(Spiritual Nap By Sterling Brown)

The Awakening of Sleeping Beauty

So I have been in my tower on my throne in the 5280, slumbering peacefully while the world moves cruelly by. It is time that I wake up and come down from the throne to help others. So here are some things that you need to read so that you too will come out of your proverbial slumber.

Check out T.A.N (The Assimilated Negro)'s blog discussing his feeling on the Shaquanda Cotton situation. Oh, you don't know what is going on? You don't know who Shaquanda Cotton is, hmm sounds like you have been in the same dream land as yours truly. Well good morning, take a look at what you have missed while you were sleeping. Click Shaquanda's name to find out more.

As we continue being briefed on what we have missed we can no longer sit around sleeping peacefully in our towers, without working to help others. If you disagree, well clearly you must not know about me. If we continue to allow others to experience injustice and turn a blind eye to it, who will be there to help us when the injustice slaps us in the face right on our own front door? That's right, nobody. So inform yourselves and take action because the world is getting worse. Your president is a sick, sadist, cruel and inhuman nut ball sitting in his ivory home that you pay for, making decisions for you, your family members and everyone else that is literally killing us.

So anybody check in on Lionel Tate lately? Oh you have been sleeping on his situation too. Well it is a good thing I woke up, because we all seem to be a bit out of the loop. Forgot about Lionel did you? Well, me too until I saw an article on him in Jet. When you read the article, let me know if you noticed that they were contemplating trying him for the same crime again. Is it just me or does anyone else know about the whole double jeopardy thing? I may be off, but that is illegal and a violation of his rights. Then again we do live in a renegade society so I suppose rights aren't really necessary here right?

Now if you have been asleep for a super long time, then check out the Southern Poverty Law Center's website so that you can catch up on all of the things you have been sleeping on.

Well good morning to all my sleepy heads, and now you can't say that you didn't know. All you can say is that you chose not to do something about it. Back to the tower to read more, learn more, change the globe. Thanks to NAS for that one.

the 5280 Princess,

Ms. Denva

Soul Remember- Album Review

After months of begging, pleading and getting the word out it is here, Soul Remember by the artist Rahjwanti. When listening to the carefully crafted music of this album you can’t help but tap into the emotions of happiness, romance and consciousness. Each song evokes raw emotion and provokes deep introspection. As the melodic baritone wraps words around your mind you can’t help but wonder if Rahjwanti has been peeking in the window of your soul. At 32 years young Rahjwanti has experienced things in life that many of us will never understand, mainly dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters to hit our country in decades. Through all of that tragedy however Rahjwanti rises out of the ashes like a phoenix of music and brings the soul of New Orleans back to the world. I had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions on how he feels about his album, art, life and of course love.

After reading his responses I came away with the feeling that he is very God driven and that he watches people intently. Being a self proclaimed, “late bloomer,” Rahjwanti did not begin to pursue his musical career until his late twenties. Giving him enough time to have lived life and really create music with which others can relate. Though Rahjwanti does not have a favorite song from his album, he likened my question to asking a parent to pick a favorite child, he does have a song with which he most relates. That song is I Hate To Tell Ya he feels that this song best represents his struggle with having to make a decision between a relationship and pursuing his music full time. His love of music prevailed happily enough for his fans. He is also a self proclaimed romantic and feels that romance is something that is individual and special for each person.

Two of my favorite songs are So Soul Good and Stick Around, so I took this opportunity to ask Rahjwanti about his inspirations for these songs. So Soul Good my morning anthem was written as his love wishlist. Everything he put in that song is how he would like to feel in a real relationship. If you have not yet heard that song you are truly missing a treat. As for Stick Around, he states that it is not autobiographical, but rather a song that illustrates the life and struggles of a close
friend. Again showing Rahjwanti’s compassion for others and how he translates that into his music. Both songs are excellent as are the other songs on the album.

When I asked Rahjwanti about his many female admirers, he humbly stated that he has no problem with the attention as he is God driven and sees that his gifts are coming across and being received positively. He truly appreciates all of his fans and states that he speaks to the majority of the many people that send him messages daily. He feels that it is important that he stay grounded and he knows that his fans are a major part of his success, second only to God.

I also had to question Rahjwanti on how growing up and living in New Orleans helped to mold him as an artist. Rahjwanti feels that there is so much talent and a great artistic soul in New Orleans that is yet to be recognized and he is making it his mission to get the word out. That being said, I felt it only fitting to discuss how the aftermath of Katrina effected him musically. Katrina left him numb because he was watching so much suffering. He was watching his people, a people so steeped in culture and spirit, struggle in a manner not seen in the United States for centuries. He said that his music halted, but because he feels that music is bigger than just Rahjwanti the individual he continued on his path. He wants the world, through his music, to see that New Orleans still has a lot to offer and that it is a place where talented people can be found. He also reiterated that they are still suffering in New Orleans. Which made me think that there has to be more that we can all be doing to alleviate the suffering of the people of New Orleans, as they are not refugees, but American citizens. They’re not heavy, they’re our brothers and we must help pick them up and get them back to the level of success they once enjoyed.

Rahjwanti is a decent, humble guy that is able to tap into the soul of all people with passionate words and rhythms. After listening to his CD in constant rotation for some time now, I am unable to pinpoint my one favorite song, but the one that makes me happy (like cake), whenever is So Soul Good. The one that touches the romantic in me is Infectous. Finally the one that brings out my consciousness is Stick Around. Again each song on the album has endeared itself in my musical soul. The CD is well worth the listen and is priced well. If you would like to purchase a copy so that you can see exactly what I am talking about you can go to www.myspace.com/rahjwantimusic. It was well worth the wait Rahjwanti.

By

Amara Michaelle

Senses

If you had to lose any sense of the five sense what would it be? I can't tell you how many times that question has been asked to me. I thought well I wouldn't want to lose my sight because I love to read and take in scenery, but then again I wouldn't want to lose any of them.

Well that question is more of a reality for me and it becomes more and more apparent every day.

I am losing my hearing. I have been to the doctor and she stated that it will be almost completely gone by the time that I am 50. I have begun to learn sign language so that I will be able to continue communication. Which is actually fun, as I love learning new languages. I am also a pretty good lip reader, just ask my aunt. LOL.

It is not all horrible since I have realized that I won't have to listen to peoples crap so that is a major plus. The only thing is, I have a few friends who are amazing singers and I realized that I will miss out on their life changing music. That is the hardest thing for me so far.


Now there are many scientific advances such as implants, hearing aids and I am sure some random sonar thing that they will come up with, but do I really want to go through all of that. Now the hearing aids I am game for as long as I can get one in purple. I mean I might as well make it cute. Do you think they come in bling? I am just saying, it saves on earrings. LOL. As for the implants, I just can't bring myself to let someone drill a hole in my head so that I can hear. I will stick with the sign language and hearing aids thank you.



Many people keep telling me not to claim it, but the reality is, I can't hear a lot of things now. For instance if you are standing behind me, good luck getting me to hear a word that you said. There are very few times that I am able to hear behind me especially when there is a lot of background noise. Maybe that is why I hate the club? hmmm. I mean when Triflin Tyrone and Grandpa with no teeth except the one gold one in the front try to come up and hit on me I can't here their classic lines such as; "Heeeeeey girl! How you doin? Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only ten I see." Or my favorite, "Yeeeaaaah girl, you don't know nothin bout this right here." I mean who wants to miss out on that it is the joy of the club experience.

My cousin Rick who I memorialized in a previous post was mainly deaf and if he didn't have his hearing aids in that was a wrap. He was amazing though, he didn't let that stop him from being a successful actor. He did scare us once however when he let them dip him in water, because he didn't have an ear drum at all and water was a very bad idea for him. He kept on pushing. He also used to give money to a school for the deaf. So there are many ways to deal with this issue.

Until my hearing completely goes I will continue to enjoy the music of my girl Dani Love (www.myspace.com/simplyloveband), my homeboy Rahjwanti (www.myspace.com/rahjwanti), and many more. I will continue to take voice lessons and sing along with my soon to be mastery of sign language.

So if you see me rolling with my iced out hearing aids don't hate or I will turn them off and ignore your ass. LOL

Ms. Denva


The 5280 Princess

BFF

So I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what to write about. I forgot to mention that my last post was my 50th, I am well on my way to being a super blogger. YAAAAY! Any back to the subject at hand. I decided that there is no better topic to address than bestfriends.

What makes a bestfriend? I really had to think about this subject. As I honestly have the most amazing bestfriend in the world. So I had to say what makes her that person to me. Well, after much introspection I realized that a bestfriend is that person that you can be most honest with and not fear that they are going to judge you. I can tell her anything that I have done good or bad and not feel judged. Now don't trip, she will check me when I am doing wrong, but it doesn't feel like judgement. She is so kind and understands that I am truly a sensitive soul that she will tell me about myself with sterness, but finesse at the same time. What more could you ask for? In terms of support, we are each others biggest non-blood cheerleaders. Her success is truly my success as mine is truly hers. We have no debt to each other, if one has then the other is covered, whether it is a house, car, money or whatever we truly have each others back. She is the woman that I would give my children to (if I ever have any LOL) should something happen to me, because I know that she will love them, care for them, and raise them exactly the way that I would want them to be raised.

It is funny to think that we have only known each other for 10 years and it seems like I have known her my entire life. We are getting to the point of having telepathy. "Girl, what's up? I had this feeling that I needed to call you right now." Even though we talk to each other almost everyday. :-) She is the sister I never had and I am glad because I don't think that sisters can be as close to each other as we are. In hard times and in victories she is just amazing and I only hope that I reciprocate the love and enthusiasm that she gives to me.

I hope that all people can have a friend like this in life.

I was watching Grey's Anatomy recently and Meredith the main character died for sometime and her bestfriend Christina was so at a loss she just ran in there and told her she was not allowed to die. So after I sobbed my eyes out I called my bestfriend and told her she better not die on me. I really thought about that episode and realized that I would be devastated if something ever happened to her. I would need some serious intensive therapy. I may not be able to function. That in my opinion is how you know that that person is your bestfriend. They are your right hand and so important to you that you may not be able to function without them. So she is my bestfriend.

Dani love, thank you for everything. You truly are my bestfriend.

So this love thing...hmmm. What is it really? I have done some Google searching on the topic. I have asked my friends, I have asked my family and I have asked myself, at that point is when I had a revelation. Love is what I make of it. If I think I love something then it is true for me. It is real genuine love. Now I have discussed the varied types of love in Bible Study and I do believe that there are times when I force myself to be more in love than I really am. However, when those emotions do surface, it is still true love in my heart. It hurts when it is thrown aside and taken for granted and it feels great when it is appreciated and reciprocated. I love the above picture because that is what love should be, our very own comfort zones. Love is comfort food for the soul. Everyone knows that I love cake, that is my serious comfort food. Hence my love for birthdays. My Dad gave me some great advice, which I will give you a snippet of, because I honestly believe he should do seminars on this topic. He told me that I should only be with a person that comes with their cake baked and that should only be when my cake is also baked. Great advice right? You should have been there for the whole story. I feel like I should no longer shun love past, present and future. Love is there to helps us learn about ourselves and others. Did you know that without love, touch and attention a baby can die. It is called failure to thrive and there have been many studies that show that a baby that is born and is ignored can and has died in many instances. Love is as vital to us as air, water and food. So why is it that when we become adults we push love away and try to convince ourselves and others that we don't need love, we can do this by ourselves? That is soo not true and we have to realize that when it comes to humans and love there can and will be loss, but during that time we are learning at every step. Being a life long learner I know that there are always moments to learn and they can be very painful, but that is exactly what they are... moments. We are not meant to be alone that is why we have families and make friends. So I have come to the conclusion that I am happy to love and be in love at the right time, whenever that is. Love was meant for everyone and yes, that includes the 5280 Princess, Ms. Denva. So the 5280 Princess is going to go on ahead and open herself up to finding the love that she is meant to have. I am fully aware that this might hurt, but those scrapes and bruises create a story that is my life and I am ready to live again.

The 5280 Princess,

Ms. Denva