Someone called me a diva the other day (me looking innocently). I quipped back, "yeah, right!" This person said that I"m "spoiled". Yes, I am. By me. I don't allow others to really do much for me (self-sufficient part of me I am working on). I'm a queen, so if that makes me a diva, then so be it. I think in my mid-thirties I am more vocal than I have ever been in my life. In my twenties I went through that phase of trying to please everyone but now I'm older, I am kind of very set in my ways, and I have a lot of confidence. I can't help that. But this person had me laughing and chuckling at his observing the fact that I am very in your face once you get to know me. I'm kind of proud of me being BOLD enough to really tell people what I really think. I think the fact that I won't allow anyone to run over me like I'm nothing is shocking some folks. Recently, I had to put my foot down and vocalize about having my personal information sent to the wrong place (by a former employer who doesn't care that my social security number is floating out in the world). Then I had to threaten them with calling the IRS because I felt injustified plus the fact that I had to call them folks made me very upset. On top of that when I called the organization in question, they disrespected me. Queen under grace. I prayed my way through that. Fought back with documentation and paperwork. Got my new information in the mail one week to the day. Another situation cropped up with a place that hired me and it's one month to the day that I began my work. I had to email the coordinator to be assertive enough to hopefully get compensation for services rendered. I"m a nice person, but let's not get it twisted because I can get real gritty with whomever it is in question. I have two sides of me, and believe you me, it's not always the inspiring spiritual child of the world. Come under my skin and you might have to get bitten. I mean, I'm just like most folks. I like to be treated well and with respect. I don't like to be diva, but if I have to straighten my crown on, then I will. If you want to try me, go ahead and ask the two organizations who felt the wrath of me (professionally). In other words, time is money and I don't like either to be wasted. My time and my energy is very much like worth the world to me.
La Diva
signing out
Saturday, February 25th
2:17 PM
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Road Trip: Dayton, OH
So, I'm back from Dayton, Ohio where I had the opportunity to present at the Dayton Literary Festival with Dan Godston and Jennifer Karmin, two of my colleagues from the Poetry Center of Chicago and 2 people I consider literary geniuses in the line of work in which we do here in Chicago. We began our trip on Friday afternoon, when Dan picked me up and I slide into his car, meeting his lovely black dog, Gertie (aka "the poetry dog") in the packed car. The first few hours were spent updating each other on life events (they haven't seen me in few months) and we had a good time sharing poetry teaching techniques and just general funny moments as apart of teaching in the schools (some what of an impromptu meeting to prepare ourselves for the presentation at Dayton U.). We had a five minute meeting and that was about it.
I called my brother Kevin (aka "Andre") to let him know I would come by and say hi while in town, though my time was limited! It took us about six hours from Chicago to get to Dayton, because there was an accident on 75 but then, once we got into the city limits, we were able to slid by my brother's crib, say hi, hang out a bit, run over to the college, grab out registration packets for the event (around 7pm), then grab a bite to eat at a submarine sandwich shop (I had a Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich that was off the chain) and then we dropped Andre back to his place, and had a chance to hear the Legendary Nikki Giovanni do her thing at the Victoria. I have never seen so many people in one place for a literary author. There were over 2,000 people in the place, old, young, white, black, it was a sea of faces that were glowing with the life she pumped into our souls. I really dug her storytelling and how she kind of segued way from the stories into the four bold poems she would read at the event. I was glad she read, "Nikki-Rosa" a beautiful poem that I have taught in a class before. She also read from the book she won an award - Rosa - also new poems from her book, "Quilting the Black-eyed Pea" which I picked up and also her CD which contains over 50 spoken word tracks. So that was pretty exciting for me. I wanted to have her autograph the book but it was so long (the line) and we had to get over to Cincinnati where we would be staying with Dan's family , so we left around 9:30 pm, where we picked up the poetry dog (from Andre's house).
Next day, we had to get up at six a.m. which was the earliest I have ever gotten up for a long long time. Jen and I did well, Dan was ready and we rolled out of Cincinatti back to Dayton, OH. After a little adjusting, we were on the road and ended up at the University on time at 8:15 a.m. where light breakfast was waiting for us. We set up our room for the presentation (testing the LCD player) and me testing the DVD equipment to ensure Dan's presentation and my audio would be able to work during the presentation. We had an early slot (9:00 am) and the presentation was about engaging youth in poetry with multidisplinary projects. Dan's part of the presentation dealt with some generational projects his students completed with senior citizens and students making rain sticks with poetry (cool); my poetry presentation was interactive with fun poetry things educators could do with their students - like the poetry pledge we do at the beginning or ending of each of my classes, "popcorning" poetry, and showcasing some of the student work that has been published or recorded and Jen's poetry presentation was very nice showcasing student work that was actually written and focused on teaching youth how to write free verse.
The rest of the day was spent at several workshops. Some excellent, some very boring, some very bad. There was one that sticks out in my mind - the one about Langston Hughes. Let's just say it was presented in a paper format and the person read Langston's poems "dead". I am like how can you read Langston's poems like with no feeling? That one was a struggle to sit in (imagine more than one hour in one place listening to a person talk about Langston's life as a Underground Communist. I wanted to hear more about his life as a writer, what make him a communist? And linking all of the pieces together poetically. But who am I anyway?
I did enjoy a short conversation with the legendary Toure, whose presenation was a few hours before we got to Dayton, OH. I had to pinch myself as I stood at the reception, having a general conversation with him about the Literary event.
I was happy we did get good response on our presentation, though the attendance was less to be desired. One of the attendees said she wanted our group to come back to present more about what we do with Undergraduate student teachers. I hope we do get to do that so I can come back and visit with Andre.
The other part of the trip was spent with Dan's family and we had a good time generally. Sorry no partying went on during this "working vacation" but don't worry. I'm slated to go on the HBCU trip to Ocho Rios later this year (late May) so I'm pretty sure that trip will be a no-sleep trip where I will be in all kinds of mocha madness.
Until then, ya'll be blessed and I'll talk with you soon.
Blessings,
~~Mocha Sistah
I called my brother Kevin (aka "Andre") to let him know I would come by and say hi while in town, though my time was limited! It took us about six hours from Chicago to get to Dayton, because there was an accident on 75 but then, once we got into the city limits, we were able to slid by my brother's crib, say hi, hang out a bit, run over to the college, grab out registration packets for the event (around 7pm), then grab a bite to eat at a submarine sandwich shop (I had a Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich that was off the chain) and then we dropped Andre back to his place, and had a chance to hear the Legendary Nikki Giovanni do her thing at the Victoria. I have never seen so many people in one place for a literary author. There were over 2,000 people in the place, old, young, white, black, it was a sea of faces that were glowing with the life she pumped into our souls. I really dug her storytelling and how she kind of segued way from the stories into the four bold poems she would read at the event. I was glad she read, "Nikki-Rosa" a beautiful poem that I have taught in a class before. She also read from the book she won an award - Rosa - also new poems from her book, "Quilting the Black-eyed Pea" which I picked up and also her CD which contains over 50 spoken word tracks. So that was pretty exciting for me. I wanted to have her autograph the book but it was so long (the line) and we had to get over to Cincinnati where we would be staying with Dan's family , so we left around 9:30 pm, where we picked up the poetry dog (from Andre's house).
Next day, we had to get up at six a.m. which was the earliest I have ever gotten up for a long long time. Jen and I did well, Dan was ready and we rolled out of Cincinatti back to Dayton, OH. After a little adjusting, we were on the road and ended up at the University on time at 8:15 a.m. where light breakfast was waiting for us. We set up our room for the presentation (testing the LCD player) and me testing the DVD equipment to ensure Dan's presentation and my audio would be able to work during the presentation. We had an early slot (9:00 am) and the presentation was about engaging youth in poetry with multidisplinary projects. Dan's part of the presentation dealt with some generational projects his students completed with senior citizens and students making rain sticks with poetry (cool); my poetry presentation was interactive with fun poetry things educators could do with their students - like the poetry pledge we do at the beginning or ending of each of my classes, "popcorning" poetry, and showcasing some of the student work that has been published or recorded and Jen's poetry presentation was very nice showcasing student work that was actually written and focused on teaching youth how to write free verse.
The rest of the day was spent at several workshops. Some excellent, some very boring, some very bad. There was one that sticks out in my mind - the one about Langston Hughes. Let's just say it was presented in a paper format and the person read Langston's poems "dead". I am like how can you read Langston's poems like with no feeling? That one was a struggle to sit in (imagine more than one hour in one place listening to a person talk about Langston's life as a Underground Communist. I wanted to hear more about his life as a writer, what make him a communist? And linking all of the pieces together poetically. But who am I anyway?
I did enjoy a short conversation with the legendary Toure, whose presenation was a few hours before we got to Dayton, OH. I had to pinch myself as I stood at the reception, having a general conversation with him about the Literary event.
I was happy we did get good response on our presentation, though the attendance was less to be desired. One of the attendees said she wanted our group to come back to present more about what we do with Undergraduate student teachers. I hope we do get to do that so I can come back and visit with Andre.
The other part of the trip was spent with Dan's family and we had a good time generally. Sorry no partying went on during this "working vacation" but don't worry. I'm slated to go on the HBCU trip to Ocho Rios later this year (late May) so I'm pretty sure that trip will be a no-sleep trip where I will be in all kinds of mocha madness.
Until then, ya'll be blessed and I'll talk with you soon.
Blessings,
~~Mocha Sistah
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
At Daylight
I'm need deep in so many projects it ain't funny. Funny how time goes by when you are on the grind. I remember my first business, a few years ago I got the bright idea to create customized poetry and greeting cards, alas, it never worked. I didn't have the drive to push it through, or the business sense to keep up a clientele any way. At the time i was just a "poet". After years of working for others, I have learned to use my hard and soft skills as a counselor, writer, teacher, secretary, and other things to push my new business, PR Services For You, to the next level. I am most proud of all the wonderful folks taking a chance on me. I'm like so new at this thing but I'm blessed by the one above and I continue to work really really hard that maybe I'll be able to break my stride and see the sunlight. I'm currently writing bios for artists and that has been the most fun. I'm moving into editor and typesetting mode, learning how to format books has been the hardest thing I have ever done but once I perfect it, I will be someone to use as a resource of publishing novels and other short form books.
I'm going to exhibit this weekend in Dayton, OH and that will be the most cool thing I have done in a while. I am digging through poems, judging poems for a poetry contest, about to release another poetry book and hopefully will have an editor to firm up "When Rainbows Aint' Enough".
Last night's event at the Touch of the Past was the best Valentine's I have had. There were over 15 TOP LINE FEMALE ARTISTS in Chicago! Brenda Matthews, Reality, myself, Lady Z, WGCI's "Sundance", and other artists I can't name, were bringing the poetic funk in all kinds of ways. Brothers were out in full force including 3 Brothers and a Mic (Mo & Odyssey represented well), along with Carl Lewis who blessed us with some musicality of his saxophone.
Coming up next for me (whenever daylight comes I'll let u know) is a spoken word workshop in the Palatine, IL area (March 4, 2006), Tears of a Woman Booksigning at Scentuary mid-March and a possible trip to Atlanta to perform.
Shot outs to LEAZON and NEF Entertainment, which supplies the artists PR Services For You have been assisting, and the many mocha friends and fans who keep sending referrals. For those who don't know what I do, I'm doing bios, artistic statements, press kits creation and distribution, ghostwriting, and line editing of manuscripts. If you wnat to know more, just email me at prservicesforyou@sbcglobal.net.
Blessings to you. Hope you enjoyed your Valentine's day whether you had a Valentine or not. But I'm willing to bet you love you and there's at least one person who does feel the same. Believe that.
~ With Love and Light,
Mocha Sistah
I'm going to exhibit this weekend in Dayton, OH and that will be the most cool thing I have done in a while. I am digging through poems, judging poems for a poetry contest, about to release another poetry book and hopefully will have an editor to firm up "When Rainbows Aint' Enough".
Last night's event at the Touch of the Past was the best Valentine's I have had. There were over 15 TOP LINE FEMALE ARTISTS in Chicago! Brenda Matthews, Reality, myself, Lady Z, WGCI's "Sundance", and other artists I can't name, were bringing the poetic funk in all kinds of ways. Brothers were out in full force including 3 Brothers and a Mic (Mo & Odyssey represented well), along with Carl Lewis who blessed us with some musicality of his saxophone.
Coming up next for me (whenever daylight comes I'll let u know) is a spoken word workshop in the Palatine, IL area (March 4, 2006), Tears of a Woman Booksigning at Scentuary mid-March and a possible trip to Atlanta to perform.
Shot outs to LEAZON and NEF Entertainment, which supplies the artists PR Services For You have been assisting, and the many mocha friends and fans who keep sending referrals. For those who don't know what I do, I'm doing bios, artistic statements, press kits creation and distribution, ghostwriting, and line editing of manuscripts. If you wnat to know more, just email me at prservicesforyou@sbcglobal.net.
Blessings to you. Hope you enjoyed your Valentine's day whether you had a Valentine or not. But I'm willing to bet you love you and there's at least one person who does feel the same. Believe that.
~ With Love and Light,
Mocha Sistah
Sunday, February 05, 2006
This and That
This past week I attended a funeral, and thought to myself, as we often do, how precious life is and how our time is not guaranteed. How many times have you done something that you wish you could take back? Several times, I'm sure. I have done the same thing. While at the funeral of a very good friend's family member (who died a little too soon for her liking) I was reminded that we have to live in the NOW. I mean, I love daydreaming, but reality is reality and that's something that we have to deal with. Now is the time to embrace your future, dreams, and desires and realize your purpose in life. Yes, I have to go there because we are always like wishing we could do this and that and I know (me included) that time is precious, nothing is promised and that we must do the best in the present to enjoy it and do what it is we think we are designed to do.
Friday in my class, I had a student tell me that they recently were introduced to a gang and joined it. It was something that surprised me. One, because my image of this boy is that he's clean cut, smart, and responsible. I never would have thought he'd join a gang, but I don't know his personal situation at home. He's just a student in one of my poetry classes. A very cool kid indeed. But I think he implanted a message in my brain, now my job is figure out what to do with the message he gave me. His response was very much laid back but he didn't seem to be very strong about why he joined the gang. He's in seventh grade and that notion of him living a life in a gang was something I couldn't wrap myself around. I'm still musing on it.
Saturday I attended the African American Read In sponsored by a local writers group. The event hosted 12 authors and spoken word smyths. It was well attended and held at Chicago's Malcolm X College. All the authors got a chance to read from their work, sell books, but most importantly share their words with the audience. I chose to read three selections - "I Want To Go Back" a fun poetic expression about the old days, "Beautiful One" a poem that I love to read that is an ode to women, and "The Congo" a cultural piece. A part of being at the event was having each author interviewed and performances taped for a local cable show hosted by Tacora Rogers, on Channel 19. The show will be aired on a future Monday show at 10 pm. Once I find out the airing, I will definitely inform my "peoples". I had so much fun yesterday. I ran into fellow Alabama poet "Marc Lacy" who recited some words (poetically!). Some of the people I saw that haven't seen me in a while were surprised because I looked a little different (as I lost more weight and let my hair grow).
My weekend ended with some friends at a party where we discussed politics, the state of the Chicago Public School System, while having tons of fun watching Apollo Showcase and re-runs of American Idol.
I'll have to update you next week or other happenings. I will most likely post my happenings for this month in the next blog.
Blessings and thanks for your continued support.
~ Mocha
Friday in my class, I had a student tell me that they recently were introduced to a gang and joined it. It was something that surprised me. One, because my image of this boy is that he's clean cut, smart, and responsible. I never would have thought he'd join a gang, but I don't know his personal situation at home. He's just a student in one of my poetry classes. A very cool kid indeed. But I think he implanted a message in my brain, now my job is figure out what to do with the message he gave me. His response was very much laid back but he didn't seem to be very strong about why he joined the gang. He's in seventh grade and that notion of him living a life in a gang was something I couldn't wrap myself around. I'm still musing on it.
Saturday I attended the African American Read In sponsored by a local writers group. The event hosted 12 authors and spoken word smyths. It was well attended and held at Chicago's Malcolm X College. All the authors got a chance to read from their work, sell books, but most importantly share their words with the audience. I chose to read three selections - "I Want To Go Back" a fun poetic expression about the old days, "Beautiful One" a poem that I love to read that is an ode to women, and "The Congo" a cultural piece. A part of being at the event was having each author interviewed and performances taped for a local cable show hosted by Tacora Rogers, on Channel 19. The show will be aired on a future Monday show at 10 pm. Once I find out the airing, I will definitely inform my "peoples". I had so much fun yesterday. I ran into fellow Alabama poet "Marc Lacy" who recited some words (poetically!). Some of the people I saw that haven't seen me in a while were surprised because I looked a little different (as I lost more weight and let my hair grow).
My weekend ended with some friends at a party where we discussed politics, the state of the Chicago Public School System, while having tons of fun watching Apollo Showcase and re-runs of American Idol.
I'll have to update you next week or other happenings. I will most likely post my happenings for this month in the next blog.
Blessings and thanks for your continued support.
~ Mocha
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