Spoken Magazine: Spring 20/10

TRULY A MONTSTER IN THE MIDST; VP OF MY LIFE KEYS, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, MODEL, AND MUSIC PRODUCER

  MONTSTER

NANCY STRICKLIN BIRMINGHAM’S RISING SUPER POWER

TOMMY BOTTOMS FROM DEF POET TO MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

2010

FASHIONISTA ADVICE Atlanta’s Resource for Arts & Entertainment

SPRING 20/10

MEET THE OWNER OF AREA, JAI JONES WWW.SPOKENMAGAZINE.NET

Atlanta Editors Editor-in-Chief Derico D. Dabney

Publishing Editor Theresa Horne

Associate Editor Emily Wright

Entertainment Editor Fellissia McDonald

Birmingham Editors Publishing Editor Shermika Dunner

Associate Editor Maranda Davis

Contributing Staff Music Reviews Alfred “Nfared� Vines

Theater Arts Sylvester Little Jr.

Fashion Parron A. Edwards

Wellness/Prosperity Wendy Kay

Contributing Writer Brian D.P. Hawkins

Contributing Writer Melanie Richardson

Contributing Writer Tonya Grace

Contributing Writer Shaunteka LaTrese Curry

Contributing Writer Jonquil S. Harris Spoken Magazine Registered Trademark of Spoken Magazine, LLC Lithonia, GA ISSN: 1559-3533 Arts-Entertainment Publication WWW.SPOKENMAGAZINE.NET editor@spokenmagazine.net 404.551.5379 888.755.9413 (toll free)

In This Issue

07 ATLANTA’S RESOURCE FOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MONTSTER IN THE MIDST

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Melanie Richardson with Tavaghn Monts

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FROM DEF POET TO MOUTH OF THE SOUTH Entertainment Editor Fellissia McDonald sits down with

Tommy Bottoms

M.O.C

16 MODEL EXPOSURE Features business savvy Amber Nicole, beauty and brains to boot. A definite must read.

Check out the second installation of the short story: “Moment of Clarity”.

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30 SPOKEN MAGAZINE TAKES A DETOUR with Author / Publisher turn Director / Producer; Nancy Stricklin

Photograhpy Credits: Berry Sharp Images (Page 30) Protege Images. Lindsey Witherspoon in Birmingaham,AL (Page 32) Hannibal Matthews (Pages 7-8) JT Imagery (Pages 22-23) The Studio Concept (Cover Photo & Pages 19-21, 25)

20 SPRING 10 Spoken Magazine

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Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment & Arts

By Melanie Richardson Contributing Writer

I

sat down with Jai Jones, visionary and senior artistic director of Atlanta’s Resource for Entertainment & Arts (AREA), to find out the scoop on Atlanta’s newest arts resource center.

Briefly stated, AREA is a multi-disciplinary performing arts center housed in a contemporary 7,500 square foot facility, in Midtown Atlanta! AREA is a comprehensive resource and incubator for arts and entertainment novices and professionals.

From dance, to music, and drama; to artist development, music production and recording, AREA is interested in cultivating the entertainment stars of tomorrow!

Jai: Our application process is extensive. It encompasses a questionnaire, telephone interview, and then a face-to-face interview. If we are hiring an instructor, we have them conduct a condensed version of the class from start to finish using us as the students. Of course, there are also background checks and other measures taken to ensure we have a staff that represents our company.

Mel: What is the teacher to student ratio?

Jai: We typically have 8-10 students to 1 instructor. In our

Mel: Well, I want to jump right in. I’ve done a little research

younger classes we may have an assistant.

and I’m impressed with all that AREA offers. Most companies within the arts focus on one aspect. What made you decide to open your doors to all that “The Arts” encompass?

Mel: How does your vision transfer into the classroom?

Jai: We’re building relationships and an artist’s thought pro-

Jai: I’m originally from Atlanta and grew up as a dancer in the industry. Dance has been my foundation, but I wanted to respond to the need for an all-inclusive space to foster successful talent in all aspects of the Arts.

Mel: How long has it been in the making?

Jai: After approximately a year of planning, we officially opened our doors in August of 2009. We were honored by the Atlanta Tribune Magazine with the Best of Atlanta Award for Arts & Entertainment.

Mel: It’s apparent that you personally have a love of the arts.

cess is very important. Our motto simply stated is “My AREA has no limits”. We encourage our instructors to bring their experiences into the studio and build upon our AREA vision. All areas of the business need to be understood in order to foster a well-rounded experience for each artist. We employ both local and renowned instructors that build on our vision and teach beyond technique and composition.

Mel: Performing Arts many times collaborate with Visual Artists to create everything that goes into a production. Do you have plans to move into the Visual Arts or are you looking to build relationships with companies that provide those services?

How have you been able to find that in your employees?

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“AREA’s professionalism and knowledge of the entertainment business is second to none. They have been instrumental in the growth and development of our entertainment company. I highly recommend their services.” – Natasha Sykes, Co-Founder, FriendScents, Inc.

Jai: We’ve used our in-house cumulative artistic efforts to create everything that goes into our productions, but we are always interested in building new relationships! AREA’s Spring Productions will premier this May including: Schoolhouse Rock Live and The AREA Dance Collective Presents: The Climb. Some of our current partners include the True Colors Theatre Company, F.I.V.E. Productions, and Friendscents, Inc. and we will be working with the Spirit of the Sweet Auburn during the 26th Annual Sweet Auburn Festival this May.

Mel:: What areas of your business do you see the most success?

Jai: I would say that we’ve experienced great success in all of our programs, AREA Sound Studios, AREA in Motion, AREA Performs – the training center for dance/drama/music, and AREA 360°.

Our artist development and branding program, AREA 360°, has really filled a void in the market. Record companies have been hit with the recession as most businesses have and they’ve cut back on the artist development aspect of the business. We’ve stepped in and are working to build relationships with Independent A & R Executives and Record Labels. The

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response has been huge.

Mel:: I feel weird asking this, because AREA already provides more than the typical art center. What’s next?

Jai: The Creative Spark Foundation (TCSF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts educational organization, aims to inspire and spark creativity in youth through awareness, enrichment and an appreciation of the Arts.

Mel: How can we find AREA? Jai: We are located on the web at www. myAREAatlanta.com. You will also find us on twitter and facebook. Our physical location is 1860 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 or you can reach us by phone at 404.921.9277.

How Healthy Eating Affects One’s Outer Beauty

By Wendy Kay

www.wellnessinprosperity.com

Y

ou’ve probably heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.”

That’s because there’s actually a lot of truth to it. How you eat directly affects your energy levels, how you feel emotionally, and your outer appearance. Do you look vibrant with a healthy glow, an erect posture, and obvious energy? Or do you look a little weak, tired and sluggish, maybe some discoloration of your skin and around your eyes?

There are currently two major eating trends going on in our culture: Healthy and Fast Food.There are those people that take the time to decide what to put into their bodies, including all the prep it takes to execute their decisions successfully.

And then those people that react to their hunger and need for instant energy in the least amount of time possible, letting whatever happens, happen. The results: The reactor’s body gets fatigued, usually followed by the need for quick shots of sugar, caffeine, and/or nicotine, or just food in general – and we all know what’s in “quick” foods that a reactor prefers...fats and carbohydrates. These decisions can make your inner body sick, or not function properly, which will eventually affect your outer appearance and literally “age” you faster. On the other hand, those that take the time to think about what they’re putting into their bodies have more energy for peak performance on the

job, at home and for the exercise it takes to maintain fitness. Those time-takers’ decisions are not only giving them more energy, but they feel better physically and mentally overall. And guess what? They look better and can easily do more.

Here is the easiest way to go from being a “reactor” to a “time-taker.”

Pick one day a week and dedicate about 45-60 minutes to planning your food intake for the week, including easily accessible snacks, using a calorie count of what you want to weigh. Use this formula: desired or current weight times 10 calories for adults (ex: 130 lbs X 10 = 1300); then factor in around 150-200 extra calories per hour of exercise to use, preferably, on the day of exercise. Using the calorie count allows you to eat whatever you want, but it will reward you by allowing you more food if you eat healthier. You can get a great little calorie handbook for quick reference of grocery and fast foods at your local book store – a great investment. After the planning, take time to do some food preparation for the week. What you think about and plan for now, will save you from having to take the time to make these new decisions when you may not have time during the week, which may potentially turn you back into a reactor.

Here are a few other healthy practices to promote outer beauty:

Remember to always drink plenty of water to assist your body in eliminating toxins. A simple formula for that is to take your current body weight in pounds, divide it in half, and then use that number in ounces of water to consume daily (ex: 128 lbs/2 = 64oz, or half gallon). Hydration is a major factor in the condition and function of all of your organs; this includes the appearance of your largest organ, the skin.

Adequate rest is also essential in promoting outer beauty due to the many healing benefits to your body and rest of your mind that takes place during sleep. The average person does best with 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Those that take the time during the day to meditate may require the lower end of required sleep rest.

A little exercise always helps; even the low impact, highly beneficial Tibetan 5 Rites for maximum benefits without all the huff and puff. Do an Internet search to find the written or video instructions, along with stretches, to this exercise regimen.

Healthy eating definitely enhances your outer beauty. Take time to care for it, optimize its pleasant appearance and performance with healthier eating, adequate hydration, rest, exercise and never forget that real beauty always includes a nice smile and kind words.

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From Def Poet to Mouth of the South

Tommy Bottoms We don’t respect ourselves. That’s the problem. We don’t look at ourselves as being worthy. For instance, if you go to certain venues in Atlanta, and I won’t name names, it will specifically say that poets can not get up here, it’s R & B night or rap night but when it comes to poetry night, any and everybody who want to do it can get up there because we don’t have that kind of respect for what we do.

O

n a night as crispy as the air could be, I found myself surrounded by beautiful and colorful people of all ages, sizes, and colors at Vino Libro, an Atlanta social hotspot. The band was playing and everyone seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere on this Saturday night. As I sat watching everyone enjoy each other’s company in this dimly lit scenery, in strolls the man of the hour, Mr. Tommy Bottoms, exuding his energy and personality with all smiles and open arms as we greet each other. His energy level was at an all-time high because it seemed as if everyone in the building was coming over to say hello, embrace him for a hug or just plain artistic acknowledgement. He was intriguing to those and I must say that what we have here in Atlanta is our own local celebrity. I must first admit that I am a die hard fan of his work. I was excited as well as skeptical as to what would come of this meeting with this HBO Def Poet and Atlanta’s own “Mouth of the South”. It is known that he isn’t afraid to say what is on his mind or what he means. In his own words, he speaks vividly to Spoken Magazine.

Fellissia: Well, hey there! How’s it going?

Tommy Bottoms: It’s going good! Just trying to keep it moving promoting this show I have coming up and my new website. The tagline is, “Informed is the new cool.”

later in the interview. I definitely want to speak on that but let’s talk about this journey. How has this journey been like for you? I know how long you’ve been in the game and when you got started but for those who don’t know, speak on that for a moment, if you will.

Tommy Bottoms: It’s been long. Man, it’s been a long journey, but it’s been rewarding.

Fellissia:Rewarding? What do you mean by rewarding?

Tommy Bottoms: What I mean by rewarding is that you take the good and the bad. The bad makes you stronger but the good makes you appreciate the journey all together. You just can’t do this. You have to have a higher mission to do this other than you want to be a hot poet or you want to be popular.

If your only mission is to be hot at Apache, then this is not for you to do full time. You have to have a higher mission in order to handle the bad. It’s way more bad than good.

Fellissia: Is the bad where you draw your poetry from; do you choose to speak on the bad?

Tommy Bottoms: No. My poetry is more about the outside world, my observance of the outside world.

Fellissia: So, you observe more bad than good?

Fellissia: I heard about the website but we will get into that Spoken Magazine

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By Fellissia McDonald Entertaiment Editor Tommy Bottoms: No, no, no. When you’re an artist, you’re out here doing your thing so that being said, you’re out here so much, you are definitely going to get your share of bad.

Fellissia:You know when you tell the truth, you’re more hilarious with it and people can laugh at the same time as well as be informed on certain issues of the world, of our community.

Tommy Bottoms: That’s just who I am. That’s just who I am as a person. That has nothing to do with it. It just comes out like that because that’s me.

Fellissia:How do you come up with your storyline? How do you come up with the plot? Is your content something you deal with on a regular basis?

Tommy Bottoms: No. I’m a news junkie so I’m interested in how the world moves so I present it in a way to people that may not be that involved in the news, politics or social issues. I try to give it in a way an Average Joe can get it.

Fellissia: Ok, you’ve been in this game for a long time. Can you tell us exactly how long you’ve been doing this, when you got started?

Tommy Bottoms: The first time I got started, I went to an open mic and that was in 1999 but I moved to Atlanta in 2002 and I started my professional career in Atlanta and I must say, I

would not recommend anybody to do this full time.

Fellissia: Why not?

Tommy Bottoms: To be a full time poet? It’s hard. Ok, let me tell you why.. I was lucky because there was a demand for what I did. I mean a tangible demand. I don’t mean just a void being filled. There were people coming up to me and saying, I want to pay you to do this. That’s what I mean by demand. That demand is not there for everybody.. Until you build up that demand from people, you’re stuck. How I did it was really dumb.

The way I did it is not the way you should do it.

Fellissia:Do Do you think that spoken word gets enough shine?

Do you think that it is still underrated, still underground?

Tommy Bottoms: I don’t think it’ss underrated, it’s definitely underground. ound. I think it gets the shine it’s supposed to get. I think it can go farther.. If you look at the whole entertainment world, R & B singers, rappers and comedians have established themselves in this industry, they have established genres. There are not a lot of people running around the country doing this.

There officially isn’t a poetry industry.

Fellissia: Youu were featured on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam and ripped it. What would have to happen in order to get spoken word out there to a bigger audience in a vehicle other than Def Poetry Jam?

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Tommy Bottoms: Well, that’s a million dollar question. First of all, I think that one of the things we have to do as poets is that we have to break our genre as it is but because we’re not the cool kids, all we do is accept everybody that come into our poetry event. You can be a tap dancer and tap dance at a poetry open mic but we can’t come into their event.

Fellissia: Do you think it’s watered down, doesn’t get enough respect?

Tommy Bottoms: We don’t respect ourselves. That’s the problem. We don’t look at ourselves as being worthy. For instance, if you go to certain venues in Atlanta, and I won’t name names, it will specifically say that poets can not get up here, it’s R & B night or rap night but when it comes to poetry night, any and everybody who want to do it can get up there because we don’t have that kind of respect for what we do.

Fellissia: Are the poets saying what people want to hear or are they just up there?

Tommy Bottoms: Well, that’s another thing, too. This is why I say Def Poetry Jam was a gift and a curse. It was a gift because it gave spoken word a bigger platform but it was a curse because it gave everyone that superstar mentality and I’m not talking about the people who were on there, I’m talking about the people who’s main goal is to get on there but don’t practice their craft. I tell people that now to be considered a poet, all you need is an email address, a couple of dollars and gas money and you can be a full time poet and you can share the same stage as Tommy Bottoms or Georgia Me or any big name poet.

Fellissia: So are you saying there are no standards?

Tommy Bottoms: There are no standards, there are no standards.

If you’re a comedian, you know instantly on stage if you can do comedy but poetry, there’s a sense that everybody’s the shit because nobody gets booed, nobody tells anybody that they’re wack but if you’re a comedian, you can’t get booked if you’re not pulling.

Fellissia: What do you self absorb? What is your scene? What do you see as an artist that keeps you doing this on a daily basis, on a monthly schedule every year?

Tommy Bottoms: For one, once you put both feet in and you’ve been doing it for a while, you have no choice but to keep going.

It’s almost like I chose this lifestyle and there’s no turning back.

I feel I’m supposed to be doing this so I pursue it. Like I said, there’s a lot of bad that comes along with being a full time poet but there are a few good things. To give you an example, there was a cometition and the prize money was $300. I needed $300.

I needed it. There were these young kids there and they weren’t old enough to be in the venue, they were probably 17, 18 but they were there performing doing your typical Souljah Boy type of stuff. After I performed, they were so geeked, their faces were lit up. I talked to them outside and they were like, there Spoken Magazine

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is something else they can do and still make the crowd move without talking about stuff they don’t have and still look cool. I say this to say that I needed that $300 but at that moment to see those kids and see the looks on their faces were prize enough for me. I ended up winning, you know, because at the end of the day I still have to eat but it brought me back to why I do this.

If I lost, I would have found another way to make this $300, it would have been worth it.

Fellissia: Now you speak of them being 17 and 18. Your content is out there. You put it in people’s faces and that’s what you live by, that’s who you are and it is what it is. Do you feel at some point, you go overboard with your content? Do you offend people? Do you even care that you offend people?

Tommy Bottoms: Yeah, definitely! (laughing) Both. Yes, I offend people and I don’t care. Next question please!

Fellissia:Your struggle. In this, has there been any struggle for you? You do what you love so people usually fight for what they love and that’s why I ask if there has been any.

Tommy Bottoms: Yeah, if sleeping in an alley is called a struggle than yes. I don’t know if you can call that a struggle or not but I’m not giving all that up. I’m not talking about that too much.

Fellissia:Now, life after Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam. How has that been other than it being a gift and a curse?

Tommy Bottoms: Really, if you were on the first season, you saw benefits from it. I saw benefits from it, too but I say this to say that your life doesn’t change after Def Poetry Jam. Fellissia: Life doesn’t change? What do you mean?

Tommy Bottoms: Life does not change. If you weren’t hustling before Def Poetry Jam, nothing happened to you afterwards.

Basically, I was already grinding before Def Poetry Jam so all it did was give me a bigger platform to hustle from and that was a benefit for me.

Fellissia:Speaking of life after, there is another Def Poet that resides in Atlanta but I won’t call her name that stated there should be love for the spoken word artist when it comes to collaboration with the Atlanta music scene. How do you feel about that?

Tommy Bottoms: That’s my whole thing. I don’t believe in that. I give rappers all the love and I respect them. Don’t get me wrong. I’m from the Hip Hop generation and I love Hip Hop but in order for spoken word to thrive, it has to be able to stand on its own. We’re not at a position to collaborate.

Fellissia: Do you think that some Hip Hop artists take from the form of spoken word and use them in their craft?

“I’m from a blue collar background, I have a drinking problem and I’m being serious, I’m regular people, I say what I mean and I mean what I say, I know what moves the crowd but at the end of the day it has to move me as far as poetry, I have flaws...”

Tommy Bottoms: It’s like this, I think that some hip hop artists are looking at the significance that spoken word has and the impact. I’ve seen David Banner do spoken word. I’ve seen Cee-Lo do spoken word and I think they recognize the impact that spoken word has without any music. People compare spoken word and Hip Hop a lot because they’re both urban but really, we’re probably more kin to comedians because when you do poetry, it’s just you, the mic and the audience and the same thing with comedians. Its craft unto its own but in reality, spoken word is closer to comedy.

Fellissia: Being a spoken word artist, how do you balance entertainment and real life issues put into your art, your spoken word?

Tommy Bottoms: I don’t. For me, it’s always what I’ve done.

It’s not hard for me to do that.

a show and watched you perform and then afterwards some women will say that there has to be some love and relationship pieces you do. What would you say to those people?

Tommy Bottoms: Come talk to me. Come and have a conversation with me.

Fellissia:So you would rather have a conversation about it instead of putting it out there on the table?

Tommy Bottoms: Yeah, because that’s just not me. You know what I mean?

Fellissia: Is your grind still the same or has it elevated?

Tommy Bottoms: It’s evolving. That’s where I am. It’s evolving.

Fellissia: On what type of level?

Fellissia: Most of everything you’ve created is based on real life issues. How do you stay away from the erotic and love subjects?

Tommy Bottoms: It’s not for me. You know, the thing is, it’s not what I do. It’s not hard for me to do that. It’s not me, I just don’t do it. To be honest, if I was to do something erotic, it would probably come off more defensive than erotic.

Fellissia: If you were in love or in a relationship, would you then dedicate a piece to love?

Tommy Bottoms: No. I do what I do. I am who I am. That’s probably why I’m always single because it’s hard to keep up.

I think there are enough people talking about it to where they don’t need one more person talking about it. What I have to add is not going to be that much more than what is already out there and not just in poetry, the whole R & B industry is talking about love.

Fellissia:Yes, that’s true but most people, most women think that you’re rough around the edges. You say what you want to say and you keep it moving but there are some people, some women that want to know if you have a soft side. I’ve been at

Tommy Bottoms: Well, just like I’m doing this website. That’s my evolution. I still do the poetry and I have love for it but now when I do poetry, you have to have what I ask for. I don’t haggle anymore. You either got it or you don’t unless I see a benefit in it for me but outside of that I don’t haggle anymore.

If I say a price that’s what my price is. I’m not going to say, “Hey my price is $500 but I’ll do it for $50”. I just don’t do that anymore.

Fellissia:What does this art form mean to you? What does spoken word mean to Tommy Bottoms, The Mouth of the South?

Tommy Bottoms: Anything you dedicate almost a decade of your life to is always going to be there. I think it is a voice. I think it’s a voice that a lot of people aren’t ready for. None the less, it is a voice. It doesn’t mean that because a Gucci Mane fan doesn’t listen to it, it doesn’t mean that it’s less relevant.

Fellissia: If you had to put yourself in a box, close the box and seal it and wrote the contents on the box so we would know what was in it, what would be the contents of Tommy Bottoms?

Tommy Bottoms: I’m from a blue collar background, I have a drinking problem and I’m being serious, I’m regular people, I say what I mean and I mean what I say, I know what moves Spoken Magazine

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the crowd but at the end of the day it has to move me as far as poetry, I have flaws and there’s nothing necessarily unique about what I do or who I am but more so who I am.

Fellissia: I beg to differ because there is something unique and special about you.

Tommy Bottoms: When I say that, I mean I come from a similar background of most people, a blue collar background.

Fellissia: You may come from a blue collar background but when you enter a room, everybody can see that light, everybody sees that shine. People gravitate towards you as evident as it can be seen even if they haven’t heard you speak for the first time. They anticipate what it is you have to say. I have seen it, heard it and have been one of the ones to anticipate your performance. You inspire a person who has it in them to give all they have to give that has so much passion for this craft but we can go on forever. Let’s talk about this website, TommyBottomsReport.com.

Tommy Bottoms: The whole idea is informed is the new cool. TommyBottomsReport.com is an active website where I bring links from all over the website, from all over the internet, from secure websites. I bring news that I think is relevant. I mean that is what the New York Times does, they follow stories they feel are relevant. I don’t have the resources to necessarily be a full time journalist, I don’t have people all over the world writing stories so what I do and I don’t want to say steal, but I borrow information and bring the information to my site. They are benefitting as well because when people come to my site, they go to their site through a link. That’s what I do. I have a few bloggers that consists of Shelly Winters, Malik Salaam, Iya Isoke, and myself included. I have a few different people that are blogging that I pull from. The whole idea is to make the news cool. You can go to other websites to find out who Jay Z is creeping with and all the gossip. I know that most of these websites, people visit while they’re at work so I try to accommodate them with a little news about their country or Israel or what their politician is doing, videos or funny clips to help make their day go by smoother. I would love for them to come to my site and be informed because we have to get past that point assuming that not knowing is cool especially in our community. We have to get to that point that it’s cool to know what’s going on and to downplay ignorance.

Fellissia: I would like to say on behalf of Spoken Magazine, thank you so much for granting us this interview and for being so open. It was more like a conversation.

Tommy Bottoms: No, thank you, it was my pleasure but quote me, “This time next year, this thing will be bananas!”

You can find many of Tommy Bottoms’ videos on YouTube. If you would like to reach him, he can be contacted via Facebook. Please check out his new website, TommyBottomsReport.com.

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Love D

Doesn’t Cost a Thing

By Tonya Grace Contributing Writing

More and more women that I run into nowadays are embracing the aphorism “love doesn’t cost a thing”. However, according to www.weddingcost.com, the average cost of a wedding in the US is $15,000 to $25,000. Surprisingly though when I spoke to several single women, quite a few voiced that when they get ready to say their vows they are also “vowing” to pay no more than $5,000 for their weddings. “I would rather spend it [more money] on the honeymoon”, is what one of the singles stated. When I asked the single men about the projected cost of their weddings, most opted to leave the budget up to their wives. They’ll be staying on the safe side of the “blame game”.

In my opinion, all that matters is the satisfaction of the bride and groom regardless of how much they decide to spend on their wedding; nevertheless, if there’s one thing that I know for certain: Regardless of how much we choose to spend on weddings, we can’t buy love. It’s priceless. According to newlyweds Stephanie and Adrian Barker, $2000.00 was all it took for them to elegantly seal the deal.

Advice to engaged women Stephanie Barker (Bride) “Surround Yourself with Positive People” Advice to engaged men Adrian Barker (Groom) “ Remain True to Yourself”

Lots of women dream of a “fairytale wedding”, but it seems with the economy the way it is there is no room to “splurge” or Wedding Ceremony and get lost in “dreamland”; therefore, Reception Location: these “fairytale weddings” are Kalmia Gardens, Hartsville, SC becoming cheaper and cheaper. I guess it all depends on whose faiBridal Gown: Melissa Sweet rytale it is. “People are just being more sensible. Why spend all that Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse money on a wedding, and then later have the agony of regretting Photographer: Mic Fontaine Beauty it because of an economy like and Fashion Photography this?” sarcastically questioned a bride-to-be who is currently in the Cost of Wedding: 2,000 process of planning her own wedding with a budget set at $3,500.

Cost of Love: Priceless

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Spoken Hip Hop Shaun

Judah is a 33 year old native of (Louisville, Ky) he grew up across the Ohio river in (Jeffersonville & Charlestown, In) who’s family then moved out west to (San Francisco, Ca) in 86’ and finally settling down in the south (Birmingham, Al) in 90’ where he began to mold his form of expression in a genre that he has coined as.......”SPOKEN~HIPHOP”.

Shaun Judah is a well seasoned Emcee and Poet.

However the stage handle Shaun Judah is not just a moniker of convenience, “Shaun” meaning God is Gracious and “Judah” meaning praise or to praise. Both names capture the essence of this man, who recognizes that he has experienced God’s grace on a daily basis and through his toughest moments in life. Because of the grace that Shaun has received, he gives God praise for all that He has allowed him to see, experience and make it through.

An Army brat, Judah has met a lot of different types of people which makes his background unlike most. His heart open to people from all walks of life, races, religions...he recognizes the importance of diversity. He is a student of Life and People and at times has failed both miserably.

“I am learning to trust God in all things, and to share my life with those willing to receive some wisdom gained through my experiences of: failed relationships, past addictions, destroyed friendships and losing nearly everyone’s trust while meeting life head on with nothing but...(the expectancy of expectancy)! I hope to help someone avoid some of the snares of life in some form through my expressions...if not, they can at least try to enjoy the humor and whatever else I can muster up through this gift that GOD has entrusted me with for the time that he allows me to use it” ~ Judah

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Bio:

Amber Nicole conquering the entertainment industry since the age of 12 a!er her first model search in New York. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and frequen#ng Bal#more and Phoenix, she is definitely tricoastal. With four na#onal TV appearances under her belt, including Dr. Phil, she now resides in Atlanta, GA where she is vigorously pursuing her ac#ng and music career. As an actress, she has appeared as an extra in “The Preacher’s Kid”, a movie starring Tank and LeToya Lucke$, and has worked with Tyler Perry’s Studios. For her music inspira#on, she admires the great Lauren Hill as a talented singer, performer, rapper, writer and actress along with singer Aaliyah for her grace, charm and style.

“I take everything from my #me, appearance, speech and work very seriously. I’ve learned you never know who’s watching you, who you’ll run into later, or who’d be willing to help you because they believe in you and see your hard work.

Some#mes I find myself all over the place trying to make the most of every opportunity. I don’t want to be known for just one thing. You have to be flexible.”

Ms. Amber Nicole con#nues to prove to be a well rounded, hardworking, commi$ed and talented leader with a knack for sound business choices. Being beau#ful just adds to her wonderful a$ributes and God given talents...

Amber Nicole’s music gives you an array of versa#lity, mixing infec#ous rap lyrics and soulful singing with a blunt life lesson spoken through word play.

(Music Located @ www.myspace.com/ MsAmberNicoleMusic ) With her third business, Ms. Smiley’s Salon, a beauty salon and barber shop located in Lawrenceville, GA, she can relate to the business “go ge$er” style of Kimora Lee Simmons-Hounsou & Tyra Banks. Amber Nicole feels “being more than a pre$y face” is essen#al to her success. ( More Info Located: www.myspace.com/ MsSmileysSalon w/Facebook Link Located on the Pg.)

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Call 205-267-6491 Questions or Comments about Indigo Tree Products

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Stephanie Alva President & CEO of My Life Keys, LLC

Tavaghn Monts VP of My Life Keys, LLC

“montster in the midst�

By Melanie Richardson Contributing Writer Spoken Magazine

19

“One word, to describe me, to know about me?

Undeniable, definitely undeniable.”

As

I walk into The Grape at Atlantic Station (Atlanta, GA), I recognize Tavaghn “Montster” Monts, recently appointed VP with My Life Keys, LLC. And yes, ladies the pictures are true to life. There are several others with him sitting at a table on the outside patio. Tavaghn stands to greet me and quickly offers his chair while everyone shifts to make room. Stephanie Alva, President/CEO of My Life Keys, LLC asks if I would like anything to drink and introduces some of the others which include Rap Artist Boo (you would know him from the R. Kelly ‘Fiesta’ Remix). After a little conversation, Tavaghn and I settle at a table nearby for the interview.

niable” and I would have to agree. I’ve been following you for a minute. From your involvement in the music industry to the motivational speaking engagements, you are definitely a man that’s about action. But, everybody can fall off from time to time and we all try to maintain that central balance. So, what can push you off your pivot stick?

Mel: Ok, so let’s get started. Who is “Montster” and what do we want to know about Tavaghn “Montster” Monts?

Give it to me in one word?

TM: Adversity can push you to the left or to the right. Problems, situations… you know, I’m human like everybody else, but I’m a very optimistic person. So whatever pushed me off track, to the left or to the right, I always find a way to understand the situation and use it to put me back on track or to learn a lesson. We all get knocked off track, but the true test of time, the true test of a champion is getting back on track. But I would say, adversity, circumstances, issues, just being a regular human. The things that we go through, things everyone can relate to.

Tavaghn “Montster” Monts: One word, to describe me, to know about me? (I nod in agreement) Undeniable, definitely undeniable.

Mel: I’ll give you a choice… you pick a question. What color is your favorite tie? Boxers or briefs? Collard, turnip, mustard or mixed greens?

Mel: (Surprised by his answer, my mind quickly tries to figure out the spin…) Why undeniable?

TM: (he laughs and raises his eyebrow…) I get to pick the question? I’ll go with greens. Collard greens and the collard greens I would say more specifically are “Georgia Champions” because we grew those growing up on the farm in Florida.

TM: A lot of things about me may be considered “from the past” or not as common ‘nowadays’. But, I was raised old school. I have an old soul. There are a lot of things I do or don’t do for specific reasons and people will question…

“Who does that now?” Instead of me talking about it, people see my actions; then it’s undeniable that that’s who I am, that’s the way I am – period. And I don’t jump off my pivot stick.

Mel: (I laugh) Now I understand what you mean by “undeSpoken Magazine

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Mel: I’ve never even heard of that, but I guess it makes sense (as I think… there are different types of apples, oranges, etc). So, there are different types of greens?

TM: Yeah, there are different types of mustard greens, collard greens, but we grew our greens and we still do it to this day, we grow the Georgia Champions. The leaves are real

big and when you cut the greens – one green will make a whole bunch. Yes, Georgia Champions. I like the texture of the greens.

Mel: (I settle back into the chair and decide to gear up for some more serious questions) I always have a hard time with the “Who are you?” question, because I feel that I’m so much more than any group of roles or list of adjectives that one could come up with, but I ask you “Who are you?”

Mel: What got you started in music?

TM: My mother bought an oboe from an old flea market in a small country town called Fort White and she told me she wanted me to learn how to play it. When I was in the 5th grade I was part of an orchestra and I was the only oboe player, so I had to be the best at playing. But that wasn’t my thing. I kept trying to reject it. Doing music wasn’t getting girls. Doing music wasn’t popular.

Mel: (interjects) … especially an oboe.

TM: I am a messenger, an instrument. It is a hard question, but I’ve come to realize and accept that I’m just an instrument being used in a big orchestra. An instrument being played that people utilize for whatever reason. I always put myself in the midst or in a position for people to use me. My job is to serve other people. I’m a resource.

Mel: I know a lot of people will put themselves out there with the expectation of getting something in return and it’s clear from your answer that those aren’t your intentions.

You’re out there to help others, period, but how do you handle things when it seems that someone has overstepped the boundaries?

TM: Right… but I learned to stop trying to fight that feeling and understand that what I was doing was making beautiful music. As the oboe player, there were several pieces where I was the lead instrument. It put me in a leadership role and I had to make it happen, but I stopped doing music in the 7th grade. I started playing football. The music was always around, but I never did anything with it. Once I got into colcontinue on page 24 ...

TM: I have my internal limits. I would never let it get out of line to where I allow someone to take advantage of me or take advantage of what I can bring to the table. I go off vibes and feeling in each situation.

Mel: What is your definition of a mogul?

TM: Someone who has their hands in a lot. If they’re not the best at it, they’re one of the top competitors at what they’re doing. They are well-respected; you can’t help but respect what they’ve done to get there and how they conduct their business.

Mel: And if you could infuse superhero powers into the mogul empire that you are building what would that power be?

TM: (Hmm, he ponders a little…) Vision, I would have to say vision.

Mel: Like “see the future” vision?

TM: No, I don’t want to see what’s going to happen 5-10 years in the future, but being alert and more aware or clear with what’s going on around me. Like that Spider sense type power per se.

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Spoken Idioms with Melanie Richardson

means more people are reading, listening, and being helped by what I write.

Mel: Let’s start out with the basics, for those who may be new to you… tell us about yourself?

Johnathan: I’m a 23 year old Suitland, Maryland native with quick wit and a professed deep love for papaya juice.

Mel: (laughs) We need more. Do you have a poem describing this professed love? We need a couple of lines from it, so we can get a feel for your passion.

Johnathan: Well, no, I don’t have a papaya juice poem. As far as more about myself, I’m a blue-collar kind of man that tries to be calm when chaos is around me.

Mel: (leans in to check out the tattoo…) What does the tattoo

Mel: What spoken word artist(s) do you enjoy hearing? Tell me some of your favorites. Where do you find inspiration?

Johnathan: Some of my favorite spoken word artists are Shihan, Big Rube, and The Last Poets. I find inspiration from anywhere at any time. I don’t write without it. I can’t sit down and say, “Write.” I have to have at least a couple of lines from which to build. For example, I wrote a poem titled, “Sorry...” after listening to a song (W. Ellington Felton’s “Funky Feeling”) that had two “Sorry for” lines in its second verse. That became almost a 30-line poem. The spark to write literally comes from anywhere.

Mel: When you perform… do you perform over music? If so, do you select the song/instrumental?

mean?

Johnathan: I haven’t performed over music yet. I do listen to

Johnathan: Well I have “God’s Gift” tattooed on my left arm be-

music whenever I’m composing a poem. I listen to a wide range of music (I know that’s cliche’ to say nowadays.) A lot of Dilla, The Foreign Exchange, and The Roots, to name a few.

cause that’s what Johnathan means in Hebrew. I write left-handed, and I feel that the Most High’s gift to me is to give the world my talent for writing.

Mel: What would you say is your main focus? How do you intend to climb the spoken word industry ladder?

Johnathan: My main focus is to inspire thought. Sure, I want to make money off writing; but I’d much rather leave an honest impression in a reader’s or listener’s mind. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want fame and notoriety. Though I write for inner peace, I still want to be one of the greatest to ever formulate words. Shows, book signings, speaking engagements; I want it all.

Mel: How long have you been considering it seriously? Where do you see your writing taking you?

Mel: Describe a Johnathan Tillman fan.

Johnathan: A fan of anything I write understands that it’s part of my soul they’re witnessing. And he or she always looks to take something from the piece to apply to his or her personal life.

Mel: What is the most memorable compliment that someone has given you after a performance? And why?

Johnathan: I love detailed feedback. Saying, “I liked it,” is okay; but doesn’t give me a chance to know where I need to improve. The best compliment is any time a reader or listener takes a stanza or something and tells me it was personal to them.

Mel: How do your personal experiences translate into your work?

Johnathan: I’ve been writing poems since I was 13, but I had abandoned it when I went to college. I picked it back up about three years ago. I dream big, so I want to be as well-known as the greats: Hughes, Giovanni, etc. I want my poems to be timeless. I want more fame not for selfish reasons, but because I know that Spoken Magazine

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Johnathan: Each poem has some reflection of me in it. I’m a naturally observant person, so any interaction I have with people gets filed away into memory. There is an underlying memory at-

tached to each piece.

easy catch. Come prepared (preferably with papaya juice).

Mel: Do you find that being on stage complicates or helps your

Mel: (laughs) How do you feel about hairy legs? (I attempt a

personal relationships? I mean have you ever written something to find the person described in the poem is sitting in the audience?

cross-over dribble… in light of the recent Monique interview regarding hairy legs, of course.)

Johnathan: No. I have never written a poem “about” someone.

Johnathan: Haha! Shave.

I have written poems and given them to particular women. But I would never disrespect someone like that if they were in attendance. The closest thing to that is my mother teasing me for a few days after she heard me perform for the first time; and I did one of my more sexual pieces. But I expected that.

Mel: Ok, we’ve known each other for a minute now. You know that I know “just a little” about ball; very little actually, but I’m sure that you’ve caught on that I’ve been leading you to my next question (laughs…). You have a passion for basketball. Has that benefited your written skills? Do you see any correlation?

Mel: What is the foundation of a successful relationship?

Johnathan: Yes. Basketball is my passion. I play it, watch it, sacrifice. I’ve seen insecurity get in the way of prospectively beautiful partnerships; and I vowed to never treat my woman like that.

study it. The correlation is that I write about anything that I hold deeply in my heart. Whether it’s a jump shot, a woman’s sway in her hips, or the state of Black youth; if I think it and I feel it, I write it.

Mel: How do you feel about divorce?

Mel: So how do we find you?

Johnathan: If it doesn’t work out, do what’s best for your inner peace. If someone feels he or she’s made a mistake, then it’s time to sever ties. No one should settle for unhappiness.

Johnathan: I’m on all the major networking sites. You can look me up on Facebook or Twitter (TheTillShow). Read some of my work at http://writtenvoyeurism.blogspot.com. For bookings, contact me at 240.468.9950 or at tillshow45@gmail. com. I’m limited in travel to the DC metro area for short notice gigs, but I can find time to travel to other cities if given enough of a heads-up. I’m trying to become International.

Johnathan: A relationship built on trust, communication, and

Mel: Some marriages are passionate, some are partnerships, and some are straight business. What are you looking for?

Johnathan: I’d much rather have the first two than the last.

Since I am pursuing a “non-practical” field, I’m going to struggle.

So I want my lady to be there to support, whether it’s comfort or constructive criticism. I would also want to do things to keep that physical attraction between us. I won’t be able to keep my hands off her; so I want her to be the same way. In my recent work, whenever “she” is in the poem, it’s me speaking to my writing.

I see my gift as a woman, and each time I compose is like an encounter with a gorgeous female. I put that much care into it.

And that’s how I see women--for those gorgeous creatures that they are.

.

Mel: Describe a recent date. What does Johnathan enjoy?

Johnathan: My most recent date was actually my first “real” date. I took her to a restaurant. I’m a man that enjoys a woman’s company. I’d take her someplace comfortable where I can get to know her. I want a woman’s mind on a date, because it’s obvious I’m attracted to her if we’re out together.

Mel: Wow, she was worthy of a real date. (eh-hem, prepares to dig deeper…) You know I’m only asking because the ladies need to know… how did she do? Did you get a pump fake or did she pass the drill?

Johnathan: (laughs) She’s definitely a good woman. I am still single, but I must warn any women that read this that I am not an

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cont. from page 21... lege a friend introduced me to this guy that had a program called Fruity Loops (Music Maker). He let me play around with it and I pounded out 10 beats in about an hour. I killed all the guys’ beats. My roommate said, “Look Monts I don’t know what you did last night, but continue to make music.” So, I never had piano lessons, everything was pretty much self-taught. I played everything by ear and music just became my outlet. It’s an extension of my personality.

college student. How are you going to do it?” I never tried to answer their questions. I just went about my business.

I filmed my own commercials for the event. I approached Wal-Mart for my Pajama Party event and asked for discounts if customers mentioned Montster Entertainment. The manager didn’t go for it the first year, but after the store sold out of pajamas, when I approached him the subsequent year, we made an agreement. See, you can never let someone tell you what you can’t do.

Mel: So, is that how you moved into promotions?

Mel: Wow, so you followed with public speaking… modeling… and now, I think I heard that you’re working to get certified as a life coach. So are you going to continue pursuing everything?

TM: No, actually… I had started a company in Clemson called “Montster Entertainment.” I was frustrated with my university and the events going on. So, I took it upon myself to try and fill that gap. There were a lot of naysay- TM: Yes ers; people asked “Well, how are you going to do it? That ain’t going to work. You’re just one man by yourself. You Mel: Do you do all of this full-time or do you have a reguknow, you’re cool and everything, but what about fraterni- lar 9-5? ties and sororities? You don’t have any money… you’re a

“My career is my relationship and I love her so much. That’s my baby. We are going to be together for a while – like forever.”

TM: I faithfully quit my full-time regular job and I am thankfully full-time VP at My Life Keys, Life Coach and Motivational Speaker and I model for The Studio Concept in Atlanta, GA. So, yeah, I’m all the way. But, it’s not a job to me. It’s what I’m here to do.

I’ve met people from all over the world. You will see me on twitter giving love to #TeamMontsterIndonesia or #TeamMontsterChina. When people come over to the states and want to meet just to shake my hands, it’s been very humbling. I love everybody and I love them enough to give them tough love.

Mel: What job did you quit?

Mel: What is your niche?

TM: I was a banker.

Mel: Ok, I could see you as a banker.

TM: I did sales and marketing, but I came to a point where I had to make a decision. There are a lot of people that rely on me through my networks on facebook and twitter and just my day to day activities. I put myself out there on purpose, because I feel like that’s what I’m supposed to do. My job, even though it paid the bills, it hindered me and my true calling.

Mel: Who is your audience and why should they listen to you?

TM: My audience is diverse, very real and international.

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TM: My niche is to be an inspiration and to show people how to “Motivate Your Motivation – #MYM.” It’s not about only motivating others in the moment; it’s about teaching them to carry their motivation on their own.

Mel: #MAD – tell me about it and why you’re moving beyond it?

TM: Montster After Dark – was originally designed as a forum for men and women to be able to see what each other’s thoughts were on relationships and sex. I figured if they could talk about it openly, it would allow them to have better communication which would then make better relationships. I never really intended for #MAD to get as raunchy as it did. I don’t regret anything I said.

Everything I said is still out there for people to read – I’ve never deleted anything, but I needed to think about the bigger picture – you know, where I was going with it. Who it was helping and what sort of legacy was I going to leave.

So, it was a hard decision, but at the same time very easy. #MYM or Motivate Your Motivation replaced #MAD and don’t get me wrong... it’s not that I wasn’t motivational doing #MAD. But there are other ways to reach those same people. I’ve matured and we (me & my audience) are going to keep it moving.

Mel: Ok, let’s lighten up a little, you list Coming To America, Harlem Nights, Skool Daze, Ben Hurr, all the Fridays, as some of your favorite movies. Which character best describes you? (And you will notice I took out the Rocky’s and Scarface, they’re too easy.)

TM: (laughs) Yeah, I see that and you’ve been doing your research. You’ve been up in my Facebook or something.

Me, I would say “Quick” from Harlem Nights. The only difference being that I’m more of a team player now. He was point A to point B, direct. You know, I’m real sweet here on the interview, but when I’m conducting business I don’t pull any punches.

Mel: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

TM: (smiles) Will Smith, I think Will Smith could pull it off. (I laugh…) I think, yeah Will Smith or Nick Cannon, but Will could do it.

Mel: (laughing) You’re not going to give the ladies any… any information. Your career (giving him the sideeye).

TM: #MontsterThat (still laughing). My career is my relationship and I love her so much. That’s my baby. We are going to be together for a while – like forever.

Mel: You really threw me with that one. I wasn’t expecting that for an answer. So what’s next on the horizon? When will we see another Mogul Moment from Montster?

TM: Every day I tweet. That’s how I feel. I feel like I’m blessed to come online and interact with people. It may not be some epic event, but we have a relationship. It’s about the people. It’s about continuing to build these relationships using whatever avenue possible – internet, radio, events, speaking engagements. It’s about the people and that’s why I’m here.

Mel: How can we contact you?

TM: E-Mail: TavaghnMonts@MyLifeKeys Phone: 1.888.453.9788 Ext. 702 Website: www.MyLifeKeys.com and www.MontsterThat.com

Mel: “A kiss is just a pleasant reminder that two heads are better than one. #MontsterThat” We all know that relationships take time… the initial kiss is great, but it’s always harder to keep kissing. With all that you do, how is the love life?

TM: (mischievous smile this time) Well, me and my relationship – we get along fine, because my relationship is my career. We have a lovely marriage. We have our ups and downs, we might not know where the next dollar is coming from (I’m cracking up at this point). Overall, it’s all about communication. You know, I wake up and kiss my career on the forehead. And late at night, before we go to bed we talk about our day. We spend a lot of time together, too.

Mel: (laughing) I suppose you do.

TM: We make it happen; you just do whatever it takes to make it work. And the relationship that I have with my career, we’re on the same page.

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2010 Fashionista Advice

By Shaunteka Curry Contributing Writer

Spring 2010: Luxe for Less Fashion Week 2009 ended with high energy, big colors and looming expectations for everyone. The genre of fashion is no longer dictated by the fashion editors and designers, but the beautiful collective random stylists that includes you and me… the PEOPLE! Great style pieces and quality fabrics are no longer limited to runways and quaint boutiques situated in high end neighborhoods; they can be found in department stores and one-stop shops. Well not quite but you get the gist of what I am saying.

Style has always been created by the individual that considers themselves to be unique and a step ahead of the trends. Trends fade. Style never does. So here are some tips to make sure when you walk into work next week, or you show up at the next art show/trunk show, everyone is paying attention to your style and your fabulously chic clothes:

1. The Shirtdress has made a come back showing up on several runways. The shirtdress is a timeless piece that is versatile in wear. You can pair it with jeans, tights, or with a nice pair wedges. For a little edge, wrap a thick leather belt or add a long, colorful necklace.

2. Bangles, cuffs and belts… are not just for the ladies. Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors have always be prominent in showcasing pieces just for men and with this trend catching on faster than scarves and bowties, I’m sure your able to make a big statement in a very small way. Now because bangles can become very annoying try the copper cuffs or leather links. both options are being offered in skinny belt thin or forearm thick...So, my suggestion would be to try on a few to find out which works best for you.

3. The Classic White Dress Shirt/ White t-shirt/ White tank is going to be your best escape in a time of crisis. (Ex. I have nothing to go with those print pants

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or skirt) the white shirt/t-shirt/tank is classic because it can pair with anything, it can dress up a pair of denim jeans or it can dress down a sequin skirt. This is a wardrobe must have.

4. The Bootie the shoe that looks like a boot but it’s a shoe. Whatever it is, once your foot is it you instantly become a “LEG GODDESS”… that’s right!

You get to have leg extensions without the surgery.

Every designer (major and minor) has a version of this shoe, so take your time, find that perfect pair and watch what happens when you walk. (Singing “Who’s that Lady!”)

5. THE SPLURGE: The Carrera Sunglasses, Champion or Endurance…because we are all champions this is the perfect splurge for the season. They’re classic, timeless, and when paired with the right atmosphere you feel like you are unstoppable. The Champion and Endurance lines offer a varied selection of colors and shapes to the frames…oh yeah, case is included. Retail price: $89.00-$149.00

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6. The Mani/Pedi is an essential for spring, you deserve it! Your skin has been mistreated by the rough winter mornings and the unruly wind, so you deserve a spa day. Grooming has taken strides to adjust to the cares of both women and men. Remember: A rash on your feet and hands will ruin spring for everyone, so take care of your skin.

7. The Flip flop/ Sandal always a classic that never goes out of style. However, try something new this year. Nike, Rockport and Birkenstock brands are offering arch friendly options in style that will rival the traditional standard. Explore this new world of comfort and style; your feet will love you for it.

8. Scarf’s are back. Silk, linens, and other light fabrics are showing up in small boutiques and major department stores. Alongside new looks to wear this handy accessory will keep you current and prepared for whatever.

9. Color Are you a person that sticks to one side of the color wheel? Does your closet have a color theme? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those ques-

2010

Style Guide

tions, Spring 2010 is the year for change. From tribal prints to equestrian inspired handbags to pops of turquoise appearing in almost every collection, color is a must for the spring. If you want to jump in head first... go ahead! However, to get used to the idea you can add color as an accent. (Ex. Black suit carry Red handbag, or a purple camisole under a brown jacket.)

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the entire color wheel. Change is good.

10. THE SEXY – the 2010 One Shoulder Dress has always been a conversation piece and with the variety of shades and styles; it’s now an ART PIECE. Available in all types of fabrics (cotton, silk, linen) to the varied shapes and lengths. Whichever style you select this dress is guaranteed to be wrinkled by the end of the evening either from men pulling on you or because you left it on the floor next to the bed. (Smile!)

Fashion is what the industry offers to you... Individuality. Style is what you offer to the fashion genre. The sun is shining and life is too short to live the same day twice! LOVE LIVE LEAD…ENJOY!

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“As far as inspirations, I am a little different than other people. I wrote my first book in 2003 and being a songwriter, I was telling stories through music. So, I thought about the songs that I wrote and decided that I should write a book and ever since then I have been writing�

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Nancy Stricklin Brimingham’s Rising Super Power Interview By: Maranda Davis Associate Editor

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I

finally got a chance to sit down with Birmingham, Alabama’s own Nancy Stricklin, a self-published author, painter, and songwriter, at a small restaurant called The Baskits. I have heard of Nancy’s work for some time and it was a great experience for me to talk with her about all of her current and upcoming projects.

SM: Let’s start off by you telling our readers about yourself, including inspirations and also how you got started into writing.

NS: As far as inspirations, I am a little different than other people.

I wrote my first book in 2003 and being a songwriter, I was telling stories through music. So, I thought about the songs that I wrote and decided that I should write a book and ever since then I have been writing. I have published six books. As far as inspirations...

personable but could not find one. I decided to be vigilant and just start my own company.

SM: Have you published any books for others?

NS: Yes. I have published poetry books and novels written by other people, and am currently in the process of putting out a relationship book called “KEPERU KA” written by Joneia P. Brown. I have also published books by author Kanika A. Reese. I am really open to all kinds genres. I try to be open-minded and diversity is a must.

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I cannot pinpoint just one person. I have read so many books I just can’t choose one. As far as the songwriting, I am all over the spectrum.

SM: By published, do you mean self-published?

NS: Yes, I have self published all of my books and have my own publishing company. The name of my publishing company is Musaic Productions.

SM: Why did you go with self-publishing?

NS: I researched a lot of major companies online and just did not like their pricing or the packages that they offered for what I needed. I was looking for a company that was a little more

SM: Tell us more about Musaic Productions.

NS: I founded Musaic Productions in 2003, and we do publishing, music, websites, art, and now film. We have just started doing film this year, and we are very excited and it is going very well for us. Our first film called Detour will be released this coming April. In our company we like to have personable relationships with our

“

Detour is a brilliantly written and directed short film, is about the winding road of choices and how one road may lead to new beginnings. With a SM: If you had a client who had a book relationship that seems to have no resolution, that wasn’t up to par how would let a opportunity for reconciliation, leads to a totally them know? different road of redemption. This is what happens NS: I would just give them when two different lives take a “DETOUR”. Using suggestions on how to make it better. Like, if their story drama, humor and romance, this film shows that line was pretty weak, I would tell them to everyone’s life, takes turns that lead to the unexpected, focus on being more possibly giving you a chance to make things right

clients. We do consultations and we are not just a 9-5 company. We provide everything in house from website design to marketing the finished product. We also have art shows of our art work.

entertaining or building the character a little more or anything to help them. I would never talk bad about their project. Everybody has to learn. A lot of times when I edit, I do get permission to make changes if necessary.

SM: Let’s talk about being competitive in your market and the challenges you face while growing your business (i.e. competing with other online companies, giving people a different way of publishing).

NS: Well, I am not going to talk down or bad about other companies. I will just say that it really just depends on the individual. As for me, I like to actually talk to people I am writing with and be hands on with them instead of email correspondences as my only means of communication. Like if someone wanted changes done, I would like to show them why. The good thing about online publishing is the quick turn around.

SM: What advice would you give others who may want to start writing a book of their own? Where do you think they should Spoken Magazine

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start?

NS: Well, first of all, writing a book is not easy. You have to sit down and dedicate time to write it. A lot of people say “Oh, I want to write a book”, but they don’t take the time to do it and it takes a lot of time. You need to write the manuscript, re-read it, and edit it. It can be time consuming, but if someone is passionate about it, and really wants to do it, then it will get done. Also, focus on the story line. A beginner author should pay attention to the grammar and technical writing. I have seen a lot of people write something and don’t have...how shall I put it...they need to be mindful in what they are writing. They should ask themselves questions like, why am I writing this? Would this be entertaining to someone? Who am I writing this for?

SM: Ok, Let’s talk about education. Do you think a degree in English is necessary? A lot of people think they need to major in English to become a great writer.

NS: I was a member of Magic City Readers, and that is really the only book club that I have been a part of. I have been a member of ASCAP since 2001.

NS: Well, I finished from UAB with a degree in Sociology with a minor in Marketing and Music. So, I do not have an English degree. At one time I had majored in Music. I actually changed my major a few times, but I really love music. I don’t play any instruments, but I still do songwriting and sing occasionally. I do believe anyone can learn anything.

SM: Are there anymore recommendations for seasoned authors?

NS: One thing I suggest is for authors to do more ground work for themselves. I never knew about a lot of authors until I started to go to the Birmingham Downtown Library for some of their literary events. I don’t think that is the only place I should see authors.

SM: What about Book Clubs? Are those helpful?

create great websites, excellent art shows and exhibits that will allow the artist to sell their work and promote them. I would love to publish books that are capable of being on the best-sellers list.

As far as film, well, creating a film for an Oscar I guess (laughs).

SM: ASCAP? NS: American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

That is strictly for music though. I still do some stuff in music from time to time when people want me to arrange or write something for them.

SM: Let’s talk about your long term goals. What is your goal personally and professionally?

NS: My overall goal for myself and Musaic Productions is to Spoken Magazine

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SM: Well, Nancy it has been a pleasure speaking with you about your business and opening up to us about who you are behind the business.

NS: This was fun being it is my first interview.

SM: How would someone get in contact with you?

NS: Email. I check my email a lot. My website is www.musaicpro.com.

What’s Going on with the HIV/AIDS Pandemic in the US & What You Can Do to Stay Safe!

By Wendy Kay, Contributing Writer

A

s a former Disease Intervention Specialist for the state of KY, trained by the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) based out of Atlanta, GA, the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and the progression to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is very real to me. I’ve had to be the bearer of bad news to people from young urban kids to the rural housewife who thought she was in a monogamous relationship.

If there is one thing that I’d like to communicate to everyone and anyone, it’s this: Unless you are practicing safe sex, every time, and never have exposure to used needles or substantial amounts of body fluids to an area of non-intact skin, you could be at risk.

percentage of new HIV cases remains in the homosexual/bisexual male populations, where it has always been more prevalent due to the mode of transmission. Anal sex usually causes tearing in the tissue making it susceptible to infected bodily fluids. One significant pattern change over the last decade or so is the increase in numbers of both genders in the Black American population over the other races that make up the US (HIV case reporting includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US dependent areas to the CDC.) The CDC states on the website topic of ‘HIV/AIDS and African Americans’ taken from 2005 statistics from 33 states that “Even though blacks (including African Americans) account for about 13% of the US population, they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS.” (i.e. among men, 41%, among women, 64%, among children, 63%)

HIV is a bloodborne virus. It’s sexually transmitted, with the receptive (one who takes in the bodily fluids) partner being more vulnerable. It is transmitted through non-intact skin, and therefore, sharing needles, needle-sticks due to occupation, significant blood or semen exposure to torn tissues or an abrasion to or cut in the skin, puts you at risk. Mother to child transmission occurs less frequently if a pregnant woman gets treated during earlier stages of pregnancy (from 26/100 down to 2/100). An infant can be born with a negative status but can then be at risk of contracting the virus through breast milk. It is a fragile virus that cannot live long outside of the body, so casual contact with an infected person is not a risk to you.

There is currently no documented “cure” for HIV infection, nor is there a vaccine available. HIV attacks a person’s immune (disease fighting) system to break it down, and is more aggressive when the immune system is activated due to illness or injury.

At a certain point of weakness in the system, the HIV status changes to that of AIDS where the word “syndrome” stands for multiple symptoms of a disease. When the immune system’s effectiveness weakens, the body is susceptible to other disease that will eventually lead to death.

According to the most recently published information and statistics from the CDC, the spread of HIV is steadily increasing each year. The highest

The good news since the beginning of the spread, which was first detected in 1981 in the US, is that treatments are now available for persons infected.

This is keeping them healthier and living longer with the disease. As with most illness, early detection has significant benefits. If you have not been tested – get tested now! An antibody test result is considered your current status if your last potential exposure has been 3 months prior to the test (due to the incubation period when you may not show a large enough number of antibodies in your blood to be detected). Don’t let that stop you from being tested now; you can get another one in 3 months, if needed. Testing is typically free through your local health department. Early detection of a positive result, followed by treatments, can greatly improve the quality and quantity of your life, and your knowledge can help stop the spread. Getting a negative HIV status can be what you need to confidently move forward in keeping yourself protected from exposure in the future.

Get more information and find out how/where to get tested by contacting your local health department or going to www.cdc.gov/hiv/.

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M.O.C Previously in a “Moment of Clarity”…

Enrique returned home from the arm’s of another woman. Boldly, he returns home to Taye driving in the other woman’s car. Taye was overcome with emotion and she let her desperation get the best of her. Out of a need for love and attention from Enrique, she slits her wrist in an effort to make him finally “see” her.

Now let’s see how their story ends…

By: Emily Wright Associate Editor

A

t first, I didn’t even know that I had cut myself. Then his eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open. I looked down at my wrist. The flesh had split open and all I could see was white. Then a rush of blood came out. It poured out of the gaping slice and dripped down my fingers onto the floor. “Ther “There. You happy now?” I stepped back and dropped the blade.

“Taye! What in the f-? What did you just do?

Why did you-? What the hell is wrong with you?” He leapt toward me. I ran toward the bathroom and slammed the door. “Taye!” I heard him yell. He smashed through the door and slipped in the small puddle of crimson blood that had already formed on the white tile floor. He grabbed a towel off the rack and tried to wrap my wrist in it. I tried to resist him, but his strength and the fact that I was liter literally feeling the life drain from me made me an easy win.

He rushed me to the hospital in my car car. When we Emergency Care Center, got into the waiting room of the Emer Erique felt the need to announce out loud what I had done to myself. I was grateful that a nurse quickly took me to the back because people were beginning to stare and whisper. I was so embar embarrased and ashamed. They ushered me Spoken Magazine

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to the back into one of the treatment rooms. I climbed up on the steel table and laid back. The nurse draped a cloth over my wrist and taped it with a little surgical tape. The bleeding had stopped on the way to the hospital, but the throbbing was starting to kick in.

“I’ll go get the doctor.” The nurse spoke softly to me. She placed her hand on Erique’s back and asked him to come with her. He looked at me and did as he was told.

I peeked underneath the loose end of the cloth and stared at the semi-dried blood that covered the slit on my wrist. I sat straight up and focused on it. What in the hell have I done to myself? Have I really let him push me to this? I was mesmerized by the fact that I had just essentially mutilated myself because I wanted the attention of a man that didn’t want to give it to me anymore or should I say didn’t know how to give it. What is wrong with me?

Something’s gotta give.

A tall, thin white woman wearing green scrubs and a white coat came in ahead of the nurse that had brought me in the room. “Taye?”

“Yes ma’am.” I couldn’t look her in the face. I was humiliated by what I had done to myself. All I really wanted was to call my mother, who would probably hang

up on me once she found out what I had done to myself and why.

“I’m Dr. Millsap.” She rolled a stool from underneath the small desk in the corner. She sat directly in front of me. “What’s going on?” She pulled up the cloth and cut the surgical tape that was loosely holding it together.

She held my wrist in her hand and just examined it with her eyes. She looked up at me. “Usually we keep people who hurt themselves 72 hours, but you don’t strike me as a crazy person. What happened?” She had this look in her eyes that was of sincere concern, not pity. This made me feel more comfortable. She didn’t seem to judge me.

“I couldn’t really tell you, just being honest. One minute I was arguing with my boyfriend and the next thing I know, I’m here.” Tears began to sting my eyes.

“Well, darlin’…” She sighed a little and lifted up my wrist. She looked closer. “You’re going to need stitches.” She shook her head.

“Where’s my boyfriend?” I tried to look out through the slightly cracked door.

“He’s out in the waiting room. Lay down for me.” The nurse spread a new cloth underneath my hand and wrist. My fingers began to throb more and more and a terrible piercing pain was shooting from my elbow to the bottom of the palm of my hand.

“Can he come in here?”

“No. Let’s me and you talk awhile.” She pulled on a pair of latex gloves that snapped at her wrists. The nurse brought over a little kit and a bottle of a brown liquid.

“What did you use?”

“A straight edge. A skinny box cutter.”

“Was it rusty?” She wiped around the cut with alcohol and then with the brown liquid. She prepared a needle.

“No.” “This is just a local anesthetic. It’s going to numb you up a little, ok?” She began to poke me a couple of times around the cut. I turned my head. I didn’t want to look at it anymore. After a few seconds, she poked around my wound with the tip of her finger. “Does this hurt?”

“No, I just feel pressure.”

“Ok. Well let’s get started.” She began to sew up the slice with a long hooked needle. My skin rose and fell like waves.

“Is it going to leave a scar?”

“Uh, yeah. You slit your wrist deep. It’s definitely going to leave a scar. Is there anything you want to tell me?”

“Like what?”

“Like whatever. What made you do this to yourself?”

“I’m just tired.”

“Tired of what?”

“Situations in my life.”

“Could that situation be Erique?” She knew. It was written across my face. I think she just wanted me to say it out

loud.

“It’s not…it’s not just him. It’s everything.” Tears began to trickle out of my eyes and onto the table.

“Was this really worth it? You trying to prove a point, huh?

Was it really worth making yourself look crazy?”

“No.” I took a deep breath and looked towards the door. I wanted Erique, my parents, somebody, anybody to come in right now and comfort me. The doctor was trying to be comforting, but she wasn’t who I wanted. I wanted someone I loved to tell me that it was going to be alright and that things were going to get better.

“Nothing or no one is worth hurting yourself over or even them for that matter. Move on.” She finished the last stitch and snipped the thread with a pair of shiny silver scissors.

She asked the nurse to go and get some more bandages so she could cover up my injury and get ready to send me home. “Take care of yourself. There is only one you. If that man or any man doesn’t appreciate you for who you are, then it’s their loss. Don’t torture yourself mentally or physically over someone who isn’t even worth the effort or tears.”

She was right and I knew that. All I wanted to do was sleep. I just needed to finally sleep...

After arriving home, Erique just looked at me. He didn’t say a word and neither did I. I laid down on the bed and he went to take a shower. When it was time for him to leave for work, he stood in the doorway of the bedroom after getting dressed and stared at me.

“Are you going to be ok while I’m gone?”

“I’m fine.” I was still upset that he was about to climb into her car and leave. I was still mad that he had driven her car to our home in the first place, but I was even madder at the fact that I had hurt myself over someone that wasn’t worth the time, energy or effort. No one or no thing is worth it, really.

“Call me if you need anything.”

“I’ll be fine.” I turned my back to him and propped my wrist up on the pillow in front of me. It helped with the throbbing that was slowly creeping back into my entire arm. He stood there a few seconds longer, and then I heard him walk away. He shut the front door and I heard him crank up her car and pull away. I cried myself to sleep.

After a couple of hours, I pulled myself up from the bed and dragged my tired body into the bathroom. The small puddle of blood was still there. It was dried up now with his footprint in the middle of it. It made me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t bring myself to clean it up. I wanted to act like it never happened. I’ll clean it later. I rambled through my medicine cabinet for the bottle of 800mg Motrin I had been taking for the tension headaches that I had been experiencing lately. I popped one and chased it with two handfuls of warm water from the sink. My eyes Spoken Magazine

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were all crusty from crying. I walked into the living room.

There were small splatters of blood on the wall. It looked like a true crime scene – furniture moved around, papers thrown on the floor, bloody handprints on the doorway. I plopped down on the couch in front of my picture window.

Holding my wrist in my other hand, I stared down at the bandage. I wanted so much to call my mother, beg her forgiveness and ask her to come over. I couldn’t do it-at least not until I got myself together. I had been so mean to her and my father when they tried to talk me out of letting Erique move in with me. They were furious when they discovered that I had been sneaking him into the basement with me when I had moved back home for six months. I needed to fix the mistakes that I had made, then I could move on officially with my life.

I looked down at the coffee table. On the corner was a folded piece of paper with my name on it. Erique must have come back while I was asleep and left it. Inside it read: Taye, I know that I have not made things in your life easy.

I finally see that now. I have made a lot of mistakes when it came to me and you. You brought all of the things that I have done to my attention and I know that I took you for granted. And for that I am sorry. I didn’t do all I could or should for you. I hope that you will give us another chance.

I promise that this time it will be different.

You scared me. I honestly thought that I might lose you and that was the worst feeling that I ever had. I know I haven’t held up my end of this relationship. I am really sorry. I hope you are feeling better and I will see you tonight. If you need anything, please call me and let me know.

I’m going to set things right.

I love you with all my heart.

E I stared at the words on the page a little longer, but this time they didn’t mean anything to me. We had been down this “sorry, I’m going to change” road before and it had only gotten worse. That’s how he pulled me in to begin with-soft sweet words and promises of a life together. I was tired. I didn’t want to do it anymore. I knew that it would take some time to piece myself together, but I knew that I needed to do it and do it alone. I wanted Erique, but I didn’t need him, for more reasons than one.

I crumbled the letter in my good hand and tossed it on the floor. A picture that we took together in Michigan on Lake Heron caught my eye. I stared at our smiles and the happiness that I felt while we were there. That was the beginning and now this was the end. I refused to cry anymore.

I flipped the picture over and went back to bed.

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Summer

2010

www.wmaty.com

2221 Peachtree Rd. NE / Atlanta ,, GA 30309 / 404.603.5282