lifestyle – DropaJewel, because someone has to

January Joys of Existence

When walking after the flesh, you will constantly find all to be vanity…most done in chaos and indecency. All for naught. Nothing. At all.

I briefly found myself searching for happiness in food and drink. What soda, what beer will quench my thirst? What food can fill me to the brim of satisfaction? Which pretty girl will kiss my fears and hide my shame? How much money do I need to ease my families burdens and send me to unknown land for my magic feet? Where are the Joneses and what are we in competition for this week?

What happened in the news to make us weak? What holiday approaches so we can momentarily ignore the sorrowful time warp we call life? Who would you be if drugs had devoured you?

How dark is the Black Hole anyway?

Not Another Summer Reading List [2019]

Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the street…with a book of some kind. Like a kid in a candy store, I got excited looking at new releases for this summer and the upcoming fall. My email has been one ongoing notification signal after another with: good reads reviews, e books, local library updates, audio book subscriptions etc. Needless to say I’m drowning in more literature than I can keep up with…and I couldn’t be happier! Allow me to share what I’m reading currently and I hope you will do the same.

“Buck: A Memoir” by MK Asante

Asante was actually a professor at Morgan State University when I was studying some years ago. I never got to take any of his classes, but we spoke a few times. I was told that his lectures were all the rave due to his love of the Hip Hop culture and views on the world as we connect to it. “Buck” is his autobiography, growing up the mean streets of Philadelphia and overcoming adversity to become a filmmaker, writer, emcee, and professor to name a few. I JUST snagged this hard copy and will dive in head first soon.

“Brief Answers to the Big Questions” by Stephen Hawking

I just finished this read a few days ago and got damnit am I thankful for the mind of Mr. Hawking. I know nothing of cosmology, but this book gives us the short answer to the timeless questions that are unanswered today…according to Hawking of course. Do aliens exist? Should the human race try and relocate to another planet? Is God real? I absolutely LIVE for the existential moments in literature that feed my inner question mark. You are not alone science nerds. Come one, come all. You have friends here. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hawking.

“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

What is a summer reading list without a self help book? I think I’m half way through this, but there are some REALLY good tips for the financially challenged here. If we are ever going to get ahead, we have to stop running from our finances, crack a book, and take a hard look at our retirement options before it’s too late. Sethi offers readers the play by play on choosing banks, investment options, and automation to make money work for you. This book is a quick read, I recommend it to anyone.

“Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” by Nicolas Carter

I play entirely too many fucking instruments to know nothing about theory. I guess it’s time to crack a book on it, eh? I have this in audio book form and it’s only bout 2 hours long. I’m hoping to get some insight.

Well, that’s my list of current reads for now. I’m hoping to add some fiction to the list soon. What books have your hands occupied this Summer? Follow me on Twitter @Dropajewel and let me know your thoughts. #doitnow

Gimme The Dirt: Why The World Needs More Rock Biopics

Last night I had the opportunity to watch The Dirt, a Netflix biopic on the infamous 80s rock band Motley Crue. The book turned movie gave us a glimpse into the craziness of the bands plight to fame, struggle with drugs, and victory over an industry that is known to make or break people. I’m familiar with bassist Nikki Sixx as I follow him on most social media, various podcast, and glanced at Heroin Diaries. This film allowed me a peek into the lives of the Tommy, Vince and Mick to get some of the scoop. Anyone who loves the cru should visit Netflix to check it out and share their thoughts…and read the book.

the-dirt Personally, I’m in love with music biopics; the world needs more of them! I think they feed the celebrity worship that this generation fiends for. I think they take us back to when we bought that first album or that first concert ticket and the nostalgia surfaces. I think they serve as inspiration to watch humble beginnings and stadium fantasy endings. I think they tie up lose ends for those who were forced to deal with their favorite band breaking up, or the death of a member. In my lifetime, I’ve seen a bunch of loosely done biography music movies and it introduced me to older artist. Anybody remember JLo in Selena? Who could forget Angela Bassett as Tina Turner in Whats Love Got To Do With It? What about Jersey Boys or Ray? Bohemian Rhapsody was a blockbuster and it brought together a shit ton of generations touched by Queen’s music. I see no down sides when it comes to these types of films as long as they do it while folks are alive to give their input (if they can).

Hoping for a Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Green Day doc soon! What are your thoughts? Hit me @dropajewel on twitter. #Doitnow

[Article] Cardio and Fat Loss

Every January, gyms all across North America are packed with people declaring to “get in shape” as a New Year’s resolution. Only God knows if we will take better physical care of our bodies in 2019. One thing we DO know for sure is that adding gym time to an already hectic work week doesn’t sound ideal. Hell, there are so many fad diets and online personal trainers available that it seems confusing to even know where to start. Cardio or weight training? Keto or Paleo? I came across a Pop Sugar article by Tamara Pridgett that talks about the role of cardio in fitness and sensible weight loss. Follow her Twitter @TamaraPridgett and stay fit.

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Does-Cardio-Burn-Fat-45675162

[Article] How I Healed From Crohns Disease

First, let me preface this by saluting everyone world wide who is fighting the good fight against crohns disease. I was diagnosed in 2015, after years of medication for a mystery illness affecting my joints, eyes, and skin. The disease affects everyone differently, and can be super difficult to cope with. I came across this article/blog by Meghan Telpner on some tools she used in her healing journey. There is no cure for crohns (they say), but I believe in the healing and transforming of lives through the human spirit and the power of the most high God. Check out the article, and notice how much of these practices could be beneficial to your everyday life regardless of your situation. Spread light! #DoItNow

https://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/how-i-healed-from-crohns-disease/

{Article} Meditation Service

Another great piece from the good folks at Life Hack! I am a huge fan of the prayer and meditation combination, as it welcomes a solid solution to a less stressed life. Check it out some of the benefits of meditation and tips to help you on your journey here

Article: Ways To Start Thinking As a Minimalist

Another great article from Life Hack. As I get older and look at all of my belongings, all I can see is STUFF! I have oodles of music (cassettes, vinyl, cds) as well as movies (VHS,DVD,Blu Ray) and at some point I realized…I don’t NEED any of this. With technology ever evolving, I can slide all of my electronic goodies onto my external hard drive. Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats hearing Black Dog on vinyl, but sometimes I feel like we use STUFF as security blankets. I often give away oodles of clothes to organizations such as Purple Heart and Salvation Army. This Life Hack article focuses more on the mindset aspect than the materialistic part, but I feel that these gems can be utilized however you see fit.

Check it out here.

Article: Before and After Tattoos

I don’t have any tattoos. I’m an artist, and I choose inanimate objects as a medium because I am indecisive. I’m the type to get inked and then hate the art soon after. In any event, I came across an article by Sara Barnes showing some really creative cover ups for tattoos that were not so flattering. Check out the link below and share your thoughts.

http://flip.it/pwHw_