Knit Wednesday- Diary of a Mad Black Woman
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s being his usual handful. Getting underfoot and chasing behind my every step today. Watch it, Jack. You could get stepped on that way.
It’s been a while since my little group has been able to get together for our knit Wednesday, but we’re back in the swing today and I’m all excited. I need to get out of my own head and life for a few hours. The world of teen twins is driving me mad. MAD I SAY!!!! But, I’ll just leave it there so as not to fuel the already roaring fire.
Today at knitting we’ll be singing a belated Happy Birthday to Sue! Happy Birthday Sue!!! Sue’s a wife, mother and artist originally from Australia and she’s super cool. I tell you I really lucked out in the friend and neighbor department.As for my knitting progress, sadly, I’m no further with my socks, well, sock and being a total Gemini, I’ve gone onto trying this scarf in this lovely ribbon yarn I had picked up last year for a song.
It has this cool drop stitch that’s easy, but makes me feel very clever. I just love that. There’s not many times nowadays that I actually get feel clever (see above). So I’ll take it where I can get it.
It seems Internet fame is going to Jack’s head and now I can’t pick up a camera without him jumping in front of it. Here he is talking the spotlight off the knitting. Thanks Jack. BTW-Does someone desperately need a Spring Haircut? Where are your eyes, Jack? I’ve a right mind to gel that hair up!
Oh, anybody catch the “Not So Real” Housewives of New York? Ugh. Why is my dear Bravo not paying me good money to film my not so fabulous life? I’d give them a right good show. Sure the DH can’t just get a jet to send the DD to detox and we don’t prefer “The Islands” over “The Hamptons” more like, “Six Flags” over “Bush Gardens”, but we’re real and with the Teen Titan Twins we’ve got drama to spare. Besides with me they’d actually get a diverse housewife. Novel idea huh? OK. Mini rant over. I’ll still watch next week anyway because I’m lame like that and I want to see that creepy Speedo hubby that can’t leave his wife’s side.
Check out Top Check Tonight!
So what’s up for your Wednesday?
Best,
Kwana
Top Chef- The wait is almost over!
What’s Jack up to? Sweet Jack is being a bit of a devil as usual. Biting slippers, stealing socks, jumping in and out of tubs-for reasons I don’t know why. Another day just, Jack being, Jack.
In honor of the Blog Party I thought I’d share my fun story of cute guys in the kitchen. (sorry to my buds who already heard this one a million times)
So last year I was in NYC on a gorgeous day for a doctors appointment. Now, I wasn’t thrilled because this appointment was way downtown and I had to take an extra train to get there. When I was leaving I decided to walk a bit through Union Square on my way to a yarn store to see what I could find.
As I come across the park I see a small crowd of people milling about and it being New York anything could be happening. Could be good, could be bad. I walked closer, squinted and saw there was a Bravo sign. Could it be the Bravo channel that I love so much? I had to see. I crossed over and like a good New Yorker just blended into the crowd and asked the eager looking gal next to me, very matter of factly, “what’s this all about?”She turned to me and said. “They’re doing a Top Chef challenge with Sam and Ilan out here today to promote the new season!”
What?! Needless to say any cool I had or dreams of new yarn went out the window as I eagerly anticipated seeing the sweet Ilan and the Way-to-cute-to-be-able-to-cook Sam do battle.
Padma starts off introducing them both.
Don’t you just love a man in the kitchen?
Work boys, work!
Sam filling out his sweater way too well!
The new cast was introduced. Now after analyzing this I was convinced that Tre would win since he was not there and my theory was they had the winner under wraps. Boy was I wrong! Check out Hung front and center. Ugh!
Then the perfect end to the day. Suddenly I was up front and Sam was right there taking photos and the normally shy me turns to the eager gal next to me, she’s now my new best friend. I hand her my phone. I look nervously at Sam and ask, trying to be cool of course, “can I get a picture with you?” (suddenly I’m 13). He smiled kindly, I’m about the 10th crazy women in the past 30 seconds to do this, but Sam smiles and says, “sure”. Sigh…Please excuse the goofy and grin (my DH can’t believe how wide my smile is) and bad hair, but what a fun day!
Oh and Ilan won the challenge, but you know who won my heart.
Best,
Kwana
Portrait of the Artist
What’s Jack up to? He’s just doing his Monday chill thang. Enjoying ruling the house once again.
You may have wondered about my cool banner above. Well, it was designed by a wonderful artist and my very dear friend, Patricia Van Essche. I just love how she illustrated me way more fashionable than I really am! What a good friend. Wink.
I’m one that believes God brings certain people into your life for a reason. Now when I first met Patricia over 15 years ago, as a young girl starting out in fashion, there was no way I would know that so many years later we’d still be fast friends. But that’s what happened. I guess the fact that Patricia was the first, even before my doctor, to inform me that I was having twins sealed the deal!Patricia is a a wife, mother of a beautiful daughter and awsome teen twin boys and as you will see here an amazing artist. She can be checked out here at her studio PVE Design or at her blog for her daily thoughts.Over the years Patricia has done quite a few wonderful works for me. One of my favorites was the gift she have me of my moving cards where she illustrated my house, truly showing it as the house of my dreams. For the longest time when friends pulled up to the house they were amazed that it really was the house on the card!
I’m also the proud owner of this lovely “rose” oil painting by Patricia. Yep, I’m starting a collection!
Being a busy mom and trying to live her dream like so many of us I thought Patricia would be great to interview. Here are a few of her thoughts on art, life and knitting it all together…1. It’s a long way from Louisville to Broadway. Is being an artist something you always knew you’d do? How did you get your start?
Always, loved creating an artful world. My mother always instilled in us to use our talents, all 7 of us. To never be bored and my father had a strong work ethic. They will be celebrating their 60th wedding Anniversary so dedication and commitment comes naturally. If you want something and you love it, one must work at it and it evolves over time.
2. Whether it be paper or canvas, the blank page can be a scary thing. Where do you get your inspiration?Often being scared or on the edge is what it takes, it requires a certain risk, because art is subjective and there are many opinions but I still get a rush when people look at it and say, “Wow” that is amazing and then I say – well, I guess it’s ok, part of me says I can do it better. Inspiration comes all the time, perhaps that was learned – to appreciate everything.
3. We both know that art and fear seem to go hand in hand, so what made you take a leap of faith and step out on your own?Being fortunate to have worked for the best, and then realizing that I had a unique vision and style that it was just time for me to do it for me. It took courage to realize that I was the artist, copier, mail-gal, secretary, accountant, pr agent, all rolled in one and faith, naturally!
4. As busy wife and mother how do you find the time to do it all and still make it look so effortless?Like a mother bird feeds her baby birds, it is only natural to protect –feed – nourish and then push them to fly. My mother always says, “never do for them, what they can do for themselves. I have had to learn to allow help along the way. I also love to help and that gives me strength. We all need and want to be independent but we also need to work interdependently.5. Who are you some of your art and style icons?Real People, like you with dreams.
6. Awww!!! Don’t make me cry. Where do you want to go in the future with your art? Paint us a picture. Ha! I couldn’t resist. Sorry.Realizing that we are all only here for a short while, I want the future to be one of harmony, bright, pure, peaceful, no war, no disease, no suffering – everyone working towards a common goal to realize we are all here now for only a moment. My painting would be free, loose, and playful.Thanks so much for the interview, Patricia and for being a wonderful friend!Patricia is currently doing custom work for clients, be it a home sketch, portrait or still life. So if you have a hankering for a special gift for someone or a treat for yourself, please be sure to check her out. You won’t be disappointed.
Best,KwanaMoma-pry
What’s Jack up to? He’s particularly frisky this morning. I think he’s over rainy days and short walks. Too bad he’s talking his frustrations out on Wolfie, his stuffed dog. Poor Wolfie shouldn’t be thrown around like that, Jack.
I read the Other Boleyn Girl when it came out years ago. There was some buzz going around about the book and always one to be in on the buzz I picked it up. Now never have been one for the based on a true story fiction thing I wasn’t all that excited.That is until I started reading. I was hooked right from the first chapter. Pilippa Gregory wrote in such a smooth lyrical way that my mind was instantly taken away and I thought I was reading one of my favorite historical romances. For months I couldn’t stop recommending it to anyone who would listen.
So how excited was I when I heard there was a movie coming out of the book? I’ve been salivating to see it since it came out what over a week or 2 ago! Every time I’d read another blog review I’d get a little mad that I had yet to see it.
Well yesterday I found myself with a choice. I’d just come from the doctors ( again ) and I could:
(a) clean the bathroom or
(b) do some laundry or
(c) open my newest manuscript and stare at the computer screen or
(d) sneak away and see the 1:30 showing of The Other Boleyn Girl.D it was! A no brainer. I was in great need of an escape and for me there is no escape greater then the movies. I consider it therapy or Momapry.
When I got to the theater 5 minutes before the show there was another woman going in. Petite with a blond page boy, turtleneck sweater and dark jeans. Clearly, another mom escaping. In the theater it was me, one older man, the blond mom and a mom/ grand ma combo. That’s it. 5 of us escaping life together for 2 hours.
I really enjoyed the movie. Not one to quibble with historical inaccuracies I instantly suspended belief and let myself go on the rustic countryside and rich jeweled-toned costumes that literally had me drooling. They were delicious. I know the film has had mixed reviews but for me it was the perfect end to a pretty hectic week. And cheaper than a therapy session.So what’s your way to escape and put your cares aside.?Come on share. Consider it Momapry!
Best,
KwanaIt’s A Party!
Hey, I just noticed that this is my 100th blog Post!!!!
Happy Anniversary to me!!!
What’s Jack up to? Just being Jack. It’s a pretty good life!
So I just found the great site called 5 Minutes for Mom. Love the title and any place I can get 5 minutes for me makes me happy!
Its a site where Moms can get together to share thoughts and ideas. This week their hosting a blog party so that we can all make new blog friends and maybe win prizes.
The top 3 prizes I would choose are :
1. # 92 Pearl Earrings from http://pamperingbeki.com/
2. #135 handmade necklace from : http://www.dandeliondayz.com/
3. #147 earrings from: http://www.2bellesandabead.com/To all new friends thanks so much for stopping by and to all my old buds, keep coming and please click on the cute widget with the dancing ladies and check out some of the cool blogs.
Here’s a little about me for those newbies. I’m a mother of teen twins (double the fun, HA!), a former fashion designer and now a women’s fiction writer. I also have a strange love of reality tv that I can’t seem to shake. So if you’re into family, books, fashion, decor and not-so-real TV this is the place for you!
I also am the caregiver of the most terrible and terribly cute terrier named, Jack. I usually give a daily update on Jack since he’s the only one living in my house that can’t sue me for libel later!
Thanks for stopping by. Come on back now ‘ya here!(oh and please click on the banner above for newer posts.It will be worth the while!)Best,
KwanaShe’s a Survivor
What’s Jack up to? Jack knows I’m feeling a bit off so he’s being extra sweet. Tail wagging, trying to cuddle. Aww, Thanks, Jack. Love you too, Dude.Although if I had to do it all over I don’t know if I would. A dog is a lot of work, but I’m thankful for, Jack. Especially with having teens. At least with a dog someone is actually happy to see you when you come home:)
Now down to Reality. LOL!
How much am I loving the fact that Cirie is turning into quite the diabolical player on Survivor. Who woulda thunk it? You Go, Cirie!
Last night poor little Chet was well on his way to a much need shower, shave and good meal when she turned it all around and got Joel ousted. Bravo Cirie.
Photos thanks to cbs
So is it just me or is the show trying to kill off their contestants? What was with that crazy/ dangerous reward challenge? Pavarti got a fat lip, Jonathan got a busted knee and poor Chet should have had a concussion from his head bash. Be careful Survivor keep this up and there won’t be enough contestants for a show.
lastly, did anyone else notice the crazy fan crush that Erik (the ice cream scooper-I’ve never heard that listed as a career) has on Ozzy. So Cute.
Best,
KwanaBlogging Project Runway- the finale!
What’s Jack up to? He’s on time-out this morning for climbing on the kitchen table and eating the DD’s strawberry oatmeal. Jack stay off the table. Yech!
So here it is. The end and I already feel a sense of loss. Wednesdays won’t be the same for me.Okay the shows starting. Eeee… Here are just my random thoughts as the show goes on.Jillian will you listen to Tim and get rid of that wacky sleeved sweater? No? sigh, ok.Christian is so nervous. It’s sweet. He actually has nice things to say about his competitors. At least for now. How much do I love that he said he walked around in the shoes for a week so thinks the models should be able to do it too. Oh, Christian!I love watching the designers come up with the total look. Hair, makeup and all. Not to into the strange braids though.Tim’s last ‘gather ’round’ makes me want to cry. Tim can you be my life coach?Ok here it is the final show. Down to business.And the surprise guest judge is… wait for it… Victoria ‘Posh’ Beckham. Love her!!! Major!
Oh, Christian saying everyone looks fierce? Was that for me? Ahh Mango! I’ll miss you so. (shout out to David Dust)
Well, I am a total Bravo nerd (could you tell) so at the last minute I pulled out my note pad and decided to score each outfit with this scale: L=love, H=hate and OK=it’s okHere is my scoring:Jillian:L: IIIH:IIIOK:IIIIIIGood for her with the knits, but not cohesive. and some of the proportions were off to me.
Rami:L:IIIIH:IIIOK:IIIIISome real beauties. The weaving was amazing! But his quirky color sense was not good.
Christian:L:IIIIIIH:IIOK:IIIILove the black, love the hats, love the total look of the collection.
By that calculation and 25% for total cohesive look. Christian should win for me, with Rami second and Jillian 3rd. But all did a great job. What a night! What a fashion nerd I am!Uh-oh now the deliberation. Stomach knot. Tension, tension.Commercial. Ugh.We’re back! It’s so hard. No tears, you’ll make me cry.Aww, Jillian Bye bye. Mar are you ok?
Oh, it’s down to Rami and Cristian where I knew it would be. Nail bite alert!
Christian is it. What!!! Mango did it and at 21! I’m happy with this outcome.
Things I’ll miss after today: Christian model walking, hearing “fierce”, Chris’ laugh, Tim Gunn.Thanks Project Runway. Bring on Top Chef!best,KwanaTalking ANTM
What’s Jack up to? It’s getting to his bedtime and he’s caused enough havoc for the day. The funniest was when I accidentally closed him in the hall closet and was looking all over for him. Didn’t bother Jack. He loved sleeping with the snow boots.
Here are my thoughts on ANTM as they came to me. Welcome to my brain.
I know the product placement in all over the place, but the Apple Bottom stuff is a bit much.
Ugh the show just began and Fatima is already started. Eek. That girl needs a censor. But Miss Allison then cynical stuff is dangerous girl. She steps much further and he may get knocked out by one of the girls. I missed what she really said to tick Fatima off, but I did hear a lot of black girl stuff. Duh? Do you realize there is a camera there and you have to go back out in the real world.
Is it just me or is the reading of the Tyra mail out loud by the group way too annoying? Come on, I know it’s not just me.
Not much drama in the makeovers. Except what Tyra added with her mimicking commentary. Was that necessary? My favorite makeovers were Claire and Fatima. The short blond hair was fab and the long dark hair did wonders for Fatima.
Ok more product placement. At least Elle is adding to the show and not just there to see her wares. Can we discuss how great she looks and the fact that she’s older than me! What am I doing wrong? Note to self: sleep on treadmill.
I like the photo shoot on the boat idea. Nice use of NYC. I think Alison may be out. We’ll see or it could be Lauren or Dominique.
Oh, no. they are all reading the mail again. “One of you will be eliminated!” We know, we know.
Deliberation. Lauren ‘aint going nowhere. Tyra loves the awkwardness. Allison gets props for bringing the cockiness to the judges. Good TV. Not too smart.
(we interrupt this broadcast with snide comments from a teen. Ugh. Not while Top Model is on kid. watch it)
Sorry, Back to regular programing:
Commercial: Hey Claire was the CoverGirl of the week! I knew I saw something last week.
Deliberation. Hmm…I do really like Paulina. A little sharp she is, yes?
Trya stands with photos. Very dramatic? At least she’s trying.
Lauren called first? What?!!! They robbed Marvita of her first place. Ugh.
Just chill, Kwana. It’s only TV.
Uh-oh. Down to Allison and Dominique. Will they keep Allison for her attitude and fire on the show? Tension, tension.
Surprise Allison is gone. Well, take the lesson girl and work with it. A satisfying ending.
Best,
KwanaA New Earth, really?
What’s Jack up to? Well he still needs a haircut but he’s no longer a stinky dog. Thank goodness. Check out the video at the end to see how nutty Jack is when wet. He just hates it, but does he have to dry off on my couch?
Thanks to all of you who visited yesterday!The whole Love and Consequences memoir hoax discussion was really great and very important. Feel free to continue to share you thoughts.The more I thought about the whole subject, the angrier I got. And what really got to me was the underlying exploitism of the races that I saw there. The fact that Jones thought somehow that her lie was justified because she was giving a voice to people who didn’t have one. Ugh. Talk about a big ego. As if she was somehow more qualified to write the story than say a real girl who grew up in that time and that environment. Pluh-ease.
Speaking of ego. I watched the Oprah webcast of A New Earth and about five minutes into it I was pleasantly surprised at how many points spoke to me.They talked about ideas like getting out of your head and stillness and stopping the mental noise which is something that I’ve been striving for especially with the stress in my life and my migraines. They also addressed those who were struggling with the tough 1st chapter of the book. See we are not alone! It does get easier. Another thing addressed was all the questions people had about dealing with this book along with their religion which was a real issue for me as a Christan. More to come.I won’t recommend this as something you must read or listen to and follow because that’s not for me to do and I’m still working on myself and how to incorporate these thoughts into my life and my beliefs, but I would recommend going to Oprah’s site and watching some of the webcast. It’s up there now for anyone to watch. That way you can judge for yourself. If you’re reading the book it made it a lot easier to understand. I was so not feeling on the same planet as Tolle when I was just reading. Now I think I may be. I do like they he said he didn’t want to be any ones Guru. I always question those that want to lead and have power. go judge for yourself and feel free to come back here and chat.
Oh, Did any one see Paris Hilton hanging out with a shaman and giving away diamond necklaces? What up with dat? Discuss amongst yourselves. I just can’t…
photo thanks to The Bosh. eek.Best,KwanaP.S.Project Runway finale tonight!!!!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! We’ll chat tomorrow.Tuesday Thoughts
What’s Jack up to? He’s having a grand time making the DH walk around the block numerous times for nothing. Oh, the joys of having a dog.
So I tried to watch the Oprah and Eckhart Tolle webcast class for A NEW EARTH, really, I did. What a time I had. My laptop kept freezing so I went downstairs to my desktop and was never able to get a picture there. All I ended up getting were broken sound bytes. I’ll try today to see if I can watch the replay on Oprah.com. Did anyone get to watch?I did get to watch The Royals special on abc last night. I thought it was pretty go
od. I love all that inner workings stuff. A really liked the coverage of Queen Elizabeth. It was great to see her feisty nature at her age. The woman is a powerful force.So it’s happened again. Another book is being pulled from the shelves because of charges that the supposed memoir is false. I’ve got some Deja Frey going on here.
The New York Times said, “In “Love and Consequences,” a critically acclaimed memoir published last week, Margaret B. Jones wrote about her life as a half-white, half-Native American girl growing up in South-Central Los Angeles as a foster child among gang-bangers, running drugs for the Bloods. “FYI. Margaret B Jones’ real name is Margaret Seltzer. Seltzer now admits that it was all made up. What? How uncool is that? And I have to admit I’m a little mad that she choose to exploit what is largely a minority problem in this country. No, I wouldn’t be as mad if she just called the book what it was, fiction. But mad I am.
Ms. Seltzer said, “For whatever reason, I was really torn and I thought it was my opportunity to put a voice to people who people don’t listen to,” Ms. Seltzer said. “I was in a position where at one point people said you should speak for us because nobody else is going to let us in to talk. Maybe it’s an ego thing — I don’t know. I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.” Really? I’m not buying it.
What a shame that in order to get a book deal authors feel they have to make-up life stories. Part of me feels like it’s just awful that someone would lie like that and I wonder how come they couldn’t write the same book, call it fiction and have it published. Well, I think the answer to that is that it would probably never be published. Everything nowadays needs a ‘hook’ and often times it’s not just about the story, but about the personality behind the story. People (I guess myself included) want to gawk into other’s lives.
Was this always the way? There is plenty of great fiction that reads like memoirs and have stood up over the years. Books like: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and one of my favorites Terry McMillan’s Mama are examples.
What are your thoughts?
Best,
KwanaQuotes thanks to NYT Photos thanks to MSN search
