William Ward's Wise Words

William Arthur Ward wrote:

"Believe while others are doubting.

Plan while others are playing.

Decide while others are delaying.

Prepare while others are daydreaming.

Begin while others are procrastinating.

Work while others are wishing.

Save while others are wasting.

Listen while others are talking.

Smile while others are frowning.

Persist while others are quitting."

"Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy

I came across this song on Pandora and fell in love with A Fine Frenzy. The song's been out a few years now but I am now hearing - no judgment okay?! lol
Hope you enjoy; looking into more stuff by this group. Love their music!



P.S. I also discovered my dear friend, Galia Arad, on Pandora! So proud of her! Galia will be moving to Dublin in about a month and her farewell show is October 4th at The Living Room! See ya there! ;)

"Loving unconditionally..."

I read an excerpt from Russell Simmons book "Super Rich" which I love. In his book the quote is by the Maharishi, but when I googled they say it's by Emmett Fox. Anyway regardless of who wrote it, it's poignant:

“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer; no disease that enough love will not heal; no door that enough love will not open; no gulf that enough love will not bridge; no wall that enough love will not throw down; no sin that enough love will not redeem ... It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble; how hopeless the outlook; how muddled the tangle; how great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. If only you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful being in the world ...”

9/11

Water Fountain - WTC memoriam

(Google image - www.911memorial.org)



Today commemorates the 11th anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. It's a day I'm sure MOST remember: where they were on that day, how they felt when they first heard about the attacks; the shock, the fear, the disbelief as they watched the news with all the horrific scenes of that day.

My son had to interview someone about 9/11 for a discussion in school. He was able to interview a friend of mine, who worked in the first building of the World Trade Center AND was pregnant at the time. I've heard her story before but as I heard her again during the interview, I couldn't imagine how frightful it must have been for her and the thousands who were directly affected that day. To this day she still can still hear the BOOM of the first plane hitting the building she was in; she still wonders if the person whose body fell in front of her was someone's father, brother, uncle, friend; she remembers the searing heat in the building...and she is ever thankful that she and her babygirl (who is now a grown diva :) survived.

I pray for all who've lost loved ones on that day in the hopes that they have found healing in their hearts.

"Searching for Sugar Man"

I attended a movie screening of "Searching for Sugar Man". The story behind the music and the mystery behind this man is absolutely incredible: a moving film about a musician who was discovered in the '60's only to seemingly fall off the face of the Earth. However, a recording of his music somehow made its way to South Africa, and despite the fact that noone knew of "Sugar Man's" whereabouts "for decades", his music was a phenomenon -- "as big as the Beatles".

With Rodriguez a.k.a. "Sugar Man"

at NARAS event

Sony Building, NYC

I had the honor of meeting the myth himself. I was completely captivated by the manner in which he spoke; how humble he is, despite all his success and recognition in South Africa, but what I really admire most is how kind he seems in spite of his music career and parts of his life being on the "B side", so to speak, for many years.

He is a prolific songwriter (self-described "musical political" and I'm an even bigger fan once he mentioned supporting President Obama!). I want you to see the film and appreciate the way the story unfolds the way I have. This movie re-iterates the power of music, and that love and music transcends boundaries.

I'm grateful that Craig Bartholomew-Strydom (who wrote the article "Looking for Rodriguez") and Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman (who was "involved in the re-discovery of Rodriguez and his subsequent re-emergence, and co-runs Sugarman.org, the official Rodriguez website") had the passion and dedication to seek out Sugar Man and bring his story back-to-life!

"Sometimes a fantasy is better kept alive" ~ Eva Rodriguez, his daughter

Also special thanks to the Recording Academy, Matt Sullivan (Co-founder, Light in the Attic Records) and Adam Block (President, Legacy Records at Sony Music Entertainment) for organising and hosting such a great event.

Click here to find out where the film's showing near you and check out his website for more info.

Before the movie screening, Rodriguez was on the David Letterman show...see a clip of the living legend below...

NARS lip gloss!

Usually I have MAC attack but every once in a while I fall in love with something new; this time it's NARS lip gloss!



NARS Lip Gloss - Giza

The lip color I'm feeling at the moment is Giza. It's creamy but not sticky which I like (side eye - ha!) and they have other interesting shades like Downtown, Misbehave, Pillow Talk and Orgasm! Check it out and see if you find a color your into!

Kudos to Keshorn !

Keshorn Walcott

Olympic gold medalist from Trinidad

(Google image)



Today Trinidad and Tobago celebrate a national holiday in honor of Keshorn Walcott, the 19 yr old who won the Olympic gold medal in the Men's Javelin Finals this year.

At first I thought it was just another excuse for Trinis to have a holiday (hey Trinis are notorious for wanting a holiday for everything; even if they sneeze too much lol) but all jokes aside, I'm glad they are paying homage to Keshorn for all his hard work and dedication, and for putting Trinidad in high regard on our World map.

I read an article which said Trinidad is known for its "cricket, doubles and annual Carnival" and although it was probably meant to poke a little fun at the twin-island, Keshorn Walcott is a great reminder that there is so much more to the country.

Keshorn is the 2nd gold medalist for T&T, the first being Hasely Crawford, who won the 100 m final in 1976. In addition to the holiday and a motorcade throughout his hometown of Toco, Keshorn is being gifted with a home, money (a million dollars I heard?) and a scholarship to UTT (the University of Trinidad and Tobago).

Congrats Keshorn Walcott!

"The dangers of a single story"

My friend, Ana, shared this video with me and I think it's so powerful; I HAD to share with you.
Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

"The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete."

~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Spice Thai Cuisine

I probably shouldn't mention this little treasure nestled in the heart of Bloomfield (NJ), but good things are meant to be shared (well, sometimes! lol).
My friend, Ana, took me to dinner at Spice Thai Cuisine for my birthday, and the food's so delicious! The chicken dumplings are yum, and don't be deterred by the name "Spice" because they DO have items on the menu which are not spicy at all!

For dessert, we tried the Fried Purple Yam ice cream; the name sounds crazy and it looks radioactive in the pic (below) but trust me when I say it's delish (and the portion's enough for two!)

Fried Purple Yam icecream

@Spice Thai Cuisine, Bloomfield

"Treasure your relationships, not your possessions" ~ Anthony J D'Angelo

Tiramisu Cheesecake

from Top's Diner, Newark NJ

THANKS to everyone for such warm wishes on my birthday! Well-wishes started pouring in last Friday and a week later it continues! That could only be classified as LOVE!!!

I had a fantastic birthday weekend and as I received all those beautiful messages from family and friends etc I am so thankful!

This week on Twitter I saw this message, "Treasure your relationships, not your possessions" ~ Anthony J D'Angelo...and I thought how apropos! It states EXACTLY how I feel about the people who have passed through my life and those who remain. I have learned something from each person and situation, and for that in itself, I am grateful!

So yes, I am still accepting presents, matter of fact I accept those all year (ha!) but I want you to know I appreciate YOU!
Much Love,
Mandy

Fam Time!

Chilled with my cuz in NYC this wkend...

Fam Luv!

(P.S. the lipstick is "So Chaud" by MAC - hot right?)

So Chaud!

So Chaud - MAC Cosmetics

(Google image)

With the record high temperatures we've been experiencing, So Chaud is MAC's perfect answer to HOT Summer lips! It's a matte orange that goes well with my Summer tan, and still moist enough for that perfect poppin' pout!

Do you dare?

Mid-July already!

Could you believe we're halfway through the Summer? ALREADY?

What are you doing to occupy your kids? Well I came across a great site with plenty ideas to keep kids entertained (and I've gotta admit, I've been enjoying the activities myself!).

Having to maintain a budget and keeping a tween occupied requires this momma (me) to be creative! With ideas like making paper planes, and water gun fights, 120 Free Things To Do With Kids This Summer, was the PERFECT answer to my prayer! As I read some of the ideas, I thought of other things to do with my son that would peak his interest.

Here are some of the things we've done...

We made paper planes

My son found an easy-to-use site http://www.10paperairplanes.com/ (with step-by-step instructions -- and pictures especially for uhm, people like me)

We spent some time coloring (characters from one of his fave cartoons - Dragonball Z)

Mine (on left) - his (on right)

We played Monopoly

They have seriously upgraded this game since I was a kid! The cell phone token you see on the board was mine - they didn't have a blackberry okay so I had a flip phone...and instead of all the colorful money, they give you a bank card (everytime you pass "GO" you get $2million!!!)

We visited Echo Lake Park

9/11 Memorial at Echo Lake

Echo Lake

I KNOW first-hand how super busy we can be sometimes, but dedicating at least 30 mins, maybe even an hour everyday to spend time with your children, not only creates a lifetime of memories but is absolutely priceless!

I'll keep you guys posted as much as I can - hope you're having a fab Summer! ♥

Let go (of your inner critic)

I heard this song once at my son's school play and the words resonated with me. It's a cute song from a childhood fave - "Pinocchio". Simple yet so profound:

"I’ve got no strings,
To hold me down
To make me fret
Or make me frown

I had strings
But now I’m free
There are no strings on me
Hi o the merio, that's
the only way to be!

I want the world to know
nothin' ever worries me

I’ve got no strings so I have fun
I’m not tied up to anyone
They've got strings but
you can see there are no strings on me!"

We get so caught up in life sometimes with bills, self-imposed schedules, errands, people-pleasing, (insert your own quandry here) that we forget to LIVE. We forget what it means to truly be FREE!

Children are the BEST examples of how to enjoy life! Kids have the most fun! Ever listen to a child laugh? It is innocent...genuine...natural...they have fun with reckless abandon. They enjoy little things like coloring, blowing bubbles, running through sprinklers. They are honest (sometimes brutally so). They play with anybody (no race, color or creed is involved). They get messy: ketchup on their fingertips, they run through grass barefoot and stain their clothes. They dream of being firefighters and doctors, musicians and actors, teachers, athletes, astronauts and so much more.

Somewhere along the way, all possibilities of living life fervently become tarnished. "Can't" and "impossible" start to infiltrate our lives because we listen to the voices of those we love: family and friends. We hear "doubt" in their words so much that we begin to believe it; sometimes we even listen to the haters! Over time, our OWN voice echoes the same discouragement. We forget what we dreamt about as kids as "reality" settles around us. We trudge along from day-to-day, dragging those beliefs everywhere we go, and as we create our own families, we pass it right along to our children. We perpetuate the cycle.

But WE HAVE TO LET GO! Say it aloud a few times "I HAVE TO LET GO!"
We have to let go of our inhibitions, let go of our worries and stress! Let go of that toxic relationship, not only with a friend or spouse but with yourself! Many times WE are our own worst enemies!!! LET GO of the fear, LET GO of the negativity, LET GO of anything that causes you unhappiness or holding you back.
Hey, a ship can't set sail if its anchor is down right?

The bills will come, the kids don't have to go to every single sporting event known to man (they are NOT trying out for the Olympics!) ....have date night, wear your favorite dress, take 30 mins to color with your kids, or participate in whatever they're interested in - they just want to know you're there and you care.

And take time for yourself! Meditate, go to the spa, buy yourself an icecream and let it drip down your arm, whatever...the whole point is: HAVE FUN AND BE FREE!
ENJOY LIFE!

Enjoying Summer !

I know I've been remiss with my blog but I'm here people! Just enjoying Summer...enjoying life!
Seems like not only my blog skipped Spring, but also Mother Nature did as well! With these records temps in the 90's so early on in the season, you sure do have to be careful what you wish for...I wanted Summer and I got it!
(I'll STILL take the heat any day over Winter though)

me: totally luvn Summer!

So what have I been up to?

A little bit of this...

(Cafe Espanol on Bleecker St, NYC...yummy food, great sangria - try the passion fruit -

and the cutest outdoor nook for those Summer afternoons sipping vino!)

...and a little bit of that (THAT is the most orgasmic dessert ever

ESPECIALLY for Tiramisu lovers

...it's Tiramisu cheesecake from Top's Diner, NJ)

I took my son to visit the Intrepid on Memorial weekend!

We're hoping to head back there soon so we can check out the shuttle.

Went to the hottest (literally) party on Memorial wkend - "Ssshhh" hosted by my homegirl Natalie Lamming

Proof that women can look fly even while doing yardwork

I was recruited to work on 4th July decorations...

this was NOT the fun part -__-

I have SO many pictures etc to share with you guys (I know I still haven't posted my pics from my vacation to Trinidad. I'm gonna work on posting those before I go on the next vaycay (which is coming up soon! EEEK!)

So hoping you guys are enjoying your Summer too - keep in touch!
Besos y ciao
Mandy

Anita Baker at Radio City

On Sunday night I was most present to see one of my all-time faves, the incomparable Anita Baker!
My aunt Deanne introduced me to Anita's music when I was much younger and from the moment I heard it, I fell in love with that voice! For years Anita Baker's music has been the soundtrack to different aspects of my life, so I was super excited to see her perform live!
Let me tell you (in case you didn't know): ANITA BAKER IS PHENOMENAL!!! First of all she looks fantastic!! That is one beautiful woman!! She is funky with just the right amount of sass, and I am loving her carefree but trendy haircut!
Secondly, she sounds EXACTLY like her albums!!! God has truly blessed that voice. She is the epitome of elegance, she exudes warmth and love, and is everything I imagine our living legends to be!
It was absolutely astounding, and I think you could tell that I enjoyed every bit of it, n'est pas? :)

Anita Baker, on right, with Barry Eastmond on piano

I particularly loved how gracious she was to a fan, Greg, who'd brought her flowers. Security brought Greg to a halt as he approached the stage with the bouquet, but Anita asked them to let him through. The pic above shows Anita admiring the flowers on top the piano. 

Music truly brings people together. In the audience was Bill O'Reilly, Sherri Shepherd, and even Bebe Winans, whom Anita invited onstage to perform with her.

My fave guest though, was that walking chocolate scrumptiousness they call "Tyrese" ! LAWD, did God take his time with that man! He performed a new song with Ms Baker, which should be getting radio play soon.

Anita Baker and Tyrese.

I wish I could've gotten better pics, but I didn't want to risk taking my camera and getting put out! Not see Anita??? Oh no, Radio City would have been shut doooowwwwwwwnnnnnnn!!!

When a good girl goes MAD!!!!!...Pilar Sanders

Pilar Sanders

(Google image)

Yesterday Twitterverse went crazy when the story broke about Pilar Sanders (allegedly) "jumping" Deion Sanders, her ex - or soon to be - husband.
When I first read the tweet Deion Sanders posted asking people to pray for his children because he was going to press charges against Pilar, I dismissed it thinking "Celebs...it's always something with them", but soon his tweet went viral and all social media sites tuned in to the drama, even me, fully equipped with a  tall glass of Shandy in one hand and blackberry in the other.
Supposedly Pilar and her friend gave him a serious beat-down inside their home in front of their kids.
This story, as serious (and sad) as it may be, is also hilarious!! When a woman's fed up...she goes CRAZY!! lol
Ok, firstly I don't approve of Deion publicizing details of his marriage - even if it IS in shambles. Running to twitter like a little b**ch to shed negative light on her was just distasteful - to me. Take your beating like a man Deion!!! lol Quite frankly if I was him, I would be embarrassed to share that.
Secondly, I'm not in any way condoning violence! Like Tionna Smalls said in her blog, Pilar should have fought smart and hit him in the pockets (High-five Vanessa Bryant!)...but I digress.

Having said that, I do find the situation hilarious. Here's why:
I could identify with Pilar!!!!! hahaha What woman (and be honest here ladies) doesn't have a little dose of crazy in her??? (Mother Theresa doesn't count).
Most of us, if we've met "the man of our dreams" who somehow ended up being an unforgettable heartache or a not-so-beautiful nightmare, or when we've discovered our husbands are cheating on us, or the lies our boyfriends tell us unfold, we immediately trangress from sweetheart to psycho...clearly it was a man (who did some shit) coined the phrase "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" lol
I called a friend (who shall remain nameless because not everyone knows the depth of her crazy lol) to regale the "good ole days" when WE operated in Pilar-mode. There was one time (not in band camp) when I chased an ex-boyfriend down the street with a can of spray starch. I was totally gonna buss his head wide open. Picture this: me barefoot (I think I was only wearing a huge t-shirt, I don't remember) running down the street after a guy who's yelling "what is WRONG with you???"...eventually he jumped into a taxi and they sped off before the can could connect with his head.
Then there was the time when my friend...well she has quite a few stories that I'm ashamed to disclose only because you are known by the company you keep, but let's just say she made reality star "New York" and Pilar herself look like child's play. She was smart enough to NOT get arrested though (I think the victim of her abuse was too afraid to report her o_0).

Tiffany "New York" Pollard

Anyway we all have a story where the "crazy" has reared its ugly head (stalking, checking cell phones/ smashing them to smithereens, doing drive-bys with your girlfriends, any kind of physical altercations, if you can relate to Madea, or if you thought "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" was a good movie, getting a restraining order from 50 Cent - a man whose been shot 9 times?? 0_o Yes Vivica, I see you! Yup - all signs of the crazy!).
Ladies, we already know we should remove our ego from the equation and let him GO, but I know first hand that all it takes is a memory to trigger the crazy in us, and before you know it your mugshot is all over the internet. So unfortunately I don't have any real sound advice for you, except to try to not get caught and call my friend for tips at 718-555-...no wait! I mean think of the "chirrenz" (children) first, think about whether or not you look good in stripes or an orange jumpsuit, think "Is he worth it?" or are you worth more? !

Pilar's since been released and has a restraining order placed against her, but I honestly hope for the sake of the kids, they are able to work things out in a civil manner; and Deion, please leave Twitterverse for the (love) birds like Kim and Kanye -___-

Lambert Castle

I've always wanted to check out Lambert Castle, so yesterday was the perfect Spring day to do so.
The castle which was built in 1892, has a simple "rags to riches" history. Catholina Lambert migrated from London to the US, and after having worked his way up from office boy to co-partner in a silk business, he descended upon NJ and built the castle "reminiscent of the castles he recalled from his boyhood in England".

The world's largest collection of spoons are at the castle.

Why? I don't know, but the designs were pretty cool.

a harp from the music room...

...I would have loved to grow up with a music room in my house.

The decorative glass window was made when the couple's daughter died

It was nice to see the Obamas represented in the political room

A "mangler" used to wring the excess water from clothes before they were hung on a line to dry...

THANK GOODNESS FOR DRYERS!

Me on the front lawn of Lambert Castle

This unassuming path could've been the death of me!

A leisurely afternoon stroll felt like I was on "Survivor"!

When you get to the top, here's another part of the castle...

...no idea what purpose it served, but a fab place for wedding photos, parties etc

Well if you make it up the hill to party, great...

...the problem would be getting down after a few drinks lol

The view of NYC from the top of Lambert Castle

"Le Freak" by Nile Rodgers

"Le Freak" ~ Nile Rodgers autobiography

This is an awesome, inspirational book! I bought this book at the Nile Rodgers' event on Tuesday and finished it today (Fri), a mere few days later! To the voracious reader, that's normal but to average Joe Schmoe, that's just how good this book is! You would NOT want to put the book down! It is a funny, fairly easy-to-read perspective of some not so funny events which took place in the life of Nile Rodgers.

It re-iterates (at least to those, like myself, who believe in such) that life is not "by chance" but a string of events which happen for a reason. Sometimes we don't always know why, or understand the process, but it is necessary in our growth, or journey.

"Le Freak" is A MUST-READ, especially for the songwriters/ musicians out there who are still, like me, putting in their 10,000+ hours of work.

Me and Mr "Le Freak": Nile Rodgers

Firstly I want to thank the Songwriters Hall of Fame for such an astounding Master session last night at NYU. Secondly a huge thank you to my friend Regi who told me about the event.
There I was able to meet "Le Freak" himself, Mr. Nile Rodgers.

Nile Rodgers

Many of you might not be familiar with the name, but I am almost certain you know his "remarkable body of work", as the Songwriters Hall of Fame has so accurately noted.
Songs like the infamous "Le Freak", "We Are Family", "Like A Virgin" and "I'm Coming Out" (you cannot read that title without breaking out into song!) are all accredited to the incredibly talented Nile Rodgers.

Phil Galdston (who has an extensive body of work himself) interviewed Nile and it was an absolute treat!

Phil Galdston

Nile is easy-going, has a great sense of humor, an extreme down-to-earth, very humane quality for someone who's worked with the "crème de la crème" (as he wittingly referenced how his band came up with the name "Chic"). Nile has worked with Madonna, Sister Sledge, Duran Duran, Diana Ross and so many more.
Despite his colorful life story, as ALL successful people do, Nile beat the odds. He grew up in a time where racism had no undertones, his parents were drug addicts, he moved around a lot, yet he is a phenomenal musician, an international success and a living legend; a true inspiration to songwriters like myself and pretty much ANYONE who has the will to succeed.

Phil Galdston and Nile Rodgers during the interview

Talk about knowing your instrument!

Nile told us a very funny story about the song "Le Freak". Apparently some people think the song is "Aaaaaaaaaafrica, L'Afrique, so chic" but it's actually "Ahhhhhhhhh Freak Out, Le Freak, c'est chic"....so it's a big hit to Africans and needless to say Nile is a big hit there as well! lol

Nile regaling how "I'm Coming Out" became a major success for Ms Diana Ross

Some familiar faces were there as well, actor Delroy Lindo, who instinctively leaned over a little when taking this pic with me, and wasn't ostentatious about his powerful 6 foot plus frame!

Nile asking about my name (which is from the Barry Manilow hit)...

 and me explaining that it's only awkward when your OBGYN sings it to you...during the exam!

Pictured with the multi-talented Nile Rodgers, hoping that some of his genius would rub off on me!

Nile is a songwriter, an arranger, producer, composer, musical professional in every sense of the word, and most recently author. Nile has written "Le Freak"; a few pages in and I didn't want to put the book down! It is as captivating as the man himself! Anyway, hopefully you'll get your hands on a copy and read about one of the most brilliant musical forces of our time.