A few years ago I posted about Sydney Guillaume, a Haitian choral composure, whose work is being sung by choirs all over the world. Through his art and talent, he is sharing Haitian culture and exposing our marvelous resilience throughout the world. Check out my previous post and his song Twa Tanbou. Kanaval is not new but always puts me in a good mood. It makes me want to get up and dance and revel in the glory of my life. The second song I want to highlight is titled Gagot which basically means a hot mess. I really enjoy this composition because I think it not only captures the essence of the Haitian people but also what life is all about. Often times, we expect or would like to live in this perpetual state of joy and happiness when in reality to live life is to push through layers upon layers of mess. On the surface, it may seem like a bleak understanding of our existence, but the miracle is in our ability to push forward and create moments of joy and happiness and fulfill...

Don’t Catch Misery Miserable people want to spread their misery. Don’t catch that shit. It is really like a disease that craves to attach itself to unsuspecting innocents. Sometimes the carriers are not even aware of their infection. These people live in this negative, ugly space and when they talk the message is usually gloom and doom.   Gerd Altmann  from  Pixabay   There is a difference between a negative person by personality and a person who finds themselves in such a stressful situation that all they can do is focus on the frustrating aspects of their life. Both can change but both will take hard work. The former has to be willing to look deep within himself and assess where this pessimism is rooted. The latter has to really step back and look at her current situation, how she got there, and what she can do to change it, all while making an active effort to be grateful and observe the good that remains in her life. While these folks are workin...

Otherhood with Angela Bassett led me to Further by Correatown and I am fairly certain that I am not the only one. I'm so mad at myself that I did not know about this song eight years ago when it first came out. I probably was not in the appropriate place to receive it but I receive it now. Otherhood is a Netflix movie starring Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman (currently is a bit of drama for some really poor privileged choices, but I digress)  and Patricia Arquette as mothers who are being ignored by their adult sons. They decide to do a surprise visit on their kids and the fun ensues. It is a cute movie. Maybe I related to it a bit because I anticipate that will be my case with my son. He does a really good job of ignoring me now except when he needs something of course. I am hoping the teenager boy bug will fade away as he grows into adulthood. Unfortunately, for Carol (Angela Bassett), Helen (Felicity Huffman), and Gillian (Patricia Arquette) their son's were waist-dee...

This is just a beautiful song. Ledisi's voice has always been phenomenal. If you have love in your life, be thankful for it, treasure it, nurture it, get high off of it.

Vibrate love It can be easy to allow ourselves to get caught up in negative energy. Sometimes it is because we are actively engaging or we can be watching yet still taking it in and letting it affect our mood. Remember to put out what you wish to receive. I choose love.

Hidden Figures Happy early birthday to me. I am planning to take myself to see this movie for several reasons. I am so excited to see some Black girl magic in science and math. It is exciting to learn something new about the contribution these women made to such a historic event in a time when it was hard to be a successful human being while being seen as less than ... wait, it's still like that. Nevertheless, I have taken the time to educate myself before the movie that way I can enjoy the entertainment of the film. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kirsten Dunst and Kevin Costner, the cast leads are definitely a collection of well rounded actors with enough personality to light up any screen. I can have a long discussion based off the trailer alone. I cannot wait to see this.

Music seeps down into the crevices of my sometimes hollowed soul and simply frees me This morning I chose classical tunes to focus, relax and balance me out. The mind sometimes runs wild with thoughts and lists and to-dos undone that it can cause one to feel overwhelmed or frozen with indecision. Music cuts through that by allowing us to get lost in the melody, memory, and/or enjoyment of the simplicity of listening. Listen and focus on your breath or focus on nothing at all. That is the beauty of music. It allows the mind free reign. For that small time, indulge in relaxing your being. Fall into the sound waves that vibrate in your heart's soul. The positive effect music has in our lives is understated. It can influence mind-state and motivate us to reach for the stars. Independent Zen Bach - Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV1007

Lethal Weapon Lethal Weapon, the television installmemt, stars Damon Waynes as Murtaugh and Clayne Crawford as Riggs. When I first saw the previews for this, I thought why? It looked a little hokey, and I was skeptical that they could do it justice. However, I did want to give it a chance though because an affinity for Damon Waynes, what with In Living Color, My Wife and Kids, and, of course, Major Payne in his list of comedy credits. After watching the second episode, this is one show that will be on the television rotation. It has a combination of feel good with action packed car chases, shootings and fist fights. The normal Black family love, without anything extra (meaning just regular kids and parents and love) is also a beautiful thing to see. Throw in crazy Riggs dealing with his grief and you have an assortment of material to make a watch worthy show. Add the ray of sunshine from Keesha Sharp's (Muetaugh's wife) big beautiful smile along with Jordana Brewster...

Be the light that you are!  I do not care for watching the news, mostly because everything is always so negative. Bad news sells advertising. Bad news stirs up emotions and causes people to react which increases viewership and that translates to dollars. That is why we find so much negative stuff in the news and that is why I avoid it. Nevertheless, I have to remind myself that the world is full of good people that live good lives and that do great things on a regular basis. These things are ordinary and probably not news worthy. These things could be what we take from granted. These things are life.  Be kind, loving, and generous. Help each other. Laugh together. Spend time enjoying one another's company. Share the love, the light that is inside of you. Be the beacon. Be an example. Live, love, laugh and smile! That to me is spreading light, being light. Being love! Light in motion!  Helpful articles The Art of Kindness Benefits of Showing Kindness to Oth...

I have to admit that I haven't danced as much as I could have. Instead, I have let annoyances and stress get the best of my mood. The holidays are also the time I put a brave face on and pretend that memories of loved ones lost are not particularly haunting me. So I forget to dance when I should do it more. Jump around to a tune. It will feel good. Let's all engage in some RDT (random dance time)!

A quick morning mood elevator.  It really took only 15 minutes, and I haven't worked out in months. Let's go!

This is what happens when I cut down on my music watching activities. How did I miss this group? If it were not for my Wizard of Ahhhs post, I would still be in the dark of this feel good experience. Pentatonix sound great and this medley is fun to listen too. Now I'm going to go on a Pentatonix (yes, I freaken love acapella darn it) binge on their Youtube page, PTXofficial .

The Wizard of Ahhhs by Todrick Hall For those that do not know Todrick Hall, he was an Idol contestant the season before last. I stopped watching Idol a long time ago, but I read that he was in the top 16 of season nine. At any rate, I love his Youtube page. He is a creative kid and this video just makes me smile. Enjoy.

Smile Today Smile today for no real reason at all Smile because it shows your inside beauty For your smile is flawless crooked and all Your smile does not care about your bad day A smile without a cause can feel silly From a silly smile to a silly laugh Now your no reason smile is full of joy Smile because you can regardless of ills Smile a glowing smile and be infectious Smile today for no real reason at all Pic from spluch.blogspot.com