I smiled

Today was long. It was never-ending. The hours dragged past. My office was cold and I felt trapped as I made one phone call after the next, giving me the feeling I was working as a dispatcher for the day. The sun was shining brightly through the 12 foot window I sit in front of each day, warm weather calling me out to the streets. The sweater which had been keeping me warm in the well air conditioned building would be peeled of in a mater of minutes. An uneaten peach, my cellphone, blackberry and book would all be thrown into the coach bag. With my gold "stunna" shades properly placed on my face and headphones in my ear, I exited my office and caught the next elevator down to the ground floor. Hmmmm, summertime in Harlem; although not always meeting my expectations, today left a place in my heart. I hit play on the i-pod, drowning out all possible traffic noises, but heightening my sense of smell, sight and touch . The sun hit my already sun toasted shoulders perfectly and followed me from East Harlem to the West side..."the best side." Passing a group of kids, all with loud giggles and lips stained the color of ice pops recently purchased from the ice cream man; I smiled inside. As I approached second avenue, I became a bit envious of 4 old men playing dominoes on an old card table. As one man washed the table for a new game, the other tipped his hat in my direction and said "Now, that's a fine lookin' woman ." Again, I smiled inside. As I passed delicious fruit stands carrying mango, watermelon, sliced papaya and other summer sweats, I turned up the volume on my i-pod and smiled. This scenario was recreated over and over as I walked, eventually finding myself in St. Nicholas Park...my neighborhood. I heard some old school sounds of multiple horns, a drum, base and electric guitar. As I drew near, I saw people dancing; young and old. Families were stretched out on the grass playing with their small children and moving their bodies with the beat. Did I walk up on an old school party in the park? I guess I did. Actually, it was a summer concert promoting non-violence in Harlem. Right on! That's the energy Harlem needs most. The DJ booth was off to the side, covered with a blue, plastic tent. Young local talent and activist were out, ready to interact with the audience and a youth basketball tournament was underway. I had just stepped into what some may refer to as another world. I listened as the lead singer's soulful voice spread throughout the park to the tunes of Bettie Wright and Al Green. On that note, I made a place on the grass, looked around me again taking in the whole scene and smiled. This time I smiled for the world to see. Another day in Sugar Hill...how sweet is!

Stormy Weather

Just 30 minutes ago I found myself turning down the volume on my TV, stopping my Internet search and sitting still in my apartment to welcome the sound of rolling thunder across the Harlem sky. As long as I can remember, I have loved the feelings I encounter before a summer storm; the smell of rain subdues my senses while the grey sky calms my nerves and the sound of rain on the window sill completely sends my body into relaxation mode. I wonder how it is that I am so welcoming of storms while others become terrified of the sudden shatters in the sky and downpours on their day's plans. It seems to me that perspective and perception really are everything.

I am now sitting at my window, looking down the hill and watching the sun peek from the clouds. The clouds are rolling past and warm sherbet colored shades of of orange, yellow and pink are being cast throughout my apartment. The plants on my fire escape look revived and full of new beginnings as does my spirit. It's funny how something as simple as a summer storm can evoke such emotion. After a somewhat difficult day on the job, today's storm caused me to draw a million comparisons and conclusions about my life, my existence and my daily walk. I was reminded that life continues to throw unexpected storms our way, rough patches where our skies are cloudy, grey and often streaked with lightening. Just as we can not control mother nature, I believe we have no real control over life; what we can control is how we react, respond and accept life's stormy weather.

My faith has taught me to seek the beauty within a storm and has given me the knowledge that the sun will peek through soon there after. I am thankful for today's storm, both in the workplace as well as in the atmosphere. My eyes and my senses are being trained to see and feel new things as well as to appreciate stormy weather..for how else would I know to be thankful for sunny days!

Redunculous!

It's 11:45pm and I have actually managed to sleep the day away! I stayed in my apartment, slept and woke for small intervals of reading (as I try to finish Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason). Deciding that a hot meal and fresh air were in order I rolled out of the bed, threw on my black skinny jeans, a vintage wonder woman T and walked down the Hill towards "The Queen of Sheeba" a local Middle Eastern spot.

It was my walk down the hill and deep breaths of fresh air (whatever FRESH is in NYC) that caused me to reflect on the previous day's events. My twin sister and I did a test photo shoot with an amazing fashion photographer. What an experience! Although I don't want to name any names, we had the pleasure of meeting a well know fashion icon who suggested that we do this shoot with his personal photographer. Because this completely came out of the blue and happened rather quickly, I was forced to gather my thoughts and resources with lightening speed! Hair consultant, Make up Artist, Stylist, Nail Professionals at 775 Nails in Chelsea..you know, the works! The shoot was done outside of the Brooklyn Library in front of a stone, earthy, pre-war arch and and immaculate water fountain.....beauty, simply beauty!

I am not a fashion model by any means, so yesterday was a picturesque view into another life all together. I felt so empowered, so gorgeous, so "you go! beautiful black woman!". Those of you that know me, realize that I am in no way lacking any sort of confidence, but what a boost! :)Furthermore, I was thinking "WHO in the world gets opportunities like this?" I keep pinching myself because like I say in every entry...my life is just too fabulous! Two days spent with my sister, honing in on our twin powers, getting glamorous, pretending to be models (although, real life size!), I mean REALLY?? Yesterday was REDUNCULOUS and I had to get it down in the books.

So, its 2:30 am. I have no idea why I am still awake other than the fact that I had to call on a few friends to help me out with a late night dilemma. Nothing major, no life altering issues, but to be honest I really had a slight fashion emergency. As with beauty, what is considered an emergency is in the eye of the beholder! Without getting too detailed about tonight's problem, my concentration lies in the realization that I had a simple problem and was able to stop what I was doing, scroll through my contacts and "phone a friend."

Since moving to The Hill, my social circle has grown. I am inundated with new people on a daily basis; although this may seem perfectly normal, the NOT so normal part is that I have actually been able to identify a good amount of genuine, back in the day, hold you down/hold you up kind of people. These people have turned into friends. As a woman who moved from a city known for its Capitol Hill far away to a place known for its Sugar Hill, I am thankful for these genuine people. Friendship is simply delicious and unfortunately everyone does not get an opportunity to experience the taste. Sometimes it just takes a tiny fashion emergency to make me realize just how blessed I am!

Tell your friends how much you love and appreciate them today!

Just finished adding a few feminine touches to my spot up in Sugar Hill. To be exact, I just purchased a pale pink 50's inspired desk to match my pink laptop. this alone has inspired me to write a little something. Also, i must admit that listening to Erykah Badu and sipping a great Chilean wine has added to the inspiration!

Actually, on a slightly heavier note, I have to say that since moving to The Hill about a year ago, I have entertained the idea of starting a blog or some sort of public record of my daily encounters; what I refer to as my fascinating personal string of events. I wish I had started when the thought first entered my mind and furthermore, the realm of possibility. I have to admit publicly and proudly that this year has been the most profound year of my life! I simply can't predict the events from one day to the next. The only thing I can be sure of is that I will continue to be thankful for the "fabulosity" of my life and the great rewards that have been bestowed upon me (for what? I'm still not sure of yet). Those who keep in regular contact with me, realize that I speak like this often. I am in complete awe of how beautiful life is ... I am thankful for career satisfaction ...acceptance of my self ...acceptance of others ... my willing spirit ... my zest for life ... my constant curiosity.

Because I feel that I am living a truly extraordinary life, I'm dying to share it. Dying to share how thankful I am each day...dying to share the experiences and encounters that I have on a regular, yet seem like they are sooo made up! Since living in NYC, I have realized that I could not make up half of the thing I encounter ... even if I wanted to!

Cheers to all those or perhaps the one person who decides to read daily and experience this journey with me!