[Thoughts] That Is SOoo Last Year

Greetings fellow bloggers! If you are reading this you are already aware that the Creator has given us another year! Another chance to become better homo-sapiens. Another chance to spread more love is right around the corner from us all!

2016 was a shocker year for me, mostly because of the mass panic occurring on monumental levels anytime ANYTHING  was addressed in media. Donald Trump won the presidency and people literally were trying to flee the country. Side note: My prayer is that people don’t put so much faith in government this year.My prayer is that we wake up from being clones controlled by consumerism and politics this year. George Michael joined Prince and David Bowie in the sky and I wept for the future of music.Is there a bright side somewhere?

Last year was eventful to say the least, but I’m not one to complain constantly and forget that there is always much to be grateful for. After all, the entire year wasn’t a bust was it? I had some good times: My sister got married, my brother got engaged, my health started making a turn for the better, my parents are doing well, and my pockets aren’t as empty as usual. All in all a win! Hey, Metallica even dropped an album, so why aren’t we rejoicing?!I was going to do a list of my favorite albums of 2016, but I figured I would combine afew of my favorite things of 2016 in one post. So hereeeeee weee goooooo!!

Favorite Concert:

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Leon Bridges with Lianne La Havas

Great Times at The Wolf Trappe in Vienna,Virginia! If you have paid me and this blog ANY MIND AT ALL over the past few years, you will know that I’m completely in love with Ms. La Havas and her finger picking style. The songstress mesmerized her audience from The Wolf Trappe’s outdoor theater setup and I just wanted to die! I quickly turned into a stan as I sang along with her word for word and was sad to see her go. Mr. Bridges was headlining, but its only a matter of time before I get to see Ms. La Havas doing the same.

Other concerts I liked last year: Lit, Everclear, Sugar Ray, Bush, 98 Degrees,

Favorite Reads:

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Anna Kendrick- Scrappy Little Nobody

Ha! I was waiting for this come out all year. The book was more of a semi-autobiographical essay book of Kendrick’s thoughts and rise to fame. She comes across as a down to earth, witty, intelligent chick who works hard in an industry we don’t know a whole lot about. Very well done Kendrick! Also, I’m kinda pissed at you that I had to google ‘dolphin rape.’ We now know that we know nothing!

Other books I liked last year: Iron Goddess A Shea Stevens Thriller by Dharma Kelleher

Favorite Album:

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Esperanza Spalding-Emily’s D+Evolution

I’m honestly SHOCKED  that this album wasn’t in everybody’s top 10 albums of the year! Ms. Spalding introduced us to Emily, her younger alter-ego, who had many existential questions but teetered some of my own thoughts exactly. On top of it all, I would say Ms. Spalding was being experimental in sound, but it soon became clear in listening, that she is just a musical genius and I am late to the party. Bravo! Emily’s D+ Evolution was unlike anything I’d heard on radio last year and I hope she keeps the good tunes flowing. The first time I heard Good Lava, I almost cried because it was the perfect of ever sound I ever needed to hear, but couldn’t put into words. Yessuh!

Other albums I really liked last year: Bruno Mars-24k Magic, Robert Glasper-Everything’s Beautiful, Corrine Bailey Rae- The Heart Speaks In Whispers, Metallica- Hardwired…To Self Destruct

Check me out on twitter: @DropaJewel @Dropapost

 

 

Not Another Summer Reading List

Oh yes! I’m sure one of you read the title and vowed to throw your tablet as soon as it danced it’s way through your email. In any event, all of the websites I indulge in are posting their “Summer Reading List”, for the book lovers worldwide. While such a phenomenon  is trending, I was forced to face several truths:

  • I am not the nerd I used to be. About 5 years ago I tapped out my yearly reading list at about 40 books per year. Since then, the list has dwindled down drastically to about 10. Dont. Judge. Me
  •  People still read? Aw shucks! With the whole Kindle and e-book movement, it made life a lot easier for bookworms to stay on top of the new…and get to it a hell of a lot faster.
  • I still owe my local library about $11. They will get it when I feel like getting it to them, damnit.
  • Classic literature is making a comeback. I am seeing more Dickens on people’s list than ever before.

While I am moving at a snails pace with my reading, I still would like to share with you a few books that I’ve already knocked out and enjoyed. Explore them at your leisure.

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I found this e-book via Forbes and just had to read it. I think anyone trying to stay ahead of changing trends in tech & money should read this. It isn’t a long read, but very informative! I am practicing some of it’s many gems…right now.

SarahPhoenix

I found this on amazon as free e book, I think. I’ve never really been into sci-fi/fantasy type of books, but this was dope. It follows Sarah Phoenix, a girl with a gift (no spoilers) through her plight out of a povertous environment, to compete for a better life. With all sorts of twist, you will probably read this in no time and await the next book.

Art of war plus

Ah,my secret weapon. I admit I do read a bunch of random stuff to keep my mind crisp. I read years ago, that successful people are often sales people…no matter what product they are selling. Why not sell yourself?! You are an ever changing product! In order to maneuver through different jobs and life situations, I find it highly effective to know how to present yourself. Oddly enough, because of this book, I am now trying my hand in the sales department at my job *pops collar*. Still a great read for people who prefer strategy over window jumping. You can apply this book to every aspect of your life since The Art Of War is included. Thank me later.

I am currently reading:

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What are you currently reading? What’s on your summer List?