Son of O’Jays lead singer reportedly found dead
Sun-Times.com

By Stella Foster Sun-Times Columnist
Sean Levert, son of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, was found dead in a Cleveland, Ohio, jail over the weekend, sources said.

Sean Levert, 39, was being held for allegedly failing to pay about $80,000 in child support. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Sean Levert was a member of the R&B group LeVert with his late brother Gerald Levert and Marc Gordon. Gerald Levert died Nov. 10, 2006 at the age of 40.

Sean Levert had recently completed an album with Gordon, sources said.

Sean Levert appeared in the movies Dope Case Pending (2000) and New Jack City (1991).

This is the first thing I heard when I woke up this morning. To say I’m shocked is truly, truly an understatement.

His brother, Gerald, passed away year before last at age 40.

I cannot even begin to imagine the pain this family must be feeling. My heart definitely goes out to them.

If things like this don’t make you pause long enough to really give thanks for your family and friends….if things like this don’t make you pause long enough to realize just how silly that argument was, how silly it is that you’re not speaking under those circumstances….

Life is short. That’s something a friend of mine says all the time, “Life is short. Live each day as if it were your last.”

Life is short AND it is so very precious.

THIS is why we need to weed out the inconsequential, why we don’t need to show up at every argument/fight we’re “invited” to, why we need to push through the nonsense and get to our individual “sweet spot”….

THIS is why we need to get on with the very business of LIVING.

I am so thankful that I pushed “pause” on the BUSY-NESS of life this weekend and drove to BigBro#4’s house again. My niece had artwork in the art fair for Prince William County which is a regular occurrence. This time, she had to actually speak so I went up to watch Princess So Fabulous. As an added bonus, BigBro#3 came through from Chi-town.

We spent Saturday afternoon immersed in some amazing artwork then drove back to BigBro#4’s for dinner and to just hang out with family and friends. Sunday the house was filled again when some of the “old neighbors” (The E-Clan…the 3 brothers and “baby sister”…and a “guest”) came over for dinner and a rousing game(s) of WII.

I had intended to leave around noon. After all, I had “stuff” to do. I ended up staying until 7:30pm. And I’m glad I did.

We got so ingrossed in the BUSY-NESS of our day that we don’t always connect with people, not as deeply as we’d like to or as deeply as we need to.

And then we get news like this and we say, “I’m gonna reach out to so-and-so, I’m gonna call such-and-such.”

Let’s not just SAY it. Let’s DO it.

We’re not promised this day or the next. Let’s not let our chance to build beautiful memories, to reach out to family/friends, to restore relationships become a web of regret.

Live today to the fullest. LIVE.

Be well. Be connected. Be ALIVE.

Check it out.

“Monday Morning”.

Over at the “Love Better Camp”….an article by yours truly entitled Beautiful Epiphanies: Love’s Reparations in Action.

The Love Better Camp is run by my friend & fellow author/poet Linda Dominique Grosvenor. It is just one “brainchild” of many that was born in earnest effort to take her non-fiction work, “The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate” to a deeper level.

Now you KNOW I believe in support - especially where my friends are concerned. Even deeper than that, I’m all about supporting anything that makes us better - individually AND collectively.

And you KNOW I’m a believer when it comes to love….that real, authentic, sticky, real-life LOVE. The kind that seeps down into your soul, that keeps you energized when life throws you a curve, the kind that challenges you to be the very best person you can be and to share that with the world, the kind that affirms your worth as a person and inspires you to dig even deeper. Yeah….you KNOW I support all that.

That’s what “The Plural Thing” is all about - how to get out of your own way, to heal yourself, to do the inner work that needs to be done so that you can give and receive the love you deserve.

To love better.

And who doesn’t want to experience THAT?

Stop by. Read the article. Leave your “footprints” in the comment box. Peruse the site. Check out the book. Stop by “The Plural Thing” social network on NING.

Be well. Be loved. BE love.

DELICIOUS AMBIGUITY.

I can taste it, this “delicious ambiguity”, and I have to tell you, if you haven’t mustered up enough courage to taste it - to TRULY taste it - you don’t know what you’re missing.

Not to worry. Took me a minute to work up to what was cooking, what was simmering in that pot.

See, I thought I had to know not only what ingredients were in the pot, but where they came from, the order in which they were added to the pot, how many times it was stirred before serving, all the details about the pot it was cooked in - size, material, weight, Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval….all of that.

I *thought* I needed to know all of that.

In actuality, all I needed to know was that I was more than willing to step outside my comfort zone, to stretch out the boundaries of my fear and taste what had been placed before me.

And just like any other meal that you’re offered or that you ordered, if I pray over it - sincerely and in earnestly - I’m good to go.

So today, I’m having a big ol’ bowl of “Life Stew”. Let it nourish me - mind, body and soul.

And I’m going to enjoy each and every drop.

Every deliciously ambiguous morsel.

Live DELICIOUSLY!

~ J ~

I’m sad. Thankful that I have dental insurance once again but mighty sad that my dentist isn’t in my “new” network. I mean, how is the person that referred 90 cajillion people to Dr. E NOT gonna be his patient?!?! I’m thinking about starting a petition or asking my refer-ees to boycott but they just fall out laughing when I broach the subject. *Sigh*

So, in the interest of keeping my mouth looking and smelling fresh, I went in search of a new dentist. (We don’t want any of those “Flavor of Love 3″ incidents. Ya’ll know they told that chick her breath smelled like she had a midget tapdancing on the back of her throat wearing sh*tty shoes! Dang, that is R-O-U-G-H!!).

I get there and have to wait a few minutes. There was a young boy in the x-ray chair and ya’ll know what? He was not having ANY of it. Screaming. Crying. They left the office without having gotten any of it done. I climb into the chair and the dentist takes a li’l look-see. Minor stuff. Mostly. But then…we tripped over into the “dental twilight zone”. She asked me if I wanted to close the two gaps (TWO) in my mouth. Now, I’ve had this mouth all my life. Look at it er’y day. What gap(s)? She hands me a mirror while saying, “Braces will take care of that.” I’m looking at her like maybe she’s been sipping straight fluoride. Um, no. Giving her the side-eye as she suggest some other unnecessary ish. I don’t know about this dentist.

So she wants the prerequisite xrays. Ok. I expected that. BUT her assistant was taking so many, I started laughing and couldn’t stop. The poor child got caught up in the fact that I laughed so much, she started laughing. I asked her when they started taking xrays of individual teeth cause it sure felt like they were doing single shots. Dang.

That brings me to my letter to the ADA - the American Dental Association.

Dear ADA,
Seriously, help me understand this. I don’t have to like it or agree with it but it is paramount that I at least UNDERSTAND it.

Now, when I go into the store to purchase dental/oral products, I am confuzzled (confused AND puzzled!) by the vast array of products. There has to be 200 trajillion brands and flavors of toothpaste (for sensitive teeth, whitening, strengthening, fluoride, with mouthwash, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, bbq, hot sauce…ok I go too far…but then again - maybe so do you!). There have to be 100 kamillion brands and flavors of mouthwaste, rinse and “fiftyleven” types of floss. I’m not mad atcha about that.

So we’ve got all that on aisle 6. We have 4 out of 5 dentists recommended gum, mints, etc.

And yet, no one has paused for even a minute to figure out how to create a mechanism to take dental xrays that don’t hurt?? C’mon on now. Seriously?? Seriously! That crap hurts. Ok. The sharp ends of that contraption cut into your mouth and then the dental assistant has the unmitigated gall to ask you to bite down? No, you bite me. Ugh! You’re telling me that you can’t come up with something less painful? With all the technology in the world today, there’s got to be a better way.

Look, I know you’re a busy organization. I understand that. But um, you know that whole “4 out of 5 dentists” thing? Seems to me like that last dentist, that 1 that’s holding out where the rest of the crew is concerned, that odd-dentist-out has a little free time on his/her hands. I say we give this to him/her and let them run up on some options. What? I’m just saying….

Thank you!

~ J ~

All that and ya’ll know that dentist didn’t even clean my teeth. I was sitting in the chair going, “I know we’re not done”. They were so darn busy trying to work up a payment plan for the “suggested plan of treatment”. Fugg dat. I’m calling my “REAL” dentist and groveling for him to take me back. Hmph!

That pic right there? EXACTLY how I’m feeling. Sleepy. Wish I was home curled up on my sofa. Ahhh, for the “good old days” cause a year ago? That’s EXACTLY where I was. I do so miss my infamous “Pajama Days”. *sigh* LOL

I *think* I was in bed fairly early last night…early for me at least but I woke up around 2am. It was H-O-T in the house and I couldn’t go back to sleep so, I got up and shuffled down the hall to the office and started doing a bunch of nothing. Before I “knewed” it, it was 6am…time to get ready for work. How I wish I had more vacation days. I wonder if my manager would’ve let me work from home. I don’t have a laptop BUT the documents I’m creating I could certain do from my own PC. I’ll have to feel him out on that.

In the meantime, I’m here. With my 24-oz cappachino. (Hmmm, wonder how many carbs are in that thing? I know it puts me over the “legal limit”. Sheesh! Oh well, I’m gonna enjoy every drop.)

I was envisioning coming home after work, changing, and crawling into my bed. But then I remembered I have a dental appointment AND need to make it back across town for a friend’s retirement party. Another of my friends has been “divorced” by my former employer but she had the right combo of years/age to retire.

Yesterday was an interesting day. I was looking for some documentation at home to help with a current project and stumbled across an email from someone I worked with many moons ago. I led a project that they were subsequently enveloped into and the email was one that he sent to me once I was rolling off the project. It was the BEST project I’ve EVER been a part of. Loved, loved, loved my project team to the Nth degree. We worked it out! We put it down! We did the dayum thang! For real.

Anywho, guess who emailed me? At home?? Yep! I can’t even imagine how he got my email addy. I know it was bigger than “six degrees of separation”. What a cool thing to do. I had to laugh when he told me he was out in Ohio quoting me to his staff. When our project ended, some team members gave me a list of their favorite “Jackie-isms” which included “There’s a very thin line between an excuse and an explanation - walk it carefully.” LOL (Hmmm, I should charge royalties. LOL)

It must have been the day for “old acquaintances” cause my Mom was busy trying to make me remember some guy from my hometown. His name sounds familiar but that’s about it. She says he specifically asked about me by name. Now I’m known for remembering names, faces, conversations - the whole works but this guy? I couldn’t place. Then my Mom goes on to tell me who he went to school with and I’m left scratching my head cause….that dude is O-L-D! LOL And how da heck does he know me if he went to school with those folks?? Seriously. Sounds suspicious to me. I’m thinking maybe he has me confused with BigSis#2 but he clearly knew who I was vs. my sister. Said he remembered when I played softball during summer league. WTH?? All I know is if my mom gives out my phone number or address, she will be in the nursing home before dusk! LOL

It’s only 10AM. *Sigh*

Well, it’s payday. That definitely counts!

AND it’s “kinda sunny” and warm. That counts too!

And….somebody made me laugh yesterday…as ususal…
And…that same somebody made me smile yesterday…as usual…
And…I’m still smiling….
And…um, that REALLY counts.

All right - off to stir up some trouble in Corporate America.

Be easy!

I have a few routines that I follow in my life. They serve me quite well. (Um, most of them. Shhhh!) One of them is a semi-annual MAJOR decluttering session. One happens towards the end of the year (can’t think of a better way to usher in the New Year than to have “free space” literally and figuratively). The other? Happens during Spring. Guess what folks? Yep – we crossed over into Spring last week. So, it’s time to roll up my sleeves, wade into my mess and clear out anything that isn’t supporting me in living my life to the fullest.

This year though, I’ve decided to do things a little differently. (Makes sense right? Especially after my recent post about “Different”.) Before I even get to my physical space – the house, the car, my workspace, etc. – I’m going to start with my physical, mental, and spiritual self…my health, my mind, my spirit. Cause you know what? No matter how clean and uncluttered my physical space may be, if I’m not physically, mentally and spiritually in the same place, I’m living a lie. AND without my physical self being in the best possible shape, I won’t have the energy or strength to get to the other side of the equation.

So, what have I done? Well, before Spring actually sprung, I’d made my way back to the gym and started working out again. Mostly driven by trying to manage my fibromyalgia but also trying to manage my stress levels and just to feel better. I’ve committed myself to working out a minimum of 3X/week and have been fairly consistent. I can definitely tell the difference. I feel it. And that’s the whole point, right?

A couple of weeks ago, I had a couple of health concerns that made me push harder where my physical health is concerned. Had to monitor a couple of things for two-weeks, one being my blood sugar…the other required medical tests. The tests themselves were a breeze but what they signified? Well, that was a whole other story. A scary possibility that, thankfully, turned out to be a non-issue. Dr. Z gave me a decent review in terms of my tests – blood pressure was slightly elevated (I know what that’s about…and I am ON.IT. in a mighty way). All the numbers looked good….well, with one exception but er…rum…I already knew that AND I’m on THAT too…in an even mightier way. Doc also suggested this program specifically for folks with fibromyalgia, diabetes, and arthritis (no – no signs of “Arthur”) but um, it’s straight out-of-pocket and right now, I don’t know if my pockets run that deep. (Asking self, “Self, why didn’t we sign up for an FSA?” Answer to self, “Cause we ain’t have no reason to. Outside of routine stuff, we’ve never had any ongoing meds, medical issues, etc. so we were following the trend.” Answer back to self, “Oh. Ok.”)

While he ruled out diabetes, my risk factors put me much too close for comfort. So off to the diabetes management center I went. A 3-part class. First part dealing with the illness itself, risks, and how to eat to beat it. Second part deals with cholesterol and heart disease. Last session is basically a six-month check-up to see how you’re doing. The thing about being “pre-diabetic” is that you have to do the same things as someone who IS diabetic. Sometimes you can do so without meds, sometimes you can’t…thankfully I’m without meds. (And I am soooo planning to stay that way!) The “magic” bullets for pre/diabetes? Get your diet in check, exercise, and manage stress. Which is the same thing my doc said about fibromyalgia. And ironically, it’s the same thing we ALL need to do in general for our health.

It’s going to take some adjustments but you know what? What in life doesn’t? More importantly, I am definitely worth it. And I know it. Now I just need to “walk it out”. Or maybe “swim” it out. Or “power lift” it out. Or “yoga/pilates it out”. Long as I “work it out” so that I can “live it out” – live and in color Baby!

One of my favorite personal quotes is “Sometimes different ain’t different ENOUGH…other times, different just ain’t ENOUGH”.

I hate it when my words come back to bite me in the butt.

It’s time for DIFFERENT. As in “SHAKE-UP-MY-WORLD” different. Bottom line, I need to be different. (The other part of that personal quote? “We move from situation to situation, telling ourselves that ‘this time IT’s gonna be different when in actuality what needs to be different is US”. See? Another chunk outta my butt. LOL)

I’m not really feeling this contracting assignment. Maybe it’s too much like my old job ergo “not different enough”. Trying to figure out how much of this restlessness is me…and how much is the actual culture. (Had a convo with my manager last week after having gotten the runaround AGAIN. Folks are working the pass-the-buck triatholon for real. I told him the easiest way to deal with “passing-the-buck” is to issue new “money” - we are dealing with the currency of NOW. LOL Yeah - “the Velvet Hammer” ain’t fittin’ ta fool wit’ dat nonsense. Enough.) I have three months left on this contract. I want to dig my feet in and get some things done before I leave. All I can do is try, right?

Even bigger than another contracting position in three months….I’m contemplating a move. A big move. An “across-state-liner” move. Shhhhhhhh! Don’t tell my fam - they don’t know yet (and ya’ll know we’re gonna have to medicate Princess So Fabulous).

I’ve got a little time to check things out…take a few trips to the state(s)/city(s) that I’m considering, check out the employment situation CAREFULLY, housing, QUALITY OF LIFE. Plus, I need to figure out what I’m gonna do with my house…sell or rent. *sigh* Either way, I need to get some work done

The new year is a good time to start over fresh right? That gives me 9-months to work things out, see if I can push to build up my reserves…figure out what and when to tell those folks to whome I’m related.

Maybe that’s what I needed - a bigger “DIFFERENT” to focus on. Well, by George, I think I’ve got it.

Shake up the world!

~ J ~

Welcome to Monday!

CLOSER.

That’s the space I seem to be occupying at the moment: CLOSER. Not quite THERE yet…simply CLOSER.

Given what I’ve dealt with thus far, the obstacles - real and imagined; from outside myself…and self-inflicted - I’ll take CLOSER.

I hope this Monday finds YOU “CLOSER” - closer to YOUR dream…closer to being bold enough TO dream…closer to knowing you deserve what your spirit yearns for….and if all else fails, I hope you’re CLOSER to simply knowing what you don’t want and working to attract its opposites.

CLOSER.

Gotta tell you, I am truly L-O-V-I-N-G everything - EV.AH.REE. THING - that I’m CLOSER too.

“…higher and higher….CLOSER to my dreams….”

Happy Friday!!

I’m getting ready to bounce….leaving work early. Heading up to hang with “Princess So Fabulous” and the crew. The Princess and fam are moving to a new “castle” this weekend. So “Aunt Jackie So Fabulous” has been asked to deliver some “hired” help in the form of my nephew D who’s on Spring Break. And….are you ready for this? Are you sure? Here’s the MEDIA ALERT: “UNCLE PETE” is going too!

Yes, you *heard* it here first. UNCLE PETE IS TRAVELING OUTSIDE ‘DA STONE”. For those who don’t know, “Uncle Pete” is my baby brother who happens to still live in our hometown. Getting him to travel outside of that place is a rarity indeed. Matter of fact, outside of the little roadtrips he has to take for his job (which happen to be very local spots…cities/towns no more than an hour away), I think the last time he left “Da Stone”, Nixon was in office. ROFL Ok, it hasn’t been THAT long but you get my point.

All I know is, it’s gonna be one heck of a ride. Father and son traveling together. They are so much alike, they always bump heads. (ALWAYS. Note to self: Pack lots of CDs. LOTS) Anywho, I hope it’s warm this weekend. I need to spend a little quality time on the deck, under “my” tree before the new occupants move in. You ‘member me talking ‘bout “my” tree right? The one growing up through the deck? Where they’d wake up and find me perched with my mug of tea, iPod, and pen/paper in the early morning? *Sigh* I’m sure gonna miss that spot. I tried to get BigBro#4 to add a stipulation to the contract stating I had visitation rights at any given time but he had the “NERB” to say no. Hmph! (Oh, back to the point about CDs. While rummaging through the CDs last night, I pulled out my Zhane CD - “Pronounced Jah-Nay”. I’d forgotten just how much I LOVED that CD. Now that’s some smoothness to drive to for real.)

I need a vacation. Seriously. I need to find a spot and just relax. Get away from it all. It has to be near the water. Warm. Luxurious bathroom. A claw-foot tub would be ideal. We’ll see. The search is definitely on. Trying to time it for the end of my current work assignment which ends in June. So, no matter what happens - whether they extend the contract, cancel the contract, or offer me permanency - I’m taking a week. Just need to find that perfect spot. Water. Warm. Quaint shops. Hotspots brimming over with cool jazz and just plain ol’ good music. I’d love to be able go to sleep with the sound of the waves in my ear and wake up to watch the sunrise from the deck/balcony/patio/window…..*sigh*

The search is DEFINITELY on.

What else? Oh, on a recent trip to Target, I was mulling over the 250 kajillion brands of toothpaste. Not paying any attention, I starting running my hands through my mop of 2-strand twists. I hear someone speak but I’m chewing on my lip trying to remember which brand I tried recently that I really liked. I turn around and see Dude standing there smiling so I ask if he was talking to me. Yes, he was. Oops. I ask him what he said and Dude had the nerve to say, “I SAID, that looked like fun.” Now I have the quizzical face on cause…I’on know WHAT looked like fun…and I’m not sure I wanna find out. LOL I tough it out though and ask. Dude says, “Hands running through your hair.” I’m really trying not to blush so I smile – a little – and ask him if he’s flirting with me (while I scan for rings and things. LOL What? Ack like ya know!). He says, “Sistah, if you have to ask if someone’s flirting either it’s been too long…or they’re doing it wrong.” (FAN ME!)

Sukey sukey now. I make my selection (I’on have NO idea what brand I bought. LOL) We meander to the register chitchatting, pay for our purchases and head for the door. How come Dude said, just as we get to the door – “Hold on Sistah, let me get that for you.” I cracked up. Ya’ll know them darn doors open automatically right? LOL Mr. Man wants to know if I always smile this much. Fresh arse. Why yes I do. He say he was hoping I didn’t so he could hold on to the thought that I was him generating that smile. *Sigh* Who am I to divest a beautiful brother of his dream? LOL Lawd dat was a flirty somebody. I’m still laughing at him.

Anywho, that’s all ya’ll need to know ‘bout dat right dere. Time to back it up and hit the road.

Enjoy your weekend!

J

“I,

with a deeper instinct,

choose a man who compels my strength,

who makes enormous demands on me,

who does not doubt my courage or my toughness,

who does not believe me naïve or innocent,

who has the courage to treat me like a woman.”

~ Anais Nin ~

GOOD LAWD!!

I.LOVE.THAT.QUOTE. Not only do I LOVE that quote…it is my highest intention to LIVE that quote. OUT LOUD. For real.

That quote – those sentiments – cut RIGHT to the core. THAT is the kind of love women need. Well, that’s the kind of love THIS woman needs.

And you know what? I know it’s possible.

Know why? Cause I know just such a man. Yep. I do. Indeed.

And that quote embodies so much about him that I find so dayum mesmerizing. *S-I-G-H*

A man like that? That is the kind of man you have to GROW into because HE’S always growing, stretching, challenging, pushing. It’s an evolutionary process. And for so many of us – the male who embodies these traits or the woman who yearns for them – it is also a REVOLUTIONARY process.

I say “LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN!!”

Live Out Loud!

~ J ~