Spike Lee's Brooklyn Loves MJ 2014

Hello hello!
It's been a long time!

Summer has been good to me and Autumn is fast approaching. Can you believe how time flies?

I am back today to share my experience at this year's Brooklyn Loves MJ party, presented by Spike Lee & 40 Acres.

 In previous years, the celebration was held at Prospect Park but, after a few years of cancellations, and a shutdown from Hurricane Irene, Spike Lee and DJ Spinna reunited again on August 24th, 2014 at Restoration Plaza.

The party ran from 12-6 but, I got there around 2pm.  The space was much smaller than the Nethermead meadow at Prospect Park but, the energy was very much the same. I met up with some of my closest friends there. The funny thing about MJFAM, is that we may not speak to each other for months (sometimes even years!) but when we come together for huge events like Brooklyn Loves MJ, it's ALL about love and friendship.

Being around people and all enjoying Michael's music makes it an emotional experience for me.

My favorite part about being at the Spike Lee party, is feeling Michael's energy there. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and I often feel God's presence in my life. I often get those "aha! moments," humbling moments, and a sense of direction on which path I should be taking. But, other than God...  at times, I feel the presence of loved ones that I have lost. 

Although I never met him and have only seen him perform live once, Michael Jackson has had a profound impact on my life. He's been a pillar of strength for me. He's inspired me to never give up chasing dreams and working hard... and just made it cool to be different. His fans are people that I've always felt at home with, because we were all DIFFERENT in unique ways but, all accepted each other at face value. Something I had never really experienced before being a part of this community. 

It's sad to think about the fact that Michael is no longer with us but, when I attend events like Brooklyn Loves MJ, I see the impact that he has had on people and I feel his presence in the air. 

Happy (early) Birthday Michael.

Thanks for bringing so much JOY to the world. 

i never dreamed you'd leave in summer

i just knew i would be able to make it through the day as if it were any other day on the calendar.
then, i got in to work and one of my best MJFAM friends that i hadn't heard from in a while, sent me an encouraging message.

the last word of the message was "smile"... and ironically then came the tears.
Michael... i don't know who i would be without a hero like you to look up to.

missing you always.

Lady Gaga goes Goo-Goo for Michael Jackson Costumes at auction

As many of you have probably already heard, Lady Gaga was the mystery bidder that purchased 55 of Michael Jackson's costumes from the auction held by Julien's Auction house this past weekend. 

Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins were the creators of so many of Michael Jackson's costumes and original outfits during his career. (To see some of these costumes, I'd highly recommend getting Michael Bush's book: The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.) 

Like many of you I was on the website watching the live bidding to see all of these precious items sold.
Watching the auction was kind of sad because I felt like some random people were buying the items just to buy them, and that we'd never get to see these things again. It's like--- who buys these things? Hundreds of things were auctioned off since Michael died and I truly wonder who are the people that purchases these items. I wish that I had the money and the know-how to win some of these things. 

I was elated to learn that Lady Gaga won so many of these beautiful costumes and am truly thankful that they aren't scattered around the world in random places. Lady Gaga tweeted "the 55 pieces I collected today will be archived & expertly cared for in the spirit & love of Michael Jackson, his bravery, & fans worldwide." --- and to that I say THANK YOU! 

As  fellow artist and all around cool woman, I am happy that Lady Gaga has plans to archive some of Michael's belongings. There's no doubt in my mind that she will make the right decision on how to care for these items. Although I am not in any true rush to see these in a museum, my hopes are that one day I will be able to take my children to see some of the beautiful artwork, rare costumes, and reflect on some of the monumental moments in Michael Jackson's career. 

To see the auction catalog before it's removed, check it out at the Julien's homepage here. 

We Had Him, by Maya Angelou.

I came across this and wanted to share with you all again. This touched my heart when it was read at Michael's memorial in 2009.  Maya Angelou  wrote this beautiful poem and it's called "We Had Him". We certainly did. And we always will. 

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Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.

In the instant that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell time. No oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.

Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.

Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in mother love, family love, and survived and did more than that.

He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

His hat, aslant over his brow, and took a pose on his toes for all of us.

And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.

We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square.

In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael.

But we do know we had him, and we are the world.

By Maya Angelou

A Fan Review- Spike Lee's Annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Party in Prospect Park

If you are an active member of the Michael Jackson fan community, I'm sure that you've heard of one of the biggest events of the summer. Every year since 2009, Spike Lee has hosted a gathering in Brooklyn's Prospect Park to celebrate and remember Michael Jackson's life. Its become one of the absolute must -attend events for me and I'm sure, many other fans feel the same.  

This year it will be held on August 25th from 12pm-5pm and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

The first year I attended, it was on August 29th which happened to land on a Sunday. It was the first summer without Michael. I know to some non-fans that sounds extreme but hear me out... For YEARS I'd go days and days without listening to anything besides Michael's voice. In fact, my first MP3 player (a Creative Zen *throwback*) was actually full of MJ related songs (there may have been 20-25 other songs but, besides that it was strictly the King of Pop). I am serious when I say that I'd spend all day in high school staring at my Michael Jackson binder (before they had MJ stationary I had to handcraft mine) and I'd come home to chat with my MJ friends (most of whom I am still besties with today). I'd browse eBay for the most interesting and rare finds and spend hours on MJJC (when it was MJJForum). When I say it was a summer without Michael, I mean it was the first time in my life without knowing that MJ was somewhere out there. All of my dreams about new albums, new music, the chance to meet him, new interviews, heck- even the latest paparazzi pictures would never ever come to fruition. It was what I thought was the end to a beautiful (sometimes painful) but, a special chapter of my life.


When Michael left us in June 2009, I was not at the height of my fandom. It's the truth. I'd just graduated from a prestigious university (We Are... Penn State!), was in the beginnings of my relationship with my first love, and I had a ton of money in my pocket. I had planned to totally have a kick-ass summer. Unfortunately, when Michael died, so did those plans.

Until the Brooklyn Loves Michael Party...

This party is special to me for soooo many reasons but, the number one reason is that it makes me feel closer to Michael. If any of you guys have ever suffered a loss, you know that certain activities and certain things just make you feel CLOSER to the person that you lost. For Michael, it's events like these that help me remember why I love this guy and his music so much. Being around thousands upon thousands that have been touched in the same way helps as well. DJ Spinna is the resident DJ for this event (I think I've told you before how much I LOVE DJ Spinna's MJ set) and there are always special guests popping up on stage to celebrate Michael's legacy.

If you are a fan of BLASTING MJ's music in your room/car/in your headphones... you will LOVE this party. Trust me, you have never heard MJ's music loud until you come to this event. It's just beautiful to hear ALL of his songs (I will say some eras get more love than others but, perfect for those who love the J5 and Jacksons music too- like me!). Most of the songs are faster ones, from "Can You Feel It" to "ABC"

The first year I attended, I remember there was this super magical moment where it started to rain and just really get windy and foggy out but, before you know it, the sun shined, bursting with light and drying the field. It was like Michael cleared the skies for us and let us know that everything would be okay! I am not one of those fans that has a deep spiritual connection to Michael or anything but, I totally felt his presence running through me that day.

Last year the party was cancelled because of the awful weather we were having but, this year it seems like nothing will be stopping the show. If you are thinking of traveling to attend--- do it!

I promise you will not be disappointed. 

For more information on this AWESOME event, happening August 25th this year from 12 noon -5pm Click HERE    and don't forget to check out the Brooklyn Loves MJ Facebook fan page for more information and to link up with fans who will be attending. 


I hope to see you all there!

Do you anxiously await the Brooklyn Loves MJ party each year as much as I do?

 Wanna meet up with me and the rest of the Legacy of Love NYC crew (legacyoflovenyc.com) --- 

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

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The Michael Jackson Fan Community...Divided We Fall?

(photo: sodahead.com)

As you all know by now, there's been some inner drama (that has been very much public, thanks to social media) in the Jackson family, involving Michael's three children. Over the past few days, I've personally kept mum about this because I've been trying to just watch and observe, instead of getting all heated about something that virtually, is not my business. I will say that I feel for all parties involved and I have never been a part of a huge family like the Jacksons so, I really don't know what it's like to try and get so many people on the same page. (As we see, it's pretty much impossible!). I hope the best for Michael's children because we all know how much he loved them. Apart from this, the one thing I notice is that this issue AGAIN has divided the fan community. It's so sad to me that Michael stood so much and believed so much in togetherness but, we argue and lash out at each other over the simplest of issues. Why is that?

Yes, Michael was our "leader" of some sorts but, I'd hope to believe that we all carried a part of that hope for unity and peace in each of us.

If it's not the Jacksons issue now, it was the MICHAEL album a few months back. And before that it was where Michael's children should go. Before that it was where Michael should be laid to rest. And what really happened to him. Let's not to mention the division between fans who think Michael is still around somewhere on this Earth.

ENOUGH ALREADY! 

I just wish that we could all stand together instead of lashing out at each other.

We all love Michael for the same reasons, generally speaking. I am learning to try and stay neutral, watch things play out and keep my opinion to myself! I love my Michael Jackson friends and would do anything to keep them around! We are like a little family and I love the unity I feel when at the more positive events like the Heal the World for Children's Annual Children's Festival on Michael's birthday or at the Brooklyn Loves MJ Party held every year by Spike Lee.

 Feel the love and let go of the anger!

In other news, I am having a really great great week. I won't go into much detail but I am happy and very appreciative of things that have been going on in my life right now.  I am way more open to a lot more possibilities and just trying to be more positive all around. I have my moments, like all of us do but--  I have been going out way more and enjoying spending the hours of my life outside of my home, and with family, friends, and loved ones. I went to an IMAX theatre for the first time (ever!) to see a major motion picture and it was OUT of this WORLD! Totally awesome experience (and worth being sleepy and having to wear my glasses at work the next morning. *smile*)

I will have to say that I have ALWAYS been somewhat of a loner (especially in high school!). For the most part I can do without having a million people around me and I just stick to my core group. It's taken me years and years to realize that it's OKAY to have friends who share your same interests (or your MAIN one). Plenty people are friends with people who like the same sports teams, who love to travel, who enjoy eating at fancy places, or who just live in the same neighborhood and it's convenient. At the peak of my fandom, I was totally happy to come home from school and talk for 6 or 7 hours on the phone at nights with fellow fans online and on the phone, about how simply awesome and amazing Michael is. Now, I will say that Michael plays a bit of a different role in my life. My fandom has evolved as I have evolved as a person and I am sure others feel the same as I do. I am still every bit grateful and inspired by him but, now I want to go out and live my life. Living with the dream and the love that MJ so graciously taught me and all of us, and enjoying every moment (or trying to at least!)



How do you feel about the MJ Fan Community? Do you feel that we will ever be united again? 
Are you happy to be a part of it or are you done with trying to get on the same page as your fan friends?

Talk to me! 

TMI Talk: Jackson Siblings Contest Michael's Will

Okay, so I just happened to be laid out at the beach when I logged on to Twitter and saw the MJFAM rumor mill pumping feverishly with the news that the Jacksons (well some of them) had released a letter to the estate, asking the executors to step down, and insisting that the will being in used is not Michael's latest version.


Supposedly this letter also included some news that Mrs. Jackson had a mini-stroke. Paris (Michael's daughter) then takes to Twitter to refute these rumors, sending a tweet directly to her uncle Randy, demanding that he stop lying and have some respect for his mother.

Ummmm... DRAMA!

While everyone is still confused about what the heck is going on in the Twitter-sphere (is that even a word?) the major fan clubs release a letter in support of the estate and in disagreement with the Jackson siblings. Can I be the first to say... Who cares?

Personally, I am a fan of Michael's solo music AND his time with the Jackson 5/Jacksons. I love that family and their music so, all of this inner circle stuff is mostly just annoying to me! I don't feel that I even have a right to be signing any letter or passing anything around stating my opinion about situations like this, which is why Legacy of Love NYC is NOT and never will be a part of these types of events. I don't believe in fan clubs signing/co-signing/having a stance on these matters because at the end of the day, it's really a personal issue for the executors and the family. (Shame on whoever leaked/released that letter to the public!)


I enjoyed the JACKSONS Unity Tour twice last month and will thoroughly enjoy the release of BAD 25 and the first official DVD release of the BAD Tour, in all of its glory. I guess I say all of this to say... Can't We All Just Get Along?

#MJFAM - what say YOU?

Are you tired of hearing about these disagreements between the Jacksons and the estate? Or do you kinda like it, cause it keeps the MJ community active and busy with something new to debate?

My June 25th, 2012. 3 Years After Michael.

So what can I say about June 25th?

It brings up so many memories and emotions that I am not sure I can say that it was a good day. I can say that I was able to keep my composure and enjoy being in the company of other fans. Although the fan world can be somewhat overwhelming at times, on days like June 25th, it's super cathartic being around people who understand you and your heart.

Michael Jackson fans are all people just like the rest of people on this Earth but, we have a profound understanding of Michael and all that he stood for, all that he was to the world, and all that he went through. I could say that we are all high intellectuals that have studied his life and music such that, we have come to understand him but, that just wouldn't be true.

The really big Michael Jackson fans (like myself)  have hearts that can not only empathize but, somewhat identify with Michael's struggles through the years. We appreciate his honesty, pure love, and raw talent. Most of all, we appreciate the impact he's had on our lives. Sometimes greater impact that our own family and friends... so the Michael Jackson community expereiences a deep sense of loss and sorrow on June 25th.

Three years later, it's a little bit easier. But, not much.

The Michael Jackson Fans of NY had a candlelight vigil and we sang songs like "Heal The World" and "Man In The Mirror" while holding candles, and most of us, shedding some silent teardrops. It took every bit of strength I had in me not to totally break down... I just feel this overwhelming sadness when I think back to 2009 and how Michael left this world. I try not to think about it often but, June 25th is not a bad time to face these emotions and deal with them as they come. I am glad I was around my MJ family. Really glad.

 In other news...

I was SO in love when I walked into TJ Maxx a few days ago and saw this canvas poster. I've been recently playing with lots of word canvases and other photo images in decorating my new place. I just love inspirational poems and even more, love these subway art wall plaques. This describes everything that LOVE is to me and it's just something that I left the store wondering how I could do without it. I feel like sometimes people lose sight of some of the most elementary things in love and these small anedotes are great reminders. I am really a simple to please woman and, when it comes to love, it's usually the small things that count for me. (And make me giggle and blush and daydream about you, LOL!)

  When I went back the next day however, it was gone :(. I haven't been able to find it so, I figured that I will just concentrate on my MJ wall (you know, I couldn't move without having a space dedicated to Michael!).

Hope to be back with some photos of my decoration progess and other fun things for you soon. Thanks for reading, XOXO!

Getting into the Heart of Michael Jackson Season

We are getting to the HEART of Michael Jackson season with the 3rd anniversary of his death upon us on Monday.

As usual here in New York City, there are a lot of events planned, from a vigil at the Apollo Theatre, to DJ Spinna's annual Forever Michael dance party, to the World Cry event, to even a Question and Answer session with the incomparable Siedah Garrett. This year, the only event that I will personally be spearheading is a reflection dinner on the 25th. Its personally my preference to mourn the loss of Michael as a human being,  ** Not that I'm knocking any other events (because I'll probably be stopping by several) but, I try and celebrate Michael every other day of the year. For many huge fans, June 25th changed EVERYTHING.

For me, it changed so so much. I lost significant weight, that I wasn't ever able to gain back (which is a good thing I guess) and I became overly-sensitive and more empathetic to others around me. I started Legacy of Love, which now boasts over 120 members and is one of the MJ largest fan clubs in the Tri State. I met so many new friends and rekindled relationships with old ones. 

I haven't been sad about Michael for a long time but, my emotions have been kind of running high about life changing in general... but that's another topic for another day. I feel like this weekend will be huge for me, for the fans, for Michael's legacy. Hopefully I can get back to updating this blog more and sharing more about myself and my journeys in this life (in photos) very soon.

Now... what to wear?!?



With Love & Until Next Time...

Decisions, Decisions: Jackson Unity Tour.

As many Michael Jackson fans are (I'm sure) I have been debating whether it will be worth my while (time and money) to go see the Jacksons Unity Tour.

If you haven't heard already, the original members of the Jackson 5 (Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and Marlon) are reuniting for the first time to go on a nationwide tour. Now, upon hearing this I was super excited. I am pretty sure that I told you all about how my FANDOM developed and matured, from being a teenybopper Jackson 5 fan, to a full blown Michael Jackson fan. Now we know that Michael is Michael is Michael but, there's a difference.

I have always stressed the importance of learning to appreciate the entirety of Michael's career and I've always been SUPER into the Jackson 5 but, I haven't decided whether or not to splurge on this tour.

I have no doubt in my mind that it'll be emotional to hear Jackson 5 songs without Michael there. I am depending on my fan friends and really just going to open my heart to accept the fact that the Jackson 5 will be performing without Michael, the 5th member, the 5th brother, the VOICE.

What say you?

For more information on the Jacksons Unity Tour, check out the Jacksons Official Website!

And of course, stay tuned to MJFANGIRL to hear about MY final decision.