Coastin’- Boney James & Lalah Hathaway

[Verse 1
It’s in the way you smile
And knowing that all the while you’re mine
And everything I am is yours
And when the sun’s in my eyes and wind in my hair
Floating on a cloud
Nothing can compare, ooh

Chorus

Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching the way you move
Gliding [Loving the things you do
Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching the way you move
Gliding [Loving the things you do]

Verse 2

Never have I been so alive
I see, see you in another light
Long as you got me in this mood [There’s nothing I won’t do
Nothing [For you], I won’t do for you

Chorus

Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching the way you move
Gliding, watching [Loving the things you do
Got me coasting [High on the love of you
Riding, gliding [Watching the way you movе
Gliding [Loving the things you do]

Bridge

[Coasting
[Gliding
[Coasting
[Gliding]

Instrumental Break

Chorus

Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching thе way you move
Gliding [Loving the things you do
Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching the way you move
Gliding [Loving the things you do
Coasting [High on the love of you
[Watching the way you move
Gliding [Loving the things you do]

Outro

[Coasting
Smooth sailing
[Gliding
[Loving the things you do
Love raining [Coasting
So amazing [Gliding]

V-Day Vibes

Happy Valentines Day!

… She moves in peculiar ways
This room is nothin’ more than her stage
It’s so cruel
The life of the party
She’ll be the death of me

… I told her, “You’re the love of my night
I won’t stop ’til you’re the love of my life
I won’t stop ’til you’re the one that I’m takin’ home
One I’ve been waitin’ for”

… But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is
All she wanna do is dance
All I wanna do is get up on her
Got me in the palm of her hands
All I wanna touch is her nirvana
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance
But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is
All she wanna do is dance
All I wanna do is pull her closer
Got me in the palm of her hands
She don’t want this song to be over
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance
But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is

… Daylight, can’t get away from the flashin’ lights
She on the run, tryna chase that high, yeah
The life of the party
She’ll be the death of me

… I told her, “You’re the love of my night
I won’t stop ’til you’re the love of my life
I won’t stop ’til you’re the one that I’m takin’ home
One I’ve been waitin’ for” (no)

… But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is dance
All I wanna do is get up on her
Got me in the palm of her hands
All I wanna touch is her nirvana
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance
But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is

… Dance
Wanna dance, dance, dance, dance, dance (uh)
All she wanna do
Wanna dance, dance, dance, dance, dance (ooh)
All she wanna do
Wanna dance, dance, dance, dance, dance (yeah-yeah, uh)
All she wanna do, all she wanna do, all she wanna do is (yeah)

… All she wanna do is dance
All I wanna do is get up on her
Got me in the palm of her hands
All I wanna touch is her nirvana
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance
But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is

… All she wanna do is dance (hey)
All I wanna do is get up on her
Got me in the palm of her hands
All I wanna touch is her nirvana
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance
But all she wanna do is
All she wanna do is

… All she wanna do is dance (hey)
All I wanna do is pull her closer
Got me in the palm of her hands
She don’t want this song to be over
Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for
Forever and a night to get this chance (oh)
All she wanna do is
All she wanna do is

Love

Lensa AI

Anime I think this is one of my favorites because it actually shows how my eyes tend to do their own thing in photos. It’s not a full lazy eye but at times it comes close!

I’ve heard of Lensa and even downloaded the app but never got around to it. I’ve even seen some bloggers try it out with amazing photos. I was inspired to give it a try myself and I was pleasantly surprised: some photos I felt were a true representation and others not so much..but overall, I would say it is worth the 7 day trial and even the yearly subscription. There is also an additional fee for the amount of photos e.g. 50, 100 and so on. Lensa AI is an app that generates avatars using artificial intelligence. It also provides tools for editing photos and videos. There are so many features, like adding music to your videos, endless possibilities.

The butterfly 🦋 earrings are so cool
I love that my nose hasn’t been altered, I believe this one is cosmic
Is this a halo or a rainbow hoodie..I feel like I resemble my mom the most in this one
My 3rd eye is open and The Color Purple looks awesome. Goddess pose
Abstract..the shades blend nice and stand alone
OK..is it just me or do I resemble Beyoncé..I told ya’ll that’s my cousin LOL This one is the Egypt style
Fairy princess
This is another anime, which I think was done nicely. I love the futuristic outfits.
Brown Eyed Girl

Makadewa Ikwe (Black Woman)

My ancestors on my mothers’ side were from an Algonquin Tribe. The Algonquins (or Algonkians) are a group of Native Americans that traditionally spoke similar languages and had similar ways of life. There are Cree, Mohican, Shawnee and the Ojibwa to name a few.

An indigenous people, mostly residing now in parts of Canada, The Algonquins were closely united by a strong totem/clan system rather than the European concept of nationhood. Several Algonquin bands each had their own chief. I had the chance to read up on more facts and learn that they had a long battle with the Iroquois Tribe. There was mention of European contact and I also read in depth about the “Trail Of Tears”. A network of routes, covering several states and lasting over 20 years. I have always been interested in my history, so much so that I decided to open an account on Ancestry.com and trace my origins. I found out much of the information from my mom and was told of African, Southern, and Scottish roots along with the Algonquin tribe. I feel a sense of pride , knowing specifically the strength I carry.

Below is a photo of my mothers’ great grandmother Mariam.

I remember watching a few videos on the Algonquin tribes and I saved one about the tribal dance. I find it fascinating how many tribes chose dance for celebration, war and even praise. Here is one dance I enjoyed: from the attire to the drums, everything was in tune and I could tell that it was a true appreciation for the culture, although it is not traditional drummers, electronic recording..it is still a great representation

“Books Are A Uniquely Portable Magic”

As an avid reader, I belong to a few book clubs and I try to go out of my comfort zone and read genres that I would usually pass over. Of course, I indulge in my favorite authors as well. This is a start of a new semester where I will be head teaching for the first time (and on video…wow) so I’ll be busy with writing journals, learning experience activities and so on. I’ve decided to limit my number of books so that I will actually have the time to read and enjoy them all.. I have two below I’ve picked up recently:

“The Light We Carry” is an inspiring follow-up to her #1 bestselling memoir “Becoming” ( I’ve read this one also, great book). Former First Lady Michelle Obama shares wisdom and common-sense strategies for staying optimistic and balanced in todays uncertain times. There are stories and reflections on accepting change, working through challenges and her belief that when we use our light to assist others, we can light up the world around us, acknowledging truths and ways to progress.

” The Vanishing Half” is a #1 New York Times Bestseller by Brit Bennett and one of Barack Obamas’ favorite books of the year. Brit Bennetts’ writing style is reminiscent of James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. This novel is about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who choose to live a totally different life, of two worlds: One black and one white. Set in a southern black community and running away at the age of 16, their fates are still intertwined, even miles apart. Brit Bennett writes an emotional family story and a chance to reflect on the American history of passing. It goes beyond race, and explores some of the multiple reasons people have chosen to live as something other than their origins.

Leaps – James Francies

I’ve posted a song by Mr. Francies awhile back. A collab with singer Yebba. Here is another one I enjoy. James Francies has sound to color synesthesia. “Synesthesia is when you hear music, but you see shapes. Or you hear a word or a name and instantly see a color. Synesthesia is a fancy name for when you experience one of your senses through another. For example, you might hear the name “Alex” and see green. Or you might read the word “street” and taste citrus fruit.”- WebMD

The whole album is impressive.

That Veggie Life

Bowl dish with brown rice, cucumber, tomato, green peas, red cabbage, chickpea, fresh lettuce salad and cashew nuts. Healthy balanced eating

My name is Melanie…and I am a foodie..

So every year, most of us make our resolutions and try our best to follow through. In December 2022, I had reached a point where I did NOT enjoy my meals. It was the weirdest thing but I would often feel stuffed, sluggish and disappointed at the amount and the food I chose. I started to take note of when I would eat and sure enough, I was either anxious, angry, sad…almost always emotional when eating. I grew up eating meat so I didn’t think anything of it. It wasn’t until I read up on the effects of being a meat eater and decided I needed a real change. I was so interested in noticing the slightest difference in my mood, my body, just overall. So I quit. No fanfare or big announcement. I just stopped eating ALL meat, red meat included. I also cut out ALL soda. Started drinking lots of water, some fruit juice, added more greens and monitored myself when I ate. I am still eating fish, seafood, and eggs. My goal is to become a vegan. It is a process and I am starting off small. I guess I am a pescatarian now, working towards becoming a vegetarian. I started using wheatgrass, black chia seeds, Irish moss, along with fresh fruits and made smoothies for the week. The health food store in my area has become my favorite hangout spot. Learning about probiotics and the benefits of a “women”blend multi-vitamin along with raw foods.

Fresh, purified water is the best

I can remember, as a teenager, I was a curvy girl. Years later, I would accept the fact that I could now be seen as a “plus size” woman. I never liked that term or any term that labeled what our “normal” BMI or weight should be. It is a fact that many adults who are above the body mass for their age, can still be quite healthy. But, I digress.. I received a call recently from my primary doctors office and I was told that I have Type 2 Diabetes. I already struggle with Hypertension so I was thinking to myself “what next?” There are medications and if needed , a weekly shot. Honestly, I was upset and frustrated. But, determined to make the changes necessary to see improvement. For some, it can be extremely difficult to change eating habits. I get it, totally. For me, I actually lost interest. It was like every time I ate, I had a thought about what this type of food would do for me. And that was IT..those thoughts would steer me towards foods that held a purpose. Instead of just feeling satiated or so I thought, from those heavy meals. The reality is that when we don’t think about eating to live and just grab anything, slowly we are damaging our body. I had never thought of it like this, I never stopped to realize that we can choose, every single food item we intake.

November, 2022 Poughkeepsie Wine Event

Diets, trends, etc may work for awhile but deciding to eat healthier, exercise etc has to be a lifestyle. One where you choose to take care of yourself, mind, body, spirit so that you are able to function and not just survive..but thrive. I have noticed a change in my mood, I feel clearer mentally and my numbers (A1C, BP)are not as elevated. So far, I have lost 11lbs! Yes, a big deal for me because when I tried other ways like Keto, Slim Fast and so on, I remained the same weight. I do believe that intermittent fasting works and will try to include this as well. I exercise at my college gym and am taking up Yoga. Nothing happens overnight but with each small step, I know I will see progress.

 “If you seek peace, be still. If you seek wisdom, be silent. If you seek love, be yourself.” — Becca Lee

I’ve been following Tabitha Brown, whose an actress, entrepreneur and a Vegan. She has been trending because she has her hands in almost everything..from food seasoning to clothing, and even hair products! I like how she breaks down recipes to show anyone how to make meals that are not only healthy but appetizing. The hit documentary ” What the Health” set her on a 30 day vegan challenge and she never looked back. She was suffering with depression, chronic head and neck pain, and anxiety prior to making the switch. Check out more here :https://www.iamtabithabrown.com

” Feeding The Soul (Because It’s My Business) “

For about 4 years now, I have also been listening to solfeggio healing frequencies. I know, when you see the term, automatically you’re thinking like it’s some type of twilight zone effect lol but truly, these frequencies are known to be linked with safety, increasing energy and survival overall. A definition: Solfeggio frequencies refer to specific tones of sound that help with and promote various aspects of body and mind health. As a person who loves all genres of music, it was easy to give this a try and see how I felt. It works. You can do a google search and choose from the list of articles or go on youtube for more info. Im going to add one of my favorites below for those that would like to listen. Do not be disappointed if you do not feel any difference immediately, as you become in tune with the frequencies, you will notice more intense feelings of clarity, peace, well-being.

The Piano Lesson

On Friday December 10th, 2022, I had the pleasure of seeing the Broadway play “The Piano Lesson” with my oldest sister Lora. Located at The Barrymore theater, the play starred actor Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks and John David Washington.

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker/Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. The play focuses on the arguments between a brother and a sister who have different ideas on what to do with the piano. The brother, Boy Willie, is a sharecropper who wants to sell the piano to buy the land (Sutter’s land) where his ancestors toiled as slaves. The sister, Berniece, remains emphatic about keeping the piano, which shows the carved faces of their great-grandfather’s wife and son during the days of their enslavement.

There were moments of laughter, pain and the music was awesome. So many talented actors/actresses in this production. I would definitely recommend this play for anyone whose a fan of August Wilsons’ work or an avid reader/writer. The play was directed by Latanya Richardson Jackson, wife of Samuel Jackson. Danielle Brooks is known mostly for her work on “Orange Is The New Black”, she has unique vocals as well. I was impressed with John David Washington , son of Actor Denzel Washington. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!

Barrymore Theater
Lora (Bushie) & I

After the play, we headed to The Village and had dinner at Mareluna 137 Sullivan Street Ny Ny. Walking in we were seated and I ordered an Italian Sangria. I happen to love both red and white wine. The sangria did not disappoint. For an appetizer, I had the FRITTO MISTO: Lightly fried calamari, shrimp, baby zucchini, fried meyer lemon & calabrian chili aoli. The aoli added a nice touch as I ENJOY seafood so much. I’ve started a new routine, which I will get into on another post, no meat and no soda. I will still include some dairy, eggs, fish and seafood.

Shrimp Mitto Fristo

I can truly say that between the sangria and the fresh water, I did not want for any juice, soda etc. That was a first for me, as I always like to enjoy a gingerale but the water was crisp and refreshing.

Italian Sangria & Awesome Spring Water

For the main course, my sister & I decided to try the same meal. ARRAGOSTA ALLA THERMIDOR: rigatoni, roasted lobster, pressed lobster sauce, san marzano, parmesan lobster cream, basil. It was DELICIOUS! I like all types of pasta: spaghetti, cavatappi, linguine, ziti..but I enjoyed the sweet yet spicy taste of the rigatoni. The lobster was cooked just right. The environment of the restaurant was intimate and cozy. Subtle table lights and at that time, holiday decor. The owner stopped at our table and asked us if we liked everything, no complaints here lol.

Arragosta Alla Thermidor

After dinner, we had to stop by Magnolia Bakery and get dessert. This bakery is known for their famous banana pudding. I decided on a german chocolate and red velvet cupcake for my daughter. There was a long line, to be expected on a busy Saturday night. It was worth it!

Located in The Village
Red Velvet & German Chocolate

This was a very special day for me. When my Dad transitioned in August, I was dealing with a range of emotions : anger, denial and so on. Even now, I still feel like it is a bad dream and I will hear his voice over the phone or receive a text message. I had always known about my older sister but because we had different mothers/lifestyles, somehow we never managed to connect. I feel like we have lost out on so much quality time..but it seems like God knew I needed her and instantly, we talked and laughed. We have so much in common, from food to music and we even have some of the same mannerisms. Knowing that she loves me dearly and is in our life to stay feels lovely. It has eased some of my grieving process and its great to share memories of our dad together. We (Nia, Lora & I ) will be in Maui, Hawaii for 7 days this summer and I am excited! First time on an airplane and first REAL vacation! I am living in gratitude and looking forward to each new day. Learning how to cope with the bad days as life lessons. Using my affirmations, exploring new hobbies i.e. Yoga, and allowing the universe to show me signs. I am optimistic and hopeful about this New Year. You should be too!

Serena- Rapsody

PSA, PSA, PSA
(Eric, Eric, Eric)
You the captain of your own ship, young blood
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor
That’s a quote I saw on Google, though
Can’t stop, won’t stop
That’s that Puffy in me, yeah
Get it while the gettin’ good, blood, yeah

Can’t stop yeah got a long green
That’s a long light, that’s a sun beam
That’s a bright path in a dark world
That’s a good fight for a dark girl
On a surfboard in a rocky river
Y’all poolside, we still deliver
That’s a Wonder Woman, superhero
Was black man that saved y’all Neo
We gon’ save them all, Nat Turner, Tubman
For the hate you give, still thugging
That’s Shakur life, Giovanni wrote it
Nikki, that’s a real poet
Black life, we still going
They made we still flowing
Black joy, euphoria
We wanna smile like Gloria
That’s Hov mama, word to my mama
That’s a motherlode, mothership
Mother land, this some other shit
’90s flick, ’96
Set it off, boy I’m Jada P with the box braids
If I aim, squeeze, that’s RIP

Please kill the noise, if it’s God given it can’t be destroyed

Don’t stop, get it, get it
I’ve been working long time, hey
Gotta get a gold mine, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey
Don’t stop, get it, get it

Don’t stop, get it, get it
Don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t don’t don’t don’t

Can’t slow my grind up (Yeah)
Want smoke? Come find us (Yeah)
So bright, might blind ya (Yeah)
All the Roc boys behind us (Yeah)
I’m all positive, no minus (Yeah)
Watchers, they eye us (Right)
In my DM like, “Sign us”
I don’t know y’all but keep tryin’
Life full of black diamonds
My career like Bryant’s
Slow start but I go far
Got mo’ heart than a giant (Yeah)
Evolve, that’s science (Yeah)
Still move in silence (Right)
That’s a better hunt, who I learned it from?
All the tigers and lions (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You ain’t a real one if you lying (Nah)
That’s the thing about timing (Right)
All my stars still aligning (True)
Rap never did no whining (Neva)
Less the grapes old and Moscato red

Success hella gratifying
For the real ones what’s a million
If my folk all still dying?

Don’t stop, get it, get it

I’ve been working long time, hey
Gotta get a gold mine, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey

Don’t stop, get it, get it
I’ve been working long time, hey
Gotta get a gold mine, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey
Make it, make it go around, hey

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor
That’s a quote I saw on Google, though