Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Addicted

I'm addicted
to the way he smells
on a cold winter's night

I'm addicted
to the way he smiles
when he talks about life

I'm addicted
To the cologne he leaves behind
in his pillow and T-shirt

I'm addicted
to holding him close
to my body all night

I'm addicted
to his soft gentle kisses
all down the middle of my back

I'm addicted
to the way his hands
fit perfectly around my waist

I'm addicted
to watching him shower and
seeing the water run down his caramel skin

I'm addicted
to licking him from the
bottom of his neck to his chin

I'm addicted
to feeling his body around my body
breathing in sync with me

I'm addicted
I'm addicted
I'm
Addicted

Monday, December 28, 2009

Thaahum's Ridin' Heavy!

Motivational hip hop artist shares tips for creating a buzz on LA based podcast

In a recent interview on Blog Talk Radio Show "Ride Heavy Radio", Thaahum explains how his music and "The Secret" go hand in hand. Deemed the “Hip Hop Secret," his music is 100% inspirational and comes from his soul. Thaahum says, "You attract what you truly desire, I’m able to cross borders and show the rest of the world what hip hop can do." If you are always seeing things in a negative light, then you will put negatives vibes into the universe and that is what you will get back. However, if you put positive vibes out to the universe, then you will get positive vibes back.

Thaahum has worked with Kevin Smith who is the creator of "Clerks" and Clerks II". He did a song that was used to promote the movie "Clerks II" (http://www.clerks2.com/mattt/clerks2vid.mov) . Also, Thaahum is working on some music for the upcoming Showtime series . Thaahum has been working on his craft since 1999 but became serious with it in 2001.He believes that if you really want something bad enough, you will do whatever it takes to make it become a reality.

Check out his December 24th 2009 interview with host Queen Diva on "Ride Heavy Radio". http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ride-heavy-radio

Ride Heavy Radio is a podcast representing independent artists, and hosted by Queen Diva, Priceless, and Mz. Fresh

To listen to Thaahum's Inspiration on Fire Mixtape, go to http://www.insparationonfire.com or you can check out his page: www.keneteph.com.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Thinking

You make me feel like a kid again
Thinking back on the times when
I used to see you pass by me in the halls
On your way to class, I'd get
choked up just trying to say
Hello.

I'd write you name over and over
again in my notebook. Making
your last name mine and putting
our first names enclosed in a
heart.

Back in the day, all you
had to do was smile at me
and my whole day was
wonderful. Nothing could take
away my feeling of floating on
air.

I would sometimes watch you take
a drink from the water fountain and
every once in a while, I'd see you wipe
that one drip that made it to your
chin.

Boy, you have no idea how everything
you did send chills up my spine. All
you did, made me feel all tingling
inside.

At night, I would close my eyes and
concentrate on making sure my dreams
were about you. With the two of us
slow dancing cheek to cheek in a warm
embrace.

Good music

Funny! I'm sitting here at my computer listening to the "Kings of Leon" cd. The song I just heard was "Revelry" and I absolutely love it. The words have such meaning to me. I wasn't even sure if I was going to like this album, but so far every song is a hit to me. Merry Christmas to me since this was a CD I purchased for myself as a gift! YAY!!! The simplicity of the lyrics and the real instruments being played in the background are a divine and refreshing take on today's music. All of the sythesizing is beginning to get played out. Whatever happened to love songs with meaning behind it? Whatever happened to bands playing live? I guess those types of things are whatever!!!

I'm not trying to put down the autotune or computer generated music, but what I am saying is that I enjoy listening to real instruments and real vocals. I don't mind waiting 2-3 years for the next album to drop while enjoying the current one. Especially if the entire album is good.

I guess those days have passed. Too bad because they were really good days. Thank you for the bands who still take their time to put out good music! Amen to you all!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Hard Times at Christmas

Hello Mama! I pray all is well with you! I know you want to kick my butt right now. I still haven't been back to see you in almost two years now. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I'm not ready to see you. This is the time of year when everyone is happy and joyous and surrounded by family having dinner and catching up. I know that's what you want to do with me, but I'm just not ready yet.

Yes, I understand that Christmas Day is your birthday and in the past, it was tradition for all of us kids to brings the grandkids to your house for a grand celebration, but I just haven't been feeling that way lately.

It certainly isn't because I've stopped loving you or caring about you. It's just that I've been really trying to focus on what we talked about as far as my career is concerned. I'm really trying to do what I have to for my future. It's a long hard road, but it's keeping me focused and my mind occupied.

I know there's NO excuse for me not stopping by and saying hello every once in a while, but I do have a valid one. Well, at least I think it's valid. And, I really am trying to make time to work up the nerve to face the music. I'm not sure if you've even settled in your new surroundings. How are your new neighbors? They seemed like really nice people. At least that's what we were told.

I'm not sure if you knew this, but I sat outside on your lawn everyday for the first eight weeks just to make sure you were adjusting well. Once I saw that they had added your new address, I felt comfortable with not visiting as much. Then one day, I just couldn't bare going there anymore. I could tell that you would be alright.

I spent a lot of my days crying and asking why. Why did I have to lose my mother? Why wasn't there something I could have done to help save her? Why did it have to be something so rare and devasting that took you away? When will I become alright with visiting your new home? When will I finally accept that this is how things are?

All I want is one last hug that I can remember, one last time to hear your voice and one last time to smell your scent. So, I know that you can forgive me for not visiting you at the moment, but I do talk to you all the time. I feel your presence everyday. I see you in my daughter's eyes. I feel you always deep in my heart.

So, today on this eve of your birthday, I wanted to take some time out and tell you Happy Birthday, Mommy and I love you forever and always!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fashion In the Valley of the Sun

Recently, UGM, was granted permission to speak with one of Arizona's elite people of Phoenix Fashion Week, Brian Hill, Executive Director. We sat down for a phone conversation to get to know a little more about fashion in Phoenix.

UGM: How long have you been in the fashion industry and how did you get started?

Brian Hill: I've been in for 10 years. I was making T-shirts at the campus of Arizona State University in the beginning not knowing that it was going to take me to the Director of Fashion Week.

UGM: Traditionally, fashion is predominantly known or heard of in New York or California here in the United States. Why did you think Arizona would be a great place for fashion week?

BH: Well, two reasons! The sheer growth of the city going from the sixth to the fifth largest and a lot of money here. A lot people that buy and sell retail. In construction, or already standing, we have more malls per ca pita than anywhere in the nation. So, that just tells me that they, you know the city planning knows how big we're going to be eventually. So, my self and a few of the designers want to put our flags in the ground and not get kicked out by another big conglomerate coming in ad saying, "Hey, here's what fashion should be in Phoenix." We want to be the ones who lead by our own standard.

UGM: Do you really think that Arizona is going to be the next "Hot Spot" for fashion?

BH: You know, it's just different. We're not necessarily the "Hot Spot". It's kind of confusing. We're not saying that people dress better than anyone else. We're bringing designers in from different parts of the world to showcase their styles. That's how you actually push it forward. New York is infamous for that. Everyone comes from around the world and the do their own style, and you think that when you go to New York to shop that you're getting New York Style but you're not. It's a "melting pot" of fashion and we want to do the same thing here.

UGM: So, I noticed on your website that you're donating a lot of your proceeds to the Susan G. Coleman Cure for Cancer, do you always have your fashion shows coincide with Breast Cancer Month?

BH: This is the second time we've done it.

UGM: What percentage of your proceeds will go towards your charity?

BH: There's actually not a percentage. So, all of the items are being auctioned off that the celebrities are wearing on the runway. Every single dollar is going towards Susan G. Coleman from that. And then we're getting donations from different sponsors. There's no set amount. And the third thing is, 25% of the T-shirt we co-designed with one of our brands called Privacy Premium, out of L.A., who has the direct title Breast Cancer Awareness, is going towards Susan G. Coleman as well!

UGM: This year, how many designers do you have?

BH: We have 28.

UGM: How many of the designers have been discovered from Arizona?

BH: We have 10 emerging designers coming from Arizona competing for $10,000 prize package all focused on helping them launch their brand correctly. And then we have some other brands that have had some success from Fashion Week that are going forward.

UGM: How many of your designers are children? Or do you have any children that are designers?

BH: The youngest girl we have is 20. She is actually on the MTV reality fashion show "House of Jazmin". We're bringing her in.




This sounds like the hottest ticket in the Valley! Phoenix Fashion Week! Be there! Tickets are currently on sale: $30 general admission and $60 reserved tickets Get your tickets now! You can purchase your tickets on-line at www.phoenixfashionweek.com .

Monday, September 7, 2009

Inside Out with Christian "Thaahum" Abrokwah

Please let me introduce a wonderful artist by the name of Christian "Thaahum" Abrokwah. Thaahum is an inspirational rapper who has a positive message he wants the whole world to know! Only you are in control of your destination.

In a recent interview with David Brown of Inside Out Radio, we found out that Thaahum is a pioneer of a new type of hip hop called supraliminal, which means, to bring out, to draw out an emotion. His style of rap isn't religious, but inspirational. His music makes you feel good and it makes you realize that you are the keyholder in your lifes journey.

One of his favorite sayings is "Our will and God's will are one in the same. It's just our ego just has it's own timeline. Meaning that we really do have a choice." With words like these, how can you not want to hear the other messages he has?

His music is something that the whole family can listen to without having to worry about what's being heard. Positive messages being taught to catchy beat? Who knew? Good food for your soul! Nourishment for your spirit! His take on rap is clean to the pallette! Simply put, Thaahum's music is a breath of fresh air. Inhale and exhale the Inspiration on Fire!

Jen Marie
jenmarde21@gmail.com


You can reach Christian "Thaahum" Abrokwah on his myspace page, www.myspace.com/inspirationonfire or email him at insponfire@gmail.com.

Listen to his interview in Blog Talk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/Inside-Out

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nurture Your Own Heart

I've been thinking about things
And I've come to realize
You're no good for me to be around
You're nothing but poison

You're vial and viscious
You're low like a snake
I'm done with you forever
So, be gone already

No more emails or texting
No more having any parts
Of me. I'm no longer the
one who supports you.
It's all up to you now
Nurture your own heart

I've sat around rewinding what happened
All I come up with is that
somewhere, something was lacking
but no more, it's good

The first days were hard
But by the third, I was fine
Talking about things, I realized
Was really a waste of time

No more emails or texting
No more having any parts
Of me. I'm no longer the
one who supports you.
It's all up to you now
Nurture your own heart

No more emails or texting
No more having any parts
Of me. I'm no longer the
one who supports you.
It's all up to you now
Nurture your own heart

Don't Act Like

Don't act like you're there for me
When all you do is pretend
Don't act like it's all good
When you were never my friend

After all of the things we went through
I was always there, always true
So, don't tell me you're sorry
Just to get back in

I've moved on with my life
And I'm good to go
No more worries about offending
No more having to be just so

I was hurt in the beginning
But have come through the other side
Sleep has been really good
'Cause I never lied

Don't act like you're there for me
When all you do is pretend
Don't act like it's all good
When you were never my friend

All of the consoling
All of the late night talks
I know it was fake on your end
Do me a favor, kick rocks

I tried reaching out
But with no prevail
Now you're doing the same thing
But you can kiss my tail

Don't act like you're there for me
When all you do is pretend
Don't act like it's all good
When you were never my friend

So when times get rough again
Don't look for my support
I had your back at on time
But for some reason, it didn't work

No more walking on eggshells
Watching my words
All of your sad love stories
You can save for the birds

Don't act like you're there for me
When all you do is pretend
Don't act like it's all good
When you were never my friend

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Woman's Thoughts (I Didn't Know)

Things are so complicated right now! I really want to be with you, but I'm with someone who I don't love! It's really starting to become bothersome seeing you with HER cuddling up cozy by the fire. That should be me in your arms. Why did I let you go? What's wrong with me? The time apart wasn't going to be forever. You said, no...you promisd me you'd be back. I told you to go and do what you need to do and if things were meant to be, then they would. I didn't know that things were not going to be ME and YOU together. I didn't know that when you went away you'd come back with someone else. I didn't know that you could or would fall in love with someone else. I wish I were like
Superman and had the power to turn back time. Because if I could, then it would be me and you with our happily ever after. Instead, it's me looking from the outside in wishing and wanting to be with you. Hugging you felt like the right thing. It felt like old times. Like, WE were together again. Instead, it's her. Why do I have to feel like the other woman? Why do I have to step aside? Why do I have to bow down? Maybe if I just click my heels together three times...click, click, click! Nope! Nothing! She's still right next to you! I played the game of chess and you checked me. I'm sorry! I really messed up this time. Can we go back to when we were kids and play takesy, backsy? Give it to me straight. You don't love her. She's just a decoy, right? She's just the one you're with in the meantime. I know you really want me! Just say the word and I'm there. Come on now! I promise I'll say yes! I guess it's not gonna happen. Too much time has passed. I guess it's time for me to accept the inevitable. You love her now. I guess I'll have to wait until our next lifetime. Just know, I love you...

Let's Go Back

So, let's go back in the day when my love was like, Whoa! You know, back when Mya was the hottest new singer out?

Let's go back to when wearing acid washed jeans was the thing to do, and a girl tying her shirt at her hip was considered cute.

Let's go back to when having a rayon shirt of every color and style was considered FLY. (that cracks me up)

Let's go back to when banana clips and dolphin earrings were so in fashion that you were not hip enough if you didn't have either one.

Let's go back to when Jodeci was a hot ticket to get and Immature was teh opening act!

Let's go back to when girls thought it was cute to have three and four holes in one ear! (I never really understood that one)

Let's go back to when Miami Vice blazers with shoulder pads were the hottest trend.

Let's go back to when you had your first crush.

Let's go back to the first boy who pushed you, only to find out later on he was really digging you.

Let's go back to when times were simpler.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Seasons

Flowers bloom
Rain falls
Rainbows glow
My love for you grows stronger every day

Day comes
Night falls
Stars fall
The desire to have you with me is strong

Grass grows
Winds blow
Leave fall
I'm not ready for you to go on

Ice chills
Frost bites
Fires crackle
My heart will always be for you

Pacts

Sometimes, when you think you're doing the right thing for a friend, you end up doing the most hurtful thing. Recently, I have ended a friendship. It's a friendship I thought I'd have for a very long time considering my best friend is someone I have know since age 8. I normally don't let many people completely into my life, but this time I did.

I'm not going to go in to any detail about it because it's still too raw for me to talk about right now. Just know that when I accept someone as a friend of mine, I love them unconditionally. During most peoples friendships, there are pacts made like, when I make it into the NFL I'm going ot buy you a house or when I hit the lottery, I'll buy you a house. You know PACTS! When the friendship ends for whatever reason, the pact goes with it. Not with me! I see things a little differently than most. I believe when a promise, excuse me, I mean PACT is made, it should be honored to the best of your ability. What I'm trying to say is, there was a pact made during my friendship with someone. We said that if one of us makes, we would make sure to pass on the other ones names or bring them on board if possible. Since, that pact was made during our friendship, I feel it is something that should be fulfilled on my end.

I also understand that most people don't feel the same way I do, so I never expect it back. I just do it because it's what I want to do.

Now that my friendship has ended, I wish nothing but success for the individual. I will cherish the good times and focus on those instead of how or why our friendship ended. I know it seems very naive to most for me to focus on the good things instead of the bad, but why stress over something you can't control? At least, that's my philosophy!

Friendship is very hard to come by, so I tend to cherish the ones I have. Even the ones I no longer have.

In all of my rambling, I guess what I'm trying to say is, Keep taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Tomorrow is not promised, so try to make today a happy, joyful and fulfilling one. If you care about someone or something, be forth coming. Never regret what you could have, should have or would have done. There is a reason things happened the way the did!

Don't forget to tell those who mean something to you that you love them!!!

Love,

Jen Marie xoxo