6 Songs to Put You in a Good Mood

I am grateful for everyday I am above ground. I hope you feel the same way! But, no matter how much we train our minds to be optimistic, we all have bad days. Life is not perfect and there are circumstances we have NO control over. As much as we hate to admit it...we are human beings and subject to error. So, on top of uncontrollable forces in our lives, we also stick our hand in the pot and often stir up more trouble for ourselves! *Sigh*

With all of the daily stressors in our life, we find ourselves viewing our existence in a dismal setting. However, you don't have to stay there! When I am feeling down, I do 3 things. I pray/meditate, I write down positive truths, and I listen to killer music!

For me, taking a few moments to do each of these things helps ease my mind about stressful situations. I cannot instruct you how to pray and meditate. You have to figure it out for yourself. And, only you know the positive truths about your life. But, I can give you a sample of the songs I listen to when I need a pick-me-up. 

*Warning: There are a couple of guilty pleasure songs on this list. Do not, I REPEAT, do not judge me!*

• Luther Vandross - "Bad Boy (Having a Party)" 
• First, Luther's voice makes me smile. He was a brilliant vocalist. Second, this song makes me want to dance and have a party. I mean an old school, back yard throw down in the country somewhere.
• Michael Jackson - "Beat It"
• Although any Michael song can go on this list, I do the dance moves when I am alone. I also play a mean air guitar. I'm not keen on Mike's strategy in the video to end gang violence....but I do want a sick red jacket.
• Mary J Blige - "Just Fine"
• This is another anthem in my life. No time for negativity! Love yourself and love your life!
• Natasha Bedingfield - "Unwritten"
• I told you not to judge me. Don't do it!
• Shania Twain - "Man (I feel like a Woman)"
• I know you know this song LOL! Shania has always been one of my favorite country stars. I love a woman who pushes the envelope and does things her way :)
• Will Smith - "Gettin' Jiggy With It"
• I have no excuse. I should feel ashamed for knowing all the words and doing the ridiculous dance that accompanies the song. But I don't. Na na na na na na naaaaaaa.

There is a huge compilation of  songs I could have on my list, but this post would be pages and pages long!! Perhaps a part two and three may come one day....

Love happiness,

-T. Amour

It's Your Time - Inspired by Mary Mary

For many of us, Memorial Day is the first holiday weekend of the summer season. We shed our winter clothes in exchange for brighter and lighter gear. We pull our grills out of the garage and fellowship with family and friends for good food, great laughs, and excellent memories.

But, on this weekend, we should take time to reflect on the millions who have fought and died for the liberties we enjoy today. These soldiers boldly sacrificed their lives FOR US. Whether you are for or against the agenda of the United States, know that they were engaged in a physical petition for your freedom.

As a person who believes in God and Jesus Christ, I also think about the ultimate sacrifice they made for us. If you think about it, Jesus Christ was the original soldier. He fought and WON the battle against evil forces to ensure that we can live our lives and live them more abundantly.

I realize some of you don't share the same faith. And that is okay. Whether you recognize Jesus Christ as a soldier for your spiritual freedom or if you understand the sacrifice military men and women have made for your natural rights, you know the true message. SOMEONE has DIED so you can be free! So, why are we holding ourselves in bondage??

My inspirational and motivational song is "Go Get It" by Mary Mary. You guys, when I say this is MY SONG, I mean this is MY SONG. Mary Mary is the most popular duo in contemporary gospel music today and I have been a huge fan since they came on the scene in 2000. "Go Get It" is their latest single and it packs a powerful message that can be summed up in three words: IT'S YOUR TIME!!!

*I do not own this video. All rights reserved to the respective owner(s).*

On this Memorial Day weekend, take inventory of your present situation and then begin a plan to get where you want to go. Don't worry about external forces, they are beyond your control! IT'S YOUR TIME! Don't wait another moment to begin to walk on the path that leads to your destiny. Remember, SOMEONE DIED so you can be free! Don't allow emotional and mental bondage to convince you otherwise. Your dreams and aspirations are possible, but you have to GO GET YOUR BLESSING!!

As we learned in elementary school, the word "go" is a verb. A verb is an ACTION word. So sitting around, complaining, and feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you anywhere in life! The time you spend absorbing negative energy from your naysayers and seeking reasons to AVOID change are not beneficial. Use your time wisely because you can't get it back. :)

Don't wait and say "well, I will (insert goal here) when (insert lame excuse here)". For example, "Well, I will start my own business when the kids graduate high school." I am not trying so sound depressing, but we are on a continuous march toward death. If I were you, I would do it today. We were born to be awesome so go ahead and claim your birthright!

Let's make a pact together. From this day forward, we are taking control of our destiny and actively pursuing our purpose. We will visualize our victory and validate our visions by making a plan and putting it into implementation. We will make the most of our lives because someone died for our freedom. We won't give up...EVER!

It's Your Time,

-T. Amour

Feel-Good Friday 05/25

I owe you an apology. I have been an extreme blogger slacker this week. But, I have not one, but THREE excuses. Here they are:

T. Amour's reasoning behind her slackness:

1) I am getting married next month. Yes, I am taking THE plunge into married life in about 3 weeks. So, every moment I am awake, I have something to do. Always.

2) I am tired. Why? Reason #1 + a demanding full-time job + everything else in my life = one exhausted lady!

3) My fiance had a birthday this week (on Wednesday). Family is first, so the Wednesday post was put aside.

Moving on....

I was off work and running crazy errands all day today. Although prematurely shifting gears into weekend warrior woman did not boost my energy level, I have gotten a chance to jam out to some amazing music today.

I'm not sure how the weather was in your area, but it was beautiful where I live. Sunny, bright, and very warm. The weather had me in a great mood today and I think my playlist reflects my attitude.

Here ya go!

• Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff  - "Summertime" 
• break out the grill, this is THE best summer joint ever!
• Justin Timberlake  - "Summer Love"
• Rihanna - "Where Have You Been" 
• This is the best song from her latest album, Talk That Talk. Great dance/euro-pop vibe and her voice blends seamlessly with the heavily synthesized beat. She operates well within this genre.
• J. Cole - "Simba" 
• Check this one out for sure if you aren't familiar with J. Cole. He's extremely lyrical and underrated. This record is the first of a trilogy...you will see what I mean. Oh, he just can't wait to be king...
• Actual Proof feat (well featuring a whole bunch of people. One of them being Kendrick Lamar...and he kills it) "Super Genius" 
• *this song clocks in at nearly 10 minutes long and it is worth every minute. If you love hip-hop in its purest form, you will love this. Intelligent and exhilarating.*
• Jhene Aiko - "2 Seconds"
• This song feels like it is two seconds long. The full version is not out (to my knowledge) but I have been devouring the "snippet" all week long. Jhene was once heavily associated with B2K, but she is doing her own thing now. Thank God, cause this chick needs to shine!!

Have a good weekend! And remember, spend your time wisely...because there are no refunds!

Love Music,

-T. Amour

Monday...Oh Monday...

If I said the last couple of days have been insanely busy, I would be making a severe understatement. The last 48 hours have moved so quickly, I feel like I am just catching up right now! 

But now that I have brought my body and spirit up to speed with time, let's talk about Monday. Aaaaah Monday. For any 9-5er, Monday is the ultimate arch nemesis, looming behind the serenity of Sunday like a dark rain cloud, waiting for the morning to arrive so it can viciously attack and drench us with blues. 

Yes, I had a typical Moody Monday. To balance out the unnerving drama today, I decided to dig into my inner child (and college kid) for a beloved poem. When I was school-aged, I liked school but HATED homework. Naturally, Shel Silverstein's "Homework, Oh Homework" became an mental anthem and I could instantly hear it blaring in my head at the thought of homework.
So, during a brief break today, I entertained myself by writing Silverstein's poem and replacing the homework with my new enemy: MONDAY. Strange? Maybe. 15 minutes worth of solo laughter and entertainment? YES!

Here it is:

Monday! Oh, Monday! I hate you! You stink! 
I wish I could wash you 
away in the sink. 

If only a bomb 
would blow you to bits. 
Monday! Oh, Monday! 
You're giving me fits. 

I'd rather take a bath 
with a man-eating shark, 
or wrestle a lion 
alone in the dark, 
eat spinach and liver, 
pet ten porcupines, 
than tackle Monday
this day is a crime! *slight improvisation* 
Monday! Oh, Monday! 
You're last on my list. I simply can't see why you even exist. 


If you just disappeared 
it would tickle me pink. 
Monday! Oh, Monday! 
I hate you! You stink!

*Original poem by Shel Silverstein*

I am not sure why, but re-writing and reading this poem made my day instantly better. What did you do to inject humor into YOUR day today? No matter what we are going through or what challenges loom ahead, humor can make our obstacles appear slightly smaller. 

Here's a challenge for you: take 15 minutes every day and do something to make yourself laugh. It may be writing something silly, watching a funny YouTube video, or calling that one unintentionally hilarious person you know. Just make sure you laugh!

Love Laughter,

-T. Amour

Feel-Good Friday 05/18

Well, my weekend warrior and hectic work week finally caught up with me. My body said "you gone learn today" (Kevin Hart voice) and decided to shut down from a virus combined with exhaustion. So, I have been working from home this week and got a tiny taste of what my life will be like when I am my own boss. And it tasted pretty freakin' sweet (HA)! I would have enjoyed it more if I didn't feel like the living dead....

But, today is Friday, I am feeling well-rested and blessed, and I am ready to get back on my feet this weekend and enjoy some good times with my family! I hope you had a happy and healthy week. Even if you didn't, heeeeyyyy its Friday and the weekend has arrived.

My feel-good Friday list has no theme today. I listened to a good mix of artists from different genres. Here it is!!

• Alicia Keys - "This Bed" 
• *My favorite song from her 4th studio album, The Element of Freedom. Very solid album, by the way.*
• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts "I love Rock & Roll" 
• *Joan Jett is one of the coolest women on Earth IMO.*
• Weezer "Beverly Hills"
• *Cool outsider's anthem by this alternative rock/pop band
• OutKast "Hey Ya"
• *They are one of THEE most talented groups in music (not just hip-hop). Shake it like a Polaroid "pictcha"*
• Rashad Reign feat J. Salt "Rose Gold"
• *You may not know this artist, but he does hip-hop music in the DMV area. He's not signed to a major label (yet) and worth taking a listen to. Follow him on Twitter @BrandonRashad7 and look for him as a featured artist on my blog soon!*

Remember, your experience and opinions of music (especially today's music) is what you make it. Don't complain about music sucking if you don't take the time to support local acts and immerse yourself in an array of genres. Your options are limitless!

Love music,

-T. Amour

The Luxurious Life

One of the greatest gifts I have ever received is a book from my older sister. For my birthday several years ago, she gave me "The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni". A collection of her incomparable works from 1968 to 1998, this book is a must have for any poetry lover. Nikki is my favorite poet and by far the largest influence on my writing style as a poet.

Today, I want to share "Luxury" with you. This is one of my favorite poems by Nikki Giovanni. Written circa 1975, Giovanni describes her ambitious aspirations for the "good life". When you think of a luxurious life, what imagery do you see? What do you feel? Can you smell and taste your dreams? Let's look at Nikki's initial definition of luxury and the resolution she comes to at the end.

"Luxury" *all rights reserved to Nikki Giovanni, the original writer*

i suppose living
in a materialistic society
luxury
to some would be having
more than what you need

living in an electronic age seeing
the whole world by pushing a button
the nth degree might perhaps be
adequately represented by having
someone there to push
the buttons for you

i have thought if only
i could become rich and famous i would
live luxuriously in new york knowing
famous people eating
in expensive restaurants calling
long distance anytime i want

but you held me
one evening and now i know
the ultimate luxury
of your love

First, note that the entire poem is in lower case letters. This is not because I am lazy, but it is how the poem was published. Why? I believe it was a clever play by Giovanni to downplay herself. By putting "I" and even other "proper nouns" such as "New York" in lower case, she detracts the attention from herself and the infamous city and every word in the poem is equal in importance and weight. This method goes against the ideology of luxurious living in which everything revolves around who YOU are and where YOU go to associate with others.

Generally speaking, her definition of luxury is consistent with popular belief. We dream of hitting the lottery or somehow amassing a fortune (ie MORE THAN WHAT WE NEED). We picture having maids to clean our homes and being able to afford to travel and "rub elbows" with people in our newfound social group. I don't care how much you deny it, if you had millions and millions of dollars, you would want "someone there to push the buttons for you" (sometimes...okay, a lot of times!).

But, at the end, Nikki finds that her appetite for a life of luxury is satisfied when she is in the arms of the one she loves. Cliche? Sure. But this is not too far fetched. While I would still love to have a couple million dollars to test out the "more money, more problems" theory, in the end, I just want to wake up everyday and enjoy my life. I want to do what I love and be with the people I love. When I honestly think about the perfect life, I don't envision a certain salary, car, or home. Yes, I need (and like) money and I desire a nicer car and home, but I am appreciative of my current reality. My perfect life consists of having the career I want as a writer, spending time with my family and friends, evolving as a person, and giving back to others. I want to live my purpose and passion every day!

When you honestly think about what would make your life happy, what do you envision? I am sure your recipe for happiness consists of more than money and living a "luxurious life." If there is nothing else to motivate you in life, then you need to reevaluate your purpose on this Earth! Think about it.....

Love is the ultimate luxury,

-T. Amour

5 Songs for Mom (Mommy, Momma..etc)

Happy Mother's Day! Virtually everyone has a mother figure in their life. This woman may be the person who gave birth to you physically. She may be the aunt, godmom, or family friend who you could depend on when you needed advice, a hug, or someone to vent your frustrations to. She may have helped you be reborn spiritually and mentally as a "church mother", a community sage, or a school teacher. The important thing is, you have had someone in your life boldly step into life's greatest challenge: being a mother.

For me, I have been blessed to have several great mother figures in my life. I have my natural (birth) mother. She was a single, fearless mom who raised me to be a independent, financially savvy, compassionate, and productive member of society. Was she perfect? No. But she did an amazing job raising two hard-headed and strong-willed daughters.

I also have my sister. When my mom was out working long shifts to make ends meet, she would get me up in the morning and make sure I got to school okay. I have laid my head on her shoulder many times and allowed tears to cascade down her arms. And now that we are both mothers, our bond as sisters has grown tremendously.

I have amazing aunts, community pillars, spiritual leaders, and many other women who have shaped me into the woman I am today. I am a mom of a preschool aged daughter, and I need their words of wisdom and advice to help me on this sweet, strange, confusing, and rewarding journey as a mom.

So, in honor of Mother's Day, I want us to honor and respect the women who have shaped us into the greatness we are today! Even if you don't have the greatest relationship with your birth mother, take today and honor the women (and/or men if you were raised by a single dad) who have ran and are running life's race with you.

Here are 5 of my favorite songs for Mom (I own no rights to these videos, all rights are reserved) :

1) Boyz II Men - "A Song for Mama" *this is a tear jerker*

2) 2Pac - "Dear Mama" *the hip-hop Mother's Day Anthem*

3) Good Charlotte - "Thank You Mom" *this is so sweet*

4) Jaime Foxx - "Wish You Were Here" *for all those who have lost the Mom in their lives*

5) The Intruders "I'll Always Love My Mama" *classic 70s soul*

I hope everyone has a serene and sweet Sunday!! 

Love Mama,

-T. Amour (@poetrymusiclife)

Feel Good Friday!! 05/11

Man, today was a good day! My post yesterday is my highest-viewed post ever and even Amel Larrieux herself gave me a proverbial "thumbs up"!

Last Friday, I dedicated my post to Adam Yauch instead of doing a Feel-Good Friday post. But today, my list of extreme musical awesomeness is going to astound you with its orginality and lyrical prowess...Well, not really. I just want you to check these songs out and let loose cause its FRIDAY BABY!!!!!

Today, I am all about a 90s hip-hop/R&B party vibe. Let's take a (short) trip down memory lane....

• "Feels Good" by Tony Toni Tone
• "Poison" by Bell Biv Devoe 
• *this song STILL goes at ANY party* 
• "Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground 
• *did anyone figure out how to do the Humpty dance? No? Okay..* And why do I still know all the words to this song?
• "Whoop...There it Is" by Tag Team 
• *idk what they are talking about, but this song is just plain funny. And there is a man who looks a lot like President Obama in the video...hmmm*
• "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJs
• *This is one of my favorite songs from the 90s. It just screams "backyard BBQ :) *
• "Summertime" by Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff
• *Can't go wrong with this one...EVER*
• "Swing My Way" by KP and Envyi
• *the singer is this group is from my small hometown area in NC*

For my readers who prefer other genres of music, take a listen anyway! You may find you like a song or two. And don't worry, I've got some rock, pop, classical, and even a lil country music coming your way on future Fridays :)

Have a good weekend! I will catch up to you Sunday.

Love Weekends,

-T. Amour

Amel Larrieux is MAGIC

I love iHeartRadio. As soon as I get to work in the morning, I open a web browser and head straight to their website. iHeartRadio is open before ANY of my programs needed for work! For the first half of the morning, I usually catch the last couple of hours of a morning radio show. Then, I spend the rest of the day hopping from custom station to station. Because I have such an eclectic taste in music, I have quite a few custom stations set up under my profile.

One of my favorite stations is my Amel Larrieux station. For those of you know don't know who she is, Amel was the lead singer in the 90s group Groove Theory (their biggest hit was the R&B laced single "Tell Me"). After leaving the group a few years later, she went on to release her brilliant debut album in 2000 entitled Infinite Possibilities.

For a soulful, spiritual, and fecund genius like Larrieux, her debut album's title was fitting. However, in order to immerse her talents into highly creative musical masterpieces, she had to eschew major label demands. So, she left and started her own independent label with her husband.

Over the years, Amel has released 3 albums on her indie label and has maintained a strong following, allowing her to continue to tour and share her remarkable gift with the world. I am certain her lack of "commercial" success has given Amel the freedom as an artist to operate freely in her originality. 

My Amel joint of the day is "Magic". Her music is known to dictate the plight of the average working person, and this song accurately captures the struggles of anyone out there who is just "trying to make it."

I can relate to EVERY lyric, but I'll share some of my favorite lines with you:

• "The budgets bent, and our credit's jacked up."
• "The Stress Level's High and the Morale's Low" *this is my job in a nutshell*
• "Were we just born to work, rather than born to live..still paying for your education when you're 66." *if this isn't an accurate description of American life, then I don't know what is*

Despite Larrieux's lamentations about a hard worker's life, she reminds us to take time and tap into our "magic". When you are at your breaking point and thinking to yourself "this can't be life", remove yourself from the situation and tap into whatever (positive) source brings you pure joy. 

For me, my "magic" is writing because it is therapeutic. I can channel my frustrations in a positive and safe way. For Amel, her "magic" is making incredible music and using her vocal gifts to uplift and inspire others.

Take some time this week and find out what your "magic" is. Is it making others (and yourself) laugh? Is it doing artwork? Is it listening to or making music?

Furthermore, can you take your magic and turn it into a fruitful career so you can wake up everyday and do what you love. Amel Larrieux has done it. So can we!

Follow Amel and me on Twitter @amellarrieux and @poetrymusiclife AND check out "Magic" on YouTube with this link *all rights reserved to the respective owner(s) of this song*

Love Magic,

-T. Amour

3 Beastie Boys Songs I Love

The Beastie Boys rock. If you have any understanding of hip-hop in the 80s (or a pulse) then you know this to be a irrefutable truth. They shoved their way into the African-American dominated world of hip-hop with their wildly successful debut album, Licensed to Ill, in 1986. In fact, their debut album was the FIRST RAP ALBUM to hit #1 on the Billboard charts.

 Their style and lyrical delivery was refreshingly infused with hardcore punk rock undercurrents. They were jokesters, activists, lyricists, and storytellers with a heightened sense of self awareness and intelligence.  And, more than 25 years later, they are still releasing new music and have been heralded as key players in aiding hip-hop/rap music in its transition from underground to mainstream success.

My heart was broken when I found out about the passing of Adam Yauch. In a world where many famous figures are succumbing to their personal demons, Mr. Yauch ended his battle with cancer and is resting peacefully. Although his death has not been as widely covered as recent artists death, if you love and still have faith in rap music, then you realize that we lost a pioneer and a genius.

My post on Friday was very short (RIP ADAM YAUCH...), but I wanted to do a follow up post to celebrate the Beastie Boys legacy.

Here are 3 Beastie Boys songs I love (no particular order):

#1) Intergalatic- Released in 1998, this song was awesome! Plain and simple. The lyrics, music, everything was classic and timeless. And the video is one of their most memorable videos!

#2) (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) - For obvious reasons...

#3) Pass the Mic- This just may be my favorite Beastie Boys song ever. Insanely lyrical and MCA went SO hard on this one (as always).

*All rights to these videos are to their respective owners*

I hope you all have a great week! I'll catch up to you on Wednesday.

Love Life,

-T. Amour

RIP ADAM YAUCH (aka MCA)

Hey you guys! I have been doing some traveling and visiting with family today, so I don't have a Feel-Good Friday post for you this week.

However, I couldn't let the night go by without paying respects to Mr. Adam Yauch, a founding member of the incomparable Beastie Boys. If you don't know about the Beastie Boys, you don't know anything about music. This group played a key role in the integration of hip-hop into the "mainstream" music arena!!

Known as MCA, Adam Yauch succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Paradise MCA!

In his honor, I am posting one of my favorite Beastie Boys songs - (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party). I am working on a compliation of their best songs (popular and relatively unknown). Look for it on Sunday :)

*Music video by The Beastie Boys performing (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party). (C) 1986 The Island Def Jam Music Group*


Party on!

-T. Amour

Workin' Out with Sheela!!

Who works out to music? *Raises hand*. I'm sure we all do. We use music to give us an adrenaline rush, motivate us, and add excitement to our workout routine.

Lately, I have been attending Zumba classes with a friend. We normally go twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) and we have a great time! For those who have never been to a class, you should go! It is an exhilarating way to achieve a full body workout.

For the first few classes, we had the same woman as our instructor. Although we could "feel the burn", she lacked the passion, drive, and enthusiasm needed to motivate us. And, she did the EXACT same routine repeatedly with the same music. While the music choices were lukewarm, the routine was cold as ice.

However, when we went last week, there was a new instructor. HE rocked! He was in our face, pushing us to our limits, and he had a phenomenal soundtrack to accompany his "Latin dance meets hip-hop" routine.

Out of all the songs he uses, there was one song that lodged in my head. This song has been in steady rotation in my head since last Thursday and, after doing a routine to it again tonight, I looked the lyrics up on YouTube to see if I could find the song.

"Sheela ki Jawani" is a song featured in the 2010 Hindi comedy "Tees Mar Khan" and is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Vishal Dalani. "Sheela" is sexy with an infectious beat that holds your body hostage and coerces it to dance.

As far as the song itself, majority of the lyrics are in Hindi, but there are a few English verses sprinkled in and I do know those :). I have said this before, any genre of music can be used to inspire you, even if it only inspires you to get active and dance! So, if you are looking for a great workout song to get you amped up, look no further:

"Sheela ki Jawani"  *All rights reserved to the respective owners*

Go on and dance in the mirror. Even if you are a "manly man". I won't tell...

Let music move you,

-T. Amour