A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Last Monday, I went to see my Aunt Charlie Mae in the Brooklyn Hospital. She had to be admitted for some tests. I surprised her with a vase of roses as she prepared to eat her dinner. Her daughters, my cousins Pat and Gloria, were there as well and it was good to see them all. Aunt Charlie Mae is my dad's oldest sister (from a clan of eight siblings) and I'm glad I was able to see her. GET WELL SOON, AUNT CHARLIE MAE.

Meanwhile, New York City has provided a backdrop for many outings over the last week (at least, the piece of it that found me here in The Big Apple). I'm just now coming from Merc Bar (www.mercbar.com/) where I spent a lovely evening with my "Amazing Grace" Nichole and her friend Mara Brock Akil with whom I've had the chance to be friendly (through Nichole) over the last couple of years. Mara is the creator of my favorite show "Girlfriends". She's in town on a bit of a retreat from the pressures of having two hit shows (also "The Game"); a gorgeous and talented husband who often directs her CW sitcoms; and a smart and vibrant son. Mara just needed some "me time". And that's just what she was here to do. Off the record, we shared many behind-the- scenes tales of "Girlfriends" and "The Game" (including my critique on certain episodes and character archs - especially given the roster changes on "Girlfriends". Also, I love Tracee Ellis Ross in her own right - not just because of who her mother is, but I clearly love her too. SMILE!).  Mara was gracious as I walked her through episode after episode. After all, "Girlfriends" is my favorite show. But most profoundly, we spoke of LIFE and how we are all its STUDENTS - navigating our way through to BE OUR BEST SELVES inside of it. One book Mara recommended to Nichole and me is "Ask and it is given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks. Like "The Secret", she says it's a book that has been very helpful and life-changing to her.  Also, Mara, Nichole, and I laughed a lot - reflecting on pop culture in the '70s - from "Good Times" (and the years of James Evans, who scared Nichole as a little girl) and "Sparkle", the cinematic treat starring Irene Cara. As Nichole, Mara, and I battled a bit over who would pay for our check - a couple of glasses of wine and a few flutes of champagne later. Mara won and - truly - she is a winner (not for what she does, but who she is). She's a lovely, focused, and committed woman... and I consider it a total honor to have spent this time with her (and you too, Nichole). SMILE!

Also, amidst the week, Anthony had friends in town - one of whom carries a special significance. Sabrina was with Anthony the night he and I met at the opening of "The Color Purple". She was back in town this week with her brother Jason. We met them in The Village at "Absolutely 4th",  (www.absolutely4th.com/), a spot that boasts one of the best martini lists on the island. I had a margarita, but Anthony, Sabrina, and Jason enjoyed a number of tasty spirits from the "martini family". After catching up, we all segued to Sway Lounge (www.swaylounge.com). There, we saw actor Leon and other industry insiders. Overall, it was a great night.

The next night, Anthony and I went back to Pier 2110 (www.pier2110.com/), the event his friends, co-hosts Robert and Marcos put on every Tuesday (Marcos is pictured here with Anthony). We had dinner on this night, but found our treat to be bartender and barmaid Adriane. By day, she works in e-commerce. By night, she's the life of the party. From her way around a mixed drink to her swagger on the dancefloor, she brought life and love to the night. We loved her!!!

Marcos (pictured above with Anthony) also throws a "Mingle Mondays" (Artist Industry Night) at VOYAGE Restaurant, Anthony's and my new hang in the Village (117 Perry Street @ Greenwich Street). Because Anthony has a class he's taking on that night, we usually pop in to have a late-night drink before turning in as the evening is usually coming to its close. And in weeks gone by, they've had singers and musicians in acoustic tow. Last night, "poetry" was the muse as provided by "3StrongBrothaz Theatre Company" and I got the chance to meet the poets, though I missed the performances. I actually knew one of them BARON, who I have had a chance to know a little over the last year (www.myspace.com/BaronArtist). He is now a new friend of mine on MY SPACE and I recommend you check out his site to know all the great things he's doing.

On another night, Wednesday, my spot N Harlem (www.nharlemnewyork.com/) was the home of a fabulous party that celebrated "Bleu magazine's anniversary". Afterwards, all gathered at GINGER for healthy asian cuisine, great music, and awesome fellowship. (www.gingerexpress.com).  BLEU is  a new lifestyle magazine for urban gay men of color (www.thebleumag.com). It's publisher Devon Christopher is always so kind when I see him out. (He and I have even spoken about some possible collaborations down the line.) And what a line-up of fun and fashion he and his team put together for the evening. The STOLI (Vodka) was flowing and my favorite T-SHIRT designer de jour MINORITEES (www.minoritees.com) were on display. In fact, I got the chance to meet the creators of this brand that has brought me so much joy since I began to wear it last year. One of the firsts was the shirt that reads: "IT'S OK. I CAN'T TELL Y'ALL APART EITHER". That one has generated quite a buzz whenever I've worn it. Then, there's "GOT GRITS?". And my favorite of all time in the series includes the image of the Afro-head (with a pick in it). It's usually beaded and the backgrounds vary from solid black or brown to camouglage. The heads are beaded or just pressed-on. In all variations, the effect is awesome. And the praise is unending. (And what pride the image projects). When Larry - co-owner of N - introduced me to the owner Collin and his Vice President Austin, they were so warm and happy to meet me as they had heard I was one of their biggest fans. With gratitude, Collin sent Anthony and me a box full of new MINORITEES - so tune into "A Day in the Life of Riley" to see where they show up. Additionally, I'm working with the guys to ensure that these MINORITEES make their way to an even bigger audience. Already, we've seen Janet Jackson rocking her MINORITEES (plural). Onward and upward for this brand.