Ever since I went natural, I've heard all sorts of references (complimentary and derogatory) to describe the "look" my new hairstyle gives me. One of the more flattering ones is that it reminds some of Rae Dawn Chong.
I had to pause the first time I heard the name.
"Chong... Chong...? Where have I heard that before?"
She wouldn't have by any chance have any relation to the guy in the show 'Cheech and Chong' would she?
Yes!
Not only is she the daughter of actor Tommy Chong, she is an actress who has featured in over 30 films, including my favorite... 'The Color Purple'. And I'm not sure what the movie 'Quest for Fire' is about, but it gives me the impression that she's comfortable with her body, which is something else we have in common. So once again, I am flattered to be compared to such a gorgeous woman. I can now consider myself to the reincarnated daughter of a pot smoking hippie. Life is good. I started this series to share with you guys my many "twins" of Hollywood... I hope you find them interesting and humorous since 90% of them were mentioned in pick-up lines. Lol.
Today is "Daddy's" Day.
No, I'm not talking about the one who you cook for, have pillow talk with, and appreciates all your womanly assets. Today is for the "Daddy's" who help with homework, comb hair, and show healthy examples of what a MAN really is. As I reflect today on my Dad, I can't help but think about how much he means to me and how much I miss him. I know all little girls who had their Dad in their life say this but: "my Dad was the best." With all his strengths I gained a sense of safety; knowing that he would take care of any little thing I needed when I needed it. And with his flaws, I realized that even the one you love (or the one who loves you) is only human and if they happen to fall short, it doesn't mean they love you any less. I can only speak on the relationship of Dad's with their little girls and how important it is to have an active father figure growing up. The realization in the dynamic is much more apparent to me now since I am a woman who has my own set of struggles involving the opposite sex. My Dad passed away when I was 16. I had just went on my first "date" maybe 4 months prior and I never had the privilege to have that heart to heart talk with him about what to look for when choosing a man. I imagine what he would say to me on the phone after a bad date, or all the game he would put me up on... I feel the pain from that with every disrespectful man I encounter. There's so many dudes exhibiting horrible behavior that makes so many women believe that finding a good man is hopeless. The ending result of dealing with poor treatment can be quite tragic: a good girl gone bad... So many women bounce from relationship to relationship anticipating the familiar feel of home. Not necessarily looking for a reincarnated version of your father, but a man who posses the same protecting, providing values that were constantly shown to us fortunate girls growing up. I couldn't imagine the person I would be today if my Dad wasn't in my life, or what my thought process would be like. I am who I am today because of strong men like my Dad, uncles, and Grandfather... thank you all.
I commend all my Dad's out there who stay active in their children's lives, even when things go sour with the mother.
And single mothers, please refrain from bad mouthing, or keeping a Dad away from seeing his kids. If he doesn't want to be with you, let it burn and move on. Using the kid as a pawn will not only take away great experiences away from them, but make you look like an entire ass when they grow old enough to learn the truth.
For all the future Dad's of little girls, heed Chris' advice: keep 'em off tha pole!
ok, now go enjoy your electronics, sports, and big piece of chicken.
ha HA! This one is definitely dedicated to my nieces Zoey (7) and Asha (2) who do all things possible to stay awake when it's time for them to go to sleep. I mean, do they think they're going to miss something after the hour of 9 p.m.? I heard a snippet of this nursery rhyme read by Samuel L. Jackson for the new millennium on Frank Ski and Wanda morning show. The lifestyle coach himself Kenny Burns apparently is filling in for Frank and had me jammin' on my ride back from dropping my brother off in Alpharetta might I add.
With the spirit of Pulp Fiction and Afro Samurai, Sam says what parents really want to say to their kids after they've worked the last nerve.... in a loving way of course (lol). Anyway, it made me laugh....
I was so inspired by Lady GaGa on 60 minutes last Sunday. I mean, it wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Ironically a piece about judgement starts with one...
When I think "rock and roll" my little brain pictures lots of leather, trashy clothes, cocaine, cigarrette smoke, casual sex, and lewd lyrics. If you catched the entire interview, GaGa didn't disappoint including all the above elements in the 3 months it took to shoot the segment. She showed advance maturity for her (reported) 25 years and remained genuine with her emotions; humble about her celebrity. I noticed how no question seemed to catch her off guard. As if she was expecting to be asked about her sex life, early drug use, and super provocative sense of style. She explained that there are plenty of perceptions about her as a person and an artist. And if you're looking for something to talk about, she's not going to make you dig. She's laying all out for us on a platter. Her music is all about self acceptance and empowering the missundersood. I really appreciated all 12 plus hours of filming for the crew to edit, sharing intimate footage, her first apartment, and her favorite bars. Offering to us her world and life with us.
I feel I can relate so well to this frame of thinking because that's exactly how I feel about my writing. I never wanted to be a "blogger"; sharing elaborate pieces of pure randomness. But throughout the years, I've been in plenty of interesting situations, seen enough drama, and I'm ready to be done with the burdens of judgement from others. It seems that most would be considered guilty of whatever was being said about them in the street. The facts of the matter are irrelevant, and the stigma that serves as entertainment for the masses, is a handicap for the person in question. Writing is my freedom with the blank page playing the playground for my words. I set the tone and beat the critics to what they think they know about me and my current situation(s).
So why air dirty laundry? Why put yourself out there like that? There's a saying that goes: "that which is most personal is most common". As I write my wrongs, I not only forgive myself for poor choices, I help liberate someone else to do the same. I'm not always right, but I don't always fuck up. This is my story. My declaration of personal independence. And I am proud to say: I no longer depend on your judgement.
