June 15th, 1921 – Bessie Coleman,  becomes the first Woman of African American Descent and the first Person of African American Descent  to hold an International Pilot License (bong, bong!)

In honor of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I’m only blogging about FOLKS for the entire month. I’m especially going to share the people who have influenced me personally, and hopefully they will end up inspiring you also.

If there’s someone or something specific you’d like me to cover, let your blogging sister know and add it in the comment section.

Piece out.

Although it doesn’t seem as such, I actually find it so weird to be so digitally out there.

Getting a TWITTER and FACEBOOK account made me nauseous, despite understanding the power of each tool. Recently, I felt silently bullied into getting a TUMBLR. I thought, “what the hell would I put on it”. I hate seeing the same things over and over on TUMBLR. I mean, yeah we’re all different – but chances are we all like the same things.

After posting pictures of me in my COCA-COLA RUGBY on my blog and getting a lot of comments, I relayed the story to my manager Shipes. I was so mad…I said – “I can write a thorough post and then get a couple of comments- but, if I post an image of me…I get tons more?”. His bright idea – have a TUMBLR of new and rare images of you. And here she is. I still feel awkward about it…but what can you do. It makes sense. I only look at pictures when I flip through books and magazines!

VASHTIE.TUMBLR.COM

VASHTIE.TUMBLR.COM

VASHTIE.TUMBLR.COM

If you have any photos of you rocking some VIOLETTE,

email them to INFO@VIOLETTENEWYORK.COM and we’ll post you up!

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VIOLETTENEWYORK.TUMBLR.COM

VIOLETTENEWYORK.TUMBLR.COM

VIOLETTENEWYORK.TUMBLR.COM

VIOLETTENEWYORK.COM

VIOLETTENEWYORK.COM

VIOLETTENEWYORK.COM

Back in July a 5 week old Russian Blue Kitty, Verrazano, was left to fend for himself after being thrown out a moving car on to the Verrazano Bridge.

Luckily, A city Animal Care and Control employee named Brendon Ocascio was driving by and noticed. “At first [Ocascio] thought they were throwing garbage from the car,” said city spokesman Richard Gentles. “Then he realized it was a kitten.” He immediately stopped and saved the baby feline who was soon after named Verrazano.

After news officials got wind of it, Verrazano became an overnight sensation. The Animal Care Facility said they were taking applications so that in a month or two when the kitty was old enough to be adopted – he would have a proper home.

I, a happy mother of a Russian Blue cat already, was dead bent on adopting him. I could see Vladimir having a little brother and how perfect that they both have “V” names.

I applied and waited patiently. I didn’t even mention it on my blog or to friends because I’m a  bit superstitious and don’t like to talk about anything before it happens.

Then, I heard that Whoopi Goldberg talked about Verrazano on The View and mentioned she wanted to adopt him. I knew it was a wrap, but I had high hopes.

I waited it out and a couple days ago they announced it on the news that, in fact, Whoopi Goldberg would be going home with Verrazaano.

I yelled at the TV…

Seriously?!

Whoopi, now you know you’ve always been my girl – from “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”,”Ghost”, “The Color Purple” to even “The View”. You showed me at an early age that women could be successful and still be true to themselves without having to conform.

This ain’t personal, but damn Oda Mae Brown – I’m hurt feelings. I’m sure everyone else who wanted this little babe in their home feels the same way. Then you go and disturb his already perfect name by calling him “Vinny”? Nooooooo!

Verrazano, listen…if ever you’d like to come stay with your Aunty Vashtie and your brother Vladimir – you are more than welcome. I’m sure Miss Whoopi will shower you with love and affection and make you good food like she did in “The Color Purple” for mean old “Mister”, but just know I will always love you.

[via BESTWEEKEVER]

After feeling the earth quake in my New York city apartment on Tuesday, I’m a little freaked out about natural disasters. Yes, I know some of my West Coast friends were humored by the East Coast frenzy over the “shake” we felt, but if they had a terrorist scare, we wouldn’t be giggling at them.

Anyways…

Preparation is always key. Apparently New York City is about to get a whiff of the fury that Irene has happening and some areas are at high risk for evacuation or worse, actual flooding and damaging winds. I’ve been researching some things you should be equipped with, so if your area is a target for that bitch Irene – I suggest checking this out.

1. DECIPHER WHERE YOUR EVACUATION ZONES ARE:

“There are three hurricane zones in New York City. Find out if you live in one by going here. If you don’t live in an evacuation zone but live in a high-rise building, you need to be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor. High-rise buildings may space special risks during hurricanes, officials say.” [via NBCNEWYORK.COM]

NEW YORK CITY:

63096264-NYC-Hurricane-Map

NEW JERSEY:

NJ.GOV

NASSAU COUNTY

NASSAUCOUNTYNY.GOV

2. ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY KIT:

According to FEMA, a good survival kit consists of…

Recommended Items To Include In A Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items To Consider Adding To An Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) – PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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After you have accessed your area and things to prepare for, I suggest cuddling with loved ones and watching movies until everything passes. Hopefully, Hurricane Irene will take her course and everyone will be okay.

xo, Vashtie.

PS: If there is more information you think should be included, “holler at a player” in the comment section.