1989thenumber:

pinnacle of neo-soul

Lavish. It’s a lifestyle.

When I say this little woman is not playin.

As I look at my mail from across the globe, from places I have never ever dreamed I would know about and people speaking languages and expressing cultures and religions I could only hope to one day see first hand. I am humbled by the emotion that fills my heart with overwhelming, overflowing Joy. I can’t even explain the insurgence of emotion I feel when I try to express the strength I draw from you all, it compounds my faith and it shows me yet again that this is not a case about the death penalty, this is not a case about Troy Davis, this is a case about Justice and the Human Spirit to see Justice prevail.

-Troy Davis

werdondastreets:

Solange is beautiful.

The one and only.

“Sorry I’m in pajamas, but I just got off the PJ
And last party we had, they shut down Prive”

Sometime last month a couple friends and I attended an event in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden entitled “Jazz in the Garden”. This was something cool and free to do in the city, and it featured a wide range of jazz artist. 

It was full of good friends, good times, and good wine.

This day had to be the definition of a lavish lifestyle. Just being able to sit down, relax over wine, and take in what DC has to offer is a great feeling. Amongst all the busted carry outs, DC trapstars crowding the gas stations, and crack heads begging for money, DC is really a great place to sit back and chill.

This is definitely a lifestyle that I could get used to. Im just tryna Live Lavish and enjoy this while I can.

“Life is all about having a good time.”

Your love will be the keys, my heart will be the drums, 
Lyrics of communication, melody softly sung, 
The guitar are our emotions baby, careful how you strum, 
I won’t forget to share the spotlight, baby let’s sing our duet.

Sunday, June 26th, 2011.

I got to work a little early so I decided to park on a residential street and talk to my Mom for a few minutes. During our conversation, all I could think about was how much fun I was going to have that night. I was planning on leaving work at 7, getting to my friend’s place by 7:30, and being intoxicated by 8, just in time to watch the B.E.T Awards. This is basically how my whole summer has been. Party and bullshit. Late nights and early mornings.

So, I get out the car and proceeded to work, leaving my goody bag in the backseat. I thought nothing of it because I was in Friendship Heights (a “nice” area) and the block looked pretty safe. I was at work amped all day because I just knew I was gonna live it up once my shift was over. This all came to a screeching halt.

7:06pm. As I walk back to my car I cant help but laugh and smile in anticipation of the nights festivities. I quickly unlock the door and hop in the driver seat. This is when my world came crashing down. I looked to the right and saw nothing but broken glass. I turn around, and the rear passenger window is completely busted out, and the goody bag is GONE. I could have died on spot.

The first thing that came to my mind was “Oh fuck, that bag was thrifted. Ill never find it again.” Inside that goody bag was Tina (my Macbook Pro), my wallet, my cell phone charger, and my brush. Basically my whole life. I couldnt belive it. Someone had broken into my car, and stole my life.

I never thought anything like that would happen to me. Yep, I was naive. After everything was squared away, I still managed to watch the BET Awards somewhat intoxicated but all I could think about was my stuff. I couldn’t believe that when I went back to my dorm, Tina would not be sitting on my desk. It was so surreal.

All I kept hearing was “Everything happens for a reason.” Then I couldnt help but think about was how lately I’ve been wrapped up in material things. This really isnt like me,  but the environment that I have been in is pretty materialistic. Maybe this is God giving me a sign that I need to slow down and get back to reality. 

But thankfully I won a Toshiba Laptop from my job, Ive been trying to sell it but no one seems to want it. So I guess everything does happen for a reason. I will be #TeamToshiba for a while until I get another Mac. And thats perfectly fine.

Tina & I, and the stolen goody bag:

-P.H

Put your records on =]

“You’re not afraid about what could happen? Maybe you should take someone with you.” A friend said this to me a few days ago in regards to me driving from Detroit to DC alone.  But me being me, I really didn’t think about what could go wrong. This isn’t because I’m naïve, but because I know God will be there with me.

I’m not trying to sound cliché or corny, but when I was asked this question I immediately thought, “I’m not worried, God has my back.” So far, He has never let me down and has protected me in ways I cant even explain. No matter what situation, how miniscule or how grand, He has been there.  When my family wasn’t having the best of times, He was there. When I felt isolated, He was there.  When I wanted to give up, He was there.

I can recall many situations when the odds weren’t in my favor, and a prayer quickly changed that. I don’t know why God looks out for me the way he does, I’m not even close to being a saint, but I’m so glad that He does. Even through all the dirt that I have done, He is still here with me. Watching me. Protecting me. Guiding me.

“Lead me, guide me, everyday. Send your anointing, Father I pray. Order my steps in your Word”

Two years ago I would have never thought to compete in a pageant, let alone win two of them. Not many people know this but I have a speech impediment that I have to deal with everyday. Crazy right? How can someone as talkative as I am have a problem with talking? This is something that I ask myself everyday. I have been stuttering ever since I began to talk, and this really had an effect on me when I was younger. 

Over the years, I came up with many different mechanisms to help cope with this, but nothing seemed to work permanently. Even though my stuttering isn’t as bad as it used to be, its still something that I struggle with. So when I entered the Cook Hall pageant, it was me testing myself to see if I could exactly speak on spot without completely embarrassing myself. The outcome was far more than what I expected.

I had no intentions on winning, I just wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t the same stammering boy that I once was.

I knew I always had it somewhere inside to “overcome” this issue, but i just wasn’t sure when it would come through. I am not completely stutter free, I probably never will be, but I am more comfortable with it.

For me, Its more than just winning pageants, its about me constantly reminding myself that I can live through my speech impediment and I cant continue to let it hold me back.

God came through again, and allowed me to keep my stutter under control long enough to win another pageant. Mr. Residence Life 2011-2012

Thank You God, and may you continue to bestow your blessing upon me.

“Stuttering is something you do, not something that happens to you. It is your behavior and is extremely modifiable”