When Cuzzo and I got back to the apartment, one of The Elders had a new game for us to play.
I didn’t see any boards or game pieces anywhere, though.
“This is a different type of game, baby girl,” Cuzzo said. “One where we always get the bad guy. Remember your preschool friend? In this game we go after the bad guys that did that to him.”
I was intrigued.
The way Cuzzo put it, all I’d have to do in this game was stand outside, do nothing, and get the bad guys close enough for the VIPs to handle the rest.
We played this game once a week after church, while I was still dressed in my Sunday Best. Like Cuzzo said, all I did was stand outside while the creepers approached, one by one. The Elder who started this game and Cuzzo kept watch from windows overlooking the block while an ever-changing handful of our other “cousins” waited in a van around the corner.
When the creepers got within arm’s reach, it was on: the van full of fam sped around the corner, snatched the creeper up, duct-taped a bag over his head, dragged him into the van and sped off again down the block.
For months this happened, every Sunday after church. It was astonishing seeing those guys snatched up over and over again, like lemmings. Or a live-action movie. In fact, this other game was so much like watching a movie that, after a couple weeks of playing, I started directing it.
First, I took it upon myself to inform an approaching creeper what was about to go down.
“You’re about to die,” I said to him.
The creeper laughed and asked who taught me words like that.
I didn’t get a chance to answer before the van sped around the corner like clockwork and the creeper met his fate.
Within a week of starting this other game—maybe even a little before this new game had begun—Cuzzo and I established such a connection that we were speaking to each other without using words. He’d think something and I’d feel it, and vice versa.
One Sunday I was standing there catching creepers when, out of nowhere, this feeling of extreme boredom washed over me. It wasn’t a feeling I immediately recognized, especially while playing a game. I looked up at Cuzzo peering through the blinds. Our eyes met and he nodded.
I told a standby VIP sitting on the front stoop that if they really want to make this game fun, they should try switching up the kinds and colors of cars they use. As an added bonus, the cops can’t trace the activity (something everyone involved seemed especially concerned about) since a different car is used every week.
The VIP perked up and spread word to the others.
Next time I came over, The VIPs sped around the corner in a blue van instead of their usual black. Some weeks they rolled through in a full body pickup truck. My fave was when they used stolen luxury cars: Benzs, BMWs, Jags speeding down the block overflowing with saviors and foes.
After that, grown folks in the neighborhood started coming up to me, giving me a dollar or two “for my service.” My mom always taught me not to accept gifts from strangers. But Cuzzo always taught me to Get Money, so I channeled him for a second opinion.
After playing that other game the following Sunday, I asked one guy who came up to me how much he was willing to bet I’d catch this one creeper we kept hearing about on the block… and it was a hell of a lot more than a dollar. The next person who came up, a very sweet old lady The Elders told me was heavily involved in the church there, bet her rent money I’d catch him. Others bet $20 here, $50 there. By the time I turned seven, I was making $100 a week just standing there and doing nothing.
Cuzzo always told me what I great job I was doing, helping the kids in the community. By keeping these bad guys off the streets and making money, we were doing A Good Thing, he said.
I told him this game was too easy.
“I tell them to their face they’re gonna die and they still fall for it. Weird people give me their money to see creepers killed every week.”
Cuzzo nodded knowingly. “It’s their nature,” he said.
He paused for a moment, sensing something was amiss.
“If you want out, you know what to do.”
I walked up to The Elder who started this other game and told her I could stand outside and catch all the creepers they wanted, but I’m still not catching the ones into boys.
She paused for a moment. Then she called the other Elders over, excitement in her voice.
She told the others that I was an angel. She used my age at the time and the fact that Cuzzo and I could talk without words as proof. The fact that I could play such a dangerous game and emerge unscathed—plus the amount of money I brought in—was further proof, according to this Elder.
The others formed a circle around me, staring in awe and talking among themselves in whispers. I felt indifferent about the matter and didn’t understanding all the fuss surrounding it. All I knew was I made it out of this other game a winner with big bank.
From then on, any business I had was conducted indoors, just like Cuzzo and The Elders.
Showing posts with label Out and about. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Out and about. Show all posts
8/20/12
All's fair in love and war
6/17/11
Lames catch feelings, I catch flights #JetLife
Because of deadline I'm super late on posting this (womp womp) but it's been an adventure-filled couple of weeks for ya girl. As a fan of Curren$y, I practically live by his "jet life" motto.
Anywhoevers, as a post-graduation treat for my girl ("Highly educated bachelorettes..." ~ Big Pun), the homie D & I took to the skies for a flight lesson:
In front of the Cessna, woo!D was first at the wheel, taking us from the airport in Bowie, MD to Annapolis, MD:
Ready for takeoffTo her immediate right is our flight instructor, Michael. Big ups to him for keeping us informed and alive!
A ~*Jet Miss*~ at her flyest (and soon, highest)
Gettin' liftedBefore I knew it, we were 2,000 feet in the sky. Exhilarating!
Lookin' down on you lames. For real for real, I was surprised how many peeps have pools in MD. Jealous!
I believe these are sheep. They look like fluffy dots, ahahaOnce we landed safely in Annapolis, it was my turn to fly us back to Bowie! I was so pumped to be flying a freakin' JET:
Siced like a mug! Jet life to the fullest
Birds of a feather...
...pilot jets together!Leave it to me to have a mini snafu in the clouds: as our instructor Michael was telling me which buttons to push to maintain a level wing span, I accidentally--MOMENTARILY--turned the engine off
D nearly pooped her pants but Michael reassured us that at the level we were flying, the plane's velocity would keep us afloat long enough to correct the problem or land if there were a serious issue with the plane. Whew!
"Look up at the jets, now where haven't we been?"After that little fiasco, we managed to land safely back in Bowie, ready to live another adventure... #jetlife!
6/9/11
Opening Day at the Pool!
To show off our fierce mani/pedis and summer-ready bods, my homegirl D and I were first in line opening day at the pool 
Poolside chillin'I even found this neat toy in the grass welcoming my arrival. What's the name of this little guy again? He's so fuzzy and cute.
I've been waiting for pool time since at least last summer, so this excursion was MUCH welcome. It was the perfect day for it too: hot as Hades and not a cloud in sight. Woot!
[source unknown]Next visit I'm pulling a Kardashian and posting up by the pool with a delicious tropical-looking drink. Yummers.
[source unknown]
5/23/11
Africa Underground at the Smithsonian!
The bf and I recently attended a spectacular event held at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (NMAA) called Africa Underground.
Africa Underground is an after-hours event held every few months at the NMAA. Each event celebrates a part of the African Diaspora. In February, the focus was Brazil; this month's focus was West Africa and the Caribbean.
From a Smithsonian press release:
Coming on the heels of a successful first installment of Africa Underground in February, this edition will also see the museum’s doors held open after hours, giving revelers the chance to enjoy West African and Caribbean foods, refreshments and dance, and experience the museum’s exhibitions, ambiance and performances.The event is extremely popular, with February's event selling out in about four days. May's event was a success with 1,300 tickets sold! I didn't think the museum could even hold that many peeps (it's kinda tiny), but luckily the NMAA's lovely and expansive garden was open to party revelers, as well. I love garden parties!
This installment will include several exciting new elements such as music by DJ Spyda, who will spin Caribbean and West African beats from the museum’s Haupt Garden and from a designated perch in the thick of Africa Underground. The evening will also feature Farafina Kan, performing a traditional West Africa dance, Moko Jumbie Stilt Dancers, spoken word from Mistress of Ceremonies Love the poet, and new- and old-school reggae from Kurow and the All Stars.
A glimpse of the dancefloor, where reggae, soca, and dancehall jams played all night long
The Enid A. Haupt Garden, with the Smithsonian Castle in the background.The NMAA is directly to the right (out of frame) in this pic [source]
Rice and beans, curried goat and chicken, beef and veggie patties, and all sorts of other West African and Caribbean fare were on the menu. I would've snapped a pic of the offerings, but the bf and I scarfed ours down with the quickness after braving those long lines. Plus, so many people were admiring the food and drinks (our admittance tickets got us one free drink--Chardonnay for me, beer for my man) it was difficult to get a good view for picture taking. No worries though! Despite the slight crowding, it was so wonderful to see our diverse, beautiful, and brightly dressed fellow party-goers.
Lots of African print dresses (including my own), headwraps, and other garb floated around the event, the wearers looking something like exhibits come to life. It was very cool.
I tweeted this snapshot of my African inspired halter top maxi dressOf course, the museum's current exhibits--Artists in Dialogue and African Mosaic--were open to attendees. We posed in front of these cool-looking wood sculptures by Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira:
This piece resembled an abstract Buddha coming out the wall
This massive piece took up half the exhibit space!It reminded me of those giant sand snakes from "Beetlejuice"
Pieces by South African-based artist Sandile Zulu were also on display:
Zulu made this piece through his signature fire-controlling technique.I'd love to observe his process in-person!
Inspired by a dialogue with Oliveira, Zulu also came up with some sculpturedwood pieces for his exhibit. This is his interpretation of the human spine
In the next exhibit hall was African Mosaic, a display of the variety of African art pieces that people have gifted to the museum or that were purchased for the museum itself. The event ended and guards started ushering people out right when we were in the middle of viewing it, but I was able to snap this before leaving:
You'll never believe what this piece is...
LOL. I know, I have the sense of humor of a 13-year-old boy 
Hoe money, hoe money, hoe!Right outside of the exhibits was the gift shop (natch), so we popped in for a little looksie. Such cool trinkets, books, and other souvenirs!
A lizard made out of Fanta soda cans. There were also recycled textile bagsand bowls made out of sturdy African cloth for sale
New addition to my wishlist!The Africa Underground event was so much fun. Everything, from the food to the visuals to the exhibits and performers themselves, added to the creative and engaging ambiance swirling around throughout the evening. I can't wait for September's event!
4/15/11
The Look: Giving 'em FACE
This is just a quick look I did before going out to RCSC this week. All purple everything!
Eyes:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion (base)
- NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Purple
- MAC eyeshadow in Parfait Amour (blue-based, shimmery violet)
- N.Y.C. Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black (top lashline)
- Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner in Ebony Black (bottom lashline)
- Maybelline Great Lash BIG Mascara in Very Black
- Bare, to let the eye & lip colors shine
- NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in African Queen
- Charlotte Russe
3/22/11
The Look: Birthday Bash at Recess
I pulled out all the stops for my birthday bash with Rock Creek Social Club at Recess last week. From the dress to the nails to the lashes, I was DETERMINED to--yet again--be the baddest bish in the room.
To start off my look, I busted out a brand new pair of Wispies, copped the night before while beauty shopping with my homegirl Ashley:
Before/AfterNot bad for a first timer, yah? I did practice applying them beforehand so I didn't waste a band of lashes, but overall, I found them surprisingly easy to work with.
After applying the lashes, I set to creating my full eye look for the evening. That involved the following products:
- Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP)
- SMH Metro (silvery taupe) in the crease
- MAC Reflects Antique Gold pigment over the lid, in the inner V of the eye and on the lower lashline
- Rocket City RC-67 palette (the golden pink shade) as a brow highlighter
- Maybelline Define-A-Line in Ebony Black to line the lower lashline
- CoverGirl Eye Enhancers in Brown Smolder to soften and smudge the black liner
Full eye, sans lashes
Golden arches
Lashes for days!
Nothing like a great look to compliment a fun and fantastic evening!
11/14/10
Seeing the forest, and the trees
The other day one of those personal injury commercials came on TV and it was like they were speaking right to me.
Have you been injured in an accident?
Are you unable to work because of your injuries?
Bills piling up?
Ugh.
I was MIA last week sending out letters to various bill collectors explaining the difficult sitchiation I'm in because of that car accident in September. With my internal bleeding stabilized (but definitely still happening), I've gotten my doctor's permission to postpone the invasive procedure I was supposed to have to discover the source of the bleeding. Only prahlem is, the doctor that was scheduled to perform the procedure still wants to go through with it since internal bleeding is a pretty serious symptom and I'm sure he doesn't want to be held liable should anything truly problematic be discovered later on. And here lies the dilemma:
Injuries from car accident = no job for me. No job = no insurance. Pre-existing illness (asthma) + being almost 26 (aka off parent's insurance) = extreme difficulties getting outside insurance. No insurance = astronomical medical bills. Which would be manageable knowing that a settlement will soon be reached, but:
- No one knows how soon a settlement will be reached, seeing as how I'm not well yet and bills are still coming in
- Some of these doctors want payment up front. For the procedure to see where my internal bleeding is coming from, the total upfront cost will be $3,ooo
I have really been trying to get this holistic healing thing to work for me but last week was an "off" one for me. My faith in the universe and confidence in myself has waned. Typing out and printing letters for each and every bill I've received is draining, plus it's like reliving the experience of the accident over and over again. I'm still in pain and it feels like I'm getting broker by the day.
But there were a couple bright spots in the week. Communication with an old friend helped me solidify my stance on spirituality, namely that positive thinking is a great asset in attaining deeper spiritual knowledge and in navigating the world in general.
I also received a suggestion from a spiritual friend to connect with nature by talking about my problems... with a tree. Yeah, a real tree. In a park and shizz. Seeing as how I have nothing else to lose, I did it. I felt weird at first, but luckily it was the middle of the day and few people were around. I picked a tree in a very calming spot, right off a biking trail and across from a burbling brook. I placed my hand on the trunk of the tree and not knowing how to break the ice, I asked it to help guide me toward faith in the universe and what it has in store for me, in addition to increased confidence. Not surprisingly, the tree had little to say in return. That's when I started taking visual cues from it, looking for some kind of response... any response.
Well, for starters, the tree was tall. Bursts of brick red leaves sprang forth from its branches. Its trunk was thick and rigid, tough from being exposed to the elements all its life. It was stable, seeing as how its many roots were visibly protruding from the ground. Just from observing the tree, I was able to tell a lot about it. But how does this relate to me?
I thought of how all naturally occurring things are made in the image of the divine. In that sense, the tree and I already had much in common. Mother Nature is a harsh bish, and the fact that this tree was able to live for as long as it has under those conditions--growing tall, sprouting leaves, developing a solid core in order to withstand the elements, drawing support from its roots in order to remain stabilized--can certainly be seen as a source of inspiration and awe.
In fact, these observations of the tree go hand in hand with my practice of yoga and all that I'm learning about myself, spirituality, and holistic healing because of the accident. Yoga moves focus on the lengthening of limbs to achieve a full stretch, having a solid core (the trunk of one's body) from which each move emanates, and having stable footing, particularly when doing standing exercises. Physically, yoga can be difficult at first; I've found as the weeks go on, I'm able to do more and more poses I couldn't fathom doing my first week of class. If I equate the tree's innate knowing of reaching one's full height, solidifying one's core and drawing strength from one's roots to my own situation, I understand that with practice, I, too, can achieve these things.
So, no, my chat with the tree didn't tell me anything directly, but it certainly relayed a lot.
But there were a couple bright spots in the week. Communication with an old friend helped me solidify my stance on spirituality, namely that positive thinking is a great asset in attaining deeper spiritual knowledge and in navigating the world in general.
I also received a suggestion from a spiritual friend to connect with nature by talking about my problems... with a tree. Yeah, a real tree. In a park and shizz. Seeing as how I have nothing else to lose, I did it. I felt weird at first, but luckily it was the middle of the day and few people were around. I picked a tree in a very calming spot, right off a biking trail and across from a burbling brook. I placed my hand on the trunk of the tree and not knowing how to break the ice, I asked it to help guide me toward faith in the universe and what it has in store for me, in addition to increased confidence. Not surprisingly, the tree had little to say in return. That's when I started taking visual cues from it, looking for some kind of response... any response.
Well, for starters, the tree was tall. Bursts of brick red leaves sprang forth from its branches. Its trunk was thick and rigid, tough from being exposed to the elements all its life. It was stable, seeing as how its many roots were visibly protruding from the ground. Just from observing the tree, I was able to tell a lot about it. But how does this relate to me?
I thought of how all naturally occurring things are made in the image of the divine. In that sense, the tree and I already had much in common. Mother Nature is a harsh bish, and the fact that this tree was able to live for as long as it has under those conditions--growing tall, sprouting leaves, developing a solid core in order to withstand the elements, drawing support from its roots in order to remain stabilized--can certainly be seen as a source of inspiration and awe.
In fact, these observations of the tree go hand in hand with my practice of yoga and all that I'm learning about myself, spirituality, and holistic healing because of the accident. Yoga moves focus on the lengthening of limbs to achieve a full stretch, having a solid core (the trunk of one's body) from which each move emanates, and having stable footing, particularly when doing standing exercises. Physically, yoga can be difficult at first; I've found as the weeks go on, I'm able to do more and more poses I couldn't fathom doing my first week of class. If I equate the tree's innate knowing of reaching one's full height, solidifying one's core and drawing strength from one's roots to my own situation, I understand that with practice, I, too, can achieve these things.
So, no, my chat with the tree didn't tell me anything directly, but it certainly relayed a lot.
11/5/10
Sneaker Pimps Tour ft. Phil Ade, Tabi Bonney, The Cool Kids & Curren$y
Last night I had the privilege of attending the Sneaker Pimps tour, featuring local rappers (including recent SOTDer Phil Ade and Tabi Bonney) as well as some more prominent names, like The Cool Kids and my personal fave: Curren$y! I had a premium spot right on stage and was able to get some great pics in the process.
The club was PACKED.
Phil Ade was one of the first acts to take the stage. He killed it and even fit a little "Toast 2 Life" in his set. Since Phil reps the 368 crew, Raheem DeVaughn made an appearance, too.
Tabi Bonney was up next. He's really on the come-up, the whole front row knew the lyrics to his songs.
After Tabi came The Cool Kids. They did the longest set of anyone that night, probably their whole mixtape and then some. After about five songs of theirs I just wanted Curren$y to come out already
Mikey Rocks (back) & Chuck InglishAbout three mic checks later, he did! Spitta's tinier than I expected. I guess that's why he gets high all the time, ha.
And he was decked out in Redskins gear. Can this dude GET any better?!
Unfortch, the Lux Lounge crew cut his set short because the clock rang 2 am. I blame The Cool Kids (sorry dudes) and also the lameness of the club crew. Do you know who this is?!
Anyways, it was an awesome show overall: dope kicks, dope music, and the thrill of seeing one of my fave rappers perform live The only thing that would have made the night better was getting backstage to chill with everyone, but security wasn't havin' that. Ah well, maybe when I finally visit Creative Control... now THAT would make for an epic blog post.
