Dear 2009, I am leaving you... for 2010. Why? Because the time has come and you will stunt my growth if I hold on to you. I thank you for the lessons and memories but I see a brighter more exciting future with 2010. 2009, I will be a better person for 2010 because of you. No hard feelings...

Sex & The City Teaser :)

I can't wait!!!!!

Steph Jones - Little Drummer Boy

Just in time for Christmas! Nice to see my homeboy Steph Jones still at it! He is very talented. Evidently it runs in the family because Deray Davis is his brother. Love them both! Keep it up Steph! The video is HOT.

Most Fascinating Person Of The Year

Messege From President Obama

Sounds like a pretty good plan...

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great" -Mark Twain

Californication

I just realized that this week marks my 10 year anniversary of being in California. Wow... Time flew by. Faster than you can sneeze I went from a starry eyed little girl to seasoned vet. I have my doctorate in 'Hollywood'. I came here on a mission with faith in God and myself. Since then, I have been in movies, tv shows, videos, commercials, magazines and billboards. I have walked red carpets and befriended some of your favorite actors, actresses and singers, gone to some of the most exclusive parties and have fallen in love and gotten married. My memoirs will be INSANE. The stories I will tell my children and grandchildren... I look back and I smile because I knew absolutely no one when I came here. Fearless. All I had was $2,500 and a dream. Now I have a whole new life I created.

I remember telling my family and my friends at the hair salon I worked at in Chicago, that I was moving to California. Everyone was excited for me. I couldn't wait. Once I saw myself on the big screen at the premiere of "Soul Food", that was pretty much it. I had been bitten by the bug. I had already been taking acting classes and had booked a commercial there, so I knew the residuals would hold me over for a while. So if I was going to leave, NOW was the time. I did leave, well me and one of my good friends (and client) at the time, Tiffany, drove all the way to Cali, listening to Wyclef's "Gone til November" at least 100 times. lol That was our theme song for the drastic move we were about to make... To make a long story short, she didn't like Cali and moved back to Chicago after a couple months. So there I was. Alone. Me against the world. Ready to take it on.

It has not been a smooth ride thus far and if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I'm so close yet so far away from exactly where I want to be. I've grown a lot mentally, made some mistakes and learned from them. I have sat back and observed. This business is definitely not for the weak or thinned skinned, in fact I think it is the hardest business in the world. Just think about it, if I had put that much time into being a doctor or lawyer I'd be just that, guaranteed. There are no guarantees in Hollywood. So you definitely have to respect anyone who sacrifices their life for their dreams because most people don't have the balls to do it.

I've seen so many people come and go. I've lost some friends who let Hollywood change them and they became intolerable to be around. I've seen some play themselves out on reality shows (for the 15 minutes of famers) and I have seen some, well one particular friend, Kanye, blow up right before my eyes. I still can remember me and him riding on his scooters and no one knew who he was. We were two crazy kid-like gemini's having a blast and he still had his wire in his mouth from that near death car accident. The following year, EVERYONE knew who he was. He is definitely a huge inspiration and no... we were just friends not lovers and he has not changed to this day. He was that arrogant/cocky guy even without the fame and fortune lol! But at the same time he is also a sweet heart. My homie for life and his mother was such a beautiful spirit.

After all these years I am still motivated to go to the next level. I've taken time off here and there to regroup but I'm still here baby. I just booked a commercial so you should be seeing that soon and I am finishing up a script I have been working on all year. I gave myself a deadline sense I am my own boss. Dec. 31st. Then I will be on to the next one... which is a book. I have a production company now and soon will be producing my own films. I'm also reading other people's scripts because the next project I act on will be the type of project I am very proud of. No need to do just 'any' role anymore. 2010 is looking pretty good. I'm doing it MY WAY.

50 Cent - Do You Think About Me

Find more videos like this on ThisIs50.com : IF IT'S HOT IT'S HERE!

Finally a song I like from 50 once again. Hot!!!!

Sade - Soldier Of Love

'Soldier Of Love' is the highly anticipated first single off Sade's forthcoming new body of work by the same name.

Sade co-produced the single 'Soldier Of Love' with Mike Pela and it was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman.

The track, featuring a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with the haunting vocals that Sade is known for, is set to hit airwaves on 8th December.

It will kick off the countdown for the album, which was recorded in England and is set for release worldwide on 8th February.

I CAN NOT WAIT!! Click Here to download single.

Tribal

Magazine: D Mode
Editorial: Tribal
Stylist: Laurean Ossorio
Models: Mey Bun |New York Model Management|, Rila Fukushima |Trump|and Ai-li Wang |Major|
Make Up: Bryan Zaragoza |Ford Artists NY|
Make Up Assistant: Jpatrick |Ford Artists Miami|
Hair: Brian Buenaventura |Joe Management, for ORLO salon|
Hair Assistants: Christian Hernandez and Kristy Bauzo
Photo Assistant: Kiritin Beyer
Post Production: Kevin Medal
Props: Hemingway African Gallery
Photography by Herring & Herring
Website: www.herringandherring.com

Derringer Cycles

Ya'll know I attempted a 30 mile bike ride on my cruiser bike lol! I now know that they are only made for 'cruisin' unless you get one of these types with a motor...

Derringer Cycles feature a top-loader gas tank unlike most mopeds of the 70s, the frames of these bikes are reminiscent of cruiser bikes. A Derringer Cycle is– a cruiser bike with a gas-powered assist.

So FLY....

C'mon Son 7

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

William Arthur Ward

Rewind Wednesday - Leela James -Music

Look what I found! An old classic Leela James video directed by Chike Ozah starring me :) Check it out.

Clip - Rnb - 2006 - Leela James - Music
by celine64

Inglourious Basterds Screening At The Directors Guild Of America

So I was invited to see a special screening of Inglourious Basterds, a movie I had been wanting to see for quite a while. I even tried to catch the matinée near my house and there were technical difficulties, so the movie was cancelled. Yes I know, weird. So when I got the invite a few days later I was so excited. Especially being moderated by the director, Quentin Tarantino himself. Someone I would give my pinky toe to work with! No but seriously he is one of the best writers and directors of our time and I was absolutely thrilled to get some game from him.

The movie itself was creatively genius, but what more do you expect from a Quentin Tarantino film? From start to finish it had the audience at the edge of their seats with laughter, disgust from the gore, amazing wit and incredible shots. The storyline was top notch. It's like, where the hell does he get these thoughts and plots from? He truly has to be semi-crazy lol, in a good way. I don't want to give away any of the story if you haven't seen it yet but I love love love the ending. Brad Pitt was amazing as usual and you could tell he had a lot of fun making this. Christoph Waltz probably will win an Oscar for his portrayal of Col. Hans Landa.

So after the movie ended, the whole cast joined the stage, including Brad Pitt :):):) Needless to say, I was a VERY happy camper!!!! lol! Whew that man is fine even with a long beard... They all answered questions from the audience filled with people in the business and shared some funny moments during the making of the film. Secrets were shared about certain moments to give us a better understanding of how it is to work with Quentin and how each person got casted. I am so inspired after that. Nothing like a great movie to get your creative juices and motivation flowing again. That moment put jumper cables on my dream. It was better than going to the premiere.

Bottom line if you have not seen this movie yet, run and see it asap!!!! Especially if you are bored with the same old non-risk taking film making.

Blair Underwood - Black Hiker

This was funny... It's true I don't see many black people out when I am hiking. Something about the woods I guess lol

Black Hiker with Blair Underwood from Blair Underwood

Whitney Houston's AMA Performance

Wow!!! Best performance of the night and best dress. So touching... For all the haters and non-believers, she's back :)

Lady GaGa Before She Was "Lady Gaga"

Skin - Movie Trailer

This movie is simply AMAZING!!! A must see and it's based on a true story... For more info about it and theaters you can catch it at, click here.

Skin movie trailer
by some_trailers

Synopsis:
Sandra Laing entered the world a beautiful baby but no one, not the hospital staff, her mother, father or neighbours would admit the obvious. Abraham and Sannie Laing were white yet their daughter was dark. By a biological quirk, the pigment of an unknown black ancestor had lain dormant for generations and manifested in Sandra. If there was ever a wrong place and wrong time for this phenomenon, it was apartheid South Africa in 1955! ‘Skin’ is a compelling and moving story about love, betrayal and reconciliation.

Photographer Erwin Olaf

Born in Hilversum in the Netherlands in 1959, Erwin Olaf lives and works in Amsterdam since the early 80's. His current studio is situated in a former church hall.

Mixing photojournalism with studio photography, Olaf emerged in the international art scene in 1988 when his series 'Chessmen' was awarded the first prize in the Young European Photographer competition. This award was followed by an exhibition at the Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany. Since then Olaf has continued to explore issues of gender, sensuality, humor, despair and grace in each successive series.

Royal Blood...







Separation...





Dusk...



NY Times Couture...






Fashion Victims...

Amerie - Heard Em Say

HOT PERFORMANCE!!!

Deon Cole - The Tonight Show

I'm so proud of my good friend, Chicago's own Deon Cole. I just got word he is one of the writers on The Tonight Show!!! He deserves the success because he is so talented and has been pounding the comedy pavement for years and he is just a cool ass dude. I've been calling him my funniest friend forever. Chi-Town Stand up!!!

Lil Wayne Documentary Trailer - The Carter

I remember hearing something about... Lil Wayne being upset because he looked like a drug addict in the documentary and he tried to get it shelved. I guess it didn't work because it will be coming out Nov 17th thanks to QD3 Entertainment. QD3 is responsible for all those "Beef" DVDs. Looks interesting I must say, even though I kind of stopped feeling Wayne when he went into autotune mode but I'm sure one ridiculously insane 8 bars from him and I'll be a fan again... Get your pre-orders here.

Rihanna On 20/20

Sounds a little to me like she went to professional counseling to help her deal with this. Which is great because her head is super clear. I'm so happy she finally spoke out about the abuse and I am extremely happy she had the strength to leave that whole situation not just for herself but for the 100's of young girls who are going through the same thing. We all know once a beater, always a beater. I only posted the most important parts of the interview. Check it out and pass it along.

R Kelly At Nokia LIVE LA Theatre

I'm definitely going to this! It's been a while since I saw him perform and it's such a treat! He'll be here this Thursday Nov. 5th so get your tickets!!!! Nokia is a more intimate venue so it should be INSANE!!!! Hit's galore!!!! I'll write all about it :)

A Taste Of Chicago With The Legendary Terry Hunter

Extra Mild Sauce is doing it again. Bringing Chicago music culture to Los Angeles! This time with the house music legendary spinner, Terry Hunter! I know where I will be... See you there!!

Angels Live On Fans By Anita Kopacz

Angels Live on Fans is a vibrant children's book sure to capture the heart of every child. I just posted a blog about the author a few days ago. Go to www.angelsliveonfans.net to order your copy and for more info on the author! It's a great christmas present...plus it's her first children's book! Supplies are limited, so order soon. Please pass this message on to anyone you think might be interested. Thank you.

Tyler Perry Is Pissed Off At Spike Lee's "Coonery" Remarks

“You know, that pisses me off,” Perry tells Byron Pitts. “It really does. Because it’s so insulting. It’s attitudes like that that make Hollywood think that these people do not exist and that’s why there’s no material speaking to them. I would love to read that to my fan base.”



I think that Tyler Perry has actually helped Black Hollywood's employment rate go up and I enjoy some of his films. It's the "reality" television that is more so coonery to me. But that is Spike's opinion so I have to respect that...

My Life Is A Beach

So I have been meaning to write about my transition to my new home blocks from the beach. A cute little developing community called Playa Vista. It is so clean and perfect. It kinda reminds me of the neighborhood in "The Truman Show" movie with Jim Carrey. There's no smog so the air is fresh and crisp. Everyone is friendly and active and owns a bike. My place is so cozy with every amenity imaginable. It's my dream location... well maybe if I was actually on the strand I'd be a little happier, but I'm in heaven right now. It's definitely my favorite place out of all the places I have lived thus far. God is great. I'm 5-10 minutes away from everything. I schedule my auditions and meetings during non-traffic times. Just living a stress-free life. My friends love to come visit me to get away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

So it's been a month since I got back from my 2 and a half month travels,(Chicago, New York, Ohio) and I would have wrote about this sooner but I got super busy moving/settling in, reconnecting with everyone, writing a scipt and a book, and last but not least, working out. Yes I have been working out like crazy because I always get chubby when I go home. I think it's because none of my family there workout at all. Needless to say, most of them are out of shape :( So all I did while in Chicago was eat, talk, write and sit around. It drove me crazy but I got a lot of writing done. I almost bought a bike while there just to feel active because hey... I'm well into my 30's and I have to preserve "the sexy". lol I did occasional sprints with my nephew but I'm not a runner really, but it did make me feel better. I like exercises that don't feel like exercise like hiking, sex lol, swimming, tennis, roller blading, volleyball, yoga or cycling. The funny thing is I didn't turn into this "healthy" person until I moved to LA. The truth of the matter is I don't think I really worked out until I became a Californian. I adapted the lifestyle pretty quickly and I am so glad I did because it truly is the fountain of youth.

So as soon as I moved in, I bought a cute cruiser bike and have been riding every other day. Those extra chubby pounds were gone in a week. I need to get a cute basket for the front like everyone has. I'm always in bike shops looking for new things to put on it. A few days ago I joined this bike group in my neighborhood and we have a 30 mile ride this Saturday.... Yes you read right. Thirty mile ride on Saturday when the most I have done in a day is 10 unconsciously. I say "unconsciously" because usually I am just going at my own pace. Just strolling along, enjoying the beach sights. But the memo says the ride will be at "moderate" speed. What in the Lance Armstrong hell are these people trying to do to me??? Can I keep up??? We will see. lol I'm up for the challenge!!! I will write about it and post pics. Stay tuned!

Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy

If you are in New York this weekend, Friday Oct. 23rd 2009, you don't want to miss the premiere screening of Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy. It was co-produced/co-written by my long time friend Ifeanyi Njoku. I've seen it already and it is HYSTERICAL with a message! Say you are a friend of mine or you heard about it on Doll House and you will have free entrance. For location and details click here. Oh there is an after party sponsored by Ciroc. I don't have the location yet but check back here for an update.

Here's the trailer:

C'mon Son 6

SoundSun - Crawl, Walk, Run, Lead

I thought this was AMAZING considering they did this with their computer camera. My very good friend Anita Kopacz and her beautiful sisters, daughters and nieces, got together and made a song and it has a great message. Take a look and listen :)

If You're Not Married, You're Single

I agree with a lot of this.  It makes sense.  I never understood the whole being with a guy for 5-10 years without an engagement or marriage but having all his babies thing. Not judging just never understood it.