A Thought on Happiness

There is no magic recipe for being happy. Everyday will not be easy either and many days, frustration or sadness may cramp your mood. Trials are only for a time - some endure while others subside quickly. There is no magic potion to bring happiness. Voodoo can not bring happiness, but prayer can bring peace of mind.

Keeping balanced within the day takes a lot out of us. Some times we want to scream, curse, kick something or somebody or just walk away. We can't always get that justified result because we may lose a friendship, a contract or a job or go to jail.

Material things will be a short justification but they fade and can't talk to you or keep you warm at night. In a 24/7 world, happiness may just be a short-lived thought or daydream. Peace of mind and balance seem more real but some days, we all know these are not even realistic as we try to maintain finances, keep families together, build communities and nations and pursue multiple careers.

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Great Music of 2001: Mahogany Soul by Angie Stone

In 2001, Angie Stone released Mahogany Soul featuring "Brotha", "Pissed Off", "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and "If I Wasn't".

Angela Stone, known to R&B and Soul music fans as Angie Stone, released her sophomore album, Mahogany Soul on October 16, 2001. Mahogany Soul was a follow-up to her debut album Black Diamond in 1999. She was once a member of the R&B group, Vertical Hold. According to her official website, in the early 1990s, "after struggling to launch a solo career in the States, Stone headed for Europe, where audiences were more receptive." It was after meeting with Clive Davis of Arista, Stone released Black Diamond which featured "No More Rain (In This Cloud)."

The Soulful Mahogany Soul

Mahogany Soul presents 18 tracks of soulful and inspiring songs including "More Than a Woman" featuring former Undacova member Calvin Richardson, "Bottles & Cans", "The Ingredients of Love" - a duet with Music Soulchild, "Life Goes On" and "Easier Said Than Done". Angie Stone not only had lyrical input in the album but she co- executive produced with Peter Edge and Breyon Prescott.

• "Brotha": "Brotha" was such a hot track that it appeared on the album twice with the latter being a remix featuring Eve and Alicia Keys. The original version is the second track on the album and this song is almost an anthem dedicated to all the hard working black men. In the chorus she sings, "Black brotha/ I love ya/ I'll never try to hurt you...there is no one above you...." "Brotha" had lyrical input from Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Harold Lilly, Glenn Standridge and Robert C. Ozuna. The music video was also special because it featured images of African American icons such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Bill Cosby, Bishop Desmond Tutu and many others.
• "Wish I Didn't Miss You": "Wish I Didn't Miss You" brought back that 70s vibe with the instrumental from The O'Jays' "Backstabbers." Written by Andrea Martin and Ivan Matias, this song shares the tale of a broken relationship and the lover the singer still misses. She sings "every time you say you're coming, you disappoint me honey" and in the chorus, "I can't eat, I can't sleep anymore, waiting for love to walk through the door."
• "Pissed Off": While this song is supposed to be an expression of anger as shared in the title, it is quite mellow. Stone co-wrote this song with Eran Tabib, Rufus Moore and Stephanie Bolton. This is not the typical angry song, but Stone expresses "so pissed off/ looking at life through the glass that you shattered...can't let up long enough to get over it...."
• "More Than A Woman" featuring Calvin Richardson: Sexy, sweet and soulful describe "More Than a Woman" which was featured in the 2002 movie release Deliver Us From Eva starring Gabriel Union and LL Cool J. This song is a dedication to unconditional love because of the heights of love that the artists express. "Girl you must've lost your way from heaven/ Could it be for me you came so far /nothing like the ordinary woman/ You're the very beat inside my heart" are a sample of the lyrics.
• "Makings of You": They always say that it is hard to remake a song and do it justice but there are some artists who can. Angie Stone took a big step in her two minute and one-half minute interlude "Makings of You". Giving the song her own musical flare, Stone brought this Curtis Mayfield original a new life.

Angie Stone Keeps Singing
While Angie Stone's biography shares that she has "mapped a life-long journey that encompasses rap, neo-soul, hip-hop, R&B, jazz and more", it is clear that she has star and staying power in the music industry. She has also appeared on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club in Season 4 and shares her writing talents as she co-wrote D'Angelo's "Jonz in My Bonz" from his 1995 Brown Sugar album. Since Mahogany Soul, Stone released Stone Love in 2004, The Art of Love & War in 2008, Unexpected in 2009 and the E-Single, I Ain't Hearin You in 2009. 

What is 'fun' for you?

Everyone looks at having fun differently. Fun for me might be dancing with my kids or reading at a poetry reading. For others it might be playing video games, going to the movies or playing softball. Each person know what makes them smile and also when to comprimise to have fun with others.

When there is a shortage of cash, then the usual fun activities may have to be cut or reduced. Fun can still happen though. For movie buffs, rent and pop your own popcorn and drink soda from a two litre bottle. If you love dancing look for a 'ladies night' event or go somewhere that does not have a cover charge. Afterall, are you going to the club for the people or for the music to dance?

If books make you happy, hit the library. If listening to music is your stress relief, then check Youtube or MySpace and listen free until you can afford to purchase. If you miss the arcade, then do a small tournament with friends on a system that hosts 4 controllers.

If you have a drop income or if you need to deal with other priorities, it does not mean that you can not have fun. You just have to adjust your lifestyle. If you are newly married or have young children, you're not as flexible to go out. However, couples can still have their special time together - establish and follow a bedtime routine for the children!

It's all in your hands - only you can help yourself have fun.

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How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - not a review but My Thoughts

How would you really lose a guy in 10 days? I'm just watching this movie on Oxygen and what the female character did would run a guy in 10 days. Who really wants a clingy person hanging around them? No one wants a relationship with anyone who pays too much attention to them because everyone wants their space.

She was flat out annoying and most men would run once they realize that the woman has clingy intentions. Incessant phone calls, crazy mood swings, eating disorders, unannounced visits are all ways that both men and women put a potentially good relationship to end.

Relationships should be based on love, trust and some mutual understanding. We both have to be understanding and flexible while being willing to comprimise. Afterall who wants a relationship with rules coming from every angle. Sometimes, you just have to live in the moment.

I have been clingy in the past and I know I have been annoying too but these are lessons that were well learned and I know better now.

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Networking and Customer Service are Important

Networking is key in business. I hope that if my name is mentioned, the reaction will be positive. Businesses have to work hard to keep customers by building goodwill which in turn means building a good name. I have been blessed to work with good people who have built a name for themselves. Once I say that I know that person, the conversation or transaction goes smoother.

I think what builds goodwill is when a business acknowledges the customers' rights and feeling. I do no agree that the customer is always right because there are many cases when we are not. However, situations can be dealt with in such a way to alleviate the harshness of a situation.

I had a bank teller tell me something that I did not like. I carried some dollar bills to be changed to bigger bills and the young lady told me that I was showing the first sign of money laundering. I actually ended up leaving that bank to go to another one to get them changed. I reflected on the situation and I wrote the bank explaining to them that I have been a long term customer and I wished to use more services. I asked them to offer the tellers more training because $75 in one dollar bills could come from many different sources - like my piggy bank. The bank was excellent in their response and apologized. I felt proud to be a customer once again.

That bank solidified that goodwill for me. I have had several other good experiences but I have had my share of bad too. I feel that I am professional and that I try my best to get my job done. Therefore I expect nothing less when I am paying for a service.

New entrepreneurs have to bear customer service heavily in mind and need to maintain solid business contacts. Even if there are competitors, still show a good face because it will prove to help you in the long run. In life, networking is important because these contacts can remain lifelong counterparts. Networking may start in school, church, at the gym or even at the grocery store. We never know who will turn out to be a key person that may help to push our career or business along.

Keep that goodwill going strong!

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POEM: Arrested Development

is my development arrested
or am I under-invested
I give my personal best
and yet
for me they want death
but I've got strength
and I go to the lengths
I swim to the depths
I remember when I crept
I know my momma wept
when I did my best
when I live with zest
even when I am under-arrest
my happiness is where I now invest

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Use Your Imagination

They say you're not living unless you've travelled. I think that you're not living if you don't use your imagination. Do just think in straight lines? Or are you in bends and twists everywhere? I love to think about new ideas and fun things. Of course, I don't spend all of my day daydreaming but I like to visualize things - especially how I can move forward in life.

I am community minded so no matter what it's hard to turn a blind eye when I see nonsense going on around me. It's just that the solutions are not always at hand but brainstorming helps to solve these problems - we just need to do this on a national level.

If you are not able to travel, can you imagine yourself somewhere? Can you think about being with Moses at the burning bush?  Or standing next to President Obama when he was sworn in? Don't put this down as childish whims because it is out of innovation, inspiration and imagination that we are in the technological world we are in today. Who would have thought that we can have a box in the house that keeps things cold? Further, we rely so much on this box that when there is a power outage, our first thought is about the food in the box spoiling!

Let your mind run and see where it takes you because it could be a global solution, a great book or just a fun time with your imagination!

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Vengeance is the Lord's

I have to try to focus on the positive and leave vengeance and punishment to the Lord. I have to try to not speak badly of those who do me wrong. Trust me - it is very easy to speak badly of those who do me wrong. The list of those who have done me wrong is not a short list, especially in 2011. I've linked with the haters, the thieves, the greedy and the wicked. Thank God there have been some awesome influences in between.

2011 has been a trying year and it will probably end harder. However, I am trying to not to focus on those who have done me wrong. They will have their tribulations to face. I don't have or need to retaliate because God is in control. I just have to pray to him to control my mouth. I try to tell the truth and hope that others will do the same.

It is important not to stay hurting your head with foolish or demonic people. Their purpose is to block progress. I have to propel my purpose and my progress. I already know that the trap one sets for others is the trap for oneself so they'll work it out.

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POEM: What I've Faced

I've been pinched
pricked and pummeled
but I feel great
With the kicks, knocks

and knuckles
I still stand strong
I've returned fire
fists and frustration
but I'm still ready
still waiting
still debating
and concentrating on
my next move
cause I can't cease
stop nor halt
until my destination
is right ahead

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If I Was Given Power for One Day

If I was given the Premier's job for one day, I would have no clue as to what to do. For just one day, the current leader would have to be there to hold my hand and guide me through and I would not make a difference in one day.

With elections coming soon, the candidates are looking at who can get that top position and surely have their plans laid out. We hear about economic recovery, third pillars, the state of the tourism, fixing the infrastructure, improving the education system, social ills and much more. These candidates are gunning for four years not one day.

However, consider that in one day, contracts under negotiation can be stopped, action can be taken against employees, new initiatives can be put in place, working projects can be stopped, new employees can be hired, new furniture and vehicles can be bought and promises can be fulfilled or broken. This does happen in one day after when a new party takes power in some countries.

What we have to be mindful of is that when the taxpayers money is spent or invested, while we may not agree with a project, it may have to go forward. The great thing is that changes can be made to improve or tweak the project. I am never for wasteful or pompous behavior and prefer to always see the best interest of the people being sought.

In one day, good things can happen but planning, prayer and perseverance count for a lot. We may say that we have not seen anything happen in four years but it is our own red tape system that causes this. Maybe we should be thinking about re-election the day after the voters hit the polls and actually campaign within the four years by making things happen in the country and by responding to the voters needs.

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When You Are Thinking of a New Business Idea

Sharing ideas is great but we have to be careful who we share our information with. Some people may want to take the ideas for their own. Others are just negative and want to discourage you.

Share your ideas with people you can trust and who can give you sound advice or point you in the right direction. Honestly, if you want to develop a business and there are others in that same field, you have to diversify or find ways to improve. To start a business, you must have a source of funding. Even if you are washing cars or selling genips, you need a few raw materials and the proper permissions.

There may be a properly functioning Small Business Bureau where you live and they may be able to steer you in the right direction. Be mindful with your investment. Investing in a Pyramid Scheme where you have to recruit others, is not the way to go. Becoming a distributor for a new product is a good idea but you have to know your market, find a customers base, have competitive prices and be ready to work and 'pound the pavement'.

There is a lot of information online so seek ideas but be sure to have a plan for moving forward.

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POEM: It's Time to Rise

It's time to rise
live today being wise
don't watch a man for his size
cause big dreams form in little minds
big mountains stand in small in eyes
once you are set on the prize
no matter what evil is devised
God will always surprise
but this is what we know
God sows for good to grow
no matter the trials here below
My God is the real PRO
his goodness always shows
his blessings always flow
where he sends is where I go

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GOOD WOMAN by IMO from the BVI

Real Reality Shows

Top Model, Project Runway, Iron Chef, Hell's Kitchen, America's Top Model and the many competition reality shows can be exciting to watch. Twitter and Facebook show the enthusiasm of the viewers because we comment, like and post like crazy about these shows.

I much prefer this type of reality show versus the 'life with Susan' kind of show. Who really cares if she walked her dog or if she argued with her fake best friend?

I guess because I cook often and I'm on a pageant committee, the shows listed above are what I enjoy. I also love Shear Genius and can't wait to watch Hair Battle. My sister owns a hair salon and I style my and my daughter's natural hair. I wouldn't try out those outrageous hair styles myself but I wouldn't mind trying an outfit from Project Runway!

It is good entertainment, plus when you have limited cable service, the shows grow on you. Since I no longer have USA, the real TNT etc, I have gotten accustomed to the shows that I can watch with some becoming favorites, especially Snapped!

Not to worry, ribbon won't snap on you.

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POEM: Living Out Loud

My head is in the clouds
Cause I think out loud
YES, I'm proud
and to God I make my vow!
Don't ask me bout tomorrow
...ask me about now
Only sensible things I will allow
in my mind
as I live out loud
just living.....

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Images from Animal Planet that I Compare with Men

I have been watching shows about animals on Animal Planet. This is far from my usual TV viewing but that's what we are limited to right now. There's a program about young animals who have to seek to survive on their own. I like it and my children like it too. I listen to the narrator about the animals social behavior and it is very interesting.

What's more intriguing is that we humans have similar behaviors. I look at animals that have to show male dominance to impress a female. Men are always competing and some even run lies to compete as opposed to being honesty chivalrous. Others get the biggest car or the most muscles to impress a lady. Some build big homes or walk around with wads of cash. Men use whatever technique that can win them favor with a woman - each man has his own method to capture the particular woman he has his eyes on....even if she's a Gold Digger!

I look at animals like hyenas or vultures who are like scavengers. Some men are like that too. They can't wait to see another brother fall so that they can sweep in to take his woman or his assets. They have no game of their own to win a woman's heart so they try to get a woman on the rebound. Some don't care that's it is their friend's girlfriend.

Some men are like animals like zebras that roll with several females. You know these are the players. However, the zebra are all understanding of this. Most women are not! I've seen explicit commentary on social media between young women about these men's behavoir. However, the silly women fail to realize that the beef is with the man not among themselves. He's still getting some from both and is in the background laughing and soothing his ego.

There are good men who provide for their family like the male animals who do. There are men who are like cheetahs (no pun intended) who hunt together with the females. There are men who take care of the young while the female hunt. All this is good.

What works in the animal kingdom may not always work for us as humans. Animals have not veered from their instincts. However, the greed and lust in us as human beings will always alter our instincts for doing right.  It is hoped that we will follow the right examples from the animals so that we can interact positively with each other.

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Me & Mysteries

I can't figure out why I love mysteries, thrillers or detective flicks. I love Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Law and Order Criminal Intent and of course the original, Law and Order. I am a sucker for Matlock as well. I like a good thriller that is not a grime flick nor a gun flick. I like to figure out a crime. However, I've never and had the interest in being a police officer or a lawyer. I like watching these shows for kicks.

I think it's the way my mind works. I prefer crossword puzzles and Suduko that I can solve. I like Scrabble, Hangman and other word games. I don't mind a little Solitaire or Mahjong on the PC every now and then.

I guess I am one of those people whose brain needs to be tickled every now and then. I have always loved maths because you can solve for an answer. I've never considered becoming a police officer or a lawyer though. I tried accounting but was bored.

All I can say is 'thank God for creativity and inspiration'!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Faith, Unbelief and Giving

Today the Pastor spoke about unbelief and lack of faith in church. He commented that some of us are like the ship that is in the harbor circling but very afraid to approach land because the inland water may be rough or deep.

His commentary was good and timely. There is always this question about praying for patience and when trials come, the patience is forgotten and so is prayer and faith. He made several biblical references but frequently referred to Moses and the flock who were liberated from Egypt. Even after the Red Sea was parted in their presence and they crossed safely over, they still lacked faith in God.

I guess everyone does not have a positive outlook. Also, some people who may have a positive outlook, may be deemed to be 'don't care' or crazy. Some of us take things in strides and let God do his work. Mind you, we're probably not the ones who sit idle and say 'God will provide'. I'm one of those who take initiative, hopefully from divine inspiration and not the devil's prodding. Some days, the devil get too busy and really works hard to push us to do wrong. I fall prey on many occassions and am willing to admit it.

I work with faith and will try to stay grounded. My daughters keeps singing 'I give myself away so you can use me' so we will try to make sure that it's God that is using me.

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August 5, 2011 Words of Encouragement

Words of Encouragement

I think that we have to try to be less negative as we step out into the world each fay that God has granted us life. Negativity is a killer. We need to bear our brothers and sisters up in prayer and lift them up with positive words.

There is already a recession, climate change and increasing world hunger around us. We see that most politicians are just politicians but not leaders. We can not count on them. We see that a few pastors are greedy so we have to take a stand and life for what we know is right.

Be positive and seek other means to secure your future. We can no longer sit and wait for hand-outs. We need to get our hands in the ground, knees on the ground and mind clicking into something positive.

Encourage your brothers and sisters, especially the young ones. Give them good advice. They may not follow immediately but the words will stay resonant in their conscious mind. And really, does any one have the time to be a full-time pessimist?

You can't be optimistic all day either because we are human. If you want to be a 'realist' like the young people say, then that's your choice. I think most people are 'realist' because you live in a real world with serious decisions to make.

Try to stay focused, keep positive thoughts and move onward.

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POEM: Through the fire

Through the fire
Through the wire
I'm stepping up
and rising higher
cause you didn't hire
...thus you can't fire
cause digging that ditch
will be your own briar

I won't tire
I won't retire
I'll just watch out
for those who conspire
and yes the liars,
trying to burn me in the fryer
I got my tools
I got my wrench and my pliers

I don't have stylers
nor do I have spy-ers
but I've got faith
and I've got clean desires

 

© Linette Rabsatt

R&B of the 1990s: Brandy's Never Say Never Album

Brandy Norwood is super talented and has achieved great success acting and singing. Her sophmore album Never Say Never is a sample of her great work.

Brandy Norwood has been in our eyesight since the early 1990s sharing her talents. We have been seeing her on sitcoms, movies, reality shows and judging America's Got Talent . When we first met Brandy on the TV show Thea in 1993, no one probably thought that she would be an  R&B  star. She released her self-titled Brandy in 1994 and captured fans with "I Wanna Be Down" and "Brokenhearted".

Brandy in the 1990s

Brandy was quite busy and after the release of Brandy, she started the sitcom Moesha (1996) as the leading character, then she copped a role in Disney's Cinderalla (1997) opposite Whitney Houston. Brandy continued acting in the 1998 sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

The Songs of Never Say Never

After a four year hiatus, Brandy released Never Say Never. She had fans hooked with several megahits from this album including an unlikely duet with Monica and the sensitive "Have You Ever". Sixteen tracks make up Never Say Never including a short intro and an "In the Car Interlude". Other songs include "Put That on Everything", "Happy", "Truthfully" and "Tomorrow".

• "Top of the World" featuring Mase: Mase, rapper turned pastor, was featured on Brandy's "Top of the World" song. Brandy seemed to be expressing the struggles with fame and getting people to understand her in this song. Brandy sings "I'm just trying to be me/ doing what I got to do/ some people think that I'm/ just sittin' on top of the world".
• "Never Say Never": "Never Say Never" is the title track and in this song, Brandy shares her frustration with everyone who seems to be against her happiness in her relationship. "We didn't let the thoughts that we had/ we didn't let the words that they said/ keep us from the love we now have/ never say never". It has been proven in aspect of life that there are people who always seem to be against one's happiness.
• "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You":  Brandy took a fresh twist on Bryan Adam's original "Everything I Do) I Do It for You" which was released on his 1991 album Waking Up The Neighbours. Brandy gives a lustrious performance on this song that was written by Adams, Michael Kamen and Robert John "Mutt" Lange.
• "Angel In Disguise": "Angel In Disguise is a very interesting song because it sings of deception. The 'angel' apparently was a beautiful woman who swept a man off his feet, thus ignoring the woman who truly loves him. "Angel is disguise she was/ but somehow you fell for her/ until she broke your heart that day/ and left you in rain" sings Brandy in the chorus.
• "The Boy Is Mine" featuring Monica: "The Boy Is Mine" follows "Angel In Disguise" on the album and it makes me think that this was intentional. Brandy sings of the deceit and then in the following song, seems to put up a fight against that 'angel' for her man. Anyone watching BET and MTV in the 1990s can remember Monica and Brandy in the music video for this song with leading man, Mekhi Phifer.
• "Almost Doesn't Count":  Guy Roche and Shelly Peiken wrote this song, which is my favorite track on Never Say Never. This song is a great break-up song because it expresses the shortcomings that cause for the end of a relationship. Sample lyrics are "I can't keep loving you/ one foot outside the door/ I hear a funny hesitation/ of a heart's that never really sure".
• "Have You Ever": "Have you ever had someone steal your heart away/ you'd give anything to take them feel the same/ Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart/ but you don't know what to say" are part of the first verse of "Have You Ever". Dianna Warren wrote this song and it clearly expresses the feelings of been jilted by a loved one.

Brandy's career since 1998 has continued to sky-rocket. She has since released Full Moon in 2002, Afrodisiac in 2002 and Human in 2008. She has also appeared on the sitcom One on One, numerous talk shows and the reality show Brandy & Ray-J. She has since started a family and has appeared on Dancing With The Stars. There is no doubt that Brandy has a lot more to share with her fans.