A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

As you know, I've been on the road for work. NYC/NJ is my home and that’s where my man Ant is. He came from our home in NYC/NJ to see me (bearing gifts: new disposable camera. See pix! SMILE!). I couldn't stop posing!

Best friend since 7^th grade, Ern, came too. We had a great weekend all around - from the moment they landed. This weekend gave me the chance to reconnect with Ern’s cousin Adolpha, who is in the business as well (working for Fantasia’s reality show now in addition to her work as a screenwriter and stand-up comic). She took Ern and me to O Bar in West Hollywood the night prior to Ant’s arrival (after Ern and I did lunch at “Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles”). Adolpha and her husband Nyk took Ern and me to Casablanca, a restaurant with 300-types of tequilas. And they invited us to Adolpha’s friend Jackie’s home in The Valley for a super fun pool party! We ate! We danced! And really enjoyed the energy of some good people! On the night Ant arrived, we met up with Ern and Adolpha at a spot in Santa Monica called Air Conditioned.

We went to my girlfriend Sidra's Downtown L.A. pad for rooftop swimming and brunch. Tony and Scott joined us there along with Ern.

My friend Curtis threw a Diana-Ross-themed house party with every Ross-rarity you could ask for. “Eyebrow King” Damone Roberts and his partner Ramon were in the house as well as our Tony & Scott. Curtis (and his brother Walter) were truly the hosts with the most – weaving all things Ross (from the 60s through to the new millennium). And we're talking rare videos, CDs, and glorious artwork well-appointed throughout their lovely home. There will be many-a-follow-up in the coming weeks. Thanks Curtis! Friend to Friend.

On Sunday of the weekend, Ant – an artist – and I got to meet up with my Morehouse brother Redic at his art gallery Eclectic Order which will be holding its Grassroots Grand Opening in a few weeks (inclusive of fine art, great new music from Redic – also a singer/songwriter, and T-shirts that come from Redic’s clothing line). He’s such the talented “Renaissance Man”! I’m so proud to have discovered his talent freshman week at Morehouse (I was a Senior – assigned to cast the Freshman Week talent show. I booked Redic along with four other voices to make a group ‘Just Us” (they called themselves). This way, more of them could make the cut and have their talents be heard. And beyond that first week of school, I managed to book them a handful more times before the year was done. And look at him now!!!! WOW! This is the same talent show in which I cast Rockmond Dunbar, freshman as well, to do a monologue for the masses. He went on to do his thing. Okay????? And he's stayed in touch over the years. I'm PROUD of my guys!!!

Then, Ant and I went to meet up with Scott, Tony, Ed, Delandis, and others at The Abbey. AWESOME WEEKEND!

Ant and I are looking at October for a return visit. Last year, we supported Sheryl Lee Ralph in booking Ledisi on her “Divas: Simply Singing” fundraiser that she does every October (For more information visit www.DivasSimplySinging.com). Well, since I’m here, we’re thinking this is a good time for us to get our visit in alongside an event.

For me to be adjusting to the West Coast (albeit temporary), I'm thrilled to have folks with Southern Hospitality showing me love: Delandis (SC) introduced me to Tony (SC) who invited me to Mickys in WeHo for the dance contest he hosts on Tuesday. Ran into another "Wicked" dancer Evereth (FL) who I met the other night. And before I knew it: We all had a lovely night! Thanks guys!

Did y'all see Whitney on GMA? (I got an 11th hour call to support her other upcoming interview but am in L.A. on assignment. Another close call to again be in Whitney’s presence but so far away...). New voice. Old voice. I'm sure rooting for Whitney and LOVE a comeback!

And since I don't have BET in my temp digs, what did y'all think of "Frankie & Neffe" - Episode 2? HOLLA! They are still kicking butt in the ratings as they did my own butt during the time I spent field producing them over five weeks in Atlanta. MAN DOWN!!!! CODE 10!!!!!