#Sierra Torride

[olvaheiner]

Two Mules For Sister Sara (1970)

[kumkaniudaku]

At Last: Part One

Summary: Patrice returns home to celebrate a birthday and a new beginning.

Pairing: Terry Richmond x Black!OC

Word Count: 6.7k

Warnings: None

In a little corner of Wilmington, NC, tucked behind towering Spanish moss trees and sprawling acres of lush green grass, the Habersham family were monarchs on ancestral turf. 

Enslaved Sierra Leonean men and women had tilled this land long before Patrice was a twinkle in her mother and father’s eyes. They hoped, prayed, and danced for a future where babies far down their lineage could have a place to visit for a connection to their love and guidance beyond the physical realm. According to some, their spirits still roamed the fields once holding them captive in great triumph.

Long-held West African customs preserved and passed down over time had transformed into the uniquely rich Gullah culture that still governed the eldest generation of Habershams and their children. While much of the language patterns had been lost, Sybil Habersham-Lewis and her baby sister, Rosalyn, worked tirelessly to keep the family home tidy and traditions alive. 

They never hesitated to tell stories of how their great-grandfather rebuilt the big house with his bare hands to rid his offspring of a torrid legacy from a man he reluctantly called father. They sometimes laughed about how he, a fair-skinned man with green eyes and a mean streak, met and married a slender songstress with blue-black skin within six months of laying eyes on her. Paul and Efua produced eight children in that home. Those eight children created a line of movers and shakers that stretched far and wide. 

One of those movers and shakers stared out of the passenger side window with eyes wide as saucers and a smile that rivaled the sun, watching trees donning brown, red, and orange leaves whiz past on the way to her favorite place in the world. Patrice was itching to get out of the car and kick her shoes off to feel the soft tickle of damp Bermuda grass between her toes. She longed to see her uncle’s horses, eat fresh seafood until her stomach ached, and recap moments in her girlhood with her cousins. She couldn’t wait to kiss Nana's face 95 times for her 95th birthday. She needed to smell the blue hydrangeas in her auntie’s garden. She needed to be home.

Terry stole glances at Patrice, finding joy in her enthusiasm. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before or in the nearly two-hour ride from Fayetteville. He knew she’d tucker out eventually, but seeing her brimming with unbridled happiness made his heart swell. 

“God, I hope my auntie made okra. Oooh and crab cakes. I haven’t had any in so long!”

Terry listened to the way her accent slurred and shortened words in rapid succession with a smile. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to understand you by the end of the weekend.” 

“You’ll be lucky to keep up past tonight.” she laughed. "My granny ‘dem Geechee tuh de bone."

“Y’all make everything sound like music. I like it.” 

“If you tell Moon Pie that, she might try to take you from me.” 

“You gon’ let her?” 

“Hell nah. I’ll whoop her ass. She ain’t crazy.” 

The thought of having to put hands on her cousin behind her man made Patrice scowl while Terry let off a loud, shoulder-shaking cackle. Though she was serious as a heart attack, she laughed along with him to release the tension building in her muscles. 

Terry reached across the center console to gently rub her arm before playfully caressing her chin to pull a smile from her lips. 

“No way I’d let you fight as pretty as you are. Plus, we’re celebrating all weekend. If you aren’t smiling from tonight ‘til Sunday, I didn’t do my job.” 

Patrice’s mouth twisted into a suspicious smirk. “And what’s your job? You know, if someone were to ask for a friend.”

“Keeping you happy.” His cheeky quip made her eyes roll as she kissed her teeth. 

For over a week Terry had been tight lipped about something Patrice couldn’t put her finger on. She’d tried to catch him in a fib or make him slip up and share whatever details existed behind hushed calls and unmarked deliveries. But, Terry was notorious for keeping secrets under lock and key. Whatever he was planning would sneak up on her like a thief in the night. 

“You nervous to meet everyone?” Patrice questioned to change the subject.

“Nah, I’m good.” He cut his eyes in Patrice’s direction and smiled when he found her already eying him skeptically. “Think I’m lying?” 

“Yeah, I think you’re full of shit. Either that or you’re truly unaware of how crazy my folks are. No way you aren’t a little concerned.” 

He shrugged. “I’m not too worried. I love you, so I know I’ll love them. We’ll figure out the parts in the middle.” 

Everything Terry knew about Patrice, in his mind, was a beautiful amalgamation of those who had a hand in raising her into the woman she’d grown into. He knew her mother and how the two shared the same heart for community service. From her father, she’d inherited an uncanny ability to stop a whole room from speaking with only a raised eyebrow. Though he’d only heard stories of her grandmother, he could tell that her independent nature was a founding feature. And, if those things could make his heart turn flips with one look across a crowded room, he’d have no trouble making space for his bonus family. 

Patrice tried to formulate a counterpunch to Terry’s levelheaded assessment of the situation but had a change of heart as smooth asphalt transitioned into the familiar crunch of gravel beneath her car’s tires. 

Black iron gates adorned with an ornate H were pulled open, giving anyone casually walking by a peak into an almost mythical land. Terry’s eyes darted from place to place, lingering on the hanging moss trees lining their path, then on the children gleefully chasing each other through fallen leaves around a small white gazebo, before landing on a magnificent wrap-around porch serving as a gathering spot for elder men taking inventory of fishing equipment for an early morning trip to catch the evening’s meal. The Big House, as Patrice affectionately called it, was a modern marvel, an oasis for every hue of black man, woman, and child with Habersham blood in their veins to feel like they were somebody in an otherwise cruel world. 

“Beautiful, ain’t it? Auntie did her thing with the last renovation.” Patrice asked, beaming as she started to unbuckle her seatbelt.

“Incredible. Is this al-” 

Whatever was left of Terry’s awe-inspired sentence was swept into the wind as Patrice hopped from the passenger seat and onto the concrete driveway before the car could come to a full stop. 

Like a child finally released from the confines of their classroom onto the playground for 30 minutes of recess freedom, she hit the ground in a slight jog to greet a woman about her age skipping down the porch steps to meet her halfway. 

“Imani,” Patrice hollered, her arms already outstretched in anticipation of a hug. 

Imani called her name back with equal excitement until the two women were joined in a tight embrace. Terry watched from afar, a warm smile tugging his lips to one side as he shut off the engine and exited the vehicle. 

The two women rocked side to side until they’d had their fill of one another. Imani pulled away first to get a look at her favorite baby cousin. 

“My girlfrieeend,” she sang, imitating the theme song from the only show they watched for a full summer in their teens. “You look so good. The skin, the hair, the body! It’s all working right now.” 

“Me? Look at you! I know for a fact this caftan is from like Paris or Bali or somewhere crazy.” 

“Oh you know, just a little somethin’ custom from London. Not too much, not too much.” 

“How you stand it there with that nasty looking food is beyond me, girl.” 

Imani laughed. “That’s for them other folks. People that look like us know where to get a good meal. You oughta come see me sometime. Book a flight and let me worry about the rest.” 

“Next summer?” 

“I’ll throw it on my calendar. Bring Mister Man, too.” 

Patrice didn’t need to turn around to know that Terry had made his presence known. She could feel the warmth of his hand on her lower back as he joined her side. 

If he hadn’t known her for nearly two decades, Terry would have easily gotten Patrice and Imani confused. Both women wore glowing deep dark skin like a badge of honor, soaking up rays of sun and reflecting them in the way that only ethereal beings could. Wide noses and plump, pink and brown lips complimented impossibly high cheekbones. Beauty marks at the corners of opposite eyes might possibly be a tell-tale sign if one could fight being lulled into a trance by the sheer grace they both possessed. The only difference was Imani’s slight height advantage and low, ash blonde haircut.

“Wow,” he whispered, the words catching him by surprise. He shook his head in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I just - y’all are damn near twins.” 

“Don’t I know it,” they spoke in unison. 

Patrice took over after a chuckle. “They used to call us Frick and Frack. Mostly because they couldn’t always tell who was who.”

“Which Petey over here never wanted to use to our advantage.” 

“Petey?” Terry questioned. 

“Wait, she never told you her nic-” 

“And, that’s enough,” Patrice hollered, purposely eclipsing Imani’s voice to keep her cousin from going further. “Terrence, this Imani. Imani this is Terrence, my man.” 

Terry could feel a bolt of lightning surge through his body as he reached out to shake Imani’s hand. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure what Patrice might call him in a simple introduction. He’d always given her a treasure trove of titles - his lady, the love of his life, maybe his wife one day if the Lord willed it so. He’d introduced her so much that they never explored how the inverse would work. But hearing himself be proudly referred to as her’s was a shock to the system that he hadn’t prepared for but welcomed all the same. 

Imani waved his outstretched hand away and pulled him in for a hug. “Boy, we family. Come here and get this squeeze.”

Like an old friend, Imani pulled Terry into a welcoming hug. Patrice looked on with a silent thanks to God. If what she knew of her cousin still held weight, they’d be fast friends and thick as thieves by the end of the weekend. 

Pulling away, she lightly tapped his chest and looked at Patrice. “I can’t believe I finally get to meet Terry Richmond in person. You’re basically her Nelly!” she laughed, recalling Patrice’s near obsession with St. Louis and their hometown hero after Hot in Herre debuted. Patrice rolled her eyes while Terry and Imani held on to each other through loud laughter.

“Got damn, Moanie, hold ‘em hostage why don’t you! You ain’t the only person they know ‘round here.” 

“Hey, Daddy!” 

“Hey, Baby Girl!”

The perfectly timed distraction took Patrice’s attention away long enough for the newest tandem to exchange hushed conversation.

“Yeah, but I’m the best!” Imani hollered back before winking at Terry and Patrice. “Go on. I’ll have the boys get y’all’s stuff. Make sure you get to the kitchen. Think Mama’s got some pound cake cut for you.”

The mention of other family members awaiting their arrival was a quick reminder that Terry had barely scratched the surface of new faces and connections. Every direction he turned presented another opportunity to be pulled into a spirited handshake or warm hug. 

With the men in her life, he was immediately received with masculine equivalents of praise for his physical form.

“Son, you look like ya 'bout tuh buss out dat shirt 'round ya arms. Petey, you don’t have to worry ‘bout no protection, huh?” was Uncle PJ’s way of saying he was confident in Terry’s ability to keep Patrice safe. 

“You comin’ out fishin’? Country boy like you probably catch catfish with your bare hands!” 

“Where you from?”

“Where your people from?” 

“They white? How you get them green eyes?”

“You got kids? You sure?” 

“You know you got some ears on you, don’t ya!”

Patrice’s father, Leon, interjected to save Terry from an increasingly invasive dive into his personal history. “Don’t answer none of that. But I would like you to come out on the water with us. Have a beer or two so we can finish that conversation from the other week.” 

“Y’all talking about me behind my back?” 

“Hell, I do,” Junior laughed. “She aggravating, bruh. You can say it. Go ��head.”

“You better not.” 

Patrice playfully poked a perfectly manicured finger into Terry’s chest to force his silence, earning a chaste kiss on the forehead. Junior scoffed and sipped from his half-empty bottle of water.

“T, you grown now. Your big ass don’t have to let her boss you no more.” 

“That’s my favorite part,” Terry answered, finally speaking up for himself. “She sweet when she wanna be.”

“I ain’t seen it.”

“Because I don’t like you, Junior. How many times do we have to go over this?”

Terry tried to contain his wide grin from watching the siblings bicker like old times. He’d been in the middle of many a verbal tussle between them, always stepping in as the voice of reason. He still held the role of peacemaker all these years later. 

“She loves you, man. Still keeps your room up and everything.” 

Leon shook his head at his children’s antics. “Good thing you here. I couldn’t take that shit this weekend.” He pointed at the passenger seat of his truck and the open lunch box resting in it. “So, you comin’. Got food for you if you wanna ride.” 

“Uh, yeah,” Terry started before looking toward the house at the small audience of women crowding at the kitchen window. They scattered when he caught their gaze, making him laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. “Give us a few minutes. I think there’s some people inside I gotta meet first.” 

“Good luck, man. I would say you got five minutes but we both know that ain’t happening. We’ll wait a bit.”

With one trial by fire ending, another began. In their short walk to the front porch, Patrice had given Terry opportunities to gracefully bow out of the incoming circus and take her father’s invitation as a get out of hell free card. He’d refused every effort with a kind smile and unfounded reassurance that everything would be okay. In his mind, he’d hug a few necks, kiss a few cheeks, and be out of dodge before anyone could hold him long. 

Stepping into the home’s foyer felt like being in a museum. Photos of Habersham descendants living and passed on to Glory lined the hallway as a reminder of their history on this land. Eyes that carried an array of stories looked back at him, leaving goosebumps across his arms. Especially once he landed on a young woman with a familiar half-smile encased behind an antique picture frame. 

Patrice noticed him stop short to give the photo his full attention. 

“My great-great-great grandma,” she informed, adding extra emphasis on the final ‘great’. “Efua. Nana says she was barely bigger than the kids but ran this place with an iron fist. I believe it. She look like she don’t play.” 

“She looks kinda like you and Imani.” 

Patrice tilted her head to get a better look. “Hm. I guess you’re right.”

Clamoring in the kitchen pulled them away from Efua’s watchful eye and around the corner for their grand entrance. 

Women of every age, size, and shape filled the room from wall to wall, each one participating in the cooking process. On one side, a small group of teenagers huddled to inspect bushels of greens for bugs and cut them in preparation for a proper wash. On the other, small girls shelled black-eyed peas and giggled amongst themselves over TikTok videos. But in the center of the room, where spices and fresh ingredients intermingled for an almost intoxicating aroma and conversation was the loudest, all of the cornerstones of the family gathered to share gossip and wisdom alike. 

Terry’s appearance, tall and muscled with a winning smile to match, sent a hush over even the loudest woman present. 

“Oh God,” Patrice mumbled to herself, preemptively embarrassed by the storm she knew was sure to follow. 

Someone whistled. Then came a low “mm-mm-mm” from an auntie fighting hard to contain herself. Terry let every sound and look fuel his ego for just a few seconds before speaking. 

“Hey, ladies.” 

“Hey, Terry.” 

Every voice greeted him in unison like the Angels speaking to Charlie over that old speakerphone. Patrice screwed her face and pinched his shoulder. He’d been given strict instructions the night before, but being in the moment called for an audible that immediately made him a shiny new toy to be paraded.

Before he could have any say so, Patrice’s mother was ushering him around for every aunt and cousin to say a personal hello. He charmed each woman who met his acquaintance like a seasoned politician. If nothing else, they could all hang on to the memory of meeting the long-fabled Terrence Richmond. 

But, for all the pomp and circumstance, every breath hitched once Rosalyn led Terry to matriarch. 

She wore 95 years on Earth well. Chestnut skin covered in beauty marks crinkled around her eyes as she smiled back at him. Even as she sat in her wheelchair more slight and fragile than Patrice remembered, Terry could see her inner strength shining through.

Patrice watched her mother lean down and speak something into her grandmother’s ear before directing Terry to crouch down to eye level. He did as he was told, gingerly capturing her much smaller hands in his. 

“Hi, Ms. Ida. I’m so happy to finally meet you. My name is Terrence.” 

The softness in his voice ignited a chorus of heartwarming sentiments from every corner. Patrice had become so enraptured in the meeting she never thought would happen that she nearly missed her mother directing her to join Terry’s side. 

Ida didn’t say much back to him. Instead, she slid her hand from his grasp and traced her fingertips along the perimeter of his face. She examined him from all angles with a nostalgic look in her gaze. Terry tried not to let confusion come through in his expression, but Rosalyn caught the sliver of uncertainty. 

“You remind her of somebody close, that’s all. Same eyes.” 

He’d inadvertently sent her back to her childhood, bringing back memories so deep in her mind she thought she might never get them back. Even with slightly darker skin and broader features than Paul could boast back then, Ida still saw him clear as day. And that, all those years later, made her feel more alive than ever on her 95th birthday.

Ida tapped his jaw lightly and laughed. “Mhm. Petey, this him?” 

Finally joining Terry’s side, Patrice mimicked him and knelt by her grandmother’s feet. 

“Yes ma’am. He wanted to be here for your birthday.” 

“Nice looking boy, ain’t he?” 

Patrice giggled. “He cute, I guess. I heard he got you a gift for tonight, but he won’t tell me what it is. Can you believe it?”

“Well, hell, this all the gift I need. Give me anything else and I might not make it to 96!” 

“Mama!” 

Sybil hated when her mother made jokes about death, but Terry couldn’t help but laugh. He wanted to joke with her, see what else she might say knowing that no one in the house could tell her what to do, but the loud blast of a car horn in the front yard reminded him that he’d made a prior commitment. 

Gently, he squeezed her knee and spoke loud enough for her to hear. “Now, I go gotta go catch you somethin’ for tonight. You gon’ be here when I’m back?” 

“Oh yeah,” she answered, reinvigorated and saucy like her younger self. “I’ll be dressed up real nice too. Might leave here with two gals on your arm.” 

“You know I never been the sharing type, Nana.” 

Ida smiled at Patrice, nodding in approval. “That’s my girl. Keep that up.”

A second and longer beep let Terry know that time was running out. He quickly bid the group farewell, ending on Patrice with a simple kiss on the cheek and a promise to be back soon. 

While she became swept up in a whirlwind of who, what, when, and where, Rosalyn and Sybil slipped away to speak with Terry on his way out of the door. He’d become the center of attention, even long after his scent had faded. 

“Is he the one from high school?” 

“What’s he like?” 

“Is he always this nice?” 

“Y’all shackin’ up?” 

“When y’all getting married? What about kids?”

More questions, more prying, more assumptions than she could handle. Short, vague answers weren’t enough for them. They wanted the full scoop from the young lady they once knew as a shy girl who only focused on her studies. 

Patrice answered every question with enough detail to satiate their curiosity and maintain some level of privacy in her relationship. For a moment, that was enough. They’d unveiled the mystery of Petey’s other life and could move on to more pressing matters.

They quickly shifted to discussions of other people’s business. Who’d had a baby? Who was divorcing? Who’s kids were raising hell in the community? They took a winding road filled with chats about celebrity news and politics, nonsense about music, and, Patrice’s personal favorite, the old days. 

Those chats, full of lore and laughter, always took place in Nana’s parlor. A room covered in powder pink wallpaper and situated in the corner of the home where natural sunlight welcomed any guests that had the privilege of visiting. 

The older women sat side by side, crammed on expensive armchairs and soft couches, to convene at their leisure. Patrice stood by her favorite spot beside the window with Imani sitting on her right and her grandmother positioned in front of her. On her left stood a small table holding hair grease, a fine-toothed comb, and duck bill clips to help her pincurl Ida’s shoulder length silver hair. Her favorite pastime. 

“Everyone of y’all was bad,” Sybil laughed, referring to the crop of children that came up with Patrice. “Y’all came here every summer acting a damn fool.” 

“Not me and Petey!”

“Especially you and Petey. The worst of the bunch. Just sneaky and sassy!” 

“I don’t know what you talkin’ about. All I did was read and sit up under Nana.” 

Patrice’s highly inaccurate recollection of her time in the country every year made Ida laugh in her wheelchair. “Don’t let ‘em lie on you. I never saw my baby gettin’ in no trouble.” 

“Oh yeah right!” Sybil exclaimed. “Ros, wasn’t you there when these two let all the chickens out and had us chasin’ them ‘round out back.” 

“Sure was. They had all the grown folk out there huffin’, puffin’, and ‘bout to blow the house down!” 

The room fell into laughter watching Sybil imitate the group of adults fighting to capture livestock. Patrice remembered that afternoon and tried to defend their actions. 

“Okay, that is true, but I remember that being your daughter’s idea. I was only helping my sis.” 

Imani shrugged and sat back in her seat. “You raised an activist. Those animals were in captivity.” 

“Moanie, you eat meat,” Moon Pie commented. 

“I never said they didn’t taste good. I said we were holding them captive. The circle of life is different. Now let’s talk about how Moon had us sittin’ at the eating table all night because she wouldn’t finish her Frogmore stew thinkin’ there were real frogs in it.”

“Heaven forbid a girl need proof!” 

More laughter. The kind of laughter that healed deep emotional wounds. The kind that seeped into the walls, keeping the home full of love and light. The kind that made Patrice happy to not only be home but to share a piece of her heart with the man she loved. 

While she wished he could hear the silly stories and witness the exaggerated retellings, Terry was fidgeting with his fingers as he waited for Patrice’s father to meet him at the back of his truck. 

Across the way, the other men sat in small clusters, chatting their way through a midafternoon lunch break. As much as he wanted to talk shop with them about the fate of the Carolina Panthers, there was a more meaningful matter on the table. 

Leon grunted as he closed the driver’s side door and rounded the truck’s cab. “Let that down, will you?”

Terry sprung into action quicker than he meant to, nervousness making him move at hyperspeed. Leon laughed and lifted himself onto the truck bed before handing over a small cooler. 

“Grab whatever you like. We got plenty.” 

“Thank you, sir.” 

“Just Leon. Kinda weird to call your father-in-law sir, ain’t it? Plus that’s that fool’s name over there and he ain’t worth a damn. Lazy sumbitch.” 

“I got you. Won’t happen again,” Terry chuckled as he pulled a piece off of his turkey sandwich and popped it into his mouth. They sat in silence for a few moments to enjoy the sound of nature around them until he reignited the conversation. “I appreciate y’all agreeing to all this. Especially so quickly. I hope things don’t feel rushed.”

“You ain’t doin’ nothin’ I wouldn’t want for my girl. She need somebody willing to go above and beyond for her. I know you always have and I don’t see you slowin’ down no time soon.” 

Terry nodded, smiling. “Couldn’t if I tried.”

“I know. Moanie got the ring, right?” 

“Yeah. We worked it all out a couple weeks ago. She’s hiding it for me and keeping Treece distracted. You know she’s nosey.”

“Her mama said to call it inquisitive.” 

“Hm. Inquisitive, huh?”

They looked at each other and spoke at the same time. “Nosey.”

“That’s her,” Leon remarked. “Time’s flyin’, ain’t it? I remember when it looked like you was drowning in your clothes. Now look at you. Big as a damn tank. What they feed y’all in the Corps?” 

“Shit, nothing but slop and a hard time seasoned with a dash of casual racism from some crazy white boy outta one of the Dakotas every once in a while.”

Their shared laughter disturbed a cluster of nearby birds, making the rest of the men look in their direction. Sir threw his hands up in the air. 

“Well, damn, Leon. Gone ‘head and fuck up the catch!” 

“Or I can fuck you up instead.” He looked over at Terry struggling to keep his face neutral and shook his head. “I can’t stand his ass. Or his daughter. Or his wife. All of ‘em get on my nerves. C’mon, so we can finish up.”

As high noon gave way to early evening and the sleepiness of fall pushed the sun into the west earlier than usual, Imani and Patrice sat alone in one of the guest rooms engrossed in conversation. 

Imani was the only sister Patrice had ever known. It didn’t matter what portion of the world they occupied or how long it’d been since they last talked, they always picked up right where they left off when they were reunited. 

Patrice focused on the vanity mirror to examine Imani’s careful twists and twirls to place her thick natural hair into bantu knots.

“You think I can grow my hair out like this by January? I’m going to Ghana and I wanna switch it up a little bit.” 

“Of course. Manifest it, my sister!” 

Imani laughed as she parted out another section. “If I ever need somebody to follow up my foolishness, I know I can count on you.” 

“What Whitney said on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack?” 

Together, they broke into song, harmonizing to breathe life into the final track from one of their favorite movie soundtracks. Imani hugged her cousin from behind and kissed her cheek. 

“I love you, girl. I miss you so much. It gets so lonely being away from home all the time.” 

“I love you, too. Life be life-ing, don’t it?” 

“All the time. I gotta make my way out to Fayetteville and spend more time with y’all. Maybe learn some more about Mister Man.” Patrice tried to hide her bashful smile, making Imani squeal behind her. “So…tell me about Terry. I know you said something downstairs but I wanna know the real scoop.” 

Patrice sighed at the mere thought of their romance. “The way I love that man, girl, I can’t even explain it. I feel like I’m going crazy.” 

“Oooooh! Swept you clean off your feet, huh?” 

“Threw me over his shoulder and hasn’t put me down since. Never in a million years did I expect to end up here with him. I mean I hoped for it, but to be here is mind-blowing. He’s so sweet, Moanie. So, gentle. Kind. More affectionate than I think I was ready for. I don’t know. I’m just in love. I’m happy.” 

“It’s all over you. I see the glow.” 

“Well, that’s from other things,” she added, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.

“Not the choir boy!” 

“Please, don’t let him fool you. Can’t keep him off me or keep his mouth closed when he gets to talking.”

Their shared laughter spilling out into the hallway became a beacon of their location for Terry as he dragged his tired legs up the stairs in search of Patrice.

His knuckles rapping against the closed bedroom door halted the private conversation until they gave him permission to enter. He slowly pushed the door open before poking his head into the room. 

“Everybody decent?” 

“Mhmm. Come on in.” Imani invited over her shoulder. She looked back at Patrice through the mirror as her cousin adjusted her clothing and sat up a little straighter in anticipation of Terry’s avalanche of affection. 

His eyes seemed to close beyond seeing clearly from the sheer force of his smile. 

“Hey, pretty.” 

“Hey, love. You have fun?” 

Terry released a dry chuckle. “Yeah. A real hoot.” 

Imani watched the young couple flirt back and forth, her hand outstretched to pass a small black velvet box from a drawer in her vanity to Terry while he kept Patrice occupied with short kisses. He secured it in one of his cargo pockets before pulling away. 

“You stink,” Patriced joked, half lying.

“I know. I still have some set-up work to do, so I’ll bring your stuff. Don’t want you to get behind on account of me.” 

“Thank you, baby. You’re so sweet.” 

Patrice captured his chin with her fingers and pulled him closer for another kiss. 

Terry lifted an eyebrow in concern. “You sick?” 

“No. I just love you.”

“I love you, too.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The way she softened her gaze to scan his face. The way the gloss on her lips caught the sun. The way every one of her perfect features was on display with her hair pulled up and away from her face. He’d never been more confident in a decision in his life and, if not for the promise he’d made to half of her immediate family, he would’ve done what he drove all the way out to Wilmington for right then and there.

Knowing time was of the essence, Imani cleared her throat and gave Terry a look to urge him along behind Patrice’s back. 

“Well, Terry, think you oughta get down there and set up a table or something, right!”

Snapping out of his trance, Terry stood to his full height to look down at Patrice. “Yeah, you're right. See you a little later?” 

“It’s a date.”

He wanted to give her one more kiss to take with him, but a final reminder for him to scram was the catalyst to push Terry out of the room and leave the ladies to readying for the evening. 

She was all he could think about as he toiled away setting up tents and placing tables exactly how Rosalyn wanted them, sometimes several times over. Even as he casually sipped strong moonshine with Junior and the younger men under lantern light, all dressed in his most pristine white to fit strict instructions, he thought about Patrice and what might look like in the dress she’d chosen. He needed to see her.

His hands were sweating inside of his pockets. He casually caressed the velvet of that small black box, occasionally flipping it open to touch the cold metal inside. Time moved painfully slow. Hunger gnawed at his empty stomach. His mother’s constant phone calls for updates and reassurance didn’t help. Nervousness made his chest hot with anxiety. 

“You gon’ be alright,” Rosalyn assured while adjusting his collar on one of her many trips around the backyard to adjust the tablescape. “Breathe. Won’t be too much longer.”

He thanked her for her kindness and prayed she was right. Or he prayed for the dream he’d written down on a random Tuesday in his creative writing journal to come true. He wasn’t sure anymore. But, when he opened his eyes and lifted his head to check that sliding glass door for the umpteenth time, there she stood amongst the Habersham women as they escorted the guest of honor arm in arm. 

Angelic was the only way he could describe her. Cosmically beautifully and capable of bringing the strongest man to his knees just by batting those long lashes. A toothy grin helped him bare each one of his teeth as he watched her saunter down the decorated pathway to the event tent with Imani in tow. 

“Happy Birthday to you,” the group sang once Ida and all her ladies had made it to the long communal table packed to the brim with food and decorations. 

They serenaded the woman responsible for much of their existence until their faces ached from the singing. She bobbed her head along to the song with a smile on her face then quieted their loud applause with a simple wave of her hand. 

“Ninety-five of those and you’d think I’d be used to it by now,” she laughed. “Thank you. Each of y’all are beautiful. Young and strong. Blood of my blood and I’m glad to have you here with me. Even the ones who just came along to spend some time with an old lady. I love you. Eat, drink, and dance ‘til you bust out your clothes. That’s alright with me! We got a lot to celebrate.”

Teary-eyed and full of gratitude, Patrice reunited with Terry at the dinner table as soon as she ensured her grandmother was comfortable. He worldlessly dabbed at her waterline with his thumb and kissed the top of her head. 

“You okay? Need to step inside for a second?” 

“No,” she answered, laughing at herself for her dramatics. “I’m just really happy. C’mon. Let’s eat.”

Eat, drink, and be merry had a whole new meaning under the soft, warm light wrapping variations of black skin in its embrace. Loud pockets of conversation and laughter made for a melodious cacophony of sounds while music played in the background. 

Patrice clung to Terry the entire time, always staying connected by a hand on his thigh or their fingers laced together beneath the table. Every once in a while, they’d break from separate conversations and catch each other’s eye and smile like schoolyard crushes sitting at the lunch table together. 

The romance in the air between them was palpable enough for Imani to pull out her phone and covertly shoot Terry a quick text. 

Dessert’s out. Do it now or they’re gonna start dancing. 

Now?

NOW!

Terry eyed Imani across the table. She urged him to do something with a sideways nod. He chewed his lip and fiddled with the box in his pocket. The music was starting to pick up as a few small children hit the dancefloor. Imani gave Rosalyn the signal to make a video call.

Now or never. 

He nervously clinked his knife against his wineglass and cleared his throat. 

“Nigga, you gone break it! That’s Big Mama good crystal.”

“Shut the hell up, Sir! You ain’t pay for none of this.” Rosalyn’s reprimand came with visual daggers sent to her baby brother at the far end of the table that only softened when she looked back at Terry. “Go ahead, sweetheart.” 

Terry stood to look at every confused face in the vicinity while he waited for one of the teenagers to turn the music down. 

“Sorry, y’all. I just had a few words to say. I won’t be before you long. In the real way, not the pastor way.” His attempt at a joke fell flat. Patrice tried to keep him motivated with a smile, but her eyes begged him for answers that he couldn’t provide. “Um, I know I’m the odd man out around here. Y’all have been incredibly kind and welcoming. I really appreciate it because you didn’t have to. Especially you, Ms. Ida. Happy Birthday, again. You look beautiful.” 

“Thank you, baby.” 

He nodded his appreciation and continued. “I also wanna thank Ms. Ida and everybody else who gave me permission to ask a question of somebody really important to me. Because I know being here with all of y’all is really important to her. Can you stand up for me, Treece?”

Patrice allowed Terry to help her to her feet before whispering through her teeth. “What are you doing?” 

“Something I’ve been wanting to do since I met you.” 

There wasn’t time for Patrice to process his statement. Terry slowly dropped to one knee, not caring about the dust below him. He kept his focus on her the entire time, even as quiet whispers turned into fervent murmurs. 

“When we were kids you told tell me that, if you ever got proposed to, you didn’t want a big speech or any of the stuff they did in movies. So, I promise not to do that. What I will do is tell you how much I love you. And I’ll do that today, tomorrow, and every day after that if you allow me the privilege of being your husband.” 

“Terrence,” Patrice huffed out as she tried to contain her mess of emotions. He reached up to grip her hand. "Don't make me cry in front of my people."

“Too late. Patrice, I’m askin’ you scared as hell in front of all these people, will you marry me?”

Everyone watched as Terry presented Patrice with an open ring box and a sparkling diamond illuminated by the small light tucked into the inside.

“I knew it,” Patrice whispered, losing the battle against the happy tears pouring from her waterline. 

“No, you didn’t, girl! We got you. Answer that man,” Imani hollered.

Her heartbeat pulsed in her ears. The cheering from her family began to muffle. Her body temperature skyrocketed. She felt faint. The people were waiting. What would she say? 

Just as reality began to slip away, Terry’s eyes looking back at her quieted the external and internal noise. 

Driven by pure love, Patrice met Terry in a squat and grabbed his face with both of her hands. 

“What you doing tomorrow?” 

“Hopefully saying a couple vows to this pretty girl I know from way back. I brought a tux with me just in case she wasn’t too busy.” 

“From way back, huh? I think I talked to her and she has a little time on her books.” She took another look at the ring before plucking it from its box and placing it on her left ring finger. She examined it for a bit then leaned forward to kiss her betrothed with enough passion to send the crowd into a frenzy. Pulling away, she smiled and wiped gloss from Terry’s lips. 

“Let’s do it. Let’s get married.”

----

TAGS: @planetblaque @wvsspoppin @thatone-girly @avoidthings @slutsareteacherstoo @eilujion @amyhennessyhouse @yaachtynoboat711 @jenlovey @pinkpantheris @blowmymbackout @onherereading @hrlzy @becauseimswagman1 @thiccc-c @urfavblackbimbo @blackburnbook @ashanti-notthesinger @xo-goldengirl

[omegaremix]

Omega Radio for February 13, 2021; #255.

Body Stuff: “Spies”

Cherubs: “Full Regalia”

Peeping Drexels: “Ray Purchase”

Cutie: “Marinate It”

Disco Doom: “Kollaps Korrekt”

Abandoncy: “7 More Ohms”

LSD March: “Clepsydra Flames”

Wand: “Lucky’s Sight”

David Nance: “110 Blues (I-80)”

Watcher: “Druthers”

Pure Adult: “Can Not Wait”

Pigeon Religion: “Shootist”

Belk: “Japanese Dancer”

Acquaintances: “8 ½ Lives”

Torrid Horror: “An Ode To The Chair”

Wasted Shirt: “Eagle"

Native Sun: “I See Through You”

Chubby & The Gang: “Speed Kills”

Hussy, The: “Cornflakes”

Metayouth: “Speech Balloons In June”

Vincas: “Bury Me Upside Down”

Deyssi: “Pound Cake”

Remy Lexington: “Make It Stay”

Adulkt Life: “JNR Showtime”

Rat The Magnificent: “Up The Street”

Modern Technology: “Semi-Detached”

Strangelight: “Digressions From Sierra Leone”

Bitter Branches: “Oil Of Snakes”

Evil Hoodoo, The: “Haunted”

Guaranteed Ugly: “Ugly Girl From The South”

Hash Redactor: “Floral Pattern”

Wasted Shirt: Zeppelin 5

Deluxe garage, psych-, and noise rock.

[eastwood2022]

1970 - Clint Eastwood (Hogan) et Shirley MacLaine (Sara) dans Sierra Torride de Don Siegel / 1970 - Clint Eastwood (Hogan) and Shirley MacLaine (Sara) in Two Mules for Sister Sara by Don Siegel

Pour voir la vidéo cliquer sur : L'essentiel sur SIERRA TORRIDE de Don Siegel (1970) présenté par Fabrice Calzettoni.

Page YouTube de Fabrice Calzettoni - L’essentiel sur le cinéma

L’essentiel sur Clint Eastwood

Texte : Fabrice Calzettoni © sgdl 2022

Fabrice Calzettoni est responsable de la médiation culturelle et animateur des ciné-conférences à l'Institut Lumière et au Festival Lumière, Lyon. Il est animateur des ciné-conférences.

[omegaplus]

# 3,675

Omega Radio for February 13, 2021; #255.

Body Stuff: "Spies"

Cherubs: "Full Regalia"

Peeping Drexels: "Ray Purchase"

Cutie: "Marinate It"

Disco Doom: "Kollaps Korrekt"

Abandoncy: "7 More Ohms"

LSD March: "Clepsydra Flames"

Wand: "Lucky's Sight"

David Nance: "110 Blues (I-80)"

Watcher: "Druthers"

Pure Adult: "Can Not Wait"

Pigeon Religion: "Shootist"

Belk: "Japanese Dancer"

Acquaintances: "8 1/2 Lives"

Torrid Horror: "An Ode To The Chair"

Wasted Shirt: “Eagle"

Native Sun: "I See Through You"

Chubby & The Gang: "Speed Kills"

Hussy, The: "Cornflakes"

Metayouth: "Speech Balloons In June"

Vincas: "Bury Me Upside Down"

Deyssi: "Pound Cake"

Remy Lexington: "Make It Stay"

Adulkt Life: "JNR Showtime"

Rat The Magnificent: "Up The Street"

Modern Technology: "Semi-Detached"

Strangelight: "Digressions From Sierra Leone"

Bitter Branches: "Oil Of Snakes"

Evil Hoodoo, The: "Haunted"

Guaranteed Ugly: "Ugly Girl From The South"

Hash Redactor: "Floral Pattern"

Wasted Shirt: Zeppelin 5

Deluxe garage, psych-, and noise rock.

[omegaradiowusb]

FEBRUARY 13, 2021 (#255)

Body Stuff: "Spies" Cherubs: "Full Regalia" Peeping Drexels: "Ray Purchase" Cutie: "Marinate It" Disco Doom: "Kollaps Korrekt" Abandoncy: "7 More Ohms" LSD March: "Clepsydra Flames" Wand: "Lucky's Sight" David Nance: "110 Blues (I-80)" Watcher: "Druthers" Pure Adult: "Can Not Wait" Pigeon Religion: "Shootist" Belk: "Japanese Dancer" Acquaintances: "8 1/2 Lives" Torrid Horror: "An Ode To The Chair" Wasted Shirt: “Eagle Slaughters Graduation” Native Sun: "I See Through You" Chubby & The Gang: "Speed Kills" Hussy, The: "Cornflakes" Metayouth: "Speech Balloons In June" Vincas: "Bury Me Upside Down" Deyssi: "Pound Cake" (***NEW) Remy Lexington: "Make It Stay" Adulkt Life: "JNR Showtime" Rat The Magnificent: "Up The Street" Modern Technology: "Semi-Detached" Strangelight: "Digressions From Sierra Leone" Bitter Branches: "Oil Of Snakes" Evil Hoodoo, The: "Haunted" Guaranteed Ugly: "Ugly Girl From The South" Hash Redactor: "Floral Pattern" Wasted Shirt: “Zeppelin 5″

WUSB welcomes everyone to another deluxe edition of Omega Radio. We’re almost finished with one of the busiest broadcasting seasons we’ve ever had. This time, we offer two hours of new and current garage, noise rock, and other lo-fi blow-outs that pins everything to the red.

See you in two weeks where we close out our winter broadcasting season. Thanks for listening.

February 27, 2021: final Omega Winter 2021 deluxe broadcast.

[younghades]

So, ya boo did Portland Fashion Week.

Model: Jazmin Monae (me @young_had3s on Instagram)

Holographic Look: Pocket Paradise Skirts

Shawl and Mini Purse: Pocket Paradise Skirts

Crown: She-Era by Sierra

Red Hair Piece: Chris Vandehey

Black Dress: Torrid (3 years ago)

Photos: Tim Ward Photography

[radiance-solutions]

Pink set of Delights for Larger Ladies by julia-joules featuring a ruffle blouse

Midi dress / Open End cream dress / Lucky Brand long sleeve top, £29 / Lucky Brand v neck t shirt, £16 / Old Navy ruffle blouse, £28 / Party top, £19 / Plus size blouse, £11 / ASOS Curve pink jacket, £150 / River Island plus size coat, £93 / River Island plus size jacket, £85 / Mat plus size kimono / Gray pants, £93 / NYDJ women's plus size jeans / Floral skirt, £61 / Red skirt, £21 / Torrid push up bikini, £40 / Dippin Daisy s swim dress, £28 / Coline women's plus size pants, £26 / WearAll pink legging, £14 / Jon anna, £12 / Asics platform shoes, £56 / Avenue wedge sandals, £47 / Dearfoams Closed Toe Slippers, £6.21 / Avenue hand bag, £43 / Avenue wristlet purse, £11 / Avenue statement necklace, £12 / Avenue gold jewelry, £12 / Avenue butterfly necklace, £12 / Avenue layered necklace, £12 / Monet jewelry, £9.32 / Monet jewelry, £9.31 / Avenue fake earrings, £7.77 / Avenue fake earrings, £7.77 / Tech accessory / High Sierra tech accessory, £31 / Avenue beach hat, £19 / Aéropostale pink headband, £7.38

[5sosbitchfest]

Some fashion places, like Torrid, for example consider plus size to start at size 10. Which is definitely not Sierra. That’s for sure. Just adding that in there. Plus size models tend to be size 10 and above.

Okay, I’ll give you that plus sizes start when you reach the double digits. Though like you said, she’s nowhere near that.

[sergeotokar]

Sierra Torride (1970 ) réalisé par Don Siegel est un western typique de l’époque. Le film raconte les tribulations d’un mercenaire interprété par Clint Eastwood accompagné d’une bonne sœur (superbe Shirley MacLaine) au Mexique, pendant l’occupation de l’armée française en 1867. Même si c’est avant tout un film américain, il a tous les ingrédients d’un western italien. Sa violence exacerbée ne recule pas devant certaines séquences chocs. L’humour et son cynisme sont particulièrement bien intégrés dans des dialogues ciselés et corrosifs. Le rythme est soutenu et l’ensemble ne se prend jamais vraiment au sérieux. Le dernier acte ressemble même à un film de guerre assez jouissif. Ennio Morricone compose ici une bande originale assez emblématique dans sa foisonnante filmographie. En d’autres termes, on a vraiment l’impression de regarder une production de Sergio Leone tant l’influence est évidente. Loin d’être un western majeur, Sierra Torride coche toutes les cases d’un divertissement épatant et le tandem d’acteurs (loin d’être original, puisque nous avons déjà vu plusieurs fois l’association entre cow-boy et bonne sœur) fait toujours des étincelles… Amen ! #sierratorride #donsiegel #clinteastwood #shirleymaclaine #westernart #westernfilm #filmculte #classiqueducinema #geek #geekinworld #movies #cinephile #movie#7art #cinema (à Paris, France) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClrIcaiNa60/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fintasticpvsite-blog]

Retirement in Puerto Vallarta - What is Heading on South of the Border?

Consciousness, toddler boomers never be late for the celebration! If you have not observed what's possible on south of the border, possessing only read through about illegal immigration north of the border, the subsequent may perhaps probably show to be fairly awakening and insightful.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a sleepy insignificant Mexican fishing village positioned in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on Banderas Bay alongside the Mexican Riviera is no longer sleepy or insignificant. The populace has in essence exploded due to the fact the filming of "The Night time of the Iguana" in 1963. Vallarta has grown from two,000 inhabitants prior to 1963 to the most recent decide of 350,000 inhabitants in 2007. Suitable now, the populace of much better PV would make it the subsequent most significant town in the Mexican condition of Jalisco, only driving Guadalajara. You should refer to the pursuing graph in purchase to check this explosive improvement and its projection for the adhering to 10 many a long time: (Make confident you pay back a pay a visit to to the web web page under for graph facts) Placing this in issue of view, you are going to discover the earlier pointed out chart implies that Vallarta has now attained the sizing of St. Louis and assuming the projected growth retains accurate, it will be equivalent in proportions to Cleveland in just ten many years. The sizeable just take take note of curiosity is that St Louis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and so forth., will all most likely display minimum to no, it's possible even detrimental growth, whilst PV is expected to develop by still an additional 50% all through the upcoming 10 many many years. Now, we inquire, what is heading on down there? First, permit us look at who's moving there. The complete sector of Vallarta is dependent on tourism and the immigration of North Us inhabitants. The US information from the IRS returns implies a development from two hundred,000 US citizens a number of yrs ago to 750,000 Men and women in america residing in Mexico in 2005. Of the 750,000 Us people, we can only estimate that fifty,000 Men and women in the us and Canadians now get hold of Vallarta household. With the tens of many quantities of condos and villas at this time beneath developing or in the ten 12 months placing up section, we can only envision that by 2017, the North American inhabitants in better PV will be someplace relating to a hundred,000 and a hundred and fifty,000 retirees. The adhering to are some of the very good motives for this explosive progress: Local climate--The 7 month "exceptional time" of November by implies of Might well has an regular every day temperature of seventy three*F with nearly no probability of rain. Environment--Vallarta, positioned in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on the Banderas Bay, a person specific of the best and most amazing bays in the globe, is in the center of the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful seashore locations, rocky cliffs, mountain sides overlooking the bay, tropical bouquets and wildlife, and all the sights that a human being would hope to obtain in Paradise. Protected--With tourism getting the existence blood of the economic technique, North People today in the usa are "off restrictions" pertaining to any style of authorized workout. Because guns are strictly prohibited in Mexico, burglaries, robberies, etcetera., are pretty much unheard of. The principal aim of most all of the youthful technology of natives is to ensure all North People in america a pleasurable and safe just take a seem at to Paradise so that they are likely to return shortly and usually. Stress of a terrorist attack in Vallarta? Ignore it! Friendliness--In 2001, a viewers poll taken by Conde Nast journal in depth Vallarta as the friendliest vacation resort wanted destination in the world. The locals take care of North People today in the us with dignity, respect, and as mates, household, and basically as royalty. Cleanse up Foods and H2o--The explosive populace expansion has triggered a full revamping and rising of the town infrastructure. This functions the freeway method, electrical power period and distribution, and of education course, consuming drinking water treatment and distribution units. The water is pure and harmless to consume from the tap during the city. All meals things merchandise are now available in the pretty a several new contemporary supermarkets equivalent to the very best in the States. Foodstuff for home or restaurant consumption is intently monitored for cleanliness and managed as in North The usa. Health care treatment method--Two new enormous modern hospitals and just a person lesser present day-day clinic in Vallarta are totally capable of handling all emergencies as proficiently as challenging surgical strategies. Contemporary dental clinics are also in Vallarta offering crowns, caps, implants, as correctly as all the basic dental solutions. When you loved this information along with you wish to be given more information about Fishing in Vallarta generously pay a visit to our own site. All of the wellness pros and dentists converse English and loads of of them have professional at the pretty the very least some qualified coaching in the States. Good friends--Every single single North American that you see in Vallarta, and they are easy to location, is maybe on family vacation or retired, i.e., none of them have to go to accomplish tomorrow! They are all open up to new friendships and new comers are frequently welcome. It can be 1 substantial party with no looming pressures of the business workplace or the commuter vacation in the morning. Language--Due to the fact the general overall economy in PV is based mostly on tourism, it is crucial to connect English. As a outcome, it is estimated that at the really least 80% of the youthful era is now conversing or at least knowing English. Dialogue is not a concern in Vallarta and there is no have to have to come across out Spanish. Vacation Time--Even with the truth that Vallarta is on the equivalent latitude as Hawaii, it is only two to 3 a number of several hours from most of the US cities. All the highways coming down from the US are now super fashionable tollroads and the generate to PV can be manufactured in two instances from the border. Connectivity--With higher velocity on line help available citywide, on the internet primarily dependent telecommunications, and satellite Television available all about the position, you have the correct very same get in contact with with the entire globe that you would have where ever in the US or Canada. Actions--Overall planet class deep sea fishing has been for a number of many years, and will commonly be, a big activity in Vallarta. There are now 7 lovely golfing plans with more beneath enhancement. There are hundreds of tennis courts, h2o pursuits, night day to day residing galore, and as nicely a lot of golf equipment and providers to level out. If you have nothing at all to do in PV, it actually is only for the reason that which is your alternate! Benefit of Residing--The expense of common staples is about the comparable as in North The united states, even so, housing is roughly fifty % the price and housing similar taxes are a portion of these in the States. All products and solutions and products and services are a 50 % to a third of these in the US like specialist healthcare and dental remedy just simply because labor fees are so substantially decreased. The selling price of eating, outdoor routines, and so forth., are really substantially in line with folks in the States. Financial Security--The Mexican peso, at somewhere all over ten.8 pesos per US dollar, has held firm for the earlier 10 a lot of decades. There are no devaluation troubles at this time as the Mexican economic system booms. Political Stability--The PAN occasion has ruled in Mexico specified that 2000 and will remain in energy at minimum right up until 2012, assuring a twelve calendar year consecutive operate of Mexico getting to be governed by Harvard graduates! Avoidable to say, they are specialist-US and pleasant to the North. Economical expense--Residence values have tripled for the duration of the earlier ten yrs and are envisioned to double once again all via the future 5 yrs. With the booming all round financial state, the Mexican inventory marketplace has also tripled by the past 10 quite a few a long time. There is no gradual down of progress in the foreseeable impending. With any luck ,, the earlier described 15 merchandise will offer some rationalization for the booming financial process and explosive expansion in Vallarta. They say that the party's not previously mentioned, that it has only just began. The Mexican Countrywide Tourism Improvement Basis (Fonatur), has specified a 30 mile stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean shoreline north of Vallarta as the new Riviera Nayarit, anywhere a lot more than five billion kilos will be invested throughout the pursuing 10 quite a few decades building 30,000 new occupations as they develop shut to twenty,000 new condos, villas, motels, and so forth. As the North Men and women continue on to flock to Paradise, the infrastructure advancement and forthcoming scheduling functions continue at a torrid tempo.  

[the-75-blog]

Ye - Album Review

Ye is seven tracks long. The album is not what I expected. I’d hoped it would be a return to form for Kanye, but instead it is a further exploration of the artists ego and fear. The saying goes that lightning doesn’t strike more than once, but Kanye has proven that wrong over and over. His body of work includes albums that have been game changers in the hip-hop world. Kanye doesn’t ever give you what you were expecting; he always delivers more. How many artists are there with a first album that pushes hip hop into a new direction as opposed to serving up more of the same radio fare?

 How many artists have a College Dropout under their belt? Or an 808’s and Heartbreak? Or a Graduation? Or a, you get where I’m going here. Kanye has repeatedly raised the bar for the hip hop genre. So where does that leave Ye in the mix? If Kanye said to have consulted an eighteenth-century demon to make Yeezus, then Kanye may have consulted director Michael Gondry for Ye. Kanye lays emotions bare on the table here. The first track is him musing over how he wants to kill an identified person while professing his love for them. He also expresses a yearning to kill himself too.

 Ye is Kanye’s darkest album, even though the production is contrarily full of high notes. The craftsmanship of the production is top notch, but is not a return to form for Kanye. The album has no versions of “Stronger, Gold-Digger, Touch the Sky, or Through the Wire”. Here Kanye broods. The slick production runs counterpoint to the narrative. It’s as if we had stepped inside the mind of a jaded, artistic genius, where the sound scape was designed to disorient any trespassers into this torrid place.

 Kanye has recently been professing a lot of love. Love for Trump. Love for the plastic surgeon that killed his mother, the late Donda West. Love for all people. I think expressing love requires the letting go of a lot of pain. Maybe that’s what Ye is for Kanye; a pain letting exercise where we the audience mutually experience an artist’s catharsis. In recent years, Kanye has been through a lot as a person. There was his breakup with Amber Rose, the passing of his mother, the negative fashion press, the robbery of his wife, the mental exhaustion, the hospital stay, the dying his hair and posing for a photo with President Donald Trump, and the backlash for his open support of the President and blacks who had pledged their allegiance to the right.

 Hopefully Kanye finds another “Good Life, Diamonds from Sierra Leone, or Jesus Walks in him. Ye is a very good album. It’s seven slick and tight produced tracks. It feels very much like the “Eternal Sunshine of Ye’s Spotless Mind” should have been the title for Kanye’s latest album. I like it, but I am already finding myself listening to the tracks less and less. Only if a little Pusha T or Bump J would have rubbed off on Kanye during their time spent in the studio.

 In hindsight, the track Free on the Kanye / Cudi collaboration album, Kids See Ghosts clearly indicates Mr. West no longer feels constrained by the reviews or opinions of others. He is free. Free to make the music he wants, over what’s expected. It’s quite a thing to experience the artistic and personal growth of a musician throughout their career. I would grade the album a B+. Though good, the album is not in the top five of Mr. West’s discography.

[elcinelateleymickyandonie]

Ann Sheridan.

Filmografía

- Search for Beauty (1934)

- Bolero (1934)

- Come on Marines (1934)

- Murder at the Vanities (1934)

- Shoot the Works (1934)

- Kiss and Make Up (1934)

- The Notorious Sophie Lang (1934)

- Ladies Should Listen (1934)

- You Belong to Me (1934)

- Wagon Wheels (1934)

- The Lemon Drop Kid (1934)

- Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1934)

- Ready for Love (1934)

- Star Night at the Coconut Grove (1934, cortometraje)

- Behold My Wife (Os presento a mi esposa, 1934)

- Limehouse Blues (1934)

- Enter Madame (1935)

- One Hour Late (1935)

- Home on the Range (1935)

- Rumba (1935)

- Car 99 (1935)

- Rocky Mountain Mystery (1935)

- Mississippi (1935)

- The Red Blood of Courage (1935)

- The Glass Key (La llave de cristal) (1935)

- The Crusades (1935)

- Hollywood Extra Girl (1935) (Corto)

- Fighting Youth (1935)

- Sing Me a Love Song (1937, escenas eliminadas)

- Black Legion (La legión negra, 1937)

- The Great O'Malley (1937)

- San Quentin (1937)

- Wine, Women, and Horses (1937)

- The Footloose Heiress (1937)

- Alcatraz Island (1937)

- She Loved a Fireman (1937)

- The Patient in Room 13 (1938)

- Out Where the Stars Begin (1938, cortometraje)

- Mystery House (1938)

- Little Miss Thoroughbred (1938)

- Cowboy from Brooklyn (1938)

- Letter of Introduction (Carta de presentación, 1938)

- Broadway Musketeers (1938)

- Angels with Dirty Faces (Ángeles con caras sucias-No somos ángeles) (1938)

- They Made Me a Criminal (Me hicieron criminal) (1939)

- Dodge City (Dodge, ciudad sin ley, 1939)

- Naughty But Nice (1939)

- Winter Carnival (1939)

- Indianapolis Speedway (1939)

- The Angels Wash Their Faces (1939)

- Castle on the Hudson (1940)

- It All Came True (1940)

- Torrid Zone (1940)

- They Drive by Night (Pasión cieg), 1940)

- City for Conquest (Ciudad de conquista, 1940)

- Honeymoon for Three (1941)

- Navy Blues (1941)

- The Man Who Came to Dinner (El hombre que vino a cenar, 1942)

- Kings Row (Abismo de pasión, 1942)

- Juke Girl (1942)

- Wings for the Eagle (1942)

- George Washington Slept Here (George Washington durmió aquí, 1942)

- Edge of Darkness (Al filo de la oscuridad) (1943)

- Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943)

- Shine On, Harvest Moon (1944)

- The Doughgirls (1944)

- One More Tomorrow (1946)

- Nora Prentiss (La sentencia, 1947)

- The Unfaithful (1947)

- El tesoro de Sierra Madre (1948) (cameo)

- Silver River (Río de plata, 1948)

- Good Sam (El buen Sam), 1948)

- I Was a Male War Bride (La novia era él, 1949)

- Stella (1950)

- Woman on the Run'' (1950) (también como coproductora)

- Steel Town (1952)

- Just Across the Street (1952)

- Take Me to Town (1953)

- Appointment in Honduras (Cita en Honduras, 1953)

- Come Next Spring (Cuando llegue la primavera), 1956)

- The Opposite Sex (Sexo opuesto, 1956)

- Woman and the Hunter (1957)

- The Far Out West (1967).

Créditos: Tomado de Wikipedia

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Sheridan

[sasha276]

October 15, 2020

Been busy today. Immediately when I woke up I colored my hair. I don't know what got into me. Lol it's a not natural auburn instead of the bright red. It will look better in our fall family pictures.

I cleaned out and organized the fridge. And 3 out of 6 cupboards. They were a mess! Had to clean and reorganize them.

I still have three cupboards and two drawers to go. Plus the freezer. I don't know if I'll grey anything else done today in the kitchen. I'd like to at least do that messy freezer though. I still have to highlight Sierra's hair at some point, and make dinner. Have somewhere to be at 6 and it's already 10 after 4.

It's going to be so much easier to find things I need I the kitchen. Then I move on to other areas in the house. I have a book shelf in the hall to keep towels on and I have little covered plastic site boxes to organize everything. I did it two years ago and since noone is things where they go, I'm having to start over. Then I need to organize the dining room soon. Bathroom, living room, bedroom. Probably Sierras room. Told her to clean it, but I'll have to reorganize and get rid of clothes that don't fit her.

One.....step....at....a...time.

It's a pretty day. Hope it's this pretty Saturday when we have pictures done! I got Sierra a new outfit, so cute! I'm wearing a torrid dress I bought for $5 (it was a steal!). Haven't worn it yet, seems like it will look good. I hope I really like these pics! I have issues with not liking pictures others take of me. I still have so much weight I need to lose.

I guess I should go for now. Need to start on that freezer!

[newscheckz]

Top 10 Famous Movies Filmed in Africa

New Post has been published on https://newscheckz.com/top-10-famous-movies-filmed-in-africa/

Top 10 Famous Movies Filmed in Africa

Thanks to the beautiful climate, exceptionally friendly people and gorgeous landscapes that will have you gasping for air, Africa has become a prime location for movies and big budget series.

Our beautiful Motherland is set to grace our silver screens more frequently now as more and more producers realize that we have that ‘picture perfect’ kind of land. That being said, here are the famous movies you did not know were filmed in Africa: 

Out of Africa: 1985 (Kenya)

Arguably the one film that portrays Kenya’s awe-inspiring beauty the way it should be portrayed. Shot on location in Karen and the Maasai Mara, Out of Africa is a film based on the life of Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) and the exploits she had on her coffee plantation and colonial Kenya.

Meryl Streep and Robert Redford bring the best out of this film that is teaming with love, conflict, colonial politics and betrayal. As good as the story is, it is the beautiful shots of the spectacular Kenyan plains that will get you!

Mad Max: Fury Road: 2015 (Namibia)

Currently in Cinemas, Mad Max: Fury Road is set to be one of the most popular movies this year. Fury Road is the 4th installment of Mad Max and it stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.

Based on a post-apocalyptic world, Mad Max: Fury Road was shot on location in Namibia after the original Australian location became too lush and flower filled to suit the kind of dystopian sand filled carnage that goes on in the film.

Lord of War: 2005 (South Africa)

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Lord of War tells the story of Yuri Orlov, played by Nicholas Cage, an infamous arms dealer who thrived in the most war tone and conflict ridden parts of the world. It was shot in Cape Town and it captures a side of Africa that many have come to know (War, corruption and dictators).

That, notwithstanding, the picturesque shots of South Africa in this film will drive you wild with awe.

Blood Diamond: 2006 (Mozambique/ South Africa)

Leonardo Dicaprio plays a rogue mercenary in this film set in war tone Sierra Leone in 1999. He teams up with Solomon Vandy, played by Djimon Hounsou, who plays a Mende fisherman, to recover a huge pink diamond that will set them both free from their different sets of problems.

There is war, love for family, moral gray areas and conflict in this film. It portrays an ugly side of Africa and humanity as whole, it does however portrays exceptionally beautiful terrain in Mozambique and South Africa.

The Last King of Scotland: 2006 (Uganda)

Forest Whitaker plays ‘Idi Amin’, Uganda’s most infamous dictator. The story is told by Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy, who was hired as the dictator’s physician.

He leads us through Amin’s life and through most of rural and urban Uganda as it were in 1971. Of course, the lush terrain and beautiful African weather does not disappoint.

African Queen: 1951 (Uganda and Congo)

An amusing adventure between a riverboat captain, played by Humphrey Bogart and a missionary spinster, Katharine Hepburn.

The bunter, the scenery and the thrilling adventure that ensures here is nothing short of classically entertaining. So, if you are a fan of classic films, you might want to look this up and enjoy.

Cry Freetown: 1999 (Sierra Leone)

Not to be confused with Cry Freedom (set in Zimbabwe), Cry Freetown tells the story of the civil war in Sierra Leone in 1999.

Told by local journalist, Sorious Samura, this is a film that will yank your heart out of your chest and make you doubt the good in humanity. It does however, showcase a beautiful, albeit, war tone Sierra Leone.

The Constant Gardener: 2005 (Kenya)

Shot in Nairobi, this is the story of Justin Quayle, played by Ralph Fiennes. Quayle was a UK diplomat trying to explain his wife’s murder. His wife, played by Rachael Weisz, was an amnesty activists who was investigating a dangerous drug trial that would have implicated and exposed the torrid malpractices of a huge pharmaceutical company.

The film feature Kibera, Kenya’s hugest slam and beautiful shots of Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital.

Invictus: 2009 (South Africa)

You probably knew this one was shot in South Africa. It is a story surrounding the events that led to South Africa’s 1996 Rugby World Cup victory. Morgan Freeman portrays a charismatic Nelson Mandela who motivates the South African ‘Springbok’ rugby team and all but demands that they win the Rugby World Cup in the name of the national pride and unity.

Matt Damon plays Francois Pienaar, the team Captain. It is shot on location in beautiful Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Robben Island.

Hotel Rwanda: 2004 (Rwanda and South Africa)

This heart wrenching film will restore your faith in humanity as a Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabinga, a humanitarian hotel manager in Kigali who saved hundreds of Tutsi and Hutu refugees from certain death during the genocide.

Born a Hutu father and a Tutsi mother, Paul put his own life in danger to save his fellow countrymen from marauding militia members who looked to tear the country apart. This film was shot on location in Kigali, Rwanda and South Africa.

The physical beauty and amazing climate in Africa makes it the perfect continent for many movie sets. Adventure films like Tomb Raider II had scenes from Kenya’s very own Hell’s Gate National Park as well as Amboseli.

More and more film producers, both local and international, are realizing that these beautiful scenes make for picture perfect silver screen moments and are heading to Africa for gorgeous footage for their big blockbuster movies.

If you have seen a wonderful film, both locally or internationally produced and shot on location in Africa, do not hesitate to share that with us in the comment section below. Also tell us your favorite scene from a big blockbuster film shot in your country.

[howardhawkshollywoodannex]

Bette Davis in makeup with Perc Westmore for The Little Foxes (1941).  Perc was born in Kent, England and had 355 makeup credits in his career, from uncredited makeup supervisor in 1925 through 23 episodes of The Bill Cosby Show (1970-71).  His other films among the best 1,001 are Public Enemy, Doctor X, Mystery of the Wax Museum, Gold Diggers of 1933, Lady Killer, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Ceiling Zero, The Life of Emile Zola, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Angels With Dirty Faces, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Roaring Twenties, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Charles Laughton's Quasimodo makeup only), Torrid Zone, The Sea Hawk, They Drive By Night, The Sea Wolf, The Great Lie, Sergeant York,  The Maltese Falcon, They Died With Their Boots On, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Kings Row, The Male Animal, In This Our Life, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Across the Pacific, Now Voyager, Casablanca, Air Force, Old Acquaintance, Passage to Marseilles, To Have and Have Not, Mildred Pierce, The Big Sleep, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Key Largo, Adventures of Don Juan, White Heat, and The Flame and the Arrow, almost all being for Warner Brothers.  In 1956 Perc took an extended leave of absence and returned to do makeup on 69 episodes of The Munsters (1964-66).