Meeting Jermaine Jackson

9/19/11

Jermaine Jackson, the fourth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s older brother, held a book signing yesterday at Barnes and Noble in New York City. It was the perfect way to end my vacation week. I was anticipating meeting him since I first found out about it in August. I went on this adventure alone and met my wonderful MJ family when I got there.











The night before, I was so excited that I barely slept and if I did, it was only about three hours. I know my friends Raquel and Nieesha barely slept because they slept outside to hold spots! They were amazing and brave. I truly commend them for doing that, too. I got up at 6:00am and got dress in the panther Michael from the end of the “Black or White” video. Now I was on my way to my very first Jackson family experience.











When I arrived, it was not too many people but Raquel moved me right up front with her and Nieesha. As time passed, we found ways to stay entertained so we began rocking out to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 songs. More of our friends, such as Gadget Trish, Shelly, and more, began to arrive and we got even more hyped. We danced to “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and I did a solo of “Billie Jean.” I was definitely a crowd pleaser. I met so many people that day and it was nothing but Jackson family love.











Then it was time. We got in line and they let us in. I was the fifth in line and I began to feel nervous. Then he finally came out. He waved, smiled, and blew kisses at us all and people were trying to photograph every moment. The line began to move and the butterflies came. As I approached him my heart rate sped up to non-existent a speed, but I ignored it and proceeded.


Me: “Hello, how are you?”

Jermaine: “I’m good, how are you?”

Me: I’m blessed. It’s an honor to meet you.

Jermaine: “Thank you. It was an honor meeting you as well.







I walked away in a struck manner with a huge smile. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I wanted to yell out loud and cry at the same time. I did manage to keep my composure. There was a part that stood out more because the people told us we couldn't take photos with him at the podium. Yet after I finished, people started taking photos individually. The woman behind us told me. I went and told my friends and Gadget Trish helped us get back there to get our photos. I walked up to him with my "MJ swag" and he was impressed. I gave him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and took my photo. We even exchanged some kinds words.

Me: "It's me again"

Jermaine: "I see. You look great!"

Me: "Thank you so much"

Jermaine: "You're welcome"

Me: "Aww, I love you"

Jermaine: "I love you, too"

It was such a beautiful experience. I was so happy to have met Jermaine. I've been a fan of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5's music since I can remember and this is definitely a moment I will never forget.

Photos were taken by me and Gadget Trish and various friends

Meet Me In The Garden Pt. 17 and 18

I've been away from blogging about my lovely garden for a while but don't worry I have photos t5o share. It's getting closer to the end of the summer so we have been picking some veggies from the garden. I still have collards growing, cabbage, tomatoes, a cucumber or squash, peppers and an eggplant. I'm so excited because my mom has been using the vegetables in her meals cooking fried green tomatoes, adding them to salads and making cabbage.

Saturday September 3, 2011
Plot 1


Plot 2




Plot 3


Wednesday September 14, 2011
Plot 1








Plot 2






Plot 3



Dead leaves


Around the garden: Everyone has been picking their vegetables


Mom's Garden: Progress
Wednesday September 14, 2011

MJ Birthday Fan Brunch & Help Shannon's SHARE Foundation

9/10/11

I am so disappointed that I had to work earlier that day and miss majority of the celebration, but from the look of photos on Facebook, it was beautiful. The event was a birthday tribute to Michael Jackson, Shannon Tavarez who starred as young Nala in the Lion King Musical on Broadway who died at the age of 11 to leukemia and to the victims lost on September 11th 2001. Still in all, I was glad I still managed to be a part of a great day and memorable moments. This time my mom was a part of this adventure. We were on our way to the Riverwalk Bar & Grill on Roosevelt Island in New York City. We had a few delays with trains and buses but we made it there with an hour to spare. Plus it was my first MJ tribute performance. Of course I practiced like crazy and was a nervous wreck, not to mention my allergies had to bother. I did not let that stop me at all. The show most go on.









I performed the live version of "Billie Jean" wearing the signature sequins jacket and glove along with my sequins hat. When I was being introduced, I felt my nose starting to feel stuffy, I began to worry. Then as I began my routine, my nose tried to run. Yet once I began, it seemed like the sickness eased away and I gave them my all. I truly pushed hard. I felt MJ's spirit with me and I took it to a new level.



















After my performance, we all received a white balloon. We walked by the waterfront and began to sing "Heal The World" as a tribute to Michael, Shannon Tavarez, and the victims of September 11th. As we were singing, the sun came out a shined upon us all. Then after we released he balloons at the end of the song, as we began to celebrate Michael and dance, the clouds around the sun formed a heart. We felt that they loved our gifts. Then while walking back to the restaurant, I looked up and saw that the heart then formed into an "M." We all couldn't believe our eyes. You had to see it to believe it. Then it formed into Michael doing the "Toe Pose." Such an amazing and unforgettable moment. The power of MJ!







Photos taken by various members of Michael Jackson Fans of New York City, Gadget Trish and myself