Blessings, affirmations, grace, and reflection

Yeah, so kind of an extension of sorts of the post that Princess Dominique posted today. Verse 1: I'm laying here in my bed, staring at the ceiling Imagining that you're here . . . holding me, See to have your heart in my possession would mean everything, But would you rather live loveless, or will you live for me and . . . Chorus: What would you give, and What would it take, for You to show me, that, I'm worth all the love Every tear Will you fight for me until you win I need to know Am I worth it? Verse 2: Now I wanna' give you my all, but I don't know if it's too soon, See the heart doesn't understand time, it just does what it wants to See to have your heart in my possession would mean everything But would you rather live loveless or would you live for me and . . . Chorus: What would you give, and What would it take, for You to show me, that, I'm worth all the love Every tear Will you fight for me until you win I need to know Am I worth it? Verse 3: ...

Honeydew, Mango, and Blueberries with Lime-Ginger Reduction Makes 6 cups Ingredients 1 tablespoon grated lime zest from 4 limes (zest limes before juicing) 1 cup lime juice 1/4 cup granulated sugar pinch table salt 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 small honeydew melon, seeds and rinds removed, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 mango (about 10 ounces), peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 pint fresh blueberries Preparation Simmer lime juice, sugar, and salt in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat until syrupy, honey-colored, and reduced to 1/4 cup. About 15 minutes. Turn off heat, add lime zest, ginger, and lemon juice; steep 1 minute and strain. Combine fruit in medium bowl. Pour warm dressing over and toss.

I am going to start calling these forwards from my aunt and uncle Uncle D's Nuggets of Wisdom. Another one that is right on time. Those who know my recent situation can totally relate. Good Karma I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship. 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it...

All better. It's amazing what a long overdue talk will do. New playlist "keep it positive."

Yeah so the bloggers who check in with me daily know that right about now Ms. Berry is a little unhappy. You see, all the wonderfulness that I THOUGHT was about to rain down on me dissipated and developed into a tropical storm of sorts. Supastar is now a fallen star due to a strange text message I got which resulted in me losing precious beauty sleep. So now I am sad, hurt and sleepy! Fortunately everyone I have spoken to/emailed today has been very comforting and I appreciate your concern. Thank you. So yeah, I've been moping around all day long but in spite of lack of sleep and a jacked up mood I've gotten some nice compliments today. I twisted my hair last night because I was tired of my bird's nest that was being forced into a wet bun every morning. I guess others appreciated the change as well. So while sitting at the day job looking gloomy but sort of cute and trying to look busy I see a woman peeking through the door at me. Now we usually get a few of these every...

1. Where were you 3 hours ago? Walking out my front door. 2. Who are you in love with? My former best friend 3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? I think I may have as a kid 4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? Not a thing. 5. When is the last time you went to the mall? Good question..probably in Cali in December or I may have wandered into the Manhattan Mall since then. 7. Do you have a car worth over 2,000? No car here. 8. When was the last time you drove out of town? Probably years. 9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? No 10. Are you hot? I'm a little chilly actually, thanks for asking. 11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water 12. What are you wearing right now? black sweater, charcoal grey slacks and black sling backs. 13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? ummm….no car. 14. Last food that you ate? baked chicken, mac&cheese and cabbage 15. Where were you last week at this time? work 16. Have you boug...

U ever feel like ur life is falling apart around u and u don't know how to stop the pieces from crashing around u? Welcome to my world. If I find something positive to blog about I will start a new chapter in September. Let's hope the damage from the virtual earthquake I am suffering is reparable.

I haven't done one these in a while... Your Blog Should Be Green Your blog is smart and thoughtful - not a lot of fluff. You enjoy a good discussion, especially if it involves picking apart ideas. However, you tend to get easily annoyed by any thoughtless comments in your blog. What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Awwww, you got lucky today. A two for one special is being offered on blog postings. Paraphrasing a conversation with Trina: T: What is it you want from him for yourself? Me: I never really thought about it. Does it have to be so complicated? Can't it just happen? T: In a perfect world, yes. But you need to think about it. Me: I thought I was clear about what I wanted but I guess I am not. I tend to bend the rules when things go off course. Having a "Berry" Bradshaw moment....does it really need to be said to make it so? I mean, if you feel it and show it do you really need to say it? Feel free to chime in as you see fit. I'm at a loss.

Courtesy of Otto 1. Do you do dishes by hand or do you use a dishwasher? Unfortunately by hand. Lord I miss having a diswasher. I NEED a dishwater! 2. How many people have your cell phone number? Who knows??? 3. Do you shower in the morning or at night? Usually in the morning but will shower or bathe at night and shower in the a.m. 4. Do you ever have a song 'stuck' in your head? Yep 5. Do you pay your bills when they arrive, or do you wait until closer to the due date to pay them? I used to be responsible and pay them when they arrived. Now I pay them on a specific date close to the due date. Otherwise I don't want to look at them. 6. Are you obsessive about anything in particular? I'm pretty laid back. 7. What one thing would you say you have a zero tolerance for? Uncalled for rudeness...it burns me up!

Yesterday I was treated to lunch from a little shop called Once Upon A Tart . I had a wonderful mixed green salad and a veggie tart. It was actually enough for both lunch and dinner. Those of you who have read me since the beginning (cool points to the first person who remembers the name of first blog) and know me in person know that I don't tell fairy tales unless I am reading them from a book to a group of babies sitting Indian style on the floor. So, when I write something here it is pretty much my reality. How it is interpreted by the reader is their issue, not mine. That is reason memoirs are so controversial. I guess this could be considered a memoir of sorts. A collection of events and feelings. Journeys, adventures, remembrances. Sunny days and rainy nights. Joy and pain. Love and loss. Right now I am in a situation where I really want to make a move. I also have nothing holding me back...but myself. I am in that place where new beginnings and endings intersect. Wh...

Y eah, so the posting has been a little light around here lately. I know. I warned you ahead of time. Anyway I decided to swipe this a placate the handful of people who actually still read my blog. Hello My Name is Berry. If you know me in R.L. you know that is my pen name and I like to be called by my real name. I Was Raised In Cali born and bred. The Reason You Are Reading This is because, I haven't felt like typing out a "real" post and this gives me an excuse to update without formulating an original thought. Right Now , I am so sleepy. The first thing I do in the morning is tinkle. (TMI) The last thing I do at night is think about falling asleep in Supastar's big ole' muscular arms. My Momma Always said "I pay the cost to be the boss ". I Love It When People are talented, kind and generous. I hate it when people are rude or unkind for no reason. When people are exclusionary. When people text "what are you doing" then d...

It's been a few weeks since I've done one of these: 1. Would you shave your head for any amount of money? If yes, how much? I think anything over $100K is a good price for shaving my head.  After all, it does grow back. 2. What "wacky" thing might you do for a large sum of money? Depends on the "wacky" thing...is it wacky or just downright crazy?  How much are talking about a "large sum of money???" 3. What do you think is a "large sum of money?" 6 million and above is a nice sum of money to have on hand I think. 4. Do you watch "reality" tv shows? I watch "Run's House", When nothing else is on I'll watch "What not to Wear," "Janice Dickinson, "ANTM," "So You Think You Can Dance," "AI," "Celeb Fit Club," "Biggest Loser" and that's probably about it. 5. If so, which do you watch and in what order do you prefer them? If not, are there any you m...

I'm disappointed I didn't even make ripple in the water but that's okay 'cause at least a couple of my favorite bloggers made the running.  I nominated most of my regular reads...people need to recognize the talent that flowing all through here!  Anyway, a personal congrats to bloggers: BROTHER BUCK RESIDENT GAMER (MIKE STREET) SOUL ON ICE (OBI THE MAGNIFICENT) D-NICE (yes, THAT d-nice!) I didn't link to their sites because I want you to go VOTE FOR THEM on the black weblog website and you can link from there.  But be sure to vote and give these brothers their propers.

Life has a funny way of working out sometimes. Long day but lovely night. Learned to cook South Asian food at the organization where I volunteer. The food was soooo good! I learned about some new spices and now I am looking forward to experimenting a bit more with them. Last year as a result of the devastation in the Gulf region I was moved to volunteer my time (see November 9th in the archives ). Reading my old posts I realize now that I was completely consumed with myself and my small little world. It was petty. After the hurricanes I became more conscious of others and their cirumstances. I wound up working with two organizations but only maintain a relationship with one. I am glad that I did stay involved with this organization. My affiliation may lead to another opportunity which could be a real blessing right about now. I thank God in advance for the blessing of hope. Scrolling through my posts from around this time last year I see that some things have changed and others hav...

>>> LISTEN I was listening to this song by Teedra Moses on the way home from work and it just really struck a chord with my spirit. Listen to the lyrics...that's some serious business. This girl is definitely underrated as an artist but then what else is new? If you have been sleeping on Teedra Moses then you seriously need to wake up. Check out her CD Complex Simplicity . [Verse 1] I Pray that the sun shines In the windows Like it did on her day Wont sleep the night before I'd be up just pondering my life I would call on my peeps Early in the morning to come later for a party, I'd Spend the day with my angels at the beach Listening to the shore That would be the way They remember me [Chorus] If this was my last day here on Earth (Earth Earth Earth) If this was my last day If this was my last day here on Earth (Earth Earth Earth) Ooo earth [Verse 2] I pray it's a saturday It's a better day for me to go I can be free on the weekends I use to live for the...

You can't rise if you are burdened with heavy emotions like worry, stress, anger, guilt, low self- esteem and depression. This only weighs you down. Lighten up! We are all flawed and yet we are precious human beings. Life is constantly calling and challenging you to endure, stretch and grow. For health and wellness, try not to give too much of your time and energy away to people who are angry, pessimistic and energy vampires. Surround yourself with people who will push you up the hill of success instead of people trying to push you down. Be sure to read and listen to positive enrichment materials to develop your inner strength. Only the strong survive. Your best defense against adversity is to strive to learn as much as you can, and have balance, stamina, gratitude, good health, savings, a sense of humor, courage, love, faith and a personal circle of family and friends to keep you sane and healthy through the tough times. You are on the verge of something great happening in your li...

My friend "Queen" (check the January archives for more about her) sent this to me today. I thought it had a lot of value so I decided to share it. I've learned that if you don't spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself you tend to absorb that negative energy. Read and discuss amongst yourselves. Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life that continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, too judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during difficult times...that is not a friend. To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyle. When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends that enrich my life. Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed for the better. At f...

O kay, so I'm back.  Whew!  Homegirl has been dealing with some drama over the past few days.  The real deal! But I'm handling it relatively well.  I could have freaked out and totally gone off the deep end but I remained calm and trusted that everything would work out fine.  And you know what?  Everything WILL turn out just fine.  It all started on Friday right before I left work.  I thought going out and socializing would make me feel better but I actually wound up more irritated. So, I went home and fell asleep with the hope that tomorrow would be a better day.  And it was.  It had the potential to be a repeat but I didn't let anything get under skin. Saturday...a perfect day weather wise.  I went to the outer reaches of the Bronx for a lawn party fundraiser sponsored by the theater where I work sometimes.  It was chilled and relaxed.  I sat under the shade of trees and felt the grass under my feet instead of concrete....

Edit: So after giving it some additional thought I have decided that this will be the last chapter of this blog. I will be retiring "The Next Chapter" and if I continue blogging it will be on a different host blog under a different blogger ID. I will still read your blogs and will keep this blog up until I am ready to delete it. I'll probably continue blogging here for the next two weeks or so. Thanks to everyone who has read my blog through all of it's phases and grown with me through the ups and downs. I'd like to add a note of advice to new blog readers, never think that you know someone based on what you read in their blog. They are only revealing a small portion of who they really are or who they hope to someday be.

Being from the other coast I was often accused of being "proper". Mainly that came from my southern cousins who claimed that I talked funny because I spoke "proper". I was raised to do things in the "proper" manner or to not bother doing them at all. And trust me when I say that my mom didn't play when it came to serious business. Though it may seem a bit old fashioned, I was raised in a household where there were books authored by people like Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt . Though the rules were not always followed I was at least aware of what the word etiquette meant and how to present myself in public so that I didn't fully embarrass my mom. Just recently I was offered the compliment "you are very polite". I guess that would have made my mom proud. Perhaps it is the fact that my mother was a bit older than the other mothers and she came from a different era. Now I see it as an asset whereas before it was simply fodder for teasin...

The top 10 reasons why I love my Supastar: 10. He is fine as wine and appreciates quality 9. His eyes light up when he sees me 8. He doesn't make me feel invisible 7. He is so talented that it is ridiculous 6. He is more supportive than anyone I've ever known 5. He has a positive attitude 4. He has a good heart 3. He is sweet to all my friends and I enjoy his friends in return 2. He respects me 1. ...and the number one reason why I love my man is simply because he adores me as much as I adore him.

Passing the newstand this morning the usual array of soft porn was displayed behind the plexiglass exterior. The cover of K.ing magazine featured Ki.mora Lee Simm.ons on the cover. Ain't she somebody's mama? I mean, really if I were 6 years old and my mom were plastered all over every newstand and 7-Eleven magazine rack in her undies would that make me feel good or embarrassed. Honestly, I think I would feel rather embarrassed. I could hear the other little kids now..."I saw your mama in her underwearrrrr." It's not appropriate especially for someone who wants to be taken seriously as a business women (who made it because of talent not based on the fact that her husband is a prominent hip hop music mogul). What do you do, sit down with your two little girls and tell them "It's okay for everyone to see you in your panties as long as you get paid a lot money for it." She probably does knowing her. I think she is another one of those personalities yo...

Weather that is too durn hot + the first of the month + living in the 'hood = a bitter Berry I could share my tales of summer in the city but Clay Cane's accounts of it are probably much more entertaining. Thoughts of places far away with clean grocery stores and people with home training run rampant through my mind. This lovely ditty helps though as do these even if they are $5 a pop! Yummy! Enjoy.

If you remember back in June (on the 4th to be exact) I posted my Myer's Brigg Personality type which is very similar to the Kiersey test.  Today, Princess Dominique (who I have known long before either of us knew what a blog was) posted her results.  Come to find out we are both the same personality type which actually comprises a small percentage of the population. To read more about INFJs and find out your type visit her page .

Were it not for site trackers I would think that I was a lone voice out in the wilderness. I know it's hot but dang, come on. Songs lyrics that are running through my head as I try to keep cool: "Nights like this I wish that raindrops would falllllll." "Oh it's too hot, too hot lady...gotta run for shelter...gotta run for shade) "Fire!"

Mediocrity becomes the standard in today's music. Case in point: " The candid singer is the first to admit that, vocally, she's "no Aretha Franklin." But she can do a decent Janet Jackson. And so long as summer lasts, there's no need for her to do much more." ( source) Does race still matter in 2006? Apparently so. The owner of a successful Chelsea dining establishment is battling neighbors in the snobbish SoHo neighborhood over a liquor license for the planned new location. The race card has been pulled by both sides and a battle to open the trendy supper club rages on. To follow the course of action taken again owner Gayle Patrick-Odeen visit the following links: - Lola is Sou l tells Gayle's side of the story. Lola website - SoHo Journal The community boards side of the story; SoHo Alliance rails against Lola - The Village r Wine and beer application license is also rejected - SoHo Politics Blogger writers about the fight to keep Lol...

So nominate me for the Black Weblog Awards Thank you.

Not sure what is going on...someone must have put a hex on blogger but old posts are copying and showing up as posts for today. Even after I delete them they are still reappearing. Ha-Ha mofo who did this. Ha-ha! To read yesterday's posts go to the July 2006 archives.