The Beginning of the Journey

Some journeys aren't meant to take alone...

2009-11-15T02:29:00.007-11:00

I thought I was cured of mourning and would live the rest of my life in joy. A one day trip on roads unfamiliar to me brought mixed emotions. The morning after my arrival brought unstoppable tears. I Miss Mommy, but I am prepared to walk the rest of my journey in confidence.

It's been four years since she transitioned from earth to a place of peace and tranquility. She went "Home". None of us who love her could go with her. She knew, more than any of us, she had to prepare herself for the journey whether we wanted to prepare with her or not. Because I watched her grow beyond my understanding, I welcomed a road trip to Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, alone. The open road, New Edition songs, and curiosity were my company.

Road signs for the Pocono Mountains, a place mom visited long ago, Bethleham, and Nazareth gave me a preview of a journey I wasn't ready to face. The spirit of Mom overwhelmed me in my Residence Inn bed while watching a show that revealed a past I often think about and wish daily that I had a chance to let Mom know just how much I love her and appreciate the woman she had been in my life. I'm blessed to have been with children whose lives I touched. I'm blessed to have seen them on the brink of graduation from private colleges announcing to me they have jobs immediately after getting their degree. While they enjoyed themselves at an after party, I retreated to a hotel room to reflect, alone.

After nursing a sore throat, achy body, and stuffy nose I acquired in one day, I cried and cried while watching a televsion mother say goodbye to her children, husband, and friend. Her last moment alive was a glimpse she shared with her mother who understood, without words, that the time had come for her daughter to die. I was reminded of the time Mom and I shared a conversation two days before her death. She said, "Mommy is tired." She was prepared. Much like my great, great grandfather who was only sick once in his life at 105 years old. After a week of being ill, he went to see the pastor to make arrangements, came home and told his daughter, I don't want anything else to eat or drink and told the Lord, "I've been here long enough." A week later he died.

My journey, I realize, has to encompass more strength than I've given it, even when no one is there to hold my hand, hug me, tell me I'm great, or to be my cheerleader. I have to push on until my assignment is done. The way I see it, I have many more road trips ahead of me to tell you that a world of unknown roads are waiting for you to travel them. They are waiting for you to uncover the parts of your life that make you appreciative of the past so you can enjoy the present and look forward to the future.

When you stop crying about whatever, decide to get out the bed. You have to take the first step to see how the rest of your life will unfold.

Sugar Rush: Love's Kitchen

2008-10-14T17:17:00.006-11:00

Course 1
Quanda’s Noodles
(Stanton Dwellings in Southeast Washington, D.C.)
By Yolonda D. Coleman

Ingredients:
2 cups of boiling water
1 packet of Top Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)
1 curious little girl

The details of my childhood culinary memories are pretty accurate. It was an early afternoon in D.C. when boredom hit inside of 3179 Stanton Road. Grandma was watching an afternoon list of ABC soaps, and I needed to run my mouth to any listening ear.
I didn’t have a crew, per se, I could, however, be seen with Renee and Quanda and ‘nem---twirling a baton or playing tag in the courtyard of Stanton Dwellings project housing units.

It wasn’t uncommon for any of us to knock on a door and find someone cooking in the kitchen. Quanda’s house was about three hop scotch grids away from where I lived. Although the storm door was open, and I could see clearly into Quanda’s kitchen, I still tapped the screen door to alert her family of my presence.

“What cha’ll cookin?” I asked as an opener. I would later learn this would be my primary question when entering anyone’s home.

“Oodles of Noodles,” Quanda replied.

Top Ramen noodles was a favorite among Stanton Dwellings youth. It’s no spaghetti, but it sure put out hunger in a hurry between episodes of “He-Man” and “She-Ra” right after school let out. All we needed was three minutes, but we completely ignored instructions as outlined on the plastic wrapper that held the perfectly packed “dry block” noodles in it:

Boil 2 cups of water, add noodles, breaking up if desired. Remove from heat. Stir in seasoning.

Our salt intake for the day could be fulfilled in one packet of Top Ramen. The 760 mg meal had a nutrition tip: To lower sodium, use less seasoning. Ha! That would defeat the purpose.

As Quanda prepared her bowl of chicken flavored Top Ramen, I noticed that she drained the water. This was exciting to me and began my query in Quanda’s kitchen.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Draining the water,” she responded.

“I don’t get it. It’s going to be dry.”

Rather than respond, Quanda simply commenced to spread the seasoning in the pot over the wet, but no longer swimming noodles. Since she opted out of the instructions to break the noodles, Quanda took a fork out of the drawer and began to stir the seasoning over the noodles and then poured them into a bowl. She was kind enough to let me taste. I was in heaven.

Top Ramen was no longer a soupy treat for me. It was now gourmet pasta. Gone were the days Mom would cook Top Ramen and place the soggy noodles in a thermos for me to eat at lunch time. I hated that the noodles puffed up and the soup was cold. Even the bits of “fake-me-out” chives at the bottom of my Muppets thermos made me angry. Gone were the days of me breaking blocks of noodles when I only had to let them part naturally as the scolding water did the work for me. Gone were the days of my broth being watered down because measurements of water were over looked.

My two cups of water were merely suggestions. I just needed to get my pasta cooked until it was translucent rather than opaque, turn the water off, drain the water, add seasoning, mix, and eat.
The youngest in a household of six ( I made the seventh person) and a dog, I had some cooking skills to show my family the next time I stepped up to the stove.

“What are you doing?” Uncle Pebbles asked.

“Making Oodles of Noodles,” I said.

“Why are you draining the water,” he asked.

Like Quanda, I did a little showing instead of telling.

To this day, I’m not sure if my uncle enjoyed my treat. It didn’t matter, I felt accomplished in the kitchen. I let him taste, took my bowl near the black and white 13 inch T.V. that sat on the kitchen table, and watched She-Ra. She was the Princess of Power and I was the Culinary Princess for the hour. It was 3:30 PM, and I enjoyed every bit of my pasta until there was only a tiny noodle left at the bottom of my bowl. Slurp!

Author and Radio Host Uncover the Face of the Storm

2008-07-09T04:30:00.009-11:00

By Yolonda D. Coleman
Photo Courtesy of Soaring High Productions

(Left) Sighlent Storm radio host Mandrell Birks gives a sermon on "Women Out of Control" in "A Change is Gonna Come," a play by Vickie Evans.

There is a storm brewing in places beyond coastal lands. The storm floods the homes of many, but the call for help is sometimes in a silent whisper.

The storm is domestic violence, but critics like Mandrell Birks, the host of a domestic violence radio show, “The Sighlent Storm,” on www.WHUR-WORLD.com, and author Vickie Evans are exposing the scars the storm leaves behind.

According to the District of Columbia Court reports, there were 6,743 domestic violence cases reported in D.C. in 2007.

“The only time we highlight domestic violence is when someone dies,” Birks said.

Birks performed in the national debut of Vickie Evans’s play “A Change is Gonna Come” the weekend of June 13, 2008. A well dressed Birks graced the stage of the Lincoln Theatre with charisma and a smile that could convince anyone he was an upstanding citizen. He was, however, Pastor Sills, one who was supposed to lead people to a road of healing and recovery, but “A Change is Gonna Come” revealed his abuse toward his first lady portrayed by Tammy Turner.

To further uncover the face of domestic violence, Evans invited Mildred Mohammad, the ex-wife of John Allen Mohammad, the D.C. area sniper of 2002, to speak to audience members attending “A Change is Gonna Come” about the motive behind her ex-husband’s killing spree.

“He wanted to kill me, but wanted to make it look like a random shooting,” Mildred Mohammad said.

Evans promoted “A Change is Gonna Come” through her company Soaring High Productions. The performance was nearly sold out, however, Evans was not so concerned about numbers as she was about making a difference.

“The Lincoln Theatre was almost filled to capacity - just a few seats shy of 1,200. But it really wasn't about the seats; it was about the message - eliminating domestic violence,” Evans recounted in a testimony she shared with readers on her site http://www.forgiven2.com/.

“A Change is Gonna Come” not only addressed the deadly consequences of a victim’s silence, but also how generations of abuse can be passed down from parents. Moreover, Birks, who also worked with the Family Crisis Center of Prince George’s County, said that children who witness abuse in their homes ultimately come to believe that inflicting pain on someone is the way to show love.

On the converse side of things, “A Change is Gonna Come” depicted what a healthy relationship can look like with characters like Deacon and Sister Kane.

“I played the wife of a deacon who is very happy in her marriage. She and her husband treated each other with respect. We wanted to show solid relationships in the play,” Ebonee Reed, a truancy officer in Northern Virginia said.

Reed’s character, Sister Kane, noticed signs that First Lady Sills was being abused by Pastor Sills, but she did not blatantly say so in the play. Off stage, Reed believes bystanders of domestic violence don’t say anything because they are afraid to get involved.

“People are afraid of the backlash from the abuser on the abused if they get involved,” Reed said. She recalled a time when a man stepped in to defend a woman who was being verbally abused and the woman turned to him and said, “This is none of your business.”

To provide a source of support for victims, Prince Georges County implemented Project Safe Sunday in 2002. This initiative is for ministers to bring awareness to their congregation about domestic violence. Birks believes support has go beyond, “pray about it,” or as a mere discussion in a sermon.

“Church leaders can be trained by qualified counselors, hold meetings in secret locations, and use confidential email blasts to get people signed up,” Birks said.
Evans supports Birks in that she believes ignoring domestic violence, in the church or otherwise, is not an option.

“I often say that if we--the church--don't deal with this problem internally, it will become a public powder keg that will blow up in our faces,” Evans said.

In an effort to encourage sponsors to finance the production of “A Change is Gonna Come,” throughout the country, Soaring High Productions is extending an invitation to any investors, corporate, companies, or non-profit organizations to attend a 3:00 PM performance on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, MD.

“This show is for potential sponsors only and is not open to the public. Our intent is to solicit investments to further our mission to stop domestic violence by taking this production on the road. We are currently looking at venues in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Baltimore, and of course - if Washington, DC would have us - we would love to do it again in Washington, D.C.,” Evans said.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help, as Birks said, “ is only a click away.” Log on to http://www.sighlentstorm.com/ for a list of international resources in different languages. Archived segments of Birks show can also be played on the site. For more information on how your organization can support performances of “A Change is Gonna Come, “ contact Vickie Evans at art_of_forgiving@yahoo.com or visit http://www.forgiven2.com/.

NEXT FROM COFFEEDREAMZ INK!

2008-01-31T04:45:00.000-11:00

SUGAR RUSH: CARAMEL'S SUNDAY (c) by Yolonda D. Coleman

"Every word of this song is going to be about you..." Raheem DeVaughn sang on my Ipod as I stepped onto the Stair Master. My thunder thighs had long since danced to the score of the lightning as I struck out one too many times prompting me to claim a life of celibacy. Then...he came along and interrupted my womanly strong hold to stand clear of relationships.

He came along singing melodies on stilettos having me high on my heels and tip toeing around love's room. Exercise was my only escape from the Voodoo he puts on me with his "How was your Days" and "Sleep wells" at night when I wanted to just scream my loneliness away. All the while, I'm wrapped in his long distance arms with the force of 10,000 tight ropes above center ring. Was I being clowned or crowned by his endearing words that kissed my ears like lips to a glass of his favorite drink...Water, I think, keeps his soup coolers moist, and I enjoy every vibration that comes from them from his simple, "Hey Lady" "It's Okay, Baby" words of comfort...and I'm thankful that in this world that's so full of sorrow, he takes time in his present and his tomorrow to simply let me know he cares and makes me climb invisible walls without even existing in the same city or state.

Of mind, body, and spirit, each step I take with the Master will be in the direction of perfection so I can run right into his heart.

Your Comments will be helpful. Please leave one. Thanks.

Chasing Rainbows

2008-01-22T14:39:00.000-11:00

My sojourn home includes a road that is connected to a Washington, D.C. and and two different counties in Maryland. The nation's capital, with all its magnificent intentions, was dark and gloomy as the rain poured. I all but cried when I saw the adult faces of despair staring at me, but found joy in looking at a child skip in between the rain drops. Without a care in the world, the little ones understood that true happiness was not in a material possession, but just existing in what was already available to them.

In between the two counties, I sat in traffic blasting my music to distract me from the bumber to bumber routine I've become accustomed to weekly. No soon as I entered my city, the rain stopped. To my left, justs before reaching the Wa Wa, were two bands of colors arching over the sky.

"No way! Could it be?" I asked myself.

Adjusting my contacts, I saw two rainbows.

At the traffic light, I quickly grabbed my camera. Click! Click! Click! I got them, but I wasn't satisfied. I made a left turn to follow them and found myself in a neighborhood I had passed for the past year in a half. At the next traffic light, I snapped again. This time, I was caught in action. The passengers in the car next to me saw what I was capturing and decided to take a picture of the rainbows too.

I pulled over so as not to stop traffic and snapped away. After about 6 shots, I just stared and stared and stared...

There was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Instead of a leprecan waiting for me, I was the one holding the pot...and tasting the rainbow of my dreams.

Where is the Love?

2007-12-18T11:16:00.000-11:00

It's at the Gallery Restaurant Lounge (1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD) TOMORROW! Singles, jingle your way into a little romantic fun with District 51's "LOVE BELOW" Lock and Key party! Ladies, get a key to unlock the heart of a potential Holiday Honey.

Let's Sweeten things with a few facts:

District 51 have held two matching making events with 300 participants. 55 couples have been matched, two are engaged, two ladies are expecting, and 1 couple had walked the aisle in matrimony.

While you get ready for tomorrow's event, take a minute to dialogue with those who are coming on the topic below! ENJOY...and don't be shy!

It's been 10 years since Lorenz Tate and Nia Long brought the "Black Love" and poetry movement to the screen in "Love Jones." Where do we stand in 2007 with so many women outnumbering men in the D.C. area? Have we lost site of love and commitment in a region where options are more plentiful that choices on a buffet line? We want to hear your thoughts on the state of building quality relationships in the D Dot C Dot. Click on "Comments" and share your thoughts.

Join District 51 for a LOCK and KEY evening of love on December 19, 2007. For details, visit http://www.district51.net/.

Tell Your Story...

2007-11-18T16:00:00.000-11:00

I WANTED TO BE JANET JACKSON in the eighties. Yes, my friends, let's go back to Rhythm Nation 1814. I remember practicing that chair routine in "Pleasure Principle." Don't tell my grandpa, but his kitchen chairs were my video props. No worries, nothing broke, not even my spirit, because when it was all said and done, I had the video down! What's your favorite dancing memory? Who did you pretend you were and practiced until you were their twin? Share your story. Click on Comment to respond.

All the best,
A. Brown Girl

Little Chair...Big Dreams.

2007-08-27T12:29:00.000-11:00

by Saxton Mills (c) copyright 2007

DMX...Michael Vick...and me. The one thing we have in common is a dog fight. But mine...is the fight against the world. I'm sitting in a chair Ma and Pops bought for me when I was in pre-k. Here I am...21 sitting in the same seat on a laptop getting ready to be introduced to my last year of college hoping to make it beyond society's image of me. In my dog fight, I'm the most wanted, dangerous one in the ring. They'll be waiting to electrocute, hang, and condemn me to a fate that they prepared for me. But I'm sitting in my little chair with big dreams and staying away from the bars except to speak to my innocent client.

My dreams...never included street suicide---selling my soul to fast money, cars, and women. Shoot...my "man" ain't even a man by street standards. Instead, I keep him at bay 'cause the young lady I'm with, is keeping her virtue until we both amass enough knowledge and wealth to make love to make love in the image of both of us.

I guess you could call me fortunate or blessed or whatever you see fit to ascribe to a kid from the "hood" who saw parts of the country that some barely read about in the text books. Instead of just taking notes to pass a test...I am the test and I'm passing. It's left up to me to change the world. If it takes the rest of my life...so be it.

Introducing...

2007-08-21T14:26:00.000-11:00

Get Cranked
By Saxton Mills © copyright
A Coffeedreamz Ink Exclusive

Crank. Crank. Crank. Crank. Crank.
Do you hear that?
It’s the sound of the city.
The inner city. Urban City. The ghetto if someone had to put a name to it.

There is reconstruction going on.
And I’m not talking about reconstruction after the Civil War.
The Reconstruction of modernity
Where the people who currently live here are going to be pushed out
Placed somewhere else
In an environment where they’ll have to start all over.
Starting over is not re-facing what’s already been defaced.
But replaced in a a property they won’t own
or living in even if they can’t afford it.

Do you hear that?
It’s the sound of the city.
It’s the sound of change.
The Chocolate City.
Can you dig it?
They did

And now there’s
An employment services building
Being erected honoring somebody's name you can’t pronounce.
And the line of people waiting to get in…
Well…they are taking your spot because
Their pride is not shot
And when their check is deposited, it’s to build a
Future for them to crank out for the next generation.

So get crunk if you choose and listen for the crank
In the distance.

Ding. Dong. Doors closing.

I Took Your Woman

2007-08-21T13:43:00.000-11:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, please help me welcome the newest member to Coffeedreamz Ink, the work of Saxton Mills

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS

I Took Your Woman

Saxton Mills (c) 2007

I took your woman

When you were out all night

She kept her legs tight

She danced in her tears and danced in my light

And then you tried to slip in for a bite

But she said, “No thanks. I’m alright.”

I took your woman

Provided stability when you ran free

Fed her when she was hungry

Opened doors she could not see

When you brought diamonds that sparkled while on your knees

Asking to her to open up with your “Please, baby baby please.”

She said no because her heart is with me

I took your woman

Holding her hand when she was alone

Waiting by the phone hoping you’d come home

Rocked her to sleep with my mellow tone

And when you finally called, she just looked at the phone

I took your woman

I put a smile on her face when you were away

Your boys thought it was cool because she let you play

All the while she thanks me

For the roof I help her maintain

Clothes on her back

A bank account that stays stacked

And your sporadic take out containers

Can’t hold a candle to the full course meal I

Prepare before her…in front of her enemies

In fact, your happy meal is no longer smiling

I took your woman

Some call me divine intervention

You…you can fall on your needs and call me Father

Because until you do right by the gift that I made out of you

Your nights may be filled with pleasures

But you will never inherit the kingdom of treasures

I’ll keep your woman in the palm of my hands

And make her the ruby of the land while you…

Just keep on dancing to your tune

The music will stop one day…and you’ll be on the

Floor alone…wondering…who will be there to see your last dance.

I will always need my sister...

2007-08-05T13:21:00.000-11:00

It has been said time and time again that your best girlfriends will have your back. This little ditty is dedicated to all my sisters and those very special women in my life who have, in some way, had the heart of my mother. This is especially dedicated to my mom who will have celebrated her birthday on August 11th. Continue to R.I.P. with the waters of the world and let the wind blow your essence into the souls of others. You are still tremendously missed.

And a very special birthday to my mom's bestfriend, S. "Candy" Givens. They were born just 24 hours a part! Thanks for being there Candy!

I was born of a woman whose strength I've always known
She's absent in body but her spirit is felt when the wind blows.
My daily memory of her lays curved in my hips
and when I'm down, I just have to curl my lips
There were days all my tears were caught in her hand's palm
Then she'd fold them in prayer and her heart would send up a Psalm

With only me as her reminder on earth
I pray daily to cry no more and maintain her strength

Along my journey, God sent me sisters who loved me like my mother
Cooking me food, mending my scars, holding my secrets, clutching my arm
When the going gets rough they tell me to pray and go on
"You have God on your side, how could you go wrong."

"Chile, let your hair down...actually hand me that comb
For each part I make, understand you're already made whole.
A little twist here, a braid right there
God never puts more on you than you can bare."

"What's up with all my gray hair," I'd wine at the reflection I see through a glass

"Girl, each strand lets you know you've become wiser than your last crash.
You've survived death that stared you in the face.
You've conquered sorrow when others met its fate
You've let God guide you when the money wasn't there
You've walked into and escaped heartache when others wouldn't dare
Hand me that grease...sistah, you have more of life to fight...
But before too long, you'll get it right."

I humble myself before the Lord and thank him for the court of women in my life
Thank you to all, single with or without children and those who are great model wives.

In honor of my mother, I thank you!

All of my love,
Yolonda D. Coleman

CELEBRATE A SISTER YOU KNOW AND LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING COMMENT!

Give Your Singles to Your Wife...

2007-07-30T03:53:00.001-11:00

This is in response to an article written in Essence (February 2007).

BACKGROUND: A married man secretly goes to strip clubs for "A little live entertainment" mostly for diversity and to be tantilized by physically fit, beautiful women...only to go home and have sex with his wife. "I'll be so aroused I'll go home and have sex with her on a night when I might not have otherwise. After you've been married 18 years, sometimes you need a little extra spice. I don't see how that's a bad thing," he said. He goes on to say that he sometimes just tells his wife he's been out at Red Lobster with the fellaz...HUH ???

Here's my reply: Feel free to comment.

GIVE YOUR SINGLES TO YOUR WIFE by A. Brown Girl (c) 2007

Insomnia got the best of me and I thought I'd catch up on past issues of Essence. I couldn't help but peruse the article "My Secret Affair With Strip Clubs (February 2007)." I first thought of a male cousin I shared an apartment with while completing my second book. He gave me the 411 on men and their attendance at strip clubs. He even admitted, as does the anonymous writer in "My Secret..." that he built a friendship with one of the strippers. "She actually listens to what I have to say. We ask each other about our days," he told me once. As strange as this was to me, I found it equally strange that a man has to find comfort outside his household.

My concern with the anonymous author's need to go to strip clubs as a married man is that he lies to his wife. Spending money on lap dances only to return home to get the release from the sensation seems...well, insane. Why pay for something you can't have. It's like going to the grocery store, buying a steak and leaving it on the counter saying, "I bet that steak tastes good. I'll just go home and have a spaghetti." I am in no way demeaning the session he'd have with his wife, but I bet if he took as much energy into curing his steak at home, his member would feel a whole lot better. Why go through the motions of the fantasy only to have keep it up and hope the wife is in the mood when he gets home?

Aside from encouraging wives to be more exploratory in their marriages where the bed is undefiled (ladies let's get it together in that area, please), I presented the problem I have with the man in the article and now I offer the a few solutions:

1. Tell your wife your need for variety and then give her the money you would spend on lap dances to purchase wigs from the Star Jones Collection. If her bedroom attire is lacking, those singles you placed in the panties of a stranger can now be put to use on the panties you can nibble off in your own bedroom.

2. Suggest to your wife the need to increase your sexual experience by going to the gym together. If you like the toned legs and tight rear ends, there's nothing better than watching them work on the tredmill to your liking. The work out might help with your "Sexual Healing."

3. Make a CD with your favorite songs that turn you on and create your own strip club. Get some multi-colored lights and then get to the action.

4. LAST RESORT: Take your wife with you and point out the moves you enjoy watching so she can try them at home.

There might not be consequences to going to a strip club, but I ask the author, how would he feel knowing some other man's penis was six inches from the lips he kisses at night. Lap dances might not tell, but another's sweaty body just might smell like the boiling pot at Red Lobster. Eww...

Here's wishing you the very best in dealing with an issue that could affect your marriage later.

A. Brown Girl

My Taxi Cab Confessions...NYC

2007-07-27T05:16:00.001-11:00

This City Girl with Southern Roots finally took to the BIG APPLE…and boy did it bite me in the aspirin. Aside from the great food, fun times, and wisdom I learned along the way (more later), I had some hard knock lessons in taking cabs.

Let’s see, I was thrown out of one cab at the direction of “You can go now.” On a return trip to my hotel I was told to “Gimme the money,” rudely by a cabbie. I was later yelled at by another one after I asked, “sir, what’s the $2.50 for?” “You pay! It’s the law!” I’m like---in my head---what law? I really don’t understand.” So I kindly point out to him that I’m from out of town, and I don’t understand the way cab fare works. After a few huffs, he then says, “You have to pay it!” I decided to then put my R.I.F. skills in motion and look for something written that explains it. Ah! On the back of his seat it reads, “An initial fee of $2.50 plus $0.40 per mile makes up your fare.” Okay. I’m fine by that, I just wanted to know.

Next, my money wasn’t any good in another, “You have bills? I don’t want this,” the cabbie said in response to my dollar coins I used for fare. It was all I had, so that’s what I used. What did I do to deserve this treatment? Nothing but be polite, saying thanking and asking for further knowledge. It was after all this madness I just decided to look into the eyes of the drivers lined up near the hotel and decide which I would get into. Once inside, I would say nothing and hand my portion of the cab fare as I have been sharing with some colleagues of mine during a conference. This worked out well.

As the universe would have it, the conference leaders gave me a platform to publicly discuss my disgust with the New York City cab drivers and I was told, finally, that riders had rights. You wouldn’t know it by the rude behavior displayed by my drivers. I was instructed to inform the drivers I could take down their numbers and report them. So, I put this theory into practice.

My conference day ended. It was time to catch, yet another cab. My colleagues and I get one. He shouts to us with a frowned brow. “Where you go?” We tried to tell him while getting in the cab. He shouts something else and pulls off with my colleague hanging on to the handle of the cab door. Another one comes and he says he’ll take us where we need to go.

”We have two stops. Drop her off at 53rd and 6th and us at Macy’s,” my co-worker instructed.

“Okay. I’ll drop you off at Macy’s and take her last,” the cabbie said.

“No that’s not what we said. We…blah! Blah! Blah! We can take down your number sir. Blah! Blah! Blah!” she responded.

“For what? What you gonna take down my number for.”

There was a lot of back and forth, but I remained calm and made a silent decision. God gave us choices and with hundreds of other cabs running along Broadway, we can find one who will appreciate our business. One of my pet peeves is when people don’t listen.
I wrote on my newspaper, “We can get out, ” and shared it with my colleagues. They agreed. And I politely said, “Sir, you can let us out on the corner there, thank you.” He seemed a little startled but obliged. $3.90 was the fare and we hopped out, but not before I wrote down his number. Less than 60 seconds later, we hopped in another one.
We remained quiet for a minute---literally and then commenced to speak among ourselves. The ice breaker for the entire cab was a celebrity citing. My co-worker was so excited that the cab driver began to give us a little history on the folks he’d seen and the day, he almost remembers exactly, when Spike Lee hopped in for a ride. I knew his spirit was genuine when he said, “You know, we are all equal.” He also talked about God and how he made sure his daughter, now in her 3rd year of medical school at the age of 19, was brought up to always know she was “somebody.”
“Where are you from?” I asked.
“Haiti.”
“Cool.” I sat back in comfort in understanding that God has His way with the world when he sees fit.
The last forum discussed in my conference was about breaking barriers of cultural differences. In the grand scheme of things, we are all truly the same. Rich. Poor. Haitian. American. “We are all born and we all die,” the cabbie said. He also professed that no matter how much money you have, you can still be empty. He lost his wife some 8 years prior but he never forgot the time he lost his job and she laughed when he came home. She was happy because he was working so hard…and now he had a moment to relax. How about that…really…?
When it is our time to go, will we be most concerned that our dollar that wasn’t in paper? Or that we don’t know why we pay certain fees? Or that we really want somebody out of our space? Doubt it. I hope in that moment when the spotlight is on each of us, we will have given advice to someone that changed their life for the better. Initially, I included that cabbie’s number that I wrote down in this article. Just 10 seconds before writing this line, I highlighted it and hit delete. Now…I’m tossing the newspaper where it was written. It is not my place to judge. It is my place, however, to encourage each of you to enjoy your cab ride of life, slow down and continue to respect people even when they disrespect you. In the end, it will count.

In the words of the first woman I met in New York who’s camera was like mine…“Gotta Run!”

A. Brown Girl

2007-07-09T03:52:00.000-11:00

A Star of a Time (c) copyright 2007
by Yolonda D. Coleman

How many people can actually claim to have been the first person to eat off a plate, drink out of a glass and sleep in the bed of a five star resort? I was one of the elite for 5 days and 4 nights at the Iberostar Rose Hall Resort. Having just opened on May 24, 2007, I was one of few who christened the second of three towers built in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

"The ambiance is beautiful," tourist Dane B. Jackson of GA admitted while drinking his made to order beverage from the bar. Iberostar provides all inclusive amenties to their guests. Set along blue, caribbean waters, Iberostar offers its temporary residents the comfort of majesty with West Indian Spanish influence with its stucco buildings surrounded by tropical landscapes.

Calypso and reggae music are played while you take your daily swim or simply sit on your patio just outside your resort room. Children play water sports and splash their brothers and sisters while parents drink rum punch at the swim up bar or engage in water aerobics with one of the resort instructors. For the little islanders who don't want to swim in the pool, Iberostar offers a separate children's play place with staffers to show the little ones a great time with games and other activities.

If the beachside activities aren't enough for you, Iberostar has an on staff booking agent to set up tours to see Bob Marley's beginnigs and final resting place, excursion trips to Dunn Waterfalls or other attractions in Montego Bay, Negril, or Kingston, Jamaica. If you're really in need of rest and relaxation, you can take advantage of the nail spa. However, your pampering isn't inside of a posh salon with lights, tea and crumpets. Your personal technician will be waiting to serve you in your room as you overlook the resort on your balcony.

When you've exerted all your energy, you can fuel up with a number of dining options. Iberostar offers food around the clock. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. *Room service is part of your package and when you're not feeling the buffet menu, you have an opportunity to make reservations at one of three onsite restaurants: Japenese cuisine at Samurai, steaks at Uncle Tony's, and cajun style food at Jambalaya. Don't be fooled that Jamaicans are dressed in Japanese chef attire or looking like they just came from a Mardi Gras event, they do the cuisine justice.

Iberostar doesn't skimp on the entertainment. You might run into what might look like some of your favorite celebrities such as Cher, Michael Jackson or hear tunes from movies like "The Titanic" or "The Dukes of Hazard" in the lounge and theater. The Iberostar staff performs Vegas style shows, tickle your funny bone with some comedy sketches. Be careful, you might be pulled on stage for a little audience participation to learn line dances or compete with your loved ones in a Star Friends game show. For the more relaxed player, enjoy a little billiards in the library, test out your strategy with chess and checkers in the game room or kick up your heels and have a smoke in the cigar lounge. When all the family fun is over, there is a night club and bar just a coconut throw away.

Whatever your vacation needs are, Iberostar should have something to satisfy your island taste buds. It will be "no problem, Mon," to see that your time at the resort is an enjoyable one.

For more information on Iberostar resorts around the world, log on to http://www.iberostar.com/.

Photo by Yolonda D. Coleman from her room.
*The number of restaurant reservations a guest can make is based on the number of days stayed at the resort. The buffet is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack. Room service is available from 11am-11pm.

2007-07-07T06:11:00.002-11:00

Jamaica Funk---the 2007 Remix

So...what does a teacher do after school is out for the summer? She hops in her car and head south starting on 301 to I95 to I85 and then hops on a plane to Jamaica. What a ride!

RESORT NAME: Iberostar in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Opened May 2007...

I haven't done lists in a while...so I thought I'd give you some A. Brown Girl Moments...'cause it only happens to me....
DISCLAIMER: I really had a great time relaxing...these are just my unfiltered thoughts. The write up is on www.coffeedreamzink.blogspot.com.

TOP THREE REASONS YOU SHOULD STAY AT A RESORT WHILE IT'S BEING BUILT:

3. You will be the first to eat off the plates and use the eating utensils fresh out of the wrapper.
2. You'll be the first to break in the bed (alone or with company...whatever your pleasure---You're grown! Ha! Ha!)
1. You'll be the first one to sit on the toilet seat

The Top 10 Draw backs to staying at a resort while it's being built:

10. You might as well be on pay roll trying to show yourself around---staff figured things out with us.
9. Your room might not be ready 'cause it's still being put together
8. The cable will go out...because they are still working on the wiring system
7. The lights will go out while you're taking a shower (refer to #8 for the reason)
6. The Habachi chef is still learning not to burn the eggs while preparing it in front of you (CAN WE SAY EXTRA OIL PLEASE?)
5. They are still working on keeping the seacreatures out of the beach area...that jelly fish stung the mess outta my knee! OUCH!
4. The tile from the bottom of the pool may be your catch of the day...(UM...let the glue dry before filling the pool with water and allowing guest to come in)
3. The bar tender is still working on that all inclusive fruit punch drink...(Um, pineapple juice and strawberry syrup IS NOT FRUIT PUNCH).
2. The staff has to learn how to give great service so they won't say, "UH, I don't think you know how tipping works around here..." This is after you've given them a decent tip...let's not be greedy.
1. The door to your room might not be secure if housekeeping can open the door with her all her might and break the chain.

Feeling Irie,
A. Brown Girl

Going Beyond the Dream Part II

2007-06-06T07:57:00.000-11:00

by Yolonda D. Coleman

May 10, 2007

Motto for this entry: Crack open the sky to give your Coffeedreamz mobility." -YDC www.coffeedreamz.com

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference (BEC) workshop, "How to be Your Own Boss," allowed business owners to hear personal testimonies and success stories of those who made much with little.

"My problem was that entrepreneurs in my community were non-existent. The funeral and barbershop owners---those people started to disappear as I got older. I had to travel too far to spend quality time with my daughter. I needed a place that would make me feel comfortable as a woman and a place for church women to go," Sharon Joseph, founder of Harlem, Lanes said.

Joseph continued to stress to business owners that they should find a way to solve a community problem. Her solution was establishing Harlem Lanes, the first African American female built and owned 24 lane bowling and entertainment facility. This was made possible as she partnered with her aunt Gail Richards and introduced bowling back into the Harlem community after 30 years.

"I fasted and prayed and wrote down the business plan---friends said it was stupid. The only cheerleaders I had were myself and my God," Joseph said. Joseph declared that she asked God if he wanted her to keep pursuing her venture, to keep blessing her. And that God did. It took Joseph 4 years to raise 5 million dollars to open Harlem Lanes. 2007 marked the one year anniversary of Harlem Lanes.

A native New Yorker, Joseph continues to invest in her community as an executive board member with the Women's Alliance of Harlem and a member of President Clinton's Urban Initiative Program.

Just a coin toss from Sharon Joseph sat Ken Brown who tells people, "I never worked a job a day in my life." Ken Brown encourages entrepreneurs to get paid internships. "They had something I needed. It's a temporary assignment," Brown explained. He wanted to create a future for himself so when it was time for him to move on to the next assignment, he did so leaving them having been served well while he worked there.

Ken Brown now operates two of the most successful McDonald's restaurants in the system. He wrote the vision and mission before he started and is able to profit simply from knowing that above and beyond anything else, his restaurants serve more than food. "People work hard for their money," Brown said. He explained that people are happy to patronize when they are satisfied.

Born of teen parents, 13 and 14 years old respectively, Brown credits the success of his McDonald's restaurants to serving customer satisfaction. "Service is the debt we pay for the space that we occupy in the business community. Customer service is your currency," Brown said.

Brown is currently diving into the hotel management industry. "The basic needs of a human is food, water and shelter. Now, I will be able to sell them all three," Brown said.

The "How to be Your Own Boss" kept business owners at the edge of their seats. At the seminars conclusion Sharon Joseph encouraged attendees to raise money and build their dreams one step at a time. Joseph said, "Think of the numbers in small chunks. It’s easier to ask for large sums of money from private institutions. And if you want to write a 300 page book, write one page a day."

To learn more about Harlem Lanes visit www.harlemlanes.com. Clips of motivational seminars presented by Ken Brown can be viewed on www.kenbrowninternaltional.com. In the meant time. Dream, sip and create your dreams and make them come true.

Yolonda D. Coleman

www.coffeedreamz.com

Going Beyond the Dream Part I

2007-05-15T23:10:00.001-11:00

by Yolonda D. Coleman

May 9, 2007

What could be better than a kicking back at a beach side reception in sunny Orlando, Florida? I couldn't think of another way to spend the 2nd Wednesday in May as General Motors helped Black Enterprise Magazine welcome attendees with a tropical feast to the 4th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.

My sponsors, Ken and Sheila Johnson of Eagle Enterprises, spoke for months of my necessity to attend. "Yolonda, you'll love it. It's a perfect venue for you!" Ken remarked.

Teaching full-time, I didn't think it would be a great idea for me to leave my students for three days at the end of the school year. However, when I realized my "Follow your dream" speech was getting stale as it has been two years since I aggressively pursued mine, I figured it was about time to jump back on the saddle. And away I galloped!

Aside from the delicious spread at the welcome reception, I was delighted to see some familiar faces: Robert Freeman of Freeman's Barber Shop (http://www.freemansbarbershop.com/). This was a pleasant surprise as Mr. Freeman was the first to invest in the Coffeedreamz mission to spread love. I had my first book signing in his barbershop and this opened the door for future opportunities.

Next, Tyese Dantzler of UBS sent me a text message as I nibbled on a crab cake. "Are you in Florida?" I called her back immediately to hear her say, I'm looking at you right now. My Delta line sister of 10 years rushed toward me as I had my arms extended liked a giraffe's neck. I was home.

Fresh rain began to pour on the participants, but it did not dampen our spirits. Fitness instructor Michelle Bernard and her Mom, Ms. Carol joined me, Lisa and Rod under the beach umbrella as we spoke of our futures as entrepreneurs. Laughter ensued and just as the sparkles gleamed in our eyes, the rain stopped but our dreams of being the next BE 100, didn't.

Tyese called and asked for a ride back to her hotel. Without haste, I obliged to assist my sorority sister. While promoting A Sip of Coffeedreamz radio show and my book, Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation in the lobby of the Dolphin resort, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked, "Where'd you get your conference bag?" I turned like an oscillating fan and I checked with my memory to be sure my eyes didn't deceive me. The first thing that came to mind was, "Watch out deh now!" It was J. Anthony Brown (double click to enlarge the picture above).

I had a moment to think of something clever to cover up the "OH MY GOSH," energy inside. He's been one of my favorite comedians introduced to me by Mom. I came up with, "Well, you have to be on the A list of the Black Enterprise Conference to receive one of these," I responded in my best British accent and chuckle. The ice was broken and as fans do, we asked for a few photos and J. Anthony was kind enough to honor our requests. This was a great way to end the night. Even with all the fan fair, elbow rubbing and conference workshop anticipation, the greatest moment of that evening was a phone call from My Pharoah (See the entry for "Having My Cake...).

"I have a surprise for you,"
"What is it honey?"
"I read your book from cover to cover."
"And?"
"And I'm very impressed. You have skills."

If I wasn't confident in my walk as a future best selling author, he pushed me to the waters edge. The most macho of macho men loved my tale of ambition, romance and the freedom to love. Say Word! May 10, 2007 was the day I would jump off and let the wings of God carry me. I had a choice to sink or swim? Since I was tired of living at the bottom, it was time I flap my fins and act as a dolphin and be graceful like a swan. Are you ready for Coffeedreamz? Check out Day 2 to find out.

A. Brown Girl

For more pictures from the Black Enterprise Conference, visit the link below.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559051717aAwoTG?track_pagetag=/page/photo/goodtimes/people&track_action=/Owner/ViewActions/FullAlbum

A Decade of Memories...

2007-03-23T08:38:00.000-11:00

To Those Devastating Divas of the Spring 1997 line of the Gamma Iota Chapter

I call You Friend. I call You A Blessing! I call you SOROR! copyright (c) 2007
by Yolonda "Einstein" Coleman
#38 Gamma Iota Spring '97

Dreams of Crimson and Cream were at the forefront of our minds
From Stacy to Courtney we learned how to bind a line in time.

Staying clear of "Peanuts," "Walnuts," "Cashews," and other issues that signals for tissue
We became Gray's Anatomy making sure each sister ate right
if her stomach went bump in the night.

They said it couldn't be done and we have proven time and time again
that there is strength in numbers
And together we'd win.

The days of justification are over
Let us put things on the line
We are women of resilience
And get better like fine wine.

We've prayed through Doctors galore
Doctors of Medicine
Doctors of Law
Doctors of Dentistry
but wait there's more

Our sisters stand in court rooms
Publishing books and poems
Make television debuts
And Sorors making the news
In Jet, in Ebony pick an online source
Managing and Directing companies
It's as simple as googling one of us

There's so much to our story, Sorors

I cannot tell it all,

but here's a little repetition

Of what we already know:

We're some soul stepping Sorors

Opening acts for music group Sorors

Singing with Vickie Winans Sorors

Coaching College Teams Sorors

Masters Degree Sorors

Teaching America Sorors

Taking Care of Home Sorors

Retired Early Sorors

Traveling around the World Sorors

We've seen the likes of France and Austrailia, Sorors

We personifying Violets, Sorors

With one of our very own who spent time in "Afrika! Afrika! Mother Afrika!"

Seeing dreams into Reality Sorors

And I'm glad you're on my team Sorors

Whew! Even an elephant can't walk a mile in our shoes.

They are just too big to fill.

Sky miles might distance us
Toll roads make keep us apart
But 10 years have been good to us
As we promised from the start
To know one another, truly
not because someone told us too
but because of our bond in Delta
continues to bring us through

When this day passes us by
And we look back on our days
Know that no matter what happens
Our love will always remain.

Take out your pictures, ladies
Look at all our smiles
Today is our day to celebrate
Our Delta Initiation with Pride.

I love you and Happy 10th Anniversary, Ladies of Dangerous Minds!

OOOO-OOOOP!

It Really was a Mane Attraction!

2007-03-20T10:40:00.000-11:00

(New York, New York---March 16, 2007) FOR GET WHAT YOU HEARD! New Yorkers rank on my top list of people who are more welcoming than the media portrays. I said the same about folks in Detroit and I mirror it with New Yorkers, "Thank you for being so kind to A. Brown Girl."

I was able to convince the greatest assistant of all times, Marty Ma, to make the trip at 4:49am in the morning. We were headed to Coney Island to celebrate Women's History Month at PS288 Shirley Tanyhill. Now, prior to the departure, Marty Ma gave me a forecast of ice and snow falling over the Big Apple. I had a decision to cancel plans or continue knowing that God would take care of all troubles before me. I chose the latter.

By the time we hit the exit for the Verrazzano bridge, it was pouring ice like a Slush Puppy...vanilla flavored. No matter, "We've come to far to turn back now." If you know my driving, lol, I got lost. Thanks to Brian, one of the chefs at PS288, I was able to arrive at the school safely. Is there another word for excited? If so, that's how I was feeling and singing with joy...in my best Soprano voice (had to sneak that in there re: the Verrazano ... lol).

When I started the Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation book tour, I was asked when I was coming to New York. I didn't want to rush God's plan. I did know that when when it was time for me to head north, I had to respond immediately. With so many obstacles in my way, I knew, come rain, sleet or snow, there was a blessing waiting for me. In fact, when I arrived, there were a few hundred blessings waiting my arrival.

The eyes of the little children was the prize. "Dream! Dream On!" we shouted in unison after each child talked about their dreamz. "You can do anything! Even in the face of death, follow your dreamz!" They were amped! They were smiling. They were so energized when I gave them the cue to draw out their wildest dreamz.

We had several teachers (Oh My!), a student who plans to rescue lost animals from the street (My God!), doctors and lawyers (Yes, sir! They're planning now), and even a little darling who plans to be a "Real Ice Cream" bar some day. "Dream! Dream On!" Sounds impossible? Let's see what happens in a few years when there's a chocolate ice cream bar with her name on it! I'm excited.

I received hug after hug from 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. The middle school students showered me with their positive energy. Instead of drawing pictures of their dreamz, I gave them a writing assignment after my pep talk about following dreamz even when the people closets to you tell you that "You can't do that!" They were shown random pictures and were asked to write stories based on what they saw. Story after story depicted a moral. "Bobby swam anyway even though his friend told him he couldn't," a milddle school wrote in reference to a picture with two boys at the water's edge. POWERFUL! The beauty in this story, I never gave them guidelines, I simply asked them to be open to the picture and write the untold stories. They met the challenged and exceeded their own expectations. "Dream! Dream on!"

Despite the ice falling over the New York asphal along Neptune and 25th, I was warmed with the spirit of children and their dreamz. Since the weather was inclimate, I was unable to meet with a book store owner. But God! Whew! Photographer and head chef at PS288 made a call to his stylist and invited me to meet her and the rest of the staff! Though I have a driving IEP (for the educators out there), I found a parking space near the Mane Attraction. Four women with accents were there to greet me along with Larry. I remembered the text I received earlier from my favorite Alpha Pharoah. He said my conversation should be based on "insight and discernment. Your credibility is your character..." I took his advice to the hill, and pretty...gave them me.

The secret to New Yorkers or anyone for that matter is simply, be yourself. It gets no clearer than that. That's the best way to earn the respect of anyone. Me was enough for the ladies at Mane Attraction. They blessed me and I climbed into my car three books lighter.

Mane Attraction, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. PS288, thank you for helping me reach my dreamz. To all of you, I only ask of you to DREAM! DREAM ON! and make all your heart's desires come true.

I did leave with a challenge, someone asked if I wrote children's books. Sister Michelle (see caption and pic) and both responded "not yet." I guess I'd better get to work. New York put out the call for me to do so and so, I too must DREAM! DREAM ON!

I love New York!

A. Brown Girl

Picture A Caption: Sister Yvette and Sister(c) Michelle (r) take a Coffeedreamz Break with me.

Picture B Caption: Owner Shellie pose with me and the rest of the very cool staff of Mane Attraction in Coney Island. Stop by to get your coif done. Mane Attraction is located at 2408 Mermaid AveBrooklyn, NY 11224 (718) 373-9795.

Life is truly Better at 30...

2007-03-18T03:27:00.000-11:00

Dear Coffeedreamz Family,

Last year, I celebrated new life for my 30th. This year, I'm celebrating new love. I declared 2007 as a By Any Means Necessary and Take Out the Trash Year. So far, my two favorite highlights involve dreamz I have: I asked God to see the dreamz of my outreach ministry of love through and I asked God to prepare me to receive love. God gve me a glimpse of both. Jumping out on Faith while praying for Grace and Mercy...is a wonderful thing. To those who don't believe in the power of prayer...for those who don't believe in love...for those who don't believe in God...Look in my eyes. Look at my smile. You'll see all of them at once.

NEW YORK welcomed me with open arms as I conducted two workshops in Coney Island (Brooklyn is the best!). I was able to foster the beginnig of dreamz with elementary and middle school children at PS288 Shirley Taneyhill (thanks for the referral). My favorite moment: I told the students to dream and dream big. "Dream! Dream On!" No matter what anyone says, all dreams are possible. One of the babies said she wants to be ice cream. Since nothing is impossible, I encouraged her to have an ice cream bar made in her image and GO FOR IT!

While I was in Coney Island, I was able to sell 15 books, making that the most books sold at one time this year...now get this...IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ICE STORM. My love to PS288 and Mane Attraction Hair Salon. Thank you for making me successful during my first NYC tour.

While scooting our way along icy roads, my sister, Matice and I, prayed for a safe journey. Things were getting rough. If you know my driving, it was best that we get off the road. We found a Holiday Inn off the Turnpike (exit 8, I believe). While on this trip, I was comforted with text messages and phone calls from the one who claims my heart's desire. With God's grace, I heard the message in the storm.

Prayer and speaking things as though they were not...WHEW! actually works. The trick is, being ready when God presents it to you.

Anywho, on a sunny Saturday, I met a gentlemen who spoke to me about the Lord and every conversation thereafter we acknowledge Him. Following the candid converstations about WHATEVER were nightly prayers together, daily emails, daily text messges, daily pictures and confirmation of thoughts flowing from his lips without me ever saying a word to him. Be equally yoked is nothing to play with. It is not just a saying, it is a lifestyle.

Ordinarily, I'd include this in a private journal. However, I am noble and for the first time EVER, I wear my heart online and give God the Glory for Love's Renaiassance. It has to start somewhere, so, I am starting here and now. May God richly bless you all in love and life. This is the beginning of a non-fiction love story. "

To the one who keeps me smiling daily...
A . Brown Girl Exclusive
by Yolonda D. Coleman

You are my Romeo, my black knight, my Tea Cake
As my eyes were watching God, you captured me from the enemy,

you love me without fearing death

And in doing so,
The Son shines brightly on us whispering untold stories
of what our love will become...

The earth is our stage
and we stand in the spotlight of the stars
as God reveals to us each moment
where we'll stand at curtain's call.

We've spent many years rehearsing with actors
preparing for dress rehearsals and making sure our
lines were flawless...
When it's time to take center stage, will we remember
all that we've learned?

Or
Will we write a new script tailored just for our moment
with no cuts, no do overs, no understudies to take our place
no set
Just the bareness of our souls meeting for the first time
speaking only truth of what we've always known but never
had a chance to realize?

You are my Romeo, my black knight, my Tea Cake As my eyes were watching God, you captured me from the enemy, you love me without fearing death
And in doing so, The Son shines brightly on us whispering untold stories of what our love will become...

I am a City Girl with Southern Roots. I am waiting in God's hand while you prepare to bring me home...it gets no deeper south than you.

www.coffeedreamz.com

Cupid's Day...

2007-02-13T21:12:00.000-11:00

I was so surprised to hear so many people throwing darts at Cupid. With just a cloth to cover his bottom, it had turned as red as an apple because of the many spankings he received for trying to spread love.

Instead of being bitter and giving off the energy of Scrooge because I don't have an earthly love to call my own, I've realized that if you're not happy within yourself, no amount of love from someone else will bring you the joy of those you see in public holding hands with a glow in their eyes. Though I am not in a relationship, I want to solute my forever Valentine's today!

Grandma, when I entered the world, you all but killed the nurse (smile). No one was ready for my arrival. Seemingly, Mom was the only one who knew before March 31st. Nevertheless, you reared me and took care of me while you allowed her to finish school. We had some very special moments. I can't comb my hair without thinking of your red, hard plastic comb. OUCH! Now that was love...Thank you for always getting on me when I don't call like I'm supposed to. If for no other reason, you let me know that I'm cared about even when I can't slow down. I love you.

My cousin, Kevin - You always show me what I should expect from my mate. Though we are family, you give me the same courtesy as the woman you will one day call wife. You are concerned about my general well being, surprise me with uplifting words and always remember that with joy comes pain---not a bad way to segue into sharing your Frankie Beverly and Maze tickets. Can't wait to jam with you in Jacksonville!

All of my aunts and Candy too - If there is a plate to be eaten, you share it with me. If there is a relationship topic I need an answer to, you are their to give me advice. If there are clothes to be worn, you give me the shoes to match. I am glad Mommy left me in your care! From Connecticut to Maryland, you ladies are the bestest!

All my uncles - You are the most amazing men in my life! You are a looking glass for high expectations. If I expect too much from my mate, it's because I'm used to being treated well by you. How could I expect any less?

Cousins Rita and Greg - Even when I'm not looking, you're supporting me. You believe in my work in such a way that your stamp of approval is like God saying, "Okay, my child, commence to be successful." Thanks for being a part of my life. I love you guys!

My girls for life: I didn't have to ask, Leslie, Kisha and Tracy, ladies you just showed up in Orlando on April 5, 2005 to simply stand as we celebrated my favorite lady. Khalilah, next to Kevin, you're about the only person I could live with in this world. You understand me more than I understand myself. I am excited to know that we still have many more years of roomy tales to share. Ronnie, I'm still choked up on my bridesmaide gift. Please know that was, by far, my most favorite present ever from a bride. Mama Respass, you're my #1 visitor in the big "W." I borrowed you from another friend and I proudly call you sister. I'm on top of things when it comes to matters of the heart, because of your great advice. Hey, you got what you wanted, so I'm hanging on to every one of the words you say. Ladies, you're friends for life. Tara, when all I had was a car and the things in it, you opened your door for me to live until I got myself together. You have no idea how much that meant to me. Rebecca, you have been my Yoda since day 1. The bond we have and left in Florida and the Bahamas was nothing buy God sent. I'm glad I had my first cruise and girl trip with you. What a time we had with...what's their names...lol. Rhonda and Je'Ree, it's both your fault I've advanced my technology beyond email. And I am glad (whew). You've both been in my corner and accepting of my crazy ways, Thanks for letting me be me. The JuJu and The Tindle, though space has separated us, let's continue to keep the dream of one day having sanity alive. Jeanty, you're among my newest of friends. Girl, you keep me laughing. I guess that makes you my funny Valentine. I love you girls.

My Coffeedreamz Children and Little Sister - I don't care what's going on in my day, seeing you, hugging you, hearing your voices takes me into a world of unbreakable peace. The world is better because you are in it. Expect tears this graduation day. They will be tears of joy!

Nathan Wesley Jones - Our history goes back to John's Creek at Hampton University (1995). But one night in particular you held my hand through a time most people would have taken advantage of...It was the night of my first drink. Head swimming and stomach dancing, you took me up to the top deck of the ship that sailed the rivers of Norfolk. Your only concern---my personal safety. Lastly, nothing tops that New Edition video medley you put together. I cherish it. That DVD kept my party going. Thank you for all your efforts over the years. Thank you for concentrating on me (smile).

Tilea, you are as sweet as they come in sports. On and off the courts, you are a star. I look to your success to remind me that I have a destiny to follow. We'll forever share the same Norwegian slippers together (lol). I love you, cuz!

Welcome to 21, cousin Los. Here's to many more. Thank you for always being a reasonable ear when I need it. I hold on to YOUR words, Unfortunately, a lot of guys asre going to miss out on a great woman." You inspire me to greatness. In the end, someone will be proud to take me off your hands...and hold me in theirs.

Cedric, I know how much your Myspace page means to you, but thanks for always seeing me to my care after my visits at the crib. We still have the Lincoln Memorial to see.

Tiara and Centae, you give me reason to be on the straight and narrow. I know that you're coming up as young ladies and I have to be an example to follow. So, when I pose nude for Dove soap, know that it's art (smile).

Malik, I love your innocence. Thanks for always making me feel welcomed at the Jackson house.

My BAB Alumni - "We are a family like a giant tree...Okay, was I the only one in Dream Girls standing up and singing. Brought back so many memories. I tell you...I look at students today and their measurement for excellence is, "Shoot, I got a D. I passed." We were each other's roll models...seeking to be #1 in all we did. A C...shoot, a B for that matter, was NEVER good enough for us. LOL We even competed to see who could get the most community service hours. People will continue to talk about us and the wonderful program that made us who we are today. Is anyone doing poorly? Think about that and be proud of the legacy we followed and left behind. I am because you challenged me to be a better student and person. I owe the success of my writing career now and in the future to three people, Candice Bobo, Kenji Jasper and Mark Jennings. You were my first favorite contemporary writers.

Lance, thank you for helping me to always believe in love...in part because you always show me.

Tony, what would a year be without our annual dinner. No matter what happens in our lives, let's keep that tradition going.

Hampton Alumni - The person who is credited for saying "At Hampton you make friends for life," never lied. Every networking opportunity I have had since graduation involved a Hampton grad some how. I don't care who is "The Real HU," I just know Hampton is the most progressive HU. Does it get any better than a pirate? Here's the thing, if you won't give us an opportunity, we take it and make it "Do what it do, baby!" EYE! EYE! Captains! In the words of our wonderful president, "Let's Get On With It!"

Gamma Iota with a special shout to those Divas of Spring '97, I love your for all of your hand holding, head perming when the kithen was rough, pats on the back, dinner company, just because you're my sister selves. I went from an only child to...I ran out of fingers to count how many sisters I have. Continue the legacy. Mawiyah, I still have the plates you gave me. Using them on this snowy day to eat WAFFLES! Sherri, if you hadn't written that letter...well, I'd still be able to call you sister but...well you know...No Delta (smile).

Papa Ron - You are the reason I can call myself an Alumna of Hampton...the reason I can call myself an initiate of the Gamma Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta...the reason I was able to build upon my communication skills. You are the reason when I look at my wardrobe and I only see black that I quickly make a note to self that I have to get some color in my closet. "Black people look great in color," I remember you saying on the set of "Teen Summit," I never forgot that. I love you and thank you for being my first mentor.

Todd B - Did you know you were the first person to interview me as an adult? It was regarding my poem, "Peach Tree." For the life of me, I can't find the cassette the poem is on. Just know, even without the evidence, I never forgot. Thanks for always giving me love. I will continue being a devoted listener.

Sistahs Keyona, Postell and Darlene, you keep me grounded. If ever the three of us are in the same space, people will honestly think we have the same parents. You are my voices of reason. I admire the women you are. Thank you for being in my life.

One Luv and the Luv Lounge Family, you spread love each week with me. Thanks for allowing me to share your rib! Uh...Dwayne...I'm over due for my appointment (smile).

Russell Padgett - What more could a little sister ask for? You are the bomb! What was supposed to be an initial real estate visit turned out to be a family reunion. Thank you for all you are to me. You stuck with me from close to Florida to book signing to close again...and like Puffy, we ain't gonna stop!

Russell West - One stage brought us closer, but past experiences keep us friends. I still have my birthday card from last year. I remember opening it in my car. You might as well say that was the beginning of the NE concert for me...I can't wait to celebrate your wedding this year. Rachel is blessed to have you.

Pernell, when haven't you made me feel like a lady? I'll never forget my first time entering the walls of Collegiate and my first meeting. You greeted me with a camera. And during the ice breaker your life's goal was to become a great husband and father. You set a trend for me to hear those words from the one I will call husband some day.

Larvacious One - You taught me how to rediscover my city. For that, I am greatful. Even when we argue, we're still friends. I love you, man.

Derrick, man it's been over 20 years since I've known you. You're stuck with me now (smile). Thank you for always calling me, "Lady" and making me feel like one.

Milah, let's face it, we really are sisters. There isn't enough space on here to go down memory lane. Let's just say, I'm glad our friendship has survived it all (smile).

Papa Kaggwa - You believe in me when I need that extra push in my craft. You make me want to be a better writer. For that, I am extremely indebted to you. Thank you.

GOING WAY BACK NOW: Ramp - I want to go on record and give your wife a compliment: She is the luckiest girl in all of Hawaii. I admire the love you have for Sky. Your happiness shines through in your wedding pictures. I remember the beginning of your relationship and was glad to know that through it has lasted. You still make it work. Thank you both for showing me how love can stand the test of time.

Ntu - It doesn't matter what I need, you are the Director of Things I Cannot Do. You helped me reach a group of students who, on any given day, fought me. I couldn't be more proud of their progress. A large part of who they became is because of you. Of above and beyond any success I might achieve this school year, your visits helped me achieve the impossible.

Danzell - You are a gentleman's gentleman! Your mom and dad did something spectacular when they made you. I'll never forget one afternoon we stepped out for lunch. It was raining and you shared your hat with me. That single, simple gesture meant so much to me. You are, without a doubt, a super Kappa. You think of others first without even knowing it.

Foster, the world is really small when we're in it together. As you following your "Regular Dude" dreamz, I will continue to support you in your endeavors. See them through, men. When all you desire is accomplished, I’ll be the Goofy Sweet cheerleader with a bow in her hair clapping for you. Thanks for reintering my life.

Pegues - From the first moment we met, you were more than a star! Thanks sharing a smile even when it hurts to do so.

Phillip - As much as I am a mentor to you, you have certainly been of great help to me. Thank you for stepping in when most people are afraid to do what's right. You're well on your way to gaining back all that you lost. I appreciate you.

Bailey - You always make me step up to the plate in the fashion industry. You set trends and send me to the store. Thanks for helping me bring "Sexy Back," and redefining my inner me.

Richardson - Of all the people who came to my house warming party, I was particularly glad to see you. You have know idea how warm you made my heart. You have been so supportive of my endeavors. I couldn't ask for a better supervisor.

Mark - Do you remember our first conversation? I was but 15 and you were still 14. It was a three-way conversation. I never knew that 15 plus years would make up our friendship. Regardless of where we are in the world, your ear and your heart are always opened to me. I honor the friend you are to me. Your babies are blessed to have you as a father!

My favorite couple: The Strains. I could go on and on about you...but others would be jealous. Continue to be a blessing. Though the road gets rough sometime, remember that you can NEVER separate! You're like Celie and Nettie (smile) "You and Me Us Neva Part..." Thanks for the advice and leading me in a direction that is a blessing. I love you guys!

JB, the word love was best seen in the eyes of Mommy. I'm glad we've become better friends and father and daughter over the past 2 years. I appreciate you and love you. Regardless of how long it took us to get here...we're here and there is no time greater than the present. Your advice is invaluable. You're still hear, like you said, to make sure I'm okay...but I don't want to be selfish, there are others who are better because of you. Never forget that!

Since there are so many people I have not named, this space if reserved for you: (There are so many I have not named...this is for: Thank you for supporting me with Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation (From Freeman's Barbershop, to Judine, to my favorite Portsmouth Book Club, to the Butler/Warren family, shoot...everone who helped me to make the movement for love real). It's a fight writing what's right. I refuse to give up. From Friendship Collegiate (DC) to Discovery Academy at Lake Alfred (FL).

Super Star Ladies in the House of F.A.M.E. (Teri, Hazel, Whiting, Fergie), keep on loving what you do. I'm in the audience cheering you on to stardom!

To My House members (2003-2004) - We're like Atlantis, there will only be tales of our existence but few will remember the truth. There is no one like you. Thank you for great years! Pickett, Frazier, Fergie, Tanya, Mireille and Lynne.

Emerald Forest, I miss you guys. Give me a few years, I'll be back on the block looking like my mom. Don't be scared, it's just her face I borrowed...(smile).

Ken, Sheila, Brian and Anita, thank for you adopting me into your family. We're at the beginning stages, but there is a long road ahead of us. To the TOP, I say! TO THE TOP!

To the first man I ever loved and love to no end this day: (drum roll)
My Grandpa! I love you for all you are to me. We both lost the only person we shared in common, but through her spirit our love continues to be unbreakable. There is only one whose love compares to yours...God.

To Those Who are Gone but not forgotten: The seed who planted me, the womb that carried me, the man whose life was a testimony even while policing the city and the girl whose life changed mine...thank you for being the angels who look out for me.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! If you were not listed, please charge it to my head and not my heart. I'm blessed.

Love always,
Your Favorite Brown Girl

MY FIRST PAIR OF JEANS IN 12 YEARS: This one is personal

2007-02-03T15:53:00.000-11:00

copyright (c) 2007

It was September 1995, I was shopping for a new outfit to wear to a birthday party. Until then, I thought I had quite a bit of style and considered myself somewhat "hot," for a 19 year old with curves. In my best attempts to look "fly," along the way, I was told I was "big." Little did I know that year and the 11 years following I would begin to conceal all that God gave me behind the color black, dark blues and any shade that would hide...well, me.

In my mid twenties, I was again falling into an abyss of the fashion world down under. My wardrobe was shot to hell. Life seemed to be plummeting and so did my esteem. Even an attorney I befriended said, "You're too fine to dress like an old lady." Every so often, I'd get out of my oversized shirts, long skirts and penny loafers to wear something more fitting...it was black of course.

When I lived in Florida, I had no choice but to wear shorts---mostly 'cause it was hot. I'd leave the house, however, as the sun was setting. I was a mirage walking Downtown Disney. I met someone who found me attractive, but my hair was not dark enough to keep his attention. My curves were just right for hugging, but my soul, was too indigo blue to keep him interested.

From the neck up, I was confident. Any thing below the baby lump of my Adam's apple was questionable---in my head. It's funny, that for someone who has so much to be thankful for, I lusted after a body that was made for TV and not be content with the body that was made for me.

THREE MOMENTS IN RECENT HISTORY THAT CHANGED MY LIFE:

1. "Ma'am, are you pregnant?" The Wal*Mart clerk asked in an effort to get me some assistance with my bags. I looked down at my belly in disgust. I smiled at her because she didn't know I was eating myself into my second tri-mester. What she saw was probably some fast food that gave me fast gain aeound my mid-section.

2. Upon my return from Florida, God blessed me with the opportunity to get my job back. One of my mentees was so very excited to see me. The first thing she wanted to know was, "OOH, what are you having." My heart dropped. I replied, "I'm not pregnant." She said, "No, seriously, what are you having." To her disappoint, I replied the same. "Well, don't wear that shirt anymore." It has been put away since.

3. My womb was in jeopardy. I had to seek medical attention. For me not to be pregnant, I sure had a lot of pain in my pelvic area. Fibroids. Cysts. Possible Endometriosis. The Dr. touched my belly and it felt like there was a placenta in it.
"What did you eat today," he'd ask with each visit. My response usually included something with cheese. "I can tell. It's still in you." By the the third visit, we had both had enough. NO MORE CHEESE!

Since January 4, 2007---I have been cheese, chocolate, coffee and Coka Cola Free...apparently, these have been the sources I turned to during my depressive moments when I wasn't so confident in myself. These 4 Cs understood me when mere words kept me from holding my head up high when the only thing a man was feeling my thighs. These 4 Cs comforted me when I looked at cable and desired fame so that I could look just like the TV girls with plastic surgery or some expensive trainer. These four Cs were my heroin that I had to let go, because there is an impossible love I wanted to share with my unborn seeds. I had to let go of the Cs that would ultimately kill me and my babies to be. I had to let go for me.

Since 30 is the new 20, I've reclaimed those 12 years of being ashamed of my body and added one year for good measure. I made some lifestyle changes more befitting of my style. I am beautifully and wonderfully made to be me in jeans, sun dresses or simply nothing at all. As Valentine's Day approaches, I am going to celebrate every woman who has ever felt ashamed of their body because of standards the entertainment industry has set, they didn't meet the standards of the man they cared about who made them feel inferior to those industry standards or simply never took the time to just appreciate the skin they live in.

Raise your belts, ladies: Here's to good genes: Thicke or Thin. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

What's next for this Brown Girl? Cardio, I have to work on my heart. I want to be ready for the one God has planned for me so we can beat as one. I love my genes and I hope to have a pair to share with him.

All of my love,
A. Brown Girl

Wanna Know What Blessed Looks Like?

2007-02-03T07:52:00.000-11:00

Days before this picture was taken, it was filled with three tubs of butter, a peanut butter and jelly combo in a jar, some bread and eggs that were probably about to hatch into chicken. Then, love stepped in.

The love of family and friends came to the aid of this hungy refrigerator after a potluck Christmas. All the time and preparation was worth the final result. The hosue was filled with laughter, joy and love. There was more food and fellowship one person could handle and an adage reminds us to pay it forward. The blessing of love and good spirits fed a total of 29 people over a period of three days. And you know what, there was still more to share.

The full refrigerator is a symbol of sowing seeds to reap a harvest. I truly understand what it means for a cup to run over. Some of its contents will spill over...and you won't have enough paper towels to catch it.

Be blessed in 2007.

A. Blessed Brown Girl

Instead, I bake...

2006-11-12T14:00:00.000-11:00

Chocolate Chip Cookie Rain Drops (c) Copyright 2006 Yolonda D. Coleman

Chocolate chip cookie dough lay between my nails. I baked them fresh for a man who's not here. Their Eyes Were Watching God is on constant rewind, Janie and Tea Cake's Love makes me thirst for my time when

My beloved will sneak behind me while I'm baking his love in the oven
And he asks me to take a break so he can show me some lovin'
And it's not the lovin' in the bedroom
but his passion that makes his energy rise
the very thing that puts a sparkle in his eyes
and when he looks at me, I remind him of all the good vibes
that make him produce, paint, write, design and weave the fabric of our love

"Here, let me show you," he says while guiding my hand across the keyboards of life
with the brush strokes of love, I listen to his melody and bask in his revelry

I'm in his classroom of love and I gladly sit in the front to be called upon
when he seeks the answers to romance his untold mysteries
Bookmarking his pages with my heart, there will be no need for the future
because I am his never changing present.

I lick my finger tips of chocolate dreams and close my eyes hoping to see his lips touch mine...our first kiss...while it rains.
It's a good thing I'm a dreamer who knows one day, it they will come true.

oooh did we laugh...and dance

2006-11-11T16:06:00.000-11:00

It was a family reunion on U Street. Friends came out the shadows of the past as far back as junior high school (grades 7-9 for those who only know of the middle school concept).

My girl, Vanshay, and I got spiffed up for a comedy show at Cada Vez. Our table mates were two good, down to earth bruthaz who also wanted to kick it on a random Friday night. It felt good to enjoy the company of the opposite without sex keeping us company. Thanks, Ken and Tab.

Our table was a colorful buffet with wings, shrimp and drinks. Had we known we were going to cough up our lungs, we may have just considered air to refresh us. Will E. Robo was the headliner. He built his career off an amazing talent of being onomatopoeia personified.

After the comedy show, Vanshay and I sauntered down the street in our afterglow to Bar Nun. One Luv was headlining at the top of the club. I don't know what he had in his finger tips, but his buffet of Tribe Called Quest songs wore my press and curl OUT! Whew! Ms. Carleen would be seeing me sooner than she thought.

Nevertheless, this was simply a reminder that "You don't have to take your clothes off to have a good time." You just simply have fun. Simply love life and you'll have a climax every day!

And so I went home last night.

2006-11-07T01:28:00.000-11:00

T
Tabi Bonney put me in the "Pocket." www.myspace.com/tabibonney

Washington, D.C.'s U Street has become my Harlem. Having moved from place to place on I95, I've realized that the home of my spirit is on U Street---between 12th and 14th and U Streets. It is where my past, present and future live.

I get my second wind on Mondays at 9pm. I'm not a drinker but Bar Nunn is my watering whole. I'm refreshed with luv and lounge in the comfort of very concious people, art, music and literature. It's my weekly sugar rush. Though my day lasts from 5am-1am, I surprisingly wake up with a glow because the love that is made fills me far beyond any fleshly orgasm someone might claim to provide.

In one evening, I broke bread with Jacob Lawrence and was the subject in Gordon Parks photography. I was honored to have been a guest of D.C.'s mobile library in the past and was welcomed back with opened arms, not as an author but family. I was glad to know that my time at home wouldn't just end on Mondays. After taking care of business, my Thursdays or Fridays will be spent, in some capacity with the 51st State...this is when I can laugh out loud and not apologize for it.

I once told Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor that the rebirth of the rebirth was in Chocolate City. The friends I now run circles with live next door to me at Duke City, Bar Nunn, Cada Vas and Bus Boys and Poets. If ever you wanted to meet the children of The Renaissance, the daughters, sons, nephews, and neices of the creative past, take a trip to my house. It's warming.

U Street. My street.

-A Brown Girl

www.myspace.com/coffeedreamz
www.district51.net
www.myspace.com/dcbookman
www.myspace.com/theluvlounge
www.myspace.com/tabibonney

Even my pillows are bunned up

2006-11-06T01:35:00.000-11:00

It's lose your toe in the cold freezing in the Washington, D.C. area this morning. It's so cold, even my pillows are bunned up to keep warm in my home where the heat is set on a blazing 80 degrees.

As much as I can't stand creepy crawly things i.e.: the influx of crickets and spider grasshoppers that spend more time in my living room than me, I'm not going to fight them today. They're just trying to find a place to live---at least until the sun rises---so their little legs won't freeze.

Finding clothes to wear in this changing weather is becoming an issue for me. Still in a Sunshine State of mind, few of my skirts have a lining. I have to double up on tops because I'm somehow disillusioned that the sun will come out and warm me like a caramel machiato (did I spell that right) from Starbucks. The sun did shine at 7ish this morning, but I think it has the flu or something. It has a fever but feeling the chills.

It might be wise for me to visit Burlington Coat Factory and invest in the latest wool blends and feet pajamas. No need to fight the coming of winter, it's inevitable that this year will be a blistering one. BRRRRR!

-A. Brown Girl

I Waited for my Train and Picked Cotton

2006-10-31T03:58:00.000-11:00

Garysburg, North Carolina - October 30, 2006

It was 7:30 a.m. Compared to the time in which Grandma Gola woke up to do her runs, I was getting up late. Seeing that the day had broken but my eye lids weren't ready to rise, I snoozed a tad longer. However, the call of the past shook me so that I couldn't stay in the fetal position but for so long. I was sleeping and awake at the same time. The spirits had me in the palm of their hands.

Aunt Cindy received news that Cousin Mae died just two days prior to my visit to Garysburg, North Carolina. She was only 25 years young. Cousin Mae died from cervical cancer---like Mom and Aunt Sarah. The only thoughts I had swimming in my mind when I heard the news was that I had to do better than Cousin Mae, Mom and Aunt Sarah. I couldn't afford to steal time. I got up!

Banana Blueberry oatmeal and juice was my breakfast of choice. Sweats and a shirt covered my body as I prepared to take a walk on a country road with no side walks. I didn't know where I was going. I just let the wind guide me to a destination even I wasn't prepared to face.

"Mornin'!" the brothers working in the yard spoke to me. Wearing overhalls and baseball caps, they maintained their smile until I was out of eye site! I gladly returned the greeting and gesture. After all, I was in the south. That's the way they do---be polite.

I picked up rocks the size of baby fists. Each had its own designs. Swirls of brown and caramel made for a great geological study. The collection would be for a cousin back north who is totally fascinated by things from the earth. Like following the yellow brick road, I had a bright idea to see where my path would lead. To the train tracks I went.

On the side of the tracks were iron nails that had popped from the wood. There were many, so I didn't see any harm in adding them to my collection of things.

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! From the distance, a train was headed in my direction. What to do? Stay or go? Stay or go? Then I remembered a scene from The Color Purple. In that moment, I became Celie. I wanted to wave to the conductor and any other person whose eye I could catch. Never having stood beside a track as a locomotive passed by, I stood. I waited for my train. This was my time to stand and feel the rush of life consume me.

Here it comes! TOOOOOOOOOOOT! TOOOOOOOOOT! The conductor and I waved with excitement. The next car of the train had a message for me. Henry Lee and Evan B. These were the names of some unknown folks before me. They sound like characters in a Huck Finn adventure. Black, white or indifferent---they were people I wanted to know about to see what they were thinking while waiting for their train.

Three minutes flew by as each car sped by me. I morphed into Grandma Gola who waited to cross the tracks when she was but twelve years old. The difference between she and I was that she had to cross the tracks to go to work and I was afraid to cross them because I wasn't sure what was on the other side. Nevertheless, I built up my courage to see the past and the future come together in a single moment.

A Color Purple moment awaited me, yet again. Beyond the tracks, beyond the pine trees lay a field of dreams. They were fluffy white clouds on twigs growing from the ground waiting to be picked. I wanted to run through the field of cotton and soak in their possibilities. They were once little seeds bursting through the dirt. They were now in full bloom. Thousands of little dreams were waiting to come true. I wanted them and I wanted to call upon my friends Kisha, Tracy, Tracey, Khalilah, Leslie, Liana, Carl, Shelby, One Luv, Robert, DJ, Mel, Adri, Tilea, Dre, Toy, Meisha, Brandon, Pepper, JeRee, Brice, Zoe, Zoey, Aliyah, Toussaint, Dangerous Minds, Yona, Marcus, Vic, Jamil, Helen, Kristin, Mary Helen, Delmario, Anika, Daniesha, Kwame, Marylin, Cherri, Raquel, Malcolm, Chiggy, Chris, Sandi, Mark, Monae, On Point, Portia, Danzell, Teri, Kamil, Carlos, Cedric, Tiara, Amari, Noah, Malik, Latoya, Richardson, Bailey, Ken, Jeanty, Sharde, Crystal, JaCentae, Damani, Damond, Kenji, Rhonda, KurojiNtu, Kadar, Milah, Russ, Padgett, Chantel...the list of dreamers is endless. There was enough of the dream to share. I got my piece and picked a few more, placed them in a bag and went back across the track. I had to tell the others where there dreams lie so they can pick one at a time and act on them.

I waited for my train and picked cotton. Now it's time for me to start making something of the little clouds and see my dreams and those of Grandma, Cousin Mae, Mom and Aunt Sarah through. And hey if your name is not listed, ...I picked one for you too.

-A. Brown Girl

Finding Ruby

2006-10-30T07:50:00.000-11:00

In Memory of my favorite Pretty Girl.

Ma’s death taught me what I needed to know about life. It is short. You only get one. Live out your life’s dream. Have no regrets. It goes on. Each of those statements are finite. There are no commas to separate them into a series. They are one of a kind classic lines of literature that needs no sequel---as with life.

Finding Ruby
Taken from Traveling Letters by A. Brown Girl copyright (c) 2006

It was October 23, 2006. The sun was getting ready for its daily nap. I was to meet Sistah Girlfriend Ruby before she left to teach English in India. It would be our last face to face conversation for 6 weeks.

The winds blew heavy at the corner of 13th and U Streets in the District. My caramel flavored espresso had long since traveled through my body and the heat was somewhere near the bottom of my baby toe---and that was already frozen. I was cold but the dialogue kept me warm.

Ruby challenged me to answer the questions "How do you find yourself? Is there really such a concept?"

I pondered for fifteen seconds on how to best answer Ruby’s question. This was a sensitive moment for both of us as our lives became parallel within the last two years. We truly were in search of the best way to live out our life’s passion while remaining practical and responsibly handling our adult obligations.

“It does exist. Finding yourself is not a physical journey. It’s a spiritual revelation,” I suggested.

“Am I supposed to go to India and see myself waving in the front seat of the classroom 'Hi! I’m Ruby. I’ve been waiting for you?' Or sit next to myself on the plane and greeted with 'It’s been a long journey, I’ll pick it up from here,'” Ruby asked with playful sarcasm.

“Not at all, sis,” I began while trying to keep my brown digits warm. I wanted to count the ways she’d know true peace. However, I kept it as simple as I knew both of us to understand the answer.

Finding yourself is knowing your tolerance and being comfortable with your final answers without apologizing for them. Being happy despite obvious obstacles is the ultimate peace. You won’t have to really find yourself. Life will present you in your best form.

You’ll find yourself and all that you’re made of in the strangest places. When you forget who you are, that place will be available for you to visit, and you can reclaim what you lost. A. Brown Girl finds herself in the waters of the world, in the swaying trees, in the soggy sand, on railroad tracks built by immigrants, in the sound of a bird’s chirp, in rain drops, at a coffee shop and inside herself when no one is around to see her walking on a country road with pajama bottoms, a sorority shirt, tube socks and a pair of sneakers belonging to her eleven-year old cousin. Like the country road she walks, there are no side walks in life. Always, always take the main road. It is there you will find yourself---your glow.

On my continued search for truth, I hope to find you too.

-A. Brown Girl

Love Needs No Picture...

2006-10-01T18:39:00.000-11:00

It paints itself on your heart.

I never knew a love story more beautiful than Tea Cake and Janie’s (Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston). It was pure and free of judgment. If ever I find a love like that, it will be to the death. Those vows, for rich or for poor, won’t be words simply to satisfy the officiate’s requirement to marry us before saying, “I do.” It will be an unwritten expression of what makes up our hearts. You see, the heart knows not monetary things. The heart only knows what it knows…it knows that it craves to be loved the same way it loves. When two hearts become one, they beat forever.

-A. Brown Girl

A Brown Girl Gets Some Love!

2006-09-15T06:07:00.000-11:00

OPENING COMMERCIAL: THE REAL CANDY GIRLS: 1st Place Latoya 2nd Place Farissa These die hard New Edition fans battled it out with NE trivia. All the candy girls later celebrated with retro New Editions videos provided by Big Nate! Now for our featured presentation.

WOW! That's the closest written expression I could type about the most exciting party I ever hosted. Warm Coffee With a Smile 80s Style beat out Coffee Will Make You Bounce (my birthday party). I Didn't think it could be done. Friends and family made it happen. I even had a surprise guests (Uncle Tyrone and Cousin Karen)

I am truly blessed to have friends and family who care and love me. I miss my mom deeply, but I tell you, her spirit was in all of you who knew her. Thanks for taking care of her baby. Extra special shouts to Candy, my mom's best friend, for making it to the BIG W, despite prior obligations. From Milah (17 year friendship) to Lawrence my most recent friend), you made my home warm with love. Big Ups to the baddest teachers in the world (shouts to my former and current co-workers---I don't want to miss anyone). Huge hugs to GI and GE setting it out in Charles County for a few hours. My Jefferson, Banneker, Hampton, and NGS family---you are my homies for life.

My Uncle Pebbles Aunt Cindy get a big hand clap (missed it in my verbal thanks---charge it to my head and not my heart). They were the first family members I saw from my 13 hour drive from Florida. You've fed me, clothed me, you were the first to come to my book signing last year, sold my first books, let me borrow your children to move, let me cry in the wee hours of the morning---I could go on, but I don't want to forget anything. Just know that I love you guys.

Per the evite, guests chose to have Thanksgiving in September for dinner. Minus the turkey, I decided, with the help of some family and friends, to prepare dinner. I'm usually the one with TupperWare, but thought I'd give you guys a bit of a break.Speaking of the 80s: It was my favorite decade to remember. I felt like an Old Head walking through the stores looking for things to remind us of 80s fun. I will let you guys know that the Dollar Store is your friend.

For Those of you who missed the food and fun, here's a quick recap. To see the pictures more clearly, simply double click on the images.

THE MOON BOUNCE WAS A HIT WITH THE KIDS! Check out the photos.

80s Flavor: What cha'll know about button candy, Dum Dums (now with gum in the middle), bat n balls, sugar daddies, New Edition videos (1983-Present), The Last Dragon and Coming to America Showing on the 27 inch, Atari games in the garage, bubbles, and spaids and monopoly on the patio? Congrats D and Brother Low Key for shutting it down.

MENU (I hope you enjoyed it)

Pot Roast with Carrots
Country Chicken with Gravy
Hot wings
Seafood Salad by special request (Romello)
Homemade cookies
Homemade Lemon Iced Tea (it really had ice chips in too...lol)
Brownies by BrianaString Beans by Treesa and Grandma
Koolaid by Kristen
Pasta Salad by Aunt Cindy
Meatballs by Aunt Judy
Veggie Trays Greg, Tracie and the Jackson Family
Rolls from Toy
Wine from Lawrence, David, and Toussaint

Chairs from Jay and Jay, Greg and Tracie, and Grandma and nem.
The Big Cups provided by Lil Rappin' Tee (HU '98)

BE READY FOR NEXT YEAR'S SHING DING. I'm going to need a committee to pull this one off. Stay tuned for details.

Love ya,
A. Brown Girl Named Coffee

Google Eyes

2006-08-23T16:19:00.000-11:00

So...I'm on the computer after getting home from the city (been in Waldorf, MD since June) and I decide to google myself. The result is the picture included in this blog. This was taken on my 25th birthday. Ironically, I was just talking to the person who gave me the cd I'm holding---the soundtrack to The Wiz.

This picture also reminds me of an innocence I once knew. The quarter century mark of my life brought on realities I never knew I'd experience. The quote, "No one is exempt from trouble" rings clearer with each year since I turned 25. At any rate, I am blessed because of the journey.

Big hugs to those who continue along my travels of life. Thank you for sticking through the hard times and celebrating the good times. If I'm still caling you and IMing you at the crack of black in the morning with every emotion possible---then I'm talking to you.

Anywho...

A. Brown Girl

I Didn't Get My Groove On...but...

2006-08-13T14:31:00.000-11:00

I had a great time on my island cruise.

JuJu and I made a vow to stay single until after the summer. We promised not to make any commitments until our obligations to the beach have been satisfied. We could not entertain love until the summer skies said goodbye. Well, I cheated. I fell in love...with the roads and the skies. I managed to slip into international waters and played along the rocks of the Bahama shores. I had to get my feet wet and let my toes tell tails of sandy dreamz.

I ate lunch in Fort Lauderdale and waited with Tamu for our escort to drive us to Miami (see my Swagger in M.I.A.). We kissed the air with our happiness as we walked along South Beach. Within 24 hours, we were in a cab with a Cuban. Life never seemed better in comparision to those whose meals are reduced to five pound bags of rice per month. Food stamps are luxuries compared to the rations of the less fortuante. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our brief history lesson in route to the Majesty of the Seas. We were off to the Bahamas for 4 days and 3 nights.

Random thoughts were caught in an early morning moment in Nassau. Enjoy my love for the island air in the Bahamas.

(Nassau, Bahamas – July 2, 2006) Talk about a world being turned three hundred sixty degrees. I visited the beautiful island of Nassau two years ago. When the ship docked on July 1st, it was like a welcome home party. I awoke to the spirits in the Bahama breeze. The waters showered me with love. The key to Nassau awaited my arrival. "What took you so long?" I could hear the coral reef shout. I got so caught up in life that I didn’t think to come back…until this year.

(Coco Cay, Bahamas – July 1, 2006) Tamu and I spent the opening of July in Coco Cay, Bahamas. It’s just a small little island Royal Caribbean capitalized on to make additional money. The straw market and beach are what reside there. I got sucked in. I couldn’t leave my vacation without getting a personalized straw bag. Met some new island gem friends and promoted the book (come on now---had to make my work international. LOL!).

After writing in the sand and collecting seashells, I came upon a family from St. Petersburg, Florida. Thirteen family members vacationed together. As God would have it, Tamu and I met two of them the night prior at Karaoke (I attempted to sing a Lauren Hill diddy---You’re just to good to be true. See the pic and imagine). Turns out, the guy was a member of a popular band in Central Florida called Bus Stop. How cool!
Just behind the Sanders/Jenkins family was a group from Columbia (I still didn’t buy that learn to speak Spanish book). So, I seized the moment to create a story and whipped out my digital recorder (BAM!) and started interviewing.

Of all the animal life I expected to see in the Bahamas (exotic fish swimming to shore, iguanas, seagulls, even a barracuda), a rooster was not on my list. I was totally freaked out. I had to take a picture for you guys. It was a bold little thing. It even flexed its feathers. I don’t know what its problem was, but I sure nuff left it be. Hmmph, I wasn’t the one who cooked its hen.

THANKS FOR MAKING ME FEEL WELCOMED, GUYS

HA! One of the last conversations I had on my cell in the states warned me against Dexter St. Jacques (Eddie Murphy Raw reference for the younglings out there). Caribbean men are something kinda fresh. The first time I ever visited the Bahamas (1991), I was told Knocked Kneed Girls are Sexy. There was even a song about it. Never heard the melody, but I internalized the message and never felt bad about my walk since then.

More than 10 years later, although I’m a little healthier (lol), the whole sexy thing stands. “OOOH, you are so beautiful. You look so sexy!” I’m cracking up on the inside because I’m sure I was one of a fistful of women who received this same greeting. A great self-esteem booster, but genuine…not until you get to know me. “I want someone to arouse my intellect as well as my loins---” then we can talk sexy. For the fun of it, I took pics with and of my favorite Caribbean men I happened upon on my journey. Shouts to Tyrone (Bahamas), Doney (Trinadad and Tobago…GO SOCCER CHAMPS), and Odalis (Dominican Republic). David Smith (Costa Rica)---he kept our stateroom clean and made our towel into a sunglass wearing elephant (oo-oop my sorors).

THE FOOD

I’ve been eating food for a very long time! I DON’T WANT ANYMORE. Yeah right! Who am I kidding. I am so inspired, here’s a poem:

Food! Food! All Around!
I tried to escape, but to my left I found
Catfish, Scallops, and Lobster Bisque
Filet Mignon, salmon as a side dish
Cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and icecream galore
Pizza at midnight, sandwiches but wait, there’s more!
BBQ ribs, Burgers, and Fries
French Toast for Breakfast what a surprise
All kinds of fruit and unlimited juice
I try to hold back, but I paid for it, whoo!
I took a nap to get ready for round four
When I awoke there was even more
Tacos and rice, shrimp on ice
I picked up one and went back twice
Food! Food! Everywhere!
Now my mini Buda, has to take the stairs.

VIVA LA IMMIGRATION!
This is my position on immigration! I love the freedom of America. I love the opportunities afforded to me. HOWEVER, we are some boring people! I’m saying, if you’re paying anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 for a vacation (not including souvenirs and such), you’d better make some noise and let that pressure out. Shake your booty or something.

KAREOKE NIGHT: We had to force the crowd to just clap. Now, I don’t think the social event was really created for the Next American Idol. Drunk folks just want to have fun while they are “Feeling Good.” For Pete’s sake, clap, cheer, throw a penny up there or something. Performing in front of a crowd is not easy.

DANCING UNDER THE STARS: I was one of few Americans in the Congo line, doing the line dances, and throwing up my hands upon request. My fellow Americans, booed up or otherwise, stood on the side lines looking. The very hot crew member with the flawless vanilla ice cream skin (see pic), said it best: You are around people who don’t know you and won’t care what you do. Those who do know you…don’t worry about them. Have some fun! SCREAAAAAAAAAM!

It’s starting to rain now. I’m going to end on that note and fill you in on my Sunday morning sunrise into Nassau and my Sunday night sunset back to the states.

Feeling Irie,
A. Brown Girl

(At Sea – July 2, 2006) Tamu and I were separated by time and space for a brief spell. We both had the same ingenious idea to get off the ship and shop the straw market. It was shortly after I said, “I shall not. I shall not be moved,” in the craft area of the New Providence dock that Mawiyah appeared. We didn’t want to explore the island alone. There is safety in numbers. So, I thank God for patience.

ATLANTIS! Ah! Everything Oprah said about it is true. Although this was my second visit to the resort, it was the first I went in the daytime. Tamu and were constantly asked, “Can I see your room key or bracelet please.” For lack of a better phrase, we were trespassing the grounds of Atlantis. We were honest with staff members who asked us. We just wanted to see some of the hot spots like the turtle pond. BEAUTIFUL! The caves with underwater treats. Imagine HUUUUUUGE fish tanks in the wall. They were massive.

Atlantis is its own city. They even had a complimentary movie theater for guest. You won’t believe what was showing during the matinee. Give up? Madea’s Family Reunion. We took a picture of the marquee. It was insane. Oooh! Ooh! Let us not forget to mention that we can confirm that Lynn Whitfield’s character in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate was not tripping over her Lilique for nothing. There is a Lilique or as Martin Lawrence’s character called it, a Malik (LOL) store inside Atlantis. Don’t go in there with your food stamps. A crystal water goblet was ONE HUNDRED THIRTY DOLLARS. There were some really nice pieces in the store. However…do I really need to finish? Okay, let’s move on.

FOR LADIES ONLY…

King Poseidon was FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE! You’ll have to see the pics to see what I mean. He was kind enough to hold still for our picture taking pleasures!

OKAY: It’s an ALL SKATE NOW (lol)!

It was time for lunch, but I was also concerned about not having made it to the beach. I couldn’t leave Nassau without getting my feet wet. That was a no no. Mawiyah was kind of enough to go along and pay for yet another taxi. I’m not a fish, but I swear with all the food I’d been eating, I was a floating sea creature (GOTTA GET RID OF THESE POUNDS…burp!). I had to swim in the ocean to connect with my mom whose remains were buried at sea just a year prior! SHOUTS OUT TO MY “PRETTY GIRL MOMMY!”

A PERSONAL MOMENT

Tamu and I ran into some familiar faces throughout our travels in Nassau. I was on a search for a friend I met two years ago. We lost touch. I’m sort of sad that we did. It was after my failed attempts to reach out to him that I realized the reason God allowed us to meet. The one thing I learned from him I never forgot.

The lead seaman asked, “How do you know someone loves you?” I was without an answer. Being a writer, I tried to come up with some clever answer that never left my mouth so I was honest and asked, “How?” His response was simple…sacrifice. With that said, not seeing him was not a lost. He left me with a world of appreciation for that small bit of advice that was given to me after he found out mom had cancer.

LET’S Go To Church

The sky has parted where in the west, the sun was setting with hues of purples and pinks. In the east, the moon was a crescent. As I look up at this very moment, I am surrounded by a backdrop of black. God’s blanket. So, I spoke to him while under his coverings.

I prayed.

I prayed and gave thanks. I gave thanks for have a discerning spirit. I don’t always heed to it, but it certainly gives me clues on what to do with my chess pieces of life. How I move them is on me. It seems God has given me more than enough pawns to protect His kingdom. I’ve had my queen taken and returned…taken and returned…taken and returned. For the return of the queen alone, I say thank you.

I prayed.

I prayed on behalf of myself and friends and family who are fighting demons daily. It is not a wonder we have so much pain in the world. God is just waiting for all of us to submit. It is freedom. God is freedom. There are circumstances we can’t solve on our own. I thank God that He’s God all by Himself and that I don’t have to do His job.

I prayed.

I prayed to be more equipped with the Word to fight the new battles that are coming my way. I have seen the demons that once attacked me and faced them with my new found strength. However, the war has been waged against those who love the Lord. As I conclude with waters crashing in the background, I charge each of you reading this traveling letter to be ready. Be ready to fight…when your day of battle comes.

Your job, is your daily assignment, but even warriors need rest. Take a vacation and renew your strength! God’s blessings to you!

Feeling Blessed,
A. Brown Girl

A. Brown Girl’s "Swagger" in M.I.A.: A 24 Hour Trip

2006-06-29T14:47:00.000-11:00

I sure thought I’d be missing in action the moment I stepped off the plane. Miami has been one of the most talked about vacation spots among my peers---male and female. In 2002, I had a discussion with co-workers about my lack of experience with “Girl Trips,” and they cautioned me to have one before I got married. (Bruhs Joe and Regg).

Here I am, four years later celebrating Girl Trip ’06…the third since 2004. Regardless if I’m married or not, it’s necessary---a rejuvenation if you will. Now that you’ve read my soliloquies, let me get to the nitty gritty…and the bottom of my feet are quite gritty from the sand.

(Miami, Florida – June 29, 2006) The forecast called for rain throughout the country. Homes were flooded in D.C. while I packed for a twenty-four hour layover in Miami, Florida in route to a cruise to the Bahamas. My linesister, Tamu, are escaping from 9 months of labor...in the education industry. We made plans with intentions of having a hellava summer break.

“If you don’t love Miami and want to extend your stay, you’ll need to do some introspective thinking ‘cause something is wrong with you,” my Miami informant, Toussaint personified, charged. In fact, the title was totally inspired by him. THANKS!

Aside from the great weather, walking up to where the waters meet the sand was an anticlimactic experience. It is the only place I’ve visited where segregation of color does not need legislation. Sandy brown and aqua blue are simply separated until the shift of the currents bring them together. The union of water and sand is greeted with an ocean's applause. Splash! Splash! Waters crashing and drowning my thoughts Miami consumed me while doing a Freestyle on my mind (http://www.coffeedreamz.com/poetry.htm). Those waves are the hem of Jesus's garment 'cause I felt I was made whole right then and there. The water's touched me (shout out to Ideana).

Once I had my hair colored, I jokingly claimed to be Cuban. The bronze highlights were a perfect contrast to my red, cocoa skin tone. Walking down Washington Avenue, a kind man shared a smile with me. I returned the gesture but quickened my pace no sooner than he started speaking Spanish. It was time to invest in that Learn to Speak Spanish in Ten Days cd.

Since space and your time won't permit, enjoy my top ten interesting things in South Beach:

10. The man at the bus stop who insisted that Tamu was Halle Barry (On our night walk on South Beach).

9. The teenagers in front of Lincoln Theater attempting to break dance for compensation. The audience was there, but we'd rather they rehearse in their Mama's basement instead of in front of us. SHOUT OUT TO THE KIDS WHO ROCKED in the 80s and tore up the cardboard or linoleum slab with your moves!

8. The greatest invention ever is the the cyber cafe. ONE ON EACH CORNER. Thanks Peter.

7. Gino's pizza. A taste of NYC was on Washington Avenue.

6. Me holding a snake that "appeared on National Geographic," according to the owner who suggested I pay him $5 to hold his pet. I did. Hey, you only live once. I'm not going to knock the man's hustle. He's trying to stay out of 9 to 5. Who can blame him? MIAMI IS BEAUTIFUL!

5. Parking meters can now be paid with credit cards. Saw this in Ocean City and Orlando, Florida. This might be a nation-wide phenomenon. So, be on the look out.

4. The man at the bus stop continues to insist that Tamu is Halle Barry (This is on the return trip to the hotel). I'm starting to think he lives there.

3. PARENTAL ADVISORY SUGGESTED: A souvenir shop sold a 1 inch penis that can grow 600% it's size (COVERING MOUTH). I was just trying to buy a hat for the captain's dinner on the ship. Honest...and there it was on the counter.

2. McDonald's has a walk up window.

1. The same McDonald's also had two patrons, in the open, setting up shop...a hair braiding shop. The braider smiled at us as if this was something normal.

LOVING THIS CITY and I can't wait to come back.

Until July...I'm on a Miami High!

Sincerely,
A. Brown Girl

Packing Light!

2006-06-04T01:57:00.000-11:00

by A. Brown Girl copyright (c) 2006

The buttermilk biscuits and brown sugar bacon are swimming in the orange juice that lines my tummy. Mmm Mmmm. What a way to spend my last Sunday in my cozy, two bedroom, one bath berber carpeted haven. I truly am a city girl with country roots.

Living just inches away from the Stanton Dwelling projects in D.C. (now Henson Ridge townhome community) where this knock-kneed, pigeoned-toed brown girl used to play was a great homecoming. I moved to Florida for 9 months and returned after the passing of my mom. The city has changed. The people in it...lol that'a another story. Well, if you count the white man walking his dog at 6am in what used to be "THE HOOD..." then some of the people have changed.

As I prepare for my next traveling escapades, I decided to buy a house in the suburbs. I needed a place for the things I collect along the way. Sistah Badu never said it more clearly. "Pack Light!" Going on the eleventh move of my 30 years, I tried to be efficient. So, when I moved some of my things from Florida, I kept them in boxes and containers. I knew my time in the quaint apartment nestled in a secret location in S.E. Washington, D.C. was going to be short-lived. So I didn't unpack.

Even though I had an unexpected mouse to move in with the temporary furniture I bought, and a squirrel or bird (don't know which...it just kept scratching) lived just above my ceiling---later to be eaten by a litter of cats who purr through the morning, I am going to miss my neighborhood.

I say goodbye to my banking representative (shout out to Raymond) and that one employee at Safeway who didn't turn me in for accidently leaving with a bouquet of flowers (I forgot to pay...I was rushing from the teller window to head to church...LAWD FORGIVE ME). I say goodbye to the neighbor who called the cops on me because I still had out of state tags and so did everyone who visited me had tags from major drug trafficing states (NY, NJ, FL). Thank God I wasn't slanging anything but books (GEESH). BUT BEFORE I GO...here are my top ten reasons I'm going to miss living in urban America:

10. You can't get a better fish sandwich than in the hood.
9. "My people" will throw a bbq with or without a yard...side walk, in front of the apartment building, outta the back of Ray Ray's Tracker .
8. You will always have somebody to carry your groceries, cut your grass, take out your trash, or pump your gas (of course you'll need a few singles on hand).
7. You never have to wait for DVD Tuesdays for new releases.
6. There is always a dog show (mostly pits and rots).
5. If you're in good with the neighborhood corner boys, you won't lose sleep if you find you forgot to put the club on your car.
4. You won't go hungry 'cause someone, at any given time, is selling chicken/fish dinners complete with greens, mac and cheese, potato salad and a roll (the tea is extra...$0.25 more with shugga).
3. There's always a sale with Hustle Man .
2. The best financial advice comes from the lady using food stamps. She can stretch a stamp and make real cash off those fish dinners.
1. You will always be near someone willing to lend you a cup of sugar, flour, or a couple of slices of bread without your pride being hurt.

Southern, MD, here I come...but my heart rests in the city.

Komplex Feeds the Hungry

2006-05-16T23:16:00.000-11:00

By Yolonda D. Coleman
Author of Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation (www.amazon.com keyword LOVELLA)
& Content Producer for www.associatedcontent.com

The hungry aren’t always homeless. There are people in this world who are starving and never discover it until the food is brought before them. Hip Hop artist and poet Komplex or JustKom as his title release reads, fed his audience with knowledge to increase respect for God, self, and one another during the seventh annual Harlem Renaissance Festival on May 6, 2006 in Landover, MD.

93.9 felt like the temperature on the grounds of the Kentland Community Center. Instead, it was the main stage sponsored by 93.9 Kiss FM where Komplex performed Heaven In View, a tribute to a woman who suffered from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The audience grew in numbers when they realized as simple and calm as his name sounds, Kom did not spit simple rhymes.

While vendors sold books, cosmetics, and politics, Mr. Keep On Moving captured the attention of those who licked their fingers from afternoon snacks to participate in a series of call and response. Kom celebrated the present while paying homage to the root of his culture. With the Nu Soul band playing in the background, hands waved from side to side, heads bobbed to the heartbeat of the band, and choirs formed.

After serving poetry al a carte during his set, fans lined up to buy their copy of JustKom. For more information on Komplex, please visit www.komplexonline.com.

Benjamin Banneker High School Contest

2006-05-15T09:28:00.000-11:00

ARE YOU A WRITER?
LET’S GET YOU PUBLISHED IN THE
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
OF

SUGAR RUSH: LOVE’S LIBERATION
By Banneker Alumna Yolonda D. Coleman (c/o 1994)

WHO: Banneker Students 2006-2007

(You’re still eligible after graduation).

WHAT:

Get published and win $100

WHEN: Email Submissions by

Saturday, June 10, 2006

WHERE: Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation is available at Howard University Book Store ISBN: 1419603647

HOW: Read Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation and create a character analysis and study guide for book clubs and young readers.

Send Submissions to Author Yolonda D. Coleman at coffeedreamz38@aol.com with your name, grade, and English teacher at Benjamin Banneker by Saturday, June 10, 2006.

The Winner will be announced on Coffeedreamz.com on July 4, 2006.

It's still an NE HEARTBREAK!

2006-04-30T23:18:00.000-11:00

(Washington, D.C. 2006) --FORGET WHAT YOU HEARD...wait a minute...there is nothing that can be said that would discredit the baddest boy group of my time. New Edition remains together even when they are apart. We'll touch on that subject later.

1983 was the beginning of my love for the Boston Orchard Park basketballers turned singing group. While my mother nursed my leg from an alley accident, I heard the classic sound of percussions coming from the family boom box. I didn't know what a Candy Girl was, but I was going to be one. I knew that one day, I would grow up and be Mrs. Candy Girl DeVoe (too bad someone else is beating me to the punch). That's okay, I still love you Ronnie.

At 30, I'm living by the motto Innocence is Bliss. Even in my slumber, I remain happy. However, nothing made me happier when I saw the text message from a 516 area code (it was my line sister in NYC) reading "I bo at the new edition concert" That's fanatic language for "I'm at the New Edition concert." When you're jumping up and down, screaming out names and I LOVE YOU RALPH...all grammar goes out the window. As she had a chance to see them two days prior to the D.C. show, my bunny ears were wide awake waiting for the next text.

"THEY STILL HAVE IT."

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they do. Precision is something they do not lack. Being able to dance and sing better than the albumns (yes, I said albumns 45s and 33s---don't play) is something worth seeing and hearing.

Because work calls, you will have to stay tuned for details: Wardrobe by both New Edition and their fans (good grief), the special surprises (stop trying to guess, I promise to tell you after I teach my chiren), and street vendors...ALL IN THE NAME OF NE...heartbreak. In the meantime, feel free to read some of my other adventures.

"ONE LOVE" (pun intended)! -A. Brown Girl, Traveling Letters From A. Brown Girl

The fight...It's a Mike Tyson Round...short

2006-04-30T03:28:00.000-11:00

So...I'm driving passed the Metro bus stop (D.C.) and I see a brutha struggling. The fight to keep his destiny in mind without exposing himself.

My eyes struggle to make the image disappear to no avail. An advocate for the black male, I always want to be a source of support. I'm saddened by the site and I want to help.

I slow down. He's still stuggling with his right hand and pulls with his left. It's a tug of war to maintain his dignity. Red light. I stop.

After a few more attempts, the brutha decides it's best to scoff down the carry out delight (chicken and fries) than to continue the fight...to pull up his pants. Three layers later, I see his moon and I'm the one cracking up.

Still traveling,
A. Brown Girl

Come Home Brother

2006-04-26T11:00:00.004-11:00

The Coffeedreamz Experience
Presents

Come Home Brother
Copyright 2005 © by Yolonda “Coffeedreamz” Coleman
Author of Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation www.coffeedreamz.com

DISCLAIMER: COMMENTARY EXPRESSED IN THIS LETTER ARE IN NO WAY TO OFFEND BUT TO BRING A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE STATE OF AFFAIRS OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN AND WOMAN.

(Hartsfield-Jackson Airport -2005) I met a straight-laced cat while waiting in line for my breakfast at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia. My heart skipped two beats when my eyes read his black t-shirt with the words that read, Virginia is for hustlers. A thinker beyond the surface, I squinted my eye at the t-shirt wearer and tried to decipher the intent of the message.

“You have something to say?” he asked me in a serious, yet non-confrontational tone.

“Virginia is for lovers, not hustlers. Unless it’s a marketing technique or you’re a hustler in that you work hard.”

“It’s controversy.”

“It’s sparks conversation,” I replied.

“Exactly!”

“A. Brown Girl.” I extended my hand.

“A. Brown Boy.”

“It’s nice to know someone thinks outside the box.”

“Is there any other way to think?” I hand him a business card. He returns the gesture. He’s in the fashion design industry. His meal ticket number is called and I wait in line until my bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is ready.

Proud that I could actually hold a conversation since waking up at the crack of black in the morning (4:45am), I retrieve my order and find a seat near a window. I take out my laptop to begin sharing my thoughts with the keys. Before I know it, A. Brown Boy comes over with his food.

“Why don’t you join me?” I was being facetious as he had already placed his things on the table.
We begin to talk on levels of consciousness neither of us ever expected in an airport terminal. He was Gerald A. Washington in Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation, a WPWF (Working Professional Without a Family). He was also ambitious, doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, and is a believer in Christ. He calls himself, A Good Brother. I agreed, whole-heartedly. I looked at him with eyes of bewilderment. Where in the hell have you been and where are the others hiding?

“Can I ask you a question?” he shoots from his full lips covering the pearly whites.

“Ask away,” I said.

“Do you think we’re in trouble…I I I mean the black man and black woman?”

That was a loaded question. I was more than prepared to answer, but we both had flights to catch. The abridged response was no. I told him I considered launching a campaign called, Come Home Brother.

As progressive as we are in the twenty-first century, we still have concerns to be addressed as people of color. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished physical slavery, however, I have to agree with a term my classmate in high school dropped in the early 90s. K.O. said that we are still psychologically enslaved. The more I travel and converse with my contemporaries as well as the elders in our community, we have yet to get out of the slave mentality.

Freedom has been afforded to us but 1. we don’t take advantage of it or 2. We wait for someone to validate our ability to exist in parts of society we deem acceptable only for a certain kind of people. The latter is found in people who only travel if the job permits. They merge and connect with people who have the available funds/social standing to say, It’s okay to cross the line and enjoy the rest of the world. It saddens me that in the twenty-first century we now have to act accordingly to validate our worth to each other.

He continues, “We are so angry with each other.”

“I agree. We’re mad at the brothers for abandoning us and our children. The brothers are mad at us because they regard our aggression as unsupportive nagging.”

Sistahs, get real. We are angry. We’re still angry from all that we had to endure since we could call ourselves American. We were raped and our men weren’t able to protect us. We were used to nurse and rear other people’s children while we stood by and watched our lifelines being sold off, beaten, and killed. All the while still praying for God’s grace to continue to cover us. Our souls are still tired from the past that has never truly been reconciled. The Civil War is not over. Too many matters are left unresolved.

Bruthas, you work hard and all you want is a meal and some lovin’. Instead, you have become victims of the woman who you decided to call sister, lover, and friend. After, working, cleaning, cooking, caring for our children (whether as surrogates or biological), and still try to find time to make love to your mind, body, and soul, we’re pooped. However, we don’t have any room to show weakness to maintain the Strong Black Woman (SBW) image you’ve come to both love and hate. Don’t give up on us. Sometimes, we really just need a hug and for you to let us cry years of tears. As my fried Spiritual Brown notes, we’re challenging you not nagging you. Despite what you think, deep down inside we know your worth. Its value has just been vaulted while accruing interest. We’re slowly coming around.

Giving up on us and seeking food for the soul in kitchens with similar equipment but no Lowry seasoning only creates a gap. In that gap are the children who suffer because they don’t know what functional relationships look like in our communitiy. The true kings and queens of the earth have left the palace unattended and cold. Our children are lost and are left with pop culture to show them substandard versions of who they truly are: princes and princesses. There are plenty of jesters running around as false representatives of the kingdom. We haven’t amended the family within the court, but created franchised lives built on false hope that life is better without each other.

We really do love you brother. Come home brother, even if just for a minute to sort things out. The collard greens, macaroni and cheese, smoked ham or turkey, sweet potato pie, and iced tea are on the table brothers. The aroma was created with you in mind. Let’s have a meal and fill in the gap. We can work from the inside out before outsourcing your resources. Your future depends on it.

Always,
A. Brown Girl

29 Miles to Empty in a Nice Dress

2006-03-28T23:49:00.000-11:00

From Traveling Letters by A. Brown Girl
Copyright (c) 2005 Yolonda "Coffeedreamz" Coleman

It was summer. The heat scorched the pavement on Annapolis Road and probably dried up my gas tank since I was confident I filled it up a moon’s light ago. Keith, a former classmate, had some car trouble and needed me to give him a ride. I obliged and hooked a U to head in the opposite direction. Bing! Bing! Bing! The gas alert sang its usual song. I was unemployed at the time and had to make a decision. Food or gas? I chose the latter only because Keith needed me. So, I make a stop at the friendly neighborhood gas thief, the gas station to ensure a safe arrival.

I rush to put the car in park and run inside to put “twenty on it.” I had a wedgie and tried to be discreet by twisting my hips and cheeks really hard to bring relief to my backside. There were people around. I thought it would be a little rude to walk with my hand up my rear in my Sunday best. I reached the attendant area with a huge smile because I’m wedgie free.

“Nice dress,” the gas attendant compliments me in an East Afrikan accent. “Are you married?” One eye brow rises while the other slouches down with concern. That question came out of his underarm. He anxiously awaits my answer.

“No. I’m not. Twenty on 3, please.” I commence to walk toward the door, but another question shoots me in the back of my head like a rock.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-nine.” I’m but a second from touching the door handle.

“And you’re not married?” The audience in my head is laughing hysterically and I suddenly felt like I missed the bus because I didn’t have a husband. He then follows up with, “I can’t believe someone as beautiful as you is not married. No boyfriend?”

I was five seconds shy of twisting my neck and shaking my finger in his face. This conversation was the only thing standing in the way of him turning on pump number three. Keith was waiting, but I didn’t have any gas. The other alternative was to ride on E until I found another service station. That was not a likely option seeing that the little orange oil can had been dancing since the day before. I decided to be cool. .

“Nope.” I hurry my steps only to be shot in the back with more conversation about my current single situation.

“I don’t understand, you’re just so beautiful. Well look, I’m married,” he begins by showing me his wedding band, “but my wife’s immigration papers may take four years.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that.” My hand is on the door handle.

“Hey, wait, can you come back and speak to me after you finish pumping your gas?”

“Sir, I really have to…”

“Listen, if you give me your heart…”

WHAT? Give him my what? Is he getting ready to proposition me? I block out the full sentences he struggles through because of nervousness and the sound of breaks screeching on both sides of my brain. I do, however, manage to hear, “wife…four years…wife…you…wife…me…” The rest was blah blah blah.

In a nutshell, Mr. Attendant was asking me to have an affair with him. He was asking for my heart? It’s not like he dropped a leather brief case down full of 100s and a slimline cocktail dress with a reservation for two at the Taj Mahal (not that I'd take it 'cause that is not of God...AMEN?). Here I am in good ole PG County Maryland at a gas station talking to a man with dirty nails, a wife, and an offer to be his concubine at the expense of one of my most valuable possessions, my heart.

“Are you serious?”

“Look, let me give you my number.”

“I have to run.”

I hurry to pump my gas. I thought the twenty would fill it up. Wrong. I have to go back in. Yeah, I know you’re’asking. Why don’t you pick up Keith and get gas later? You’re right. I just thought I could make it quick with money in hand and dip (still naive at 29).

“Here, you’re going to call me, right?” Mr. Attendant drops a receipt on the counter with his name and telephone number. Ahmed Abdulrajim AkbahBin Laden.

“God isn’t going to like this. I’m sorry, but…”

“No, listen.”

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I’m trying to be as nice as I can. What I want to say is, Dude, you’re crazy. Exercise self control and wack off until your wife gets her papers. My cookies aren’t for lease.”

I drop a $5 bill on the counter and head toward the door. There is a gentleman on the other side with a plastered smile. He shows chivalry and allows me to pass through the Plexiglas first.

“Nice dress,” he comments. As I’m walking away I feel the heat on my backside. It wasn’t the sun but two sets of eyes burning through my dress, global warming had begun. An Afrikan and an American with blazing eyes on my hemisphere.

I think I’m home free until I notice Ahmed is busy with the new customer. I then hear the door swing open. Ahmed is running to catch me.

“Call me, okay,” he has made his intentions public. I get in the car. I drive off with no response. I can never go to that station again.

Time was ticking and Keith was waiting. I called his cell. When I turned the corner into the neighborhood where he was stranded, Keith had already begun his sojourn toward the main street. He answers as I drive beside him.

“Hi Keith. Sorry I took so long.”

“It’s okay, I was trying to make it to the store. Turns out I just need a battery.”

“I guess I came just in time.” We hang up our phones and I open the door to let Keith in the car. He sits in the passenger seat and reaches to hug me with the emergency break between us.

“Good to see you,” I said.

“You too, Brown.” He points. Nice dress. Sigh!

Gobble! Gobble!

2005-11-26T19:38:00.000-11:00

Washington Metro Area--- “IIIIII FEEEEEEEEL SO ALIVE! IIIIIIIII’M Satisfie-eide-eeide! OUTSTANDING!”

Thanksgiving 2005 was the best since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (my mom taught me that term). It was the first time that everyone in my family was happy and gathered on a occasion with 100 percent holiday cheer. It was something out a movie or an ABC Sunday special.

The Coleman Family brought new meaning to SOUL FOOD. We were fed spiritually, emotionally, and literally. I almost felt guilty eating all that food without a cover charge. Nevertheless, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neices, nephews, mothers, fathers, and children smiled with only one care in mind…that we all remained happy. Thanksgiving.