A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

My birthday is November 19th, but to know me is to know that I celebrate for many days before and after. In fact, I let the spirit of the celebration go from a week before the natal anniversary all the way to Christmas Eve. Then, the next day, December 25th, I choose to give Jesus Christ his props and let the 'birthday extravaganza' concept get tossed to someone else. This year was really special and I hoped it would be. My 1995 was buried inside of so much grief in the wake of losing my soul mate Kodjoe earlier in the year (Easter Sunday to be exact). Last year, it took a lot of nudging and suggestion from my dear friends to get me to acknowledge and reflect on my 35 years. My Nichole, Ern, Tata, and others felt that - despite the year's sadness - I should take a blissful moment. So, Nichole hosted night one's festivities at her home --- all themed around one of my biggest inspirations Diana Ross. We listened to all things Ross before watching inspired excerpts from my favorite Diana concerts. Then, the next night, many friends - new and old - gathered into Blue Fin's "Red Room" for a lovely dinner. We truly had a blast.

Fast forward one year, we have the chance to see God's grace, love, and light at work. I have a new boyfriend now. His name is Anthony. In fact, before year's end, he showed up as we were both covering "The Color Purple" which premiered on Broadway December 1st. In the course of the months that would follow and lead up to this year's birthday, we have gotten to know each other (from across the miles. This is a long-distance relationship) and we have grown closer and closer with each day.  We got to celebrate his birthday here in NYC back in April. And after months of intimate and sometimes flossy connection - from a spiritual retreat in Crestone, Colorado to an all-expenses paid trip for two to Maui, I would have told you that my BIRTHDAY GIFT showed up way ahead of schedule inside of Anthony. Out of such darkness in losing Kodjoe, I have truly been blessed with the presence of someone who I consider kindred and special. Moreover, inside of the promise that tomorrow won't provide nor negotiate, Anthony and I take full advantage of our present moments. Not that life hasn't doled out a  slew of challenges and stretches for us to overcome, but with each other (and to each other) -- despite our respective paces -- we are loving each other boldly and in the NOW.

Though I didn't want a party this year, Anthony felt I should still do the weekend like it's golden. I was still non-committal and not quite as open to what that possibility could look like, but I thawed out to have joy show up in as many casual and stress-free ways as possible. With those sentiments in mind,  Anthony recommended some things we could do and our weekend was set. He arrived on Friday and it was on. He surprised me with even more than the GIFT OF HIM (all I required). He gave me some cool clothes made by BROWN SOUND, including some really hip T-shirts. He also totally surprised me with  a state-of-the-art iHOME2go, the portable system for my iPod. Once we pulled ourselves together, I put on one of my best, new ensembles care of Harlem-based N, my favorite boutique and my driver and friend Owen chauffeured us over from my co-op in Ridgefield Park to my friend Carl Nelson's penthouse apartment in Harlem U-S-A. He welcomed another couple of which Anthony and I are fond: Jason and Marqise, who didn't come empty-handed. They bought me a bottle of Moet & Chandon to enjoy at my leisure since they always make sure I have champagne when I visit their home (They have it just for me and make sure that no one else gets it. They really make me feel special when I'm with them). Carl also surprised me with my best 'girlfriend' Nichole, whose appearances in 'my life' are becoming quite legendary in "The Life of Riley" blog (She's always around and loving the feedback as I chronicle my life and her role in it. Not too much, boo! LOL!). To know Carl (as I chronicled another of his events a few weeks ago when we celebrated the launch of a new Gandhi book) is to know that he does everything with attention to detail and elegance. So, we first partook of a lovely aperitif of 12-year-old whiskey with a splash of cranberry juice (No hybrid as Carl knows I don't do Cran-Grape or Cran-Raspberry. Just Cranberry). He calls the drink  Adewale named for "Oz" and "Lost" actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje for whom Carl recently made the concoction (to much praise). We nibbled on aged cheese and grapes as he worked on the appetizer, a healthy portion of seared shrimp atop a bed of greens (accented with red peppers). The main event was one of my Carl Nelson favorites: tender and juicy salmon with pasta and steamed vegetables. A bottle of red and a bottle of white ensured we held our 'elevated moods' from that 'grown & sexy' cocktail off the top of the day. Then, a flaming 'bananas foster' shocked us all into a "stop! drop! and roll!" pose as Carl put our dessert on performance. BRAVO (to the dessert and to Carl for such a lovely kickoff to a great weekend).

From Carl's, we all visited BBraxton's new male grooming salon (about which I recently wrote) and N (where my friend Terry surprised me with a Harlem-based B. Oyama shirt. It was a plaid with hints of blue, brown, and orange - all my favorite colors). After that Harlem day, we opted to forego the "Black Style Now" exhibit at the Museum of New York City to land back on schedule for our 'karaoke hour' at MUSE (in Chelsea across from the Fashion Institute of Technology). My friend Kamaria joined us on the heels of her workday along with the rest of our posse from earlier. My Anthony didn't sing, but kept selecting great tunes for me to sing to him and the rest of the group. Coupled with more cocktails, this made for quite the blast before we segued to dinner of contemporary Mexican and margaritas. DOS CAMINOS is a spot we've all enjoyed over the last year, but we were trying out the new location (50th and 3rd Avenue) for the first time on Friday. Other friends like Ern, Kimberly Jajuan, Michael K. Watts, Adrianne C. Smith, Tina, and Geva joined the party with gifts, cards, and love in hand. We nibbled on some mild (for me) and spicy guacamole, which is prepared deliciously fresh on-site. And beyond margaritas, we received complimentary champagne and desserts from one of BR Guest Restaurants' managers Lisa Curry, who is the wife of  videographer and friend James Curry with whom I work often on New York City shoots. On the heels of our meal, we did some meat-packing district club hopping. But Anthony and I soon bowed out to join friends Mario, Derrick, and Melvin at the Chelsea lounge "g" before we all segued up to "No Parking" in Washington Heights. Though we enjoyed the scene, the day had been long. So, we soon retired for the night - knowing 'the sun would come out tomorrow' (and so would we).

Saturday was what I might exclaim "... a new day!!!!!". For old time's sake (or every-Saturday's-sake), I brought Anthony in to Ern's, Tata's, and my Saturday tradition of doing Houston's Restaurant, but to shake it up, we went to one of Manhattan's locations (instead of our Hackensack, New Jersey locale, which is connected to Riverside Square Mall). Like usual, I got the Firehouse Chili (which is only available on Saturday) and 'the flying chicken basket' (chicken tenders and fries). Sufficiently full, Anthony and I bid Tata and Ern ado as we headed for Brooklyn. The thought is we'd casually saunter through the Fort Greene area and say hi to Moshood and then, go to Annie Leibowitz's photo exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum. However, my friend Katti (who wrote the NEWSDAY column on "The Life of Riley") told us we could pop by as she had 'a circle of sisters' coming over to her Prospect Heights apartment to celebrate her leaving the area to be a homeowner in upstate New York. Feeling like we were crashing, we went anyway - knowing she wanted to meet Anthony, but also being clear that we were only going to be there for a short time as we had 8:00 pm dinner plans. Anthony would go on to say that having 'access' to this impressive group of about six, mostly single, church-going women, was rare and special. It felt like we were flies on the wall. Clearly, when they gather, it's their moment to "exhale" away from men and say what it is that they want about being single, perhaps dating, their professions, etc. And here, with two foreign energies (for this type of gathering's purpose), these women continued to show up 'open' and 'vulnerable'. And let them tell it, they appreciated being able to bounce their thoughts, breakdowns, and breakthroughs off of us. They were all very much their own women, professionally. One is a temp. Two of the ladies I actually know from the media world. Another two are heading up divisions of corporate brands like Verizon or American Express. One impressive wonder is a former scientist turned banker turned entrepreneur. But they all came to this space of 'woman power' with their most authentic thoughts about their faith in God, their love of men, their concern for their communities, and their support of each other. Ironically, one African American woman (by way of British and Caribbean rearing) in her early '40s (but looking not a day over 25) works at a bride magazine. Though she has a boyfriend, she has never been married and is not counting down to a wedding day. Still, through her work and filter, she has an idea of what she wants for her wedding (look and ceremony), but also what she wants for her marriage. And given she has this inside, behind-the-scenes view of it, she's learning from many women's mistakes. Much of what I do as a journalist who often interviews women places me with this demographic, but I must admit this level of access and intimacy, as Anthony pointed out, is pretty unprecedented. Truth be told, since Katti and I are so close (and got our one-on-one time to catch up in the kitchen as she prepared crab cakes, wings, and salad for her guests' consumption), this moment read like 'our conversations' : AMPLIFIED many times over!!!! And it was music to our ears. In fact, Katti was playing the songs of a South African woman who - via this two-disc CD - was celebrating all things around WOMANHOOD and the women on whose shoulders she stood.  The overall evening - from ambience to cuisine to conversation - was a gift to me. And if it weren't for our next commitment, we might have stayed right there to hear the... '... rest of the CD" (and the companion soundtrack that was these women's lives).

But onward, we journeyed in Brooklyn to Olea Restaurant as we enjoyed spending time with my friend Jabu, who I met through Nichole. She was visiting us from Seattle and celebrating her birthday, which falls the day before mine. With mutual friends all gathered for Jabu, she - who gifted me with a dozen roses - and I felt the love. Nichole's husband Tony Shellman stopped by to express his birthday sentiments to Jabu and me. He was looking every bit the walking billboard for Parish, the new clothing line he's just launched (See previous "Life of Riley" entry). And since Anthony nor I were all that hungry (given we'd been eating at different locations since noon), we were fed spiritually by a friend of my friend Monica, Melony, who just two weeks ago, moved here from South Africa with her husband. We were seated next to her at the dinner and continued to bond and chat with her en route and at our post- sets "Mo's" and "Frank's Place", both Fort Greene watering holes. At the stroke of midnight, they all wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY as November 19th is the actual day. From there, Nichole dropped Anthony and me off to "Dillon's" in Manhattan for our post-post-set. Here, we enjoyed a Scorpio- themed party with two of our three friends from the night prior, Melvin and Derrick. Derrick, in fact, graciously brought us home.

We woke up a bit exhausted on my actual birthday from the exhaustive yet fun-filled days prior, but Anthony  and I got ourselves together for a lovely brunch at "Day-O", a Caribbean/Soul Food spot in The Village. Theo, Geoffrey (one of Kodjoe's best friends, who got me a lovely wool scarf with little pockets on each end of it), and two of Anthony's friends Lonni and Carmelli joined us. The highlight (the love and company notwithstanding): The DVD "Lady Sings The Blues" piping from the half dozen or so flat screens throughout the restaurant. Of course, this distraction pulled me away from conversation. Fortunately, everyone was equally distracted... and entertained. Speaking of entertainment and divas, Anthony and I had tickets to see Eartha Kitt at the World Stages Center on 50th Street. She stars in "Mimi Le Duck", a whimsical, quirky musical in which she portrays an American-born, Parisian-based expatriot (a la Josephine Baker), who owns a bed-and-breakfast where Ernest Hemmingway supposedly wrote some of his classics. She sings, poses, and purrs to legendary effect. One standing ovation later, Anthony and I grabbed a quick drink at The Hangar on Christopher Street before joining Tata, Lonnie, Carmelli, and the man who introduced my latest karaoke jones to me, Dante. This time, we had even more fun. Anthony actually sang this time. I did an encore of Jennifer Holliday's "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" since it was so well-received on Friday. But my Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" (as selected by Anthony) knocked their socks off. I might have to add that into my repertoire.

With little steam ahead, we soldiered on to our 'last supper': Italian tappas at "Vento" (again, receiving complimentary champagne and desserts from The Currys). This meat-packing district spot capped off what was truly an eventful, stress-free, and funfilled weekend. Gifts showed up in more ways than wrapped boxes (though Tata hooked me up with a fierce, six-piece luggage collection for my non-stop travel. Yes, the luggage I had was jacked up. But not anymore. Also, I should shout out Tina Alexis for the inspired piece of art "Adam and Steve", which she commissioned New Jersey-based fine artist Kevin McKinney to do for me - www.The-Art-of-Art.com). Time with Anthony and all my friends made it perfect. Well-wishers who showed up in so many ways, whether via phone, text messages, calls, and e-mails were the icing on the sheet cake. By the way, there was no birthday cake. Still, lots of dessert. (Mind your business...).  

Yesterday afternoon, my dear friend Nichole and I decided to meet in Harlem at Native Restaurant for a quick drink. We would need to be "hydrated" for the adventure that was ahead of us. Native is a bistro-style restaurant with bar that sets unpretensiously on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 118th Street. 

Open since 2002, I've gotten to know the owner Brian Washington-Palmer well and have made Native one of my watering holes, where I can grab a cocktail and some light bites (like the salmon/crab cake and the calamari). But most importantly, everybody knows my name (though some new staffers had to be brought up to speed yesterday. It had been a minute since I'd been there.). From Native, Nichole and I popped by "MY" N, the boutique in Harlem that I love so much. (http://nharlemnewyork.com) The store was hosting a trunk show and cocktail party. Though Nic and I weren't able to stay long, we did take time to enjoy the tasty sangria that was being served from the courtyard in the rear of the main floor. With drink in hand, we enjoyed the cutting-edge tailoring of "American Chang" blazer and sportscoast. From patchwork to hoods, this contemporary sportswear impressed us. And inevitably, I will own one because I love a unique jacket. (http://americanchang.com/)

With one more stop before our main event, Nichole and I walked just a block down 116th Street (towards 5th Avenue) to celebrate and toast Broadway diva Brenda Braxton, who is currently churning out a 'great white way' performance as Velma Kelly in the Broadway revival of Chicago (She played opposite Usher during his successful run in the musical. But more than that, she's a legend on the stage - from her roots as a swing in the original "Dreamgirls" to being one of the Jelly's Last Jam "hunnies" to her Tony Award-nomination turn in Smokey Joe's Cafe.

Now, with her husband, power fitness trainer Anthony Van Putten, she is the co-owner of BBraxton, a men's grooming salong that opened last night. There to ring in this new frontier of high-end pampering for men in Harlem: TV/film/stage actress Tamara Tunie and her husband, Gregory Generet, jazz singer - both of whom are always so kind to me since Tamara and I had the chance to work together on a project for the Acapulco Black Film Festival many years ago (She plays Jessica on "As The World Turns". Needless to say, I was gushing when - because I didn't know her real name - she walked into the recording studio, where we were to do voice-overs and - in the flesh - "It was Jessica!!!". I was so excited.). Sinice that time, I've cooled, and she has been nothing but cool as we've uncovered we have friends and causes in common. Amazing vocalist and all-around sweet woman Marva Hicks was there, escorting all the V.I.P.s around. (After Nichole and I left, I understand Mrs. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, was there along with fellow Broadway and entertainment ladies like BeBe Neuwirth, Lilias White, Kim Fields, and a host of others. I did get a chance to meet Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis & The News fame ("If This is It!!! Remember that???). I loved them and him (quietly) in the '80s and as I was just holding court amongst those I did know, he walks up to me and says "Hi! I'm Huey!". I respond "Are you kidding? I know who you are. I'm Patrick and it is a total honor to meet you!" He shrugs my humility off and we talk a little further about the opening and how nice the space is. Actually, the salon occupies 2,000 square ft. of the storefront in one of Harlem's first “green” luxury high-rise condominiums. The BBRAXTON men’s salon combines the atmosphere of a traditional gentleman’s club, a barbershop, and spa, offering services such as straight-razor shaves, haircuts and styling, reflexology, shoe shining, and skin care. Patrons can also catch up on the news and style at the newsstand while feeling at ease as they have their hand and foot needs addressed. The salon also features a state of the art audio system and flat screen panels- ideal for the all important playoff games, when the need arises. Men also have the opportunity to try out and stock up on products by The Art of Shaving, which will be exclusively sold in Harlem at BBRAXTON. Before Nichole and I had to get to our next destination: another (for me) private, pre-screening of my new favorite movie "DREAMGIRLS", we ran into the original CC (Effie White's brother): Obba Babatunde, who played the role opposite Jennifer Holliday on Broadway (He's in the above picture with                               Brenda Braxton and Huey Lewis). Imagine my pop ^{_{culture radar at work, when in seeing the film for the second time, I realized that Keith Robinson, who plays CC in the movie, was the not-quite-but-close son-in-law of Obba Babatunde's daughter "little Dee Dee" (Essence Atkins) on the now-defunct (and I'm still upset about it) "Half & Half". (By the way, CC is the part I feel I can play, if I couldn't get cast as "DEENA".... or "EFFIE"! SMILE!). Shoot, I can just do a one-man- show, if you don't watch it. "DREAMGIRLS" showcases a few 'cameos' or 'small parts' from black sitcom royalty, like Jaleel White ("Family Matters" Steve Urkel and "A Different World"s Dawnn Lewis). But more than those sightings, I again uncovered the magic that is Jennifer Hudson when I watched and discovered her on "American Idol", but reinforced when I had the opportunity to interview her and be an audience with her at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Indianapolis. Have I mentioned that                        before???                         SMILE!). But above all, the magic that is "Dreamgirls" just comes through on the big screen and takes full hold of the audience, which cheers and applauds in all the right places. It's an awesome, collective experience. Yet again, I found myself not able to breathe for all of the showstopping scenes from the amazing                                          cast. Enough will be written about the film and the details around it. I just want to reinforce how much joy it is bringing me to experience this film realized. And this time, I happened upon two people that I had never met, but knew (kinda'). Ed Gordon and my friend CJ, who is a producer for Ed Gordon's "Our World with Black Enterprise", saved a seat for my Nichole and me. As I sat down, the guy next to me and the young lady next to him spoke. I joked that they must be big "Dreamgirls" fans because                                             I might break out in song and need some back-up singers. The guy pointed out that he and his companion for the evening were both in a New Jersey version of "Dreamgirls" a couple of months ago (She was a Stepp Sister and he was Tiny Joe Dixon, two acts from the amateur night that introduces the audience to The Dreamettes for the first time). Instinctively, I felt like this guy was the person my friend from Detroit, Greg Dunmore, had introduced me to via phone after Greg met 'a guy who was in a New Jersey version of Dreamgirls'. Keep in mind, there are endless male parts in this piece, but I felt (with no description or extensive background from Greg to support my hypothesis) that this was the guy. And when I asked him if he knew Greg, he said YES! And then, he said "You're the guy he told me about!". From there, I got his name                                                                  Herve, and he handed me his CD "number 1" as he is a recording artist as well.(www.herve.fm). We all bonded immediately and by the time the lights went down, we three were able to harmonize and sing in moments where we just couldn't control ourselves. (Perhaps Ed Gordon regretted sitting so closely as he tried to enjoy the movie? Maybe But he was most gracious and kind to let me have my moment without ruining his experience.) Afterwards, I ran into Vogue's Editor-at-Large Andre leon Talley with whom I've had a chance to collaborate on a shoot or two over the years. Sporting a fabulous fur piece under his collar (couture, no doubt), he enthusiastically approached me with a hug on Broadway, just in front of the Lincoln Square theater where we saw the film. He ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT (as did I). And he pointed out that he was definitely going to see it again. I noted that I intended to see it 12 times before 2007 (kind of a 12 days of Christmas kinda' thing). Well, 2 down and 10 to go, I hope to be at the premiee on the 4th of December and then I plan to participate in the road tour of "DREAMGIRLS" in which they will make it available to audiences in New York, L.A., and San Francisco ten days before it goes nationwide. December 15h is the premiere of that marketing franchise. And I am of course, there... front and center (with popcorn and a Coke in hand).                           As a post-script to the night, Nichole, C.J., and I met my friend Carl back uptown in Harlem at Ginger, where I met my friend Carl back uptown in Harlem at Ginger, were my friend and personal shopper/stylist at N, Jamar Dunnigan, hosts a Wednesday hang where many come out and enjoy the healthy asian cuisine. (Many segued over to Ginger from BBraxton's grand opening). But we were also celebrating Jamar's debut on BET-J's "My Model Looks Better Than Yours", hosted by Eva Pigford, (whose last name and management are scheduled to change by week's end). So, to stay current, we'll just call her "Eva the Diva". Jamar competed with two other stylists in a contest that challenged them to style their respective models as a futuristic "Dominique Devereaux". Though Jamar didn't win on this episode, he rocked his model out. She was absolutely fierce, and - to me - looked the most like Diahann Carroll as one of her most popular characters (circa 2050). The show is created and executive produced by Sean Joell Johnson and Nathan Hale Williams, two powerful young me I've gotten to know socially over the last year and I'm proud of what they are achieving here. Also, Best-selling author and TV                                              personality Crystal McCrary Anthony is a co-executive producer.}}

Hi folks,

As you know, I am an independent producer/talent/writer here in NYC. 

In addition to continuing with my busy workload and current independent contracts, I launched the blog, "The Life of Riley: pop culture and possibilities", a couple of weeks ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/ .

And the response has been overwhelming. TODAY, we are featured in NEWSDAY in a column that Katti Gray wrote.   It looks at blogging through her filter, but to my estimation, celebrates "The Life of Riley" at the same time.

As I look ahead to my 36th birthday (on November 19th) and Thanksgiving, I seem to always have the media around (this month) to remind me that I am on a journey to spread authenticity, vulnerability, love, understanding, and panache to whoever chooses to listen.

For about five years now, it seems a media impression that reflects my truth pops up annually in November. A few years back, it seems a media impression that reflects my truth pops up annually - mostly in November. A few years back, you'll perhaps recall Newsday's GRATITUDE column and after that, there was a story on REALITY TV that chronicled a show I hosted for TLC a couple of years ago. And last year, I told millions on national TV 'when I knew I was gay'. And Newsday also covered a promising pilot I co-hosted a couple of years ago. 

Well, it's another year... another time to reflect... another time to be grateful... and another time to explore one of the tiers of my truth in hopes that it will touch somebody who's working through their own piece or who is open to inform and shift their thoughts and beliefs. And now, you can go to "The Life of Riley" any day you choose and hopefully be entertained and inspired.

As "The Life of Riley" goes, we will soon launch some other cool things - like podcasts, a website, and down the line, TV and magazine projects around the brand. So, stay tuned.

And please pick up Monday's NEWSDAY:

http://www.newsday.com/features/ny-etcolumn4963394nov06,0,2726033.column?coll=ny-news-columnists

I'D RATHER SEE MY FRIEND THAN HIS BLOG

BY KATTI GRAY

Out of all my most intimate friends, Patrick Riley has an unrivaled sense of color and charm. He’s a towering, lanky guy, given to gliding through the front door at a party, his right hand aloft and waving like a beauty queen’s.

“It’s a new day,” Patrick will shout above the din, making his glad presence known as he quotes Diana Ross, his favorite celebrity. A freelance television producer, Patrick has had more access to her than the average person, even got front-row seats once to her extra-lustrous concert in Greenwich, Conn. He has transmitted, via e-mail, to a chosen few of his confidanes several photos taken as the diva straightened hems and patted cheeks at one of her daughters' weddings. 

These shared chronicles from his private life do not end there. He’s transmitted pictures of his nephew’s graduation, his father’s retirement dinner, his solo singing at an assortment of out-of-town events, his interview of President Clinton, his much-older cousin working it on the dance floor at a family picnic. He writes words to accompany them all, and sometimes sends only his written musings, with no photos attached.

Not surprisingly, Patrick recently became the first among my select few intimates to start blogging, which piques my curiosity. “It’s not so different from jotting down an e-mail, as I’ve done for so many years,” Patrick said.

“Nice, looooong e-mails,” I interjected.

“Yes, nice long ones, real stream-of-consciousness,” Patrick said. “And you don’t have to be at a very high level, in terms of the writing, to do this.”

That’s for sure, I thought to myself, what with anybody who can type free to blog (though Patrick is a very able writer).

Still, neither having the time nor inclination to read most of what my e-mail inbox receives from him several times a week – if not per day – I’ve opened only a few of his missives over the years. “Dropping It Like It’s Hot,” the picture of Patrick’s dancing cousin, accompanied by a scant description, took the edge off a stressed-out workday recently. And in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Patrick’s reflections on being single and far, far away from his kin as his adopted city burned ended up getting published in a magazine.

Though he announced the debut of “Life of Riley,” his blog, with another e-mail, I’ve yet to log into the 3-week-old venture, if it can be called that. The launch is made possible by free 60-day trial at an Internet site specializing in blog-hosting. “In case this isn’t for me,” Patrick said.

Another friend in his circle, a woman who works in advertising and marketing and came of age digitally, held on to a mountain of e-mails Patrick has sent over the years. Some inner voice told her, Tawanna “Tata” Matthews said, that Patrick had stocked enough e-mail missives to launch a blog, podcast, something techno and easily accessible that also might raise his profile. A freelancer is always beating the pavement for work.

“Twenty-four hours later, we were up and running," Patrick said. "It’s that easy. Tata reminded me that I’ve written stuff that made people laugh and made them cry, and that your blog should pretty much say who you are.”

Blogging is a tool for growing his personal brand, he said, and a place to readily deposit random musings he’d like to share but for which he’s no more formal outlet as yet.

“Me, an African-American from Savannah , Ga. , took my boyfriend home to meet my family,” said Patrick, citing an example of those slapdash musings. “That was a huge stretch for me in my struggle to be out as a gay person … I wanted them to see what love looks like on me.”

That seems, to me, a topic that merits being aired in a more reputable, established arena than the blogosphere, which is open to anyone and, for that reason, resistable. Is blogging essential? Is that what it takes to be a contender these days?

Patrick wants to hear my impressions of this latest undertaking. I’ve promised to take a look-see as soon as I’ve the time and wherewithal. But I’d much rather discuss his adventures face-to-face, than in front of an ever-consuming computer.

Katti Gray’s e-mail address is katti@kattigray.com .

While I was in Chicago, I had to send regrets to an event to which I was really looking forward to attending. It's the launch of my friend Tony Shellman's new clothing line Parish Clothing Co, a contemporary men's collection, displaying artistic vision and creative design. Tony's wife Nichole is one of my best friends who I deem one of my "Amazing Grace"s per a book I'm shopping titled "Big Willies and Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends".   I have known them for about a decade now and had the privilege of singing at their wedding. We all support each other in our respective endeavors and I wished I could have been there in person to annoint this wonderful new venture, which comes on the well-worn heels of his last successful line ENYCE from which he's parted ways and is starting a new.  The Spring 2007 Collection is inspired - in some part - by the '80s and I understand the party that was thrown to ring in this new company featured '80s rap stars/icons Big Daddy Kane, Melle Mel, and Ralph McDaniels were in attendance.   Diddy's mom Janice Combs, Q Tip and DJ Clark Kent too were in the house, which was the trendy Westside Loft, where I understand the decor immediately evoked a feeling of '80s nostalgia (READ: When graffiti decorated every NYC subway train and b-boys were breakin' to RUN DMC and THE SUGAR HILL GANG. It was a house party from back in the day. Big Daddy Kane actually treated the crowd to an impromptu performance as Marly Marl played his classic "Warm It Up Kane" and Crazy Legs from Rock Steady Crew performed as well - morphing the night into perhaps a sequel to "Krush Groove" or "Breakin'".  Parish Clothing Co. was conceived in May 2006. This company represents a community of brand builders, young designers, and artists who have created a new, revolutionary line that represents a shared vision of creative resonance.  GOOD LUCK, TONY! I'll be rooting and wearing PARISH! Plus, hook a brother up! I hear your gift bags included the "Totally '80s Edition of Trivial Pursuit". 

I was talking on the phone to one of my nearest and dearest friends Nichole Shellman. She got a call from a co-worker of hers who told her "ED BRADLEY just died". In shock, Nichole came back to me on the other line and shared the news. I was stunned - in part because I didn't know Ed Bradley was suffering with leukemia and I just saw him the other week. I was in Downtown Manhattan's The Village going into fabulous restaurant Blue Ribbon Bakery on Downing. He had apparently just dined with some friends and was on the street corner (just across from what used to be Bar-Do). And through the window, I waved at him. He knowingly waved back as we had several opportunities over my career to acquaint. The most recent time was the most memorable and the memory I will hold most closely. Along with my colleague Michael K. Watts, I had the opportunity to co-produce the National Association of Black Journalists' Salute to Excellence Awards in Washington D.C. He not only was honored, but he enjoyed the night. R&B great Angela Bofill performed (just before suffering her stroke) and I have a wonderful snapshot in my mind of Mr. Ed Bradley holding onto her every word as she performed a short set of her quiet-storm hits. I was responsible for scripting his tribute, which was presented by "Our World"s Ed Gordon. It read as follows: 

THIS FALL, ONE OF OUR OWN MADE TELEVISION HISTORY.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS 25 YEARS OF STELLAR BROADCASTING, ED BRADLEY IS THE FIRST FACE SEEN AFTER THE TICKING STOPWATCH ON CBS NEWS' "60 MINUTES."

BUT TO NABJ, HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE 'FIRST FACE.'

THE PIONEERING JOURNALIST’S 19 EMMYS ARE TESTAMENT TO HIS ABILITY TO TELL A GREAT STORY. AND FOR 25 SEASONS, WE’VE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THOSE SUNDAY NIGHT MASTERPIECES.

INDEED, ED BRADLEY IS A MASTER STORYTELLER.

WHILE TELEVISION MADE HIM A HOUSEHOLD NAME, RADIO WAS HIS FIRST MEDIUM OF CHOICE BACK IN THE EARLY '60S.

BUT A LEAP FROM PHILADELPHIA TO NEW YORK CITY WOULD LAND HIM AT CBS AND ON TV... AND SINCE THEN, BROADCAST NEWS HASN'T BEEN THE SAME.

ED HAS PUT HIMSELF IN HARM'S WAY TO COVER THE FRONTLINE OF THE WORLD'S WAR ZONES.

HE REPORTED FROM CBS’ SAIGON BUREAU IN 1972.

AND JUST AFTER THAT, HIS WORK WITH CAMBODIAN REFUGEES GAVE AMERICA AN UP-CLOSE AND OFTEN GRAPHIC LOOK AT THAT CRISIS.

HE WAS LATER ASSIGNED TO THE CBS NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU, PLACING HIMSELF FRONT AND CENTER AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

BUT IT WOULD BE "60 MINUTES" THAT PROVED TO BE ED BRADLEY'S FINEST HOUR.

FROM NUCLEAR BOMBS TO TIMOTHY MCVEIGH.

FROM MUHAMMAD ALI TO BOB DYLAN.

ED BRADLEY HAS TALKED TO THEM ALL.

BUT IT WAS NOT A CONVERSATION WITH A WORLD LEADER THAT PROVED TO BE ED’S FAVORITE… IT WAS WITH THE WOMAN WHO MADE STORMY WEATHER SUNNY, LENA HORNE! 

ED BRADLEY IS HERE TO BE HONORED FOR HIS LIFETIME OF WORK. AND PART OF THAT GREATNESS IS HIS LONGEVITY. ALONG WITH THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, ED WILL TAKE HOME TWO ‘SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS’ TONIGHT.

HE AND HIS "60 MINUTES" TEAM WON THE FEATURES-LONG FORM CATEGORY FOR THEIR STORY ON "RAY CHARLES"...

AND ALSO IN THE ENTERPRISE CATEGORY FOR THEIR EXPOSE ON "THE MURDER OF EMMETT TILL."

ED BRADLEY IS STILL PROVING THAT JOURNALISM MATTERS BY TELLING STORIES… GREAT STORIES… OUR STORIES.

FOR THESE REASONS, NABJ IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE 2005 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO ED BRADLEY.

It was a huge honor to serve NABJ and ED BRADLEY in this way. And knowing that ED BRADLEY was a pop culture guy like me (via his love of "jazz" and all things "classic") makes me smile at his take on his critically- acclaimed Lena Horne interview. He once said: “If I arrived at the pearly gates and St. Peter said, ‘What did you do to deserve entry?’ I’d just say, ‘Did you see my Lena Horne story?’” 

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Then, just a day later, before I could even wrap my brain around the loss of Ed Bradley, I'm being driven to Philadelphia. Actually, I was already in Philadelphia and five-minutes-away from the home of Patti Labelle, who I was scheduled to interview. And my crew called to give me a heads up that she might not be in the mood because she just found out that a good friend of hers died. I'd find out very soon that it was Gerald Levert and that - at 40 - he had a heart attack. Miss Labelle and Mr. Levert have performed together many times and his father Eddie Levert of legendary O'Jays fame is her contemporary. And she celebrated Gerald during our talk and went so far as to pull out her new gospel CD, "The Gospel According to Patti Labelle", sign it for me and then she played it for me. When Track #4 came on, I told her she should dedicate that one to him. She said she would. It's a favorite gospel tune of mine called "Walk Around Heaven" that I remember from hearing my dad's old "Mighty Clouds of Joy" albums. Patti's version is wonderful and will lift Gerald up... and comfortably hold his family... during this major loss for R&B music. 

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