Nippy’s 50th

Hi!! ~waves fanatically~

If you guys have been paying attention over the years…you know I love/d me some Whitney. Nippy was the first voice I heard that made me want to buy her album. I got her first album, which was MY first album, when I was 11 or 12. I played the ENTIRE HEYELL out of that album. Miraculously, it didn’t get scratched and start skipping. 

*dang…I said “album”…as in VINYL! lol*

Let me take you on a little highlight reel of my life featuring the incomparable Whitney “The Voice” Houston…

I used to sing her debut single, “You Give Good Love” to my first boo. lol That was my SHIT! Nothing was greater than that song, except for when it changes tempo at the break down. YES! I get all of my life with that song. 

I can’t hit all the notes anymore, but when I was younger…I could tear it DOWN!

The summer that her second album debuted…I was 13. Yea, things got real that summer. I fell in love with the sophomore album just like I did the first. This time, it was two remakes that held my heart the most. “For the Love of You”, originally by The Isley Brothers and “If You’re Really Ready For Love” by the Manhattans. Don’t get me started on “So Emotional”, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, “Where You Are” and the underplayed and underrated, “Love is a Contact Sport”.

Yes, I serenaded the boo with this, too. LOL

I could’ve played it forever…and sometimes, I have me a Whitney day and go hard on those 1st and 2nd albums. lol

When I heard Whitney would be starring in a movie…I was ecstatic. My Whitney…an ACTRESS! Cool, so when’s it coming out? lol

The Bodyguard’s soundtrack was my next purchase…this time on CD. No more vinyl purchases at that point. More so, because I no longer had a working record player. Well, of COURSE I fell in love with “I Will Always Love You” a remake originally by Dolly Parton. Oh, and “Run to You”. Such a beautiful song…but the one I sang constantly that made my mama tell me to shut up one night? “I Have Nothing”…

so…now we start getting into the part of my story that becomes a little more personal and raw.

In 1994 I got into my first REAL relationship…with someone 22 years my senior. We had a tumultuous relationship of the sometimes physical ilk.  He had a tendency to get outta pocket and because my mama ain’t raise no punk, I [after the first slap] got “projects” on his ass. Well, where there’s stress in my life…musical refuge coexists. Our song was off of the “I’m Your Baby Tonight” album. Along with the title cut, “My Name is Not Susan” and a very sweet duet with Stevie Wonder called, “We Didn’t Know”…my favorite…OUR favorite…was, “Lover For Life”.

I remember that on our anniversary, which was November 12th…HBO aired a Whitney Houston concert from South Africa…and Whitney sang this song (which was rarely ever played). A beautiful and serendipitous moment in an overwhelmingly rough time.

Who knew that I’d literally feel like a prisoner in that relationship?

The next level of fuckery was just beyond beyond. I refuse to font it. LOL

Just know that the next song was so very apropos once I realized this man was out doing all kinds of madness…

I played that song and album ad nauseum. I loved Nippy’s rendition of Stevie’s, “I Was Made To Love Her”.  “If I Told You That”, “Heartbreak Hotel” w/Faith Evans & Kelly Price, and “When You Believe” the song from “The Prince of Egypt” animated movie.

I remember when Whitney began struggling with drugs and infamy. I wanted so badly each time she arose with a new album, for that to be the moment of reckoning. For her to be on top again and clean with the sobriety of her fan’s love. It wasn’t easy watching her fall right into the next scandal trap. Most people wanted to see her fail. The naysayers were rampant…and when she died, the seemed to act in shame and quiet remorse, but the banter began again soon after. Details, presumptions about the way she died, who she was involved with…eh. I suppose it’s all a part of being a public figure. I just wish there was a way to receive the art…the gift from someone…without all of the negativity. Either way, my heart dropped the day I heard the news, same as it did when I heard about Michael Jackson.

You never truly stop missing such mega stars. If the sun died out today, the Earth would die with it…and a lot of people’s earthly love for music dies a little more as these stars leave here.

I still love you Whitney. I get my life EVERY…SINGLE…TIME I hear your music and sing with you.

Happy 50th Birthday!!

Love Always, Kiwi

Forever 22

 I normally do something via FB for Aaliyah, but I think I’ll share with you guys this year…

So weird how I became a fan. Searching for baby names and finding hers as the feminine form of my now ex’s name. I had never paid attention to it, never seen it spelled that way and didn’t know the meaning. Days later, “Back and Forth” premiered and I thought it was interesting. I had every album and I remember the day she died, just like I remember what I was doing when Whitney and Michael died.

Some people think that fans glorify musicians and idolize them from some place of worship…well, some do…but, I love the artistry that’s gifted to them. THEN they gift it to us. The same way I hold onto last year’s birthday card is the same way I hold on to music “given to me” on a specific day. I can remember so much of my life by music.

My first love and I had sex to Prince’s “Adore”. Cheryl Lynn’s “Encore” will always give me visions of NYC (It came on the radio while on an outing to the movies). Miki Howard’s “Come Home to Me” will remind me the day an extended family member died…and Fantasia’s “Even Angels” reminds me of when my Grandma died in 2010. So many more songs…so many life events attached.

Music is the sound of poetry and love and anyone who can convey those things to me is someone who becomes a favorite.

What inspired me about Aaliyah is that she never seemed to be fazed by much. Us Capricorns get a bad wrap for seeming cold, unmoved and detached, but that’s hardly it. At our best, we’re disciplined (a lot of us are and a lot aren’t). We’re classy and conservative and very private. We share what we think you need to know and the rest is none of your business. In spite of Aaliyah’s earlier scandal involving her alleged marriage to R. Kelly (a more troubled Capricorn)…I rarely saw any drama attached to her name. We definitely like to stay drama-free…well some of us. lol

At 22, the year of her death…she was on her star’s rise. I can remember being excited to see the new Matrix movie with her in it. I wasn’t cuckoo over the movie Queen of the Damned. I honestly thought it was more of B or C movie….c it on broadcast cable. lol

I did listen to her last studio album over and over. Songs that were never widely released stayed on my playlist. “It’s Whatever”, “Loose Rap”, “I Refuse”, and “Those Were The Days”…got played incessantly along with the radio faves, “We Need A Resolution”, “Rock The Boat”, “More Than A Woman” and my favorite “I Care 4 U”.

I could hear her maturity shining through and her independence. She seemed to be coming nicely into her young woman…leaving behind a lot of her boyish wardrobe with “One In A Million”.

When she died…I remember it airing on MTV and I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it. A plane crash…8 people died. Families devastated ..fans dumbfounded…questions of ‘why’ abounding. The time on the clock was 6:16 when I found out. All I could think was that she was exactly 6yrs and 6 days younger than me…and her birthday was the 16th. Eerie…to a weirdo like myself, LOL

I remember the funeral on TV and the 22 released doves…the white horse and carriage and her mom weeping uncontrollably. I even remember how slowly but eventually…her whole clique fell apart, leaving the music scene with drips and drops of them…but, never like when “Baby Girl” was alive.

She was their muse…and that’s the part that’s saddest. Someone whose spirit we only saw in pieces of her music and performances…was FAR more to those who knew her and lost a piece of them when she left.

I just keep playing her stuff. Just like I do Whitney, Michael and so many others who passed on and left a rhythmic legacy of notes and keys.

Love her or hate her…there was no one like her.

Happy Birthday, Aaliyah…

Le Birstay Blog

HOLA!! How’s everyone?

I know, I know…I’m soooo off this blogging game. I think it became sorta kinda tainted when they started making money off of it…before that, blogging was an art and was fun. Now, it’s about capitalism and we all know what happens once an art gets exploited…but, I digress…big time. LOL

My BIRTHDAY! Right! 🙂

I turned 40 on January 10th. I’d been super excited for my birthday. I’m ALWAYS excited about my birthday. I love birthdays…mine and everyone’s around me. I normally just chillax on my day and soak up my own personal “New Year”. I dig a peaceful existence, so I’m just fine w/the meal of my choice and a little sippy sip while sitting in front of the TV. lol

NOT this year though. I wanted to share my day with some special people…friends…ladies, who’d been there for me. People who have been on some part of my journey. It’s goes without saying that my baby sis has been there the longest, but she’s far from being the only one to be in my life…giving love, support and true friendship. My girl Joy has been quite the sister, too. She helped me organize this little kween affair and did a lot of running around to ensure that all of those involved were either safely arrived, comfortable or accounted for.

Joy & Kiwi

Our friend Tina came in from Maryland to visit…

See, it started out as a mere visit. Tina wanted to come earlier in December, but the planning (along with the pressures of the upcoming Christmas season) was a bit much. I suggested she come at a later date and immediately, my birthday popped into my head. She, Joy and I would hang out and do fun things AND celebrate my milestone birthday. LEGGO!

Kiwi & Tina

Before long…this plan turned into what I called, “Kween’s Kick-Ass 40th Birthday Weekend”. Originally, the plan was to see Times Square and show Tina the town, but as time passed things changed. One of the biggest was my injury. I somehow happened upon a meniscus tear and was given an immobilizer with crutches. I couldn’t have been more bummed. I had SO much to do to prepare for this weekend and not enough get-up-and-go. 

Somehow…SOME way…the more important details came together. I may not have gotten my nails done, or had the necklace I wanted or been able to stroll Times Square, but I had friends and family who loved me and wanted to bring in my 40th year breaking bread in my honor.

Meeting Tina was the highlight of the weekend. As happy as I was to see all of my lovely sisters/sistars/sistas…this one was special. Once again, I got to meet someone who’d earned a piece of my friendship heart from afar. TIna is as sweet and loving as I thought her to be PLUS more. The energy this woman emanates is nothing less than a positive aura with the glow of a crown. She’s easy-going, but don’t take NO shit…my kinda girl. lol Having her there was very special.

…but, so is my entire sista circle. 🙂

My baby sister (and twin by six years) came and brought along our godson’s mom, Aly…my baby sister from another. I knew she’d come, but didn’t know she’d come…but, knew she’d come. LOL It’s hard to explain. Just know that I was glad to see shawty roll up in what had to be 5″ heels…tryna be taller than me. lol

Monifa, Kiwi & Aly

My sistars Chante & Caprice showed…which was a given. These ladies just hop on trains and beat a path. lol …it’s always too long between visits…but, it’s good to know that there are folks in your circle where the love remains the same no matter HOW long it’s been since the last hug.

Caprice & Chante

Speaking of a LONG time between visits…my friend Vikki and I hadn’t seen each other since my grandmother died. That’s almost three years ago. It’s amazing how “life” gets in the way and time continues to expand between people. The thing is…that regardless of how long it had been, when thinking of those I wanted to share in my day with me…she was definitely one of them. I was happy to see her and grateful that she took the time out of her non-stop busy life to come out.

Kiwi & Vikki

My cousin Felicia showed up, too! I actually just met her in December and wanted to make sure that we used every opportunity to hang out. She blended right in and I was tickled by her ease with my friends. 

Felicia & Monifa

Dinner was at the Havana Cafe, a suggestion by Caprice. The food was good…the ambiance was nice as well. We had a momentary run-in with a rude hostess, but all was remedied and the night went smooth afterward. I mean, what do you expect? She had that Latina fire…but, I gotta little Rican in me so THERE!! LOL 

Havana fare…

Joy got my cake from “Make My Cake” in Harlem. Red velvet…and good!

Yum!!

I have to say…not all who were invited…made it. My girl DeAnna aka Deedles…couldn’t make it. Crazier thing…even thought it’s not WHY she couldn’t make it…she, too had a knee injury that required an immobilizer. 

My girl Maria couldn’t make it on such short notice. We both pouted about it, but she kept telling me to have fun for her. I tried. lol I may not have poured some licka out for her…but, I definitely made my drink strong in her honor. LOL

My girl, Tei was sidelined too…I swear, it seems all my closest friends of the heart…live the furthest from me. That’s the down side to finding friendships in cyberspace. The distance is a killer of party dreams.

Gina…a close friend of Tina’s and mine…was thisclose to coming, but couldn’t. She was sorely missed with the rest of the absentee ladies.

My LOCAL girls, Ayanna and Renee missed the festivities as well. In spite of living in the vicinity, the two ladies had last minute issues that kept them away. We’re gonna plan an outing soon though. I mean, my birthday celebration ain’t over. I think 40 DESERVES a whole month of recognition…don’t you think? 

I spent my ACTUAL day with the lady who brought me in the world. We had a simple lunch of pizza and she helped me get a couple of errands done for the weekend. I got cool cards and gifts and I felt like a spoiled little diva. lol …what more could you ask for?

I had a wonderful weekend…and I just pray that God blesses me with an equally stellar year. How about that…I COULD ask for more.

Love you…fa weel doe. 😉

Kween

Happy Happy, Joy Joy

I began talking to Ms Joyous (as I like to refer to her) over a year ago. We became friends through a mutual acquaintance and it just stuck. LOL

Truth is, the circumstances surrounding our friendship’s conception was hardly smooth or cordial. Sure, we were nice to each other. I thought she was sweet and her connection with our friend was cute to me…but some misunderstandings crept in that could’ve ended badly. She was always so sweet though, which is so funny, because the day I spoke to her on the phone I had no clue she was gonna be so……so……NEW YORK! LOL I knew she lived in the Bronx, but…well, I just expected something different. She was full of “Yo, son’s” and “Ya Heard May’s” and it was too funny. What’s even funnier is that she is from Alabama (can’t shake that state for THIT!) and I thought she might have a little twang…yea…RIGHT! lol

LAWD, lemme tell you…she’s a handful. In essence…we’re complete opposites. From our signs, she Cancer…me, Capricorn…to our nature. She’s a pessimist, I an optimist. She’s highly sexual…I’m more conservative. And THIS one…shocked me…she’s VERY sensitive and I, well…I’m sensitive as well…but, I more mental. *yall, better not touch that!*

SO, as our friendship burgeoned towards a sisterhood, we encountered some snafus but we made it out unscathed. Along the way, she brought Buttercup aka Celeste along for the ride and it was so cool that we decided to meet back in November 08. We missed a couple of dates, until we just couldn’t take it. At one point or another, Joy, Celeste and I were all going through emotional situations that we felt merited some sister love. So, on December 6th, 2008…I hopped on a Metro train and went to the Bronx. Joy met me at the train station and we clicked immediately (even though she accused me of being light-skinneded…which still has YET to be proved). We shot to her place, she made me breakfast and we waited for Celeste to show. We had a BALL. We had a GREAT time and that’s all I’m gonna say. *lmao*

This woman, whose love for hip hop isn’t rivaled by anyone I know is a piece of work. She’s a consummate Erykah Badu fan and lives by the music on her Ipod. She loves to blog and has a passion for make-up that is as strong as mine is for cooking. Give us $1000.00 and set us loose? She’ll go to MAC and Sephora…I’ll find Williams-Sonoma. We’re both lovers of the butterfly…but for different reasons (at least it began as such). Her motto is, “Change one thing…change everything” in reference to a theory and the movie, “Butterfly Effect”. I love butterflies, because although they’re gorgeous and can symbolize ANY one’s journey of growth. Together, we’ve hurt and cried…laughed and loved. We rarely miss IM sessions and try to touch base often on the phone (though she’s not a phone person…girl, gimme that BB) lol. This 5’7″ Alabama born beauty, has the most tender soul, which is covered by a harder shell (crab anyone?) and though she doesn’t know it…my helping her through her storms, helps me as well. She hard-headed as HEYELL…but, I still love her. lol

Since initially speaking over the phone, meeting at her house and us spending a couple of weekends together since…she’s surely become my sister. Now, don’t get me wrong…there are several tiers to sisterhood. There’s basic “we’re women” sisterhood. There’s “we’re strong black women” sisterhood. There’s “she cool as hell” sisterhood. There’s “we’re besties” sisterhood” and then there is “we couldn’t be closer if we had the same mama” sisterhood. I have a biological sister who is like my twin…and no one can replace her and no one tries…yet, there are a few ladies who I’d ride on a fool for in a HEARTBEAT! I can truly say, Joyous…is one of them.

Happy Birthday, Joyous One…

Love, Kiwi

**you can view her blog HERE! You can follow her on Twitter HERE**