Retreat Recap!

Okay, so since I am giving the commentary here, I might as well share with you the DAY BEFORE the retreat which was really really out of control.

You all know how excited I was for this retreat with all the events goin on in my life right now I really needed some time for Trisha. So…I had been meaning to get my car to the dealership to get my brakes checked or whatever…if they had to be replaced, I wanted them to be replaced and just to get it done. So….I drop my car off at the dealership and a coworker picked me up for work. Later in the morning I got a call indicating not only do I need rear breaks but my tire bars are showing…AKA….YOUR TIRES ARE BEYOND BALD! So….I was like crap! I know my tires had lacked some attention and of course they were the ones who reminded me it needed to get done! So….meanwhile I am on the phone with my dad and he tells me to not get it done (brakes) at the dealership because they WILL overcharge me. Well by the time I thought about it and agreed, it was too late as my car was already “taken apart” which I figured I would be told that…anyway…so I tell them just do the breaks and I will get my tires done later, since at that point I just wanted to get my car out of there. My dad does business for a tire shop (in Azusa), so he set it up for me to get that done. At this point I am getting bummed because my plan was to be at the retreat at 9:59am! I wanted to be one of the first ones there! HELLO!
So I was like dang….now not only do I need to spend money on brakes but it is probably best to get my tires done too.

Meanwhile….it is still Thursday, sitting at my desk and dealership calls. Car is ready for pick up. I go and pick it up, and pay. CRAP! I gave the cashier the wrong darn card! Meant to give her the credit card instead of the check card. I needed my check card for the weekend ahead of me! So…I kindly and politely in my sweetest and apologetic voice, “I am SO sorry, I made a mistake. Is it possible to cancel that transaction so I may use an alternate card?” She replies, “Sure!” I say, “GREAT!” So…BEFORE I give her the alternate card, I wanted to ensure that I am not charged twice….can you feel where I am going with this???? Cashier says, “Oh, no…it will be cancelled.” Okay great. (I thought). The coworker that took me to get my car, we decided to go to Bakers for lunch….about to pay for my PAPA MEAL…the cashiers at Bakers says, “Your card is declined”….I say, “You are kidding right?”, she says, “I’m afraid not…” So at this point I know exactly what has transpired. So you see why I am fuming at this point, because I asked the girl at the dealership whether or not it was going to be a problem!!!! She said NO!!!! If this was a possibility I would had just let it be! So….now, I’m pretty p&%%ed off….and I am out about $600 in total between 2 different cards! And what stinged the most was that the money I was using for the weekend retreat was no longer available to me. I get back to the office and of course call the manager….the cashier who helped me remembered me, and thought I was stupid enough to know she really hadn’t talked to her manager when she asked me to hold. So…when I asked to speak to her manager instead of her it took the manager about 7 minutes to get to the phone….(I guess so she can really tell the story). The only reason I was upset at this point in time was because I specifically asked the girl was it going to be a problem…she said, “NO.” So I explained this to the manager and I told her, I really hope my money is back into my account before this weekend…she says, “me too.” So anyway…my money finally showed up a little past midnight (was up late packing).

So anyway, since I have taken up most of your time with my dreadful night before retreat I will try and fast forward. I ended up getting tires 1st thing Friday morning and STILL managed to be the 3rd one there at the retreat, showing up maybe about 10:10am! WOOOHOOO!!!!

So….when I almost get there I already knew I was going to make an entrance so I started honking my horn like a mad woman to let everyone know TRISHA WAS IN THE BUILDING!!!! WOOOO!!!!! So, when I pull up to this really tucked away home, I see Alondra, Rochelle and Beth. The owners were there as well so I got to meet them, really nice ladies. I walk in and I am like WOWZAS BABY!!! WHERE IS MY ROOM!!! I WANT A GRAND TOUR!!! So…Alondra was kind enough to give me a tour of the spot. Your sheets and towels matched the bathroom…very cute. So I chose hot pink, my sheets were hot pink, my face, hand, and bath towel were hot pink along with some super soft fuzzy warm socks to go with it! There is also a color coordinating basket in the bathroom to keep your personals in and in the HUGE commercial type fridge. It was great. Anyway…after scoping out the sleeping quarters on to the real deal! The scrap space was AWESOME! The owners left some goodies on the tables, coupons for Pink Pineapple, Ever After and Cool Scrapbook Stuff. Speaking of goodies, there were HUGE tall canisters of goodies, one with M&M’s trail mix, assorted mini chocolate bars, gold fish, etc. It was insane how much stuff there was. There were assorted sodas, enough for the entire weekend, bottled soda, and coffee for those who needed it.

Blow by Blow…

FRIDAY...we all arrived in the AM with the exception of Janice. She had a hair appointment in LA and ran into major MAJOR traffic on the way back. I told the girls that we had a surprise guest coming by and we must be here by 2:00pm. What the girls didn’t know was Elena from Scrapbook Royalty graciously contacted me to see if we would like some goodies brought by their fly-by-fairy! I thought that was very sweet of her to think of us…..THANKS ELENA!! Unfortunately they came a little earlier and a few of us were still out at the store so we missed the little cute fairy! Heard she was really really cute! We truly appreciate your goodies that were dropped off! Thanks again!

Well…apparently while we were out…the girls who stayed behind at the house began to worry about us because apparently there was a man on the loose with only HANDCUFF! How did they know this you ask? Well, have you ever heard a helicopter make an announcement of such from the sky!? I guess that’s what they do in Escondido! LOL! It was funny because we were only up the street and totally heard the helicopter but didn’t hear the message. So the ladies in the house gave a sigh of relief when we came through the door.

Everyone gets situated and for dinner Friday night, I cooked tacos for all, Marie made the 7 layer dip and everything was just yumm-o! Janice actually got there right in time for dinner!

By this time everyone had given out all their goodie bags, treats and so forth. It was not a prerequisite, but it was nice how a few ladies brought something for each other. Marie made us our own personal pumpkin breads, and everyone got a few goodie bags. To add some excitement to the weekend, I made some acrylic “Hi My Name Is..” tags, but instead of everyone’s personal names, I made up scrap related names, Scissors, Zots, Adhesive, Buttons to name a few. So…how it worked was…just like the baby shower game. Beth was no longer Beth, her name was “Buttons.” If someone called Beth out of her scrap name whoever was caught would have to give up all their brads punched in their tag. So the one with the mist brads by the end of the weekend would get a super nice gift. That winner ended up being Melissa. I think she actually won because she wasn’t really talking too much! LOL! So that game started early Saturday morning.

It got late for me…I went ahead and turned in…not sure I if I was the first to turn in…but was rudely awakened by a monstrous snore’er. I had to leave my hot pink sheets! Thank God there were plenty of other beds to choose from! I was out! Couldn’t take it!

Saturday...we woke up and Alondra cooked us pancakes, and we had eggs and sausage to go with it. Beth made some MIMOSA for some of the girls and we dined out on the terrace overlooking the pool. The weather was perfect!!! It was so nice, just out there relaxing!
A little after breakfast we participated in a white elephant type gift exchange that Marie put together for us. Each person had to make up a page kit and wrap it up and we did an exchange. If you made a page out of it, you would get a RAK from Marie. I think everyone participated and that was a fun activity. There were a few kits going back and forth being stolen twice! We got some more scrappin in before we left the house. We decided to go to Cool Scrapbook Stuff since there was a Michaels and Joanne’s in the same shopping center. We spent too much time there we ended up eating late and we just did our own thing. Someone had a “brilliant” idea to purchase a fake mouse…MELISSA! LOL! Her and Rochelle were pretty much in Cahoots and thought it would be funny! So after Melissa agreed to go to the store with someone later that evening, she wondered if the mouse would be discovered, and YES IT WAS!!! Discovered by Marie…LOL! Rochelle, plead the 5th….and said she was against the whole thing….but come to find out, that wasn’t the case! LOL! So Melissa and Rochelle went at it for hours on who said what and whose idea it was. I swear we were laughing for hours and it gave us our 2nd and 3rd wind!!! For dinner that night Janice made us spaghetti and Beth made some BOMB garlic cheese bread and Melissa provided salad. After dinner…the party started! Who said a group of women with no rhythm could not be taught the cupid shuffle!!!!???? LOL!!! Yes…..it was hilarious! There is video floating around in someone’s house, but I better not find it on YouTube! LOL! That was BEFORE Alondra made us Pink Panties!

We had a surprise up our sleeve and celebrated Rochelle’s birthday. She had no idea and I think she almost started crying. That was nice and fun! So we had some cake and ice cream…yummy!

Saturday we got A LOT projects done! INCLUDING…these really really cute Acrylic Tissue Boxes that came from Kits2Remember. I was a little afraid of them at first but thought it would be a nice challenge for the group! So…I got one for each person and 4 out of 8 of us actually completed them. They turned out really cute! (Thanks Jessica!)

Melissa gave out prizes throughout the weekend, first to put their pajamas on, 1st to go to bed, etc. It was cool, everyone got something.

Sunday…I THOUGHT I was leaving early, so I can get back to my baby, because I missed her so much. HA! We all drove out the driveway with the exception of Beth left at 4:00pm, check out time. We allowed enough time to clean up, it was required to gather all the trash and put by the front door, and strip all sheets and place towels in the hampers. We had plenty of food left over from Friday and Saturday for lunch on Sunday so it was cool!

I asked to take pics of everyone’s projects so we can really see everything that was accomplished. Yeah, we had a lot of FUN but we still got our scrap on!!!

I am sure I am missing a lot, but that was most of everything….the house was beautiful as well…very spacious and I think it was just enough room with the 8 ladies. =) We had a very memorable time and can’t wait for next year.

Here is what I did...

***My tissue box is missing, but you can get a glimpse of it on the slide show*** Not formatting correctly. =(

Counting the Days...

WhoGivesaScrap is about to embark on our first annual retreat! I am beyond excited, because I so need this time, to just get away right now! There will be 8 of us and I am so excited! Thanks to the ladies who have said OKAY to spend whats about to be a WILD AND CRAZY weekend!!! LOL!

We have found a place in Escondido called San Diego Scrap Inn...looks really nice, so I will deifnately give a recap next week!!!


Other news on a sour note...one of my favorite, excuse me....ANOTHER one of my favorites,
It's About Time is officially closing their doors I believe on Thursday..don't quote me...but you can check it out. Of course Jennfier has already been down there and says they didn't have too much good stuff left, but of course she didn't leave empty handed! =) Jennifer...like you need any extra stuff! I wish the store owner luck on her future endeavors...


Man what tough times...

4-1-1 Week of 11/3/08

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3rd, 2008

What will the future hold for Jennifer Hudson? Hudson buried her family, her mother, her brother and her nephew, this past week. They were tragically murdered, and no one has been charged in connection with their deaths. According to sources, Hudson plans to stay close to fiancé David “Punk” Otunga as she tries to put the pieces of her life back together. She is staying close to family and leaning on them for support. As she deals with her loss, there are many unanswered questions. Did the gun involved in the shooting belong to her brother? Were drugs involved? In 2001, her brother and sister were arrested for drug dealing, but the charge was dropped because of an illegal search. Julia Hudson, Jennifer’s sister, is also feeling the heat because her ex-husband remains the prime suspect. Did he murder her family? During this time of tragedy, Hudson realized she is not alone. She is currently planning to start a foundation that will help families of murder victims. The Hudson-King Foundation is named in honor of her slain family members. The foundation will care for the needs of families who have lost relatives to violent crimes. They will provide food and shelter, clothing and grief counseling. Hudson’s American Idol family have been there for her including Fantasia, who was on hand to sing at the funeral services.

How can Janet Jackson pick up the pieces of her broken career? She has cancelled the remaining dates on her Rock Witchu Tour. Low ticket sales did her in. There were stories of her being sick, but the truth is it was heartbreaking for her to realize that she was no longer selling out concert venues. Ever since the Superbowl fiasco, her career has gone downhill, and her relationship with Producer Jermaine Durpi has not done her any good. She may love him, but his career advice sucks. What will it take to get her back with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis? Janet fans are very upset with her. They feel she let them down when she cancelled her tour.

Speaking of the Jacksons, the answer is: Thanks, But No Thanks! Michael Jackson says he wishes his brothers well, but he has no plans to join them on a reunion tour. Last week, Jermaine Jackson announced plans for a Jackson reunion tour, but Michael says he wants no part of it. When Michael plots his comeback, he wants the entire spotlight to be on him and not his brothers. The other brothers really need Michael to go on tour with them so they can make money, but Michael won’t budge.

What will be left of the estate of James Brown? Well after two years of fighting… not much. Once the dust settles after the lawsuits and DNA tests, his children may not be left with anything. What happened to all that money? Unpaid debts and inadequate accounting have dried up the estate. Now, future earnings will have to come from movies, royalties and the sale of his likeness. All of the Brown children are still not happy with the DNA testing. Terry Brown feels there should be more DNA testing to see who is lying and who is telling the truth about who their father is. He feels if James Brown is not their father, they shouldn’t get any money.

Chilli from TLC is looking for a man! The Grammy award winning- artist and former girlfriend of Usher is turning to VH1 to find her new love. Chilli, 38, is ready for a new shot at love via her new dating show.

Lionel Richie is getting ready to release his new CD next year. Richie will be teaming up with Singer/Songwriter Ne-Yo for his next CD entitled Just Go.

Will there ever be a Tony! Toni! Tone! reunion. According to group founder Raphael Saadiq, don’t count on it. In the 90’s, the group was best known for the hits It Never Rains In Southern California and Whatever You Want. Saadiq says there will be no reunion. He’s currently on tour with John Legend. Saadiq is promoting his latest CD, The Way I See It, featuring the hit single, Love That Girl.

Rapper/Actor Ice Cube has just signed a deal with NBC. He’s going to produce a comedy cop show for the network.

The reunion of LABELLE has a lot of their fans excited. Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx are back with a new CD, Back To Now. They also have a new DVD based on the album, which features an inside look at their recording sessions and reunion after 30 years.

Music Industry Vet Jheryl Busby has died. In the 90’s, Busby headed up Motown Records, and he was instrumental in the careers of Boyz II Men and Johnny Gill. Busby was 59.

At the movies this week, the late Bernie Mac and the late Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearances in the movie Soul Men, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Musiq (Soulchild) returns with his latest CD, On My Radio, on December 9th. The CD features his hit duet with Mary J. Blige, If U Leave.

Lee Daniels latest movie with Mariah Carey, Tennessee, opens in theatres December 19th
Sinbad and Yolanda Adams will be hosting the 21st Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel Sensation Marvin Sapp is leading the pack with nine nominations including song and male vocal. The show is taking place January 17th.

Bishop T.D. Jakes’ new movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres early next year. The movie stars Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis.

Chef G Garvin has just released a new cooking book. Dining In features 115 new recipes.

The American Music Awards are set for November 23rd. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Alicia Keys is leading the pack with four nominations, and she’ll be performing.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th, 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie’s mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due December 9th. The 10 disc CD will feature 191 songs from your favorite Motown stars including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells and Martha & The Vandellas, to name a few.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

All this weekend it’s the Philadelphia International Art Expo presented by October Gallery. This is the nation’s largest African American Art Expo. It all takes place at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. Special guests include NBC 10’s Lori Wilson, CN8’s Arthur Fennell, Bern Nadette Stanis & Ralph Carter (“Thelma” & “Michael Evans” from Good Times) Actress Ella Joyce (“Eleanor” from Roc), Dancer/Actor Darrin Dewitt Henson and Rapper/Actor Ice-T. There is a $10 admission fee that will cover all three days.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou is going to be honored along with TV Producer Norman Lear at the 2008 Annual Marian Anderson Awards. The ceremony honoring them is taking place November 17th at the Kimmel Center. Lear is best known for the TV classics All In The Family, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. The award is named after the famed Contralto Marian Anderson, a Philadelphia native. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte. Dr. Angelou and Lear go back a ways back. The doctor is godmother to Lear’s youngest children. Scheduled performers include Harry Belafonte, Kirk Franklin, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ben Vereen.
Beyonce teams up with Oscar Winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright for the movie Cadillac Records. Beyonce is playing the Legendary Etta James. The movie opens in theatres December 5th.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Actor is going to find out the hard way it doesn’t pay to be rude and disrespectful to your peers. He may be good looking, but his bad attitude and weird behavior is ruining is career.
Were they really tears of joy when this well known figure cried in public at a major event? Or, was it just another publicity stunt?

YES WE DID!!!!!!!!

Wow....I am SO extremely overwhelmed and just excited with pride and joy of this historical moment!!!! YES WE CAN!!!! YES WE DID!!!!

As me and Reggie went to the polls yesterday, I just felt a sense of awe...as I saw SO many young citizens of our country walk out proud, smiling. We have broken records today!!!! While watching tonight...Oprah mentioned something that is SO true....I have not felt such a huge sense of unity since 9/11. So many people have come out and voted.

I am looking forward to my daughter Breanna learning about her first African American President. WOW...did I just say that!? I am so happy and proud!!!! Obama worked very hard and I am anticipating some serious CHANGE!!!

My prayers and thoughts continue to go out to the Obama family as his grandmother is smiling down on her grandson right now!!!

Damn...we made history right now....and I am here to see it. How much more emotional this all be?

Truly amazing! And now we must pray for his safety....

Whewww!!! I can't even say it was a close call! I was watching those numbers! I can't even say that! Obama was pretty much kickin butt all night...Oh...AND STILL IS!!!!

As of right now 333 to 155...he only needed 270 to win! Wow...Still kickin butt! Simply amazing!

Did I see "Reverend Jackson crying?" What a hypocrite!!!!

Entertainment 4-1-1 Week of 10/20

Close friends of Soul Train Founder Don Cornelius are worried about his well being. The 72-year old Cornelius just got out of jail for beating up his young wife. Cornelius was charged with felony domestic violence. The past few months have been rocky for the television legend. He sold the license and brand for Soul Train and made millions, but his friends feel he is being taken advantage of. He has appeared out of sorts on many occasions, and he loves to hang out. His young wife, Victoria, has appeared in public numerous times as though she is under the influence of something. Is there a reason why she is always falling down? Cornelius is worth a lot of money, and if convicted, he could wind up in jail and his young wife would walk away with his millions.

Stevie Wonder did not lose his home to the California wildfires. Wonder says he doesn’t know how this rumor got started, but his home is fine. While things are good for him, he says we should keep those who have lost their homes in prayer.

Terrence Howard says he was shocked when he read the news that he was not going to be a part of the new Iron Man II movie. Howard co-starred along with Robert Downey, Jr. in the first installment. Howard was set to star in the sequel as the War Machine’s character played a bigger role. Howard says he was given no explanation, and that promises weren’t kept. Howard is being replaced by Actor Don Cheadle. The Iron Man II movie is due in theatres by 2010.

Why was Katt Williams a no show at the BET Hip Hop Music Awards? BET Execs were left holding the bag when the comic decided not to attend. All the promos were cut and commercials sent out pumping Williams as the host. Rapper T-Pain was called in at the last minute and did the show, but what is up with Williams. By dissing BET, doesn’t he realize that’s not a good career move? You may be hot today, but there’s always tomorrow.

Congrats to actress Lisa Bonet. She is expecting her third child. Bonet is best known for her role as “Denise Huxtable” on The Cosby Show. Bonet has a teenage daughter with Rocker Lenny Kravitz and a 14-month old with Actor Jason Momoa. Bonet is seven months pregnant. She is currently co-staring on the ABC drama Life On Mars.

We remember Levi Stubbs of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops. Stubbs passes away last Friday at the age of 72. He was the distinct lead singer for the group nearly 50 years before a stroke forced him from touring in 2000. Stubbs never went solo and his voice became the group’s calling card among the powerful super groups of Motown. The Tops’ hits include When She Was My Girl, Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got), I Believe In You And Me and the 60’s number one classics I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) and Reach Out I’ll Be There. The group’s original four man line up existed for 43 years and was only altered by death.
Lawrence Payton died in 1997 of liver cancer and Renaldo “Obie” Benson died of lung cancer in 2005. The sole surviving original member, HYPERLINK "http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jbfrxqe5ldte" Abdul "Duke" Fakir, continues to tour with a new line up for The Four Tops. A public viewing is taking place this weekend in Detroit. Funeral services are set for Monday the 27th.

This past week, we also lost Comedian/Actor Rudy Ray Moore. Mr. “Dolemite” died at the age of 81. Singer Dee Dee Warwick also passed away. She was the older sister of Singer Dionne Warwick and niece to Cissy Houston. Warwick was 63-years old. She had been ill and living in a nursing home for some time. Warwick was known for singing with her sister Dionne and doing background vocals for Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley.

I have a new guilty pleasure. The Bravo network is the home of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. This show is a riot. It airs on Tuesday nights at 10pm with repeats during the week. These women live the most unbelievable lives, and they have money for days. NeNe, the housewife who’s married to the businessman, is off the hook. If you haven’t checked it out, do so and let me know what you think.

Donald Trump made her a star as the villainess on The Apprentice, and he is going to help her with her new VH-1 dating show. Omarosa says she is having Trump Productions produce her new reality show because she is serious about finding true love.

Sly Stone of the legendary Sly And The Family Stone is marking his 20-year hiatus by supporting the Martin Luther King SCLC Civil Rights Foundation. Stone will be recording new songs for the project.

Director Spike Lee is trying to turn his career around. The acclaimed director has left the William Morris Agency after 15 years. Lee’s career has had many hits and just as many misses. His most recent project was his World War II drama The Miracle At St. Anna. The movie did not do well at the box office, taking in only $7 ½ million. Two years ago, his Denzel Washington-Clive Owen-Jodie Foster movie Inside Man took in over $176 million worldwide. Lee has signed on with Endeavor Management. He’s hoping they will help him get the funding for his next projects, including a movie about the Godfather Of Soul James Brown and Baseball Great Jackie Robinson.

Fans of Toni Braxton are hopping mad that the singer was booted off prematurely from Dancing With The Stars. The judges cited Braxton and her partner for being in a rut, but she as clearly better than her competitors, including Crazy Cloris Leachman and Soap Star Susan Lucci. Leachman’s antics have been the talk of the town, and the 82-year old has a lot of fans. Lucci is clearly drawing from her soap opera base because she is as stiff as a board in some of her routines. Braxton admitted she was disappointed, but she says in the end, her heart condition improved. Look for a new album from Braxton next spring.

The overweight grandmother is back looking for the bad guys. Martin Lawrence is set to reprise his role as “Big Momma” in Big Momma’s House III.

Rapper/Actress Eve is back. Filming starts next spring on the movie Whip It. Drew Barrymore is directing, and Eve is going to play a roller derby queen.

In a recent interview, Mariah Carey revealed what led her to marry young Actor Nick Cannon. Carey says it was Cannon’s intelligence and maturity. In her first marriage, Carey was 20 years younger than Music Mogul Tommy Mottola. She is a decade older than Cannon.

Bishop T.D. Jakes’ new movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres early next year. The movie stars Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis.

Chef G Garvin has just released a new cooking book. Dining In features 115 new recipes.

Kindred The Family Soul is back with a new album. The Arrival features the hit single “House Of Love,” and is in stores now.

The American Music Awards are set for November 23rd. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Alicia Keys is leading the pack with four nominations, and she’ll be performing.

Mary J. Blige is teaming up with the makers of Carol’s Daughter for a new natural fragrance line.

This Thursday, October 23rd, The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk Of Fame will welcome five new inductees celebrating Philadelphia’s musical legacy. This year’s honorees are Billy Paul, the late Tammi Terrell, Dee Dee Sharp, Charlie Grace and Trumpeter Clifford Brown. Each will receive commemorative bronze plaques along the Avenue Of The Arts in Center City. For more information, log onto HYPERLINK "http://www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org" www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org .

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th, 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie’s mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due December 9th. The 10 disc CD will feature 191 songs from your favorite Motown stars including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells and Martha & The Vandellas, to name a few.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

Mark your calendars for November 7th, 8th & 9th. It’s the Philadelphia International Art Expo presented by October Gallery. This is the nation’s largest African American Art Expo. It all takes place at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. Special guests include NBC 10’s Lori Wilson, CN8’s Arthur Fennell, Bern Nadette Stanis & Ralph Carter (“Thelma” & “Michael Evans” from Good Times) Actress Ella Joyce (“Eleanor” from Roc) and Rapper/Actor Ice-T. There is a $10 admission fee that will cover all three days. Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson’s biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou is going to be honored along with TV Producer Norman Lear at the 2008 Annual Marian Anderson Awards. The ceremony honoring them is taking place
November 17th at the Kimmel Center. Lear is best known for the TV classics All In The Family, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. The award is named after the famed Contralto Marian Anderson, a Philadelphia native. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte. Dr. Angelou and Lear go back a ways back. The doctor is godmother to Lear’s youngest children. Scheduled performers include Harry Belafonte, Kirk Franklin, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ben Vereen.
Sanford & Son, the popular 70’s show, is coming out on DVD. The complete series, 17 discs containing all six seasons, comes out on October 28th. The late Comedian Redd Foxx starred as the grouchy junkman and Demond Wilson played his long-suffering son, Lamont.

Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall. Brian McKnight, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewett and Ledisi are also releasing holiday projects.

The late Bernie Mac and the late Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearance in the movie Soul Men. Soul Men opens in theatres on November 7th and also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Beyonce teams up with Oscar Winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright for the movie Cadillac Records. Beyonce is playing the Legendary Etta James. The movie opens in theatres December 5th.

DJ Doc B is gearing up for the Annual Scorpio Birthday Bash on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. This party is so big, it’s happening in two locations: Pharos’s Night Club, 3401 South Market Street in Wilmington, Delaware hosted by The Hot Boyz of Power 99 Mikey Dredd and Uncle O, and I will be hosting the party at Luxe Lounge, 524 Walnut Street with DJ Mont, DJ Lamaar, Doc B and Cosmic Strictly Skills Kev.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A big scandal is brewing for a top Hollywood Star. He is successful, charismatic and appears to be a loving father and husband. There are rumors that he likes to spend time with male escorts. If the scandal comes out, look for him to turn to religion to quell the controversy.

This young actor signed on a TV series thinking he was going to be the star of the show. Well his co-stars are outshining him by winning awards and acclaim. The Actor is not happy about the situation, but, since he needs the money, he’s staying put.

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to listen to your mother. This singer is trying to downplay his marriage to help salvage his career, but his very pregnant wife isn’t going anywhere. She plans to stay married to the singer despite his mother’s publicity machine.

Clean & Healthy Air Walk

This past Sunday, I agreed to go on a walk with Alondras job for Clean Air. It was a 3.1 mile walk around CSUSB campus....however, me personally and a few others think it was a little more than 3.1 miles! My chins were talkin to me the next day. We finished it in an hour....you ask why??? Because we had a SCRAP FUNCTION to get to! HELLO!? LOL!!!!


Me and my sista from anotha mista....




Here is Auntie Tammy, she THOUGHT she would just be there for moral support...she didn't know we were gonna drag her along with us! She finished and did a good job! Me and Alondra thought that she may take the short cut route which was only a mile...but she did the entire thing! Props to you Auntie Tammy!



The famous CSUSB Coyote.....GO COYOTES!!!!!


Isn't it funny how scrappers just know how to smile when there name is called??? Sad...I know...LOL!

Self portrait....can you see my camera in the shadow on my shirt???

One mile down, 2 to go!

Sistas foreva!

Prayer Chain...

Okay folks...I need YOU tonight! 8:00pm we are doing a prayer chain for my nana...please take a minute and join us in prayer 8:00pm! Thanks!

XOXO
Trisha

They Smile in Your Face....

Backstabba's....famous song written by the Ojays...

This is for you girlfriend and you know who you are... I have learned a long time ago that there are going to be people out there who will hate on you for what you have and what they can't or will never have. So people decide to attack in a malicious nasty type of manner....very tasteless and childish. Its so sad...

Why do they smile in your face? Don't worry my friend, I think we all have some of those out there....People have some really funny ways...If you don't like me just don't talk to me at all...and don't smile in my face. It will just make it easier for you and for me! ...I'M JUST SAYIN! LOL! It can be that simple!

As I have gotten older, I now understand what my mom would always say to me...."Baby, not everyone is gonna be your friend." And now I see this...people won't like you because of who you are and what they aren't and who they aren't. People will quickly smile in your face one minute and as soon as you turn that corner they are talking down...

So...to my friend....KEEP YOUR HEAD UP....AND STAY STRONG!!!! I know your mama taught you and told you the same thing! Unfortunately, our world is FULL of HATERS and envious people...it's so sad but oh so true. This situation has been bothering me for some time because I hate to see the people I love hurt to much...and just confused as to why we encounter people like this...some things we will just never understand! All I can say to you is continue to be yourself, be true to who YOU are, and keep it pushin! Keep doin YOU! Tell the haters to kick rocks, pop your collar and BRUSH THEM SHOULD'AS OFF!!!!!

I love you girlfriend..you know who you are...

And don't ask me who I am talkin about in this post....is it you??? Don't be shady people!!!! LOL!

Ahhh...Love Life! Life is too short!!!

4-1-1 Week of 10/13/08

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 13TH, 2008

Please Janet! Leave that man alone! He’s no good for you! Janet Jackson’s management team is urging her to dump longtime boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. Two weeks ago, Dupri threw up on Jackson. He loves to drink and party, but the little fella can’t handle it. (LOL! They called him little!! LOL!!!) Jackson’s Rock With You Tour and last two albums have been commercial failures. She has been under the guidance of Dupri, and it has lead to disastrous results. There have been so many lies about her cancelled concert shows that they can’t keep the lies straight. For the record, poor tickets sales are dooming this tour. She needs help, and I have been saying for months she needs to re-team with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Dupri was also the mastermind behind the 2004 wardrobe malfunction Superbowl scandal, which almost ruined her career. Dupri has done wonders for the career of Mariah Carey. But when it comes down to his lady, he has single-handily killed her career. Will Janet leave? Sources say the relationship is over, but the big question is will Jermaine stay away from her? There is also the question of the many Jackson secrets. If they split, will Dupri spill the beans on Miss Jackson?

Why does controversy always follow Beyonce? Beyonce is gearing up for the new release of her double CD, I Am, which is coming out November 18th. Two hot singles, “Single Ladies” and “If I Were A Boy,” have already been released. Beyonce has come under fire for song-jacking If I Were A Boy. This song was written, in part, by a 21-year old singer-songwriter from California. According to Beyonce, the songwriter has been paid for the song, and Beyonce says she did not steal or take credit for the song. On her last album, she came under fire for not giving Ne-Yo credit for the song “Irreplaceable.” Beyonce also admitted she borrowed from the dance styling of the late Director/Choreographer Bob Fosse for her latest video to that second single “Single Ladies.”

Oscar Winner Forest Whitaker will be directing and starring in a movie based on the life of Jazz Legend Louis Armstrong. The movie is called What A Wonderful World, and will focus on the early years in New Orleans of the trumpet virtuoso and improvisational singer. Whitaker won an Academy Award two years ago for his role as Idi Amin in the movie The Last King Of Scotland.

Why is Dancing With The Stars Diva Toni Braxton driving around town with a handicapped pass? Is she taking advantage of driving privileges while dancing up a storm on TV? Braxton suffers from a heart condition, and she got permission from a doctor to get a special handicapped parking pass. (WOW!!)

Boxer Evander Holyfield is trying to stay out of jail. The 46-year old former heavyweight is having problems paying his child support. He is the father of 10 kids and owes thousands in child support. During the height of his career, he made over $248 million. What happened to his fortune is anybody’s guess. If he doesn’t come up with the money, he could be in jail by next week.

Mel B has changed her mind, and she’s keeping her clothes on. The Spice Girl has turned down an offer of over a million dollars to pose for Playboy magazine.

Jennifer Hudson doesn’t like to talk about her fiancé’s past. When she is asked about him, she prefers to focus on his law career. He may have graduated from law school, but he has never practiced law. Hudson’s fiancé is better known for his star turn on the reality TV show I Love New York. David Otunga, a.k.a. Punk, had a hot and heavy romance with the show’s star New York, a.k.a. Tiffany Pollard. In a recent interview, Pollard had a lot to say about Otunga. She says he loves being Mr. Jennifer Hudson. He loves the lavish things Hudson brings in his life, and that he is living through Hudson’s success. OUCH! I guess New York’s not being invited to the wedding.

Terrence Howard has talked himself out of a job. Howard will not be featured in the sequel to Iron Man. Howard was set to star as War Machine “Jim Rhodes,” the best friend to Iron Man “Tony Starks,” but Howard’s financial greed got in the way. Now, producers have decided to go with Actor Don Cheadle. The new Iron Man movie is due in theatres 2010. (OOPS!)

Is there room for only one queen? Will the real queen stand up? The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin and the Queen Of Rock & Roll Tina Turner recently exchanged barbs. Earlier this year at the Grammys, Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as “the queen.” Well Aretha didn’t like it. Re Re felt disrespected and said so. Turner is getting ready for her latest tour. She was asked about the controversy and responded Aretha’s ego is so big she must think she’s the only Queen. Aretha responded back. Aretha said she’s surprised Turner is using tacky press to sell tickets. She thought Tina had more class. For the record, the music legends have never met. Maybe they can do lunch one day and work it out. (OLD DIVAS....get over it girlls!)

Bishop T.D. Jakes new movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres early next year. The movie stars Morris Chestnut (OOOHH WEEE!!!!) , Taraji P. Henson and Jennifer Lewis.

Chef G Garvin has just released a new cooking book. Dining In features 115 new recipes.

After 15 years the Fat Boys are reuniting. Prince Markie Dee and Kool Rock Ski plan on releasing an album, going on tour and doing a reality show. Original member Buffy died in 1995.

Jay Manuel and Miss J Alexander, judges on America’s Next Top Model, are now getting their own show. Operation Fabulous is the name of the show. It features the duo traveling the country and giving women makeovers.

Congrats to former 76er Allen Iverson. Iverson and his wife Tawanna are the proud parents of a baby girl. Dream Alijah Iverson was born weighing 5 lbs. and 15 ounces. She joins her siblings Tiaura, 13, Allen, II, 10, Isiah Rahsaan, 5 and Messiah Lauren, 3. Iverson now plays for the Denver Nuggets. The family is doing well.

Kindred The Family Soul is back with a new album. The Arrival features the hit single “House Of Love.” The new album comes out October 21st.

Labelle is back! After thirty years, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx are ready to release a new CD, Back To Now. The CD comes out October 21st, and features the hit singles “Roll Out” and “Superlover.” At a recent listening party at WDAS, the ladies talked about reuniting, their new album and their upcoming tour. Tickets go on sale Saturday for the show the Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend show. On Saturday January 17th, Labelle is in concert at the Mark G. Etess Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

He was once dubbed the world’s fastest man. Now, he’s in jail. Former Olympic darling Tim Montgomery has been sentenced to five years in jail for dealing heroin. The 33-year old was already serving a four-year sentence for check fraud. Montgomery says he squandered his talent, acclaim and money. Montgomery was banned from the Olympics years ago when he was suspected of steroid use and was named in a scandal. Montgomery is the father of Marion Jones’ son. She just got of prison for lying to authorities about her steroid use.

Rolling Stone magazine is getting smaller. For four decades, the magazine had a larger format than most magazines. The new, smaller Rolling Stone will have more pages and thicker, glossier paper.

American Idol Judge Paula Abdul doesn’t feel appreciated by the show. A new female judge, Kara DioGuardi, has been added to the cast for the new season of American Idol, and Paula just found out how her paycheck stacks up against another Idol judge. Abdul makes $7 million compared to Simon Cowell’s $36 million. Abdul knew Cowell made more money than her, but she never realized he made that much more money. Producers claim Cowell makes more money because he brings more to the table.

If you are planning on attending the Maxwell concert, bring your underwear. Let me explain. Maxwell is taking a page from the history of Tom Jones. Jones was notorious for collecting underwear during his performances from the ladies, and now Maxwell is doing the same. (She & Cheryl....go to Victoria...LOL! We talked about this yesterday! LOL!)

The American Music Awards are set for November 23rd. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Alicia Keys is leading the pack with four nominations.

Mary J. Blige is teaming up with the makers of Carol’s Daughter for a new natural fragrance line.

Oscar Winner Halle Berry is also working on a scent. Wanna smell like Halle? She has been working on the fragrance for two years. Look for Halle in stores by next spring.

Our condolences go out to Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams. This week, Adams lost her mother, Carolyn Adams.

The original members of En Vogue and New Edition are in talks about going on tour.

Dexter King is speaking out about the turmoil that is destroying his family. The King legacy is at stake as the fighting continues between Dexter, Bernice and Martin, III. Money is at the root of their problems, and no one can seem to bring them together. This feud is downright embarrassing. Dexter says he is saddened by all the fighting, but he says Bernice and Martin, III started it by attempting to change and rewrite history. Dexter is in charge of the King Foundation. Bernice and Martin, III still possess many important papers, which they refuse to turn over for a possible book about their parents.

On Thursday, October 23rd, The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk Of Fame will welcome five new inductees celebrating Philadelphia’s musical legacy. This year’s honorees are Billy Paul, the late Tammi Terrell, Dee Dee Sharp, Charlie Grace and Trumpeter Clifford Brown. Each will receive commemorative bronze plaques along the Avenue Of The Arts in Center City. For more information, log onto www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org .

At the movies this week, it’s The Secret Life Of Bees with Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie’s mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due before Christmas.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

Big Daddy is back! The Food Network’s latest star, Aaron McCargo, Jr., hails from Camden, New Jersey, and his food show, Big Daddy’s House, has been renewed for a second season. The new season premieres in January 2009. McCargo will be in Philadelphia on Friday October 24th at the Radisson Plaza – Warwick in Center City, Philadelphia. For more information and to get tickets, visit his website at Aaronmccargo.com.

Mark your calendars for November 7th, 8th & 9th. It’s the Philadelphia International Art Expo presented by October Gallery. This is the nation’s largest African American Art Expo. It all takes place at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. Special guests include NBC 10’s Lori Wilson, CN8’s Arthur Fennell, Bern Nadette Stanis & Ralph Carter (“Thelma” & “Michael Evans” from Good Times) Actress Ella Joyce (“Eleanor” from Roc) and Rapper/Actor Ice-T. There is a $10 admission fee that will cover all three days.Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson’s biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou is going to be honored along with TV Producer Norman Lear at the 2008 Annual Marian Anderson Awards. The ceremony honoring them is taking place November 17th at the Kimmel Center. Lear is best known for the TV classics All In The Family, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. The award is named after the famed Contralto Marian Anderson, a Philadelphia native. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte. Dr. Angelou and Lear go back a ways back. The doctor is godmother to Lear’s youngest children.
Sanford & Son, the popular 70’s show, is coming out on DVD. The complete series, 17 discs containing all six seasons, comes out on October 28th. The late Comedian Redd Foxx starred as the grouchy junkman and Demond Wilson played his long-suffering son, Lamont.

Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall. Brian McKnight, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewett and Ledisi are also releasing holiday projects.

The late Bernie Mac and the late Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearance in the movie Soul Men. Soul Men opens in theatres on November 7th and also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Beyonce teams up with Oscar Winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright for the movie Cadillac Records. Beyonce is playing the Legendary Etta James. The movie opens in theatres December 5th.

DJ Doc B is gearing up for the Annual Scorpio Birthday Bash on Saturday, November 1st, 2008. This party is so big, it’s happening in two locations: Pharos’s Night Club, 3401 South Market Street in Wilmington, Delaware hosted by The Hot Boyz of Power 99 Mikey Dredd and Uncle O, and I will be hosting the party at Luxe Lounge, 524 Walnut Street with DJ Mont, DJ Lamaar, Doc B and Cosmic Strictly Skills Kev.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this TV personality is going to survive, she is going to have to reinvent herself. But, if she keeps talking trash about her former boss, her career may be dead in the water.
This actress has finally landed a married man. She tore her way through married actors, singers and athletes, and now she’s got her married man. He’s so smitten that he’s ready to go public. He has already bought his mistress a condo.

May Be Old to You, But its New To Me!

And I am so glad we purchased it....

My poor hubby has worked almost 80 hours this past week and he rewarded himself (us) with the Wii Game System...(and a few accessories and games!) I guess he has finished putting it together as I here Mario Kart....he just ran in with a big Kool Aid smile.. "BABE! You have got to come try this! You have got to come try this!!!!" I told him I will as soon as I finish posting... I am dog tired...I cooked greens this evening as it was a request from my nana, but you know those suckers take forever to cook!!! Unless you cheat and buy them by the bag!

***Today was officially her first day of chemo...so it was an exhausting day for her.

Anyway...where was I? Back to the Wii...Thanks to my very good friend Laurie for talking about it quite often, and THEN here comes one of my Scrappin Sistas to tell me she went out and found one...and was up ALL NIGHT LONG!!! So...with all this talk I had to do my best in talking Reg into possibly checking it out., I personally wanted to check it out for the Wii Fit since that is the hype and I hear how well it works..so we will see! I will tell you the truth when I feel the results! ....(Now I hear..."YES!!!! YOU SUCKERRRRRSSS!!!!!!). Wow...I guess I better hold to my word and go check it out!

Ciao!

Here's to a Wonderful Week!

Breanna & Some Recent Layouts...

???? DON'T EVEN ASK ABOUT THE EYE! LOL!...







Her baby fell out of her stroller and she is being a good "mommy" and picking her up...


I guess she figured the baby was crying so she had to pat her on the back....go figure!


Putting her back...trying anyway!


????.....Don't ask...I told you she is a climber!!!


My den...I was telling Alondra last night that my room here seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I use to get 15 scrappers back here...Now we have a bar and all these darn toys! My house was cleaned before she got home...


Here are some layouts I did last night...

TGIF!!!

Good Morning my wonderful friends out there who read my blog! Are you as happy as I am that today is Friday? After a hard week at work, I am glad it is the weekend. I walked out my front door this morning to go to work only to find that it had been raining! I obviously have not had time to check the news for the forecast...so it was a little unexpected. Well since the last rain last weekend, I have finally located my umbrella so I am good.

What am I doin this weekend? Well to kick it off tonight me and my scrappin sistas are scrappin at my house and having dinner. We try and rotate houses and whoever is hosting, feeds us. Sounds cool right? So I am cooking my sistas some tacos tonight...one of my most favorite meals! I seriously am thinking I was Hispanic in my prior life....I LOVE MEXIACN FOOD!!! If you know me personally you already know this about me!

Saturday, debating on whether or not to drive up to the new Super Target that has a grand opening, but do I really feel like dealing with the crowds? Probably not! So I will find something to do, you know me!

Sunday, I finally get to spend some quality time with my hubby as he has been working some SERIOUS overtime for about 2 1/2 weeks now, working almost 80 hours a week....not the regular! BUT on the other hand...we could definately use the extra money...so he is off Sunday & Monday and promised he would not call in so we could spend some time as a family...I am off on Monday too... (Thanks Columbus!)

I was thinking about going to Old Town Pasadena and walk...I hear they have a Tiffany store down there now, I need to get my bracelet fixed! I miss wearing it...I really hate that it is just sitting in my jewely box! I need to polish it matter of fact to make it POP! =)

Other than that....I plan to try and relax, enjoy life and taking it easy....

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend as well!

Signing off....Trisha Delisha (as my Blinging Babes call me...shout out to you ladies who read my blog faithfully) =)

CIAO!

Entertainment Week of 10/6..sorry its been so long.

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 6TH, 2008

What is really going on with Janet Jackson, and why is she canceling shows? She has been ordered to rest, but what is really going on with her. Her brother Randy Jackson has denied issuing a statement saying she was suffering from vertigo. He says he would never make a statement regarding his sister’s health.

Tyler Perry had an amazing weekend. The writer/director/actor/producer unveiled his new movie and TV studio in Atlanta. It was a star-studded event with Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, and Sidney Poitier, to name a few. Perry’s date for the evening was Model Gelila Bekele. There was talk Perry would show up with rumored fiancé, Actress Taraji P. Henson, his co-star in the movie The Family That Preys. She was a no-show for the evening, so maybe they aren’t engaged. Perry wanted the evening to be perfect, and he nailed it. The past week has been rough for him. He has come under scrutiny for firing four writers from his TV shows The House Of Payne and Meet The Browns. The writers wanted to go union. They felt they were overworked and underpaid. Perry is known for not using union workers on the sets of his movies and TV shows. Director Spike Lee has weighed in on the controversy. Lee says Perry should do the right thing and work with the unions. This is a sensitive issue with Perry, and he says he will not deal with it in the press.

There is a lot of tension on the set of the reality show Dancing With The Stars. The competition is fierce, and the claws are out. They may look friendly on the camera, but the backstage drama is off the hook! Soap Star Susan Lucci, at 61, wanted to be the oldest dancer on the set, but 82-year old Cloris Leachman, a.k.a. Crazy Cloris, has taken her spotlight. Despite her antics and non-dancing, Leachman has proven to be a crowd favorite. Lucci is tired of Leachman stealing the spotlight. There is also a lot of resentment toward Singer Toni Braxton. One dancer was overheard saying, Can She Shut Up About Her Heart. They feel she is using her heart condition to win sympathy votes. Then there’s former Football Star Warren Sapp. Is he a “man-diva” on the set causing trouble for the show? Last week, no one was kicked off the show because Olympian Misty May Treanor had to drop out after she injured herself. With all this tension, who will be the next star let go from Dancing With The Stars?

Little Richard, the 75-year old Godfather Of Rock & Roll, may have to get hip replacement surgery. Little Richard’s health has not been good. He uses a wheelchair to get around, and he is breathing with the help of an oxygen tank.

Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts talks about her battle with breast cancer in her new book Eight Rules To Live By. The past year has been life changing for the popular GMA anchor. She successfully battled breast cancer, and she returned to work on GMA. Her new book details her struggles and how she survived the tough times. The book is chock full of wisdom and is very inspirational.

Now that she’s showing off her body for Playboy magazine, Spice Girl Mel B is going to show the world how she got such a fab body. Mel B is planning to release a fitness DVD that will detail her daily workouts.

The Screen Actors Guild will be giving a Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary Actor James Earl Jones. The star of stage, screen and voice of commercials will be honored in January.

Singer Natalie Cole is back at home in California. Cole is doing better as she continues her battle with Hepatitis C. She had undergone chemo and the side effects took a toll on her. She lost weight, her hair and needed help with her breathing. She was aided by an oxygen tank. She also had to undergo kidney dialysis. Cole has been ordered to take the rest of the year off and rest.

Singer Brian McKnight has been added to the cast of the new season of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice. The new season will also feature Joan and Melissa Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Andrew Dice Clay, Tionne T-Boz Watkins of TLC fame and Former Football Star Herschel Walker, to name a few. The new season kicks off in January.

The new seasons have started for Everybody Hates Chris and The Game have started. Check out the shows every Friday night starting at 8pm on the CW Network.

Jennifer Hudson is everywhere. Check her out with her Secret Life Of Bees co-stars Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah on the cover of Ebony magazine and on the cover of Jet magazine. Her new movie The Secret Life Of Bees opens in theatres on October 17th.

Beyonce graces the cover of the new issue of Essence magazine. Beyonce talks about her life with hubby Jay-Z and her upcoming album.

Star Jones is also featured in the new issue of Essence. Jones talks her gastric bypass surgery, her failed fairytale marriage to Al Reynolds and her hopes for the future. Jones is currently dating Hotel Executive Chef Herb Wilson. She says she is ready to fall in love again. When asked about former hubby Al Reynolds, she says she’s not in love with him anymore. She also expresses regret about lying about her weight loss. She realizes she should have been honest with her audience. Of course, she talks about her days on the popular daytime talker The View. When asked about her former co-hosts, she called them hateful. OUCH!!!!

The King Kids continue to fight. Why can’t Dexter, Bernice and Martin, III get along? The King children are about to be sued by the Penguin Group. They were paid a $300,000 advance by that publisher to help with a book based on the life of their mother, Coretta Scott King. But, the kids can’t agree on anything for the book. They fight over everything: the photos, personal writings and letters. The book deal is worth over a million dollars. Unless they can get it together, they will have to give back the money, which is probably already spent.

The sexiest woman alive wants more babies, and she’s working on it. Esquire magazine recently named Oscar-winning Actress Hale Berry as the sexiest woman alive. Berry gave birth to a daughter, Nahla Ariela, seven months ago, and she says she and boyfriend, Model Gabriel Aubry, are working on more.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Queen Latifah shed some light on her personal life. She was asked if she was gay, and she responded she has a problem discussing her personal life. She doesn’t want to share her personal business, and she doesn’t care if people think she’s gay or not. The Queen says assume what you want.

At the movies this week, it’s The Express. The movie is about College Football Legend Ernie Davis. Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. The movie stars Dennis Quaid, Charles S. Dutton and Rob Brown as Ernie Davis.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie’s mom, Volletta Wallace.

Motown Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new box set of songs that the fans have picked. The box set is due before Christmas.

Prince has a new book out. 21 Nights is the name of the book, and it chronicles Prince performing 21 sold out concerts on London. The book also features 124 previously unreleased photographs. Prince turned 50 earlier this year, and he says he is single, celibate and sexy. Prince is a practicing Jehovah’s Witness. He says he was introduced to the religion by Singer Larry Graham.

The Whispers are coming out with a holiday DVD. The famed singing group has been performing for over 45 years. Christmas With The Whispers features holiday classic and interviews.

Comedian Sommore has a new DVD out called The Queen Stands Alone. The Trenton, New Jersey native says she’s excited about the project, which she wrote, produced and directed.

Big Daddy is back! The Food Network’s latest star, Aaron McCargo, Jr., hails from Camden, New Jersey, and his food show, Big Daddy’s House, has been renewed for a second season. The new season premieres in January 2009. McCargo will be in Philadelphia on Friday October 24th at the Radisson Plaza – Warwick in Center City, Philadelphia. For more information and to get tickets, visit his website at Aaronmccargo.com.

Mark your calendars for November 7th, 8th & 9th. It’s the Philadelphia International Art Expo presented by October Gallery. This is the nation’s largest African American Art Expo. It all takes place at the Liacouras Center, Broad and Montgomery. Special guests include NBC 10’s Lori Wilson, CN8’s Arthur Fennell, Bern Nadette Stanis & Ralph Carter (“Thelma” & “Michael Evans” from Good Times) Actress Ella Joyce (“Eleanor” from Roc) and Rapper/Actor Ice-T. There is a $10 admission fee that will cover all three days.

Quincy Jones is gearing up to release The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey And Passions. The 75-year old music giant is set to release this book on October 28th. Clint Eastwood is doing the foreword for the book, and Dr. Maya Angelou is doing the introduction. Jones is not slowing down. He is also opening a restaurant in Las Vegas. In other Quincy news, he says he will not be working with Michael Jackson on his upcoming album. The Q produced some of Jackson’s biggest selling albums, including Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. Q says he is too busy with his other projects.

Morgan Freeman and Barbara Streisand are among the honorees for the Kennedy Center Honors.

Cedric The Entertainer is headed to Broadway. The stage play American Buffalo, about small time crooks, also stars John Leguizamo. American Buffalo opens on November 17th.

I Want To Take You Higher, The Life And Times Of Sly Stone is title of the new book about the famed musician coming out in October.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou is going to be honored along with TV Producer Norman Lear at the 2008 Annual Marian Anderson Awards. The ceremony honoring them is taking place November 17th at the Kimmel Center. Lear is best known for the TV classics All In The Family, Sanford & Son, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. The award is named after the famed Contralto Marian Anderson, a Philadelphia native. Past honorees include Sidney Poitier, Richard Gere, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte. Dr. Angelou and Lear go back a ways back. The doctor is godmother to Lear’s youngest children.

Sanford & Son, the popular 70’s show, is coming out on DVD. The complete series, 17 discs containing all six seasons, comes out on October 28th. The late Comedian Redd Foxx starred as the grouchy junkman and Demond Wilson played his long-suffering son, Lamont.

Singer Al Jarreau is hard at work on a new Christmas CD, which is coming out this fall. Brian McKnight, Aretha Franklin, Howard Hewett and Ledisi are also releasing holiday projects.

The 5th Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors takes place in October. Actor Comedian Katt Williams is hosting.

The late Bernie Mac and the late Isaac Hayes make their final screen appearance in the movie Soul Men. Soul Men opens in theatres on November 7th and also stars Samuel L. Jackson.

Beyonce teams up with Oscar Winner Adrian Brody and Jeffrey Wright for the movie Cadillac Records. Beyonce is playing the Legendary Etta James. The movie opens in theatres December 5th.

Upcoming TV and Film Events:

A new best of compilation featuring the music of Tina Turner is coming out. Look for ‘Tina’ on September 30th.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The economy is taking a toll on the concert scene. To save face with low ticket sales, many stars are faking illnesses to get out of concerts..(Trisha's notes' this isn't a hard one guys!)

Daily Devotion 10/8/08

October 8, 2008

Gut-Honest Prayers
Rachel Olsen

“The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.”
Psalm 6:9 (NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever grown frustrated with God over situations in your life? Have you gone to Him and poured out those feelings in prayer?

If so, you’ll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk, who lived roughly 600 years before Christ. His book of the Bible begins with this complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” (Hab.1:2-3, NIV).

God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice – but only in His timing.

Passionate, honest, gut-level prayers have been recorded through out the Bible. Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 10:1, NIV).

In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), and not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24). Job even wondered if maybe God was laughing at the pain of the innocent (Job 9:22). None of these accusations are accurate – far from it – but we can sometimes feel that way in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s futile to think we can hide them from Him. Better to come clean with how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God’s reply or comfort.

I’ve complained to God in the past for allowing my loved ones to die or fall deep into sin, for allowing valuable things to be stolen from me, for allowing my reputation to be unfairly tarnished, for allowing physical suffering in my body, or for not allowing what I felt I deserved. My goal is to be a woman of faith who can take such things in stride with Him. But when I’m losing that stride, I’ve found the best thing I can do is honestly take these feelings to God where they can be traded for His perspective and His comforting assurance.

Though God does not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances – enabling me to endure them.

God listens when we complain about injustice. He understands when we feel shortchanged or opposed. Read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and you’ll be reminded of just how much Jesus can relate to undeserved opposition!

Be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle our intense emotions and questions. He may not explains Himself fully to us – perhaps because we can’t fully understand – but He will flood us with His love when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.

Dear Lord, it is often hard for me to deal graciously with the difficult situations in my life. Help me to see them through Your eyes. Help me to endure, with grace, all that You allow into my life. Fill me with Your peace and love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Glynnis Whitwer

Do You Know Him?

Visit Rachel Olsen’s blog today and feel free to share your prayer request there.

Application Steps:
Read through one of the New Testament gospel books that records Jesus’ life, noticing all the times and ways that He was opposed, or let down by those around Him. Notice also how He responded.

Reflections:
Are you angry with God over what He’s allowed to happen to you, or a loved one?

Have you taken those feelings to Him honestly in prayer and asked for His perspective and comfort?

Are you willing to settle for the comfort of God in your situation, or are you only interested in having God change your situation to suit you?

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (NIV)

Psalm 86:6, “Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry.” (NLT)

Tracie

Update...

We just got back from the Dr's today...and it went as expected. OH...and must I mention how difficult it is to be the "Family Reporter?" What a responsibility....but that's okay..its now my job and take with much pride!

basically, the known site is "unknown." She went through a series of test from the past 2 weeks:

• Needle Biopsy of the Liver - checked out fine (with the exception of the 14 holes...with this biopsy, they were able to confirm that indeed she has cancer.)
• Chest X-Ray - Checked out fine...no lung cancer
• Pelvic Sonogram - Checked out fine...no ovarian cancer, the mass in her pelvic area, not cancer.
• Colonoscopy - Checked out fine...nothing.

So needless to say....the Dr's are most definitely stumped, and stated she was quite complicated. They did say 15% of all cancer patients are diagnosed as "unknown" What they did say was that it can possibly be Cancer of the Bile Ducts...but then again they aren't sure because they are still stumped as to where it may have originated from. Her Oncology Dr stated that for now they will treat as if it is Cancer of the Colon and go from there.

Dr. really didn't want to do chemo but my nana kinda insisted on it...so they will start with a pill form. I am sure most of you may know why he was against it for obvious reasons...there will be high chances of her getting weaker. The Dr could see right away that she appeared slightly weaker, which there is no denying that....she is getting weaker. So with that said...what I need from you that are praying and have prayer circles going on for us is STRENGTH!

I thank you again for your continued support and prayers...I wish I could thank each of you with a hug...so I am sending a ((((cyber hug)))). If I work with ya, just come collect your hug, cause I owe ya.

Okay...done for now before I cry! BYE!

One more thing....if you have read the entire thing...THANK YOU!!! If anyone is wishing to leave a prayer, good notes, funnies, or a blessing, simply leave it here in your reply OR you can email me at: LuvJones78@msn.com. I am printing out all get well wishes for her to read.

Okay..I am gone for real!

Something New....

Either ya like or you don't like...if ya don't like, simply come back when there is a new post. =) That easy...

Anyway...my good friend Tracie has been emailing me daily devotionals, and they are too good to not pass on. I know alot of my friends out there would love to read these, so these are for you girlfriends! You know who you are....

So I am simply passing on some good words of wisdom...do me a favor: If you know someone that may benefit from these words, please either forward or print. That easy. Most all, if it applies to you, drink, and digest....

So thank you Tracie for sending these to me hopefully I can benefit and others. Luv ya..


October 6, 2008

I Will Do Something New
Melanie Chitwood

“’Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.’” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NAS)

Devotion:
Several years after a friend weathered a huge storm in her marriage, I asked her, “How do you not remember and not get angry all over again when you’re reminded of the hurt your husband caused you?”

Her answer was simple but not easy: “I choose to believe that God loves me, my husband, and my children. And I choose to trust God.”

The key word here is “choose.” Today’s key verse in Isaiah is also about choosing. In our marriages, we can choose to remember the hurtful times, or we can choose not “to call to mind the former things.”

Let’s look at some real-life examples where we can chose to look ahead rather than behind:

I can choose…
to forgive my husband for forgetting my birthday.
not to repeat in my mind the hurtful words my husband said in the heat of an argument.
to appreciate my husband for what he does now, rather than wishing he’d send me flowers like he did in the beginning of our marriage.
to be merciful and gracious when my husband loses money in an unwise investment.
not to hold grudges.
to forgive my husband for unfaithfulness.
not to wonder if I married the right man.

We can make choices like these every day in our marriages, and as we do, I believe we will see God do something new and miraculous in our marriages. After all, He’s the God who makes a “roadway in the wilderness” and “rivers in the desert” as our verse says.

I saw my friend choose to trust God during the storm in her marriage. Then, over and over again, I’ve seen her choose to look ahead to the new things God promises to do in her marriage, rather than dwell on the hurts of the past.

I’m inspired by my friend’s ability to rejoice over the new life God brought to her marriage. As our conversation concluded she said, “What we went through was absolutely heartbreaking, but I prayed to see it through God’s eyes. I believe that God can make all things new, that God can work all things to our good if we believe in Him. God transformed our marriage as I rested in Him and trusted Him.”

Dear Lord, I rejoice that You make all things new! Lord, You can even raise a dead marriage to new life. Lord, I choose to look ahead not behind in my marriage. I choose not to call to mind hurt from the past. I can’t wait to see what good things You bring to my marriage as I trust and obey You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Listen to P31 Radio Show

Application Steps:
Right now, what hurt or anger can you leave behind so God can do something new in your marriage? Pray now, confessing to God that you’ve been holding on to hurts of the past, and ask Him to begin a new work in your marriage.

Reflections:
What would happen if you forgave your husband for the way he hurt you?

What role does fear play in your inability to look ahead in your marriage?
Do you trust God to do something new in your marriage?

Power Verses:
Matthew 19:26, “…Jesus said to them, ‘With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (NAS)

Ephesians 4:22, 23, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, …to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” (NIV)
Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (NLT)
Tracie

Bre Dancing With Wubzy!

Love it!

Some recent pics of my girly goo...

Don't even ask..LOL! I know I am really mean....but it was around 11ish I guess. I finished doing my hair and I went to check on her and I found her like this...(but she wasn't rubbing her eyes...)she was knocked out cold....sitting UP in her bed leaning up against all her children in the bed...hilarious. She is such a wild sleeper...we laid her down on her tummy...and this was the end result...



Just a cute pic...love those eyes...


She's not normal...I'm tellin ya...but my mom told me I was a climber too...as I speak she is siting on the TOP of the back of the couch...she climbs up there without my assistance, reading a book...luckliy this couch is backed up against a wall. Anyway this pic below, she was climbing in it, standing in it...and that is not the purpose! Its an activity bin that holds legos and blocks and stuff!


Oh yes....this obviously is meant for riding...not standing...she is a daredevil! Oh, you thought I was lying when I was telling you stories about her...she's so silly! My future gymnast...future olympian!


I have to ask her what is in her mouth at times...so this is the result...


Hopefully you enjoyed...
She is my everything, my world, she is what keeps me goin!