V*random_land...

1. 10
   29
   Feb
   
   [Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

   soulstarspeaks:

   “Set In Stone” - Alex Isley
   
   This tune takes me back to the 90’s… back when music had dope.

   Plus, her voice is wicked.

   (Source: lovealexisley)
2. 24
   Dec
   
   

   Jamaal and I at a Christmas Party 12/18/10.  Photo processed with FX Photo Studio App
3. 41
   11
   Oct
   

   Make Me A Fool

   thehouseofcoxhead:

   

   After the first listen, here is one of my favourite tracks from The Foreign Exchange’s new album, Authenticity. Make Me A Fool features FE family member Median and the incredibly talented Jesse Boykins III. The album is spectacular, but I won’t go into any detail, because there will be a review coming very soon.

   (Source: thocox)
4. 3
   Oct
   
   I’ve had this tattoo on my back for 9 years.  I’m ready for a change.  At first I was just thinking about covering up the dolphin/butterfly and side Kanji characters.  Now I’m thinking about covering up the entire tattoo.  Since this is a “large” tattoo already, the colors have to be black, purple, blue and maybe dark red.  I’m giving myself 6 weeks to decide on a design.  So far I’m thinking about getting a 3D anatomical heart w/ headphones (the headphone cord could stitch the heart or something like that) or do a “Evolution of Music” (includes boom box, vinyl records, mp3, etc.).  I don’t know.  If I don’t come up with something, then I’ll just add-on to my ankle tattoos.  *shrug*  Any suggestions?

   • tattoo
   • coverup
   • music
   • radio
   • headphones
   • heart
   • beauty
   • love
5. 20
   Aug
   

   Your trial period is over. Subscribe or cancel service…

   I haven’t blogged in a while.  The blog I posted this week was from February and about a relative of mine.  I suddenly became inspired to write a blog today.

   So, earlier this week, I had a LONG conversation with one of my friends about her relationship.  On again…off again.  I was listening to her story and looking for a good movie, in Blockbuster, at the same time.  Out of nowhere, I cut her off and said,

   “Wait.  You two have been on and off for a long time.  Why are you giving him a time frame, to get himself together, until you decide to look into other options?  He has been with you long enough.  He knows how great of a woman you are and he doesn’t really need anymore time to see that.  You don’t need to give ultimatums or prove to him how great you are.  You are way past the “dating” phase.  He either sees what you have to offer or he doesn’t.  Furthermore, you should be asking yourself if he’s even worth holding a position in your life.”

   I’m sure I said more than that, but that’s all I can remember.  No matter what advice I give to people, I always slip in “You are the one who has to make the best decision for you.  You’re the one who has invested feelings and the one that is in the relationship.  I can only give you my opinion, but it is not written in stone that this is what you have to do.”  It’s only fair that people don’t feel obligated to do what you suggest they do.

   I think when you’re single for a while, you kind of see relationships in a different light.  I haven’t always thought or lived my life by these guidelines, but I just see so much clearer in the years I’ve been single.  Yes, we should give each other time and space when it’s necessary.  However, we should NOT give a person too much control and power over our life.  The whole situation just sounded a little too complicated for me.  You either work it out together or you move on by yourself.  It’s not as easy as I’m typing it…I know it isn’t, but it just makes sense. 

   “You will see what you need and act accordingly.”  What this means is, a person doesn’t have to prove anything else to another person (if they’ve been in a “relationship” for at least a year).  They’ve had plenty of time to decide whether or not the service is good enough to subscribe to.  No one should have to plot, plan, give ultimatums, threaten or any other foolishness.  Companionship and love isn’t about that.  You have to know and believe that you are more than good enough…so much so that if they don’t know, then service canceled.  They will do the right thing. 

   Patience is a virtue, but prayer changes things!
6. 18
   Aug
   

   “Sometimes you’re forced to watch…

   I wrote a few blogs earlier this year and saved them as drafts.  This is one of them.

   …everything fall apart, it’s out of your hands.”  This line in Chrisette Michelle’s “Blame It On Me” single gets me every time.  Here’s a quick fact about me.  I’m a problem solver.  If there is a problem, my first instinct is to solve it.  If I can’t solve it, I feel like I failed.  My biggest pet peeve is being misunderstood or my actions/words being misinterpreted.  I’ve gotten into disagreements (aka arguments) with people in the past over a misunderstanding.  The greatest feeling (in the midst of a battle) is when both parties come together, forgive and bring back peace.

   One thing I’ve learned over the years is, you can’t control a person’s actions or reactions.  As much as we want to grab the person by their shoulders and shake sense into them, we can’t.  Sometimes we’re forced to watch them spin out of control until they crash.  Is it unfortunate?  Yes!  It’s very unfortunate. 

   I’m a stubborn and persistent person.  So, it’s even more difficult for me to take my hands off of something I feel very strongly about.  It’s like, you know you’re right and if you can just get the other person to see your side then all will be well.  Back in the day, I would’ve shaken the person but, all I can do now is watch and pray.  I wish some things were easier.
7. 22
   Jul
   

   “The Fact Is (I Need You)” by Jill Scott.  This is one of my FAVORITE Jill Scott songs.  I’ve been feeling this song lately.
8. 2
   8
   Jul
   
   Chronicles of the Newberry: One of My Followers Has Me Thinking

   Today, I read a rather insightful article written by one of my all-time favorite followers, Kaleb Blake. In it, he addresses the apparent move to eradicate any and all ethnic studies curriculum from the Arizona school system.

   Personally speaking, I have unsettlingly strong feelings against…

9. 9
   May
   

   This song is UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL!!  “Dear ______” by Sha Sha Jones and Mike Kalombo! 
10. 2
    May
    

    “Make Me Whole” by Amel Larrieux.  I am SO singing this to my future (whoever you are).  Well…maybe I’ll just play it for him. lol  :o)

• Photo via iamlegoheart
  
  Photo via iamlegoheart
• Photo via iamlegoheart
  

  (via youngfreshnnew, youremyworldmj)

  Photo via iamlegoheart
• Post via thocox
  Make Me A Fool

  

  After the first listen, here is one of my favourite tracks from The...

  Post via thocox
• Post via jjnewberry
  The Power of Music

  Until my uncle was killed in 2001, I’d never understood the true power of...

  Post via jjnewberry