Been Awhile, But Baby...I'm Back!

What A Wacky Week!

Blessing the Boats...My Welcoming of the New Season

Coming Towards the End Of the Annual Breast Brigade

And the Winner Is...

May The Breast Man Win!

Attention! Boobs Below - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wisdom Wednesday

Back To School!

Something to Hold On To

Happy Birthday to ME!

She’s Gotta Have It!

A Time for Celebration!

Happy New Year!!

HELP!!

Taylor Turns 10!

The National Black Arts Festival Gala A Sure Hit!

THE National Black Arts Festival

Post Birthday Blah, Blah

Yes! Happy Birthday to ME!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME?!

Super MOMMY to the Rescue!

It's National Black Arts Festival Time!

Learning To Let Go or Blessing the Boats

Why Not Me? - Part Deux

It's Cinco de Mayo! (that's the 5th of May)

Thee Days Down...Two More To Go!

I've Been In Cali Yall!

Something To Think About...

Happy Poetry Month! Poem # 3

Big Boi & the Atlanta Ballet Present the World Premier of ...BIG

Book Sense: **NEWS JUST IN**

Happy Poetry Month! Poem # 2

10 Things To Do When You're Not Feeling As Confident or Creative As A Writer...

Happy Poetry Month! Poem #1

Death of A King - April 4, 1968

Book Sense: Killing Johnny Fry

Tornado Hits Downtown Atlanta!

Why Not Me?

Soul Note # 1

Book Sense: NEWS JUST IN