Today's Top 10... and yes, that's Judi Dench.

Today’s Top 10

1. There are very few black gay artists who want to talk about their artistic process from a place of truth.  I’ve seen several fakers, who are really only fakers because they lack the knowledge to converse about much beyond riffs, vocal “bestiality”, and that Beyonce Knowles-Carter person.  I cannot dumb-it-down to talk about art.  I will not.  For this reason, I will always support black gay artists who speak the truth.  [Learn about my friend Michael R. Jackson]

2. Burping up Wendy’s is one of my favorite emotions.

3. I used to hear “I won’t be able to make it to your party if Larry is coming” from many dear friends.  Recently, I think I’ve done quite well at getting my name put on just the right people’s lips.  Long Live 2013!!  I’m going to miss her when she’s gone.  (The year, not the poverty)

4. An unanswered email shows no home training.  An unanswered text is actually seen by the person you are ignoring in most cases.  As is the unanswered Facebook message.  My ability not to call you out by first and last name when all I’m trying to do is schedule dinner for two supposed old friends to catch up, is called restraint.  #AlmaCheckYourInBox

5. A few years ago, I met and worked with a woman named Raena White, who looked me and a fellow cast mate in the eye and said “I don’t believe in gay.  I mean, you must know that what you’re doing is wrong, right?”  We ceased speaking for the remainder of the contract.  We ceased speaking for the remainder of our unfortunately shared time on this planet.  Currently, she is a “singer” about town with a huge gay following, who has no idea she doesn’t actually believe in them (like we are Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy).  Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who’s stood his ground and denounced her any time her name has come up.

6. If you have to call it ArtPop, it’s neither.

7. I’m learning a great deal about Fleetwood Mac over the last day or so.  That was a band.  A team.  Creating that much art in such close proximity to that much emotion, and having it truly stand the test of time as some of the best music of the last 40 years, is truly a testament.  I couldn’t imagine what would come out of me each day at work, if that much emotionally scarred paperwork were left in the conference room.

8. I talk about both of them enough, but I don’t know if you know this.  The things I’ve learned in this life from Geraldine and Big James have made me who I am today. 

1. Geraldine taught me, and continues to teach me, how to cook.  Like a science.  She is the reason I wanted to learn how to play that weird box with the 88 keys that made a noise called music. 

2. Big James taught me that we were going to change one of the traditional meanings of our name.  One of the meanings of “James”, I believe in some sort of religious setting, was “one who follows” (albeit with a capital “F”).  He taught me at a very young age that it was going to be very important for me to “Lead”.  I think of that every day.  He taught/teaches me to be the best at whatever it is that I want to do.  And not best meaning “better than someone else”.  Best meaning, be the best that you can be…for you…with what you have.  If you think it’s the best, then it is.  He taught me that it’s more important what I think about it, than what anyone else does.  I think that’s cool.  And I get it now.

9. Shonda Rhimes talks too fast.

10. I’ve been spending Sunday in the exact way that I’ve wanted to spend Sunday over the last few months.   There have been naps, and food, and music history, and foliage, and Greek food, and naps, and my cell phone has died (re: DNR), and drives, and mix tapes, and naps, and discussing what you want out of where you are heading, and where you’re heading because of what you want, and cooking, and a dog, and cats, and advice, and art.  And it is for me.  It may not be for you.  If you hear about it and you don’t run away, I thank you.  I love hearing what is for you just as much.  Tell me about your Sunday.

A BONUS…..

11. When you get a text or an email or a phone call from Elliot Roth saying “You need to listen to this –“, You stop what you are doing and follow the directions of whatever is on the other side of that hyphen. 

Also, I am thrilled to take the end of the year and dedicate it to work, reflecting, and getting back to my OWN (both the channel and me).  But here's two little things.... 

(1) Hey Boston, what if I came to you in February?  We're working that out.  Would you come?  

And y'all... This thing that happened below changes me every time I get to sing it.  If you don't follow her, you're rude.  She'll be doing a show of her own at Joe's Pub in early February.  And She and I are working on something together for March.  Stay tuned, NYC.  

(2) Would you come to "The Gospel of Joni"?  

Sidebar....I'm making lotions for Christmas presents.  Get into it!