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Archive for the ‘Hot Off the Press’ Category

Well, not exactly. I’m still wearing the same dress and in the same pose but the hot topic today? I’ve got the absolute hots for Joe “Bulldog” Biden, people. He looked so sexy on the stage talking politics, I almost forgot why I tuned in. I felt like he was courting me, as I do love a man who knows how to take charge. I think he’s going to be my new Boo. And I must tell you that this fire Joe ignited on stage was no surprise to me. Which is why I was dressed up and wore my new red stilettos.

Yes, I was sitting on the sofa while Totsy was tweeting in her raggedy robe and mismatch socks. Don’t pay anymore attention to those beauty tips she calls herself giving. If I’d not been so entranced by Joe, I’d have taken a picture and displayed it here but I didn’t want to scare any of you away. Plus, I was so mesmerized and on the edge of my seat, taking in every word of my new Boo, I didn’t have time to direct my attention toward such nonsense.

I know what people say about you, Joe but I want you to know that I’ve got your back Boo, Baby (Winking and showing a little cleavage. Now, imagine me standing over a vent with my dress blowing above my thighs like Marilyn Monroe in her white dress). As part of the wrap-up, one reporter said, “It was like a man against a boy.” That made me a little weak in the knees, so luckily I wasn’t standing up in those stilettos. Why was I dressed to the nines? Because I always do for the debates. It’s like going to church. Yes, I do mix church and state because politics do. But I won’t get deep into that. I’m winding down with a bottle of red wine with a photo of my Boo I downloaded from the internet on my nightstand. It’s framed too. Go ahead and be a hater. Joe is hot.

Anyway. While I’m here, I do want to give you the Hollywood skinny. Jennifer Aniston, the All-American girl, who’s 42, may go topless in her next movie. I don’t know how she’s holding up there but she’s got the money to make whatever needs to happen happen. Bobbi Kristina, Whitney Houston’s daughter, has an engagement ring very similar to Kate Middleton’s blue sapphire with the diamonds around it. Yes, Bobbi Kristina’s officially engaged. The ring she was sporting before was her mother’s. What else? Oh, yes. It’s been said that Janet’s secretly married for the third time to that billionaire middle eastern gentleman and now covering up like Totsy and I did over in Saudi. I saw the pictures myself on a rag magazine in the grocery store, so it’s true.

I’m late on giving you this scoop and you may already be well aware that Chris Brown and Rihanna are back together. I suppose both of them went to rehab or counseling for being mean to each other. Let us all bow our heads and pray that all will end well, whatever that may be. I know my new Boo has a sharp and decisive tongue but he’s a passionate man. I don’t know personally, of course, but I believe it and so it is. Don’t argue with me.

Oh my, I’m in need of some lighter night attire just thinking of him on letting loose in the debate. Oh Lord of Mercy, I’m a saved woman and not feeling so saved right now.

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“Sing, America” Collage/Watercolor on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae/Background Text: I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes

Now that both conventions are over, we’re on the campaign trails of President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. I, ladies and gentleman folks, have been invited to participate in a PBS special, Race 2012, by Monica Medina of Monica’s Tangled Web. I’m so excited about this invitation ’cause it gives me a creative opportunity to write and compose new art applicable to a pivotal time in our history. Thank you again, Monica.

With that said, I hope you’ll join me for a series of posts, starting October 2 and each Tuesday thereafter, leading to the election as I delve into race and politics in the way that I try to do. Honestly. I’m even considering taking Beatrice from Apt. 7B along with me. I could use the company out here on the trail. As long as she’s not trying to take over, she can hang. Know what I’m saying?

I know folks from other countries occasion this little blog, so you’re more than welcome to hone in. Race and elections aren’t just an American thing, you know. I look forward to your thoughts, whatever they may be. Also, there will be other bloggers and artists joining in, so you’ll get to hear more folk than me. I’ll add links to my Tuesday posts so you won’t be out there in virtual wonderland not knowing where to go after you leave my place. Okay? You won’t need a map or nothing. Just click the link and be on your merry way.

Now. When you do come over to my place, I’ll have some virtual desserts and punch set out. Remember what your mama taught you, folks. Don’t come on an empty stomach trying to gobble up everything in the vicinity. Alright? This is more about feeding your brain anyhow.

I’ll see you good folks around real soon. And shut the door tight on your way out. These flies ain’t no joke down south.

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Dried Hibiscus leaves. Photo by Totsymae 2012

Personally speaking, I think men folk have made a big ole mess of America. Not that I think a woman can come in and clean it up any better. I don’t. The problem is, I don’t rightly know who can. I was thinking of packing up my shit and flying in to D.C. to see what’s all the fuss about.

I’ve whipped me this dish called floffel for the airplane ride and sliced up some tomatoes, with some cucumbers to go along with it. I don’t eat airplane food too tough. Trouble is, washing up in those little toilet areas and not being all greasy when I go sit down with The President to have my talk. I don’t just need to talk to him though. Those knuckleheads in congress been bitching for too damn long, haven’t they? I don’t know why. They have everything at their disposal. All I wanna do is ask one question and then I’m outta there. My one and only question would be: Do you really give a damn?

On the good side of this post, I’m reading Heartburn by Nora Ephron ’cause Patricia, from Patricia Sands, told me it’s a good read and since it is, I guess I can trust the next time she says something’s good. Thanks, Patricia. You’re alright with me. If anybody else can point me to a good book, please do. I caught the tail end of the TV folk talking about Maeve Binchy today. All I heard was them talking about her work. I’ve read a couple of her books and seeing that she was mentioned made me wanna buy a book of hers. Then, I looked on the internet a minute ago, after it took a billion years for it to act right, and read that she passed away. She was 72. Rest in peace, Ms. Binchy. 

I haven’t been watching the Olympics. I don’t know why but it’s not the same since I’m not in the U.S. Maybe that’s my excuse to not watch it. I don’t know. I mean, I’d like to watch it but I don’t know why I won’t. Ain’t that crazy sounding? When I actually sit to think about it, I’ve had the channel directed to what I thought were the Olympics but it sounds like Olympic News and other news. I’ve only been turning on the TV for noise sake; not watching it.

Anyhow, that’s all I’ve got cooking in the pot today. Have a delicious day and I’m not talking kinky.

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Watercolor on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

Watercolor on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

I know, I’m jumping the gun but every now and again, I get anxiety. With this particular thought going on in my head right now, I’m pondering what country I would be in when 2016 rolls in. Don’t bother me about that Oprah talk of living in the moment. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Don’t let ole Opes steer you wrong, folks. Nobody becomes a freakin’ billionaire by living in no moment. They’re strategic and always got shit in the works. I’ll bet you right here and now, Oprah knows exactly what she’ll be eating the rest of this year. She’s got folk to do her meal planning and the money to do it with. Us peony folk ARE living in the moment and I don’t know about you but it ain’t working for me. Damn living in some moment. It’s time to live strategically and navigate this life Oprah-style. You feel me?

That’s why, folks, when I saw the little ticker tape going on the bottom of my television screen while I was watching one of my morning shows the other day about Sarah Palin not ruling out running for President in 2016, I got a traveling, more like a relocate-quick-fast-and-in-a-damn-hurry rush. I mean, I like a couple of reality shows and all but will it boil down to us having a president who’s had her own reality show? Do we want that? I don’t know about y’all but when I listen to her responding to a question, I can’t remember the damn question by the time she’s torn it apart with some rhetoric that ain’t got nothing to do with nothing. Apparently, she has too. I’m telling you folks, I’m packing up should that woman luck up on enough votes to get elected.

Can you imagine the shame and embarrassment we’re likely to suffer? Here’s a small list of quotes from her that we should be thinking about:

  1. “But obviously, we’ve got to stand with our North Korean allies.” –Sarah Palin, after being asked how she would handle the current hostilities between the two Koreas, interview on Glenn Beck’s radio show, Nov. 24, 2010
  2. “Especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.” –Sarah Palin, defending her fiery campaign rhetoric in the wake of the Arizona shooting massacre by invoking a phrase (“blood libel”) that typically refers historically to the alleged murder of Christian babies by Jews, Jan. 12, 2011
  3. “He who warned, uh, the British that they weren’t gonna be takin’ away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin’ sure as he’s riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed.” –Sarah Palin, botching the history of Paul Revere’s midnight ride, June 3, 2011

Need I say more? Shouldn’t we all be packing or is this one of Sarah’s political games?

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”I am always doing things I can’t do, that’s how I get to do them.”

Pablo Picasso

There are three reasons for this post. First, is the message of positive light, as you’ve read the quote by Pablo Picasso. Secondly, I’m launching my new website. I wish I could say I had a book or two I could interest you in there but I don’t. Lastly, Beatrice from Apartment 7B is back. Little Totsy gave me the idea to let her hang out over there on the homepage, so you can get better acquainted with her. As last week, she’ll show up here from time to time but she’s high maintenance and I can’t promise you how often that’ll be.

See, Beatrice is my reality star. Remember me telling you that watching reality TV was like me doing homework? Well, Beatrice is the result of my homework. I also wanted to integrate my writing with my art outside of what I do on my blog. I have several scripts I’ve written and will soon be done with my first couple of episodes. Like Picasso, I’m doing something I really can’t do. Composing a comic strip is totally new and something I always wanted to do and I’m working on it as you read.

The second purpose of this post is to introduce my website. Over at the other place is a gallery of all the artwork, some of which you’ve seen on this blog. Periodically, I may post new work here, depending on the topic. Otherwise, the website over yonder will house the latest studio works and, eventually, my writing, as in published stuff, as well. For art, last year, I was able to point folks to Thelma Harris Art Gallery. That’s out there in Oakland, California. There’s another gallery in Riverside, California that houses originals of my work but I need to follow up with them when opportunity permits. Do take a look-see around my little place to check out what’s going on. I serve virtual organic, gluten-free cookies and sorbet sundaes and play music in the galleries, so make yourself feel right at home. At some point, I’ll have a gallery button on the side bar for you to click to visit at your convenience.

Well folks, until next time…

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“You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself.”    Ethel Barrymore

"Not On My Good Rug" Mixed Media on Canvas/Paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

Just like I thought. Watching the Nightly News with Brian Williams last night and guess what the talk is on the food circuit. Sugar is being looked at by scientists as a drug, like alcohol and tobacco. It’s even been suggested to put an extra tax on sugar, like tobacco. That it’s killing folk! Now, I already knew sugar was a drug on account that that Dixie Crystal stuff ain’t how sugar looks in its natural form. Granted, I eat brown sugar but guess what I do sometimes…Should I come out the closet with yet another bone?…(sigh) I pinch the sugar and eat it solo. Aww, stop it! It’s just a pinch or two and I don’t do it everyday. I can quit anytime I want.

(Pacing and marinating on a thought or two) I just don’t want it to go bad. Shit, food’s high nowadays. Waste not, want not, right? And what you expect from me? I gave up the cookies and brownies. Been five whole days of sobriety! I don’t even sweeten my tea. I’ve learned to crave the taste of bitter (Liar!)

(Sigh, as I put the back of my hand to my forehead, suddenly becoming faint and fall strategically on the sofa). Whatever’s a Southern Belle to do without her sugah? (The harmonicas commence to playing in the background for dramatic effect.)

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"Teed Off" Acrylic on Paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

Last October, I created a page for Awards, explaining my reasons for not accepting them. It’s cool that people think I deserve them; however, I didn’t post ALL of why I prefer not getting them. Folks, I’ve simply gotten lazy about it. Two days before Christmas, my sister called me, in the middle of my surfing the web and blogging, and wanted me to order the sweet potato souffle from Boston Market for our Birthday Feast for Jesus and this is how it went:

Sister: Look, I need you to go to Boston Market’s website to place the souffle order. Here’s my log in and password.

Me: (Annoyed at this sudden disturbance) I put in what you told me and it’s asking for the same thing again. Sending me in loops.

Sister: Did you go to Place Orders or something like that?

Me: (Frustrated) I see Meals to Go and that’s where I logged in. It’s not taking me nowhere to order nothing.

Sister: Girl, did you go where I told you?!

Me: (Now, more irritated and whiny) I don’t feel like doing this.

Sister: Click the box and -.

Me: I don’t wanna do this. I don’t like helping people.

Sister: Bye, girl!

I was gonna post this under a blog entitled Slick Ways of Doing Absolutely Nothing but I didn’t feel like thinking about being lazy. If you’re not falling for excuse number one, here’s another that should win you over. When I started blogging, I wanted a place to do what I enjoyed  and missed doing. Writing. After the stress of work, which was affecting me in so many ways, I just didn’t wanna see anymore paperwork, which was tedious, or live by any rules, for that matter. I just wanted a place to stretch out in my Lazy Boy with a beer (if I did drink) and the remote control. The blog was my place to do that. Maybe therapy would’ve been a better idea but then, I wouldn’t have met any of y’all and I think I would’ve reverted back to writing fancy schmancy stuff that made me feel brilliant. Talking brain stuff has a tendency to do that and maybe then I would’ve wanted to become some kinda inspirational writer who would’ve ultimately ended up like a female version of Dr Phil with my own TV show and…(Maybe I should ditch y’all and go to therapy).

Anyhow, my cards are on the table now. As somewhat of a nonconformist, which most artists are, rules are a little hard for me. I thank you for thinking of me, however, but I’m gonna guzzle down this beer and eat some chips. In the meantime, if you want to participate as an interviewee in a book on leadership, swing by Solid Gold Creativity. Narelle Hanratty wants to feature your perspective on leadership in her new book. She’s a philosopher, sock knitter, and quite a nice person, if I do say so myself. I’m learning a good deal on how to be better as a leader as a result of reading her blog.

Until next time…

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I’ve seen a number of debates. The real cool thing about technology and these debates is how the moderators are pulling questions from Facebook and Twitter that’re being asked by American folk. Technology is cool and well, the parts I ain’t caught onto, it ain’t. It’ll be cool once I get around to using it.

Anyhow, I really like how American folk are asking vital, intelligent questions; all the relevant things we need to know the answers to and when a candidate is asked to address it, he goes back to what another candidate was addressing rather than answering the question put to him. There’s always, “Well, let me go back to what Paul was saying…” You know, shit like that, which basically tells the person who put so much thought into his/her Facebook question that “I ain’t hearing what you gotta say right now. I need to prove my head/dick is bigger than Paul’s” or whoever was the last responding candidate. That, to me, is a real good sign that if a candidate is ignoring one simple question during a debate, he’s definitely gonna brush you off when he gets his tail in that office, where so many things are gonna be coming at him. I don’t know, maybe it’s just my translation but from what I’ve observed, it happens quite frequently.

There was so much spotlighting on seeing what Mitt Romney thought on issues, I forgot Newt Gingrich was there. Now, I won’t say a whole bunch today. I came in late on the debate but well, you tell me what you think of George Carlin’s take on politics and, well, you, the public.

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Photoshop Painting. Copyright 2011 Totsymae

The votes are in in Mississippi. That life doesn’t start at fertilization.

So, when does it? When is it too late to abort? When does it become a baby? What do most scientists say? Who should decide? Does the father have a right to know and decide? Is he irrelevant? Why shouldn’t he know or have rights? Can he charge for murder? Why sleep with him when nothing is 100%? Is it okay if the mother’s life is threatened? It doesn’t count anymore when a mother says she’d rather die than her child? Is it okay if the child is determined special needs and quality of life is a concern? Can a child born of rape be loved the same as a child born of love? Should the child know he/she was conceived through rape or molestation? Why not? Will there be resentment if the child is born? Is abortion being treated like birth control? Is that why the government is intervening? Is this only a big deal in North America? Why is that? Who are these other people saying it’s murder? Are they contributing to the welfare of the baby once he/she is born? Did they attend the baby shower bearing gifts or have a college fund set up? They think this is an easy decision? Why are they so angry or passionate about people they don’t know? So, what do scientists say about when life begins again? Does God say something different? Just curious.

This is my artwork for Day 9 of Art Every Day. Click the link to enjoy the work of more artists who are participating.

 

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The Survivors ll. Collage on paper. Copyright 2011 Totsymae

The Survivors ll. Collage on paper. Copyright 2011 Totsymae

I’m telling you. I’ve been moving in very slow motion over my way. I figure I needed to try writing or the longer I didn’t, it would be that harder to write. I suppose though, I was a little stirred up after watching the GOP Debate last night. Now personally, I can’t go into everything with you on all the whys of this and that ’cause I don’t think we’ve quite made it to the level of you inviting me over for tea or a sleepover, so we won’t go there and whatnot. The lowdown I can give you is that I’ve been watching the news and debates. I’ve undergone some major changes, internally and externally, so if Barack Obama was talking about change in relation to how I’m eating and my physical appearance, he fulfilled that campaign promise.

Folks, over the past few days. I’ve stuck with a strict raw food diet. I have to tell you that I can be somewhat of an extremist on certain matters. Now check this out. I was watching the GOP Debate last night and pondered the concept that when we look at the problem of obesity in children (and adults too, really) across the states we’ve united up and all, Herman Cain has been part of the problem, not the solution. What I do like about him is that he’s fired up to take charge. All of them are but that damn Cain is dangerous, talking about electrifying folk with that fence and all. I mean, damn. That’s some mean shit right there. Plus, a lot of foolishness has come outta his mouth.

Then, Mitt Romney ain’t got a problem evicting folks and letting Deep Pockets buy up the foreclosed homes and leasing them out to make their pockets even deeper. Like, that’s some cold shit. I saw him stopped by a reporter awhile back and he was asked what his thoughts were on Occupy Wall Street. This son of gun said he was just trying to get to the White House. And if you watched the debates, when he and Rick Perry were going at it, I know if they were in an alley somewhere, Perry would’ve knocked the shit out of him ’cause he had that I-could-knock-the-shit-outta-him look on his face. Check YouTube out. You’ll see.

Newt Gingrich, while he tried to unite the party with a let’s-hold-hands-and-play-ring-around-the-roses stance, he was still divisive on account of his attacks on the current administration. The fact of the matter is, parties don’t mean shit to those folk occupying Wall Street. They want jobs to support their families and all that crookedness to be straightened out. Nothing less. One other ironic element of the debate was that it took place in Las Vegas, where a lot of heavy weights duke it out for the boxing belt. Folks, the pot is melting. That explains it all, wouldn’t you say? Which means I’m just gonna have to keep juicing up these carrots to build up my strength. You know, in case I need to jump over that fence Cain got in his mind to build and I have to run for cover. No telling what’s gonna go down and you know we can’t keep stirring a burning pot with a wooden spoon.

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Well, not really. But I’m gonna do my extra best to wrap up Once Upon a Bootleg Man by Friday. It’s time I stopped thinking and thinking about it and be about it. If you haven’t read any of the mini chapters here, you may do that by pressing the link to follow along to see how the story is concluded in this episodic tale of relationship drama (smile).

I really hate it when people do this to me but I’m gonna do it ’cause I’m feeling playful. You won’t believe what I got in my email today from such and such a place to do such and such…Listen to you thinking all dirty but it’s nothing like that, folks. Y’all so crazy. I can’t tell you about it now ’cause I’m deliberating even though I’m feeling anxious but as we speak, I’m breathing in and out and saying a little prayer for how everything pans out.

Now, I’ve got myself involved in Third Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign and if I’m not mistaken, it runs through October 31. For any bloggers wanting to join and get a little notoriety, you’re encouraged to participate. You’ll also get a chance to meet like-minded folk, and that’s always fun, interesting or tiresome, depending on how you feel about yourself and which sides you’re liking or disliking on a given day. I’m just so so today but it could be worse. As it is, I’m looking for better.

Also, I had an opportunity to assist in the design of a literary publication by lending my artwork to the cover. Thematic Magazine, as you can see, is the name of it and will go on sale tomorrow. Be encouraged to make your purchase and read. That way, you may even want to submit your writing for the next issue and get yourself published or read of course, if that’s something you so enjoy doing.

Not much to speak on today. Well, drop me a line and let me know how you’re fairing in the elements, who pissed you off today, that fine pair of buns that walked past you that made you forget you had a husband or wife at the house and all that good stuff. Come on folks, tell me something good (a devilish grin lighting up my face).

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"Three Men Color Study" Copyright 2011 Totsymae

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s  works with a memorial was postponed in D.C. ’cause Mother Nature was doing her thing. Nature can be a powerful thing, any way you look at it, can’t it?   I hope you and loved ones escaped Irene. I’m just turning the news on to catch up on what’s going on out there. Stay safe. Please.

Now, I know there are some folk out there hemming and hawing about why we all the time gotta be building stuff and honoring this man but for the wonderers out there, as cliche as it sounds, we can’t thank Dr. King enough. You’d have to turn your mind inside out to fully understand the fruits of his labors. Folks may not wanna exercise their minds that way, so there lies the perpetual bafflement.

I don’t know about you but I see a country divided. We’ve got a lot of shit to sit down and figure out. Folks at a stalemate, threatening to shut down the government weeks ago and all that kinda dumbness. Passion for the country’s taking a different turn, so we’re all waiting to see what happens. The little folks, like you and me got power of the word, if we write, voice, if we speak and the vote, that I hope you use (deep sigh).

That’s a beautiful sculpture of Dr. King, if I have to say so myself. Fifteen years in the making. Hmph. Interesting timing, ain’t it? Every time I think of Dr. King, my mind goes to Stevie Wonder. I think of him as a musical prophet. I simply love every piece of music he’s ever put out. I’m gonna leave you with one of my favorites by him. And no, he ain’t singing the birthday song.

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