Dear Blk Men

I know you might be scared to assist a Blk woman when she is being harassed by a black man, but please imagine how scared she might be in that situation. More often than not, I deal with my share of harassing experiences, today was just an intense version. So the blue line in Chicago, is just full of all the wrong shit, and usually avoid it all the time. However It was the closest train, so this black man, loudly, told me how he would ‘fuck the shit out of me’ and ‘how he know I would like it’ It caught me so off guard, I verbally said, “What?!” to which he went on to say more of the same. And even though, on the outside, I may have looked cool, I was scared af, and paranoid. Was he going to follow me on the train, harass me more there, possibly try to get physical with me? To be in a crowd of people, and wonder, will anyone help me, if it came to it? Would I be the next person online, trying to fight an attacker, with everyone around, only to record it?

As much as I love being a Black Woman, Sometimes I have trouble navigating the space I am in, in regards to other Black Men. My body, EVEN WHEN FULLY DRESSED, is sexualized! I’ve normalized traveling with pepper spray, and a taser when I can, but I would love to experience this World, without fearing if the man next to me is going to Hurt me.

Jonez.

Also, All the situations Ive ever had in life, that was sexually harassing, was with a Black Man.

Invites?

A lil about me …

I am the type of person who can and will turn any event, into an Event, and create an invitation for it as well. I’m also the girl who created holiday cards for myself! Turned it into a whole photoshoot during Thanksgiving, just cuz. So I mean, is it really any surprise that for Christmas, I created an invitation flyer for the Ugly Sweater Movie Party, my best friend and I are hosting? Also, is it weird, that even though we are the only two who will be participating, I’m still planning on emailing, and asking for an RSVP! Now, that I can agree is a bit extra.

Funny Funny, Folks do chat that Its totally unnecessary but I love looking back on events, with photos & invitations and remember all of the little things that made it what it was. Cuz Yall KNOW imma get my photos!

Do yall ever Create Invitations to Events that may not necessarily require one?

Tristan Jonez

Whats On?

So Many Thoughts!

Well I’ve been busy doing nothing but watching a whole lotta television. Do we consider it watching tv even if you’re streaming from your laptop? Well, whatever, Let’s pretend.

I think last week I started HBOmax The Flight Attendant, In my defense I did read the book and it was a great read. My memory isn’t working at this second but I think I read it as a flight attendant, so yes, the book was better BUT the television series did not disappoint. Many characters were added, and roles were changed, but I will recommend. It is a show to watch. So Go and Watch!

I also finished House of Ho, which is also on HBOmax. Just picture it, an refugee family, who came to America with nothing, but with hard work, and possibly a few shady deals, rose to the top, and is now an extremely wealthy asian family. “What glitters isn’t always gold”, I think we’ll revisit this, AFTER you’ve had time to actually watch.

Tonight, I started watching Pine Gap, which is streamed on Netflix. Close your eyes, and picture this, someone is trying to sabotage America, from the inside of an intelligence agency, when tension is already high. Also, I think I gave the show a chance, partly due to actor Parker Sawyers. We (I) met him in Southside with you, but I fell for him in P-Valley, and I like the energy he brings to a roll.

What are yall watching? … Besides the shows I’ve recommended.

Tristan J

Birthdays

Yall know, or should know how I feel about birthdays. Well today is my bestest best friend’s Jeff birthday. 36! Its crazy when you’ve been friends with someone for half of your life! Time flies, especially when you are having the time of your life!

Jeff, May this trip around the Sun be filled with an abundance of Love, Sunshine & Adventure! I sending all of the Everything to you, and I know this year will be the year of Leveling up … And Touching that Million Dollars. You’ll See.

Always, T.

Cobra Kai

I was NOT going to watch Cobra Kai, I promise. I really had no intention of watching the series at all! Just like you I saw the movies, but that was so long ago, I didn’t care to revisit the 80’s in a television series but low and behold .. here we are. After my best friend was gushing about how funny the show was, I decided to give it a try. Plus I had just finished season one of Designated Survivor. (Sidenote; Don’t worry, I don’t think we are going to have any discussions about Designated Survivor, however good show. Go Watch)

After two seasons of Cobra Kai, I do not like Larusso at all. He can go. Also his daughter, she can follow suit and go with him. I’m already irritated with writing about him, because he is NOT a good guy at all! Like they say, the road to hell is paved with good intention, so I hope that’s exactly where is walking to. Now Johnny isn’t a bad guy per se, but he isn’t exactly good, he just honest care either way. BUT he never sets out to hurt anyone purposely, his anger, rightfully so, just gets in the way.

Season three is coming in January, and I am not sure I am going to watch. I got thru the trailer but eh. The fact that I’ll have to see Larusso’s face, just puts me off of the whole damn show. If you’ve seen the series, you should understand my feels, cuz he’s trash.

Tristan J.

“Strike Hard. Strike Fast. No Mercy” -Cobra Kai Dojo.

For Free

I either obsess about something, or I care absolutely nothing about it. Most times there’s no in between, a bad habit for sure but I am working on trying to find a balance. Lately a comment that a man made a few months ago, has been living in my head rent free, which is annoying. Especially because its not a true statement, but that’s how I am. Just replaying it, and shorty doesn’t deserve any of my braincells. I did, however, really analyze what he wrote, discussed it with my therapist, so I’m not harping on its’ validity. Mostly just the fact he thought he had the right to say anything at all. Audacity is definitely on sale for free in 2020.

All that to say, What folks say, isn’t always what it is. They can only speak from their very limited vantage point. So stop letting what people say, live in your head rent free.

Jonez.

The photograph

There’s something about Robert Glasper that just leave me speechless.

His curation of music, of sounds, of leaving my fucking heart beating out of my chest, has to be an art form. IT IS AN ART FORM. What an incredible talent. I think I could listen to him forever and never tire. I used to think it was the movie, that made the movie but nah. It is the music that ties everything together. ITs the music that helps you, when you close your eyes, and remember what the scene made you feel. It’s the music that carries you away, literally and figuratively. How to create such a body of work, that all the music blends and flows, and does whatever the music is supposed to do.

Have you watched the movie? Listened to the soundtrack? Please do both!

Tristan Jonez.

Sidenote

Is it just me, Or is this website starting to feel like all we do is, watch entertainment and then I gush over how much I love it? … Then try to convince yall that you should watch as well? No? Just me? Eh, I am not sure how I feel about that. I wonder, does it reflect on me as being unproductive? Shit, I think if I possibly switched to watching documentaries about history, or something it would cast me in a different light? (Shoulder Shrug) At this point, we are all just trying to get thru, at seamless as we all can manage.

With that said, Tomorrow we’ll be discussing the movie The Photograph, or possibly just discussing the soundtrack .. or we can make it a two part and discuss both, because the soundtrack definitely needs to be talked about.

Tristan J.

U.Falls S2

I finished season one of Utopia Falls, and I am ready for Season two. Or at least some information on IF there will even be a season two. I won’t spoil anything for those who would like to watch but as of today, there is no word on if the series is scheduled to be canceled. I truly hope that intent the case. It’s a REALLY good series, that is very on par with the things we see in our own societies currently. Also, whoever does the music for the show, deserves a raise! Also, the series didn’t finish on a cliff hanger but I would like to see what the addition brings us, in season two.

Have you watched yet? Its on Hulu, when you do watch, who is a favorite? I like Brooklyn, Sage and Apollo. Tempo grinds my damn gears. I love Bodhi, Aliyah and Mags. Especially Mags.

Jonez.

Playlist

So Spotifiy’s 2020 Wrapped has been released, which showcases you musical taste for the year 2020. Not surprising, I was all about show tunes, and specifically Hamilton the Musical. Its just a testament to my OCD with how much I listened to the album, and how quickly it became my most played album/musical selection. SIdenote; There was a few nights I fell asleep to the song “Wait for it”. My best friend J has shared his playlist with me, and there’s NOT a show tune in sight! (Laughing) Its definitely a Rap/Hip Hop, with sprinkles of Reggae, Afrobeats and Caribbean sprinkled in. With a few dashes of R&B and Soul. Although I am not going to admit this to him, its a well rounded playlist. I’ve even hearted a few songs for myself.

How does your musical selection stack up for 2020? What y’all recommending to me?

Tristan Jonez.

Just.

I think we’ve talked about this plenty times before but only now am I feeling the conviction of it. Whatever ideas are on your mind, are on your heart, you need to follow thru. Just do it, and do it now. Figure out how to make it work, whatever it is. If that means, moving forward on a smaller scale, or a little at a time, make it happen. I know Life has been crazy, extra crazy this year but that is the reason why everything you have been thinking of pursuing should be pursued! EVERYTHING!

For Example, Y’all know I live for the museum even if I’ve been there a million times, I don’t care, I’ll still go to see the same and it’ll be like my first time. Well a few weeks ago, I flew in from Baltimore, landing in Chicago on a Monday morning, the same day the new exhibit from Bisa Butler at The Art Institute of Chicago debut. I told myself I would go on Tuesday, but that morning I decided to stay in the bed, instead of going to the museum by Tuesday Night Chicago had issued a closing of all the museums due to the rising numbers of Covid-19.

I say all that to say, Do it now!

Tristan Jonez.

What will you be doing now?