I'll be back to blogging Monday, I think. I'm told my book editor already has my book and is reading furiously... ie, revisions are coming soon. I've also been told she's been giggling wildly in her office as she reads. Good signs. Now I just need her to throw to book and all will be right with the world.

Click the pic for a link to my latest Essence.com commentary on Fantasia Barrino's media tour just two weeks after she tried to kill herself.

If you know me (or follow me on twitter), you can guess where I'm going with it.

Oh, and last but not least: have you voted for Belle in the Black Weblog Awards: blackweblogawards.com

Whatreya waiting for?

 — roodles

Click the pic to read my Essence.com commentary on Savannah aka "Sidekick" 

click the pic to read my Essence.com commentary on the Montana Fishburne Fiasco

((((Hellll-llllo))))

Are you still there?

Sorry I've been gone so long. As most of you know, I'm off writing the book, um, A BELLE IN BROOKLYN (Atria, June 2011). Yes, still. *sigh* And the pen goes on. And on. I thought I'd be back to blogging yesterday. Um, not quite. I'm still writing. New deadline: Aug XX. Hell or high water.

In the meantime, I'll still be around on Twitter (despite the deadline, my social life rages on) or Formspring and maybe Essence.com and you can keep up with my other adventures (mostly pics and video) on Facebook. I'll be announcing events on one of those three platforms, starting with a party I'm hosting tomorrow night in New York. M.O.S., DJ Kiss & the Beverly Bond are spinning. All are welcome, if they come fly. (I have no control over the doorman.) Scroll down for details. Oh, and um, I'm coming to a small screen near you. Yes, again. Stay tuned for that too. (I'm not blogging. I'm always working.) 

There will also be another Cocktails with Belle coming soon (waiting on the final date, teaming up with Belve again) and the 4th Annual Legends to Be event is coming up too. Oh, where will I find the time? 

Last, but not least, I learned recently that I was a finalist in this year's Black Weblog Awards for best personal blog. *total e-flip* 

Spread love the Belle way and VOTE FOR A BELLE IN BROOKLYN HERE. The Belle World Order depends on you. No pressure though. Ha! 

click the link, then click "Vote Today"

Oh, about tomorrow night: 

XOXO,

Belle on a Hot Pink Tin Roof  

click the pic for a link to the Essence.com photogallery of fashionable ladies at The Belle Affair 

cover of the last issue of the original VIBE. Christina's dated a few wealthy and well-known men: Nick Cannon, Dre (from Cool & Dre) and then The Dream, who she married. She’s got a track record of preferring men with a little dough and a little fame— and so we’re clear, she upped the fame level of all 3. (No way in hell The Dream was getting the last cover of the original VIBE without her.) But I wonder if that makes her a “gold-digger.”  Does it?

If we as a society present the idea that a man of means and influence is the ultimate catch, why exactly is it wrong, as throwing around labels like “greedy” would suggest, for a woman to pursue a man (or men) who fit that description? Is there something inherently wrong with wanting a man who can provide really well?

Also, I wondered if a pretty woman who isn’t rolling in dough can ever marry a rich man and not escape the title of “golddigger.” The only woman who’s been married (or engaged/ dated) as of late and has escaped the title by the majority is “Tiny” and that’s only because she’s been around since the beginning of time with TI. But everyone else? Lala, Tameka, Kim, Kelis, Gabrielle any (other) woman married to/dating an athlete? They’ve all had to hear, “she’s just with him for the money!”

Today is the day of "The Belle Affair", yesterday was the MIH picnic, and Saturday was the both the most frustrating and rewarding day on Earth., ie I haven't written a d*mn thing in 3 days. 

I'm kinda tapped out from working on the book, but I had a thought... or better an interview that struck an idea. Then i saw something about it in the comments and then CBW and I had a long conversation about it... so... You'll get a blog sooner than later.

Sorry for the delays lately, but posts will be sketchy until July 30 when the book revisions go back to my editor.  

Check back around noon for a post. 

XOXO, 

~B.