(DESPERATE) & (REAL TIMES) IN ATLANTA
I got a recent assignment in Atlanta. It was a tough one to accept as I had little to no funds to front the trip. As a freelancer, I have to pay for things like car service to and from the airport; meals; any other incidentals and then I submit for reimbursement. (Fortunately, the flights and hotels are taken care of.) This particular dispatch came as several checks were processed (for previous work) but none had arrived. Moreover, I had little cash on me. With that, I couldn't afford to say NO to the work. But I too couldn't really afford to do the work. I remember hearing often in the church "If you take one step, HE'll take two". And through some very dear friends, God showed up and showed out! 
My good girlfriend Audrey, who heads up an assignment team at CNN (www.cnn.com) and has been a dear friend for years (I've blogged about her endlessly in this blog.). I hipped her to my financial conundrum and she stepped in and made sure I had some money to get by. "No need to be humble and grateful," Audrey pointed out. "I know that you have always been so good to me. It is the least I can do for you. I love you and always will." We enjoyed this transaction over "Spice Market" at midtown Atlanta's "W" Hotel (www.starwoodhotels.com). My ‘original Amazing Grace' Natalie and several other Amazing Graces (Chandra, Tata, and my sister Janice) and dear friends (Ern, Michael, Mario, etc.) also stepped in and helped ‘cause de Patrick' - ensuring I had some slush to hold me together during this temporary lull. Natalie pointedly assisted me to hold back a seemingly endless stream of tears (READ: frustration) and focus on the blinding light ahead of me that promises a tide turn. 
Speaking of Atlanta and a world that is far away from what I'm experiencing right now, have you seen "Real Housewives of Atlanta" (www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives_Of_Atlanta/season/1/index.php)? Though overtly materialistic and shallow and grossly extravagant, I want not to like it. But I LOVE IT! It's a GUILTY PLEASURE, I guess. It's an ASPIRATIONAL piece to which I would ADD HUMILITY and mix in my own world, God willing such riches will be mine one day. 
One of the housewives Nene is a hoot and I was excited to see her "Big Willie" Dwight who is a good friend of my platonic boo (I call him) Carl Nelson.
Ant thinks I would make a good host for the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion. 
I reached out to my Morehouse brother and fab event planner Jamahl King (www.stepsevents.com/jamal.html) - gleaning that he must know some (if not all) of these ladies from the socialite scene of Atlanta. And he was helpful to get me some contacts inside that world. Next stop: ABUNDANCE!
Upon my return to New York City, I rushed up to the Red Eye Grill (www.redeyegrill.com) where my long-standing industry buddy (and Chandra's former boss from years ago), publicist Juanita Stephens, threw an intimate set for neo-soul Ashford-and-Simpson ‘Kindred' (www.hiddenbeach.com or www.kindredthefamilysoul.com or www.myspace.com/kindredthefamilysoulspace). 
Food and wine were abundant as the impressive group of journalists gathered and caught up on Fatin and Aja's highly-anticipated third release "The Arrival" (due October 23, 2008). 
The hip and humble parents of five made time for everyone. Plus, those of us fellow journalists got the chance to catch up. All of these pictures were taken by my date Charlie T (www.charlietphotography.net/) who graciously filled in for Ant who needed to be in Brooklyn by the side of his "Amazing Grace" Manivone.
She was celebrating a birthday (during my astrological sign of Scorpio). 
Charlie T made sure to get pix of me with everyone. 
Publisher of my favorite monthly mag "Sister 2 Sister" Jamie Foster Brown (www.s2smagazine.com) was in the house and I finally got the chance to connect to her. 
Kenya Byrd (www.essence.com); David Nathan (www.davidnathan.com/); my Michael and Nichole; and a host of others were in the house. 
As things grow a hair more challenging for all involved in our varied industries, it is nice to see everybody and know what support and suggestions you can bring to the table.
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR
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