The Rules of Ladies

Withdrawl

I miss my straight hair.  I loved this short cut.  I enjoy my curly natural look but lately I've been contemplating cutting it all off again.  It was SO. MUCH. EASIER! My straight hair was slick and smooth without the creamy crack.  This picture came up on as my screen saver and I cried out a huge "AWW!!".  I need to stop taking pictures with my mouth open. Shout out to @sexxy7!  Anywho, I'll stay strong and see this through.... for now.  Lord help me stay away from my flat iron. 

Amen.

Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number....

vogue.com

When it comes to this mother-daughter running duo.  Ida Keeling, 96 (left), and Shelley Keeling, 60 (right) have proven that age is irrelevant when it comes to fitness! Ida doesn't look a day over 75,  and Shelley could pass for 40.  These NYC women look fabulous! WOW.  Look at them! A couple of beach bombshells running like the wind! When I say like the wind, I mean it! Shelley participates in triathlons (that is swimming, cycling, and running FYI) and Ida is a world record holder in the 100- meter dash for her age bracket.  *speechless*

I learned about the duo in this month's Vogue.  I love when fashion and fitness collide.  This article blew me away.  You can read about their journey on vogue.com. I bought this Vogue because my girl Sarah Jessica Parker was on the cover, I wasn't expecting this inspiring story.  Before Ida began running in the early 1980's, she lost both of her sons in shootings.  Shelley, also mourning the death of her brothers, decided to coach her mother and convinced her to run a 5k. Running helped her cope with the lost of her sons, "I felt the depression was gone, I felt uplifted. It was like a health potion to me, now that I think back."  Those endorphins let loose and Ida has been running ever since.  

If you need some motivation for your next workout, then this story should do the trick. Get out of what ever funk you are in and get moving!  Ida has proven that its never too late to get fit!

Have a blessed day! 

Janet Ain't Janet No More.....

The girls at the concert!  Before the show.  See the smiles.

I'm a huge Janet fan! I have been since I was a little girl.  Singing her songs, learning her dance moves, the works. I don't care if I sound like a groupie. Now. Anyways, when I heard about her coming to my hometown of CIncinnati, OH, I was thrilled! I rallied the girls up and we drove from Columbus to Cincinnati for an hour and a half show.  SMH!  GIRL BYE! When she started wrapping up and introducing the band, my smile dropped and the disappointment began to set in.  Really? That's it? You on that Janet?!

Janet is a great performer. Her velvet rope tour was epic. When I purchased my $130 ticket to come see her, I was expecting a top notch performance.  I know she is older and probably doesn't have as much energy but I didn't feel that up close and personal to Janet! The show was short! Again only an hour and a half. She didn't have ANY wardrobe changes and the outfit she had on was weak., plus her energy level was low.  I was thoroughly disappointed.  Seeing Janet perform was a bucket list  event and it did not live up my expectations.  I know Janet can do better.  Darn you Janet. Darn you! I don't know if she is going through a rough time but I paid my money and I was expecting a bigger and better show for my $130.  Mind you, I wasn't that close so I know the people in the front, who paid $200-$1500 were ticked.

Janet, I love you but don't do a tour if you can't even have a decent wardrobe.  The least you could have done was change clothes.  And sing your songs in full instead of sampling some of your biggest hits.  That would have made it a 2 hour show!

I'm done. I sound a little bitter so I'll stop lol.

Here's some more pics if you are interested *in my very un-enthused voice*

Ms. Jackson. Loved the weave!

Scream! I got emotional. 

Waving goodbye after an hour and a half

I had a great time with my girls though!  We have a good time no matter what. I sang and dance the night away.  I got to hear some over favorite hits from one of my favorite artist but geesh.

I'm a disappointed fan. I still love you Janet!

I Need 'Help'....

Understanding why I'm still unsure about the new blockbuster hit "The Help".  My views are still wavering and this is why folks. While I was surfing the The FreshXpress this morning, I came across this article about 'The Help'. That article led me to another article by Jamilah Lemieux that made me say "you know that's right girl!".  This article talks about how the movie gives us yet another rendition of a white person saving a/some black folks.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  PLEASE READ IT HERE.  If you need another perception to help articulate your opinion, check out my Soror's article.

When I first saw a preview for 'The Help' my very first thought was, "here we go again" *smh*.  My next thought was, "Viola Davis is doing her thang right now!"  See! I'm torn.  I'm torn because I'm with Ms. Lemieux when she says she doesn't need another story about a white savior but on the other hand I can not disregard good black acting.  Viola Davis is an amazing actress and I want to support her.  She's not your typical black actress playing themselves on screen and wondering why they don't see  an Oscar nomination. Ya'll know what I'm talking about. My most recent example is Jumping the Broom. Don't get me wrong, these movies are entertaining but not Oscar worthy. I'm not trying to be funny but you've never heard any raving reviews on Meagan Good performances.  Meagan has potential.  Maybe she can learn a thing or two from Ms Davis. Now she is the real deal. When I see her in a movie I know I'm going to get my money's worth.  So I want to support her! But do you have to be the help Viola? Huh? Why?!  I know you have to get what you can take all the way to be bank but I'm just skeptical.  That's all.

Another reason why I don't want to bash 'The Help' too bad is because young people need to hear this story.  I never want to deter our youth from reading a book or watching a movie about African American History.  They need to hear about the struggles are parents and grandparents went through in the 20th century.  Even though an older audience is ready for a new perception on the "black struggle" to be portrayed, our youth still needs to see any and all perceptions.  They just need to see the struggle!  Hopefully that will help them appreciate the opportunities available to them today.  The little ducklings are still learning!

I'll go see the movie to support my girl Viola.  I'll even encourage the youth to read the book.  But I still have a bone to pick with this plot.  What do you think about 'The Help'?

Stay informed.