Musical Monday-Mary Mary

I am a huge Mary Mary fan. Sadly, they are getting some flak from some fans because their "gospel" music is becoming too contemporary, or too worldly for some people. I think everyone is entitled to how they feel. I personally focus on how music makes me "feel" and I can say that a lot of their music is very inspirational and has brought me through some rough times, just by keeping me encouraged and uplifted.  They have a new single "Walking" which is really catchy and I still think these ladies have some really strong vocals that complement each other well.  I didn't necessarily like their last single "God in Me" that much. It was just a little cheesy to ME, but the Album that that song came from  "The Sound" was their best selling to date, so I am going to guess they think they are on the right track. I am of the opinion that if the message is positive, then the beat or the use of Auto Tune, rapping or any of the latest musical technology tricks shouldn't matter if you are reaching more people. But I respect those that disagree. When I reflect on their past music, songs like "Shackles", "In the Morning", "Heaven",  "Yesterday" and "Believer", I feel like these ladies are pretty consistent with their message and were always pretty contemporary to begin with. Sometimes the message isn't always obvious, but if you listen to the lyrics and can make simple analogies, it's not complicated.

Here is the latest video/song "Walking"  from these lovely sisters.  Let me know what you think. Are they too mainstream ? Should gospel fans be offended ? Do you think they are taking their gospel/inspirational license too far ?

Mary Mary - Walking (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Mary Mary

Thoughts ?  Comments? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex 

I LOVE....Valentine's Day

Thought I would dust off the blog and peek back in. It's been a minute due to some major distractions. Over that last couple of weeks I have had my hands full with some homeowner emergencies----broken water pipes, electrical issues AND my Heating System ! Oh the joys of home ownership ! But trust, I am not complaining at all. It comes with the territory & I consider myself blessed to be in a position to take care of the issues. Mr. Mixologist  really  stepped up to the plate and saved me some serious $$$$$. In a matter of 6 hours I witnessed him use his Brick Masonry skills to access the problem area, his Welding skills to repair some steel pipes and his Plumbing skills to get running water back in the house !  I had no idea of all his talents ! LOL With two trips to Home Depot and help from one of his friends, I was back in business in no time.

I am really going to have to come correct for Valentine's Day ! LOL

Speaking of that, I know that Valentine's Day is a holiday that many people love and other's love to hate, but if you set aside all of the forced, romantic overkill, the commercialism, love really does have a major influence in our lives and in the world and it does beat war any day ! I am going to do my part to spread some love today, so in Celebration of Valentine's Day just wanted to reflect a little bit and acknowledge some of the things that fill up this little heart of mine :)


Somethings that I truly love.......



Hearing the voices of my nieces and nephew on the phone. They are always so excited and have so much to say and ask so many questions !


Peace that comes from wisdom. The understanding that life experiences give me power, knowledge and skills to deal with everything that comes my way.


The sound of my mother's laughter. I have heard it my whole life. It is one of the first sounds I can remember hearing. It brings me joy. She loves a good joke and her sense of humor is endearing.


When I feel him watching me at unexpected times and seeing the smile spread across his face. It feels good to be loved as I am.


Music and the emotions that it can evoke in me. Newly discovered talented artists that love what they do.

Quiet time alone with my thoughts and my dreams. The ability to be alone and not be lonely.


Replaying voice mail messages left by my dad. I can hear the concern for me in his voice. It warms my heart.


Finding and reading love letters regardless of who wrote them.

Having a sister that I can call my friend. Knowing she has my back like no other. The history of our childhood and the understanding that no one else but she could have.

The way he calls me "Gorgeous" & kisses my forehead. His hands.......his eyes.....his expressions....his heart.

Reading with a warm drink on a cold day, in my favorite robe, with my favorite socks, in my favorite spot for as long as I want.

Discovering new things and having someone to share them with. Having a great listener who challenges me.


Having true friends who care. Friends who know what really matters and what is really important in life.


The blessings He has placed in my life. The faith that His promises has given me. The knowledge and comfort that He sees my TRUE HEART as no one else can.

This verses about love :

 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

Happy Valentine's Day ! Celebrate Love in your life in all it's forms !


What and who are you loving these days and why ?   Go ahead, shout it out!

Thoughts ? Comments? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex  

Just Me.....Randomly....The Love Edition

* Excuse me while I gush 

Wow, I can't believe we are already 21 days into the New Year. Time marches on........Speaking of a year, me and my beau,  Mr. Mixologist spent last weekend celebrating the one year anniversary of the day we met, January 17, 2010.  We have been together for a year, neither one of us went on any more dates after our first encounter. He actually canceled a date he had scheduled for the very day we met ! I admit that I had a couple of guys that I had recently met online that I ceased communication with very quickly after meeting him. We have pretty much been inseparable since then, we moved quickly into exclusivity and it's fun to look back when I first blogged about it here.  His former blog name was Eastcoast because he is from Baltimore by way of Charleston. He was raised in Baltimore and has a strong Baltimore/East Coast accent. I am happy to report, I am still feeling butterflies when I see his name come up on my cell phone and when I hear his voice :)

I had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day !

I didn't get MLK Day off work, but I was off the Friday before so I still got my 3 day weekend in. Thursday night, Mr. Mixologist grilled some huge steaks for dinner. They were delicious ! We enjoyed them with a nice Malbec, a Callejon del Crimen Grand Reserva which was actually a gift from a friend. It was really good & I was glad to look it up online and find that it was not expensive at all. I love wine and am learning how to pair it with different types of food. I prefer whites, he really enjoys reds because they help with digestion. I am learning to enjoy them more and more.



Friday night, we had an official "date night" to celebrate. I received a beautiful card from my beau that made my heart smile. Since we both love seafood , we went to dinner at Fish City Grille in Vintage Park. I had some Oysters as well as some stuffed Shrimp. He had some type of Shrimp Pasta. The food was pretty good and moderately priced too.  We then headed to the movies to see "The Dilemma " with Vince Vaughn & Kevin James.  Even though Vince plays virtually. the.same.exact.character. in every movie, I still think he is hilarious! LOL

Serious Aficionado's in the house !

 Saturday night we had an Event to attend that Mr. Mixologist has been excited about for months. One of his favorite haunts, Serious Cigars hosts an annual Party each year for their preferred customers. Trust me when I say,we were in line to get into the party 30 minutes early ! LOL There were over 400 people there for sure. It was really nice. Since it was Founder's Day for my sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., I was rocking a pink sweater and my black boots.  Like most Cigar Bars, it is not that big, so they actually set up a huge tent in the parking lot and had lots of tables set up. We got there in time to get a table so we could sit with our friends. They had catered food and it was deelish, unlimited open bar with my favorite Vodka, and some pretty nice giveaways even though we didn't win anything big. It was sponsored by a couple of Cigar makers and it was really laid out nice. All of his Cigar buddies were there and it was a lot of fun. I got to meet some of the guys that I hear about all the time and their wives and girlfriends. I invited my girlfriend who we both  actually give the credit for me and Mr. Mixologist meeting last year, since she drug me out the house that night when I had every intention of chilling at home. Since we met at a Cigar Bar, it was apropos.  She was teasing us all night, telling us that she threw the party on our behalf ! LOL. We had a great time ! We left there and headed over to the Oz Bar to meet another friend, they had a band that was off the hook, playing everything from Prince, to George Benson, the Commodores, to Maze. We were getting our groove on seriously to the point that we were both sore from dancing that next day & it took us a minute to realize why we were sore ! LOL Life after 40 I swear.

See the beauty beyond the Cigar Smoke !

Sunday was a big football day and it was pretty cold, so we just recuperated from the weekend. Spent time relaxing together and reflecting. Neither of us felt like cooking so we just ordered in. I finally left my house later that night to go meet a girlfriend in from out of town for drinks. Overall it was a really chilled day and a nice end to a lovely weekend. I gave him a card in which I listed out every.single.thing. that he has exposed me to in the last year that has improved my life in some form or fashion.  It may sound cheesy, but I put everything from Shrimp and Grits, to Havarti Cheese, to Shiraz, to how to download movies/music, to his libations he mixes up, to pure castile soap ! LOL It was a really long list. I really just sat & thought about all of the little things he has shown me, shared with me and exposed me to, that have made my life better and more enjoyable. He is such a gentleman and makes me feel protected, supported and appreciated all the time. He is a wonderful listener & accepts me AS I AM. Now he is not as emotional or sentimental as I am of course, but let me tell you that he really appreciated that card, the look on his face as he read it said everything to me.

What happiness looks like :)

I warned you this was going to be a gushy post ! LOL If love is a drug, then I am definitely under the influence :)

What's going on random with you ?

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex 

Musical Monday

El DeBarge has been given a second chance despite battling drug addiction for so many years. What a blessing ! I am happy for his opportunity. I am really feeling his new CD. You can play it from beginning to end. I love the vibe.  The first single "Second Chance" got every one's attention with it's introspective lyrics. I am really  feeling his new single with Faith Evans, "Lay With You" so simple, but makes you feel good.







I actually am a much bigger fan of his brother Chico, who sings tenor. He had a couple of CD's several years ago that were very good. He too has battled drugs in his life but has also remained remarkably talented, despite abusing his body. He released a CD back in 2009 titled "Addiction" that has been VERY slept on in my opinion. I have been playing it for a while now but it is not on the radar at all.   I mean I have not seen much promotion at all & it seems they only released one single, "Oh No" when I can assure you, there are some slamming cuts on there.  With all the focus on his brother's comeback, it brought him to mind.  I had to hunt and hunt for the link below & was surprised I couldn't even find a video for the single.  My fear is that he may be continuing to battle his addiction,  and that may be why he just disappeared after releasing this gem of a CD & there has been no promotion. I really hope that is not the case.











I hate to see addiction rob people of their dreams and will continue to hope for their continued recovery.
I think good music makes the world go around. Hope you enjoy the videos.

What music/artists are you listening too ?

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex 

Part II - Holiday Wrap Up

We arrived in Atlanta on Monday afternoon just in time for brief introductions changing of the clothes and packing of the vehicle so we could  get ready to tailgate. I had previously met his brother at a funeral around Thanksgiving but it was my first time meeting his wife and we hit it off real nice.  Mr. Mixologist went with all the guys in the vehicle to get the tent and stuff set up and I stayed with his SIL to get their kids situated with their grandmother and we rode the train to the Georgia Dome and met them there to set up the food.  They guy's were going to stay for the actual game, but she & I were just there  for the food,  fun and drinks !  And I had a blast. Falcons were playing the Saints that night & some people from Louisiana came through our area doing a Second Line Parade and it was hilarious with that and all of the antics, and line dancing & partying that went on. Although it was extremely cold that night, we had so much fun. I understand while tailgating is so addictive.

Brother,SIL, Me, Brother, Mr.Mixologist

Now I have been to Atlanta a few times before, but it has been many years ago & I was much younger. I hardly remembered any of the places that I went back then.  Mr. Mixologist lived there for 8 years after he moved from Baltimore and he loves the city. He couldn't wait to show me some of his old stomping grounds. I got to hang out with the guys for a couple of days because SIL had to go out of town. So when I tell you I went to so many Cigar Shops I lost count, you best believe it. LOL But it was fun. Non-stop hilarity. His brothers are fools & it has been along time since they all were together, so the stories I was hearing had me dying with laughter ! They were trying to "break me in" and one of  his brother's let me know that I was in fact,  being "vetted" LMAO !

Tuesday we went to the Little Five Points area to a restaurant called The Vortex, and the burgers were pretty good. The place inside was kind of interesting, pretty small so there was a bit of a line, but we ended up sitting at the bar which is where we needed to be anyway cause we were being rowdy ! The drinks were pretty good & we were just amped up having a great time, great laughs. We hung around in that area for a bit afterwards. There was a vintage clothing store that we spent some time in and a little coffee shop.

One day  for lunch we went to LaFonda Latina, which was sort of a hybrid of different types of Latin American Cuisine It's a fast casual type restaurant and the food was surprisingly pretty good. The guacamole was very fresh and the Maduros were really good too.  I got some Fish Tacos with Talapia that were quite tasty, but it was the 2 Pitchers of Mojitos we killed that I enjoyed the most ! LOL I was on vacation :)Later we ended up having Happy Hour at Houston's one of my favorite restaurants. It's always pretty consistent with a nice atmosphere no matter what city or state I visit. Our group sat at the bar & ended up having a female bartender who was actually from Houston.

The whole time I was in ATL my friends kept texting me asking me if I had seen NeNe, Sheree, or any of the RHOA ! LOL. I didn't see ANY celebrities the whole time I was there, but Wednesday we met some friends in from Chicago & Charlotte at Prime Restaurant for Sushi . They told us that we just missed Kim Kardashian & some other girl. I am not a fan but  I just knew I was going to see someone famous before I left and I still can't believe that didn't happen !

We spent quite a bit of time with my beau's brothers kids, which are adorable !  They have kids that are 15, 10, 4, 2 & they have a new baby boy who is 8 months old and boy did I get attached to him.  He is super juicy, just like I like lil' babies to be and we got to spend  a lot of time loving on him.  They are blessed to have her mother as a live in to care for their children. The kids are bright, and well mannered. Thursday night, SIL prepared a very nice steak dinner for us at the house. By then, we had been ripping and running and it was nice to just have a quiet dinner at the house, with conversation, laughter and just bonding with them.  We killed 3 bottles of Shiraz that night & when we got back to the Hotel, I slept like a baby.

Me and the handsome boys !

New Year's Eve

 NYE was our last night in ATL.  We went to the home of some of their friends for cocktails, and then stopped by a party that was being thrown by some New Orleans transplants, complete with a Second Line parade at the stroke of midnight. It was fun & kind of rowdy.  It wasn't really conducive to conversation so we decided to do something different. We wanted to find somewhere a little more subdued to spend our last night & they guys wanted to smoke Cigars, so we left the party just after Midnight and went to Cafe Circa. It was the perfect spot to end the week. The music was great, the wine was pretty good, the food was OK, the service was not the best, but the atmosphere was perfect. Very cozy, a little romantic but not overly so. After spending some time on the first level of the Lounge, we all went up to the rooftop patio so the guys could enjoy their cigars.  I think because it was our

 NYE

final night together, we were all  feeling a little melancholy, since it was the dawn of a New Year we were all feeling quite reflective. It was a wonderful evening. I look forward to coming back to Atlanta when it's warm because there is so much that we didn't get to do. I think it's a cool city with a lot to offer.




The "small world story"  I mentioned in my last post actually occurred when we had been in Atlanta less than 24 hours.  After hitting 2 Cigar Shops to buy sticks & compare prices, we decided to lounge and smoke at the Highland Cigar Bar. We had just gotten seated with some drinks. Mr. Mixologist & I were seated in chairs and both of his brothers were sitting on the sofa across from us. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to look up & see my ex-husband standing there. We shook hands and we were polite and cordial, and the encounter was very brief, but it was completely awkward and I was surprised to see him ! Although, I knew he moved to Atlanta a few years ago, after our divorce, honestly I thought  ATL was a bigger city than that ! Mr. Mixologist was very cool & considerate about it, and kept making sure I was comfortable and asked if I wanted to leave, but I was fine. Later in the week, I was subjected to jokes from his brother's about it & we all had a good laugh about it. Life is unpredictable.

Anyway, we had a wonderful vacation and it was hard getting back on the grind after having so much time off. I truly enjoyed travelling with my beau and am already getting excited about the next trip !

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex  

Home from the Holidays

There is no place like home as Dorothy would say. Nothing like your own bed, your own sheets and your own space.  I spent Sunday recuperating from the whirlwind. It was a great trip. We put 2300 miles on that rental car company's Toyota in 10 days & when we turned it in yesterday morning, I know it needed an oil change bad !

Mr. Mixologist drives like a champ and he does not believe in wasting time getting somewhere. I initially wasn't so enthused about driving when we initially planned the trip, but he explained that he wanted the flexibility that comes with driving, and since we would have so much luggage & gifts it would have been cost prohibitive to fly. He also wanted to split the trip between Charleston & Atlanta so that I could spend time getting to know his brother and his wife & kids as well. He doesn't mind driving, in fact, he prefers it & since I don't have to do much more than play DJ, read, and ride, who am I to complain ? After all those people got stuck at the airport for days and days, I was reminded of the uncertainty that comes with flying.

  

We had a wonderful time in Charleston. It is a very beautiful city, rich in history. We toured the homes along the Battery which is right on the water. There is a nice park with great views.

  

The weather was perfect for the first few days we were there I definitely can't wait to come back when it is warmer and at a less hectic time than on a major holiday.

We did some last minute Christmas shopping in the Marketplace District and we got the hookup on some Pecan Brittle from this place, because the lady behind the counter was feeling the Christmas Spirit.

Of course, we can't go anywhere without stopping at a Cigar spot. Mr. Mixologist took me to a place he  always comes to whenever  he comes home, where they actually hand roll them in the store.  He was in pure heaven !  Those are tobacco leaves hanging from the ceiling.

One of the highlights for me was tasting the local fare of course. I had to get some fresh seafood and the Charleston Crab House did not disappoint.  The drinks were on point ! I had a Pomegranate Margarita that had me leaning & then we shared the most delicious Crab Dip I have ever tasted. My entree was grilled Mahi Mahi, Shrimp and Scallops. The Red Rice is a Low Country favorite and I must say it is very tasty. Different from the Dirty Rice I am accustomed to, but I truly enjoyed it. Mr. Mixologist's mom told me how to make it, as it is one of his favorites, so I will be trying that out soon, so I can get it down.

Christmas with my beau's family was great. His mom actually had a stocking on the fireplace for me too (green-my favorite color) with some lotion, a scented candle, some candy, and a manicure set. We opened gifts at his parents house before going to his Grandparents for the big dinner. I got some clothes, a neck massager,  a beautiful purse and........ .DRUMROLL ..... a Nook Color ! I was so happy. Mr. Mixologist looooved his engraved Humidor and of course I had to get him some sticks to go in it ! LOL I could tell he was surprised and appreciative.

After opening gifts we got dressed and headed over to Edisto Island, the  place where he spent summers as a child with his Grandparents. It is located off the coast.  We had to go over a bridge to get there, and surprisingly, there is no cell service at all on the Island ! When I called my nieces that morning, they were still sleeping so I didn't get to talk to them until very late Christmas day, after we got back to Charleston because Mr. Mixologist has a very large family and there were soooo many people he wanted me to meet that day.

It is always good to get to see the places, things you have only heard about and it gives you more perspective on a person when you see where they have come from. It was a wonderful day. Mr. Mixologist's family was very happy to have me there, they were very welcoming and they loved the goodies that I baked and brought for them ! The day after Christmas, I was sitting in the kitchen with him and his mom, when one of his Aunt's called. You know how you can hear someone who talks loud on the phone ? She was basically telling him, that the family verdict was in and she was calling to deliver the news to him that I am a Keeper and that he needs to make sure to not let me get away ! LOL The look on his face was priceless ! He was smiling, and blushing, and trying to play it cool and be respectful to her all at the same time.

I was a bit nervous about making a good impression  with the family & really just hoping to connect with them, and it turned out lovely. His little 7 yr old  niece did not want me to leave ! His dad even invited me to the family reunion in July, right in front of everyone ! LOL I really  hope to be there.  After five days in Charleston, we headed Northwest  to Atlanta to meet Mr. Mixologist's brother & his family.  I will blog about that in my next post. There is an unexpected "small world" story to tell as well.....so stay tuned.......until the next time.


Thoughts ? Comments? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex

Ready for 2011

Just wanted to pop in today on this New Year's Eve to say Happy New Year to the Bloggerverse !
I am presently still on my 10 day vacation and won't be home until Saturday so I have not been able to blog as much cause I have been too busy having a blast. I had a wonderful holiday and am still in the midst of enjoying myself and hate to see it winding down. I will try to blog about it once I get home and have a chance to upload some photos and share some of my experiences meeting Mr. Mixologist's extended family and close friends.

This has been a wonderful year for me. I feel like I have really come into myself this year. Accepting some things about me both good and not so great, but I am me. I do have goals and plans and will continue trying to be the best me that I can be, but I am very content making the most of each and every day as it comes. Enjoying my life every day. I take pride in that I love me some me, and as I sit here today, I am smiling, my heart is full I am blessed and hopeful. I took a look back at where I was this time last year. All I can say is, what a difference a year makes. I think I had the right mindset then, and I will continue down the path that He has for me.

To my readers, lurkers, and commenter's thanks for continuing to stop by my little space in the world as often as you do.

I wish you Peace and Blessings in 2011. Be encouraged.

What are your reflections for the year ?

What are you plans for the New Year ?

Thoughts ? Comments ? Questions ?

Beautifully Complex