Two Weeks...and the mask cracks...

I don't write too many personal posts...but I'm going to make tonight an exception.

One of my favorite sayings is:






Ok. I have the 1st & 2nd points on lock. However, that last verb (for it IS an action word) is a point of contention for me.
Why???
It seems that when i think i've found 'THE ONE'...I actually did not.
My last relationship...though short in duration, started off beautiful & wonderful. It was ABSOLUTELY EXCITING!!
and then the two weeks came.
And slowly cracks started to appear.
Now I"m not going to put him on blast, cuz he may in fact read my blog.
He didn't show support for my blog when we were together, but that doesn't mean he won't visit it...eventually.
One of the cracks that appeared was of a mental nature.
Up/down mood swings.
Depression.
Given the fact that he was 10+yrs older I thought (imho) he would be able to govern his emotions better than what I observed.
Being around him became increasingly difficult as I had now gone from his woman to his traveling cheerleader.
I was exhausted.
I was frustrated.
And I was resentful.
I know initially, relationships are exciting. I know they can be tempestuous.
But for some reason, I keep getting played with the 'bait and switch.'
I meet these men who are nice, kind and sweet...and I swear when it hits the 2 week mark...the sweet words aren't as frequent, the calls are shorter in duration etc.
My twin One Man, blogged about having a broken heart and it's based off John Mayer's song entitled, "Dreaming With A Broken Heart" (check out Magic's video remake below-it's moving)


As a woman of the ol' school...I also want a man who's ol' school. That doesn't mean you know all of Al Green's & Sam Cooke's songs.
This means YOU KNOW HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE!!
Ladies, how many men do u know can actually change a tire?
Do u know every man I've attempted to date-cannot change a tire.
(except for my ex in Cali, and he's a pretty boy who doesn't mind getting dirty under the hood...but then again he's Belizian so that may have something to do with his work ethic. He's a police officer/mechanic)
For some reason, I AM COMPELLED to ask "do u know how to change a tire??"

they ALWAYS answer, No.
I swear, it's like a part of me dies inside.
My fear:
I get a flat tire, and call my man up,
tell him I got a flat tire,
and he asks me...did u call AAA??
NO.
I'm calling YOU...
so YOU, not AAA can change my tire, doggone it!!
I know more WOMEN who can change a tire than I do men..smh

what's going on?

This post isn't about changing tires, but its about the quality of men that I encounter.
I just think about the kind of man my daddy is.
My daddy worked OT without complaining-taking care of 4 kids, fixed our cars and neighbors' cars, I mean if there was an issue MY DADDY was called.
He was the go-to guy, a hero if you will.
My daddy was the 1st one you called, and still is.
And before anyone asks...my daddy grew up in a single mother household-who raised 7 chirren.

Now if I call a man..this is the conversation (hypothetical)
him: hey babe.
me: hey.
him: what's wrong? u don't sound good.
me: yeah, my tire's on flat, and I need to get to work. I need u to come change it.
him: Uhh, I don't know how to change a tire...did u call AAA?
me: *silence*
him: hello
me: *silence*
him: hello? Bree.
me: i'm here. And no, I did not call AAA. I called you.
him: well did u call your mother?
me: she doesn't have a car.
him: did u call ur sis?
me: she lives in Cali.
him: did you call you bros?
me: he's in Tennessee. Both of them.
him: well, what about 1 of your friends?
me: you want me to call 1 of my friends...and I have a man? Do u know how embarrassing it is to have a man, who can't change a tire? Hell, u can go online and learn how to change a tire!!
him: Well, I'm sorry Bree, i don't know how to change a tire. Do you want me to call AAA for you?
me: *click.*
him: Bree? Bree?
me: *dial tone*

*****

Where are the MEN??
I know everything's in God's hands, so please don't tell me that-I already know.
However in my humanness i still have questions that I ask aloud.
This is just one of those times.
Oy vey.
smh



Come See What's Poppin'at Bria's Own Words, my OTHER blog!

1Cor. 13th...Love Covers A Multitude of Sins...Hope LisaRaye Remembers that...

If this is true, then Misick is Making Me Sick!

Chile, it's hard being 'low-low-but not THAT LOW-kinda middle class' and not get in trouble...so I can't even imagine what it's like being 'royalty' in another country. But if you're rich, prominent, and have status...WHY R U GETTING INTO TROUBLE (allegedly) anyways??

What am I talking about?

It seems that 'actor' turned first lady-duchess, Queen, lady-in-waiting, Your Highness...whatever her title is, Lisa Raye's (of movie 'Player's Club' fame) husband Premier of Turks & Caicos (I guess that makes LisaRaye-Premieress) Michael Misick is being investigated for sexual assault charges against a Puerto Rican female,over 18.
Uhh ok. Heck, with that description we'll be able to identify the victim in any Macy's Parade crowd!


source: Google Images


Source: Google Images

Surely, he knows it doesn't take much to get caught up in a compromising situation as a politician! LisaRaye should've googled, 'Hot Mess Politicians' printed out the results and and stuck it on his wall...just so he'd have a clue!

I hope it's not true.

I did think it was odd, when I saw a recent pic of Lisa Raye and she didn't have on her official 'American girl-who-hit-a-good-lick-White.'

It made me wonder (for a moment) if all was well at the crib.

Did she stand up to him and say, "Michael I swear...if you BUY ME ONE MORE WHITE OUTFIT...we're taking it outside, so my daughter don't see me go Player's Club on your behind!!"
I'm sure after she clicked the remote and played that scene (where she beat up 'Ronnie' near the end of the movie) for him...he thought better of it.
If I know Lisa Raye (and i don't, lol) she probably had aunty Vivica (Fox), gel down those sides, pull that (collagen) syringe out of her lips and smuggle a dress to T&C with the quickness!
See, what I mean?
Aunty Viv, has some nice taste-thtat dress looks great on Lisa Raye!
She oughta switch up more often...or dang, add a splash of color (or put Aunty Viv on payroll, and let her become her personal shopper-wouldn't hurt).
Lisa Raye reminds me of Morgan Freeman (in his role as 'God') on Bruce Almighty-with all that white. She just took it to another level.

Image source: Google

Anyhooo...I just hope that love she was gushing about during her wedding, still applies. Whether he's guilty or not, this is sure to test their marriage-and this is where your vows come into play. She always came across to me as fiercely loyal, and I hope that's true. Cuz although Lisa Raye is pretty, she still looks like she'll pull a switch blade out on ya! lol

**I'm goin to quote my other baby blog sis Dejanae...'ima need for this one to not be true..' I agree 100%**

We'll see. Story Details here.


Oh...and is Turks & Caicos part of the U.S. Territories?? Why did the FBI...land their chopper over there???
Mmmmhmmmm...
time'll tell.
I hope it's some kind of weired convuluted misunderstanding.


Did you know Turks & Caicos (T&C)...is like a big deal now? Esp., for celebrity black folks-it's no longer God's best kept secret.
Turks & Caicos ...is a BEAUTIFUL place. I'll have to adopt 6 kids with the quickness so I can get a JUICY tax refund next year, and be able to afford a one night-one day visit. It is $$$$


Oh...you don't know how Turks & Caicos, roll??
Click here and prepare to be amazed!!


Come See What's Poppin'at Bria's Own Words, my OTHER blog!

Scripture of the Day...

1 Corinthians 13: 1-3

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Online Parallel Bible

*****
This scripture is sooo true.
It doesn't matter how rich you are, the connections you have, the tawny neighborhood you live in, how productive your children are, how smart YOU THINK you are, the accolades you've received...if you DO NOT HAVE LOVE...it all means NOTHING.

You're just a mess of atoms and molecules.
smh


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Tavis Ask::How Has "Unconditional Love" Touched You??

Vanessa B posted this on her blog at the end of Jan. '08-and I'm just now viewing her post. I admit, I've been slippin on my blog visiting but a sista has been biz with life and trying to throw posts up on YBR....my other blogs are neglected as well :( But I digress...
Tavis wants YOUR SUBMISSION...If you want to give it to him...read below-U MUST FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS-and who knows, you story may be included in his book, Love Wins. Happy Writing!!

Love Wins!

“I believe just as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did that love is the most powerful and transformative force in the world; the only thing capable of turning an enemy into a friend.” -Tavis Smiley
LOVE WINS Manuscript Submission Guidelines
1. LOVE WINS submissions are real life stories ranging in length from 500 to 1,200 words.
2. Submissions can be can be sent via our Web site or mailed to the SmileyBooks editorial department:


SmileyBooks
Attn: “LOVE WINS” Submissions
33 W. 19th Street, 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10011

3. Typed manuscripts must be submitted on standard 8-1/2” x 11” paper, in 12-point font. Take the extra time to proofread your work. Remember you only have one chance to make a first impression.
4. Please be sure that your name and contact information are clearly marked on your submission.
5. We are not able to mail acknowledgement cards or return submissions, so please never send us your original or only copy.
6. If your submission is selected for publication, you will be contacted directly.
7. Final contributors' bios will be included along with their selection and each author will receive a complimentary autographed first edition copy of LOVE WINS. In addition to the entries included in the book, SmileyBooks will feature additional selections on www.tavistalks.com.
8. All submissions must be received no later than February 29, 2008.



:: Overview

:: Pressroom

:: Tips for Writing Your
LOVE WINS Story

:: Manuscript Submission Guidelines

:: Submit Your Story Online
Deadline:
February 29 ,2008

:: Share This with a Friend

:: Home
source



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Opening Up...

My Black Man


Being honest with others is not a problem for me. However, being honest with myself is. Since I've been single far longer than I care to meditate on, it has given me cause to reflect, visualize, change and grow. Maybe it's because in less than 3 months I'll be entering a new decade -- my fourth decade, to be exact.

But (for reasons unknown to me)I can't help but think about my Black man, the Black man that I can't wait to appreciate!

That's right: I said it. I can't wait to appreciate my Black man. I've listened to Mary J. Blige's song "Feel Like A Woman" and cosign the lyrics, "I'm tired of being independent; I want to start depending on you." If that makes me look soft, like a sucker, if it means I have to take down, so be it.


I want my Black man to know that I appreciate the labor he does in the world outside in order to strengthen the foundation of our world on the inside (of our home). I want him to know my eyes are for him only, as is my sashay, my smile, the scent upon my neck that causes him to transcend time.

My Black man, all that I am is for you. I'm not your enemy, but your ally. I want to love you, hold you, and console you, especially when carrying the burdens of a Black man is so heavy that your shoulder, neck and back ache. Let me work the kinks out of your life, or better yet, let me stand back, praise you, and edify you as you work them out.

Did I tell you that you are my hero? Lois may have her Clark Kent, and Jaime may have Steve Austin. But no superhero can compare to Bria's Black man who is able to tell a mountain to be removed, has faith the size of a mustard seed, believes for the impossible, and knows whatever weapon is formed against him will not prosper. My Black man, without question I will follow you to the ends of the earth.

Thank you for living for me. So many people have been misguided by the cliché “I'll die for you,” but will you really? It's harder to live for me, seeing past my faults, mistakes, and flaws. Apologizing when it was I who erred. I agree, what good is it to die for me when we promised to spend an eternity together?

My Black man, I am here as your lover, your friend, confidante, compadre, shadow, helpmeet, critic, tie straightener, crumbs remover, hair analyst, spell checker, sounding board, temple massager, your ottoman -- whatever you need me to be, so I shall be to you. I appreciate you not for anything other than who you are.



The questions raised are: Are you ready for me? Can you handle unconditional love, laughter, joy, hand-holding, butterfly kisses, a word in kind, passionate loving, heated words, spirited debates, stick-in-stay, til-death-do-us-part, lifetime partners, undying loyalty, zaniness, walks in the rain, unity, exchanging looks and not saying a word. Can you handle success?

No, no, shhhhh, don't speak just yet. Take some time before giving your answer. Search the depths of your soul, become naked in your very own eyes, and let Truth have her way.

Forever, I am available to you. I honor you. I revere you. I appreciate you. But most of all, my Black man, I love you.
source

I've written this for Black Male Appreciation.com PLEASE support this website and RJ whose made it his mission to encourage the black male!

Thank you

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Happy Hump Day::Wordless Wednesday:::LOVE

Images Courtesy of:
Google Images

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((((LOVE TO MY MICHIGANDERS)))))

Just want to spread some love to a couple of my MI visitors who pop in and out
BUT DON'T COMMENT...(woosahh, wooosahhh)
If I didn't mention your name it's bcuz I didn't know you,"Recognize"d!

• Longest supporter-'M.M'.
• 'B Angie B'
• 'Philly'
• Nesa-daughter
• Tone-son
• 'Yo-sista'-my sister (honorary Michigander by way of Lancaster, CA)
• Ashmozy-niece
• 'mama Ivent'-mother (who still doesn't grasp the blog concept)
• 'Lowe-Lowe'
• 'Hotsauce'-This 'Michigander's' blog must be checked out, if laughs are in order! That's Not Hott
  

To all other Michiganders...let me know who you are and I'll add you to this post (I must know you!)

To quote Philly: Let's do it 'great in 2008!'

A Dream Deferred, No longer

In June 2007, Gabriel Johnson had the world at his feet. He was a senior at Alameda High School. And he was preparing for his prom. Remembering that his grandmother was denied her prom due to being pregnant with Gabriel's father, George- Gabriel honored his grandmother with an expression of love, that was fitting for a queen. How? click here :His Queen for a day

:::::::Blogs of Interest:::::::::::::

We Love You, Black Man!

(image courtesy of Google Images)

Everyday, regardless of the media outlet, the black man is denigrated.
They're put down, lied on, abused, and maligned.
One media outlet is the black woman's mouth.
Just as mainstream media is guilty of creating an unpalatable image of the black male, our words have done the same or worse.
A brother I spoke to out of Detroit, is hoping to change the face of the black man.
Check out his blog BLACK MALE APPRECIATION.
RJ feels that enough of the tearing down and puts the ball in our court by challenging us to invest seeds (words) of hope in the black male.What are we doing as a community to build the black man up? If you, would like to be part of the "build up a black man" movement, how about contributing encouraging words,challenges, thoughts on upliftment.
Interested? Then become a writer for Black Male Appreciation
I WANT TO BUILD YOU UP BLACK MAN

Visit RJ's, personal blog I AM RJ and learn about transformation of self, unconditional love etc.
His newest post is on his fiancee Cheryl, and the discovery of a love that flourished not diminished despite Cheryl's hair loss to Alopecia Areata ( a condition that causes hair to fall out on a certain area of the body for w/out reason. There is no cure).
Read about RJ's love for Cheryl here: No Love loss with hair loss

Family, please add these sites to your blogrolls and pass the links. It's time we share the love.

This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made, We Will Rejoice, and Be Glad In It!!

In my immediate household, Thanksgiving is not a holiday.
On the daily my children and I do a "Thanks" check:
"Mama, did you thank God today?"
"Hey guys, did you thank your Daddy today?"
My daughter 'Nesa, will shout "THANK U, JESUS!" out loud, because she knows what we've been thru and where we've come from.

• I'm thankful that I'm no longer that controlling (out of fear) insecure woman, who abused verbally/physically when things didn't go MY WAY. (that's why i comment strongly on abuse...they're scared control freaks!)
  

• I'm thankful that after all of the HELL I put my mom through (due to NO SELF-ESTEEM) my mom not only talks to me, but has forgiven me.

• My Father, saw me living a life of perversion (homosexuality, among other things) and sent an angel to minister TO ME, and not my sin. She NEVER judge me. She had not SENTENCED ME TO HELL, as other Christians that preceded her. I remember telling her, "people told me I was going to hell, but they never told me how I could go to heaven."

• He took me from being a drinking, smoking, violent STRIPPER (hustling brothers out of their money) and placed me in a major telecommunications company-the salary I make is equivalent to those with college degrees. I'm WORKING on my degree now. I was so real, I told the interviewer I worked in a strip club, and she considered that "public relations/sales!" Look at God!

• I NOW know my worth. I'm priceless and therefore when Mooky, Pooky and Ray-Ray come along, I don't succumb to their wiles. I am NOT willing to sacrifice my children, nor myself in the name of dysfunction, loneliness, or because I don't feel complete. My Lord God, has filled the voids that (in the past) lead me to make unpalatable decisions. I take myself to the movies, out to dinner, on trips. Call me Loreal honey, cuz I'm worth it!

• Today, the boldness that I embarrassed God with in the world, is now employed to speak out against hurts administered in the church, BY THE CHURCH! I'm serious...I have ruffled serious feathers in the church. Yes, we're supposed to pray and forgive but we can also go to those we have alt with and let them know what's really going on. Read Matthew 18:15, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone."

• My mind is restored. In my early 20's, my family life was in a state of disrepair. In my mind it was a hopeless situation and I felt soooooo alone. I remember writing a 4-page letter (front/back) *you all know i'm long-winded* it was my farewell to the world. You know what changed my mind? I couldn't come up with an explanation that would justify my suicide to my kids. I told them so many times in the letter, it wasn't their fault, and I loved them, but they did not believe me. I saw their future as angry, hurt, locked up in prison cuz their mom was not around...missing proms, 1st loves etc.
  

By the grace of my Daddy, I'm still here!
Has it been a piece of cake? of course not, I thought of turning in my "Body of Christ" membership card on many occasions...but yet, I press on.

Happy Thanksgiving to:
my blog-mama: Lynn,
blog-sis: AJ,
blog-bro:Ray
blog-hubby: Brian,
blog-aunties: Rosemarie, Regina
blog-cousins and n'em: Hicktown Press and blog-mama's husband-coworkers (she knows what I mean!)
blog-twin: One Man (dang can I know my twin's name??? lol)
my blog-sorors: "Colored Girls who've considered...",
blog-spiritual warriors: Phil, IC, Melvin (I have your backs!)
blog-soul sista:Invisible Woman
blog-gentle spirit: Marcus
blog- militant souljas: DB & Yobachi
blog-sista neo soul: Thembi
blog-shero:DeDe Hunt,spoken-word artist Dede's Myspace page, a must see
LQQKY LQQs (regular visitors who chill,but don't post):
thanks for your support!
blog- media sources: CNN, MSNBC, TMZ, Yahoo News, AOL News, Atlanta Journal,
Eurweb, & Black America


and most of all, I'm thankful 4 my jr. souljas in training who's just as real as me, their mama, and keeps me grounded!:
Nesa 19 (myspace is her platform) & Tony 16
They are my motivation. When they want info on a story or current event, I tell them to go to my blog, read it, and comment.

To those I missed, don't take it personal...do you know how many blogs I visit? lol
here's a place for you:
my-blog ____________: (your name goes here)

And on that note, I leave you this:


Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com
***Please don't forget to educate anyone with a pulse, about the plight of the black woman, esp. Mother Sara Baartman's place in history!***


Happy Holidays, Fam!

Trials & Tribulations Will Come...

(Sometimes I must be reminded, IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!)

Romans 8:28-39 (New King James Version)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 3oMoreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”^[a]

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Read the Bible online