Join Me in Celebrating National Black Music Month

There are many joys to commemorate in June. From Father's Day celebrations; to the end of the school year; to Black Music Month; to Juneteenth.  

As such, June remains one of my favorite months of the year. There is so much to explore, so much to do, so much to learn.

Today's post honors one topical aspect that is near and dear to my heart: Black music. Truth is, most of my days start off with some form of music. Though not necessarily Black music.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE BLACK MUSIC?...

When many folks think of "Black" music they typically associate it with Gangsta' rap lyrics; or songs that are loud and salacious; promoting a political agenda; or with a bodacious beat you can dance to. (Insert snapping fingers here.) And though this may apply to some songs and performers, Black music is much more.

Black music embodies all the hues and colors of a rainbow. It is storied. It is moving. It speaks a universal language. It reflects a myriad of styles, approaches, and techniques. Not to mention, a testament to the incredible talent and ingenuity of people of color. Many Black artists in fact, are self-taught. For example, Prince and Louis Armstrong.

THE HISTORY OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH

Black Music Month was initially created by President carter in 1979. 

According to Nationaltoday.com: "The United States has been celebrating Black Music Month in June since 1979. The month of June is set aside to appreciate the contributions of African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters in American culture. The month honors the history and rich African traditions that gave birth to different styles of music such as rap, hip-hop, jazz, rhythm and blues, barbershop, and swing. It is also the month to celebrate creative inspiration and appreciate the impact that African-American music has had on generations of performers and music lovers!"

JEN'S SPIN...

Though my love of music ranges from Beethoven to Billy Joel...and beyond, I am particularly fond of Jazz Music. Here are a few artists and arrangements I recommend, that I believe you'll enjoy for Black Music Month and many months ahead.

BLACK VIOLIN 

Is an American hip hop duo from Florida, with a unique sound. They often fuse hip hop with Jazz and classical music. They are classically trained.

Blackviolin.net 

Here is one of my favorite songs that they perform on YouTube (titled Freestyle). Check it out

here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WBpk2K79gc

DAMIEN ESCOBAR

Is a versatile, soulful, dynamic dude. He is an American violinist whose genres span a spectrum of styles: classical, jazz, pop, R&B, hip hop.

His song, (A Winter Night in Boston) is so beautiful and moving that it evokes an array of emotions. But don't just take my word for it. Listen and let me know in the comments.

Tune in here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9AiLZ1vf0E

IN CONCLUSION

   

My personal music playlist contains many, many songs and sounds that I think you would definitely dig and likely add to your own "favorites" playlist. But in the spirit of efficiency and practicality, I'll save that for another day, perhaps.

Wishing you a Happy Black Music Month and a sensational summer!

Thoughts? Who is your favorite Black/African-American musical artist?

NOTE: PEN & PROSPER WILL BE ON AN INDEFINITE HIATUS...

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Pen & Prosper Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen!

 Welcome, welcome!

I appreciate your visit and your time today. Who knew that in 2009, when I launched Pen & Prosper, it would reach thousands of readers across the globe for more than a decade? That it would garner numerous awards, and cultivate long-term friendships.

Yet here we are. 

This month marks 16 years of being in the blogosphere. Yay! If this blog were a person, she'd be in the junior year of high school. Imagine that. And not to toot my own horn; with the exception of periodic summer/winter holiday breaks, I've posted every month, every year. Consistently. Thank you for your support, continued readership and comments. It definitely helps to stay the course.

As many of you who are fellow-bloggers can attest, blogging is hard work. True? It's a labor of love. Sometimes that seems to be unrequited love, even. :-) 

It's a tall order. Coming up with ideas; research; editing; posting; tweeting; conducting interviews; answering comments; finding images to accompany posts; etc.

Kudos to those of you (who like me) are still pushing forward amid the obstacles, challenges, and time constraints. Consider me a sideline cheerleader.

BLOGS CATEGORICALLY HAVE A HIGH ABANDONMENT RATE...

According to statistics provided by Researchscape.com, Perseus Development Corp. randomly surveyed 3,634 blogs on eight leading blog-hosting services to develop a model of blog populations. Based on this research, Perseus estimates that 4.12 million blogs have been created on these services: Blog-City, BlogSpot, Diaryland, LiveJournal, Pitas, TypePad, Weblogger and Xanga.

Abandoned Blogs

The most revealing finding was that 66.0% of surveyed blogs had not been updated in two months, representing 2.72 million blogs that have been either permanently or temporarily abandoned. For more statistical data on why bloggers quit, and how to prevent your favorite blogs from joining the ranks, check out an interesting post here: https://magnet4blogging.net/why-bloggers-quit/

For informational purposes, here's another piece I wrote here, on how to stay motivated with your blogging efforts, that I hope you'll find useful:

https://penandprosper.blogspot.com/2017/01/8-tips-to-maintain-your-blogging.html

FOR THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED, HERE ARE SOME PEN & PROSPER CURRENT STATS AND FUN FACTS:

BLOG INITIATED IN JUNE, 2009

• ALL TIME BLOG VIEWS ARE 954,355
• LAST MONTH VIEW COUNTS TOTAL 17,741 
• 935 POSTS TO DATE
• 8702 COMMENTS (INCLUDES SPAM) (NOT THE MEAT)
• APPROX 9,000 FOLLOWERS (ACCORDING TO FEEDSPOT.COM AND OTHER READER AGGREGATES)
• P&P HAS COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS AND THEMES RELATED TO THE WRITING LIFE--time management, money management, work/life balance, motivation, how-to tips, humor, poetry, etc.

As I close out today's post, I'd like to thank you for your thoughts across the miles, comments, re-tweets, business support, and readership along the way.

Please feel free to leave a comment to share your experience here @ Pen & Prosper, whether you are a new follower or a long-time friend. 

I also welcome your suggestions and readers' questions.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Jen

Comments? Thoughts here?

Image credits: Pixabay.com

 

 

Motivational Quotes For May* Know More, Grow More!

 

Motivation. 

We all need it. Sometimes just to get through a bad day, a bad break-up, health challenges, or even writing woes. Motivation can come in myriad forms. From pep talks with a close friend; to advice provided through self-help books; to motivational quotes from sage souls.

Accordingly, today's post is to inspire, inform, and encourage you as you march through the month of May, and all it brings your way. These quotes are from various sources; some are new, while others have been reflected here before.

I hope you find something to make you smile or reflect. Feel free to leave your favorite quote or input in the comments.

As always, thanks for spending time with Pen & Prosper. 

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES FOR MAY...

"As long as you have your health, you have everything." 

--Augustin Burroughs

"Poor companions are like the buttons on an elevator. They will either take you up or take you down."

"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than an atom bomb."

"When things go wrong, don't go wrong with them."

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

--Eleanor Roosevelt

"So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord."

-- Psalms: 31:24

"Being more is better than buying more."

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

--Dr. Seuss

"To get what you want, STOP doing what isn't working."

--Earl Warren

"Don't be frustrated by your inexperience--all green things inevitably grow." 

"Be like the birds. Sing after every storm."

"The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it." 

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Anything that can go wrong can go right."

Readers

Any quote here resonate with you? Any quote of your own you'd like to share?

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Say Yes to Stress! Guest post by Sporty King

 

As alluded to previously, at Pen & Prosper, April is designated Stress Awareness Month. In today's post, we will continue this theme with an engaging and informative post by award-winning motivational speaker, Sporty King. If this article resonates and "speaks" to you, please feel free to leave a comment. As always, thanks for reading.

SAY YES TO STRESS...

Much of life is about reframing… and more importantly, honesty. Thus my title of this article. One definition/outlook on stress is that it is the response we have when life challenges seem greater than our ability to handle them. Those challenges are in the form of what we call stressors… the ‘things’ that cause a state of strain or tension. Stressors can have a negative impact on our bodies, minds, and emotions.

My favorite concise definition is one I learned from my friend, Dr. Heidi Hannah, “Stress is when demand exceeds capacity.” You have a limit as to how much you can handle. And how you handle your stressors can throw off your sense of reality, because stress is often a chosen mindset. However, real or perceived, it can put you in a tailspin where you just feel overwhelmed. While it's difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage, studies indicate that a significant portion of people experience stress, and many perceive it as affecting their health, with some studies suggesting over 70% of people experience stress that affects their physical health. 

Thus for this brief article I’ll address perceived stress, by first breaking stress down into what I consider its purest form… It’s just STUFF (Situations That Unleash our Focus & Faith). 

When challenges come your way, you’ll find out who you really are, because your character will be tested. Character is built from the positive building blocks of life. But it’s also built from conquering the stresses and problems of life. What you do with stress not only reveals your character but also helps develop your character… your focus and faith.

First your focus: FOCUS (Finding Ourselves Creates Unlimited Success). Remind yourself to establish some Me time for big issues. Focus on you and let other people come into focus. Once you decide who you are and take a chance on what you’re here to do, people will pop up. Some to discourage you. Some to encourage you. 

Therefore you have to tighten up your faith: FAITH (Feeling As If There’s Hope).  Recognizing that the only thing you cannot do is give up. Coupling that with those people who pop up, you’ll have to be aware of the words that surround you and dig into your psyche, because we all know words are powerful. Many people can finish this cliché for me (“When one door closes…”) by using, “… another door will open.” Yet here’s the Sporty King remix: When one door closes, go for the windows. 

Go for the windows because there’re usually more windows than there are doors. And won’t we make better decisions when we see all we have to choose from?

Yet one could also finish that sentence with, “When one door closes, it locks.” Isn’t that the truth? Life is not dress rehearsal. There are many instances (not all, but many) where you only get one chance. And the chance is centered around how well you’ve focused on your window of opportunity so you can have the faith to make the move you’ve been gifted.

One rule of thumb I learned long ago is, when dealing with stress, “If you don’t like the way things are, change the way you look at them.”

A VIEW FROM THE PENTHOUSE...

In 2014 on my business card, website and marketing material I started listing my address as Penthouse 208, and I had friends say, “Wow, you’re living in a Penthouse?” I told them, “Yepp. My apartment complex has all 2-story buildings and I live on the 2nd floor of mine. The top floor is the Penthouse… the way I look at it.” Remember my mentioning reframing?

When I met my mail carrier and told him the story, he cracked up laughing and told me how much he had enjoyed seeing it. But here’s the kicker… In 2017 I moved into another building in the same complex and that changed my Penthouse to 207. Comically, anyone who hadn’t gotten the announcement of my moving didn’t have to worry about getting the mail returned. Mr. Blakely just corrected it on the envelope and delivered it. I was now getting personalized service from USPO.

When you change the way you look at things, people change the way they look at you.

Yet over a year later someone sent mail to my complete old address. Mr. Blakely totally corrected it on the envelope and delivered it. When you change the way you look at things, people change the way they look at you. And you can do the same with stress.

Sometimes what you also get to do is change the music. Who’s in your ear? Why are you listening to them? What’s in your spirit? How much do you trust them? When can you change it if you have to? Where will you go when you do?

I think the answer to each of those questions can touch on the 3R’s, though not Reading, wRiting, and aRithmatic… yet the Research, Real Stuff, and Resource.

Is the research valid? Does it apply to the stuff that’s really going on with you? Who is your messenger? Today, it’s me. Depending on what goes on in your life, that can change in either direction. Yet still, through your music…

1. Continue to research who, why, what, how, when and where without putting yourself in a box

2. Evaluate why, how, when and where the research applies to what you’re really going through

3. Constantly reevaluate who, why, how, when and where you’re getting your information from

This is not fool proof, nor the end-all to your stress. But it’s a good place to start because it’s manageable and an easy source of practice… as hopefully you’ll get plenty of opportunities to give it another try.

You see the truth is something I once saw on a Charlie Brown poster: “Worrying won’t stop bad stuff from happening. It just stops you from enjoying the good.” And another reframe: If today is the worst day of your life, then you know tomorrow will be better. And that's truly something to live for.

Thoughts, readers?

BIO:

Sporty King is a native New Yorker, where he started his 18-year career at The Wall Street Journal as a Messenger in 1975. After 7 promotions, 8 job titles, and 2 relocations he retired as a Classified Advertising Sales Manager (in Chicago) to eventually start his new ‘Messenger’ career... as an Inspirational Speaker in 1994. 

Now living in Charlotte, his passion empowers Military Service/Family Members to become better Listeners so they can become better Citizens, Employees, Parents, and Siblings. 

Sporty believes that success is about confidence and listening… how people feel about themselves affects their ability to listen; that life is about going from one puzzle to another… and you are a small, medium or large piece of each puzzle. Thus he uses humor, original poetry & the power of words to get tangible positive results, helping people contribute to the bottom line by envisioning themselves as an important piece of every puzzle based on feeling good about themselves. He calls it The Top Line… 

and with it, there are boundless bottom-line results. 

Sporty is the author of STUFF Happens (an inspirational book of speeches); 4 books of inspirational poetry; 2 books of positive messages and affirmations. He has a love for guiding and inspiring people to ENJOY their personal/professional success.

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Pen & Prosper Celebrates National Poetry Month

 

Of the many genres of writing that I enjoy to read, create and share, poetry is one of my favorites. I've been penning pieces since my teen years. To date, I've actually published and sold 8 titles of poetry books. 

With this being said, I excitedly welcome you to join me in celebrating National Poetry Month!

Poetry has evolved from being that boring class/subject matter that many of us were forced to study in school with archaic language and abstract ideas, folks. It has indeed evolved. It has been popularized and mainstreamed. Movies have frequently featured central characters who are poets; there are national poetry competitions; and poetry has even been included and embraced at presidential ceremonies and prestigious gatherings.

Established originally in 1996, by a proclamation from former President, Bill Clinton, National Poetry Month seeks to recognize the artistic contributions of poets and "spoken word" artists around the world.

In celebration, below are a few poems I've written, for your reading pleasure. Hope you enjoy. Please feel free to comment. Be gentle.

MS. JOYCE

Gentle

Her voice,

Gentle 

By choice,

Well-traveled

And poised,

The years

Have served her well,

She’ll gladly share her wisdom

If you sit with her

A spell,

Her wise counsel

Born of heart

And soul,

Valuable, like gold

90 years old--

A teacher

Beyond the classroom,

A cherished mother

An animal lover,

Gifted pianist,

She feeds unspoken needs

Through loving deeds,

Through planting seeds

For tomorrow’s harvest

A rich and fruitful legacy

Matriarch of her family

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR…?

Neither friend

Nor enemy--

Bound by our shared lines/ of property,

This

Our only commonality--

Regretfully,

Some days

We share forced pleasantries,

Some days 

They challenge me,

Infringe on

My sanity,

Disregard 

Respectful boundaries,

Some days

Good ones 

Seem to be

An anomaly,

Some days

They cause difficulty

To honor biblically

The mandate 

To love thy neighbor,

Heaven help me!

M.I.A. ON SUNDAY?

I don’t need a

Dwelling place

A designated space

A “sacred”

Physical building

To express the depths

Of my feelings,

To honor He

Who “dwells” in me,

My body

Is a temple

Where we meet daily, 

Intimately

Mind, heart and soul

His virtues I routinely extol,

God often speaks to me

Through nature’s beauty, imagery and divinity,

Through the pleasure I derive

From my favorite song’s melody,

His goodness

I can “taste and see”

Even when you don’t find me

 Present

At church--

Please don’t find it odd

No matter my G.P.S. location or destination

I AM always with my God...

LIFE IS LIKE A TANGO...

Life

Is like a Tango,

A never-ending dance

Seems too often

We take one step forward

And some mishap

Takes us two steps back

Stay on your toes,

Never lose your footing

Keep your balance,

Keep your joy

Thanks for reading!

Image credits: Pixabay.com

Stress Awareness Month* 6 Tips to Manage Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. In 2025, perhaps more than ever before, stress awareness and stress management have become crucial to our quality of life and optimal health. Tariff wars, an unstable economy, rampant crime, natural disasters,  political pandemonium, threaten to rob us of our peace and sense of well-being. 

To quote one of my favorite songs from Tears For Fears, "shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without!"

I digress a bit here...

It's important to keep in mind that if properly managed, stress does not have to get the best of us; rather it can get the best “from” us. Ready to find out how? Read on. 

But before we tackle stress, let’s address what stress is.  

According to the World Health Organization, “Stress  can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being."

With this in mind, here are 6 timely tips to manage the madness, and keep stress to a minimum.

1. Make an “official appointment” to do a meet and greet with a friend. 

Studies show that maintaining strong social ties with friends can improve our health and increase longevity. Get together once a week or once a month to catch up and let your hair down. One of my former college buddies and I get together each month and have lunch at the 2-fer restaurants where we combine a good deal with good conversation. Remember to treat it with importance (like you would a meeting with a client).

2. Change the way you think. 

Award-winning motivational speaker, Sporty King, offers the following rule of thumb when dealing with stress: "If you don't like the way things are, change the way you look at them." 

3. Join a nearby book club. 

Most writers are avid readers. So joining a book club can provide mental stimulation, connection with groovy people, and a much-needed recreational escape. 

4. Commune with nature. 

Visit a botanical garden, go fishing, have a picnic in the park, sit by a lake and contemplate. Or take the little ones to a ball park. Try it, you might like it!

5. Treat yourself to a deserved day of pampering at a day spa. 

Get in a manicure, pedicure, facial, or body massage. You’ll feel rewarded and less stressed. This advice applies to men as well. On a personal note here, since January of this year, I have gotten pedicures on a regular basis, and it's a wonderful way to relax. Trust me.

6. Do a "digital detox."

Step away from your computer. I repeat. Step away from your computer. Living in the digital age means that we are always "connected" and tapped into various forms of communication. Whether it's through smart phones, social media interaction, zoom meetings, etc.

Take some down-time. It's good for your mental health and can translate into greater productivity levels as well. 

IN CONCLUSION:

I hope that you apply the above techniques and principles, not just for this month, but as a way of living in times ahead.

Have a great, "peaceful" week ahead.

Thoughts? Any tips you'd like to add?

Announcements & News You Can Use* Coming In April!

 

Spring has sprung! And in a few days, we will be ushering in the month of April. As some of you may be aware, April is a month that recognizes and embraces several important themes and national events.

April, for example, is Stress Awareness Month; National Financial Literacy Month; and National Poetry Month. Accordingly, I intend to share a variety of topical blog posts and informative pieces.

If you would like to join in as a contributor, and have your work reflected here, before thousands of readers, I welcome you to send me your essays, articles and poetry as follows. Essays, reviews and articles 250-1000 words. Poetry of 1-2 pages.

SEEKING CONTRIBUTIONS 

IN HONOR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH...

• MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR WRITERS
• SAVVY SHOPPING TIPS
• INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
• BOOK PUBLISHING ON A BUDGET
• BOOK REVIEWS ON FINANCIAL TOPICS

IN HONOR OF STRESS AWARENESS MONTH...

• MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS TIPS
• HOW TO AVOID BLOGGING BLUES
• TIPS ON LIFE/WORK BALANCE
• HOW TO MAKE TAX TIME SIMPLER

       IN HONOR OF NATIONAL POETRY MONTH...

• Poetic pieces of 1-2 pages on any theme and style

Please submit via email as a Microsoft Word attachment to: Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

Along with a photo, a brief bio, and one link to your website.

I look forward to receiving and sharing your work!