Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Every man should be born again on the first day of January.  Start with a fresh page.  Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past."
~ Henry Ward Beecher

" We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day."
~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

“ Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

Today is the very last day of 2012. What an amazing year of revelations it has been for me. I feel like 2012 served as an awakening for me, and it is with a feeling of gratitude and awe that I await continued lessons and blessings in the new year.

So tonight I plan on celebrating every challenge, every triumph, every laugh, every tear, and every moment to  come. And the best best song to illustrate my celebratory spirit is none other than the Black Eyed Peas. Because, truly, I gotta feelin'... that 2013 is going to be a good year for all of us!!!



I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

A feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

A feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

A feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

Tonight's the night, let's live it up
I got my money, let's spend it up
Go out and smash it like oh my God
Jump off that sofa, let's get, get off

I know that we'll have a ball
If we get down and go out and just lose it all
I feel stressed out, I wanna let it go
Let's go way out spaced out and losing all control

Fill up my cup, Mazel Tov
Look at her dancing, just take it off
Let's paint the town, we'll shut it down
Let's burn the roof, and then we'll do it again

Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And do it and do it, let's live it up
And do it and do it and do it, do it, do it
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it

'Cause I gotta feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

A feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

Tonight's the night
(Hey!)
Let's live it up
(Let's live it up)
I got my money
(My pay)
Let's spend it up
(Let's spend it up)

Go out and smash it
(Smash it)
Like oh my God
(Like oh my God)
Jump off that sofa
(Come on!)
Let's get, get off

Fill up my cup
(Drink)
Mazel Tov
(Lahyme)
Look at her dancing
(Move it, move it)
Just take it off

Let's paint the town
(Paint the town)
We'll shut it down
(Let's shut it down)
Let's burn the roof
And then we'll do it again

Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And do it and do it, let's live it up
And do it and do it and do it, do it, do it
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, do it, do it, do it

Here we come, here we go, we gotta rock
(Rock rock rock rock rock)
Easy come, easy go, now we on top
(Top top top top top)
Feel the shot, body rock, rock it, don't stop
(Stop stop stop stop stop)
Round and round, up and down, around the clock
(Rock rock rock rock rock)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
(Do it!)
Friday, Saturday, Saturday to Sunday
(Do it!)
Get, get, get, get, get with us, you know what we say, say
Party every day, p-p-p-party every day

And I'm feelin', woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night

I gotta feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
Woohoo

A Little [SALEM AL FAKIR] for a Saturday Night

It's the very last Saturday Night of 2012, and I'm back to share another song from an artist you may not know much about, but still I think you'd dig!

If you've gone through a break up recently (or even not too recent), allow me to introduce you to your new anthem. I hope you all will enjoy "I'm So Happy"!!



If you like what you hear, you can check out more by visiting http://www.salemalfakir.com/eng/.

DOPE: "Mehbooba Mehbooba" from "Sholay" (1975)

There's an expression I always think of when I think of the Hindi film classic, "Sholay": Old is Gold! This movie became a hit before I was born, but it's truly a fabulous movie.

The funny thing is, the song I'm sharing today didn't really resonate with me when I first saw the film. I thought the movie was great and knew that this song is quite possibly the most beloved (pun intended) song from the film... but I wasn't really feeling it at first. It sort of crept into my mind and planted a seed, and I fell madly in love with it, so of course I share it with you all today!! I hope you all will enjoy "Mehbooba Mehbooba".



Hoo, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, oh

Mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved

Ooh, mehbooba ae mehbooba
Oh, beloved, oh beloved

Mehbooba ae mehbooba hoo hoo hoo
Beloved oh beloved

Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Main aur tu
Me and you

Mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved

Mehbooba ae mehbooba hoo hoo hoo
Beloved, oh beloved

Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Main aur tu
Me and you

Phool bahaaron se nikla, chaand sitaaron se nikla
A flower came out from spring, the moon came out from the stars
Phool bahaaron se nikla, chaand sitaaron se nikla
A flower came out from spring, the moon came out from the stars
Din dooba
The daytime has drowned

Ooh, mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved

Mehbooba ae mehbooba hoo hoo hoo
Beloved, oh beloved

Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Main aur tu
Me and you

Husn-o-ishq ki raahon mein, baahon mein nigaahon mein
The the road of beauty and love, in your arms and eyes
Husn-o-ishq ki raahon mein, baahon mein nigaahon mein
The the road of beauty and love, in your arms and eyes
Dil dooba
My heart has drowned

Ooh, mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved

Mehbooba ae mehbooba hoo hoo hoo
Beloved, oh beloved

Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Gulshan mein gul khilte hain
Roses blossom in gardens
Jab sehra mein milte hain
When we meet in the desert
Main aur tu
Me and you

Mehbooba ae mehbooba, mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved, beloved, oh beloved
Mehbooba ae mehbooba, mehbooba ae mehbooba
Beloved, oh beloved, beloved, oh beloved

Ooh, ooh ooh ooh

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" A complainer is like a Death Eater because there's a suction of negative energy. You can catch a great attitude from great people."
~ Barbara Corcoran

" Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power."
~ Shirley MacLaine

" People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?"
~ Nhat Hanh

" Just can't live that negative way...make way for the positive day!"
~ Bob Marley

It's the most wonderful time of the year.... unless you (like me) are working in the service industry. While most people are gathering with friends and family and reveling in each other's company,  some people are furious, ravenous, frustrated and feel the need to vent. And that's where people like me come in.

Last week was a tough week at work for me, and today is gearing up to be an even tougher one. On Friday, I decided to make a note of the number of times someone yelled, became irate, or was just straight-up rude to me over the telephone and through email. The list was astonishing. I ended the week feeling emotionally drained and frustrated at the sense of entitlement some people seem to have that makes them feel they are completely allowed to behave in a disgusting manner.

But I started thinking about it. Why was I focusing on the people who were approaching me negatively? And by doing so, what message was I sending to the Universe? I'm a firm believer in the law of attraction (What you think about, you bring about!) and if I am putting focus on the rude and irate customers, why was I surprised that I am getting so much of them? Why not instead put my focus on the customers who are patient, understanding, and most importantly recognize that they are talking to a human beings and not soulless robots created to take their abuse? Why not show gratitude for every single kind word of thanks and well wishes for a good holiday?

So today's Christmas Eve and like many people in the service industry... I'm working today. And I'm going in there knowing that today is not going to be all sunshine and roses.

But I will walk through the day with agility and show gratitude only to the customer interactions I want in my career: ones where I can do my job to the best of my ability, and help as many people as possible, and anticipate happy endings whenever possible. And to get me through the day, I will keep in mind today's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon. I've featured this song before on the blog, but I happen to think it's the perfect song for dealing with negative people during a generally positive time of the year.

So I dedicate "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae to myself, my co-workers and to everyone who works in the service industry today, because we need it. And to those of you out there who have to call Customer Service about an order, or go shopping today, take a good look or listen that that tired-looking person answering your call or ringing up your purchase, put yourself in their shoes, and send them a little joy, because this is the season to spread love and light... to everyone!!



Monae and Leftfoot

Whoa
Another day
I take your pain away

Some people talk about you
Like they know all about you
When you get down they doubt you
And when you tipping on the scene
Yeah they talkin' about it
'Cause they can't tip all on the scene with you
What you talk about it
Talkin' about it
When you get elevated,
They love it or they hate it
You dance up on them haters
Keep getting funky on the scene
While they jumpin' round you
They trying to take all your dreams
But you can't allow it

'Cause baby whether you're high or low
Whether you're high or low
You gotta tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)

Baby, baby, baby

Whether you're high or low
(High or low)
Baby whether you're high or low
(High or low)
You got to tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Now let me see you do the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
And I'm still tippin' on it

See I'm not walkin' on it
Or trying to run around it
This ain't no acrobatics
You either follow or you lead, yeah

I'm talkin' about you,
I'll keep on blaming the machine, yeah
I'm talkin' about it,
Talkin' about it
I can't complain about it
I gotta keep my balance

And just keep dancing on it
We getting funky on the scene

Yeah you know about it,
Like a star on the screen
Watch me tip all on it

Then baby whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
Baby whether you're high or low
(High or low)
You gotta tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Yeah, tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)

Baby, baby, baby

Whether you're high or low
(High or low)
Baby whether you're high or low
(High or low)
Tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Baby let me see you tight rope
And I'm still tippin' on it

Whether you're high or low
(High or low)
Baby whether you're high or low
(High or low)
Tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Baby let me see you tight rope
(Tip, tip on it)
And I'm still tippin' on it

You gotta keep your balance
Or you fall into the gap
It's a challenge but I manage
'Cause I'm cautious with the strap
No damage to your cameras damn I thought that
Can I passy
Why you don't want no friction
Like the back of a matchbook
That I pass as I will forward you
And your MacBook
Clothes shows will shut you down
Before we go-go backwards
Act up, and whether we high or low
We gonna get back-up
Like the Dow Jones and NASDAQ
Sorta like a thong in an ass crack,
Come on

I tip on alligators and little rattle snakers
But I'm another flavor
Something like a terminator
Ain't no equivocating
I fight for what I believe
Why you talkin' about it
She's talkin' about it
Some calling me a sinner
Some calling me a winner
I'm calling you to dinner
And you know exactly what I mean,

Yeah I'm talking about you
You can rock or you can leave
Watch me tip without you

N-N-Now whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
Whether I'm high or low
(High or low)
I'm gonna tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
MMMMMM
(Tip, tip on it)

Baby, baby, baby
Whether I'm high or low
Goblogtainment
(High or low)
High or low
(High or low)
I got to tip on the tightrope
(Tip, tip on it)
Now baby tip on the tightrope

You can't get too high
(You can't get too high)
I said you can't get too low
(We can't get too low)
Cause you get too high
(You can't get too high)
No you'll surely be low
(No, you'll surely be low)
1, 2, 3, Ho!

Yeah, yeah
Now shut up, yeah
Yeah, now put some voodoo on it
Ladies and Gentlemen the funkiest horn section in the tribalist
Yeah, oh
We call that classy brass

Oh
Oh!

Do you mind?
If I play the ukulele
Just like a little lady
Do you mind?
If I play the ukulele
Just like a little lady
As I play the ukulele
If I play my ukulele
Just like a little lady

A Little [JOYA MOOI] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday!! I'm back this evening with another song from an artist you might not know much about, but I think you'll dig all the same! I hope you all will enjoy the soulful and mellow "My Day" by Joya Mooi.



If you like what you hear, be sure to show some love by visiting http://www.joyamooi.com/.

DOPE: "Beedi" from "Omkara" (2006)

I'm back with a killer song from another gem of a Hindi film. Omkara is an Indian adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, with a very modern edge. A fan of my Hindi Film Blog on Tumblr "Black Girl from Brooklyn who digs Bollywood" recommended it to me a few months ago, and I promptly checked it out and fell madly in love!

This song is one of my favorites from the film, so I hope you all will enjoy "Beedi". The Lyrics with English translations are available of Hindilyrics.net and courtesy of my DVD and fancy typing skills.



Na gilaaf, Na lehaaf
No quilt in sight
Na gilaaf, Na lehaaf thandi hawa ke khilaaf sasuri
No quilt in sight... this cold breeze arouses the hell out of me
Na gilaaf, Na lehaaf thandi hawa ke khilaaf sasuri
No quilt in sight... this cold breeze arouses the hell out of me

O itni sardi hai kisika lehaaf lehi leh
Its best to share somebody's quilt
O jaa padosi ke chuleh se aag lehi leh
Go borrow heat from the next fellow's oven
O jaa padosi ke chuleh se aag lehi leh
Go borrow heat from the next fellow's oven

Bedi chalayi leh jigar se piya jigar maabadi aag hai
Light your fags (cigarettes) with the heat of my bosom it's burning up inside me
Bedi chalayi leh jigar se piya jigar maabadi aag hai
Light your fags (cigarettes) with the heat of my bosom it's burning up inside me

Wadaa nikari o lab se piya aah aa
Let smoke not slip out of your lips
Wadaa nikari o lab se piya jeh duniya badi dhank hai
Let smoke not slip out of your lips... the world's smoked out already
Haan bedi chalayi leh jigar se piya jigar maabadi aag hai
Light your fags (cigarettes) with the head of my bosom it's burning up inside me

Na gilaaf, Na lehaaf thandi hawa ke khilaaf sasuri
No quilt in sight... this cold breeze arouses the hell out of me
Na gilaaf, Na lehaaf thandi hawa ke khilaaf sasuri
No quilt in sight... this cold breeze arouses the hell out of me
O itni sardi hai kisika lehaaf lehi leh
Its best to share somebody's quilt
O jaa padosi ke chuleh se aag lehi leh
Go borrow heat from the next fellow's oven
O jaa padosi ke chuleh se aag lehi leh
Go borrow heat from the next fellow's oven

Na kasoor, Na fatoor
No crime's been charged
Na kasoor, Na fatoor bina juraam ke hajoor maar gaye, o maar gaye
No crime's been charged... why do I still feel sentenced to death?

O aise ik din duphari bula liyo re
Haul me to your court one afternoon
Bandh ghungroo kacheri lagaliyo re
Handcuff me with my anklets
Bula liyo re, Bula liyo re dupehri
Haul me up in the afternoon.

lagayilo re, lagayilo re kacheri
Sentence me, punish me severely

Angeethi chadayi leh jigar se piya
Light your stoves with the heat of my bosom
Jigar maabadi aag hai
It's burning up inside of me 
Bedi chalayi leh jigar se piya jigar maabadi aag hai
Light your fags (cigarettes) with the heat of my bosom it's burning up inside me

Ho na toh chakuon ki dhaar
No knife's sharp enough 
Ho na tan raati na kataar
To match your nibbles
Ho na toh chakuon ki dhaar
No knife's sharp enough 
Ho na tan raati na kataar
To match your nibbles
Aisa kaate ke daat ganisaar chod de
The way you leave your teeth marks behind
Yeh katayi toh koi bhi kisaan chod de
Farmers would forget how to cut their crops

O aise chalim ka chod de makaan jod de re bilo
Please Billo... would you settle down with a brute like this 
Chalim ka chod de makaan jod de
Would you settle down with a brute like this 
Aise chalim ka, O aise chalim ka
Would you settle down, O would you settle down 
Aise chalim ka chod de makaan jod de
Would you settle down with a brute like this  

Na bulaya
Nobody warned me
Na bataya
Nobody woke me up
Na bulaya, Na bataya maane neend se jagaya hai re
Nobody warned me, nobody woke me up
Aise chonkele haath mein naseeb aa gaya
Suddenly you come into my quilt
Woh ilaychi khilayike kareeb aa gaya
Trying to impress me with your clove breath
Koyila jalayi leh jigar se piya
Burn your coals with the heat of my bosom
Jigar maa, aag hai
It's burning up inside me

Itni sardi hai kisika lehaf lehi leh
It's best to share somebody's quilt
O jaa padosi, O jaa padosi, Jaa jaa padosi
Go borrow heart from the next fellow's oven

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays: Sephora's Flashy Eyeliner Set

I haven't written about make up in a while, but I have to admit, with the exception of eyeliner and a bit of clear mascara, I don't wear much else! Occasionally, I might put on a bit of lipstick, but for the most part, it's just eyeliner. Which has really inspired me to invest in some unique colors outside of the back and cobalt blue I normally wear.

This is why I'm really drooling over Sephora's Flashy Eyeliner Set ($16.00, Sephora). I can totally see myself having loads of fun lining my lids with this colors!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Winter makes a bridge between one year and another..."
~ Andy Goldsworthy

" Every mile is two in winter."
~ George Herbert

" Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius."
~ Pietro Aretino


After 30+ years of living in New York City year round, you would think I would have acclimated to the colder months. But alas, I was not meant to live in the cold and snow.

I am trying to rethink my opinion of winter, and for me the best way to do that is to think of songs that invoke a positive happy feeling of the season. Thus, this week's Music Therapy with Miss Moon post.

Those of you who grew up watching "A Different World" will recognize this version from the episode "Baby, It's Cold Outside", when Whitley and Dwayne dance together to the song. Here's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" courtesy of Ray Charles and Betty Carter.

I really can't stay

But, baby, it's cold outside

I got to go 'way

But baby, it's cold outside

This evening has been

Been hoping that you'd drop in

So very nice

I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice

My mother will start to worry

Beautiful, what's your hurry

And father will be pacing the floor

Listen to the fireplace roar

So really I'd better scurry

Beautiful, please don't hurry

Maybe just a half a drink more

Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think

Baby, it's bad out there

Say, what's in this drink

No cabs to be had out there

I wish I knew how

Your eyes are like starlight now

To break the spell

I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

I ought to say no, no, no, sir

Mind if I move in closer

At least I'm gonna say that I tried

What's the sense of hurting my pride

I really can't stay

Baby don't hold out

Ahh, but it's cold outside

I simply must go

But, baby, it's cold outside

The answer is no

But, baby, it's cold outside

This welcome has been

How lucky that you dropped in

So nice and warm

Look out the window at that storm

My sister will be suspicious

Gosh, your lips look delicious

My brother will be there at the door

Waves upon a tropical shore

My maiden aunt's mind is vicious

Ooh, your lips are delicious

Well maybe just a cigarette more

Never such a blizzard before

I've got to get home

But, baby, you'll freeze out there

Say, lend me a coat

It's up to your knees out there

You've really been grand

I thrill when you touch my hand

But don't you see

How can you do this thing to me

There's bound to be talk tomorrow

Think of my life long sorrow

At least there will plenty implied

If you caught pnuemonia and died

I really can't stay

Get over that old doubt

Ahh but it's cold outside

Where could you be goin'

When the wind is blowin'

And It's cold oustide

Baby It's Cold 

Cold Outside

A Little [LANA DEL REY] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday! It's that time of week that I will be sharing an artist you may not have heard of, but whom I think you may dig!

This week's tune comes courtesy of Lana Del Rey who kills me softly with her song and her fab style! I hope you all will vibe out to "Blue Jeans".



If you like what you hear, be sure to visit http://www.lanadelrey.com/ to show some love!!

DOPE: "Chammak Challo" from "Ra.One" (2011)

So I've been holding off on sharing this Hindi film song for a few months now, primarily because it's one that's insanely popular. I'd imagine that even if you are not a fan of Hindi films, you have most likely heard this song before. LOL

And on a side note, if the male singer sounds familiar to you, that's because it's Akon. Yes, Akon... singing in Hindi! You go, boy! I hope you all will enjoy "Chammak Challo", (Chammak Challo means a village girl with attitude. In other words, an "around the way girl")  a song that is catchy as hell and has even a catchier dance to accompany it! Lyrics with English translations courtesy of LyricsMint.



Girl you're my chammak challo
Where you go girl I'm gonna follow
What you want girl just let me know
You can be my chammak challo

Shawty I'm gonna getcha
You know I'm gonna getcha
You know I'll even letcha
Letcha be my chammak challo

Kaisa sharmaana aaja nachke dikha de
Don’t be shy, show me your moves
Aa meri hole aaja parda gira de
Get close to me, let down your guard
Aa meri akhiyon se akhiyaan mila de
Lock eyes with me
Aa tu na nakhre dikha
C’mon, don’t show me attitude

Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?

Tu meri chammak challo
You're my chammak challo
Teri picture ka main hero
I'm your movie’s hero
Give it to me girl mujhko dedo
You can be my chammak challo

Shawty I'm gonna getcha 
You know I'm gonna getcha
Maybe I'll even letcha
Be my chamak chamak chalo

Kaisa sharmaana aaja nachke dikha de
Don’t be shy girl, show me your moves
Aa meri hole aaja parda gira de
Get close to me, let yourself go
Aa meri akhiyon se akhiyaan mila de
Lock eyes with me
Aa tu na nakhre dikha aa
C’mon, don’t show me attitude

Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?

Unnai totta penn ullattai uruka maataya
How can you not melt the woman who touched your heart
Ennai pola pennai paarthu mayanga maataya
How can you help falling for a girl like me
Kannil kannai poti vitaal sirika maataya
If I lock eyes with you wouldn’t that make you smile?
Ennil unnai sooti vitaal ottika maataya
If I bind you to me won’t you get glued to me?

Kaisa sharmaana tujhe nachke dikha doon
Let my dance show you how shy I am
Mera ho jaaye jo main parda gira doon
If I let my guard down, you’ll be mine
Aa tujhe akhiyon mein apne basa loon
Let me hold you in my gaze
Aa tu na nakhre dikha
C’mon now, don’t show me attitude

Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?
Wanna be my chammak challo?

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays.. Simply Be's Kimono Wrap Sleeve Top

It's 12/12/12 at 12 o'clock, and I cannot think of anything better to do (besides work!) than to share this week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item.

The great thing about my job is that it's a real "tee shirt and jeans" kind of place. The not so great thing about that is, I get tremendously bored by wearing tees and jeans every day. The jeans I can do, but wearing tee after tee after tee....? Not so much!

So the challenge I set in place for myself is to find something I could rock with a tee at the workplace that is as comfy as a tee, without actually being a tee. And I do believe I found just the thing!

The Kimono Wrap Sleeve top ($49.00, SimplyBe) is all kinds of Pam Grier Foxy Brown awesomeness. I think it would kill with jeans and boots, but also look damn fly with a cute pencil skirt and ballet flats.

How would you rock this top?

Miss Moon Gets Healthy: November Stats

So I was terribly disappointed by my walking stats for November, and I had almost contemplated not posting them out of embarrassment.

But upon further reflection, I started to understand that I did damn good this past month, considering.... Considering what? Considering the fact that I work full time now. Considering the fact that I've been racking up a butt load of overtime. Considering the fact that NYC was hit with a Super Storm and a Nor'easter two weeks in a row!

So I've revised my feelings and I am now quite proud that I walked almost forty miles last month. And the best news of all is that I've (kind of) reached my goal!!! I am now a size 18 in tops... though I'm still a 22 in bottoms! Whomp! Whomp! LOL

HORRIBLE picture of me: Just home from working 8 hours and walking 3 miles, so I was not looking very glamorous... But I am wearing a size 18 top, so YAY! LOL

Reaching my goal partly has given me the motivation to reach it completely. I don't know if I'll get there by the end of December, which was my original plan. But I know with certainty that I will reach it, and that I will keep walking (weather permitting.. it's getting cold here!) And I will start eating better than I have been to get myself back on track!!!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success. "
~ Bo Bennett

" Success is not built on success. It's built on failure. It's built on frustration. Sometimes its built on catastrophe. "
~ Sumner Redstone

" I've come to believe that all my past failure and frustration were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy. "
~ Tony Robbins

It's been a month at the new job, and I love my job a great deal. But with the amount of (voluntary) overtime I've been working lately I feel like I'm still struggling with maintaining all of the things I had done in my life while still unemployed that were helpful to my personal growth.

I still manage to walk (I walk from the job to the West 4 Street train station, which is about a mile. Then from the Clinton and Washington Avenue station in Brooklyn to home, another mile), but I'm not making 5 miles a day anymore.

I still start the day with my gratitude list, but I admit that sometimes I oversleep after a late night and rush through it, not really taking the time to really feel and express the thankfulness I believe is necessary for the list to feel genuine.

And the worst hit by this shift in my life is this blog. It has been really difficult to find the time, despite having a ton of (I hope) great ideas that I am very keen on blogging about. And each time I would attempt to put together my thoughts, fatigue would set in, and I would ultimately close my laptop and opt to get the much-needed sleep my body is craving.

So frustration was definitely the dominant emotion I was feeling for the past few weeks. I am very proud of the readers of this blog, and it's a horrible feeling to think that I've let anyone down by not posting. I know that I've let myself down by not putting the care and attention into my life and my self improvement that I had in the past few months.

Fortunately, it seems that the shift in my schedule is becoming more familiar to me now. And my attitude has certainly shifted a great deal as well. Why emphasize the fact that I ONLY walked 2 miles? Why not celebrate the fact that I walked after working a long and tiring shift?

In retrospect, I am grateful for the frustration I felt. I allowed me to reflect on the situation and come to the conclusion that it was my attitude that needed adjusting, not my schedule. I have heard that frustration can be an excellent motivator, but had not really seen evidence of it until just recently.

So today's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song choice is about frustration we can sometimes feel. Honor your feelings, and allow them to teach you and steer you in the right direction. I hope you all will be inspired by "The Way I Feel" by the fabulous Asa.



I feel pain when they try to bring me down
But as long as this world keeps turning round
I know it won't last forever
Ok ok my life is moving
But demons are fighting
Ok ok tears are dry now
But demons are fighting

I feel like I'm floating through existence
I feel like I'm living after time
I feel like I'm forced to break the silence
Is that a crime? Is that a crime?
I feel like we're all following shadows
And shadows they don't know where to go
I feel like I'm waiting for tomorrow
While today wastes away

It's not that I don't know
It's not that I can't see
It's not that I haven't noticed
It's driving me insane
It's not that I don't know
It's not that I can't see
It's just the way I feel
It's just the way I feel

I feel like a child without a father
And mama tries oh lord knows mama tries
I feel like the world is on my shoulder
I wonder why, wonder why
I feel like I'm not the only one who's frustrated
I feel like something's going wrong
I can't escape it
I feel like the destinies of those meant
To be the best
Are in the hands of liars now the world is on fire

I feel like we're not angry enough
That while we wait, time's ticking away
I feel there's gonna be an explosion!

It's not that I don't know
It's not that I can't see
It's not that I haven't noticed
It's driving me insane
It's not that I don't know
It's not that I can't see
It's just the way I feel
It's just the way I feel

A Little [K'NAAN] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, All! I'm back with another song from an artist I think you all might dig. I certainly dig K'naan, and tonight's he is paired with another artist I most definitely dig, Nelly Furtado. I hope you all will enjoy "Is Anybody Out There?".



If you like what you hear, be sure to show K'naan some love by visiting http://www.knaanmusic.com/.

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Deena & Ozzy Zip-Stitch Moto Satchel

Believe me when I say that I am still madly in love with *THE* Bag, I have to retire it for the winter, because it's really more of a warm weather bag.

So it's with this in mind that I am presently drooling over this week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item ($49.00, Urban Outfitters). I think this bag would be great for my after work walks, and its fly as hell!!

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Change your thoughts and you change your world. "
~ Norman Vincent Peale

" Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. "
~ Leo Tolstoy

" We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. "
~ Buddha

Of course I'm aware that our thoughts are very powerful in determining how we see the world around us. I know it intellectually and I've blogged about it quite a bit here. But somehow all of that knowledge goes far out the window, careening into the ether whenever I am riding the subway.

Every negative stereotype about New York and New Yorkers can be witnessed by simply hopping the A train during rush hour. People push, and shove and act like they are the only people in New York City with somewhere important to go. And since I'm working an earlier shift that I have worked in the past, I am smack dab in the midst of all of this. I can see now that I was really very spoiled working the late shift, because I didn't have to deal with the frantic and apathetic energy of early morning strap handlers.

A few days ago, I was on the F train heading to work. It was the end of the week, and the trains were still packed as usual. I was sharing the pole with several other people who were all trying to be respectful of each others space and trying to be as comfy as possible to be on a sardine-can packed train.

A woman gets on on East Broadway and instead of finding a pole, she chooses to just stand where she got on, essentially using ANOTHER HUMAN BEING as a wall, or a door, I don't know what the heck she was thinking. Now, I don't think I need to say this human being wasn't me, or else this blog post would've been written from prison.

The woman in question (lucky wall lady) was another person sharing the pole with me. Her and I exchanged glances and I made a bit of room (what I could) to see if she wanted to move closer to avoid this oblivious woman. And despite this not happening to me directly, I was furious that this woman could be so blind to the fact that she just walked into a crowded train and really overstepped boundaries purely for her convenience.

I left the train at Broadway Lafayette, seething. And I started thinking about all the miserable, horrible people I encountered on the train in the past month, which made me more angry. I decided that I must have all these a-holes in my life because I am putting focus on them. I decided to think about the other people sharing the pole on the F train with me that morning, and I decided to send some peace to that poor lady who was so rudely treated. I hope sincerely that our exchange made the moment a little brighter.

So from now on, I'm going to let the negative experiences of my morning and evening commutes roll off my shoulders. I am going to focus instead on the moments that made me happy to be a mammal... like the man giving his seat up to a pregnant lady, like the cute guy who let me get on the train first like a gentleman. I am going to express gratitude for these moments in the hopes that more of them happen. Especially the cute guy one! LOL

The world keeps spinning and its up to us to decided whether we want to spin with it, or fight the movement. To sing a little ditty about it, here's today's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song pick from The Brand New Heavies.


The World keeps on spinning
The World keeps on spinning yeah
World keeps on spinning
The worlds keeps on spinning yeah

Hey, now I know you're gonna be okay
Time keeps on changing but I know we're gonna win anyway
Oh how I've done you wrong
There ain't a thing that I can say
to you to make it better
Sometimes we must be strong
You know that life goes on for us
If we cannot be together

Don't cheat yourself
Happiness is 'round the corner
It will come to you
So have faith in future love
'Coz there's heaven up above
When we think we've reached the end
The World keeps on spinning

Hey, you know that time can be a healer
So they say
We mustn't be afraid to let our lonely nights
become a brand new day
Oh how I've done you wrong
I couldn't offer you a hope or find a better way
This time we must be strong,
our friendship lasts beyond all else
don't let it fade away
Don't let it fade away

A Little [DAVID SHA] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, All! It's the first Saturday in December and I'm back with another tasty song from an artist I think you might dig. And in all honesty.. what's not to dig about a song that's a love poem to us naturals?!? LOL



So I hope that you will sit back, relax, and vibe out to David Sha's "Her Hair"... and be sure to show him some love if you like the tune by visiting him at http://www.reverbnation.com/davidsha

Miss Moon's Musings is officially on VACAY.....

.....for the week, that is!!

Between overtime at the new job (I still get giddy at the fact that I have a job!) and getting over a cold (Not too giddy about that!), I am in desperate need of a break from blogging. So I will be using this week to recharge, revamp, and will be back at it to share a tasty new song this upcoming Saturday night!

A Little [ESTHERO] for a Saturday Night

 It's the very last week in November, and it's Saturday Night, so of course I am sharing with you an artist I think you just might dig as much as I do. I've featured Esthero once before on a Saturday Night, but I'm so very excited about her new release "Everything is Expensive", I wanted to share a really cool video from the album that I hope you'll enjoy as much as I do. Here's "Never Gonna Let You Go"...



Now if you don't want to let the sultry sounds of Esthero go (Gosh, I'm corny! lol), be sure to show your support and visit her at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/esthero/.

DOPE: "Dola Re Dola" from "Devdas" (2002)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Once a month, like clockwork.. I take a few hours out of a day (usually on a weekend) to watch "Devdas". And I've chosen today to watch, as it's my first day off since starting the new job!!

It's a film that really transports you with it's beauty. And Devdas is also a unique film for me, because it's the one movie I love starring Shah Rukh Khan, where I don't like Shah Rukh in it!! Most of the time, I wanted to smack Devdas Cher-style! LOL

To me, Devdas is all about the phenomenal women in it: Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, and Kirron Kher. These ladies make the film for me, and today's dope song is a reflection of Ash and Madhuri at their finest. With the lyrics and English translations from BollyWHAT, I hope you all will enjoy "Dola Re Dola".



Dolaa re... he Dolaa re
Swing, swing, sway!
haa'e Dolaa dil Dolaa man Dolaa re Dolaa
Oh, my heart sways; my spirit swings!

lag jaane do najariya gir jaane do bijuriya
Let the evil eye strike; let lightning fall!
bijuriya bijuriya gir jaane do aaj bijuriya
Lightning, lightning, let the lightning fall!
lag jaane do najariya gir jaane do bijuriya
Let the evil eye strike; let lightning fall!
baa.ndhke mai.n ghu.nghruu
Having strapped on ankle bells....
pahanke mai.n paayal
Having donned anklets...
baa.ndhke mai.n ghu.nghruu
Having strapped on ankle bells....
pahanke mai.n paayal
Having donned anklets...
jhuumke naachuu.ngi ghuumke naachuu.ngii
I'll dance, swinging, spinning!

Dolaa re... he Dolaa re
Swing, swing, sway!
haa'e Dolaa dil Dolaa man Dolaa re Dolaa
Oh, my heart sways; my spirit swings!

dekho jii dekho dekho kaisii yeh jha.nkhaar hai
Look, sir, behold this jingling (of anklets)!
inkii aa.nkho.n me.n dekho piya jii ka pyaar hai
Look into her eyes, behold her love for her beloved.
inkii aavaaz bhii ha'e kaisii thandaar hai
Even her softened voice resonates with conviction!
piya kii yaado.n me.n yeh jiya beqaraar hai
In memories of her beloved, life is restless with longing.
maathe kii bi.ndiya me.n voh hai
He's in the bindi on my forehead.
palko.n kii nii.ndiyaa.n me.n voh hai
He's in the sleepiness of my lashes.
tere to tan man me.n hai
He's in your body and mind.
terii bhii dhaRkan me.n voh hai
He's even in your heartbeats.
chhuRii ke chhan chhan me.n voh hai
He's in the jingle of bracelets,
ka.ngan ke khan khan me.n voh hai
He's in the clash of bangles.
chhuRii ke chhan chhan me.n voh hai
He's in the jingle of bracelets,
ka.ngan ke khan khan me.n voh hai
He's in the clash of bangles.
baa.ndhke mai.n ghu.nghruu
Having strapped on ankle bells....
pahanke mai.n paayal
Having donned anklets...
jhuumke naachuu.ngi ghuumke naachuu.ngii
I'll dance, swinging, spinning!

Dolaa re... he Dolaa re
Swing, swing, sway!
haa'e Dolaa dil Dolaa man Dolaa re Dolaa
Oh, my heart sways; my spirit swings!

tum ne mujhko duniya ne dii
You gave me the whole world.
mujhko apnii haa.n khushiyaa.n de dii
You gave me, yes, so much happiness.
tumse kabhii na hona duur
May he never be far from you;
haa.n maa.ng me.n bhar lena si.nduur
yes, marry him!
unkii baaho.n ka tum ho phuul
You are the flower of his embrace;
mai.n huu.n qadmo.n kii bas dhuul
I'm only the dust under his feet.
baa.ndhke mai.n ghu.nghruu
Having strapped on ankle bells....
pahanke mai.n paayal
Having donned anklets...
baa.ndhke mai.n ghu.nghruu
Having strapped on ankle bells....
pahanke mai.n paayal
Having donned anklets...
jhuumke naachuu.ngi ghuumke naachuu.ngii
I'll dance, swinging, spinning!

Dolaa re... he Dolaa re
Swing, swing, sway!
haa'e Dolaa dil Dolaa man Dolaa re Dolaa
Oh, my heart sways; my spirit swings!

And yes, I do this dance with them.. EVERY... SINGLE.. TIME!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays.. Simply Be's Scarf Print Blouse

Happy Hump Day, Everybody!! This week's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item is a bit unique, because upon first view, I honestly wasn't all that enthusiastic about it.

I must say though that the Scarf Print Blouse ($33.00, Simply Be) wore me down with it's 60's Boho Beauty! And I could totally see myself rocking this top with a cute pair of jeans and boots (Lane Bryant Color blocked Boots, anyone?) to work... and could definitely see myself wearing it as pictured below..

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

 “ Your task is not to seek for Love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
~ Rumi

“ We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
~ Maya Angelou

" I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line."
~ Lucille Ball


I've been getting a lot of attention for the fellas lately. While the appreciation is quite nice, it's kind of unwanted at this time. I am happily single. Or to phrase it better and more accurately, I'm dating someone very special... myself.

Last week I got into a conversation with an older woman on the subway. She asked me if I was married or dating someone very special and when I said I wasn't, she was very surprised. "A pretty young thing like you?", she wondered out loud. She couldn't get the fact that while there is no shortage of offers, I am really enjoying my own company.

I'm noticing that the more happy I am with myself, the more I'm attractive to men who happen to encounter me. So I will keep doing what I'm doing. I am going to enjoy this feeling of immense love and peace with myself and the world around me. I am going to continue blossoming and blooming and growing. Not for your benefit, gentlemen. For mine. Raincheck, though! LOL

To celebrate this feeling, here's Diana Ross' "I'm coming out", which I think is the perfect song to illustrate how awesome it is to love yourself and not be afraid to show it!



I'm coming out
I'm coming
I'm coming out

[Chorus]
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
Got to let it show
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show

There's a new me coming out
And I just had to live
And I want to give
I'm completely positive
I think this time around
I am gonna do it
Like you never do it
Like you never knew it
Oh, I'll make it through

The time has come for me
To break out of the shell
I have to shout
That I'm coming out

[Chorus: x2]

I've got to show the world
All that I want to be
And all my billities
There's so much more to me
Somehow, I have to make them
Just understand
I got it well in hand
And, oh, how I've planned
I'm spreadin' love
There's no need to fear
And I just feel so glad
Every time I hear

[Chorus]

A Little [DREAM KOALA] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday Night, All!! I'm back with another artist I think you might dig. I have to admit, it was the name that first reeled me in. I mean.. Dream Koala? Intrigued was an understatement. So I listened to tonight's song. And I listened to it again. And again. And again. Hours had passed before I realized I have listened to this song all night!

This song will seriously put you in a zone. It's great to have playing while meditating, writing, blogging, or just day dreaming... I've done all four to this song, so I'm totally speaking from experience here!! LOL

Anyway, I hope you all will fall in love with "Treehouse" as much as I did, and that it puts you in a peaceful meditative state this Saturday night.



If you dug Treehouse, you can download it for free (courtesy of ThisisRealMusic.com). But be sure to show your love by visiting Dream Koala directly at http://dreamkoala.tumblr.com/.

DOPE: " I Hate You (Like I Love You)" from "Delhi Belly" (2011)

I'm back with another Hindi Film that I think is just... DOPE. This film is one that I recently watched this past weekend. When the movie ended, I pressed play on my DVD and watched it again... it's THAT good! But you don't have to take my word for it... check out my Black Girl Digs Bollywood blog to see my immediate reaction to watching the movie! LOL

I'm not going to say that the video I'm sharing today is the best part of the entire picture.... but I will say, it's definitely in the top ten!! With lyrics and translations courtesy of Krazy Lyrics... here's the fabulous and over the top, "I Hate You (Like I Love You)".



I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Iss dard ne kar diya deewana
This pain has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy

Tere jaisa zaalim milta hai naseeb se
Cruel like you are met by fate
Milta hai naseeb se
met by fate
Dil hai tera khanjar
Heart is your knife,
Ghayal karde kareeb se
Injure it from near
Ghayal karde kareeb se
Injure it from near

But you're in my blood I just can't quit
Infection addiction
You give me such a kick

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Iss dard ne kar diya deewana
This pain has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy

Shake that biscuit baby,
Shake it for me!
Yeah!
Haaye current maarti hai!
She gives shock!

Aankhon mein aankhein daale
Stare in my eyes
Zara zeher pilaa de
And give me poison
Zara zeher pilaa de
And give me poison
Maut ke nashe ki baat hi kuchh aur hai
The intoxication of death is altogether different
Baat hi kuchh aur hai
Is altogether different

But you're in my blood I just can't quit
Infection addiction
You give me such a kick

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Iss dard ne kar diya deewana
This pain has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy

Jo chauka udhte hue jaaye
Usse chhakka kehte hain
A boundary that flies is called a sixer

Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody
Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody

Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody
Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody

Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody
Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody

Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody

Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Iss dard ne kar diya deewana
This pain has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy

Saiyyan tere pyaar mein
Beloved in your love,
Lutt gaye hum bazaar mein
I got squandered in front of everybody

Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy
Iss dard ne kar diya deewana
This pain has made me crazy
Tere pyaar ne kar diya deewana
Your love has made me crazy

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you

I hate you like I love you
I hate you like I love you
Love you love you 

Ha!!!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesday... Forever 21's Faded Chambray Shirt

 Fasten your seat belts, y'all... I'm about to clue you in to how my mind works! LOL

So last week, I was super shocked and delighted to see that the Jewelry Set I purchased from I.K. Jewelry arrived a week earlier than anticipated and on my birthday to boot!! I of course tried the pieces on, ooh'd and ahh'd, and knew with some level of certainly that I would be rocking the hell out of those pieces very soon. Which lead me to wonder, with WHAT?!? I could wear them with a simple black sweater, but I'm 35 now and eager to shake up my style.

Then in my mind, I flashed to the image of Teresa Jenee from my post a few weeks ago... and then, I remembered seeing today's Wanna Wanna Wednesday item.. and voilà!! An idea was formed!! LOL

So needless to say this Faded Chambray Shirt ($22.80, Forever 21) is DEFINITELY on my list of items to snatch up, and I am looking forward to wearing them with my jewelry set. The only problem is.. what to wear on the bottom? If you have any ideas, be sure to leave a comment with links and/or suggestions!!