Mr. Weaver is a winner!
Thanks to Beatrice.com’s Ron Hogan for pointing me in the direction of this video.
In this age of screaming, fear and intimidation being used to supposedly get points across, check out 11 year old reporter Damon Weaver interviewing President Obama on the tough issue of education. He shows how to get it done with class.
I hope your weekend is going well and you are enjoying some quiet and thoughtful moments.
Best,
KwanaAge of Excess/Recess
What’s Jack up to? As I write this Jack is curled in a ball asleep on his bed looking like a bit of mop top. He needs a hair cut bad. The poor thing is still out of sorts with the new food. He’s eating it but doesn’t have his usual energy that he did with his old chow. Aww Jack perk up. You’ll get though this soon.Happy Friday!This is a bit of a 2 parter.
There was this article in The New York Times about a trend in chicklit which saw it going towards more recession conscious kinds of stories as opposed to being about excess. Call it Recession lit? Ugh isn’t tagging fiction annoying. I’m so feeling like it is now. The trend makes sense for some books but I’m not fond of blanket statements.Sidebar: For me, chicklit, which I adore and write has never been something that was solely a lifestyle thing. For me it was more a voice thing and a certain kind of coming of age or life/realization story. The fact that it has constantly been tagged as city, latte, excess frivolous fiction always pricked at me a bit and completely oversimplified a very compelling and in many cases well written genre. One that deals with women growing and changing while being entertaining. No easy task.But the reason I’m writing this now is as I was Tweeting and having a fab virtual party over The Real Housewives of Atlanta this occurred to me:
“Oh Dwight! The fact that this is the top show goes so against the recession chick lit talk. http://bit.ly/giZqQ“Part 2.Then I thought and tweeted (what a silly word):“Of course I’m still into reading and writing excess lit. I like my books like I like my TV fun and an escape. Fun!”I had a bit of hesitation typing that one. Crazy huh? But it’s amazing how often I feel I have to apologize, wrong word, justify my taste in books and television. Lately, I seem to spend a lot of time explaining it and why I don’t feel guilty for liking what I like or for taking the time to enjoy the things I enjoy. Dang, it’s like I can’t eat Popeye’s fried chicken and read a fun book in mixed company without folks clutching their pearls!Why is it we feel that so much has to be justified and why do we feel the need to judge others on things like art and entertainment? Does what you watch on TV give any clue to a PhD?Best,KwanaP.S.I also tweeted:Best scene of the night: Nene giving Shree’s friend the gas face. I can’t stop laughing! #rhoaThat scene was too funny. Did you watch. Fess up!Clean
Just when the whole “organic doesn’t mean a hill of beans” study comes out. This book Clean goes and makes the New York Times best seller list. Insert head shake here.
But Dr. Junger really does make a lot of sense. On top of that he’s not so bad to look at. Check out this great interview from Obsessed TV with Samantha Ettus. He had me stopped in my tracks. I was like preach to the choir why don’t cha?Now as lots of you know I suffer from migraines and have for years plus allergies which I get 6, yes, 6 stinking shots a week for. I’m pretty much allergic to just about everything in the air and at this point I don’t know if the shots are doing a bit of good. Besides that, as my faithful readers know my personality is somewhat that of a constant thinker and worrier so after watching this interview with Dr. Junger you know I’ll be picking up his book.
As for practicing The Clean Program? Ummm….. I’m like, Jack with his new diet and making no promises. You all know how much I like to deprive myself. Sigh.I’ll let ya know.
In other book news… My favorite housewife NeNe Leakes has her book Never Make The Same Mistake Twice coming out today. Good luck NeNe!
Best,
KwanaI Could Have Sat That One Out
This Time magazine cover made me want to sick out my tongue and say nana-nana-na-na to just about every one with their “well meaning” advice.The article says that exercise does not bring about weight loss, but that exercise may cause people to actually eat more. The more physically active you are the hungrier you will get and the more you will eat. And it’s not just about willpower. Whew, good to know it’s not just me.“From a weight-loss perspective, you would have been better off sitting on the sofa knitting. ”Ha! Maybe not entirely accurate, but I love that quote.Now I’m not saying there’s nothing to exercise for a health and toning perspective. As a matter of fact I just got Jillian Michaels’ The Shred and I need to hop on it. But I’m under no illusions that it’s what’s going to get me losing weight. It’s the whole mind, body, food connection
that will work.For weight loss it’s all calories in vs. calories out. Not how much you kill yourself at the gym. Read the full Time article here. and chime in.So, what do you think?best,KwanaI’m Not Crying
What’s Jack up to? This video shows how Jack is feeling over Nana going back home after hanging with him for the past week. Poor, poor Jack.
I’ll be missing Nana too. We had a great time just chilling, playing cards, people watching and trying to keep Jack in line.Best,
KwanaSuper Lady
On Saturday a pioneer passed away. Naomi Sims died of cancer at the age of 61 in NJ. She is credited as being the first Black Supermodel paving the way for models such as Beverly Johnson, Pat Cleveland and later the likes of Tyra and Naomi Campbell.
Here she is on the cover of Life in 1969.
With agency doors being closed to her (some even telling her straight to her face that her skin was too dark) and not being able to go the traditional route, Naomi blazed her own path by going straight to the photographers to find work.
Naomi left modeling after 5 years to become a successful business woman launching a wig company and beauty business. She also went on write a number of successful books including: How to be a Top Model and All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman.
Naomi led the way, showing how to get it done through adversity. Her star will be missed.
Best,
KwanaBad Writing
Happy Friday!
What’s Jack up to? As I write this (late Thursday night) the Jackster is right under me up under my bed snoring lightly. Poor thing, he’s worked so hard. Trying to sneak into the trash multiple times, but I was up on my game and thwarted him each time. I’m sure today he’ll come for me with extra strength. I’ll be ready. I hope.
What is bad writing?
I find it hard to define, but it’s something you know when you read it. Now being in a book club the subject of bad writing has become an interesting and lively debate.
For me it’s writing that doesn’t flow or hold my attention. It’s definitely writing that I have to go back and read a few times in order to understand or writing that doesn’t ring true and I don’t mean in a fantasy way I mean in an authentic way.
I’m very interested in this documentary Bad Writing with George Saunders and David Sedaris.
So how would you describe Bad Writing? This post maybe? Ouch!
Have a great day.
Best,
KwanaStyle Maven
I’m going back to my Anthro excursion for today’s post and another book that that I found while there. I mean you can’t help but love that store. You can find a top, skirt, candles, china and fun reading. Genius.But back to the book, well, books actually. The Little Black Book of Style and One Hundred: A Guide to The Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia our favorite tough no love judge from Project Runway and former fashion editor for Elle magazine.
Oh Nina How I miss you! I love how Nina makes the title for One Hundred so forceful using the word ‘must’. Go Nina.The books are beautiful with illustrations by famed illustrator Ruben Toledo, husband of designer Isabelle Toledo.
Here is the blurb from Little Black Book of Style:Every time you dress, you assert your identity. With style, you tell the world your story. In that way, style affords you opportunities to think about your appearance as a quality of your
creative character. The Little Black Book of Style helps you to explore your own fashion voice—the piece of you that joyously revels in the glamorous experience of creating your best self. From cultivating good taste to guarding against definite fashion faux pas, Nina Garcia offers readers the ultimate guide to follow when it comes to dressing their best. Including tips on how and when to wear an outfit, occasion-appropriate wear, advice on how to combine colors and textures, and inspiration on how to achieve your own signature look, you learn how to experiment, storyboard, archive, and play. Timeless and universal, this book seeks to remind women that eternal style is internal style, and that everyone has what it takes to discover themselves through the colorful palette that is fashion. And here is the blurb from The One Hundred:In the wildly popular The Little Black Book of Style, fashion authority Nina Garcia showed women how to think about personal style in an entirely new way. Encouraging readers to creatively assert their style identities, Nina showed women of all ages how to hone and self-edit a distinct fashion voice.
With her style philosophy firmly out in the world, Nina decided to address the most popular question readers consistently ask her: Exactly what are fashion’s timeless pieces?
The One Hundred answers this question and provides women with a tangible style map to follow when planning a shopping trip and stocking one’s closet. With illustrations from world-renowned fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo, The One Hundred contains the 100 items that Nina believes will never go out of style, and that have become absolutely indispensable for any woman reaching for her own eternal fashion look.What are some of your Wardrobe Must Haves? I’ll start: A great pair of jeans, perfect tees, good tailored shirt, classic black pants, ballet flats and LBD (I’m still working on finding the perfect one)
Best,
KwanaWWAD-What Would Audrey Do?
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s had a fun filled weekend. A little BBQ and with extra tre
ats thrown in. Also plenty of wildness with the dear twins so now he’s ready for some naps and quiet time on this Monday. A little Jack chill time is in order. At least for a bit.While in Anthro world last week I came across a couple of delightful books that I really want for my go to library and one of them was this little gem: How to Be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life. Hence the title of today’s post WWAD (What Would Audrey Do?)I’m a huge Audrey fan. Always and admirer of her style and grace. Funny Face is one of my all time favorite movies along with My Fair Lady. I even have a My Fair Lady Barbie done of in that dress from the races. Just to die for and we won’t get into the emotion from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “Cat!”
They just don’t make stars like that anymore.
Here’s the synopsis from How to Be Lovely:On many occasions, she was approached to pen her autobiography, the definitive book of Audrey Hepburn, yet she never agreed. A beloved icon who found success as an actress, a mother and an humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn perfected the art of gracious living.
More philosophy than biography, How to Be Lovely revisits the many interviews Audrey gave over the years, allowing us to hear her voice directly on universal topics of concern to women the world over: careers, love lives, motherhood and relationships. Enhanced by rarely seen photographs, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights from the friends who knew her well, How to Be Lovely uncovers the real Audrey, in her own words.
While she would have been the last to say so, Audrey Hepburn was an expert in the art of being a woman. How to Be Lovely imparts whatever wisdom and insight she found along the way to the millions who grew up, or will grow up, wanting to be just like her.Published to coincide with Audrey Hepburn’s would-be seventy-fifth birthday, How to Be Lovely offers a rare glimpse into the woman behind the mystique and the definitive guide to living genuinely with glamour and grace.
Who are some of your favorite stars from the past?Have a happy Monday!
Best,KwanaWhat Looks Like Crazy
Thanks to Pearl Cleage for the title of my post today. If you’ve never read her book What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, it’s been many years since I’ve read it, but I highly recommend it.
Happy Friday. I hope you made it through the week without too many scars and lots of smiles. I’m sure there was some crazy thrown in. All you had to do was turn on the tv or maybe walk out your door and not be too careful but in that I may be bordering on the cynical. So to put a funny spin on it I’ll leave it to Jon Stewart.The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c The Born Identity Daily Show
Full EpisodesPolitical Humor Joke of the Day Have a happy!
Best,
Kwana
