Friday Ramblings

Fire My Words

What's up family? What's going on a freaking friday? A terror plot foiled in Florida was what I heard this morning. I really don't have much to talk about today...I am working on a few books that are in print mode. One important one (hush...huge project that is hoooott to death) that will drop in a few literary beats. I'm going to relax this weekend, with family and finish up some projects. It's the last week that I have to myself before I have to be working in the community again. I'll be going to Saint Louis for a few days over the holiday break, then hit Indy for the Indianapolis Black Expo at RCA Dome...

I had a wonderful but short interview on Power Talk radio on Wednesday and setting up author interviews and booksignings, trying to get a distributor for my book company, and a lot of press kits going to stores, and stuff. Soon to be on the net...Liquid Kisses will be featured on www.oncewritten.com and 2 of my books will be raffled off in a July Book Contest. Don't forget to email me for book requests before I roll this fully out...autographed copies can be mailed to you. Just email me at mochachyna35@yahoo.com with subject line: Liquid Kisses Book and I'll take care of that for you.

I'm currently on a few more sites:
www.mochachyna.multiply.com
www.poetrypoem.com/mochasistah

I'm placed in Check Da Rhyme Anthology as published by Lit Noire Publishing out of New York City. It features female poets and emcees. I have a hip hop social commentary piece in there that got featured. That's cool. I'm also in Literary Divas one of 100 women writers featured in a book published by Amber Books.

Well, it's a nice and cool day in Chicago. It's been pretty peaceful this week and a lot going on that I'm not talking about on this space. But it's all good. I bid you adieu. Be careful with driving and dealing with any of your life issues. Be grateful for all you have in your life.

With love and life...
Be blessed,
Mocha Sistah

Loving Black MEN: ODES TO MY BROTHERS

Soooo, in case you haven't noticed I'm a black woman...and I love black men. Yes, we hear all the statistics all the time, but when was the last time you praised them "any how." Not sure if you haven't seen a recent interview with Serena Williams who mentioned that she no longer dated black men because they are boys and that in ten years they will be obsolete. She made references to Oprah Winfrey's relationship with Stedman and made some allegations about Oprah and children. I know that it's easier to throw stones at our brothers when they are down and I have heard from a lot of black men that women just love to dog 'em out. I thought when I read the interview by Serena that I think it's awful to just give up on the brothers. I mean, I applaud her for finding her 'white' king, however, it's not that easy for me.

And even though I've lived without my father in my life, grew up without him, that has not twisted me to the point where I will flat out give up on them and just say I am not longer interested in them because they are all DOGS or that they are all MESSED Up. As we all go through life, we encounter people who have bags; emotional, physical, dysfunctionalites from childhood. I just think it's really sad when one of our own, says black men are not worth her time or energy. I believe she should have her opinion but I'm not quite through with ya'll yet.

And I am still a believer in my brothers.

Wanted to say a few wonderful things:

I love when you make me smile; when you know I'm pissed
I love when you call me just to say hi.
I love when you drop by the house to help with a project.
I love your strength, humility, creativity, romance, spirituality, and individuality.

Thank you for opening doors for me.
Thank you for being there when I need a 'pick-me-up'
Thank you for being great friends, fathers, mentors, teachers, bus drivers,
whatever gift God gave you.
Thank you for not giving up on yourself in a world that has put you
down sometimes.
Thank you for dealing with us (sisters) when we get a little emotional about
things.
Thank you for taking scraps of your life, and overcoming your challenges.

For those who feel down when they hear sisters say negative things:

Remember there are many more of us who adore you.
Remember there are many more of us who care for you.
Remember there are many women, not just black women, love some of 'you'.
Remember you are needed.
Remember we care about you, even though NONE of us are perfect, we surely appreciate you in our lives...we really do, even when we are 'cursing' you out. ************************************************************************

From my heart to yours...much love and energy
but mostly respect. Remember some of us still need you.
--- Mocha Sistah

Praise for Fathers (everywhere)

So I guess we can start with Celebrity fathers...Beyonce's dad, played a leadership roll in her musical career, Denzel has provided for his family (in a nice quiet way, we never hear anything about him or his family and when we see them they look HAPPY), Tiger's dad helped to develop his career as a golfer, Serena's father, Richard Williams, also a vocal and strong Black man, made sure to have strong values for his children, and helped them grooming their tennis careers.

Of course, not all dad's are celebrities, but dang it, you can make them feel such this weekend. After all, if he's playing a roll in your life, giving you something like his TIME (which is valuable), providing you with life lessons, a roof over your head, coached you in a baseball game, or attended a function where you were honored or performed or were highlighted, then give you DADDY some love and appreciation.

The best daddy memories for me were:

- Him showing me how he worked on cars
- Him laughing at my singing at age 11
- Him telling me he was proud when I first got published
- Him kissing me, when I got stung by a Bee on Easter Sunday

I think it's easy to over look Fathers impact on the family when a society that praises Mothers more than Fathers. I think we should keep in mind that they (men) need that appreciation, and yes, it's expected that a father does certain things for his children but don't over look the small things:

LOVING your father spells, a home cooked dinner; he'll appreciate it.
LOVING your father spells, a home made card, or a store bought 1 with some
money, or cool phrases inside them to let him know you appreciate him.
LOVING your father could mean doing some chores for him, letting him
relax.
LOVING your father could mean making sure he has all his favorites: newspapers, libations, moments of quietness in the house, a surprise home made gift

You can do something SPECIAL to let him know that he's appreciated.

I know we live in a world where some fathers aren't up to par but all of them are not bad and like I said appreciation goes a long long way.

And if your father has gone on to glory, remember the beautiful good times.

Have a great and beautiful weekend with your FATHER.

- Mocha Sistah

Getting your five minutes...

When was the last time you got five minutes of selfless time, just relaxing and maxing and doing things you like to do. In other words, slowing yourself down. Today, I slowed myself down, actually I was trying to go from one site to another site (schools and program stuff) when I was thrust into my own timezone. I went to a school but they didn't need me and instead of coming home, I thought it would be nice to take a train ride downtown, take in Millenium Park, and enjoy free things. The first thing I did was go find a lunch - Subway was my choice, and I grabbed a chocolate Dove bar, then I laid down on a nice shaded spot under a tree, where I enjoyed more than thirty minutes of peaceful bliss. I took in a few things - watching parents with their children, and leaving my very comfortable spot, I was able to enjoy children running up and down in the water (there are two huge water towers on Michigan Avenue at Millenium Park), where kids can play in the water, and splash all day long. I was wishing I had my flip flops so I could do the same. But I do have a plan to go back on later this week so I can dooo that. I absolutely loved more than five minutes. As I was relaxing, I didn't check my cell phone, and I just found myself sitting in quietness, enjoying the space and time. I ran into an old friend and we talked about the lies folks tell about themselves in "online relationships". That's another blog topic. Anyway, I did enjoy the quietness, and the beautiful sun, weather caressing me, and just breathing.

Getting your five minutes:

1) Take a journal to write
2) Take off the internet, go for a walk
3) Turn off the television, and put on some jazz or quiet music
4) Turn off the cellphone and just relax

- Mocha Sistah

Literary Highlights: Nikki Giovanni & The Printers Row Book Fair

I was eighteen when I first picked up a pen, and got the book that changed, my literary view, "My House" by Nikki Giovanni, a book that was published in 1972, four years after I entered this earth. A mixture of soul, sage, mother, activist, the book called to my soul, especially the wonderful cultured poems about africa and governmental watching...So how befitting that I would end up a poet teaching poetry in the inner city and also using Nikki's work to inspire a generation, just like she did me.

So today, I take off to the Printers Row Book Fair with fellow road literary friend, Felicia Madlock, author of Sins of the Father (www.urbanbooks.net), because Felicia was going to read at the Book Fair this morning. Around 11:15, we got downtown, paid a little money for parking and walked over to the fair, found ourselves in the middle of literary heaven. There were booths, were authors, literary organizatoins, and book stores like Powell's Book Store, Borders and Barnes and Nobles. We grabbed a map and headed for the tent where Felicia was to read a selection. With her cam in hand, she taped performances of fellow writers in the Journal of Ordinary Thought.

My phone was on vibrate so I missed the phone call by FoFeet (st. Louis, native/spoken word artist) but I quickly called her back. We would meet later at the Nikki Giovanni reading. A few poets later, after Felicia read, "Spring", we headed over to the children's tent where Nikki would wear her literary hat #1 and read selected pieces from "Poetry Speaks to Children". In the hot sun, we walked past a few booths when we noticed Hill Harper (of CSI: NY), reading selected poems from his book, "Letters to a brother...MANIfest" and swore under our breathes, because we could not do both readings.

We found our seats for Nikki's first reading, and waited for the reading to start. I found myself staring at a neighbor from my building, who said, she loved Nikki too. Many calls later, Fo and I stated we would meet in the Harold Washington building where Nikki would read from her "Rosa" collection.

Felicia and I went to get a snack to eat at the fair- big juicy hotdogs, ummm, they were great before heading over to the auditorim to hear Nikki read again. Forty-five minutes later, we were entering the auditorium, after standing in the overflow line, and I purposely smiled, because I had some books in my bag. Books for Nikki~

During her presentation of the book, "Rosa", the audience was blessed with her cultural historical presentation about how the book was formulized and history about Rosa and general her Nikkisms. I am always reminded of why I love her so much. It's not just that she's a woman, an activist but as eloquently, she is a "woman of courage". She reminds us all that women are needed, we must have courage to "BE" and just use our voices, in all the ways we can use our voices. Be bold, unafraid, and not "ego-trip". It's a beautiful thing to be in the midst of a person who seems to know herself so well and not be afraid to speak her "peace".

I am not sure how long her presentation, took because she was so enthralling that we lost count of time. No one watched the time and personally, I could have stayed there all day to hear her and her thoughts on the world and her place in it.

We stood in line to give her love. We shook her hand, and I gave her my book, Liquid Kisses, and also told her I was a literary educator whose school she had recently visited and she remembered Michael Faraday where I'm currently in residency teaching poetry. I took the cam and took Felicia's picture with Nikki and ran into Fofeet during that timeframe at the same space.

3pm, we wound up in the Gwendolyn Brooks Tent listening to some of the Third World Press readers, Toni Asante Lightfoot, Nicole Shield, and others who really gave praise to Gwen's place in literary history. It was a great reading.

After the reading, we ended up going by Mello Yellow in Hyde Park for cuisine - and a libation. I had a Pina Colada (hey, sitting in the sun all day can be hard work).

Felicia and I headed back south to get some rest before the long night ahead non-literary related. For the House Heads....you understand when it's time to get down for a few hours of rest before going to a real music party. We're going to a midnight House Party....you know how we do it.

We'll return to the Book Fair on Sunday to hear more readers and some artists perform.

If you are ever in Chicago, you should try to check it out. It's free and everything is laid out for you. Plenty of chairs, parking spaces, bathrooms, just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, plan a budget of where you want to spend your time, bring summer chairs, and for little ones, snacks - fruit, juices, water. The basics.

It's a great time. Why not spend a weekend celebrating the written and spoken word?

SUM OF POETICS

So it's a few weeks before the end of the 2005-2006 teaching poetry season for me. I've taught 2-3 parks, and six schools, and at one community center. I started back in August 2005 planning for a few organizations, and it started off with a blaze. I have added first grade, second grade, third grade, sixth grade to my roster along with my seventh and fifth graders and 11th graders. With all these grades I've had to step it up a bit, mixing in between traditional poems like "IAM" and seasonal poems, to non traditional poems like Eintous, Haikus, Cinquains, Lanterns, Foot Poems, Political Commentaries, Community poems. Some of the poets I taught were Saul Williams, Langston Hughes, Tupac, Nikki Giovanni, youth poetry from the parks, my own poetry, and local poets. I've had one confrontation (at the high school) and I had to write up five students at an elementary school. I've had to deal with some seriously tripped out behavioral issues, trying to mix up the poetry teaching with my own goal of empowering and inspiring students to write their stories with realness from their own souls. It's thirteen days away and that's it until September 2006. We've had students published online, some of my schools have honored me by having poetry boards outside the class room, and coaching students for performances, oratory contests, and other events. I have worked with over 300 students in 10 months. The best experience was returning to my elementary school to teach poetry and the refreshing class is the first graders. They have such wonderment.

I think most of my exercises were great, except the "alliteration" exercise. It wasn't well received and it's not the one I use a lot. My high schoolers dug the political/social poetry exercise that generated some wonderful commentaries about living in the hood. I'm stuck on which grade was best, but my fifth graders at Kozminski and Faraday were a tie. I loosened my straight laced poetry teaching this year a bit. I didn't focus as much on the form, and focused more on the content of the work. I also added some cool things like poetic chants at the beginning of class and using music for writing time in some of my schools.

The next two weeks, I am going to just chill. I have no more poems to teach. I literally have one week left at two schools and it's almost time to say goodbye. My fifth graders at Revere, my most challenging school, wrote me "goodbye poems". Oh, I didn't even expect that. Yes, I had to act real hard that day but it was very touching and I did appreciate their words. I'll visit them tommorrow to drop off some poetic gifts.

I'm still with my South Shore crew for a last workshop on tommorrow.

They say breaking up is hard to do, but when you are in the schools almost a full year, letting go will be hard to do. I will miss the "Ms. Osbey" and chants of "Ms Pam" while walking through schools, hugs from all my students, and having just general conversations with them about their lives. There are some amazing young writers and I have stacks of poems at home to prove it.

The count down is on and I'm happy but also a little melancholy. Children have definitely helped me as much as they think I've helped them. It's a two way street.

Enjoy the week folks~

Mocha S.

The Value of Fifteen Dollahs

Two days ago, I got an email stating that author Nikki Woods and Malcolm Jamal Warner would be at Chicago's Hothouse. I wasn't sure, but I knew that Malcolm was into spoken word and so I quickly grabbed my credit card and secured my ticket immediately. The event was to highlight his band, The Miles Long Experience, an experience, I must say was out of my skin bubbling with hot jazz exploding on it. A whispering of the most beautiful type of neo-soul music, spoken word, and jazz entertained the crowded set at the event on Sunday night at the Hothouse, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the moment I left home to go to the event. So it's like 8:04 when I hit the door of the event. Outside of the event I hear a sister vocalizing, she had a beautiful voice and later i would see her on the stage as one of the background singers. As I walk up the stairs to the lounge, I was pretty content that I deleted my favorite two shows - Cold Case Files and CSI for one night, so I could check out the set and soak up some good music. I quickly found myself seated at a table and was joined by another positive brother, John, who was visiting Chicago for the weekend, and lived in Champaign, IL where he works for the company, Frito Lays. As I sit and chat with him, I see my sister, from Prolific Writers, Miss Nikki Woods, a radio personality for WGCI, and we hug and chat about her experience at the Book Expo America this past weekend. She was decked out in a beautiful white diva top with jeans. She was setting up her booth with her book, Easier Said Than Done, and her business partner, Kim, was at the booth greeting people. Around 8:35 pm, the doors opened to the actual concert space and John and I found ourselves seated right in front of the stage, on the left side, an excellent seat and I ordered a Merlot (red wine) while waiting for the first band to open up the set. A great band, The David Boykins Band opened up the set, a saxophone player, with a tight band who really gave us six hot tunes to fill our souls. Half way through the set, I saw Def Poetry Jam's Redstorm in the house. He gave me a hug and told me had some new music for me. I told him I'd buy a CD before the night ended. Later in the set again, I saw one of my favorite poets, who I actually met before I became "MochaSistah" and that's my house head, poeticking, Khari B, aka "Discopoet" who's just a real nucca, and just as cool as he can be. He stays the same way, every time I see him. He's just the same. I love real folks first ya know. Anyway, he reminded me he has a performance at the Hothouse on June 2nd, so you know I gotta support my poetry brother, right? After David Boykins band performs its last joint, Nikki Woods comes up to introduce Lorenzo Owens, who was the winner of Oprah Winfrey's Pop Star Challenge in 2004. I remember seeing Lorenzo on Soul Train, and as I saw him on the stage belting out his music, I was reminded of like a very polished singer in the vein of many that have been out there, I mean, Lorenzo was enjoying his space and worked the stage very well and his vocal ability blew me and John away. It was like so perfect not one note was messed up. While Lorenzo was performing, I was on my second drink, a glass of White Zinfindel, when I saw Shawn of Qi Music Group, who just happened to be sitting on the Miles Long Experience Band Set later in the night. Anyway, Lorenzo sang mainly love ballads. After he finished his set, our lovely host Nikki came back on and introduced Malcolms band, quipping that he had "incense" going on upstairs and she told us that Theo Done Grown Up. Honey she didn't lie. At first as the band set themselves up I didn't see him because he had on jeans and a black shirt that stated, "Africa Needs Us" and his hair was back (it's locked) and he whipped out that guitar, but beneath it all I did notice the brother is definitely fine sisters. Yes, he is fine. Nikki didn't lie. The man was just as a chiseled bronze creature. He was too damn cooll. The band had Shawn on keyboards, two back ground singers, a female and male, and another guitarist, and David Boykin came back to play on that set as well as another chicago native, who played his trumpet. I can't remember all the names. But the set was filled with some interesting tunes, including a song about a stripper, yes, that's right a stripper song, that basically was about how a brother ummm, gets sucked in by the lap dance, but he goes home to his woman. ha ha. I really dug the song about long distance relationships. He talked about how him and his woman had to deal with him taping the show "Jeremiah" which he joked only four people saw it. It was a show on HBO and at the time, he was in the relationship with his lady, he was in Canada and she was in California. He talked about how the distant thickened the love he had with her. I thought that was beautiful. Anyway, the song, "Project Image" was an ode to hip hop and it was one of the many tunes that I really felt deeply. His entire set was over 1 hour close to 1 and 1/2 and we still wanted more. After ending the set, Malcolm ended up signing copies of the CD, "Miles Long Mix Tape" which I was third in the line to get signed, and he did greet us individually and with grace. He is on his way to Atlanta, dang, I wish I could get there to see the show again. He was excellent. Please support the brother. Visit Malcolm online at www.myspace.com/malcolmjamalwarner Soooo, the fifteen dollahs I spent on my ticket was well spent. It was priceless. It was really nice to hang out with positive spirits and relaxing before a huge week of work. So yes, i definitely did enjoy every note and my musical spirit was filled up to capacity. I'm still listening to the CDs I bought from Red storm and Malcolm. It was worth any dime I spent. What's the value of your fifteen dollahs?

Hair Chronicles III

I'm in my third month of locking. It's been pretty stressless. My hair is locking fine. It has been interlocked but it's clear to me that I have to just let my hair do it's own thing. I'm not trying to get a certain look or anything like that because I like how my own locks are defining themselves. I like my lock stylist and if you want to view Shavon's online portfolio, I can post here later this month. I have a lot of my students wanting Shavon to work on their hair. Anyway, my hair is growing. It's a simple wonderful process. I visit with Shavon every 3-4 weeks for re-tightening, I maintain the locks myself in between using Carol Daughter's oil, lock gel, water and dry shampoos. My hair is very fine quality, not really thick but I have been noticing a few folks who have the same texture of hair I do - men and women alike, so there's hope for me yet. I'm hoping by the end of the summer, it will be much longer. But so far, it's all good. Have a great day~

Guns On a Monday

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Literary Entrees: Chef Walee & New Jersey

You know the kind of taste you get off your tongue after you have consumed a great meal, or the kind of feeling you get when you have enjoyed the last of the favorite snack of yours? Well, that’s the feeling I got on my tongue after consuming the best meal Newark, New Jersey had to offer at Priory Restaurant. A nice little quaint restaurant nestled in the heart of Newark, NJ, has sounds of light jazz and vocalizing, and a great spread of breakfast and brunch items including, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet yams, Carolina spicy wings, fresh fried fish, Baked Ziti, and assortment of desserts including Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Pound Cake, it has the nerve to provide on site staff that will create customized fresh omelets if you choose to get. It was at Priory that I was tasting the best Macaroni and Cheese, Turkey Breast, Collard Greens, and other tasty culinary dishes, as provided by my literary brother and guru, Walee of New Jersey along with poet Diamond and Austin Texas’s, Kennard. We had a great time after collecting our thoughts on Walee’s second literary helping, What’s On the Menu: All of Me, booksigning which will held last night at Sienna Visions Gallery in Plainfield, NJ. I felt so honored to be asked to read selected poems last night when all my intention was to get a few days of rest in lovely New Jersey. I so appreciated the warm welcome from all who attended and I encourage if you are in the area, please visit the Gallery and support the wonderful work of the owners, Alonzo and Cyndie Adams (http://www.siennavisions.com/index.html). Please support their wonderful work.

But before we continue to talk about the literary program I attended, I wanted to give you some highlights from the trip. My best relaxation moments came from Terminal A and Terminal B of the Newark International Airport. In Terminal A, I was able to get a foot massage. Now, if you know anything about me, I normally don’t even take that much time out for me, but I had to so I got a massage which was delightful. After getting my foot massaged, I went in search of nail polish, but ended up finding a great spa that would give me one of the best pedicures I have ever had. The spa is called d_parture Spa (http://www.departurespa.com/) and there I received good customer service, my toes were dipped in water with oils, ahhh , yes, it was so relaxing and yes, they looked damn good. See, I had to get the toes done because of my open toe shoes that I wanted to wear with my outfit for Walee’s event. I couldn’t go up in there looking all wild. After one hour of toes getting beautified, I also chose to get a wax and went to find some collectibles – some tee-shirts, authentic New Jersey Taffy, and a light lunch before meeting up with Diamond (http://beautifulredrose.blogspot.com/) and dashing to get myself ready for the event.

I chose five selected poems to share at the event, including, Dreaming (a bilingual poem that I actually recited off the ‘dome’), Blond Bomb Shell (praise poem for Diamond), Anticipation (sensual joint #1), Come Undone (from Exotica II – sensual joint #2), and another poem I can’t remember at this time. The event rolled off with TC Matthews Co-founder of Prolific Writers Network, a writers group I have been a member of for a number of years (join PWN for free here - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prolificwriters/) , then a few New Jersey business owners of some cultural and employment opportunities that help artists, business owners and other positive individuals. Diamond read some very excellent poems that moved a lot of us, but my favorite was the stirring, Unpaid Mistress, joint that definitely made us all think…~

Walee turned heads with selected poems from his book, and the favorite I loved was “How Could You?” A piece that is a mystery in the way it is written because there’s a story that is being told and you need to listen up and keep yourself open for the shocking ending. Walee’s delivery of course is so real, so smooth that you forget where you’re at. Walee’s event was well organized and attended by New Jersey’s finest. A few out of towners, like me, and others from as far as Austin, Texas crowded the gallery. I believe I stopped counting heads after I was in the middle of my set. Books were sold, food was eaten and a good time was enjoyed by all. I had a few CD sales but a lot of love and feedback on my performances.

I got down to my toes during the set ~ For some reason, I just had to get comfortable, so my shoes came off but I don’t think it bothered anyone a bit.

I got a tour of New Jersey by TC on Saturday that was pretty cool. I saw Rutger’s University, Penn Station and a few other places of note.

I encourage you all to visit Walee’s website and please purchase one for yourself or a loved one. Get a glass of wine, and let the literary culinary session begin. You will get full of the offerings in the book. Note to the wise, this is a Grown UP folks collection that is mentally and emotionally satisfying. You will get full.

Walee’s site is: http://www.confessionsbywalee.com/

As for me, I am going to relax and enjoy the rest of my time off. I wish you well and a productive blessed week.

Thanks to all who attended the event, gave me love, bought CDs and gave me tons of encouragement. I’ll tuck those in with me tonight and always.

~ Mocha Sistah

Hitting The Ground Running

I have tons of things to do today, but wanted to try to post something before I gather my wits, poems, and drag my suitcase on the plane tommorrow for the weekend trip to New Jersey. Let's recap this week. I had jury Duty, which was so boring that I can't believe I got out of there enough to miss the 400,000 marchers of the Immigration Rallies in Chicago on Monday. I count myself lucky because I know how crowded it could have been, but I saved myself by 1) avoiding regular transportation and 2) spending extra money and taking the Metra home. I understand that the United States might want to secure its borders, but why you wait until now to try to put a law that will make it a crime for those who have abided by the laws for a specific amount of years, with no crime background, who's had to pass a citizenship test, paid $330 per application per person, and tell 14 Million People they are going to have to go back from whence they came. How about the employers who chose to employ the illegals and made money off of them? How about the tons of children who are legal citizens but there parents aren't? Now we create broken families? And for those who say they are made that the illegals have taken american jobs. I know a few Americans who don't want to sit in no hot sun picking out oranges, and other fruits or vegetables, or sit in a hot factory doing work that is not pretty. Why wasn't a Guest Worker program put in place before September 11th. I don't think it's fair to cry wolf all of a sudden, and rush through a law that will affect millions. This is America for crying out loud~

One day we gonna get it together, but for today I guess I'll settle for us trying to have open conversations about this issue. It affects so many people, communities and businesses. If we are going to penalize those crossing the borders, how about those employers? Landlords who took their rent monies? Umm, just food for thought.

Why I'm so deep on a Thumping Thursday? We are doing community poems in my classes today. I'm hoping for more than the usual, "Community Is" poem. I hope to see some real issues raised in the poems today.

I've got a ton of things to do before I hit the road. Write an artist bio, umm, not sure that's going to get done. My house will be rocking tonight - CDs burning, poems printing, and my bedroom will be a wreck before I leave. You know it's so hard for ladies to find that perfect outfit. A sistah got to look somewhat good. I might have to go shopping tonight after my high school classes.

Anyway, I'm hitting the ground running. The sun is peeking through my windows. That tells me everything is going to be alright. Praying for a beautiful day and a healing nation, I bid you adieu.

~ Mocha Sistah

My Day with the Literary Babies

I stayed with my literary babies all day today. The school had a celebration, called "Book-IT" which is a celebration of students reading and increasing their literary skills. Students received book and literary awards, trophies, and most importantly, were able to be apart of the program. Parents of the students, grandmothers, and other relatives were on hand to see the program as it unfolded this afternoon at 1pm. Before then, I taught my first graders this morning. They wrote voice poems.

Samples from class:

My voice is cool.
My cat's voice.
My dog's voice.
My mom's voice.
My cousin's voice.
My puppy.
My uncle's voice.
~~ D'Andre M.

I like my mom's voice.
I like my dad's voice.
I like my voice.
I like my auntie's voice.
~ Pilshae B.

I love to talk.
I love to speak.
To Jarod and my other cousins,
sisters and brothers.
~ Jalen P.

My spirits voice is about to catch on fire.
And I can not do anything about it.
My voice might be a bad thing in me
because my spirit's voice is on fire too.
~ Malik L.

The amazing thing about today's class was the sixteen line poems by two students. They consistently write long poems which tells me that they read and write a lot at home. I got a chance to meet some of the parents of the students. I showed some of them the work I have been able to do with students. Malik's father was very surprised about the deepness of his son's thoughts. I invited parent's to drop in my class. I would love for them to see what I do with the kids. It's amazing though, I normally run out of time in the class. I realize, students are really connecting with me. I got a lot of hugs from the kids. Especially the girls. I think it's important that I be who I am, a strong black woman, unafraid of being who she is. I love working with the kids, to hear their thoughts, and see such progression in my short time with them. I have four to six weeks left on my contract and will be finished at this particular school by June 11th. I will be sad to leave.

Because of the love, the committment of the student work, even with some of my hard headed seventh graders, it's a fresh breath of air to hear voices - young voices that are begging to be heard, even in the midst of behavioral issues. These kids shine~and they inspire me.

Mocha Sistah

Isn't it funny...listen up?

When God sends a message, you better listen. So, today I was on my way home and stopped by my favorite Walgreens, to pick up a few snacks and just browse. Anyway, I saw a sister with this beautiful head of hair, and I thought it was my missing poetic sister, Pia, and God would have it that it was miss poetic. As we hugged and caught up on old times, she asked me what I was doing and I told her the usual mocha chatter. She asked me why "you haven't blown up yet." I laughed and told her my time was coming. We talked about a whole bunch of things, and she dropped a nugget in my head. She had shared that she was going to apply a while back to the Community Colleges in Chicago to teach poetry or writing. She said, "You need to do that Mocha>" and I thought about it. I wondered why I never thought of it. Then I started to muse on the fact that half of my poetry friends are Adjunct Professors. I just been teaching so long in schools that I never thought of that as my next level.

Now, the last time I saw Pia was 2 summers ago, as she transitioned to a Corporate Job, and left my Summer Poetry Workshop.

It's funny how God brought her into my space to drop a little something for me to muse on. I don't believe God did this to bring just a smile to my face, but to keep me focused on other opportunities for me to look as I transition deeper into my life as a freelancer artist/consultant.

A year ago when I joined the Black Poetry Cafe, I had several fellow poets in the Chicago area asking me when I would be teaching for adults. Once again, I was so busy that i never followed up with the stream of thought that was brought into me. Last summer, I had an idea to work with adults but I never pushed it. AGain, I was lost in my transition from my last regular working situation that I never even thought of it again.

But God pushes it in my face, again. Umm, wake up and smell the coffee, Mocha was what I thought today when I spoke with my fellow literary sister. I listened this time. When I got home I sent my resume to the CCC for consideration for Adjunct Positons and we'll see what will happen. In the meantime, I will keep a pushing.

Isn't it funny how things keep coming back? Do you think it's a just a happenance? Or that it was fate? Or a bigger plan? You choose.

I just know the divine is always on the case and sometimes, we need to stop, be still and listen.

~ Mocha Sistah

Mocha's Taste of Chicago

I love to eat and cook sometimes, but when I'm not wanting to actually cook, I can just go down the street and find something great to eat. South Shore is my community nestled near the Lake Shore and in the middle of the South East side of the city.

A few of my favorites are:

1) Soul Vegetarian - Expensive but Good!
2) Cafe Trinidad - Excellent Curry Chicken, Sorrell and Callaloo
3) Harold's Chicken - Cheap and good chicken.
4) Baba's - best icy beverages...fast service~
5) Subway - Great Healthy Alternative
6) Turkey Burger Place (can't remember name); thirty minute wait for the best fresh turkey burger ever
7) L & G's - Cheap family dining: last time I saw Jesse Jackson Jr...

New places for me to adventure

1) 5 Loaves - Has been opened for 2 years, heard its good
2) Soul Xpress ~ Southern Cuisine

My Chitown Favorites not in South Shore:

1) BJ Markets
2) Garrett's popcorn
3) Italian Ice place on Taylor street
4) Dixie Kitchen
5) Redfish
6) Olive Garden
7) Dustie's
8) Ribs and Bibs
9) Leona's
10) Crate Barrell

Of course when I'm not eating out, I can throw down a little sumthing like red beans and rice, veggie lasagna, chicken and noodles, baked salmon with veggies or whatever. When i'm not teaching, I cook a lot more so I am looking forward to my off season so I can enjoy the summer and of course, act like a human being without a whole bunch of time spent teaching, reading poems, and typing reports. I'll be able to relax and enjoy my culinary delights. And in between bites, I will hit the gym, walk for 2 hours, or plug in my Taebo tape...

If you ever come, here, let me know and I'll take to you something for your culinary delight. Happy eating~

Mocha Sistah

Melt Down on a Friday

Let's keep it real, one of my nicknames is "straight-no-chaser mocha" and I guess today I lived up to it. I been dealing with disrespectful students, and people who think they can "treat" me. Yesterday, I had to assert myself in class with a student who thought he could run my time. I basically asked the teacher to remove the said student, because 1) he was taking up poetry time with his drama overtures 2) he was not contributing to the learning experience 3) I have no time to waste time in my class on non-class activities. The fifth grade class, was in no better shape, as many of the students have behavioral issues and when they are "hyped up", it's like a trip and a half. When ever the teacher steps out, I have to over assert myself. I had students roaming the room, acting like fools, picking on other students, and generally, wasting valuable class time. Now, my options are one, to BLOW UP, 2) Lecture them (yeah right) or 3) refocus them and quickly. Now, I usually don't let it get out of hand, but when it's as chaotic as the last two days, all I can do is grin and bear it, joke while in class, and focus on the ones who are writing. Back to today's dilemma. I been dealing with a very unprofessional affilation with a client who basically owes me...money. I melted down. Couldn't take it no more. Pulled out my "no straight chaser" mocha who will not be nice, who will get her justICE NOW. I had to act a fool, and as a result, I got the situation resolved. My question is why you got to act like evil to get things resolved. Why? And why must we (black folks who we do business with and you know who I'm talking about) think we can treat folks any kind of way?

It's ridiculous. When someone is working for you, hard. The least you can do is Pay them, and communicate with them. Treat them well. The same goes for clients. I try to finish projects on time, and communicate when I can't.

I melted down with the particular situation because no communications were coming from the client. No emails. No phone calls. Missed calls. Most importantly, a missing check. Basically, I'm the sweetest person ever, but if you can't at least communicate with me, it drives me up the wall. There are too many ways to say what you need to say and be professional about it. I am self-employed and many of my freelance jobs, take care of my compensation. It drives me up the wall when I have to seek out the client. It is very disrespectful to play with someone's time and energy.

PAY to play. You can't get anything in this life for free. That's basically the bottom line. Even though I did melt down, I did speak with the client, didn't apologize for the melt down, they apologized for the communication issue and are resolving the current issue.

Attitude is re-adjusted. Angel wings clipped back on and crown shining. Can't be an angel all the time, I just know I won't allow any one to play with me, my talents, or my $$$. Let's keep it real, if you don't go to bat for yourself, who will?

Tips before melting down:

Try to think before you speak.
Five minutes of silence required before you email or call someone.
Try to speak with a third party who can listen with out judging you.
Try to communicate with the other party.
If that doesn't work, then work out in your "head" what you
want to address; then speak directly with the other party
and try to work it out.

Tips after the meltdown:

Don't bring it up again.
Start off with a new slate.
Walk, Pray, or Sing it out...

Good luck and have a great weekend,
Mocha Sistah

Breathing...Easy

I went to my mailbox this afternoon, awaiting a very important check. So imagine my surprise when I noticed the dollar amount was not right. Instead of getting my attitude all bent out of shape, I dug in my work timesheets, to make sure I did send it, then I double, tripled checked the email to make sure I did send my work reports. And I had. But my employer made a slight error. I called in and asked if they could check their records. I guess, because i was nice, or maybe that I'm an organized freak, or maybe coz folks just love me, that, my check was cut, and they apologized. No attitude adjustment required. It's funny how if you take a situation and don't over analyze it, and just let the universe flow around you, that things have a way of taking care of themselves. On top of that check situation, I got an email about my status with American Idol Underground, stating, my track, "Misinterpretations" was ranked very high - 19 out of 89. I'm like what? That's mad crazy. The rest of my day went very well. I had classes with my baby poets this morning, and well, I had a great time. They wrote Praise Poems. From Praise God poems to Praise "Michael Jordan" poems. It was a very nice day, and I can't complain. It was a good day....and I'm breathing easy. Another blessing, is that I just got the title of Publicist, for a new client, Boogie Nite, a Chicago producer on the move. He's got six clients under his roster so I feel very blessed with this new consulting hat I'm putting on. Anyway, I am hoping you too are breathing easy, this day.

Good Hair, Good Friday

It's a blessing today. I feel great. I hope you do too. I have been asked about my hair situation and it's growing longer and longer. My hair is currently interlocked because well, i have a fine grade of hair (curly stuff - basically we have indian somewhere on both sides of my family tree and I inherited it). Anyway, Shavon, my stylist says my hair is locking fine. I'm using some hair moisturizer, locking gel, water, and spend about 15 minutes a day massaging my hair and locks. It feels great~

I think this is a little over month and as you see my hair is really growing.

Anyway, hope your day and weekend goes well. Enjoy the Easter Blessings, church services, eating out with the family or whatever celebrations you are participating in. Be blessed and talk with you next week.

~ Mocha Sistah

Spring Employment Tips: Part I

Spring Employment Tips, or better yet, tips to help those Self-Employed Writers/Literary Artists get ready for Summer. If you are like me and you actually depend on income from schools during the school year, you know that summer is fastly approaching. For me, it will be the week of June 13th. Fortunately for me, I do have one program that I will be working with throughout the summer, thru August, along with freelance writing, and consulting projects that will help me push through two months of none-school related months. So, what is one to do?

UPDATE RESUMES
Go through your current resume. Add skills, have someone other than yourself, update the resume. Have different resumes for different skills: Administrative, Performance, Publishing/Writing, etc. Make sure to have an updated reference list in case you do apply for positions that will require an reference.

ONLINE JOB BANKS/NETWORKING
Networking, works. Use all resources available to you. Call your artist friends for job leads, even those in different cities. Touch base with other writers in your online writing groups. Use Craiglist (city - Chicago, or whichever city you are living in). Post a resume on job-specific sites - NPO.net (for non-profit jobs), or Monster.com (Career Builder, etcetera). Network with former employers, or former co-workers. This is how I have gotten many of my part-time jobs. 80% of my consulting jobs have been from industry-specific colleagues.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
You have to think about things that you normally wouldn't. Depending on which schedule you want to work, your approach should be consistent with that schedule. Don't look for a full-time job if you aren't interested in that. Why waste an employer's time? There are plenty of job opportunities that are flexible. Theatre clerks, sales positions, community-based positions, freelance writing positions - editors, typesetters, consultants, etc. Multiply your income by dividing your time into different skills with different time slots. Yes, it's a lot of work, but you need to set a budget for your summer NOW. If you want to have money for July, August and September, then get out your bills and construct a liveable budget. What can you live with and without?

LITERARY EVENTS
With your summer budget and part time jobs, you need to figure out which events you plan to go on during the summer time. How much money are you willing to spend? Which ones are very important to attend? Make a monthly calendar and figure out how much hotel, airfare, and book sales or possible stipends attached to each venue. Do you need to travel out of your state necessarily? Are there any close events that provide exposure? Check out local events, radio stations, and online writer groups. Figure out if you can simply do a couple of booksignings at local libraries and book stores. Also check out local reading groups to host you. Figure in the cost of postcards, online website fees, and business cards and of course your books.

BALANCE IS KEY
Balance your work with your literary needs and see what it totals to. Don't forget to put a little time for yourself between all the needs and wants. Try to save money - at least 1/2 of what you need now, if not all by the Summer month of June to be ready for July - September. Actually you should have 3 months of your regular salary saved, but if not, at least your minimal amount needed to survive. But I rather see you thrive, not survive.

Be creative and go for it. Got any good tips, share them in the comment section. Thanks!

~ Mocha Sistah

Where were you ten years ago?

Do you remember how you felt, what you were doing, what you were eating, who you were dating, ten years ago? What styles did you wear? What were your favorite televison shows? Can you remember. I was thinking this morning about growth and change. As a creative being, I definitely don't remember my favorite shows, but I do recall being in a relationship over ten years ago. Me? Yes, I was in a long term relationship, and thought maybe I'd be married by age 28 but it didn't happen. I am not sad about it, I just think it's interesting to do a "go-back" check because I realize the person who I used to be is gone. My twenties were a period of time where I didn't feel comfortable in myself, had no self-realizations like I do now. I was working but not with any type of value in my life at the time. I used to live on the North Side of the City and wasn't as close with my family during that period in my life. I was just beginning my poetic journey and didn't even have a natural style. I had some perms that burned out my hair as I recall. But I loved living where I lived and I really wanted my relationship to work out but it didn't. I didn't cook for myself unless my boyfriend was with me. I liked being at home a lot more. I didn't use my voice or speak up for myself as much. I had a hard time in confronting people on issues. But as my own journey with my significant other came to a screeching halt, I began to break outside of that shell. At the end of that period of my life I began to search inside of me for my self-worth, love, and acceptance. It was more important for me to love me, to honor and cherish me. To be true to myself.

If you could change one thing about your self in the last ten years what would it be? for me, nothing. I think everything that happened, had to. I had to get burned by love, learn to let go, embrace my own Queendom. Create the positive being you know see through a series of changes. It was at age 28 that I began to question me being an enabler, and confronted my father about his absence in my life. I think those were important steps of change. I am glad I started to do my own self retreats. Take care of myself better and travel. As a young woman, I'd always be waiting for life to occur and I learned it's okay to rush life along too. So when I began to travel out of the city and country, I saw a bright bold world. I learned that it's okay to get outside your comfort zone. What's holding you back from living outside your comfort zone today? And are you willing to keep yourself at bay or live today? Because you know there's a difference between living and merely existing. Just think about it.

~ Mocha Sistah

Hair Chronicle, Part II

Not sure if this post, two or three. My hair is doin its own thing. I have great locking in the crown section of my hair, and the left side is still too dayum curly, but I've been told I must "leave" it alone and let it do its thing. I'm going back to my stylist, Shavon, on Wednesday and we'll discuss somethings like shampooing and other techniques. See the latest photos above. That by the way is my "editor" look. By the way, my hair on one side is very curly at the ends, that's frustrating for me. But one I am happy with the back so to speak. What am I using on my hair now? Amen hair oil from Carol's Daughter (www.carolsdaughter.com) and some lock gel, water, and some locking incense hair spray. I pretty much try to leave it alone, but moisturize it every other day. It looks and feels soft. I'm pretty content with it. Though one of the guys that says he likes me has a problem with my hair, that's a whole 'nother conversation. Let's say, Mocha wasn't impressed with his response. I am who I am. Take it or leave it. But anyway....

Have a blessed Sunday and we'll talk soon. Mocha must get back to her book work, and act as if there's nothing but books to do. right? WRONG. I'll be relaxing some of this day as well. I might bake some cookies, or cook some real food today..say what? Yes, I can get down that like.

Chat with you laters.

~ Mocha