NYC-born Adiba Nelson moved to Tucson at age 11 and vowed to move back but never did. Luckily, she stuck around to work on her writing career and raising her daughter. Her first children's book, "Meet ClaraBelle Blue" can be purchased at that toy palace Mildred and Dildred and online through Amazon. "This spread-out city with a smalltown feel has become a community of hope, love and acceptance for my daughter and I," Nelson told the Weekly. "It's not every day you can write a book about a kickass toddler with special needs, and have everyone embrace it." You can also read more from Nelson on her blog, The Full Nelson (adiba-nelson.squarespace.com). She's also a contributing writer at The Good Men Project (goodmenproject.com). Keep a look out for her new project the end of year, The Half Nelson, dedicated to porn − food porn.
— Mari Herreras, mherreras@tucsonweekly.com
What was the first concert you attended? Parliament ... and I think The Funkadelics were the opening act. I was 6, and George Clinton was as cool as Big Bird as far as I was concerned. What are you listening to these days? As of lately I have had Haim on heavy repeat ... followed by Fleetwood Mac, and of course Beyonce. She's my power girl. What was the first album you owned? The first that I can remember OWNING was Michael Jackson ... the one with him sexy lounging in the white suit, and Alvin and The Chipmunks Do Christmas. I think I got them at the same time. Is that weird? What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
EDM. I think that stands for Electronic Dance Music or something, which I THINK we used to call techno? If I'm right, the heavy hitters in EDM are Skrillex and Deadmau5? It all sounds like distortion to me, but people love it. I don't get it. And now I feel old. What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live? Oh man, that's tough. I think I would lose my mind if I got to see Beyonce live. I'm a sucker for glitter, high heels and big hair. What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Reality TV. Namely, ANY OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ANYWHERE. I can't help it. It's the train wreck I can't walk away from. That, and Nacho Cheesier Doritos doused with fresh lemon juice. Oh my God ... my mouth is watering RIGHT. NOW. They're so good! What song would you like to have played at your funeral? I've never thought about that, only what heels I'd like to be buried in. What song ... hmmm ... probably Jill Scott's "Golden." I hope that when it's all said and done I'll have lived my life as if it WAS Golden, and that people would carry that memory with them, and do the same. What artist changed your life and how? Not to be repetitive, but Jill Scott brought my inner poet to life the first time I ever heard "Words and Sounds Volume 1." I realized that my voice did have a place in the world of words, and I delved head first into writing and spoken word/performance poetry. I credit her (or blame her, depending on the day) for waking the sleeping beast of word love in me. Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Dang. I have to pick just one? Ok ... I think I will have to say Janis Joplin "Pearl." It has some serious sentimental value for me.
