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Breakfast

Picture this… waking up to an egg scramble dish including sausage and cheese, and homemade skillet coffee cake with ingredients such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, eggs, milk, flour, and it even had a homemade streusel. I'm not talking boxed or pre-made stuff! And there was a pot of fresh coffee to wash it all down.

Where did this all come from, and how is it that I can easily be spoiled by this type of thing? My lil' cousin Evan prepared this meal. She's made the eggs before and garnished them with parsley. What blew me away was the coffee cake. I don't even know how to make coffee cake. The food was good!

I am very proud of her and didn't realize she had such talent. As you all know I enjoy cooking, and she comes from a slew of family folks who also love to cook.

So… I guess she get it from her people…

An Afternoon with Lil’ Cuz

What's up readers? I'm really trying to do better with updates. Forgive a sistah! Remember I told you about my lil' cousin who started school at SU? I picked her up yesterday around 3ish and we'd planned to just come back home and chill. But I decided we would enjoy the cloudless skies and get out a bit. We drove over to grab something to eat as I had the best lobster a sustah could ever put her lips on. My lil' cousin ordered an appetizer which included alligator, shrimp and crawfish tails. Eighteen year olds around here don't go to a restaurant and order alligator. Blew me away!

As I've had lobster from several places across the country, this one time was even better than other times I've had it here. It was closely comparable to the way the New England folks cook lobster, and y'all, they know how to cook lobster! The meat was sweet and cooked to perfection. The chef came out when my meal was served. So of course I had to later give much love to a brotha. (yeah he was a brotha). With cooking like that, I could have packed him up and brought him home! Along with my two what seemed like jumbo lobster tails was a loaded baked potato (even the potato was cooked to perfection… Yeah I had a moment with that meal) and I had a glass of Chardonnay. Evan had sweet tea.

After dinner we drove over to the new B&N here in Baton Rouge. She'd brought along her laptop to finish some updates with Mi.cr.os.oft and I of course brought my laptop to do what I do… write. The coffee aroma was tempting as we laughed about the upper/downer thing in contemplating having the coffee after having had the wine early on. She ordered an Iced Caramel Macchiato. Nope I had never had it, yep it looked good… I watched her sip on it a few minutes and couldn't resist. I went up to the counter and as the folks back there know me well 'cause you know I'm a regular…:) , the manager smiled and eagerly versed my usual back to me…'Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte extra shot extra hot, one shot short on the syrup." Now how impressive was that especially with all the people in line listening in as she had her ish together. I smiled and said politely that I was going to try something else. I didn't want to seemingly ruin her moment ya know. I kept a brief conversation with her telling her the drink looked good after my cousin had it, so I decided to try it. Then she says, "…and you do want to add the carrot cake cheesecake, right?" Y'all she was on it. Another usual! Again impressed, I told her I had just eaten… but thanks for remembering and I appreciated her service. We kept small talk even while she waited on other customers as I waited for my drink to be made.

The coffee was good. I ordered mine extra shot too, so it is now on my list of favorites. My cousin and I talked and browsed about online. I tried writing this blog then, but lil' Evan can keep a conversation going… That's my cuz! Later we decided to call it a day and she bought a couple books and I… get this… bought no books. That's right readers, none…

After we got in, we spent a few hours in the studio. Did I tell ya'll she writes poetry and has desire to do spoken word? She has goals of owning a TV/Film/Broadcast business so she was all up in the studio deep. She played around on one of my keyboards and talked and talked and showed me pictures of her friends and her honey-bun (whom she misses dearly) who's many miles away in her hometown. He's a handsome young man, and they look so adorable together in the many pictures she has of them. Finally she went to bed, and I spent a couple more hours in the studio.

She had two classes today, and I'm sure just after class, she could have been found tearing down some z's in her dorm…

That's it folks, lil cuz and the Lady ProducHer during our Sunday stroll….

P.S. I didn't throw it in the blog, but as I am allergic to some seafood, I did get minor itches last night and the eyes were red and puffy this morning like I'd been cryin'... Could it have been the lobster, hmmm don't know, but that meal there was worth it all baby. I popped a Benedryl and rubbed the skin rash with my prescribed medicated cream and all is good honey. U know me!

 

Happy New Year

My friends, fellow readers – WE MADE IT!

I'm anticipating a wonderful year. I had a blast last night! It started around 10ish and ended around 5ish this morning. The New Year's wishes of text messages were pouring in most of the night/morning as I was sending many of them out as well. I did the club thing till almost 2 then we (close friends of mine) bomb rushed another long term friend's house for breakfast. And baby she did that! Biscuits, Sausage, Fried chicken, and the best scrambled eggs I'd ever tasted. I had the chicken (don't you just love cold leftover fried chicken?), eggs and biscuits. She puts parsley and other veggie ingredients in the eggs and baby, talk about some good stuff.

We sat around talking the breeze having good times as we always do. I didn't drink too much last night (well not enough to be hung-over), so this morning was all good. I'm going over to a friend's for the traditional New Year's meal after I finish writing this post, then I'll get back in the studio to work on some things. I have a few new little projects going on. I called an electrician (which a close friend recommended) to have him possibly add another circuit and more outlets for the studio. He says he'll try to come over this evening and check me out and shoot me an estimate. I wasn't expecting the man to come on New Year's Day. I didn't want to disturb his groove, but he was cool with it.

So that's another wrap my peeps.

 

 

Day after Christ's B'Day

Yesterday was the perfect holiday. Anytime there's good fam, friends and food around, it's all good baby. It's simply a blessing. As for gifts; I got a bundle of Barnes & Noble gift cards, a Bath n Body Works gift basket of the only fragrance I wear -- Moonlight Path, a gift card for Olive Garden, a set of candles, a couple pair of slippers, books, and a few dollar bills. :)

My godson (5 years-old) has been with me since last night and at this very moment, he's sitting in the family room singing out loud to his MP3 player. His dad brought over more of his Christmas toys which he's been begging for all day. So now he's in hog heaven.

As for me, I've got a few music projects (production) to get going and some to finish. I'm basically back to the grind. So I've got a few days to try and knock 'em out before I decide my plans for New Years.

And on the front of these painful knees -- OH MY GOSH! I got injections a few days ago, and -- but uhm, these days I'm having consistent pain. I guess with playing volleyball yesterday over at the neighbors didn't help. :) But it was good times!

Otherwise, ya lady is good. I'll holla!

Merry Christmas Eve

Hello blog readers. I just want to extend warm wishes and blessings from my family to yours. I am actually out and about now -- not last minute shopping but uhm -- in Barnes and Noble writing!

I stopped in to purchase books my Mom are getting me for Christmas. Yeay! she sends me with her credit card to buy what I love -- Books!!! Works for me! I'm always buying reference materials. I'm hungry like that! So I have a few (Mostly computer - studio - recording - software - etc.) stacked on my table while slightly browsing through them to decide which ones I want. I won't be here long though because I've got to get back home and make my lemon and coconut custard pies... remember the ones I made for Thanksgiving and whycome I have a CRAVING for my OWN homemade chicken 'n dumplings? (I aint gon' even lie -- I can make the heck out of this dish. I'm telling ya. And I don't use no canned biscuits baby -- I makes my dumplings.)

I was supposed to travel to St. Louis this week , but there was a change in plans. The weather across the country is not being friendly either.

Maybe for New Years -- we'll see!

Add ‘em Up!

Good Sunday afternoon everyone. Yesterday I had a productive day with friends and family. My niece completed my braids (well they're kinda like twists) early, which was a good thing. She's getting better with timeliness and taking good care of her Aunt's tender-headedness. I'm proud of her! We all sat around and talked as some people eventually left and more came by. It was one of those days that help you realize how you should add up your blessings. Most refer to counting your blessings, but counting them one by one daily and adding those numbers makes you know just how rich you are. It was a good day!

Tonight I have a DJ gig which is a Christmas Party for a large Corporation. Actually I'm excited, as I always am when I do these functions. My only concern is that I think it is too long. Parties usually of this caliber are 3, maybe 4 hours long. This thing is 5 hours long. Hopefully they will have some type of program format to eat up the time. It is semi-formal attire and they will serve a full-course Christmas Dinner. Hmm Yum! More importantly, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to do this. (adding 'em up)

That's all it do for now ladies and gents…

 

Sunday

What it do my blog readers? How everyone's Monday going? Last night was off the chain. I swooped up a buddy of mine and we rode out to the Crescent City. Since I was craving seafood, we stopped at this seafood joint. YEP, I did! I was craving it BAD! And yes I did have my breakout…and itching afterwards as normal due to this new allergic reaction to seafood. I had a dozen raw oysters. Oh my goodness, they were fresh and good. I know not many black women eat raw oysters; at least according to the peeps I know, but ya gurl can get down honey. My sister (RIP) got me hooked years ago. I used to think it was the grossest thing. That girl, used to eat them right out of the jar with hot sauce and crackers. I'm not there yet! However, I do enjoy them freshly shucked and dressed in the shell with cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon, hot sauce and crackers.

I also had a cup of artichoke and oyster soup and a half shrimp po-boy. So, as you can tell, I most definitely took care of the craving and at this moment am still paying for it. ;)

After the restaurant, we went out to get the best chocolate and eggnog daiquiri's you can find on this side of Southern Louisiana. When I first learned of the chocolate daiquiri, I thought it was the worst type of daiquiri, but after tasting it – chile I fell in love and got hooked. This daiquiri shop uses fresh ingredients and you can tell there's no powdery mixture going in there.

Later we drove back to the BR and stopped through Wally world to pick up a few items. I needed some blank media (CD's and DVD's). I got in and did the studio thing for a few and knocked out to bed.

Sunday was all gravy baby.

I’m Stuffed!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Wow, I'm stuffed. And yes my jeans are unbuttoned! Everything turned out really good with another year of family folks and good friends. There was a house full!!!! I'm thinking of doing some house-hopping now. Although I'm full – I know somebody has cooked gumbo and I'd like to get that in before the day is over. (At least grab a bowl for later!) The weather is a bit nippy and I LOVE IT! I've got on a black sweater and jeans and black boots, so I'm ready baby. 

 

My niece and hubby also came over for dinner – you know the one who was married a couple weeks ago. She's a poet, so babygirl wants to record something in the studio tonight!  She's gone to visit other relatives now, and I aw know 'cause I've had two DEEP glasses of white wine and I'm on cruise control -- but we'll see whenever she gets back. Speaking of house-hopping; shoot I could really just open my bedroom window and let all that nice crispy weather in and sleep like a baby.

I'm hoping all of you are having a wonderful day with your peoples.

Gotta go,

Love ya

Thanksgiving Dinner 2007!

Hello all, I've been up and at 'em early this morning working on my part of the Thanksgiving meal. I just finished two lemon and two coconut homemade custard pies with my homemade meringue. I emphasize homemade y'all, 'cause this aint no boxed stuff. This is actually my Mom's old recipe, which as a kid; I used to watch her make every year.

I also chose to cook the turkey (22lbs), and ham. Last night I seasoned the turkey with salt, pepper, butter, and garlic powder. I stuffed it with two big white onions, 3 pieces of celery, and chunks of garlic. I then injected it with the famous Tony Chachare's Seasoned Cajun Butter. It's still marinating in the refrigerator.

I prepared the ham by using my good friend's recipe by creating a mixture of brown sugar, mustard and coke into a paste. I then rubbed it around and over the ham. It's also still marinating in the refrigerator.

On early Thursday morning, I'm going to cook the turkey in this 18 QT Roaster Oven I bought from Wal-Mart several years ago. I think they now have it in black also. Y'all this thing cook turkeys perfectly every time. The turkey is always juicy, tender and browned evenly. It's even much better than a fried turkey. I'll also cook the ham in the oven the morning of Thanksgiving.

So as far as my part of the meal, a sistah is basically done. My mom is doing the dressing, a beef roast, macaroni cheese bake, potato salad, green beans, and chocolate cake. I think everybody else is just gon' get their eat on.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

~Luvs,

Mo’ Combusation

First, I am ecstatic and thankful for the love and SUPPORT from so many co-workers across the land that has gotten wind of my recent resignation. It's always a blessing to know you've touched somebody one way or another without even realizing it. Although they were shocked by the news, yet understand -- everyone has no DOUBT that I'll be okay – as they know me! Most are aware of my music/writing endeavor which is something I've toyed with part-time during my reign with the corporate world. Thanks guys for everything, I will NEVER forget any of you. And hey we can still get our travel on -- off the clock! And who knows, maybe someday, I'll be back!

Other news,

I am feeling much better today. I'm still a bit nasally, but I can taste food now. My ears are much better. I'm back in the studio doing what I do.

As for the question I asked a few days ago about PowerPoint. I ended up buying software to convert my PPT file to video to burn to DVD. As for compression in sending the file via email, well that is still a mystery. After converting the file, I was able to upload it to YouTube and share the file that way. There was degradation as I was basically using the trial version of the software just to submit sample copies of the presentation for viewing of family members and friends. If anyone comes up with anything on the compression end for a file that size – holla at me!

It's on and popping in the studio. I just finished this R&B Ballad Joint. I may post it to here if y'all want to check it out. I'll even name it R&B Ballad joint, so you'll know which one it is. I've got another commercial (radio spot) to do. I'm looking for the perfect voice to do the voice-over. So, I'm on a hunt! I absolutely can't do anything with my vocals yet.

I was able to book a Christmas Party gig for December 16^th. I will be the DJ. It's a semi-formal gig. (I love those! even the formals – I love elegancy!) And it's a five-hour gig!!! Now that's toooooo long! Most corporate parties are about 2-3 hours long. They've planned on about 200 people attending. So see, a sista is doing a little something. I'm also seeking more writing assignments.

And y'all for the most part – I'm relieved! (don't know what that means other than that's what it feels like)

It's ya gurl,

Luvs,