Soundtrack of my life

I've had this thought for quite some time, years actually; the thought that the music that I listen to really is an expression of how I am feeling. As artists write songs that are possibly indicative of events in their lives, I listen to music that have lyrics that really speak to me. I have often thought that for any given period of time in my life, I could probably compile a list of songs that are metaphoric of the soundtrack of my life.

Well, over the last year, I have been "Under Pressure" (Queen). From dealing with dynamics at work, buying a home (to which I am excited that now I am a homeowner), managing finances, and just living life. I had a long term relationship hurtfully come to an end. So, I've been patiently awaiting my time to feel free to "Exhale" (Whitney Houston). The tears came, and at one point, I just said, I need to "Let It Flow" (Toni Braxton) and let it go. I questioned how someone could be so "Heartless" (Kanye West). I even wanted to "Bust [the] Windows" (Jazmine Sullivan) out his car. I didn’t do it though. That's not me. I'm too much of a chicken anyway. Plus it really wasn't worth my car insurance increasing! But I felt Jazmine nonetheless.

I then needed to move into a more positive place, which meant, I needed to get to "The Heart of the Matter" (India Arie) and move to a place of forgiveness. There was no need to have all the hostility eating me up inside. Life is about more. So, I needed to go ahead and "Praise [God] in Advance" (Marvin Sapp) because HE was transitioning me to a new, elevated place in my life. As Marvin Sapp says, I started singing, clapping, dancing and people probably thought I was crazy, but I knew God would deliver me.

I finally realized that "A New Day Has Come" (Celine Dion). I now feel as though I'm "On the Ocean" (K'Jon) because I feel as though my ship is finally coming in.

My iPod is an eclectic mix of music. These experiences have made me wiser, more mature, more confident and more in tune with my intuitions. I thank God for each. So let's have a "Celebration" (Kool & The Gang). Come on! I can now turn 30 and begin a new chapter of my life with a new outlook and peace of mind to know that happiness is not an anomaly. It's an everyday possibility. Life's Grand! and is a happy place. Family, friends and companions are loved ones that have always been more fulfilling to me than anything money could ever buy.

I'm "Overjoyed" (Stevie Wonder) and the love just keeps coming! Thank you to the musical artists who capture the essence of the lives we live and the experiences we encounter.

What's your life's soundtrack? Sing your song!

Peace, Love and Sunshine! :)

The White House's First Poetry Jam

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Tonight, the Obamas hosted a poetry jam at the White House. It was a small event, but carries a lot of weight considering the unprecedentedly diverse group of artists and performers. The event included Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Jewish and African American writers.

“We’re here to celebrate the power of words and music to help us appreciate beauty and also to understand pain,’’ the president told the crowd.

Mayda del Valle, a 30-year-old poet from Chicago who performed, told the New York Times:

“To be able to go in the White House and to represent my grandmother and my ancestors, it really means a lot. It’s a generation of women that don’t often get heard, you know, these old Puerto Rican women that no one ever really thinks about. To be able to use my voice to represent them on this kind of platform is really powerful.”

Another favorite quote from the article: Desiree Rogers, the White House social secretary (and fellow Wellesley alum, I might ad):

“Our goal really is to bring the house alive,’’ said Rogers. “We’re all American, but all of us come from different backgrounds. We want to expose Americans to other Americans that are doing brilliant work.’’

So simple, but so refreshing.

Remembering Bea Arthur

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Bea Arthur of "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" fame died Saturday at 86. Here is a funny clip in honor of the sharp-tongued actress.

Black Chrome

You can’t tell by looking at me, but anyone who knows me well can tell you that I love motorcycles. And as soon as I learn to ride (don't laugh) I intend to travel this great country on my Sportster.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that the California African American Museum has an exhibit that looks at the African American contribution to motorcycle aesthetics, technology and culture in post-World War II America.

I met with the history curator for the exhibit, which runs through April 12th, and I found that not only did African Americans shape American motorcycle culture, but there’s also a special place for African American women within that culture. There’s hope for me yet.