Brenda's Child

Brenda's  Baby      

 Age 8              

A Star is Born!       

 November 04,2008

I got to meet one of my poetic role models ,Nikki Giovanni when she visited Springfield on October 31. I just love this woman. She emcompasses everything I aspire to be...outspoken, articulate, educated, active, and hip! Yes the woman is still hip ! I was  in awe as I listened to her speak and watched her sign my books. I also gave her copies of my own books, I hope she reads them! 

October 20,2008

Monday, October 13 marked the end of Open Mic Mondays, and begins Mic Check Tuesdays. It begins Tuesday, November 25 same place, same time. I will miss the weekly energy, but the reality is, winter time is harsh here in MA and and I know there will be nights that I won't want to come out of the house. The reson I changed the day is because I have started back college, going for my Masters in Philanthrophy and Nonprofit management. in the mean time and between time, I urge you to keep writing.  

August 13,2008

Open Mic Mondays is really taking off. This week we had 11 poets. And more people who never considered themselves poets are writing, it's the spread of GOOD ENERGY people. If yo haven't checked it out I suggest you do!

July 17,2008

Wow, it's been two months since I've  written in my little journal. I guess that means I've been busy. The poems are flowing out of me like the rivers that Langston Hughes speaks of.I have to say most of it comes from open mic Mondays. I get motivated by other poets to write, and it is great!  My plan for the fall is to re-release my 2007 book with a new original cover and bonus poetry. Afterwards, Iplan to publish a new book every year until someone notices and a sista gets a book deal. Yes, I would love to get paid to write all day.

May 27,2008

   I had the pleasure of meeting Diana Ferrus, the poet whose work was responsible for inspiring France to return the remains of Sarah Baartman, who had been on display from the time her death,in 1815 until 1974. After being humiliated in freak shows and circuses  because of her oversized breast,buttocks, and genitalia in London and France, Sarah was forced into prostitution  She died at the age of 25. A scientist cut off her genitalia, put in in jars, and put her skeletal remains on display. Born in South Africa, her people wanted her home for a proper burial. France refused. It was Diana Ferrus' poem, "I've Come to Take you Home"  that helped to inspire France to change their mind, and Sarah Baartman's remains were returned home in 2002. I met Diana on Wednesday, and she is phenomonal! She is here as a part of an artists exchange, and will be performing locally. Below is a picture of all of the visitings arts.

May 15, 2008

So Mother's day was Sunday. I'll be honest, I kinda get into a funk about it. I get depressed slightly. I feel tired and sleepy, and I don't even have the energy pretend like I'm okay. I kinda just wanna sleep the day away.  I know I'm a mom, and I love being one. And I have a gramdmother, and maternal aunts, but it's not the same. So I use that day to self-reflect, mourn and just keep to myself. I'm allowed right?But anyway, that day's  over until next year. I feel better, and brenda's Child is back in business! Tonight I'll be checking out Caramel Cafe in Windsor ,CT.

April 24, 2008

If you haven't come out to Open Mic Mondays yet, you are really missing out on a good time, in a cool environment. Soulful music, energetic poets, and strong libations...yeah. Right now , it's free so come, out before we start charging. LOL. We promise to have you home early. I know Mondays suck, but we promise to change that. Check us out at 6pm, on Mondays.

April 1,2008

I'm 30 years old as of march 28th. And I celebrated like i should...surrounded by family and friends! We had an eighties party and is was "totally RAD"

March 11,2008

I've teamed up with an artist friend of mine, and together we are S.F.A Starving for Art! Our open mic venue starts April 7th, and continues every Monday at 7pm. All all welcome, performers and listeners. This month is also my 30th birthday party. My best friend and I are are having an old school bash. For info on both of these events go to events and ongoings page.

February 13,2008

PHAT POETRY was just that. Women of all shapes sizes, and ethnic background spreading self-love through spoken word. I was my pleasure to bless the mic at such an event. This was my first show in New York, and definitely not my last!

 Poem of the Month

IN PUBLIC

My body trembled when we locked lips,

I floated home still thinking about it,

I can’t believe I let him kiss me in public,

This, This is so unlike me,

but when his hand caressed my lower back

so subtly

I became warm and buttery,

melting in his arms,

hypnotized by his charm

and those pink brown lips,

I wanted a sample, I needed to tasted it,

so I let him kiss me in public.

And it was so sweet and soft

I became lost

Suddenly there was only him and me,

Everyone else disappeared

and I didn’t care

if people whispered or stared

and while we danced, while we danced,

we held hands, then he kissed me again,

we swayed from side to side,

I closed my eyes, oh my goodness,

I let him kiss me in public.

No longer was I afraid of PDA,

in fact I welcomed the idea,

turnng my head to let him suck on my ear,

then my peripheral caught a glance,

we had an audience.

I expected looks of disgust,

but instead they smiled at us,

Our attraction was obvious,

The chemistry was infectious,

I let go and enjoyed the moment,

and I kissed him back in public.