On Your Mind- Interview With Angela Alise Johnson

Angela Alise Johnson

Janelle: Welcome, first I would like to say you were great in the play The Wiz this past weekend. I took my  family and we had a blast laughing. My daughter skipped through the parking lot singing “Ease On Down the Road”. It was great to see you in a role like this.

Angela: Thank you so much Janelle! This role really meant a lot to me and I’m so glad you all liked it!

Janelle: How old are you?

Angela: I am actually turning 27years old on Thanksgiving Day.

Janelle: “Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty” has followers from everywhere, where in the U.S. are you?

Angela: I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri but I have lived in Chicago now for almost 8 years.

Janelle: How long have you been acting?

Angela: I have been acting since I was maybe 5 or 6 years old.

Janelle: When did you first know you wanted to be an actress?

Angela: I have pretty much always known that I wanted to act, but I would say high school is when my love for theatre got serious. And the older I get, I just keep feeling like if I did anything else it just wouldn’t be
right.

Janelle: Do you sing and dance?

Angela: I sing and love doing it! And I like dancing too but am not very good at all at picking up choreographed dances, so I’m working on it by taking classes.

Janelle: Do you have a Social Networking site that you would like to share?

Angela: I am on Facebook so folks can find me that way, but I am working on a website right now and would love for people to visit it when it is finished. The web address is www.angelaalise.com and it should be all ready to go by the end of the month.

Janelle: Tell us a little about yourself and what makes acting special to you?

Angela: Well let’s see... I come off very shy and quiet to most people when they first meet me. Then once they get to know me they find out I am loud and very opinionated. Lol! I am very family oriented and rely on them a lot to keep me grounded. Theatre is so special to me because it allows me to see the world through another person’s eyes and experience all types of new and interesting things.

Janelle: Who inspires you?

Angela: My parents and brothers inspire me. My parents are very hard working and have instilled in me really great values. I have 3 brothers. Each of them is very unique and talented and they inspire me to keep striving to reach my goals.

Janelle: Do you have a favourite actress/actor?

Angela: It is hard to choose just one because there are so many people I like, but I would say a few of my favs are Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, and Don Cheadle.

Janelle: I saw you in the production of the Wiz, what was it like to be Dorothy?

Angela: It was a very vocally and physically demanding role but I loved every minute of it. I learned so much about myself and the character emotionally. At the end of it all I was extremely exhausted and blessed at the same time! :-)

Janelle: As a young black actress, what are some challenges you’ve faced?

Angela: Being typed cast is the biggest challenge. I hate it when people say I can’t do something because I’m too short or too young or not black enough. You know? It is frustrating but there are a lot of directors out there who love to think outside the box, so I have been getting a lot thicker skinned about these things. And I know that there is another audition just waiting for me.

Janelle: What has been your most favourite role?

Angela: My fav role that I played was Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun.

Janelle: What advice would you offer to an aspiring actress?

Angela: Just keep working on your craft. That is what all my mentors and teachers have told me. If you want to do something then you learn how and never let anyone stop you from achieving your goals. When one door closes another one opens and that is truly what happens in this business.

Janelle: Is there anything online where we can watch your performances?

Angela: I will have video and sound clips available for people to view online at www.angelaalise.com shortly.
.
Janelle: Here on Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty we like to encourage and uplift, can you tell one time when you wanted to give up, but didn’t?

Angela: I’d say about a year and half ago when I wasn’t doing much theatre, and I felt stuck like I was never going to get back out there again. I wanted to give up but I spent a lot of time praying and crying and talking to my friends and family. And they encouraged me. God and my family are the ones who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself so I really can’t thank them enough for that. And the best thing I have ever done is set a Gospel Station on my Pandora Radio. Gospel music keeps me sane!

Janelle: Where are some of your upcoming performances, so we can check you out?

Angela: I will be performing in a play called Church with the Red Tape Theatre Company. It will run late January to early March. Your readers can visit www.redtapetheatre.org for details and tickets info.

Janelle: What are your future plans?

Angela: My future goals are to find an agent so that I can have help with breaking into tv/film. I also hope to start my own theatre company some day or at least play a major role in a non profit theatre company in Chicago or New York. I am trying to learn as much as I can about the business and artistic side of things.

Janelle: Angela, it has been a pleasure to have such a talented and gifted young woman graces the pages of Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty. You definitely are a “brown skin beauty” with an inspirational mind. Keep up the good work and we looking forward to seeing you on the big screen in the future.

Angela: Thank you Janelle!

Food For Thought- Why I'm Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!
This Food for Thought closes my Thanksgiving Series. I hope you all had a chance to reflect within yourself and see some of the random things I reflect on.

Last Thanksgiving was a rough time for me, I was going through a terrible heartbreak and the pain felt never ending. The rain tonight reminded me of how I felt and after a moment of sadness, it didn't take much for me to realize why I am thankful.

I am thankful because:

1. My family members are all safe (I love them all, no matter what)
2. I have the best child a mother could ask for.
3. I am in good health and sound mind
4. My friends are wonderful (they guide me through everything, without them I'd break)
5. I am employed (too many people are without)
6. I have a warm place to call home
7. I know who I am
8. I can touch people through my words
9. My heart healed
10. I am loved!

What are some  things you are thankful to have experienced, learned, overcome, shared, or hold dear to you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Extended Groupon Sale

Don't miss your chance to save. Groupon is still offering the great $25 dollar deal for Nordstrom Rack. It makes for excellent savings and is perfect for holiday shopping. Check it out. I got mine you can get yours below:

Food For Thought- Where Did That Come From?

Defense mode keeps us safe. Sometimes we block out so much that we don't realize that what we're blocking has already gotten in. Anger, love, jealous, lust, etc. can ease through the tiniest crack of a well constructed wall.

For a moment, notice your reactions to certain situations. Our reactions or lack thereof can possibly indicate more about ourselves than we'd care to know. Emotions both good and bad can sometimes leave us asking, "Where did that come from"?

Food For Thought- We All Need

I hate it when people tell me they don't worry about me. They say they always know that I will be okay, no matter what. Granted I appreciate that people know my strengths, but despite my outer shell, I'm very soft on the inside. As much as I worry about others, it would be nice to know someone had the same concern for me.

Just because a person can hold their own, doesn't mean they don't need a shoulder. Look to the friend you always turn to during your troubles and ask if she/he needs anything. You may be surprised.

It's Xmas Shopping Time

I  know some people close to me probably want to smack the jolly cheer out of me because I have been thinking and talking Christmas for months now. I can"t help it, I love Christmas!

Well I started shopping for the lil one last week and to be honest I only have two more things to get. (YAY!) I have been getting some great deals. First off if you haven't already done so, you need to "Like" Walmart, Kmart, Sears, and Target on Facebook. They are running daily deals via alerts and if you are not associated with their pages, you miss out. Walmart has a CrowdSaver item each week. It works like this:

"The CrowdSaver price is only available if the required number of "like" votes is met. This threshold of required votes may vary for each CrowdSaver item. Each customer may only vote to "like" an item once. CrowdSaver prices are only available at Walmart.com. Each customer may purchase only one item at the CrowdSaver price while supplies last. The price is available until we sell out of the item online".

If you have a facebook page, I suggest you check them out.  

If you are a deal shopper like myself, then you know yesterday Groupon ran a deal for Nordstrom Rack. You could buy a Groupon for $25 and get $50 worth of items. Well yesterday the site went bananas and some people weren't able to purchase it. Well Groupon extended the offer. See below:

I cashed in mine today for a sweater dress, a tunic sweater,pink lip gloss, and a pair of "Not Your Daughter Jeans". My total was $52.67. so all I paid additional was $2.67! So my Groupon was $25, therefore I paid $27.67 for everything. The jeans alone retail for $108 bucks. So I can't complain. Nordstrom Rack is defintely one of my favorite stores.

I usually visit resale stores for handbags, belts, and books. I am never lucky enough to come across a great jacket or coat. However today I came across a beautiful dress in my size and in great condition, it looks new!! I am going to get it dry cleaned and post a picture for you guys when I wear it. At that time I'll let you guys guess the price I paid. I am so excited about it. I always watch videos of some of my favorite Youtubers who get these great deals, but I never luck up. But today I found some great steals. Of course the dress was awesome, but I also got the items in the picture for a total of $7.87!!

The purse was $3, the necklaces $2.50 and $1.50!! I love the purse. The picture does not do it justice. The detailing on it is great and it is worn leather (very vintage) It will pair great with some dark jeans and camel or dark brown boots!

Well, those were my deals. Please pass along any special offers or websites you may have. Hope everyone is enjoying there weekend. I know I did!

Food for Thought- It's Not Suppose to Hurt

A man that loves you won't tear out your heart only to say he loves you.

Food For Thought- Chivalry Better Still Exist

Chivalry: the knightly class of feudal times. The primary sense of the term in the European Middle Ages is “knights,” or “fully armed and mounted fighting men.” Thence the term came to mean the gallantry and honour expected of knights.

Lastly, the word came to be used in its general sense of “courtesy.”

If you as a woman feel that chivalry is non-existent, you will keep getting treated by men as if it is. The main word in this definition is "courtesy".  I don't know what creeps are being allowed to behave in a manner less than courteous, but I know from experience that Chivalry does still exist.

A man that doesn't take the time to hold the door for you or carry your things, probably shouldn't make it in the bedroom to hold your panties. If you demand respect you will get respect, or he will take a hike and those are the type of guys you want to keep moving anyway! 

Chivalry is not dead, people are just letting things slide that shouldn't. As the definition says, " the gallantry and honour expected of knights". You can't be my knight if you are letting doors fall on me while you push your way ahead of me. Stop settling.

Yep, I'm a handful!



Reference
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chivalry

Stop Spying

I find it interesting that when I was a compromising and forgiving woman, unsolicited advice about "How Not to be a Doormat" was handed out: "Girl, don't let that man walk all over you", or "A man will only do what you allow", these phrases and many more were screamed to the top of the "bitter woman hill" by so many people. "Cheerleaders" as I like to call them, had advice for just about everything. "Girl please, you are a good one" or my favorite "I wish I would....". You wish you would what? I always wanted to ask, but didn't, because I knew I would get the "sista girl neck roll" followed by a bunch of bull-ish.

Now the role is reversed many of these same women are either miserably married, or desperately seeking the acceptance of a man to make her his "wifey". I laugh now because the mistakes I made in my 20s I watch as people my age and older make and then some. Since I don't have the patience nor the time to raise a grown man, to be just that "A grown man" I cut those issues short. Now my forgiveness is earned and compromise goes both ways. But I find the advice I hear in discussion with my female counterpart is "well at least he is trying", or "most men wouldn't even bother". Oh really? Is that right? How is that your neck stopped rolling when you "fell in love" with "less than Mr.Perfect"?

The difference isn't that their man is any better or necessarily worse than the ones from the past, it's just that now they've suddenly fallen off the high horse and can't follow their own advice. Sometimes advice given isn't even worth tuning in. People secretly whisper and spy in on your life anticipating how they would act in every given situation. However, when they are no longer watching and have the starring role it suddenly becomes different. Women for some reason feel the need to play devils advocate on everyone's life but their own. The truth is, you never know how you will act in a situation until you are placed in that situation. I am sure some will argue that point because we all know our limits. But we also know there can be a thin line on compromise and when that line is crossed or even stepped on, our decision making can sometimes be swayed, especially if it is something or someone you truly desire.

Good thing for me, I have always been my own woman. I don't listen to what others have to say about people. I make my own judgments and follow my own mind. If you have people judging you or your lifestyle it may be time to step back and see how many eyes are spying on you. A watchful eye is usually beheld by someone or something plotting it's next move. Don't let people change the person that you are, if you are happy when you look in the mirror. Some people are better left playing "inspector gadget" or "secret agent" in their own lives and not others.

Get what I'm saying?

Food for Thought- Baby I Deserve

You deserve to be with someone that doesn't have to hope and cross his fingers that one day he'll  possibly, maybe, probably fall in love with you.

Food For Thought- Give Me Back My Heart?

Is there a hole in my heart, or does it just feel like something will forever be missing?

Has anyone ever felt this way? A lost love that got a way, a breakup that never healed, the loss of a loved one, etc.  Does your heart ever become whole again? What do you all think?

Introducing Food For Thought Thanksgiving Series

Morning Loves,

I have decided that with the holidays fast approaching and this year is coming to a close, I have so much on my mind. This past year has been a whirlwind of sorts for me. Many highs and some very low lows. I will be bringing you a Food For Thought each day before Thanksgiving. Please chime in and feel free to express yourself.

It's Veterans Day!

A large portion of my 9-5 consists of assisting Veterans with using their VA Educational benefits to attend college.  Even without the direct daily contact of Veterans, they house a great deal of warmth and respect in my heart. I have family and close friends that have served and are serving in the U.S. military. 

I can hear the line in the Marvin Gaye Song “What’s Going On”, the words simply said: “You see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate”. I remember I was so young and small when I heard this song, I didn’t understand what they were singing about; I just knew it made me sad. My mother was listening to it and I remember her telling me what it meant, and as a child it was scary more than anything. 

Fast forward to the present and I listen to this song several times a week. For those that don’t know, Marvin Gaye is a huge inspiration in my writings. I toss in his CD in the mornings and zone out on my way to work. 

This particular song and “Make Me Wanna Holla” captured the very explicit reality of the economy, emotional spirit, and downward effects of the war. Many say that Marvin Gaye expressed himself in a way that was well ahead of his time. People weren’t ready for the truths he let flow across the airways.

Afraid isn’t the emotion I feel anymore when I hear these songs. I am moved beyond emotions when I hear how songs created decades ago can still speak so clearly to the issues in the world NOW. It definitely “make me wanna holla” to ask for an answer to “What’s going on”? 

Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor those that have served and who are continuing to serve to protect our country. While we pay respect and say “Thank you” let’s not forget some hard statistics. 

Did you know?

“Although flawless counts are impossible to come by – the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty – VA estimates that 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Over the course of a year, approximately twice that many experience homelessness. Only eight percent of the general population can claim veteran status, but nearly one-fifth of the homeless population are veterans, (National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, 2010.

Did you also know?

“According to the 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, more than 135,000 adults who served in the armed forces were homeless in a shelter at some point between October 2007 and September 2008, the majority residing in emergency rather than transitional shelters”, (U.S. Department of Veterans Affair, The National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, 2010) .

And were you aware?

“Roughly 56 percent of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic, despite only accounting for 12.8 percent and 15.4 percent of the U.S. population respectively.

About 1.5 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing”, (National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, 2010).  

As we struggle through our own issues of the current economical hardship we face on a daily, remember those that fight for us, yet may have less or in some case return home to nothing. So if nothing else say thank you, “like” a friend’s Vet related Facebook status update, or Retweet a positive Veterans Day comment on Twitter. Many of these unsung heroes just need to be acknowledged.  Stay encouraged and be blessed! 

Never heard the songs listen below. 

References:

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) Background & Statistics. Retrieved November 11, 2010, from http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm#facts

 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affair, The National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Retrieved. November 11, 2010, from http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCenter_Mission.asp

Educational Field Trips On Your Own

Do any of the moms out there take field trips with the kids on the weekends?

My daughter and I go on field trips often and each time I try to make them a learning experience. Well this weekend was a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry.

She has been begging to go to the museum for months. I bought a membership a couple of months ago. The trips are also a time for us to bond and talk about...well, girl stuff. The museum is great, way more exciting than when I was a kid. We got a lesson in fashion, just see below:

How would you feel about having a piece of clothing you change into something different with a blow dryer? Interesting, huh?

She is big on science and this was the perfect place to talk about things. Read about different subjects and ask questions up front. She didn't have too many questions about this one, surprisingly. I think there was a motion machine in the distance that grabbed her attention.

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Our time was short there, which I planned it that way. I figured two hours in a museum was more than enough to get the curiosity settled and knowledge thriving. On our way to the exit we ran into the hospital exhibit. It was a place where participants could interact in a hospital like setting and work on "iStan". iStan is the life like dummy that has real medical conditions the objective is try to diagnose iStan's medical problem. Participants ages 12 and older get to interact in this experience. My little one was too young to participate, but considering she wants to be a Neurologist (Brain Doctor as she says) she was mesmerized.

We are definitely planning at least two more trips before the year ends. Under my membership we can go as many times as we want and the best thing is that everything is FREE!! There was a Jim Henson exhibit, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, and many many more.  I almost forgot that I purchased my membership as a Groupon. So I got a fabulous deal.

The Wiz

The Tony Award-winning version of Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz set to a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul music. The whole family will enjoy this timeless fable about the discovery that home is where the heart is.

http://www.dom.edu/pac/wiz.html
 

The Wiz is a classical favorite 1978 film featured Dianna Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell and Ted Knight. The production promises to stay true to the orginial. I intend to see this play this upcoming weekend. If you are in IL, please check it out and tell me what you think. For show times and more information visit http://www.dom.edu/pac/wiz.html

The play runs this weekend November 12-14.Tickets are reasonably priced Adult tickets are $15 and children are $5.

I will also be reviewing the play and interviewing the very talented Ms. Angela Alise Johnson who will be portraying "Dorothy". Come check it out so you can share your thoughts with me. Check back for the review and interview coming soon. See a sneak peek!

Angela A. Johnson as Dorothy in "The Wiz"

Winner of the Mini Makeover Giveaway!

WINNER of the Mini Makeover Giveaway

For those that follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and visit my blog on a regular you know that I was very excited about my first giveaway. This was a special giveaway to me. It was designed to give each woman a reason to write one wonderful word under the giveaway post about “her” on a daily basis.

It was a week to be confident and proud. The words were enlightening to see. The comments were a delight and I hope it made each entrant reflect on how she is special in her own way. Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty is about the celebration of a being a woman. It’s about uplifting each other and moving forward despite the differences we encounter.

Thanks to everyone for entering and for all you support.

Each contestant was allowed to enter once a day, each day. I used a random number generator to pick the winner. So without further delay the winner is……

Jacqueline Obillo

Congratulations!

Winner~ Winner ~ Winner

Jacqueline please contact me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com with your shipping info.

Everyone, continue self reflecting and staying motivated. Again thank you all and look for another giveaway coming soon.

Food For Thought- Elementary Art

I stopped drawing circles in Kindergarten. If you find yourself ending in the same place you started it's time to put the pencil away and draw some lines with permanent markers that have direction.

Connect the dots is the easiest way to teach a child how to draw, but as an adult I refuse to keep connecting dots that only form perfect circles. I'm laying my pencil down, how about you?

Pay it Forward- Holiday Blessings

I am passing this information along via a friend from Facebook posting. Let anyone you know that may be in need to check it out.

If anyone is in need of or know anyone in need of a blessing, Temple of Praise Binding and Loosing Ministries International, Located @ 12900 South Halsted Street Chicago, Illinois (Pastor Ladell Jones and Jolinda Wade) will be giving away food and turkeys to the 1st 200 people on Saturday Nov 20th at 8:00 am (1st Come, 1st Serve) Pass the Word.... Be a Blessing....

Food for Thought- From One Woman to Another

From one woman to another: step back, let it hurt, let it go, and love yourself first. "Girl, you gotta love yourself more than a man"...Only a good friend can say it like that. Be a better friend and listen.

Sometimes a great girlfriend will say things to you that make you want to cry because you know she speaks the truth. Then there are times when an even greater girlfriend will catch the tear before it touches your cheek.

Know who has your best interest at heart and who "hardly" cares.

Can't a Girl Dream?

There is so much more to life than the hustle and bustle of daily activities. As far as I can remember my life has always moved at full speed ahead, with some awkward curves and a few forks in the road, but never a slowing point. Sure I've been stalled by railroad crossing and bad weather, but I have never pulled over to the side to take a rest.

I've never gone on an actual trip, non-business related of course. I've never relaxed by the pool side, or sipped Martinis on a sandy beach. How I dream of that day.

I need for my soul to be fed. I crave the excitement of surprise. The taste of a sweet delightful night of rest. Even a pedicure would be nice, maybe a little breakfast in bed. A delicious candle lit bath, prepared for me with a glass of white wine. So I close my eyes, "I wish, I wish with all inside, to find a place where I can hide".

As quickly as I can dream, I am reminded of my responsibilities and the guilt of the pleasure of my fantasy skips through my head.

Can't a girl dream?

I will find a way to treat myself to something nice before 2011 chimes in and another year has passed me by.

Any suggestions?

Food For Thought- What About Others?

Life is too short and important to be busy "all" the time. Take a moment to notice what's before your eyes or it my disappear in a blink!