MUSIC || thicke v. robin thicke: or something like that.

See, I enjoy Robin Thicke. I love his music. He's sexy. He's smooth. He's suave. But if I had to choose, I'd take THICKE over Robin Thicke any day. Yes, I know. Thicke is Robin Thicke. But still.

I was a senior in high school when I saw the video for "When I Get You Alone." I don't want to sound like every little thing changed my life, but I really feel like watching that video was a life-changing event. I knew that my music life would never be the same, and I had a hunch the music world would be affected as well.

So I looked him up. And found out who he was. And tried to get my hands on the album--which was kind of hard because it got pushed back. (I know, I went to the music store to get the album and they told me it wasn't out yet.) When I finally got my hands on it, and listened, I thought: This man is crazy. . . and I love it.

It was soul and wild and raw. There were so many different sounds and topics covered in that one album. Every single emotion was touched on and tapped into. From brutally honest "The Stupid Things" to "Suga Mama" about his woman who "won't public affection me" all the way to the laid back optimism of "I'm 'a Be Alright." It was just brilliant to me.

Absolutely brilliant. And, yes, while Robin Thicke's new singles are sexy and cool, there is something I miss from the the Thicke of A Beautiful World.

I think that's why, though I love his singles, I love getting my hands on the albums because that's where the artist I was introduced to can still be heard. He's evolved, of course, but the essence is still there. Which is why he's still one of my favorite artists to this day.

By the way: I liked his long hair.

LOVE & LIFE || surrounded by love.

I spent the weekend surrounded by love.
I went to my family reunion for the second time. My father's father's people. Amazing people with strong genes and a stronger sense of family. From the time I showed up at our 70's-themed dance, I knew it was going to be a good time. There was laughing, there was dancing, jokes were told and hugs were given freely.

I was surrounded by love.

Everyone knew that we belonged to my daddy. Even people I never met. We looked, well I looked just like "Chauls!" Didn't I look just like "Chauls?" (Charles) What can I say, I favor my daddy, but then everyone favored everyone because they have some strong genes. I found out where my thick head of hair, that had lots of length when I was younger, came from. All the little girls and some grown women walked around with so much hair. Such pretty, thick hair. I saw little girls and saw my sisters and me in them. I looked at the women and realized that I had inherited some bosom. I also saw that I was not afforded their height. And my skin tone was passed on from my Texan family members on my mother's side. But, it was one of those times where I felt like I looked like members of my extended family, that I was a part of them.

I was surrounded by love.

I heard stories. So many stories about my family. Stories from everywhere and everyone. I ended up feeling closer to my father than before. I not only found out I looked like him, but that our personalities were very alike. My dad was quiet and mild and avoided confrontation when he could. But if provoked excessively and incessantly, the provoker better watch out. Things would get really serious. I laughed knowing that that personality is mine as well. I knew then, for sure, that I am my daddy's girl.

I was surrounded by love.

Now home, I am still basking in the love that was shown at that family reunion. I will cherish it forever and I'm excited about next year! I will never let years and years pass before I go to another one.