Kisses from a Libra
A few weeks ago, I was talking to my mom about the legendary Diahann Carroll. Why, I'm not sure but it was something about her iconic show, Julia and how fab she has always been. Family rumor has it that my Uncle Danny wrote the movie Claudine that Diahann starred in but was snubbed by the director and left off the credits. Not sure if that's true or not, but Diahann has always been a legend in my eyes - a beautiful, and poised woman with sass and class to match and she will be missed.
In other news, I will be doing some traveling over the next week, so this is my last newsletter until after my birthday. Meaning, this is my last newsletter as a 30-year-old. Don't miss me too much. If you want to wish me happy birthday on October 20th, email me, tweet me, instagram story me, essentially, just call me beep me if you want to reach me. Also, tell your friends to subscribe. Additionally, my birthday is the same day as Kamala Harris, Sunny from The View, and my favorite Snoop Dogg.
I have a funny Snoop Dogg thing. On my dad's side, my nickname has been Snoop before he was famous. Our mom's both have the same name, and they are both lighter than our chocolate skin. I say all this to say, more than likely I'm supposed to be a rapper.
Anywho, these are my picks for the week. I put a few extra since I won't be sharing for awhile.
This is not a read or a listen, but just a suggestion - please, please, please watch A Million Little Things. This show is beautiful, and complex, and out of the 19 episodes I binged - yes, I'm committed, I think I've only made it through two episodes without some tears. Also, it hasn't been the little tear here and there, it's been a down pour of tears but the writing is phenomenal. This show is not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth adding to your list.
I had high hopes for Summer Walker's new project, Over It, but it's a wash for me. Very boring. I had it on and kept forgetting that I was playing it. Her voice was irritating me this time around and all the songs sound similar to each other. Not here for it, sorry. People are loving it so perhaps I need to give it a few more listens and see if I feel any different.
Also making my way through Robert Glasper's new album, Fuck Yo Feelings, and Sabrina Claudio's Truth Is.
Obsessed with this Soulection mix.
Also, this Sasha Marie mix was tight. I've listened to it more times than I'd like to admit.
I randomly stumbled on this video of Jamie Foxx serenading Serena Williams. This is old, but I'm not much of a sports award show person - unless they start including cheerleading, but a gem for sure. Also can we just acknowledge how talented Jamie is? "Warm Bed" will always be my jam.
Also, yesterday was the birthday of one of my favorite singers, the iconic Toni Braxton. I love Toni so much so that my mom surprised me with tickets once to her residency in Vegas and I GOT MY WHOLE LIFE. Literally, that's why I'm so cheerful. To celebrate Toni, I've made a list of my five favorite Toni songs that you should listen to today and be happy and celebrate her:
1. How Many Ways
2. I Love Me Some Him
3. Just be a Man About It - gave you the video instead because love.
4. Love Shoulda Brought You Home
5. Love Affair
You're welcome. Also, #LibraGangStrong.
Four words, Castro Valley High Alumni. That's it. That's the sentence, shoutout to Rachel Maddow having her moment currently. "I think of her as a news doula: You know the news is going to be painful no matter what, so we might as well have someone who helps us survive it."
Still haven't seen Hustlers (even my dad has) but I loved this read.
Since I live on a budget, and I love coffee this tip sheet meshes the two worlds together. Let's just say easy and cost effective fixes.
I'm a First Lady, and It's an Incredibly Weird Job // "But so long as society continues to require the presence of people like me — unelected, unpaid spouses — as some sort of vital window dressing to the affairs of state, we are obliged to re-examine our expectations and preconceptions of these all-too-often-female companions."
I've already told ya'll, the whole Kanye church thing is odd to me. It feels like a cult, however, I guess you can't fault or criticize how someone explores their faith and spirituality. Read this though, here's why actual churchgoers are getting over Kanye's church service.
And yep, your parents financial advice may not be right. My dad's however, is pretty on point. My forever favorite, "Money is only here to fuel the experience."
I wish Meghan Markle's dad would stop being a troll and trying to ride his daughter's coat tail so much. Let us just have our princess. Honestly, the whole Markle clan is pretty annoying--her sister, her naked nephew.
I don't like cats, just like I don't like squirrels, pigeons, geese and other creatures, but this horny cat story did make me giggle. Also, if you're curious why I dislike all these animals, I'll tell you here:
1. Squirrels are too familiar and they are the cousins of rats, and rabbits. My deepest fear is getting attacked by one and having it bite my scalp. Super specific but no one can tell me that this won't happen.
One day, when I parked to walk to work, I thought a squirrel was chasing me because I kind of stared it down and it went up the tree and I heard the leaves rustling. What did I do? I ran because I was convinced I was about to be jumped by a squirrel. Also, what did I do? Fall in the middle of the street and ripped my stockings. I walked into the office and my coworkers were like what happened to you and I told them the story. Then the girl tells me that her best friend went to Genoa (RIP best sandwich shop) and got oil on her sandwich. They were eating outside and a squirrel went into her bag - overly familiar. What did I do? Start crying. Welp.
2. Pigeons rodents of the air. They have no knowledge of personal space. Also, one time in Los Angeles, we went to eat at this place outside (why I don't eat outside) and the pigeons were crazy and flying on people's tables eating their food. There was one albino one (more than likely a dove) that I kept watching - I'm sure it smelled my fear, this little hoe flew under the table and hit my foot. Gross.
3. Geese can fly, swim and walk. I don't trust anything that can multitask with purpose like that. I also believe that one time I went to Lake Merritt for Summer Camp when I went to Mighty Oaks (it was a the lake but by Fairyland) and we were coloring. I'm pretty sure a goose flew away with my marker. Also, geese shit everywhere AND they are very rude. They attack people, and chase people. See evidence here and here.
4. Cats are bitchy and too familiar also. Please, do not purr at me, or rub against my leg.
I do like Dolphins, Killer Whales, Giraffes and Zebras too. I once came very close to Zebra's seeeeeeeeeeee. That's all, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
Shameless Plug Corner:
As you know, I'm a Passion Planner enthusiast. Very excited that they just released their new daily planner.
They also have a sale because like me, Passion Planner is a libra - and they are celebrating their three year anniversary.
Get your planner here (use my code).
That's it for now. I'll be back towards the end of the month.