Rantings of a Creole Princess

Dear Shelly:

I love my Shelly Bean dearly.  

Even when we're beefing and have broken friendship for a minute I truly, truly love her.  I'm hoping we never break up again because I realize how much of an amazing part of my life she truly is.  She's the ying to my yang and simply put...I adore her cockeyed azz.  

Last night she asked me to buy her a Porsche Cayenne for Christmas and well...I told her why wait?  I'll get her one tomorrow.  Why?  Yall should know it's because of this:  http://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ

Weather Report

How's the weather out by you?  

From My Inbox:

Hi Mrs. Mingo, 

I have been coming to your site for 6 years at least. I have shamefully never posted.  I just wanted you and the Tribe to know how much you truly inspire other women.   I came to know of your site through someone I was dating and while he didn't last, you and the rest of your friends, sisters, framily left a lasting impact.  Six years ago I was feeling kind of down and didn't quite know what I was going to do.  I had a good job but was unfulfilled and lacked a clear vision for my future, well I knew I wanted to be a doctor, just not how on earth to get there.  

I'd come to your site and you would be cooking, decorating, making movies, loving on your hubby, expanding your family.  Life fighting and life living all at the same time! I thought I needed to give myself a chance to see if my dreams could come true as well.  After night classes at a community college, quitting my job, and completing a 2 year post baccalaureate program I made it to medical school.  I am in my second year.  

6 years ago you were still doing fertility treatments, still dreaming of making movies, still telling us all the Fabulous and I just wanted to thank you for adding fuel to my fire, for reminding us to be our best.  Your impact is awesome.  

ps. I had a test today and my treat is to watch movies for the rest of the day.  Yours in on netflix! I am very excited.  

SIP:  Okay...this was awesome.  Medical school?  GIRL YOU'D BETTER GO 'HEAD ON NOW YA' HEAR!  CONGRATS, CONGRATS, CONGRATS!  We're so proud of you!  

LADY TEE GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Nothing starts my day off better than waking up to an overnight text of a dear friend getting engaged!  I just LOVE LOVE!  We met Tee's beau for Thanksgiving this year and adored him instantly!  He truly cherishes her and it made us so happy to see her well taken care of.  AND HE HAS EXCELLENT TASTE IN BLING!!!!!!!  WHOOOOOHOOOOOO!  LOVE A MAN WHO KNOWS HIS WAY AROUND A JEWELRY STORE!  LOL!

This is truly a full circle moment for her.  I'm so very, very proud and happy!

Who were YOU at age 22?

Where I lived: 
What I drove: 
What I did: 
Who had my heart: 

Quiz Time

Quiz: Are You Bourgie?

FOCUS!!!!!

onefromphilly's 2013 mantra is FOCUS!  

If you know onefromphilly...you know she's serious and gets done what she says she's going to get done.

Since she shared that mantra with me, I'll find myself doing something and binging all over the place and then I picture her standing there with a pair of pink brass knuckles with bling yelling...FOCUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I focus.  LOL!

Shit.

STOP YELLING AT ME!!!!!!!!

Do you have any areas in your life you need to FOCUS on?

Name three and, from today on remember...when you write it down...you need to FOCUS on making it happen.  Imagine onefromphilly standing there yelling...FOCUS!

I promise you'll get it done.

Three areas...FOCUS!

WHO are YOU?

A friend answered these questions and I thought we could too!  GO US!

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Gosh...someone cute but not too cute and who doesn't do a lot of neck rolling.  Someone who has a mean side eye and can purse their lips JUST.RIGHT.  Aw hell...who am I kidding.  Only the infamous SIP could do me justice on camera.  LOL!

2. I wish I could…

Fly through the air like Gabby Douglas.  I would totally dress like a Ninja every.single.day if I could.

3. My first style memory is…

I wasn't ever really into clothes growing up.  Mainly because I knew my shopping choices were limited to Montgomery Wards and JC Penny.  LOL!    The first thing I ever wanted more than anything was a Coca-Cola shirt.  When I got it I was sooooooo excited but I didn't get it until the fad was almost over because my mom thought they were stupid and refused to buy me one for like forever.

4. I could not live with out my…

My husband.  Seriously.  I couldn't live without that dude.  And wifi.  I couldn't live without wifi.  I've visited people who didn't have wifi before and it made me want to chew off my arm.  

5. I could live without…

Violence in the news on television and in movies.  I've gotten to the point where I'm good with sticking my head in the sand.  The last few movies we've watched where there was senseless random violence, we've turned it off and found an old school sitcom rerun to cleanse the palette.

Pick a photo, décor object, or piece of clothing that defines your style:

TOTALLY.ME.  http://www.converse.com/#/products/detail/page/527880C

YOUR TURN!!!!!

From The Broke Socialite:

The Broke Socialite

Life Questions...

Are you happy with where you are in life right now?

Are you honest with yourself about the areas you could do better?

Do you believe your values are in keeping with your day-to-day actions?

Do you believe that your circumstances in life have a direct connection to where you are in your head?

Do you seek out resources necessary to be and do better?

Are you in this life game to WIN as it relates to what you think winning is FOR YOU?

 

9/11 2012

I always find it oddly connecting to hear stories of where Americans were the day of 9/11.  Like...we all have something in common that connects us wherein we all felt the same level of devastation and fear on the exact, same day.

I can still close my eyes and taste the terror.  I can still feel my heart constrict as I see military on the streets of Washington, DC with fingers at the ready.

And I still get sad way deep inside.

What about you?  Where were you?  How did you feel?  Do you feel safer today?  Do you remember to be diligent as you go about life day-to-day and take note of things out of the ordinary?  If you saw something that didn't quite sit right with you...would you contact the authorities and report it?

My Morning Smile!

Client Chronicles:  Ms. Betty

From Po' Shelly

They can't leave the house and have no 'lectric.  Oh...and the 'lectric people not gonna come out until the water is gone.

In loving memory of Ted Holtzclaw...

Remembering Ted Holtzclaw - Our friend, my friend

This man CHERISHED his family and friends.  TRULY.  It with a sad, sad heart that I watched that video and read Bill Ritter's article.  

 

 

Strong and Wrong!

Every.single.time I hear or read the phrase, "STRONG AND WRONG," I think of 1969's mommy.  LOL!

What about you?  Any phrases your elders say that you consider synonymous with them?

From My Inbox: WHOA...

Good morning Mrs. Mingo,

I just wanted to share with you how you have changed my life.  I have always been a go-getter but life knocked me down for a bit and I couldn't find my way.  I was depressed and in a cycle that kept me stuck.  I turned in and shut myself off from the world.  I'd been following your blog for so long.  Watching you battle some VERY tough things yet you had the courage to keep striving.  You kept writing it down and making it happen.  And I would too- but I'd get depressed and forgot to make it happen.  One day I wrote a depressed blog and you commented to me.  I was shocked that you'd take the time to reach out to me.  I kept reading you and watching you make your dreams come true.  I got to watch sisters and was amazed by your talent.  You were seriously making moves.  I would share your blog posts with my girls and my honey.

Little by little I started writing it down.  And then I began to find the strength to make it happen.  Before I knew it my dreams were coming true.  I could take the hard knocks in life and not let them derail me.  

Seeing your pictures from The Coalition premiere brings tears to my eyes.  I'm so overjoyed for you, I can hardly stand it.  And I remain inspired.  Truly inspired.  I look at you and I see a beautiful courageous woman who has triumphed in spite of.  

 Since my "low" point, I have started grad school and my honey and I have finally gotten on track.  We've battled depression and both came out on the other side victorious.  We made a major move 6 weeks ago to Houston, TX and we are building a life here. We are living our dreams with no fears (ok, a few) but we are writing it down and making it happen.  We left our jobs to come see just how great we could be.  We are looking to buy a house and to just live a fulfilled life pursuing our passions and so far we are.  I am happy from within.  I recognize each day as a blessing and an opportunity to live my dreams and be a blessing to others.  We have along way to go but I wouldn't be here with out you.

I hope you know the impact you have on the world.  I hope you know the impact you have had on me.  You completely changed my world and I am eternally grateful.  Thank you!

Cynthia (Cyn/CynCity)

FARFROMPERFECT GOT ENGAGED!!!!

Hey Monica,

First let me say I'm so proud of you and Team Sizzle! It looks like y'all took ABFF by storm.  Such a joy to watch your dreams come true!

Attached is a picture of my Beau and I after he popped the question (the actual engagement was recorded).

We went to NYC for his birthday weekend.  A surprise visit to the observation deck of Rockefeller Center was the last stop of our day of site seeing.  After taking a million pictures and helping other visitors take good pics (he can't help it, he's a photographer), we begin to make our way to the elevator.  Before we reach the stairs, he stops and looks at me and says "You've made the last two years so good." This is where he gets on his knee, I start screaming, and a crowd gathers.  He then says "I want you to make the rest of my life great.  Will you marry me?" And of course, I say yes.

Never would have thought I'd meet my best friend and love of my life on eHarmony.  

FarFromPerfect

I LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoa! Hot Stuff!

My Kinky Relationship With The Teeny Weenie Afro

 

AWESOME.SAUCE!

Vow Renewal - 25th Anniversary Party!

From MrsTDJ, my lovely...lovely FRAMILY...

I was on a plane Saturday morning when I got a call about FRAMILY.

I helped pack up Shelly and Cole and changed my flight to the first thing smoking Sunday morning to get back to MrsTDJ.  Why?  She is one of my DEAREST framily and she was dealing with THIS:  Love of a Lifetime

 

S/O Tag!

1.  Your S/O is sitting in front of the tv...what is on the screen?

2.  You're out to eat what kind of dressing does your S/O get on their salad?

3.  What's one food your S/O doesn't like?

4.  You go out to eat and have a drink...what drink does your S/O order?

5.  What size shoe does your S/O wear?

6.  If your S/O was collecting anything what would it be?

7.  What is your S/O's favorite type of sandwich?

8.  What would your S/O eat everyday if they could?

9.  What is your S/O's favorite breakfast?

10. What is your S/O's favorite music genre?

11. What is your S/O's favorite sports team? 

12.  What color are your S/O's eyes? 

13.  Who is your S/O's best friend?

14.  What is something you do that your S/O wishes you wouldn't?

15.  What is your S/O's heritage and where are they from?  

16.  You bake your S/O a cake for their birthday...what kind of cake is it?

17.  Does/did your S/O play any sports?  

18.  What could your S/O spend hours doing?

19.  What is one unique talent your S/O has?

20.  How long have you known your S/O?

Question...

What skills do you always wish you had and just haven't found the time to learn?

Question...

What would your parents say was the worst thing you did as a kid?

Describe...

...how the closest relationship you have makes you feel in three words.

Write it Down and Make it Happen!

List 5 of your short term goals.

 

Uncle Billy

This is Uncle Billy.

He was Uncle Billy to soooooooooo many.

If you were blessed enough to meet him...you'd look forward to seeing him again.

He was truly the loveliest person.  Fun, funny, helpful, accomodating.  Uncle Billy was the guy who made sure everyone was having a good time.  Uncle Billy was the guy who, if you needed something...would help you until there was a solution.

Uncle Billy was a charming, charming gentleman.

Yesterday, Uncle Billy died.

His heart gave out.

He was only 50 years old and he looked the picture of health.

I saw him Saturday and got my hugs and kisses.  Had a good laugh with him, of course, because being around him was always a good time.

And now he's gone and I can't believe it.

He was so vibrant.

So...amazingly present.

He is going to be missed by every.single.person who knew him.

Uncle Billy...

 

 

Dear friends of onefromphilly:

If you are still friends with onefromphilly after her last comment on the blog...I must disassociate myself with you too.

It was nice knowing yall.

Enjoy.

SIP:  Whatever for you...me and onefromphilly go HAM!  (What does that even mean?  No one knows but it's provacative!)

Happy Birthday Shelly Bean!!!!!

Yesterday, after school, Cole revealed his plans for Shelly's birthday.

I knew it was going to be delightful by the sound of Shelly's voice as she was telling me.

Cole never, ever, EVER gets to have sugary cereal so in his mind...they are obviously the BEST.THING.EVER!

So he figured he'd make her a breakfast of Apple Jacks this morning to celebrate her birthday.  (Yes...he got to have some too, of course.)

For dinner tonight she'll get anything she wants that comes out of a can.  He was VERY 'pacific.  I love how he keeps expectations where they should be you know?  Like...that kid was thinking.  He was like...I don't want her to get it too twisted...I am only 7.

Oh...and she can have corn.

LOL!

When I called this morning to sing to her she told me the other part of her FABULOUS breakfast!  She got to eat it with the Buzz Lightyear spoon.  I mean sure...it took her much longer because it's a really small spoon which only fits one circle of sugary goodness per scoop...but it made the special mommy breakfast that much more memorable.

And long.

COLE BRINGS ME LEVELS OF JOY WHICH ARE LIFE SOARING!  ROFL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY BEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I LOVE YOU LIKE A SISTER I FIGHT WITH CONSTANTLY!  LOL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONEBLACKMAN!!!!!!!!!

I'm putting together a care package for you!  Happy birthday to one of my bestestest!  Love you dude!

Good Morning!

When you got out of bed this morning...what did you do for the first 10 minutes?

The Usual Suspects NYE Brunch 2011!

My FAVORITE get together at our home is The Usual Suspects' New Year's Eve Brunch.  Many of us have gotten so busy that we can't get together as often as we'd like throughout the year...so it's good to see everyone and play catch up.  The brunch starts early and usually lasts until the new year arrives and everyone brings a dish so I don't have to do all the cooking.  I simply put out servingware and utensils, make my own dish and pull out all the alcohol the crew left LAST time we all got together.  LOL!

This year I made black eyed peas and brown rice and gave everyone a piece of cabbage leaf to put in their wallets to bring the new year in right. 

SIP:  CUZ SHE KUNTRY!

Everyone is welcome to come, menfolk, kiddies, cool people you know whom we haven't met yet and we laugh, talk, clown, play games and drink! 

This year was no different and a good time was had by all!  GO US!

What did YOU do for New Year's Eve this year?

Spotlight on a Tribe Member: kiz4tj

I met kiz4tj via blogging.

I met her in person for the first time when I was in New York during my internship with Mr. Spike Lee.

I fell in love with her and her daughters then.  They were just soooooooo full of life.

Our friendship has flourished over the years and she's one of the people I consider a part of my very private counsel and I wanted to share her story.

She married at a young age and she and her husband had two beautiful daughters.

They got a divorce and she continued working her behind off and got her bachelor's degree while working full-time.

She wanted to be a lawyer.

She quit her job and lived off of her savings for a minute while she studied for the LSAT.

She got a GREAT score and applied for law school.

She got into the law school of her choice but it was out of state.

She and her ex-husband made the decision that their daughters would live with him during her first year of law school because everyone knows the first year is the worst year.

It damn near broke her heart...but she was doing it FOR.THEM.

She just finished her first semester and seriously...she's kicking azz and taking names.

I'm so proud of her I could just BURST.

The second she finished her final exams she was on the first thing smoking to New York to get her babies and then came down and visited family and framily.

We had a BLAST!

The decision to leave her daughters with their father for a year was a major sacrifice for her but it was the right decision.  She loves her babies, their father loves his babies.  Those girls see how much their parents love, sacrifice and work hard for them.

I'm so proud of her and share her story with anyone who needs encouragement.  Anyone who has an excuse.  Anyone who believes they can't move the mountains out of their way to get the things done which need to be done.

I'm so very, very proud of her I could burst.

We don't talk as much as we used to because she's in school and she's FOCUSED.

We don't get to kee-kee and shoo-shoo practically at all.

But when I picked them up Wednesday night...everything fell right back into place as if there was no time at all betwix the LAST time we got to kick it.

She's one of my heroes.

Her daughters? 

My nieces.

I've met a lot of FABULOUS people through blogging.

I've invited many of them to my home and we're still alive and have never had a thing missing nor would we ever think to look for anything missing.

kiz4tj is just one of them. 

She is SUCH an amazing mother, daughter, student and friend.  She is kind.  She is gentle.  She is NOT the help.  She is every.single.thing a mother should be.  She's following her dreams and showing her daughters how REAL.WOMEN do it.

In 2012...Imma tell yall about many more of the FABULOUS people I've met via the blog.

The Tribe rocks.

Yall have no earthy idea.

If you have a dream and think you have obstacles...try being a single mother of two daughters trying to finish your bachelor's degree, studying for the bar, passing and going to law school.

She wrote it down and is making it happen.

I love, love, LURVE me some her.

Yall should be proud of her too.

If you have time...comment and let her know.

Sometimes...the encouragement helps us soar.

Prayer Request!

Hello Monica,

I am messaging you in hopes that the prayers of many will help one. Her name is Patty. She has beaten breast cancer twice now, but cancer has returned for a third time. She goes in for surgery tomorrow morning, which is earlier than we'd all thought originally. Would you please ask The Tribe to keep her, her family, and her medical staff all in their prayers?  Thank you in advance!

--
Brandi

Question...

What's the grossest thing in your purse?

Christmas Memory

What is your fondest Christmas memory?

SingLIkeSassy's Tree!

Tiffany In Houston's Tree!!!!!!!!!

She and M2 went for traditional colors too!  FABULOUS!

BK's Tree!!!!!

It's stunning but...more importantly...it's BK BABY'S FIRST TREE!!!!!!!!!

Mellow's Winter White Tree!!!!!!!!!

Tongue Flip

Can you flip your tongue over?

Which way?  Right side over left?  Left side over right?  Both sides?

ONEFROMPHILLY IS ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'M SO, SO HAPPY! AND YES!  I'M CLAIMING THE WEDDING PLANNER POSITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(Unless I'm shooting...cuz seriously...that comes first.  LOL!)

Question...

Would you consider yourself to be a brave person?

Question...

What did your Grandfather do for a living?

Dream World

Do you remember your dream from last night?

Name ONE thing you're worried about.

Me?  Rotoscoping.

"For me...and how I like it...you know...for me!"

This article totally rocks:  How to be THE LUCKIEST GUY ON THE PLANET in 4 Easy Steps

Like...I LURVED IT!

Probably because I feel it validates a lot of what I think as it relates to how I choose to live my life and the things I need to focus on in order to continue to get better.

Question...

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Mr. Jobs has left us...

I'm 42 years old and I'm in the 5th year of following my dreams.  Every single time I feel overwhelmed or disheartened in my journey…I watch Mr. Jobs' commencement video from 2005 and I get right back up and do what I need to do because it's what I love and his life was a testament to the type of peace that follows. 

Mr. Jobs' life changed my life.  When I heard he'd left us I teared up and had to catch myself. 

I considered him family.

My sincerest condolences to those he held dear. 

Sincerely,

Monica Mingo

Pick Me Up

I need a pick-me-up.

Any funny jokes, kid stories, cut pics? 

Whatchall got?

Question...

If a celebration was scheduled in your honor based on YOUR life and YOUR accomplishments...name 5 people you'd want to speak.

Name one person that would make you GULP if you saw their name on the program.  LOL!