doing good and well while doing my thing at CL
My life is complicated enough, so when it comes to the items I use on a daily basis I need them to be as simplistic as can be. The Mighty Wallet is just that.
Not only is it slim, lightweight and water-resistant, it’s also fully expandable and recyclable. Plus, it only costs $15 and comes in over 45 designs.
“Fear less, hope more. Whine less, breathe more.
Talk less, say more. Hate less, love more.
And all good things are yours.”
— Swedish proverb
“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do;
the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”
— Andrew Jackson
Fela Kuti
Be sure to enter the CL FELA! Original Broadway Cast Recording giveaway
I’ve been looking for a great tan suit for a while now, and this one from Brooks Brothers certainly fits the bill. Plus, it’s on sale.
It’s been over a year since I left the corporate world, but I wonder if I can still use my corporate membership card…
Absolutely!
I loved Peter Gabriel’s cover album, Scratch My Back, so I’m extremely excited for Phil Collins’ Motown and soul classics one, Going Back, set for release September 28. Blue-eyed soul is back!
I can’t justify paying more for it than my first apartment’s rent. :(
No gentleman ever discusses any relationship with a lady.
— Keith Miller
Bootsy Collins performing “I’d Rather Be With You” in Houston, 1976
The Belkin Conserve Valet lets you charge all of your mobile devices in one convenient place, and automatically shuts off power—including standby power—after devices are fully charged. It even senses when new devices are added so you always get a full charge. The product itself draws zero power when not in use—so you can keep your devices ready to go without wasting energy.
Mansions on the Moon - “She Makes Me Feel”
I guess when it comes down to it
Being grown up isn’t half as fun as growing up
These are the best days of our lives
The only thing that matters is just following your heart
And eventually you’ll finally get it right
- The Ataris, “In This Diary”
I’ve been a blessed young man. These past couple of years have made me realize how fortunate I am to have two loving, supportive parents, as well as a group of special people in my life always rooting for me.
On the eve of my 26th birthday, I can’t help but think about my childhood friend, Andrew, who died in 2002, a few weeks shy of our high school graduations. His birthday is a couple of weeks after mine, and I’m deeply saddened that he’ll never have the chance to experience life after 18.
I also can’t help but remember when I wanted to end my life.
But those days are long gone, and now I’m motivated to cherish life and live every day to the fullest after realizing how truly precious it is. Life is a blessing and once you realize that, you begin to love it a little more.
I’m now well aware of my own personal strengths and weaknesses, have examined my limitations and will continue to learn as long as I live, and, as a result, I am who I am. I do not, nor will I, attempt to define myself by anyone else’s definitions. I answer to a much higher authority, and, in my opinion, that’s the only authority that matters.
In retrospect, I’ve done some things I’m not entirely proud of; I’ve done some things I suppose I should be ashamed of; however, I regret nothing, knowing that everything I’ve done in the past has made me who I am today. I ask that I be forgiven for said things, as that is all any of us can do.
I appreciate my supporters for continuously believing in me, as well as my endeavors. I also want to shout-out my detractors (you know who you are) for forcing me to work even harder to ensure continued success; how about you read Psalm 27 some time?
Infinite thanks, peace and blessings to you all.
Back on the grind tomorrow, and that means button-downs, blazers…and ironing.
After putting sheets on the bed, ironing has to be my most despised chore. Yes, I know I could pay someone to take care of that for me, and I did for a while. But when I realized how much money I was spending on something I could easily do myself, I stopped, which is exactly why I’ve been cutting my own hair (and my brother’s) for nearly a decade.
Lately I’ve been ironing most of what I’ll need during the week while watching television or a movie instead of waiting until a few minutes before I head out the door. But I obviously need to step my game up because the gentleman below demonstrates how ironing should be done.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeA9gH_iWXY
Post Title Download: Air -- “You Make It Easy” from Moon Safari
This is a bit apropos following what I wrote a couple of weeks ago, but it stems from a late-night conversation with my brother from another mother Brett.
These last few months have drained me, to say the least, and over the next couple of weeks I fear it’s only going to get worse as I contend with the end of the fiscal year in one career and brace myself for the next chapter in another.
No one said it would be easy; I just never imagined myself going so hard.
I’ve sacrificed a bit of sanity in addition to foregoing a few of the things I love in order to maintain. Life is moving too fast these days, and it’s almost as if it’s passing me by in the simplest sense. I know I’m the one who allowed it to get this far, and that’s why I’ve enjoyed these last couple of days doing much of nothing, careful as not to reach “vacation” territory after what happened earlier this year when I took my first real vacation and returned in worse shape than before I left.
I’m finally beginning to realize it’s okay to take a break. At times, doing so may even be a necessity.
“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”
— Andrew Jackson
Post Title Download: Ben Jelen – “Slow Down” from Give It All Away
Hello,
I really like your blog, N-Retrospekt and your contribution to Concrete Loop! I noticed that in one of your interviews you mentioned having a full-time job. How do you balance a full-time job w/ your blogging/interests?I was offered a freelance opportunity as a contributor for a blog, but I’m not sure if I want to take on a full-time or part-time job. I want to start my own blog and pursue music (songwriting).
Any thoughts or suggestions? I’m trying to figure out a balance.
Christine
It’s not easy, Christine, but it can be done.
Since becoming a professional blogger a few short years ago, I’ve had jobs in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. I love what I do, both as a blogger and in my current position, and it’s that passion (along with my unwavering faith) which allows me to do the things I do.
I’ll admit there have been times when I’ve thought about quitting one to concentrate more on the other, but having a job AND a career somehow balances me. Although I can’t discuss the nature of my work, I spend at least nine hours of my day in an office. Writing has always been a cathartic experience for me, so I’ll be forever grateful to Angel for my first blogging job. Since then, it has become my escape from the daily grind and taken on a life of its own. I can no longer say which is my job and which is my career.
Drake said it best: “They always tell me nobody’s workin’ as hard as you, and even though I laugh it off, man, it’s probably true.” It would be much easier if there were such a thing as business hours for a blogger. Unfortunately, there isn’t, but I’ve learned to cope.
I’ve been blogging longer than I’ve had any day job, and after only eight months with a 9 to 5, I quit to focus on blogging full-time again. For the next two and a half months, though, I nearly went crazy trying to find something to keep myself occupied. I took on a few writing assignments and did some volunteer work, but it wasn’t enough. Before long, I had another day job to help occupy my time. It lasted shorter than the first as I could no longer deal with the stress of my nonprofit position. I’m now approaching my one-year mark in the government sector, and I couldn’t be happier.
The trick for me was to find something that complemented blogging in no way. The benefits of my current position are an added bonus, but I often find myself getting just a few hours of sleep each night. That’s a small price to pay, though, as I know my work (both online and off) is valued.
For you, Christine, and anyone else in your situation, find what drives and motivates you and the things you love most in this world. You mentioned wanting to start your own blog and music, perhaps this freelance opportunity will allow you to incorporate that into your work and create a launchpad for your voice. Because most people don’t realize what it takes to be a blogger, it may be a great start for you to work with an established blog before striking out on your own. If you decide to take on another job while blogging and you want to actively pursue both, know that at times sacrifices will have to be made; but the reward of doing something you love will make it worthwhile.
There are times when I feel like I’m always working, but I love that feeling. I need that feeling. That’s who I am; that’s who I’ve become. This is the life I chose or rather the life that chose me.
The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.
— James A. Michener
Post Title Download: Atmosphere – “Trying to Find a Balance” from Seven’s Travels
With summer upon us, this week’s Sunday Share is a summer set filled with indie rock, a little funk, some contemporary classical, vocal jazz and soft rock. Just like last week’s music mix, it’s quite eclectic which is something I hope you’ll come to expect and enjoy.
Yeasayer – “Wait for the Summer”
From All Hours Cymbals
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – “The Summer of ‘91″
From Worlds Apart
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince – “Summertime”
From Homebase
Kool & The Gang – “Summer Madness [Live]“
From The Best of Kool and the Gang (1969-1976)
Kronos Quartet – “Summer: Summer Overture”
From Requiem for a Dream Soundtrack
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love music. I also love sharing it. C introduced me to Sunday Share years ago, and I’m resurrecting it with Loving, Living & Learning, an hour-long compilation of smooth, mellow grooves from India.Arie, Jamiroquai, Me’Shell NdegéOcello, Miles Davis and even a track from Erykah Badu before she became Erykah Badu + more. Some you may have heard; many you probably haven’t. All, I hope, you’ll love. Enjoy!
Tracklisting
1. India.Arie – Intro: Loving
2. Alan Silvestri – Theme from The Bodyguard
3. Erica Wright – Outro
4. The Art of Noise – Camilla
5. Charlie Haden & Gonzalo Rubalcaba – En La Orilla Del Mundo (At the Edge of the World)
6. Chocolate Genius – Unknown (ft. Branford Marsalis)
7. India.Arie – Interlude: Living
8. Ilya – Bellissimo
9. Jamiroquai – Didjital Vibrations
10. Joe Bataan – Mujer Mia
11. Mark Isham – Crash
12. Me’Shell NdegéOcello – Adam
13. Michael Leonhart – Planet Caravan
14. Miles Davis – Nature Boy
15. India.Arie – Outro: Learning
16. Sigur Rós – Untitled 1 (a.k.a. Vaka)
17. Jerry Martin – Bittersweet (The Sims: Build Mode)
18. Wax Poetic – Angels (ft. Norah Jones)
Download: J. Dakar’s Write State o’ Mind Presents: Loving, Living & Learning
I can’t count how many times I’ve returned to blogging, personally that is. Seems like I go long periods without it and then return and act as if I’m actually going to stick with it; after all, here I am doing it yet again. I offer no excuse or apology for sporadic entries that I’ve produced over the years; after all, it’s my site(s) and I’ll post if I want to.
Write State o’ Mind is my blogging rebirth, however.
A natural extension of myself into the blogosphere, this is all about the world that exists around me. In addition to expressing my thoughts, opinions, passions and interests, it will also document my journey as I complete my first novel/screenplay.
Over the past few years, writing has become a very cathartic experience for me. I used to keep a notebook and to jot down my thoughts throughout the day, but now I have Write State o’ Mind.
With that said, here’s another again…
Post Title Download: John Legend – “Another Again” from Once Again
In honor of Sade’s new track, “Soldier of Love“, here’s the first album review I ever wrote for The Best of Sade.
If you’re a product of the eighties or prior, most likely you’ve never known a time without the ever prolific, soulful Sade and frankly, who would want to?
The Best of Sade is a 16-track masterpiece of some of her best work until 1992.
Released in 1994, the album went double platinum in the U.S., the United Kingdom and Italy, in addition to going platinum in nine other countries.
With her exotic beauty and captivating voice, Sade manages to cast a spell on any listener; however, I must admit, it’s “Never as Good as the First Time”. Somewhere around 1995, I stumbled across an old cassette tape in my dad’s study. As a young boy, anything that featured a beautiful woman on the cover piqued my interest although I can’t say much has changed since then. I rushed to put the cassette in my stereo and the first thing I heard were the horns and bass of “Is It a Crime”. Then I heard one of the most beautiful voices say, “This may come…this may come as some surprise, but I miss you.” I missed her too, yet I didn’t even know who she was.
It was Sade’s sophomore album, Promise, released ten years earlier in 1985, that quickly catapulted her to the top of my list of favorite singers. I thought to myself, “Why haven’t I heard this before, or of Sade, for that matter?” Perhaps, an even better question at the time would have been, “Who is Sade?” I wasn’t even sure of how to pronounce her name, until my dad came in the room and muttered something along the lines of, “Hooked on Sade, huh?” and that, I certainly was.
Helen Folasade Adu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, to an African father and an English mother. Growing up, she’d listen to some of the best soul singers of her time like Ray Charles, Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye—artists who were able to capture an emotion, such as heartache or love, and force that feeling upon all who listened; a skill Sade also naturally possesses.
The effortless “Stronger Than Pride” fuses island beats, jazz and R&B into a timeless classic. Her dynamic handling of “Is It a Crime” is what caught my attention. The soft, gentle tone in the beginning is overrun with emotion as Sade pleads for a love lost. “Jezebel”, with its haunting appeal and the singer’s vulnerability evident in her voice, forces you to listen and take notice. But, of course, you should be doing that anyway. On “No Ordinary Love”, Sade’s voice oozes sex appeal, making it one of the best love-making songs ever (from what I’ve heard, at least). The lyrics to “Cherish the Day” fit perfectly with the deep, sensual musical accompaniment. “Pearls”, the jewel that closes this collection, is so full of emotion that I cried the first time I heard it.
I’m not entirely sure how one would classify Sade; so many influences are evident in her music. However, this is definitely a chill-out album to relax with your loved one and “Cherish the Day”.
Post Title Download: Sade – “Never as Good as the First Time” from The Best of Sade
Every year on December 1, millions of people around the world come together. Not so much in a literal sense, but more of a united front in which a dedication to raising awareness of one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history is made.
AIDS has already claimed the lives of over 25 million people. Unfortunately, many people with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) don’t even know they’re carrying it.
Fighting HIV/AIDS is a very important cause to me, having been one of the youngest members to serve on the Board of Directors of AIDS Alabama; I don’t personally know anyone with it, and I’d like to keep it that way.
Although there has been a lot of publicity about drug treatments which are prolonging some people’s lives, they don’t work for everyone and there is still no cure in sight. Moreover, young people are still becoming infected at alarmingly high rates. With no cure for AIDS, our only hope is prevention and in order to prevent, we must educate and raise awareness.
It’s up to each of us to take a stand against this epidemic, but first we must educate ourselves and get rid of the stigma surrounding those who are living with HIV/AIDS. It’s important that we keep talking about this issue because it’s not going away, yet thousands continue to die from this disease each day.
Post Title Download: Pink Floyd – “Keep Talking” from The Division Bell
Gone are the days when “celebrities” dominated one particular area. They’re now setting their sights on controlling all forms of entertainment.
Take for instance, Leighton Meester. You’re probably asking, “WHO?!” But she’s an actress on Gossip Girl. I’ve never seen the show, so I can’t comment on how great an actress she is. One thing’s for sure, though: if this music video is any indication of her singing abilities, she’s not much of a singer. In fact, she doesn’t really sing with her monologue verses easily trumped by blue-eyed soul crooner Robin Thicke.
There have been many actors who’ve tried their hand at singing. Some have succeeded, but many make for a great punchline. My point is instead of trying to take over, go with what you know and do what you do well.
Post Title Download: Tears for Fears – “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” from Songs from the Big Chair
My mom recently asked, “What’s going on with JDakar.com?”
I had called it a day and closed up shop here when Troy posted a comment that really motivated me to give it another go, particularly because it’s on a post about me “blogging” again.
I’ve been doing this for over a decade now, but back when I started it was known as keeping an online journal (shout-out to Angel). I’ve stopped and started again numerous times because as hard as I try to give it up, I can’t let it go.
It’s become a part of who I am.
Anyway, mom, I’m comin’ back.
Post Title Download: Citizen Cope – “Comin’ Back” from Citizen Cope
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