Oh Happy Day and What Cha Gonna Do For Me

Oh Happy Day!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had a colonoscopy and polyps were found.  Just 2.

When polyps are found, they are removed and then perform a biopsy to check for cancer.  I am soo happy to say that no cancer was found.

Not only am I happy because I don't have cancer!  I'm happy because I don't think I could take an additional piece of news that is not favorable at this time in my life.

Now I'm happy in my relationship but work life has been anything but happiness for me.



Last week an announcement was made to our department that there would be restructuring of our organization.  Now everybody knows what that means.  Yep!  Layoffs!

We were told that once we left the department meeting that we would have an invitation to a meeting with our management that would tell us what the new organization would be.

Sure enough as soon as we got back to our desks there were meeting appointments.  I always look to see who else is invited to meetings that are sent to me.  Low and behold there were only about 10 people on my list.  I went to the meeting in one of our conference rooms on a different floor from where I sit.

When walking into the room what I observed was the following:

• 2 other employees already seated in the u-shaped set up conference room
• Boxes of kleenex on the table
• An HR representative on the left side of the room
• Our VP at the front of the U-shaped table set up sitting on the desk with a piece of paper in his hand.

Nothing was said to us except "Hello".   Then the VP announced that we would get started in a few more minutes while those dialing into the meeting phoned in.  (Can't believe they did this by phone.)  Anyway, the VP announced that he wanted to read a statement because he felt it was very important that he didn't miss anything and that we heard al the details.  I'm thinking to myself do you think we don't know what this is about simply because of the boxes of kleenex on the table dumb ass??

Can't remember exactly how it was read, but ultimately the message was that we will not be a part of the new organization and that we have a sheet with another appointment on it so that HR can explain to you what your severance package will be commencing in 2 months.

I'm riddled with multiple emotions…none of which involve tears.  I'm happy and scared.  Happy because I've been so disgusted by the direction of the company and my group.  Scared because I am unsure of what the future holds for me.  The hardest part of this whole thing is the amount of work that they are asking me to do to support the efforts of outsourcing my job to …yes you guessed it…to a company in India!  So I'm asking the universe..

What Cha Gonna Do For Me?????

Jai Cristiano Designer Shoes

Hello All,

It's been awhile since I've posted.  Ugggh don't even want to go into the reason why.  I'll just leave it at Corporate America!

That's not the reason for my post today.  Today I'd like to introduce you to a women's shoe designer.

Jai Cristiano
shoes are bejeweled with Swarovski Crystals.  If you didn't know, Swarovski creates crystal glass that lets light refract in a rainbow spectrum.  They are extremely famous for the quality of their work.    

Check him out and if you know any Diva's that want those one of a kind type of shoe send them to Jai Cristiano!
Hope all is well with everyone.

Ain't Nobody Got Time for Dat!

I've been having a lot of hard days at work lately.  Sweet Brown expresses my sentiment quite nicely.  There are things happening in corporate america that are quite underhanded just to make a dollar when in reality there isn't a dollar to make.
If you are of a certain age or complexion beware.  I'm just saying.  

I've gotta make a change…I just don't have time for this anymore!

What's Changed?

Though the colored man is no longer subject to barter and sale, he is surrounded by an adverse settlement which fetters all his movements.  In his downward course he meets with no resistance, but his course upward is resented and resisted at every step of his progress.  If he comes in ignorance, rags and wretchedness he conforms to the popular belief of his character, and in that character he is welcome; but if he shall come as a gentleman, a scholar and a statesman, he is hailed as impudence.  In one case he may provoke contempt and derision, but in the other he is an affront to pride and provokes malice.

Fredrick Douglass

September 25, 1883

129 years and what's changed?

A Different Kinda Story

This is a young African brother who is now living in America (name Mabasa) and aspiring to shoot a feature film.

Check out his blog for more details:  Tryone and Randy 

Black GLBT Book Clubs Band Together

Something is brewing in Houston, Texas.

A group of Black Book Clubs, 4 to be exact, decided that they didn't want to attend the National Black Book Festival because the events, authors and activities that take place at this event would probably not cater to their needs or life.  The Book Club's home locations are in 4 different cities,  Dallas, DC, Houston and Los Angeles.

Together they have decided to create their own Literary Soul Symposium that will take place in Houston, Tx the weekend of September 21, 2012.

Here is a link to the registration page where you can find information about the event and register if you're interested in attending.  2012 Inaugural Literary Soul Symposium.  You can also find them on Facebook by searching for Literary Soul Symposium.

This is their inaugural event and they hope to gain interest from the Black GLBT community across the country to create a tradition that celebrates Black GLBT authors and our lives.  Look for intelligent conversations and meeting new people with an interest in reading.

If you can't attend this event it will be in a city near you in the coming years.

I'll be there and hope to see some of you as well!

Amazing

I happened to go on to Anderson Coopers webpage and found D Westry that was on his show.  Now you probably know how much I love art…and if you don't I'm telling you that I do..lol  this guy is amazing…check out this youtube video.

Kina's Album Project

Hello All,

Haven't posted in awhile.  Been really busy with work a Literary Symposium and work!  Just want to let you know that Kina Cosper is putting together and independent Album project.  See the details below and how you can help.

Hello Friends, Family and Supporters!!!

I'm doing a new record!!!!!!!! ....And I need your help!!!!! 

As excited as I am about being an artist in 2012 and getting back out there, the costs of being an independent artist are crazy!!!!! So, I decided to start an Indiegogo campaign. This is when supporters go to indiegogo.com/newkinamusic and make a donation to help me with the costs of finishing my new project. 

On my indiegogo page, you'll watch a video about my cause. I'll tell you more about the record and what it's about. Hopefully you'll feel inspired to make a contribution. You'll see an even more detailed description of what I need you to help me with. Also, you'll see what perks I offer you for your donations!!! 

I'll be adding new updates daily and/or weekly of performances new pictures and information so you can watch the progress of my project. Funds are available to me at the end of this campaign, which is August 29th, 2012.

It's been a long road getting here. I've had great loss both personal and professional. I've also had great opportunities in my past. Unfortunately, most came at a time when I hadn't reached the level of self love necessary to believe I deserved them and to receive them. I made it through though. It's a new day now, and I need your help.

Self love and empowerment are a constant theme in my life, and a constant theme in my songwriting. I understand now that my calling is to help inspire people and to help them to also see their better selves. This record is about that and also just about LOVE, enjoying one another and having a good time. I can't wait to share it with you!!!!!!

So, I'm asking that you go and donate to my project now. Today. 

Any help you give will be greatly appreciated. TO DONATE please go to:indiegogo.com/newkinamusic

Also, I know everyone is not able to give as much, but you can still help by spreading the word. 

THANK YOU!!!!!

kina!

youtube.com/cosperkina

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace is a book by Daniel Black.  I assure you, you will enjoy reading this book.  That is if you like to read.  I really want to tell you all about this book but I'm not because if you're reading this post I want you to actually read it.  This is a very different story I'll tell you that and the story surrounds the character Perfect.  Perfect was born a boy but because his mother wanted a girl so badly she raised her boy child as a girl until the time she…uh he was 8 years old.

Take special note of the names of the characters and see if you can figure out their double meaning.

Stranded in the Motor City - Documentary

In 2010 the Movie Stranded in the Motor City Directed by Dwayne Barnes was screened here in Los Angeles.  You might remember me posting it about it and the interview I did with him.  (If not you can click on the link above.)  Now you can watch the full length movie online at the link below.


Stranded in the Motor City

Make a comment if you like.  Dwayne reads my blog and I'm sure he would enjoy seeing what you have to say.

Kina - For All the Times

I had the shear pleasure of being invited to Kina's one woman show this evening.  I've known Kina for awhile so this was a no brainer for me that I must be at this show.  I was excited to attend.  So excited that I thought the show was a day earlier than it actually was.  No I didn't go to the theater Saturday.  Thank goodness!  It is almost midnight and I had to get this out while the feeling was still simmering inside me.

You may remember Kina from the group Brownstone and her solo career.

She was on hiatus for awhile and this was a performance that myself and her friends have been waiting for!

It was a one woman show where she dramatically, comedically and stoically detailed her life's journey thus far.  Yes she sang during the show too.  Of course she would, she's a singer.  Not only is she a singer she is a performer. To top it off her characterizations of herself as a child opened your eyes to the beautiful little girl from Detroit.  Add Actress to the slashes behind her name!!

Her timing in telling her story was on point!  If anyone sat in that audience and didn't feel every single word and note that was melodically released from her lips, then there was something the hell wrong with them.  The only way that would have been humanly possible is if, you've never known elation, sadness, confusion, success or empathy.

Have you ever been to a performance and once it was over you felt like … I gotta do something with my life!  Well that was what I experienced tonight.

Thank you for letting me be apart of the audience Kina!!!  I'm looking forward to supporting you in all that you do and waiting anxiously to see what you have in store for the WORLD next!