Friday, May 30, 2014

Something Storm could never be tired of

Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.

Why, writing and reading of course. My Kindle and journal are my best friends. My heart palpitates at the sight of a library. A stack of books turns me on in the worst way. There are times when I actually have a moment of silence for all of the books and stories I won't get to read in this lifetime. Authors of my favorite books light a fire in me. I just want to dissect their minds and pick apart every personality piece of theirs that I can recognize from their story. As a child I was often scolded for spending hours lost inside of a book. Thank God for my high IQ. It was a habit of mine to rush through any classwork assigned and discreetly read a book that laid hidden in my backpack or underneath my desk. Sometimes I would look up to a teacher blinking back at me in awe of how I failed to hear her call my name several times. She would walk over to my desk and I would slide my worksheet empty of answers on top of the haiku I was so busy working on. Summer break was always an invigorating time for me. Freedom to read whatever I wanted all day long....literally. As an adult, I understood that life can get in the way of treasured hobbies. I thought that this  love would die down a tad. But alas, what a foolish thought. I have heard music beautiful enough to bring tears to my eyes. I have witnessed snow falls that take my breath away. My children are the most amazing spirits I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. I have fallen in love and have been the recipient of phenomenal cunnilingus. And I say all of this to say my love for reading and writing hasn't changed one bit. Out of all of those experiences nothing compares to the tranquility and joy I feel when I am lost in a good book or story of my own creation. Trust me when I say I could never get tired or either.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Favorite Movie

Day 28 – Your favorite movie.



V for Vendetta
This movie is one that I can never grow tired of. Everything about it is orchestrated so well. I have a thing about revolutionary stories. Maybe it's the story of my own people rising up against a corrupted government that always seem to strike a cord with me. Whatever it is, I cannot get enough. Creating a young shy and forgettable female into a heroine worthy of becoming V's protege is pure genius. My inner feminist held fast to the plot and wouldn't let go. And V. So articulate and fearless. I fell in love with everything about him. I mean it's terrible enough that I have it bad for wounded souls but did you see his library? He's into art and skilled in martial arts. He serves raw honesty to every question Evey delivers unto him and yet still manages to remain a mystery. The love between the two is portrayed so magnificently there isn't a sex scene that would do it justice. I'm so glad they didn't cheapen the movie with one. Last but not least Bae and I can watch and actually enjoy this together. There is something for everyone. 
Oooooh and plus the quotes are soooo dramatic. Just awesome. 

V: Who? Who is but the form following the function of what and what I am is a man in a mask.

V: Of course you can. I'm not questioning your powers of observation; I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is.

V: “Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. ”

V: I told you, only truth. For 20 years, I sought only this day. Nothing else existed... until I saw you. Then everything changed. I fell in love with you Evey. And to think I no longer believed I could.

V: Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy. And ideas are bulletproof.

Evey Hammond: He was Edmond Dantés... and he was my father. And my mother... my brother... my friend. He was you... and me. He was all of us.

V: It is to Madame Justice that I dedicate this concerto, in honor of the holiday that she seems to have taken from these parts, and in recognition of the impostor that stands in her stead. Tell me Evey, do you know what day it is?

Valerie: It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to no one. I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish. Every inch, but one. An inch. It is small and it is fragile and it is the only thing in the world worth having. We must never lose it or give it away. We must NEVER let them take it from us. I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the worlds turns, and that things get better. But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that, even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you, I love you. With all my heart, I love you. Valerie.

V: [V stops her] Evey, please. There is a face beneath this mask but it's not me. I'm no more that face than I am the muscles beneath it or the bones beneath them.

V: “Artists use lies to tell the truth. Yes, I created a lie. But because you believed it, you found something true about yourself.”

V: “Happiness is the most insidious prison of all.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Then & Now

Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?


February 16, 2013 
May 25, 2014



 Oh what a difference a year can make....lol. Last year I gave birth and it may not be apparent however a lot of weight was shed (still a ways to go on weight loss journey). I'm just ecstatic to be commander in chief of my body again. I've returned to my pescatarian diet (yeah the girls weren't having it when they were in the belly). If you have ever been on any kind of bed rest then you can imagine how liberating it can be to do your own laundry or take a long shower. Working out is a pleasure. I'm an aunt now. To such a precious little girl too (thanks G!). All in all, I'm happier....sexier...healthier...richer...etc. More ambitious and inspired than ever before if that is even possible. Yes laaaaaaaaawwwd *Drake voice*, back to normal. Thank God. Let the hu$tle continue.

P.S I recommend having multiples to no one! That is all.

F.Y.I That's baby B in the pictures. And yes, I know she is adorable. Thank you. *smile*




Sunday, May 25, 2014

Haiti

Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you have been to.



The birth place of my parents, their parents and the ancestors that came before them. One of the most appreciated gifts my mother saw fit to pass on to her children is the connection to our culture. From the resilience of our people to the artwork to the oh so talented skill of story telling. My sister and I find Haitian people amazing. I have been blessed enough to visit 4 or 5 times as a child and the memories live with me to this day. Despite the popularity of  displaying poverty stricken images in the media, I am witness to the beautiful country side, cities & beaches that exist as well. Haiti is no stranger to hard times however the 2010 earthquake has left the country more impoverished than ever. Crime is at an all time high.  I pray that in the future the country stabilizes enough for me to feel comfortable bringing my own children to visit. It's such a cool place to be.  I miss it. 

In my purse

Day 25 – What’s in your purse?

It varies from season to season but here goes.....

  • My Journal
  • Lipstick
  • My Kindle
  • Unfinished poems written on scrap paper
  • Pens
  • Cell Phone/Kindle/Ipod charger
  • Back up cell phone battery
  • My Ipod
  • Grocery/To do Lists

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Favorite Tattoo

Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you.








Please excuse the dejected expression. I was actually in a pleasant mood when this photo was captured....Lol. This picture was taken right after I received the ink work. When she was alive my best friend and I planned to get each others names tatted on modest areas of our bodies for thee longest time. We were overly sentimental like that. Tan was adamant about living life on her terms and enjoying it to the fullest. At the time I was working overtime to put myself through college and assist my mother in whatever financial shortage she was going through. I couldn't comprehend the urgency in which she lived her life. "We will get them" I would reply in acute exasperation. It was one of many plans I would postpone. I delayed  these "Carpe Diem" tendencies because I was concentrated on working towards an abstract future. One in which I could establish a lucrative career and then travel the world in search of adventure with her. My childhood experiences with financial struggle demanded that I lay the foundation for a secure future first. We didn't share similar socioeconomic backgrounds so I didn't think she understood my point of view. After she passed I tried to remain focused on my goals. I foolishly believed that I could postpone the grieving process as well. Well anyway the tattoo was the first step I took in "not waiting" for this abstract future of mine and just living in the moment.  I thought of how badly we wanted these tattoos. How much it meant to her. Kicked myself a little for not doing it when she was here. For not acknowledging the wisdom in her wild ways. So I went and got her name on my wrist on a whim. And although it's my smallest one it is my favorite tattoo. It means a lot to me. To this day it serves to remind me of her and one of the many life lessons that her death has taught me. Enjoy life everyday. Don't save it all for that "one day" dream. Such a simple message yet I missed it back then. I now serve to honor that motto every chance I get.   

Friday, May 23, 2014

15 Stormy Facts

Day 23 – 15 facts about you.


  1. There is no better ice cream cake than the "Midnight Delight" cake that is exclusively served at Coldstone Creamery  
  2. My mother is the most amazing woman ever
  3. I don't believe in televisions in the bedroom
  4. I don't like being gifted with flowers (I mean all they do is die)
  5. I would love to live in another country for a spell
  6. I'm currently a pescatarian with a future goal to become a vegetarian
  7. Books saved my life (proud nerd!)
  8. I have officially disowned 98% of the paternal side of my family
  9. My parents are Haitian and my roots are deeply embedded in Caribbean culture
  10. As a child I mispronounced words a lot despite my nerd affiliation because I read more than I actually ever spoke to people (words like archive and chaos)
  11. Beets are delectable!
  12. Were it not for Leonardo DiCaprio (actor), Jean Leopold Dominique (Haitian Journalist), Nas (rapper), Dick Gregory (comedian/social activist) and Mos Def (rapper/social activist) my celebrity crushes would all be historical figures from centuries ago i.e Einstein, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X
  13. Rain is awesome
  14. Winter is by far my favorite season
  15. I first met my beloved best friend in elementary school. She was crying because she was the new girl in school and I told her to stop crying. "You can hang out with me" I explained. And she never stopped....lol

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Dear Carter

Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently. 

Dear C,
          I don't know where to start really. We've known each other long enough ( almost 2 years)  for me to share my true emotions with you. Perhaps you're too immature to comprehend how your actions may impact other people however the discomfort I felt is forcing me to at the least try to explain it to you. The mere thought of it causes me to wince. The pain was blinding. And what's worst is that you didn't seem to even notice or care. I would lay in the bed sometimes and just stare at you. Wonder would fill me up because you slept so peacefully. How could you not feel the agony that I was in? The immense pain that you just caused me to feel. And I guess that's when I started leaving you at night and sleeping with your brother.....and your twin....and your father. They were so much more affectionate and gentle. I just couldn't take it anymore. I mean I love you and all however some things are just deal breakers. It was borderline abuse and that was where I drew the line. No matter how much you screamed and cried I left you to sleep alone. But that didn't last too long. I came back to you because what we have is irreplaceable no matter who I sleep with. No matter how much you hurt me. I will always love you. This here is forever. Do you understand what I am asking of you? I need you to be more considerate. When we sleep together watch yourself. The next time you headbutt me in my sleep, you're getting your own bed. 
                                                With Love,
                                                              Co-Sleeper to a Wild Sleeper

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Nature Hikes = Happiness

Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.








 Spending time with mi familia out in nature makes this woman incredibly happy. This is one of the reasons I made that leap of faith from the big city (New York City). Something about the tranquil songs that the birds chirp and water rushing by in a nearby creek that calms this over productive brain of mine. Time kind of stands still as I watch my son discover and explore the earth. The girls love it. So far we've only hiked beginner trails. The scenes are no less beautiful so that is enough for us now. Even the playgrounds that suit the trio's preferences must be accompanied by massive grassy areas that they can frolic in. In a world so overpopulated by technology it feels good to disconnect at times and simply share the silence.     






Monday, May 19, 2014

Blog Meaning

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name.

Mondesir is her last name. And I miss my best friend everyday, every hour, every minute. When she passed I went with her however God saw his broken child and put his hand on this soul so decimated by grief. I prayed and heard the universe whisper that I would one day smile again yet I was praying with a heart almost devoid of faith. It was a habitual process for me. I did not truly believe. Some time followed and the heavens decided to deliver unto me a boy perfectly designed to lift me up out of depression. So yes I smiled again. I smiled many times again. Life just feels so brand new I write everything down. Share my thoughts with a few. Despite this new found joy I named my blog to echo the sentiment that I will always miss her. Death is never easy on people that love you. You can miss them and also live your life. And by the grace of God I am living mine. Laughing everyday. If I could share any message with anyone who has lost someone dear to heart, it is that there is much life after death. One day at a time you will adapt and laughter will find you easy. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Selfie

Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.






 That superficial fear that one can not be seen if their hair isn't "done" for fear of ridicule is for the birds. I rock my "doo doo" braids with pride. Lmaoooo 

Something I crave

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.

A strong silent companionship that involves the following: 

  • No tittles, preconceived notions, or restrictions. 
  • The utmost respect 
  • Something that channels a river and just flows 
  • Minimal to no artificial intervention 
  • Love in it's most basic form 
  • Loyalty
  • Spiritual pillars
  • A lot of laughter        
Take it from someone who lost their only best friend early in life. Maintaining a respectable relationship among your peers post college is a daunting task when you're accustomed to the real thing. Friendship should be easy therefore I refuse to work too hard for it. This is referenced to men as well as women.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Family Photo

Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.





It's hard to get a picture of us all. My arms are too short to box with God.....lol. This is us though. 

Celebrity Crush

Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.



Actor and film director. 
Environmentalist.
One million dollars donated to relief efforts in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
He is not afraid of the grungy look.
The way his name rolls off your tongue. 
He is quite possibly one of the sexiest men alive. 
This is more than just a crush.
This is love. 

My Town

Day 12 – A photograph of the town you live in.








My town is better than yours. Proud NYC transplant over here.  That concrete jungle almost killed me. I love to look outside my window and see greenery...see life....see growth. North Virginia stand up! Lol.

Make Up Bag

Day 11 – What’s in your makeup bag?

Ok so you have to forgive me. I am in my late 20s and I am just now beginning to explore this world of make up. I'm a recovering tomboy. Who am I kidding? I'll always be a tomboy. Boxers, sweats, wife beaters, aversion to heels and excessive jewelry....the works. Lately I've been inspired by a charismatic co-worker well versed in the world of beauty products. On my down time I dibble and dabble in make up bags she's gifted me. And I must say, I love the edge that lipstick gives my baby face. So far, this is as far as I've gone (baby steps, people). I love, love, love lippies though. So besides Burt Bees lip balm and some 2 year old lip gloss (does anyone actually ever finish one) my make up bag consists of a bright red, a plum, a purple and a chocolate color lippie. I have my eyes on some eye shadow though. *rubs palms together* As my Jamaicans say, soon come!



Plum
Purple
Chocolate
Red

Favorite Place to Eat

Day 10 – A photo of your favorite place to eat.



Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is one of my favorite restaurants ever. The atmosphere is so much fun, the customer service is exquisite and I've never heard a complaint about the food. The drinks are delightful. I can only speak for the one in NYC. Back in my "parent to one child" days, I took LP (I have not the patience to venture into the city with 3 babies) and he had a blast. That view of the city is simply amazing. The entire family went once and the mood was so festive that every time I think of that place I feel a surge of nostalgia. Goodness gracious, it has been too long. I wonder what my new spot in the DMV will be. Can they even compete??

Mood Song

 Day 8 – A song to match your mood.

My girl Nicki Minaj!
Today I'm feeling greater than Tony the tiger. Just one of those days I can see past the mistakes I've made, my present fatigue and the overwhelming goals I've set for the future. Many woman are guilty of being their own worst critic and my mind is persistent with such negative thoughts. The curse of the overly ambitious. But today is a beautiful day. I'm in the moment. Forget everything else. "I'm the best" fits my mood to a "T". Plus this song is just fun. Got me feeling like a bo$$. I'm mean I might cop a million Jimmy Choo's just for fun.  Toodles............

Favorite line: You could never understand why I grind like I do. 2 P's and a C why I grind like I do!

"I'm The Best"Uh, yo. Yo.
It was back in 07 did a couple of tapes.
Did a couple DVD's made a couple mistakes
Didn't know what I was doing but I put on a cape
Now it's which world tour should I go on today?
See, you told me I would lose but I won.
I might cop a million Jimmy Choo's just for fun.
Cause bitches couldn't take what's in me
Australia to Sydney
Might run up in Disney
Out in LA with Lindsey.
Got the eye of the tiger the lion of Judah
Now it's me and my time it's just me in my prime
Everything I tried to teach em' they gone see it in time.
Tell the bitches get a stick, I'm done leading the blind.
Got two shows tonight that's Brooklyn and Dallas
Then a private party at the Buckingham palace.
Which means I gotta fly like a movie no commercial
That's young money, cash money yeah, I'm universal.

I hear they coming for me.
Because the top is lonely.
What the fuck they gon say?
What the fuck they gon say?
I'm the best bitch doing it,
I'm the best bitch doing it.
I'm the best best best best
I'm the best best best best

Yo, yo, I remember when I couldn't buy my mother a couch
Now I'm sitting at the closing, bought my mother a house.
You could never understand why I grind like I do.
Makiah and Julani why I grind like I do.
Cause even when my daddy was on crack I was crack
Now the whole album's cracked you ain't gotta skip a track.
I ain't gotta get a plaque, I ain't gotta get awards
I just walk up out the door all the girls will applaud.
All the girls will come in as long as they understand
That I'm fighting for the girls that never thought they could win.
Cause before they could begin you told them it was the end
But I am here to reverse the curse that they live in.
Got two bones to pick I'm a only choose one,
You might get addressed on the second album
Which means you can breathe until I mothafucking say so.
To all my bad bitches I can see your halo.

I hear they coming for me.
Because the top is lonely.
What the fuck they gon say?
What the fuck they gon say?
I'm the best bitch doing it,
I'm the best bitch doing it.
I'm the be be best.
I am the Best!

Eh, Eh, it's okay.
It's okay.
Long as you know,
Long as you know,
Long as you mothafuckin know, I am the best best best best. I'm the best best best best...

I hear they coming for me
Because the top is lonely.
What the fuck they gon say?
What the fuck they gon say?
I'm the best bitch doing it, doing it
I'm the best bitch doing it, doing it
I'm the best best best best. I'm the best best best best.
I'm the Best!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ApHX0suHGhw

Dream Wedding

Day 7: Your dream wedding.

This one is easy. *smiles* By now you should know that I am far from traditional. I also have an acute case of commitment-phobia so my dream wedding would have to be a last minute endeavor. That's right, we're going to Las Vegas! My soul-mate would just wake up one day and decide that he wanted my hand in marriage sooner rather than later. He wouldn't ask for my hand in marriage. He would tell me how much he couldn't live without it. A date would be set in a weeks time maximum if the arrangements couldn't be made that very night. He would gather 5 of his friends and I would gather 5 of mine (Mom, Sister, my son's god-mother, 2 other wonderful women who inspired my children's names) to make an intimate party of 12. I'm talking cocktails from the plane to the chapel. And photos. Lots of photos. Think of that wine tour I mentioned in the "Day 5" post. A limo, laughter and responsible intoxication. The ceremony (I hate formal ceremonies) would be brief. Original vows in honor of my love affair with words. Nothing too dramatic or overly romantic. A simple "I'll love you forever girl" will do. The reception would take place back at our hotel suite. Someone's Ipod playing love songs from the 90s (Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, Aerosmith.... I am musically stuck in that era) in the background. The cake would be as simple as my dress. The dress would be something light. Short. Easy to dance in. Vicenza Organza Short Soft Curved Neckline A-line Wedding Dress  Item Code: 7789709036    Our Price: USD 119.00    http://www.kayleesbridal.com This could change but I'm quite fond of Tiffany's mini cakes. A variety of simple flavors. Food ordered up from room service or a local restaurant. Something pescatarian or vegetarian. As long as it's simple and delicious. The night would end with all of us laying down wherever sleep finds us. Late flights for home would be booked for the next day. My soul-mate and I would have one more stop to make before the airport. Matching tattoos at a tattoo parlor of our liking. I've never been a ring girl. Aside from him, ink is this girl's best friend. Maybe some of our friends will get some ink work done as well. Something small so we can make that flight back. After 2 days of mayhem, I will be longing for a kiss from my son, smiles from my daughters and a snuggle from Kingston. So I will definitely want to head back home.
Oh yes, a girl can dream.......

Russian Toy Terrier

Day 6 – A photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.



This little fellow right here is a Russian Toy Terrier. I am not even a fan of small dogs however this one has a temperament that I find adorable. Highly intelligent, loyal, and great with children. I mean I love anything that can make me look at them twice despite my initial aversion due to whatever reason. Plus they have this elegant look that is extremely photogenic (and I love to take pictures). It would fit right into my lickle family. Besides I already live with a cat (Kingston!) whom I adore so I need a pet that leaves room for my other baby.
The Cane Corso was a close second however as much as I love that breed it doesn't fit my lifestyle. I'm a firm believer that large dogs should have access to acres of land to romp in and discover. And since I trust that my future will involve a humble home and ample traveling (long car rides to my old stomping grounds in NY), a large breed dog isn't a good fit. It sure is a beautiful breed though. Affectionate and also good with children. Protective. That quiet yet emphatic presence. Maybe one day............

Perfect Date

Day 3 – Your idea of the perfect first date.

I'm thinking it should start in the morning. A cool Spring morning. At too early an hour to put on the usual masks people love to adorn when getting to know each other. At least one would hope. I like a man who isn't afraid of the great outdoors. And I love a man who isn't afraid to get dirty. So horseback riding would be the activity of choice. Light conversation and easy laughter would be exchanged while we followed a manufactured trail through some woodland. My awkwardness likes to be the first characteristic trait of mine to introduce itself so I would probably slip on some dew while trekking through the grass toward our reserved stallions. It would be nice to observe his attentiveness and reaction to my potential fall. If his concern would outweigh a moment most would find humorous. He's a hell a catch if it's a mixture of both. The trail would come to an end in the middle of a childhood memory that he feels open enough to share with me (because I'm so fabulous of course). I would be able to relate to that story as he finished it on the walk back to our vehicles. My intrigue would peak as I made a note of our similar experiences. He would be making a note of the time lapse since breakfast and extend an invitation to continue the day with him. Something about lunch at his favorite restaurant. And the conversation would take a sexier turn while we pigged out on vegetarian burgers and French fries. After sharing a chocolate dessert (one in which he would spoon feed to me at times), we would aim to end the date again and take a second walk to our cars. He would linger....I would let him; my back to the drivers side door. Words are everything to me so I would anxiously await, as he searched for the perfect words to end the day. Depending on my mood...the way the stars aligned themselves...the way these perfect words would fall from his sexy lips (because he has to have lips that are inviting...lol)...etc. If destiny ordains all of these factors to be merge just right, the culmination of this perfect day would be further delayed. Yet again. Into a perfect night........

*le sigh*  A woman can dream, can't she?

Friday, May 9, 2014

Never leave home without prayer

Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.

A moment of gratitude sent up to the heavens for my children. They are my saving grace. They are my food and my air. If I'm not in a rush a second moment for my mother, sister and cat. We bang and we clash however thay make me all that I am. 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

House of Cards

Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to.



I'm benevolent by nature. It's annoying at times however I've come to embrace it because it's a chore to be anything else. One must simply learn how to avoid nefarious souls for survival. People who are the epitome of destructive characteristics such as self-indulgence and gluttony fascinate me to no end though. Did your mother not love you enouugh???? House of Cards satisfies that curiosity about the most engrossing kind of evil of them all; people of massive financial means who seem to have it all already. The writers do an incredible job with the plot. They spin a realistic turn of events that keeps the audience locked in. Kevin Spacey's character captivates me wit his ambition yet repulses me with the lines he crosses to acheive his goals. It's amazing, really. Imagine what he could effectuate if his "powers" were used for the benefit of society and not his sole personal desires. Someting I've wondered about so many people. *le sigh* This show is riveting!  

Monday, May 5, 2014

Favorite Author

Day 13 – Your favorite author and why?



This man right here. *sigh* Can we just take a moment of silence for my favorite literary mind of all time? A moment to acknowledge the level of talent it takes to write over 20 books that are all beautifully well developed stories that are just perfect. I love everything about him. How he chose to follow his heart and transition into a career that was his true calling. Such bravery. I read my first Eric Jerome Dickey in junior high school (no, I didn't understand it all...yes, I was a little advanced for my age). I was an anti-social child who's brain was constantly submerged in character analysis and plots from books written by authors pre-approved from a mainstream curriculum that wasn't engineered for the a brown skin girl in the throes of self discovery. My apologies if that was a mouthful....lol. The first time I read an Eric Jerome Dickey book was the first time I saw myself in a book. Well, my future self.....lol.  Black people. Black relationships. Romantic love. Higher education. Sex that held a deep connection yet could still be kinky. Sex that didn't have to end in marriage or a broken heart or a baby (although there was plenty of that as well...lol). Characters with natural hair. Villains with flaws everyone could comprehend. Characters that you couldn't just place in a box. His narration from a women's point of view is so authentic. It blew my mind. It may sound simple however I didn't grow up with such values. Although his work is fiction, he made those ideas real. College was a concept that I had difficulty understanding (future salary vs present cost of tuition). The men that surrounded me......us (a house full of women). Under-educated and financially insecure men of poor moral standing. They shaped my perception of men in this century in general. I would read about Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Jean Domonique (to name a few), look up from my book and wonder what happened to the real men. It was my first glimpse of life outside of the "hood". Men outside of the "hood". Reading about female characters who redefine their sexuality and men who didn't sleep with just any female that was willing to give it away were small nuggets of ideas in my brain that had yet to be confirmed by the world I live in. He not only validated those views, he made them cool. Whenever the date of his next book gets released, I wait for it in fervid anticipation like a child does Christmas. Whenever I go a while without reading a particular book, I get giddy because my forgetful mind re-reads and re-enjoys it like it has just been released. I could continue however I'm sure you get the idea. Despite how much I adore him, his novels are intricately woven and fun to read. What more could you ask for? Eric Jerome Dickey, I love you.  


******Update******

I can scratch meeting my literary hero off of my bucket list. May 17, 2014 is the date that my dream came true. My babysitter wasn't available and everyone else had a prior engagement so it was just little old me. The trio and I were on the road bright and early heading to the book festival where he would be in attendance. The heavens shined down on me as a parking spot opened up just for me. I had Baby B in the ergo carrier on my back, Baby A was seated comfortably in my left arm and the baby bag was in the crook of my right elbow. LP was was orbiting around me like a lone star. My body protested but my enthusiasm fought back ferociously. This is Eric Jerome Dickey we're talking about! And he is actually awesome. Respectful and considerate. I thought that I would come off as the crazy old lady in the shoe however he was nothing but amiable. Pleasant and gentle in all references to the trio. And I was nothing but elated. He's everything I believed that he would be. I left that book signing in a state of total elevation. I'm still on cloud nine as you're reading this right now. So grateful.