Notable and Quotable

"A woman knows the face of the man she loves like a sailor knows the open sea."

- Honoré de Balzac

Off My Chest: In Da Club...

Tell me. Must you go to the club every weekend of your God-given life? Is there some unwritten contract that requires your presence at Atlanta's nightlife Thursday - Sunday? You say…"I'm so glad I have you. You keep me out the streets." Really? Could've fooled me, because every time Friday night rolls around you're "supposed to be going out." Please, help me understand. What's the attraction to going to the same clubs, seeing the same people, drinking the same drinks and listening to the same music every single weekend? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy an occasional get me bodied fest, but every Friday and Saturday…No Thanks. Not to mention, that you haven't spent any real time with your significant other in at least 3 days. With work and our personal lives, we've had no QT. Instead of you thinking, hey, let me ask my lady if she wants to do something tonight…you give in to that same hatin' a** homeboy of yours that we spoke about last week. (see previous "with friends like these" post) Upgrade yourself. Get out of the club mentality. Atlanta has so much more to offer. How about some jazz at the aquarium. A play at the Fox. A drive to Lake Lanier. Sh*t…dinner and a movie. This really isn't even about me. I wanna make you better. Stop thinking small and feeling like "big things poppin'" means bottles of Hennessey in VIP at Verve. Long lines, jacked up covers and groupies….that is so not the business.

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest.

Upcoming Events: Paint By Numbers & Women of Brewster's Place @ Alliance

From the promoters of Play Date, try Paint By Numbers. Aug. 25 at Art on 5 Gallery at 8pm.

"Paint By Numb3rs™ is a joint venture between event planner, Imari Havard (of Play Date Atlanta™) and gallery owner, André Thompson (of Art On 5™ Art Gallery). The two entrepreneurs, both being artists, came together to discuss the opportunity to develop a unique social event with a theme based on culture, creativity, and the arts. After brainstorming, they came up with Paint by Numb3rs™. It is designed to allow “everyday people” to become artists while providing an easy and sociable atmosphere. We provide the guests with over 100 sq ft of canvas mounted to the walls of gallery. The canvas will have pre-sketched outlines of an original unfinished piece. Each detailed section of the sketch will be marked with a number (much like you would find in a children’s paint-by-numbers book). You simply put on a numbered jumpsuit and fill in the areas with the corresponding paint color. Because of the pre-set design, you're not required to have any background or experience in art. As the participants paint, socialize, and critique, a true "work of art" will develop. By the end of the evening you will have a beautiful mural-sized painting completed by a collaborative effort of local artists, art-lovers, and everyday people." Visit www.PaintByNumb3rs.com.

Talk about love and relationships! The Alliance Theater at the Woodruff Arts Center is hosting the world premiere for the musical "The Women of Brewster's Place." Beginning Sept. 5th

"Based on Gloria Naylor's beloved and award-winning novel, The Women of Brewster Place explores the lives of seven passionate, loving, heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring African-American women living in an urban housing project in the early 1970s. The show tells their stories through gospel, soul, R&B and old school funk. The Women of Brewster Place is the most anticipated new American musical of 2007." -Alliance Theater Website

I highly recommend it! Visit http://www.alliancetheatre.org/ for tickets and more information.

ATL Celibrilove: Bow Wow Trying to Get in Runs House? Meet Me At The Church, Did It Go Down?

Concrete Loop is reporting a rumored relationship between ATL's favorite pup turned big dog Bow Wow. He's being linked to Rev. Run's youngest daughter, Angela Simmons. Remember the video "Shorty Like Mine" in which she debuted? Well this week they were spotted out and about together in NY. For some reason I'm not buying this one. I think they're just friends. After the way Ciara popped it in front of him at the BET awards, he's gonna have to come harder than Angela Simmons to make her sweat.

Yung Joc was recently asked by Terrence and Rocsi of 106 if he was married. He said no. Well, word on the street is that he is a married man to a Fantasia Barrino look alike. SOHH has the scoop. My take...who really cares?

Chivalry's Not Dead: Let's Get Married

Click on the link to read about one of the most beautiful and well planned proposals Atlanta has ever seen. Congrats to Keisha Williams and Robert Gray. Love can sometimes indeed be a peach!

http://www.wdef.com/comment/reply/7006

Featured Articles: What Do You Bring To The Table?

I got this forward from a friend recently. While I normally don't read them, I'm glad I read this...PREACH!

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question "What kind of man are you looking for?" She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking Do you really want to know?" Reluctantly, he said "Yes." She began to expound... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask, "What can you bring to the table?" The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I am not referring to money. "I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life." He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain. She said "I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man. I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked... believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster. And even if he is a believer; he needs to believe as I do. I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden. I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, and strong enough to keep me grounded when I do go through changes. I don't need a man who is going to purposely bring me grief. I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him and he must respect me. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business or who is "messy" in his personal affairs. I have no problem being submissive...but he has to be worthy. God made woman to be a help mate for man . I can't help a man if he can't help himself. If he can't help himself then he definitely can't help me. When she finished her spiel, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said," You are asking a lot. "She replied, "I'm worth a lot."

Peachy Date Ideas: Nectar Mobile Spa

This innovative spa/salon company has decided to bring the spa to you! Tell your beau he's yours for the night and have Nectar transform your living room, bedroom, pool area, or rooftop into a relaxing and romantic get a way for two. They have traditional spa packages at comparable prices. They do add a gratuity. But come on, they brought the dang on spa to you! Pay up. Check out the website at www.bodynectar.com.

Notable and Quotable

"Live each day as it comes. Don't borrow trouble by dreading tomorrow."
-Dorothy Dix

Lessons Learned: My Girlfriends and I Share Everything...

…well not everything. While I'm generally unselfish when it comes to my money, my home, and my car--there are 2 things we cannot share. My Christian Louboutin pumps and my Man.
It’s a no brainer, or at least it should be that a best friend who dates or sleeps with my man, while he's my man, is no best friend at all. Instead she's crossed the line into "oh hell no she didn’t." (Which comes along with total destruction on myspace and facebook). Where the situation gets tricky is when my man and I have called it quits. Is he fair game for my single friends or is he forever forbidden fruit? My answer. It depends. It depends on 1) the relationship between me and my "friend" 2) the extent of the relationship between me and my ex and 3) the amount of time that’s passed since the relationship ended.
I'll deal with number 3 first. If the wound is fresh, then stay away. I wouldn’t want you to contract some nasty blood borne disease (or a** whooping). If some time has passed (preferably at least a year) then whether or not he is up for grabs...is up for discussion.
If he and I were married, engaged, living together or had been together a year or more then keep your greedy hands off. There are other fish in the sea. If you and I were like sisters, bffs forever, linesisters or within 2 pledge lines either way then keep your greedy hands off. Now, if he and I were only "friends with benefits" or dated for just a few months you probably wont go to hell for trying him out yourself. That is, assuming that you and I are just classmates, acquaintances, co workers, or know each other through friends.
If you are ever faced with the decision, please think about it long and hard. Don't ruin a great friendship for a one night stand. You better be sure that this man is God's perfect mate for you before you act on your impulses. Whatever you do be ready to handle the consequences and don’t be mad when your former friend runs your name through the mud.
As a practical point, let your close friends know how you feel about the issue and which of your guys are and will forever be off limits. (Friends, take note and keeps your paws off Wayne, Rhyan, Antonio, Q.) If she's truly your friend, she'll listen. The safest course is to stay away. I do understand that we are all human and at times our paths will cross and begin to form some sort of confusing train wreck. Just be thoughtful and careful--and always put yourself in the other person's shoes--just not my Louboutins!

Thanks Eb...

Off My Chest: With Friends Like These....

Who needs enemies? I mean, come on! You see your best friend and home boy is happily in a relationship. Sure, there are temptations, but for the most part he remains faithful. He tries to stay outta the streets and actually enjoys spending quality time with his lady. Nonetheless, you feel the need to constantly try to set him up with your booty-call's best friends and roommates. Are you a hater or just plain disrespectful? I think it’s a combination of the both. You hate the fact that your homie is actually growing the hell up. You hate the fact that he'd rather take his lady out on the town than hit M Bar and Compound with you every Friday night. And what makes it worse is that you're actually disrespectful enough to try to break up this happy home. Like Andre 3000 says at the beginning of the UGK video "Man, Be Happy For Me." Let your man be a good man. You may even want to try to mirror his actions. Sure, you're in your mid-twenties now, so gettin' it in every weekend is cool. But, I'm sorry playa….being 30 in the club every weekend just aint a good look. Grow Up, and most importantly, STOP HATIN'

Sorry, I just had to get that OFF MY CHEST!

Tyler Perry Knows Love

...and his latest movie installment is set to debut mid October. In 'Why did I Get Married,' a group of couples attempt to examine their relationships in a retreat-type setting but are ultimately distracted by a pretty, young, thang. The movie stars Janet Jackson. Check out the trailer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0MO1NTE720

ATL Celebrilove: Diddy and Kim....

Mediatakeout is reporting that Diddy and Kim's on again off again relationship may be on again after this weekend. They are supposedly meeting to discuss it. Rumor has it that unless he has an engagement ring in tow, Kim has nothing to say. While I appreciate her standing up to a cheating man, for some reason I don't think for one second that its over. I actually hope she proves me wrong, but I predict this yo yo relationship to last until eternity...or until some A list actress gives Diddy the time of day.

Peachy Date Ideas: Play Date

I've never been but I've heard great things about Atlanta's new phenomenon: Play Date. Check out the website at http://www.playdateatl.com/. Grab your beau and head out once a month for some serious gaming.

Lesson Learned: Relax Relate Release

Whitley Gilbert said it best on "A Different World"..."RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE!" Holding on too tightly to a relationship can only squeeze the life out of it. I know, its much easier said than done--but we have to learn to loosen our grasp and let nature take its course. We can easily become consumed with when we will see him again, why she hasn't called, what he did at the club last night and what she is really thinking of us. Before you know it you've questioned, snooped and checked until your significant other has had enough. You can only call his/her phone so many times, send so many text messages, and go over unannounced so many times before that person ends the relationship. Believe me, I know. My advice. Breathe. Remember that we cannot always be in control of every little detail of our or our partner's lives. We have to let go and let God. Don't let your fear take over your sanity. The next time it tries to, put down the phone and car keys and Relax, Relate, Release.