New Addiction (Entry #4)

You have may have noticed that I love a self imposed challenge.  There was the 40 day challenge, the web series challenge, the on line dating challenge, the write everyday for a month challenge, write once a month challenge, the work out until I die challenge, etc.  Most of them documented or at least talked about on this blog.

The lastest one, the selfie challenge, has ended.  I failed.  The challenge/random activity sounded like a fun thing to do but...it wasn't. 

One night, at 10:53PM, when I went to take the selfie I had to pause and ask myself, "what am I doing?"  My answer wasn't good enough - it didn't even make sense, I didn't feel like the challenge would change my life or enhance the life of another in any way and it was a great example of self absorption.  I became too aware of myself in a questionable way,  I became too aware of the way I was wasting time and to top it all off I didn't know what I was documenting.  I became annoyed with the whole thing.  I wasn't having fun with it like I assumed I would.  When I realized fun wasn't even a factor in what I was doing I realized I was operating without purpose and that is foolish.

All arrows pointed to end it, so I did.  I let the foolishness go. 

My instagram addiction is still in tact though.  I have no problem posting random photos and selfies there... selfie challenge done but instagram is not!

Umm... I should let you know that I have another challenge up my sleeve.  OF COURSE I DO!!!  It's actually a challenge I attempted before and didn't complete/achieve, it's time to go after it again,  it's definitely worth documenting, it will change my life and hopefully encourage others.   I'll share what I am up to in the new year.  Until then stay tuned, stay warm and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

New Addiction (Entry #3)

So already I skipped a beat. 

Last night at 10:53PM I was otherwise entwined so it was impossible to get the selfie.

As punishment it comes at 10:53AM.

Yes, those are sleepy eyes.  Taken at 10:53AM after an 8AM engagement.

New Addiction (Entry #2)

Like a kid on Christmas morn. 

I had a bit of assistance with this selfie because today at 10:53PM I was collecting a bunch of gifts, thanks to my fab friends with cups that runneth over.

Best thing in the bunch?  The Blue Garden candle from Nest Fragrances.  I can't wait to light it!

New Addiction (Entry #1)

I am starting to annoy my friends because I want to take a picture of everything.  EVERYTHING!  I have turned into THAT person and I don't know how or when it happened.

I'm addicted to instagram. 

I blame it on my camera... I mean phone... I mean camera...

Confession: If I posted half of the photos I took with the sole intention of posting them to instagram, I'm convinced, people might think I'm a little off. 

Maybe I should go on an instagram diet.  Yeah, NO.  That's not happening.

What's better than an instagram post? Me snapping a selfie at the same time, everyday, for the next month and posting it on this ShittyFab blog because... well for no reason at all, just because I want to do it... and if I should ever have a child the posts in this series can document a parent's leaning toward some sort of photo insanity(I'm working on a better term for it as I type, maybe phosanity... I'll leave it a lone for now...), maybe its' just plain, old fashioned insanity (as if the general blog wouldn't be enough).

I know what you're thinking.  Everyone takes selfies.  Correct, but do they take them at 10:53PM, everyday, for a month?  Nope.  Just me.  See, I am different.

Sometimes it's fun to partake in a little nonsense.

Taken with my camera/cell phone/camera at 10:53PM on December 3, 2013:

Happy Holidays

Oh, it is the season to be jolly! It's also a great time to think of others(all the time is a great time to think of others but sometimes we need the clarity provided by a year coming to an end to push us in the right direction). I'd like to provide some assistance. Check out this medley that Danielle Brooks from Orange Is The New Black, Uzo Aduba and the band Oh Honey put together for fun and in support of a wonderful organization. I love Danielle Brooks, Uzo Aduba, Orange Is The New Black, I love this medley and I love www.asteponline.org!  Enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

 

It All Came Together

After pulling a look together last minute, due to silly mishaps, I made it to the awards gala.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA Awards Gala for emerging theatre, dance and film artists.  Hey world, I am an emerging artist!

Honored to be recognized by The Princess Grace Foundation USA and given an opportunity to focus on artistry for a year.  Honored to be in a room full of people who understand the importance of art in everyone's life...

The run down:  I met a real life princess, sat in awe as Ms. Cicely Tyson gave a beautiful speech when accepting her award, had a conversation with her (actually I just shook her had vigorously, thanked her for her work, and told her how many times I've watched The Autobiography of  Miss Jane Pittman.. is that a conversation?), took lots of pictures with lots of people, got pinned with the beautiful Princess Grace Awards pin that all the award recipients receive, ate a bit of dinner, talked a lot, danced for a hot second and then made my grand exit.

In addition to all of that I was in fabulous company (congratulations to all of the award winners) and I felt fabulous!  Is this a precursor to the Oscars?  Emmys?  Tonys, SAG Awards?  It could be.  Right?  All jokes aside I hope to make a contribution to someone's life/the world with what I do, I hope to have a sustained and varied career like the evening's honoree, Ms. Cicely Tyson... for now...and most definitely for always... I'll rock my emerging artist status with pride.  

To read about The Princess Grace Foundation-USA and the meaningful work the foundation does CLICK HERE. 

Sunday 3:06 AM

Thinking.

Thinking about: shoes, missing children, evil, hot chocolate, shut downs (government and other kinds), fruit, fur, lists I need to make, events I have to attend this week, what to do with my hair, accountability, standing on my own, how the year is coming to an end, my obsession with goals, people who walked in and out of my life, the awesome people in my life, the length of my nails, blue nail polish, rye bread, colorful socks, blue objects on a shelf  near plenty of sunlight, happiness, acting, rashes, being rash, my instagram addiction, what's next, last week's sermon, rejuvenation, change, green juice, questions, and how I should cozy up to making blog posts again...

Thinking.  Thinking how listing my 3:06 AM thoughts is sort of like a makeup-less self portrait.

So good at thinking and not sleeping.  So good at it.

Please, allow me to reintroduce this blog.  It's been a minute.  I'm back.

Parris Let 'Em Have It

Just like that @teyonahparris gave it to them....again.  By them I mean us.  And by us I mean all of us who love great  style.  Look at the hair, the makeup, the shoes, the dress, the everything!  I get excited just looking at it.  It all makes me want to get dressed and go out.  RIGHT NOW!  If I was on pinterest, this look would be pinned.

Remember when I was hoping they would bring Teyonah back to MAD MEN...  I think they must have...  The pictures below are from the MAD MEN season premiere party.  Be sure to tune in for season 6; you might catch Teyonah as Dawn Chambers.

Doesn't she look fabulous?

If you want more Parris updates be sure to check her out on facebook and follow her on twitter.  She's funny and fierce!

 

<--- I found this pic over on HollywoodLife.  They  asked who was best dressed... Clearly it was Teyonah Parris!  Clearly they knew the answer and that's why her picture wasn't included...  #imnotbiasedihaveeyes  #imjustsayin' #38 #teyonahparrismusthaveagreatglamsquad

HAPPY NEW YEAR

photo by YellaFella Fotography

Podue a pyan zon dede di!

That's how you say happy new year in Krahn.  That's the dialect my Liberian mother speaks(the spelling is an approximation based on sound because the Krahn dialect wasn't originally written).  So in honor of my mom and the fact that I wouldn't have gotten through 2012 without her guidance and wisdom: Podue a pyan zon dede di! Podue a pyan zon dede di! Podue a pyan zon dede di!

Three times for good measure.

Podue a pyan actually translates to rejoicing of the heart.  In the Krahn dialect there isn't really a simple, singular word for happy.  But isn't that what happiness is?  Rejoicing of the heart.  That is glorious to think of happiness in relation to the health of the heart, since that's what sort of keeps everything flowing.  Don't you think that's wonderful?

Anyway...

2012 was a year of learning and growth.  The year I became more clear and proactive in many areas and aspects of my life- what I want, what I desire, what I need.  I gained knowledge about what I have to do to achieve goals that I've set for myself, I gained knowledge about the knowledge I need to acquire in order to hit all the marks I'd like to hit. That's a mouthful, right?

I've become less fearful.

I've started projects and dreams that I need to finish.  I have thoughts that need to be completed, relationships that I must continue to build.  There are abandoned projects, dreams, thoughts and relationships that I should revisit, reclaim and maybe reconcile... perhaps in 2013... perhaps.

The end of the year brings a moment of reflection that is welcomed.  As always I'm left with the fact that there is more growth and diligent work to do.  I'm left with the fact that I am better than I was.  I'm committed to being even better at this time next year.

I'm thankful.

Energy, excitement, love, and truth are in the air...

Our  individual and collective journeys continue in 2013.  I hope and pray that 2012 was successful for you.  I wish you more bounty and more beauty in the new year, I pray that your blessings increase.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?  The possibilities are endless so let our hearts rejoice.

2013, LET'S GO!

Love This

#fab

Here We Go

I'm currently baking 3 cinnamon butter cakes, sweet potato/pumpkin cornbread, making pumpkin butter for that cornbread, and peeling apples for a nice home baked pie.  Smells so good in here.

 Tis the season...  Don't you just love this time of year?  I do.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and  praying extra special prayers for anyone who is without the people and things they need.

Blessings.

YUMMY!

My Favorite Things

Mother Oprah isn't the only person with a list of favorite things!

In this moment my favorite things include:

Reminders of all kinds.  The simple reminders like, "don't forget your gloves it's cold out there," or "turn the light off you're wasting energy."  And the more profound reminders sent to you via text in the form of a quote of the day, "We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle

Unexpected support.  In my opinion, your mother must support you.  Everyone else lending support and encouragement is a surprise.  Keep surprising me world because I love it!  I promise to keep surprising people too.

Internet dating.  It provides joyful laughter in tons.

Phone calls.  Oh how I love phone calls that come just because someone wants to say hi.  I mean there is nothing better than connection.  Right?  In person is better but sometimes the phone will suffice.

Tea.  Tea is always one of my favorite things but it still made this "of the moment" list.  A little chai goes a long way.  Now if you don't want to make homemade chai- get a pot, fill it with as much almond milk as you'd like, add some of the red chai tea bags from Trader Joe's, vanilla, some cinnamon, a little nutmeg, some brown sugar and lots of love... let that baby boil, pour it in a tea cup or two and feel good about yourself as it goes down.  It tastes even better if you have a friend to share it with.

Soup.  I always forget how much I love soup until I have to pull out my hat, scarf, and gloves.  The other day I decided I wanted to make some.  Cooking is another one of my favorite things right now.  Have a go at  this  curry sweet potato apple soup recipe that I tried the other day.  It's DELICIOUS!!!  I did of course substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and added lots of pepper.  ENJOY!!!


C. Snug Loop.    It's winter, it's cold, and I just saw the new color scheme I want.  I'll never have too many of these and I'll never stop giving them as gifts!  Haven't had a complaint yet.  Don't you want one?

What are some of your favorite things right now?

What NOT To Say

Did you mean to say that?

We all get it.  I get it.

Sometimes you think you're interested and then you realize you're not.  

If you don't have the courage to say,  "I'm not into you" or "Get out my face " or the customary "It's me not you" or to simply disappear never to be seen or heard from again then please come up with a good excuse or use somebody else's. Steal from the best.  For example use one of Oprah's phrases.



You could say, "I'm out here living my best life and you don't fit into it."  You know- something, anything, just don't say or email this:

HI Xxxxxx,

I'm sorry that I'm only now reaching out to you.  I got a little distracted again by life - I seriously injured my knee this week, and am probably out for the count with surgery, rehab, etc.  I was so excited to play sports after my broken ankle, I went out and bought me a new pair of athletic shoes and signed up for volleyball, only to mess up the knee on my other leg!  I probably won't have the energy to expend on other parts of life right now, so, while I had fun meeting you and getting to know you a bit I have to focus on just getting myself healthy.  I won't have the wherewithal to meet up for the next while.  I hope you can understand.

All the best,

Xxxxxx

Everything that man wrote could be true but ummmmm... if it is I still need him to say something else.  I need him to have done better.  He basically said (as one friend put it), "I hurt my knee so I can't come out and play anymore."  That's literally unbelievable and funny or as one friend put it, "NEXT."

I don't know where else to go with this... I think that's all I have to say...

I do hope that man gets healthy.  A bad knee sucks plus everyone should have mobility to live their best life!

The Godmother or Simple Happiness

Focusing on the fabulous parts of life...

Photos taken by MinDog.

Let The New Year Begin

The best way to start a new year?  Surrounded by love.

For my 12th birthdayI had a gathering with one of my dearest sister friends(Teyonah Parris) and it was all LOVE!

The moment below was captured by another beauty you've already met on this blog.  Ms. Christine Jean Chambers.  

Happy birthday to all the September babies in the world!

Calling On A Quote

I must have shared the quote below on ye old blog at some point.  Must have.  Somewhere.  Maybe several times.  It's one of my favorites.  Probably one of everybody's favorites.  Anyway it's on my mind tonight.  It was on my mind all day as I sat here writing/trying to write a statement for an artists program I'd like to be a part of... I started judging myself and what I had to say and all that judgement kept me staring at a blank screen for way too long. Then I thought of this quote and began judging myself a little less.... a little less is always a beginning.  Thanks M.G.

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost.  The world will not have it.  It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions.  It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.  You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.  You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you.  Keep the channel open..."                   - Martha Graham

To be reminded that there is only one of you...  I think I found what I will celebrate for the rest of this night.

Mommy Says The Darndest Things

It's a Sunday with Mommy.

After church I arrive at her place.   She has oranges cut up and a pot of black beans sitting on the stove.  I can smell the pepper.  That pot of beans is for me.

The Waltons marathon on is GMC.  Of  course that's what Mommy wants to watch so that's what we watch.  It's nice watching shows I don't want to watch with my mother.  She says ridiculous things, I crack jokes about her old school values and pretend I don't agree with them.  We laugh.  We eat oranges and the television begins to watch us.

I know exactly where I get my knack for not shutting up.  We talk and talk and talk.

After eating my pepper-full beans and a few more orange wedges I make my way to the floor just beneath her legs, throw my head back and beg for a massage.  I knew she wouldn't be able to resist the face I was making.  Mommy's little hands get to work and we have the exchange below.

MOMMY:  You know my dear friend Victoria... her son was born the same year you were born.  He's married now and has a son.

ME: Okay.  Are you trying to tell me something Ma?

MOMMY:  Yes.

I took three deep sighs and continued to enjoy my Mommy massage.  The woman says what she feels.  She holds nothing back.  While she rubbed and commented on the state of my tense shoulders I wondered how she would tell me I should be married with kids next Sunday...

This is the life!  Absolutely.

Success

"Defeat is a destructive force only when it is accepted as failure.  When accepted as teaching some needed lesson, it is always a blessing."

"Believe in yourself but don't tell the world.  Show it!"

-Napolean Hill

Advice doesn't get better than that.  Keeping it simple.

Nothing Like A Dare

I just can't say no to a dare or to a challenge that costs me nothing but a little bit of getting over myself.  I'm also a sucker for a penny bet.

At times that leaves me vulnerable to my friends and their whims.  But alas, all is fun in friendship... okay not all but some or most...

Anyway, I was accused of falling off with my living out front journey.  "What!!??" Living out front is what I do, it's my thing, the twist I have been loving for the last two years.  There is nothing like putting it all out there.  Once I started living out front it was kind of freeing so this accusation is sort of annoying.

I should say that according to a few of my friends my definition of putting it all out there might be a little conservative.

Does blogging about my life count for nothing?

To the point-  many, many, many, many posts ago I had decided to give internet dating a try.  Why?  Because it was 2011, that seemed to be the norm, and of course I let my friends convince me to give it a stab (again- I had tried once before and ran away because I just wasn't ready to really date).   I didn't do it in lieu of meeting people in person.  It was an addition.  It was also a disaster.  Click here to read an older post where I detailed some communication thrown my way from fellow on line daters.  As I remember they were comedic.  Tragic might be a better descriptor.   Look around the blog there are plenty of stories about dates, awkward moments and the internet....

I went against everything in me that said internet dating is not the way to meet a person.  Some of my favorite people kept asking, "what's the harm?  You meet crazy people in person, what's wrong with meeting a crazy person online before meeting them in person?"  I never had a good comeback for that logic so I found myself filling out a profile and selecting pictures to post.

When I had gone on a few dates, embarrassed myself a couple of times, and done some silly things out of character I decided that I would go back to meeting people without having to click and type.  I was done with the internet dating phase of my life.  Every idea that I had about profile pages being full of folks who were- how can I say this nicely- not who I was looking to meet was accurate.

So now it's May 2012 and one of my friends wants to give it a stab and I think she should because for her it's what would work for right now.  The problem here- she doesn't want to do it alone.  That's why she accused me of falling off of my living out front journey; she knew it would hit a spot.

One has nothing to do with the other.  Living out front has nothing to do with online dating... it was just something for her to say so that she wouldn't have to traipse around the internet dating world alone.  Then came the dare.  "I dare you to do this with me in the name of fun."

Sometimes you have to support your friends in ways you never imagined you would.

I'm positive there are stories to come...  What's the craziest thing you've done to support a friend?

The Season 2 Finale

Let regular life resume.  Season 2 is complete and that means I don't have to spend all of my free moments editing/ going crazy because something is wrong with or missing from the footage/ wishing I had a million dollars to make every aspect of THE SERIES what I'd like it to be... Soon.

We'd like to thank the entire ShittyFab Team for working with us on Season 2.  All of you who watched and helped spread the word about THE SERIES, thanks to you as well.  We are proud to say we produce an award winning series after receiving recognition  at the 2012 LA WEB FEST for some of our shenanigans in Season 1 - the theme song to be exact.  A little Audacity goes a long way...can't wait to see what type of recognition Season 2 will have.

I already recognize it as a labor of love.  I'm proud of it!

We will be back with  Season 3.

Below is Episode 6- FULL CIRCLE.  This is the Season 2 Finale.  If you missed any episodes you can head over to www.shittyfab.com and watch them all.

Regular blogging will also resume in 5, 4, 3, 2...