Brown Betties Gazette

2009-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Editor's Edict

I’m at one of my “office” cafes, Solar de Cahuenga on Cahuenga and Franklin in Hollywood. As I stare out the huge picture window to my left to ponder “Harmony”, this month’s Gazette topic, I’m aware of the lovely blue sky that seems to rest its elbows on the forest-covered mountain-top with ridges that remind me of the indentations in my molars. Los Angeles whizzes by at street level as this café is situated at a busy crossway with roads to Highway 101 to the North and into the “glitz and glamour” of Hollywood Boulevard to the South. There’s a bit of a breeze today and the Palm trees sway with each gentle nudge. I take this all in and I think, “There is Harmony here”. Is it possible then that Harmony is merely a perception? I mean, really, how do we achieve harmony…is it something we create like a pretty mish-mashed ball of red, yellow, orange and blue PlayDough? Is it something we welcome like a friendly neighbor offering a hot cherry pie? Or … is it just outside our window? The guy behind me who just called his doctor to confirm an appointment tomorrow may not see harmony outside our window. If I was feeling ambitious today, I’d turn to him and ask his opinion…alas, I won’t because that would probably just be weird. Instead, I’ll take the harmonious feeling I’ve just acquired and pop it into a little container with a yellow plastic top to be played with whenever I might need it.

Enjoy your May/June 2009 Brown Betties Gazette!

~xo

Peppur Chambers
The Hot One

peppur@brownbetties.com

2009-06-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Brown Bettie Nika Names Her Way
Comedienne. Actor. Model.

by Peppur Chambers

What’s in a name? In this case, when the name is “Nika”, you get a humble woman full of passion, determination, and a whole-lotta funny. Nika (AKA Shenika Williams) is a powerful entertainer on the rise and she’s solidly confident with knowing her current journey is leading her to the top.

What do you love about comedy?
Comedy has always been an outlet for me. Whether it is as a spectator or performer, I love to laugh and make people laugh. It's a God-given talent, and I always have to remind myself it's not about me, but how can I use this gift to bless people. During these dire times, it's important for people to laugh and know that things are going to improve.

What do you love about performing?
I absolutely love the instant response you get from the audience during a performance. Yes, I'm an "audience whore". When I perform I feel this unbelievable, sometimes overwhelming, wave of energy. Oh yeah, I love the lights, costumes, make up...I just love the stage.

When was the moment that you knew you were good at what you do?
Honestly, I don't think I'm really good at stand-up comedy yet. I've only been doing it seriously for 2 years. When I study the masters, (Pryor, Martin Lawrence, Murphy), I am in awe at their impeccable timing and innate ability to make a room of people laugh at the same time. I haven't even scratched the surface.

Do you have a favorite club where you like to do Stand Up? What do you like about the club? Lights/mic/stage/people/nights, etc.
I don't have a favorite club. I will perform anywhere there is more than one person, a mic and a space that resembles a stage. I am always testing new material on people unbeknownst to them. Or, if I meet a character, I will mimic them in one of my bits. Comedy is a slice of life which I enjoy reinterpreting on stage.

What is your dream as a comedienne?

My dream as a comedienne is to rule the world. Or if that's unattainable, touring and selling out arenas like a rock star. Eventually after touring, I will have my own sitcom which will lead to movies. Then I will take over the world for sure. Watch out Will Smith, I'm coming for you!

What is your dream as a person?I have so many dreams, but my ultimate dream is for people to learn how to love and honor one another. I know that sounds cheesy, but Hey, I'm a dreamer!

You are from Florida originally; what have you taken from home that you've used in your performance?

I'm originally from Liberty City, one of the worst inner cities in America. Coming from a rough neighborhood, I have several childhood experiences that are not always flattering, but they're funny. When I talk about my drug-addicted uncle stealing my grandmother's frozen chicken to sell it for crack…It's awful, but nevertheless comical.

How do you describe your style of comedy?
My style of comedy is uninhibited, energetic, smart, edgy..... It's ME! When I am onstage, the only way for me to be funny is be myself. Everyone has an opinion on how a female should be on stage. It's a double standard. But I don't censor myself if I feel like saying "Shit" 100 times, I will. I don't like to feel stagnant because when I'm not having fun, the audience isn't either.

Doing Stand Up has a formula to it (my opinion), how have you learned to create and perfect your formula? Who have you studied?
I have my 100 days of open mics. For 100 days, I videotape myself performing new material, then I study it. With anything, you have to study your craft. By the way, I dislike this process because I don't like to see myself on screen, but I force myself to look at it from an objective perspective. So next time I do the joke, it's more tight in the delivery, wording and timing. I've studied Pryor, Martin, Rock, Murphy, Robert Klein, and any up-and-coming comedians. I'm always studying the art of laughter. It's really an amazing thing! To make a room full of different people with different sensibilities laugh at one joke that you thought of.

You are also an actor and a model; how have these parts of you affected your craft? Stand up allows me to talk about my frustrations as a struggling actor, and annoyance with the modeling industry's strict stipulation of being super skinny. However, I am an actor first, then a model...then a stand-up comedienne. Modeling and stand up are sometimes interchangeable depending on how much I weigh at the given time. People are literally laughing at my pain! No pain, no gain right?

How did you develop your stage name?My stage name is still a work in progress. My real name is Shenika Williams. My agent informed one day it was a little too ethnic (I wanted to tell that heifer, “Bitch, I'm Black”). So I dropped the SHE and just went by Nika which means “Victory”. Nika was also written along with a traditional abbreviation of the Greek words for Jesus Christ on the cross: ICXC NIKA, meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers”! It's all in the name!

What's next for you?
I don't know what's next for me. I have some things I would like to happen, but it seems to always work better when I allow God to direct me. But wherever it is, it's on some next level shit times 1000.

Peace ‘n Blessings.

See Nika live online:
www.myspace.com/nikawillwww.youtube.com/nikawill1

Contact:

Trust & Obey Productions

10907 Magnolia Blvd. Suite 461

North Hollywood, CA 91601

(818) 754-0275

2009-06-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Father Knows Best
By Roscoe Chambers

I'm the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in the Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST” I’ve been asked to contribute to the award winning “Brown Betties Gazette”. I will attempt to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide.

Greetings Readers,

Now, let’s talk about that “Extended Inshoance” as some may call it. Let’s be clear, in a nutshell “COBRA” is extended healthcare that is offered by the company when you leave the company for whatever reasons. However, if you select COBRA you are required to pay the premium for healthcare benefits and no longer eligible to receive benefits at the reduced rates provided by your employer. At the time of termination your HR representative should provide the appropriate documents and explain the program accordingly. If you don’t receive this information ……ASK for it. COBRA is good for 18 months; however, at the end of 18 months you can request to extend the coverage.

Having said that, our economy has obviously gone through some major hits over the last year. The new administration has taken on some major legislative changes in hopes of not only stimulating the economy, but also protecting families who have lost their jobs (or who will lose their jobs). Remember, until recently, the number one reason that families would go bankrupt was medical debt. Thus, encouraging hard-hit families to keep their medical coverage, even though they may be out of work, is a smart decision - and a meaningful one across the board.
But now that President O-BAM-A is in the house, he signed the new “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)” into law in February of this year. This is a great thing for the ever-growing number of Americans who have lost their jobs over the last year. But like most COBRA legislation, it does create more work for employers……..But who cares!

Roscoe Chambers II is also the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers07@gmail.com

2009-06-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Enterprising Bettie

A Journey of a Million Miles:
Being in Harmony with the Flow of Life
By Sidney Gaskins

Butterflies are one of my favorite creatures. Their beauty and transformation have always amazed me. Maybe it is due to the butterfly decal my Mom had in the rear window of our 1970’s Ford Station Wagon. I like to think that the process of butterflies sprouting those beautiful wings is similar to the Life of a human being.

We all have a time when we will sprout wings. Metaphorically speaking, it comes at different times for everyone. The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly occurs without struggle or strain; it is just a part of the cycle of the caterpillar to butterfly. There are over 160,000 types of butterflies in the world, just as there are differences in people. From the beginning a caterpillar is a voracious eater consuming food, (ever read the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar?). In the next phase, it ceases to consume food and goes into a “mummy-like” state. Some caterpillars go into this phase by covering themselves with a cocoon, hiding in dirt, or simply suspend themselves from trees using a silk pad attached to a tree. Whatever way they choose, the caterpillar goes into a world of its own until it is time for it to emerge completely transformed.

The life of a caterpillar is not unlike the Life of a human. At the beginning of Life, we take in everything from food to noises to faces. At some point, we break away and begin creating our own cocoon. It could be the cocoon of our friends, family, neighborhood, college, trade school, or job that serves to give us what we want. What happens in that cocoon can dictate our characteristics when we emerge, if we emerge at all. If the cocoon is too tight, gets damaged, or if there is an accident, the contents may be skewed, miss necessary elements, or not see the light of day. The cocoon is there to serve as a place for growth and development of the things necessary to survive in the next phase.

Once the butterfly appears, it is miraculous and it instinctively goes on its way. Some butterflies are great navigators, flying upwards of 1800 miles to their Fall destination where they’ll meet up with others; while some stick around pollinating the plants. No matter what, each type does its job without fuss, fight, or complaint because it is in harmony with Life. For you, having harmony means your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings are in agreement. Harmony is not elusive; you can create harmony with these four ingredients:

1. Focus on Your Goal
2. Be Aware of What and Who Surrounds You
3. Put Your Feelings in Check
4. Fly, Fly, Fly

The next thing you know you will be in the flow of Life, your wings will appear and you too, will be miraculous.

Enterprising Life, LLC. All rights reserved.Enterprising Life, LLC. is a professional coaching and consulting enterprise that helps individuals, families, and businesses create fulfillment in life and the workplace, while achieving prosperity and productivity.

Contact Info: www.EnterprisingLife.comunstoppablelife@gmail.com

2009-06-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Two Sides
by Shantai Nicole

Shantai offers her two cents on the two sides to relationships and everything that comes with 'em.

How do you know if a man is truly interested?

First, I believe that you already know when a man is interested in you. When he's interested he:

· Calls you all the time (to the point where you rarely worry why he isn't calling)
· Pursues you by giving you lots of attention and compliments
· Wants to take you places with his friends and family
· He wants to both share his feelings with you, and hear and listen to your feelings (well, sometimes!)

I'm sure you know these are the signs of a man who is truly interested.

What I don't think you understand is, if you're looking for an answer about a man's interest level, then the question is "how do you know when a man is not really interested?" Here are some telltale signs:

· He doesn't call often
· He goes for entire weekends without inviting you somewhere, or asking to be with you with out a great excuse
· He doesn't let you know what he's doing with his spare time (because he might be interested in or dating someone else)
· He talks about how he's not looking for a "serious" relationship

Now, knowing all this, there's something that is way more important than trying to guess whether a man is interested in you.

You could spend hours worrying as you try to get into his head and figure out what in the world he might be thinking and feeling from the time you've spent together. But why put yourself in this position? Why wait around and wonder if he'll like you? Besides, aren't men "supposed to" pursue and court the woman?

Well, there's a way around worrying about all this. The way around all the guesswork is to stop guessing and instead start doing the things that always work to create intense attraction inside a man. When a man feels a deep level of attraction for a woman, all his old "logic" goes out the window. A man who used to be certain that he didn't want to be in a committed relationship, who didn't like talking on the phone, and who didn't like public displays of affection can instantly be transformed by the attraction he feels. When a man experiences a deep level of attraction for a woman, he literally can't control how he feels. Or what he does.

Which means...

When you do the things that are sure to make a man feel that gut-level attraction that goes deeper than just his physical attraction and desires... He'll do and try anything to be close to you. The trick here is knowing what it is that makes a man feel this kind of attraction for you. Sorry ladies, that part you are on your own about…

I’m going to try and switch it up for you from time to time, but until next time, best to you in life and love.

P.S. It's not the dark ages anymore. Being alive and single at this time can be a huge blessing.

Shantai Nicole
www.LadySentertainment.com
Twitter: LadySNM

2009-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Love, Hate, Want, Need
By Bettie Brown

Miss Bettie Brown tells us what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

Love and Needs:

I was at Sephora at Hollywood & Highland looking for some foundation for a photo shoot when I came across reality star and tattoo artist, Kat Von D’s line of make up. The line looks gnarly and yummy and sassy and sultry all at once. She has a red lipstick that looks fantastic and has a wonderful name: Painted Love

Sephora.com says: "...this edgy color collection exemplifies old-Hollywood glamour with an L.A. vibe. From pin-up perfection to rocker chic, this limited-edition lineup allows you to tap into your bad-girl side and unleash your inner artist."

Love that!

I was only browsing for this particular Sephora journey, so I did not road test the lipstick nor did I purchase. However, I will soon and I’ll tell you all about it because you can never have too many red lipsticks in your life.

Need it!

My current favorite is still MAC's "Film Noir" topped off with Plush Red a divine gloss by NYX (that I found at our favorite wig shop, "Superstar Hair" on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City) . This deep moody combination makes for a perfect pout every time...especially at showtime!

~Stay Bettie-licious!

2009-06-18T07:07:00.001-07:00

In My Solitude

Harmony
By Cecilie Davis Carter

I can finally say that I’ve given up my license to drive. Instead, I now have a Chauffeur. He picks me up every morning and takes me wherever I need to be. Even when there’s traffic, He gets me to my destination unscathed. Not only does He guide my every move, but He is also an amazing companion. When the weather is bad or there is loud construction on the road, He talks to me and makes me feel balanced, at ease and harmonious. I always feel comfortable in His car. He lets me vent about my problems, issues or concerns, and He gives me great advice. Sometimes when I’m down or in a bad mood, and I lash out at HIM, He forgives me. We seem to have gotten closer since I’ve been riding in His car. When I’m in trouble, it’s as if He’s always there. After we talk, I always feel happy and content. I feel like I can really depend on my chauffeur. If you don’t have His number, I’d be more than happy to give it to you. I was lucky enough to have gotten His number one day when I took a wrong turn and had to ask for directions. He’s easy to reach. If He seems like he’s busy, or not at home, just leave a message, and He will definitely get back to you. But remember you have to give up your license. There’s no room for both of you in the driver’s seat.

In my solitude, I am full of love, peace, faith and HARMONY.

Be Well.

Cecilie is a writer, actor, producer living in Los Angeleshttp://www.rutherfordroadpictures.com/

2009-06-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

2009-06-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the ninth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night” performed by the Brown Betties.

Chapter 10 – A Manor of Speaking

Harlem ran up the freshly-swept concrete stairs to her Brownstone. Before she could turn the key, the door flew open and there was little Tilda full of smiles and jumpin’ with excitement.

Tilda was tiny and looked much younger than her eighteen years. Her smooth coconut skin glistened as the sun kissed her forehead. Her fingers moved quickly as she tried to tell Harlem something.

“Slow down!” Harlem signed back to her. Tilda had been deaf since birth, but had just learned sign language only eight months ago when Harlem enrolled her in St. Augustine’s School for the Deaf.

Tilda said, “The new costumes have arrived!” Now it was Harlem’s turn to jump with excitement. She and Tilda had spent weeks designing the beaded bodices of the new corsets that would debut with the new numbers for the Brown Betties’ performances.

That reminded her. She had to come up with a plan, or a really good excuse that would not only explain to Cora how Harlem was the owner of a brownstone that took up half a block and was formerly known as Lady Magdalena’s Manor…and how she and Tilda were the outfit behind the sultry Brown Betties who were quickly becoming the hottest dancers outside The Cotton Club.

She and Tilda headed for the drawing room where she could see the corsets laid upon her long maple table surrounded by several high-backed chairs upholstered in dark purple satin – Harlem’s favorite color. Rich magenta curtains complemented the room in a way that always made Harlem smile. She was about to pour herself and Tilda a brandy and soda when the doorbell rang.

Both women looked at each other with hunched, questioning shoulders as neither of them was expecting a visitor this evening. They both walked to the great oak door; Harlem waited while Tilda swung it open. Both their mouths dropped as they stared into the hazel eyes belonging to Honey. She carried two suitcases, a baby, and announced oddly, “I’m home!”
(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2009-06-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Momma Said

by Vicki Rogers (My momma)

Harmony.

I’ve just returned from the movies where I got my Trekkie fix. I love Star Trek! This particular film is great and made me think about my article for this month because I am in Harmony!
Let’s stop for a moment (before we begin). “Harmony”--- what an interesting word in our English language. Language has always fascinated me as language is a culture’s galaxy. The choice of one word over another guides our trajectory as we fly through our cultural cosmos. … … simply … fascinating.

Ok. To achieve Harmony at least two things have to come together as a cohesive unit. A duet or chorus, as it were. Things that once joined, seem like they had never been separate. Like peanut butter and jelly, movies and surround sound, and showers and shampoo:

~It’s great to have a harmonious PB & J sandwich, thus not causing gas to the consumer.

~It’s marvelous when, even though I waited in a long line at the box office, I stimulated the economy and got my “Trek” on with fabulous surround sound.

~It’s fantastic how showers and shampoos can make the world of difference in bringing harmony into a household. Yes, my guy just returned from the dreaded hygiene-forsaken annual fishing trip, or the week long “ManFest” as I like to call it. It’s a week of rollin’ with the guys, void of water unless they are pulling a fish out of it. However in search of a harmonious reunion, my guy stripped at the door and headed for the bathroom after a quick pat on the back and peck on the cheek. No screaming required and I really enjoyed that!

Do not mistake harmony for a lateral word. This word is a metaphor for growth within any relationship. It not only suggests success but achieves it. Harmony’s mobility is upward and it implies or requires cooperation which is, itself a positive action…just like going to see Star Trek!

2009-04-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

Editor’s Edict

Have you ever given advice and then realized you didn’t take the very advice you doled out? I’m guilty of that! The other night I was complaining to friends that I was upset the Cabaret wasn’t further along and that I was a bad business woman because I still need funding and blah blah. Now, by telling my friends I needed help, I was able to receive help, but I’m not particularly happy with how the request poured out of my mouth. I was not coming from a place a joy – i.e. I wasn’t rejoicing in how well I’ve done these past three years with the Cabaret…I wasn’t looking at the positive side in what I HAVE, I was looking at what I DON’T HAVE. I forgot to rejoice. So now, I’m gonna take a moment to do just that. I’m at a café (my “office”) working on the Gazette and RUN DMC and Aerosmith’s song, “Walk This Way” is playing…please hold while I dance in the aisles for a moment of rejoicing....! (OK, I’m back. I was too chicken. I got up and strutted to the bathroom to the beat of the song and pretended to dance. Close enough.)

I encourage you to find your own way of rejoicing this month (and beyond). Feel free to start by enjoying this month's Gazette! You'll find all the great stuff, per usual. Our Brown Bettie is LeShay Tomlinson Boyce (a revival in honor of her 1-yr anniversary of marriage); our Bad Boy is funny man, Rodney Perry. Tanya Alexander-Henderson keeps us fluid with her poetry, "My Life, My Way"; our tax advisor, Baadja-Lyne Ouba offers more tips for Home Owners in "Unzipped". My dad tells you throw a party to find work in "Father Knows Best" while my mom reminisces about some fluffy Easter Chicks in "Momma Said". For the Bettie in you, don't forget to check out Tip #3 on how to keep looking for love in all the wrong places in "Brown Bettie Knows Best", and peruse some lovely lingerie in the "Love, Hate, Want, Need" article. Keena Ferguson offers her last installment on her trip to see President Obama in “Brown Bettie Beautifully” and Cecilie Davis Carter tells you look at the bright side "In My Solitude". And if you're feelin' down, take advice from Sidney Gaskin in "Enterprising Bettie". (I did!) After all that, sit back and chill with the tenth fiction installment of "Harlem's Awakening".

Happy April my friends!

xo
The Hot One

peppur@brownbetties.com

2009-04-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

A Brown Bettie Becomes Her Dream

by Peppur Chambers

LeShay ("Mad Energy") Tomlinson Boyce
Actor. Newlywed. Bonus Momma

Miss LeShay and I met years ago in Chicago's former upscale hot spot, the Shark Bar where she was a waitress--rather, I'd like to say she was the self-appointed "Maitre'D Mamma-Hostess With The Mostess" of a grand par-tay. Were it not for her required server uniform, I imagine LeShay would have worked the deep mahogany room in a crisp, white Dior party dress with a dry martini in one hand and a delicate mini-quiche in the other...all while graciously smiling at her guests like Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island. Most times, LeShay was the primary reason my crew and I would return night after night because she made me feel so welcome. LeShay was also one of the first of my Chicago friends to declare that she was moving to LA to act in film. I remember thinking, "Wow! For real?" I, myself, was headed to New York to sing, but to act in LA...now that was somethin'. Today, LeShay, a native of Queens, NY and an eight-year transplant to Los Angeles is a working actor and a newlywed which not only elevated her status to that of "Mrs.", but also placed her on a new throne of motherhood. Even with all these titles that bring on a new set of responsibilities and demands, she remains as gracious and talented as ever. Recently I saw her on stage at the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) Storyteller Competition where she acted in a scene from Derek Lively's finalist screenplay, "The Nigga", about an out-of-work Shakespearean actor who transforms into a gangsta rapper and becomes a star. While playing a grounded, yet sassy, strong-willed executive who'd been wrongly accused, her graciousness towards the other actor, David Bianchi, as well as the command of her craft had the audience suspended on her every word. (As a result, this screenplay also won the competition!)

Ultimately, Mrs. LeShay Tomlinson Boyce knows how to ENTERTAIN and anyone that knows her, whether professionally or socially, will say the same.

LeShay, I've been wondering something: I tend to pronounce your name Lah-Shay and sometimes I hear you see Lee-Shay. Which is it, please?
It’s technically LeeeeeShay. That’s the name my mother gave me– when I started school my teachers would add the jazzy French pronunciation Lahchez, and I didn’t bother to correct them because I liked that too. LeeeShay is reserved for family.

As actors, we are constantly being defined, undefined, redefined...How do you define yourself these days? If at all?
For the first time in my career, I’m not defining myself as just an Actor. Which is really a nice change – I’m now a real grown up, with responsibilities – it’s really something. So now I define myself as a GAW – a GROWN ASS WOMAN!

What's your next project?
Well now that my former employer’s been acquitted of all charges, maybe “KATHY” from ‘Trapped in the Closet’ will appear in Chapters 50 – 100 of the next installment. :)
KIDDING.

But seriously, I currently have two AFI (American Film Institute) films traveling the festival circuit, the comedy “The Lutheran” and the drama “Stitches”.

Editor's note 4/09: LeShay is in Elite Delta Force 3 also; http://www.elitedeltaforce3.com/

What is your biggest dream?
Receiving the Tony Award for my 1 Woman Show on Broadway directed by Meryl Streep.

Do you have any re-occurring dreams? If so, tell us! If not, why do you think that is?

YES! It’s the one where I start chewing a piece of gum that gets bigger and bigger, and every time I try to pull it out, there’s more and more gum in my mouth. I think it means, I have a lot to say and I NEED TO JUST SPIT IT OUT!

What scared you today - literally or figuratively?
The thought of my in-laws coming.

In my opinion, you are a person that creates synergies --whether you are making your famous tuna salad or whether you are on the big screen. How do you maintain this mad energy?

Wow. Thank you. Actually it’s genetic. And God on the inside of me.

You were married recently (4/08) in Mexico to a wonderful man. Do you remember the day? If so, what stood out the most for you?
The overwhelming feeling of Joy –It was the happiest I’ve ever felt.

I became a stepchild around the same age as your "new kids"; what's the best thing you have learned from them so far?
And I like to say “Bonus”, instead of Step – Step sounds so……not positive.
So you ask, what’s the best thing I’ve learned from my bonus children……PATIENCE.

What advice would you give your step-daughter as she grows to become her own Brown Bettie?
Wait.
Don’t rush in to anything….Think before you act.
And don’t call/text him, if he likes you give him the opportunity to pursue you.

There's a classic Peanuts book titled, "Happiness Is A Warm Puppy" (Charles Schulz' first book). It sites random stuff that makes a person happy, like, "Happiness is a blank piece of paper". Fill in the blank.

"Happiness Is FORGIVENESS."

http://www.leshayonline.com/

2009-04-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

Father Knows Best
By Roscoe Chambers

Out of work? No worry. In this segment of “Father knows best” I want to give you the 411 on a topic that is never ending when you find yourself unemployed: the personal makeover from the “OLD you to the NEW you”.

1. Give Yourself a Makeover
After a relationship breakup the majority of people lose weight, get in better shape, buy some new clothes and start looking their best in order to attract a new mate. You need to do the same to attract a new job. You need a positive attitude now more than ever. Your day-to-day life is about to change. Start off with this change on the right foot by feeling terrific about yourself. Most people who have been in a relationship or on a job for awhile let themselves fall into personal habits that can degrade their appearance. Get out and have a manicure and haircut – maybe even a new style. Make sure you can dress sharp for meeting people. Spending money is not the first thing to do when you are out of work; yet, if you can afford just a few new shirts or outfits for meetings and interviews, they are an investment and will pick up your attitude. In addition, any old colleagues or associates you might bump into will see the new energized you. Make a new impression and they will keep you in mind when they hear of an opening. Everyone wants to make a good hire recommendation.

2. Get Your Picture Taken
After your makeover get a great head shot or two of yourself and make sure you are smiling. Get copies and place one where you will see it every day -- such as on your refrigerator.

3. Become Searchable
If you don’t already have a MySpace or Facebook page, or a website, get them. Gear your pages to be professional rather than personal. Spell out your skills and accomplishments. Use that new picture of yourself. Make sure people can leave you messages.

4. Create a Hard Copy Portfolio
This is a one-or two-pager about you similar to a resume though with your picture and a bit more pizzazz. Make 25 copies and place them inside a nice simple folder. Again include a picture of yourself and make sure they contain all of your contact information. Also start working on your resume.

5. Write Some Testimonials about Yourself
Write something about yourself that is a testament to your skills and abilities. These can be one or two sentences each. Make a different testimonial for each of your friends and associates. Customize these so that each of them will be aware of what they are attesting to and have them sign a hard copy.

6. Throw a Party
That’s right. Call all your friends and associates and let them know you are having an “unemployment” party. This does not have to be elaborate.
Be the host of the party with a great attitude. Let everyone know you are job hunting and be clear about what types of work you will accept.
Have your guests sign your personal testimonials. Showing everyone that you are not sitting around sulking; this will impress them and they will want to help you.

7. Start Taking People to Lunch
Look for possible employers. Search the companies within travel distance of your home. Contact a relevant manager or CEO and call them with an offer for lunch. Let them know you would like to do a brief interview for a web article you are writing. Get their contact information and have ten questions prepared about their business. Question could pertain to the current climate in their industry, their growth and hiring status, their long term plans, and how long they have been with the company and their background. Make sure you have included copies of each of your testimonials in your portfolio and hand a portfolio to the person at the end of lunch.
Take notes and write a brief few paragraphs about the interview and post them on your website, MySpace, or Facebook page. Send each person a hand written thank you note with an invitation to visit the page and read the article.

Follow up with an email letting them know that you are seeking employment and ask them to keep their ears open. Say in touch with these people every few weeks with a purposeful email for example to let them know what comments you have received on their interview article.
Getting away from staring at the Internet job sites and out of the house into the business world on a regular basis will keep you from becoming a daytime television junkie. Do as many of these lunches as you can afford. If you cannot afford the lunches, ask for on-site interviews and go to them.

This is a great way to connect and network. You will be learning about your industry and specific companies and you will be making contacts that could last you a lifetime and land you a job.

Roscoe Chambers II is also the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers07@gmail.com

2009-04-15T23:38:00.002-07:00

Enterprising Bettie
Staying on the Ride of Life
3 Actions to Overcome Circumstances
By Sidney Gaskins

“The people and circumstance around me do not make me what I am, they reveal who I am” Laura Schlessinger

Circumstances are often thought to be the overwhelming factors in decisions and choices. Maybe this will be good news for some, circumstances are simply “accessory facts or details” that we often give undue credence. In the current “economic” state, we are bombarded with circumstances: unemployment rates, high prices, fear of “x” happening. Right now, there are few conversations for having life be a blessing regardless of the circumstances. Life is just one circumstance after another, each day hands us circumstance after circumstance. How do you manage to live through them and come out as a diamond? In this season of renewal, take these 3 actions to heart and repeat them regularly:

1. Relax
Often when we are in the middle of the storm or circumstance the tension is unbelievable, frustration is high, and it is hard to see our way out. Find a place of quiet, which may mean turning off the television, radio, cell phone, computer, and refusing company to gather your thoughts. Relaxing will allow you to let the racing in your mind to slow down, it will quiet the voices, and release any emotions that have been bottled up. Once you allow yourself to relax you can begin to clearly create a plan of action.

2. ReGroove
ReGrooving is the process of planning to do something that is different from what you have been doing. Here you take stock of your abilities, what talents you possess, all of the resources at your disposal. Yes, it includes finances, people, jobs, etc. The new actions you will take may be radical and unexpected; they will take courage and planning, and will move you to a new level of responsibility, freedom, joy, and peace. This is where you begin to purge the old and produce new blossoms. As a part of this process you will begin to see all you have which will lead you into the last, but most important step.

3. Rejoice
In hard times or in circumstances when you do not see the light at the end of the tunnel, the simple principle of Thanks is necessary. Why rejoice last? To rejoice you have to be able to see what you already have, if you never stop to see it, you will never appreciate it enough to “be gladdened”. The word “rejoice” is a verb, which means it is active, you cannot rejoice passively. Be glad that you have the opportunity to move your life to another level, be glad that you have the people around you, be glad that you have a voice to speak, be glad that you have a mind to create, and you will be amazed at how your circumstances become a stepping stone.

Circumstances are a part of Life, let them be a part of building what you want and allow them to reveal the diamond within.

Copyright © 2006-2009
Enterprising Life, LLC. All rights reserved.
Enterprising Life, LLC. is a professional coaching and consulting entity that helps individuals, families, and businesses create fulfillment in life and the workplace, while achieving prosperity and productivity.
www.EnterprisingLife.com

unstoppablelife@gmail.com

2009-04-15T23:38:00.001-07:00

Brown Bettie Beautifully

Our Brown Bettie Keena traveled to President Obama’s Inauguration in Washington, DC and kept a small diary. Here is Day 3 of her travels:

Day 3:
My Godmother dropped us off and we were all bundled up with our coats on top of coats, boots, scarves, and small personal items because you couldn’t bring big items into the ceremony. As we got closer downtown the subway filled up so much that we became real live sardines on the subway car. I mean seriously we were all pushed together in closer proximity than you normally want to be, but again everyone’s spirits were in high excitement and there was no complaining, because what…we were going to the Inauguration! When we finally got to our stop and got off the swarm of people was amazing. As Ajamu pointed out it looked like liquid people. We walked to our section and the line was already ridiculous. We got in the midst of the crowd and people were talking and laughing but were definitely feeling the cold weather. They weren’t opening the doors to the actual lawn of the ceremony till like 8:30am and it was just 6:15am. After what seemed like a long time I realized it was only 7:30am and I was literally freezing. I bought some hand warmers from another woman standing in line and at this point everything was freezing on me and all of these millions of people were not creating any type of body heat whatsoever. I looked at Ajamu and said, I’m not sure if I can make it.” I was completely freezing and I still had another hour to wait and then still had to stand outside for the ceremony for another couple of hours. Now let’s see that equals out to at least another four hours and I honestly didn’t know if I would make it. There was no sun just freezing temperatures. There was the comedy of people trying to cut in line and this white girl beside us trying to start her own rally/protest yelling at them, “Don’t cut the line, don’t cut the line,” repeatedly but she herself was too afraid to go over and say anything. Finally, another woman did and she chanted and cheered for her bravery although she only wanted to chant from the sidelines and watched other people actually say something. Needless to say I stuck it out for hope, for inspiration, for history, and for the love of President Obama. (He owes me one) So they finally let us in and because we didn’t get in line the night before like others we had to stand but fortunately the sun came out and was right over us and I started to warm up some. Well now Ajamu was freezing and getting a little irritable but the lady who sold us the hand warmers gave us some foot warmers for free.

The crowd of people was just more than words and everyone was anticipating this moment. One woman passed out in front of us because she had not eaten and was a diabetic but after almost 10 minutes finally the paramedics came but aside from that there were no real issues. (Oh and they only had 500 port a potties for a million people) Finally, the ceremony began with some music and children’s choir (but it honestly wasn’t that interesting) I think they should have a dj for the ceremony so people can dance and it would have kept us warm. Finally government people began to arrive and once Vice President Dick Cheney, President Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush arrived you heard a thunderous Booooooooo. I was almost embarrassed and felt sad for them but then I realized that is the least they deserve after the state of this country. One man even yelled out, “You ruined our country.” I must agree with him on that one. The ceremony itself happened with not much to do but then President Obama raised his hand and took the oath and people screamed, cheered, cried and rejoiced for the new day that was beginning. In that moment everyone for miles around became one voice, one connected spirit as we all were happy to be there to be able to witness this momentous occasion and we knew that we were a part of something that you could never take away from us. That was it; that was all that was written; Barack Obama was officially the President of the United States of America and people of all colors, ethnic backgrounds, and various religious faiths had troubled far and wide to support and put their faith in this man and what he can do for our country. I was so proud that day to be an American and to be a part of something spectacular.

Keena Ferguson is a Los Angeles-based actor who has also co-produced and written her first short film, KAI. She plays "HATE" in Harlem's Night Cabaret. Learn more at www.keenaferguson.com

2009-04-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Love, Hate, Want, Need
By Bettie Brown

Miss Bettie Brown tells us what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

Like many, I’m a girl that likes to be waaarrrm when she goes to sleep. That means I’m jumping into bed in green and yellow flowered flannel PJ’s, a long-sleeved T-shirt and red wool socks. That’s not sexy, and I know it.

Sure I want to wear lacy thongs and demi-bras and garters and such…but really, sometimes it’s all just too much. I need to be a grown up and just STOP IT with the cotton bras, boy shorts and tank tops, even though they are sooo comfortable. “Comfort” is no longer a viable excuse especially since I don’t have any particular aversion to girly stuff; I love how beautiful lingerie looks on me and rejoice in its residual effects. When I realize this, I hate that I don’t even make an effort to treat myself (and my BF) to something nicer!

It’s time to change.

I love vintage and have one night gown I will start wearing at least once a month. It is a long flowing sheer white gown that belonged to my Grams… As she gave it to me and I held it up to her, I remember saying, “Grandma, it’s so see through!” She said, “Doesn’t matter, you don’t keep it on for long!” (Yippeee!)

Next, I went shopping online at my favorite store, Agent Provocateur. These items are in my virtual shopping basket, to be purchased at a later date:

$160 Love demi bra (Gorgeous!)

$170.00 Grace

Nicola Bra $150 (sweet 'n cute)
$90 Nicola Thong

$180 Faran Bra
$250 Faran Waspie (cool!)
$170 Jacqueline –

(would rock this under a wife-beater or a vintage slip!)

I look forward to having a better lingerie life! Good luck with your own.

2009-04-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

In My Solitude

I understand
By Cecilie Davis Carter

In my solitude, I understand that it’s not easy in the world right now. I realize that people are losing their homes. I know that money is tight and every month it’s a mystery how the mortgage will be paid. I get how it would be easy to fall into a sorrow-filled river and wonder when you will set your feet on dry land again. Trust me, I understand. But what I don’t understand is how easy it is for us to focus on what we don’t have versus cultivating what we do. We may not have the same financial security that we had this time last year, but we still have friends and family. We may not be able to take a vacation this year, but we have our health. We may not have the career we want, but Faith is free, and if you don’t have that I suggest you start looking for it ASAP. In my solitude, I remind myself that we must remember that the true feelings of love, joy and happiness come from the inside. Once that’s attained, everything else will follow suit. God will never give us more than we can handle. We will all get through this. Let’s just remember what’s REALLY important. And that is: To Rejoice.

Be well.

2009-04-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

The Spotlight

My Life, My Way

by Tanya Alexander-Henderson

My Life pursuits of excellence,
Through challenges of social turbulence

With classic renditions of unbending convictions

Wrought by a pure hero with the noblest of missions.

My Way to eleven rings of glory,

Encircling the legend of those before me

Epitomizes that role so many model after

Agonizing to pioneer a trail they cannot capture.

Of the strong and trustworthy a champion is found.

My Life, My Way, Unbound...

Pieces of Tanya...A Spoken Word Project - Available Now!

"The Mirror/rorriM ehT" Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXyScAhAv40
"1 Out of 10" Music Video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLGjn6j6d-0
Download: iTunes - http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=pieces+of+tanya
Hard copy: www.cdbaby.com/cd/tanyaalexander
Website: www.supernovaproductiongroup.com

SuperNova Production Group
It's Time to Shine...

2009-04-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

Unzipped

IRI Tax tips to help you get through!

Homeowners Rejoice: Tax Breaks Are Here....
Let's be honest: April 15th is/was a day of reckoning, the moment when we find out what we really owe for taxes. In households nationwide wallets are drained and many who were rich on the 14th are greatly impoverished by the 16th.

But for those with real estate the load is made lighter by tax rules which encourage the ownership of homes and investment property. Such rules are not only good for homeowners, they're also good for the country: About 20 percent of all economic activity nationwide is related to real estate, so policies which encourage real estate activity help everyone.

It seems that almost every year changes to the tax code require the production of new forms and a re-education process. That said, the real estate basics remain in place and they're good news for buyers, sellers, borrowers and owners.

(For more detailed information, visit www.1040.com/iri)

Mortgage interest is generally deductible.

Substantial profits can be sheltered when a prime residence is sold.

Points may be deducible by both buyers and sellers.

Home offices may be deductible.

Sources and Publications
As always with taxes, nothing is ever simple or easy. Speak with a qualified tax professional for specific advice -- an enrolled agent, a CPA or an attorney who specializes in tax issues.
Also, the IRS itself has excellent information at its website, by phone at 1-800-829-1040 and with specialized publications such as those below:
Publication 523, Selling Your Home
Publication 527, Residential Rental Property
Publication 530, Tax Information for First-Time Homeowners
Publication 535, Business Expenses
Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home
Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction
Publication 946, How To Depreciate Property

The information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.If you would like more information on anything in "IRI Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax-cutting information from time to time, please contact our office. We're here to help.

IRI TAX/NOTARY
Bankruptcy
PassPort Photos
320 E. South Street
Long Beach, CA 90805
ALL SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
562 422-1603 (ofc)562 422-5010 (fax)
www.1040.com/iri

Year around service (24hr Answering Service during off tax season)
Baadja-Lyne OubaOwner/Operator

2009-04-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

Brown Bettie Knows Best
by Peppur Chambers

You, my sister, have seen the lows, you’ve rolled around in the ashes of scorched heartache ready to hang yourself with a wet rope soaked in lonely crocodile tears, and yet no one has applauded you on how well you are doing at doing something wrong. Well, because I’ve been through it too, and because everyone needs a pat on the shoulder, I salute you with these tips that will remind you whole-heartedly that you are doing everything absolutely wrong to find love. I hope these little morsels of loveless encouragement will coax you down from that painful chair of desperation, give you the strength to remove your noose and smile through your snotty haze as you nod and say, “Hey! That’s what I do!”

Ready? Let’s begin. And remember, you are not alone, my dear:

TIP 3:

Call him. A lot.

When he doesn’t call you back, be sure to call him at least twenty times a day. When he does finally answer (they always do, especially if you have annoyed them enough), make sure you are really, really mad.

2009-04-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

Bad Boy JOE
Each month we feature a wonderful man who has played the lead role of JOE in our Brown Betties & Joe cabaret.

Rodney Perry, Comedian

("JOE" Feb 08)

"What makes you a Bad Boy?"
Rodney is so baaaad, I'm still waitin' for his answer.

Catch up with him here:

http://www.rodneyperry.com/
www.myspace.com/rodneyperry

Facebook

2009-04-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the ninth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night” performed by the Brown Betties.

Chapter 10 – A Manor of Speaking

Harlem ran up the freshly-swept concrete stairs to her Brownstone. Before she could turn the key, the door flew open and there was little Tilda full of smiles and jumpin’ with excitement.

Tilda was tiny and looked much younger than her eighteen years. Her smooth coconut skin glistened as the sun kissed her forehead. Her fingers moved quickly as she tried to tell Harlem something.

“Slow down!” Harlem signed back to her. Tilda had been deaf since birth, but had just learned sign language only eight months ago when Harlem enrolled her in St. Augustine’s School for the Deaf.

Tilda said, “The new costumes have arrived!” Now it was Harlem’s turn to jump with excitement. She and Tilda had spent weeks designing the beaded bodices of the new corsets that would debut with the new numbers for the Brown Betties’ performances.

That reminded her. She had to come up with a plan, or a really good excuse that would not only explain to Cora how Harlem was the owner of a brownstone that took up half a block and was formerly known as Lady Magdalena’s Manor…and how she and Tilda were the outfit behind the sultry Brown Betties who were quickly becoming the hottest dancers outside The Cotton Club.

She and Tilda headed for the drawing room where she could see the corsets laid upon her long maple table surrounded by several high-backed chairs upholstered in dark purple satin – Harlem’s favorite color. Rich magenta curtains complemented the room in a way that always made Harlem smile. She was about to pour herself and Tilda a brandy and soda when the doorbell rang.

Both women looked at each other with hunched, questioning shoulders as neither of them was expecting a visitor this evening. They both walked to the great oak door; Harlem waited while Tilda swung it open. Both their mouths dropped as they stared into the hazel eyes belonging to Honey. She carried two suitcases, a baby, and announced oddly, “I’m home!”

2009-04-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Momma Said

by Vicki Rogers (My momma)

The coming of Easter this year and the memories it evokes once again takes me into the “Way Back Machine” to a time in Lawrence, Kansas when we lived on Mississippi Street.

Mississippi Street was a tree-lined haven with a brick-paved road; this was typical of many streets in Lawrence. Our house was in the middle of the block, placed at the beginning of a small incline. This house seemed huge to me, during my early years in the 1950’s. It had a front porch that covered the entire length of the house and a smaller one in the back. On the left side of our house was a sidewalk leading to the backyard and a similar house to ours. The backyard consisted of a small concrete pad, the entrance to the basement and a clothes line. Beyond that, there was more yard and the alley dividing the neighbor’s house and ours. On the right side was an empty lot filled with trees between us and those neighbors. It was magical there. It made me feel like anything could happen and all things could be discovered.

It was back here one Easter that magic happened, kind of. Easter was one of the few times during the year when my three sisters and I got something new; usually new dresses and shoes for church and maybe a hat and gloves. One year, I was perhaps four, we got chicks for Easter. This was really new for me, because everything that came into our house before that served a purpose and these definitely, in my mind, did not. They were just small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. There were four, thus avoiding any arguing about sharing. The cool thing was they were pastel. I mean, really who takes the time to color a chick? That was an extravagance in the 1950’s world of Vicki Rogers. These fuzzy little balls were pink, yellow, green and blue. I don’t remember where they came from, probably my Grandma Rogers. She liked chickens, so I’m told. Think about it, who in their right mind (even if it is your favorite grandmother) would give four little girls baby chickens, we were just babies ourselves. Just because we had a big yard didn’t mean we weren’t city girls. What were we supposed to do with chickens? They didn’t come with a coop or food. They just dropped in from heaven - or not. Were we supposed to keep them until we could farm eggs or have four chicken dinners? We didn’t even have a fence, for God‘s sake. My mother certainly didn’t have time to bring up chickens along with us.

I just remember being in the back yard as they were suddenly dropped beside me. Like magic. In their box, each one was chirping and spinning like a little wind up toy. Sometimes when you are little and your focused horizons are hem lines and knee caps, voices simply rustle like the crinoline slips you wear beneath starched cotton skirts…often, just an instrumental background to your own thoughts. So things drop before you like manna, without instructions. I remember petting them and trying to corral them as they bounced around the yard, even while the sunset deepened. In that light, they began to glow like fireflies each, still chirping as we played hide-and-seek in the grass. Momma called us inside. I, the last in the yard, finally stopped chasing them and went inside.

It wasn’t until morning when I woke up that I wondered how those little chicks were doing. I went into the backyard but I didn’t see the colored balls of cotton anywhere. I didn’t hear them cheep-cheep either. I looked under both porches thinking maybe they had slept there and no chicks. I wandered out to the alley, no chicks. I searched in the vacant lot around all of the trees. No chicks. I returned home and questioned my sisters. No one had seen the chickens -- they were just gone*. Strangely, we all didn’t seem too concerned about their disappearance either. I never really got an answer to what happened to the chicks. However, by the time I gave up looking for the chicks, I did remember it was time to feed the cats - Soda Pop, Fluffy and Ink Spot - they kept the mice outside.

Editor's note: While searching for a cute pic of chix, I came across another Easter Chix story.

2009-03-17T02:57:00.001-07:00

Editor's Edict
I’m sitting here with my five-month old kitty, “Iris” in my lap. I’ve wanted another cat since my family had to leave “Sylvester” behind with neighbors when we moved from Wisconsin to Texas when I was twelve. This cat is a long time comin’ and, for me, is a personal sign of Growth, which is this month’s topic.

Growth can present itself in many forms, like the Devil, as my Grandma Gordon used to say – Ha! Hopefully you’ll find plenty of good, rather than evil with “Father Knows Best” where my dad tips you on how to grow personally even after receiving a Pink Slip and Life and Business Development coach Sidney Gaskins offers insight on how to achieve a fulfilling life in, “Enterprising Bettie”. My mom parallels how she has grown through life with a poem entitled, “Original Bitch” for "Momma Said"…if you can tell us who the Original Bitch is at newsletter@brownbetties.com, we’ll send you a Brown Bettie gift!

Our featured March Brown Bettie is actor, artist and mom, Rachel Matos. You’ll find her words will inspire you to continue in your own journey with conviction, passion, and focus!

What’s life’s journey without a “Bad Boy”? This month’s featured Bad Boy Joe from our cabaret is the wonderful Thom Scott and if you’re having troubles with Bad Boys when searching for romance, don’t forget Tip #6 from the forthcoming “Brown Betties Guide to How To Look For Love In All The Wrong Places”.

Keena Ferguson was in the right place in January for President Obama’s inauguration. We continue with Day 2 of her three-day journal experience in “Brown Bettie Beautifully”.

Get your dose of literature in the tenth fiction installment of "Harlem's Awakening". Things are picking up with Harlem. Its tax-time, and this can hurt like the devil, but our resident accountant, Baadja Lyne-Ouba, helps by telling why you should file on time…then, mellow out with poetry from Cecilie Davis Carter, Tanya Alexander-Henderson and introducing our newest Brown Bettie, Chloe Williams with her poem I Am Woman.

Have a wonderful rest of the month and continue to GROW!

xo
The Hot One

peppur@brownbetties.com

2009-03-17T02:14:00.001-07:00

Bettie Beats Random
Rachel Matos
Actor. Mom. Artist

When "random" is not "random" is when you meet an amazing woman like actor, mom, artist, Rachel Matos.

Rachel and I met "randomly" through our crazy, passionate friend from Philly, Melissa Madison...whom I met online in a chat room. Sounds random, sounds out-there, but we met in 2003 on Backstage.com which was/is a forum for actors who are trying to feel their way out of a paper bag into this random industry called Acting.

Mel and Rachel attended an acting class at New York's "Black Nexxus" run by Susan Batson (coach to Nicole Kidman, among others) and her bad-ass director son, Carl Ford. I'd been studying there for years and begged the girls to come experience the rawness that I had been experiencing. (Rachel adds: Susan is the reason why I pursued acting so hard-core. She was very encouraging.)

They came, we saw, we tried to kick gritty acting ass.

Now, fast forward several years and we've all since moved to Los Angeles where we continue to kick-ass...but Rachel Matos is firmly stepping on every rung of the ladder as she clearly moves herself up, out and over that old paper bag.

This Bronx Babe who is part Ecuadorian (on her father's side) and part Puerto Rican, has not only managed to move to LA and audition and book regularly, but she has also maintained the balance of being a mom and a damn-good artist.

Do you remember your first piece of artwork? My mother was a young college student when I was toddler. She would take me to class with her, and all I did was draw the whole time so I don't exactly remember my first artwork. However, I do remember one of my crayon drawings getting into a children's art show that viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was about 5 or 6 years old. It was a sillouhette of an island during sundown.

What do you think of the current art scene in LA versus the one you left behind in New York? Naturally, it's different but I try not to compare. NYC is a museum town. However, LA has lots of great stuff too ... many great galleries. You have to know how to follow the shows. It's not as convenient as New York. I have seen some amazing work out here too.

Where is your favorite place that your art has hung?

A few years ago I was a part of an art show at the Colombian Consulate in NYC. That was my favorite place. I remember feeling very connected to the latino community ... a part of all the moves they were/are making culturally and artistically.

What makes you love acting? When I was child, I would do little skits for my family. I loved to make them laugh, especially because they all worked so hard. Laughing and joking around was a big outlet for my family. I also grew up watching telenovelas with my grandmother and was completely enthralled by the latina actresses (like Patty Manterola). I had a secret desire to pursue acting ... but it never seemed like a reality. It just seemed like something "other" people do for a living. So my love for acting goes deeper than the craft for me. Every audition I get is like a personal achievement and a big thank you to my family, especially my grandmother, who I later found out had a secret desire to be an actress.

What similarities do you find in your approach to painting and to developing a character, if any? The approach is similar in that I have to work hard to get focused. That's the first step. I have so many things going on, it can be challenging to find the silence needed to be in the moment and to commit to the moment. Meditation helps me get there.

You mentioned on your blog entitled, "'Cause I Feel Like It" about an audition where you had to yell at another actor...a perfect stranger. What exactly did you yell at her?The director said to start off with "You don't understand .... " and take it from there. Well, who doesn't feel misunderstood from time to time? That day, I had a few things on my mind about the industry and the perception some people have so I said ... "You don't understand what goes into every job I get. You don't understand that for every booking an actor gets, they auditioned dozens of times. You don't understand the type of endurance and thick skin needed to be in an industry like this."

You are in a project, "I Heart Hollywood" about the stories of 14 working actresses in Hollywood produced my friend Mashari Bain and includes two other friends J Nicole Brooks and Jamie Burton...what did you learn most about working on this project? Well, I learned that I had a story to tell that people could relate to. I was just living life, doing what I felt was right for me at the time. When the director, Rebecca Hu, asked me questions about my life, I found myself having many moments of self discovery. We all have obstacles, open doors, successes, and failures in life, you know. We handle it differently. As I spoke, I realized how much I had learned in my journey ... how much I had grown. It was pretty powerful for me.

It seems like there is an interesting movement among Women and Art...do you see this? Is there a name for it? What do you think about it? I have definitely seen the progression women have made in the art world, but we have a way to go. I am not sure if there is a name for it. I certainly don't give it a title or label. I tend to follow the careers of individual artists, particularly from those who explore their cultural identity. Some of the women I find extraordinary are Rina Banerjee, Renee Cox, and Shirin Neshat.
Editor's note: I took a moment to view the work of each of these women...really vivid, wonderful work. Thank you Rachel!

This is a corny question, but, what is your dream role? Every role I accept is a dream role, because the dream is to be an actor. However, if I can script it right now, I would love be a series regular as a lawyer. It's another field I am fascinated with. If I had it my way, I would be a likable lawyer though. Wait, are there any? I would like to be the Claire Huxtable of the law field. There, a corny answer to go with the corny question!

You site a quote by Walter M. Schirra, Sr.: "You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes." How is your son your hero? You know, children have such an innocent perception of the world. My son sees the green in the grass, the fluffiness in a squirrels tail, he savors every bite of mom's grilled cheese sandwich ... he feels the awesomeness of our universe and has a zest for life that I think many of us lose as we get older. Having him has taught me how to love and how to see the world through his eyes ... And for that, I say he is like a little hero to me.

From where do you draw your confidence?

When I was in the second grade, my little crush liked someone else. I remember telling my mom how the girl he liked was taller, had longer hair, better grades, and was prettier. I remember my mom saying "Rachel, in life there will always be someone prettier, taller, thinner, smarter, fatter, shorter ... you cannot compare yourself to others". That simple sentence stayed with me and I learned to not take things so personal (see parents, sometimes kids do listen). Years later, my acting coach at Stella Adler started off class with "Guys, you are all a character in your real lives. Don't try to be a character that is not you. We are all different and have something to offer. Be you in the situation at hand. Be who YOU are and just go with it". It's just in my head that I have something to offer ... that my life experiences will bring something to the table. When I walk into an audition, I just do me, and if they like it, great. If not, then I move it along. It's not personal for me.

What's next for you?

I am working on a series of paintings and I booked a webisode called "The Devil You Know" directed by P. David Ebersole. It's a novela, which you now know has a little special place in my heart. More importantly though, I am the mama of a very athletic little guy, so as much as I love working, I am full-time sports mom with a knack for making the best fry bread in town ... and watch out for the documentary coming out this summer.

Rachel Delilah Matos
http://www.rachelmatos.com/

http://www.rachelmatosblog.wordpress.com/

The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers - Deepak Chopra

2009-03-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Father Knows Best

I'm Roscoe Chambers, the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in the Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST”, I’ve been asked to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide.

Dear Readers,

Growth!...A powerful word!

With the economy rapidly sinking, a number of us have or will in the near future receive a pink slip stating that your current organization no longer requires your services. If you haven’t as of yet received this familiar pink slip document, be grateful and work as if Friday is your last day of work. But for those who have …..Dad has a tip far yah! …

But before I start, let’s talk about counter offers. If you’ve resigned for a better opportunity, in most cases never accept a counter offer from your current employer no matter how sweet the figure and here’s why: First, it’s insulting. Where did all of this money surface from as a sign of appreciation for my services and professionalism? Second, why didn’t I receive it early on when I so desperately needed and asked for a raise?

Here’s where that money comes from:

If you have not received your salary increase or bonuses for performance of the current year, most companies will move it forward disguised as a counter offer package or if you have already received your performance award for the year, the average performance award is calculated for the subsequent year and moved forward again disguised as the counter offer. Either way statistics reflect that 87% of those who received counter offers are gone within a year or less…. The goal is to keep you on board until another candidate is identified and hired.

Now for my tips….I want to share with you what signs to look for that indicate you are about to receive a Pink Slip for termination and what to do about it.
1) When you are no longer asked to have lunch with your manager
2) When your manager can’t look you in the eye
3) When your manager is walking in the same isle toward you and immediately turns into someone else’s cube until you pass hoping to not engage in any type of conversation
4) When your login and password all of a sudden don’t work and tech support can’t explain what is wrong
5) Your name is no longer in updated company directory
6) When you are no longer in charge of the company picnic
7) When your name is conveniently omitted from the email that announces the annual company benefits enrollment meeting
8) While discussed by colleagues, you are referred as “what’s her/his name”
9) No longer asked to have Chi- latte, donuts, cringle, croissants or finger sandwiches in the break room
10) When you know you kicked everybody’s ass in terms of performance and meeting your goals but your manager still rates you as…… “Slightly meets goals; needs improvement!”
11) Or the ultimate insult is when that one stupid ill-informed colleague who didn’t received the email ( there’s always one in the office) states “ it’s been wonderful working with you….Good luck in your new endeavors and don’t hesitate to call if I can be of any help in your JOB SEARCH”….. Of course the problem is, you are still physically working in your office……Where is my pistol?

Nevertheless here are additional tips to adhere to in the event the Pink Slip slips your way.
* Reflect on your gaffes at work, but do so briefly. It’s a good idea to think about what lead to your termination. Doing so will help you not repeat the same mistake again. But don’t dwell on it. By obsessing over a certain mistake, you’ll only make yourself crazy. Everything in life is 50-50. You made the best decision you could at time.
* Look at it as a new beginning. Sometimes we feel tied down at work. We enjoy a stable paycheck, but don’t enjoy the other aspects of the job. Getting terminated can be a blessing in disguise in that it allows you to go about doing something you really enjoy.
* It might not be your fault. Most companies hire and fire based on how good the economy is. There are a variety of factors aiding in corporate downsizing. Advertising agencies, for example, will terminate some of their employees if they lose a certain account. It has less to do with how well those employees executed their tasks, as it does with luck of the draw. Such might be the case in your situation.
* Think about your happiness first. Like I said in Step 2, you may not have enjoyed your old job. Your unhappiness might have lead to a poor performance that, in turn, led to your termination. Sometimes it really isn’t a good fit. That’s not any more your fault than it is whoever it was that hired you.
* Don’t let your termination consume you. We, as humans, typically work for 8 hours a day. Yet, for whatever reason, we associate our entire humanity with what we do for a paycheck. This is unfortunate. You are so many other positive things aside from a waiter, bartender, manufacturer, or manager. Why let one part of your life impact the other, more important parts?
*Look for a new job immediately. It’s best not to sit around and dwell on your firing. Instead of wasting time thinking about how unfair life is, you should refocus yourself on finding a new job.

In closing, if you received the pink slip, please don’t go postal, curse everybody on your way out or flip the bird. Remember, the working community is small and quaint; one can never determine who your next manager may know from your previous employer. Instead, with dignity, hold your head high, stand tall and hold those tears. Take all of the family and pet photos off your desk, credenza and computer tower; then with class and style place your coat over your arm grab your briefcase and proceed to walk out like you walked in ……Oh, and don’t forget your USB memory stick with all of your folders, contacts, and company proprietary information downloaded on it. Just jokes! :) Right!

Happy Job hunting!

2009-03-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

Enterprising Bettie

Get to Growing!
By Sidney Gaskins

At the beginning of this year, in the column “Love. Hate. Want. Need”, I implored you to make this the year of “Boldness, Freedom, And Having It All”. Then, last month the call went out to find your passion in life and to live your Life passionately. Both of those articles point to one thing: Growth. When you are being challenged in your Life, essentially you are being confronted with who you are; or a demand has been made upon you to show your skills or qualifications; or you’ve been summoned to take action and reach within further than the norm to stave off defeat. When the battle, game, or in our case, “the challenge” has been completed you are left with nuggets for growth. To begin growing beyond where you are, it takes challenging yourself and finding the passion for your Life. “How do I begin?” you may ask. Great question. Take on the five following steps daily for six weeks and you will witness tremendous growth in your Life.

1. Be Attentive: Pay attention to what you want and the things you see; observe those around you and those you are around; and take note of your daily routine.
2. Be Open: Who have you never talked to at work? How can you make a difference in the life of someone else regardless of your circumstances? It may be a smile, a phone call, or asking someone to lunch. Do not forget that you never know where you might get your “break”. Be open to speaking to others and open to listening.
3. Be Engaging: No man is an island, so involve others in what you are up to in life. It may take sharing a dream, a project, or a hurt. Turn the table and be involved in the life of another person – it is all engagement.
4. Be Active: The Universe loves energetic motion: take time to rest; plan activities that are worthy of your time; and involve the others.
5. Be Grateful: There is no substitute for taking stock of all the things you have and appreciating them. The grass is not greener on the other side if you are tending to your own lawn. Daily, write down 5 things for which you are grateful. Begin to build appreciation for what you have; this will allow your Life to grow immediately.

In business, love, family, and friendships these tools can be applied to all areas of your life to foster growth. Take this toolbox with you, use it for one week and the results will amaze you, then continue for the next six weeks to make it part of your life. It is all just a little water to help you grow.

Copyright © 2006-2009
Enterprising Life, LLC. All rights reserved.
Enterprising Life, LLC. is a professional coaching and consulting enterprise that helps individuals, families, and businesses create fulfillment in life and the workplace, while achieving prosperity and productivity.

Contact Info:
www.EnterprisingLife.com
unstoppablelife@gmail.com

2009-03-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

Brown Bettie Beautifully
Our Brown Bettie Keena Ferguson traveled to President Obama’s Inauguration in Washington, DC and kept a small diary. Here is Day 2 of her travels with boyfriend, Ajamu:

Day 2:
We had a few hours of sleep and were up early to have a little breakfast and we were off on the subway to pick up our tickets from the Senator’s office. The subway ride was quick and easy and I assumed it would take us all of 15min to pick up our tickets because it was the day before the election. Clearly everyone else was early and prepared and already picked up their tickets. Well, we walked up and there were hundreds of people in different lines around the building. I couldn’t believe it…why weren’t these people prepared and early?! I thought I was the only one waiting ‘til the last minute. Needless to say, there was no charm that could work to get me in front of the line so we waited, but still in good spirits because what…we were picking up tickets for the Inauguration! So we waited and met some nice people in line…get this a Black couple from North Dakota. Wow I didn’t really know there were Black people there, (I mean I did but only a handful) anywhoo, they were originally from Chicago but moved to N Dakota and they had 3 kids. They said they both received full scholarships to get their BA and their Masters because they are trying to promote diversity. They confirmed that there aren’t many of “us” there and that this cold DC weather was nothing for them because it has been -60 degrees there. “Are you freaking kidding me?” I said; negative 60 what in the world, how do they ever survive? Ok I digressed…so after a 45 min wait we finally got in and went to our Senator’s office and picked up our tickets and we were on our way. With tickets in hand we went to a great dinner and then headed home to prepare for the ball with Stevie Wonder performing. My girl Kwanda got us the hookup on this ball and so we decided to drive into the city instead of taking the train. (We were staying in MD) We got there and it was fabulous. It was open bar, free hors d oeuvres, and a performance by Stevie Wonder and another set by his band. We had a wonderful time and the energy of hope and inspiration was in the air of what was to come the next day. Just to give you an idea of how many people were in DC from all over I ran into a good friend of the family’s from Jefferson City, MO. I mean everyone was there in DC with a great attitude and a sense of, “it’s a new day.” Once it was time to leave we got back to the house but on the way back we passed the metro station and there were already cars lined up trying to get in for people to head downtown. “Oh my gosh!” I was thinking we are going home to go to sleep and these people are already going to stand in line for the ceremony. We slept for an hour and got up at 4:30am to head downtown.

2009-03-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

In My Solitude

A Life Without Passion
By Cecilie Davis Carter

Without Passion
Life stands still
Nothing to fulfill
Absent
Stagnant

Without Passion
Dreams don’t exist
Nights of emptiness
Gloomy
Hollow

Without Passion
Love passes by
Blind in both eyes
Lonely
Cold

Without Passion
There is no desire
No fire
Dry
Brittle

Without Passion
Affection is grey
Darkness is the day
No light
No fight

To be Without Passion
Is to be without life

LIVE
LAUGH
LOVE
PASSIONATLEY

2009-03-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

The Spotlight

The It Factor

by Tanya Alexander-Henderson

Poetry does a body good, no, a soul, twice a spirit.

It clears the mind, inspires the heart, frees the worries and conquers the fears.

It keeps me sane.

It encourages my insanity and makes it alright.

It loves my pen and adores my paper.

It speaks my mind to me.

It whispers my dreams and shouts my soul.

It glows.

It bounces a cool breeze off the hot of my mind and calms me.

It quenches my thirst for passion and freedom by drenching my intentions with the flow of words.

It makes me smile and think about me in the center of all this wonderfulness.

It is love.

Love on paper and spoken out loud.

It is marvelous, fantastical and magical--marfastical! Ha!

It makes me make up words.

It makes me laugh and feel as deep as I can without tears.

It is a gift of the utmost pleasure, an orgasm from God!

It is...it is the shit. It is.

Poetry is me.

Pieces of Tanya...A Spoken Word Project - Available Now!
"1 Out of 10" Music Video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLGjn6j6d-0
Download:

iTunes - http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=pieces+of+tanya
Hard copy: www.cdbaby.com/cd/tanyaalexander
Website: http://www.supernovaproductiongroup.com/

SuperNova Production Group
It's Time to Shine...

2009-03-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

Unzipped

Don't get Unzipped this tax season, IRI Tax Tips help you through.

“It’s worth your while to file on time.”
-Baadja

You may have heard horror stories from people who owe back taxes. How can you reduce the odds this will happen to you? File your taxes on time, no matter what, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service advises. Even if you can't afford to make the full payment that you owe, it's worth your while to file on time. If you wait to file until May or later you'll have to pay a 5 percent per month penalty on top of other penalties. The yearly interest rate on unpaid taxes is 6 percent. Late payment penalties are another 0.5 percent per month. These can add up quickly.

Here's the IRS link to set up an Online Payment Agreement, so you can pay your taxes in installments: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=149373,00.html

When you do this, you reduce the late payment penalty to 0.25 percent per month.

Ideally you'll want to pay your taxes in full. If you decide to take out a loan to pay your taxes make sure you compare interest rates so you're not paying more than you would with the standard government options.

The information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.If you would like more information on anything in "IRI Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax-cutting information from time to time, please contact our office. We're here to help.

IRI TAX/NOTARY

Bankruptcy

PassPort Photos

320 E. South Street

Long Beach, CA 90805

ALL SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

562 422-1603 (ofc)562 422-5010 (fax)

www.1040.com/iri

Year around service (24hr Answering Service during off tax season)

Baadja-Lyne OubaOwner/Operator

2009-03-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

I Am Woman
By Chloe Williams

I heard a voice within me last night,
And with waking, gleaming eyes, I rose to face it.
“I am woman”, it said, and then …
“But I am so much more”.
I reached out to touch
That chorusing sound,
Light and lithe with its simple phrasing
But the possibility of it was much too great.
With shattering promise,
It rose above me just out of reach.
It said, “You must claim this, you must earn this, you must transcend this
To keep this truth safe
Within your grasp.”

On pages of magazines, newspapers and
Timely gossip
That voice becomes a trite reprise:
A reminder of a hollowed and empty shell facsimile.
That voice blares on like a radio wave,
Produced for the masses
Tinny and thin.
On the painted lips, conformed to move and frozen
In brilliant technicolor, sound comes, but the
Words
Have no weight.
These words do not resound like the voice
Does within me.
Its genuine and triumphant noise cannot be so.
“I am woman,” it said, and then …
“But I am so much more”.
Under misrepresented guise, and broken vestiges
Of hard and tireless work,
What have we earned?
What have we claimed; disclaimed?
What have we become?

You see, I rose in that night
With a sound of my own,
Prepared to meet its calling like so many before.
I cast the paper thin images aside
And deep within me knew that I could fulfill
What was asked of me,
And not deny.
And with a voice that was strong and clear
And so wondrously mine, I chose to reply:

I have the capacity to give life,
to heal the sick and change societies.
I have the will and the right to speak up and be heard
And the ability to be quiet, waiting, watching and wanting with sage wisdom
I have the capacity to love whomever and accept love in return
And the ultimate, yearning drive to be fearless, boundless,
Legendary:
“I am woman,” I said, and then …
“But I am so much more”.

2009-03-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Brown Bettie Knows Best
by Peppur Chambers

You, my sister, have seen the lows, you’ve rolled around in the ashes of scorched heartache ready to hang yourself with a wet rope soaked in lonely crocodile tears, and yet no one has applauded you on how well you are doing at doing something wrong. Well, because I’ve been through it too, and because everyone needs a pat on the shoulder, I salute you with these tips that will remind you whole-heartedly that you are doing everything absolutely wrong to find love. I hope these little morsels of loveless encouragement will coax you down from that painful chair of desperation, give you the strength to remove your noose and smile through your snotty haze as you nod and say, “Hey! That’s what I do!”

Ready? Let’s begin. And remember, you are not alone, my dear:

TIP 6
Since you’ve already decided you don’t like good guys, and have made it a point to spend a lot of time chasing a guy that doesn’t want you, now it should be perfectly OK to really take control of things…that is, if you haven’t already. One way would be to crawl on the hood of his car in the middle of the night and scrawl this love letter on his windshield in MAC lipstick and/or drink a fifth of Jose’ Cuervo and shout these words out front of his apartment:

Bad Boy
Come and play with me
Bad Boy
Show me your bad toys
Bad Boy
You’re no good for me
Bad Boy
Let me show you how bad I can be

Wrong Advice. Take it or leave it:
If you’ve already come undone from being unzipped by your Joe in your non-relationship relationships (NRR’s), now may be a good time to invest in the notion that you can learn to be happy by yourself.

2009-03-17T00:38:00.000-07:00

Bad Boy!

Each month we feature a previous "Joe" who has guest-starred in our cabaret.

Thom Scott II
What makes you a Bad Boy?

The gifts God has blessed me with make me multifaceted…so, through Him, I'm a
“BAAAAAD” boy.

Thom appears in:

BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE

MARCH 28, 2009 – MAY 2, 2009

Saturdays ONLY @ 8:00PM

WHITMORE LINDLEY THEATRE

11006 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
You Tube Trailer

Represented By:
The Wallis Agency (Theatrical)
818-953-4848
Commercial Unlimited (Commercial)
310-278-5132

Links:
http://www.thomscott2.com/ (under construction)
www.myspace.com/thomscott
http://www.facebook.com/
www.myspace.com/blackgents

2009-03-17T00:36:00.000-07:00

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the ninth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night” performed by the Brown Betties.

Chapter 10 – A Manor of Speaking

Harlem ran up the freshly-swept concrete stairs to her Brownstone. Before she could turn the key, the door flew open and there was little Tilda full of smiles and jumpin’ with excitement.

Tilda was tiny and looked much younger than her eighteen years. Her smooth coconut skin glistened as the sun kissed her forehead. Her fingers moved quickly as she tried to tell Harlem something.

“Slow down!” Harlem signed back to her. Tilda had been deaf since birth, but had just learned sign language only eight months ago when Harlem enrolled her in St. Augustine’s School for the Deaf.

Tilda said, “The new costumes have arrived!” Now it was Harlem’s turn to jump with excitement. She and Tilda had spent weeks designing the beaded bodices of the new corsets that would debut with the new numbers for the Brown Betties’ performances.

That reminded her. She had to come up with a plan, or a really good excuse that would not only explain to Cora how Harlem was the owner of a brownstone that took up half a block and was formerly known as Lady Magdalena’s Manor…and how she and Tilda were the outfit behind the sultry Brown Betties who were quickly becoming the hottest dancers outside The Cotton Club.

She and Tilda headed for the drawing room where she could see the corsets laid upon her long maple table surrounded by several high-backed chairs upholstered in dark purple satin – Harlem’s favorite color. Rich magenta curtains complemented the room in a way that always made Harlem smile. She was about to pour herself and Tilda a brandy and soda when the doorbell rang.

Both women looked at each other with hunched, questioning shoulders as neither of them was expecting a visitor this evening. They both walked to the great oak door; Harlem waited while Tilda swung it open. Both their mouths dropped as they stared into the hazel eyes belonging to Honey. She carried two suitcases, a baby, and announced oddly, “I’m home!”

(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2009-03-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

Momma Said
by Vicki Rogers (my momma)

Original Bitch

I started thinking about “Growth” as this month’s topic and several things came to mind: Over the years I have grown in height as illustrated by my 5‘1 frame. I’ve grown in maturity in that I don‘t “moon” people anymore. (With cellulite--it‘s just not charming.) Along with growing long in the teeth, I have grown my credit limit and the amount of hair covering my body. I’ve grown senile and a bit blind (because I can’t remember shite without it being written on a sticky; plus I can‘t read shite without glasses). I have also grown stiff in the joints. According to my colleagues I’ve grown into “bitch” quite nicely (I think my five-year-old granddaughter thinks that too). So I wrote this:

Original Bitch

Somewhere
In the garden
I looked into the blinded eye of heaven and heroes.
I whispered into the deaf ear of gods and goofs.
I smelled the honeyed breath of priests and poets.
I licked the twisted fingers of angels and assholes.
I took innocence for a walk and left it
Somewhere.

Somewhere
In the sunset
I squint at the cable channel as
I sweat drops onto the table as
I melt ice between my fingers and mingle both as
I flash to hot from cold as
I feel menopause unfold.
I took the innocence from life when
I took my first bite
Somewhere.

If you can tell us who the "Original Bitch" is, we’ll send you a Brown Bettie gift. Email newsletter@brownbetties.com

2009-02-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Edict:

Happy President’s Day. Did you buy some sheets? I don’t understand why President’s Day was ever associated with linens. Perhaps I will look it up one day.

We have a great Gazette for you this month. Our topic is “Passion” and our writers rose to the challenge. There’s lots of good stuff…my dad gives some encouraging job-searching tips and talks about his experience with Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup in “Father Knows Best” while my mom has some passionate thoughts about Corn in “Momma Said”. (Hmmm.) You’ll find great tips on Life in Sidney Gaskins, Love, Hate, Want, Need article and on Taxes from our resident accountant, Baadja Lyne-Ouba.

Cecilie Davis Carter and Tanya Alexander-Henderson both rock the rhyming with their gorgeous poetry. Cecilie speaks of a bleak life Without Passion and Tanya smiles in the glow of what she loves. Get your last dose of literature in the ninth fiction installment of "Harlem's Awakening". Things are picking up with Harlem.

We have three new articles, “Bad Boy Joe” where we feature a Joe from our cabaret; "Brown Bettie Beautifully" by Keena Ferguson and “Brown Bettie Knows Best” where you can get tips from the forthcoming “Brown Betties Guide to How To Look For Love In All The Wrong Places”. Fun times, kids!

Our featured February Brown Bettie is fabulous Brooklyn author, Asha Bandele (The Prisoner's Wife, Something Like Beautiful)…as you read her interview, get ready to be schooled, like I was!

Check out the NEW www.brownbetties.com for more Brown Betties. There’s so much there! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at peppur@brownbetties.com

xo
The Hot One

2009-02-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Brown Bettie Radiates
Asha Bandele
Author

Award-winning author and single-mother, Asha Bandele is more than "Something Like Beautiful", the title of her latest novel, available now on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. She is brave. She bares her soul so that others may learn from her experiences. Of this memoir, she says, “While it is, as the title indicates, a very personal account of parenting, the larger themes the book examines--depression, addiction, redemption--may have something illuminating for many people.”

Bandele, (The Prisoner’s Wife, Daughter) is also a poet, activist, community organizer and served as features editor and as a writer for Essence magazine.

I’d heard of Asha because of “The Prisoner’s Wife”, which is her memoir of marrying an incarcerated man (psst, it went through four printings in hardcover and twelve through paperback!). I contacted her to see if she would be our February Brown Bettie when I recently received an email she sent which included the following excerpt from her latest dedicated work, which took three full rewrites over four years:

This is a book about love and this is a book about rage. This is a book about those opposing emotions and what happens to a woman, a mother when, with equal weight, they occupy the seat of your heart. This is a book about what happened when they occupied the seat of mine at the very time when all I should have known, all I was told I should have known, was joy. Because what else is there but joy when a mother is staring into the brilliant eyes of the daughter she dreamed of, prayed for and finally, finally made manifest? My laughter then, in those hours, days, weeks and early months when Nisa was new and in my arms, on my breast, then, in those days, my laughter was loud, raucous even. It was regular and it was unbidden.

And then everything changed, dipped down so very, very low, but this is not a story about post-partum depression. It’s an every day life story.

Asha is the first BB I’ve featured that I didn’t know personally; however, after reading and re-reading her interview responses, I feel as though we’d shared a lovely glass of wine together that was interrupted by a call from the babysitter. Take the time to truly enjoy and digest what Asha has to say; I hope that you will have the same enlightening experience I did.

The theme for February is "Passion". What is your passion?

I don’t know that I have any one passion, unless we use the big dual umbrellas of love and justice. But on a day to day basis, I am deeply committed to seeing that all the children on my watch are able to have real childhoods, not some fast tracked path into adulthood. I grew up too fast, knew too much too soon, missed out on time, years when I could have still had some connection to innocence. And it was fair. I know I’m so very passionate about ending that pattern. And it starts with my beloved daughter, Nisa.

My momma writes an article for the Gazette where she inadvertently gives us advice. What advice would you give your daughter for when she reaches your current age?

I think I would want to remind her to trust her heart and gut. They will serve you. I want to remind her that to navigate childhood, adolescence, young adulthood is not an easy proposition in a country who’s social and financial policies are more about war and death than peace and life. And so when she gets to my age, she should know she’s a survivor. I want her to know that, and to love those who her and release those who don’t.

As a single mom, what was the process you went through in naming your daughter? (What does her name mean?)

Nisa’s name means “The woman, The guide.” Out of respect for her dad, I wanted her to have a Muslim name and Nisa comes from the third Sura (titled “Nisaa” which means “the women”) in the Qu’ran. But I didn’t want to give her one of those big names that puts a whole lot on a child, like “Mother of All Nations.” Whoa. I wanted to give her name that reflects what I most want for her: to be her own fly-ass woman.

What is one thing you'd like your readers to come away with after reading your book?

I hope that after reading Something Like Beautiful, single moms, women, people, will know that they have a right to claim the complexities and challenges of their lives and not be excoriated for being honest, for saying, Hey, I need a hand today. I hope the book helps create community, helps create the Village we so often speak of romantically but do not live in practically.

What is one thing critics get wrong about you? (Can be book critics, family critics, people-on-the-street critics...)

That’s hard to answer. Once you put something out in the world it no longer belongs to you. So I don’t know that they get it “wrong.” They get from the material what they bring to it and that’s not really something I can judge or be undone (or propped up) by. But if I had to point to one thing, I suppose it would be that because I’ve generally written memoir or “confessional” poetry, people comment on my life and not on my writing. I understand the impulse, but really to a useful critic, I think you have to assess whether or not material has literary muscle, not whether or not you think the artist is crazy.

What is the highest form of love for you?

The highest form of love seems to me to be when people push past their own judgments and accept a person for who they are. My daughter and I do this with each other.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you made for love?

Love has never been sacrifice. In love we accommodate and compromise and change and shift and give. But we also receive. We grow. We learn. We become better. Love is not a sacrifice. Real love in my life has always been a gift.

What made you smile today?

I smile every time I wake up and see Nisa, who always makes a silly morning face. She wakes up each day and radiates joy. So I wake up each day and smile.

Do you have a Valentine?
Not telling.

What makes you a Brown Bettie? (Note: A Brown Bettie is a sultry, sassy, sophisticated woman who is confidently aware that her personal journey has made her so beautifully brilliant that she deserves the spotlight!)

I’m a Brown Bettie because I’m a survivor. And because despite all my insecurities and fears, I refuse to be guided by them. And because I love children fully and completely. And because I am loving myself more each day, casting aside anyone and anything that would have me see myself as less than who I am. It’s a process. I accept that it’s a process and no longer beat myself down for not getting all right every day. I’m a Brown Bettie because I work every minute to tell the truth and live in a place of love and honor.

Asha can be reached on here on Facebook.

She is available for:
Book Readings
Teaching Writing Workshops
Lectures on The Impact of Prisons on Children and Families; Domestic Violence; and Women and Addiction

2009-02-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Father Knows Best

Well. It’s about time. My name is Roscoe Chambers, the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in the Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST” I’ve been asked to contribute to the award winning “Brown Betties Gazette”. I will attempt to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide.

Dear readers,

First of all, I’d like to apologize for not participating in the very first BB Gazette of this year. My passion is to participate in them all, it won’t happen again. Having said that, remember the old Cliché… “All I want for Christmas is a Blah! Blah! Blah!” well that was my wish for 2009 after not having an assignment and living on unemployment for nearly 5 months. Don’t get me wrong, it was great to have a few dollars rolling in but it seemed never to be enough, but just enough. Before I knew it I had developed that “where is the mailman waltz” on the 15th and 30th of each month just around 1:30 pm. I knew his schedule like clockwork and those who have fallen prey to unemployment know exactly what I mean.

While I’ve been in the employment profession for several years, even when times were hard, the family business still produced revenue of some sort. But now with the current economy, it appears no one has totally been spared so my wish was “All I wanted for Christmas” was a job, assignment, part-time work or something. I had even threatened to become a greeter at Wal-Mart…..I certainly met the age requirement.

Nevertheless, what’s important to share was how and what I did during that time of unemployment. In this article I want to share with you my experiences and tips of what to do during the time of unemployment purgatory. I trust this information to be helpful.

1) Stay in shape….. when the body is in shape, so follows the mind. Count on utilizing every mental fiber available to sustain the mental challenges this period presents.
2) Create more than one impressive resume. You’ll be surprised as to how many positions are posted that fit your expertise but are worded and titled differently.
3) Finding a job IS a job. Don’t expect to find a job in one week or weekend. It takes time effort and energy. Typically 6 months to a year for professional positions and short of that for other disciplines keeping in mind location, location, location makes the difference.
4) Be prepared to hear the word “NO” more than “Yes”. This exercise is not for the weak or thin-skinned.
5) Stay strong!……You will eventually get YOUR job no matter how many times you interview. Speaking of interviewing……Hone your skills, there will be literally hundreds, thousands of applicants looking for that one illusive position you seek. Be prepared!
6) Network, Network, Network……Don’t be ashamed or embassrassed to let everyone know that you are between jobs…believe me you won’t be the only one. Stay close to your friends; they will tell you the truth. Associates tend to tell you what they think you want to hear.
7) Stay focused….Keep your eye on the prize. Read and stay abreast of what is happening in your profession so when asked a question you can articulate the answer with ease and confidence.
8) Don’t lose self-confidence!........ at times you will feel like you are a piece of human waste.
9) Keep your routine!….get up in the morning as if you were going to work and be productive as you search for YOUR position.
10) And most of all ……. Believe and PRAY! Case in point. On the very last day of my unemployment eligibility which happened to be on a Friday, I received a call from an employer (assignment) and they asked if I would be available to work on Monday……..are you kidding?

My prayer was: Lord, you know this is my last week of unemployment…..take over!
But beware of what you ask for….

I just want to take a few more minutes of your time and share my first two weeks of work. Certainly not parallel to President Obama’s, but about as risqué. Not knowing where the office was located I leave before dawn with an abundance of energy. Two and a half hours later the office finally opens. I’m greeted and told how grateful the company was for finding someone with my skills and expertise. That didn’t make me mad. Then I go through the on-boarding process (computer passwords, login stuff, and security badge etc.etc.) then escorted to my work area. Well, apparently the Lord blessed another person because I was informed that I would have a cube mate. So I’m thinking, if the Lord can bless me, surely he had enough juice for someone else.

Minutes pass and then I hear this heavy Texas accent quickly approaching my cube. I stand up and there she was……..About 5’6, red spiked hair, heavy make-up, (Este Lauder would have been proud) and pear shaped with a very colorful top to cover herself and she was of Native American descent (Cherokee and something else). “Hi, my name is Candy,” she says as she extended her hand and of course I introduced myself as well.

After the pleasantries for the next couple of days, it was cool but then she started bringing in all of this food and drink. Our cube began to take on the appearance of 7-eleven. Then she breaks out the peanuts, huge bags of them and of course Candy says to me, “These peanuts are good for you” (I thought my mother died in 1995). Well if you’ve ever eaten one peanut, you have to eat another one, another one and another one. Needless to say, in two weeks I was hooked. Before I knew it my office floor looked as if it were the local bar. In addition (and not to be descriptive) I can’t remember the last time my bowl movements were so regular….Psyllium and Metamucil combined are no match to the power of peanuts.

But wait! …..There’s more. One day I made the mistake of coughing. Candy looked at me and asked, “How long have you had that cough?” I told her it just started reluctantly………Mistake! Candy opened her credenza and pulls out this brown paper bag twisted at the top like the brothers had on the corner as they harmonized “Duke of Earl.” Then she said, “Take a few tablespoons of this, honey. It will knock that cough right out”. Being the visual person I am, I was somewhat skeptical because nothing visual offered any indication of what was in the bag…… but I did. The concoction had no odor and I can remember it came from a small bottle…..that’s it. I started to sip through my barely open lips and after a few hits of this stuff I nearly fell to my knees. I became short of breath, blurry-eyed, speechless and a burning sensation felt never before crept in my chest then all of a sudden the pain instantly stopped! I never coughed again. I was curious and had to find out what this stuff was. So when Candy left the cubical I opened the bag with caution to discover this mysterious liquid. The label and wording was faded with what smelled of chicken grease and difficult to read. However, when I was able to focus on the title of this hidden remedy it read: OLD INDIAN WILD CHERRY BARK SYRUP.

Unequivocally, if you want immediate recovery from a cough or cold, I highly recommend it. Until next month…..Happy Jobing!

Roscoe Chambers II is also the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers7@tx.rr.com

2009-02-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Love. Hate. Want. Need.

By Sidney Gaskins

Each month, Sidney breaks down what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

In the light of both Black History Month and Valentine’s Day I thought it fitting to highlight my passions: people, action, empowerment and Black Women in History.

Sometimes the passion you have emerges through being involved in your own Life. And sometimes it emerges from being involved in the life of another person. The funny thing about passion is that it is not an action, but a noun. However, action is required for passion to be visible. Passion can drive someone to murder, to stalk, to change their Life, to help another, and obtain sexual satisfaction. Regardless of the situation, Passion is powerful. It drove Caesar to Queen Cleopatra; it allegedly drove Jennifer Hudson’s brother-in-law to kill three members of their family; and it drove millions of Americans to the voting booths. One thing cannot be denied; passion can be used to fan the flames of a variety of actions.

T. Alan Armstrong said, “If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”

Valentine’s Day happens to be the lovey-dovey holiday, where people think about love, sex, marriage, etc. One the other hand, for those who are looking for another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a constructive manner, which will lend itself to more than frills, bubbly champagne, and a night of “passion”; instead, consider what you are passionate about? Ponder Armstrong’s question, “If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived?” A Life Break might be in store to assess your passions. What are you living into or for? How are you making a difference? This Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, take the following and answer for yourself:

• What would I give my time to for free?
• Who would I hug even if they did not ask?
• Whom have you not told how much they mean to you this year?
• When I die, what legacy would I like to leave?
• What makes me smile the most?
• What activity do I enjoy but do not take part in?
• What have you wanted to do but have not been brave enough to take on?

Seven little questions that can put the passion back into your Life. What is your passion? Pursue it. Oprah Winfrey did. Maya Angelou did. Madame CJ Walker did. Marian Anderson did. Lena Horne did. Lil Hardin did. Daisy Bates did. Angela Davis did. Althea Gibson did. Dorothy Height did. Your turn.

Sidney Gaskins, Family and Business Consultant/Coach, is the CEO/President Enterprising Life in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Enterprising Life encourages individuals and businesses to look outside of the box to unleash their dreams and achieve success. For more information visit: www.EnterprisingLife.com or call 678.886.3174 .

2009-02-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Brown Bettie Beautifully

Our Brown Bettie Keena traveled to President Obama’s Inauguration in Washington, DC and kept a small diary. Here is Day 1 of her travels with boyfriend, Ajamu:

Day 1:
We packed our bags and headed out very early in the morning to go to one of the most historical events ever…The Inauguration of President Obama. Wow is all I can say that I am actually going to be a part of seeing the first Black President being sworn in. So we got a really good deal on a flight and decided to fly into Charlottesville, VA so we wouldn’t have to worry about traffic, high prices and not being able to get a rent a car. As we started off that morning you couldn’t help but to be in a good mood at the fact that we were on our way to witness history and we had no idea what to expect. We had 2 layovers but there was no complaining because our spirits were high. All around us in the airport you could just feel the energy of what was going on. People had on Obama gear and it seemed like everywhere you turned people were having conversations about Obama and the Inauguration. It was really rather exciting to know that all these people in different parts of the country were talking about the election of Obama.

Once we got to our final layover and got on this tiny plane, it seemed like the whole plane was going to the inauguration. It was great because there was another couple just a little younger than us and they were so enthused about sharing in this experience together as well. The more we talked other people started joining in the conversation about how much they loved Obama and how lucky we were to be going to the Inauguration. So we made it to our final destination rented a car and headed to DC. To our surprise the highway going there was smooth sailing, no traffic just open highway. Whew….we finally made it and time to get some sleep.

2009-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

2009-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Spotlight

The It Factor
by Tanya Alexander-Henderson

Poetry does a body good, no, a soul, twice a spirit.
It clears the mind, inspires the heart, frees the worries and conquers the fears.
It keeps me sane.
It encourages my insanity and makes it alright.
It loves my pen and adores my paper.
It speaks my mind to me.
It whispers my dreams and shouts my soul.
It glows.
It bounces a cool breeze off the hot of my mind and calms me.
It quenches my thirst for passion and freedom by drenching my intentions with the flow of words.
It makes me smile and think about me in the center of all this wonderfulness.
It is love.
Love on paper and spoken out loud.
It is marvelous, fantastical and magical--marfastical! Ha!
It makes me make up words.
It makes me laugh and feel as deep as I can without tears.
It is a gift of the utmost pleasure, an orgasm from God!
It is...it is the shit. It is.
Poetry is me.

Pieces of Tanya...A Spoken Word Project - Available Now!
"1 Out of 10" Music Video on YouTube:
Download: iTunes

Hard copy: www.cdbaby.com/cd/tanyaalexander
Website: www.supernovaproductiongroup.com

SuperNova Production Group
It's Time to Shine...

2009-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Unzipped
Don't get unzipped this tax season. We’ll give tips to help you get through!

“I am seeing more and more of people are just in too big of a hurry to file. They miss deductions or W2's or 1099's or a host of other tax related things.”
-Baadja, IRI

"Tax mistake? You can mIRIake amends "
IRS Tax Tips

AMENDED RETURNS
WASHINGTON -- Oops! You've discovered an error after your tax return has been filed. What should you do? You may need to amend your return.
The IRS usually corrects math errors or requests forms (such as W-2s) or schedules left out. In these instances, do not amend your return. However, do file an amended return if any of the following were reported incorrectly:
• your filing status
• your total income
• your deductions or credits

For the full article, go to www.1040.com/iri

The information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.

If you would like more information on anything in "IRI Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax-cutting information from time to time, please contact our office. We're here to help.

IRI
TAX/NOTARY
Bankruptcy
PassPort Photos
320 E. South Street
Long Beach, CA 90805
ALL SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
562 422-1603 (ofc)
562 422-5010 (fax)
www.1040.com/iri
Year around service
(24hr Answering Service during off tax season)
Baadja-Lyne Ouba
Owner/Operator

2009-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Brown Bettie Knows Best

You, my sister, have seen the lows, you’ve rolled around in the ashes of scorched heartache ready to hang yourself with a wet rope soaked in lonely crocodile tears, and yet no one has applauded you on how well you are doing at doing something wrong. Well, because I’ve been through it too, and because everyone needs a pat on the shoulder, I salute you with these tips that will remind you whole-heartedly that you are doing everything absolutely wrong to find love. I hope these little morsels of loveless encouragement will coax you down from that painful chair of desperation, give you the strength to remove your noose and smile through your snotty haze as you nod and say, “Hey! That’s what I do!”

Ready? Let’s begin. And remember, you are not alone, my dear:

TIP 1
In your jovial effort to seem cute, bubbly and the life of the party, always make sure you are the last one at the party. Inadvertently, you will appear available yet desperate. The louder you laugh and the more men you talk to will make you seem more and more like you have nothing to go home to. As a result, you will attract all the single alien goons at the soiree much like rabid mice to a glue trap.

Bonus: If you find yourself at home feeling sorry for yourself because the goons liked you and not the cute guy you were trying to impress -- and you’re now sobbing uncontrollably while polishing off a crappy bottle of screw-top Merlot you bought at the 24-hour grocery store and watching reruns of I Love Lucy at 3am, give yourself 100 Brown Bettie points! (Keep track of your points!)

~Many Love-less Returns,
The Hot One

2009-02-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Bad Boy Joe
A "JOE" from Brown Betties & Joe Cabaret

Bad boy, come and play with me
Bad boy, show me your bad toys
Bad boy, you’re no good for me
Bad boy, let me show you how bad I can be…

Charles Porter
http://www.charlesfporter.com/

Joe - November 2007

(pic: Charles in L'Uomo, Italian Vogue)

What makes you a Bad Boy?
I can't resist home made chocolate chip cookies........ EVEN DURING MY MOST
STRICT REGIMENTS.... lol

2009-02-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the ninth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the Brown Betties & Joe: A Bedtime Story cabaret.

Chapter 9 – Fringe Benefits
Cora hadn’t seemed to notice that Harlem hadn’t answered her question. Cora was like that; she tended to ask you stuff and then just keep on talkin’ – not particularly waiting to hear what your answer was to her very question. Some would say that Cora was the type of person that liked to hear herself talk, but Harlem thought otherwise. She just thought Cora was fun and sassy.

Cora placed one scoop of vanilla ice cream in a lovely silver bowl, passed it to Harlem, and said, “I came to hear of them Brown Betties just last night when me and Harold was waitin’ for the subway. We was headin’ home to my place and I heard these two fellas talkin’. One of ‘em was actually kinda cute, the other one wasn’t. I guess it goes like that sometimes. Anyway, the cute one starts sayin’ how he was mesmerized by the bounce of some girl’s behind. Said the fringe on her panties was shakin’ harder than the ice workin’ to make a dry martini. I had to picture what that would be like and figured she had to be shakin’ her ass pretty damn hard!”

Harlem sucked on the sweet ice cream. It gave her something to concentrate on. Kept her from revealing just how well she knew about the fringe on the panties that were shaking so hard. She listened patiently so see where Cora would go next…

“You know I had to ask about that girl!”, Cora exclaimed too loudly. Her father, the owner of “Cora’s Ice Cream Parlor” shot her a pinched glance. Harlem wondered if Cora’s dad regretted naming the shop after his unruly daughter. Harlem figured he’d thought his only daughter would grow up graceful, and charming, and soothing…like ice cream. Instead he had a kid that was better suited to selling wool socks.

Cora continued, “Loud and clear I asked the cute fella where he saw such shakin’-- ‘cause Harlem, you know, I got to know about any new place that got some kind of underground business goin’ on. I’m a young woman and I got to live. I got to experience things!”

Harlem tried to avert Cora from this tricky topic by asking, “What did Harold say when you started talking to that cute boy?”

“Harold ain’t got nothin’ to say ‘bout who I’m talkin’ to. He knows where it’s at. Plus, I could see his eyes perk up too when he started picturing somebody’s ass movin’ – he likes it plenty when I--” she caught herself. The girls shared quite a bit with each other about many things; this was not going to be one of those things.

Harlem let her off the hook and reverted back to subject. “So, what’d he say?”

“He said girls be dancin’ almost every night like that at this jumpin’ joint called The Brown Betties Lounge,” Cora whispered. Her eyes were simply on fire with excitement.

“The Brown Betties Lounge…? Sounds naughty.”

“I knoooooooooow!!!” Cora squealed. One of the older women in the parlor sucked her teeth at Cora. Cora paid her no mind. She whisked her white hand towel around her head like a ceiling fan on “high”. She then cork-screw shimmied behind the bins of ice cream in the freezer while rubbing the towel on her big butt like she was polishing silver.

Harlem couldn’t help but laugh. But she sure shut up when Cora’s dad yelled, “Cora!! Go home. Now!”

Cora pretended to be solemnly sorry for acting a fool. She pushed out, “Sorry, Daddy” as she hung her head, and untied her apron. With her head down low, she whispered to Harlem, “We gonna go see them Brown Betties, Harlem.”

For a split second, Harlem thought maybe it would be OK if Cora knew of her secret. But she quickly changed her mind.

(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2009-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Momma Said:
By Vicki Rogers (my momma)

Corn Fever

At work in the lobby of our building where we greet our parents as they drop off their children for the day, my boss, my co-worker and I were talking about the menu for our annual Rodeo Breakfast Event that our program offers to our families. The Tucson Rodeo is a big event in here. It brings in large dollars and gives us time to reach into the “Way-Back machine” and examine our roots. Schools take the event very seriously--to the extent of allowing the schools to close. For us, that means in our program we then have children all day instead of taking them to the public school they normally attend. Enter the “Rodeo Chuck Wagon Breakfast”.

I was trying to convince my co-workers to change the menu from the usual pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and the like, to something that would have been served from a chuck wagon. With this also being Black History Month, I started thinking about what Black cowboys would have eaten on the trail in “Wild Western” days. Naturally when people are put in new environments, they borrow from what and whom they interact with. I thought they would probably eat things that wouldn’t spoil and could be carried easily, like beans, beef jerky, and corn. Corn is a staple in the Southwest. It has been found in prehistoric dwellings of indigenous peoples here and is incorporated into the “family” of some native cultures as being known as one of the three sisters (squash and beans complete the trio).

I proposed -- to the wails of my co-workers -- that we serve pinto beans, whole or mashed like refried, corn tortillas, grits, cornbread or corncakes. (FYI: Corncakes, like pancakes, were also called “hoe cakes” during slave days by my ancestors because they could be baked on the blade of a hoe.) I would concede bacon, even though I thought a dried beef chile’ would be better. A roar of disapproval was raised in the lobby. My enthusiasm now was really warming up. Why Not have a “corn” meal? That was it! I started polling parents as they stepped in the door as to what was their favorite corn product. I disguised my inquiries as “the Question of the day”. Most parents gave me a puzzled look but generally responded with “cornbread”. Fuel for the fire. This most certainly could be a breakfast food. As my quest continued, I became more eager to talk to my next contestant as it were. Slooowwly I inched my way closer to the front door so I could get to them with the least possible lag time from when they released the door handle. It was amazing to see the wheel turning as they thought about their answer. A surprising few said “popcorn”. My mother said as a girl she used to eat popcorn for breakfast with sugar and milk--more validation as a breakfast food. Other entries were hominy, corn on the cob, polenta, green corn tamales, hush puppies and scalloped and fried corn. Only one parent said “Kelloggs”. Such an icon in the corn kingdom that no other words were necessary. As my coworkers Booed and Hissed at my “crazy” ideas to bring something different to the table, I implored them to just think about it!

It’s not that I have a passion for corn exactly, but more so for the idea of using things differently. How do we take something as mundane as corn and explore it and celebrate it? Can’t we change what we think a thing should stand for and just have corn for breakfast?

2009-01-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Edict:

It’s already mid-month of this brand new year and surprisingly, I think I’m pretty settled into it. Are you? Somehow I feel like this year will be like an amazing jacket you bought three years ago, put it in your closet with the tags still on and you are just now finding it…something old, yet new.

Whatever your situation may be, let’s take off the old jacket we’ve been wearing; it has done its job, it has run its course; it’s time to change!

Maybe you’re discovering old talents you’ve let lie dormant and are realizing once you blow the dust off ‘em, these talents can make you “change” (literally and figuratively – think $$)! Maybe you’re changing your outlook on life or the way you do things which will help you make a significant shift in your current position since changing a stagnant position can bring on growth.

The Gazette is due for a positioning change. Since I was a teenager reading “Seventeen” magazine and realized I wasn’t represented on those glossy pages, I’ve wanted to have my own magazine -- hence, the birth of The Brown Betties Gazette. This year we’ll be working to turn BBG into an actual online, flippin’ mag (see here). We will be accepting advertisements and donations to make this happen (click on the Paypal logo!). If you are interested in advertising with BBG, email us at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com!

Somehow, I think my mom and grandma win this month with how they have had to change…uhh, read her article, “Momma Said” and you’ll see what I mean. We have some wonderful poetry from Cecilie Davis Carter for “In My Solitude” and Tanya Alexander-Henderson asks you to defy what you hear with her piece in “The New Haiku”. Sidney Gaskins offers you a 2009 Challenge in “Love. Hate. Want. Need.” I’m a “Mocha Mogul” (so is Sidney), and came across a blog written by Nicole, also a Mocha Mogul, that was perfect for “Unzipped”. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well as the eighth fiction installment of "Harlem's Awakening"...the back story to Harlem & Joe of “Harlem’s Night Cabaret” as performed by the Brown Betties.

Our featured January Brown Bettie is my dearest friend, Miata Fuller…she is the perfect woman to jump off 2009 simply because she is who she is!

Thank you for reading; please forward to a friend; and don’t forget to visit www.brownbetties.com! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com

xo
The Hot One

ps. The biggest change of all: GO OBAMA! I still cry when I think of it.

Here are pics of me and some friends on that wonderful night he was elected. Photos by friend, Adrian Pitts.

Panorama of all watching the election unfold.

Un-believable. Couldn't stop crying.

Obama Girls!

2009-01-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

Brown Bettie Blessed
Miata Fuller

by Peppur Chambers

Miata and I met in college where we both ran track. She was a classy girl from North Carolina and I was a hometown girl from Wisconsin. If it wasn’t for Mia (as I call her), showing me the way, I’d still be wearing a pony tail and bulky sweaters with sweat pants thinkin’ I was cute. Mia let me know straight-away that I was NOT! Ha. Like a big sister (even though I’m older), Mia has been schooling me ever since…and I love her for it. When I think it’s ok to be a starving artist with $5.00 in my bank account, she says emphatically, “Oh my God! You do you, but I’d slit my wrists! It is unacceptable to be broke, Peppur!” See..? A nice, gentle reminder to get my stuff together. Or, back in the day when we would prep ourselves for a night at Nell’s, our favorite cool lounge on NY’s 14th street, I’d admire her wonderfully manicured nails as part of her ensemble. She’d look at my nails and remind me that it is customary that all your finger nails be the same length and shape…who knew? Mia is a woman who knows her mind and sticks strongly to her morals and personal values and has taught me to do the same…like when I say, “Aww, go ahead and try it!” If the “it” is something that Miata thinks she shouldn’t be doin’, “IT” ain’t happenin’! What more could you want in a friend...and in a person? This is why Miata Fuller kicks off 2009 as the January Brown Bettie: so that she can lead all of us by example.

Ms. Fuller applies all this greatness to her position with a non-profit education reform organization. This detail-oriented, big-picture thinker, and compassionate dynamo has worked in multi-faceted positions within the corporate and non-profit sectors. No matter her task, this beautiful woman always does it with an A+ result.

Here is a sneak peek at My Friend, Miata:

Mia, a Brown Bettie is newly defined as: A sultry, sassy, sophisticated woman who is confidently aware that her personal journey has made her so beautifully brilliant, she deserves a spotlight.

What part of your journey has made you a Brown Bettie?
In all honesty, I am still on the journey to believing that I AM a Brown Bettie based on this definition. With each passing year I learn and appreciate more about myself and recognize that I deserve the best in life.

What is your spotlight?
When I was very young, my mother told me that “If I was good, God would bless me.” Shortly after she said that, I was shopping for Xmas presents and lost my wallet with all of the money I saved for gifts. That night we received a call from someone who found it. They returned it with everything intact. As a result of that and other experiences I am a person who lives my life with the highest level of integrity and morality.

Would you say this is what has made you what you are? (Either your spotlight or your journey?)
I do think this along with experiences that reinforced my views, made me who I am. I’ve tested my belief system and “tried new things” and it has only confirmed that I am ME for a reason.

What about yourself are you most proud?
One of the things that comes to mind is my decision to wear my hair in a natural style. For the longest time I wanted my hair to be longer. One day I realized that it was never going to grow longer and I was tired of the pressure. I also did not like the fact that in the South I was always told that men like long hair. I STILL think that is true. But, cutting my hair and deciding not to use chemicals, gave me a style all my own that works for me (But, don’t hate on me if I one day decide that I’ve had enough of my curls!).

What made you happy today and why?
I am happy that I received a call from a cute guy! I know, that sounds shallow but trust me, he is REALLY cute (and smart).

Editor’s note: YIPPPPEEEEEEE! :)

Why did you initially move to NY and what do you love most about the city?
I moved to New York because I’ve always had a restless spirit. Growing up in the South I always felt like “there has to be more to life than this!” New York is the one place where a person can live and not feel like something better is happening somewhere else. If I am bored, there is no one and nothing to blame except me! I love the energy, the diversity and the feeling that any day, anything could happen!

What is your job title?
Chief of Staff

If you had a lunch meeting with President Obama, what would you talk to him about?
I would ask him for a job so that I could be a part of history! Also, I met a guy who grew up in Denmark. We were having a conversation after the election and he highlighted that if President-Elect Obama was in Kenya, he might be considered the first white President. I would love to hear President-Elect Obama's reaction and thoughts on that perspective.

This BBG issue is themed around "Change". What one thing would you like to change?
My work schedule! I need more time to play.

2009-01-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

Love. Hate. Want. Need.

By Sidney Gaskins

Each month, Sidney breaks down what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

What happens at the beginning of every 365-day cycle? There is a collective resolution-making frenzy. People spend the end of the prior cycle reflecting on the past and thinking of ways to bring it in the future with their New Year’s Resolution. What would happen if New Year’s Resolutions were called “New Possibility for Change”? What if this year you changed how you thought about a resolution and made it a challenge for your self, but stuck to it?

The Challenge: 2009 The Year of BOLDNESS, FREEDOM, and HAVING IT ALL.

In all areas of life these three elements can bring change if taken on as though Life depends on it. Let’s break it down in specifics to “Love”:
1) In love, BOLDNESS can break down walls; build strength and closeness; and even open an avenue for healing.
2) FREEDOM, injected into a love relationship or family situation cultivates comfort, security, acceptance, and the opportunity to speak your heart and your truth.
3) Planting the seeds of boldness and freedom can result in HAVING IT ALL in love. (Do not think that “love” necessarily has to do with an intimate relationship. Apply it to the people you love in your Life. Apply it to the most important person in your Life: YOU. Are you willing to change your love relationships this year?)

With BOLDNESS, FREEDOM, and HAVING IT ALL as a model for 2009 and beginning a regimen of love, it follows that shining the light of love on all areas of life can extricate hate, attract wants, and fulfill needs.

If I may interject, it is not an accident that I happen to be writing this at this time. Everything in this column happens to be what I am taking on. The truth is that boldness, freedom, and having it all are necessary ingredients for me to live the life I love in all areas. From 2008 to 2009 there were changes that happened but I allowed them to happen without taking action to have it go another way -- without taking true responsibility for where my Life was going. However, being on the rollercoaster is over and taking the reigns is in store so that I can have what I want. Most of all, to have the vision I see come to fruition, change is the order of the day. That vision is something that will take me outside of my comfort zone and requires change.

For me, my challenge includes: I would love to see the vision; hate to make the changes; want to be present; and need to embrace the boldness, freedom, and having it all to have 2009 be The Year of BOLDNESS, FREEDOM, and HAVING IT ALL. Will you take the Challenge with me?

Sidney Gaskins, Family and Business Consultant/Coach, is the CEO/President Enterprising Life in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Enterprising Life encourages individuals and businesses to look outside of the box to unleash their dreams and achieve success. For more information visit: www.EnterprisingLife.com or call 678.886.3174 .

2009-01-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

In My Solitude

Change
By Cecilie Davis Carter

2008
Stuck in a box
Humidity
No air
Can’t breathe
No track of time
Blackness
Ears are ringing
Voices in my head
Flowers are dead
Can’t move
Can’t think
Need
Need
Need
Panic
Hot
Fighting back tears
Adding on years
Can’t breathe
Can’t breathe
Can’t breathe
Can’t walk
Can’t talk
Can’t love
Stuck
NEED CHANGE.

2009
BRIGHT
FLIGHT
LOVE
AIR
LIFE
HOPE
CHANGE

2009-01-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

The New Haiku
Each month we'll feature a New Haiku from
Tanya Alexander, poet and director of Harlem’s Night Cabaret

This month, we decided to include one of Tanya’s original poems. It’s message is priceless:

Recession?
How 'bout progression?
Bountiful sessions that teach us life lessons.
Pleasant like children who finger paint yes's that hang on the fridge of their fathers and misses.
More's not less's.
Good, better, best's.
Counting your blessin's and relieving all stresses.

How 'bout successes?
Organized messes and chaotic guesses that bring about wishes with
New visions and freshens our passions.
Gives us rations of abundance and fashions a soul harmonized and long-lastin'.

Can we say yes's?
Instead of negation, excuses of races, hatred and stagnation?

Can we see faces?
With eyes that speak and move beyond places of
Color, gender and sex orientation?

We are a nation.
A world of free spirit that moves through space and
takes shape and
remakes and
becomes something great.

We can see visions and listen and move to new levels of enlightened positions.
We can change our perspective, be still and reflective, become a collective and then effective.

Don't believe what you hear, ya'll.
Ain't no recession.
There's only progression.

Get Tanya's new spoken word album, "Pieces of Tanya", on Itunes or CD Baby. Some soothing samples are here:

2009-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

"Unzipped"
Contributors offer what gets them "Unzipped"

"How Would Anybody Know I was Drunk at the Bus Stop?"
by A Mom on the Edge

Chapter 1--Holding the Line

Whenever I feel like screaming and hiding in the basement watching Lifetime all day, I remind myself that my goal as a parent is to 'hold the line'. Kids need boundaries, I am a trained therapist, I know this. I know that they push the boundaries to see if they will hold, because a strong front makes a country, a car, a mate, a child, feel safe. It is my job as a parent to hold the line on morality, social graces, education and a host of other things. Most days, I am up to the challenge. But other days, I keep flashing back to that game in gym class in elementary school. Do you guys remember Red Rover? "Red Rover, Red Rover, send the skinny, weak girl right over?..." I remember holding on so tight to that hand next to me, not wanting to be the weak link on the team. I remember the boys who use to run so hard into your hand that it brought tears to your eyes but you didn't let go. Parenting is a lot like that game. Most days, you get the weak girl trying to break through, but not really trying cause she didn't want to play anyways. But some days, that boy who got held back twice and weighs way too much is running directly at your writing arm. Wouldn't it be easier to let go and let him fall on his face? After all, was there a prize in this damn game?!! But then you remember that you have pride. and that you think you can beat him. And there is nothing worse than losing a game that you really think you have the ability to win. So come on back talking, come on bad attitude, come on 'I don't like you even though I'm wearing your last paycheck on my back', come on all you crazy mofos in the world who want to take my babies down...Red Rover, Red Rover, send that bullshit right over--mamma's waiting for ya...

Nicole’s primary field is in Therapeutic Social Program Development. You can read more of her blogs on her Mocha Moguls profile.

2009-01-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

Harlem’s Awakening…
by Peppur Chambers

For your reading enjoyment, find the eighth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night” performed by the Brown Betties.

Chapter 8 – Change of Face

Harlem knew it was time for change. It was time for her to get past her silly little crushing love-less fling with Joe. This past mess with him embarrassing her at the club by bein’ all friendly with another woman right in front of her face, was absolutely enough! And Thank God she had her best friend Cora around to make her know it.

Harlem stared out the window of the dress shop; 125th street was bustling along without her. She’d had plenty with sewing for today. She’d recently taken this part-time job to keep her mind off things. She was realizing that the boredom of it kept her daydreaming so much that her mind was always on the thing she was trying to forget!

She decided to do something about it. She tied off the yellow knot on the last stitch she’d made on the hem of a very pretty floral dress. She hung it up as she thought of something to say so she could leave. Mrs. Bell, the shop keeper and a dear old friend of her deceased mother, would certainly understand since Harlem was usually very reliable. “I’m not feelin’ quite one-hundred percent, Mrs. Bell. I’d like to get myself home and return tomorrow.” Harlem announced as she grabbed her coat so as not the give Mrs. Bell much room to tell her she couldn’t leave. Her hand was already on the heavy glass door knob by the time the portly Mrs. Bell made it from the back of the tiny shop to the front. “Ok dear,” she sighed. Harlem felt guilty for all of ten seconds before she waved a sickly “bye-bye”.

Once outside in the crisp afternoon air, Harlem realized she felt absolutely one-hundred percent better! She nearly skipped with glee at her freedom. She about ran all the way to where Cora was working, which was 4.3 blocks away.

***
Harlem arrived at the little ice cream shop that Cora’s father owned. She entered and the little bell above the door announced her arrival. Cora looked up from scooping home-made vanilla goodness and squealed with happiness which of course made her bombastic father yell, “Cora! Dammit! We have customers. Show some sense!”

Harlem said her pleasantries to Mr. Benjamin Franklin (Harlem always wondered why Cora’s grandparents would name their child after Benjamin Franklin, but who was she to ask since her name was a bit out of the ordinary too?) Before Harlem could sit her bottom on the counter stool, Cora blurted out, “Have you heard of the Brown Betties?”

Harlem had to bite her tongue for fear of swallowing it. Ohhhh brooooother. Had she ever.

(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2009-01-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

Momma Said:
By Vicki Rogers (my momma)

Recently the word “change” has become not only a part of our daily vocabulary but part of our psyche of hope. In my own family, mother and I are caught up in a struggle of change. She was, all within 3 months, diagnosed with bladder cancer and has since undergone surgery to remove her bladder. She is now wearing a bag to collect her urine. That change was our hope, hers and her daughters, to keep her alive. However, this change, at first, was so foreign to her that she could not bare to look at what she perceives as mutilation. Even to aid in learning the procedures involved to facilitate her own recovery makes her cringe. The once vibrant and vivacious “mother” that I had come accustomed to loving with tolerance has changed into a voluminous mass of cantankerous, self-pitying flesh that is instrumental in pissing us off instead of learning a new way to pee. In the mean time, I too am learning about a new way to pee. A year ago, I began experiencing massive headaches whenever I took a piss. I had to physically prepare myself pre-piss for the post-piss pain. For months this went on because no one knew what the hell was wrong with me. Finally, I was diagnosed and a surgical remedy was prescribed. The remedy has turned out to be a widening of the Urethra which, oddly enough, sounds somewhat like a construction project that would take place on your city streets instead of one’s internal plumbing highway. My new semi-annual readjustment to my plumbing is my pathway to hope that those horrific headaches never return. And, I have to change my way of peeing just like my mom; but she has the bag and I now have a tube…which gets inserted …into a hole. Once again I have to prepare myself for the piss: currently, I have to take medication that turns my urine red/orange and so as not to stain the tile on my bathroom floor (which I put in myself, thank you very much!) I retreat to the tub to catch the urine as it erupts like lava out of the not-so-slender plastic catheter tube when it reaches its magma chamber that is my bladder. My aim still needs work. To make matters worse, my boyfriend has to help me find the hole with a mirror! When I take my nightly trip into the bathtub to empty my bladder with my catheter tube, I think of my mother empting her external bladder as well. At least mom’s bag is located above the belly button. Even if for now she refuses to look at it, she will always be able to find the hole it attaches to by herself.

Anyway, I wrote her this song (sung to the Brownie Girl Scout "Smile" song):

I have a little bag that goes everywhere with me.
I have a little bag that catches all my pee.
Sometimes it’s not so tidy when it springs a leak.
But I tell myself it’s not so bad even though it makes me freak.
I have a little bag that goes everywhere with me.
I have a little bag that let’s me know I’m cancer free.

I haven’t shared it with her yet but I sing it in the bathtub while my lava flows.

2008-10-18T10:44:00.001-07:00

Editor’s Edict:

Helllooo friends! Happy October, no? It's such an exciting time for us right now...not only is the election days away, but so is Halloween -- which for me, is the kick-off to a great holiday season. My birthday is in November (the best month of the year), so October has always been the pre-curser jump-off for the special day, thus making October the second-best month of the year! Yipppeeee!

We had our Harlem's Night Cabaret show on October 4 -- another lovely Brown Bettie production. We only have two more shows left for the year (11/1 & 12/6)! Time is really going fast and has been great to us. I hope it has been the same for you. This month also marked the release of Beyonce's new video "If I Were A Boy" which features our very own Eddie Goines . Eddie guest-starred as "JOE" in the cabaret, and recently appeared in "Hey Joe" which featured six of our eight previous Joe's over our three-year history and tells Joe's side of the love story that is told in Harlem's Night Cabaret! (Congrats Eddie!)

So, let's get to it! Our featured Brown Bettie, marketing mavenesse Megan Hughes, kicks off the issue which is full of great stuff this month...from literary morsels like Tanya Alexander's Haiku and another fiction entry to Harlem's Love Story, to Cecilie Davis Carter's musings in "In My Solitude", you'll have great reading. We have wonderful contributors this month who run their own businesses: Sidney Gaskins, Margarette Purvis and my pops, Roscoe Chambers. Be sure to check out their links; you just may find something that will help make the remaining part of 2009 fantastic! And, don't forget the fun stuff: Dear Brown Abbey and words of advice in "Momma Said" written by my mother, Vicki Rogers.

Thank you for reading; please forward to a friend; and don’t forget to visit http://www.brownbetties.com/ for more on Brown Betties of Harlem’s Night Cabaret! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com

xo
The Hot One

www.peppurchambers.com

2008-10-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Brown Bettie Revs UP!

Megan Hughes
Marketing Mavenesse.

by Peppur Chambers

If you talk to anyone that has every worked with Megan Hughes professionally, they're sure to tell you that she is a class act. On the streets, (or behind closed office doors) some would say, "Damn, that girl knows her sh*t!" And, she does.

Megan is the type of person who works tirelessly, produces amazing results and does so without breaking a sweat. I met her during a dancer's audition for Chicago's now defunct Chicago Rockers men's CBA (Continental Basketball Association) team. She floated in, learned the audition routine and basically nailed every double turn, high kick, and hip roll with the greatest of ease while flashing her gazillion-watt smile. I made sure I stood by her during the audition process! We both made the team and later both made the World Champion Chicago Bulls "Luvabulls" dance team where we entertained thousands during the amazingly fantastic and historic Jordan-era.

Ms. Hughes still captivates audiences -- only now she does so in the boardroom. She still entertains thousands... it's simply behind the scenes!

Meet Megan. (And if you don't want to piss her off, pronounce her name as "Mehgan" - not "Meegan"!)

Please give your exact title and state how long you've been at your jobby-job. Marketing Director, Genesco Sports Enterprises. I have been in this role for a little over two years. I handle the motorsports marketing for Pepsi Cola North America. I love my job!

Sports marketing is seemingly sexy; are you Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte or Miranda at work? (or, Pam Grier's Foxy Brown, perhaps?)

Hmmm…that is a really good question. I have always thought I was Carrie, but sometimes I think I take work (and life) a little too serious, which makes me Miranda. Actually, I probably have a bit all the girls inside of me!

What is your favorite part about the NASCAR Race and do you have a favorite driver? (NASCAR is one of Megan's accounts)

Well, the best part is when the Grand Marshal says “Gentlemen, start your engines”! If you are on the track near the cars when they all start up their engines, it’s the most amazing experience ever! Your heart skips a beat…you can’t even hear yourself think…you get chills! My favorite Driver…I have two. Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. They are about as different as they come. Jeff is bright lights and paparazzi, while Dale Jr is a beer and video games!

Back in the day, you had a dream to be the first black female General Manager for the NBA. Is this still your dream?

While I still think that would be an awesome job and an incredible accomplishment, I don’t think it’s necessarily my dream anymore. I have since been introduced to so many new opportunities and new experiences.

What is the "Top" for you...either professionally, socially, personally...what are you reaching for?

I definitely used to think that the “top” for me had something to do with my professional life, but I don’t feel that way anymore. The “top” is that peak where you have achieved balance…professionally, personally, and spiritually. I am not there yet because my professional weight keeps pulling me down. I am really searching for the personal and spiritual right now…then I will be balanced enough to be at the “top”, the peak.

Who is your favorite designer?

That’s a good question. I don’t really have a favorite. However, I do like clothes!!!! Oh, and shoes!

If you could chose to live anywhere (and surely you can), where would that be? Why?

I have always wanted to live in Europe (Italy to be more specific). I was blessed to be able to live over there for about three months, but I would have loved to have stayed there for a couple years. I think it’s important to expose ourselves to different cultures and different ways of life. In the states, I would pick Dallas or Charlotte. They are both beautiful cities!

You went to Hampton University, what did you love most about being there? Growing up in the white suburbs of Kansas, I was often times the only Black in a classroom or on a sports team. There was rarely a chance for me to connect or identify with someone who had similar life experiences as me. Hampton allowed me to make those connections. Plus, there were some very sexy men there! :)

Is there anyone from Hampton who you lost touch with that you like to see again? There are a couple of my line sisters (Alpha Kappa Alpha) that I would absolutely love to see again! We went through so much together during our time at Hampton…it would nice to re-connect with them.

Your younger twin sisters were featured in the first issue of the Gazette...what's it like not being a twin? Do people ask you that as much as people ask me "Where's the salt?"

Ha! I love it! What do you say when people ask you about the salt? Editor's answer: I say "On the table!" I don’t mind not being a twin. I think my sisters have a very special and unique relationship with each other, but I am not jealous of that. People ask me if I feel left out sometimes, but I am such a loner, so I don’t feel that way at all. The hardest thing is when my sisters are mad at each other and they area both calling me telling me their side of the story and wanting me to agree with them. That puts me in an awkward position, but I guess I am used to it now.

You love food. I love food. What's knocking your socks off these days restaurant-wise?

Knocking my socks off…I used to be able to eat Mexican food everyday, but since moving to NYC I can’t seem to find a good Mexican restaurant (and believe me…I have tried them all). I seem to always have a craving for sushi! There are some great sushi spots in the city. I guess that is my weakness right now!

Editor’s note: There’s that one place near SoHo that I like. If I could remember the name, I'd tell you.

When you were the choreographer for the Chicago Condors Women's ABL (American Basketball League) team dancers, what were you thinking would be next for you?
At that time in my life I had no idea what would be next. That was when I was torn between entertainment and corporate. I would have loved to continue choreographing and going down that career path, but I felt like I was being pulled in this other direction. I really miss dancing and choreography. I miss being creative!

When you were a little girl, did you know what you wanted to be? Are you that...yet?
I don’t remember wanting to be anything specific when I grew up. I never dreamed of a certain career or of being famous or getting married or any of those things that little girls dream of. I do know that I ALWAYS wanted to make sure my parents were proud of me no matter what. I have this overwhelming fear of disappointing them. I think I have done a pretty good job of making them proud! Thank you!!

2008-10-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Love. Hate. Want. Need.

By Sidney Gaskins

Everyone is interested in what is happening in the United States today. Unless you are living under the proverbial rock or without a television, you have been inundated with information. These are times to take a breath, look at your Life, and then, choose. The election is the perfect place for me to look at my Life. What I love, hate, want, and need. Let me break it down.
LOVE. I love the conversations with people about the elections. Never in my Life have I been involved in information-gathering around an election before. When the opportunity arises, my little fingers are typing away to search for speeches, statistics, articles, and video clips on the web. Maybe the web-searching is wearing away at my Lasik surgery, but I think it happens to be a good cause! I love the passion that the election brings out and the opportunity to share history with another generation.

On primary election day in Georgia, my son and I drove to the polling place. When we arrived, I made it a point to allow him to cast my vote. He actually understands the historic nature of this election. Given the opportunity, this nine-year old will grill you about the political party which you align yourself – that’s Agape Love!

HATE. As seen through a town hall meeting with John McCain’s supporters, there will always be hate espoused by people who are ignorant. It is not wrong to be ignorant; my take is that to be ignorant and share your ignorance in the form of hate contaminates the World at large. At this time in our country, the last thing we need to see is the ugly head of that beast hate sitting overtly in the Presidential election.

WANT. Rarely can you find a multicultural, multiethnic, socioeconomic mix that agrees on the issues. Heaven knows that we do not naturally agree on everything. All I want is to see that all people have not only the opportunity, but the means to step up. No, not hand outs, but hand ups. I want to see people stand in their power to transform their Life and the Life of those around them through taking on their own fears, raising the bar for themselves, going beyond the norm, and doing things they previously thought were impossible. And in that, I hold the mirror to myself first.

NEED. The definition of the word need reads as follows, “a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation”. With that said, I challenge you to look at what you need for your Life, look beyond and see what your friends need, then vote with the person or party which will provide it. But, after November 4th has passed, I challenge you to fulfill your needs by taking an evaluation of your Life and then, raising the bar, going beyond the norm, and doing the impossible. You will be surprised at the Life you create. Maybe the Government can take a page from that book.
So, maybe this is not the column you Love, Hate, or Wanted to read this month, but it is the one you Need.

Sidney Gaskins, Personal and Business Developer/Consultant/Coach, operates Enterprising Life in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Enterprising Life encourages individuals and businesses to look outside of the box to unleash their dreams and achieve success. For more information visit: http://www.enterprisinglife.com/ or call 678.886.3174 . Are you thinking of adopting, contact your local social services agency, Adopt America Network http://www.adoptamericanetwork.org/ and the National Adoption Center http://www.adopt.org/ .

2008-10-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

In My Solitude
"In the Valley"

By Cecilie Davis Carter

My grandmother used to tell me that after every valley, there will always be a hill. Sometimes the valley will be deep and dark, but never the less; there will always be a hill on the other side.

In my solitude, I think about how grateful I am for those valleys. If it weren’t for the time spent there, I would never know how green and beautiful the hills are. I wouldn’t know how to appreciate the journey that leads to the top. If it weren’t for the walks in the valley, I wouldn’t have anything to compare the hills to.

I am thankful for the calluses on my feet, as they are constant reminders of the hard lessons that are learned while making my way over the sharp terrain.
It is because of the darkness of the valley that I have learned to value the things that mean the most: family, friendship and love.

In my solitude, I am thankful for the valley, as I am stronger each time I reach the top of that hill.

2008-10-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

The New Haiku
Each month we'll feature a New Haiku from
Tanya Alexander, poet and director of Harlem’s Night Cabaret

Haiku #3:

Ice cream truck ring sings,

Kids scramble by and take chase.

Summertime has come.

Get Tanya's new spoken word album, "Pieces of Tanya", on Itunes or CD Baby. Some soothing samples are here:

2008-10-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Brown Abbey,
This month, "Big Kim" is our guest Brown Abbey!

Dear Brown Abbey:What do think about online dating? I've been trying for a while with some luck but not a lot. Sometimes I feel like it's a waste of time, but don't want to give up hope because I have friends who've had great dates and even gotten married!

Signed, Desperately Seeking an Online Romance

Ooh girl, online dating! Well first of all you have to be extremely careful because you never know what you're gonna get! If you think men lie in person, you ain't seen nothing yet. My basic rules for meeting people online is: “Add/Subtract”! Let me give you some examples: he says, “I'm six feet tall”, subtract 4 inches. He says, “I'm 32”, add 4 years. He says, “I weigh 180”, add 30! You get the idea.

Now that you have the physical covered, you have to worry about if he is a serial killer, axe murderer, scam artist, child, prisoner, etc. Do you really need to go through all that? Yes online dating can and has worked for thousands of people, but there are just as many horror stories. I find that men are chasing women constantly, at the office, on the street, in bars, restaurants you name it. Us girls have it made because the man will do all the work. You've just got to sit back and decide which one's you like.

So basically what it boils down to is if you must, yes go for it but as a woman you can attract men just by being a woman! You don't have to roll the dice on the computer. Just put on your cutest outfit and add a huge dose of self-confidence and the men will do the rest. It works for me and you know I'm just faking it!

2008-10-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

NEW!
Father Knows Best
Well. It’s about time. My name is Roscoe Chambers, the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST” I’ve been asked to contribute to the award winning “Brown Betties Gazette”. I will attempt to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide.

Dear Readers,

Have you been inundated with calls from executive search firm that claim to always have that perfect job opportunity? Well, if not just wait….. And when you finally take the chance to answer the call, disappointment sets in because this great position the recruiter speaks about is nowhere near what you are looking to peruse. Well now you can literally control the fate of your job search.

Although there are several resume blast companies out there, I found what appears to be the best in terms of providing the job seeker several search options. In my opinion ResumeSpider (http://www.resumespider.com/) is the best. You can control where you want your résumé sent by state, job title, industry and function. In addition, your credentials are in front of search firms that specifically place candidates in your area of interest. Overall, I think it's the best to help you acquire more job leads and contacts. Be sure to click on our business link to receive the company discount.

Go to http://www.resumespider.com/ and click on the big red "Run Search Now!" button then select your categories and click “Get Results”. You will then get to view your actual list of companies and contacts. Set up a free trial account first and review your actual list. Then you can upgrade and get 10% off by using The Kennedy Group discount code 460577.

Good Luck Hunting!

Sincerely,
Roscoe Chambers, President
The Kennedy Group

Roscoe Chambers II is the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers7@tx.rr.com

2008-10-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

2008-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Momma Said

by Vicki Rogers
(my Momma)

There were always things my Momma said that connected me to things larger than myself. They generally had some attached moral wisdom or guilt. Usually they just did not make a lot of sense to me at the time. One of those things was: "People in Hell want ice water."

In 1959, my best friend Judith and I were shopping in Weavers, the best store in Lawrence, Kansas, where I grew up. Judith picked out a pastel pink windbreaker (like what you wear jogging) and she called home and was able to put it on the family account. I was so jealous. It was so cool and pretty and new fashion. When I got home, I asked Momma for one and she said, “People in Hell want ice water”.

I used to look in the newspaper every weekend for horses for sale. I asked Momma -- a beautiful, graceful secretary bred in Lawrence and known for her love of scotch and Pal Mall’s -- for a Sorrell (beautiful, reddish-brown color). I even downgraded to the cheaper Pinto Colt (a baby Mustang horse with spots of brown, white and black). You can imagine what she said.

Perhaps it was just a matter of timing -- that is, either pre-payday or mild payday -- that I wanted things that were not in the budget. Of course some items may have been way over the top, (like the horse) but back then, they all seemed like reasonable requests to me!

"People in Hell want ice water"?? Why was it when I asked for something I really wanted, I was put on par with people in Hell? I could never figure out why she was talking to me about people in Hell. I was a fairly good Catholic girl. I went to confession, sometimes. I didn't know any people in Hell and if I did I probably wouldn't want to give them anything. I mean, really…this from a mother who loved me so much she would die and go to Hell for me.

I felt like we were the only people that never got what we wanted and often wondered would I, like the people who asked for “ice water”, end up in Hell or should I just not ask and be done with it -- thus improving my chances to go to Heaven instead? AND, why was it that people in Hell always wanted ice water? Why not iced tea or a slushy or a frosty mug of an ice cold beer?

I’m a mother of three who learned conditionally to not ask for much. I live in Tucson, Arizona now. It’s hot as Hell here sometimes. When I ask for ice water, I get it. When I want a cold beer, I get it. If I still wanted a Sorrell, I’d probably have it roped up in my backyard. Yes, Momma said something that was supposed to teach me I can’t always have what I want, but I’ve definitely learned to get what I need.

2008-09-19T14:22:00.008-07:00

Editor’s Edict:

Happy September! I love this time of year. Growing up in Wisconsin, it was such a treat to watch the leaves change and to kick through a pile of fallen deep-orange, red and brown offerings from Mother Nature. Now that I live in Los Angeles, I have to look hard for those familiar treats. When I find them, I remember to be thankful for small pleasures.

September has always represented a time of change for me. Somehow, I’m sure I’m stuck on a school schedule where September was still a beginning to the new school year or perhaps I’m reminded of my days in financial investments where September was the end of the busy third quarter that kicked off the final push for the year.

This issue is about change and moving forward. I moved from Chicago to New York and New York to Los Angeles in September, so I am definitely celebrating my accomplishments this month. I hope you are too! I hope you’ve succeeding in meeting some of those goals you set on New Year’s Eve for this year; if not, you still have all of fourth quarter (October –December) to “get her done”.

Our featured Brown Bettie, actor Milauna Jemai, knows all about setting and reaching goals and does so with humor! In “Two Sides to Every Love Story”, Cecilie Davis Carter writes in with her piece, “A Conversation With A Stranger” that looks at the irony of change.

Keena Ferguson, who plays “Hate” in Harlem’s Night Cabaret, has much to be thankful for this month in “In My Solitude”, while Tanya Alexander reminds us to dance in “Haiku #10” for “The New Haiku” section; remember to treat your ears and soul to her newly-dropped spoken word album, “Pieces of Tanya”. It’s the hotness…and I’m not just saying that because she is the fabulous director of our Cabaret.

“Big Kim” returns with wonderful relationship advice for “Dear Brown Abbey”! If you have a question that needs addressing, email us at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com. We offer job advice in the NEW column spearheaded by my “HR Guru” pops, entitled “Father Knows Best” ;)

I’m re-running my mom and Grandma’s piece for the “Momma Said” feature. Grandma needs some positive energy these days; as you read the section, PLEASE send her good vibes (her name is Alberta White)! Lastly, you’ll find the sixth fiction installment of “Harlem's Awakening”...the back story to Harlem & Joe of “Harlem’s Night Cabaret”.

I've just been added to Mahogany Butterfly! My feature blog is "Brown Bettie Knows Best". This month's article is "Always Be A Lady". Enjoy :)

Thank you for reading; please forward to a friend; and don’t forget to visit http://www.brownbetties.com/ for more on Brown Betties of Harlem’s Night Cabaret! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com

xo
The Hot One

2008-09-19T14:22:00.007-07:00

Brown Bettie Bomber

Milauna Jemai
Actor. Homegirl.
by Peppur Chambers

I feel like I should start this article like those in “Interview” or “Variety” or the “LA Weekly” where the writer says, “Not since (insert famous, talented person) has there been a talent as witty, solid and beautiful as Milauna Jamai” or…”(So-n-So) had better watch out because Ms. Jemai, one the industry’s most looked-over talents, is about to reach her top rung”…or simply, “Milauna Jemai is The One to Watch”.

Milauna Jemai, born and raised in Chicago, has a passion and spirit that lets you know she will stop at nothing to reach her goals as a working, ok, we’ll say it: WELL-KNOWN” top-billed actor. (The only thing that could stop her is if a director said she was not allowed to floss – see below!) Milauna understands the game; she knows where she fits; and she’s working her damnedest to shine in that niche. I think she has every type of flashlight, high-beamed laser, emergency flare stick, or book of matches in her back pocket to make sure she gets her shine on.

If you can stand the brilliance, read on!

What is one thing you still do now that you did when you were 10 years old?
When I was 10 years old, I used to try to fight the boys. I still do that now. Men are always saying, "Why do you keep hitting me?"

Do you remember your first day in Hollywood?
I vaguely remember my first day in Hollywood. I was in LA, tired from unpacking and ready to eat. I was in my cousin’s car and this guy says, "My God you're gorgeous. Are you an actress?" I said "Yes". As we talked, his boy robbed me. My gullible ass.

What is one truth you've learned about the entertainment industry that you didn't realize was so ...true?
Nepotism is real. Believe that.

I saw you on stage in "69 and other numbers...”-- what was the exact title? I didn't know you then and still thought you were hilarious. Tell us about your role and what intrigued you about it?
“Sex is a 3 letter word, 69 ain't just a number”. The show was more like a sketch comedy show, so I played many different sexually-charged characters. It was the first time in Hollywood that I actually did a comedy. I was tired of doing dramas and had a Halle "BAPS" moment. We had audiences that varied in sizes. Some nights there were more of us on stage, than in the audience. But those 4 people laughed dammit.

I find you to be very funny. "Ha-ha" funny. You've tried stand up before, but... tell us what happened!
Standup wasn't fully explored. I had an audition where I did a routine and it resulted in a pretty embarrassing moment. I realized that I shouldn't work for the laugh, but for the character. The audience might laugh on the inside or on the ride home. But they will laugh. If they don't, fuck em'.

Where is you favorite place to have a "meeting" in LA?
Folks actually have meetings here? What's going on in said "meetings"? Is there illegal activity going on during these "meetings"? I ain't into that freaky stuff, Peppur. Unless there's food included, then I'll do it. This one time.

You're from Chicago, what do you miss most about home?
I MISS THE FOOD! I miss the culture, the seasons, and the damn radio stations.

You seem to be incredibly focused about your acting career. How do you keep going?
NO SEX. Sex is a trap men use to get you off track.
Editor’s note: HA!

What do you love most about acting?
I love to be able to escape my reality and live vicariously through others. I can be the daughter of a bureaucrat, marry a billionaire mogul, and live a life without pressures. Plus I've met some pretty awesome folk acting.

Where did/do you study?
Where haven't I studied! Lesly Kahn, Barry Papick, Sy Richardson, Catherine Carlin...

I think about the scene from Eddie Murphy's, "Raw" when the kid tells the doo-doo joke in the beginning. Somehow, I see you doing that. Did you have a doo-doo joke moment that ultimately let you know you wanted to be an actor? If not, was there something else?
I was always the kid that participated in the Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas programs. I was the first kid off book, with the longest monologue. I went to a Lutheran grammar school and used to act out the hymnals and sermons. In my room all by myself. My grandparents thought I would be a preacher. In middle school, me and my mom worked on my monologue for a school project and it was truly a "doo-doo" moment. Not a single person laughed. The Japanese boy was the star that day with his Laffy Taffy, knock- knock jokes. I wonder where Carl Lee is today? Hmm...

What is your definition of "Love"?
What is my definition? Good question. Let me get back to you on that one.

Ok, wait I think I got it.

Love is like a finding a broken meter, when you have no change, and it's right in front of your destination. You feel like the luckiest person on the block and feel great that you don't have to rush if you don't want to. You can take your time. But when it's time to leave that meter, it's hard, but you do it. Hoping in the near future you find another one.

What makes you a "Brown Bettie"?
Oh, I'm not one quite yet. NO! I'm still working on my sexy back and toned legs. But I'm gon’ get there by '09.

What was your first acting gig, what was the most recent and what are you doing next?
My first acting gig was Twista's video "Emotions" as his girlfriend (watch video here). I thought he really liked me. I was wrong. He was just actin'.

My most recent project is a guest-star on "Lincoln Heights" which premiered on ABC Family, 9/16, 8/7c.
Watch her episode, "Glass House" here!

My next project is a secret and I can't reveal any details just yet. But it's got some actors in it and it's about something funny, and that's all I know right now. It G14 classified and they might be reading this as we speak.

Have you ever tried to Tango?
No to the Tango. You teaching or should I wait for my shot at "Dancing With The Stars" to learn?
You're very diligent about dental hygiene. How many packs of floss do you go through in a month? Better yet, what is your favorite brand and why?
Girl do you know me or what? I usually buy it in bulk. Can you say family pack? Johnson & Johnson “Reach” brand, Spearmint flavored, waxed baby or unwaxed. I'm nasty like that.

Girl it's been fun. Let's do it again. Next time at that secret "meeting" place.

2008-09-19T14:22:00.006-07:00

Two Sides to Every Love Story
"A Conversation With A Stranger"
By Cecilie Davis Carter

Uh, excuse me. Can you move over? A little? PLEASE? I’m tryin’ to be nice. But I’m starting to become annoyed, damn’t. I can’t see! I just think that it’s a bit rude to hog the entire mirror…don’t you? All I’m saying is that every time I go to look at myself, there you are. And honestly it’s one thing to haunt me in my own home…but you have taken this thing to a whole ‘other level. Your ass has followed me to every bathroom and every dressing room that I have stepped foot into over the last year…or two. Quite honestly, I’m sick and tired. I’m sick and tired of being SICK AND TIRED! I mean seriously…what is up with you? You keep stalking me! Who are you? Single black female? Crazy bitch. Get your own life, instead of trying to take over mine! You have the same hairstyle and the same clothes. You even have the same skin tone. The only major problem and huge ass difference is --I mean, honestly, whoever you are, I’m not trying to offend you and I know that you are really not tryin’ to hear it, but you can stand to lose a few “LB’s” .SORRY. Don’t give me that look. I don’t even know you. I mean, you have done a decent job of trying to be me, so all I’m saying is since you want it so bad; maybe you should work on that body! Look, I know no-“body” is perfect, but…again, if you are trying to impersonate me, then sweetheart, you gotta listen to a few bits of constructive criticism since you’re the one who constantly keeps jumping into my world: Those thighs are OUT OF CONTROL. How do you deal with the rubbing? Gross. And that BELLY? WHOA! That belly is massive. How do you handle the rolls? Can you TRY to suck it in? YEAH, that’s what I thought…Can you do anything about those breasts? I mean, I know guys like big tits and all, but, I think that that they like them kind of firm, and quite honestly gravity should not be pulling on them at your age. But that’s just my opinion…it’s whatever, do what you want. I’m just saying, if you continue to show up in my world as often as you do, it would be really nice if you would heed my warning. I’m talking about QUICKLY, TOO. WHY? Well because, it seems like you like me, and want to go where I go, and represent me and all, so do whatever it takes! But until then, PLEASE STOP SHOWING UP IN MY MIRROR?

2008-09-19T14:22:00.005-07:00

In My Solitude
By Keena Ferguson (Brown Bettie/“Hate” in Harlem’s Night Cabaret)

What a blessed 2008 and the end to a beautiful summer! I have learned so much and I am really happy. I had and still have a lot of plans for 2008 and it has been a wonderful year, but more importantly it has been a year of growth, understanding, spiritual intimacy and trust in my own journey.

I have always heard that success is never about the destination but about the journey and many times we think, "Yeah, yeah, just get me to my destination," but living in the moment is so important because not only do you learn so much, but the destination becomes sweeter because you give all your credit to the memories and wonderful moments that got you there. It is about trusting that everything happens in its own time and knowing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be in your life. (Thanks Edwin)

Most times we ask for things or say what it is we want or put things on our vision board and the reality is that there is power in words and in what we see; however, it is more about being ready to receive it when it comes and knowing how to handle it. One of my goals was I wanted to model in a few magazines this year and I got the August cover of Black Enterprise magazine; a spread in Heart and Soul magazine and two book covers (one is “Chances Are” by Donna Hill)! I had not even thought as far as a COVER, but what a blessing it has been along with all the work that I have done this year from commercials (behind-the-scenes Pizza Hut video!) to TV shows to films...with that, in my solitude I am thankful for the virtue of humility. I am thankful that the Lord always prepares me before the blessing and I am thankful to wake up each and everyday and live my dream.

I shot “KAI”, my first short film this year that I wrote, produced, and starred in with a great cast, crew and production team and although I wanted to do it last year, it turns out this year was the absolute best time to shoot it! I received such talent from everyone involved and got a lot of perks because of the writers’ strike. I couldn't have been happier with my first short film and it is another stepping stone within my career goals.

In my solitude, I have and am still taking or, better yet, finding the time to "smell the roses"; not to be tied to my Blackberry (which I completely am); and to be “OK” to just sit still at times and reflect -- be with my own thoughts and realize that life is about balance and part of that balance is learning how to find that balance...how ironic:) As focused as my life is on acting, dancing, modeling and everything else that I do; I know that I want a fulfilled life with family, friends, love, travel and not being restricted by finances -- ever! Life is about living and without all of the facets of life we will find ourselves searching for something to fulfill some void somewhere, when the true joy comes in trusting that all will work in its perfect plan so you can take a break from pounding the pavement, take a nap during the day, get away sometimes and simply be whatever you want at anytime knowing that your destiny is yours and NO ONE or NOTHING can take that away!

In my solitude I am thankful for love in my life and a wonderful, supportive, loving, considerate and many-more-things boyfriend who has filled my heart. I am thankful for a beautifully loving family that I would give the world for. I am thankful for the gifts of talent and creativity that I get to share with the world; living my dream everyday; laughing with friends; faith that it will always work out; knowing that all my needs are forever met; perfect health in my friends and family; knowing that my path is mine and no one else's; not being afraid to love hard; the gift of humility, forgiveness and the intimate relationship with God; and the faith to know HE is in control.

In my solitude I am thankful....

Oh, and, Vote OBAMA....He will Change the World and make History

2008-09-19T14:22:00.004-07:00

The New Haiku
Each month we'll feature a New Haiku from
Tanya Alexander, poet and director of Harlem’s Night Cabaret

Haiku #10
Still night breathes, echoes.

Everything sways in time.

Dance on 'til sunrise.

Get Tanya's new spoken word album, "Pieces of Tanya", on Itunes or CD Baby. Some soothing samples are here:

2008-09-19T14:22:00.003-07:00

Dear Brown Abbey,
This month, "Big Kim" is our guest Brown Abbey!

Dear Brown Abbey:

What do think about online dating? I've been trying for a while with some luck but not a lot. Sometimes I feel like it's a waste of time, but don't want to give up hope because I have friends who've had great dates and even gotten married!

Signed,

Desperately Seeking an Online Romance

Ooh girl, online dating! Well first of all you have to be extremely careful because you never know what you're gonna get! If you think men lie in person, you ain't seen nothing yet. My basic rules for meeting people online is: “Add/Subtract”! Let me give you some examples: he says, “I'm six feet tall”, subtract 4 inches. He says, “I'm 32”, add 4 years. He says, “I weigh 180”, add 30! You get the idea.

Now that you have the physical covered, you have to worry about if he is a serial killer, axe murderer, scam artist, child, prisoner, etc. Do you really need to go through all that? Yes online dating can and has worked for thousands of people, but there are just as many horror stories. I find that men are chasing women constantly, at the office, on the street, in bars, restaurants you name it. Us girls have it made because the man will do all the work. You've just got to sit back and decide which one's you like.

So basically what it boils down to is if you must, yes go for it but as a woman you can attract men just by being a woman! You don't have to roll the dice on the computer. Just put on your cutest outfit and add a huge dose of self-confidence and the men will do the rest. It works for me and you know I'm just faking it!

2008-09-19T14:22:00.002-07:00

**NEW!**
Father Knows Best
by Roscoe Chambers II

In this section, my father, Roscoe Chambers will impart his tips on job hunting and job keeping. As a more than 30-year veteran of the Human Resources industry, I imagine he has a lot to say!

Well. It’s about time. My name is Roscoe Chambers, the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in the Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST” I’ve been asked to contribute to the award winning “Brown Betties Gazette”. I will attempt to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide. I found a great piece on networking by David B. Wright, Author, Get A Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves I hope you enjoy this segment and we look forward to hearing from you. CARPE DIEM!

TIP: Always Carry Business Cards
I’m often amazed by how frequently I meet people at networking events, trade shows, conventions, seminars, and so on that don’t have business cards with them - especially job seekers! I’m not necessarily suggesting that without a card, your true value to society is diminished. But if you’re looking for a job, and you don’t have a card with you, what happens when you meet someone who either has the perfect job opportunity for you (or knows someone who does)? You either scramble for a pen while mumbling some lame excuse about not having a card, or you lose the chance to reconnect with this person later. Either way, you miss out on the opportunity to look & act as the best professional for the job.

Nowhere is this more embarrassing than when you meet someone in sales or marketing that doesn’t have a card. The business card is a marketing document - and if you’re in sales or marketing, working or not, you come across as a pretty bad marketer if you don’t even have a simple business card.

Perhaps my view is slightly biased due to the years I spent working in Japan, where there’s a highly developed ritual around how business people exchange cards. Still, the habits I developed there with regards to making sure I always had business cards have served me well, both in the job search area and in various business deals.

So here’s what I do. I have a business card case that I nearly always carry. It’s a lightweight aluminum card case by Muji. I also keep a few extra cards in my wallet, just in case I run out. Additionally, I have business cards in my briefcase, laptop case, any notebooks I use regularly, any luggage I use regularly, and even in both the glove compartment and the ashtray of my car. Of course, if you’re a smoker, and use you ashtray for ashes, you’ll want to rethink that last one.
So, you may ask, what do you do if you are between jobs and your old business card info is no longer valid? Don’t just cross out the old info and write on the card - that’s just plain tacky.

Order some personal cards, for example from VistaPrint. Go ahead and spend the extra couple of bucks to get 2-sided cards, and include a few bullet points about your skills on the back - sort of a mini-resume. Their prices are cheap, quality is good, and they can usually get your cards to you in a matter of days.

What if you just ran out and have an important event tonight? Well, if you’d planned ahead, you would have a pack of pre-perforated heavy weight printable business cards like these Avery Business Cards . Then just open up your MS Word or other program, type up the relevant info, print them up, and you’re good to go.

If you hadn’t planned ahead, they’re also available at office supply stores, Wal-Mart, and even most pharmacies.

The moral of the story: the American Express card isn’t the card you should really never leave home without.

David B. Wright
Author, Get A Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves www.thegetajobbook.com

Roscoe Chambers II is the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers7@tx.rr.com

2008-09-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the sixth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night”.

Revenged….Chapter 6

“Well, Gosh Damn, what’d ya say next?!” shouted her best friend, Cora, which was highly inappropriate since they were sitting in church. Cora was the best friend any girl could have; especially a girl like Harlem. Cora could keep a secret like no body’s business; she could eat as many ice cream sodas that were needed to get through an entire story about the worst (or the most loveliest) date; and she could and would tell an officer the best, most convincing lie to save your ass. Not that either of them had ever gotten into that kind of trouble, but it was a good quality just the same, and now here she was in church, swearin’ like a sailor. Harlem loved her.

Harlem was about to lean in and tell her what happened next when Barbara Jones, her neighbor and former best friend from the 6th grade (who ratted her out over a stolen marble), gave her the stink eye from a few seats over. Not wanting her business overheard, Harlem scribbled on the inside cover of her bible: “I SLAPPED HER!”

Cora screamed in glee, “YOU WHAAAT?!” This was too much. Pastor Gordon stopped in mid-sermon, and said, “Since Sister Harlem and Sister Cora are so easily moved by today’s word, perhaps they’d like to help me teach it to the youth in Wednesday’s bible study?” Nearly everyone in the small congregation turned to look at Cora and Harlem…’cept for those who already knew turning their necks was a waste of time. (Cora had that type of reputation.)

Cora stood, bowed her head slightly and said, “Pastor Gordon, please forgive me. I’m not sure what has come over me. Or Harlem. I think it would be best for us to leave so we can find out what has possessed us. C’mon Harlem.”

Once outside in the cool, crisp air and once their giggles shrunk from breath-stealing hysterics to manageable whimpers, Harlem’s turned to tears.

“Oh my God. I was so humiliated. And mad. And annoyed. And embarrassed. And —- How could she set me up to see if I’d been with Joe and then when I admit I had, she turns around and says ‘I’m the type of girl’ who would divulge that kind of information?!”

“Clearly the girl has got some style and finesse that you are lacking. What’d she do after you slapped her?”

“I didn’t slap her, Cora. I sat there frozen like a damn idiot ‘til Bartender Scotty poked me on my shoulder and asked if I’d seen a ghost.” Harlem sobbed. “I can never go back to The Cornett Lounge.”

“Oh yes you can,” Cora announced. “And you will. But first we gotta figure out who this ‘Sarah’ is and why Joe thinks he can treat you with such low regard by bringin’ her ‘round the same night he told you to come by. I mean, really!”

“Maybe…” Harlem was becoming too distraught to finish her sentence.

“’Maybe’ nothin’, honey. Joe was the one who done wrong. Like I said, he shouldn’t have invited you on the same night he had another woman on his arm. That’s downright rude, and very ungentlemanly.”

Cora thought for a moment. She looked at Harlem. Harlem looked back at her.

“What?” Harlem asked.

“You know what I’m about to say,” chided Cora.

“Sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Yessss, you dooooo!” Cora started to pretend like she was Sherlock Holmes and held an imaginary magnifying glass up to Harlem’s slightly shiny forehead.

Harlem ducked, “I imagine that whatever you’re lookin’ for is not goin’ to be found in the delicate pimples on my forehead.”

Cora said, “I ain’t lookin’ at your pimples, Harlem. We have more important things to examine, like—”

“—Liiiike what?”

“Like why you even still like Joe in the first place.”

Cora’s question, while completely relevant, was in no way what Harlem wanted to hear at that particular moment. She grunted in disgust to signify she thought so.

“You making sounds like a pig is not enough to make me stop from making you look at yourself, dear friend. You are a beautiful woman. You are smart, you’re quite funny, sometimes, and you wear hats very well. Better than most, I figure. So, we really need to start looking at why you like Joe so much.” Cora walked on ahead. Harlem slowed her pace; she took a glance at herself in the storefront to Alberta’s Always Good Bakery. She did wear a hat well. She was pretty. She was smart. So why did she like Joe so much?”

Harlem blurted, “Is it because he’s bad and I’m so good?”

“That sounds like a load ‘a shit!” laughed Cora. “Although, maybe there is some truth to it. Why don’t we ask Joe now what he thinks about that statement?”

Harlem figured Cora was meaning that they’d do something silly like go by Joe’s apartment and sit on his comfy couch and ask him straight out. Never did she dream that Joe was literally five feet in front of Cora. He must have come from the barber shop or something. Harlem had no time to hide. Cora wouldn’t have let her anyway.

Cora smiled, corny yet sly, and quite possibly showing every tooth she had in her head and drawled, “Heeeyyy Joe!”Joe looked at Cora, then at Harlem, then across the street towards the corner tap like he was lookin’ for a place to escape. Clearly, that was not going to happen.

(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2008-09-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Momma Said
by Peppur Chambers, Vicki Rogers & Alberta White (pic 2nd from right)

This past Christmas holiday, I spent some time looking at cherished photos in my mom’s 1970s white, leather bound album with chipped, gilded, script letters that announce, “Family Album”. Like any other album from any other family, it holds irreplaceable moments captured by outdated contraptions. I was flipping through the pics as I often do when I’m at mom’s house in Arizona. I’m a hopeless romantic for Era’s gone-by and a hound dog for family clues…I love to inspect pictures and attempt to unlock the mystery of what was “really” going on in the flash of a moment, i.e. Where were they? What were they doing? Are they having a good time or a bad time? Ultimately, a camera flash is a light that show a story that wasn't necessarily meant to be told because some people see the act of taking a snapshot as an opportunity to reveal only what they want you to see – especially when the photographer is trying to capture something else. My grandma, Alberta White, is a master at this, whether she’s trapped in a photo or ribbing you for missing a play in Hearts.

As I looked through the album at pictures of Gram (my mom’s mom) in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, I thought about who Gram was then and who she is now. I wondered if she was the same person. Whatever the answer, I felt the urge to share these pictures with my step mom of some twenty-five years. I saw it as an introduction of sorts since, surprisingly, Gram and my step mom were meeting for the first time, as there had never been a reason to be in the same room after my parent’s divorce.

I knew Gram would appreciate this gesture since she knows she was a hot woman; you can tell by the stance she takes in her photos and sometimes by the expressions in the people around her. She often says I remind her of how she was then. (Lineage-wise, she absolutely takes credit for where I come from and in the last photo below its amazing how much I look like her!)

In tribute to her hotness, I had the brilliant idea of interviewing Gram for Momma Said (and give my momma a break from writing). Only, I thought of it once I got back to LA. Duh. I wish I’d thought of this when I was with her. Anyway, I had mom interview Gram with these questions and email them back to me. Gram is stoically vibrant … Rather than answer my random questions clinically presented through her daughter, she’d sooner munch on (required) sugar free crackers from her bedroom haven filled with the distinct sound of film noir programming on Turner Classic Movies while softly yelling hushed, truncated obscenities at Myrna Loy. So this is the snapshot we were able to get during the TCM “intermissions”:

What's one thing you learned from your mother? (Good or Bad)
How to be thrifty.

What's one thing you told all four of your daughters?
How to respect other people.

What's one thing you wish you had told them?
I pretty much covered it all (for instance, how important it is to live a good life.)

What's one thing you wish you hadn't told them?
That there is some good in everyone-I’m not so sure now.

What's one thing you wish your mom had told you?
How to care for yourself.

What do you think is your lasting legacy?
My children

What time in your life has been or is your favorite? Why? In my thirties and forties--way much less stress.

What's the best thing about Alberta White? (What's your middle name?! Who are you named for?)
My personality. Middle name Louise (named by my Uncle Clifford - don’t know if I was named for anyone)

What makes a woman powerful?
Her knowledge that she is powerful and using that knowledge.

What's the best thing about being a woman?
Realizing that she does have strength and power in all of her endeavors.

What's the best thing about being a grandma?
Being able to show favoritism without causing pain.

What's the best thing about being a mom?
Knowing (later in life) HOW DEAR YOUR ARE TO your children (caps are a typo)

If I had a daughter, what would you say to her?
Pick out all the things about your mom that you cherish and practice living them.

Date of birth (not year unless you want to include) and location of birth
March 24, 1932 Wright City .Mo

Parent's names
Hadley and Lillian Hamm

Worked in KU ____ office for how long? _____ years
Kansas University Chemistry Dept (office and lab) 19 ½ years. Lawrence High School Principal Secretary - 20yrs

What'd you do before KU again?
House cleaning before KU and LHS

Describe your best childhood memory. (And don't say there wasn't one! :)
Having new shoes at Easter Time.

*Thank you to my Aunt Pamela Sanchez for the photos online!

2008-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Editor’s Edict:

Hello, my lovely readers! It has been a while, no? My boyfriend likes to remind me of the teachings of The Secret and to “Be in an attitude of gratitude…!” I am a fairly positive thinker, yet, sometimes I struggle with this Polly-Anna push and working on the Brown Betties Gazette is not immune to my feelings of not-so-attitudy-in-gratitudy. I get upset that I can’t keep up with my self-developed publishing schedule and as a result, feel negative about my accomplishments, when I should be thrilled.

I started this Gazette one year ago because I love writing, I love celebrating the accomplishments of other women, and I love my show, “Harlem’s Night Cabaret” performed by the Brown Betties. Funny, and here is how The Secret works, because as I write, I now feel a warm glow of attitude of gratitude spreading in my heart-n-soul like yummy honey because I do have joy and I know I’m lucky to be able to do what I love. SO, I (we) will CELEBRATE this new issue! Who has time to read in May, June or July anyway? :) We’re human; life happens; I’m busy; you’re busy…so there you have it. I’m happy to present the August issue of the Brown Betties Gazette and I’m thrilled you’re reading it!

This issue inadvertently became themed around family. My friend and actor LeShay Tomlinson Boyce became married and inherited more than just a husband in the union. Her perspective on juggling family and still striving to reach her dreams and goals made her the August Brown Bettie! In “Two Sides to Every Love Story”, Sidney Gaskins reveals the love she found in adopting her son. On a side note, take a moment to peek at my sister-in-law's new blog, “I am Brown Girl Speaks”…she offers stuff on family livin'. My niece is pictured there too and she’s lovely! To fuel your joy, we offer Tene’ Carter’s beautiful poem for the “In My Solitude” feature section and we introduce “The New Haiku” section which will highlight Tanya Alexander’s original Haikus; be sure to treat your ears and soul to her newly dropped spoken word album, “Pieces of Tanya”. It’s the hotness…and I’m not just saying that because she is the fabulous director of our Cabaret.

Lastly, I could only shake my head as I first gasped, then giggled, and began to nod in strange agreement when I read my mom’s submission for her “Momma Said” feature on her proposed unconventional use of prunes …I imagine you’ll have a similar reaction. When you recover, there’s more of the fiction installments of "Harlem's Awakening"...the back story to Harlem & Joe of “Harlem’s Night Cabaret” for you to consume. As always, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! And don’t forget to visit www.brownbetties.com for more on Brown Betties of Harlem’s Night Cabaret! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com

xo
The Hot One

2008-08-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

A Brown Bettie Becomes Her Dream

by Peppur Chambers

LeShay ("Mad Energy") Tomlinson Boyce
Actor. Newlywed. Bonus Momma

But seriously, I currently have two AFI (American Film Institute) films traveling the festival circuit, the comedy “The Lutheran” and the drama “Stitches”.

What is your biggest dream?
Receiving the Tony Award for my 1 Woman Show on Broadway directed by Meryl Streep.

Do you have any re-occurring dreams? If so, tell us! If not, why do you think that is?

What scared you today - literally or figuratively?
The thought of my in-laws coming.

In my opinion, you are a person that creates synergies --whether you are making your famous tuna salad or whether you are on the big screen. How do you maintain this mad energy?

Wow. Thank you. Actually it’s genetic. And God on the inside of me.

You were married recently in Mexico to a wonderful man. Do you remember the day? If so, what stood out the most for you?
The overwhelming feeling of Joy –It was the happiest I’ve ever felt.

"Happiness Is FORGIVENESS."

http://www.leshayonline.com/

2008-08-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

Two Sides to Every Love Story
By Sidney Gaskins

Most little girls, as they are growing up, dream of the white picket fence, the husband, and having two children. That is not my story. My Love Story began when I saw a little boy at a foster home in October of 2000. When I tell people about meeting him, it sounds like a made-for-television drama.

The winter began to set in on Cleveland, Ohio; I worked in the Department of Children and Family Services as a social worker. My first children to visit were two girls placed in a foster home. Single, college graduate, no children, those were my basic stats. As I sat on the couch of the foster parents’ home, a tiny boy hid behind the curtains playing peek-a-boo with me and laughing. Soon after his antics with the curtains, he crawled up on the couch, sat next to me, and just looked at me. He moved closer, and then closer, eventually he was on my lap. In a moment of freedom I said, “I’m gonna take you home with me.” There came a day when his foster mother told me he was available for adoption. My heart stopped and I got worried that I would never know how he was or what happened to him. So, I made the choice to adopt him. Single, college graduate, no children, those were my basic stats. Little did I know that day would be a day to chance two lives.

Jamil officially became my son in March of 2003 at the age of 3 years old and the Love Story is still being written. Adoption to me is no different than having a natural child. I question my fitness as a parent, whether I made the “right” decision. And there were times, and still are, when I thought he would be better off with someone else. He would have two parents, a house, a yard, a dog (like he begs me to get), and other siblings in the home (like he begs me to get). And were it not for the support of other family and friends, we would not have made it this far. He is what I live for now. He is the Love of my Life.

I received a call from my sister in California, whom he stays with for part of the summer. He is now nine years old and was asking about his birth Mother. I became worried. She had probed him on what he would change about his life and he said, “nothing”. He expressed that he loves me, he is happy to be adopted, and he would not change that at all. Neither would I.

Still single, still a college graduate, one child, those are my basic stats. Little did I know that day would be a day to chance two lives. That is my Love Story.

Sidney Gakins, Personal and Business Developer/Consultant/Coach, operates Enterprising Life in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Enterprising Life encourages individuals and businesses to look outside of the box to unleash their dreams and achieve success. Services include exclusive personal & family sessions, executive and management coaching, staff development, and group coaching. For more information visit: www.EnterprisingLife.com or call 678.886.3174 . Are you thinking of adopting? Contact your local social services agency, Adopt America Network www.adoptamericanetwork.org and the National Adoption Center www.adopt.org .

2008-08-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

In My Solitude

Spring Love
by Tene' Carter

A New Year
A New Frontier
Fresh Spring Love
Wondering, discovering
Enlightening each other with our fantasies
Holding of hands,
Sheltering Fears
And tears
Wiped Away:
Moments
In
Love

T.C.M.

2008-08-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

The New Haiku
Each month we'll feature a New Haiku from
Tanya Alexander, poet and director of Harlem’s Night Cabaret

Haiku #2

Sun down, full moon night.
Streetlights hum and beckon forth.
Chrildren's theatre.

Get Tanya's new spoken word album, "Pieces of Tanya", on Itunes or CD Baby. Some soothing samples are here:

2008-08-14T23:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Brown Abbey,
This month, "Big Kim" is our guest Brown Abbey!

Dear Brown Abbey:I'm a single, 36-year old, beautiful, talented, educated black woman living in a major metropolitain city. I keep hearing about this phenomena of great black women who are single. What is your take on this topic?

I will say if you are single and have all those other things in your life going for you then you are limiting herself somehow. What I mean is if you've got your life together then to find a man with the same, you got to be "out there" to meet him. You need to be in situations that constantly put you in direct contact with like minded men. They're not gonna find you sitting at home with you're degree! To put it plainly, I wanted a man with tattoos, know where I found one? A tattoo parlor!

Another mistake is limiting yourself. "I need a man who's six feet tall" or "he's gotta be rich, or white, or black, or Jewish" NO, What you need is an honest, loving, caring man who treats you well! In the long run that other stuff really doesn't matter at all! There's a great song written by Cole Porter called "Down in the depths on the 90th floor" It's about a woman living alone and lonely in her fabulous Penthouse! The chorus goes "why even the janitor's wife has a perfectly good love life"! Meaning, you may be in your fierce penthouse and she may only be married to a janitor, but she has a man who loves her! That Gucci handbag may be hot, but it won't keep you warm at night!!

2008-08-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

Momma Said:
by Vicki Rogers (my momma)

"Pruned Response"

Recently during my lunch break at the air force base, I was talking to one of my staff and co-workers as I chomped on some prunes and she munched on cold pizza. She was depressed about the impending visit from her husband’s extended family. She liked them and enjoyed their company individually, but having them arrive en masse was only adding to her trouble. Her trouble was that she was afflicted with an absentee spouse.

He was basically mentally absent from their relationship unless he wanted sex or new computer components to support his non-job habit. She couldn’t really remember when he started going MAWOL (Mentally Absent With Out Leave), she just knew when it came to taking responsibility for her and their two children, both under the age of five, he just wasn’t there. He had already boasted to his relatives about all the places he would take them to here in the Old Pueblo --
her husband liked to boast about providing but not to do the providing. And that of course he’d exclaimed they didn’t have to worry about eating out with prices so high, they could eat at their house! Hotels?! Out of the question. After all, they were coming all the way from Texas. All ten of them.

His MAWOL factor had created a vacuum around the reality of having to bed and breakfast, and lunch and dinner a ten pack, even if it was only for a few days. He didn’t seem to realize that their three-bedroom house already had one bedroom devoted to his office which was piled high with computer bits ‘n pieces and that the garage was a nightmare. He was also absent-minded about buying groceries, washing clothes, cooking meals and watching children other than via the rear-view mirror.

My co-worker was already exhausted and the visit was still days away.

As we sat in our lunch area, which is very informal and mainly consists of a round cocktail table and bar stools embellished with the University of Arizona logo and team colors placed beside a pool table in the large office area that doubles as a game room for our youth program,
I asked her what would happen if she got sick while they were there visiting? She said it wouldn’t matter. She would still have to prepare the meals, make sleeping arrangements, be a chauffeur service, etc., and watch her kids. I looked at her across the small table, plain-faced and said, “From the bathroom?” I stared at her while she had the most puzzled look on her face, like, “Why would I bring them into the bathroom with me?” To clarify, I suggested, “Vomiting - diarrhea?” Her expression changed to disbelief. I explained “It’s hard to entertain people when you’re on the toilet. It’s even harder to cook.” Of course I WASN’T SUGGESTING SHE GET FOOD POISENING. However, prunes eaten in the proper quantities at the right time will certainly assure frequent trips to the bathroom. Those timed for initial deposit around 3-4 am are hard for even the most peaceful sleeper to ignore. Also there are those trusty pill laxatives that are always helpful in cleansing the bowel and they do genuinely make you feel sick. (My co-worker thought it particularly funny that I never leave home without them. The prunes, I mean.) If she were physically absent from catering to the ten pack, her husband would most certainly have to…relieve her…of her burdens.

It is unpleasant to gently make yourself sick; it’s also unpleasant when you have to remind a spouse that goes MAWOL about remaining in the present. It is also unfair to be ignored when asking that other half to take responsibility in a relationship and be just that. So sometimes you have to take yourself out of the picture to capture their attention when getting help the hard way is the only recourse you have left.

Sometimes that recourse can be … prunes.

2008-08-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

Harlem’s Love Story…

For your reading enjoyment, find the fifth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night”.

Type of Girl…Chapter 5

It wasn’t until the top of her third drink that Harlem finally started to feel the warm brown velour blanket known as “Scotch-n-Soda” wrap itself around her pain.

“Mmmm. That’s better,” she sighed. She continued to focus on Joe, the source of her pain, as he played through his second set. She watched as his fingers tickled the upright bass…She laughed out a loud and indignant “Ha!” in response to her recollection of how only an hour ago, when she’d first arrived at the Cornett Lounge to see Joe, that the very same sight of his playing had given her tingles. This sight, now shrouded in an ugliness best explained by a shrink, made her want to throw up.

Again, “Ha!” rumbled from her chest and burst through her lips. She abruptly turned to the bar, away from stupid Joe and his stupid bass. She became aware of the interesting fact that despite what had happened tonight between them (really, what had not happened), she couldn’t and hadn’t forced herself to leave this place. A woman of sound mind and body would have grabbed her wrap and haughtily stomped out leaving a cloud of pressed powder and perfume in her stead. But not Harlem. Not the Harlem who seemed to be a glutton for punishment, despite all the love warnings she received from her female ancestral past like, “Men only want one thing!” …

“I’m stronger than that,” she whispered to herself. She took a long cool sip… “I’m a baaaaaad motherfff----” A tap on her shoulder interrupted.

She didn’t dare look. Whoever it was would certainly be a bother or a bore; neither being something she wanted to deal with right now. She kept her head down hoping the person would just go away…Tap. Tap. Tap. Oy. She peeked to her left to address The Tapper. It was Sarah. Stupid Joe’s stupid Sarah.

“You’re still here, honey.” The words seeped from her mouth in not quite a question but more like a toned-down reprimand.

“Am I?” Harlem replied. She looked around, pinched herself once for good measure. “Why yes, yes, I am still here. Funny. Isn’t it.”

“If you say so.” Sarah nodded to Scotty, the bartender.

“More champagne for you all?” Harlem asked with bitterness disguised as politeness because she didn’t have the balls to be a bitch.

“Your dear of a friend Harold just poured himself the last drop.”

Harlem smiled to herself. Harold had become her ally and he didn’t even know it.

Sarah continued in her uber-pleasant way, “I’m getting myself a little something else. Can I interest you in a martini?”

A martini? Harlem would have preferred a rope. By Sarah’s returned expression, Harlem sensed Sarah knew exactly what she was thinking. Of course, exactly who would be hung was what Harlem imagined Miss Sarah was now trying to craft. Rather than see it ‘round her own neck, Harlem grabbed hold of the proverbial rope and said:

“I’d love a martini.”

“Smart girl,” Sarah replied.

They waited a spell for Scotty to deliver. The silence between them hovered like a hungry hawk patiently circling a lush field stocked with tasty brown mice. Harlem licked her lips. Sarah coughed discretely. They both shifted their gaze and female attention to Joe as he played on stage. His head was bent low and his hat had fallen dangerously low from its usual perch on his head. Knowing Joe, he probably willed the hat to stay put, and it listened, respectfully. His smooth chin was the only visible part of his extraordinary face. He was bathed in pale yellow candlelight and the swing notes he played seemed to dance around him, through him like exotic indigo, gold and crimson butterflies.

“He sure is a dream, wouldn’t you say?” said Sarah.

“Ohhhhh…,” Harlem stalled.

Scotty delivered. Sarah delicately slid a frosty martini Harlem’s way; her bony fingers bare save for crimson polish and an intimate pearl ring. Sarah sipped her own martini with a familiarity of which Harlem was slightly jealous as she casually fumbled the awkward glass to her mouth.
Sarah continued softly, “So handsome.”

“Mmmmm….” Murmured Harlem.

“And wonderfully talented in…so many ways. Wouldn’t you agree?” And with that, heavenly Sarah slid her honeyed eyes Harlem’s way. They landed deep in the center of Harlem’s own deep amber eyes. Neither shifted. Neither strayed.

“So many ways?” Harlem said somewhat seductively. “Yes, I s’pose I’d have to agree with you, Sarah.”

Sarah leaned in toward Harlem, softly turned Harlem's chin away with her pearled hand so she could whisper this in Harlem’s ear: “You’ve just confirmed you’re the type of girl who would.”

Harlem, mortified, could still feel the heat from Sarah’s breath in her ear as she watched Sarah slide her remaining martini down her thin throat like an oyster falling from its shell. She then licked her lips, gave Harlem a demeaning kiss on the cheek and smiled, “See ya around, sugar.”

(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

2008-04-08T14:12:00.001-07:00

Editor’s Edict:

A snapshot. That’s what we have this month. We take a dissected look at Tina McDowelle – our featured Brown Bettie and a new artist -- as she emerges to share her musical tableau with whomever will stop, look and listen…we take a moment to look at “BarackillaryObamainton” a cross-pollinated picture 0f Barack and Hillary that made me think of there being two sides to every love story…in our minds’ eye we can almost see the still photo of K. Hill as she sits in her solitude…with the poem “Dawn of a Woman” we taste bittersweet melancholy while flipping through the pages of a photo album of a relationship traveling from yesterday to tomorrow…Dear Brown Abbey says to look at the picture in your gut for the answer to a very popular question…and we get a flash photo of who my grandma may or may not be in Momma Said. We end this month with more fiction from “Harlem’s Awakening”, entitled, “Intruder”.
Happy reading!
Xo
The Hot One

PS - don’t forget to visit http://www.brownbetties.com/ for more on Brown Betties of Harlem’s Night Cabaret! If you have any comments, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com