Thank you for the kind comments about my appearance in the documentary. Initially, I was apprehensive about appearing in the film. But as many of you know, I dedicated my life to diabetes outreach after Luther’s debilitating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. The need to raise awareness for preventing a stroke or diabetes-related complication from occurring far outweighed my doubts or insecurities. The trauma I experienced from Luther’s health crisis will always be heavy on my heart. I hope sharing my story will empower you and your loved one to make time to manage your health.
Outside the Tribeca Film Festival screening of “Never Too Much” with Fonzi Thornton, James Ervin (Luther Vandross‘s choreographer, me, Catherine Schuller (Divabetic Image and Style Advisor, and Seveda Williams (Luther Vandross‘s niece).
Until now, I have refrained from discussing the documentary out of consideration for friends and colleagues who were not featured. I am grateful to have been included, but seeing myself on screen shattered any illusions that I resemble Brad Pitt (LOL).
Watching myself relive the experience on screen was difficult, but knowing the path I chose in response to it made me feel proud.
Many people have told me that my scenes brought tears to their eyes. I was able to speak openly and honestly about Luther’s health crisis because of my ongoing work with Divabetic and the members of the Divabetic community.
If I had continued to work in entertainment instead of diving headfirst into diabetes outreach after Luther’s stroke, I don’t think I could have revisited my experience in such a candid and vulnerable way. More importantly, I feel I delivered a powerful message on why making time to take care of yourself and your health is essential.
My second watercolor class was about washes. It proved to be just as challenging as the first class, but it was still a blast from start to finish. We used a large brush and loaded up with the paint mixture in a smooth, sweeping motion side to side. The three main types of watercolor washes are flat, graded, and variegated. You can attempt them with a wet brush on dry paper or a wet brush on wet paper. My goal was to create transparency with the paint.
I adore my instructor, Eva, from Bulgaria. She’s passionate about art and teaching art. When she travels back to Bulgaria, she doesn’t like to take photos because she feels photos can’t capture your memories. I’m paraphrasing, but I love her thoughts. I arrived early so I could ask her about her artwork. She is a chemigram artist. A chemigram has been called ‘the ultimate adventure of gelatin silver bromide’. It’s made by painting with chemicals on light-sensitive photography paper. According to Eva, you can’t see what you’re creating until you process the paper, and there’s a high probability that it might not work out. Eva likes it because you can’t control it.
Drinking water can help dilute blood sugar levels, but no single food or drink can directly reduce the amount of sugar in your blood. Different foods affect your blood sugar differently, creating bigger or smaller rises for longer or shorter periods. High blood sugar—known as hyperglycemia—can lead to dehydration, as the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine. Excess urination is one symptom of diabetes.
When dehydrated, your blood becomes more concentrated, including glucose. Drinking water can help rehydrate your blood and dilute the sugar, which can help lower blood sugar levels. Water can also help your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine, which can further help flush sugar from your body.
Taking fast-acting insulin medication is the fastest way to lower blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare collaborators about the best self-care plan for you.
Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th Annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City to find out how people stay on track with their Summertime health goals.
At the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, pitmasters from New York City, Alabama, and Texas come together to celebrate American barbeque.
According to the Webstaurant Store blog, the main styles of American BBQ are Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and Texas.
Kansas pitmasters brush wet ribs with sauce before, during, and after smoking them for a wet sauce. Memphis-style “dry” ribs are coated in a dry rub before they’re smoked and served without sauce, allowing their authentic flavor to shine.
Alabama white sauce is mayonnaise-based and punctuated with apple cider vinegar, brown mustard, and horseradish. It is usually served on chicken.
St. Louis is famous for its spare ribs, and most people refer to this meat cut when they mention St. Louis-style barbecue. In St. Louis, they prefer grilling their ribs rather than slow-smoking them over indirect heat.
California-style BBQ centers on wood-fired tri-tip steaks rubbed in salt, pepper, and garlic powder seasoning.
Everyone loves grilling food because the high heat and direct contact with your grill can make foods crispy on the outside while keeping them moist inside.
Kentucky is famous for perfecting slow-smoking mutton and developed a Worcestershire-based sauce to complement its rich, gamey flavor.
In recent years, contradictory reports have cited the benefits and dangers of grilling.
According to New York Health, research has found that grilling may reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. This is because grilling food makes it easier for us to eat fewer calories and fat.
According to Columbia Doctors, cooking over high heat, especially an open flame, exposes you to two main carcinogens: heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies show HCAs and PAHs cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.
Staying healthy isn’t just about watching what you eat; it’s also important to be aware of the excessive calories and added sugar in your drinks. Many summer drinks, including soda, sports and energy drinks, lemonade, fruit juices, and sweetened waters, contain added sugar.
For example, a 16-fluid-ounce soda can contain over 12 teaspoons of added sugar, while a 16-fluid-ounce sports drink can contain 7 teaspoons. Added sugar can provide empty calories that can contribute to weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay.
Tune in to Divabetic’s podcast on the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade with our guests, Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director Adam Rinn and Poet Lorraine Brooks.
The Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade. It brings together creative minds in art and fashion and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district. The Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi Gras-type events popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.
This year, painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will be King Neptune, and his wife, artist, and photographer Whitney Ward will be Queen Mermaid. The couple will officially open the beaches for the beginning of summer and celebrate the sun, sand, sea, and salt air.
Our first guest, Adam Rinn, Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director, is a Coney Island native who has worked as a sword swallower, strongman, and variety performer for the past 20 years, so you’re sure to enjoy this fun and colorful interview!
Frequent contributor Poet Lorraine Brooks revisits her groundbreaking poem “Beauty & The Beach,” which premiered over thirteen years ago on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast. “Beauty & The Beach” resonates deeply with podcast listeners and Diabetic blog readers. Since then, we have reshared Lorraine’s poem on body love, swimwear, and beaches on subsequent podcasts and blog entries.
During our interview, Lorraine shares how her opinions about her body and wearing a swimsuit have changed over the past decade, but her feelings about her diabetes diagnosis have not. She emphasizes the time, effort, and care she has put into her diabetes management, which has helped her remain free of diabetes-related complications.
Our discussion also touches on how negative self-talk can hinder us from enjoying life. Lorraine has agreed to revisit the themes of body love, beaches, and swimwear in a new poem entitled “Summer Skin” for this podcast.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes.
Was it an accident or foul play? Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand.
Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the identity of the murderer, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams.
I’ve tried, please believe me, To listen to those Who tell me It’s OK To take off my clothes.
Then I look at others And what comes to mind? I sense they are judging me And being unkind.
I wish I was comfortable, I wish I fit in… I wish I was normal. I wish I was thin.
I wish people saw me For more than my weight… I wish that I had
A much different fate. So, hats off to Esther Who swam like a fish… Who by all accounts Was a beautiful “dish”.
But I am not Esther. I’m all I can be… And sometimes I struggle Just being me.
One more small thing, I must say it out loud – If I had a body Of which I was proud
If tank tops and 2-pieces Were within my reach I’d be more than happy To join you at the beach.
Poet Lorraine Brooks will join us for Divabetic’s upcoming Mermaid Parade-themed podcast with Coney Island USA Artistic Director Adam Rinn. She’ll share her newest poem, “Summer Skin,” which tackles many of the same themes in her popular poem, “Beauty & The Beach.”
Lorraine admitted in our recent pre-interview that she initially hesitated to share’ Beauty & The Beach’ with our listeners because she felt it didn’t match Divabetic’s predominant upbeat ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ attitude.
Ultimately, she read it on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast, inspired by Esther Williams in 2013. We are so glad she did. The positive response from listeners and blog readers was overwhelming. Her words struck a chord with our Divabetic community in a powerful and meaningful way. Many commented on how much they identified with Lorraine’s feelings in her poem.
With the Summer months approaching, we decided to share it once again. Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you feel about your body, know that you are not alone.
Diabetes advocate turned reluctant amateur sleuth, Mr. Divabetic finally takes the plunge and ventures into a new career as a healthy caterer. With the help of his co-workers and nosy Italian mother, he heads for Coney Island to cater his first party aboard a yacht for his former swim coach, Ted Rockow. But his nautical soiree quickly capsizes when the guest of honor is found swimming with the fishes. Was it an accident or foul play?
Now Mr. Divabetic’s grilling Burlesque dancers, a lifeguard lothario, a gypsy fortune teller, and some sequined mermaids, all intent on keeping their secrets buried deep within the sand. Can Mr. Divabetic overcome his green pea phobia in time to prove Coach’s death was a murder, not an accident? Or will he end up floating out to sea? Will he sink or swim? Tune in to find out if he can solve the murder of his former swim coach with the help of his nosey Italian mother and friends. Along the way to revealing the murderer’s identity, he uncovers expert tips for diabetes self-care during the Summer months.
FEATURING Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, MaryAnn Horst-Nicolay MEd, NDRT, Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, We Are Diabetes Founder Asha Brown, Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, Mama Rose Marie, and Seveda Williams. Produced by Leisa Chester-Weir.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on i-Tunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
We presented two back-to-back Luther Vandross events, live and virtual, this past April.
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we presented the first-ever Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration at Thread Lounge in New York, NY.
Our goal was to spotlight the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances, including every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place.
Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and their upkeep was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating!
But, looking back, we can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt.
It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.
This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller with Harlem’s Heaven Hats and Modafluer, DJ DAN.C.E, a vendor bazaar with True Serenity Teas, and an inspiring health and weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell.
The FANDROSS Luther Vandross Listening Party on Saturday, April 20th, spotlighted songs from the recently re-released first album, LUTHER.
Hosted by Luther’s former personal assistant, Max Szadek, we were joined by family, friends, and colleagues: Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Nat Adderley, Jr., and Carlos Alomar, plus trivia with Robin Clark, Kevin Owens, Michelle Cobbs, Lisa Fischer, and commentary from Luther historian, Leon Petrossian. Additionally, we had rare interviews with Luther Vandross, discussing the early years of his musical legacy.
Here’s a preview of one of the fashions that dazzled at our Luther Vandross “Never Too Much” Celebration on Wednesday, April 17, at Thread Lounge. Our celebration featured a music panel (with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and choreographer, James, Evin), live performances (by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Fiason), a fashion show (curated by Catherine Schuller), a beauty transformation and health testimonial (by Alicia Mitchell), a vendor bazaar (with True Serenity Teas) and DJ D.A.N.C.E.
The genius milliner and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner, Evetta Petty, designed the fascinator from vinyl records. But not any records. She melted Luther’s ‘Give Me The Reason 12 ‘ vinyl, Dionne Warwick’s “House Is Not A Home” 45, and Aretha Franklin’s “Jump To It” 45 into a beautiful flower design.
Evetta, who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, was inspired by the exuberance of the Poppy Flower for this unique collection. Her hat designs are fierce! “The creative and artistic side of the business is definitely my strength, ” says Evetta.
Harlem’s Heaven designs have been featured in various newspapers and magazines, including Vogue, the New York Times, Crain’s NY, and the New York Daily News, and on Television, including Europe’s “Shop the World” fashion show with David Emanuel.
“We have a very wide range of styles from a classic fedora to a high fashion feather crown Runway style. I sell hats for everyone, for sun protection, for horse race enthusiasts, for church attire, and for when you just want to make a fashion statement,” adds Evetta.
We will share more photos from our Luther Vandross Music & Style celebration next week.
Evetta Petty partnered with us on Divabetic’s successful diabetes outreach program, Hat Boxing for NYC faith-based. communities. Participants would decorate plain hat boxes with motivational and empowering statements about diabetes self-care.
The Hat Boxing winner’s grand prize was a hat designed by Harlem Heaven’s Hat.
Certified Beauty Consultant Alicia Mitchell shares her Small Steps to Big Rewards health journey at my Luther Vandross Never Too Much celebration on Wed, April 17th, at Thread Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in NYC. Register at Eventbrite.
It’s a full circle moment for me because Alicia volunteered at my first Divabetic – Makeover program at MESS Makeup Studios in NYC in 2005. We both believe beauty and makeup services can spark interest and motivation in taking charge of your health. When you love yourself, you take care of your health. It’s hard to believe that our small little program turned into a national program reaching thousands of women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes, in the U.S.
Since then, we have stayed in touch mostly through Facebook. Recently, I saw her incredible health transformation and reached out to her. She graciously agreed to share her journey on stage and give a beauty and makeup demonstration.
I am forever grateful to Luther Vandross for the opportunity to serve one of the world’s greatest entertainers. He also inspired me to advocate for those at risk, living with and affected by diabetes.
For the past 20 years, I have been greatly rewarded by providing diabetes outreach Luther-style. I am profoundly grateful to my wonderful team of collaborators who helped me educate and entertain them about diabetes self-care and stroke prevention.
At the top of the list is Catherine Schuller, a bright ray of sunshine daily. She’s an incredible inspiration to live life to the fullest. Thank you, Catherine, for providing me a stage to celebrate my boss, idol, and friend, Luther Vandross.
His music touched my heart, his health ignited my fire, and his legacy motivates me to celebrate the joys of love and life.
oin us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style and Tea Vendors, and DJ DAN. C.E..
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
uther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.
We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.
MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recordings and stage shows.
MAKEOVER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty to transform your health. Hosted by Max Szadek.
FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, Dig Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, JM Designs, Tashii Couture, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.
LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison.
DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”
SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Luther signature cocktails and delicious appetizers are available for purchase.
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 9 PM
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.
We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.
MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.
FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.
“When I listen to Luther Vandross’s music, it makes me happy. I want to sing along and move to the beat, snap my fingers, and stomp my feet. There is joy in his music,” says Harlem Heaven’s milliner, Evetta Petty. “When I design hats, I want them to make the customer happy. I am dressing people for important events in their life. I want them to smile when they see the hats and look great in them. I want my hats to evoke that same joy that I feel from Luthers’ music.”
LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.
Dan C.E. has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. Throughout his career, he developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, by has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. He developed his style of open format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, over the course of his career, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”
STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.
GLAM MORE FEAR LESS: The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic rolls out the Red Tomato Carpet at the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City, NY.
The New York City Easter Parade has been an annual tradition since Civil War days and features marchers in elaborate Easter finery, including some of the fanciest Easter bonnets imaginable. People’s imagination seemed limitless, looking at all the head adornments. I was blown away by the style and sophistication of many of the participants.
Many people’s outfits were inspired by either the Gilded Age or MGM’s musical Easter Parade, starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.
Get inspired to ‘Glam More, Fear Less’ about living with diabetes. Make sure to protect your vision so you can enjoy a parade, street fair or gathering to its fullest. If you’re living with diabetes, make sure to schedule your annual eye exam.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. This damage can lead to temporary vision loss or permanent blindness.
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, especially if their diabetes is poorly managed. Maintaining good blood sugar levels and having regular eye exams can help reduce the risk of blindness from diabetic retinopathy.
Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly podcasts, hosted by Mr. Divabetic on blog talk radio, iTunes, and Spotify, featuring healthcare professionals, beauty, image/style, and fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, or affected by diabetes.
Join Divabetic’s Facebook page, follow Mr. Divabetic and Divabetic on Twitter, and learn more about sponsorship opportunities and event details.
Visit: www.divabetic.org
Original music by Douglas Clay: www.douglasclaymusic.com
