Ode To Whitney Houston

Happy Monday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

Today, I will break from the norm and pay tribute to one of the most talented singers of my day. She was no ordinary lady, but she was every woman. No, her name was not Susan—her name was Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

I’m still at a loss for words behind Whitney’s sudden passing, but I will say this: I have nothing but the utmost respect for LL Cool J. He showed true class when he opened up the Grammys with a prayer.  I appreicate LL for being bold enough to thank The Lord for blessing us with Whitney.

When the news of Whitney’s passing broke, it seemed apropos to ask “Why Does It Hurt So Bad?” After all, we didn’t know her personally, but we all welcomed her into our lives in some way, shape, form, or fashion. So now we ask the question: Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Well, Whitney gave us the answer in a song from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack when she said: “Long as I live and troubles rise, I will hasten to His throne.”

No matter what Whitney sang, every man, woman, and child felt so emotional and felt the need to dance with somebody. And I can testify that it seemed like she was singing to me when she uttered those four words: I’m Your Baby Tonight!

It’s human nature to feel that Whitney left us too soon. We may even think to ourselves: It’s not right, but it’s okay, because overall, we must remind ourselves that The Lord Almighty sees all and knows all. He does not make mistakes, so hold on—help is on the way.

And to you, Whitney—thank you for the many songs that helped inspire my life. I will always love you.

A Message from the Future Mrs. Howard Douglas

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

As promised, today’s blog features the recently engaged Jessica Dawn Torres. She’s here to talk about her upcoming wedding, as well as her true feelings about her future husband Howard Allen Douglas.

Hi, Everyone!

Let me start off by saying first of all: Oh my God—I’m getting married!

I’ll forever hold December 17, 2011 close to my heart. Howie and I were on our way to a Christmas party at his brother-in-law’s house… we had already heard the news that Howie’s sister Sarah was pregnant with twins, so it was more like a double celebration. Anyway, Howie picked me up and asked if I would help him with a quick run to the grocery store to get some apple cider. Upon leaving the grocery store, I noticed that Howie seemed a little flustered about something, and when I asked him if anything was wrong, he just shook his head and said that he was okay. And then, he dropped to one knee. I was under the assumption that he was about to fall, so I caught a hold of him quickly.

“Howie, are you okay?” I asked him.

“I’ll be alright,” he said nervously. “I just fell… in love… with you.”

Okay, I blushed a little when he said that, but I did not expect him to pull an engagement ring from out of his pocket and show it to me. One of the jewels in the ring was my birthstone. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe, and tears just came cascading down my cheeks as Howie uttered those sweet seven words.

“Jessica Dawn Torres, will you marry me?”

I thought about the time that I was nine years old and I watched the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage ask Miss Elizabeth that question, and just like Miss Elizabeth, I looked at Howie and said, “Ooooooooh, Yeahhhhh!”

Howie placed that gorgeous engagement ring on my finger, and then he scooped me up and kissed me. For that very moment, we didn’t care that a mini-crowd had witnessed what had just come to pass. I clearly remember a big dude walking up to Howie and giving him a high-five. An elderly lady squeezed my arm and congratulated me.

Who would have ever thought that a meeting in a grocery store in April 2009 would result in a wedding coming up on Saturday, June 16, 2012? I certainly didn’t think so. I will say this: I am so excited to be Mrs. Howard Douglas… and it’s so apropos that my sister-in-law Sarah got married back in September. Oh, wow—I’m so excited!

An Update On Howie & Jessica

Happy Wednesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

So much has been going on that even I can’t keep up with everything. As you all know, Ms. Viv’s book Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake has just been published, and I have been so busy marketing and planning book signings that I haven’t had time to update my blog… that is, until this very moment.

We broke the news to you all on January 9, 2012 about Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres. In case you missed it, these two are engaged to be married, and despite my busy schedule, the happy couple are planning to wed on June 16, 2012.

It all began in a grocery store in April 2009 when Howard and Jessica met. While waiting their respective turns in line, the two killed time by singing—of all things—a theme song from a professional wrestling show. One thing led to another, and they exchanged phone numbers that very day. Three days after that, they had their very first date, and here we are, planning a wedding.

We will have more on this story as it develops in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, stay tuned for tomorrow, as the blushing bride-to-be gives her thoughts and feelings about becoming Mrs. Howard Douglas.