Hip Hop Has Saved My Life

I thought of this idea as I was jamming to the new Kanye West/Jay-Z CD, "Watch the Throne." (Which, by the way, is an AWESOME album. I highly recommend it.)

I really think that people sell rap and hip-hop music short. Many don't give it a chance, because they can't see past the bumping bass. But for me, that's what draws me in. I love the beat, I love the words, and I love the emotion behind it all.

In my recent musings, there is one lesson in particular that has really stood out to me. I don't care who you're talking about, but it seems that all rappers know how to give respect, where respect is due. They honor the memory of fallen friends and fallen heroes.

My latest example is Michael Jackson. Since his death, several people have sung/rapped about him, by throwing one liner shout outs. I think that in the "Watch the Throne" album there are at least three homages to the King of Pop. So, I LOVE Michael Jackson. But not everyone does. Not everyone can see thru or see past the drama, the craziness. Would I expect an MJ shout out from Jay-Z? Or even Kanye? Honestly, no. That's why I've definitely noticed it.

In "Welcome to the Jungle," Jay-Z raps,

"I'm a tortured soul, I live in disguise.                 Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5." 

And how many rap songs reference grandma, 2-Pac, Notorious B.I.G, mamas, and more? SO MANY.

One of my all-time jams is Kayne West's, "Hey Mama." Below is his live Grammy performance (awesome), but definitely check out the album version-- it's a little more rockin, but still full of soul.



And guess what? His mom was still alive when he wrote and recorded this song! You do not have to be dead to get props and respect. And guess who else he mentions in this song? MJ. :)

I feel like so many people are quick to judge others,celebrity or non-celebrity... and it bugs me. People may be different from you, doing different things than you, but everybody deserves respect. Show a little love, and it will go a long way.

Quote of the Week:

Sunny days wouldn't be special, if it wasn't for rain

Joy wouldn't feel so good, if it wasn't for pain.       -50 Cent, "Many Men"

It's in a book... "The Good Thief"

So, I pretty much finished "The Good Thief" the day after I initially started my book club blogging! This book has a lot of build up, but it is DEFINITELY worth it! Once you get in, you should not give up, because the story ties itself up in the craziest bow you've ever seen.

Found this book in the recommended section of the library!

The story is about an orphan, Ren, who gets adopted by a thief, Benjamin Nab, and his partner in crime, Tom. [I'm laughing to myself... because in this case, he really is his PIC!] Benjamin is GREAT at coming up with colorful and surprisingly believable stories to get himself out of every jam they come upon. He tells a great tale to be able to adopt Ren in the first place, and you almost believe that they are brothers. Almost.

Benjamin and Tom use Ren to help them in their schemes to steal and earn money. Ren is very honest and would sometimes rather be back at the orphanage. Pretty much until about the last fourth of the book, I figured that the reader does not find out where Ren really came from, because how could anyone really know-- especially in that period of time. He was pushed through the gate at the orphanage, in a little basket, and was left in the rain. The only unique thing about him is that he was missing a hand, and no one knew why.

So many robberies later, the reader gets to the GOOD stuff. You find out that these guys are the occasional gravediggers, and on the first night that Ren helps them, one of the bodies is NOT DEAD. And the author did such a great job of painting this picture. I was FREAKED OUT! This un-dead character actually turns out to be one of  the soft spots of this book, despite his crusty exterior.

The story is set in New England, several years after the Revolutionary War. I thought this was a very interesting setting, and added to my interest in the book. There are a handful of interesting supporting characters, and my favorite is the landlady that they happen upon. She made me laugh out loud, and is also a real warm spot in the book. Ren definitely deserves all of the love and care that she gives him.

Overall, I don't think that everyone would enjoy this book. It is a little hard to get into, but I am glad that I finished it. It is kind of a dark tale, but ends on a very bright note. The characters are colorful and the story is a little creepy, but the author does a great job at depicting all of the details that make this novel rich and entertaining.

Let me know if you've read it or if you're going to!

M

Sailing

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

I've had a bout of inspiration. 

I hope it lasts! 

Spying on someone, I got the inspiration to travel! Josh and I have always talked about the traveling we want to do-- Disney Cruise, travel through Europe... and of course visit all of the Disney theme parks. My ultimate would also be to go on a Mediterranean cruise... oh, someday! 

But seeing someone else, in our same time in life, travel through Europe really reminded me-- we need to do this! We need to do this before we can't do this! 

What's one of things I want to do while in Europe? Be able to speak more French then I currently do! Fluently is definitely a goal, but a lofty one. I wouldn't neccessarily want to be able to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but I would like to be able to say, "Hey, Josh, this is what that sign says..." You know, be all handy like that. 

SO! Here are my BIG goals for 2012: 

LEARN FRENCH. Use my free library hookups and just do it! 

EXERCISE. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous. Just do it! 

And continue to work hard at achieving my career goals! I am woman hear me roar. :D

Picture a Christmas

Take a Look... It's in a Book!

I have decided that since I am not in a book club and I like to read what I want to read, I'll have my own book club here. Win win! I have recently realized that I need to read for my own sanity. Sometimes reality is overwhelming, and non-fiction books, reality tv, and real life just don't help. Life can just get a little too non-fiction. ;) I love to escape into another world, and I often like to do it through television shows or movies, but there is something about reading a book that take me to a different place. I am able to fully relax and check in to another world. I love it! 

And so, in the past few months, I have read several books: 

Everything on a Waffle, by Polly Horvath: My cousin recommended this book to me, and she was right- I loved it! It's a very cute story that keeps you interested the entire time. I love all of the characters, especially the main girl. There are also recipes at the end of each chapter. Fun! This book is  a real treat! 

No More Dead Dogs, by Gordon Korman: As you can tell, I was on a little bit of a young adult book kick. The basic premise of this story is that the boy in the story is tired of reading books where the dog dies. I thought that was hilarious, and true, so I picked this book up at the library. Another cute, fun story, with colorful characters. There is one part I want to give away, but I won't... Let's just say it involves Julia Roberts and made me happy as a clam! 

The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows: Most everyone I know has read this book, and they have all loved it and raved about it. I sincerely can't help but do the same. I loved every minute of reading this book. I love how it is written in letters, and just sucks you right in. The characters are all very charming, likeable, and funny. I definitely laughed out loud while I read this one. The story is also very serious and has many interesting historical insights. And I was sad when I finished! I wished there was more to read... If you haven't read this, do it! 

And right now I'm reading "The Good Thief" by Hannah Tinti. I haven't finished it quite yet, but I'm close, so I don't have a complete review. All I can say is, this book is crazy! It is all over the place, but I really want to find out what happens to the main boy. I definitely think the last half is better than the first half... I have been reading it a lot more because it has finally gotten exciting. Maybe with this one, I'll do a little more in depth review! 

Til next time!

M

Do Ya Thang

Just a brief update... I'm sure I have loads to blog about, but I'm never sure what is really important or interesting enough to share. But I was looking over what I last posted, and decided this blog needs to hang on a positive note for a minute!

I had the privilege of attending the International Association of Fairs & Expos Annual Convention in Las Vegas this past week. It is always a grand time, and my hubby even got to come! Best vacation ever folks! And one thing that we kept noticing-- how nice everyone was in Vegas! The servers were all excellent, helpful, and nice. They did not give us a sideways look when we told them we were sharing one entree. All of the people, the random people, chatted on the elevator, or looked you in the eye and said "Hello" while they opened the door for you. So great! I'm sure everyone is pretty happy there for their own reason. I even told Josh, "I wonder what brings all of these people to Las Vegas." I'm sure no one would expect us to have so much fun there, and everyone keeps asking, "So what did you do??" We had a great time! Explored new hotels, and new to us hotels, had fabulous food, and more. And while we did it, we had a great time because everyone was so friendly and courteous. I love that feeling. It just makes you want to pass it on and share the good vibes.

And we had oh, so many excellent customer service experiences at various eating establishments. Our food adventures will be posted on www.spicethat.blogspot.com SOON! With pictures! We came prepared. :)

HAPPY SATURDAY!
M

At the Crystals/Aria