Fly Spotlight: M-Red Designs

Ok, so I don't often do this, but a lovely young man of God hit me up on Twitter and asked to be featured on my site. I said, "Hey, why not?" A young person following their dreams is pretty inspirational, it might wake something up in one of my readers. Please enjoy and be inspired my loves...

Stay Fly...

~Mel

Bio:

M-Red Designs is a clothing line that is centered around the art of fashion. This is the line that steps outside the box and add a touch of life to every piece of art work focusing on Urban/ Vintage Apparel.

At 12 years old, Mustafa Reddick started M-Red Designs. M-Red Designs uses creativity and loud colors to bring life into everyday wear. We have serviced many churches, youth groups, and social organizations. We create hand-painting, screen printing, air-brushing, and heat transfers items to wear and body art.

Seen on Neffe and Solo photo-shoot with DUDE and BStar. In addition, M-Red Designs is supported by V-103 Greg Street, Bishop Eddie L. Long, Yung Joc, John Gray, Edward Long, Comedian John Gray, and many entertainers.

M-Red Designs features in My Magazine 4 Girls, African American Lifestyle Magazine, Trendsetters 2 Trendsetters Magazine, 14th and Atlanta Talk Show, YGEA Awards 2010, 46 CBS Atlanta News, Mixx Masters Lounge Show, TBN, Gospel Channel, and more.

M-Red Designs was originally a hand-painting clothing line. Then introduced to airbrushing by an airbrush artist, Stan Zeigler, and taught to screen print by BStar and DUDE clothing. Now with other avenues this is a clothing line full of art and creativity.

What makes this line unique are grand hand painted imprints that are crafted exquisitely on every product we sell. We put a message in every piece, and creativity to it so no two will look the same. Our designs are apart of our line that will surely be around for generations to come. "People love to wear M-Red because they know it is one of a kind, fits the body just right, and makes them feel good," says recording artist Emi Morris.

M-Red Designs plans to become one of the best hand-painting/ screen printing lines because of our innovation and dedication behind our art. It is more than a drive, we have a passion for what we do; putting our heart and mind into the designs of every t-shirt making them please-able to everyone.

We are able to creative a professional t-shirt and use hand-painting skills to give it an abstract look, in that we are your #1 source for a creative design.

~M-Red Designs, 2010

Contact information: Mustafa Reddick ->mreddesigns@gmail.com

Fly Guy Spotlight: Eric Roberson

Well, let me tell you that I am true lover of soul music. I can't get enough of it. I can look back through my life and literally make a sound track for every moment. Right now, I cannot stop listening to "Dealing" by Eric Roberson and Lalah Hathaway. This song truly personifies what I am dealing with in this very moment. I will post the lyrics below as well as the video.

Here's a little background about Eric Roberson. He is currently nominated for a Grammy, tonight actually. He's from Rahway, NJ and is sometimes referred to simply as Erro. Attended Howard University, performed in a number of musicals and plays, landed a songwriting deal through the EMI label, and collaborated with Jill Scott, Vivian Green, Dwele, Will Downing, Musiq Soulchild, and DJ Jazzy Jefff.

I think what I truly love about Eric's music is the rawness. He captures true emotion in the way he writes and its reflected in his instrumentation. I am immediately transported to the place and time of the song. I love it. Its like a musical journey. Now, while his songs are spiritually arousing, he has some very sensual numbers as well. Especially in the song "Head to Toe". Man, this boy is trying to get all of us knocked up through iTunes. lol.

His albums are: The Esoteric Movement, The Vault, Vol 1, The Vault, Vol 1.5, The Appetizer, Left, and the most current, Music Fan First. <------- A must have! lol

Not really much else to say about Mr. Roberson except to go out and support him. He's a genuine artist and has impeccable writing skills. Oh, and he will be performing here in Atlanta on Feb. 13-14, for Joyce Littel's Valentine's event. It's going to be great! Lets see if I can come up with a lil' date for this one. lol

Enjoy :O)

"Dealing" with Lalah Hathaway

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Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Verse:
Why must the bad thing always feel so good
Why cant I just stay away
Though are situation was understood
Still does not mean its ok
{Chrous}
Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Verse:
Why cant these memories just be erased
Why must I yern for your kiss
The first moment we're not face to face
Reminds me how much your missed
{Chrous}
(where do we go)Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Brige;
When the morning comes
(When its time for us to go our separate ways )
When this night is done
(I'll be wanting to hold on to u)
Though the sun
wish we could push it all away
cause then I know
that we can show
what we have from the day
{Chrous}
Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing

"Head to Toe"

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It's Our Time: "Year of the Comeback"

Well, like the 95,000 fans in Pasadena, California and a few million Americans at home, I was glued to the BCS championship game with Texas and Alabama tonight. While I am definitely your quintessential "fly girl" I love me some football. Started when my dad used to drag me to University to Miami football scrimmages and practices. I feel in love. Oh, I liked the game too. lol. But nonetheless, football has quietly been my "thing".

As I was watching the game I was consumed with so many emotions. I was inspired. I was invigorated. I was totally pulled in. Whether you were for one team or another, you were so drawn it, it felt like you were apart of one of the teams. From the very minute of the game, it was on! The Texas quarterback went down within the first 2minutes. Texas just knew they wouldn't score a point for the rest of the night. Well, at least the fans did. They put in the "true" freshman and of course he had some mishaps, but he was able to hold his ground. And on Alabama's side, they started the game off like they forgot they were ranked the number one team in the nation. Some how along the lines they forgot how good they were. Mark Ingram, Heisman winner, was the star player of the night ( I will tell you a little more about him later). The game was a true tug of war all night. I was rooting for Alabama, but I sure thought about jumping ship to go over to Texas for 2.45465 seconds. But then I was back rolling tide right after. Lol.

The amazing points of this game were as follows:

- Seasoned senior QB for Texas goes down and the fate of the team was left in the hands of a measly freshman. Now, while he certainly buckled under pressure, he exhibited why he was chosen. He managed some amazing passes.

-When the season QB was interviewed at the end of the game he was asked did he feel bad for being out of the game and how he was feeling about it. Through tears and a lost for words he said, "I was made for this game, I've played it all my life. I wanted to be there for my team, they fought until the end. I can't feel my arm, but I know I will be ok. My life is in God's hands". *pause* (God got the glory again on national TV, I'm overwhelmed!)

Parallel: Like in life, we are often amongst people who are "seasoned", hand picked for the job, and just "perfect, and then there is us. Everyone wants to count us out the moment we drop a pass, mess up, and get off track. The moment we experience victory or a spiritual "touchdown" of the sort, we are back on top. What we have to realize is that no matter what the score looks like, or who came before you in your position, no one will ever be you and you will never be them. Perfect your role with your own flair, passion, and dedication. Sure you might fall, get up. Sure you might mess us, hurry up and get it together. Sure you might be lost, pray for direction. At the end of the game (life), the scoreboard on earth won't matter. God saw your every effort, accomplishment, and triumph. He was right there all along. So stop beating up on yourself because you don't think you're good enough, seasoned enough, or that "one". You are "you", who God uniquely designed for this season.

When the seasoned QB said his life was in God hands, I couldn't help but to praise. Even in one of his greatest losses he saw God's grace on his life. He saw his goodness. He knew God was still standing with him. We have to see the same thing. Through our greatest tragedies & trials, our greatest heartaches and pains. We have to stand still and know that God has it all under control. At some point, it will all come together.

- Mark Ingram- Heisman Winner. Now, let me tell you about this Fly Guy here. He was born in raised in Flint, Michigan which is ROUGH! He excelled in High School, his parents raised him well, remembered Coach Saban, sent him down to Alabama and the rest was history. Now, he was up against some heavy hitters in the running for the Heisman Trophy, but came out the victor. His speech is thought to be one on the most memorable speeches on all 75 Heisman Trophies. What made the night so particularly touching was that his father Mark Sr,former NFL player, was in jail in NY awaiting arraignment for money laundering and a few other charges. With his mother and his cheering squad, he was able to make his speech, accept his award, and press toward to the BCS Championship to rush for over 100 yards.

Parallel: Like Mark Ingram, we are faced with many obstacles in our personal lives that are sure to discourage us, consume us, and detour us from making it. But like Mark, we must "rush" pass those things and see the goal at the end of the field. No matter what the commentators in our lives have to say, they don't matter. We have to find the voice of the Lord and turn that up. We cannot allow our pasts and pain to stagnate our growth, but instead, we must use them as fuel to press forward. One time during the game, when Mark was given the ball, the announcer said, "look how his head is up, it's like he doesn't even see the lineman coming from him. He's looking straight ahead." I literally got chills. That's EXACTLY what God wants us to do. Look up. Look straight ahead. Don't look at the enemies that are headed for us. They simply do not matter because your purpose and destiny are JUST that great.

Other points:
Now, Alabama didn't get to this point on a "fluke". They played the incomparable Florida Gators for the SEC Championship and provided a great upset. They shook up a team that was a shoe in the the national championship. The pressed their way all the way today's game, a place where they hadn't been since 1992. We need to take that same direction. No matter who or what we are faced with, despite odds, we need to keep our eyes on winning. Even when "statistically" it doesn't make sense.

Not to mention that Nick Saban was down in Miami coaching the Dolphins and had a hard time winning games, and definitely not making it to the Super Bowl level. Goes to show you that when God places you were you are supposed to be, where your gifting is, you are going to win. But its all about timing, focus, and placement. Know that it all about HIS plan for you!

When the Gatorade was poured, the hands were shaken, the confetti had flown, and the championship t-shirts were passed out, Ingram got the mic and said, "This is the year of the Underdog! The Year of the Comeback". I fell out! lol

God wants us to know that no matter what we are facing. No matter what odds are against us. Not matter what the scoreboard looks like. No matter what the other team may be capable of. At the end the day, God will get all the glory, honor and the praise. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We need to know that all things are continuously working, even things we cannot see. God can rise us up in our darkest hour. No matter what our pasts look like. No matter what our track records have been. No matter what they say about us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

**Adding a new one... a time to WIN and LOSE....***

This is your season. Your day. Your moment. Your time! Know that just because it doesn't look like it , doesn't mean it wont happen. Even when you're in the fourth quarter of your life with 3 minutes left on the clock, you can still score 2 touchdowns and get 2 interceptions. God is just that kind of God. He likes to be able to show out on our behalves.

Say it with me:

This. Is. The . Year. Of. The. Comeback.

Now say it alone and own it:

This. Is. The . Year. Of. The. Comeback.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in
the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they
will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be
faint."

It's been written. It's been said. Its been activated... now go get it!

Coming back like never before,

~Mel

Fly Guy: Derek Luke

Now, I have always been a fan of Antwone Fisher, but baby, let me tell you, that Derek Luke did his thang in Madea Goes to Jail. In the midst of the riotus humor, Luke brought a true sense of unconditonal love to the screen.

I just wanted to take this moment to focus on the great talent of Mr.Luke. Now, the thing I love about Derek Luke, is that he was discovered while working at the Studio Emporium gift shop on the Sony studio lot. Now if that isn't a testament of God finding you right where you are! You have to be at a place where God can use you. No matter what, you must be obedient! And not only this, he actually replaced Wesley Snipes in Miracle at St.Anna because Snipes had all those tax issues. Another testament of how God will have folks put OUT of place to put you IN place!

His rather brief bio, as provided by Wikipedia is as follows:

• Luke was born in Jersey City, NJ , the son of pianist Marjorie Dixon and Guyanese native Maurice Luke, a former actor.


• He has two brothers, Daniel and Maurice.


• He is a graduate of Snyder High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.


• Luke married singer- actor Sophia Adella Hernandez in 1998 ( I know, such heartbreak! lol)


• Luke was discovered while working at the Studio Emporium gift shop on the Sony studio lot and given the Fisher role


• Luke played one of the four male leads in Spike Lee's 2008 war film, Miracle at St.Anna replacing Wesley Snipes who had to leave the film due to his highly-publicized tax problems (Won't God do it)


• He plays Alicia Keys' love interest in her new video Teenage Love Affair


• Luke played Sean Combs alongside Jamal 'Gravy' Woolard as The Notorious B.I.G. and Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace in the 2009 film Notorious.

For no other reason, I celebrate this Fly Guy for his ordered footsteps!!!

~I Heart Fly Guys!

Fly Guy : Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry has done it! “Madea Goes to Jail” was the number 1 film in U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, opening with $41.1 million in sales. Now tell me God ain't GOOOOOOD! lol...

Now, being a member of his same church, Changing a Generation, formally known as Greater St.Stephens, where Bishop Paul S. Morton is the pastor, I have seen Mr. Perry on several occasions. In the time that I have been in his presence, he seemed to have truly been in the midst of battle. Whether it has been internally or with the people around him. Regardless of what he was wrestling with, he made it a point to never stop writing and dreaming. He is truly an example of God's faithfulness! When he spoke at the church, he literally broke down in front of all the people, telling of how all he has is God. His childhood was not the best, his family life wasn't conducive to growth, and he thought his life didn't have much hope. Ohhhhh, but GOD knew! He spoke of a time where he once was so broken and so lost, he didn't know how he was going to make it out. He sought God's face and listened to His words.

No matter how many obstacles he was faced with, he was determined to believe the promises that God revealed to him. Whenever there was a closed door or a "no", he worked even harder. His perseverance and faith have catapulted him to a place where very few African Americans have been, at the top! Not only is he at the top, but he has done so without the help of a lot of people. Now don't get me wrong, he has his select few that he professionally sticks with, but he has had to deal with so many "nay-sayers" that is a miracle that he is still standing.

Seeing Mr. Perry's success shows me that God can and will always be faithful to those that believe. In the midst of a storm, believe. When people tell you no, believe. When you have been denied, believe. When all odds are against you, believe.

And this weekend, enough folks believed in Mr. Perry and gave him double for his trouble. "Madea Goes to Jail,” , is his fourth to debut at first place in the box office and his biggest opening weekend ($41 million!) . In 2005, he made $21.9 million during the opening weekend with “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”. Now tell me God wasn't showing off! In total, he has grossed $320.3 million with Lion Gates Films. Not to mention how much his plays have grossed!

Now if Mr. Perry had not of pushed forward and believed in what God told him, he would not of been able to bless so many others with his messages of faith, family, hope, and belief. There are many critics that may not think his plays/movies are that great, but it is indeed a ministry. And when God places a ministry in a man, then He will make provisions for it. No matter what Mr. Perry faced, he has triumphed and showed that God can make anyone who believes VICTORIOUS!

I can't say it enough how God is! Ok, let me go type up this movie review so you all can go see it! lol

~Fly Adoration

Jamie Foxx does it to me....

Ok, I can't stop listening to Jamie Foxx's album .... Lord have mercy... between making me dance like a stripper to Blame It, and slow dancing to Slow, Overdose, and Rainman... lol . This CD has me acting all kinda ways.

Just go pick it up.!

~Jammin' Flyly!

Overdose

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Blame It

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Fly Guy: Reggie Love

Well, little is known of this week’s Fly Guy Reggie Love. I have chosen to feature him because men like him are often overlooked and simply passed by. As women, we should never hesitate to meet new people and step outside of our “type”. Now, aesthetically, Reggie isn’t someone that I may date, but he seems like a hard worker and a great man. (You know they always look great on paper..lol) It doesn’t hurt that he kicks it with President Obama 24/7. Now that’s pretty fly huh?

Here’s a little background info Check it! He graduated with a degree in political science and public policy at Duke University. He was a forward for the Duke Blue Devils basketball team and played wide receiver for the Duke Football team. So talented ain’t he? Lol.. Now this is the part that I love, Reggie applied for an internship on Capitol Hill in 2006 for a position in Obama's Senate office. He was hired with the title "deputy political director." He was there in the beginning. Like dating a geeky baller in high school and he becomes a gorgeous NFL/NBA player… I digress..lol.. He then transitioned to Obama's aide. In this role, he had to anticipate any and all of Obama's needs. As part of a tradition, Love and Obama played basketball every day there was a primary during the 2008 presidential election. Love is still an aide to Obama and kicks it in the White House. And ABC News just named him "Person of the Week" on January 23, 2009. (Oh, by the way, he’s only 26!)

I like the fact that Reggie didn’t just jump on the band wagon with President Obama, he saw greatness even back then. That’s what we Fly Girls have to master! Seeing greatness in places that others do not. This allows us to find great treasures!
Yaaaaaaaaaay Fly Guy Reggie!

~This Fly Girl Loves Fly Guys!