Thoro Gem Thursday: The Queen, The Diva, The Powerhouse, Sugar and Spice

Continuing in the spirit of unity and spreading love, I want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow Arian sisters , this weeks thoro gems Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Cheryl "Salt" James.






Aretha Franklin was born March 25( that's also my sister's birthday). The power in her voice and her songs such as  "Chain of fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman", and of course "Respect" are clear examples as to why she was crowned the Queen of Soul.

Diana Ross born March 26. Singer. Actress. Diva. Diana's musical career started when she was 1/3 of the singing group The Primettes who later became The Supremes before going solo. Her sweet voice and beautiful acting in "Mahogany" and "Lady Sings the Blues", has rooted her in the spotlight.

The often imitated, never duplicated Mariah Carey born March 27th. As far as I'm concerned, Mariah was one of the first female pop artist to bridge pop and hip hop successfully without compromising her sound or image.

Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers. Excuse me, just a little ode to the late ODB.

As one of the members of the female pioneer Rap group, Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl "Salt" James born March 28th,has opened the door and paved the way for female rappers with hits like "Push It" and "Let's Talk About Sex".

Ledisi born March 28th. I cant even describe how much I love her. For me, listening to her music sometimes feels like I'm thumbing through my diary. With her soulful voice and pure lyrics, she can stand toe to toe with anyone.

In each of their genres, whether past or present, these four women have showed up and showed out. proving they are Originators, Innovators, Visionaries and Show Stoppers.

Aretha, Diana, Salt, Ledisi and Mariah, you ladies truly are thoro gems.

Thoro Gem Thurday: It's Officially Aries Season

Despite this awkward weather we're having, not only is it my favorite earth season, Spring ,but also my favorite astrological season. That's right, ARIES GANG!!!  We Aries women get such a bad rap about being bossy( which we might be) and divas( uh..duh) and maybe a little hot headed( sloooowly raises hand) BUT we are some of the most loving, honest ,and loyal people you will ever come across. To know us is to love us and if you don't love us, chances are...we honestly don't care. So in honor of all Aries, I have decided to highlight and celebrate just a few of my fav Rams on or around their birthdays.


This week's Thoro Gem is Chaka Khan. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow arian.


Chaka Kahn  was born March 23rd as Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago IL. Known as the Queen of Funk, her hits "Sweet Thing", "Tell Me Something Good", "I'm Every Woman" ,"Aint Nobody" and "I Feel For You" and my favorite "Angel" have solidified her as an icon and pioneer in R&B Soul, Disco, Jazz and Funk. She's a multiple Grammy award winner, human rights activist and still fly with her signature ruby red mane.

Caring and Courageous, Chaka Khan you truly are a thoro gem.

Thoro Gem Thursday: Hey Fran Hey

" I stopped looking for the light. Decided to become it."

This week's thoro gem is wellness guru, naturalista, singer, and public figure Francheska better know as Hey Fran Hey.

Where would I even start about this Harlem native other than this chick is the dopest. Fran taught me how to make natural body butter, get my mind right and care for my spirit. As 1/3 of the podcast, The Friend Zone, she brings a holistic approach to the hilarious show by  discussing mental, emotional, and social wellness.

And I'm not the love one who adores her, she just recently launch the Universal Thread campaign with Target looking so bomb. ( get into her sandals tho...LOVE) From beauty regimens, DIYs, and health tips, Fran helps people become their better selves and glow in the process.

Radiant, Artistic, & Beautifully spirited, Fran you truly are a thoro gem!




Website: www.heyfranhey.com
IG,Twitter, YouTube: heyfranhey

Blessed and Scared as hell

Next month I will be accomplishing one of my dreams. My first book, Blooming in Enough  will be releasing on April 14th and I'm scared as shit. This is literally a dream come true but all I want to do is hide. I didn't finish school and get a degree in English as planned. Although I am enrolled, I'm just on an involuntary financial break for the time being. I haven't been previously published any where or have been booked for speaking events other than poetry here and there. I don't live an extravagant life filled with unbelievable experiences or famous encounters. I don't have points of reference other than my IG posts or blogs nor is there anyone I can think of to vouch for my work but I have this unshakable feeling that I was created for this and I cannot see life without jotting down my thoughts, fears, dreams and ideas as they flow through my mind.



I remember a scene in Sister Act 2 when Sister Mary Clarence played by comedian Whoopi Goldberg, was explaining to Lauryn Hill's character, Rita, about a segment in the book Letters to a Young Poet, by Rainer Maria Rilke. The scene went as follows:

"A fellow used to write to him and say, I want to be a writer.Please read my stuff."

And Rilke says to this guy:"Don't ask me about being a writer. When you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing...then you're a writer."

 As a child this was just a scene in a movie. As an adult its the confirmation to proceed beyond the fear of failure. Obviously I'm scared that my art won't be received well. I was in church for many years. I openly love and proclaim Jesus as the Lord I follow...but I curse...a lot in the book. How will my old church family view me? Probably no worse than some of them already do but that's a whole other story.

I'm scared that I won't sell any books besides the copies my family and friends will purchase out of support.

I'm scared that reviews will be written calling my book trash or telling me to stop writing.

I'm scared of mistakes, misprints, being misunderstood.

What if I'm not really qualified to write? How will people see me? I have bouts with depression and anxiety already. Could some negative feedback trigger something in me? 

 I know all of those questions are rooted in the fear of the unknown so I guess the real question is why do I give a shit?!?! Because in reality, I wake up in the morning thinking about nothing but writing and my book. My experiences that I spun and created to touch on something bigger than the "what ifs". I'm blessed and to witness a dream come true is a beautiful feeling. Not a lot of people can say that. I know people that got caught up in drugs and have never been the same. I had friends who's lives were claimed by violence. I have friends who just got sentenced and won't have their freedom for the next few years. I have other friends on life support right now. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE AFRAID ANYMORE.  I have no idea what will happen on and after April 14th. What I know is that I'm a regular girl who loves to write and had the guts to go for it. Whatever happens is already written.

No pun intended.

 

 

 

Thoro Gem Thursday: Michelle Obama

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!!!!

Amongst all women, today I recognize and celebrate our former FOTUS, Mrs. Michelle Obama.
If there is anyone who is an ambassador of women, it is definitely her. Once a little girl from the Southside of Chicago, Mrs. Obama has become the sole inspiration for a majority of women and little girls of all nationalities. What I adore the most about Mrs.Obama is the gracious and relatable vibe that she exudes. Whether you graduated from a prestigious school or didn't graduate at all, she makes you feel like there is no level greatness that isn't attainable.








Her memoir "Becoming" is due to release this November and I truly cannot wait.










Beautiful, smart, strong and forever OUR first lady, Michelle Obama, your truly are a thoro gem!

Thoro Gem Thursday: Jenifer Lewis

"But a true diva has dismissed that drama. A true diva's heart is open, and she's ready to play by her own rules - rules that are gentle and kind."- Jenifer Lewis

What better way to kick off Women's history month than bragging about wonder of a woman! This week's thoro gem is the beautiful award -winning actress, author, singer, comedian, and activist, the legendary Jenifer Lewis. She is a pillar not just in the black community but also the industry. I just recent download her book, The Mother of Black Hollywood, A Memoir, and its full of laughs, jewels of wisdom and plain ole real talk. Of course she reveals the highs and lows of her career and also being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If you're a reader this is definitely one to add to your collection.
Her body of work truly speaks for its self, so do I really need to say much?! Yes I do. 55 movies, 30 tv roles , She's earned it.

From Tina Turner's momma in What's Love Got to Do With It, Ruby Johnson on the hit TV series Black-ish and my favorite character of hers, Aunt Lettuce in the movie Dirty Laundry, where she played the loud, meddling sister to actress Loretta Divine and aunt to the main character played by Roc Dunbar who comes out as gay to his southern family shortly after a surprise visit by his white boy.

Jenifer Lewis brings a precise level of excellence and melanin magic to screen that is never forgotten. So much so, that you almost feel like you've encountered her as if she's had to lift your head up by the chin, look in your eyes after gently wiping tears away right before saying " Baby, cut all that crying bullshit out and pull yourself together. Aint' nobody got time for that." This lovely familiarity is the reason why most millennial's have gladly given her the honorary title of Auntie.




A Diva, Wise, and authentically Hilarious, Jenifer Lewis, you truly are a thoro gem.