In My Write Mind

Ahhh, blogging. A cultural phenomenon that’s even made its way to television through shows like The West Wing, Half & Half and How I Met Your Mother. (Aside: What’s funny about the …Mother reference is that Neil Patrick Harris, once known as Doogie Howser, keeps a blog on this show and, as Doogie, was TV’s first blogger, as pointed out last month by Panama.)

It’s been over a year since I’ve started an organized blog and I must say that putting my thoughts out there for strangers to see has proved to be somewhat fulfilling. To be clear, I’ve been writing for all of my adult life and have even been published. So it comes naturally for me. It’s what I do.

But blogging didn’t come automatically for me. It actually kinda scared me at first, knowing that people could offer immediate opinions on the things I wrote, that they could critique what I chose to share and what was on my mind.

And then it became exhilirating. Sharing thoughts on a daily basis, no matter what it may be. Yup, from my former Blogspot to my current spot here at Blogsome, this past year has shown me the ultimate power of the proverbial pen.

Over that same time period, I’ve come in contact with many people. Fellow bloggers. The ones that have stood out to me are located on my blogroll to the right. Last week, I told you about four such individuals. This week, I bring you four more. I like to call this “SpotWrite Thursday.”

Soooooo, without further ado, let’s meet some more folk … shall we?

There are bloggers. And then there’s The Kajuana Show. I call it The Best Damn Blog Show Period. Everyday a new topic, but not just a topic. TOPICAL topics. And in person, she’s a party on heels. LOL

Kajuana (who no longer claims the black race) says things that are on people’s minds but they might be afraid to talk about. She elicits responses, discussions, debates. Makes readers think and react. Just like a good show is supposed to.

In fact, check out this entry from her Blogspot and see for yourself the power of KK. LOL I wish I could sit here and tell you what some of my favorite TKS topics are, but hell, they’re all good. But that ’s just my opinion. Go check out the archives and decide for yourself.

With that said, I’m sure you’ve already come to realize that THIS show is one not to be missed and thanks to the world wide web, you don’t have to worry about missing a single word.

Try.and.keep.up.

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You ever come across someone that seems familiar? Like you either know them or just know that they have a great vibe? Well, that’s how I felt when I first came across Nikki, who is seriously one of the coolest bloggers — and people — alive.

She’s like the cousin or best friend who always comes through for you and that you’d do anything for — except she never needs you to. Nikki is a true renaissance woman — artist, business owner, photographer, graphic artist, computer whiz.

Speaking of photography, the images and, through them the emotions she captured in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, were absolutely awesome.

I first came across her blog early in the year and was struck by the beauty, the cleanness of her site. Everything in its place. Just neat and well-put together. Of course that got me visualizing her being like that in person as well. *smile*

Through her writing — which is always succinct and to the point — you get caught up in her ability to “take you there” … wherever she may be. Whether it’s at her elderly neighbor’s house, with her family as she jumps around with little kids, out with her girls for a night on the town, or in the trenches as she attempts to maim a troublesome squirrel. Yes, a squirrel. LOL

Sure, she’s had more domain names than most third-world kingdoms have had in their histories, but still — anywhere she goes, from Ink Blotter to Infinite Ink, we all are sure to follow, placing her name in virtual ink on our blogrolls.

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Can you feel that? I’m sure you can. THAT … is the smile of someone who’s become one of my favorite people. Who’s that? The Singing Chick, of course. A fellow New Yorker, a manic shopper and an outstanding classically trained singer, you will hardly ever catch Singing without a smile on her face.

When we had the chance to meet, after chatting incessantly on IM for a month, things got off to a rocky start. However, since then we’ve ironed out allll the wrinkles and to this day, I’m proud to call her my friend. Our Friday drunken shenanigans (along with Golden) are legendary here in the city. Seriously, you need to come hang with us. LOL

I first came across her blog in January and found myself getting caught up in her daily drama — whether it was with co-workers or so-called friends. Like her blog title suggests, there’s never a dull moment in her life. Soon after I started reading, I found myself being guilty of “borrowing” memes from her (although I always admitted to the deed … lol).

Some of my favorite Singing entries are those where she talks about her mother. Even if I’d never met her, I’d be able to tell from reading her words the tightness of the bond they share. The closeness is palpable. The stories are hilarious.

New York is a tough city to navigate. The fact that Singing does so with a both a smile on her face and a tongue firmly placed in cheek speaks volumes as to what she’s about. If you haven’t already, check her out. It definitely won’t be a dull read.

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Just writin’ life. That’s not just a slogan for Yolie, it’s truly what she does. As one of the first bloggers I had the privilege of meeting in person, this southern gal holds a special place in my heart. Whether it’s her addictive laugh or her A.D.D., there’s something about Yolie that will keep you entertained.

For me it was her words that got me hooked. It had to be. Especially since her bowling leaves MUCH to be desired. LOL A post about her kids was my introduction to her brilliant writing. Since then, a mutual admiration society has been formed, with she and I collaborating regularly over at Yolanda Writes.

The only thing that can rival her words is her friendship. She pulls no punches, says exactly what’s on her mind, leaves no question as to where she stands on most subjects. She’s fiercely loyal — sometimes to a fault. Ironically, words will never be able to relay how much that friendship has meant to me.

She comes to that loyalty honestly. Her father, a resident of New Orleans, was faced with a decision soon after Katrina hit — evacuate or stay behind and take care of family and friends. Easy decision for him. His loyalty kept him there. Made him a hero in my eyes.

Yolie’s daily rants on life leave no stones unturned. She’s a rebel with a keyboard — and more common sense than any midwest rapper will ever possess. Make it your business to check this chatty chica when you get a chance.

Sure, she’s just writing life. But oh what a life it is.