True friends

True friends are a thing of beauty, but are also very rare. I believe that if we all had just one person in our life not afraid to lovingly tell us the truth about ourselves, and some of the stupid things we do and say, this would be a much better world. Today, I plan to tell the truth, even though I may not be your friend.
While many of us can’t seem to imagine what we’d do without social media, there are times when I wonder if some of us would be better off, maybe even safer without it. With the invention of social media, avenues of communication have expanded beyond what anyone could have ever thought. But, while it can be a good thing, like finding loved ones or friends you haven’t seen in decades, it can also be a reputation buster.

In the three years since I joined FB, I’ve accumulated nearly 700 FB “friends.” If I’m being honest, nearly half appeared when they found out I was #NateDogg’s sister and then only after his death. But, back to the other truths I’m here to share. Unfortunately, I’ve had to UNFRIEND several people for an array of different disrespectful reasons. And my un-friending, has no respect of persons - from blood relatives to people I’ve only known through FB, I can delete you with the best of them. For vulgar language to extremely provocative photos, I MUST delete them for not only my eyesight, but for those of my toddlers, who can often be found on my lap as I browse the computer sites.

I have found myself private messaging to tell others about themselves concerning some of the stupid things they post on Facebook. Why is it so hard to believe that disrespectful decisions, whether to yourself or to others, do come back to bite you in the rear? For example, what happens when that great career opportunity or a relationship possibility comes along and up pops some photo of you half naked in a provocative pose as if you are soliciting yourself on Pacific Coast Highway? Those of you from the #LBC know what PCH is all about.

I just want to take this time to share a few ways to recognize true friends:

1.      They tell you the truth no matter how bad it hurts.

2.      They tell you the truth BEFORE you embarrass yourself in front of thousands.

3.      They tell you the truth to help you avoid the consequences that come with bad decisions.

4.      They tell you the truth, but still love you when you make stupid decisions anyway. J

Now, if you want to know what triggered this blog, all can say is this, If you post a pic of yourself on a social media outlet, looking like you are either stepping onto the Boulevard or on your way there, don’t be surprised about the repercussions sooner or later. And if your “friends” are posting things like, “Girl, you look good,” or “That’s a cute outfit,” or “You are so Fine,” or “You go Girl,” or my favorite, “Sexy,” then you need to rethink those friendships because somebody is lying.

If you’re STILL my FB “friend” meaning, I have not deleted you and, after this you have not deleted me, J and you think I might be talking to you, I probably am.

One of the best things I heard, sometime in my early 20s, after learning for myself that being half naked was NOT sexy, was “there’s a difference between TRASHY AND CLASSY!
Ladies, you got respect yourself before you can expect a REAL MAN to respect you.

Grammy's or Garbage?

Was anybody else as bored as I was watching the Grammy's Sunday night? I mean 3 hours of who knows what. Literally, I didn't know most of the people performing or getting awards. Either I'm old or I'm watching way too much Nick Jr with the kids to notice other things. At times I felt like I was watching the CMAs (Country Music Awards). That means way too much praise for country music when it's suppose to be a diversity of music. Also, I don't feel like African-American, blacks or coloreds, whatever we are at the Grammy's, were represented at all. There was very little Gospel, as if it doesn't sell and very little anything else. Adele sweep the floor with all the American artist. Now, I ain't hating, cause the girl can sing, but it was as if the same 4 or 5 people/bands were nominated in each category.
Who are the people who sit on the board of decision makers and vote for who wins or who performs at the Grammy's? Seriously, what in the world was that mess #NickiMinaj did at the Grammy's? Whoever invited her should have been fired immediately following her exorcism. I mean really? The Grammy's was NOT the setting for that satanic foolishness. That should have been saved for her own personal concert, if she's even good enough to hold her own at a full concert. Doubt it based on that performance. First, I didn't get it. Second, couldn't understand a word of it. And third, I'm sure there were kids watching and attending who didn't need to see that stupidity. And don't get me started on the parents who actually DO let their kids listen to music like that. You ever wonder why little Johnnie is a hellion? And don't try to soothe your conscience by saying "music doesn't make people do stupid things."

Some good things I did like about the Grammys: Bruno Mars' performance was very entertaining. He was like a mixture of Elvis, The Temptations, The Four Tops and James Brown all in one. Jennifer Hudson did an outstanding job on Whitney's tribute song. And I was touched by the fact that they listed my brother #NateDogg among those we lost last year in death. I know, he was known in the music industry, but with all his talent, he didn't get his props while he was living. Some in part to Suge Knight's greed and stupidity, really, how you gonna be a business gangster? You ain't the mafia. You from the hood. Learn how to make money, invest money and give back to those around you. Oh, that's right, it's too late to give him advice, he's broke, busted and disgusted. Now, while much of my brother's music was vulgar and used too much profanity for my personal taste, seeing as how I don't curse anymore, the music industry has yet to embrace good semi clean hip hop or even to take those with true talent, like my brother, under their wings and teach them the ropes of what the big wigs want in the music game.

Well, after 3 hours of that, those are the only things I can truly say I enjoyed. Grammy staffers, you missed the mark this year, really. Better luck next time. You got an entire year to listen to ALL music, despite race, color, creed or genre. Try to make the Grammys look like the melting pot this world really is and get the minority music off the back of the Grammy bus.