America’s Promise- History is Made
What’s Jack up to? Oh, that Jack was really naughty yesterday. Just when I said he was being nice too. The DD let him off his leash for a second to switch leashes to take him for a walk and he took off running up the block after two much larger dogs that went by a few minutes before. Darn Jack. They could have taken his head off. I told you he had a Napoleon complex. Luckily, they just laughed at the little dog running up to them talking trash. Whew! So, did you watch? I sure did!Last night I watched Barack Obama accept the nomination for President of The United States along with Nana and my fourteen year old African-American DD (dear daughter) and DS (dear son). I could not lose my smile. What a proud night! Sadly, the DH was still away on business, but called us to show his spirit.
It was so wonderful watching it with my grandmother who admitted that she never thought she would get to see Black man come this close to the presidency in her lifetime. She cried with happiness at being able to see it with her great-grandchildren. I hope that they realize just how remarkable and significant it is. They are now living in a new age. My two babies who share a birthday with Doctor Martin Luther King are a big step closer to his Dream. Our Dream.
photos from cnn, msnbc and yahooThe speech was amazing. I heard it called by some hard nosed commentators a symphony. I’ll agree. One of my favorite lines of the night was when Barack said, “change doesn’t come from Washington, it comes to Washington.” I hear that. My bag is packed. Let’s go!
I don’t know how the other party will respond next week. But Barack has laid it all out tonight.
Best,
KwanaProject Lube Job
What’s Jack up to? Not too much mischief today. Of course sneaking upstairs to the kids rooms when he can. There’s always fun trouble to get into up there so how can you blame him for trying, but all in all he’s being pretty quiet. I should stay on the lookout. I’m sure he’s up to something. Project Runway starts out this week and Keith is doubting himself. Uh oh. Poor Keith.
The designers are sent to a garage and shown a bunch of Saturn cars, some old school shopping carts and told to have at it it’s Supermarket Sweeps! They have 4 minutes to grab all the car trash they can to come up with enough stuff to create an innovative outfit. And this time it had better be innovative because Grim Tim has pulled his glasses down his nose and said they fell way short of the mark the last time he told them to be innovative. Ouchy Tim.Back it Parsons. Joe is so happy to have immunity. I hear ya Joe.
Blayne is working in seat belts. I like the idea. Let’s see what he does with it.
Leanne is doing a bondage cocktail dress and I see lots of headlights. Not those headlights, silly. Real headlights. Suddenly I have Thierry Mugler flashbacks. The designers should be so lucky.Kenley has lost her model. Bummer and now has to add extra filters or whatever the heck that is she’s working with in order to make her outfit fit her new model.
Tim comes in for his walk through and Blayne called him Timlicious. Ok. It’s officially one licious too many.
Jerell got a beautiful.
Korto got a go, go, go!
Stella for some reason does not want to work in leather for a car challenge and I’m confused.
Leanne got a wow. Good for her.
Keith is all down on himself and is just sitting in front of fabric with nothing much to show Tim but talk. Poor Keith. I’m starting to see a trend.
Terri starts clowning on Korto and Jerell loves it in the diary room. He needs a talk show.Sidebar: Hey we find out Stella’s boyfriend’s name is William aka ‘Ratbones’. Why am I not surprised?
Elimination day and Keith’s model had the nerve to sit down and she ripped the skirt. Like she couldn’t stand for an hour. Come on! I won’t bring up that his stitching couldn’t take a little sitting. Did he double stick it together? All together now… Poor Keith.
Past contestant Laura Bennett was filling in for Nina this week. I wonder if she had any more kids or built any more companies since we’ve last seen her. What a dynamo she is.
Rachel Zoe guest Judge of The Rachael Zoe Project is the guest judge.Jerell – Me Likie.
Keith-No. Boring.
Terri-Like
Kenley-No
Leanne-Like
Suede-Like
Korto-Like. Geat shape
Blayne-Like, but bad arm fit.
Joe-no
Stella-just ok. She should have gone with leather.Oh boy Keith has a mini-meltdown and brings back the last challenge. Way to not let go Keith. That will not go over well with the judges. Poor Keith.
Now for the results: The winner is Leanne. Good for her. I thought Jerell had it but Leanne stepped it up.
Out this week is…Big surprise, Poor Keith. There is no crying is baseball and no whining is fashion. Sorry Keith. And please move out of Utah if you’re not happy there. Go to a bigger fashion capital and be a happy boy!
Best,
KwanaP.S. Congrats to the winner of Sheer Genius. I don’t want to spoil it for those who didn’t watch. We’ll chat later. Also big night at the DNC tonight!
Must see TV for me.Persuade Me
What’s Jack up to? Just being wild Jack. Totally territorial over his closet and snapping and anyone who dare try to get him out without a treat in hand. Just Jack!
The DH is off on business and thanks to the lovely PIC I got to watch the most wonderful version of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION staring Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds as the dashing Captain Wentworth. It was a lovely way to spend an evening. Thanks PIC!
And as for the bottom clip spoiler alert if you have not seen PERSUASION but it perfectly shows the downtrodden but ultimately triumphant Austen heroine. Enjoy. “Anne? Whatever for?” Amazing.
I then had to go and check out the 2007 BBC version with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. I don’t know how I missed this during Austen week. Oh well. I’m torn they are both beautiful. How can you go wrong with Austen? All this romance can truly mess a girl up. And don’t we all want just one night more? I know I do. Well, maybe not. It’s probably perfect as it is in our own minds.
If you’ve seen both versions which do you prefer?Sidebar: Don’t you just crack up over the music selections on YouTube? So inspired.
Political Sidebar #2: Speaking of Persuasion, Hilliary Clinton hit it out of the park with her speech at the DNC last night. A very persuasive speech it was. I wonder if it will do the trick with bringing over the Hilliary supporters that are holding out. It should if Michelle’s last night didn’t. Hillary made her thoughts very clear when she said. “No way, no how, no McCain.” Ouch, Hill. tell us how you really feel.Best,
KwanaThe American Dream
What’s Jack up to? I’m afraid I’ll not have Jack calmed down until the Dear Twins are back in school. Jack is having a fine time chasing the DD around the house and snapping at her toes today. When he’s not doing that he’s roughhousing with the DS. No sweet little lap dog is he.
The DNC has begun and as I thought I’d be, I was riveted. The first night did not disappoint with Michelle Obama giving the keynote speech. I don’t think a potential first lady has given a keynote speech at a national convention so that in itself is historic, but besides that the fact that it was a Black woman giving the speech made it that much more so.
I didn’t expect to be as emotionally moved as I was, but there you have it. I could not take the smile from my face or account for the great sense of pride that I felt for women, African-Americans, my children and even my country. Count me as one of those teary eyed Black women at the end of the speech. Could we actually be here in 2008? Finally. It was a wonderful heartfelt speech that showed her heart and her fabulous mind. That Barack is a lucky man. Must be some good judgement there to choose Michelle. I say the more women in politics the better!
Best,Kwana
Time keeps slipping…
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s had a fun weekend of food and friends and even a bit of bbq so I’m hoping he’ll be a little less snappish today. We shall see.
The Olympics have ended and today begins the Democratic National Convention which I’ll probably be way too into (see below). I can’t seem to help myself it feels way too big. Cut to me bleary eyed in the morning.
In a little over a week my Dear Twins will be back in school. The start of the new school year always feels kind of like New Years to me. A brand new beginning and with it all the pressures. I’m currently reading TIME TO WRITE by Kelly L. Stone when I actually have time to read. It’s all about time management for writers. I’ve vowed that when the kids are back in school I’m all about getting on a solid writing schedule. I really have to. The summer has taken it’s toll on me and if I’m going to make this work then time management is key.What are your back to school rituals?
Best,
KwanaPick Me! Pick Me!
What’s Jack up to? As I’m writing he’s in a growly mood. Giving the business to anyone who dares walk by our house today. Oh, Jack showing a strong Napoleon complex today?So, Senator Obama has made his pick for VP and it’s Senator Joe Biden. Both a safe and slightly controversial pick at the same time if you ask me. I mean kinda of out there to pick the guy who has given you some clearly backhanded compliments and out and out disses, but I can totally see the strategy there. Well played Barack. I just hope some spoil sports don’t get mad, take their ball and go home. Let’s play nice shall we? This isn’t kindergarten. It’s serious business.
photo daily news
Best,
Kwana
Freaky Friday
What’s Jack up to? Oh just being so Jack. He totally stole half a slice of pizza right from under my nose when I turned to grab a paper towel. I couldn’t even get too mad. I didn’t need that pizza anyway. Darn Jack.
Happy Friday. I don’t have much to say on this lazy summer Friday so I’ll leave you with this bit of fun. Enjoy, but please don’t judge this child of the 80’s. I liked my boys made up and accessorized back in the day. Much love!Best,
KwanaProject Work
What’s Jack up to? He’s back to being snappy. I don’t know what’s gotten into Jack lately with this. I think the Dear Twins have been playing with him too much and he thinks this snapping thing is cool. Well it must stop. I’ve got enough people growling and snapping at me. I don’t need demands from Mister Jack.
Project Runway starts and the designers are just as baffled over Keith’s win as I was. Then Heidi and the sweet Chris March comes out in full drag and looking fab announcing they have to design a look for a drag queen.
Fun. Fun. Fun.In comes Tim say the look will be auctioned off to Broadway cares and the winner will have immunity. Yay something to fight for and fight they will.
First Joe says he’s out of his element then later he dances with a bra on. Hmm…Blayne says if he was a drag queen his name would be Neon-licious and he actually gives me my first laugh of the night. I hate the licious but I guess I was missing it. Then Leanne said Barf-licious and I really cracked up. Nice.
Back in the work room it’s a Cirque gone wrong and we get background on Jerell and Suede which makes me worried for each of them. Keith is doing fringe. Why is he always going all these pieacy swatch things? I’m so over Keith.
The Drag queens come back in as their normal every day selves and they are unrecognizable.
It’s try on time.
Jerell’s Queen is not in love.
Hedda Lettuce is not happy and called Suede lazy. Bam. I told you I was worried for both of them. Suede said that she’s going to be soggy Lettuce.On the walkthrough with Chris, Tim called Blayne’s outfit “A terradactyl out of the gay Jurassic Park.” Not good if you ask me but Blayne thought it was in his little warped mind. Whatever gets you through the day.
Chris and Tim thought Joe was fantastic. What?
Suede they liked and then they told him to have it out with Hedda Lettuce. Ha they just want to see Suede get his butt kicked by a drag queen.
Keith got different. Never good.
Daniel was plain but he’s not worried. Okay dude.Runway day and if you ask me the queens look a little dragged through the mud. Please to make up.Hedda lettuce and Suede have words and Hedda Lettuce is sweet as pie. Aww. Such a Lady.Stella gives me my 3rd full out laugh of the night laugh when she says “Jerell’s outfit is classy how ev-ah these broads aren’t classy.” This from Lea-tha Stella! I love it. But she does look nice for the Runway show tonight. And hey RuPaul is the guest judge. You’d Better Work!
Now for the runway show.Kenley-Like
Blayne-No
Joe-yes-model loved her outfit.
Stella-yes. Why is one of her best for a drag queen?
Suede-no
Daniel-ok-but not enough. Just a dress.
Terri yes- My fave. She stepped up the game
Jerell-yes but ok.
Korto-Just ok.
Keith-messy-Hey, Heidi said the same thing.
Leanne-old age spacey? No.
And the winner is Terri, What! Joe. I cannot believe that Terri missed out again. This is getting on my nerves.Now it’s down to Daniel and Keith out this week is… Daniel. Great. Not. I can look forward to more fringe next week.
On Shear Genius Nicole won the short cut challenge and Daniel is okay with that. Right.The big challange is to create a hair style to reflect a season for a photo shoot. Rene say’s “Go Shake It.” The season is almost over and I still don’t know what that means. Does anybody?Sidebar: I just saw the commercial about voting for fan favorite. I kind of want to start a gras
s roots campaign for Oshun. The Stylist that never was. I still think he would have made that show for me. Let’s all go on line and vote Oshun. Wouldn’t it be funny if he won ten grand? Then a bombshells is dropped the guest judge is Linda Wells the editor of Allure.
The photographer, whose name I totally missed, was a nightmare. Making Daniel drop flowers and pull down hair to a wet mess.
The winner of the challenge was Charlie and I agree with that.
Out this week is Daniel. Taken out by a sad red braid.
photos thanks to Bravo
Best,
Kwana
Party Like A Rock Star
What’s Jack up to? Right now I’m all about the rest and of course Jack is all about the play. Insisting of jumping around and bringing me every squeaky toy he can find. He’s going to get me to play fetch if it’s the last thing he does.
A few weeks ago the DD was complaining the she was bored which is by no means unusual. Honestly, I was kind of bored too. I wanted to walk away from the computer and the waiting laundry held no appeal. I had been wanting to go to Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow for the longest time and had never gotten around to it even though it was only a short drive from where we live.
I called and the Grand Tour was sold out, but the women in charge was kind enough to squeeze myself and my daughter in on the next tour. Now I had heard from about Kykuit from my friend PVE for years but I wasn’t prepared for it’s grandeur. Man, those Rockefellers knew how to do it up right.
Just a sweet little country get away.
The gardens are amazing
And the views spectacular.
Museum quality sculptures are all around.
And the art gallery in the basement is not to be missed with it Warhol’s and Picasso tapestries that take your breath away. If you’re in the Westchester area and looking for a unique museum experience take a trip to Kykuit and party like a rock star.
And FYI the “Playhouse” on the grounds is huge, lovely and still privately owned by the Rockefellers for a little fun get away. We saw them playing a little golf from afar. Ahh the good life. Now I could sit there and write all day.
Best,
KwanaThe Quiet
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s a bit better today. Not much snapping so that’s good. I’m taking a hard line, but of course it’s hard to do with those big brown eyes of his. I must stay strong.I’ve been a terrible blog hopper and lately not keeping up with many of my favorite blogs which maybe means that I’ve been a good blog hopper because for a while there blogs were taking up way too much of my time and kind of taking over my life.But yesterday while doing some perusing over at one of my favorite blogs The 5 Spot I read a post that really hit me that one of my favorite writers, Liza Palmer wrote. You may remember Liza from my interview I did with her here. Well Liza was talking about Ebbs and Flows and how this is an “Everything and Nothing kind of summer,” that “There’s this dip happening where it just seems like everything’s hard and nothing’s quite working out and life has taken on this molasses-y kind of pace.” Lines like this is why Liza is one of my favorite writers.She then talked about the journey and the quiet moments and how hard they are and how we as women especially hate those quiet moments (or years in my case). They can be positively brutal. You know those times when you plod along from work to work to work with what seems to be no real progress or reward. When people ask, “what new?” and you really don’t have anything new to report so you just nod and smile and say, “oh just the same ole thing,” With a small knot in your chest.
But you’re at that strange point in your journey. Too far past the start to turn back. As a matter of fact way past the middle and the journey is not a hop on hop off type of thing. Take the next train back to normal. It’s a desert trek. If you turn back you could possibly die. So you have no choice, but shake your canteen, wipe your brow and plod ahead putting one foot in front of the other and move forward.I guess that’s what it’s all about the forward motion, not standing still or going backward, but moving forward and learning to enjoy and accept the quiet. I hear the best ideas come in the quiet moments anyway.You can check out Liza’s entire post here. The way she compare Michael Phelps and Mariska Hargitay is not to be missed.
In Birthday news Happy Birthday to the P-I-C Megan. It is truly a magical moment when you find that special someone who really gets you. No, I’m not talking about that special someone. I’m talking about a girlfriend that other special someone you call to complain about that other special someone and all the other things that really irk you nerves because you that they just irk her nerves too. So cheers to you P-I-C!Best,
Kwana
