A Blessing of Judgment

The smallest thing can do so much for somebody. There was a woman standing on the corner asking for money to get something to eat. I told her I didn't have any and then thought that's why my ass is so fat; always eating and keeping it to myself. I was going to offer her $2 and thought what can $2 buy her? She'd have to ask all day just to get enough to get a burger. I was on my way to Subway and asked her did she want a something. Her face LIT up. As we were crossing the street she said.,

"You know I really like the tacos they have there."

There is a taco place inside, too.  When we approached the counter she became bolder. She stood prouder and told the girl behind the counter what she wanted. I asked did she want anything to drink and she choose root beer. It was good to hear her say it, but sad at the same time. Maybe she hadn't had it in so long and thought this was the last chance she'd get to taste it for awhile. She thanked me and sat down.

As I stood in the sandwich line I looked over at her a few times. I saw a woman in a fancy restaurant contemplating the days behind her and the days that lay ahead. I saw a father's daughter, a mother's child and the mother of  loving children. A wife waiting for her husband to pick her up from work and wondering what to cook for that nights dinner appeared.  I saw someone special.

For that short amount of time she felt validated; like she really belogned in society. She does. "We'" are so quick to judge.  "We" think all folks in a desperate predicament want it, wait for it and enjoy it when it comes. "We" don't know their story and we don't have to it. "We" are so high and mighty sometimes its sickening.

I'm thankful that my judgment didn't allow me to think I was better and that it couldn't happen to me. But by the Grace of God there go I. Six degrees of separation, one paycheck away, unemployment and $3000 in savings could equal the lady on the street. The world didn't change with my offer of a two hour filling meal, but hers did. I want to believe that she was given the strength to keep on pushin' to a place that was better than before. That there are good people out here who care.

We all judge. We operate in the flesh - that's what we do. If your judgment is not a blessing to you or someone else, hmmm, maybe you should give yourself a self examination. We're on this earth together, let's live like it, love like it and be a blessing in judgment to others!

I luv you

Get A Little Luv!

Get your tickets now and help support a great cause! Off The Wall Comedy Productions

Everybody Needs A Little Luv!

On July 14th YOU should be at The Spirit Lounge in Lake George NY! Comedy + Food + Drinks = FUN! Get tickets and more info at Off The Wall Comedy Productions! I hope to see you there!

Personally Yours - Tenesha Smith!

There are so many people making their life happen. Some stories you will hear about, others, well, we know how it goes. Personally Yours will give you a brief look inside a mover and shaker's world. What is their passion? When did it begin? How do they want it to end? Take a personal look inside Tenesha Smith's life. Enjoy Personally Yours!

Who is Tenesha Smith? Tenesha is a woman who is black, a mother who has joy, a writer who wants to write the definitive American novel and a human who wants to know God

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about writing, being an educator and I am passionate when I fall in love

Why should the world take notice of you? Because I am one of the people who is changing the world slowly and steadily, like water changing the shape of rock

Johnny Gill or Trey Songz? Hard choice but, Trey Songz

What are your life rules?

No half steppin

No scrubs

No judgements

Play nice with others

God in All things

Is there ever a valid reason for a man or woman to stray? I understand the reason people cheat but, there is no valid excuse. 

5 Favs -

a. color - Red

b. food -Sushi

c. movie – Love Jones
d. song –You Send me by Roy Ayers

e. drink –Dirty Martini

You can have one last conversation before you leave this earth. Who is the last person that you would talk to? I want my last conversation to be with my daughter Haviland.  I want to give her every bit of knowledge and wisdom I have and I want to hear her tell me all about herself

If you could change your past would you? Absolutely not

Random thought – I wish the summer time lasted all year

Where can we find you on the net? Tenesha Smith

Fill in the blank with one word - To know Tenesha Smith is to fall madly in love with Tenesha Smith.

Author Pamela D. Rice!

CHANGE

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

Andy Warhol

Change in the physical world happens on a daily basis. Riverbanks erode, glaciers melt, and trees lose their leaves. Automobiles wear out, the economy fluctuates, and the political circus varies.

We live and we die, but it’s what we do in between that counts.

We all have the ability to make that small dash in between our date of birth and our date of death mean something. It can speak volumes of someone who dared to dream, and implemented those dreams. The dash can also speak very little of the person who was resistant to change in any way, locking themselves into a vault of inflexibility.

Change starts with within. Vow to be the best person that you can be, and then give the world your best. One day at a time, change a part of your life or personality that you know keeps you from reaching your potential. Stop looking behind you, and focus on what’s ahead. You can’t change your past, but, you can change your attitude.

Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled a prosperous country, and widely known for his stubbornness and resistance to change. Everything was always done his way. One day, he went for a trip to some distant areas of his country. When he was back to his palace, he complained that his feet were very painful, because it was the first time that he went for such a long trip, and the road that he went through was very rough and stony. He then ordered his people to cover every road of the entire country with leather.

Definitely, this would need thousands of cows’ skin, and would cost a huge amount of money. Then one of his wise servants dared himself to tell the king, “Why do you have to spend that unnecessary amount of money? Why don’t you just cut a little piece of leather to cover your feet?”

The king was surprised, but, after thinking, he later agreed to his suggestion, to make a “shoe” for himself.

Moral of the Story: Change is possible for anyone! You do not have to be right all of the time.

If you don’t like how things in your life are, change it! Stop saying “that’s just the way I am.” You are not a statue, you are a living being. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life – and it all begins with your very own power of choice- the power of change.

As the seasons change, so can we.

Remember, what we do in life, echoes in eternity- “Gladiator

Pamela D. Rice is the author of The Sunday Morning Wife and the Monday Night Mistress.Visit Pam's website

Personally Yours - Nikki R. Jones

There are so many people making their life happen. Some stories you will hear about, others, well, we know how it goes. Personally Yours will give you a brief look inside a mover and shaker's world. What is their passion? When did it begin? How do they want it to end? Take a personal look inside Nikki R. Jones' life. Enjoy Personally Yours!

      Who is Nikki R. Jones?

A communications director for New York State’s leading grassroots public education advocacy organization, by day, and a lover of everything performance arts.      

 What are you passionate about?  

Constantly striving to be the best me that I can be.

 Why should the world take notice of you?  

They “shouldn’t” but they will. ;)

In one year where will you be? 

One year closer to meeting my career goals.

What are your life rules? 

 Laugh until it hurts. Cry until it’s funny.

What is your $1 and a dream? 

To have an organization that teaches underprivileged youth to develop skills for successful college, career and adult life. The program would offer invaluable opportunities such as tutoring, public speaking, resume writing, interviewing tips, and networking skills.

5 Favs -

a. color – Blue.

b. food -.Macaroni & cheese.

c. movie –I have a number of favorite movies, but the first movie that I called “my favorite” is Malcolm X.

d. song – Lady by D’Angelo.

e. drink – Water.

Do you forgive regardless of what someone has done to you?  

It’s a process that involves a lot of discipline but eventually I do.

If you could change your past would you?

Some things I would change, if I could, but not the ones that really shaped who I am. 

Random thought – 

The air conditioner has been on for about 36 straight hours, hmmm. I wonder how much that is going to cost.

Where can we find you on the net? http://www.nikkirjones.com/music

Fill in the blank with one word - To know Nikki R. Jones is to laugh with Nikki R. Jones.

Her Temple Monologues!

This is the cast of Her Temple Monologues produced by Shavina (Bklyn Shaye) Richardson! These wonderful ladies, which includes me, did a fabulous job! I'm so glad that I was able to be a part of it!

Enjoy!

FLY Hunny Is That YOU?

Before I, Da FLY Hunny, became all things wonderful: sexy, fabulous, Miss WandaLuv, your favorite girl, I was Private Hudson. Ahhhhh, the stories I can tell...


I luv you!

Miss WandaLuv - Because Everybody Needs A Little Luv!

Her Temple Monologues

My Pleasure Principle

I've waited 6 weeks for this day and now that its here, I can't contain myself. Showered shaved and so fresh and so clean. 8:45 is the time that we meet. I haven't seen her in a year. Of course there will be the formalities - How have you been? Family? Work? And the get down with the get down will begin.

I arrived at her office at 8:38. On the elevator ride up a woman made idle chatter with me but I couldn't hear her. All I could think of was what was going to happen to me. My Pleasure Principle...awwwwwww, yeah...

There was a line of 5 women ahead of me. Slight panic took over. Were they all here for her? Would I have to wait longer to get mine? My heart began beating faster. 6 weeks and now this? The line moved. One step closer...two steps closer...three steps closer and I was at the check in window.

"Good morning Miss Hudson? How are you and who are you hear to see?"

Uh, didn't this heffa know I was here for My Pleasure Principal. Some people need 24 hour on the job training.

"Good morning. I'm here to see..." Just as I was going to say My Pleasure Principle the phone rang.

"Excuse me, Wanda." As I watched her work her lips I decided to tell her when her convo was over that she should invest in a nice pink lip gloss and maybe a dark brown hair color. Mean yes, but she was holding me up.

Her conversation ended and she turned her attention back to me. "Oh, here you are Wanda. You're all set. Have a seat and someone will be right with you."

That's more like it. "Thank you."

I took a seat and prayed that I wouldn't have to wait long. And then I heard the sound of an angelic voice. "Wanda.." Awwww, baby, I was next!

My walked transformed to a light gait. Shoot, that's the most exercise I'd done since the last time I saw her.

"Please step on the scale."

"For what? I know I'm a fat ass..."

The nurse tried to hold her laughter but her ass was fat, too. She knew what I meant. The scale did me justice; not as fat as I thought. Time to celebrate! That's my problem now...('-')

"Just wait in here and the Doctor will be right with you."

"Should I take my clothes off?"

"The Doctor will let you know."

The nurse stepped out the room and I wondered what did the Doctor have to let me know about taking my clothes off? I was here to get mine and no one was going to stop me. I looked around the room for the paper gown and then decided that I didn't need it. It was about to go down. Just as I began to unbutton my blouse there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Hello, Miss Hudson. I'm the Doctor's assistant. I just have to ask you a few questions."

"Should I take my clothes off now?'

"What are you here for?"

"I'm here for my Pap."

"Oh, it says on your chart you're here for a physical."

"Naw...naw..I'm here for my Pap."

"Okay. Let me get the Doctor."

She stepped out the room at the right moment 'cause I was about to beat her. Deny me My Pleasure Principle? She looked like a nice lady who was about to become the six o'clock news headline. Another knock on the door bought me out of my temporary insanity.

"Come in."

"Hi, Sunshine. I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"

"I'm fine, Doctor. Should I take my clothes off now?"

"Hahaha..sure. Put this gown on with the front open, place this across your lap and we'll be right back."

They stepped out the room and I heard Marvin Gaye singing, Let's Get It On. I was naked and on the table in less than sixty seconds. Another knock - just what I was waiting for.

"Come in."

They entered again and I smiled. They bought her with them. There she was...lying on the table just for me. My Pleasure Principle.

"Lay back, Wanda. Would you mind if we both gave you a breast exam? She's in residence here and I'm training her.

Four hands on my titties? Awwwww, yea..."No, I don't mind...go ahead." I don't know what they talked about and didn't care. I smiled and thought maybe I shouldn't enjoy this so much. Could it be that I'm a lesbian? Naaaw...personal attention is always a good thing.

"Wanda can you slide down to the edge of the table?"

"Yes." Yes! Yes! Yes!

"Whoa! Slide up a bit; I don't want you to fall off."

Part of my rump was hanging off the edge. Hey, I wanted to make sure My Pleasure Principle got her fair share...hehehehehehehehe...

And then it was her turn...there, ain't nothin' wrong, with me loving yooooouuu...sang the song Marvin...I'm still feeling some type of way.


Next on the list is my Mammogram. I can hear it now...touch me, tease me....Ahhhhh, My Pleasure Principle, don't judge me; a single girl gotta get it in...

I luv you.

FREE 48 Hour Kindle Luv! 4/17-4/18!

Wait for Love: A Black Girl's Story is FREE TODAY on Kindle!

Wait for Love: A Black Girl's Story is is the story of Lynnette Donna Lee's life. If you have ever been in love, or are longing for that special someone, you've probably experienced many of the same emotions as she. Join her on this adventurous, sometimes humorous, and sometimes painful literary romp. Lynnette bares her soul and her body many times in search of the man she'll marry. The only problem she has is with the men she chooses to give her all to. They show her they don't love her and then go to extremes to get the point across. Why does she keep holding on when the only love involved is nowhere to be found?

4 Years Off Of Fifty

Last week my friend and I were into a deep discussion about our lives. While she talked about what she wanted to do with hers, I sat in silence and thought about what I was doing with mine. She mentioned that it had been 25 years since the first Lethal Weapon movie, 29 years since Thriller, and a few other 20+ year milestones that tossed one thought to the front of my mind. Dayum! I'm getting old!

On my birthday, which was March 2nd, I turned 46. 4 Years Off Of Fifty. It's a blessing to still be here doing what God created me to do, yet I wonder why its taking me so long to get there?

There is where I think I should be. Too many times I say if I would have graduated from High School and went to College for Communications I'd be a big dog in the journalism/radio/T.V community now. But that's what I say. Shoot, I'd probably have gone to a few wild parties, did some thangs that were illegal and be snuggled up in a coffin.

Planning your life is what we do, how we live and breathe, but it shouldn't be our downfall if things don't go the way we planned. Stop looking back and wondering about your why, and instead look forward and thank God for His how. The power of free will and the ability to make choices falls solely upon you. We fault ourselves for making the wrong choice; it wasn't a wrong choice - it was a lesson to help you get to where you're going.

If I knew then what I know know...NOPE! Your life is as it should be. Take the ups, downs, WTH's and everything else you've done and place it on your Life Degree. The knowledge is yours and you can't give it back. What could have been is what is. I'm so grateful to say I'm 4 Years Off Of Fifty. Am I going to live each day dreading turning 50? Hail naw! I have so much living to do in my right now that I treasure each moment I take a breath!

If you have regrets start right now working to let them go. How many years are you off of living your life? Getting older is only dreadful if you're not enjoying the blessed life that He created you for. Initially being 4 Years Off Of Fifty shocked me. Please, I'm Da FLY Hunny! I've lived, I've learned and I have so much more to enjoy! 4 Years Off Of Fifty? Bring it on!

Miss WandaLuv - Because Everybody Needs A Little Luv!

April FOolery Comedy Show!

The Book Club located at 153 South Pearl Street is at it AGAIN! Come'on out for a night of comedy, poetry, music and a GREAT time!

DAYUM...

Yesterday I watched a video of Whitney singing, I Didn't know My Own Strength. Funny, but tears welled up in my eyes. Ever since she died I didn't know what to say or how to say it, but I've wanted to say something. Well, today is the day that I let it all out. Will my words omit a roar of thunderous applause or be listed in history books for world scholars who follow in my foot steps to teach from? That I don't know. I do know I have to get the words out that have hung around since Whitney Houston died. Are you ready? Brace yourself - DAYUM...

Yep, that's it. That's all. I thought I'd have words on top of words; feelings that flowed from me the same as a raging river that wished to beat each rock in its path to bits. Simple addition did me in. Shock + Huh + What the...= DAYUM...

Yeah, I know we are all going to die one day. And yeah, I know the stories about Whitney, but for me it's still an unexpected tragedy. DAYUM...

The first time I heard a Whitney Houston song was in 1985. I was stationed in HOT ass Fort Hood, Texas. I was a 94B, a cook, so I was in the Mess Hall just about to burn up a pot of chicken when I heard her voice coming from the radio. I was so excited 'cause that child could blow! I asked another girl who was trying to compete by singing along with her and she told me. Now that I'm thinking about it, that same girl borrowed $30 from me and never gave it back. She was a short, round red thang. If anybody knows who she is tell her Hudson is lookin' for her and its about'ta go down. Broke heffa... That day when I finished my duties I went to the PX and bought her cassette tape. You Give Good Love is still my favorite Whitney Houston song.

Whitney made me think I could sing and she was such a pretty woman. I wanted to wear my hair like she did, my make-up, and get in a video and rock it out. I really wished I could be as thin as she was. She was like my big sister. She was someone I always rooted for.

I prayed for her to grow stronger. I hope she knew that no matter what, she was loved. To know that God chose her to bless this earth with that beautiful VOICE had to make her feel some type of special. And have beauty and grace, too? Nothing But Love is my favorite song from the, I Look To You CD. I don't know what else to say. I'll pray for her child and her mother. Just sad.

I'm 46; she was 48. I believe Whitney's soul has moved on to what He has planned for her. Still, this is a hard one right here.When you don't have anything to say, don't say anything. Or in this case, just say DAYUM...



I luv you

Albany Queens of Comedy!

The shows were BANGIN'! Where ever you are, if you can, please check out and support local entertainment. Big thangs are happening and we all have to start somewhere!




If you're in the Albany NY area please support The Book Club located at 153 South Pearl Street! Ali and Arlene Brathwaite have a VERY NICE establishment; you won't get shot either! Check them out!

I luv you

Albany Queens of Comedy!

Come on out and get a little luv! Awwwwwwwww, baby!

My First Bike!

Isn't she lovely? The wheels, the kickstand, the seat! Pure beauty! I so love her! Huh? Yeah, I'm a grown woman and this is a child's bike. What does that have to do with anything? Oh, I'm sorry! Let me explain!

This is my daughter Dasia's Christmas present from "Santa." She's 8 and she asked for a bike this year. When "Santa" heard the words, "Mommy, I want a bike," "Santa" nearly burst into tears. Her words bought back memories of longing and wishing that my parents would buy me a bike. When I was a child I NEVER had a bike of my own. What kind of childhood is complete without a bike?

See, one time when I was mmmmmmm, maybe 7, my 2 friends rode up and down the sidewalk on a banana seat bike. It was 3 of us on one bike, but that's what kids do; a whole lotta stupid stuff. We didn't know it was a dumb thing to do, we just knew it was fun!

After a few laughter filled rides our fun came to an ,"Awwww, dayum! They done bust they asses," ride! I was in front and had control (or so I thought) of the handle bars and was the main peddler. It was my friends bike, so I knew my ride would soon end and I'd only have a bike in my dreams. I went hard for mine! My going hard turned into my falling on my face, chipping my front tooth, busting my lip and my knee!

Talk about a child screaming! I can't recall if my friends got to' up like I did. I think they fell on top on me('-') Somebody picked me up and walked me home. I mean I was screaming. Once I saw the blood running down my leg I got louder. My face stung, too. I got $#*&@# WAY UP!

All I wanted was comfort and for my face to stop stinging and throbbing. Instead I got blasted! My mother grabbed my arm and yelled, "I'm taking you to your father!" I guess I interrupted her soap opera. When my father saw me he grabbed me and commenced to whoopin' my entire pained ass! Why? I was already screaming, my leg was bleeding, my face stinging...Why? I guess I interrupted his next swig...('-')

I still don't understand why I got blasted by my parents. The old you shouldn't have been on the bike in the first place comes to mind, but dayum? Getting blasted on top of already being to' up? I love my parents, I really do. The 70's...the 70's...

You know, for the longest time I thought my nose was flat from the bike accident. And then I studied my mother's face. Thanks Ma for that the flat wide nose...good lookin' out.

That fateful day led to my parent's never buying me a bike. When my father said, "Don't ask 'cause you ain't gettin' it," you didn't ask. I'll have to write about my love for Crayola Crayons and Cranberry Sauce, too. One can of Cranberry Sauce during the holidays! What's the matter with people? Make sure you read the post, Nilla Luv. Can't get a Vanilla Wafer? Awwww, naw!

Maybe Dasia's bike will help me get over the anguish of never having a bike of my own. I have it hidden in the hallway that leads to the basement. Dasia never goes out there, but her momma looks at the bike every night before bed and every morning. My tooth is still chipped and each time, which is numerous times a day(I'm a lip gloss goddess)I see it I remember how it happened. I guess the older you get the more you long for the good old days of your youth. Sometimes we tend to focus on what we didn't have versus the needs that we did. My parents provided a roof over my head, food, doctor visits and clothes. In all honesty, what child cares about that? I wanted a dayum bike!

Anytime I had the opportunity to ride a bike I went in with it! Other kids probably thought what's the matter with her. Why is she peddling so hard and riding like it's the last time she'll ever see a bike? If they only knew...

Thankfully I have the chance to ride again! Well, through the eyes of Dasia. Looking at life through the eyes of a child makes everything look huge and so much better! Now close your eyes, pretend you're 8 years old and look at My First Bike! Isn't she gorgeous?

Merry Christmas!

Live Like You're Living!

I know that's not the phrase. Usually folks say live like you're dying. Dying? Why? When something is dead it doesn't work anymore. No kick start, no medicine or battery boost will help, either. Last call; kaput. Living is breathing, life, hopes, dreams, and action. Which do you prefer?

Believers live and keep on living. Do you live like you're living? When you wake up is there joy in your heart about the plan He has for you that day? Are you passionate about where you work, your children, your mate, your finances, your hobbies, dreams and goals? Do you wake up ready and go to bed fulfilled? Or do you carry death like you and it are best friends? Complaining. Miserable. Angry just because? I hate my job...I can't stand this or that...I wish I could do...I should do...I don't have enough money for...When I get this I'll...



Maybe you're one of the "they" "he" or "she" people. Always talking about what other people do. Waiting for them to fail, so you can talk more. Where is the living for you in that? Waking up day to day to revel in someone else's pain moves you forward like the ink pen Monopoly piece. Uh, you big dummy, there is no ink pen Monopoly piece. Nuthin' from nuthin' leaves nuthin'...

Once again "death" has shocked us. The recent passing of Andy Rooney, Joe Frazier, and Heavy D. got us talking. Death comes in 3's! Uh, have you checked the obituary columns lately? Maybe they weren't a celebrity to you, but I'm sure they were a star to someone. Death can add much higher than 3. It upset the Reverend Jesse Jackson so much he added one more - Ruby Dee. Then he realized it was Heavy D. I always said no one can understand what Jesse says('-')

Take a moment to examine each of the men who have passed on. Do you think they lived? I think so. God gave them a passion, a desire, a talent and the drive to fulfill it. They didn't waste time waiting to live - they got life IN!



We all say life is to short. Hmmmm..is it to short for the living or to short for the folks who are waiting to die? Go on and say it. What about when children die? Babies? I don't understand that, either. Lessons...joy...appreciation...a gift. Walk a mile or take a few steps in someone's shoes who has experienced it and maybe you'll have a better grasp of it. I will say that I don't want to leave this life just yet. I would imagine that the average person doesn't. I'm living! For years I was a want to do person and now I get it done! Nah, I can't financially live off my earnings from comedy, writing or radio, but I am living from it. I'm living from my daughters, my friends, my family, MY life. When you live, you learn, you appreciate and grow. But when I do go know that I love my life, most of the people in it, and of course you.

Its nice to leave a memory, but I want to hear what I made you remember about me. The men who are the basis for this blog received living accolades. Nice...

Everyone isn't born to be in the spotlight. Everyone was born to appreciate themselves, though. Are you passionate about what you do and who you are? Are you working to get by? For survival? How many changes are you willing to make to live?



Life is a gift with your body being the Christmas wrapping paper. It's gets used, torn, wrinkled and eventually discarded. The body is gone, but they're still living. If you're blessed to breathe until the age of 96 don't look back and say where, keep moving forward and know why. Turning the clocks back may not stop you from leaving this earth, but it may give you a little extra time to live like you're living!

I luv you