National Poetry Month: Day 1 - Maya Angelou

National Poetry Month is back again!!

I will be posting thought-provoking poetry each day during the month of April. I also intend to write a poem a day and I hope you will too!

Today's poem is by one of the most well known poets in the world: Maya Angelou.

Enjoy "Alone" and Happy Writing!

-T. Amour 

**From Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well By Maya Angelou. Copyright © 1975 by Maya Angelou. 

Lying, thinking 
Last night 
How to find my soul a home 
Where water is not thirsty 
And bread loaf is not stone 
I came up with one thing 
And I don't believe I'm wrong 
That nobody, 
But nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

Alone, all alone 
Nobody, but nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

There are some millionaires 
With money they can't use 
Their wives run round like banshees 
Their children sing the blues 
They've got expensive doctors 
To cure their hearts of stone. 

But nobody 
No, nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

Alone, all alone 
Nobody, but nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

Now if you listen closely 
I'll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering 
The wind is gonna blow 
The race of man is suffering 
And I can hear the moan, 
'Cause nobody, But nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

Alone, all alone 
Nobody, but nobody 
Can make it out here alone. 

3 Positive Practices You Should Start RIGHT NOW

Look around you. From overused words like "hater" to Twitter attacks to heartbreaking news stories, it seems like our society thrives off of drama and negativity. The most popular reality shows are centered around catfights and the top celebrities are surrounded with controversy.

Personally, I get overwhelmed with all of the negative behavior. I have found many ways to cope with the world around me as well as my personal problems and these practices may work for you as well. 

Here are 3 Positive Practices you should start:

• Meditation - We all seem to moving at a constant, neck-breaking pace. Sometimes, we need to take a few minutes to silence our minds and focus on just being in the present moment. I have been meditating for almost 2 years and I look forward to it each day.
• Blogging/Keeping a Journal - Obviously, I love to express myself via writing. Even if you are not a great writer, blogging is a great way to sound off about topics and issues you care about. If you are not a public platform person, keeping a journal is a private way to map out your goals and dreams, vent about frustrating moments, and reflect on the blessings you currently have. The great thing about both blogs and journals is the ability to look back and see your personal growth!
• Paying Yourself- When you get paid, most of your income goes towards someone else's pockets. Make sure you are paying yourself by putting some money away in a savings account and (if you can afford to) a retirement account. I encourage you to take it a step further and treat yourself at least once a month to something nice. Perhaps you like to get pedicures or you like to go to a local lounge and have a couple overpriced drinks. Remember, you work hard for your cash and you deserve to get something out of it!!

-T. Amour

Elle Varner - "See Me Tonight"

Elle Varner is one of the most unique new artists to hit the female R&B scene in the past few years. A few months ago, I featured her on my blog as one of the artists to watch in 2013. And, although she did not release a new album last year, she was getting in some serious studio time as she prepped for her sophomore effort. 

If her latest track "See Me Tonight" is any indication of the tone of the yet-to-be released album Four Letter Word, then we are all in for a healthy dose of good music.

Elle is debuting a sexier and more confident image as she settles into her young career and it shines through this song. Her voice smooth sails over a jazzy, uptempo beat as she sings about covering up her tears and pain. 

Do you like it? Comment below!

Song of the Week: Jay Electronica & Jay-Z "We Made It"

This week, the two Jays of the hip-hop world combined forces and dropped one of the hottest tracks to come out in recent years (this is not up for debate). Yes, it was originally a Soulja Boy song, but we all know he is not known for his thought-provoking lyrics (no shade).

Die hard Jay Electronica fans have been hearing more music from the underground god and, as usual, his religious influenced verses on "We Made It" do not disappoint.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jay-Z is at the point in his career where he can rap the newspaper and people will shell out cash. His star power is indeed that large! But, Jay-Z goes in for the kill (particularly on Drake) and shows the world that he still has the lyrical prowess to slay.

Check out "We Made It" here:

-T Amour

International Day of Happiness: 4 Easy Ways to "Spread the Happy"

March 20 is officially known as International Day of Happiness. I don't know about you, but with all the craziness going on in the world, its great to take a day and focus on being happy!

Today is also the first official day of Spring. No, it doesn't feel quite like Spring in some places yet, but its comforting to know that warmer weather, longer days, and vacations are on the way!!

As you know, my blog is all about positive vibes and spreading love, so I couldn't let today slip by without acknowledging a few ways to brighten someone's day!

Here are 4 Easy Ways to "Spread the Happy":

• Call Your (Insert Distant/Older relative here):
• When was the last time you called your grandma or Aunt Sally? Pick up the phone and call a loved one tonight. You never know if you will get another chance to and your voice will surely brighten up their day!
• Compliment a Stranger
• When you see a woman with a killer outfit or a guy driving your dream car, take a moment to let them know how you feel! Your compliment may be the confidence booster a person needs to make it through a rough day!
• Pay it Forward
• If you hit a store or drive through today, pay for the person behind you. Unless, of course, their total is too high. Then don't pay for it LOL!! I kid, I kid. But, if its a total you can swing, help another person out. Once again, you don't know what kind of struggle a person is going through.
• Give Your Time
• It doesn't matter if you spend time with family, friends, or at a local shelter, donate some of your time and do something you love. Today, my husband was off work and we are going to spend time with our daughters (ages 4 and 3 weeks). Time is constantly fleeting and the most precious asset you can give to another person!

Stay Happy Folks!!

-T. Amour