Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘blogging’

Where You Been, Heifer?

Posted in Woman in the Mirror, tagged , , , , , , on April 9, 2013 | 28 Comments »

Photo by Totsymae 2013

Photo by Totsymae 2013

I got back in touch with a friend after about two years. I was as glad to talk to her again as I was to be rid of her two years ago. Hey, that’s the way life goes. And keep in mind, I’m an artist. Whatever you’ve heard about us is probably true but not necessarily in my case some of the time….Most of the time…Well, it all depends.

Though, despite all that, I’m the easiest person to get along with. During a discussion with a friend, when the conversation starts to go south and on the loud side, I tend to go silent. I’ll even change the subject to avoid the big to-do going on in their head. I wanna keep whatever peace we can and avoid any possibility that I may discover some characteristic I don’t like ’cause chances are, there’s something I already don’t like but tolerate. Therefore, I wanna keep the dislikes to a minimum.

Now, if I come to your house and you tell me to make myself at home, I won’t go in your kitchen and make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or anything of that nature. I won’t go in your bedroom and take a nap either but rather, I’ll go home if you’re not entertaining enough to keep me awake. I’ll also make a point not to look at your man or engage him in any form or fashion. I just don’t want any potential shit outta you in that sorta way. Plus, I find it really embarassing that your man is looking in other directions. Not that I’m a looker but on occasion, when the mood is right, I can be.

I wouldn’t say I’ve got as many friends in real life as I do on Facebook. What I do have is quality when it comes to folk I surround myself with. I do hope the feeling is likewise ’cause if not, I’d rather part ways so that person can fill my spot with the type of quality or whatever kinda folk they need.

I sometimes wonder if telling friends about this here blog is a good idea. What if I wanna vent about them and their less tolerable ways? I don’t know if I have any intolerable ways about me but I sorta kinda doubt it. I mean, I could but I’d like to think not.

Read Full Post »

Working on Getting My Mojo Back

Posted in Woman in the Mirror, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2013 | 44 Comments »

And it ain’t been easy folks. I don’t, well, I know what’s caused this but I can’t tell you. Believe it or not, I’m a very private person. I’m so private, in fact, sometimes I wonder who’s this person that takes over when I sit down to write these blog posts. I got to wondering so hard about it one day, I had a faint spell of feeling rather fake. I felt so fake, I stressed over this disturbing thought and took myself to that big discount store that starts with a W to buy a giant bag of Mini Reese’s and damn near ate them all in 24-hour period. Quite ambitious of me, don’t you think? Nobody can ever say I’m not goal-oriented. Okay?

So, this slow suicide of overdosing on chocolate peanut butter had me feeling more than slightly disgusted with myself but I guess that’s better than jumping from a bridge and changing my mind in mid air. But back to my mojo, folks.

For awhile, I’ve gotten away from social networking. And I still am. My blog posts go to Facebook and Twitter automatically but I haven’t been engaging. Just been feeling blah and unimaginative, which isn’t a healthy place for me. (Thus, comes the Reesey Cups.) I’ve been reclusive, you might say, which isn’t unusual for me. After all, I need that creative space, if only to think. And while I’ve somewhat objectified myself on this blog, with a southern-like brashness, I’ve kinda wondered should  I have thrown on an apron and cooked you up a few dishes or painted you prettier pictures of me instead.

I was advised to continue blogging, however. Now that I think about it, this person doesn’t even read my blog. I don’t know if her advice is worth the three seconds it took for her to tell me that. Though, I am feeling less blah these days. I’m trying to get myself a life, whatever that entails. I’m open to suggestions, depending on who and where it’s coming from and how I feel when I hear what you have to say. Shit, you just really never know some days, do you…

Read Full Post »

The Rush of Spring

Posted in Everyday Shit, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2013 | 32 Comments »

Spring is near down here, folks. With that comes a lotta pollen. Then rain and those mean ass thunderstorms and tornadoes. I’m not looking forward to that but the warmer weather, I am. I never got to show you one of the few sandstorms I saw when I was in Saudi Arabia last year on account of it not showing up real strong on my camera. I’d prefer one of those any day compared to the tornadoes here.

If I knew you like that, I’d impose and invite myself to your house ’til this rash of tornadoes passed but you don’t know me like that either, which would make for real strange company. But I’ll tell you this. I was in the National Guard and after sleeping in the freezing cold woods back-to-back with my foxhole buddy, I could damn near sleep anywhere. Well, not anywhere, when I really ponder worse circumstances than that but you know what I mean. Not to say that you’re sleeping anywhere but like I said already, you know what I mean. Pretend you do anyway ’cause we gotta move on.

In the meantime, it’s still nippy some days down here and well, the weather’s pretty much what one talks about to fill dead air and while I very much appreciate you allowing me to waste your time, I won’t hound you with redundant talk about the weather anymore. I will, however, think Spring…

"Tree House" Mixed Media on board. Copyright 2013. Totsymae.

“Tree House” Mixed Media on board. Copyright 2013. Totsymae.

"A Little Music on the Side" Mixed Media on board. Copyright 2013 Totsymae

“A Little Music on the Side” Mixed Media on board. Copyright 2013 Totsymae

"Red Bikini" Acrylic on paper. Copyright 2013 Totsymae

“Red Bikini” Acrylic on paper. Copyright 2013 Totsymae

Read Full Post »

Inventing New Blog Awards

Posted in Totsy's Sweets, tagged , , , , , , , , , on February 15, 2013 | 41 Comments »

You know I stopped accepting blog awards awhile back, right? Well, I was sitting around here thinking of some awards since I don’t have much else to talk about. Now, these awards don’t have any criteria or rules whatsoever. You simply give them out and set your own rules, which I personally tend to do. I have  a brief description, just so we can be real clear about who’s deserving of what.

Ladies and gentleman folks, The Totsymae Foundation (currently operating as bootleg and proud)  presents you with awards to share among your blogging buddies…

Ms. Stay -At-Home Mama Blogger  – She really should be doing the laundry and cooking dinner but she’s not interested. One fine day, she discovered the world of blogging and she became instantly hooked. She talks about her hubby and kids all the time and belongs to every social network related to folk just like her.

santaknocks

oooOOOooo

I’ll Chew and Spit You Out Blogger  - This blogger lives up to their name. They drink a lotta caffeine and will cuss you the hell out. They’re virtual agitators and will go on other blogs to bitch about topics they only have surface knowledge of and don’t wear underwear.

couple

oooOOOooo

Retired and Looking for Trouble Blogger – This blogger is blogging ’cause their spouse is tired of him scratching his balls in the kichen while she’s cooking.

teedoff

oooOOOooo

Mr or Ms Freshly Pressed Blogger – After two months, this blogger is freshly pressed for three straight weeks and now writes about what others can do to become freshly pressed. This instant virtual fame causes them to lose sleep at night ’cause they’re thinking about that bestseller they can’t seem to finish.

mrgoodfoot

oooOOOooo

I’ll Catch You When I Can Blogger  -  This blogger pretends like they’re so busy, they don’t have time for you. In reality, they’re going through shit you wouldn’t believe and wouldn’t want to know about. They will often rush to the keyboard breathless and type out some nonsense about being so busy and may have a touch of ADD.

Walking the Block

oooOOOooo

I’ve Found My Life Calling Blogger – Something dramatic just happened to this blogger and, often a woman, she has the need to talk about it to folk who don’t know her. She often rambles about not having a theme for her blog and asks a lotta questions to the three folk who are following her.

surrender

oooOOO000

This Tastes Better Than it Looks Blogger  -  This blogger is always trying to cook. Has the nerve to take photos and display them too. She watches the Food Network religiously ’cause it’s the ‘in’ thing. Deep down she knows her cooking skills will never measure up but she’s always wanted attention, so here she is.

momma

Know any of these folk? Pass it on…

Read Full Post »

What’s Your Sign?

Posted in Everyday Shit, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 9, 2012 | 37 Comments »

Google Image

Now that I’ve gotten what I wanted, you won’t be hearing me talk politics again. Well, I don’t mean ever but for awhile, you won’t. I was starting to get on my own nerves for a minute, so I know it was tough on you too, coming over here and listening to me pick on politicians and whatnot. But since I pick on my own self just as much, if not more, don’t be mad at me. Though, it’s time to move on, folks. To what, I have no idea. I’m lost and wandering about rather naked now.

I can tell you that I’ve been on the real busy side. That could be a good thing if I wanted to be that busy but hell, it ain’t the kinda busy I wanna be. I mean, I’m trying to fit creativity back into my life, which has gone from sugar to shit. I haven’t painted almost all year. When I go that long without painting, I always have the fear that I won’t know how anymore. Losing that would be akin to losing a limb.  And then the more that fear builds, the more intimidated I become to even try. It’s like, what if I can’t? I’ve written a lot but not enough. I probably should’ve dated and married up with that fella from a few years back since he liked me real hard. Then, I’d been able to sit on my ass and write the way I want but I didn’t like him like that. He didn’t wanna be my friend, so eventually he changed his number and email, like I was harrassing him or something. The nerve!

I wasn’t trippin’ though. See, I’m a Leo and I don’t like Leo men. They’re arrogant and bossy. At least the ones I know. If you’re a Leo woman and hooked up with a Leo man, I don’t know how you do it. I’m not typically into that whole horoscope thing but I can’t help recognizing that Leo men eventually get on my nerves. Scorpios too. They run about neck and neck on the nerve radar.  I have high and low tolerances, like anybody. I believe I’m rather in tune with myself, so I don’t get on folk nerves. Seriously. It’s them, not me. I won’t even claim that kinda responsibility.

Anyhow. I’m about to get my blog ready for Christmas. You know, maybe tell Christmas stories, play music and bake cookies or something. Not that I’m the baking kinda woman but I can whip up a box cake like nobody’s business when I put my mind to it.

Read Full Post »

Blogging is Hard Work

Posted in Everyday Shit, tagged , , , , , , , on November 4, 2012 | 38 Comments »

“Donna Damitte” Mixed Media on paper. Coyright 2011 Totsymae

Non-bloggers don’t understand the energy it takes to do what we do. Our work goes so unappreciated. It’s really sad. Folk don’t understand the skills and challenges that comes with the territory of blogging but I’m here to erase the myth that we’re just fluffing off.

You have to know how to spell to do what we do. That’s a real challenge for some folks. I think it’s the reason why some folk don’t blog. Are they haters ’cause they’re sure not the players we are.

Your fingers have to be in good shape to move around the keyboard with a certain amount of agility. You know, we have to type as quickly as we think before we forget what we were thinking  and know when to slow down and not write anything for the sake of putting a post out there. Timing, folks, is both precious and the key, you know.

You must also be a versatile person to blog. There’s all manner of shit out here on these blogs. I know personally since I put a lot of shit out there. However, you must be very serious about the shit you put out there, whether it’s for fun or serious. I mean, why invest the time if you’re not gonna be serious? Anybody who’s somebody has a blog.

To be one of the best bloggers out there, you need to be a strategist.  You know, like putting your eyeglasses in various parts of your home, according to whatever rooms you use your computer in. You can’t be all willy-nilly on the computer, typing up shit you can’t see. That’s a total waste of time.

It takes focus to be a blogger. Like, you can’t have a zillion windows open of blogs you read and make the mistake of commenting on one when you should’ve made the comment on another blog. Believe me, I know these things happen. After it happened to me a coupla times, that is. If you take attention medication, by all means, when you sit down to write, you won’t be blogging from the seat of your pants, okay?

You must be a quick thinker and know the art of trash-talking. Though you must also know when to chill. You see, going from one blog to another requires that kinda flexibility. It’s kinda like being a rubber band. If you don’t know what a rubber band is, you probably don’t need to be blogging anyhow.

You must know how to sing. If you’re gonna sing on your blog anyhow. I mean, like, I’ve been to YouTube and saw folk on there singing, who apparently have been ribbed up by their family that they should be on YouTube but in my humble opinion, shouldn’t. But hey, that’s just me. Refer back to my point on trash-talking.

Read Full Post »

We’re Off to the Races, Folks

Posted in Hot Off the Press, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 8, 2012 | 46 Comments »

“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.

Read Full Post »

If You Need Me, Call Me

Posted in Everyday Shit, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 15, 2012 | 30 Comments »

“Still in Disproportion” Mixed Media on Board Size: 24×30. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

When I started this blog, I had no idea what I’d say. What have we not discussed here already? Not finances but I did talk about bartering, so that should help you out some. I don’t too much discuss money. If I had more of it, I’d be more than happy to help you out if you needed me to pay your water bill or something like that. Granted, you’re not in a mansion or anything. I could also direct you to a coupon website to help you pinch pennies. Not that I know of any right offhand but I’d do my best. That is, if you needed me in that way. I’d like to think I’m resourceful that way but I can’t really say I am when it comes to needing shit for myself. So, why I’d go outta my way to help you, I don’t know. Maybe I need therapy.

Another thing I’ve never brought up is telling folk how to say no.  I’m not all that good at it myself, which is why it’s never come up. I really should be an expert at it after being told no so many times myself. I mean, some folk just never learn and apparently, I’m no exception. However, I’ve told you how to put folk outta your house during the holidays, which is quickly approaching. Do read this unsolicited advice for your own sanity. I don’t mind telling you how to handle your shit, regardless of whether I can handle mine or not. And don’t say to yourself, “Ain’t that about some shit,” ’cause honey, don’t I know it.

I’ve never tried to advise you on how to raise your kids either. I mean, I think I’m good at it until my own start to grind on my nerves. They’re okay, for the most part. I don’t like to brag too much but I like to a little. I wish I could brag more than I do but they really haven’t given me cause to. Though, I guess I’m fortunate in a lotta ways, so I can’t complain. Not that I would to you anyway but you get what I’m saying. Little Totsy wants me to brag on her more but I have to be straight up and tell her, “Chile, you’re only 15. I’m still getting to know you.”

Actually, we’ve never talked about a lotta shit in which I’m a partial expert at but if you’ll be patient enough for me to screw up a little longer, I’m real certain I could further your understanding on another subject or two. Not that I’ve done that with what we’ve already discussed but I hope you’re a little better off leaving than when you came. Not that I could do anything about it if you weren’t. Shit…Therapy is definitely in order.

Read Full Post »

Beautifully Impowered

Posted in Introducing Totsy, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 13, 2012 | 30 Comments »

It’s been a rough couple of days here, folks. I started what I thought was a humorous post on How to Pee  in a Public Restroom in Saudi Arabia but then I thought, “Totsy, that’s nasty.” I was gonna give you a full class and everything but shit, I don’t wanna talk about this place right now. It’s hot as shit and I’ve been feeling like shit.

So, how’re you folks doing? I saw where The Obamacrat posted Tyler Perry’s latest movie. After a few tries, I was able to see the movie trailer. He’s come a long way from his first movies. And Impower You honored me with the Beautiful Blogger Award. She also told me if she were me over here in The Kingdom, she’d be rioting. I don’t think she understands exactly how hot it is over here, folks. And it’s getting hotter. Now, if there was an air conditioned room to riot in, I’d be real down with the cause. You probably couldn’t shut me up. But I don’t see me holding signs or raising hell in all this heat. No mams and sirs. You’ve gotta be one hell of a feminist to beat down the heat AND riot over here. I’d be sitting somewhere in the shade saying, “Now, that’s one bad ass bitch right there. I ain’t messin’ with her.”

Well, thank you Impower You for bestowing this award on me. Much appreciation to you for thinking of me in this light.

Now, it’s late over here. I had to see the dentist tonight. That’s right, tonight. I don’t know why business is late other than it being too hot. Sometimes, the electric just shuts down, it’s so hot and it’s been happening a lot lately but it only lasts for 10 or 15 minutes. Imagine my panic, if you will.  Anyhow, I woke up this morning to a swollen face. Not cute, okay? A Sudanese woman I work with escorted me ’cause she understands everything and she don’t take no mess. She’s a young chick and funny as all get out.

Tomorrow, her, another lady and I are gonna wind down with a famous Saudi dish called Kappsa. I don’t know if the spelling’s right. Probably not but I’m eating it even if it’s got chicken in it ’cause I can’t leave here without saying I didn’t taste it, right. Actually, I’m gonna have more than a taste. I’m gonna have a good portion. And since the weekend here is Thursday and Friday, I’m gonna make my way to visiting some of your blogs. I don’t have much else to do anyhow. Shame, ain’t it…

Facebook status. And how I’m really doing lately.

Otherwise, I work really hard…Sorta.

Read Full Post »

How Much Should You Reveal of Yourself on a Blog?

Posted in Woman in the Mirror, tagged , , , , on June 5, 2012 | 47 Comments »

“Beach Babe” Acrylic on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae

Do you feel as if you know me? Like, do you think “Is that damn Totsy for real”? or do you say something like, “I know exactly what Totsy means,” and give yourself a high five?

I really don’t have to deliberate on what I wanna say or not but you know, early in my blogging days, I saw this woman on her blog in her panties and bra in her bathroom. Not a big deal when you think, oh it’s like wearing a less fancy bathing suit, but well, she was in her panties and bra. She didn’t have a job though. She was a stay-at-home mom who was talking about, in that particular post, accepting her body. It was a skinny body, just so you know, and not the best shaped one, in my opinion. And I guess once you do something like that, folk can say whatever they want pertaining to it. I didn’t say nothing though. She seemed to have a lotta support and comments, so I moved on to some other blog ’cause I didn’t like looking at her body and well, I decided to keep my mouth shut.

Anyhow, I know you folk been asking why I’m in the middle of the east and all and it’s no big deal but I don’t wanna say right now. I don’t think why I’m here is more important than me sharing with you the experiences I’m getting, so try to remember that, if you will. In my mind, I’m here for a lotta reasons, so I can’t pin it down to one specifically. I do have another secret though, and it happened this morning. It surprised the shit outta me and I don’t get surprised by too much. Maybe I’m just bland that way. Or maybe I saw it and chose to ignore it, the way folk do and here I am, in my mind, going, “OMG! OMG! OMG!” It’s not a huge deal really but I haven’t decided if I wanna say something about it yet. In this case, I’m feeling indecisive and that’s not good, I don’t reckon.

So now, you’re like, “Totsy, why’re you even posting this to tell us nothing?” Well, I wanted to see how you felt about the mostly naked woman, I guess. I won’t be presenting you with my nakedness but on a blog, I think, metaphorically, we do get naked. My secret? I’m kinda embarrassed to tell you, to be honest. You know, I’m shy and whatnot. (wink, wink)

Read Full Post »

Looking Back and Moving On

Posted in Woman in the Mirror, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2012 | 50 Comments »

I spent a little time painting in Photoshop and listening to music on the plane. 12.5 hours is a long time in the air. Copyright 2011 Totsymae

I totally forgot to celebrate or acknowledge one year of blogging. Two days ago, that is. So, what have I accomplished besides running my mouth here? Well, let me see:

I spent six weeks in Taiwan. Got real tired of the dirt and pollution and took my ass back to the states. Since I’d never been there, I figure me seeing some other part of the world is an accomplishment, don’t you?

I finally got me a Nook. It was a gift, so it’s not like I accomplished getting it myself but if you wanna count the fact that I hinted around a million times that I wanted one, well, I must’ve run it in the ground and my son and now, daughter-in law, whom I’ll call Mr and Mrs Soldier Boy, got it for me.

I’ve finished a book of flash fiction. I’m a little unsettled right now, which I won’t go into, but I’m wanting to put the work out there once I get the cover design done up. If I’m able, I’ll try to upload and let you vote on which is the best look for me. Maybe I’ll pick a name from a hat and the lucky winner will get an abaya sent off to them to sport around. (wink, wink)

I’m halfway done with my book of short stories. I don’t know if that’s an accomplishment or not. I’ve had so many interruptions but I aim to finish it within a couple of months. Shit, I’m getting on my own nerves in not finishing yet.

I got to travel to Saudi Arabia. I know it’s strict over here and all but I get to see it all for myself. I feel lucky and unlucky at the same time. Though, for the sake of mental health, I’ll focus on the lucky.

I figured out how to restructure my novel. I’d been having some major issues with backstory stuff and now that I’ve figured it out, I can settle down to write, once I’m settled down, that is. Shit does happen in life and right now, I’m dealing with a hunka shit, folks. That’s just the way it is. In the end though, I know it’s gonna be all good.

I learned how to say my head is hurting in Arabic and thank you in Chinese. Not that my head is hurting. Though it’s big, it feels just fine. Because I’m starting a little newsletter/journal over here, I asked one of the Sudanese ladies to give folk like me Arabic lessons in the newsletter. And, because I’m a graphic designer, the newsletter will be interactive with audio and videos. Anyhow, I asked her to teach me that ’cause folk need basic communication skills in Arabic when they go to a doctor. Not that I plan to be going to no doctor over here. Please, pray that I don’t get sick over here, folks. Lordy, mercy! And too, I won’t be saying thank you in Chinese over here but I know how to say it in case I need to.

I got myself a tan. Not that I needed one but I got it over here in this hot place. It’s getting hotter too and I ain’t figured out a hiding place yet.

I explored new ways to express myself artistically. Well, I don’t sing and dance but you know what I’m saying if you’ve been hanging out with me for a good while.

I met the U.S. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and got in arms length with the prince. Being at that little brunch made me kinda homesick but I’m all good now. At least, as all good as can be expected being over this way.

And I have to thank all you good folks for sticking around. Much appreciation to you.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,546 other followers