I have been receiving such positive feedback about the mamltdart FACES Blog! and T-shirt sales are on the rise! I am so excited that people are identifying with the brand!

New FACE of mAmLtDart

Greetings FACE followers,

Simply would like to introduce myself as I am a new voice and face on this blog. Keeping in line with the question, "Who do you aspire to be?", here goes my intro:

My name is Malaika Carpenter and I aspire to be a woman of excellence by honoring God with my gift of writing and creativity, through my love of others, and in my strength of character.

Second, I would like to add a line about what I intend on contributing to the blog:
1. A word of encouragement
2. A glimpse into my life
3. A good word on a good book I read, play I saw, art I experienced
4. "Take It To the People" moment - reader's feedback on a frustration, questions, comment and/or opinion

Talk soon (or blog soon!),

Malaika

Taxed but not Smacked, Flipped or Rubbed Down!

I went to dinner a couple of nights ago with my business partner. After a rough week, personally, professionally, and emotionally- I was ready to pontificate on the stresses of work and family and the lack of romance in my life. Emotionally taxed by constant and consistent professional battles, feeling dejected, tired, and just plain worn out; over a pitcher of margaritas, I turned and asked "Do you think i'm too invested?" and she replied "Hell yeah! And its because you aren't gettin' any- Fat, Ugly Broads have beautiful men for which they have babies- what's your problem?"

She said "You Need to Have It Smacked, Flipped, and Rubbed Down!"
Now thats something to pontificate on...

Sister friend...

I just watched a program on the life of Maya Angelou and what an extraordinary life she's lived in her 70+ years. But the thing that most stood out to me were the wonderful relationships she's fostered with people who came from all walks of life and were pursuing a host of career and life paths. Among those numerous invaluable relationships, she has "sister friends."

What an awesome label--one that I'd never heard, but that immediately resonated with me. I, too, belong to a sisterhood that inspires and fuels me to be a better woman. We've not taken any vows or been formally recognized as such. In fact, some of the members of my sisterhood don't even know each other with their only commonality being that they have me as a friend. Being just one month away from my 25th birthday, I have only just begun to truly appreciate having these women in my life. And my sisters are connected to me in a way that I almost can't describe, but I'll certainly try!

(blood-related "sister friends")...

My Granny ...I can tell her anything without the fear of being judged, she listens and is always honest about her opinion. From caretaker to very best friend, Granny's been my rock for some time now.

There's Mommy--her given name is Cheryl, her best qualities are her independent nature and her fiery tongue...some think Mel and I take after her even though she's gotten a little less stinging with her commentary as she ages. We've really become close as I've taken my journey into womanhood...she's my biggest cheerleader...she rallies my spirit.

Then there's Mel-- what can I say about Mel? We shared a womb and identical DNA strands, but as much as we are alike, we are different. She was the one who dispelled the myth of Santa Clause for me and that's pretty much the role she plays in my life...brutally honest no matter how much I don't want to hear it--a quality I learn to love a little more each day. And she's such a go-getter and risk taker...she pursues what she wants when she wants and lives life on her own terms...I love it!

Ohhhh and Jenelle...J, is my cousin. She's a wife, aunt, sister, sister-in-law and soon-to-be mother. Rarely do we get a chance to actually speak, but we are so alike in the ways that we respond to family. She's the consummate nurturer (all things to all people and its a tendency I guess we get from Granny). Much like "my rock," J exudes love and warmth; it's a quality that makes her quite honorable in my view.

My other "sister friends"...a truly special bunch of few that I won't name, but I'll tell you why i love them and how they move me toward greatness...

There's the aspiring researcher and scientist...she's been through a lot in her 24 and 1/4 years, but is sweet as pie...she's determined and focused and ever so loving...if I'm ever in need of help, emotional support or just someone to vent to, she's always there. We don't have to talk every day or even every month, but when we do it's like we're right back in Brooklyn walking through the halls of John Dewey High School again...nothing's changed between us...we're just older, wiser, more beautiful and way less broke.

There's the single mom, summa cum laude graduate and soon-to-be homeowner...she's fun and funny, and so smart! She's a great mom and committed to making the best life possible for her and her beautiful baby girl. For me, she brings out my silliness...we talk all the time and check in at all times, and keep each other positive and laughing.

One of them is my sister in singlehood...she was my next door neighbor freshman year in college and we just clicked. She's so much like me its scary...she's my sounding board, my drinking buddy, my dinner date once a month...She's my "hype man." She is me if I were born to another mother and father in a different city.

Ohhh and I can't forget about the community worker and tutor...she's a little loud and a lot funny. She has a master's degree and works for pennies to serve others. Can one be more loving and compassionate than that?! She makes sure that I'm taking care of myself, putting myself first doing what I need to do for me. And I make sure that her moodiness is in check! (As much as I can anyway.)

There are so many women in this life that have my respect and admiration, but these women have all stolen a piece of my heart. They keep me going no matter what is going on in my life and for that I love and cherish my sister friends!

If you're one of them and you're reading this, you know who you are. Know that I love you dearly!! Muah!

Riding the F Train

Every once in a while I’ll have a moment that makes me say "ah, New York," in a very appreciative manner. Moments like going over the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing the Manhattan lights, hearing "Empire State of Mind" blasting out of someone’s car or store front, or buying a cheap slice of pizza at three o’clock in the morning on my way home reinforce my love of NY.

I have one very distinct moment that involves a subway performer. I was riding the F train when it stalled on the track above ground (around the 4 Ave/Smith-9^th area). The train didn’t move and I had a clear shot of the Empire State Building. While we sat there, an old man walked into our car from an adjoining car and started singing "What A Wonderful World" in a very raspy voice. He had an old electric guitar, a mic in front of his face and the slightly distorted sounds came out of a small speaker he had tied to his back. "What A Wonderful World" is one of my favorite songs, and this man did such a beautiful/unique rendition of it. The combination of that song and the view of the city was enough to make me tear up. That moment really made me happy, but I didn’t give the performer any money, or any accolades at all. I just kept the moment to myself.

That event happened sometime last year. A couple days ago, I saw that same performer on the G train, counting his money at the end of the day. I didn’t know if I should tell him how much that moment meant to me. I wouldn’t usually do this, but something came over me and I decided to get up and tell him. I walked over and told him about the view of the city, his voice, that song and how it all made my night. He shook my hand and thanked me for telling him. We got off at the same stop and actually walked and talked for a while. He talked about God, his past mistakes, his attitude toward other people and life in general. It was a good conversation. He said he doesn’t usually talk to people at all; he just performs during the day and goes home by himself. He was surprised he was talking to me, and I was too after hearing his story but we were both glad it happened.

He gave me a hug and we parted ways. I think I made his night, which I hope was enough to pay him back for the time he made my night with his performance. Other than meeting an incredibly interesting person, I learned that it’s good to tell people you appreciate them. People don’t hear it as much as they should, or would like to. People rarely get their flowers while they can still smell them, but I feel like I just gave this man a bouquet and it made us both feel good.