Writing Series ~ Power House

I’m standing at the concierge desk wondering if I need to be signed in, escorted up, frisked, felt up or what? “Man, I ain’t got time for this shit early this morning. I’m at work; where the hell you think I’m at?”

“Excuse me,” I interrupt. “I ain’t try to hear all that noise, I ain’t even look at my cell phone until I got here this morning.”

“Excuse me,” I say again but this time knocking on the counter with my knuckles. “By man!” and he pushes the end button on his cell and looks up at me. Damn, he’s fine for a youngin’ but fine nonetheless.

“Good morning, do I need to sign in or be escorted to Power House?” “Naw,” he says emotionless and unmoved by my beauty. Oh well his lost.

I turn and head towards the elevator bank and read the names on the gold list of offices and suite numbers on the wall.  Power House, Suite 1028. I step in to the elevator and push the number ten. When the doors close I fix myself using the mirrored elevator doors. My spikes are spot on, I smooth the wrinkles out in my skirt, and rub the toes of my shoes on the back of my hose to give them a polished look.

“Ding,” the doors open, and I almost step out, but realize I’m on the eighth floor instead of the tenth. A young lady steps in, and doesn’t push any buttons. “Where the hell is she going?” I ask myself.

“Ding,” finally the tenth floor and we both exit. She makes a right down the hall, and I’m left standing there looking at the arrows pointing from left to right. "Damn, I should have said something to her, another missed opportunity," I said to myself. You never know who is who and I need to know that with the quickness.

 

To Be Continued.....

Dating In DC 101 ~ Interracial Dating

How many different flavors of ice cream do you like? How many types of food make you salivate? How many colors in the rainbow make you smile? Diversity is one of the many pleasures that the world has to offer so why should you limit your relationships to one race or ethnicity?

Me personally have never dated outside of my race, not because of any preconceived notions or taboos, just simply because no one has asked me. It could be that I haven’t been in the right places or in the right circumstances to meet someone. Maybe I don’t seem approachable; I’m not sure what keeps them at bay, but I’m ready to explore and experience the different colors of the rainbow and all that it has to offer.

Recently I joined Interracial Dating and Social Connections (IDSocialConnect) based in Arlington, VA in hopes of expanding my horizons.
I reached out to Chasta Piatakovas, the organizer of IDSocialConnect, to get some advice for myself and others who are ready and willing to diversify but not sure where to begin.

Here’s what she shared:
 

“I’ve always dated interracially. I’m a Black woman that doesn’t limit myself to dating one particular race. Being single isn’t easy and I think when singles say no to dating outside their race it greatly limits their chances to finding Mr. or Ms. Right.

Diversifying your dating pool simply means allowing yourself to be open to new experiences, and not allowing race to be a dating preference. Spend time where the singles hang out and remember to be flirtatious and open-minded. Men approach women (regardless of race) who display open body language (i.e., sitting legs apart, giving eye contact, playing with hair, and exposing neck and inner wrists). No matter how beautiful you are, if you look intimidating or uninterested, men—black or non-black—will not approach you.”

Please check out IDSocialConnect at www.meetup.com/idsocialconnect.IDSocialConnect is the largest interracial singles and second largest interracial dating Meetup Group with 1,142 members.

 

Writing Series ~ Power House

I give myself the once over in the mirror, not bad. I have on my high waisted black pencil skirt, a white cotton boyfriend shirt and some black patent leather pumps. I turn around and check out the view from the back. Damn, I could use a little more junk in my trunk, oh well.

I grab my purse off the bed and look inside, smartrip card; check, cell phone; check, wallet; check, house keys; check. I have all the essentials, and head for the door. Dag it, I forgot my journal, and run back to my bedroom and grab my journal off the nightstand.

My stomach is bubbling ‘cause my nerves are out of control and on top of that the train is stuck between Addison Road station and Capital Heights, so that’s not helping the situation one bit. I am so blown right about now.

I pull out my journal, put on my reading glasses and go over my notes. As I read over the information Amari gave me the train begins to chug ahead. Finally! Boy, this is some good stuff, but I can’t show my hand right away, first I have to see what Ian has in store for me. For all I know I just might be a copy and coffee girl, but that’s cool too. I have no problem starting at the bottom, but trust me if I’m getting coffee and making copies it won’t be for long. I jot a few notes in the margins; dates, places, who said what when, those kinds of things. Amari is cool and all, but I got to check some facts before I lay all this on the table.

Jeez, I look up from my journal and we’re at L’Enfant Plaza station and people are pouring in. I’m so distracted that I can’t focus and put the glasses back in their case, my journal in my purse, and put my sunglasses on so I can stare at some of the interesting folks on the train. The human condition is hilarious. People are pushing and shoving, some are rude and cussing and some are courteous and apologetic, I laugh to myself at the differences in people and wonder what kind of morning they’ve had before they set out on their journey. I make a mental note to myself to write about the first day of the rest of my life; I can be so corny.

Finally I’m at McPherson station. It seems like I’ve been on this train for a lifetime and not feeling as fresh as I did when I started out. Riding on Metro can do that to you. I exit the train and stand in the middle of the platform trying to figure out if I should go left or right. Boy I hate when other people do that, “Get out of the damn way,” I always think to myself. I take the “I” street exit since I’m going to the 1400 block of I street. I’m so smart.

Trying to get out of the station feels like cows going to slaughter or like human life as we know it is headed towards some alien mother ship. It seems as though we are all headed in the same direction, to our doom.

Finally sunshine, being underground has some kind of adverse effect on me, but I’m okay, no killing machine or alien mother ship is waiting to suck me in.

 I’m standing at the intersection of 14^th and I streets, NW. I turn left up “I” street and check the numbers on the buildings, 1402, 1406, 1408…. at least I’m on the right side of the street. 1410, 1412, 1414, I’m here, standing in front of the building that houses Power House.

To Be Continued….

Writing Series ~ Dr. Oz says...

I love Dr. Oz, I really do. I DVR his show, take copious notes when I’m watching, order products based on his recommendations, and believe he is knowledgeable and sincere.

In fact I drank Safflower oil to reduce belly fat, wrapped my thighs in cellophane after applying a kelp and clay mask solution, and drank green tea by the cup full.

Well, I was watching the show the other day and he recommended drinking four cups of black tea a day. What happened to the green tea? 

Then he did a segment about Green Coffee extract and how it is the new big thing in weight loss management. Really?

I shrug.

Is there any supplement or remedy that really reduces belly fat, gets rid of cellulite, and helps you lose weight? Who knows?

But I tell you this, I’ll try one more thing. I’ve ordered that Green Coffee extract and we’ll see what happens. I can’t take the chance that this one just might work.

Just Saying…..

Writing Series ~ Hey You Stole My Bike!

Yesterday I was walking in Capital Hill near Eastern Market when I saw a sign on a dry erase board in front of a home saying "Hey you stole my bike...."

I chuckled at first, then I got angry. What's wrong with people? What kind of person goes on to another's property and steals something? A thief you say? The question is rhetorical silly.

As much as I love living in the city, it is things like this that make me shake my head. You can't turn your back or drop your guard for a second lest you be separated from your belongings.

It's not that these types of things don't happen in the suburbs or even in the country (down south), but it seems that every moment of everyday in the city you've got to have your head on swivel, purse double tied in a knot around your shoulder, mace in your hand with the safety off, and sneakers on your feet just in case you have to make a run for it.

Just Saying....

Dating In DC 101 ~ What's Your Sign?

Do you believe that astrological signs have an affect on your intimate relationships?

When you meet someone new do you ask, "What's Your Sign?" then decide whether or not to take it to the next level.

Is it something that only Ol' Schoolers still consider? Me, I don't ask "What's Your Sign?" anymore, I try to do it covertly by asking "What's Your Birthday?" then take it from there.

I've done some research over the years and it could be coincidental, or it could be that we see what we want to see in others, but I will share some successful and some not so successfull pairings and let you be the judge based on your own personal experiences.

Zodiac Sign                                           Compatible                                 Incompatible

Aries                                                      Gemini, Leo,                               Cancer,
                                                               Sagittarius, Aquarius                  Capricorn

Taurus                                                  Cancer, Virgo,                             Leo, Aquarius
                                                              Capricorn, Pisces 

Gemini                                                  Aries, Leo, Libra,                        Virgo, Pisces
                                                              Aquarius  

 Cancer                                                Taurus, Virgo,                              Aries, Libra
                                                              Scorpio, Pisces       

Leo                                                       Aries, Gemini,                             Taurus, Scorpio
                                                             Libra, Sagittarius   

Virgo                                                   Taurus, Cancer,                            Gemini,
                                                             Scorpio, Capricorn,                      Sagittarius
                                                             Gemini, Leo

Libra                                                   Sagittarius, Aquarius                    Cancer,
                                                                                                                  Capricorn

Scorpio                                               Cancer, Virgo,                              Leo, Aquarius
                                                            Capricorn, Pisces

Sagittarius                                         Aries, Leo, Libra                         Virgo, Pisces
                                                            Aquarius

Capricorn                                         Taurus, Virgo,                              Aries, Libra
                                                           Scorpio, Pisces

Aquarius                                          Aries, Gemini,                             Scorpio, Taurus
                                                          Libra,Sagittarius

Pisces                                               Taurus, Cancer,                            Gemini, Sagittarius
                                                         Scorpio, Capricorn
                                               

Dating In DC 101 ~ The Erogenous Zone

This is the point where you put the kids to bed or put on the parental controls.

There have been lots of talk about Erogenous Zones and the G-Spot.

If you are a woman that is intimately in tune with her body than you can readily identify your Erogenous Zone and your G-Spot.

If you are not that woman than you might need some guidance.

In a nutshell, no pun intended, the Erogenous Zone is a place on your body that gives you sexual stimulation, pleasure, or arousal. It can be anywhere, your neck, the palm of your hand, the bottom of your feet. Everyones' zone is different and there could be many or few.

On the other hand the G-Spot is, according to medical authorities, located within the walls of the vagina. Some women would argue that point.

But whether it is your Erogenous Zones or G-Spot that gives you the most pleasure, you can't let your partner know if you don't know.

It's your body. Get in touch with it, learn what makes it move, what makes it sing, and what makes it cry.

If you don't know then neither will he.

Writing Series ~ Power House

Monday morning, 6:00 am and the buzz of the alarm clock startles me from my sleep.  Damn, I’m so tired, I know I should’ve taken my behind to sleep last night. I fling my legs over the side of the bed and force myself to sit erect. Maybe I can get five more minutes, no way, no how. Today is my first day at Power House and I want to be early and I want to bring it big time. 

I hit the bathroom, plug in the flat iron, turn on the shower, and brush my teeth. Now I’m starting to feel connected. As I step in the shower, my mind races to last night. Mental note: don’t forget to grab your journal. If Ian wants a story idea, I’ve got one for him. All that drama between Amari, my old boss K.C. and Councilmember Gray is sure to secure me a by-line, but I gotta play it just right. Hell, she gave me enough dirt to fill an entire magazine for issues to come, and I’m gonna spoon feed it to them like no body’s business.

Thank God I got my clothes ready last night ‘cause I sure don’t feel like hooking up a winning outfit this morning. Got to put on my smell goods, CoCo Chanel drives them crazy. Not that I’m trying to hook up with Ian or anything like that but, I saw him checking me out and he’s got something about him that turns me on. Keep it professional Dominik, no hanky panky. I chuckle to myself as I flat iron some spikes on the top of my hair. I’m feeling a little punk rock-ish today.

The owner and editor Ian Marcel (which I’m sure is a pseudonym) is one of the District’s elite. You know the type, always in black to look mysterious, talks in circles so as to not give out any info that can be traced back to him, and an avid listener. Something about him draws you in and the next thing you know, you’re telling him how you scored some heroin from a Capitol Hill Page.

No one knows how he maneuvered with ease throughout the city, being invited to the most reclusive parties, was told inner most secrets by those who keep this city running, and always seemingly in the right place at the right time. But there he was, always on the cusp of something big. I just know that’s where I want to be, right now, front and center. I’m determined to make my mark and make it stick, no matter what the cost. Okay maybe there are some things I might not be willing to do, but right here and right now I’m trying to make it happen. Opportunities like this only happen once in a life time and I’m gonna work it for all it’s worth.

To Be Continued.... 

 

 

Writing Series ~ Power House

I look at the clock again, 2:50 am; I better get some shut eye. My mind is still racing and I can’t get comfortable. I lay still thinking about Amari and how we met. Part of me feels like it was a lifetime ago while part of me feels like it was just yesterday. My thoughts take me to my past as I drift to sleep:

I’ve been told all my life to follow my passion. To tap in to what makes me tick, what makes me wake up in the morning and excites me to the core. When I think back, there have always been two things that made me move forward, things that made me dream, and things I yearned for, but never fully attained. They were teaching and writing.

 I remember one year I got a chalk board for Christmas. It was kept in my Grand-Mother’s basement because that was the only place there was room for it. As a child it was bigger than life. Each day I made my lesson plan, and tutored the imaginary students that sat before me. That black board, its’ chalk and eraser gave me the thirst for knowledge, I couldn’t let my students down, they depended on me, they had the same thirst I had, knowing.

 And then there was writing.  When I found my old diary I was amazed that my first entry was made in 1965 documenting my confessions to my Parish’s priest and my impure thoughts about a boy in my class that I no longer have a recollection of. It continued with how many Hail Mary’s and the Lord’s Prayers that I needed to complete to cleanse my soul of the feelings I felt for the boy who sat next to me when I was six years old. Then there are no entries until April 4, 1968, when I was 8 years old. Martin Luther King had been assassinated and I wrote of my city, the District of Columbia, and how it was in turmoil through the eyes of a child. I remember the nuns from my elementary school ushering us to the outlining boundaries and praying for our safe journey home.

When my Grand-Mother passed away the family gathered there to divide the treasures that lay within that small brick, semi-attached row house, the same house that housed my chalk board, and my imaginary students. Damn where the hell did I put that diary.

 

To Be Continued…..

Dating In DC 101 ~ Dating A Co-Worker

Dating a Co-Worker

Are you contemplating, are currently, or have dated a co-worker?

The thought of it sends chills up my spine and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention.

Oh the thrill of possibly getting caught when you sneak a kiss in the copy room, the rush of playing footsies in a staff meeting under the conference room table, its heart-pounding stuff, right? It just makes your heart sing.

But what about the ugly side?

You see him talking to another female as they go in to the supply closet. Really? She can’t get her own paper clips.

He sees you leaning over another guy’s desk and it appears that you’re showing a bit too much cleavage so now he’s giving you the silent treatment.

One thing is for sure, if you think it is going to stay a secret you are dead wrong.

So before you go gaga over the new guy two cubicles down know your companies policy on fraternization, because at the end of the day you have to determine if this office fling is worth your livelihood and reputation.

 

Writing Series ~ Power House

A Novel by Taylor Love

POWER HOUSE is the hottest magazine to hit the Nation’s Capital. Peel back the cover and enter the world of D.C.’s elite and powerful. Read about the rise and fall, the wicked and corrupt, and the underbelly of politics and big business. No one's secret is safe.

The Players:

Dominik Spencer always wanted to be a journalist, and finally she got her chance. She is determined to get her name in print no matter what.

Amari Black has lots of secrets she’s willing to share for a price and plots revenge on those who have wronged her.

Ian Marcel, the editor and owner of POWER HOUSE is naïve when it comes to the ladies but is ruthless when it comes to getting jaw dropping headlines for his premier magazine POWER HOUSE.

 

Stay plugged in to see who makes the sizzlin' pages of POWER HOUSE.

Dating In DC 101 ~ The Perfect Date

What is your idea of the perfect date?

 Me, I'd like for my suitor to have a car pick me up. In the back would be Bellinis chilled in an ice bucket and a red crystal flute for me to sip from. Jazz is playing on the radio and the driver is wisking me off to an unknown location.

We arrive, and I'm still not sure where we are but it's at the waters edge. There is already a blanket and picnic basket waiting there for me. I look around for my true love. I look to my right, but suddenly he's on my left touching my shoulder.

He kneels down beside me and kisses me gently on the lips.

Oh my. This is my first text to my blog.