Fearing Fear Itself

Everyone is disappointed about something in their life, I don't care who you are. I like to believe that even the rich snobs that I went to college with have a disappointment or two. I have the general ones. I wish I were a famous writer by now, and I am sad that I do not own a home. The biggest disappointment is how much my life is controlled by fear at this stage of things. 

I used to watch Oprah with my grandma when I was a kid. And I remember she did an episode with Tina Turner, and I think Patti LaBelle. You know, all of her baddie besties. I think it was her birthday episode. Anyway, they went on and on about how being old was cool because you were so sure of yourself and free. They had no desire to be 20 because being 50 or 60 was where it was at! Worrying and fear were things of the past! I guess everyone has their own experiences, because the experiences they described laughing it up with Ms. Winfrey have not been mine! 

This probably comes as no surprise, but I was a scary, fearful kid. I didn't want to get in trouble. I followed the rules. My mom gave me a long leash as a teen to do pretty much anything because she knew how scared I was of everything. Even as a kid, I was fearful of death. I was scared my grandma was going to die or my mom or even my friends. I was scared of what would happen if I got really bad grades, and then in middle school,  when my grades fell, I was scared I wasn't going to get into college. In my young adult life, the fears just got more intense. Fear of being alone. Fear of losing my apartment. Fear of being a failure. Fear of losing my job! Those of us who suffer severely from the superiority complex that is having faith will say that you can't believe in God and be fearful at the same time. That kids is a lie! I have spent many a night praying while being overwhelmed with fear! I honestly don't know any other way to pray. 

Today, I got my test results from a procedure that I had earlier in the week. I called the doctor to see if someone could go over them with me, and the doctor who answered had a bit of an attitude with me. Or maybe she didn't. Maybe my anxiety is so high that everything anyone says sounds like it has some extra heat on it. No one has called me back, and I am so overwhelmed with fear that literally all I can do to address it is write about it. I have no idea when my Patti LaBelle moment is supposed to happen; when I am supposed to kick off my designer heels and scream on the stage of my life. Knee-deep in yet another hair-raising situation, I have to say, I am fearful that the day will never come. 

Snapped: Oprah At The San Fran Selma Screening

The upcoming film SELMA had a special screening yesterday at the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco followed by a Q&A where Director/Executive Producer, Ava DuVernay, Producers Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, andActor David Oyelowo (who plays Martin Luther King) participated. SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films, is in select theaters on Christmas Day and opens wide on January 9th, 2015. 

  

SELMA Executive Producer/Director, Ava DuVernay and Producer Oprah Winfrey during Q&A session at Castro Theatre in San Francisco.

(L to R): Producers Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner participated in a special Q&A at Castro Theatre yesterday.

Carla Hall and O-Town Come To The A

Celebrity Chef Carla Hall kicked off the Oprah Life You Want Weekend by leading the Bounty Power Meetup Discussion here in Atlanta. I was one of the first members of the press to arrive because I love Carla, and the very idea that Oprah may stop by got me up up and going early that morning. 

             (Other press early birds)

Carla spoke on the panel with Nicole Jones and Karmetria Burton, and the ladies discussed what it took to get their businesses and careers started. One of the main points I loved was when Karmetria told the ladies of the audience to not be afraid to speak up in the workplace. Carla gave the priceless advice to stop apologizing for having good ideas and to stand behind them. 

          (Nicole, Carla, and Karmetria)

(The panel and the audience, PC Joey Levine)

Tide gave out samples while Bounty allowed us to write on the wall, telling them how we bring it, while Crest photographed us letting them know when we feel complete. 

After the panel, even Carla joined in the fun. 

             (Carla PC: Joey Levine)

The rest of O-Town was a smash as well. A Covergirl MUA did my makeup, I got a scalp message and hair tips from the folks at Pantene, and got free samples from Olay. 

Toyota was in O-Town showing the new Camry, I was given a free closet divider for taking my picture at the Ikea tent, and I had the opportunity to strike a pose around the park. 

Sadly, I didn't get to meet Oprah in person, but O-Town was still awesome, before I lost my phone charger, which is drama for another post, lol. I will totally be more prepared next year if Oprah returns. 

See other pics from the event on Instagram at #LifeYouWantATL, and don't forget to catch Carla on The Chew on ABC. 

Andre on Frizz

If you are not familiar with Andre Walker, all you need to know is that he has been doing mega star Oprah Winfrey's hair for YEARS. He also has his own collection of hair care products, and gives us tips on how to tame the frizz during these last days of summer.

1.       Use Q-Oil  by Andre Walker Hair                                        
The Q-Oil is great for controlling summer frizz and is recommended for all hair types.

Q-Oil, $35.00

Available at www.andrewalkerhair.com

2.       Braid your hair
Braids are cool and clean looking in summer heat. A French braid in the front will keep hair from falling your face, while a side fishtail braid can be a very sexy option.

3.       Try a pulled back knot
A pulled back knot is intriguing and can show off a great pair of earrings. Try securing the knot on different areas of your head, like on top, or to the right or left side of your nape.

Learn more about Andre Walker's products at: www.andrewalkerhair.com