30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 1 and Day 2

Hi Guys!

I was under the weather (again) yesterday, but I am still taking the time to be thankful every day, especially this month!

Here are the first two things I am thankful for this month:

November 1st: First, I am thankful for God. He has brought me through suicide attempts, depression, abuse, heartache, trials, and all other pain. Without Him, I am nothing. He holds my future, my family, and my life in His hands. Shout out to the man upstairs one time!

November 2nd: Today, I am thankful for my family. I have a great husband and a sweet daughter. And, in February, my family will be expanding and I love the little person growing inside of me. Every day as a mom and wife is not always happy, but I am still blessed to have them. 

What are you thankful for today??

-T. Amour 

Featured Artist: BlaccOut Garrison

If you don't know who BlaccOut Garrison (born Ta'Ron Deonte Garrison) is, you will know him soon. The Minnesota based rapper's career has begun to take flight since he began pursing a rap career 5 years ago. In 2012, his participation in the Who Better TV Cypher was recognized by blog titan WorldStar HipHop and he has been nominated for a long list of local and statewide awards since. 

His current mixtape, aptly titled Dreams & Thoughts, is a well-crafted collection of fresh, soulful beats and superior storytelling. BlaccOut Garrison is a student of J. Cole, 9th Wonder, and Kanye West (among others), and it is evident in his unique delivery. The 20 year old is looking forward to joining other new school rappers, like Kendrick Lamar, in reviving the roots of hip-hop in a mainstream setting. And, with over 18,000 followers on Twitter and his own brand, "The Dreamers Community", he is well on his way.

To learn more about BlaccOut and his music, check him out on the following social media sites:

YouTube - www.youtube.com/blaccout763

Facebook - www.facebook.com/blaccoutmusic

Twitter - www.twitter.com/ItsABlaccOut

The following track, "Dream Chaser", is featured on Dreams & Thoughts. 

-T. Amour

30 Days of Thankfulness: A November Challenge

30 Days of Thankfulness - November 1-30, 2013!!

Happy Thursday!

On many social media sites, Thursdays are known as "Throwback Thursdays". People post nostalgic pictures and tweet about old school music that makes them reminisce on the "good times". It's easy to look back on our childhood, teenage, and college years and remember the hilarious, embarrassing, and eye opening moments that changed our lives. But, what about your life today?

There is nothing wrong with a trip down memory lane, but we cannot live in the past! We have to look at where we are now and appreciate our lives, even if they are not going in the right direction. I will admit, I get frustrated with my life sometimes. I look at other people who haven't worked as hard as I have, yet they seem to have more money, more fun, and more fancy vacations than I do. I look at my life at nearly 27 years old and I wonder what the heck is going on! Why don't I have more money, a nicer car, and more fashionable clothes.

Anyone feeling the same way??

So, for the month of November, I have decided to focus on the positive aspects of my life. Every single day, I will write and rejoice about the good things in my life RIGHT NOW. And, I plan to get back on track with my personal writing goals! Why focus on what I lack when I can spend time building the life I want?

Will you join me? I hope you do! You can blog/write about your journey as well. Each day, comment or send me a tweet to let me know what you are thankful for on that day!

Follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/poetrymusiclife) and Like my Facebook Page: (https://www.facebook.com/LovePoetryLoveMusicLoveLife) to follow my progress.

With Love,

T. Amour

Catching Up!!

Hi Guys,

I have been away and around sparingly for the past few months.

Why?

A few reasons:

• I am expecting my second child and I was EXTREMELY SICK in July, August, and September.
• I am putting the finishing touches on my first published book of poetry.
• I am currently working on a book about my life experiences (thus far).

My book of poetry is tentatively scheduled to be available around Thanksgiving, so it will be here just in time to make a perfect Christmas gift!!

As more details emerge, I will keep you posted!

Much Love,

Tai'sha C. Gooden

Album Review: Tamar Braxton "Love And War"

Last week was officially a Tamar Takeover!

After many years of anticipation and waiting, Tamar finally released her sophomore album Love And War. Backed by an All-Star team including her husband Vincent Herbert (aka the driving force behind Lady Gaga), Tamar provided her "Tamartian" fans with a mix of full-bodied R&B and club/radio friendly ratchet songs.

The duel sides of Love And War are a clear reflection of Tamar's personal life. As the youngest of the now infamous and talented Braxton family clan, Tamar is known as the extremely fabulous and vocal one. Her catchphrases and desire to "drop it like it's hot" have made fans either love her or love to hate her. Her bold personality is showcased on "Tip Toe", "She Did That", and (the most ratchet and fun song of all) "Hot Sugar". 

However, there are two things about Tamar that everyone can agree on: her strong vocals and her solid marriage. Her lead single "Love And War" combines her powerhouse voice and pure emotion for her husband of 5 years. Tamar's niche is clearly good ole R&B and this side of the album does NOT disappoint.

Standout R&B Track: "Pieces"

My personal favorite (and the overall fan favorite on Twitter) is "Pieces". Tamar digs deep and pulls pain from past relationships to pour into the lyrics, which include "I deserve more than just a little part/I don't want nothing if I can't have it all"

Standout "Ratchet Track": "Hot Sugar"

This song is fun, flirty, and fierce. I can picture a dance group doing a nice little number to this one :)

Congrats to Tamar on having the Number 1 Billboard R&B album in the USA!!!

-T. Amour